CHAP. 1. Of the linage and ofspring of Saturne, and how for his inuen­ting of sowing corne, planting, &c. hee was honoured in Crete as a God.

WHat time all the Children of Noe, were spread by the Climates, raignes, and strange habitations of the world, by the generall diuision of tongues, made at the foundation of the tower of Babylon; in those dayes that the worlde was of golde, and that the men were stedfast and poysing, as mountaines, and rude as stones and beasts, enhaunsing their great courages, fowling and shewing their great conceits: & that the enemie of man induced maliciously to practise to make Townes, Cities and Castles, to make Scepters and Diadems, and to forge and make the cursed sect of gods among y ^e possessors of the Isle of Crete: There was a rich man inha [...]ansed full of couetise, hap­pie, of aventurous enterprise, and right rich of the grace of fortune, some men called this man Celion, and some Vranus, he was lawfull sonne of Ether, sonne of Demor Gorgon the old dweller in the caues of Archadi [...]e, and first beginner of the false Paynim gods. This Vranus▪ had to his wife his owne [Page 2] sister called Vesca: he liued gloriously with her, and had pos­session of the most part of the Isle of Crete, and abounded pros­perously in worldly goodes, in increasing his naturall appe­tites, first in increasing and ampliation of wordly Lordship and seigniorie, and secondly in lynage, and was marueilous rich. He had two sonnes, that is to wit, Titan, and Saturne: and two daughters, that one was called Cibell, & the other Ceres, of whom shall be made mention hereafter: and hée had many other sonnes and daughters, of whom I make no mention, for as much as they bee out of my purpose. What shall I re­hearse more of the glorie of this Vranus. He had all thing as he would, and was fortunat, and nothing went against him: his goods multiplied, his children grew and increased, but Titan the oldest sonne was foule, euil fauoured, and counter­feyte, and Saturne was marueylously fayre, and amiable: for which cause Vesca the mother loued much better Saturn than Titan, and that by nature, for naturally the mothers loue better their fayre children than their foule: wherfore Saturne was nourished most in the lappe of his mother: and Titan was put out, and in maner banished. And when Saturn was great, what for his beautie, and for his cunning and science and other vertues, hee gate the whole loue of all the people.

In this time it was so, that whatsoeuer man practised or found any things profitable for the common wealth, was re­commended solemnly, and called and named a God, after their foolish and darke custome. Saturne was named a god, for in his youth, by his cumming, he was the the first finder to giue instruction of ea [...]ing and laboring the earth, and of sow­ing and reaping the corne. And this inuention was applied to Saturne, with diuine reuerence, with loue vpon loue, not onely anenst Vesca, and Vranus, and his kinsmen: but aboue measure all the people of Crete, and of the Marches & Coun­tryes lying by, and there about. And thus his name arose, and was renowmed, that from all places, men and children, Nobles and villaines, came to his schoole for to learne. In [Page 3] these daies that Saturn began thus to flourish, and was twen­tie yeares of age and his brother fortie, Vranus their father by a sicknes that he had, dyed, and departed out of this world, leauing his wife Vesca endowed largely of possessions. His death was noyous and sorrowfull to Vesca his wife, which caused her to weepe out of measure, and his sons and daugh­ters also, they did his obsequie reuerently, in abounding of great and bitter sorrow. The obsequie done (their wéeping and sorrow yet during) Vesca saw that Titan her eldest son pretended to haue and inioy the succession of his father: she on a day called her deare sonne Saturne, with Titan, and other of the Countrey, and there rehearsed and saide vnto them, that her yong sonne Saturne should succéede, and haue the herita­ges of her husband. Titan hearing the will of his mother, re­doubled his sorrow, & it caused him to wéepe great plentie of teares, and knéeled too fore his mother humbly, and saide in in this wise: Mother, I am right infortunate, when ye will that my right patrimonie be put from me, and that naturally me ought to haue by right, should be giuen from me: and yet because that I am not so wel formed of members, as my bro­ther Saturne is, which sorrow is to me passing noyous, ye wil put from me my fortune and byrth, which ye may not do by lawfull reason. I am your first sonne, ye haue nourished me with the substance of your blood, as your childe, borne in your bellie nine Moneths. Also I am he that first dwelled and in­habited your feminine chambers: none tofore me tooke there any seisin: when I tooke that, then ye gaue, mée your due loue, and sorted to me the succession of your heritages. Then whence cometh this, that ye nowe subuert and destroy that nature hath once ioyned & giuen me: euery mother is boun­den to holde the conseruation of the right of her child. Alas, mother, will ye make me bastard fro my right? am I a ba­stard? was not Vranus my father? am not I he that ye were so glad for, what time ye felt first that I was conceiued in the lawfull bed of my father your husband? am I not be that ye bare, and gaue mee sucke of your breastes, and oftentimes [Page] [...] [Page 1] [...] [Page 2] [...] [Page 3] [...] [Page 4] kissed me, that is to say, in my tender dayes, what tyme my members were soft and tender? Ha mother, acquit you a­yeinst me, as ye beholden and bounden by right, and know­ledge ye that I am Titan, and for as much as I am lesse and not so well adressed as my brother Saturne, so much yée ought the more desire my promotion, and furthering.

When dame Vesca heard her sonne Titan speake so sadly, and profoundly, she had pittie on him: yet the pitie was not of so high vertue, that might surmount the great loue that was rooted betwéene her and Saturne, and then she sayde to Titan her sonne: Titan, my sonne, I denie not that thou too­kest thy substance betwéene my sides, and were brought into this world: and know verily that I loue thée intirely, and that I desire thy weale: but it is so cleare and euident in eue­ry mans sight, that for the default, loathlinesse, and abhomi­nation of thy members, thou art not a man sufficient to de­fend thy fathers heritage, with great labour and paine: for if it happen that one man would make warre, thou were not able to resist him: what wouldest thou that I should do? thy brother hath the loue of al the people, for his beautie, and his vertuous maners, and euery man holdeth him in reuerence, and thée in derision and scorne. Be thou content, thou shalt lacke nothing, and if thou lacke, speake to me and I shall re­medie it: but speake neuer no more to mee for the heritage, for Saturne shall obtaine it, by the fauour of his wisedome, méekenesse, and benignitie, and also because the common sort iudgeth him, and séeth that hee shall once bee the man whose life shall shine gloriously.

Titan was sort troubled of the words of his mother, and he began to chaunge colour, and waxe red, hauing suspition to Saturne, that hee had contriued this matter against him: whereupon he drew him apart to him, and saide: Saturne, the enuie that thou hast to raigne aboue me, hath now ingendred in my heart thy mortall mischiefe, whereof the hate shall en­dure vnto the mortall separation of thy life, and of mine, and of my children. Thou knowest well that I am the eldest son [Page 5] of our father Vranus, how art thou so hardy and presumptu­ous, to inhaunce thy selfe aboue me by conspired imagina­tion? I will that thou knowe verily, that like as thou hast conspired in my temporal domage, semblably I shall conspire to thy eternal domage & hurt. And name me from henceforth thy mortall enemie. When Saturne heard these burning and enflamed menasses of his brother Titan, he excused himselfe and answered, that he neuer thought in his life to come to the succession of their father, nor neuer had imagined nor conspi­red it. Then Vesca their mother, Cibell, and Ceres, tooke the wordes fro Saturne, and saide to Titan, that his threatning to Saturne was for naught, for he should raigne and be Lord and maister. Titan full of felonie, and more angrie then hée was too fore, said plainly that he would not suffer it. Saturne had a great part of the people that assisted him, and gaue him fauour. And Titan also had other on his side, which began to murmure, the one partie agaynst the other. All the compa­panie was sore troubled, and began to thrust in, and enployed them to cease the noyse, and to accord Titan: notwithstanding it was hard to doe, for alway he would haue runne vpon Sa­turne, if he had not béene hold and letted alway. In the ende, the wise men shewed Titan by great reason, that he was the more féeble, and that Saturne was more in the fauour of the people, and that he would modere himselfe a little, and sayde that he should agrée, and graunt the raigne to Saturne, by con­dition, that if hee married, he should be bound to put to death all his children males, that should be begotten of his séede, if he any had, for y ^e wele of both parties. Vesca with her daugh­ter, and the auncient wise people accorded to Titan this con­dition, and laboured so to Saturne, that they brought them to the Temple of their god Mars, that was in the citie of Oson, whereof was Lord a mightie man called Milliseus, and that afore the image of the god Mars, Saturne swore that if him happed to marry, and that hee had any children males, hee would slea them all, & thus was Titan content y ^t his brother shuld enioy the land of Crete, & the peace was made betwéen them both.

CHAP. II. ¶How Saturne was crowned first King of Crete and how he found first diuers sciences, wherefore the people held him in great honour as a God.

AFter the treatie made of the peace of Ti­tan and Saturne, Titan saw in himselfe that hee might not worshipfully abide and dwell, being vnder his yonger bro­ther: had leuer go and search his aduen­tures in other places, then to be thral to his yonger brother. Hee tooke his wife his children and friendes, and departed at all aduenture in­to diuers places, where he found fortune so good and happy that by armes and strength he made himselfe king of many diuerse Realmes, which hee departed vnto his chlldren, and commised and ordained certaine espies to espie and waite, if his brother Saturne married himselfe, and if his wife brought foorth men children, and whether hée put them to death. During these saide things, Saturne dwelled with his mother and his sisters Cibell and Ceres, and beganne to raigne with so great magnificence, that they of the countrie séeing their neighbours by them did make and ordaine Kings to raigne on them, of such as were noble and vertuous: assembled togither on a day, and made Saturne King ouer them, and vppon their lines, and crowned him with great glorie, with a crowne of Lawyer, with great ioy. Saturne anon tooke and accepted this royall honour and worship, and tooke the scepter in his hand, and here the crowne on his head, and raigned wise­ly, inducing his people to liue honestly, and to loue ver­tue, and ordained a naked sword to be borne afore him, in signe of iustice. He did iustice on malefactours, and enhaun­sed them that were good, hee did build a Citie, which he [Page 7] named Crete, because the Ile bare the saide name, and hee was the first inhabitour and dweller. When he had founded the Citie, he ordained his Pallace and dwelling place in the middle thereof, in example, as the heart is in the middes of the bodie, to minister to the members, so hée would instruct and gouerne his people. And after this, he chose an hundred and foure wise men, which hee institu­ted and ordained counsellours and gouernours of his Realme. And then they of Crete séeing the right great wisedome of their king, assembled togither diuers times, and named him a god: and yet more, they founded vnto him a Temple, an Alter and an Idole, bearing in the one hand a sickle, in signification that hee destroyed the vices, in such wise as the fickle cutteth hearbs and destroyeth the wéedes: and in the other hand he held a serpent, that did bite his taile, forasmuch as Saturn said, that euery man shuld bite the taile of the serpent, y ^t is to say, that euery man should feare and flée the euill end: For the end oftentimes is vene­mous, as the taile of a Serpent: and that appeareth yet daily by the ende of many euill disposed and inuenomed men.

By the meane of these thinges the renoume of king Saturne grewe, and that worlde was the time of golde: That is for to say, it was much better, and more abundant in the daies of mans life, and in plentie of fruits of the earth, then in any other time after. The Poets by this co­lour, compared the world at this time to gold, which is most pretious of al metals: wherfore many men say, that Saturne was the first man that found the maner to melt mettall, and to affine gold, and made his vessell, & vtensilles of his house, of diuers mettal. And vnder this colour, they figured at that time, the worlde to be of gold. Then began the men by the doctrine of Saturne to vse and were gold, to myne the rocks, to pearce the mountains perillous, to haunt the thorny de­sarts, to fight & aduance the orguillous serpents, y ^e fierce dra­gons, y ^e deadly griffons, y ^e mōstrous beasts, & to spred abroad their worldly engins. By these exercises was then Saturne [Page 8] the fourbisher and beginner of the stile, to learne men to take these beasts. And first found the manner of shooting and drawing of the bow. Of this gold, made Saturne his house, his chambers and halles, to shine by maruailous working. He was strong and hardie, he had no feare nor doubt of any Serpent of the mountaine, nor any monster of desart, or of beast dwelling in caues. He knew the veines of gold in the earth, and could discerne them from the veines of siluer. He edifies rich things of gold ioyous vnto the eie sight, and h [...]te and couragious to the heart. For at that time the courages by perdurable fire chasing the affections of man, in manner of a contagious heat so singularly, that after alway that they coueted, they desired to accomplish. In this time of the gol­den world, the creatures liued and endured greatly and long. And al the world laboured in edification of science and cunning of vertue. And that time were the men more ver­tuous in bodily edifying, then euer they were since. A­mong whom Saturne was neuer idle, after that he had once laboured cornes in earing and sowing. Hee molte and fined gold and mettals, and induced and taught his men to draw the bow and shoote. He himselfe found first the bow, and the manner to go and saile by the sea, and to rowe with little boates by the riuage, and tooke his owne pleasure for to en­doctrine and teach his people in all these things, and he had great aboundance of worldly goods reserued, onely he durst not marrie: and that hee had sworne to death all the men children that should come of his séede. Whereof hee was of­tentimes anoyed, and had great displeasure, &c.

CHAP. III. ¶Howe Saturne went to Delphos, and had aunswere, how hee should haue a son that should chase him out of his realme. And how he maried him to his sister Cibell, &c.

WHen Saturne sawe his Palace flourish and shine of gold, and sawe his people obey him, saw his goldsmiths & workers breake moun­taines with their Pikares, and instruments: saw his mariners cut y ^e waues of the sea with their Oares, saw his disciples learn and labor the earth, saw his Archers shoot with their arrowes, & smote and tooke the birds, dwelling in the high trées, and flying by the ayre: he might embrace great glorie, and inhaunce on high his throne, and his felicitie. But on the other side, when he remembred the couenant made betwéen him and his bro­ther Titan, he was like vnto the Peacocke that is proud of the fayre feathers diuersly faire coloured, which he spreades round as a whéele, & withall only looking on his féet, he lee­seth all his ioy. Saturn likewise by this treatie, lost al his ioy, his glory, and his pleasure. He was long time leading this life, now ioyous, now sorowfull, growing alway and increa­sing his realme, and dayly thought and poised in himselfe if he might marry or not, for nothing in the world he would false his oath. He was iust and true in déed & in word. Neuer­theles, nature moued him, and cited him to haue generation, and to come to company of women: and this mouing was al all times refreshed and renued by a continuall sight that hée had daily in a passing faire maid, that is to wit, his sister Ci­bell, which he saw continually: in whom was no default of al the goods of nature appertaining to woman. She was out of measure right hūble in speaking: wise in her works, honest in conuersation, and flowing in all vertues. And for this cause Saturne behelde her oft times. And so hapned on a time [Page 10] as he beheld her affayres and workes, he cast his eyen on her vertues that pleased him so greatly, that in the ende he was desirous of her loue, wherof his mother Vesca had great ioy, and pleasure. And she perceiuing of the desire of Saturne, gaue him courage and will to marry her. And so laboured and solicited the mariage so effectually, that with great wor­ship and triumph, Saturne spoused and wedded Cibell his si­ster, after their vsage, and she was the first Quéene of Crete. He liuing with her, payed in this wise the due debt of marri­age, that at the ende of nine moneths, Cibell had a sonne, which Saturne did put to death, acquiting himselfe of the oath that he had made vnto his brother Titan. And of this Boccace maketh no mention. But they lay togither againe, And Cibell conceyued then of the séede of Saturne, another sonne with a daughter, that by space of time appeared great in the mothers belly.

In the time when the lawe of nature was in his vigour and strength, the men marryed with their sisters. And in especiall the Painims, if they were not content, and had suf­fisance of one wife, they might take mo without reproch. When Saturne knewe that his wife was with childe the second time, the death of his first sonne came before him, and he said in himselfe, that he would that his wife had béen harren. Then he began to be full of diuerse fantasies of for­thoughts, and desired to know what should befall of the fruit of the wombe of Cibell. He went himselfe forth to the Ile of Delphos vnto the Oracle of the god Apollo, that gaue an­swer to the people that demaunded of things that should af­ter fall and happen. And then when hee had done his sacri­fice, and made his praier, the Priest of the Temple put him into a perelos, vnder the altar of the forsayd Idol: and there he heard a great whirling wind that troubled him, and all his wit and vnderstanding, that he was in maner of a spasme or a sowns, by which he fel to the ground, and after that when he arose, him thought that the god Aprllo appeared vnto him with a dreadfull face, and saide thus to him. Saturne [Page 11] what moueth thée to will to knowe thine euill destinie? thou hast ingendred a sonne, that shal take from thée the dia­deme of Crete, and shall banish thée out of thy realme, & shall be without phere aboue all people, the most fortunate man that euer was borne in Grece. After these wordes Saturne came againe to himselfe, and remembred him of his euill prophecie that touched the bottom of his heart, and so sore a­noyed, and right pensife, hee went out of the Oracle with a troubled hart, and all bare of gladnesse, and all oppressed and enuironed with wanhops, came to his folke and departed thence, and went to ship: and when he was in his ship, hée hung downe his head, which he helde not vp till he came to Crete. And when he had his head so enclined, he beganne to thinke and bee pen [...]fe. And after many right sorrowfull fighs, engendred in the roote of Melancholy, said in this wise: Alas Saturne your king, what auaileth me the dignitie to be the first king of Crete? what profited me these diuine reue­rences? or what good doo mee my science, when I féele me in putting backe of fortune? O fortune soone turning, fraile and variable, and plying to euery wind like a roster: at least stay, that the whéele that turneth without ende, may speake to me Saturne, that inuenter and finder of the cōmon weale. And if thou wilt not lende me thy cleare and laughing vi­sage, at least lende me thy large eares. Thou hast giuen mée triumph and glorie of Crowne: and now thou sufferest me to fall from this great worship, he gods witnesse it. And what is this? thou hast consented to my prospertie, and now conspirest my mendicitie, my fall and shamefull [...]nde: and intendest that I shall bee named the vnhappie Saturne. If all my life hath béene nourished in happinesse, and the ende vnhappie and wofull, I shall bee called and sayde vn­happie: and all my happie fortunes and blisses shall turne more to reproach and shame, then to praysing or to anie worship. O fortune: in what thing haue I offended? haue I foughten agaynst thée? or haue I done any follie against the magnificence of the goddes? Haue I rebelled or [Page 12] offended the aires, the worlds, the heauens, the planets, the s [...]e, the moone, the earths, the seas, what haue I doone or trespast tell me. O my God where art thou? Hast thou en­nie to me, be [...] I haue béene in the Oracle of the afore­saide God Apoll [...] he hath shewed vnto me the ruine of my [...], she [...] [...]hing and breaking of my Dyademe, the [...] the clearenesse of my raigne, the enhaunsing [...] and the putting me out of my Realme, that shall or [...]eade of his insurrection. Alas what remedy to this great sorrow that I haue? I haue slaine one of my sonnes, wherefore I haue great and bitter sorrow: and haue concluded in my selfe, that neuer hereafter I will so cruel­ly spill the life of my children, for to die with them. Af­ter this conclusion, I must of very force, and sore against my will, returne and continue in my first vnnaturall crueltie. For if my sonne that nowe is in the wombe of my wife, be suffered to liue, he shall exile mée and put me out of my Realme, and downe off my throne, which shall be to me right hard and gréeuous to beare and suffer patient­ly. And therfore it is better to slea him. Alas and if I slea him, then it séemeth me I should resist the will of the gods, which peraduenture will raise him againe, and that should be worse, for then I should not onely be called an homicide and mans [...]ear, but an vnnaturall murtherer, not of a Giant, nor of a strange man of another land: but of a right little childe, issued of my proper [...]eines, bones, and flesh: That after the Pronostication of the gods is pre­elect, and chosen to be the greatest Lord of Greece, and soue­raigne of all the kings in his time.

Saturne thus féeling him in great sorrow and trouble, and alway worse and worse, as afore is said, beganne to change his colour and waxe pale, full of melancholy, and of fanta­sies, and could not appease his vnfortune. His most priuie men, and they that were most familiar with him, durst not approch vnto him, but séeing his sorowfull maner, they were discomforted in his desolatiō, sorrowful with his sorrow, and [Page 13] angry with his anger. He was in short time so greatly per­turbed, and impressed with so eager impresson of sorrow, that his face was like vnto Ashes, or as he had bee dead al­way: and after many thoughts, he opened his mouth, and spake softly thus: I slea my selfe by melancholy, and am a man greatly abused: I haue made an oath vnto my brother Titan, that I shal put all my children male to death, that shal come of my flesh. Peraduenture the gods wold not suffer that I shalbe forsworne: and haue let me haue knowledge by my god Apollo, that my wife hath conceiued a sonne that shall put me out of my Realme, to the end that I should slea him: forasmuch as I had concluded in my selfe, to haue broken mine oath, and haue spared the liues of my children. And since it is so, I shall no longer spare them: if it happen that my sonne be borne a liue, certaine he shall be put to death: for it is better that he die a childe, then he should waxe a man, and waxe rebell against me, and enhaunce himself aboue me, by his malice, insurrection, or otherwise.

In this will and resolution, this sorrowful Saturne retur­ned into his house, continuing in this estate, and sorrowfull sighs, & melancholious fantasies, in such wise that Cibel durst not come into his presence, nor could not get of him a ioyous sight: wherefore he got him a surname of sorrow, and was named Saturne, the triste, or sorrowfull. And it was so, that when he had bin in his house a certain space, and saw the day approch that his wife should be deliuered of child, for to exe­cute his sorowful courage, he called his wife and said: Dame it is so apparant, that shortly thou shalt be deliuered of y ^e fruit of thy wombe: if thou be deliuered of a sonne, I commaund thée vpon pain of death, that thou slea him, and that thou send me his heart. And when Cibell heard these wordes, and this rigorous and vnnaturall violence and will, anon she fell to the ground in a sowne, for her legs failed her. And in the re­léeuing of the sowne, shee knéeled before the féete of Saturne, and said on this wise. Sir, hast thou no shame, that wilt bee husband of a woman murdering her owne child: I thée re­quire [Page 14] of mercy and grace, beséeching thée to haue regard, that I am thy wife, and haue the heart of a woman, and not of a tyrant, or a murtherer. Dame (answered Saturne) require me no more of things touching this matter: it is iudged by a foreséene and counterpeysed sentence, that if thou haue a son, he shall bee dead: for I haue promised and sworne so to my brother Titan: and aboue this, I haue answere of the god Apollo, that in thy wombe is a sonne, that shall cast me out of this realme: and therefore, sée that at his birth he be dead, as deare as thou louest thy life: and also, as I haue said, send me his heart medled with wine, that I may drinke it. And how sir, answered Cibell, knowest thou not that I am a wo­man, and by proper and singular inclination, I haue a verie loue to small children, and must giue them to eate, and suck? O wéenest thou that I haue an heart so hard, as for to foile my hands with the blood of my son? I pray and require thée, to reuoke thy sentence, and be pitious to thy wife and gene­ration. Thou art wise after the iudgement of thy people. In this partie, thou shewest thy selfe not good: for by thy oath thou art not bounden, nor holden to slea thy sonne, séeing it is truth, that all oathes made agaynst good maners, ought not to be holden. For to slea thy sonne, it is a villaine case, & con­trarie to honour, reason, pittie, equitie, and iustice. It is sinne against nature, agaynst vertue, and against all good maners. Then, thy oath for to slea thy sonne is nought, and thou ough­test anull it: thou art king, and that vpon paine of death for­viddest thy people to make murther, or homicide. By this thou that art myrrour & example to other, oughtest to be con­tent and appease thy selfe. And me séemeth on that other side, that thou interpretest, and construest euill, the sentence of god Apollo, saying, that I haue in my wombe a sonne, that shall put thée out of thy kingdome, For by this, it ought to be vnderstand, that the sonne that I beare, shall ouerliue thée, and put thée so out of thy kingdome, that is to say, into thy Sepulchre, the day that thou shalt depart out of this worlde. And if this may not appease thée: if it so happen that I haue a [Page 15] sonne, thou maist do him to be kept in a strong Tower, and there to set such warde vpon him, that he shall neuer bee of power to enhaunce himselfe against thée.

Saturn had then the heart passing great, that for semblable compassion, Vesca the mother, Cibell and Ceres, wept, and gaue out great plentie of teares, and in like wise all the assistants that were in the place, wept out of measure aboun­dantly: yet neuerthelesse it might not soft nor attemper the hard commaundement of king Saturne. But in conclusion, he sayd to Cibell, that she should no more procure the respite of the life of his son, but he should be dead, and she also with him, if she did not his commaundement. With sorrowfull conclusion Cibell departed from thence, all in a traunce halfe dead, and casting abroade her armes and hands, with great excesse of teares, that ran like a riuer from her tender eyen, entred into a Tower, her mother that desolate Ladie fol­lowing her. She being in her chamber for frushed, and all di­stempered with sorrow, began to trauell anon, & was deliue­red of a daughter, and of a son. The daughter was borne be­fore the sonne, and was sent by Ceres, and borne to nourish into the Citie of Parthenie, and was named Iuno: and the son began to laugh at comming out of his mothers wombe, and was named Iupiter.

When Cibell and Vesca, sawe the childe laugh, their teares began to grow double, and they had not taken great regard and héed to the child, what time Cibell all angrie and corrupt with wanhope, with a sigh and féeble spirite said to her mother: Ha, my mother, what pitious case shall this bée now? giue me a sharpe cutting knife, and I shall murther my sonne, by vnnaturall errour against my will. And after this villainous déed, for my absolution of the great sinne, I shall murther my selfe also. And this is my full purpose: for, after so cruell a déede and worke, notwithstanding any excu­sation, I neuer will longer liue. The mother of Cibell was then al bewept and greatly dismaid, when she heard the aire of the tender mouth of her daughter redound in her eares, of [Page 16] so hard a crueltie: she being all afraid, said to her, my daugh­ter what thinkst thou to do? art thou enraged out of thy wit, or foolish? My mother, answered Cibell, yea verily, I am verily as you say, enraged out of my wit, and foolish, and yet more I am furious woode. Make me no longer to languish. Giue me the cursed mortall knife, forged in an euill houre, for of force I must obey the king Saturne, your right welbe­loued sonne, my right redoubted husband, that hath comman­dement ouer me, and will shamefully put me to death, if I accomplish not, and fulfill his commaundement in the death of his sonne, which he hath charged me to slea.

Anon, as Vesca considered that her daughter sayd, and in the errour that she was in, she tooke the child that was in her armes, and plucked it from her by force, and alway the childe laughed. When Cibell sawe her sonne in the armes of her mother, as a woman enraged and out of her wit, shée began to crie, that she should slea the childe, or giue it her a­gaine; or else she would arise out of her bed, and go and com­plaine to king Saturne. After these wordes, Vesca deliuered the child to a Damosell of the house, that onely was there with them, and bade her, that she should go slea the childe in the presence of Saturne, or in some other place out of theyr sight: the poore damosell excused her, and Vesca gaue her in commandement, and charged her with great menaces, that she should go forth and take the child, and the knife, and [...]ea it. And so by the commaundement of these two Ladyes, shee tooke the knife many times, & put it to the throte of the childe, for to cut it asunder, and alway the noble childe laughed at the knife. And when the damosell saw this, that it was inno­nocent, she might not find in her heart to do it any harme. In this sorrow, and and in this pain and vexation, Vesca, Cibel, and the damosell were a long time. Now they iudged him to death and put the knife to his throte: and suddainly the Da­mosell reuoked it, and sware that she would neuer be perse­cutresse of one to fayre a childe. And thus they began all thrée to wéepe and sobbe, bewailing the childe, by so great affection [Page 17] that it was pitie to heare. After this, when they had long wept and sobbed, and bewayled the tender wéeping and paine of Cibell, they beganne a little to pacifie their hearts and began to returne to motherly pitie. Cibell called her that held the child, and required her pitiously, that she would giue her her sonne, to kisse and hold in her armes, promising that she would do him no harme. The Damosell that wist not what should fall, deliuered her her tender childe: and then when Cibell beheld her childe, with her face all bewept, and all distempered with teares, she kissed his laughing mouth, more then an C. times, & came againe to her nature, know­ledging her sinne, and began to say. My child, I had bin well infortunate, if I had taken thy life from thée. I haue cōtended thy death: my right swéete sonne, alas shall I persecute thée after the will of thy father king Saturne? It is his comman­dement, and I owe him obeysaunce: if I obey, the culpe and sin is due to him. If I obey not, I make my selfe culpable of death. Ah what is this? shalt thou die by my handes▪ by the hands of thy proper mother? H [...], shall thy mother be thy m [...] ­tyrer? Shall thy mother be thine enemie, and bitter mortal aduersarie, for doubt of death? I wote not what to say, but wil I, or will I not, thou art my sonne. Euery mother loueth her childe: how may I hate thée? It is much better that I tie then thou, I haue liued long though, and thou art nowe [...] borne. Verily thou shalt not [...]s at this time. I shall saue thy life: or, I shall die for thy health, requiring the gods mercie for the euill will that I had against thée.

CHAP. IIII. ¶How Saturn had commaunded to slea Iupiter that was new borne, and how his mother Cibell sent him to king Meli­seus, where he was nourished,

THe right sorrowfull Ladie, after this came better to hir selfe, and tooke heart to he [...], and kissed her child that alway laughed. And Vesca beheld her countenance [Page 18] all new, and sate downe on the bed side where her daugh­ter lay. There they two began to speake togither of Saturn, & of the fortune of this childe, and that hee had béene in great aduenture: and promised the one vnto the other, that they would saue the childe, vnto their power. After this promise, in the ende of diuerse purposes, they concluded to send this child secretly vnto the two daughters of king Melliseus, the which Vesca had nourished in her yong age. Of these two daughters, the one was named Almachee, and the other Mellisee. This conclusion fully finished and taken, Vesca lapped and wound the childe as it ought to be, and deliuered it vnto a damosell being there present, with all things, & gaue her charge to bear it secretly to Almachee, & Mellisee. The good damosel enterprised the said charge, and departed out of Crete with the child at al aduenture, & so worshipfully gui­ded her, that she brought the child liuing in safetie to the ci­tie of Oson: which she presented to Almachee and Mellisee, rehearsing how Vesca had sent him to them, for the great loue and trust that she had in them, and how Saturn had com­maunded that his mother should flea it.

Anone, as these two damosels sawe the childe, and vnder­stoode how Saturne had iudged it to death, they receyued it with pitie, and in fauour of Vesca, promised to nourish it in the secretest and best wise that they mought, And forthwith the same houre they bare the childe vnto a mountaine that was nigh to the Citie, wherein dwelled their nourse in a déepe hole of a caue, which was richly entailed, and carued with Chisell and other diuerse instruments. And then they sent againe the Damosell that brought the child into Crete. In this maner was the life of the childe saued. Almachee and Mellise nourished the child with the milk of a goat. Fortune was to him more propice and helping thē nature. What shall I say, in the beginning when he was put in the caue, as his nurse on a day sawe him wéepe and crie by his proper in­clination of chilhoode, because hee should not be heard, they tooke Trumpets, Timpanes, and nimbals, and made them to [Page 19] sownd so greatly, that a great multitude of Bées fléeing about the mountaine heard their sound, and with this sownd entred into the caue, and tooke an hole by the childe, flying about him without any greefe or harme doing to the childe: and yet more, they made there honie, whereof the childe did eate and was nourished from thence forth, which was a maruailous thing. And for to atchieue the matter, beginning at the damosell that had borne this childe thi­ther: when she came againe, shee rehearsed to dame Cibell and Vesca, all her dooing and worke, and gaue them a right great comfort touching the childe. Then the two Ladies, by méere deliberatiō tooke an Abest, which is a precious stone, and brayed it into pouder, and after that they mingled it with wine in a cup of gold, and dame Vesca bare it to her son Saturne, and she abounding in bitter teares all bewept, said vnto him: My sonne, thy wife hath sent to thée this drinke, know thou verely that she this day hath rendred and yéelden the fruit of her wombe, a son and a daughter: she hath sent the daughter to nourish in the Citie of Parthenie: but in the obeying of thy straight commandemēt, we haue defeated thy son, and put him to death. Of whom the body, the flesh, and the little tender bones be now turned into ashes, & she hath sent here to thee, the right noble hart tempred in wine: which I present to thée, to the end that thou do thy pleasure, and be no more in doubt by thy son to be put out of y ^e realme,

Anon as Saturne heard the pittious wordes of his mother, vnderstanding the newe tidings that shee saide and shewed him, he beganne to frowne, and sayde in this manner. O pittie without pittie: ought not my heart bee terrible angrie, and restrained with pressours of sorrow, whan it is force of that to mine hart this present heart, issu­ed of his blood and rootes, be giuen in meate & pasture, for to staunche the disconuenable hunger of mine vnhonest de­sire. These wordes accomplished, Saturne was greatly displeased and full of renewing of sorrow, dranke the drinke, wéening that it had béene as his mother had done [Page 24] him to vnderstand: and after went into his chamber, and there beganne to bee greatly in melancholie: and after that, forth on he purposed and trowed to abstaine himselfe to pay his wife the dew debt of marriage. But as there is no sorrow that ouerpasseth not by space of time, he forgat this sorrow, & lying with his wife, engendred another son, which she saued like as Iupiter was saued (notwithstanding that Saturn charged her to put him to death) and this child was caried to Athenes, where he was kept and nourished and na­med Nepune. Yet after this he lay with his wife, and engen­dred another son and a daughter, which at time conuenable were borne, and departed from their mother: but at this time she tolde not of her son, but hid it from Saturne: which sonne was named Pluto, and she did it to keepe in the par­ties of Thessaly, that afterward was named hel. And for to content her husband Saturne, when shee was deliuered of these two children, she sent to him her daughter, which was called Galanta, and she died in her tender yeares. And thus of all these generations, Saturne supposed that none had béene reserued but Iuno his daughter, whome he went of­tentimes to visite in Parthenie, where he did it to be nouri­shed with many noble virgins of her age, and also many ancient gntlewomen, to induce and teach them gentlenesse and vertue. But of all them I will a while tarrie nowe, and also of Iupiter, Neptune, and Pluto. And now I will shew how Dardanus put his brother Iasius to death, for co­uetousnesse to raigne in the Citie of Corinth: and how he departed out of Corinth, and how he set the first stone in the Citie of Dardane, which afterward was named Troy.

CHAP. V. ¶Howe after the death of King Corinthus of Corinth, his two sonnes, Dardanus and Iasius, stroue who of them should haue the kingdome: and how Dardanus slue his brother Iasius by treason, wherefore hee must depart out of the countrey.

IN this time when Crete began to bee a Realme, and a kingdome, and was in possession of their first king, the same time in the Citie of Corinth which stand in Naples, reigned Corinthus their first king: and Corinthus had to his wife one of the daughters of king Atlas of Libie, named Electra. They reigned togither and atchieued prosperously their life: they left after them two sonnes, whereof the one was named Dardanus, and that o­ther Iasius. Some say that this Dardanus was sonne to Iu­piter: but Boccace trowed he was lawfull sonne of Corin­thus (as it appeareth in the sixt booke of the genealogie of gods) Dardanus then and Iasius, (after the death of their father Corinthus, and of their mother Electra) woulde suc­céed in the realmes, and in no wise they could accord. Dar­danus had a high and hautie courage, and Iasius in likewise. They argued and stroue togither, the one against the other, oftentimes of this matter, and conspired and made secret me­nasses vnder couert, in such wise that Dardanus on a day as­sembled all the people that he could get, for to destroy his brother Iasius, and his friends were then assembled in a se­cret place, for to treate the peace, and to sée how they might content and please Dardanus.

Whan Iasius sawe his brother come all in armes, all his bloud beganne to change, and séeing that his Bro­ther was mooued and full of euill will, déeming that [Page 22] this matter should turne to great mischiefe, he cried and said: Alas, what auaileth for to speake and counsaile, and séeke meanes of peace betwéene my brother and me: we be betrayed, lo héere is my brother that commeth vpon vs all in armes, each man saue himselfe that may. With these wordes Dardanus came in to the consistorie, smote his brother vnto death, and said: Iasius, thou maist not abstaine thy selfe from thy imaginations: Thou hast enhaunsed thy selfe against me, but now I shall make an end of thée. Iasius fell downe dead among the feete of his friendes, and their cloths were all besprent and be-bled with his bloud. When the friendes of Iasius sawe this tyranny, they saued them­selues as well as they could to their power, and fled from thence all enraged. Then Dardanus returned to the royall Pallace, and the friendes of Iasius gathered them, and went to armes, and made a noyse, and murmur so great, that in little space all the Citie was strangely troubled for the death of Iasius, which was greatly in the grace and fauour of all the people of Corinth. For when they had rehearsed the death of Iasius, they tooke great sorrow, and menaced Dardanus to death. And forthwith in effect they as­sembled by great routs in the stréetes, and said one to the o­ther: Alas now is dead the loue of Corinthus, that had more amitie and loue to the common weale then Dardanus: Let vs go and auenge his death: Go wee and punish the male­factour; let vs no longer tarrie: we shall do a meritorie worke. Who that euer doth iniustice and tyranny, is not worthie to be chiefe and head of clemencie, nor of iustice. If we suffer a murderer to raigne ouer vs, neuer shall there good come thereof. Where the head is sicke and euill the members may not bee whole nor good. Dardanus hath slaine his Brother Iasius wrongfully. It is verie like­lie, that hee shall slea vs after his will. Let vs take from him his puissance, and let vs shew that we be men, destroy­ers of vice and enemies vnto all them that séeke and engen­der tyranny in their courages.

Such were the clamours of the Corinthians: by such [Page 23] noyse and semblable clamours, they chafed themselues, and in the end assembled in one place, and were of ardent appe­tite, to correct the malefactour Dardanus, and his complices. In this tempest and swelling furour, they went to the Pallace where Dardanus had put himselfe for refuge, but they founde the gates shutte, and could not enter into it: wherefore they besieged the place making a great noyse, and so great stirre, that Dardanus was abashed, and anon hee assembled his friendes and asked them their counsell. They answered and said, that he and they were in great aduenture and perill, and that the people so mooued, might not lightly be appeased, and for this they said to him: saue thy selfe, and vs also with thée: Thou hast slaine thy brother Iasius, whom the people loued maruailously for his benignitie? the trespasse is great, séeing it is so doone, the best way ought to be taken: we counsell thée that thou leaue this Pallace, and finde manner to issue out, and wee shall follow thée, and go with thée, and search our aduentures in other lands: for it shall be great paine, by possibilitie, e­uer to content and appease this people: For it is so, that the Corinthians be terrible to all men that they haue inhate and in despight.

Dardanus hearing these wordes, beganne to sigh, and considering that hee must depart from his Citie by his mis­déede, fault, and desert, hee smote himselfe on the brest and saide: Ha fortune vnstedfast, what is mee befall? My hands be foule and filthie, with the bloud of my lawfull bro­ther. The insurrcetion, and the rebellion of my people, han­ging before mine eies, it is force that I flée for to saue my life, and purpose to liue of rauin and theft. What mischance? what euill happe is this? Since it is so, I yéeld me fugitise, and shall go my way, at all aduentures be it. When the friendes of Dardanus had vnderstoode that hee was con­cluded and purposed to saue his life, they ioyned to him, and appointed togither that the next morning, in the first breaking of the day, they would departe from the Pallace, [Page 24] and take the aduenture to passe by their enemies, saying, that if they might escape, they would go to the riuage of the sea, and take the kings barge. And all they sware to helpe and companie each other vnto the death. The night passed, the day appeared, and then Dardanus that had not rested that night to his pleasure, but had watched with his armed men, and were readie to take the aduenture that the gods and fortune would giue and send them, issued out of the pallace, and found the most part of his enemies asleepe: he thrusted among the villaines, and passed forth with little resistance (that notwithstanding, the waking Corinthians) he came to his royall ship, and tooke the sea, and saued him­selfe, whereof the Corinthians had great sorrow.

When Dardanus sawe that he was so quit of the fauour of the Corinthians, he went sailing by the sea, and land­ed first at the port of the Citie of Samos, being in Thrace, & there vitailed him, and went to sea againe, and arriued in Asia, in a quarter where the land was ioyning to the sea of Hellespont: And finding this land right good and fruitful for to enhabite, he made there his habitation, and there set the first stone of a right great citie that he beganne, and af­ter finished. This Citie was that time named Dardane, after the name of Dardanus, but afterward it was called Troy. Dardanus peopled and filled his Citie with men and women, which he gate by swéetenesse and faire promises And the other part he conquered by force, theft and pillage. He made himselfe king of Dardane, and ditched the Cittie about with great ditches. After lōg time he passed out of this world, and left a sonne of his wife Candama, that was second king of Dardane. This king was named Erutonius, and raigned seauen yeare in augmenting and encreasing his Citie and people, and at last came to the ende of his yeares: And there reigned after him Troos his sonne. This Troos was the third king of Dardane, and was a strong man fierce, and hardy in armes, and increased greatly his seignoury and his Crowne, insomuch as the Dardanians [Page 25] said, that there was no king but Troyes: and named them Troians. And thus was Troy enhaunced more then all the Realmes of Greece, so highly that the king Tantalus of Fri­gie had great enuie, and gaue his heart and courage how he might anull and put downe the name of Troy that was his neighbour. And began to assay to bring it downe, as heereafter shall be said.

CHAP. VI. ¶Of the great warre that was moued betweene the Pelagi­ens, and Epiriens, and how king Licaon of Pelagy was de­stroyed by Iupiter, because of a man put to him to hostage, which king Licaon did rost.

THe wise and subtill Virgine Minerue (as saint Austen rehearseth) shewed her selfe in this time by the stang or riuer called Triton, by the greatnesse and subtiltie of her engine: for she found the manner to forge and make armes. And to this purpose, Ouide rehearseth that she had foughten against a Giant na­med Pallas, and slewe him by the flood of Triton. In the same time that the armes were founden, and the sciences of Minerue where practised by all the world, a fierce discention engendred betwéene the Epiriens and the Pelagiens that after were named Archadians. And héereof maketh mention Boccace in the fourth booke of the genea­logy of gods. Among the Pelagians raigned that time a king named Licaon, eldest sonne of Titan. The Epiriens then enterprised vppon the Pelagiens, and so made that a right great noyse arose and sourded. For which cause they assailed each other by feats of armes, so felonious and asyre, y ^t both parties suffered many foule mortall shoures. When the [Page 26] wise men of Epire, saw this warre so dissolute, and that they of their partie had iniustly and vnrightfully vndertaken and begunne this warre, they knowledged their fault, and went to the king Lycaon, bearing branches of Oliue, in sig­nification of peace and loue, and him required that he would condiscend to accord and peace of both peoples. Lycaon con­sidering that his people had as much lost as woonne by this discention, and that the battailes were perillous, accorded to the Epitiens the peace, by condition that they should deliuer him one of their most noble men, such as he would demaūd, for to be his seruant a space of time, in token that they had vnrightfully engendred this discention. The Epiriens con­sented to this condition, and deliuered to king Lycaon in seruitude the most noble man among them: and thus ended the warre.

The tearme and the time drewe ouer, that the Epi­rien serued king Lycaon his due tyme: and then when the time was expired, the Epiriens assembled them togither, and by deliberation of councell, sent an Ambassade to Lycaon, for to treate the deliuerance of the Epirien. These Ambassa­dours departed from Epire, and came to Pelage, and shewed to the king, howe their man had serued as long as hee was bound: and required him that he would render and deliuer him, and ratifie the peace, to the ende that euer after that they might bee the more friends togither. When Lycaon that was hardie of courage, fierce and euill vnto all men, and also vnto his owne people, vnderstoode the wordes and re­questes of the Epiriens, hée had great sorrow and anger in himselfe, and sayde to them with his mouth (thinking con­trarie with his heart) that on the morrow hee would feast them, and haue them to dinner, and then he would doo like as they had demaunded. With these wordes the Epiriens departed ioyously fro the presence of King Lycaon, and on the morrow they came to the feast that was richlie orday­ned, and made for them in great plentiousnesse, which was right fayre at the beginning, and in the ende right foule [Page 27] and abhominable: for when it came to the performing of the feast, the king Lycaon rose from the Table, and went vnto the Kitchen, and there tooke the bodie of the Epirien, his seruant that hée had murthered the same night, and all rosted and sodden, brought it in a great platter to the feast, and presented it to the Epiriens, saying: lo, here is the Epirien that hath serued mee, which was cause of the es­chuing of the ruine and perdition of Epire. I saide yester­day, that I would deliuer him this day: take him who so wil, I discharge & quit my hands frō him, and will him no more.

All they that then were present, as well his seruants as straungers, as well Epiriens as Pelagiens, had anon great horrour, when they heard and vnderstoode the wordes of king Lycaon: they had great shame and furor to beholde so shamefull and abhominable a worke, and outrageous sinne: and were so troubled, that the blood went fro their faces, and they laid their hands afore their eies, as they that abhorred to beholde the poore martyr Epirien. And there was no man wist what to say of the infamie of king Lycaon, vnneth. When the king saw them so troubled, and that euery man began to frowne and grudge apart, he left them, and went from thence into his chamber: and then euery man rose from the Table, abhorring and eschewing the sent and sa­uour of the dead man, and would haue departed and gone their way all confuse, had not Iupiter the son of Saturne béene, which the Epiriens had brought with them in their legation and Ambassage, forasmuch as hée was a fayre childe, amiable and gentle. He then when hée sawe that euerie man drewe a part his way, put himselfe in the middest of the Epiriens, and began beganne his glorious enterprises, and said to them in this wise: O what is this? Where is the blood of the Epiriens? Are they banished out of hardinesse? bée they exiled out of valour, and of honestie? Which be the Epiriens that by force will expose themselues to the ven­geaunce of so foule and horrible a déede? This case is not to bee borne. And the terriblenesse of the tyrant Lycaon, [Page 28] is not to be bettered, when it bydeth vnpunished. Ye sée that the Pelagians make semblance that they be euil apayed with him: he must be punished. I say, as for me I shall ne­uer haue pleasure in my life, till I sée him restrained of his tyrannie.

What time the Epiriens had conceiued the great cou­rage of Iupiter that was so young of age, they thanked their gods of that, that they had brought him with them, and said to him all with one voyce: Childe, blessed bee the wombe that bare thée, and blessed bee the gods that foreséeing this iniurie and wrong to vs, haue so inspired vs, for to bring thée with vs. We had béene nowe without courage, hardi­nesse and will to doo well, and had not béene so hardie, to haue taken any tearme of vengeaunce. Thy wordes haue awaked and quickened our spirites, which were deade and a sléepe, and had passed by the counterpeysed infamie of the tyrant Lycaon. Thy hardinesse hath made vs hardie: thy valiancie hath made vs valiant, and l [...]uers of valiancie: and, thy wisedome hath inlumined vs. In this case, thou shalt be conductor and leader of this worke, and commander, and we shall obey vnto thée. &c.

Iupiter answered and sayde: worshipfull Lordes and sirs, I am not wise inough to receyue the honour that yée do me: nor my tender yeares shall not accept it. Alway by fourme of counsell humbled vnder all correction, I will well say to you that me thinketh expedient for to be doone. If ye find no man say better, then you shall do by my councell and aduise: yee shall take this poore Epirien, in the same e­state that hee is deliuered to you, and beare him vnto the common place of this Citie: for it is this day Sabboth and holyday, the Pelagians beene there in great number and multitude, passing their time with diuerse playes and sports. Then ye shall shew this poore dead man: for it is sayde that the King is not well beloued with his owne people for his vnmanlie workes, and this misdéed and trespasse is pas­sing foule and pitious: anon as they shall knowe what hee [Page 29] hath done, by this foule worke: ye shall well sée if they will take in this sinne, pleasure or displeasure. If pleasure, then it were in vaine and follie for to speake thereof, for this present time any more, but wée must séeke remedie, in our returne to Epire. If they take displeasure, ye may plainly discouer your courages, and prouoke and call them to purge this crime that is so cursed: and I wéen that they shall right lightly in­tend to vs: And, for none amytie that is betwéene him and them, he shall not dominere nor reigne ouer them by ty­rany: For, he is not their naturall Lord: but, he is the sonne of Titan, brother of Saturne: And, is not King by election: but by force.

All they that heard Iupiter thus speake, meruailed greatly of him, and accorded them to his councell, in such wise that no man contraryed it nor agayn sayde it. And so sodainly they tooke the murdred Epirien, and bare him to the common place, and there they shewed him openly in euery mans sight. When the Pelagiens saw this dead man, of whome the skin was scorched, the flesh rosted, the knowes shronken, and that the bones appeared by the ioyntures: they assembled all a­bout him in great number, and casting their eyes vpon him, they had so great horror, abhominacion and abashment, that their heartes trembled, playning eche to other: and many went away for compassion, wept, and araged trembling for anger. And, other tooke duste and powder and casted into the ayre in signe of sorrow, cutting their clothes, and saying, lif­ting their hands on high. O goddes almightie, what people bée these Epiriens? Haue they rosted a mannes body, and haue brought it to fore vs? What meane they? are we eaters of mannes flesh? or bring they it to vs to shewe the cruelty of their courage? or come they for to eate this dead man among vs, for to feare vs withall?

Iupiter there being awayting, and laying his eares, and seing with his eyes the maner of the Pellagiens, and their countenaunces, concerning that they condescended in the condemnacion and enimitie of him that wrought this pite­ous [Page 30] worke: when he had heard their reasons, and had séene their woondrings, he adressed himselfe among them, and said in this wise: O ye men of Pelage, meruaile you of this vn­manly and vnnaturall worke? Haue ye not enough lear­ned and knowen the tyrannies of your king Lycaon? he hath murthred this man, and this man is the Epirien that was deliuered to him at the treatie of the peace of you and of vs, for to serue him. Lo this is the guerdon and rewarde that he hath done to him. He hath tirannised right euill, and hath doone him euill for good. O what great infamye is it to you, that the people and folke of euery other citie, haue reigning ouer them kings, noble men and vertuous: and they be crowned by election for their vertuous déedes? ye be diffe­rent from them and all of another nature: A Tyrant is your king: a murtherer, an vniust man, a sinner worthy of in­famous death, and vnworthy for to be left aliue vppon the earth. Consider: yea consider, vnder whose hand ye be, and how nighe ye finde your selfe in maladye and perill of death. When the head aketh, all the other members suffer payne: then ye may not be whole and sound. What shall we now doo, thinke ye, and councell ye vs? we come to you for refuge, and to demaunde you, how we ought to do and behaue vs against one that is so foule a king as is Lycaon. Tell vs the very truth. If ye confesse the truthe, and that ye be louers of reason, iustice and of equitie: ye shall iudge and condemne him, ye shall lay your handes and pu­issances in correction of him, and so ye shalbe r [...] of his malice.

Anon as the Pelagiens vnderstoode of Iupiter, that Ly­caon their king had committed this vilanous crime, also that he had presented to the Epiriens the body of their fréend so dead, they being at table: they condemned his sinne, and mur­mured against him, saying, that they would no more be go­uerned and norished vnder the rodde of so peruerse and infa­mous a tirant: and said to the Epiriens, that they would abide by them, and stand theyr fréendes. With these wordes [Page 31] Iupiter put himselfe among the Epiriens, and by his hardi­nesse admonished them to conspire against their king. With which conspiracion accorded all they of the Citie. And the wordes of Iupiter were so agréeable to them, and his maners, that they put in his hande the death and destruction of their king Licaon. And to the ende that he should trust and haue affiance in them, they sent for their armes and habillementes of warre, and armed them. After, they assem­bled aboute Iupiter, and said to him, that he should be their captaine and their conducter, to achieue this sayde worke.

Iupiter being ioyous of so great an honour and woorship, excused himselfe. But his excusations had no place, the Epiriens and the Pelagiens ordeyned and constituted him head ouer them. And he being constituted in his dignitie, set his people in order, and after did them to marche toward the pallace. They had not long gone on the way, when they sawe King Lacaon issue out of his pallace with great compa­ny of his fréendes all armed, as they that had bin aduertised of the sayd conspiratiō made against Lycaon: and féeling that his enemies came for to assaile him, for to shewe himselfe a man of fierce courage, came against them, wéening presum­tuouslie for to haue ouercome them. And anon, as they be­gan to approche, they challenged ech other to the death with­out other councel: And strongly moued, they assembled to a battayle that was right meruailous sharpe.

Lycaon did set and lead his people, in order against Iupiter. They medled them hastely togither with little strife of wordes: and with great strife of armour and strokes.

The strife cost much, but in especiall to Lycaon: for his people were lesse in puissance and myght, then the men of Iupiter, which were stronge and of greate enterprise: so they fought and smote vpon the Pelagiens and caste them downe nowe héere, nowe there, so fiercelye and so vnmeasurablye that none might abyde that was there before them. Amonge all o­ther [Page 32] Iupiter did woonders and meruailes: by his well doing he put Lychaon in a passing great distresse and noyance. And in this great anoye, he pursued passing fast, for to haue come runne vpon him. But when the false tyrant sawe him come, and he sawe that Iupiter set his strokes so mightely that all them that he raught were smitten down to the earth and cō ­founded, then all his heart began to fayle him, and went on the other side: and he had not long abidden there, when that Iupiter had vanquished and ouerthrowen the Pelagiens, and made them to flée from the place before him, like as it had bin the thunder of tempest.

In this maner, when Lichaon sawe his complices and fel­lowship in such extremitie, he fled himself, not as a king, but as a poore man out of comfort and hope, so desolate as he durst take none of his complices with him to helpe him away, nor to comfort him. He doubted Iupiter as the death: he (so flying away as is said) durst not enter his pallace, but issued out of the citie and went vnto a great Forrest that was nighe by: and from thence foorth he was a brygand and a théefe, and for this cause the poets fayne that he was turned into a wolfe: that is to saye, he liued as a wolfe, of praies and roberies. Al­beit to confirme this mutacion, Leoncius rehearseth, that Lichaon so flying, as saide is, fearing to be sued after of Iupi­ter & to be put to death, put himself in a riuer or a great lake, and there saued himselfe: where féeling that the water of that riuer had a singular propertie, that is to wit, that the men that putte themselues in that water, should be turned into wolues for the terme of nine yeares, and the nine yeares ex­pired, if they would put themselues in the water after that againe, they should recouer againe their first likenesse. And so it might well be doone, for Lichaon put himselfe into the water, and was transformed to a wolfe by space aboue saide, and liued of theft and pillage in the woods and forrests, way­ting oft times how the Pelagiens gouerned themselues: and in the end when he had accomplished his penaunce, he re­turned into the riuer and tooke againe his mans forme, and [Page 33] knowing that the citie of Pelage might neuer be recouered, he returned poore and wretched vnto his father Titan, of whom I will say a little, and shall tell, how Iupiter began to be amorous on Calisto daughter of the sayd Lycaon, &c.

CHAP. VII. ¶How Iupiter after the discomsiture of King Lycaon, trans­formed himselfe into shape of a religious woman, waiting on the goddesse Diana, for the loue of Calisto daughter of the said Lycaon, and did with her his will.

AFter the discomfiture of King Lycaon, which was transformed into shape of a wolfe, and began to be a rauishour of the substance of men of the countrey, eater of their children, and murderer of wilde beastes, that he oft times assayled by rage of hunger, which constrained him to che­rish and kéepe his miserable life: when the Epiriens saw that Iupiter had vanquished their enimies, and that he abode mayster in the place, they brought him with great ioye and glorye to the Pallace, and sought long Lycaon, first in the place where the battayle had bin, and after that, in the chambers of the Pallace: but they founde him not quicke nor dead, nor coulde heare no tidings of him.

And it happened, that as Iupiter sought him thus from chamber to chamber, he found in the highest tower, the daughter of the king Lycaon, named Calisto, which was passing fayre, yong and fresh of colour. The damosel bewept right sorowfully the lesse of her father, which she had al new­lye vnderstood. When Iupiter saw her so desolate and discom­forted, he set him downe by her and said: Damosel comfort [Page 34] your selfe, and speake to mee, and cease your wéeping. A­las sir (sayde the Damosell) howe should I recomfort my life? The Epiriens haue slaine the king my father. Ought I to take consolation in his ruine? Ought I not to be an­grie? ought mine heart to be without sorrow, my stomake without sighs, and mine eyes without wéeping? An hun­dred thousand infortunes trauerse my bodie, and trouble me: And I sée me so poore a gentle Damosell, daughter of a king, that I desire more death, then life, and am more in wanhope, then in hope.

When Iupiter knewe by the wordes of this Damo­mosell, that shée was Daughter of King Licaon, hée had more great pittie of her then hee had before, for as much as she was Daughter to the king, and saide to her: Damosel appease your heart: I wote well that it is of force that nature acquite himselfe: but yée ought to consider the inordinate workes of your Father, which yée are bound to bewaile. Hee was a lesse reasonable man then a king ought to be. Hee is not dead: he hath put himselfe in some place secret to saue himselfe: his sinnes were too in­famous, and who shall bewaile and sorrow him? The Gods and Fortune haue suffered the ouerthrowe and ca­sting downe of his pride and of his tyrannie. It is a right o­ther wise thing that ye take it: haue patience in his righte­ous aduersitie: For his demerites giue you cause to take pa­tience, where as nature enclineth you to vnpatience: and yet ye ought not to bee vnpatient for his reprehension and casting downe: For, it is so, that the losse of a ty­rant turneth all a Countrey to ioy. O then comfort your selfe Damosell: The outragious sinnes, nor the vnman­ly furours of your Father, nor his shamefull deedes, shall nothing be hurtfull vnto you, nor turne to your preiudice: no man shall mislay nor do to you, nor touch you in any maner of wise, I assure you certainly.

Syr, answered the maide, I thanke you of your courtesies, and of the faire wordes which ye pro [...]er, and [Page 35] say vnto mee. I wote well that my pouertie hath made mee indigne and vnworthie, but since I sée that the in­fortune of my father is irreuocable, and that his infeli­citie is past remedie, I renounce the world, and pray you that it please you to intreate for mee vnto the Epiriens, that I might go yéeld my selfe into the religion of dame Diana the noble Virgin, Daughter of the wise Iupi­ter, sometime king of Attique, and borne in this land. Wherevppon ought to bee remembred, that right anci­ently issued out of Pelage, a wise noble man named Iupiter, of whome Boccace maketh mention in the first booke of the genealogie of Goddes, which Iupiter was King of Attique, who for as muche as hee induced the people to honest lawes, and did first ordaine and halowe marriage: For before that time the ( Atticiens married them not, but vsed women in common) and of this Iupiter came a Daughter named Diana, the which willing to abide in the state of virginitie, made a cloyster in the Woods of Archadie, where shee assembled many Virgins that passed their time, with hunting and chasing the wilde beastes. For to turne to our purpose: this noble Virgin Diana, liued the same time of the subuersi­on of the reigne of Lichaon. When Iupiter vnderstoode of Calisto, that she would yéeld her selfe with the Virgins, he behelde her, and saide vnto her: and howe Damosell be yee so despayred for a little tribulation that toucheth not your person? ye bée young and faire, among none o [...] you that so go into Religion, may growe no fruite of children. Aduise you well, It were better that yee a­bode among the worldly people, that replenish the world. Many women, and also men, enter into Religion in their youth, and repent them in their age. Syr, sayde Calisto, tempt me no more. If there be any gentlenes in you, receiue the praier and request of one so desolate and infortu­nate gentlewoman, more desirous of the health of my soule, then of temporall pleasures. During these deuises, Iupiter, [Page 36] behelde without ceasing this damosel, and could not enough complayne her beautie: for as much as she would into re­ligion, with great paine, when he had heard her answers, and had séene how swéetely she had taken it, and woulde not be turned from her will: he said to her, that her request shoulde bée accomplished. Then he called the Epiriens, and required them that they would be content to suffer this virgin to enter into religion. What shall I say? The Epiriens put the request in the will of Iupiter: and Iupiter did so much, that shée was conducted, and led into the religion of virgins. After, he searched all the Pallace of King Lycaon, and made the Epiriens to seise his richesse. And there Iupiter abode a certayne time, with so great worship, that the Pelagiens and the Epiriens would haue crowned him to be their king: But he would neuer consent thereto: as he that considered ouer his young age, and the variati­ons of fortune, and sayd, that it auayleth more to a man, and is to him more sure, to be made king in his old age, then in his youth, for the diuers perils that may fall. Alway he accorded that he would be Captayne of the realme, and was a man of great iustice, swéete and curteous vnto al ma­ner of people, &c.

This was the first comming vp of this noble Childe. When he had brought in subiection to his pleasance the Pelagiens, he buried the Epirien that Lycaon had murthered, as it is sayde before, and did his obsequye solemnlye, and after he did burne into ashes the Pelagiens, that had béene slaine in the helpe of Lycaon. And after that he sent word, and did all these things to be knowne and shewed to the Epi­riens that were left at home in Epire, as to the King Melise­us: whereof all the Epiriens, and the king Melliseus gaue thankes vnto their goddes. But for as much as I muste tell all: after this he gaue not his heart and courage so much to accomplishe these thinges, but that otherwhile hée gaue himselfe to remember and to thinke on the beautie that hée had séene in the religious Calisto, whereby the sparkles [Page 37] of loue enuironed strongly his heart, in such wise that day and night, hée wished her in his armes, and repented him that he had consented that she went into religion. And so laboured in this maner, that his rest in the night was taken from him, and he was not nowe his owne man, so encreased he to loue and desire this virgin: and for to sée her, he made hir pastime to haunt the wooddes, and continually to hunt the wilde beastes in the Forrest with Dame Diana, where, by Fortune and aduenture otherwhile hée recountred and mette the maide Calisto. And when hée had once séene her, that day hee was all ioyous. And if he sawe her not, hee had aboundaunce of many thoughts, that ranne readily in his minde. I may not all day tarrie on this matter. Hee thought still howe he might come to the grace of this reli­gious Calisto, and all thoughts reduced and brought into one, he concluded on a day in himselfe, that hee would put him in the habite of a religious woman, and would go into the Cloister of dame Diana, faigning to be a woman, and re­quiring to be receiued with the virgins.

This conclusion taken and ratified in Iupiter, by ma­ny deliberations in diuerse dayes, hée did make his wo­mans cloathing by a sec [...]ete workeman, which promised him to kéepe his secrete [...]. When his cloathing was made, he assembled the Epiriens in [...]euening, and tooke his leaue of them for a certaine time, saying: that he would go alone, for to doo certaine secrete things. The Epiriens were all dismayed and desolate, when they heard the intention of Iupiter: and prayed to the gods that they would conduct and spéed him in his iourney: requiring him instantly, that he woulde returne shortly againe to them. And he promi­sed them that hee so would: and then hee withdrewe him into his Chamber, and tooke the keyes of the great gate, and on the morrow betimes, when he was arayed and dressed in the vesture and cloating of a mayd, he departed from thence alone, and entred into the woodde, and so behaued himselfe that hée came to the habitation of the religious maydens. [Page 83] Iupiter had yet no beard, and was white and fayre coloured in the visage. When he came vnto the religion, he knocked at the gate, and then came to him a passing fayre mayde na­med Athalanta, that after was wife vnto the king Melea­ger of Achay. And shée demaunded him, what hee would. Iupiter aunswered: noble virgin, Alas I am a poore woman of a noble house: I haue auowed to the gods my virginitie: I pray you that you will present mee vnto the Ladie of this place, to the ende that I might serue the gods, and be of the number of the other virgins. And, if it please the goddes, I shall deserue it at your hands. Athalanta moued with com­passion to the maide, accorded him his request, and presented him to Dame Diana. Iupiter spake all so swéetely and de­murely, and made so humble and feminine manners, that he séemed properly to be a maide. Diana be helde him well and long, and said, that she had neuer séene so faire a maide, nor so great: and then welcommed him, and receyued him. Then Iupiter thanked Dame Diana of her grace, and Atha­lanta of her courtesie, and had good hope in his enterprise, when he sawe himselfe so soone receyued without knowing. Then Iupiter began to learne to spinne, and to worke in silke, and to do the exercises of maydens. And it became him as well as he had béene a mayd. He was humble, and of soli­tarie conuersation: he laboured with his handes, with his eyes, and his heart: with his handes hee made corporall workes, with his eyes hee behelde oft tymes secretly the beautie of Calisto, and with his heart, imagining and plotting howe and by what meane hee might beguile and deceyue Calisto, hee oft tymes conuersed, and fellowshipt with her.

His heart was alway in right great paine: otherwhile he was moued with great heauines, and otherwhile in com­fort & hope to spéed well: and wist not what to say nor do, for­asmuch as shame and dread were more in him than hardines. What shal I say more he was lōgin this pain, more doubtful & shamefast thē hardy. But in the end he aduētured himself, [Page 39] and finding on a day Calisto beside a well where she refre­shed her, as she that was weary that had runne long with dame Diana, chasing then and hunting a wilde beast: hee sate him downe by her and saide: My sister Calisto, I yéeld me to thee, and to thy grace. I am a man, and no woman: thy beautie hath ouercome my courage. For to come to the point where we he now, I haue clothed me like a wo­man and a maid. Alas I require thée, that thou receiue me vnto thy loue, so shall we liue togither in the religion, and we shall take our sports and pleasures. A man hath nothing in this worlde but his life. They that haue more pleasure then that, they be iudged so much more fortunate and hap­pie. Thou hast withdrawen thée thither for displeasure: and loosest thy flourishing youth. Calisto, I cannot inough complaine, nor bewaile this dammage. I may not prayse thée inough, I haue bin so desirous to find thée in secret pla­ces, that the force of my will hath made me do this, and that I haue enterprised this aduenture, hoping in fortune that she shall giue me grace, & suffer our youthes to be vsed togither secretly. For we may commune togither the one with the other, without knowing of any person, not only in the cham­bers, but also in the bushes of this wood. O my sister, take héed what I say: and as I receiued and furthered of late thy request, I pray thée receiue and allow the request without disdaine, of him that thou maist sée is very louer of thée.

When Calisto had heard Iupiter and knew that he was a man, she was afraide, and rose vp, wéening to haue fled, but she might not, for Iupiter held her fast by the clothing, and made her to sit downe by him, clipping her about the necke, and kissed her by force, so much that Calisto cried out and said. O Iupiter, what folly is this? wéenest thou that I am so to bee ouercome of thy flattering wordes? I had much leuer the earth woulde open, and swallow mee vppe into his wombe. My sister (answered Iupiter) there is no re­medie that may let that my will bee accomplished? yee shall do my will and pleasure, be it by force, or be it by loue. [Page 40] with these words Calisto began to crie with al her might: and Iupiter began to accomplish his pleasure of her. There was neither man nor woman there abouts that heard it, notwithstanding that the crie of Calisto was great. So Iu­piter did his will of his bodie, and knew her fleshly, and en­gendred on her a son. After, he comforted her, and promised to helpe her in all thinges, and to take her to his wife, if she would returne to the world with him. But his faire spéech, nor his promises might not comfort her, nor for nothing that he could do or say, he could not come into the grace of Calisto. And alway she sware great oathes, that shee would complain vnto her mistresse Diana. And made so much adoo, that Iupiter departed from her all displeased for her displea­sure. And then he went by the woodes, thinking what was him befall, and also what he had to do.

CHAP. VIII. ¶How Calisto, for asmuch as she was with childe, the god­desse Diana put her out of the order, and of her company.

AT this time began to rise in y ^e mind of Iupiter many thoughts, & for the better, he concluded in himself to returne to Pelage from whence he came. And then, for because that hee was displeased with himselfe for the enfor­sing of his Ladie, dame Calisto by loue, hee departed from the wood, and so hasted on his way, that hee was on the morne among the Epiriens in his first habite. When the Epiriens sawe Iupiter come againe, they made him right great chéere, and great honor. And the same day Iupiter fained him, that he would go on hunting, and so went and found means to speake with Calisto, and required her that she would be his loue: but she in no wise would as­sent to him. He returned from the chase so gréeued, that for to passe his melancholy, he departed out of the country. The [Page 41] fourth day following after that, he ordained there folke that gouerned the people, and returned into the house of king Melliseus, who receiued him as his son, and there he dwelled a long time without aduentures, whereof any mention is made: and also Calisto dwelled in peace a while: and when she heard tell, and vnderstood, that Iupiter was gone, she was passing ioyous, for she had leuer haue him far then nigh: al­way the time passed, the fruit of her wombe grew: and the day came that Diana and Athalanta, with other virgins, per­ceiued that she was with child: wherfore they assembled al in their Chapyter, and called Calisto, and then spake Diana to her, and said: Calisto my daughter, thou hast done fornica­tion with some man, this fornication is not excusable: The virgins of this place be sorie for thy sinne, and haue abho­mination of thy shame. For this cause it is of force that thou departe out of this house: thou shalt be no longer their fel­low. Thou hast made thy selfe worthie to depart, by the breaking and loosing of thy virginitie. Take thine array, and go thy way into some place, where then maist be deliue­red of the fruit that resteth in thée, for thou shalt no longer be héere within.

When Calisto heard the goddesse Diana, and knew that she said truth, great teares fel from her eies, and wéeping by great aboundance, excused her vpon Iupiter, rehearsing the abuse and violence that she had. Diana and the maidens had great maruaile of Iupiter, that had them so deceiued. Calisto cried her mercie right humbly, and many times offered her selfe to the correction of the maidens. This notwithstan­ding, albeit that she was held excused, they receiued her not to mercie. She was condemned to go out of the cloyster: and so much went the matter fort of that the poore religious wo­man departed from thence all bewept, and so ashamed, that she would not go to no towne, citie, nor house: but in a déepe caue that she had seene afore time in the wood. And first she made her prouision of hearbs and rootes, for as much as the winter was comming. After she entred into the caue, and [Page 42] there she held her so lōg time as the beare holdeth him in his den: wherefore the Arcadiens fayned, that she was turned in­to a beare. And it is not to be forgottē, that during this time she was deliuered of a sonne, which she named Archas. This child was great and huge of members. Calisto nourished him among the wilde beastes, with rootes, fruites and hearbes, and of the proper meates and prayes that the cruel and ter­rible beasts liued with▪ and there was no beaste that did him any harme, nor none was so hardie to do him any gréeuance. And he was so cruel and fierces that at the age of seuen yeare, as his mother angred or troubled him on a day, he lifted vp himselfe against her, and would haue slaine her. In so much that Calisto was constrained to flée before him by the bushes, and to issue out of the wood, and go to Iupiter, which at that time was in the citie of Pelage.

Are has pursued Calisto his mother vntill he came within the citie, and so forth entred after her into the Pallace, and held in his hands two great round stones. When Calisto en­tred into the pallace, by aduenture she encountred and mette with Iupiter, whom she knew: and she knéeled downe on the earth before him, and required him with afrayed spirite, that he would do her iustice of her sonne that would flea her. Iu­piter that nothing knewe Calisto, for asmuch as she was euil clothed and halfe wilde and sauage, behelde the chylde, and made him be taken, and after he demaunded Calisto what she was? Sir (said she) I am' Calisto, that for thy sinne was long since banished out of my religion. I haue had this childe of thy séede, such as thou seest, this is thy sonne. I haue nou­rished him seuen yeares in the forrest among wilde beasts. He now would slea me, for asmuch as I haue angred him: I pray shée saue my life. When Iupiter heard these wordes of Calisto, he was right glad and ioyous, for it was sayd that she was dead; and he comforted her the best wise he could. Af­ter that he called Archas, and made the peace betwéene him and his mother, and did cause him to be clothed and reteyned him in his palace. And thēceforth the same Archas gouerned [Page 34] him so wel and so wisely, that at the prayer and request of the Pelagiens, Archas was made king of the countrey.

CHAP. IX. ¶How Titan assayled by warre his brother Saturne, for as much as he had not put to death all his Children males. &c.

IN this time that the young Archas was crowned king of Pelage, and that he named the Cytie Archadia after his name, the king Saturne was so great, and so puissaunt, that for to ample and increase the splendor of his natiuity, he named himselfe Saturne sonne of heauen, and of earth. But then as he began to study how and by what maner hée might exalt the splendour of his felicitie by diuine misteries, fortune turned her backe to him warde. And as there is no­thing in earth that may abide and endure: so it happend that Tytan was all acertained, that y ^e quene Cibell had diuerse men children that she did cause to be kepte secretly, and so had saued their liues. Boccace that recounteth this histo­ry, in the fourth booke of the genealogie of the goddes, sayth not by what meane. Titan knewe this thing alwaye, eyther by suspection or by enuy that he had of the glorye of Saturne his Brother, or by secret aduertisement, Vnder this colour, he determined in his courage, that he woulde assayle Saturne by armes, and for this cause he did assemble on a daye al his sonnes, and them required, that they would ayde and helpe him to get the land of Crete, saying that hée woulde make warre against Saturne his Brother: and that by right and iuste tytle he had good cause, for he had not put to death dyuerse men children that his wife Cibell had conceyued of his séede, like as he had promised and sworne.

The children of Titan, the one was Lycaon: y ^t at this time was no lōger wolf nor king of Arcadia, another had to name Tiphon and was king of Sycilie and of Cipres: the thyrd [Page 44] was called Briarius, and was king of Nericos, the fourth was named Ceon, and was king of the Ile of Cea, the fifth was named Egeon, king of the Sea Egee, and of the Ile desart, and the sixt was named Eperion, king of Plipheros. When they had heard the will of their father, that had purueyed them all these Realmes, that hee had conquered after his departing out of Crete, they desiring to please him, and co­ueting the recoueraunce of their auncient heritages, that were then of great renowme, sayde to him as by one voyce, that they were readie to accomplish his good pleasure, and to go into Crete with armed hande, and sware that they should constraine Saturne to séeke and fetch his sonnes, and persecute them with his hand vnto death.

The olde Titan had in his heart great ioy, when he be­helde the frée and great courages of his sonnes. And there they promised and sware togither, that they all should im­ploy them to the recoueraunce of their heritages. After which communication, they ordayned in such wise, that they gathered them togither at the port of Sicill, and sent vnto their Lordships to assemble men of Armes, and of warre. They went and made such diligence, and so exployted, that there were assembled great armour and harnesse, and much people at the sayd port. And when the day was come, they so desired to labour this matter, that they departed from Sicill with a great host, and tooke the Sea, and so made their iourneys with good spéede, that in fewe dayes they sayled vnto Crete, at the port arriued and tooke land. And then entring fiercely into the land, they destroyed and wasted all afore them so cruelly, and continued in their warre so mor­tally, that they came vnto the Citie of Crete, where King Saturne dwelled and was resident: and then Saturne was aduertised of their comming and discent. And Titan that might no further passe without battaile or assault, sent to Saturne a letter, whereof the tenour followeth. O Saturne glutted with worldly he [...]our, and couetous of glorie: for as much as thou art occupter of the seignorie that by right be­longeth [Page 45] to me Titan thy Lord and elder brother: further­more, because thou art fals [...]ie periured, for thy wife hath di­uerse men children that thou hast not put to death, in like wise as thou wert bound: knowe that I am come to take possession of thy kingdome, not appertaining to thee, but to me. Wherefore, come to mercie, and méeke thy selfe to grace. Or else make thée sure of thy person, for if it be possible for me, I will come and haue reason of thée.

When Saturne had read this letter, as a man all ama­zed, sent for his wife Cibell, and tooke her apart, and adiured and charged her to say the truth, and tell him what shee had done with his children. With this charge the poore La­die chaunged colour, and séeing that she was constrayned to say the truth, shée saide: Sir, thou knowest that I am a wo­man, the heart of a woman naturally doth workes of pitie. Had not I béene in nature an abhominable monster, if I should haue deuoured with my hande the children of my wombe? where is that mother that will murther her chil­dren? Certes, my hand was neuer man-slear, nor neuer shall be. I haue erred against thy commaundement, in the fauour of nature: and since it must néedes be so, I had leuer to bee murthered then a murtherer: and to be named pitious, then cruell, for murther is crueltie appertaining to vnreasonable beastes, and to tyrants: and pitie is naturally appertaining to a woman. And therefore I confesse to haue borne thrée sonnes, conceyued of thy séede, which I haue caused to bee nourished secretly: but demaund me no further, for where they bée, they shall liue, as long as it pleaseth fortune, will Titan or not: and there is no death whereof any woman may bée tormented with, that shall make the places to bée discouered where they be.

Saturne hearing these wordes of his wife, was so asto­nished, that hée wist not what to aunswere. Notwithstan­ding, for the better, he assembled all the wise men of his Ci­tie, and to them said: My brethren and friends, what is best to be done? Titan my brother hath begunne warre in this [Page 46] Realme: my wife hath confessed, that shee hath receiued of mee three Sonnes, which shee hath nourished in a straunge lande, vnder the colour that I shoulde not flea them. Titan assayleth mee. What shall wee do? Syr, aunswered the wise men, where force is enhaunced by o­uer great presumption, there must bee policie to conduct wiselie, and to put the hande to withstande it. Thou hast a strong Citie, and fulfilled with great people: thou art wise for to gouerne them: put thy selfe in armes, and take no regarde to the quarell of Titan. A man is not woorthie to bee a King, but if it be in his vertue and gen­tle manners. Crete was neuer Realme but nowe. Ti­tan hath béene all his lyfe inclined to vyces, and is all wrapped in sinne, in which purpose hee séeketh to come to thy Crowne▪ If hee extoll himselfe, thou must debase and put him downe. This is the remedie, helpe thy selfe, and we shall helpe thee. He that flyeth, causeth his enemies, to chase him. Thus nowe it may not be eschewed, but wee must withstande and assault our enemie, and that couragiouslie. For what a man may do this day, let him not put it ouer till to morrow.

Arme thée then well and surely, and assayle from thy Citie thine enemies. If thou so do, thou shewest thy courage to bée aduaunced greatly,, and not lightly to bée o­uercome by any: and so thou mayest abate somewhat their pride and presumption. If thou behaue otherwise thy selfe, and let them take their rest, that shall bee matter and cause for to encourage them: vpon which they will waxe proud, hoping to come to their purpose, which shall bee to thée more harming then auaylable: For courage and hope oft tymes (men say) make men to attaine to become con­querours great and hie. Notwithstanding, thou art king: thy will be accomplished and fulfilled.

Saturne aunswered and sayd. Brethren and friends, it were great shame to vs and our Citie, if we suffered it to bée dissipate and destroyed. It is of force that the [Page 47] warre be begunne and open, and euerie man dispose him to saue his worship. Titan assayleth mine honour, and requi­reth my dishonour. Since it must bée that of this matter the armes and warre bée iudges, wee shall arme vs this houre, and pursue the intertainment of the right good aduenture of Fortune that shall come to vs. And my heart telleth mee, that as sodainlie as our enemies bee en­tered into this lande, as sodainlie wee shall make them to go and issue out agayne. With this answere all the wise and noble men of Crete tooke great pleasure.

Then Saturne gaue the aunswere to the Messenger of Titan, and sayde vnto him: if Titan, returned not within two houres, that hee would come and take the battell a­gaynst him. With this aunswere the Messenger returned to Titan, and tolde him the intention of Saturne. Titan swore then that hee woulde neuer turne backewarde, till hee had attended and abiden the battaile. Saturne was a man of great valour, and hie will. When the Messenger of Titan was departed, hee made sownd to Armes, at which sownd the young and olde armed them, and made them readie. What shall I make long processe? in short tyme they were readie at the poynt: and when Sa­turne sawe that his enemyes made no semblance to mooue, hee went and ascended into his Chayre (for in this tyme the Kings went to battaile in Chayres.) After hée issued out of his Cittie, and raunged his people about him, and anon after hee caused them to march agaynst his brother Titan, &c.

As soone as the Titanoys saw the Saturniens come, they were right glad, and made themselues the greatest chéere of the world, and moued themselues ioyously against them: and with a great crie, they had great shéelds of trée, maces & pol­lares, and guisarmes of strange fashions, and they were all on foote except Titan, and his sons, which as kings had their Curres and Chayres, in which they were brought and car­ryed, not by the force of horse, but by the puissaunce of men. [Page 48] They approched so nigh, that they came to fighting, and be­gan to fall to worke: then the archers of king Saturne be­gan to draw and shoote, and made the Tytanoys to stay and stand as long as their shot dured, and slew and hurt many of them. When the shot failed, the Tytanoys, that had great sorrow for to be so serued of the Saturnyens, ordered them­selues again, and swore the one to the other, that they wold be auenged, and came forth and fought hand to hand: in which they bestirred them so eagerly, that for the noyse and dinne that their axes and guisarmes smote vppon their shieldes, it séemed as it had béene thunder. At the encounte­ring then the battaile was right fell: Lichaon, Egeon, Ce­on, Tiphon, & Encheladus, were in the first front: there was many a shield broken, with the weight of clubs and polaxes, and many heades broken. Ceon and Tiphon, at the begin­ning maintained themselues right valiantly, and conducted their folke all within the battaile by the rigour of their strokes, insomuch that whom they met of the Saturniens, they beate them downe. By their well doing they were knowen and doubted of their enemies, insomuch that Saturn made his chaire to be led out of the way, for the great bruit and noyse that they made about him. There was great effu­sion of bloud, for the Tytanoys did what they could to haue endured in their bruit and crie: and the Saturniens with Sa­turne laboured for to abate it and breake it. And so the com­ming of Saturne was cause of prowesse vpon prowesse, and and of many one dead, and they intended one and other so busily to their worke, that the most part of the day they fought so, that none might glorie for victorie, nor be troubled for discomfiture. But in the end when the Tytanoys sawe the sunne decline, as couetous of glorie and of worshippe, at one crie that Titan made, vpon Saturne, Lichaon and Egeon, with many other enclosed about him (he being from his company, his chaire broken by force of polaxes) and gaue him many wounds: and finally they tooke him, and brought many of the Saturnyens to death, and ouerthrew them in dis­comfiture. [Page 49] And that worse is, they were so discouraged, when they vnderstoode that Saturne was taken, that they lost the vigors and strength of their hearts, and the might of their armes, & turned their backs and fled all so out of order, that the Titanoys entred with them into the Citie, and tooke it, and wanne it without any resistance, beating downe the people, with great murther of men, women, and of small children.

At this time men might sée the Ladies and Matrones of Crete, take the dust, and cast it into the ayre, and runne by the stréetes, nowe here, and now there, all without ker­chiefes, with theyr haire hanging about their heades, ca­sting away their attyre, and their little Children crying after them. The wise men of the Towne, séemed out of their wittes, and the Citie was so troubled, that they might not be more. Among all other, Cibell, Vesca, and Ceres, made great sorrow likewise, without ceasing: for Titan, that ne­uer loued them, came then into the pallace, and put in prison Saturne and his wife, and swore they should neuer depart thence, till they had put to death all their sonnes that were come of them. And furthermore, Titan did cause himselfe to be crowned king of Crete. So auailed not the infinite prai­ers and orisons that Dame Vesca made to Titan, in the compassion of her sonne Saturne, and of Cibell, for theyr deliuerance: nor the fayre speaking of Ceres, nor the teares mooued of charitie, were of no value. The more praiers that they made vnto Titan, the more found they him vncourte­ous, fellon and hard hearted. Hee did execute and put to death all them that helde or were appertaining to the partie of Saturne: and by the space of foure dayes vexed and troubled Crete, in robbing and shedding the bloud of the Citizens: and he persecuted not onely the men, but [...]o women and children, and tooke theyr goods, and departes among them that helde on his partie. When Vesca sawe all these things happen in the Citie, and that her sonne Titan gouerned him so maliciouslie, and alway woorse [Page 50] and woorse, without any compassion on the people, shée came to the prison where Saturne and Cibell were, and said to them with a mouth voyding dolorous sighes. Alas my children what will ye do? What shall become of you? How shall ye be saued? The land of Crete is not only drow­ned by the teares and wéeping of your best friendes, but with their blood, and with the blood of their wiues and children. And the heart of Titan is so terrible hard and indured, that ye shall die here in miserable paine, or ye must put your sonnes to death. Since it is so, it is better that they be put to death, and that ye send to séeke them, when for your life is none other remedie.

The anger of Cibell was right aspre and sharpe, to heare the sorrowfull tydings, insomuch that her heart fayled, so as Saturne and her mother thought she would haue dyed When she was come againe to her selfe, she cryed and said. Ha my mother, what say ye to vs? Haue we so great paine for to kéepe our children, and that wee should this houre a­bandon them to the death? Shall I vse treason to my chil­dren that begin to flourish in right cleare fame? That shall neuer be (if it please the goddes) I had leauer die. Iupiter my sonne hath a great name, and hath wonne the loue of the Pelagiens, and of the Epiriens: all the worlde prayseth him: and holdeth him one of the valiauntest men of the world, he is my sonne, I shall send to him, and let him haue know­ledge of the miserie that I am in, by the Damosell that bare him vnto the Mountaine of Oson, and shall require him of succour, and I hope that he is a man of so hie courage, and so fortunate that he shall succour her that hath done him that merite that is worthie to haue his succour, and that saued him in his tender dayes: and my heart telleth me that hee shall receyue by this tyding a right great ioy, in knowled­ging the place of his natiuitte. For more greater ioy hée may not haue come to him, then to knowe that hee is the first sonne of the auncient house of Crete. And this shal turne to him a soueraigne gladnesse, when he shall see thal [Page 51] he is required to come and make the recouerance of his fa­ther and mother, and of his countrey.

CHAP. X, ¶Howe Iupiter with the ayde of King Meliseus of Epire, deliuered Saturne his father, and Cibell his mother, out of the prison of Titan: and howe hee slue Titan in bat­taile.

WHen Saturne and Vesca had heard Ci­bel so speake, Vesca sayd, that her aduise was right good, and Saturn was al asto­nied, for he thought that Iupiter, that he had séene at diuerse times with King Mei [...]seus, should in no wise be his son, so hardly hee could beléeue it, and giue faith vnto the words of Cibell, and said, if Iupiter would succour him, he were the man to do it, and that he was content that Cibel shuld send to fetch him as she had sayde. Then Cibell sent for the Damosell that knewe all the guiding of Iupiter, and gaue her the charge to go vnto him, and to dispatch this businesse. This Damosell ioyous of this Ambassade, departed secretlie, and taryed not till shee came vnto the house of Meliseus, and finding there Iupiter with the King, after the reuerence made, she addressed her spéech to Iupiter, and saide to him: Iupiter reioyce and bee glad, I bring to thée tydings of gladnesse. For among other sorrowes, fortune that hath holde [...]ee long time ignoraunt, and not knowing the place of thy right noble natiuitie, hath now certainly layde open the discouerture and knowledge of the same ignorance, and will that thou knowe, that thou art the first sonne and heyre of the King Saturne, and of Dame Cibell. The King Saturne thy father, as euery man knoweth long since made an oath vnto his brother Titan, that hee would [...] [Page 52] slea all his children males that should come of his séede: for which cause the day of thy natiuitie, he commaunded that thou shouldest be put to death: but thy mother had pitie of thée, and for to saue thy life she sent thée secretly vnto this house, giuing thy father Saturne to vnderstand, that she had done execution on thée. And so for to eschue the furors of thy father, thou hast béene here nourished all thy dayes, and knowest not thy selfe what thou wert, and nowe thou art certaine. What ioy is this to thée? certainly great. And thou oughtest to go ioyously vnto thy father and mother, presenting thy selfe vnto their grace: if it were not that af­ter these tydings of ioy, I must néedes shewe vnto thée (Iupiter) other tydings: and that is this. Thy mother that hath saued thée, thy vncle Titan holdeth her in pryson, with Saturne, for that that she hath nourished thée: and hée hath ouercome and vanquished thy father in battaile late­lie, and taken from him his Realme: and yet more, hee will put them to death. Wherefore they pray and require thée, that thou haue pittie of them: and that thou wilt em­ploy thée to go and deliuer them out of the daunger that they be in at this day.

The King Meliseus and Iupiter hearing these tydings of the Damosell, maruayled them right greatly: and Iupi­ter was right ioyous when he had vnderstoode, that he was sonne of King Saturne: and on that other side, he was sore vexed of the troubling of Crete, and thanked the Damosell. And after that he turned him vnto the king, and said to him: Sira yee may nowe knowe and vnderstande, what I am, and of what house, as this Damosell witnesseth. My father and my mother be in the hands of their enimies: I pray you in their fauour, that ye will helpe me to succor them: and that we go hastily, oppressing him that hath oppressed them: & I haue a singular hope and trust in fortune, that she will helpe vs. Faire sonne (aunswered Meliseus) knowe that I haue more ioy in the recoueraunce of thy lynage then I can shew or make semblant of, and in signe of this, I promise [Page 53] to helpe thée asmuch as in me is possible. And then Iupiter assured the Damosel, and swore vnto her, that he would put him in armes against Titan: and had her returne vnto Sa­turne and Cibel, and to comfort them in hope of right short succour. The damosel departed from thence, with the words of Iupiter, and returned in to Crete, and told vnto Saturne and Cibell, all that she had doone. Anon after the Damosell was departed, Iupiter sent for Archas his sonne hastily, with the Arcadiens, and also sent for the Epiriens and the Parthe­nyens, with them of the Citie of Analcre. All these people loued Iupiter with great loue, and came at his commaunde­ment in great number of men of warre. Iupiter welcomed them as wel as he could, and told them the cause why he had sent for them: and tolde them that he was Sonne vnto king Saturne. After these things he did cause to be made ready all things that were necessarie vnto his Host: and so they de­parted from the Citie of Oson, with a right fayre companye of men of armes, vnto the number of six thousand fighting men: and so well sped, that in short time he brought them within a mile nigh the Citie of Crete.

And there Iupiter would tary vpon the toppe of a Moun­tayne, and called to him his s [...]e Archas that then had but thirtéene yeare of age, but he was right wise and well bespoken, and gaue him in charge, that he should go in­to Crete to giue summons vnto y ^e king Titan, that he shuld go out of the Citie, and deliuer to him his father Saturne, with his mother Cibell. The young Archas (that was hardye and hadde his heart highe enhaunsed) with the word of his father went vnto Crete to the King Titan, to whome he gat him to be presented, and sayd vnto him these wordes that fo­low: Titan, I come vnto thée in the obeysance of my father Iupiter, first sonne of King Saturne, that thou holdest in captiuitie. He hath béene aduertised of oppression that thou hast doone in the personne of his Father and of his mother, and the death of their sonnes: he signifieth to thée by me, that he is sonne of Saturne, and that he is as much [Page 54] thine enemy as thou to hi [...] soui [...]art enemie. Vpon which, I thée [...]non as legat once, twice, thrice, that thou yéelde this Cic [...]io vnto his Father King Saturn [...], and that as ha­stely as thou hast entred therein, likewise that thou de­part [...]. [...] do (aunswered Tytan) thou tellest me tydings that be full of pleasures, and ob [...]ltation, by the which, I knowe by thy wordes, that Saturne hath a sonne yet li­ [...]ring: nor by this meane. I sée clearely, and so seeth all the world, that by good and iust quarell I am made king of this [...] Iupiter thy father knew, that I doubt him not, nor set nothing at all by his comming: and also that I will nothing do after his commaundement, Titan, (sayd Archas) for asmuch as thou abidest in this will, I will no more at this time trouble thee: Make good watch: Iupiter is héere­by, that tarieth for none otherwise, but answer from thée, for [...] his indeuour to recouer this Citie.

With this word departed Archas from the presence of Titan, and returned againe vnto his father. When Iupiter heard the answer of Titan he was full of gladnes, for he de­sired nothing but for to be in armes, and concluded with his people, this on the [...] we he would assault the citie, in case that [...] furnished on him to battaile, A [...]on were there [...] and leaues, and tabernacles: the O­ [...] [...] the A [...]tadiens and the Epiriens, laye vpon the agré ver [...]le and made their hoste to watche: Titan was then in Crete. And it is to wit, when Archas was departed [...] his presence he assembled all his sonnes, [...] these [...] which were to the pleasant and agréeable [...] For they desired nothing but strife and de­bate, and assured themselues to haue victory of Iupiter, as well as they had of Saturne. In the same houre they sente foure spies, to espie the nūber of their enimies [...] made ready their harnesse: these spies wente so fa [...]re, that the sawe the host of Iupiter, ma [...] their report to Titan of y ^• place where his enimies were; and of what number of people they were. After y ^e report of the said spies, Titan cōcluded, for asmuch as [Page 55] his enemie were but a [...] from the Citie, that there shuld make them readie, and go to battaile against them, on the moste early. The night passed fast, and the [...]ay came o [...], and then aboue the sunne rising Titan mounted vppon his [...]haire that was right ri [...]h, and made his Titanoys to range in battaile, and left an hundred within the Citie, for to kéepe it from Rebellion, or from treason, and tooke all the other [...]th him vnder his conduct, and of his sonne [...] and his espies, &c.

Iupiter, that was not idle, had the same houre set all his men in or [...]er: and had then brought all his folke, into a faire plaine, hoping of battaile. And this Titan had not farre ridden, but the sawe the hoste or Iupiter, for this plaine was at disc [...]uer [...] sides, and as farre as each might sée other, each of them full of ioy, enforced him to make shouts and cries, and with great courage they mar­ched the one against the other, vnto the ioyning and smiting of stroakes. Then Iupiter [...] himselfe in the front of the battaile, and [...] his bow in his hand, and his [...] by his side, by his s [...]ting began a [...] that was right fierce: for on the [...] and the other, there were right good archers, and many [...]a [...]ters of polished stones, that failed neuer: and that [...] the cause of the death of many. When the shot and casting of stones failed, they began to go toge­ther [...], and then began of mortall fighting hand to hand, that was so [...] that the breaking of the speares and the this f [...]es [...] welles of Crete, and [...] to the cares of [...] and of Cibell, at the noyse whereof they began to reioyn, for they had a good hope that Iupiter would obtaine the victorie against Titan. This [...] Vesca: we [...] vpper vppon a high Tower that shee might sée into the flée [...] and there shée same the fighting of the battaile. Th [...] ha [...] Iupiter his [...] in his [...]ne hand, and his sh [...]ke in the other, and with his sword h [...]e smote into the thickest of his Enemies, and with his shield hee saued himselfe from their [...]ies. [Page 56] And with one stroke of his sword, he diuided the bodye of Enceladus, one of the sonnes of Titan, and cast him on the ground at the féete of the Titanoys, that were right sory for the death of their felow. Iupiter assayled them right sharply, and one cried slea slea: but he that so cryed was slaine anon by the hands of Iupiter, that destroyed the blood of his aduer­saries. He was strong, fierce, young and boystrous: and of high enterprise. He defended him vigorously as a Lyon, mightily as an Olephant, and egerly as a Tiger, and inten­ded not onely vnto the defence of his body: but to saue and reskew all them that were in peril vnder his charge: he did meruailous things, on all sides the noyse and bruit doubled and redoubled about him. The Titanoys began to be ouer­throwen by great routes: one fell on his shoulders, an other on his shéelde, and he charged so sore vpon them, that his strokes might not be sustained of men, they were so strong and puissant. &c.

This battell was cruell and hardye at beginning for both the two parties, & there were many of the Titanoys, of Arca­diens, and of the Epiriens hurt, dead and cast vnder foote. Ar­chas was there accompanied with fiftie Arcadiens appointed vnto the guard of his body, for asmuch as he was younge: and yet he made and put himselfe to the armes. Meliseus fayled not, nor Titan, Lycaon, Egeon: on the other side also, eche man did his best that he might. I cannot say how many men lay dead on the grounde, us how oftentimes the one set vpon the other: but ye shall vnderstand that there was none comparable vnto Iupiter, in strength, in leading his men, nor in prowes: there was nothing to him impossible. He o­uercame the ouercommers: he flewe the flears: he smote downe the smyters: he put himselfe so farre foorth, and in so many places in the battayle of the Tytanoys, y ^t in a straight he came and found Tytan in his chaire, that ouerthrew the Epiriens with stones and round plumettes, that he cast on them and cryed, Titan, Titan, for as much as he thought that he fought well. When Iupiter knewe that Titan was [Page 57] there, he drewe towarde him, and as Titan aduaunced his arme, for to smite vpon an Epirien, Iupiter lifted vp his sword, and charged so sore vpon his arme, that he smote it off, and departed it from his body, whereof he had great ioy, and cried, Iupiter, Iupiter: and Titan so hurt, had great sorrow, that he fell downe within his Chaire.

At this time the Epiriens began to courage themselues, and the Titanoys were discouraged. Licaon and Egeon were there fast by, where they saw their fathers arme flie into the field: then they began to assaile Iupiter, as men dispayred, and so began a new combate, where much blood was spilled. But notwithstanding the fiercenesse of Licaon that had Iu­piter long time in hatred, forasmuch as he had taken from him his Lordship, Iupiter followed so eagerly to put Titan to foyle, that he brake his Chayre into péeces, by the helpe [...] the Epiriens: and with the sword that he smote off his arms, he departed the life from the bodie of the vnhappie Titan, by a mortall stroke that he gaue vnto his heart; [...] then bent he his indeuour and prowesse to persecute Lica [...] [...] Ege­on, that had giuen to him many strokes and [...]: and he smote with his sword vpon the head of Licaon so fiercely, that the sword went to his heart, wherat Egeon had so great sorrow and dread, that he fled and saued him from the skir­mish: in which skirmish the Tita [...]ois, so vnmeasurably had the woorst, that all were put to death, and to fight in the fields, some here, and some there: one of the sonnes of Ti­t [...] named Tiphon, séeing the discomfiture, came vnto Iupi­ter, and sayd: Iupiter, [...]e here thine enemie: flie not after them that flie: it shall be vnto thee more honourable to fight against me that defieth thée, then to run after the fugiti [...]es: Neuer yet was I found fléeing before mine enemies, nor yet will I. Thou hast slaine Titan my father, and my bro­ther is slain and vanquished by force and strength, and so it behoueth that this Realme must be thine or mine: and now let vs sée who shall do best: if I may I will vanquish thée: and if I ouercome thée, certainly thou shalt not [...]is by glai [...]e [Page 58] nor sworde, but by the water of the [...]ood that runneth all redde, and dyed by the blood of my kinne, to the end that thou drinke of the blood that thou hast made runne out of their bo­dyes, whereof I have great sorrow and griefe: for by the course of nature I ought to take displeasure and annoy thereof, and also to turne to great dispight the displeasure that thou hast done to me, &c.

CHAP. XI. ¶How Iupiter vanquished in the field Tiphon, and cast him in the Riuer, &c.

THis Tiphon was great and full of presump­tion and pride: when he had saide all that say on his heart, Iupiter that had then beheld & vnderstood him, answered to him: vassaile, hast thou no knowledge what rea­son and right the gods & fortune haue done for me? Thou art strong of members: and there procéed from thy heart words more outragious then wise, and forasmuch as thou demandest battel, thou art welcom: make thée ready shortly, and do the best that thou canst, and hast thee, for the cause requireth it. With this word Tiphon smote Iupiter so rudly vpon the head of his shield, that hee dare away a great [...]arter, & made Iupiter to sloupe with the right leg. There were by many Epiriens, that séeing Iupiter so smitten, r [...] and come for to rescue him: but Iupiter would not suffer them that they should helpe him in any case, but bad Meliseus and A [...]chas, that they should follow the chase of them that fled. And thou he began to assa [...] Tiphon, by great vertue [...]ce, in such wise that he gaue him many wounds in his body and thus began the battell of Tiphon and Iupiter: they were both strong and able in the craft of armes, they charged one vpon that other [...]olorously and eagerly. It is no néed that I declare how many strokes the one gaue vnto the other: but [Page 59] I must tel how Iupiter so fought and smote his enemie, that he tooke from him his sword & shéeld: and when he was in that point, he charged him vpō his shoulders by forre of his arms, and bare him to the riuer that was all died with the bloud of dead men: and there he made him die miserably, casting him into the flood with the head downeward, for asmuch as he had menaced Iupiter with such a death. What shal I saye more of this battaile? after the death of Typhon Iupiter wēt agayne to the pursuit of his enemies, vntill the sunne began to decline into the west, and fo [...]owed on by great slaughter: but in processe of time when he saw that Titan and the more people were so feeble and so dispersed by the fieldes that they might neuer arise againe, he sownded the retrayte, and assembled his folke in the best wise he might, and after he tooke the right way to the Citie, hauing great ioye and e [...] ­tation of his victorie. And he had not taryed long, but that foure Cytizens of Crete came vnto him, and to tolde him, that al they of the party of Titan were fled, and that they had taken out of prison his father.

CHAP. XII. ¶How Iupiter and Saturne reconcyled themselues together: and how Iupiter, by commaundement of his father we [...] to destroy the King Apollo of Paphos, and of the [...]edicine of Esculapius. &c.

IVpiter receyued these Citizens and their ty­dings in right great g [...]a [...]es, and desiring with all his heart to be with his father and mother, did so much spéed him that he [...] into Crete: Saturne and Cibel, with V [...], were at the ga [...]e, which receyued him honou­rably, and brought him vnto the Pal [...]ato, where he was [...] with the king Me [...] and A [...], in [...] [...]n [Page 60] that it might be no better. At the comming of Iupiter ma­ny teares were wept for ioy, by dame Cibell and Vesca. Ci­bell kist and beclipt often times her sonne. And all they of the countrie came thither into the pallace, for to feast and worship Iupiter, and also they gaue him many great gifts. And it is not to be forgotten, how Saturne reconciled himself vnto him, and gaue him a state as to his sonne. During these things, the body of Titan was searched among the dead bodies, by the commandement of Saturne, and there was made for him his obsequie solemne, as it appertaineth to a king, and likewise vnto his sonnes that were found dead in the battaile. All the sonnes of Titan were not perished and dead in the battaile: for among all other, Iopetus and Bria­reus were left aliue and fled: That is to say, Briareus was fled into an Ile of Greece named Nericos: and Iopetus fled into a part of Libie, where be inhabited: And he had with him thrée sonnes that he had by his wife, whreof the eldest was named Athlas, the second had his name Hesperus, and the third named himselfe Prometheus. Athlas dwelled in Libie, and Hesperus reigned in Spaigne, and were both vanquished by Hercules, as it shall be saide in the second booke.

For to hold on our purpose: when Saturne and Iupiter had doone the obsequies of the Titanoys, tidings came to Iupi­ter, that Apollo king of Paphos had taken part with them that fled from the battel of the Titanoy. This said Apollo had made aliances with Saturne, and was sonne of Iupiter of Artique. When Iupiter and Saturne heard these tidings, anon Saturn required Iupiter that be would take vengeance on Apollo that was his allie, and that he would destroy his enemies. At the request of Saturne, Iupiter enterprised the warre, and in haste he went and besieged the Citie of Pa­phos, and tooke it with assault, and put to sword and de­struction all the fugitiues that he could finde: and more o­uer, he spoyled Apollo of al hi [...] riche [...], and of his Lordsh [...], leauing him so nakedly, that he departed from Paphos not as [Page 61] a king, but as a poore beggar▪ and fortune was to him so contrarie, that he was constrained to kéepe the shéepe of king Admetus of Thessaly. In this place some men say, that in the time that Iupiter beganne to mount in his reigne, and to embrace honour, Esculapius sonne of Apollo, which was right expert in medicine, and searching one day his aduentures, as he went by a wood side, hée sawe from farre, where an hearde man with his little horne, fought a­gainst the basilisque, that of his nature slewe the people onely with his sight. When Esculapius sawe this, hee greatly meruailed, and tarried, and he had not long abiden, but that the heardman had ouercome the basilisque, and constrained him to withdraw him vpon a Rocke that was there nigh by. Esculapius was all amazed with this thing, so that he wist not what to say: for he thought it was impos­sible for a man to ouercome one so mortall a beast. Then when that the basilisque was withdrawne vpon the rocke, Esculapius went hastily vnto the heardman, and finding that he had on his head a chapellet or garland made of ma­ny diuerse hearbs and flowers, he iudged incontinently that in this foresaide garland was an hearbe of such vertue that kept him from the death, and also from the subtile venime of the basilisque. Then he intreated so, that the heardman or shepheard, gaue him his chapellet or garland, as ignorant of the vertue thereof: and then the saide heardman went againe for to assaile the basilisque: and sodainely with one proper sight of his eyes, the poore shepheard fell dead vnto the earth.

Esculapius was then well assured, that hee had well thought that in the chapellet was an hearbe that suf­fised to withstand against the malicious interication of the venemous eyes of beasts: and with the saide chapellet, he went to the Rocke, and fought so against the basilis­que that hee slew him. Whereof hee had so great say, that a heart aspiring to worship might haue no more. When he had thus doone, he went vnto the heardman, and hauing [Page 62] pitie on him, tooke all the heaths one after another, wher­of the chapellet was made: and put them seuerally each by himselfe in his mouth. And at last he touched onely the leaues of the vertuous hearbe, and brused it in his mouth, so putting it in the dead mans mouth, sodainely he rose from death to life. O maruailous vertue of an hearbe men reade that by the same hearbe, Hippolitus (which came vnto his death by the meanes of his stepmother, who accused him falsely) afterward was raised to life againe, and after hee had beene long dead, and drawne through bushes, hedges, mountaines & thornes, when his bodie was found, and they that found him laide him in a meddow vpon a plat of hearbs like vnto the hearbe wherof is spoken before, by vertue of the same his wounds were healed, and his life was giuen and yeelded vnto him againe.

For to holde on the matter: when Esculapius had raised the heardman or sheapheard, hee tooke the hearbe and the basilisque, and bare them vnto the Citie of Paphos, telling his aduenture, and from thenceforth he raised men from death to life, by vertue of the hearbe, and fought and ouercame basilisques. And for this cause hee gat him so high a name, that Iupiter was displeased at his glorie, and vndertooke warre against him, and slew him: whereof his father Apollo tooke so great sorrow in himselfe, that he enterprised the warre against Iupiter, but Iupiter ouercame him, and constrained him to such an extremitie, that for to hi [...]e his name, hee went and serued the king Admetus of Thessaly, as is sayde before. And thus when Iupiter had vanquished Apollo by one meane or by other, he returned into Crete with great glory, and found there Neptune and Pluto his brethren, and Iuno his sister, that made him good cheare. This Iuno was the most beautifull wo­man and fairest maide in all the countrey. After the re­turne of Iupiter she conuersed with him certaine space of time, albeit they discouered not their mindes at this time, And in processe of sinne Iuno returned into Partheny, with [Page 63] the other virgins which she had bin nourishe with & there abode in many thoughts and desires: and made neuer other prayers vnto the gods, but that they onely would giue here grace for to be wife vnto her brother. And it is not to had forgotten, that as she was strongly set in loue with her bro­ther Iupiter, as much or more was Iupiter firmely in loue with her. For, to see her onely (after that he had sent home all his men of warre into their owne countreyes, and that he had established his father Saturne in his seignorie and Lordship) vnder the colour of deuotion he went often times into the Citie of Parthenie, and tooke pleasure to be with her, &c.

CHAP. XIII. ¶How Iupiter with great ioy spoused his sister Iuno. And how the king Saturne beganne warre against Iupiter his sonne, &c.

ANd as Iupiter was thus busie to solicite the virgin Iuno in the City Partheny, for to haue the better occasion to abide there, he builded a Temple, and didst to be dedicated vnto his mother Cibel, and at last did make an image or sta­tue of a woman in royall attyre, that gaue meate vnto many small images of little children, in remembrance that she had saued the life to her children. And when this temple was perfected & made vnto the dedication, Saturn & Cibel togither came thither, with all the nobles of the countrey, and there made a great solemnitie, that dured 15. daies in great gladnes. And at this great feast and glad­nes failed not Iupiter nor Iuno, for about the ende of this [Page 64] solemnitie the nobles of the countrey treated their marri­age, and the priest of the temple of Cibell assured and be­trothed them together. And anon after, in the same temple their spousals were made and celebrated, with so great glo­rie, ioy, and triumph, that it is not possible to be rehearsed. And Iupiter and Iuno lay together, and engendred a daugh­ter, that they named Phebe. The Partheniens for memo­rie of this marriage, founded there a temple, wherein they set the image of Iuno, in habite of a maide that married her. And alway after that same day that Iupiter wedded Iuno, they made in that temple an annyuersarie, and a great feast, which was helde in manner of a wedding. After all these things, Saturn returned into Crete, and Pluto returned into a part of Thessaly, where he founded the city of Helle, wher­of shall be spoken in the second booke, and Neptune returned into Athens, where the Atheniens made him king, as well for his vertues, as for that he was sonne of Saturne, at that time the most renowmed king of the world.

In those daies, when Saturne saw him quit of Titan, and of his generations, and that he saw his children mount from lowe places into reignes of high Chaires, all his sorrowes vanished away, and then beganne the clearenesse of his reigne to bee peaceable: all doubtes, all dreades, all suspitions were put away: Hée had of the goods of Fortune as much as hee woulde: None was then so hardie that durst conspire against his dominion: hée founde himselfe in peace generall. And it is to bee suppo­sed and gathered by the Reignes of his time, that hee was in so great peace and tranquilitie, that hee might haue finished and ended his dayes in the same, if he him­selfe had not sought to beginne warre: for hee had Iupi­ter his sonne vnto his helpe, at that time the most vali­liant in armes that was in all the worlde. And when Saturne sawe him thus in peace a long time, it happened on a day, when it came vnto his minde, that his God Apollo had prognosticated, that this Iupiter shoulde put [Page 65] him out of his Realme, sodenly there began to engendre in him a mortall hate against Iupiter that had doone vnto him so manye good déedes. And séeing that euerye man helde him in loue, and was busie to please him, he was the more incensed, and gaue credence vnto his cursed prog­nostication: and so he suffred himselfe to bee intangled with so great a follye, that he coulde neuer drawe it out after: and thus he returned vnto his auncient sorrowes, and fantasies, in such wise that he made them appeare out­ward. &c.

When they of Crete sawe Saturne so troubled, the most priuie of his secrete councell endeuoured to comfort him: but it helped nought, nor they coulde not gette from his mouthe the cause of such melancholye, vnto the tyme that hée hadde determined in his hearte that he woulde persecute vnto the death his sonne Iupiter. And then he did cause to assemble his Princes and his councellours, and said to them: I charge and adiure you all, by the names of all our glorious goddes, that ye saye to mée the trouth, and aduise, mée what thing shall, or ought a king to do with a man that he doubteth, by a diuine aun­swere that hath béene sayde to him, that this man shall put him out of his reygne and Kingdome. When they of Crete hadde vnderstoode the charge and adiuration of the King, they assembled themselues at a councell, and there they ordeyned, and appointed one, that for all the other should haue charge to giue this aunswere. Syr, the councell knoweth that long since ye hadde an aunswer of your God conteyning that ye had engendred a sonne that should put you out of your reygne: and that dame Cibell that time was deliuered of Iupiter: the counsel prayeth you, that ye will consider, howe what time ye were depryued of your crowne, and hadde lost it, hée deliuered you, and made you quit of all your enemies. If the cause of your charge and adiuracion touch not this matter, the coun­cell is of opinion, that if the king haue puissance and might [Page 66] ouer him that he doubteth, and that he haue cause euident, a king then ought to make him sure from that man, and frée from daungers.

Certes, sayd Saturne, the aduice of the counsell is reasona­ble enough: and for asmuch as I must declare to you, and say to you what I meane: I am the King that I speake of, and the man that I doubte, is Iupiter my sonne: him I feare and dread much more then the death, in so much that I maye not endure, nor take rest for him: For sléeping I dreame that he riseth against me, and assayleth me in armes, with a great multitude of Arcadiens, and of Epyriens, and resteth conqueror and victorious ouer me: and, waking, I haue alwaye mine eares open for to hearken and espie, if he be aboute to come on me with men of armes: and thus I can haue no solace, pleasure, nor reast, and am a man lost. This considered: I will that he be dead: and I take the culp and sinne vpon me. And, I wil that ye know, y ^t I am your king, and that ye to me owe obeysaunce: and for that, I commaund you, vpon payne of death, that there be not one man that is so hardy to withsaye any thing contrary to my will, and, that each of you be to morrow found readie in armes before this Pallace, for to succour and serue me in this worke, which is the greatest thing that euer shall come to me.

CHAP. XIIII. ¶How they of Crete, when they had heard the commaunde­ment of Saturne, were sore troubled and greeued: and how he gathered his forces against Iupiter his sonne.

WHen they of Crete had hearde the resolution of Sa­turne, they were greatly abashed: for they knewe well, that Saturne tooke this matter greatly to his heart, and that he was a terrible man to offend: And so they [Page 67] knew, that wrongfully he willed the death of his sonne Iu­piter, that had restored him to his Lordship by prowesse and valiance. Many there were that went into an other king­dome, because they would not be with the father against the sonne, nor with the sonne against the Father. But there was no man that durst be so hardy to replye against Saturne, nor say that he did euill, for they dreaded more his ire, then to offend iustice. What shall I say? After the commaunde­ment of Saturne, each man withdrewe him vnto his house, full of gréefe and bitter sorrowe in heart. And there was not one man, but he had his face charged with great gréefe and heauy annoyaunce. &c.

The daye then drewe past: and on the morne, Saturne, ar­med himselfe, and sounded Trumpettes vnto armes. They of Crete arose this morning, and manye there were of them that knewe the intention of Saturne: And also there were manye that maruayled of that that the King woulde do, and could finde no reason wherefore he made this armie: For all Crete was in peace, and all the Tytanoys were dis­parkled, and put vnto destruction for euer. Among all o­ther, Cibell wist not what to thinke: Séeing that Saturne sent not for Iupiter, she demaunded him oftentimes whither hée woulde go, and for what reason he tooke not Iupiter with him in his company? Iupiter was at that time in Parthenie with his wife Iuno.

When Saturne hadde heard the demaunde of his wife Cibell, all his bloud beganne to chaunge, and he sayd to her, that all in time shée shoulde knowe the place that hée woulde go to. Cibell was wise and subtill: when shée heard the aunswere of the King, and sawe the facion of his countenance, her heart gaue her that he had some e­uill will: and she had suspicion that he woulde do harme to Iupiter. Wherefore she went into her chamber righte pen­sife, and at all aduenture shée sent hastelye into Parthe­ny, and signified to Iupiter, that he shoulde departe ha­stely thēce: & that she imagined y ^e Saturn his father would to [Page 68] him displeasure, for he made a right great assemblie of men of armes, and there was no man that could tell the cause wherefore.

CHAP. XV. ¶How King Saturne, with all his great host came before the Citie of Arcadia, against Iupiter his sonne.

IT is to be thought that Iupiter had his heart right displeasant when he had receyued these tydings from his mother Cibel, and although that she warned him by supposing, as she that wist not verilye the will of the king: yet when he considered that he was not sent for vnto his armie, he doubted him and departed thence, and sayd to his wife Iuno, that he would go vnto Arcadia concluding in himselfe, that by this meane he should sée the behauiour of his father, and to what place he imployed his armie. But he was not farre on his waye, when he rested vpon a moun­tayne, and looked behinde him, that he sawe the Cittie of Partheny, that anon was euyroned and full of the men of armes of king Saturne: that gaue to him a great proofe of the aduertisement of his mother. And for to sée what waye he bent his course, he taryed still on the mountayne, hauing his eyes alwayes vnto the Cittie. And anon he sawe his father Saturne mounte into his Chayre, and all his ar­mye issue out at the same gate where he came from, and tooke the same waye that he had taken: And that gaue him verilye to vnderstand and knowe, that his father sought him. And so he departed from this mountaine: and went to Arca­dia, and told vnto his sonne, and to the Arcadiens the cause wherefore he was come, and prayed them, that they would [Page 69] furnish him with good armours, to the ende he might defend their Citie, if néede were. &c.

The Arcadiens, at the request of Iupiter, made ready their armes, and their citie, and sent out espies vpon the way. And anon, after they were come from the Pallaice, the espies af­firmed to Iupiter and Archas, that they had séene the cham­paine countrey, and the wayes of Arcadia all full of men of armes. Anon there was proclaimed in the Citie in the name of theyr soueraigne Lord Iupiter, that euerie man should make good watch, and kéepe his ward. With this crye the Arcadiens armed them with helmets and armes of lea­ther: and went vpon the the walles and towers, hauing in theyr handes Axes, Swordes, Guyfarmes, Glayues and Maces. And they had not long taried there when they sawe come from farre two men of Crete, which came to the gate and asked of the porters, if Iupiter were within? The porter, when he vnderstood what they asked: answered them, that Iupiter was in the Cittie: and if they hadde to doo with him, they should finde him in the Pallace, where he passed the time with his sonne Archas: and, that hée was newly come vnto the towne to visit him. When they of Crete heard this, they were sore troubled: for they sought him that they would not finde. Notwithstanding they went in, and passed foorth vp to the Pallace, and there finding Iupiter with the nobles of Arcadia, after the reuerence made, one of them spake, and sayde: Syr, we séeke thée: and we haue no will to finde thée, for, wée come against our will, to execute a commission, by the which maye sooner come ruine & trouble then peace to Crete and vs. Saturne thy father commaundeth thée that thou alone come speake with him. he hath sought thée in all the places of Partheny. His daughter Iuno thy wife (not thinking e­uill) hath ascertayned him that thou art come hither. Hée is come after thée in armes, and we knowe not what he thinketh to doo: for was neuer so angry, nor sorrowfull, nor so fierce as he is now. We be his seruauntes, force [Page 72] hath constrayned vs in his obeysance, and for this cause wil we thée to appeare in person before him this same houre, all excusations set a part.

When Iupiter had considered and well pondered in his minde the adiournement or summons, with his eyes full of teares, hée made [...]s aunswere, and sayde thus: I mar­uell of the right straunge demeanour of my father: and peraduenture it is not without great cause. His Realme is in peace. I haue put and set him againe in his Realme, he putteth himselfe in armes without my knowledge, and nowe he sendeth for me, that I shoulde alone come speake with him: that is too straunge a thing vnto mee. And, hée behaueth himselfe not as hee ought to do: for men ought to prayse them that haue deserued it, and be of va­lue. I haue auayled him as much as his Realme is woorth: and hee hath other tymes sent for mee to make warre. I wote not nowe what euill will he hath, or may haue to mee. But here he is come with his armie, where he hath nothing to do. And being come, he demaundeth no­thing but me alonely. All things considered and weighed: I haue no reason for to obey his commaundement: not­withstanding that hee is my Father: forasmuch as the suspition is too much apparaunt. But I am content, if hee haue to do with mee, to serue him, and to come to him, vppon condition that I shall bee accompanyed with all my friends that I can get, and none otherwise.

The two Commissaryes, with this worde returned vnto Saturne, and tolde him the intention of Iupiter. Saturne tooke right impaciently the aunswere of Iupi­ter, and approached vnto Archadie, and besieged it, with great oathes making his auowe vnto his goddes, that if hee may haue Iupiter, hee with his handes would make sacrifice of him. And then hee sent for his moste wise men, and willed them, that in fell menaces they should go summon the King Archas, and the Archadi­ens, to yéelde and deliuer him Iupiter: declaring o­penlie [Page 73] and plainly, that hee was more his enemie than his sonne.

The wise men departed from the Hoste, at the com­maundement of Saturne, and did well theyr deuoier to summon the Archadians: and sayde to the King and people of Archadie: we bee come vnto you, forasmuch as yee sustayne Iupiter, whome the King Saturne holdeth for his enemy, telling you if ye deliuer him vnto Saturne, ye shall bee his friendes: and if not, hee doeth you to wit, that ye doe kéepe you with good watch and warde, for hee hath not in the worlde whom hee reputeth greater enemies than you, &c.

By this commaundement knewe Iupiter, that it was hée himselfe for whom Saturne made his armie. The Archadiens assembled to councell without Iupiter, and spake of this matter, and made aunswere to the wise men of Crete, howe they were bounden to serue Iupiter, and howe they woulde kéepe him, and liue and die with him, agaynst all men, aboue all other. When the wise men had their aunswere, they returned vnto Saturne, and tolde him the aunswere of the Archadiens. Anon ha­stilie sore chafed, and enflaming with great yre, hee commaunded, that the Citie shoulde bée assayled. Anon went to Armes they of Crete, in such wise, that they approched the walles and fortes. And when the Archadiens sawe their enemies approch, anon they sounded to armes, and came to the fight, and plyed them to defend theyr walles with great courage. Then was drawne and shot many an arrow, and many a stone cast, and manie bea­ten and hurt, as well within as without: Gunnes, Bombards, he great artillarie was none in this time in the Realmes. Alway they of the Citie had well the craft to cast vppon theyr enemyes burning Brandes, and Oiles and waters boyling with ashes.

And for to doo thus, Iupiter had induced and taught the Archadien people men, and women, that when [Page 07] they of Crete came moste strong to the assaulte, and suppo­sing to haue entred the citie, they were charged with fire, Oyles and scalding waters, that of force constrayned them to go back, with great losse of people and to sound the retrait. Saturne then taking the most sorrow of the world, for that he might not obtaine his will, for that by the walles laye more then foure hundred of his men dead, returned into his Tente, after the assault, passing sorrowfull and desolate: and had so great griefe at his heart, that he could neither eate nor drinke. But this notwithstanding he thought right well on his hurte people, and went to their Tentes, and did cause to minister medicines vnto them that were hurte. &c.

CHAP. XVI. ¶How Iupiter sent his embassadours to his father Saturne for peace. And how Saturne would not heare nor intende to peace. &c.

THe Arcadiens were passing ioyous, when they sawe and tooke héede how they of Crete ceased with shame theyr assaulte, and after the assault and retrait of both sides, alwaye Saturne applyed to heale and giue medi­cines vnto his hurte men. The Arcadiens then assembled a councell, and by great deliberation they sent seuen of their honourable councellours in ambassadge vnto Saturne, of whome the one spake and sayd. Saturne, thou knowest and oughtest to know, that euerie King ought to labour to liue in peace: For, the most fayre thing of the world is peace. Peace norisheth profit: by peace are prospered menne and children: townes and Cities are vnited and knit togither by charytye, and made as one by amorous communication. By peace, Realmes profite, in beautifying and building fayre houses: in labouring and earing the earth and in length of [Page 71] life. By peace, mens bodyes be whole and quyet: and it is that thing that causeth a man to demaund soueraygntie. O Saturne, it séemeth that thou reckest not of this good vertue, for reygning in peace and tranquillitie there is no king nor Prince that dare shewe him against thée. Thou hast not onely troubled thy Realme: but thou art abuser of warre, For to haue peace, a man ought to order and dispose to the warre. Thou doest all otherwise: and regardest not, that thy son Iupiter hath deliuered thée from the bondes of thine other enimies, and hath sette thy Diademe in a suerty of peace, which thou might not do without him? seest thou not, that by making him warre, thou canst not haue peace: and, that thou destroyest and breakest this peace; seest thou not that this is thy sonne by warring against whome thou art a Monster in nature? The fathers naturally do loue their children: and the rude and brute beastes kéepe and holde this condition of nature. Thou séekest and wouldest destroy the bloud of thy sonne. And from whence commeth this vn­naturall appetyte? Might it not satisfie thy cruell purpose and olde errour to thinke on the goodnes and benefit that thou hast receyued lately by his restoring thée to reigne? bée thine interior rancours permanent? Shall thy fantasies ne­uer cease? Wilt thou be in age more foolish and simple then a childe? The more that men growe in age, the more be they wise. Thou hast lesse knowledge now, then thou haddest in thy wildest youth. And from whence commeth this de­faulte? Is this by the heauenly Influence? If it be thus: where is reason? where is equitie? where is the loue of the father to the sonne? knowest thou not that had not Iupiter thy sonne bin, thou haddest bin yet in great darkenes lan­guishing? I signifie to thée, as the aduocate of Iupiter, that he loueth thée as his owne father: and further more, I praye thée, that thou wilt be in peace. And if thou will him no good, yet at least will him no harme, nor encombraunce.

I should soone yéeld to your demaund (aunswered Saturne) if the experience of the life of Iupiter came not to my sight. [Page 76] Sée I not howe hée inhaunceth himselfe the most hee can? Sée I not howe the people by his fayre and fawning woordes owe him more fauour then me? Sée I not that he flyeth from mee? If he be not culpable, wherefore flyeth he? He will say to the people, that hee is innocent. Say ye that he hath nothing done agaynst me? I wote not howe the Ar­chadiens take it: but if I may once set my hande on them, there was neuer so great a destruction as shall come vnto Archadie. And I haue not as nowe anie purpose to de­part from this place, till I haue vtterly razed this Citie that is rebell agaynst mee, and my commaundements. Sir (aunswered the Archadiens) since that fayre spéech may not refraine thy passing great yre, nor restrayne thy warre, beware, keepe thée well from vs, and vs from thée, for the matter shall take his ende by warre. God spéede the right and fortune, we will not long drawe foorth time: it is con­cluded, that the Archadiens and Iupiter will issue to mor­row out of the Citie: and if they finde any that assayle them, they will defende theyr lyues. This speech ended, Saturne turned his backe to the Archadiens, shaking his heade, and the Archadiens returned into theyr Citie, and rehearsed and tolde from the beginning to the ending all that they had done: and by theyr report, it was confirmed, that the day following they shoulde issue out of the Citie, in such wise as they had purposed among them, &c.

Iupiter had great displeasure in himselfe, for that hee sawe that his father was so grieued, and would not bee con­tent: yet notwithstanding, hee doubted not so much, but that he tooke courage to him, and sayde, hee was more hol­den to kéepe his life, then to obey the euill will of his Fa­ther, that hated him at his birth. This night passed o­uer, anon after that the sun cleared & lighted the ayre, about the thirde houre of the day, Archas, Iupiter, and the men of warre of the Citie, went into the field in good or­der: and they were not so soone issued out of the gates, [Page 77] but they were séene of the Saturniens, that waited for them, by the commandement of Saturne. And then began each against other, so great a crie and noyse, that it resoun­ded vnto the mountaines and walles. And then they be­gan to assaile the Archadiens by shot and stones, so eagerly, that when Iupiter sawe there was no other remedie but to fight, hee put him forth foremost in the front before, and so beganne to say to them that sought him, crying with an high voyce, to here is Iupiter, each man do to him what he may.

And thus began the dolorous battaile of Saturne and Iupiter. There was the father agaynst the sonne, and the sonne agaynst the father. There lost nature her fayre and commendable properties. The father sought to spill the blood that hee had engendred: and promised great giftes vnto them that might take him. The battaile was rigorous and hard: and then wrought and fought well Iupiter and Ar­chas, and aboue all, the noble Iupiter imployed so hardilie his Swoorde tempered with stéele, that hée smote downe Shéeldes and Helmes, and cut off heades and armes, and there was no man might resist his prowesse inuincible. Hée made to tremble the most hardiest that were there: hée made retyre, and to go abacke, them that had aduaun­ced themselues more then they had power and vertue to maintaine. Hee brake the wings of the battaile: and in their most strength, he met and encountred manie times Sa­turne his father, and it was well in his power and puys­saunce to gréeue him: but though that Saturne layde on him, and gaue him great strokes and grieuous horions, yet he would neuer smile againe, but sayde to him oft tymes, Alas my father, wherefore séekest thou the effusion of my blood? I am thy sonne, and thy seruaunt. Thou hast no cause to persecute mée. I will not lay my hand vppon thée: but beware and put no affiance in the Archadiens, for if they may haue and get thée in their power, thou shalt find in them little pitie nor mercie, &c.

[Page 47] Saturne notwithstanding these fayre wordes, woulde ne­uer refrayne his yre: but smote euer vpon Iupiter as fiercely as he mought. Iupiter of all his strokes tooke no héede, and set little thereby: and albeit that he had occasion to fight and smite his father: alway he turned his strokes, and had no con­sciens to occupy his sharp sword vpon them of Crete, yet som­times he so laied on that euery stroke without fault was died with newe bloode. And, this he did meaning to shewe Sa­turne that he fought against him in vaine, and that to him was nothing impossible. All these things nothing dismaied Saturne. The cry was great aboute Iupiter, the armes were greatly exercysed, the ground was all couered with the effu­sion of bloud, and the deade bodies lay one vpon an other be­headed and smitten in péeces. O right hard and sore battaile: Saturne was so intangled in his obstinacie, that the bloud of his men wetting his armes by the course of the large woūds that Iupiter made vnto them, might not moderate his yre nor heate. And his eyes were so blynde in his yre, that he sawe not his right euydente dammage: nor how he sought the proper meane, by which he was put out of his Realme, that he doubted, and against which he intended to make re­sistance, and eschewe it with his might.

CHAP. XVII. ¶How Iupiter vanquished in the battaile against Saturne his father: and Saturne fled by the sea.

IN this battayle Iupiter saued oftentimes Saturne among the Swoordes of the Ar­cadiens, and did good against euill: many of them of Crete fought against heart, knowing that Saturne had begoon, and was cause of the warre: and, notwith­standing they put theyr hands to worke, yet the faynte hartednes that they had a­mong [Page 77] them, was cause of the losse of a right great number of people. They doubted Iupiter, and had no power to withstande and fight, so well as they woulde haue done, if they had felt the quarrell good: and by this maner was the batteldemeaned, to the great preiudice of the Saturniens. Iu­piter submitted himselfe to his father, and often times cried in his eare, that hee should withdraw him, or the battaile would be worse, or be lost. Hee withstoode his stroakes a great while, waiting that hee would conforme and con­uert himselfe from his euill opinion. But then at last, when Iupiter tooke héede, and sawe that he would in no wise heare him, he opened and displayed his valour, and the great might of his armes and of his sword, and made such affray vpon his aduersaries, breaking their helmes, and hewing their harnesse, not in manner of a man hauing all day sustained the feare of great stroakes and conflicts of the Saturniens: but in the manner of a Champion fresh and newe, of whome the strokes redou­bled.

Thus then it séemed vnto the Saturniens, that in multiplying of the horions and stroakes, the strength and puissance of Iupiter beganne to reuiue and grow. His well dooing and valliance gaue vnto the Archadiens strength vppon strength: and vnto his enemies great losse of bloud, and also of life. There was the ground be­dewed with newe bloud. There were dead bodies coue­red with new dead men. There was the chaire of Saturne smitten into péeces. Saturne helde a long while the bat­taile, as long as his might would endure: and in no wyse would flée. But in conclusion, whan his men sawe that the warre went with them alway from euill into worse, they beganne to retire, and turned the backe and fled: and then Saturne turned and fled in likewise. Then they were followed in the chase, so sharpely and deadly, that some were slaine in the way, and some saued them­selues nowe heere and nowe there. And among all other [Page 78] Saturne was so nigh pursued by Archas and some of the Ar­chadiens, that he had no leisure to returne into Crete, but was driuen by force, till he came vnto a port of the sea that was thereby, where he saued himselfe by meane of a shippe that hee there found: and there hee went vnto the sea with some of them that fled, so sore gréeued and pensife, that hee might not speake, &c.

Thus this battaile ended, of the father and the sonne. When Archas saw that Saturne was saued in the sea, hée returned to Iupiter his father, and assembled againe his people, and tolde them these tydings, and also he assembled his councell for to wete what Iupiter should do. And they of the councell were all of the opinion, that Iupiter should go into Crete, and that they would make him king: saying, that the gods had shewed clearely, that they would that he should succéede as king in the Realme, which his father was fled from, for as much as they had then no head. To this counsaile accorded Iupiter, and went to Crete by space of time where hee was receiued for king, for the citizens durst not gainesay it, for as much as they wist not where Saturne was become. And although Cibell and Vesca made great sorrow for the misfortune of Saturne, yet they turned their sorrow into gladnes at the coronation of Iu­piter: and sent for Iuno. And then began Iupiter to reigne in distributing and departing vnto the Archadiens the trea­sures of his father, whereof they had great ioy and glad­nesse: and for this cause (say the Poets) that Iupiter gelded and cast his genitoyre into the sea, of whom was engendred Venus: That is to say that he cast the treators of his father into the bellies of his men, whereof engendred all voluptu­ousnesse, which is compared and likened vnto Venus.

CHAP. XVIII. ¶How Achisius had a daughter named Danae, the which he did cause to be shut in a tower, for asmuch as he had an answere, that she should haue a sonne the which should turne him into a stone.

IN those daies when Iupiter of Crete flourished in honor, strength, prowesse, and valiance, in the Citie of Argos reigned the right mightie king Acri­sius, that caused his daughter Danaes to be be shut and kept in a tower. For to know the genealogie of this king Acrisius: in this part it is to be noted, that of Iupiter borne of Archade, and of a damosel named I­sis, came a son named Epaphus: this Epaphus engendred a son and a daughter, the son was named Belus, and reigned in a part of Egypt, and the daughter had to name Libia, & diuel­led in Affricque, where she conceiued a son named Busi­ris, that was an vnhumane tirant, as shal be said hereafter in the déeds of Hercules. Belus then engendred two sons, Da­naus and Egyptus. Danaus had fiftie daughters, and Egyptus had as many sons. And these sons and daughters were con­ioyned together by marriage, wéening Egyptus right well to haue married his sons, but hee was deceiued of his wee­ning, for Danaus for enuie & couetousnes to haue the succes­sion, made that by his daughters, traiterously shuld be mur­thered all the fiftie sons of the said Egyptus, the first night of their espousals, as they slept. And all they consented in this foule horrible crime of sin, except one alone named Hyper­mnestra, which had a stedfast heart of pittie: for, when shee should haue persecuted her husband Linceus, shée saued his life mercifully: and also conceiued of his seed, a son that was named Abas, that after was king of Argos: and he engen­dred [Page 80] the king Acrisyus, whereof is made mention in the be­ginning of this chapter. These were the parents and pro­genitours of king Acrysius: he was right puissant in riches, but he named himselfe poore, for he had no children but one daughter onely, which he named Danaes: and for to haue a sonne, hee went day by day into the temples and oracles of the gods: and there made prayers and sacrifices inough, fa­stings, almesses, and other suffrages. All these things might not helpe to bring to passe the accomplishment of his desire. His wife came vnto her barraine yeares, and hee was out of all hope to haue any childe male, and then he comforted him in Danaes his daughter, and set his loue so greatly on her, that he had no pleasance but onely to be hold her: and hee purposed that neuer man shoulde haue her, but if it were the most noble and valliant man of the world. But for as much as in this world is nothing per­durable, this loue was of little enduring, and that by the procuring of the king Acrysius, for that the loue hee had in Danaes grew in ampliation of naturall ielousie, hee went into the oracle of God Belus his olde Grand-father, and, searching what should be the destinie of his daughter, he did cause him to be answered, that of her should come a sonne that should turne him into a stone.

By this answere, Acrysius beganne to fall from the great loue that he had to his daughter: he returned sorrrowfull and pensiue into his house; and became all melancolike, without taking ioy or pleasure in any thing that he sawe. His daughter was then yong: hee sawe her often times, otherwhile in crueltie, and sometime in pittie. The re­morse of that that he looked to be transformed into a stone, by him that by destinie should be borne of his daughter, moued him to cruelty, in such wise that often times he determined that he would put her to death, and so to spoyle his bloud, to the ende for to remedie his infortune. But when hée had taken in his hand the sword wherewith he wéened to flea her, nature beganne to meddle and put in her selfe be­twéene [Page 81] them and from this crueltie made him to condiscend to pitie, and put awaye his sword, and let the sheading of her blood, that was come of his owne bloud, the which shoulde come vnto the succession of his crowne which his auncient progenitours had ordayned before, &c.

For to saye the veritie: this king Acrisius from thence foorth tooke his rest crossed with many sighes, and could not be assured of himselfe. His daughter grewe, and became a woman: shée was passing fayre, and right comely. Many kings and great earthly Lordes desired to haue her in ma­riage, and would haue endowed her with noble Crownes. But the king Acrisius refused all them that required her, and imagined, that his daughter, for her great beautie, might be taken awaye and rauished, by which she might by aduenture haue a sonne that should turne him vnto a stone. And to the ende to eschewe this perill and daunger, he thought, that hée would make a Tower the strongest in the world, and that in the same Tower shoulde his daughter Danaes be closed and shut, during her life, without coming of any man to her: for he was so ielous of her, that he beléeued her not well when he sawe her. In the ende [...] sent for workemen, and forgers of steele, and of copper, from all parties, and brought them vnto a strong place, [...] enuyroned with waters, where was no entrie but in one place.

When hée hadde brought thither all his workemen, hée sayd to them, that hée woulde haue a Tower made all of copper, with a gate seuerall from the Tower, to put in foure and twentie men of armes, for to kéepe the Tow­er if it were néede. The workemen bargayned with the king Acrisius, to make the Tower and the gate, and sette on hand to the worke: the Tower was made in processe of time: and then when all was achieued▪ Acrisius brought thither his daughter without letting her knowe his inten­cion. And as soone as she was in the Tower, he sayd to her: My only daughter, it is come vnto my knowledge, that in [Page 82] searching thy prosperitie, to my god Belus, I haue bin aduer­tised, that of thée shall come a sonne, which shall conuert and turne me into a stone. Thou knowest that euery man na­turally coueteth and desireth safely to liue in his life. I loue thée passing well, and nothing in the worlde so much excep­ting my life. But certaine my life toucheth mee more néere to my heart, then thy loue: wherefore I séeking and requiring the remedies agaynst my predestinate infortune, would neuer giue thée in marriage to any man that hath re­quyred or desired thée. Also, to the ende that generation discend not of thy bodie, and, that thou shouldest haue no knowledge of man during my life, I haue made to bée framed this tower of copper, and will that thou be closed and shut therein, and that no man sée thée. I pray thée my daugh­ter, accord thée vnto my will and desire: and take patience in this place for to passe thy time. I will prouide to accompa­nie thée with manie noble virgins, that shall giue vnto thée all that thou canst or mayst thinke néedfull, &c.

When the noble damosell Danae vnderstoode the will of her father, she behelde the Tower of Copper made for to kéepe her shut fast there in. And further, when she consi­dered that she should neuer marry during the life of her fa­ther the king, she was sore troubled about these things, and by great bitternesse with sorrowfull heart began to wéepe, and said: Alas my father, am I borne vnder so vnhappie a constellation, for to be a martyresse and prisoner, not in the end of my yeares, but in my young time? not in a prison of stone, or of cement, but in a tower of Copper and Latton, in such wise as I should dwell therein, perpetually? Thou in­terpretest euill the sentence of the God Belus, saying that of me shall be borne a sonne that shall turne thée into a stone: For, by this sentence ought none other thing to be vnder­stoode, but that I shall haue a sonne that shall raigne af­ter thée, and shall turne thée into a stone. That is to say, that hee shall put thée into thy Sepulchre. Beholde, then what simplenesse shall it be to thée to beholde me thus [Page 83] enclosed and shut in this Tower. My daughter (answered Acrisius) thou interpretest the Prognostication of our god Belus after that thée lyketh, to thy ioy and profite. It lyeth me sore on my heart, that if thou haue a sonne, he shall put me to death: and that is my iudgement and feare. Gainsay no more me, I am thy father, Lord, and maister ouer thée, thou shalt abide here, either by loue, or otherwise. At this conclusion when Danae saw that she might not content her fearefull father, as wise and sage as she was, she agréed and accorded to do his pleasure, yéelding to it with the mouth, and not with the heart. And then the king sent for virgins, and also olde matrones in all the Realme about; and deli­uered his daughter vnto them for to accompanie, serue, and kéepe her, and made them all to be shut and closed in with her. After, he tooke his leaue of them, commaunding them vpō pain of death, that they shuld not suffer any man to come and speake with his daughter, without his witting and knowledge. When he had thus done, he returned into the Citie of Argos, and assembled fortie strong women, which he gaue wages, and pay to, and sent them to kéepe the gate, and the entrie of the Tower. And then spread the re­nowme of these things, in so great a sound and noyse, that all Grece was full of the tydings, and there was no King ne Prince, but that complained the losse of the youth of faire Danae, then holden and named the most faire of al the Gree­kish maidens, daughter of the king, &c.

CHAP. XIX. ¶Howe Iupiter, in guise of a messenger brought vnto the Tower of Dardan, to the Damosels, and to Danae, many Iewels, faigning that he came from Iupiter.

BY this Tower, and by this meane Acrisius thought to ouercome his predestinate misfortune, and was well eased that his Daughter was in so sure and safe a [Page 84] place. All the world spake of her, and of her Tower: by com­passion they complained her state, and it was so much spoken of this cause, that Iupiter had his eares full thereof: and not onely his eares, but also his heart: for in hearing the re­commendation of the excessiue perfection of this virgine. Danae, he was amorous of her greatly and desirously, assoone as the mariage of him and Iuno had bin consummated. And then he began with all his heart, to thinke how and when, or in what maner he might come to sée this Damosell Danae. And so much he thought and studied in this matter, that there was none other thing that hée woulde heare of, nor no conferences of his men, saue only of them that spake of the pryson of Danae. And hée spake chéerefullye, and talked with all diligence, couetting instantly to be with her, and that as well in the presence of Iuno, as o­therwise: saying, many times, that he would that the Gods would giue him grace and power to bring this Damosell Danae out of the Tower. &c.

By this meane and these spéeches, Iuno was in doubte, and began to feele the first sparkle of ielowsie, casting infi­nite curses and maledictions vpon Danae, and vpon all them that had sowen those tidings before her husband. This shée shewed not only in couert and in her stomacke, but more openly in the presence of her husbande, shewing euidently that she had the attaint of ielously. This notwithstanding, Iupiter was neuerthelesse desirous for to sée Danae more then hée was before. The maleditions ne curses might not let ne withdrawe his affections which grewe more and more. In the end he found himself so rauished with her loue that there was no more continence found in him. To conclude, hée deuised intencions and conclusions, and purposed to go vn­to the guardiens and kéepers of the Damosell Danae, and that he would beare vnto them so largely and so many ow­ches of golde and Iewels, with money of golde, that hée would turne them with his giftes to accorde to him, and let him enter into the tower of Danaes. Then hée sente for the [Page 85] Iewellers, that were woont to serue his father Saturne, and made them make the most rich Iewels and Owches that were euer séene or thought. When the workmen had made a part, Iupiter tooke them, and laded him therewith, and euill cloathed like as he had béene a seruant, he alone depar­ted from Crete, and drewe him to Argos, the most secretlie that he might, and so went and came séeking the Tower of Dardan. Which he found in an euening, and saw the wals shining, and came vnto the gate, where he found many of the matrones sitting at the doore, for recreation, &c.

When Iupiter was comen, he saluted the Matrones, and said vnto them: Noble dames, the good night come to you. What Tower is this, of so noble and so strong fashion? Fayre sonne, said the eldest of them, ye be not of this Coun­trey, forasmuch as ye knowe not the name of this Tower. Know ye certainly that it is named the Tower of Dardain, and this is the proper place that the king Acrisius hath cau­sed to make for to keepe his daughter the virgin Danae in, which is a Damosell so furnished with all vertues and ho­nourable maners, that her like is not in all this world: But, the poore maid is so much infortunate, that her father Acri­sius holdeth her in this Tower shut, for that he hath an an­swere of his goddes, that of his daughter Danae should bee borne a childe that should turne him into a stone. This is cause wherefore we be and kéepe her that no man may con­uerse with her in no fashiō. And her father is the king Acri­sius, which is so sore smitten to the heart with iealousie, that if he knew of your being here, he would sende to destroy you. And therefore withdrawe you, and go foorth on your way. Iupiter hearing the answere of the woman, gaue no regard vnto her words, sauing that he heard with his eares: for he employed his eyes vnto the marking of the Tower: and séeing that it was impregnable for anie assault, as well for the strength of the place where it was founded on, as for that it was nigh the Citie of Argos, which was right strong: he considered in himselfe, that for to come and [Page 86] sée this mayde he coulde not obtaine but by the meane of these women. And then thus he aunswered to the old wo­man: I thanke you of your good aduertisement: I am much beholden vnto you, but I shall yet say more vnto you, if it please you, I am sent vnto the damosels of this place from the right mightie king Iupiter of Crete, for to deliuer to them certaine presents on his behalfe, Wherefore I pray you, that it please you to giue mee assistaunce to speake with them. When the olde matrone vnderstoode of Iupiter, and that he brought presents vnto the Damosels: she aunswered him, that he was right welcome, and made him to enter in­to a little Chamber (which was by the gate, for to speake therein to their friends when they came to visit them.) And then she went into the chamber of Danae, and there assem­bled all the women of the place, and sayde vnto them. My fellowes, the King Iupiter of Crete gréeteth you well by one of his seruants, whom I haue put into the Chambret of the gate: he hath sayde to me, that he hath brought certaine pre­sents. Sée ye nowe whether ye will receyue them or not: and what I shall answere to the messenger, &c.

The Damosels were right ioyous and glad, when they heard these tydings, and tooke their councell togither, and concluded, that they would take and receiue these pre­sents of the king Iupiter. Then they descended into the chambret, and feasted the messenger, which did them reue­rence, and saide to them: Ladies, and Damosels, your re­nowme is so great, that it hath moued the king Iupiter to de­sire your loue. In signe of which, he hath sent to you of his Iewels, and prayeth you to receiue them in good part, and he recommendeth him vnto the right noble grace of your Mi­stresse the kings daughter. With these wordes Iupiter ope­ned his sacke of leather, wherein were his Iewels, and deli­uered them vnto the damsels: When they had receiued, and saw them what they were, they were all abashed for to sée things so precious, and sayd that they would go and shewe them to their Mistresse. And foorth they went vp into the [Page 87] tower, and shewed their presents vnto Danae: signifying to her, that the king Iupiter recommended him vnto her noble grace. As soone as this noble virgin had séene these Iewels, she saide, that it must néedes be that Iupiter was rich and liberall: and said moreouer, that the gift that he had giuen was more of value then all the Realme of Ar­gos: and also, that she would that the man that had brought these Iewels, where feasted as it appertaineth, and also wil­led that Iupiter should be thanked in her name. Then the Damosels by the commandement of Danae, went to feast the messenger of king Iupiter, the best wise that they might, the most part of the night in eating and drinking. And then came the aged woman that had first spoken with him, and saide to him: My sonne, the maiden Danae thanketh the king Iupiter of the courtesie that it hath pleased him to do her Damoselles: and, shée taketh her selfe greatly behol­den to him, and to you that haue taken the paine to bring them: and if there may please you any thing héerein, spare not this house.

Dame (answered Iupiter) ye do mee too much honour by the one halfe: if there bee any thing in Crete to your plea­sure, aske you it, and certainely ye shall haue it with good heart. And thus they talked so long that it was time to withdraw him thence. Iupiter tooke leaue of the damoselles, and concluded that he would returne into his countrey, on the morrow early. What shall I say more? Iupiter tooke this night as much rest as he might, and had the heart so surprised, that he awoke more then he néeded: for the houre was not come that he attended to speake to Danae. He re­turned secretly into Crete, and caused to be made newe iewels much more rich and more precious then the other were, for to go againe, and present to the damosels. And as soone as was to him possible, he gathered iewels together as many as would loade an horse. After this; on a mor­ning early he loaded an horse with these iewels, and with­out wéeting of any person, with the same he so laboured on his way, that without any hinderance hee came vnto the [Page 88] tower. And there assembled the damosels, and did them re­uerence, and saide to them. Ladies and damosels, the king Iupiter hath you so in his grace, that knowing by the report of me, what feasting and welcome ye made lately for his iewels: hee hath sent vnto you other, and in his name I present to you these iewels that I haue nowe brought: praying that the present may be acceptable and wel thought of: and that it please you to do so much vnto your mistresse that I might a little speake with her, for to aduertise her, if it please her, of certaine secret things that touch her, and wherewith I am charged by Iupiter.

CHAP. XX. ¶How Iupiter in the guise of a messenger, with many iew­els, came the second time to see Danaes: and how he spake and gaue to her in knowledge what he was: and how he lay with her that night.

WHen Iupiter had atchieued his purpose, he shewed forth his merchandise, and when the matrones had vnderstood of Iupiter, that he desired to haue grace to speake with Danaes, they went vnto the maide, by the councell of the olde woman, for to haue her opinion: and co­ming to her, the olde woman spake for them all, and saide: my daughter, the king Iupiter. hath sent hither the burthen of a horse of the most fairest Iewels that euer ye sawe. Certes it is a gallant sight to sée them: notwithstanding wee durst not receiue them, for asmuch as the messenger requireth to speake with you, which is forbidden vs by your father. Consider what wee shall doo: wée be greatly beholden vnto the king Iupiter for his courtesies, but when wee thinke on the straight commandement of your father, we wot not what to [Page 89] do. When the maide Danaes had heard the words and the tidings of the olde woman, she was right pensise: but for all that, she spared not to say that, that her heart iudged best: and thus answered. My mother, ye know well, and it née­deth not to tell you, that he that doth shewe loue and cour­tesie, ought to be thanked by kindnesse. The king Iupiter (as ye haue to me saide) hath often times done for vs. And séeing the first good commeth from him, me thinketh, vn­der all corrections, that we may well suffer him to speake with me. It is a small matter for his seruant to speake a word with me. The king my father shall neuer know it: it is no neede that he know all that shall fall: but first shew to him, how it is charged you vppon death, that no man speake with me. And make him promise and sweare, that he shall kéepe this matter secret.

The Damosels and the olde woman, ioyous of the answere of the maide, went downe from the tower, to the gate, and finding Iupiter busie to open abroad and vnbinde his iewels, the old woman said vnto him: Faire sonne, the king Iupiter hath found more grace héere in this place a­nenst the maide Danaes, then all the men in the world. Ne­uerthelesse ye must know, that vpon paine of death, it is to you forbidddn, and to other by vs: And, wee be also charged vppon the same paine, by the King Arcrisius, that wée shall let no man liuing speake with her. The commande­ment of the king is so great, and your request is not little. Certes we dare not bring you vnto her, al thing considered: For, if it were knowen, without faile we should be all put into the fire. And peraduenture, if ye were found héere with­in, by the king that cometh often times hither, he would put you to death. Wherfore we pray you excuse vs against your maister. At hearing of this answere, Iupiter founde not that hee sought: and then hee helde him more néere in dispaire, then he did in hope: but he remembred, that a beg­ger shuld not go away for once warning, & said vnto the old woman, to the beginning of her answere: Dame, ye do wel [Page 90] if ye feare and dread the king, which is to me no meruaile. Yet his commaundement is not so strait, but that ye may en­large it if ye will: he hath commanded that none shal speake with her. The king Iupiter requireth that his seruant may saye to her certaine things in secrete, touching her honour: ye shall do that pleaseth you, but in truth if ye accorde him his request, the accord shall not be preiudiciall to you in anye thing. For the king Iupiter is no pratler and know­eth so much of the worlde, that vnto you he hadde not sent me, if he hadde not founde me secrete. And thus if ye will doo to him anye pleasure, ye haue none excusa­cion reasonable. None knoweth heereof but you and I. If I speake vnto the mayde by your consent, who shall accuse vs? it shall not be ye, for that the matter toucheth you. And it shall not be I, nor the King Iupiter: for certainly we had leuer die in sorrowfull death, and also abide in greeuous payne. &c.

Faire sonne, answered the old woman, ye speake so swéete­ly, that we may not nor can giue vnto you the refuse of your request. We dare well affye, and trust in you. Alas dame (answered Iupiter) doubt you? When I shall fault against you or any other, I wish to be smitten with the thunder and tempest. I would verily that ye had the prerogatiue to know my inward thoughtes, to the end that in iudging of my mind yee might be assured of mee, not to haue by my cause a­ny inconuenience. With these words, Iupiter drew to his will the olde woman, and all the Damosels as well by his subtil language as by his riches. For to vse short processe, the olde woman accorded to Iupiter, that he shall haue the grace to speake with the mayde, and brought him before her, with all his presents: Iupiter had then more ioy then I can write.

And when he was thus aboue in the towre of Dardane, in beholding the ample beauty of Danae his ioy doubled, and he knew her well by her beautie, and made vnto her reue­rence, saying. Right noble & accomplished damosell, the king Iupiter saluteth you by me, and sendeth vnto the women of [Page 91] this house, of such goddes as fortune hath giuen to him: if it be your pleasure they shall receiue them: and after I will saye vnto you certayn things secrete, which the king Iupiter your seruaunt, hath charged me to faye vnto you. My fréende answered Danae, sauing your honour the King, Iu­piter is not my seruaunt, but I my selfe am beholden to him, and am his seruant, and thanke him of his bounty: it séemeth as he had reygned golde in this place. It is acceptable to me that the women of this tower haue your presents. And it pleaseth me well also to heare your charge, to the ende that King Iupiter, should not say that I were vnkinde, &c.

The matrons and the Damosels were present at this an­swer, Iupiter deliuered vnto them his Iewels which they re­ceyued with great galdnes. After that Danae tooke the messenger by the hand, and led him a parte vnto the beddes side, where she made him to leane by her. And then when Iupiter founde himselfe all alone with Danae he sayde vnto her: right noble Damosell, I no more call you Damosell, but Lady: For ye are my lady and my only mystres, which haue maystred mine heart, and also haue ouercome me vnder the sownd and bruit of your glorious reports & name. For to aduertise you, verily I am Iupiter, of whome now I haue spoken to you at the presentation of the iewels, and it is truth, that it is not long fithen, when I was in my Realme, for to heare reported the maner how your Father helde you shutte in this Tower (with litle good that maye accorde vnto your honoure) as well for to gette your thanke and grace, as for pittie wherewith I was moo­ued, I haue deliberated in my heart to employe my selfe vnto your deliueraunce, and also for to gette your grace. And for to execute this deliberation, I haue taken parte of my tresours, and haue come hither to present them vnto your Damosels, and so departed: and of newe am comen again, in hope to haue your loue, whereof I am wel content and thanke mercy and fortune. Alas madame, if I be so hardy as for to haue put my self in y ^e aduēture of my life for to shew the [Page 92] great loue that I haue to you. Excuse me, if I haue enter­prised a thing so hie that I ne me holde worthie to attaine, but in the affiance of fortune, and insomuch as shée will fa­uour in this partie. Madame then in consideration of my wordes, ye may sée my life, or my death, and yee onely may lightly make the iudgement. If your humilitie condiscend in the knowledge of pitie that I haue had of you, exposing my selfe into the daunger, where I might bee sure, I am nowe nigh the ieopardie which ye may saue: and if not I yéelde me your prisoner. Certes, the shining resplendissour of your renowmed beautie, whereof the méede passeth the renowme and the triumph of your incomparable excellency, hath enraged mine heart, and brought me hither into the prison of your will. Alas Madame, behold, and sée with your eyes full of swéetnesse, and of clemencie, mee which sée not at this tyme, but languish for fault of rest in continuall tra­uaile, in furies redoubled, and in sighes vpon sighes, which may not be puruaied of remedie, but by your benignitie and amorous good will.

At the beginning of the first recommendation that was made of you in my presence, and at the poynt that I enter­prised to deliuer you out of this Tower, I beheld my selfe right ioyfull and happie, because of so hie an enterprise: but séeing the perils that I finde my selfe in since, I wote ne­uer what I may say of my selfe. For by moneth vpon mo­neth, wéeke vpon wéeke, and day vpon day, your name hath had domination on me. And oft times hath constrained mée to be rauished, and yet more in a traunce by desire to speake to you, and to imagine howe I should come to the poynt where I nowe am, and not onelie in this, but also to finde mercie in you. And I pray and require you right hum­bly, that the amourous gift of mercie ye will to me accord, and thus doing, ye shall do mercie to your selfe, and haue pitie of your yong daies, which you haue consented to loose by the foolish fantasies of the king your father. Ye know well that (his life during) he will not suffer you to be married to [Page 93] any man. It is possible that your father shall liue as long as you, for he is strong of members, hard and boystrous. Also ye ought conceyue if ye will beléeue me, that your life hath no wealth nor pleasance. Onely the pleasances come vnto the people by the sight, and by beholding of diuerse things. The women singularly haue their principall pleasures in their husbands, and in their generation and lynages. Ye may come here to, but then ye must haue mercie on your selfe. Is it not in your conceyte and knowledge that no man hath but his life in this world? Forasmuch as ye obey and yéeld to the foolish commaundement of your father the King Acrisius, ye shall be a woman lost: being in this place, it is not possible to take and haue patience. This is too hard a thing vnto a yong heart to be put in prison without demerite. I knowe the humaine affections, and vnder­stande that natually euerie creature loueth his profite be­fore the profite of another. This is agaynst your prosperitie and vtilitie, from which ye be shut here within. Howe may ye haue loue vnto him which is cause of two euils? The lesse euill is to bee chosen, since that you féele you condem­ned here vnto the ende of the dayes of your father. Doubt ye not but his ende is oft desired to his death, for your sake: and his death may not bee effected without great charge of con­science. Me thinketh that better it were for you in diuerse considerations to finde way to issue and go out of this place, and to take to husband some noble & puissant man, that wold enterprise to carrie you away secretelie for to be his wife in his Countrey. By this meane ye shall be deliuered from the paine that ye be in: ye may eschew the death of your father, and lesse euill yee should doo in breaking his foolish com­maundement, then to abyde in the poynt where hee hath put you. Madame, alas thinke ye here on for your ho­nour and health: (as I haue sayde vnto you) I am your seruaunt, and if it please you to depart from this place, ye shall finde no man readier then I am: for to kéepe you, and to saue you, I giue my selfe vnto your noble commaunde­ments, [Page 94] for to furnish your will to my power, as he that bea­reth alway the remembrance of you in the most déepest place of my mind: in sléeping I sée you, and waking I thinke on you. I haue had neuer rest in my selfe, nor neuer shall haue, but if it please you. My fortune, my destinie, my happe and vnhap come of you. If yee take me vnto your mercie, and that I finde grace with you, I shall bée the most happiest of all happie. And if ye do otherwise, it may be sayde that among all vnhappie, none shall go before me. But if such fortune shall come to me by your ri­gour, I will take it in patience, for the noblenesse that I sée in you alway, I require you that my heart be not de­priued ne put from your heart, for as much as it toucheth me nearely. All the tongues of men can not say, nor ex­presse the quantitie of the loue that I haue in you, no more then they can pronounce by proper name, all the starres of heauen. By this loue I am alway in thoughts, labours, in sighs, anguishes, and often times in great feare and doubt. At this houre I wot not whether I liue or not, because me thinketh I am héere for to receiue absolution, or a mor­tall sentence. These things considered, alas will not ye haue him in your grace, that for to deserue your loue and mercy, hath abandoned and aduentured his life, as ye may sée, leauing his royall estate, the better to kéepe his cause secret. Vnto an hart wel vnderstanding, few words suffice. For conclusion, I pray you to giue your heart vnto him that hath giuen his heart vnto you: and that ye prouide from henceforth for the ill case ye now be in, after the common iudgement.

With this, Iupiter held his peace, and kept silence, and lent his eares for to heare what should be the answere of Danae. The right noble damosell, when she had heard his talke, which she had sore noted: and whē she saw that he had giuen her space to speake, she was resolued, and changed co­lour and said to him. Sir king, alas know ye well, what would be the renowme that would abide with me, if I shuld

beléeve your counsel? What would the people say? Madam, answered Jupiter, the worst that they may say, shall be, that men will name you disobedient unto the foolish commandment of your Father, which as all men knoweth, hol­deth you fondly in this Prison. And if yee will thus help your self, and convey your self away, men would but laugh, for your youth would excuse your doing, and yee should bee reported to [Page] have done this déed by great wisdome. Ah, Sir, said Danae, ye go about to deceive mée by your fair words: I know the speeches of the Argiens, and also know that I am bound to obey my Fa­ther: Furthermore, I am not so ignorant, but that I would well have some noble-man to my Husband so as mine honour were saved: and also, I confesse that I am greatly beholden to him that hath sent so liberally and so largely of his treasures and Iewels, and in likewise unto you, if it be truth, that ye bée him that ye say that ye are. But when I have considered, and understood, and séen visibly, that the Argiens would defame mée to perpetuity, and that my Father would send mée where mine honour should strongly be abased and put underfoot, by your pro­per declaration, I will in no wise deal hardly with you, neither shall you have any disturbance for my cause. But I pray you to think on the other side, of mine honour, and that ye suffer mée a­lone with my company and friends.

Dame (answered Jupiter) be ye in doubt of mée that I am not Jupiter King of Creet? If I be any other, all the Gods confound mée, and the Thunder fall on mée, the swallow of the Sea receive mée, and that I be given to be meat unto the most venemous beasts of the world. O Madam, put no suspition in my doing: as I have said to you, I am come to you not in Roy­al estate, but in simple array for to order my matters more se­cretly: then accord ye this request. Take yee day of advise, and grant to morrow I may speak once to you, and counsel you well this night.

The noble Maid Danae had then her blood so moved, that she durst not behold Jupiter: for shame smote her in the eyes. This notwithstanding, her heart commanded her to try what man he was, and whether he had the state of a Noble-man or a King. At last she took day of advise, and accorded to him that she would speak again to him on the morrow. After this, she commanded the Tables to be covered by the Damosels, and said, that shée would feast the messenger of the King Jupiter. The Damosels hearing that, answered they were all much bound to feast him, and shewed to her the riches that they had, all along in the Chamber, whereof the walls shone and were bright: The Da­mosels [Page 96] arrayed with the Iewels of Jupiter, garnished the Ta­bles with meat. Danae and Jupiter were set the one against the other: the seruice was great and rich, and they had enough to eat, yet Jupiter nor Danae gave little force of eating, Jupiter eat lesse bodily, then spiritually, he was in trances, in doubts, and fears: He had an answer by which he could not gather any thing to his profit, save onely that he hoped that Danae would discover it unto the Damosels, as the young maidens bee of cu­stome to discover the one to the other, and as when any requi­reth them of love, that they should shew favour to him, the more for his gifts. In this estate was King Jupiter for his part. The Damosels beheld him enough and said, that he had not the beha­viour of a yeoman or servant, but of a man of very noble and great estate, and above all other, Danae, to whom Jupiter had given cause to be pensive, cast her eyes upon Jupiter, upon his countenance, his gesture, and beauty, and then it séemed that he had said truth, as well then as the night before: she began to féel the sparkles of Love, and séeing his riches that he had given in the house, she determined to give him her heart and love. On this resolution, to which her heart concluded, she was firmly setled, yet her mind was enterlaced with abundant thoughts. [...]any Noble-men had required her love before time, that shée was shut in the Tower, and could never turn her heart, nor cause [...]er once to sigh or think on th [...]ir requests. The onely words of [...]upiter were so effectual and happy, that they constrained her to [...]ear them, and to become pens [...]ve, breaking all doubts and con­trary opinions.

CHAP. XXI. How Jupiter came from his Chamber by night, and lay in the Tower of Dardan, with the Damosel Danae on whom he be­gate the noble Perseus.

SO long dured the feasting of Jupiter that it was time to with-draw from thence. Then Danae took leave of Jupiter and did convey him into a secret Chamber by her Damosels. When Jupiter was departed, she entred into her Chamber, a [...]

accompanyed onely with the olde woman that was her mistresse, which had charge on her a­boue all other, and as soone as the olde woman had her pri­uily in her chamber: as she that was suspitious sayde to her: my daughter, tell mée of your tidings, I must néedes knowe what thing this messenger hath sayde to you. Dame aun­swered Danae, will ye witte? yea sayd the old woman. Then answered Danae, he must come himselfe, and make the re­ [...]ort, for he hath sayde to me so many things, that the tenth parte is not in my minde. My daughter (sayd the olde wo­man) I thinke well he is not come hither without cause. What hath he sayd? if ye haue not all in minde, tell me at least that abideth and resteth in your mind. Dame (answered Danae) ye knowe well that neuer I mistrusted you, and that the secretnes of myne heart to you hath alway bin open: I wil now make no new customes. For to short this matter, he [Page 98] that nameth himselfe seruant of Iupiter, is Iupiter himselfe (by report) and hath made great oaths, that hee hath made these presents and gifts for to speake to me. Indéed he hath shewed to me how I loose héere my time, and hath required me to be his wife. To which I haue not yet consented, but haue taken day for to giue an answere to morrow, hoping to take your counsell, and therfore I pray you that ye coun­sell me in that I haue to doo, and what answere he shall haue of me. Ye know how I haue suffered his gifts to be recei­ued: he must be therefore satisfied by some maner, either by faire spéech, or otherwise.

The old woman had béen before time in the house of king Meliseus, and there had séene Iupiter in the time of his re­turn from his conquest of Archadie, and had partly knowne him since the first day that he came thither. This notwith­standing, she doubted of his person, for as much as men o­therwhile be like one to another, and she had alway her eie on him. When then she had vnderstood by Danae, that had told her that he was Iupiter, she was sure that it was he in his person, and had great ioy, saying. My daughter, certainely I know him that we speake of, and haue talked with him of long time past. And for his person I assure you, it is hee that he hath done you to vnderstand of. But for to perswade or counsell you, if yee take him vnto your husband, I can say none otherwise to you, but that hee is one of the most valiantest men of the world, and that his enterprises bee right high. And if I had a daughter the most best manered of the world, there is no man liuing that I would giue her sooner vnto, then to him, if it pleased him to take hir. Ye sée that notwithstanding his simple aray, hee is a goodly man, hee is noble, hee is rich, hee is wise, hée is a king. Ye feele in your selfe your courage, if ye will vse and obserue the commandement of your father, ye may not with him holde consistorie ne parlement. If ye will absent you from this place by good meanes, there is no man but Iupiter that may helpe you. I counsell [Page 99] you neither the one nor the other, choose ye and take ye the best way, &c.

Ah my mother (sayd Danae) howe should I choose my selfe? there is in me neither wit, nor reason to take that I should choose, ne for to discerne the good from the euill. And as for me, I shall put it all into your deliberation, and will that yee knowe that out of this Tower would I faine be, (mine honour saued, and the honour saued of my companie.) With this came in to them all the damoses of the house, and said to her, that they had made right good chéere to their guest: and thus failed the secret conference of Danae, & of the aged woman. The damosels went & set their iewels, newly pre­sented to them, and parted to each of thē her portion, saying: that to king Iupiter was none like, but that he was among al other the most bountifull, & most honorable king of kings.

The maid Danae took great pleasure with al these things. When the damosels had parted among them their iewels of gold with great ioy, they brought Danae to bed, & depar­ted from her chamber, which they left open by forgetting, as they that had set all their mind and thought on their riches, and so went to their beds into their chambers. Iupiter lying in his bedde at this houre, found himselfe so surprised with couetousnes of loue, that he was constrained to arise, and to looke out at a window to behold if the day approched, lifting his eyes againe to the stars of heauen, and was rauished in his heart by the remembrance of faire Danae, and saide [...] noble Danae, that hath more beautye than the starre [...] ning, and that shineth by soueraigne clearnesse: alas, whe [...] be ye this houre? the paine that I indure for your cause, yée know not, nor the great ieopardie, & the perillous case that I haue put me in, to attaine your loue. Vnkindnesse, may she haue place in you, with disdaine, rigor and fiercenesse, which be mine enemies enuenomed with mortall venom? O Da­nae, remember your selfe of me. And thou fortune that hast succored me in al my affairs, succour me in this present néed.

With this worde his complaint ceased, and he gaue his [Page 100] minde so many sharp thoughtes that pearced his heart right pensiuely. This thought was great, and touching a right aduenturous enterprise. When all was doone hée de­termined in himselfe to assay if he might come to the ende of his thought, and arayed and clothed himselfe, and went out of his chamber vnto the tower, where he sawe the doore open to his séeming, and finding it true that it was open, hée went vp as softly as he could that he should not be heard, and came so far that he came to the chamber of Danae, wher­of the doore was open: in which chamber was a lampe bur­ning. Iupiter all full of gladnes put his head into the cham­ber, to behold if the damosels had bin with Danae: and when hée had beholden that there was none, but that Danae was alone, in her bed: he aduentured him to go vnto her, where he founde her sléeping, and awooke her by kis­sing. &c.

Danae was so sore abashed, when she felt her selfe so kill, that she crept within the bed. Iupiter drewe néerer, so that he discouered her face for to speake to her, whereof shée be­ing afrayd, opened her eyes, and when shée wist that it was Iupiter, and that he was alone by her bed side, she made a right great shrych and cry. When Iupiter heard this cry, he was much troubled: neuerthelesse he purposed to aduen­ture, turning her to him warde, and comforting her by his swéete speaking, he declared to her in the ende that it must néedes be that she must be his wife, promising to come and to fetch her in short time. And so long he helde her in such talke, that he vnclothed himselfe, and in speaking to her he sprang into the bed, and laye by her side, notwithstan­ding that she with sayd and wit-stoode it with all her might. Then sayde the mayde, that she was betrayed. And wée­ping tenderly she wende to haue fledde, and did her beste to haue gone awaye. But Iupiter tooke good héede, and at the leape that she supposed to make, caught and held her by the arme, and made her to lye downe agayne, and he clypt her and kiste her againe. And so appeased her in such facion [Page 101] that she left her wéeping. And on the morning when he rose vp from her, he left her with child with a yong sonne. What shall I say more, Iupiter by this hardinesse atchieued his pur­pose, and his will on fayre Danae, and made the peace for his offence. The night passed ouer, and the day came, that Iupiter must néedes arise and depart from her, and then by necessitie constrayning him to kéepe the honour of Danae, he arose, and tooke his clothing trussed togither, and re­turned into his Chamber, where he went to bed, and slept so fast and surely, that he awooke not till the houre and time to go to dinner.

At this houre Danae asked where was the Messenger of king Iupiter, and said that she would eate with him, and that they should bring him vp into the Tower secretlie. With the worde of Danae, two Damosels went downe out of the Tower into the Chamber of Iupiter, and finding him asléepe, awooke him, whereof he was amazed and asha­med. For the Sunne was that tyme mounted hie. And then he arose, and arayed him hastily, when he wist that Danae had sent for him to come speake with her. And so came to her, which began to waxe red, and to loose her colour, & coun­tenance, when she saw him. And the reuerence made, they went and eate togither, and made great cheare: yet Danae was ashamed, and was strongly surprised for the case that was happened to her: and she might not abstaine to set her eyes on the beautie of Iupiter, which also fayled not on his side to beholde her by so ardent desire, that the eyes of the one and the other pearced each other oftentymes. In this beholding they passed part of the tyme of the dinner. When they had taken their refection, Iupiter and Danae drewe them apart, and helde a long parliament of their worke. And it was concluded betwéene them, that Iupiter should go into the Countrey, and that he should returne thither with a certaine number of people, for to take away the faire Danae. And with this conclusion, Iupiter departed and re­turned into Crete, leauing Danae in the Tower, of whome [Page 102] I will cease for this present, and returne to speake how Tan­talus the king of Frigie fought against the Troyans, and had battaile against them, which was the first battell that euer was in Troy.

CHAP. XXII. ¶How the King Tantalus of Frygy assayled by battaile the King Troos of Troy: and how Ilion and Ganimedes his sonnes discomfited him in battayle.

WHen the King Troos had named his city Troy, and was mounted, and enhaunced in so hie renowme that the kings his neighbours as to his regarde were but in little reuerence, and lesse glory: many thus loosing their honours, by his right great worshippe, began to murmure a­gainst him in déede and in thought, and among all other, the King Tantalus of Frigie sonne of the Archadien Iupiter king of Attique, tooke in right great de­spight the excellencie of Troos, and considered agaynst him, and made a great assemblye of men of armes, and so depar­ted out of his Realme, with intencion to destroye and spil the King Troos and his Cittie of Troye. This Tantalus had a sonne in his companye named Pelops: and also left a sonne at home named Thiestes, for as much as he was young. And this Thiestes had a sonne since named Philistines the father of Menelaus that reygned in the time of the third destruction of Troy. For to returne to our purpose, then Tantalus be­haued himselfe in such wise, that he conducted, and brought an host vpon the territorie of Troy, and did smite downe and destroye all thing that was in theyr puissaunce, vnto playne destruction. Wherewith the crye and clamours of them that fledde was so great, that in short tyme the King Troos was aduertised of it whereof hée was not [Page 103] affraid for he had the city wel garnished with people. Also he made readie to resist his aduersaryes, and that by such dili­gence, that when he had heard the tydings in the morning, in foure houres after he issued out of Troy with xxx. thousand fighting men, and drew vnto the place, where the Frygiens were entred.

This noble king Troos, had in his company two sonnes, of whome the eldest was called Ilion to whome came downe from heauen the Palladium. And the yoonger was called Ganimedes. These two sonnes valiant and hardie came in­to the fielde, and required theyr father Troos, to departe his armie in two: and that he would graunt to them his vawarde, for to proue theyr might vppon theyr enimies. Troos considering that by separatyon of his people they that were beaten or put backe might be succoured when it should come to strokes, graunted the request of his two sonnes, and tooke vnto them twelue thousand of fighting men. Ilion and Ganimedes thanked the King Troos their father, and tooke leaue of him, and wente foorth with their fighting men, in such wise that they were a mile before the battaile of the King. And so the King Troos fol­lowed the battayle of his two sonnes, Ilion and Gani­medes. And he had riders betwéene both appoynted for to reporte to the king Troos, when his sonnes had found Tan­talus theyr enemie: and also the two noble sonnes had be­fore them their diuerse espyes, and watchers that were sent out into diuerse places, to sée and to discouer the state, the puissaunce and the order of theyr enemies. which founde them aboute the euening, and anon after, they retur­ned vnto Ilion and Ganimedes, and bad them to make chéere, and that they had séene the enemies of Troye, in a certaine place that they named, and that there they had séene them lodged: and that they might well be numbred by esti­mation about xxx. thousand fighting men.

Of these tidings had the Troyans great ioye, it was that time about midnight, and they were lodged in the ende of [Page 104] a valley: Ilion and Ganimedes anon the same houre assem­bled all the noble men of their companie, and tolde them what the espies had reported, and demanded of them coun­sell. All were of opinion that they should suffer their Hoste rest yet a good houre, and after that they should breake their fast a little and lightly, to the ende to haue the bet­ter and longer their breath, and also to be the more coura­gious, and to cause them to be the better awaked, and this done, they should departe for to go assaile their enemies. This opinion séemed good vnto the fiue sonnes of the king. And they signified their intencion by the riders, vnto their father Troos. After this they withdrew them to take a little their rest, and gaue charge to them that kept the watch, to awake them when they sawe their time: and so they had but little rested, when they were awaked and called, and that each man should take his armes and fol­low on. The Troyans obeyed, and knewe well it was time to make readie spéedily. They were neuer so ioyous as they were when they knew they should go to battaile. They eate and drunke temperately all with one good will. they garnished them with their armes: and shewed the one to the other, how they would fight in the battaile and confound their enemies, and menaced them of an euill con­flict with them.

At this houre the Moone shone right cléere: by which shining and light, Ilion and Ganimedes put their people in aray in faire order. When they had tooke the short refecti­on, they beganne to march toward them, and put them­selues before all other: they came so nigh by Moone light, and by their guides, that they were heard of them that kept the watch of their enemies that they sought: the which fled vnto the tents of king Tantalus, and awoke him and tolde him the the Troyans were come to assaile him: and that they had séene them in great number. But Tantalus be­léeued not lightly his watch, and deferred his arising more then néede was. He had not long abiden, but the Troy­ans [Page 105] came vpon his hoste, and laide loade vpon the Frigi­ens so vnmeasurably, that the redounding of their strokes, came and fell into the eares of Tantalus, which arose and sprang on his féete terribly affraide. With this affraie were awaked all the Frigiens in generall: some by mor­tall woundes, and some by their cries, and some hurt gréeuously. In comming on thus, the Troyans damaged greatly their enemies: and the more, because many of them were not furnished with their armes, which were smitten downe by the swords of the Troyans, and they were beaten downe maimed mortally, and wallowing in their bloud. This notwithstanding though that the comming on of the Troyans was sharpe, and that Ilion and Ganimedes appro­ued themselues sharply in their worke, Tantalus and his sonne Pelops gathered their people that withdrew them, a­bout their tent, and there mustred them together, and then when they founde them in number sufficient for to enter into battaile, Tantalus cried, Frigie, Frigie: and after he did cause to march his people against the Troyens, that beate downe all before them in the place where they were arri­ued, and then beganne the noyse to be great: For, on all sides were cryes made, and at the ioyning the skirmish was horrible, that it séemed that the world should ende in the same place.

Ganimedes and Pelops encountred together, and full of great courages they fought together, so sore and hard, that a great while, by the wounds that were séene vppon their heads and vpon their armes, they were like the one to slea the other, and the one had slaine the other, had not Tantalus and Ilion haue béene by. For, Tantalus smote vpon Gani­medes, and Ilion smote Pelops: and the Troyans and Frigi­ens medled the one with the other. And there began the slaughter and murther: and there was fighting as cham­pions, shewing each man his vertue and his prowesse so strongly, for as much as they saw the Moone go down and decline. And yet was not the day come, when they founde [Page 106] in the morning the place all couered with bloodie heades, armes, and of men dead: but the number of the Frigiens that there were put to the worst, was much greater number, ten against one, then of them of Troy. What shall I say? as long as the moone gaue his light, there was no fault on the one side, nor on the other, each man did his part. The moone gat her into a darke cloud, and anon it was darke, & then the middle began to cease fighting, & the retrait was cried. The Frigiens withdrew them at the cry of Tātalus. And the Troi­ans at the cry of Ilion & Ganimedes. And there was none but would had gladly abiden the end of this skirmish and fight.

CHAP. XXIII. ¶Howe the king Troos chased in battell the king Tantalus: and how the king Saturne came by sea sailing to the port of Troos: & how the king Troos receiued him worshipfully.

AFter this foresaid battaile, when Tanta­lus was withdrawen, hee beganne to cast his eyes vppon his people, which were all on a hill, for to wit how they were of number, and howe they had borne themselues, and how much peo­ple he had lost: and he went all about them with his son Pelops, and him sée­med well that his power was made lesse than hee had thought, whereof hee had in his heart a right great and sharpe displeasure, and visiting his host in this fashion, the day began to arise: and in the dawning, two things appea­red, and came to the knowledge of the people of Tantalus: one was the great losse of his people, and the other was, the battaile with King Troos, that they saw from farre dis­couered and approach. Certes, when Tantalus considered his euident damage, and sawe that his enemies, because of the succours that came to them, were stronger then he was, [Page 107] he found not in the resolution of his enterprise but dispaire and shamefull end, and all discomforted, he called his sonne and his principal friendes, and demaunded them what was best to do. They counselled him that hee should labour to saue himselfe, and saide to him, if he abode, and attended the Troyans, that would be cause of his destruction, and of all them that were left of his people.

When Tantalus vnderstood this, and knew that hee was desperate, and nigh his shamefull ende and flight, and aboue that, that he might not extinguish and put downe the name of Troy: hee tooke himselfe by the beard that was long, and impatiently said, smiting himselfe with his fist: O cursed enuie, thou didst promise mee of late to put Troy vnder my féete, and hast made me to rise presumptuously against her: Nowe sée I well the contrarie, and that by mee Troy shall flourish: and that more is, by my cause her name shall growe and shall be enchaunsed, and that all kings shall tremble before her, in my sight and behol­ding. O false traiterours fortune, accursed be thou, that I euer beléeued on thée. These words finished, hee saide to his son and to other of his councell, that they should cause his people to withdraw a little and a little. At last he commaunded that each man should saue himselfe, and then they put them all to flight. Ilion and Ganimedes tooke héede and ranne after, and chased them out of the territories of Troy, with great occison, and slaughter of the people of the Frigiens. And after that they had chased them, they said that they had doone them shame inough, and left worke and returned, and came anon and met the king Troos their fa­ther, that followed them: which had great ioy, when hée saw that they had quit them so well vpon his enemies, by the good conduct of his two sonnes.

The ioy then that Troos made Ilion and Ganimedes after the battaile, was great and of good loue. Troos brought them again vnto Troy with great worship. The Troyans men and women receiued them worshipfully, & blessed the womb [Page 108] that had borne them, and the breasts that gaue them sucke. These were two noble sons of the King, of whom the names were borne into all the Marches there aboutes, with so great a bruit and noyse, that not onelie the neighbours of Troos came to make alliaunce with King Troos and the Troyans: but there came also Kings of many far Coun­treys of the East, which could not magnifie inough the puis­sance of the king, and of the citie of Troy, &c.

In these dayes when Troy shewed the rayes of her puissance and noblenesse through the vniuersall world, Sa­turne late king of Crete, sayled by the seas with little com­panie, not as king and possessor of the realme, but as bani­shed and dispurueyed of all land and countrey, so poore that he had no place to withdraw him to, nor wist not whither to go, but onely by desarts, and by the depth of the sea. When he had béene in this poynt a great while, thinking without end, how he might persecute his son Iupiter, fortune brought him into the sea of Hellespont, and then beholding about him, he espyed and sawe Troy, which was a Citie passing fayre and rich, and of marueylous greatnesse. And then what for to take him a little rest, as for to put away his me­lancholie, and for to reuittaile his shippe, and people, hee sayled and rowed into the Citie, and landed at the port. When the Troyans had seene the shippe of Saturne, that was better, and more of value then all the shippes that they had euer séene, the maisters of the ships of Troy, went hastily vnto the King Troos, and said: Sir, bee of good cheare, and make readie your house, I assure you that there is come right now vnto your port, the most rich ship that euer was séene on the sea, and me séemeth this considered, that in so noble a ship, must be some noble or great earthly Lord that commeth vnto you, &c.

Anon as king Troos heard these tidings of the maister mariner, he desired to sée so fayre a shippe, and accompanied with his two sonnes, went for to sée at the port, and to feast them of the straunge shippe. This king Troos was [Page 109] courteous and honourable. When he came vnto the port, he found that Saturne made readie his shippe, and disposed him for to go vnto the citie. And séeing the ship, he maruai­led much: for the vtensils that were within were richly made: furthermore, Saturne & his companions were armed, and had no mariners. He beheld their behauiour at his comming, and knew that they were men of warre right well in point: so he thought in himselfe at the beginning for to arme himselfe, and to send for the Troyans: But after­ward, when hee had séene their little number, and that no ship followed nor came after these strangers from the coast, he changed his purpose, viewed and approched vnto the ship, and called Saturne that most best was arayed aboue the o­ther, and asked him what he sought, both he and his fellows, and from what nation they were? and whence they came from? And Saturne answered to him and saide. Sir, albeit I know not at what port I am arriued: for as much as my heart giueth me that ye be courteous of your nature, I will not hide nor couer any thing touching your request, I was late king of Crete, named Saturne: now I am but Saturne, for my sonne hath put me out sorrowfully, so that of all the riches of all my people, and all my goods temporall, there is nothing left me but this onely ship that ye may sée. Wherefore I pray you, and require, that it please you to direct mee to some Lord of this countrey, to the end that I may require licence and leaue to enter into his lord­ship, and to take that, that shall be necessarie competently to the life of me and of my companie.

When king Troos heard the case of Saturne comprised in briefe words, he saide to him by compassion. King Saturne, yee be welcome into the house of Troos: in troth I haue great gréefe in my selfe of your first anoyance, for your glo­rious renowme, and for the goodnesse that is in you, as often times I haue heard it recounted. But with this anoy­ance two things gladde and ioye my heart, the one procée­ding of the accomplishment of desire, for I haue desired [Page 110] manye dayes for to sée you, and this desire is now accompli­shed in me: and the other procéedeth of hope, and in this part I saye to you, that I king of this countrey haue intention to comfort and to councell you to my power, and also to giue you so good ayde, that ye shall correcte your sonne, and shall punishe his personne, in suche wise as it shall ap­pertayne for his offence. Saturne began to sighe, and to take a lyttle comforte of the greate proffer and good chéere that the King Troos made to him, and he thanked him of so hie and ample offers, and at the coming out of his shippe he b [...] [...] him in his armes, and kist his hande. What shall I saye? the King Troos brought him into his Pal­lace with all his men, and feasted them as it appertayned, for the loue of Saturne. In likewise, the people being ad­uertised of Saturne, that it was he that found the maner of labouring of the earth, of melting of metals, and of sayling, and rowing by Sea, made so greate and plen­tifull feast at his comming, that they coulde no more doo. At that time, during this feasting, when Saturne felt him in the grace of the Troyans, on a daye he called Troos and his two sonnes, and addressed his words to them say­ing: Lordes of Troye, ye haue doone so much for me, that I maye neuer deserue it: but as I haue sayde to you, my sonne is enhaunsed and lift vp aboue me, and hath taken from me my Realme. I intreate you, as much as I may, that ye will councell me what thing is most conuenient for me to doo. And how I shall suffer and beare the iniury doon to me. &c.

My brother (aunswered the King Troos) this is against nature for a sonne himselfe to rebell against his Father: the sinne and crime is foule and worthy of reprehension, for eue­ry sonne is bounden by all lawes to serue, worship, dread and obey his Father. And it is not reason that any man should approoue or hold with a sonne disobeysant. Your sonne is in this condition cursed and right euill: and I am of the opini­on y ^t ye shal not acquite you well, vnlesse you do to your pow­er [Page 111] to maister and ouercome his euill maners. And to the end ye shall not excuse your euident harmes and losses, when ye will, I will deliuer you my sonne Ganimedes, accompani­ed with twentie thousand Troyans, that shall succour you, vnto the death. Or they shall sette you agayne in your royall tribunall. Saturne was all recomforted, when he knewe the loue that the King Troos shewed to him: and af­ter many thankes, concluded, that he would returne into Crete with Ganimedes, and would begin againe the piti­ous warre of him and of his sonne. And following this conclusion (from thenceforth on) he did cause [...] [...]int the shipping of Troye, and all things apperteyning, and ga­thered togither men of armes with great puissance, by the in­troduction of Ganimedes. And when all the assembly had mustred and were gathered togither, he tooke leaue of the king Troos and of Ilion, and went to the sea, and shipped all his manie, and knowing the situations of the countreys by the seas, he directed his hoste into the Sea Egee, where as was Egeus sonne of Titan the greate pyrate, which durst not haue to doo with them in no wise: and from this sea of Egee, he trauailed so much by diuerse iourneys, that he came and arriued at the first porte and hauen of Crete.

CHAP. XXIIII. ¶How Saturne, by the ayde of Ganimedes, and of the Troy­ans, returned into Crete, to fight against Iupiter, where he was ouercome and vanquished, and Ganimedes taken.

AT that houre when Saturne arriued in Crete, the sunne was turned into the west, and on the heauen begā to ap­peare the stars. Saturne knewe the port, and tooke land hoping to enter y ^e country secretly, and went a little way, and there lodged his people in a place cōueniēt & made thē rest, & [Page 112] eate and drinke by the space of foure houres, and then hée a­wooke the host, and made the Troians arme them, and enter into the Realme. But they were not farre gone, but anon af­ter the sunne rysing, and approaching a straight passage, the espies and scowrers came vnto Saturne, and Ganimedes ha­stily, and tolde them that they had séene the King Iupiter right strongly accompanied, which kept the passage. Vpon this place, it is to wit, that when Iupiter was departed from Danae, and from the Tower of Dardan, and was come into Crete, desiring to accomplish his promise to Danae, hee did cause to assemble his men of warre, concluding in himselfe, that faithfully he would go fetch the fayre Danae, and bring her into his Countrey by force of armes. What shall I say more? His armie was all readie, and came the same night where on the morrow he hoped to haue departed, but as hée was in his bed that night in his Citie of Parthenie, tidings came to him, of the arryuing of the Troyans. Wherefore he was constrained by force to change his purpose: of which he was right sorie and maruailous passing heauie. This notwithstanding, suddenly as these tydings were freshly brought vnto him, he arose and tooke his men of armes that he had assembled, and hastily brought them vnto the straight whereof aboue is written, and there abode his enemies, as wise & well aduised. And it is not to be forgotten, that in this armie among his men, was the king of Molosse, which had late found the industrie and craft to tame and breake horses, for to be ridden, and to ride them. And there was come he and his men, to serue the king Iupiter for his good re­nowme, accompanied with an hundred men that ran as the winde. And for this cause they were called Centaures: and these Centaures were so terrible, and cruell, that they doub­ted not the puissance of King, nor of none other whatsoeuer they were.

For then to returne to the matter alreadie begun: when Saturne knewe that the passage was kept, and that Iupiter was then aduertised of his cōming, he caused his host to stay, [Page 113] and sayde vnto them: My children, it behooueth that this morning, ye so do in Crete your deuoir, not onely in mu­string and shewing your courages, but aboue all, that ye bee redoubted and dread like the thunder, Assure year selues of your quarrell, Iupiter mine enemie is heere, where he abydeth our comming to the battaile ordained: if we will come to the ende of our enterprise, it is necessarie that we draw thither. Let me heare what ye will say. Then thus answered Ganimedes: we be come into Crete, for to correct your sonne, and to set you againe in your throne. We will do that we may do by our power, and fight fréely with­out doubting or feare. And vnto the ende that no reproch be layde vnto vs, I will sende and summon your sonne, first or any swoorde be drawne or stroke smitten, to the ende that he yéelde him vnto your obeysaunce: and that he come and amende his misdéedes. And then Ganimedes did call forth his Troians by consent of Saturne, and set them in or­der of battaile: and when he had so done, he sent one of his auncient knights, a noble man vnto Iupiter, and gaue him charge to make the summons, such as is sayde before. The Troyan departed from the host, at the commaundement of Ganimedes, and did so much that hee was presented be­fore Iupiter, and said to him, Iupiter, thou oughtest to know that euery sonne oweth obeysance vnto his father: thou dost contrarie to these things, and shewest that thou art not son of a king, but of perdition, for thou despisest thy father: In stead of reuerence, thou hast him in hate: and thou ma­kest him warre where thou shouldest hold him in loue: and thou puttest him to great dishonor thy selfe, where thou art hold and bounden to do him worship. O Iupiter, who shall giue thée absolution of thy life, dwelling in venome? Who shall excuse thy sinne? Thou art enemie of thy father. The case is so grieuous, that there is no mercie ne excusa­tion, vnlesse it procéede from the naturall clementie of thy father. Beholde Iupiter, beholde the ende of thine insur­rection. All lawe positiue, and all lawe written, con­demne [Page 114] thée vnto death, and curse and anathematise thée. It is great pittie, thou art a goodly yong man. Know that thy reigne may not long dure: and that thou shalt more sharply be punished then thou wéenest peraduenture at this this time. For Ganimedes one of the sonnes of Troy is hereby in the helpe of Saturne thy father, with twenty thou­sand sighting men, which summoneth thée by me, that thou returne into the mercie of thy father, and yéeld him his realme, all excuses set apart.

Messenger (aunswered Iupiter) if I were such one as ye say, with iust reason ye and other might giue sentence and condemnation vpon mee: I were then guiltie for both parties: And I trow if Ganimedes (of whome ye haue spo­ken) had heard my my excuse, hée would not bee mine ene­mie. I aunswere you, that I loue my father Saturne, in as much as hee is my father. But I say to you on the other part, that he hath oft tymes sought to put me to death, hée shewing himselfe my mortall aduersarie and not father. (For euery father naturally loueth his sonne) and for that regarde I will kéepe me from him, as from mine enemie: And will well that the Troyans knowe, that if they come and assayle mee, I will defende mee with all my puis­sance, &c.

With this aunswere, returned the saide Troian vnto Saturne, and Ganimedes, and sayd vnto them what he had found. Saturne and Ganimedes swore then the death of Iupi­ter, and approched so nigh the strait, that they came within a bow shot, the one nigh vnto the other: and from as farre as they sawe each one nigh vnto the other, they made great cryes and showtes. Iupiter had set his puissaunce in two wings, whereof hee was chiefe in the formost, and Ixion, and his Centaures were gouernours of the second. When Iupiter had séene that there was no way but for to skirmish, he said he would begin the battaile: and after that he had en­couraged his people, he pricked his horse foorth, and then happened and befell a maruaylous thing, For from the [Page 115] high clouds aboue, came downe an Eagle vpon his head, and after beganne to flie about him, making him ioy and théere, and departed not nor left him during the battaile.

By the flying of this Eagle, Iupiter and the people tooke in them an hope of good successe. And Saturne and the Troi­ans fell in a feare and doubt that could not come out of their conceits. What shall I say more? when Iupiter sawe the dooing of the Eagle, he had a great ioy in his heart, and as a man well assured in his bodie, he entred among the Ar­chers of the Troyans, that shot thicke at him, and running as a tempest, passed by their arrowes, and tarried not for resistance of shot, till he came among the men of armes, of the Troyans.

The Troyans had neuer séene man on horse backe before, and when they saw Iupiter, they had thought it had béene halfe a man and halfe a horse: and there were some that fled at his comming, and some abode and fought valliantly, against him: thus began the battaile of that day. They of Crete followed Iupiter with a great noyse of Tabors, and clarions, and began to skirmish with the Troyans: they did their best on both sides, Iupiter bare to the ground many Troyans, and well employed his horse on which he rode. Ganimedes and Saturne, on the other side failed not. Alway Iupiter proued himselfe in armes the most expert aboue all other. And abandoned his body and life vnto the fight of his enemies, and there was no man that durst haue to do with him or abide him, but he was slain and put vnderfoote, by the cutting and smiting of his sword.

Cruell and fierce was this battaile. The Troyans were without feare, and did great prowesses, and manly by the the leading of Saturne, and of Ganimedes. Saturne met Iupi­ter often times, as he that sought great strokes: but Iupi­ter that knew him well, would neuer abide him, saying: that he would neuer set hand on his person, but eschewed and fled his death vnto his power. This notwithstanding hee sought the death of his helpers, and made no sparing, [Page 116] of their harnesse, ne armor of leather, of their heades, ne of their liues, of yong, nor of old, of valiant, nor of hardy, it was to him all one: he yéelded neither to one side, nor to other, for stroke of sword, of mace, ne of guisarme. Yet he had oft re­membrance of the faire Danae: and desiring to be quit of his enemies, for to go about her deliuerance, like as he had pro­mised vnto her, he smote off heads and arms. Vnto him was nothing impossible. At euery stroke he dyed his sword with new blood, and the Eagle did flée alway about him, now low, now hie. Wherfore y ^e Troians had great despite in thēselues.

Ganimedes the noble Troyan was of little stature. Yet notwithstanding, he was of more greater courage then any other, vigorouslie he fought agaynst them of Crete, as hee that mynded nothing but to get worshippe and honour. What shall I say? they fought thus togither in this poynt, from the morning till the euening, without that any of both parties obtayned any winning or losse, and then Saturne withdrew his people on the one side, and Iupiter returned with the King Ixion and the Centaures, and still followed him alwayes the Eagle, and sate vppon his Tent, which was made of boughes, and greene rushes. For at that time Tents and Pauillions of cloath were not had nor vsed, howbéeit, the making of linnen cloath, and of cloath of Golde, and Silke was founde afore this tyme. In this night they of Troy, and they of Crete, made great cheare in theyr Tentes and lodgings: and disposed them to be­ginne againe on the morrowe the labour of armes, hoping all to haue the better and victorie. The hurt men were dressed, and the harnesse broken was made again and amen­ded: they spake largely of the prowesses of one and other, but principally they helde theyr speaches of the Eagle, and spake so much of him, that Iupiter that same night tooke a péece of Crimson Satten, containing a yard and a halfe square, and made therein the resemblaunce of an Eagle of Golde, and set it on a Speare, and made a banner, saying, that he would beare that banner in all battailes euer after. [Page 117] And said further that he vnderstood by the Eagle, that it was a token to him, that he should abide victorious of his ene­mies. And that he should be soueraigne king of Crete, like as the Eagle is king of all foules.

CHAP. XXV. ¶How Iupiter discomfited againe king Saturne in battaile: and how Saturne was put to flight by the sea.

SVch were the speaches of King Iupiter in this night, the which hee passed the most ioyously that he could: and he vi­sited the hurt men, and comforted them, and concluded with Ixion, that the day following the Centaures shoulde haue the battaile, and they that had fough­ten the day before should rest them. After this he slept on the gréene, and rested him vntil the time that the Centaures put them in aray, and went to horsebacke. And so did Iupiter, for he had leuer haue died, then to haue béene idle. At this time Saturne slept not, nor was there no more slacknesse found in him and Ganimedes, then was in Iupiter, for they were sure that they should be met withall, and assailed of their enemies againe. They doubted and a­rayed them the best wise they could, and about the Sunne ri­sing they trained and went vnto the host of Iupiter, encoura­ging each other, to smite and fight, and assaile their mortall enemies hardily, for to auenge the blood of their fellowes, that were dead in the battaile the day before.

For to make short: then the Troians were sore inflamed with appetite of vengeance, and were the first in the field, wherefore they had great ioy in their harts, & made a right great cry. But this ioy was anon abated vnto them: for sud­denly as Iupiter & the Centaures heard their cry, they took the baner with the Eagle of gold, their spears and their shields, [Page 118] and with a ioyous sound of trumpets clarions and tabours, pricked forth their horses which ran swiftly through the aire, and running as they that held not of heauen ne of earth, vp­on theyr enemies they beganne to fight. Certes, when the Troyans sawe the Centaures mounted on horsebacke, run­ning as the winde, they were so amased and affraide, that they had wéened, neuer to haue séene light day. Neuerthe­lesse they tooke courage and abode them, and the Centaures fought so mightily among them, that eche one of them bare to the earth a Troyan with the point of his speare. And a­mong other, Ganimedes was borne downe to the earth a­mōg them: and some were hurt and some reléeued after hur­ting, and some without hurte. When Ganimedes felt him­selfe among the horse-féete, he was in his heart terrible an­gry, and said that he would be shortly auenged. Anon he a­rose sodainly and tooke his swoord, and séeing the Centaure that had smitten him down, doing meruailous feats of arms among a great many of his folke, that mightily withstood his vnmeasurable strokes, he gaue vnto him so great a stroke, as he was leaning on the right side to haue smitten a Troyan, that he gaue him a great wound, by which he was so astony­ed that he droue him down of his horse, and he himselfe leapt vp into the saddle. This Centaure was named Eson, and was yong, and was afterward father of Iason that conquered the golden fléece. When he had receyued the stroke that Ganimedes had giuen him, he made a cry so great, that tenne Centaures came running, and defended him from the prease. And casting downe one another, they beate the Troyans, and cast them downe and sparkeled their bloud that all the place was dyed red: and as they found Eson and Ga­nimedes the one nighe the other, and beholding Ganimedes that he practised to manage and gouerne his horse: and sée­ing theyr felow put down from his horse, they were passingly surprised with great yre, and by mortall hate, they pursued Ganimedes vnto death. The Troyans approched: they being there fought manly against y ^e Centaures. And the Centaures [Page 119] casting and smyting on Ganimedes: the Troyans did their vt­most to defend him, and put themselues in ieopardy of death for him. For many of them were slaine and sore hurt.

These Centaures were strong, huge, great and lothly: the Troyans had more courage then strength of body. In this place Ganimedes shewed enough of prowesse, and of valure and well defended him a while: but in the end Fortune was to him aduerse, in such wise, that after he had suffered many assaultes: and that he had séene put and cast to grounde, mo then a thousand Troyans, he behelde on the otherside, and saw Saturne retyre in playne discomfiture. After he saw that his Troyans let them to be driuen backe, and to be put to death, without turning or fighting againe, and that al brake, and turned their backe: also he sawe them that were about him, gaue it vp and fled: and then knowing in this discom­fiture that he had no remedy nor recouerance, and that he a­lone might not beare nor abide the battaile, he put himselfe to flight, and fled after the other, and susteyned as he might, the pursuit that the Centaurs made vpon his men, and in the ende he guyded them vnto the porte where the shipping was.

Saturne then all despaired entred into his ship, with great losse of Troyans, and Ganimedes entred into an other, right angry and so displeasant that I cannot rehearse. At the en­try of the shippes, one partye of the Troyans that were lefte were perished in the sea, another party perished by the sword, and the other tooke shipping. Iupiter and Ixion thanked their goddes greatly of this victorye, and concluded togither, that they woulde yet pursue their enemies by the sea, for as much as they were yet great in number. And Ixion sayde, that it was expedient to bring them to vtter destruc­tion for as much as they had fortune with them, and to the ende that they shoulde neuer rather force more against them Iupiter yéelded this pursuit, greatlye gree [...]ed, for to him séemed that he had taryed too long, and yet shoulde tary more if he entred into the sea, that he might not be [Page 120] with Danae, at the day that he had promised her. This not­withstanding, hoping alway to excuse him vnto her, he made him readie hastely to go to the pursuit of his enemies, and sent for his mariners, and after went into a temple that was thereby dedicated vnto the god Mars.

CHAP. XXVI. ¶How Iupiter, after he had sacrificed the Egle, pursued the Troyans: and of the strong battaile that he had against Ga­nimedes.

IVpiter was not so soone in the Temple, but the Egle entered also, an set him on the altar. When Iupiter sawe that, after manie thoughts he tooke the Egle, and made Sacrifice: and anon after came ty­dings that his mariners were ready. So he went out of the temple, and recom­mended him vnto Mars, and came to his mariners that hadde made all things readie, and went to sea accompanyed with the Centaures, and two thousand of his men of Crete, and sayled after his enimies, as he desi­red: For the Troyans fled apace, and made all the sayle they could. In these two dayes Iupiter oftentimes wished him with his fayre Danae, and thought that his long tarying would be irksome vnto her.

When y ^t the two days were past, the day folowing at thrée of the clock, they of Crete and they of Troye began to méete togither vpon the sea. They of Troye were in great sorrow and they of Crete in great ioye. At this time Saturne was not with the Troyans, as he that durst not returne with them for his shame that was befallen, and was all dis­comfit in himselfe and in dispayre: and passed by the waues of the sea, drawing into the East. When Ganimedes had e­spyed the shippes of Crete from far, he supposed first, that it had bin Saturne, and taryed a while at ancre, but in processe [Page 121] of time, when Ganimedes sawe the shippes coming by great force néere, and sawe the banner of the king Iupiter appeare, by which he vnderstood verily that it was Iupiter and his e­nimies, and not Saturne that he abode for.

Then was Ganimedes sore troubled, and called his com­panies, and shewed them the banner with the golden Egle, and asked them what was best to doo? They aunswered to him and sayd: that Saturne had abandoned them and giuen ouer, and that they ought not to abide and tarry, but onelye euery man to saue himselfe. Ganimedes would fayne haue abidden the battayle, for to proue if they were as fortunate, and happye on the sea as they were on land: but when he knewe the minde of the Troyans, that desired nothing but rest, he made to weigh vp ancres, and sayle foorth, fléeing and withdrawing from them of Crete, as much as in them was possible. Iupiter and his Centaures then séeing the Troyans lying at ancre, began to furnish and fit them with theyr harnesse: and when they sawe theyr enimies take vp theyr ancres, they began to shoute and folowe. The pursuit was strong, and dure [...] thrée dayes and thrée nightes: and in the morning of the fourth daye Ganimedes and his company espying land (and that was Troye that they sawe) they drewe to the porte with great ioy, but that soone was entremedled with sorrow. For when they had taken land, they behelde and sawe that theyr enemies followed them, and came to the porte all prouided and readie to battaile. This shame and losse smote vnto the heart of Ganimedes, in such facion, that he cryed and sayde in this wise vnto his men.

My brethren, and my fellowes, fortune hath doon to vs a grace by which we be brought and conducted hither, but this grace is to vs little proffit as we may plainly conceyue. Lo heare is the King Iupiter, which hath doone to vs great shame, for to chase vs into our owne territorye: and what shame will it be to him that will now flie? and more ouer, who is he that nowe will not holde the brydle by the [Page 122] téeth? now behoueth not to flie, but nowe it behoueth for to fight. It is méete and necessarie for to reuenge his losses and his bloud, and for to recouer worship. We be in our owne countrey, if we reuenge vs not, we shall come into perpe­tuall dishonour. Of succour we cannot faile: for now the Troyans be vpon the walles, and go vppon the high Edifi­ces of the Citie, that beholde our landing. And some there be that make them readie to welcome vs. And who that now is not well couragious, neuer fare he well: let euery man enforce the vertue of his strength. For as for me, for to be hewen in péeces, I will no more flee: I pray you that ye take courage and abide with me.

Two things happened whiles he spake and vttered these spéeches vnto his people, the Troyans were aduertised of the coming of their men, and of the following and landing of their aduersaries, and they disposed them to resist and withstand them. And Iupiter and his men approched the port, and with that Ganimedes left warning his fellowes, and ran vnto the port, holding in his hand a strong speare, his companie tooke example by his right high courage, and followed him. Then began both the parties to make their cries, that went vp into the aire. Iupiter and his Centaures inforced them to take land. Ganimedes and the Troyans in­forced them to defend and to put them from the land. Great and sore strokes were giuen: many of them were perished in the sea. And many there were that their bloud was shed on the land. But Iupiter that had no fellow in the place, gat land in a little space, and sustained the fiercenesse of the skirmish, by helpe of some of the Centaures, so that he made Ganimedes to retire backe to his fellowes, and so exployted by the hewing of his sharpe sword, that he made all his men to take land, and had lightly put Ganimedes and his men to the foyle, if out of Troy had not come the king Troos and Ilion, with a great multitude of people, that ranne vnto the reskewe and helpe of the hardie and valiant Ganimedes, who for to saue his men, offered and put his [Page 123] bodie to incredible trauell and labour.

The King Troos and Ilion, then made a sallie out of Troy, in right fayre order, and exposed them to beare a part in the trauaile of theyr blood. Iupiter with Ixion and the Centaures, left then them that he estéemed vanquished and ouercome, and directed their forces against king Troos and Ilion, and them that followed them, notwithstanding, that they had béene féebled by the ayre, and béeing on the sea, which did them little good. The Centaures were great and huge, and strong as oliphants, hardy as lions, and eager as Tigers. At this time the weather was fayre and cleare, the sunne shone faire, when they began to skirmish: it was a fayre thing to sée the bickerings, and a great noyse to heare the cries: there was many a speare broken, and many an arrow shot, and many a staffe and guisarme shiuered, helms inogh frushed, and many skins of Lions, Beares, & Horses, smitten and torne in péeces. Troos and Ilion were right asper and fierce in the reskew of Ganimedes. Iupiter and Ixion, were valiant and desirous to get honour, and so fought and layde on the Troyans, on the right side, and on the left side, that before them was no resistance, nor order holden, &c.

The Banner of the Eagle of Golde was alway in the most strength of the battaile. The King Troos that had neuer séene Banner vsed in battaile, was greatlie amaruayled what it should signifie, and oft tymes did what hée could to fight agaynst them that helde it, and woulde faine haue put it downe, and smitten it into péeces, but alway he found there so great strokes, and so wel laid on, that hée was faine to go as farre backe as he came nigh. Hee was valiaunt of his bodie, and well knewe the Arte of warre. Iupiter approoued him many times and often, and fought with him in many places, and noted him in his minde for a notable man: there was in him no feare ne dreade, nor also in his sonnes Ilion, and Gani­medes: they yéelded vnto armes their deuoirs. They did [Page 124] worshipfully deale with their bodies, vnto their puissance without ende. They wrought and fought with their ene­mies, making their swords red in the bloud of the Creti­ans. They followed with great force, in such wise, that they fought all that day, otherwile afore, and sometime behinde. And it was so in the ende, that when the sunne began to go downe, Ganimedes thinking on his great losse, and desi­ring to recouer his worship, tooke a terrible and mighty axe, and enflamed with right noble courage, fought about the baner of the Eagle of gold, where was the most strength, and smote downe on the one side and other, so vnmeasura­surably, that his axe changed colour, and he cried with an high voyce, Troy, Troy.

Iupiter had alway an eye on the banner. When he heard the crie of Ganimedes, and saw his behauiour, he knew him, whereof he had great ioy, for he sought no man but him: he gaue ouer the place where he was in, and ioyously adressed him vnto him and saide. O valiant Troyan, thou hast shew­ed thy prowesse all the day, and now thou manifestest and shewest thy selfe by great feats of armes, and of great shouts. Thou art onely he that I séeke among the valiants of Troy: not onely that I presume to be more valiant in armes then thou, but for as much as thou art he that hast assailed Crete, and that I haue pursued thee hither. Thou hast assailed and fought with me, army against armie, and nowe let vs fight body against body, and he take it that may get it.

Ganimedes with this word lifted vp his axe, and casting his eyes on Iupiter, and thinking of that he had heard, made him this answere: Happie and fortunate king of Crete I know nowe that thou art worthy to haue grace of fortune, and that thou art more wise then strong. Thou séest that fortune is with thée, neuerthelesse now thou enhaunsest not thy selfe aboue me, I allow and prayse thée: in as much as thou dost worship and honour to thine enemie, and disprai­sest him not, but imaginest that hee hath courage at his [Page 125] heart, know thou that thou dost thy selfe honour and wor­ship. For, to disprayse and blame another man, no man ought to aduance himselfe. I would that it pleased the gods, that thy father Saturn which is wandering on the sea, were now here, for it is mine intent that by his helpe we would haue reason of thée, and I will come thereto, if it be for me possible, for I should be satisfied for all my hurts and losses, if I might conquer and ouercome thée. And without mo words, Ganimedes let flie his axe, and smote on Iupiter. Iupiter couered him with his shield, which was smitten in two peeces by the cutting of the axe, and then Iupiter be­stirred himselfe, who all that day had abstained and spared from fight and the feats of armes: and commanded his folke that they should let him alone with Ganimedes, for as much as he was alone. And nowe he defended himselfe against the axe of Ganimedes, and be laboured him with his sword, the most best wise that to him was possible.

Thus began the battaile of the two champions of Crede, and of Troy. They were both right expert, to do the feats of armes: their cries were high and fierce: they smote each other fiercely & eagerly: the fire sprang out of their helmes, by the might of their strokes. But when fortune was on the part of Iupiter, what might Ganimedes do? His strokes were great, and hee gaue vnto Ganimedes many wounds: and indéede tooke away his axe, by the meane of a great wound that he had in the right arme, & might haue put him to death, if he would. But for to make short processe: when he had taken his weapon from him, he had pitie on him, and saued his life, and caused him to be kept by foure Centaure [...] Anon after it began to waxe dark, for the night tooke frō the day his light, wherefore it behoued them to take their rest, and leaue off fighting. And so the Troyans withdrew them into theyr Citie, and they of Crete vnto the port of the sea.

CHAP. XXVII. ¶How the King Troos, and Ilion his son, made great sorrow for Ganimedes for they wist not where he was becom, And how Iupiter went to the sea, for to go to Argos

WHen Troos and Ilion were withdrawen, they abode at the gate vnto the time that all the Troyans were come againe into the Citie, as they that knew not where Ganimedes was become, whome they sore desired to haue found. All they that were in the bat­taile of the Troyans, were entred, and there was no man that coulde tell the King Troos, where his sonne Ganime­des was: or whether he was aliue or dead. And when hée sawe, that he hadde no more men left in the fielde, he retur­ned into his Pallace sorrowing and greatlye vexed: and sent for them that were come againe from Crete, and en­quired of them of all the tydings, and what they hadde doone with his sonne. As touching his sonne they aunswe­red: that in the euening hée was in the prease among his enemyes, but they wist not what was become of him. And as touching the tydings of Crete, they tolde him, how they had spedde in theyr Iourney against them: and how the Eagle appeared vnto Iupiter: and how they were ouer­come by the strength of the centaures. And how they wist not where Saturne was become.

These tydings gaue vnto the king Troos sorrowe vppon sorrowe, and to Ilion also. And the teares fell downe from theyr eyes: and in speciall Ilion wept sore, bewayling his brother in this manner: Alas my brother, alas Ganimedes, where is become the glorie of Troye, by the vnfortunate and vnhappy Saturne, which hath failed there in thy néede. At the least if thou hadst come againe, we togither would haue doon our best to haue bin auēged of this losse. We would haue assayed our bodies, by fraternall loue, for to haue recouered thine honour. How is it, art thou perished by venturing? [Page 127] what hard gréefe and sorrowe is thée befallen? for to say all thy misaduenture and mishap is too preiudicial vnto the house of Troy. Ilion faire sonne, answered Troos, for one aduersitie it behoueth not to be abashed in the warre, in any wise, but to haue firme courage. War giueth this day victory to one, and on the morne, taketh it away, and giueth it to another, and so putteth each out. A vertuous and a manly mā vnto his death, ought not to be afraide. If Ganimedes he dead in the battaile, or if he be taken, what remedy? it is then expedient, eyther to auenge his death or to succour him: but our enemyes be in little number, we will to morrow fight with them againe, and let the gods doo their willes of vs. And if I faile herein, I shall be quite discouraged.

Ilion, and the nobles of Troy, comforted them with these words of king Troos, and confirmed his resolution for to go on the morne, to assayle their enemies. Whilest these things were in parle in the citie, Iupiter was in the fielde, and made great chéere, with Ixion, and the Centaures: and being set at supper vpon the ground, al about a great stone, Iupiter sent for to fetch Ganimedes, and made him to sup with them. Gani­medes was sore mooued, and had in his heart great trouble: yet he tooke a short refection with them, for he felt right great ache and smarte in his woundes. And there Iupiter commā ­ned with him, saying, that he was the valiantest man that euer was séene among the most valiantest of Troy: and for as much as he was in his mercye, and that it was hée, that late with his father, descended into Crete, where he had gladly planted his name in worshippe, if fortune woulde haue suffered him: therefore (sayd he) I will no more warre before Troye: but I will enter agayne to morne into the Sea, and will go and putte in execu­cion, a thing that lyeth me nowe sore at hearte: And will well that ye knowe, that I haue intencion to go vnto the Realme of Argos, vnto the Tower of Dardan, for to deliuer, according to my promise, out of the same Tower the fayre Danae, whome the King Acrisius [Page 128] holdeth fast shut in, without any reason. This conclusion pleased king Ixion, and the Centaures, for as much as they had heard speake of the Tower of Dardain: and they thought well that the Argiens might not hold against their strength. When that they had eaten, they entred into their ships, and thought among other things, on the wounds of them that were hurt, and also of Ganimedes. And after they laide them downe on the straw to sléepe, and about two houres before day they weighed anchor, and departed so se­cretly, that the Troyans had no knowledge thereof. And on the morrow betimes, when king Troos and Ilion issued out of Troy to battaile, they ranged in good order, and found no man to haue to do withall, nor they could not sée nor per­ceiue their enemies on no coast of the sea, for they had so farre sailed from the port, that by that time they were out of sight. Thus they had great sorrow maruailously, and came vnto the place where the battaile had béene, and buri­ed the dead men. But nowe I will leaue speaking of them, and of Iupiter, and will turne vnto the History of Danae.

CHAP. XXVIII. ¶How the king Arcrisus, when he sawe his daughter with childe, sent her to exile: and put her in a little vessell into the sea, at the aduenture of fortune, &c.

THe noble Damosell Danae abode with child of the séede of Iupiter, as it is said before. Af­ter that Iupiter was returned into his coun­trey, she abode passing long in hope, that he would come to fetch her by strength of peo­ple, and would leade her into his Realme, as he vnto her had promised. In this hope she mounted of­ten times into high windowes of the tower, and casting her eyes now hither, now thither, vpon the mountaines, wayes and stréetes, for to awarre if he came, or that she might sée his [Page 129] men of armes, and his people of warre, and without end, shée had alway her eares open, to hearken if she might heare the Trumpets, Tabours and Clarions. This hope dured long, vnto the last day that Iupiter had promised: and sore she complained in this tyme of his abyding, and sayde vnto her selfe, that he would come. But certes, when euening was come of the day that he had set, and hee was not come, nor she heard no tydings of him, when she sawe that hée came not, and that the fruit of her bellie appeared: she went downe from the window of the hie Tower, and all surprised with dispayre, to beholde her belly, sayde: poore belly, I may no longer hide thée, I haue couered thée vnto this time, ho­ping the comming of Iupiter: the day is come and past that he should haue come, and there is no tidings of him. Alas, and hath he also forgotten me? Where art thou Iupiter? Art thou dead or aliue? If thou be dead, speake to mee in spirite, in excusing thée of thy default. Tell me what I shall do with thy séede? And if thou be aliue, what right euill aduenture holdeth thée? Art thou wearie of me? Of Danae? of her that thou enforcedst by raining golde? of her that thou so much desiredst? Alas, thou promisedst me thy loue, and gauest it vnto me: and I receyued the gift in good part, and gaue vnto thée mine heart, in like case, and more then thou wéenest. And what shall this be, Iupiter, my loue and friend? Art thou of the nature of false men, as hypocrites that go a­bout to deceyue poore women, and then leaue them in dis­honour? Alas thou art one verily, thou hast brought me in­to perpetuall shame, and hast abandoned and giuen me ouer. O mischieuous man, O false lier, be thou cursed with thy riches, and accursed be the houre that euer I saw thée. I am for euer by thée put to shame: and by thée mine ende appro­cheth. I may no longer hide thy workes. Where shall my childe become? euery man shall sée and know my trespasse. Alas my father shall put me to death, I may not faile of it: and as for death it shall not grieue me, saue for the fruit that I beare: yet shall I kéepe it as well as myselfe, at all aduen­ure [Page 130] come what may come thereof, &c.

In these and such like wordes, Danae passed ouer this night, without sléeping or rest: from thenchforth she began to be all melancholious, and tooke this so sore to heart, that she fell into a right grieuous maladie. When the maydens that nothing knew of this case, saw her so euill disposed, they signifyed it into the king Acrisius. And then came the king to visit his daughter, and betooke her to the cure of his Phisi­tians and cunning men, and demaunded of them what ma­ladie she had. They answered him in the presence of Danae, that she was great with childe, and that in short time shée should be deliuered. Danae answered, that they fayled to say the truth, and that she had neuer knowne man: and de­nied her fact as much as in her was possible, hoping alway to liue: for she knewe well that her father would condemne her to death, if he knewe that she were with child. And a­bout this, all the maydens of the house striued with the mi­stresse, saying, that they had well and surely kept the tower, that no man saue the king had spoken to her, but if he were come inuisible, since that they had receyued her into their gouernance. Whereat the king was greatly abashed, and sore wondered.

When the king heard these wordes, and saw the state of his daughter, he was sore troubled. For by experience he sawe well, and it appeared that Danae was with childe: hée trusted and beléeued better the Phisitians, then the excusa­tions of the maydens, and of his daughter. And for to knowe the truth, he sent all the maydens of the place into prison to Argos, and betooke Danae in kéeping to other women, and commaunded them vpon paine of death, that they should tell him, if she were or happened to be deliuered of childe or no. Within a certaine tyme, when Danae sawe her in this case, shée began to fall into wéeping. The king Acrisius, from this day forth, came euery day to knowe how she did. She wept without ceasing: shée spake not but vnto her heart: and shée bewayled her loue, and complayned on For­tune [Page 131] sorrowfully. But when she had laboured long in these wéepings, and that her faire eyes were made great and red, about fiftéene dayes before the time of her childing, the beganne to remember the cause why she was put in­to the Tower. And that the gods had prognosticated, that she should haue a sonne that should bée king of Argos. In this remembrance she was comforted a little: and when the time came that nine months was expired, she brought forth a passing faire sonne, which the Ladyes and women re­ceiued and named him Perseus: And after that signified it vnto the king. But at the birth of this childe, she excused and put out of blame all the damosels, and saide that they were all innocents of her fact.

Anon then as the king Acrisius knew the veritie of his Daughter, and that she had a faire sonne, he had in his heart more of sorrow then of ioy, and condemned her to death indéede, and commanded two of his mariners, that they should take the mother and her childe, and put them in a little Boate, them both alone, and that they should carrie them farre into the high sea, that after should neuer man sée them nor haue knowledge of them. The ma­riners durst not refuse the commaundement of the King: but by his commandement, they went vnto the Tower Dardane, and tooke Danae, and her sonne Perseus, and said vnto the damosell al that that they had charge to do, praying her humbly that shee would pardon them. And this was a­bout midnight, when Danae vnderstood that shee should bée cast into the sea, and her sonne with her. Yet she had hope to escape this perill, by the meane of the fortune of her son. This notwithstanding, the teares ran downe from her eyes, and wéeping tenderly, she tooke her leaue of the ladies and damosels that had her in kéeping: and they let her be ca­ried vpon the sea, making complaint & pitious bewailings.

When the mariners had brought hir vpon the sea, they left her in a litle boat, & put in her lap Perseus her faire son. And as hastily as they might they conducted her into the déepe sea [Page 132] without meate or drinke, and without sterne or gouer­naile, and gaue her ouer to all windes. Then was there many a teare wept among the mariners, and Danae, and Perseus the young childe. The marriners bewailed with great compassion that they had to sée such a Damosell aban­doned to perill of death. Danae wept in considering the ri­gour of her father, and the fault that Iupiter had done to her, and also for the perill which she might not resist: and Per­seus wept for the blowing of the winde, and for the grosse ayre of the sea, that his tendernesse might not well suffer to endure. In this fashion the Matrones returned to Ar­gos, and the right discomforted Damosell Danae went forth vpon the waues of the sea, at the agréement and will of the windes. The waues were right fearefull, and lifted them­selues into the ayre as Mountaynes, the windes blewe by great stormes, the little Boate was borne and cast vpon the waues, and oftentymes Danae looked, and supposed to haue perished: but shée had alway hope in Fortune. And so well it happened, that in this aduersitie and trouble, shée was cast into the Sea of Apulia or Naples. And there shée was found by aduenture of a Fisher, that for pitie and charitie tooke her into his Shippe, and her sonne, and brought her on lande, forasmuch as hee sawe it was great néede.

At this time the noble Danae was as a deade bodie, and halfe gone: when the marriner had brought her a land, the tooke a ring of gold that she ware on her finger, and gaue it vnto the good man, praying him, that he would bring her into some house, where shee might warme and cherish her, with her childe, for he was nigh dead for colde, and was all in a traunce. The marriner tooke the Golde Ring, and brought the Damosell, and the little childe into his house, and made them a good fire, and brought them meate and drinke. As soone as Perseus felt the ayre of the fyre, his heart came to him againe, and he began to laugh on his mo­ther. When shee sawe that, all her sorrowes turned to [Page 133] nought, and she tooke hope of good fortune. She then made ready and arayed her son, and her colour came againe: & she did eate, and drinke. What shall I say? the fisher behelde her, and then séeing in her so much beautie, that the like to her he sawe neuer none, he went vnto the court of the king of Naples, and tolde him his aduenture, praysing so certaynly her beautie, that the King sent hastely for to fetch her. This King was named Pilonus, and was sonne to the auncient Iupiter. And when Danae was come before him, sodaynlye he waxed amorous of her, and demaunded her name, her countrey, and the cause why she was aduentured on the sea. At beginning she excused her selfe of al these things, vnwil­ling to tell all, and began to wéepe. When the King sawe that, he comforted her and said to her, that he would take her to his wife, for her beautie: and spake so fayre to her, and so graciously, that she tolde him al her life, how she was daugh­ter of the king Acrisius, and how she was shutte in the tower, and how Iupiter had deceyued her, and how her father hadde put her in the sea. What shall I say more? when the King Pilonus heard all these fortunes of the damosell, he had pitie on her, and wedded her with great honour, and did put to nurse Perseus, and gat on her a sonne, which was named Danaus: but of this matter I will cease, and turne again to the history of Iupiter. &c.

CHAP. XXIX. ¶How Iupiter returning from Troy by sea, encountred the great theefe Egeon, which he fought with, and ouercame: and of the tidings that hee had of Danae, whereof hee was passing sorrowfull.

WHen Iupiter was departed from Troy, as afore is said, he made his mariners to saile and row with all diligence, for to withdraw from the port, and for to ap­proch Crete, for he knew well that the time of his promise made to Danae was expired, and that displeased him greatly, that he might not amēd it. His mariners did all that they could do by the space of a day naturall, but the day being past, there rose a tempest in the sea, so terrible and out of measure, that it bare many ships with their furniture vnder water, brake their sternes and helmes, and drowned all the ships, sauing onely that ship where Iupiter was in: wherefore he wept outragiously. The tempest dured two dayes and two nights. They saw not that time in the hauen, sunne nor moone nor starres. Iupiter and they that were with him thought neuer to haue died other death, yet they escaped the death, and tooke land on the third day when the tempest was ceased, not in Crete, nor in the sea of Europe, but in the Ocean so far, that they knew not the language of them that inhabited the port where they came to ancre.

When Iupiter and his people sawe the strangenesse of the people dwelling in this port, and their maner of doing they knew that they were farre from their region, and then was Iupiter discomfited, in such wise, that he wished that he had not bene there, nor come on y ^e sea, forasmuch as he knew well that he might not accomplish his promise made vn­to Danae his Loue. Hee made many great bewaylings [Page 135] touching this matter, and more then I can say: and also complained for his men that he had lost in the storme and tempest, as well as he complained for the default of his pro­mise. But when his companions, that is to wit, Ixion, and the Centaures, and Ganimedes, had refreshed them, and vit­tailed them, and had well put all things in point, and had taken all things necessarie for their ship, they weighed an­chor, and departed from the port, & tooke their way into the East: and so laboured day by day, and moneth vpon moneth, that they entred into the sea Egee. And they had not long sailed, when Egeon the great theefe and rouer, which held at his will all this sea: then they disankred from the port of the Ile of Desert, and accompanied with sixe gallies, and with a thousand men of armes, came before Iupiter, proui­ding them to battaile, in purpose to haue destroyed them.

When Iupiter and the Centaures saw the behauiour of the théefe, they knew straightway that they might not faile of battel, & saying each to other they would defend themselues vnto the death: they had not long held parliament among them, but they furnished them with their armes, and dis­played the banner with the Eagle of gold. And in the dis­playing, they made a great ioy, as they had beene in para­dise. At this time had Ganimedes his wounds healed. When he saw that each man prepared him to fight, sauing hee, which was prisoner, hee came and knéeled downe on his knées before Iupiter, and required him right humbly, that he would commaund to deliuer him his harnesse, for to help to maintaine his worship, and also to defend his life, pro­mising to do his true deuoir. Iupiter tooke vp Ganimedes, when hée saw him submit himselfe, and began to set his loue on him, in such wise, that it endured vnto the death: and that more is, he made that his harnesse and armes were yéelded to him, saying, that from thenceforth they would be brethren and fellowes in armes. And Ganimedes an­swered to him, that he would alway abide and dwell his seruant.

[Page 136]During these spéeches, Egeon and his galleis borded the ship of Iupiter: and fought with them hardly. Egeon was in the front before as captaine. Iupiter beheld him and knew him by his armes that he bare, and yet that any stroke was smit­ten, he called to him and sayd. Théefe and rouer and pyrate, how darest thou pursue to death him that made thée tremble, and flie before him at the battaile of Crete, by séeing of his sword dyed and made red with the bloud of the vnhappye Tytanoys? Beholde and see mee, I am Iupiter the mortall enemy of all thy linage. Thou in likewise art my enemy, and now art come to battaile against me. It maye be well sayde, that we shall run each vpon other, by great force: and that this conflict shal be right damageable for thée or for mée, and let the goddes doo their pleasure.

When Egeon vnderstoode what Iupiter had sayde to him, and that he was the destroyer of his linage, he had his heart so incensed with yre and impacience, that he could not answer one word: And grenning with his téeth, he began to smyte so hard toward Iupiter, that if the stroke of the axe, that he smit had bin right, there had neuer bin remedy of his life. But Iupiter knew the feates of war, and when he saw the stroke come, he auoyded it: and lifted vp his sword, and charged it vpon Egeon so surely, that he could not auoide the stroke, which was so forcible, that he was so astonied as it made him fall downe vpon the plankes of the galley. Then made the pyrates and théeues a greate crye, and fell vpon Iupiter, and his fellowes. Ganimedes helde his axe in his handes, and was not then ydle: he fought and wrought valyantlye, after his power, and so did the Centaures. The skirmishe was great, and many were deade, not of the partye, of Iupiter, but of the partye of the pyrates, and then laboured the Centaures, so that they dyed theyr galleyes with the bloud of theyr ene­mies: And that the pyrates, albeit they were tenne a­gainste one, coulde not, nor might not abyde before them. &c.

[Page 137]Thus began the mortall battaile of the pyrates, and of the Centaures, when the one Galley had fought as long as they might, an other came on. This Iupiter and Ganimedes had inough to do to fight and they fayled not what to do, for the more they smote, the more displeasure had the pyrates. Each of their strokes was the death of a pyrate. In processe of time Egeon came againe into the prease dismayed, and fulfilled with impatience, he put himselfe forth to fight, in the most strength, all desperately, to winne all, or to loose all. At this time the battaile was so terrible and so deadly, that al the Gallies closed the Ship of Iupiter, and smote on it: but this was to their mishap and ilfare, for the most part of them were slaine: and then Ganimedes and Iupiter entered into the galley of king Egeon, where he fought so sore, on the one side and the other, for enuie who should do best, that of all them that were within, there was not left one man, but he was slaine, or cast into the sea, excepting onely Egeon, which Iupiter tooke with his hands, and bound him with an hundred chaines of yron, &c.

With these chaines of yron Egeon had a custome for to bind his prisoners, vntill the time they had done his will. When the pyrats sawe the mischiefe that came vpon them, and that their maister was ouercome and bound with the chaines that he was woont to torment the prisoners withal, they intended to saue themselues, and withdrew them from the ship of Iupiter, saying, that those that they had fought withall, were no men but diuels: and that they were vn­happie that came vnto their hands. Iupiter had but one ship, The pyrates dispersed abroad one here, another there. And when the Centaures sawe that, they sayde to Iupiter, that it ought to suffice to haue this victory ouer his enemy, and that it was no néede to make pursuit after the vnhappie théeues. Iupiter accorded to the same, and entred againe into his ship with Ganimedes and Egeon, and after made his mariners to take their course againe. And alway he had in his memo­rie Danae. It néedeth not to make long talke of these trauels [Page 138] and iourneyes, and other aduentures. Hée was a yeare long sayling by the sea: and in the ende of the yeare, he arriued in his Realme, and there found foure hundred horses, which they of Crete presented him to his wel­come.

The Quéene Iuno his wife, made great chéere, for shée loued him with all her heart, wherefore shee feasted him, and them that presented to him the horses. And hee put in prison Egeon, and let Ganimedes go frée where hee would: they loued then together euer after as two brethren. When Iupiter had beene there thrée dayes, hée tooke foure hundred of his men of the most puissant, and made them Gentlemen, and after made them Knights, giuing to each of them one of his Horses: and taught them, and infourmed them the feates of armes, after the discipline of Ixion and the Centaures. And when they had doone this, hee assembled a thousand Pietons, or foote men, and two hundred Archers, and with the com­panie of them and of the Centaures, and of the Knights, hée departed from Crete fiftéene dayes after his returne: and sent not for Pluto, nor for Neptune, and tooke his way vn­to the Cittie of Argos, meaning to haue taken away the fayre Danae. But he had not farre gone, when he encoun­tred and met one of the Citizens of Argos, a gentleman and worshipfull, that recounted and tolde to him all the life of Danae, for as much as hee demanded of him tidings. And assured him on his life, that the king Acrisius had set her on the sea, for as much as she had brought forth a little sonne a­gainst his commandement.

When Iupiter heard the case and the misfortune of Danae, he began to sorrow and sigh sore: the sweate came into his face, and teares into his eyes, he called Ganimedes and Ixion, and tolde them, that his voyage was broken; and that the king Acrisius had cast her into the sea, for whom he made this armie. Ganimedes and Ixion comforted him the best wise they could, & brought him again to Crete: [Page 139] he helde him there solitarily a whyle: and lay by his wife Iuno, and Iuno and her Aunt Ceres made him good chéere of­tentimes. And so oft came Seres, that once she asked the cause of his sorrowe. He behelde the beautie of her: & for that she was alone, he vsed the matter so that he had to doo with her, and knewe her fleshly, and that she conceiued of his séede a daughter: and after he determined in his minde, that he would go into Sicill, and conquer the countrey, delighting alwaye to occupie himselfe in feates of armes: and taking leaue of the King Ixion, and of the Centaures, his shipping was made ready, and he went to the sea, and came into Sicill, and conquered it vnto the Ile of Lemnos. And when he had so doone he went into Italy, and came into the house of King Ianus, which receyued him, and made him great chéere, and tolde him that his father Saturne was come newly for to dwel there by, and that he was singularly loued of al the people, for as much as he taught them to labour the vines and to sow corne.

Al the bloud chaunged in Iupiter, when he hearde that Ia­nus spake to him of his father Saturne: neuerthelesse he went for to sée him, and sawe him, and founde his Father making and founding a newe Cittie in the place where now stand the Capitoll of Roome. And in such wise hée submitted him to his Father, that Saturne tooke him to his grace, and made peace with him: and also accorded to him that he shoulde enioy from thenceforth his realme of Crete. At the accord and making of this peace, were the King Ia­nus, and the King Euander, and they dwelled the one nighe the other, that is to wete, Ianus in a Cittie called Laurence, and Euander in a Cittie being nigh the mounte Auentin: and so was there the king Italus of Syracuse, that made in this time a newe Cittie named Albe, vpon the riuer of Tybre. All these kings made great chéere for the agréement of the father and the sonne. And thus Iupiter abiding there, he acquainted himself with the wife of king Euander, named Nicostrate, for asmuch as she was right expert in the science [Page 140] of nigromancie, and in charmes and sorceries: And of hir he learned this science. Iupiter after this, tooke leaue of her, and of his father Saturne, and of his neighbours, and left there Saturne, that was married againe vnto a woman cal­led Philiris, by whom he had a sonne called Picus, that was father of king Famus, husband of the quéene Fatua, of whom Hercules was amorous (as it shal be said in the second booke) and returned into Crete, and there found that his wife was deliuered of his sonne Vulcan, and that his beloued Aunt Seres was deliuered of a daughter, named Proserpina. Wherof Iuno was right euill pleased and content, and com­plained to Iupiter of the dishonour that he had done to her. But Iupiter set nought thereby, but laughed, and was more ioyous of his daughter then of his sonne: For his daughter was maruailous faire, and Vulcan his sonne was foule and crooke-backed. Notwithstanding, for to liue in peace with Iuno, he married Seres to another man named Siccam: and gaue to them the Realme of Sicill, and the Citie of Siracu­se: and sent them to dwell there with Proserpina. And it was not long after that, but hee sent his sonne Vulcan into the Ile of Lemnos, whom he betooke to be gouerned by thrée men, named Berrotes, Seropes, and Pyragmon: and kept him so well that he came to age, and that he was a man of right noble minde, and learned all sciences, in especiall Nigromancie, Geomancie, and Pyromancie, and made ma­ny meruailous things, that be past credit to speake: where­fore I will tarie now of him and of Iupiter. And will treate of his sonne Perseus, for as much of him came Alcumena.

CHAP. XXX. ¶How the Queene Medusa came to Athens, to worship in the temple of the goddesse Pallas. And how the king Nep­tunus waxed amorous of her, and how she deceiued him.

IN this time when Iupiter dwelled peace­ably king of Crete, and that his sonne Vulcan waxed great, and learned the craft of Nigromancie, in the land of Hesperye there passed out of the world a king named Porcus, a man of right great valour, which the Hesperiens cal­led god of the sea of Spaine, anciently named Hesperie, as is said. This king left thrée daughters that had not but one eye, as the Poets say: that is to say, their principall care was for the vanities of the worlde, and therefore they were called Gorgons, that is to say, studi­ous or louers of the earth, for as much as they intended vnto vices, that hold of earthly things. Of these daughters, one was named Medusa, the other Euriale, and the third Senno. Medusa, that was the eldest of all the other, succéeded in the Empire and in the Realme. And the Poets say that [...] had the head of a Serpent: giuing by this to vnderstand, that shee was wonderfully wife and subtill. After the death of King Porcus, this Medusa gouerned mightly her Realme, and maintained py [...]es and men of warre, and in hir beginning she occupied and haunted the sea of Europe at pleasure, and with right great triumph. And landing on a day at the port of Athens, shee sent vnto king Neptune, to require him that he would grant vnto her, that she might enter into his Citie, for to worship in the temple of the god­desse Pallas, which was newly made. Neptune did great honour vnto the Messengers of Medusa, and accorded vnto her, that shee should enter into his Citie, and into the [Page 142] Temple, vpon condition that she should haue none with her saue her damosels. Whan Medusa heard the aunswere of king Neptune, she concluded that shée would go into the temple: where of was a great talke. And she was accompa­nied with many Damosels so richly arayed, that it was a gallant sight for to sée. She entred into the Temple and into the citie, and there she turned into stones, not onely the men that beheld her, but also the women, and among all other e­specially a Quéene that was named Ida.

By this it is to be vnderstood, that this Medusa was of so excellent beautie, and was so passing rich, that all they that beheld her, gaue themselues ouer wholly to couet her beau­tie, and her riches. And therefore write the poets, that they were turned into stones: For, they that dispose thēselues and giue them to the delightes of this worlde, be lykened and compared vnto harde stones, whereof maye no good come. Thus then Medusa entring into Athens, con­uerted and turned manye men into stones: in so much that Neptunus heard these tydings, and desiring to sée thys Quéene, hée went into the Temple where shée was in contemplation. And hée hadde not long be­helde her, when hée felte himselfe so desirous of her, and of her loue, that hée sayde to himselfe, that shée shoulde be his wife, and that shée shoulde neuer escape him.

This Medusa was long space in contemplation, during which Neptune desired her beautie more and more, and his heart gaue him, that he should obtaine his purpose. And anon after that his heart had thus chéered him, he a little paused, considering the excellencie of her griefe and thought trauersed and arose in his minde, that constrayned him to say these wordes that follow: Alas, in what matter, in what sorrowe, and in what right great and enflaming payne be they that be burning in loue by long space of time, that I alreadye beginne to finde mée in so ma­nye sighes and paynes, that I wot not howe I maye in [Page 143] time come vnto this Ladye, for to require her to be my wife She is shining in all beautie, and in right aboundaunt ri­ches. This is it that I lacke. She beholdeth me otherwhiles in her prayers: it maye happen so well, that loue may turne her heart, for to make aliance betwixt her and me. And what is this? men say that loue hurteth no man, but if it be by his eyes. If the eyes be not made for to sée, I will saye that my desire shall hap well. Where am I? where I am: put me out. Where is my hart? where is my desire? I know not what I thinke: my thought may be abused, and my a­buse may well be reuersed: myne eyes peraduenture thinke they see that they sée not. Mine eares imagine to heare, and yet they be deafe. I finde my selfe in a great perplexity and very ataynder: and yet more, in a superfluous errour, more then any man may haue. For, when I sée this Ladye more excellent then all other in beautie and riches, reason telleth me, that she is not come hither for me: and when I behold, that shée is alone without men in my Cittie, who shall againe saye my will? I will require her to be my wife, after that she hath doone her deuotion: and if shée accord to my request, my labour shall doo well. And if she gain­say, and withstand it, then I must vse force and authoritye royall.

Thus, when Neptune came to this conclusion, Medus [...] arose from her contemplation, and looked right fayre. Nep­tune went to her, and did her reuerence, and after prayd her, that she would go to his royall pallace for to refresh her. Me­dusa thanked him of his curtesie, and sayde, that she might not well tarye there at that time. When Neptune vn­derstoode that she was to returne, without staying longer in his house nor in his Cittie: hée was sore displeased in his heart, yet hée helde her in parle, and drewe her a parte, and sayde vnto her (chaunging coloure) Madame, I am sorye that ye refuse to take harbor in my house. I am king of this Cittie, the goddes haue not giuen to mée so great happe, that I haue yet any wife, any Lady [Page 144] or damosel: it is so now happened, that the gods and fortune haue enspired you to come hither. Certes, it is so that your right high beautie hath prepared the eye of my heart, and hath made me so desirous of you, that I giue vnto you heart, body, and goods, and all that a louer may giue vnto his loue and Ladie, or any king may giue. Wherefore I pray you, that ye will go vnto my pallace, to the end that I may haue communication more secretly there, and tell you of the right great loue that I haue to you.

Anon, as Medusa vnderstood the requests of the king, shee began to frowne, and not willing to bee otherwise intrea­ted, she answered to him. Syr king, if it were so that mine heart desired acquaintance and communication with one man more then with another, in truth, if I so found me di­sposed, I would holde my selfe right happie, finding my selfe in the grace of your eyes: but the matter goeth with me far otherwise, I loue men, as much one as another. I haue a purpose to abide and continue in my virginity. Ye be a king: you haue giuen to me safe conduct for to performe my pil­grimage. I desire you that ye holde you content, and that ye beare your selfe in such wise, as if yee had neuer seene me. Madame (saide Neptune) how shall I do that ye say, when my heart is all giuen vnto you? Sir (answered Medusa) it behoueth first to know, and after that to loue. I haue tolde you here that I haue a purpose to abide a virgine, what may it profit you to say, that ye haue giuen me your heart? these be but lost words. Dame (saide Neptune) the Diamond shi­neth, not till it be polished: ye were neuer peraduenture de­sired nor requested of loue before now: wherefore ye haue no more loue to one man then to another. Therefore yée must vnderstand, that acquaintance bréedeth loue: and if ye will come and abide with me, I make no doubts but that your minde will change, and that ye will make a league with me. Sir (answered Medusa) my will is vnchangeable. Notwithstanding (saide Neptune) it must change, be not a­bashed. Sir (answered Medusa) I sée nothing that giueth [Page 145] me cause of abashment: for I féele my heart firme and stable in his operations. Ye be a King, and haue giuen me safe conduct, for to finishe my deuotion at the Temple of the goddesse of your Cittie. Reason and honour should gouerne your courage. Dame (sayd Neptune) if your beautie sur­mounted not the beautie of other women, I would consent anon to your returne: But when I conceyue in my minde you formed in so high a degrée of nature, that nothing lack­eth in you. And further, when I sée that the great goddesse Pallas hath enspyred you to come to this my Cittie, reason maye haue no place: howsoeuer it be by loue or by force, ye shal be my wife: for I had leuer die, and run into al the disho­nours of the world, then for to fayle to haue your loue.

When Medusa that was wise had vnderstood the wordes of Neptune, and sawe well that he was couragiously infla­med with her amorous desire, and that she might not escape his power, for her beautie, vnlesse it were by an aduenture: then she chaunged her haire into colours: that is to saye, that where force reygned, shée wrought by subtiltie, and sayde vnto the King. Syr, I knowe that ye be a great and puissante Lorde, and that loue hath mooued you by force to take me to your wife. Since your pleasure is such, I am content to do all what shall please you in such wise as ye haue demaunded, and that this same daye be made the ma­riage betwéene you and me: but, the more solemnly to halow the feaste of our wedding, I requyre you of two things: First, that I maye returne vnto the porte, to my people, for to araye and dresse me with my costly Iewels, for I maye not employe them to more great glorie then to vse this daye of my mariage: And secondly, that ye will cause to araye and adresse the ladyes of this citie, for to receiue me as it appertayneth: for I will that ye well knowe, that in all the remnant of ladyes of the world, ye shal not find any that haue more moueable goodes nor riches then I haue.

Neptune was then as one al rauished in ioy, when he heard this answer of Medusa: he thanked her for her swéete words, [Page 146] and agréed to her, to do in such wise as she had deuised. And anon he sent againe this Medusa vnto the gallies, hoping that she would returne againe to be his wife: but when she, by the subtiltie of her wit, was deliuered againe at the port where Neptune had nothing to do: in stead for to returne to the citie, she caused to weigh ancres of al her ships, and hoist saile, and in all haste withdrew them from the port: and in stead to array her investments nuptiall, she tooke her arms, and made all her men to arme them. And thus she escaped from Neptune, who was in great sorrow maruailously, and in great anger saide, that she had the head of a serpent, and that her haires were turned into colours, to the end to hide more graciously the malice of her heart: he repeated the maner how she had deceiued and beguiled him, &c.

Thus then escaped Medusa the hands of Neptune, by the meane of her head serpentine: & Neptune abode conuerted and turned into a stone: that is to say, hauing his minde set on earthly affections, and on the riches of Medusa, and went not after her, for as much as her power of men, surmoun­ted much all the power of Athens. Of this thing ranne the renowme through all Greece. And the beautie of Medusa was so commended, that from those parts, went euery day many knights to sée her, and many of them were turned into stones, and many lost their treasours: innume­merable enforcing themselues by armes to conquer this Lady, who withstood alway their assaults and indeuours, and alway abode conquerour of them.

Medusa set nought by King nor Prince that would haue her to wife. Shée was all set to get and gather the treasures of the world. Whereas her father had béene very couetous, yet was shée more couetous, and comming againe from Athens into her owne Realme, after shée hadde brought vnder subiection the Greekes that rebelled against her, as is saide, shée was so plunged in the déepe swallow of couetousnesse and auarice, that shée made war against al her neighbours, and conquered them, [Page 147] constraining them to pay her yearly large tributes. Where­by her estate and name arose, and was so great, that the fame thereof ran into many farre regions: and among o­ther in the Citie of Naples, where reigned the king Pilo­nus, as afore is sayd.

In the time that the renowne of Medusa was in this credite, Perseus sonne of Danae and Iupiter was in the va­lour and prime of his strength: and hee dayly required his mother and the king, that they would giue him leaue to séek his aduenture. When then Pilonus heard speake of the mightinesse of Medusa, of her rapines, and of her auarice, he thought that his sonne in lawe should do a vertuous worke, if hée might correct her: so he told to Perseus that he would send him thither. Perseus thanked him, and sayde, hée woulde employ thereto all his puissaunce. Then the king Pilonus sent for men of Armes, and made readie thirtie Gallyes for the armie of Perseus, and dubbed him knight, for the order of chiualrie began that time to be vsed in all the world. And it was decréed that that same day Perseus should go to the sea.

And when the king had accomplished all the ceremonie to the case requyred in the Painims wise, Perseus tooke leaue of the King Pilonus, and of his mother Danae, and of the damosels, and right ioyously entred into his Galley: af­terward they weighed ancres, and departed from the port of Naples, with a great noyse of Tabors and Trumpets, and with banner displayed, and sayled into the déepe sea. It was a good and faire sight to sée his departing. There was many a teare wept: euerie bodie loues Perseus, for so much as hée was humble and courteous. The Apuliens departed neuer as long as they might sée him: and then after they returned home, praying vnto the goddes, that good and right happie might be the fortune of Perseus. And the noble knight went by the sea, and the coasts at all aduenture. What shall I say? he so hasted on his way that he came to Affricke, that was named Libie at that time, and there would haue refreshed [Page 148] him at a porte, beside the strayte of Gybaltar where as was King Athlas, the great Astrologyen. But this King putte him from landing at this porte, and came in armes against him, and shewed by signe a farre off, that he would kéepe his countrey with his sword. Then Perseus, which woulde not there employe his armye, withdrewe him from the porte meaning to auenge him an other time, of that hard vsage, if fortune would helpe him. He passed the strayte, and sought so long the Realme of Medusa, that anon after he found it, and had tydings by certain merchants that he found trauailing on the Sea, who tolde him that she and her sisters soiourned in a citie which stoode on the sea coast

Great was the ioye of Perseus, when he vnderstoode these tydings: his folke had great nede of vittayle where­fore he called them all and bad that they shoulde make them ready and arme them, for they were nighe the place that they sought: and then, as they sayled away forth, about thrée houres before the euening they saw the citie where Medusa was in, and moreouer they saw Medusa and her sisters with a great number of men of war that were trained on the port, so richly arayed and furnished so that it was meruaile to sée. When Perseus sawe this, he diuided his armie in three e­quall battailes, each of ten galeys, and ordeyned and put in captaines of war: and wisely enformed them howe they shoulde come nigh and approche the porte. And after he put himselfe in the first battaile: and the poets saye, that the goddesse Pallas gaue to him then a shielde of crystall: that is to vnderstand, that he approched right wisely the port that was vpon the great sea of Spayne, and that he conducted himself by such prudence which is likened to cristal, y ^t he came and fought hand to hād against the puissance of Medusa: & that by the shining of y ^e right cleare shield of his prudence, in re­ceiuing & giuyng infinit strokes, he gat lād, and constrained Medusa to returne to her city, by force of armes, and by pro­wesse and with a good ordering and fighting of his souldiers. [Page 149] At that time the head serpent-like of Medusa might not withstand his first fortunes: for she that was accustomed to put vnder foote, and ouercome all them that exposed them in armes agaynst her, at this time was put to the same extre­mitie, that she had put other to.

CHAP. XXXI. ¶How Perseus vanquished in battaile the Queene Medusa: and how she fled into her Citie.

SVch was the beginning of the war that was betwéene Perseus and Medusa, where the Gorgons so fortunate (which Medusa had cherished right dearely) fell downe from the whéele of Fortune, which whéele had cōsented that the pru­dence of Perseus should be cause of theyr downefal, and humbling. This notwith­standing, Medusa tooke courage in her selfe, and reentred in­to her Citie, and gaue charge to one of her men, to go vnto her enemies, and to enquire of them, who was chiefe and captaine of them, and what thing he sought in her Coun­trey? The Hesperiens, at commaundement of Medusa de­parted from the Citie, and came to the host of the Apuliens, that were busie for to lodge them that night: and hée hasted so much that he came to Perseus, who tooke his refecti­on vpon a table that he had made of a great stone of Marble, and said to him in this wise: Sir, the conqueresse of men hath sent me to thée, for to enquire what thing thou wilt do in her countrey, to the end that she may know what she hath to do? Messenger (answerd Perseus) I haue a purpose to en­franchise and make frée all men from the seruitude that thy mistresse holdeth them in: and to make her that hath but one eye, that shee conuert and turne men no more into stones, and that her riches shall be no more the causes of the [Page 150] losse and perdition of knights which would haue hir in ma­riage. For, against her malice of the serpent, I wil be armed with prudence, and will well that she know, to morrow, without longer delay, I will giue assault vnto the Citie, in case she come not against me in battaile,

With this answere, the Hesperien returned vnto Medu­sa, and recounted vnto her all that he had heard. Medusa as­sembled then all her men of warre, and said to them: it is no maruaile though I haue mine heart sore troubled, when af­ter y ^t I haue vanquished great companies of men of armes, I sée that shamefully we be driuen backe, and withdrawne into this Citie by the prowesse of an handfull of men. O what griefe is this to them that haue béene accustomed to ouercome, and to triumph in all manner of warres? Where be the high enterprises, by which wee made all the Westerne Seas to feare and dreade? Where be the swords that haue béene yéelded to vs, by the kings our tributaries? Where bee the armies and strengths that haue made to tremble the mountaines, and Rockes of Libia? Where bee they that this day haue taken feare for prowesse, dreade for hardinesse, dishonour for honour? At least since this thing is so handled, it behoueth to deale the best wise we may: but now it behoueth also, that euery man incourage and shew himselfe valiant, and that to morrow it be recouered, that by vs this day is lost. The enemies of the Citie haue doone vs to vnderstande and knowe, that to morrow they will giue vs assault, if we furnish not them with battaile. And for as much also as they be trauailed on the ayre of the Sea, it is much better that we furnish them with battaile at this time, then that wée should abide longer. Our enemies be strangers, here ly­eth our triumph or euer mortall misaduenture. If we o­uercome them, it shall be a memorie for vs farre and nigh in all honour. If the case go contrarie, wee shall runne with the losse of our liues into derision, and mockerie of all people. And what is this, shall the bloud be spread abroad [Page 151] of them, that haue made the ground red with the bloud of o­ther? Shall the honour be wasted and lost, and also the name that wee haue gotten with so great labour? All the worlde take to them courage and hope: these two things be as néedfull in war, as the armes, and without them shall neuer man attaine to the crowne of victorie. Ah then take heart to you, and make readie your harnesse and armes: to morrow must be the day that ye must néedes make to shine your déedes the best wise ye may, and that for to kéepe your renowmes, and your titles of honorable prowesse.

Dame (answered one of the Captaines) it is great pitty, that ye were not a man, for if it had béene so, it is apparant that ye would haue conquered and put vnder all the monar­chie of men. As ye say, we must néeds kéepe our renowme, if fortune hath beene to vs this day froward, to morrow she shall turne to profit. The wounds and hurts that be made in our worshippes and bloud, wee must beare it, and take it in good part. And our prowesse and honour shall to mor­row put from vs all notes and shame, wee will so behaue our selues. Can yee not rise so early, that we might be on the front of them well arayed, and proued for to fight for the prosperitie of your land? we wil do your request. When Me­dusa heard the good will of her captaine, to whom consented al the other, she was right ioyous, and concluded with them, that she with al her puissance would beset and assaile theyr enemies at midnight, in hope to come vppon them vn­wares. This conclusion was thought good vnto all: and each man withdrew for to take their rest, and for to make readie his harnesse. Medusa slept not much this night, as shee that had the heart alway great, and sore charged with gréedie desire of vengeance: and at midnight, then she sounded to armes, and made them to be ready and furnished. Shée tooke her banners that were right rich, and her men were diligent inough to arme thē, for in that art they were well instructed. And when they were readye and assem­bled before the Pallace royall, Medusa and her Sisters [Page 152] issued out of the gate, in rich estate, and giuing good morrow to her folke, with as little noyse as she could, she diuided them into two companies, whereof she made one company to depart by one of the gates of the Citie, and she her selfe conducted the other by the gate that was against the port or hauen. &c.

At this time the aire was pure and cleare, and the starres twinckled: and anon the Moone shone, and put away the darkenesse of the night according to her celestiall office. When Medusa was in the field, she went along by the sea shore, and supposed to haue taken Perseus and his folke, but she failed: for as soone as shee issued out of her Citie, it was perceiued of the watchmen of the hoste of Perseus, and they signified their comming, to Perseus and his men, that slept in their harnesse. And thus, when she approched vnto her enemies, and had supposed to haue distressed them, she founde them readie furnished and trained in good order of battaile, wherewith there arose a right great crie of both parties, and with this crie there grew a great skir­mish, so eager and fierce, that it was néede vnto all, to put foorth their prowesses and their strengths. There was many a man cast downe dead vpon the sand. There many a sword died red with bloud. Then beganne the second bat­taile of Medusa, making a great noyse in ioyning of the bat­taile, and then had they of Naples a strong partie for to mai­ster, &c.

In this tempest Perseus gaue himselfe to no rest: he had alway his eyes open, his eares bent to heare, his armes rea­dy to smite: hee was quicke in his greene youth, his sword flashed and cut desperately: he smote no man nor shield, but he all to brake it, and slewe all downe right. Medusa, that alway put her in the most strength and affayres, and most prease, by mightie great courage for to entertaine and to holde together her men: séeing often times the practises, and the noble feates of armes of her enemie Perseus, had great sorrow, for with his onely valour, he held the Apuli­ens [Page 153] in estate and ray, and there was none that might resist his strength, or at least, that had might to resist him. This thing turned to great displeasure vnto Medusa, yet she cor­rected this displeasure, and vsed her prowesse the best wise she might. Shée did great hurt to her enemies, and smote downe here and there so valiantly, that she séemed much bet­ter to be a man then a woman: and better became her to brandish a sword, then to spinne or turne a spindle.

CHAP. XXXII. ¶Howe Perseus in this battaile, slewe the mightie sister of Medusa, and vanquished her in the battaile.

THis skirmish then dured long, with great beating down of men of arms and knights: the enuie that Medusa had at the wel doing of Perseus, gaue to her armes more force & strength, then nature had giuen her. Shée was full of malice, and yet she could kéepe her well from the sword of Perseus. And alway she was en­uironed with the best men she had. What should I make long talke: they fought in this fashion vnto the day, before that any wist to whom he should ascribe the victorie: but e­uen as the sunne began to spread and shew his beames and raies: in semplable wise, Perseus began to shew the raies of his prudence, & brandished his sword. And seeing on the one side the baner royall, he thronged into the prease, and drew to that part, casting men downe dead on the sands, moe then an hundred. This baner was square foure foote, made of crimsen satin: and in the middes was an image painted, whereof the body was a figure and fashion of a woman, and the head was of a serpent.

Medusa was neuer far from this baner, for shée drewe her alway thither for reskew. When Perseus was come thither, with a great companie of his folke, hee cryed [Page 154] Perseus, Perseus. And lifting his sword that was tempered with blood from one ende to the other, it happened that the first stroke that hee gaue in this place, fell vpon one of the sisters of Medusa, so terribly, that she fell downe dead, with a great wound beginning on her head, and going downe to her stomacke. Then they of Naples smote on the Hesperiens with all their force. Then smote Perseus endlong and ouer­thwart, on the right side, and on the left side: his strokes were so mortall, that they afrayed not onely the most féeble of his enemies, but all the most strongest, and also the most couragious Medusa.

Great was the slaughter: and being at that point, Me­dusa enforced her power to withstand the great force of Per­seus. This notwithstang, she that afore times had ouercome many men, was then ouercome: and hauing late the grea­test courage, and the heart more fierce than any man, shée was vanquished with despayre, by the onely chiualrous dealing of Perseus, that had brokē her banner, that had smit­ten her men in péeces, partlie slaine with his sword, & partly fled. And he had not onely made redde his sworde and right hand with her blood, but the sea by small gutters was made red with warme blood: through which Medusa lost her ferocitie, all her presumption, all her strength, and al her vigour: so euill went the game on her side, that when she had séene her banner destroyed, when she had séene the most victorious of her knights confounded by sight, and when she saw her men of armes leaue the battaile, and flie before Per­seus, as before the image of death. Finally, she saw all her puissance turne into destruction generall, whereof the ende was, that each man gaue it ouer, and euery man that might saue himselfe, saued him by caues, and bushes, here one, and there another, so sore afrayde, that it was a pitious thing to heare their cries: and many saued them in the Citie, and many were slaine in the flying, by Perseus and his men.

CHAP. XXXIII. ¶How Perseus conquered Medusa, and her Citie, and smote off her head. And how hee went to fight against the king Athlas of Septe, a mightie and puissant Giant.

PErseus at this discomf [...]ture pursued Me­dusa, flying into her Citie, and entred in with her, and the most part of his people with him, that failed him neuer to put to death all the men defensable that they found, to the ende that no insurrection should be against them: but they spared the blood of women, and little children, by the commaundement of Perseus. And among the other, as Perseus found Medusa that was hid in a Cisterne, hée had pittie of her: howbeit he smote off her heade. And of the bloud that issued out, there ingendered Pegasus the flying horse. By the heade that Perseus smote off from Me­dusa, is vnderstoode, that hée tooke from her her Realme, and depriued her of it, and banished her poore and naked. And by the flying horse that was ingendered of the blood issued from her head, is vnderstoode, that of her riches issu­ing of that Realme, he founded and made a shippe named Pegase: that is as much to say, as good renowme: and this ship was likened vnto an horse flying, forasmuch as the good renowme of Perseus was then borne from region to region, in such wise, as vpon an horse flying. And forasmuch as Per­seus went in this ship, into diuerse Countreys, where he gate him a great name.

By this fashion Perseus conquered the head of Medusa, and did make Pegase, the most swift ship that was in all the world, and abode there a certaine number of dayes, séeking the treasures of Medusa, and the riches on which she and her sister had set theyr delightes, and theyr hearts.

[Page 156]There found Perseus stones precious, and things maruay­lous. When his ship was made, he filled it with precious ornaments and iewels, and leauing in this Citie men for to gouerne and guide it, he went to the Sea, and tooke for his armes the armes of Medusa, and rested not till he came to the port of the Citie, where reigned Athlas, saying that he would put him vnder and subdue him, before he returned into his Countrey.

This Citie had to name Septe. Athlas knew well the armes of Medusa, and from as farre as he sawe Pegase the ship, he knew the armes that were therein: then he thought that Medusa had béene vanquished of these straungers, and doubted sore their comming. This notwithstanding, he did put his men in armes, and be wailed much Philotes his bro­ther, otherwise named Hesperus, hee that kept the garden with Apples of golde, with his daughters. When his folke were armed, he trained them vpon the port in good order: and anon after came to the port, and there he was assaulted with diuerse and sharpe conflicts. Athlas was yong, strong of bodie, and puissant of people: he defended him valiantly, and kept the port with the poynt of his sworde, so well, that by his assault, Perseus conquered nothing on him in two dayes that the assault endured: but that was more by the strong nature of the port, then by the strength of the sworde of the king Athlas.

Then when Perseus saw that he had not folke inough for to take this port, he withdrew him into the déepe sea, and sent into Naples, vnto the king Pilonus, halfe the treasures of Medusa, signifying to him his hie aduenture, and requi­ring him, that he would send him a thousand souldiers. The king and Danae had great ioy of these tydings: and at the request of Perseus, assembled fiftéene hundred fighting men, which they sent into Libie, with his owne son Danaus, whom they ordained chiefe and captaine of the armie. When Per­seus saw come these fiftéene hundred fighting men, from as far as he had spied them in the sea, he know that it was flying succours [Page 157] that came to him, and tooke his flying horse, and went to méet them, and found there Danaus his brother, to whom he made the most great cheare of the world, and entred in­to his shippe, and there abode all that day feasting him. And after when it came to be night, hée commaunded his marriners, that they should rowe and sayle toward Septe. And they sayde to him, that on tho morrow they would de­liuer him at the port. With that the Marriners laboured to do their best cunning: so that after the night was past, about the Sunne rysing they shewed to Perseus the hauen and port of Septe.

Then was Perseus full of great gladnesse, and called Danaus, and sayd to him: my brother, we be now come to the port, where thou shalt get this day honour and worship, if it please the gods: for if the good aduenture helpe vs, the honour shall appertaine vnto thée before me, that durst not enterprise this alone by my puissance. Oh then, in the name of all our gods, let vs employ here the head of Medusa: for my minde giueth me aduise at this time, that she shall turne into stones all them of this Region: that is to vnderstand, that by thée and thy men, that by the meane of the riches of Medusa be come hither, they of this Citie standing before vs, will bee constrayned to abandon and giue ouer their port, and flie betwéene the walles of stones of their Citie. My brother (aunswered Danaus) I haue good daye and trust in fortune, that shée will bée thy helper: but for the honour and worship of this [...] it shall not turne to my profite, but vnto thine that af [...] [...] our of so honou­rable a worke: and I desire nothing in this part, but the name of a souldier: for as thy souldier, moued onely by the loue of our fraternitie, I come for to serue thée. And as for the riches of Medusa had they not come into Naples with thy right good fame, these warriors had not come into Libie. Then for conclusion, it is to be saide, if in this worke bée honour, that it must turne vnto thy glorie and prayse: but this notwithstanding, I will not fal [...]e thée: but for [Page 158] thy loue and worship, I will endeuour to the assault all that I maye, and will serue and obey thée as my lord, and natu­rall brother. And I praye thée to tubbe, and make me Knight.

With this word Perseus drew out his sword, and gaue to Danaus the order of knighthoode: and afterward commaun­ded, that each man should furnish him with his armours: and then made to display baners, standers, and penons, and other cognisances, and ensignes of war. After he did cause to sound his trumpettes, clarions and tabours, and then prepa­red all his galeis, and they set in right fayre and good order, and sayled so much that he came to the port, which was al ful, and enuyroned with Libiens that were ready to cast on them speares, dartes and stones: For they of that countrey were right expert in the warre. And to come a shore at this port there was a right great hurliburly, and a very gréeuous con­flict. Perseus was in Pegase, and assayled the Libiens at one ende: and Danaus was in the galley, and assayled them in likewise. And they putte them both in the most daunger of the assaulte: they hadde great shieldes and large, wher­with they couered them.

They dreaded no stroke of glayne ne sworde, nor of stones: they putte themselues into the myddest of the porte, and there they gaue the assaulte: where manye were deade on the one parte, and on the other there were plentye of fighters, in such wise that at the entrye there were ma­nye Apuliens ouerthrowne and put backe, for they were then hote and eager: but after this, when they hadde gotten lande, Perseus and Danaus beganne to smyte so vn­measurably vpon the Lybiens, that they beate them downe without remedye, nowe heere nowe there, at the right side, and at the left side, all made red with theyr bloud. Al­so Perseus gaue so great a stroke with his sword vnto Athlas, that purposed to haue come and broken the rankes, that ne­uer after Athlas had no hope, nor durst not come among the strokes, albeit that he was great, strong and puissant.

[Page 159]Too much couetous of victorye were Perseus, and Da­naus, and they of Naples: the Libiens had not béene accusto­med to finde so fierce and mortall armes, as them of Perseus. The king Athlas wist not what to saye: he encouraged his people the best wise he could. This notwithstanding, hée sawe them beaten downe of his enimies without number and without measure, and sawe further, that they of Na­ples wan alway. And when he had séene all this, and also beheld, that these men had vanquished the Quéene Medusa, he iudged in himselfe that he was not puissant ynough to resist their strength, and that the hardines of this battaile shoulde be to him more damageous then auailable: so soun­ded he the retraite, and fled, not into his citie, but into a right hie mountaine that was thereby: and therefore say the poets, that Athlas by the sight of y ^e heade of Medusa, was tur­ned into a Mountaine. And from thenceforth was this hill called Athlas, and yet endureth the name vnto this daye. And for as much as Athlas saued him there among the stones he foūded afterward a castele there, where he dwelled vntil time of Hercules.

CHAP. XXXIIII. ¶How Perseus turned the king Athlas into a stone: and how the Queen Auria wife of king Pricus waxed amorous of the Knight Bellerophon that refused her, wherfore after he had much payne.

WHen Perseus and Danaus, sawe Athlas and all his folke putte to flight, first hée chased them vnto the Mountaine, where they were turned into stones, dy­ing with their bloud the caues, bushes wayes & pathes. And secondly, when they hadde put them vnto vtter foyle, as much as they coulde, they drewe to the [Page 160] Citie, whereof the gates were not shut nor kept with any man: and entring in, they found none but a little number of matrones and yong children, which made a terrible great lamentation. All the yong men and women were fled vnto the fields, and had abandoned the Citie with their folke and goods. When Perseus and Dardanus were within, and sawe that it was abandoned to them and their people, they tooke all that they founde, and passed that night with great ioy & gladnes, making great cheare, and thanking their goddes of their victorie that they had giuen to them. And on the morrow, Perseus made to be beaten downe the gates of this Citie: after he commanded that euerie man should take his spoyle, and when they were laden with all, Perseus and Danaus went to the sea into their gallies, and sailed forth, leauing Athlas in the mountaine, where he gaue him vnto the studie of Astronomie.

In this time Iupiter made aliance with king Troos, by the meanes of Ganimedes: and in signe of loue and friendship, he gaue vnto Ilion a picture of gold, which was set in the palace of Ilion, as it shall be saide in the third booke. And it was not long after that king Troos came to the course and end of his raigne: and his obsequie was halowed, and kept solemnely at Troy in great aboundance of teares. And then Ilion was crowned king of the Citie, where hee liued in ampliation and increasing of his seigniorie and lordship, and wedded a noble Ladie of the citie, of whom he receiued a son named Laomedon. And for as much as I finde not that Ilion did any thing after his coronation, nor made other thing, saue that he finished and made his pallace, I will speake henceforth of Laomedon his sonne that raigned af­ter him. And héere I will leaue the noble déeds of this Ili? on: and yet ere I write of Laomedon, I will persue my matter of Perseus. And for to come thereto, I will recount an historye that fell after that Perseus had turned king Ath­las into a mountaine.

In this time then that Perseus began to giue his life [Page 161] vnto right worthie déedes and works of noble fame: Acri­sius Grandfather of this Perseus, and naturall father of Da­nae, was put out of his kingdome and Realme, and all the seignorie of Argos, by a conspiration that Prycus his brother made against him. And there was left vnto Acrisius of all his Realme, no more but onely the tower of Dardain, wher­to he fled for refuge. This Acrisius and Prycus, were na­turall sons of Abas, lawfull sonne of Linceus, that was on­ly left aliue, of the fiftie sonnes of Egistus, by the mercie of his wife Hypermnestra, daughter of Danaus.

Pricus then hauing vsurped from his brother Acrisius the seignorie of the Realme of Argos, had a wife named Au­rea, y ^t was so brought vp, that of custome she had no delight, but to liue in voluptuousnesse. And on a day shée beheld a­mong her seruants one so comely a knight, that nature had nothing forgotten in him touching his bodie: of whom she was enamoured. Shee was yong, and her husband Pricus was ancient in his demeanure & conditions, and much lesse desired carnall concupiscence then his wife did, though they were both right neare one age. This knight thus be­loued, hadde to name Bellerophon. When Aurea had be­gunne to loue this knight, she solicited him with her eyes, and with her countenances, drawing him to delight and fleshly lust. But the true knight, that had his heart firme and stable, which perceiued well her countenance, dissi­muled, and fained that he was blinde in this part. And in the ende when the Ladie sawe that by countenance nor signe amorous that she shewed, he employed him not once for to please her, but fled her companie: in the most euill wise that she might, shee intended to turne her loue into hate, and her faire countenances into fierce malice, so enue­nimed, that for to make him die, shée accused him before her husband the king Pricus, saying, that he would haue enfor­ced her, wherefore she required iustice instantly.

At this accusation made, Bellerophon was present, and be­ing sore abashed, and astonished at the beginning, but [Page 162] hearing the Ladie speake, at length he cleared himselfe, and excused him, saying: Madame neuer please it vnto the gods, that for to couer mine honour, I do discouer the dis­worship and fault of another. Let neuer man aduance him­selfe by defaming another: This knowing, I will say the truth, and if there bee any man that may worthily prooue this against me, and ouercome me, no blessing to my heart. I will stand to the iudgement of all noble men that haue knowne my behauiour. Alas ladie, from whence is come this abusion, for to charge me that I should haue willed to enforce you? when or in what place was it doone, or where be the witnesses of the crie that ye made at the affray? where be the prooues that shall say that euer in my life I was with you alone? It giueth me maruaile from what heart depar­ted this dishonour that ye note in me? and for what cause it is imagined against me? for I will well that all the world know, that I haue serued you truely and loyally, and that I neuer thought dishonour vnto you nor vnto the king, to whom I pray that he will take and make information vpon my liuing, and to vnderstand in like wise yours. And if it can be prooued and appeare that I haue trespassed, that I may be punished: but I pray also, if I be founde inno­cent, that I may haue spéedy absolution.

Syr said the Ladie, that strongly was obstinate in her er­rour, I make me partie against him. If then I accuse him, it is truth, it ought not to demand witnesses of his follie. In this case I am worth two witnesses: for all the world know­eth, that when an ill man will dishonour a woman, he cal­leth no witnesses nor no prooues thereto, but doth his dam­nable will the most secretly that in him is possible. And so wéened Bellerophon to haue doone with mée, where­fore I require sentence and iudgement of him. With these wordes, Pricus assembled his Councell, and it was iudged that the ladie shoulde bee beléeued, and that Bellerophon should bee culpable of death. Then spake Pricus to Bellerophon and said. Faire sonne, thou knowest [Page 163] and hast found that I haue loued and nourished thée louing­ly: thou vnderstandest the accusation of thy Ladie, the case is so foule, that it may not be purged by denying. For if it were so, the euill boyes and had fellowes, would all day dis­honour as many of our women as they could find. In this case the Ladyes haue a prerogatiue for to be beléeued, and néede not to bring forth witnesses, And forasmuch as thy mistres hath vanquished thée, and required iudgement of thy trespasse, thou art condemned to die. But forasmuch as before this time I haue had great loue vnto thée, and that I knowe thée a valiant man of thy bodie, I will mitti­gate and attemper this sentence in this wise, that thou shalt go fight agaynst the Chymere of Sicill, and if thou mayst ouercome and maister her, I giue thée thy life, and giue thée plaine absolution of all, vpon condition that neuer after thou renue nor rehearse this trespasse.

Sir (answered Bellerophon) sith that fortune consents, that I be attainted of any infelicitie: and that the priuiledge of the Ladies take place, and go aboue reason: I had much leuer to be vanquished by wrong cause and euil, then by iust and good cause, and thanke you of the moderation of your iudgement, and make vow here in your presence, that in all haste I will go into Sicil, to proue me against the Chimere, and will sée if fortune will helpe me to get againe the life, which she hath made me lose by your iudgement. Then the noble knight departed, and tooke leaue of the king, of the ladies and damosels, tooke also his armours, and goods, and made couenant and bargained with certaine marriners, to bring him to Sicill. When they were agréed, he went to the sea with little companie, and was euill at ease at his heart, when hee sawe that Fortune was to him so contrarie: yet hee comforted him selfe in his good quarrell: and sayling on a daye on the Sea of Hellesponte, his Mar­ryners looked into the West, and sawe come a right great floate of Shippes of warre, which discomforted them so sorrowfully, that it was wonder, and they awooke [Page 164] Bellerophon that at that time slept, and saide that they were but dead and cast away.

Bellerophon comforted his marriners the best wise hee could, and told them that discomfort could not helpe them: and as he was thus speaking, a gallie of aduantage went out afore his fellowes, and flying on the sea like vnto a bird adressed her vnto the ship, wherein was Bellerophon, and a­borded it. And who that will demaund what the name was of the gallie, and what men were therin: I wil say to them, that this was Pegase, and that Perseus was within it. As soone as he might speake to the marriners that caried Belle­rophon to Sicyll, hee asked and demanded them, what they were, and into what region they would go? When Bellero­phon heard Perseus speake, hee behelde his behauiour and countenance, and iudged in himselfe that he was of a good house, and said to him: Certes sir I haue much great ioy, for that I sée the ship and marriners be so well adressed, and in so good readinesse as yours be, for ye séeme well a knight of a noble house, and therefore I tell you my case, afterthat ye haue made your asking. First then, where ye enquired what we bee, knowe ye that in Argos wee haue taken our birth: And as to the second, I answere you, that we haue a purpose to go straight into Sicill, to the which I am constrained by the rigour of a mortall iudgement, cast vppon mee at the instance of a Ladye called Aurea, that vniustly and vntruely hath complained vppon mee, saying that I would haue enforced her. This Ladye that I speake of, is wife to king Prycus, which newly and of late hath banished and exiled his Brother Acrisius out of his Realme, and this King, for to please and sa­tisfie the accusations of his wife, hath condemned mée to be put to death, yet for the good and the acceptable seruice that I haue doone to him, hée hath graunted me to liue, if so it please the goddes, that I may by possibilitie vanquish and ouercome a Chimere that is in Sicill, vn­to the which I go for to assay mee. So I pray you that [Page 165] in our misfortune, we be not let by you, neither by none of your companie.

Valiant knight (answered Perseus) as it is true that the heart of a noble man taketh pitie, and compassion in the distresse and passion of his equall: the weighing of your case hath pearced mine heart with a charitable mercie and pitie, by which yée may surely vnderstand, not to haue by vs any hinderance during your infortunate life. And for as much as the hearts of them that would be induced at calling to the déedes of Armes, singularly delyte them in aduentures of great woorth and weight to get credite by, I will ac­companie you, for two causes. The first is, to expose my selfe to the disputation and destruction of the Chimere, if it happen that you ouercome her not, which I suppose yée can not. And the second is, that after the Chimere be vanquished, I may be guided by you vnto the Realme of Argos. For from nowe forth, I will be enemie vnto the King Pricus, for the sake of the father of my mother the King Acrisius. And for to let you haue more greater knowledge of this matter, I tell you that I am sonne to Danae: that verie same sonne that was conceyued in the tower Dardan, of the séede of Iupiter, and that same in person, that king Acrisius made cast into the sea. But this notwithstanding, I shall take no vengeaunce on his demerites, but for the honour of the blood, and of the wombe of whom I am issued, I shall succour and ayde him, and pray you that ye will be my fel­lowe and brother in armes, and that ye will come into my Galley, and send home againe your marriners into their countreys, if it please you.

When Bellerophon heard the good wordes and aun­swere of Perseus, he made alliances with him, and entred in­to his Galley, and gaue leaue to his marriners, and accom­panied with him Perseus and Danaus, that for loue of him took their way into Sicil, where they arriued in space of time, and tooke land: and that same day Bellerophon armed him, desiring to finde the Chimer, and tooke leaue of Perseus, in [Page 166] such wise, as he that put him in perill of death. The Ports write that this Chimere had the head of a Lion, the wombe of a goate, and the taile of a serpent, but for truth it was a mountaine inhabitable, that had in height aboue a passing great caue of Lions, and in the middle of the hill it was full of goates, And at the foote beneath, it was enuironed and set round about with serpents. These lions and serpents were passing damageable, and noyous vnto the countrey about and nigh. When Bellerophon then saw the moun­taine, he went thither, and Perseus and Danaus followed him. They had not long marched, when they sawe and behelde more then a thousand little Serpents with many great Dragons, of whome some came about Bellerophon and cast out theyr venime, and the other passed foorth, and came running vppon Perseus and Danaus, which hadde promised to Bellerophon, that they would there doo no déeds nor enterprise of arms, but if it were by constraint, and in defending their bodies.

Anon as these thrée valiant knights sawe these cursed beasts, they tooke their swords and smote vpon them, and be headed many of them, but with this they had great paine and trauaile, for these beasts were cruell and full of pride, and hardened them eagerly to them, and if they had not béene well prouided with abillements of warre, they had there sooner haue found death then life. Bellerophon went al­way afore, and smote downe right, and headed, and smote into péeces many. Perseus nor his Brother Dana­us fought not, but with the beasts onely that came vppon them. When Bellerophon had a little ceased the fight and battaile against this vermin, and had found it more sharpe and more biting, (for the point of his sword was made terri­bly blunt, with smiting against their hard scales and skinnes) then there leapt downe and out of their holes the goates and the lions, and came downe for to assaile the the knight, in so great number, that hee was all enuironed with them, &c.

[Page 167]Some of these beastes escaped from him and came to Perseus, and gaue him his hands full to employ his strength and prowesse: the Lions leapt about the necke of Bellero­phon, sometime in such number, that in no part he might be seene. Yet by his abilitie he could well saue himselfe, but he had neuer escaped, there came so much venome vpon him there, and beasts, and on Perseus and Danaus, which so fiercely assayled them, and if hee had not woonne a rocke, vpon which he gat vp with great paine, and right great sweate of his bodie. For to go vpon this rocke, there was but one straight way. Then compassed him the Lions, and with them the other beasts, which stayed on the way of the rocke, and at the foote, roring and making great noyse about him, so that Perseus and Danaus had none other hope for the knight, but that it had béene his last day: for he had so many beasts about him that it was likely, that the edge and cut­ting of his sword might not long endure, without it had béen worne or broken. Then the Lions when they might not touch his bodie, bote the stones, and did teare them with their clawes, the serpents flew vp into the aire, and lifted vp theyr bodies vpon their tayles, and cast fire and smoke out of their throtes vnto the rocke. And the most hardest of the Li­ons, one after another trained themselues in battell against him, and shewed their téeth, receyuing his strokes sore set. And they fled not, but abode as beasts familiar and sore co­uetous of mans blood, in whō raigned excéeding great fierce­nes, as much as in any wild beast of the world at that time.

Hard and maruailous was the battaile, as Perseus and Danaus beheld, and thought in what fashion they might suc­cour Bellerophon. The noble knight defended him to his power, and séeking howe he might saue him from this pe­rill, he cast his eyes vpon a great stone that hanged ouer the way of the rocke, wherevpon he was mounted, and then he thought if he might make that stone to fall downe, that hée should flea the most part of the beasts. Then he beganne a little and a little to wag the stone, and to séeke the ioyntures [Page 168] that held it, and so much laboured, that in the end he made it fall vpon the lions, serpents, and goates, in such wise as in the falling he made all the rocke to tremble, and feared in generall these vnhappie beasts, so that they were there all bruised, like as the thunder had come vpon them, and yet that more is, with the tumbling downe, it made the rocke that Bellorophon stood on so shake, that he tumbled downe thereon, and was so astonied, that hee wist not whether it was day or night.

The stone was great, and brought downe many stones with him, Perseus and Danaus thought at the begin­ning, that all the mountaines had tumbled downe, and were not well assured in themselues. This notwithstan­ding, they beheld plainely the end, and séeing after the noise of the tempest, that their fellow lay vpright all along vp­on the rocke, they supposed that he had béene dead. Then they made great sorrow, and were displeasant, and appro­ched the rocke, where they found the beasts lying vnder the stones dead, and they went vpon the mountaine, and then knew that Bellerophon was not dead: whereof they reco­uered great ioy, and ceasing their sorrow, they tooke the knight betwéene their armes, and Perseus demaunded him how it stood with him, and how he felt himselfe.

CHAP. XXXV. ¶How Perseus vanquished the monster of the sea, and expo­sed himself against him for the loue of Andromeda. &c.

PErseus and Danaus awaited gladly the aun­swer of Bellorophō, and they held him for the most best accomplished knight that euer they sawe. What shall I make long processe of this matter? Perseus and Danaus searched this mountaine, and went into the caues of the beastes, but they found none. And still sate Bellorophon vpon the rocke, for he might not go for the hurt and brusing of his foote. And then as the two Knightes had fetched a compasse and gon aboute the hill, they returned to Belloro­phon, and then Perseus sayde to him. My brother, O how well art thou worthy to haue of me praysing and commenta­tion? thou hast this daye doone a good and holy worke, by thy worthy behauiour, thou hast gotten vnto thy name the crowne of glorious fame. Thou hast passed the strayte way and passage of infortune, from whence thou art issued cleare as the sunne. And not onely thou haste laboured for thy weale and vtilitie, but for the weale and proffit of this regi­on. For thou haste flayne the warders of the serpentes and the porters of the Lyons that kept this countrey inha­bitable, which shall from henceforward be inhabyted and oc­cupied with people. Bellorophon was all abashed when hée heard the glory that Perseus gaue vnto him, by méekenes and humility that was in him. And answered, if there be anye worship in this worke, that it shall turne as well vnto them as vnto him, and they beganne to prayse each one another, and they eate vpon this hil y ^e same night, after they had made [Page 170] sacrifice vnto their goddes. And thither came all the Apu­lyens, where they made great chéere. Afterward they tooke all the skins of the Lyons, and the heads of the serpentes that were dead, in signe of victorie, and laded them in theyr galies, and they bare them with them into their galey with Bellorophon which might not go, and finally they went vn­to the sea, and sayled and rowed toward the porte of Athames which was nigh by, but when they thought to haue drawne vnto this porte, sodainly there arose a tempest on the sea so great and hydeous [...], that they were constrayned to abandon them vnto the wind, and passed foorth by the hauen, and their fortune was such that they were brought into Sirie, vpon the sea of Palestine. And they came into the porte and hauen of Ioppe, where reigned Amon, and in Palestine reigned Ce­pheus and Phineus. &c.

The same time that Perseus arriued there by meanes of this tempest, the porte was full of men and women and chil­dren, that it séemed that al the world had bin assembled. Per­seus came thither alone, for his folke were dispersed vpon the sea, some héere and some there in the galeis. When the Siriens sawe him ariue by force of the winde, they assembled in a great number about his flying horse. And y ^e king Amon séeing that it was loaden with the heads of lions, he was sore abashed. And for to know from whence was that galey come, he enquired who was the maister? At which inquisition an­swered Perseus, and demaunded of the king curteously, in what Countrey hée was arriued: The King tolde him that hée was in Sirie: and that the Realme appertayned to him. When Perseus knewe that he spake to the king: he sayde. Syr I am descended vnto this porte by the dis­position of fortune, also my men be sore trauailed by the tempest of the sea, that hath béene long troublous vnto them, I require and pray thée that thou be content, that I and they maye come a land héere for to refreshe vs. And if it happen in time comming that thou or any of thine haue [...]éede of like courtesie in Naples, which is the place of our [Page 171] dominion, I promise thée, by the promise and word of a no­ble man, that the like merit & thanke shalbe rēdred vnto thée. The king answered: noble knight there be so many spyes now adayes sayling by realmes and countreyes, that a man may not well knowe to whome he maye a [...]y and trust. This notwithstanding, I see well by your behauiour, that I trow that ye will not giue vs to vnderstand any other thing then truth. I abandone to you all my countrey: and pray you that ye will come and take pacience in my house, and fur­thermore I councell you, that ye depayte and come out of your shippe: for if ye abide there long ye shall be in great perill, For asmuch as we knowe certaynlye, that into this porte will come anon a monster of the sea that shall de­uoure a right fayre virgine and mayde, which is héere by, bounde vpon a stone, for the cryme of her mother, and by my sentence. And if ye tarye héere till his coming, it is to doubt, that it shalbe the worse for you. Boccace in the ge­nealogie of the goddes toucheth not otherwise the cause why this mayde was thus exposed to the monstre. Where­fore I passe it ouer: and who demaundeth the name of this mayde, Boccace saythe, that shée was named Andro­meda.

When Perseus had vnderstoode that there was bounde this mayde, he desired to see her, for the meruailous iudge­ment that was giuen vpon her, and arayed him with rich vestiments and cloathes and then issued out of the galey, and tooke out also Bellerophon which might not yet help himself, and after he went vnto Andromeda. There were her pa­rentes and cousins in great number, which labored in sorow and great plentye of teares. When Perseus sawe this mayde that was passing fayre in her degrée, which neuer sawe her like or match, he hadde pittie of her, and sayde to him­selfe, that if hee might hée woulde delyuer her from this pe­rill. Then hée called her friendes, and sayde vnto them in the presence of Amon: I haue certainly great pittie and compassion of this so faire a damosel: and also am amased how [Page 172] the goddes suffer and endure that she is so fortuned in her tender yeares. If it so happened y ^t she might haue any knight or noble man, that would vnbinde her, and for charitie expose his body against the monster for the loue of her, should she be quite? They aunswered yea: Ah then said Perseus, if I wold for her sake aduenture my selfe in this worke: and if it so fortuned that I had the grace to ouercome and surmount the monster and for to put him to the foyle, will ye be content that the mayde be my wife? They aunswered yea, yea. And I promise you, sayd Perseus, and sweare, that she hath found me, a knight that shall put his body and life in ieopardye for her. &c.

With this word Perseus sent to fetche his armes: and after went to the Damosell and vnbound her from the stone, and deliuered her to her friendes and kinsmen. Saynt Augu­stine in the booke of the citie of God, rehearseth, that yet in the same porte is the stone that Andromeda was bounde vp­on, that they of Ioppe kept for a signe and memorye of the victorye that Perseus had of the monster. All they that were there, meruailed greatly at the enterprise of the knight, and knowing the monster, they iudged him to be but dead, alowing his hardines that to them séemed was too great. One and other spake of this matter. Perseus armed him ioy­ously. When he was armed, he came to Andromeda and kiss her, taking leaue of her, and sayd, fayre mayde, praye ye vnto the goddes for your champion, that for your loue submitteth himselfe vnto the perill of death, to the ende that by your onely meane I maye come vnto the enioying of loue, and that we togither maye be ioyned in maryage, which I buye at the price of my life. Noble Knight, aunswered the mayde, I am more beholding to you then to all my kinsmen and fréendes. Knowe ye, that if my prayers may obtayne of the goddes, ye shall returne safe from this enterpryse. Then Perseus wente before the stone, and Andromeda knéeled with great humilitie, with both her knées vpon the earth, in calling on her gods to help her champion, and there [Page 173] were many matrones vpon the banke of the Sea, that for compassion put them in contemplation, and by this ex­ample of them all, the Siriens beganne to pray for the pro­speritie of the Knight, excepting onely the king Phineus, which prayed for his death. And that for this cause, for as much as before the iudgement giuen on Andromeda, hée had fianced and betrothed him to her. So had he wished, that the monster had deuoured Perseus. to the ende that the ma­riage of him and of her might haue béene ended. What shall I say more? When Perseus had so put himselfe foorth by the stone, he looked towarde the sea, and helde in his hande a good and passing strong sworde, and he had not long be­helde the situation, and taken leasure to sée the place, when there sprang out of a swalow or depth of the sea, a monster so great and so horrible, and so dreadfull, that it séemed that he had béene made for to destroy all the worlde: hee was rough and went on foure féete like a beast, and his forme was so disfigured, that none wist whereto he might be likened.

When then the Syriens sawe him put his head out of the déepe, there was none so well assured, but he trembled for feare. And many were so afrayed, that they fled into their houses, and reentred into their Citie. This notwith­standing, Perseus as soone as he sawe him rise vp, he came to him as hardie and right well assured, and smote him with the poynt of his sworde, so full vpon the right eye, that on that side he made him blinde, whereof the monster felt so great paine, that he came out of the Sea with open mouth, and thought to haue swallowed Perseus. And Perseus went backe a little, and put his sworde betwéene his iawes into his throate, so farre foorth, that he could not draw it out againe, and so of force it abode in his throate more then foure foote.

At the second stroke the monster made a maruaslous crie, lifting vp his head, and wéening to haue cast out the péece of the sworde which abode in his throate, but it would [Page 174] not bée. Alwaye the monster assayled Perseus and wéend to haue swalowed him into his throate: and Perseus alwaye stroke at him with his sword, and put him at defence, and smote alway at his throte, and about nigh his other eye, and so well intended the worke, that after he had giuen him ma­ny woundes he made him blynde on the left eye, like as hée did on the right eye. And then as the monster went héere and there, and made many walkes without séeing or knowing where he went, pursuing his enemy, Perseus gaue him ma­nye woundes, searching his heart, and at the last he founde it. And finallye he bestirred him so that he pearsed the heart, with which stroke he made him to fall downe dead.

CHAP. XXXVI. ¶How Phineus would haue had Andromeda: and how Per­seus answered him that she should be his wife.

PAssing ioyous and astonied were the Sy­ryens when they sawe the good fortun of Perseus, and sayd one to an other, that such a knight ought to be praysed aboue al other men. The king Amon tooke great pleasure to sée his dealing: & séeing the monster labouring in his death, hée went downe to him, embracing him and said. Sir, the gods gouerne thy fortune, and since they haue receyued thée in their fauour and grace, there is none that may anoy thée: in a good houre were thou héere arriued: de­maunde what thou wilt, and I will cause thée to haue it. Syr, aunswered Perseus, I haue preserued from death the Damosel: I desire none other thing but her. O valiant Knight, sayde Phineus, that was there awaighting, thou doost much gloryfye thy selfe, for thou hast gotten in a halfe day more honor, then an other knight shal get in an hundred [Page 175] yeare. And greatly thou oughtest to be commended. But beware that the beautie of this mayd deceiue thée not: know thou that I haue betrothed her, and by right she ought to be my wife. Many dayes bee gon and expyred since, that in the presence of our bishop we promised to take each other in ma­riage. This misfortune is after come to her, thou haste reléeued her, and wouldst therefore haue her. The beginning is fayre, but the ende is foule. And if it so happe that thou do me wrong, I let thée know that I will not suffer it: for in this coūtrey I am a King, & haue great puissance: al the glo­ry that thou hast gotten, shalbe héere quenched. Wherefore I praye thée, that thou forbeare in this case: and that thou suffer me to take that is mine, and take thou that that belongeth to thée.

During these wordes, Perseus looked towardes the Sea, and saw from farre his galyes comming the one after the o­ther directing them towarde this porte. Whereof he hadde right great ioy, and sayde vnto Phyneus. King I make no doubt that thy power is great in this countrey, but knowe thou right well that I knowe no man liuing that shall cause me to leaue that belongeth to me. When I came hither I found this mayde condemned vnto death. At that time shée was all abandoned to the death. I haue saued her: and I saye to thée that shée is mine, and thou oughtest to haue no regard to any promise that she hath made to thée, or to any o­ther. And so I haue intention that she shalbe my wife. And if thou wilt Combate and fight for her, assemble thy power, and make thée ready in thy battaile. Lo héere come my ga­lies readye for to receiue thée: and although I haue not peo­ple ynough, yet I haue in my cofers the most parte of the treasors of Medusa, for to send for men of armes in al places where I may get them.

When Phineus considered this answer, and knew that hée was the Knight that hadde vanquished Medusa, where­of the renoume was greate and ran through out the whole worlde, hée coulde none otherwise aunswere to [Page 176] Perseus, but that hee might do his pleasure. All the kins­men of Andromeda were angrie with Phineus for his fol­lie, and made him so ashamed, that he departed thence, and went into the Citie. After they went to beholde the mon­ster, and then came sayling and rowing the Apuliens vnto the port, and being come, they brought Perseus and Andro­meda into Ioppe with great triumph: and yet that more is, Perseus and Andromeda espoused each other that same day, and lay togither. And the solemnitie of theyr wedding endu­red fiftéene dayes. During this time, the Syriens came to the port dayly, for to sée and behold this monster. Plinius re­hearseth, that of this monster was borne to Rome a bone of fortie foote long, so great as an Oliphant. Let them then that read this hystorie, search how great and huge this mon­ster was, when onely one of his bones was so great. The Romanes for a great maruaile haue and kéepe that bone. What shall I say more? At the ende and expiration of this feast of the wedding of Perseus and Andromeda, Perseus took leaue of the Syriens, and furnished his Gallies with vit­tailes, and departed from Ioppe, and went to the sea, leading with him his wife Andromeda. And fortune was to him so good, that in a little time he passed the seas of Syrie, and came to lande at the port and hauen of Thebes. Where he was receyued courteously of King Creon, that then reigned a yong childe.

CHAP. XXXVII. ¶Howe Perseus reestablished in his Realme the king Acri­sius: and how he slue the King by euill aduenture.

IN Thebes there refreshed them these A­puliens, and made alliance with the king, after they departed from thence, and tooke their way by land toward Ar­gos, vnder and by the conduct of Belle­rephon, that then was whole, & healed of his foote, who knew wel the country. When Bellerophon had guided them so nigh Argos, that in an houre they might runne before the gates, he signified it vnto Perseus, and then Perseus made his host to tarrie in a Valley, and sent Danaus vnto the King Pricus, to summon him that hee should yéelde the Realme vnto the King Acrisius. Danaus went to Argos, and accomplished the summons. The king Pricus answered to him, that he was king, and that he woulde holde that hée helde: and menaced Perseus vnto the death, if he departed not the Countrey hastily. Danaus returned vnto the host of Perseus with this aunswere, and made to him the re­port. Perseus then hoped that king Pricus would come to him, and giue him battaile, and had thereof right great ioy and pleasure: for hee desired nothing in the world more, then to bée in armes: and for to be the better able to with­stand his fo, he ordayned that night, that he would depart his battaile in thrée: whereof hee gaue charge of the first battaile to Bellerophon, which require and desired of him the [...]award with right great instance: and he himselfe held the second battaile. And to Danaus he betooke the third: and thus when he began to set forth Bellerophon on his way, he had not far gone, when he saw from far the king Pricus, [Page 178] that knew of theyr coming by his espyes, and had set his bat­taile in good order.

Bellerophō had with him but two thousand fighting men. When the king Pricus sawe him come with so little a com­pany, he supposed that it had bin Perseus, and thought to haue had all woon before hand by aduantage, and made his people to set against them, by which within short space began a cru­ell and hard battaile. And of this battaile was Pricus right ioyous at the assembly, and well imployed his armes and his sword, and did meruails, but at that time he supposed by force to haue abidden victoryous and conqueror of his enimies, he caste his eyes toward Thebes, and sawe Perseus and his bat­taile, that discouered and shewed himselfe: wherein his for­tune was such, that in the beholding the head of Medusa, which he bare painted in his sheelde of cristall, he and all his folke, in a momente, were turned all into stones. That is to saye, that he and all his meanie hadde lost their strengthes and courages, and that they might no more lifte theyr swordes then might the statues or images. And that Prycus fled, and all they that coulde, fled some into the cittie, and some into the fieldes at all aduenture. Perseus daigned not to followe the chase, because of theyr poore case. And thus Prycus escaped the death, and abando­ned and gaue ouer the country, and went with them that fled into Calidonie, where he was afterward put to death by Her­cules. And Perseus went into the citie of Argos, whereof the gates were open and without any men that made any de­fence. When he was in the citie, he made an edict charging vpon paine of death, that none be so hardy to vse any force nor violence there. After that he sente to séeke his grandfa­ther Acrisius, and told him who he was, and so deliuered to him again his citie and his realme.

Of this curtesie Acrisius held himselfe greatly beholden vnto Perseus, and asked him, & enquired of his daughter Da­nae, and of theyr aduentures. Perseus tolde him all that he knewe; and then Acrisius was right sore displeasante at [Page 179] that hard vsage that he had doone: and for to amende all, hée adopted Perseus to his sonne, and gaue him the full power to gouerne the citie, and himselfe with drewe him into the towre of Dardane and then sent againe vnto Naples, Darda­nus his brother, with whome went Bellerophon: and hee gaue vnto them and to their companye, great treasors at theyr departing. Perseus sente manye Arigiens into Licie? and made them to inhabite the countrey. And thus abode Perseus in Argos with his wife Andromeda, of whome hée gat many children, That is to wéete, Sthelenus, Blache Demon, Erictreus and Gorgophon, which all became men, and tooke wiues, yet reigning the King Acrisius. And among all other Gorgophon, had one wife, of whome hée hadde two sonnes Alceus, and Electrion, Alceus engen­dred Amphitrion, and Electrion, engendred Alcumena, of whome came Hercules. What shall I make long processe of the factes and of the generations of this Perseus. He go­uerned passing well the realme, and loued much the King Acrisius: But there fell an hard fortune vnto him in the ende, for as he went on a night alone vnto the towre of Dardane to visit the king, the garders and kéepers of the Tower knewe him not, and fell vpon him and hurte him. When he felte him smitten hée put himselfe to de­fence. The noyse waxed great, the king heard the noise, he came running downe for to parte the fray, thrusted in­to the prease, in suche wise that Perseus knewe him not, and with his sword hee so smote him, that he slew him and all the people with him: and anon after, when he came in, and founde him dead, he remembred and thought he hadde put him to death after the prognostication of the goddes, and made great sorrowe, and did ordeyne his obsequie right solemnlye. And at this obsequy happened for to be there, Iupiter and his sonne Vulcan, which at that time practysed togither the science of magike and nigroman­cye. &c.

At this tyme Vulcan forged and wrought the thunders [Page 180] vnto Iupiter. That is to say, that he busied himselfe with smiting and troubling by fire and sworde, the Realmes of his neighbours, and the Poetes say and make many fa­bles of him, whereof néedeth to make no mention at this time. Perseus then did great honour and worship vnto his father Iupiter, and in likewise did Iupiter vnto Perseus. And each told other, and rehearsed their aduentures. But when the obsequie was done of King Acrisius, and Iupiter beheld and sawe Perseus so heauie that he could haue no ioy, he re­turned into Crete vnto his wife Iuno, and there he exercised himselfe in the science of Magicke. And then when Perseus found himselfe alone in Argos, and saw that he might reco­uer there no ioy, he departed from thence, and went vnto the citie of Misene, but he raigned there not long, forasmuch as the death of Acrisius renued alway, and he could not put it out of his minde, and so he departed thence, and withdrewe him with a great host into the Orient, where he gat and conquered by armes, a great Countrey, which he named Persia, after his name, and there founded the Citie called Persepolis, after that he had vanquished and put to death Li­berpater, which made him warre. And then when he had so done, he purueied for his children in such wise, that his two sonnes, Alceus and Electrion, with Amphitrion and Alcu­mena, dwelled in Thebes, and Brachman reigned in Persia, Erictreus vpon the red sea, and Stelenus in Misene. But to speake of them all I will cease at this time, and wil tell one­ly of Amphitrion, and Alcumena, that loued so well togi­ther, that they tooke day the one to wed the other. And the cause that mooued me to write of these two, is forasmuch as of Alcumena came Hercules, who first destroyed Troy, &c.

CHAP. XXXVIII. ¶How Iupiter lay with Alcumena: and how Queene Iuno sent two serpentes for to slea Hercules: and how Hercules strangled the two serpents.

IN this time when Iupiter came againe into Crete, and that he with Vulcan his sonne and Iuno practised by theyr studye, the scy­ence of Magike: after that, that Vulcan had forged the thunders of Iupiter, Amphitrion wedded the fayre Alcumena, in the Cittie of Thebes, with great honour, and also with great companye of Kings, Quéenes and of Ladyes. The feast of this wedding was great. Iupiter the King of Crete, and the Quéene Iuno were there. During the feast, Iupiter continually be­helde Alcumena, for her great beautie (for Alcumena was the most fayre woman that euer was séene) all his delight, and all his busie care was in the beholding the ladyes. He desired nothing but for to bée alwaye among the ladyes, and alway had the eye vpon them. But in the ende he behelde Alcumena most in especiall, in whome he had a singular pleasure. In the great aboundance of his sight, he so sore fixed his eye on her excellencie, that his heart beganne to be troubled, in such wise that he was amorous and coue­tous of her loue. In this his so greedye coue­tousnes and desiring, he let passe the solemnitie of the wed­ding, and returned into Crete: but he had not long soiourned when the sayde couetousnes so wrought vehemently in him, that on a day he began to speake of Alcumena, in the presence of Iuno. And sayd vnto Ganimedes his Esquire: Ganimedes, what séemeth you of the beautie of Alcumena? Syr, sayd the Esquire, me thinketh, she shineth in all manner excellencie [Page 182] of a Lady, and for that to comprise all her vertues, there is no king so great, but that he might well séeme to be of ally­ance with one that is of lesse beautie then she is.

When the Quéene Iuno vnderstoode that Iupiter talked so much of Alcumena, at that same time she was sore mooued with new ielousie: For she had often times béene ie­lous of Iupiter, and thought in her selfe, that if she might, she would cause to flie and put to death Alcumena. After these spéeches, Iupiter found himselfe sore intangled and o­uercome with loue, and for to ouermaister it, and to let it passe, hee tooke his bow and arrowes, in purpose to go to the wood for to slea some wilde beast. And went forth accompa­nied onely with Ganimedes, but as soone as hee was issued out of the gate, there came and met him one of the knights of Thebes, and did reuerence vnto the king, and sayde vnto him, that the king Creon of Thebes sent him vnto him, and required him that he would aide and helpe him to warre against the king of Thelipoly, that had trespassed against him. When the king Iupiter had heard the message of the king, he was right ioyous of the request of the king of Thebes, and tooke the knight by the hand, and brought him to his pallace, and there feasted him, and made him right good chéere, and after he saide, that with right good heart and will, he would succour and helpe the king Cre­on in his warre. The knight of Thebes with this answer tooke leaue of king Iupiter, & returned vnto Thebes. Where preparation and ordinance was made to go vnto Thelipo­ly. It was not long after that the King Iupiter made his armie, and hasted him as much as hée might, that shortly she might come to the house of Thebes, where hée hoped to finde Alcumena. When all thing was ready he tooke his way, and sped him in his iourney, that he came to Thebes, where he was right honourably and worthily receiued of the King, the Quéene, and of the ladye. The king Iupiter at his comming forgat not to looke, if he might sée Alcumena: but hee sawe her not, wherefore hée was [Page 183] in great gréefe, and wist not what to do. And he looked after Amphitrion, but he could no where sée him, whereat he was more abashed then he was before. In this abashement he approched to King Creon, and demaunded of him, where Amphitrion was? The King Creon, answered him, that he woulde shortlye come, and that he assembled his men of armes at the Castle of Arciancie, which he hadde giuen him. This Castle stoode betweene Thebes and Athens vpon the riuer, and was a passing fayre place and strong. Anon as Iupiter had vnderstoode, that king Creon had gi­uen Arciancie to Amphitrion, he imagined soone that Alcu­mena was in that place. and was in will to haue gon to that place if it had not béen that he dreaded the talking of the people, and also he feared to make Amphitrion ielous. This considered, the king Iupiter abode in Thebes not well pleased, for asmuch as hée might not sée Alcumena, and passed there that time the best wise he coulde, till Amphitrion & other were come. Then they departed from Thebes from the king Creon, and went for to laye siege to the citie of Thellipolye, accompanied with the king Iupiter, and many other. During the siege, they of the citie assayled oft time by battayle againe their enemies, but they of The­bes had alwaye so good fortune, that in the ende they of Thellipolye yéelded them in all poyntes to the will of king Creon: and thus when the king of Thebes had ouercome and subdued the citie, he returned vnto his countrey with great ioy. &c.

When Amphitrion sawe that their enimies were ouer­come, and that there was no more perill, he had great desire to go sée his wife Alcumena: and for to hast him the more sooner to bee with her, he departed from the hoste, with leaue of the king, accompanyed with an Esquire onely. When king Iupiter sawe Amphitrion so departe vpon his waye, he began to thinke and aduise him of a great subtilty, for to come to his intent. And he departed from the hoste with Ganimedes onely: and as soone as hée was in the fielde [Page 184] on the waye they two being togither, Iupiter entred into con­ference with Ganimedes, and sayd to him: Ganimedes, I haue great affiance in you, and more then in any man that liueth, wherefore I will tell you priuily a thing secrete, which I shall accomplish as I hope: And ye must holde and kéepe it secret. Truth it is that I am amorous terribly of dame Alcumena. By no meane in the world I maye yet forget her, nor put her from my desire. She knoweth not the payne that for her loue aboundeth in me, for I neuer was so har­die to discouer to her my case, nor neuer durst shewe it to her, for as much as I knowe her wise, chaste and ver­tuous. This considered, thinking on this thing, I féele and finde me full of troubles, and confesse my follye, for I am in a manner in dispayre nowe: inasmuch as I had supposed to haue founde the like answere of loue in Alcume­na. But the sodaine departing of Amphitrion yet giueth me in a maner an hope, for at the time that I sawe him de­parte from the hoste, for to go sée his wife accompanyed with his Esquire, I imagined that in all haste I would go vnto Arciancie, by a more néere and shorter waye: For I know the passage long since, and that I would transfigure my selfe into the forme of Amphitrion, and you into the forme of his Esquire, for to go vnto Alcumena, and to make her vnderstande that I were Amphitrion. Ganimedes, vpon this intention and purpose, I am come on the way, to go thither with you, we must néedes win vpon Am­phitrion this waye a night and daye, and therefore lette vs go now merylye. Mée thinketh that loue shall helpe me, and when Alcumena shall sée me transformed into the shape of Amphitriō, and you as his Esquire, shée shal not be so wise to perceiue mine enchauntment.

Ganimedes hearkened right diligently to the wil and pur­pose of Iupiter, and promised that he wold imploy him in this affaire as much as in him was possible, and so they rode with good will and great desire the readiest way, and in riding and going, Iupiter went about his enchauntments, and sped [Page 185] him so, that he arriued in an euening at the Castell of Ar­ciancie. When he was there arriued, he transfigured him­selfe, and Ganimedes, in such wise as he had before purpo­sed, and then at the same houre that Alcumena slept, and that each man was a bed, they came to the Castell, and so knocked at the gate, that they awooke the porter. The por­ter came to the windowe, and looked downe beneath, and sawe Iupiter and Ganimedes by the moon light, him thought and séemed that it was Amphitrion, and his esquire, wher­fore he opened the gate, and receyued him, in such wise as he would haue done his Lord Amphitrion. After he brought him vnto the doore of the chamber wher Alcumena slept, and awooke her, saying that her lord was come. After he retur­ned to kéepe the gate, by commaundement of Iupiter, and Al­cumena opened her Chamber vnto Iupiter, which entered in with great ioy, and at the entrie into this chamber, Iupi­ter and Alcumena tooke each other in armes, and kissed, Alcumena thinking that it had béen Amphrition: and when they were so beclipt eache in others armes, Alcumena de­maunded him from whence he came? Iupiter answered and sayde, he came from Thellepolys: and that after the giuing ouer of the towne, & yéelding of their enemies, he departed from the host, for the loue of her, accompanied onely with his esquier, to come hastily to her. Then Alcumena was wel content at the wordes of Iupiter, and asked him, if hee would eate or drinke? Iupiter answered, that he would no­thing, but go to bed with her. What shall I say more? hee lay with her, and had that he desired: the King Iupiter had neuer so great ioy in himselfe. And going to bedward, he had Ganimedes, that he should go to the Chamber doore, and abide there without. And so Ganimedes departed from the Chamber, and Iupiter approched to Alcumena, with great loue, and so cōplaised her in loue as much as his power might extend. In this wise, and by this fashion, came Iupiter vnto the secrets and ioy of loue, so that to acquaynt himselfe with this lady, him séemed expedient for to enchant [Page 186] all them that dwell in the place. And then he slept with Alcumena, and after he arose, and came to Ganimedes which kept the watch at the doore, and tolde him, that for to do this matter secretly he must enchant all them of that place, in such wise that they should not awake vntill the comming of Amphitrion. And he willed that he should go to the gate, to waite if Amphitrion came. And if it happen (he said) that he came by the day light, I shall deliuer to you a powder that ye shall cast in the ayre agaynst him, and this powder hath such vertue, that it shall kéepe Amphitrion from appro­ching this place as long as the day endureth. And then when it is night, and he knocke at the gate, ye shall come to me, and wee will open the gate, and bring him to his wife, and after that we will returne from hence,

The King Iupiter, with these wordes wrought in his science, and made his charmes and sorceries, in such wise, that all they that were in the place might not awake with­out a remedie agaynst his inchantment. When hee had so done, hee transformed Ganimedes, into the likenesse of a Porter, and appoynted him to kéepe the gate. After hee returned into the Chamber of Alcumena, and shut fast the windowes that no light might come in. And after he went to bed, and lay with the Ladie, and awooke her, and there spent all the residue of the night, and all the day following, taking his pleasure with her, so long that he begate on her a right fayre sonne, conceyued vnder the raigne of the best constellation of heauen. In the ende when king Iupiter had béene with her a night and a day, about the houre when the Sunne goeth downe into the West, and that him séemed that Amphitrion should come, he made by his science Alcu­mena for to sléepe. After he rose vp, and made himselfe in the form of one of the seruants of the place, and he had not long taried after, but Amphitrion and his esquire came knocking at the gate, for it was then night. When Ganimedes heard him knocke, he came to the gate, and opened it. Amphi­trion wéend that it had béen his porter: so he saluted him, and [Page 187] demaunded him where his wife was? The valiant porter said to him, that she slept, and so brought him into her cham­ber: and Iupiter so going, charmed him that he had no de­sire to eate, nor to drinke. When he was come into the Chamber, he awooke Alcumena, that was all abashed when she sawe Amphitrion, for she supposed for truth, that shée had séene him a good while before, and she groped about her in the bed, and thought she had dreamed. And when shée had groped in the bed, and that she found no person there, then she was more amazed then afore. Notwithstanding she arose, and came to Amphitrion, saying to her self that she had supposed to haue séene him before: notwithstanding shee made chéere to her husband, saying to him that shée had all the night dreamed of his comming. After they talked of ma­ny things. Finally, he went to bed with her, and lay with her that same houre, and then Alcumena conceyued yet a sonne of Amphitrion. Iupiter and Ganimedes departed then from the Castell, and there left all sléeping that were within the place, that none awooke till it was in the morning, and they had weend that they had slept but one night, but they slept a day and two nights. And this matter was handled so secret­lie, that neuer person could espie it. By this meane the faire Alcumena conceiued two sonnes, the one of Iupiter, and the other of Amphitrion.

By space of tyme the fruits of her wombe beganne to appeare: the tydings were borne all about, and also into Crete, and came to the eares of King Iupiter, and Quéene Iuno. The King Iupiter this hearing, was passing ioyous and glad in the presence of Quéene Iuno. Hée behelde Ganimedes, and beganne to waxe redde, and af­ter shewed a right good countenaunce, and gaue prayses to the goddes, for the conception of Alcumena, and spake much good of her, so that the iealousie of thys olde Quéene, renewed and refreshed, and shée planted in her heart, a right great enu [...]e, and deadlie hatred agaynst Alcumena.

[Page 188]With the renewing of this enuie, the Quéene Iuno con­cluded in her minde that was medled with the multipli­ance of ielosie, that shée would slea and cause to die Alcume­na by enchauntment of sorcerie: For in that craft she was an experienced mistresse. O olde cursed woman? Shée held musing in her heart her cursed ielous thought, and laide her eares to heare Iupiter speake of Alcumena, without any thing replying againe.

But finally, when she knew that the time of childing of Alcumena approched, she departed from Crete secretly al alone, and saide to Iupiter, and did him to vnderstand, that shée would go disguised on certaine secret pilgrimages, and went forth vnto Arciancie, where was a temple stan­ding right nigh the castle, and was made in remembrance of the goddesse Diana. This olde quéene then entred into this Temple, nothing for deuotion that was in her, but for to espie if any person came from the castle, for to in­quire the state of Alcumena. Shée was disfigured by her craft. This craft vsed afterward Simon Magus in the time of Saint Peter, and of the Emperour Nero. When she had béene there a little, Galantis that gouerned Alcumena, was there long in orisons, and prayers before the representation of the goddesse. At the end, when she had done, she arose from her contemplation, and thought to haue returned. But this old quéene came against her, and saluted her, and for to come vnto her purpose, shée sayd vnto her faintly: dame I am all abashed. Wherefore answered Galantis? For as much (saide shee) as I am not in certaine where I am. Loue (saide Galantis) ye bee at the Castle of Arciancie, for this Temple is of the appertenances of the Castle, and stan­deth betwéene Thebes and Athens. Dame (sayde the olde Iuno) I trow that this is the place, that Amphitrion and Dame Alcumena dwell in? Ye say truth, sayde Galan­tis, and howe fare they (sayde Iuno?) Right well (sayde Galantis) my Lorde Amphitrion is in good health, and my Ladye Alcumena is readie to bring foorth a childe, [Page 189] shée expecteth nor waiteth for longer day nor tearme, and therefore I may no longer tarie: it is time that I returne to her. To the gods I commit you.

Galantis with this word went to Alcumena, which began to trauaile and féele the paine of childing, and the false olde queen abode in the temple, in intention to cause to die and slay Alcumena, in such wise as she had purposed. Then, in stéede of saying of orisons, she began to make certaine fiend­ly and diuelish works. This done, she laide her legges to crosse one ouer the other, and sate in that wise, and then the same moment and time that shée had so doone, Alcumena by the strength of sorcerie began in the same wise, her legges to crosse one ouer the other, and sate in the same maner as the olde Iuno did. In such wise, as there was no man nor wo­man that might make her do otherwise. The poore Alcu­mena felt then the most gréeuous and sharpe paines of the world, for her fruit would come out, and it might not in no wise, for as much as her legges and thighs were so crosse one ouer the other: she cried and complained pittiously, and was in right gréeuous martirdome. The midwiues coulde finde no remedie: shée was thrée dayes holden in this point, alway her legges crossed one ouer another. During these thrée dayes, Galantis and the ladies and women, one after another came to the temple of Diana, for to pray for the de­liuerance of Alcumena, and alway they found the old queen sit with her legges crossed, and one ouer another. But they found her neuer in one semblance and likenesse. For at each time she transformed her into diuers likenesses and figures, of beasts or of women, to the ende that they should not perceiue her, nor her craft. Neuerthelesse, she could not so transforme her selfe, but that Galantis that oft came into the temple, tooke héede of her, which found alway there a beast or a woman, sit in the maner that Alcumena sate in her chamber. Alcumena had béene then thrée dayes in paine. At the fourth day, then Galantis waxed melancholie and angry at that shée sawe in the temple: so shee assembled the women, [Page 190] and said to them. Certainly faire dames, it must néedes be that the paine that my lady Alcumena suffereth, commeth of some sorcerie and witchcraft, for al the paine that she hath commeth of that, that shee may not depart her legs and vn­folde them. This is mine imagination, and I am of aduice to puruey soone for it: For I haue séene in the Temple, at all times that I haue béene there, more then thrée daies, a wo­man or a beast, with legges crossed or folden, as my Ladie hath hers: me seemeth for truth, that it is some euill crea­ture, which willeth euill will to my Ladie, and that by her sorceryes, constraineth her to sit as she doth. If it be so, I will deceiue her: For one of you and I will go into the Temple, fayning right ioyous and glad chéere, and will thanke the goddesse Diana, saying all on high, that my Lady is deliuered of a faire son. And then when that creature that alway is there, and changeth her into diuerse formes, haue heard our praysing, if it be so that she will any ill to my la­dy, I doubt not but she shall loose countenance, and that all troubled shee shall depart, thinking to haue fayled of her enchauntment. And then if it be truth that I suppose, my la­die may haue some maner of deliuerance from her paine. &c.

The women during these words, remembred them that they had séene in the Temple, the woman and beasts that Galantis spake of, and were of opinion, that Galantis should do like as she had supposed. Then Galantis and one of the women departed from the chamber, and went to the temple, and entring therein, they sawe on the one side where the false old quéen sate, as she was wont to do, and had transfor­med herselfe into the guise and forme of a Cow. They passed foorth by confidently, without making any shewe of sorrow, or other thing, saue onely of ioy: and when they were come before the alter, they knéeled downe and ioyned their hands together, and sayde: Diana, soueraigne goddesse, thy name bee praised in heauen and in earth, for thou hast giuen this houre to my Ladye Alcumena, and helped her to bring foorth into this world, the most, the most fairest childe of [Page 191] the worlde. With these words, they rose vp and returned againe: and as they went, they sawe the cowe suddenly de­part out of the Temple, and ran vpon the fields, and in the same time and instance, Alcumena arose, and was deliuered of two fayre sonnes, before Galantis and her fellow were come into the Chamber.

When Galantis were come vnto Alcumena, and found there two fayre sonnes which she had brought forth, she was full of ioy, for that she had be guyled and deceyued the false olde Iuno. She told then vnto the Ladies, and to Alcumena, howe shée had séene the Cowe, and howe shée was departed from the Temple, and assured them that it was some euill person, and that shee had holde Alcumena in this daunger by sorcerie. The Ladies sent after to séeke the Cowe, but they heard neuer after tydings of her: and greatly alway they ioyed in the natiuitie of these two sonnes. Of these twaine, the one of them was great and right fayre, and of ex­céeding excellencie, and the other was little and feeble. The great childe was the first that was borne, and was named Hercules, and the other had to name Ypecleus. Hercules (as some say) was the sonne of Iupiter, and well resembled, and was like vnto him, and Ypecleus was the sonne of Amphi­trion. The tidings of this natiuitie anon ran all about, and all they that heard speake thereof, made ioy and were glad thereof, saue only Iuno. For she had neuer ioy in her heart af­ter that she had heard in the temple, that Alcumena was de­liuered, and had brought forth a sonne. She departed from the temple, as is said, in the forme of a Cow, despising in her heart the goddesse Diana, and was so troubled that she had neither wit nor vnderstanding, and thus sorrowing, when she was a little withdrawne from the Temple, she tooke a­gaine her own forme of a woman, and went vpon the moun­taine of Olympus, there she waxed pensiue, and beganne to think what she might do: after she smote her self on the brest with her fist, and said: what auayleth me to be borne of the royall blood of Saturne? What auaileth me my patrimonie [Page 192] of the world of golde? what auaileth mee the diademe of Crete? & what auaileth me the sciences of the world, that I haue learned by great studie and labour, when the gods be against and contrarie to mee in all things? The king my husband careth not for me, nor setteth nought by mee, no more in mine olde daies, then he did in my youth. O what destiny, Fortune wilt thou neuer turne thy wheele? Shall I alway suffer still tribulations and this paine? Certes, séeing thou fauourest me not, and that I be holde that of all my de­sires there is not one that may attaine to effect, all shame and vexation redoubleth in me, and I am so put in dispayre, that my misfortune must néedes be cause of shortning and lessning the naturall course of my dayes. With these words she beheld the earth, and not the heauen, & pawsed a while, and after that said: And am I not wel infortunate and borne in an euill houre? My craft and sorcerie auaileth not against myne enemy Alcumena. I haue fayled against her, but cer­tes I will prooue my selfe against her sonne, to the ende that his mother may be my felow, and hold me company to make sorrow. For I will slea her sonne: and by this meane, for that she is a woman and a mother, I shall giue her cause of anger, gréefe, and displeasance.

O cursed olde Vyrago, conspyring then against the poore innocent: then shée imagined that she would take two ser­pents charmed and coniured, to worke the death of the son of her enemy, and that shée would some night put them in­to his chamber, to the ende that they should strangle him. With this conclusion, shee departed from the mountayne, and returned into Crete. There being, she so laboured by her science, that shee did assemble on a day secretly, all the serpents of the countrey. Shée was alone, and well vnder­stoode, and knewe this marchandise. When she had assem­bled them all, shee chose two of the most felonous, and most enuenimed, and put them in her lap, and bare them home, and after waited a day, when king Iupiter had gone into a farre voyage: and then, fayning that shee would go on [Page 193] some pilgrimage, she departed alone from Crete, and did so much, that in disguised shape she came into the Castle of Arciancie. The king Egeus of th ens, and the king Euristens of Attique were at that time come into the castle to make good cheere: and it was in the euening when Iuno entred. When she was within, shée made her selfe inuisible by her craft, and sought all about to find the chamber, wherein was the son of Alcumena. She sought so long till she came to the doore of the chamber, where there was a window open. Shée went to the window, and looked in: and in the behol­ding, shée saw two nourses, and two sonnes, whereof she was all abashed, and beganne to muse much. Thus as shée was pensife, Alcumena came for to sée her sons, and feasted them in such fashion, that the olde Iuno perceiued and knew, that both the two were her sonnes, whereof she had great ioy. For she concluded in her false and euill minde, that she would strangle both two by the Serpents, &c.

Alcumena departed from the chamber, by the space of time, and Iuno let the night waxe darke. The nourses laide the children in their cradles to sléepe, and they slept. And after they layde themselues downe and slept, lea­uing a Lampe burning in their Chamber. Then when they were asléepe, at that time that Iuno would accomplish her worke, shee opened her lap, and made to leape out the two serpenis, charmed and enchaunted, to worke the death of the two children, and put them by an hole into the cham­ber. When they were within, they lifted vp their heads, and smelling the two children, made vnto them, gi­uing the first assault vnto Ypecleus, in such wise that they strangled him, and there murthered him. After the death of Ypecleus, these two serpents came vnto the cradle of Hercules, that was awake the same time. When the Serpents were come to the cradle, they went the one on the one side, and the other on the other side, and moun­ted on the Cradle, but this was to their euill ease: For as soone, as they came vppe, Hercules perceiued them, and [Page 194] was afraied: because they were fierce and dreadfull, he then bestirred himselfe, and his armes with such might and force, that he brake the bonds in which he was wrapped and swadled, and so laboured that hee had his armes and his hands at large, and then when the serpents ranne vppon him, hee put them backe by naturall strength and force many times, and fought with them with his fists right long: but at last, when Hercules sawe that the serpents op­pressed him more and more, and ceassed not to assaile him, he tooke in each hand one, making a great crie, and held them so fast and sore, that he strangled both two.

The nourses awoke at the crie that Hercules made, and arose vp hastily, and went to the cradles for to see their chil­dren, and they found Ypecleus dead, and they found that Hercules held yet the two serpents in his hands. Sodainly as they saw that maruaile, they cried pitiously. With that Iuno the false witch and sorceresse, that had séene all, fled her way sore troubled and terribly angrie at that, that the ser­pents had not wrought and atchieued her purpose, as well in Hercules, as they had done in Ypecleus. And Amphi­trion with Alcumena awoke, and came into the chamber where the two nurses were, which made sorrowfull and pitious cries: and entring therin, they saw Hercules at the one side yet holding the Serpents, and at the other side they beheld Ypecleus all swolen with venim and dead: then déepe and gréeuous sorrowes came and entred into the bottome of their hearts. Alcumena began to crie and wéepe by naturall pitie, and Amphitrion was al afraide. Many damosels and other folke came to the chamber, which all were afeard to take away the Serpents, for feare of hurt: and there was none so hardy that durst approch to Hercules, for the serpents that he held in his hands which were swolen with the ve­nim. Alway Hercules made no heauie nor worse cheere, but laughed to one and other, and was there in that case so long, that phisitions and surgions came, and by their science, tooke from his hands these venimous beasts. When Amphitrion [Page 195] sawe Hercules deliuered from the Serpents, he recomforted Alcumena, that was nigh dead for sorrow, and made to burne and bury Ypecleus. All they that were there had passing great maruaile of the power and strength of Her­cules, that was so young a childe, and that he had soughten against the serpents, and by excessiue strength and might had strangled them.

The night passed in the fashion and manner that I haue rehearsed. On the morrow betime, Amphitrion would shew and manifest this maruailous and glorious victorie, wherefore he did cause to take Hercules, and made him to be borne to Athens, into the temple of the god Mars, with the two serpents: and he in person went accompanied with King Euristeus. The false olde witch Iuno followed a farre after in a dissembled forme and shape. When Amphitrion was come into the Temple, he sent for King Egeus, and as­sembled the people, and after tooke Hercules, presenting him vnto the god Mars, thanking him of the victorie that he had sent to Hercules against the Serpents. After this he lif­ted him vp, and shewed Hercules vnto the people, recoun­ting and telling to them his maruaylous aduenture. And thus when Hercules was shewed and put into the common view and sight of the people, and that euery man gaue him laude and prayse: the false olde Iuno, being in the prease, with other, after that she had long beholden the noble childe, that in all his members he resembled and was like to king Iupiter, for to put Amphitrion in iealousie of his wife, and for to make him to haue Hercules in suspition, shée sayds vnto them that were about her: Certes, Amphitrion is a verie foole, if he wéeneth and thinketh that Hercules is his Sonne: Beholde the members of King Iupiter, and the members of this Childe, yée shall finde no dif­ference. This Childe and Iupiter, bée both of one sem­blaunce, and haue like fauours and shape. And euerie man sayeth, that this Childe is the Sonne of Iupiter, and none other. When this olde Iuno had sowen these [Page 196] cursed words, she withdrew her apart out of the prease, and tooke another shape, to the end that she should not be known. And then these words were sowne abrode, and told forth of them that heard them in such wise, that a great murmuring grew and arose touching Amphitrion. And it was reported to him, that men said so by aduertisement of the olde Iuno. When Amphitrion heard these new tidings, he beganne to behold the childe, and in the beholding him, thought verily that this childe had wholy the very semblance and likenesse of king Iupiter. And then began to enter into his heart a right great griefe & sorrow, and thus after he entred into iea­lousie. Yet he kept silence, and made as good countenance as he might, and could, for to eschew the slaunder. And anon, af­ter that the people were withdrawne, he called the king Eu­risteus, and prayed him, that he would bring vp Hercules, say­ing, that neuer after he would sée him, and that he beléeued verily that he was the sonne of Iupiter. Euristeus comforted Amphitrion the best wise he could, meaning to haue put this iealousie out of his minde, but he could not. What shall I make long rehearsall? Euristeus enterprised to kéepe and nourish Hercules, and made him to be borne into his house. Amphitrion returned vnto Arciancie, where he found Alcu­mena sore discomforted for these tydings which shée had re­ceyued: and for to excuse herselfe to Amphitrion, and the false olde Quéene Iuno, shée went vnto Crete. Of which matter I will stay nowe, and will come to speake of the first aduentures of Hercules.

CHAP. XXXIX. ¶How Hercules began the Olimpiades: and how he waxed amorous of Megara, the Daughter of the king of Thebes: and how he shewed his strength in all maner of games and exercises.

THese tidings of this first aduenture of Her­cules were anon spread through all the pro­uinces of Grece. Some said he was a bastard and the sonne of Iupiter: and so recounted Plautus in his first comedye, and other held that he was the very sonne of Amphitrion, and so recounteth Boccace in his booke of the genealogie of goddes. But whose sonne so euer he was, Euristeus had him in kéeping, and did him to be nourished hardly, and not tenderly, without the cittie of Attique: For the kings and the cittizens and dwellers in townes, in this time, made theyr children for to bee nourished out of good townes, and made them for to lye vpon the bare earth, and naked, for to be more strong, without entring into citties, vntill the time they had power, and strength to exercise armes. Ly­curgus had ordeyned this lawe and many other that followe. First he ordeyned that the people shoulde obey theyr Prince, and that the Prince shoulde be firme in iustice and liue soberly, and that merchauntes shoulde do theyr merchaundise, giuing one ware for an other, without anye money, and that each man shoulde aduenge him openly, and that a yong man should haue in a yeare but one gowne, and that one man shoulde not be more gallant nor quaint then another, and that no man shoulde renew the me­mory of wrong passed: and that men of armes should haue no wiues, to the ende that they might be more eager and fierce, [Page 198] in the warre: and to content the fragilitie of men, he or­deyned, that nigh the hostes should bee certaine women common, in places called Fornices, whereof commeth forni­cation. These were the lawes that the Greekes vsed in the tyme of the beginning, and comming vp of Hercules. And for to come againe to my purpose: Hercules was nourished in an house, that stoode in the plaine fields, and was often­tymes put out into the raine and winde, and lay the most part of that time vpon the earth, wit [...]out any other bed: hée lay oftner so then vpon hay or dryed straw. With this nourishment hée waxed and grew in all beautie, strength, and prudence: he was humble, courteous, and gentle. All good manners beganne to grow and shine in him: he was sober in eating, and in drinking: he slept gladly on the fields: he shotte and drewe the bow dayly. When the king Egeus of Athens had heard speake of him, he made to be nourished with him his sonne, that was named The­seus. Hercules and Theseus were both of one age, and loued right well togither. Theseus was strong and mightie, and a fayre childe, and hee had witte inough. But Hercu­les passed him, and shone as farre aboue him as the Sunne shineth aboue the starres. When he was seuen yeares old, he exercised wrastling, and ouerthrewe and cast the grea­test and the strongest that came to him. Not one and one at once, but fiue or sixe, or as many as hee might set his hands on, and did so great feates of strength, that out of Thebes, of Athens, and of Atticque, dayly came men, wo­men, and children, for to sée him. The more and elder he grewe, the more enforced he his strength. When hée was ten yeare olde, there might no man stand nor abide in his hand. At thirtéene yeares of his age, he beganne to handle and vse armes, and of his proper motion, he thought that he would go vp vnto the mount Olympus, and there he would abide and aunswere all maner men thither comming by the space of fiftéene dayes, and to receyue them in armes, or in wrastling, or at any other proofe or assay of strength: [Page 199] and for to come to the effect of this enterprise, he awayted a day when Euristeus came for to sée him, and sayd to him. Sir, yée haue nourished me vnto this tyme, like as I were your owne sonne, if fortune were to me as contrary as na­ture, I knowledge that I should be the most infortunate childe that euer was borne. Some say that I am sonne to Iupiter, and other say of Amphitrion, howbeit I haue no fa­ther but you onely, that haue nourished me with your sub­staunce. Wherefore I yéelde vnto you as to my father, and aduertise you, how that I am purposed for to bée on the mount of Olympus, in as short tyme as I well may, and there I will abide all them that thither shall come, fif­téene dayes fully togither: and for to deale with them at the speare, at swoorde, at wrastling, and at running: alway foreséene, that it bée by your licence and leaue, and that it please you of your courtesse to giue to him that shall do best some prise, to the ende for to encourage the hearts of noble men vnto valiancie, that they might attaine to renowme. Euristeus answered and sayd: Hercules, fayre sonne, ye can requyre mée of nothing that is honest and worshipfull, but I will hée thereto agreeable. Yée bée young, and yet ye be strong and puissaunt, and I wote well there is no man that may endure agaynst you. Since it is so, that yée haue the will so to do, I am right well content, that ye make the proofe, and shewe the strength of your youth: and for to effect and bring this enterprise vnto your credite, I will aray you as richly as if ye were my proper sonne. My father (aunswered Hercules) I thanke you of this grace and kindnesse, and since it is so your pleasure, it be­hooueth you to choose a man of great vnderstanding and au­thoritie, that shall go vnto all the Realmes of these Coasts, for to shewe vnto the Kings, Princes, and Gen­tlemen, the purpose and enterprise that I haue taken in hand. Fayre sonne (said Euristeus) ye say truth, ye shall make your letters contayning your intention, and send them to me, and then when I haue receyued them, I will vse so good [Page 200] diligence, that ye of reason shall be content.

After these spéeches and many other, the king Euristeus went home, and Hercules tooke inke and parchment, and set him to write in letters y ^e forme of a proclamation, which he made, that contained in this wise. Gréeting be to all kings, Princes, Knights, Gentlemen, Ladies and Gentlewo­men, from the esquire vnknowne, and well fortuned. We let you haue knowledge, that the first day of the moneth of May next following, the esquire vnknowne will be on the mount Olympus, for to shew himselfe in habilliments conuenient vnto armes, at the pleasure of the gods and for­tune, and for to receiue all them that be of noble houses and name, that will and shall come thither to trie maisteries in the maner that followeth. In the beginning of the first thrée dayes, hee will hold exercise of wrastling, and he that shall do best, by the iudgement of the iudges thereto com­mised, shall win an Elephant of fine golde. The fourth day he will runne a furlong or more against all them that will runne, and hee that best runneth shall win a faire Courser. At the fift and sixt dayes, he will shoote with the hand bowe, first at the most straight and nigh marks, and after at the most long marks, & he that shooteth most straight and nigh at short marks, shall winne a gloue of gold: and he that is best at long marks, shall haue a bow and a sheafe of arrowes. At the seauenth, he will cast a stone against all men, and he that doth best thereat, shall haue a right good di­amond. At the eight day, and other folowing to the fiftéenth, he will exercise armes: and if any will prooue himselfe one alone against him, he shal be receiued (fore séene that during the first six daies he shall come and present himselfe vnto the iudges) & he that so doth best, shall haue a rich sword. And if it happen that they that shall come to this feast will tourney togither in maner of a battaile, in iousting with launces or speares, & fighting with swords or baryers, the iudges shall ordaine captains, such as shall séeme conuenient, & who that best doth in this exercise or fight shal win a garlād of lawrel. [Page 201] All these things before written, the said esquire vnknowen promiseth to accomplish, and prayeth vnto all noble men, Ladies, and Gentlewomen, that they will vouchsafe to come and sée this méeting of Nobles, which shall be perfor­med by the pleasure of the immortall gods, who wil giue to the acceptors of this worthie chalenge, multipliance of ho­nour and encreasing of good fortune, &c.

When Hercules had written this proclamation, and en­grossed it, he sent it to Euristeus, who read it, and him séemed that the inuention of the authour and maker was good and right worthy to bee put in memory, and called one of his knights, and gaue him the charge and office to go publish this proclamation in the courts of all the kings of Greece. The knight enterprised with right good heart to doe the said office: (and this was the first officer of arms that euer was) He went to Athens, Thebes, Argos, Lacedemonia, Archadi­a, Perelye, Magnesie, Crete, Ephese, Pepos, Tripoly, and Thessaly, and all about hee published the proclamation, without declaring who hee was that should kéepe the exer­cise. They that heard speake of the squire vnknowne, and vnderstoode his high enterprise, iudged him, that this came of a noble courage, and that hee might not fayle to gette honour and fame. The knight, for to finish this voyage, hadde foure Monethes tearme for to accomplish it.

During this time, Hercules disposed him for to furnish his prouision for the excercises, and so did the kings and noble men, for to come thither. What shall I make long processe? When the euen before the first day of the exercise was come, the King Euristeus brought Hercu­les vppon the mount Olympus, and from all parts came thither so many Noble men, Ladyes, and Gentlewomen, that the number might not bee estéemed, the Mount was full on all sides. All this night there was great adoo, and noyse of one and other, for to make their tents and lodges of bowes & leaues, and to pitch their pauilions. And [Page 202] it ought not to be forgotten, when the euen was come, how the knight that had published the challenge, assembled in a common tent all the knights that were come thither, and required them in the name and on the behalf of the Esquire vnknowne, that they would choose among them, such as should be iudges, and giue the prise. When the kings that were there, heard and vnderstood the request of the noble Esquire, they thanked him, and they choose thrée kings to be their iudges, that is to wéete, the king of Thebes called Cre­on, the king of Argos named Gorgophon, and the king of Myrmidon, named Eson, which was father of Iason. They were wise and discréete: they enterprised the office with a good will. And that night they passed ouer with great ioy, for they assembled in a tent, which was made for to daunce in, and the kings with the knights yong and old went togi­ther: and thus beganne the feast, which endured till mid­night in daunses and songs.

The king Iupiter and Amphitrion were not at this as­sembly, by the counsel of king Euristeus, which let him haue knowledge secretly, that Hercules was he that should holde and kéepe this sport or exercise, for to eschew all words and languages, that might grow or arise vp, by cause of the na­tiuitie of Hercules: for Amphitrion on the one side be­léeued not that he was his sonne, and Iupiter on the other side said, that he appertained not to him. He sent them word therefore, that they could do no better, then not for to come to this solemnitie, which was a most speciall thing, and the most strange that euer was spoken of before that time. The first day of May, at the houre what time the sunne cast his heate vpon the earth, Hercules did cause to sownde a trumpet, for to make the Ladies to go vp into the scaffolds and places appointed: and anon after they being mounted and set, Hercules leapt out of the tent apparelled to wrastle, and came into the middes of the place or field, making reue­rence vnto the iudges, kings, and to the ladies. He was then xiiii. yeare old full accomplished. Anon as he had done the re­uerence, [Page 203] the knight that was officer of armes, made a crie and said: High & excellent iu [...]ges, we let you haue knowledge, with all kings, knights, and gentlemen of armes, Ladies and Gentlewomen, that héere is the Squire vnknowne, readie present in his person, vppon the mount Olympus, and offereth himselfe to fulfill the contents of his challenge, by order, and after the maner that the particulars thereof make mention. Wherefore, if there be any man that will proue and assaie him at wrastling, let him come, and he shall be receiued.

Theseus of Athens, at the end of this proclamation, and at the commandement of king Egeus his father, entred then in­to the field: he was a passing faire child and a gentle, at his comming he saluted Hercules, and said to him: Maister of all bodily exercises, I am come hither, not of presumption, but for to learne those things that I haue néede of, and therefore I recommend mee vnto your grace. My Bro­ther Theseus, answered Hercules, I may more learne of you, then you of me: wherefore lette vs indeuour to winne the prise, it must be begunne by some bodie. These words accomplished, the two noble Esquires approched and seised each other. Theseus employed his puissance, and Hercules suffered him to doo as much as hée would or could, without shewing and putting out his force and might againe to him. And so they shooke and lugged each other, but in the ende Hercules cast Theseus, the most softly and fauourably that he could. Wherat the laughter was great among the ladyes and gentlewomen. Theseus then de­parted from the place, and went among the ladyes and Gentlewomen, praying them that they would take it in good part that he had done. Then came vnto the place, many yong squires of whom I know not the names, and they indeuored and trauelled all that they might for to get honor and wor­ship, but their labor profited little vnto them, in regard of getting the prise: for Hercules cast and foyled all them that came, and the wrastling dured foure houres continually. [Page 204] At the last, at the request of the Ladies, the Iudges made the wrastling to cease for that day, because that they sawe that Hercules was young, and that hee had done a great worke, &c.

When Hercules had vnderstoode that the Iudges had made cease the wrastling, he was right sorrowfull, for in his wrastling, he had a singular pleasure. The Iudges thē with Eusteus came to him, & made him do on his cloaths, and aray him. After they brought him into the common hal, where as the Ladies were dauncing and singing ioyously: and it was sayd to him, that he must daunce and sing like as other did. Hercules excused him much, but his excuse might not auaile. He was set on to daunce in hand with Me­gara, a right faire Gentlewoman, of yong age, but she was right well furnished with wit and vnderstanding: and shée was daughter of king Creon.

When Hercules saw him in the hand of one so noble a Gentlewoman, hee was sore abashed and ashamed. The Gentlewoman on the other side was also shamefast, for as soone as she had séene Hercules wrastle, shee had set all her loue on him. And they wist none of them both what to say: howbeit, in stead of wordes, they vsed priuie and couert countenances. Hercules tooke a singular plea­sure to behold and sée the Gentlewoman, and the more néere the Gentlewoman was to Hercules, the more she set her heart on him. What shall I say? loue in this night enforced and constrained them to loue each other, without speaking, and their beauty was cause therof. Men shuld not haue found in all Grece two so faire children, nor of better qualities. They were inough beholden and looked on, and in especially Hercules, for his prowesse: and euery man maruailed of him, and of his behauiour.

By space of time, then Hercules was brought from the feast into his tent. His tent nor the tent of the kings, and of the ladies, were not made but of branches, with leaues and herbes giuing good odour & sauour. It was not knowne how [Page 205] to make tentes of cloath nor of silke then. Hercules passed this night, more intending to thinke on the beautie of Me­gara, then for to sléepe. The day following, at houre conue­nient she came vnto the sport, and there were many young men strong and actiue, the strongest of all Grece, but Hercu­lus with one arme threw and cast them, and that day and the day following he cast and flang to the earth mo then thrée hundred, and there could not so many come to him but he cast them downe, and put them to foyle, without any chasing himselfe ne greeuing, and at that time he gat a right great glorie and honour there. Megara oftentimes behelde him, and in likewise did the ladyes and gentlewomen, and many there were that set their loue on him. And thus he passed the exercise of wrestling to his worship all thrée dayes. At the fourth day he assembled all them that were come thither for to run, and he made them that were most féeble to ryde vpon the best coursers that were in Grece, and after he shew­ed them the furlong or stade, and made thē to take their waye and run, and he ran after the horse and men, but he passed all them that ran, and without taking once his breath he ran the furlong, and came thereto before al the ryders, and runners: wherefore he was greatly praysed, and had a great laude. And some say, that he ran all as swiftlye as a hart. Of this course that Hercules made, all the world wondred, and helde it for a merueilous thing, and wrote it in bookes, a­mong other things worthy to be put in memory.

At the fifth and sixt dayes following, Hercules tooke his bowe and his arowes, and went into the place that was or­deyned for to shoote in with the bowe, and the Ladyes and the gentlewomen were there. Hercules and manye other, shot at a most strait, and neare the marke, but shot by shot he excéeded al the nighest: for he shot alway w ^tin a little ring of gold. And as for shooting at a long marke, he passed the furthest in the fielde foure and twentie strides: his howe was so great that it was the load and burthen of a man. No man could bend it but himselfe. It was a pleasure to sée him, [Page 206] for he gat great praise and fame the two dayes, and yet gat he more the daye following, which was the seuenth daye of the sports: for when it came to the casting of the stone a farre, one after an other, then he cast it, imploying his strength in such wise that he passed sixe pases further then anye man that at that time imployed himselfe in that ex­ercise.

Then they that were come to this feast cried with a high voice, the Esquire vnknowne is neither the sonne of Am­phitrion, nor the sonne of Iupiter, but he is the sonne of the god of nature, which hath garnished him with double force, and redoubled it an hundred folde.: in his infancie he vanquished the serpentes, and in hys youth he surmoun­teth in wyt force and valiance all the world. Blessed be the wombe that conceiued hym and bare hym, for to glorify Greece: For certes the tyme shall come once that he shall be the glory of the Greekes, and their tryumphe, and wel shal helpe them if they haue néede.

Such were the wordes of the Kings, of the Ladyes, and of the Damosels, of the nobles and of the valiant, each man praysed him in his guise. The fayre Megara heard gladlye the commendation and praysing that men gaue him: but yet she sawe him more gladly doo his feates and valiances, and it is no meruaile though she sawe him gladlye, and gaue her to beholde him: for in Hercules was, that was not in other: his beautie surmounted the measure and the great portion and quantitie of his force and strength. What shall I laye? After that each man that would cast the stone, hadde doone, he went into the common tente, where manye an amorous man was with his Ladye, and there he began to put him­selfe forth a little, and his speache with one and other well became him: for he had a right high and a cleare vnder­standing. Megara and Hercules in this euening oftentimes beheld each other secretly, & their countenaunces were fixed each on other often, and then of force they chaunged colour. [Page 207] In this chaunging of coloure, there was not a veine in them but was mooued. And by this moouing grew amo­rous desires in aboundance, with déepe sighes, which were nourished in the abismes and bottomes of their heartes.

Among al other things, for to spéede the matter, the kings and the auncient knightes assembled them in councell, for asmuch as they had manye yong knightes that were come, and had abidden from the beginning of the feast, for to do feats of armes against Hercules. The puissance and strength of Hercules was well considered of in this councell: and for asmuch as it was verye likelye that no man might stand against him, it was ordeyned that he should do no déedes of armes hand to hand: and that the dayes that were yet to come of the residue of the feast from two dayes to two dayes, they should turnoy in manner of battaile: whereof should be captaines two Kings that were there, that is to wit Tandarus that was father of Menelaus husband of the fayre Helene, and Ixion that was King of Thessaly. These two Kings tooke on them with a good will this charge, and it was ordeyned, that Hercules shoulde lette them tur­noye vntill the tyme, that the one partie were at worse, and that then he might helpe that partie so suffring the worse, vnto the time that he had brought thē to match their betters. This ordinance was shewed in the tent, by the offi­cer of armes. What shall I make long counte? they that were afore named for to fight, and to doo deedes of armes man for man against Hercules, were right ioyous of the new ordinaunce. The feast then ceased, and one and other with­drewe them vnto their tents on the morning they came to the fieldes for to begin the first turnoy, and there were fiue hundred Esquires, and three hundred knights, all armed as for to go into battaile, sauing that their swordes were rebe­tues and not sharpe, and that theyr speares had rochettes o [...] trée or of wood. The king Tandarus and the King Ixion was richlye arayed, and well horsed, and armed well [Page 208] with bossed curets, and ranne in the most hardest place of this assembly. There were no more but an hundred knights on horseback, for horses at that time were but little knowne nor vsed. All they on horsebacke and they on foote were par­ted into two companies. The one of these companies, was deliuered to Tandarus, and the other to Ixion. And when Tandarus and Ixion had all that they ought to haue, they that had horses, at the sound of the trumpet were readie to ioust, and ranne one against another, so couragiously, that they troubled all the aire with dust and pouder that rose by their horse feete. At the bickering each met with other often­times, and there were some ouerthrowne vnder the horse, and tumbled vpside downe at ioyning: and some there were that brake their spears knightly and cheualrously, for there were plentie of valiant knights. But in the end, when the knights on horsebacke had done their indeuours, and that they set their handes on their swords, the pietons or foote­men began to renew the turnoye, with so great a stirre and noyse, that all the mount redounded, on the one side, and on the other: there were many speares broken, and shields vn­iointed, they foyned with their speares eagerly, their strokes and foines were great: each man shewed the quantitie of his force, it was ioyous to sée the speares flie in the aire by péeces: there were great cries, none spared other, ancient nor yong. The ancient beate and fought with the yong: the yong men by great courage learned and shewed the olde men. When theyr speares were broken they tooke their swords, where with began a new adoe, ioyous and pleasant: they cutting their helmes and hewing on their shieldes so couragiously, and in speciall they of the part of Ixion, that they of the part of king Tandarus, were constrained to call for Hercules vnto the reskew.

When Hercules heard that they cryed after him, hee was passing ioyous, for it was a gréefe to him to be idle, and to sée other labour. He was nigh by the turnoye, beholding them that did best: he had also his sword in his fist. At the crie [Page 209] that they that were put to the worse made, he went vnto their ayde and helpe, and began to turney on the side where were the greatest strokes giuen, so pleasantly that it was ioy to beholde. The king Ixion came against him for to maintaine his prowesse, and to holde togither his folke. But certes, for his welcome, Hercules smote him on the shéeld, in such wise, that all astonied he bare him to the earth, and downe from his horse. Then began there a great shoute and laughter, & as well one as the other began to apply them to the reskue of Ixion. Hercules put himselfe into the prease, and made heapes on all sides, so great, that Tandarus and his folke recouered, and entered into the battaile with their counterpartie. At that time began again the turnoy strong and sharpe: they that right now fled, tooke heart, force and vertue to them againe by the well dooing of Hercules, and recouered vigour and strength. Hercules, of all them that were there was taken héed of, his strokes surmounted all o­ther without all measure, & he brought againe Tandarus to match his better with little labour. Finally, he did shewe so great pr [...]wesse that day, and in the dayes following, that he was commended aboue all the men of the world. What shall I make long processe of the turnoy, and of the plea­sant sports of this feast? There were thrée great turnoyes and notable: at each turnoy, as soone as it happened that one party was put backe, and to the worse, Hercules by his well doing recouered them, and put them vp aboue againe. No man tooke héed but to his glory: euery man said well of him: at daunces, and at feasts, euery man loued him, euery man worshipped him: there was no tongue of noble, nor of base, but that gaue him laude and praise, whereof the conclusion was such, that all the prises abode with him, and also there were giuen to him many gifts of the kings that were there. The dayes of this solemnitie drew ouer, & the last night, the kings and the ladies, and nobles assembled in the common tent, and of one common accord they would that from yeare to yeare they and their heires should hold & renue the feast [Page 210] that Hercules had begun and stablished, for they saw that it was the most honourable pastime that euer was made in Greece, and named the feast Olimpiade, because of the mount Olimpus. And they had it so recommended, that from thence forth they dated their edicts, and their letters of con­tinuance with y ^e yeare of the first Olimpiade, &c. In such wise as wee say the yeare of the incarnation. These things or­dained, giuen and promised, the officer of armes of Hercules, thanked all them that were come to this Olimpiade: after that each tooke leaue of other, and departed on the morrow, and thus finished and ended this feast.

CHAP. XL. ¶How Hercules sayled by the sea into Hesperie: and how he vanquished the Ile with the muttons or sheepe, and van­quished Philotes, and slew his fellow.

AT the departing, Hercules passed not greatly for the withdrawing and de­parting of all them that were there, sa­uing for the departing of Megara: hee knew not the maladie of loue, vntill the time hee sawe her depart into the coun­trey. Megara went vnto Thebes, and Hercules drewe him to Athens, right pensife, and thin­king much on his Ladie: and sore desiring to sée her, hee went in the companie of Euristeus vnto Athens, where they feasted them foure dayes long. At the fourth daye tidings came, that vnto the Port and Hauen were come strange folke by fortune, which were clothed in right pleasant robes and garments. When the King Euri­steus heard these tydings, he sent anon to fetch these stran­gers to him, and asked them from whence they were? they [Page 211] answered him, that they were of the West, and of the re­gion of Hesperie. Where is the region of Hesperie, sayd Euristeus, and what maner Countrey is it? Verily aun­swered one of them, I trowe that in all the worlde is no better Countrey, for there is aboundance of all things that bée necessarie to mans life, and I can tell to you, that in the places of our dwelling, and where we haue our haunt, there bée manie Iles lying about the furthest partes of Mauree, beyond Ampolesie, where growe all the best things that men can thinke, and there is a king named Philotes, sonne in lawe to a King named Athlas, which be the generation of Greekes: and it is not to be vnremem­bred, how that the King Philotes accompanied with the daughters of king Aihlas, found late an Ile right plea­sant, as was his aduenture. This Ile is all plaine with­out mountaine or valley, it is in such wise as is a Gar­den, all gréene, and there be therein so many shéepe and muttons, that it is maruaile, which be kept and chéeri­shed there as diligently as if they were of fine Golde. Of these muttons that I speake of, wée haue our robes and gownes made: wée and they that may haue them, must buy them at a great price of Golde. Wée eate the flesh, and cloath vs with the skins. And know ye for certaine, that in­to this Ile is but one entrie, and he entreth not therein that would, for the King Philotes and an other Giant which be wise, and subtill, and maruaylously strong, alway kéepe the entrie of the Ile, and alway the one waketh while the o­ther sléepeth. Certes (sayd Euristeus) by that, that I vn­derstoode of you, the Ile that yée speake of, is of great ex­cellencie. This Philotes that yée make mention of: what man is this King Philotes? The straunger aunswe­red and sayde, that he is the most redoubted and dread king of the West partes: hée is a Giant that by his force and strength hath conquered the Ile with the shéepe, and hath put out them that dwelled and inhabited there before. He is so strong, that it is but late ago, that he sayde, if hée [Page 212] might find a man more strong and puissant then he is, hée would neuer after beare armes to fight in battaile, during the life of that other.

The king Egeus then gaue leaue to the strangers to depart from his presence, and commaunded that no man should let them in their returning toward theyr Countrey, and they went and departed. Euristeus abode with Egeus, and Euristeus came to Hercules, and Theseus, and wished by a great desire to haue of those muttons, saying to them, that he would that it had cost him as much Golde as a payre of muttons weigh: and that he had a Ramme, and an Ewe, for to ingender in his Countrey. In that time were no shéep in Greece. When Hercules had heard the desire of King Euristeus, sodainly he sayd to him. Sir, ye haue a desire to haue a payre of muttons, appertayning to the daughters of Athlas, by the conquest and armes of the strong Giant Philotes. I promise you here for truth, vpon my gentle­nesse, that by this day thrée wéekes, I will depart by wa­ter, or by land, for to fetch and get them: and that I will ne­uer returne into Greece, vntill the time that I haue found the Ile, and that I shall oppose my selfe agaynst the Gi­ants that kéepe it, and will assay if I can get the Ile from them, like as Philotes hath gotten it from other. When the king Euristeus had vnderstoode the enterprise that Her­cules made, he was passing sorie, for he loued Hercules as much as hée had béene his owne son. He disswaded him from that enterprise, wéening to haue broken it: but Hercules aunswered so wisely, and so discréetly, that Euristeus was content to suffer him to go vnto this aduenture, and Theseus with him.

The renowne of this voyage was spred anon in all the Countrey. Egeus and Euristeus made readie for their two sonnes a right good Gally, and wel furnished it with all ma­ner thing. The Galley and all other habiliments were all ready in good time. At the end of thrée wéekes they went to the sea, and with them right many noble Greekes, & rowed [Page 213] so foorth till they came into the déepe Sea, where they sayled and rowed many dayes, without finding of any ad­uenture to speake of. For at that time the Sea was but little vsed, neyther of théeues, nor yet of marchants. What shall I say? their maister or pilot, in processe of time brought them to Hespery, that afterward was named Spaine, and there sought so long the Ile with the shéepe, that at last they arriued there at the place. The Giant that was appointed to kéepe the entrie, and the ward of the Ile, slept not at that time when the Gréekes landed. He then issued out of his house, and came all armed vnto the strayte passage, where might no man go vp but one at once, and he cryed to the Gréekes, saying: Sirs, what séeke yée here. Hercules aun­swered: we séeke the muttons that bée in this Ile, for to carrie some of them into Greece. The Giant aunswered, haue ye money inough? if ye haue so, ye shall haue inough. Howe (sayd Hercules) shall we not haue them otherwise? No, sayd the Giant. Then sayd Hercules, at the least let vs haue them at the price that yee haue gotten them for. Howe said the Giant? The King Philotes hath conque­red with his sworde the Ile and the muttons. Hercules answered, mine intention is in likewise to conquere the Ile from him. If ye will defend it, haste you: ye shal haue the battell against me, or else let me haue the Ile, that I may do therein in my will.

Anon as the Giant had vnderstoode the conclusion of Hercules, he made him ready to defend the place, and blewe a great Horne that was there hanging on a tree. At sownding of the Horne, the daughters of Athlas awaked Philotes, and tolde him that some were there to get the place, and that the Giant had blowen the horne. Philotes with those wordes rose vp, and found that Hercules by force had put backe his Giant, (that excepting Philotes was the moste subtile man of armes in all Hesperie,) he was so sore abashed that hée beganne to sigh and be sorie: but this notwithstanding, hée had not long abode there, [Page 214] when Hercules smote the giant on the right shoulder with such strength and force, that the shield of the giant was fal­len from him, and his armes all to bruised, and his sword entred so farre into his bodie neare vnto his heart, that he smote him downe dead at his féete.

When Philotes saw his giant dead: he came vnto Her­cules, for to defend the place, saying, that he would auenge his giant if he might. Hercules had great ioy, when hee saw Philotes come to the place, and said to him: king thou art welcome, I haue now ioy in my heart, since I shall proue my selfe against thée. Men say, there is no stroke but of the maister: now let vs sée how we shall worke together. Well and happie bee hée, that well shall doo and proue himselfe. Philotes in the hearing of these wordes, came vnto the place, and helde a great Polaxe, with which hée smote sore vppon the shield of Hercules, and made him to stagger a little. Whereat Philotes beganne to laugh, and thought to haue smitten againe Hercules with that Polaxe, who was ashamed of the other stroke. And he then kept him well, and waited so, that in the smiting he caught it, and plucked it out of his fists, and cast it into the sea. Then was Philotes all abashed of the force of Hercules: and when hee had lost his Poleaxe, hée tooke his sword, and came for to fight with Hercules. Philotes had the aduantage, for Hercules was vnder him. They assayled the one the other right fiercely, and well they kept them both two. All this day they fought without ceasing, so long as the day endured: the night came on that they must cease, then they lay there both two vpon the place. They slept nothing, for it was no time, both two kept the watch, and they endured it well, for they were accustomed for to wake. Thus waking Philotes hadde many words vnto Hercules, and demanded from whence hee was: and Hercules tolde him the truth. After they spake of their battaile: and at the desire and request of Philotes, they promised each to other, that if anye of them were vanquished and ouer­come, [Page 215] for to saue his life, he should be holden to serue truly the vanquisher all his life after, &c.

During these spéeches and promises, the day starre that the Poets call Aurora, began to arise in his reigne. The aire was cleare and fayre, the starres shone. At this houre Her­cules cast his eyes among the starres, and séeing there Au­rora shine aboue all other, he began to remember his ladie. Megara saying. Alas, Madam where be ye now? I would it pleased the goddes, that ye remembred as well me, as I remember you. In truth the light of this same starre in­flameth the amourous fire wherewith I was late seised by the administration of your beautie. Ye bee as farre shi­ning in beautie aboue the maidens of Greece, as this Au­rora shineth aboue all the other starres, of whom the num­ber is so great that no man can tell. O noble Megara, the right cleare starre, your remembrance illumineth mine heart, like as this starre illumineth the heauen, and mee thinketh that by this remembraunce when I come to the battell, I shall preuaile the better. Wherefore I promise you, if fortune helpe me, like as I desire, ye shall haue your part of all that I shall conquer, &c.

The night drew ouer, and the day began, and at the poynt of the sunne rising Hercules was all glad of the thin­king and remembrance that he had of his Ladie, and tooke his sworde, and sayd to Philotes: we haue pawsed long e­nough, [...]o it is day, and the sunne ryseth, it is better that we exercise déedes of armes now, then when the rayes of the sunne be greater: let vs take the time ere the great heate come, and let each of vs do his best. Philotes that was all readie, was right ioyous when he heard Hercules, for he thought in his minde that he should soone and in little space spéede this matter, and sayde to him. Hercules I am readie, and was since yesterday to atchieue this battaile: kéepe you as well as yee can, ye haue slaine my Giant the most stout and hardiest man that was in all the West, Wherfore I haue great displeasure, but at the least, since his [Page 216] death may not be recouered by death of a man, I will doo my best and deuoir, to haue a new souldiour, and that shall be you, or els my sword and fortune shall fayle me. Shall I so saide Hercules? and if your sword and fortune shall faile you, what tidings? By my gentlenesse sayde Philotes, that befell me neuer. And if any ill fortune and misaduenture run vpon me, that I must néedes be your seruaunte, let it be vpon condition, y ^t I shall neuer go after into battaile at mine owne aduenture or none other during your life: neither for you, nor for other I shall neuer fight, but if it be my selfe defendaunt. Without other wordes the two champions assayled each other, and smote togither so sadlye, and sore, that the place redounded with their strokes. In a little while they had their shields vnfastened by great blowes. Philo­tes did not fayle to smite on Hercules: but his strokes were nothing so great, but that Hercules might beare them well enough without greefe or suffering great da­mage.

Thus began the battaile againe of the two Giants. Her­cules was as high as a giant: he was right fierce in armes, he did much to get the standing, but yet he might neuer attaine to smyte Philotes a full stroke, for asmuch as Philo­tes was aboue on the passage, which conteyned well two cu­bites of height. When Hercules sawe and knewe that Phi­lotes kept his standing without abashing or aduenturing to come downe, he thought subtillye that he would fayne him­selfe wearie, and by little and little after he began to smite more féeblye then he did before: after that he reculed him­selfe, and smote from farre, as if he had fayled and béene wearye. The Greekes were affraid and wéend he might no more: and then Philotes sprang downe from the stan­ding, wéening to haue put him to the foyle: but then when Hercules sawe him before him, and that one was no more hygher then an other, Hercules came to his place againe, and gaue so great a stroke to Philotes, that he made him recule and go backe more then foure foote. [Page 217] Philotes was then all abashed, and repented him that hee descended from the standing: but that was for nought, for the repenting might not auaile. Then he tooke courage, and enhaunced his sworde, and smote Hercules on the left arme, so hard that he gaue him a wound that the bloud sprang out.

When Hercules sawe the armes of Philotes besprinck­led with his bloud, he made none other countenaunce, but that he would sodainly be auenged of the stroke. In giuing to Philotes thrée strokes, with the first he brake his helme, and smote him on the head, and with the seconde he gaue him a great wound on the right shoulder, and with the third stroke, he made his sword to flie out of his fistes: and then he caught him in his armes, and after long wrastling he cast him to the earth, in such wise that Philotes yéelded him ser­uaunte vnto Hercules, and promysed him to serue him trulye all the residue of his lyfe, and that he would beare his armes after him in all places where he should go. Her­cules receyued to mercy Philotes. And then called Theseus and his companye, who came and were right glad and ioy­ous of the victorye that he had obtained. Then Hercules, Philotes and all the other wente into the yle where they founde the daughters of Athlas greatlye discomforted for the death of the giant. And for as much as Hercules hadde also conquered Philotes their kéeper, Hercules and Philotes comforted the daughters the best wise they coulde: and there the Greekes refreshed themselues the space of three dayes.

The fourth daye he tooke xxx. rammes and xxx. ewes, and brought them into their ship, after that they went to the sea, without any harme doing in the Ile, for the loue of the gen­tle women: they departed thence, and went to the sea, accom­panyed with Philotes, which was conquered by Hercules, as is sayd, and after loued Hercules well and truly & serued him euer after. But of theyr iourneys, I will ceasse for this time, and will speake of a monster of the sea that the goddes [Page 218] sent to Troy for to deuoure the faire Exione daughter to king Laomedon.

CHAP. XLI. ¶How Hercules fought at the Porte of Troy against a mon­ster, of the sea, for the daughter of king Laomedon.

IN that time, as Boccace rehearseth in his genealogie of goodes, in the third chapter of the sixt booke, Laomedon the King of Troy was busie to wall and fortifie his cittie with walles and towers, to the end to make it more strong. He was not well furnished with treasures nor w ^t money. For to accomplishe his desire, he went vnto the temple of the gods of the sunne and of the sea, that were passing rich, and tooke all the money that he could find, promising to pay it againe all at a certayne day and time set. By the meane of this money, he closed and fortified the citie of Troye with walles and towers. The worke was costlye, howbeit in litle time he finished it: and it was not long after that the worke was finished, but the day came, in which La­omedon should paye and render vnto the temples of the gods the money that he had taken and borowed, At which day, the préestes of the temples came vnto Laomedon and demaun­ded him, if he would tender the oblations and offrings, that he had taken out of the temple? Laomedon daigned not to speake to the préestes, but sent them word shamefully, that they should returne and kéepe their temples. Wherefore he was afterward sore punished, for in the same night after that he would not heare the priestes, the great windes began to ryse and beate the one against the other, and caused the sea to rise in such wise that it entred and went into the towne so far [Page 219] that it helde the stréetes full of water, and drowned a great part of the towne. Besides this, in eight dayes following, the sunne shone so ardently, and gaue so great heate, that the peo­ple durst not go into the ayre by day time, and that dried the superfluity of the aboūdance of the water of the sea that was left: whereof rose a corrupt and a mortal vapour, that infec­ted all the citie. Whereof engendred so great a pestilence, that the most parte of the Troyans were smitten to death by the great influence of the corrupt ayre.

By this pestilence they of Troy fell in great desolation, the Cittizens men and women, young and olde dyed (with­out speaking) sodainlye. The father could not, nor might not helpe his childe in necessitie, nor the childe the father. At this time reigned in Troy neither loue nor cha­ritie: for each man that might saue himselfe fled awaye for feare of this mortalitye, and gaue ouer, and left the Cittie, and went to dwell in the fieldes, and among all other, the king Laomedon séeing the destruction of his realme, went into the Ile of Delphos, vnto the temple of the god Apollo, for to haue the councell of the god, touching the health of his Cittie. With Laomedon went the most noble and the most puissant men of Troye: when they were come into the temple, they put them in contemplation and deuotion before the idol, and the diuell that was therein aunswered them and sayd. The money which was taken out of the tem­ples, and not rendred and payde againe, is cause of the maladie and vengeaunce of Troye. And I doo all the Troi­ans to wit, that neuer shall Troye be quit of this maladye, vnto the time that the sayd citie prouide to appease the gods, in this wise: that it is to wit, that euerye moneth they must choose one of the virgins and maydens, which must bée set on the sea side, for to be deuoured by a monster y ^t the gods shall sende thither: and the sayde virgin shalbe chosen by lot or aduenture. And in this wise must the cittie do, for to appease the goddes perpetually vntill the time that they finde one man, that by his armes and by his might [Page 220] shall ouercome the said monster.

After these wordes and answeres, Laomedon and the Troyans assembled to counsell vpon this matter, and conclu­ded, that for the common weale and health of Troy, they would put their virgins in that ieopardie and aduenture, to the spoyling of the monster, without any exception or re­seruing. Then they returned vnto Troy, and tooke their virgins, and cast lots among them: and on her that the lot fell, shée was taken and brought to the sea side, and anon af­ter was séene to come out of the déepes or swallow of the sea, so great a tempest, that the sea rose and was troubled. The sea wrought and a right great floud of water lifted vp the monster by times out of the sea: hee was as great as a whale or a hulk, and then he tooke the virgin, and swalowed her in, and went away againe into the sea, and from thence forth the pestilence ceased. Thus was Troy deliuered from their sicknes and maladie by the oblation of their virgins, that were offered vnto the monster, from moneth to moneth: and thus (as is said) their virgins were deliuered. It hapned in the end of the moneth, that the sorte or lot fell on one of the daughters of king Laomedon, named Exiona: this daughter was yong and faire, and well beloued of all peo­ple. When this lot was fallen on her, shée was not onely be­wailed and sorrowed of king Laomedon her father, and of his son Pryamus, and her sister Antigona, and of her cofins and allyes: but of al the people, men, women, and children: notwithstanding, their wéepings, nor the good renoume of her, could not saue her, shee was put to the disposing of the monster. The noble virgin was ready to obey the king Laomedon, and brought héereupon to the sea side, accompa­nied with nobles, ladies, and gentle women, with a great traine of Troyans, citizens, and marchants, all which made sorrow for her. What shall I say? at the instant that she was thus brought thither, Hercules at aduenture arriued at the port of Troy, with his muttons: and hée willing to refresh him there, made to cast his ancres out, and going out, and [Page 221] taking land, he beheld on the one side, and saw the Troi­ans wéeping and bewailing Exiona, in casting abroad their armes and wringing their hands, that he had pitie to see it. And he desiring to know what them ailed, put himselfe into the prease, and sawe there where they bound the faire Exiona in the rout, attired with royall attire, all discoloured and ful of teares, as shée that expected nothing but the death. Hercules mooued with compassion to the damosell, adressed his language vnto king Laomedon, for as much as it sée­med, that aboue all them that were in the place, hee was a man of authoritie: and demanded him, wherefore that the damosel was there bound? Laomedon cast his eies al be wept on him, and was all abashed to sée his greatnesse, and his beautie▪ neuerthelesse he answered him, what art thou that art so hardie to demand me of my misfortune, which is to all common in Troy? Sir (said Hercules) I am a stranger, and I loue the worship and honour of Ladies, and there is no thing that I might do for them, but I would do it vnto my power: and for as much as I sée this Gentlewoman thus intreated, in the fauour of all Ladies, I haue asked of you the cause, and I will know it, or put my selfe in aduenture for to die with her. And therefore I demand yet again, what trespasse or sinne hath shee done, that these men thus binde her? My sonne (answered Laomedon) I sée well that ye hée ignorant, and know not the reasons and the cause, where­fore my daughter is here abandoned: there is no man but he may wel know it, for she shall die for the safetie and health of Troy, and I will tell you how we be come thereto. The gods of the sea and of the sunne haue plagued and greeued Troy with a right great pestilence, that tooke his beginning with a superaboundance of the sea, whereby the stréetes of Troy were full in euerie place of water. After this deluge and flood, the time was maruailously and outragiously hote, by the great heate of the sunne, whereby this sea was dried vp. Of this drinesse or drouth engendred a vapor infected, and of this vapour insued a pestilence. And, for to resist this [Page 222] pestilence, I haue béen at the oracle of the god Apollo, where I haue had answer, for to appease the gods, and to cease the pestilence, the goddes of the sunne and of the sea will, that from moneth to moneth, be taken in Troy, one of the vir­gins by sorte or lottte, for to be exposed and offred, in this place, vnto a monster of the sea. The Troyans were content to fulfil the will of the goddes, and I with them. We haue cast our lottes vpon our virgins, whereof many be swalo­wed, and deuoured by the monster, and now the sort or lotte is fallen on my daughter, will she or not, she must needes obey, and appease the goodes.

After her shall come an other, there is no remedy: and this shal endure vpon the virgins of Troy perpetually: for it is the desteny that Troye shall neuer be quite of this right hard seruitude and thraldom, vntill the time that they haue found a man that alone shall vanquish and ouercome the foresaide monster, by his puissance and prowesse: which will be im­possible, for because that it is true, that all the men of the greatest cittie of the world, can not finde any way to van­quish him, he is so great and dreadfull. And these things con­sidered, demaund me no more, my daughter shall dye for the common weale of the place of her natiuitie. She was borne in a good houre, when the goddes will, that by lotte, and this fortune she be to them offred. Syr (answered Hercules) tru­lye I thinke vnder heauen is no citie so bond and thrall as yours is: howbeit, it ought to be vnderstoode that the goddes will not suffer that this malediction shal holde and endure continually. Ye must liue in hope. If fortune and the goddes will do me that grace, that I might vanquishe and ouercome the monster, and make Troye frée from this ser­uitude, what reward would ye giue me? Trulye sayde La­omedon, I thinke not that it be possible that ye should van­quishe the monster. Who is he that will expose him to so great a follye? Hercules answered, vnto a valiant hearte is nothing impossible. If I tryumphe vpon the monster, and saue thy daughter, what reward shall I haue? Lao­medon [Page 223] answered. If thou mayst do that thou sayest, I haue two horses the best that be in all the world, which I loue as well as halfe my realme, I will giue them to thée as to the best knight of knightes, and as to the most hardiest of hardye. Sir (sayde Hercules) it is enough to me, and it suffi­seth mée to haue the two horses. Let me alone with your daughter. I haue a trust and hope that this daye I shall la­bour for the weale of Troy, and that I shall fraunchise and make free the virgins and maidens of this citie. But I pray you, if there be in your citie any great barre of yron, or of me­tal, that ye wil send for to fetch it to me, for to defend me with all.

The King Laomedon, and the Troyans, were all abashed, when they sawe the enterprise that Hercules had made: and at the wordes of Hercules, the King remembred him of a great club of yron that laye at the entrie of his pallace of Ilion, that was so heauie, that the strongest man of Troye had enough to doo to lay it on his shoulder. He sente for it, and presented it to Hercules, and Hercules lifted it vp as it had béene a little glayue. Philotes and Theseus were present at all these things. Hercules tooke leaue of them, and at the prease, and recommended him vnto theyr prayers, and foorth with all the Sea began to rore terribly. Laomedon and the Ladyes, and they that were there tooke leaue of Exione, and of Hercules, and recommended them vnto the mercye of the goddes, and went vpon the downes, for to sée the ende. Thus abode Exione alone and all dispayred vpon the grauell with Hercules: who knéeled downe on his knées vpon the grauell, turning his face vnto the East, and made his prayers vnto the God that made the monsters and ter­rible beastes, requyring him that he would giue him force, strength and vertue of power, for to deliuer Exione from her misfortune of the monster, This oryson accomplished, Her­cules entred into a little boate, that Exione was in, and anon after, the Sea roring, more and more, grewe and arose in such wise that the boate floted, and was lifted vp [Page 224] and borne by diuers waues. After this, in great troubling of winde, when the sea was risen in great aboundance of waters, Hercules and the Troyans saw comming the great horrible and vnmeasurable monster, bringing with him a tempest so terrible, that it séemed that all the monsters of hell had béene with him. He made the waues to redouble h [...] ­deously, he lift him vp aboue the water, and put out his mo­sell vnto his shoulders, so that by the swallowing of the wa­ter, sprang out of his mouth great flouds of the sea, and mounted so high, that it séemed that it had béene a gulte that had pearsed the cloudes. For to say the very truth of this monster, he was so horrible and fearefull, that onely for to looke and behold it, the most hardie and resolute of Troy, trembled for feare as a leafe on a trée. This notwithstan­ding, Hercules was nothing afearde, but alway he comfor- Exiona, that fell downe as dead. Hee tooke his club, the monster came by the boate, and cast his mosell vnto Exiona, wéening to haue swallowed her in, as he had done the other virgins afore. Hercules kept her, for he smote him so vehe­mently vppon the mosell, that hee gaue him a right great wound, so sore and heauie to beare, that hee made him to go backe and recule into the bottome of the sea. Then in the falling of the monster into the sea, the waues arose high in­to the aire, whereby Hercules and Exiona were all wet with the washing and sprinckling of the waues: & their boat was borne with the waues vpon a bancke of sand, where the sea was so low, that the monster might not well swim with his ease vnto them. The monster alway swam after them, and comming nigh to them lifted vp his head, and in the lifting vp, there issued out of his throate so great aboundance of the water of the sea, that the boate was full of water and sunke, in such wise that Hercules was in the sea vnto the great of his thighs, and Exiona stoode in the water vnto the middle.

Anone as Hercules saw him in this case, he had great dis­pleasure in himselfe, more for the paine and gréefe that [Page 225] Exione had, then for the dread that he himselfe had. The king Laomedon, Theseus, and Philotes, and all other, suppo­sed then that Hercules and the damosell, without redemp­tion had béene deuoured of the monster. The monster then séeking his pray, leapt agaynst Exione, with a terrible waue. Hercules had his club readie on his necke, and away­ted nothing but the monster, desiring to auenge him of the displeasure that he had, and that he would haue done to him: he then discharged his club on his head so mightily, that the barre entred therein, and the blood sprang out. Then was the monster more wood vpon Hercules: so he ceased the as­sault of the damosel, and assailed Hercules, and alway as hée lifted his head out of the water, he disgorged vpon the vali­ant champion great floods of the sea. But this notwithstan­ding, he could not do so much harme vnto Hercules, but that Hercules did much worse to him. Hercules folowed him with his club, and made him to sinke againe into the bottome of the sea, by the huge weight of his strokes.

The battell endured long betwéene Hercules and the monster. If the monster might once haue touched Hercules, he would at one mouthfull haue deuoured or swallowed him in. He had a wide and a great throte, out of measure: he made a great noyse and cry: he was fierce in exercising his fury. But Hercules fought with him boystrously, and held the virgine by him: and for what thing that euer the monster did, he could not so suddenly lift vp his head out of the water, but that with one stroke of his club he was dri­uen backe alway vnto the bottome of the sea. What shall I say? Hercules was oft tymes in perill for to be drowned. The perill was great, and more then I can rehearse. For­tune was with him and the damosell, so that he fought and beate the monster valiantly, and so endeuoured in smiting continually on his mozell and on his head, that the sea with­drew, and tooke from him the spirite of life, and then he all to brused his braine, and so vanquished him, and slue him. And after when the Sea was withdrawne and farre ebbed, [Page 226] hée tooke Exiona by the hand, and brought her vpon the ditch, and deliuered her vnto her father the king Laome­don.

CHAP. XLII. ¶How Laomedon shut Hercules out of Troy: and how Hercules sware that he would auenge him.

WHen the king Laomedon saw his daugh­ter thus deliuered from the monster, and Troy made quit from y ^e dangers, he bowed and thanked greatly Hercu­les: after he came to the sea side, ac­companied with Hercules, Theseus, Philotes, and with the Troyans. And went for to sée and behold the monster that was so great, that thrée hundred horses might not moue him from the place where he was. One and other looked for to see the strokes that Hercules gaue him, and they could not sée all. But at that they saw they maruailed: for Her­cules hadde broken bones that it séemed not possible to breake, and they had founde the head hurt in so manie places, that with great paine they could knowe whether hée had a head or none. Of this high and incredible victo­rie, the Troyans reioysed maruailously, and had Hercules more in grace, then any man in the world. When they had séene and behelde the monster inough, they departed thence, and brought Hercules into Troy. They came not so soone vnto the pallace, but they founde Exiona clothed with newe aray and vestements. And as for Hercules, all that he had vpon him was wet and nothing drie. The king Laomedon would haue had him to haue changed his habites, and would haue giuen him newe. But the valiant Esquire refused it all, saying that he had béene ac­customed [Page 227] not to bee alway well a [...] [...] ease. In this estate then Laomedon brought Hercules [...] Troy, vnto the castle of Ilion, and his Greekes with hi [...] and feasted them as it appertained. Hercules and his Greekes were foure dayes tri­umphant in Ilion. During these foure dayes, the Troyans went out in great routs, for to sée the monster, and gaue so great saud and prayse to Hercules, that Laomedon had en­uie thereat, doubting that the people would loue better Hercules then him. Hee thereupon sent Hercules and his folke out of the towne for to hunt: and as soone as they were out of Troy, hee drew vp the bridge, and shut the gates against him. When Hercules thought for to haue entred, Laomedon spake to him, and saide to him from farre, that hee had mooued by conspiration the Citie a­gainst him, and that hee would no more receiue him into the Towne. Hercules was passing wroth, when he vn­derstood the accusation of Laomedon: and answered him, that neuer in his life hee had thought any villany to him, whereof he charged and offered himselfe to proue him­selfe cleare by battaile in the field, and to aduenture his bodie against thirtie other, that would say or maintaine the contrarie, which offer Laomedon would not receiue. Then Hercules required him, that at the least he would de­liuer him his horses, that he had promised him for the victo­ry of the monster. Laomedon answered him, that he would deliuer him none. Wherefore, said Hercules? Laomedon answered, for as much as it is my will and pleasure so to doo. Ha false and vntrue king (said Hercules) thou with­holdest mee the prise and reward of my labour, and thou yéeldest me euill for good, I sweare to thée by the puissance of all my gods, that as I haue deliuered Troy perpetually by my club, from the monster of the sea, and consequently from the sword of pestilence: in like sort, and euen so, by the same clubbe, I will yéeld and render vnto Troy the pestilence, or death, and warre, if the goddes giue mée the grace: and I haue intention for to make the Troyans [Page 822] say, that they were happie that died in the time of the pesti­lence that is past.

Hercules (full of great ire) departed with these words, and left there the king Laomedon, that set little store by that he had said to him: for he trusted and put all his affiance in the strength of the walles of his Citie, and hee thought that no man might anoy nor gréeue him. And then Hercules went againe to his shippe, and mounted on the sea with his club, and his shéepe, and with his fellow Theseus. Philotes held himselfe well happie for to haue béene vanquished of one so valiant a man as Hercules was, and he tooke on him the of­fice for to beare his harnesse in all places where he went. What shall I say? from Troy vnto Thebes fell nothing worthie to be put in memorie, that is of record. In the ende he arriued in Greece, and knew by some certain man there, that the king Euristeus was in Thebes: whereof hee had great ioy, for he thought he saw the ladie Megara, which hée deesired to sée by great desire. He went then vnto Thebes, where he was solemnly receiued of the king Creon, which had him in great good account for his valiance. One and o­ther came and welcomed him: he sent his shéepe and mut­tons vnto the king Euristeus by Philotes. Philotes him­selfe told and recounted, how Hercules had conquered them and him also, and how hée had slaine his giant at the passage. Of these tidings was the king Euristeus passing ioyous, and so were all they that were there, or heard speake of it. Euerie man glorified Hercules: Ladyes and Gentlewomen came and welcomed him. Among all other Megara fayled not, shee came to Hercules and welcomed him, and well became her to welcome and make him chéere: For, shée was wise and of good manners, and certes her comming gaue more solace vnto Hercules, then all the louings and praysings that were then giuen vnto him, albeit that all the world praysed and exalted him, for this voyage, aboue all the Greekes. And the shéepe were so desired, that kings bought them for the weight of gold: wherefore [Page 229] the Historiographers and Poets put this conquest in perpe­tuall memorie, writing among his déedes in this wise. Substulit mala aurea, that is as much to say, that hee bare a­way the muttons of gold, for as much as they were estéemed at prise of the weight of gold. For Mala in Gréeke is as much to say as shéepe in English, or muttons in French, and so recounteth Boccace in his genealogie of gods: and so ap­proueth Varro, which writeth likewise in his Booke de Agricultura.

By this conquest, the name of Hercules beganne to flie in heigth and excellencie. The Poets haue fained vpon this Historie, that the daughter of Athlas had a garden kept night and day by a serpent waking, wherein grew Apples of gold, and that Hercules slewe this serpent, and gathered and bare away the Apples. By this garden is vnderstood the Ile: by the serpent waking, the subtill giant commised to kéepe it, that alway awooke at the passage. And by the ap­ples of gold be vnderstood the shéepe, estéemed to the valour of the weight of fine gold. After then this presentation made to Euristeus of the shéepe or muttons, as each man maruailed of the prowesse of Hercules, Philotes added and gaue to his ouercomer Hercules prayses vpon prayses, and lauds vpon lauds, and honour vpon honour: For hearing kings and princes, ladies and gentlewomen, and seeing that Hercules held his peace at things, whereof he might haue embraced honour and worship, he declared from point to poynt his ad­uenture, not credible of the monster of Troy, and shewed the club wherewith he had put him to death: but after that hee rehearsed the honour and grace that he had gotten in Troy, and the wrong that Laomedon had done to him: he said so much thereof, that they enterprised all to go to warre vppon the king Laomedon, for to take vengeance of the wrong that he had done to Hercules.

CHAP. XLIII. ¶How Hercules had battaile against the king Laomedon: and how he vanquished and destroyed Troy the first time.

IT is not possible that my pen can write the grace and excellent renoume that Hercules gat in Greece at his coming from Troy. The kings and the princes reputed themselues happie and fortunate for to haue their reigne in his time. Am­phitriō his father putatiue, began to haue him in grace, and came into Thebes to him. His mother Alcumena came also; and certes she fayled not to haue aboundance of ioy, when she might set her eyes to sée her sonne, which was so greatly renowmed. The noble Lady had not séene him in long time before she sawe him tryumphe in honour, in valiaunce and in prowesse: annoyes, griefs, and displeasures, that she had for him, because that he was named the sonne of Iupiter, whereof she helde her selfe innocent, were then all forgotten and putte in oblyuion. The feaste was great in Thebes for the loue of Hercules: men spake not of any thing but of him and of his prowesse. Creon, Euristeus, Egeus, Amphitrion and many other, assem­bled them togither, and made theyr musters and assemblies for to go vnto Troy. By space of time theyr army was rea­dy: and then they tooke their leaue, and Hercules was made captaine of this armie. He went to the sea accompanyed with the kings aboue said, and ten thousand men all chosen for the nonce. At the time conuenient the mariners disan­cred, and went to sayle: They sayled so long by theyr course without stay or letting that (yet during theyr victualles) they came on a daye into Frigie, vnto a porte of a Cittie na­med [Page 231] Laryse being nigh to Tenadon. This cittie was of the demeane of Troy: for which cause the Greekes assayled it, and tooke it by force of armes, and after that ryfled it and tooke all that was therein. And when they had spoyled it, they wente to Tenadon, which was a gentlemanly Cittye: they assayled it, and tooke it as they did the citie of Larise, and they put therein the fire, and burned it, so that the ayre was enflamed in such wise, that it was séene in Troy, how the Citie burned. The assault of Tenadon dured not long, for asmuch as the Troyans were not aduertised of their coming. When they sawe the ayre so enflamed, for to sée from what place the flame came, they mounted and went vppon the high towres and buildings of Ilion, and looking toward Tenadon, sawe that the Cittie was all on a fire, whereat they that sawe it were right sorye, and greatlye abashed. About this they looked into the sea, and espyed then there the flote of the Greekes, whereof they were more abashed then they were before. And then without any longer tary­ing, they descended and went down into the hall of King Laomedon, and sayd to him: Alas Syr, what is best to bee doone? the Greekes come vpon vs with aright great flote: we haue seene them and know them. The strong Hercules me­naceth you, for to destroy your cittie. Certes I beléeue it is he. For now, for the beginning of the feast, he hath burnt Tenadon, and that is it that causeth the ayre to be full of fire.

The King Laomedon hearing this tyding began to sighe and tast of the euill and trespasse that hée had committed and doone against Hercules. This notwithstanding, for to giue courage vnto his men, and to his sonne Pryamus that was at that time of the age of xx. yeare, he did cause to sound to Armes, and made him ready, and with his armes shewed a right fierce and hardy semblance. This doone, he armed Pry­amus his sonne, that neuer had bin in battaile before, and dubbed him knight: after hée tooke him by the hande, and issued out of Ilion. In issuing out he mette manye [Page 232] Troyans, that tolde him, that at his port were landed ma­ny Greekes, that had destroyd Tenadon, and vnlesse hée halted him, they woulde soone take lande. Laomedon with out speaking any worde, passed foorth by them that had brought him these tidings, and came to a place that was there by Ilion, where he found mo then twentie thousand Troyans ready armed. And séeing them, he began to ioy in himselfe, and called the principals, & sayd to them: Lords, ye be renowned in all the world, by the high prowesse of your auncestours: Before that Troy was walled, they defended it with the sworde agaynst their enemies: the renowmed king Iupiter of Crete, could not get this Citie, nor the Thessalonians by their warre, might neuer subdue this Ci­tie. It is nowe happened this day, that a new assemblie of enemies come vpon this Citie, and as men say, they haue put the fire in Tenadon: let vs go receiue them couragi­ously, and let vs make of them like as our fathers haue made with other, &c.

When the Troyans had heard these wordes of theyr King, they answered all, that they would liue and die with him, for the weale of the Citie: and that they had intention to kéepe his honour, and for to make growe their aunci­ent glorie. Without holding of long processe, the King Laomedon did then display all his banners. After he issued out of Troy, setting and trayning his men in good order. And then as he began to conduct and lead them foorth, sodainly hée heard at the port, a passing great noyse and bruite of Trumpettes, Clarions, and Tabours, of the Greekes. Then his bloud began to chafe, then his haire of his heade began to stande vppe, hée knewe that they were his ene­myes: and as soone as they knewe the Greekes, without holding of any order nor measure, they dislodged them, and began to runne to the port, one before an other. When they approched the port, they espyed the Greekes, that lan­ded with great forces. Then they chalenged them vnto the death, and ran vpon them sharpely. The Greekes were [Page 233] furnished with good armours, and put them to defence, and began to skirmish the one with the other so vnmeasurably, that in the aboording and méeting there were many dead and hurt. Hercules was there among the Greekes. He began to fight sharpely among the Troyans, and had his club. Certes he welcommed them in such wise, that the most strongest of his enemies durst not abide him: he fought fiercely, in de­sire of reuengement, in coueting of worship, and to get him a name. Lifting vp his hand, he shewed to the Troyans his club, and made them to féel the weight therof, & the strength of his arme, and he labored so earnestly, and did so valiantly, that they that saw him, doubted him more then death, and sayd the one vnto the other: behold Hercules, but come not néere him. It were folly so to do: all that he reacheth he slea­eth and breaketh to péeces. We do euill to fight against him: this is the deliuerer from the terrible seruage and thraldom of Troy: how should we resist his club, whē the huge dread­full monsters be by the same put to the foile? &c.

Such were the words of the Troyans. Hercules fought agaynst them fiercely: he was stout and stable: he went be­fore: all the Greekes followed him, and tooke a pleasure to be­hold him. The cry was great about him. What shall I say? he fought vntill the night, and neuer ceased vntill the going downe of the Sunne, and then the Troyans sounded the re­trait, and they departed both parties. Laomedon put his sword into his sheath, which was all bloody with Greekes blood: and in likewise did Priamus his son. They reentred in­to their Citie, after the skirmish, & they concluded, that on the morrow they would furnish their enemies with battell. And the Greeks furnished them in the champaine, and made good cheare, for they had lost but litle of their people at their com­ming on land. This night passed ouer: when the day appea­red to the Troyans, and the Greekes, each in his maner made him ready to the battell: many of the Troyans would gladly haue broken this battell, and prayed vnto king Laomedon, that he would render and deliuer to Hercules the horses that [Page 234] he ought to him. Laomedon would not do it, but aunswered, that he doubted nothing his enemies. He had then about fifty thousand of fighting men, all readie: of these fiftie thousand he made two battailes, one of twentie thousand, and that he led himselfe, and the other of thirtie thousand, of which hée made Priamus captaine. This done, he issued out of Troy, with twentie thousand fighting men, and came vnto the fields, entring vpon the Greekes, &c.

When the Greekes espied king Laomedon comming, they were full of ioy, as they that were readie for to receyue them at the point of their speares, and with hewing of their swords. They had made of their host foure battailes. In the first was Hercules. And in the second was Amphitrion, and Theseus. And in the third was the king Creon, and in the fourth was Euristeus. Hercules then that had the first bat­taile, marched when it was time, agaynst the King Laome­don, and he had foure auncient knights well appoynted in the feates of Armes, that set and conducted his folke in ar­ray and order. They marched so nigh, the one to the other, with great noyse of Trumpettes, and Labours, that the Archers, and Crosse bowes beganne the battaile, after that that Hercules hadde summond Laomedon to pay him that he had promised him, and that Laomedon had made refusall thereto. The Greekes were furnished with stronger Bowes and shotte then the Troyans were: and by that meane they slewe abundaunce of their enemyes: and espe­cially Hercules bare him so well with fortie Arrowes that hée himselfe shotte, one after another, that hée slewe for­tie of his enemyes, such as hée would choose, without fayling.

Hercules was at that time the best archer, and the most sure at marke that was in all Greece, & also in al the world. He and his men (as is said) cast many of the Troyans to the ground by the shot. When the shot fayled, Hercules deli­uered his bowe vnto Philotes, that bare his harnesse, and tooke a strong sword and sure. When it came to swordes, [Page 235] and breaking and foyning with speares, Hercules that was alway in the first front, leapt against the king Laomedon, that was departed from his hoste afore all other, for as much as hee rode vppon one of the horses that hee had pro­mised to Hercules. And running one against the other as swiftly as they had flowen in the aire, met and smote each other so sore, that their speares brake in péeces, which sprang about them. Hercules passed forth and smote among the Troyans, and Laomedon in like wise, entred into the host of the Greeks: they beganne to handle their swords, and to hewe each vpon his enemies. Then arose there a maruailous noyse: they that had speares and shields, employed them for to ioyne battaile. The fight was great, the strokes were hard, the battaile was generall, for of the one partie & the other, many men were distressed and beaten, notwithstanding that the Greekes were most boy­strous and most hard in armes, and more valiant then the Troyans, and better helde them together, then they of the battaile of king Laomedon. Hercules wrought and bestir­red him fast with his sword, that hee had conquered from Philotes. At euery stroke and euerie step he killed a Troyan, and smote of their heads and armes in great aboundance, that it séemed that they that hee touched had not béene ar­med. Laomedon was busie on the one side, and fained not, but bare him right well vpon his horse, and ran from ranke to ranke among the Greekes: he rested not, but conducted his people knightly, and his people were great in number: he set vppon his enimies so eagerly, that hee inclosed them, and then was the murther and slaughter so great that on al sides a man shoulde not haue seene anything but bloud and heads, and armes flie in the place and the field.

When Theseus and Amphitrion beheld the battaile of Hercules so enclosed with the Troyans, they bethought them, and came to his help ere he had néed. At their coming they made a right great vprore, they thrusted & couched their swords vpon the Troyans, which were too far forward, and [Page 236] ioyned to them with such prowesse, that they smote downe the most stable and strong, and went so farre among them, that they made them that were so farre come, to retire a­gaine, and go backe by force and strength. In this going backe and reculing, the host of Laomedon was all afraide and abashed. The thrée swords of Hercules, of Theseus, and Amphitrion, were séene brandishing aboue all other in wel doing, and in short space they began to vanquish and ouer­come their enemies, and would haue brought them to the foyle & shame. Then that the yong Pryamus with his thirty thousand appeared to come to the assault, making so great a noyse that al the ground trembled, and gaue a maruailous sound, and they that were vpon the walles and edifices of Troy, made withall a great crie. Hercules, Theseus, and Amphitrion, beholding Pryamus coming, and the puissance of Troy, set their people in aray, and in battaile order went with a great traine of Greekes against them, for to with­stand their enterprises. Theseus was the first that spied Pry­amus, who set and couched his spears against him, and he came with a great courage mounted vpon the second horse of king Laomedon his father, and charged with so great might vpon Theseus, that he bare him to the ground turned vp side down, bruising him vpon his shield. Theseus reléeued him being right angrie at this fall, and entred among the Troyans, smyting and hewing on them with his sword, in such furie, that he smote off the heads of more then thirtie Troyans ere hee ceased. The bruit and noyse was great a­bout him. The Troyans would haue reuenged them of his sword, but their power was not so great: they had worke inough to saue themselues, many Greekes came in the aide and helpe of Theseus: and then they began to renew the battaile.

At this time, and at this skirmish Hercules and Amphitri­on were nothing idle: they were on one side, and Theseus on the other: at méeting there was many a man hurt and slaine. Priamus did maruailes vnto the Greeks: at the begin­ning, [Page 237] he bare him so valiantlye among his enemyes, that he found no man that did him any harme or annoy. He made his sword for to tast stronglye the blood of his aduersaries: then as he was in this case he heard about Hercules, a right hie and a great pearsing crye of his people, crying, Troye, Troye, in dispayre to haue preuailed. And then Pryamus wéening to haue holpen, and to smite downe dead all them that were before him, ran vnto the reskew, to his maladuen­ture: for as soone as he was come before Hercules, and, Her­cules sawe him so on horsebacke, he remembred him that it was he that had ouerthrowen Theseus to the grounde, and said, that he would auenge him, and lifting vp his sword, he smote Pryamus so fiercelye vpon his helme, that he was all astonied, and that his sword slid down on his horse neck, and entred in so farre, that there fel downe both Pryamus and the horse.

When Pryamus was so ouerthrowne horse and man, and also so astonied, that he wist not where he was: Hercules was aduertised that it was Priamus sonne of the king Laomedon: and then had pitie of him, and tooke him prisoner, and did send him out of the battaile. The Troyans séeing this, were sore and grieuously troubled, and for the reskew of him they in­deuoured themselues and were encouraged so terribly, that Hercules might not sustayne al the rigour of the battaile, and that the Greekes were constrayned to loose place. The King Creon then displayed his banner, and his battaile, and in likewise did Euristeus, and they put them in two winges one on the right side, and the other on the left side: and they came running in vppon the Troyans with so great noyse and so great tempest, that all the Troyans felt well their coming, for at that time they wist not where to turne them. They were smitten before and behinde so sore that they lost the companye of Pryamus, and wist not where he was become. &c.

At this enterméeting, and skirmish, Laomedon was out of the prease and refreshed him. When he heard saye that [Page 238] his sonne Priamus was taken: he was therefore passing so­rowfull, and had so great paine, that the sweat came to his heart and from thence vnto all his members, wherefore he went himselfe againe to battell halfe out of his mind: the battell was then fell and enuenomed, and there was most hard fighting. But, for to augment and increase the ouer-great sorrow of this Laomedon, he found that his folke had the worse and losse, and litle fought, On the other side, hée saw the horions and strokes of the Greekes, so great and so vnmeasurable, that his men were brought out of ranke, and the arayes broken, and charged with so heauy stookes of the heauy swords, that they went and turned backe, and began to flie: and then when it came to the discomfiture, Laomedon abode not with the last, but entred againe into his Citie as hastily as he might. The Greekes followed the Troyans ea­gerly, and so nigh, that they entred in with them, with great effusion of blood. Hercules was the first that wa [...] the gate: and as for the Greekes he was porter, and put in all them that were of his knowledge. Many Troyans passed by the cutting of the sword, and many fled away by the fields, and bushes. When Laomedon saw, that by force his Citie was taken, and put in the hands and gouernance of the Greekes (right sore discomforted, and all in despaire) he tooke his daughter Exione and Antigone, and his most precious iewels and gemmes, and fled away priuily, thinking that his enemies woulde make there a right great destruction and pilling, as they did: For when Hercules had put his men within the Citie, he let his men robbe and pill. Thus the Troyans were persecuted. The chanels were tempred with their blood. The houses were beaten downe, and the great riches were put into prayes: and of all the goodes of the Citie, there were left nothing whole, but the pallace of Ilion, whither the ladies and the maides were withdrawne. Hercules would in no wise destroy this pallace, forasmuch as the ladies made to him a request for to spare it. At this prise Hercules sought long Laomedon in the pallace of Ilion, [Page 239] and in all places of the citie, but he could heare no tydings of him, wherefore he was sore displeasant: and when he had beaten downe the walles, that had béene made with the mo­ney of the gods, he departed thence, and returned into Grece with great glorie. And in this wise was Troy, destroyed the first time. Wherefore I will thus now make an ende of this first booke, and will begin the second booke: where shall be shewed how Troy was reedified, & how it was destroied the second time. And how Priarnus raysed it, and made it a­gaine. In continuing the noble labours of Hercules nowe new begun, &c.

¶How Hercules fought against three Lions in the forrest of Nemee: and how he slew them, and tooke their skinnes or hides.

IN the first booke is begunne the déedes and prowesses of the strong and puis­sant Giant Hercules: and how he de­stroyed first the Citie of Troy, and vanquished the king Laomedon, after which déede and conquest, hee returned into Gréece, where he held him a cer­taine space of time without doing of a­ny thing that is founde by writing. But then, as the olde Iuno by her euill and cursed enuie gaue her to imagine and thinke how shee might make Hercules to be destroyed and die, tidings came to Crete, that into the forrest of Nemee were come many Lions, and among all other, there was one that was sixtéene hand of height, that destroyed and wasted all the countrey. And this Iune had warre against Euristeus, and then, for to haue acquaintance with Hercu­les, and vnder colour of good loue, for to bring him into the clawes of this lion, shée made peace with Euristeus, and sent for him to come into Crete, for to confirme the peace. Euri­steus, that thought nothing but well, went into Crete, and brought with him Hercules. The peace was made, Iuno acquainted her with Hercules, they came to speake of the li­ons [Page 246] in the forrest of Nemée, &c. And so much spake Iuno, and reported to them that she said to Hercules, that it were well an act for to get him honour and renowne, for to go vnto the forrest of Nemée, and for to employ him to conquer those lions. Hercules weening that Iuno had counselled him for to go and assaile the Lions for his wor­ship and profit, enterprised for to go into the forrest. Iuno required him, that if he went, when he had vanquished the lions, hee would returne vnto her. Hercules promised her that he would so do. After he departed from Crete: and first hee went into Thebes for to sée Megara, and for to make his harnesse and armes for to be readie. When the ladies of Thebes knewe that Hercules would go against the lions of Nemée, all they complained of his youth: and they thought that hee should die there, for the lions were cruell and terrible. Megara aboue all other, was passing sorrowfull, and required the ladies, that they would pray Euristeus, that he would kéepe Hercules from going vnto so dangerous a voyage. The ladies accomplished the request of Megara, and had wéened to haue broken the voy­age of Hercules by the meane of Euristeus, but they might in no wise let his purpose: For Hercules answered to Eu­risteus, and vnto the ladyes, that it was the first enter­prise that he had taken in hand at the request of any ladye, and for as much as the quéene Iuno had made him to do it, he had intent to accomplish it by the pleasure of the goddes and of fortune.

Hercules was great in heart and of courage, being ex­alted with honour, he had leuer haue dyed then to haue done a thing whereof should follow any dishonour. When his armes were readie, he armed him. After he tooke leaue of king Creon, of Euristeus, of Amphitrion, of the ladies, and of the Gentle women, accompanied onely with Philo­tes, which would neuer leaue him. He departed from The­bes, and so sped him in his iourney, that hee came vnto the forrest of Nemée, which stood not farre from Argos. In ap­proching [Page 247] this forrest, he went two dayes without finding beasts or men, vntill the time that he entring into the for­rest, found a pastor or heard-man named Melorcus. This heard man was mounted vppon a great trée. When that he sawe Hercules enter into the wood, he called to him, say­ing: Syr ye be dead, if ye go any further, returne quickly, for the fierce lions will eate you: or else come hither vppe to me vpon this trée. Hercules hearing the words of Melor­cus, looked vpon the trée, and demanded him what he was? alas said the pastor, I am the most poore man of all other, the lions of the forrest at their comming haue eaten a great heard of beasts, that I haue nourished héere by: be­sides that, they haue eaten all my familie and meinie: and they haue deuoured all saue me alone, which haue by ad­uenture a great while saued my selfe vpon this trée, where I eate nothing else but leaues and akehornes, and dare not descend and come downe, for feare of thrée lions which be héere by, who will soone assaile you, vnlesse ye depart and flie, &c.

The pastor finishing his words, there came leaping out of a bush the three lions, and marched against Hercules, ro­ring and crying, and opening their eies with so great rage, that it séemed they would haue pearced through Hercules with their fell sight. The great lion came first, his haire standing vp, hee was as high as an Olyphant, & great after that proportion, and his head was twise as big as the head of a bull. Hercules séeing them come, tooke his sword and his clubbe that Philotes bare. Philotes, notwithstanding his prowesse, was so sore afraide, that hee went vppon the trée vnto the heard-man. Hercules set his club vnto the tree, and tooke his sword fast in his fists: the lions at the ap­praching brayed in their throates. Hercules smote one of them betwéene the eyes, and bare him downe to the earth, that hee sate vppon his buttockes. The great lion thought to haue sprong vppon Hercules, and to haue ta­ken him in his clawes, and made a terrible leape. When [Page 248] Hercules sawe and knewe his intent, he turned from him, and smote at the third lyon, which was light and nimble, and strake with his sword so right, and so firmelye into his throte, that he raught him to the hart, what-soeuer resistance that he made in biting of the sword: and left it within his body in such wise that he fell downe dead. When the two lyons sawe their felow so vsed they set their clawes on the earth, and howled so yrously, that it séemed that thunder had sprong out of their stomacks. All the forest sownded thereof. Hercules tooke his sword: the two lyons approched of newe againe, and ran vpon him with theyr pawes, and hurte him so vnmeasurably, that they loosed his armour, their nailes entring into his fleshe, and them they drew out al dyed with his bloud.

Hercules had his heart sore troubled, when he felte his woundes that the Lyons had made: then hee lifted vp his sworde, and smote on one and other, but the great Lyon had his skyn so hard, that his sworde might no more enter therein then it might on a great stithy. Thus began the battayle of the Lyons and of Hercules. The little lyon was passing eager and fierce, hee launched him foorth ofte times against Hercules, and alwaye thought to haue hurt him with his clawes that cutted like a rasour: but he laun­ched so ofte that it was to his euill health and ease, for Her­cules among, and after many strokes, made to be deuided from his body the right legge, very nigh by the shoulder, and smote him downe by the féete of that other lyon that laye dead. &c.

When Hercules sawe that he was deliuered of the two euil beastes, and that he had no more to doo but with the great Lyon, he began to haue an hope of good fortune. He then had comfort in himselfe of the battaile, which was strong to sustaine: for the great lyon gaue him great strokes with his pawes, and put him oft times in perill of death: the sword of Hercules might neuer enter into the skin of the beast, it was so hard. The lyon tooke his sword betwéene his [Page 249] téeth and his nailes, that with great paine he pulled and ha­led it from him. Finally, when he had long fought with his sword, and knew well that thereby he might raise no bloud of the lion, he would assay if his club were to him more profitable. Then he tooke it, and the first time that the Li­on came vpon him, hee gaue him a stroke with his club, so great on his mouth, that all the téeth brake and fell out before him. The Lion féeling the stroke, made a great mar­uailous howling, so he lifted vp his pawes, and thought to haue pulled downe Hercules. But he fled the comming of the lion: and the lion fell to the ground, with so great fiercenesse of running and fayling of Hercules. And when Hercules sawe that hee was fallen, he leapt vppon him forthwith eagerly and beate him, and held him with his hands about the throate, so fast, that hee brought his iawes out of their places out of ioynt, and made his eies to flie out of his head and strangled him, and so slew him.

In doing this déede or worke, Hercules shewed a singu­lar hardines, and incredible force: for he strangled with his hands a lion, with the skin so hard, that speares nor swords might not do any harme: he put him to death by a wonder­full valiance: and when hee had so done, he went to the o­ther that liued yet, and all to brake and tare him, as if it had beene a little lambe. After he called Philotes to him, and the pastor or heard-man, that were maruailous ioy­ous and glad of so high a victorie. And Hercules found the maner how to flea the Lions, and tooke their skinnes, by the helpe of the heardman. When they had fleaed them, it was night. Hercules then demanded the heardman, if there were any house or lodging thereby, where hee might haue meate and drinke? The heardman brought him to his house, where they found prouision of meate and drinke, wherewith the good man feasted Hercules to his power, and he séemed that he was in paradise. And thus Hercu­les passed the day and the night, and forgat not to thinke on his wounds that were fell and smarted, so that little [Page 250] or nought he slept that night. This notwithstanding, when the day appeared, he tooke leaue of the heard-man, and so de­parted, and tooke his iourney for to go into Crete, for to shew vnto the Quéene Iuno the thrée lions skinnes, and for to thanke her of her good aduertisement.

CHAP. II. ¶How Iuno sent Hercules into Egypt to be slaine of the ty­rant Busire: and how Hercules slew the tyrant against the hope and will of Iuno.

AT this time raigned in Egypt the king Busire the sonne of the Quéene of Li­bie: and the land of Egypt was drie not fertile, but barraine. Busire, for to remedie this, called his Clearkes that held the science of Zoroastes, and asked of them what he might do for the health of his Realme? They asked counsell of the gods, and had answere, that they must sacrifice vnto them mans bloud. When Busire (that naturally was euill, and that had ne­uer done good) heard this answere: he beganne to tyran­nise more and more, that was a tyrant before. And be­ganne first with his people, raking and plucking from the mothers their little children, and from the men their wiues, and from the wiues their husbands, in bur­ning and defiling the temples of Egypt with their bloud. For all these homicides and slaughters the drouth ceased not, but augmented and waxed more. The Clearkes de­manded their goddes, the cause why they had no dewes of water nor raine from aboue? They answered, that they would not haue the iust bloud of Egypt, but the strange blood which they shoulde take and make sacrifice there­of. The goddes by this answere, would haue in sacri­fice [Page 251] the blood of Busire, for he was strange in vertuous po­licie, and farre from all good. And the Clearkes vnderstood that they would haue the blood of strangers. Busire aduerti­sed of this answere, ceased to persecute the blood of Egypt, and turned his sword vpon the blood of strangers. And made an Edict and statute, that no straunger should enter into his Citie, but hée should be sacrificed to his goddes, and that hee would slea all the straungers that he might get. By this Edict, and by this damnable custome, manie straungers, nobles and other were put to sacrifice, and had their blood she [...] in Egypt. Among all other, one noble man of Crete (of the lynage of Iuno) perished in this misfortune, by the sworde of Busire. The tydings came into Crete, and there was made for him a great sorrowe. As this sor­rowe was in his most prime, Hercules and Philotes came vnto the Quéene Iuno, and they found her charged with teares of wéeping, in her Citie. At that tyme there were an hundred Cities in Crete, and the King Iupiter helde him no more with Iuno, for many causes and rea­sons, When then Hercules was returned vnto thi [...] La­die Iuno his stepmother, he made reuerence vnto her. After he shewed to her the skinnes of the Lions that he had slaine, and thanked her of the high aduenture that she had admonished him of.

The cursed stepmother, for the returne of Hercules, augmenting her sorrow vpon new sorrow, receiued and fea­sted Hercules, and made to him faintly the greatest cheare that she could. It was vpon the poynt to go to dinner, shée made him to dine and eate with her. In eating, after diuerse speaches of the Lions, she deuised and thought howe shée might make Hercules for to die: and thought she might do no better, then to send him into Egypt. At that tyme she concluded in her selfe, that she would send him into Egypt if she might. For to do so, she changed the reasoning of the li­ons, and sayd to Hercules: your coming again in safetie, is to mee most ioyfull, for that your name shall bée put in [Page 252] perpetuall renowme and praysing among the most worthie and best of the world: for ye haue done many faire enter­prises and déedes. In your yong childhood, ye made all the world to wonder and maruaile of the victorie of the ser­pents, by you strangled. After, ye made your sword to bran­dish in the west parts in Frigie, and now newly in Nemée. The aduenture of these exploits haue giuen to you right much honour and worship, whereof I haue right great ioy: for each person ought to be glad and reioyce in the well do­ing of another, and especially of a noble man, and princi­pally such a one as laboureth to excell in valiantnesse, e­uerie person is holden and bound to counsell him vnto his worshippe and weale. Wherefore, since it is so that ye in­deuour your selfe from day to day, and séeke the perils of the sea, and the dangers of the earth, to the ende for to o­uercome them: I aduertise you, that in Egypt is a ty­rant that sacrificeth al strangers that come into his country, without reseruing noble man or base. So then me sée­meth, if fortune will helpe for to go and conquer him, that ye [...]uld get great honour and worshippe to you and yours, and health and profit to all the nations of the world.

Madame, answered Hercules, I am not, nor neuer shall bee in all my life, of such recommendation as yée say and report: notwithstanding, for as much as I haue great desire for to doe workes that may be to the pleasure of the people, and for their health and weale, I promise you, and sweare, that to morrow without any other delay, I will put me in deuoir on the way, for to go into Egypt. And I will neuer returne againe into my Countrey, vn­till the time that I haue séene the tyrant. And if hee lay or put hand on me, for to sacrifice me, I haue intention, that hee shall not doo it without strokes. Iuno hearing the enterprise of Hercules, had in her heart passing great ioy. That day they passed in many conferences. Her­cules tooke the skinnes of the Lyons and deliuered

them to a certain workman, to make of them a garment in manner of Armour, to Arm him withall. On the morrow he took leave of his Step-mother, and departed from Creet, so journeyed on the way with Philotes, (without finding any adventure, worthy the remembrance) on a day he came to the Gate of the City Memphis, in Aegypt, where the Tyrant Busire held his resi­dence.

When Hercules was come nigh unto the Gate, he took his Club that Philotes bare, and entred himself into the City. Hee had not béen long there, nor far gone, but Busire which was ad­vertised of his comming, came against him with his complices, without speaking of any word, ran upon him. Hercules was well appointed, for he knew the Tyrant by his gesture, and the sign that was told him: he lifted up his Club when he saw him come and as the Tyrant would have smitten him with his Sword, without any word speaking, he stroke the Tyrant on the right side so vehemently, that not onely he feld him to the earth, but [Page] also all the ribs of his body were broken, that he could ne [...] reléeve himself after. The Aegyptians séeing Busire overthrown some ran to reléeve him, and the rest assailed Hercules. Then was all the City in an uprore. Hercules was joyful he had over­thrown the Tyrant, and began to make the Aegyptians to know his Club. He slew many of them, and the remnant he made to flye. His strokes were so forcible, that the Complices of Busire that were accustomed to shed mans blood, had their blood shed a­broad, and could not remedy their mis chance, which was so great, that Hercules filled all the place with dead bodies. And after a long battel, he found himself alone, for there was no man so hardy that durst be séen before him. The people and the Commonalty of the Aegyptians, minded not the rescue of their King. When they saw him beaten, they all hated him, and be­held the Battel from far by very great routs. When Hercules had then laboured so much, that he found no man to fight with him, he set down his Club, and addressed him unto a great com­pany of Aegyptians that stood there, and assured them, he would do nothing unto them, and asked what people they were that had assailed him? They answered him knéeling on their knees, they were Man-slayers, Hang-men, and people of vicious and evil life: that their King, which he had first beaten down, was the worst of them all, and had purposed to put him to death as a stranger, to make Sacrifice unto the Gods. And they prayed him to Sacrifice their said King.

Hercules granting their petition, accorded it unto the people: and took this cursed Tyrant Busire, and bore him upon his shoul­ders, unto the Temple, which the Aegyptians shewed him. The false Tyrant cryed after help terribly: but his cry availed him not. The Aegyptians cryed unto Hercules, sacrifice, sacrifice him. When Hercules came into the Temple, he sacrificed him, after he had shewed him his cursed and evil life. And then when the fire was put unto the Sacrifice, it began to rain, and the great drought began to fail: Whereof the Aegyptians were so joyful, that none could expresse. They did sing praises unto Her­cules, and brought him and Philotes unto the Palace, and con­stituted Hercules King over them: but he refused: and ordained Iudges to govern them. Then he returned unto Quéen Juno, who had great sorrow, and to King Creon who had great joy at the rehearsal of his good Fortune.

CHAP. III. ¶How Hercules espoused Megara: and how he was made knight in Thebes.

IN like wise as the young Vine, by the la­bour and industry of the labourer, groweth in height, and his boughes spred abroade full of fruit: so Hercules, by vertue labou­ring vertuously, grewe in verdure of well dooing, and in fruite of noblenesse: his workes, his boughes, his braunches then beganne to sproute abroad, and to mount and spread from Realme to Realme. The secrete conspiracies of Iuno, and her cursed enuyes might not hurt, nor minish the vertue of Hercules. The more that shee thought to put downe and hurt him, she more she was cause of his exaltation. As hée was puissant and strong of bodie he was yet more strong of vertue, for vertue was set in him, as the precious stone is in golde, and as the swéete smell as in the flower, and as the ray of the Sunne beame is in the Sunne: hée was belo­ued of Kings, of Princes, of Ladyes, of Gentlewomen, of Nobles, and of base folke: in especially Megara the daugh­ter of King Creon loued him. And verily shée was not deceyued: for Hercules loued her also, and was neuer hurt but he thought on her. Yet they durst none of them speake to other of this matter: they were ashamed to discouer that, whereby they had hope to haue honour and worship. They behelde each other, and oft they bewayled, and complained to themselues, and desired the day that they might take each other in marriage.

And so much they wished after that day, that at the last it came. For on a morning tide, as Hercules was gone vnto the wood, for to take a wilde beast, he remembred him of his Ladie, and beganne to speake and say to himselfe softly. [Page 256] Shall I be alway in paine? Shall mine heart neuer be ea­sed, but alway languishing in loue? I sée one and other in great ioy with their loues and ladies, and I wote neuer how to come to the point of one onely, that I haue chosen a­boue all other, and for to atchieue my purpose I wot not how to beginne. I dare not speake to her, nor I haue not assayed if shée would condiscende. Shall I speake to her I wote not wel? If I speake to her, and she refuse me, I shall fall in despaire. I shall die for sorrow of melancholie and dis­pleasure, I shall neuer dare come after in any noble assem­bly a foote. Alas, what paine? all considered, a time must come that I speake to her. If all her friendes were of one accord, for to giue her to me in marriage, and she were not content and pleased, all were lost. The most ieopardie is, to haue her good will and grace, for without her grace I may nought do. Then it is of necessitie, that I séeke and require, if I may haue her good wil, since it is so: for if I sléepe thus and speake not, I shall neuer atchieue nor come to my pur­pose.

Hercules resolute in his purpose, surprised and enflamed with great desire of loue, came from the wood, and abando­ned the wilde beast, and gaue it ouer, for to come vnto Me­gara, thinking how, and by what words he might come and shew vnto her that which lay on his heart. He went then so farre, that he came vnto the garden of the pallace, where he was with many ladies and gentle women. He made to them reuerence, vntill he espied the time that he might speake to Megara, and he waxed so pensife that it is maruaile: hee en­termitted nothing to conferre with the Ladies, but there­with he drewe him apart into the garden. When the Ladies beheld him so pensife, diuers of them came to him, and talked with him to put him from his thoughts and pensifenesse, but they could not, and at last Megara came to him. As soone as Hercules sawe her come to him, he beganne to sigh, and came against her. And she said to him, Hercules, why are ye so pensiue, put away from you such melancholie, & tel me [Page 257] of your newes I pray you? Ladie (aunswered Hercules) I thanke you of your good visitation, and since it pleaseth you to heare of my tydings, and to knowe them, I will say to you a part. First I tell you, that the cause that I am brought and put in the abisme or swallowe of pensiuenesse and sighes that is this day come vnto me, is by beholding of you: for as I went to the wood to hunt, the remembrance of your right noble beautie, continually being in mine ima­gination, came into me, and made me enter into a secret per­plexitie, that is to wit, whether I should alway liue vn­guerdoned, and vnrewarded of loue, and also (if I durst say so to you) I haue set my heart and loue wholy on you. Ma­dame this perplexitie was great, but in the end I concluded to come vnto you, for to know the conclusion of my fortune, whether it be death or life. Being in this deliberation (thin­king how I might spéed with you) and staying in this point and doubtfulnesse, your comming hath put me out of a right great thought and pensiuenesse, for I wist not better howe to come to the poynt for to speake to you a part) as I may now doo) then for to apply the matter in time, for I say to you for truth, that since the tyme of my Olympiade, I haue desyred you night and day, and at that tyme I set my heart on your seruice, resoluing to loue you for euer. Ma­dame, I knowe and wote well, that I haue enterprised a thing that I am vnfitte and not woorthie of. This not­withstanding, I abyde your mercie, and require you, that it may please you to receyue mée into your grace, in such wyse, that shortly I may sée the day of our mar­ryage, &c.

When Megara vnderstoode the words of her loue Her­cules, she in heart reioyced with great solace, and much ioy, notwithstanding she was abashed, and all shamefast she aunswered thus. Alas Hercules, by what fortune finde I mee in the grace of so gentle a man as yée hée? Your excessiue prowesse, your glorious labors, your resplen­dant vertues be so much of value, that ye are worthie to haue [Page 258] to wife the floure of Ladies and the choise. With these wordes the gentlewomen came there vnto them, to beare their conferences of loue. And saide vnto Megara, that it was time for to withdraw her for to dine. Megara, sorrowfull of hastie departing, and that she had no more space to reason with her loue, & that she might not atchieue her purpose, by constraint toke leaue of Hercules, & went into the hall, al ful fed with loue, and Hercules abode in the garden, glad & ioyous of the swéet enswere y ^t he had receiued.

When the Ladyes then had left Hercules in the garden, as soone as they were gone, Hercules assembled Euriste­us and Amphitrion, and sayd to them, that he had great de­sire and will to bee married, and prayed them that they would go to king Creon, to know if he would giue him his daughter Megara. They spake to king Creon of this mar­riage: the king heard them speake right gladly, for the matter pleased him, and answered that he might no where better bestow his daughter, then to the most noble man of the world Hercules, whom he loued as his owne son, which was so valiant and so noble, and had no fellow like vnto him: and that he was content to giue to him his daughter, and all with her that hee would demand. Euristeus and Amphitrion thanked the King of his curteous answere. Megara and Hercules were sent for: the king made them to troth-plyte each other, with great ioy of both parties. Af­ter this processe of time, the day of the espousals and marri­age was celebrated with glorie, triumph, honour and ioy. What shall I say? they lay together without more adoo, and liued together right honestly.

Anon after the solemnitie of this marriage, Hercules came to King Creon, & prayed him that he would dub and make him knight, for as much as they of the realme of Ico­nie were come vnto him, and had chosen him for to be king of their citie, for his good renoume. The king Creon (ioyous of that, that he was chosen for to be king of Iconie) answe­red, that hee would accomplish his desire: but hee would [Page 259] that this should be done at a certaine day assigned: saying, that then he would make a right noble feast, where men should ioust and turnoy, and that he would cause to come thither all the Kings and the Princes of Grece. Hercules accorded and agréed to the counsaile of the King, and then the King sent his messengers vnto all the Kings of Grece, and prayed them to hee at the chiualrie and dubbing knight of a noble man, that shall hold a solemne sport at a day, named and set, for to aunswere all them that shall come to the ioustes. The renowme of this foresayde feast was anon borne and knowne vnto all the reignes of Grece: the prouision and ordinaunce was great in Thebes, one and other disposed them for to be there▪ the tyme passed, and the day came, many a king & knight was come at that time to Thebes. Theseus and Iason the sonne of King Eson, were there amongst all other. The kings made a great stirre, and great pompous shewes about ten of the clocke before noone. The king Creon went into the place that was ordained, arayed, and ready for the iousts. At a corner in the same place there was a tent. In this tent was Hercules all alone. That same time the Ladies and gentlewomen went and mounted vppon the Scaffolds: the iousters came into the place, no man knew nor wist not, who was this new knight. What shall I say? When the king Creon sawe that the knights were come in on all sydes, and that the la­dies were gone vpon the scaffoldes, hée sent for Hercules and made him knight after their statutes. And then Her­cules mounted vpon his horse, tooke his Speare and his Shéeld, and chalenged them that were there, to the end that each man should do his deuoyr. And then one and other that desired to haue worship, tooke their speares, and ran agaynst Hercules, and beganne a iousting that was right hote and sharpe. Their speares were strong and brake not easily, but they met often tymes, and some were o­uerthrowne and smitten downe off theyr horses. They that might not ioust agaynst Hercules, assayed each other, [Page 260] like to like. Iason and Theseus iousted oft times agaynst Hercules, and Pirothus sonne of king Ixion in like wise. All they that I name, bare themselues right valiantly. Not­withstanding, aboue all other, Hercules abode all men, and no man might abide his strokes, but he bare them all down except Iason, which encountred him diuerse times, and gaue him many great strokes. Hercules bare downe Theseus to the earth, and Pyrothus, & well neare fiftie strong knights. He did shew so much valour, that no man abode in the place but Iason and he. And then he left and ceased the ioustes, for the valiancie that Hercules found in Iason, and euer after he had a speciall loue to him, and tooke acquaintance of him, and feasted him, and made him great cheare.

At the end of this iousting, knights, ladies, and gentle­women went vnto the pallace. There was Hercules made king of Iconie. The feast was great and rich, more then I can rehearse: the strangers were greatly feasted, and high­ly thanked in common. What shall I make long processe? When all the feast was passed, with honour and glorie of Hercules, and there was no more to do, whereof any me­morie is for to speake of, Pirothus praied al them that were there to be at his wedding in Thessalonique, at a certaine day named. Each man promised him to go thither, and bée thereat. Euery man tooke leaue of Hercules when time was come of departing, and each man returned into his Coun­trey and place: and they could not inough maruaile of the glory abounding, and likely to abound, flourish and fructifie in Hercules, which was very courteous and humble, and was not proud for the grace that he had in temporall honour and renowme. He was so vertuous, that he was not the more high minded therfore, nor enhaunced himselfe, but the more méeked and submitted himselfe.

CHAP. III. ¶How the Centaures rauished Hypodamia at the wedding of Pirothus: and how Hercules recouered her againe, and vanquished in battaile the Centaures.

FOr to continue our matter, then when Hercules sawe approch the day of the wedding of Pyrothus, he disposed him to go thither. By space of time he went foorth on his way, and tooke Philotes with him: and at all aduenture tooke with him his armor of the skin of the lion. When Megara saw him depart, she was sore troubled for his departing. And the more for that, that he tooke his armour with him: for she thought, if Hercules had heard speake of any great exploit, he would go thither, and endeuour himselfe to assay himselfe agaynst it. With great sighs she looked after him, as farre as shée might, praying to the goddes, that they would bring him shortly againe. Hercules and Philotes went forth into the Countrey, and as much as they might they hasted so their iourny, that they came to Thessalonicque, where they were receyued with great ioy of Pyrothus, and of his friendes. They found there a right great assembly of noble men, La­dies and Gentlewomen. Theseus and Iason were there. The friends of Iason would that Iason shoulde bée made knight. And for to do that, they presented him to Her­cules, which gaue him the order of knighthood. And Hercu­les said, that he had séene in him a good beginning of a noble man, and if he may liue, he shall attaine one day to things right high and noble. Among other things the day of wed­ding came, the citie was all full of nobles, & the Centaures were there: they were an C. Giants armed, that ran as the wind, which the king Ixion had got him in Thessaly, of whō [Page 262] some dwelled in Molose, and the other in Aphyte a Citie of Epyre, whereof was Quéene Hypodamia the Ladie and bride of the wedding. There were many kings and prin­ces, of whom I haue not the names. The quéene Hypoda­mia and Pyrothus were wedded together after their law. When the time of the dinner was come, they set the Ladie in the hall, where was made a generall feast. At this feast all the commers were amply serued with all maner of good wines, and good meates: in especiall the Centaures made passing good chéere, and drunke so much of the strong wines, that the principall captaine of all named Eurycus, and some of the other, had words togither, and troubled the feast. In this trouble they sought togither, and cast each on other pots, platters, wines and meates, so terri­bly, that many of them were hurt and dead. Then anon was the hall full of noyse. Euricus and fiftie of his giants issued out of the prease, and went to fetch their hardesse or armour. When they were armed, they entred into the hall, and not content with the trouble that they had made (albe­it that Hercules and the other indeuored to appease them that slew each other) they tooke the quéene Hypodamia, and bare her out, and rauished her, and fled away with her. When the Ladies saw this great outrage, they cryed out all afraide. The affraie was so great, that Hercules, Iason, Pyrothus and Theseus, ranne vnto them, and when they knew that the Centaures had rauished the Lady, at fewe words they went and armed them anon.

Hercules did on the skinne of the Lion, and tooke his sword, his bowe, and his arrowes, and then went after the giants without abiding for any other companie or person. The giants were withdrawen vnder a trée, and there they trained them in battaile, as they that wist well and sure­ly, that the first that should come to them, should be Hercu­les. They hated Hercules secretly, and had enuie at his glorie. They swore all the death of Hercules: and then when they were in these tearmes and spéeches, Euricus [Page 263] espyed from farre Hercules, and shewed him to his com­panie. Hercules was all alone, and came not a pace softly as a man, but he came running as nimbly and swiftly, as the hart runneth in the vally, and it séemed that he flewe in the ayre. The swiftnesse of Hercules abashed nor afrayde not the Centaures: they were about foure score, and they were all of great courages: they tooke then their Speares, Pol­axes, Swordes and other weapons of warre, and some of the strongest of them were agaynst Hercules: on the other side, as soone as Hercules approched so nigh as hée might shoote at them, he bent his bow, and with an arrow he s [...]o [...]e a Centaure named Grineus, in such wise that the arrow pearced the head, entring by the visage, and nayled and fast­ned his head vnto a trée that stoode behind him. With the second arrow hée smote another Giant, named Petreus, in the breast through the armour, that it went through his body. With the third hée hurt Dorillas, a terrible Giant, and nayled his hand vnto his face, and the arrowe entred with so great might (as afore is sayde) and made the hande to be fastned to his face: of which stroke he was dead.

He shotte many mo arrowes then, as long as hée had any: and hée shotte none, but with it hée hurt or slew one of the Gyants. When his shotte was fayled, the Giants, béeing sore gréeued for that they had séene theyr fellowes die by the shotte and strong hande of Hercules▪ they cryed vppon Hercules, and enuyroned him on all sides, Sisacus, Pheotones, Nessus, Mincus, Stilo, Lodeuin, and Piseon, were the first that smote vppon Hercules with their Swoordes. Hercules tooke hys Sword, and came agaynst Pheotones, that had a great Axe, so great that it was a mans burthen. Pheotones a­non lift vp his great Axe, and thought to haue smitten a mightie stroke vpon Hercules. But Hercules that knew inough of the warre, turned him from the stroke, and so the great Axe fell downe to the ground. And then sud­dainly [Page 264] Hercules caught that great axe, and plucked it out of his hands, and forthwith gaue him a stroke withall, so great that he smote of his right arme with the shoulder. &c.

Such was the beginning of the battaile of Hercules, and of the Centaures. Cilarus smote then Hercules behinde, with all his might. Piseon and Ledeuin smote him also both at one time: notwithstanding Hercules was not once astoni­ed therewith, but running to Cilarus, he gaue him a stroke with the axe so lustily on his helme, that it entred into his body, so that he ouerthrew the giant to the earth, and he ser­ued in likewise Piseon and Ledeuin. Iason and Theseus put them then in the battaile, and well proued theyr youth, at their comming. For to giue the other heart and courage, Hercules thrusted into the greatest prease of the giants, and so wrought with the axe, that they cursed Pheotones that had brought them thither, and all them that had gone about this matter. In beating and smiting down all before them, Her­cules began then to séeke Hypodamia, & found her al bewept, right beside and nighe Eurycus. Then he spake to Euricus. and said to him: thou euil glutton thou hast this day troubled the feast, and stolen the Lady of my fréende Pirothus, and now anon I wil trouble thy spirit: with this word he dischar­ged his axe, & smote with-al Eurycus, in such wise on y ^e head, that he fell downe dead, vnto the great gréefe and amasing of the other giants: For, in beholding the are dyed with the bloud of Curyens their captaine, they were al abashed. Then began Hercules to smite more and more vpon the giants: there was none then so resolute, but he was affraide: nor none so hardy, but he began to hide himselfe, and tremble for feare. His strokes were not to be born, but he put his enimies out of araye, and vnto flight. Fynally, with the helpe of Ia­son, of Theseus, and of Pirothus, that were meruailous vali­ant, they vanquished and chased them vnto a riuer, where twelue of them saued themselues in passing and swimming ouer, and all the remnaunt of them were persecuted vnto the death, saue only Lyncus that Hercules helde prisoner, for as [Page 265] much as at the discomfiture, he prayed him of mercy, and yéelded him vnto him. Thus were the Centaures destroyed, more by the strength ond hand of Hercules, then by any other. When Hercules had so fought that there were no mo of the Centaures vpon the place, he and his fellowes re­turned vnto Hypodamia, and brought her againe vnto the Cittie with great tryumphe. What shall I say? the Ladies recouered ioye by the recoueraunce of Hypodamia, and re­newed and beganne againe the feast, that dured afterward eyght dayes right great and sumptuous. &c

CHAP. V. ¶How Pluto rauished Proserpina: and how Orpheus went for her into hell: and how the queene Ceres came vnto the wedding of Pirothus: and how Theseus & Pirothus fought with Cerberus, porter of the sayd hell. &c.

IN this time, that is to wit a little before the wedding of Pyrothus, as Pluto (the king of Molose, sonne of Saturne, and brother of Iupiter.) sayled and went by sea, séeking his aduentures, so long hée sayled that he arriued in Sicill, and hee founde there nigh by the waters side a right great assembly of Sicyliens that halowed the feast of their goddes. When Pluto saw this feast, he did arme twentie of his company vnder their robes or garmentes, and went in this manner for to sée the feast, for to wit if he might finde any booty. This Pluto was the greatest théefe, and the most lecherous man in all the world, and had with him a Giant named Cerberus, enough like vnto Pluto of conditions and of courage, but he was much more stronger and more puissant of body. All the other were great as giants, and had learned nothing els but for to prac­tise [Page 266] harme and mischéefe, and could none otherwise doo. Whē then the Sicilians sawe Pluto come and his fellowes, they supposed that it had béene some of their neighboures that came for to sée theyr playes and sports, for as much as they came clothed in theyr garmentes, and sawe none of theyr armour nor harneis. And they enforced them to sing and daunce. But Certes their songs and theyr daunces were not continuing nor dured long: for in coming vnto them there, the king Pluto cast his eyes aside, and sawe there the Quéene of that countrey that beheld the feaste: and by her, her daughter that made a garland of floures. The mother was named Ceres and the daughter was called Proser­pina, & was maried vnto a noble man, named Orpheus, that sate beside her and played on the Harpe. This Proserpina was passing meruailous fayre. Anon as Pluto had séene her he desired and coueted her, and aduertised his folke secretlye of her, and after came nigh vnto her, that he set hands on her, and layd her on his backe and bare her away.

When Orpheus and Ceres saw Proserpina so taken away they cryed out piteously and lamentably vnto Pluto. With this crye, the Sicilians left their feast, and ran after Pluto in great number, men and women, hoping to haue reskewed Proserpina. But when Cerberus and his complices sawe the vprore, they drew out theyr swordes, and shewed theyr armes and smote vpon them that approched them, and slea­ing them aboundantly, they retyred, and went vnto the port Maugre the Ciciliens and Orpheus. They guided Pluto into his ship, and after they entred, and then disancred and carryed awaye Proserpina. The Cicilians were then dispurueied of armes. They coulde not withstand the ta­king away of Proserpina. At the departing from the porte was made the most sharpe lamentation and sorrowe that could be. Proserpina wept sore on the one side piteouslye, and cryed right highe and loude. Ceres on the other side, with the Cicilians, made no scarcitie of teares, and Orpheus fayled not to furnishe his teares with déepe [Page 267] sighes, for he loued Proserpina, and she loued him also. At their departing, their hearts were brought to a hard and grieuous distresse, with so great anguish that Proserpina fel downe in a sounde: and Orpheus was so rauished with an­ger, that he returned vnto his Pallace, when he had lost the sight of Proserpina, and held him close in his chamber, with out speache two dayes.

At the ende of two dayes Ceres [...] dis [...]e Orph [...] that would neither eate nor drinke [...] sayd in him, that [...] knew well the rauishour of her [...]der that it was Plu­to the king of Molose, and thei [...] a part of Thes­saly in a lowe and base Citt [...] [...] [...]ied H [...]ll for as much as in this Ile, King [...] complices old so much harme and euil, that [...] compared vnto d [...] is, and theyr cittie was named He [...] [...] Orpheus vnderstood that Proserpina was in he [...] he [...] [...]ile hope in himself, and eate and dranke, and made [...] that he would neuer rest in place vnto the time that [...] bin in Hell, for to sée Proserpina.

After that he had eaten, he sent for his marriners, and bad them to make ready a ship. When the ship was furni­shed with all that it behoued, (after the lead [...] and cong [...]e ta­ken of the Quéen Ceres) in habi [...] [...] he entred alone into his ship with his harpe, and [...] marriners to sayle foorth on the sea, in such [...]se that he arriued at one of the portes of Thessalie. Orpheus went there a land, and af­ter he commaunded his Marriners, that they should a­bide him in the same place, vntill a certayne time that hée named. After, he departed and went from countrey to countrey, so long for to dispatch his matter, that hee came to the gate of hell which Cerberus kept, and there hée beganne to playe on his harpe right swéetely and melo­diously.

When Cerberus heard the sound of the harpe, h [...] lifted vp his head on highe, and came out of the gate for to know who was he that played so melodiouslye? and [Page 268] by the sound of the harpe he found Orpheus: and thinking that Pluto would gladly heare him: (for to reioyce Proser­pina that alway wept) he made him enter into the citie, and brought him before the King. Orpheus then began to play againe on his harpe. When the King Pluto had heard him, he tooke therein good pleasure, and so did al they that were there by him. Then Pluto sent for to séeke Proserpina. When she was come, and heard him play with his harpe, by his play she knew well that it was her hus­band: then shée was sore abashed, and whereas shée had sore wept before, she kept as much more after. Plu­to was sorte for the sorrow that Proserpina made, and saide to Orphe [...]s. if hee could so play with his harpe that the ladie should cease her wéeping, hee would giue him what hee would aske of him. Orpheus promi­sed and assured him that hee would doo it. And Pluto sware to him, that hee would hold and kéepe his promise if he so did. And then Orpheus sette and tuned his harpe, and played diuerse songs so swéetely, that the infernall Ceberus, and many other fell asléepe: and also Proserpina, by the meane of certaine tokens and signes that Orphe­us made with his eyes, ceased of her wéeping.

When Pluto sawe Proserpina so ceasing her wée­ping, hee was passing ioyous: hee awoke then Cerberus and the other that slept: after he spake to Orpheus and said to him, that he had so well harped, that no man could do bet­ter: and that hee would that he should demand something, and he would giue it him without any faile. Orpheus hea­ring the words of Pluto, had great perplexitie in him­selfe, for to knew what thing he might demand: in the ende he sayde to him. Sir, I am Orpheus the husband of this ladie, and for her loue I haue enterprised to come hither in this case nowe: I pray and require you, that yée will giue and render her againe to mee, that I may bring her againe vnto her mother that dyeth for sorrowe. When Pluto had heard the request that Orpheus had made, hée [Page 269] was all amazed at the hardinesse that Orpheus had shew­ed: how be it, he answered to him. Orpheus ye haue de­manded of mee Proserpina: she is the Ladie that I most loue of all the world. Neuerthelesse, for to accomplish the promise that I haue made to you, take hir, vpon conditi­on that ye bring her out of this Citie, without looking or beholding after or behinde you: and if it happen that yee once looke behinde you, ye shall loose her. At this answere Orpheus was content, and it séemed to him that his wife was as good as recouered or woonne, hee and Proserpina passed ouer that night in good hope. When the morning was come, Pluto deliuered Proserpina to Orpheus, on condition afore rehearsed. Orp [...] [...]nd Proserpina tooke leaue of king Pluto, and than [...] [...] after they went on their way, but hee had not gone halfe way to the gate, when Orpheus priuily looked behinde him, for to sée if any man followed him, and then hee found at his héeles Cerberus, that tooke Proserpina away from him, and yéel­ded and deliuered her againe vnto the king.

Orpheus séeing that by his vnhappinesse he had lost his wife, beganne to curse the day that he was borne, and came after, and followed Proserpina, and beganne againe to harpe, and to offer great gifts, for to recouer her againe, but it was saide to him for conclusion, that hee should ne­uer haue her againe: and also, that if he had vsed the feats of armes, as he had the strings of the harpe, he should haue died. With this conclusion Orpheus departed from hell full of sorrow and anguish, and returned into Sicill, vnto the quéene Ceres, telling to her his aduenture. The quéene being acertained that her daughter was in hell, as she that was aduertised, that in Thessaly should be halowed the feast of the wedding of Pyrothus, and that there were ma­ny knights, of great name, she went to the sea, and came fitly to Thessalonica, while the feast yet endured. In ap­proching the citie, on an after noone as Pyrothus and Theseus were in the field they mether. Her armie w s [Page 270] great. The seus and Pirothus saluted her, & she saluted and gréeted them againe, and after asked them the estate of the feast of the wedding. They tolde, and recounted her all. After she demaunded of them, if there were there no knights of great name, and high enterprises? when they vnderstoode that she enquired so farre: they would knowe what she was, and demaunded her name? I am (sayde she) the Ladye Ceres of Sicill. Then spake Theseus and sayde: Ma­dame, ye bée welcome: for what occasion demaunde you, if in the feast be any knightes of enterprise? I can well saye to you, that there be truly: but notwithstanding I doo wish you, I praye you, and also require, that ye tell and declare vnto vs the cause why ye haue so demaun­ded. &c.

Syr (sayd the Ladye) since it pleaseth you to enquire of mine estate so farre: knowe ye for certayne, that I haue made to you my demaunde, for as muche as Pluto the King of Hell hath rauished my daughter Proserpina, by which I am hurt vnto the death: and I would fayne finde some knight that of his courtesie woulde imploye him for to get her againe, and yéelde her to me, and for to assaile the cur­sed tyrant: who I pray the goddes may be damned and con­founded euerlastingly for his demerits. Wherefore I praye you, if ye know any that wil to me be mercifull, that it please you for charitie to direct me vnto him. Madame (aunswered Theseus) be ye no more inquisitiue to finde such a knight as ye seeke: for in the fauour of all Ladyes I wil be your knight in this worke, and promise you vpon myne honour, that I will transporte me into hell. And the king Pluto shall neuer haue peace with me vnto the time that he hath restored your daughter.

When Pyrothus heard the enterprise of Theseus, he be­gan to breake of his words, and sayd to him. My brother, what thinke you to doo, when ye enterprise for to go into hell? ye knowe not the boundes nor the situation of that place. Hell standeth behinde the inner sea betwéene mountaines [Page 271] and rockes, so high that the Cittizens that dwell therein, be in continuall darkenes and shadowe: and the Entrie is so difficult that it is impossible to come within the Cittie, vn­lesse the porter consent: For here-be-foretime, many haue gone thither, that be there left and abiding: there goeth no man thither that euer commeth againe. It is right an hell, and each man nameth it hell, as well for the situation there­of in so darke and vnlightsome a place: as for the inhuma­nytie and terriblenes of the inhabitants that wayte to doo e­uill and displeasure to all the world. Theseus aunswered vnto Pyrothus, and sayde: There is nothing impossible vnto a valiant heart.

The King Pluto is cruell and strong, his folke and people tyrannous. His Cittie standeth in a Countrey enuyroned with mortall perills. Notwithstanding, cer­tes the doubt and feare of these things, shall neuer [...]aunt nor withdrawe my courage, but that I will doo my de­uoir to atchiue this enterprise, and will performe my pro­mise, or will haue reproche of all manner of Knightes. A manne to kpeepe his owne honoure and worshippe ought not to doubte anye perill what soeuer it shoulde be. &c.

When Pyrothus had heard the noble answer of Theseus, he allowed it greatly, and sayd to him, that his wordes were to him right pleasing and so acceptable, that he would holde him company in this aduenture. The Quéene Ceres than­ked the two Knightes: so they brought her into the Cittie and into the pallace. She was there receyued and feasted as it apperteined. The stealing away of her daughter was told, and the enterprise of the two Knightes. By the reporte of this aduenture, and with the enterprise that Theseus and Pyrothus hadde made, all the feaste was troubled a­gayne on a newe. Among all other Hypodamia consi­dering that her husbande that was so newlye marryed vnto her woulde go in this perillous voyage of hell, her hearte beganne to giue out wéeping of teares, [Page 272] and might receiue no solace nor comfort vnto her eyes. What shall I say? the feast ended in great sorrow. Iason and Hercules would gladly haue gone with Theseus and Pyrothus, and spake thereof to them, but they would not suffer them. Then departed Hercules and entred into a ship, as if he would haue gone into his countrey. Each man in like wise departed, and Theseus and Pyrothus tooke their way for to go vnto hell. And then about their depar­ting, whereof Hercules was aduertised, Hercules made for to direct his ship vnto the marches of hell, and there went a land alone, concluding in himselfe that he would go after Pyrothus and Theseus his loyall and true fellowes, and betooke to Philotes the charge for to bring Lincus vnto Thebes, and for to put him there in prison vntill his retur­ning and comming againe. After, he departed, and Philo­tes shipped in the sea, where he had a dolorous aduenture, as shall be said heereafter. But at this time I must cease speaking of that matter, and will recount of Hercules, how he went into hell.

CHAP. VI. ¶How Hercules found Pyrothus dead at the gates of hell, and Theseus in danger: and how Hercules vanquished Cerberus: and how hee conquered Proserpina from Pluto, &c.

IN this place it ought to bee spoken, that when Theseus and Pyrothus were depar­ted from Thessalonica, for to go and assaie if they might recouer the faire Proserpina, they did so much trauaile, that by their dili­gence in short time they arriued in the val­lie where was Proserpina, in the vallie full of sinne and cursednesse. Pyrothus that knew the countrey, found the direct way that went to the Citie, and entred first therein. [Page 273] This way was so straite, that there might no man but one alone go neither on the right side, nor on the left side, the rocks were so high, that no man might go on neither side. When they had passed this way, they found a rocke carued and cut into stayres or grées, made and hewed out with chy­sels. And then they sawe lowe beneath, Hell, as a Cittie strong, enuyroned with waters that fell downe impetouslye and fearefully from the rocks, and made a terrible noyse and roring: for they fell from right highe into a lowe swalowe or abysme in the earth. This Cittie was all enclosed with mountaines. For to speake properly, it was a right Hell, and it had no more but one entrie and one gate: then for to come downe to the gate, Pyrothus and Theseus descended downe by the degrées made in the rocke. Then in the de­sceding sodaynlye they sawe spring from the gate a greate giant out of measure, that had an head meruailously missha­pen, fierce blacke and vglye. He had his nose high and and wide, his Chin long, his téethe great as a horse téethe, his eyes great like vnto an oxe, his eares hanging like an hounde, his shoulders large and broade, his bellye swo­len and great bolned, his legges and his thighes were pas­sing stronglye bened and mightie. This terrible Giant was Cerberus, whereof is touched and rehearsed be­fore.

The Poets named him the hounde with thrée heads, con­sidering his right gréeuous and vnhappie liuing, which is compared and likened vnto thrée singular vices: that is to wéete, to pryde, to auaryce, and luxurye, or leache­ry. By pryde, he gloryfied himselfe, and enhaunced him aboue all the men in the worlde with his force and strength, for he was so strong that no man might withstande him. By auarice and Couetise, hee hadde an apetyte insati­able for to gather to-gither treasours, and tooke and bare awaye all that hée might haue or coulde finde. By lux­urie, there was no man liuing of more foule lyfe then hee was: for hee hadde neuer doone other thing in all [Page 274] his life then for to defile and rauish women and maydens, ladies and gentlewomen, & so by good right the poets named him an hound with thrée heades, for he was soule as an hound that liueth in multiplication of sinnes, and taketh therein his felicitie. O gréeuous felicitie? When Theseus and Pirothus had espyed this enemie Cerberus come vnto them all armed, making the whéele in marching proudly vnto them, Pirothus sayd to Theseus. My brother, be­holde what enemie this is: hee that putteth him in such pe­rils for for the loue of ladies, setteth but little by his life. It behoueth vs nowe to liue or die, let vs now atchieue ioyously our enterprise. And to the ende that ye may not thinke but that I had leuer die then to haue reproch, I will be the first that shall beginne the battaile. Theseus had no space nor leysure to aunswere, for Cerberus came to them, and called to them, saying: What seeke these fellowes in hell? Wee come (sayd Theseus) for to séeke Proserpina, whom Pluto hath taken away from the Quéene Ceres. Wée will neuer returne into our Countrey, vnto the time we bring her with vs. Truly (aunswered Cerberus) if yée will returne into your Countrey, yée shall render and yéelde agayne Proserpina, but I will forbidde you the returne. And this day I will present vnto you Proser­pina, my Sworde dyed in your bloud. And here you shall be buryed: yee shall neuer sée Proserpina, nor come no nearer then ye bée now. With these wordes hee lifted vp his Sworde, and gaue so great a stroke to Theseus vpon his Shield, that hée did beare away thereof an halfe quarter, &c.

When Pirothus saw his fellow smitten, hée tooke his sworde, and smote Cerberus on the one side. Theseus smote him on the other side, and they gaue him two right great strokes, so great that they made Cerberus to be chafed so sore, that he began the battaile so vnmeasurably, that he all to frushed and brake their shields, and their harnesse, and al­so made his sword to be dyed with their noble blood, as hée [Page 275] had before saide. The battell was hard and mortall at the beginning. Theseus & Pirothus receiued many wounds by eager strokes, their armes were all to hewen and bro­ken. The battaile endured long, and Pirothus did right wel behaue himselfe: but Cerberus smote vpon him so vnmea­surably, that after many woundes giuen to him, he all to brake his helme, and cleaued his head in two péeces vnto the stomacke, &c.

When Theseus saw his fellow die, he stroke with his sword in great anger, and smote Cerberus so fiercely that he made him stagger, and go backe two paces. Cerberus would haue auenged him of this stroke, and smote vppon Theseus a stroke, by so great force, that if the noble knight had not turned backe, Cerberus had borne and smitten him vnto the earth. This stroke of Cerberus fell vpon the earth, and entred therein, and Theseus smote againe vpon his enemie, which had the heart so great, that he began to rore as an olde Lion, and smote Theseus so fiercely with his sworde, that hée all to brake his shéelde, and all to frushed his helme, that hée was all astonied at the stroke. But al­way Theseus abode in his place: and then Cerberus would haue brought him vnto destruction, following the euill ad­uenture of Pirothus, if that fortune had not brought thi­ther Hercules, which came so fitly to reskew, that Theseus knew not else how to saue him.

At this poynt when that Theseus was so astonished, Hercules that was departed from the sea (as is said) came to stayres that were cut and made in the Rocke, and behol­ding Theseus all couered with blood, and Pyrothus dead, hée beganne to descende downe, crying to Theseus that he should not bée afeard nor take no dread. When Cerbe­rus sawe and heard Hercules, he beganne to crie againe and rore, and assayled eagerly, for to be quite of him. Theseus might no more, howbéeit that hee was recomfortes with the voyce of Hercules, but began to run now here and now there before Cerberus.

[Page 276]So much then hasted Hercules for to go downe the stayres or degrées in entring the place, and as hastely as hée might he cryed to Cerberus, and sayde to him. Tyraunt cruell, let the knight run and come to me: thou hast put to death vpon the earth my good fréende Pyrothus, whereof I am sorye certaine: and if I may I will take vengeaunce on thée for him. Cerberus hearing the sentence of Hercules, ran no more after Theseus, but taryed and behelde Hercules with a fierce looke, and aunswered to him. So weneth he to auenge his shame that so beléeueth: I haue destroyed thy fellowe vnto the death, and vnlesse thou excéede him in skill of armes and in bodylye strength an hundred folde double, it is folye for thée to come hither: For I am Cerbe­rus the porter of hell, he that at report of my name all the world trembleth.

Thus ending his answere Hercules was at the foote of the rocke, and he had his club vpon his shoulder. Cerberus came against him, they smote each other lustily, and thus they be­gan a right hard battaile: and then Theseus that was passing weary sat at one side by, out of the way, & rested him in drying and clensing his woundes of the bloud y ^t had come out of thē.

Hercules beheld then on the one side, and séeing Theseus purging and clensing his profound and great woundes, hée beganne to imploye the force of his strength and might, by such meruaile, that with a stroke that he gaue him vpon his helme vpon the right side, hée made him to bowe and stowpe vnder his club, and to knéele to the grou [...]d with his left knée, and at the second stroke in pursuing him hastilye, hée made his sworde to flye out of his handes, and then he made him to fall on his armes to the grounde, and with the thyrde stroke, as Cerberus wéende to haue reléeued him and gotten his sworde, Hercules smote him vpon the bodye, that he made his head réele against a great stone that was thereby: after that hée sprang vp­on him, and bounde his legges with the strength and force of his handes, maulgre the giant, & he tare of the helme of his [Page 277] head, and would haue slaine him, but Theseus prayed him that he would not put him to death there, and that he would bring him into Thessalonica, for to die by the sentence of the Quéene Hypodamia, &c.

Cerberus was not then put to death, at the request of Theseus. Notwithstanding Hercules bound his handes be­hind his backe, and after he made him arise, and tooke him by the beard, and made him go vpon high on the rocke, and there he laid him downe, and bound his féete, his hands, and his necke togither, in such wise that he might not, nor durst not remooue. When he had done so, he went downe, and entred into the gate of hell, and leauing there Theseus, hée went so farre that he found the pallace of King Pluto, and there came into the same hall where Pluto was with Pro­serpina. All they that were there, maruayled at him, when they saw him entred: for they knew nothing of the ouer­comming of Cerberus, as they that left all the charge and keeping of their Citie to Cerberus, without hauing a­ny doubt or suspition: and also they were so farre from the gate, that they might not heare of the battaile, nor knewe nothing what was befall to their porter. Then when Her­cules had founde Pluto and Proserpina, hee had great ioy, and knew by tokens and markes of them there béeing, that it was hée, he addressed him to Pluto, and sayd, Pluto, by thy malice Sicil is now all full of wéeping, and of teares, for the rauishing of this Ladie, which thou hast not willed to yéeld, and render againe to her husband Orpheus. I wote not what pleasure thou hast therein, but I will say to thée, that thou shalt receyue great displeasure, in following the euill aduenture of Cerberus, whom I haue vanquished and ouercome, &c.

With these words Hercules lift vp his club, and gaue such a stroke to Pluto, that he ouerthrew him to the earth, so that he moued neither hand nor foote. When he had so bea­ten Pluto, thinking that he had béene dead, hée assayled all them that were there that made any murmur, and put them [Page 278] all to death lightly with his club in the presence of Proser­pina, which trembled for feare. Then he comforted Proser­pina, and sayd to her, that he was come vnto that place for to deliuer her, and for to bring her again to her mother, and that she shuld boldly follow him, Proserpina assured and resolued, was comforted with these words of Hercules, and followed him.

Hercules opened the hall, and went out, and Proserpina with him. After he addressed him vnto the gate of the Pal­lace, and it happened to him that he found there a right great companye of Cittizens, that were aduertysed of this affray, and they ran vpō him vnmeasurably pursuing him to death. When Hercules sawe that, he willed Proserpina that she should get her a part. After that he enhaunsed and lifted vp his club, and began to skirmish with his enimies right ver­tuously and by so high prowesse, that he couered all the entry of the Pallace with these miserable, tyrauntes that he flewe, smote downe, and all forfrushed them, and put to death more then foure hundred. Finally he wrought so that the other fled and gaue it ouer: and then when he saw his euil willers dead and scattered, he tooke Proserpina by the hand and lead her out of the gate of the cittie.

Theseus (that abode and taryed at this gate, as is sayd) greatly reioyced when he sawe Hercules come againe with Proserpina: he arose and went against them, and saluted the ladye, and presented to Hercules a chayne of a diamond yron that he had founde at the gate, and many prysoners bounde, that Cerberus had bound withall. Hercules vnbounde the prysoners, and tooke the Chayne, and bound Cerberus with, all. And when hee had buryed Pyrothus, he departed from this hell, and tooke his waye with Proserpina, Theseus and Cerberus, and without great adoo for to speake of, made so his iourney, that hee arriued there in Thessalonica, and deliuered Proserpina to the quéene Ceres: and to Hypo­damia, he presented Cerberus, rehearsing to her and the Ladyes, how he had slain Pyrothus. Hypodamia had so great [Page 279] sorow for the death of Pyrothus, that for to recount and tell, it is not possible. All they of Thessalie likewise made great mourning and sorrowe, and sore bewayled their lord. What shall I say? for to reuenge his death. Hypodamia did cause to binde Cerberus to a stake in the theater of the Cittie, and there young and olde tormented and vexed him thrée dayes long continually, drawing him by the bearde, and spitting at him in the vysage, and after slew him inhumainly and horriblye. And then when Hercules and Theseus, Ceres and Proserpina had taryed there a certayne space of time in comforting Hypodamia, they tooke leaue togither, and Hercules went accompanyed with Theseus towarde the cittie of Thebes. But of him I wil now leaue talke and wil come to speake of the aduentures of Lyncus

CHAP. VII. ¶How Andromeda deliuered Lycaon from his enimies: and how he slew in battaile the king Creon, and tooke the citie of Thebes &c.

WHen Philotes hadde receyued into his guard and kéeping Lyncus, and Hercu­les was gone to the succours of These­us and Pyrothus, as before is sayd: the mariners tooke theyr ship, and went to the sea, and sayled all that day with-out finding of any aduēture. But on y ^e mor­row betime in the morning, fortune that alwaye turneth without anye resting, brought to them a great shippe, that drewe his course vnto the same place that they came from. Of this shippe or galley was Captayne and chéefe, Andromedas King of Calcide. This Andro­medas was Cousen vnto Lyncus. When he hadde e­spyed the shippe where Lyncus was in: he made to rowe his [Page 280] gallie abroade, and said, that he would know what people were therein. In approching the ship of Thebes, Lincus beheld the gallie of Andromeda, and knew it by the signes and flags that it bare. In this knowledge Andromeda spake, and demanded of the marriners, to whom the shippe belonged? Anon as Lincus saw and heard Andromeda, hée brake the answere of the marriners, and cryed to him all on high. Andromeda, lo héere thy friend Lincus. If thou giue me no succour and helpe, thou maist loose a great friend in me: for I am a prisoner, and Hercules hath sent me into Thebes.

Andromeda hearing Lincus, had great anger, for he lo­ued well Lincus, and called to them that brought him, and said to them, that they were all come vnto their death. And also that they were vnder his ward. Philotes and his folke were furnished with their armes and harnesse, and made them all readie for to defend themselues, and with little talke they of Calcide assayled Philotes, and Philotes and his folke employed them at their defence. The battaile was great and hard, but the ill fortune and mishappe turned in such wise vppon the fellowes of Phi­lotes, that they were all slaine and dead. Andromeda had two hundred men in his companie, all robbers and théeues on the sea. These théeues and robbers smote hard and fiercely vppon Philotes, and all to hewed his armes, striking and giuing to him many wounds, and hée buri­ed manie of them in the sea. But their strong resistance profited them but little, for in the ende he was taken and bound, and Lincus was deliuered and vnbound from the bonds of Hercules.

Lincus had great ioy of his deliuerance: he then than­ked his good friend Andromeda. After this, he tolde him how he was taken, and how Hercules had dissipated and de­stroyed the Centaures. And among other he named ma­ny of his friends that were dead, whereof Andromeda had so great ire and such displeasure, that he sware incon­tinently, [Page 281] that he would auenge it. And that as Hercules had slaine his friend, in like wise he would destroy his cou­sins and kinsmen. Lincus tooke great pleasure to vnder­stand the oath of Andromeda which would auenge the death of his kinsmen. He said to him, that Hercules was gone into hell. And after demanded him how he would auenge him vpon the friends of Hercules? and thereupon they were long thinking. In the end when they had long taken aduice, Andromeda concluded, that hée would go as­saile the Cittie of Thebes, and if hée might gette it by as­sault, hee would slea the king Creon and all them of his bloud.

With this conclusion came thither all the gallies of An­dromeda which followed, in whom he had eight thousand fighting men. Andromeda made them to returne toward Thebes, and as hastily as hee might hee entred into the Realme, wasting and destroying the countrey by fire, and by sword so terribly that the tidings came vnto the king Creon. When the king Creon knewe the comming of the King Andromeda, and that without defiance, he made him warre, he sounded to armes, and assembled a great companie, and knowing that Andromeda was come into a certaine place, hee issued out of Thebes all armed, and brought his people vpon his enemies, that had great ioy of of their comming. And then they sette them in order a­gainst them, in such wise, that they came to smiting of strokes. The crie and noyse was great on both sides, speares, swords, darts, guisarmes, arrowes and polaxes, were put forth and sette a worke. Many Nobles were were beaten downe and dead. Lincus and Andromeda fought mortally: the King Creon and Amphitrion fayled not, there was bloud aboundance shed on the one side and on the other. And the battaile was so cruell and sharpe then, that in little while after Andromeda and his people gatte and wanne vppon them of Thebes, and constrained them to retire and for to go backe: whereof [Page 282] the king Creon had right great sorrow, and wéening for to haue put his men againe in aray, put himselfe in the greatest prease of the battaile where he fought mortally, and made so great a slaughter and beating downe of his enemies, that Lincus and Andromeda heard of the skir­mish, and then they came togither. And as Lincus sawe the king Creon do maruailes of armes, hee gaue him thrée strokes one after another, and with the fourth stroke, he all to brake his helme from his head, and slew him, whereof they of Thebes were sore afraide, and dispar­red so, that they were put to discomfiture, and fled: which flying Amphitrion might not remedie, albeit that he was strong and of great courage.

Of this euill aduenture Thebes was right hastily ad­uertised. Megara was gone vp vpon one of the high towers of the pallace, and sawe and beheld the battaile: and from that place she saw them of Thebes slaine without reme­die, and also turne their backs. The sight of the bea­ting downe of the king her father, and the view of the slaughter of other made her to crie out and said. Fortune, Fortune, what mischiefe is héere? where is Hercules? Alas where hast thou brought him? Alas that he is not héere to defend the countrey of his natiuitie, and for to kéepe his wife farre from annoy, and for to put his hand and shoul­ders for to beare the great acts and deedes of this bat­taile?

When shee had saide this, she fell in a swoune, and so lay a great while. Neuerthelesse, the king Andro­meda and Lincus, followed so hastily them of Thebes, that they entred the Citie with them. And for as much as the Thebans were without head, and put out of aray, and that Amphitrion had so many wounds vpon him, that all the members failed at this worke, the vnhappie Lincus and Andromeda tooke the Citie, and flewe all them that might beare armes, except Amphitrion, whome they found not in the heate. After they went vp into the pallace, [Page 283] and there they found Megara and Amphitrion in great de­solation, with many ladies and gentlewomen.

As soone then as Lincus had espied Megara (she was so faire and pleasant) that he became amorous of her, and came to her and sayd. Ladie wéepe no more: Hercules the bastard sonne of Iupiter, is gone into hell, and there he is dead. Ye haue béene wife of a man gotten in adulterie, from henceforth ye shall be fellow and wife of a man legitimate, and borne in lawfull mariage, for I will wed you, and will do you more good and pleasure then euer yee had. Megara answered: false traytour, wéenest thou that I be so foolish as to giue fayth and credite to the words of the homicide of my father, and to the enemie of my lord Hercules? Knowe thou that I am his wife, and that I will neuer haue other husband but him: he is no bastard, but sonne of my Lorde Amphitrion, and the most noble man that is in all the world. Ladie (aunswered Lincus) I am king of this Citie, ye be now at my commaundement, will ye, or will ye not, I shall do my will with you, but I will put it in respite, and in my sufferance till to morrowe. After these wordes Lin­cus sent Megara into a Tower, and made her to bée kept there. After he sent Philotes into a lowe prison, and fin­ding there in bondage and miserie Priamus the sonne of king Laomedon, he had pitie of him, and sent him againe to Troy, where hée was after receyued with great ioy of the Troyans, &c.

CHAP. VIII. ¶How Hercules entered into Thebes in vnknowne habite: and how he put to death the Giant Lincus, and his com­plices, and his wife Megara, &c.

BY the sword of Lincus then and of An­dromeda, Thebes was troubled dolo­rously. Lincus exercised there many tyrannies and wickednesses. In this misfortune Andromeda departed, and went to do his businesse, leauing there Lincus with foure hundred men of warre, for to kéepe the citie, and to hold it in his obeysance. Thus was taken vengeance of the Cen­taures. In the time of this reuenge, the Quéene Iuno came into Thebes, and had great ioy when shee found it in deso­lation, and full of widowes and orphelins, and in the enemyes handes of Hercules: then were great the teares and lamentations of Megara. Amphitrion was nigh her, who vnderstoode all her gréefes, and comforted her. Lincus came many tymes vnto her into the prison, and requested her swéetly to haue her loue, and that in the fayrest maner he could. Yet his swéete and fayre wordes auayled not, for hée found her constant and firme, and alway kéeping in­violable her chastitie, and gaue him many vertuous aun­sweres, whereof foloweth one, which was the last, and this. Lincus, thou hast now thy hand strong, and hast conque­red Thebes. Fortune and ill hap hath giuen vnto thée the tyranny, whereby thou hast enriched thy selfe with vices. Thou hast furthermore the power for to commit on mée murther: but thy power, nor thy sinnes be not so strong, nor of such might, for to make my vertue to bow in two folde. Megara alway bewailed Hercules: she lamented so much on a day, that shee became all rauished, and in a traunce. [Page 285] And that same day Hercules that was departed from Thes­salonica a good while before, made so his iourneys, that hée entred into the realme of Thebes accompanied with many noble men. And entring into these coasts, hée found the countrey all destroyed. And he had not gone farre, when it was tolde him, how Lincus was Lord of Thebes: and how he had slaine in battaile the king Creon, and had impriso­ned Megara, &c.

When Hercules had receyued these tydings, he was replenished with great anger, and sayd, that he would a­uenge him if he might. Then he clad him aboue his armors with a mantle, and disguised himselfe as much as he might: when he had so done, he left there his fellowes, and entred himselfe into Thebes vnknowne, and passed through the gate, and bare him so well, that the Porters let him passe foorth: and in likewise entred into the Pallace. At the en­try of the Pallace, a souldiour came to Hercules, and de­maunded of him what he sought there? Hercules cast a­way his mantel a farre, and took his sword that was strong, and without any worde hee gaue so great a stroke to the souldiour that was not armed, that he cleft his head from the highest part downe to the ground. Many other souldiours that were there, séeing the stroke, cried, and béeing afrayed, ran to their axes and clubs, and some were of them that put forth themselues for to take Hercules: but Hercules smote off their heads, and beat them downe: and then began to a­rise a great vprore, and so great a noyse, that Lincus heard it. And thinking it had béene his porters that quarrelled, hée came running downe all vnarmed, for to make peace. As soone as Hercules perceyued, and saw him comming out of the hall, he drew vnto him with his sword readie drawne in his hand, crying, Hercules, Hercules, and smote him so that he cut off the right arme, and with the stroke he fell downe to the ground. And after he smote vpon one and other, that had no helmes on their heades, nor habergions on theyr backes, and then they knewe that it was Hercules. Hée [Page 286] slew them so thicke, that with the bloud that ranne downe, was made a right great rushing, as if it had béene a riuer.

Among these things the gentlewomen of Megara issued out of the pallace, and went into the stréetes crying with high and cleere voyce, that Hercules was come againe, and that hee had slaine Lincus. With these cryes all the Citie was mooued, the good men olde and yong, the widowes, wiues and maides ranne vnto armes with great courage, and assayled all about the men of Lyncus. There was a terrible battaile, and many people gathered togither, men & women against their enemies. In a little while all the ci­tie was troubled. When Hercules had put to death al them that he found in the close of his pallace, excepting Lincus whom he put in the guard and kéeping of the Quéene Iu­no, and of many Gentlewomen that came vnto him: then hée sprang into the stréetes, and shewed his sword, and smote downe right on all sides in skirmishing so mortally with the men of Lincus, all about where he might finde them, that by the helpe of them of Thebes, he made them all to passe the sharpenesse and cutting of his sword. And then was Thebes all glad: and Hercules returned into the pal­lace, vnto the place where the ladies kept Lincus. Then Hercules sent for to breake vppe the doore of the chamber where Megara was in, for as much as they could not finde the keyes, for they that kept her were dead. Megara then full of gladnesse came vnto her lord. Hercules rose vp to her, and would haue embraced her, and kist her. But Lincus, that thought on nothing but for to do euill, by the secret per­swasion of Iuno, turned him from it, saying: Hercules, let be my concubine, I haue taken my fleshly desires with her: she is of mine acquaintance, and the most luxurious ladie that euer I was acquainted withall.

When Megara heard the right great iniurie and wrong that the traitor charged hir with, she fel backward for anger being furious, without saying of any word. Hercules was al [Page 287] full of anger, and hote and full of great ire, wéening that Lincus had said truth, so he smote off the head of Lincus, and with the same sword that he had slaine the traitor with, he put to death Megara, who was with childe. Howbeit the Cronicles of Spaine tell, that Hercules slew not his wife, but that he put her into a religious house, that he ordai­ned in Thebes in the temple of Diana, renouncing her companie: and there it is saide, that this was the first re­ligion that euer was in Thebes. These things accompli­shed in the one manner and in the other, Hercules went forthwith and tooke out of prison Amphitrion and Philotes, and departed from thence al angrie and sore gréeued: so that at that time and long after he spake not: and went his way at all aduenture, accompanied with Theseus and Philotes, with the great bewailing of them of Thebes, which then after his departing crowned ouer them Layus the sonne of King Agenor of Assirie, for as much as he had wedded the daughter of the king Creon named Iocasta.

CHAP. IX. ¶How Hercules put to death the King Laomedon, and de­stroyed Troy the second time.

HErcules, Theseus, and Philotes, depar­ted from Thebes, and went into many diuers lands, séeking their aduentures. And passing by Licie where Hercules was made king, on a day they came in­to Mi [...]imidonie, vnto the pallace of the King Eson, where Iason was, which had enterprised for to saile to the Ile of Colchos, and made his things readie. When Hercules had béene feasted of Iason and of Duke Peleus, and that he knew of the enter­prise, that Iason would go and conquer the fléece of Gold, hee vowed and promised that hee would accompanie him [Page 288] And if fortune would be with him, he would aduenture to bring his enterprise vnto an end. What shall I make long processe? Iason and Hercules made readie a right good ship, and went to the sea, and renewed not their victuall till they came to the Port of Troy. And then they renewed [...] them at the port, for the king Laomedon was then in Troy, which had fortified maruailously the Cittie a­gaine: and knowing that there was landed at his Port a shippe full of Gréekes, hee sent downe a man that com­manded them rudely, that they should departe thence, and that he was enemie to the Gréekes. Iason (as Cap­taine of the armie) answered coueteously the messenger of King Laomedon, and prayed him that hee might haue victuals for his money. The messenger answered him, that hee should haue none there, vnlesse they gat it with the sword. Then Hercules might no longer tarie, but sware to the Troyan, that if he might returne from the voyage that he had enterprised, that hee would yet once againe destroy Troy, and that he would not leaue one stone vppon another. With this conclusion Hercules and Iason departed from Troy, & by fortune they were brought to the port of Lemnos, whereof was a woman Ladie and Quéene, named Hypsyphyle, which waxed amorous of Ia­son, as it is conteined in the historie of Iason. In this port of Lemnos Hercules was aduertised, that thereby was a king named Phyneus, which suffered himselfe to be gouer­uerned by an auaricious woman. Phyneus had béene mar­ried to another woman before, and had by her two sonnes. These two sonnes were vnrightfully by their stepmother put to exile. For to say the verie truth, his second wife was so corrupted with auarice, that she tooke from the King his riches, and held greater state then he. When Her­cules had knowledge thereof, hee went and spake to king Phyneus, and to the Quéene, and shewed to them their vi­ces in so good maner and fashion, that the two children were called back from their exile, and that the king held his estate [Page 289] royall. Then returned Hercules into Lemnos, and tooke the sea with Iason, and went into the [...]e of Col [...]os, where Iason by the learning and industrie of Medea, conquered the shéepe with the fléece of gold, which he bare with him in­to Gréece. Then Hercules recommended greatlye Iason among his parentes and fréendes, and told them of the right great vnkindnesse of the king Laomedon, and how that hée hadde sworne for to destroye Troye for the rigor that the king Laomedon had doone vnto them. They swore all to­gither with Hercules the destruction of Troye, and conclu­ded the day of theyr departure, and after made ready theyr shippes, and all that was necessary for them. And then Her­cules helde so well his couenant in theyr army, that at the day concluded among them they entred into the sea, and did so much trauaile that they landed at the porte of Troye, with so great an host, that Laomedon durst not forbid them the Porte.

Iason was at that tyme in a farre straunge countrey. Her­cules had with him many noble men, And among all other there were with him the king Thelamon, Aiax, the duke N [...]stor, Castor, Pollux, Theseus and many kings and dukes At the landing of this porte, which was of strong entrie, Hercules, that nothing doubted his enimies, made to sownd and blowe vp trumpets and labours, and made so great a noyse, and stirre, that the walles of Troy, and of the Pal­lace, redounded thereof, and that Laomedon séeing (out of one of his windowes) the hoste of his enimies, was a right great while in a thought whither he might go to battaile a­gainst them, or no. It happened to him, that as he was thus pensiue, he beheld toward the market place, and sawe there more then thirtie thousand armed men: which enfla­med his hearte in such wise that he went and did arme him, and (all his thoughtes and pensiuenesse put a parte) came to his people, whome he warned and desired to doo their part and deuoyr. And after, himself, trusting in fortune, issued out into the fielde in order of battayle with good conduct: and [Page 290] although he supposed that Hercules was in the army landed at the Port, whom he doubted, he marched vnto his ene­mies which ioyed at his comming. And then beganne the Troyans and the Gréekes a right hote skirmish, with so great murther and manslaughter, that at the ioyning there was many a man hurte. Hercules fayled not to smite and trouble his enemies: he cast his eies on high, and saw the banner royall of Troy: he fought and smote downe on the right side and on the left side, and with his club he smote downe vnmeasurably, that he came to the banner, and fin­ding there Laomedon that did maruailes of armes vp­on the Gréekes, he smote him with his club often times vpon his helme, in such wise as he might not saue himselfe, and that he pearced his club within his head and braine, and with one stroke he slew him among plentie of Gréekes lying dead on the sea sand, ending there his miserable life.

After hee smote vpon them that bare the banner, and rent the banner, and then were the Troyans all discomfor­ted and cryed: Let vs flie, let vs flie. And with this crie that was impetuous, they beganne to retyre and go backe vnto the Citie wéening to saue themselues. But the Gréekes spoyled them with the poynts of their swords and cuttings of their sharpe glaines, so mortally, that in sleaing and killing the most parte fell dead like as the tem­pest had runne among them. They tooke the Cittie, so troubled with the death of the King Laomedon, that there was none or right little defence among them. In entring into the gate of Troy, Thelamon was the first man, and Hercules was the second, and then Hercules founde well the hée did right high chiualries. Priamus was not at that time in Troy, but he was gone into the East by the commaundement of King Laomedon, after his returne from Thebes. What shall I say? fortune ha­uing cast downe the King Laomedon (as is sayde) by [Page 291] the strong hand of Hercules. Besides that, he put into Troy Hercules and his people, which brought them all to the [...]ewing of theyr swords. They entred into Ilion, and pilled it, and after did trie hauocke vpon all the treasures of Troy. In likewise they tooke Exiona the daughter of the King, whom Hercules gaue vnto Thelamon, requiring him to take her, forasmuch as he was the first that entred the Citie. And when they had taken all that they found good in Troy, for a finall vengeance, Hercules heat downe the Towers and buildings: and put the fyre therein: in such wise, that there abode not a stone vppon an o­ther, &c.

CHAP. X. ¶Howe Hercules and Affer assayled by battaile the Giant Antheon: and how they vanquished him in battalle the first time.

AFter this generall destruction of Troy, when the Gréekes were departed, and Hercules had left them, the Gréekes returned into Grece, with great glorie, and Hercules went by the Sea séeking his aduentures, accompanied with Theseus, and Philotes: and it happe­ned him, that as he arriued at the port of Alexandria, he found in this port a great armie. When the Captaine of the armie saw him come to ankre, he knew by the ensignes of Hercules, that it was Hercules: and for that he had heard him recommended aboue all maner men whatsoeuer they were: then hee came vnto him all full of ioy, and sayd to him, Lord of noblenesse and treasure of vertue, among the people, most mightie, and among the kings most resplendant in all glorious vertue, I salute you, and request you, that I may be your seruaunt and friend. [Page 292] And thus saying, he was on his knées before Hercules, and in signe of humilitie, he kissed the earth. When Hercules saw the salutation and the maner of the doing of this man, he tooke him by the hand, and (lifting him vp frō the ground) saluted him, and after demaunded of him his name, and to whom that army belonged that he sawe there? He answe­red him, that he was named Affer, sonne of Madiane, the sonne of Abraham, and that in that army was none other captayne nor chéefe but himselfe, and that the Egyptians had ordeyned him duke and leader of this hoste, for to go into Libie, for to destroye the countrey in vengeance of the e­uill and harmes that the tyraunt Busyre, that was of Ly­bie hadde doone to them, in suche wyse as hee well knew.

When Hercules had vnderstood the name and the affayres of Affer, he tooke him for his fréend: and sayd to him, that he would accompanye him to conquer Libie. After he than­ked him, and brought him into a right rich ship, where he feasted him as much as to him was possible. They had not long abiden there, but they went vnto the sea with great gladnesse, for the Egyptians were so ioyous and gladde to haue Hercules with them, that they thought and beléeued verily, that there might no mishappe nor euill come to them. Hercules found in the said ship of Affer, the wife and also the daughter of Affer, This daughter had to name Echée: she was the most faire gen­tlewoman of all the world, and yong and fresh. By the dai­ly sight of her, Hercules became amorous of her, and re­quired her to be his wife. Echée answered, that of her selfe she might not accord to his demand: but she said, if fortune giue mee so great a grace that I might be your wife, I should haue more cause to thanke the gods, then any wife liuing. Hercules was right well content with the Damosell: and by her perswasion, called Affer, and required him that hée woulde giue to him his Daugh­ter to bee his Wife. Affer thanked Hercules for that hée [Page 293] vouchedsafe to demaund his daughter: he that was the most excellent of nobles: and sayd to him, that he should take her and doo with her his will and pleasure. Hercules e­spowsed and wedded Echee, by the consent of Affer, and they lay togither, paying the due debte of mariage in such wise that Echee conceyued of the séede of Hercules. What shall I make long processe? Hercules and Affer sayled so long that they found the porte of Lybye, where nowe stan­deth Carthage, and there they arriued and tooke land, in a night which was cléere, and after they entred hastely into the countrey, and beséeged the Cittie of Lybie, without resi­stance or gaynsaying.

In this Cittie was then a great giant named Antheon great aboue measure aboue other giants, the most strong and the most conquering that was in all the partes of Europe and Libie, Cirene, Trypoly, Mountaynes and all the Iles enhabited in these countries vnto the Iles fortunate. This king then aduertised of the coming of the Egiptians, was passing angry, and sware that neuer none of them should re­turne agayne into Egipt.

Assoone then as he might he did cause his men to arme them and issued out of the cittie with a great company of Li­byans, and had so great haste to runne vpon the Egiptians, that he sette no order among his people, whereof he tooke great harme? for when he came to the battaile, hée founde that Hercules had trayned his people, and set them in two battailes, of which he lead and conducted the first battaile. It happend so, that they of the sayde companye of Hercules, by force of shot, bare thēselues so valiantly, and with strokes, that they brought to death more then fiftéene hundred Ly­biens. When the shot fayled, Antheon sprang into the greatest prease, as the most valiant, and supposed wel to haue skirmished with his enimies: but anon as Hercules sawe him come, hée layd hand on his club, and put him foorth be­fore and gaue him so great a stroke, that he made his head to bow on the left side. Antheon had his sword lifted vppe [Page 294] for to haue smitten Hercules, when he receiued the stroke that Hercules gaue him, by which his stroke was broken. Neuerthelesse he said betwéene his téeth, that he would a­uenge him: so hee lifted vp his sword againe, and smote Hercules so vehemently, that with the stroke he brake his shield. Then knew Hercules, that the giant was a man of great strength. This notwithstanding, he smote him the second time with his club: and thus Hercules and Antheon gaue each other so great strokes, that there came betwéene them of the two parties, Libians, and Egyptians. There was a great noyse of clinking of swords and sounding of the shields and helmes that were broken, and halberds that were dismailed, shieldes quartered, and glaiues broken: there was the bloud largely shed on both parties. Hercules and Antheon were parted by force of the prease. Antheon by great ire smote without ceasing vpon the fierce Egyp­tians: Hercules all broke the helmes largely with his club, and did with the Libians all his pleasure, and brought so many to death with his club, that in little time he passed throughout the whole power of king Antheon many times, and in his way he couered the earth and the way that hée held all with dead Libians. The first skirmish was strong and damageable to Antheon: for against one Egyptian that he flew with his sword, Hercules made die with his club ten Libians. About Hercules was nothing but bloud, Her­cules made the mountaines redounde with cries, the com­panies to tremble, the Libians to flie and go backe, and wan little gaine. What shall I say more? as long as the day en­dured he helde the battell in vigor, and about the euening, when Affer and Theseus came to the fight, he bestirred himselfe in such fashion against Antheon, that he made him flie, all charged with horions and strokes, and then in like wise fled after the Libians.

CHAP. XI. ¶How Hercules tooke king Athlas: and how he beganne to studie the science of astronomie, and the seauen liberall sciences.

WHen Hercules saw the Libians turne into flight, he did cause to sounde the retrait, for as much as it was late, and with great glorie returned into the place that he had chosen for to holde his siege at. His wife Echée came against him with open armes and be clipped and kissed him: she holpe to vnarme him, and brought him fresh water for to wash his face with, and there was made right good chéere of all the Egyptians. Contrary to this good chéere, the Libians were in the Citie and made great sorrow, for they had lost neare thirtie thousand men: especially Antheon made simple cheare, for he had good cause: for Hercules had so beaten him with his club, that hée might not helpe himselfe, but went with great paine to bed, and with sorrow sent for his Phisitions and Sur­geons, which came and visited him, and founde him all bruised, and saide to him, that it would bee well neare a moneth ere they could heale him Antheon considering his case, sent and desired of the Egyptians truce for the space of a moneth, offering to them for to send them dayly a certaine number of cattell, and a right great quantitie of victuals. Then he made out his commaundements, and sent vnto al the kings and princes that were his tributaries, and also vnto his neighbours, praying them that they wold come & succor him with their men of arms, in the most hasty wise that they might. This truce so made, Hercules began to re­member [Page 296] thē, that before time he had heard Philotes speak of a king that reigned thereby named Athlas, and that he was the most wise man and cunningest of al the world, and that he dwelt in a Castle standing on the top of a right high mountaine named Athlas, after the name of the same king. In this remembrance, Hercules being couetous of the sci­ence of Athlas, called Philotes and said to him, that hee would go into the Realme of the king Athlas, and that his intent was to séeke there his aduenture. Philotes an­swered and saide, that he could well leade and bring him into the Realme, for he knew the countrey. Then Her­cules called Affer and Theseus, and charged them, that they shoulde alway make good watch. And after tooke leaue of them and of his wife, saying that he would hastily returne. This done, hée and thrée mariners with Philotes went vnto the sea in a gallie-finely made and light, and sayled and rowed into the sea Mediterrane: they had spéedie winde and readie, and Fortune was good to them. In little while they came vnto the straite of Gibraltar. And then Philotes shewed vnto Hercules the mountaine and the castle where Athlas was at that time abyding.

When Hercules sawe the mountaine and the castle, he went and tooke land ioyously: after he tooke his clubbe, and commanded Philotes and his marriners for to abide them there. Then he went toward the mountaine, and it hap­pened that he met with a man that discended downe from the hil, and he adressed him toward the said man, for to heare some tydings, and demanded him from whence hée came? He said, I come from the castle that ye may sée yonder on high. Whither go ye, said Hercules? vnto the Citie of Mer­celie, answered the stranger: the king Athlas to whom I am seruant, hath sent me thither to publish his commande­ment vnto the Citizens, that within sixe dayes they should be furnished with their armes, for to accompanie him to go vnto the warre of the great king of Libie, [Page 297] which requested instantly to haue his succours. Wherefore if ye will serue him in this armie, and be his souldiour, go vp and ye shall finde him in his Castell studying the science of astronomie. The seruaunt of King Athlas with these wordes went forth on his way, and Hercules went vp into the mountaine, and came to the gate of the Castell, where hée found foure knights, that demaunded of him what he would haue? Hercules answered, that his will was for to speake to the king, for certaine matters that touched him. The foure knights (not thinking but good) brought Hercules within a great hall, wherein were all the men of king Athlas, assaying them with swords and axes, foras­much as they had heard say, that they should go to warre and they were all armed.

When these knights had brought thither Hercules, they gaue knowledge vnto the king, that a strange giant asked after him, and would not tell them the cause why? Then Athlas went downe, and found Hercules armed with his skinne of the lion, and asked him what he was? Then he an­swered and said, hee was Hercules that hath conquered Philotes and the garden with the shéepe of thy daughters: I am now come hither for to conquer thée with thy sciences. Wherefore it behooueth thée, that thou do to me obeysance, and giue ouer to helpe the great Antheon mine enemie, and that thou come to me. And if thou wilt not do so, arme thée hastily, and defend thée with armes, and that I demaund of thée: and if thou wilt not consent thereto by loue, I will make thée accord to it by force. Athlas was excéedingly discouraged when he knew by the mouth of Hercules that it was he that had late conquered Philotes, and had slaine the giant his fellow, taken his shéepe, and also newly had assay­led by warre Antheon, to whom he had promised to giue suc­cours: and also considered, that he willed that he should yéeld him to him: his heart then began in him to swell for anger and pride, and in great rage he said to him O thou presump­tuous Hercules, how art thou so hardy to come alone before [Page 298] me: thou that I may not loue? Knowe thou that I haue had many a displeasure by thine outrage, for Philotes was my right great friend: and nowe thou art come to renue this displeasaunce, and wilt that I should yéeld mée vnto thée, that is not mine intention, &c.

Athlas with these wordes went into a Chamber there fast by, and commanded that euery man should arme him, as they did. Hercules had alway his eie vpon him, to the end he should not escape him. When he was armed, he came against Hercules, and chalenged him to the death. After he gaue him a stroke with his sworde fiercely. With the crie and with the stroke, all they of the fortresse assayled Hercules. Then Hercules put himselfe in defence, and laide about mightily by the rigour of his club, and with twelue strokes he slue twelue of his enemies. After he hurt and wounded many other, and spared long the blood of Athlas. But in the end, forasmuch as Athlas gaue great strokes to Hercules, Hercules smote him vpon the helme, without imploying of all his strength, and gaue him a wound in the head, that all astonied he bare him to the earth. From that time forth they of the fortresse, durst no more assaile Hercules, nor they aduentured them not for to reskew, nor to reléeue Athlas, but fled thence out of the Castell, and Hercules abode there alone with Athlas, and the dead bodies. So in the end when Hercules saw that they had giuen it ouer, he tooke Athlas, and made him to crie him mercie. After he went into his studie, and tooke all his bookes, which he laded vpon a camel, and after returned vnto Athlas, and constrained him to fol­low him. And when Hercules had done in the Castel all his pleasure, he departed accompanied with Athlas, and with his bookes, and brought him downe to the sea side, to the place where Philotes abode him, &c.

When Philotes saw Hercules come with Athlas, and his bookes, he had great ioy, and tooke acquaintance with Athlas, who was so sorrowfull that hée might not speake: and then they entred into theyr Galley, and went vnto the

Sea: Atlas was sorrowful, and troubled with the wound he had in his head. Hercules requested him instantly, that he would teach him his science. Atlas would in no wise do it at the beginning of his sorrow: but when he had conversed and tarryed with Hercules, as well for the bounty he saw in him, as by the perswasion of Philotes, which affirmed that Hercules was the most noble and vertuous man that ever was, he began to teach him all his sciences: wherein he learned and profited by quick and sharpe wit, that he attained to all, and that afterward he became the best Phylosopher, and the most [Page] perfect Astronomer in all the world. Thus studying, Hercules returned with great honour into the Army of Affer, and found at his coming, that his Wife had brought forth a fair Son, which the Egyptians had Crowned King of Egypt, where hee raigned afterward, and was called Dedon.

When Affer saw Atlas, and knew how Hercules had van­quished him, hee marvailed much of his prowesse which was so great, and of his wisdome that attained to such high things. But Hercules bent all his wit and study to learn the science. In the mean while a little and a little the time passed, and Antheon assembled a very great hoste, and was all healed of his wounds, and the Truce failed and expired, whereat the Egyptians had great joy: for they yet hoped to have victory of their enemies. And the Lybians hoped to revenge them of the shame that Her­cules had made them receive. When the Truce was expired, the day following Hercules made ready his battails of the one side, and Antheon ordained his on the other side. Antheon made thrée battails, the first of twelve thousand fighting men, the second of twenty thousand, and the third battel of thirty thousand. He then ordained himself King and chief Captain of the first bat­tail: in the second, he ordained the King of Getulie to be Go­vernour: and in the third, he made the King of Cothulie. And then when he had well set them in array, and trained them, in a morning he made them to march joyously against his enemies, expecting nothing but the hour when Hercules would charge them.

CHAP. XII. How Hercules assembled his battaile against Antheon King of the Lybians, which he put to flight, and slew the King of Cothulie.

HErcules had made of his folk two battails, the first whereof he conducted. Affer and Theseus guided the other. When he saw the Lybians march, which made the greatest tumult and noyse in the world, he went forth before, and his Company fol­lowed. Then began the Trumpets to sound, and Tabours to [Page] make great noyse: the cry was great, they began sharpely the battaile, whereof Hercules and Antheon made the assay by a swift course, and with sharp Swords smote so sore together, that Antheon brake his Sword, and the Iron of the Sword of Hercules pierced the Shield of Antheon and his armes on his right side, by which he had a wound where the blood sprang out. Antheon was almost dead with sorrow when he felt the stroke, and saw that his Sword had done but little to Hercules: hée took his Sword, and Hercules took his, and they smote each other so hard, that Hercules bare Antheon unto the earth with one stroke, and had slain him, had not the Lybians runne upon Hercules on all sides, they gave him so great an assault that hée knew not to whom he might attend. Then Hercules imployed his Sword upon the Lybians. The Egyptians assembled them eagerly upon their enemies. Antheon relieved himself all a­shamed of his fall: applying all his puissance and strength to re­venge him, not upon Hercules, but upon them of his party. This Antheon smote eagerly on the one side, and Hercules on the o­ther. Antheon fought with great fiercenesse and anger, and Her­cules by Prowesse. The fiercenesse of Antheon was great, but the Prowesse of Hercules was so excessive great, that the Ly­bians fled him, and when they saw him they trembled for fear, at this battel, before the Sword of Hercules all bloody. Then the great routs of the Lybians were sore afraid, and kept no ar­ray: he smote off heads, and laid them down to the earth: his folk that were destroyed by Antheon hee gathered together a­gain. He made such work that the Lybians had the worse, and Antheon sent hastily to the King of Cothulie, that hee should come to his help.

The King of Cothulie at the sending of Antheon, departed, wéening to have come to the skirmish: but when Affer and Theseus saw him, they went against him, and hindred him. Then began the fight so great and mortal, that Theseus and Af­fer slew the King of Cothulie, beat down his Banners, his re­cognisances, and his Cotuliens, and smote so sore upon their bodies, that they went back, and were constrained to cry for help. The King of Getulie séeing this evil adventure, came un­to

the reskew, and found the Cothu­lians all discomforted. At his comming, the crye, the noyse, the tempest and strokes beganne to renew: ma­ny a valiant act, and manie a prowesse was shewes there. Many shewed their vertue and strength, and manie were slaine there. Theseus did there maruailes, but alway the Getulians helde them togither, and fought a­gainst Theseus by the space of thrée houres, and lost but few of their people vnto the time that Hercules brought them of the battel of king Antheon to discomfiture, & made them to flie, to saue themselues with the Getulians, that [Page 302] then discouraged themselues in such wise that after they had séene the battayle of king Antheon disranked and broken they might not lift vp their armes to defend them, but were slayne by little and little: and finally, they were brought to so straight limits and boundes, that they wist not where to saue them. And then they fled out of the place, dispersed by the fieldes and champaines, without leaders, guides, or captaines. And then Hercules put himselfe forth in the prease al before, among them that fled first of the Libians, so that he came to the gate of the cittie with them, and there he began to smite so vnmeasurably, that he put to death the Ly­bians flying thither, and the porters, and them that would resist him. Also he made the Egiptians to enter into the town. And Antheon séeing fortune against him in al points, fled into his pallace not accompanied as a king: but went at large in to the fields, by the conduct of foure moores only, that brought him into Mauritania after.

CHAP. XIII. ¶How Hercules fought againe, against king Antheon, and put him vnto the death.

BY this maner Hercules and the Egipti­ans entred into Lybie, and subdued it by force of armes. And Antheon was fled into Mauritania, where he assembled new folke hastily. They of Libie yéelded them al to the mercy of Hercules. When Hercules had thus daunted them of Ly­bye, and theyr neighbours, séeing Anthe­on, he made Affer king, and named it after him Affrique, and sayd that he fought not for his singular proffit & couetousnes but for lyberalytie, and for to enhaunce vertue. O most va­liant and noble Hercules, there was neuer man borne a­mong [Page 303] the paynims more liberall, more noble nor more ver­tuous. He would not be king of all the world: he was libe­rall, and imployed his conquest right well and wisely, and gaue all gis gifts aduisedly. When he had made Affer king, he enquired what lawes they held, and established among them the Sacrament of mariage. For at that time the wo­men were there all commune, and when it happened that the women hadde children, they gaue them to the men af­ter their Phisiognomies: and thus telleth Aristotle in his politikes.

Besides this sacrament, Hercules ordeyned vnto the Affricans, that they should hold the lawes of Gréece, and by right wise and politique gouernment, made the Affricans lyue reasonably and vertuously. And aboue all other things, he made them haue the order of mariage in great reuerence. When Hercules had ordeined all this, tydings came to him, that Antheon was come againe to chase him with manye Moores, that followed him. Then he returned toward An­theon and the Moryans, and there smote them downe with his club so deadly that he made it red with theyr bloud, and slewe them all and put them to flight so cruelly, that Anthe­on abode alone against Hercules, and fought against him bo­dy to body by great strength, and gaue him many strokes hard to beare.

But Hercules gaue to him so many and so large strokes that the Giant wist not how to saue him, and wéened to haue fled. But Hercules that ranne as swiftly as an horse ranne after him, and embraced him in his armes with all his might, and lifted him vppe into the ayer, and bare him ouer the hoste of the Maurytanes. And when hée came nighe vnto them, hée cast him downe dispiteouslye to the earth, that all to brused and forfrushed Antheon abode there dead. And his death turned vnto the Moores so great abashement, that they lost all theyr strength and puis­saunce, and were slayne by great excesse without remedy: they lost there y ^e king Antheō, y ^e king of Mauritane, y ^e king of [Page 304] Tingie, and many other kings, and all the honourable of the battaile: for in the end they all fled, in which flight was taken and subdued to the segnorie of Affrique the Citie of Mauritans.

CHAP. XIIII. ¶How Hercules and Theseus fought togither agaynst the two Damosels of Scythie, &c.

IN remembrance of this victorie, Hercu­les did make in the field a statue or i­mage of a man sléeping, in the place where he had put to death Antheon, and there vnder hée did burie the bodie of Antheon. And anon as the image, which was made of the bone of an Ele­phant was set vp there, the necke of the the image began to sound like as it had bene a man sléeping, wherefore the Moores had afterward the sepulchre in great reuerence, and worshipped the idoll. After this statue thus accomplished by Hercules, he went by Tingie and Ampe­loste, and by many other Countries, and conquered all the countrey that now is called Affrique, and gaue all to Affer, and Affer returned into Libie, and there he found Echée his wife dead by a grieuous sicknes: wherfore he tooke & made sorrow so great, that it was maruell. Then to forget this so­row, he tooke leaue of king Affer, and the Egyptians, and had thought to haue departed thence, but as he was in ta­king leaue, a damosell strangely arayed came vnto him and said, Lord of Libie, the Quéene of Scythie, Ladies of Egypt, of Cappadocie and of Asie, haue sent me vnto you: which la­dies haue conquered the said contries, in taking vengeance of the misfortune of their husbands now late dead: and haue abandoned their Countrey because of the great outrage that Vexores King of Egypt made in Scythie. And as [Page 305] asmuch as ye be of the linage of the Egyptians, they send to you, that ye submit you vnto their obeysance, for to do with you that that shall please them: or else, that ye come against them in battaile, for to eschew the effusion of blood. And they let you know, that they haue good right to subdue you, and that if there be among you two knights, that agaynst two of them will do feates of armes to trie their liues, they will deliuer to you two Ladyes in place conuenable, vpon con­dition, that if the Ladyes vanquish, and ouercome you, yee shall bée holden as vanquished, and bée a [...] their commaun­dement: and if your men ouercome the Ladyes, they shall bée reputed as ouercome, and shall bée subiect vn­to you.

Hercules hearing this gréeting and message of the La­dyes, aunswered vnto the messenger. Damosell, since that the Ladies of Scythie hée so chiualrous, that they haue con­quered the great Realmes of Egypt, of Cappadoce, and of Asia, they be sore for to doubt. Neuerthelesse for to eschewe the effusion of bloud, and for to defend the Affricans from their bondage, ye shall returne vnto them and say, that the battell of the two knights agaynst two ladyes, is accorded and agreed vnto them, for to be done to morrow, vpon the condition that ye haue said. Then Hercules, Affer, and many other swore and promised to hold these things, and did great honour and reuerence vnto the Damosell.

The Damosell hauing done her message, as is said, re­turned vnto the Ladies, which were entred a great way in Affrique, and tol [...] to them worde for worde, the answere of Hercules. The pr [...]ncipall or mistresse of all these Ladies, was named Synope, and had two sisters, so expert and strong in in armes, that they dread no knight of the world, the one was named Menalippe, and the other Hyppolita. Anon as these Ladies had receyued these tydings of the Af­fricanes, they had great ioy, and holding opinion that Af­frique was woonne by the strength of Hypolite, and Mena­lippe, which did maruailes in armes, they ordeyned that [Page 306] they should fight with the two Knights: and so for to do, they warned Hyppolite an Menalippe, which were on the morrow readie in the fields.

At the houre that was ordayned, Hercules and The­seus (sitting on two strong horses with a great companie of Affricanes,) rode into the place that the Ladyes had cho­sen for to do feates of armes in. There were the two La­dyes abyding, in a fayre place armed and well mounted on good stéedes, and by them were the other Ladies in great number. As soone then as Hercules and Theseus had espied the two Damosels, they made them that followed to stand, and come no neare, and sent vnto the Damosels, to wit what they would do. The Damosels aunswered, that they abode the two knights, and that they were readie to do déedes of armes against them, vnder the condition of their quarrell. And if they were come, they would come forth.

Hercules and Theseus, with this answere tooke their speares, and spurred their horses, and made signe vnto the Damosels. And they furnished with Shieldes and with Speares, ran agaynst them so chiualrously, that it séemed that they helde of heauen, not of earth, and at the coping of their sharpe speares, the strokes were so huge and great, on both sides, that Hyppolita and Theseus bare each other vnto the earth: and in like wise did Menalippe and Her­cules. The Affricans maruailed much to sée the two Prin­ces borne downe: and yet the Ladies of Scythia maruay­led much more of the Damosels, &c.

When the Knights on the one side, and the Damosels on the other side, found themselues lying on the earth, shame and abashment smote them vnto their hearts. Neuertheles, each of them got them vp as lightly, and with great cou­rage tooke their swords, and approched each other, and char­ging and smitting the one vpon the other so fiercely, that the Ladies and the Knights felt the strokes, Hyppolita pur­sued her man Theseus, and Menalippe held her vnto Her­cules. The strokes of Hippolita were great, and did great [Page 307] griefe vnto Theseus. Theseus enforced himselfe strongly to auenge him, and might not well come to his purpose. Hercules put vnder and ouercame Menalippe lightly with his sword, and put her in his mercie, but Hippolita main­teyned her force so mightily agaynst Theseus, that she had put him to foyle, had not Hercules béene, that sayd to him: Brother, what shall this be? where is the prowesse of The­seus? Shall that be daunted by the chiualrie of a Damo­sell? If it be so, certainly all men shall haue shame of your dishonour.

These words began to quicken, and to wake againe the blood of Theseus that was afore asléepe, and to lighten the courage, in such wise that he recouered a new force and strength, and put himselfe forth, and began to smite with such prowesse, that he made the Damosell recant, and tooke from her, her sworde, and conquered her: whereof the La­dyes were much gréeued and sorrowfull, and in especiall the Quéene Synope, which then sent to Hercules her armes, in token that she was vanquished, praying him that he would yéeld againe and render the two Damosels. And Hercules tooke the armes of the Quéene, and sent to her Menalippe, and made peace with her for the Affricanes, vpon condition, that she should giue Hyppolita in mariage to Theseus, which was amorous of Hyppolita. So then the wedding was made in Affrique with great honor and wor­ship. And the Ladies hearing tell of the maruaylous acts and déedes of Hercules, praysed him all, and held themselues happie and fortunate to be vanquished of him.

CHAP. XV. ¶How Hercules began to waxe amorous of Deyanira: and how Achelous & Hercules had battaile the one against the other: and how Achelous was vanquished.

AFter the conquest of these ladyes, The­seus tooke leaue of Hercules and of Af­fer, and returned into his countrey, for to bring home his lady, and went to the sea, for to go into Calcedony which lyeth in the opposite of Achaie & of Arcadia, for to sée a fayre ladye of excellent beautie, that he had heard greatly recommended by a Calcedonien that was in his companie. He did so much, what by sea and by land, that he came into Calcedonie. The king of that place had to name Oeneus, and had two daugh­ters, the one named Deyanira, and the other Gorge. Dey­anyra was the fayrest, and that was she that Hercules came for to sée. When Oeneus had vnderstanding and knowledge that Hercules came into his countrey, he had great ioy, and went against him, and receyued him embracing him so ho­nourablye as was to him possible. In entring into his pal­lace, the Quéene and his two daughters Gorge and Deia­nira welcommed Hercules. Incontinent as Hercules caste his eyes vpon Deyanira, that was the most fayrest woman that euer he sawe, and that she by desire right déepe was settled and rooted in the most déepe place of his heart, he felt himselfe rauished meruailously. This desire entred into Hercules all full of rayes of loue, and pearsed into his heart as sodaynlye as the rayes of the sunne passe through the glasse.

Deyanyra had so much beautie, and was so well accompli­shed and so glistering and shoone among the ladyes, that to her might be made no comparyson, not all onely in beautie, [Page 309] but with that in wisedome and bountie. She was the most precyous treasure of Calcedonie: and thither came many La­dyes & gentlewomē and other. Hir neighbors were al amo­rous of her, and especially the king Achelous that was strōg and puissaunt. This king had great seignory, and marched thorough the realme of Calcedonie. When then Hercules had béene there a space, in passing the time ioyously, and in beholding the behauior of Deyanira, it happened on a day that the messenger of king Achelous came to Oeneus, and sayd to him, that Achelous demaunded of him, if he would giue him his daughter: and that if he would not giue her to him at this time, he would molest and gréeue his countrey, and would make him warre. At this message Oeneus was troubled, and answered the messenger, that on the morrow he would giue him an answere. All that day Oeneus was pensiue, and sorry, and abode alone: and for to passe his me­lancholy, he came to Hercules. When Hercules sawe him so pensiue he adiured him in earnest wise that he should tell him the cause of his pensiuenes: who tolde it him, and sayde. Lord Hercules, since it pleaseth you to know of mine anoi­ance and gréefe, I will anon tell you the cause. There is hereby a king my neighboure named Achelous, great and fierce and proude, which many times hath required to haue to his wife Deyanira my daughter. I haue not béene in will to accord the mariage, for asmuch as I knowe this king a man of right euill life. And for this cause I haue had many menaces of him, and also this day his messenger is yet come againe to me and hath sayde to mée, that if I giue him not my daughter at this time, he will make mée war. Certes Hercules, if ye ye sée me pensiue, it commeth to me by this occasion, for I haue not yet giuen him his aunswere, but I must giue it him to morrow.

Neuerthelesse, I haue concluded in my selfe that I will not giue vnto him my daughter. And now when I sée veri­ly, that by the refuse of my daughter, it must néedes be that the war be open betwéene the aforesayde king Achelous and [Page 310] me, know well that I am displeased: for warre is the e­ternall desolation of the countrey, perdition and wast of the people and of goods.

Sir (said Hercules) it is néedefull vnto a man that he take and beare all that fortune will. As ye say, warre is not in­creasing of people, but dimunition, yet by that extremitie it behooueth to passe, It is expedient that a man reioyce in his right. Right comforteth the courage of a man, and the courage of a man comforted, bringeth him often times to glorious victorie. A brute beast disgarnished of reasonable wit, fighteth for his hole and nest, with his clawes, with féete, with his téeth, and with his bill. What shall a man sensible and endowed with wit and reason, do with any as­sault (and namely in his owne land and territorie?) Nature willeth and instructeth that where corporall force faileth, vigour and vertue of courage worketh, and that they fight for their countrey. Take courage then in your right, and say your intent vnto your enemies: ye haue receiued mée worshipfully, & in my receiuing these tydings that be come, I wil help you if it be neede: and I suppose if Achelous as­saile you, he shall repent him.

With these words the king Oeneus comforted him­selfe greatly, and the day drewe ouer. On the morrow Oeneus called the messenger of Achelous, and said to him, that he should come no more to demaund his daughter: and that he was not minded to giue her to his maister: and furthermore, if he mooued warre against him for this cause, hee had intention to defende himselfe vnto the death of the last man of his people. The messenger returned with these words, and tolde them to Achelous and all that hée found with him. Achelous was euill content with king Oeneus, and as hee that was ouermuch smitten with the loue of Deyanira, beganne to assemble his men of armes, in intention to make warre on king Oeneus, and to take from him his Daughter. Hercules was then in Calcedo­nie, and often times he was with Deyanira in gracious [Page 311] conferences. He found her so well adressed in all honest ma­ners, that all day he was the most part with her, and in the night he did nought but dreame and thinke on her: howbe­it, he sayd nothing to her that touched his amorous desires, willing first to shewe there his power in armes. It hap­pened on a day he opened a window that was by the garden of Deyanira, and casting his eyes downe, he sawe Deyani­nira, that sate vppon a gréene place, accompanied with many Ladyes and Gentlewomen. Then hee set all his minde to contemplate the excessiue beautie of her. After he desired her, and in coueting and desiring said. O Deyani­ra, thou that hast not the prerogatiue to know the hearts and the thoughts of men, if I should say to thée the tenth part of the loue and desire I haue to thée: thou migh­test not beléeue it. I haue gone many a countrey, and séene mannie a Realme and many a treasure, I haue de­sired many a thing. But of all, for to come to my wished blisse, I was neuer in so great thought as I am for to get thy grace.

The same houre that Hercules spake by himselfe, Deya­nira was not idle: shee hadde Hercules in her minde, and remembrance, & in hir heart, then being rich in the points of loue, sowen betwéene variations of hope and despayre, was esprysed in all her veynes with the heate of that fire that burneth amorous hearts. This fire burning, was strong and very hard to quench, or to couer the right pear­cing sparkle. Shée lay downe then vpon the grasse, and be­ganne to say in her minde. Alas Hercules, what shall Deyanira do? she may not come to attaine vnto your loue, I was wont not long since, not to daigne to behold a man, and then said, that neither Prince nor King should haue my loue. Nowe I am all of another nature, and desire no o­ther thing, but that I might bee your wife. I haue suppo­sed to haue remained and continued a stable virgin, and I only was disdainer of men, contrary to the requests and ad­monitions of the ladies: these be nowe farre other tydings. [Page 312] with these words she ceased a little, and beganne to thinke on many other things. At this point, as she thought on Hercules, and Hercules on her, tydings came thither, that Achelous was comming for to besiege the Citie, by land and by sea, and that he was very neare by. For these tydings arose in the pallace a great murmuring, that came to the eares of Hercules and of Deyanira: their spirits were tra­uersed in such fashion, that Hercules left to behold Deyani­ra, and the damosell left to thinke on Hercules, and both two went vnto the king Oeneus.

Anon as Hercules came vnto the king, and that the King saw him, he went against him, and said to him, that his enemies were verye neare the Citie, Hercules an­swered ioyously, that it behooueth to go feast them: and willed that he put his people in armes. At this answere of Hercules, the king did sounde to armes, and with this sound all Calcedonie was mooued, and each man made him readie. Hercules and his Gréekes were ready in a little space. The Calcedonians assembled by great companies in the pallace. When they were assembled, the king and Her­cules brought them into the field, and Hercules put them in order: that done, he did cause them to march, and the Calce­donians and Gréekes so sped them on an after dinner, that they came and found their enemies, and approched them so nigh, that there was nothing to do but to smite and lay on. Hercules had made two battailes, one and the first with his people, and the other with the Calcedonians. When they came to the poynt to méete, Hercules went to the Calcedo­nians, and in the presence of the king sayde to them. Lo héere yee may sée your enemies that sette little by you, for they be come into your Lordshippe to assayle you. I pray you that the great outrage of them abate not, nor mi­nish your courage. Ye ought herein to haue the fierce­nesse of a Lion, the puissance of an Elephant, and bée gréedie as a Griffon, for to deliuer you without ende, from the enmitie of king Achelous, in kéeping your [Page 321] countrey, your dominion, your honour, your treasures, your wiues, your children, and that more is, your liues. Be ye then studious to doe well, be ye inflamed with de­sire of vengeance, be ye couetous to get worship and glo­rie. If ye shew not your selues valiant at this time, ye may not haue any thing but beggerie, or seruitude to death: for your enemies will doe vnto you all the euill of the world, if they haue victory ouer you. These wordes wrought in the hearts of the Calcedonians, and gaue to them courage marueilously. And all they with one right good will desired the battell. When Hercules had fini­shed his exhortation, hee went to the battell: for it was come to the point to fight. Then were there great cries on the one side and on the other: tabors, trumpets, clari­ons, harnesse, and weapons began to sound: knights be­gan to stirre at the entrie of the battell. Hercules and the Greeks shot and drewe largely vpon their enemies, and made Achelous all abashed, forasmuch as hee hoped not to haue founde so great resistance with the Calcedonians. Then they cast their eyes vpon the banner of Hercules, and seeing the great Lion that was painted therein, they began to imagine that there might be Hercules, of whom was spoken thorowout all the world, for his vertues and his strength.

When they were thus imagining, the shot failed, with great slaughter of them of the partie of Achelous. When the shot was so failed, Hercules tooke his sword, & went vp and downe among them of Achaie, that were in th [...] first front of the battell of Achelous, and there made an hole so great, that the Calcedonians & the Iconians wan vpon them at the first ioyning, and made the other partie to recule, and goe backe, whereof Achelous had great sor­row: and hee tooke to him twentie knights which were chosen, and came & ranged with them there, where Her­cules scattered and brake the battell of the Achaians. There hee approoued his courage lustily. This strong [Page 322] giant, and his horsemen so valiantly fought, that the Gréekes entring taried and abode, and also Hercules: for they died their swoordes and the earth with their bloud, and beat downe many Iconians. And there was the strife so great, that men might sée nothing els but heades and armes flie into the fielde. Hercules smote no stroke but it cost to Achelous the death of a man. Achelous in like maner stroke for stroke smote down one of his enemies. The residue of their folke did the best they could, now be­fore, now behinde, and yet might neuer the Achayans confound and put backe their aduersaries, howbeit they were alway foure against one: and the Iconians were in great number, and they had alway fresh people and new. In this maner the two puissaunces fought together more then foure houres. Loue wrought sore there, in Hercules and in Achelous, both two made their swordes to flou­rish couered with bloud. They met oft times and smote ech other, but neuer durst Achelous abide before the sworde of Hercules, for the horible strokes that hee sawe Hercules giue, but he put him in the prease assoone as hée had smitten him, or had angred him.

In this battaile Hercules did wonders and maruailes. Oeneus tooke a great pleasure to beholde him, and the Achayans had therein displeasure, for they that saw him, were no more assured to escape the death, then he that fa [...] ­leth the sword in his necke in the hand of a tyrant. There receiued no manne a stroke of him, but he abode in the place: he made so great a slaughter, that no man can well write it. In the end, king Oeneus with all his Calcedo­nians came to the battaile: in his comming the Achay­ans receiued losse vpon losse, and perill vpon perill. The king Oeneus made many of his enemies to die. Hercules shewed his puissance more and more: by his well doing, he put the Achayans all out of aray, and after vnto flight: and the losse of the field turned greatly vnto the damage of king Achelous: for Hercules chased him shamefully [Page 323] into his shippes, and made him to loose twelue thousand Achayans, &c.

CHAP. XVI. ¶How Hercules put to the worst king Achelous: and how he espoused Deianira.

AFter this victorie, when Hercules sawe that the king Achelous saued himselfe by the sea, he called the king Oeneus, & sayd to him, that he would pursue his enemie, & that he would deliuer the world of him: and after tooke an hundred of his chosen men, and tooke leaue of the king Oeneus, and went to the sea, following after Achelous, recommending him to Gorge & to Dei­anira. In this night Oeneus after the departing of Her­cules, returned into Calcedonie, and tolde his wife and his daughters the high prowesse that Hercules had done in the battaile, and how he had chased his enemies, and how he was gone after with two hundred men. The la­dies Gorge and Deianara were right ioyous of the victo­rie, but it grieued them sore that Hercules with so litle a company pursued Achelous: and aboue all other, Deia­nira was greatly vexed and grieued at the enterprise of Hercules, so sore that she went into her chamber, and was constrained to wéepe, and not to haue ioy in heart vntill the returne of Hercules. For to returne vnto the purpose touching Hercules, when he was put to the pursuit of A­chelous, as is sayd, he entred into his realme, and follow­ed him so nigh, that hee was constrained to withdrawe himselfe in a right strong castle standing by the sea. Her­cules besieged Achelous in this castle. When Achelous sawe that Hercules pursued him with so little a com­panie as with two hundred men onely, hee called his friendes and his leaders of menne, and among other things tolde them, that it was a shame for them to suffer [Page 324] themselues to be besieged with so little a number of peo­ple. They answered, that he had sayd trueth: and conclu­ded, that the same houre they woulde issue out, and raise & breake the siege, and foorthwith they sounded to armes with short counsell. It was not long after that they issu­ed out of the castle, but Hercules espied them, and knewe that they came to the battell: he set his men in aray, after hee went alone before vnto his enemies, as he that doub­ted of nothing. When Achelous saw him come, he began to make a great sigh, and cried vnto his people, vpon him: saying that it was he with the clubbe that had chased him out of Calcedonie, and promised great giftes vnto them that best belaboured him with strokes. But when his folke knew that it was Hercules, they made curtesie ech to other for to go before, and trembling as the leafe on the tree, they durst not abide the weight of the clubbe: but without smiting of any stroke turned their backs, and fled vnto the castle.

Achelous séeing the behauior of his folke, and the dread and feare that they had of Hercules, wéened that he should haue died for sorrow: so he went and entred againe with them into the castle. And Hercules returned with his people, laughing at the poore dealing of his enemies. Hercules beganne then to thinke on Deianira, and A­chelous beganne to imagine how hee might annoy the Calcedonians: hee had there one of his captaines that sayde vnto him: Sir, yee know well that your strength may not compare vnto the strength of your enemies: we be tenne against one, but that may nothing helpe vs: for, alonely the clubbe of the mighty giant that is with them, is enough for to bury vs all, and also for to destroy your realme. Consider ye then, since it is so, that open puissance and plaine strength may not be vsed at this time, it is expedient to imagine some subtiltie, for to gréeue the Calcedonians: and it is mine aduice that there shall be made a great flaming light in the sea, such as I shall well [Page 325] deuise, so as by that meanes they that haue besieged vs, may be deceiued lightly. This flaming light must be by night, and it shall be great and forcible: we will make it secretly: assoone as our enemies shal see it, they wil leape out of their tentes, and will goe vnto the sea for to see the marueile, peraduenture without any armes, for they dreade nor feare vs not, and then wee will set on them, and shall finde them vnfurnished and vnpurueyed of their armes, & consequently it may ensue, that of them all we shall make a notable riddance. &c.

When Achelous heard this counsell, it seemed to him good, and hee would that it were put in effect in such wise as he had deuised. The deuiser did make an hundred tor­ches, which were finished in fifteene dayes. During these fifteene dayes, Hercules assailed many times the castle, where Achelous was in, but he might neuer do any thing thereto, for the fortresse stood vpon the sea, and in a strong countrey, and might not bee gotten by assault, and Ache­lous might haue no succours from no part: for, betwéene this castle and Achaye was a great countrey. When the fifteene dayes were passed, and the torches were made, on a night when it was peaceable from winde & storme, they that carried the torches, issued out of the castle, foure of them vnto the hauen, where was left but one little boat which was on groūd, and had not in long time afore bene put to the sea. And if ye demand where the shippes were become that Achelous brought to this port, I say to you, that Hercules had caused to take them, and sent them into the sea, to the intent that Achelous should not escape him, nor take away the shippes by night. The Achayans then came to this litle boat lying on the ground, and plied them that they brought it aflote on the Sea as secretly as they could, and entred therein, with all that to them was necessary. And the king Achelous put himselfe in am­bushment with a thousande of his men, in a place nigh whereas him seemed that the Calcedonians woulde goe [Page 326] out for to see the light that should be made. Then when they that were in the sea, knewe that it was time to light their torches, they set them a fire and put them round about the mast, wherein were made as many holes as was torches. And so as they had imagined, they did. Anon the knights that kept the watch of the host of Her­cules sawe it, and sore marueiling at this light, awoke Hercules and his fellowes, and shewed them the light.

Assoone as Hercules saw the brightnesse of the torches, he would knowe what it was: and then he approched the bancke of the sea and his company with him, and had not béene long there, when the king Achelous did cause to light an hundred torches that hee had prouided, and after he issued out of his ambushment with his thousand men, and ranne vpon Hercules, and assailed him and all his men fiercely. But when Hercules sawe them discouer themselues, he set his people in order in the best maner he might, by the light of the starres, and receiued his e­nemies couragiously, where began a right dolorous bat­taile: for the one smote on the other very felonously, and there were many wounded and dead. The skirmish was great. Achelous thought to skirmish, but he was skirmi­shed with himselfe, vnto the effusion of his bloud: for Hercules among all other smote him on the helme, that he foundred, and gaue him a wound on his head that the bloud gushed out: and moreouer, hee tooke him, and deli­uered him to twelue of his men to kéepe. There were great cries, and great aboundance of strokes of swordes. Then were the torches quenched and put out by the force of the smiting of the Achayans, which desired great­ly to rescue their king: and so they abandoned their liues in the heat. But when their torches were quenched a litle and a litle, they began to coole them, and withdraw them, for they sawe nothing at all. When they were with­drawen, Hercules assembled his folke, and sayd to them, that he would goe assay if he might take the castle in this [Page 327] trouble, and that they shoulde followe him hardily and fiercely: and anon after, when he sawe his enemies re­turne vnto the castle, he ranne after and stayed them, and put himselfe in the thickest of them, and smiting with his club on the right side and on the left side, he made a right large place and way. And by this way he lead his people vnto the gate of the castle, where he entered with them that fled, and there made so great a slaughter of his ene­mies, that with litle resistance, that same night he put to death twelue hundred, and the other fled into the citie of Patrace, from whence they were. In this battell, and in the battell that had béene in Calcedonie, all the men of Achaye were slaine, except about a foure hundred, which saued themselues by flying: for Achelous had taken all his men with him, his countrey and his citie Patrace was all destroyed. When Hercules had taken the castle, afterward he went into the countrey and into the citie of Patrace: and entering into all places without any resi­stance, he set ouer this realme into the hande of king Oe­neus, and he abode not long after that he had subdued this realme, but he departed and returned into Calcedonie as hastily as he might for to sée Deianira: and there he was receiued with so great glory, ioy & triumph, that no man can rehearse ne write. The Poets report and write this conquest that Hercules made vpon Achelous, faining that Achelous fought first in guise of a man, and that then he was vanquished: after he changed himselfe in a guise of a serpent. This is to be vnderstood, in subtilnesse and in malice, as he did in assailing Hercules by night. To con­clude, hée fought in the guise of a bull, and that Hercules brake his one horne: that is to be vnderstoode, that at the last Achelous was fierce as a bull, for hee died well nigh for pride & sorrow that he was taken: and that Her­cules brake his horn, that is to be vnderstood that he brake his realme and destroyed it.

CHAP. XVII. ¶How Nessus tooke Deianira from Hercules when hee passed with her ouer the riuer: and how Hercules slew Nessus with an arrow.

GReat was the feast then, that the king Oe­neus made for the victories that Hercules had atchieued vpon king Achelous: For he doubted him passing sore. Hercules at his comming presented to him Achelous & his realme, and sayd to him that he should haue it without a­ny refuse. The king Oeneus sent king Achelous into ex­ile, and held himselfe greatly bounden and beholden to Hercules whō he honoured marueilously. Then Hercules tooke to his heart againe right amorous conceits: and also in like maner did Deianira, she had souereigne ioy to see Hercules, and desired none other thing but for to see him. What shall I make long processe? when Hercules had béene there a space, he required king Oeneus that he would giue him his daughter to wife. Oeneus with right good will agréed, and accorded to him, and Deiani­ra consented with better will. The wedding was solem­nized pompously and solemnely, and they went to bedde, and lay together. And soone after when Hercules sawe that his father in lawe had his realme in peace, he tooke leaue of the king Oeneus, and departed from Calcedonie with Deianira and his people, for to goe by land into his realm of Iconie. Hercules had alway in his iourney Dei­anira by him: he loued her excéedingly, & had great solace in her beauty: and if he had not studied with Athlas, he could not haue absteined him from beholding her beauty. In passing the time pleasantly in the maner that folke do that be new maried, Hercules iourneyed so farre, that he came to a quarter of Thessaly, where the riuer of Hebe­nus [Page 329] runneth, and arriued on this riuer, which was déepe and broad running impetously, and had neither bridge nor plancke to passe ouer, but there was a Centaure na­med Nessus that spent there his life, by the meanes of a little boate, in the which he carried the people ouer the riuer, &c.

When Hercules had found this passenger Nessus, he came to him, and demaunded of him howe he and his folk might passe the riuer? Nessus that knew Hercules since the time that he had vanquished his fellowes at the wed­ding of Pyrothus, aunswered to him, that hee might not passe the riuer but by his little bote. And if hee woulde passe, hee would with a good will doe him the pleasure to set him ouer. Hercules thanked Nessus: And forasmuch as he saw that the bote was but litle, and that the time was disposed to raine, he would that Deyanira and her damsels shoulde passe first. Deyanira and her maidens entred into the bote. When they were therein, Nessus rowed, and in the rowing, he beheld Deyanira, and hee looked on her so much y ^t her beautie rauished him. For as soone as he was come ouer on the other side, he took Dei­anira, and said that she shoulde be his wife, and then cat­ching hold on her, he tooke her on his shoulders and bare her away: wherefore Deianira and her damselles made great cries. And Hercules seeing that the olde giant bare away Deianira, which he would resist to his power, bent his bowe, and shotte an arrowe vpon the giant, with so great might and cunning that he smote him on the right side vnto the heart, and gaue him the deaths wound. The bowe of Hercules was so great and strong that no man could bend it but himself. Nessus, when as by his wound that Hercules gaue him, he began to féele y ^e approching of death, and to suffer sharpe anguish alway, he ran a great while after vnto a valley, where he fell downe, and consi­dering that his life had no recouery, hee emploied the end of his life to imagine howe hee might doe displeasure to [Page 330] Hercules, and remembred that hee had terrible poyson a­bout him and mortall, and said to Deianira by great ma­lice. Ladie, the loue of you hath caused me to receiue the death, which me displeaseth not so sore, as doth that cruel Hercules shall enioy you, which are worthy to haue a worthy man. Hercules is no true husband, but the vn­truest to his wife that euer was. And forasmuch as I haue singular pitie of you, and that your beautie constraineth me to doe you pleasure, I will giue you heere a pretious thing, and hauing such vertue, that if ye boyle it with one of the shirtes of Hercules with the bloud that runneth out of my wound, and if that ye giue the shirt to Hercules and that he weare it, he shal neuer after loue other woman ne lady but you.

And with these wordes the giant tooke the poison, and tempered it with his bloud, & wound it in a linnen cloth, and gaue it to Deianira. The foolish Deianira giuing credence to the giant, tooke the poyson. The giant char­ged her that no man shuld touch it bare, saying that then it woulde loose his vertue after the touching: and with that he gaue vp his ghost and died pitiously, and Deiani­ra escaped from his handes, purposing that shee woulde kéep that poison secretly at all aduenture, for to helpe her self, if it were néed. In the mean while that these things befell betwéene Deianira and the giant, Hercules was not in heartes ease for Deianira: for he was in great di­stresse when he saw Nessus beare away his wife. Assoone as he had smitten him on the right side with his arrow, as is said, he vnclothed himselfe, and cast his gown, his har­nesse and club, ouer the water by great strength, and af­ter he started into the water, and swamme ouer vnto the other side, and then as he put on his raiment, Deianira (again accompanied with her damsels that followed her) came to the riuer furnished with the cursed poyson. When Hercules sawe Deianira returne, hee imagined anon that he had slaine the giant, and went against her, [Page 331] and demaunded where the traitor was. Deianira aun­swered not at the first to this demaund, but saide to him: alas my Lord, in what perill haue I been? what oppres­sion? what dispaire of ioy hath oppressed mine heart? The traches of mine armes where yet is seene the print of the handes of the giant, shewe in what displeasure I haue been. The cursed glutton giant bare mee vnto the depth of a déep valley, where death approching by y ^e stroke of your arrow, y ^t made him to fall down, and he would ne­uer let me go vntill the last sigh of death. Certes, I haue suffered a great ieopardy, but thankes bee to the goddes, since I haue found you againe. And know you verily, that I am auenged of mine enemie, whom I haue seene die miserably, whereof I am all reioyced and glad againe.

CHAP. XVIII. ¶How Hercules fought against the serpent of the moore Lerna, and slew him, &c.

DEianira and Hercules kissed eache other by right great loue. After, Hercules went into the place where the giant lay dead, & forasmuch as hee found him depriued of his life, he let him lie there to the beasts & to the birdes, and tooke his arrow that lay by him. And this was the Arrow that Achilles was slaine with after in the temple of Phebus in Troy, for the loue of Polixene. Then Hercules and Deianira came againe to the riuer, and Hercules set ouer his men, and went frō that place into the citie of Lerna. The king of this Citie did great honor to Hercules, and receiued him as honou­rably as he could. Among diuers talk Hercules demanded him of his tidings. The king answered and said, that he knew none other, but y ^t in a great pallace there dwelled & abode a monster half man & half serpent, that destroied all [Page 332] his realme by common murder. For he said that all the men, women, and children that this monster can finde, he slaieth them with his taile that is inuenomed, with his clawes armed he deuoureth, and destroieth them with his téeth, and there escapeth none. And so it will come to passe that this countrey be desart: for the labourers nor marchantes dare not go by the countrey with lesse compa­nie then two hundred men: and if they be lesse, the mon­ster assaileth them, like as he hath done many other, &c.

Hercules was passing glad and ioyous of these tidings, and said to the king: Sir, I haue laboured yet hitherto for the common weale of manie realmes, and yet haue I the will to perseuer and to doe the workes of vertue. Know ye then, since that I am here arriued, I will doe somewhat for the weale of this countrey, like as I haue done for many other. And I haue intention for to put me in deuoire to morrowe on the way toward the mon­ster, and for to abide the aduenture, to vanquishe him, or to be vanquished of him. This monster was called Hydre, forasmuch as he dwelled in the waters. When Deianira heard the enterprise of Hercules, that he would go alone, and abandon himselfe in so great perill, shee be­gan to weepe and make so great sorrowe, that no man might apease her, nor make her stint her wéeping. Her­cules comforted her the best wise he could. Athlas & Phi­lotes comforted her in like maner, and shewed to her the right high and glorious déedes of Hercules, for to giue her hope in this aduenture. All that might not helpe nor a­uaile: she loued Hercules with all her heart, with all her might and puissance. She required him with her eies charged full of teares, that he woulde abstaine him from so high an enterprise; saying that it was no wisedome fo [...] a man to expose himselfe to so euident terrible daungers, and that the goddes had sent the monster into the country, for to correct and chastise the people. Notwithstan­ding that Hercules was very ardently in loue with her: [Page 333] yet her teares that she wept, nor her praiers, nor her rea­sons can cause Hercules to breake his purpose for to en­terprise this aduenture. But on the morne earely he cloa­thed him, and departed from Lerne, and tooke his way toward the moore, whereas was the monster.

This moore was long, and thrée miles in compasse, as the Chronicles of Spaine rehearse, and all enuironed with fountaines that sprung out of the high mountaines. In the middest of this plaine was a great lake or pond, wherin dwelled the Hydre on dry land. When then Her­cules was come to this place, the Hydre that neuer slep [...] with both eies, and that had alway the necke stretched on high and the eares open, had anon espied him, and so­dainly came against him running with great force. Her­cules abode when he espied the maruellous monster, and had great pleasure to see him: he was ten foote of heigth, and had as a long a taile: he was foule and couered with haire: he had his body armed, and in his right hand held a naked sword, and in the left hand he bare a shield. Her­cules thus beholding him, suffered him to come to him. Then the monster spake to him and saide: poore giant whether goest thou? behold this sworde sharply on both sides cutting: yet was there neuer man that heard me speake, but he died by the point of this sword. Forasmuch as I am the most wise creature that euer nature made, and that I am accustomed to make a question to such men as I finde, and then to destroy them if they cannot aun­swere thereto. And forasmuch as I find not in my realm, any but people as beastes, and without vnderstanding, I haue therefore destroied their bloud, and so will I doe thine, if thou canst not assoil a sophisme that I shal make to thee. O thou man serpentine said Hercules, thine elo­quence, thy prudence, thy cruell sworde, foule and pol­luted with infinite homicides make me nothing abashed, ne discourage me: I seeke thée, and am come hither for to destroy thee. And I will assaile not onely one of thy so­phismes, [Page 334] but as many as thou canst thinke: and will that thou well know, that if by force of my wit, I assaile thy sophismes, and fallacious argumentes, I will doe vnto thee like as thou wouldest doe to mee: and if it happen that thy science may not ouercome mee, yet will I that that thou defend thee with armes, and that thou kéepe thy life as well as thou canst, &c.

With these wordes the monster made vnto Hercules seuen sophismes one after another, all fallacious and sub­till: then when Hercules had giuen solution to one, the monster replied by seuen argumentes. Yet Hercules that was full of philosophie, and expert in all science, aunswered so substantially to all his fallacious argu­mentes, that hee sette hm at a non-plus. And for this cause the poets faine that this Hydre had seuen heades, as it appeareth in the first tragedy of Seneca, and say that when Hercules hadde smitten off one of his heades, that seuen other heades came againe in the same place. In the end then, for to pursue this matter, when Her­cules had so disputed against the serpent that hee yéelded him to Hercules, in such wise as he wist not what to say. Hercules said to him: Serpent inhumaine, wee haue fought long enough with the tongue. Take thy sworde, I may no longer withhold my hand from smiting vppon thee, and assay if thou be as subtill in armes as thou art subtill in language. Poore foole, said the serpent (which was full of pride) knowest not thou, that by my part ser­pentine I haue infected all this countrey, and I wil this day drinke thy bloud, and deuour thy body, wherefore make good watch, and kéep thee well.

Without mo wordes Hercules enhaunsed his sworde, for to haue smitten his aduersary, but he could not so soon haste him but the serpent gaue him first two strokes, one with his sword, and the other with his taile, wherewith he had almost smitten him down to the ground. Yet Her­cules abode standing, & with his sword y ^t he had lifted vp [Page 335] he smote the monster vpon the helme with such strength that he al to frushed the helme, and made him a wound in his head. At this stroke that the Serpent felt, he was full of furie, and with his sword smote Hercules the second time vpon the helme, with so great might that the spar­kles and the fire flew out, and the helme was broken. Her­cules that neuer before hadde receiued so great a stroke, promised him that he would reuenge it, and smote him right angerly. Their strokes were great and deadly, they smote eche other [...], and they were both two of great courage. But when fortune had enough cherished them both, she turned against the Serpent so earnestly: that af­ter many strokes Hercules smote his sharp sword within the helme into his head, and bare him downe dead vnto the earth.

Hercules had great ioy when he sawe the monster put to the foile, & he went for to fetch the king of Lerna, with Deianira, and his folke, and brought them for to see the monster. When he hadde shewed them the monster, hée made a great fire and burned it, and made sacrifice vnto the goddes. And by the fire hee consumed the monster Hydre. Wherefore there were giuen to him great and right high praises and thanks. And he was brought to the Citie of Lerne with great glory of Ladies and of gentle­women, which conueied him vnto the kings pallace sin­ging melodiously. Deianira thē ioyed greatly in the tri­umphant victorie of her noble husband. When Hercules had abidden there a while, he departed and went to A­thens, where Theseus receiued him gloriously. Then Hercules and Athlas held schoole in Athens, forasmuch as they of Athens were quicke of capacitie and of wit, and gaue themselues all to learn science: and there they were a great while introducing and enforming them of A­thens in philosophy and in astronomie. And especially in astronomie Atlas profited in such wise, that the students said, that he sustained and bare the heauen on his shoul­ders. [Page 336] O noble vertuous man. When Hercules had spent some time there, and studied so long that his doctrine had giuen light vnto the Athenians, hee departed from thence with great bemoning, and brought his wife vnto the citie of Licie. And then hee was so greatly renowmed, that from all the realmes of Greece there came dayly to him noble men and other, for to profit in vertue, in noble­nesse, in honour, in armes, in philosophy, in astronomie, and in all other perfection, &c.

CHAP. XIX. ¶How Hercules went into Spaine: and howe hee fought in the Sea against king Gerion, and vanquished him: and how he tooke the citie of Megidda, and entred therein.

IN the time that Hercules flourished in ver­tue, and that his name was borne from realme to realme by glorious renowme, as the Chronicles of Spaine rehearse, there was a king of the Citie of Megidda that standeth vppon the riuer of Gaudian which began to make his name to haue a great report by many bad mis­deedes and tyrannies that no man coulde tell the third part. This tyrant had to name Gerion, he was king of Andalos [...]e, and Destremadure, and also of the mountains of Galicia, and of Portingale. The Poets faine of this tyrant, that he had three heades, forasmuch as he had two brethren great giantes, the which were all of one nature, and of one complexion, and they were so vnited togither, that al that the one would, the other would: and they were neuer in discord. Gerion was the worst of them all. Hee did cause to be made a temple in the Citie of Megidda, and ordained that all they that were noble shoulde there haue their image and sepulture: and that men shoulde make there the remembrances of al the men of name that [Page 337] he should flea, to the end that there should be a memory of them in time comming. What shall I say of his deedes? he & his brethren tyrannized not alonely vpon the stran­gers, but also vpon his neighbours, and had pittie on no man, in such wise that he gat him an euil name, and that the Affricanes, whom they persecuted more then any o­ther, went for to complaine to Hercules, by the comman­dement of Afer, as to the soueraigne destroyer of ty­rantes and of monsters, and praied and required him greatly, that hee woulde deliuer them out of this tribula­tion.

When Hercules vnderstoode the complaint of the Af­fricanes, and was aduertised of the tyrannie that Gerion and his brethren vsed: He enterprised for to go into Hes­perie, and promised to the Affricans, that they shoulde haue right shortly lidings of him. And after asked them of the state of king Afer. And when they had tolde all that they knew, they returned with great ioy into their coun­trey. Hercules from thenceforth, disposed him for to go into Hesperie: wherefore his wife Deianira made great sorrow. The renowne of this voiage was anonne spred in all the countrey. In short time there came more men, of armes into Lic [...]e for to serue Hercules then he sent for, he was so good, bountifull and wise: and also valiant and so free that he gaue a way all his spoiles; wherefore eue­ry man woulde follow him, and good cause why: for no man followed him nor serued him, but that hee rewarded and enriched him in al wealth and worthinesse. When then his army was readie, hee tooke leaue of his wife Deianira, and departed out of the realme of Licie. Manie a teare was shed at his departing, as well of Deianira, as of his schollers that learned of him. Theseus and Hispan, Athlas, and Philotes were with him. During this voi­age, he studied oft times with Athlas, and was neuer idle without doing somewhat that ought to be remembred. Hee ariued in Affricke, where hee found Afer, which re­ceiued [Page 342] him worshipfully. From Affricke Hercules pas­sed by the strait of Gybaltar, and went into the Gades, that now we call Galicia, and peopled the countrey, for­asmuch as he found there good land, and deliuered this people for to gouerne vnto a noble man named Phyli­stines. This Phylistines as Bocace rehearseth in the ge­nealogie of goddes, was son of Phenis, king of Phenycia. And this Phenis was sonne of king Agenor, son of king Belus. Philistines then raigned in Galicia, and was af­ter named the Priest of Hercules, forasmuch as when Hercules had vanquished the tyrants of Hesperie, he foū ­ded there a temple which he held after in great reuerence. Alway as Hercules peopled and inhabited this land, hee did cause to bee made pillers or columnes high and maruellous great, and set them vpon the sea: and vppon euery piller or columne hee did make an image of hard stone, in the semblance and likenesse of a knight, like vnto Hercules all clad with the skin of a Lion. And there was one of the images that held a table wherein was written with letters of gold. Passe no further for to seeke land, ne go for to conquer further any realms in the West, for thou shalt find no more land, &c.

The noble Hercules went then into the countrey whereas standeth now the citie of Siuil, which was not then founded, and found by his science that there shoulde be builded a citie of great renowme: wherefore in memo­rie thereof, he set vp in that place a pillar of hard stones, and thereupon set an image holding in his hand written, that said: That there should be made one of the greatest Cities in the world. This land of Galicia appertained to Gerion. But then when Hercules had made this pillar aboue-said, and set it whereas now standeth Siuill: hee had a great will for to begin to build the citie, for the coū ­tray was passing good & commodious. But Athlas (by the science of astronomy) counselled him contrary, shewing him by certaine signes, that it was destinie, that another [Page 343] should make the citie. And therefore nigh the piller, he did make a columne of white marble, vpon which stoode the image of Hercules great & rich, that held one hand against the East, wherin was written: Here hath been Hercules. And with the other hand he shewed the writing that the other image held.

These thinges accomplished, Hercules departed from thence, and left to inhabite and keepe the countrey eight hundred men of his of the countrey of Scithia, that were strong and expert in armes, and with good wil they abode there, because the countrey was plentifull. Then went Hercules by the banks of the sea, into the last and further­most part of Europe, and sailed so farre that he entred in­to the riuer of Guadiana, whereas the tyrant Gerion dwelled and abode in the Citie of Megidda. The same time that Hercules entered into the riuer: Gerion went vp to the top of an high towre, where he might see all a­bout the countrey, for to espie if any person came, vppon whom he might exrecise his tyrannie. He had not bin long there, when he beheld the riuer and saw the army of Her­cules: And seeing this armie, he had great ioy, for him see­med well that in all haste hee shoulde subdue and ouer­come them. Without other delay hee assembled his com­plices, and sownded to armes. Within a little while all his men that were ready and furnished with arms, came vnto him for to know what he would? when Gerion was all armed, and ready for to go and enter into the battaile, he declared to his people his intention, after he entred in­to his gallies as hastily as he might, and went from Me­gidda approching toward the Gréeks. Thus rowing forth, it hapned him that he met a little boat: And from as farre as he sawe it come, hee went against it and arested it. In this boat were no mo then two mariners, & Hispan. Geri­on then called Hispan, and demanded of him whither hee went, & what he was? Certes sir, answered Hispan. I am a Greeke, & haue intention to go to the king Gerion, that [Page 340] is nowe in his city of Megidda, for to dispatch a message that I am charged with. Messenger (sayd the king) if yée séeke Gerion, yee néed for to go no further forth: for I am he, whom ye speake vnto. Sir (answered Hispan) since that you be he to whom my message apperteineth, I let you haue knowledge in the name of the vertuous Hercu­les, that he is an enemy to your vices: and for to correct your great and abominable trespasses and sinnes, hée is come into your dominion. Messenger (answered Gerion) how is Hercules so presumptuous as for to come vpō me, to take vpon him to correct my vices? he wote litle with whom he hath to do: go to him, and tell him, that he shall not be let to find me, but it shall be too soone for his health, and that I will feast him in such wise ere he escape mée, as I haue béene accustomed to feast strangers.

Hispan departed with these words, and returned vnto Hercules as hastily as he might, and tolde him worde for word what Gerion had sayd vnto him: and moreouer hée sayd, that he would méete with him right soone all prepa­red and ready for to begin the battell. When Hispan had finished his message, the gallies of king Gerion appeared, and were séene from farre. Hercules and the Gréekes had great ioy, and began a right great shouting, in sounding trumpets, fifes, and tabours. Gerion and his folke sée­ing and hearing their enemies, they likewise beganne to shoute, and to make a marueilous great noyse. The aire was then filled with a right great and ioyfull noise. In this vprore and outragious noyse, the two hostes ap­proched eche other. At the approching was not spared darts, nor round stones, nor arrowes. They of Hesperie had great aboundance of daries, which they vsed and cast on the Gréekes as it had béene raine. The cries redoubled on the one side and on the other, so that there were many dead and hurt. They were all men of warre: ech man bare him valiantly, and among all other, Hercules hauing the bowe in hand, slew as many of his en [...]mies as he shot ar­rowes. [Page 341] The shot dured long. When it failed they fought hand to hand. Then beganne the battaile to be eagre and hard. Gerion shewed himselfe a man boystrous and well expert in armes, and put to death many Greekes: but for one that he slew, Hercules slew ten of the Hesperiens, &c.

At the encounter that the Gallies made, there were many hurt, and strokes giuen. Hercules tooke his clubbe and in smiting one of the Galies, that thought to haue grapled and borded his galley, hee strooke with so great force, that he made it to cleaue asunder, and that the wa­ter came in so sodainly that the most part of them that were in that galley were drowned, and perished without stroke smiting. After this, Hercules came to another galley, and there did he maruailes of armes: all they that he raught with his club were dead or sore hurt. Some he smote the braines out of the head, and of other hee brake legges and armes. It seemed to thunder with him: hee did so bestir him, that eche man fled from him: and there was no man that withstoode him, or durst abide him. When hee sawe this, hee put himselfe forth to exploite great affaires. He leapt from gally to gally, and made so great slaughters, that his people by his good example a­bounded in valour of courage and puissance, and the Hes­periens diminished & lessened: and also they had so much damage, that all thinges went against them. And then Gerion, cūsidering that he might not but lose, and that for­tune was an enemy vnto him, he did sound a retrait, and so left the battaile.

CHAP. XX. ¶How Gerion assailed Hercules the second time, before Megidda, and how Hercules slewe his brethren, and van­quished in his battailes, & constrained Gerion to flie, &c.

WHen Hercules saw his enimies busie to with­draw them, he sounded the retrait, and foras­much as it was nigh night, and also because [Page 344] he had enclosed the Gallies of Gerion, in such wise that they might not returne into his Citie without passing by him. When the two armies were withdrawn, Gerion in the darkest of al the night, shipped & went into the sea, and went into the Citie of Valeritia, whereof one of his brethren was king, & put him there in safetie, in purpose to make the greatest army that he could to come vpō Her­cules. Hercules after the retrait, ankred his Gallies vpon the riuer of Gaudiana, and passed there that night. On the morrow when he saw that Gerion and his folke were fled, & were not vpon the sea within kenning, he rowed vp into the city of Megidda. There he tooke land and assai­led fiercely the city. The assault was eagre and sharp, and the Megiddans defended themselues, but they were so dis­furnished of men of war, that they might not hold it out, but opened the towne to the Greekes and yeelded them al to the will of Hercules. Thus was Hercules lord & mai­ster of the principal city that Gerion had, & he entred into it, and the Greeks with him. There had they good daie [...] the city was well prouided with vittaile. Since they de­parted out of Greece, they found no where so good fortune. What shal I say? Hercules held him there a space of time searching in what place he might finde Gerion. During these things, he went vnto the temple, for to thank y ^e gods. In this temple were many Sepultures garnished with right faire maruellous histories. Among all other there was one passing riche: for the remembrance of Gerion was there, as of a king of fine gold, and he was enuironed with 30 kings, whose heads were smittē off. Hercules a­bode at this sepulture, and demaunded of the Citizens wherefore serued the statues & images so rich. A citizen said to him, that there were the sepultures of the noble men of their realm, and that the king Gerion had brought vp that custome to make these Sepultures, for to haue re­membrance of them that were valiant in arms. Further­more (said that same man) as soone as in this countrey a [Page 345] man hath put a noble mā to death, then he doth to make a remēbrance of that dead man on his sepulture. And foras­much as king Gerion in his time hath slain 30 kings, he hath caused this sepulture to be made which you see, mea­ning to be buried here, in the end of his daies. When Her­cules heard this that the Citizen said, he answered, that he held himselfe happy, that he had escaped the sword of such a tyrant, that put so many kings to death, and made his Orisons, & his praiers vnto the gods: After this he re­turned to the pallace, and there came vnto him the mes­senger of king Gerion, that by the power of his maister commanded him to void the city, and the realm, or els to make good watch. Hercules answered, that he was entred into the realm, & also into the citie with strength of armes and that he would not go out therof vntil y ^e time that one had taken from him his sword and arms, by force of arms, or vntil the time that he put the countrey in obeysance.

The messenger returned from Megidda with this an­swere vnto Gerion, and told him what Hercules had an­swered him. Gerion was with his two brethren: they tooke the words of Hercules impatiently, and sware that they would auenge them of him. To make short worke: they went to the sea with a great army of men of armes. They rowed and sailed with all the strength they might vnto Megidda: the winde and fortune suffered them in few daies to come and arriue at the port of Megidda: And Hercules was aduertised of their comming, who suffered thē to take land, and let them rest that day that they came there: they were fiftie thousand men. At that time that they came a land it was late. When they sawe that the Greekes made no defence at their landing, they said one to another, that they durst not come and fight with them. And weening all to haue wonne aduantage, they thereupon concluded that on the morrowe they woulde assaile the Citie right early. Vppon this con­clusion, Gerion and his brethren purueied them of [Page 344] things appertaining to the assault, and menaced greatly Hercules and his Greeks for to slea them villanously. Hercules and his Greekes were then in Megidda, thin­king on their affaires, not only in the intention for to de­fend them from their enemies, but for to issue out the next day following, and for to assaile them by battaile, assoone as the night were passed. Then a little before the sun ri­sing, on the morrow, Hercules made two battails. In the first, hee put a thousand fighting men, and enterprised to conduct them. In the second hee put the residue of his ar­mie, and made Theseus captain of them. After this, when he hadde right well trained his people, and set them in a right good order, he admonished them to doe well their de­uoire, and had in minde to say to them certain things, but he might not finish his spéech: for that same time Gerion and his brethren, & their folk, made their approches to as­saile the citie, and made so great a hurly burly and noise, that all about it redounded, &c.

When Hercules heard this vproare, he did prepare opē y ^e gate, for to behold & sée what new thing was there. And at the issuing out he saw his enemies that hasted them to come to the forts and walles with ladders and other En­gines fit and necessary to make an assault. Then hee be­gan to laugh in himselfe, and bad his men to follow him: and he went straightway forth for to begin the skirmish. And assoone as the porter had opened the gates, Hercules marched vnto y ^e Hesperiens bringing his club with him. Whē Gerion saw Hercules come from far, he knew him, by his skin of the Lyon, and by his club, and shewed him to his brethren, that maruelled of him, because he came a­lone vpon them. Luther is our mortal aduersary, said Ge­rion: he is full of pride, and setteth little by vs: Let vs as­saile him al three, and destroy him: it is time: al the gold of the world shal not saue him. Hercules with these wordes came so nigh the three giantes, that he might well speake vnto them, and cried vnto them and saide: yee euill [Page 345] tyrants, lay downe your engines apperteining to assault: it is now no time to assaile the citie, but it behooueth you to dispose you to enter into battell. The battell is ready, beginne at me, and I at you, and let vs sight together till more come. With these words he lifted his club, and dis­charged the stroke so sore vppon one of the thrée brethren, that he cast his shielde before the stroke, and all astonied he bare him to the earth. When Gerion & his other bro­ther sawe their brother so borne downe and beaten, they smote with their swords vpon Hercules with great fury, and so imployed their strength, that they brake part of his armes. With these two strokes of their swords, Hercules receiued more then an hundred dartes vppon his body: howbeit the swordes nor the darts were not so hard tem­pered, that they could pearce, enter, ne hurt the armes of Hercules, ne Hercules left not to worke with his clubbe: but he it lift vp on high at that time, and strak it vpon the second brother of Gerion so lustily, that downe from the top of the helme, he all to crushed and bruised him, & smote him downe to the ground, like as an hard and great rock [...] had fallen on his head, &c.

Gerion was all afrayde for to sée so great a stroke, and with a wonderfull angry and fierce heate, he layde vpon Hercules, and gaue him so great a stroke vpon the helme with his sword, that he made the fire spring out: but the helme was so hard, that the sword might not enter. Then was Hercules enuironed with his enemies, and was smitten in many a place vpon his body. The Hesperians desired sore to sée their swordes and glaiues red with the bloud of Hercules, but Hercules put himselfe to defence, ioyous for that he might employ his strength vpon them. And when he prooued him thus vpon one and other, and would suffer none come néerer then his arme and clubbe might reach, and that his enemies more and more came about him, Malion, that was nephew to Vlisses, issued out of Megidda with a thousand men of the army of Her­cules. [Page 34] And séeing so great a company of people about Her­cules, and was assured that he fought there, hee and his people addressed themselues thitherward, making so great a crie, and setting on so valiantly, that in bearing downe all afore them, they came and founde Hercules, that he had slaine more then sixe hundred of his enemies, and that he feared yet nothing. They that bare ladders and other engines, were constrained to cast them downe to the ground, and to goe to the battell. The battell was there grieuous and hard: and there were many knightes slaine. Gerion bestirred himselfe terribly. His brother that was first beaten, after that he was borne out of the prease, came vnto the field againe, and in his comming he made a great roome among the Gréeks: he was strong and puissant, and bare a right heauie guisarme, the edge of which was thrée great foot long: he did maruailes with this guisarme, and beate downe so many of the Gréekes, that the noise arose greatly about him. And this noyse came to the eares of Hercules. Then left Hercules them that he fought with, and drew to the noise that pro­céeded by the cause of the giant. Assoone as he saw the gi­ant, that deall with the Gréekes as he would, he was not well content with that guisarme: and hee lifted vp his clubbe, and smote the giant vpon the shoulder, employing his strength in such maner, that the shoulder and the side hee all to brake, and bare him downe to the grounde, not fully dead, but in worse estate then dead, for he might not relieue himselfe, and must néedes die vnder the féet of the men of armes right miserably.

At this time Theseus and Hisp [...]n, with the residue of the Gréekes, came vnto the battell right ioyfully, and finding their enemies without ray, and without con­clud, they skirmished among them fiercely, and slewe so many, that all the place was couered. Hispan and The­seus clo [...] the heads of many knights vnto the téeth: they [...] right expect in the feats of armes. At their comming [Page 34] they made their enemies to retire, and wanne vpon them with so good fortune, that by their meanes and well do­ing, Gerion lost mo then thirty thousand men. In shorte time the battaile was such about Hercules, that his ene­mies wist not where to saue them. And Gerion being aduertised of the death of the second brother, turned his backe and fled vnto the sea, blowing his horne. When the Hesperiens heard the horne, anon they endeuoured so­dainly to commit themselues to flight; and they that might saue themselues, saued them without delay. Her­cules, Theseus and Hispan, with about twelue hun­dred Greekes followed them swiftly: they entered into some of their ships, and pursued Gerion, but they had not marriners so ready as the other had, wherefore they were a little letted. Howbeit, as farre as they might see, Her­cules pursued them onely with his twelue hundred men.

CHAP. XXI. ¶How Hercules pursued Gerion, and howe hee went and vanquished him, and put him to the death, at the port of the Corogne.

THus hauing finished the battaile for this day, to the great damage and dishonour of Gerion, and all to the honour and profite of Hercules, Malion abode in Megidda by the ordinaunce of Hercules, for to keepe the Greekes that abode there, and for to take the spoile of their enemies. Hercules on the other side, sailed and rowed after Gerion. Gerion perceiued him, and was sore afraid and fled all that euer he might. The flight du­red three daies. Gerion had good mariners, who kept them warily from bording of the ship of Hercules. And they sayled by the sea Mediterrane, from coast to coast, from floud to floud; nowe before and nowe behinde. [Page 348] But the end was such, that on the fourth day they were constrained to abide Hercules at the battaile vppon the sea or descend to land at the Corongne in Galicia. For to flie alway the death, whereof they were in doubt, they left the sea and tooke the land at a port, imagining that they should well defend them against Hercules, for they were ten against one. Anon as they had taken land at the port of the Corongne, they tooke and tramed them about the port, for to defēd the sea, which was strong for to take. And then Gerion warned his men, saying: loe nowheere is the houre or the day that wee must die or ouercome our enemies in. Fortune hath done to vs the worst she can. She was woont to make all strangers to tremble before our swordes. Nowe shee maketh vs to tremble before a right little number of people. Alas what shame is this? truely the shame is great, and wee ought to haue right great reproofe so to do. Since we be at this point, there is no way but to auenge this shame. If we auēge vs at this time, we shall recouer our worship and honour. In our vsage lieth right good hope, for fortune hath brought vs into a very good port; and me seemeth that shee w [...]ll raise vs againe, and make vs conquerours of our aduersaries: let vs now defend the port. Auenge we our bloud, auenge we our sorrow, auenge we our damage: it must needes be done, &c.

In the meane while that Gerion encouraged thus his folke, Hercules and his companie rowed so nigh the port, that they were come to strokes smiting. The Hesperiens cast vpon Hercules then round stones, dartes with sharp yrons on the end, speares and swordes. Against this the Greekes tooke their shieldes, and couered them, and put them in deuoire for to winne the port. But the casting of the Hesperiens was so mortall, that it constrained their enemies to abide, and not approche the porte. They had at this port great aboundance of stones. The Hesperiens kept well the entry more then three houres, so that the [Page 349] Greeks coulde finde no way nor meane to remedy it. At the end of three houres, Hercules right sorrowfull to see his men troubled so, thought he would enter into a little boat, and aduenture himselfe alone to win the port. Then he that doubted no stroke of any mortall man, entered in­to the little boate, and steared it himselfe, with helpe of the winde which he had at his aduauntage, and hoised vp the saile, and putting all in aduenture, as fast as he might he brought the boate vnto the port, whither hee came by his hardinesse. But this was at such time as he receiued more then a thousand strokes with stones: and that his saile that stood ouer end by force of the winde, was smit­ten full of holes, and the cordes broken, and the mast o­uerthrowne, and the boate well nigh filled with stones. Notwithstanding all these thinges, Hercules ceassed not at all from his enterprise, but through he passed by al the strokes of his enemies. He laboured so that hee tooke land, and that he thrust himselfe among the Hesperiens: and there he began to smite with his clubbe, on the right side, and on the left side endlong and ouerthwart, with such aboundance of prowesse, that all the place was red with their bloud and with their braines. Theseus and Hispan, and fiftie of the Greekes best armed, by the ex­ample of Hercules, tooke a light boat and aduentured themselues to winne the porte. Hercules was euen at the mouth of the porte: he saw Theseus come, and for to make him haue passage, he ran hither and thither, and did so great hurt to the Hesperiens, that without great dan­ger, they tooke land, and sprang out of the boate. Then was the assault hote and furious. Gerion came to the lan­ding of Theseus and fully three hundred of his men that followed him. All they smote and layd vpon the Greeks, and of the fiftie they slew ten. When Theseus and His­pan saw that, their heartes began to swell. They encou­raged themselues, and piersed the assembly of Gerion: and against one man that was slaine of theirs, they slew [Page 350] fiftie of the Hesperians. And there they vsed so their prow­esses, that they did there the greatest marueiles of the world by armes.

Gerion died for sorrow that he might not come to haue his will on the Gréekes: hee and his men were eager as Tygres that had béene famished. The Gréekes were ve­ry mighty and strong as Elephants: their strokes were great, they doubted neither death nor sworde, but put all in aduenture. The battell was strong, and the Gréekes receiued many a wound: alway Theseus and Hispan by their marueilous prowesses saued them from the death, and made passage thorow a great prease where Hercules was. Hercules that left not to smite was very glad when he saw Theseus and Hispan, and their forty companions. Their comming cost Gerion the death of a thousand men & more: for Hercules, for to encourage his men, and for to be to them an example of well doing, he added to his déeds strength vpon strength, and prowesse vpon prowesse, con­founding his enemies so dreadfully and terribly, drawing them toward the sea, that they that saw him, wished that they had bin in their mothers wombs: and in flying they were in such haste, & so distressed, that they beat ech other into the sea, and so they slew ech other themselues. Then was Gerion smitten to the heart with great ire, medled with impatience: so hee put himselfe in the prease, and smote not only vpon Hercules, but also vpon the compa­nions of Theseus: he smote the first man vpon the helm, so that he cleft his head vnto the téeth. After he assailed another, and bare him to the earth so astonied, that he wist not where he was. Consequently, he made there a great assault suddenly on the Gréekes, so that he died his sword with their bloud, and that the Gréekes were constrained to make a huge great crie, for to haue succours.

At this season the Gréeks, that were left in the gallies, entred into the port, and tooke land easily. When Hercu­les and his folke heard the crie that his men made, he ran [Page 351] thither to the assault, and made about them a newe noise great & pitious. Gerion knew anon, that the noise came because of Hercules: For he saw him come and smite in y ^e thickest of the prease, for to saue himselfe: then he called to his folke and chéered them in encouraging, and had there so great mishap, that for one stroke that Hercules gaue him with his club by chance he was constrained to depart from the prease, & to withdraw him apart with them that were weary, & for to take his breath. Gerion afterward fought to his extremitie, and casting so his eies vppon the skirmish and fighting, he saw the Greeks vpon the port, & prouiding them vnto the battaile. After he saw how they put many of his men to the worst, and that hee might not resist it: al his losses came before his eyes, and then he be­gan to sigh, and said, with a dolorous heart: alas, what is the mutabilitie of fortune? Flattering fortune, what hast thou thought? All the honor that thou hast giuen me here before, redound now to my shame, since thou hast sent and parted to me so many goodes, wherefore hast thou sent to me Hercules? this is the enemy of all my glory no [...]e quēched. He from a shining hath brought me vnto a name all full of darknes. At least, if thou hast giuen him suffici­ent: let him not come after me with his horrible deedes. All my veines be replenished with furies, my heart mur­dereth it selfe boyling with ire. O what great mishap is this: since it must needes be that I shalbe vnfortunate, I will verily die of the club that I haue seene my brother die with: or I will take vengeance. Gerion all out of his wit with these wordes put him in the prease, crying: Gerion, Gerion, for to make his men to courage thēselues. Thus crying & seeking Hercules, he put to death many Gréeks: he was al furious, so as his sword was died with the blood of his enemies. In the end he came vnto Hercules, & with his sword so died, he smote him sore. Hercules was weary, for without ceassing, hee abode fighting by the space of 4. houres, and had receiued vpon his arms so many strokes, [Page 352] that no man could number them. This notwithstanding, hee fledde not at all from Gerion: but came to him ioy­fully, and fought against him with so great force, that all they that saw it maruelled: and after many strokes smit­ten of Gerion and Hercules, Hercules smote him one stroke, so great that he al to brused Gerion, and beate out the braines of his head, and smote the helme vppon his shoulders, so that he fell down dead among the dead men, in such wise mangled that he abode there dead.

CHAP. XXII. ¶How Hercules founded the Citie of Corogne, vppon the tombe of Gerion.

SVch was the end of the vnhappy life of Ge­rion the tyrant: he died in like wise as the two brethren did, by the club of Hercules. When the Hesperiens saw him brought to that passe, as for to taste the bitter morsel of death, all left their armes. All they bewailed sorrowfully the death of Gerion, and fell all in despaire: So that one staied still to be slaine, other fled by desartes, by moun­taines, by the bankes of the Sea, and turned all backe in discomfiture. When Hercules had espied them so disraied, he thanked the Goddes, and began for to pursue his ene­mies. The pursuite dured vnto the Euen. The Greekes filled the fieldes, the mountaines and the waies by the Sea, with the bloud of them that fled. When the night was come, Hercules and the Greeks withdrew them in­to the Gallies, and did eate, and drinke such as they had, and made ioyfull cheere. The hurt men were remembred and comforted with the victory and spoile. The wearie men forgat the labour that they had done. They rested them after their trauaile, & passed the night ouer. When it was day, on the morrow Hercules issued out of his [Page 353] galley: And beholding the porte him seemed that a citie should stand well there, and said that he would make one there: and concluded to begin it. Hee sent vnto all places where he wist that any people were thereaboutes, and gaue to each man in knowledge, that hee was minded to make a citie there, and that the first person that woulde come to put hand thereto, shoulde haue the gouernment thereof. This thing was knowne in all Galicia. Manie came thither, but a woman named Corogne was the first that came. And therefore Hercules gaue vnto her the ru­ling therof, and made to begin the citie, and named it Co­rogne, in remembraunce of the victory that hee had there. Vpon the body of Gerion he founded a towre, and by his art composed and made a lampe burning continually day and night, without putting of any thing thereto. Which burned afterward by the space of 300. yere. Moreouer vp­on the pinacle or top of the towre: hee made an image of copper looking into the sea, and gaue him in his hand a looking glasse hauing such vertue, that if it happened that any men of warre were on the sea meaning to doe anie harme to the city, sodainly their army and their comming should appeare in this said looking glasse: and that dured vnto the time of Nabuchodonozor: who being aduertised of the propertie of the glasse, filled his gallies with white things & greene, bowes and leaues, that it seemed a wood, and in the looking glasse appeared none other thing but a wood: Whereby the Corogniens not knowing of any o­ther thing then their glasse shewed to them, furnished not them with men of armes, like as they had been accusto­med to do when their enemies came: And thus Nabucho­donozor tooke the citie in a morning and destroied the loo­king glasse and the lampe. When this towre was made, Hercules caused then to come thither all the maids of the countrey, & willed them to make a solemne feast, in remē ­brance of the death of Gerion. After, he departed vnto Me­gidda, where were presented to him 100. oxen of y ^e fairest.

CHAP. XXIII. ¶How Hercules assailed the king Cacus, and had battaile a­gainst him, and ouercame him: and how Cacus began to tyrannise in Italy, &c.

AFter this conquest, as Hercules intended to people and inhabite this new country, tidinges came to him that in the Citie of Cartagene, a king & giant raigned, na­med Cacus, which was passing euil, & ful of tyranny, and had slaine by his cursed dealing the kings of Aragon and of Nauarre, their wiues and their children, and possessed their seignories, and also held in subiection all the countrey of Italy. Hercules re­ceiued right ioyously these tidinges, and said, that by the pleasure of the Gods, hee will assay if hee may take ven­geance of the death of the kinges of Arragon and of Na­uarre. Then he disposed him vnto this work, and hauing an appetite to correct the king Cacus, as soone as his ar­mie might be ready, he went vnto the realme of Castile, whereas was the king Cacus in the cittie of Cartagene, that stood beside a mountaine named Monachaio. And hee passed by many realmes that did him obeisance, for his vertuous renowme: but when hee came to approche to Cartagene, the king Cacus came against him without obeysance, and in armes: for he had been aduertised of his comming. And as hee entred into the frontiers, hee sent vnto him one of his knights, that said to him these words that follow: Hercules thou open tyraunt, that hast thine heart greater then thy body, and that wouldest assaile the heauens, for to conquer them, if the Gods had giuen thee winges for to flie as the birdes haue: If thou seeke peace and loue vnto the king Cacus, thy equall in condition and fortune, I salute thee in his name: and if thou come [Page 355] otherwise to him as his enemy, I defie thée in his name. And in no wise be thou so hardy as to enter into his coun­trey. And if thou enter, know thou that thou shalt find in Cacus and in the Castiliens so hard an encounter, that from thy euill aduenture shall no man of thy company bée quit, &c.

Knight (aunswered Hercules) whatsoeuer you bee, you shewe not that you haue the heart of a noble man. For it is a shame to all men, and especially to a noble man, to missay or speake euill of another man. Ye haue called me an open tyrant: and also ye haue compared mee vnto the tyrant Cacus. I answere you to this article, that I am no tyrant: but a destroier of tyrantes: and therefore yee shall returne againe vnto Cacus, and signifie to him, that I haue intention for to shew what hate I haue vnto tyrantes: and that within few daies he may prooue vpon me the hard encounter, whereof I haue now receiued the menaces. With this aunswere the Castilien departed from the presence of Hercules, and returned vnto the king Cacus, and tolde him worde for worde what Her­cules had saide to him. When Cacus had heard all this: he was abashed, notwithstanding that hee was a strong Giant and a puissant, and that he had neuer found a man stronger then he was himselfe: for the renowme of Her­cules was then so great through the vniuersall worlde, that the most strong, and the most assured in armes, and most fortunate doubted him, and trembled hearing him speake of his deedes. Howbeit Cacus tooke c [...]urage in himself, and in passing ouer abashment, in the p [...]esence of his nobles he said: Blessed be these next hasty daies, that nature and fortune shal bring to vs, for to make the proofe of our force and strength. Nowe it behoueth that Castile and Sicille shew the force of their armes, for to defend the king Cacus from the clawes of his enemies: and it is of necessitie likewise that the king Cacus, for his people display, and put forth the vttermost of his strength. [Page 356] Now go we on my brethren and friends, wee be come to the warre. The Greeks come vpon Castile without any quarrell, let vs go against them and fight for our coun­trey: the birdes fight one against the other for their nests, and the dumbe beastes for their caues. Nature leadeth them so for to doe. If we haue the same nature: the time is come that we ought to shew it, &c.

When the Castiliens and the Aragonnoys that were there, heard Cacus so speake, they praised greatly his cou­rage, and answered all with one voice, that they were rea­dy to assaile their enemies. With this answere the king did dislodge his hoast that he had there in the fieldes: and went forth against Hercules, the straitest way that hee could. The king Cacus then went on the way desiring sore to finde Hercules. Hercules on the other side came then against Cacus. They went so long the one against the other, that soone after they sawe each other, nigh a place where Hercules founded after a citie, which was named Terracene. Assoone as they sawe each other, they began to make great ioy, and to make shoutes and cries. After they trained them in order of battaile, and marched the one against the other so hotely and sharply, that they filled the aire in short space with shot of arrowes, casting of stones, and of dartes. At the beginning of this battaile the Castiliens bare them valiantly, and there were ma­ny of their part slaine, more by hardinesse then for dread. For they put themselues too farre forth. And they doub­ted not the shot of the Greekes, that shot on them so sore, and so thicke, that al the ground was made red with their bloud. And the Castiliens which were so farre gone and sore chafed were driuen to resorte backe againe to their fellowes. When king Cacus sawe his folke so sore be­stead, and heard that they reculed from the shotte of the Gréekes, he hadde great sorrow in his heart, and wist not what to doe for to entertaine and holde his battaile. Some fledde, and other reculed and went backe, and [Page 357] other fell downe to the earth dead or sore hurt. The bat­taile dured long in this point, alway to the sorrow of king Cacus. But in the end the shot of the Gréekes failed, and the Castilians with Cacus recouered new strength, in such sort, y ^t they came to fight hand to hand with swordes, and that they shed and spread largely the bloud of them of Tyre and of Ancone which were in the first front of the battaile of Hercules.

The noise arose great there: there were many shields broken and skinnes of Lyons cut in peeces. There as Ca­cus approched, it seemed that the tempest was: he was great, strong, and fierce and outragious in smiting: eche of his strokes was the death of a Greeke. In the end, hee did so much that the cries of them that were about him mounted so high in the aire, that the Castiliens had well weend to haue woon all, and beganne to make ioy for their good fortune in chasing the Greeks to the death: but euen in like wise as a right cleere day is other while tro­bled by a darke black cloud: so by the alone comming of Hercules that came then to the skirmish, all their ioy was troubled and turned into mortal losse. For the deadly arm of Hercules layd about him then so terribly that hee beate downe the Castiliens, like as a mower with a sithe cut­teth downe the grasse in a medowe. When Cacus sawe Hercules so foundre and beate downe his men, all the bloud in him chaunged. Then his bloud so mooued, as a couragious man he presented himself before the front of Hercules, and smote him with his sword so sore and hard, that he cleft his shield in two partes. The Castiliens see­ing the shield of Hercules flie by peeces, thought anon that Cacus had slaine and put to death Hercules, and then made a cry for ioy, but it dure [...] not long: for Hercules lift vp his armes with his club, and smote Cacus vppon the top of his helme with such strength, that it seemed to Ca­cus that he saw an hundred thousand candles, or that he had been smitten down with the greatest rock of Spaine. [Page 358] This notwithstāding Cacus abode standing in his place, and chalenged Hercules to death, and smote him with all his might. At this assailing, the Castiliens hoping in the fortune of Cacus, al they assailed Hercules. Hercules was gone so farre among his enemies, that he was alone from all his company. When hee heard that Cacus threatned him to death, and sawe that the Castiliens assailed him & came to him from al sides, he had his heart all filled with solace, and abandoned the thicknesse and hardnesse of his skinne of the lion to the swordes of them all, without re­uenging him saue only against Cacus. Thus began the battaile betweene Hercules and Cacus: the strokes were great and fearefull without measure. Cacus fought in the spirite of a tyraunt chafed, and desired sore to ouercome Hercules for to tyrannise and triumph ouer him. Her­cules fought in a vertuous heart, founded and nourished in vertue, and as an enemy of vice, hee assailed this viti­ous king. Both two were great, fearce, and strong, of great courage. But certes when they hadde both tasted e­nough each other, at length the strokes of Hercules were so great and so forcible, that the shoulders of Cacus nor his head might not beare, nor had the might to sustaine them. So the end was such, that after their battaile had dured two houres, Cacus left him: for hee might no more suffer him, but fled and went his way, &c.

When Hercules saw that Cacus fled, hee meant not to follow after. This notwithstanding, for to haue the vic­tory in this battell, hee began to hew on the Castiliens, Arragonoys, and such other as he might finde: for he left no man aliue, before him yong nor old, féeble nor strong. Hispan & the other of his side, made their feates of armes to flourish and shine. The battel was sharp: for then the Greeks doubled & redoubled their strokes, and slew manie of their enemies. In the end when Cacus had taken his breth, he put him again into the middle at one side, where his folk fled, & made thē to tary, smiting and beating the [Page 359] Gréekes more terribly then he had done before, whereof the cries arose so high there, that Hercules then sighting on another side, heard the cry, and then hee ran thither at all aduenture. And anon as he spied Cacus, hee went be­fore him, and brake the prease, and smote downe so sore, that Cacus knew Hercules, but hee durst not abide him, but fled againe with euill hap. And then the Greeks made a cry and a ioyfull noyse, so that all the Castiliens fledde, some heere and some there to the great hurt and losse of Cacus. For of all his people there was left no more but 50 which saued thēselues vpon the mount of Monchayo which stoode thereby. But that was with great effusion of bloud of them of Castile, that thought to haue mounted vp with the other, y ^t it séemed that there had been a great spring of bloud, that the caues in the valley were repleni­shed with bloud, howbeit Cacus for to flie wel, saued him selfe and fiftie of his men vppon the mountaines, as the chronicles of Spaine rehearse. When he was aboue, and in sure peace, he returned and looked downe to the foot of the hill, and he saw there so many Castiliens, that with­out number were dead, or in daunger for to die: hee hadde great sorrowe then at his heart, not for pitie, but for de­spite, and for the danger that he sawe ready whereby hee must passe. Anon after he sawe from farre in the cham­paigne and each quarter and place there all couered with them of his part and of their bloud. Also he saw them that fled taken and brought to the handes of the other. These things considered, the desolation of his dominion and the punishment of his tyranny was to him euident: he thoght then that Hercules would soone conquere all the country: For they obeied him for his tyranny, and not for naturall loue. This notwithstanding he dispaired not, albeit that he saw all the puissance of his men destroied by the clubbe of Hercules, and knewe that hee might no more reigne in that countrey, for all were slaine in the battaile, and then hee returned vnto his Science. And thus as [Page 360] sorrowfull as he was he entered into a house that he had there. But first appointed twelue of his men to keepe the passage of this mount, which was so straite and narrowe that there might go vp but one man at once.

When then Hercules and his men had put to death all their enemies, Hercules began to assaile the rocke, and to mount, and go vppon the degrees or staires: but then so­dainly they that kept the passe, cast vppon him great stones, in so great aboundance that of force hee was con­strained to descend. When Hercules sawe that hee must withdraw him, he obeied fortune, but notwithstanding he made there a vowe that hee would neuer depart from the foot of the rocke vnto the time that he had constrained Cacus to descend & rome downe by famine or otherwise. This vow made, Hercules came vnto the foote of the hil, where battell and slaughter had been, and made the place to bee made cleane and purged of the dead bodies and of the bloud of them that there lay dead. After hee did make his tent of dewes and leaues, and his bed of freshe grasse, and commaunded that each man shoulde lodge there. At that time the night came and the day fayled, the Greeks were weary for that they had all day laboured in armes, and woulde faine haue rest, and made good cheere with that they had. And after that they had ordeined and set their watche, aswel for to keepe the coast, as for to keepe the rocke, that Cacus should not come downe, they layd them downe vpon the grasse, in such wise as they were accustomed, when they were in war, and so slept and pas­sed that night.

On the morrow Hercules parted the hoast in twaine, and sent Hispan with one of them into Arragon and Na­uarre, and hee abode there with the other. Hispan in the name of Hercules was ioyfully receiued of the Nauar­roys and of the Arragonoys. And they made to him all o­beysance, acknowledging Hercules to be their Lord, and the most vertuous prince that was in the West. When [Page 361] Hispan had all subdued as is said, hee returned vnto Her­cules. Hercules lay yet still before Monchaio, and there held Cacus in such subiection that he might not issue. Ca­cus and his folke were then in great want of vittaile, and they wist not what to eate nor to drinke. They deferred as long as they might, hoping that Hercules woulde bée weary to be there so long. But in the end when their vit­taile failed, and they saw that they mu [...]t néeds aduenture themselues to come downe, Cacus by his science made certaine secret things to go downe into their stomackes, and after put thereto the fire and taught all the other to do so: and then sodainly as they felt the fire issue out of their mouthes, and the fume and smoke in such aboundance that it seemed all on a light fire; then by the counsaile of Cacus, they aduentured themselues to descend downe in running and casting fire and fume so impetously, that Hercules and the Greeks thought that it had been a tem­pest of lightning of the heauen, and had burnt the moun­taine: so they made him place, for it was a thing for to make men sore abashed: and thus they escaped the daun­ger of Hercules at that time. For during all that day the rocke was full of smoke and fume that Cacus had made, and the smoke was so material, that it séemed darknes.

When Cacus and his folk were thus escaped, and pas­sed the hoste of Hercules and of the Greekes, Hercules was then the most wise clerk that was in the world: and all his pastimes hee emploied in study: hee tooke his bookes, and began to muse howe and by what reason hée was descended from the rocke: he read and turned many leaues, but all thing well considered hee found not that this fume came of naturall thinges: wherof he had great maruel. Then he sent for Athlas that alway was lodged behinde the hoste, for to be solitary. When Athlas was come, he shewed him the smoke and fume that yet dured. Then he told of the lightning y ^t was passed by the hoste, and demaunded of him his opinion. Athlas knew incon­tinent [Page 362] the fume, and answered to Hercules. Certes my sonne, thou art more sharpe in science then I, for mine age may not attaine to so high things as thy youth. How­beit, forasmuch as I know the growing of this thing long time past: I will tell thee (that I shal say, thou shalt find true as I suppose). Thou shalt vnderstād that this fume is a thing artificiall and made by the craft of Vulcan that was father of Cacus, which was an excellent maister in this science, and was the inuenter thereof: he made cer­taine mountaines in Cicille to burne, and shall alway continually burne vnto the end of the worlde. Cacus, which can the arte and craft of his father, hath made this fume, and for to escape from thy handes, hee is descended with his companie in the forme of lightening or tem­pest, and thus thy strength is deceiued by his Sci­ence.

When Hercules vnderstood this that Athlas had said to him, hee greatly maruelled of the science of Cacus, and might not beleeue it. Then for to know the trueth, he tooke his clubbe, and went vp through the smoke or fume, vnto the top of the rocke, seeking Cacus: but hee found there neither beast nor man: then he returned vnto Athlas, and laughing, confessed to him that hee had saide trueth, and saide that he woulde make no pursuite after him, forsomuch as hee was so gentleman-like escaped. This day they passed ouer in speaking and communing of Cacus and of his father Vulcan. The day following when the smoke and fume was gone and vanished away, Hercules began to behold the country, and sawe that it was commodious and fertile, and to the end that there shoulde euer be remembraunce and memory of him, hee founded there a citie, which he named Terracone, foras­much as he gaue this countrey to the sonne of the king of Ancone, and there hee made him dwell with his people and with them of Tyre. Hercules after this foundation, went to the cittie of Salamanque, and forasmuch as it [Page 363] was wel inhabited and peopled, hee would make there a solemne study, and did make there in the earth a great round hole in maner of a studie, and hee sette therein the seuen sciences liberall with many other bookes. After he made them of the countrey to come thither for to study, but they were so rude and dull, that their wittes coulde not comprise any cunning of science. And then forasmuch as Hercules woulde depart on his voiage, and woulde also that this study were maintained, he did make an I­mage or statue of gold vnto his semblance and likenesse: Which hee did set vp on high in the middest of his studie vpon a piller: and made so by his crafte and arte, that all they that came before this image for to haue declaration of any science, to all purposes, and of all sciences the I­mage answered, instructed, and taught the schollers and studentes, in such wise as it hadde been Hercules in his proper person. The renowme of this studie was great in all the countrey. And this studie dured after the time that saint Iames conuerted Spaine vnto the christian faith. From Salamanque Hercules departed and went into Catalogne, and founded there the citie of Barseloigne, which is a right good citie. And finally when he hadde ac­complished all these thinges, he sent Athlas home againe into his countrey, but he held by him all his writers, for he loued bookes aboue all the riches of the world. After he woulde giue leaue vnto Phylotes for to returne vnto his countrey. But Phylotes refused his congie and leaue, and said to him that he would serue him all his life, and that hee reputed his felicitie more great to be in his ser­uice, then for to gouerne the countrey that fortune hadde put in his hand. Hercules after this, called Hispan, and said to him: Hispan, I know thy wit and thy va­liance. I haue found thée alway wise and true. Thou art a man of authoritie and well knowne in these Coastes. I do now make and constitute thee to be king ouer all this Countrey, and I doe giue vnto thee [Page 364] none other charge but to loue vertue and to ensue honou [...] and worship. When Hispan heard the gift that Hercules made to him, he fell downe at his feete and thanked him, and after excused him of so great worship. But Hercules said to him, that he would that it should be so, and deliue­red to him a certain number of people of his company for to serue him. After he made him to depart, with great sighes and sorrow. And Hispan went then by all the coū ­tries that Hercules hadde conquered there from Gerion, and Cacus. And from thenceforth on, the countrey was named Spaigne, after his name: Whereof I will nowe cease talking of this conquest of Spaigne, and will come to speake of the deeds of armes that Hercules did in Lombardy, and of the death of Cacus.

CHAP. XXIIII. ¶How Hercules fought against the eleuen Giantes of Cre­mona: and how he vanquished them.

WHere be now the kings, the emperours, the souldans, and the princes that men may speake of the vertuous liberalitie of them, equall or like vnto that of Hercules? The men at this day fight one against other, and make mony conquests: but they attribute them vnto their singular profite. They resemble not Hercules, that neuer fought but for the common weale of the worlde. O noble Hercules. For to follow & pursue my matter. When he made Hispan king of al the region of Hesperie, that now is named Spaigne, hee sent for his Oxen, his kine and calues, and after departed from Barselone, and tooke his way into Lombardie, he went so long on his iourny, that he came nigh to the city of Cremona, which is but a daies iourny frō Millane. There were thē in this city xi. giants [Page 364] great out of measure. These eleuen giants were all bre­thren, & sonnes of Ne [...]e [...] the sonne of Saturne. And they called themselues all kings of this city. They held all e­state royal, howbeit their rnoumes were but small & litle, & that because they were théeues & robbed their neighbo [...]r, and made them alwayes warre. When then they knew that Hercules approched their citie, anon they assembled their councell together, and demanded the one the other, if they should suffer Hercules for to enter into their citie? All were of one opinion; that they should not receiue him, and that they woulde sende vnto him one of them, which was named Nestor, that he should not enter into Cremo­na, vnlesse he first had vanquished in battell the eleuen brethren. Nestor at the commandement of the giants de­parted from Cremona, and went to Hercules, whome he found with his litle armie but thrée mile from Cremona. Then spake he to Hercules, and sayde vnto him. Sir, I haue ten brethren kings of Cremona, that haue sent mée vnto thée, forasmuch as they be aduertised that thou en­trest into their dominion, and they charge thée by me, that they will giue vnto thée no passage into Cremona, vn­lesse thou first ouercome them one after another in battel: and therefore choose whether thou wilt haue the battell, or els to returne againe, and leaue this voyage. I aduer­tise thée that they be all giants more great and more puis­sant then I am. Sir knight, answered Hercules, I haue taken my way for to passe by Cremona: let the giants knowe that Hercules hath intention to speake vnto them more neare, as he that dreadeth not nor feareth their ac­customed tyrannies, which I must deliuer the world of, by feats of armes. And forasmuch as to the end that they pre­sume not that I haue any doubt or dread of them in any maner, yee shall say to them that I will not fight with them ten, one after another, but all at once together, and you with them, if you will accompany them: and for to do so, they shall finde me raedy to morow early, by day light.

[Page 366]Hercules with these wordes made his people to abide, and rest there for that night. And Nestor returned to his brethren, and sayd to them: My brethren, I haue spoken vnto Hercules, and haue tolde him your commandement: he hath answered vnto mee with a right high and plaine courage, that he will fight with vs to morrow, not one af­ter another, but with vs all at once. And for to speake plainely of him, he hath the semblance of a man to be va­lourous in armes, and furnished with prowesse: he is a prince very modest, and of great courage. Dispose you well, it behoueth to furnish well the battell. Certes the battell will be perillous, for hee is mightily membred, and as great as one of vs, but me thinketh that hee may not compare nor preuaile against vs eleuen, and that hee may not escape from our forces, but that wee shall pearce him with our swordes whatsoeuer force or strength is in him. The giants so hearing him praise Hercules, had great maruaile of him, and might not beléeue Nestor of that, that he had reported that he would fight with all to­gether at once, for there was none of them all, but hee thought himselfe strong enough for Hercules. Then they asked of Nestor, and demaunded of him if he were sure to haue well vnderstoode that Hercules sayd vnto him, that he would fight against them all at once. Nestor answe­red, yea, and that he had heard him say it in his proper person. With this aunswere they concluded, that on the morrow they should arme them all, and that they would goe to the field for to fight against Hercules, if he came a­gainst them. One of the giants sayd then vnto his bre­thren, to morrowe shall be the day of our glory & worship. Wee shall vanquish the vanquisher of the monsters, let vs make good chéere. Brother (answered Nestor) therein is no doubt but that wee shall ouercome and bring to the foile him that ye speake of, but so much shall our glory be the lesse, that we shall be eleuen against one. Well sayd the other, if in fighting against vs eleuen, we shall haue [Page 367] the lesse honour, let vs euery man fight for himselfe. Bro­ther, answered Nestor, if ye had seene and heard him as I haue, ye would not be so hardy as ye shew semblance of: he is another maner of man then you wéene. Kéepe you at the offer that hee hath made, it is better to haue the most profite and lesse honour in such a case. In these con­ferences they passed all that day, afterward they went to rest. When the houre was come on the morrowe earely, they arose and made themselues ready in the best wise they could. After they sent one of their men vnto Hercu­les, for to know if he would say any thing: but assoone as the messenger issued out of the gate, the first thing he saw, was a giant, armed marueilously: the messenger abode then, and aduised him a little. After he had aduised him­selfe, he went vnto the giant armed, & asked him what he was. I am Hercules, sayd the giant. What will you say or haue, sayde the messenger. I will say, sayd Hercules, that the giants of Cremona haue no cause for to let mee the passage of their citie. And forasmuch as they let me to vnderstand yesterday, that if I would haue passage, it behooued mee to vanquish them one after another in the fielde by battell: I am come hither in hope to winne the victorie: and demaund no other thing but for to see them in armes for to fight with them all together at once, to the end to haue the sooner done. Wherefore I pray you to goe to them, and signifie vnto them my comming, and that they haste them.

The messenger with these woordes returned vnto the giants, and tolde them all what he had found. When the giants knewe that Hercules was already come into the fielde, they all tooke their swoordes and their furni­ture of warre, and departed from the citie, addressing themselues against Hercules. Hercules was then alone in the place. The men and women of Cremona went vp­on the walles and towers for to see the battell. And Phy­lotes with other noble men of the Gréekes were vpon an [Page 368] hill farre enough from the place where Hercules was a­biding the giants. Certes, it was a faire sight to sée the comming of the eleuen giants. They were all well ap­pointed & wel furnished with helmets inriched with gold and stones. They were great and strong, all of one mea­sure, they were bearded, and had fierce countenances: they came on and marched stoutly, and with a great cou­rage. When they came nigh to Hercules within halfe a bow shoot, they menaced him all to death, and made a crie so great that the walles of the citie redounded. After they ranne against the assured prince, like as they had béene ly­ons: Hercules hearing these cries, and séeing their course on foot, hee stayed for them, lifting vp his clubbe ouer his head. When it came to méeting, it séemed well that the giants would haue all to bruised him with their swordes, for they smote vpon him so vnmeasurably, that the pieces of their swords flew into the ayre. Their strokes were great. Hercules suffered them, and beheld what power they had: but when they had made their assaies vpon him, Hercules made his assay vpon them, and with his clubbe smote one of the giants vpon his helme, so that hee all to bruised not onely his helme, but also his head, that he fell downe suddenly dead. When the other tenne giants saw that their brother was so dead of one stroke, they had great sorrow, and their bloud was much moued. Nature willed them to take vengeance. They did that in them was, and assailed Hercules eagerly on all sides. And thus beganne the battell betwéene Hercules and the giants. Hercules dreaded not any stroke of sword, of speare, ne pollax: his skinne of the lion was harde and strong: his strength was stable, and his clubbe bare all, and so it was néed: great were the strokes that they gaue eche other. The giants did all their endeuour, and gaue strokes e­nough to Hercules, but they coulde neuer pearce the skin of the lion, it was so hard: but yet was his clubbe more harder. The giants marueiled of the constance and puis­sance [Page 369] of Hercules. Assoone as Hercules had lift vp his club for to smite on them, his enemies that were there, leaped aside, and other while brake his strokes: howbeit he did so much, that in lesse time then an houre, hee slewe foure of them, and the other seuen fought afterwarde by such vi­gour, that the more he smote them with his clubbe, the more furious he found them and fierce, &c.

The battell was terrible and hard, for the giants were strong, & long had vsed the skill of armes, and great paine had they to saue themselues, and to auenge the bloud of their brethren, and for to haue worshippe of the battell. And they sayde, that they were infortunate, séeing they might not ouercome one man alone, nor match him. In fighting, they helped and comforted ech other, and had all good courage. But what profited them the great number of brethren? and what auailed them their couragious strokes, when they were approching their death? Her­cules was alway Hercules: he reioiced much in the plen­tie of his enemies, hee comforted himselfe in fortune: fortune helped him, hee did marueiles on all sides, well could he fight, and well defended he himselfe, all that hee did was well done: all that other did, and indeuoured to do, was nought worth: notwithstanding that they were mighty and hardy. But the lucke and good hap of Hercu­les was not to bee broken, ne his clubbe coulde not bee foyled: but hee triumphed, and more was his puissance to susteine the furies of his aduersaries, then their might was to charge him with their strokes. O marueilous strength and might of a man. His puissance was not of a man, but of an elephant: his skin of the lion, séemed that it had bene tempered with quicke and hard stéele: his body séemed more constant against the cutting swordes of all his ill willers, then is an anuill against the strokes of many hammers or great sledges. There was no stroke of his enemie that grieued him: he tooke great pleasure in the battell, séeing himselfe among so many giants. He stil [Page 370] greatly reioyced, and there was nothing grieuing him, but the declining of the day, which began to faile. At this houre, when the Sun withheld her rayes, and turned in­to the West, Hercules would make an end, and spéede his battell. The giants began to cease for to smite, for from the morning vnto the euening, they had fought without any ceasing: and Hercules behaued himselfe in such wise, smiting vppon one and other, being about him, harde and sharpely, that it befell so, that of some hée ouerthrew and brake helmets and heads, and of other, he brake armes and sides maruellously, and gaue so many great strokes, that finally; he beat downe, and to bruised them all, except Nestor, which fled away when he saw the discomfiture. And therein did he wisely, for all his brethren were there slaine by the hand of Hercules, &c.

When they of Cremona sawe their Lordes dead, they had soone made an end of their weeping and sorrowe, for they had béene to them hard and troublesome. At the end of this battell, they assembled to councell, when they sawe that Hercules had woonne the battaile, and concluded to­gether, that they would yéeld themselues to Hercules, and put themselues to his mercy. With this conclusion they issued out of the gates in a great number, and came vnto Hercules, which was the conquerour of his enemies: first they knéeled before him downe to the ground: second­ly, they prayed and required of him mercy: and thirdly, they surrendered vnto him their city and their goods, and sayd to him, they woulde holde him for their lord during their liues. Hercules, that was pitifull and gentle vnto them that were méeke, and humbled themselues, receiued the Cremonians into his grace, and made them to rise & stand vp, and after sent for them of his hoste. When they were come, he brought them into Cremona, where great ioy was made vnto them, for they were glad of the death of the giants. And there was no man, nor woman, nor childe, that thanked not the gods.

[Page 371]By this maner was Hercules king of Cremona and inriched with a new title of victory. The first night that he entred into the city, he rested him and his people: and then were they well refreshed and right well feasted and serued with vitaile. On the morrow he did cause to bring into the citie the bodies of the giants that were dead, and did bury them worshipfully. And after he founded vpon them a very great tower and high, and vpon the tower he set xi. images or statues of metall, after the fashion of the giants that he had slaine, in remembrance of his victorie.

After the edification of this tower, Hercules left in Cremona, folke for to gouerne them, and departed thence for to goe further forth into the countrey. He studied al­way, and was neuer idle: he studied so much, that he could make the fire artificiall, aswell as Cacus: and founde the remedies against the same. What by armes and by his science, he gate a very great glory and praising in Italie. He went into many places, and ouer all where he came or went, men did him honour and reuerence. What shall I make long processe? with great good aduenture, he went so farre, that he came to a citie standing nigh the mount Auentin, where reigned a king named Euander, which receiued him solemnly. It is to be noted, that when Ca­cus fled from Monchayo (as is sayd) vnto this mount, hée came into Italie all displeasant to haue lost his seignorie. Then hee gaue leaue to depart from him to all his ser­uants, and all despaired alone, he went to the mount A­uentin in an euening, where he was constrained to with­draw himselfe, for he doubted much Hercules. When he was come aboue on this hill, he found there a great caue, and there he went in without supper, and then he began to be discomforted greatly & bitterly, & said: Alas, now am I exiled & banished out of all my seignories & lordships. Now haue I no succour nor comfort of person. I dare not name me king, where I was wont by my name to make kings to trēble, alas al is turned, & become vpside down. I [Page 372] haue nothing to eat, nor wote not where to lodge, vnlesse it be with the beasts. O poore king: where so any man so vnhappy as I? I am so infortunate and vnhappie, that I dare not be séene nor knowen. With these wordes he layd him downe vpon the bare ground, and layed a stone vnder his head, and with great paine and griefe fell a­sléepe: which dured not long, for his veines were strong­ly stirred, his heart was not quiet, and his body was right euilly susteined. Anon he awoke, & went out of the caue, for to looke if it were nigh day: for the night troubled him, and was to him too long. But when he was come in­to the ayre, he saw no day appeare, nor starres, nor moone shine, but he found it all darke, cloudy and thicke, and saw all the region of the aire couered with clouds, whereat he was greatly vexed and grieued. Then he went into the caue againe, not into the déepest, but at the mouth thereof, and there sorrowful and pensiue abode without any more sléeping till it was day.

When the day appeared, Cacus issued out of the caue, and went vp vnto the top of the hill, and beganne to be­holde and sée the countrey about. The countrey séemed to him good and faire for to liue there. After great pensiue­nes, and many thoughts, he concluded in himselfe, that he would abide there vnto the time that his fortune ceased, and would liue there of booties, rapin and theft. After he bethought himselfe, that he would goe to king Pricus of Calidonie, which was his cousin, for to haue company to leade his wife with, that he had chosen, and that he would aske and demand in mariage one of his daughters. With this conclusion he departed from the mount Auentin, and tooke the way vnto Calidony, going apace til he came thi­ther. Some say that Calidony is the countrey that we call Calabrie. When Cacus was come to Calidonie, king Prycus receiued him, as it apperteined to a king, foras­much as he knew him, and was of his linage: and after demanded him of his tidings. Cacus began to sigh, when [Page 373] he saw that he must tell his mishappe, and then told him and recounted from the beginning to the end, howe Her­cules had taken from him his realmes, and how he hadde been besieged, and how hee was escaped. And forasmuch (said he) as I dare not abide in mine owne countrey, I am come hither vnto you for refuge, and to tell and count my sorrowes. And I haue intention to holde mee on the mount Auentin in a Caue that is there vntill that time mine enemie Hercules shall depart from mine heritage: and I will keepe mee there so secret that no man in the world shall haue knowledge thereof, to the end that Her­cules know it not, forasmuch as he hath me in great hate, and he hath more greater hap and fortune in armes then I haue. And if hee knew that I were in any place, I am certaine that hee woulde come thither for to destroy mee. This considered, I haue chosen this caue for to hide me, as I haue said: but forsomuch as I haue more sorrowe in feacute;eling, then my taste requireth, it is so that the eyes of a man being in great trouble, reioyce in the visage and fight of a woman, for a woman is a gladnesse and comfort of a man. Wherefore I require you, and pray you that ye will giue mee to wife one of your daughters. And if it please you so to doe, certes ye shall doe to me great plea­sure, and the most friendship that I may haue for this pre­sent time. The king Pricus answered and saide: Cacus ye be come and descended of high gentlenesse, and haue great lordship and seignory in Hesperie. If fortune were against you this day, your highnesse ought not therefore the worse to be esteemed. At this day I haue foure daugh­ters, of whom the one is named Yole. Take whom it pleaseth you, except Yole: for I will not yet marry her. And if yee haue any will to make any army against Her­cules, tell it me plainly, and I will succour you as a true friend. Cacus was right well content with the aunswere of the king, and thanked him, saying that he would make no army for this season, but hee woulde passe his time in [Page 374] the caue, like as he had purposed and concluded. Then the thrée daughters of king Pricus were sent for, and Ca­cus choose one of them, which hee wedded, and after lay with her, and abode there two daies. At the end of two daies, he would depart, and tooke leaue of the king. The king would haue deliuered vnto him tenne knightes and tenne Squires, for to haue brought him on his way, but he refused them and would none. Then hee woulde haue deliuered to him certaine ladies and damsels, but of all them he took none, saue the two sisters of his wife: which would by force go with him. Thus then he departed from Calidonie, accompanied with thrée sisters. He was alway sorrowfull and pensiue, and from that time forth, thus be­ing in impatience for his mishappe, and casting out of his royaltie, he beganne to runne out, and bathed his axe in the bloud of the men, women and children that he mette, and put them al to death, &c.

Cacus beganne to exercise the déeds of furie and of ty­rannie, as he was going vnto the mount Auentin. Anon as he was come, he entered into the caue, the best wife he could with his wiues, and the most secretly. And of this place he made a nest of theft, and a pit of sinnes. For the first night that he had lodged his wiues, he went into the village that stood there fast by, & beheld the fairest house, where into he entered by a window that was open, and slew all them that were therein: and after tooke all the goodes, asmuch as hee might beare vppon his shoul­ders, and bare them into the caue, wheras were his wiues.

CHAP. XXV. ¶How Cacus stole away the oxen and kine belonging to Hercules: and how Hercules fought with him therefore, and slew him.

IN the morning Cacus found a right great stone of marble, which hee tooke and bare it vnto his caue, and made therewith his dore. The most part of that time Cacus held him in his caue, and went neuer out but when he would doe harme or euill. When hee went into the field, as is said, he slew al thē that he met. He robbed euery man, he defloured women, hee burnt houses and townes, and shortly spoiled, and did so much harme in I­taly, that they that passed in the coūtrey, supposed it to be destroied by the Gods, and could not knowe whereof, nor from whence came these persecutions that Cacus made vpon them. For to returne then to our talke of Hercules: he came vnto the citie of king Euander, in the time that Cacus bedewed Italy with bloud of men, and filled his caue with continuall stollen goodes. After the comming of Hercules and of his men of armes, his beefes, or oxen, were brought into the citie, because the king Euander shoulde see them. The king tooke great pleasure to be­hold and sée them: for they were high and passing faire. After that the king had séene them, Hercules demanded of him, whither hee might send for to pastour them, for that night? In trueth Sir, saide Euander, if yee will followe my councell, yée shall let them abide in this Citie, and not send them into the fieldes. Where­fore said Hercules? Euander aunswered and saide, for­asmuch as when we send out our beastes, we knowe not where they become. They haue beene stollen, and driuen away, and wee cannot knowe who be the rob­bers, [Page 376] our seruauntes béen murdred, the houses be burnt, the people that should labour in the field, be slaine, the women and maidens bee violated and put to shame: and wee cannot remedie it. For wee cannot haue knowledge of the authours or doers thereof. Wherefore, some men say, & will auouch it, that they be the Gods that thus pu­nish vs, for our sinnes. Wherefore I pray you let your beasts abide in this citie, to y ^e end that they be not stollen. Sir, said Hercules, ye recount and tel to me a great mar­uell: I beleeue well that those things that ye say be very true. But this notwithstanding, since that the Gods haue saued them vnto this day, they will keepe them yet if it please them. For if they will haue them, euen as well they will take them in the Citie, as in the fieldes. And if there be a robber or theefe in the countrey that will take them away, I suppose I shall finde him, and shall make Italy quite of him. With these wordes, Hercules sent his beastes into the pasture, and there left them without any keepers. The day passed ouer, the night came. In this night Cacus issued out of his caue, and went into the countrey for to pill and rob if hee might finde any booty. Thus as he that is vnhappy seeketh euill, and in the end he is paid at once for his trespasses, the vnhappy aduen­ture brought him into the medow, where as pastured the oxen and kine of Hercules: it was nigh the morning, he had with him his three wiues. Assoon as he saw the beasts by the light of the moone that shone cleere, he knew them. Anon he was all abashed, and his bloud chaunged in his visage, and not without cause: for soon after his sorrows began to grow on him, and came to the quicknesse of the heart, that he could not speake. His wiues seeing that he spake no worde, and that hee beheld the beastes, as all a wondred, came to him, and demaunded of him what hee [...]iled? Alas, aunswered Cacus, since it is so that yee must needes know: I tell you for certaintie, that all the sorrow of the worlde ariseth in my stomacke, and enui­roneth [Page 377] mine heart: for I heere see the oxen of the tri­umph of mine ennemy Hercules, and in beholding them, I remember the losses that I haue had by him, and the honours and worships that hee hath made mee for to loose, and also the realmes that he hath taken away from me, and the great misery that I am now in. Hee must needes be hereby in some place. Cursed be his comming, for I wote not what to doe: but in signe of vengeance, I will slea his oxen and his kine.

When the three sisters had heard y ^t Cacus so sorrowed, they councelled him that hee shoulde not slea the beastes, Saying that if he slewe them, Hercules shoulde léese no­thing, for he shoulde eate them. It were better saide his wife, that ye take and leade away as many as ye may, and bring them into our caue: for if ye doe so, Hercules shall haue losse and displeasure, and ye shall haue pleasure and profite. Cacus beleeued that his wife said to him, yet hee looked in the medow al aboutes, if any man had bin there to keepe them, but hee found no man nor woman: And then he came to the beasts, and tooke eight of the best that he could chuse, foure oxen and foure kine, after hee bound them togither with a corde by the tailes, and put the corde about his necke, and drewe them so in that maner vnto his caue, albeit that the beastes resisted strongly to go backward in that maner. Cacus brought in this maner reculing, and going backward, al those beastes that hee stale, to the end that no man should follow him by the tra­ches of the feete of the beastes.

When he had put in his caue the beastes of Hercules, as said is, he shut the doore so well, that a man should ne­uer haue knowne nor perceiued that there had been anie doore. Then weening that he had been sure, he laid him downe and slept. Anon after, the sunne rising, and that it was day, Hercules that desired much to heare tidings of his beastes, arose vp, and did so vse the matter that the king Euander brought him vnto the place, whereas his [Page 378] oxen and kine were. When they were come into the medow, Hercules found that he lacked foure oxen and as many kine: Whereat hee was sore troubled, and for to knowe if the Gods had taken them, or any théeues hadde stollen them, he commaunded that they should séeke all a­bout the medowe, and sée if the traches or the printes of the féete of the beastes might be séene or found. At this commandement, one and other began to séek. Some there were that looked toward the mount Auentin, and founde the stepps and footing of the oxen, but they thought by that footing y ^t the beasts were descended from the mount, for to come into the medowe. When al they had sought long, and saw that they found nothing, they made their report vnto Hercules, and saide to him, that they coulde not per­ceiue on no side where these oxen were issued out, and that on no side they coulde finde any signes nor tokens of beastes going out of the pasture. But right now said one, I haue found the steppes and feete of certaine oxen, and kine, that he descended from the mountaine into the me­dow. When Hercules heard, y ^t from the mountaine were come oxē into the medow, he called Euander, & demanded him, what people dwelles on the mountaine. Euander said to him, that thereon dwelled no man nor beast: and that the mountaine was not inhabited. Hercules woulde go to see the footing: and went thither, and hee thought well that thither might haue passed eight great beastes in that night, for the traces of the feete were great and new. Then hee woulde wete where they were become: but hee found wel that y ^e footing of the beasts took their end there as they pastured. He was then right sore a maruelled, for­asmuch as there were no strange beastes, and beganne to muse. When he had a little paused, he beheld the mount, and said, it must needes bee that the Gods haue rauished mine oxen, or els that there is a théefe in this mountaine, that is come and hath stollen them, and hath led them a­way reculing backward. But forasmuch as I haue lesse [Page 379] suspition of the Gods, then of the theefe, I will neuer de­part from hence vntill the time that I haue searched this mountaine from one side to another, for my heart iudg­eth, that the beastes be here, &c.

With this conclusion Hercules did cause to take di­uers calues that were there, and made them to fast till noone. During this while hee sent for his harneis and armes by Phylotes, and armed and made him ready to fight. Anon after midday, as the calues beganne to crie and bleate for hunger, he caused them then to be brought about the mountaine. Thus as they passed by the place where the caue was, and cried, it happened that the kine that were in the caue heard them, and answered, crying so loud, that the sound passed by the holes of the caue, and came to the eares of the calues, and also of Hercules, and of other. When Hercules heard the crie of his kine, hee abode there: his calues beganne to cry again, but his kine cried no more, for Cacus by the force of their cries was awaked, and as he that alway doubted for to bee discoue­red, rose vp, and cut the throates of the kine. The calues then naturally knowing their dammes, cried very loud, and bleated as they that desired the milke for to liue by. Howbeit they coulde not so loud cry, that their dammes aunswered them: heereof maruelled much Hercules. Then he approched the mount, and went vnto the place where him séemed that he hadde heard the kine, and was there full three houres seeking if hee could finde any hole or caue or way to passe by. But howbeit that hee passed many times by the entry of the caue, hee could neuer per­ceiue it. Some said, that the noise and bleating that they had heard of the kine, was come by illusion. The other said, that Hercules lost his labour and trauell, and praied him to leaue to séeke any more, for they thought them not recouerable. In the end when Hercules had heard one & other, and saw that hee might not come to y ^e end of his de­sire, in a great anger he tooke in both armes a great tree [Page 380] that grewe there, and shooke it three times with so great force, that at y ^e third time he ouerthrew it root and all, in such wise that the roote that came out of the earth made a very great large hole so déepe, that the bottome of the caue was séene plainly.

When Hercules sawe the great hole that the roote of the tree had made, hee was right ioyfull and glad, and said: truely it is here that the great théefe dwelleth. I must sée if he be heere, and what marchantes inhabite in this place. In saying these wordes, Hercules bowed downe his head, and beheld on the one side of the caue, where hee saw Cacus. Assoone as he saw the theefe, he knew him a­non, whereof he was more ioyous than he was before, and called to him, Cacus I see thee, thou hast before this time troubled the realmes of Hesperie with innumerable tres­passes and great sins that thou didst commit openly and manifestly. This was the cause of the destruction of thy seignory. Now thou troublest the Italians with tyran­nies secret and vnknowne. I know thy life. Thou maiest not denie it, nor gainsay it. It behooueth that thou die therefore, and that I make the Italians franke and free from thine horrible and odious thefts. O cursed man, if thy crownes, thy Diademes, thy Scepters, thy renowns, thy royall men, might not maintaine thee: Why then, and wherefore art thou wrapped here still in sinnes, and amendest not, for all thy punishment that thou hast suffered, but yet still in the steed and place that thou shouldest dispose thee to that, that appertaineth to a king and a prince, thou hast been a theefe. In steed to doe iu­stice, thou hast been a murderer, and a putter in of fire to burne villages and houses. And where thou shouldest haue kept and saued womē, thou hast defloured them and done them villany. O caitife king, without coniuring or pining of thee, Certes, I see well, that thou art hee that the Italians know not, and that thou hast persecuted thē. Thy malice hath been great and thy subtiltie, seeing that [Page 381] this day thou wert neuer bewraied, and hast done great mischiefe. But thy cunning is not so great, nor hast not thou so hid thée, but thou art right nigh peril, for thou shalt yeeld to me againe my Oxen. And to conclude, thou shalt put mee to death, or thou shalt die by my hand, and thou shalt not escape by running, nor by thy subtile shiftes.

When Cacus vnderstood this sentence, he was excee­dingly afraid, neuerthelesse he lifted vp his head, and see­ing that he was found by Hercules, the onely man of the world that he most hated, he said to him: Alas Hercules, a man all corrupted with couetousnesse: what cursed for­tune hath made thee to draw out the tree whereof the pro­found and déepe rootes hath couered the secret abode of king Cacus late reigning, but nowe depriued from reig­ning, and banished from all worldly prosperitie? Suffi­seth it not to thee, that I may haue the vse of my natural forces to liue by, when thou hast taken al away from me, and that I am forced to liue of robbery and spoile, where­of the blame and fault ought to redound vpon thee: Why sufferest thou not me to liue and drawe forth the residue of my poore life, among the stones, among the rockes, and among the wormes of the earth? Consider nowe, what thou hast done to this king, and seeke him no more. Thou hast hurte and greeued him enough. Hercules answered Cacus. In the déepest of thy depthes of wretchednesse and miseries, thy demerites wil accuse thee: and I am right sory and greeued to sée a king in so wofull and shamefull estate: but seeing thou canst not beautifie thy dayes pas­sed or present with one onely good deed, what remedie? thou hast dayly exercised tyranny as well in prosperitie as in aduersitie. I wote well that thou art the newe per­secuter of the Italians, and that thy hand is all foule with their bloud. I séeke thée not, nor the Italians can say no­thing of thee. And for asmuch as they complaine not of thee, hauing cause to their preiudice, this tree hath spo­ken [Page 382] for them, and by his rootes hee hath discouered thine ambush. So behoueth it that thou choose, whether thou wilt come and fight with me here in the aire at large, or els that I come and assaile thée there within. For if it be to me possible, I will deliuer the world from thy tyran­nies, &c.

By this answere, Cacus knew that there was no re­spite for his life. Then he intended to saue him as he had done aforetime, and made by his crafte so great a smoke and fume, that it séemed to come out of the hole that the tree had made, as it had ben a very pitte of hell. And this fume was mingled with flames burning as it was mar­uaile. For all this fume Hercules left not Cacus, but leapt into the Caue, in the middle of the flames and fume, as he that was maister of the craft, and was quick­ly purueied of remedies that thereto appertained, and went in lustily and assailed Cacus, in such wise as he felt no fume nor let: and then hee gaue him so great a stroke vpon the helme with his clubbe, that he made him to hit his head against the walles of the caue. Cacus with the receiuing of this stroke, let the fume disgorge out of his stomacke, seeing that by that maner he could not escape, and tooke his huge great axe, that stood by him, for to defend him with. Hercules suffered him to take his axe. Cacus smote vpon him, for the caue was not large: & they fought long therein. Vnto the reskewe of Cacus came the thrée sisters, that made great sorrowe, and did cast stones vppon Hercules in great aboundaunce, and wept bitterly.

These three damsels loued very wel Cacus. Hercules and Cacus fought more then a long houre without cea­sing. At the end of the houre, they were both so sore cha­fed, that they must needes rest them. Then Cacus tooke in himselfe a great pride, for he was strong of body, and him séemed, when he had rested, that Hercules was not so strong as hee had been afore times, & that he might [Page 383] neuer vanquish him, forasmuch as he had not ouercome at the beginning. By this presumption hee demaunded of Hercules, if he would finish the battell without the caue. Hercules answered, that he was content. With this aun­swere Cacus tooke away the stone that shut the caue, and went out, and in going after him, Hercules espied his kine that were dead in a corner, and his oxen that were bounden by the mussels vnto a piller: He was sory when he sawe his kine in that case. Neuerthelesse hee passed forth, and pursued Cacus, that reached out his armes, and made him ready, and saide to him: Thou cursed theefe, thou hast done to me great displeasure to haue slaine my kine. Yea (cursed theefe thou thy selfe) answered Cacus, yet hast thou done to mee more displeasure, to haue slaine my men and taken away my realmes. Thou art onely culpable of the euill that I haue done, and of the death of thy kine. I would it pleased the Gods, that I had thee as well in my mercy, as I had them: be thou sure that thou shouldest neuer take away realm from no man: and now let vs dispatch our battaile. At these wordes, Hercules and Cacus smote each other right sore, and with great fu­ry so as their strokes cleaued to their harneis, & made a great noyse. At this noise, the king Euander and the Gréekes came to the battaile, for to sée it, which they made before the entry of the caue, whereas were the thrée si­sters passing desolate. Cacus enforced him with all his puissance: For he saw it was time, then or neuer to shew and put forth all the force that he might. Hee handled his axe right mightily, and well was him need so to doe. Hee was hard and boysterous: he gaue many a stroke to Her­cules. And him seemed otherwhile that hee shoulde con­found him vnto the déepe pit of the earth. But Hercules on his side failed not, though he had a strong party against him: He was also strong at the combate, and more strong then was good for y ^e health of Cacus. He smote neuer Ca­cus, but he turned his eies in his head, or made him stoup, [Page 384] or knéele on the one side or the other, or to go back shame­fully. This battaile by long during gréeued the beholders, they so assailed eche other, and fought hard on both sides. Finally, they did so much that they were driuen to rest them, and that all their bodies swette all aboutes. When Hercules sawe, that yet was not the victory wonne, and that the night approched, he had great shame in himselfe, that he had held so long battaile. Then he began to lay on Cacus so hard, and redoubled his strokes with such force vpon Cacus so fiercely, that at last hee bare him downe to the ground all astonied, and made him to loose his axe, and then tooke off his helme. The three sisters fledde then into a forrest named Oeta, all ful of teares and cries. Ma­ny Gréekes would haue gone after: but Hercules made them to returne. After hee called the king Euander and his folke, and said to the king. Sir, lo here is he that was wont to trouble the Italians with secret murders, couert theftes, and vnknowne defiling of women. Giue no more suspition to the Gods. Lo here is the minister and doer of these trespasses, I haue intention to punish him, not on­ly after his desert, but vnto the death.

Euander answered to Hercules and said: Prince excel­lent and worthy aboue all worthies, and the most best ac­complished of all men flourishing in armes: What reue­rence is to thée due? thou deseruest not only humane reue­rence, but that reuerence that is of diuine nature: I be­léeue assuredly that thou art a God, or the son of a God, or els a man deisied. Thou in especiall hast seene more in a moment, then all the eyes in generall of all the Italians haue seene, not in a whole yeare, but in an hundred yeres. O the bright resplendant sunne of noble men, and faire shining with glorious feates and deedes: how may wee thanke thee, and giue thée land for thy desert in this great worke? Thou (by thy most excellent labour) hast disburdened vs from darknesse, and hast giuen vs light of cleerenesse: thou hast effected more then the great troups [Page 385] and all the assemblies & men of armes of Italians would haue béene able to do. Thou hast gotten more triumph in chastising of this giant passing terrible, thē we be able to reward thee for. Truly if thou be not a god, thou hast from the gods their singular grace. I promise to thée, in remem­brance of this labour, to build a solemne temple in my ci­tie, where thou shalt haue an altar, and vpon the altar shall be thy representation of fine golde, and the represen­tation of this tyraunt, in shewing how thou hast vanqui­shed him, to the end that our heires and successors in time comming, may haue thereof knowlege.

During these wordes, Cacus refreshed him, who was astonied of the stroke that he had receiued, and thought to haue fled: but Hercules ranne after, and caught holde of him, and embraced him in his armes, so hard that he could not stirre from him, and brought him againe, & bare him vnto a deepe pit that was in the caue, where he had cast in all ordures and filth. Hercules came vnto this foule pit that the Gréekes had founde, and put Cacus therein, his head downward from on high vnto the ordure beneath. Then the Italians came about the pit, and cast so manie stones vpon him, that he died there miserably. Such was the end of the poore king Cacus: he died in an hole full of ordure & of stincking filth. When the king Euander saw that hee was dead: by the consent of Hercules, hee made him to be drawen out of the pit, and caused him to be born into his citie, whereas Hercules was receiued so trium­phantly, that no man can rehearse. The feast was great that night in the palace of king Euander, and passed with great ioy. On the morrow the king Euander caused to be set forth the body in the common view and sight of all the people, and afterward ordeined certeine folke thereto [...]it and meet, to carie this miserable corps or body thorow all the cities where he had done harme, and for to count and rehearse to them his life. What shal I make long rehear­sall? When the body was shewed in the citie of king E­uander, [Page 386] they that had the gouernance thereof, bare it into diuers places, and alway they praised Hercules. In re­membrance of the nouelty of this victory, the king Euan­der made to beginne the Temple that he had promised to Hercules, & required Hercules, that he would abide there in that countrey vntill the time that his Temple shoulde be fully made and finished. Hercules beheld how the king Euander did labour about building his temple, with all diligence, and agreed to his request, forasmuch as him sée­med that the Temple would be shortly made. And some books say, that long time before, the god Mars had promi­sed to Hercules, that there should be a temple made vnto him: and for that cause he was come into Italy, for to wit if his destiny should happen or no. And when the Ita­lians heard recount the birth of Hercules, they beléeued better, that he was the sonne of god Iupiter, then of Am­phitrion.

CHAP. XXVI. ¶How the queene of Laurentia grew inamored of Her­cules: and how the king Pricus came into Italie with a great hoste, and sent to defie Hercules.

THe glorious déeds of Hercules were greatly recommended in Italy, aswel for that he had vanquished the giants of Cremona, as for the death of Cacus. So great was his re­noume, that during the building of his tem­ple, all maner people came thither, for to see him, and did to him diuine honours, naming him the sonne of god Iupiter. The kings and the lords came to him, for to giue him gifts and rich presents. Among all other, the quéene of Laurentia came thither from her citie, with manie chaires and chariots, filled and laden with iewels, and presented them to Hercules. Hercules receiued into his grace this quéene & her presents, and thanked her great­ly. [Page 387] This quéene had to name Facua, and was wife of the king Fanus, sonne of the king Pricus, the sonne of Sa­turne: she was yong, fresh, tender, and full of lustinesse. She had not séene king Fanus her husband in foure yere, for he was gone into a farre countrey, and was not in all this time come againe. So it happened that after she first began to take héed of and beholde Hercules, and to marke him well, she began to desire his company and acquain­tance: and she loued him so sore and excéedingly, that shée could not turne her eyes nor her thoughts vppon none o­ther thing but vpon Hercules. In the beholding & séeing him, she sayd in her heart, that he was the most well fauo­uored man, and proper without comparison, that euer she saw, and that of right men should giue him laud & praise, saying moreouer, that her séemed that her heart was in­tangled with the fire of his loue: many cogitations and thoughts ran in her minde. Nowe was she awaked and quickned with a ioyous spirit, & eftsoone all pensiue. She passed so the first day that she came in this maner w ^t Her­cules. When she was gone away for to rest, she layd her downe on a bed all clothed, and there she began to thinke on the beautie of Hercules with so ardent desire, that she could not absteine from wéeping, & sore wished after him: whereof the end was such, that after many imaginations, about the gray morning, she began to say vnto her selfe: O fortune, what man, what priuie, what king hast thou brought into this countrey? This is not a king like o­ther. This is an image singular, and like as if the gods had made him by nature to exceede and triumph aboue all her other subtill workes and labours. All glory shineth in him not onely by his valiant prowesse, but by his sim­ple and sacred perfection of bodie, to which may be made no comparison. O cleere image among the nobles, who is she séeing his eyes, that with one onely sight will not haue her heart thorowly pearsed? who is she that will not couet and desire his grace? The most fortunate of al [Page 388] happie, and well fortuned shall she be that may get his good will: he is humble, faire, pleasant, and laughing: he is a treasure. O deare treasure: like as the golde pas­seth all other maner mettals, in like sort he passeth all o­ther works of nature in all prosperities: how then shal I not loue him? As long as I shall liue, his name shall re­maine written in my memory, and his beauty shall not be forgotten, but remaine for a memoriall eternall,

Great were then the praises that Facua vttered of Hercules: she forgate anon the king Fanus, and put him all in neglect for the loue of Hercules. She was there a certaine space of time, and alway thought on Hercules. Hercules that thought nothing of her, made vnto her no semblance nor signe of loue: howbeit he talked oft times with her, and with the wife of the king Euander, named Carmenta. The more he conferred with them, the more was Facua in great paine by the inflaming of loue: some time she lost her colour and countenance, but certainly she couered it, and hid it so well, that no man tooke héede of it. Then when she had bene there eight dayes, bearing such grieuous paine, she saw that Hercules could not perceiue the loue that shee had to him: for to come to the end of her desire, she came on a day to Hercules, and humbly requi­red him that he would come and take the paines to come to her house, for to passe the time, whiles the king Euan­der there finished his temple. Hercules accorded, and a­greed vnto her request, whereat she had very great ioy in her selfe. They then disposed themselues for to goe vnto Laurencia, and tooke leaue of the king Euander, and of the queene, and so tooke their way. Thus then going, Hercules was alway by the side of Facua, who reasoned of many things by the way: and alway Facua had her a­morous eyes fixed on the view of Hercules, that at last Hercules began to take heed, and sayd to her softly thus: Lady, you doe me great worshippe to bring me into your house. Alas sir, answered Facua, I do to you nothing but [Page 389] trouble you: for I haue not the power to feast you and make you chéere as I fain would. Lady (said Hercules) the good chéere that ye bestow on me, is to me acceptable, so that from henceforth ye bind mine heart for to bée wil­ling to fulfill your will in such wise that there is nothing that ye desire, but I will accomplish it at your comman­dement, after my power, as to anie the most best accom­plished lady that is in the West part. Facua with these wordes began to smile, and answered. Sir, I haue no­thing done for you: and ye are not so beholding to me as ye say. Howbeit I thanke you for your good worde. And thereof I hold me right fortunate and happy, for that the most worthy man of all [...]en dayneth to accompany one so poore a lady as I am. Lady (answered Hercules) I take not that to be attributed rightly to me, to say, that I am the most worthy of men: for there haue béen ma­ny better then I am. But certes the more ye speake, the more ye make me your subiect. And since you doe to mee so great honour, I request you as much as I may, that I may be your knight, and that ye take power ouer mée to commaund me to doe your wil and pleasure. Sir, said Facua, will ye that it be so? Lady (answered Hercules) alas yea. I will not commaund you, said Facua, but I will giue you ouer me asmuch seignorie and lordship as it shall please you to take. Hercules with the same word, would faine haue kissed the lady, and had done it, had it not béen for the worship of her, which hee woulde keepe. They had enough of other conferences. From that day forth Hercules intended to please the lady more then hée had done before. And shortly hee acquainted himselfe so with her, and she with him, that they lay togither secret­ly. And he begat on her a sonne that was named Latine, which was afterward of great gouernment.

During these things, whiles that Hercules and Fa­cua had this good time in Laurencia, tidinges came that the king Fanus was comming. Facua, that then began [Page 390] first to ioy in the loue of Hercules, was passing sorie and heauy, when she heard these tidings, for shee firmly fixed her heart on Hercules. Sodainly the teares all blubbered her eies. And so wéeping she came into a chamber where as Hercules was: then shée tooke him apart, and said to him. Alas my loue, I shall die for sorrow. Lady, said Her­cules, wherefore? Forsomuch said she, as my husband the king Fanus commeth home: It is full foure yeare since I heard of him, I had supposed he had been dead, but hee is not. His herbingours and fourriers bee come before, and say, that he will suppe héere this day. Alas, what euil aduenture is this? we must néedes now depart, and our communication shall faile. With this word the lady em­braced Hercules, and fell downe in a sowne in his lappe. Hercules tooke her vp, and comforted her the best wise he could, and said to her, that since it is so that shee was married, it was reason that shee abode still with her hus­band. Whatsoeuer Hercules said vnto the Ladie, shee coulde not kéepe her from weeping, nor bewailing her loue, and her bewailinges were great. In the end shee went into her chamber, and dried her eyes, and brake off her dolorous weeping asmuch as she could, arraying and apparrelling her in such wise, as if shee had been ioyous and glad of the comming of her husband, who came soone after, and entred into his citie with great triumph.

Hercules and Facua went against the king Fanus. When the king Fanus saw Hercules, hee did to him as much honour and worship as he could doe: Forasmuch as he had heard say, and was aduertised of the deeds of arms that he had done against the giants of Cremona, and a­gainst Cacus: and thanked him, forsomuch as hee was come into his citie. For conclusion, Hercules abode there foure daies after that Fanus was come home: on the fifth day hée considered, that hee might no more enioy his loue, and that he did nothing there but loose his time: so he tooke leaue of the king Fanus, and of the queene [Page 391] Facua, and returned vnto the house of the king Euander, where he held him, and abode vnto the time that his tem­ple was made and accomplished. About the consummati­on of this temple, an Herauld of Calidonie, came to Her­cules, and signified to him, that the king Pricus came a­gainst him with a great puissance of men of armes, for to reuenge the bloud of Cacus his cousen: and that he char­ged Hercules, that he hadde without a cause (and cruelly put to death one so noble a king as Cacus was: and said to him moreouer that if he would mainteine the contra­ry, on the morrow early he should finde the king Pricus in the same place where the bloud of king Cacus was shed: and that there, by mortall battell, by puissance a­gainst puissance, he would prooue it true that he said.

When Hercules had wel heard, what the king Pricus had signified to him: he had his heart all full of ioy, and answered to the Herauld, that the death that he had made Cacus to die, was a worke of iustice, and that vppon the quarrell, hee woulde furnish by battell the king Pricus, at the houre and place that hee had said. After this aun­swere thus made, Hercules gaue vnto the Herauld has gowne that he ware, and did him to be feasted right wel, saying, that he had brought him tidinges of pleasaunce. When the herauld had had good chéere, and wel feasted, as Hercules had commanded: He returned vnto the king Pricus, & tolde him, what Hercules had answered to him, and that he should haue on the morrow the battaile. The king Pricus, that supposed to haue wonne all by aduan­tage of multitude, (for he had in his hoste mo then thirty thousand men) thanked the Gods of these tidinges: and came and lodged him the same night, nigh vnto the mount Auentin, vpon the riuer of Tyber. He made him readie then for to fight this battaile. And likewise Her­cules: eche man on his side thought on his workes. The night passed ouer, and on the morrow as soone as it be­gan to dawn, the king Pricus & Hercules began to sound [Page 392] their great tabours, and with that sound, their men put them in armes to be ready, and after trained in battaile order. And so they came both parties, as well the one as the other, into the same place where the bloud of king Cacus had béen shed, &c.

CHAP. XXVII. ¶How Hercules fought against the king Pricus in battaile: and how he fled into the Citie, where Hercules alone slew him and many mo with him.

ABout fiue of the clocke in the morning, Hercules and Pricus assembled at the battaile: from as farre as Pricus sawe Hercules, hee made a maruellous cry. With this cry, all the Calidoniens be­gan to runne against Hercules▪ and made so great a noise that it séemed that there was not people enough in all the world for them. But certainly like as a small raine aba­teth or laieth downe a great winde, in likewise Hercules alone laid downe their ouer great boasting and vproare. For assoone as he sawe his enemies runne against him, about a quarter of a mile off, hee departed from his bat­taile that was well set in order, and after that he hadde commaunded his folke that they shoulde not haste for no­thing, hee beganne to runne against the Calidoniens swiftly, not like an horse, but like an Hart that no man might ouertake. The king Euander was all abashed for to sée in Hercules so great nimblenesse and swiftnesse. Pricus and the Calidoniens, when they sawe him mooue from the hoste, they supposed that it had béen a horse or o­ther beast. In the end when Hercules was come nigh to them, within the space of a bow shot, they knewe that it was Hercules, whereat they were sore abashed of his comming. Pricus cried to haue set his men vppon him. [Page 393] They shot arrowes, and casted dartes and speares vpon Hercules, against all the partes of his body: neuertheles they coulde neuer pierce nor enter into the skinne of the Lion, and he neuer rested till hee hadde accomplished his course, thrusting him among his enemies so mightily, that ouerthrowing all before him, like as it hadde béen a tempest or thunder, hee went into the midst of the hoste, whereas there was the chiefe banner of the king Pri­cus.

Hercules abode and staied there, but beganne to smite and lay on vpon the one side and the other, and to die his sword with the bloud of the Calidoniens. His sworde was so heauy that no man might endure it, it al to brused all that it raught. It made the place red, whereas the bloud of Cacus was shedde, with bloud vppon bloud, and with dead men vpon dead. Then was not the shame and death of king Cacus auenged, but augmented vppon the persons of his friendes, in abundance of slaughter and of murther. The crie arose greatly about Hercules: he brake and all to rent the banners, and the recognisances of the Calydoniens, and of their conductors: there was none so hardy, but he draue him away: and there was none so resolute, but he was afraid and trembled. All the best and hardiest fled before him. Then hee made what spoile hee would with his enemies. Theseus, Euander, and other came then vnto the battaile. At this conflict there was many a speare broken, many a halberd and many a helm broken, and many a knight smitten in peeces. The Ca­lidoniens were in great number, and there were many of them strong and mightie. The battaile was right strong and mighty and fierce. The king Pricus set for­most before vppon the Gréekes, and laboured with his hand right cheualrously. And Hercules and Theseus did worthily and deseruing memory: they ranne from ranck to rancke, and brake the ranckes of their enemies. They comforted and encouraged their men, and shewed to them [Page 394] how they shoulde doe. Their feates and deedes were so great, that it is impossible to recount and tell: for in little time they put their enemies in despaire. What shall I say? all the discomfiture was in the Calidoniens, for by force of armes they abode vppon the fielde for the most part. And then when the king Pricus saw, that his people could no more fight, and that he lost on all sides, & that fortune was against him in all points, after hee had sore labored, & that he had néed of rest, hee withdrew him out of the prease, & sounded a retrait, and with the sound, the Calidoniens turned back, and fled after king Pricus.

When Hercules saw that the Calidoniens withdrew thēselues, he made in like wise his Gréeks to withdraw them: not for any need they had, but for to shewe their e­mies, that they woulde well that they shoulde rest them. In this wise the battell ceased, Hercules supposing that the Calidoniens would assemble on the morrowe when they had rested them: but they withdrewe themselues, some heere and some there. The day passed, the night came on: then the king Pricus assembled his folke, and shewed to them their losse, and the strength and might of the Greekes, and in especiall of Hercules. After hee said to them, that they could neuer conquer them, and that they could no wiselier doe then to withdrawe them, and to returne into their countrey. The Calidoniens that dreaded Hercules more then the death, or tempest, or thunder of the heauen: had great ioy, when they vn­derstood the will of king Pricus: and answered all with one accord, that they were ready to go forth on the way. With this answer they concluded, that they should leaue their tentes, their cartes and armours, for to go lightly and more secretly. After this they tooke their way, accor­ding to their conclusion, & faire and softly they went their way without making stir or noise, and did trauel so much this night y ^t on the morrow they were far from Hercules. After this, on y ^e morrow when Hercules espied that they [Page 395] were fled, he and his men pursued after swiftly, howbeit they could not ouertake them. For, to spéede the matter, the king Pricus returned into Calidonie. Hercules pur­sued him into his citie, which was strong with walles, and besieged him. During this siege, there was neuer a Calidonien that durst come out. Hercules oft times as­saulted the citie, but he lost his labour. At length, when he saw that he could not get ne win vpon his enemies, he called his Gréeks, and sayd to them: that man that ven­tureth not winneth nothing. We soiourne here without doing any thing worthy of memory. Our enemies will not come against vs, vnlesse we fetch them, and thus we shal haue no end: shortly we must all win or loose. Wher­fore I thinke it best that I disguise me, and goe vnto the gate, & let the porters vnderstand that I haue an errand vnto the king: and heereupon, if I may enter, I will goe vnto the king, & so deale, if it be possible, that he shall ne­uer assault me any more in battell. And if it happen that I may so doe, as I haue tolde you, I will that ye assaile the citie assoone as I shall be within, to the end that the Cali­donians may haue to do with you aswell as with me, and that I haue them not all at once vpon me.

When Theseus and Euander vnderstoode well what Hercules would do, they answered, that they were ready to obey all his commandements, and that they would as­sault the citie, after his saying. Then Hercules arrayed himselfe like as he had béene an embassadour, and These­us & the Gréeks disposed themselues to make the assault. When al was ready, Hercules departed and came & knoc­ked at the gate of Calidonie: the porters looked out at a little window, to see who knocked there, and séeing that there was but one man in a long gowne, they opened to him the gate, and asked him what he would haue? Hercu­les answered, that he sought the king. And what would ye with him, said one of the porters? Hercules sayd, I would faine speake vnto his person: and saying these wordes, [Page 396] the porters sawe that Hercules was armed vnder the gowne: and then at few wordes they cried, vppon him, and laid at him before and behinde, saying that he was a traitor, and that hee was come to espie the citie. When Hercules saw him to set vpon by the porters, he was there as he would be, and had great ioy: which hee couered vn­der simple countenance, and made at the beginning sem­blance that he would haue fled away and escaped: but hée emploied so little of his strēgth, that the porters brought him vnto the king Pricus, which sate in the hall with his daughters and his princes, & presented him to him, saying: Sir, lo heere is a traitour, that is entered into your citie for to espie your power. We haue taken him: he said that he would speake vnto your person, and hée is armed vnder his mantel as ye may sée: it is a right euil token: for a man desiring to speake to a king, should in no wise be armed priuily nor couertly.

When the king vnderstood the accusation of the Por­ters, whiles they spake, hee beheld Hercules, and knew him: Whereat hee was so sore afraid, that hee wist not what to say. Hercules then bestirred himselfe and wrung himselfe out of the holding of the porters, casting them downe to the ground so hard and so greeuously, that they neuer after might reléeue themselues. When the Caly­doniens that were in the hall, saw him so euill intreate the porters, they threatned Hercules vnto the death, and assailed him on all sides. His gowne was then anon rent off. In bickering he receiued many a stroke, and alway he defended himselfe without displaying of his power and of his strength, as he that awaited for the tidings of the assault that was nigh. The affray was great in the hall and in the citie on al partes, the Calidoniens ranne to the pallace, for to assaile Hercules. King Pricus made him ready, & came with other vnto this fray. Then was Hercules assailed fiercely: but this assault was déere to y ^e king: for to his welcome Hercules came to the tabernacle [Page 397] that stoode vppon foure great barres of yron, whereof hee tooke the one, and beat downe the tabernacle. After he lifted vp his arme with the bar, and smote the king Pri­cus so vnmeasurably vpon the [...]o [...] of his helmet, that not­withstanding his strong harnesse and armours, he all to beat him downe to the earth, and smote him so sore bro­ken and bruised, that he fell downe dead betwéene his two porters.

At this time the crie arose great among the Calidoni­ans. Not alonely there, but also in the citie (for hee that kept the watch sounded to armes, forasmuch as the Greeks assailed hastily the walles.) Calidony was then terribly troubled, and the Calidonians wist not where to turne them, whether to Hercules, or to the assault. All was full of heades armed, aswell in the pallace as vppon the walles. After this that Hercules had slaine the king Pricus, he beganne to smite vppon his enemies, and his strokes were great, at ech stroke he slew two or three, so as shortly he bare himselfe there a knightly, that in little while hee couered all the pauement of the pallace with dead bodies of the Calidonians, lying one vpon another, without that any man might dammage his armor. The Calidonians were of great courage, and had great shame for that they might not ouercome Hercules, that alone had done vpon them so great an exploit. They assailed him with great courage, and cast vpon him darts & sharpe iauelines. His armes and his shoulders bare all, and he did so great things with his barre, and gaue so great strokes, that none of them might resist his strength. The poore Calidonians came thither with great courage and desire for to reuenge the death of their king. Hercules put so many to death, that hee wist not where to set his foote, but it must be vpon Calidonians. Before the gate of the pallace was a pitifull noise of wéepings & of cries, that women and children made. In the end, when the Ca­lidonians knew and perceiued the vertue & the strength [Page 398] of Hercules, and that they laboured in vaine, they ceassed to assaile him, and fled. Then Hercules issued out of the pallace with his barre all couered with bloud. Assoone as the Calidonians saw him, they set vpon him passing fu­riously, and assailed him anew: they cast stones and darts vpon him, they shotte arrowes on him aboundantly, as they that were purueyed, and awaited for his passage. In this assault Hercules had much to suffer: yet after recei­uing moe strokes then canne be numbred, he passed the watch, that awaited to haue staine him, and rested neuer till he came vnto the gate.

The Calidonians ranne then after him, as men with­out dread of death, and mightily swollen with pride and ire, beganne on anew to smite vppon his shoulders, and vpon his backe. When Hercules saw that, he turned his face vppon his euill willers, and smote vppon them with his barre, on the right side, and on the left side, so lustily, that he died his barre with newe bloud: and maugre his enemies, he beat them downe, and all to bruised them be­fore him. He made them then to recule and go backe more then fourtie pases: and after came to the gate. And the Calidonians pursued him againe: but ere they came vp­on him, he all to brake & bruised, and to frushed the lockes, and the wickets, and doores of the gate: and the Greekes assailed him with all their power, and beate downe the draw bridge. After he called the assailants, and they came vnto him, and with little resistance they entred the citie, which was at that time with great slaughter of the Calidonians that would not yéeld themselues, nor put themselues to mercy, vntill the time that they saw their stréets and houses full of dead bodies. &c.

CHAP. XXVIII. ¶How Hercules was enamoured on Yole the daughter of king Pricus: and how he required her of loue: and how she accorded vnto him.

BY this maner was king Pricus slaine, and his city taken by Hercules. After the slaughter, when y ^e Calidoniens had hū ­bled themselues, Hercules and Theseus went to the pallace, & they came thither so fitly, that they found the daughters of king Pricus, with their ladies and gentlewomē, séeking the king among the dead bodies. There were so manie dead bodies, that they could not finde nor know him that they sought. Hercules at his comming beganne to behold one and other, and especially among al other, hee cast his eie vppon Yole, the daughter of the king: forasmuch as she was excellently glistering in beautie, that in all the world was none like vnto her. When hee had a little be­held her, by a secret commaundement of loue, hee drewe him vnto her, wéening for to haue comforted her. Anon, as the right desolate gentlewoman saw Hercules appro­ching vnto her, she trembled for dread, and fled vnto her chamber, the ladies and the gentlewomen followed her: and among them so did Hercules. What shall I say? hee entered into the chamber where she was, and sate downe by her. She thought to haue risen for to haue gone out of the way, but he held her by her clothes and said vnto her: Lady, ye may not flie my companie. Yole spake then and said: O miserable tyraunt, what séekest thou me nowe for to trouble mee more? Thou hast slaine my father, let that suffice thee. Madame (answered Hercules) if the king Pricus be dead, it is reason that he be not much be­wailed nor wept: for he thinking for to auenge the death [Page 400] of the tyraunt Cacus, came not long since for to assaile me in Italy, saying: that I had vnrightfully and with­out cause slaine him. In maintaining the contrary, I fought with him vppon this quarrell: the battaile was not ended, nor put to vtterance at that time, for he with­drew himselfe with his people, and came into this citie. and I haue pursued him hastily, albeit I coulde not ouer­take him. When I saw that, I laide my siege about this citie: he would not come to fight the battaile during my siege, wherefore I haue this day willed to haue an end. Fortune hath béen on my side, and hath put you in my power. Certes, it must néedes be, that without remedie ye be my lady and my loue: for in séeing your singular beauty, loue hath constrained me to be yours. Then I pray you as affectuously as I may or can, that yee cease your sorrow, and that ye receiue mee as your friend and loue. The more ye weep the lesse ye get and winne, con­tinual teares or wéepinges, nor long lasting sighes may neuer raise your father againe.

The faire Yole with these wordes was sore oppressed with hote & contrary imaginations, that her heart failed her. It was a piteous thing to beholde howe her friend Hercules would haue taken her vp and susteined her be­twéene his armes. But a wise lady that had alway go­uerned her, came to him and said to him kneeling on her knees: Sir, I pray you in the name of all the Gods, that ye will cease to speake to this poore damsell for this time. She hath this day lost her father, it must needs bée that nature acquite her. Ye may do with her your owne pleasure, if ye let her a little abide in her melancholie: all shall be well if it please the Gods, as well for you as for her. At the request of the Lady, Hercules was content to let her go for that time: hee recommended Yole vnto the Gods, and went vnto Theseus for to passe his time with him: but to the end that Yole shoulde not go away nor escape, he ordained twelue Gréekes to kéepe her, and [Page 401] commaunded vpon pains of death, that they should suffer no woman to issue out of the chamber, without witting whither she went. In this night Hercules did cause the dead bodies to be had out of the pallace, and the place to be made cleane. And also he ordeined that the body of the king Pricus should be put in the sepulture. When these things were accōplished, Hercules & Theseus with their men of armes, made good chéere with such as they found there: and Yole was neuer out of y ^e remembrance of Her­cules. Yole certainely at this time was so discomforted, that it cannot be recounted. The ladie that had her in go­uernance, trauelled right sore for to comfort and chéere her. Then when Hercules had left her in the chamber, as sayd is, she had many words to her: and among all other she sayd to her: My daughter, you wéepe too much. Ha ma­dame (sayd Yole) how may I lesse do? when shall I haue cause to wéepe and to waile if I haue not nowe? My fa­ther is dead: I haue lost him that most loued me of all the world. I may loose no more, ne no greater thing. Ought not then my heart to be angry and sorrowfull? My daugh­ter (sayd the lady) I know well that ye haue the most ap­parant occasion of sorrowe that any woman may haue: but since it must néeds be that you passe by this infortune, what profite you your grieuous wéepings? There may nothing procéed of them but augmentation of melancoly, and hurting and appairing of your praised beautie. Ye be now fallen into the hand of this prince. This is a man worthy and noble aboue all other, he loueth you: ye ought to thanke the gods, and to giue them praise for this grace. For this is to you a good fortune, and an hap in your mis­hap. If ye will be ruled by me, y [...] shall take all this in good part. Better it is to suffer one euil then two. He thinketh ye ought to consider your estate. And if ye consider it well, ye shall indeuour you to forget it. Madame (sayd Yole) Alas, and how may that be, that I should haue loue or af­finitie or familiaritie with him that hath done to mee so [Page 402] much harme. He hath not taken onely from me a knight, an vncle, nor a cousin: but mine onely proper father. Let none speake to me thereof. Hee is, and shall be my mor­tall enemy, as long as I liue: and as long as he shal liue, he shall haue no more of me, for prayer, promise, nor for menace.

My daughter (sayd the lady) make not your selfe bond, whereas you be free: the effects and déeds of loue be sub­till and sudden. Loue is alway in his secret throne, that can doe none other thing, but humiliate, and méeken the hard hearted, and bow the strong. So hard nor so strong a heart is not amongst the humaine creatures, but that it is right soone humbled and made méeke when that it is his pleasure. There is no tower so high, but it may be beaten downe by subtill mining. Neither is no winde so great, nor so rigorous, but it may be tempered. There is no night so darke, but that it is surmounted with the day. Ye hate Hercules now, but if you haue a while kept com­panie with him, and haue had communication with him, peraduenture you will loue him better then euer you lo­ued your father, your mother, or any other of your linage. And that I may proue by my selfe: for I had my husband in so great hate first, ere we loued together, that I would faine haue séene him die a shamefull death. Shortly af­ter, when we had begun to be acquainted one with ano­ther, I loued him so stedfastly, that if he had not beene with me day and night, I had thought I should haue died for sorrow and griefe. My daughter, such be the chances of loue, that often times I say, after great hate commeth great loue. The glory of Hercules is so cléere, that your heart ought to be delighted therewith: the conquest that he hath made in this citie, shall be for you a singular pre­paration to all good. Would you attaine to a more grea­ter weale, then for to be fellow or loue of him that is the subduer of kings, the most best wel-faring man, and the most triumphant in armes? for to him is nothing vn­possible: [Page 403] hee hath conquered the most part of the vniuer­sall world. O my daughter, reioyce you in fortune: shut not the doore to prosperitie that commeth to you: it is to be beléeued, that the desolation of this citie, hath bene de­uised and ordeined by the parlement of the gods, in fauor of you, that are the paragon, and none like vnto you, of all the daughters of the kings, for to giue you in marriage vnto this man.

By these wordes the faire Yole had her stomacke sur­prised with sundry imaginations. She rose then vp from that part, and entred into her guardrobe, whereas was the presentation of the goddesse Diana. When she was come thither, she knéeled downe in great humilitie be­fore the image, and in abounding of sighes, and weeping as sore as shee had done any time of the day before, shee sayd: Goddesse of virgines, what shall thy right simple seruant and handmayden doe? Alas, lighten mine hope, beholde mine affection, weigh my mishappe. Send thine eyes into the secret of mine heart, and sée the sorrow that I beare, and in the fauour of virgines kéepe my bodie, and preserue me frō the hand of him that would that I should be his wife. Since that he had caused in me the roote of mortall hate, which is not possible to be rooted out, as nature iudgeth in mee (for it is not possible that I may loue mine enemie) I am therefore perswaded, and it is trueth, that the hate that I haue against this tyrant Her­cules, shalbe euer abiding.

In these prayers and lamentations Yole abode vn­till the dead of the night, cursing Hercules, saying that she had rather die then to loue or like him. Thus disdai­ning the loue of Hercules, without meate or drinke she passed the whole night. The day next following, Her­cules returned vnto her, and on a newe prayed her, that she would be his wife: saying, without respite, that she [...] must needes agree thereto. She was right sore displea­sant of this request, and excused herself in many fashions [Page 404] that were too long to rehearse at this time. But at the end of the praiers and requestes of Hercules, Loue inspi­red in such wise the gentlewoman, that she vnderstoode well that Hercules was of the roote of noble father and mother: wherefore shee accorded to doe his pleasure. What shal I more say? Yole companied then with Her­cules as his wife, and they lay togither, and they grewe acquainted each with other. Loue then inrooted in their heartes, so that their two willes were locked and put in one will. Hercules forgot Deianira, and Yole forgat the death of her father, and was so much enamoured on Her­cules, that she might rest in no place, but that she must be alway with him. O maruellous thing, the rancour and the hate that Yole had yesterday vnto Hercules, is nowe sodainly turned into loue infallible. For to speede the matter: during yet the first dayes of the loue of Hercules and Yole, at the praier of Yole, Hercules gaue her sisters in marriage to certaine knightes of the Greekes, and left them there to gouerne the countrey and the realme of Calidonie. After he departed from thence, and brought his oxen and his kine with him, and sent againe the king Euander into his dominion, thanking him of his com­pany, and of the honour that he had done to him.

Euander woulde gladly haue accompanied Hercules into Greece: But Hercules would in no wise y ^t he should haue the trauaile. At last then Euander (with great than­kings of Hercules and of his armie) departed: and Her­cules with his armie went vnto the sea, and hee forgat not behinde him the fairest Yole, but hee loued her soue­raignly. All day he was with her, and shee pleased him as much as shee might, doubting more to loose his loue thē she was sory for the death of her father. Then as they thus went by the sea, maintaining to their power the amorous life, Hercules encountered on a day, nigh by an hauen and a good citie, a gally of marchants. Hercules made the galley to tarry, and after called the maister, and [Page 405] asked of him what countrey he was, and from whence he came? Certes sir (answered the maister of the galley) I departed late from the porte of Thrace that is hereby: I see well that ye be a stranger, and that yee know not the perill that ye be in: wherefore I haue pitie of you and of your company, and doe aduertise you, and wish you, that at the next hauen ye shal finde, in no wise yee tary there, for nothing that may befall you: for al so truely as yée bée héere, if ye go thither, yee shall take harme: for there is a king, a tyrant the most cruell that is in all the world, na­med Diomedes, that holdeth vnder him tenne thousand théeues, and hee maketh warre against all them that hée may find, and hath a custome that he putteth men to ran­some such as it pleaseth him: and if they that hee putteth to such misery, pay their raunsome, hee letteth them go quiet, and with that money and substance, he nourisheth his théeues, and his horses. And if they cannot furnishe their raunsome, He himself smiteth them to morsels, and giueth them to his horses for to eate and deuoure. But there is one thing good for you, for this morning he is gone to the chase, for to hunt in a forrest, which is a foure mile from Thrace, and with him there be an hundred of the strongest theeues that he hath. And this knowe I of a trueth, for I haue seene them depart not passing three houres ago, &c.

CHAP. XXIX. ¶How Hercules fought against Diomedes, in the forest of Thrace: and how he made his horse to eate him.

HErcules hearing these wordes that the mai­ster of the galley said to him, and rehearsing the life of Diomedes, was passing ioyous in his heart, more then hee had béen since the death of the théef Cacus. He had in him that [Page 406] valor, that where he might know a monster or tyrant to be, or any men molesting the weale, thither hee went, and such tyrants hee destroyed: and to the ende that men should not say, that he did such workes for couetise, hee would neuer hold, nor retain to his proper vse nothing of their goodes, but all that hee conquered in such wise hee geue it vnto noble men, and praised nor sought nothing but vertue. He would not make his seignorie to grow nor be inlarged, and take to himselfe realme vppon realme. He was content with that, that nature had giuen him. And alway he woulde labour for the commonweale. O noble heart? O right well disposed courage? O most ver­tuous painym, there was none like to him of all them that were afore him, nor after him. For to holde on and go forward with my matter: when the maister had ad­uertised him, as afore is said, that the tyrant Diomedes was gone on hunting into the forrest, with his hundred théeues, he enquired so much that the maister shewed him the situation of the forest, & by what way and maner hée might soonest come thither. After this, he gaue leaue to the maister to go his way. That done, he called his mari­ners, and made them to séeke the place. After, hee assem­bled the Gréekes, and told them, that he would that they should abide him there, and that he himselfe without de­lay would go into the forrest, that the maister had shewed him, to séeke Diomedes: saying, that he would neuer re­turne into Greece vntill the time that hee had deliuered the countrey of this tyrant. Yole began then to wéepe, when she heard the enterprise of Hercules, & praied him, tenderly wéeping, that hee would leaue and depart from the hazard of so great perill. Hercules tooke no regard nor héed to her praiers. He deliuered to Phylotes his bowe & his club, and entered into a little galley finely made and light. Which he guided by the helpe of Phylotes, right nigh the place where hee would be: and tooke land two bow shotte off, from the forrest, and so in setting foot on [Page 407] land, he heard the cry and noise of the hunting, and hadde thereof great ioy, and said that he was well and where he would be. He tooke then his club, and left his bowe with Phylotes. After he entered into the forrest, and had not far ranged in the forrest, when hee found Dyomedes and his hundred theeues. Diomedes was the first that from far espied Hercules, and knew that he was a stranger▪ & called to him and said. Giant, what is it that thou seekest in this forrest? Hercules answered, what art thou? Dio­medes saide, I am the king of Thrace: thou art entered into my Dominion without my leaue: it displeaseth me, and thou must be my prisoner, wherefore yeeld thée to mée. Hercules said then: king, since thou art Diomedes the king of Thrace, thou art vndoubtedly the tyrant that I séeke. And therefore I am not of purpose to yeeld mée without stroke smiting, and especially to an euill théefe. Know thou, that I will defend me with this club, with which I haue béen accustomed to destroy monsters, and am in hope this day, to make thy horses eate and deuour thy body, like as thou hast taught and vsed them to eate thy prisoners.

When Diomedes heard the answere of Hercules, hee tooke a great axe, that one of his theeues bare after him, and he lifted it vp, threatning Hercules vnto the death, and discharged so hard, that if Hercules had not turned the stroke with his club, he had béen in great perill. Dio­medes was of the greatnesse and stature of Hercules, and had aboundance of strength and puissance. When Her­cules had receiued the stroke, he lifted vp his club, & fai­led not to smite Diomedes, for he gaue him such a stroke vpon the stomacke, and so heauy that hee turned him vp­side down from his horse, and laid him all astonied in the field. Then his hundred theeues bestirred them, and as­sailed Hercules on all sides. Some of them there were y ^t recouered Diomedes, & set him on his horse, y ^e other shot at Hercules: some brake their swordes on him. All this [Page 408] impaired nothing the armes of Hercules. His halberd and his helme were of fine stéele forged & tempered hard. He stood there among them like a mountaine. When hée had suffered the first skirmishe and assault of the théeues, for to shew to them with whom they fought, he set vppon them, and smote down right on all sides with such valor, that sodainly he made the péeces of them flie into the wood, and smote them down from their horses. Diomedes was at that time risen, and with great furie and disconten­tednesse, with many of his complices came vnto the res­kewe of his théeues, whom Hercules vsed as he would. And whiles that some assailed him before, he came behind, and smote him with his axe vpon his helme, the stroke wherof was so great that the fire sprang out. Diomedes had well thought to haue murdered Hercules: yet Her­cules mooued not for the stroke, but a little bowed his head. After this then he lift vp his clubbe, and smote a­mong the theeues, and maugre them all, in lesse then an houre he had so belaboured the yron about their backs, that of the hundred hee slew sixty, and the other hee al to brused and frushed and put to flight with Diomedes. But Hercules running more swiftly then an horse, among all other pursued Diomedes so nigh, that hee raught him by the legge, and pulled him downe from his horse, and cast him downe against a tree vnto the earth. After hee tooke him by the body, and by maine force, bare him vnto the place where the battaile had béen. There he dishelmed him and vnarmed him with little resistance. For Dio­medes was then all to bruised, and might not helpe him­selfe, and when he hadde him thus at his will, hee bound him by the feete and by the handes. After this hee assem­bled togither twentie horses of the théeues, that ran dis­persed in the wood, and came to Diomedes, and saide to him. O thou cursed enemy, that hast emploied all thy time in tyrannie, and diddest neuer one good déed, but all thy daies hast liued in multiplying of sinnes and vices, and [Page 409] hast trobled the people by thefts & praies irreparable, and that hast nourished thy horses with mans flesh, & by this crueltie hadst supposed to haue made me to die: Certes I will doe iustice vpon thée, and will doe to thine euill per­son, like as thou wouldest haue done to mine. Then Her­cules laid the tyrant in the middest of the horses, which had great hunger, and they anon deuoured him, for they loued mans flesh. And thus when Hercules had put the tyrant to death, hee tooke his armes, in signe of victory, and returned vnto Phylotes that abode him.

Philotes hadde great ioy, when hee sawe Hercules re­turne, he enquired of him how he had done, and howe hee had borne him. And Hercules hid nor concealed nothing from him. What shall I say? with great ioy and glad­nesse they returned vnto the Greekes, and did cause to disancre their shippes, and sailed for to arriue at the port or hauen of Thrace. Then would Hercules make to bee known, & published in Thrace y ^e death of king Diomedes. Whereat was a great vproare. This notwithstanding, Hercules tooke to Philotes the armes of Diomedes, and sent him into the citie for to summon them that gouerned it, and for to yeeld it into his handes. Philotes went in­to the pallace of Thrace, and made to bee assembled them that then were principall in the Citie. When they were assembled, Phylotes did then open to them his charge and message, and summoned the Thraciens, that they shoulde deliuer their citie into the handes of Hercules: Saying that Hercules was he that had put to death Dio­medes for his euill liuing, and for the loue of the common weale: and that the citie could do no better but to receiue him at his comming, for hée woulde not pill it, but hee would only bring it to good pollicie. When he had done this summons, to the end that they should beleeue him, he discouered and shewed vnto them the armes of Dio­medes.

When the Thraciens heard Phylotes, and sawe the [Page 410] armes of Diomedes, some of the complices and compa­nions of Diomedes and theeues, were full of great rage, and would haue taken the armes from Phylotes. The o­ther that were wise and notable men, & that many yeres had desired the end of their king (seeing his armes) knew assuredly that Diomedes was dead, and full of ioy aun­swered to Philotes. Forasmuch as Hercules was a king of great renowne and wisedome, and that he had done a worke of great merite in the death of Diomedes they would receiue him with good hart into the citie. Without long discourses, the Thraciens went vnto the gate, and opened it. Phylotes returned then vnto Hercules and tolde vnto him these tidinges. Hercules and the Gréekes went out of their Gallies, and entered in­to Thrace in space of time. The Thraciens brought them vnto the pallace where were yet many theeues. Hercules put all the theeues to death, not in the same night, but during the space of ten daies that he soiourned there. He set the citie in good nature of pollicie. He deli­uered it from the euill théeues, hee made iudges by elec­tion, at the pleasure of the people. And then when hee hadde done all these thinges, hee departed from Thrace with great thanks, as well of the old as of the yong. Hée mounted vppon the Sea, and after by succession of time without any aduenture to speake of, he did so much that he came vnto his realme of Lycie, into his pallace, where he was receiued with great ioy of the inhabitantes, and also of the neighbours. And there he abode with the faire Yole, whom he loued aboue all temporall goodes.

CHAP. XXX. ¶How Deianira was full of sorrowe, forasmuch as Her­cules loued Yole, &c.

THeseus then, after the return of Hercules, seeing that he would abide there, and that there was no mention, that in all the world was any monster nor tyrant, tooke leaue of his fellow Hercules, of Yole, of Phylotes, and of other, & went to Athens, and to Thebes. Likewise the Gréekes tooke leaue, and euery man retur­ned into his countrey, and to his house, recounting and telling in all the places where they went, the great ad­uentures and the glorious workes of Hercules. Then the renowme that runneth and flieth by realmes and Empires as swiftly as the wind, so swiftly came vnto I­conie whereas Deianira soiourned, and it was said to Deianira, that Hercules was returned from Spaine, with great glory and triumph, and that hee was descen­ded into Lycia. Dame Deianira for this renowme, was glad, and all rauished with a great and singular plea­sure, and concluded that shee woulde go vnto him. Yet she was abashed for that he hadde not signified to her his comming, and that hee had not sent for her, sore pensiue and doubting, that she should be fallen out of the grace of Hercules. She made ready hir cōpany, and in right noble estate she departed from Iconie, on a day, for to go into Lycia. In processe of time, shee came nigh vnto Licia. Then she tarried there for to attire and array her in the best and y ^e most fairest wise shée could or might, and cal­led her squire named Lycas, and commaunded him that hee shoulde go into Licia, and signifie to Hercules her comming. At the commaundement of Deianira, Ly­cas went forthwith into the Citie, and that happened [Page 412] right at the gate, he encountered and mette a man of his acquaintance, a squire of Hercules. Lycas and the squire gréeted and saluted eche other. After this, Lycas asked of the squire, and demaunded him, where the king was, and if he were in his pallace? yea verily said the squire, he is there, I wote well, and passeth the time with his Lady Yole, the most beautifull, and out of measure most replendissant Lady that is in all the world, as great as it is. Eche man alloweth her, and praiseth her a thousand times more thē Deianira. Hercules hath her in so much grace, that continually they be togither. And whatsoeuer the Lady doth, it is acceptable vnto Hercules: and there is no man that can say or tel the great loue that they haue togither.

Lycas hearing these tidinges of the squire, took leaue of him, and made semblance to haue let fall, or left be­hinde him some of his gemmes or iewels: forasmuch as he was of opinion in himselfe, that it was good that he hadde aduertised her for his estate. Pensiue and simple he came to Deianira, where as she was attyring her selfe pretiously, and said to her. Madame what doe ye here? Wherefore answered Deianira? Therefore saide Lycas. Why is there any thing, said Deianira? what tidinges? Lycas answered: hard tidings. I haue heard say and tell of Hercules, thinges full of such hard­nesse, that certes it is right greeuous to mee to say vnto you. Howbeit since that ye become thus farre, and that ye must needes know, and vnderstand them: I tell and say to you certainly, that your Lord Hercules is in his pallace right ioyfully, and that hee hath with him a Ladie, faire by excellencie, whom he loueth and much delighteth in aboue all thinges, for her beautie, which is so high and great, that eche man maruaileth, and say, she is the most soueraigne in beautie, that euer was séen with mans eie.

Beholde, and aduise you well, what ye will doe, ere [Page 413] ye go any further: this day it is needfull to abide, and take councel and aduise.

At the hearing of these tidinges, Deianira was passing angry, and was all bespread with a right great sorrow in all her veines. She beganne to quake and tremble. Her faire haire that was finely dressed on her head, shee all to tare it with her hands in so furious maner, that she disa­tyred her, and smote her self with her fist to great a stroke vpon her brest, that she fell downe backward in a sowne. The ladies and the gentlewomen that accompanied her shriked, and cried dolorously, and were sore mooued at seeing her bloud. At length Deianira came to her selfe againe, all pale and wanne, and thinking on the sorrow that engendred in her, and also on the sorrow that was comming to her, she spake, and said with a feeble & lowe voice. Poore Deianira what shalt thou doe? or whither shalt thou go? thou that findest thy selfe forsaken and put backe from the loue of thy lord Hercules? Alas, alas, is it possible that the new comming of a lady, may take away my husband? The heart late ioyned to Deianira, shal it be disioyned, by the finding of a woman of folly? shall she make the separation? I hope verily it may not be: For Hercules is noble of heart and loueth vertue: and if hée abandon and giue me ouer, he shal do against vertue and noblenesse. I haue affiance in him that hee will be true to me. Madame (said Lycas) yee faile nothing to say that Hercules is noble and ful of vertue: for he hath emploied all his time in vertuous thinges: howbeit, he is a man, and hath taken in loue this new woman, for her beauty: affie not you so much in his vertue, least your confidence beguile and deceiue you: know well that fortune enter­taineth not long princes and princesses on the top aboue of her wheele: there is none yet so high, but that hee ma­keth them sometime lie beneath among them that suffer trouble. Behold and see well what ye haue to doe. If yee go vnto Hercules, and he receiue you not as he hath béen [Page 414] accustomed, that shall be to you a cause of despaire. Men say, that he loueth soueraignty this new lady: It is ap­parant then, that hee shall set but a little store by your comming: and if ye go, the Lady will be euill contente she hath renowm, and euery man is glad to doe her plea­sure. There shalbe no man so hardie to welcome you, for the loue of her. Go not thither then, the peril is too great: I councell you for the better, that ye returne into Ico­nie, and that ye heare this thing patiently, in attending and abiding vntill that the fire and the fume of this lady be quenched. For, whereas Hercules is al another ma­ner of man then the most part of men be: so shal he leaue the loue of this lady a little and a little, &c.

Deianira considering that Lycas councelled her tru­ly, beléeued well this councel: and right sore weeping she returned into Iconie. When she was in the house at Iconie, then shee depriued her selfe of all worldly pleasure, and held her solitarily, without going to feasts or to playes. Thus abiding in this solitude, her gréeuous annoy grew more and more, by so great vexations, that she was constrained to make infinite bewaylinges and sighes. The continuall comfort of her ladies might giue to her no solace. The innumerable spéeches that they v­sed vnto her eares, for to make her passe the time might neuer take away Hercules out of her minde. She passed and liued many daies this life, hauing alway her eare o­pen for to know if Hercules sent for her. In the end whē she had wayted long, and sawe that nothing came, and that neither man nor woman was comming to bring her tidinges from the person of Hercules, shee made a letter, which she deliuered to Lycas, for to beare vnto Hercules, and charged him to deliuer it to no person, but to the proper hand of him that shee sent it vnto. Lycas tooke the letter, and went vnto Licie, and two mile frō the citie, hee met Hercules in a crosse way. Hercules came from Archadie, where he had newly slaine a wilde [Page 415] bore, so great that there was neuer none séen like to him. When then Lycas saw Hercules, hee made to him reue­rence, and presented his letter to him, saluting him from Deianira. Hercules waxed red, and chaunged colour, when he heard speake of Deianira. He receiued the let­ter amiably and read it, and found therein conteined, as as here followeth.

Hercules my Lord, the man of the world that I most desire, I humbly beséech & earnestly intreat you, that you haue regard to your true seruant and vnworthy louer Deianira. Alas Hercules, alas. Where is become the loue of the time past? yee haue nowe soiourned manie daies in Licie, & ye haue let me haue no knowledge ther­of. Certes, that is to mée a right dolorous griefe to suf­fer and beare: for I desire not to be deified nor to mount into the celestiall mansions, with the sunne, with the moone, nor with the starres, but without faining or breaking of a free heart, I desire your solemne commu­nication. I may from henceforth no more faine. It is said to me that you haue another wife besides mee. Alas Hercules haue I made any fault against your worthines? wherefore giue yee me ouer and abandone me? Howe may ye do so? men name you the man vertuous. Yee a­bandon me and forsake me: and that is against vertue. Though now yee doe it, I haue seene the time that yee were my husband, in embracing vs togither, and kissing, you shewed then to me semblance of good liking & of ioy. Now, let ye her alone that ye loued, as a poore castaway. Alas where be y ^e witnesses of our mariage? where be the eternal vowes & othes that we made one to another. Men bée deafe & blinde, but the Gods heare and see: wherefore I pray you, that ye consider, that which ye ought to consi­der: and that ye hold your good name more deerer, than ye do the loue of your new acquainted gossip that maketh you to erre against vertue, whereof ye haue so great a re­nowm, & I pray you hastily write to me your pleasure, &c.

[Page 416]When Hercules hadde read from the beginning to the end, the letter of Deianira, as hee yet beheld and sawe it, Yole came vnto him, with three hundred gentlewo­men, for to bee merrie, and to make cheere with Her­cules. Hercules then closed the letter, and returned into Licie, holding Yole by the hand: howbeit when he was in his pallace, he forgot not Deianira, but found meanes for to go into his studie, and there wrote a letter: and when it was finished, he tooke it to Lycas, for to present it to Deianira. Lycas tooke the letter and returned home againe to Deianira. First he told her the tidinges, and of the state of Yole. After he deliuered to her the letter, con­teining, that he recommended him vnto her, and that hée hadde none other wife but her, and that hee praied her that shee woulde not giue her to thinke any euill, but to liue in hope and in patience, as a wise ladie and noble ought, and is bound to doe, for her honour and credite. This letter little or nought comforted Deianira, she was so vehemently attainted with ielousie. Her sorrowe re­doubled and grew. In this redoubling, she wrote yet an­other letter, which she sent to Hercules, and that contei­ned these wordes that follow.

Hercules, alas and what auaileth me to be the wife of so noble a husband as ye be? your noblenesse is to mee more hurtfull then profitable. O fortune, I was woont to reioyce, for all day I heard none other things but com­mendations and praisinges of your prowesses and right glorious deedes and exploites, wherwith the world was inlumined and shone. Nowe must I be angry and take displeasure in your workes that be foule & full of vices. All Greece murmureth at you, and the people say, that ye were woont to be the vanquisher of all thinges, & no [...] ye be vanquished by the foolish loue of Yole. Alas Her­cules, and how? shal I be separated from you, and hée hol­den the waiting drudge of the caitife Yole? She is your Caitife, for ye haue slaine her father, and haue taken her [Page 417] in the prise of Calidonie, and yet now shee hath the place of your lawfull wife. Alas, haue I sayd well, married? for to be named the faire daughter of Iupiter king of the hea­uen and of the earth? Now shall I no more be called so, it is not alway happy to mount vnto the most high estate. For from as much as I haue mounted in height, and was your fellowe, from so farre I feele my selfe fall into the more great perill. O Hercules, if for my beautie ye tooke me to your wife, I may well curse that beautie: for that is cause of the grieuous shame, that is to me all euident, for to prognosticate mine harme and ill to come. And that is to come, cannot your astronomers sée that? I would I knew that. I wote well your beautie and my beauty haue brought my heart into the strait prison of sorrow with­out end. And I may not count them but for enemies, since by them all sorrowes come vnto me. The ladies haue ioy in the preheminence of their husbands, but I haue ill for­tune and mishappe. I sée nothing but displeasure in my marriage. O Hercules, I thinke all day on you, that ye go in great perils of armes, and of fierce beasts, and tempests of the sea, and in the false perils of the world. Mine heart trembleth, and hath right great feare of that I ought to haue comfort and hope of wealth. All that I remember in my minde, and thinke on in the day, I dreame on in the night: and then me thinketh verily, that I see the cutting sharpe swords enter in me, and the heads of the speares: and after mee thinketh, that I sée issue out of the caues of the forrests and deserts, lyons, and wilde monsters, that ease my flesh. Since the beginning of our aliance vnto this day, I haue had all the dayes and nights such paines for you, and borne and suffered them. But alas, all these things are but little in comparison of the paines that I now suffer and endure, forasmuch as ye maintein strange women, and a woman of all folly. May she be called the mother of your childrē, by whom the sparcles of foule re­noume shall abide with you. With this spot or vice is my [Page 418] paine redoubled, and it pearceth my soule. I am troubled with the dishonour of your ample highnesse. The people say, that ye are made as a woman, and liue after the guise and maner of a woman, and spin on the rocke: where yee were woont to strangle lions with your hands, ye [...] leaue the exercise of armes, and to be knowen in farre coun­treyes and realmes, in shewing your vertue, like as you were wont to do, for the only company of the caitife Yole, that holdeth and abuseth you. O cursed company and foule abuse. Speake to me Hercules, if the right high and migh­tie men that thou hast vanquished, as Diomedes of Thrace, Antheon of Libie, Busire of Egypt, Gerion of Spaine, and Cacus the great thiefe saw thee thus holden to do nought, for the beautie of a daughter that soone shall passe, what would they say? Certes they would not re­pute them woorthie to be vanquished of thee, and would shewe and point at thee with their fingers, as at a man shamed, and made like a woman, liuing in the lappe of a woman. O how strong is Yole? when her handes that are not woorthie nor meet to threed a needle, hath taken thy clubbe, and brandished thy swoord wherewith thou hast put in feare all the earth? Alas Hercules, haue you not in remembrance that in your childhood, lying in your cradle, ye slew the two serpents. You being a childe were a man, and now when you haue beene a man, are you be­come a woman, or a childe? This is the worke of a wo­man, to holde himselfe alway with a woman: or, it is the deede of a childe, for to enamour himselfe on a woman of follie. The trueth must be sayd, you began better then you end: your last deedes aunswere not the first, your labours shall neuer be aunswerable nor woorthie your praisings nor your lands. For all the commendation & praising is in the end. Whosoeuer he be that beginneth a worke, where­of the beginning is faire, & the end foule, all is lost. Sure­ly Hercules, when I beholde the glorious beginning that vertue made in you, and see that you now be vitious, all [Page 419] my strength faileth, and mine armes fall downe as a wo­man in a trance or a swoune, and without spirit: and it may not séeme to me true, that those armes (that bare a­way by force the shéepe from the garden, belonging to the daughters of Athlas) may fall into so great a fault, as for to embrace and beclip fleshly another wife then his owne. This notwithstanding, I am assured of a trueth, that you hold not caitife Yole, as a caitife, but as your owne wife: not in prison, but at her pleasure, in chamber finely be dec­ked, and in bedde curteined and hanged: not disguised and secretly, as many holde their concubines: but openly and with shamelesse face shewing herselfe right glorious to the people, & as that she may so do lawfully. For she hol­deth you prisoner and caitife, and she hath put the fetters about your necke, by her Italian iuglings & shifts, where­of I haue great shame in my selfe. But as for the amend­ment, I will discharge my minde, I cannot better it, but pray to the gods that they will puruey for remedie.

CHAP. XXXI. ¶How Deianira sent to Hercules a shirt enuenimed: and howe Hercules burned himselfe in the fire of his sa­crifice: and how Deianira slewe herselfe when shee knew that Hercules was dead, by the meanes of her ig­norance, &c.

WHen Hercules had read this letter, he vnder­stood well what it conteined, and was smitten with remorse of conscience. By this remorse, he vnderstood that vertue was stained in him: he was then very pensiue, and so much depriued from all pleasure, that none durst come to him in a great while and space, saue onely they that brought to him meate and drinke. Neither Yole durst not go to him, Licas that had brought this letter, was there waiting and attending [Page 420] the answere long. No man could know whereof procéeded the pensiuenesse of Hercules, nor the cause why hee with­drew himselfe from the people. In the end, when Hercu­les had bene long pensiue, and had thought vpon all his af­faires, and what he had to doe: for to withdraw himselfe, and to get himselfe from Yole, he departed from his cham­ber on a day, saying, that hee would go and make sacrifice to the god Apollo, vpon the mount named Oeta, and com­manded, and forbade, vppon paine of death, that no man should follow him except Phylotes. By aduenture, as he issued out of his pallace, accompanied onely with Phylo­tes, for to go vpon the mount, he met Licas. Licas made to him reuerence, and demanded of him, if it pleased him any thing to send to Deianira. Hercules answered to Li­cas, that he would go make his sacrifice to the god Apollo, and that at his returne and comming againe, he would go vnto her, or els he would send vnto her.

With this word Hercules and Phylotes passed foorth, and went on their pilgrimage. And Licas returned vnto Deianira, and tolde to her the ioyfull tidings that he had receiued of Hercules, and also what life Hercules had lead since the day and the houre that he had presented to him her letter. Deianira all comforted with these good ti­dings, went into her chamber, and thanked the gods, and fortune. Anon after, she beganne to thinke on her estate, and thus thinking, she remembred her of the poison that Nessus had giuen her, being at the point of death, & how she had kept it in one of her coffers: and forthwith incon­tinently she opened the coffer, and tooke the cursed poison, and one of the shirts of Hercules: and as shee that imagi­ned by the vertue of the poison to draw againe to her the loue of Hercules, like as Nessus had sayde vnto her, shée made the shirt to be boiled with the poison, and gaue the charge thereof to one of her women. When the shirt was boiled enough, the woman tooke the vessell, and set it to coole. After she tooke out the shirt openly, and wrong it, but [Page 421] she could not so soone haue wrung it, but the fire sprang in hir handes so vehemently, that as shee cast it vppon a pearch to drie, shee fell downe dead.

In processe of time, Deianira desiring to haue the shirt, and seeing the woman that hadde charge thereof, brought it not, shée went into the chamber where the shirt had béen boiled, and found the woma [...] dead, where­of she had great maruaile. Neuerthelesse shee passed the death lightly, and by one of her damsels shée made take the shirt that hanged on the pearch and was drie, and commaunded her that shée should folde it and winde it in a handkerchiefe.

At the commaundement of Deianira the damosell fol­ded and wrapped the shirt. But so doing, she was serued with the poyson in such wise that she lost her speech, and died anon after. This notwithstanding Deianira that thought on nothing, but for to come to her intention, took the shirt, and deliuered it to Lycas, and charged him that he should beare it to Hercules, praying him in her name, that he would weare it. Lycas, that was ready to accom­plish the will of his mistresse, tooke the charge of the do­lorous shirt, and departed from thence, and went into the mountaine whereas Hercules was, and there hee found him in a forrest, whereas was the temple of Diana: Her­cules hadde no man with him but Phylotes, which made ready for him a great fire for to sacrifice an hart that Her­cules had taken running at a course. Lycas then finding Hercules in the temple, hee kneeled downe lowe to him, and said, Sir, here is a shirt that your waiting woman and seruaunt Deianira sendeth vnto you. Shee recom­mendeth her humbly vnto your good grace, and praieth you that ye will receiue this present in good part, as from your wife. Hercules was ioyous of these wordes, and a­non vnclotheth him, for to doe on this cursed shirt. Say­ing, that verily she was his wife, and that he woulde for her sake weare this shirt. In doing on this shirt, he felt a [Page 422] great dolour and paine in his bodie. This notwith­standing, he did on his other clothes aboue, as hee that thought none euill. When he was clothed and the shirt was warme, his paine and sorrow grew more and more. Then he began to thinke, and knew anon that his mala­die came of his shirt, and feeling the pricking of the ve­nim, without long tarrying, he tooke off his robe, & sup­posed to haue taken off his shirt from his backe, and to haue rent it, and spoiled it. But he was not strong enough for to doe so, for the shirt held so sore, and cleaued so fast and terribly to his fleshe, and was so fastened to his skin, by the vigour of the sharpe poyson, in such wise that hee tare out his flesh, and bare away certaine péeces thereof, when he would haue taken off his shirt, &c.

Hercules knew then, that hee was hurt and wounded to the death. Death began to fight against him, he began to resist by drawing of his shirt from his body with péeces of his flesh and of his bloud, but al might not auaile. He al to rent and tare his backe, his thies, his body vnto his en­trailes and guttes, his armes, his shoulders vnto the bones, and still his dolour and paine grewe and inlarged to be more and more. Thus as he returned, in the force of his great dolorous paine, hee beheld Lycas and another fellow that he had brought with him, that were all aba­shed of this aduenture. Then he went to them, and said vnto Lycas. Thou cursed and vnhappie man: what thing hath mooued thée to come hither vnder the false friendship of Deianira, to bring me into the chaunce of this misfor­tune: What thinkest thou, that thou hast done? Thou hast serued mee with a shirt intoxicate with mortall ve­nim. Who hath introduced thee to doe this? thou must needes receiue thy desert. And saying these wordes, Her­cules caught by the head poore Lycas, that wist not what to say, and threwe him against a rocke so fiersly, that he to frushed and all to brake his bones, and so slew him. The fellow of Licas fledde, and hid him in a bushe. Phy­lotes [Page 423] was so afraid, that hee will not what to do. At the houre that Hercules was in this case, much people came into the temple. The entrailes of Hercules were trou­bled. His bloud boyled in all his veines, the poison pier­ced vnto his heart, his sinowes shrunke and withdrewe them. When he felt himselfe in this miserie, and that death hasted his end by terrible paine, as hee that coulde not take away the repugnance of his vertuous force, stri­uing against the malice of venom, hee began to runne, o­uer hill, and ouer valey, vp and downe the forrest, and pulled vp the great trees and ouerthrew them. After, he began to rent off his shirt, with the flesh that was sodden and broiled. When he had long lead this life, he returned vnto the temple, all assured of death, & lift vp his hands and eies vnto the heauen, and said: Alas, alas [...]ust it be that fortune laugh at me for this miserable destinie com­ming of the accusation of mad ie [...]dulle and sorcerie of that woman that in the worlde I helde and reputed most wise and most vertuous? O Deianira, vnnaturall wo­man without wit, without shame, and without honour, with an heart of a tyrant, all besotted with iealousie: how hast thou been able to contriue against me this fury and treason enuenomed? false feminine will vnnatural, out of rule and out of order, thou hadst neuer so much honour and worship as thou now hast deserued blame: not onely for thee alone, but for all the women that do, or euer shall be in the world. For if it happen that kinges or princes acquaint them with ladies or gentlewomen, for the mul­tipliance of mankinde, they will neuer haue credite, nor affiance in their proper wiues. O Deianira, what hast thou done? The women present, and they that bee in the wombes of their mothers, all shall spit at thée in thy face, and shall curse thée without end, for the reproche by thée turning vppon them infinite: and men will haue dread for to be ferued with the like shirt, &c.

Alas Deianira, what shall Calcedonie nowe doe [Page 424] that glorified her in thy glory, and put and set thee in the front of their honour, as a carbuncle for the decking of their pretious thinges? In stéede to set thee in the front, they shall cast thee vnder féete, and in steed to haue glory of thee, they shall haue shame: hereof they may not faile, for by impietie and diuerse engines, and by conspired and swollen crueltie, thou hast conspired my death, and hast broched and vnfolded, not recurable misfortune, for thée and me, and for our friendes and kinsmen. O Deianira, thy malice as an vnhappie and most cursed serpent, hath wrought this malicious and reprochfull murder. Thy false ielousie hath more power to extermine my life, then haue had all the monsters of the world. By thine offence and by thy mischieuous sleight hid and couert, where from I could not keepe mee, I must die and passe out of this world. Since it is so, I thanke fortune, and aske of the Gods no vengeance of thee: but certes to the end it bee not said, that the vanquisher of man, he not vanquished by a woman, I will not passe the bitter passage of death by thy mortall sorce [...]ies full of abhomination: but by the fire that is neat and cleere, and the most excellent of the e­lementes.

These dolorous, and sorrowfull wordes accomplished, Hercules tooke his clubbe, and cast it in the fire, that was made readie for to make his sacrifice. After hee gaue to Philotes his bowe and his arrowes, and then hee praied him, that he would recommend him to Yole, and to his friendes: and then feeling that his life had no longer for to soiourne, hee tooke leaue of Phylotes and then, as all burnt and sodden, hee laide him downe in the fire, lifting his handes & his eies vnto the heauen, and there consum­mated the course of his glorious life: Whē Phylotes saw the end of his maister Hercules, hee burnt his body to a­shes, and kept those ashes in intention to beare them to the temple that the king Euander had caused to make. After, he departed from thence, and returned into Licia, [Page 425] greatly discomforted: and with a great fountain of teares he recounted to Yole and to his friends the pitious death of Hercules. No man could recount the great sorow that Yole made, and they of Licia, as well the studentes as rurall people. All the world fell in teares, in sighes, and in bewailinges for his deathe. So muche abounded Yole in teares and weepinges, that her heart was as drowned, and forthwith departed her soule from the body by the bitter water of her wéeping. Eche body cur­sed and spake shame of Deianira. Finally, Deianira ad­uertised by the fellow of Lycas of the mischiefe that was come by the shirt, she fell in despaire, and made many be­wailinges: and among all other she saide, What haue I done? Alas, what haue I done? The most notable man of men, shining among the clerkes, hee that trauersed the straunge coastes of the earth and hell: hee that bodily conuersed among men, and spiritually among the sun, the moone and the starres, and that sustained the circumfe­rence of the heauens, is dead, by my cause, & by my fault, and without my fault. He is dead by my fault: for I haue sent to him the shirt that hath giuen to him the taste of death. But this is without my fault: for I knew nothing of the poison. O mortall poison. By me is he depriued of his life, of whom I loued the life asmuch as I did mine owne. Hee that bodily dwelled among the men heere on earth, and spiritually aboue with the sunne, the moone and celestiall bodies: He that was the fountaine of Sci­ence, by whom the Atheniens arrowsed and bedewed their wits and skils: hee that made the monsters of the sea to tremble in their abismes and swallowes, and de­stroied the monsters of hell: He confounded the monsters of the earth, the tyrantes hee corrected, the insolent and proud he humbled and meeked: The humble and meeke he enhaunsed and exalted: He that made no treasour but of vertue: he that subdued al the nations of the world and conquered thē with his club: and he that if he had would, [Page 426] by ambition of seignorie might haue attained to be king of the East, of the West, of the South and of the North, of the seas and of the mountaines: of all these hee might haue named him king and Lord by good right, if hee had would. Alas, alas, what am I owne [...] all vnhappy time? when so high and so mighty a prince is dead by my sim­plenesse: he was the glorie of men. There was neuer to him none like: nor neuer shalbe. Ought I to liue after him? Nay certes, that shall I neuer doe. For, to the end that among the Ladies I be not shewed nor pointed with the finger, and that I fall not into strangers handes, for to bee punished forasmuch as I haue deserued shame and blame by this death, I wil doe the vengeance on my selfe. And with that she tooke a knife, and saying, I feele my selfe, and knowe that I am innocent of the death of my Lord Hercules, with the point of the knife, she ended her desperate life. Whereat Phylotes was all abashed: and so were all they of Gréece, that long wept and bewailed Hercules, and his death. And they of Athens bewailed him excéedingly, some for his science, and other for his ver­tues, whereof I will now cease speaking, beseeching her that is cause of this translation out of French, into this simple and rude English, that is to wit, my right redoub­ted lady Margaret by the grace of God Duchesse of Bur­goine and of Brabant, Sister to my soueraigne Lord the king of England and of Fraunce, &c. that she wil receiue my rude labour, acceptably and in good liking.

Thus endeth the second booke of the Collection of hi­stories of Troy. Which bookes were late translated into French out of Latine, by the labour of the venerable per­son Raoulle Feure priest, as afore is said, and by me, vn­fit and vnworthy, translated into this rude English, by the commandement of my saide redoubted Lady Duchesse of Burgoine. And forasmuch as I suppose the saide two books haue not been had before this time in our English language: therfore I had the better wil to accomplish this [Page 427] said worke, which worke was begunne in Bruges, and continued in Gaunt, and finished in Colein, in the time of the troublous world, and of the great diuisions béeing and reigning, aswell in the realmes of England and Fraunce, as in all other places vniuersally through the worlde, that is to wit, the yeare of our Lord a thousand foure hundred seuentie and one. And as for the third booke which treateth of the generall and last destruction of Troy: It needeth not to translate it into English, foras­much as that worshipfull and religious man Iohn Lid­gate moonk of Burie did translate it but late, after whose worke, I feare to take vpon me (that am not worthy to beare this penner and inke-horne after him) to meddle at all in that worke. But yet, forasmuche as I am bound to obey and please my said ladies good grace: and also that his worke is in rime: and as farre as I knowe it is not had in prose in our tongue: and also peraduen­ture, hee translated it after some other authour then this is: and, forasmuch as diuers men bee of diuers desires, some to reade in rime & meeter, and some in prose: and also, because that I haue now good leisure, being in Co­leine, and hauing none other thing to doe at this time: to eschew idlenesse, mother of all vices, I haue delibera­ted in my selfe, for the contemplation of my said redoub­ted Lady, to take this labour in hand, by the sufferance and helpe of almightie God, whom I meekly beseeche to giue me grace to accomplish it, to the pleasure of her that that is causer thereof: and that she receiue it in gree, of me her faithfull, true and most humble seruant, &c.

CHAP. I. ¶How the king Priamus reedified the citie of Troy more strong then euer it was before: and of his sonnes and daughters. And how after manie councels he sent An­thenor and Polydamas into Greece, for to demaund his sister Exione, that Aiax maintained.

FOr to enter then into the matter, ye haue heard heretofore of the se­cond destruction of Troy, howe Hercules had taken prisoner Pri­amus the sonne of king Laome­don, and hadde put him in prison. Howbeit Dares of Frigte saith, that his father hadde sen [...] him to mooue warre in a strange countrey, where he hadde béen right-long, wherefore hee was not at that discomfiture. This Priamus had espoused and wedded a very noble Ladie, daughter of Egyptius, king of Thrace, by whom he had fiue sonnes and three daughters of great beautie, The first of the sonnes was named Hector, the most wor­thy and best knight of the world. The second sonne was named Paris, and by surname Alexander, the which was the fairest knight of the world, and the best shooter and drawer of a bowe. The third was called Deiphobus, [Page 436] right hardie and discreete. The fourth was named He [...]e­nus, a man of great science, and knew all the artes libe­rall. The fift and the last was called Troylus, that was one of the best knights and puissant that was in his time.

Virgill recounteth, that hee hadde two other sonnes by his wife, of whom the one was named Polidorus. This Polydorus was sent by king Priamus with great plen­tie of gold, vnto a king his friend, for to haue aid against the Greeks. But this king seeing that king Priamus was in deadly strife against the Gréekes, and also being moued with couetise, slew Polydorus, and buried him in an Isle of the Sea. The other sonne was named Gan [...] ­medes, whō Iupiter stole away, & made him his bottle car­rier, in the steede of Hebe the daughter of Iuno, whom hee put out of that saide office. The eldest of the daugh­ters of king Priamus was named C [...]eusa, which was wife to Eneas: and this Eneas was sonne of Anchyses and of Venus, of Numidia. The second daughter was named Cassandra: and was a right noble Virgine, ador­ned and learned with Sciences, and knew thinges that were for to come. And the third was named Polixena, that was the fairest daughter, and the best formed that was knowne in all the worlde. Yet aboue these children heretofore rehearsed, king Priamus had thirtie bastard sonnes by diuers women, that were valiant knightes, noble and hardy.

When then king Priamus was in a straunge Coun­trey, hee was occupied and verie much imploied in the sense and profession of warre, the Queene and her chil­dren were there with him. The tidinges and newes came to him that the king Laomedon his father was slaine, his Citie was destroied, and his noble men were put to death, their daughters brought in seruitude, and al­so his sister Exione.

At these sorrowfull tidinges hee was greatly gréeued, [Page] and wept aboundantly, and made [...] lamentations. And anon incontinent her left his siege, and finished his warre, and returned hastily [...] and when hee found it so destroied, he beg [...] to make the most [...] ­row of the world that [...]. And after he had [...] sell to make againe the [...]. Then he beganne to [...] ­ [...]ie the citie so great and so strong, that he neuer ought to doubt his enemies: & did close it with right high walles, and with great Towers of Marble. The citie was so great that the circ [...]se was [...] iourney. And at that time in all the world was none so great, nor no [...]e so faire nor so excellently compassed.

In this Citie were sixe principall gates, of which the one was named Dardane, the second Timbria, the th [...] Helias, the fourth Chetas, the [...] Troyen, and the [...] Antenorides. These gates were right great and fa [...]re, and of strong defence. And there were in the citie rich [...] ­ces, without number, the fairest that euer were, and the fairest houses, rich and well compassed. Also there were in many partes of the citie, diuers faire places and plea­sant for the citizens to sport and play in. In this Citie were men of all Craftes, and Marchauntes that went and came from all the partes of the world. In the middle of the citie ranne a great riuer named Paucus, which bare shippes, and did bring great profite and solace vnto the inhabitantes.

When the Citie was thus made, the king Priamus did cause to come all the people and inhabitauntes of the countrey there aboutes, and made them dwell in the citie. And there came so many, that there was neuer [...] [...] ter furnished with people and with noble men and [...] ­ [...]ns, then it was. There were found many ga [...]es and [...] [Page 438] richest Pallaces and strongest that euer was in all the world. And it was of height fiue hundred pases, besides the height of the Towers, whereof was great plentie, and so high that it séemed to them that sawe them from farre they raught vnto the heauen. And in this riche pallace, the king Priamus did make the richest hall that was at that time in the worlde: within which was his rich Throne, and the table whereupon hee did eate and held his estate among his Lordes and Barons: and all that longed thereto, was of gold and of siluer, of pretious stones, and of Iuorie.

In this hall, at one corner, was an altar of golde and pretious stones, which was consecrated in the name and worship of Iupiter their God, to which altar went men vp twentie degrees or steppes. And vpon the altar was the Image of Iupiter of fifteene foote of height, all be­set and and arraied with pretious stones. For in that God Iupiter was all the hope and trust of the king Pria­mus, for to hold his raigne long, and in all prosperi­tie, &c.

When he sawe that he hadde so faire a Citie, so strong and so well peopled, and with that so rich of goodes, hee beganne to take some displeasure at the wrongs that the Greekes had done vnto him, and thought long howe hée might reuenge him. Then hée assembled on a certaine day all his Barons, and helde a riche Court. At this Court Hector his eldest sonne was not, for hee was in the parties of Pannony, on the affaires and certain works of his father, forasmuch as Pannonie was subiect vn­to the king Priamus. When king Priamus saw all his folke assembled and gathered before him, hee beganne to speake, saying in this manner. O men and true friends, that bée partners of my great iniuries to mée done by the Greekes, for so little a cause or trespasse: Yée knowe howe the Greeks by their pride haue come into this countrey, and haue slaine cruelly your pa­rentes [Page 439] and friendes, and also mine. And how they haue taken and ledde away, and holde in seruitude Exione my sister, that is so faire and noble, and yet they holde her as a common woman. Ye knowe wel, how they haue bea­ten downe, and destroied this Citie, ouerthrowne the walles, the Pallaces and houses, vnto the foundations, and haue borne away the great riches, whereof the Citie was full. And for these things I think it should be rea­son, that by the helpe of the Gods, who resist those that bée insolent and proud, wee altogither by a common ac­cord shoulde take vengeance of these iniuries. Ye know what Citie wee haue, and howe it is peopled with good men of arms, and fighters: and garnished with all ma­ner of goodes and riches.

Also ye know well, the alliances that wee haue with many right great Lords, that with good wil wil help vs, if néede hee. Wherefore, me séemeth, that it shoulde bée good for vs to reuenge vs of this shame. But yet foras­much as the aduentures of the warres be right doubtfull and daungerous, and that no man knoweth what may come thereof (albeit that the iniurie be great, and that they hold my sister in so great dishonour) yet will I not begin the warre: But first, if yée thinke good, I will send of the most sage and prudent men that I haue, to pray and require them, that they render and yéeld againe my sister Exione: and I will be content to pardon all the other in­iuries, &c.

When the king hadde thus finished his wordes, all allowed and praised his aduise, and it séemed to them good. And then the king Priamus immediately called one of his Princes, named Anthenor, and earnestly de­sired him, and vsed courteous and gentle perswasions, that hée woulde enterprise this ambassage forthwith into Greece. And Athenor with all humilitie aun­swered him, that hee was alwaies readie to doe his good pleasure. Then was there a ship made ready, and all that [Page 440] belongeth and was conuenient to bring Anthenor into Greece. He entered into the shippe, and his men, and sailed so long, that they arriued at the porte of Thessaly, whereas was then by aduenture the king Peleus, that receiued right ioyfully enough Anthenor, and demaun­ded of him, wherefore hee was come into those partes. Anthenor answered to him in this maner. Sir, said he, I am a messenger of the king Priamus, that hath sent mee to you, and hath commanded me to say to you and other, that he is well remembred of the great iniuries that yee and other haue done to him, that for so little cause or occa­sion, haue slaine his father, destroied his citie, and his people some dead and some in seruitude. And yet that is worse to holde his sister foully as a concubin, and yet at least he ought to haue wedded her. And forasmuch as yée be a man of great witte and discretion, the king my lord wisheth you and warneth you, that from henceforth yee cease the rage and the great slaunders that may come for this cause, that all good men ought to eschewe to their power & that his sister be safely deliuered again to him: and he will pardon the residue, and wil hold it as a thing that neuer had happened, &c.

When the king Peleus had heard Anthenor so speak, hee chafed with him anon in great anger and ire, and be­ganne to blame the king Priamus, and said, that his wit was light. And after, menaced Anthenor, and commaun­ded him that he should go anon out of his land: for if hee tarried long there, hée woulde flea him with great tor­mentes.

Anthenor taried not long after, but entered into his shippe without taking leaue of king Peleus, and sailed so farre by the sea, that he arriued at Salamine, where the king Thelamon soiourned. Then Anthenor went vnto him, and declared to him the cause of his comming in this maner. Sir (said hee) the king Priamus reque­steth effectuously your noblenesse, that his sister Exione, [Page 441] whom ye holde in your seruice so foully, ye would restore vnto him. For it is not fitting nor seemly vnto your glo­rie nor renowne, to vse so the daughter and sister of a king, and that is issued of a more noble ligne then yée bée. And in case that ye will restore to him his sister, hee will hold all thinges as not done, as well the damages, as the dishonours that by you and other haue beene done vnto him.

When the king Thelamon hadde heard Anthenor so speake, hee beganne to waxe passing angry, and aun­swered to him right fiersly, saying: My friend (saide hee) whatsoeuer thou bee, I haue much maruaile of the sim­plenesse of thy king, to whom I beare none amitie, ney­ther he to mee. And therefore I ought not to hearken vnto his praier nor request. Thy king ought to knowe that I and other haue béen there for to reuenge an iniurie, that his father Laomedon did late to some of our friendes, And forasmuche as I then entered first into the citie of Troy with great trauaile & effusion of my bloud, Exione of whom thou speakest, which is right faire, was giuen vnto mée for the guerdon of my victorie, for to do with her my will.

And forsomuch as shee is so well to my pleasure as shée that is of great beautie, and replenished with all Scien­ces: it is not to me so light a thing to render and deliuer againe a thing that is so faire and delightfull, which I haue conquered with so great paine and daunger. But thou shalt say to thy king, that hée may neuer recouer her, but by the point of the sword: but as for me, I repute thée for a foole, that euer wouldest enterprise this message, wherein lieth thy great perill: for thou art come among people that vehemently hate thée and thy like: therefore go thy way hastily out of this countrey. For if thou abide any more here, I will make thée die by cruell and hateful death, &c.

When Anthenor heard Thelamon so speake, hee en­tered [Page 440] [...] [Page 441] [...] [Page 442] right hastily into his ship, and sailed so farre, that hée arriued in Thessalie, where the king Castor and the king Polux his brother soiourned. Hée went a shore spéedily from his shippe, and declared his message, like as hée had done to the other. And the king answered to him in great yre, and said to him thus. Friend (what that thou art) I will that thou knowe, that wée thinke not to haue iniuried the king Priamus without cause: for it is so that the king Laomedon his father then beganne the folly, wherefore he was slaine. For he wronged first cer­taine of the Nobles of Greece, and therefore wee desire more the euill will of thy king Priamus, then his good loue or peace. And certes it séemeth well y ^t he had not thée in anie good reckoning when hée sent thee hither to doe this message in this countrey: wherefore I wishe thée, see well that thou abide not here long, for if thou go not incontinent, thou shalt die villanously. Then Anthenor departed without leaue, and entered into his shippe, and sailed till hee came to Pilon, where the duke Nestor so­iourned, with a great company of noble men. Anthenor went vnto him and saide, that hee was messenger of the king Priamus, and tolde and counted to him his mes­sage, in such wise as hee hadde saide to the other before. And if the other were angry, this Nestor chafed in him­selfe more against Anthenor, and said to him. Ha, ha, vile varlet, who made thee so hardie for to say such thinges before me? Certes, if it were not, that my noblenesse refraine me, I woulde anon cause thy tongue to be pluc­ked out of thy head, and in despite of thy king, I would by force of horse cause to draw thy members one from an other. Go thy way hastily out of my sight: or by my Gods, I will cause to bee done, all that I haue heere said, &c.

Then Anthenor was all abashed, at the horrible words of Duke Nestor, and doubting the furie of his tyrannie, returned vnto the Sea, and sette him on his returne to [Page 443] Troy ward. And hee hadde not been long on the Sea, when a great tempest arose, and the aire began to waxe darke, and to raine and to thunder right maruellously, and there rose great windes contrary, and waxed thicke and horrible mistie, and his shippe was borne on the waues, one time high, and another time lowe, in great perill, and there was not a man in the saide shippe, but supposed to die, and that made not speciall promises and vowes to their Gods, and in these perilles were they three dayes, and on the fourth day the tempest ceased, and and the aire waxed all cléere, and became peaceable. Then they comforted themselues, and sayled so farre that they came to the port of Troy, and went straite to their Temples, to giue then thankes to their Gods for that they hadde escaped so manie perilles as they hadde been in. And after Anthenor went with a great companie of noble men before the king Priamus, and when all the Barons were assembled, and all the sonnes of the king present, then Anthenor tolde all by order, what hee had done in Gréece, like as it is contained heretofore. At these tidinges was king Priamus sore troubled, and greeued for the opprobrious tauntes that they had offered to his messenger in Greece. And then he had no more hope nor trust to re­couer his sister.

CHAP. II. Howe the king Priamus assembled all his barons, for to know whom hee might send into Greece, for to get a­gaine his sister Exione. And howe Hector answered: and of his good councell: and how Paris declared to his father, the visions and the promise of the Goddesse Ve­nus, &c.

WHen the king Priamus was thus acertained of the hate of the Greekes, and by no farre meanes hee coulde recouer his sister, hee was mooued with great ire, and thought that hee would send a great Nauy into Greece, for to hurt and da­mage the Greckes. Alas king Priamus, tell me, what misaduenture is this, that hath giuen to thée so great har­dinesse of courage, for to cast out thy selfe from thy wealth and rest? Why mayest not thou refraine the first moo­uinges of thy courage? albeit that it was not in thy puis­sance, yet thou oughtest to haue and take good councell and aduise, and to haue in thy minde that men say com­monly: Some man thinketh to reuenge his sorrow, and he increaseth it.

It had been a more sure thing to thee, to haue remem­bred the prouerbe that saith, that hee that sitteth well, let him not mooue. Or els, hee that is well at his ease, let him keep therein. All things may bée suffered saue wealth: a man that goeth vpon plaine ground, hath no­thing to stumble at. In this maner the aforesaid king Priamus thought long, and after hee assembled on a day all his noble men in his pallace of Ilion, and saide vnto them. Ye know, how by your councell, Anthenor was sent into Greece for to recouer my sister Exione, & that by fair meanes. Ye doe verie well know also, howe that hee is returned and come backe, and also what wronges [Page 445] and opprobries he hath found? And me seemeth that the Gréeks make little account of the iniuries that they haue done vnto vs, at the least, they by their wordes repent them not, but yet they menace vs more strongly then euer they did. God forbid that euer it shoulde come vnto vs, like as they menace vs. But I pray the gods to giue vs power to auenge vs to their losse. And as for me, me see­meth, that we be more puissant and strong then they are, and also we haue the most surest citie, and the best furni­shed in the world: and also we haue of great lordes verie great plentie alied to vs, for to helpe and ayde vs at our need: and I thinke for conclusion, that we haue well the puissance for to dammage and hurt our enemies in ma­ny maners, and valour to defend vs from them. And so should it be good, for to beginne to shew to them what pu­issance we haue, to grieue them withall. If ye thinke it good, we will send our men secretly, that shall do to them great dammage, ere that they shall be readie for to de­fend themselues. And for that ye ought euery one to em­ploy your selues to take vengeance of these iniuries, and that yee haue no doubt for any thing, inasmuch as they had the first victorie: for it happeneth often times that the conquerours be vanquished of them that were van­quished, &c.

Then all they that were present, allowed the aduise of the king, and offered euery man by himselfe, to employ themselues to the same with all the power they coulde: whereat the king Priamus had great ioy. And after that he had giuen them thankes, he let euery man depart and go home to their owne houses, excepting onely his sonnes legitimate, and the bastardes whom hee held in his pallace, and tolde to them his complaint of the Greekes with weeping teares, in this maner: My sonnes, ye haue well in your memorie the death of your Grandfather, the seruitude of your Aunt Exione, that they holde by your life in manner of a common woman. And you be [Page 446] so puissant, me seemeth that reason should instruct you, for to employ your selfe to reuenge this great iniurie and shame. And if this mooue you not thereto, yet yee ought to doe it to satisfie my will and pleasure: for I am ready to die for sorrow and anguish, which ye ought & be bound for to remedie to your power, that haue caused you so wel to be nourished and brought forth. And thou Hector, my right déere sonne, that art the eldest of thy brethren, the most wise and the most strong, I pray thee first, that thou enterprise to put in execution this my will. And that thou be duke and prince of thy brethrē in this work, and all the other will obey gladly vnto thee. And in like maner shall all they doe of this realme, for the great prowesse that they know in thée. And know, that from this day forth I discharge me of all this worke, and put it vp­on thée that art the most strong and mightie to maintain battels: for I am auncient and olde, and may not from henceforth helpe my selfe, so well as I was wont to doe, &c.

To these wordes aunswered Hector right soberly and sweetly, saying, my father, and my right déere and Soue­raigne Lord, there is none of all your sonnes, but that it séemeth to him a thing humane, to desire vengeaunce of these iniuries, and to vs that be of high noblenesse, a litle iniurie ought to be great. As it is so that the qualitie of the person groweth and diminisheth, so ought the quali­tie of the iniurie. And if wee be desirous and haue appe­tite to take vengeance of our iniuries, we forsake not, nor leaue therein the nature of men: for in like manner doe and vse the dumbe beastes to boo, and nature it selfe teacheth and guideth them thereto. My right déere Lord and father, there is none of all your sonnes that ought more to desire the vengeaunce of the iniurie and death of our Lord and graundfather, then I that am the eldest. But I will (if it please you) that yée consider in this en­terprise, not only the beginning, but also the middle and [Page 447] the end, to what perill wee may come héereafter, for o­therwhile little profite some things well begunne that come to an euill end.

Then me thinketh, that it is much more allowable for a man to absteine him for to beginne thinges whereof the endes bee dangerous, and when of may come more euill men good: for any thing is not said to be fortunate or hap­pie vntill the time that it come vnto a good end. I say not these thinges for anie euill meaning or cowardise: but only to the end that ye beginne not a thing, and specially that thing that yee haue in your heart to put in practise, but that ye first be well counselled. Ye knowe well that all Affricke and Europe bee subiectes vnto the Greekes. How be they furnished with knights, worthy, hardy, and rich right maruellous? Cortes, at this day the force and strength of vs here, is not to be compared vnto them, in force, nor in valiance. Wherefore, if we begin the warre against them, wee might lightly come to a mischieuous and shamefull end. We that bee in so great rest and ease amongst our selues, what shall we seeke for to trouble our prosperitie, and welfare? Exione is not of so high prise, that it behooueth all vs to put vs in perill and danger of death for her: she hath been now long time there, where she is yet. It were better that shee spend forth her time, that I thinke hath but litle time to liue, then we shoulde put vs all in such perils. And meekly▪ I beseech you, not to suppose in any wise, that I say these things for cowar­dise: But I doubt the chaunces of fortune, and least that vnder the shadowe of this thing she confound and destroie your great seignorie, and least that wee should beginne thinges that we ought to leaue, for to eschew more great mischiefe, &c.

When Hector had made an end of his answere, Paris was nothing well content therewith: he stoode vppon his feete, and saide in this wise. My right déere Lord; I be­seech you to heare me say, to what end ye may come, if [Page 448] ye begin the warre against the Greeks. How, be not we garnished with so mighty and noble chiualrie as they be? Certes that be wee, which in all the world is none that may discomfit: and therefore begin ye hardly that enter­prise that ye haue thought of, and send some of your ships and of your people to runne into Gréece, and to take their people, and dammage the countrey. And if it please you to send me, I will do it with a good will and heart, for I am persuaded, that if ye send me, I will doe great dammage vnto the Greekes, and I will take some noble ladie of Greece, and bring her with mee into this realme, and by commutation of her, you may recouer your sister Exione. And if yee will vnderstand and know, how I am persua­ded of this thing, I will say to you, that the gods haue promised it to me. It happened of late (sayd Paris) in the time that by your cōmandement I was in the lesser India, at the beginning of the Summer, that vpon a Fri­day, I went to hunt in a forrest very early, and that mor­ning I found nothing that turned mee to any pleasure: and then after midday I found a great Hart. that I put to the chase so swiftly, that I left all my company behinde, and followed the Hart into the most desert place of all the Forrest, which forrest was named Ida. And so long I fol­lowed him, that I came vnto a place that was passing ob­scure and darke: and then I saw no more the Hart that I chased. I felt thē my selffore wearie, & my horse also that might no further go, he swet so on all sides. So I lighted downe to the ground, and tied my horse to a tree, and lay­ed me downe vpon the grasse, and put vnder my head my Bowe bent, in sted of a pillowe and anon I fell asléepe. Then came to me in a vision the god Mercurie, and in his company thrée goddesses, that is to witte, Venus, Pallas, and Iuno. He lest the goddesses a little from me, and af­ter he approched, and sayd vnto me in this maner: Paris, I haue brought here these thrée goddesses vnto thee, for a great strife, or controuersie that is fallen betwéene them. [Page 449] They haue all chosen thee to be iudge, and to determine after thy will. Their controuersie or strife is such, that as they did eate the other day together in a place, suddenly was cast among them an apple of so marueilous forme of fairenesse and beautie, that neuer was séene none such a­fore amongst them. And there was written about this foresayd apple in Gréekish language, Be it giuen to the fairest. And so anon each of them would haue it, for any thing in the world, saying ech her selfe to be most faire, and fairer then the other, and so they might not agree. Wherefore they haue put it to thy iudgement, and ech of them promiseth thee certeinly a gift for thy reward, that thou shalt haue without faile for the iudgement of the apple. If thou iudge that Iuno be the fairest, shee shall make thée the most noble man in the world in magnifi­cence. If thou iudge for Pallas, she shall make thee the most wisest man of all the world in all sciences. If thou iudge that Venus be the fairest, shee shall giue vnto thee the most noble lady of Gréece. When I heard Mercurius thus speake to me, I sayd vnto him, that I could not giue true iudgement, vnlesse I saw them all naked before me, for to see the fashions of their bodies the better, and so for to giue a true iudgement. And then incontinent Mercu­rius did cause them to vnclothe themselues all naked: and then I beheld them long, and me thought all thrée passing faire: but yet me séemed that Venus excéeded the beautie of the other: and therefore I iudged that the apple apper­teined to her. And then Venus greatly reioycing at my iudgement, confirmed vnto me the promise that Mercurie had made before in the fauour of her: and after I awoke straight way. Wéene ye then, my right deare father, that the gods faile of any thing that they promise? Nay veri­ly. So then I say to you still, it is best that ye send me in­to Gréece, and that you may haue ioy of that I shall doe there. &c.

After Paris, spake Deiphebus in this maner: My [Page 450] right deare Lord, if in all the works that men should be­ginne, they should be aduised euer in the particularities and singular things that might happen or fal, they should neuer enterprise nor do valiant act by hardinesse. If the labourers should leaue to eare and sowe the land, for the seed that the birdes picke vp and gather, they should ne­uer labour. And therefore (right deare father) let vs make ready for to send into Gréece of your shippes. Yée may not beléeue better counsell then that counsell that Paris hath giuen to you: for if he bring any noble ladie, ye may easily, for to yeeld her againe, haue againe your sister Exione, for whome wee all suffer shame enough. After this spake Helenus, the fourth sonne of king Pria­mus, that sayd thus: Ha, ha, right puissant king, and right souereigne dominatour ouer vs your humble sub­iects, and obedient sonnes. Beware that couetousnesse of vengeance put not in you such danger as lieth herein. Ye know very well, howe I vnderstand and can the sci­ence to knowe the things future and to come, as yee haue proued many times without finding fault: the gods for­bidde, that it euer come that Paris be sent into Gréece. For know ye for certaine, that if he goe to make any as­sault, ye shall sée this noble and honourable citie destroy­ed by the Gréekes, the Troyans slaine, and we all that be your children. And therefore disswade your selfe from these things, whereof the end shall be sorrowe and great desolation with right bitter death, the which you your selfe, and your wife, and we, we, that be your sonnes may not escape. For truely if Paris go into Gréece, all these euils shall come thereof.

When the king heard Helenus thus speake, hee was all abashed, and began to counterpoyse and thinke of the matter, and helde his peace, and spake not of a great while: and so did all the other. Then arose vppe on his féete, Troylus the yoongest sonne of king Priamus, and beganne to speake in this manner. O noble men and [Page 451] hardy, how be ye abashed for the wordes of this coward priest here? Is it not the custome of Priestes for to dread the battailes by pusillanimitie, and for to loue good chéere and pleasures, & to fill their bellies with good wines and with good meats? who is he that beléeueth that any man may know the things to come, vnlesse the gods do shew it him by reuelation? It is but follie for to tarie vpon this, or to beléeue such things. If Helenus be afrayd, let him go into the Temple, and sing the diuine Seruice, and let the other take reuenge of their iniuries by strength and force of armes. O right deare father and lord, wherefore art thou so troubled for these wordes? send thy shippes into Gréece, and thy knights wise and hardie, that may make requitall to the Gréekes for their iniuries that they haue done vnto vs. All they that heard Troylus thus speake, allowed him, saying, that hee had very well spo­ken. And thus they finished their parlement, and went to dinner.

After dinner the king Priamus called Paris and Deiphebus, and commaunded them expresly, that they should goe into the parties of Pannonie, hastily to fetch and assemble knightes wise and hardie, for to take with them to Gréece. And then that same day Paris and Dei­phebus departed from the citie of Troy, for to performe and accomplish the will of their father. The day follow­ing, the king assembled to counsel al the citizens of the ci­tie of Troy, and sayd vnto them after this maner: O my louing friendes and true citizens, ye all doe know notori­ously, howe the Gréeks by their pride and insolencie haue done to vs great wrongs, and innumerable dammages, as it is very well knowen in the al whole world. And ye know also, how they holde Exione my sister in seruitude, wherefore I liue in great sorrow: and also ye be remem­bred, howe I sent Anthenor into Gréece, that hath no­thing done: wherefore my sorrowe is doubled. And for­asmuch as by yron hee cured the woundes insanable, [Page 452] I haue purposed to sende Paris my sonne with men of armes and puissance into Gréece, for to inuade and assaile our enemies by strength, and for to do them great dama­ges, and for to assay if they might take any noble ladie of Gréece, and to send her into the city: and that by the com­mutation of her, I might get againe my sister Exione. And forsomuch as I will not begin this thing, but that it may come to your knowledge first, I pray you that you say to mee your aduise: for without you I will not pro­céed further therein, forasmuch as it toucheth you all as well as me.

When the king had thus finished his spéeches, and that ech man held himselfe silent a great while, then stood vp a knight named Pantheus, that was the sonne of Deu­phrobe the Phylosopher, and sayde: O right noble king, as I am your true seruant and vassaile, I will declare to you my aduice in this matter also, truely as a vassaile and subiect is bound to counsell his lord. Ye haue had wel in knowledge Deuphrobe the great Phylosopher my fa­ther, that liued whole and sounde more then nine score and tenne yeres, and was so wise in Phylosophy, that he knew the science of things to come hereafter: he sayd vn­to me many times, and affirmed for trueth, that if Paris your sonne went into Gréece, for to take any noble ladie by violence, that this noble citie should be destroyed and burnt vnto ashes by the Gréeks, and that ye and all yours should be slaine cruelly. And therfore, right sage and wise king, pleaseth if your noblenesse to heare my wordes, and beléeue that the wise men haue sayd, and be perswaded in that thing that ye may not loose by if ye leaue it, & where­of great sorrowes may ensue, if ye perseuere in opinion. Wherefore wil ye séeke to intrap the good estates of your rest, and put your tranquillitie vnder the dangerous ad­uentures of fortune? Leaue this, and disswade your selfe, if it please you, from this folly, and finish and end your life in rest happily, and suffer not Paris to goe into [Page 453] Gréece in Armes. And if ye will algase, send ye another then Paris.

At these wordes of Pantheus grewe and arose great murmuring of the hearers. Some reprooued the prophe­sies of Deuphrobe the Philosopher, and some helde it for mockerie and a fable: and they were of the greatest num­ber, insomuch that by the consent of the more part, Pa­ris was appointed for to go into Gréece with men of armes: and the parliament finished, each man went home into his house, and to his place.

When this conclusion was known of Cassandra daugh­ter of king Priamus, she began to make so great sorrow, as if she had been foolish or out of her right mind, & began to cry on high, saying: Ha, ha, right noble Citie of Troy, what Faierie hath mooued thee to bee brought to such pe­rils, for which thou shalt in short times be beaten downe, and thy high Towers be ouerthrown & destroied vnto the ground? Ha, ha, queene Hecuba, for what sinne hast thou deserued the death of thy children, which shalbe cruell and horrible wherefore with holdest not thou Paris from go­ing into Gréece? which shalbe cause of this euill aduen­ture? And when she had so cried, she went vnto her father the king, and with weeping drowned in teares, praied him that he woulde be perswaded for to leaue off his en­terprise, saying: that she wist by her science the great euils and harmes that were comming by this meane. But nei­ther for the disswasions of Hector, neither admonition nor warning of Cassandra, the king woulde not change his purpose, nor for Helenus his son, nor Pantheus, &c.

CHAP. III. ¶Howe Paris and Deyphebus, Eneas, Anthenor, and Polidamus, were sent into Greece: and howe they ra­uished Helene out of the temple of Venus, with manie prisoners and richesse, and brought them to Troy, where Paris espoused, the said Helene.

AT the entry of the moneth of May, when the earth is attyred and adorned with di­uers sloures, Paris and Deiphebus retur­ned from Panonie, and brought with them thrée thousand knightes right hardy and wise. Then they made readie two and twentie great shippes, and charged and laide in them all that was con­uenient for them. Then y ^e king Priamus called Eneas, Anthenor, and Polidamas that was the sonne of Anthe­nor, and praied them and commaunded, that they shoulde go into Greece with Paris and Deyphebus: and they offered themselues to go with a good will. And when they were all ready and assembled for to go into their shippes, the king Priamus spake to them in this maner. It needeth not to vse many wordes, for yee knowe well enough, for what cause I send you into Greece, and howe well that I haue cause for to auenge mee of the wronges that the Greekes haue done vnto vs, But the principall cause is, to recouer my sister Exione, that li­ueth in so great thraldome. And for to doe so yee ought to employ you: wherefore I pray you, and admonish you, that ye bend all your endeuour and diligence that I may recouer my sister. And be ye certaine, if ye haue want of neede or succour, I will succour you with so great a strength, that the Greekes shal not be able to beare. And I will that in this voiage ye hold Paris my sonne Duke and conductor of this battaile of Eneas and Anthenor.

[Page 455]After these wordes, Paris and all the other tooke leaue of the king, and entered into their shippes, and hoysed vp sailes, and recommended them to the guiding of Iu­piter and Venus, and sailed so farre by the deepe Sea, that they arriuing in the partes of Greece, in coasting the countrey, it happened them on a daie, that they mette a shippe, in the which was one of the greatest kinges of Greece, named Menelaus, that went vnto the Citie of Epyre, vnto the duke Nestor that had sent for him. This Menelaus was brother of Agamēnon, and was married vnto the quéene Helene, that was the fairest Ladie in the world, that men knew of in her time: and she was sister of king Castor, and Pollux, that dwelled then togither in y ^e citie of Samestare, and nourishing with thē Hermione their néece daughter of the said Helene, Menelaus made a little crosse his shippe, and to turne out of the right way: and so the one did not knowe the other. And the Troyans sailed so farre, that they arriued at the Isle of Cithar in Gréece, and there they ancred their shippes and went a land. In this Ile was a temple of Venus passing auncient, and of great beautie, full of all richesse: for the inhabitantes also of the countrey had their deuotion specially vnto Venus the Goddesse, and kept and solem­nized her feastes each yeare, and shée gaue to them aun­sweres of their demaundes. Then when the Troyans were arriued, they hallowed the most principall feast of Venus: and for this cause were there assembled men and women of the countrey there about, that made great cheere, &c.

When Paris knew this feast, he tooke his best clothes and did them on, also the best faring and cleanliest men that he hadde, and he went into the temple, and entered therin by faire and pleasaunt maner, and made his ob­lation and offering of golde and siluer with great libe­ralitie.

Then was Paris much beholden on all sides of them y ^e [Page 456] were there, for his beautie a for hee was one of the fai­rest knightes of the worlde, and was so richly and so queintly clothed and docked, that it gaue great pleasure vnto all them that behelde him, and euery man desired to know what he was, and whence hee came. And they de­maunded of the Troyans, that told them, that it was Pa­ris, sonne of king Priamus of Troy, that was come in­to Greece, by the commaundement of his father, for to re­quire amiably that they woulde render and yéeld againe Exione his sister, that they had giuen to king Thelamon. So farre went the tidinges of the comming of these Troyans, and of their beautie and riche clothing, that the queene Helene heard speake thereof: and then alter the custome of women, she had great desire to know by expe­rience, if it were trueth that she heard speake of: and dis­posed her to go vnto the temple vnder the colour of deuo­tion, for to accomplish her desire. O howe great folly is it, vnto honest women to will go oftentimes vnto the feastes and sportes of yong people, that little or nothing doe there, but muse and deuise howe they may come to their desire, and care not what mischiefe may followe in body and in soule? The ship should neuer perish, if it a­bode alway in the porte, and were not sent out into pe­rils of the Sea.

It is a good thing and a pretious iewell, to haue a good woman that holdeth her honestly in her house. O howe great damage came vnto the Greekes and to the Troy­ans of this Citie, that Helene went so lightly to see the Troyans: that ought not so to doe, and specially in the absence of her husband? But as it is the custome of wo­men to bee wilfull to bring their desire to the end, He­lene incontinent did make readie horse and all that was conuenient, for to go vnto the temple: and she did them to vnderstand, that shée went for deuotion: for this tem­ple was not farre from the place where shee dwelled. When all was readie, and shee clothed in habite royall, [Page 457] she rode with her company vnto the Isle of Cythar, and entered into a vessell that brought her nigh to the tem­ple, where shee was receiued with great worship of them of the countrey, as their Ladie. Shee entered into the Temple right stately, and made there her deuotions and her oblations with right great liberalitie, &c.

When Paris knewe that the queene Helene, that was wife of king Menelaus, one of the most noble kings of Greece, was come vnto this temple, hée arraied him in the most gentlemanliest wise that hee coulde (and his company) and went into the temple, for he had long time before heard speake of her great brauery. And then, as hée was come and sawe her, hee was greatly surprised with her loue, and beganne earnestly to beholde her, and to desire to sée the fashion of her body, that was so faire and well shapen in all thinges, and in such wise, that it see­med properly to them that sawe her, that nature hadde made her to be beholden and séen: for in her was nothing, but that it serued to manifest all the beautie that might be found in a woman. Wherefore Paris might not forbeare to beholde her, saying in himselfe, that he hadde neuer séene, nor heard tell of any so faire and so well for­med. And as hee beheld her, in likewise shee beheld him, as many times and oft, and her seemed that he was more fairer a great deale then hadde béen reported to her: and still she saide in her selfe, that shee neuer sawe man of so great beautie, nor that pleased her so well to beholde: and so she left all her deuotion and all other thoughts, and gaue no héede, nor respect to any thing, saue onely for to beholde Paris.

When Paris knewe and sawe this, hee had great ioy, and beheld her sweetly more and more, and she him. By which sight they shewed enough of their desires, the one to the other: and thought diuerse times, by what occasion they might speake togither. And so long they beheld each other, that by likelihoode, Helene made a token or [Page 458] signe to Paris, that hée approched to her, and anon Pa­ris sate downe beside her, whiles that the people plaied in the temple, and spake vnto her with a soft voice right sweetly, and shee to him, and declared each to other how they were surprised with the loue of the one and of the o­ther, and reasoned how they might come to the end of their desire. And when they had spoken enough of their hote l [...]e, Paris tooke leaue of her, and issued out of the tem­ple, hee and his companie: and Helene sent after him her eyes as farre as the might.

When Paris was come to his shippe, he called to him the most noble and greatest of his companie, and saide to him in this maner. My friendes, yee knowe well where­fore the king my father hath sent vs vnto Greece: that is to wit, for to recouer Exione his sister: and if we may not recouer her, that we should doe damage vnto the Gréeks. We may not recouer Exione, for shee is in ouer strong an hand: and also it shoulde bée to our great daunger and damage, since it is so that the king Thelamon, that hol­deth her and loueth her heartily, is more puissant then we, and is in his owne proper heritage. Wée be nothing so puissant for to take in Greece any noble Citie, the countrey is so full of people, and of manie valiant folke. Then mée séemeth good, that the faire gift and notable that the Gods haue sent vnto vs, we refuse not. Wée sée in this Ile come to that feast the most greatest citizens, and the temple replenished with the most noble women of this prouince, and also the queene Helene, that is la­dy of this countrey and wife of king Menelaus. This temple is also full of all riches: if wee might take them aliue that bée in the Temple, and bring them prisoners with vs, and take the Gods that there bee of golde and of siluer, wée shall haue conquered a great gaine, and so may get other riches that wee may go fetch in some other places.

If ye thinke good, I am of the opinion, that now this [Page 459] night wée will enter into the temple all armed, and [...]ée will take men and women, and all that we shall find and bring into our shippes, and principally Helene: for if wée may bring her into Troy, the king Priamus may lightly enough haue againe his sister Exione for her: therefore aduise you speedily what is best to bee done, whiles the matter is hot, and before they escape vs. Some of them blamed this thing, and some allowed it: and fi­nally, they concluded after manie councels, that they would doe as Paris had deuised.

Now it hapned that when the night was come, & the Moone was nigh gone downe, the Troyans armed them in the most secret wise that they coulde, and left some of them for to keepe their shippes, and the other went pri­uily vnto the Temple, and entered therein, so armed as they were, and with little defence, tooke all them that they found in the temple, and all the riches that were therein. And Paris with his owne hand tooke Helene, and them of her companie, and brought into their ships all the best, and put them in sure guard, and after retur­ned to the bootie. Then beganne the noyse passing great within the temple, of the prisoners, and of some that had leauer suffer to be slaine then for to bee taken prisoners. The noise was heard farre, in suche wise that they of the castle that stoode thereby heard it: and incontinent they arose and armed them, and came to assaile the Troyans, as valiaunt as they were. Then beganne the skirmish right fierse and mortall: but the Troyans (that were foure against one, slew manie of them, and the other fled and retired into their castle: and then the Troyans tooke as much as they coulde finde of goodes, and bare it vnto their shippes, and entered into them, and hoised vp their sailes, and sailed so long, that on the 7. day they came and ariued at the port of Troy, their ships ful of good prisoners and of good riches: and they abode at the port of Tenedon, y ^t was but 3 mile frō Troy: and there were receiued with [Page 460] ioy. And then Paris sent a proper messenger vnto his father the king Priamus to let him haue knowledge of his comming, and of all that that hee had done in Gréece. Of these tidings the king was greatly reioysed, and com­maunded in all the Citie to make a feast solemnly for these tidinges, &c.

Whiles that Helene was with the other prisoners in the ship of Paris, shée made great sorrow, and ceassed not to wéepe nor to bewaile with great sighes her husband, her brethren, her daughter, her countrey and her friends, and was in so great sorrow, that she left to eat and drink. And Paris comforted her the most sweetly that he coulde: but shee might not suffer to forbeare wéeping, and then Paris said to her in this maner. How Lady: Where­fore make ye this sorrowe day and night without rest? What man or woman is it, that might long endure and suffer this? Know not ye that this sorrow hurteth your health? Yes verily lady, yée make too much thereof: Wherefore from henceforth, I pray you to leaue and take rest, for in this realme yée shall lacke nothing, and no more shall those prisoners that yée will haue recom­mended: and ye shalbe the most renowmed lady of this Realme and the most riche, and your meanie that bee héere shall want nothing. To these wordes aunswe­red Helene to Paris in this manner: I knowe well (said thee) that will I, or I will not) I must needs do as yée will, since that I am your prisoner: and if any good bee done to me and to the prisoners, I hope the Gods shall thanke, and reward them that so doe. Ha, ha, saide Pa­ris, doubt you not, for mee, I will doe to you and them all that shall please you to commaund. And then he took her by the hand and brought her into a more secret place, and saide vnto her: Madame, thinke yee, forasmuch as it hath pleased the Gods for to suffer you to bee brought by mée into this prouince and kingdome, that yée be lost, and vndone, and that ye shall not bée more rich and [Page 461] more honoured then ye haue béen, and that the Realme of Troy is not more riche, then the Realme of Achay▪ yes verily that it is. Thinke yee that I will maintaine you dishonestly? certes nay, but will take you to my wife, and so shall ye be more honoured then ye haue béene with your husband, and more praised: for your husband is not issued out of so noble a house as I am, nor so valiant: nor he loued you neuer so well as I will doe. Therefore cease yée from henceforth to make such sorrow, and beleeue me of this that I haue said to you Ha, ha, said shee, who can abstaine her from making of sorrowe being in the state that I am in? alas, this case happened me neuer before: but since it must be none otherwise, sore vexed and gree­ued, I will doe that thing which ye require of me, foras­much as I haue no abilitie to resist it. Thus was Helene recomforted a little: and Paris did please her to the vtter­most of his power, &c.

When the morrow came, betime hee did cause to clothe her, and array her the most honourably that he might, and made her to sit vpon a Palfrey richly arraied and dec­ked: and so did hee other prisoners, each after his degree: and after hee went to horse backe himselfe, and Doyphe­bus his brother, Eneas, Anthenor, and Polydamus, with a great company of noble men, and accompanied the queene Helene, and departed from Tnedon, and went to Troy ward. And there came against them with­out the town the king Priamus with a great company of noble men, and receiued his children, and his friendes with great ioy: and after came to Helene, and bowed rightly swéetly to her, and did to her great ioy and wor­ship. And when they came nigh the citie, they sound great store of people glad of their comming with many sortes of instrumentes of Musicke: and in such ioy came vnto the Pallace of king Priamus: and hee himselfe lighted downe and holpe Helene downe from her palfrey, and [...]d her by the hand vnto the Hall, and there they made right [Page 462] great ioy, all the night, throughout all the Citie, for these tidinges. And then when it came vnto the morrow, Pa­ris (by the agreement and consent of his father) tooke Helene to his wife, and wedded her in the temple of Pal­lace: and therefore the feast was lengthened throughout all the citie, and there was ioy that endured yet after eight dayes whole, &c.

When Cassandra knew for trueth that Paris her bro­ther had wedded Helene, she beganne to make great sor­row, to cry & bray as a woman out of her wit, & said thus.

O vnhappy Troyans, wherefore reioyce yee of the wedding of Paris, whereof so many euils shall come and follow? And wherefore sée not yee the death of your selues, and of your sonnes that shal be slaine before your eyes and their husbandes before their wiues with great sorrow? Ha, ha, noble citie of Troy, how shalt thou bée destroied and put to nought? Ha, ha, vnhappy mothers, what sorrow shall ye see, when yeé shall sée your little chil­dren taken and dismembred before you? Ha ha Hecuba caitife and vnhappie, where shalt thou take the water y ^t thou shalt wéep for the death of thy children. Ha, ha, people blinde and foolish, why send not yée incontinent Helene home againe, and yéeld her vnto her right husband, before that the swordes of your enemies come, and flea you with great sorrow? Wéene ye that this prince (the husband of Helene) wil dwel at home without greeuous vengeance? Certes that shalbe your dolorous destruction and end. Ha ha, vnhappy Helene, thou shalt doe vs much sorrow. As Cassandra spake and cried thus with high voice, and with great sorrow, the king Priamus knewe it, and did her to be taken prisoner, and sent to her, and did pray her, that she would ceasse, but shee would not. And then hee com­maunded, that shee should bee fast shut in prison, and in yrons, where shée was kept many daies. O what pitie was it, that the Troyans beleeued not this warning and admonition? For if they had beleeued it, they hadde [Page 463] eschewed y ^e right great en [...] that came after vnto them, which shall bee tolde in tables and made plaine and manfest to them that will heare them vnto the ende of the worlde, &c.

CHAP. III. How Menelaus was sore troubled for the rauishing of He­lene his wife. And how Castor and Pollux brethren of her, pursued Paris in the sea: and of their death: and of the condition and maner of the Lordes, as well Greekes as Troyans.

AS these thinges were done, as is saide, Menelaus (that soiourned at Epyre with the Duke Nestor) heard tell the trueth of the prise and taking of his wife, and of his people, whereat he was sore angry, and much abashed, and was so greeeued and sorrowfull, that he fell to the ground in a sownd. And then when he was come to himselfe againe, hee beganne sore to complaine him, and make the greatest sorrowe of the world. And aboue all other thinges he was most so­rie for his wife, and bewailed her beautie, and her so­lace, and might by no way bee comforted. When the duke Nestor heard say thereof, hee came to him hastily, and comforted him the most best wise he could, for hee lo­ued him with great loue. But Menelaus could not leaue his sorrow: but tooke his way vnto his countrey, and the duke Nestor brought him on his way with a great com­pane of noble men.

He sent vnto the king Agamemnon his brother that he shoulde come and speake with him. And also he sent vn­to Castor & Pollux, the brothers of Helene, y ^t they shuld come also to him. And anon, as they had heard the mes­sage, they came vnto him. When Agamenon sawe his [Page 464] brother make such sorrow and heauinesse, he said to him, ah my brother, wherefore hast thou such sorrow? suppose that the cause be iust, yet a wise man ought not to shew such semblance outward: it causeth his friendes to be sor­rowfull, and his enemies to bee ioyous. And therefore, faine thy sorrow and alay thy rage, and make semblance as though thou regardest nothing this that is befallen: for by weeping nor by vsing of sorrowe, thou maiest neuer come to honour nor vengeance, but onely by the force of the naked sword: thou shalt therfore awake thy courage, and so shalt thou take reuenge of the harmes that bée done to thee. Thou knowest what puissance we haue, and what helpers and ayders we shall finde for to auenge vs: for this iniury toucheth all the kinges and princes of Greece, and assoone as wee shall require them of helpe, there shall not be one but hee will helpe vs with all his power, and then wee will go with great puissance before Troy, and will slea our enemies, and doe what wee list, and wil destroy the Citie. And if it happen that we may take Paris, that is actor of these hurtes and illes, we wil hang him, and make him die an euill death. Cease then thy sorrow, and let vs make to be knowne to al the kings and princes of Greece this iniury, and require them that they will helpe for to take vengeance. Then was Mene­laus recomforted with the wordes of his brother, and a­non they sent their letters vnto all the barons of Greece: and at their sending they came all, first Achilles, Patro­clus, Diomedes, and many other. And assoone as they knew wherefore they were sent for, they said, that they would go to Troy with all their strength, for to auenge this shame, and recouer Helene. So they chose them A­gemenon chiefe and Prince of their hoste, as he that was wise and prudent, and of good councell.

Nowe it happened that the king Castor and the king Pollux that were brethren of the Queene Helene, as soon as they heard say, that their sister was rauished, they [Page 465] entred into their shippes, and went after the Troyans with a great company of men of armes, for to see if they might recouer her. On the third day that they were on y ^e sea, there rose so great a tempest in the sea, & therewith came so great a raine, and thunder, that their ships were cast by the waues, one here, another there, the masts bro­ken, their sailes rent, and finally they were all perished and drowned, that neuer was none séene of them. And the Paynims say, that these two brethren were transla­ted with the gods, into the heauen or zodiaque, and retur­ned into the signe of two beastes, forasmuch as they were brethren germaines. And thus ended their liues, by the occasion of the taking of their sister. Some Poets faine, that these brethren be translated into two starres, that is, the North starre, and the South starre, which be named after them Castor and Pollux.

In this place declareth Dares, in his booke, the fashi­ons of the Gréekes that were before Troy, of the most no­table of them, as hee that saw them and beheld them ma­ny times during the truce that was often times betwéene both parties, during the siege before the citie. And he be­gan to speake of Helen, and sayeth, that she was so faire, that in the worlde no man could finde no fairer woman, nor better formed of all members. Agamēnon was long and white of body, strong of members, and well formed, louing labour, discréet, hardie, and passing well bespoken. Menelaus was of meane stature, hardie in armes, and couragious. Achilles was of right great beautie, blonke haires and crispe, gray eyes and great, of amiable sight, large breasts, & broad shoulders, great armes, his reines high enough, an high man of great stature, and had no e­quall nor like to him among all the Greekes, desirous to fight, large in gifts, and outragious in spending. Tanta­lus was great of body, and right strong, faithful, humble, flying quarrels if they were not iust and true. Aiax was of great stature, great and large in the shoulders, great [Page 466] armes, and alway was well clothed, and very richly: and was of no great enterprise, and spake very quicke. The­lamon Aiax was a marueilous faire knight, hee hadde blacke haires, and had great pleasure in song, and he sang himselfe very well: he was of great prowesse, and a good man of warre, and without pompe. Vlisses was the most faire man amongst all the Gréekes, but was verie deceitfull and subtill, and deliuered his spéeches ioyfully: he was a very great lier, and was so well bespoken, that he had no fellow nor any like vnto him. Diomedes was great, and had a broad breast, and marueilous strong, of a fierce regard and fight, false in his promises, woorthie in armes, desirous of victorie, dread and redoubted: for he was greatly iniurious to his seruants, and luxurious, wherefore hee suffered many paines. The Duke Nestor was of great members and long, and well bespoken, dis­créete and very thriftie, and gaue alwayes good counsell, quickly and soone hee would be very angry, and straight­way pleased againe: hee was the most true friend in the world. Prothesilaus was faire, and of goodly stature, right noble and actiue in armes. Neoptolemus was great, blacke haire and great eyes, but ioyous and well chéered, his eiebrowes smooth, stammering in his words, but he was wise in the lawe. Palamedes sonne of king Naulus, was of right faire shape and leane, stout and a­miable, a good man & liberall. Polydarius, was passing great, fatte and swollen, hardie, high minded, and proud, without trueth. Mathaon was of meane stature, proud and hardy, and one that little slept by night. Brisayda, daughter of Calcas, was passing faire, of meane stature, white and medled with redde, and well made, sweet and pitifull, and whom many men loued for her beautie: for the loue of her came the king of Persia into the ayd of the Gréeks, vnto the siege before Troy.

Of them that were within Troy, the same Dares sayth, first of king Priamus, that he was long, grisly and [Page 467] faire, and had a lowe voice, right hardie, and that he did gladly eate earely in the morning, a man without dread, and that hated flatterie: hee was vpright, and a good iu­sticer, and had great delight to heare singing and soundes of musike, and earnestly loued his seruants, and much en­riched them. Of all his sonnes, there was none so hardy as was Hector, the eldest sonne of king Priamus. This was he that passed in his time all other knights in puis­sance, and stuttered a little: hee was great, and had hard members, and coulde endure much paine, and was much hairie, curled, and lisped: there neuer issued out of Troy so strong a man, nor so worthy: nor neuer came there a villanous word out of his mouth: he was neuer wearie of fighting in battell: there was neuer knight better beloued of his people, then hee was. Paris was a pas­sing faire knight, and strong, soft haired, and true, swift, and sweete of speech tutmouthed, well drawing a bowe, wise and hardie in battaile, very resolute, and couetous of lordshippe. Deiphebus and Helenus were both pas­sing like of fashion, in such wise that a man coulde not verie well know the one from the other, and also they re­sembled passing well the king Priamus their Father. Deiphebus was very wise and hardie in armes. And Helenus was a marueilous wise Clerke. Troylus was great and of stout courage, well manered, and well belo­ued of yoong maidens: in strength and merinesse hee re­sembled and was much like vnto Hector, and was the se­cond after him in prowesse: and there was not in all the whole realme a more strong nor more hardy yoong man. Eneas had a great body: hee was marueilouslie discreet in his workes, well bespoken and verie courteous in his words, full of good counsell, and of skilfull cunning. He had his visage ioyous, and the eyes cleere and gray, and was the richest man of Troy, next the king Pria­mus, in townes and castles. Anthenor was long and leane, and spake much, but he was discreet, and of great [Page 468] industrie, and one whom the king Priamus loued great­ly, and that gladly played among his company, and was a right wise man. Polydamas his sonne was a goodlie yoong man and a faire, hardy, and of good maners, long and leane like his father, browne, and was strong in pu­issance of armes, and of good and courteous words. The king Menon was great, and a goodly knight, he had large shoulders, and great armes, he was hard in the brest, and of great prowesse, and one that brought many knightes vnto Troy. The queene Hecuba was a strong big wo­man, and séemed better a man then a woman: shee was a noble woman, passing wise, courteous and honest, and lo­uing the works of charitie. Andromache the wife of He­ctor, was a passing faire woman, and white, and that had faire eyes, and faire haire: she was among all other women right honest and ciuill in her works. Cassandra was of a faire stature, and cléere, round mouthed, wise, of shining eies, she loued virginitie, & knew much of things to come, by Astronomie & other sciences. Polixena was a very faire daughter, and tender, and was the very ray of beautie, in whom nature failed nothing, saue onely that she made her mortall: and she was the fairest mayde that was in her time, and the best formed. Ma­ny mo were within the towne and without, during the fiege: but these were the principall & greatest of name. And therfore Dares declareth the fashion of them, and re­hearseth not of the other.

CHAP. V. ¶How the kinges, dukes, earles, and Barons of Greece as­sembled al, with their nauie before the citie of Athens, for to come to Troy: and how many shippes each man brought vnto the helpe of the king Menelaus.

WHen it came vnto the end of February, that the winter was passed, the kings and princes of all the prouinces of Greece, assembled them togither at the porte of Athens for to go to Troy. It is not in the remembraunce of any man since the beginning of the worlde, that so many shippes and knights were assembled, as there were at that time. For first Agamemnon, that was chiefe and prince of all the hoste of the Greekes, brought from his realme of Mich­mas an hundred shippes full of armed knightes. The king Menelaus his brother brought from his realme of Sparta, fortie shippes. Archelaus and Prothenor from the realme of Boecie, fiftie shippes. The Duke Ascala­pus and the Earle Helmius, from the prouince of Orco­nemy, thirtie shippes.

The king Epistrophus, and the king Sedius, from the realme of Focide, thirtie shippes: and in his com­panie were the Duke Theuter, Duke Amphimacus, the Earle Polixene, and the Earle Thebus, and many other noble men.

The auncient duke Nestor, for his prouince of Pilon, fiftie shippes. The king Thoas of Tholy, fiftie ships. The king Doxunois, fiftie shippes. The king Thela­mon Thyleus, sixe and thirtie shippes. Polibetes and Amphimacus from his prouince of Calidonie, two and thirtie shippes. The king Idumeus and the king Me­reon of Crete, foure score and two shippes. The king Vlisses of Trace, two and fiftie shippes.

[Page 470]The Duke Tynelus, from his Citie of Friges twelue shippes.

Prothocathus and Prothesilaus the dukes of Philaca, brought with them two and fiftie shippes. Collesis brought foure & twentie ships from the realms of Cre­some, and then brought king Machaon, and the king Pol­lydris his sonne, three and thirtie shippes. Achilles brought from his noble Citie of Phaces, two and twen­tie shippes.

The king Thephalus brought from Rhodes two and thirtie shippes. Eruphilus from Orchomenie, two and fiftie shippes. The duke Anthipus, and the duke Am­phimacus, of Rusticane, thirteene shippes. The king Polibetes of Rithe, and the duke Lopins his brother in lawe, that hadde wedded his sister, threescore and two shippes. The king Diomedes of Arges, foure score and two shippes, and hadde in his companie Thelamus and Eurialus: the king Poliphebus, nine shippes, the king Fureus, thirteene shippes, the king Prothoylus of Che­menense, two and fiftie shippes. The king Carpenor of Carpadie, two and fiftie shippes. Theorius of Breisse, foure and twentie shippes. The summe of kinges and dukes that were come thither, were sixtie and nine. And there assembled at the Port of Athens twelue hundred and foure and twentie shippes, without comprising the ships of duke Palamedes, the sonne of king Naulus that came after on with his estate, as shall be saide hereafter, &c.

CHAP. VI. ¶How the Greekes sent Achilles vnto Delphos, to the God Apollo, for to know the end of their warre: and howe hee found Calchas sent from the Troyans, that went with him to Athens.

WHen the king and the Princes were thus as­sembled at the Port of Athens, the king Aga­memnon, that was chiefe of all the hoste, and taught alway to conduct this hoste orderly, as­sembled vnto the counsell on a plaine without the Citie all the noble men of their hoste. And when they were all assembled about him in seates that he had made, he said to them in this maner. O yee noble men, that by one will and minde bee heere assembled in this hoste with so great puissance, yee knewe verie well, that it is not in the remembraunce of any man, that he sawe euer so many no­ble men assembled, for to achieue any worke, nor so ma­nie young knightes, and actiue in armes, for to assail [...] their enemies. Is not he then out of his minde, that pre­sumeth to raise himselfe against vs, and to begin warre? verily I doubt not but one of an hundred that is in this companie, is sufficient enough to bring this worke to an end, for which we be all assembled. It is well knowne to each of you, the great iniuries and the great damages that the Troyans haue done to vs: wherefore wee haue iust cause to take vengeance by force of armes, to the end that from henceforth they, nor any other enterprise neuer against vs in any maner: for if we should suffer such in­iuries by dissimulation, they might yet greeue vs more then they haue done. And it is not the custome of the no­ble men of Gréece, to let passe such wrongs in dissimulati­on. & therfore it shuld be to vs great shame, that be so ma­ny, and y ^t haue assembled so great strength, to dissemble in [Page 472] this quarrell, and (yet that more is) there is no nation in the worlde, but that breadeth our puissance, saue onelie these foolishe people of Troy, that by euil counsell haue mooued them against vs, and also haue enterprised war vpon vs: as first the king Laomedon, that iniuried some of our people for little occasion: wherefore hee receiued death for his reward, and his citie was destroied, and his people slaine, and soone brought in seruitude, where they he yet. Certes, it is not so difficile and hard to vs that hée more puissant, to take vengeance on the Troians, as it was to foure Princes of lesse puissance, that came to get the better of them. Forsomuch then, as the Troyans knowe verily that we be assembled for to go vppon them, and that they be strongly furnished with men of arms a­gainst our comming, and of all such thinges as behooueth them for to defend them with; it seemeth me good, if it please you, that ere wee depart from this port heere, wée send into the Isle of Delphos our speciall messengers, for to haue answere of our God Apollo, of this that wee wil doe and enterprise.

Then was there none but hee allowed and approoued the wordes of Agamemnon, and chose incontinent A­chilles and Patroclus, for to go into this Ile, to heare the answere of Apollo: and anon they departed and went and came soone thither: for the saide Isle is as it were in the middest of the Iles of Ciclades, where Locana, En­fanta, Apollo and Diana be. And there was a rich tem­ple, in the which the God of the Paynims was worship­ped, and gaue aunswere to the people of such things as they demaunded of him. This Ile was first called De­los, that is as much to say in Greeke, as manifestation: forasmuch as in this Ile the Paynims sawe first the sun and the moone after the deluge: and therefore they sup­posed that they hadde been borne there of their mother: for Apollo is the Sunne, and Diana is the Moone, in their languag [...],

[Page 473]Some call this Ile Ortigie: forasmuch as the birdes that men call Ortiges, in Englishe they bee Quailes, were first séene there. The Paynims gaue to Apollo di­uers names after the diuers operations of the sunne. In this temple was a great Image, composed and made all of fine golde in the worship of God Apollo. And albeit that the Image was deafe and dumbe, yet euery where Idolatrie raigned in such wise at that time in the world, that the diuell put him in the Image▪ and gaue aunswere to the Paynims of the thinges that they demaunded of him. And this did the diuell, for to abuse the foolishe people, that at that time beleeued that this Image was very God, &c.

Vpon this part the authour declareth, from whence came first Idolatry. We finde in Historia ecclesiastica, that when Herod was deceiued by the three kinges that retur­ned not againe to him, but worshipped our Lord Iesus Christ as is contained in the Gospel, and afterward de­parted by another way, &c. that Herodes purposed to haue slaine the childe Iesus, and therefore the glorious Vir­gins our Lady Saint Mary his mother, and Ioseph bare him to Egypt. And as soone as our Ladie entered into Egypt, all the Idolles of Egypt fell downe to the earth all to be broken and bruised, according to the prophesie of Esay that said thus. Ascendet dominus in nubem leuem, & ingredietur Egyptum, & mouebuntur simulacra Egypte. Shew­ing that at the comming of our sauiour Iesus Christ, all Idolatry should haue an end. And among the Iewes, Is­mael was the first that made an Idol, and that was of earth.

And Promotheus made the first among the Paynims, and taught other the maner howe to make them: but the right beginning of Idolatry came of Belus king of Assi­rie, that was father of king Ninus, the which Belus when hee was dead, his sonne Ninus did burie him in a rich sepulture, and did make an Image of fine golde, to [Page 474] the semblaunce and likenesse of his father, for to haue consolation and memorie of him, and worshipped him as his god, and compelled his folke to worship him: and a­none an euill spirite entred within the Image, and gaue to the people answers of their demaundes. And thus by the example of him, the painims made other, in the wor­ship of their friends, and worshipped them: and thus pro­céeded they in Idolatry, and there were none but that they had their proper gods that gaue to them their aun­swere of their demaundes, by the deuise of the ennemy, that so deceiued them, and brought to damnation by the enuy that hée had, and yet hath vppon the ligne of men, that God made to fulfill the places of Paradise, from whence hée was cast out for his pride into this horrour and darkenesse, and after the daye of Iudgement to a­bide in Hell for euermore, in the company of the damned men.

Whenas Achilles and Patroclus were arriued in the Isle of Delphos, they went with great deuotion into the Temple of Apollo, and there made their oblations with great liberalitie, and demaunded of him aunswere of their affaires and workes. Then aunswered Apollo with a lowe voice. Achilles, returne vnto the Gréekes that haue sent thée hither, and say vnto them, that it is to come, and shall happen for certainetie, that they shall goe safely to Troy, and there they shall make many bat­tels. But in the tenth yéere they shal haue victorie, and destroy the cittie, and they shall slay the king Priamus, his wife, and his children, and the most great of the countrey. And there shall none escape, saue they onely whome they will saue.

Of this aforesaide aunswer was Achilles passing ioy­ous: And it chaunced whilest they were yet in this Temple, that a Bishoppe of Troy named Calchas sonne of a man named Thistram which was a passing wise man entred into this Temple: and he was sent al­so [Page 475] from the king Priamus, for to haue aunswere of Apol­lo, for them of Troy.

As he then had made his oblations, and demaundes for them of Troy, Apollo answered to him: Calchas, Cal­chas, beware that thou returne not againe to Troy: but go thou with Achilles vnto the Greekes, and depart ne­uer from them, for the Greekes shall haue victorie of the Troyans, by the agreement of the Gods, and thou shalt be to them right necessarie in counsell, and in doctrine. A­non as Calchas knew Achilles, that was in the temple, he approched to him, and made acquaintance to him, and accompanied togither, by faith and othe, they tolde each to other what the Idoll had said to them. Whereof Achil­les had great ioy, and made right great cheere and coun­tenance to Calchas, and tooke him with him, and sailed so long, that they arriued at the port of Athens safely: and when they issued out of their shippes, Achilles tooke Calchas by the hand, and presented him to the king Aga­memnon, and to other, and tolde to them the trueth of the aunswere of Apollo: How they shoulde haue victorie of the Troyans, and how Apollo bad him that he shoulde not returne againe to Troy, but hold him with the Greekes during the warre. Of these tidings were the Gréeks greatly reioysed, and made a solemne feast, and receiued Calchas into their companie, by faith and by othe, and they promised him to reward him well, and do him good, &c.

CHAP. VI. How the Greekes, with a great nauie, went and sailed to­ward Troy: and how they arriued at the Porte of Tene­don, three mile from Troy, which they conquered, and beate downe to the earth.

AFter this feast that the Greekes hadde made, for the good answeres of Apollo, Calchas went in a morning in the com­pany of Achilles and of Patroclus vnto the tent of Agamemnon, where all the most nobles of the hoste were assembled, and he saluted them right courteously, saying: O noble kinges and princes, that be héere assembled for vengeance of the great iniuries to you done by the Troyans, where­fore tarry ye now here, after the Gods haue giuen their aunswere? wéene yee not that the king Priamus hath his espies among you, and that whiles ye soiourne, hee furnisheth not his countrey and citie with vittaile, with horses, and with other necessaries? Is not a great part of the Summer passed, and ye haue yet nothing enterprised vpon your enemies. Beware that ye be not vnkinde and ingrate, at the aunswere of the Gods: and that by your negligence they change not their aunswere into the con­trary. Therefore tary ye no longer, but shippe you and your horse, and go ye to the sea, and ceasse not vntill the time that the promises of the Gods be accomplished. And when Calchas had thus spoken, each man saide, that hée had well saide and spoken. And then Agamemnon sent vnto all the hoste, and commaunded with a trumpet, that euery man shoulde make him readie to remooue. And a­non they entered into their shippes, and disancred, and drewe vp their sailes, and went all vnto the Sea: and they hadde not long sailed, not passing a mile from Athens, but the aire that was before verie cleere and [Page 477] faire, beganne to waxe troublous and thicke, and there beganne a right great tempest in the sea, of winde, of raine, and of thunder: insomuch that there was none so hardie but he had feare, and we end to haue died, for their shippes were cast by the sea, the one here, and the other there, and they supposed none other for certaine, but to haue béen drowned. Then said Calcas to them that were with him, that the cause of the tempest was forasmuch as Diana their Goddesse was wroth and angry against them, because they departed from Athens and made to her no sacrifice: and, for to appease this wrath, it behoo­ued that the king Agamemnon sacrifice to her with his owne hand Iphiginie his daughter a young virgine, and tender of age, and that otherwise the tempest shoulde neuer ceasse. And for to speed this sacrifice, hée counselled to turne the nauy, and to apply it to the Ile of Andill, where the temple of the Goddesse Diana was, &c. When the king Agamemnon vnderstoode this thing, hée was all greeued and passing sorrowfull in his minde, for he loued his daughter Iphigenie with great loue: and on the other side, hée was praied and required of all the other kinges and princes of Greece, that hee woulde make no delay to this that was so great a matter, or to withstand the sacrifice: wherefore hee was vanquished by the saide Princes, and for the loue of his countrey, hee tooke his saide daughter Iphigenie, and in the presence of great kinges and princes, sacrificed her vnto the goddesse Dia­na: and anon the tempest ceassed, and the aire became neate and cléere, and the sea well quieted and in tranqui­litie and peace. And then hee went againe into his ship, and all the other in like maner, drewe vppe their sailes, and sailed before the winde, so farre that they arriued at a port of the realme of Troy, nigh vnto a Castell called Sarrabana. Dares putteth not downe determinately, what was the cause wherfore King y ^e Agamemnon made his Sacrifice vnto Diana. But Ouid (in the twelfth [Page 472] booke of Methamorphose) saith that it was Iphigenie his daughter, as aboue is said. And when they of the castle sawe the great Nauie at their porte, they armed them, and came vnto the porte, weening to defend their land against the Gréekes, and assailed them that then were come a land, that were yet weary of the trauaile of the Sea. But the Greekes issued anon out of their shippes in great plenty all armed, and slew them, and chased them vnto their Castle, and killed them with flying, and ente­red into the Castle with them, and there put them all to death, and tooke the booties, and after beate downe the castle vnto the earth, and then reentered into their ships againe, and sailed so farre, that they arriued at the port of Tenedon, and there then they ancred their ships, &c.

At this port was a passing strong Castle, well peopled and full of great riches, and was three mile from Troy. When they of the castle saw the Greekes, they ranne to armes, and furnished their castle with good fighters, and the other issued out and came vnto the porte, where they found the Greeks that were then issued out of their ships all armed, and great plentie, and took all that they could finde. Thus beganne the battaile betweene them right fierce and mortall, and there were enough slain & dead of both partes: and manie mo of the Greekes then of the Troians. But as soone as the great strength of the Greekes were landed, the Troyans might no longer suf­fer nor abide, but put them to flight, some to the castle, and the other fled vnto Troy. Then the Greekes bestirred them and belaid the castle round about, and assailed it on both sides, and they within defended it passing well vpon the walles, and slewe many by shotte and by Engines, but the Greekes dressed their engines all about the castle, and set their ladders vnto the walles, and went vpon all sides, and they within defended them valiauntly, and made them fall down in their ditches, some dead and some hurt. But the Greekes that were so great in number, [Page 473] sent alway new folke to the assault, whereof they within were so wearie, that they retired, and went backe from their defence: and then the Greekes entered by force into the castle, and there slewe all them that they found, with­out sparing of man or woman, and tooke and pilled al that they found that was good, and after beate downe the ca­stle, and the houses vnto the earth, and put in the fire and burnt all vp. And after they reentred into their shippes ioyous of their gaine that they had gotten in the Castle.

CHAP. VIII. ¶Howe the Greekes did send Diomedes, and Vlis­ses, vnto the king Priamus, for to haue againe He­lene, and the prisoners, and the aunswere that they hadde.

WHen the Greekes had destroied and bea­ten downe thus the Castle and edifices of Tenedon, and of Sarrabana, and that they refreshed them in the medow of Te­nedon: then Agamemnon that hadde the charge of all the hoste, and to conduct it well as a good captaine ought to doe, commaunded that al the bootie and gain of these two castles should be brought forth. And so it was done anon, as he had commaunded: and he as a wise king distributed the gaine, to each man after his desert and qualitie. And after did cause to cry in all the hoste, that all the noble men of the hoste should as­semble them on the plaine of Tenedon, before the king Agamemnon: and when they were all come, the king A­gamemnon spake and said in this maner. My friends and fellowes, that be here now assembled for so iust a cause as each of you knoweth, and in so great puissance, that there is and shall be tidinges thereof in all the worlde: yet [Page] how strong that the puissance bée) that it please the Gods that it be without pride and felonie: for it is so, that of the sinne of pride grow all other vices, and that the gods resist and withstand the insolent and proud people. And therefore we ought to put away pride from our workes: and in especiall in this worke here now, and vse the right way of iustice, to the end that no man may reprehend vs, nor blame.

Ye know well, that we be come thus farre, for to take vengeance of the iniuries and the wronges that the king Priamus hath done to vs: and we haue done to him now great hurt and damage. Ye may well know for trueth, that they haue assembled in the city of Troy great power, for to defend them against vs: and also the Citie is pas­sing great and strong: and ye know well, that they be vp­on their proper heritage, that is a thing that doubleth their force and strength. For ye may take example of the Crowe, that otherwhile defendeth well her nest against the fawcon. I say not these thinges, for any doubt that I haue, but that we shall haue victorie, and that wee shall destroy their Citie, albeit that it is strong: but onely for our worship, to the end that wee be recommended to haue conducted this worke by great discretion, and without pride: for oftentimes, by our too hastie enterprise, a thing of great waight, without aduised councell may come to a mischieuous end. Ye know well, that it is long ago that the king Priamus did require vs, by his special messengers, that we shoulde render to him his sister Exi­one, & that by our hautinesse & pride we would not deli­uer her againe: and if wee hadde deliuered and sent her home againe, these euilles had neuer happned in the Ile of Cythar, as they now be. And the queene Helene, that is of the most noble of Gréece, had neuer been rauished, nor lead away: and also we had not enterprised the paine nor the labour, where we nowe be in. And there is none of vs that knoweth what shal happen to him good or euil: [Page 481] and therefore if ye seeme good, that we might returne in­to our countrey, without suffering of more paine, with our honour and worshippe, wee will send vnto the king Priamus our speciall messengers, and bidde him to send and deliuer againe to vs Helene fréely, and that he restore vnto vs the dammages that Paris hath done in the Ile of Cythare: for if he will so do, our returne shalbe honou­rable, and we may no more aske of him by right. And if he refuse this, wee shall haue two things that shall fight for vs, that is, iustice, and our true quarrell, and our puis­sance excused: and when men shall heare of our offers, they will giue the wrong and blame to the Troyans, and to vs the laud and praise: and we shalbe excused of all the dammages that wee shall doe to them, after these offers. Therefore aduise you among your selues, what thing ye will doe.

Then were there some badde people, that blamed this counsell, and some allowed it: and finally, they concluded to do so as Agamemnon had sayde. Then they chose for their messengers, Diomedes and Vlisses, for to goe to Troy, and make their legation: which tooke their horses, and went incontinently thither, and came to Troy about midday, and they went straight to the Pallace of king Priamus, and tooke their horses to kéepe at the gate, and after went vp into the hall, and in going vp, they maruei­led greatly of the rich works that they saw in all the pal­lace, and specially of a tree that they sawe in a plaine, the which was made by arte Mathematike, marueilously composed, and of great beautie, for the tronchon or stocke beneath, was no greater but of the greatnesse of a speare, and was passing long and high, and aboue had branches of golde and of siluer, and leaues that spread ouer the pal­lace, and saue a little, it couered all: and the fruite of the same tree was of diuers precious stones, that gaue great light and brightnes, and also did much please and delight them that beheld it. They went so farre foorth that they [Page 482] came into the great hall where the king Priamus was, accompanied with noble men. And then without salu­ting the king nor the other, Vlisses sayd vnto him in this maner.

King Priamus, marueile nothing, that we haue not saluted thee, forasmuch as thou art our most mortall ene­mie. The king Agamemnon (from whome wee be messengers) sendeth and commaundeth thee by vs, that thou deliuer and send vnto him the queene Helen, whom thou hast caused most vilely to bee rauished and taken from her husband, and that thou make satisfaction for all the damages that Paris thy sonne hath done in Gréece: and if thou so doe, I suppose thou shalt shew thy selfe a wise man: but if thou doe not, beholde what euils may come vnto thee and thine: for thou shalt die an euill death, and all thy men, and this noble and famous citie shall be destroyed. When the king Priamus heard Vlis­ses thus speake, he answered incontinently (without de­manding or asking any counsel:) I marueile greatly of these thy wordes, that requirest of mee that thing that a man already vanquished and ouercome, and one that might not defende himselfe no more, with great paine would accord to thee. I beleeue not that the Greeks haue such puissance to do that thing which thou hast sayd vnto me: they require of me amends, and I ought to demand the like of them Haue not they slaine my father and my brethren, and lead away my sister in seruitude, whome they daigne not to marrie honourably, but to hold her and vse her as a common woman? And for to haue her again, I haue sent vnto them Anthenor, and woulde haue par­doned them the surplus: but yee knowe the villanies and menaces that they did vse towardes my messenger: and therefore I ought not to heare anything that yee say vnto mee: but had rather die valiantly, then to agree to your request. And let Agamemnon knowe, that I desire neuer to haue peace nor loue with the Greeks, that haue [Page 483] done to me so many displeasures. And if it were not that ye be messengers, I shoulde make you die an euill death. Therefore goe ye your way anon, for I may not beholde you without displeasure in mine heart. Then beganne Diomedes to laugh for despight, and sayde thus: Ha king, if without displeasure thou mayest not see vs, that be but twaine, then wilt thou not be without displeasure all the dayes of thy life: for thou shalt see from hence­foorth before thine eyes great armies of Gréekes, the which shall come before the citie, and shall not cease for to assaile it continually: against whom thou mayest not long defend thee, but that thou and thine finally shall re­ceiue bitter death. Therefore thou shouldest take better counsell in thy doings if thou wert well aduised.

Then were there many Troyans that would haue runne vppon the Gréekes, and drew their swordes for to haue slaine them. But the king Priamus forbade them, and sayd vnto them, that they should let two fooles vtter their follie: and that it was the nature of a foole to shew follie, and to a wise man to suffer it. Ha, ha, sir, sayd E­neas, what is that, that yee say? men must shewe to a foole his foolishnesse: and truely, if it were not in your presence, this fellow that hath spoken so foolishly before you, shoulde receiue his death by mine owne hande. It apperteineth not vnto him to say vnto you such vile and venemous wordes nor menaces: and therefore I aduise him, that he goe his way quickly, vnlesse he cease to speake foolishly. Diomedes, that of nothing was aba­shed, answered to Eneas and sayd: Whatsoeuer thou be, thou shewest well by thy words, that thou art right ill ad­uised, and hote in thy wordes: and I wish and desire that I may once finde thee in a place conuenient, that I may rewarde thee for the wordes that thou hast spoken of me. I see well that the king is fortunate and happie to haue such a counsailer as thou art, that giueth him counsell to do villanie. Then Vlisses brake the words of Diomedes [Page 484] right wisely, and prayed him to hold his peace, and after saide to king Priamus, we haue vnderstood all that thou hast saide, and wil go and report it vnto our princes. And incontinent they went, & tooke their horses, and returned vnto their host, where they found many assembled before the king Agamemnon, and tolde to them the aunswere of king Priamus: whereof they had great maruell, and conferred long together, for the well ordering of their affaires, since they were acertained of the warre of the Troyans.

CHAP. IX. ¶How Agamemnon assembled to counsell the Greeks, for to haue vittailes: And how they sent Achilles and Telephus vnto the realme of Messe, where they slewe the King Theutran in battell: And hovve Telephus was made King: And of the Kings that came in the aide and helpe of King Priamus.

AFter these things, Agamemnon called his folkes to counsell in the plaine of Tene­don, and saide vnto them among all other things. It behooueth vs necessarily to be aduised, how that during the siege before Troy, our hoste shall be succoured with vittaile: and therefore, if ye thinke good, we will send vnto the realme of Messe, to haue from thence vittailes continually, for it is a countrey right fertile and commodious: and they that shall goe thither, shall take surety of them of the countrey, that they faile not to send vittaile to the hoste, so long as wée shall be in this countrey. This counsell pleased much the Gréekes, and incontinent they chose A­chilles, and Telephus the sonne of Hercules, to furnish this message, and to goe thither with a great company [Page 485] of men of armes. In that prouince raigned a king that had to name Theutram, and had long raigned in peace, for his countrey was peopled with good & hardy knights. When Achilles and Telephus, with thrée thousand knights fierce and hardy were ariued in the Ile of Messe, they issued out of their shippes, and went on land. Then came against them the king Theutran with a great com­pany of men of foote and on horsebacke.

Then began the battaile right fiercely, and at the skir­mish there were many knights slaine on both sides. And albeit that the Greekes were lesse in number then the o­ther were, they defended themselues well: but their de­fence had not auailed them, had it not bene for the great prowesse of Achilles, that did great marueiles with his body, as he that was the most strong and most valiant of the Greeks: for whosoeuer hee smote he died therefore, and there might no man endure before him. When then Achilles had espied the king Theutram in the middes of his people, that did great dammage to his folke, hee thru­sted into the greatest prease of his enemies, and beate downe before him all that he found vntill that hee came vnto the king Theutram: and hee gaue him so manie strokes, that hee all to hewed his helme, and smote him downe to the grounde sore wounded, and had slaine him incontinently had not Telephus beene, which put him­selfe betwéene them, and prayed Achilles humbly, that he would not slay him, nor do him any more harme then hee had: and the king himselfe cried to Achilles for mer­cie. Then sayd Achilles to Telephus, what moueth thee to pittie our enemie mortall, that is come to assaile vs with so great furie: it is reason that hee fall into the pit that hee made ready for vs. Ha, ha, sir, sayd Telephus, this king was very familiar with my father Hercules, and also did to mee on a time, great honour in this land, and therefore I may not suffer to sée him slaine before mine eyes. Well then, sayd Achilles, take him, and doe [Page 486] with him what thou wilt. Then was the battaile fini­shed, and the Greekes ceased, and the king Theutram was borne into his Pallace as dead, for Achilles had sore bruised him, and all to trushed him. And the king praied Achilles and Thelephus, that they would go with him: the which went, and were receiued with great ioy and honour.

It was not long after, that the king Theutram, that was wounded to the death, by the woundes that Achil­les had giuen him, sent for Achilles, and Thelephus, and then said to them: My friends, I may not long liue: and after said to Thelephus. My friend, I may no longer liue, and I haue no lawfull heires of my body, to whom I may leaue this realme, that I haue gotten with great labour, and had lost long since, had it not béene the most worthy of all worthies, thy father Hercules, which war­ranted and was a shielde to mee against all them that would haue taken it from me: and hee did oft fight with them that would haue taken it. So thy father by his great prowesse, slewe them and chased them out, and since I haue kept it peaceably, not by my merite, but by the vertue of thy father. And, since it is so that thy father hath conquered this realme for me, y ^t haue no heires, it is good right and reason that thou be heire of thy father: and forsomuch as this is my last worde, I leaue to thee this Realme and all mine other goodes, wheresoeuer they be, and make thee mine heire, and pray thée that thou doe bu­rie mée honourably, as it appertaineth to a king. And as soone as he had finished these wordes he died, and then Thelephus, and the nobles of the countrey, did bury him honourably, and laide him in a very riche Sepulture, whereupon was written this Epitaph: Heere lieth the king Theutram, whom Achilles slew: the which left his realme to Thelephus.

This Thelephus, that before was but Duke, was made king of Messe: and all the nobles of the Countrey [Page 487] did him homage, and all the people promised vnto him faith and seruice. Then Achilles did furnish his ships with vittaile, and ordained that Thelephus should abide in his new realme (which he did being sore greeued) and he praied him, and also commaunded in the name of the Greekes, that hée shoulde doe his diligence, to send vn­to the hoste of the Greekes oftentimes vittailes: and hée promised him that hee so would doe without any default. And then Achilles tooke leaue of him, and returned into his shippes, and sailed so long that he and his companie arriued at the porte of Tenedon safely, where they found the hoste yet soiourning: and anon as he was landed, hee went straite vnto the Tent of king Agamemnon, where all the princes and kinges were assembled: and there hée was receiued with great ioy, as hée that all the hoste lo­ued much, for his great strength and prowesse. Then Achilles told to them, how he had arriued at Messe and of the battaile, and howe that Thelephus was made king, and howe he had promised to furnishe the hoste with vit­tailes.

Of these tidinges the Greekes had great ioy, and a­lowed and praised much the valiance of Achilles: and af­ter the Parliament each man went vnto his pauillion. Then was Achilles receiued with great ioy of his Mir­midones, that much loued him.

In this place heere, the authour nameth what kinges and princes did come to the helpe and aide of king Pria­mus to Troy: not of all, but of the most notable. First came vnto their aide, the king Pandorus, the king Ga­lior, and the king Adrastus with three thousand knights armed.

From the prouince of Tholoson came foure Kinges, with fiue thousand knightes armed, the King Carras, the king Amasius, the king Nestor, that was a mightie strong man, and the King Amphimacus. From the Realme of Licie came the king Glaucon, with three [Page 488] thousand knightes, and his sonne Sarpedon, that was one of the strongest knightes of the worlde, and coosin of king Priamus. From the realme of Licaon, came the king Ensemus, with three thousand knightes right ex­pert in arms. From the realm of Larissa, came two kings with fiftéene hundred knightes, the king Mistor that was a very great man, and the king Capidus. From the realme of Thabory came the king Remus, with three thousand knightes, and in his company came foure dukes and seuen earles, that were in league with king Pria­mus: they bare in their armes the colour of azure without other signe, and thereby was the king Remus and his people knowne in the battaile. From the realme of Thracie, came the king Pilex, and the duke Achanias, with xi. hundred knightes. From the realme of Panonie came the king Pessemus, and the duke Stupex his coosin, with thrée thousand knights, right expert to ioust and shoote with the bowe. This is a maruellous wild coun­trey, of Forrestes and Mountaines, and where is but lit­tle people, and enough of wilde beasts and of birds. From the prouince of Boecie, came three dukes, with twelue hundred knightes, the duke Anserimus, the duke Fortu­nus, and the duke Sammus. From the realme of Bur­tin, where as growe good spices, came two kinges bre­thren, with a thousand knights, the king Boetes, and the king Episteus. From the raigne of Paphagore, that is at the sunne rising, in the East, full of all riches, came the right riche king Philemeus, with three thousand knightes, all their shieldes of the hides of fishes all coue­red with gold and pretious stones, and this king was as great as a Giant. From the raigne of Ethiope, came the king Perseus, and the king of Thiction with him, that was right hardie and wise, with three thousand knights, that had in their companie manie a Duke and manie an Earle.

And also there was with them, Simagon, the sonne of [Page 489] king Thiction. From the realme of Cheres, came the king Theseus and Archilogus his sonne that was of the affinitie of king Priamus, & brought a thousand knights. From the Ile of Argust, came two kinges, of whom I haue not the names, with twelue hundred knightes. From the raigne of Eliane, that is beyond the realme of Amazon, came an auncient king right wise and discrecte, named Epistropus, and brought a thousand knightes, and a maruellous beast that was called Sagittary, that behinde the middest was an horse, and before a man, this beast was hairie, like an horse, and had his eyes red as a coale, and shot right well with a bowe: and this beast made the Gréekes sore afraid, and slewe many of them with his bowe. Thus were in number all the knightes that came in aide of king Priamus two and thirtie thou­sand, besides them of the realme of Troy, and of India the lesser. And it is not found by writing that since the creation of the world so many noble knights were assem­bled in one place, and that prosecuted the quarrell for so little occasion. O howe the kinges and princes ought to take heed, and bée well aduised for to beginne warre, if they might amend it by another way.

CHAP. X. ¶Of the comming of Duke Palamedes: and howe the Greekes departed from the port of Tenedon by the counsell of Diomedes, and came and tooke land before the strong Citie of Troy: and how the Troyans recei­ued them with battaile right vigorously.

THe Greekes were not yet parted from Tene­don, when Palamedes the sonne of king Nau­lus, came and arriued at this port of Tenedon, with thirtie shippes full of knightes armed, [Page 490] all noble and hardy men. And of his comming the Gréeks had great ioy, and murmured afore, because hee taried so long, whereof hee excused him by sicknesse that he had

This Palamedes was holden in great worship a­mong the Greekes, and was the second next king Aga­memnon, puissant and discreet in armes, and very rich. And at his comming, hee was anon chosen to be counsel­lour of the hoste. And thus were the Greekes many a day and night at the port of Tenedon, oftentimes assembled to counsell, for to aduise them in the best maner to besiege the citie of Troy. And at length, after many opinions, they held them to the counsell of Diomedes, that was this. Now said he, all ye Kinges, Princes and Barons, that be here assembled, we ought to haue great shame and dislike, seeing it is a yeare agone since we landed heere in this countrey, and haue not yet been before Troy. Ve­rily, in this we haue giuen to our enemies great aduan­tage: for it is so, that this time during, they bee purueied of great aids, and all their citie strongly fortified, and fen­ced with walles and bulwarkes, that they haue good ley­sure to make: and verily they think that we be not so har­dy as to come vnto them, and therefore the more that wée delay to go thither, the more increaseth our shame and damage: and I trow if we hadde gone thither when wee came first into the countrey, wee should haue more easily gone ashore and taken land, then wee shall doe now: for they be better furnished now then they were at that time, of all such thinges as them behooued, for to defend them with: and therefore, I councell you, that to morrowe be­times we put vs on the way in good order, and let vs lay the siege firmely, and as hastily as we may. We ought to know, that we shall not so doe without great battaile: Wherein it behooueth each man to employ himselfe, and to put behinde all feare and dread. For by none other way we may preuaile in this matter, nor better nor more honourably, as I thinke, &c.

[Page 491]The counsell of Diomedes pleased all the Barons of the hoste, and on the morrowe early they reentered into their shippes, and sailed straite vnto the porte of Troy, and brought their shippes by good order one after another.

In the first front they put an hundred ships right well furnished with knightes and banners, that waued in the wind, and after them they put another hundred: and after, all the other by order, and they hadde not farre sailed, but that they sawe the noble Citie of Troy, and approched thereto, as hastily as they might. When the Troyans saw the Greekes approch the Citie, they ranne to armes, and mounted vpon their horses all armed, and went forth without order vnto the porte. Then when the Greekes sawe the Troyans come in so great number, for to defend their port, there was none so hardie but hee was afraid. But forasmuch as they could not go a land, but by force of armes, they armed them incontinent, and did their best to take land by force, &c.

Of the first hundred shippes, was chiefe and captaine, the King Prothesalaus of Philard, that indeuoured with great paine and diligence to bring his shippes within the porte: but the winde that was strong, blew them into the porte so strongly against the shore, that many of them brake and brused, and many Greekes were drowned, and they that might take land tooke it, and were anon slain by the Troyans with great tormentes, and in so great num­ber, that the ground was red with their bloud. It is not in the remembrance of any man that euer any Nauy wan land with so great damage as did the nauy of the Greeks. After this first hundred shippes, the other came and arri­ued that followed them: and they that were within, were well prouided of great Arbalesters, wherwith they did shoote and flew many of the Troyans, and constrained them to go backe.

And then with all speede tooke the Greekes land, and [Page 492] succoured the first that fought at great deadly hazzard. Then beganne there a battaile. The king Prothesilaus, that was landed with the first, did great maruailes with his body, and slewe that day of the Troyans without number. And if he alone had not bene, all the Gréekes that were gotten a lande, had béene slaine. But what might his defence helpe, when seuen thousand Greekes fought against an hundred thousand Troyans? And I say to you, that for the great daunger wherein they felt themselues, they solde their liues déere, abiding the suc­cours of king Archelaus, and the king Prothenor that a­none arriued, and would the Troyans or not, they went ashoare, tooke land, and succoured their people valiant­ly, and beganne againe cruell battell, &c.

After that arriued the duke Nestor, and his folk, that thrusted in among their ennemies right fiercely. There was many a speare broken, and many an arrow shotte: knights fell downe dead on both sides, and the crie was so great, that it was maruellous to heare. There were slaine many Troyans by Archelaus & Prothenor. After ariued the king Ascalus, and the king Aglaus with their ships, and went aland, and assailed the Troyans with great fiercenesse, and by force made them to retire and goe backe: and then came to the battell great plentie of new Troyans. Then beganne the battell to be greater then it had béene all the day before, in somuch that the Gréekes were reculed by force vnto their shippes, and then arriued Vlysses with a great company of knights which thronged anone into the battell: and the Gréekes recouered land at their comming, and assailed on the Troyans. There made Vlysses great effusion of bloud of his ennemies, and immediately his ensigne was knowen among them. King Philomenus séeing that V­lysses slew so their people, he addressed himselfe to him, and beat him off his horse a litle wounded. Vlysses smote him againe so hard, that he wounded him in his throate, [Page 493] and cut asunder his originall veine, and smote him as halfe dead. And the Troyans ranne and tooke him from the Gréekes, and bare him vpon his shield into the cittie. And had not this aduenture of this king béen, the Gréeks had béene discomfited. But the Troyans laboured much to saue him. Then arriued the king Thoas, and the king Agamemnon, the king Menelaus, and the king Thelamon Aiax, with all their power, and went a land, and fought a battell very valiantly, and brake their speares, vpon the Troyans, and beate downe many, some slaine, and some hurt. At this skirmish were ma­ny Troyans.

When the king Prothesilaus departed from the bat­tell, where he had béene since the beginning, for to take breath, and when he came to the port, he found al his men nigh dead, for whom he wept for pittie, and tooke againe his courage, to auenge the death of his men, and went a­gaine vnto the battell, and in his great yre slew many Troyans, and wounded them, and smote downe many of them off their horses. Then came to the battell of the party of the Troyans, the king Perses, with a great company of knights: at the comming of the Ethiopians beganne the battell to be mortall, and there were manie Gréekes slaine, and by maine force they made them goe backe, and had without faile discomfited them, had not the worthy Palamedes soone gone aland, for at his com­ming the Gréekes were recomforted. And also Palame­des did great maruells with his hand, and addressed him against Sagamon the brother of king Memnon, and ne­phew of the king of Perse, that sore gréeued the Gréekes: and he smote him so sore with his speare, that hée pier­ced him through the body, and smote him dead downe to the earth: afterwards he thronged into the great prease, and beat downe all that hée mette, and eache man that knew him, made him way. And then arose a crie vpon the Troyans, so that they might not beare the strength [Page 494] of Palamedes, who were reculed by force, and had béene all discomfited. But the most worthiest of all worthies, Hector, when he heard the cry vpon his people, hee issued out of the Citie, with a great company of knightes, and entered into the battaile, armed in rich armes, & bare in his shield of golde, a Lion of Gules. His strength was a­non knowne among the Greekes: hee encountered and met in his comming the king Prothesilaus, that had not all day ceassed to slea Troyans: and hee smote him with his sword, with so great might vpon his helme, that hee cleft him vnto the nauell, notwithstanding his armour, whereof he fell downe to the ground. And after, Hector thrusted into the greatest prease, and as many Greeks as he raught with his sword, he slew. Then each man fledde from him, making him way, and then demaunded the Greekes one of another, what was hee that so greeued them, and straight they knewe, that it was Hector the most strong man of the world, and then was there none so hardie that durst abide his stroke.

Then it happened, that Hector went out a little for to refresh him: whereupon the Gréekes tooke courage again against the Troyans: and this happened that day, eight or ten times. It was about the houre of Euensong what time Hector departed from the battaile, and reentred in­to the Citie: for the Greekes were withall discomfited, and then arriued the right strong Achilles with his may­med ones, and entered anon into the battaile with three thousand good knightes that were with him: and then were the Troyans on all sides beaten downe and slaine, for against Achilles endured no man but hee was beaten downe to the earth, and sore hurt.

Then were arriued all the Nauie of the Greekes, and the knightes gone a land, and skirmished with the other in the battaile: wherefore the Troyans had much to suf­fer, so that they must needes flee into their citie, and A­chilles and the other slew them flying: there was a great [Page 495] crie of the hurt men, and there was Achilles al died with the bloud of the Troyans that he hadde slaine, and there was great slaughter at the entry into the Citie. There sawe the fathers their children slaine before their eyes: and the murther and the slaughter had been more great, if Troylus, Paris and Deiphebus had not come with a great companie fierce and new, who came and issued out of the Citie, resisted the Greekes and made the slaugh­ter to ceasse, and for that the night was nigh, each man withdrew him into his place.

The Troyans kept close their Citie, and did make good watch, and Achilles with the Greeks, returned to their Tentes with great glory, who were not yet dressed: but the king Agamemnon did cause to dresse them incon­tinent, and made each man to take place meete after his estate. And they that had no tentes nor pauilions, lod­ged then vnder the leaues, the best wise that they could, both themselues and their horses, and after ancred their shippes as well as they might, and tooke out of them all that was necessary to them. Thus made the Greekes their siege this night, and set it before the Citie of Troy, and made maruellous great fires in the hoste, that made it as light as it had bin day. So were they lodged a night togither, and made right good watch, although they hadde none assaultes this night: and they hadde all the nightes Trumpets and Minstrels great plentie, that Agamem­non ordained for to comfort the hoste. And they rested this night all armed the best wise they could. This was the first battel of the Gréeks, and of the Troyans, at their comming, &c.

CHAP. XI. ¶Of the second battaile before Troy, in the which were many Kinges and great Barons, slaine by the worthy Hector: and how the Troyans had been victorious of of their enemies, had it not been for the praier of The­lamon Aiax coosin of Hector, &c.

ANd when the night was passed, Hector that hadde the charge of all them of the Citie, ordered right early his battailes in a great plaine, that was in the Citie, and put in the first battaile two thousand good knightes, which hee betooke to leade and conduct to twaine of his kinsmen, that is to wit, to Glaucon the sonne of the king of Licie, and to Asi­amolor his bastard brother, and assigned to them the king Thesus of Trace, and Archilogus his brother that was wise and valiant, and made them to issue out of the gate named Dardan, that stood against the hoste of the Gréeks: in the second battaile he put three thousand good knightes and strong, whom he tooke to conduct to the king Exam­pitus of Frigie, & to the king Alcanus that were knights of great strength, and recommended them to the guard of the Goddes, and made them issue out after the other in good order.

The third battaile hee betooke to Troilus his brother, for to conduct wild three thousand knightes, wise and har­die, and saide to them at the departing. My right deere brother, my heart putteth me in doubt of thy great hardi­nesse: wherefore I pray thee that thou gouern thée wisely in the battaile, in such wise that thou enterprise not such things as thou maiest not atchieue: and that thou put not thy body in daunger of death, by ouermuch weening, whereby thou mightest giue ioy to thine enemies and [Page 497] ours. Go thy way in the name of the gods, who conduct and kéepe thee from perill & encumbrance. Ha, ha, sir bro­ther, aunswered Troylus, it néedeth you not to doubt of mee, for I will doe that in mee is, right as you haue com­manded: and then he went forth with his company after the other, and bare in his shield three lions of golde.

Hector put in the fourth battell thrée thousand knights and seuen hundred, whome hee tooke to conduct the king Huppon of Larissa. This king Huppon was most strong of all the Troyans next Hector, and had in his company a valiant knight, a bastard brother of Hector, wise & har­die, named Diamaicus. The fifth battell Hector deliue­red to conduct to the king of Cisaine, with all his folke, that were marueilous strong and great as giants, and the same king bare in his shielde all azure without any difference. And Hector put in commission in this battell Polidamas his bastard brother with this king, and issued after the other. The sixt battell lead the king Prenestus, that had his people well instructed to shoot and draw the bow, and went without armes to battell, mounted vpon good light horses: and Hector commised Deiphebus his brother to conduct them, and they issued after the other. With this battell ioyned Hector all the chiualrie of the realme of Agreste vnder the conduct of king Esdras, and of king Philon. This king Philon hadde a marueilous chaire, all of iuorie, of gold and of siluer, and of precious stones. This chaire was drawen by two strong knights. With these two kings, Hector put Epitagoren his ba­stard brother, & they issued after the other. The seuenth battell lead Eneas, and a noble admiral named Eufrene, and they went after the other. The eight battell lead the king of Perse named Perses, and Paris was chiefe and captaine, and Hector prayed Paris his brother, that hee would not assemble vnto the Greekes, vnto the time that he came himselfe, and that hee woulde follow him anon. The much battell and the last lead Hector himselfe, and [Page 498] tenne of his bastard brethren after him: and all the best knightes of the citie chosen, were in this battell, to the number of fiue thousand, &c.

Then when Hector was richly arrayed, and armed with good harnesse and sure, hee mounted vpon his horse named Galathe, that was one of the most great & stron­gest horse of the world. And so (armed and mounted) he rode vnto the king his father, and sayd vnto him: Right deare father, reteine with you a thousand and fiue hun­dred knightes, and all the men of foote of this citie, and holde you without before the sight of the Gréeks, & moue you not, but if I send you word: to the end, if we haue ne­cessitie, that ye be our refuge. And I will send you alway among my messengers, that shall tell to you the state of the battell: and take ye good heed, and kéepe good guard, that our enemies take not our citie by pollicie or treason. And the king answered him: My sonne, I will doe all as thou hast sayde vnto me: for next after the ayde and helpe of the gods, thou art all my hope and trust, and I haue no confidence but in the vertue of thine armes, and in the great discretion of thy wit. And I pray to the gods right humbly, that they will keepe thee whole and sound, and preserue thee from incombrance.

After these wordes, Hector went forth after the other. This Hector was very couragious, strong, and victori­ous in battaile, and a right wise conductor of menne of armes. His shield was all of golde, and in the middle a Lion of gules, and albeit that he was the last that issued out of his house or of the city, yet passed hee alway all the battels, and came and put himselfe before in the first bat­tell. The women that were in the citie, and all the other went vpon the walles for to behold the battailes. There were the daughters of the king, with the queene Helene, that had great doubt, & diuers imaginations in her selfe.

Whiles that Hector had ordeined his battels, the king Agamemnon was not idle, but ordeined right eare­ly [Page 499] of his people, sixe and twentie battels. He put in the first battell Patroclus with his people, & with them the folke of Achilles, which was not that day in the battell, for his wounds that he had, and did stay to heale them in his tent. Thie Patroclus was a noble duke, and rich, and loued so much Achilles, that they were both of one alli­ance. In the second battell was the king Menon, and the king Idumeus with three thousand knights: and there was the duke of Athens with all his people. The third battell lead the king Achalaphis, and his sonne Phine­nus with their people. The fourth battell lead the king Archelaus, and the king Prothenor his brother, and with him was Securidan the right strong knight with all the people of Boecie. The fift battaile lead the king Menelaus, with all his people of Sparte. The sixt bat­taile lead the king Epistropus, and the king Celidus with all their people. The seuenth battaile lead Thela­mon Aiax with all his people of Salamine, and he hadde foure Earles with him, that is to wit Thesus, Amphy­macus Dorius, and Polidarius. The eight lead the king Thoas. The ninth lead Aiax Aleus. The tenth lead the king Philotus. The eleuenth the king Idumeus & the king Neron. The twelfth the duke Nestor: the thir­téenth lead the king Exiones. The fourtéenth the king Vlisses. The fifteenth the king Humerus. In the six­teenth were the folke of Prothesilaus much despairing to auenge the death of their Lord. The seuentéenth lead the king Polidarius, and the king Machaon: The eight­téenth the king of Rhodes. The nineteenth the king Sampitus, and the king Lidorus. The twentieth, the king Geripulus. The one and twentieth, the king Phy­lot [...]tes of Larisse. The two and twentieth Diomedes: The thrée & twentieth the king Oeneus of Cypres. The foure and twentith the king Prothalus. The fiue and twentith the king Carpenor. The six and twentith, & the last battaile lead king Agamemnon, emperor of al y ^e host.

[Page 500]When all the battels were set in order on the one side and on the other, and there was nothing to do but to méet, then aduaunced him Hector all the first, and Partroclus came against him, as fast as his horse might runne, and smote him so strongly with his speare on his shield, that he pearsed it thorowe out, but more harme did it not. Then Hector assailed Patroclus with his sworde, and gaue him so great a stroke vpon his head, that he cleft it in two pieces: and Patroclus fell downe dead to the ground. When Hector sawe him dead, hee coueted his armes, for they were right trimme and rich, and lighted downe off his horse for to take them, but the king Menon came vpon him with three thousand good knights, for to defend the king Patroclus against Hector, & sayd to him thus. Ha, ha, woolfe rauishing and insatiable, certes it behooueth to séeke thy praye in some other place, for here gettest thou none. And then they assailed on all sides, and woulde haue taken from him Galathee his horse. But Hector by his prowesse remounted (woulde they or not) and meant to haue auenged him on king Menon, but the king Glaucion and the king Thesus and Archilogus his sonne, came with three thousande fighting men: And then Hector layed on and beat downe all afore him: and the first that hee met hee gaue so great a stroke, that hee slew him, and after him many more he beat downe, and flew.

Thus beganne the battell on both sides, and Hector came againe to the bodie of Patroclus, for to haue his armes, but the king Idumeus of Crete, came against him with two thousand fighting men, and the king Me­non (that had alwayes his eyes to Hector) letted him, and was so in the way, that Hector might not haue his armes that hee most earnestly desired, and suffered great paine forasmuch as he was on foot: but he enforced him with all his courage, and beganne to slay man and horse, and to smite off heads, legges, féete and armes, and slew [Page 501] fiftéene of the strongest that assailed him. In this meane while, the king Menon tooke the body of Patroclus be­fore him, and bare it vnto his tent. As the Greekes con­tended to greeue Hector, and to take away his horse, there was among thē a strong knight, named Cre [...] de la plerre, that gréeued him most: then one of the seruauntes of Hec­tor addressed him against this Creon, and gaue him so great a stroke with his speare, that he smote him downe dead to the earth, and after he smote downe another, and cried to the Troyans right loud, that they should come and succour Hector.

With this crie came first Securabor one of the bastard brethren of Hector, and thrusted into the greatest prease so fiersly, that he came vpon them that most greeued Hec­tor, who had slaine more then thirtie of them, and did so much bestirre him, that by force he made the Greekes to recule: and then was Hector remounted vpon his horse, and thrusted in among them by great fiercenesse, and slew great plentie of them, for displeasure that hee might not haue the armes of Patroclus. Then hee met with none but he slew him, or beate him downe hurt, and each man made him way and dreaded him, &c.

Then came to the battaile Menesteus the duke of A­thens, and came and ioyned him to the battaile whereas Troylus was, who did maruailes, and hadde with him the king Sampitus, the king Machaon, and the king Al­canus. Then began fierse battailes, Menesteus addressed him against Troylus, and there fought against him with so great force, that he beate him downe of his horse, in the great prease of the folke: and Menesteus laboured with all his strength, insomuch that hee tooke him, and led him toward their tentes with a great companie of knightes. Then Miseres of Troy cried to the Troyans, that Troy­lus was prisoner, and that they shoulde be dishonoured if they suffered him to be lead away. Then the king Alcanus tooke his speare that was right strong, and addressed him [Page 502] vnto them that held Troylus, and smote the first downe to the earth, and smote another and sore wounded him, and did so much by the aide of his men that Troylus was reskewed, and set againe vpon his horse, and also by the helpe of king Sampitus that came on with al his people, he gaue so great a stroke to Menesteus ouerthwart, that if he had not been well armed, he had been slaine. And then cried Mnesteus to his people, and so began among them a mortall battaile, and there were many slaine on the one side and the other.

Among these thinges, Mnesteus, that was sory that he had lost his prisoner, met Miseres, by whom he hadde lost him, and assoone as he knew him, he addressed him to him and beate him downe, and the same time smote down another knight. Then came to the battaile Hupon, and Hiripisus with two thousand fighters, and against them came Menelaus and Prothenor with their folk, and there began a mortall skirmish, &c.

Anon after came Polidamas the sonne of Anthenor with a great company, and thrusted in on the other side among his enemies. After came the king Remus from Troy with three thousand fighters, and against them came Menelaus with all his people. The said Menelaus adressed him against king Remus, & they iusted togither, and smote each other to the ground. Then adressed him Polidamas, and Remus against the nephew of Helene a young man twentie yeare olde, and Remus gaue him so great a stroke with his speare, that he smote him down to the earth, whereof Menelaus had great sorrow, for hée loued him much, and in his great ire, hee gaue so great a stroke to Remus with his sword, that he smote him down as dead. And when the king Remus was so beaten down, his men had we end that he hadde been dead, and woulde haue fledde had it not been for Polidamas that retained them with great paine, and did so much that they tooke their king so hurt as hee was, and bare him home in [Page 503] safetie. Then the king Celidus, that was the most faire king of the world, adressed him to Polidamas, and smote him with his speare, but he could not remooue him, Poli­damas gaue him so great a stroke with his sword, that he smote him downe to the earth. Among all these thinges Hector went and came beating downe and slaying his e­nemies, and made way before him in slaying of knightes and beating downe, so farre that he came vppon them of Salamine that the king Thelamon conducted, who slew many of the Troyans, and beate downe by his prowesse. Then the king Theuter gaue so great a stroke with his speare to Hector, that he made him a deepe wound: and Hector in his great ire encountered an admirall of the Greekes, and slew him cruelly with his sword. Then was Hector closed with his ennemies on all partes: there was of the Greekes the king Thesus, and he spake to Hector and warned him that he should go out of the bat­taile, and saide that it were damage for all the worlde to loose such a knight: and Hector thanked him right courte­ously.

In this while Menelaus and Thelamon assailed Poli­damas: and Thelamon that adressed him first, smote him with his speare, and after gaue many strokes, insomuch that they brake the lace of his helme, and tooke him, and had lead him away had not Hector been, which was not farre off, who smote among them that held him and slew and hurt many of them, and did so much by his valiaunce that he slewe thirtie of them: and the other fled, and left Polydamas with him. Then there put them togither, the king Menelaus, and the king Thelamon, with al their people, and smote in among [...]he Troyans by so great fiercenesse, that they made them go backe maugre them, notwithstanding the great prowesse of Hector that was with the other that did maruels, in his person. And then was his fierse and gallant warlike horse Galathe slaine vnder him, and then hée defended himselfe on [Page 504] foote so maruellously that there was none so hardy of the Greekes that durst approche him. When his brethren knew the right great daunger that he was in, they ranne al to that part. Then was Thelamon sore hurt, and Di­nadorous one of the bastard brethren of Hector, gaue so great a stroke to Polixenus a noble man, that hee slewe him, and beate him downe of a great and a strong horse, whereupon he sate, and tooke the Steed to Hector, who mounted vpon him incontinent. There were maruailes of armes done by the bastards. Then came on Deyphe­bus with all his hoste, wherein he hadde great store of Ar­chers that hurt and slew great store of the Greekes. And Deyphebus made & gaue to king Theuter a great wound in the visage. Then beganne the battaile as mortall as it had been in all the day. There was Thesus assailed by Quintelinus one of the bastard brethren of Hector, and of king Moderus, and was taken and lead away: but Hector deliuered him all quite, for the courtesie that he had done to him a little before.

Then came to the battell of the Greeks, the king Tho­as, and the king Philotas: but the king Thaos addressed him against Cassilanus one of the bastard brethren of Hector, and gaue him so great a stroke, that hee slew him downe to the earth, seeing Hector, which then smote so angerly among the Greekes, that hee slewe many, and put them all to flight. Then came to the battaile Nestor with sixe thousand knightes: and the king Esdras, and the king Philon, that did great maruels of armes, came against them.

At this assembly there were many knightes slaine, and beaten downe, of the one part and of the other. The king Philon, that did great maruailes in armes, was enclosed with the Greekes on all sides, and hadde béene slain, if Iecomas and the king Esdras his father had not deliue­red him from their handes. Hector and his brother did [Page 505] maruailes, with Polydamas, and had put all the Gréeks to flight, but Menelaus and Thelamon resisted them strongly.

Then came Eneas to the battaile with all his hoste, and put him in with Hector and the other, and by force put the Greekes to plaine flight, whereof Aiax had verie great sorrowe: and also as hee beheld behinde him, he saw the banners that came to the battaile that hadde not yet been there, and there was all the floure of the chiualry of Greece. Then praied he them that fled, that they would abide, and recommence and beginne a new battaile. Aiax and Eneas encountered so hardlie, that they fel both to the earth. And then came Phylotes with three thousand knights, and made the Troyans go backe, and smote Hector with his speare, but hee might not remooue him: and Hector gaue him so great a stroke with his sworde, that he beate and sore hurt him. Then came to the battell the king Humerus, and the king Vlisses with all their people, and the king Humerus, and they hadde in their hoste tenne thousand knightes, the which did the Troy­ans much sorrowe that were very weary. To their suc­cours came Paris vnto the battaile, and in his comming smote so hard the king of Frigie, who was coosin to V­lisses, that he slew him and beate him down, whereof the Greekes had much sorrow: and Vlisses supposed to haue smitten Paris with his speare, but hee smote his horse and slew him, and Paris fell to the earth. Then Troylus gaue to Vlisses so great a stroke, that he wounded him in the face, and made the bloud spring out like as the wine runneth out of a tunne, &c. and Vlisses hurt him againe. And truely the Troyans had then fled, had it not béen for the great prowesse of Hector, and of his brethren: for Hec­tor ceassed not to put himselfe in the greatest prease, here and there, and each man that knew him made him way.

When he saw that his people might not suffer the great strength of the Gréekes, he withdrew them on a side, and [Page 506] told them what iniuries the Greekes had done to them, and what they will doe if they come to their conquest, and then admonished and warned them to doe well, and after brought them by a valley on the right side for to assaile their enemies. There was great slaughter of the Gréeks: there was the king Thoas assailed of the bastard brethren of Hector, for to auenge the death of Cassibelanus their brother, that he had slaine: they beate him downe off his horse, and rased off his helme from his head, and hadde slaine him incontinent, if the duke of Athens hadde not come on, that thrusted in among them, and gaue so great a stroke to one of the bastardes Quintilinus, that he fell downe to the ground sore hurt: and Paris smote the duke with an arrow in the side, and made him a great wound. But the duke that was sore hurt, set not thereby, but maugre them all, he deliuered the king Thoas from their handes. Then Hector did indeuour to put the Greekes vnto flight, and then the king Humerus shotte an arrow vnto Hector, and hurt him in the face, and Hector ranne vpon him by so great ire, that hee smote him sore vppon the head, and cleft it vnto the teeth, and hee fell downe dead. Then, with blowing of an horne, came more then seuen thousand Greekes for to assaile Hector that defen­ded him against them merueilously. After this he went a litle off to his father, and took three thousand knightes fresh and fierse, and brought them to the battaile, and at their comming hee made verie great slaughter of the Greekes, &c.

Aiax and Hector iousted togither, and fought each with other, Menelaus slew at this ioyning an admirall of Troy. Celidonius slew Moles of Oreb the nephew of King Thoas. Mandon smote out an eie of king Sedo­nius. Sadellus slew an admirall of the Greekes. The­lamon beate Margareton and sore wounded him. Fa­muel beate the king Prothenor to the earth. The king of Gaul iousted against Mnesteus, but Mnesteus hurt him [Page 507] on the nose with his sword. Then Dianor séeing his bro­ther hurt, addressed him to Mnesteus, and smote him down to the earth: and then fell vpon him the three bre­thren that would haue slaine him, or taken him, but hée defended him valiantly, and anon hee was succoured by the king Theuter. But Hector then assailed them both, and without fault they had not escaped, had not Aiax the strong knight haue come to the reskewe with a thousand knightes that he had in his company. Then came on the king of Perse with fiue thousand knightes that Paris lead: and so did all the other Troyans, and made the Greekes recule, and go backe by force. Dares writeth in his booke, that Hector slew a thousand knightes, onely in this assault.

Among all other thinges Hector encountered the king Menon before a tent, and said to him: ha, euill traytour, the houre is come that thou shalt receiue thy reward for that thou lettest me to take the armes of Patroclus: and then he smote him so great a stroke that he fell downe to the ground. And after Hector alighted downe, & smote off his head, and would haue taken his armes from him: but Mnesteus letted him, and smote vppon Hector ouer­thwart, by such force that hee gaue him a great wound, and went his way without more carrying, doubting the fury of Hector. Then Hector went out of the throng, and did binde vp his wound that it bled no more, and after went in againe into the prease, and slew in his comming many Greekes. And Dares saith, that after he had bound vp his wound, he slew the same day a thousand knights, & there was none had courage to auenge him against him or defend himself, but he put them al to flight, & the Troians entered into their tents and pilled and robbed them, and tooke all the best that they could finde, &c.

On this day had y ^e Troyans had victory of the Greeks, if fortune had consented: for they might haue slaine thē al, and eschewed great euils that after came to thē. Certes it [Page 508] is not wisedome, when any man findeth his ennemy in great perill and fortune, to offer his power to deliuer him thereof: for it happeneth oftentimes, that he shall neuer recouer to haue his enemy in the same case, but that for­tune will turne her backe: Thus it happened this day to the vnhappie Hector, that had the better of his enne­mies, and might haue slaine them all, if he hadde would, for they sought nothing but for to slea. When by great misaduenture there came afore him in an encounter The­lamon Aiax that was sonne of king Thelamon, and Exi­on, that was coosin Germaine of Hector and of his bre­thren, which was wise and valiant, he addressed him a­gainst Hector, and deliuered to him a great assault, and Hector to him, as they that were valiaunt both two: and as they were fighting, they spake and talked to­gither, and thereby Hector knew that he was cosin Ger­maine, sonne of his aunt: and then Hector for courtesie embraced him in his armes, and made great chéere, and offered to him to doe all his pleasure, if hee desired any thing of him, and praied him that he would come to Troy with him, for to see his linage ot his mothers side: but the said Thelamon, that intended to nothing but to his ad­uauntage, saide that he would not go at this time. But praied Hector, requesting that if he loued him so much as he said, he woulde for his sake, and at his instance, ceasse the battaile for that day, and that the Troyans shoulde leaue the Greekes in peace. The vnhappy Hector accor­ded to him his request, and blewe a horne, and made all his people to withdraw into the Citie. Then hadde the Troyans begunne to put the fire in the shippes of the Greekes, and had all burnt them, had not Hector called them from thence: Wherefore the Troyans were sory of their repeale.

This was the cause wherefore the Troyans missed so haue the victorie, to the which they might neuer after at­taine, nor come: for fortune was to them contrary: and [Page 509] therefore Virgile saith: Non est misericordia in bello, that that is to say, that there is no mercy in battaile. A man ought not to be too mercifull, but take the victory when he may get it.

CHAP. XII. ¶Of the first truce of two monethes, demaunded by the Greekes: and of the three battailes betweene them, in the which Hector beate Achilles to the ground twice, and after slew the king Prothenor, and smote him with one stroke in two partes.

WHen it was come to the morrow betimes, the Troyans armed them for to go and assaile the Greekes: but the Greeks sent betimes to king Priamus, and demanded truce for two monethes: and he agreed to them the saide truce. And then were the dead bodies gathered, as well of the one part as of the o­ther, and some were buried and some burnt. Achilles was then so sorrowfull for the death of Patroclus, that hée could in no wise be comforted: hee made his bodie to bée buried in a faire rich Sepulture, and so did they of the o­ther, as of the king Prothesilaus, and other kinges and princes that were slaine: and they that were hurt and wounded, they did cause to bée healed, during the truce. Priamus the king did bury his bastard sonne Cassibela­nus right honourably, in the temple of Venus and shewed great sorrowe for his death, and so did all the o­ther, &c.

When Cassandra heard the greefe and sorrow that the Troyans made for the death of their friendes, shee cried and said: O vngracious Troyans, make sorrow for your selues, for in likewise shall it happē and come to you as it is to your friendes, that is the death: alas why seeke yée [Page 510] not peace of the Gréekes, before these euils come to you, and ere this noble citie bee destroied? alas why yeelde you not againe Helene, that the king my father did cause to rauish by force, wherefore yee shall all be destroied? Among all these thinges, Palamedes murmured greatly at the seignory of Agamemnon, saying that hee was not worthy to haue so great domination aboue all the other, and that he himselfe was more worthy to haue the seig­nory of the hoste, then Agamemnon: and that hee had not the good will and consent of the princes, but only of three or foure: and then at that time there was nothing fur­ther proceeded.

When the truce failed, the king Agamemnon that had the charge of all the hoste, ordered right early his bat­tailes, and gaue the first to Achilles, and the second to Diomedes, the third to Menelaus, the fourth to Mene­steus the duke of Athens, and ouer all the other he ordai­ned good captaines and conductors. Hector ordered his battailes in like wise, and set in the first Troylus, and in all the other he set good captaines and hardy, and made all the battailes to issue out: and hee set himselfe in the front before. And when Achilles sawe him, hee ranne a­gainst him, so that they smote each other to the earth right sore. Hector remounted first, and left Achilles lying on the earth, and smote in among the other, in the greatest prease, and he raught no knight but he slew him, or beate him downe: and went throughout the battaile all made red with the bloud of them that he had slaine. When A­chilles was remounted, he thrusted in among the Troy­ans in the great prease, and slew many: and hee went so farre, that he encountered Hector againe, and he ranne to him, and Hector to him, but Achilles was borne downe to the ground: and Hector woulde haue taken his horse, but he might not, for the great succors that Achilles had. When hee was remounted, hée assailed Hector with his sword, and gaue so great strokes to Hector, that nigh hée [Page 511] had beaten him: but Hector gaue to him so great a stroke vppon the helme, that he ouerthrew him, and made the bloud spring out of his head. Thus was the battell mor­tall of the two knightes: and if they had not béen parted the one from other, they had béene slaine: but their peo­ple put asunder them. Then came Diomedes to the bat­taile, and Troylus on the other side, which smote each o­ther to the earth. But Dyomedes remounted first, and assailed Troylus, that was on foote, and defended him­self valiantly, and slew the horse of Dyomedes: but their men remounted them both two, by force, and then they began againe to skirmish. And Dyomedes had taken and lead away Troylus, if the Troyans had not put them in perill of death, for to reskew him: and many of them were slain. Then came to the battaile Menelaus of the Gréeks side, and Paris on the other side: and thus going and comming Hector ceassed not to slea, and to beate downe knightes. Then there was a new knight named Brietes that assailed him fiersly, but Hector by right great ire smote him vpon the Helme, so great a stroke, that he cleft his head vnto the nauell, and hee fell downe dead: but Archilogus his coosin séeing that Hector woulde haue ta­ken his horse, Archilogus defended him, asmuch as hée might: and then Hector ranne vpon him, and smote him so hard, that hee smote his body in two peeces notwith­standing his harneis. The king Prothenor addressed him to Hector that then tooke no regard nor heede, and smote him downe to the earth.

And Hector remounted anon vpon his horse, and gaue to king Prothenor so great a stroke with all his might, that hée cleft body in two halues: Achilles that was his parent or coosin seeing that, had so great sorrow, that hee and the king Archelaus contended to reuenge his death.

But the Troyans did come vppon him with such cou­rage and warlike strength, that the Greekes fainted and [Page 512] must néedes flee, and the Troyans followed them vnto their tentes: and then the night came on, that made them to depart, and the Troyans returned backe into their Citie.

CHAP. XIII. ¶How the Greekes held parliament, how they might slea the worthy Hector: and how they returned to the fourth battaile, in the which Paris and Menelaus encountered, and the king Thoas was brought prisoner to Troy.

AFter this battaile, when the night was come, all the kings, princes and barons of the Greekes assembled at the Tent of king Agamemnon, and there held they their parliament howe they might slea Hector. And they said, that as long as hée were aliue, and came to battaile against them, they might neuer vanquish the Troyans: but he should to them doe great damage. And for to bring this thing to the end, they requested Achilles, that hee woulde take it vppon him, as well for his strength as for his wisedome. And Achilles enterprised it gladly, as hee that wist that Hector desired more his death, then the death of any other: and also Hector was hee, by whom he might soonest loose his life. After this counsell they went to rest, till on the morrowe betime they armed them. And Hector was then issued out of the Citie with his battailes well and diligently ordered, and was himselfe before all other in the first bat­taile. And after him came Eneas, and then Paris, and then Deyphebus, and after him Troylus, and after him the other following each in his order. Then ioyned all the Troyans togither, and were more then an hundred thousand fighting men. Then began the battaile horri­ble and mortall. Paris with them of Perse, that were [Page 513] good knightes, slew with shot many Gréeks, and hurted them. Hector encountred the king Agamemnon & beate him, and wounded him sore. And then Achilles assayled Hector, and gaue him so many strokes, that he brake his helme. Then Eneas and Troylus came to the rescue of Hector, and Diomedes came vppon that, who addressed him to Eneas, and beat him, and sayd to him in mocke­ry: Ha, ha, good counseller, that gauest counsell to thy king to offend and grieue me, know thou for trueth, that if thou come oft into these battels, and that I may méete with thée, thou shalt not escape without death.

Among these things, Hector assailed Achilles, and gaue to him so many strokes, that hee all to frushed and brake his helme, and wéened to haue taken him: but the sonne of Guideus ranne vpon Hector, and gaue him so great a stroke with his sword, that he did hurt him very sore. And Hector in his ire encountred Diomedes, and gaue him so great a stroke, that he beat him downe to the ground. Then Troylus alighted, and descended downe for to fight with Diomedes on foote: but Diomedes de­fended himselfe so valiantly, that was marueile. And beside them fought together Hector and Achilles. Then came to the skirmish all the kings and princes of Gréece, with a great company of men of armes: and from the partie of the Troyans came all the Barons that were come for to ayde them. There beganne marueilously the battell. The king Agamemnon and the king Pandolus fought together, the king Menelaus encountred Paris, and they knew ech other well, and Menelaus smote him so hard with his speare, that he gaue gim a great wound, and smote him downe, whereof Paris was all ashamed. Vlisses beat the king Arastous, and tooke his horse that was very good, and sent it to his tent. Polimites assayled Huppon the ancient, and slew him. Neoptolemus & the king Archilogus fought together. Polidamas beat Pa­lamedes, and wounded him very sore, and after mocked [Page 514] him by reproch. The king Selenus, and the king Carras encountred together, and Carras was sore beaten and wounded. Philomenus beat Anthenor. Philoteas and the king Remus fought together. The king Thesus and the king Enrialus fought together, and both were sore hurt. And the bastards of king Priamus did marueiles, and slew mane Gréeks, and hurt many kings. The king Thelamon, and the king Sarpedon iousted so sore, the one against the other, that they fell both sore hurt, and all astonied of the anguish that they had. The king Thoas and Achilles that were cousins, assailed Hector, and gaue him many strokes, and drew off his helme from his head, and hurt him in many places: and Hector gaue to him so great a stroke with his sword, that he cut off halfe his nose.

To the rescue of Hector came his bastard brethren, that slew many of the Gréekes, and tooke the king Tho­as, and wounded and beat the king Agamemnon, in such wise that he was borne to his tent as dead, and the king Thoas was lead prisoner to Troy. Menelaus indeuou­red to grieue Paris, and Paris shot at him an arrow en­uenimed, and wounded him in such wise, that hee was borne into his tent, and assoone as Menelaus had bound vp his wounds, he came again to the battell for to assaile Paris, if he had found him: and he found him, and assai­led him, but Eneas put himselfe betwéene them both, for­asmuch as Paris was vnarmed, and not able to preuent him: and so Eneas lead him into the citie, to the end that Menelaus shoulde not slay him. Then Hector assailed Menelaus, & wéened to haue taken him: but there came to the rescue great plentie of chiualrie of the Greekes: wherefore Hector might not come to his intent. And then hee thrust in, and smote among the other, and did so much, with helpe of his folke, that the Greeks fled. And then the night came on, that made the battell to cease.

CHAP. XIIII. ¶How Priamus would that the king Thoas that was pri­soner, should haue beene hanged: and how they retur­ned to the fift battell, in the which Hector slewe with his hands three kings: and how Diomedes slew the Sa­gittary, &c.

WHen it came on the morrow betimes, the king Priamus would not that they should fight that day, but sent for his councell, that is to witts, Hector, Paris, Troylus and Deiphebus, E­neas, Anthenor, and Polidamas, and sayde vnto them: Ye know how wee holde prisoner the king Thoas, that without any euill that wee haue deserued, is come for to destroy vs: and therefore mee thinketh good, that wee make him die an euill death. What say ye thereto? Ha sir, sayd Eneas, the gods forbidde that your nobles should do such a villanie, since it is so that the king Thoas is one of the most noble kings of Gréece, for that it might hap­pen that the Gréekes might take one of ours, to whome they might do in semblable wise, whereof ye might take the greatest griefe and sorrow in the worlde. So then it is better, as mee thinketh, that yee keepe right well and safe the king Thoas, without misdoing vnto him, that if by fortune one of ours were taken, wee might make an exchange, and take the one for the other. This counsell séemed good and pleasing to Hector, but the king Pria­mus sayd vnto them, Yet, if ye doe thus, it shall séeme to the Gréekes that we doubt them, and that wee dare not put their folke to death: notwithstanding, I will doe by your counsell. This counsell finished, Eneas tooke Troy­lus and Anthenor, and went to see Helene, whome they found in the great hall of Ilyon with the Queene Hecu­ba, and many other noble Ladies, where she made great [Page 516] sorrow, and they supposed then to haue comforted her, and so did the Quéene Hecuba, that sayd to her that she should take no thought nor sorrowe, and that they of the Citie should well defend them.

Among these things the Gréekes complained verie sore of the death of their friendes that the Troyans slew thus, and held themselues very children that they had put themselues in such danger, wherefrom they had wel pas­sed and béene deliuered, if they had had good counsell: and yet it happened that same night, that there came so great a winde, and so great a raine, that their Tents were all turned vpside downe to the earth, and it séemed that the world shoulde haue ended by the great storme, whereat her sorrow was doubled. When it came to the morning, that the tempest was passed, they armed themselues all thorowout the hoste, and went against the Troyans, that then were issued to battell. Achilles addressed him­selfe first to Hupon, that was great as a Giant, and was king of Larissa, and hee smote him so sore with a speare in the breast, that hee slewe him, and bare him downe to the earth. Hector slew in his comming the king Antho­meus. Diomedes slewe the king Antipus. Then the king Epistropus, and the king Cedus assailed Hector, and Epistropus iousted against Hector, and brake his speare vpon him, and sayde vnto him many villanous wordes, whereat Hector was woonderfull angry, and in his excéeding great ire gaue him such a stroke, that he slew him, and afterward sayd vnto him, that he should go and say his villainous wordes to them that were dead, such as he was woont to say to liuing men. Then was Ce­dus passing sorrowfull for the death of his brother, and admonished a thousand knights, that he meant for to slay Hector: and they assailed him anon, and beat him off his horse, and they cried to the king Cedus for to slay Hector. And whē Hector perceiued that, he gaue him such a stroke that he cut off his arme, wherewith he fel, for the anguish [Page 517] that hee felt: and anon Hector slewe him. Eneas slewe in this skirmish the king Amphymacus, and then went togither all the most puissant of Greeks, and assailed the Troyans, and slew many of them, and they went with so great force that they put the Troyans in a chase, in the which Achilles slewe the king Philes, whereof Hector had great sorrow: and in his ire he slew the king Dalpme and the king Doreus, and thus by the puissance of Hec­tor, the Troyans recouered the field, and flewe many Greekes, &c.

Then issued out of Troy the king Epistropus with three thousand knightes, and they brake rankes, and thrusted among the Greekes, that reculed in their com­ming: forasmuch as he brought with him a Sagittary, the same that afore is made mention of. This Sagittary was not armed, but hee bare a strong bowe and a quiuer that was full of arrowes, and shot strongly. When the knightes of the Gréekes saw this maruellous beast, they had no will to go forth, and they that were afore began to withdraw them, and went backe. Among these thinges Hector slew Polixenes, the noble duke that fought sore against him, for by the strength of the Troyans & the hor­ror of the Sagittary, y ^e Greeks were driuen back to their tentes. It happened that Diomedes before one of the tentes was assailed of the Sagittary, and had this beast before him, and the Troyans on his backe, so that it be­hooued him there to shew his puissance. The Sagittarie had then shot an arrow to him, and Diomedes that was not well assured, aduaunced him nigh vnto him, & gaue him so great a stroke with his sworde, who was not ar­med, that he slew him, and that time it was past midday, and then the Greekes recouered the field, and made the Troyans to flee. And then encountred Hector and A­chilles, and with force of their speares they fought both two and fell both to the earth: And as Achilles was first remounted, they supposed to haue lead away Galathe the [Page 518] good horse of Hector: but Hector cried to his folke, that they should not suffer him to leade him away. Then they ran vpon Achilles, and did so much, that they recouered Galathe, and rendred him to Hector, that was right glad of him. At this skirmish was Anthenor taken and sent to their tentes, notwithstanding that Polidamas his sonne did maruailes of armes, for to reskew him, but he might not: and thus they fought to great damage of the one par­ty and of the other, vntill the night parted them.

CHAP. XV. ¶Of the truce that were betweene them, after the which began battaile againe from Morne to Euen, with great damage of that one partie and of that other: but the Troyans lost more then the Greekes.

ON the morrow betime, the Greekes sent Diomedes and Vlisses vnto the king Priamus for to haue truce for three mo­nethes. The king Priamus assembled his counsell vppon this thing, and eache man agreed saue Hector, that said that the Greekes fained that they woulde bury their dead bodies, by cautele, and they lacked vittaile, and therefore requi­red they truce, to the end that during this time they pur­uey them of vittaile, and we dayly wast ours, whereof we may soone haue scarcitie: howbeit he would not abide on­ly by his intent against the opiniō of so many wise men, but agreed with the other, and the truce was accorded for three monethes. This truce during, the king Thoas was deliuered in the steed of Anthenor that they held priso­ner, whom they sent to the Troyans. Calcas that by the commaundement of Apollo had left the Troyans, hadde a passing faire daughter and wife named Briseyda. Chan­cer [Page 519] in his booke that he made of Troylus named her Cre­sida, for which daughter hee praied to king Agamemnon and to the other princes, that they would require the king Priamus to send Briseyda to him. They praied enough to king Priamus at the instance of Calcas: but the Troy­ans blamed sore Calcas, and called him euill and false traytor, and worthy to die, that hadde left his owne land, and his naturall Lord, for to go into the company of his mortall ennemies: yet at the petition and earnest desire of the Greekes, the king Priamus sent Briseyda to her Father.

The truce during, Hector went on a day vnto the tents of the Greekes, and Achilles behelde him gladly, foras­much as hee had neuer seen him vnarmed. And at the re­quest of Achilles, Hector went into his Tent, and as they spake togither of many thinges, Achilles saide to Hector, I haue great pleasure to see thee vnarmed, forasmuch as I haue neuer seen thée before. But yet I shal haue more pleasure, when the day shall come that thou shalt die of my hand, which thing I most desire. For I knowe thee to be very strong, and I haue oftentimes prooued it, vn­to the effusion of my bloud, whereof I haue great anger: and yet haue much more great sorrow, forasmuch as thou slewest Patroclus, him that I most loued of the worlde. Then thou maiest beleeue for certain, that before this yeare bee past, his death shalbe auenged vppon thee, by my hand, and also I wote well, that thou desirest to slea mee.

Hector aunswered and saide, Achilles, if I desire thy death, maruell thou nothing thereof: forasmuch as thou deseruest to bee mine ennemie mortall: thou art come into our land for to destroie mee and mine. I will that thou knowe, that thy wordes feare mee nothing at all, but yet I haue hope that within two yeare, if I liue, and continue in health, and my sworde faile mée not, thou shalt die by the force and valor of mine handes, [Page 520] not thou alonely, but all the most greatest of the Gréeks, for among you yee haue enterprised a great folly, and it may none otherwise come to you thereby but death: and I am assured that thou shalt die of mine hand, ere I shal die by thine. And if thou thinke that thou bee so strong, that thou maiest defend thée against mee, make it so that all the barons of thine hoste promise and accord that wee fight body against body, and if it happen that thou van­quish me, that my friendes and I shalbe banished out of this realme, and we shall leaue it vnto the Greekes, and thereof I shall leaue good pledge. And heerein thou maiest profite to many other, that may run in great dan­ger, if they haunt the battaile: and if it happen that I vanquishe thee, make that all they of thy hoste depart hence, and suffer vs to liue in peace. Achilles chafed sore with these wordes, and offered him to fight this battaile, and gaue to Hector his gage, which Hector tooke and re­ceiued gladly, &c.

When Agamemnon knewe of this offer and bargaine, he went hastily vnto the Tent of Achilles, with a great company of noble men, which woulde in no wise accord nor agrée to this battaile, saying that they would not sub­mit them, so many noble men vnder the strength of one man: and the Troyans said in like maner, saue only the king Priamus that would gladly agree, for the great strength that he found in his son Hector. Thus was the fight broken, and Hector departed and went againe to Troy, from the Gréekes.

When Troylus knew certainly that Briseyda should be sent to her father, he made great sorrow, for shee was his soueraigne ladie of loue, and in semblable wise Bri­seyda loued earnestly Troylus: and shee made also the greatest sorrow of the worlde for to leaue her soueraigne lord in loue. There was neuer séen so much sorrow made betweene two louers at their departing. Who that list to heare of al their loue, let him reade the booke of Troy­lus [Page 521] that Chaucer made, wherein hee shall finde the storie whole, which were too long to write heere: but finally Briseyda was led vnto the Greekes whom they receiued honourably.

Among them was Diomedes that anon was enfla­med with the loue of Briseyda, when he sawe her so faire, and in riding by her side hee shewed to her all his minde, and made to her many promises, and especially desired her loue: and then when she knew the minde of Dyomedes. she excused her, saying, that she would not agree to him, nor refuse him at that time, for her heart was not dispo­sed at that time to answere otherwise. Of this answers Diomedes had great ioy, forasmuch as hee was not refu­sed vtterly, and hée accompanied her vnto the tent of her father, and did helpe her downe of her horse, and tooke from her one of her gloues that shee held in her handes, and she suffered him sweetly. Calcas receiued her with great ioy, and when they were in priuitie between them both, Briseyda saide to her father these and semblable wordes.

Ha, a, my father, how is thy wit failed that were woont to be so wise and the most honoured and beloued in the ci­tie of Troy, & gouernedst all that was within, and hadst so many riches and possessions, and nowe hast béen trai­tour, thou that oughtest to haue kept thy riches, and de­fended thy countrey vnto the death? but thou louest bet­ter to liue in pouertie and in exile among the mortal ene­mies of thy countrey. O how shall this turne to thy great shame? Certes thou shalt neuer get so much honour, as thou hast gotten reproch: and thou shalt not onely be bla­med in thy life, but thou shalt also be ill spoken of after thy death, and be damned in hell. And me seemeth yet, it had béen better to haue dwelled out from the people vpon some ile of the Sea, then to dwell heere in this dishonour and opproby: weenest thou that the Greekes holde thee for true and faithfull, that art openly false and vntrue to thy [Page 522] people? Certes it was not only the God Apollo that thus abused thee: but it was a company of deuils. And as she thus spake to her father, she wept gréeuously for the dis­pleasure that she had, &c.

Ha, a, my daughter, said Calcas, thinkest thou that it is a fit thing to despite the aunswere of the goddes, and spe­cially in that thing that toucheth my health? I knowe certainly by their answers that this warre shall not dure long, that the citie shalbe destroied, and the nobles also, and the bourgeses, and therefore it is the better for vs to be here safe, then to be slaine with them: and then fini­shed they their talke.

The comming of Briseyda pleased much to all the Greekes, and they came thither and feasted her, and de­maunded of her tidinges of Troy, and of the king Pria­mus, and of them that were within, and shee said vnto them as much as she knewe, courteously. Then all the greatest that were there, promised her to keepe her and hold her, as déere as their daughter: and then each man went into his owne Tent, and there was none of them, but gaue to her a iewell at the departing: and it plea­sed her well to abide and dwell with the Greekes, and she forgat anon the noble Citie of Troy, and the loue of no­ble Troylus. O howe soone is the purpose of a woman changed and turned? certes, more sooner then a man can say or think, now late had Briseyda blamed her father of the vice of treason, which she her self exerci­sed in forgetting of her countrey and true friend Troilus.

CHAP. XVI. ¶How the Greekes and Troyans began the sixt battaile, that dured by the space of thirtie daies, in which were many kinges and princes dead, of the one side, and of the other: and how Diomedes smote downe Troylus off his horse, and sent it to Briseyda his loue, that recei­ued it gladly, &c.

AFter the three monethes of truce passed, on the morrow betimes the Troyans pro­uided them to battaile. And when Hector had ordered all his battailes, he issued out first, and tooke with him fifteene thousand fighting men, and Troylus followed him with ten thousand knightes: after him came Paris with thrée thousand fighting men of good archers, and well hor­sed. After came Deyphebus with three thousand fighters: after him came Eneas, and the other all in order, so ma­ny, that there were this day of the partie of the Troyans, more then an hundred thousand good fighting men and hardie.

Of the partie of the Greekes came there first Mene­laus with seuen thousand knightes, and after him Dio­medes with as many, and then Achilles that lead also a­leuen thousand, the king Pampitus with a great multi­tude of knights, and the other after, like as they were ap­pointed. The king Philes aduaunced him the first, & Hec­tor came against him, so strongly that hee slewe him with his speare. Thē there arose a great crie of his death among the Gréeks, and the murther and slaughter began so great, that it was an horrible sight to sée, as wel of the one side, as of y ^e other. King Pampitus slew many Troy­ans, for to auenge the death of his vncle, & assailed Hector: but Hector gaue him so sound a stroke that he slew him, & [Page 524] for to auenge his death the Greekes slew manie of the Troyans. Achilles slewe many noble men, among the which he slew the duke Byraon, and Euforbe, that was a great noble man. Hector was this day sore hurt in the face, and bled great plentie of bloud, and wist not who had done it, & therefore the Troyans reculed vnto the walles. And when Hector apparantly sawe vppon the walles, the quéen Hecuba his mother, and his sisters, he had great shame, and by great ire assailed the king Menon coosin of Achilles, and gaue him so many strokes with his sword vpon his helme, that he slew him in the sight of Achilles, that was like for to haue been madde, and tooke a strong speare, and ranne against Hector, and brake his Speare vpon him, but he could not remoue him: and Hector gaue him with his sword so great a stroke, that he made him to tumble vnder his horse, and said to him: Achilles, Achil­les, thou contendest to approch to me, know that thou ap­prochest thy death. And as Achilles would haue aunswe­red to Hector, Troylus came betweene them with a great number of knightes, and put them in the middest of them. And there were slaine more then fiue hundred knightes of Greece, and were put backe by force: and Menelaus came to the reskewe with three thousand fighting men. And of the partie of the Troyans, came the king Ade­mon, that iousted against Menelaus, and smote him, and hurt him in the face: and he and Troylus tooke him, and had lead him away, if Diomedes had not come the sooner with a great companie of knights, and fought with Troi­lus at his comming, and smote him downe, and tooke his horse, and sent it to Briseida, and did cause to say to her by his seruaunt, that it was Troylus horse, her loue, and that he had conquered him by his prowesse, and prayed her from thenceforth y ^t she would hold him for her loue, &c.

Briseyda had great ioy of these tidinges, and said to the seruaunt, that he should say vnto his Lord, that she might not hate him that with so good heart loued her. When [Page 525] Diomedes knew the answere, he was right ioyous, and thrusted in among his enemies: [...]ut the Troyans that were stronger then they, made the Greeks to go backe & recule vnto their tentes, and had slaine them all, if the king Agamemnon had not succoured them with right great strength. Then beganne the battaile horrible and mortall, and the Greekes recouered the field, and chased and put the Troyans back vnto their diches. Then came Polidamas to the reskew, with a great number and mul­titude of knightes, and did goodly exploites of warre: and Diomedes addressed him to him, but hee was beaten of Polidamas that tooke the horse of Diomedes, and deliue­red it to Troylus that fought on foote, and he mounted a­non thereupon.

Then came Achilles against Troylus, whom Troy­lus receiued gladly, and beate downe Achilles, which re­mounted lightly, and assailed Troylus with his sword, and Troylus defended him right valiantly. Then came on Hector, and had at this time slaine more then a thou­sand knightes: but the Greekes defended Achilles, that were so sore oppressed, that hardly they might defend him any more, and he hadde been slaine or taken, if the king Thelamon and the duke of Athens had not succoured him. And they set him againe on his horse with great paine, and then the night came on, that parted them. They fought thus thirtie daies continually, to the great damage of both parties: and there were slaine sixe of the bastard sonnes of the king Priamus, and Hector was hurt in the face, and therefore the king Priamus demaunded truce of the Greeks for sixe monthes, and they agreed and accorded to him, &c.

CHAP. XVII. ¶How the Greekes and the Troyans began the seuenth battaile, that dured twelue daies, and after beganne the eight battaile much damageous to the Troyans, for Hector was slaine by Achilles, and they were driuen backe into their Citie by force, to their great damage.

DVring the six monethes of the truce afore­saide, Hector sought to bee healed of his woundes, and plaied in the noble hall of Ilyon, that was (as the historie saith) the most royall hall and faire that was in the world. Thus during the truce, the king Priamus did bury his sixe bastard sonnes each in a sepul­ture by himselfe right honourably. Among all other thinges, Diomedes suffered great greefe for the loue of Briseyda, and might not eat nor rest for thinking on her, and required her many times of her loue, and she answe­red him right wisely, giuing him hope without certaintie of any point: by the which Diomedes was enflamed on all parts with her loue. When the sixe monethes were passed, they beganne to fight by the space of twelue daies continually from the morning vnto the euening, & there were many slaine of the one side and of the other. And then came a great mortalitie among the Greekes in the hoste, by the great heate that then was: and therefore the king Agamemnon required truce, which was agreed and accorded to him, &c.

When the truce was passed, the night before, Andro­meda the wife of Hector that had two faire sonnes by him: whereof the one had to name Laomedon, and the other Astromates, this Andromeda sawe that night a maruel­lous vision, and her seemed if Hector went that day fol­lowing to the battaile, he should be slaine. And she that [Page 527] had great feare and dread of her husband, weeping saide to him, praying him that he would not go to the battaile that day: whereof Hector blamed his wife, saying, that she shoulde not beleeue nor giue faith to dreames, and would not abide nor tarrie therefore. When it was in the morning, Andromeda went vnto the king Priamus, and to the Queene, and tolde to them the veritie of her vision: and praied them with all her heart that they woulde doe so much at her request, as to disswade Hec­tor that hee should not in any wise that day go to the bat­taile, &c.

It happened, that day was faire and cléere, and the Troyans armed them, and Troylus issued first into the battaile, after him Eneas, after Paris, Deiphebus, Po­lidamas, and the king Sarpedon, the king Epistropus, the king Croys, and the king Philomenus, and after all the princes that were come in the aide of the Troians, each man in good order. And the king Priamus sent to Hector that he should keepe him well that day from going to battaile. Wherefore Hector was angry, and said to his wife many wordes reprochfull, as he that knew well that this cōmandement came by her request, yet notwithstan­ding y ^e forbidding, he armed him: And when Andromeda sawe him armed, shee tooke her little Children, and fell downe at the feete of her husband, and praied him humbly, that hee woulde take off his armes: but hee would not doe it. And then she said to him, at the least if yee will not haue mercie on me, yet haue pitie on your litle children, that I and they die not a bitter and gree­uous death or that wee bée not lead into seruitude and bondage into strange countries.

At this instant came the queene Hecuba and the quéene Helene, and the sisters of Hector, and they humbled themselues and kneeled downe presently before his feet, and praied and desired him with wéeping teares, that hée woulde doe off his harneis, and vnarme him, and come [Page 520] with them into the hall: but neuer would hee doe it, for their praiers, but descended from the Pallace thus armed as he was, and tooke his horse, and would haue gone to battell. But, at the request of Andromeda, the king Pria­mus came running anon, and took him by the bridle, and said to him so many thinges of one and other, that hee made him to returne, but in no wise hee woulde vnarme him.

Among all these thinges the battell was mortall of the Greekes and of the Troyans. Diomedes and Troylus iousted togither, and at the assembly they greeued each other and without faile each of them had slaine other, if Menelaus had not come and parted them. Then the king Miseres of Frigie beate Menelaus, and hadde taken him when Eneas came, and troubled them, and woulde haue slaine him, but the said Troilus deliuered them, and slew many Greekes. Then came the king Thelamon with three thousand fighting men, and iousted in his comming against Polidamas, and put him to the worse, and vnhorsed him. But Troylus succoured him, & made him to remount on his horse: after came Paris and A­chilles on the other side, that smote among the Troians, by so great force, with the helpe of his people, that he put them to the flight vnto the citie, and in this chase Achil­les slewe Margareton one of the bastardes of the king Priamus.

When Hector knewe that Achilles had slaine Marga­reton, he had great sorrow, and did anon lace on his helm, and went to the battaile, that his father knew not of, and in his comming, hee slew two noble dukes Greekes, the duke Coriphus, and the duke Bastidus, and he thrusted into the greatest prease of the Greekes, and slew as many as he could reach, and the Greekes fled afore him, that there was none so hardie that durst abide his strokes: and [...]hus the Troyans returned and slewe the Greekes on all sides. Then the Greeks tooke Polydamas, and had lead [Page 529] him away, had not Hector béene, which deliuered him, and flewe many Gréekes. Then an admirall of Gréece named Leocides, assailed Hector, and Hector slewe him anon.

When Achilles saw that Hector slewe thus the no­bles of Gréece, and so many other, that it was marueile to beholde, he thought that if Hector were not slaine, the Gréekes should neuer haue victorie. And forasmuch as he had slaine many kings and princes, he ran vpon him marueilously, and a noble duke of Gréece with him na­med Polyceus, that was come for the loue of Achilles, the wich had promised to giue to him his sister in marri­age. But Hector slew the same duke anon in the sight of Achilles. Then Achilles wéening to auenge the death of Policeus, assailed Hector by great ire: but Hector cast to him a dart fiercely, & made him a wound in his thigh: and then Achilles issued out of the battell, and did binde vp his wound, and tooke a great speare in purpose to stay Hector, if he might meete him. Among all these things, Hector had taken a very noble baron of Gréece, that was queintly and richly armed, and for to leade him out of the hoste at his ease, had cast his shielde behinde him at his backe, and had left his breast discouered: and as hee was in this point, and tooke none heede of Achilles, he came priuily vnto him, and thrust his speare within his bodie, and Hector fell downe dead to the grounde. When the king Menon sawe Hector dead, hee assailed Achilles by great ire, and beate him downe to the grounde, and hurt him grieuously, and his men bare him into his tent vpon their shield. Then, for the death of Hector, were al the Troyans discomfited, and reentred into their citie, bearing the bodie of Hector with great sorrow and lamentation.

CHAP. XVIII. ¶Of the rich sepulture of Hector: and of the great la­mentations and weepings that the Troyans made for his death: and how Palamedes was chosen duke & go­uernour of the hoste of the Greeks.

WHen Hector was dead, & his body borne into the citie, there is no tongue that could expresse y ^e sorrow that was made in the citie generally of men and women: and there was none, but he had rather to haue lost his owne sonne then him: and they sayd euery one, that from thencefoorth they had lost all their hope and trust of defence: and thus they demea­ned right long their extreame griefe and sorrow. The noble kings and princes bare the bodie vnto the pallace of Ilyon. Their when the king Priamus saw him, he fell downe in a swowne vpon the bodie, and was as dead for sorrow, that vnneth they coulde take him away by force. There demeaned great sorrow all his brethren. What might men say of the sorrow that his mother the Queene made, and afterward his sister? O what sorrowe made his wife? certes there can no man expresse al the lamen­tations that there were made. And forasmuch as the bo­dy might not long endure without corruption, the king Priamus tooke counsell of many wise masters, how they might keepe the bodie of Hector without corruption and without sepulture: and then hee did cause to be made by their aduice and counsell a rich sepulture vpon foure pil­lars of golde, lift vp on height, vpon the which was made a marueilous rich Tabernacle of golde and of precious stones: and on the foure corners of the Tabernacle, were foure images of golde, that hadde semblance of angels: and aboue the Tabernacle there was a wonderfull great image of golde, that was made after the semblance of [Page 531] Hector, and had the visage turned toward the Greeks, & held a naked sworde that he menaced the Greekes with: and there was in the middes of the Tabernacle a place voyd, where the masters sate, and put the bodie of Hector flesh and bones cladde in his best garments and robes, and stood right vp on his feete, and might endure a long time in that wise without corruption, by a certaine de­uice that the maisters had set on the sommet or toppe of the head of Hector: that is to witte, a vessell that had an hole in the bottome, which vessel was all full of very fine balme, and that distilled and dropped into a place aboue on his head, and so spread downe into all the members of the bodie, aswell within as without, and they filled of­ten times the vessell with balme. And thus the bodie might not impaire for the great vertue of this balme. And all the people that would see Hector, they sawe him verily in like maner as hee had béene aliue. To this se­pulture, the same maisters made a lampe of fine golde, burning continually without going out or quenching, and afterward they made a closure, to the end that no man should approch nor goe vnto this Tabernacle without li­cence or leaue. And in this Temple the king Priamus ordeined and set great plentie of priests for to pray vnto the gods without ceasing, for his sonne Hector, and gaue to them good rents.

Among these things, the king Agamemnon assem­bled all the kings and most nobles of his hoste, and sayde vnto them in this maner: My friends all, ye kings, prin­ces and barons, wee ought to render and yeeld thanks to the gods humbly and with deuout heart, that our right hard enemie Hector hath suffered to be slaine by the hand of Achilles. For as long as he was aliue, we had neuer any hope to haue come to the better hand of our enemies. What may the Troyans from hencefoorth hope or trust for, but onely for their owne ouerthrow? and we may in short time hope for the victorie vpon them. And for as [Page 532] much as Achilles is grieuously hurt, and may not goe to battell, if ye thinke good, whiles that yee maybe healed, and the other also that be hurt (of whom we haue many, and also for to burie the dead bodies) we will send to the king Priamus for to haue truce for two moneths. The counsell seemed good to them, and they sent anon to the king Priamus for truce, and hee accorded it to them for two moneths.

During this truce, Palamedes murmured againe at the seignorie of Agamemnon, and as they were on a day all together, & Palamedes spake of this matter, the king Agamemnon answered to him, as sage, in the presence of all the other, and sayd vnto him: Palamedes, weenest thou that I haue great ioy of the seignorie that was gi­uen vnto me at the beginning, and haue occupied to this present time? for that it was not at my request, neither haue I none auaile nor profit thereby, but I haue great charge, and breake many sléepes therefore, to the end that by my negligence our hoste goe not to decline nor diswor­ship: and certes if had well suffised me to haue beene vn­der the gouernment of another: and I feare no man that may accuse mee, that for any euill or negligence I haue failed in any thing. And if thou gauest not thy consent vnto mine election, thou needest not to dismay thereof: for thou werest not as yet at that time come with the o­ther, but it was two yeeres after ere thou camest. And therefore, if wee shoulde haue abiden thy comming, wee had beene at the Port of Athens. And forasmuch as thou shalt not thinke that I haue ioy or pleasure of this office, and am desirous to haue this honour, I am content that another be chosen, and am readie to giue consent with the most voices. When Agamemnon had thus spoken, there was no further procéeding that day in this matter. And then at euen Agamemnon did make it to bee cried in all the hoste, that ech man should be on the morrow betimes before his tent at the Parlement.

[Page 535]When it came to the morning that they were all assem­bled, Agamemnon said to them. My brethren and friends, I haue had vnto this time the charge of this worke with great trauaile, for to conduct it well, in such wise that by the sufferance of the Gods I haue brought it vnto honor vnto this time. And forasmuch as it is not lawfull y ^t an Vniuersitie be ruled alway by one maister, but that eue­ry mā employ him to y ^e best, to his power: and forsomuch, as I haue conducted this hoste long time, I will that wee doe choose another, that may conduct it discreetly. When Agamemnon had finished his wordes, his saying pleased to euerie man, and they chose Palamedes to bée their duke and gouernour: and then hee went vnto his Tent.

Achilles that lay sicke of his woundes, was angry at the deposing of Agamemnon, and said before al them that would heare it, that Palamedes was nothing like vnto Agamemnon in witte and in discretion, and that they ought not to change him for Palamedes: but forasmuch as the people had consented, he abode thereby also, &c.

CHAP. XIX. ¶How the king Priamus issued to battaile, for to auenge vpon the Greekes the death of his sonne Hector: and of the prowesses that he did: and of the anniuersary of the said Hector, in which Achilles was surprised with the loue of Polixena the daughter of king Priamus, in such wise that he might endure no rest.

WHen the the two monthes of the truce were past, the king Priamus desiring to auenge the death of his sonne Hector, ordeined with his owne person his battailes: and sette in each battaile good conductors, and hee him­selfe [Page 534] went and lead with him fiue and twentie thousand of good knightes chosen of the best. And Dares saith in his booke, that there issued out of Troy that day an hun­dred and fiftie thousand men. Deyphebus was the fore­most, and then Parie: and after him came the king Pri­amus, and Troylus, Eneas, Menon and Polidamas, they went vnto the Tentes of the Greekes. Palamedes had ordained his battailes. Then began the battel great and mortall. The king Priamus smote downe Palame­des in his comming, and after smote vnto the greatest prease of the Greekes, and slew many of them, and beat them downe, and did so much in armes in that day, that with great paine woulde beleeue that a man so an­cient and old might doe that he did that day. The king Sarpedon of Troy assailed king Neoptolemus, that was a passing strong knight, and king Sarpedon was borne to the earth, that defended him valiantly, and gaue so great a stroke vnto king Neoptolemus, that made him a great wound in his thigh. Then came to the battaile the king of Perse, that remounted the king Sar­pedon with the aide of his folke. Menelaus and the duke of Athens assailed the king of Perse, and inclosed him and his people among them, and slew the king of Perse, and made the Troyans to recule by force: there did the king Sarpedon, great and woonderous matters of armes.

The king Priamus and his bastard sonnes that then followed him, ceased not to slea the Greekes: and there was none that day, that did so much in armes, as did the king Priamus, for his sorrow & his ire made his strength to grow. Then the Greekes aduised them to take the way, by which the Troyans should returne vnto their ci­tie: and they went thither in great number. And when the Troyans reculed for to go into that place, they found themselues in the middle of their enemies. Then began mortall battel and there came vpon them the king Pria­mus, [Page 535] with a great number of fighting men, by a wing, and Paris came crossing them with a great plentie of good fighters, and he had great store of archers that slew many of the Greekes, and hurted them: and they did so well, that by force the Greekes were driuen to recule to their Tentes. And the Troyans reentered into their Citie, and the king Priamus had the losse and worst of this battaile. He sent to the Greekes to demaund truce, and they agreed and accorded to him: but we finde not howe long this truce endured, &c.

Among these thinges the king Priamus did cause to cary by land, the body of the king of Perse, for to be bu­ried in his countrey: then was the weeping and sorrow great in Troy, and in especiall of Paris, that loued him exceedingly. During this truce, the anniuersary of Hec­tor approched, when men should mourn fifteene daies in great sorrow, and after shoulde hallow the great feast of the funerall, as it was that time the guise and custome for kinges and Princes. And then during the truce, the Greekes went and came into the Citie safely: and so did the Troyans vnto the Tentes of the Greekes. Then Achilles had desire to go to Troy to see the Citie and the feast of y ^e anniuersary of Hector, whō he had slaine: and so he went all vnarmed vnto the temple of Apollo, where as was the sepulture of Hector, and he found there great plentie of men and women, that were noble and wept, & made great sorow before y ^e sepulture: which Hector a man might see on all sides al whole, in like maner as he was first, by the vertue of that balme. There was the queene Hecuba, and Polixena her daughter, that was passing faire, with a great company of noble Ladies, that had all their haire dispersed and hanging about their shoulders, and made right maruellous sorrow. And albeit that Po­lixena made so great sorrowe, yet she lost nothing of her bewtie, but seemed, & shewed her selfe so faire in all her members, that nature formed neuer none more fairer, &c

[Page 538]When Achilles had well aduised and seen Polixena, he said in himselfe, that hee had neuer seen so faire a wo­man nor better formed nor made, & with that she was one of the most noble women of the world. Then was Achil­les shot with the dart of loue, that stroke him to the heart so maruellously that he could not cease to behold her: and the more he beheld her, the more he desired her. He was so besotted on her, that he thought on no other thing, but abode in the temple vnto the euening, as long as the queene was there: and when she went out, he conueied his eye vpon Polixena, as farre as he might see her: and this was the cause, and the beginning of his mishappe. In this sorrow Achilles returned vnto his tent, and when he was laid to sleepe, that night there came many things in his minde & in his thought: and he knew then the dan­ger that Polixena had put him in, and thought in himself that the most strong men of the world could not, nor hadde not power to vanquish him, but the only regard and sight of a fraile maide had vanquished and ouercome him: and him séemed, that there is no medicine in the world might heale him saue she.

Then he said my praier, my strength, nor my riches may nothing mooue her to haue pitie on me: I wot ne­uer what diuell hath put mee in this daunger to loue her that hateth me so sore, with mortall hate, and by right good cause, for I am come hither for to slea her kinne and cosins, and now late haue slaine her noble brother Hector. Certes I see no remedie, since shee is the most noble and fairest of the world. And then he turned him to the wall, and fell in weeping, and drowned himselfe in teares, and of necessitie he must thinke how he might come to the loue of Polixene: and so he couered and hid his courage as well as hée might.

CHAP. XX. ¶How Achilles sent his secret messenger vnto Hecuba the queene of Troy, for to request her daughter Po­lixena, and of the answere: and how for the loue of her the said Achilles assembled the hoste of the Greeks, and counselled them to depart, and haue peace with the Troyans.

THe night following; as Achilles was laide on his bed, and might not sleepe, he thought that he would send betimes his messenger vnto the quéene Hecuba, for to know if hee might finde with her that fauor that she would giue to him her daugh­ter Polixena to wife, and hee would doe so much for her that he would make the Greekes to raised th [...]ir s [...]ge, and go againe into their countrey hastily, and that peace should be made betweene them. Thus as hee thought in the night, he put in execution and so sent his true mes­senger vnto the queene, for to require her daughter, and said to her the promises that his Lord had commaunded him. When the queene had vnderstood the wordes of the messenger, she answered him discreetly, notwithstanding that she hated Achilles more then any man of the worlde, saying: friend, as much as in me is, I am ready for to doe that thing that thy maister requireth of mée: but so say vn­to him, that I may not doe this thing alone by myselfe, but I will speake to my Lord, and to Paris my sonne, and thou shalt come to mee the third day againe, and I will say to thée thine answere.

When the messenger heard the quéene so speake, he re­turned vnto his Lord, and saide to him all that he hadde found: and thus began Achilles to haue hope to come to his intent. The queene Hecuba went anon vnto the king Priamus her husband, whereas Paris was, and tolde to [Page 538] them all that Achilles had sent to her, and then the king hanged downe his head, and was so a long while with­out saying of any word, and after said to his wife: O how is it, as mee thinketh, a hard thing to receiue into friend­ship and amitie, him y ^t hath done to me so great offence, that hath taken away the light of mine eies, in slaying my deere sonne Hector, and hath therein giuen hope to the Greekes to haue the victorie. But yet for to eschew the more great peril, to the end that mine other sonnes loose not their liues, and that I may haue rest in mine olde daies, I consent with you that he haue that he requireth: alway foreseene, that hee doe first that thing that he hath promised, without any deception. Paris a­greed to this thing readily, forasmuch as in the promi­ses of Achilles was nothing spoken of Queene Hel­lene, &c.

At the third day after, Achilles sent againe his mes­senger vnto the queene, and as soone as hee came before her, she said to him: I haue spoken to my husband, and also to my sonne Paris of the request, and also of the pro­mise of thy Lord: and they be content that this his re­request be agreed to him: so as, that he do first that thing that hee hath promised: and so thou maiest say to him, that hee may come to the chiefe and end of his desire, if that he conduct wisely and secretly this thing asmuch as in him is. The messenger tooke leaue of the queene, and came anon to his maister, and counted to him al that the quéene had said to him. Then beganne Achilles greatly to thinke how he might performe this that he had promi­sed to the king Priamus, and that it was a greeuous thing to doe, and that it was not all in his power. But it is a proper vice vnto the foolish louers, to promise things that are hard to bring about and difficile, for to come to the effect of their loues. And likewise glorified him A­chilles, that for his merites or for giuing his aide to the Greekes he would make them to leaue their siege. And [Page 539] then Achilles by the counsell of Palamedes assembled all the kinges and noble men of the hoste, in parliament, and said to them in this maner.

My friendes, that be here assembled, for to bring this warre to the end, thinke yee not other while on your selues, how by great rashnesse, lightnesse, and folly, and for to recouer the wife of Menelaus, we haue left our countreies and landes, our wiues and our children, and be come into this so straunge land, where wee haue dis­pended the houres foolishly, and put our bodies in daun­ger of death, and in great infinite labour: and since wee haue been come hither, there be right many kinges and princes dead, and I my self haue shed much of my bloud, that neuer should haue happened if wee had not begunne this folly. Helene is nothing of so great price that there behooueth to die for her so many noble men: there bee enough in the worlde of as noble and as faire women as she is, of whom Menelaus might haue one or two, if hée would. And it is not a light thing to ouercome the Troy­ans, as they that haue a strong Citie and well furnished with good fighters, on horse back and a foot: and it ought to suffise to vs that we haue nowe slaine Hector and ma­ny other of their nobles, by the which we might now re­turne with our honour and worship: and, if wee leaue Helene, haue not we Exione, to whome Helene may not compare in noblenesse?

Then arose the duke of Athens, and the king Thoas, and contraried strongly the wordes of Achilles: and so did all the other, and said, that hee spake neither reason, nor well. Whereat Achilles had great sorrow, and com­maunded his Mirmydones that they shoulde not arme them any more against the Troyans, & that they shoulde giue no counsalle nor aide vnto the Greeks. Among these thinges, vittailes beganne to faile among the Gréekes, and they had great famine. Then assembled Palamedes al the most noble of the hoste to counsell, and by their [Page 542] counsell was the king Agamemnon sent vnto the City of Messe, to the king Thelephus, that charged and laded his shippes with vittaile, and came safely againe into the hoste of the Greekes, where he was receiued with great ioy. Among these thinges Palamedes did cause their shippes to be repaired, to the end that they might be more readie, if they had need, &c.

CHAP. XXI. ¶Of the death of Deyphebus the sonne of king Priamus: and how Paris slew Palamedes: and how the Troyans draue backe the Greekes into their tentes, and set fire on their shippes: and how for all these thinges Achilles would not go to battaile, for the loue of Polixene.

WHen the truce were passed, they began to fight as they had been accustomed. Dei­phebus assailed in his comming the king Cressus of Greece, and hee addressed to him gladly, and iousted the one against the other: but Deyphebus beate the king Cressus dead downe to the ground, whereat the Greekes were sore troubled, and put them to flight. But Pala­medes and Diomedes came with fiue and twentie thou­sand fighting men, that resisted the Troyans: with them was the noble king Thelamon Ayax, that addressed him against Eufronius, one of the bastard sonnes of the king Priamus, & smote him so hard that he beate him downe dead to the ground, in sight of Deiphebus, that in his great furie ranne vpon Thelamon, and beate him and sore hurt him. When Palamedes sawe the stroke, hee tooke a great speare, and addressed him to Deyphebus, and smote him so hard in the brest, that the speare entered into his body, and the speare brake and the truncheon a­bode [Page 541] in the body of Deyphebus. When Paris sawe his brother so hurt to the death, hee tooke him, and lead him vnto the gate of the Citie, and tooke him to his men to keepe. And as Deyphebus opened his eyes and saw Pa­ris his brother, he said to him: Brother wilt thou let me descend into hell without auenging of my death: I pray thee as earnestly as I may, that ere this truncheon bee taken out of my body, thou doe so much by thy hand, that thou slay him that hath slaine me. Paris promised him, that he would doe his best: and returned into the battell right angry for his brother, and sayd in himselfe that hee desired no longer to liue, but vntill hee had auenged the death of his brother: and sought Palamedes all abouts, and found him, that he fought against the king Sarpe­don, that had assaied for to slay him, and Palamedes de­fended himselfe valiantly, and in his great fury gaue so great a stroke with his sworde to the king Sarpedon, that he cut off his shoulder from the body, and anon king Sarpedon fell downe dead.

Paris séeing the great damage that Palamedes did to them, and how with his prowesse he had put the Troi­ans to flight, and ceased not to slay and smite downe al­way: he bent his strong bowe, and aymed well at Pala­medes at leasure, and shot to him an arrow enuenimed, and smote him in the throat, and cut in two the maister veine, and Palamedes fell downe dead to the earth: for whose death the Gréekes made much sorrow, and left the battell, and went vnto their tents, and there held a parle against the Troyans, and defended them strongly. Then descended the Troyans afoote, and entred into some of their tents, and tooke all that they found that good was; Then Paris and Troylus went by a side way vnto the Port, and did put fire into their ships, and burnt so great plentie, that men might sée the flame farre. To the rescue of the ships came the king Thelamon, with a great com­pany of fighting men, and beganne the battell horible, so [Page 542] so that there was great killing & slaughter on both sides: and verely the ships had beene all burnt, had it not beene for the prowesse of king Thelamon, that did marueiles with his bodie, & for whatsoeuer he did, there were more then fiue hundred ships burnt. There was great slaugh­ter of the Greeks, & many were hurt. There was Ebes the sonne of the king of Trace sore hurt with a speare, and bare the truncheon in his bodie, & in that point he went to the Tent of Achilles, where hee rested him that day, and had refused to goe to the battell, for the loue that hee had to Polixene. Ebes reproched greatly Achilles, that he suffered so to destroy the people of his countrey, and to die villainously, and saying that he might well helpe them if he would. And assoone as he had finished his words, one tooke the truncheon out of his body, and anon he fel down dead in the presence of Achilles.

Anon after, came from the battell one of the varlets or seruants of Achilles, and Achilles demaunded him ti­dings of the host. Ha sir, sayd he, it is this day mishapped to our folke, for the great multitude of Troyans that be come vpon them, and they haue slaine all that they coulde [...]éet with, and I trow there is not left one at home of the men of Troy but that euery man is come to the battell: and therefore, if it please you now, whiles that the Troy­ans be wearie, to come to the battell, ye shall get to you perpetuall memorie of worship and of glorie. For by your prowesse you shal in little space haue all vanquished thē, and they shall not dare to defend themselues against you, they be so wearie. Neuer would Achilles for the words of his varlet, nor for the death of Ebes, change his courage, but dissembled all that he had seene & heard, for the great loue that he had to Polixene.

During these things, the battell was right sharpe, and endured vnto the night, to the great damage of y ^e Gréeks: and the night parted them, yet was not Deiphebus dead, but hee drewe towardes his ende: and when Paris and [Page 543] Troylus saw him in that sorrow, they began to cry and make great sorrow. And then Deyphebus opened a lit­tle his eies, and demaunded of Paris with a féeble voice, if he were dead that had slaine him? And Paris saide to him yea. Then Deyphebus did cause to drawe out the head of the speare with the truncheon, and anon died. Wherefore the Troyans made great sorrowe. It is no néed to hold long talke of the sorrow, that the king Pria­mus his father made, nor his wife and his sister, for it was too much, and also for the death of the king Sarpe­don. Of the other partie the Greekes made great sorrow for the death of Palamedes, and made his body to be bu­ried worshipfully. And as they that might not bee long without an head and gouernour, by the counsell of the duke Nestor, and of other, Agamemnon was set againe in his dignitie as he was before.

The day following, the Troyans early in y ^e morning issued out of the citie, in good order: and the Greekes came against them. Then began the battell mortall, and there was great slaughter on both sides: but it rained so much that day, that the Greekes withdrew them to their Tentes, and the Troyans followed after them: but the raine was so great, that they must needes leaue the bat­tell and returne to their citie. On the morrow betimes, they began to fight, and flew that day many barons of the Greekes, and fought till the euen: and so they fought the space of seuen daies continually, where was great slaughter of the one and of the other. And forasmuch as the Greekes might not suffer the stenche of the dead bo­dies, they demaunded truce for two monethes, which were graunted to them by king Priamus.

During this truce, the king Agamemnon sent the duke Nestor, Vlisses and Diomedes, to speake to Achilles, for to pray him, and will him to come to the hoste, for to de­fend thē against the Troyans y ^t slew them maruellously. When they were come vnto him, he receiued them with [Page 544] great ioy. And then Vlisses said vnto him: Sir Achilles, was it not by your agreement, and also ours all this host to leaue our countrey▪ and a ow yeare come running vp­on king Priamus, and haue destroyed him, and his, by force of armes, & do beat downe his [...]itie? From whence commeth this courage, after so many hurts and damages as we haue receiued in this land, by the Troyans y ^t haue slaine so many kings and p [...]intes, pilled and robbed our tents, and burnt our shippes, and we were now in hope to haue vanquished them, alter that ye by your force and valour haue slaine Hector, that was the true defender of the Troyans: and also now that Deiphebus is dead, the Troyans be there with put [...]nder foot, and after this day when ye haue gotten with great trauell to great worship and so good renowme, will ye nowe lo [...]se all at once, and suffer your people to be slain [...]uelly, that ye haue so long defended with the effusion of your bloud? Please it you from henceforth to enter [...]oute & kéepe your good renoume, and defend your people, that without you may not long defend them against your enemies, to the ende, that wee may come to the victorie by your prowesse, by the which we hope to atteine and come to it.

Sir Vlisses, sayde Achilles, if wee be come into this land for these causes that ye haue declared, wee may say that great folly was among vs, that for the wife of one of vs (that is to wit, of sir Menelaus) so many kings and so high princes bee put in perill of death. Had it not béene much more wisedome, for the noble Palamedes to haue abider in peace in his countrey, then for to be slain here, and other kings and princes in like maner? Certes, as the most great part of the world of noble menne be héere how assembled, if they die here, as many be already dead, it must needes follow that the countreys shall be repleni­shed and gouerned by villaines. Hector, that was so no­ble and so worthy, is he not dead? in like wise I may die shortly, that am not so strong as he was. And therfore in [Page 545] as much as ye require me to goe to battell, so much paine and labour loose yee, for I haue no more intention to put me any more in daunger: and loue better to loose my re­nowme then my life: for in the end there is no prowesse, but it will be forgotten. Nestor and Diomedes conten­ded enough to drawe Achilles to their quarrels, but they might neuer induce him to their purpose, nor the wordes of Agamemnon neither. And then he sayd to them, that they shoulde make peace with the Troyans, before that they were all slaine. &c.

Then returned these thrée princes vnto Agamemnon, and sayde to him all that they had found in Achilles: and Agamemnon made it to bee knowen to the princes of the host, whom he had assembled for this cause, and demaun­ded of them their aduice. Then stood vp Menelaus, say­ing, that it would be to vs now great shame to séeke peace with the Troyans, since that Hector and Deiphebus bee dead, and slaine, and that by their death, the Troyans re­pute them as vanquished: and that without Achilles they shoulde well mainteine the warre against the Troyans. To that answered Vlisses and Nestor, and sayde, that it was not maruell though Menelaus desired the warre, for affection to recouer his wife, and that Troy was not so disgarnished, but that they had a newe Hector, that was Troylus, who was little lesse strong and woorthy then Hector. And there was also another Deiphebus, and that was Paris, whom wee ought to doubt as much as the o­ther: and therefore they counselled the peace, and to re­turne home againe to Gréece. Then cried the false trai­tour Calcas, which was traitour to the Troyans, and sayd: Ha, noble men, what thinke yee to doe against the commaundement of the gods? haue not they promised to you the victory, and will ye now leaue it? Certes, that should be great folly: take againe courage to you, & fight ye against the Troyans more strongly then ye haue done before, and cease not til ye haue the victory, that the gods [Page 546] haue promised to you. And then with the wordes of the sayd Calcas, the Gréeks tooke heart to them, saying vere­ly, that they would mainteine the war against the Troy­ans, whether Achilles holpe them or not, and that for him they would not leaue.

CHAP. XXII. ¶Of many battels that were made, on the one side and on the other, to their both great damage: and of certeine truce, and of the death of the noble Troylus that Achil­les slew against his promise, and drew him at his horse taile through out the hoste: and how Achilles slew the king Menon, &c.

WHen the truce of two moneths was passed, they began to fight in battell right sharpely. There did Troylus marueiles of armes, for to reuenge the death of his brother. Dares sayeth in his booke, that hee slewe that day a thousand knights, and the Greeks fledde before him, and the battell endured vnto the night that parted them: the day following, the foureteenth battell beganne hard and sharpe. There did Diomedes marueiles of armes, and slew many Troyans, and hurt them, and addressed him­selfe against Troylus one time, that smote him so harde, that he beate him downe to the earth, and sore hurt him, and reproched him of the loue of Briseida. Then the Gréeks ranne with great strength, and tooke Diomedes vp, & bare him vpon his shield vnto his tent. Menelaus that sawe Diomedes so beaten, adressed himselfe against Troylus, but Troylus that had yet his speare whole, smote him so hard, that hee beate him downe to the earth sore hurt, and was borne into his tent by his men vppon his shield. Then Agamēnon assembled all his strength, and thrust in among the Troyans, and slew many, but [Page 547] Troylus came against him, and smote him downe off his horse: but hee was anon remounted by the helpe of his folke.

Thus finished the battell that day, and Agamemnon sent for to haue truce for six moneths: which were agréed and accorded by king Priamus. Howbeit, it seemed to some of his councell, that he should not grant them for so long. Among these things, Briseida against the will of her father, went for to sée Diomedes that lay sore hurt in his tent, and shee knew well that Troylus that was her loue, had so hurt him Then returned into her minde ma­ny purposes, and in the end she saw that she might neuer recouer Troylus: and therefore assoone as Diomedes were whole, she would giue to him her loue without lon­ger tarrying.

Among these things the king Agamemnon transpor­ted him vnto the tent of Achilles in the company of duke Nestor, and Achilles receiued them with great ioy, and Agamemnon prayed him that he would come forth to the battell, and suffer no more their people thus to be slaine, But Achilles woulde neuer stirre vp his courage for his words: yet forasmuch as he loued Agamemnon, he agréed and consented y ^t his men should go to battel without him: whereof Agamemnon & Nestor gaue him great thanks, & after they had thanked him, he returned into their tēts.

When the truce were passed, Agamemnon ordeined his people to battell, and Achilles sent to him his Mirmi­dones clad & marked with a red signe, for to be knowen. Then began the battell hard and sharpe, to the great da­mage of both partes. There Troylus beate downe the duke of Athens, and slew many of the Mirmidones, and hurt, and fought thus till the night parted them. On the morrow betimes, began the battell sharpe & mortall, the king Philomenus & Polidamas tooke the king Thoas, and had lead him away, had not the Mirmidones rescu­ed him. Then Troylus smote in among them, and [Page 548] slew many and hurt them, but they deliuered to him a great assault, and slewe his horse, and woulde haue taken him. Then Paris and his bastard brethren smote in a­mong them, and brake their ranks, and put Troylus a­gaine on his horse: then was there a fierce fight: there slew the Mirmidones Emargeron one of the bastards of king Priamus of Troy, whereof Troylus had great sor­row, and by the ayde of his people smote in among them, and slewe and hurt many, but they defended themselues valiantly, and helde together, and Troylus ceased not to grieue them, & to enter among them often times. Then came to the battell Agamemnon, Menelaus, Thelamon, Vlisses and Diomedes, with all their people, and began a hote skirmish. There the Greekes did make the Troy­ans to suffer much paine, but Troylus succoured them valiantly, and put himselfe alway where most need was, and slewe and beat downe all that he founde, and did so much by his prowesse, that the Greekes fledde into their Tents, and Thelamon defended valiantly, & made them to recouer the fielde by his prowesse. This was the six­teenth battell, in the which died many knightes of both sides. Troylus ceased not to grieue the Mirmidones, and there was none so puissaunt, nor so strong, that might en­dure against him, and hee did so much, that hee put the Gréeks to flight, and tooke an hundred noble men that he brought into the citie.

When the battell was finished, against the euen the Mirmidones returned vnto the Tent of Achilles, & there was founde many of them hurt, and there were an hun­dred of them dead, whereof Achilles had much sorrowe: and when it was night, he went to bed, and there he had many thoughts, and purposed once to go to the battell for to reuenge the death of his men, and another time hee thought on the beautie of Polixene, and thought that if he went, hee should loose her loue for euer, and that the king Priamus and his wife woulde holde him for a deceiuer, [Page 549] for he had promised them, that hee would helpe no more the Greekes, and when he said in himselfe, that hee had sent his men vnto their aide, and in this thought Achil­les had béen many daies, and that the day came that the seuenteenth battaile began beeing verie much horrible, that dured by seuen daies continually, wherin were ma­ny Greekes slaine, Agamemnon required truce: but the Troyans agreed no longer the truce, but till they hadde buried their dead bodies, and when those daies were pas: sed, the eighteenth battaile began right aspire and fiers. Menelaus and Paris iousted togither, and beate well each other. Polidamas and Vlisses fought togither a great while, and Menesteus beate downe Eneas with iousting. The king Phylomenus beate Agamemnon, and had sore hurt him, if Thelamon had not come on that smote to ground Philomenus sore wounded. Archi­logus the sonne of duke Nestor, assailed one of the ba­stardes of king Priamus named Brum, and smote him so hard with his speare, that hee bare him downe to the ground and slew him. Whereof the Troyans had great sorrow, and aboue all other Troylus was angry, that smote in among the Greekes and had put them to flight hadde not the Mirmidones haue been that resisted him. And therefore Troylus smote in among them, and slewe so many, and beate downe, and did so much, that he made the Greekes to go backe into their Tentes, and alighted on foote and entered into the tentes, and slewe them on all sides: and there was so great a crie, that the sounde came to Achilles, that rested him in his Tent, and de­maunded of one of his seruauntes that was there, what it was? and he said to him, that the Troyans had vanqui­shed the Greekes, and slewe them within their Tents, which were no more able to defend them: and thinke ye to be sure here said he? nay ye shall see anon more then forty thousand Troyans that shall slea you vnarmed: for at this time they haue slaine the most part of your [Page 550] Mirmidones, and they cease not to slea them, and there shall not abide one aliue, but if they be succoured.

At these wordes Achilles did quake for yre, and set be­hinde him the loue of Polixene, and did arme him hastily, and mounted on his horse, and ranne all out enraged as a Lion, and smote in among the Troyans, and spoiled thē, slewe and hurt them in such wise, that anon his sworde was knowne, and the bloud ran in the field all about as he went. When Troylus knewe that Achilles fought with his sword, he addressed him to him, and gaue him so great a stroke, that he made him a great wound and a deepe, that he must needes cease many daies of comming to battaile. Troylus was hurt also by the hand of Achil­les, but nothing so sore, and both fel down to the ground, and the battaile dured vntill the night: and on the mor­rowe they beganne again, and endured vnto the Euen. And thus they fought sixe daies continually: Wherefore there were many slaine on either part. The king Pria­mus had great sorrowe of this that Achilles against his promise was come into the battaile, and thought that he had giuen him to vnderstand a thing that was not: but rather that hee meant for to deceiue him then otherwise, and reproched his wife to beleeue so lightly him: and Po­lixene sorrowed then enough, for she was contented then to haue had Achilles to her husband.

Achilles among other thinges, did heale his woundes, during sixe monethes of truce that they had gotten, which woundes Troylus had giuen him, and he purposed to a­uenge him, and that Troylus should die shamefully by his hand. After these things the nineteenth battel began with great slaughter, and afore that Achilles entered in­to the battaile, he assembled his Mirmidones, and praied them that they would intend to none other thing, but to inclose Troylus, and to hold him without flying till hee came, and that he would not be farre from them. And they promised him that they so would. And he thronged [Page 551] into the battell. And of the other side came Troylus, that beganne to slea and beate downe al them that he raught, and did so much, that about midday he put the Gréeks to flight: then the Mirmidones (that were two thousand fighting men, and had not forgot the commaundement of their Lord) thrusted in among the Troyans, and recoue­red the field. And as they held them together, and sought no man but Troylus, they found him, that hee fought strongly, and was inclosed on all partes, but he slew and wounded many. And as he was all alone among them, and had no man to succour him, they slew his horse, and hurt him in many places, and plucked off his head his helme, and his coife of yron, and he defended him in the best manner he could. Then came on Achilles, when he sawe Troylus all naked, and ran vpon him in a rage, and smote off his head and cast it vnder the féete of his horse, and tooke the body and bound it to the taile of his horse, and so drew it after him throughout the host. Oh what villanie was it to drawe so the sonne of so noble a king, that was so worthy and so hardy? Certes, if anie noblenesse had béen in Achilles, he would not haue doone this villanie.

When Paris knew that Achilles had thus villainou­sly slaine Troylus, he had great sorrow, and so had Ene­as and Polidamas, and laboured to recouer his body, but they might not, for the great multitude of Gréekes that resisted them. On the other part, the king Menon died of sorow for the death of Troylus, and assailed Achilles, and said vnto him in reproch: Ha, ha, euil traitour, what crueltie hath mooued thée to bind to the taile of thy horse, the sonne of so noble a Prince as the king Priamus is, and to drawe him as hee were the most villaine of the world? Certes thou shalt abide it, and ranne vpon him, and smote him so hard with his speare in his breast, that he gaue him a great wound, and after gaue him so ma­ny strokes with his sworde, that hée beat him downe [Page 552] to the ground, and then was the body of Troylus recoue­red with great paine. The folk of Achilles relieued their Lord and set him againe on his horse: and as soone as his strength came to him againe, he came againe into the prease, and encountered the king Menon, and assailed him stoughtly, and the king Menon defended him vali­antly, and did hurt Achilles in many places: but there came so much people on the one side and of the other, that they were parted: then came the night on, that parted them, and made them to cease, and they fought thus the space of seuen daies.

At the seuenth day, when Achilles was healed of his woundes, desiring to auenge him of the king Me­non, he saide to his folke, that if they might encounter him, they should hold him in close, like as they did Troi­lus. Then began the battaile right aspre, Achilles and Menon fought togither, and by great rage beate downe eche other a foote. Then the Mirmidones enclosed him, and tooke him by force, that had no man to succour him. Then Achilles seeing the king Menon in this daunger, he ran vpon him, and slew him with great torment: but Menon gaue him before many great woundes, whereof he lay long after. Among these thinges, Menelaus and Menesteus with a great companie of kinges and prin­ces, and many fighting men, thrusted into the throng and put many Troyans to flight, the which entered into their Citie with doing great mischiefe, forasmuch as the Gréeks chased them so nigh that they slew and hurt many of them.

CHAP. XXIII. How Paris, by the perswasion of Hecuba his mother, slew Achilles in the temple of Apollo, and the son of duke Nestor, and how Paris and Aiax slew each other in bat­taile.

FOr the death of Troilus the king Pria­mus his wife and his children, and all the inhabitantes of the Citie made great sorrow maruelously: and they saide all, that since they had lost Hector, Deyphe­bus and Troylus, they had from thence­forth no more hope of their life then of their death. The king Priamus demaunded truce, and it was agreed and accorded by the Greekes: during the which they did bu­rie honourably the body of Troylus and the body of king Menon. The queene might not be appeased nor comfor­ted for the death of her children, and thought in many manner waies howe shee might be auenged on Achil­les that thus had slaine her sonnes by cruel tyranny. And finally she called Paris, sore weeping, and said to him se­cretly these wordes. Right déere sonne, thou knowest how this traitour Achilles hath slaine by treason thy bre­thren my children, that were with thee, the solace of my life. And forasmuch as he hath so slaine them by treason. me seemeth good, and also iust and right, that he be slaine by treason, and I will tell thee how it shalbe done. The vnhappy man hath many times required mee to haue to his wife Polixene, and I haue giuen to him good hope thereof. I haue purposed to send to him my keeper of my signet, and bid him come to speake to mee in the tem­ple of Apollo, and I will, right deere sonne, that thou be there in waite with a good company of knightes, and then when he shall be come, that ye run vpon him, & slea him, [Page 554] that he escape not with his life. Paris answered, that he would doe this thing in such wise as she hadde deuised, and thereupon hee assembled twenty good knightes in whom he affied him much, and went forth into the Tem­ple of Apollo.

Assoone as Achilles heard the messenger speake, that came from the quéene Hecuba, the foole being euil coun­selled, tooke with him the sonne of duke Nestor, & they went both vnto the temple of Apollo, and assoone as they were come, Paris and his knightes ran vppon him, and Paris cast at him three dartes, wherewith hee hurt him sore. Achilles drewe out his sworde, that had no more ar­mour, and wrapped his arme with his mantell, & smote in among the knightes right fiersly, and slewe seuen of them. But in the end the son of duke Nestor Archilogus, & Achilles, were both slain within the temple: and forth­with Paris commanded, that his body should be cast vn­to the houndes, and to the birds: but at the request of He­lenus, they were put in a place before the temple, for to be kept. And the Troyans had then great ioy, and saide they had no care of the Greekes, ne set nought by them. When Agamemnon knew therof, he sent vnto the king Priamus, for to haue the bodies for to burie them. The king Priamus made them to bee deliuered, and were borne downe to their tentes: then arose a great sorrowe among the Greeks, and said that they had all lost. The duke Nestor might not be comforted for the death of his son, and they made for Achilles a noble sepulture, which by the consent of king Priamus was laide within the ci­tie, at the entry of the gate of Tymbre.

After these thinges the king assembled to his counsell all the nobles of the hoste, and shewed to them, how for the death of Achilles, the most part of them were discom­forted, & discouraged from the war, and therefore deman­ded them if it were good to leaue the warre, or to enter­taine and hold it. Then was there among them diuers [Page 555] opinions, some allowed the warre, and the other blamed it, and at last they concluded al togither with one accord, to maintain the warre, saying, If Achilles were failed, yet for that shoulde not faile the promises of the Gods. Then stood vp Ayax among them, and saide, If Achilles bee dead, let vs send for his sonne whom the king Ni­comedes his graund-sire nourisheth, and teacheth the feates of armes: for I trowe that without him wee may haue no victorie of the Troyans. His counsell seemed good, and by the agreement and will of euery man, Me­nelaus was chosen to go fetch Neoptolomus sonne of A­chilles that was named otherwise Pirrhus.

Among these thinges, when that truce were failed, the 16. day of Iune, when the daies be at the longest of all the yeare, the Troyans beganne the twentith battell against the Greekes, that was right sharpe and hard: this day went Ayax by great folly, to battaile without armes, and bare nothing but his sword.

The Troyans that had lost their best defenders, were not then so hardy as they were woont to be, but for to saue their liues they fought mightily: Paris with all the peo­ple of Perse, that were y ^e best archers, slew many Gréeks, and the king Philomenus fought strongly, and they of Paphlagony came on, that slew many Gréekes, and by force made them to recule. Menesteus iousted against Polidamas, and beate him right fiersly, and ranne vpon him with his sworde, and had taken or slaine him, had not the king Philomenus deliuered him from his hands. Ayax did this day maruels of armes, thus vnarmed as hee was, and slewe manie Troyans, and was not yet hurt. In the end he smote in among them of Perse that Paris lead, and slewe many of them, and made them to turne to flight. When Paris saw his people thus slaine, he shotte to Ayax an arrow enuenomed, and raught him betweene the backe and the sides, & Ayax anon felt that he was hurt to the death, and hée thought that hee would [Page 556] not die, till he had auenged him on him that hadde slaine him, and did so much that hee found Paris, and saide to him, thou hast slaine me with thine arrow: but before that I die, I will slea thee. And also by thee, and for thy cause, be many noble men slaine. And then he gaue him so great a stroke, that he cut a two his face so deepe, that he fell downe dead to the earth: and Ayax fell downe af­ter him. The Troyans tooke the body of Paris with weeping teares, and bare it vnto the Citie, and they were followed vnto the gates. The next night follow­ing Agamemnon made the hoste to approch neere to the Citie▪ and there pight their Tents. And the Troyans kept their walles day and night. Then hadde the Troy­ans no more no hope of their liues, when they sawe that all the sonnes of king Priamus were dead: and there is no tongue that can expresse the lamentations that the king Priamus made, and his wife and his daughters, and the queene Helene, for the death of Paris: and aboue all other, Helene made the most greatest sorrow. The king did burie Paris in a right rich sepulture, and set it in the Temple of Iuno honourably, &c.

CHAP. XXIIII. How the queen Penthesilea came from Amazonne, with a thousand maydens, to the succour of Troy: and slew many Greekes, and after was shee slaine by Pirr­hus the sonne of Achilles.

THen two monethes during whole, the gates of Troy were not opened, and the Troyans did nothing but go in the Citie, and lamented and sorrowed: and the king Agamemnon did send oftentimes vnto the king Priamus, that he shoulde send his men to battaile. But the king Priamus fearing and greatly doubting his [Page 557] destruction would not doe it: forasmuch as hee abode the succours of the queene of Amazone, that was then on the waie for to come vnto the succours of the king Priamus. Amazonne is a prouince, where dwelled then none but women without men, and they were brought vp to war and to fight. They had nigh their countrey an isle, where the men dwelled, and they were accustomed three times a yeare to go thither, in Aprill, May, and Iune, vnto the men, for to haue their companie, and after they returned into Amazonne, and they that had conceiued, and were with childe, if they bare sonnes, they gaue them sucke a certaine time, and after sent them to the fathers. And And if it were a daughter, they held it by them, and did burne off the right pappe, for to beare the better the speare, and taught her the feates of armes. Of this pro­uince, then was the Lady and Queene, a verie no­ble virgine, and a strong fighter, that had to name Pen­thesilea, and she loued wel Hector for his good renowme. When she knew that the Greekes hadde assailed Troy with so great strength, shee went thither, for to succour it with a thousand virgines, for the loue of Hector. And when she was come, and knewe that he was dead, shee made great sorrow, and praied to the king Priamus that hee woulde let her issue out to the battaile against the Greekes, and that she might shew to them how her mai­dens could beare their armes.

At the praier of Penthesilea on the morrowe betimes was the gate opened, and there issued out the king Phi­lemenus, with al them of Paphlagone, Eneas and Po­lidamas with all their people, the queene Penthesilea with all her maidens. The Greekes were anon readie and beganne the battaile hard and sharpe. Mene­steus addressed him to Penthesilea, and shee likewise to him:: and anon shee smote Menesteus downe to the ground, and took his horse, and gaue him to one of her maidens. Then came Diomedes against her, and [Page 558] she receiued him gladly, and smote him strongly that he was turned vpside-downe from his horse, and she tooke from Dyomedes his shield trom his neck, and deliuered it to one of her maidens. When Thelamon saw that shée did such deedes of armes, hee addressed him against her, and she against him, and Thelamon was borne down to the ground, and had lead him into the citie, but Dyome­des came to his reskewe, with great defence: and then she cried to her maidens, that smote in among y ^e Gréeks, by such fiercenesse and yre, that she and they turned thē to flight, and they chased them sleaing and beating them vnto their tentes, and had slaine them all, if Dyomedes had not so greatly resisted thē, who maintained the skir­mish vnto the night, that departed them, and the queene Penthesilea returned into the citie with great glorie: where the king Priamus receiued her with great ioy, & gaue her many faire Iewels and riche, and him seemed well that he should auenge him of his sorrowes. They fought thus many times after, and so long that Mene­laus returned from the king Nicomedes, and brought in­to the hoste Neoptolemus the sonne of Achilles otherwise named Pirrhus.

This Pirrhus was receiued with great glory of al the barons of the hoste, and aboue all other, the Mirmidones were passing ioyous, and held him for their Lord. Then was deliuered to Pirrhus all the conduct of the men of armes, and they made him knight by the hand of the no­ble Thelamon y ^e praied to the Gods to giue him strength and courage in guiding of his sword, and that they would giue him victory and honour for to auenge the death of his father: and two other Princes sette on the spurres of gold, and the king Agamemnon gaue to him al the arms of Achilles his father, and all his other pretious pearles and iewels: and for this new knight & feast of chiualrie, the Greekes made many daies great gladnesse & ioy, &c.

After these thinges came the day of fighting, and the [Page 559] battels were ready on the one side, & on the other. Then began the battaile right hard, Pirrhus that was armed with the proper armes of his father, encountered Poli­damas in his comming, & had slaine him with the great strokes of his sword that he gaue to him, but y ^e king Phi­lomenus came and deliuered him: and then Pirrhus smote from his horse Philomenus, and had lead him a­way, hadde not they of Paphlagone reskewed him with great trauell. Among these things, the queene Penthe­silea entered into the battaile with her maidens, & smote in among the Mirmidones, and slew many of thē. There came then the king Thelamon, that smote to the ground Penthesilea, and she gaue him so great a stroke with her sword, that she beate him downe to the earth in like sorte: and then her maidens relieued her, and set her again on horse, and she smote in among the Mirmidones, that held y ^e king Philomenus in great danger, and many she slew and hurt of thē. When Pirrhus sawe that his men were so euill intreated, he cried to them and saide, that they ought to haue great shame that suffered them to bee van­quished by women: and then he left the king Philome­nus, for to defend his men against the maide. Then ad­dressed the queene Penthesilea nigh to Pirrhus, and re­proched him for that his father had slaine Hector by trea­son, and that all the world ought to run vpon him. Pir­rhus that had so great sorrowe at these wordes, addressed him against her, and anon shee beate him downe to the earth: and forthwith hee rose againe, and assailed Pen­thesilea with his sworde, and she him by great strength: and then was Pirrhus remounted by the aide of his Mir­midones. Then came to the battaile Agamemnon, Dyo­medes, Menelaus, & Menesteus the duke of Athens, with al their people, and so did all the other princes & barons.

Among these thinges, the king Philomenus was de­liuered of the Mirmidones, and he gaue great thankes vnto the queene Penthesilea, and said, that had not shee [Page 560] haue been, he had been slaine. Then came to the battell all the Troyans: and so began the skirmish sharpe and mortall: there encountered Pirrhus Glaucon the sonne of Anthenor, and brother of Polidamas of another mo­ther, and gaue him so great a stroke, that he slew him and fell downe dead to the earth. Then addressed Penthesi­lea vnto Pirrhus, and hee to her, and beate downe each other to the earth: but they remounted anon, and began the fight togither againe: Then came so much people of both partes, that they were parted. Polidamas (for to auenge the death of his brother) slewe that day manie, Greekes, and hurt them, and did so much in armes hee and Penthesilea, that they put the Greekes to flight. Then came to the reskew Pirrhus, Diomedes and The­lamon, and made them that fled, to abide and sustaine the combate: and so they did vnto the night, that each man went into his place: they fought thus euery day a moneth long, in which time were slaine more then ten thousand fighting men of both parties, and Penthesilea lost many of her maidens: and when they had rested a moneth, they began the battell right sharpe.

At this assembly came one against another of Pirrhus and Penthesilea, and brake their spears without falling, but Pirrhus was so hurt, that the truncheon of her speare abode within his bodie: wherefore the crie arose greatly among the Greekes, and they ranne vpon Penthesilea with great strength, and brake the lase of her helme: and then Pirrhus that in his great furie tooke none heede to his wound, set not thereby that hee had the truncheon in his body, but assailed strongly Penthesilea, that had then her helme broken, and shee weend to haue smitten him, but Pirrhus raught her first, & gaue her so great a stroke with his sworde, that hee cutte her arme off by the body, whereof the saide Penthesilea fell downe dead, to the earth: and Pirrhus that was not yet content, smote the body, and cut it in two peeces: and anon for the great [Page 561] effusion of bloud that ran from his wound, he fell downe as dead among his people, and they tooke him vp & layed him vpon his shield, and bare him into his tent. Then the maidens of Penthesilea, for to reuenge the death of their Quéene, smote in among the Mirmidones by great furie, and slew many, and hurt: but it profited but little to the Troyans, as they that were but a few against a great multitude of Gréeks. And so there were slaine of them of Troy that day in the battell, more then tenne thousande men, and the other withdrewe themselues into the citie, for to saue themselues, and shut & closed fast their gates, and had no more intention to issue out to battell against their enemies, &c.

CHAP. XXV. ¶How Anthenor and Eneas spake together among them for to deliuer the citie vnto the Greeks by treason, and did it vnder colour of peace: and howe the king Pria­mus gainsayd them, with some of his bastards by great and rude words.

THe Troyans had very great sorrowe, when they sawe them in this distresse, for they had no more hope to haue any succours from any place, and they endeuoured to nothing, but to keepe well their citie, and to furnish them well with bi­taile: for they feared nor dreaded nought of any assault. Among these things, the Gréeks would haue cast to the dogs the bodie of Penthesilea, forasmuch as she had slaine so many noble men of Gréece: but Pirrus gainsayde it, for the honour and credit of noblenesse: and finally, they concluded, that they would cast it in a pond that was nie the citie. Anchises with his sonne Eneas, and Anthenor with his sonne Polidamas, went to counsell together, for to aduise them, how they might haue their liues saued [Page 562] against the Gréekes, and their goodes, and rather than they woulde faile heereof, they woulde betray the Citie.

Then they concluded that they shoulde speake vnto king Priamus, and counsell him to take a peace and appointment with the Gréekes, in restoring of Helene to her husband, and the damages that Paris did in the Ile of Citharis. O if the king Priamus had beene so happy to haue doone this, and had pleased the Gréekes at the beginning, he had saued his life, and his wifes life, and the life of all his children, and had saued all the Citie and the cittizens, and had eschewed all the mischiefes that came to them afterward. Therefore say men in a Prouerb, that the concorde or peace soone taken is good, for it is an hard thing to reappease such manner damma­ges to him that hath aduantage of the warre. For with great paine would the Gréekes haue beene content (that were thē at the better hand) with these offers, forasmuch as they had suffered so many hurtes and damages before Troy, for them séemed well that they were at the point for to destroy the Citie, and all the inhabitantes. But the aforenamed traitours spake not of this matter, but to the end that vnder colour of peace they might betray the citie, if otherwise, they might not saue their liues.

Then they went before the king Priamus and Am­phimacus one of his bastard sonnes, and spake there of this matter before many noble men of the Citie: and a­boue as king Priamus had heard them speake of pur­chasing of peace with the Gréekes, he thought that they spake this thing by great fury, and beganne to laugh, saying to them, that he would be aduised and take coun­sell first: and then they spake vnto him in this manner: If thou wilt heare our counsell vpon this thing, marke what we shall say, and if it please thée not vse the coun­sell of other. The king saide that hee woulde well heare their counsell, and would wéete what séemed them good, saying vnto them: What séemeth you good? Then spake [Page 563] Anthenor saying: King, you may not dissemble but that you and yours be compassed with your ennemies, who béene héere by your citie, desiring your death and destru­ction, and ye may not issue out: there are more than fif­tie kings that desire nothing but to destroy this Cittie, and you, and all them that dwell therein: yée may no longer resist them, neyther dare ye no more open your gates: and thus we let vs then be inclosed héerein. We ought of two euill things choose the lesse euill: and there­fore, for to haue peace with the Gréekes, if ye séeme good, we will render Helene to Menelaus her husband, since that Paris is dead, and also restore the damage that Pa­ris did doe to them in Gréece, rather than we will suf­fer our selues to be put to the death, &c.

At these wordes arose vp Amphymacus, one of the bastard sonnes of king Priamus, and reprooued egerly the wordes of Anthenor, and saide vnto him, what trust or hope may my Lorde my father and wée haue in thée, since that thou oughtest to haue firme goodwill vnto him and to this citie, and we sée that thus recreant, thou oughtest to liue and die with vs, and thou counsellest vs now to make peace with the Gréekes to our great disho­nour and shame. Truely, before that the king shall doe that, there shall die twenty thousand menne: the thing that thou counsellest the king, commeth of treason. Ma­ny other iniurious wordes said Amphimacus to Anthe­nor: and Eneas beganne to interrupt him, saying, Yée know well that we may not from hencefoorth goe to bat­tell against the Gréekes, and we dare no more open our gates, wherefore it behoueth vs to finde meanes to haue peace with them. Then the king Priamus with great ire saide to Anthenor and to Eneas: haue yée not shame in your selues to speake so to mée? Yée make me die with sorrow: for all that I haue done hitherto, I haue done it by your counsel. Anthenor, at thy return fro Gréece, whi­ther I sent thée to require my sister, counselledst thou not [Page 564] me that I shoulde send Paris into Gréece for to endam­mage the Greekes? And I had neuer taken vpon me for to haue mooued war against them, had not thy false coun­sell beene, which moued me to send thither. And thou E­neas, alas when I sent thee with Paris into Greece, wast not thou principall of the counsell that Paris should rauish Helene, and bring her into this realme, and thou helpedst thereto with thy person? And if thou wouldest haue béene contrary thereto, and haue let it, Helene had neuer seene the walles of Troy. And now after this, that they haue slaine all my children, and done so much dam­mage and hurt, ye counsell mee, against honour, to make peace with the Gréeks, that haue so cruelly destroyed me? Certes, your counsell finisheth my life with great sorow and dishonour, &c.

Of these wordes was Eneas exceedingly angrie and wroth, and answered to the king wordes sharpe and pric­king enough, and departed, he & Anthenor from the king euill content. And when they were gone, the king began to weepe, as hee that dreaded that they would deliuer the citie into the hands of the Greeks, which would slay him incontinent. Then he thought that he would make them die first, and called to him Amphimacus, and sayd to him: Right deare sonne, I am thy father, we ought to support ech other, vnto the death. I know certeinly, that Anthe­nor and Eneas contend for to slay vs by the Gréekes, and to deliuer them this citie: and therefore it should not be ill done to make them fall into the pitte that they haue made ready before ere they doe any such euill, and I will tell thee in what maner. To morrow at euen they will come to take counsell, then thou shalt be ambushed here within, and thou shalt haue with thee good knights, and when they shall bee come, thou shalt runne vppon them, and slay them. Amphimacus made answere vnto him, and sayd, that hee would so doe with a verie good will, and albeit there were no more assembled at this counsell [Page 565] but the king and his sonne: yet there is nothing so secret but otherwhile it is knowne. Eneas knew wel the truth of this thing, and it was not knowne by whom he knew it, and anon hee and Anthenor and some other of their complices, spake forth of the treason of the citie, and there they swore each to other: and then they said, if they went more to counsaile to the king, that they woulde go with great company of men of armes: for Eneas was of the most noble of Troy, and most rich next to the king, and best of linage, and might well compare to the king. And Anthenor was also rich and puissant of friendes in the ci­tie, and their treason was such that they would haue deli­uered the city in the handes of their enemies: So as they and all they of their linage shoulde haue their liues and their goods saued, and thereof they tooke good suretie of the Greekes.

Among these thinges the king Priamus sent for An­thenor, and Eneas to come to counsell, for to performe that thing that he hadde purposed, but they came with a great company of men of armes: and therefore the king sent Amphymacus that hee shoulde leaue off this enter­prise. The day following, the king sent for all the Troi­ans to councel, and when they were assembled before him, Eneas stood vp and willed all them to make peace with the Greekes: to whom all the other accorded saue the king, and then said to him Eneas, Sir king, where­fore consentest not thou with the other, for will thou or will thou not, we will treate for the peace, and wil make it maugre thee. When the king sawe that his contra­diction might nothing auaile, he had leauer consent with the other, then for to be the cause of his destruction, and then said he to Eneas, Let it be made as ye shall thinke that it may bee most expedient to the peace, and I will thinke wel of it. Then by the counsel of them all, An­thenor was chosen for to go to the Greekes, and treat for the peace: and the Troyans tooke branches of Palme in [Page 566] signe of peace, and went vppon the walles of the Citie, and shewed the signe vnto the Gréeks, the which shewed well that they would entend to the peace. And then was Anthenor retyred from the walles and let downe, and was presented to the king Agamemnon. And the king A­gamemnon commised all the work to the king of Crete, Diomedes, and Vlisses, and that all those thinges that these thrée kinges should decree with Anthenor, all the Gréeks promised to hold it agreeable, and sware it vpon their law, &c.

When they were all foure assembled, Anthenor re­plenished with furie, promised to them to deliuer the ci­tie by treason, for to doe with it their will and pleasure, so that they woulde saue him and Eneas and all their kinsmen and parentage, and all them that they woulde choose, and that Eneas should haue all his possessions without any losse. These three kings of Greece swore to Anthenor that thus they would do, and hold: then said one to the other that this thing must be secret, vnto the time it be brought about, and to the end to keepe this treason more secret, Anthenor praied to the Greekes, that they would deliuer to him the king Cassilius that was a very auncient man, for to go with him to Troy, to the intent that he might be the better beleued, and for that he knew the will of the Troians, that is to weet, if they woulde haue peace with the Greekes, and also for to say to them the will and desire of the Greekes, and then demaun­ded Anthenor the body of Penthesilea, which the Gréeks agreed to them gladly.

After these thinges Anthenor and the king Cassilius entred into the citie, and did to be knowne to the king their comming. On the morrow betimes, the king Pria­mus assembled al the Troians, for to heare the answer of Anthenor: the which saide to the king otherwise then hée founde, making a long sermon, for to couer his badde doing.

[Page 567]Where he spake long of the puissance of the Gréeks, and of their truth in their promises, and how they had holden the truce that they made, lying before the citie, & had béen faithfully gouerned without breaking of them, and after spake he of the feeblenesse of the Troyans, & of the daun­gers that they were in: and in this time concluded, that forthwith it were profitable to seeke peace, and that they were come thereto: and said, it coulde not be vnlesse they gaue a great quantity of gold and siluer vnto the Greeks for to restore to them the great damages that they had in the warre. And after they aduised the king & the other, each in himself, for to employ him in this thing without any sparing. And forasmuch (said Anthenor) as I cannot know at this time al their will, I would that yee would let Eneas go with mee vnto them, for to knowe better their will, and to the end that they beleeue vs the better. Euerie man allowed the words of Anthenor: and then went he and Eneas to the Greeks, and with them the king Cassilius.

When the counsel was finished, and all done, the king Priamus entred into his chamber & began to wéep right gréeuously, as he that perceiued wel the treason, & play­ned sore the death of his sons, and the great damage that he bare, and that worse is, he must buy his peace of them that had done to him al this hurt, and to giue them al the treasure that he had in long time gathered togither, & to become poore in his olde daies, and yet hee is not sure of his life, but must needs do the will of them that shal be­tray him. On the other side when Helene knew that An­thenor shuld go to y ^e Gréeks, she praied him right effec­tuously, that he wold make her peace with Menelaus her husband, and that he would take pitie on her: and he pro­mised to her, that he would do to his power.

When Eneas and Anthenor were come into the hoste of the Greekes, they treated of their treason, with the three kinges that the Greekes hadde commised: and [Page 568] there they made the peace for Helen, and tooke good sure­tie. After their communication, the Gréeks ordained that Diomedes and Vlysses shoulde goe with them to Troy, and they went with them. There was great ioy when they heard of their comming into their Cittie, weening to the Troyans to haue had the peace they had so much desired. On the morrow earely, by the commaundement of the king Priamus, all the Troyans were assembled at his pallace, then spake Vlysses, saying vnto them, that the Gréekes demaunded two thinges, that is to wéete, restitution of their damages, and great quantitie of gold and siluer: and also they demaunded that Amphymacus shoulde bee banished for euer out of the Cittie of Troy, without any trust euer to come in againe, (this purcha­sed Anthenor for Amphymacus, forasmuch as he had contraried him afore.) O how great peril it is to speake lightly in time of perturbation and sedition. Then as they were all assembled in parleament, they heard so­dainely a maruellous crie: at that Diomedes and Vlis­ses were in great feare that the people would haue slaine them: then the other said that they would take these two kings in the steade of Amphymacus, to the intent that hee should not be banished: and yet there could no man know nor wéete from whence this noise came, nor wher­fore, therefore they departed, and euery man went into his place, &c.

Then Anthenor drew apart Diomedes and Vlisses for to speake of their euill practises. Then sayd vnto him Vlisses, Wherefore tarriest thou so long, and delayest to do that thou hast promised? Anthenor answered & sayd: The gods doe know that Eneas and I attend to none o­ther thing, but to doe that we haue promised to you, but there is a marueilous thing that hindreth vs, and I will say to you what it is. Certeinely, when the king Ilion founded first the pallace of Ilion in this citie, hee establi­shed in the name of Pallas a great temple in this Citie, [Page 569] and when it was all ready and made, sauing the tower, a marueilous thing descended from the heauen, and that stacke in the wall of the temple within the great altar, and it hath bene there till this time, and none may beare it away, saue they that keepe it: the matter is of tree or of wood, but there is no man that knoweth of what wood, nor howe it is so made: but the goddesse Pallas that sent it thither, gaue vnto this thing a great vertue, that is this, that as long as this sayde thing shall be within the temple or within the citie, within the walles, the Troy­ans may not loose their Citie, nor the kings, nor the heires, and this is the thing that holdeth the Troyans in suretie, and therefore they may the better keepe it. And this thing hath to name Palladium, forasmuch as the goddesse Pallas sent it. Then sayd Diomedes: If this thing be of such vertue as thou sayst, we loose our la­bour. Then sayde Anthenor that they ought nothing to dismay them, for he and Eneas attended for to fulfill the promise, for I haue but late spoken to the Priest that kée­peth it, to the end that he may deliuer it by stealth: and I haue sure trust that he shall deliuer it me for a great sum of golde that I promised him: and assoone as I shal haue it, I will send it to you out of the citie: and then we shal performe that thing we haue promised to you: and ere ye goe hence, for to couer and hide our worke, I will goe vnto the king Priamus, and will let him to vnderstand, that I haue spoke long to you, to knowe what quantitie of golde ye demaunde: and it was so effected as Anthenor had determined.

CHAP. XXVI. ¶Howe the traitour Anthenor bought of the Priest the Palladium: and gaue it to Vlisses: and of the horse of brasse that was by the Greekes brought to the temple of Pallas, being full of men of armes: and how the city of Troy was taken, and burnt, and the king Priamus slaine, &c.

WHen Diomedes and Vlisses were returned into their hoste, Anthenor went vnto the king Priamus, and said to him that hee should as­semble all his folke to counsell: and when they were all come, Anthenor saide to them, that for to come to the peace of the Greekes they must needes pay twentie thousand mark of gold, and that in good weight, and asmuch of siluer, and also an hundred thousand quar­ters of Wheate: and this must be made ready within a certaine time: and then when they haue this, they shall giue suretie to holde the peace without any fraud or sub­tiltie.

There it was ordained how this summe should be le­uied: and whiles they were busie thereaboutes, Anthe­nor went to the Priest that kept the Palladium, the which Priest hadde to name Thoant, and bare to him a great quantitie of golde, and there were they two at counsaile. Anthenor saide to him, that hee shoulde take this summe of golde, wherewith he shoulde bee rich all his life, and that he shoulde giue to him the Palladium, and that no man should knowe thereof, for I haue (saide hée) great feare, and as much dread as thou, that anie man should knowe thereof. And I will send it to Vlis­ses, and hee shall beare the blame vppon him, and euerie man shall say that Vlisses shall haue stollen it, and wee shalbe quit therof both two, &c.

[Page 571]Thoant the priest resisted long the wordes of Anthe­nor: but in the end, for couetousnesse of the great summe of golde that Anthenor gaue vnto him, he consented that he should take the Palladium and beare it away. Then Anthenor tooke it anone, and sent it vnto Vlysses the same night, and after the voyce ranne among the people, that Vlysses by his suttletie had taken and borne away the Palladium out of Troy. O what treason was this of a Priest, that loued better for couetousnesse to betray his citie than to leaue the golde that was giuen him! Certes, it is a fowle vice in a Priest the sinne of coue­tousnesse, but few haue béene before this time, and few be yet, but they be attainted therewith, whereof it is great pittie, since it is so that auarice is the mother of all vices. Whilest that the Troyans gathered together their gold and siluer, and put it in the Temple of Minerua, to kéepe vnto the time that it was all collected, it pleased them to offer and make sacrifice to their god Apollo: and when they had slaine many beasts for their sacrifice, and had put them vppon the Altare, and had set fire vnto them for to burne them, it happened that there came two very straunge maruailes, the first was, that the fire woulde not kindle nor burne, for they beganne to make the fire more than tenne times, and alwayes it quenched, and might neuer burne the sacrifice. The se­cond myracle or maruell was, when they had appointed the entrailes of the beasts for their sacrifice, a great Ea­gle descended from the ayre, crying greately, and tooke with his féete the saide entrailes, and bare them into the shippes of the Gréekes.

Of these two things were the Troyans sore abashed & dismayed, & said that the gods were wroth with them. Then demaunded they of Cassandra what these thinges signified: and shée saide vnto them, that the god Apol­lo was wroth with them for the effusion of the bloud of Achilles that was shedde, wherewithall his Temple [Page 572] was defiled and violated: this is the first, and ye must goe fetch fire at the sepulture of Achilles, and light your sacrifice therewith, then will it quench no more: and they did so, and the sacrifice burnt cleare: and for the se­cond myracle, she said to them, that for certaine, treason was made of the Cittie with the Gréekes. When the Gréekes heard of these myracles, they demaunded of Calcas what it signified, and hee aunswered that the yéelding of the Cittie shoulde come shortely. Amongest these things Calcas and Crisis the Priest counselled the Gréekes, that they should make a great horse of brasse, and that must be so great as might hold within it a thou­sand knights armed: and they saide vnto them, that it was the pleasure of the gods. This horse was made by a passing wise maister, as Appius was, whose name was Sinon, and hee made it so subtilly, that no man might perceiue nor sée entrie nor issue: but within it was easie to them that were closed therein for to issue when they would, &c.

When the horse was fully made, and the thousand knights therein, by the counsel of Crisis, they prayed the king Priamus that he woulde suffer this horse to enter into the cittie, and that it might be set in the tem­ple of Pallas, forasmuch as they saide that they had made it in the honour of Pallas, for a vowe that they had made for restitution of the Palladium which they had caused to be taken out of the same temple, &c.

Among these things the Princes that were yet in Troy, when they saw that the king had so fowly and so shamefully treated with the Gréekes, they went out of Troy, and tooke their men with them, and the king Philomenus led no more but two hundred and fifty men and thréescore maidens of Amazonne that were left of a thousand that came with the Quéene Penthesilea, and carried the bodie of her with them, and trauelled so long that in the ende they came vnto their owne Countrey.

[Page 573]Then came the day that the Gréekes should sweare the peace fainedly vpon the plaine field vpon the sanctu­aries. King Priamus issued out of the cittie and his people, and sware there each partie to holde the peace firmely from thence foorth on: and Diomedes swore first for the Gréekes: after, when they had broken the peace that they had treated with Anthenor of that thing that they concluded after, & therefore they maintained, that they were not forsworne by that colour, as the pro­uerb sayth, He that sweareth by a cautele or maliciously, he by malice forsweareth himself. After that Diomedes sware likewise all the kings and princes of Gréece, and then the king Priamus and the Troyans swore in good faith, as they that knew nothing of the great treason: and after their othes thus made, king Priamus deliue­red Helene to Menelaus her husband, and prayed him and other kings and princes of Gréece, that they would pardon Helen, without suffering to be done to her any iniury or hurt: and they promised him fainedly, that they would doe to her no wrong.

Then prayed the Gréekes, that they might set the horse of brasse within the Temple of Pallas, for the re­stitution of Palladium, to the end that the goddesse Pallas might be to them friendly, in their returne. And as the king Priamus answered not therto, Eneas and An­thenor said to him, that it should be wel done, and that it should be honour to the cittie. Howbeit the king Pri­amus accorded it with euill will. Then the Greekes receiued the golde and siluer, and the wheate that was promised them, and sent it, and put into their shippes. After these things they went all in maner of procession, and in deuotion with their priests, and beganne with strength of cordes, to draw the horse of brasse vnto be­fore the gate of the citie, and forasmuch as by the gate it might not enter into the cittie, it was so great: there­fore they brake the wall of the city in length and height, [Page 574] in such wise as it entred within the towne, & the Troy­ans receiued it with great ioy, but the custome of For­tune is such, that great ioy endeth in heauinesse, and in sorrow. The Troyans made ioy of this horse, wherein was closed their death, and they knew nothing of it. In this horse was a subtile man named Sinon, that bare the keies of the horse, for to open it. When the Troyans were a sleepe, and rested them in the night, forthwith they issued out of the horse, and gaue a token of fire to them that were in the fieldes, to the end that they should come into the Citie, for to put it all to destruction.

The same day the Greekes fained to go vnto Tene­don, and said, that they would receiue Helene, and sette her in safetie, because that the people should not run vpon her, for the great euilles and hurtes that were fallen for her, and thus they departed from the porte of Troy with their sailes drawne vp, and came before the sunne going downe, to Tenedon. Then had the Troyans great ioy when they sawe the Greekes depart, and they supped that euening with great gladnesse: and the Greekes so soone as they were come to Tenedon, they armed them in the euening, and went stilly & priuily toward Troy. When the Troyans had well supped, they wēt to bed for to sleepe. Then Sinon opened the horse, and went out and light this fire, and shewed it to them that were with­out, and anon without delay, they that were in a waite, entered into the Citie by the gate that was broken for to bring in the horse of brasse. And the thousand knightes issued out, and where they found the Troyans they slew them in their houses, where they slept as they that thought nothing.

Thus entred the Greekes into the Citie, and slewe men, women and children, without sparing of any, and tooke all that they found in their houses, and slew so ma­nie ere it was day, that they had slaine more then twen­tie thousand. They pilled and robbed the Temples, and [Page 575] the cry arose to be horrible of them that they slew. When the king Priamus heard the cry (hee knew anon that E­neas and Anthenor had betraied him) he arose then ha­stily and went into his temple of Apollo, that was within his Pallace, as he that had no more trust nor hope of his life, and kneeled before the high altar. Cassandra fled on the other side, as one that had been out of her witte, into the temple of Minerue, weeping and demeaning great sorrowe: and the other noble women abode still in the Pallace, in weepinges and in teares.

When it came to the morrow, the Greekes (by the con­duct of Eneas and of Anthenor that were open tray­tours vnto their Citie, and also to their king and Lord) came and entered into the Pallace of Ilion, where they found no defence, & put to death all them that they found. Then Pirrhus entred into the temple of Apollo, & found there the king Priamus abiding his death: then he ranne vpon him with a naked sword (in sight of Eneas and An­thenor that guided him) he slew there the king Priamus before the high altar, which was all be-bled with his bloud. The queene Hecuba and Polixene fled, and wist not whether to go: and it happened that she met with E­neas, and then said Hecuba to him in a great furie, Ha, a, felon traitour, from whence is come to thee so great crueltie, that thou hast brought with thee them that haue slaine the king Priamus, that hath done to thee so much good, and hath set thee in magnificence, and also hast be­traied the countrey where thou were borne, and the citie that thou oughtest to keepe: at the least let it suffise thée, and refraine thee now of thine intent, and haue pitie of this vnhappie Polixene: to the end that among so many euilles as thou hast done, thou maiest haue grace to haue done one good deede, as for to saue her from death, be­fore the Greekes slea her. Eneas (mooued with Pitie) receiued Polixene in his guard, and put her in a secret place.

[Page 576]Among these things king Thelamon set in the temple of Minerue in kéeping Andromeda the wife of Hector & Cassandra, whom he found there in Ilion, and set the cittie on fire in all places, and brent al the noble cittie, except onely the houses of the traitors, which were kept and reserued. When the cittie of Troy was all brent, king Agamemnon assembled al the most noble of Gréece in the temple of Minerue: and when they were all as­sembled, he required them of two things: one was, that they should hold their faith and trueth to the traitours: the other, that they should take good aduise to part the prey of the cittie. The answer of the Gréekes was such that they would hold their faith to the traitors as for the first point: and as to the second, euery man should bring all the prey in common, and there to part to ech man af­ter his merite and desert. Then spake Thelamon and said, they should burne Helen, for whom so much hurt and euill was come, and that so many woorthy kings & princes had died for. And there was a great murmure hereupon, that with great paine Agamemnon, Vlysses, and Menelaus might saue her. But Vlysses with his faire spéech saide to them so much of diuerse things, that they were content that Helene should haue no harme. And then Agamemnon did so much to all the other, that for his reward, the daughter of king Priamus Cassan­dra was deliuered vnto him. Whilest that the Gréekes held yet their parliament, there came to them Eneas and Anthenor, and aduertised them howe Helenus had alway blamed the Troyans of the enterprise that they made against the Gréekes, and counselled them to put the body of Achilles in sepulture, which they woulde haue giuen to the houndes, and besought them therefore that they would saue his life, and it was agréed and ac­corded to them. And then Andromeda and Helenus in­treated for the two sonnes of Hector, which were saued, albeit that Pirrhus was there against, and debated it [Page 577] a litle, but in the end hee agreed it, and so the children were saued.

After this vproare they ordeined that all the noble women that were escaped from death, should go whither they would freely, or dwell there still, if it pleased them. And after these thinges done, they purposed to depart from Troy: but a great tempest beganne to arise that time that endured a moneth whole before they might go to the sea. Then demaunded the Greeks of Calcas the cause of this trouble that endured so long? and hee aun­swered, that the puissances infernals were not yet ap­peased for the effusion of the bloud of Achilles, that was shed in the temple of Apollo, for the loue of Polixene: and for to appease the Gods, it behooued to sacrifice Po­lixene, for whom Achilles died.

Then Pirrhus enquired diligently where Polixene was become, that was cause of the death of his father, for there was no tidings whither she was aliue or dead? Agamemnon demanded of Anthenor: which said to him, that he knew not where she was, wherof he lied not: and yet for to make an end of all his euilles, he enquired so much that Polixene was found in prison in an olde aun­cient tower, whereas she was put in, and then he went thither and drew her out by force by her armes, and pre­sented her vnto the king Agamemnon, which anon sent her to Pirrhus, the which sent her to the sepulture of A­chilles for to be slaine: and as they led her, there was no king nor prince but that he had great sorrow, for to see so faire a figure of a woman to be lost, and without that she had deserued it, and they had deliuered her from the hand of Pirrhus, if Calcas had not been, that said alway, that the tempest should not cease vnto the time that she were dead.

When the faire Polixene was before the sepulture of Achilles, she excused her verie humbly of the death of A­chilles, and said, that shee was much wroth and sory of [Page 578] his death, and that the kinges and princes of Greece suf­fered her to die against iustice, and without fault or tres­passe: yet that she had leauer haue the death then to liue with them that had taken away and slain al her friends. And when shee had finished her wordes, Pirrhus smote her with his sword (in sight of the queene her mother) and slew her cruelly, and cut her all in peeces, and cast them all about the sepulture of his father. When Hecuba the queene sawe thus her faire daughter slaine▪ shee fell downe in a [...]woone, and after went out of her wi [...], and became mad, and beganne to runne as a vacabond, and all enraged, and assailed with her teeth and with her nailes all that she might come by, and casted stones, and and hurt many of the Greekes. Then they tooke her by force, and lead her into an Ile, and there they stoned her to death. And thus [...] queene Hector ended, and fini­shed her life, and the Gréekes made for her a noble sepul­ture, and put her body therein: and hi [...] Sepulture appea­reth yet in the same Ile vnto this day, &c.

CHAP. XXVII. ¶Of the dissention that was mooued because of the Pal­ladium, betweene Thelamon and Vlisses: and howe Eneas and Anthenor were exiled out of Troy: and how the Greekes returned, and of their aduentures.

WHiles that the Greekes soiourned yet at Troy, and might not depart for the great tempest, after that they had de­stroied all the Citie, and taken all that they found that was good, the king The­lamon made his quarrell before the king Agamemnon for the Palladium that Vlisses had, saying that hee had not so well deserued it as he had done, that had so many times succoured the hoste with vittaile, and [Page 579] also had defended it by his great prowesse: whereas the Host of the Greekes had beene in daunger to haue beene lost, had not he béene, and saide, that hee had slaine the king Polimnestor, to whome the king Priamus had put Polidorus his sonne, and after had slaine the same Poli­dorus, and had brought a great treasour hee found, vnto the hoste of the Greekes. And also he had slaine the king of Frigie, and brought his goodes into the hoste, and al­ledged then, that hee had gotten many realmes to the seignorie of Greece, and other many valiances that hee had done to the honour of the Greekes: and said moreo­uer, that Vlisses had in him no prowesse nor valiance, but only subtiltie, and faire speaking for to deceiue men, and by him haue we gotten to vs great shame, y ^t where wee might haue vanquished the Troyans by armes, nowe wee haue vanquished them by deceipte and fals­hood.

To these wordes answered Vlisses, and saide, that by his valiance and by his wit the Troyans were vanqui­shed: and if he had not bin, the Troyans had béen yet in state and in glory in the Cittie. And after said to Thela­mon: certes the Palladium was neuer conquered by your prowesse, but by my wit: and the Greekes wist not what it was, nor of what vertue it is, vntill I did them to knowe thereof first, by the diligence that I did vse thereto: and when I knew that the Citie of Troy might not be taken as long as it was in the same, I went secret­ly into the citie, and did so much that it was deliuered vnto me, and after we tooke the citie. To this answe­red Thelamon iniuriously, and Vlisses to him in like manner, insomuch that they became mortall ennemies each to other: and Thelamon mena [...]ed Vlisses to the death openly. And yet after that this matter was well discussed, Agamemnon and Menelaus iudged that the Palladium shoulde abide and tarry with Vlisses (and some sayde, that they did likewise make this iudge­ment [Page 580] forasmuch as Vlisses by his faire speaking had sa­ued from death Helene, that Thelamon and other would haue had dead) And with this iudgement they might not be content, for the most greatest part of the hoste said, that Thelamon ought better to haue the Palladium then V­lisses: and therefore Thelamon spake to Agamemnon and Menelaus in many iniurious wordes, and sayd vnto them, that he would be their mortall enemy from thence­forth on. For this cause Agamemnon, Menelaus, and V­lisses helde themselues all three neere together, and had alway after with them a very great number and maruei­lous multitude of most valiant knightes. Then it came to passe, that on the morrow after, earely in the morning, that Thelamon was founde slaine in his bedde, and had wounds in many places of his body, whereof rose a verie great crie in the hoste, and they made great sorrowe, and gaue all the blame vnto three kings before rehearsed. Pirrus that loued excéedingly the king Thelamon, sayde many iniurious words to Vlisses, and to the other. Then Vlisses doubted, and the next night following he and his men entered into their shippes secretly, and went to the sea, for to returne homewarde, and left with Diomedes his friend the Palladium. Pirrus did cause to burne the body of Thelamon, and put the ashes in a rich vessell of golde, for to beare with him into his countrey, to burie it honourably. The hate was great betwéene Pirrus and the king Agamemnon, and his brother: but Anthenor made the peace, and after on a day gaue a dinner vnto all the nobles of Gréece, & did serue them with many meats, and gaue to them faire gifts, &c.

Among these things, the Gréekes reproched Eneas, that he had falsified his othe, in that that he had hid Poli­xene: and for this cause they banished him out of Troy for euer. And when Eneas saw that he might not abide there, hee prayed them earnestly that they would accord and agree that hee might haue the two and twentie [Page 581] shippes that Paris had with him into Gréece, and they graunted to him his request, and gaue vnto him foure monethes space for to repaire them, and furnish them of all such necessaries that they lacked. Anthenor de­parted after from Troy with his good will, and led with him a great number of Troyans: but the history telleth not whither he would go. Eneas greately hated Anthe­nor, forsomuch as by him hee was banished out of Troy: and was in great sorrow, because Anthenor was not as well banished as he. And for this cause Eneas assembled all the Troyans, and saide to them: my friendes, and my brethren, since that Fortune hath put vs in the state wherein we be, we may not liue without a head and go­uernour: and if ye will doe by counsell, ye shall choose Anthenor, and make him your king, for he is wise e­nough to gouerne you. This counsell séemed good to the Troyans, and they sent after Anthenor that returned a­none vnto them: and as soone as he was come, Eneas as­sembled a great number of people for to runne vpon him, as he that was most mighty in Troy. Then the Troy­ans prayed him that he would cease, since that the warre was finished, and that he would not beginne it againe. How (saide Eneas) shoulde wee spare one so hainous a traitour, that by his great villany hath caused Polixene the faire daughter of king Priamus to die, and by him I am banished out of Troy, that should haue counselled and holpen you: and now I must néedes leaue you? E­neas saide so much to the Troyans, that they bannished Anthenor for euer out of Troy, and constrained him a­none to goe his way out of the towne, &c.

Anthenor entred into the sea with a great company of Troyans, and sailed so farre that he fell among men of war and pirates of the sea, who ranne vpon him and slew many of his men, and hurt and robbed and pilled of his ships: and in the end Anthenor escaped from them, and sailed so farre that he arriued in a Prouince named [Page 582] Gerbandy, wherof the king Tetides was lord and king, a iust man and a courteous. In this land arriued Anthe­nor with a few shippes, and rested on the side of a greater Ile, that was nigh vnto the port. He saw the countrey faire and full of woodes and of land, and of fountaines, and there he builded a citie to him and to his people, and fortified it with walles and good towres. And when the Troians knew thereof, many went thither and dwelled there with Anthenor, and the citie grew apace, and was full of people, and Anthenor gouerned him so wisely in this land, that he was well in the grace of the king Te­tides, and was the second after the king in his realme: and named his citie Cortiremetralum.

Cassandra that was left at Troy, had great sorrow for the great mischiefes that were fallen to her friends: and ceased not to weepe and waile: and when shee hadde de­meaned long her sorrow: the Greekes demaunded her of their estate in their returning home: of which she saide to them, that they should suffer many paines and great perils ere they wer come into their countrey: and after she said to Agamemnon, that they of his owne house shoulde slea him. So it happened to him after, and to all the o­ther, like as Cassandra had deuised to them and said. Of the king Thelamon were left two sons, of two quéenes, the eldest was named Hermicides of the queen Glausta: and the other of the queene Thymissa had to name An­chisatus: these two children nourished the king Theu­ter til they were great to beare armes.

Among these thinges Agamemnon and Menelaus de­maunded leaue for to returne into their landes: and the most great of the hoste gaue thē leaue, being sore vexed, forasmuch as they had been taken as suspect of the death of Thelamon, with Vlisses which was stollen away like a theefe, wherefore he shewed well, that he was culpable of the death. Thus these two brethren put them to the fea for to returne home, and in the entrie of the Winter, [Page 583] when the sea is most daungerous, anon after the other Greekes entered into the Sea, as fooles and euill adui­sed for the doubtes of the Sea, and had their shippes all charged and laden with the richesse, whereof they hadde spoiled the riche citie and realme of Troy: and for the great desire that they had for to be at home in their coun­trey, they beganne to returne thus in the middes of the Winter, and set apart all daungers and perilles, which fell vnto them. About the houre of noone, came a great tempest, and surprised them sodainly, with great thun­der and raine, with winde and with great waues of the sea that casted their shippes heere and there in the sea: and brake their mastes, and all to rent their sailes. And when the night came, which was long and darke, the shippes left each other in sayling before the winde, some in one place, and some in another, and many were burnt with lightening and thunder that fell vpon them, and many were drowned and sunke into the Sea: and they that were therein were dead and drowned, and the great riches of Troy lost. Oyleus Aiax that had xxxii. shippes in this companie, had all his ships burnt and perished, and he himselfe by the force of his armes and legges all naked swimming came and arriued a land, all swollen with the water that hee had drunken, and lay a great while vpon the grauel, more looking for death then life: and anon after came other in likewise, that were so sa­ued with swimming, which were discomforted in their mishap and vnhappinesse. This mischiefe came to this Aiax, forasmuch as he drew Cassandra out of the temple of Minerue. And it happeneth oft time, that many be punished for the sin and trespasse of one man, &c.

CHAP. XXVIII. ¶How the king Naulus and Cetus his sonne did spoile on the sea manie shippes of the Greeks, in their return for the death of his sonne Palamedes, and of the death of the king Agamemnon, and of the exile of Diome­des, and of his calling backe by Egee his wife, &c.

IN this time there was a king in Gréece named Naulus that was very riche and puissant, and his realme stood vpon the side of the Sea of Greece toward the South. In the which Sea were great rockes and high, and many mountaines and hilles of sand which were right perillous. The king was father of Palamedes, that was slain before Troy, and hadde yet a sonne named Cetus: there was none in Gréece so rich, nor so puissant a king.

Nowe were there some euill people there that coulde not be in ease without greeuing and annoying of other, which made the said king Naulus to vnderstand, and his son king Cetus, that Palamedes was not slain in bat­taile, so as the voice ranne, but hee was slaine couertly by Vlisses and Diomedes. Agamemnon and Menelaus had made and contriued a false letter, wherein was con­tained that Palamedes would haue betraied the hoste of the Greekes, whiles he was emperour of the hoste, for a great quantitie of gold: and they made this letter to bée put by the side of a knight that was slaine. And then V­lisses treated in such wise with one of the secretaries of Palamedes, for a great summe of money, such as the Letters contained: and this Secretarie by the induc­tion of Vlisses put this summe of mony vnder the head of [Page 585] Palamedes whiles he slept. And as soone as the secreta­rie had said to Vlisses that he had done: then Vlisses slew this Secretary priuily, and forthwith did so much that this letter came into the handes of the Greeks, that read it, and were all abashed when they saw in writing the treason, and the summe contained in the same laide vnder his head. They went then into his tent, and found the trueth of this thing, and woulde haue runne vppon Palamedes: but he offered himselfe to defend it against whom soeuer woulde prooue it: and so there was none that durst fight against him. Then Vlisses did so much by his faire language, that this thing was appeased: and it seemed that it was best that Palamedes should abide in his dignitie.

After this thing thus appeased, Vlisses and Diome­des on a day did Palamedes to vnderstand, that they knew a pit, wherein was much treasure, and that they would that he hadde his part: and that hee should go the night following. When the night was come, they went all three alone without more company, and there offe­red Palamedes for to go down into the pit first, and they said, that they woulde followe: and assoone as hee was within, the other two cast stones vpon him so many, that they slew him, and after returned to their tentes priui­ly. This thing said, these men charged king Naulus, and Cetus of the death of Palamedes: and all was false. Then the king and his sonne began earnestly to thinke how they might auenge them of the Greekes. They knew well that the Greekes were vppon returne in the heart of the Winter: and that they must passe by his realme. And then the king Naulus did crie in all his realme, that men shoulde make great fires euery night vpon the mountains that stood by the sea side. And this did he to the end, that when the Greekes shoulde see the fire by night they shoulde come thither, weening to finde good hauen: and if they came, they should find hard [Page 586] rocks and mountaines of sand. And so they shoulde not escape without death. It was thus done, as Naulus had deuised, there were nigh two hundreth ships of y ^e Gréeks broken against the rocks: and all they that were therein were drowned. When the other shippes that followed them heard the noyse of the shippes that so were broken, and the c [...]e of them that were drowned, they turned on the other boord, and made to seawarde, and saued them­selues. Of them that escaped, were Agamemnon, Me­nelaus, Diomedes, and some other that shall bee named hereafter.

Cetus, that otherwise was called Pellus, had great sorrow, when hee knew that Agamemnon was escaped: and then he thought long, how he might auenge himself. When hee was come home, and was ariued in his owne land, he wrote a letter to Clitemnestra the wife of Aga­memnon: and this letter conteined, that for certaine A­gamemnon her husbande had espoused one of the daugh­ters of king Priamus, and that he loued her greatly, and brought her with him into his countrey for to make her Quéene, and to put out Clitemnestra, or to slay her: and therefore Cetus aduertised her, to the end that she might prouide for her selfe. Clitemnestra anon beléeued these letters, and thanked Cetus enough, and thought that she would auenge her of her husband. This Clitemnestra, in the absence of her husband, loued a man named Egistus, by whom she had a daughter named Erigona: she loued more her loue Egistus, then euer shee did her husband, though he was come of lowe bloud. But it is the custom of a woman that doth amisse, to take one to her of lesse value than her husband is. Shée had treated with Egi­stus, that the first night that Agamemnon shoulde lie with her, he should runne vpon him and slea him. This thing was done in like manner as shée had purposed: and Agamemnon was slaine, and laide in the earth: and anone after, Clytemnestra tooke to husband her loue [Page 587] Egistus king of Michmas.

Agamemnon thus slaine, had a sonne of this Clytem­nestra that was named Horestes, a yong childe, which Calcibus his cousine had in kéeping, and tooke him from his mother, to the end that she should not slea him: and after sent him to the king of Créete Idumeus that was his vncle. And he had great ioy of him: and so had his wife Tharasis also, that loued him as much as Clytem­nestra her daughter, that had no more children but her, and she was a faire yong maide. Thus as Cetus had written to Clytemnestra the wife of Agamemnon, in like manner he wrote to the wife of Diomedes named Egée, who was daughter of the king Polimites of Ar­simens, and sister of Assandrus, that returned from Troy with Diomedes his brother in lawe. So it happe­ned in their returning, that they went into the land of king Thelephus, which was euil content, and went a­gainst them with a great company of men of armes, and assailed them: and they defended them strongly. And As­sandrus slew many of the knightes of Thelephus, wher­of he had great sorrow and was angry, and tooke a great speare, & addressed him against Assandrus with so great force, that he smote him to the earth, and slew him. Di­omedes, to auenge the death of his brother in law, slewe many knightes of Thelephus, and recouered the bodie of Assandrus with great trouble and paine, and bare it into his shippe.

Thus died Assandrus, but it was not so reported to Egée his si [...]ter: but it was tolde her, that Diomedes her husband had slaine him, to haue all the seignorie of Archi­mens, whereof Assandrus had the one halfe against his sister Egée. Of these tidings, and of them that Cetus had written, Egée was angry with Diomedes her husband, & wrought so with her people, that they promised her they would no more receiue Diomedes for their lord. Thus when Diomedes returned, his wife ne his folk would re­ceiue [Page 574] him, but banished him out of the countrey of Archi­mens for euer. Then happened he to arriue in Sala­mine, where king Theuter brother of king Thelamon was. This king heard say, that Diomedes was culpa­ble of the death of his brother, with Vlysses: where­vpon he commaunded that Diomedes shoulde be taken. But Diomedes hearing thereof, fledde thence. King Demophon, and king Athamas being arriued in their landes, were banished by semblable manner. Then ar­riued they in the land of Duke Nestor, which receiued them with great ioy. These two kings purposed to goe into their lands with men of armes, and take vengeance on their people. But Duke Nestor blamed them there­of: and counselled them that they should first send to them to admonish them to receiue them for their Lords, and promise to them great franchises and liberties. Thus did they as Nestor had counselled them: and it was not long after, but that their people receiued them, as aforesaid.

While Eneas abode in Troy to repaire his shippes, he indured many assaults of his neighbours, that would haue taken as a prey all the remnant of the Troyans. And forasmuch as he might not abide there longer then his terme assigned vnto him by the Gréekes: he assem­bled the Troyans, and councelled them that they should send and séeke Diomedes to be their king, and said vnto them, he would come willingly, forasmuch as he was driuen out of his countrey: and he was both wise and valiant. So they sent for to séeke Diomedes, and found him: who came foorthwith, and found the Troyans besieged by their neighbour nations, Eneas then pre­pared to the battel: in which Diomedes bare himselfe so valiantly that he tooke away prisoners, and hanged ma­ny as théeues. In the fift battell he behaued himselfe so, that he gat the vpper hand altogither of his ennemies, and conquered them all: so as there were none of his [Page 589] neighbours that durst assaile the Troyans.

During these things the nauie of Eneas was ready, wherevpon he tooke shipping with Anchises his father: and being at sea, they resolued to go and seeke an habita­tion where the gods and fortune would assigne. During their aduentures at sea many perils happened, and ro­uing at randon this way and that way, they sayled by Hellespont, and thence passing arriued at Tuskane in I­talie: from whence sayling they came to Carthage, and thence againe to Italie. The storie whereof who lift to peruse, let him reade Virgil. When Egea the wife of Diomedes knew that the Troyans had intertained Di­omedes, and that he had discomfited their ennemies, shée doubted that Diomedes would also take vengeaunce on her. Then she councelled with her people, and by their aduise she sent for him to come vnto her: who came with a good will, and had good intertainement, In like man­ner did sundry Lordes that had béene exiled, returne a­gaine to their wiues and houses, and enioyed their olde seigniories, as many as had escaped the daunger of the sea.

CHAP. XXIX. How Horestes sonne of King Agamemnon cruelly auen­ged himselfe of the death of his father. And how king Vlysses, after sundry perillous aduentures returned to his Country and kingdome.

THen Horestes the sonne of king Agamem­non, who was twenty and foure yeares of age, and had béene brought vp vnder king Idumeus, was by the said Idumeus made knight, at whose knighting was great fea­sting and sport. Then Horestes prayed him that he would [Page 590] helpe him with his people to be auenged of the death of his father, and to recouer his land againe. Whereupon Idumeus deliuered to him a thousand armed men wise and hardie. And Horestes gathered out of other places an other thousand: so passing toward Michmas he went by Trasim, where Forensis was Lorde and gouernour, of whome he gat a hundred souldiers: this did Forensis for the hatred that he bare to Egistus, forasmuch as the saide Egistus hauing espoused his daughter, forsooke her for the loue of Clitemnestra. So he ioynd with Horestes to make war against Egistus. This expedition was ta­ken in hand at the beginning of the moneth of Mate. When they came before Michmas, those that kept the cittie would not yéelde it. He then besieged it round: for Horestes had aunswere from the gods, that hée should be auenged of his mother with his owne handes, albeit that she was fast closed within that fortified cittie. Egi­stus was not al this time within the citie, but was gone to procure aide and succours of men of warre from other places, against the comming of Horestes his enemy, by the instigation of his wife Clytemnestra.

When Horestes vnderstoode thereof, he layed a great ambush of armed men, to surprise Egistus in his return, and therewith also layed fresh and hote assaults daily to the citie: which being not wel fortified, was by Horestes taken after fiftéene dayes siege: who appointing his men to kéepe due watch and warde, that none should goe out nor in at the gates, went himselfe to the pallace royall, where he tooke his mother, committing her to safe pri­son, and caused them to be apprehended that were any wa [...] guiltie of the death of his father, and that had re­belled against him. The same day returned Egistus with his new aides, thinking to haue gone vnto the rescue of the ci [...]ie but by the way he was taken by the ambush of Horestes, who slew all his men, and carried him to Ho­restes with his hands bound behind him.

[Page 591]On the morrowe after Horestes caused his mother Clytemnestra to bee brought before him starke naked, with her handes bounde, whome as soone as euer hee sawe, hee ranne at her with his naked sworde, and first hee cutte off her twoo pappes, and after slew her, and caused her body to be drawen into the fieldes, and there to be left for dogges and the birds of the ayre to de­uoure. Then he made Egistus to be taken and stripped, and to be drawen naked thorough the citie, and after to be hanged. And in like sort dealt he with those that were found to haue béene culpable of his fathers death. This vengeance tooke Horestes for the death of good king A­gamemnon his father.

Menelaus after sundry great perilles by sea, at length arriued in Créete, hauing with him Helene his wife: who hearing of the death of his brother, and how cruelly Horestes had putte his owne mother to the death, was sore displeased with his nephew. At that same time came to Menelaus all the greatest Lordes and Nobles of Gréece, for whose sake all the Gréekes had suffered so much trouble and vexation. From Créete Menelaus sailed to Michmas, and tolde Horestes, that he was not woorthy to be king or gouernour, for that he had so cruelly put to death his owne mother. Whereuppon Menelaus assembled at Athens all the chiefe nobles of Gréece, to the end to depriue Horestes of his raigne and gouernement, for the tyrannous murthering of his mother. Horestes excused himselfe thereof, saying, the gods had appointed him to doe that which hee hadde done.

At this the duke of Athens rose vp, and offered to bée champion in maintaining Horestes his cause gainst any that would withstand it, by combate or otherwise: which challenge of his being by no man accepted, Horestes was iudged guiltlesse, and was suffered still to enioy his kingdome. But vpon this quarrell Horestes conceiued [Page 592] such mortall hatred against Menelaus his vncle, that hée afterward bare great euill wil to him. Notwithstanding king Idumeus came within a while to Michmas, and so reconciled them each to other, that Horestes tooke to wife Hermione the daughter of king Menelaus and of Helen. Whereat Erigone the daughter of Egistus and of Cly­temnestra had so great sorrow, that she hanged herselfe, being gréeued that Horestes prospered so well.

During these affaires, Vlysses came into Créete with two Marchants shippes, for he had lost all his own shippes, and the chiefe of his goodes by rouers or pirates at the sea. After which losse, hée arriued (by mishappe) within the countrey of king Thelamon, where he lost the residue of his goodes, and they of the countrey would haue hanged him, had it not béene, that by his witte and cunning he escaped their handes. After that hée arriued in the countrey of king Manlus, who hated him for the death of his sonne Palamedes: yet there he so handled the matter by his wit and industrie, that he got out of their handes also. In the end comming againe into Créete, he was friendly intertained by king Idumeus, who won­dered to sée him in so poore a case, demaunding him of all his aduentures, and how he had sped since his departing from Troy. To al which Vlysses replied, shewing how many and howe great perilles he had passed by sea, and how he had lost all his men and goodes that he brought with him from Troy. King Idumeus had pittie on him when he heard these things, and gaue him honourable and bountifull entertainement, for as long as he would stay with him. When he would néeds depart to returne into his owne countrey, Idumeus gaue him two ships furnished with all things necessarie for his voyage, and riches with him great plenty, requesting him that hée would take his way homeward by the Countrey of king Alcinous, to whome he should be very welcome, &c.

Thus Vlysses departing from Créete, came vnto king

Alcinous who received him joyfully, and was much delighted with his communication. There Vlisses told of Penelope his wife, how many noble-men had requested her love, yet none could obtain it, but she still abode constant: and how certain of his lands were unjustly detained from her during his absence: the truth of which, his Son Vlisses Thelamonious coming thither assured him thereof. Whereupon Vlisses prayed Alcinous that he would accompany him to his Realm with a great company of armed [Page] men, to help him again to his right. To which Alcinous willing­ly agréed. So they sailed by Sea, and on a night arrived in his Country, and coming to the houses of his enemies, slew them all, on the morrow after, Ulisses came to his Pallace, where he had Royal entertainment, of all sorts of people: but especially Penelope his wife made great joy for his coming, which she had long desired. His people then came from all places, with many rich presents, to welcome him home. Great was the joy, and most honourable the entertainment that Vlisses had at his re­turn shewed him. Then he dealt with King Alcinous, that he gave to his Son Thelamonius, his daughter Nausica to wife. The wedding being celebrated with great solemnity, Alcinous departed home again, into his Country, leaving Vlisses quietly possessed in his Realm.

CHAP. XXX. Of the dealings of Pyrrhus after his return from Troy: and how Horestes the Son of Agamemnon slew him at Delphos, for that he had gotten away Hermione his Wife.

PYrrhus the Son of Achilles, and of Dyadamis, daughter of Lycomedes, which Lycomedes was Son to Acastus an old King, and greatly hated of Acastus his Grand-father by the mo­ther side. It is not recorded how this hatred grew. But this A­castus having driven Peleus out of his Kingdome of Thessaly, laid wait to have slain Pyrrhus in his returne from Troy.

Pyrrhus passing through many perils at Sea, was driven by foul weather, to cast most part of his riches hee brought from Troy into the Sea: and arriving at Molosse he going ashore, was given to understand, that K. Peleus his Grandfather, by the Father-side, was exiled from his Kingdome by Acastus, and that many Ships were hired to lye in wait to slay him: whereat he was sore displeased. King Peleus then knew not how to save himself, because Philistines and Menalippus the two Sons of A­castus, sought by all means to slay him. In the end Peleus re­membred him of an old building, that stood half a mile from the City of Thessaly, betwéen the Sea and the City: this place [Page] was encompassed about with Rocks and walls, having great Cellers under ground, into which by a little hole grown over with bushes, a man might go.

Into these Vaults King Peleus got him, and there he abode until the return of his Nephew Pyrrhus from Troy, by whose good help, he trusted to avenge himself of his enemies. [...] whose coming he often went to look on the Sea coast. When Pyrrhus with his Ships were landed, he addressed himself to Thessalie, against K. Acastus: and the better to atchieve his purpose, hée sent his two Secretaries, the one called Crispus, and the other Adrastus, to one Assandrus, a man of great honour in Thessalie▪ (which Assandrus was a great friend both to him, and to Peleus) for to have his counsel and help. The Messengers having béen with Assandrus, returned to Pyrrhus, assuring him of his friend­ly ayd. Whereupon Pyrrhus hoysed Sail, and making towarde Thessalie, they were by a sudden Tempest driven in at the Port [...]epeliadim, half a mile from Thessalie near about where Pe­leus kept in the Vaults. Then Pyrrhus went ashore to rest him­self, and take fresh aire, and by chance he went walking to the Cave where Peleus was hidden: and passing along the bushes▪ he fell into the hole, where was the descent into the Cave, where he found Peleus his Grandfather▪ Peleus knowing him by his countenance, for he resembled much his Father Achilles▪ embraced him joyfully, and made known unto him all his mis­fortunes, and the wrongs that he had sustained by the means of Acastus, and his Sons. Tydings hereof came to Philistines and Menalippus the Sons of Acastus, who were on hunting in a Forrest there by. Then Pyrrhus apparrelled himself in begger­ly apparrel, and leaving his Grandfather with his Ships, went alone with his sword into the Forrest, where he met with Phi­listines and Menalippus, who demanded of him, what he was▪ Pyrrhus said, he was a Grecian, that returning from Troy▪ in company with 500. more had escaped his life from Ship-wrack, and lost all that he had in the Sea, being now driven to beg for his sustenance: wherefore hee did beséech them, if they had brought any victuals with them, they would give him some thing to eat. The two brethren said, that he should abide with them: which thing he granted.

[Page]Vpon this parley a great Hart came running by them, at the [...]ght whereof Menalippus put spurs to his Horse and followed on the chase: and immediately Philistines alighting off his horse to rest himself, Pyrrhus ran him thorow and slew him: and Me­nalippus afterwards returning again, was also slain by Pyrrhus. Thus Pyrrhus slew his two Vnkles, the brethren of Thetis the Mother of Achilles his Father. Passing from thence, hee met with Chinaras, one of the houshold of Acastus, of whom deman­ding where the K. Acastus was? and understanding that he was hard by, he slew Chinaras, and going in haste to his ships he ar­rayed him in precious robes, and so came back again to the For­rest: and méeting with King Acastus, the King asked him who he was? I am (said he) one of the Sons of King Priamus of Troy, who now am Prisoner to Pyrrhus. Where is Pyrrhus (said the King?) He pointed him toward the Sea. And as hee was looking toward the Sea-coast, Pyrrhus drew his sword and would have slain him, had not Thetis béen, who knew Pyrrhus, and cryed out saying: Ah dear Nephew what wilt thou do? Wilt thou kill my Father as thou hast killed my two brethren, thy Vnkles? and thus saying, [...]he caught him fast by the arme, that he was about to strike withall. Then Pyrrhus replyed say­ing: the King Acastus thy Father, hath wrongfully exiled K. Peleus thy Husband: let him restore him unto his right and I will save his life. King Acastus was content therewith: then a peace was concluded betwéen them all thrée, and they loved well together. After this, Acastus said to Peleus, I am old, and can no longer govern this Realm: and those are gone that should have succéeded mée in this Kingdome. Therefore if it please thée, let Pyrrhus my dear Nephew take on him the Govern­ment. Peleus was well contented: and then was commandement given to all the Barons of Thessaly, that they shoul [...] do homage to Pyrrhus as their King and Soveraign: whereto the Barons with great joy and liking accorded. Thus was Pyrrhus crowned King of Thessaly and estéemed the most redoubted King in all Greece. Idumeus King of Creet dyed shortly after, leaving be­hind him two Sons, Merian and Loarca. Loarca dyed shortly af­ter his Father, and Me [...]ian enjoyed the Kingdome. Thela [...] ­ [...]us

Thelamonius the sonne of Vlisses had a sonne by his wife Nausica, named Deiphebus.

After all these things accomplished, Acastus went and buried his two sonnes in Thessalie, by the consent of Pirrhus: and it happened that when Pirrhus was pro­moted to this royall dignitie, hee became enamoured of Hermione daughter of Helene, and wife to Horestes. Her he so courted, and allured by many intisements, that hee got her away from her hu [...]bande into Thessalie, and tooke her to his wife. Horestes was sore grieued at this iniurie offered: yet he durst not assaile him with battell in his owne Realme, but sayd that he would ere long be auenged of this indignitie, assoone as time & place would serue. It came to passe shortly after y ^e Pirhus wēt to Del­phos, for to giue thankes vnto his god Apollo, for the good successe he had obteined in Thessalie, in reuēging his fa­thers death, & getting the kingdom: and leauing in his pallace behinde him Andromache sometime the wife of Hector, and Laomedon her yong sonne, in his absence it was found, that the sayde Andromache was with childe by Pirrhus, wherat Hermione took displea [...]ure, so that she sent word to Menelaus her father, how [...] Pirrhus for the loue of Andromache had forsakē her, requesting him, that during the abode of Pirrhus at Delphos hee would come and kill Andromache and Laomedon her sonne. At [Page] her request Menelaus came, and with naked sword ran at Andromache, who caught in her armes Laomedon her yoong sonne, and ran into the city crying for ayde.

Vpon sight hereof the city rose in armes, for to defend Andromache and her yoong sonne from the outrage and daughter: wherupon Menelaus was forced to retire in­to his countrey without atchieuing his purpose. When Horestes also vnderstoode of Pirrhus his being at Del­phos, hee went with all speed thither, and meeting him, slew him with his owne hands, and caused him to be bu­ried. Shortly after this, did Horestes recouer againe his wife, and carried her into his owne Realme. When Pirrhus was dead, Peleus and Thetis tooke Androma­che that was with child by Pirrhus, with her litle sonne Laomedon, and sent them into the citie of Molossa, where Andromache was deliuered of a [...] sonne, which she named Achilleides. This [...] when he was growne to yeares, holpe his brother Laomedon to bee king of Thessaly, and willed, that for his sake all the Troyans should be set frée. Héere the storie saieth, that the sister of king Menon (which Menon Achilles slew before Troy, and whome king Priamus buried by his sonne Troylus) came in very [...]tly apparell to Troy, and opening her brothers sepulchre, tooke out his bones: which so soone as she had, she with them vanished soden­ly, no man knew whither, or which way. And it is said, that eyther shée was a Goddesse, or the daugh­ter of a Goddesse.

CHAP. XXXI. Of a Vision that Ulisses had in his sleep: and how Thelagonus the Son of Vlisses by Queen Circe, came to seek Vlisses and slew him, not knowing who he was.

AS Vlisses was sléeping on his bed, he saw a vision, in which there séemed before him, a wonderfull fair creature, the most beautiful that ever he saw, which he would fain have em­braced, but the Image would not suffer him. And he going after it, the Image asked him, what he would have: he answered, that he was desirous to joyne with it in carnal copulation. Then said the Image: Oh, a woful conjunction will this be, for thereupon one of us must dye. Moreover, to him séemed, that the Image held a Spear, about the head was a pensil cunningly wrought all over with fishes. And to him séemed, that the Image depar­ted away and said: this sight betokneth destruction that shall happen to us two. When Vlisses awaked, he was troubled to think of his dream, and being desirous to know what it might signifie: he sent unto the Soothsayers of his Realm, to enquire what this Vision might presage: who having considered thereof, said: that his own Son should kill him. Vpon this, he fearing his Son, caused him to be apprehended and surely kept. After­ward he made him to dwell in a Castle, that stood alone, where with a few of his trusty Friends and Servants, he spent the time: and this Castle none might come unto but those few of his own retinue: and they not to passe or re-passe but at certain times, by a draw-bridge and a wicket, the Castle being watred round a­bout. Now it had so fallen [...]t before, that in his return from Troy, Vlisses had arrived in an Isle where Circe was Quéen and [Page] Governour, which was the cunningest woman in the world in inchantment.

This Circe by her witchcraft made Vlisses stay with her a time at his returne, and conceived by him a Son, whom she na­med Thelagonus. And about the time of Vlisses his dwelling in his Castle: Thelagonus being grown to ripe years, and being a stout young man, would néeds know of his Mother, who was his Father. After much intreaty she told him, who was his Fa­ther, and where he did dwell.

Thelagonus very glad hereof, and desiring to sée his Father, travelled forthwith to Achaia, and hearing where U [...]isses dwelt, he went thither: and coming on a Monday morning, he request­ed those that kept the bridge, that they would let him go in to speak with Ulisses. The Porters would by no means yeild ther­to, but thrust him back churlishly whereat he taking displeasure, struck one on the neck with his fist, and beat him dead, and seting upon the other, cast them all off the Bridge, whereupon they made a great cry: insomuch that the people of the Castle arm­ed themselves, and came and assailed Thelagonus. He séeing that, stept to one, and wrung his Sword out of his hand, wherewith he slew fiftéen in short space, and was himself hurt in many pla­ces. Hereupon the uproar grew more and more: and Vlisses doubting it was his Son Thelamonius, who had broken out of prison, came running out with a dart in his hand, which he flung at Thelagonus, and hit him, not knowing who he was, and hurt Thelagonus a little.

Thelagonus féeling himself hurt, flung it again at Ulisses (not knowing who he was) with so great force, that hitting him, he fell down to the earth. Then Vlisses being in great pain, (re­membring himself of his fore-said Vision,) demanded of him what he was? saying, I am Ulisses. Thelagonus hearing this, fell to great lamentation, and said. Alas wretch that I am, I came hither to sée my Father, and to live joyfully with him, and now I have slain him. Thus saying, he fell down in a swound: and when he was come again to his understanding, he rent his cloaths, beat himself about the face [...]th his fists, and went to his Father, and fell down wéeping before him, and said: I am [Page] Thelagonus thy unhappy Son, whom thou begottest on Quéen Circe: I pray the Gods that they will suffer mée to dye with thée.

When Vlisses understood this, hee sent for Thelamonius his lawful begotten Son, who presently coming would have slain Thelagonus, to revenge his Fathers death. But Ulisses said, not so, for he is thy brother: be ye reconciled together, and live and love as brethren. Then was Vlisses carried into Achaia: where within thrée daies he dyed, and was by his Son honou­rably buryed. After whose death, Thelamonius his Sonne suc­céeded in that Kingdome, who kept with him Thelagonius his brother for the space of a year and a half, making him knight, and honouring him greatly. At length being often sent for by Circe his mother, he returned to her into the Isle Aulides, hav­ing received many rich presents at the hands of his brother. And Circe dying shortly after, Thelagonus enjoyed her Kingdome, and raigned in the said Isle thréescore years. Thelamonius was fourscore and thirtéen years old at the death of Vlisses his father, and raigned afterwards, much increasing his Seigniory, thrée­score and ten years.

In this wife Dares finished his book of the siege of Troy, and speaketh not of their further adventures: and asmuch as is con­tained in the History before written, is also found to have béen recorded by Dictes, the Greek: and in most things both their Books agrée.

Dares in the end of his book writeth thus, that the siege of Troy endured for the space of ten years, ten months and twelve daies: and that the number of the Greeks there slain was eight hundred and six thousand fighting men: and the number of the Tro [...]ans, slain in defence of themselves and of their Country, was six hundred fifty and six thousand fighting men. He saith, moreover, that when Eneas departed from Troy into exile, he carryed with him two hundred ships: and that Anthenor had with him away five hundred Souldiers, and all the rest that were escaped, went with Eneas.

The said Dares furthermore reporteth in the latter end of his Book, by whom the most noble Kings and Princes of the one [Page] part and of the other were slain: and he saith that Hector the most famous Prince of Chivalry in the world, slew with his own hands in good and loyal fight, eightéen Kings: not with trea­chery or subtil devises, but by his prowesse and valour: the names of which Kings do here follow; That is, King Archilogus, K. Prothesilaus, K. Patroclus K. Menon, K. Prothenor, K. Archi­menus, K. Polemon, K. Epistropus, K. Ecedius, K. Daccius, K. Polixenus, K. Phybus, K. Anthypus, K. Cenutus, K. Poli­betes, K. Humerus, K. Fumus and K. Exampitus. And Paris he slew Pallamedes, who was Emperor of all the Greekish Host, K. Achilles, and at last K. Ajax: and therewithall Ajax slew him also. Eneas slew K. Amphimacus, and K. Nercus. Achilles slew K. Cupemus, K. Yponeus, K. Plebeus, K. Austerus, K. Cimoneus, K. Menon, and King Neoptolemus.

Also he slew Hector at unawares, and Troylus, whom hée caused his Myrmidons to beset round about. Pyrrhus the Son of the said Achilles, slew the Quéen Penthasilea in fight: he slew also cruelly and tyrannously, the noble King Priamus. He slew moreover Polixena, the fairest Maid in the world, Dyomedes slew King Antipus, K. Escorius, K. Prothenor, and King Ob­tineus.

Now thus I am come to the finishing of this present book, which I have translated (though rudely,) out of French into English, at the commandement and request of my right gracious and redoubted Lady and Mistresse, the Lady Margaret, Dutchess of Bourgony Lothericke, and of Brabant, &c. And forasmuch as I am weary of tedious writing, and worne in years, being not able to write out several books for all Gentlemen and such o­thers as are desirous of the same, I have caused this book to bée Printed: that being published the more plentuously, mens turns may be the more easily served. And as for the sundry Authors that have written of this matter, namely, Homer, Dictes and Dares, albeit their writings in many circumstances do disagrée, yet in describing the Destruction of Troy, they all affirm it to have béen in manner as is said, utterly ruinated and laid waste for ever, with such a wonderful Effusion of the blood of so ma­ny worthy King, Princes, Dukes, Earls, Barons and Knights, [Page] and such an excéeding number of souldiers; as here is mentioned.

And look what pleasure or commodity men reap by perusing this Book, let them transferre the praise and thanks due there­fore, (next to almighty God) unto my foresaid right gracious Lady, who not onely caused mée to undertake this translation, but hath also bountifully rewarded mée for my labours. To whose good liking I humbly Dedicate this work: beséeching her Grace, and all that shall read the same, to accept in good part my simple endeavour herein. And I (most humbly pray unto Al­mighty God) that the example of these cruel Wars and dissola­tion of this famous City, may be a warning to all other Cities and People, to fly Adultery, and all other vices, the causes of Wars and Destruction: and that all true Christians may learn to live godlily, and in Brotherly love and concord together, Amen.