CHAP. I.

THe auncient Histories, of the famous Emperours of Constan­tinople doo record, that the eight Emperor succeeding Constan­tine, the founder of that aunci­ent and famous Cittie, was na­med Remicius, who gouerned so iustlie, and with such excée­ding honour: as not onelie his Subiectes intirelie looued him, but of the kingdoms about him he was so feared and reue­renced, that his Empire increased more large then in the time of his Predecessors. This Remicius was of such a princely and munificent minde, that no Knight whatsoeuer [Page] came into his Court, without verie honourable receite and bountifull rewardes: expressing the good nature of a vertu­ous Prince, whose déedes were helde of no small reckoning amongst his verie enemies. He maried with the King of Hungarias Daughter, a Princesse for witte and beautie, e­quall with any of her time, which caused her to be so especi­allie loued of her Lord the Emperour, as hee altogeather gaue ouer y ^• exercise of Armes: notwithstanding, his Court did not diminishe one lote of the former glorie for good and hardle Knights, but dailie increased in such sort, as he tooke great delight to haue yong Princes, Knights and Gentle­men, nurtured and educated from their verie infancie in his Pallace, especiallie after the Empresse had brought him a Sonne, which was named Caniano, at whose birth was no little reioycing through the whole Empire. Within two yéeres after, she was likewise deliuered of a goodlie Daugh­ter, named Griana, who growing to fourtéene yéeres of age, was of such rare beautie and singuler good grace, as those that behelde her, estéemed her for the chiefest péece of work­manshippe that euer nature framed.

Héereupon it chaunced, that Tarisius Sonne to the King of Hungaria (who had béene brought vp in company with the yonge Prince Caniano) fell into such amorous conceite of the yong Princesse, as hee deuoted him selfe onelie to her seruice, béeing vnable to conceale y ^e obiect of his affections, but that time made her acquainted with the cause of his al­teration. Manie meanes he founde to entise her good opini­on towards him, but she carrying a religious zeale to loue in some other climate, made no reckoning of his imporunate and dilligent seruice, which drewe a Hell of tormentinge thoughts vppon Tarisius, séeing his sute and seruice so dée­plie despised. Neuerthelesse, (to compasse his intent) he de­sired his Cozin Caniano, to cause a Tryumphe bee publi­shed, whereunto all Knights might be summoned, as well straungers as others: not doubting but hee should spéede so well in déedes of Armes, as thereby hee might deserue the [Page 2] loue of the faire Griana, and so afterwardes make meanes by the Empresse to demaunde her in mariage, all which hée concealed from his Cozin Caniano: who verie gladlie didde consent to what Tarisius had requested, watching oportu­nitie to finde the Emperour his Father at leysure, when he made his highnesse acquainted with the whole enter­prise, of himselfe and his Cozin Tarisius, desiring him that all Knights might haue warning for preparation, against a day the next Moneth appointed for the purpose. The Em­perour was verie well pleased with his Sonnes requeste, accounting himselfe highlie honoured by his demaunde: whereuppon he caused Heraulds of Armes presentlie to bée dispatched, to signifie his intended Tournament through al Countries farre and néere. In the meane while Tarisius coulde not rest daie nor night, but still endeuoured to doo what he iudged might please the Princesse Griana, to whō as yet he had not vttered the effect of his longing desire, al­beit, by exteriour actions he dailie made shewe sufficient of his tormenting passions. But it so fell out not long after, that one daie in her walking he had sorted her alone from al the other Ladies & Gentlewomen, in a place commodious for a Louers discourses, where falling from one argument to another, the furie of his oppressions imboldened him so far, that at length he brake with her in manner folowing.

Madame, you are not ignoraunt of the honourable assem­bly, that is appointed at the feaste ensuing, when I hope to receiue the order of Knighthoode, and if it shall like you to thinke so well of mee, as to graunt mee one request, easie e­nough for you to affoorde me, perswade your selfe that I shal imagine my fortune equall with the happiest Knights that euer liued, in that it may be the onelie meane, whereby I shall enioy the prize and honour of the Triumphe. Griana knowing assuredlie that Tarisius bare her great affection, as I haue before rehearsed, returned him this aunswere. In sooth Cozin, it would please me meruailous well, to bee the meane of so good fortune as you promise your selfe. Ne­uerthelesse, [Page] I haue not learned so little modestie, as to grant anie thing, before I knowe what is desired. When Tarisi­us vnderstoode her modest excuse, he perswaded himself that he should nowe obtaine that of her, whereof vntill that in­stant he had liued in despaire: whereuppon, the teares stan­ding in his eyes, he began in this manner. I humblie be­séech you good Madame, to take in worth what I am to ac­quaint you with, for when I determined to smoother my gréefe in secrete, the extremitie of my affection grew to such a surplusage, as it brake the stringes of my thoughts almost vowed for euer silent, to reueale that to you which my selfe dare but reuerentlie thinke, such is my feare to displease you: otherwise, I knowe no meane canne warrant me from suddaine and cruell death, so setled is y ^• vnspotted loue I bare you, which when I striue to ouercome; and my selfe also, the more I would decrease it, the more it augmenteth, and that so strangelie, as while you are in presence, my spi­rite forsaketh euerie part of mée, to liue in you onelie. For which cause I haue determined (if you thinke it good) to re­quest you of the Emperour your Father for my Wife, and if he regarde me with so much honour: the Realme of Hun­garia may well challenge, and my selfe likewise, the highest roome in earthlie felicitie, hauing a Mistresse of such vn­speakable qualitie. In the meane time, if you please to be­stowe on me anie Iewell or fauoure, commaunding mee to weare it as your Knight and Seruaunt: you shall wel per­ceiue how aduenturous loue will be in defence of my right, by the aduantage I shall recouer in the vertue of a gifte so acceptable.

Griana, who made but slender account of his passions, and béeing not well pleased that he held her with such vaine discourses: modestlie returned him this aunswere. If you had such regarde of me as I well deserue, you woulde not attempt me with spéeches so vnfitting my hearing: for if your desire be such as you giue me to vnderstand, you ought to make it knowne to the Emperor or Empresse, who haue [Page 3] greater authoritie ouer me then I haue my selfe. Therfore I desire you hencefoorth not to aduenture the like on perill of your life, otherwise I shall let you knowe howe highlie you offend me: on which cōdition I am cōtent for this time to pardon your want of discretion, in that I perceiue my selfe to be the onelie cause thereof, in graunting you time and leysure thus priuatlie to assaile me, for which ouersight I repent mee at the verie harte. With which wordes shee floong away and left him alone, declaring by her counte­naunce to be offended with his request, in that shee desired rather to die then accept him for her Husband, or to allowe him the name of her fréende. If then Tarisius was driuen into a quandarie, wee néede not meruaile: wherefore trou­bled as he was, and not caring greatlie whether hee went, he entred the Empresse Chamber, where shee and her Son Caniano stoode conferring togeather, without saluting the one or other, he satte downe in a Chaire, and gaue such bit­ter sighes, as the Empresse hearing, was somewhat moo­ued therewith, doubting he had either receiued some greate iniurie, or els coulde not prouide himselfe so sufficientlie as he would for the Triumphe, wherupon she left her Sonne, and calling Tarisius aside, thus began with him. Nephewe, I sée you verie melancholie, which makes me to iudge, that you want some néedefull thing for the Tournament, which my Sonne hath caused to be published. With which words she beheld Tarisius more wishlie then she had doone before, and perceiued the teares to trickle down his chéekes, which made her more desirous to knowe the cause of his gréefe, but his hart was so confounded and shut vppe in anguish, as hée could not speake one word to her. Neuerthelesse, the Em­presse, who loued him as her owne Sonne, founde so manie meanes to perswade him, as in the ende he disclosed y ^e loue he bare to Griana, and the aunswere likewise which shee made him: whereby I am assured (quoth he) that nothing but death can cease my torments. The Empresse (who of her selfe did manie times determine to make that marri­age) [Page] perceiuing nowe howe fitlie the occasion offred it selfe, began to resolue on the consumation thereof: and to con­tent her Nephewe, in excusing the Princesse Griana, spake as followeth. Doo you Nephewe mislike the aunswere of my Daughter? beléeue me therein she didde but her dutie: for she cannot dispose of her selfe béeing yong and vnder con­troule, but the Emperour and I, whom you ought firste to make acquainted with your request. But since I perceiue how you are affected, I promise you I will confer with my Lorde the Emperour, and hope to preuaile so well in the cause, as you shall spéede of that you moste desire. As they continued these discourses, they were giuen to vnderstande by a Messenger, that the Prince Florendos the Kinges son of Macedon was newlie arriued, with a braue companie of Knights. But his comming to the Emperour was not as his vassaile or Subiect, because the kingdome of Mace­don was at that time no way beholding to the Empire, but onelie to sée the faire yong Princesse Griana, the renowne of whose beautie and vertues had so peirced his thoughtes, as before he sawe her, he loued and honoured her, so that for this cause onlie he iournied to Constantinople, where he was verie honourablie entertained bothe of the Emperour and his Sonne Caniano as also of the Empresse and faire Gri­ana, who oftentimes hearde him reckoned and estéemed a­mongst the most honourable and gracious Princes, that li­ued at that daie.

CHAP. II.

THe Empresse was not forgetfull of her promise made to her Ne­phewe Tarisius, but endeuoured by all meanes possible to find the Emperour at such leysure, as she might impart the whole to him: and because shee had so hardilie taken the matter vppon her, shee would gladlie it should sorte to ef­fecte, as commonlie Women are couetous of their owne desires, therefore no meruaile if shée were earnest in following her intent. Soone after, walking alone with the Emperour, and smoothlie couering the baite she was desirous he shoulde swallowe, shee desired him to graunt her one request, whereof shee woulde not willinglie be denied. The Emperour neuer before hearing her so im­portunate, consented at the first to whatsoeuer she demaun­ded: nowe perswading her selfe sure to spéede, thus shee be­ganne.

My Lord, hauing often considered with my selfe, that our Daughter Griana is of yéeres and discretion able for a Husband, I am the more desirous to sée her honourablie be­stowed. And for that the yonge Prince Tarisius hath béene trained vp in your Court, and (which I little thought) some good will appeareth to be betwéene them: I should thinke if not amisse to vnite them in mariage togeather, for hard­lie [Page] shall we finde ( [...]) a Lord of greater blood and birth then he, béeing heire apparant to the Crowne and kingdome of Hungaria, besides they hauing béene so longe time conuersant togeather in their yonger yeeres, will en­tertaine a more speciall regard of loue betwéene them, then can be in anie other that may mooue y ^• question to her. Ma­dame (aunswered the Emperour) she is your Childe, and I doo not thinke but you would her good: therefore I like the motion well, for that indéede I esteeme so well of Tarisius, as of mine owne Sonne, a [...]d since wee haue so happilie fal­len into these discourses, we will foorthwith certifie y ^• King his Father by our Ambassadours, that we may vnderstand his opinion héerein. The Empresse gratified her Lord with verie hartie thankes, béeing not a little glad she had so well preuailed, wherefore immediatlie shee aduertised [...]. But for Griana, her affection was els where, for she bare a certaine secrete good liking to Florendos so soone as shee be­helde him, hearing so great reporte of his knightlie bountie and prowesse, so that beholding them togeather, and their eyes deliuering the good conceite of eache other: one might easilie iudge, that Loue hadde so mightilie maistered her thoughts, as (if he consented) she had sette downe her reste for her choise, and hee on the other side was drawne into the same compasse, notwithstanding eache of them (for the time) concealed, what they rather desired should be known betweene them. Yet this hidden fire stroue to gaine place of issue, for diuers times y ^e Princesse Griana béeing amongst her Ladies, talking of such Knights as woulde shewe them­selues at the Tournament: the Prince Florendos was cō ­monlie first spoken of, and so highlie would the Ladies com­mende him beyonde all the other, as Griana coulde not re­fraine from changing coloure, so that y ^e alteration she founde in her spirite might be euidentlie perceiued, howbeit none of the Ladies as then noted it, and thus shee continued till the feast of Saint Maria d' Augusta, which was the daie appointed for the Tournament, on which daie the Empe­rour [Page 5] knighted his Sonne Caniano, and Tarisius Nephewe to the Empresse, in honour wherof, hee held a greater and more magnificent Courte, then before time hee had doone, for he suffered the Ladies to accompanie the Knights at the Table, albeit they were not wont to doo so often at y ^• time, yet full well it pleased the Prince Florendos, who satte op­posite to the Princesse Griana, during which time of Din­ner, though manie piercing lookes, and smothered sighes were sent from eache other, as messengers of their s [...]m [...]la­ble opinions, yet cunninglie they shaddowed all from being discerned. But after the Tables were withdrawne, and eache one preparing for the Tourney: Florendos so well behaued himselfe, as he founde the meanes to speake pri­uatlie with his newe Fréende, and thus he beganne.

Madame, the Heauens haue not a little fauoured mee, in sorting vs so commodiouslie togeather, that I may shewe you before I enter the Lystes royall, the occasion why I left the Realme of Macedon, to visite my Lord the Emperor. I sweare to you vpon my knightlie faith, that your gracious selfe was the onelie cause of my iourney, and while I liue, I shall euermore aduenture my selfe, in ought that may stand with your fauour and liking: and the first argument of my happinesse I should account, if you would commaunde mee this daie to arme my selfe for your Knight: otherwise, I must be content to absent my selfe, béeing assured that with out your regard, it is vnpossible for me to doo any thing that can returne me estimation or honour. And albeit I haue not as yet doone anie seruice to you, whereby I shoulde deserue to be so accepted: yet such is the hope I repose in your ver­tuous nature, as you will not refuse my honest request, bee­ing the first I euer desired of you, and not the last (I truste) shall doo you honour. Nowe (as you haue heard before) Gri­ana earnestlie affected Florendos: neuerthelesse, as a mo­dest and well aduised Princesse, doubting leaste hee faigned those spéeches of course, dissembling her selfe to be somwhat displeased, returned this aunswere.

[Page]I did not thinke (my Lord Florendos) that you woulde so farre forget your selfe, to holde mee with spéeches not besée­ming the Daughter of so great an Emperour as I am: ne­uerthelesse, knowing you are a Stranger, and ignoraunt (it may be) of the modestie which shoulde defende Knights de­uising with Ladies, I will not vse such rigour towards you as I ought, yet must I tell you that I finde my selfe offen­ded. You desire that as my Knight you may enter y ^e Tour­ney: for that I graunt ye, to the ende I may perceiue the effect of the prowesse, which each one so much commendeth in you, the rest, it is my pleasure that you forbeare. Ma­dame (quoth he) if I haue vsed anie such spéeches as agree not with your patience: for Gods sake (in my excuse) ac­cuse my small compasse of libertie, which remaineth onelie at your disposition. What (quoth she) thinke you that I wil loue anie but he that must and ought be my Husbande? Ah swéete Ladie (said Florendos) that is it I so earnestlie de­sire, and thinke not that I sollicite you with anie other kind of loue, but onelie to make you the Mistresse of my self, and altogeather to dispose of me and mine: for proofe whereof, I will héereafter imploy my selfe in the Emperours seruice, in such sorte as (if you like it) I hope to purchase his con­sent. Truelie Sir (quoth she) that onelie appertaines to the Emperor and not to mée, to whom you are to make known what you intende: for hee hath authoritie to commaunde, and I am bounde by duetie to obey. At which wordes the Empresse called her awaie, when Florendos making her courteous reuerence, departed to his Chamber to arme him selfe, for manie Knights were entred the Lystes, and he in short space came thether for companie: where hee behaued himselfe with such valoure, as he not onelie got y ^e honour of the first daie, but of the foure daies folowing while y ^e Tour­neie endured, and wonne the prize which Caniano had pre­pared for him that best deserued it, which made him bee greatlie estéemed of the Emperour, and of the whole Court ingenerall, espe [...]iallie of the faire Griana, whose harte by [Page 6] little and little Loue brought in subiection, to the no small content of Florendos, which doubtlesse had the Prince Ta­risius beheld [...], I imagine hee woulde haue hardlie liked it. But nowe during the time of these great Feastes, and Tri­umphes, Fortune the sworne enemie to all quietnes, pre­sented the Emperor with other occasions▪ to cut off these pastimes and courtlie deuises: for after many of y ^e Knights assembled at his Courte, had taken leaue to returne into their Countries, Gamezio Sonne to the Soldane of Ba­bilon, who was on the Seas with a mightie Armie, inten­ding to conquer Alexandria, was by extreamitie of winde and weather, driuen into the straights before Constantino­ple. Which when the Pilots and Marriners perceiued, not on [...] amongst thē but greatlie reioyced at this good fortune, but chéefelie Gamezio, who perswaded himself y ^• his Gods had sent him thether, that the moste noble & florishing Cit­tie of the world might fall into his handes: whereupon the windes somewhat appeased, and the Seas calmed, he assembled the chiefe and principall Captaines of his Armie, and thus began.

My good fréendes, I beléeue assuredlie, y ^• our great Gods would not suffer vs to arriue in Alexandria, because wee went against them of our owne Law and Religion, but ra­ther it liked them better, that we should addresse our selues to this Countrie of Christians, either to ruinate it altogea­ther, or at least to bring it vnder our obeysance. Therefore I am determined for this time, to defer the reuenge of the iniurie, which the King Calameno did to the Soldane, and as much as in me lyes imploy my forces in conquest of this Countrey: for which cause, I desire that each of you would particularlie encourage your people, assuring them (if wee can conquer this Cittie) the riches thereof will counter­uaile their paine and trauaile. The Captaines failed not to accomplish their charge to the vttermost, summoning e­uerie one presentlie to Armes: so prouiding their Shippes, their Ensignes & all thinges els néedefull for their defence, [Page] they hoysed their sailes, making towards y ^• Shoare, where with such prouision as they had they tooke landing, making such a noyse with their Drummes, Trumpets, & Clamors, as was heard with no small feare in euerie part of the Cit­tie. Neuertheles, they were receiued with better resistance then they looked for, as following the discourse of the Histo­rie, you shall at large vnderstand.

CHAP. III.

IMmediatlie was this huge Ar­mie on the Sea, discouered by the Sent [...]rnelles of the Cittie, whereupon the rumour arose so greate, as the people ranne on heapes to defende the Hauen, where the Moores thought to haue made their first entrie. In the meane while, Caniano, Ta­risius, and the other principall Knights, with their men of Armes, put themselues in equi­page, doraynning their Armie in such warlike maner, as nowe they marche forth of the Cittie, to succour those pla­ces where the Moores gaue most eager assault. The Prince Florendos béeing left behinde, made no little haste to ga­ther his companie, and as he galloped with them by y ^e Em­perours Pallace, hee espied the Princesse Griana standing at her Chamber windowe, casting manie a ruefull looke to­wardes the [...] of the Cittie, which so déepelie peirced the gentle Princes harte, as immediatlie hee saide within himselfe. By Heauen (swéete Ladie) either will I die this [Page 7] day, or remooue the gréefe that séemeth so néere to touche you. And with this resolution he gaue the spurres to hys Horse, when it was not long before hee got among y ^e thic­kest of the Moores, where he behelde the enemie so strong, and the Christians so weake, as the day was like to prooue dangerous and dismall. For the Prince Gamezio, was e­stéemed one of the best Knights through all Asia, and that daie hee behaued himselfe so roughlie amongst the Christi­ans: as sooth to say, they were enforced to retire towardes the Cittie. Which when the Emperour behelde, who re­mained with no great strength to defend the Cittie, he was not a little gréeued to sée his men turne their backs on their enemies, and disperse themselues in such fearefull and dys­maying sorte. But Florendos, and the Prince Caniano v­sed such meanes, as they got them soone in aray againe, and returned on the enemie with a fresh and hardie charge. Ta­risius shewed himselfe verie valiaunt & aduenturous, stry­uing by all the meanes he could to equall the Prince Flo­rendos, who that daie gaue testimonie of most rare exploits so these thrée noble Gentlemen past from rancke to ranck, sending all to the earth that durst withstande them. Game­zio séeing his menne so bloodilie slaughtered on euerie side, méeting with Tarisius woulde take reuenge on him, deliue [...]ring him such a cruell stroke on the heade with his sword, as downe he fell to the grounde so astonished, as his ene­mie might euen then haue slaine him: and so hee had doone but for the Prince Florendos, who séeing the Moore auaun­cing himselfe on his Styrrops, to reach a full stroke at Ta­risius on the ground, lifted him quite out of his saddle with his Launce, and bare him so rudelie therewith to the earth, as breaking his necke with the fal, he gaue vppe the ghost. When the Moores behelde Gamez [...]o their General slaine, and the Christians make such [...] harts fayling them to make further resist, [...] towards their Ships, when had not the [...] them, not one had escaped death or taken [...] ▪ [Page] notwithstanding, the greatest part were put to the sworde, diuers making hast to get awaie by boates, were drowned in the Sea, and manie of account brought backe prisoners, thus with victorie returned the Emperours power to the Cittie. So manie of the Moores as escaped to theyr shyps, béeing not a little glad they were so farre from their ene­mies: sette sayle and returned towardes the Soldane, to whom they declared the summe of theyr mis-fortune, as al­so the death of his Sonne Gamezio, which [...]idinges made him well nye mad with rage and anger. But béeing old and crazed with sicknesse, he could not goe in person to reuenge his death, which made him vowe and sweare, that so soone as his other Sonne came to yéeres to beare Armes, he wold sende him with such a puissant strength, as easilie he should destroy the Emperour & his Countrie: in the meane time, he sent the raunsome to redéeme them that were taken pri­soners, where we will leaue the Soldane, and returne to Caniano and the other Princes, who béeing nowe come a­gaine to the Cittie, the Emperour hauing hearde the wor­thie seruice Florendos had doone that same day (and how he had receiued some fewe daungerous woundes in y ^e battaile) sent for him in all haste that might bee to his Pallace, be­cause his owne Chirurgions and Phisitions shoulde haue care of him. So was Florendos brought very honourablie to the Pallace, and conducted to a Chamber beséeming hys estate, where the Empresse and Griana came presentlie to visite him. to whom the Prince Caniano recounted, howe Tarisius had béene slaine by Gamezio, but that Florendos stepped betwéene his death and him, but (quoth hee) the Moore excused Tarisius, for in my presence he gaue his laste farewell to this world, so that nowe we may saie the victo­rie is ours, albeit before it hunge in hard suspence. While Caniano continued these and such like spéeches, Griana cast manie a swéete looke on the Prince Florendos, and hee aunswered his obiect with the selfe same messengers of hys hart: thus contented they their seuerall passions with such [Page 8] modest and vertuous regarde, as none present could suspect their secrete meaning. The Empresse and her Daughter courteouslie taking their leaue, Florendos and his Chirur­gions we leaue a while togeather, they to apply medicines to his woundes, and he the remembraunce of his Mistresse to his hart. On the morrowe the Emperour with his nobi­litie rode foorth of the Cittie, to sée the slaughtered bodies, a­mong whom they founde Gamezio, who was easily known by the richnes of his Armour, which Caniano caused to bée taken from the deade bodie, and brought to Florendos as the deserte of his trauaile: when the Emperour himselfe, (the more to honour him) made present thereof to Floren­dos at his returne, with these spéeches. My noble Cozin, by your valour and Knightlie prowesse, haue I had the vpper hand of nune enemies, may I but liue to requite thy good desarts, I shall account my selfe happie and fortunate: not­withstanding, account of me as thy Kinsman and continual fréende, and bee there ought in my power shall like thée to demaunde, on the faith of a King I vowe to giue it thee.

Florendos most humblie thanked the Emperor, as well for the great honour he did him, as also for his large & boun­tifull promise, wheron he builded so assuredlie, as he almost accounted faire Griana for his owne: who with the Em­presse her Mother came dailie to visite him, by which meanes theyr mutuall loue encreased more and more, and Florendos recouered his health in the shorter time, when he solicited the Emperour with this sute following.

CHAP. IIII

AFter y ^• Florendos was through­lie healed of the woundes, which hee had receiued in fight against the Moores: finding the Empe­rour one daie at leysure, & alone in his Chamber, hee began to sa­lute him as after followeth. My dread and soueraigne Lorde, so princely and gracious haue your fauours béene towards me, since first I entred your royall Courte, as the King my Father and I shall neuer aunswere such excéeding courtesie. And to the ende this kindnes may rather increase then any waie diminish, I beséeche your highnesse not to denie me one re­quest, which among the infinite number of your princelie graces towardes me, I shall account it to excéede all other. In bréefe, it is the Princesse Griana your Daughter, whose loue and honourable fame, made me forsake the Realme of Macedon, onelie to desire her in marriage, if either anie desert in me, or your owne princelie good conceite, might re­pute me woorthie so high a fauour. And for I woulde not your highnes should anie waie misconceiue of mee, as that the motion proceedeth from a youthfull & vn [...]aduised heade, or that I haue enterprised it, without the good liking of the King my Father: I humblie desire your Maiestie to reste satis-fied bothe in these and all other opinions, in that my Fathers consent, brought mee with no little spéede hether, and the hope of yours during my aboade héere, hath taughte [Page 9] me to place my loue with discretion, and continue it wyth honourable vnspotted loyaltie. With this addition (vnder your highnesse correction) that were she mine as I am who­lie hers: the faithfull seruice of a thankfull Sonne, shoulde aunswere the gen [...]lenes of so good a Father, and the irreuo­cable vowes of holie loue, assure Griana of her Florendos. Right déerelie did the Emperour loue the Prince Floren­dos, as had he béene his owne Sonne Caniano, his knight­lie valour and manifold other vertues iustlie inducing hym thereto: and gladlie he would haue cōsented to his request, if his promise made vnto Tarisius did not binde him to the contrarie, whereupon he returned him this aunswere. Be­léeue me good Cozin, I am not a little agréeued that I can­not satis-fie your gentle request, for that Tarisius Nephewe to the Empresse hath alreadie preuented mee: to him haue I past my promise for my Daughter, and dailie I expect the Ambassadours comming from Hungaria to finishe the mari­age, so that I had rather loose the best of my Citties, then it should be said I falsified my worde. Notwithstanding, of one thing I can assure you, that you are far higher in my grace and fauour then he: yet necessitie is without lawe, and the regarde of mine honour must intreate you to hold me excu­sed.

Greatlie abashed was the Prince Florendos, séeing in one instant that hope strooken dead, that had maintayned his life since his comming to Constantinople: and so nypt in the heade was he with the Emperours answere, as hee stoode a good while in a studie not speaking a worde, at last he began thus. God forbidde that so great a Prince shoulde breake his promise by my occasion: neuerthelesse, my truth and loyaltie to your highnesse shall not any way diminishe, but I shall remaine the most forward in duetie, of any that owe seruice and alleageaunce to your Maiestie. Neyther will I (sayd the Emperour) imagine the worse of you, but loue you rather better then I did before. Then entered di­uers Noble men and Gentlemen, which made them breake [Page] off from further spéeches, and Florendos taking his leaue, went to his Chamber, so full of gréefe and extreame heaui­nes, as easilie he could haue béene induced to commit some violence vpon himselfe: but casting himselfe vpon his bed, he thus beganne to breath foorth the furie of his passions, to ease the heauie burthen of his oppressed spirite.

Unhappy wretch that I am beyonde all other, what hope of life canst thou flatter thy self withal, séeing y ^e meane that should maintaine the continuaunce thereof, forbiddes thée (sonde man) to hope any longer. What angry Planet gouerned thy natiuitie, that he to whom thou gauest life, should this day be the cause to ende thine owne. Beléeue [...] Tarisius, had I made tryal of this inconuenience before, hardlie shoulde I haue put my personne in such daunger a­mongst the Moores, to shéelde thy life: but in defending the sworde out of thy throate, I haue deseruedlie thrust it in mine owne, so that by lengthning thy daies, I haue expyred mine owne date, and that with a death so miserable and cruell, as no enemie whatsoeuer would wish to another. But were it not that my duetie to the good Emperour counter­maundeth me, thou couldest not with such ease either out­braue me in my looue, or thus vsurpe the gracious fauoure of my Mistresse Griana, were affection ballanced with de­sert, or loue measured by vertue as it is by opinion. Not­withstanding, to die for her loue I shall account my selfe happie, in that she cannot but pittie my vnluckie death, and my spirite should passe with greater quiet to his ende, if she knewe with what content I take my destenie: but fayre Griana, would God I had either not séene thée at al, or For­tune had béene fauourable to me in choise. At which words the extremitie of his passions tooke away the libertie of his spéeche, so that he could not finish what hee woulde gladlie haue spoken, but falling from his bedde to the grounde in a swoune, amazed one of his Esquires that was in the nexte Chamber, who hearing the fall, ran in immediatlie, where séeing his Maister lying deade [in his iudgement] ran and called Frenato, who was Cozin to Florendos, and one that [Page 10] knewe most of his priuate affayres, notwithstanding, hee was ignorant in the cause of this accident, who taking him vppe in his armes, with colde water and vinagre caste in his face, at length he got life into him againe, when Floren­dos opening his eyes, and séeing his Cozin so busie about him, breathing foorth two or thrée bitter sighes, saide. My déere fréende and Cozin, I beséeche you hinder not the ende and issue of my life, for béeing out of all hope to recouer my Ladie Griana, there is no meane left to maintaine my life. When Frenato heard these wordes, hee doubted that the Prince had receiued some contrarie aunswere from y ^• Em­perour, as concerning the marriage betwéene him and his Daughter, for whose loue onelie hee left the kingdome of Macedon: wherfore, he perceiuing that she must bee the onelie meane to ease his torment, hee began thus roundlie to aunswere the Prince. And what of this? must you there­fore dispaire? Alas (said Florendos,) what would yee haue me doo? the Emperour hath long since past his promise for her to Tarisius, as his highnes assured me by his own wor­des. Uerie well Sir (answered Frenato) but doo you know if she haue giuen her consent? I promise you I am perswa­ded that she loues him not, but that her fauourable regarde is much more towardes you then him: and for you saye so much, to morrow will I sounde the bottome of this matter, so that (if I can) I will frustrate the Emperours intent to­wardes Tarisius. Doo you in the meane time but learne to dissemble your gréefe, and shewe not your selfe mal content for anie thing that hath béene saide: but bee of good chéere, and referre your fortune in this case to the successe of myne endeuours. These and such like perswasions Frenato vsed to the Prince, whom he thus left in his Chamber, and re­turned to the Pallace as was his manner. All this while the Emperour bethought himselfe, on the spéeches that had passed betwéene him and Florendos, which made him the night following, to discourse theron with the Empresse, perswading her, that hee coulde more willinglie accept of hym [Page] for his Sonne then Tarisius. But she who highlie fauoured her Nephewe, reprooued his opinion with manie answers, so that by importunate intreaties, teares, and other subtill fetches, which Women are wont to vse to accomplish theyr desires, she so farre disswaded the Emperour, as hee promi­sed her againe not to giue her to anie other, then to him to whom he first past his worde. Of which wordes the Em­presse was not a little glad, and therefore all that night shée deuised, by what meanes she might frō that time forward so much as in her laie, hinder Florendos from speaking to her Daughter: whereupon, she dailie kept the Chamber of presence, and helde a more strickt looke on Griana then before shee had doone, which greatlie increased the passions of Florendos, and brought him into so weake estate, as the learned Phisitions coulde not deliuer y ^e cause of his sicknes, to the no small gréefe of the Emperour, but especiallie of Caniano, yet for all this woulde not the Empresse at anie time visite him, because shee woulde hinder the occasion of her Daughters séeing him, remembring what spéeches had past betwéene him and the Emperour. And albeit Griana made no outward shewe thereof, yet in her harte shee was greatlie displeased at her Mothers dealings, so that one day when her Brother Caniano came to sée her, to recount vn­to her in what extreamitie he had left his fréendlie cōpani­on, and what gréefe it would be to him if he died, as he greatlie doubted: What my Lord (quoth she) it is not so I hope? Yes certainlie (quoth he) and I feare he will very hardlie escape this day. At which wordes the water stoode in her eyes, yet so well as she coulde shee dissembled her passions: neuerthelesse, she could not holde it in, but said. I meruayle much that the Empresse my Mother makes so slender ac­count of him, as since his sicknes shee woulde not vouchsafe once to visite him: I feare she hath forgotten what good hée [...] for vs, that day when he valiantly slew the Turke Ga­mezio. Beléeue me (my good Lord and Brother) I am har­ [...]lie sorr [...]e for his sicknes, for if he die [as heauen forbidde [Page 11] quoth shee secretlie] the Emperour my Father shall loose more then hée thinketh on, the great seruice hee hath doone for him already, may giue instaunce of my words, and more he béeing the Sonne of so great a Prince as he is. By this time had such extreame gréefe ouerburdened her hart, as she was constrained (feigning to goe to the Empresse Chā ­ber) to leaue her Brother, that she might alone by her selfe bemoane her fréends hard fortune.

CHAP. V.

SO soone as Griana hadde left her Brother, she went into her chā ­ber, where more and more shee lamented for the sicknes of Flo­rendos, and with her teares shee coupled these discourses. May it be that anie liuing creature, can deserue so gréeuous punishment as I doo, that endaunger the life of the woorthiest Knight in the worlde? Unhappy that I am, that loue, yea the loue he beares to mee, should bring so braue a Gentleman to so hard an exigent: but if he die, such iust vengeaunce will I take vpon my selfe, as I wyl not re­maine one howre aliue after him, and let our ghostes seeke their owne quiet in death, that Fortune would not affoorde vs in life. Yet will I thus farre first aduenture, and that be­fore any sléepe enter these eies of mine, try if it consist in my power to ease his extreamitie, that buyes my loue at too déere a price. And in this anguish of minde she called one of [Page] her Damoselles, the Daughter of her Nurse named Cardi­na, whom aboue the rest she trusted most, and to her she be­gan in manner following. Cardina, thou knowest the loue I alwaies bare thy Mother, and for her sake howe well I haue thought of thée, I haue knowne thée long time a true and faithfull Seruaunt: but nowe Cardina is a time be­yonde all other, to make tryall of thy truth, and to witnesse thy loyaltie to me, onelie as thou art sure, so to bee secrete, and so secrete as I must put my life and honour into thy se­crecie. Cardina, who was wise, and of good gouernement, hearing Griana vse such earnest spéeches: imagined that she would commit no commō matter to her trust with such coniuration, whereuppon she modestlie returned thys aun­swere. Madame, rather had I be torne péecemeale in sun­der, then anie thing you commaunde for secrete, shoulde by me be reuealed without your licence: and so assure your selfe, that while I liue, you shall finde mee as faithfull in déede, as I promise in worde. I neuer hitherto (quoth the Princesse) had other opinion of thée, listen nowe therefore what I shall commaunde thée. I haue vnderstoode for cer­taine Cardina, that the gréeuous sicknes of the Prince Flo­rendos, is caused by verie earnest loue which hee beares to me, & for I account it great pittie to loose so good a Knight, doo so much as take the paines to goe to him from me: and saie I desire him to bee of good chéere, and if there bee any thing in my power may doo him good, I will gladlie accom­plish it, as she that loues him as her own selfe, and to assure him thereof, saie I sende him this Ring, which I wyll him to kéepe as a pledge of my loue. Madame (answered Cardi­na) Fortune spéede me so well, as my paines may giue ease to both your passions: and might my sentence like you Ma­dame, I knowe no Knight so worthy your loue as Floren­dos. Goe then (sayd Griana) and returne againe so soone as thou canst. So went Cardina straite to the lodging of the Prince Florendos, at the entraunce whereof, shee met the Prince Caniano so heauie and pensiue as might be, because [Page 12] he perceiued his Fréend to consume awaie euerie day more and more. But Cardina, who had well learned her lesson, stept aside, and would not be séene of Caniano: who beeing gone, shee went vp to the Chamber, where when shee was readie to enter, she hearde the Prince cōplaine in this sort. Ah poore wretch, must thou néedes die without anie hope of remedie? And as he would haue procéeded on, Cardina stepped to him, and after she had saluted him, said to him se­cretelie, that the Princesse Griana had sent her to him, to vnderstand of his health, and beléeue me good Prince (quoth she) I neuer sawe Ladie so sorrowfull for your sicknes, as she is. She commendeth her selfe to your honour most har­tilie, and hath sent you this Ring, as an earnest of the looue she beares you, desiring you to bee of good chéere and comfort your selfe, because she desires to sée you, to confer with you of matters that concerne you bothe néerelie. These wordes so rauished the spirit of Florendos, as a good while he doub­ted, whether he dreamed, or that hee might giue credite to what he hearde: for albeit he knewe the messenger so well as anie in the Courte, yet coulde he not perswade himselfe that hee was so fortunate. At length (betwéene hope and dispayre) he tooke the Ring, which he entertained with ma­nie deuoute kysses, and embracing Cardina so well as hee coulde, thus answered. Alas my swéete fréende, may it bee possible that my Ladie hath such regard of him, who neuer was able to doo her anie seruice? Doubt not thereof my Lorde (aunswered Cardina) and if you will declare your loue answerable to hers in vertue, you must giue testimo­nie thereof by comforting your person, that she may sée you so soone as may be. Ah fayre Uirgin (quoth he) let my whole life be imployed, in what shall like her diuine nature to cō ­maunde me: and I assure you, that these tydings hath breathed such newe life into my verie soule, as alreadie I finde my selfe wonderfullie chaunged, yea, and that in such sorte, as before thrée daies bee past, I shall attende her gracious will with seruiceable dilligence. In the meane while, I shal [Page] desire you faire Fréend, to let my soueraigne Mistresse vn­derstand, that I kisse her highnesse hande in humble duetie, and had ere this giuen farewell to this life, hadde not her swéete regard called me againe from death. Thus parted Cardina from the Prince, taking her way spéedily towards Griana, who longed not a little to heare from Florendos, whom she had made Lord of her gentle affections.

CHAP. VI.

CArdina thus dispatched from Florendos, made no little haste towardes the Princesse, who re­mained all this while silent in her Chamber, and no sooner per­ceiued she Cardina to enter, but she demaunded if Florendos re­ceiued her token in good part or no. Beléeue me Madame (answe­red Cardina) I thinke you neuer did anie thing in all your life, whereby you coulde obtaine more honour and applause, then by that you vouchsafed to doo at this instant, for in my iudgment you haue performed a miracle, in giuing him life that was in the very iawes of death. Then from point to point shee recounted the talke passed betwéene them, first howe she founde him in y ^• midst of his regrets, and lastlie what message hee had sent by her. Thus while Cardina continued her discourse, euery worde tooke hold on the gentle hart of the Princesse, and wounded [Page 13] her with such pittifull regarde of the Prince his torments: as what she desired inwardlie, shee shaddowed with mode­stie, as lothe to receiue shame in her loue, hauing caryed her selfe with such honour all her life, quoth shee to Cardina. Howe might I (good Seruaunt) ease this waightie oppres­sion? Uerie well (said Cardina) whē Fortune alloweth op­portunitie. But thou knowest (quoth Griana) a Princesse as I am, to be séene secrete with so braue a Gallant, dooth greatlie hazard my life and honour. As for that Madame, (saide Cardina) my Sister can better aduise you then I, or any that I know, by her meanes may you speake with your Knight, the brauest Gentleman in the world, and one whō I knowe is so farre deuoted yours, as hee will rather loose his life, then impeache your honour anie waie: and other­wise then in loyaltie to make you his Ladie and wyfe, I am well assured he loueth not, which loue (Madame) you may well entertaine. Returne then Cardina (quoth the Prin­cesse) to my Lorde Florendos, and assure him that so soone as he is recouered, I wyll come and speake with him, in such place where we may well aduenture: and desire hym as he loueth me, that it may bee with all conuenient spéede. Cardina without anie further delay, wēt with this message to the Prince Florendos: who hartened himselfe so well vpon these spéeches, as within sixe dayes he found himselfe thorowlie amended, whereof the Emperour and Caniano hys Sonne, was not a little glad: but Tarisius was scant well pleased thereat, for he had cōceiued a secrete iealousie, because he was so earnest in affection towards Griana, who by her Mayd Cardina had warned Florendos, that y ^• night following he should come into the Garden, where [...]nto her Chamber had a secrete entraunce, and there woulde he and she conferre of their loue, without suspicion of any. Floren­dos séeing these affayres sort to so good ende, purposed what euer happened, not to fayle the time & place: which made him thinke this day a yéere in length, so long hee looked and desired for the night. But nowe the wished howre is come, [Page] when Florendos with his Cozin [...]renato (who was priuie to the Princes secrete loue) departed from their lodginges, and comming to the Garden, they sawe the wall was verie high and harde to climbe, notwithstanding, greater thinges are possible to Louers, chéefely when a cause of such waight is in hand, so that in short time Florendos had gotte the top of the Wall, and afterward went to the place where Gria­na [...]tayed his comming, who had no bodie with her but Le­rina, Sister to Cardina, to whom likewise she thorowly be­wrayed her secrets. He hauing espied them, came and fell on his knee before the Princesse, but she tooke him vppe in her armes, embracing him so swéetlie: as Lerina withdrew her selfe amongst the Trées, not with anie intent of feare to displease them, but with a certaine kinde of gréefe which ouercame her, that shee wanted a Fréende to participate with her in loue, as her Mistresse hadde, before wh [...]m Flo­rendos béeing on his knée, sayd. Mad [...]me, by vertue of your commaundement I am thus bolde to enter your presence, yéelding my whole abilitie to you, as to the diuine Goddesse that hath shéelded me from death, which grace séeing your princelie nature hath affoorded me, my life for euer héereaf­ter remaines at your soueraigne pleasure: the vnfeigned promise whereof, I binde to you by irr [...]uocable vowes, but especiallie by my faith, y ^• onelie ornament of a true Knight, that I desire no longer to breathe this ayre, then to honour your name with my continual seruice, for life without y [...]ur grace and fauour, is more yrkesome to me then a thousande deathes. But by your fauour my Lorde (answered Griana) howe or from whence hath this hote loue sprunge, let mee knowe I desire you? Madame (ꝙ he) as I haue heretofore, so at this time I assure you, that in my nature Countrie of Macedon, I hearde the renowne of your excelling beauty, at which verie instant I dedicated my selfe onelie yours: and euer since continuing in this religious seruice, I haue so confidentlie set downe my rest, in gracious regard of your swéete selfe, as béeing yours in seruice, I liue, if otherwise, [Page 14] I die. In sooth said (said the Princesse) I sée thē you haue gi­uen your selfe wholie mine, and so I am well centented to accept you. Then Madame (quoth he) to seale y ^• assuraunce of this diuine fauour you haue doone me, [...] intreate to kisse those swéete lippes, that deliuered the [...] I haue long looked for. Which to grant, though (for modesties sake) at first she séemed daintie, yet at length looue had so suppr [...] ­zed her, as he néeded not striue when no resistaunce was of­fered. Thus with feares and solemne kysses, they breathed into eache others soule, the mute arguments of their loue, and faire Cynthia amiablie fauouring this delicate encoun­ter, added such courage to the minde of this lou [...]lie Cham­pion: as breaking his Launce in the face of Venus, hee be­queathed the successe of his d [...]uoire to the gracious aspect of that Planet. And among a number of soft and sweete loue spéeches, he discoursed to her his talke with the Emperour her Father, howe he had requested her in marriage, & howe he excused his consent by the promise he had made before to Tarisius, through the dailie and earnest perswasions of the Empresse. Notwithstanding (quoth he) in respect you haue not consented thereto, I hope they shall finde themselues farre beyonde their reckoning. Nowe for the Princesse, she neuer knewe that Tarisius had laboured to haue her to hys Wife, because she made so light account of him, as she wold rather die then consent thereto, whereuppon shee returned Florendos this aunswere. The Emperour my Father hath reason to thinke hardlie of my Mother, and great discredite will it be to her, to procure my mariage against my wil, for neuer shall I consent thereto: and therefore my Lord I de­sire your aduise, how I may preuent this ensuing daunger▪ Madame (answered Florendos) my deuise is layd already, so please you to accept thereof: I will conuey you hence se­cretlie, and before the Emperour or any one know of it, in­to my Countrey of Macedon, where I and mine shall en­tertaine you with great and reuerend honour, and you shall be our gracious Lady and Princesse. Beléeue me (sayd she) [Page] it is doubtfull in such a iourney what daungers may hap­pen, notwithstanding, hauing vowed my selfe onlie yours: be it to the lyking or dislyking of my Father and Mother, I had rather breake through the straights of a greater ha­zarde, then be, forced to marrie him, whome while I liue I can not like, therefore doo you expecte the aduauntage of the time, and I will aduenture with you whether you please. Madame (answered Florendos) continue you this resoluti­on, and referre the rest to my charge, which you shall see ef­fected ere thrée daies be past: in the meane while I entend to take my leaue of the Emperour your Father, with this excuse, that the King my Father commaundeth my returne home, for which cause I will sende my traine before, reser­uing onelie but tenne of my best Knights to accompany me. For that (quoth Griana) doo what you thinke best, & with­out anie further expecting me in this place, certifie me how things happen by your Cozin Frenate, or my Maide Car­dina. But nowe you sée the daie beginnes to breake, wher­fore let me desire you to depart, that no s [...]andall or suspition arise of our méeting. Florendos kissing the Princesse hand, though longer hee woulde haue stayde) humbly tooke hys leaue, and by the helpe of Lerina, hee got ouer the Wall a­gaine, where F [...]enato stayed his comming, to wh [...]m when he was entred his lodging, hee imparted the appointment betwéene him and the Princesse, desiring him to discharge his trayne, except ten of his best approoued Knights, to help him if any hinderance preuented his intent: as for the rest, they should be going on before, and stay his c [...]mming at an appointed place, thrée daies iourney from Constantinople. In the morning he awaited the Emperours c [...]mming abroad, to whom he said, that he had receiued Letters from y ^• King his Father, with expresse commaundement to make spéedy returne home: therefore my good Lord (sayd hee) I desire to depart with your fauourable lyking, and in respect I may not contrary where I am bounde to obey, I intend to mor­row to set forward on my iourney, assuring your highnesse, [Page 15] that in what place I shall chaunce to come, I am yours in loyall and faithfull seruice. My good Cozin (aunswered the Emperour) I giue you thankes with all my hart, for y ^• ho­nour you haue doone me with your gentle presence: and if you haue occasion to vse m [...]e in ought, you shall perceiue howe highlie I loue and estéeme of you. My Lord (said Flo­rendos) I desire to deserue the great kindnes I haue found alreadie: so taking his leaue, the Emperour embraced him, and as he issued forth of the Chamber, he met the Prince Caniano, of whom he tooke his leaue likewise, who desired him to staie thrée or foure daies lōger. In which time there came to the Courte certaine Ambassadours, which y ^• Kinge of Hungaria had sent to the Emperour, to conclude the ma­riage betwéene his Sonne Ta [...]sius and the Princesse Gri­ana, the Duke of Gramay béeing chéefe in this Embassade, who was accompanied with manie Knightes and Gentle­men of name and account, to whom the Empresse gaue ve­rie gracious welcome, in that shee had priuatlie procured this their comming. As these Ambassadours entred y ^e great Chamber, Caniano and Tarisius who accompanied them, perceiued Griana to withdrawe her selfe aside very sad and mellanchollie: whereupon Caniano came vnto her (great­lie abashed at her angry countenaunce) and thus hee began. Fayre Sister, at this time when you ought to shewe the moste cheerefull countenaunce, you are more sadde then of long time I haue séene you: me thinkes you haue good occa­sion to be merrie, séeing the Emperour my Father hath prouided you so braue a Husbande, as is my Cozin the Prince Tarisius, who I am sure loues you as his owne life. Ah bro­ther (quoth she) I knowe not what should mooue him so to doo, séeing I neuer thought so well of him: and more gladlie could I entertaine mine owne death, then bee constrained to loue where I cannot. These words did Tarisius easily vnderstand, notwithstanding he made shewe as though he did not: but going to the Empresse he desired her to stay there with the Emperour, séeing the Ambassadours were come [Page] from the King his Father, that what was begun as concer­ning him and Griana, might nowe be finished according to her promise. Uppon this occasion, the Empresse called Griana aside, and with smoothe and swéete spéeches began to breake with her, howe for her good shee had induced the Emperour, to giue her in marriage to her Cozin Tarisius, and what honourable aduantage she shoulde receiue there­by: wherefore faire Daughter (saide she) resolue your selfe with childlike obedience, to thinke well of that your Pa­rents haue determined. All these perswasions coulde not drawe one pleasing word from the Princesse, but shee excu­sed her selfe still, by the desire shee had to remaine as s [...]ee was, and rather then to marrie shee would take a religious life vpon her: with which words she brake into such teares as the Empresse was constrained to leaue her alone, not doubting to finde her the next time in better tune. Griana then considering with her selfe, how she shoulde be enforced at length to yéelde, whether she woulde or no, if Florendos did not the sooner accomplish his enterprise: called Cardi­na vnto her, and sent her with this charge to Florendos, that that present night he shoulde not fayle to méete her in the Garden, where she would be readie to depart with him, otherwise he should neuer gaine the like opportunitie, with which message Cardina departed.

CHAP. VII.

FLorendos vnderstanding the will of his Mistresse, with great dilligence laboured to execute what they had intended, and ta­king his leaue at y ^• Courte, feig­ned he woulde returne no more, but take his waie straight to­wards Macedon. Tarisius, whose iealousie increased euerie daie more and more, sette pri [...]ie spies to watch euerie night, who went in & out at the Princesse Chāber, and albeit of long time his labors were frustrate, yet at length he and his spies perceiued, how he whome hée most enuied, mounted the Garden Wall where the Prin­cesse lay: for Florendos hauing left his companie without the Cittie, accompanied with Frenato, and both of thē well armed, he priuilie returned againe to the Pallace, thinking about midnight to carrie her away, for whose loue hee had thrust himselfe into this daungerous hazarde. Thus hauing left their Horses w ^tout the Citie with their Pages, & being come to the Garden Wall, Frenato helping the Prince to get vppe, Tarisius and his men, who vnhappilie lay there in ambush, ran violentlie vpon him, crying all aloude, kyll, kill these villaines that woulde dishonour the Emperours Pallace. At which wordes, Florendos and Frenato seeing themselues discouered, presentlie drewe their swordes, and beganne to laie about them verie valiantlie, Florendos gi­uing [Page] Tarisius so cruell a stroake on the heade, that hee fell downe to the ground as he had béene dead, and two or thrée of his companie with him: which when the rest behelde, they gotte ouer the Wall, and running with great clamour into the Cittie, cryed, helpe helpe Tarisius, whō Florendos (séeking to rob the Emperours Pallace) hath cruelly mur­dered. This noyse was heard by Griana, Lerina, and Car­dina, who were in the Gardē staying for Florendos, which did so amaze the hardiest of the three, as they knewe not what countenance to sette on y ^• matter: especiallie Griana, whom this feare had strooken into a deade traunce, but Le­rina and her Sister taking her vp in their armes, conueyed her into her Chamber, and soone after into her bed, when recouering her selfe, in extreame wéeping thus spake. Alas miserable wretch y ^• I am, dooth Fortune employ al meanes she can for my destruction? Well, let her doo the vttermoste spight shee can, for I am well assured before it be long, that death shall tryumphe aboue all her discourtesies. Cardina séeing her so wéepe and wring her handes, and as it were readie to fall into despayre, began to perswade her in thys sorte. Madame, it is no time nowe to vse these extremeties, for Gods sake learne to couer your passions: to the ende the Emperour may not detect vs, béeing assured that as yet we were not perceiued, and if you can but content your selfe, all this tumult will soone be ouercome. I pray thée (quoth Griana) leaue me alone, and goe sée (if thou canst) what is become of Florendos, that I may know whether hee be ta­ken or slaine. So went Cardina, & standing among others, as one that knewe nothing, behelde all. During this hote tumult, Fren [...]to séeing trouble encreasing more and more, followed the matter with such dilligence, as he got Floren­dos forth of the throng, and the darknesse of the night was such, as they easily compassed to get out of the Cittie, where their Pages stayed with their Horses, wheron they moun­ted and set on away. But the Prince Florendos would ma­nie times haue returned backe againe, so lothe was hee to [Page 17] leaue her whom he loued so déerely, for being out of all hope to sée her againe, he estéemed his life of no value or account. In which impatience, he rent his comelie locks of haire, and haled his flesh with great violence, whereuppon Frenato thus spake to him. Why howe nowe my Lorde? wyll you in séeking honour wound your selfe with shame, or in argu­ing your loue to your Ladie, endaunger her life? desire you to loose your selfe, and her also for euer? Beléeue me Cozin, this verie hardlie beséemes you, that the subtill dealing of a cowardlie Knight, should make you thus to forget your self. No no good Cozin, it is now no time to declare these shewes let vs therefore make spéede to our companie, and if you thinke good, we will sende one secretlie backe to the Cittie, to vnderstand the ende of this troublesome broyle, and wee in y ^• meane time may set forward towards Macedon. Ah swéete Cozin (quoth Florendos) you speake as the man that cannot comprehende my torments, thinke you it is possible for me to liue, leauing that rare creature in such perrill, for whose loue a Hell of gréefes hath martired my soule? By my knightlie faith I sweare, that death is a thousand times more welcome to me, then to be maistered by this one con­ceit, that I shold liue an hower out of her gracious seruice. Well well Sir (sayd Frenato) what you may not doo now, referre till better conuenience, and let vs set on before the daie light descry vs: otherwise, in séeking to defende Gria­na, your selfe shalbe witnes of her reproche and condemna­tion. Florendos perceiuing his Cozin did aduise him for the best, was well contented to be ruled by him, so giuing the spurres to their Horses, stayed not till they ouertooke y ^• rest of their companie: when he dispatched an Esquire present­lie backe to the Cittie, commaunding him straightly to di­rect soone to the King his Fathers Court, the successe of e­uerie thing that happened in his absence.

But now to returne where before we left, Cardina had not long staide in this hurlie burley, but shee perceiued the Emperour was rysen, who in all hast caused his Guarde to [Page] arme themselues to helpe Tarisius: for by this time hadde the two Knights which escaped, aduertised in the Courte, that they tooke Florendos as he was climbing the Garden wall, to goe to dishonour the Princesse Griana. At which report the Emperour was so mooued, as he went in greate furie to his Daughters Chamber, whom he founde in her bed, more likelie to die then liue: but necessitie (whereof manie doo often make a vertue) made her couer her weake­nes with a faire shewe of courage, so that when she see him enter, shee wrapped her selfe in her might Mantle, & came before him, to whom hee beganne in this furious manner. Thou leude Gyrle, darest thou conceiue the thought to doo mee this dishonour? by my Crowne for this thy presump­tion, I shall make thée such an example to all other, as thy heade from thy shoulders will scant quite thy fault. Gria­na hearing him speake so roughlie, answered him againe thus mildlie. My Lord and Father, I beséeche you to par­don me, you accuse me, and I know not whereof: if I haue doone euil, it is in you to chastise me as you shal please, and if I be innocent, vouchsafe good Father not to condemne mee. Ah varlet (quoth hee) this excuse shall little profite thée. So taking her verie rudelie, he locked her in a strong Tower, whereof he carried the Keye himselfe: then went he to Tarisius his lodging to sée how he did, for it was told him that he was in daunger of his life, where he found the Empresse heauilie wéeping, but he caused her to goe to her Chamber, and commaunded his Chirurgions to looke dil­ligentlie to his Nephewe, and not to spare any cost to pur­chase his health. Nowe because they which searched for Florendos, could not finde him, the bruite and rumor was qualified, and the Emperour went againe to his Chamber till the morning, when the Empresse hearing y ^• her daugh­ter was in prison, tooke it verie heauilie, and knéeling be­before the Emperour, desired him that she might fetch her foorth: but he was so angrie, as her wordes coulde doo no­thing with him, yet he graunted that shee shoulde goe see [Page 18] her, and tooke her the Key, when she entering the Tower, founde her sitting on the ground so blubred with teares, as was lamentable to beholde, but when she behelde her Mo­ther, she arose, and dooing her reuerence, coulde not speake her teares so ouercame her. The Empresse that loued her déerelie, séeing her in this gréeuous estate, had much a doo to dissemble what she thought, how beit after a fewe light wordes passed betwéene them, she said. I am [...]orie daugh­ter that you haue so lightlie throwne your affection vpon a Straunger, and that you forget your duetie, in following your Fathers counsell and mine, who well kn [...]we the loue Tarisius beares you, and no otherwise Daughter, then to take you to his wife. But you (carried awaie with y ^• loose­nes, which ill agrées with your credite and calling) haue rather thought best, to grant Florendos enterance by your Garden, at such a suspected howre, as while you liue, your honour will be hardlie thought on: for two of Tarisius his Knights, who thought to take the Traytour, are slaine, and my Nephew himselfe daungerouslie escaped. Griana hearing him called Traitour whom shee so highlie looued, and that shee herselfe was accused, by that which ought to excuse her, answered. Madame, and my gracious Mother, as yet I am ignoraunt of the cause, that hath mooued the Emperour in such choller against me, and be it for this you speake of, in soothe I am offered verie great iniurie, for I knowe not whether Florendos or anie other haue entred my Garden, well I am assured hee came not where I was. These are straunge newes to me Madame, I [...]old rather haue thought him on his waie towards Macedon, in re­spect of the solemne leaue he tooke in the Court [...]. For my part, I would that the Traytour which was y ^e cause here­of, had long since béene buried in the bottome of the Sea, then he should so abuse the honor of Florendo [...], with a matter of such villanie, wherein I cannot iudge him faultie: but were it he Madame, I am at a point, let him die y ^• death, as he hath well deserued, for my duetie to you my Parents [Page] hath taught me better nurture, and loue canne be no priui­ledge to me to offende. Then good Mother, twit not mee with impeache of honour in so innocent a cause, for defence whereof, were the death present before mine eyes, I haue sorrowed as much as I would, and am more readie to em­brace then liue in suspecte, so shall my Father and you bee eased of prouiding me a Husband. As for the prison where­in I am, I will not denie his fauoure when it shall please him to deliuer me: but I coulde take it farre more conten­tedlie, to spende the remainder of my following daies thus solitarie, then to liue abroade misdéemed on by anie. Faire Daughter (said the Empresse) doo not discomfort your selfe in this sort, the Emperour had some reason (in regarde of the loue he beares you, and the outragious tumult which happened) to doo as he hath doone: but I hope in the end all will sort to the best, and that you your selfe shall remaine contented. Manie other spéeches passed betwéene them, till at length y ^e Empresse left her and departed, for she thought long till she was with the Emperour, to let him know the talke betwéene her and Griana: which shee didde without omitting anie thing, notwithstanding hee was more seuere to his Daughter euerie daie after. Then sent hee for the Ambassadours, and thus he began with them. My Lordes, at this time I am aduised, that you shall returne to your King my Brother, for in respect of the accidents which you haue séene to happen: I will craue pardon for this tyme, referring matters ouer till some other time, when thinges shall fall in better disposition. The Ambassadours vnder­standing the Emperours pleasure, the next daie tooke their leaue towarde the King their Maister, to whom they decla­red the whole in generall: whereat hee conceiued such dys­pleasure, as he presentlie sent for his Sonne Tarisius, who had not as yet recouered his health. But he was so ename­red on y ^• yong Princesse, as he would not obey his Fathers commaund, but so soone as he was indifferentlie amended, he intreated the Emperour to pardon his Daughter, accu­sing [Page 19] his owne men, who vndiscreetlie had raised this false rumour of her and Florendos. By this meanes, the Em­presse and her Ladies obtained libertie dailie to accompa­nie Griana: but all the night time he caused her to bee loc­ked vp as closelie as before, committing her to the charge of an aged Gentlewoman named Tolomestra, whom hee commaunded on paine of death, not to bee a minute of an houre forth of her companie.

CHAP. VIII.

NO sooner had Florendos & Fre­nato ouertane their companie, but they rid on in such hast (fea­ring to be followed) as at length they got the Frontiers of Ma­cedon. And because Florendos imagined himselfe without life, not hearing anie tydinges from his Mistresse Griana, he conclu­ded to rest at the first Towne he came too, there to expect the returne of the Esquire he sent to Constantinople: who returned towards his Maister soo­ner then he looked for, by reason of the little aboad he made in the Emperours Court, for he staied not when he hearde that Griana was imprisoned, and that Tarisius was not slaine as his Maister was perswaded. These newes did wonderfullie afflict the Prince, as well for the harde vsage of his swéete Fréende, as that he had fayled in killing him, by whose death he well hoped to recouer his losse: all the [Page] whole daie would he receiue no sustenance, but locked him­selfe close in his Chamber, and tombled on his bedde as a man halfe desperate. But Frenato who would not be long absent from him, fearing least his furie woulde cause him worke some violence on himselfe, made such meanes y ^• hee got into the Chamber, at what time the Prince was thus lamenting. Alas swéete Madame, was I borne in such an vnhappie houre, that without desert you must indure im­prisonment for me? What satis-faction maie your Floren­dos liue to make, in requitall of this iniurie? When didde you euer merit to be so hardlie intreated for him? Beléeue me, coulde you bee discharged so soone as I coulde wyshe it, bolts, locks nor walles coulde holde you a thought whyle, yet wyshing is no action, euerie thing is contrarie to me, al helpes refuse me, and death likewise denies me: but by my sworde (and therewith he started vp) in spight of whatsoe­uer I will deliuer you. Frenato séeing him rise in such a fu­rie, came and tooke him by the arme, demaunding what he would haue. Death (quoth he) if I could, for it gréeues mee to liue anie longer. You speake verie wiselie (quoth hée in mockage) is all this for the imprisonment of Griana? is it not better she should be there, then in the custodie of Tari­sius? her captiuitie you know cannot long endure, but were she married she could neuer be recouered. Therefore let good hope perswade you, and now send an other Messenger with spéede to Constantinople, to know what accidents haue happened since, and to practise the meane to speake with Cardina, who will certifie you from Griana, what is or may be doone in these affayres. This counsell liked well Florendos, whereuppon he presentlie dispatched a Gentle­man of trust, who with all dilligence did execute the com­maund of his Maister, for in good time he arriued at Con­stantinople, when Griana had libertie to speake with her Gentlewomen: which when he hearde, he was not a little glad, whereupon he searched earnestlie till he hadde founde Cardina, to whom he deliuered his Maisters minde, as al­so [Page 20] in what sad and heauie plight he left him, desiring her with all spéede to certifie the Princesse thereof, and what seruice she would commaunde him to his Maister. Cardina knowing how glad the Princesse would bee, to heare these tidings from Florendos, went to séeke her Sister Lerina, to whom she imparted what you haue heard, and she well ad­uised of the time and place, discoursed the same to the Prin­cesse, vnséene, and not suspected of old Tolomestra. How ioy­full she was of this message, I cannot vtter, nor you con­ceiue, but shee was resolued, neuer to haue any Husbande but Florendos, and therefore to comfort him, she deuised to write to him that he might hope as wel as she did: but wel she knewe not how to accomplish her intent, by reason shée wanted pen, inke and paper, and she was forbidden to haue anie. Notwithstanding, she so well pe [...]swaded her woman Tolomestra, as (feigning to wryte to the Emperour her Father) she recouered the meane to execute her desire. Thē withdrawing her selfe apart, first she wrote a Letter to the Emperour, and afterwards one to Florendos, wherein she desired him not to be offended, albeit things fell out not to his lyking: for (with the fauour of Fortune) the end would be as pleasant to him, as the beginning had béene vnhappie to them bothe, withal, that as he desired to prolong her life, he shoulde doo nothing to the preiudice of his owne person. These two Letters thus written & sealed, she called Tolo­mestra, and gaue her that she had written to the Emperor, desiring her to carrie it presentlie to his Maiestie, by whose departing, she had opportunitie to conferre with Lerina: in bréefe she desired her to goe séeke the Esquire, that he might returne to his Maister with the Letter she sent him, which she did effectuallie, and the gentle Esquire made no little hast to his Maister. Who receiuing the Letter from hys Mistresse Griana, was not content alone to read it, but kist and rekist it a hūdred times, saying. Ah swéete Letter, writ ten with y ^e hand of y ^e only Princesse this day liuing: for her sake will I kéepe thée, as y ^e best token a true Knight can re­ceiue from his Mistresse.

CHAP. IX.

WHen the Emperour had receiued the Letter, which Tolomestra presented him from his Daugh­ter, albeit he found nothing ther­in might prouoke him to anger, sauing that she earnestlie desired him to pittie her estate, béeing innocent of anie thing was laide to her charge: yet he shewed him selfe more discontented then be­fore, sending Tolomestra backe with this aunswere. Say to Griana, that séeing she was so aduenturous to incur my displeasure, shee shall well knowe that I will not spare to punish her offence: and let her assure her selfe, that I wyll neuer looke on her while I liue, if she match not with Ta­risius to whom I haue giuen her. All this Tolomestra told to Griana, which rather then to obey, shee desired to die, wherefore when anie came to visite her, she woulde shewe her selfe more pleasant in their companie then shee hadde doone, in respecte of vnexpected heauines that secretlye tou­ched her, féeling herselfe so farre conceiued with Childe, as she knewe no meanes to saue it and her honour, if it should happen to be perceiued. One onelie helpe shee had in this extreamitie, that béeing so weake and sicklie, the Phisitions could not discerne her disease: but reputed her likely to die, [Page 21] which she with all her hart desired, yet doo what iniurie to her selfe she could, she had better health then she desired to haue. In the ende, féeling her selfe so grosse and vnweldie, she durst not leaue her bed, but kept it dailie, till her time drewe verie néere at hand, when the Emperour (by y ^• ear­nest importunitie of the Empresse) happened to come and sée her, bringing with him the Prince Tarisius: who bée­ing thus entred y ^e Towre, they founde her in such gréeuous and daungerous estate, as for all the anger the Emperour had against her, it mooued the teares to stande in his eyes, which he shaddowed so well as he coulde, framing his spée­ches to her in this sort. Well Daughter, it likes you to cō ­trarie me, in that which concernes your honour and profit, and without anie feare (as is thy duetie) thou hast boldlie refused the Husband which I haue appointed thée: but (by mine honour) I will cause thée know that thou hast displea­sed me, for wilt thou or not (before I leaue thée) I wil giue thée to him whome I haue promised. Then taking her by the hande, and causing Tarisius to come néere, he saide. My Sonne, in regarde of my word, which I will kéepe inuiola­lablie, I giue thée heere Griana, from henceforth account of her as thy Wife: and holde thée, héere is the Key of the Tower, kéepe her in thine owne custodie, and héereafter thinke of her as thou findest occasion. Well sawe Griana that perforce she must obey her Fathers will: wherefore with great wisedome couering her secrete thoughts, with extreame teares deliuered this aunswere. Alas my good Lord and Father, I neuer thought y ^• your highnesse would vse such crueltie towards me, as to enforce me take a Hus­band contrarie to my liking, not (my good Lorde) but y ^• Ta­risius hath much better deserued: but that which toucheth me most in opinion is, that our néere alliaunce in kindred, is sufficient to continue the loue betwéene the King his fa­ther and you, without anie such néedelesse séeking of newe vniting. And moreouer good Father, his education in your Court with my Brother Caniano and me, since our verie [Page] yongest yéeres to this present, hath béene of such equall and familiar condition: as it séemes to mee impossible to reue­rence him with that intire duetie, which women must and ought vse to their Husbands. Wherfore my good Lord and Father, I perswade my selfe (vnder your correction) that you should support me in this iust request: the rather in re­spect of my present estate, which may induce you somwhat to conceiue: that the obsequies of my buriall is more like­lie to be solemnized, then those holie ceremonies y ^• shoulde be vsed at my marriage. And with these words she powred foorth such aboundance of teares, as the Emperour knewe not what to answere: but ouercome with pittie withdrew himselfe, leauing Tarisius with her, who hoping to haue better words of her, said. Madame, I beseeche you not to of­fend your selfe, for anie thing the Emperour hath saide con­cerning me, for I wil not anie thing to your discontent, and rather would I suffer all my life, then cause the least doubt to encurre your dislike: hoping y ^• in time to come you wyll take such pittie on mee, as béeing perswaded of the loue I heare you, and the reuerend desire I haue to doo you seruice you will graunt that with good will, which the Empe­rour striues to gaine perforce, assuring you y ^• nothing can be more gréeuous to mee, then the harde dealing which he­therto hath béene vsed towards you. And to the ende you may resolue your selfe of that I say, your Father hauing deliuered me the Keye of your prison, and y ^e guarde of your personne, I here commit bothe to your gentle pleasure. So kissing the Keie, he laid it by her, and without expecting a­nie aunswere, with great reuerence hee departed, leauing her with Tolomestra, so rapt into a slumber or traunce, as her Kéeper would not for pittie trouble her. The Princesse in this silent passion, thought that shee sawe a fierce Lyon before her, with open throate readie to deuoure her, and néere at hand she espied an armed Knight, to whom shee la­boured for her defence, crying, that for Gods sake he would shéeld her from the beast, but the Knight with stearne and [Page 22] angrie countenaunce thus answered. I wil not defend thée, but with my Sword will take thy life from thée. Thou hast so much offended the heauenlie powers in disobedience to thy Father, as I ought rather to deuide thy head from thy shoulders, then to hinder this beaste from deuouring thee. Thinkest thou to contrarie their diuine pleasures? Suffi­seth not the fault thou hast committed with Florendos? cō ­tent thée, and shroude thy shame, in regard of the fruite in thy wombe, whose woorthinesse thou shalt knowe more of héereafter. If y ^• dooest not, thou diest an euerlasting death, from which thou canst haue no meane to defende thée. The Knight did so affright Griana, as she promised him to ac­complish the Emperours commaundement without fayle: whereupon the Knight and the Lyon vanished awaie, lea­uing her (as she thought) by a fayre Fountaine, enuironed with Trées and diuersitie of flowers, the swéete sent wher­of was so pleasaunt and odori [...]erous, as made the chéereful bloode to reuiue againe in the Princesse, and with brea­thing foorth a vehement sigh, she awaked, inuocating on the powers to pardon her transgressions, and promising to obey the wyll of her Father, albeit she could hardlie forget Florendos so soone. Within two or thrée daies after, the Prince Tarisius came to visite her, to whom she shewed bet­ter countenaunce then she had doone, and as they were de­uising togeather in amorous talk, she said. Beléeue me Syr Tarisius, you haue vsed such honest and gentle courtesie to­wardes mee, as hencefoorth I giue my selfe wholie yours: therefore béeing sorrie for my long disobedience to my Pa­rents and you, tryumphe nowe Tarisius in the honor of my loue. If these wordes pleased Tarisius, it is not to be doub­ted, for ioy whereof hee went presentlie to the Emperour, and made him acquainted with these happie tydinges: so that (to make short) after manie promises and solemne oathes to y ^• Princesse, not onelie to accept her as his spouse and wife, but as his soueraigne Ladie and Mistresse, hee broughte her with him to the Emperour, who hearing [Page] the resolution of his Daughter, embraced her, and tooke her into as good conceite as euer he did.

Notwithstanding, Tolomestra was cōmanded to attend on her still, wherefore Griana knewing her time to drawe néere, and hardlie could she conceale her fortune: after ma­nie difficult doubts and feares debated in her thoughts, at last she imparted the whole to Tolomestra. The olde Gen­tlewoman after manie motherlie rebukes, for the fault cō ­mitted as the daunger imminent, thought better yet to co­uer this misaduenture, then to publish that which woulde displease manie, and profite none: so leauing to reprehende, when care and comfort was more required, at that instant the Princesse was deliuered of a goodlie man childe. Thus in the ninth Moneth, after the returne of Florendos to­wards Macedon, on Mondaie at night about eight of the clocke, the Princesse had her howre of deliueraunce: when Tolomestra receiuing the Childe, sawe it so beautifull and wel fourmed, as it gréeued her meruailouslie, to think what hard fortune it brought with the birth. For the honour of the Mother could not bee defended, but by the price of y ^e in­fants life: wherefore hauing wrapped it in swadling clo­thes which the Princesse had prepared of some valew, shee brought it to the sorrowfull Mother, saying. Trust mee Madame, it much displeaseth me that wee must thus loose this louelie childe, whom I could haue estéemed happy, and the Mother likewise, if it might liue without displeasure: but he swéete babe must suffer the punishment for the of­fence, whereof he is not anie way culpable. Alas (saide the Princesse) what shall we doo? would God it weare deade, or out of daunger: then taking it in her armes, and washing his face with flooddes of teares, after manie swéete kisses, thus said. Ah my little deintie, and must I néedes leaue thée? must the safetie of thy life remaine in the mercie of a straunge Womanne, who not knowing thy Parents, may deale with thée discourteouslie? well, if thou die, thy Mo­ther will not be long after thée. And as shee thus mourned [Page 23] ouer her infant, shee perceiued on his right chéeke a lyttle marke in likenesse of a Crosse: which made her call her vi­sion to remembraunce, and the words of the Knight, that promised good fortune to the Childe, which made her con­ceiue a comfortable hope, whereupon, about his necke shee tyed a fayre Crucifixe of golde. Nowe was the night verie farre spent, and Tolomestra feared they shoulde be preuen­ted, wherfore (quoth she) Madame it is time to determine of some thing, leaue muzing I pray you anie longer on the Childe, and let me goe carrie it to Cardina to be borne forth of the Court. The wéeping Mother séeing shee councelled for the best, for her last adiewe sealed manie swéete kisses on the face of the infant, and so in great gréefe deliuered it to Tolomestra, who went and found Cardina, to whom she gaue it: and she without anie tariance mounted on Horse­backe, & not knowing what way shee tooke, rode on which way Fortune guided her. Uerie doubtfull was she howe to be discharged of her carriage, for she feared to let any Wo­man in the neighbour Uillages haue it, least so the Prin­cesse might be discouered: for that it was commonlie blazed through the Empire, that the Princesse was imprisoned for the loue of Florendos. At length the daie began to ap­peare, when she perceiued herselfe on a high Mountaine, which was verie thicke sette with Palme and Oliue trées: then she alighted from her Horse, and made a little bed of sweete Hearbes, wherein she layd the Childe, hoping some body would passe by that would take compassion on it. So committing the tender infant to the protection of the pow­ers, she returned to the Cittie in very good time.

CHAP. X.

THe Mountaine where Cardina had left y ^e Princesse yong Son, was about a daies iourney from Constantinople, and was commō ­lie called the Mount of Oliues, where neere at hande dwelt a welthie Farmer, who hauing the occupation of the grounde, grew very rich by gathering the fruites of y ^e Palme, Oliue, Date and other Trées, and like a good Husband he daily folowed his affayres, béeing named Gerrard. His Wyfe the same morning likewise was deliuered of a Male child, which be­ing deade borne, caused this good man to walke foorth into his groundes in great heauines, for he had but one Daugh­ter aged three yeeres, and his Sonne woulde haue beene a great comfort to him. In these melanchollique passions as he went néere the Trée where Cardina had left the seelie infant, he heard it cry: whereat he greatlie meruailing, ap­proached néerer, and sawe the swéete Babie pittifully mour­ning, wanting the nouriture that shoulde comfort it. Hee tooke it very tenderly in hys armes, and séeing it so sweete and louelie, was perswaded that God had sent it him, in re­compence of hys owne that was deade borne: and so ioyful­lie went home with it to hys Wife, who was named Mar­cella, and to her he beginneth in this maner. Behold swéete Wife, in the place of your yong dead Sonne, God hath this [Page 24] day sent vs an other, which I haue brought you home. Thē recounted he to her, howe he found it on the Mountaine vnder an Oliue Trée: and therefore (quoth hee) I pray thee nourish it in stedde of thine owne, for a goodlier Childe did I neuer behold. The good womā tooke it, and vnwrapping the swadling clothes, sawe they were rich and of good va­lewe, but cheefelie y ^e Crucifire which hung about his neck: whereupon she iudged it of some noble house, and mooued with pitty, thus sayd. I beléeue sweete infant, that thy Mo­ther is in no small greefe for the losse of thee, but séeing thy fortune hath brought thee to me, I wyll foster thee as thou wert mine owne Sonne. And from thence forward shee v­sed it so louinglie, as euery one thought it to bee Gerrards owne Child: and bringing it to baptisme, because he found it so among the Palme trees, hee caused the Childe to bee named Palmerin, who grewe on in yeeres, both in comelie feature and gentle behauiour. Not long after, Marcella brought her Husbande an other Sonne, whose name was Colmelio, and him did Palmerin loue as his own Brother and companion, as heereafter you shall more at large vnderstand: but heere I wyll craue leaue to pause for a whyle, and following the intent of this Historie, you shall vnder­stand howe Griana gouerned herselfe, after she had escaped this hard aduenture.

So soone as Cardina was returned to the Court, Gria­na sent for her, to knowe what shee had doone with the in­fant: to whom she discoursed in what sort she hadde left it, which gréeued her as much as the weight of her offence. Notwithstanding, considering howe happilie shee had esca­ped shame and disgrace, from thence forwarde shee dissem­bled her passions better, and shewed herselfe so well reclai­med, as the Empresse reioyced much thereat, hoping nowe to ende the matter for her Nephewe Tarisius: whereupon one day finding her Daughter alone, shee tooke occasion to conferre with her thus. Daughter, wil you now accomplish that, which your Father and I haue long béene importu­nate [Page] for, I pray you holde of no longer, least you driue him into anger againe, which can no way returne you benefite. When Griana heard her Mother speake so gentlie, & know­ing well, that (whether she would or no) it muste sorte to that conclusion, she answered. Madame, you haue thought good (will I nill I) that I shoulde match with your Ne­phewe Tarisius, I must then by force doo that which wyl­lingly I cannot, nor while I liue shall I conceiue better o­pinion: yf then (Mother) hereafter our fortunes fall out so contrary, that any misaduenture happen by thys your wil­fulnes, you neede not complaine but of your selfe, béeing the inuenter and procurer thereof. All these spéeches of Griana could not alter her opinion, but without regard of any dan­ger, she went presently to the Emperour, desiring him (sée­ing Griana was recouered) to ende the marriage betwéene her Nephew and her: whereto he gaue such suddaine con­sent, as before a seauen night was finished, Tarisius and she were maried togeather, to her great gréefe, as her counte­naunce declared, for when euery one were at their feasting dauncing, and other delights, the woeful Princesse thought on the great iniurie she had doone to Florendos, accounting herselfe the most vnhappy on the earth, and to herselfe thus sorrowed. Ah my deere freende, what wylt thou say when thou hearest these tydinges, that I am become so false and disloyall to thee? what excuse may pleade for me to thée? by good reason may I for euer bee excluded from theyr compa­nie, who haue kept their fayth inuiolable to their freendes, and continue in profession of their vnchangable affections, for neuer did Woman commit such treason as this that I haue doone: and yet (my Lord) altogeather against my wil, as my wofull hart may giue euident witnesse, which shalbe thine while it remaines in thys miserable bodie, which Tarisius must nowe haue, though in iustice it be thine. And in thys sort continued her dolorous complaints til night ap­proched, when she must yeeld that honor to Tarisius, which with better wyll she could haue affoorded Florendos.

[Page 25] After the feastes and triumphes of the marriage were finished, Griana desirous to absent herselfe from her fathers Courte, because the remembraunce of Florendos passions was so gréeuous to her: desired Tarisius to make short his staie, and set forward to Hungaria, whether the Emperour her Father caused her to be so honourablie conuaied, as be­séemed the Daughter of so great a Prince. But as shee was taking her leaue among the Ladies, the Empresse came to her sorrowfullie wéeping, which when Griana beheld, shee said. Madame, I am abashed to sée what heauines you shew for the departure of your Daughter, to whom you alone haue béene so cruell, as by your meanes shee is banished for euer from you and you [...] Countrie: why lament you then? séeing it is your pleasure to make her vnfortunate while she liues? I hartelie desire the heauens to pardon you, and that the first newes heereafter you shall heare of me, maie be the true report of my death. This said, shee mounted on horsebacke, and without anie semblaunce to take her leaue of her Father: so béeing honourablie accompanied, in short time she arriued in Hungaria with Tarisius, whose loue to her so vehementlie increased, as he reputed himselfe y ^• most fortunate Prince in Europe, hauing gained the paragon a­mong all Ladies. Soone after the aged King died, by which meanes Tarisius came to the Crowne. Griana highlie e­steeming such as shee brought with her from Constantino­ple, to witt, Lerina and Cardina, but especiallie Tolome­stra, to whom she verie often imparted the whole secrets of her minde, leading so strickt and constant a life, as all the Court did wonder at her. But the remorse of conscience, which dailie touched her for the losse of her Sonne, caused her to spende day and night in denout orisons, that the hea­uens would forget her hainous offence.

CHAP. XI.

ALl this while continued Floren­dos on the Frontiers betwéene Constantinople and Macedon, til at length he hearde that Griana was released of her imprison­ment, wherof he was so glad, as nowe he thought to deale more surelie then he did before: wher­vppon he dispatched Lyomenus one of his Esquires towardes her, with a Letter of earnest and intire affection, wherein he desired to knowe, if he might compasse y ^e meane to come and sée her, and hee doubted not to bring her so secretlie on her iournete, and with so good prouision, as before they should be againe discouered, they would be safelie arriued in Macedon. But this hope was soone frustrate, for Lyome­nus béeing come to Constantinople, founde the marriage be­twéene Tarisius and Griana consumated: which he tooke so displeasantlie, as without giuing the Letter, or speaking to the Princesse, he returned hastilie againe to his Lorde and Maister. Who béeing aduertised of his comming, sent for him immediatlie vp into his Chamber, at whose entrance, the Prince discerned the newes by his conuntenance, wher­vpon he demaunded if Griana were sicke, or howe shee fa­red? My Lord (ꝙ he) happie had she béene, if she had dyed tenne yeeres since: for I doubt [vnlesse you arme your self [Page 28] with wonderfull patience] that what is doone will highlie endaunger your person. Why (quoth Florendos) what is happened? Trust me my Lord (ꝙ he) the verie worst that can be for you, Tarisius hath espoused her, and (despight of her) the Emperour caused it to be doone. No sooner had Ly­omenus spoken the word, but Florendos cast himselfe cru­eli [...]e against the grounde, saying. O my God take pittie on my soule, for my bodie must needes suffer mis-fortune. At which wordes he fell in a swoune, when Lyomenus think­ing him dead, ran hastilie and called Frenato: who know­ing full well y ^e cause of his passion, laboured by all meanes he might to perswade him [...] notwithst [...]ding all the in­treaties he vsed, in [...] [...]nd [...] hee coulde not get one word of hi [...], whereuppon hee sent for an auncient Hermit neere at hand, whom Florendos made verie much account of, who beeing come, & applying diuers soueraigne Hearbes to his temples, whereof the olde Father [...]n [...]we well the vertue, at length Florendos recouered his sences, and opening his eyes, beh [...]ld the olde Hermit, to whō with verie feeble voice he said. Ah good Father praie for me, for I féele mine ende nigh at hand. Not so my S [...]nne saide the Hermit, what? are you so vnprouided of diuine perswasi­on, as you will loose bothe bodie and soule for matter of so meane consequence? hast thou liued so long, and yet ign [...] ­raunt of the inconstancie of Women, which is no other th [...] ̄ thou beholdest in Griana? Knowest thou not, that as the saile of the Shippe is subiecte to all windes, so are their af­fections to continuall mutabilitie? and knowest thou not, that what they purpose to execute irreuocable, in one mo­ment they are suddainlie disswaded from? My Sonne, be­léeue my counsell, and with as much pleasure learne to for­get this folly, as with extreame paine thou diddes [...] first im­print it in thy thoughts. Ah Father (quoth Florendos) ne­uer seeke in this sort to perswade me, béeing assured if you knew how things haue past, you wold not thus in fearmes disgrace my Ladie: for shee is mine, and Tarisius hath no [Page] right to her, to whom the Emperour hath married her per­force, els would she neuer haue broken her faith to me, and while I liue Father, none but she can bee called the Wyfe of Florendos, Sonne to the mighty King of Macedon. The wise olde Father séeing him in choller, & beeing lothe like­wise to offende the Prince, would no longer crosse him in spéeches, but fearing to mooue him too much, mildlie thus spake. May be (my Sonne) she hath beene deere to you, and I would your consent in loue had aunswered your lyking: but thus to dispaire, and endaunger your owne life, truste me it is not well doone, therefore I desire you to perswade your selfe, and by your constancie condemne her lightnes, taking patientlie what ha [...]h happened. These and such like good words vsed the old Hermit, but Florendos would take no sustenance, neither be remooued frō this opinion, for fiue daies while the old man staied with him: neither would he looke chéerefully as he was wont, but continued euermore sad & melanchollique, nor could the King his Father cause him like of anie Wife, but onely Griana, for whome conti­nuallie he neuer left mourning.

CHAP. XII.

PAlmerin being now come to the age of fifteene yeeres, nourished in the Mountaine as the Childe of Gerrard his supposed Father, well beloued of him and Marcel­la his wife as their own Sonne: grewe in stature so tall, comelie and wel nurtured, as well might [Page 27] he be known of noble parentage. For albeit he companyed with Gerrards Children, who vsed him after their rusticall capacities: yet hee desired more to passe the Mountaines with his long Bowe, to chase the Beares and Bores tho­rowe thicke and thinne, and to keepe Hawkes and dogges, rather then Sheepe and Cattell as the other Children did. In these sports he had such wonderfull delight, as often­times he would come home verie late and sore wearied: but one time among the rest, he came home so ouerlaboured, as he was glad to laie him downe to rest, and he was no sooner fallen a sléepe, but he was solicited with a meruailous visy­on, the effect whereof thus followeth. Hee thought (as hee was pursuing a goodlie Harte thorowe a Forrest) hee met with the fairest Ladie that euer eye behelde, who sat on the side of a goodlie Fountaine, and called him vnto her, say­ing. Be not abashed Palmerin, though I am come from the furthest parts to finde thee in this Countrey, for I am well assured, that ere many daies be past, thy bountie & prowesse shall make thee renowmed through the worlde, for one of the hardiest Knights that euer liued. Leaue therefore thys obscure and rusticall kinde of life, and hencefoorth lift thy mind to high occasions which are offered thee: and heereof beléeue me, as she that loueth thee as her owne life, beeing deuoted onelie thine at all times, as nature may witnesse who hath marked me with thy like Charracter. Thē shew­ing her arme, she saide. Beholde in this hande, and on this side of my hart, one like and selfe same marke, as y ^u brough­test on thy face from thy Mothers wombe. To which wor­des Palmerin woulde haue aunswered, but the Ladie vani­shed awaie so suddainly, as he could not perceiue what was become of her. Whereuppon raising himselfe, and meruay­ling from whence this occasion should proceede, he admired the beautie of the Ladie he sawe in his sleepe, which was so liuelie in his remembrance, as he iudged her present be­fore his eyes. But perswading himselfe that such appariti­ons happened by idle thoughts, or by some vapour of no ef­fect: [Page] made no account thereof, whereuppon, the next night following, the same Ladie that appeared to him in the Forrest, presented herselfe to him againe, holding in her hands a sumptuous Crowne of golde, and thus spake. See heere (my Lord) the honour which I holde, beeing giuen me one­lie for the loue of you. In this sort continued this vision for foureteene or fifteene daies following, till at length the La­die sh [...]wed herselfe verie angrie, saying. I am ashamed Palmerin, that you deferre so long to séeke me out, doo you thinke the promises I haue made you are friuolous? No, no, the time and trauaile thou takest (if thou giuest credite to my wordes) shall make thée knowe that thou art y ^e Son of a King, and not of the Countrey swayne that hath foste­red thée. From henceforth therefore expect me no more in this Mountaine, but if my beautie haue found place in thy har [...], seeke then to conquere me, that thou maist be y ^• Lorde and possessour of mee. Thus departed the Ladie, lea­uing a desire (more then accustomed) in the hart of Palme­rin, who till that time made little reckoning of so high matters, for the Pastorall life hee ledde with Gerrard and hys familie, seemed the most happiest to him in all the worlde, not hauing séene any person of greater calling then he. But nowe newe affections so eleuated his minde, as he intended to goe seeke her, whom in sleepe he had beheld so often: For (quoth he) if she assure mee to discende of a royall linage, I may well presume she knowes me bett [...]r then my Father Gerrard, els would she not so often induce me to folow my fortune, and the good that is prouided for me, well might I be accounted a foole, if I wold not aduēture on so especial an occasion, therfore happen what wil, I meane to search thorow the whole worlde till I haue founde her, and none but she shall euer be my Mistresse. But how can it be that I am discended from so high a place, séeing my Father is such a simple Countriman? hath my Mother béene forget­full of her reputation, that some Prince or great Lord hath so become my Father? Well, I wyll knowe of her if I can [Page 26] before I depart, and if she will not tell mee, I will searche for her that shall assure me. Thus was Palmerin confoun­ded with remembraunce of his visions, as from that time he became maruailous pensiue & solitarie: then bethought he, howe he might knowe of his Mother Marcella the ende of his desire, wherof Dyofena (who loued him déerely) part­lie aduertised him.

You haue heard heertofore, how when Gerrard founde Palmerin among the Oliue Trées, he had a daughter three yeeres olde, named Dyofena, indifferent fayre, who as shee increased in yéeres, became so amorous of her supposed bro­ther, that hardly she could dissemble her affection: notwithstanding, shame and regard locked vppe her lippes, that she durst not speake what she gladlie would, but séeing Palme­rin in like sadnes as she was, she immagined that one sick­nes had strooken them both, wherfore casting manie doubts as she laie in her bed, in the same Chamber her Parents did, she heard them enter into this discourse. Haue you not séene Palmerin (quoth he) howe heauie and sadde hee hath béene a long time? Yea truelie haue I (ꝙ shee) it may bee that some haue tolde him hee is not your Sonne: so fal­ling out of one matter into an other, Dyofena hearde them report the manner how they found him, which she desirous to let Palmerin vnderstande, arose earlie the next morning, and comming to Palmerin, thus conferred with him. Bro­ther, if you knew so much as I doo, peraduenture you wold be not a little abashed. Why good Sister (quoth he) I pray you let me vnderstand the matter. In sooth (quoth shée) I euer thought till this time, that you had béene mine owne naturall Brother, but by chaunce hearing some talke be­twéene my Father and Mother this last night, I am no o­ther then your fréende, and shee y ^• loues you dearelie: which I haue euermore hetherto feared to let you knowe, doubt­ing the nerenes of our consanguinitie, which I nowe per­ceiue cannot hinder our marriage, if you will request mee of my Father, who I am sure will not denie you. And so she [Page] rehearsed the manner of his finding, which so well ly­ked Palmerin, as he gaue the more credite to the visions he had séene, neuerthelesse, he thus dallied with Dyofena. It may bee Sister, you misunderstoode our Parents, my selfe will deniaund the trueth of our Mother, if she assure me as you haue doone, then will I talke with them concerning our marriage. So shall you doo well (said Dyofena) to bee tho­rowlie assured, yet néede you not report mee to haue infor­med you, least thereby you bring mee into my Parents dis­pleasure. Palmerin thus leauing Dyofena, chanced to find his Mother Marcella alone, to whom he said. Mother, I be­séeche you graunt me one request that I shall demaunde of you. That will I my Sonne (quoth she) if it be in my pow­er to doo. Understand then good Mother (quoth he) that I haue oftentimes dreamed how I am not your Son, so that I knowe not what to saie, vnlesse you please to assure mee better. When Marcella heard these wordes, she was stroo­ken in a studie: but Palmerin was still so importunate, as at last she thus answered. In good faith (faire Freende) I neuer kn [...]w thine owne naturall Parents, yet haue I loo­ued thee as if thou wert mine owne Sonne: and so what words Dyofena had before reported, Marcella confirmed, taking him with her into her Chamber, where she shewed him the costlie swadling clothes that he was founde in, and the Crucifire likewise that hung about his necke, which he intreated her to bestow on him, to the ende (quoth he) that for your sake I may kéepe it while I liue. Marcella woulde not denie his request, but put it about his necke herselfe. From which time forwarde, Palmerin shewed himselfe of more cheereful disposition, deuising how he might compasse the meane to goe seeke his fortune, wherto his sundry ap­paritions had so often incited him. And as none can shunne what is ordeined him by diuine prouidence, not manye daies after, as he was walking alone vppon the Mountain, he heard a voice cry verie pittifullie for helpe and succour: whereuppon Palmerin ranne that waie which hee hearde [Page 29] the voice, where hee behelde a Lyon gréedilie deuouring a Horse, and Palmerin hauing no weapon to defend himselfe withall but a staffe, verie hardilie sette vpon the beast, gy­uing him such a stroake betwéene the eyes, as he fell down dead to the grounde, then comming to him hee hearde com­plaine, saide: I haue my Freende in some parte reuenged thy wrong. Alas Sir (ꝙ he) had you not béene, my life had perished, for as I trauailed on my iourney, this Lion furi­ouslie sette vpon me to deuoure mee: which the rest of my companie perceiuing, tooke thēselues to flight, leauing mée as you founde mee. The best is (said Palmerin) that you haue escaped with life: and if you please to goe with mee not far hence, where I haue béene nourished, you shall haue the best entertainment that I can make you. My Freende (quoth the Straunger) you haue alreadie doone so much for me, as if you will goe with me into the Countrey where I dwell, I haue wherewithall to reward your trauaile rich­lie. Is it farre hence Sir, said Palmerin? In the Cittie of Hermida (ꝙ he) in the Realme of Macedon I dwel, from whence I parted a moneth since w ^t my merchandise, which I haue left at Constantinople: frō whence returning home­ward, this vnlooked for mis-fortune befeil mee, which had made an ende of me without your assistance. As they were thus conferring togeather, one of the Strangers seruaunts came to looke him, and finding him so happilie escaped, was not a little ioyfull, reporting that he had left his companiōs not farre off. Returne then said his Maister, and wil them come to me to the next Uillage, where I meane to haue my wounds dressed, which the seruaunt performed immediat­lie, and all this while stoode Palmerin in debating with himselfe if he should thus leaue his Father Gerrard or not: at length [after manie opinions] fearing if hee returned home againe not to finde the like opportunitie, concluded to depart with the Stranger. So was hee sette on a verie good Palfray, & setting forwards to Macedon, y ^• night they were entertained in a verie good lodging, where the stran­ger [Page] caused his woundes to be searched, reporting to eueri [...] one, howe by the ayde of Palmerin his life was preserued, for which cause he accounted of him as of his owne Sonne. All this while Gerrard and his Wife little thought of this mishappe, but expected Palmerins returne till darke night, and séeing he came not as he was wont: both he & his wife the next daie searched the Mountaines, but they could not finde him, which made Gerrard to question in himself, what euil he had offered him, that should make him thus depart. Nowe durst not his Wife Marcella tell him, the talke be­twéene her and Palmerin, but accompanied her Husband in sorrow for their losse: especially Dyofena and her Brother Colmelio were most sory, Dyofena for losse, as she thought, of her Husband, and Colmelio for the companie of his sup­posed Brother, whose absence went so neere his hart, as he intended neuer to giue ouer searche till he hadde founde him.

CHAP. XIII.

EStebon the Merchant thus con­ducting Palmerin on his way, at length arriued at the Cittie of Hermida, where he was louing­ly welcomed home by his Wife, both yong and beautifull as anye in that Countrey, to whom he reported his daungerous assault by y ^e Lyon, and without Palme­rins help he had béene deuoured: [Page 30] but (quoth hee) good fortune sent him at the verie instant that slewe him, for which I shal be beholding to him while I haue a day to liue, therefore good Wife entertaine him in the best sort you can deuise, for he hath well deserued it. This spéeche had the Merchant with his fayre Wife, who embracing Palmerin, said: That nature had omitted no­thing in her workmanship, making him so amiable and ful of hardines. Palmerin séeing himselfe so fauoured of so beau­tifull a woman, hauing before spent his time among Shéep heards, Swineheards and loutish Swaines of y ^• Country, with modestie began to blushe, and was so well stored with ciuilitie to make her this answere. I desire Mistresse that [...] behauiour may bee such, as may continue my Maisters good liking and yours towards me. So from that time hee followed Merchandise, and profited so well in the course of traffique, as Estebon committed all his affaires to Pal­merins trust: who rather gaue his mind to martiall exer­cises, and followed Knightlie dispositions so much, as verie nature declared the noblenes of his minde, for he delighted to mannage great Horses, to fight at al maner of weapons, to sée daungerous Combats, to frequent the assemblye of Knights, to talke of Armes and honourable exployts, and in bréefe, to exercise all the braueries of a noble Courtier.

Whereat Estebon meruailed so much, as faling in talke with him, he said. Me thinkes it is strange Palmerin, that thou béeing the Sonne of a drudge, and nourished on the Mountaine of Oliues (as thy selfe hath often tolde me) dis­daynest the life of a Merchant, frequenting the company of hardie Knights, as though thou shouldest take Launce and shéelde to enter the Combat. Sir (said Palmerin) I know not if my Father be such as I haue told you, but I wot wel my heart so serues me, as I can thinke of nothing but acti­ons of honour and knighthoode. The Merchant was con­tented to heare Palmerin in these terarmes, because he per­ceiued that his Wife fauoured him greatlie, wherat he be­came a little iealous, and gladly would remooue the occasi­on, [Page] wherfore he said. Séeing it is so Palmerin, that thou hast no mind to follow my affaires, I am well contented y ^• shalt exercise chiualrie, béeing the thing thou naturallie affectest, and whereby thou mayst attaine to credite & account. For mine owne part, because I will not hinder so good forwardnesse, thou shalt haue of me money, Horse and Armour, that thou mayst goe to Macedon to the King, where if thou re­quest it of the Prince Florendos his Sonne, he will not re­fuse to giue thée thy order. Palmerin returned him verie hartie thanks, and hauing prouided al things expedient for his iourney: tooke his leaue of the Marchant Estebon and his wyfe, hoping to speede well in his aduenturous enter­prise.

CHAP. XIIII.

SUch spéede made Palmerin bee­ing departed frō the Marchant, as on the fourth day following, riding by a Riuers side, he found a Dwarffe sitting heauilie wée­ping, of whom he demaunded the cause of his mourning. Alas Syr (saide the Dwarffe) as I was ri­ding by the commaundement of my Maister, to a Lady whom he déerelie loueth, a Knight euen nowe tooke my Horse from me, and very villainously offered me outrage, which yet dooth not so much greeue mee, as (beeing thus on foote) I [Page 31] know not howe to get ouer this Riuer. Mount vp behinde me (said Palmerin) and at the first Towne wee come to, I will prouide thée of another Horse. Then mounted the Dwarffe vp behinde him, and hauing past the Riuer, desi­red to know of Palmerin whether he trauailed: for (quoth he) I neuer sawe man whom I had greater desire to serue, then you. Dwarffe (answered Palmerin) I nowe iourneie towarde the Court of Macedon to the King, where I hope to find the Prince Florendos, who is accounted one of the woorthiest Knights in the world, and by his hande I desire to be knighted if I may. And after you haue receiued your order (said the Dwarffe) I hope you will not be so vnwise to hazard the aduenture, wherein so manie haue failed and lost their liues. What aduenture is that quoth Palmerin? To goe to the Mountaine A [...]tifaeria (said the Dwarffe) in hope to kill the Serpent, which hath béene the death of so manie valiant Knights. And what occasion said Palmerin, mooued them to fight with the Serpent? That will I tell you, answered the Dwarffe. The King Primaleon, father to the Prince Florendos whom you séeke, thrée yéeres since fell into a verie strange disease, for which no remedie can yet be found, notwithstanding the dilligent endeuours of the Quéene, and Ladie Arismena her Daughter, one of the fairest and most vertuous Princesses that euer was hearde of: who séeing her Father in such daungerous estate, hath often assembled the best Phisitions in the whole worlde, who haue practised al possible means to recouer his health, yet hither to all hath béene to no purpose. Whereupon she sent to an auncient Knight, the most skilfullest in the arte of Nigromancie this daie liuing, who returned this answere: that he should neuer bee healed, except hee bee first washed with the water of a Fountaine, which standeth on the top of the Mountaine Artifaeria, whether fourtimes a yere re­sort three Sisters, Magitians of the Isle Carderia, to ga­ther vertuous Hearbes which there they wash, and wher­of they frame all their enchantments. This place is so de­fended [Page] by the Monster wherof I tolde you, that no man as yet durst approche it. Which newes when the Princesse Arismena vnderstood, hoping by strength of men to recouer the water and vanquish the Beast, leauied a great number of Souldiours well appointed, who were no sooner entered the Mountaine, but the Serpent came furiouslie foorth of his Den, throwing fire and smoake out of his mouth, and beating his winges togeather with such terror, as the very hardiest durst passe no further, but were all glad to take themselues to flight, yet coulde they not depart with such expedition, but the greater part of them paid their liues for their bolde attempt, the Mountaine was so stored with Li­ons, Beares, Wolues, Harts, Tygres, Ounces, and other wild rauenous Beastes that deuoured them. Nowe at length manie Knights haue tryed themselues in this aduenture, thinking by their Prowesse to performe more thē the other: but all the worse, for not one of them returned backe againe aliue. And why goes not the Prince Florendos him selfe, said Palmerin, that is estéemed y ^• most valiant Knight thorow all Greece? Alas Sir, said the Dwarffe, some other matter hath so drowned his minde in mellancholique, as he liues like one that dispiseth himselfe. While y ^e Dwarffe continued his discourse, the desire of honour and renowne did so liuelie touche the spirit of Palmerin, as he said to him selfe. It may be that Arismena was the Lady, which in my sléeping thoughts visited mee so often, if the Destinies haue vowed her mine, why should I feare the Serpent, or all the other Beastes wherewith this Dwarffe doth so ter­rifie me? Haue not I slaine a Lyon alreadie with a staffe? Tush the more daunger is in the place, the more honor de­pends vpon the victory. If I leaue my life there, I am not the first, if I returne with conquest, I shall be beyonde anie yet in fortune: therefore fall out as it will, no perrill shall dismaie me from giuing the aduenture, whereupon he sayd to the Dwarffe. But tell me my Freende, hee that bringes the water from the Mountaine to the King, what aduaun­tage [Page 32] shall he deserue? My Lord, (quoth hee) it hath beene manie times published, that his rewarde shall be the best Cittie in all this Relame. Sée then Dwarffe said Palme­rin, one man more will hazarde his life in this enterprise, albeit I should receiue but thanks for my frauaile, wylt thou goe with me? That will I (aunswered the Dwarffe) if you please, and neuer will I forsake you while breath is in my bodie. Thus set they on till they came to the great Cittie of Macedon, at what time Florendos was gone to the Temple in such heauines, as he séemed a man of ano­ther world, béeing accompanied with manie Knights, and his faire Sister the Ladie Arismena, to whom Palmerin boldlie addressed himselfe: and as though hee had beene a Courtier all his life time, with séemelie modestie he set his knée to the grounde before her, and thus began. Madame, I humbly [...]eséeche you to vouchsafe mee one request, which well you may not denie me, in that I am a Straunger, as also in respect of the desire I haue to doo you seruice. And trust me Sir (quoth shée) you shall not bee refused, what is it you woulde haue me doo for you? That at your request (said Palmerin) the Prince Florendos your Brother, wyll giue me my Knighthoode. Arismena seeing Palmerin so a­miable and well disposed of bodie, meruailed of whence hee was, and said. In good sooth Sir, such matter nothing ap­pertaineth vnto me, for (as I iudge) such a motion shoulde procéede from your selfe: yet taking him by the hande, shee presented him to her Brother, saying. I pray you my Lord graunt to this yonge Gentleman as yet not knighted, the thing he hath desired mee to demaunde. Florendos hauing not as yet behelde him, looked vppon him, when an excée­ding passiō, presenting y ^e Princesse Griana to his thoughts, suddainlie touched him, and béeing rapt into more conceite of ioy then he had béene accustomed, demaunded of Palme­rin if he would be made Knight. With right good wyl my Lorde quoth he, if it shall like you to doo me so much honor, for aboue all thinges els it is my onelie desire. My freende, [Page] said Florendos, it is necessarie I should first know, whether you be noble borne or no. My Lord, quoth Palmerin, as yet I neuer knewe my Father or Mother, nor any of my kin­dred: notwithstanding, mine owne hart makes mee iudge no lesse of my selfe, and more gladlie would I die, then doo anie thing that were not vertuous, and well woorthie the name of a Gentleman. And trust me, said Florendos, I am of the same opinion: this night therefore you must obserue the religious watch as is accustomed, and to morrowe will I giue you your order, and put the spurre on your héele my selfe. Palmerin on his knée humblie kissed the Princes hand, and continuing in talke togeather, Florendos tooke a great delight in beholding him, so that hee demaunded his name and Countrey. My Lord, quoth he, they which found me amongst the Palme Trées, on y ^• Mountaine of Oliues, not farre from Constantinople, haue giuen me the name of Palmerin. By mine honour said Florendos, I ought wel to know the Cittie whereof you speake, as the place wherein my déerest affections tooke their first life, and not long since, are bequeathed to death, awaiting nowe but the howre to be discharged of the burden.

Thus hauing in his companie his vnknowne Sonne, begotten by him on the Princesse Griana, knew little that his loue had sorted to such effect: neuerthelesse, nature pro­uoked him to like so well of Palmerin, as none in y ^• Courte contented him more then he. And longer woulde they haue continued their talke, but that faire Arismena interrupted them, asking Palmerin if he woulde discharge her of the re­quest he demaunded. That doo I Madame (quoth hee) and in requitall thereof, dedicate the whole circuit of my life to your gracious seruice: and to begin my deuoire on your be halfe, so soone as I haue receiued my Knighthoode, I wyll take my iourney towards the Serpent, in hope to bring the water that must recouer the King your Fathers health. A­las good Sir, said she, God forbidde that you should fall in such daunger by my meanes. I know well aunswered Pal­merin, [Page 33] that I can die but once, and if it be nowe, then am I dispatched, and if I escape, I shall doo that whereof many o­ther haue failed, and this is my resolution faire Madame. Beléeue me, said Florendos, me thinkes you are as yet too yong, to finish an action wherein consists so great daunger, I praie you therfore referre it vnto such, as haue had more experience in Armes then as yet you haue. My Lorde, saide Palmerin, in other matters I shall obey when you cōmand, but this I must desire you not to disswade me from. Well then, quoth Florendos, séeing you will néedes haue it so, I am content, you shall in the meane while kéepe mee compa­nie: as for Sworde and Armour, trouble not you selfe to prouide ame, because my selfe will furnish you sufficientlie. Thus all daie Florendos accompanied Palmerin, demaun­ding of him what things he had séene in Constantinople, and falling from one discourse to another, he asked him what E­squire he had to attēd on him. Thē he shewed his Dwarffe called Vrbanillo, such a deformed and euill fauoured felow, as euerie one that saw him laughed hartilie, whereuppon Palmerin said to Florendos. By my faith my Lorde, as vn­séemelie as he is, I thinke so well of him, as I should be dis­pleased if he were anie waie iniuried. Assure your selfe, said Florendos, that he will stand you in great stedde when you haue no néede of him, and looke y ^• you leaue nothing behind you, that you néede to fight against the Serpent, and trust it in his discretion to bring after you. When Vrbanillo per­ceiued euerie one test so with him, he was halfe angrie, and in some choller thus said to the Prince. I can no waie, my Lord, better my shape or proportion, but if I liue, this little deformed bodie of mine shall giue you to vnderstande, that I beare so good a minde, as where my Maister leaues his life, I meane to finish mine, and though in meane while I can doo him no other seruice, he shalbe assured of my trueth and loyaltie. But not offended (Owarffe my good freende) saide Florendos, for I thinke well of thée and of thy beha­uiour: And so because the Tables were couered for Sup­per, [Page] they brake of talke, Palmerin preparing himself to his watchfull deuoire in the Chappell.

CHAP. XV.

THe time béeing come, that Pal­merin should performe his de­uonte watch in the Chappel, be­fore hee receiued his Knight­hoode, according to the auncient custome: Florendos gaue com­maundement that the Armour of Gamezio should bee brought him, which the Emperour had giuen him, after his conquest of the Soldan of Babilons army on the Sea, as you haue heard before, and these he shewed to Palmerin, saying. My fréend, this Armour sometimes belonged to the best Knight of his time, whom (neuerthelesse) I conquered, béeing then more pleasant, ioyfull, and at better content, then I shalbe while I haue a daie to liue. And because I haue some speciall opi­nion of your prowesse, and that these ornaments of defence you will better imploy, then anie other on whom I shal be­stowe them: I praie you henceforth to weare them for my sake. My Lorde, saide Palmerin, my desire is, that my ser­uice towardes your honour, maie be witnessed in my good imploying of this gentle gift. Then Frenato and diuers o­ther [Page 34] Knights did helpe to arme him, and afterward accom­panied him to the Chappell, where all that night hee spent in sollemne orisons, that God would endue him w ^t strength to vanquish the Serpent, that so the King might againe re­ceiue his health.

At the breake of daie, as Florendos went to the Chap­pell to giue him his order, there entred among them on the suddaine a comelie Damosell, bearing a Helmet & a Shéeld of Azier, the goodliest and most beautifull that euer was séene, vpon the Shéelde béeing portraied a Ladies arme, hauing her hande fast closed togeather: the Damosell com­ming before the Prince Florendos, began thus. I pray you my Lord to pause a while, till I haue conferred a little with Palmerin. Florendos was greatlie amazed at this accident, in that he had neuer séene the Damosell before: notwith­standing he returned this answere. Faire Damosell & my Fréende, good leaue haue you to saie what you please. Then comming to Palmerin, and falling on her knées before him, she saide. Sir Palmerin, a Knight that hath authoritie to commaund me, and whom as yet you doo not knowe, hath sent you by me this Helment and Shéelde, wherein you shall find y ^e verie secretes of your hart. And if you desire to know whence this honour procéedeth, it commeth from him who hath prooued the effect héereof, and that knowes more of you néerest affairest then you doo your selfe, albeit as yet he hath neuer séene you. Damosell, saide Palmerin, where maie I finde the learned man that hath thus honored mee, whō I may remunerate with my chéefest endeuours heer­after? You cannot as yet know him, saide the Damosell. I praie you faire Uirgin, quoth Palmerin, that you will aun­swere on my behalfe, howe in anie place I shall come héere­after, I remaine readie to doo what likes him to cōmaunde me. It suffiseth (quoth she) looke that héereafter you remē ­ber your promise: then comming to the Prince Floren­dos, she said. My Lorde, the same Man from whom I haue saluted Palmerin, gaue me in charge to saie to you, that you [Page] should not feare or doubt to dubbe him Knight: but to per­swade your selfe, that both by Father and Mother hee is so noble as he dooth well deserue it, and him héereafter you will loue beyond all other, for by him you shall enioy the thing you most estéeme and desire. Thus hauing no longer licence to staie with you, I humbly desire you to excuse my departure. Swéete Maide, saide Florendos, may your wor­des sort to so good end, as you haue promised. So departed the Damosell, leauing Palmerin on his knée before the Prince, who taking the Sworde that sometimes belonged to Gamezio, Knighted him, saying: And maist thou prooue as famous and fortunate, as my hope perswades mee thou will. Then was he honourablie conueyed to the Pallace, where the faire Arismena vnarmed him, and couered him with a rich Mantle of white Satten, imbroydered all ouer with sumptuous flowers of Gold: beside, no one in y ^• troupe but highlie reuerenced him, for the woorthie report y ^• Da­mosell made of him. And albeit the Princesse Arismena disswaded him so well as she could, that he should not endā ­ger himselfe against the Serpent, because by him her Bro­ther should ouercome his melancholly, and fearing his losse without hope of recouerie: yet néedes would he be gone the same daie, but that her importunate intreatie perswaded him to staie eight daies longer. Palmerin béeing soone after alone by himselfe, he remembred the wordes of the Damo­sell, who promised him to finde the secrets of his hart in his Shéelde: whereupon he well aduised himselfe, and sawe that the hand portraied in the Shéelde, had the same marke which the Ladie had, that appeared to him in his sléepe, whereat not a little maruailing, he said within himselfe. It must néedes be without all doubt, that he which sent mee this present, knoweth full wel y ^e scope of my fortune, for I am well assured, that the Ladie which spake to mee in my sléepe, when I abode in the house of my Father Gerrarde, shewed me her hand, with the selfe same marke I sée heere pictured: by which I may perswade my selfe, that she will [Page 35] not cease to follow and finde me out, vntill such time as I maie speake with her. Whereuppon he founde himselfe so suddainlie inueigled with her loue, as he thus complained. Ah Palmerin, well maist thou sée that long thou canst not resist this impression, but whence should this humour pro­séede? to loue her thou neuer sawest, nor knowest where is her abiding? If it fall out that tho diest in thy pursuite, these passions shall so haue a small ende, and I gaine y ^• greatest felicitie that I can desire. By this time had he spent the eyght daies, which he promised Arismena for Floren­dos companie, when as well to begin the searche of her hee loued so well, as to ende the aduenture he intended of the Serpent: he prepared to depart, prouiding himselfe a great huge Mace of yron, which did him good seruice, as you shall reade héereafter.

CHAP. XVI.

EIght daies had Pal­merin stayed with Florendos, and in companye of the fayre Princesse Arismena, who fearing that hee woulde ne­uer returne from the Moun­taine Artifaeria, was very pen­siue and sad: and oftentimes she intreated him, not to hazard himselfe against those cruell, rauenous and supernaturall Mon­sters, [Page] but rather to witnesse his valour against Knights of account like himselfe, but all her spéeches profited not, for he was resolute to depart. I shall yet desire you, sayde the Princesse, that for my sake you will take with you thrée E­squires which I will giue you, who may lend you succour if anie inconuenience should befall you. Then she called the Esquires, and presented them vnto him, with y ^e glasse that he should bring the water in from the Fountaine, if For­tune stoode with him to finish the aduenture. Palmerin moū ­ting on horsebacke, and Florendos accompanying him halfe a daies iourney on y ^e way, left him on his iourney towardes the Mountaine Artifaeria, where he arriued on the last daie of April. Thē he commanded the Esquires & his Dwarffe Vrbanillo, to expect his returne at the foote of the Moun­tain, for he would suffer none of thē to goe vp with him: so ascended he the Hyll by a little trackt footepath, with hys yron Mace on his necke, and the Glasse for the water fa­stened at his gyrdle. Hauing thus trauailed vppe till about midday, he founde the passage so thicke set with Trées and brakes, as he was constrained to alight frō his Horse, whō he vnbrideled and left there féeding: and much further had he not gone, but the night ouertooke him, yet did y ^e Moone shine bright and cléere, which made him still trauaile on­warde, till he beheld the Rocke where the water was, and the Serpents Den, who was come somewhat lower to re­create himselfe among the swéete Hearbes, where he hadde closelie couched himselfe. But when he heard Palmerin cō ­ming, he began to swell, and writhe his taile togeather ve­rie strangely: all which could not dismay this aduenturous Knight, but commending himselfe to God, sette downe his [...], and with his Mace marched stoutlie against his e­nemie, saying. Why Palmerin? didst thou so often request of Florendos & the Princesse his Sister, to try thy strength against thys deuill, and now thou art come in sight of hym wylt thou faint? Dooth it not beséeme thée better to die with honour, then to liue with shame? let the one encou­rage [Page 36] thée to follow thy enterprise, and the other kill thee when thou offerest to retire. And with these wordes he ad­uaunced him to the Serpent, and the Serpent fiercelye be­gan to assaile him, and with his taile had smote him down, but that hee nimblie preuented the stroke, deliuering the Serpent so sore a blowe on y ^e head with his Mace, as made him reele and stagger, and cry so terribly, as the whole Mountaine resounded with a meruailous Eccho, and to re­uengo himselfe, with his tallants he got hold on Palmerins Armour, which hee rent violentlie in two or thrée places, wounding his bodie verie daungerouslie. When Palmerin perceiued in what hard plight he was, he tooke hart a fresh, and watching his aduauntage, strooke the Serpent wyth his Mace so stronglie on the necke, as he fell to the grounde in a manner dead, and Palmerin plied him with so manie strokes one after another, as he left him not while any life was in him. After this happy victory, for which deuous [...]ie he praised God, binding vppe his woundes so well as he could, with extreame wearines he laid him downe and slept, whē he séemed to sée the thrée Sisters whereof wee haue spoken before, who were the Daughters to a Knight, Lord of the Isle Carderia, to whom none might be cōpared for know­ledge in the Magicall sciences, and so well he had instructed his Daughters, as after his death, they alone excelled in this Arte, so that the men of that Countrey commonlie cal­led them the Goddesses of destinie, because they coulde di­uine before what should follow after. And if any one didde happen to iniurie them, they would reuenge themselues by their enchauntments, so that they were greatlie feared and helde in reuerence. They vsed diuers times this Moun­taine Artifaeria as well to gather Hearbes for theyr neces­sarie vse, as also for the Water of the Fountayne, for the defence whereof they had there left this Serpent, who was in time growne so huge and monstrous, as he ra­ther séemed a deuill then a natural Beast. Notwithstan­ding, howe hidious soeuer he was, Palmerin as you haue [Page] hearde ouercame and slewe him, finding the thrée Sisters in the manner as I haue tolde you: who were not greatlie discontented with him, but estéemed so well of him, as in his sléepe the eldest of them thus spake to him. Beléeue me Palmerin, thy beginning is so honourable, as great pittie it were to let thée die héere, chéefelie for the want y [...]e all Greece shal haue of thée in time to come, the whole Empire wher­of is predestinated thine: and therefore will I heale the woundes thou hast at this time receiued. I will then doo somewhat more for him, said the seconde Sister, I will en­chaūt him so wel for his auaile, as héerafter no cōiuratiō or witchcraft shall haue anie power to hurt him. Truelie said the third Sister, for my part, I will giue him such fortune, as the first time he shall sée his Ladie Polinarda, (who so manie times saluted him in his Dreames) shee shall looue him so intirelie: as no dolor or forment shall make her for­get while shee liues, the happines shee shall receiue by his occasions. Then the eldest Sister tooke a Golden Cup, and filled it with the water of the Fountaine, and wringing the iuyce of certaine Hearbes into it, washed therewith Pal­merins woundes, so that they were immediatlie healed.

Now felt he verie wel all they did, but his slumber tooke awaie the libertie of his spéeche, vntill such time as they were departed, but first the eldest of them thus spake. Since this Knight hath had so good a beginning, and y ^• his strength hath depriued our garde of our Fountaine, I praie you let vs suffer him to haue his Glasse full of our Water, that by his meanes the King of Macedon may be healed, which a number of other Knights haue failed of héeretofore. Wher­to they all consented, and so it came to passe: then gathe­ring their Hearbes as they were wont, and washing them, they tooke their waie to the Isle Card [...]ria.

CHAP. XVII.

WHen these thrée Sisters were departed, Palmerin awaked and arose, not a little meruailing at that he had heard and séene: but most of al when he felt his woū ­des healed, & sawe his glasse ful of the water he came for, so reu­dering thankes to heauen for his good successe, hee went vp higher on the Mountain, thinking to sée the Fountaine, but he could not, wherfore without any lon­ger staie he discended downe againe, thus saying to himself. How happie maie I count my selfe, to finde so good fortune in this desolate Mountaine? for now I know her name that is destenied to be mine, henceforth shal she not conceale her selfe from me, may I find the place where she abideth: and this I vowe by him that made mee, that I will not cease to séeke her through the world, til I heare some tidings of her: and were it not for the promise I haue made the Princesse Arismena, to bring her this water to recouer the King her Father, this daie woulde I begin my religious enterprise, in hope [if the Ladies spake trueth y ^• appeared to me in my sleepe] héereafter to be one of the happiest Knights in the world. So walked he on til he came where he left his horse, wheron hee mounted, and came to Vrbanillo and his other Esquires, who hauing heard the cry of the Serpent, when [Page] Palmerin gaue him his first stroke, perswaded themselues that their Maister was slaine: but when they saw him cō ­ming, Vrbanillo aboue all the rest was most ioyfull, & ran apace to meete him, desiring to know how he had sped. Ue­rie wel I thank God, said Palme [...]in, who gaue me strength to kill the Monster, and to bring sufficient of the Water I hope, to winne the King Primaleon his health. Then haue I the thing I most desire, said Vrbanillo, albeit I greatlie feared that you had accompanied all the other Knights in death, that aduentured before you, and coulde not spéede so well. So mounted they all on horsebacke, and made so good iourneies as they arriued at Macedon: whereof Florendos and faire Arismena were not a little ioyfull, especially whē they were assured, that Palmerin had brought with him the Kings health, by meanes wherof it is not to be deman­ded, if he were highlie honoured and receiued at the Court.

CHAP. XVIII.

YOu must heere vnderstande, that the same day, Palmerin, in companie of his Esquires, de­parted from the Mountaine, hée sent Vrbanillo the Dwarffe be­fore towardes Macedon, with the Glasse of water, when it so fortuned y ^• foure Knights met w ^t him, one of thē saluting him in these hard tearmes. Defor­med villaine, giue me that Glasse, or I shall take thy head [Page 38] from thy shoulders. Palmerin, who came not farre behind, séeing the Knights offer iniurie to his Dwarffe, gaue spurs to his Horse, and thus answered. Howe now Gentlemen? are you not ashamed in my presence to abuse my seruant? trust me I neither can nor wil so put it vp: and so couching his Launce, he encounted one of them so roughlie, as he fel from his Horse deade to the ground. When the other three sawe their companopm thus foyled, they altogeather set vp­on Palmerin: but their fortune fel out so ill, as two of them were soone vanquished, and the third tooke himself to flight verie hardlie escaping. Palmerin made no account of folowing him, but leauing them rode on his way, his Dwarffe thus comming to him. Beléeue me my Lord (quoth he) hee is to be accounted ouer foolish hardie, that at the weapons point séekes to offende you: I dare boldlie affirme my wor­des, by euidence of the fortune of these foure Knightes. In that, said Palmerin, thou maist be deceiued, but God is al­waies fréende to iustice and equitie, and enemie to such as goe against them. But because you shall know the occasion why these foure Knights would haue taken the glass from Vrbanillo, you must note that they were all Sonnes to a great Lorde of a Castell, which was a daies iourneie off the Mountaine Artifaeria, who hauing intelligence by Shéepe-heards and other pesants, what good fortune had befallen Palmerin, to kill the Serpent, and bring away the fatall water, repined greatlie thereat: for the Lorde did highlie mallice the King of Macedon, because he had enforced him to surrender a Manour, which he against all right, held frō one of his Sisters, and for this cause, knowing that by the vertue of that water the King shold recouer his health, hée sent his foure Sonnes to take it from Palmerin, whose suc­cesse in their attempt fell out as you haue heard. Now Pal­merin by this time is come to Macedon to the King, whom with great reuerence he saluted on his knée: when y ^• King embracing him so well as he could, saide. Trust me my good Fréende, next God I must néedes estéeme you dearest, for [Page] that as he by his Godhead hath made me breath this ayre, though weake and sicklie: by diuine prouidence hee hath sent you to restore me my bodilie health, from hencefoorth therefore I shall intreate you to commaund mee and mine at your pleasure. My gratious Lorde, saide Palmerin, the heauens giue me successe to doo you seruice, for I knowe no Prince liuing this daie, for whom I would more gladly ad­uenture my life. I thank you good Sir, quoth the King, but the gréefe I haue sustained for the sorrow of my Sonne Flo­rendos, brought me into such a long and lingering extrea­mitie, as well may I blesse the time, that by your good suc­cesse am so happilie deliuered: let me therefore entertaine you as my seconde Sonne, and perswade your selfe of such a Father, who wil loue you as if you were his owne naturall Childe, in that I and the greater part of my Kingdom shal­be at your disposition. Woorthy Sir, saide Palmerin, woor­thilie might I be reputed amongst the worst in the world, refusing the honour you please to offer mee, especiallie in such an extraordinarie kinde of fauour: for the rest, (bee­ing thus accepted in your princely grace) I haue sufficient béeing furnished with Horse and Armour to doo me seruice. With these wordes the King embraced him, and méere ioy caused the teares to trickle downe his chéekes: so that Palmerin staied longer with him then he made account to doo, till the Duke of Durace sent for him, as you shall reade in the discourse following.

CHA. XIX.

SO farre was spread the fame of this victory, which Palmerin in had against the Serpent on y ^e Moun­taine Artifaeria, as at length the Dake Astor of Durance hearde therof, against whom the Coun­tle Passaco of Mecaena warge [...] battaile, and seeing himselfe vn­able to resiste his enemic, minded to sende to the King of Macedon, requiring ayde of teh Knight that slewe the Serpent at the enchaunted Fountaine: and heereuppon he dispatched one of his Gentlemen towards the King, who made good haste till he came thither, when dooing his reuerence, and deliue­ring his Letters of credite to the King, he saide. Dread [...] Lorde, the Duke of Durace my Maister, most hūbly salutes your Maiestie by me. The King hauing read the Letters, and noting the contents: bad the Messenger discharge the rest of his message. It is so Sir, said the Gentleman, that of long time my Lord and maister hath béene assaulted by the Countie Passaco, and in such cruell sorte hath warred on him, as he hath well neere destroyed his whole Countrie, for he hath taken the Cittie of Mizzara, and againste all right dooth challenge it for his owne. After this, the Duke my Maister raysing his siedge to bid him battaile, Fortune [Page] hath béene so contrarie to my Lorde, as his noble Sonnes are slaine, and y ^e greater part of his worthyest Gentlemen. Yet not contented with all this, the Countie pursues him s [...]il to his very Cittie of Durace, which he hath begirt with siedge so stronglie, as hee is doubtfull of a further daunger. But within these eyght daies he vnderstood that your highnesse hath heere a Knight, that slewe the Serpent on y ^e en­chaunted Mountaine, in whose valour my Lorde reposeth such confidence, as woulde you graunt him licence to come thither, my Lorde will accompany him with so manie har­die men at Armes, as he doubts not to enforce the Countie to leaue his Country, and for that the matter requireth ex­pedition, he desires your assistaunce with all possible spéede. I am sorrie, quoth the King, that the Duke my Nephew is in such extremitie, and I promise you I did not thinke as yet to part with Palmerin: but séeing the necessitie is so vrgent, I will intreate him to goe with you, and so manie approued Knights with him, as the Countie shal perceiue, I am not well pleased with his hard dealing towardes my Nephew. Nowe was Palmerin present when the Gentle­man deliuered his message, which pleased him not a little, because he would gladlie leaue the King to followe his for­tune, and was thus held from his desire by importunate re­questes: but see [...]g the King had graunted to sende him to the Duke, he fell on his knées, vsing these spéeches. In re­spect my good Lord, that the Duke your Nephew hath vr­gent occasion to imploy me, and in that his sute is onely for me, without any other of your people: I beséeche you suffer me to goe alone to him, for my hope is so good, in a cause of trueth and [...], that wee shall bee sufficient there to ende the controu [...]ie. Not so my good fréende Palmerin, said the King, you [...] not ha [...]arde your selfe alone, but take such companie [...] with you. My Lord, quoth Pal­merin, he demaundes me without any other companye, and therefore let mee perswade you to satis [...]fie his request: so turning to the Gentleman, he bid him prepare to set for­ward, [Page 40] for he was readie. Worthie Sir, answered the Mes­senger, with what expedition you please, for neuer was Knight expected with more earnest longing for, then you are. This suddaine resolution of Palmerin displeased Flo­rendos: wherefore taking him aside, he said. I sée then my déere Fréende you will needes bee gone, albeit your compa­nie hath giuen mee greater sollace & delight, then any thing els since I lost mine onelie content: yet is my regarde of your honor such, y ^• I feare more to heare your mis-fortune, then I pittie y ^e necessitie of my Cozin the Duke of Durace. Yet let me intreate you, that finishing your intent with fortunate successe, you make your present returne to the King my Father, whose loue, and whose liberalitye you neede not doubt of. My Lorde (quoth Palmerin) the King and you haue so highlie honoured mee, as wheresoeuer I shall come heereafter, I rest yours in my verye vttermost endeuours.

These wordes did Ptolome heare the Sonne of Frena­to, whō Florendos had kept since y ^e time he was his Page, and was nowe olde enough to receiue Knighthoode: which made him desirous to purchase honour by some meanes, e­speciallie if the King woulde mooue Palmerin to take him with him, his request he perswaded himselfe would not bee denyed, whereupon, knéeling before the King, hee beganne thus. If it so please your highnes, that at your handes I might receiue my order of Knighthoode, before Palmerin departed from your Court: I am assured he would not dis­daine me for his companion, especially if your Maiestie did mooue the question on my behalfe. Beléeue mee, quoth the King, so good a motion shall not be hindered by me, & there­fore to morrow will I giue you your order, and such Armor as shall well beséeme a Knight, prepare you in meane time to performe your watch. Highly contented was Ptolome at these spéeches, and gaue order for his prouision of néede­full occasions, til euening came, when he entered the Chap­pell, where hee spent the night in deuout orisons, y ^• heauen [Page] would so further y ^e whole course of his time, as might stand with the aduauncement of iustice and his own honor. Ear­lie in the morning, the King accompanied with his Sonne Florendos and manie other Knights, entered the Chappel, where finding Ptolome on his knées, hee gaue him his knighthoode, wishing his fortune to prooue such, as might make him famous where euer he came: afterward he desi­red Palmerin, that this new Knight might beare him cō ­panie in his trauailes, whereto Palmerin willingly consen­ted, accepting so well of Ptolomes behauiour, as hee purpo­sed thence forward not to forsake so good a companion. Thē they both tooke their leaue of the King and Florendos, and departed with the Gentleman towardes the Duke of Du­race, making such good expedition in their iourneye, as ha­uing crost the Seas with a prosperous winde, they landed in the Countrey of Durace. Nowe because the Cittie was besiedged on all sides, they were doubtfull howe to gette in vnséene of the enemie, which the Gentlemanne their guide performed so well: as by priuie signes made to the Sinti­nell, at length they got in without any danger. The Duke hearing tydings of their arriuall, left his Chamber & came to welcome Palmerin, whome hee entertained with great honour, spending the most part of the night in familiar con­ference with him, till hauing brought him to his Chamber, hee left them bothe to their good rest, till the next morning, when he came againe to visite them, thus saluting Palme­rin.

Your arriuall, Sir Knight, dooth arme mee with such assured hope, as by the helpe I shall receiue at your hande, mine enemie (I trust) shal not outbraue me as he hath doone hitherto: and therfore you with your worthie companion, are bothe so welcome as you can desire. My Lorde, (quoth Palmerin) the King that sent me to you, hath bounde me to him by so manie courtesies, as for the loue of him and Flo­rendos his Sonne, you may assure your selfe of my vtter­most seruice, so long as I shall be able to holde my Sworde. [Page 41] The Duke returned his noble offer manie thankes, and walking into the Hall, the Duchesse there expected the comming of Palmerin, so after manie welcoms and courtlie embracings, the Tables béeing couered, they sat downe to Dinner: all which time, Palmerins eyes were fixed on the Duchesse Daughter, who was one of the fairest Uyrgins that euer he sawe, and so busied was his thoughts in behol­ding her, as hee gaue small regarde to the Dukes wordes, who reported what shamefull iniuries the Countie had of­fered him from time to time, and howe manie skirmishes had passed betwéene them since the beginning of the wars. Thus spent they the Dinner time, till the Tables beeing withdrawne, and the Duchesse with her Daughter gone into their Chamber, the Duke questioned with Palmerin as concerning Ptolome, who was verie néere allied to the Duke: and so with discoursing of nouels of Macedon, as also the doubtfull affaires of the warres, they passed the whole daie till night came, when Palmerin and Ptolome departing to their Chamber, Palmerin coulde take no rest, the beautie of the Duchesse Daughter so troubled hys thoughts, which made him desirous to knowe her name: if this were shée the thrée Sisters spake of on the Mountain, and was beside promised him in hi [...] [...] visions. Palmerin was not alone thus passionate, but on the other side the yong Ladie became as amorous of him: but Fortune wold not permitte their loue, as you shall heare more héereafter. The Coūtie hauing al this while maintained very straight siedge, intending now to loose or gaine al, gaue fierce assault vppon the Cittie: first calling all the cheefest Lordes and Captaines of his Armie, moouing them with earnest and Souldiour like perswasions, to foresée all aduauntages, and to encounter their enemies with magnanimious and reso­lute courage. When he had thus unboldened his menne to the fight, with sound of Drummes, Trompets & Clari [...]ns they bad the Cittie battaile: then might you beholde howe they besturred themselues with Fagots to fill the Ditches [Page] and Trenches, set scaling Ladders to the walles, howe the one side assaulted and the other defended, that manie loste their liues or departed maimed, such hauocke did Palmerin and P [...]olome with the Dukes power, make on their ene­mies, notwithstanding they were in number farre beyonde them, and meruailous well prouided of all necessaries. But then Palmerin remembred a suddaine pollicie to preuent a mischéefe, for as the enemie retired to prepare for the se­conde assault, he called y ^e most part of the best Knights that the Duke had, willing each one betake himself to his horse and follow him, leauing the rest well appointed for defence of the walles. The Counties power sounding the alarme, and comming roughlie againe vpon the Cittie: Palmerin with his company priuilie issued foorth at y ^e Posterne gate on the backs of the enemies, and gaue such a braue onsette, as they were forced to forsake their scaling Ladders to re­sist this encounter. There were manie strokes deliuered on either side, the Countie & most part of his Knights bée­ing on horsebacke, which made them holde the longer play with Palmerin and his men: notwithstanding, the Countie séeing such a hardie attempt giuen on a suddaine, and doub­ting freshe supplie woulde come from the Cittie, with feare began to retire, and with one of his Bretheren laboured to resist this sharpe assault, but Palmerin and his companie gaue them small time to rest, laying on loade with meruai­lous fiercenes, whereat the Countie was so offended, as cō ­ming to Palmerin, he gaue him such a cruell stroke on the Helmet, as he fell therwith to the ground, yet did he quick­lie recouer himselfe againe, and requited the Countie with so sound a salutation, as he made him tomble from his sad­dle headlong to the earth, at what time on the other side Ptolome had so canuazed the Counties Brother, as he sea­led him a quittaunce with his sword for his life. Then be­gan the Counties Souldiours to dispayre of their successe, and Palmerin with his traine to follow them so closelie, as they were glad to take themselues to flight, leauing theyr [Page 42] Maister ouerthrowne in the Armie, where hee was troden to death with the trampling of the Horses. Thus did the victorie remaine to the Duke, his enemies scattering in flight gladde to saue their liues, whom Palmerin comman­ded to follow no further, least gathering themselues togea­ther againe, and espying aduauntage, they might so endan­ger them: for oftentimes the vanquished too narrowly pur­sued, recouer courage & daunte the pride of the conquerers. For this cause he returned with his men into the Citty, the Duke vnderstanding the foyle of his enemie, which made him with a great number of woorthy Cittizens to goe méet Palmerin and Ptolome, whome embracing hee thus enter­tained. Ah good Knights, by you is my estate recouered, and the death of my Sonnes reuenged on the murderer, there­fore dispose of me and myne as you shall thinke beste: to which words Palmerin thus answered. My Lord, let hea­uen haue the honour of our victory, as for me, I haue doone, and will héereafter what I can, for the great kindnesse of the King of Macedon your Uncle, who hath honored mee in sending me to you, and other recompence I neuer did or will séeke. As they thus parled togeather, the Duke percei­ued by the blood on Palmerins Armour, that he was woun­ded in manie places, wherefore (quoth he) I sée you are sore wounded, let vs make haste to our Pallace, where a Ladye attending on the Duchesse and well séene in chirurgeri [...], shall giue attendaunce on you till you are recouered. So mounting on horsebacke, they rode to the Pallace, where Palmerin was lodged. Béeing brought into his Chamber, the Duchesse and her Daughter holpe to vnarme him, when the Ladie dressed his wounds, perswading him there was no daunger in them to be feared. Thus each one departing, Laurana the Duchesse Daughter called Vrbanillo the Dwarsse, saying to him. My Fréende, desire thy May­ster to make bolde of any thing he wants, and that for my sake he will dispayre of nothing. Madame, said y ^• Dwarffe, you haue good reason to wish my Maister well, as well for [Page] the good assistaunce he gaue the Duke your Father, as also in respecte of his deserts, which are as honourable as any that euer came in this Court. These words Palmerin ve­rie well hearde, hauing his eye continually on her: where­fore when shee and all the other were departed, hee called Vrbanillo, demaunding what talke he had with the Prin­cesse, which he reported, and his answere also. Gramercies, said Palmerin, I pray thée find the meane to let her knowe that I am her Seruaunt and Knight, ready to accomplishe anie thing that she shal commaunde me. Referre this mat­ter to me Sir, quoth the Dwarffe, I knowe what Saint must patronize these affaires, and what offering must bee layde on his Altar.

CHAP. XX.

VRbanillo the Dwarffe, not for­getfull of his Maisters comman­dement, the next day when Lau­rana came with her Mother to visite Palmerin, shee tooke the Dwarffe aside, demaūding what reste his Maister tooke the night past. Madame (quoth he) indiffe­rent, I thanke God and you, for in you two consists the dispositi­on of my Maisters health. As howe quoth shee? Thus Ma­dame, said Vrbanillo, the first day that he behelde you, hee gaue the whole possession of himselfe so firmely to you, as day & night he meditates on your diuine perfections, doub­ting [Page 43] in requital of his seruice to my Lord your Father, and his Countrey, whose liues and yours he hath defended, him selfe shalbe repayed with suddaine and cruel death: for had he not come for your safetie, well had he escaped this daun­gerous extreamitie. Then séeing (fayre Madame) that his valour hath béene the meane of your deliueraunce, doo not so degenerate from gentle nature, as to kill him that gaue you life. Why my Freend (quoth she) what wouldest thou haue me doo? To loue him, swéete Madame, quoth he, as hée doth you. Alas, sayd she, thou mayst assure thy selfe, y ^• none can wysh thy Maister better then I doo, béeing my duetie and his desert: with which wordes shee chaunged colour with such modest bashfulnes, as it might be perceiued shee could hardly master her affectiōs. Which when y ^• Dwarffe behelde, as one not to learne his lesson in this arte, perswa­ded himselfe by the very lookes of Laurana, that his May­sters loue would sort to happy ende, and thereuppon he fol­lowed the matter thus. I thinke Madame, that you wysh my Maister as well as anie, but that is not enough, vnlesse your wysh agrée wyth his in this poynt: that you graunt your selfe his onely Lady and Mistresse, as hee hath vowed himselfe your Knight and Seruant. If it may please you to wysh this good to my Maister, vouchsafe this fauour as a president of your lyking: that so soone as he shall finde himselfe better in health, you wyll but consent to speake with him alone, in some such conuenient and vnsuspected place, as hee may haue liberty to acquaint you with the se­crets of his thoughts. Alas (quoth she) how should I so doo, without offering too much impeache to mine owne honour? Madame, saide y ^e Dwarffe, the night giues fauour to loues swéete enterprises. By this time the Duchesse was ready to depart, which Laurana perceiuing, sayd to the Dwarffe. Assure thy Maister from me, that I am more his thē myne owne, and I will doo for his welfare what I may with mo­destie. By reason of their departure, the Dwarffe coulde not make her answere, but shaddowing the matter as hee [Page] had doone before, went about his Maisters busines, till hee came and found him alone, when he discoursed all that had past betwéene the Princesse and him, which so well conten­ted Palmerin as nothing coulde more: because he perswa­ded himselfe, as I haue saide alreadie, that this was shee which the thrée Sisters promised him, by whom he shoulde receiue the honour that destinie allowed him. For thys cause thence forwarde he was verie desirous to knowe her name, commaunding Vrbanillo very straightly to enquire it, which hee did, informing his maister that her name was Laurana: whereupon he well sawe that hee was deceiued, in that the Sisters had named his Mistresse Polinarda, and therefore he resolued to withdraw his affection, and to depart thence so soone as he should be able to beare Armor. But it may be easilie presumed, that when one hath so far ventured in loue, that he perceiues himself beloued, as the Dwarffe perswaded his Maister: hardly can hee giue ouer so faire a beginning: yet héere it fell out contrary, as you shall well perceiue, that the ende was more suddaine then the beginning. Palmerin now knowing y ^e Princesse name, began to vse other countenaunce to her then hee was accu­stomed, but shee good Lady (in his excuse) conceiued better opinion then she had cause: yet as it euermore falleth out in loue, that when Ladies sée themselues but slenderly courted by their Fréendes, they growe importunate in their amorous desires, so came it to passe with Laurana, who perceiuing herselfe not solicited by Palmerin as shee was wont, one night somewhat late shee called y ^e Dwarffe, and thus began. Howe comes it to passe (my good Fréend) that thy Maister is not of so pleasaunt disposition, as heere­tofore he hath béene? it may be thou hast not let him vnder­stand my last salutation, or els feare with-holdes him from following his determination: I pray thée doo the message of my earnest good will to him, and tell him that I long to impart our affections togeather, to the ful resolution of our desired thoughts, which I haue found the way vnsuspected [Page 44] to accomplish, so please him to come to my Chāber to mor­row at night, where I shall not faile to expect his presence. When the Dwarffe heard Laurana vse these words, thin­king his Maister was still in his former cogitations, thus aunswered. Trust me fayre Madame, within these fewe dayes my Maister is become so mellanchollie, as I haue manie times feared his death, and I am sure hee hath no o­ther cause to torment him so, but onely the fury of the ex­treame loue he beares you: yet séeing you haue promised him such gracious fauour, let me alone to change this vn­pleasaunt humour. Fayle not then quoth shee, to let him know my minde. I goe presently, said the Dwarffe, to ac­quaint him with these long desired tydings. So taking his leaue, he went to his Maisters Chamber, whom he founde fast a sleepe, when not daring to awake him, let stay hys message till the next morning, and so laide him downe to rest: at what time sleepe had thorowly possessed him, he began to cry and complaine so loude, as his Maister hearing him arose, and demaunded of him the cause of his lament. Alas my Lorde (quoth he) neuer in all my life was I so af­frighted, me thought that one of the fayrest Ladies that e­uer eye lookt on, helde a naked sworde against my throate, saying. Uile and villainous creature as thou art, darest thou presume so much to offende me, as to make thy Lorde and Maister amorous of Lady Laurana, and to forsake me? iustly doost thou deserue to dye on this weapon for thy pail­lardise: and if héereafter thou carry any message to preiu­dice my right, assure thy selfe that I wil chastise thée in such sort, as all deformed villaines shal receiue example by thée. I tell thée Traytour, Palmerin his fortunes climbes high­er then the name of Laurana, and where he is more looued for the royaltie of his linage, then for his base and Pastoral education. With which wordes shee gaue me such a stroke on the heade with her sworde, as I (fearefull of my life) cryed so loude as you say you hearde me. This motiō made Palmerin easily perceiue, that Polinarda had made thys [Page] threatning to the Dwarffe for Laurana: which concealing to hims [...]lfe, he said in laughter. I think thou diddest forget to drinke when thou [...] to bed, and so thy hart béeing drie conceiued this fonde vision: I praie thée sléepe, & trou­ble me no more with such idle passions. The Dwarffe be­tooke him to rest, but Palmerins thoughts all night were hammering on this Dreame, so that he resolued to departe thence the next morning, and séeke els where his aduen­tures, séeing hee was admonished by so manie aduertise­ments. So at the daie rysing he called the Dwarffe, and commaunded him to prepare his Armour, for hee intended to take his leaue of the Duke. Ptolome hearing this, and hauing noted beside all that the Dwarffe tolde his Maister in the night. Dissembling the matter, as was his manner, he came and bad Palmerin good morrowe, who aunswered Ptolome in this manner. My déere Fréend, I haue concea­led none of mine affaires frō thée, since the time we recei­ued our knighthoode, and parted togeather from the Courte of Macedon: nowe therefore shall I impart to thée what I haue determined.

It is so, that vrgent occasions constraines me presently to leaue this Countreie, and henceforth to frame my course which way Fortune will direct me, by which occasion I see we must be enforced to leaue each other: notwithstanding, let me intreate that our absence may no way impayre our fréendshippe, not doubting but in good time we shall meete togeather againe. In meane space, if you sée the King or Prince Florendos, forgette not the humble duety of theyr vowed Seruaunt I beséeche yée, who dedicates his life and honour in all attempts to their gracious fauours. By God, said Ptolome, let who will doo the message for me, for nei­ther death nor daunger shall seperate me from you: but I wil beare you companie while life and soule hold together. If you be so resolute, said Palmerin, shame were it for mee so to refuse you. Set forward then when you please (quoth Ptolome) for we neither must nor will depart, thats flat. [Page 45] So béeing bothe armed they came to the Duke, who mer­uailed much to sée them so prepared, and therefore demaun­ded whether they went. My good Lord, answered Palme­rin, in that your Countrey is nowe quieted, wee must in­treate you for our departure, because waightie affaires in other places doo so commaunde vs. How happens it fayre Fréendes, saide the Duke, that you will so soone leaue mee? My Lorde (quoth Palmerin) wee are so enforced, and ther­fore we humblie intreate you, not to be offended. If your affaires bee such saide the Duke, lothe am I to hinder you, commaunde of me and mine what you please, for all remai­neth at your disposition. Most humble thanks did Palmerin and Ptolome returne y ^e Duke, and ere they went to horse­back, they came to take their leaue of the Duchesse & Lau­rana, who was well nie deade, séeing her hope deceiued, for she expected the night comming, when shée and Palmerin should conferre togeather of their loue: but séeing him now departing, she was out of all hope to sée him againe, the ex­treame gréefe whereof so ouercame her, as giuing a greate shrike shee fell in a swoune. The Ladies and Gentlewo­men in great amazement came about her, ignoraunt of her euill but onelie Palmerin and his Dwarffe, which hee like­wise woulde not reueale to anie, for the reason you hearde discoursed before: and rather would she entertaine her own death, then make knowne a secrete of such importaunce: wherefore hauing somewhat recouered herselfe, and not a­ble to conceale her anguish, with an extreame sigh she thus breathed foorth her sorrow. Ah Palmerin, easilie hast thou kindled the fire, which with great shame thou leauest con­suming vnquenched. Who would haue thought such trea­son coulde harbour, where faire conditions and honourable valour shined so brightlie? Well may I cond [...]mne al men of disloyaltie, séeing thou hast failed resembling so excellent. Beléeue me Knight, thou hast doone mee great wrong, and thy selfe much more, for which where euer thou c [...]mmest, be thou named the most vngrateful Knight that euer drew [Page] Sworde, séeking her death so cruelly, who loues thée deerer then her owne life. These complaints made the sorrowful Laurana before the Duchesse, not sparing to discharge the whole burthen of her oppressed hart, her Mother not da­ring to gainesay her, but expected when the shoulde depart this life: wherefore perswading her from dispaire, shee swéetelie promised to worke so with Palmerin, as he should staie and enioy her to his wife. But all was in vaine, for he mounted on horsebacke, and accompanied with Ptolome and Vibanillo, left the Cittie of Durace, no one knowing which way they were ridden: Palmerin cōuerted into such heauines, as nothing coulde torment him more, so earnest was his desire to sée her, whome fate and Fortune had ap­pointed for him.

CHAP. XXI.

BEeing thus departed from Du­race, these Knights rode along, thinking in what heauines they had left the Dukes Daughter: when Palmerin accusing himself as guiltie of this mischaunce, within himselfe thus sadlie dis­coursed. Unhappy man, that euer thou cammest into this Coūtry, where thou hast left so harde an opinion of thy selfe, as while thou liuest thou shalt be the worse estéemed: and well worthie, for iustlie maist thou be accused of disloyaltie, in making meanes to obtaine the loue [Page 46] of the faire Princesse Laurana, and hauing conquered wher thou desiredst, to make so light account of her as thou haste doone. Had death preuented thée before, shee had béene sa­tis-fied, thine honour defended, and thy vnknowne Polinar­da no way iniuried: which spéeches made the teares to tric­kle down his chéekes, when Ptolome looking aside espyed him, and gessing the cause of his sadnes, said. Uerily I ne­uer thought to sée such womannishe behauiour in you, nor that any gréefe or mis-fortune should haue teares so soone at commaundement. Howe will you héereafter withstande so manie casualties, hard aduentures, and daungerous strata­gems, with manie & sundrie narrowe brunts that you must passe thorow, when I sée you vnable to ouercome your own selfe: béeing supprized by her teares, to whome you haue doone honour to affoorde a good countenaunce? If you had receiued of her the swéetes of loue, reason might then plead in your excuse: but hauing no way misprised her honour, or offered offence to modest chastitie, what iniurie may shée saie that you haue doone her? Forget I praie you these vn­séemelie fashions, hardly agréeing with a Knight of such re­port as you are, let vs finde some thing els to talke on, and tell me which way you intende to iourney. By my life, (ꝙ Palmerin) I knowe not: but let vs take which way For­tune shall please to conduct vs. I thinke it best then, sayde Ptolome, that we shape our course towarde Rome, where we shall finde people of all Nations, by whome we maie be instructed as concerning aduentures, worthy our trauaile, and guyding to honour. On then chéerelie, quoth Palmerin, and so they trauailed eight daies togeather, not méeting with any aduenture worthy to be spoken off: till at length they met a Damosell heauily mourning, who saide. Alas, what will shee saie whose trust was onelie in mee, hauing lost the thing wherein consisted her hope, to recouer y ^• high­est of her noble desires? Palmerin hearing these wordes, and mooued with compassion, rode to her, & demaunded the cause of her mourning. Sir Knight (quoth she) I was sent [Page] by a Ladye with a Caskette, wherein was one of the best Swordes in the whole worlde, which is so enchaunted, as none can drawe it out of the skabbard, but hee that is estee­med the worthiest Knight liuing: but before any be admitted to make proffe of this aduenture, hee must graunt a re­quest that I am to aske him. With this Sword haue I tra­uailed many strange Countries, as Fraunce, Italie, Sclauo­nye and diuer [...] other, where many haue tryed, but no one yet could finish the aduenture: whereuppon I was thys daie trauailing towarde the Emperours Courte of Greece, and heereby I met with two Knights, who hauing hearde the cause of my long trauaile, made proofe of their fortune one after another, and bothe failed, whereat they were so offended, as they tooke the Casket from me perforce, and are gone there with I knowe not whither, which dooth so gréeue me, in respect of her losse towards whom I am, as death woulde be more welcome to mee then life. Faire Uirgin, saide Palmerin, doo not discomfort your selfe, but she we mee which way they rode that dealt with you so dis­courteouslie. Gentle Knight (quoth shee) if your hap be to restore my losse againe, you doo the most gracious acte, that euer Knight did for a distressed Damosell. These Traytors to honour (whereof the one is in Crunson Armour, bearing in his Shéelde thrée Lyons heades) tooke this waie by the woode, and as yet I am sure they canne not be farre hence. Then Palmerin clasped his Helmet, and taking his Sword and Launce, desired Ptolome to garde the Damosell and follow him, galloping that way which she had shewed him: and by the time he had rid two miles, he espied them he loo­ked for, talking with an other Knight they had mette, and they thrée togeather were assaying to open the Casket, to whom Palmerin cryed. Trecherous villaines, that can not méete with Ladies on the waie, but must offer them iniu­rie, deliuer the Casket, or yee die. One of the two turned presently, and séeing him that thus threatned them to be a­lone, not moouing a [...]ote began to laughe, and scornefullie [Page 47] returned this aunswere. Softlie, softlie good Sir, God par­don their soules whome you kill so easilie: but for all hys words, Palmerin ran against them, and they at him, so that he receiued a small wounde on his shoulder, in recompence whereof, he gaue one of them a pasport into another world, and laid so lustilie on the seconde, as he set him quicklie be­side his saddle. When the third sawe his companions at so harde a reckoning, he said to himselfe. By my faith he spake not vnaduisedlie, that said: A safe escape is better then a bad tarrying. And allowing this sentence for currant in his owne opinion, gaue the spurs to his Horse, making hast away with the Casket so fast as hee coulde: but Palmerin béeing somewhat better mounted, got such aduauntage of this runaway, as with his sword he parted his right arme from his bodie, whereuppon he fell to the grounde and the Casket with him. Then Palmerin alighted and tooke it vp, and leauing y ^e Knight there, returned which way he came, when opening the Casket, he tooke great pleasure in behel­ding the Sworde, which was meruailous costlie: yet would he not prooue to drawe it foorth, because he knewe not her pleasure to whom it appertained. At length he espied Pto­lome comming, who came apace (if néede had béene) to assist him: but when he knewe how he had ouercome y ^• Knights, and recouered the thing was so desired, no man coulde bee better contented, especially the Damosell, who leaping frō her Palfray, came and kissed Palmerins féete, saying. And may all happines repay this gentle déede, faire Knight, for but by you, my death had béene best welcome to me. D [...]mo­sell (quoth hee) sée héere the Casket according as I sounde it, I know not whither they that tooke it from you haue a­bused it or no. No, no, saide shee, they could no way wrong it, the Sword béeing heere that belongs to the best Knight. I praie you (quoth Ptolome) let mee make tryall of my strength, albeit I know my selfe no such man as you speake of: so taking the Casket, offered to begin, when the Damo­sell desired him to forbeare, for (quoth shee) you must first [Page] graunt me one request. What ere it be, saide Ptolome, I graunt it: and so set all his might to his intent, but coulde not accomplish it, wherefore quoth he to the Damosel. Be­léeue me Lady, he that wrought this enchauntment, dyd more by his arte, then I can by my cunning, and in my opi­nion you may trauaile long enough, before you finde him that shall quit your expectation. The more wil be my trou­ble quoth the Damosell, béeing tyed by necessitye to such a Knights fortune. When Palmerin sawe that his compani­on had failed, he doubted whether he should take it in hand or no: yet séeing hee coulde spéede no worse then other had doone, he said to the Damosell, will you any thing with me before I aduenture my selfe, for my Fréende shall not bee mal content for a fellowe. Gentle Knight, quoth she, I wyll nothing, but that you make me the like promise your fréend did. Of that doubt you not saide Palmerin: so laying hande valiantlie on the Sword, without any great labor he drew it foorth, béeing the richest and goodliest Sworde that euer was séene. Ah good Knight, sayde the Damosell, happy bee the day of thy natiuitie, for thou hast deliuered me from in­credible labour. The Sword is yours, but by your promise you stand bound to goe with me where I shall conduct you, to doo that shall please my Lady to commaund you. Leade the way Damosell quoth Palmerin, and be sure we wil not leaue thy company. So mounted y ^e Damosell on her Pal­fray, and tooke the way towardes Rome, where she that de­liuered her the Casket remained in deuotion, and with such spéede they dispatched their trauaile, as they arriued at the Gate of a strong Castell, where the Damosell alighted, de­siring Palmerin and Ptolome to expect her returne awhile. The Gate being opened, she went straight to her Mistresse and her Sister, who béeing gladde of her comming, demaunded if she had found the man shée went to séeke. Ladies (ꝙ she) I haue, and hither he is come with me, but this I da [...]e assure you before hande, that a more goodlie and valiant Gentleman liues not this daie: for in my presence he van­quished [Page 48] three Knights, who perforce tooke the Casket from me, and for the Sworde, he drew it foorth so easilie, as it had béene that he weareth by his side. Goe, said the Lady and cause him come néere, and come Sister let vs goe to the Gate to entertaine him. Then was the Draw bridge let downe, when Palmerin and Ptolome riding to the Gate, met there the Ladies, whom they saluted with great reue­rence, and each Ladye leading a Knight in by the hande, conducted them to their Chambers to be vnarmed.

CHAP. XXII.

OUr two Knightes béeing thus en­tered the Castell and vnarmed, the Lady brought each of them a rich Mantle of Crimson Da­maske, imbroydered with Golde and pearle, to couer them, and so came with them into the Hall to meate, where wanted no choyse of dainty delicates: so after y ^• Ta­bles were withdrawne, and ma­nye other spéeches passed betweene them, the Ladie thus began to Palmerin.

Sir Knight, as nowe I am a poore and disinherited Gentlewoman, that sometime was Wife to one of y ^e wel­thiest [Page] Knights in this Countrey, with whome I long time remained not hauing anie Childe, till at length it pleased God to sende me a Daughter, so faire a creature as euer na­ture framed, who at my Husbands death was left with me but fiue yéeres aged. My Lorde and Husbande learned in the arte Magicke, and for his skill renowmed in this Countrie, the daie before his death hee called mee to him, vsing these spéeches. Déere Wife, let if suffise thée that I knowe what shall happen to thée after my death, and that one shal take perforce from thée, not onelie such goods as I leaue thée, but also thy faire Daughter, to helpe which extremity, I haue somewhat prouided for thée before my departure.

Thou shalt finde in my Cabinett a Sworde, which I my selfe haue enclosed in a Casket, and haue sette so manie inchaunted spels on that Sword, as no man shal be able to drawe it out of the scabbard, vnlesse he be the best approued Knight in the worlde, and he it is that must giue thée suc­cour, and helpe to recouer againe thy losse. Too true fel out my Husbands spéeches, for soone after Darmaco the Gyant came hither, and as his custome was to abuse whome hee listed, so tooke he from me the best of my Castelles, and in despight of me tooke my Daughter from me, saying that he would giue her to one of his Sonnes in marriage, a villain far more vicious then the Father, & so deformed, as nature standes ashamed at her owne workmanship. Nowe in re­spect I would not consent to this vnséemely marriage, such goods as was left me, hee violentlie tooke from mee, thys Sworde onelie excepted which you haue worthilie conque­red, and that had gone with him too, but that my Sister hid it verie secretlie. Now woorthie Knight, if euer pittie tooke place in thy gentle hart, reuenge me on the villaine, y ^e hath thus robde me of my goods and my Daughter, whose youth (béeing as yet but tenne yéeres olde) is the cause that the Giant hath not consumated the marriage. And if it shal like you to doo thus much for me, you shall not onelie fulfil your promise to the Damosell that brought you hither, but you [Page 49] shall doo a déede acceptaple to God, profitable to me, comfor­table to my poore Childe, and honorable for euer vnto your owne selfe. Madame (aunswered Palmerin) it is no mer­uaile if Darmaco haue doone you this wrong, in y ^• Giants doo take a habit in trecherous dealinges: wherefore did not my promise binde me to your Damosel, I would not passe so lightlie out of this Countrie, ere I compelled him some­what to recompence this iniurie, and this shall I (God willing) doo to morrowe, so please you I may bee conducted to him. Ah gentle Knight, saide the Ladie, what I am not a­ble, Heauen will no doubt repay thee: And because it was nowe somwhat late, after they had spent a little more time togeather in conference, these Ladies accompanied him and Ptolome into their Chamber, and taking their leaue, com­mitted the Knights to their good rest for that night, which they passed with quiet repose, and on the next morning af­ter they were armed, they demaunded their guide of y ^• La­die, that shoulde direct them the way towardes the Giant. Then she called the Damosell that carried the Casket, and two Knights of her owne, whom shee commaunded to goe with Palmerin: so committing him to God and good suc­cesse, they tooke their waie straight to the Castell of Dar­maco, where they arriued in the euening, when they espy­ed a Squire on the walles, who was appointed there to kéepe the watch, to whom Palmerin saide. My Fréende, I praie thée if Darmaco bee within, cause him to come foorth, for I would speake with him. And what woulde you with him aunswered the Squire? I woulde intreate him, sayde Palmerin, to vse himselfe more courteouslie then hee hath doone heeretofore, and that hee woulde doo right to a good Ladie whom he hath disinherited, namely to sende her her goods and her Daughter againe: and if my intreatie may not preuaile with him, bidde him if hee dare come to the Combatt, wherein I will make him confesse vnder my Sworde, that his actions haue béene villainous, traiterous, and disloyall. In good sooth Sir, aunswered the Squire in [Page] derision, you may séeme to haue reason, and they that sent you likewise, but your iourney I feare me will not amount to so much: therefore if you will be ruled by me get you go­ing, vnlesse you are willing to leaue your heade for a signe to our Gates. My heade, said Palmerin, my Sworde holdes too good an edge, and mine arme too sound strēgth, to leaue a Iewell of such price so easilie: goe therefore when I byd thée thou wert best, otherwise assure thy selfe if I vanquish thy Maister, that thou with the rest shalt surelie dye the death. Too soone, said the Squire, shall I doo your message, and if anie harme happen to you, saie my good Fréende you were councelled be [...]ore: but as for my Maister Darmaco, he hath not beene within for this howre and more, yet is his Sonne Mordano héere, who can bid you welcome as well as his Father. So departed the Squire, and in shorte time Mordano the Gyants Sonne came vpon the walles, demaunding of Palmerin what he sought for? I tolde thy Squire, aunswered Palmerin: but tell me, art thou y ^• Son of the Giant, that delightest in offering villainie to La­dies? and howe then, said Mordano, what if I am? I pray thee, said Palmerin, bid thy Father that without any fur­ther quarrell he deliuer the Ladie that he detaines violent lie, otherwise I shall cause him to doo it whether hee will or no. I shall make thee aunswere said Mordano, if thou da­rest [...]arrie but till I arme my selfe: and so presently depar­ting, in short time he came foorth very well appointed, with a meruailous strong Launce in his hand, and mounted on a verie lustie Courser, so prauncing towards Palmerin, hee saide. Wretch, art thou come to seeke thine owne death? I pittie thee: yet if thou wilt yeelde thy selfe to my mercie, I will spare thy life, and suffer thée to waste thy time in one of the ba [...]e Dungions in this Castel. From lodging there, God sheelde me, quoth Palmerin, and béeing mooued wyth these rough wordes of his enemie, he encountred Mordano with such courage, as their Launces beeing broken, bothe of them were dismounted, Palmerin not hurt, but Mordano [Page 50] was wounded on the right side, the trunchion of Palmerins Launce beeing left in his bodie. Notwithstanding he rece­uered himselfe quicklie, and came furiouslie towardes Pal­merin, and gaue him such a cruell stroke on the head, as the bloode beganne to trickle downe his face: which when he perceiued, and howe it stoode him in hande now to be ven­turous, he requited Mordano with so sounde a greeting, as he parted one of his armes quite from his bodie, and asto­med him likewise that he fell to the ground, but recouering himselfe, he ran towardes the Castell and Palmerin after him. The Seruaunts of the Castell, séeing their Lordes Sonne in such danger, with Iauelinges and other weapons came against Palmerin, whom they had murdered, if Pto­lome and the two Knights that were sent with him, had not speedilie come from their close ambush to defende him, and so manfullie did they behaue themselues, as they droue them into y ^• base Court, where Mordano fell deade at Pto­lomes feete, who deferring no time, presently with hys Sworde tooke his heade from his shoulders. The seruants this séeing, dispersed themselues & ran into corners, so that Palmerin and his companie had no bodie left to resist them, some lying there wounded to the death, and other escaping foorth at a backe Gate, which they made fast after thē least they should be followed. When Palmerin sawe all thinges fall out so effectually, hee called for the Damosell and the Knights that came with him, who beeing not a little glad of this great good fortune, desired first to séeke for Esmerin­da their Ladies Daughter, for they were well assured that she was in the Castell. Searche in euery place, quoth hee, and because the night drewe on, the Gates were made fast, and there they determined to lodge for y ^• night. In meane while, the Damosell went about the Castell, and neere the Giants Chamber she founde Esmerinda, who immediatlie knowing her, came running and caught her louingly about the necke: for before, (not knowing that her companie had conquered the Castell) she and three other W [...]menne that [Page] kept her companie, were greatlie feared, but nowe the Da­mosell gaue her perfect assuraunce, that all was doone for her deliuerie, and by the onelie Knight for prowesse in the worlde, whom her Ladie Mother had thus sent thither. As they continued this talke, Palmerin came to them, be­fore whom the yong Gentlewoman Esmerinda humbled herselfe on her knées: but he taking her vp, embraced her with these speeches. Prettie soule, your Ladie mother hath great desire to sée you, will not you goe with vs to her? Sir Knight, ꝙ shee, I neuer in my life desired any thing more, then to sée my Mother: but I greatlie doubt that the false Darmaco will meete vs by the way, for he went this mor­ning to the funerall of one of his Sisters, and it will bee to morrowe before his returne, when if hee hap to meete vs, we are but deade. Let me deale for that good Ladie, saide Palmerin: I haue learned alreadie to kill the Sonne, I doubt not but this smal practise, wil make me doo as much to the Father. While Palmerin and Ptolome thus deui­sed with Esmerinda, the Damosell and Vtbanillo had pro­uided Supper, which beeing ended they went to rest, expec­ting the morning, when they prepared y ^e Women to horse­backe, and hauing taken what them best liked out of the Castell, they sette fire on the rest, and so tooke their way to­wards the sorrowfull Widdowe: who expecting good ty­dings, continued in earnest and deuoute orisons, that y ^e good Knight might ouercome her blood-thirstie enemie, and re­turne with victory and her Daughter Esmerinda.

CHAP. XXIII.

THus rode Palmerin and his cō ­pany verie ioyfull of their good fortune, especially Esmerinda, a­boue all the reste: but this plea­sant humour lasted not long, for shee had espied Darmaco com­ming foorth of a woode, hauing with him his wife & tenne well appointed Knights, whereat the yong Ladie was so affrighted, as she cryed out, saying: O God, now are we all cast away. At which words the other women began to discourage them­selues, and séeing the Giant so neere, knewe not whether they were best to goe forward or backe againe: whereup­on Palmerin saide to Ptolome. I praie thée good Freende, while I fight with Darmaco, doo you & these two Knights deale with the rest: in the meane while, I thinke it good that my Dwarffe Vrbanillo, conuay these Ladies into the thickest of the woode. He had no sooner thus said, but he be­helde the Giant make apace towards them, who not think­ing what had happened, yet séeing faire Esmerinda so deli­uered: in wonderfull rage, not taking either Sworde or Shéelde with him, he praunced towardes Palmerin, who entertained him so soundly on the head with his Fauchion, as the Giant tombled foorth of his Saddle, hanging in hys styrrop by the left foote, and was no way able to recouer himselfe.

[Page] The Horse feeling his Maister from his backe, and his burthen to weighe ouer heauie on his side, the Giants foote likewise tickling him in the flancke, began to course about, and to beate his Maister with his féete euery way he could reach him, whē Palmerin on the other side laid him on such strokes, as at length he sent his soule to the deuils, the pa­trons of his villainous life. Now thought Palmerin he had no more to doo, but goe helpe his companions against the o­ther Knights, wherein he was deceiued, for the Giantesse to reuenge her Husbands death, gaue so cruell a stroke at Palmerin with her Husbands Mace, as had he not shrunk aside she had slaine him, and so continued more like a Lyon then a Woman, redoubling stroke after stroke: which for­ced Palmerin for safegarde of himselfe, séeing no meanes or perswasions could preuaile with her, to sende her packing after her Husbande. Ptolome and his Knights had dealt so well with the rest, as on the comming of Palmerin they had dispatched them all, if fresh supply had not come to thē, as you shall heare more anon.

The Lady of the Castel mother to Esmerinda, so soone as Palmerin departed thence towardes the Giant, sent to séeke a yong Gentleman named Crispino, to whom shee promised her Daughter in marriage, if so be she could reco­uer her againe out of the Giants power: who staying not long after this message, made hast to the Castell, the Ladie entertaining him in this manner. Not long since, my good Freende, there departed hence a Knight, who intendes to reuenge my wrongs on the Giant Darmaco, and because I knowe not to what ende this enterprise will sorte: I pray you Arme you, and take tenne of your hardiest men with you, to helpe the good Knight if he should be distressed. Cris­pino soone consented to this motion, & in his way towards the Castell, it was his chaunce to meete with the Dwarffe and the Ladies that fledde into the woode. It is not to de­maund how pleasing this sight was to him, beholding Es­merinda whom he loued as himselfe: of whom he demaun­ded [Page 52] where their companie was, and shee reported in what state they left them at time of their flight. Whereupon he commaunded fiue of his men to guide y ^e Ladies, to a Kins­mans house of his that was néere at hande, and hee with the rest of his traine galloped to the place, where Palmerin Ptolome, and the Ladies two Knights encountered, wyth the fresh supplie that came to Darmacos men. Hee was no sooner arriued, but he behelde Palmerin and Ptolome woū ­ded very sore, and one of the Ladies Knights [...] among the rest, which mooued him & his men to bestir themselues: so that (short tale to make) the Giants men were all van­quished in the ende, and then Crispino declared to Palme­rin, howe he had sent Esmerinda and the Ladies to his Co­zins house not farre of, whether if it pleased him to walke, he should receiue what courtesie could be performed on so suddaine warning, in respect of the happy fortune y ^• whole Country shoulde finde by him, beeing thus deliuered of Darmaco and his Sonne, but aboue all, for the safetye of his best beloued Esmerinda. Thus rode they togeather with Crispino, whose Cozin made them verie gracious welcome, reioycing greatlie at this happy victory, and af­terward they set forwarde to the good Widdowe, Crispino by the way reporting to Palmerin his loue to Esmerinda, and howe her Mother had promised him her in marriage, desiring him to assist the matter that it might bee finished: which he promised to doo, and so at length they came to the Castell, where when the Ladie sawe her Daughter, and hearde howe her cheefest enemies were slaine, it is hard to expresse her excéeding ioy, which her chéerefull countenance somewhat made manifest, welcomming Palmerin with these wordes. Ah gen [...]le Knight, howe might I be able while I liue to recompence this inestimable fauour? the comfort of mine age, and my oppressed soule haue you brought me, may neuer harmes befal so good a Knight. La­die, quoth he, giue the prayse to God, as for me, iudge if I haue béene as good as my promise to your Damosell or no: [Page] and if there be anie thing els to doo, Lady I am readie now to performe it. You haue doone so much for me, saide she, as nothing remaineth more to be desired, vnlesse of your boun­tie you will cause me to receiue what the Giant tooke from me by force: for séeing he is deade, they that with-helde it from me, will nowe willinglie, restore it againe. That shal be likewise accomplished, quoth Palmerin: but because hee and Ptolome were sore wounded as you hearde, they staied to be [...] and sent Crispino with his Cozin and a good sufficient traine, to demaunde the Ladies Castell and her goods. They that helde it of the Giant, vnderstanding his death, made present deliueraunce thereof, and committed themselues to the Ladies mercie: whether shee sent her Daughter, so soone as Palmerin and Ptolome were healed, to whom the Subiects vowed their faith and allegeaunce, and with great Triumphes honoured the mariage of Cris­pino and Esmerinda. On the morrowe, as the Knights sat at meate, there entred the Hall a Squire, who said to Pal­merin, that a Damosel staied without to speake with him. Let her come in, quoth he, & saie her pleasure. The Squire bringing her into the Hall, she fell on her knées before Pal­merin, saying. Sir Knight, doo you not knowe mee? No in good sooth, aunswered Palmerin. Beléeue mee (quoth the Damosell) then hath my seruice béene euil imployed which s [...]metime I did you, and whereof I am sure you haue heard good account. Then Palmerin knewe her (she bringing the Shéelde and the Helmet when Florendos knighted him) whereuppon he rose from the Table, and embracing her, said. Faire Damosell and my fréende, I pray you pardon me, for the length of time since I first saw you, did quite ex­empt you from my remembrance: pleaseth it you to com­maunde me anie seruice? Sir Knight, said the Damosell, when I presented you the Helmet and Shéelde, wherwith you tooke your order of Knighthoode, you promised mee (if you remember) that you would vse it with right good will, in anie affaires the Knight had that sent it you, and when [Page 53] he should require such performaunce: nowe is the time to confirme your déede with your worde, for hee hath sent mée to you with humble intreatie, that without anie staie, you goe where I shall conduct you, otherwise you are the onelie cause of his death. God shéelde me frō such mis-fortune said Palmerin, rather woulde I goe with you presently from the Table. So doo I pray you, (quoth she) for I haue hast. Then he called for his Armour, and the table withdrawne, he went into his Chamber to arme himselfe, and so dyd Ptolome also: returning, they tooke their leaue of the La­dies and mounted on horsebacke, the whole companie bée­ing so sorrie for their departure, as Esmerinda came to the Damosell, saying. I promise you Damosell, you haue doone vs wrong in mine opinion, to hinder vs of the presence of so good a Knight. Ladie, aunswered the Damosell, thinke you he was borne for you onelie? content your selfe with the good you haue receiued by him, and suffer such as haue néed of his prowesse, to receiue his assistaunce as you haue doone. And good reason saide Esmerinda, if it be to so good an end, that no resistaunce bee offered when helpe is required. So departed the two Knights with the Damosell which waie she guided them, and verie desirous was Palmerin to bee with the Knight that sent to seeke him: because hee would gladlie know, of whence hee was that wyshed him so wel, as his message declared by the Damosell the same daie hee was Knighted.

CHAP. XXIIII.

MAnie miles had these Knightes ridde with the Damosell, when Palmerin at length desired her to tell him, what hee was that sent him y ^• Helmet & the Shéeld: whereto she aunswered, that sée­ing he was so desirous to knowe, listen, ꝙ she, and I shall report the whole vnto you. The Knight we speake of, is discēded of verie royall bloode, béeing Uncle to the King of Bohemia that raignes at this present, as also to y ^e Empresse of Allemaigne the verie best séene in Nigromancie this daie liuing. This noble man is named Prince Adrian, who neuer liked to liue in the Court of the King his Brother, but contented with what patrimonie his Father left him, at length ma­ried with a verie beautifull Ladie, of whom in time hee be­gat a Sonne named Dyardo, which Sonne his Brother the King of Bohemia, nourished vppe in his Court with his owne Sonne. So mutually in loue agréed these two yong Princes, as after the death of the aged King, the yong Dy­ardo should ioyn the rule with his Cozin the King: who tooke to Wife y ^e Daughter to the Duke of Lorayne, bring­ing her with him into this Countrey, in companie of her Sister, a Princesse so wise and vertuous as euer liued. It [Page 54] so came to passe, that Dyardo my Lords most noble Sonne, framing his thoughts to the inspirations of loue, affected so highlie the other Sister, as he determined neuer to haue a­nie other to his Wife, if he might compasse what he inten­ded. For her good Ladie, he coulde not be deceiued in his a­morous desires, he found her loue so equall with his, yet did they shaddow their affections so discreetlie, as none coulde perceiue them, but Domarto the traiterous Countie of Or­meque, one of the best Knights in all this Country, were he as familiar with vertue and honestie, as he is with mallice and disloyaltie. This Traytour enterprised to match with the Queenes Sister, beloued as you haue hearde by my Lordes worthy Sonne, and thereuppon after manie sollici­tings, made knowne his intent vnto her, whereof she made so slender account, as shee forbad him any more to trouble her. Domarto séeing my Lorde Dyardo his onely hinde­raunce in loue, intended a mallicious villainie: and on a suddaine accused the Prince, that he intended to poyson the King, so to obtaine the Crowne, as discended of a neerer cō ­sanguinitie. And as it often falleth out in such cases, when one séekes to crosse an others fortune, there is no time flac­ked in following such drifts: euen so this Traytor, finding the yonge King alone, began his matter in this coullorable sort. My gracious Lord, the faith and allegeaunce I owe to you highnesse, bindes me to make your princelie cares ac­quainted with such newes, as, God is my witnes, said the Traitour (lifting his eyes and hands to heauen) mine own death were more welcome to me, such is the loue I beare them whom it concernes, béeing al so neere allied to you in birth, as sorie I am they shoulde bee detected: but in your regarde my gracious Lorde, the action touching you in such sort as it dooth, let me die rather then spare any liuing cre­ature, no not mine owne Sonne, had nature giuen mee a­nie. This néedelesse exordium haue I made to so foule an occasion, albeit truth néedes no coullers or eloquent figures and therefore in bréefe my Lord, this is the summe. I am [Page] crediblie enformed, that your highnesse Cozin the Prince Dyardo, and Madame Cardonia Sister to y ^e Quéene, haue laid the platforme to poyson your Maiestie, and this haue they attempted, by the procurement of olde Adrian your Uncle, who pretends that the Crowne of Bohemia is his. I knowe not whether it be for want of discretion or no: but howsoeuer it be my Lorde, you shoulde not leaue such a vil­lainie vnpunished. The King began greatlie to meruaile at these newes, and knewe not well what to think: wher­vpon he aunswered the Countie, that he coulde not beleeue this accusation. But the Traytour set so smoothe a counte­naunce on the matter, and did auerre it still with such stout protestations, as hee induced the King to beleeue him: so that a daie or two after, the King béeing walking in hys Garden, séeing Dyardo & Cardonya at the Quéenes cham­ber windowe, secretlie conferring of their amorous affecti­ons, commaunded them bothe to be carried to prison. The Countie glad thereof, prouoked the King still with such an­ger against them, as immediatlie he woulde haue thē bothe doone to death: but that the Quéene and the Lordes of hys Counsel, founde meanes to quallifie his displeasure, decla­ring what discredite his highnes shold receiue, if he did not suffer them to be openlie conuicted of their offences. All this while good Princes, were they ignoraunt of this detection, till at length the King discoursed the whole matter to thē, and likewise who was their accuser: nor did the Countie faile to maintaine his wordes openlie, offering to make it good in fight, against any that durst say the contrary, and be­cause he had two Cozins, hardie and valiant Knights, con­spirators likewise in this faction, there could be none found that would enter the Combat against them. Which when the noble Prince Adrian vnderstoode, very gréefe had well néere slaine him, in respect he had no Child but this Dyar­do, as also for y ^• hee was accused with y ^• hee neuer thought. Héereupon he went presently to the King his Nephew, and preuailed so well with him, as he obtained the space of two [Page 55] Monethes, to bring with him one or two that might main­taine the innocencie of him, his Sonne Dyardo, and the Princesse Cardonia, against the Traytour Domarto and his Cozins. And this is the cause he sent mee to seeke you foorth, in hope that you are as much his Freende as hee is yours, which you may somewhat perceiue, by the freendlie presents he sent you by mee to Macedon. So helpe mee God, saide Palmerin, you haue reported a most strange dys­course, and neuer did I think, that such treason could enter the thoughts of any Knight, or other inferior person. All this is true, quoth y ^e Damosell, and it is appointed y ^• the Prince- Dyardo, with his aged and crazed Father, shal defend their owne causes, without séeking helpe of anie other: but he ne­uer as yet receiued the order of Knighthoode, and therfore is constrained to desire your assistaunce. And that shall I doo with all my hart, saide Palmerin, would God we were there where he expecteth vs, for the desire I haue to sée him, as also to vnderstande what he knowes of my follow­ing fortunes. Those matters are hid from mee, quoth shee, yet this haue I hearde him say diuers times, being in talk of you, that he accounted you the most honorable Knight in the worlde: and that if he euer chaunced to sée you, he wold aduise you to goe to the Emperour of Allemaignes Courte, to be the knightly Seruaunt to the Princesse Polinarda. When Palmerin heard the name of Polinarda, he remem­bred that it was her name, whome hee had so manye times séene in his fraunces, for which cause he asked of the Da­mosell, what the Lady was of whom shee spake? My Lord quoth the, Polinarda is Daughter to the Emperour, and Niece vnto my Lorde Adrian, the most beautiful Princesse that euer eye behelde. By my faith, saide Palmerin, y ^• more easily may I be induced to graunt her my seruice, and the­ther intend I to trauaile, when I haue finished your Lords busines. So rode they with much more haste thē before, tyl at length they came to the Cittie of Almedya, where the King remained, and y ^e Prince Adrian expecting Palmerins [Page] comming, which when he hearde, hee came to meete him, eache embracing other with meruailous courtesie, and the good olde man with the teares in his eyes thus saide. Ah good Knight, what may counteruaile this your exceeding paines, to maintaine the right of my Sonne and mee, who are falselie accused of such villainous treason, as (on the pe­rill of my soule) we neuer did imagine? Thereof am I cer­tainlie perswaded, aunswered Palmerin, and therfore am I come to enter the Combat with him, that dare affirme o­therwise. Mine olde age, quoth Adrian, might excuse mee henceforth from bearing Armes, but béeing vnable to en­dure so vile a slaunder, so long as life and soule will holde togeather, shal I doo my deuoire: so please your companion to make the second, as olde as I am I will be the thirde, for the trayterous Coūtie hath two of his Cozins y ^• take part with him. And if my fortune so fall out as I die in this try­all, I shall receiue my lot very contentedlie, if mine eyes might first beholde mine iniurie reuenged. I pray you said Palmerin, goe presently to the King, to the ende that hys highnesse may graunt vs the fielde, for my Freende and I thinke long till we haue made your accuser knowe his tre­cherie. Adrian immediatly went to the King, and on his knées thus began. My Lorde, you knowe that the Countie of Ormeque hath accused mee, my Sonne Dyardo, and Ma­dame Cardonya, of the cryme of Lesae Maiestatis, and in that we all are innocent, I am readie to maintaine, that he hath falsely and malliciously belied vs, which I my selfe will approoue vpon him, or two more with me, against him and his Cozins, if they dare enter the fielde with him in this quarrell, where we will either make known their vil­lainie, or receiue the reward belongs to disloyall Traitors. As for the wrong which you (my Lord) haue doone me, bée­ing your Uncle, and my Sonne Dyardo your Cozin ger­maine: that I referre to God to recompence, and to the bet­ter knowledge you shall receiue of mee héereafter, béeing [...]owe too olde to bee a Traytour, and my Sonne too louing [Page 56] to proue disloyall. The King was abashed to heare his Un­cle speake so audaciously, doubting nowe whether he should giue credite to what had béene reported, especially against him, so neere his highnes in bloode, who so liberally offered to enter the Combat: notwithstanding his white heade and aged body made him vnfit for such actions, wherefore hee thus aunswered. Good Uncle, impute not mee any thing faultie in your accusation, and that the proofe shall mani­fest that must be made. The Countie beeing present, was strooken in a quandarie at these wordes, and gladly he wold haue demed this former slaunder, but he could find no waie cleanlie to doo it: wherefore seeing of force he must néedes enter the Combat, he boldly fell on his knées before y ^e King with these wordes. My Lorde, what I haue saide is verie certaine, and most true it is, that by the counsell of Prince Adrian, héere present, his Sonne practised with Lady Car­donya, to poison you, that he might be King: which to make good, there is my gadge, on the behalfe of my selfe and my Cozins. Thou lyest Traytor in thy throate, said olde Adri­an, I take thine offer: and as he woulde haue gone on with further spéeches, Palmerin stept before the King, saying. Worthy Lorde, séeing the effect of the wordes must be put in execution, which haue béene heere spoken on bothe sides before your Maiestie: may it please you the Prince Dyar­do and Lady Cardonya may be sent for, to take with vs their oathes as in such cases is required, and in meane time let eache one goe put himselfe in equipage for the Combat. Good reason said the King, and presently hee commaunded the Princes to be brought, who beeing come, Palmerin de­maunded where they were that tooke part with the Coun­tie: whereupon he presented his Cozins, the one named Edron, proude and arrogant, and the other Edward of selfe same qualitie. These two tooke their oathes with y ^e Coun­tie, that the Princes accused, conspired the Kinges death, in such sort as hath béene before declared: and olde Adrian, Dyardo, and fayre Cardonya sware the contrary. But it [Page] is true, and I wil not denie it (said the Prince Dyardo) that I haue and doo loue Ladie Cardonya, as much or rather more then mine owne selfe, yet neuer did I cary any other intent, but to request her in holie wedlocke, so pleased the King and Quéene to like so well thereof as we coulde. But that euer I intended treason or villainie, it is most false, and Countie thou liest in thy throate, and thy copartners that haue sworne with thee. It is sufficient, said Palmerin: but my Lord, ꝙ he to the King, if wee be conquerers, the ac­cused shall bee deliuered, and the accusers hanged? What saie you Countie, quoth the King? Good reason Sir, the like doo we request if we be victors. Will you (saide Palmerin) that eache shall helpe his fellow as he findes it conuenient? What els? said the Countie, that is expedient. While this talke endured, Edron regarded so well Palmerin, that hee espied the Sworde which the Damosell carried in the Cas­ket, and brought to that Courte as she did to others, which shewing the Countie, he saide out aloude. Where did the deuils finde this Knight to giue him this Sworde? Belike they gaue him strength to drawe it out, els he might haue failed as manie other did: the Damosell was vnwise to be­stowe it in such bad sorte. At which wordes Palmerin bee­ing angry, returned Edron this rounde au [...]swere. I see (Knight) there is in thee more brauery and foolishe glorie then manlie action, thou blamest mee before thou knowest me, but ere you and I part, Ile finde better reason to be­stowe on you, and beate better gouernment into your pate with this sword that likes you not. This caused euery one wishlie to beholde Palmerin, the King remembring that he had séene the Sworde, which none in his Court coulde de­serue to conquere: whereuppon he estéemed so well of Pal­merin, as he commaunded Edron to silence, and all to goe arme themselues, because hee intended that day to see the Combat fought.

CHAP. XXV.

AFter the King had commaunded the Knights to goe arme them­selues, he gaue charge to foure of his auncientest Knights to see the fielde prouided, and there to place the Iudges, according to the wonted custome in Bohemia: the Knights béeing careful of the Kinges commaunde, had soone prepared all things in readines, wherefore the King, his Lords, Ladies and Gentlewomen, went to sée the issue of this valiant enterprise, Then was the Prince Dyardo and faire Cardonya brought into the fielde, before whom was made a very great fire, wherein they should be burned, if the Countie conquered. Soone af­ter came the sixe Combatants, who entered at two places appointed one against the other, the Challengers beeing conducted by two of the Iudges to their place, and the De­fendants by the other two where they were appointed: so the Iudges beeing placed, the Marshal summoned y ^e fielde, and the Heraldes bid the Champions doo their deuo [...]re.

Palmerin had good regard to Edron, whose words stick­ing on his stomacke, called now for reuenge, wherefore couching his Launce, he encountered him with such a full carrire, as his Launce passed through his bodie, and Edron tombled dead to the ground. In the meane while, y ^e Coun­tie and Prince Adrian had vnhorssed eache other, Adrian [Page] so sore wounded as he could hardlie helpe himselfe: as for Ptolome and Edward, they had astonied each other with falles from their Horsses, but they recouered themselues quicklie, and with sharpe strokes beganne to charge eache other valiantly. Greatlie ashamed was the Countie to bee vnhorssed, and therfore to recouer his honour, he came with great furie towardes his enemie: which Palmerin percei­uing, stept betwéene them, saying. To me Countie, to mee, who wil bid more for thy heade then anie in the field. With which wordes he reached him such a sure stroke on y ^e head, as made the fire flie foorth of his eyes: notwithstanding, as a man of good courage, he stept aside, & thrusting his sword into Palmerins Horse throate, enforced him quickly to take him to his féete: but all the worse for him as it fell out af­terwarde, for Palmerin hauing beaten him out of breath, he flong away his weapon, and caught him about the middle, where they tugged so long togeather, that Palmerin get­ting him downe, and his knées on his belly, with his sword soone tooke his heade from his shoulders. All this while Ptolome had good play with his enemie, and after manie daungerous woundes receiued on either side, at length hee had the better of the daie by killing his aduersarie. Then he and Palmerin went to the Iudges, who giuing thē sentence of honourable victory, they tooke of their Helmets, & came to sée in what estate the Prince Adrian was. Euill enough (quoth he) my noble good Fréends, but the lesse account doo I make of my life, in that mine eyes haue séene due ven­geaunce on mine enemies. Then was he nobly borne forth of the fielde, the King commaunding to lodge him in his owne Pallace, and the Chirurgions searching his wounds, founde them mortall, which newes did gréeue the whole Court ingenerall: the good olde Prince yet béeing of some courage, was ioyfull to die in so good sorte, hauing de­fended his owne honour and his Sonnes, wh [...]me he sent for, and in the presence of all the standers by, sa [...]d, My Son, séeing it hath pleased God thus to sende for me, good reason [Page 58] is it that his will bee fulfilled, but ere I depart, this I com­maunde thée, that (next God) thou truely serue and loue my Lorde the King, bearing towards him a hart so faithfull, as I haue doone to the hower of my death: and conceiue no es­sence at what hath passed against thée and me, hauing come to passe (as I iudge) more by euill counsel, then any setled perswasion against vs. For the rest, to thy vttermost, remē ­ber the good thou hast this daie receiued by y ^• noble Knight, who is called Palmerin: then calling Palmerin to him, hee saide. Sir Palmerin, death hath seized so surelie on me, as I cannot let you know a number of things that concerne you very néerelie, I counsell you therefore to trauaile to y ^• Em­perours Court of Allemaigne, where you shal heare tidings of that you séeke so earnestlie: with which wordes hee deli­uered vppe his ghost. And because it seemeth good [...]re I passe any further, to let you knowe how the Prince Adrian came by the knowledge of Palmerin, thus it is. I haue here­tofore reported, that he was a notable Cabalist or Magiti­an, by meanes whereof fewe secrets were concealed from him: so casting the Callender of most honourable byrthes, he ha [...]pened on Palmerin, and perceiuing the high fortune he was borne to, chéefelie that he shoulde prooue a most no­ble K [...]ght, and the greatest Lord in Europe, hee was desi­rous to contract a marriage betwéene him and his Niece Polinarda, presenting her to him in his visions, as hath béene declared. Hee thus deceasing, the King highly discon­tented at his Uncles harde fortune, caused him to be buried in most sumptuous maner, making him a Tombe in forme of a Piramides, the most excellent & stately that euer was in Bohemia, and ouer against it, were hanged the bodies of the Countie and his two Cozins, for his Trophe. Thus e­uery thing quieted, and the funeralles of the Prince Adrian solemnized, Palmerin woulde presentlie depart towardes Allemaigne: but Ptolomes woundes were so daungerous, as he was constrained to staie longer then he intended. In the meane space, the King did them all the honour could be [Page] deuised, in hope to stay them still in his Court, but it was impossible, for Palmerin told him, he must néedes goe to the Emperour, about affaires of very great importaunce. I knowe your meaning well enough, saide the King, you in­tende to goe Combat with the enchaunted Knight: and in so dooing, you shall loose both your paines and your life, as manie other haue doone before you. What enchaunted Knight is it saide Palmerin? on my faith my Lord, I neuer hearde anie one talke of him but you. Then will I tell yee, (quoth the King) since I haue begun the matter. Not long since in the Country of the Emperour mine Uncle, in the Cittie of Y [...]manes dwelled a welthie Knight, who had a fayre Daughter, amorous of a Gentleman, and their loue kept so secrete as none knew it but themselues. It so fell out, that her Father marryed her to another Gentleman in his house, but for any good acceptation, or chéerefull coun­tenaunce of the Gentlewoman, the bridegrome could haue none, so highlie estéemed she her first loue: and continued in opinion towards him so firme, as she graunted him ente­raunce into her Chamber at an appointed time, where hee murdered her Husbande, and carryed the Lady with hym whether he pleased. The bruite heereof was so soone spred abroade, as the mother of the murdered Gentleman heard thereof, whereuppon she made her complaint to the Empe­rour, who immediatlie sent to summon y ^e other before him: but they refusing to come, and hauing taken themselues to a very strong Castell, were in y ^e ende so straightly besieged, as the Lady with her louer, at length were taken, & hauing confessed the trueth of their offence, sentence was giuen on them y ^• they should be burned. The Father to this Knight offender so gréeued heereat, as hee went to one of his Si­sters, entending neuer to sée the Emperour or his Court a­gaine. His Sister séeing him in this extreamitie, (as no mallice or bad inuention is comparable to a Womans) de­uised to enchaunt one of her Sonnes, a good & hardy Knight, in such sort as he shoulde neuer bee ouercome in fight, but [Page 59] with an enchauntment of greater force. Beside, shee gaue him a Bow, and a great companie of impoysoned arrowes, wherewith he should kill the Emperour and his Children, or anie other whome himselfe pleased: which hee had not failed to haue doone, but mine Uncle Adrian vnderstanding thereof, did take such regarde to the matter, as hee coulde not hurt them, but many of his people, so that the Country is wonderfully perplexed. For hee is mounted on a Horse enchaunted as himselfe is, the swiftest in pace y ^• euer was séene, wherewith he flies into manie out places of the Em­pire, committing a thousand harmes and cannot be stayed, for whosoeuer comes to him armed, Knight or pesant, all dies the death, and none escapes him. And that which is worst of all, it is commonly reported, that if mine Uncle will not giue him his eldest Sonne Trineus, and faire Poli­ [...]arda his Daughter, to doo with them what shall like his humour, hee will neuer departe the Countrey, til he haue thorowly ruinated it. By my Sworde (my Lorde) sayde Palmerin, in all my life I neuer heard so strange a tale, were I sure to die a thousande deathes, I will fight with this deuill, and deliuer the Countrey if my strength wyll compasse it. Alas my good Fréende, sayde the King, it would much displease me, that you should hazard your selfe in such daunger, for where such deuillish enchauntments are, the strength of man (howe great so [...]uer it be) dooth not auayle: and therefore for my sake I pray you to forbeare. Let come what pleaseth God said Palmerin, for if I die nowe, I shall be excused for euer h [...]ereafter. W [...]ll sawe the King that he coulde not chaunge him, therefore he left off any further to intreate him: and too long he thought hee tarryed for Pto­lomes health, so desirous was he to be with the Emperour, hoping that his Combat with y ^e enchaunted Knight, would graunt him meanes to sée and talke with fayre Polinarda. Wherefore, when his cōpanion had gotten a little strēgth, they tooke theyr leaue of the King and the Ladies, chéefelie of the Prince Dyardo & fayre Cardonya: who after theyr [Page] departure had such successe in their loue, as with y ^• Kinges consent the marriage was finished. Nowe are Palmerin and Ptolome on their way to Gaunt, where the Emperour made his continuall aboade: the enchaunted Knight so per­secuting him, as he durst at no time come foorth of his Ca­stell.

CHAP. XXVI.

GOod expedition made these Knights in their iourney, tyll at length they arriued at the Citty of Gaunt, where the Emperor of Allemaigne then soiourned, not knowing howe to depart thence, because the enchaunted Knight watched him at all howres: our Knightes béeing thus come the­ther, lodged in the house of a wel­thie Burgesse, where they were entertained in very hono­rable maner. They were no sooner dismounted from theyr Horsses, but the whole Cittie was on a suddaine vprore, and the people ranne on heapes from one place to another: which made him remember what the King of Bohemia had tolde him, and presently he imagined what after followed, for his Hoste in great feare came running to him, saying.

Alas Sir, we all are vndoone, the enchaunted Knight hath gotten the Gates of our Cittie, and in despight of y ^e guarde he is entered: wonderfull is the harme that he will nowe [Page 60] doo, if the Prince Trineus and fayre Polynarda be not res­kewed. God defende such harde fortune, saide Palmerin, ra­ther will I fight with him, and if I die, I shall accompanie many other in vnfortunate successe. With these words hee tooke his Launce, and galloped that way where hee hearde the tumult, which was at the Emperours Castell, where the enchaunted Knight was shooting his arrowes at the windowes he espied open. Ioyfull was Palmerin to finde him in so fit a place, where his Lady Polinarda might giue iudgment of his valour, which opinion did so renewe hys courage, as presently he marched towards his enemie, who held in his hande a Persian Bowe, with an arrow in it, rea­die to shoote, hauing a great sorte more at his backe in his Quiuer: he was of vnreasonable stature, yet with a coun­tenaunce sterne and couragious, all which could not dismay Palmerin, but called to him in this maner. Proud Knight, that by the ayde of deuils and euill spirits hast committed monstrous cruelties: it is nowe time that hee whom thou seruest should haue his pray, which is thy soule into endlesse perdition. And so without staying for any aunswer, hee ran valiantly against him: but the enchaunted Knight taking his aduauntage, shot an arrowe at him so violently, as if pierced through his Armour to the bare flesh. Palmerin ha­uing broken his Launce, with an yron Mace he had, he rea­ched such a stroke to the Knight, as hee brake his Bowe in two peeces, and the blowe falling on the head of his Horse, made him therewithall fall deade to the grounde. The Knight hauing recouered himselfe, tooke a Mace that hung at his saddle Bowe, and came against Palmerin, who was nowe on foote likewise: so layd they on loade terribly with their Maces, that the Emperour and his Lordes and La­dies hearing the strokes, came to the windowes to see the Cōbat, little thinking that any one durst presinne to med­dle with his enemie, yet all this while the Knights neuer breathed, though theyr Sheeldes and Armour were very much mangled, and their bodies wounded in many places. [Page] And because Palmerin sawe the sight endure so long wyth the Mace, he threw it downe and tooke him to his Sword, wherewith he did so bumbaste him about the heade, as hee could scant tell where to strike againe: but the Knight on a suddaine lifting vp his Mace, gaue Palmerin such a stroke betwéene the head and the shoulders, as made him reele to and fro amazedly, yet comming to himselfe, and seeing the Knight faint with his great expence of bloode, closed with him, and casting his legge behinde him, threw him to the grounde, when setting his foote on his brest to kéepe him downe, with his sworde he parted hys head from his bodie. What question were it, whether the Emperour reioysed hereat or no [...] who for his whole Empire wold not he were aliue againe, béeing so well deliuered from his onely enemy in the worlde, that coulde so molest him and his Countrey with such crueltie. And to say sooth, the enchaunted Knight was altogeather inuincible, nor could Palmerin haue thus preuailed against his wonderfull enchauntments, but that the thrée Magicall Sisters of the Mountaine Artifaeria highly fauoured him, as you hearde before what promises they made him.

The Combat béeing thus ended, and the enchaunted Knight dead, the Emperour (giuing thanks to God for this victory) let open the Gates of the Castell, and came foorth himselfe to welcome Palmerin, who kneeling on his knee before the Emperour, thus spake. Mighty Prince, such re­nowne haue I hearde through the worlde, of your excéeding honour and bountie, as I haue trauailed many straunge Countries to come offer you my seruice, desiring your high­nes, (if my sute may seeme reasonable) to accept me hence forth amongst your Knightly Seruaunts. Ah faire Knight, aunswered the Emperour, it is for me to know of you, how I may re [...]erate this vnspeakable courtesie, for but by you, mine enemie had triumphed in my spoyle: so much thē is my selfe, my Children and Countrey bounde to you, as no satis-faction is sufficient to regratiate. So taking him by [Page 61] the hand, and perceiuing his body woūded in many places, he conducted him into one of the fayrest Chambers in hys Castell, where he was vnarmed, commaunding his Chi­rurgions to take dilligent care of him, because in truth they much doubted his life. Wherfore getting him into his bed, all néedefull things for his health were applyed to him, and no cost was spared, to saue his life that preserued the whol [...] Countrey.

CHAP. XXVII.

THe Empresse with her fayre Daughter Polinarda, gladde of the death of the enchaunted Knight, came to Palmerins chā ­ber to visite him, who hearing of their comming, cast a night Mantle about him which the Emperor had sent him, & came with greate reuerence to wel­come them: so desirous was he to sée her, for whom he had trauailed so manie strange Re­gions. In this place it is necessary that you remēber, what gratious gifts the thrée fatall Sisters bestowed on him, in the Mountaine Artifaeria, one of them graunting him this speciall fauour, that he should be highlie estéemed of her to whom he was destenied, so soone as she behelde him, which came t [...] passe as héere shall be declared. Palmerin expecting [Page] the entrance of the Empresse & her Daughter in his Chamber, méeting them at the dore, falling on his knée, did with great humilitie kisse their handes: but the Empresse ta­king him vppe in her armes, saluted him with these spée­ches. Gentle Knight, right happy may we count our selues by your comming hether, the Realme béeing more desolate then it hath béene séene héeretofore, and not without cause▪ in respect of the great iniurie the Knight did vs, wh [...]m you haue slaine, he hauing sworne the death of my children that neuer offended him: but God bee thanked the lot hath fal­len on himselfe, which he determined to inflict on other, for which great grace they stand so déepelie bound to you, as to their Father that first gaue them life, which by your pro­wesse you haue happilie preserued, this second gift béeing of no lesse account then the first, worthelie may you bee called their seconde Father. Palmerin giuing eare to y ^e Empresse salutations, had his minde more busied in beholding Poli­narda, whose daintie regarde so maistred his opinions, as heade, hart, thoughts and all were nowe sette to work: yet couertly he shaped this answere to the Empresse. Madame, what I haue doone for you and yours, is nothing in respecte of my great good will: for since the time I first had know­ledge of my selfe, and before I receiued the order of knight­hoode, vnderstanding of my Lord the Emperour, and what honourable entertainment was in his Court, I dedicated my seruice to him onelie, and for this cause Madame came I hither. But howe is it possible Sir, saide she, that you can content your selfe to be one of his Knights, your deserts be­in so great? Very well Madame, quoth he, and yours too, so please your highnes to affoorde me such fauour. With all my hart Sir, said she, shall I entertaine you towardes the Emperour, and on mine owne behalfe will prouide better for you then I will speake of: and did it like you, I woulde accept you for a Uirgins Knight héere, and none other. Whereuppon shee called her Daughter Polinarda, saying. Faire Daughter, this Knight as yet hath little acquain­tance [Page 62] in the Court, I praie you sée his entertainment maie be good, because his desire is to make staie with vs, and for your owne part, looke that you intreate him well, with this request, that you accept him for your seruaunt, and he shall be your Knight. And are you bothe agréed Ladies, said Pal­merin? Heauen forsake me if I refuse honour of so high ac­count. And as they woulde haue procéeded on, the Emperor came in and brake off their talke, and comming to the Em­presse, saide. Madame, I beséeche you haue good regarde to the health of this Knight, and let our Chirurgions not tri­fle the time with him, for I perswade my selfe, that the en­chaunted Knight with his venomed arrowes, hath woun­ded him with great daunger inwardlie, and hath besides sore brused his bodie with the weight of his Mace. But Palmerin hauing Polinarda so néere him, neither minded his woundes or what the Emperour had spoken, his obiect more delighted, then his woundes gréeued him, then the Emperour taking him by the hande, saide. I pray you my déere Freende to bee of good comfort, dispayre not for anie thing I beseeche you, and bee aduised by them y ^• haue care of your health, for you shall want nothing if my Crowne will purchase it. So departed hee and the Empresse, with their Daughter Polinarda, whome loue had already so in­ueigled, that she (béeing yet but tender of yéeres) found her selfe so restrained of her libertie, as scant she knewe howe to dissemble this suddaine affection: and from that time forward she became so sadde and pensiue, as one of her La­dies, the most fauoured and familiar with her, named Brio­nella, Daughter to the Duke of Saxon, well perceiued it, yet durst shee not presume to demaunde, whence procéeded this strange alteration, but so circumspectly did she regarde the Princesse, as she well noted the grounde of her gréefes. Whereuppon it happened, that one time amongst other, they two béeing alone togeather, Brionella iudging that her Ladie delighted to heare spéeche of Palmerin, nowe to hitte the nayl [...] on the heade, she thus began. What say you Ma­dame, [Page] (by your fauour) of the newe come Knight? did you euer sée a brauer and more accomplisht Gentleman: Upon my faith Madame, in mine opinion, I thinke that nature hath wrought all her perfections in him, and fauoured him aboue all other Knights in manhoode and Chiualrie. Ah Brionella, aunswered the Princesse, thou art not alone of this opinion, for I euer thought as much though I kept it in silence: would God I had as great authoritie ouer him, as he alreadie hath gotten ouer me. Is the matter so with you, saide Brionella? it shoulde séeme you are in looue with him then. To tell thée the trueth Brionella, quoth shee, I am, and did I not doubt foure other hath preuented mee, I would aduenture to make him mine. In good sooth Madam, said Brionella, you two béeing vnited togeather in one re­ciprocall league of loue, well might it bee reported the most honourable match, and of the two noblest yong Prin­ces through the whole worlde: and séeing you haue made a choyse so worthie, dismay not good Madame, but proceede in your determination. Thus deuised the two Ladies toge­ther on Palmerin, who was no lesse in affliction for y ^e looue of Polinarda, whom hee had searched with so gréat payne and trauaile, and had nowe founde with so high good for­tune. If loue was so earnest with him before in his sléeping visions, hauing not séene her: much more vehement was the impression nowe, hauing her in presence. Whereupon the day folowing, he called for his garments, and as he was making himselfe readie, the Emperour by one of his Gen­tlemen sent him the good morrow, desirous to vnderstande in what plight he felt himselfe. Good Sir, aunswered Pal­merin to the Gentleman, I beséeche you doo my humble du­tie to the Emperour for this great courtesie, and you may thus assure him, that (heauen be praised) I féele my selfe in so good estate as euer I did. Which the Emperour hea­ring was highlie contented, and sent to desire his companie to the Chappell, where Palmerin (neuer before so through­lie touched with the forcible assaults of looue) glaunced so [Page 63] manie swéete lookes on the Princesse Polinarda, and brea­thed so many sighes, the secrete Ambassadours of his harte, as it was a heauen to him to be in these passions. The Em­perour and all the traine returned from the Chappell, they went to meate, and Palmerin beeing placed right against Polinarda, was in such fits as hee knewe not what counte­naunce to vse: for his couller went and came in such man­ner, as the Princesse might easilie iudge the cause of his do­lour, wherupon she presentlie presumed, that she had more interrest in his thoughts then ere she looked for. The like opinion conceiued he of her, yet was no other testimony de­liuered on either side, then sad countenances, the reuealers of a tormented spirite. Thus continued these two louers, till the Tables were withdrawne, and then the Lords and Ladies fel to dauncing, in which delight and diuers other, the whole day was spent, till the Empresse and her Ladies departing to their Chambers, the good night on all sides was reuerently giuen: when Palmerin went to his lodg­ing in such an agonie, as more likelie to die then liue, hee threwe himselfe on his bedde, where hauing sighed and sor­rowed long time gréeuously, at length hee brake foorth into these tearmes. Ah Palmerin, vnhappy, wretched and moste miserable, nowe art thou entred into such a Laborinth, as impossible is it for thée to get out again with life, but what shoulde mooue thee to so high an enterprise, béeing no way able to equall her that is second to none? Alas, nowe doo I plainlie sée the small credite is to bee reposed in Dreames, and that the visions I saw in my Father Gerrards house, on the Mountaine Artifaeria and els where, are friuolous illusions, and of no account: with them may I ioyne y ^e pro­mise made mee by olde Adrian, who boasted to knowe so much of my fortunes, for looue is not of such power on my behalfe, that faire Polinarda either can or will make anie reckoning of me. Then Palmerin resolue thy selfe suddain­lie to die, that this inuisible and consuming fire, which by little and little melts thée away, may bee extinguished, and [Page] thy selfe eased. With these wordes he breathed foorth such an extreame sighe, as Vrbanillo the Dwarffe (being néere) hearde him, who doubting least any newe mischaunce had happened, by the priuie woundes she enchaunted Archer gaue him, made hast to know the cause of this euill. Ah Vr­banillo, quoth Palmerin, I finde my selfe farre worse then deade. What my Lorde, sayd the Dwarffe, now you ought to be of best disposition, will you deceiue vs with this alte­ration? The Emperour neuer gaue you bad countenaunce since your comming, whence then shoulde procéede thys straunge conceit? No no Vrbanillo, quoth hee, it is not the Emperor, but a Lorde of greater power then his Maiestie. It is Looue my Lad, the strickt commaunder of the stoutest mindes, he hath conquered mee, and well I knowe I shall die, if thou doo not finde the meane to helpe mee. By my fayth my Lorde (quoth the Dwarffe) so please you to tell me howe and wherein I may helpe you, let me die a thou­sande deathes if I doo it not. Understande then my good Vrbanillo, sayd Palmerin, that this strange alteration, pro­céedes frō the diuine lookes of my péerelesse Mistresse Poli­narda, whose fiery beames haue searched so narowly euery corner of my thoughts, as I must die because I loue too déer­lie. But couldest thou make knowne to her the least parte of my insupportable vexations, may bee shee woulde haue some pittifull remorse of my martirdome: for well may it be iudged, that a Lady accomplished with so many vertu­ous perfections, must néedes bee stored with sweetnes, fa­uour and pittie. Not vnlike my good Lord, said Vrbanillo, but doo not you remember how I was punished, when in the like case I ventured to sollicite your looue to Laurana, Daughter to the Duke of Durace? by my fayth my Lorde, I shall not forget it while I haue a day to liue, and am a­frayde to fall againe into the like daunger. And this spake Vrbanillo with such a grace, as Palmerin coulde not but laugh, noting with what feare the deformed felow gaue it foorth, whereupon he sayd. Thou needest not be dismaid, [Page 64] if she that smote thée in thy sléepe bee that Polinarda, for whose loue I am thus tormēted, & for whom I was borne, as many haue enformed me: I pray thée therefore speake to her, and dreade no coullers. It is good, saide Vrbanillo, that you woulde haue mee more hardie then you are your selfe: speake to her your selfe if you dare, for I dare not ad­uenture it for feare of my life. If thou doost it not (quoth Palmerin) assure thy selfe thou shalt neuer henceforth serue me. Nay then (quoth the Dwarffe) I will rather put my selfe in ieoperdy, to be better beaten then I was y ^e last time before I will loose so good a Maister. I pray thée doo, sayde Palmerin, in respect thou séest the earnestnes of mine affec­tions. Feare not (quoth the Dwarffe) albeit you were a great deale more fit to breake the matter then I: but I wil gadge my life to gaine you the Ladie, and héereupon they rested till the next morning.

CHAP. XXVIII.

EArly the next morning Palme­rin arose, and hauing walked a­broade to contemplate his de­sires, returned into the Cham­ber of presence, where he founde Trineus the Emperors Sonne, conferring with the Ladies: at which very instant the Dwarff entred, whose badde shaped body and face, made them all fall a laughing, so that Trineus came to his Sister Polinarda, saying. Sister, did you euer beholde a more proper Page to at­tende [Page] on Ladies, then this gaunt Squire that serues my Lorde Palmerin? In good [...]ooth Brother, quoth she, hee is farre vnlike his noble maister, yet wold I like well enough if he were mine. I beséech you Sir Palmerin, said Trineus, bestowe your Seruaunt on my Sister Polinarda. Ma­dame, quoth Palmerin, were he better, hee is yours and his Maister likewise, then called hee Vrbanillo, who knéeling to vnderstand his Maisters pleasure, hee saide: Vrbanillo, I haue giuen you to my Ladie Polinarda as her man, will you not serue her honourablie and truelie aboue all other? Yea my Lorde, quoth he, next after you, but you will I not leaue while I liue, although you woulde disdaine my ser­uice. Good reason hast thou, said the Princesse, and wel am I pleased it shold be so: yet during y ^e time of his stay heere, you shall forsake him and abide with mee. For y ^• Madame, quoth the Dwarffe, I am well contented. Then looke you faile not, said the Princesse, hencefoorth to giue your atten­daunce. These spéeches were thus vsed as it were for pas­time, that shee might thereby deceiue the iudgments of o­ther: but her whole intent was, to know of Vrbanillo, if his Maister were affected to any other Ladie, by whose meanes her loue might be frustrate. For as you haue heard a little before, that loue had brought her vnder such obey­saunce, as did not the regarde of honour with-holde her, her selfe would first breake the Ise of her vexations, rather thē S [...]aie too long and not be solicited. Many other deuises had the Ladies with Vrbanillo, who knewe so well howe to be­haue himselfe, as from thence forward he grew so familiar amongst them: as he woulde enter their Chambers when himselfe pleased, vnder couller of attendaunce on the Prin­cesse Polinarda, from time to time to mooue his Maisters messages. But at length she preuented him in this sort, for béeing alone at a windowe in the presence Chamber, shee called the Dwarffe, and making her entraunce by other occasions, she asked him whose Sonne Palmerin was. God knowes Madame, quoth hee, for I doo not, nor himselfe [Page 65] neither: but of this I can assure you, y ^• neuer was Knight­lie Chiualrie better imployed by any then by him, for since the time of my knowledge, he hath doone such noble acts, as it is not remembred that [...]uer Knight in this age did the like. And then from point to point he discoursed, all y ^• Pal­merin had doone since he came to him: and can you thinke then Madame, (quoth the Dwarffe) that he is not d [...]sce­ded of noble linage? Trust me Ladie, I haue my self heard by manie learned Magitians and other, that their diuina­tions were no lesse then I saie. When Polinarda heard the Dwarffe thus speake on his Maisters behalfe, if before his loue had kindled her liking, no meruaile if hart and spirite were nowe enflamed: so that nowe she could no longer cō ­ceale what she had hetherto couered, and therefore sayde to the Dwarffe. I beséech thée Vrbanillo, by the faith and duetie thou bearest to thy Maister, t [...]l me one thing that I desire to knowe of him, which shall bee nothing but to his honour and aduantage. You haue so coniured mee, faire Madame, quoth the Dwarffe, as death shall not make me hide what you please to command, if it lye in me to resolue you. Knowe then Vrbanillo, said the Princesse, that I looue thy Maister as well as my Brother Trineus, and am desi­rous to knowe of thee, what Ladie it is hee estéemes aboue all other, because when I knowe her, I may loue her the better for his sake: withall, that I may commend the La­dies happines, whose fortune is to be loued of so braue a Gallant. Well perceiued the Dwarffe, that now or neuer was the time to bestirre himselfe, according to the promise he made his Maister: wherefore hee aunswered the Prin­cesse in this manner. Beléeue me Madame, were it to anie other, I would not reueale such secrets of my Lorde as you desire to knowe: but to you that are his Lady & Mistresse, I am content to bewraie y ^e whole. Suffiseth then Madame, that he loueth in such sorte, as if the heauens sende him not remedie the sooner, vnpossible is it that his life should long endure: for I sée him so far beside himselfe, and tormented [Page] with so manie passions, as euerie howre his death is expec­ted. What will ye Ladie that I say? hee complaines, hee sighes, and daie by daie is in such dispaire for his Ladies loue: as happie might I haue accounted him, had he neuer séene her, or that his daies were as short as his desires. If then Polinarda were in doubt (not iudging herselfe to bée shée) it may easilie bee imagined, and presently was shee brought into such perplexitie, as the vermillion couller in her chéekes began to change, such suddaine feares possessed her, and so manie sundry opinions thwarted her conceite, as faine she woulde haue spoken, but coulde not of long time, wherby the Dwarffe discerned the cause of her alteration, yet he dissembled what he sawe, and thus continued on his discourse. Nowe considering (faire Madame) the high de­serts of my Lorde, may she be estéemed happy (as you saie) that shall cause the losse of the best Knight liuing this day? Ah Mistresse, if he die (as God forbid) farwell the flower of all noblenes, and the most assured Fre [...]nde to distressed Ladies. Wherefore I beséeche you pardon [...] mee, if I shall name her vnto you, and let mee intreate you to dealé with her so farre, that the courtesie wherein she is indebted to so goo [...] a Knight as my Master is, may be shewed effectually, as that she would loue and fauour him, as he dooth & hath verie well deserued. Trust me Vrbanillo, aunswered the Princesse, when I knowe the Ladie, I will, and beside, if she doo not regarde his passions as she ought, I will intreate her at my request to be more pittifull. These wordes pro­cured a suddaine iealouzie in her, that shee shoulde promise to another what she desired her selfe: yet earnest to bee re­solued, she vowed to fulfill her promise, and therefore desi­red him to tell her name. So you will giue mee your worde Madame, quoth the Dwarffe, not to take in ill parte what I shall saie, I will satis-fie your request presently. Be léeue me, saide the Princesse, I will not, rather perswade thy selfe, that héerein thou doost me great pleasure. Ah fayre Princesse, quoth the Dwarff, it is for you and no other that [Page 66] my Lord is thus tormented, it is for you that heé liues and dies a hundred times a daie: swéete Ladie haue pittie on him, and séeke not the losse of so good a Knight, who looues you déerer then his owne life. At which aunswere shee was supprized with incredible pleasure, yet feigning the contra­rie, she saide: Is it I? and howe long I praie you? By my faith Madame, quoth he, that can I not well tell yee, but I haue hearde him say of long time, more then foure yeeres before he was Knighted, hee vowed himselfe yours: since which time, all his honourable actions hath hee onely dedi­cated to your praise. So that to finde you, hee left the King of Macedon, and his Sonne Florendos, of whom hee was estéemed as no man the like, yet that honour hée forsooke to doo you seruice: and for your loue he yéelded himselfe as vas­saile to the Emperour your Father, and gaue himselfe your Knight if you deigne to accept him. When Polynarda had well hearde the Dwarffe, (albeit her harte floted in ioyes) yet could she so well commaunde her thoughts, as shee see­med to make smal account of his words: notwithstanding, she returned him this aunswéere. I promised thée Vrbanil­lo, not to conceiue ill of ought thou shouldest tell me, nor doo I: yet wold I haue thee to regard my calling, béeing daugh­ter to so great a Prince as is the Emperour. But if it bee so, that Palmerin thy Lorde beares me such speciall affecti­on, I must let him knowe by thée, that it would haue [...]éene farre more séemelie, himselfe to haue told me, then to make thée Ambassadour in such secrete affaires: neuerthelesse, I not mislike his honourable loue and good will, whereof I shall thinke better, when I knowe the effecte is conforma­ble to thy protestations. Madame (quoth the Dwarffe) so you would please to vouchsafe him time and place, hee will acquaint you with strange matter concerning bothe your destinies: which courtesie can no waie impeache your ho­nour. Why tell him, saide the Princesse, he shall haue mee dailie héere in the Chamber of presence, where he may saie his pleasure with safetie: in meane space, I accept him as [Page] my Knight, charging him, that he doo not depart the Court without my licence, if hee desire to doo mee pleasure. The Dwarffe well pleased with so good an aunswere, on hys knee kissing the Princesse hande, tooke leaue of her to re­turne towardes Palmerin: who méeting him by the waie, in place conuenient, saide. Howe nowe Vrbanillo? what newes hast thou brought me? life or death? So good newes Maister, aunswered the Dwarffe, as you haue good occasion to repute your selfe, the moste fortunate Knight that euer bare Armes. Then Palmerin embracing him, saide. Ah tell me what they are, hast thou spokē with diuine Polinarda? takes shee anie pittie on my consuming cares? That dooth she my Lorde, quoth the Dwarffe, and commandes you by me, [if you be so vowed hers as I haue perswaded] y ^• hence foorth you depart not the Emperours Courte without her leaue. Then recited he the whole talke betwéene them, and lastlie the pleasure she conceiued in so good tydings, so that she accepted him onelie for her Knight. While y ^• Dwarffe continued this discourse, Palmerin was rauished with such inwarde ioy, as with a great sigh, he said. Oh heauens, how doo you fauour me? nowe sée I well, that my seuerall appa­ritions on the Mounts of Oliues and Artifaeria, are prede­stinations ordeyned to mee by your gracious prescience: I beséeche you therefore humblie, that what you haue promi­sed, may soone come to effect, for the regarde of incompara­ble Polinarda. Then demaunded hee, by what meanes he might attaine to speake with the Princesse? She sayth, ꝙ he, that you shall dailie haue her in the presence, or in the Empresse Chamber, and there may you safely impart your whole minde vnto her. But I haue other newes to tel yee, for I vnderstand certainlie, that the Emperour intendes a matter greatlie for your aduauntage: he minds to morrow to visite one of his Castelles neere at hande, and there to passe the time in honour of the Ladies, will haue a Tour­ney. There (better then any where els) may you and Po­linarda conferre togeather: therfore courage your selfe, and [Page 67] goe keepe comanie with my Lorde the Emperour, it may bee himselfe will acquaint you with this enterprise. Now credite me Vrbanillo, saide Palmerin, thou hast doone so much for mee, as I shall neuer recompence thée while I liue: but I pray thée tell mee, did shee not at the first take my message strangelie? That did she (quoth the Dwarffe) when I perswaded her that you loued a Lady in such sorte, as hardlie coulde you liue without her fauourable regarde: then she thinking it was some other and not herselfe, chan­ged couller meruailous passionatlie, but let it suffise you, that she is as deepe in loue as you are or can be. So went Palmerin to the Emperour, who calling him to him, saide. My noble Freende, I shal make knowne to you, what hath béene concluded in your absence, the Ladies of our Courte haue beene so long lockt in, for feare of the enchaunted Knight whom you haue slaine, as they haue desired to pro­grace a little: for which cause, and to pleasure them, I am thus determined. Two leagues hence haue I a goodly Ca­stell, enuironed with woods and pleasant Meddowes, there may wee hunte the wilde Harte and Bore with other pas­times: but nowe haue I caused Scaffolds and other proui­sion to be made there for a Tourney, and fortie Knightes will I appoint in this action, tenne against tenne, and the first conquerers shall keepe the fielde against tenne other that shall reuenge the tenne vanquished, so hauing all iou­sted, they shall fight at Barriers with rebated swordes, and the brauest Champion shall haue a rich Iewell, which the Empresse hath prouided for the purpose. Nowe woulde I haue you one of the ten challengers, and my Nephew Ga­nareno on the Defendants side, for him doo I esteeme one of the best Knights in my Courte: will you not doo thus much at my request? God forbid, saide Palmerin, that I shoulde refuse any thing you please to commaunde. These newes were immediatly published through the Courte, which made euery Knight speedilie to prepare himselfe, in hope to be of the number of the fortie, that should performe [Page] the Tourney: and thus they priuilie imparted to their La­dies, howe they would breake both Sword and Launce for their loue. Among whom Ptolome was not the last, for he so affected the yong Princesse Brionella, as he had made her sole Mistresse of his hart, yet coulde he not find the meanes to acquaint her therewith: but the next day, as shee rode a­mong the Ladies, they had good leysure to conferre togea­ther, and before they arriued at the Castell, they discouered thorowlie to eache other their affections, promising mutu­allie such a iust consent in loue, as the one should bragge of the others happines. While they continued their amorous discourses, Palmerin, who had newlie presented himselfe to Polinarda, was greatly discontented, because so soone as he came to her, the Empresse called her, and left not talking with her till they alighted from horsebacke: notwithstan­ding before night, he gayned recompence for that disaduan­tage, for after Supper, the Emperor and the Ladies went a walking by a goodlie Riuers side, there to disporte them­selues in the coole of the euening. Nowe was it the merrie Maie moneth, when the fieldes were richlie decked with Natures Tapistrie, and Cupid gaue oportunitie to hys Subiects, to contemplate theyr swéete and affable desires, and well came it to passe for Palmerin, while Trineus and Ptolome were conuerssing with the Empresse: that he ta­king his Mistresse by the arme, walked with her amongst the faire flowers, and seeing the time and place serue him so well, trembling (as supprised with a vehement passion) thus began. Madame, your gracious nature will not count it strange, but rather take it in good part, that I a Knight errant, and as yet vnknowne among courtlie assemblies, should presume to make known a secrete to you, which my selfe dare not imagine without reuerence, & death can cause me declare to none: nor may I procéede without some assu­rance of my vncertaine hope, by her diuine pittie that giues me life. And although the wordes of my Dwarffe haue ac­quainted me with your princely fauour, sufficiēt to expel all [Page 68] feare and suspition of reproofe: yet such is the height wher to I aspire, as the greatest Monarche in the worlde [...]anne scantly deserue, then well may I estéeme my selfe vnwor­thie▪ But doubting whether your spéeches were such, or that my Dwarffe (as such as he often may doo) hath repor­ted more then he had in charge: I am desirous, (trusting on your benignitie and speciall fauour aboue all other) to vn­derstande, if your pleasure bee so highlye to honour mee, as henceforth to accept me for your Knight and Seruaunt. And if such vndeserued grace may fall to my lot: I shall not onely acknowledge, that Fortune hath directed my course to the onely place of honour, but shall haue good occasion be­side to make knowne by my Knighthoode, that I am the fa­uoured of the most faire Princesse. Héerein good Madame, you shall not dissent from reason, if I hauing lost my liber­tie by beeing onelie yours, want the modestie that shoulde sheelde me in your high regarde: therefore may you swéete Ladie in mine excuse, accuse loue and your celestial beauty, bothe stronger to cōmande then I to gainesay. My Dwarff hath let you knowe (as he tolde me) part of the paine I en­dure for your sake, which you cannot but thinke well off, in that my destenie so commaunded mee, long time before I sawe or knewe you, not alone in visions, but by manifest sollicitings, so that in search of you, I haue suffered such tra­uaile, as maruaile it is that nature coulde make me able to sustaine. Notwithstanding, I account all right happily be­stowed, if I may gaine fauour in your gracious eyes, with­out which it is vnpossible for me to liue: for there is no part possessing life or spirite in mee, that is not vowed to your onelie seruice. These words were dipt in teares, and deliuered with manie a bitter sigh, which mooued Polinarda to such compassion, as taking him by the right hand, she began to playe with his fingers, her trembling testifying her secrete afflictions: and breaking off Palmerins discourse, as he thought to haue continued longer, thus aunswered. Syr Knight, it seemes by your countenaunce that you dispayre [Page] of something, or els haue more fortitude then I can con­ceiue. Esteeme you mee of so simple iudgment, that know­ing your valour and knightly perfections, I shoulde not ac­count my selfe happy to haue so braue a Champion? Let it suffise you, that what Vrbanillo tolde you, is true, and in regarde of the paine you suffer for my loue, and fancying mee so firmelie as you doo: beléeue mee good Knight, you feele no gréefe, but it is as familiar with me, so that what thought you haue of mee, the like haue I of you, as time and the vnspotted loue I beare you shall witnesse, in meane time promise me not to depart my Fathers Court without my consent. And because I sée the Ladies approching, refer we the rest till some other time, when wee shall haue more leysure to conferre togeather: and tell mee nowe if you bee determined to ioust to morrowe? That will I Madame, quoth hee, if it please you to commaunde me. In sooth saide she, I will not hinder ye, because I knowe the honor of the Tourney will be yours: for my sake therefore shall you were this Bracelet, as a signe of my fauour and pledge of my loue. So taking off her Bracelet, shee gaue it to Palme­rin, who receiued it with no little content: and so concluding their talke, because manie Knights and Ladies came about them, they walked where the Emperor and the Empresse were, deuising with Ptolome and Trineus. Nowe because darke night drew on, and y ^• euening dewe was dangerous, they returned to the Castell, entending the next day after dinner to begin the Tournament.

CHAP. XXIX.

AFter the order of the Tourney was sette downe by the Empe­rour, as you haue heard, Palme­rin did but expecte the howre to goe to it, not doubting to per­forme such chiual [...]ie, that his Ladies fauour shoulde be woor­thilie honoured: wherefore ha­uing prepared all his necessa­ries readye, immediatly after Dinner, accompanied with nine other Knights brauely Ar­med, whereof Ptolome was one, hee entered the Lysts roy­all. And espying his Mistresse, Polinarda in the windowe with the Empresse, after he had doone her hūble reuerence, hee began to mannage his Horse with such braue carr [...]res, as euerie one delighted to beholde him: but speciallie the Princesse, whose harte loue had thorowlye conquered, so that she gloried to be beloued of a Knight so worthy and commendable, as that her eye was neuer from the obiect of her swéete desires. And marking his Shéelde, she beh [...]lde in a Sable fielde, a Siluer hand fast closed, the import where­of caused her to meruaile, in respecte what had passed be­twéene them before, and gladly would she haue knowne the meaning, but the place would affoorde no such conuenience: wherefore perswading herselfe for the time, shee was con­tent in séeing her Bracelet, which her Knight wore vppon his right arme. And after manie courses and loftie poynts, doone by Palmerin and other Knights before their Ladies, [Page] among whom Ptolome shewed so correspondent, as the presence of his Ladie Brionella highlie prouoked him. Then entered the Prince Ganareno, Nephewe to the Emperor, a Knight of no small reckoning amongst the Allemaignes, and with him nine other in most sumptuous Armour, and their braueries likewise ended to their Ladies (yet nothing comparable to Palmerin and his companions) they went to their Tent, and while the Trompets & Clarions summo­ned the fielde, euery Knight prepared himselfe in readines. Palmerin, not so much to winne common applause, as her loue that had the soueraigne power ouer him, séeing Gana­reno ordering himselfe to run first, tooke a strong Launce, and encountred him with such puissaunce, as Horse & man were bothe ouerthrowne, and very sore brused: notwith­standing, hee was soone recouered by his companions, and in a Chayre carried forth of the fielde. One of his Knights would néedes reuenge his mis-fortune, and was himselfe in like sort serued: in bréefe, the other eight had all one pay­ment, not one of them béeing able to mooue Palmerin from his saddle. Palmerin ioyfull of his good successe, was depar­ting away with his cōpanie, when one of them thus spake vnto him. Sir Palmerin, you haue saued our labour, and got the honour that we desired. The time will come, (ꝙ Pal­merin) whē you may doo as much for me: but for this time (if you please) you may excuse me. All that were present, as well Lordes as Ladies, m [...]ruailed at the valoure of Pal­merin: and among the rest the Emperour, who said aloud, that he neuer kn [...]we a more valiant Gentleman. Polinar­da béeing so néere as she heard her Fathers words, and had herselfe beh [...]lde his high good fortune, was suddainly solli­cited with such affectionate pleasure, as forgetting herselfe and where she was, she thus spake to Brionella indifferent loude. What say you faire Fréende? dooth not Palmerin worthily deserue to be loued? By my faith Madame, aun­swered she, I neuer sawe Knight giue such [...]ough encoun­ters with the Launce, as he did to Ganareno and the rest [Page 70] of his companions. Polinarda wold haue procéeded further, but there entered tenne other Knights, the formost beeing Ptolome, not content (as it séemed) that hee [...]anne not at the first, and then entered tenne Knights more, of whome the formost was Cormedes an Allemaigne Knight. They raunging themselues in order, Ptolome and Cormedes brauelie encountred, but neither were vnhorss [...]d: which gréeued Ptolome to doo no better in presence of his Ladie, wherefore taking another Launce, at the seconde course Cormedes was cast quite out of his saddle, and thrée more of his fellowes after him for companie. Which when the Duke of Lorraynes Brother perceiued, a Knight well ac­counted of in that Countrey, desirous to recouer the honour his foregoers hadde lost, thus spake to Ptolome. It séemes that these Grecian Knights, are come to rob vs of the honor that is ours by inheritaunce, in vnhappie howre were the Allemaignes borne if they so suffer it: and so cou [...]ching his Launce, met Ptolome with so full a carr [...]re, as loosing sad­dle and stirrops he fell to the ground, and [...]oure more of his Knights after him had like entertainment, but a hardye Knight of the Emperours named Menadus, met y ^• Dukes Brother so rudelie, as downe hee fell to the grounde with his saddle betweene his legs. Thus were manie braue en­counters with the Launce to vanquish one another, and all for the loue of their Ladies, who delighted to sée theyr Knights so brauelie behaue thēselues. The Ioust finished, eache one allighted, and with their blunt Swordes fell to the Barriers, and so cruelly they laid on each other, as they would not suffer one another to take breath: especially Pto­lome, who buckled with the Duke of Lorraynes Brother, to winne the honor he lost in the Iousting. And now a fresh entered noble Palmerin, who as the onelie man to whome Loue and Fortune were fauourable, raunged among the thickest, and with his Sworde made way among them va­liantlie: at length he came to the Duke of Lorraynes Bro­ther, and so can [...]azed him about the pate with his blunt [Page] Fauchion, as he fell to the ground greatlie [...], charg­ing him to speake no more in disgrace of [...]recian Knights. All the sport ended, the Knights withdr [...]w themselues into their Chambers to be vnarmed, and [...] Knight wrap­ping himselfe in his Mantle, Palmerin was in his Ladies li [...]ery, for she had sent him a [...] rich one, and so comming into the Chamber of presence, the Emperour welcommed him in this manner. Beléeue me my Lorde, I account the Prince happie that hath you for his Fr [...]nde. As I am my gracious soueraigne, answered Palmerin, I am your hum­ble and obedient Seruaunt during life, ready to accomplish what shall please you to commaunde me. The Emperour highly thanked him, and presently came the Empresse, one of her Ladies bringing with her a riche [...], all couered with pearles and stones of great valew, which she presen­ted to Palmerin, as the prize and [...] in the Tourney, and saide to Polinarda. [...] Daughter, I am sure you will bestowe some gift on Sir Palmerin, in that he hath so worthilie deserued. These wordes raysed a swéete blushing in the Princesse countenaunce, not a little reioysing that he whom shee loued, had carryed awaie the prize from all the other Knights: so with a prettie modest smile, she tooke a chayne of Gold from about her neck, say­ing. Sée heere Sir Palmerin what I giue yee, this gift is to tye and chaine you in such sort, as you may neuer depart from the Emperours seruice. Palmerin with excéeding con­tentment receiued the Chaine, and on his knée hūbly than­ked the Empresse and the Princesse, to whom hee spake as followeth. Madame, I am well contented to abide in such a pryson, and neuer will I desire any other libertie, but still will bee his vassaile that hath power to commaunde mee. This aunswere pleased the Emperour excéedinglie, in that he desired to haue Palmerin still abide in his Court. Wher­fore he said to Polinarda, you haue doone well Daughter thus to binde Palmerin, for nowe he can not escape awaie when he list. So the Tables béeing couered, the Emperour [Page 71] and all the Knights of the Tourney satte downe to meate, where much talke was spe [...]t as concerning y ^• [...] on al sides, but Palmerin & Polinarda had enough to doo to view eache other, their eyes dooing their office, and carrying be­twéene them the m [...]ssage of their passions, yet so discreetlie shaddowed as none could perceiue them. Supper ended, the Knights and Ladi [...]s went to dauncing, and afterwarde to their Chambers, because the Emperour had commaunded the next daie an other Tournament: a breefe report wher­of may very wel serue, in that you can imagine there wan­ted no braue chiualrie. What Palmerin did that daie, it were in [...] to tell, because y ^e former da [...]e makes knowne his woorthines, and Ptolome behaued himselfe in so good sort, that Brionella was as proude of him as the Princesse of her Knight, and therfore presented him with a very rich Diamond, as a token of his desert & her loue. Thus while the Ioustes endured, the Duke of Lorrayne had great fami­liaritie with Palmerin, because he had deliuered his Sister Cardonya, from the false treason of the Coūty of Ormequ [...]. All pastimes thus finished, y ^e Emperour returned to Gaunt, where Palmerin intreated his Mistresse to appoint him time & place, where they might more priuatlie discourse on their loue, the which the promised, and awaited oportunity.

CHAP. XXX.

POlinarda not forgetting y ^e promise she made her Fréend, to meete him in some place where they might argue on theyr loue, determined to discouer her affecti­ons to Brionella, the beloued of Ptolo­me: well perceiuing, that without her helpe, she could not attaine the end of [Page] her desires, wherefore without any longer stay, shee thus began with her. My chosen Freende, I would make known one thing vnto thée, which death can compell me discouer to no other, wherefore thou must haue care to keepe secret my speeches, in respect of my calling, not doubting but in time to recompence any paine thou takest for me. Fayre Prin­cesse, said Brionella, in that you doo me such honor, as to im­part your thoughts to me, rather will I die then fayle one iote of your commaundement, and therefore assure your selfe, that what you declare shall neuer be discouered. Then Polinarda reuealed to her y ^e loue she bare Palmerin, what passions did torment her, and in what extreamitie her de­sires had driuen her: and therefore swéete Fréende (quoth she with a déepe sigh) find thou the meane that I may pri­uatlie talke with him. Brionella admiring the earnest loue of the Princesse, knewe not readilie what to aunswere, but séeing that by these meanes she might more easily conferre with Ptolome, whom shee likewise intirelie loued, thus spake. It is no wonder Madame, you béeing so incompara­ble, as I knowe no Prince liuing of whō you are not woor­thie, if you haue resolued your loue on noble Palmerin, in that there is no Knight in the worlde better deserues you, his rare chiualrie beeing such, as it cannot otherwise bee, but that he is discended of royall linage, béeing accompli­shed with so many speciall perfections. Therefore Madam, so like you, I haue deuised well for your purpose, as thus. You knowe my Chamber window standes so commodious, as you may with safetie confer with him at pleasure, which you may let him vnderstande by his Dwarffe, and appoint him time as you shall thinke conuenient. This counsel did not a little content y ^• Princesse, because she longed to chatte with her louer, and therefore concluded at his departure to appoint Palmerin his time. Nowe was the Chamber of Brionella ioyning to the Cittie wall, and had a goodly pro­spect into the fieldes, and Palmerins lodging was néere vn­to it, facing the wall as the other did: so that one might [Page 72] easilie passe betwéene the lodgings, nothing béeing betwixt them but a little Garden, brauelie decked with flowres, and goodlie fruite Trées. The time appointed, Polinarda called the Dwarffe to her, saying. Vrbanillo, thou shalt goe to thy Maister from me, and after thou hast saluted hym with my manifolde well wishinges, wil him this night to come secretlie to Lady Brionellas Chamber, where at the windowe we may safelie talke togeather: and bid him not misdoubt my Lady Brionella, for I haue made her acquain­ted with all my secrets. And because thy selfe maist conduct him to the place, come, and I will presently she we it thee. So went the Dwarffe with Polinarda to Brionellas cham­ber, where hauing séene the windowe, and gladde to carrie such tydings to his Maister, beeing well assured howe they woulde content him: he departed, and tarried not long on his message, because Palmerin thought each howre a yeere to heare from his Mistresse, wherefore hee beholding the Dwarffe comming, tooke him in his armes, and demaun­ded what newes he had brought him? The Dwarffe with a cheerefull countenaunce thus aunswered. My Lord, For­tune speede you as luckilie, as the newes that I bring you doo well deserue. By this beginning, Palmerin perceiued that he brought such tydings as he long looked for, which was, howe he might speake with the Princesse: wherfore embracing him againe, he commaunded him to make report of that his sweete Mistresse had giuen him charge. Then the Dwarffe deliuered, howe the Princesse had great de­sire to see him, and where shee did intende to speake with him. Which whē Palmerin heard, [...]illed with vnspeakable ioyes, he recorded the words to himselfe with many ittera­tions, and the more often he spake the words, the more his delights increased. But tell me, (quoth he to the Dwarffe) didst thou marke the place well, where I must talke with my Goddesse? Thereof doubt you not my Lorde, sayde the Dwarffe, for I shall not faile to bring you surely thither, if it be your pleasure I shall goe with you, because y ^• Princesse [Page] her selfe, in company of Lady Brionella shewed it me. How am I beholding to her, said Palmerin, for this high fauour, which els were my death if I had beene denyed? Uppon this he called Ptolome, to whom he imparted euery circumstaunce, which Ptolome reputed for his great auaile: thys offering the meane for him to visite Brionella, and therfore they concluded to goe togeather the night [...]nsuing, to the place appointed for this louing encounter. The howre of rest beeing come, and euery one in theyr Chambers as best beséemed, Palme [...]in, Ptolome and the Dwarffe remayned togeather, and séeing the time readie to countenaunce theyr enterprise, tooke eache of them a rich Mantle, and wyth theyr Swordes vnder their armes, went out at a windowe vppon the walles: and albeit the passage was somewhat daungerous, yet loue had so encouraged them, as without regarde of daunger or fortune, they came to the windowe which the Dwarffe shewed them, not séene by any. Poli­narda who was most attentiue, hearing the trampling of theyr feete, sayde to Brionella. Is not this Palmerin? So opening the Casements, they sawe Palmerin and Ptolome attending like dilligent Seruants. If then bothe parties were pleased it is not to be doubted, nothing in the worlde more contenting them then the sight of each other. And truelye Palmerin and the Princesse had great reason, for beside that their fatall destenies did so prouoke them, theyr equal natures were so commendable and correspondent, as though they had neuer séene, yet were they borne to loue togeather. Now was Polinarda very brauely acco [...]stred in a gorgious night Mantle, and such soft white silkes, as the shewed more bright then the morning Starre, her firie pointed lookes so wounding Palmerin, as rapt vppe as it were into a second heauen, he remayned silent a long time, not able to speake a worde. The Princesse was likewise in the selfe same conceit, and so ouercome with regarde of her Paramour, as she continued mute, and was loth to giue the onsette. Palmerin ashamed to accompany his Ladie with [Page 73] such silence, beganne thus mildlie to courte his Mistresse. I did neuer thinke, faire Madame, that Fortune woulde ho­nour mee with such extraordinarie fauour, directing my course to your noble Fathers Courte, to bee thus entertay­ned into your gracious seruice, hauing no deserts in mee to induce you to your choyse: but it may be in respect of some good report by such, to whom I account my selfe highlie be­holding, hauing thus founde the place where I was pr [...]or­dained to loue, my Starre hath appointed it, and withall, to make me the happiest man liuing. And it may be Madame, that such as en [...]ie not my happines, haue acquainted you with some of my exterior actions, which God [not I] hath brought to passe: but they ignoraunt of the intire and fer­uent loue I beare you, coulde make no iust report therof to you, béeing a secret so speciall, and not to be comprehended, beside, the depth and wonderfull nature thereof not to bee measured, therefore to be buried in your heauenly opinion, which howe ample so euer you please to graunt me, y ^e more am I bounde both in duetie and affection, which in despight of en [...]ie and his confederates, shall remaine immooueable, and pleade the continuall loyaltie of your Knight and Ser­uaunt. And if I shoulde reporte howe manie times your di­uine personne hath béene presented me in sléepe, I shoulde therewithall discourse infinite passions, which I endured séeing my selfe frustrate of that I nowe beholde. How many Countries and Citties? what perrils and da [...]ngers haue I past to finde you, prouoked on still with neuer chaunging loue? If this then were sufficient to make me run through a worlde of daungers, I leaue it to your iudgment (sweete Madame) what it may doo nowe, séeing with myh [...] [...]yes what I dreamed on before, and may with [...]fetie saie, in­comparable beautie. Héerehence proceedeth, that my ex­treame affections haue ouercome all other parts in m [...], not able to imagine howe manie reuerende opinions I vse of you: which must intreate you on my behalfe, that your accu­stomed clemencie will pardon my preiudicate concei [...]e, be­cause [Page] béeing not mine owne but yours onelie, I may easilie offende. These spéeches moistened with y ^e teares of his eies and like-warme blood of his hart, deliuered manifest eui­dence how truelie he loued the Princesse, who bearing him companie in all arguments of loue, thus answered. I doubt not Sir Palmerin, but the looue you beare mee is excéeding great, noting your earnest affections, and the great tra­uaile you haue sustained in searche of me, and no other cer­taintie doo I request to be perswaded by, béeing as vehe­ment in affection towards you, as you are to me, for proofe whereof, this attempt maie suffise, that against my duetie I should be séene thus secretlie, in a place so suspicious, and time so vnnecessarie. But if I haue offended héerein, accuse those séemelie perfections which I haue regarded in you, and the confidence I repose in your good conceit, coupled with the honourable estimation y ^• is generallie reputed in your vertues. Pardon me (swéete Ladie) saide Palmerin, if by my longing desire to speake with you, I haue in anye thing displeased, for earnest good will to doo you seruice, constrained me to be thus importunate. The matter is far from anie desert of offence, quoth the Princesse, for hither are you come by my commaundement, to the ende that wee might sée one another, and talke of such thinges as neerest concerne vs: and therefore resolue your selfe good Knight, that I esteeme you aboue all other, and promise you by the faith of a Princesse and loyall Fréende, to die rather then anie other shall be Lorde of me. Which verie words, so ra­uished his sences, as verie hardlie he could sustaine himself: whereuppon Polinarda put her hande out at the windowe, which he in often kissing well marking, behelde the Char­racter thereon as you haue hearde before. Ah Madame, ꝙ hee, this is the token that makes me the happiest man li­uing. As howe I pray you? saide she, what know you héere­of? Then Palmerin discoursed all his dreames and visions, and bréefely ranne thorow repetition of his whole life, how the wise Adrian had sent him the Shéelde of Sable, wher­in [Page 74] in was figured a hand fast closed togeather, signifying the same hand I holde at this present, because this hath y ^e same marke the other had in figure. In trueth said the Princesse, I was desirous to know the meaning of that Sheeld, wher­in I sawe a Siluer hand closed, which you bare the first day of the Tournament, béeing nowe not a little glad that you haue so satis-fied me. Afterwarde Palmerin made knowne to her, the marke himselfe had on his face, which agreed with hers in perfect likelihoode. O God (quoth she) happie be the time of this meeting, blame me not my Lorde to bee thus supprised with your loue, séeing our fatall deste [...]ies haue so appointed: this will cause mee to liue in more hope of good successe, then before I did, and that our amitie will sorte to such ende, as our two harts shall bee combined in one, yet let mee sée I beséeche you the marke on your face, howe neere it resembles this on my hand. She fetching a Taper which burned in the Chamber, lifted vp his comelie locks of hayre, and sawe them bothe shaped in one forme, wherefore suddainly setting awaie the light, shee embraced Palmerins heade in her armes, and sealed many swéete kis­ses on his amiable Charracter. The like louing salutation passed betwéene Ptolome and Brionella, at another Case­ment of the Windowe, with sollemne vowes and protesta­tions neuer to faile in their loue, and this to be the place for conuersing on their desires, till Fortune affoorded thē bet­ter opportunitie: and longer would they haue there cōtinu­ed, but that the Dwarffe came to his Maister in this man­ner. My Lorde, I thinke you can neuer finde time to make an ende, will you haue the day light preuent yee, and so dis­credite you all? in sooth it is time you were in your Cham­ber. Palmerin who was lothe to depart from the pleasure of his thoughts, made small account of the dwarffes words and continued on in amorous deuises: but the Princesse a litle more fearefull then he, seeing the Dwarffe said true, and lothe to be séene suspitiously, said. My Lord, it is time to breake off, but I pray you faile not of your promise, let vs [Page] visite one another now you knowe the way and place. So Palmerin and Ptolome tooke leaue of their Ladies, & pas­sed to their Chambers without suspition: the successe of their loue you shall vnderstande héereafter, as time & place shall fitte for the purpose: but nowe to satis-fie you with choyse of delights, wee will returne a while to another discourse.

CHAP. XXXI.

DUring the time that the Empe­rour of Allemaigne liued in this happines, accompanied (as you haue hearde) with manie hardie Knightes: there raigned in Fraunce a mightie Prince na­med Agariell, valiant, wise and vertuous, hauing thrée Sonnes, whereof the second was the har­diest Knight at Armes, being na­med Lewes. This King Agariell, the more to honour hys Knights and noble Gentlemen abyding in his Realme, de­termined to keepe open Court for all [...]mmers, as none of his predecessors euer did the like before him: and there­fore sent abroade his Heraldes, Gentlemen of his escuyrie and others, to summon his Lords and Barrons of Fraunce, that on a day appointed they would all méete at the Court. And because none shoulde be ignoraunt what hee intended, he requested that all Gentlemen professing Armes, at the feaste of Easter following, shoulde repaire to Parris, beeing [Page 75] the heade and cheefest Cittie of his Realme. The Queene likewise aduertised al Ladies and Gentlewomen, at whose commaunde euery one obeyed, so that in fewe dayes the Courte was furnished with Lordes and L [...]dies: nothing nowe intended but delights and courtlie pastimes, which made the Duke of Burgun [...] likewise repai [...] thither. Now was the Duke aged, a man of good prouidence, and a tryed Knight, hauing matched in marriage with the King of Denmarks Sister, a yong beautiful Ladie, and of vertuous education: the Duke hoping to haue issue by her, because by his first Wife he could not haue any. The King aduerti­sed of the Dukes comming, commaunded his Son Lewes with an honourable traine to goe entertayne him, which he did, so that many solemne reuerences passed betweene the Duke and him, as also to the Duchesse, whom as he welco­med with manie salutations, so did he earnestle cōtemplate her excellent beautie, reputing her fairer then the fayrest, and on a suddaine became amorous of her, such a violent breach made loue into his hart at the very first sight of her. In this great and vnlooked for vexation, hee conducted her to the lodging was prepared for the Duke, dissembling so well as hee coulde his newe desire: but so vehement was his oppression, as without returning againe to the King, he went to his Chamber. Prince Lewes béeing thus alone by himselfe, Loue not a little tryumphing of his new pray, tormented his thoughts with so manie conceits, as all the night he spent in sighes and dolorous laments, his mind stil trauailing by what meanes he might compasse his intent. Sometimes he thought it vnpossible in respectet of y ^• Duke, then againe as easie because of his age, a contrarie too y [...]k­some in his eyes for the sweete florishing youth of the D [...] ­chesse: all which imaginations wrought so diuersly in him, as his spirite forsaking counsell & reason, made him breake foorth into these exclaimes. Ah heauens, haue you beautie with such excellencie, as to cause me endure a tor­ment more then mortall? Ah mine eyes, too lauishe were [Page] you in beholding her, who cannot chuse but vtterly disdaine thée, thou hast no acquaintaunce with her, and therefore let thy death chastise thy boldnes. Yet mayst thou bee decei­ued in thine opinion foolish man, perhappes in offering her thy seruice she may accept it, for the Duke is old, and like­lie to die, howe happy were it for thee to be his executor for his Ladie? Dispayre not then man, for things thought im­possible are easiest oftentimes in performance. In these and such like tearmes hee spent the night, and séeing the fayre morning salute him at his Chamber windowe, he arose, in­tending that day to bewray his passions to the Duchesse, and knowing that the Duke would goe visite the Quéene, accompanied with many Knights he came to bid him good-morrow, which the Duke taking very kindly, requited him with many thankes, ignoraunt that for the faire Wyfe, he was so courteous to the olde Husband. The Duke hauing taken his way to the Queene, Lewes kept company wyth the Duchesse very mannerlie, wayting oportunitie to dys­couer his affections, and reuiewing her beautie so perfecte and rare, not able longer to hold, beganne thus. It is mar­uaile Madam, if fayre beautie should be so bitter, as a man cannot surfette but hee must néedes die. The Duchesse not knowing of whom the Prince spake, nor as yet regarding that he was in loue, aunswered. In sooth my Lord, the La­die hath small reason, that shee shoulde vse you so hardlie, yf you meane it by your selfe. In bréefe Madame, quoth hée, it is you haue wounded me, and none but you can ease my af­flictions: if then (swéete Lady) you retaine such pittie, as all your other excellencies shewe you to haue, you wyll not disdaine to giue me remedie, which if you doo, for euer I re­maine your Knight and loyall Fréende. And in mine opini­on Madame, you can not well refuse me, séeing Fortune hath béene such an enemie to you in marriage, the Duke beeing olde and full of mellanchollie, you yong, tender and daintie as may be, hee more méete to kéepe companye wyth Atropos the mortall Goddesse, then liue with a Saint of [Page 76] so rare perfections. But had my luck beene such, before you were espoused to haue knowne you, I woulde with valoure haue hindered your briding so, or Fortune should haue foul­lie denied me: for such is my religion in looue, as better death then discontent, and had I béene Lord of Europe, you had béene Ladie. Notwithstanding Madame, so like it you, I may be your Freende and knightly seruaunt: for Loue wants no wyles to compasse desire, and my sute is modest if you count it not vnséemely. The Duchesse, whom swéete loue could easilie entice to folly, hardly might resist a pre­sent conquest: wherefore chaunging countenaunce, and not daring to reueale what she gladly would, sayd. Trust mee my Lorde, your speeches are not comely, to violate chaste wedlocke is so monstrous, as you can haue no priuiledge to aske, nor I to graunt, and therefore content ye. This aun­swere, albeit it was sharpe, and scant pleasing to y ^e Prince, yet loue so perswaded him, that the Duchesse had another meaning then she bewrayed: for nothing her countenaunce so full of change, he gessed that s [...]me sparks had fallen a­mong her affections, wherefore he began againe. I beséeche you Madame accuse Loue, if I haue spoken to your disly­king, yet hope I to sée the time, when I shall make knowne howe great my affection is to doo you seruice: and continu­ing this talke he brought her to the Quéenes lodging, Loue following them bothe so narrowlie at the héeles, as y ^e Du­chesse was no lesse affectionate then Lewes was passionate. Which when he got some light of, in hope to purchase hys his desire, he sollicited her in more secrete manner then hee was wont, so that being one day in place where they might familiarlie talke: Lewes perseuering in his enterprise, de­clared what torments he suffered for her loue, whereuppon the Duchesse, not onely by y ^e Princes reasons which were perswasiue, but as well to mittigate her owne oppressions, thus aunswered. Great is the force of your perswasions my Lord, but greater is y ^• of looue, which hath made me yours: so that what you request, I cannot denie, and though it [Page] stand not with mine honour, yet such is my fortune. Let me intreate you therefore to conceale this loue so discréetlie, as none may knowe of it, especially my Lord the Duke, and expect the day that shall yéelde you content and make mee happy. This aunswere so highly pleased the Prince, as ne­ue [...] man thought himselfe in greater felicitie, and rende­ring her manifold thankes, sayd. I sweare to you Madame, by the diuine force of loue that gouerns vs bothe, to bee for euer your Knight, and neuer shall any other desire abide in me, then you shall like and well allowe of, for otherwise I were not worthy this speciall fauour. The Duchesse than­king him, departed, and thenceforth so secretly shaddowed their loue, as none suspected that the Prince loued the Du­chesse.

CHAP. XXXII.

LOng continued the King of Fraunce this state in all magnificence, there méeting many noble personages, as well Straungers as of y ^e Realme, that it was meruailous to behold, as also the Ladies and Damosels that accompanyed the Quéene: who on a day in the presence Chamber among many Knights, conferred of the bountie and prowesse of the florishing braue yong Courtiers, among whom the Prince Lewes making one, eache one spake in behalfe of his La­dies beautie, yet concealing their names to themselues, till better occasions might cause thē deseruedly to be known. Al this talke the Prince well marking, who for the Duchesse [Page 77] loue was depriued of libertie, threw many swéete glaunces at the Mistresse of his affections, perswading himselfe, that nature neuer made a more perfect creature, and not able to make her like againe, burst her molde, whereupon hee said. Lordes and Ladies, who with such aduauntage haue chat­ted on beautie, vnderstand that such as you haue yet spoken of, or seuerally in your owne thoughts shall thinke vppon: may not be equall with one that I knowe, euen she that is Ladie and commaunder of my hart, whose beautie is so far beyond all other, as bright Cynthia from the goodliest star in the firmament. And because that none shal imagine, how (being carried awaie with priuate opinion) I vse these spée­ches, I will make good my words by deedes of Armes, a­gainst anie Knight whatsoeuer that dare saie the c [...]ntrarie. Nowe in regard that none shall pleade ignoraunce, I will aduertise all Knights, howe the first daie of Maie next en­suing, and seauen daies more immediatlie following, I will be in open fielde in my Tent, where I will e [...]ecte a statelie monument, on the toppe whereof shall bee her figure whose Knight I am, and there will I defende it in this honorable quarrell, against such Knights as will Combat for y ^e beau­tie of their Ladies, I affirming mine to excell all other in perfections. This condition must be obserued by such as en­ter the fielde, that they bring the Ladies figure with them whom they honor most: and if Fortune frowne on them in such sort as they be vanquished, they shall there leaue their Ladies Image, to be placed vnder my Mistresse as her sub­iect. Nowe if my vnhappy Starres so crosse me, as I loose the credite I would bee lothe, the conquerer shall enter in my Tent, and in my Ladies place shall his Mistresse bee mounted, if he meane to maintaine her with such conditi­ons as I doo mine. And hee that last shall accomplishe these eyght daies, shall beare away the honour with the portrai­tures of the Ladies, which by him or anie other all the saide time haue béene gained. And this libertie shall be granted, that he which receiues the foyle with the Launce, shall Cō ­bat [Page] with the Sworde (if he please) before he yéelde. Nowe, that this mine enterprise may be openlie knowne, and put in execution as the vertue requireth: I will sende Horse­men through all the prouinces of Christendome, that all Knights willing thus to aduenture, shall be heere receiued. His spéeches ended, the Gentlemen present could not mar­uaile sufficiently, at this great and high enterprise of the Prince Lewes, and the daunger whereinto he thrust him­selfe, yet not knowing who was the Ladie he woulde thus aduenture for: but she béeing present, perceiued that the Prince in honour of her loue, tooke in hande this perillo [...]s hazarde, wherein she conceiued such secrete content, as the passiōs of loue hauing penetrated her hart, made her feare his mis-fortune, which she would not for her life. In this as­semblie was present the Duke of Sauoye, a yong Prince, braue, hardie and couragious as might be, and estéeming so well of himselfe, as he thought no Knight in y ^e world coulde vanquish him, who to aunswere the Prince Lewes, arose and thus spake. My Lorde, I would not willingly haue en­tered the Combat against you, but that I heard you so farre outreache your selfe, as shee whose beautie you maintaine, is more perfecte then all other Ladies: but shee that is the commaunder of my hart, is such a braue accomplished La­die, as (in trueth) her beautie may not be matched through the whole worlde. And to affirme what I saie, I sweare by the order of my knighthoode, that the morrowe after you haue finished your eight daies enterprise, I will enter the same fielde, and auerre against all Knights, that the God­desse to whom I am dedicated, excelles all other Ladies in her heauenly gifts: and he that dare maintaine the c [...]ntra­rie, vnder my Sworde I will make him confesse it. All such therefore as will make proofe of their valour, shall find me there in my Tent at my appointed day, and nine daies af­ter to sustaine the same quarrell in plaine Combat, either at the Launce, the Ma [...]e, the Sworde, on horsebacke or on foote, at his choise. And though I vanquish one Knight, it [Page 78] shall not be lawfull for me to rest a minute space, but pre­sentlie take him in hande that shall followe: and bee it my fortune to b [...] [...]oyled by him, he shall kéepe the fielde in man­ner as you my Lord deuised. And to the ende all may be the better executed, pleaseth you y ^• in such places where your intelligenc [...]rs shall come, my enterprise may likewise bee declared, in respect I hope to behaue my selfe so well, as my Ladie will make speciall account of me. The Lady for whō the Duke of Sauoye thus attempted, was Daughter to the King, and Sister to Lewes named Lucemania, whom he lo­ued intirelie, and aboue all thinges desired in marriage: which to compasse, and to honour his Ladie, he thus offered the Combat against all Knights. These Princes, intending to goe thorow with their intent, concluded betwéene them, that the Duke of Sauoye shoulde breake it to the King, to gaine his good-will: whereuppon the Duke departing to­wards the Quéenes Chamber to finde the King, espyed him a [...] very good leysure walking in his Garden, to whome hee went in all haste, and on his knee thus began. So please it your highnes to graunt me one [...]boone, I shall be bounde to continue the [...]oue I haue borne your Maiestie, which is to prolong my life in your seruice, as y ^e most forwarde Knight in your royall Court. The King who had long time fauou­red the Duke, [...] him by the hande, thus aunswered. Dema [...]nde my good Cozin what you please, and it shall bée graunted. Then the Duke deliberatelie discoursed, what the Prince Lewes and he had intended for the loue of theyr Ladies: wherwith the King scant content, and m [...]ruailing at this hastie enterprise, said. Why Cozin? do you imagine your selues able to maintaine so hard a taske, in res [...]ance of so manie hardie Knights, wherewith the worlde is now plentifullie stored? Beléeue me, in maine Countries are Ladies of greater beautie [I doubt] then is at this [...] in our Realme of Fraunce. I promise you, I hardly like what my Sonne and you attempt, but seeing my worde is paste, you shall not nowe be hindered: doo [...]herefore what your [Page] thinke expedient, with this consideration alwaies, that the ending of matters is greater then the beginning. The Duke humbly thanking the King, aunswered. Wee doubt not my Lorde, but by the hope of God and fauour of our Ladies, to ende our affaires with fortunate successe, but if nowe we should giue ouer, and not goe forward with our promise, we might woorthily be reprooued of shame & cow­ardise, the most villainous reproches that can be to any no­ble hart. The King perceiuing the earnest affection of these two yong Princes, and that to denie their request would be more hurtfull then to graunt: commaunded him againe to procéede with their intent, with such suretie against all strange Knights, as what losse or victory happened to them, they must be content with all that fell out. The Duke not a little ioyfull, kissing his highnes hande departed, and im­mediatly acquainted Prince Lewes therewith: but nowe the Queene vnderstanding her Sonnes enterprise, sent for him, and w ^t sad countenance thus spake. I would (my Son) that the intent of you and the Duke of Sauoye, were eyther awhile deferred, or vtterly forgotten, because I greatlie doubt, that the ende will bring a further consequence then you expect. For thinke you, that by all your forces and Chi­ualries, the beauties of your Ladies shalbe any iote increa­sed? no beléeue me: but if they loue you as loyall Freendes ought to doo, as greatlie wil they dislike your enterprise, as feare the daunger whereinto you may fall, a matter cau­sing other desire then you thinke on, & more offensiue (per­haps) to them, then anie honor you may winne can please them. Lewes, who by no meanes would be disswaded from his conceit, aunswered. Good Mother, if for no other feare, this matter shal not be reuoked, in regard of y ^e shame, & ne­uer dying dishonor I shall gaine thereby, which makes mee desire a thousande deathes, then not to bee so good as my worde: therefore perswade your selfe good Mother, that al­beit her beautie for whom I enter the Combat, cannot bee more perfect hereby, in that it is without imperfection, yet [Page 79] such is my resolution in a matter so certaine, as her sweete lookes shall deliuer me strength enough to ende my taske, without dreade of any inconuenience y ^• may happen. The Duchesse (enflamed with loue) hearing these wordes on her behalfe, must needes speake, and thus began. I knowe not (my Lorde) who is the Ladie you loue, nor what are her vertues, but heereof I can assure you, that she is highlie beholding to you, and (except great reason to the contrarie) ought to loue you, considering what perill you thruste your selfe into for her beautie. Madame (quoth the Prince) the trauaile I shall take, and the bad fortunes may befall mee, are little & of no account in respect of her gracious deserts, therefore for her honour, I will beare my inwarde paines with secrete content, and attempt these outwarde actions with the greatest courage I can possible, desiring no other recompence then her fauourable conceit, whereof once assu­red, nothing can seeme difficult to me, no, were it to dye in her diuine seruice. And as he would haue continued longer, the King (not yet thorowlie content with his promise past to the Duke of Sauoye) entered the Chamber, by whose countenaunce, Lewes wel knewe he was mal content wyth him, wherefore falling on his knée, hee saide. My Lorde, no one is ignoraunt, how all my welfare and reputation consi­steth onelie in your Maiestie, as a Prince and Father, the most vertuous that I know, which great good in some part to recompence, I haue enterprised a matter vnwoorthie of dislike, so please your highnes (of your accustomed bountie) to excuse & accept it in good part, in respect that such as are borne to the highest places of dignitie, ought to bee more prompt and readie to all magnanimious actions, then theyr inferiors, chéefelie in prowesse, chiualry, and deedes of esti­mation. What brought such renowne to Horatius, Mutius Scaeuola, Marcus Curtius, Manlius Torquatus, and a num­ber more of Romaine Knights, if not the couragious folow­ing of occasions offered? What made for euer immortall the fame of Marius the Romaine Cittizen, Hanniball the [Page] Carthaginian, and Agesila [...] the Greeke, if not the vndaun­ted valour of their minds, deliuered in their déedes of king­lie consequence? Assuredly I beleeue, that their Fathers Uncles, and auncient progenitours, neuer made them noble or ought renowmed: what then? onely vertue, the very formatrix of all nobilitie. For this cause my good Lorde and Father, hauing now oportunitie, as my Cozin y ^• Duke of Sauoye hath informed you, may it please your grace to permit my endeuours with fauour, to the ende I may deli­uer perfect testimonie, that I no whit degenerate frō your heroycall and kingly vertues. The King somewhat mode­rating his former opinion, answered. Trust me Sonne, full well you know howe to disguise and couer your follye wyth vertues coullers, God sende it to fall out so well: arise, and be it as your Cozin and you haue requested. See in meane tune that you prouide all needfull occasions, that when the daie comes nothing bee wanting. Lewes humbly thanking his Father, arose, euery one present not a little reioycing, because they feared all woulde be squandered. Then began the Lordes and Ladies to conferre togeather, and the Du­chesse departing to her lodging, béeing manned by the Prince, did not [as I thinke] repent herselfe of her loue, as a number of you (martching vnder the same Ensigne) wold doo the like in such a case. In fine, the Duchesse fearefull of the thwarts of Fortune, that she would work her disgrace by some bad coniectures or wounding reports, said. I know well (my Lorde) the good will you beare me, without anie further shewes or confirmations by actions so daungerous, which I had rather die then beholde, and therefore whatso­euer you shall performe, will condemne mee as vnwoorthy of so good deserts: in this respect you shall therfore graunt me one thing, which is, that aboue all you haue care of your selfe, els will perpetuall discontent cut short my date, bée­ing bereaued of the honour of my green [...] desires. Nowe Madame (quoth the Prince) may I boast of my fortune, not doubting to follow the deuise of a Ladie so vertuous, for [Page 80] your swéete wordes prolong my life, els ere this had death robd you of your Knight. The Duchesse héereto with an a­miable smile, aunswered. I muste not loose you yet good Prince, for may I lengthen your life, it shall bee for euer. Many sollemne thankes the Prince returned, and by this time had brought her to her Chamber, wher hauing baise l [...] main, departed.

CHAP. XXXIII.

THe Prince Lewes ioyfull of the King his Fathers consent, but of the gracious aunswere of the Duchesse most of all, dispatched immediatlie his Heraldes into all the prouinces of Europe, who executed their charge with such dilligēce, as there was no Court of Emperour, King or Prince, but they declared the enterprise of these two yong Princes. So that one of the Princes He­raldes, accompanied with the King of Armes belonging to the Duke of Sauoye, came to the Emperors Court of Alle­maigne, which then was furnished with a great number of Lordes and Knights, béeing there to sollemnize the day of hys byrth, but especially Palmerin aboue all the rest, try­umphing in the loue of his Mistresse Polinarda. The He­ralds béeing entred the great Hall, founde the Emperour sitting in his chayre of estate, with many Princes, Barens [Page] and noble personages about him: who graunting them li­bertie of spéeche, the Heralde of Fraunce began first in this manner. Illustrious and most redoubted Emperour, the cause why we thus presume before your Maiestie, is by the commaundement of the vertuous yong Prince Lewes, Son to our dreade Lorde Agatiel King of Fraunce, as also of the Duke of Sauoye his Cozin, so good a Knight as may well commaunde: what our message is, so please your highnesse to call all your Knights in presence, because it chéefelie con­cerneth them, we with duetie will deliuer it. The Empe­rour presentlie called for all Knights and Gentlemen of his Courte, who desirous of the newes, were not long in comming, before whom he saide. Dreade Lord, the Prince Lewes of Fraunce my Maister, commends him to your Ma­iestie with this Letter, may it please your grace commande it to be read, and you shall soone sée the effect of our Embas­sade. The Emperour caused his Secretarie to reade it o­penlie, and because it contained what you haue heard alrea­die, it shall be needelesse to wast longer time in talke there­of: but the Letter béeing read, the Heralde thus proceeded. The Prince my Maister (woorthie Emperour) giues the Knights of your Court (as els where) to vnderstande, that he intendes to prooue by deedes of Armes, howe no Ladie in the worlde is comparable in beautie to y ^e Lady he loues, which he will bee readie to maintaine in Combat the first of Maie next, and seauen daies following, in his Tent be­fore the Gates of Parris, there will he verifie it against all commers that dare auerre the contrarie. Afterwarde he re­hearsed all the conditions to bee obserued in this Combat, and the King of Armes to the Duke of Sauoie, made known his Maisters challenge likewise as you haue hearde. The Emperour meruailing at this message, said. Without doubt the Ladies had neede to be faire, and my Cozins your Mai­sters valiant and hardie, els it is doubtful howe such an en­terprise will fall out, for y ^• affections of persons are diuers, and theyr fortunes daungerous, neuerthelesse I desire the [Page 81] issue may sort to their honor. These Lordes and Knights haue hearde your message, and I iudge some of them will prouide to be there, because they prize the beautie of theyr Ladies at as high a rate, as your Masters doo estéeme their faire Freendes: yet let them doo what they thinke most ex­pedien [...], be [...]ause they are olde enough to make you answer. As for me, you may salut [...] (on my behalfe) the King my Brother, and my Cozins, to whom I sende thanks with all my hart, that they thus acquainted me with their honoura­ble endeuours. All this while the Knights conferred toge­ther, with diuers iudgments of these pretended Combats: some were either fearefull or too forwarde, others well ad­uised and prouoked with discréete courage. Among whome repute we noble Palmerin, all pensiue, his eyes fixed on the ground [...], and not a word [...], hauing in his spirite discoursed, howe bitter the diuorc [...] would be of the eye from his swéete obiect: in the ende concluded the Combat, perswading him selfe, not in Christendome, nor in the other thrée habitable parts of the earth, eyther Empresse, Queene or Ladie was more accomplished with perfections, then his gracious Mi­stresse Polinarda. And in respect of this Embassage, it see­med to him vituperous, and a dishonour not sufferable if he should not iustifie the trueth & haue so good occasion: wher­uppon he desired a thousande deathes, rather then he would defer so braue a voyage, and so on his knée before the Em­perour thus began. Gracious Lorde and my woorthy Pa­trone, I intende (with your good lyking & leaue) to depart with all spéede possible, to the Ioustes and Combats of Fraunce and Sauoye: let it not therefore displease (for the honour of Chiualrie) that I leaue your Courte a while, but maie commit my selfe to this iourney with your fauoura­ble opinion. The Emperour verie lothe to let Palmerin goe, aunswered. In sooth Palmerin, I greatly doubted (so soone as I heard these newes from Fraunce) that it would not passe without your presence, which displeaseth mee, not so much for their follie as your absence, which is and wilbe [Page] to mee greater gréefe then you iudge: but let mee intreate that thy returne may be spéedie, and stay no longer then thou hast good occasion. I would gladlie knowe, would you graunt it me, what Ladie she is for whom you thus aduen­ture, you néede not Palmerin hide it from mée. My Lord (ꝙ he) the Dame for whome I enter the Combat, is such, as none may or ought compare w [...]th, so singuler, [...], and (a­boue all) vertuous, and neuer would I think my selfe wor­thy to beare Armes, if feare of danger, mis-fortune, or death it selfe, should haue power to pluck me from my duetie. As for my staie, she Ioustes ended, within one Moneth or soo­ner, will I returne to your Maiestie: and let mee intreate you not to feare anie thing in my iourney, because I goe for your honour, and my sword shal ring on the stoutest Creast, the euer continuing honours of the Emperour of Alle­maigne. The Emperor vnwilling to forgoe him, and loth to hinder knightlie chiualrie, said. Without question Palme­rin, the Ladie is indebted to you, and you declare vnspeaka­ble loue, that for her beautie you deliuer your selfe to so great hazard: but as for your intent to my honor, I rather delight to haue it by your presence, then thirste after such applause with your absence. But séeing you will néedes to Fraunce, happie fortune goe with you, and make you victo­rious in all your attempts: which I doubt not, but by your valour & vertues of your Mistresse, y ^e French wil not braue so much on the seauentéene of Maie, as perhaps they wil on the first. Prouided, that before you depart, you demaund and haue all thinges for your iourneie, as well for such as goe in your companie, as for your owne necessarie prouision: and some wil I appoint to trauaile with you, that may preuent anie trecherous inconuenience. Palmerin not refusing thys bountifull offer, with great obeisaunce thanked the Empe­rour, and taking his leaue for that night, returned to his Chamber, determining to depart with expedition, because the daie of the Ioustes were at hande. Nowe was Tr [...]eus the Emperours Sonne a yong Prince, and had not yet re­ceiued [Page 82] his order of knighthoode, hee hearing of Palmerins departure, was meruailous desirous to beare him cōpany: whereuppon he knéeled before his Father, intreating him not to denie him one request. Demaunde what thou wilt my Sonne (quoth he) I graunt it thée. Then I beséech you good Father, saide he, to suffer mee sée Fraunce with noble Palmerin, that I may bee acquainted with y ^e courtesie and ciuilitie of that nation, not doubting but soone to deserue my knighthoode. And yet if before I receiue my order, I see these high and woorthie déedes of Armes, happilie they may entice me to follow their vertues: beside, if nowe I loose so good an occasion offered, I knowe not when I shal compasse the like commoditie, therefore (good Father) let me not be denied. The Emperor offended for his rashe promise to his Sonne, laboured to change his minde, but all woulde not serue, for the Prince promised to goe so couertlie, as none should knowe him. Wherefore he called Palmerin, who as yet was not departed the Hall, saying. I sée Sir Palmerin, you shall not goe alone in your voyage, for my Sonne Tri­neus desires to be your companion: for which cause I com­mit him to you, and desire you to conceiue so well of him, as at your returne we maie be all merrie togeather. Which Palmerin promised, whereuppon the Emperour called for the Maister of his Horse, commanding him that all things might bee in readines against their departure: all which was doone with such diligence, as the thirde daie following all thinges prepared, they tooke their leaue of the Empe­rour and the Ladies, who at their departure shedde manie teares (a common matter with them) wishing the victorie and honor to Palmerin. Thus with Trineus and twentie other Knights, a great number of Squires and seruants in good equipage, they iourned towards Parris, without anie hinderaunce by the waie, or matter of memorie.

Nowe before we passe anie further, you shall vnder­stand, that after the Heraldes of the Prince of Fraunce and Duke of Sauoie were departed, and that Palmerin had ob­tained [Page] leaue of the Emperor: the Princesse Polinarda ad­uertised heereof, was greatlie displeased with this suddaine departure, wherfore calling V [...]banillo the Dwarffe to her, she saide. V [...]banillo, thou must goe to thy Maister, and will him this night to meete me at our appointed place, that I maie confer with him of a secrete néerelie concerning mee. Which when Palmerin hearde, the earth béeing couered with her blacke Mantle, and euerie one in their dead sléepe, he called Ptolome and V [...]banillo, who were well acquain­ted with this loue walke, and béeing there in presence of their Ladies, the Princesse with a great sigh thus began. Alas my Lord, what mind is this in you, thus to voyage to­wardes Fraunce, and leaue mee alone sad and sollitarie? A­las, not content to hazard so long a iourney, but a daunge­rous Combat beside for my beautie, which is of so slender estimation, as may not parragon with y ^e Ladies of Fraunce, béeing péereles (as I haue hearde) among those of highest perfection. Ah my Lorde, more comfort and content is it to me to haue your companie, then to be crowned Quéene of anie Realme conquered by your vertue & prowesse. There­fore (swéete Fréende) I intreate you with all my hart, and by the vnfained loue you beare me, to leaue such dangerous enterprises, where death is commonlie more frequent then life. These wordes came with such amiable coniurati­ons from the Princesse, as Palmerin (though loth to be dis­swaded) answered. Let me preuaile with you so farre good Madame, as not to mislike my enterprise for your gracious loue, for the honour you haue doone me, in making mee your Knight, I prize at no lesse valew then my déerest blood, and shoulde I be helde from these French exploits, vnwoorthy were I to bee your Seruaunt: in that (as you knowe) no Knight but caries the honour of his Ladie in such account, as he preferres that before his owne life. If then Madame in religion of this office, I absent my selfe for a while, I shal accomplish nothing but my duetie, wherto your selfe bound me, and I hope to execute with such successe, as you shall [Page 83] beare the prize for beautie, not onelie from the Ladies of Fraunce and Allemaigne, but from all Christendome, yea, the whole worlde may I liue to trauaile it. Doo not then (swéete Mistresse) mislike, if I absent my selfe for a cause so reasonable, and continue me still in your fauourable con­ceit, as he that was borne to doo you seruice. And albeit I can not depart without excéeding gréefe and anguish, yet perswaded of your rare arguments, I arme my selfe with patience and yéelde to reason, béeing present with you al­waies, in that I carrie your diuine Image in my soule, and leaue hart, life and all with you till I come. These wordes were sealed with manie deuoute kisses, and Ptolome, had like paine in perswading Brionella, yet this cōtented them in the ende, that the honor of their trauaile was y ^e renowne of their beautie, and so with forced content they louinglie departed. The next morning the Princesse sent Palmerin an arming coate of gréene Ueluet, imbroidered all ouer with great Orientall Pearles, and verie thicke besett with Starres of Golde, and in the midst of each Starre a costlie Emeralde: and hee had caused her picture to bee most curi­ously drawne in Golde, her face and hands formed wonder­full neere the life, and all her linaments verie singulerlie fashioned, and this portrait caused he to bee sette in a fayre Litter couered with Crimson veluet, which hee had proui­ded onelie for the purpose, and so set forward.

CHAP. XXXIIII.

SO soone as the Heraldes & Horse­men of Lewes of Fraunce and the Duke of Sauoie, had dispatched their charge, their Lordes gaue order to prepare al things in rea­dines so soone as might bee: but yet the Princes affection to the Duchesse so tormented him, as he dailie compassed new meanes to conferre with her, that shee might knowe the passions hee endured for her sake. At length it came to passe, that the King, the Duke of Burgun­die, and diuers other Princes rode foorth on pleasure togea­ther, and returned not againe for two daies space, which made him thus begin with the Duchesse. I néede not tell you Madame, for you knowe it well enough, howe continu­allie I languish in remedilesse afflictions, till nowe this op­portunitie puts me in some hope of comfort, that you perfor­ming a sollemne promise, will deliuer me out of this extre­mitie. Wherefore faire Mistresse, since time and occasion hath pointed it, and Fortune (by nature forward and incon­stant) fauours it, let mee intreate you to take the benefit of bothe, least héereafter we compasse not the like againe. My Lorde (quoth the Duchesse) you must thinke I am more yours then mine owne, and make that reckoning of you, as no Ladie can the like: howe is it possible then for mee (lo­uing as I doo) to flie from that which loue commaunds me to fulfill? Let it suffise you then, that the regarde of mine [Page 84] honour defended, I am readie to doo ought may agrée with your liking. What happened afterwarde, I leaue to your oppinions, but by the halfe the whole may be discerned, not­withstanding, vertuous Ladies haue power to resist such motions, though time, occasion, and such amorous sol­licitings did offer it them: but such may be accounted more diuine then humaine, and to them may worthilie be erected a Trophe, in disgrace of the temptresse Venus. But this little discourse, not much dissenting from y ^• matter, is writ­ten in reproche of such yong daintie wantons, that attende on their ouer fonde and vnchast desires: and may likewise be a warning to vndiscr [...]et olde men, that they choose theyr Pante [...]e fit for their foote.

But nowe is come the first of Maie, the daie to beginne the enterprises of the Princes of Fraunce & Sauoie: Lewes to entertaine the Duchesse loue begun with such aduaun­tage, had greater desire nowe to execute his intent then be­fore. Wherefore this daie was his T [...]nt erected at y ^e Citty Gates, béeing beautifull and verie sumptuous, and at the enteraunce thereof was placed a goodlie monument of black Marble, curiouslie sette foorth w ^e collombes of white Mar­ble, verie thicke imbossed with golde and pearle. At the side of his pauillion, was placed another monumēt of gréene Iasper, adorned with manie Bases, Pillers and antique imagerie of Golde, whereon he intended y ^e strange Knights that came should place the figures of their Ladies. On the other side was a séemelie place appointed for the Iudges of the fielde, who were the Dukes of Orleaunce & Burgundie, Princes greatlie estéemed for their nobilitie, and in theyr time had béene hardie and aduenturous Knights. Manie o­ther Tents and Pauillions were that daie there set vppe, as well for strange Knights that came, as Noble men and Gentlemen of the Realme. And nowe comes the Prince brauelie mounted to the fielde, accompanied with manie yong Princes, Knights and Gentlemen, the Heralds and King of Armes ryding before, the Drummes, Phifes, Trō ­pets [Page] and Clarions sounding so gallantlie, as made the ayre deliuer a most swéete Eccho. Before him in a verye sump­tuous Coche, was carried the curious counterfeite of the Duchesse, so superficiallie sette foorth with such perfection of arte, as though it had béene the liuely Duchesse herselfe. After followed Prince Lewes in gorgious gilt Armour, all ouergrauen with most artificiall flowers, and mounted on a Courser of Spaine, estéemed one of the best runners in Eu­rope, which made waie with braue and loftie voltages, as did not a little delight y ^• beholders: one of the chéefe Prin­ces of the Court bearing his Helmet, and another hys Launce. What néede I make further reporte of the Prin­ces tryumphe, he comming to the fielde in such equipage, as well beséemed the house from whence he discended, and as beséemed a louelie Knight in presence of his Ladie: who as her fauour had sent him that morning, a costlie Girdle gar­nished with Rubies, Diamondes, great Emeraldes & other vnualuable stones, with a Sworde so good as euer Knight wore, and therewith rode he gyrded to the Fielde. Before he went, the King his Father thus spake to him. My Son, this daie and all the other following. Fortune speede thee so well, as thou maist winne the honour my hart doth wysh thee. My Lorde, aunswered the Prince, I hope before the sennight be finished, to accomplish your desire effectuallie, so fauour me she that may commaunde me. So leauing the King he came to the place appointed for the Combatte, the Iudges placing themselues where they shoulde, and the Prince himselfe in his Tent, where hauing his Mistresse picture set on y ^e appointed place, he commaunded y ^e Trom­pets to sound, and a Heralde to proclaime: that no Knight bearing Armes shoulde bee so hardie as to ente [...] hys Tent, except he first graunted his Ladie to bee the fayrest creature in the worlde, and if any were so stubborne not to confesse it, by knightly prowesse he would force him doo it. The Heralde hauing doone his charge, and the Iudges cau­sed the conditions to bee openlie reade, the people deuided [Page 85] themselues in conuenient places, and the Lords Ladies and Gentlewomen betooke them to their Tents & Scaffoldes. The first that entered the field against the Prince, was the Countie Durcell of Arragon, his foure Squires conducting before him in a great gorgious Litter, the stature of his Mi­stresse, Daughter to the King of Arragon, the fairest Ladie in all Spayne, and for whose beautie hee tooke in hande this quarrell. After him came foure other Squires, the formost leading his Courser, the seconde bearing his Helmette, the thirde his Shéeld, and the fourth his Gauntl [...]ts & Launce: and comming to the monument appointed for strange La­dies, caused the portrait of his Ladie to bee placed thereon, then comming to the Princes Tent, said. I know not Lord Lewes, if ouercome with glorie, presumptiō of your strēgth, or ouerwéening your selfe, you haue made this large enter­prise, to Combat with the best approoued Knightes in the whole worlde, in iudging no fairer Ladie to be this daie li­uing then your owne: for mine own part, I am not so trou­bled in conceit as you are, to quarrell for such a fabulous matter, yet dare I tell yee, that my Ladie is much more beautifull then yours, which if you will denie, I am readie by the strength of mine arme to make you confesse it. Lewes féeling himselfe gréeued with these iniurious spéeches of the Countie, answered. Proude Knight, I am ashamed to heare thy iudgment so simple, as to thinke I am come hether for a matter of so light moment, as though I would not iustifie against thée and all other what I haue promised: but let that passe, before we part, I will cause thée know thy folly, by that time thy pate and thy bodie is thorowly bumbasted, looke to thy selfe, for I intende to doo it. So mounting on horseback, and prepared as it had béene to a warre mortal, encountred eache other with such furie, as their Launces flying in shiuers vppe in the ayre, they met together so ter­riblie with their bodies, their Shéeldes, their Horsses and their heads, as they were bothe dismounted to the grounde. But earnest desire to vanquish, they béeing beside, stronge [Page] and will disposed Knights, made them quicklie beginne the second assault with their Swords, which was so dangerous, and handled with such dexteritie, as it was harde to iudge who should haue the honour of the Combat. B [...]t Lewes be­holding the representation of his Ladie, and considering her so excellent and fauourable to him, tooke hart a fresh, and (as it were inspired with newe vigor) so laide on the Countie D [...]cell, as in short time he brought him vnder the mercie of his Sworde, when holding it against his threate, he said. Peremptorie Knight, if nowe thou confesse she not my Lady to [...] thine in beautie, thy vndiscréete heade shall raunsome thy soll [...]e. The Countie (for all this) woulde not aunswere one worde, by reason of the debilitie he felt himselfe in, ha­uing lost so much of his blood, as for the gréefe hee conceiued to be thus vanquished: whereat Prince Lewes not content, would haue taken his heade from his shoulders, but y ^e Iud­ges of the fielde canie to him, saying. My Lorde, you ought to forbeare, hauing brought your enemie beyonde his owne defence, your victory [...]éeing sufficient to content you, forbids his death. The Prince perswaded, entred his Pauillion, and ioyfull of his conquest, commaunded two Gardants of the field, to take the figure of the Princesse of Arragon, and place it at the féete of the Duchesse counterfeit, which was doone immediatlie, and the Countie Durcell brought into his owne Tent, where his Chirurgions tooke dilligent care for the curing of his woundes. Soone after came a Knight of Myllaine, who giuing such defiances as the other dyd, was in the ende constrained with great shame, to confesse vnder the conquering Sworde of Lewes, the imperfections of his Ladie, and her stature placed by the Princesse of Ar­ragon. The same daie were fiue great Lords of Italie brought in like subiection, and so the tryumphe ended till the next daie, when the first that came into the fielde was a braue Gallant of Spayne, a Knight of good estimation, and specially reputed, who after a dain-glorious Oration made (as the nature of the people is that way affected) put hys [Page 86] fortune to the triall of his Launce, where hee sped so ill, as he was vnhorssed, and in the following Combat likewise receiued the foile. After him seauen other Knights of Castile prooued as vnfortunate, their Ladies pictures all reueren­cing the Du [...]hesse, who béeing not a little proude of her Knight, and the memorable renowne he witnessed of her beautie: I leaue to your considerations, both of her conceite that waie, as also in loue towards the Prince, who séeing no more readie to enter the quarrell, returned thence to the Pallace, to conferre with his swéete Mistresse of his high good fortunes.

CHAP. XXXV.

GReat pleasure did the King con­ceiue, and all the nobilitie of the Court, at the [...]otten victories of Prince Lewes, against so manie woorthie Knights, so that they altogeather accounted him most fortunate. And nowe the thirde daie when hee was entred his Tent, an English Knight (no lesse braue in termes then the former) defied the Prince, and betwéene them began a dan­gerous conflict, in the midst whereof, the King with manie Princes, Barons and Lordes, as also the Quéene and the Duchesse of Burgundie, came to their standing, and vnhap­pily behelde the foyle of the English Knight, the Duchesse hearing him confesse her beautie, and behelde his Ladyes portrait placed vnder hers. But now the couragious Duke [Page] of Gaule named Crenus, came brauelie mounted into the fielde, dooing his duetie to the King, Quéene and Ladies, who not knowing him, by his Armour iudged him some great Lorde, in that no Knight before caused so good opinion generallie, nor came with brauer countenaunce into y ^e field: he béeing indéede a Prince of wonderfull possessions, and a Knight at Armes woorthilie approoued. The Duke (as all the other had doone) caused his Ladies counterfeite to bee placed where it ought by his Squires, to the no little admi­ration of all the beholders, noting what rare and excellent beautie it was adorned withall, the workman hauing per­formed such exquisite perfections, as it had béene the Ladie herselfe naturallie liuing: while the Squires were thus placing it on the monument, the Duke aduaunced himselfe to Lewes in this manner. The ouermuch selfe conceite (Lorde Lewes) of mindes but easily acquainted with mat­ters of difficultie, hath often béene, and yet is the cause, to plucke great personages more lowe then they expecte: so that men haue séene them deceiued of their intents, and re­warded with ridiculous shame and confusion. This speake I to you, hauing héere begun a busines, the ende whereof will bee more harde to you, then as yet the beginning hath béen: for Europe is sufficientlie stored with hardy Knights to asswage your presumptuous opinion, and Ladies much more faire and excellent, then she whom you contende for. And this (by the fauour of Fortune, gracious regarde of my Ladie and Mistresse, and helpe of my good Sworde) will I enforce you to confesse: that incomparable Agriola, daugh­ter to the King of England, for vertue, for beautie and all di­uine perfections, excéedeth yours whatsoeuer she be. Before such a leasing (quoth the Prince) shall passe the lippes of a Sonne of Fraunce, rather will I consent to bee péecemeale torne in sunder: and before fayre Phaebus haue paced one howres iourney, I doubt not to make thée repent thy pride and arrogancie. By the soule of King Arthur, said y ^e Duke, looke thou garde thy selfe well, for I haue with my courte­la [...], [Page 87] abated the pride of a brauer man then thy selfe, and ere we two part, I meane to trie if I can doo it againe, there­fore resolue thy selfe to thy best defence, for (by my life) I will not fauour thee. Without any further spéeches they encountred with such violence togeather, as Prince Lewes was throwne betwéene his horsses féete, and he for England lost his stirrops, but recouered himselfe well enough by the mayne of his Horse: then he séeing his enemie not vppe a­gaine, cast himselfe out of his saddle to haue taken his ad­uauntage, but Lewes preuented him, and came marching a­gainst the Duke with his Sworde drawne, who staied him thus. Me thinks Prince of Fraunce, before any worse be­fall thée, thou wert best to yéelde thy selfe, and remember that our Combatte beginnes for the excellencie of beautie. By God man of England, aunswered Lewes, thou canst not perswade me to a thing so farre from my thought, therfore goe too, and he that hath the fairest Fréende, shall soone be knowne. In this great choller, he reached the Duke such a stroke on the head, as made him sette one knée to y ^e ground, but recouering himselfe quicklie, and both thorowly angry, they laid on eache other so cruellie, as the very hardiest of the beholders feared the successe. Thus fought they for matter of speciall value, the defence of theyr owne reputations, and honor of their Ladies, whose loue was more precious in their harts then their owne lines. So long these eager charges continued on bothe sides, as Prince Lewes hauing receiued more then twentie woundes on his bodie, feeling himselfe fainte, fell downe before his enemie, saying. O noble hart of Fraunce, the true succéeder of thy famous predecessours. The victorious Englishman setting his foote vpon him, saide. Lorde Lewes, if now thou declarest not my Lady to excel thine in beautie, it c [...]sts thée thy life, a matter nothing pleasing to me, in respect of the chiualry, and singu­ler prowesse I haue founde in thée, as also this magna [...]i­ous enterprise of thine, which in despight of thy foyle, and death it self, shall make thée liue for euer. But Lewes made [Page] no aunswere, eyther for his weakenes, or sorowful conceite of his mis-fortune, wherefore the Iudges came, who gran­ting the Duke victorie, desired him to procéede no further, which he honourably graunting, was as ioyfull of the con­quest, as the Duchesse sad and pensiue, thinking Prince Lewes had béene slaine outright, wherfore the floong away to her lodging, not tarrying for the King or any of the La­dies, who likewise departed the fielde in maruailous sorow, séeing theyr Sonne so pittifully wounded: but aboue al, the Duchesse made more lamentation, then shee woulde haue doone for the death of her Husbande, yet fearing what shee thought secretly, shoulde by her gréefe bee openly suspected, comforted herselfe so well as she coulde: and béeing by her­selfe, with one of her trusty Gentlewomen, shee thus brea­thed foorth her mones. Ah trecherous Fortune, enemye to all actions of regarde, why hast thou suffered the man thou most fauoured, thus to be vanquished? and (which is most to be pittied) without hope of life? Ah deceitfull tremperesse, séeing thou hast offered him so much wrong, doo mee the fa­uour to beare him company in death, that liued and died so honourably for my loue. Ah death, let it suffise thée y ^• Loue hath wounded him, and make not thou experience of thy [...]e ineuitable stroke, vnlesse thou wilt doo as much for mee. Ah false and flattering Sonne of Venus, is this the guerdon thou rewardest them withall, that serue thée faithfully? So ceasing her complaint awhile, in great impatience she thus began againe. Alas, neyther y ^e one or other are cause héerof, but my most vnhappy selfe, when (prouoked by my beau­tye) he tooke in hand this enterprise: but if it bee so (déere Fréende) that enu [...]ous fate deale so harde with thée, soone mayst thou be reuenged on her that caused it. And wyth these wordes she sell betwéene the armes of one of her La­dyes present, whom she specially trusted, who thus spake to her, Why howe nowe Madame? w [...]l you perswade your selfe no otherwise? beléeue me there is no remedy but you must change this conceite. What wyll you forgette your [Page 88] selfe? it is no time if you remember your selfe well, for if he whom you loue and endure these paynes for, shoulde vn­derstande héereof: in stedde of séeking his health, you wyll shorten hys dayes, if (as you say) hee liue not without your welfare. More requisite is it, that you goe cōfort him wyth your chéereful presence, then thus to bee the argument of bothe your deathes. Beside Madame, if my Lord suruiue, as no doubt he shall: what may he presume? trust me matter sufficient (if you gouerne not your selfe better) that you séeke to discouer, what most of all beséemes you to conceale. Alas (my Fréende) aunswered the Duchesse, I knowe you speake the trueth: but howe is it possible for me to content my selfe, séeing what estate he is in onely for my loue? But if he dye, small reckoning will I make of my life: for let my honour bee blamed or otherwise, let all aduersities and mis-fortunes go [...] togeather. Yet will I somewhat bee aduised by thee, and I wyll goe sée if my presence wyl a­ny thing comfort him. To breake off this talke came an E­squire from the Queene, to intreate her come to her Maie­stie, which she did, and went with the Quéene to the Prin­ces lodging, who beholding the Duchesse so pale and full of greefe, with this conceit his woundes opened and bl [...]dde [...]: for which cause his Chirurgions, who imagined the occasion to proceede, by shame the Prince conceiued, that any one should see what woundes he tooke by the Duke of Gaule, wherfore they forbad any to enter his [...], vntill y ^e peril of death was better passed ouer, which was within short time, when y ^e Duchesse by her oftē visiting him, cōuerted his sorowes into many ioyful cōceits. But because our History appertaines not onely to hys deedes, or the loue of the Duchesse, we will returne to the Duke of Gaule, who after he had thus conquered Prince Lewes, followed the conditions of the fielde, taking the portraite of his Ladye Agriola, and placed it where the Duchesse picture stoode, setting it among the other conquered Ladyes. That day dy­uers other Knights came on behalfe of their Ladies, whō [Page] the valiant Englishman entertained with such valour, as all his paines tourned to the honour of his Mistresse Agri­ola, who nowe was seated as paragon of the fielde.

CHAP. XXXVI.

ON the same daie that the Prince of Fraunce was vanquished by the Duke of Gaule, arriued at Pa­ris, Palmerin, Trineus, and theyr trayne, but the Combat was first ended, wherefore they commaun­ded their Squyres to prepare theyr Tent. Palmerin vnderstan­ding y ^• the Duke was conquerer, greeued not a little, in y ^• he came no sooner to winne the honour of the Prince: yet knowing if nowe he coulde conquer the Duke, more glory shoulde a­rise to him then by the Prince Lewes, he contented him­selfe, passing that night in his Tent with the Prince Tri­neus, in diuers arguments of the Combat between Lewes of Fraunce and the Duke, yet was Lewes highly commen­ded to Palmerin though he were ouercome, because hee had so brauely doone the two former daies against al y ^• Knights that came. All this night could not Palmerin sleepe, think­ing on the day ensuing, but rising earlie in the morning, and commending himselfe to God in his prayers, hee put on the Coate of Armes his Ladye Polinarda gaue him before hys departure, and tooke the counterfeite of his Lady in hys armes, not thinking any of hys Knights or Squyres woor­thie to beare it, and thus accompanied with Trineus and [Page 89] other Allemaigne Lordes, entred the Lystes with so braue a gesture and countenaunce, as euery one commended him for a good Knight. And hauing placed the picture on the ac­customed monument, as it had béene to the liuely creature herselfe, he thus began. Ah perfect mirrour of all beautie, vertue and excellencie, resolue thy selfe this daie to beare the palme of honour from all Ladies in the worlde, in that your Knight craues a thousand deathes, before he giue con­sent to the contrarie: and perswades himselfe so assured of your present fauour, as he durst venture on a whole Army, to keepe his religion in your diuine seruice. These wordes were spoken so loude, as y ^e Duke of Gaule hearde him, wher­with not contented, he aunswered. What now Knight? de­maundest thou courage of a Ladie to defend her beautie, ill canst thou performe what thou speakest, if thou bee no bet­ter prou [...]ded. For all that Sir, saide Palmerin, I hope to make you graunt what I saie, and that there is not a [...]ay­rer Ladie liuing, then shee whose figure thou héere behol­dest, otherwise I shall constraine thée whether thou wylt or no. That shall we sée, quoth the Duke, so departing into their Tents to be armed, and readie to Ioust, they met so valiantlie togeather, as they broke their Launces brauelie without moouing eache other, and taking newe staues en­countred againe, when the Duke was vnhorssed, and Pal­merin verie sore wounded: so betaking th̄ to their swords, continued a daungerous and doubtfull Combat, till in the ende Palmerin ouercame the Duke, & holding his sworde readie to cut off his heade, said. Knight thou art dead, if thou graunt not my Ladie to excell thine in beautie. Ah sir, saide the Duke, vnhappy be the howre that you tooke in hande this voyage, to depriue me of that which made mee y ^• moste happie Knight of the worlde, with what countenance may I present my selfe before her, séeing Fortune hath béene so aduerse to me? thus filling the ayre with his regrets, the Iudges came, desiring Palmerin to saue his life, whereto he cōsented, which words were more bitter to the Duke then [Page] death, who in these complaints was leade into his Tent by his Squires. Palmerin not forgetting the honour due to his Ladie, tooke downe the Image of Agriola, and set his La­dies in the roome, saying. Newe are you in the place Ma­dame, which is your owne by right. This victory was not a little pleasaunt to the Frenchm [...]n, but especially to Prince Lewes when he hearde thereof, who the better to make his ioye knowne to Palmerin, sent him two of the best Horsses in his stable, as glad of the reuenge on the Duke, as y ^• Pal­merin remained conquerour. Palmerin sent hartie thankes to the Prince, as well for his present as his good-will, and continued in his deuoire to his Ladies beautie, as that da [...]e hee honoured her with y ^• conquest of foure French Knights, and the submission of their Ladies portraitures: yet aboue all, Palmerin commended to Trineus the valour of y ^• Eng­lishman, confirming y ^• Duke for a chosen Knight at Armes, and neither Frenchman, Italian, Spanyard, Englishman, Ro­maine, or Greeke, that attempted against Palmerin in the following daies, but still he bare awaie the victory, and Po­linardas picture their Ladies obeysaunce. The last of the eyght daies came into the fielde the Lord of Albret, greatlie estéemed for prowesse and chiualrie, and hee woulde defende the beautie of his French Ladie: but Palmerin after a long and tedious fight, brought him and his Mistresse among the vanquished, & so concluded y ^e French Princes enterprise to his own immortal honor. Afterward came the King Agari­ell, with the Princes and Lords of his Court to Palmerins. Tent, making him the greatest entertainment could be de­uised, whereof Trineus and the other Allemaigne Lordes were highlie contented, and after his wounds were healed, caused him and his companie to be lodged in his own Pal­lace, where the Quéene and her Ladies would often visite him, and the Prince Lewes likewise, who by many intrea­ties with [...], vnderstoode her name for whom Palme­ [...]in thus aduentured. But when the King vnderstoode, that Trineus was the Emperour of Allemaignes Sonne, and [Page 90] all this honourable cōpanie came from his Fathers Court, their welcome cannot be sufficiently sette downe, nor Pal­merins praises effectuallie rehearsed, whome the Prince Lewes thus entertained. In sooth Sir Palmerin, y ^e Prince may imagine himselfe happie, that is honoured with your knightlie seruice, but aboue all, the noble Emperour of Al­lemaigne. My Lorde, quoth Palmerin, it likes you to speake your pleasure of me, yet did I neuer knowe Knightes more worthy in fight then your Countrimen, among whom your deserts may not escape vnreported, no more then the déeds of Scipio can among the Romaines. Manie other honour a­ble and familiare spéeches passed betwéene the Prince and Palmerin, about the Ladies figures that were brought to the Ioustes: Polinarda onely tryumphing beyonde all the rest, hauing no seconde but faire Agriola of England, the Goddesse and Mistresse to the Duke of Gaule.

CHAP. XXXVII.

YOu haue héere before heard, the enterprise of the Duke of Sauoy for the beautie of his Ladie, and howe after Prince Lewes hys daies of Combat were finished, he shoulde maintaine nine other in the like quarrell: wherefore the day after Palmerins victory, hee put himselfe in order as the time required, and hauing in the field erected two Pillers of Porphire, displacing them that [Page] belonged to the Prince Lewes, his Tent was there set vp all of Crimson veluet, verye curiouslye imbroydered with Golde and pearle, and rounde about within were manie braue se [...]tences of loue, drawne frō Historiographers and Poets, as well Gréeke as Latin, in prayse of the Mistresse of his deuoted affections. In the morning hee went to gyue the good morrowe to the Princesse Luc [...]ma [...]a Daughter to the King of Fraunce, whom he had chosen for his spouse and Wife. After many sollemne courtesies passed between them, fearing the Quéene shoulde finde them togeather, hee tooke his leaue of her, she giuing him frō her arme a sump­ [...]uo [...]s Bracelet, garnished with sixe great Diamondes, and sixe fayre Rubies, which gift encouraged him to follow his enterprise. Béeing come into the Field, the Iudges appoin­ted, were the eldest Sonne of Fraunce, and the Countie of Armigna [...], wise Princes and valiant Knights, and stan­ding in y ^• Gate of his Tent vnarmed, because he sawe none readie to offer him battell: the Duke of Lorrayne at length entred the Fielde, attended on by a braue company of Knights and Squires, who brought the portrait of his La­die, béeing a figure of rare beautie, and hauing a Crowne on her heade, where ouer was written in great Letters of Golde, Thys is Polinarda, exceedyng in beauty al Ladyes in the world, which was read by manie, who coulde not sa­tis-fie their eyes in beholding so braue a spectacle, and being sette on the Pillar appointed, he came to the Duke of Sa­uoye, saying. Blasphemous Knight, detractour of the beau­tie of Ladies, héere may thine owne eyes witnes how thou hast belyed beautie, in presuming to thinke any more fayre then this incomparable creature, to whome thy Ladye may not worthilie be handmaide. And if thou will not presently confesse what I commaunde thee, shéelde thy head from my weapon, which I meane to knocke well for thy great vn­discretion. The Duke of Sauoy enraged with these words, armed himselfe presently without any aunswere, & moun­ting on horsebacke with a strong Launce in his hande, en­countred [Page 91] his enemie so couragiouslye, as breaking their staues brauely in thyuers to their verye Gauntlets, passed on without any further harme. The Duke of Sauoy angrie that he had not dismounted his enemie, with hys Sworde drawne returned furiously vpon him, & laide on such strokes as the fire flew foorth of his Helmet: yet the Duke of Lor­rayne like a good and hardie Knight, defended himselfe vali­antly, and reached the Duke of Sauoy many shrewd woun­des, so that bothe of them throughlie netled, rent eache o­thers Armour in such sort with their swords, and mangled theyr flesh so vnmercifully, as the Iudges coulde not ima­gine who had the better vauntage. The Duke of Sauoye wondering to sée the Duke of Lorraine holde out so long, be­gan to storme more like a Fiend then a manne, rayling on Fortune, that (in respect of his Ladies beautie) shee asisted him no better, and béeing at the very point of dispaire, tooke hart a [...], and redoubling his strokes vpon his aduersarie, at length [...]lewe his horse vnder him, who falling downe, and his Maister vnder him, by reason he was so sore wea­ryed, and beside, had broken his thigh in the fall, coulde not recouer himself, before the Duke of Sauoie (being alighted) sette foote vpon him, and in furye woulde haue parted hys heade from his shoulders, but that the Iudges ran quicklie and stayed him. Then was y ^e Duke of Lorraine halfe deade carried into his Tent, and the Duke of Sauoie caused Poli­nardas picture to be set at Lucemanias féete, a thing verye strange in respect of their great difference. Afterwarde hee was vnarmed to haue his woundes bounde vp, which were so dangerous, as gladlie he would haue béene excused from the Combat with any other Knight for that day, didde not shame, and the Lawe hée made himselfe prouoke him to the contrary. But within an howre after, he was defied by a Knight of Scicilie, who woulde Combat on foote with the battel Axe, in which conflicte the Duke was verye néere o­uercome, he had lost so much bloode before: but in bréefe, the [Page] Scicilian Knight lost the daie, hys Ladyes picture was yeel­ded conquered, and the Duke of Sauoie went to rest him in his Tent.

CHAP. XXXVIII.

PAlmerin not as yet in perfecte health, was aduertised, how the Duke of Sauoie hadde conquered the Duke of Lorraine, fighting for the beautie of the Princesse Polinarda, the conceit whereof so gréeued him as nothing coulde more, to sée her honour so badlie defended, whom aboue all other he estéemed déerest, which made him in great choller say before the Prince Trineus. By God (my Lorde) Looue made a slender choyse of the Duke of Lorraine for his vassayle, and Madame Polinarda scant wise to chuse him for her Champion, in respect of the excel­lent beautie Nature hath bestowed on her. And yet it could not be imagined, howe the Duke of Lorraine shoulde gayne the victory without shame, in séeking honor beyonde his de­sert, because he is vnwoorthy such extraordinary fauoure: which makes me repute it rather of a faynt hart, then anie want of a iust quarrell. Trineus hearing Palmerin so affec­tionate in his spéeches, in a merry laughter, sayd. In good sooth Sir Palmerin, the Duke of Lorraine was but ill coun­celled, to enter the Combat for my Sisters beautie without her licence, in that he once learned, howe you coulde defend it much better then hee. Palmerin fearing hee had spoken [Page 92] more then he ought, because he discoursed his loue too open­ly, excused the matter thus. If it were not (my Lorde) that I doubt to offer wrong to a Lady, on whome dependeth my lyfe, and whom I loue more déere then my selfe: I woulde cause the Frenchman well to vnderstand, how Madame Po­linarda your Sister, surpasseth in all perfections eyther of grace or beauty, all the Ladies of this Country, yea, I dare say of the whole world, therefore one may easily coniecture, that the Duke of Lorraine during y ^e Combat, had his mind fixed on baser occasions. Then Trineus smyling to sée Pal­merin so dilligent to shadowe his loue, sayd. It is no strange matter Fréende Palmerin, to sée presuming mindes payde with selfe same coyne, as the Duke is: and yet I can not meruaile enough, that my Sister Polinarda wold not com­mit this matter to your charge, she hauing had so good know­ledge of your valour and prowesse. These speeches pleased not Palmerin a little, and did in such sort encourage him, as for the iniury doone his Ladie by the Duke of Sauoye, in set­ting her figure at the féete of Lucemania, as had not Trine­us perswaded him wyth fayre spéeches, all sicke and sore as he was, he would haue gone to reuenge this dishonor. Not­withstanding, hee called Prolome secretly, saying. Thou knowest (my déere Freende) what shame is offered her, to whom I was destenied before my byrth, by the presumpti­on of an ouer-bolde Knight, and what greefe it is to mee, that I cannot at this present reuenge this wrong my selfe, I pray thee therefore supply my insufficiencie, and enter the Combat with that vaine-glorious Duke, of whom thou maist gaine honor and yéelde me content, in giuing ease to my afflictions, which els are insupportable. I promise you my Lorde, aunswered Ptolome, before you made the mo [...] ­on I intended it, and I will accomplish it with such good will, as I doubt not to ouercome the Duke of Sauoy. And for my Mi [...]esse Brionella, will I enter the fielde, whose beautie is sufficient to enriche me with the victory, for in my conceit, shee farre passeth Lucemania. Therefore my [Page] Lorde let me request one courtesie, which I am lothe you should denie me: that if you shall be able to morrow, but to accompanie me with your presence in the fielde. If the ayre will suffer me, quoth Palmerin, I will, in meane while I will pray, that thy fortune may fall out to my harts desire. Thus Trineus, Palmerin and Ptolome, were passing the time with other noble men, of the valoure of the Duke of Sauoy against all strange Knights, and how he had not foy­led the Duke of Lorraine, had not his Horse fallen on him and maimed him, otherwise hee brought the Combatte to so good a iudgment, as he had wunne the honour of y ^e fielde. Wherat Palmerin was more offended then before, because himselfe was not able to reuenge this mis-fortune, héere­withall he conceiued a kind of iealousie of the Duke of Lor­raine, because hée hadde chosen his Ladie Polinarda for his Mistresse, and on her behalfe had entred the Combatte, and howe he durst place her picture on the Piller wyth her name, without he had receiued some commandement from her, which conceit so gréeued him, as his woundes began to be as daungerous as at the first, continually labouring in his thoughts, nowe with the lightnes, then againe with the constancie of Women, neuerthelesse, he could not iudge (af­fecting earnestly the vertues of his Lady) that she would be of such a double lyking, and in this doubtful estate, sayd. Ah God, I sée that Women winne lightly, & loose againe more easilie. Then repenting his words, followes on thus. O hea­uens, and what shall I say? it is impossible that shee (mea­ning Polinarda) should be so forgetfull, and neuer will I beléeue, that a Princesse so wise and vertuous, wold reward me with such treason, which may not, nay I dare sweare cannot, once enter her thoughts. Yet would not all opini­ons serue to allay thys newe iealousie, but still it had pow­er to confounde reason, and al the night continued he in this variable conceit, till the next morning, when Ptolome (so soone as the Sunne arose) accōpanyed with Trineus, went to his Tent, where béeing armed, all sauing his Helmet, [Page 93] hauing his Launce and Shéelde, he came to the Duke, say­ing. Thou knowest Knight the cause of my comming, stand vpon thy guarde, for I sight for beautie. The Duke sud­dainly at these words mounted on horseback, and ranne a­gainst his enemie with such strength, as Ptolome cast the Duke forth of his saddle, and suddainly alighted wyth hys Sworde drawne: but the Duke recouering himselfe, enter­tained him in sharper sort then he expected. Nowe beganne betwéene them a cruell and pittious Combat, as their Ar­mour, sheeldes and swords, [...]lewe about in péeces, and the blood trickling downe their bodies in manie places, so that it was generally reputed, how the fight could not end with­out the losse of both their liues. Yet in the ende, the Duke béeing of stronger constitution then Ptolome, and gréedy of victory ouer his enemie, ranne so violentlie vpon him as hée got him on the grounde, and he béeing vppermost, offered to take the aduauntage of his life: but the Iudges forbidding it, caused Ptolome to be carried into his Tent, where the Prince Trineus staied not a little sorry for this great mis­fortune. The Duke likewise sore wounded was carried in­to his Pauillion, but first hee sawe the portrait of Brionella sette in the ranke of the conquered. The same daie dyd the Duke fight with a Knight of Scotland at the Ma [...]e, who not nimble enough in vsing that weapon, in the end had the foyle, and thrée other Knights afterwarde at seuerall wea­pons, so that it was admirable to beholde the exploits of Armes the Duke did, in that no Knight as yet medled with him, but departed with shame, and their Ladies pictures placed as vanquished. And nowe was Palmerins Combatte against the Duke of Gaule not talked on, for the Duke of Sauoy was accounted the onely Knight in the world, to the no small ioy of the Princesse Lucemania, who perswaded herselfe now, that her beautie was most excellent. But she was not so pleasant as Palmerin was pensiue, and [...]nraged out of measure, notwithstanding his weakenes, and the of­ten intreaties of Trineus, he would néedes to the fielde, say­ing. [Page] Good my Lord perswade me not, for I reckon not my life, so I may take vengeaunce of the dishonour doone to my Ladie your Sister: the manifolde courtesies of the Em­perour your Father, haue so bounde me to her and you, as excéede my life farre, and therfore I beséech you not to hin­der me. Trineus yet ouercame him by perswasions, assuring him to haue time sufficient for his reuenge, whereat great­lie displeased, he feigned himselfe to be whole sooner then he was indéede, for the great desire hee had to deale with the Duke. And Prince Lewes angrie, to sée the Duke hold the fielde longer then hee did, not able to bee ouercome by anye Knight, came to Palmerin saying. I knowe not my Lorde, whether you vnderstand the Duke of Sauoyes victories a­gainst so manie hardie Knights, but belike his strength is much better then mine was, or Fortune allowes him more fauour then she did to me. In my conceit if you enter not the Combat, you doo me wrong and your selfe too, and if hee depart hence with victory, then shall I haue cause to com­plaine of you: in that his successe hath made him so braue and presumptuous, as though no Knight is able to answere him in the field, let me intreate you Sir Palmerin to abate his pride, and (as well hee deserues) make him knowe his folly. Palmerin hauing greater desire to execute this mat­ter, then thus to be intreated, returned the Prince this an­swere. My Lorde, God giues honour and victory to whom he pleaseth, without either regarde of the cause or the per­sons. If according to bountie or nobilitie of minde he distri­buted such gifts, then had you béene among the better sorte, as furnished sufficientlie with valour and magnanimitie: yet if your enterprise haue not sorted to your desire, account this for certaine that it is for your good, and for other rea­sons thē are to you known, for such matters are his secrets, and he dooth ballance them by his diuine wisedome. Not­withstanding, as well to satis-fie your request, as ease mine owne minde, to morrowe morning will I enter my Tent, albeit my present estate would haue me stay awhile, there [Page 94] will I Combat with the Duke, not certaine how Fortune meanes to deale with me. But happen what shall, I goe with a minde to conquere, and doubt not but the issue wyll be such, as shall yéelde you content, and me the victory, so shall your sadnes & mine be conuerted into pleasure. With this aunswere the Prince satis-fied, departed, yet was hee ignoraunt of Palmerins intent, which was farre otherwise then he imagined: but pleased as he was he went into the presence Chamber, where manie Knights were conferring of déedes of Armes past, to whom hee opened the fantasie of Palmerin, which caused a generall doubting of the Duke, setting him downe for vanquished, except Palmerins weak­nes were his greater Fréende.

CHAP. XXXIX.

SIxe daies togeather had y ^• Duke of Sauoye maintained this quar­rell, for the beautie of his Ladie Lucemania, and no Knight as yet could get anie aduauntage of him, vntil y ^e seauenth daie, when Palmerin prepared himselfe to the fielde, and entred his Tent, accōpanied with Prince Lewes of Fraunce, Trineus and many o­ther Princes. The King with all his trayne taking theyr standing to behold y ^e Combat, Palmerin came armed foorth of his Tent, sauing his Helmet, which was carryed before him by two Squires with his Sheeld and Mace, and next to them came two Princes, who bare the portraiture of his Ladie Polinarda, which béeing sette on the Piller, hee [Page] clasped on his Helmet, and taking his Mace in his hande, martched to the Dukes Tent, and thus summoned him. Knight, thou hast long enough defended the field, and to my great gréefe that it hath béene so long, my turne is nowe come, and it is good reason I shoulde kéepe it the rest of the time: for the Ladie whom I loue, is not onely much more beautifull then thine, but beside, excelleth all other whatso­euer, and if thou wilt not confesse the same, I wil not leaue thée with this Mace till I haue forced thée to doo it. I know not saide the Duke, what thou canst doo, but I am of the minde, that I shall soone quallifie thy ouer bolde brauing. At these words the Duke taking his Mace, deliuered Pal­merin so sounde a stroke on the heade, as made him to stag­ger, but Palmerin requited him well againe for it, and long had they fought togeather, and brused eache other very pit­tifully, till at length Palmerin gaue the Duke such a cruell stroke betwéene the heade and the shoulders, as he fell to the grounde cleane bereft of sence: when Palmerin taking off his Helmet, would not offer him any further violence, but setting his sworde against his brest, said. Now am I suf­ficiently reuenged on him, that so ill intreated the figure of the most fayrest among Ladies. The Iudges of the fielde, thinking Palmerin would haue slaine the Duke, came run­ning to him with these words. Content you Sir, he is van­quished, and hath no power to defende himselfe. Whereup­on Palmerin put vppe his Sword againe, and leauing the Duke, went presently to the Piller where his Ladies por­trait stoode, which embracing in his armes, he placed high­est, and Lucemania at her féete, saying. I beséeche you Ma­dame to pardon your Knight, in that he did no sooner repell the famous iniurie offered you, and impute it not to feare, or want of courage, but debility of bodie, which once a little recouered, I came to maintaine your honor, and héere con­firme you for the most beautifull Ladie liuing. While Pal­ [...]erin thus contemplated his Mistresse figure, the Iudges commaunded the Duke to be carried into his Pauillion, [Page 95] where with soueraigne drinks life was got into him again, but when he knowe himselfe to be vanquished, and that in one howre hee lost the greatest honour of all his life time, very conceit of gréefe had well néere slaine him. No lesse was the sorrowe of Madame Lucemania, but she and her Knight were not so much discontented, as Palmerin, Tri­neus, and Ptolome were ioyfull, but aboue all other Prince Lewes of Fraunce, more pleasant then if himselfe had try­umphed in victory, thinking he could not sufficiently extoll the renowne of Palmerin, calling him y ^• onely puller downe of the proude. That day did Palmerin encounter with sea­uen other Knights, & in his conquests shewed himselfe not onely magnanimious, but mercifull, sauing their liues, and honoring his Mistresse with the humilitie of theirs. The next day likewise after many braue exployts, béeing readie to leaue fielde because none came to resist him, on a suddain there entred a Knight in blacke Armour, stripte all ouer with Golde, and bearing in hys sheelde of Azur the Gol­den Sunne, whose braue order of entraunce declared him to be a hardie Knight at Armes, who aduauncing him selfe to Palmerin, said. My intent of comming hether (Sir Knight) is to let thée vnderstand, that I am the Seruaunt and belo­ued of a Ladie, who may not bee equalled with any other, and because I am enformed, that y ^• maintainest thy F [...]éend, to excell all Ladies whatsoeuer, I offer to prooue the con­trary, and will make thée confesse it. I neuer spoke wordes more true, aunswered Palmerin, and heere abide to iustifie them: but this place is ordeyned to no other ende, then to make thée and thy like know, what vnaduised enterprises you take in hande. And one thing is required of [...]hée, that before thou begin the Combat, thou sette vppon thys Pyl­ler the counterfeite of her, whom thou perswadest thy selfe to excell my Lady in beautie, according to the conditions of this field published through all Europe. That cannot I doo, answered the Knight of the Sunne, for I haue no other pic­ture of her then is imprinted in my hart, where loue hath [Page] so liuely figured her person, as she is daily presented to mee by her incomparable beautie, which cannot be taken from me but onely by death. And if loue follow the soule, [as di­uers holde opinion] whole worldes cannot seperate mee frō her. And therefore are all men vnworthy to receiue fruiti­on (by their regard) of a thing so precious, which makes me imagine, none but my selfe woorthy to looke on her diuine figure. Prepare thee therefore to thy Horse, and defende thy selfe. Palmerin desirous to know the name of this fayre Ladie, sayd. I sée Sir Knight, that y ^u art meruailous proude and surlie, which make mee desire rather to Combat wyth thee then any other, to abate this hote humour: albeit this is contrarie to his conditions, who was the principall Au­thor of this enterprise, which is, that thou shouldest set on this Piller her portrait whom thou so estéemest, yet thys exception shall be graunted thee, for the desire I haue to knowe what thou canst doo, as also her name, if thou da­rest reueale it. To tell thée her name (aunswered y ^e Knight of the Sunne) I will not sticke with thee, and because in concealing it, I shall offer her wrong, nature hauing in her set downe the onely worke of beautie: know therfore that her name is Polinarda, Daughter to the mighty Emperor of Allemaigne. These wordes were so yrkesome to Palme­rin, and troubled his thoughts in such sort, that hee knewe not readily what to aunswere: notwithstanding in midst of his choller, thus spake. By God Knight thou hast made a good choyse, for against her beautie will not I contende, hauing it in greater estimation and reuerence then y ^u canst haue: but I am ready to prooue, that thou deseruest not to be named her Knight, no not so much as her meanest Ser­uaunt. That shall we try, said the Knight of the Sunne, be­fore we part: and albeit her excellencie deserue farre grea­ter seruice then mine: yet so it is, that for the looue I beare her, and the affection I haue to obey her by some agreeable seruice, I may by good reason name my selfe hers. At these spéeches Palmerin conceiued such iealousie, as without at­tending [Page 96] any further matter, mounted in great anger on horsebacke, and met the Knight of the Sunne so forcibly, as bothe of them were sent to the ground: whereuppon they drewe their Swordes, and charged eache other with such furie, as their Armour and Shéeldes were hacked in péeces, and y ^e ground coullered with their expence of blood. No per­mission of breathing was suffered betwéene them, but blood and death earnestly desired on either part, so that the King, the Lordes and the Iudges, reputed this for the strangest Combat that euer they sawe, nor could they say who was likest to winne the fielde, but if the one died, the other could not escape, so that the King mooued with compassion, caused them to be seuered, and commaunded them to enter theyr Tents. Which motion liked well the Knight of the Sun, for long he perswaded himselfe he could not hold out, wher­fore he mounted on horsebacke so well as he coulde, & with­drewe himselfe, Palmerin béeing wonderfully displeased, that he could not obtayne the victory of thys Knight. Soone after, the King and the Prince Lewes came into his Tent, and séeing him very sore wounded, woulde not let him staye there, but sayd. Beléeue me (Sir Palmerin) you haue great néede of rest, and your woūds I sée are very dangerous, you shall therefore be conueyed to my Pallace, where all helps that may be deuised shall be giuen, assuring you, that grea­ter honour could neuer Knight purchase, then you haue doone. And though this last Combat were not ended, you néede not be displeased, the issue thereof importing y ^• death of the one or the other, and perhaps of both, which I would not haue séene for two of the best prouinces in my Realme. And me thinks you should content your selfe, hauing recei­ued before, such honour ouer so many Lords and Knights of name, come you therfore with me, and Lord Trineus beare vs company. Great thanks receiued the King of them for this honourable courtesie, and Palmerin went with him to the Pallace, where the Kinges Chirurgions tooke care of his woundes, he béeing lodged in the most stately Chamber [Page] in the Courte. Nowe the Prince Lewes beganne to loue Palmerin so déerely, as he coulde not be an howre foorth of his cōpanie, desiring his health as his owne welfare: wher­fore all thinges that he imagined Palmerin tooke pleasure in, would he performe with his vttermost endeuours, and would suffer none to hold him talk, but only of matter that might yéeld pleasure and delight. Notwithstanding, diuers Knights conferring with him that euening, as concerning the Knight of the Sunne: Palmerin aunswered them, that his mind should neuer be thorowly quieted, vntil such time as he fought with him againe. The Prince, who still ende­uoured to kéepe him from sadnes, saide. I beléeue (my Lord) that he will not easilie be induced to deale with you again, for you brought him into such estate, as hee will kéepe him­selfe héereafter out of your handes: and well I am assured, that had you continued but a little longer, the victorye had béene yours, for the Knight was so weakened, that he did nothing but defend your blowes. It pleaseth you (my Lord) to say so quoth Palmerin, but had he felt such valour in me, or such courage as beséemes a vertuous Combatant, hard­lie coulde he escape as he hath doone: neuerthelesse, I hope (with the fauour of Fortune) to méete him once more, and then we will trie who is the strongest. Much other talke they had, but Palmerin intreated the Prince, that all the portraits of the conquered Ladies might bee brought him, which were aboue an hundred, of diuers beauties & most strange fashions, and among them all could be founde none seconde to Polinarda, but (as we haue said already) that of Agriola the Princesse of England: who (by the report of a Gentleman present that had séene her) was much more beautifull then her figure presented. Such spéeches they continued so long of the Englih Uirgin, as Trineus (albeit he neuer sawe her) became amorous of her, and at y ^• instant he so solemnly vowed himselfe hers, as thence forwarde he swore neuer to loue any but her, so y ^• for her sake he thrust himselfe into manie perrillous fortunes, as in the folowing [Page 97] discourse of the History you shall reade more at large. From whom let vs returne to the Prince Lewes, who seeing so many portraitures of Princesses and Ladies, would dailie congratulate Palmerins good fortune, and embracing him, said. So helpe me God, my noble companion, I woulde ne­uer desire greater riches in the world, thē to resemble you, especially in chiualry, which in you is so surpassing al other, as you haue ended to your honor, what a number haue fay­led in. Oh howe happy may the Ladie account herselfe, that hath such a Knight? and were not the condition too cruell towards my selfe, I could wish I were a Woman in her place, to haue so high rule and commande ouer you. At which words all present began to smile, yet shewing good countenaunce to Palmerin, for the affection they sawe the Prince beare him, which is yet to this day a common vsage and practise among Courtiers: but Palmerin somewhat a­shamed of such superstitious prayses, aunswered. Trust me my Lorde, I account my happines the greater, that I haue doone seruice to so high a personage and so good a Knight as you are, desiring to méete you in such place héerafter, where you may perceiue the good wil I beare you, not only for this high entertainement, which is more then I can deserue, as for the pleasure I haue to honour so good a Prince, which if the occasion happen, you shall perceiue the experience. I haue spoken nothing (quoth the Prince) but what is more acquainted to others then my selfe, and if I would conceale them, then will they be most openly knowne, because ver­tue doth so apparantlie shine in them. Manie other spéeches passed betwéene, them, and longer had continued, but that manie Lords which came to sée the Ioustes, were now vp­on departing, and therefore woulde take their leaue of the King, whereuppon they were constrained to breake off, the Prince going to the Chamber of presence, where hee gaue thanks to a number that honoured the Courte with theyr presence: and so one after another all departed, the Duke of Sauoye béeing one of the first, ashamed (God knowes) to [Page] be so conquered by Palmerin, and not bidding his Lady Lu­cemania farewell. But Lewes did not serue the Duchesse so, for her loue continued as resolute as before, and shee lo­ued him as wel conquered, as had he béene the conquerour, whereof she assured him by many amorous méetinges, by which meanes the Prince stayed the Duke at the Courte, longer then himselfe would haue doone. Lewes thus lo [...]ing Palmerin as you haue hearde, intreated the Duchesse to come and visite him, which she accomplished the day folow­ing, when Palmerin spent manie discourses with her, ra­ther of loue then entring into religion, for he perceiued by her countenaunce, that she had no will to become a Nunne: where we will leaue them togeather, to tell you who the Knight of the Sunne was, that fought y ^e last Combat with Palmerin.

CHAP. XL.

THe King of Hungaria, Father to the Prince Tarisius, that ma­ried the faire Griana, Mother to Palmerin, had in his latter yéeres a Sonne named Netri­des, and after he had long lyued in rest and prosperitie, hee dyed, leauing the yong Prince Netri­des fiftéene yéere olde, and in the custodie of his elder brother Ta­risius. This Netrides growing in good constitution of bodie and behauiour, béeing well beloued generally, so gracious, gentle and well gouerned he was: as the Lords, Knights, [Page 98] Gentlemen & the people of Hungaria, esteemed him more then their King Tarisius, who béeing crowned after his fa­thers decease, loued Netrides as brotherhoode required, till Fortune (enuious of this concorde) not willing that y ^e ver­tues of this yong Prince should be there extingushed: chan­ged his affection into excéeding hatred, by an occasion héere­after following. One daie the King Tarisius walking in his Garden to take the ayre, left his Brother Netrides in his Chamber accompanied with the Quéene, who without imagination of any harme, nor that his fatall sta [...]s woulde sort him anie mis-fortune, sactte downe in the Kings chayre as he talked with the Quéene, and continued there so long, till Tarisius came vp and founde him there sitting, which he tooke in such ill part, as in a great rage he thus bega [...]me. Who made thée so audacious and presumptuous to sitte in my seate, against thy duety and my liking? By mine honor thou hast doone more then thou wéen [...]st, and if I sée the like againe, or I may but heare thereof thy heade shall pay the price of thy folly. Netrides, who of his owne nature was humble and gentle, fell downe on his knée, intreating the King his Brother to pardon him, for what hee had doone, was not with any intent to displease his Maiestie, but an ouersight, and that so he would permit it to passe. The King made him no aunswere, because hee tooke Netrides reasons for no payment, but conceiued a secret hatred in his minde, by this occasiō of so slender moment, which increased thence forward, as the matter prouoking a fierie Meteore: so that he did repine at his Brother so much, as he would not speak to him, nor affoorde him a good countenaunce. Then called he to remembraunce the loue of his people towardes hys Brother, and if this hatred should come to their knowledge for so small a cause, he imagined they woulde displace him, and make Netrides King. For which cause hee intended to haue him slaine▪ and the execution [...]reof hee committed to one of his Archers, but God (who is euermore the preser­uer of the innocent) would not suffer such a damned déede [Page] of paracide to take effect. Which Tarisius perceiuing, and finding one day his Brother alone, enflamed with this dys­contented humour, sayd. Netrides, thou hast offended mee more then I will now stand to argue on, I therefore banish thée my Court and Kingdome, and looke that within three daies thou get thée hence, and on thy life not to discouer it to any man, or take any one with thée to beare thée cōpany. The yong Prince obedient to his Brother, made answere, that he wold accomplish his charge, and so withdrew him­selfe into his Chamber, not declaring to any one hys cause of heauines. Then willing one of his Squires to saddle hys Horse, departed so closely as he coulde, forbidding anie of his Seruaunts to follow him, and such expedition he made, as not resting but one night in any lodging, he left his bro­thers kingdome, wandering without anie care of himselfe, or which way he tooke, but went héere and there, as fortune pleased to guide him. Hauing long time trauailed in Al [...]lemaigne, his money fayled him, in that at his departure hee was but badlie prouided: yet could not his pri [...]celie minde abase it selfe to begge, so y ^• béeing without meate or drink, or anie place to rest himselfe in, ashamed of himselfe, hee sought to shroude him where none might discrye him, and so entring a great Forrest, very thicke set with Trées, shrubs, and bushes, hee estéemed this a conuenient place to rest in, wherefore alighting from his Horse, and turning him to féede, layd himselfe downe at the roote of a Trée, and thus began to breathe foorth his complaints. Ah inconstant Fortune, and to me most of all inconstant, didst thou erecte me so high, and reiect mee nowe thus lowe? well then may I saie, that more wrong thou doost a man in one houre, then right all his life time: for it héeretofore thou diddest lende me pleasure and delight, thou nowe makest me pay for it, (and that with vsury too rigorous) not leauing anie hope to comfort mee. Ah tirranous King, cruell and vnmanlike Brother, thou hast with shame banished me, and brought me into this poore estate, wherein I must die, Oh happy if [Page 99] I might, rather then to liue in the vile estate of beggery. So saying, he layde him downe among the Hearbes, and was supprised with such extreame féeblenes, as he fell into his lamentations againe, thus. Ah my Lord and Father, too soone diddest thou leaue me, woulde God I then had borne thée company, or that at this instant I could come to thee. Ah men of Hung [...]ria, I am well assured (knowing the loue you euer bare me) that you will pittie when you heare my afflictions and calamities: alas, I neuer deserued this vn­happy ende. And béeing vnable to continue longer spéeche, he there determined to finish his life. But better fortune befell him then he expected, by the meanes of an auncient Knight named Lombardo, who béeing néere, hearde all his dolorous complaints. This Knight béeing rich and of noble blood, had neere that Forrest a strong, delightfull and sumptuous Castell, and delighted to walke among the woods for his recreation, as good hap it was fore Netrides that he wal­ked this euening. He hearing these sad and sorrowfull re­grets, pittie so touched his hart, as the teares bedewed hys [...]héekes: yet would he not trouble him while he continued his mones, but afterward came and tooke him by the hand saying. Arise my Freende and take courage, for you are in the place, where you shall finde more good to benefit you, then harme to offende you, therefore cherish your spirites, and forget this heauines, which may endaunger you beyond recouerie. Netrides séeing this honourable Gentlemanne, with his bearde so white as snowe, hearing his courteous offer, and for him nowe so necessary: with ioy, feare & bash­fulnes all coupled togeather, accepted it, and humbly than­ked him, albeit (quoth he) a contented death is better to me, them a miserable and dispised life. The Knyght comforting him aunswered, that it was not in his power to chuse lyfe or death, but the founder of the heauens reserued that au­thoritie in his owne handes. With these wordes hee tooke him by the hand, and conducted him to his Castell, where he was worthilie entertained by the Knight himselfe, his La­die [Page] and her Daughter, one of the fairest Uirgins in all that Country. Lombardo hauing heard all his mis-fortunes and hard aduentures, in the night discoursed the whole to hys Ladie, wherefore (good Wife) quoth he, entertaine him so well as may be, for I assure you he is discended of high de­grée, and if his manners and vertues bee correspondent to his byrth, wee will giue him our Daughter in mariage, if so himselfe accept our offer. The good Ladie misliked not her Husbands opinion, wherefore the next morning shee went to entertaine her guest, saying. My Lorde, your com­ming hither hath well contented my Lorde and Husbande, and so please it you to staie héere, he wil bee glad and fayne of your companie: which gentle offer Netrides accepted, thanking God and the Ladie for his good fortune. Thus re­mained he with this auncient Knight Lombardo, who af­terwarde neuer remembred him of his miseries in y ^e For­rest, but intreated him so well as though hee had béene his owne Sonne. Netrides séeing the Knights Daughter so faire and well conditioned, and she regarding not onely the vertues of his minde, but also his comely and well featured bodie, they began amorously to affect eache other secretlie, but loue inuented y ^• meane to reueale it openlie: for Lom­bardo well noting the great discretion of this yong Gen­tleman, and knowing him to bee discended of bloode royall, resolued to cause him marry his Daughter, demaunding the question of Netrides among other spéeches, if so he liked to marry his Daughter? My Lorde, quoth he, it is the sum of my desire, and greater honor cannot you bestowe on me, so please her to conceiue the same opinion I doo. The mar­riage was soll [...]mnized with all expedition, with y ^• presence of manie Gentles, neighbours thereabout, who meruailed the Knight bestowed his Daughter so, in that they estéemed Netrydes but a poore Knight errant. It fortuned afterward that the auncient Knight and his Ladie deceased, leauing theyr Daughter great with childe, to the no little content of Netrydes, that after all his sorrowe he shoulde become a [Page 100] Father. Thrée daies before this Ladie fell in trauaile, shee dreamed that she was shut vppe in a very dark Chamber, whereout she coulde by no meanes get, and therefore called for helpe to one of her Gentlewomen. Then was she adui­sed to take her childe in her armes, and to staye there still, whereuppon she behelde her infant, and sawe that his face resembled the beames of the Sunne, the brightnes where­of chased away the darknes, so that shee might beholde the place as cleere as any other, saying. My Lord, forgette thys heauines, and you shall reioyce by this infant, for this is he shall reestablish you in the place you haue lost, & shall seate you in that Chayre with honour, for which you were exiled thence, giuing you his crowne, that traiterously chased you from his kingdome. He comforted with these words, tooke the childe in his armes, and sayd. Little soule, I pray God thy mother speake trueth, and that thou maist be able to execute it. So saying, hee espyed a furious man who snat­ched the infant foorth of his armes, and notwithstand [...]ng all his intreaties & supplications, caryed it away with him. This sorrowe for Netrydes made her giue a loude shryke, when he calling his Wife, demaunded the cause of her sud­daine affright, whereupon she rehearsed to him the whole manner of her Dreame, and reioysing thereat, said. I hope my Lord that it will so happen to you as I haue dreamed, and therefore comfort your selfe without feare of mis-for­tune: notwithstanding, he remained in many doubtfull o­pinions, till they vnderstoode by effects the certaintye of this dreame. Nowe was come the time of the Ladies deli­ueraunce, which was a goodly man Childe, so fayre & well fauoured as one should lightly beholde, béeing named Fry­sol, and shee woulde suffer none to nursse it but her owne selfe, for the certaine hope shee reposed in him. The Chylde growing in time to such comely stature, as eache one tooke great pleasure to beholde him, whereof the Mother was so gladde, that albeit she had afterward two other Sonn [...]s, yet shewed she no such speciall loue towards them as vnto [Page] Frysol, which procured some hatred betwéene his brethren and him. This yong Lord growing to fourtéene yéeres of age, was in stature verie tall, delighting himselfe in ryding great Horsses, shooting in the long Bowe, casting y ^• Barre, and diuers other Gentlemanlike exercises, as also to chase in the Forrest, where olde Lombardo mette with his Fa­ther. So that one daie after long and wearie chasing of the Hart, hauing sweated very sore, and meruailous drye for want of drinke, finding a little spring by the foote of a Trée, he la [...]e downe and dranke, but afterwarde he became so yll and sicklie, as hee trembled [...]rie [...]ore, so that one of hys Squires could hardlie leade him againe to the Castell. Ne­trides séeing him so excéeding ill, was meruailous sorrie, commaunding his Phisition to séeke some present helpe for him, who plied him with such wholsome potions, as his fe­u [...]r left him, but his face and all his bodie was so painted, as he had béene a Leaper: which made him bee mocked of his other Brethron, and scorned of all the Seruaunts, ex­cept his Father and Mother, which was such gréefe to him, as he would haue died with fretting at them, but his Fa­ther rebuked them, and comforted him in this manner. I did hope my Sonne by thy meanes, to be restored againe to the Realme of my deceased Father: but nowe, howe long it will be before, God knowes, if this strange malladie of thine be neuer holpen. Frysol amazed at his Fathers wor­des, desired him earnestly to report the whole circumstance, which Netrides at length did, rehearsing how he was Bro­ther to the King of Hungaria, the hard intreataunce he vsed towardes him, and lastlie hee tolde him the Dream [...] of his Mother. Frisol studying along space on his fathers words, at length aunswered. My Lord, you are not ignorant of the soueraigne power of the highest, who by his diuine iudge­ment hath sent mee this disease that thus torments mee: euen so when pleaseth him he will take it from me againe, and giue me health and strength much more then euer I had, with meanes sufficient to giue you ayde and succoure, [Page 101] according to the matter whereon you haue diuined. And al­beit I féele so extreame anguish, as death may not be like­ned to it, yet doth thys hope comfort mee in such sorte, that me thinkes already I am become more healthfull: therfore my Lord dismay of nothing, but perswade your selfe there is comfort behind. These words were so pleasing to Netri­des, as méere ioy caused the teares to trickle downe his chéekes, meruailing at the wonderfull courage of his Son, enduring such terrible paines as he did: wherefore what hee thought, he could not reueale, but withdrewe himselfe into his Chamber.

CHAP. XLI.

FRisol hauing heard the originall of his birthe, as also y ^e vision that appeared to his Mother, was thence forwarde more pensiue then he had béene before, and perceiuing his Brethren continued their bad disposition, and day by day mocked him more and more: he determined to forsake his fa­thers house, to séeke aduentures, and remedie for his sicknes, if any were to be found. And be­ing one daie in the Forrest, more mellanchollie then accu­stomed, hee espied a Knight vexed with Leprosie come by the high waie, mounted on a poore Palfray, to whome he said. My Fréend, I am infected with the same disease thou art, wherefore wilt thou suffer me to beare thée companie, [Page] and I will be readie to doo what thou shalt commaund me. The Knight perceiuing hee might gaine some benefite by Frisol, was well contented, and so bad him mount vppe be­hinde him. So was he glad to doo what was contrarie to his nature, and in this life continued two yéeres, trauailing many Countries, bearing continually the wallet, and what profit came he deliuered his Maister, reseruing nothing for himselfe but what he gaue him, and bearing a minde so no­ble and vertuous, as he desired rather death, then to enrich himselfe by anie villainous or dishonest act. So many Coū ­tries and prouinces had they trauailed, as at last they came into the Realme of Hungaria, when Frisol remembred that he was in his Uncles Land, who ledde a life so base and ig­nominious: hee was ouercome with excéeding heauines, which ill agréed with his daungerous disease, so that his companion desired to know y ^e cause of his sadnes, but Fry­sol prayed him to content himselfe, saying that death was more agréeable to him, then a life so dolorous and misera­ble. At which words the Knight growing in choller, thruste him beside the Horse, and rode away leaning poore Frysol there, hauing no other comfort then to fill the ayre with his teares and complaints, till at length he receiued succour by a yong Maide named Leonarda, the Daughter of a riche Countriman that dwelt on a Mountaine néere at hande. This Maiden leading her Fathers Beastes and Cattell to pasture, tooke great delight in gathering hearbes and roots, wherewith to make oyntments for all woundes and disea­ses: and this daie (by the diuine permission) shee chaunced that way where she hearde the mornefull lamentations of Frysol, whom when she behelde, ouercome with pittie and compassion, said. Alas my Freend, howe came you into this desert and comfortlesse place, béeing oppressed with such a bad and daungerous sicknesse? In good sooth Mistresse, (ꝙ hee) by no other meanes then the mis-fortune and displea­sure of my life: Oh howe happy were my death at thys in­stant, thē to liue any longer in this monstrous languishing. [Page 102] Fréend, aunswered the Mayden, you ought not thus to dys­payre in sicknes, but consider, that the Lord and gouernour of the heauens and earth, dooth by these meanes trye and prooue his people, whom if he perceiue thankfull and pati­ent in their afflictions: of reprobate enemies, he makes thē his Freends and Children, onely by the raunsome that his beloued Sonne paide. If then you will put your whole con­fidence in him, I am perswaded you shall soone finde reme­die. So causing him to arise, shee conducted him to her Fa­thers house, where for certaine daies, she bathed him wyth wholesome Hearbes, and annoynted him with such preci­ous oyntments, as in short time his disease forsooke him, and he was as cleane as at the time hee dranke the water, for which he humblie thanking the Maiden, said. God make me able (faire Uyrgin) to requite this wonderfull kindnes receiued at your handes, accounting my s [...]lfe more indebted to you, then to my parents that gaue me first life, and this perswade your selfe, that wheresoeuer my body bee sepera­ted from this place, my hart shall remaine readie to doo you any seruice. That is my will & intent, quoth Leonarda, but thanke him chéefelie that made [...] to helpe you, and in so dooing shall I account my labour well bestowed. Frysol for this vnexpected good fortune, was thence forward verie dutifull and louing towardes Leonardas Father and her Brethren, as the readiest Seruant he had in his house: but the good man estéemed so well of him, as by no meanes hee wold suffer him to be so painfull, but with such fare as God sent him, entertained and welcommed him, not suffering him to departe thence in the space of a yéere & more. Fry­sol often accompanying Leonarda to the fielde, shee séeing him so faire and comelie a personage, began secretlie to af­fect him, yet would she not acquaint him therewith, fearing more to offend then to be refused. So soone as Frysol had thus recouered his strength, he determined to stay no longer there, wherefore finding Leonarda at leysure conuenient, he said. I know very well (fayre Mayden) how much I am [Page] beholding to you, for the speciall grace and good I haue re­ceiued by you, which induceth mee to make you this pro­mise, that you shall not commaunde any thing, but I wyll gladly accomplish it. And because I am desirous to trauaile after strange aduentures, I would request that it might be with your willing consent, promising you to stay no longer hence then the tearme of thrée yéeres, in which time I will not fayle to visite you againe: and if my fortune so fall out, as I am perswaded, I doubt not to recompence what you did for me. That which I alway feared (Sir Frysol) quoth she, is nowe come to passe, notwithstanding, séeing it is conuenient I should loue honour, more then mine own pleasure, I am content that you shall goe séeke your aduaunce­ment so well begunne: but I pray you not to cast your pro­mise in obliuion. I will not to the death (quoth he) doo anie thing to dislike you, or against your wil, and since you haue so féelie graunted me libertie, perswade your selfe my word shall be my déede. So taking his leaue of her Father and Brethren, he trauayled towards Allemaigne, where hee hearde that chiualrie was more maintained then in anie o­ther place, and so rode hee foure daies togeather without a­nie aduenture: till passing through a Forrest, he hearde a great noyse of people fighting, wherefore making hast that way, hee espyed an auncient Knight, assaulted by sixe vil­laines that sought to murder him, whom he resisted so well as he could, albeit he had nothing but his sworde to defende him. The Knight espying Frysol, called to him for helpe, when he (suddainly finding a strong yong Trée pluckt vppe by the roote) came therewith to the villaines, saying. Why traiterous varlets, who prouoked you to offer such shame to a Knight? with which hee tooke one of them so soundlye on the pate with his Trée, as he neuer rose to tell who hurt him. The Knight and he togeather so behaued themselues, as thrée of the villaines were layd dead before them, which the other thrée perceiuing, tooke themselues to flight: wher vpon the old Knight séeing himselfe so well deliuered, came [Page 103] and embraced Frysol with these wo [...]rdes. Howe may I say my good Fréend, that my life had perished without your as­sistaunce, bethinke your selfe therefore howe I may grately this gentlenes: in meane time, I haue a house not farre hence, let me intreate you to lodge with me this night, and I will make you the best entertainment the Country wyll aff [...]rde. Whereto Frysol agréed, promising to leaue him in safety before he departed, for which y ^• olde Knight than­ked him, and as they went he discoursed to him, howe these [...] ass [...]led him, because he had enforced them to sur­render certaine heritages, which vniustly they detained frō poore Orphanes, and for that cause set spyes to watch him, that they might set vppon him and kill him, which surelie they had doone (quoth he) without your succour. In the con­tinuaunce of these spéeches, they arriued at his Castell, where many of his Squires meruailed to sée him so sore wounded, but especially his Lady and his two Sonnes, to whome hee rehearsed the summe of his aduenture, and the great fauour and helpe he founde by Frysol, for which cause they entertained him with excéeding honour. And so long aboade Frysol there with the Knight, till béeing desi­rous to receiue the order of knighthoode, hee came to the Knight in this manner. May it please you Sir to bestow on me Horse and Armour, I wyll goe to the Emperors Court of Allemaigne, he beeing the most renowned Prince in the world. The good Knight seeing him so forward to chiualry, gaue him Horse, Armour and money for his iourney, wher­vpon he sette forwarde, and the third daie after hee arriued at the Emperors Court, from whence (a little before) Tri­neus and Palmerin were departed towards Fraunce: which newes made Frisol earnestly desire his knighthood, because he intended with all speede to trauaile thither likewise, in respect of the honour was there to be wunne. Frysol vnder­standing the Emperour was in the Chappell hearing di­uine seruice, went thither, where beholding the Princesse Polinarda, he reputed her the onely fayre Lady of y ^• world, [Page] thinking hee could neuer glut his eyes with regarding her, whereupon, seruice beeing ended, he fell on his knee before the Emperour in this manner. Because I knowe (inuinci­ble Lorde) that you are renowned beyonde all other poten­tates whatsoeuer, and that you make no small accounte of Knights aduenturous: I desire that by your hande I may be numbred among them. The Emperour seeing him so yong and yet valiantly giuen, aunswered. I would be lothe my Freende to deny a request so reasonable, but I wil first knowe if you be Gentle borne or no. My Lorde, quoth he, I sweare by the fayth I owe to God and your Maiestie, that I am noble borne, and of the bloode royall by my Fathers side. God forbid then (sayd the Emperour) but you shoulde be Knight, and Fortune sheelde you so well in chiualry, as she hath indued you with comely shape and beautie▪ Then was the Spurre put vpon hys right heele, and the Empe­rour bad him ryse a Knight, commaunding his Daughter Polmarda to gyrde hys Sworde to him, which she did, say­ing. Worthily and with happines (Sir Knight) may you imploy the order you haue receiued. Madame (quoth Fry­sol) if heereafter any vertue or valoure abyde in me, it shal be imployed onely for you, hauing thus honoured mee with my Sword, wherewith I hope to accomplish such deeds of Armes, as shall renowne her name that gaue me my wea­pon: but Polinarda made him no aunswere, because Pal­merin was the onely Image of her thoughts. After Frysol was thus Knighted, taking his leaue of the Emperour and his Daughter, he departed, making no small hast till he ar­riued at the Ioustes at Parris, where he determined for his first deed of chiualry, to enter the Combat for the beauty of Polinarda. But he could not get thither so soone as hee in­tended, for hee was hindered by the way with an vnexpec­ted aduenture, which was in a fayre Forrest, where hee be­helde foure Knights carry away a Ladie perforce, who see­ing him, cryed. Ah good Knight, for Gods sake succour [...]ee: whereuppon Frysol coutching his Launce, sent one of the [Page 104] Knights headlong to the grounde, and in short time woun­ded another in such sort, as nowe hee had but two left to re­sist him, on whom Frysol made tryall, howe well he coulde unploy the gift of Polinarda. The Knights seeing the hard fortune of their two other fellowes, the one hauing broken [...] necke in the fall, and the other wounded past hope of re­couerie: tooke y ^• wisest way for themselues, posting thence so fast as they coulde ride, but Frysol would not folow, least they had some other companie in ambush that might haue intrapped him, wherefore he conducted the Ladie to her Mothers Castell, where hee remained that night, and the next daie set forwarde to Parris, where hee arriued at the time he fought with Palmerin, according as hath beene be­fore rehearsed.

After the Knight of the Sunne (who hencefoorth shall passe by the name of Frysol) had left Palmerin, and was departed the fielde, the night was so obscure as hee knewe not which waie he rode, so that the moysture of the [...]ue­ning dewe did great harme to his woundes, as if God had not armed him with the better strength, he was in daunger not to escape with life. The verie same daie was the Duke of Gaule departed from Parris, to goe ayde the King of Eng­land against y ^• Kings of Scots and Norvvay, who was Ne­phewe to the Emperour of Allemaigne, for that they mole­sted him with troublesome warres: and the Duke beeing benighted, was glad to pitch his Tents in a faire fielde, through which it fortuned Frysol to passe, complayning of the daunger he felt himselfe in. The Duke of Gaule beeing abroade foorth of hys Tent to recreate himselfe, hearde this sorrowfull noyse, which made him send his men to sée who it was, and to bring him with them to the Tent, whither when they had brought him, the Duke pitting his estate, demaunded whence he came, and who had wounded him in that sort. Then discoursed he the whole matter, how hee had fought with the Knight that ouercame the Duke of Sa­uoye, and so long their fight endured, that the darke night [Page] and the King caused them to be parted, neyther of them as yet conquered, and because he woulde not returne into the Cittie, sought some Uillage where he might conuenientlie lodge. The Duke of Gaule hearing the wordes of Frysol, estéemed him for a hardy and valiant Knight, hauing so long endured against Palmerin vnuanquished, wherefo [...] he saide. Sir Knight, you are very welcome to mee, all the ayde and succour I can giue you, you shall bee sure to finde with hartie good will: assuring you, that there is no Knight liuing to whom I wysh more euill, then him whom you haue this daie fought withall. So causing him to bee vnar­med, willed him to rest himselfe vpon his owne bedde, and made his woundes be dressed, abyding there eyght dayes for the health of Frysol. In which time, the Duke had im­parted to him the warres of the King of England, which made him make more hast to be gone, or els he would haue kept him company longer. My Lord, quoth Frysol, so please you to accept my companie, I hope to behaue my selfe so well, as you shall not be discontented with me. The Duke thanked him, and reioyced y ^• by his meanes so good a Knight was preserued, and did him all the honour hee could deuise, taking him with him into England, where he founde the Countrey very much desolated with warres, to his no lit­tle greefe: but leaue we them, and returne to Palme [...]in.

CHAP. XLII.

SO dilligently were Palmerins woundes attended, which he had receiued by the hand of Frysol, as not long after hee recouered his health, whereof the King and Prince Lewes were highly glad, and much more Trineus, to whōe the King desired to giue his Daughter Lucemania in marri­age, which to compasse, hée inten­ded a sumptuous banquet, whereto hee woulde inuite these twaine, yet first he would acquaint the Quéene therewith, and therefore began the matter with her thus. I see Ma­dame, that our Daughter Lucemania is of yéeres sufficient for a Husband, and because I euermore desired her highest preferment, and that I would kn [...]w if the Prince Trineus to whom I could wish she were espoused, were anie thing in loue that waie affected, for hardlie in my iudgment shall we finde a greater Lord, béeing heyre to the famous Em­perour of Allemaigne: for this intent (I say) will I or­daine a banquet, whereto hee and noble Palmerin shall bee inuited, and our Daughter to beare them company in y ^• best sorte you can deuise. The Quéene, who more desired this marriage then the King her Husbande, aunswered. You doubt not (my Lord) that I request her chéefest aduantage, wherefore let it be as you haue determined, and shee shall be present as you haue appointed. This matter thus pro­céeding, [Page] two daies after were Trineus and Palmerin called to this banquet, and to honour them the more, the King cau­sed his Sonne Lewes, with a braue companie of Knightes and Gentlemen, to conduct them into the Pallace, where they were royallie receiued by the King and Quéene, and so led vppe into the Chamber appointed for their banquet. After they had washed, the King caused Trineus to sitte by him, and Palmerin against him, aboue whom sat faire Luce­mania his Daughter, béeing placed iust opposite to y ^• Prince Trineus, the Quéene to furnish the Table, satte downe by the King. And albeit nature had best [...]wed on y ^• Princesse most exquisite beautie, yet her sumptuous accoustr [...]ments made her appeare most amiable: but all coulde not mooue the hart of Trineus, to forget her to whose shrine hee was dedicated. The banquet ended, and y ^• Tables withdrawne, Trineus daunced with the fayre yong Princesse, courting her with manie honest & decent spéeches, which made Luce­mania suppose he loued her, but the Prince noted it well e­nough, albeit his affections were bound to English Agriola. In this time the other Ladies were conferring of Palme­rins knightlie valour, when the Countie of Armignac his Sonne, intreating the Duke of Orleaunce Daughter to daunce, was thus staied by her spéeches to y ^• other Ladies. You sée faire Ladies (quoth shee) that Palmerin hath mis­prized our beauties, to reuenge our iniurie, let vs all fall vppon him, and shut him in some place where hee may ne­uer come foorth, for if he escape vs, the Allemaigne Ladies shall beare the honor from the French, which will bee to vs perpetuall discredite. These wordes she spake with such a pleasant countenaunce, as mooued all the other Ladies to smile, whereupon the Duchesse of Burgundie answered. In sooth it is necessarie we should doo so, and let vs not suffer him to gette out of our handes so easilie, as he did from the Knights that came to the Combat. All the companie lyked this motion well, but the King said. Ladies, I will not con­sent that Palmerin shall haue anie wronge, because I haue [Page 106] taken him into my guarde. And who shall make re­compence (quoth another Ladie) for the wrong hee hath doone vs? You ought to suffer for satis-faction, saide y ^• King, and bee glad that you had the meane to sée the best Knight in the world, for mine owne part I promise you, I rest so contented. Palmerin hearing the King so commende him, bashfullie thus aunswered. Alas my Lorde, there is no such matter in me as pleaseth your Maiesty to report, but what my abilitie is, it remaines to doo you seruice: accounting my selfe more then happy by comming to your Courte, to haue knowledge of a Prince so noble and vertuous, and no man liuing (next my Lord the Emperour) that maie commaūde me more then your highnes. Among other speeches, y ^• King broke the matter of his Daughters marriage to Palmerin, desiring him to labour in the cause to Trineus, which hee promised: but al in vain, for after they had taken their leaue to returne towards Allemaigne, though Palmerin was ear­nest in the matter, in respecte of the beautie and nobilitie of the Princesse, as for the support he might haue by mat­ching with the Daughter of Fraunce, yet Trineus thus an­swered. I thanke you my Lord for the good you wish mee, as also the honour the King affoordes mee: but another be­yond her (whose renowne hath conquered me) is Lady and Mistresse of my affections. And because you are hee fr [...]m whom I will not hide my most secrete thoughts, know that it is Agriola, Daughter to the King of England, to whom though my Father be an enemie, yet by your aide & mine owne good endeuours, I doo not doubt to compasse my loue. You knowe my Lord (quoth Palmerin) that I wish as wel to you as mine owne hart, and when occasion serues, tryall shall make manifest. And séeing you haue fixed your loue on faire Agriola of England, imparting likewise the same so confidently to me: I am perswaded you coulde neuer make a better choise, therefore let nothing chaunge your opinion. Thus rode they on with manie sundrie spéeches, not a lit­tle gladde they were returning to the Emperour, but Pal­merin [Page] much more then was Trineus, for the desire hee had to sée his Ladie Polinarda: wherefore with the consent of the Prince, he sent a Squire before to aduertise the Empe­rour of their comming, before whom he had no sooner doone reuerence, but he was presentlie knowne, and demaunded in what estate his Son Trineus and Palmerin were, where he had left them, & what accidēts had happened in Fraunce? Then the Squire rehearsed the Combats and victories of his Maister against the Princes of Fraunce and the Dukes of Gaule & Sauoye, with their royall entertainment by the King and his Sonne, howe manie portraits of Ladies Pal­merin had conquered, with the whole discourse of euerie ac­tion. Whereof the Emperour, the Empresse, and all the Lords & Ladies were maruailous glad, yet was not theyr ioy comparable to the Princesse Polinardas, hearing the Squire reueale the honourable déedes of her loue, so that her conceit might be discerned by her coūtenance, & needes she must thus demaunde of the Squire. I praie thée tell me my Fréende, howe fares my Lord and Brother, with his noble companion Sir Palmerin? The Squire wel abuised, because he knewe the loue betwéene her and his Maister, sette his knee to the grounde againe with this aunswere. I left the Prince your Brother, accompanied with my Lord, Palmerin, well and in good health: but chéefely my Lorde, who since you sawe him, hath wunne the greatest honour that euer Knight did. Afterward he reported the manner of the Combats to her, and what gréefe his Maister sustained in his sicknes, when he coulde not be reuenged on y ^e Knight that lost her counterfeit, which the Duke of Sauoye placed at the féete of Lucemania, and last of all, the perillous Com­bat betwéene his Maister & the Knight of the Sun. Which she tooke such delight to heare, as she made him repeate one thing manie times, and could not satis-fie herselfe suffi­cientlie with these worthy reports. Which the Squire per­ceiuing, delighted as much to itterate euerie thing, and said. Beléeue me Madame, the loue my Maister beares to her, [Page 107] for whose beautie he entered the Combat, in my opinion is incredible, for he is much more hers then his owne, and I haue séene him in such sort thinking on her, as one coulde hardlie iudge him aliue or deade, fearing least anie other shold rob him of his loue, such is y ^e iealousie of his vnspotted affection, albeit my Maister reputes his Ladie immouable. Polinarda changing countenance oftentimes at y ^• Squires wordes, aunswered. The Ladie shoulde be very ill councel­led, béeing honoured with the looue of so good a Knight as Palmerin, to make refusall of his worthie seruice: and I promise thée, by the faith of a Princesse, that if I knew her, for the vnwillingnes I haue to heare him cōplaine, I wold endeuour to cause her like none but him, and therein to thinke herselfe the most happie among Ladies. Wherfore [if thou maist bee so bolde] tell thy Maister at his returne, that I will be a meane to aide him towardes her he loues: and therewithall present him my fauourable salutations, in that I euermore desired the fortunate ende of his enter­prise, not so much for the lyking of his Ladie, béeing beloued of the best, as for the renowned chiualrie that harbours in his hart. These spéeches ended, the Squire returned to méet the Prince Trineus and his Maister, to whom he reported his talke with Polynarda: which Palmerin reioycing at, let fall all iealousie, estéeming her nowe the truest Lady li­uing. The men of Gaunt for ioy of his returne, that so wor­thilie deliuered them from the oppressions of the enchaun­ted Knight, went foorth in seuerall companies, according as honor, yéeres and office directed them, to méete him, and so conueied him with signes of ioy to the Pallace, where the Emperour so much abased himselfe, as he came downe into the open Court to entertaine him, and glad likewise to see the safe returne of his Sonne Tryneus, saying. My Sonne, right happie is thy returne, & you Sir Palmerin, perswade your selfe so welcome as hart can deuise, assuring you, that your successe hath not a little pleased me. And needes must I account the Ladie especially bounden to you, for whose [Page] loue you haue past so manie dangerous Combats, good rea­son hath she to loue you, in respect of your trauailes for her, renowning her so much by your knightlie chiualrie, so that if she recompence you not according to your merits, woor­thilie may she be condemned of ingratitude. Alas my Lords (quoth he) her beautie commaundeth higher matters then all my labours. Polynarda béeing in presence, remembred well her Fathers words, and therfore she intended to shun that condemnation, saying to herselfe. He that deserues ho­nour ought to were it, and he that commaundes the soule, may easilie ouer-rule the passions of the minde: let my Knight then be rewarded as he hath rightly deserued. All this while, the eyes of these two louers so well discharged their office, as Palmerin wished that Iuno had graunted him so much, as she did somtime to Argus her shéepehearde, that he might haue more ease in his afflictiō: for he thought it not enough, onelie to behold the beautie of so rare and ex­cellent perfection. Againe, he was not a little tormented, because Polynarda (to couer what she woulde gladlie none should discerne) cast her lookes on the ground, which some­times shee likewise compelled him to doo: but her presence whom he estéemed aboue all other things, would not allow him that consideration. The Emperour at length comman­ded, that all the figures of the Ladies which he had wunne in Cōbat, should be brought before him: but when hée sawe so manie, and of so contrarie qualitie, hee coulde not but cō ­m [...]nd [...] Sir Palmerins victorie. Then were diuers iudg­ments giuen of the beauty of the portraits, eache one of the beholders after their seuerall opinions. Ptolome made de­scription of whom they were, and who did enter Combatte on their behalfe, omitting at no tune the honour of Pal­merin: whereat they all admired, some commending their complexions, others their swéete yong yéeres, and al­togeather the prowesse of him that brought the conquest with him, whereupon the Emperour said. In good faith Sir Palmerio, I blesse the time that Fortune sent me so good a [Page 108] Knight, and thinke not to carrie awaie all the glory of your victorie your selfe, for I meane to haue part because you gaue your selfe mine. And woulde the Ladie you loue were in thys Courte or in my Realme, to the ende I might so assist you in your sute▪ as you might both be mine. My Lord (quoth Palmerin) the victorie is wholie yours, béeing got­ten by your Knight, and if the Ladie I loue were not vnder your regiment, then shoulde I complaine of a greater mat­ter then abyding with you, béeing obedient to your high­nes as your humble subiect and Seruaunt. With which aunswere the Emperour was highlie contented, and Try­neus comming to his Sister Polynarda, saide. Trust mee faire Sister, you are more indebted to Palmerin, then to a­nie other Knight in the worlde beside, and rather accept of him then of the Duke of Lorrayne, who maintaining your beautie, was ouercome by the Duke of Sauoy, and your pic­ture placed at the féete of Lucemania, where yet it had re­mained, but that Palmerin conquering the Duke, remooued the figure of the French Princesse in obeysaunce to you. Po­lynarda not content with the vndiscréete enterprise of the Duke of Lorrayne, aunswered. In sooth good Brother, the Duke of Lorrayne is none of my Knight, and I repute Pal­merin to haue more bountie and valour, then the Duke can haue of wit or courage, therefore great meruaile that hee was not slaine. The Emperour seeing Polynarda was of­fended with the Duke of Lorrayne, aunswered. You cannot (Daughter) forbid men to execute their owne pleasure, and if the Duke liked to enter the Combat for your beautie, it was for the honourable good will he bare you, and albeit hée could not reache his desire, yet haue you no cause to thinke the worsse of him. Polynarda béeing a Princesse of rare wit and iudgment, as anie of her time, would multiply no more words, but continued silent: neuerthelesse, Palmerin remembring her aunswere to Tryneus, intreated her to kéepe all the portraits of the Ladies, determining to sende them to whom they belonged, according to their degrées in [Page] birth and honor. Which she thankfully accepted, and spen­ding this whole daie in diuers delights, Palmerin béeing in the euening in his Chamber accompanied with Ptolome, sent his Dwarffe to the Princesse to appoint the time of their méeting: and she séeing the Dwarffe, caught him a­bout the necke, demaunding of him what newes hee brought. None but good Madame, answered the Dwarffe, my Maister hath sent you the Bon soir, and therewith his humble duetie to your highnes, for, being your Knight, and liuing onelie to doo you seruice: he hath good hope that your vertuous nature wyll not forget, howe many daungers he hath past for your sake, and nowe dooth loue appeale for his desired reward. Therefore good Madame, as you are hart­fast, vnite your selues handfast, giue my Maister life, your selfe comfort, and make me happy by carrying of this mes­sage: for I vowe by the reuerend faith I beare you bothe, that I will not depart without some gracious aunswere. Polynarda smyling to heare Vrbanillo speake so earnestlie, sayd. The assuraunce thou giuest me of the trustie affection thou bearest thy Maister, dooth not a little content mee, and pitty it were so good a Knight shoulde labour all this while in vaine: therefore perswade thy Maister, that to morrow at night I will méete him where we were wont, and there will I resolue him to his owne content.

CHAP. XLIII.

VRbanillo with chéerefull counte­naunce returned to his Master, declaring to him his talke wyth Polynarda, her swéete lookes, her gracious aunsweres, how choise­lie she loued him, and lastlie her promise to meete him in the ac­customed place: yet is not this all, for before you depart with her, shee hath assured mee to re­solue you to your owne content. And that is it I want (ꝙ he) for might I once receiue my content, then shoulde I thinke my trauailes rewarded. And doubt you not thereof saide the Dwarffe, if she be a woman of her worde. Then Ptolome béeing present, asked the Dwarffe if he saw Bry­onella. No in sooth (quoth he) she was not in the Princesse Chamber, nor (to my knowledge) was she acquainted with my comming, yet dare I thinke she will be there with my Lady. The time béeing come, the Ladies were at the place with deuotion answerable to those silent howres, and theyr Knights not fayling their appointment, what pleasure on eache side was conceiued, is not to be enquired, for all wy­shings are nothing in respect of their contentments. Poly­narda hauing her fréendly Knight before her, so sweete a blush ecclipsed her countenaunce, as woulde driue nature into a studie to frame the like, and thus she began. Alas my sweete Freende, in what paine, anguish and heauines of [Page] hart, hath your absence brought me? what teares haue fal­len from mine eyes, and drops of blood frō my hart, by ren­ting sighes and [...]easelesse acclamations, remembring our pleasures past, our present comfort, and the hope of better hap to come? What dolorous conceits hath often wounded me, thinking on so many hazards and perrils as might hin­der me from séeing you againe? and not without cause, be­léeue me, for had you miscaried, neuer Ladie sustained such a losse, in respect of your Knightlie valour, and the vnfeig­ned loue I heare you, whereof (before I depart) I meane assuredlie to resolue you, in requitall of your hon [...]urable tranailes for maintenaunce of my beautie. And héereof per­swade your selfe good Knight, that to haue you, I refuse all other good fortunes whatsoeuer: and therefore I car [...] not though it were openlie knowne, how especiallie I prize, de­sire, loue and estéeme you. Palmerin confounded with this long expected comfort, and not able to endure with silence, interrupted her in this manner. By y ^e faith of your sworne Seruaunt, swéete Madame, the perrils, mishaps, and dan­gers I haue past since my departure, neuer deserued the verie least of your cōplaints, nor could my endeuours prooue such, as your incomparable perfections merrited, the onelie remembraunce whereof was sufficient to make me inuin­cible: wherefore faire Mistresse, if I haue wunne anie ho­nor [...] your fauour was the meane, and your beautie gaue mée the vertue, streaming so plentifullie from your chaste ei [...]s, as the water from the Fountaine. To little purpose were it nowe to rehearse, y ^• strange assaults, massacring thoughts, and violent flames, wherein I haue buried and continual­lie béene crucified, since the howre it pleased you to let mee sée Fraunce: vndoubtedly, y ^• verie meanest of my sufferings was able to destroie me, without the resolute assuraunce of your diuine fauour, which triūphing [...]uer death, shall make me liue continuallie. So that the desire to let you knowe how assuredlie I am yours, and the continuall wyshing to see you againe, gaue mee victorie ouer your enemies, and [Page 110] brought me safe thorow all extreamities, to honour you; as I doo at this present. It nowe remaines Madame, that you regarde the trueth of my loue, the permanence thereof, and the instant passions worsse then death to mee, yet with this prouiso, that I presume not of anie action meritorious, but your grace, which is able to strengthen me in greatest debilitie. And no where know I to séeke for pittie and sup­port of my cares, if not onelie by her, who hath y ^• soueraigne power to chase hence, the cruell and euer threatning me­naces of death. Forbeare good my Lorde, quoth she, thus to talke of death, considering I cannot liue one howre with­out you, nor holde I any comfort of my life, but onelie in loo­uing you, to enioy you: so that what you endure, I suffer, and no passion torments you, but I haue a share therein, so deuoutlie is my spirit conforted with yours. And therefore think [...] not your oppressions greator then mine, for if you doo, it procéedeth by want of experience of feminine passi­ons, the extreamitie whereof farre surmounteth your sexe. For which cause, to giue some rest to our long and ouertra­uailed desires, I giue you héere my hand, and therewithall a chast hart, accepting you onely for my Lorde & Husbande, and to my promise call Heauen & Earth to witnes. Where is the wit so daintie, the tongue so florishing, or the penne so dilligent, as can conceiue, report or set down in perfect coul­lers, the ioyes of these louers? You faire Lordinges, and you likewise swéete Ladies, that long haue trauailed in a­morous affections, and in the ende receiued the rewarde of your passions, by your owne conceites can imagine the con­tent of these twaine: for Palmerin was of this opinion, that Iupiter had not the like pleasure with faire Alemena, for whom hee caused one might to endure the space of three daies, as hee hadde with his gracious Mistresse Polinarda. For nowe the manifolde strokes he gaue for beautie, were héere remembred, his daungerous trauailes in all places, recounted, his absence, with kinde gratulations wel­commed, his teares, sighes, complaints & feares, resolued, [Page] and lastlie, his long, vnchangeable and most faithfull loue, f [...]eendlie rewarded. Let vs not heere forget, that Ptolome and Brionella were in y ^• same predicament, for he knowing her to be of the noble and auncient ligne, beside, sole heyre to the house of Saxon, might count himselfe highly honored with such a Wife: and therefore the like coniunction was made betwéene them, so that nowe these Knights and La­dies were espoused before God, there wanted nothing but the ceremonie of y ^• Church to confirme it. But nowe comes Vrbanillo, and hee breakes of this pleasure, because y ^• time was so farre spent, as they must néeds depart: which with much a doo they did, leauing their Ladies examining theyr content, the Princesse soone after thus conferring with Brionella. Alas faire Fréende, it is doubtfull what danger maie arise, because you haue contracted your selfe to Ptolo­me without the Emperors consent: howe will you answer when you are charged with the fault? Brionella, who now feared nothing but the preuenting of her loue, aunswered. In sooth Madame, you speake with great reason, you nowe giue counsell when the déede is doone, and cannot bee reuo­ked till it be dispatched: woulde you haue all the good for­tune your selfe, and suffer your Freende to enioy no part with you? trust mee that is vnconscionable dealing, for he that made you to loue, framed me of the selfe same mettall. But I sée you make the occasion to me, to learne howe to aunswere your owne déede: let vs referre all to him Ma­dame, that appointed your choise by destinie, and mine by mine owne lyking. Manie other pleasaunt spéeches passed betwéene them, and diuers times their Knights came to vi­site them, till Fortune who will neuer suffer thinges long in one estate, sent an occasion to hinder this delight of theyr loue: for there was a Messenger come to the Courte from the King of Norvvay, Nephew to the Emperour, who bee­ing admitted audience, thus deliuered his message. Woor­thie Lord, the King of Norvvay my Maister, requires your assistaunce in his great distresse, against the King of Eng­land, [Page 111] who with a mightie and puissaunt Armie is entered his dominions, where he hath made great wast & slaughter of his people, in diuers skirmishes and conflicts passed be­tweene them, so that he neuer had like [...]néede as at this in­stant. Trust me (quoth the Emperour) I will assiste him with right good will, and his mis-fortune dooth not a little gréeue me, but I will take order for it immediatlie, and my power shall be with him so soone as possiblie maie be, with which aunswere the Messenger departed. Nowe as concer­ning the cause of these warres, betwéene the Kings of Nor­way and England, it was procured by displeasure of succor, that the King of Norway gaue to y ^e King of Scots his Bro­ther, who helde warre with England about the taking of certaine Shippes: the Emperour likewise his heauie ene­mie, and for that cause he promised helpe so soone to y ^• King his Nephew. Which when Trineus vnderstoode, that his Father declared himselfe displeased with the Father of his beloued Agriola, (whose loue no occasion coulde alter) hee was greatlie discontented: yet dissembling his conceit, de­termined rather to aide the King of Englande, then his Co­zin, and therefore intreated Palmerin to accompanie him to his Chamber, where hee woulde acquaint him with some part of the sorrow he conceiued, by the succour his Father would sende to the King of Norvvay, against her Father whose Seruant he had vowed himselfe, and therfore (quoth he) let me desire you to conceale a request I shall make to you. You knowe my Lorde, said Palmerin, that I will no lesse obey you then the Emperour your Father, commaund therefore what you please, and be it in my power, it shal be executed. So it is, quoth Trineus, that I woulde haue you not accompanie the power my Father sendes by Sea, but doo so much for me, that you, Ptolome, & my selfe (vnknown to anie) may assist the King of England in his warres, by which meanes I doubt not to compasse the thing I most of all desire. And this I dare tell you, that my life is only dedi­cated to her seruice, and so well doo I hope to imploye my [Page] paines, that she shall haue cause to loue me, and regard the paine I suffer for her sake: and but I gaine the fortune to to purchase my loue, right soone & suddaine shall you heare of my death. You that haue felt the like torments can cen­sure of mine, which I dare not impart to the Emperor my Father, because of the hatred hee beares the King of Eng­land, aduise mee therefore good Fréende what I shall doo. These spéeches were nothing pleasing to Palmerin, seeing he must nowe againe depart from his Ladie: but because he earnestly affected Trineus, and knew how wel he might helpe him in his loue, answered. Assure your selfe my Lord, that I will labour dissigentlie for your good, and shall assist you to my vttermost, in that you beare such loue to y ^• Prin­cesse. And I am of the opinion, that hauing receiued the or­der of knighthood, which the Emperour your Father wyll not denie, it woulde auaile you much, to tell your Father how [...] you desire (vnknowne) to aide the King of Norway. For my part, if he demaunde my aduise, I will like it so well, as because the Annie cannot bee readie so soone, your honor, Ptolome and my selfe will ryde before towards the King, and so may we accomplish what you so earnestlie de­sire. This counsell pleased so well Trineus, as he intended on the morrow to request his order of the Emperor: as also how gladlie he wold assist y ^• King of Norway, and howe ne­cessary it was for him to goe before the Armie, as Palmerin and he had deuised togeather.

CHAP. XLIIII.

ON the morrow, this yong Prince seeing that to accomplishe his in­tent, it was ecessarie hee shoulde be knighted, he gaue attenda [...]ce to finde the Emperour at leysure, when he might sollicite his high­nesse with his sute: and vnder­standing that hee was walking in his Gallerie, hee went to him, and on his knée thus began. Dreade L [...]rd and Father, so pleased your Mai [...]stie, it is nowe time I shoulde receiue my order of Khighthoode, and more neces­s [...]y now then at any of her time, in respecte of my earnest desire to aide the King of Norway my Gozin in his warres. The Emperour meruailing whence this humour shoulde procéede, answered. Why Trineus, doo you thinke your selfe able to take so waightie a charge in hand [...]? truely such ho­nor is soone receiued, but to maintaine it as it ought to be, and preuent the dangers incident therto, is more hard then you weene, and maketh proofe of the most couragious [...], in that neither paine, [...]eare or danger must hinder, what a matter of so great consequence dooth command. And perswade your selfe, that such as councelled you thereto, knowe [...]aut thēselues their duetie in those affayres, where­fore for a [...] haue patience, and referre it [...] abi­litie [...] for I wil send good store of other Knights in this ex­pedition, who shall well excuse you to y ^• King my Nephew. [...] not contented with this answere, replyed. In truth [Page] my Lord, if I were not desirous to fulfill what is required in chiualrie, I wold not so boldly haue made this demaund, therefore for such exceptions as you admitted, let mee not I beséeche you be denied at this time: and let this induce you, that such as are borne to gouerne Kingdoms, if they giue themselues onelie to pleasure, without passing through the pykes of some dangerous hazarde, they are not woorthie to be lifted to such honor. The Emperor hearing the braue minde of his Sonne, and that his wordes fauoured of cou­rage, conceiuing well thereof, answered. Since your desire is so earnest to be made Knight, I am well contented, but I wold haue it doone honorablie, and before a greater assem­blie then now is in our Court, Alas my Lord, said Trineus, there is no néede of tryumphe before victorie: let such pomp remaine, I pray you, til I haue w [...]nne honor and accounte by my déedes. The Emperor ioyfull of the Princes good o­pinion, perswaded himselfe he wold [...] fortunate, wher­fore he graunted his request, so that Palmerin might accō ­panie him in his voyage. Of which condition Trineus was not sorie, because in him consisted all his hope of successe: so his Father commaunded him to prepare himselfe for hys order, whereupon Trineus made himselfe a costlie Armor, and another for Palmerin, the deuises béeing changed, be­cause they intended to passe vnknowne. Nowe had the Em­peror leuied an Armie of tenne thousande good Souldiers, the conduct wherof was appointed to the Countie Tolano, a Knight valiant and hardie, hauing had like charge in sun­drie occasions of war: therefore so soone as all things were in readines, they were embarqued, and sayled with such be­nefite of winde and weather, as soone after they tooke lan­ding in England. Where a while we will leaue, returning to Polynarda, greatlie discontent with her Brothers departure, because of Palmerin, and Brionella no lesse troubled for her fréend Ptoleme: but the Princesse féeling newe af­flictions for the absence of her loue, came to her Brother, saying. I knowe not (Brother) who hath aduised you to [Page 113] venture so dangerously, our Cozin hauing assistance suffici­ent without hazarding your personne, let mee then intreate you (good Brother) to affect occasions that promise better securitie. Better occasions Sister? quoth hee, it is impossi­ble, if it be a thing allowable & vertuous to succour a stran­ger, howe much more then is it to our Kinsman, especially such a one as is our Cozin of Norvvay? therefore I pray you be of good comfort till my returne. And if it so happen, that my Father in my absence intend your marriage, looke that your consent not til I come home againe, for my not be­ing héere will serue you for a sufficient excuse. Which Poli­narda promised, and her word so past, stoode her in no small sted afterward, as you shall finde in the discourse following. So soone as Trineus was prouided of all thinges for his knighthoode, he came to the Emperour in this maner. I de­sire you my Lord to accomplish your promise, hauing doone my duetie as you commaunded me. With right good will my Sonne, saide the Emperor, goe Arme your selfe. Then went hee, Palmerin and Ptolome armed to the Chappell, Trineus béeing in Gréene Armour, figured all [...] with harts of Golde, and in his Shéelde was portraied a Knight vnarmed, holding in his hand a Bowe bent, with an arrow readie to shoote against a gréene Trée, whereon hunge a scrole, which had written in it in Letters of Gold this mot: Madame, quand mourray-ie? Whereby he meant, that the loue which made him enterprise this voyage, should beare him companie till death. Palmerins Armor was all blacke, declaring his mourning for his absence from his Lady, and in his Shéelde for his deuise was figured, a goodlie Eagle, sh [...]ouding a little Birde vnder his winges, declaring ther­by the fauour he had receiued of his Mistresse. Soone after came the Emperor into the Chappell, where hee Knighted his Sonne, put his Spur on his héele, and gi [...]ded his sworde about him: afterward they went to dinner, and spent the wh [...]le daie in manie pleasures, for ioy of the newe Knight. P [...]merin & Ptolome to comfort their Ladies before theyr [Page] departure according as they were wont, when y ^• Princesse Polinarda thus began. Alas my Lorde, what gréefe wyll your departure be to me? with what patience doo you think I am able to endure it? perswade your selfe, the very con­ceit of your absence will be my death, or at least a cause of such danger as I shall neuer recouer. Bee well aduised therefore how you deale with me, for the intent of my Bro­ther maie be broken if you would labour in it: but if it may not be, then saue my life by your spéedie returne. These words were deliuered with such teares and reking sighes, as Palmerin might well perceiue the vehemence of her gréefes, and answering her heauines with as earnest op­pression, said. Swéete Ladie bee perswaded, & tempe [...] your sorrow with patience, considering the vnion of our spirites makes a simpathie of afflictions, if then for my sake you will not pacifie your selfe, yet to shéeld your owne perril let me intreate you to be resolued, in that my returne shall bée with such expedition as you will commaunde. But if you continue thus melanchollie, you will bewray what as yet shoulde bee concealed, and so may great harme ensue to vs both: Wherfore I desire you to moderate your impatience, and thinke well of my departure, which is chéefelie to seeke out a Knight, against whome I fought in Fraunce for your beautie, as for anie other matter you may beléeue me.

Whereuppon he reported his Combat with the Knight of the Sunne, which made the Princesse (as well for Pal­merins promise, as y ^e account he made of Frysol) somewhat better quieted, to answere. If it be so my Lord, that your re­turne will bee with such spéede, I shall enforce my selfe to beare the burthen of my cares with as much patience as I can, and sée you faile not your appointed time: but tell mee I praie you, what Armes beares the Knight of the Sunne you spake off? which Palmerin discribing, Polinarda re­membred him, saying. My Lorde, I know nowe very well what he is, for eight daies after your departure towardes Fraunce, the Emperour my Father knighted him, commā ­ding [Page 114] mee to gird him with his Sworde, which I coulde not but obey: wherein the Knight glorying, sollicited me with affections not liking me, which I pray you reuenge, béeing the man whom the matter néerest concerneth. After manie other amiable conferences, the Knights humbly tooke their leaue of their Ladies, and in the morning betimes, the Ma­riners called on Trineus and his companie to hast aboorde, because the winde serued well for England, which they per­formed with all speede, hauing first taken their farwell of the Emperour and the Court. So hoysing sayle, they sette on to Sea, and in good t [...]me came within y ^• kenning of Eng­land: where we will forsake them awhile, and returne to the Emperors Armie, which he sent to the King of Nor­vvay his Nephewe.

CHAP. XLV.

REhearsed it hath béene alreadie, how the Emperor of Allemaigne promised y ^• Messenger of Nor­waye, to sende his Maister the ayde of tenne thousand men at Armes, of whome the Countie Tolano was made General, and they arriued in England without any resistance▪ The Countie vn­derstanding by his auaunt cou­re [...]s, the order of the Enemies Armie, and where the King of Norway was encamped, raunged his men in good order, and marched toward their Forte, which y ^e King had made [Page] in the Duchie of Gaul [...], and which he had destroyed during the time the Duke was in Fraunce, hauing there fortifyed the strongest Cittie, and the Hauen that stood best for their commoditie. Crenus at his returne with Frisol, as you haue hearde, vnderstanding the spoile of his Countrie, assembled his people togeather, and with the ayde of the King of Eng­land, came within a dayes iourney of his enemies. The Countie Tolano hearing thereof, appointed his men in se­uerall companies, and the next daie gaue such sharpe skir­mishes to y ^• Gaulles, as they were cōstrained to kéepe with­in their defences. Héereuppon the Duke determined to bid them battaile, and to helpe him in his attempt, hee caused an ambush of a thousand light Horsemen, to place thēselues in a Forrest néere adioyning, of which companie Frisol was the leader, and to prouoke the Norwayes to the field, he sent out certaine men at Armes well prouided, who scouted héere and there, to the ende the Allemaignes, who had béene so hote the daie before, should be compassed with the secrete ambush, which fel out according to Crenus his expectation. For so soone as the Allemaignes saw the Englishmen so scat­tered, they dislodged themselues and followed them, with the whole Armie of the King of Norway, because they were perswaded y ^• they tooke themselus to flight: but y ^• Gaulles not dismayed with their comming, béeing but foure thou­sande Horse, and tenne thousand footemen, came valiantlie against the Allemaigne Ensignes, and then began a verie fierce encounter, but the Englishmen wise & pollitique, fea­ring mis-fortune, came on with their reregard towards the Forrest where the ambush lay, when the King of Norway ignoraunt of their intent, suddainlie made after them with the greatest part of his power, but they had a worsse wel­come then they expected, for y ^• Englishmen aduertised what they should doo, gathered vppon the Forrest side, charging their enemies with such a sharpe assault, as in lesse spac [...] then an howre, two thousand of them were slaine. Frysol perceiuing the time was come to show himselfe, calling his [Page 115] squadron togeather, cryed. Upon thē valiantly my fréends, the spoyle is ours. So entred they pel mel am [...]ng y ^• Alle­maignes, making such slaughter of thē as was w [...]nderful to behold, for albeit they thought not of this deceit, they were so ouerwearied with dalliance, as when they cam to the ex­ploit they could doo nothing, but were slaine downe right, such valour shewed Frysol & his fresh supplie, forcing them to flight, and they following them, béeing glad to take the Cittie of Tomar which was stronglie fortefied. Which whē the King of Norway perceiued, he staied not long after thē, because he sawe it was not best for him, and therefore fled after them for companie at the hard héeles, and got the Cit­tie in good time, els had they all perrished. Thus remained Crenus Maister of the fielde, and following his successe, the next daie begi [...]t the Cittie of Tomar with siedge, swea­ring neuer to depart thence, till hee sawe the Cittizens ey­ther through the Eates or the walles. Yet had this courage of his béene soone cooled, if Frysol like a good Captaine had not cherished vp his men, when Crenus at one saillie of the enemie lost two thousand men, and therefore saide. Why howe nowe my louing Fréendes and companions? wil you flye or faint at the hower of good fortune? desire you not to purchase the vertue so highlie estéemed? know you not that you deale with people halfe conquered, and altogeather dys­couraged? courage then my Brethren, courage, and let vs not exchange our reputation with their feare and faynting: you giue mee double strength good Fréendes, if but wyth good countenaunce, you will make them know, what cow­ardlie crauens they are. Follow me bra [...]e Englishmen, and this very daie will we giue them punishment, as their trea­son and rebellion hath well deserued. These words renew­ed eache ones courage meruailously, so that the Duke with a fresh supply beganne againe thus to annimate them. You knowe my good Fréends, that although we are but a hand­ful in respect of them, what successe we haue alreadie had in our encounters, so that with greater ease may wee nowe [Page] conquere, weakening them so mightily as wee haue doone: let vs not dismay then, but witnes that the worst manne amongst vs, is more valiant and hardie in Armes, then the greatest Lord that is in their companie, eache man there­fore cherrish his hope, and bearde our enemies to the very téeth. The daie following, the enemie came foorth at a po­sterne Gate, and held the Dukes power very good playe, and the Norwayes very well appoynted with Bowes and arrowes, gauled the Horsse so cruelly, as they were glad to take their Campe, wherupon the Countie Tolano in hope of the daie, followed vpon them with his Allemaigne court­laces, which Frysol perceiuing, mette him in the face with his English squadron, and giuing the spurres to his Horse, ran with his Launce quite thorow his bodie: whereat the Allemaignes much amazed, when they saw their Generall fall dead from his Horse, determined valiantly to reuenge his death, but Frysol and his men dealt with them so round lie, as the stoutest was glad and faine to make them waie. Yet had they hemde in Frysol with such a troupe, as if the Duke had not spéedilie come with reskewe, they had taken him, and then began the sharpest bickering, for the Duke of Gaule and Frysol with their men so bestirred them, as the Allemaignes cleane discouraged, beganne to disorder them­selues, and with the Norwayes fled to the Cittie so fast as they coulde, where Frysol & his men had entered, but that the King of Norway not daring to come into the fielde, was there with men sufficient to resist his entrie. Thus remai­ned the victory to the Duke of Gaule, by the braue pollicies of Frysol and his men, he béeing generally commended of the Armie: and thus retired the Allemaignes & Norvvayes to their shame and dishonor. After the retrait sounded by the King of Norway, hee sent to y ^e Duke to demaunde truce for foure and twentie howres, that they might burye the dead, among whom was the Countie Tolano: which bee­ing graunted him, he caused the Counties bodie to bee em­balmed, who by the counsell of his Lorde and Captaines, [Page 116] was sent home into his Country. The King and his com­pany secretlie in the night embarqued themselues, to ioyne with the King of Scots, who expected his comming, & then did the Cittizens sende word to the Duke, that by y ^• breake of daie they would yéelde the keyes of their Gates to him: whereuppon Frysol was Lieuetenant generall for y ^• Duke of Gaule, and entred honorably the Cittie of Tomar, where the Englishmen rested themselues for two or thrée dayes, to recompence their paynes with profit and pleasure. The e­nemie was no sooner departed vnder sayle, but there arose such a terrible tempest, as the most part of their vessels pe­rished in the Sea, and the other were so scattered, as they had lost the sight of one another: yet was some small num­ber remayning with the King, as well of Allemaignes as his own Countreimen, so getting safe to shore in his kingdom, he determined a reuenge for his great ouerthrowe, but hee could not compasse his intent, as you shall reade héereafter.

CHAP. XLVI.

TRineus, Palmerin and Ptolome, béeing landed within 4. dayes iourney of the Kinges Campe, which was prouided against the King of Scots, were aduertised, that the King stayed but y ^• com­ming of y ^• Duke of Tintriel, and then he meant to bid his enemie battaile, that had so boldlie pre­sumed [Page] vpon part of his Realme. The garders of the porte where they landed, séeing they were strangers, woulde suffer them passe no further, till they knewe their names, whether they went, and what they came for. Palmerin an­swering on the behalfe of them all, said. Good fréendes, we are Grecian Knightes, and trauaile strange Countries to séeke aduentures, and because we heard that your King me­naceth warre, against his auncient and maleuolent enemie the King of Scots, wee come to offer our selues and our ser­uice to him, so please his Maiestie to accept it. This aun­swere so well contented the Officers, as by their meanes they were conducted to the Court, where they were hono­rably entertained, and two daies togeather were there fea­sted with the King, in which time Trineus vnderstood, that that the Quéene and her Daughter, were aboue twentie miles thence, whereupon the next morning they tooke their iourney thither, and by dinner time came where y ^e Queene laie. But it fell out so happilie for Trineus, as before they came to the place where the Court aboade, they mette the Quéene and her traine, who dailie went to a Chappell, not a quarter of a mile from the Cittie, to heare diuine seruice, as she kept it for a continuall exercise, and with her was faire Agriola her Daughter. The Quéene and all her La­dies alighted from their Palfrayes, they entred the Chap­pell, the Prince well regarding the Goddesse of his hart, who belike making her prayers more bréefe then her Mo­ther, came foorth with her wayting Ladies, to walke vnder a companie of gréene Trées néere adioyning. Trineus séeing her a creature so rare and excellent, made doubt in a matter of assuraunce, least he should bee surprised as Acteon was, when he found Diana bathing among her Nimphes. He be­ing thus caried away with meruailous conceit of her beau­tie, saluted not the Princesse as shee passed before him, nor heard Palmerin who reprooued him for omitting his cour­tesie: but wading further & further into this amorous fu­rie, spake so loude as he was easilie hearde, in this manner. [Page 117] O heauens, will you suffer the perfections of a Ladie so di­uinelie accomplished, to be y ^e cause of my vndeserued death? when may the time come for me, to let her vnderstand my desire to doo her seruice? or howe might she know the loyal affection I beare her? One of the Ladies of honor attending on the Princesse, reputing his wordes vnwise & ouer-bolde, answered. Why Sir Knight, where learned you so little courtship, as when the fairest in the Westerne world pas­seth before you, you make no gentle gesture or salutation? I doubt that what is counted honestie & vertue among men of quallitie, with you is [...]eemed harsh and vnciuill, which makes me repute you more méete for the Kitchen, then to beare the honorable office and rich Armes of a Knight, as you doo. Trineus as it were awaked out of a traunce, saide. Ah swéete Ladie pardon me, for by my faith I can neither tell what you said, nor well where I am my selfe: for euen as you ended, I felt such a passion strike me to y ^e very hart, as death will soone arrest me without remedie. The Ladie, who knewe not his meaning, checked him againe, thus. Were it not better then for you to be in the field, then héere in this foolish and vndiscréete pensiuenes? It is true Lady, (quoth y ^e Prince) that at this time I haue shewed my selfe vnmannerlie, and a slender Courtier, yet is not the blame altogeather to be throwne on me, ignoraunt who the Lady was which you speake of: for wee are strange Knightes, and are come farre from this Countrey, with intent to aide and succour the King in his warres with our vttermost en­deuours. Notwithstanding, because we haue with no more regard doone our duetie to your Mistresse, may it please you to entreate her on our behalfe, to pardon this offence: for satis-faction wherof, we wil goe serue the King her father in battell, where we doubt not so wel to behaue our selues, as shall deserue our pardon, if so be she will not at this instant so fauour vs. And I gladlie woulde faire Ladie, that such seruice shoulde bee doone by her commaundement, for our strength and vertue by her perfections augmented, will at­tribute [Page] the honor to her that so graciously assisted vs, [...] fore, so please you to make known our good intent towards her, we shall for such kindnes remain indebted to you. The Ladie tooke pleasure in hearing Trineus, especially per­ceiuing the zeale of him & his companions, to imploy theyr valour on the Kings behalfe, which caused her immediatlie doo this message to the Princesse, who at that instant (as a thing fatall to her) was wounded with loue: whereuppon she sent them answere by her Gouernesse, that shee enter­tained them as her Knights, and as her Seruants desired them to goe aide the King her Father, yet woulde shee not consent to pardon them, till the renowne of their exploites might shewe them to deserue it. Trineus tooke this answer for better aduantage then the Princesse thought on, accoun­ting himselfe happy by such a good beginning, and therefore saide to the Ladie. I think my selfe (faire Ladie) one of the most fauoured by Fortune, hauing the meane to obey your Mistresse in her commaund, and hope to execute her charge in such sort, as I shall deserue the grace she dooth nowe de­nie me, yet with all humilitie on our behalfe, I intreate you to yeelde thankes for her princelie kindnes. The Ladie re­turning to Agriola, accomplished what Trineus desired her, wherupon she turned herselfe, and gaue them a coun­tenaunce of fauour, which was answered by Trineus, Pal­merin and Ptoleme, with great reuerence, and y ^• Princesse, (shewing herselfe not too statelie towardes the Knights) with her hand & gesture gaue a signe of her content, which was not a little welcome to Trineus. Then the Quéene comming foorth of the Chappell, with Ag [...]ola & her traine mounted [...]n horsebacke, taking their wa [...]e to the Courte a­gaine: but when Trineus had lest the sight of them, w [...] ­derfull vexations began to assaile him, so that hee saide to Palmerin. Ah my good Fréende, howe happie may that man account himselfe, whose fortune honors him with the beau­ty of Ag [...]iola? Ah Sir Palmerin, I féele my self so excéeding lie tormented, as I doubt my death will be ineuitable. But [Page 118] tell me the trueth and dissemble not, how thinke you of my Mistresse? is shee not a Ladie more then diuine? In good faith my Lord, said Palmerin, what the Knight in Fraunce told vs, was but fables, in that she excéedeth report beyond all opinion notwithstanding, it is necessary for you to nou­rish your hope, hauing thus spoken to her, and bewrayed your afflictions, not doubting but this good beginning of your enterprise, will cause the ende fal out to your content. So rode on these thrée Knights, pleasing their humors with their seuerall iudgments of their Ladies, yet Palmerin had séene such matter in English Agriola, as, but his plighted promise to Polynarda, was of force sufficient to change hys fancie. The next daie they arriued at the King of Englands Campe, where because they would not be known, they pit­ched their Tents behinde all y ^• other: and soone after came the Duke of Tin [...]riel, bringing with him a number of har­die men at Armes, so that in short time y ^• Kinges strength was such, as they excéeded their enemies in number. Héere­vpon the King assembled his counsell, and concluded, that the next daie they woulde goe séeke out the King of Scots, wh [...] in two encounters had the vpper hande, which made him so peremptorie, as he perswaded himselfe vtterly to cō ­found the King of England: who raysing his power, follow­ed so dill [...]gentlie, as the third daie after, he encamped with­in halfe a mile of his enemie, that had besieged the Towne of Corfania, and had brought it readie to yéeld, but that the King preuented it by the strength he brought.

CHAP. XLVII.

WHen the King of Scots vnder­derstoode the comming of y ^e King of England, and that in all hast he would bid him battaile, he wold no longer busie himselfe in be­siedging Corfania, but retired a litle for his better aduantage, cō ­ferring with his Capitaines a­bout their present affaires, con­cluding to offer the ennemie no skirmishes, because thereby they would know their intent: notwithstanding he gaue order to prepare for battaile, be­cause he knewe the King of England came for no other pur­pose. The Englishmen not suffering the Scots to haue anie leysure to fortefie themselues, were by the King the next morning commaunded in array, and all winges & squadrons appointed, the Duke of Tintriel was made leader of the auaun [...]garde, wherein likewise were Trineus, Palmerin and Ptolome, and to the Dukes Brother was committed the charge of y ^e arrieregarde, and béeing all ready to martch on, the King himselfe beganne this Oration. I thinke my Fréendes that no one of you, but sufficientlie is acquainted in what respect we continue this warre, namelie, to defend the honor and reputation of our Realme, and to saue the liues of you, your wiues and children, and your goods, which the enemie wold violently spoile and take from you, inten­ding to throwe perpetuall bondage and slauerye on your necks. Will you not then defende your liberties? will you [Page 119] not maintaine your auncient renowne, which is, to bee Lords and commaunders of the Scots? assure your selues, that howe str [...]ng soeuer our enemie be, I hope with y ^• aide of God, your vndaunted courages, and y ^e right of our cause, to make a noble and victorious conquest. For I knowe, that our enemie hath not one man in his Armie, endued with such an intire hart and magnanimious courage, as you are, nor that valueth his title of honor with his life, as you doo: and therefore if we martch on valiantlie, continuing reso­lute and confident togeather, euery man laboring for his Prince, Countrey, fréende and fellow, and God for vs all, your forwardnes will make them fearefull, and your verie countenances enough to conquere. Euery manne then bee chéerefull, with a desire to vanquish, and héere I vowe to you on the worde of a King, that if Fortune stande so well with vs, as to winne the daie, neuer shall the Scots héereaf­ter dare to lift vp thēselues against vs. Thus did the King of England animate his men, and so martched on in good a­raie to the sight of their enemies, who by this time hadde ranged themselues for battaile, their auauntgarde conduc­ted by the Marques of Monthel, the King of Scots himselfe in the maine battaile, and the arrieregarde led by the King of the Isle Magdalen: and as the King of England had en­couraged his Souldiers, so began the King of Scots to har­ten his men in this manner. The time is nowe come (loyal Subiects and déere Fréendes) that the pride of the English must bee abated by the vertue and valoure of the Scots, so that if you set before your eyes the occasion calling vs to the fielde, there is no one of you but will blame his prede­cessor, for staying so long time to recouer, what by true pa­trimonie belonged to them, and by the Kings of Englande, (tirannous vsurpers) againste all right violentlye ta­ken from our Auncestors. Will you not then recouer you losse, and reenter on those possessions, from which your Fa­thers (against all reason) were expulsed? Duetie doth cha­lenge it at your handes, béeing the good not onely for your [Page] selues, but for your children and successors. Would you then loose so good oportunitie, to reestablish things so lost? Are your harts more timorous then your enem [...]es? are your mindes made of worse mettall then theirs? No no, wel am I assured that the least among you, is of higher vertue and account then the best in their cōpanie. If it hath béene their custome, (as they themselues vaunt) to tryumphe ouer vs, let vs learne them to confesse with patience, that they haue no such right or custome to vanquish, as in thrée skirmishes alreadie we haue sufficiently made knowne, with what for­tune and vnconquerable spirits you entertained your ene­mies. Dismay no more nowe (my good Fréendes) then you haue doone, let eache-mans sworde make his entraunce a­midst his foes, and fauour one anothers life, so shall swéete successe returne you with victory, The King hauing ended, they discerned the English power eager to encounter, and [...]o the Armies méeting, began a dreadfull and dangerous bat­taile. There might you heare the Dr [...]mnes thunder, the Trompets sounde, the Clarions ring, the Phifes warble, Launces shyuered, Knights di [...]noūted, Foo [...]men scattered, heads defended, armes and bodies wounded, some crying, other dying, a matter more then lam [...]ntable to beholde, and so long continued this cruell and bloodie conflict, as the most part of the auauntgarde were slaine, sore wounded, or ta­ken prisoners. Which when the King of Scots perceiued, béeing a Prince so hardie and valiant as might bee, com­maunded the maine battaile to giue the charge, in middest whereof he was in person: whereuppon, the fight beganne again much more fierce then before, so that you might haue heard the Horsses storme, the Armour clatter, and on euery side behelde good and venturous Knights giue vppe their liues. At this furious onset, Palmerin séeing the Scots to re­tire for aduantage, cryed to the King of England. Why how now my Lord? doo you forget your selfe? Why doo you not fo­low on with your maine battell, séeing the enemie playes vpon aduantage? chéerefully let vs vpon them for the daie [Page 120] will be ours. The King séeing that Palmerin [...] counsel was verie expedient, commaunded his men to martch on vali­antlie, which they did with such courage, as not one of them but was thorowlie busied. Palmerin fearing least Tr [...]neus would be ouer venturous, because the y [...]ng Prince was meruailo [...]s forward, desired him not to runne so farre into danger, but kéepe by him▪ to the [...]nde the one might succour the other, if necessiti [...] required. With these words [...]e ranne vpon the S [...]ots like an angry Lyon, and no man durst with­stand him, they sawe him make such slaughter: the King of England following him at an inche, deliuering true testi­monie of his inuincible hart. On the other side, Trineus met with the Kinges Brother of the Isle Magdalen, pier­cing his Launce quite through his bodie, so that he fel deade among his owne Souldiers: and Ptolome all this whyle was not idle▪ but where ere he came, he laid his enemie at his féete, so that the Scots wondered at y ^• behauiour of these thrée Knights. When the King of the Isl [...] Magdalen vn­derstood the death of his Brother, incensed with vnquench­able anger, ran fiercelie among the English, till hee came where Trineus, Palmerin and Ptolome were, one of his Knights shewing y ^e King the man that slew his Brother, whereupon he making towards Trineus, lifted vppe hys Sword, and thought to haue slaine him: but Palmerin step­ping béetwéene them, said▪ To me Captaine, to me, and so the King and he encountered togeather so terribly, as Pal­merin was wounded in two or thrée places, for which hee made such recompence to the King, as fastening his Sword on his Helmet, cl [...]st his head in [...]wayne, that doone he fell deade to the grounde. The sight héereof enflamed the Scots with such rage, as like mad men they ranne cutting and killing among the English, as well to reuenge the King of the Isle Magdalens death, as to defend their own King whose danger they feared. In this hote skirmish the Kings of England and Scots met togeather, who charged each other with such forcible strokes, as the King of England was vn­horssed [Page] and sore wounded: but Trineus béeing at hand, see­ing his déere fréendes Father in such perrill, buckled with the King of Scots so valiantlie, as he gaue him many a cru­ell wounde, and had not his men made hast to conuay him through the throng, he had béene slaine by Trineus, so was the King of England mounted againe, and reuenged hys foyle on his enemie with meruailous valour. There try­umphed the thrée Grecian Knights with inexplicable ho­nor, the Englishmen making such hauocke among the Scots, as vtterly dispayring, they fled, one part to a Forrest neere at hande, and the other towardes the Sea to their Shyps, the King getting into one of them to saue his life, by the meanes of one of his Knights, that lēt him a good Iennet of Spayne to escape away withall. And so sayled thence the King with greater shame, then did the Emperor Antonius from Octauius Caesar, leauing his men fiercely pursued by the English, who terrefied them in such sort, as many of the poore Scots chose rather to run into the Sea & drowne them selues, then to [...]all into the handes of their conquering ene­mies.

CHAP. XLVIII.

AFter the King of Englande was maister of the field, he caused the retrait to be sounded, and hys men called togeather, commaun­ding likewise that search shoulde bee made through the fielde, to succour such as were sore woun­ded, and to burie the deade, least [Page 121] the ayre should be infected: wherupon the Englishmen took y ^e spoile of their enemies, chéefely their bag & bagage which they had left behind them. In meane while the King with­drew himself into his Tent, where remembring the great seruice of the thrée strange Knights, hee commaunded his Nephewe Ce [...]des to séeke them immediatlie, who founde them in a Scottish Tent binding vppe their woundes, and béeing not a little glad of his good fortune, hee came to Pal­merin, saying. Gentlemen, the King my Uncle earnestlie desireth you to come to him, because hee will neither enter the Towne, nor vnarme himselfe, til he heare some tidings of you. Séeing it pleas [...]th him, said Palmerin, to commaūd, we humblie obey, wherefore we pray you Sir to returne his Maiestie our dutifull thanks, and dilligent attendance. After Cerid [...]s was departed, they resolued among them­selues (at the earnest request of Trineus) that Palmerin shoulde bee the chéefest among them, and him they woulde honor as their Lorde, because y ^e Prince feared to be known if such account shoulde bee made of him: so went they pre­sentlie to the Kings Tent, where they were no sooner ente­red, but the King (albe [...]t he was sore wounded) arose from his Chaire, and embraced them louingly one after another, not suffering them to knéele before him, but honorably thus spake to them. Woorthie Gentlemen, howe welc [...]me you are I cannot expresse, for I account my selfe so highlie be­holding to you, as the Realme of England had sustained this daie great foyle, but by your fortunate valour: think then woorthie Lords, wherein England may recompence you, and on my worde it shall not be denied, in meane while I praie you let me haue your companie, because I will see your hurts carefully attended. The Knights with great re­uerence accepted the Kings noble offer, and were conduc­ted into a faire Tent next the Kinges, where the Chirur­gions with great dilligence dressed their wounds, and after­ward they came and supped with the King. And because the King intended on the morrow to goe refresh himselfe at the [Page] Towne of Corfania, which before had béene cruellie besied­ged by the Scots, to giue God thanks for his happie victorie, a famous Sermon was made before him by the Archbishop of Canterburie: to whom likewise he gaue order for enter­ring such as had béene slaine of account, and in that place for memorie of his good fortune, hee caused a goodlie Mona­sterie to be builded, and dispatched a Poste presently to ad­uertise the Quéene of his good successe. Now was his Maie­stie verie desirous to know the thrée strange Knights, that had so valiantlie assisted him, especiallie the man that saued his life: whereupon the next morning he went to sée them, demaunding howe they fared, for (quoth he) we will nowe set forwarde to Corfania, where wee will make you better entertainement then we can héere in the field. Then moun­ted they all on horsebacke, and rode to Corfania, where the King remained till he and his Knights were better recoue­ced, and where the King made the Duke of Tintriel high Marshall of England, committing to his charge sixe thou­sand men, commaunding him to chase all the Scots foorth of his Kingdome, wheresoeuer he could find them, and to seaze to his highnes vse the Townes and Cas [...]elles, which they before had in vse: which the Duke executed with such ex­pedition, as hee left not a Scot in anie Uillage or Hamlett, placing faithfull Officers for the King in euerie iurisdictiō. During these labours of the Duke, the King euery daie vi­sited these thrée Knights, and finding Palmerin at a time cō ­uenient, he requested to knowe of whence hee was, and the names of his companions. Let me intreate you (ꝙ hee) not to hide your selues form me, because I shall not be in quiet till I know, that I may remunerate your deserts according to your persons. Palmerin, who feared to bee discouered, coulde not readilie deuise what aunswere to make, yet at length in great humilitie, thus said. We would desire your Maiestie, that it might stande with your good liking, at this time to excuse the knowledge of our present affaires, as also what wee are: yet thus farre will I resolue your highnes, [Page 122] that we are all Gentlemen of Greece, nourished in y ^e Court of the King of Macedon, who in séeking strange aduētures, haue trauailed manie prouinces, and nowe at length came into your Kingdome, wel stored at this time with Knights errant, and gouerned (as wee well perceiue) by a King so gracious, as to such persons alloweth honor and good affec­tion, as no King where we yet haue come, doth the like. For this cause my Lord, as also vnderstanding that the King of Scots menaced warre against you, came we into your Coun­trey, to serue you in all obeysaunce, as the verie simplest a­mong your Souldiers. Trust me (said the King) I haue wel noted your seruice, and a man might bee deceiued in expec­ting better assistaunce, for which I rest yours in ought I may while I liue: but if you would name your selues, then should I knowe to whom I were ind [...]bted, as also that my Subiects might honor you accordinglie. That (ꝙ Palmerin) will neither profit or preiudice your Maiestie, let suffise then I beséeche you, the vnfeigned good will and seruice we owe to your highnes. The King séeing hee coulde not gette what he would, changed his talke, saying. Was it you Sir, that on the daie of battell was armed all in blacke? Yea my Lord, said Palmerin, and this Knight (pointing to Trineus) is my Brother, who shéelded you from daunger against the King of Scots. Ah déere Fréends, quoth the King, this made me so importunate, & may it like you to stay in my Courte, I will regard you according to your especiall deseruings, as the onelie Knights of the worlde in my fauour, yeelding thankes to heauen, for the good I haue receiued by your meanes. Humblie did y ^e thrée Knights regratiate the King, promising for a while to soiourne with him.

CHAP. XLIX.

AFter the King of Englande had sent tidinges to the Quéene of his good fortune, and the honour he intended to the thrée Knights of Greece: the Messenger was so spéed [...]e, as the seconde daie▪ fol­lowing, he arriued at the Cittie wher y ^e Quéene kept her Court, and presented her the Letters from the King her Husband [...], reciting the whole manner of the battell, with the rare ex­ployts of the thrée Grecia [...] Knights▪ and how one of them preserued the Kings life: omitting nothing that was néed­full to be reported, as how the King intended to come with the thrée Knights in great royaltie to London, and therfore she shoulde prouide equall entertainment. The Queene highlie contented with these newes, demanded of the Mes­senger, if hee knewe the thrée Knightes that gaue such assi­stance to the King: No indéede Madame, answered y ^• Mes­senger, neither did I sée them, but at the time I was dis­patched with my message. Agriola, fin [...]ing in herselfe the puissaunce of the little God that made loo [...]e, suddainlie sus­pected, that these Knights were they which shee sawe at the Chappell, and therefore saide. I pray thée tell mee my Fréend, what Armes beare the Knights? One of them Ma­dame (quoth he) the verie best Knight in the worlde, is in Gréene Armour, and that is he that saued the King your fa­thers [Page 123] life, when the King of Scots had néere slaine him, but he remounted my Lord, giuing his enemy such a danger [...]us wound with his Launce, as it was greatlie doubted he had kild him, he lost so much blood, and this was one of the prin­cipall occasions of our victorie. This Knights companion in Blacke Armour, behaued himselfe with wonderfull chiual­rie, for as a Lion makes hauock in a heard of Cattell, so did he cut, slashe & mangle the Scots, as the very hardiest durst not abide before him. The third is in Black Armor, sparck­led all ouer with white Roses, a Knight of no lesse courage then his companions, and one that fought for England with incredible prowesse. Let me die, said Agriola to y ^• Quéene, if these be not the Knightes that past by this Cittie, when we went to the Chappell to performe our exercise: & ther­withall she rehearsed what spéech her Gouernesse had with them, and what she commaunded them. In sooth Daughter quoth the Quéene, your Gouernesse and you may well bee blamed, for the slender account you made of them: I praye you therefore when they returne, let your former faulte be sufficientlie recompenced. That shall I not fayle to doo, said Agriola. So the Quéene honorablie rewarded the Messen­ger, sending him backe with answer, that the Kings charge should be effectuallie executed. The King aduertised of the Quéenes replie, set forwarde with the Knightes of Greece and his traine to the Courte, and by the way, remembring the power sent by the Emperour of Allemaigne to the King of Norway, he said to Palmerin. I cannot sufficienlie mar­uaile gentle Knight, why the Emperor should declare him­selfe mine enemie, and giue assistance to the King of Nor­way against mee, considering I neuer did any thing might deserue his displeasure: but I sweare by the faith of a king, that I will reuenge my wrong, and let him as [...]ure himselfe, that while I haue one foote of ground, or a dozen of my Sol­di [...]rs to helpe me, I will neuer haue peace with him: to mollest me so within mine owne dominions, by God, my Freends, I cannot forget it. These words greatlie displea­ [...] [Page] Trineus, but especially Palmerin, who answered. In my opinion my Lord, the Emperour did but reason, and as duetie bound him, in respect he could not honestly refuse to aide the King of Norway his Cosin, and hereof I can assure you, in that I haue sometime béene in his Court, that hée is one of the wisest and best gouerned Princes that euer I heard of. Wherefore, bee it spoken vnder correction, your Maiestie should forget this light offence, and consider if the like had béene towards you, you would haue done no l [...]sse. When the King heard him to support the Emperors cause, he presently iudged him to be of his Course, and therefore sayd. Are you he Sir, that woonne such honor and renowne in Fraunce, at the combat maintained by the Prince Lewes for the loue of his Ladie? If you be so, I pray you do not de­nie it, for I shall henceforth thinke my Court most happie, to harbour the most excellent among all Knights: and I promise you I am so iealous of mine owne conceyte, as you can hardly p [...]swade mee otherwise, such experience haue I made of your bountie and vertue. Palmerin blushing at th [...]se wor [...]es, and doubting he should nowe be certainlye knowne, answered. Wee humbly intreate your Maiestie héeretofore, and so we doo now againe, that you would not enquire whence we are: sufficeth your highnesse, that wee are his humble Seruants, in any thing that shall like him to commaunde vs. The King this hearing, repented him­selfe that hee had béene so importunate, for hée feared least his spéeches would make them forsake his company, wher­fore by this time béeing come neere his Pallace, hée sayde. What I haue sayd Gentlemen, I hope shall not offend you, in my excuse admit my earnest desire to know you. By and by ouertooke them the Duke of Tintriel, who went to re­store the Crowne (as you haue heard) what the Scots v­surped, and he aduertised the King, that the Quéene and her Ladies were ridden to a Castle foure miles from London to sollace themselues, whereupon the king resolued to ryd [...] thither? Whereof the Prince Trineus was not sorie, such [Page] was his desire to sée his faire Fréend, whose loue still cros­sed him with so many passions, as hée séemed a man of ano­ther world, and did not his woundes s [...]rue somewhat to couer his disease, hardly could he haue sounde any shift to conceale it so closely, wherefore he beganne with Palmerin thus. You knowe my chosen friend, that the hope of my loue made me leaue my fathers court, and to preuent my meaning consists onely in you, now in respect of my forci­ble captiuitie, béeing vnprouided of strength sence, or any meane to discouer my loue to her, who only can helpe mée: I intreate you by the inuiolable league of our amitie, that when you chaunce to speake with the Goddesse of my life, my paines and anguishes may serue for my salutations, and imparting to her the extreamitie of my sorrowes, shee may perceiue in what estate I am, and what néede I haue of her gracious pittie. These wordes were deliuered with such sighs and teares, as Pa [...]merin was amazed thereat, al­beit hee knewe howe heauy the burthen was, and howe it excéeded patience in suffering, comparing his absence from his mistresse Polinarda to be as insupportable, as the pre­sence of Agriola (not daring to speake to her) was to Tri­neus, whereupon he answered. My Lord, repose your trust in this matter on me, which I doubt not to handle in such sort, as you shall haue no cause to be mal content, or the Princesse any reason to be ingratefull. But what thinke you if my Dwarfe did carrie this message? in my opinion (through the whole world) you could not finde a more fitte fellow, such is his subtile and present inuention, as hee wil prooue the onely string to your bowe. Alas sayd the prince, I care not who were imployed héerein, so I were sure of comfort. Then was the dwarfe called, to whom Palmerin in this sort began. It is wel knowne to thée V [...]banil [...]o, with what good will I would do any seruice I could to my Lord Trineus, as well for the incomparable kindnes I haue re­ceiued of my Ladie his Sister, as for the affi [...]tie I hope shall one day be betwéene vs by his meanes. So [...]ften haue [Page] I made experience of my loyall seruice and fidelitie, in my chiefest and very n [...]er [...]st affayres, as well may I impart to thée, the secrets of my noble companion, p [...]rswading my self of thy suretie and secrecie. It now remaines that thou plea­sure the Prince Trineus, in breaking his loue to the Prin­cess [...] Agriola, as thou diddest for me to my Mistresse Poly­narda: but aboue all things haue regard, that thou bewray not of whence, or what we are, yet must thou assure her, that the Prince is one of the greatest Lords in Europe. My Lord, quoth the Dwarffe, I was neuer yet disobedient to you in all my time, and very loath were I now to beginne: but because I am such a little writhen fellowe, you make me your Broker in these perillous loue matters. Notwith­standing, I will doo it though I died for it, esteeming my life well bestowed to pleasure such Princes. There can no inconuenience arise hereby to thee, quoth Palmerin, but profite euerie way: be not enemie then to thine owne good. That will I neuer, sayd the Dwarffe, and well might the Ladie be iudged vnprouided of reason, and verie farre from vnderstanding, if she make refusall of the Princes honoura­ble offer: the King himselfe, if he knew it, woulde imagine his day [...]s blessed: the issue then of this enterprise can not but sort to good. The Dwarffes wordes pleased so well Tri­neus, as he tooke him in his armes, saying: I commend my selfe, and my happinesse to thée. Let me alone, quoth V [...]ba­nillo, if I bring you not hearbes that shall coole this hote feuer, then let me neuer bee counted for a tall man: so went he about it, as you shall vnderstand hereafter.

Chap: L.

NEwes béeing brought to the Quéene, [...]hat the King was not farre off, shée sent a verie honourable traine to méete him, and with them his sonne the yong Prince Fredericke, ten yéeres olde, but beautifull and of such perfection, as pro­mised great hope in time to come. Hée hauing made reuerence to his Father, and the other Prin­ces, demaun [...]ed for the straunge Knightes, and saluting them with such kindnesse as was rare in a Childe, he rode betwéene Trineus and Palmerin, giuing them harty thanks for theyr fréendly succour to his Father, without which, sayd hée, as the Quéene my Mother tolde mee, hée had dyed▪ and wée all béene distressed. By this tyme they were come to the Castell, all the way so thicke p [...]stered with people, as there was no roome to stirre among them, euerie one cry­ing. Happie be the Knights that foyled our enemyes. So entring the Castell, in the vttermost Court they mette the Quéene and her Ladyes, among whom fayre Agriola shy­ned, as beautifull Venus among the other starres, where­with the Prince of Allemaigne was so nipt in the head, as an off [...]n [...]our with his guilt before a Iudge, so that not re­garding what yong Fredericke, or the other Lords courte­ouslie sayd to him, he was readie to fall beside his horse with euermuch gazing: But Palmerin suddainly twitching him [Page] softly, sayd. Fie, my Lorde, what meane you to forget your selfe thus? sée you not her that is ordayned yours, and will you not triumph in your happie sight, but sitte as one vt­terly discouraged? For shame let passe this pusillanimitie, and with chéerefull countenaunce goe giue her the good mo­row. The Prince did so, but with such timerous conceits, as hauing saluted the Mother, hée durst not speake to the Daughter: who imagining the best, and that bashfull reue­rence did so with-holde him, shée came to him in this man­ner. Are not you sir, the Knight in the gréene Armour, that not long since promised one of my Ladyes to ayde my Fa­ther in his warres? I am fayre Princesse, quoth hée, and what I haue done, was at your commaundement, the ver­tue wherof gaue me such strength, as some of the Scots haue felt to their cost: but had I gone vnprouided of such fauour, I am perswaded I could neuer haue returned aliue. It now remaines, swéete Ladie, that according to the request I then made by your Ladie, it would please you to remitte his of­fence, who deserued the sharpest punishment can bée deui­sed, for not honouring that Princesse, which carryes the Palme from all Ladyes liuing. In trueth, my Lorde, sayde the Princesse, not onelie is your fault to bée forgiuen, if it could be named a fault, but also ought I to recompence you to my vttermost power, séeing by your meanes my Fa­ther in safetie, and the Realme of England deliuered from the tyrannous ser [...]itude of the Scots: wherefore you may assure your selfe, that if I can stande you in any st [...]dde to­wards the King my Father, you shall commaunde mée to my vttermost. The Prince returned her a thousand thanks, and sayde. Beléeue mée, Madame, the verie least title of your good will, is recompence to mee more then sufficient, and would prouoke such affection in mée towards your ser­uice, as you could not commaunde the thing, but I shoulde with dutifull willingnesse performe it, as I doubt not but better occasions shall make manifest vnto you. Then entred they the great Hall, where such a [...]umptuous banquet was [Page] prouided, as will aske more time to report, then leysure will admit. Likewise here to set downe the wonderfull passions of the amorous Prince Trineus, in regard of a Ladie so ex­céeding in perfections, surpasseth my capacitie: but hée that is seated so opposit to so faire a creature, and loues so earnest­ly as Trineus, yet dare not speake least he should bee spyed, may iudge of that which I cannot vtter. But séeing the li­bertie of spéech was denyed, the spéedie eye posted betwéene them with swéete con [...]eyances, and still must shée counte­nance the straunger Knights, till fearing to be taken tar­die, she closely conferred with the Princesse Eufemia, daugh­ter to the Duke of Norgalles, saying: What thinke you Co­z [...]n of these strangers? are they not the séemelyest persona­ges that euer you sawe, both in fauour, conntenaunce, good grace and hardinesse? I am of the opinion, that although they report themselues but as simple Knights errant, they bée doubtlesse great Lordes, discended of noble and princely parentage: as one may easily gather by their ciuill and ver­tuous behauiour, which is euermore the witnesse of true no­bilitie. These words caused Eufemia to marke well Trineus, as her Cozin Agriola did, which hée perceyuing, and iudging that they talked of him, his alterations were so sensible as they might be easily discerned: for the more they eyed him, the greater was his torment, till the Table béeing with­drawne, he had some [...]ase in opening his minde to Palmerin, whose comfortable wordes were as good to him as restora­tines. Agriola on the other side escaped not frée, for her ease was no greater when the arose, then when she sate downe, and that must be little, hauing so daintie a dish before her to fill her stomacke.

Th [...] next morning, the King and the Ladies moun­ted on horseback, setting towards London, and God knowes the Prince was not farre behinde them, liuing onely by the regard of her, with whose rare beautie hée coulde neuer satisfie his eyes. And as they rode thorowe a Forrest, the King séeing the Trées so greene and delightfull, and because [Page] the heate of the day hindered their trauaile, hee caused his Pauilions and Tents to bee there presently pitched, and intended to dine there vnder the coole trées. Dinner bée­ing ended, hée would néedes go course the Hare, wasting the afternoone in that pastime, and on the next day, rode to chase a Hart which was taken in the toyles, and therewith­all a huge wilde Bore, the mightiest that euer was seene, hauing wounded him in so many places, as the Dogs and Bloodhoundes mig [...]t easily tracke him. Afterwarde they rowsed▪ a fallow Déere, when the Huntsmen made y ^e woods ring so brauely with winding their Hornes, and the Grey­houndes pursued the course so spéedily: as Palemedes chose was not comparable to this, till in the ende the Déere was fallen. These pleasures finished, the King with his compa­nie returned to his Tents, shewing to the Quéene and her Ladies the fruits of theyr pastime, saying. I promise you Madame, I thinke these Grecian knightes excell in euerie thing: for as in chiualrie, so this day haue they shew­ed themselues excellent woodmen, as none in our trayne may compare with them. By this time the Tables were cou [...]red for Supper, all which time was spent in discour­sing of theyr sports: till the good night giuen on all sides, the thrée knightes withdrew themselues into their tent. All these pleasures made not Vrbanillo forgetfull of his Mai­sters charge, wherefore practising how to accomplish it ef­fectually, hée founde meanes to come acquainted with the Ladyes attending on the Princesse, and in respect the atten­ded on the knights of Greece, he was licenced the oftner in­to theyr companie. The next morning, the king and the knights walking into the Woods, the Dwarffe watching time to deliuer his message, made so many walkes and re­turnes before the Princesse Pauillion, as at last she espyed him, and calling him to her, sayd: I pray thée, my Fréend, by the [...]aith thou bear [...]st thy Maister, tell mée the trueth of a matter I shall aske thee. Madame (quoth the Dwarffe vp­on his knée) commaund what you please, for there is nothing [Page] (my mistress [...] preiudice excepted) but I will truely tell you. Which of the thrée, said the Princesse, is thy Maister? My Maister (quoth the Dwarffe) hath not his second in all perfections, he it is that was in the blacke Armour, who in the battell for your Father did so manie woonderfull ex­ployts, as farre excéedeth the fabulous reportes of sir Gawen or Launcelot du Lake. In sooth (quoth she) so haue I heard, and beside thy dutie reserued to thy Maister, I sée thou canst sette him foorth for a most hardie knight: but tell mée of whence he is? what are his companions? and why to they make it so daintie to be knowne? Herein Madame, sayde he, I cannot with my dutie aunswere you, for I am restray­ned by a former promise, not to r [...]ueale the least matter that may be hurtfull to them. Neuerthelesse, in regard of the re­uerent good will they beare you, and that I would not haue you offended with such an abiect creature as I am, I would gladly tell you some thing to your content, so you will pro­mise me on your princely worde, that what I reueale shall neuer be disouered by you. Perswade thy selfe thereof, sayd the Princesse, and looke what thou sayst, by my honor, shall neuer turne to thy after harme. Then know fayre Madame, (quoth he) that the gréene knight is of the most noble and illustrious house in Europe, louing a Ladie as his proper life, for whom he hath left his Countrey, parents & friends, to come and do her seruice. The blacke knight, as I haue alreadie tolde you, is my maister, and further then this I may not tell you. What am I the nearer my desire, quoth shée, by this aunswere? eyther thou shouldest haue sayde no­thing, or else thorowly satisfyed m [...]e, for now I can not bée quieted, till thou tell me what Ladie it is, that the gréene Knight loues so déerely: let mée not make so many intrea­ties, for I promise to thée againe, by the faith of a Princesse, that neuer shall any creature know it by my meanes. You vrge me so farre, quoth the Dwarffe, and haue made mee such great promises, as I am constrayned (beyond y ^• charge giuen by my maister) to acquaint you with the trueth, in [Page] respect, the fault wil be greater in you to make refusal, then in yéelding. Resolue your selfe therefore good Madame, that the braue gréene Knight, so rich in Armes, but more in minde, is the Prince Trineus, Sonne to the Emperour of Allemaigne, so passionate in loue, and so depriued of liberty, by deuout seruice to your excellent bountie: as against both duetie and nature, he hath deceiued his Father, feigning to come ayde his Kinsman the King of Norway, where contra­riwise, he hath shewed himselfe his mortall enemie. And to no other ende hath he thus offended both Father and Cozin, then to make known his long & labourous desires, to make you Lady and Mistresse of him and his: and such is his fear [...] to be refused, as he endures more torments, then the marti­red bodye of poore Prometheus. Bee not then the cause swéete Ladie, that a Prince so famous, and a Knight so gen­tle, shall buy his great good seruice to your Father and Coū ­trey, yea the most loyal loue he beares to you, with vntime­lie, vnfortunate, and cruell death. Thinke with your selfe, is it not the highest among all honours, to be Wife to such a Lord, and Empresse (in time) of renowned Allemaigne? Is it not perpetuall report, to be Lady and commaundresse of the principall parte of Europe? Let not him beare record that a bodie so adorned, and countenaunce so milde and gra­cious, can entertaine tirannie or crueltie: yea Madam such crueltie, as if you receiue him not into your fauourable con­ceit, you shall procure the death of y ^e truest Knight in loue, that euer liued. The blacke knight is the renowned Pal­merin d'Oliua, the wonder of the world for [...]alour, conque­ring in Fraunce the Duke of Sauoy, in maintenaunce of his Ladies beautie, fayre without compare: conforming his Shéelde and Armour equall to his mourning thoughts, for his absence from her that tryumphes in his loue. The third knight, so adorned with white Roses, is called Ptolome, loued by a Ladie well woorthy of him. It now remaineth fayre Princesse, that you make the Prince Trineus equall with them in felicitie, for you haue the mayden heade of his [Page] loue, which with honor you may entertaine into your chast [...] thoughtes. Thus haue I acquainted you with such a se­crete, as no creature but your selfe could haue got of mée, and the danger to fall into your misconceit, hath made mée such a blab: leauing all you haue heard to your gracious cō ­struction. Agriola, méetelie farre enough in loue before, but now vtterly denied of longer libertie, hearing the wordes of Vrbanillo, was surprised with such a strange alteration, as a long time she was driuen to silence, not able to vtter the secrete conceits of her minde, yet al length (to shadowe her suddaine change from the Dwarfe) shée sayde. Ah my Fréende, thou acquaintest me with matter altogither in­credible, is it possible that Trineus Sonne to the Emperor of All [...]aigne, would venture into this Court, considering the mortall enmitie betwéene our Fathers? Trust mée my Fréende I cannot credit thée. I renounce mine owne soule s [...]ide the Dwarfe, if it be not as I haue told you: then iudge Madame what acceptaunce shoulde be made of his seruice, when loue to you excéedeth nature: may it not bee termed loue surpassing all other, eyther registred in antiquities, or present memorie? If it should be, quoth she, as then sayest, it is beyonde my power to returne condigne recompence, yet in respect of thy secrecie, I dare assure thée, mine owne opinion of him hath so ouer-maistered me, as in honorable modestie he may commaund, and I am not so well nurtured to disagrée. But if eyther by my words thou hast gathered, or by any chaunge of countenaunce perceiued, the suddaine yéelding of a flexible nature: interprete it in this good sort, that Princes afflictions make each other melt, as framed of one mettall, which I charge thée conceale from him, as thou regardest my word and his safetie. Pardon mee Ma­dame, quoth the Dwarfe, it standeth not with my allege­aunce to obey you héerein, what a villaine might I bee ac­counted, and vnworthy the name of a faithfull seruant if I shoulde [...]ide these happy tydings from him, to ease those torments that euerye houre threaten his death? Yea [Page] Madame, did my maister but thinke I would so abuse him, well deserued I to be [...]orne in péeces. Well, quoth she, if thou findest time conuenient, till him, but no other I charge thée on thy life: and withall certifie him, that I woulde not for my Fathers Crowne he should be knowne. Feare you not, good Madame, sayde the Dwarffe, they are alreadie so well aduised, as none but your selfe ran any way endaun­ger them. It sufficeth that the Prince vnderstande your pleasure, which I will impart to him when the King is re­turned: so kissing her hande hée departed, leauing her so highly contented, in assurance of the loyall loue of Trine­us, as she neuer determined any other Husbande, yet woulde shée not disclose her minde, no not to Eufemia, her secret com­panion, thinking herselfe too much bewrayed, because the Dwarffe knewe it. Soone after the Quéene sent for her, to walke in the coole shadowe of the Trées, where not long they stayed before the King returned, who reported what pastime they had all that morning. The Knightes hauing saluted the Quéene and her Ladies, Trineus saluting the Princesse Agriola, was so transported as hée scant knewe where he was. The Princesse likewise fixed with a stedfast eye on him, as wounded both him and her selfe togither, her complexion so aptly deciphering her sickenesse, as the Prince perceyuing it, sayd to himselfe. Ah loue, hast thou wrought so happily for mée, as my Ladie knowes my se­crete afflictions? shall I be so fortunate, as she will [...] re­morse on my passions? swéete hope perswades mee so, for the often change of her diuince countenaunce, tels me there is some mercie in working. The King and Quéene depar­ting into their Pauilion, Trineus and Palmerin did the like into theirs, the Prince taking Vrbanillo aside, demaunded if he had any good newes for him. If you will graunt mée one thing, said the Dwarffe, I will tell you such tydings, as cannot but content you. Demaunde what thou wilt, quoth Trineus, and by the faith of a Prince, thou shalt not bee de­nied. Then beganne the whole discourse hee had with the [Page] Princesse, and what deuotion shée had for the recouerie of his health. Iudge you in what rare humour the Prince now felt himselfe, without question he imagined himselfe in a more beautifull paradise, then euer was inuented by Epicu­rus himselfe, and embracing the Dwarfe he said. Ah my good fréend, what wilt thou y ^• I giue thée? tell mée what thou de­maundest? thou hast my whole life so much at thy command as thou maist liberally share out thine owne recompence, but séeing the beginning is so good, no doubt much better re­maineth behind. Why my Lord, ꝙ the Dwarfe, you know I was borne to doo you seruice, commaund what you please and I will accomplish it. Then shalt thou, said the Prince, returne to my Mistresse againe, and kissing her hande, pre­sent her from me this Emerald, desiring her to weare it for my sake: with remembrance to pittie his painfull miseries, whose life and death is onely in her hand. V [...]banillo taking the ring, Trineus and Palmerin went to passe the time with the King, and the Princesse at their entraunce regarding Trineus, perceiued by his countenance that he vnderstoode her message, for his blood was now risen chéerely in his face, which before was suncke downe with too much langushing, so that she imagined her selfe more happie, in béeing so be lo­ued, then to loue, and knew not well how to dissemble her ioy. Ah poore Trineus, the paine thou endurest, attending the wished houre to speake with her, far surmouneth the torments of Leander, awaighting when Phoebus would go bathe himself with Thetis and the Marine Goddesses, that he might afterward swim to his affianced Heroe: and had not shée giuen thée a better signe by her eye to aduenture, I would haue reckoned thée more infortunate, then the be [...]r [...] ­thed spouse to the prisoner of Abydos. Now had Trineus bashfully taken the Princesse by the hand, when vnhappi­ly one came to aduertise the king, that the hart he had [...]ha­sed the day before, was now againe gotten within y ^• toyl [...], that if it pleased him to hunt in the morning, hee should no doubt kill him with little labor. These newes were so wel­come [Page] to the King, that because he would the next morning more earlie go to his past [...]ne, hée withdrewe himselfe for that night, the Quéene and Agriola likewise departing to their Pauillion: so that Trineus encounter was thus pre­uented, and he with Palmerin returned to their T [...]nt, tru­sting still on the Dwarfes diligence, that he should perfect all things to his hearts desire, & to perswade him the more, Palmerin thus began. I haue this hope my Lord, séeing al­readie so manie good signes, that you cannot any way [...]ée deceiued in your loue: and this I would aduise you, Fortune béeing so fauourable, & assisting you to her very vttermost, you should n [...]t hence-foorth shewe your selfe so feminine, but in hardie manner, reueale to the Princesse, when you shall find her at conuenient leysure, both howe you loue her, and what fauourable grace you expect at her hands. I must con­fesse, that Letters and messages are able to doo much: but the person béeing present, and knowing how to request, and how to be answered, is more auailable a thousand times: and in bréefe, no Messenger can bée like himselfe. I speake not this, as though my Dwarfe were not faithfull, but to this ende, that shée should receiue no occasion of displeasure. In how manie dangers haue Gentlemen béene, only by the bad construction of their seruants message? the readiest wit that it cannot number them: therefore if you find oportuni­tie, attend no other suter but your selfe. This councell wel liked the Prince Trineus, wherfore he determined to speak to her himselfe, so soone as time and leysure woulde permit him, and in this resolution they went to take theyr rest but the remembrance of Polinarda, would not suffer Palmerin to sléepe, comparing his ioy in her presence, with his tormē ­ting passions nowe in her absence breathed foorth ma [...]i [...] sighes, & [...]hed manie teares, till at length hee began to slum­ber wherin he thought he discerned this sight. Béeing in cō ­panie with the King, he sawe come foorth of a darke caue a dreadful Lyon, who with open throat set vpon him, and as­sayled him in such maner, as with his nailes & téeth he rent [Page] his Armor, and put him in verie great daunger of his life, so that he stroue in such sort in his sleepe, as Trineus béeing in bed with him, awaked him, deemaunding why he strug­led so earnestly. Palmerin thus awaked desired God to withstand all his euils, and afterward recounted to Trine­us the whole effect of his dreame, and said. It will not bée a­misse my Lord that to morrow we ride armed in the Kings companie, for such illusions, albeit they commonly fall out vntrue, yet can presage no good to follow. I like your coun­sell well, aunswered Trineus, and that Ptolome go armed as well as we. In the morning they arose and armed them­selues, all saue their Helmets and Launces, which their Squires caried, and in this sort came to bid the King good­morrow, who meruailed much to sée them so prepared, and doubting they had receiued some occasion of offence, deman­ded what mooued them so to be armed. You know my Lord quoth Palmerin, that a Knight ought euermore to be ready for all aduentures, and not knowing what inconuenience or danger may happen, before such time we shall returne a­gaine, we haue armed our selues to preuent the worst. The King not discontented with this answer mounted on horse­backe, & comming to the chase, had excellent game at Déere, Hart, Bore and wilde Buffell, wherein hée tooke such ex­céeding pleasure, as he determined to stay there fiue or sixe daies longer. But in the place where he supposed himselfe safe, and frée from all hazard, suddainly hée was solicited with the chaunges of fortune, for the Quéen and her daugh­ter Agriola were in meruailous danger, as you shall reade in the discourse following.

Chap. LI.

THe king returning from the chase with his companie, little minding any infortunate e­uent, and conferring with Palmerin til they drew néere vnto their Tents: at length they heard a great tumult, and beheld a Squire making towards them so fast as his Horse could gallop. Palmerin doubting some vnhappy chaunce, and remembring his dreame, said to the king. Neuer credit mée my Lord, if this squire come not to you about some speciall affaires, as well maye be gathered by his spéedie pace. At these words the Gentlemā came to the king, reporting how the Giant Franarco, Lord of the castle of Carbones, since his departure came to his Tents, and from thence had violently taken the Quéene and her Daugter Agriola, notwithstan­ding the resistance of manie knights, who striuing to defend her, lost their liues. The King with these words strooken in wonderfull gréefe, said.

Ah Gentlemen, this villainous Traytor hath notoriously wro [...]ged vs. How is it possible to recouer them againe be­fore they be dishonoured? Trineus and Pa [...]merin mooued at these newes, asked the Squire, which way he went with the Quéen and her Daughter? In truth my Lord quoth he, I cannot tell yée which way he tooke, we all were so trou­bled, [Page] and misused by his traine: except they went along the Forrest, and so are gone to the next village. Then Palmerin clasping on his Helmet, and snatching his Launce from his Dwarfe, Galloped amaine after the Giant, not speaking a word to Trineus, who accompanied with Ptolome, rode a­pace after him, and as they passed by the Quéenes Tent, they saw the Ladies and gentlewomen heauily lamenting, especially Eufemia, the chéefe companion to the Princesse Agriola. Diuers Knights beside armed themselues to pur­sue the Giant, but Trineus not a little enraged, followed the tracke of the horse, demaunding of all he met, if they saw the villaine that had stolen away the Ladies. As concerning this Giant Franarco, you must note that hee was the cruel­lest tyrant and most notable fellon in all y ^e Realme, hauing a dayes iourney from the Forrest where the King hunted, a Castle so well fortefied, and furnished with munition and all things necessarie, as in England was not the like, which was left to him by the death of his Father, who forciblie tooke it from a Lorde his neighbour, and diuers other pla­ces, especially the Isle Magdalen. There succéeded [...]e y ^e roy­all dignitie, after the death of the elder Brother,, who (as you haue heard) was slaine in the battaile by Palmerin, and hée vnderstanding the death of the king of the Isle Mag­dalen, was so [...]ighlie displeased, y ^• although he had alwaies before boorne allegeaunce to the king, hée nowe solemnly swore to reuenge his Brothers death, béeing so feared of the whole Countrey, as none durst enterprise to deale with him. So to reuenge the slaughter of his eldest Brother, with diuers of his kindred and Fréendes likewise [...]layne in the battaile, he strengthened himselfe with thirtie hardie knightes, intending to displease the king so much as hee coulde. And hearing y ^• he was comming to London, to feast the knights that were the cause of this victory, but chéefely him that slewe his brother, came with his cōpany this way, in hope to finde them all vnpr [...]uided. And co [...]ming that morning the king was gone on hunting, hée [...]ound these hée [Page] desired to méete withall, for the hatred he bare them, thin­king himselfe sufficiently reuenged, if hée could carry away with him the Quéene and her Daughter: which he accom­plished to his owne desire, causing them mount vp behinde two of his Knights. The gentlemen that were left to kéepe the Quéene companye, offended to sée such villany offered theyr Ladie and Mistresse, defended her so well as they could, but all auayled not against the Giant and his power, because they were armed, and they with the Quéene were vnprouided, so that a number of them were slaine and sore wounded, and more had béene, but that he feared the return of the King, which made him in hast ride thence with his spoyle, sending them somewhat before, and loytering behind himselfe, to fight with anie that shuld come to reskew them. Trineus hauing gotten the s [...]ght of them, came passing to the Giant, saying. Stay trayterous théefe, for thou maist not so cary her away that is worthy the greatest lord in the world. With these words they ran fiercely togither, Trineus gi­uing the Giant a sore wound on the shoulder, but the Prince re [...]eiued such a mightie stroke from the Giant, as he fell frō his Horse with his héeles vpward. Palmerin béeing not far off, and doubting least the Prince had béene slaine, came in a great rage to Franarco, saying. Monstrous enemie to men­hoode, who made thée so saucie to lay violent hands on La­dies of such account, by my Sworde villaine, I shall make thée déerely to pay for thy folly. So couching theyr Laun­ces they met togither, the Giant fayling, but Palmerin gaue him a shrewd wound on his body, and their horsses roughly shouldring one another, as their masters were both thr [...]wn to the ground. Franarco (béeing heauie and vnweldie) had such a fall, as easily he could not recouer himselfe. Pal­merin nimbly getting vp againe, gaue the Giant such a wound on his right legge, as the flesh hung downe pittiful­ly to beholde. The Giant béeing not able to stande any lon­ger on that leg, set his knée to the ground, béeing glad to de­fend the strokes of Palmerin, who reached him such a sound [Page] blowe on the forehead with the hils of his sworde, as the Giant fell along on his backe, when Palmerin soone setting his foote on his breast, with his Sword deuided his heade from his shoulders. During this fight, Trineus & Ptolome, made after the Quéene and her Daughter, whome the Gi­ants Knights droue cruelly before them. Nowe was it a matter well worthy memory, to sée the braue behauiour of these two Knights, but cheefely of Trineus before his swéete Mistresse, whose presence endued him with such exceeding courage, as hée thought himselfe able to conquer the whole world, and therefore sufficient for all them, were they as manie more in number. But strength dooth not alwaies e­quall courage, and louers thinke more then they are able to doo, as to Trineus perill it had now fallen out, but that a companie of the Kings Knights arriued, whereupon began a hote encounter betwéene them, and Trineus comming to the Knight y ^• had Agriola behinde him, set him soone beside his horse, with his neck broken in his fall, so that y ^e princesse getting forth of the throng, and séeing her beloued so vali­ant in prowesse, b [...]twéene ioy and gréefe, she said. Ah happie Knight, the mirror of all such as follow armes, I desire thy fortune may prooue such, as thou & thy company may haue victory ouer these traytors. Now may I bée well assured of the loue thou bearest me, for which, (if we may escape this hard brunt) perswade thy selfe not to passe vnrecompen­ced. Trineus hearing the words of Agriola, was enflamed with such a spirite of conquering desire, as breaking in a­mong the thickest, his strokes gaue witnes he fought for a wife. But the Giants Knights were men of such proofe, as the fresh s [...]pply that came were all wel-néere slaine, and doubtlesse the rest had borne them company, but that the King and Palmerin, with fifty Knights more, came to assist them: for Palmerin hauing slayne the Giant, mounted on his horse, because it was one of the goodliest y ^• euer he saw, and espying the King comming with his train [...], set on with him, and found Trineus in great danger, because so many of [Page] his side were slaine, but this fresh assistance brought by the king, was the meane that all the Giants knightes were slaughtered, and they knéeling down thanking God for their victory. The king alighting, came and embraced the quéene, saying. Now happy may we thinke our selues Madame, ha­uing so well preuented this trecherous villaine? for neuer did I thinke to sée you againe, but that God & these knights so highlie befréended vs. The Quéene and her Daughter were as yet so dismayed, in remembraunce of theyr former daunger, as beholding so many lye slaine before them, and ioyfull beside béeing so fortunatelye deliuered, as betwéene these extreames they knew not what to say, but desired spée­dilie to s [...]t forward thence, which they presently did, y ^• king commaunding his Nephew Cerides, to sée Franarco and his men burned to ashes, and honorable Sepulture to be pro­uided for the other. When the Quéene heard that Eranar­co was dead. Tell me my Lord (quoth she) who hath doone such a gracious acte to kill that monstrous villaine? Euen hee Madame, said the king, that was cause of my victorie in battell, the knight héere in blacke Armour, to whome I am so far indebted, as I cannot imagine any recompence suffi­cient for him: and this can I not speak without great mar­uaile, séeing so rare valour performed with so little danger on his behalfe. Long may the good knight liue saide the Quéene that hath so defended vs, and may they all thrée prosper in their affaires, for their knightly seruice to the Realme of England. While these spéeches endured, Trineus béeing sore wounded, was brought betwéen two squires and set vpon his horse, but the king, the quéene, and chéefely faire Agriola was glad, when she heard there was no such dan­ger but he might well escape it. Wherefore mounting al on horsebacke, they rode to sée the Giants bodie, which made Agriola repute Palmerin for no lesse then his Dwarfe com­mended him. Then the king commaunded to vnarme the body, and one of his knightes should bring away his Hel­met and Shéelde, which would be tokens sufficient for him [Page] to recouer the Castle of Garbones which he seised on, and all other things belonging to the Giant, he sent the Count of Bonneroy with fiue hundred men to confiscate and return to his Maiesties vse. The Count well knowing such mat­ters would not easily be accomplished, if they in the Castle should make resistance, therefore politikely he sent the Gi­ants Targe and Helmet, before, as sent from Franarco, who was with the king, and they should open the gates be­cause they were comming thither, for witnes wherof they shewed the giants signet of arms. The guard too cr [...]dulous, and thinking it vnpossible for any man to conquere the gi­ant, opened the gates, wherupō the Count presently entred with his power, putting all to the sword, not sparing any, not so much as the giants yonger brother, who escaping a­liue from the battel, was the cause who Franarco dealt thus villanously. Thus did the Count yéeld the Castle into the Kings obeysance: remaining Captaine thereof vnder the Kings authoritie, the like hee did in many other places, where the people aduertised of the Giants rebellion, and that the Castle of Garbones was taken, there was non [...] would resist the kings commandement: whereof the Count was not a little glad, returning as soone as he could with the glad tidings of his successe to the Court, certifying the King how all things happened.

Chap. LII.

BY this time the King was come to his Pauillion, where he caused his Chirur­gions dilligently to attend the thrée knights, for the curing of their wounds, who found that the prince of Allemaigne was worst of al hurt, yet the king vnder­stāding he was in no danger of life, was the better pacified, because he loued him déerely, and inten­ded to honour him so much as lay in his power, promising not to depart thence till hee recouered his health: and be­cause he would preuent like mischances, he caused dilligent watch to be made euerie night, as though he hadde lien in field encamped with the enemie. During the Princes sicknesse, [...]ee was oftentimes visited by the Quéene and fayre Agriola, not vnthankfull of the courtesie receiued by him and his companions, and for which they requited him with manifold thankes. Trineus estéeming himselfe worthily recompenced, séeing that heauenly spectacle, whose presence healed a greater wound then any hee had receiued in fight, desiring the continuance of the outward hurts, for comforting of his inward oppressions. And while the quéene thus conferred wi [...] T [...]ineus, Palmerin came to the princesse Agriola, seeing the time so lawfull and commo [...]s, that hee might thorowly acquaint her with matter long enough before premeditated, but because shee was desirous to talke with him, she first began in manner following. I know not sir Knig [...]t, how the king my Father will satisfie the great [Page] seruice you haue doone him, in so many hazards to his Realme and himselfe: but for mine owne part, I think my selfe so bounden, that after life, which he gaue me by gene­ration, my deuoted soule shall remaine to honour you. And if these occasions passed doo giue mée iust cause to thinke my selfe happie, what lesse account may I make of that vertu­ous Prince. Trineus your companion, who came into this Countrey onely for my loue, as I am perswaded: yet doubt­full to be lightly carried away with report, I should accept it for more sound assurance, so please you to speake the truth herein. Madame (quoth Palmerin) if I haue doone any ser­uice to the King or you, it is rewarded with much more thē sufficient, séeing it pleaseth you to make such account there­of, and I promise you, you haue two knights wholly at com­maund for the loue of the third, who is so confidently [...]owed your friend and seruant, as no man in the world can bee more, & this is he that lieth wounded in his bed, the princely sonne and heire of the Emperor of Allemaigne, in which re­port my Dwarfe hath not deceiued you. And giue my word this credit. (Madame) that since the time hee first heard of your excellent beautie, béeing then in Fraunce, he neuer had other determination, but to spend his life in your graci­ous seruice, and making refusall of many faire Ladies, e­specially of Lucemania, daughter to the most christian king of Fraunce, set downe this princely and commendable reso­lution, neuer to espouse any other but you, so it may stand with your liking to accept him for your husband: think then aduisedly swéete madam, of the incomparable happines or­dai [...]ed for [...]ou, and stand not in your owne light to loose so good fortune. In truth my Lord quoth the princesse, I were well worthy to be reputed among the number of most har [...] harted and ingratefull Ladies, if I shuld not loue the prince Trineus, were it but for the danger he remaines in for me, and the vnfaigned loue which you say he heares m [...]e. And thus farre I presume my Lorde on your credit, that if it were otherwise, you would not disguise the [...] [Page] this [...]ner, much lesse deceiue such a Lady as I am, which (notwithstanding) would bee to you but a slender conquest. Therefore you may assure him on my behalfe, that the loue I beare him is more then he thinks, and very far excéedeth his iudgement, as the proofe hereof (in time) shall deliuer true testimonie. Madame, quoth Palmerin, his onely desire in this world you haue faithfully vnderstoode, in you then it consisteth to preuent the contrarie, by mercifull regarde of his afflictions, and your presence will appease the anger of the Emperour your father, in that so nobly he would enter­prise [...] (though against his will) to ayde the King your Fa­ther onely for your loue. And this will be the meane that the conceiued pleasure of the Fathers, shall conclu [...]e in the happie coniunction of their Children. My Lorde, quoth the Princesse, I wil do what shall please my father and mo­ther to command me, and no otherwise, considering the dan­ger I may fall into by yéelding my honour to any preiudici­all occasion. Palmerin who had no other feare but to bee knowne what himselfe was, thus answered. I am perswa­ded madame, that your iudgement is so perfect, that to at­taine a place of such dignitie, and a husband so royall as the Prince Trineus, you will not stand [...] friuolous tearmes, nor be carried away with any light or feminine feares, sée­ing that (setting apart these doubts) you shall worthily ac­cōplish the thing which shall make you the most renowned Lady vnder the Occident. I pray you Sir Palmerin, quoth she, referre this talke to some other time, for the answere of such a high and weightie matter, deserueth to be excogi­tated with leysure, for oftentimes we sée, that such actions sodainely and slightly performed, causeth more repentaunce afterward then is expected. Yet thus farre I venture, and so faithfully perswade him, that he is the onely Prince in the world I would accept for my husband, if they were so agréed to whom God, nature, and dutie hath bounde mée: and to let him vnderstand my wiliing desire towardes him, I will speake to him my selfe, as soone as the Quéene is de­parted. [Page] Not long after, the Quéene returned to the King, leauing her Daughter with two of her Ladyes to comfort the prince, whereupon Palmerin taking her by the hande, brought her to the bedde side where Trineus lay, to whome she made very curteous reuerence, & trembling with modest bashfulnesse, said. How fare ye gentle knight? trust mee your hard fortune doth greatly displease mee, and if I could beare part therein, beléeue me I would gladly endure the paine: for it is good reason that the ca [...]ser of the harme, should haue a portion of the torment, gratifying you with a Maidens thankes, for your good assistance without any de­sert. Trineus was so rauished with her presence, and hea­ring her speake so friendly, in whom consisted the safetie of his life, as hee could not vtter the ioy hee conceiued: which the Princesse well noted and Palmerin likewise, who aun­swered her in this manner. It cannot be madame but my Lord Trineus will soone amend, hauing the sodaine mede­cine so néere him, that is onely able to helpe him: and with these wordes he left them both together, to acquaint each other with their secret afflictions: when the Prince giuing a gréeuous sigh, saide. Faire madame, to accomplish what you commanded the first day I sawe you, I did my beuoire to execute the effect of the charge, albeit not so suf­ficiently as I could wish: yet since that time I neuer en­ioyed one minute of rest, till this instant, when mine eyes delighted with your swéete presence, gaue hope to my heart of further comfort. For this onely cause (faire mistresse) haue I forsaken my Parents and countrey, regarding no­thing more then this present happinesse, whereby my woundes are cured, my spirit contented, and my heart from all daungers sufficiently recouer [...]d, so that no gréefe can now molest me, when your gracious fauour thorowly con­foundeth all. And nowe might I imagine my misfortune be­yonde all other, were not this fearefull doubt left to crosse it, that scanning disdaine should be hid in such rare perfecti­ons, as oftentimes it commeth so to passe: therefore I be­séech [Page] you Madame, may it stand with your liking to re­solue all doubts by your direct opinion, and héerein shall I account my selfe more honoured, then were I monarch of the whole worlde. Loue hauing then so wounded the prin­cesse, as for a while she was driuē to silence, at length with­drew the passio [...], and caused her returne this answere. Alas my Lord, I was (ere this) so certaine of your affection to­wardes me, in respect of the dangerous trauailes endured for my sake, as you néede not séeke any other prooues, then what mine owne hart was fully resolued on: and so I con­tinue still, expecting the day to make vs both fortunate, which I would haue you as yet dissemble, least crooked mis­hap any way preuent vs. As she was procéeding in her dis­course, the Quéene entred the tent againe, by which occa­sion Trineus could not say what he intended, wherefore ta­king her secretly by the hand, wrong her fingers with such a trembling passion, as all the night following he lay medi­tating on his gooddesse Agriola, and the comfortable an­swere shee gaue him. If the young prince were in such tor­ments, his Lady beare him companie, thinking on the spée­ches past betwéene her and Palmerin, and this euening the Dwarfe (not compassing before to speake with Agrio­la) presented her with the Emeralde from the Prince, which she kindly receiuing, in recompence thereof sent him a fayre Diamond, rewarding the Dwarfe liberally for his paines, who among the rest of his talke, highly commen­ded the vertues of the Prince, which increased her loue so confidently, as she assured him of the Princesse loue, that death could not change her setled affection. Trineus fully resoluing héereon, gaue such chéerefull phisicke to his heart, and the Chururgions such dilligence to his woundes, as within seauen or eight daies he was able to beare armor: whereupon the King departed thence towardes London, where the strange knights were entertained with meruai­lous honor, the Lords, Knights, Burgesses, Officers and other Citizens, welcomming them with great [...]ampe and [Page] royaltie, saying. Welcome are the knights that deliuered the Quéene and her Daughter, from the cruell Giant Franarco, with diuers other salutations, whereat Pa [...]merin and his friendes were greatly abashed. Passing on to the Pallace, all the way they were still presented with rare shewes and deuises, and the Knights lodgings were ap­pointed in very stately Chambers in the Court, causing o­pen Court to be kept for eight dayes space, for the honour of these knights, and entertainement of all friendly com­mers, in all which time there wanted no sports & delights, as such times rnd occasions do necessarily require. Nowe came all the Princes, Lords, and renowned Knights in England to the Court, except the Duke of Gaule, who ex­cused himselfe by the warre in his owne prouince, which yet was not the chéefest cause of his absence: but the shame hée reputed to himselfe for his foyle in Fraunce, when hée entred the Combatte for the beautie of the fayre prin­cesse Agriola. These knights thus worthily intreated, they were at no time denied entrance into the King and Quéenes Chambers, by which meanes Trineus might when himselfe pleased, conferre with the Princesse, till this instant among all other, the prince thus began to his La­die and Mistresse. You may easily presume swéete madam, what secret Conbattes I continually endure for your loue, and no helpe is expected but the onely hope of your fauour, which as you haue promised to my especiall friend Sir Palmerin, I doubt not but you will perseuer in that gracious opinion, and what promise hee hath made of my seruice to you, thinke not but I obserue with religious care & deuotion, though not sufficient to equal your deserts, yet because ingratitude shal not insult against me. So many thanks (quoth the Princesse) I returne you my Lord, as good opinions can bee imagined betwéene vs both, and accounting you for my friende, which is a higher degrée, I héere discharge you of my seruice, and (mine honour guarded from blame) I shall iudge my selfe happie to yéelde [Page] you any content, which I will fulfill, notwithstanding any daunger towardes mee. But I praye you tell mée my Lord, what is the intent of your loue in this action. Madame, (quoth the Prince) Syr Palmerin, who is nowe come to beare vs companie, shall crediblie enforme you, so please you to rest contented therewith. Palmerin thus entred, and imagined theyr talke was not about affayres of Merchan­dise, wherefore hée sayde to the Princesse. God spéede you Madame, pardon mée, I should call you Ladie, and Wife to the Prince of Allemaigne, for I doubt not but you haue chosen him your Husband in heart. Agriola blushing and smyling [...]eereat, made no aunswere: Wherefore Palmerin went forward in this manner. In faith Madame if you haue doone so, I would counsell you to accomplish it presen [...] ­lie, and prouide to go with vs to Allemaigne, where the Emperour will entertaine you with such gracious fauour, as you will not loose if you beare the minde of a Princesse: beside, you shall be the meane of euerlasting peace betwéene the King your Father and his Maiestie. To which wordes, Agriola thus discréetly answered.

I promise you my Lord, there is no Prince thys daye ly­ [...]ing, whome I would more gladlie accept for my Husband, then the Prince Trineus: notwithstanding, for mée to de­parte without the knowledge of the King or Quéene my Parents, is an acte in (mine opinion) farre dissenting from duetie and honest reporte. Therefore my Lord, louing myne honour as you say you doo, I pray you let our behauiour be with better wisdome, least we both fall into dangers not r [...]couerable. Palmerin perceyuing Agriola contrary to the most necessary occasion, vsed such arguments, and played so well the Oratour, that the poore Princesse had no power to resist: considering the great loue shee bare the Princ [...] Trineus, which made her yeelde more easily to his perswa­sions, so that shée agréed to accomplish their determination, and depart with them towards the Realme of Allemaigne. T [...]ineus ioyes nowe excéeded measure, and Palmerin (for) [Page] his sake) was no lesse contented, in respect hee should the sooner sée his mistresse Polinarda, whose very remembe­raunce gaue him life, as the ayre doth the Camelion. But fortune beholding each thing prosper as liked their fan­cies, woulde nowe néedes beginne to play her Pagant, crossing them with the vnhappiest stratageme, that euer could happen to so noble Princes, as in the sequell shall bée laxgely discoursed. They little expecting such a chaunce, are earnestly following their serious enterprise, which was secretly to carrie Agriola with them into Allemaigne, for which purpose they prouided shippes and skilfull Pilots to conduct them, conueying all their necessaries abroade, at what time this aduenture following happened in the Court of England.

Chap. LIII.

DUring the time that this royall compa­ny continued at London, minding no­thing but pleasures, pastimes, and courtly recreations: there came a [...]a­mosell so faire as might be, accompani­ed with two auncient knights, and a lustie Champion brauely armed, with sixe Squires attending on him. The Damosell entring the Pallace, came before the King, and on her knee [Page] began [...]e in this manner. Dreade Lorde, hauing long time hearde your good iustice towardes your Subiects, without any fauour or exception of persons: I am the more bolde, (albeit he that hath iniuried mee, is reputed for a Man of good quallity, and holdeth place of authority in your Court) humbly to craue of your highnesse one request, against the most false and disloyall Knight that euer was: whom when I but remember, more weightie and gréeuous oppressions fall vpon my soule, then this wretched body of mine is able to endure.

Damosell saide the King, I shall right gladly reléeue your heauines, if it ly in my power to doo it: therefore tell mée the cause of your offence: and what hée is that hath so wronged you. Knowe my good Lorde (quoth shée) that I loued a Knight so déerelye, as contrary to the lyking of my Parents and Fréendes, and two much forgetfull of mine owne selfe, I tooke him to my Husband, thinking he lo­ued mée so faithfully, as his shewes and behauiour gaue demonstration. But the Traytour had no other meaning, then to beguile and falsely deceyue mee, for after I hadde made him Lorde of mee & mine, and brought him to a Ca­stle of mine, so strong and fayre as anye in your highnesse dominions: the Traytour expulsed mée thence violently, pretending that wée were so néere allyed, as he might no longer account mee for his Wife. Since which time, not­withstanding all the humble intreaties I haue made: hée will neither restore mée my goods and possessions againe, nor yet accepte mee as his espoused Wife. Therefore I be­séeche you my Lord, as becomes a good & vertuous Prince, for the honour of nobilitie and regarde of womanhoode, you will take pittie on a poore distressed Ladye, and that in such a rightfull demaunde, you woulde doo mée iustice, which I had sooner demaunded, but coulde not by the occasions of your troublesome warres.

Ladye, sayde the King, as yet you haue not named the man that hath offered you this surpassing iniury. My Lord [Page] (quoth shée) this is the man in your presence, name Miseres, a vile Traytour, and publique adulterer. And if he dare affirme that I haue spoken vntruth, I haue héere brought a Knight with mée, who by Combatte shall make him con­fesse his falshood and treason, so please your Maiestie to fa­uour my request. Miseres, (quoth the King) how answere you this accusation and offence, wherewith this Lady char­geth you? Miseres béeing suddainly driuen into this dumpe, knewe not well what to saye: yet at length (with humble reuerence) hée thus beganne. My soueraigne Lorde, if cre­dite may be giuen to the first countenaunce of accusations, without hearing howe the partye accused can iustifie him­selfe, I doubt not but your Maiestie will presentlye con­demne mee: but when the matter is well debated and dis­cided, they which séemed at first vnreprooueable, are found malicious and slaunderous persons, and the accused, inno­cent and frée from blame, as heere your highnesse shall most plainely beholde. The matter whereof this Ladye detecteth mée, is forged, and most villainously inuented: for to mée belonged the Castle shée quarrelles for, discen­ded from my Predecessours, to whom I am the true, law­full, and legitimate inheritour. True it is that this dissem­bling Womanne, by swéete spéeches, feminine guiles, and secrete deceits, oftentimes practised to winne mée for her Husbande: but knowing her behauiour such as beséemed not a Woman of modestie and vertue, I would not héere her, much lesse consent to match with her. And this is the cause of her complaint, in hope that you, (béeing aboue all other Princes most b [...]nigne and honourable) will con­straine mée to wedde her, in respecte of your absolute au­thoritie, as the duetifull obedience wherein I am bounde. When the Knight which came with the Lady, heard My­seres blame her in this sorte, hee stepped before the King with these words.

It is great follie (my Lord) in Miseres, to deny a mat­ter so apparantly knowne, although, if it were put to the [Page] iudgement of honeste personnes, his common good reporte might cause him be beléeued: but the poore Ladye desires that her right may bée cleared by Combatte, wherein let him confounde her if hée can, or else receiue rewarde for his notorious offence. On her behalfe, therefore my Lorde, I saye and will maintaine, that Myseres is a most disloyall Traytour, and his mouth shall confesse it, or this day will I take his heade from his bodie. Myseres feeling himselfe somewhat touched, grewe into great anger, and albeit the shame he did the Ladie deliuered him culpable, and made him doubt the issue of the Combatte: yet in meruaylous choller hée aun [...]wered the Knight, that hée falselye belyed him, and was readie to make proofe thereof in Combatte, if it pleased the King so to appoint it. And I doubt not (quoth hée) to make thée paye for thy rashnesse, and force thée con­fesse thy lacke of discretion, in giuing credite to the troth­lesse complaints of this deceitfull Woman. Then was it ordained▪ that this difference should bée tryed by Armes: wherupon the Ladies Knight spake thus to the King. Sée­ing it hath pleased your Maiestie, to graunt the Fielde to Myseres and mée, may it please you (as it is the custome) to commaunde, that he deliuer hostages: to the ende, if hée bee vanquished, the Castle maye bee deliuered into your handes, to deliuer it in iustice where it appertaines. Good reason, saide the King, and therefore Myseres, you must be­fore you enter the Fielde, accomplishe what the Knight in equitie hath demaunded.

Then Myseres called one of his Brethren, whom he re­quired to stande as his hostage: and doubt not before the Sunne be sette, but I will discharge my selfe & my pledge, with which wordes hee departed the Hall to arme him­selfe: but because the daye was too farre spent, the matter was deferred till the next morning. The King & his Lords, séeing the Ladies Knight in such resolute assurance, mer­ueiled of whence and what he was, for none there knewe him but Palmerin, who neither coulde gesse assuredly what [Page] he was, but by the golden Sunne in the Azure sheeld, which made him remember that at the Ioustes in Fraunce the pe­rillous Combate without victorie on either side, was fought betwéene him and this knight. Palmerin being glad to sée the man he long looked for, and purposing now to bee fully reuenged on him, secretly went forth of the hall, commaun­ding one of his Squires, to conuey his horse and armour the next morning out of the Citie, because if he vanquished Mi­seres, at his returne be intended to fight with him, or if Mi­seres had the better, yet he should not depart thence againe with life.

Nowe you must vnderstande, that this Knight which came with the Ladie, was the Knight of the Sunne, named Frysoll, who euer since the Combatte betwéene Palmerin and him, remained with the Duke of Gaule, and was of him highly honoured for his woorthie chiualrie. Of whom when this distressed Ladie heard, shée made her complaint to him of the wrong Myseres had done her, and Frysol pitty­ing her case, promised to ayde her in recouerie of [...]er right: and so came with her to the King of Englands Court, to the great gréefe of the Duke of Gaule, who made Frysol pro­mise him to returne againe after the Combatte: but Fry­sol was more desirous thereof then the Duke, in respect of his fayre Syster, because hée was specially beloued of her. Thus Palmerin following his enterprise, feared to bée pre­uented, because the Féeld was appoynted by the King, in the same place where hée intended to méete with Frysol, and beside, Palmerin and the Duke of Norgalles were or­dained Iudges of the field, which hée would not willingly haue taken vpon him, doubting by that meane to bee hinde­red of his other determination. The time being come that the Knights should to the Combatte, the King and the La­dyes came to their Scaffolds, and the two Iudges were pla­ced in their Tent, accompanied with many Princes and ho­nourable persons.

After that the Heraulds bad commaunded the Cham­pions [Page] to doo theyr deuoyre, then they clasped their helmets▪ and fetching their carrire, mette with such puissaunce as Miseres brake his Launce on Frysols Shéelde, not mouing him in his Saddle: but Frysol driuing his Launce through Miseres bodie, caused the Traytour to fall deade to the earth. Then he allighting, and opening Miseres Helmette, sawe no life in him, came to the Iudges, saying. You may nowe perceyue my Lordes, whether hee that offered this Ladie such villanie, hath receyued his due desert, or no, if there yet remaine any thing else to do for recouering of her right, I am here ready to maintaine her cause. Palmerin, who was not verie well pleased with this victorie, answe­red. Knight, you haue done enough at this time, pray that o­ther affayres may proue as prosperous to you héereafter, and in anger went forth of the field, commaunding the bodie of Miseres to be brought thence, which was afterward interred with great honour.

Frysol hauing thus vanquished Miseres, the Ladie for whom he entred the Combatte, fell on her knées before the King, desiring him to surrender the castell which Myseres vniustly detained from her. In sooth Ladie, quoth the King, it is reason you should haue iustice, and your owne deliue­red you, but know you his name that defended your quar­rell? My Lord (quoth she) in concealing his name, I should offer him great wrong, concealing the bountie and prowesse of the man, which hath not béene sparingly shewed hereto­fore, in presence of the Duke of Gaule, agaynst the King of Norway, whose armie was [...]icomfited by the worthy valour and pollicy of this knight, who calleth himselfe by the name of Frysol, the Duke of Gaule bringing him foorth of Fraunc [...] at his last voyage, and euer since hath so dearly loued him, as he were his owne naturall brother. I promise you La­die, sayde the King, you made no ill choyse of your Knight, for I haue heeretofore heard of his actions, and am not a little glad that I know him, wishing he were of my Court, because a King accompanyed with such persons, must [Page] néedes imagine his Countrie happie. And in respect he is so braue a Champion, it is impossible but hée shoulde bée a wyse and vertuous Knight, wherefore I pray you cause him to come to mee: which shée presently did. And hauing saluted his Maiestie with honourable reuerence, the King embraced him with these wordes. Woorthie Sir, you are most heartily welcome: I coulde wish you were one of my Knights, in respect that my Court should bee the more ho­noured, and I might requite your paines better then I can on a sudden.

Mightie Prince, (quoth Frisol) in assisting this distressed Ladie, I haue done but my dutie: but if I could any way do your highnesse seruice, I knowe no Prince liuing, for whom I wold more gladly employ my selfe. And at this time vrgent affayres excuse me from staying héere any lon­ger: neuerthelesse, I intreate you my good Lord, (if it may stande with your fauourable liking) to repute mee among the number of your Souldiours and Seruaunts. If it must néedes be so, sayde the King, you shall doo what please you, yet will I reckon you amongst those to whom I owe conti­nuall loue and affection. And although the death of My­seres doth somwhat grée [...]e me, because I made some estima­tion of him: yet for your sake shall I deliuer the Ladie her Castell, which you haue conquered with so knightly chi­ [...]alrie. Frysol humblie thanked his Maiestie, and departed with the Ladie, which way they came: but Palmerin very much offended at his departure, and earnestly desiring to be reuenged on him, commaunded his Dwarffe to marke well which way they went.

The Dwarffe diligently fulfilling his Maisters charge, returned and told him which way they tooke: wherevpon, he beeing desirous to follow, without giuing any knowledge thereof to his companions, left Trineus to conferre with his fayre Mystresse Agriola, and departed the C [...]urt so secret­ly, as neither the Prince or Ptolomie suspec [...]ed any thing. And so accompanied with the Dwarffe Vibanillo, [...] c [...]me [Page] to the place where his Squire stayed with his Armour, where, when hée [...] armed, hee mounted on horsebacke thus speaking to his man. Returne you to the Cittie, and there expect my comming: as for thée Vrbanillo, thou shalt say to Tryneus, that hée must pardon mee, though I did not acquaint him with the cause of my departure: which I was more enforced to doe then he thinkes on: ne [...]erthe­lesse, pray him take no paine to enquire after mee, because I doubt not to returne verie shortly, although not so soone as hee woulde: yet pray him to vse so little speech there­of as may be. The like mayst thou say to Ptolome, and to them both commende me most heartily: With this charge to you both, that vppon payne of your lyues, neither of you doo followe mée, nor cause anie other to séeke after mee.

So taking his Launce, hee galloped that way which his Dwarffe shewed him they were gone, and he with the Squire returned to the Cittie, making verie sorrowfull la­mentation, because they thought their maister woulde re­turne no more, in that hée would not bee knowne whither hee went, yet would they bewray nothing theyr maister had forbid [...]e them. Trineus and Ptolome were maruellous sorowfull, especially the Prince, who without the Dwarffes assurance of his Maisters short returne, had followed to seeke him: yet not thorowlie contented with Vrbanillo [...] perswasions, the King came to comfort him, saying. You must thinke good Sir, that your noble Fréend is gone about some straunge aduenture, for you knowe he neuer enterpri­sed any thing, but it returned him to honour. If héeretofore for the loue of his Ladie, hée shewed himselfe without his Péere in chiualrie, thinke you be will not regarde his re­putation, and premeditate his actions before hee runne to farre in daunger? Content your selfe I pray you, for if his returne be not the sooner, I will cause such prouision to bée made, as hée shall be found againe. The Princesse Agriola likewise intreated him not to bee displeased at the absence [Page] of Palmerin, for with the helpe of God and his Fréendes, quoth shée, his returne will cause as much ioy, as his depar­ture dooth gr [...]efe. All this coulde hardly content Trineus, for hée dreamed in his sléepe, that the Knight which slewe Myseres, was hée against whom Palmerin entred the Com­bat in Fraunce, at what time they could not ouercome each other. And remembring what ill will Palmerin bare him, vehemently suspected that for this cause hee followed him, which imagination somewhat comforted him, and he repu­ted the Knight vnwise if hée medled any more with Palme­rin.

Chap. LIIII.

AL that day Palmerin trauailed, and most part of the next, yet coulde hee heare no tidings of the Lady and Frisol, which made him ryde in great melancholly, till at length méeting with a Damosel, mounted on a goodlie Palfray very rich­ly harnessed, of whome he demaunded, if shee mette not a Knight armed, who bare in a Shéelde of Azure a Golden Sunne, and with him a Ladye atten­ded on by manye Squires. Truelie Sir, quoth the Da­mosell, if you will graunt mée two requests that I shall de­maunde, I will bring you to him you séeke for, before to morrowe the third houre of the day. Palmerin who was woonderfull desirous to finde his enemie, granted to anye [Page] thing shee woulde desire: on condition (quoth he) that you shewe mee the Knight. Followe mée then sayde the Da­mosell, for I will accomplishe what I haue promised. So rode they togither, and among other speeches, Palmerin asked her if shee knewe the Knight, and what his name was? The Damosell aunswered, that shée knewe not the Knight, but shée was very well acquainted with the La­dye in his company, and this night (quoth shee) they mind to lodge at a Castle of mine Auntes. in the euening they arriued within the sight of the Castle, where they alighted from their Horsses, and entred a little thicket, for feare of béeing séene, and the Damosell hauing a flagon of Wine, and a pastie of redde Déere in a maunde at her saddle bowe. Palmerin and shée refreshed themselues therewithall: but all that night coulde not Palmerin settle himselfe to sleepe, watching the castle Gate, least in the time of his sléeping his enemie should escape him. The next morning, so soone as the breake of day appeared, Frysol came foorth of the Castle with his companye, wherefore Palmerin not a litle gladde, saide to the Damosell. Now (Lady) is your pro­mise perfourmed, for this is the Knight I séeke: if there­fore you will any thing with mée, I must intreat you to fol­lowe mee, for I would be very lothe that he shoulde escape me.

With which wordes hée mounted on horsebacke, gallo­ping after Frysol so fast as the Horse coulde away, and o­uertaking him, sayde. Stay a while Sir Knight, thinke you to passe away in such sorte? haue you forgot your words at Parris, to the Knight that guarded the Duke of Sauoyes Tent? now is the time I hope to correcte your presumptiō, when thou shalt well perceiue, that thou neyther deser­uest to be Seruant to the Princesse Polinarda, nor art wor­thy to talke of her honourable name. Frysol thus slaying, kn [...]we by Palmerins words, that it w [...]s hée against whome he fought the Combat [...] in Fraunce, whereupon he aunswe­red.

[Page]Truely Sir Knight, I haue not as yet forgotten what I then sayde, nor is the beautie of Polinarda, or my loue to her so little, that my desire to doo her seruice shoulde not bée now remembered, nor will I forbeare to confesse it stil, for feare of thée or any other whatsoeuer. And if thou hast [...] sought me foorth in this quarrell, thou hast found me to rea­die to defend it: as I will more willingly choose to die, then denye any parte of my duetie to that gracious Princesse.

Palmerin béeing so angrye, as hee woulde multiply no more wordes, encountred his enemie so valyantly, as they brake theyr Launces, and yet coulde not vn [...]orse each other, then dr [...]wing their swordes, they laide so cruelly vppon their bodies, as theyr shéeldes being broken, theyr Helmets battered, their Armour defaced, and their fl [...]sh so gr [...]uously mangled, as neither of them both could iudge who was likest to winne the victorie. Till at length Frisol [...] Horse fayling vnder him, fell to the grounde, and hée so weakened with his great losse of blood, as hée coulde not recouer himselfe, before Palmerin came to him, thinking to haue parted his head from his shoulders with his swoord, which when the Ladye sawe, for whome Frysol had slaine Myseres, shée fell into most pittifull acclamations, not spa­ring her louelye tresses of hayre, but with great impati­ence renting them violentlye, made the ayre to eccho her lamentable complaints. Which the Damosell seeing that guyded Palmerin, and mooued with compassion of her excée­ceeding gréefes: fell on her knées before Palmerin, intrea­ting him to giue ouer the fight. But he, feyning that hee heard her not, because Frysol with rough strugling had got on foote againe: charged him with such violent strokes, as Frisol (beeing of inuincible courage) requited him with as woorthy chiualrie.

Againe the Damosel came on her knées to him, intrea­ting him to giue ouer the fight, saying. You know my Lord, that before you came hither, you promised me two requests and this I make one of them, that you continue no longer [Page] Combatte against this Knight, and in so dooing I shall ac­quite you of part of the promise which you made mee. Pal­merin cha [...]ing like a furious Lyon, aunswered. I pray you Damosell aske some other thing, for in this matter, of force you must pardon mée. In sooth saide the Damosell, if you denie mée my demaunde, I will complaine at the King of Englands Courte, and there will I declare you periured, for ill it beséemes such a Knight as you are, to make promise to a Lady and not obserue it. By God Lady, saide Palme­rin, you doo me great wrong, in with-holding mee from reuenge on him, whom aboue all menne in the worlde, I hate most deadlye, vnhappye was the houre wherein I mette you: and so mounting vppe on horsebacke, he gallo­ped awaye in very great anger. When the other sorrow­full Lady sawe, that Palmerin was gone, and hadde left her Knight, with great ioye shée embraced the Damosell that had procured it, thanking her for [...]héelding the life of a most noble Knight, for which courtesie shee remained bound to her during life.

What I haue doone, (quoth the Damosell) is for the loue of you and this Knight, swearing to you by the fayth of a Gentle womanne, that I haue another thing to aske of the Knight which is gone, that concerneth mée very neere­lie. Notwithstanding, your teares mooued mée [...]with such compassion, that I stande in daunger to loose what I shall neuer rec [...]uer, yet in respecte the cause was so honest and vertuous, I doo not repent what I haue doone: but because he remaineth indebted to mée for another request, I must néedes leaue you and followe him, so mounting vppon her Palfraye, shée rode after Palmerin with all the haste shee possiblye coulde make. And in her iourney wée will leaue her, returning to Frysol, whose woundes béeing very dan­gerous, the Lady bounde them vppe so well as shée coulde, till they came at theyr next Lodging, where by good For­tune was a Lady so well séene in Chirurgery, as in shorte time she cured his woundes whole and sounde. Frysol so [Page] well recouered, departed thence with the Ladie, because the thirde day following they shoulde bee at the Castell, whither alreadie was come Hermes, one of the King of Englands Knights, béeing sent by his Lord the King to de­liuer the Ladie her right: which Hermes did according to his charge, entertained the Ladie honourably, deliuered her the Keyes of the Castell, and commaunded all the Subiects to reuerence the Ladie, which they refused not to doe, but were glad of her comming. For ioy hereof, were very solemne feastes prepared, and the Ladie recounted to Hermes, Commissioner for the king, howe Frysol fought the Combate by the way, agaynst the Knight of the blacke armour: whereby Hermes presently knewe, that it was the stra [...]nge Knight, who had left the Court, vnknowne to his Companions, or any of his Friendes, whereof hée was not a little glad, because hée iudged that these newes woulde bee welcome to the King. Wherefore so soone as he had accomplished his charge, and seated the Ladie quiet­ly in her Castell, hee departed, intending to follow Palme­rin till he found him, trauayling the way was assigned him by the Ladie.

Frisol stayed there with the Ladie till hee had perfectly recouered his health, and then without any other recom­penc [...] for his paynes, but onely a Horse, because his owne was slaine, and a newe Armour, his owne béeing spoyled, hée returned to the Duke of Gaule, who reioyced greatly to haue his companie. But when the Duke vnderstood how discourteously he had béene vsed by the blacke Knight, who was so highly fauoured in the English Court, hée deuised by all the meanes possible to bée reuenged on him: so that béeing in a Castell on the Frontiers of his Duchie, yet within the King of Englandes dominion, hée vnderstoode the blacke Knight should passe that way, because he coulde not else returne to the Court. Now perswading himselfe for resolute vengeaunce, hée pitched his Tents in a fayre Medow neare a Bridge, and there placed twelue knights, [Page] the most hardie and valiant men in all his Dukedome, who should maintaine this order: that no Knight shoulde passe ouer the Bridge, vnlesse hée entred Combate with those twelue Knightes one after another, and such as were van­quished, shoulde submitte themselues to the Dukes mercy, eyther for their deliueraunce, or to remaine his prysoners, and the horsse of the partie foyled, should belong to the con­querer, but if they were dismounted, the passenger shoulde go on his iourney, and take theyr Horsses with him. Thys aduenture thus established, many good Knights were ouer come, because it was a verye harde matter to vanquishe twelue Knights, and yet escape: But the Duke tooke no little pleasure heerein, who detained Frysol more by con­straint then otherwise, for his anger so vehemently en­creased against Palmerin, as no delight or pleasure coulde expiate his reuenging desires.

Chap. LV.

PAlmerin (as you haue heard) departed from the Damosell in a rage, because he coulde not execute what he intended, wherefore hee deuised to deale some o­ther way, and to single foorth Frisol in such conuenient place, as one of them should dye before they departed. And as he was imagining some other way to ouertake Frysol, the Damosel had now againe recouered his company, saying. I pray you Sir Knight, conceiue no il opinion of me, for hinde­ring [Page] you from killing your enemie, whome you haue left in very great ieoperdy, considering what bountie and courage is in him, and which your selfe perhaps will bee sorye for. Wherefore I pray you forget this displeasure, & determin [...] to fulfill what you haue promised, which if you will doo, you must go with me.

Beléeue me Damosell, saide Palmerin, you shewed but little courtesie, so often hindering me from the thing, which aboue all other in this worlde most tormenteth mée. What vnhappye bodye are you? but more vnhappye the houre I mette with you? but séeing it is reason I shoulde kéepe my promise, leade the way, and I will not faile to follow you. So rode they on, and for foure dayes space hée woulde not speake one word to her, and fayne he would haue left her company, but that he could not with honor forsake her. The next daye, as they rode by a Riuers side, Palmerin espyed a Knight standing with a Bowe and arrow in his hand, which he let flye at his Horse & killed him. Palmerin impacient by remembraunce of Frysol, and angrye that the Knight had thus killed his Horse, made towardes him so fast as hee coulde, but the Knight was suddainlye gotte on the further site of the Lake, and Palmerin vppe to the middle in Wa­ter before hée was ware of it, and nowe hee could neyther sée the Knight that slewe his Horse, nor the Damosell that came in his companie. Palmerin béeing in great perplexity, when he sawe nothing but water rounde about him, and féeling he was vpon a Bridge, behelde a meruailous déepe streame running vnder it, and at the ende thereof a goodly Castle. Walking along the Bridge toward the Castle, a­mazed at this contrary aduenture, hée espyed a Knight on the battlements of th̄ Castle, who sayde. Staye a while Syr Knight, one shall come presentlye and open the Gate. Palmerin knewe not what to say, but determined to de­fende himselfe if any came to assaulte him, so the Castle Gate béeing opened, hée entred with his sword drawne, yet was there no man that displeased him, but euery one made [Page] him humble reuerence, with very good wordes and gentle countenaunce, declaring by their behauiour, that hée was more then welcome thither. Thus walking on to the inner Court, there came towardes him a Ladie, accompanied with manie Damosels and Knights, all shewing chéerefull gestures, and the Ladie taking Palmerin by the hande, sayde.

Ah, gentle knight, right welcome are you to this place, and heauen bée praysed for the good it dooth mée, to sée you here, that is able to a [...]complish the thing, which no other as yet coulde bée able to finish: enter hardily in good assu­raunce, for you will wee make all the honour wée are a­ble. Palmerin beléeuing the Ladie, was brought into a mar­uailous goodly Chamber, where certaine Squires holpe to vnarme him, bringing him a gorgeous Mantle to wrap a­bout him. This done, he was conducted into a large Hall, where the Table was couered▪ the Ladie entertaining him so nobly, as in the King of Englands Court hée coulde not be better. The feast ended, and the Tables withdrawne, the Ladie beganne to deuise with Palmerin, saying. Long time (my Lord) haue we desired your comming, as the man in whome our onely helpe consisteth: for by your valour we are perswaded to be deliuered from the miserie, wherin I and mine haue too long time béene detained. I beséech you, Madame, quoth Palmerin, to tell mée your affayres, as also what the Knight meant to kill my Horse, and why you entertaine mée with so great kindnesse. If you wil pro­mise mee, saide the Ladie, to accomplish a néedfull occasion, and which I thinke is destinied to you: I will resolue you, otherwise, I shall but loose my labour. If it bée a matter rea­sonable, (quoth Palmerin) and that a knight may compasse, spare not to tell mee, for I will do my endeuour therein. Gramercies gentle knight sayde the Ladie, the circūstance of the occasion followeth in this sort. This Castel (my Lord) sometime belonged to my noble Father, a Knight so hardie and valiant as any in these parts, in whose yonger yeares [Page] loue so ouerruled him aa he aff [...]cted a lady of no lesse quan­litie and condition then himselfe, by whom he had a [...]augh­ter, at whose birth his Lady and Wife deceased. My Fa­ther being yet in the flower of his youth, matched the se­cond time with a Lady of very honourable and auncient discent, by whom he had me the first Childe. My Sister come to fourtéene yéeres of age, my father oftentimes would haue richly married her, whereto she béeing vnwil­ling, by my Fathers consent shée remained with her mo­thers Sister, whose skill was very great in all sciences, by whose counsel my sister caused a goodly Pallace to be edifi­ed▪ and a strong Lower in an Isle on the other side of this Castle, where afterwarde they made their continuall a­biding. During this time, my father louing mee déerely, matched me with a wealthie and noble knight, excelling in all perfections, but chéefely in chiualrie, by whom I had a Daughter a yéere after our espousall: but the more my gréefe, my Husband and Father both died, within little space after my Childs birth. My Daughter being come to the yeeres of marriage, her beautie made her desired of ma­ny noble Lords: but because I still reputed her too yong, I denied all her sute [...]s, which afterwarde turned me to ve­rie great detriment. For my Sisters aunt had a sonne, the most mishapped, deformed, and worst conditioned knight, as all the Countrey could not shew such another, yet became he so amorous of my Daughter, as hee requested his mo­ther to demaund her of me for his Wife: but when I heard thereof, you may well perswade your selfe that neuer wo­man disliked any thing more, and yet to this time doo as much as I then did, so that I made her answere, howe I would rather desire my Daughters death, then so to disho­nour her, because he was altogether vnworthie such speci­all fortune. Notwithstanding this sharpe repulse, he conti­nued his amorous desires to my Daughter, so that he ear­nestly perswaded his mother to permitte him to take her from me perforce, to which suite the vndiscréete mother [Page] consented, either mooued with pittie, or ouercome by the importunate solliciting of her, so that one day (vnder co­lour of a friend méeting me to be merry) he robbed me of my Daughter. This wicked traytor hadde long before that time intended this trecherie, compacting the matter secret­ly with villaines and théeues, by whose assistance he carri­ed away my Daughter, shutting her vppe in a strong Lower whereof I told you. And because he feared I would gather some strength to reskew her, considering how well I was beloued of my neighbours, hee preuented mée by a strange enchauntment, enuironing the castle and the tow­er with such a maruailous water, as no knight shoulde enter vppon them without their consent. Now that them­selues might come forth and returne againe at their plea­sure, they deuised a little Boate, which is guarded by two fierce Lions, and a puissant knight that hath charge of them, so that none comes to them but whome they list. Since this vnhappie time did I neuer sée my Daughter, whom this damnable villaine (which most of all gréeues mée) immediatly violated and rauished at his pleasure, swearing now neuer to take her as his Wife, but to vse her as his Concubine: and beside all this, the Traitour in despight of mee, and to reuenge the words I gaue him, doth monstrously abuse her, and (vnmanly) whippeth her dayly with Roddes, which my Sister hath often intreated to be spared, but he by no meanes will be perswaded. Thus séeing my selfe out of all hope to recouer her againe, haue euer since continued in earnest inuocation to Heauen, that some notable vengeance might punish this villaine: and such fauour haue I founde in my deuout imprecations, as first his mother was chastized with a disease called Saint Anthonyes fire in one of her legges, which so gréeuously torments her, as no remedie can bée founde to asswage the vexation. Her Sonne vnderstanding héereof, would haue slaine my sister, accusing her to procure his Mo­thers infirmity by her learned knowledge: whereuppon [Page] my Sister feari [...]g her life, and watching time conuenient for her purpose, escaped from the villaine hither to mée, béeing sorrie that her Aunt should thus iniuriously deale with me, and promised to worke the meane that I should recouer my Daughier. These wordes not a little pleasing mée, I would néedes knowe howe I should come by my Daughter againe, whose misfortune had béene so yrksom [...] to me, where to she thus answered.

It is so good Sister, that I cannot nowe reuerse the enchauntments I haue alreadie made for your Daughter, though gladly I would if it lay in my power, wherefore you must attende the comming of a Knight, who excéedeth all other in vertue and prowesse: for he shall passe the wa­ter, kill the Knight, enter the Tower, and deliuer my Niece your Daughter againe into your custody. As concer­ning the Knight: good Sister, that shall so hardly passe the water without feare, and fully accomplish my former en­chauntment, for him will I leaue with you a Sworde, a very sumptuous armour, and diuers other gifts to be­stowe on him, because my selfe shall not liue to sée him, which came to passe, for very shortly after my Sister di­ed. Nowe know you Sir Knight what matter is preor­dained for you, therefore take pittie on mée a poore de­solate Mother, and aduenture your selfe in this cause of honour, as bounde héereto by vertue and néedefull occa­sion.

Beléeue mee Madame, saide Palmerin, your discourse hath béene strange, and good reason mooues you to request vengeance, because your wrong is the greatest that euer I heard of, which may sometimes perswade you, that the offender cannot long escape, without shame aunswerable to his villanie, for Heauen will not suffer it, by assistance whereof I hope to reuenge your Daughters rape. And trust mee Lady, I am sorrie I came not in your Sisters life time, because shee coulde haue resolued mee in a doubt­full matter: neuerthelesse, I will doo so much for you as if [Page] she were liuing. But I maruaile what is become of the knight that slewe my horse, and the Damosell that con­ducted me hither. As for the Damosell (quoth the Lady) she shall come anone to attend vppon you: but the knight was onely a matter of enchauntment, deuised by my Si­ster to discouer the man that should ende this aduenture. And the Damosell whereof you speake hath brought hither many knights to the Lake, but when their horses were slaine, none of them durst be so hardy as to enter the wa­ter, but onely you, beeing predestinated of th [...]s aduenture. In this and other such like talke they spent the day till Supper time, and afterwarde was Palmerin c [...]ducted [...]o his Chamber, and béeing in bedde hee could take no rest, first for gréefe that he hadde not slaine Frysol, then againe by the strange tale the lady tolde him: wherefore rysing the sooner in the morning, hee went with the Lady to ser­uice in her Chappell, where hée d [...]sired of God that hée might preuaile against th [...]se co [...]ura [...]ions, and vanquish the Knight that had so much abused his order. Returning from the Chappell, the Lady among other talke thus saide. I sée Sir knight that your Armour is broken and much defa­ced, that one may iudge you haue not kept it idle in your Armorie, wherfore I thinke you met not with your friend, when you were enforced to so dangerous tryall: but as I vnderstande by the Damosell that was your guide, hither you returned him good payment for his paines. To sup­ply your want, I will bestow an Armour on you, which my Sister long since prouided for you, and with careful regard kept close in her Chest: therfore let me intreate you not to refuse it, in respect it was not prouided but for speciell pur­pose, beeing néedfull for the present occasion you must nowe enterprise. Palmerin would not refuse her offer, where­fore opening the Chest, there lay the Armour couered with white Taffata, whereon was wrought in letters of Golde this inscription: These Armes were made for the good knight Palmerin D'Oliua, Sonne to the most royall King [Page] that [...]his day liueth, in all Greece▪ That woorthie present greatly delighted Palmerin, because héerein his desire was somewhat satisfied, which was to knowe the estate of his Father: wherefore in midst of this pleasing humour hee saide to his Lady: I perceiue faire Madame, that your si­ster kn [...]w more of my destinie then any other, for séeing she could so truely describe my name, I néede make no great doubt of her further iudgement. So taking away the silke, beholde there a more [...]umptuous Armour, then that which halting Vulcan made for noble Achilles, at the earnest in­treati [...] of beautifull. Thetis, béeing curiously chased ouer with flowers of Gold, and the Sheeld of stéele, engrauen with rare deuises, as well might beséeme the greatest Prince in the world. Palmerin presently put off his own [...] Armour, and inuested himselfe with the Ladies gift, which so well agréed with him in euery poynt, as the like could hardly be framed for his body.

When hee was thus armed, he desired the Lady to shew him the way, that might conduct him to the place where he should discharge his promise, for he would delay no further time in a matter of such weight. The Lady commanded thrée of her Squires to conduct him, who lead him along a narrow pathway, which brought him to the enchaunted water so déepe and dangerous, and there they shewed him the boate to passe ouer in, which was fastened with a great Chaine to a Trée, whereupon Palmerin sought the meanes to vntie it: but so [...]oone as hee laide hand on the Chaine to plucke it towardes him, there rushed presently foorth of the enchaunted water two mighty Lyons, who assaulted Palmerin in such forcible manner, as they got him down on the ground vnder them, yet he recouered himselfe quic [...]ly, and valiantly encountred these hidious monsters, who had such a deuillish charme on them, as no Sword could any way hurt or wound them. Palmerin perceiuing that all his lab [...]ur was in vai [...]e, called to Heauen for helpe in this necessity, and commending his abili [...]y to the highest [Page] protection, and his heart to the gracious regarde of his my­stresse: hée gaue one of the Lyons such a cruell stroke be­twéene the eyes, as he tumbled headlong into the Water, and was afterwarde séene no more, and soone after he sent the other after for company, but had not his Armour béene of meruailous vertue, doubtlesse this should haue béene his last aduenture.

Not a little ioyfull of this happy victory, he entred the Boate, and with one of the Oares beganne to rowe, but nowe was hée surprised with a woonderfull daunger, for the Water arose in hung billowes, beating and tossing the Boate so fearefully, as hee had much a doo to kéepe the bot­tome from turning vpwarde. In this perplexitie, which hée coulde not deuise him to mittigate, a matter of greater mischaunce yet befel him, for a meruailous great and oug­lie Monster suddainlie started out of the Water, which la­boured by all meanes possible to ouerturne the Boate. Nowe was hée constrayned to forgoe his Oare, and draw his weapon to resist this Monster, which terrified him so cruellye on the one side, and the rough Waters so daunge­rously on the other, as hee was not in the like hazarde, when he fought with the Serpent on the Mountaine Arti­faeria.

To comfort him in this contagious extreamitie, hée implored his diuin [...] assistaunce, whose onely prouidence must nowe defende him, else had the raging and distempe­red Water, or the rauenous Monster that gaped for his life, d [...]uoured him. But he that in greatest perrilies, was euer of vndaunted spirite, made such harde shifte to rowe with his Sworde, as in despight of the Monster, and the [...]urling waues of the Water, hée landed on the other side: when immediatlye all the coniuration ceased, so that ney­ther Water, Monster, Boate or any thing else might then [...]ée discerned. I leaue to imagine, whither Palmerin were gladde or no, that he had so happily escaped this dan­ger: for ioye whereof he fell vpon his knées, and with hea­ [...]ed [Page] hands and eyes to Heauen, gaue thankes vnto God for his deliuerance. His praier being ended, he went to the Ca­stle, where he heard a most gréeuous and doleful complaint of a Lady, saying.

Unhappie bée the houre of my natiuitye, alas is it pos­sible that in all the whole worlde, any Ladie may compare with my miseries, Palmerin attentiuelye marking these spéches, knewe well it was the imprisoned Lady, where­fore mooued with compassion, hée called aloude for one to open the Gate, and so long hée called that the Knight heard him, who looking foorth at a Windowe of the Fortresse, saide. In an euill houre (Knight) cammest thou hither, and I meruaile what foolish presumption guyded thée to this place, séeing thou canst no waye escape my hands, but in my courtesie it remaines, eyther to spare thée, or put th [...] to a most cruell death, although my enchauntment haue suffered thy passage. Thou art meruailous har [...]ye, quoth Palmerin, there at thy Windowe, but if thy courage bee such, as to deals with mée hands to hande: I shall let thée vnderstande, that thy great wordes cannot sheelde thée from my Sworde, for I will pull downe that pro [...]d stomacke, and rewarde thy inexorable tyranny, to that good Ladie I hearde complaine, whom villainously thou lookest from her Mother. Come downe I pray thée if thou bée not afraid, and thou shalt sée what entertainment I giue to such as thou art.

Are you Sir (quoth the Knight) such a corre [...]tor and re­former of [...]ices? Darest thou but tarrie till I come [...]owne I shall teache thée the way to be better aduised. So arming himselfe presently, hee mounted on hors [...]backe, and came foorth of the Castle: whereupon▪ Palmerin thus spake to him, There is [...] great [...] Knight, you to be on horsebacke, and I on foote, you shall shewe in all manhood [...] in offering me such wrong: I pray thée (of courtes [...]e) alight, otherwise I shall bestowe such a c [...]rrying on your [...]alfray, as your seruaunt afterwar [...]e shall take [...] small paynes [Page] with him. The knight of the Castle made as though hée hear [...] him not, and ranne fiercely with his launce against Palmerin, who escaped his enemie, with his Sword gaue his Horse such a stroke on the leg as hee past by him, that the bone béeing cut in twaine▪ he fell to the ground, ha­uing one of the knights legges so fast vnder him, as hée was not able to recouer himselfe. Palmerin willing to help [...] him vppe againe, gaue him halfe a dozen such raps about the pate, as hee lay quiet enough without any moouing: whereupon he vnclasped his helmet, when the knight ha­uing some aire, beganne to striue with him, and drawing his pocket [...]agger, gaue Palmerin a sore wound there­with in the thigh, in recompence whereof, at one stroke he tooke his head from his shoulders. The Squires and Seruant [...] of the Castle, who came foorth to sée the issue of the fight, ranne apace to the Castle againe, to shut the Gate for theyr owne safety: but Palmerin (albeit hée was hurt, preuented them, laying about him so roughly on e­uery side, as hee sware if they would not bring him to the imprisoned Lady, they should all presently die the death. Many of them with feare [...]ombled headlong into the ditch, other on theyr [...] asked for mercy; promising to doo what euer he commaunded them, whereupon he sayd to him that had the keyes. Arise quickly villaine, and conduct mée to the prison, or I shall pay thée for thy lazinesse. The poore fellow almost frighted out of his witte, brought him to the Tower where the Lady was, whome they [...]ound nak [...]d from the middle vpwarde, and so gréeuously beaten, as all her body was gore bloud, which the knight had [...]ne that morning, for a Dreame he had the night before, howe her mother would sende a Knight that should take her thence perforce, and murther him in which opinion he came to the Lady saying. I perceiue that thy [...]other and friendes la­bour to get thée from me, and practise my destruction by all the meanes they may: but for their sakes thou shalt dé [...]re­ly a [...]ye their dealing. And with these words the villaine [Page] so cruelly whipped her, as shee was ready to giue vppe the ghoste, and so left her in hope she would haue dyed. Pal­merin finding the Ladie in this lamentable plight, sayde. Arise good Ladie and leaue your sorrowfull acclamations, for the villaine that thus misused you, hath had such ab­solution for his deserts, as he hath left his heade in signe of his p [...]naunce: and if you will depart with me towardes your Mother, I will shewe you the Traytour where hée lies nowe quiet enough. Ah my Lorde, (quoth the La­dye is the Trayterous Scloto deade, that so monstrouslye wronged mee? Hée is Ladie, sayde Palmerin, you [...]éede feare him no more. Then Heauen bée praysed (quoth she) for this happy daye, and among all Knightes bée you the most renow [...]ed, for euer, with which wordes shée arose, and wrapping a [...]urred Mantle aboute her, without anye other garments on her bodye, shée wente with Palmerin, and passing by the place where Scloto laye slaine, lifting her eyes, and hand [...] to Heauen, she sayde. O my God, [...]ow is thy name to be praysed, so iustlye punishing the tre­cherie and disloyal [...]ye of this villayne: Ah Traytor, how worthilye haste thou receyued this death, which is not ry­gorous, as thy mercilesse tyrany hath béene to me.

[...] Héere you must note, that so soone as the Knight was deade, all the enchauntments about the Castle were pre­sentlye finished, the great Lake béeing consumed after Palmerins passage, so that the Ladies Mother aduerti­sed thereof, came to méete Palmerin, embracing her daugh­ter with such excéeding ioye, as they coulde not sp [...]ake to eache other theyr teares so hind [...]red them, at length the Mother knéeled before Palmerin with these wor [...]es. Ah woorthy Knight, howe happye haue you this daye made mée? all my former gréefes (by your meanes) béeing now conuerted into a singuler contentation. A [...] she would haue procéeded in her gratulations, she perceiued the bloude to trickle downe Palmerins Armour, which shée sorrowing to be holde, sayde. He thinkes Syr Knight you are very [Page] sore wounded, I beseech you graunt me so much honour, as to repose your selfe a while within my Castle, where I doubt not to vse such dilligent are, as you shall bée whole and sounde in verye short time. Palmerin not min [...]ing to refuse her offer, returned with the Lady, and béeing vn­armed, was brought to his Chamber, where the Ladye dressed his woundes, and hee was so well entertained as heart could deuise. Then went the Ladies squires and Ser­uants to Sclotos Castle, from whence bringing all things that were of anye value, they burned the Traytours body, and putting his heade on the poynt of a Launce, they pla­ced it on the toppe of the Tower for a perpetuall memorye. The next daye came people from all partes of the Istande, to sée the Knight that ended the enchauntments, and a­mong other, the Damosell that conducted him thither was one, who on her knée thus spake to him. Nowe am I sa­tisfied Sir Knight, and you discharged of the promise you made mee, which was onelye for the deliueraunce of this Lady, whome you haue valiantly conquered from the tyrant that tormented her. I beséech him, who euermore hath regarde of the poore afflicted, that his pleasure may be to sende you the like, or a better aduenture, whereby you maye accomplish all your ha [...]tie enterprises. So will hée I doubt not, sayde Palmerin, and that was one from which you disswaded mée: but I shall n [...]uer bée merrye till I finde him againe, though then at your entreatie hee es­caped my handes so well. And Fortune spéede the matter so happilye, quoth the Damosell, as peace and Fréendship maye bée vnited betwéene you: for if eyther of you miscar­rye, it were great pittye, con [...]dering the woorthy valour wherewith you are both noblye furnished. Let come what will, sayde Palmerin, neuer shall other agréement be be­twéene vs. With these wordes the Damosell helde her peace, for the perceyued by his answers, that hee was not halfe pleased with the other Knight.

Chap. LVI.

SO long cōtinued Palmerin in the castle with the Lady, till his woundes béeing healed, and he able to heare Armour, he said to the Lady. Madame, by the help of God and your diligent endeuour, I find my self in good cōstitution of body wher­fore with your fauorable licēce, I mean to morrowe to depart hence, because occasions of great im­portaunce so commaundeth me: yet this assuraunce will I leaue with you, that in any place where I shall come héere­after, your woonderful courtesie hath gained such power o­uer mée, as at all times I remaine to doo you any plea­sure.

The Ladie right glad of Palmerins noble offer, and her Daughter thankeful for her benefit receiued, returned him many thankful gratulations: but séeing they could no lōnger detaine him, for his spéeches were such as he [...]ould néedes be gone, she said.

Gentle Knight, séeing it likes you no longer to so­iourne heere, but that you thinke it expedient to departe, I woulde gladlye present you with a simple gift, not as recompence of your painefull trauailes, but onelye that héereafter you might remember from whence i [...] came.

[Page]Then tooke shée out of a Coffer two riche and precious Ringes, and presenting him one of them, she sayde. You shall giue this Ring to her whome aboue all other you moste estéeme, the Ring contayning this speciall vertue, that the longer shée weares it, the more shée shall loue you, and daylye shall her loue so vehementlye encrease, as all aduersities and troubles, shée shall beare with patyence that by meanes of your loue maye anye waye endaunger her.

This other Eing is of a contrarye vertue, which you must giue to the Ladye your deere Fréende beloueth, and to him may you safelye saye, that anye occasion whatsoe­uer, cannot plucke it from this Ladyes finger: for this is the nature thereof, that the Ladye which weares it, shall not h [...]e disparaged, and neyther intreaties, giftes, or whatsoeuer beside, cannot compell her, to doo anye thing contrarye to her lyking. If it came so to passe that shee were beloued by anye other, then him shee nowe affec­teth, shee shall be able by vertue of this Ring, to quenche all such libidinous desire in her sollicitour, and cause him neuer afterwarde to mooue her with anye dishoneste re­quest. As for these stones of so rare and excellent quali­ [...]ie, you must note that they were preciselye chosen for you by my Sister, and placed as you sée them, by her su­perficiall knowledge in the Magicall sciences, that in time to come they shall too such seruice, as no Iewels (of what value so euer they were) might bee able to doo the like.

Beside these, shee gaue him diuers other Iewels to carrie to his Ladye, for which he humblye thanked her, and taking his leaue of her a [...]d her Daughter, who shed manye teares for his departure, hee mounted on horse­backe, and trauailing thorowe a great Forrest, hée espy­ [...]d a Dwarfe, whome hée iudging to bee his Seruaunt Vrbanillo, because hee was of his stature, and very much resembled him, he called aloude. Hearest thou [...]all fellowe, [Page] howe camest thou in this place, so vnfrequented and in­habited? The Dwarfe béeing in a great feare, ranne so fast as hée coulde into a great Caue betwéene two Bu­shes, which made Palmerin alight and followe him, and very farre went hee into the Caue not séeing anye bodye, till at length he came into a little roome, as it had béene cut out of a quarrie, which had light into it by a little chinke cutte through a Rocke: and there hée founde a young Knigh layde vppon a bedde, at whose féete lay the Dwarfe, quaking and trembling with his late feare, whome Palmerin nowe sawe that hee was not Vrbanil­lo, wherefore he saluted the Knight, saying. I must in­treate you Sir Knight to pardon mee, because I entred so boldlye, neyther knocking first, or calling for any of your Seruaunts: albeit I desired to speake with this little man, but nothing coulde induce him to tarry my comming, for hée fledde from mée as I hadde béene a de­uill. Whereuppon perswading my selfe, to finde some other body héere more courteous, I followed him at the harde héeles, with no other intent, but onelye to know howe I might possible gette foorth of this dissolate For­rest, wherein by misaduenture I haue lost my way, for I woulde not willinglye straye too farre, least I should be forced to remaine héere as an holye Hermit, conside­ring my profession is cleane contrarye. To preuent such chaunce, I thinke it was Gods will I shoulde followe your Seruaunt, let mee therefore intreate you, to know what you are, and wherefore you liue héere so solitarye, shunning as it séemes the company of men: protesting to you, that if I may in ought assist you, whereby to drawe you from this obscure life, I wil with all my heart accom­plishe it, though it were matter that should concerne my life.

The Knight raysing vppe himselfe, and sighing so bitterlye as life and soule woulde haue parted in sunder, aunswered. Alas noble Knight, séeke not to vnderstand [Page] the depth of my sorrowe, in respect the remedie is alto­gether impossible: yet in that your demaund procéedeth from such a gentle spirite, as pitieth the miseries of de­spised creatures, I will acquaint you with some part of mine estate.

Knowe then gentle Knight, that I am the most for­lorne Varnan, whose vnfortunate life excéedeth all mens whatsoeuer, for this worlde affoordeth me nothing but mishappe, disgrace, contempt, and all tormenting griefes, as for delight and pleasure, they are loathsome to mée, my monethes, wéekes, dayes, howres, and minutes, béeing continually accompanyed with all extreame passions. My greatest ease consisteth in dolorous lamentations, remembraunce of passed infortunes, sad regrets, and in­supportable melancholie. In bréefe, I am onelie hee, whose companions are, a trauelled spirit, thoughts con­founded with frustrate hope, hauing vtterly lost the light of those gladsome Sunnes, whereof the one shined in my face, the other in my heart, that nowe nothing is left for me but a life despised, yet welcome to me that am so disdayned.

These wordes were vttered with so many sighes, such flouds of teares, and haling his flesh with such im­patience, as woulde haue relented a heart of Adamant, which mooued Palmerin by gentle perswasions, to re­quest of him the cause of his disquiet: and so long he con­tinued his importunate intreaties, that the Knight at length thus answered. Gentle Syr, so well contenteth me the sorrowes which I suffer, that in hope of any re­medie, I would not bewray them: but séeing Fortune hath thus conducted you hither, in respect of your graci­ous and affable nature, as also that you shall not repute mée vndiscréete and misgouerned, I will satisfie you in the cause of my sadnesse.

True it is, Syr Knight, that I haue hitherto, and e­uer shall, loue a Ladie, Daughter to a Knight my neigh­bour, [Page] shée béeing (in my iudgement) one of y ^• fayrest La­dyes in the whole worlde. And perceyuing by her beha­uiour that shée loued me as well, or rather more, which indéede shée did not: for her I accomplished all thinges that a Knight could for his Ladie, aduenturing mine honour, and my life in all daungers for her sake, yea, no­thing might bee refused for the diuine Mistresse of my thoughts. Perceyuing my selfe to bée so equally loued, and my passions to growe beyonde my abilitie, finding occasion to acquaint her with the secretes of my heart, I desired her to pittie my oppressions, which if shee refused to doo, she should loose her louer, and his life withall. For I was so solemnely vowed to her seruice, as she could not commaund any thing so hard or daungerous, but by her fauourable regarde would be most easie to mee. Thes [...] words could drawe no pittie from her, but displeased and in great anger she answered. That I might not bee rec­koned among those Knights, who deserued the loue of a Ladie of her calling, and thenceforth I should not bee so hardie, as to speake to her, or come in her presence. Go [...] quoth sh [...]e, and followe her loue that gaue thée thy Faul­con, wherein thou takest such pleasure, and neuer mayst thou [...]urne againe to me.

With these wordes shée [...] from mee to a Win­dowe, where I was woont alwayes to stande and talke with her, beguiling the time in no lesse contentation, then those happy soules in the Ely [...]ian Fieldes, such was the rare beautie, good grace, and singular courtesie of my (sometime) beloued Ladie Valerica. I cannot denie: but that a Ladie bestowed the Falcon on me, but in any such respect as my Ladie imagined, God knowes is most vn­true, nor could death compell mee so much to abuse my chosen Mistresse.

Seeing my Ladie then so rigorous, and her answere so seuere, yet assured of mine owne innocencie and loyal­tie: I was surprised with such surpassing heauinesse, as [Page] euerye houre expected when my féeble spirite, would [...] forsake his long despyed habitation. My Ladie béeing thus resolute in her owne opinion, and disdayning all meanes I shewed to perswade her, despayring likewise of any after hope: I determined with my selfe, to aban­done all companye, as vnwoorthie of theyr societye, and then betooke my selfe to this brutish kind of life, where I might without any impeach, breathe forth my continuall complaints.

In this resolution I came to this place, without the knowledge of my Lady or any other, this Dwarffe one­lye excepted, who euermore hath beene my most tru­stie Seruaunt, and fetcheth my necessaries at a village néere adioyning, and by his honest perswasions, hath ma­nie times with-helde mee from committing violence on my selfe. Thus haue you heard in bréefe the cause of my sorrowe the depth whereof cannot bée considered or valu­ed, but by such as haue in like manner tryed and suffe­red, the disdayne and ingratitude of vnconstant Ladies. Palmerin hauing heard the fortunes of the Knight, re­peated to him the graces and fauours of his Ladye Poly­narda, what honour shée did him in her Fathers Court, and how hee was in daunger to receiue the like rewarde, as the Knight did of his Valerica: and fearing indéede that his mishappe woulde sorte to that issue, he fell down at the féete of this poore refused Louer. The Knight perceiuing, that the reputitiō of his misfortune was cause of this alteration, bre [...]thing foorth a vehement sighe, hee sayde.

Alas wretched [...]atife that I am, hath my dest [...]ny made mee so vnhappie, that enduring an extreamitye worse then death, I cannot dye, and yet hée that did but heare my miserie hath lost his life? I will not liue any longer to preiudice any other men, but will now make waye to the ende of mine owne troubles. So drewe [...]ée foorth Palmerins Sworde, and [...]ffered to thrust it into [Page] his bodye: but Palmerin receiued his former estate, started suddainlye vppe, and catching him in his armes, sayde.

How now my Fréende? will you bée so inc [...]nside­rate, that for a little temporall paine which your body en­dureth, to condemne your soule to euerlasting perdition? And though your passions touch you so seuerelye, as you will affoorde no pittie to your selfe: yet l [...]t trée intr [...]ate you to forbeare this humour. For not without reason haue I sustained this suddaine motion, remembring the vnspeakable comfort I receiued by one, who by false sug­gestions, or slaundreous reports (which woundeth more déepe then the fatall weapon) may in like sorte be chaun­ged into such conceit, as her iudgement may excéede a hel of torments. Yet canne I not denye (your Lady hauing with such shame refused you) but you haue great occasi­on to gréeue thereat, yet not to stretch the extreamily so farre as to dispayre, or worke iniurie to your [...]elfe calling to memory how light the opinion of a Woman is, how suddaine shée will alter, and howe prompt shée is to iea­lousie, especially where shee loueth effectually. And if héeretofore shée loued you feruentlye, it is impossible but shee should féele some part of your anguish, and more violently (I thinke) then your selfe can Trust then in him that hath all hearts at commaunde, repose your self constantly on his prouidence, for hée will not leaue you frustrate of your honourable intent, standing with iustl [...]e and perfect integritie.

As Palmerin continued these comfortable perswa­sions, the Dwarfe couered the Table, and sette before them such a small pitta [...]nce, as he had prouided, & when they hadde refreshed themselues: Palmerin tooke his leaue of the Knight, promising him (if hée coulde by anye meanes) to giue some ease to his oppressions. Varnan returned him many thankes, commanding his Dwarfe to conduct him to the high waye, béeing not a little sor­rowfull [Page] to leaue his compa [...]ie, who had so well aduised and comforted him. Palmerin being come into his ready way, sent backe the Dwarfe, and rode on till he was g [...]t out of the Forrest, intending to finde out the Castl [...] where Valerica remained, because he would somewhat sollicite the cause of sollitarie Verman. Ryding along in this determination, hée espyed a Knight and two squires before him, y ^• knight thus speaking to one of his squires. I knowe not whether it be time as yet to enter the Gar­den, or if Madame Valerica be as yet come thither. Go sée if she be there, and returne quickly to mée againe. Palmerin hearing the name of Valerica, knewe well it was shée for whome the solitarie Knight liued in such pensiuenes: wherefore mooued with pitty of his mise­ries, hee sayde to himselfe. Sée héere the trecherie of a trothlesse Woman, so vnhonorablie to forsake the man that loues her so déerely, and preferre the villanie of this intercepting Traytour: but I shall teach him ere I go, what a penalty belongs to the preuenting of a loy­all knight, and so comming to the knight hee say [...]e. Art thou a man villaine, that wouldest forest all the loue of the best Knights in England? by my Sword, thou shalt déerely pay for thy disloyalty. With these words he gaue him such a stroake on the head, as he cleft it therewith to the very téeth.

The Squires séeing theyr maister slaine, beganne to haste away: but Palmerin caught him that was sent to the Garden, to whome he sayde. Come on Sirra, if thou louest thy life, bring mée to the Lady if thou doost: not, thou shalt neuer followe thy trade any longer. The Squire durst doo no otherwise, so he brought him to the little gate where Valerica was wont to receiue in her lo­uer, and knocking with his finger as his Master was ac­customed, Valerica opened the doore, and thinking it was her Fréend, cast her armes about Palmerins necke, who brought her in his armes forth of the Garden, comman­ding [Page] the Squire presently to followe him. Valerica aba­shed hereat, sayde. Howe nowe swéete fréende? whether will you carry mee? Knowe you not if my father heard héereof, that neyther of vs durst approch before him? Tush Madame, sayde Palmerin, these are but wordes, there is no remedy but you must go with mée. So ney­ther with teares nor requests would hee be intreated, but mounting on horsebacke, caused the Squire to helpe the Lady vppe before him, because he would be sure shée should not escape from him, and riding on towardes the Forrest, because the night drew on, he left the rode way, séeking some place where they might cōueniently repose themselues for that night. At length hee founde out a little thicket, where they alighted, and hee returning his Horse to pasture, tooke off his Helmet and came to the Lady, desiring her to bée content with such hard lodg­ing for that night: but when shée behelde that it was not her fréend, wringing her handes she thus exclaimed. A­las vnhappy wretch that I am, how trecherously am I deceiued? What mishappe may be comparable to mine, hauing lost my fréende, and abyding at his pleasure that hath cruelly murdered him? Ah Fortune, why art thou so inconstant, to chaunge my former pleasure into this gréeuous stratage [...]e?

Palmerin hearing her so impatient, sayde. You must thinke Lady, that what hath happened, is by diuine per­mission, who hath thus appoynted to punish your loose­nesse, and your excéeding disloyalty towardes him, who loues you dearer then his owne soule, and for your loue leades a most austere life, in the very desolate and vn­comfortable place of the worlde. If hée haue thus long endured such hardnesse for your sake, it is good reason that you should participate a little with his misery. Feare not therefore, for I speake nothing of him but what I haue séene: and by great chaunce, haue I thus brought you from your Fathers house, meaning by Gods grace [Page] (this humor forgottē) to cause you match with him, whose true loue aboue all other hath deserued you. Ah miserye incomparable, said the Lady, I sée now it is in vaine to shun what the destenies haue appointed, how falles my fortune from ill to worse? Must I now go to that coward Varnan, whom hitherto I haue continually despised? me rather die a most shamefull death.

I know not Lady what you thinke, said Palmerin, but in my opinion, Varnan is much better then you estéeme him, and a better Knight then he, that coulde defende his pate with no wiser pollicy: woorthilye may you call him cowarde, and loue the other that liues to d [...] you ser­uice. So long they stood on these tearmes, vntill a knight passed by them, to whome Valerica cryed. Helpe gentle Knight, for Gods sake pittie me, & deliuer me from this Traytour, who falselie hath be guiled me, and violentlie brought me hither against my will. What art thou sayde the Knight, that thus dishonorest this Ladye? I shall teache thée better knowledge of thine order before wee part. Palmerin quicklie bridling his Horsse, and clasping on his Helmet, sayd to the Knight. What art thou that wouldest take her from me, whō I conquered euen nowe by my Sworde? followe thy way, or I shall she we thee what discipline I vse to fooles, that wil meddle with mat­ters aboue theyr capacitye. Doost thou so obstinatelye stande in thy trecherie? sayde the Knight: Marke what will be the end of thy presumption.

Chap. LVII.

BEfore we passe any further, you shal vn­derstande that the Knight thus conten­ding with Palmerin, was Hermes, who the King sent after the Lady with Fry­sol, to make deliueraunce of the Castle, as you haue heard before: he béeing Palmerins Fréende, yet neither know­ing the other. For Hermes tooke such regard of y ^• ladies cō ­plaint, as he marked not Palmerin before he put on his hel­met. Palmerin séeing that Hermes woulde néedes trye his fortune, encountred him with such a rough stroke, as downe hee fell to the ground, Hermes thinking his head was shy­uered in a hundred péeces: so Palmerin called Hermes Squire, commaunding him to helpe vp the Lady, or else he woulde sende him after his Maister. The Squire a­lighted and h [...]lpe vppe the Ladye, rewarding her with an infinite number of cursses, because his Maister had sped so ill by her meanes.

Trust mée Lady, quoth Palmerin, though you thinke my labour but ill bestowed, yet such is the regarde of the so­litary Varnan, as ending the Hell of torments he suffers, I must néedes holde better opinion of my paines. With these and such like spéeches hée be guiled the time, till they came néere to Varnans Ca [...]e, who to take the ayre, was there walking vnder the Trées: but when hee sawe Pal­merin returned, and a Lady with him, yea, perceiuing [Page] well that it was Valerica, they were no sooner alighted but he caught her in his armes, saying. Is it possible swéete for­tune, that after so long mishap, and when all hope was vt­terly gone, thou canst affoord me this gracious fa [...]our? Ah happy eyes that haue powred forth such showers of teares, what felicity may compare with yours, cōtemplating now the rare beauty of your mistresse? May it be, that after so ma­ny insupportable torments, the meane therof shuld return such pleasure, comfort and sollace? Depart then teares, pack hence lamentations, gréefe, torments & all melancholy con­ceits, get you else-where & in the most barbarous countries of the world make your abiding▪ for she cōmands you hence, in whom cōsists my special cōtentment. O fortunate knight, how may I recompence this inexplicable kind [...]es, surmoū ­ting al other that euer was heard of? impossible is it for me [...] requite this fauor, though al my possessions, life, body and spirit were bound to your seruice. But heauen will supply my want, and continue [...] in as great happinesse, as your noble bountie hath brought me comfort. Forbeare these spéeches sayd Palmerin, albeit I had doone a thousand times as much, yet should I but accomplishe what one Christian owes to another. I pray you therefore let vs go into your Caue least we be espied, and so preuented, beside, I am so o­uerwatched, as I cannot stand on my féete through want of sléepe. Valerica séeing her selfe in such an vncouth place, and in his custody she most [...]etested, her angry stomacke would not suffer her to speake one word, but when [...]he had a while rested her selfe, on a seate of Hearbes and flowers which Varnan diligently prepar [...]d, Palmerin said. [...]ehold Ma­dame Valerica, sée in what place, in what solitary, austere and sharpe kind of life, your Varnan liues by your comman­dement, now [...]éeing time and fortune is so fauourable, let not your rig [...]r and dis [...]aine excéede their mu [...]abili [...]y. Consi­der a little, what gréefes hee hath endured in this comfort­lesse place, which veryly haue béene so great, as all the plea­sures in the world, cannot recompence the verye leaste [...] [Page] them. I beséech you then, if héeretofore you haue borne him hard liking, let it now be forgott [...]n, and if vnaduisedlye [...] hath any way offēded yo [...], let his long tor [...]ēts & surpas [...]ing loyalty s [...]ruel now for satisfaction, & take him to your [...], as y ^• most perfect and faithful [...] in England. You likewise sir Varnan, without remembrance of your [...], or her too rigorous refusals héeretofore, take her as your la­dy & wife, and in al honor vnite your self to her by presēt spée­ches, for séeing I [...]aue brought her hither, it will remaine a continual reproch to me, if you should not accept her as your spouse and wife. Ah my Lord ꝙ Varnan, with right good wil shall I accomplish your command, so it may stand with my ladies liking, for héerin is comprised y ^e whole sum of my de­sires. Ah miserable beyond al other, said Valerica to Palme­rin, must I by a varlet be subiected to so vile an extreami [...]y, and constrained to take him for my husbande whō I cannot affect, he being the most false and cowardly Knight y ^• euer I knew? must I against my fathers wil, and by my Traytors procurement that hath so abused me, as no vertuous knight would so haue wronged a Lady, be cōpelled to my mariage? heauen cannot like héereof, & rather well I die, then doo the thing shal return me such reproch. The [...] shriked she sopit [...]i­fully as though she had bene quite distraught of her sences, which Varnan beholding, beganne thus to complaine. Ah gentle Knight, what gréefe is it to heare her in these tor­ments, whom I loue much better then mine owne life? and for whom I rather desire to die, then not to [...]nioye her with her owne liking. I cannot liue séeing her in these [...]fflicti­ons, and therefore conuay her againe to her fathers house, and no sooner shall shée be departed hence, but life will [...]or­sake this forlorne Carkasse, then shall [...] how faithfullye I loued. Palmerin [...] of Valerica, sayd. By God Lady, I thinke in all the [...] not a more cruell and dis [...]oyall [...] then you are, per­swade your selfe, that if I take the paine to carry you a­gaine to your fathers Castle, I shall [...] [Page] there in such sorte, as all your life time repentance will hardly [...]xcuse you. And to speake the truth, Varnan dooth much more then you deserue, if you well remember your selfe, and for you are so stubborne, I shall giue you the de­sart (offering to drawe his Sworde) that such ingratefull and trecherous women woorthily merit. Va [...]erica afr [...]yde when shée saw him in such choler, and doubting hée would discouer her incontinent loue past, threwe her selfe at his féete, desiring him to appease his anger, & shée would obey what ere he commaunded. For (ꝙ she) séeing my fortune hath brought me into his company, who for his vnfeig­ned loue to me, hath so long suffered woonderfull calami­ties: well might I be [...]stéemed of brutish nature, if I did not acknowledge it, therefore I will be his wife, and giue him my faith héere in your presence. Palmerin well plea­sed with this aunswere, [...]ooke her vp by the hand, and ta­king Varnan by the other, esp [...]used them there togither by solemne promises, and afterwarde laide him downe to rest himselfe a while. Then Varnan taking Valerica in his armes, with swéete kisses and amorous speeches, expel­led all former [...], estéeming himselfe the happiest Knight in the whole worlde, hauing now at length obtay­ned the fauour of his Mistresse, giuing her to vnderstande, howe acceptable the gift of pittie was, comming from so [...]are a creature to her languishing beloued. Palmerin séeing them so well agréede, would nowe depart and leaue them to their fortune: but by earnest importunitie of these louers, he stayed there longer then hee entended. Now was the loue betwéen these twaine, far greater then theyr hatred had béeene, so that after they had stayed thrée or foure dayes in the Caue, with such entertainment as the Dwarfe could [...] of Valerica, continuing long time togither in comfort of their loue, and ending their liues in loyaltie thereof.

Chap. LVIII.

WHen Palmerin sawe Varnan and Va­lerica so well contented, after many of­fers of their seruice, and kinde a diewes deliuered on al sides, he left them in their Uault, and set forwarde on his iourney, lodging y ^• night in an auncient knightes castle, where he vnderstood, how the bre­thren of the slaine Knight, besieged Valericas father in his Castle: Wherefore he turned an other course, and leauing the broad way that guided to London, he met two ladies ac­companied with thrée squires, who had cast off a faulcon and a Martin to [...]lie, the sight whereof so highly contented him, as he would née [...]es tarry to sée the end thereof, which made one of the Ladies thus speake to him. I s [...]e sir knight you haue no hast on your iournie, because you staie to behold our pastime, therfore if you will go with vs to a water héereby, you shall there sée a braue [...]light indéede, such worthy gam [...] is there so plētifull, & my faulcon so good as she will neuer faile. Palme­rin who aboue all pastimes loued Hauking, rode with the Ladies to the Marshes by their Castle, where they hadds such excellent sporte at Heron, Duck and Mallard: as the day beguiling them, Palmerin was forced to stay with them that night. When they were come to the castle Palme­merin [Page] manned the Ladies Faulcon so w [...]ll, as though all his life time hee hadde béene a Faulconer. The Lady sée­ing him so braue a Ge [...]tleman, so courteous, af [...]able & [...] in behauiour, and that he tendered her Hauke so gent­ly: was immediately supprised with his loue, so that she de­sired to knowe of whence hée was, wh [...]me she could so glad­lye affoorde to chuse for her beloued, and hauing long ear­nestlye beheld him, shée sayd. Sir Knight, that I may enter­taine you as your estate beseemeth, I pray you tell me your nanie, & whither you trauaile. Lady (quoth Palmerin) I am a straunger, who by fortune on the Sea was brought to this Countrey, and because the King had warre against the Em­perour of Allemaigne, I remained a while héere as a soul­diour, attending a prosperous winde, to conuay me home againe into my natiue Countrey. The Ladye hearing this, and iudging him one of the famous Knightes, that came to the Courte, loued him more earnestly then shée did before, prouiding such surpassing delightes for him, as shee wished that night hadde béene a yeere in length. The Tables withdrawne, and many pleasaunt spéeches past betwéen [...] Palmerin and the Ladies Daughter, shée conducted him to his Chamber, wishing if her honour might so auouche it, that Palmerin neuer might haue any other bedfellowe But leauing him to his good rest, shée departed to her chamber, where little sléepe suffised her that night. In the morning, Palmerin called for his Horse to beegon, the Lady very so­rowfull to forgo his companye: but séeing shée had no meane to holde him, she sayde. Séeing your departure Syr may not bée denied, I would present you with the Faulcon, which yesterday did so speciallye content you, which if you please to accept for my sake, I shall not forget the honour you haue doone me, chéefely that you vouchsafed to stay héere this night béeing as welcome hither as the King himselfe. Séeing it is your pleasure Madame, sayd Palmerin, to best [...]we your Faulcon on mée, I accept it as the onelye thing you could giue me, and by the faith of a Knight I promise you, [Page] that I will kéepe it for your sake, and neuer parte there­with, if by force or villainie it bée not taken from mée. Th [...] Ladye so ioyfull héereof as might be deuised, caused the Faul­con to be brought to him. Héere must you note, that this is the selfe-same Ladye, which sent the Faulcon to Varnan, and loued him so déerely as after she vnderstoode hee had for­sooke the Countrey, shée gaue her selfe altogither to this re­creation. Her Father perceiuing how shée was affected, suf­fered her to take her pleasure, sending her euermore the best Haukes that could be gotten. But it came so to passe, that two Faulcons so fréendlie giuen, and in the like sort [...] taken, prooued very vnfortunate to both the Knightes, cau­sing them to cur [...]e the houre, that euer they accepted th [...] Ladyes liberalitie, came néere her Castle, or sawe her Haukes, as you haue already heard by solitary Varnan▪ and héereafter shall perceiue in Palmerins fortune, hée being de­parted from the Ladye, rode two dayes togither without any aduenture, till at length hee came to the Tent, where the Duke of Gaules Knightes guarded the passage, which scant pleased Palmerin, because he imagined if hée fought with them, he should be deceiued in his intent, and not sé [...] Trineus so soone as hée would, whom he left at the Court ex­pecting his comming, wherefore he would haue turned an­otherway, but one of the Knightes called to him. Returne cowarde returne, thou shalt not escape without tryall of thy manhoode, for we must make proofe if there bee anye in thée. Palmerin not knowing where to set his Hauke, and very loth to loose it, was not desirous to Iouste: but séeing that with honour he could not refuse it, aunswered. It is small courtesie Sir Knight, to challenge the man that hath no wil to your sporte: but if there be no remedye, your will be ful­filled, albeit I hope you will first repent it. I sée thou canst prate well, qu [...]th the Knight▪ and beléeue mee thou wert wise if thou couldest so escape: but séeing thou art so long be­fore thou art readye, Ile bring thee to such a place where haukes shal not hinder thee, and in one yéere thou shalt spare [Page] the wearing of B [...]tes and spurres in such a comfortable place, as the Sunne nor day light shall [...]ffend thine eyes. I hope I haue learned, sayd Palmerin, to kéepe my selfe from such places: but I would faine knowe the gentle Chamber Page, that is so skilfull in waiting with his Pantofies, as he can teach Knights errant how to weare them. The knight being angry, called foorth the rest of his compani [...]s, among whome he espied Hermes prisoner, his Helmet lying by him, and his armes pinni [...]nd: therefore to reuenge his wr [...]nge, he called his Squire, saying. I pray thée my Fréend looke to my Hauke a while, for I am come to defend [...] thy Maisters honour, and calling to the dukes Knight, saying. Come Sir let vs dispatch quickly, for I haue earnest busines in ano­ther place: the Knight laughing at him, answered. Why how now Captaine? thinke you to passe hence so easilye? Héere are sufficient to stay your hasty iourney, eleuen more must talke with you, the w [...]orst of them able to abate your pride, for your horsse lackes a stable, and wee will prouide him one. So couching theyr Launces, they mette togither with such force, as the Dukes knight was throwne from his Hor [...]e, his shoulder béeing broken with the weight of his fall: Palmerin arresting the Knightes hor [...]e for his [...]wn [...], gaue him to Hermes squire in kéeping, saying. Because the Knight is not willing to get on horse-backe againe, h [...]ld this for mee, and he maye lie at ease to sée the fortune of his fellowes. Then came another Knight from the tent, whom Palmerin welcommed in so fréendlye manner, as he lay not able to stirre hand or foote: with this one Launce hée vnhors­sed foure more, and brake it so valiantlye on the seauenth Knight, as while he liued he meant to ioust no more. With a fresh Launce hée dismounted all the rest, none of them be­ing willing to deale with him any further, wherefore Pal­merin came to Hermes, saying. What doo you [...] Knight? Why take you not the best Horse among all the [...]? That [...]all I Sir, séeing you commaund me, albeit not lo [...] [...] you serue me as th [...]se Knights are: yet God be thanked [Page] that by your meanes I am deliuered from imprisonment, wherein these knights intended to kéepe me, because I vnhorsed foure of them, and at the fift encounter my horse was killed, which was the cause of my foyle and taking. The knights (quoth Palmerin) haue nowe leysure to res [...] them, for they were troubled before with watching for passengers: I doubt not now but we may quietly passe the bridge, for I sée none of them offer to hinder vs. Hermes mounting on horse backe, commauded his squire to take a fresh one for him likewise, and so they rode on together reioycing at this good fortune. They had not ridden the space of a mile, but Hermes demauded Palmerins name, which when hee knewe, in great reioysing he saide: Ah worthy knight, now is my trauel ended in search of you: trust me, I would refuse the best citie in England, in re­spect of the great friendship I haue found at your hands, as also for the comfort your presence will bring to our dread Lord and your noble companions, who long time haue expected your desired returne. As they rode on in these spéeches, they came to a fayre fountaine, where Palmerin would alight to refresh himselfe, and to bind vp such smal wounds, as he had taken in iousting against the knights of Gaule.

Chap. LIX.

THe same day that Palmerin [...]ousted with the knights of Gaule, the duke himselfe was gone on hunting, by meanes whereof, he lost the sight of the pastime, which afterward hée repented, because he had with him the most part of his knights, so that no one was left in his Castle but Frisol, that might bee counted of any value, who beholding so many knights [...]oyled by one, maruailed not a little what be might bee, and after long consideration of his haughtie exploits, hée saide to himselfe, I cannot thinke this knight to be the man, against whom I combatted sometime in Fraunce. yet know I no man liuing but [...], that could performe such rare chiualrie. Now, because Palmerin had changed his armor, he verily imagined that it was not he, yet was he desirous to know, but doubtfull to follow him by reason of his former experience: againe, if he should suffer him to passe without some triall, he iudged it would returne to his great dishonour, wherefore he resolued to aduenture his fortune. And in this determination he came to the dukes sister, who loued him intirely, as you heard before: she beginning with him in this manner. I cannot suffi­ciently maruell [...] Frisol, how you haue suffered in your own view, my brothers knights to be so shamefully con­ [...]unded by one passenger: I de [...]re you swéet friend, if euer you brake launce for a Ladies loue, that for my sake you [Page] will deale with that proude knight, and make him know that you can abate his courage, were his head framed of y ^• hardest hammered brasse. If you fulfill my request, you shal do an acceptable déed to my brother, & to me such ser­uice, as I shal hereafter requite to your own content. Ma­dame, quoth Frisol, I did intende to fight with him, but séeing it pleaseth you so graciously to cōmand me, no dan­ger can withhold me, because the world can witnes, what great auaile so honorable a Ladyes fauor is, to the knight that liues to renowne her name. So departing from his lady, he presently armed himselfe, & mounting on a lustie Courser, followed the way that Palmerin was gone: the 12. knights not a little glad therof, wel hoping y ^• he wold reuenge theyr dishonour. Frisol continued his trauaile so long, til at length he came to the fountaine where Palme­rin refreshed himselfe, who had no sooner espied him, but surpris [...] with great ioy, sayd to Hermes. I am sure this knight comes hither is to seek me, wherfore I intreat you by the reuerend loue you beare to your best beloued, not a­ny way to hinder y ^• fight betwéene vs, til the end deliuer victorie to one [...] or other: for he thinking to reuēge the reproch of his felow, hath followed me to performe what they were not able. Then Palmerin sodainly clasping on his helmet, mounted on horsback, and taking aduantage of the plaine field, because it was most conuenient for the combat, which Frisol perceiuing, scornefully sayd. I think Sir knight, you are some kinde of prophet, because you deuine so wel the cause of my comming: vnhappie was it for you to preuaile in such sort against the duke of Gaules knights, which you must now pay for with too late repen­tance. If I did them any harme, sayd Palmerin, it was their owne séeking, and by your arrogant spéeches it may be presumed, you are one of the same company: but y ^• loue of the Dukes sister, cannot shéelde you from your deser­ued recompence. At these words Frisol well perceiued, that this was the knight he so much doubted: Neuerthe­lesse [Page] his courage was so good, as remembring the promise he made to his Lady, gaue spurres to his Hose, and they encountred with such braue chiualry, as y ^• shiuers of their Launces flew vp into the aire, and then they assaulted each other so roughly with their Swordes, as well they might bée estéemed right valiant Champions. No mercy was intended on either side, for Frysol was determined to die or conquere, and Palmerin held the same resolution, so that the ground was coloured with their bloud, their ar­mour and shéeldes battered in péeces, and no hope left on either side of life. But as alwaies some mischance or other followes a noble mind, so fel it out with Frisol, for in their close buckling togither, Palmerin had got sure hold on his shéeld, which Frisol striuing forcibly to recouer, the buckl [...] brake in sunder, and with the sodaine breach therof he fel down backward, when Palmerin leaping from his horse, said. And let me neuer hereafter bee called Palmerin, if now I do not reuenge my selfe sufficiently. Which words when Frisols squire heard, he came hastily and fell at his féete, saying. Noble knight, I beséech you for the honour you beare to arms, to pause a while, & tel me if you be Pal­merin D'Oliua, for if you be, I am your brother, who haue suffered great paine and trauaile to finds you out. Palme­rin presently knew Colmelio, the sonne of Gerrard his fo­ster father, whose sight was so ioyfull to his, as casting a­way his sword, he ran and embraced him about the neck, saying: My déere friend Colmelio, the most welcome man in the world to me. How happie may I account my selfe quoth Colmelio, to finde you when all hope was past? ha­uing trauailed so many countryes, and al [...] [...]ai [...]e: if then you loue me as you make protestation, let me intreate one fauour at your hand, that you forget your anger towards my maister Frysol, and giue ouer your fight, for long time haue I serued him as my Lord, and well hath hee deser­ued much better seruice then mine. Colmelio, sayde Pal­merin, the thing thou demandest is meruailous great, ne­uerthelesse, [Page] such is my comfort hauing met with thée, as I graunt thy request, and happily hath he now escaped with life, cōsidering what occasions haue past vs héertofore. So taking Colmelio by the hand, he said to Frisol. Sir knight, at your squires intreatie,, I suffer you quietly to departe, and méete with me againe at any time you thinke good: but you shall go looke another Squire, for Colmelio at this time goes with me. Frisol, who was wou [...]ded in ma­ny places, & very faint with losse of his bloud, might ea [...]ly be induced to this agréement of peace: but cōming to Col­melio, he said. Wilt thou forsake thy master and go with his enemy? Trust me sir, quoth Colmelio, you must néeds pardon me, if in this matter I chance to offend you, for to séeke him I forsooke my fathers house, & haue continued a verie laboursome search. If thou wilt néeds go, said Fri­sol, and that my intreaties may not dissawde thée, I will pray for the successe of thy desires, and thy aduancement to honour, and while I liue will I account of thée as my fréend and brother. So returning as he came, he began in this manner to exclaime against Fortune. Ah cruell & in­constant Lady, sufficed not thée to dishonour mee before mine enemie, but thou must rob me of my squire I loued [...]o deerely? but so hast thou dealt with them of highest cal­ [...]g, for infinit kings and potentates hast thou deceiued, [...]nd (before their very chéefest enemies) dishonoured: such hath beene thy trecherye to me at this instant, that I may iustly cōplaine of thée while I liue. As he continued these complaints, he met diuers armed Knightes that came to assist him, and the duke himself in company among them who demanded of Frisol, whither his enemie were slaine or sent away vanquished. Uanquished, sayd Frysol thinke you so good a knight may be so easily vanquished? Then he d [...]rsed his whole successe, which the duke hearing, ex­claimed on his hūting, that he was not present when Pal­merin passed: wherefore he would néeds followe him, but that Frisol intreated him to the cōtrary, because the night [Page] approched so néere, as it was impossible for him to ouer­take Palmerin. The duke in a maruellous rage, for y ^• his enterprise fell out no better, returned with Frisol, and an houre within night they came to his Castell, where hee called for his chirurgi [...]s, charging them to giue diligent attendance [...]n Frisol. When the Dukes sister heard the misfortune of her friend, she came hastily to him in his chamber, & after many swéet kisses, said. I beséech you my lord f [...]rget my folly, for I was y ^• cause of your mischance. Madame, said Frisol, where no offence is cōmitted, what néeds any remission? If my fortune haue béene ill, it is not for mée to complaine on you, for your request tended to mine owne honour: but I must be content with my hap, though it hath sorted to so bad effect, and this doth yet com­fort me, that I receiued my foile by the onely Knight in the worlde. And if the heauens please to lengthen my dayes, I shall be desirous to do him seruice, for there is no man liuing to whom I could better affoord it. Now néede I not mislike (hauing tried him so often) if he be worthy the loue of diuine Polinarda, for he (beyond all other) doth best deserue it. Why, how now? quoth the Lady, are you so vnwise, to honour him so much, that hath so iniuried you? and which is most childish, to desire his seruice? Go [...] then and séeke him whom thou so louest, for by mine h [...] ­nour, I more despise thée now then any man in the world, thou making such reputation of him, whom thou oughtest to pursue with mortall hatred. Frisol smiling hereat, said. Madame, I must néeds say so, séeing no ill wordes can a­mend my mischaunce: so without any aunswer, she [...]oong foorth of his Chamber. The next day, the Duke called all his Knights, commanding them to restraine the passage [...]o longer at the bridge, intending to go to the Court, s [...] soone as Frisol had recouered his health.

Chap. LX.

AFter that Frisol was returned from the Combate, Palmerin after many embracings of Colmelio, went with him to the fountaine where hee left Hermes, all thrée togither making no little ioy: Colmelio for his happie fin­ding of Palmerin, and he for the loue of his supposed brother, and Hermes for the comfort hée shoulde bring the King his Maister, béeing able nowe to acquaint his highnesse with Palmerins name, which hée was loath any in the English Court shoulde knowe, wherefore he sayde. Nowe can you not my Lord here­after bide your name, though you haue béene daintie of it all this while. It is true Syr, quoth Palmerin, albeit I little thought to be discouered so soone: but sée­ing it is so come to passe, my hope is in y ^• highest, who wil defend me in all mine attempts: now tell me Colmelio, what newes in Greece? Truly my Lord, quoth he, the discourse will be long and tedious: therefore if you pleas [...] to m [...]unt on horsebacke, it will serue well to shorten the thought of our iourny. So as they rode towards London, Colmelio began to discourse, in how many places he had [...]ght him in Greece, and how at length he heard of him at Macedon, by report of his cōquest of the serpent at the mountaine Arti [...]aeria, which was the meane that bro [...]g [...] the King of Macedon to his former health. Afterward, [Page] how he left Greece, trauailing into Allemaigne, and frō thence into England, at what time the Emperors power was discomfited: and hearing great fame of Frisol his late Maister, he spent some time in his seruice, not doubting but by his meanes to find the man he looked for. Palmerin was somewhat mooued, hearing Colmelio so commend Frisol, wherefore he demaunded of him, if he knewe any thing of that Knights linage. No my Lord, quoth he but I can assure ye, that he is one of the most gentle Knights in the world, and he concealeth his parentage very secretly, which makes me iudge he is discēded of royal birth. After Colmelio had ended his discourse, he repeated to him some parte of his fortunes, in the end perswading him that hée would remunerate his paines in séeking him and in time manifest the loue he bare him. By this time they were come to the Citie of London, Hermes riding before to the pallace, where he aduertised the king, how Palmerin was returned to y ^• Citie, which newes so highly contented the king, as oftentimes he imbraced Hermes for bringing the man he long desired to sée: but Trineus and Ptolome excée­ded him in ioy, and mounted presently on horsebacke to go méete theyr fréend, when so many embracings, cour­te [...]es and kinde gratulations had passed betwéene them, as is vsuall at the méeting of long absent louers: Ah my Lord and fréend, quoth Trineus, how long hath Fortune kept you from me? & why did you depart not vouchsafing a farewel? What earnest occasion might cause such an vn­king departure trust me, I perswaded my selfe in respecte of the long continuaunce of our amitie, that death could not procure such a seuere enterprise. My Lord, quoth Pal­merin it séemeth you haue some cause to complain of mée: but whē you vnderstand how matters haue happened, you will not condemne me altogither. For at the time of my departure, I thought verely to return the next day following: but such importunate affaires continually fell out, as I could not return till this very instant. Ptolome said as [Page] much as Trineus did, notwithstanding, this fortunate mee­ting forbad all further accusations, and they became as good friendes as euer they were. So rode they to the Pallace, where the king attending theyr comming, perceiued at length they were entred the Hall, when Palmerin falling on his knée, kissed his highnesse hand, who very honourably embracing him, saide Where hath my noble friend béene so long? What crooked fortune hath caused your so long ab­sence? you departed from vs in blacke Armour, I pray you tell vs, where did you conquere these sumptuous Armes? by the loue you beare to chiualrie and to mee: sa­tisfie me in my demaund. Palmerin séeing the king coniu­red him so straightly, reported the truth of all his aduen­tures, howe he had that armour of the Ladie whose daugh­ter hee deliuered, and left his owne there broken▪ in péeces. The king embracing him againe saide. I cannot be perswa­ded, but all especiall aduentures, high good fortunes, and chéefest honours in the world are onely reserued for you, and among all the rest, most maruailous is this of the Castle in the enchaunted Lake, which many knights haue hereto­fore attempted, but returned with the losse of their horses, Armour, and with great dishonour. Thrise welcome are you for these happy tydings, as also for your gentle courte­s [...]e to Erisol, who is a knight of most honourable reputati­on. But in regarde of your wearisome trauailes, it is verie requisite that you nowe go rest your selfe, therefore lette some body helpe to disarme you, and betake your selfe (on Gods name) to your Chamber, Palmerin reputed the kings councell most expedient, and therefore did as hee commaunded him, so hauing reposed himselfe a while, hee came to sée howe the Quéene and her daughter fared, who would not suffer him to departe, before hee hadde likewise acquainted her with all his fortunes, especially the whole circumstaunce of his tra [...]ile at the Ca [...]le of the Lake. But night being come, and euerie one betaking themselues to rest, Palmerin demaunded of the Prince, how hee [...]ll [...]w­ed [Page] his desires, and what hee had concluded as concerning his loue? Ah d [...]re fréende, sayd Trineus, why aske you mée that question? doo you not thinke that hauing so lost you, I likewise was disappointed of any meane to helpe mee? know then, that at this instant I am in the middest of all my misfortunes, for so badly hath it happened, that I am now further from Agriola then euer I was, and I shall tell you how. Not many dayes since, as I was familiarlye de­ [...]ising with my Ladye, the Duke of Gaules daughter chaun­ced to hear [...] such amorous spéeches as passed betwéene the Princesse and mée, wherby she gathered, that Agriola made some estimation of me: whereupon shée laboured, to cause my Mistresse in shorte time mislike what I hadde so long trauailed to perswade her with, as thus. That it ill besée­med a Princesse of her account, of so gracious discent, and Daughter to such a mightie King, to conferre with straun­gers, or vouchsafe a listening to any thing they sayde: for they were none such as she reputed them, but after they hadde brought a Ladyes honour in daunger, they then were satisfied, as they vsed it for a custome among theyr companions. And so well could shée féede the Prin­cesse humour, with these suborning and spightfull de­tractions, which séemed to her as swéete and freendlye per­swasions, that in stéede of the little loue I latelye conque­red, I finde nothing but frownes and disdaine, that she will scant affoord mée a looke. Which discourtesie hath well nere driuen me to dispayre, in regarde of her slender opinion of mee, as being so hindered onely through your absence. Often I determined with Ptolome, to leaue the Courte and fol­lowe you in trauaile: but the King by no meanes woulde permit mée, sending many of his owne Knightes, because I shoulde not go: yet was I resolued, that had you not come, no displeasure whatsoeuer shoulde haue helde mée héere: but to finde you I intended, or loose my life. This falles out ve­ry harde, quoth Palmerin, for by these meanes we shall stay héere God knowes how long: beside, Hermes knowes my [Page] name, which makes me doubt least we shalbe reuealed: the Emperour likewise may be offended at our long tarriaunce. In regarde of all this, good Prince, I thinke it best, that we sende your squire and Vrbanillo my Dwarffe, to aduertise his Maiestie of our affaires, and how by reason of the tem­pest, we were cast quite out of course so far, as we could not by any meanes assist his Armie, not doubting but to sée his highnesse in very short time. In the meane while, we may practise meanes to win the Princesse fauour againe, and so in good time departe hence, with the honourable prize that we came for. Trineus was newlye reuiued with these spée­ches, wherefore he desired, that betimes in the morning hée would dispatche theyr Seruauntes towardes Allemaigne. Which Palmerin fayled not to doo, in respect of a dreame he had the night before, for he imagined that he sawe his Lady Polynarda in meruailous heauinesse, and that she sayde to him. Alas my Lord, what shall become of me? for I am nar­rowly sought to be seperated from you. This fearefull vi­sion so discouraged him, as he sent thence his Dwarfe, to shewe her what trouble he hadde with his dreame, and how constant he remained in his loue to her.

Chap. LXI.

EArly on the next morning Palmerin a­rose, and wrote a letter to his Lady Po­linarda wherin he secretly put a ring, which shee gaue him when he depar­ted from her, straightly commaunding Vrbanillo that hee shoulde diligently attende on the Princesse till hee came, which should bée with all the spéede hee could possible. Pto­lome likewise wrote to his Ladi [...] Brionella, and these Letters dispatched, the Messengers immediatly sette for­warde on theyr iourney. From this time Colmelio was Palmerins Squire, which pleased him very well, because hee knewe that Palmerin was nobly borne, so that by his meanes in time hee should rise to preferment. This day the king would ride abroade a Hunting, which gaue Palmerin occasion to sée the Faulcon fli [...], béeing reputed by the king and all his traine, to be the best that euer flew. In this time of recreation, Hermes reported to the King, that the knight so long absent was named Palmerin, and the same knight that woonne so much honour in Fraunce, which so well contented the king, as he more and more de­sired his companie: summoning all his Barons and Lordes to his Courte, where hee made such feastes, triumphs, and other sportes, for the honour of the noble Palmarin and his [Page] companions as the like had not béen of long time before. At night, when the Maskers, Mumeries and Moriscoes were in presence, that Palmerin espied conuenient time to talk with the princesse, he tooke her aside to a window, and thus began. Madam, before I begin what I haue to acquaint you withal, I must giue you this ring, as I was commanded by the lady of the castel in the lake: the singu­lar vertues thereof are such, as I intreate you to kéepe it cōtinually on your finger: which Agriola receiuing, with a curteous reuerence, faithfully promised to accomplish his request: then Palmerin, with earnest affection on his friends behalfe, thus continued his discourse. I cannot but maruell, fayre Princesse, you being a Ladie of so speciall qualitie, renowmed among the most vertuous creatures in the world, for your rare integrity & profound iudgemēt that you will be gouerned by the vnaduised perswasiōs of other: which I would not beléeue, had not the Prince Tri­neus certenly assured me, how since my departure, in stéed of fauorable countenance, and the intreatance beséeming so great a Lord, he can haue nothing but frownes, disdaine & coy regard, which is as easy for him to indure, as a thou­sand deaths one after another. Assure your self so farre be­guiled, as your councellers disswade you frō your chéefest good, desirous to withhold you from the height of honour, wherof you cannot faile, being matched in mariage with the most vertuo [...]s Prince Trineus. Make you no small account, that he being one of the most noble states on the earth, hath left his parents, his friends and countrey, hath past so many strange & vncouth regions, hath aduentured the iniurie of the seas, b [...]aten with so many bitter blastes and raging billowes, euerie minute in daunger of Ship­wracke, & all for your loue? Thinke you that he being son to the Emperour of Allemaigne, attending euery day the rule of the Empire, that he came hither to you in hope of your rich dowrie? No trust me, Madame, and I thinke your own conscience doth so resolue you, that néerer home [Page] he could haue found other, endued with larger possessions then this Realme affords you. But hearing the fame of your manifold vertues, rare life, choise beautie, and all o­ther good gifts, he was willing w ^tout regard of his owne estate, to thrust himselfe in daunger, yea, to forget him­selfe for your loue, which hitherto he hath with religious seruice intreated, and except you intertaine him with more gracious fauour, he is in danger of life. Which if it should happen by your occasion, for euer you shal be noted of monstrous ingratitude, and Christendome should su­stain a losse vnrecouerable. How far such a thought ought to be frō you, I leaue to your own cōstruction. If hitherto you haue knowne me, a knight readie to support the cau­ses of Ladies far beneath your height, thinke you I haue not greater reason to honour you? yea, not a moue you with any request, but what may euery way aduance your credite. And though my lord Trineus were not of the blood imperiall, yet might his gentle heart, vnfeigned loue, and [...]urpassing humanitie, cause you to make choyse of him, aboue all other whatsoeuer they be. But séeing it so falles out, that you will not regard good counsell, following ra­ther the perswasion of mean capacities, whose iudgemēts may not reach to so high occasions, continue in your obsti­nacie, and marke the end of such indiscréet consures. I sée that our company is yrksome to you, therfore (sooner then you imagin) we will remoue that occa [...]on. I knowe well enough, that you intend to match with the duke of Gaule, who is but your fathers subiect: so refusing y ^• degrée of an Empresse, you shall tarry in England, and be a Dutchesse. Thinke you, that if my Lord matched not with you, the greatest Princesse in Europe would not triumph in his loue? Yes certainly Madam, when you may at leysure sit downe & recount your [...], which you sustained by flatte­rers & par [...]sites. Think what will be the danger after our departure, the Emperour his father, not minding to poc­ [...]t the losse of his late armie, will send such a puissaunt [Page] strength into England, as the King your father, nor [...] duke your husband that must be, wil scant excuse y ^• whole ruine of this country. The mean to preuent this mishap, and assure your continual tranquilitie, is in entertaining the counsell I haue giuen you: where otherwise your selfe conceit, makes way to manifold misfortunes & dangers. Thus concluding his spéeches, in great heauines he tur­ned from her, wherat the Princesse inwardly gréeued, for the Ring which he had giuen her was of such vertue, that after she had put it on her finger, shee was wonderfully affected toward Trineus, as she could not thinke on any o­ther: wherfore in this sudden change, and trembling with the doubtful conceit of her owne spirit, she called Palme­rin to her, thus answering. Alas my Lord, and only com­fort in these heauy passions, what feare hath these hard and rigorous spéeches brought me into? It is very true that folowing the counsell of yong Ladies like my selfe, I haue béene perswaded to cast off the Princes loue, accoun­ting him but a simple knight errant: but now being as­sured of his nobility, loialty, and great gentlenesse, & that he would not request (as I hope) any thing contrary to vertue and honor, I beléeue what you haue said, & submit my selfe to your discretion, as willing to obey any thing you shall commaund me. Yet this I must request, that a­boue all things mine honour may be defended, for rather would I suffer mine own losse for euer, then this famous realme or my father should be any way endangered. Be­léeue me Lady▪ quoth Palmerin, if thus you continue, you may wel venture to gain this generall benefit, for hence­forth there will none be so hardy, as to molest your father with warre, hauing matched his daughter with the great Emperours sonne of Allemagne. To confirme this pro­mise, you shall giue me this swéete hand which I kisse, as the hand of the soueraigne Lady & Empresse of high Alle­maigne, that you will not shrinke hereafter frō this hono­rable determination: but for your owne regard, you must [Page] conceale this contract from your most trustie friends, and dispose in such sort of your selfe, for I hope to compasse the meane and opportunitie, that you shal leaue England, and go to the noble regions of your worthy Lorde and hus­band. What I haue promised, sayd Agriola, I will per­forme, and with what spéede you shall thinke conuenient: albeit I repose such trust in you, that hauing béene so for­tunate hitherto in your interprises, you wil be carefull in accomplishing these daungerous intentions. Thus before they departed, the mariage of Trineus and Agriola was concluded, and because they would not as then bee suspec­ted, they stept into the daunce next the yong prince, shew­ing very amiable & pleasant gestures: which Trineus (in his often turning) diligētly noted, imagining that Palme­rin had not so long conferred with his Lady, but some as­sured resolutiō was determined, yet he dissembled his in­ward ioies so cunningly as he could. Ech eie was fixed on these two braue knights, the Ladies and Gentlewomen perswading themselues, that they neuer beheld more no­ble personages, deseruing like estimation for their special chiualrie, as also for their bountie and Courtly [...]iuilitie. Thus passed the feast in all kinde of pleasures, and these two Knights withdrawing themselues into their cham­ber, Palmerin discoursed to Trineus his talk with Agrio­la, and how he had with such cunning pursued the matter that in the end be obtained what he demaunded, repor­ting the gentle conclusion hee made with the Princesse. These ioyfull newes dro [...]e the prince into such a quanda­rie, as he could not expresse his secret content, wherefore Palmerin awaking him out of his musing, said. As I am true knight, I neuer thought y ^• a man of your estate could be of so slender courage. What countenance woulde you vse in a matter of sorrow, when such dainty tidings make you so effeminate? Be of good chéere man, Agriola is your owne, and none but Trineus must bee her Lorde and hus­band. I must confesse my lord, said Trineus, that my beha­uior, [Page] but little beséemes my calling: but y ^• cause therof is, that I know no desert in my selfe y ^• may be estéemed▪ wor­thy y ^• least fauor of my Lady. Beside, these newes brought me such special contentmēt, as I am no longer mine own, but in her onely I liue, and shée holdes the ballan [...] of my daunger or felicity, in that I was borne to be her [...]eruant. But now I desire you my Lord, séeing the occasion offe­reth itself, we hinder it not by any negligence: for if now we loose the fauour of the time, we neuer (I feare) shal re­couer the like, therefore let vs so soone as we can, pro [...]d [...] al things ready for our depart [...]e. Refer that to me, quoth Palmerin, be you as ready as I shall make prouision. The next day he went to the maister of a ship, to knowe when time would serue for their secret departure, who answe­red him, that the time was then very conuenient, the winde seruing prosperously, and the Sea calme and naui­gable, and he would furnish him with all necessaries for his passage. Quoth Palmerin, sée that your men and all things be in readines, y ^• we may launch away vpon halfe an houres warning. So departed the maister about his busines, and Palmerin to the prince Trineus, whom he in­formed with these glad tydings, now nothing remaining but to know the princesse pleasure, [...]he being [...] wi [...]e as ready to depart as y ^• most forward. But (quoth Palmerin) how shall we safely get you foorth of the Court? I will, sayd the Princesse, this night feigne my selfe sicke, and for my greater quiet, cause my Ladyes to absent my Cham­ber, and so secretly will I escape disg [...]s [...]d to the [...] gate of the Pallace, which is not far from my todging, wher­to I may passe vnséene of any, and from thence go with you sa [...]ly to the Hauen. This practise was faithfully con­cluded betwéene them, and Agriola withdrewe her selfe closely to her chamber, where at night she began her c [...]ū ­terfeit sicknesse, commanding her Lady [...] to [...] h [...]r a­lone, because [...]he [...] Her Ladyes little thinking of [...] went to their [Page] owne lodgings very pe [...]siue and sorowful, which Agrio­la perceiuing, couered her self with her night mantle, and came to the place where the Knights staid her comming. Palmerin taking hir vnder his arme, conuaied hir in that maner to the princes chāber, where they altogither laid downe the order for their embarking, Trineus extolling his happy fortune, séeing his Lady so ready to accomplish his desire. They arming themselues, and taking with them the princesse costly iewels, wherof she had plentiful­ly stored her self, they came to the hauen, where they foūd the ship and mariners ready, and getting all aboord, the wind seruing for their auaile, they set saile, and before day they got farre enough from London.

Chap. LXII.

THe Duke of Gaules daughter, who conti­nually was bedfellow to the Princesse, absenting her selfe very long from bed, fearing to disquiet her Ladie, being sicke as she supposed: but comming at length to sée h [...]w shee fared, finding the bedde emptie, and Agriola gone, shee presently made a great out-crie, whereat the other Ladies came, and altogither amazed at this sudden aduenture, went to the Quéenes Chamber, where they reported how the Princesse was gone, but howe, or when, they knew not. The Quéene at these tydings suddenly arose, and comming to her [Page] daughters Chamber found it too true, which made her fal into such pitiful acclamations, farre surpassing those of Maguelona, when she lost her friend Peter of Prouince in the wood.

In these lamentings shee returned to the king, whose heauines excéeded iudgment, for the losse of his daughter, and then came diuerse lords & gentlemen, who declared that the strange Knights were likewise departed. Which raised such a [...]umour through all the Citie, that they had stolen away the Princesse. The King vnderstanding the general sorow for his daughters absence, said. In sooth my friends, if these Knights haue done such seruice for mée, they haue sufficiently recompenced themselues, in doing me the greatest dishonour they could deuise: yet wil I not condemne them so much as my daughter, for that I am perswaded shée procured this mischaunce. But nowe I well perceiue what credit a mā may repose in his enemy: for Palmerin euermore serued the Emperour of Alle­maigne, then h [...]rdly could he be true to mee. Yet is it in vain for me to blame him, or his companions, if they took [...] the aduauntage of their owne intents. But now there [...] no remedy, my daughter is in the company of most chosen knights: if she haue done well, or ill, hereafter her deserts will answer her misdemeanour. Thus the king would not suffer any pursute after them, though the Quéen and her Ladies earnestly intreated him: he answering that no such mone should be made, for a child so vngrateful [...] disobedient, but hauing committed an action so [...]ile & [...] ­ [...]rme, she should no more account of her as [...] childe. And well may wee (quoth hee) so refuse her, in that she wou [...] leaue her parents, and depart with straungers: [...] might we haue accounted our selues▪ if we had lost her in her infancie. The Quéene séeing her [...]ord so impatient, ap­peased his displeasure so well as she could, because shee would not mooue him too much. Within few dayes after the Duke of Gaule arriued at the Court, who most of all [Page] gréeued at th [...]se vnhappy tidings, wherefore he perswa­ded the king to proclaime open warre against the Empe­rour of Allemaigne, assuring him, that the knight which most commonly accompanied Palmerin, was Trineus the Emperors sonne. When the king heard the Dukes spée­ches, forgetting his anger, he reioyced, estéeming himselfe happy, and his daughter wise, in matching her selfe with such a husband: and if she had made her choyse among al the Princes of the world, shee could not haue sorted out one comparable in honor. In bréefe aunswered the duke, that for a daughter so lost, he would not séeke the death of his louers and subiects: but being one of Fortunes chan­ges, he could not withstand it, and thus the king wisely and patiently ent [...]red hi [...] grée [...]e.

Chap. LXIII.

IN this place [...]ur history taketh this occasion, howe the King of Fraunce daily expecting newes from Palme­rin, as concerning his intent of mar­riage, betwéene his daughter and the Prince Trineus: but séeing he heard no tidings at all, he determined to send his ambassad [...]rs to the Emperor, electing for chéef [...] in this embassage the Count of A [...]mignac, to whom hee gaue ful power & authority to conclude the marriage be­tweene Trineus & his daughter Lucemania, as also of the [Page] princesse Polinarda with his son and heyre. The king di­spatching al things for his ambassage, sent many [...]arons and knight [...] of name to accompany the Count, to counte­nance the matter with more royaltie & magnificence, and in this maner they came to Gaunt, where the Emperour being aduertised of theyr arriuall, [...] no gr [...]at account thereof, such was his gréefe for his sonne [...] absence & Pal­merins, of whom he could not heare any tidings, as also for the foyle his Armie sustained in England. But while the messenger from the ambassadours of Fraunce stayed with the Emperour, Vrbanillo and the princes Squire entred the hall, whose presence highly contented the Emperour, as embracing them very louingly, he demaunded for Pal­merin and his sonne Trineus, when they deliuering their letters, and the Emperour perswaded therby of their spée­die return, was greatly contented, saying to the Ambassa­dours messenger. My fréend, séeing I haue heard such long looked for tidings of my sonne, you may returne to the [...] your maister, desiring him to come when hee thinks conuenient, & he shall be heartily welcome to me: with this answer the messenger departed. Thē the empe­ror taking Vrbanillo by y ^• hand, said. Tel me now I pray thée, how fares thy maister? where is he? is my sonne with him? My gracious lord, quoth the dwar [...]e, where your no­ble son abideth, there is my maister, both of [...]ght good disposition, and highly honored. And hereof I can assure your maiesty, y ^• you haue a son, who by good reason [...] to be numbred among the best knights liuing, for such honourable experience hath hee made of his worthines, that perpetuall memorie will recorde his déeds of chiual­ry: what els remaineth you shal know at their comming, which will be so soone as they can possibly. I euer perswa­ded my selfe, said the Emperour, that in the company o [...] so good a knight as Palmerin, my son could not but purchase credit and honour: the refore séeing they haue such prospe­rity of health, I care the lesse for their stay, but welcome [Page] are they whensoeuer they come. By this time Polinarda heard of the Dwarfes arriual, which greatly pleasing her she sayd to Brionella. I pray thée swéete fréend go spéedily and séeke the Dwarfe, that we may knowe what is be­come of our Lords and my brother Trineus. Brionella, who longed to heare of hir loue Sir Ptolome, whom wel she knew to be one of the companie, with all spéed accom­plished the Princesse commandement, and found the ioy­full messenger with the Emperour, who tooke great de­light in the Dwarfes reports: but his maiestie percei­uing with what chéerefull countenance she came to bring Vrbanillo to her Lady the princesse, bad him go with her, hoping by his meanes his Daughters extreame sadnesse would be comforted. Brionella béeing forth of the Empe­rours presence, embraced him many times to know his tydings, when the Dwarfe not ignorant of the Ladyes passions, deliuered Ptolomes letter to chéere her: but whē the Princesse saw Vrbanillo comming, with the teares in her eyes she ranne apace to méete him, and casting her armes about his neck, embraced him verie often, saying. Tell me Vrbanillo, tell mee, how fares my brother & thy Maister Palmerin? Madame, quoth the Dwarfe, so well as your owne heart can wish, and will ere long be héere with you. Then deliuered he y ^• letter frō Trineus, which certified her of his short returne, & that hee would bring with him y ^• thing she most estéemed. But the wag know­ing she expected other matters, and that her brothers me­dicine was not sufficient for her cure, he gaue her his ma­sters letter, when she hastily breaking open y ^• seale, found the ring which her loyal friend had sent her, and after she had welcomd it with many deuout kisses, she put it on hir finger, with these words. I charge thée kéepe this token safely, in witnesse of the knights gentlenesse that sent it, whome my heart hath made speciall choyse of aboue all o­ther. Then reading the letter, and discrée [...]ly considering (not without great e [...]fuse of teares) the swéet words, hum­ble [Page] supplications, entire excuses, & extreame passions, that her friend continually suffered for her loue, deliuering many bitter sighs, she said. Ah my true and loyall friend, I beléeue wel, and take in good part your cause of absence, béeing assured, that if possibly you could returne sooner, no­thing should stay you from the place, where y ^• only reme­die of your dolorous gréefes abideth. But séeing for my loue you may not forsake my brother, I pray you for your continuall safetie, and spéedie conduction to your longing desires, that mine eies ouerwatched with tedious expec­tation, & my hart néere tired with bootlesse wishings, may by your presence be thorowly cōforted. Afterward Vrba­nillo bréefely reported to her the noble actions of his Lord and maister, the loue of Ttineus to the Princesse Agriola, discribing her beautie and rare perfections, whereupon Polinarda thus answered. Beléeue mee Vrbani [...]lo, if the Princesse be so faire as thou saist she is, her great vertues and firme loyaltie likewise comparable, enuie & false re­port shal not impeach her, to be reckoned among the most happie Ladies of the world, and her desires wil be as ho­norably effected, as with vertuous thoughts she first be­gan them. The like (I doubt not) will happen to thy mai­ster, for fortune hath euermore so specially fauored him, as now it were against reason shée should alter her counte­nance. So departed the Dwarfe from the Princesse, re­turning to the Emperor, who by no meanes could get any other tidings of his son then what you haue heard, which made him doubt the dwarfe iuggled with him. The next day the Emperour sent his chéefest Lords and Barons, to conduct the French ambassadors to the court, which was sumptuously hanged with Tapistrie, especially the great hall, which was adorned with costly cloth of gold, and rich purple, as it had béene the Pallace of Salomon. The Am­bassadours entertained with maruailous royaltie, & ha­uing deliuered the summe of their embassage, the Empe­rour answered that hée would conferre thereon with his [Page] councel, in me any while they might returne to their lod­gings. After they were departed the hall, the Emperour demanded of the princes electours and the rest of his no­bilitie, if these marriages of his sonne and daughter, with the heire and princesse of Fraunce, might not be granted, as well for the vtilitie and honor of the Empire, as for the generall benefit of Christendome, commanding them to speake their iudgements without feare. The Lords alto­gether answered, that the m [...]tion was so good & the ali­ance so honorable, as it was no way to be misliked. I will then (quoth he) talke with the empresse, that she may vn­derstand hir daughters opinion, & then my lords of France shalbe answered. So leauing them hee went to the Em­presse chamber, to whom he reported his agréement with his councel, which pleased her likewise maruailous wel: but when sh [...] had a little considered on the matter, she an­swered, that but little could be said before Trineus retur­ned home againe. You reason well, quoth the Emperour, but in meane time I pray you [...]oūd your daughters iudge­ment, y ^• we may returne our brother of Fraunce some cer­tain answer. Which she promised to do, & so departing frō her lord, she went to her daughters chāber, where hauing cōmanded her ladies aside, she thus began. Faire daugh­ter, it is the emperors pleasure and mine, that you mar­rie with the eldest sonne and heire of Fraunce, and your brother Trineus with his sister, for hee is one of the most renowned kings in Europe, & his son recounted among the best knights of the world: for which good fortune you may thanke the heauens, that so great a prince offers his Sonne to be your husband. Aduise your selfe of your an­swer, for by your opinion must the ambassadors be dispat­ched hence, who came to the court for nothing else but to conclude these honorable marriages. Polinarda hearing y ^• words of her mother, was surprized with such sodain hea­uines, as she could not tel what to answer: but fearing the Empresse should perceiue that her loue was already de­termined, [Page] with sad countenance thus replied. Madame, you know what promise I made my brother the day when he departed from the Court, in the presen [...] of you and all the nobility, that I would not marry before his returne: and me thinks I were greatly to be blamed, and well worthy gréeuous reprehension, if I shoulde so falsifie my word, which I cannot do without impeach of myne ho­nor. And héerein shall I follow the laudable bertue of the Emperor my father, who euermore estéemed his promise aboue al earthly possessions. Beside, I can assure you that my brother wil neuer marry with the princesse Lucema­nia, for he loues one many degrées beyond her, and (may I speake it without offence) one of the most beautifull La­dyes that euer nature framed. Thus Madame, my Fa­ther and you haue excuses sufficient & auayleable, where­with to aunswere the king of France. It may be, quoth the empresse, that your brother loues els where: but I can tell ye, that neyther hée nor you shall do any thing contrary to the Emperors commandement. Polinarda séeing her mo­ther persist in her opinyon, bit in her sorrowes with many secret sighs: yet knew she so wel how to dissemble her pas­sions, as the Empresse could not discerne her priuat mea­ning. So returned she to the Emperor, aduertising him of hir daughters answere: wherat he was so offended, as in great anger hee came himselfe to his Daughter, saying. Why howe now Daughter? are you so bolde to disobey my commandemēt? or dare you repugne against my wil? al is to no end that you haue babled with your mother, for (will ye or no) it shall bée as I haue appoynted. I knowe right well dread Lord and father, quoth she, that I ought no way to deny your pleasure, but rather wil I die a thou­sand deaths, then consent to match with the Sonne of Fraunce, considering what promise I haue made my bro­ther▪ and if I should so farre dishonour my selfe, as not to regarde what I haue promised, I were not worthy here­after to be called your daughter. Thus stoode she resolute [Page] in her answere, and therewith shedde such aboundance of teares, as the Emperour was constrayned to tell the Am­bassadours, that the marriages could not be concluded till the returne of Trineus, notwithstanding he granted all the articles of their embassage. The princesse qualli [...] ­ing her gréefe as well as shee could, sent for the Dwarfe, and taking him by the hand, sayde. Alas my freend, I am now in y ^• greatest perplexity in the world, neuerthelesse, one thing comforts me: that thou be holdest the true loue and loyaltie I beare thy maister, which neuer shal be bro­ken, what euer become of me. And would to God he were now heere, then would I speake it openly without feare of any, that I am [...]is, and he myne. Madame, quoth the Dwarfe, if you continue faithfull to my maister, perswade your selfe of his assurance, for he building on your constan­cie, takes such continual pleasure in remembring you, that it is the onely meane that preserues his life: and you may be b [...]lde to credit me, that if your brothers loue did not with-hold him, he would haue bin here long ere this, but he wil come soone inough (I hope) to end this doubt. As for me, I am of the opinion that heauen wil not suffer so good a knight to die, but first wil permit him to sée his mistris. Die? quoth the princesse, sooner let all the knights in the world ende theyr dayes, and the eldest Sonne of Franc [...] likewise, though hée loue mée so déerely, so might I be rid of these importunate Ambassadours. The Emperour sée­ing hée could get no other answer of his daughter, conclu­ded with the French ambassadors, that so soone as his son was returned, he should be aduertized, and so for that time they might depart: but the empresse and he first bestowed on them many rich presents, and so in short time they ar­riued againe in Fraunce, where great ioye was made in hope of these marriages, albeit they little thought the Prince Trineus would tarrie so long. Aboue all other, the French prince was most ioyfull, hearing the Countie of Armignac report the wonderfull beauty of Polinarda: but [Page] [...]he good Lady was of another mind, for she had rather b [...] take her self to a Cloister, then to breake her faith to Pal­merin whom shée loued so constantly. Thus leaue we her conferring with Vrbanillo, returning to Palmerin and the Prince Trineus.

Chap. LXIIII.

THis noble company being thus on the Sea, hauing winde at will, sayled with such expedition, as in four [...] dayes they had gotten farre enough from England, and the prince séeing Agriola very pensiue and sad, com­forting her with many swéete kisses, and taking her by the hande, thus spake. O soueraigne Creatour, how shal I render sufficient thanks and praise to thée, in graunting me the onely thing I desired? A [...] swéete madame, and my onely mistresse Agriola, how [...] much is your seruant indeb [...]ed to you? hath any knight more cause to honour & extol his lady then I? Beléeue me fayre Princesse, such are the rare effects of your gracious nature, and I so ioyfull of my happie fortune, as neither friend or father shall fetch you againe from mée. I [...] my life might endure the length of tenne men [...], and euery day I shuld accomplish wonders in your seruice, yet could I not remunerate the least part of your Princely deserts. But if your loue be such to me, as I am right wel assured [Page] [...]t is, let me intreat you forbeare this heauines, and banish from your thoughts your melancholy humours: for seeing you so sad & pensiue, I suffer a torment worser then death it selfe. F [...]r l [...]t me perceiue (how little soeuer it be) y ^• my presence may be to your lyking, & our present enterprise somwhat more pleasing: I fly to the heauens with conceit of happines, and value my fortune aboue the reach of hu­mane capacity. In stéede of teares, let vs vse quaint tearmes, and for these dumps, pleasant imaginations, perswade your selfe Madam, you are now in his custody, that honours you for your vertues, reuerenceth you for your diuine perfections, extols you for incomparable me­rits, and liues for you with his very vttermost endeuors, Thinke not though you haue left your parents, the fault is not pardonable, for the new alyance wherein you haue combyned your self, shal one day glad you with such speci­all content, that what you do imagine nowe a dangerous offence, will bee reputed on act of prouid [...]nt and princely discretion. Then shall you finde true, what Palmerin hath spoken, and his promises of preferment and imperial dig­nity shall be both rightly & sufficiently perfo [...]rmed. Let these perswasions, if not my intreatyes excell these passi­ons, and procure better comfort. Madam, quoth Palmerin, though you haue left your country, consider the occasion, y ^• loue of a mighty prince, and the heauenly appoyntment, that your noble vertues should be coupled together, hath brought you from England, to sit on the imperyal seate in Allemaigne. How carefull we haue béene of your honor, your selfe can witnes, no motion béeing offered to preiu­dice your lyking. That you are contracted before the only immortall witnes, you wil not deny: therfore to preuent all ensuing dangers, the actual ceremony shalbe héere ce­lebrated, and the royaltie thereof solemnized when we come into Allemaigne. So, if Himen claimes his due, you may graunt it without reproch, and Iuno will as well smile at her sacred offering here, as if it were in bower or [Page] hall. The credite of Princes, are charie, and angry parent [...] may hinder, what heauen dooth further: but the déede doon, it cannot be recalled, nor can you be diuorced but onelye by death, and pittie were it, loue so well begun, but should [...] continue, therefore (so please you▪) let it bée perfourmed. The Princes both agreed, they were there maried, requiting theyr chast loue, with a simpathie of vertuous desires: but this time of delight and pleasure hadde small continuaunce, for Fortune enemie to prosperitie, accompanied with her eldest sonne Mischaunce, conuerted their ioyes into sorrowe, teares and paynes vnspeakeable, as you shall reade héereaf­ter. These Louers thus ryding merilye on the streame, sud­denlye the Sea began to swell, the winde chaunged roughly, the Skyes were troubled, and such a daungerous tempest beate vppon theyr Ship, as the Pilot, Maister and Mari­ners knewe not what to say, and fiue dayes togither they were in this perplexitie, sometime forwarde, then again [...] backward, that no hope of life was expected, but euerye on [...] prepared themselues for death, the implacable messenger of God, for they could discerne no other remedie. Agriola not accustomed to these daungers, was meruailously discom­forted: but Trineus perswaded her with many examples, in that such stratagems were vsuall on the Sea, albeit, sh [...] to ende the feare shee sawe before her eyes, woulde often times haue cast her selfe into the raging waters. At length the tempest ouer-passed, they discryed an Island, wheret [...] with the helpe of theyr Oares they coasted, shrouding them selues vnder the sides of an highe mountain [...]: and although the place séemed casuall, yet there they determened to ca [...]t [...] Anker, vntill the Seas were more calme and quiet B [...]ing thus vnder the lée, and defended from the winde with the h [...]ge R [...]cke, Palmerin came vp on the ha [...]ches, to sée what iudgement he could make of the Island, a [...]d so delectable th [...] country seemed vnto him, as he was desirous to go on shore, taking his Faulcon on his fist that was giuen him in Eng­land, so with no other defence but his Sworde, he went to [Page] viewe the soyle, not suffering any body to beare him cōpany. Trineus and Agriola perswaded him to the contrary, but all would not serue: for the scituation of the Countrey pleased him so well, as he walked on in great contentation, not min­ding to returne againe to the ship, till toward the euening.

Chap. LXV.

THe Historie reporteth, that while Pal­merin was thus absent, there arriued foure or fiue Turkish Gallies, who like­wise glad to shun the tempesteous wea­ther, cast Anker néere to Trineus ship, and séeing no bodye on the decke of this strange vessel, because (fearing no harm) they were all at rest: they enuironed it a­bout, and hauing boorded it, the Captaine of the Turks called to them, saying. What? are yée asléepe within, that ye let vs boord ye without any resistance? by the reuerence of our gods we shal awake yée: but litle to your ease. So came the Soul­diours on boorde after theyr Captaine, who put the Pilote, the Maister, and many of the Marriners to the Sword, spa­ring none but such as they pleased to ransome. Then sear­ching the Cabins, they [...]ound Trineus, Agriola and Ptolo­me, whom they tooke prisoners, by reason they were vnar­med, as also somewhat sicklye after theyr roughe passage. This rouing Captaine or Pyrate, named Olimael, noting [Page] the singuler beautie of Agriola, commaunded her to be [...]ar­ryed on boord his Galley. When the Princesse sawe her selfe so hardly handeled, and that her Lorde was prisoner with these villainous Moores, so that perforce they must a­bandon one another: she brake foorth into pitifull acclama­tions, and looking on her husband, thus spake. Ah my Lord, how hard & straunge is this fortune? haue we escaped a tem­pest so daungerous, now to fall into this mercilesse extremi­tie? Oh that you and Sir Ptolome had béene Armed, that these Moores might haue bought our liues with the sword: but despightfull chaunce hath [...] thwarted vs, as no mean [...] is left to preuent our perill. Ah Palmerin, how gréenous i [...] [...]hine absence, and how displeasaunt will our mishap bee to thée? how much would thy valour now auaile vs, being vt­terly destitute of any succour or refuge? I knowe our mis­hap will so offend [...]hée, as I feare thou wilt vse some outrag [...] on thy selfe. With these words shée fell down [...] among them in a dead traunce, the sight whereof so enraged Trineus and Ptolome, as snatching weapons out of the Moores handes, they layde about them so lustily, that in short time they had [...]laine halfe a score of them. But vnable were they to con­ [...]nd against so many, wherefore being taken againe, they were bounde so cruelly with cordes and chaines, as ren [...]e their tender and delicate flesh in many places: and being so conueyed into an other Galley, theyr Squires likewise pri­soners with them, the Moores tooke what they pleased out of the Shippe, and when they had done, set it on fire. Then presently they weyed Anchor, and launching away, made haste, least any reskewe should followe them, so that quick­ly they losse the sight of the Islande, and Olimael com­ming to sée Agriola, assaied by many meanes to asswage her heauinesse, embracing her in his armes, and promising her great [...]iche [...] if shée would be paci [...]ed. But [...] his spéeches were in vaine, for shée séeing the Moore imbrace her, with angry [...] like a Lyon enraged, caught him by the haire and the throat, saying. Thou villaine Dogge, thinkest [Page] thou I take any delight in thy company? How darest tho [...] traitourlye thée [...]e lay hande on mee? And so roughly did sh [...] struggle with Olimael, as if his men had not assisted him, shée had strangled him: notwithstanding hée tooke all pati­ently, perswading himselfe, that by gentle speeches, smooth [...]latterings, and large promises, hée should in time win her to his pleasure. So came he forth of the cabin, with his throat and face brauely painted with Agriolaes nayles, washing a­way the bloud, which made comely circles about his phisno­ [...]ie: then called he the Captaines and chiefe of his compa­nie, willing them to share the bootie among them, and hée would haue nothing but the Princesse for his parte, for he was so inueigled with the beautie of his prisoner, as he had no delight but onely in beholding her. In this manner then he bestowed his prisonners, Trineus he gaue to one of his [...], and Ptolome to a Knight that seru [...]d the Sold [...] of [...] hee gaue among th [...] common [...] ▪ But when the Prince sawe hée must néedes leaue his Ladye, and each man would carye his pry­soner whether him pleased: his gréefe for his wife, and sor­rowe for his friendes, I leaue to your iudgement, as not [...] ­able to [...]ée expressed. Yet some hope of comfort hée reposed in Palmerin, tha [...]by his meanes ( [...] escaped theyr hands) he should get againe Agriola, else was there no waye lefte to helpe him. Ptolome who déerely loued the Prince, be­fore they parted, thus began. Why how now my Lorde? where is your woonted prudence and dis [...]etion? Where is that constant mag [...]nimitie, which in so many fortunes héeretofore you vsed? what? is it lost, or haue you forget it? What meane ye? will ye be subiect to passions, as a weake effeminate person? You that are sprung from the most aun­cient noble and generous race of Christendome, esteemed for a most courag [...]ous and vertuous Knight, will you [...]ée driuen into these sad and desolate [...]pinions? What then would a Turke▪ Moore or barbarous Myr [...]don doo in like afflictions? when he y ^• hath assurance of his God, and knows [Page] that all persecutions, fortunes and mishaps, are prooues of his fidelitie, and the meanes to attaine eternal quiet, shewes th [...]se vndutifull behauiors, as though he had lost all meanes of hope and comforte. If the body be afflicted, let the spirite be animated, and armed with patience, against all infirmi­ties of the flesh. Leaue these soft countenances for Women, and if you will not perswade your selfe, that these troubles happen for the encreasing of our ioye, it maye bée the mean [...] that God will forsake vs. Then neyther feare or dispayr [...] I praye you, for he that suffered vs to fall into these Moores handes, both can and will deliuer vs againe. As for your Lady Agriola, doubt not of her vnconquerable loyalty, for shée hath in her custody a iewel of such vertue, as no one can dishonour her against her owne lyking. Comfort your selfe then in the power of the highest, and repose your selfe on the constancie of your Ladye, with this certaine perswasion, that this crosse and aduersitie hath fallen vpon vs, for our grea­ter good and aduauncement héereafter. Then came Olima­el, and interrupted theyr talke, commaunding nine or ten of his people, to conuay Trineus into another Galley, and Ptolome into that where his Maister was, that so they [...]ight depart, to recouer the rest of theyr Galleyes, which were scattered from them by reason of the tempest. And s [...] they departed one from another, the Galley wherein Tri­neus was discrying a goodly Ship of Christians, whereof they béeing glad, sette sayle with the winde towardes the Christians, who rode awaye so fast as th [...]y could, and had escaped, but that they met full with certaine Pyrates of Natolia, who ioyning with the Gallies, in the ende boor­ded her, and parted the spoyle among them: the winde sud­denly began to chaunge, so that they were constrained to [...]lye for succour to an Islande in the Kingdome of Persia, which they reached in good time, glad to sheelde themselues from daunger: These Pyrates thus come to the Hauen, went all on shore to refresh themselues: but they hadde no sooner sette foote on land▪ such enchauntments were there dis­persed [Page] through the whole Isle, as they presently knew not one another. But to acquaint you with the manner of these enchauntments, you must note, that the Isle where they landed was called Malfada, which name was giuen it by the Lady thereof, who was called likewise Malfada, the most subtill Magitian of her time: so that wee may say of her, as the Poets feigned of the auncient Circes. And albe­it she was issued of Christian parentes, yet hauing such fa­miliaritie with the diuell and his maligne spirites, she would not acquaint her selfe with any goodnesse towardes Chri­stians, but daily practise their harme and destruction. And for this intent, shée had long time enchaunted this Island with such charmes, that what Ships arriued there, could ne­uer depart thence againe, much lesse such as entred within the Isle. They being thus staied, Malfada would come her selfe, and chuse such as shée lyked, the rest shée transformed into Hartes, Wolues, Dogges, Boares, and all manner of beastes. Such likewise as shée tooke with her into her For­tresse, when she had abused them to content her owne plea­sure, shée would cast them foorth, transforming them as shée did the other: in bréefe, she was worse then a Diuell, and the whole Isle a very disguised hell. This wicked woman knowing, that more vnfortunate people were landed at the Hauen, called her seruaunts, and came to see them: but she made no great account of them, wherefore she commaun­ded her seruaunts to take all the riches foorth of the Shippe, conuerting it by her inchauntment, that it séemed lyke a bottomlesse gulfe. Afterward at her pleasure, shée transfor­med them that came in it, among whome Trineus was chaunged into the shape of a very fayre Dogge, not that hée was so, for that is a thing against nature, and which God no way will permit, that man shall take any brutish shape, or a brute beast any humane forme. For the Magicall dis­positions thus holde theyr Arte, that the enchaunted e­stéeme themselues beastes, and of that sort was this [...] Mastiue: notwithstanding, these distressed captiues had [Page] naturall reason and humane power, but the benefit of spéech was taken from them. And thus was Trineus transformed, which he séemed not to mistike, for not remembring himselfe, he forgot all his heauie passions, maruelling only at his sud­daine mutation. And here will we leaue him in his straunge deformitie, to report what befell to the Princesse Agriola, after that dolorous separation betwéene her Lord and her.

THus Gentlemen haue wee left the Prince Trineus transformed into the shape of a Dogge, in the Isle of Malfada, by the Enchauntresse: the English Prin­cesse Agriola, in the custody of the Turkish Pirate Olima­el: Ptolome and Colmelio carried into Aethiopia, and Palm [...] ­rin raunging in the Islande with his Hauke for his delight. Right straunge will bee the meeting of all these friendes a­gaine, after the hazards of many perillous fortunes. For Agriola thus separated from the Prince her husband, is ma­ried to the great Emperour of Turkie: howe wonderfully the ring which Palmerin gaue her, preserues her chastitie, will be worth the hearing. How Palmerin counterfeiting himself dumbe, doth many rare exployts in the Isle of Cal­pha, will be as acceptable. How Palmerin gaines his Poli­narda, [...] his chast wife Agriola, Ptolome his Brionella, and all Honors meeting togither in the Emperours Court of Allemaigne, wil be so strange as the like was neuer heard: and all this performes the second part, which shall be pub­lished so soone as it can be printed.

Chap. I.

A [...] yet I am sure you remember in the first part, how the Pyrate Olimael [...] his prisoners reseruin [...] for [...] none but the King of Englandes daughter, hop [...]ng in time to [...] her [...]. An béeing alone [...] in the fayrest Cabin in the [...] hée could to comfort her: but [...] [Page] were bestowed in vaine, for shée woulde receyue no kinde of sustenaunce, desyring euerie houre to die, ha­uing so lost her Lord Trineus. He séeing that fayre spéeches, offers, gifts, and other inticements proper to perswasion, could not compasse the thing he desired, he grewe into cho­ler, intending to gaine his pleasure perforce, so that after manie threatnings, with rough violence hée woulde néedes rauish her. Agriola séeing that her féeble strength coulde not long withstand the Turke, albeit she stroue and resisted so well as shée coulde: therefore with deuout prayer shee called on God, desiring him to take pittie on her, and not to suffer that villainous Ruffian to dishonour her. Her prayer béeing ended, Olimael beganne in such sort to tremble, as hée staggered backe warde foure or fiue times, and so excée­dingly was hée surprised with feare, as hée was constray­ned to leaue her, and withdraw himselfe into another place. The Princesse, though shée were amazed at this suddaine chaunge, noting with what terrour the Captaine departed, yet was she greatly comforted by her deliuerance, impu­ting the whole worke thereof to the Almightie prouidence, and the vertue of the Ring that Palmerin gaue her: where­fore with thankfull heart, and eleuated eyes to heauen, shée sayd, O celestiall Father, howe great and infinite is thy goodnesse? howe happie is the creature, whom thou regar­dest with the eye of pittie? assurdly I nowe perceyue, that such as in extremitie haue recourse to thee, shall no waie perish. Then taking the vertuous Ring, and kissing it ma­ny times, sayd:

Unualuable Iewell, giuen me by the best Knight in the worlde, howe carefully will I kéepe thée? howe true is that saying: That great persons giue great presents. Hence­foorth shalt [...] bee kept (for the loue of him that gaue thée, and for thy singular vertue) in the place where I vsually store things of greatest price. So taking a little Chayne of Golde, which serued her as a Bracelet, shée fastened this [...] Iewell thereto, and put it about her necke, so that [Page] the sumptuous Stone laye glistering betwéene her [...] white breasts, a prospect so rare and delicate, and of no lesse power to drawe the beholders eyes, then the A [...]amant, the Amber, or the Ieate, can by their vertue: beside, so woon­derfully repleat with swéete regard, as I dare affirme that the most cruell Tyrant in Turkie, would stand amazed at those two daintie Mountaines, more mortifyed and hum­bled then the aged Hermits of Thebaida, Olimael yet qua­king at his suddaine a [...]teration, durst presume no more to offer her villaynie, but by rich gifts and presents sought to perswade her: all which auailed not, for as hée got but lit­tle profit by his violence, so wonne he much lesse by his tre­cherous offerings. So sayled they eight dayes togither, Olimael not able to compasse Agriolas loue, nor hearing a­nie tydings of the vessels that were lost, neyther of his Co­zin who had Trineus captiue, which grieued him as no­thing could do more, in that he was so vnprouided, as well he could not present himselfe before his Lord, to whom hée had promised to bring store of Christian prisoners, and now hée had in his bootelesse loue so lost his time, as either the tempest or shipwracke, had spoyled him of his owne com­panie. In this doubtfull opinion, he debated with himselfe, that the great Turke did earnestly affect fayre Ladyes, so by the meane of his beautifull prisoner, he imagined to bée entertained with good countenaunce, and his losse woulde be past ouer with forgetfulnesse: wherefore hee commaun­ded the Pilot to make toward the port of Ottobant, where as then the great Emperour of Turkie soiourned, and [...] they came in short time after. Notwithstanding, as a Seruant well instructed, not daring to abuse the familia­ritie of his Lorde, hée sent one of his Knights to excuse his cause, and to report, that by casuall mischaunce he had lost his men and Gallies: but if his Maiestie pleased to forget his misfortune, and receyue him into his accustomed fa­uour, he would bring him one of the fayrest Ladies in Chri­ [...]endome, and discended of most royall percentage. The [Page] Emperour béeing las [...]iuions, and more addicted to vnchaste desires then any in his Realme, hearing this message, was so supprised with the onely report of her beautie, as imme­diately he became passionate for her loue: sending the Py­rate worde that hee could not bring a more desired present, [...] therfore remitted all his offences, promising him great­ter fauour then euer he had. And because no contrarie occa­sion may hinder his comming, quoth the Emperour, thou shalt carrie him this Letter, sealed with mine owne signet, that hée may no way [...]oubt of his assurance. The Knight taking the Letter, and kissing the Emperours feete, accor­ding to the cu [...]ome, return [...]d to his Maister, deliuering him the aunswere hée had receiue [...]. Olimael ioyfull thereof, caused Agriola to cloath her selfe in her most sumptuous garments, and so with al [...] his men s [...]t forwarde towarde the Court. Nowe although the Prin [...]esse was all blubbe­red with teares, and halfe deade to see her selfe in the power of these Straungers, professed an [...] sworne enemies to h [...]r faith and religion: yet could not the rare perfections of her beautie be shadowed, but the glimse thereof set euery eye to wonder. And as she lookes about her, to sée if any of her companie were landed with her, she espied Ptolome, whom they minded secretly to conuey from her, but shee beholding him so sad and sorrowfull, stept towards him, saying. Ah, my déere fréend Ptolome, what wreakfull chaunce hath For­tune throwne vppon vs: but well may I content my selfe, for this is a iust scourge for mine offence, and vndutifull o­bedience to the King my father. Ah my Lord and loyall hus­band Trineus, neuer shall I sée thée againe, for God dooth know whither these villaines hath s [...]nt thee. Ah noble Pal­merin, who was woont héeretofore to comfort me, too much hast thou failed vs, all thy former promises are nowe alte­red: for in steede of imperiall soueraigntie, pleasure an [...] ho­nor▪ I am requited with pouerue, greefe, shame and mocke­rie. Ah death, sweet death▪ too long desired [...]rath: why com­mest thou not to end all these miseries? But God will not [Page] permit thée, because by my torments and afflictions, I may féele the weightie burthen of my offences, and large bountie of his mercies.

Ptolome séeing her in this mournfull vexation, sayde. It is no time nowe (Madame) thus to offende your selfe, but rather (as wise and well gouerned) is beare these ad­uersities, euen with as great content as your former pro­sperities, taking in good part whatsoeuer shall happen: for I am in good hope, and my minde perswades me, that wée shall be deliuered by noble Palmerin, who I am sure endu­reth greater gréefe in his libertie, hauing left vs, [...] wee can doo in our imprisonment. Olimael excéeding angry to [...] Agriola wéepe, violently puld Ptolome from her, char­ging his men, not to suffer him once to come in her sight, which he suffered patiently because he saw it was in vaine to kicke against the pricke. When they were come to the Pallace, and admitted to the Emperours presence, Olima­el knéeling downe and kissing his foote, presented Agriola to his maiestie: who séeing her of such rare and wonder­full beautie, said to Olimael. This present (my Fréende) is of such surpassing value, as thou couldest neuer honour me with the like: good reason is it therefore, that a gift so precious should be rewarded with like recompence, and so perswade thy selfe I will, and thou shalt say the Emperou [...] is bountifull. As for the Ladie thou hast giuen me, I [...] ­ceiue her so faire and gracious, as I inte [...]d neuer to haue any other wi [...]e: and that I may espouse her with the [...] magnificence, I will stay till the hallowed day [...] [...] ­ronation when all my Princes, Barons, and [...], wil be héere assembled, and then in their prsence shal our nup­tialles be solemnized. Nowe had the Emperour a Woman captiue, named Hippolita, who was a Marchant [...] Daugh­ter of Scicile, and better skilled in all languages then anie Ladie in the Court, for which he made speciall account of her, reposing great confidence in her, and acquainting her with his chéefest secrets, wherefore hee sent for her before [Page] Agriola, and sayd. Hippolita I giue you this Ladie in kée­ping, commanding you to intreat her as our owne person, and that all meanes may be practised, to cause her forsake this sad mellancholy. In conference, you may shewe her what honour and happinesse she shall receiue by falling into our han [...]es, and what incomparable fortune it is to her, whom we shall please to accept for our Wife. All which Hippo [...]ita (with great humilitie) promised to accomplish, and so conducted her into a maruailous princely Chamber, the floore couered all ouer with cloth of Tissue, and hung a­bout with such sumptuous Tapistrie and bloth of Gol [...], as hardly might the richnesse thereof be valued. There Hip­polita caused the Princesse to fitte downe in a Chayre of state, which was purposely prouided for her, demaun­ding her name, and of what countrey shee was. The Prin­cesse answered, that shee was of England, but further of her state shee would not bewray. Hippolita speaking perfectly the English tongue, tooke great delight daily to commune with her, and because Agriola should the better like of her conuersation, she tolde her that she was like wise a Christi­an: but by constraint she followed the Law of Mahomet, and his Alchoran. In further spéeches shée acquainted her with the estate of the Sultanes, in the Court of the great Emperour of Asia: which communication serued well to weare away the time, albeit the Princesse tooke small plea­sure therein. Olimael in consideration his noble present, was created high Admirall of the Mediterranean sea, and furnished with greater store of Foystes and Gallies then [...] before.

Chap. II.

HIppolita daily conuersing with Agriola, [...]ecause shee could not so well speake her language, at length the Emperor came to her chamber, and because he might the better behold the princesse, hee sate downe in a Chaire opposite to her, an [...] there he sate a long time, not able to cō ­tent his eyes with looking on her: for, speake to her he could not because shee vnderstood not the Turkish language. Wherefore he commanded H [...]ppolita to request her name, and what her Parents were, which to satisfie his mai [...]stie, shee did, Agriola thus answering her. In vaine Lady séeke you to know of me the thing which death cannot force mée bewray: let this suffice you, that I am a poore Gentlewo­man, the most infortunate that euer liued, with which words shee wept very greeuously. The Emperour moued with pittie, departed to his Chamber so surprised and enfla­med with her loue, as hée could take no [...]est one minute [...] the night, considering with himself, that seeing she estéemed so little of the riches she sawe in his Pallace, and refuse [...] the offers made her by Hippolita, that doubtlesse shee was extract of s [...]me noble Image.

The next morning he called his foure Secretaries, com­maunding them to write to all the Princes of his Empire, [Page] that they should not fayle to honour the day of his coro­nation with their presence, and to bring with them theyr Quéenes and Daughters, and this they should do on paine of displeasure: all which was performed with present ex­pedition. In the meane time, hee caused sundrie sumptu­ous ornaments to bee prepared, with all manner of precious Iewels could be deuised, and these he daily sent to Agriola, but all these presents, promises, and munificent entertain­ment, could no way mooue her, not so much as to grant him a gracious countenance. He likewise sent for the bra­uest Ladies in his Court, that they should kéepe the Prin­cesse companie: but she would be conuersant with none but Hippolita, of whom she had so prettily learned the Arabian tongue, as many times she could indifferently answere the Emperour. But when he behelde her continually so pen­siue, and that by no meanes shee would bee comforted, hée doubted least his presence did offende her, and therefore hée forbare so often to visit her. For so déerely he loued her, as for the halfe of his Empire hee would giue her no occa­sion of discontent, hoping in time (which is the Lorde and conquerour of all things) to alter that humour, and pur­chase her loue, which he desired with earnest affection. But now at this day, where may we find a Lady so vertuousand wel gouerned, being captiue as Agriola was, that could not be woon by such a mightie Emperor, consid [...]ing her youth and beautie, and the wonderfull riches incessantly offered her. Yet the highest Lord so protected her, that the more li­berall the Turke was in honors and perswasions, the more loyall continued her loue to Trineus, whose perfect image was engrauen in her heart. And not fearing torments or death, she boldly answered the Emperor that he trauailed in vain, for she might not loue him, in that she was married to an husband, more noble euery way then he, and none but him shée would loue while she liued: yet made he no great account of her words, considering what frailtie commo [...]ly is in women. The day being come of this great preparatiō, [Page] and al the Princes present to vnderstand their soueraigne [...] will: he béeing placed in his imperiall seate, said. That hée intended to take to wife, one of the most beautifull Ladyes in the world, & for that cause he sent for them, to vnderstand [...] they liked thereof. Their aunswere was, that they liked well thereof, and would gladly honour her as wel be­seemed them. Then sent he for Agriola, and before them all, saide vnto her: that it was his pleasure to accept her for [...] wife, and therefore shee should prepare her selfe on the [...] to be married. The Princesse abashed at these spéeches, fell downe before him in a dead traunce, where vp­on, by the Quéenes and Ladies present, shée was conuayed into her Chamber, where béeing againe reuiued, she began most pitifull and dolorous lamentations: so when all the companie had left her, that shée was alone with Hippolita, falling downe on her knées at her beds [...]ete, shée thus be­gan.

O my God and benigne Father, pittie thy poore distres­sed creature, and forget the offences I haue heretofore com­mitted: for what is a sinner, vnlesse thou in mercie suffer her to come before thée? Wilt thou then vouchsafe (O won­derfull wordeman of the whole worlde) one eye of pittie vpon thy humble forsaken seruant [...] and suffer her not to fall into subiection, to the vewed enemie of thy holy worde, ar­ming me so strongly in this temptation, that I no way in­iurie my Lord and husbande Trineus, but rather graunt this desolate spirit, may leaue this bodie and the worlde to­gither. Ah my honourable Lord Trineus, where art thou nowe? that thou art not héere so defen [...]e the sham [...] and wrong this Tyrant offers thée? What? art thou dead? or hast thou forg [...]tten me? No, no, so well am I assured of thy fidelitie, as no forment can diuert thée from mée. Yet if I knewe directly that thou art not liuing, the lesse woulde [...]ée my feare to follow thée: for then the greatest pleasure this Pagan could doe [...], were to make mée happie onely by death. But for the matter is vncertaine, and that I liue [Page] in hope once more to see thée: I will patiently endure all afflictions whatsoeuer, for so swéete a reward as is thy lou [...]. These sorrowes of the Princesse so gréeued Hippolita, as one coulde hardly iudge who was most passionate, yet at length shée thus spake to Agriola. I beséech you good Lady to leaue these gréeuous lamentations, and regarde the high estate, honour and dignitie, that you shall haue in marrying with my Lord. Neuer perswade me (quoth the Princesse) to manifest disloyaltie: for such pre [...]erments, if they bée not gotten iustly and by vertue, they ought not to bée coueted, but to be shunned as diuelish Serpents. Thus spent they the whole night, and in the morning came the Quéenes and Ladies newlie come to the Court, to bid the sorrowfull Bride good morrow in her Chamber, attyring her in won­derfull gorgious vestures, after their Country maner▪ farre beyonde the royaltie of Helena, after her arriuall at Troy. Betwéene foure Kings shée was brought into the greate Hall, and from thence conducted to the Temple, where they were espoused by the Mosti. To recount here thy royall so­lemnitie in the temple, the Maiestie and vnspeakable dig­nitie at the pallace, the excellent Comedies, rare triumphs, Maskes, Momeries, Moriscoes, and such like courtly plea­sures, would bée a matter too prolixious: for they are not to our purpose. Let it then suffice yee, that after they were magnificently entreated at Dinner and Supper, the daun­ [...]ing began, and God knowes how the Turks, Moores, Ara­bes, and Medes, set foorth themselues in th [...]ir d [...]uises, and sports before their Ladies, much lyke the Satyres and [...]or­ned Faunes, giuing new inuasions on the Nimphes of Di­ana. But all these maruayles, ioyes and follies, coulde not chaunge the Princesse countenaunce, for shée continuing in her pen [...]uenesse, these sports were worsse to her then the torment [...] of death: aboue all, fearing the losse of her chasti­tie, which was a Iewell neuer to be recouered. The Pa­stimes ended by the Quéenes and Ladies, shée was conduc­ted to the nuptiall [...], so braue and [...]ately as the Prince [Page] Aeneas, when he came to Quéene Dido of Carthage, and there was the vnfortunate Bride committed to her rest. Soone after came the hastie Bridegroome, calling for Tor­ches that hée might be holde the Goddesse hée honoured, and as hée was preparing himselfe to bed, he was troubled with such feares, passions, and ap [...]plexie, as nowe he séemed more lyke a ghost then a man. Perforce hée was constrained to forsake the Chamber, when the extremitie of the fit some­what asswaging, and his former louepassions freshly as­sayling him, comming to the Princesse againe, heauily hée thus spake.

Ah, Agriola, Ladie and sole Mistresse of my heart, I thinke thou art some Goddesse, or (at least) excéeding all hu­manitie: so strange is this aduenture, as neuer any man (I thinke) heard of the like. Alas, cannot thy anger be appea­sed? nor thou induced to loue him, who for thy sake endures most horrible torments? I pray thée bée not the cause of my death: or if thou néedes wilt, suffer mée first to eni [...]y the fruites so my desires. Know, my Lord answered Agriola, that with my will yo [...] neuer shall enioy it, and if perforce you séeke to dishonour me, assure your selfe, I am resolued rather to suffer endlesse miseries, then to violate my faith to my loyall Husbande: for such is my trust in God, that hée will not forget such as call on him. But in respect thou hast not béene cruell to mée, nor hast exercised mée, with a­ny tyrannie, I shall suffer thée to lye vpon the bed by mée, as my Brother might doo, and sometime (though it be more then modestie) embrace thée in mine armes: but if farthe [...] thou presumest, thou mayst not bée permitted, but shall loose that fauour, thy selfe, and mee togither. Madame, quoth hée, in graunting mée that courtesie, you saue my life, for I haue many Concubines to qualifie those passions, and neuer will I attempt your dishonour while I liue: if I but off [...]r the motion, refuse mée foreuer. I shall therefore account of you as my Sister, and death shall not make me doo contra­rie to your appoyntment. The yong Princesse glad of this [Page] solemne promise, gaue him a kisse or twaine, and suffered him to embrace her: but other kindnesse could be neuer ob­taine, contenting himselfe with this, because hée loued her so specially. At fiftéene dayes end, the feastes béeing ended, the Princes tooke their leaue of the great Sultane, who with many rich presents sent them home into their Countryes. Thus remained Agriola with the great Turke, and the Knight to whom Olimael had giuen Ptolome and Colme­lio, sailed with his prisoners into Aethiopia: and thence­forward vsed them not as slaues, but as Gentlemen of good qualitie, especially Ptolome, whom hée reputed a hardie Knight, and a man borne to great enterprises.

Chap. III.

BEfore in this Historie you haue heard, how Palmerin walking on shore with his Faulcon on his fist, desired to see the pleasantnesse of the Isle, and fin­ding so manie delights to with-holde him, returned not towarde the Ship till it was néere night: but when hée came thither againe, and could not sée the Shippe, nor anie one to question withall, he was greatly amazed, run­ning héere and there, yet all to no purpose. Sometime [...] imagined that Trineus had betrayed him, because he had acquainted him with his loue toward his Sister: and then againe resolued himselfe on the contrarie. All about hee loo­ked [Page] for his companions, not knowing what to think: whe­ther, they were carried away by Pirats, or taken prisoners by the Inhabitants of the Island. In the end, hauing com­passed in his minde all imaginations hee could, and séeing that by his regard of pleasure he had lost his Friendes, hee entred into many sorrowfull lamentations, farre [...] Cadmus when hee lost his Souldiers by the horrible Ser­pent, cursing and exclaiming on himselfe, as he had béene guiltie of the death of his father. Alas (quoth hee) why did I not remember these wretched misfortunes by poore. Varnan? whose sorrowes was likewise procured by a Hawke: in hapl [...]sse houre was this wicked Byrde giuen me. Ah trecherous and deceiuing strumpet, I thinke thou art some incorporate Fiende sent from Hell, to iniurie the most constant Louers: and therefore gentle O [...]le, or ra­ther enchanted Diuell, thou shalt neuer hereafter disple [...] any other, so taking her by the necke, hée pulled her in [...], and said:

Ah sweete Lady Polynarda, how contrarie is Fortune [...] and howe vnhappily our desir [...]s preuented? well am I assured, if Trineus come to the Court without me, it will endanger your life, and the onely thing that sheeldes mée from death, is comfortable hope to sée you once again. Ther­fore diuine mistresse, I call for your succour, that by your gracious assistante, I may endure these vehement occasi­ons. Ah gentle Princesse Agriola, howe haue I deceiued you? but in requitall of your wrong, no rest nor ease shall possesse my soule, till I haue brought Trineus and you [...] as great ioy, as by my meanes you haue receiued discom­fort. In these complaints [...] laide him downe [...], and so wasted the time till morning cam [...], when [...] no treatures to speake withall, nor any meane for his to p [...]sse the Sea, hee determined to passe through the Island till hee might méete some body to [...]o [...]ferre with. Thus hauing no defence but his sword vnder his arme, hee walked a­long, and at length he met a Moore with foure Spanielles, [Page] and a Marlin on his fist: whome hee humbly saluting, de­maunded the name of the Countrey, and if there were any shipping neere for his passage. The Moore perceiuing by his language that he was a Christian, in great anger an­swered. Art thou come so farre to séeke thine owne misfor­tune? by Mahomet I shall welcome thee hither with a ven­geance. So laying hande on his Semitary, Palmerin per­ceiuing by his gesture (though hee vnderstood not his talk) that he wished him no good, wherefore drawing his sword, hee gaue the Moore such a stroke on the head, as he cleaued it to his very téeth, and sayd. By God villaine, thou shalt not take me prisoner, or send me into the sea to séeke my raun­some, and so may all discourteous varlets be serued, as re­semble thée in conditions. Thus leauing the Moore dead, hée tooke another way, least if he should bée followed, hée might fall into danger: but séeing hee was vnarmed, and could not speake the Arabian tongue, hée imagined that at length he must néedes be taken. Hereupon he returned backe to the Moore, and taking his garments, left his own there, and thence forward determined to counterfeit him­selfe dumbe: by which subtiltie he thought to escape vn­knowne, and preuent his imprisonment, till hee founde meanes to returne to wards Allemaigne againe. The day stealling on apace, and darke night approching, he came to a fayre Fountaine, of the cleerest water (in his opinion) that euer hee sawe, where laying him downe to rest, consumed the night as quietly as he could. On the morrow he began to remember his miseries, his dangers past, and such as [...] imminent, the conceit whereof made him very me­lancholy: so after hée hadde eaten a little bread which hee [...]ound in the Moores budget, according to the maner of Dio­genes, he layd him downe againe and slept.

Chap. IIII.

NOw that you may the more easily vnder­stand in that which followeth, the full in­tent of our discourse, you must call to memorie how Gamezio, who was slaine before Constantinople by the Prince Florendos, as you haue heard in the first parte of this Historie: was Sonne to the Soldane of Babilon named My­sos, and brother to Maulicus, who at his death was a verie yong prince. Mysos vnderstanding by his Subiects, that Gamezio the hope of his declining age, was gone by the summons of Atropos to the habitation of the Gods, could not afterward enioy the health of body, or quiet in minde: and therefore ere a yeere was fully expired, hée went to séeke his sonne among his equalles in the fields of Ely­sium. Before hée tooke his iourney wherein no creature re­turneth againe, hée charged his succéeding Sonne Mauli­cus, to reuenge his brothers death, béeing perswaded that himselfe should not be discharged of his infortunate remem­brance in the other world, if hée failed to accomplish his latest commaundement. Maulicus, not to hinder his depar­ture, promised he would, yet could hee not fulfill it, beeing troubled in his own Kingdoms more then 20 yeeres after. [Page] But after he had reduced the rebellious Prouinces into o­bedience, he married with the King of Armeniaes Daugh­ter, by whom he had the Princesse Alchidiana, one of the most beautifull and gracious La [...]ies of her time: who bee­ing come to age of experience, was so loued of her fath [...]r, as he would neuer suffer her out of his sight, so that he made [...] to all such as requested her in marriage. Alchidia­na, when shee vnderstood her owne singularitie, desired the [...] of the most beautifull Ladies in Asia, because she held this opinion, that when the fayrest were present, beau­tie would then bee most sple [...]dant. For this cause hee sent to Prince Guilhara [...], Sonne to Polidia her mothers sist [...]r, that he should bring his Sister Ardemia to the Court, who was counted the Paragon through all the Monarchie of Babilon.

[...] [Page] [...] [Page] and defende thy selfe so woorthily as thou hast done. Then was shée certifyed by an auncient Knight, that one of the squyres of her Chamber smote him as he lay a sleepe, which he reuenged in such sort as she had séene. Trust me (quoth she) the dumbe man did as well be seemed him, wherefore, in respect of his ciuilitie, and that he can so well correct the o­uerboldnesse of fooles: I will intertaine him as one of our Court, forbidding any to wrong him, as they [...]ender my fa­uour, and their owne liues. So commaunding buriall for the dead, and prouision for the wounded, shée went to her Pauilion, which was not farre off, willing Palmerin (by sign [...]s) to go with her, deliuering him his sword again, and saying he should he her seruant. Humble graces did Palme­rin requi [...]e her withall, and in signe of his obeysance offred [...] would not permit him, and taking [...]: Looke that hereafter thou go not from me, whereto by signes be consented, knowing that by he [...] meanes he [...] be safely protected.

[...] [Page] Princesse Pauillion, but the Greyhounde [...] pace, as he caught her in the presence of Alchidiana, [...] with [...] owne handes tooke her from the Dogge, and gaue her in kéeping to one of her Pages. By this tyme it [...] towards night, wherfore each one mounting on their Pal­frayrs, set forwarde to the Cittie: the two Princesses ha­uing no other talke all the way, but of the singuler behaui­our of the [...] Knight. They riding faire and easily, be­cause Palmerin trauayled by them on foote, Ardemia be­holding his goodly Sworde, demaunded of him if hée wer [...] a Knight, which he by signes made knowne, vnto her, wher­of Alchidiana verie ioyfull, sayde, that shée woulde present him to the Soldane her Father, and for this cause, the more she beheld him, the greater pleasure shée conceyued in him. Beeing nowe come to the Gates of Calpha, there stood ma­nie Knights readie with lighted Torches, to conduct the Ladies and their traine to the Pallace, which was so rare and sumptuously edifyed, as Palmerin was amazed to [...] such royaltie.

All the way Alchidiana had the dumbe knight by her site, giuing him her hand to alight from her Palfray, which hée did with excéeding reuerence, and nothing discontented with his office: but manie Kings and Princes there pre­sent, murmured thereat, thinking him not worthie to come so néere her, nor might he so be suffered, but that the Prin­cesse somewhat [...] of him, would suffer none to contrarie her pleasure: and leaned on his arme al the while shée went vppe the stayres of the Pallace, to giue the [...] euen to the Soldane, who stayed his Daughters returne in the great hall. Still leaned shée on Palmerin, till she came to her Father, who [...] in a magnificent Chaire of estate, hauing the resemblaunce of the firmament ouer his heade, (after the Turkish maner) so garnished with Rub [...]es and Dyamonds, which with the lights of the Torches shined most gloriously: whereat Palmerin wondered, [...] the Princesse with so braue gesture, as many reputed▪ [...] [Page] some noble person, and other ( [...]) thought the woorst of him.

The Soldane, who loued his Daughter, as you haue heard before, arose from his Chayre to welcome her home, demaunding what sport shée had on hunting, and if shée had brought any venison home with her? Certes my Lord, quoth she, we haue had better fortune then you thinke on: but be­fore I declare the manner thereof to you, will it please you to giue mee what I haue found this day? The Soldane, not able to denie his Daughter any thing, liberally graun­ted her request. A thousande thankes good Father, quoth shée: this dumbe Knight hath your Maiestie giuen me, who (in his owne defence) hath this day slaine certaine of your Knights, and hereof you may assure your selfe, that hee is one of the most hardy Gentlemen that euer came into these partes. Séeing it is your request Daughter, quoth hée, I coulde hée well contented to graunt it, but how shall I aunswere [...]he Fréende [...] of the murthered, to whom I haue alreadie promised, that for his offence he shall be deliuered to the Lions? So, which of these graunts ought best to bée kept: yours béeing my Daught [...]r, wherein nature ruleth, or theirs béeing my Subiects, which the Lawe commaun­deth? I may not bée i [...]dge herein, sayde the Princesse, not­withstanding, me thinkes (vnder your highnesse correction) that you haue béene but [...], to giue a sen­tence so cruell, hauing not heard or séene the partie. And al­beit hée were guiltie of blame, as he [...] is not, yet before his condemnation, hée ought to bée heard howe hée could cléere himselfe: but if hée must die, I hauing assured him life, and taken him into my defence: the disgrace is so great to mée, as mine honour must remaine for [...]uer condemned. And you my Lord and Father, whose authoritie may discharge me of this reproch, if you refuse now to assist me, the gréefe hereof will bée my death. Th [...]se words she spake with such affection, and so heauily wéeping, as woulde haue mooued a [...] heart to pittie her: where [...] M [...]uli [...]us touched with [Page] naturall remorse, sayd: You shall peceyue Daughter what I haue deuised, to the ende my worde may not bee impea­ched. He shall be put into the Lyons Denne, and suddenly taken out againe, by this meane I shall kéepe my promise to his accusers, and satisfie your earnest desire. And the better to content you herein, his enemies shall bee perswa­ded that he escaped the Lions with life, and then will I giue him safetie thorow all my dominions. The Princesse fearing the bloodthirstie desire of the Lions, coulde not so content her selfe, which Palmerin perceyuing, that the Fa­ther and daughter thus contended for him, fel downe on his knée before the Soldane, making signes that hee should ac­complish his promise, for hee feared not the daunger of his life. Maulicus maruailing hereat, perswaded his daughter that being so hardie, hee might escape: therefore to content her selfe, for thing should bee handled in such sort, as the Knight should no way be endangered. These words some­what contented the Princesse, causing Palmerin to be con­ducted to his chamber, charging him that was appoynted to attend on him, to sée that he were very honourably vsed, and in the morning to bring him againe before her father. The Soldane and his Knights spent all that euening in diuerse iudgements on the dumbe Knight, each one being glad of the Soldanes sentence: but Alchidiana was so pensiue (con­sidering the dangerous hazard he should passe, as she [...] to her Chamber, refusing all sustenaunce, and spending the time in [...]oloro [...]s complaints, desiring rather her own death, then the dumbe knight should be any way harmed.

Chap. V.

PAlmerin béeing brought to his Cham­ber, which was one of the most sump­tuous in all the Pallace, accoridng as the Princesse had appoynted, he made signe to the Gentlman that attended on him, to withdrawe himselfe, for he was accustomed to bee alone in his chamber, which he immediatly did, be­ing loath to offend him. Palmerin béeing alone by himselfe, ga [...]e thanks to the God of heauen, who in midst of his mis­fortunes, caused such a gracious Ladie to fauour him so kind­ly, as defended his life when hee was in daunger, and by whose means hée conceyued good hope to escape his enemies hands, and to returne safely toward Allemaigne. His me­ditations ended, he betooke himselfe to rest, and in the mor­ning Linus the Gentleman that had him in charge, came and presented him before the Soldane, who commaunded him to bée carryed presently to the Lions. Alchidiana vn­derstanding that the dumbe Knight was with her Father, sent him a rich Mantle of scarlet, desiring him to weare it for her sake: which hee putting about him, went frankely with his kéeper to the Lions Denne, where the doore bée­ing opened, hée boldly entered, desiring God to assist him in this perill. Palmerin being in the Denne, because none of the Lions should get forth to hurt any other, howe euer [Page] God disposed of him, made fast the doore after him, and with his sworde drawne, & his Mantle wrapped about his arme, went to sée how the beasts would deale with him. The Li­ons comming about him, smelling on his cloathes woulde not touch him: but (as it were knowing the bloud royall) lay downe at his féete and licked him, and afterward went to their places againe. But there were among them thrée Leopards, that furiouslie came and assayled him, the for­most where of hée paunched with his Sworde, that hée was able to doo no more harme. The other two, although they had torne his Mantle, and put him in verie great daunger, as they that looked in at the windowes and creuises per­ceyued, yet to their no little admiration, in the end hée slue them both, and so went forth of the Denne againe, to whom Linus came, and louingly taking him by the hand, brought him to the Soldane, to whom hee discoursed his fight with the Leopardes, and howe gentle the Lions had beene to him.

The Soldane greatly astonished hereat, made more estimation of him then hée did before, and because the Lions refused to touch him, reputed him of royall parentage. Whereupon he sent for his Daughter, praying her to in­treate him not as a Knight, but as a noble and vertuous Prince, considering his behauiour so well deserued. The Princesse entertayned him very graciously, and hearing the successe of his happy fortune, spake thus in the hearing of them all. Because euery one shall know, Sir knight, how much I honour your good gifts, I will cause my Father so well to loue you, as hée shall repent himselfe a thousande tymes of the [...]aunger hée put you to: and so veri [...] louingly embracing him, desired pa [...]don on her own behalfe, because she suffered him to be thrust to the Lions. Palmerin in signe of attonement, & that hee was nothing displeased, kissed her hand, and sitting downe in a Chaire by her, behelde A [...]de­mia, who resembled his Mistresse so equall in beautie, and could not holde his eye from her, so that hée conceiued such [Page] pleasure in his regard, as he iudged it sustenance enough to maintaine life. But she that was ignorant of the cause, pre­sumed that he loued her, wherfore thenceforwart, she began so amorously to affect him, as shee enioyed no rest but in his presence. Thus were these two Ladies Alchidiana and Ar­demia touched with one disease, and that so sharpely to the quicke, that the least torment they endured (séeing hée could neither speake nor vnderstand their language) was woorse to them then death. And so it fell out, that each of them thin­king her selfe best beloued: concealed her thoughts from the other, and would in no case be reputed amorous, least so her desires should be discouered. Alchidiana for arguments of her loue, gaue him horses, esquires, seruants, and pages, so that the greatest Prince in the Court was no better equip­ped then he: and in this fortune such was his mind, that for all the honor and fauour the Soldane and his daughter bare him, he did not outreach himselfe in behauiour, but was be­nigne and full of courtesie, that each one loued and desired to be familiar with him. And if any enterprise of Ioustes or Tourneyes were in hand, Palmerin was the formost in the field, and carried the prize away from all whatsoeuer, which incited Maulicus to loue him in such sort, that he entertained him into such speciall credite, as he would neuer resolue on any matter of importance, without his shew of good liking. And albeit the Princes of the Court shewed him good coun­tenance, yet Enuy (that neuer can rest in ambitious hearts) caused them in the ende to raise slaunder against him: which Palmerin perceiued, but being vnable to remedie, awaited conuenient time for his departure, notwithstanding the earnest affection Alchidiana bare him. He knew likewise so well to disguise his matters, that so often as the Princesse would hold him in talke, he still feigned not to vnderstand her: which made her iealous towards Ardemia her Cozin, who by Alchidianaes iniuries and Palmerins refusall of her loue, lost her life, as you shall read in the chapters folowing.

Chap. VI.

DUring the time that Palmerin was thus estéemed and beloued in the Court of the great Monarch of Assiria, vpon a Sun­day after dinner, as the Soldane was in the great Hall conferring with his Daughter, and many other great Prin­ces and Lordes present: there entred a Moore Knight armed, except his Helmet and Gauntlets, which were carried after him by two Squires, and making his solemne reuerence, humbled himselfe at Maulicus féete, saying. Most high and redoubted Monarch, my soueraigne Lord Maurice, sworne Prince of whole Pasmeria, kisseth your highnesse hand, sending to re­quire your gracious safe conduct, that himselfe may come to your Court, to trie among all your knights, if there bee any one so loyal and valiant, as can deliuer him from a torment he endures, the most cruell and straunge that euer was heard of, and happened to him in this sort.

The King of Pasmeria, great gouernour of the Moor [...]s, and father to my Lord, béeing vnable (through extreme age) to weilde the gouernment of his Realme, gaue the ad­ministration thereof, and made his Lieutenant generall, [Page] my Lord Maurice, a Knight so hardy and puissant as any of his time, and so renowned for his beautie, sagacitie, and braue lineaments of body, as there is none of the Kings of Iudea, Egypt, Ethiopia, and neighbour Countreyes round about, but gladly desire his [...] and friendshippe. So that many haue sent their Ambassadours to him, presen­ting their Daughters and Kingdomes to him, the greater part whereof he hath hitherto refused, [...]xcusing himselfe by his fathers age and his owne youth. But as often times it happeneth, Fortune enemie to all good endeuours, not suffering him to remaine in quiet, permitted that the quéene of Tharsus, the fayrest of the Orientall pa [...]ts, a young Widdow and rich, as is very well knowne, after shee had sent him many presents of incomparable value, intreated him to come and sée her, shaddowing in this message, the great desire shée had to mat [...]h with him. The Prince being benigne and courteous, would not denie her, but in short time after iourneyed to her. The Quéene entertaining him with great royaltie, and séeing in him farre more gracious and beautifull gifts then before she heard reported: was so surprised with loue, as in stéede of looking to be woo [...]d, her selfe was constrained to demaund, knowing so w [...]ll to de­clare her desirous and affectionate passions, as the Prince mooued with amorous pittie, granted what she requested, without any further condition or promise, presuming on himselfe, in respect of her great and fauorable entertain­ment, that hee would not leaue her for any other. But here­in was she deceiued, for the yong Prince hauing staied with her t [...]nne or twelue dayes, desired leaue to departe, saying that hée had receiued Letters from his Father, which com­maunded his spéedy returne home againe, promising her, (if so his father consented) to take her in marriage, and that with such expe [...]ition as might bée. The Queene some­what contented with this answere, thinking hee would performe what hée promised, let him depart. He being come home into his owne Countrey, forgot his loue to his newe [Page] Fréend, and by his Fathers commaundement, marryed with a yong Princesse, Daughter to the King Lycomedes. The Quéene hearing these newes, was almost dead with conceit of gréefe, and conceiued such hatred against my Lord Maurice, as she determindd to be reuenged on him, whatso­euer came after. And the better to compasse her intent, shée sent to search out one of her knights, a learned Magitian, promising him, if he would help her to be reuenged on him that so deceiued her, shée would make him one of the chée­fest in her Realme. The Magitian, who euermore was desirous to please her, promised her to worke such a deuise, that Maurice should endure such cruel torments, as her selfe should be constrayned to pittie him. And to accomplish this practise, hée onely desired the King her Fathers Crowne, which was one of the richest in the whole world: which Crowne he coniured in such sort, as the diuell himself could not imagine the like, and comming therwith to the Quéen, said.

Madame, you must sende this Crowne to the Prince of Pasmeria, desiring him for your sake hée will weare it on his head, in the chéefest affayres of his estate, which hée im­mediatly will accomplish: but this I dare assure you, that hereby hée shall suffer so many vexations, as hee would en­dure a thousand deaths if hee could possible, to be deliuered from this torment, which he neuer shall be till the most loy­all louer in the world take it from his head. The Quéene so ioyfull hereof as could be, sent the Crowne to the prince, who receiued it thankfully, and beholding it sumptuous, sodainely put it on his head: but presently flew out of his head such a flame of fire, as it had béene the blaze that com­meth from a discharged Cannon. Then called hee for ayde and succour, making the greatest lamentations that euer were heard, but all was to no ende, for no Knight or Lady there could do him any good, and so all the whole day hée re­mained in this cruell martirdome, burning aline, yet not perishing, resembling the Salamander in the extreame [Page] fire. When his people saw that they could procure him no ease, they sent two of the greatest Lords of the Realme to the Quéene, who humbly intreated her to pittie the Prince, and to recompence the fault he had committed, hée should take her to his Wife, and endow her with those honoura­ble possessions belonging to him. The Quéene entertained them very nobly, and after she had vnderstood their message, answered.

My Lord [...], the marriage betwéene your maister and me, is intollerable, and no way can hée nowe contract himselfe againe, for I remembring his disloyaltie, and hée the tor­ments hée suffers by my meanes, it were impossible that wée should louingly liue togither, therefore in this matter you shall excuse me. And let him know, that séeing hée was so presumptuous contrarie to his faith and promise, to re­fuse me for his Wife, I now so much disdain and contemne him, as my heart by no meanes can be induced to loue him. And no other remedie is there for his torments, but that hée séeke through Asia, Europe, and Affrica, a louer so per­fect, who by his loyaltie may cease the paines he suffers for trecherie and treason. With this short answere depart my Countrey, for your Maister is so worthie of fauour, as for his sake I hate his people.

The Ambassadours maruailing at this fatall destenie, returned to their Lord, to whom they reported the Quéenes answere, and what remained to ease his affliction, which more and more encreased his gréefe: wherfore séeing what he was enioyned to doo, the next day hée left the Court, en­tending not to stay a day in any place, till he should finde a Knight so vertuous and loyall. Thus hath he trauailed E­thiopia, India, Tartaria, & the greater part of your realmes, but as yet hee hath founde none to remedie his misfor­tune: but if any other disloyall Knight in triall touch the crowne, his vexations are far more greater then before. For this cause most mighty Lord, ha [...]ing heard the great fame of valiant knights in your Court, especiall of a stranger [Page] Knight being dumbe, who came hither but of very late time: he desires your maiestie, his assurance graunted, to suffer him trie his fortune heere, if in your presence [...]e may finde any helpe, or else to seeke further in other Princes Courts. These are the principall points of my charge, may it please your highnesse to consider of mine answere, how I shall returne and certifie my Maister, that you may like wise sée an aduenture maruailous.

Chap. VII.

MAulicus wondering at this strange dis­course, thus answered the Moore. You may (my friend) returne to your mai­ster when you please, and say from vs, that hee shall be welcome to our court, with as safe a [...]urance as our own p [...]r­son, as well for his valour and bountie, which I haue heard greatly esteemed, as for that wee are desirous to see so strange an aduen­ture ended in our presence. And wee cannot sufficiently maruaile, howe he could bee so forg [...]tfull of himselfe, that after his faith so broken, hee could extinguish her remem­bra [...]ce that loued him so vn [...]eigne [...]ly: but hee [...]ein may wee beholde the soueraignitie of confident loue [...] then and certifie him of our pleasures, and that we pray [...] god [...] his [...] may be in such an houre, as hee may depart [Page] hence to his owne content: yet am I greatly afraid, that he shall not finde any Knight in our Court, but hath eyther forfaited or failed towardes his Lady. The Moore kissing the Sol [...]ans hand, and humbly taking his leaue, returned to his Lord, leauing the Soldane and his Knights, admy­ring this rare accident, so that hee exhorted euery one to ad­uenture his fortune at this Crowne, to giue the greater assurance to their Ladies, of their loyall fidelitie: but ma­ny of them were herein deceiued, for in stéede of prayse and glorie, they receiued shame and reproch, as you shall sée héereafter.

The Prince aduertised of the Soldans aunswere, in hope of good successe sette forwarde on his iourney, and the next day following hée came to Calpha, where Maulicus caused him to be honourably lodged in the Cittie, because that day he would not come to the Pallace. On the morrow, after that Lethea, wife to the Soldane, her Daughter Al­chidiana, the fayre Ardemia, with many other Ladies and Princes were come into the Hall, to sée the tryall of this no­ueltie: Prince Maurice vnderstanding how the Soldane with all his courtly assistants, stayed his comming, went to the Pallace accompanied with a hundred Knights, all clad in mourning blacke, in signe of their continuall sorrow for their Princes misfortune. There he was very royally entertained, the Soldane causing him to sitte by him in a sumptuous Chayre of estate, of purpose prouided, and after many welcomes and kinde gratulations, the Soldane de­maunded how hee felt himselfe, and whether hee sustayned any ease of his torment. Ah my Lord quoth the prince, I can not expresse to your maiestie the paine which I féele, being a thousand times worse to mée then death, and euerie houre enforcing mée to despayre, but I must endure it with what patience I can, till incomparable loyaltie discharge mee of this burthen. With these words he lamented excéedingly, so that each one was mooued to pittie him, for such a bur­ning flame continued in the Crowne, and so f [...]rious heate [Page] procéeded from his mouth, as sette the Hall in maruailou [...] hotnesse, yet consumed hee nothing at all, but in euery part was as formall as any other man. Beloued Couzin, said the Soldane, for my selfe I will not enterprise to meddle with your Crowne, for I doo not imagine my selfe so fauoured of loue, as I can finish that wherein so many haue fayled, nor would I willingly séeke mine owne dishonour, being farre vnable to profit you: as for my knights, let them make proofe of theyr loyalty and spare not, and sée which of them can winne the honour of this aduenture. Hereupon Gui [...] ­haran, brother to faire Ardemia first entred, and [...] to the enchaunted Prince, sayd. Trust me my Lord, since I began my profession in loue, I neuer committed any preiu­dice to my Lady, therefore will I trie to end this enchaunt­ [...]ient.

Then earnestly beholding Alchidiana, for whose loue onely hee came to Court, hée approched to the enchaun­ted Prince, and pul [...] so hard as he could at the Crowne, but hée crying aloude, sayde. For Gods sake Sir knight striue no longer, for if by disloyaltie I could be cured, I sée you are able to giue me remedie. Alas, in all my life I neuer felt like paine by any Knight that tried his fortune, great neede haue you to doo seuere pennance, if you will bée fa­uoured by loue any more, towards whom you haue so hay­nously offended, for my infirmitie may not be holpen, but by loyaltie, firmnesse, faithfull persuit, constant perseuerance, and such other honoured vertues estéemed in loue, whereof you haue not the least particular. Thus retyred this newe louer, more ashamed then a Uirgin to bee seene lightly di­sposed, and so sate downe among the other [...], whose fortune prooued as effectuall as the first, to [...] owne dis­grace, and great torment of the languishing [...]. The Kings and auncient Princes séeing the young Knights could doo no good, put themselues in deuoire, each one con­ceiuing so well of himselfe, as if theyr fortune serued to ende the aduenture, their yéeres should carrie the honour, [Page] and they be renowned for euer by their Ladies: but their vaine conceit and desire to accomplish an impossibilitie, much abused them, so that they shamefully remained fru­strate in their intents, and the paines of the enchaunted Prince greatly augmented, who thus sp [...]ke to them. Truly my Lords, it is the custome of your auncient and au [...]acious opinions, to extoll your loue [...] and valour: but for any thing I sée, your olde yéeres haue much lesse merited amorous mercy, then the indiscréete and vnconstant dealing of these yong Princes. Then seeing that no other offered to prooue his vertue, deliuering many greeuous sighs, he sayde. Un­happie wretch that I am, howe much more had it béene to my ease and benefit, if the Quéene of Tharsus (whome I so [...] offended) would haue contented her selfe in her reuenge, to cause mée be péece meale torne in sunder, then thus haue deliuered me into this insupportable vex­ation, the ende where of will neuer be accomplished, séeing that in this honourable Court of my Lord the Soldane, I find no one can giue me comfort.

Palmerin hearing the lamentation of this amorous [...], fell into a profound imagination, and after he had long regarded Ardemia, who so liuely resembled his Mi­stresse Polynarda, saide within himselfe. Ah swéet Madame and onely mistresre, vouchsafe at this instant to assist mee, for by your succour I shall nowe make proofe of my faith­full and inuiolable loyaltie, which neuer in ought offended you, if not at Durace in affecting Laurana, whom I simplie thought to be the Lady, who was so often promised in my vi [...]ions. But seeing my thoughts neuer sorted to effects, as also that I was deceiued in your name: that ought not be imputed to me for any trespasse, and therefore [...] God­desse bee fauourable to me. Then surprised with sodaine ioy, hée beganne againe earnestly to be holde the Princesse Ardemia, who imagining her selfe onely beloued of him, cast foorth a bitter sigh; turning to Alchidiana, [...]. Ah Madame and my déere Couzin, what great fault hath this [Page] cruell Quéene committed, appointing her Magique in such sorte, as loyall and faithfull Ladies maye not be suffered héerein, for deliueraunce of this yong and beautifull Prince [...] doubtlesse hee should sooner receiue helpe by them then by Knights, [...] much more loyally doo they loue, then men, and are in their affections firme and constant. Alchidiana, who felt her selfe touched with this intricate furie, whereof the [...] Ardemia complained, suddainly coniectured, whereto her sighes and faultering spéeches tended, which raysed pri­uate conceit, and such a vehement attaint of iealous [...], as she would not aunswere any worde, but feigning to smell some discontented fauour, turned her face the contrary way. Palmerin looking round about him, and séeing no one would meddle with the [...], fell on his knée before the [...], crauing [...].

[...] [Page] well be coniectured, prostrated himselfe at Palmerins féete, and with vnspeakable ioy thus said. Most noble and fortu­nate Knight, how much am I bound and indebted to thée? right happie was the howre of thy byrth, but much more happie my iourney to see thée: let my word suffise, I so far deliuer my selfe yours, as my selfe, my Subiects, my posses­sions, or whatsoeuer else is mine, I fréely offer to your dis­position. Palmerin, who euer bare the most noble minde of a Knight, was displeased that so great a Prince shoulde ho­nour him with such reuerence, wherefore with great hu­militie hée tooke him vppe in his armes, causing him to sit downe where before hée did: but the Soldane and all his Lords greatly amazed, not so much at his courtesie, as his [...]

Chap. VIII.

EA [...]ye may be cōiectured, the great plea­sure of the two Ladies, Alchidiana and Ardemia, beholding the man [...] they loued as their liues, to haue the ho­nour of the enchaunted [...]: for eac [...] of them seuerally perswaded her selfe, that he had thus aduentured in ho [...]or of he [...] loue. And as they returned from the Hall to their cham­bers, Alchidiana came and tooke Palmerin by the hand, and walking on with him, thus spake. Ah gentle knight, how are you to bee regarded aboue all other? I knowe not why the [...] should depriue you of speeche: except that in all things, this on [...]lie excepted, you should be perfectly resembled to thē. Oh how happie is shee, that might aduenture to make you her Seruant, doubtlesse, if in her appeare so singuler perfecti­ons, as apparantly shew themselues in you: well might it be reputed a rare coniunction, when the cele [...]tiall [...] gouerning [...] affections, hath vnited you in [...]o a­miable alliaunce.

The Gentlemen that attended on the Princesse, great­ [...] murmured at this priuate familiaritie: but shée [...] in her affections, as virginall [...] [Page] now forgotten, and earelesse of regarde, openly shewed her desires. Thus were these two Ladies now, much more a­morous of the dumbe Knight then before: so that they were not well, but eyther in his company [...], or thinking on him. Alchidiana remaining iealous of her Cozin, seemed not to loue her as she was woont, but deuised all the meanes shée could, that she might be sent to her Fathers Court againe: yet she that little made account thereof, sought opportuni­tie to bewraye her loue to Palmerin, and by hap séeing Al­chidiana in the Gallerie, conferring with two of her Ladies, shée entred alone into her Cozins Chamber, where sitting downe on the bedde, shée compassed many imaginations, howe she might discouer to the dumbe Knight, the secrete fire that was kindled in her bre [...]. So long shée staied there, till Palmerin came, because about that time hée was woont to visite the Prin [...]esse Alchidiana, Ardemia so glad héereof as could be possible, suddainlie started vppe, and saluting him with more then common reuer [...]nce, taking him by the hand, and causing him to fit downe by her vpon the bedde. Then enflamed with wonderfull passions, surpassing Pasi­phaes desire to the brutish Bull, when shée mette him in the wood made by Dedalus, shée beheld him with such a piercing countunaunce, as the least glimse whereof, was able to con­founde the reason of the most constant person, as the aspect of the Sunne in the [...] of Leo, dooth the eyes of the be­holders, and of force to warme the coldest complexion, al­though it were an [...] himselfe in her presence. Then deliuering thrée or foure bitter sighes, fetcht from the verye bottome of her heart, as cruell as y ^• [...]: she tooke a rich Diamond from her finger, and put it on Pal­merins, with these words.

Swéete Fréends, and onely comforte of my soule, let me intreate you to weare this as an argument of my loue, thereby to knowe, howe well you estéeme of mée, assuring you, that I am so deuoted yours, as if you vouchsafe to [...] me the fauour and honour, by iournying to the Court [Page] of my Father with mee, I neuer will haue any Husband but you, and there shall such account be made of you, as wel beséemes a Knight so noble and vertuous. Ah diuine de­fence of my life, and more woorthie to bee loued then Loue himselfe, misdéeme not of these spéeches so aduenturouslye vttered, by a yong Ladie and vnmaried: for the loue I beare you is such, as I am constrained (forgetting the decent re­gard of a bashfull Uirgin, who naturallie is shamefas [...]e) to estéeme of you honestlye, and as is conuenable to [...] e­state. Then séeing the Gods, the place, the occasion, and the time, permits me to bewraye, that which I dare not other­wise manifest: haue then faire Knight some pittie on mee, and let mée enioy assuraunce of grace, for which I [...] in ceaselesse torments. With which wordes shée embraced him, and sealed so many swéete kisses on his hand, as appa­rantly deciphered her earnest affection.

Palmerin amazed at this strange accident, because shée was a Pagan, and contrary to him in faith, that making [...] aunswere, but following the example of chaste Ioseph, who refused Zephira Wife to Putiphar, great prou [...]st to the King of Aegipt: started from her suddainlie, and mooued with displeasure, departed the Chamber, thinking in him­selfe, that such occasions more ouer-rule the hearts of men, then all other matters that might bée deuised, and [...] the practises of [...]ellish P [...]uto. Then calling to his Ladie for as­sistance, said to himselfe. Ah swéete Mistresse, succour now your seruant, for I rather desire a thousand deathes, then to violate the chaste honor of my loue, or to giue that fauour to this Lady which is onelye yours. Alchidiana, by chance [...] séeing Palmerin when he entred her Chamber, and [...] him now to depart againe: imagined presentlie the [...] of the cause, wherefore entring the guarderobe which was adioyning to her Chamber, shée closely stood and [...] all that had passed, and at his comming foorth staied him in this maner.

Notwithout great cause (good Knight) [...] thou take [Page] the fatall Crowne from the head of Maurice, for in thée is more [...]rmnesse and continencie, then is in the disloyall Ar­demia, vnchaste desires and villainie: but in vnfitte nine did shée rip open her vnmaidenlike affections, for I will pub­lish her shame to euery one, and cause her to be lesse estéemed then a knowne offender.

Palmerin fearing that in her choller she would doo no lesse then she said, fell on his knée before her, intreating her by signes to forbeare, otherwise it would be his death. She seeing him so faire and gracious, and thus to humble him­selfe at her feete, quallified her displeasure, promising to kéepe it in secret. So Palmerin withdrewe himselfe to his Chamber, leauing the two Ladies nowe togither: but Ardemia agréeued at the dumbe Knights refusall, woulde not reueale her wrong to Alchidiana, (who so soone as Pal­merin was out of hearing) thus began. Why? shamelesse Ardemia, thinkest thou thy beautie of such value, that the Knight, to whome my Father and I haue doone so great ho­nours, would leaue vs, and depart with thée? trust me [...] thou art farre from thine account: for if thou vauntest to doo him such honor in thy Fathers Courte, as his nobilitie deserueth, it consisteth in my power to exalt him more in one howre, then thou canst doo in a thousand yéeres, migh­test thou liue so long. I did neuer thinke that such audaci­ous and incontinent tempting a man, could any way enter thy heart: but if such bee thy disposition, thou oughtest ra­ther to abide in thy Fathers Courte, where thou maist haue leysure to followe thy base affection, with some of the [...] or youthes attending on thy Father, then to offer the [...] héere in my Chamber. Hence, hence, foorth of my presence, for I will not kéepe company with such an intemperate Woman. What regard hadst thou of thy great linage, or the place from whence thou art discended? Yea, what comfort will it be to me when I shall heare, that a Ladie, issued of the blood royall, should bée more shamelesse and impudent then a [...], a villaine, or an high way [Page] begger? Many other such like hard spéeches vsed Alchidi­ana, all which gréeued her not so much, as to [...] of him, whom she reputed as passionate for her loue, as shée was for his.

These high words of the Princesse, caused the Ladies attending on Ardemia to enter the Chamber, which ma [...]e her then breake off, because she woulde not haue euerie one knowe the matter: and they séeing their Mistresse so sad and discomforted, brought her to her owne Chamber, where on her bedde shee sorrowed so impatiently, as each one [...] she would [...] her selfe, and faine shée woulde, but that their presence hindered her: therefore shee deferred it till better opportunitie. And because shee had spent the most part of her yonger yéeres, in reading the workes of [...], as wel Greekes as Arabians, she remembred the mou [...]nfull Tragedie of Biblis, which caused her to frame a Dit­tie, that shée had translated from the Greeke [...] of Sa­pho, into her vulgar spéech: and turning towardes her La­dies and Gentlewomen, she began in this maner.

Her complaints thus finished, shée commaunded her Ladies to depart the Chamber, and being alone by her selfe, shee againe began to consider, the rigorous refusall of Pal­merin, the conceit whereof gréeued her so extreamely, as also the reproachfull wordes of her Cozin: that making a conscience of her sorrowes, and raging with extreamitie of this despight, brake the vaines of her heart in sunder, and the artiries of her bodie, as the bloud issued foorth at many places aboundantly, and therewithall in short time she was strangled.

The nxet morning, her chéefest Lady that attended on her, and loued her excéedingly, came to the bedde side to sée how shée fared: but finding her dead▪ and so [...] with her owne bloud, gaue such a loude shrieke, as Alchidiana and her D [...]moselles, affrighted at the noyse, ranne in all haste to the Chamber. The Princesse knowing the cause of this mischaunce, was maruellous sorrowfull, assuring her selfe, that the wordes shée spake in her anger, occasioned this bloudie [...]. And the [...]umor of this mishop was so soone spread through the Palace, as all the Ladies, Damo­selles, Knightes, Squires, and other, c [...]me to beholde the harde fortune of Ardemia. What lamentation was made on all sides, is not to be expressed: especially the Ladies at­tendant on Ardemia, and her Broth [...]r Gu [...]haran, who brought her with him thither: but her Gouernesse, not a­ble to endure the burthen of her heauinesse, without feare of dread of any, thus openly complained. Ah swéete Prin­cesse A [...]demia, the flowre of beautie, howe deare hast thou bought this precious gift? for I knowe assuredly, that for [Page] this cause onely thy death happened: vnhappie was the houre, when thou didst leaue thy Fathers Court, to accom­panie the Princesse Alchidiana. After her mones and the funerall pompe accomplished, the Soldane erected for her a most beautifull T [...]mbe, with a sumptuous Coronet on the toppe thereof, being vpheld by two inestimable Pill [...]rs of engrauen and guilded Alablaster, the like whereof were ne­uer séene, since the first King of Greece. Yet was hée igno­rant in the cause of her death, and Palmerin, not imagining whence this inconuenience did arise, was so sorrowfull for the death of the Princesse, as day and night hee mourned for her, and at length remembring her wordes to him, and doubting his vnkindnesse to be the cause of her death, sayd within himselfe:

Alas faire Princesse, must I (at the first motion) driue thée to dispaire? had I dissembled a little, or temporized the matter, thou hadst not fallen into this extremitie, but my onely wilfull indiscretion, is cause of thy losse. O Fe­male sexe, howe are you subiect to casuall passions? Yet néede I not wonder at this present mishappe, for from the beginning of the worlde, the Woman hath béene so suddein and voluntarie to the effect of her desires, were they good or euill, but especially in the action of loue: as neyther feare, honor, shame, torments, no nor death, could diuert her from her vndiscre [...]te fantasies. Hereof beare record Hyp [...]mne­stra, Myrrha, Deianira, Scylla, [...] Phyllis, Salmacis, Hero and Dydo, whose deathe [...] were procured onely by lauish loue. O diuine wisedome, that hast suffered me to fall into this lucklesse accident, protect mée from any further disaduauntage: séeing thou hast ta­ken her hence, who gaue some ease to mine [...] that so liuely shée resembled my swéete Mistresse, [...] desire to serue with continuall loyaltie. I n [...]we [...] my selfe, that this loue was not accompanied with vertue, and that for my good it hath so chaunced: forgette [...] not then, but so enable me, as in such badde occasions [...] [Page] not from my duetie. And such is my confidence in thy pro­mises, as no te [...]ptation shall preuaile against mée: but this [...]aptiuitie once discharged, I hope to direct my course plea­sing in thy sight, and to [...] such gracious seruice, as thy name [...] and glorified for euer. So long con­tinued he in this silent contemplation, as Alchidiana per­ceiued him, which greatlie displeased her: but fearing any way to [...] Palmerin, shée durst not saye what shée thought, liuing in hope, that her Cozin being dead, she should now compasse the effecte of her desires. Ardemia enterred in her honourable Tombe, Guilharan her Brother with his traine, and the Ladies that attended on his Sister, re­turned into Armenia, where great sorrowe was made for the death of the Princesse, and the renowne of her beautie, blazed the report of her death through euery region.

Chap. IX

SO farre was spread the reporte, of the strange death of the Princesse Arde­mia, as [...] came to the hearing of [...] eldest sonne to the king of Ph [...]ygia, the most valiant & redoubt [...]d knight of y ^• [...]: as wel for his great [...] and déedes of Armes, which he before that time accompli [...]d in Asia, as for his affable [Page] nature, vertue and courtesie. This yong Prince, being in the King his fathers Court, and hearing commended beyond al other Ladies of the East, the faire Ardemia Daughter to the King of Armenia, at the verye sounde of the Trompe of this blazing Goddesse, and setting the newes downe for true, from her affecting spéech, he became so amorous of her, as he had no content but in thinking on her. Héereupon, he sent his Ambassadours to her Father, to request her in ma­riage, wherto right willingly he condiscended, and nowe at the instant, when he intended to go visite her, newes came to the Court of her admirable death, which for a while was [...] from him, because each one doubted the con­ceit [...] would cause his death. For they knowing the loue he [...] her to be so vehement, as hée vnderstanding her strange kinde of death, they thought it impossible, but it would [...] to very scandalous inconuenience, yet in the ende he [...] thereof: but to sette downe héere the gréefe, teares and complaints of this yong Prince, is more then I am able: [...] it therefore suffise you, that his sorrowes were such, as euery houre his death was likewise expected. It was likewise told him, howe through the enuie of Alchi­diana, shée dyed, and that (for certaintie) shee was one of the chéefest causes thereof: which mooued him then into such an alteration, as hée swore by the great Prophet Ma­homet, to reuenge her iniurie, so that the Solda [...]e shoulde for euer remember the daunger in suffering so great a trea­son. In conclusion, hée intended to take with him, two hun­dred chosen Knights, all clad in mourning for the gréefe of their Maister, and [...]oure of his Brethren, Knights of great hardinesse and so well they iourneied, as they [...]ame within twentie miles of the [...] Courte. But that wée may not too farre [...] from our intent, Alchidiana, ioyfull (as you haue hearde) for the departure of Guilharan and his [...] Palmerin [...] [Page] to all louers, such account she made of her beautie and riches, as she imagined that Palmerin would not disdaine her: but rather would repute himselfe happy, to haue that at his pleasure, whereof so many Kings and great Lordes had béene denyed. And in this opinion, the next time that Palmerin came to her Chamber, she beganne with him in this manner.

Now Syr Knight, what thinke you of the death of Ar­dem [...]a, who so falselye would haue seduced you to goe with her hence? did shée not commit great treason against mee if shée had preuailed? but right well is shée rewarded, and as I desired. Thinke then no more of her presumptuous follie, or the ridiculous conceit of her vaine loue, which shée made her pretence, to cause you forsake my Fathers Court: where you haue receiued so many speciall honours, chéefe­lie of his Daughter, who loues you déerelie, and in [...]nds to make you Lord ouer all her possessions. Beléeue mee Sir Knight, if hitherto I deferred to acquaint you héerewith, it was in respect I doubted her: but now shée being gone, estéeme henceforth of me as your owne, and to begin this alliaunce, I honour you with all that is mine, and my selfe to be disposed at your pleasure. For my heart which is onely subiect to you, applyes it selfe to your lyking, and can wish nothing but what you will [...]. How long haue I desired this happie day? howe often haue I contemned and despised my selfe, in not daring to breake the seale of my affections, which nowe I [...] aduentured to your know­ledge? As for that which now troubleth mee, is the want of your spéech, which the Gods haue depriued you off, being enuious of your manifolde perfections. Alas my Lord, why did they not endue [...]hée with that benifit, that in declaring my desires, thy answeres might returne reciprocall plea­sure.

Some in their loue delight themselues, with embracing, kissing, and such ceremoniall behauiour: as for mée, amo [...] ­rous, priuate and [...], I repute a [...] [Page] content. Yet hath Loue one shaft in his [...] then all these, béeing the onely argument of each others resolution: in respect whereof, I commit my honour into your protection, prizing, estéeming, and chusing you aboue all men in the world beside. Palmerin exceedingly abashed at these vnséemelye spéeches, knewe what signes to make for his aunswere, and hauing recourse to his onely comforter, li [...]ting his eyes to heauen, thus priuately inuocated. My God, deliuer me from this enemie, and suffer me not to fall in consent to this temptation, for I thinke her a Deuill in­carnate, and sent to deceiue me. Impossible is it that a mai­den, by nature modest and bashfull, would let slip such ef­fronted wordes and audacious. The conceit héereof so vex­ed and offended him, as the Princesse feared he would haue dyed: not with conceit that like hap might come to Alchidi­ana, as did to Ardemia, but because he shuld so wickedly sin against his owne soule, and falsefie his loue to his swéetest Mistresse. Yet knowing that this sadnesse would not satis­fie the Princesse, he feigned to swoune, his colour changing in such sort, as one would haue iudged him past recouerie. Alchidiana was so gréeued héereat, as wée could not ima­gine what to saye: but séeing that Palmerin séemed nowe not to vnderstand her, and before had by signes [...] reuea­led his meaning, saide. By our great God, it may well be [...] said, that this man is a huge lumpe of flesh, which the deuil hath enchaunted to torment me withall, or else some other shaddowe and resemblaunce: for hée refuseth what all men desire, yea, and often despayre, because they cannot [...] it. But fearing least her ende would imitate her Cozins, or that the dumbe Knight should die in her presence, shée [...] presume no further: but threwe her selfe downe vppon a Pallet, not able to speake her stomacke was so enraged. Which Palmerin perceiuing, arose out of his feigned traunce, and giuing a great sighe, departed the Chamber, [...] owne. The Princesse séeing him gone, [...] to [...] and lament very gréeuouslye, and in midst of [Page] her n [...]elancholy, fell into these spéeches. You Gods, how can you suffer one so contrary to nature, as is this dumbe Knight, [...]o liue among men? Can you behold that he whom I deliuered frō death, brought into y ^• grace of my father, and to whom I haue doone more honour then had hée béene mine owne Brother, will not regarde me? but against all reason, disdaineth, refuseth, maketh no reckoning of my dolours, and setteth at nought my earnest intreaties? Ah vndiscréete and carelesse Girle, thy folly at this time too much ouerru­led thée, that knowing thine owne estate and high linage, wouldest submit thy selfe to loue one vnknowne to thée, and of whom thou canst haue no answere, more then of a sence­lesse stocke or stone. If I can now learne to hate thée, it will be some comfort to me: but the more he iniurieth mee, the more am I deuoted to his loue. Then againe she contrary­ed her selfe in this sort. Yet séeing it is so, ingratefull▪ wretch that thou a [...]t, I will cause thée (ere it be long) to repent thy [...]. In this anger she continued all the day, not [...] foorth of her Chamber, intending [...] vt­terly to despise him: but the first time shée sawe him againe, shee reputed him so louely, faire and gracious, that (to dye) shée could not with him any harme, but loued him much bet­ter then before. Yet to couer her owne inconstancie, shee sent him no more presents, nor did him such [...] as she was accustomed, which Palmerin well perceiued: but hee could dissemble it in such sort, as the Princesse hardly might decipher him. For hée [...] had made to his deceased Father, to sende his Brethren to Constantinople, in whose company hee might trauaile thither, and so escape the Turks and Moorish [...].

Chap. X.

DUring the time that the Prince [...] A [...] ­chidiana [...] [Page] the Princesse Ardemia, and if hée made such lamentat [...] ­ons, when hée but heard of her death, what iudgement may bée set downe of his mo [...]s, béeing nowe at the Sepulchre of his best beloued. Ah inconstant Fortune, quoth hée, why wouldest thou not permit mée to sée her liuing? Ah Arde­mia, accomplished with admirable beautie, great was her sinne, wh [...] enuying thy perfections, procured thy cruell death yet this is my comfort, that I shall come time inough to reuenge thy vndeserued [...], and he that dare gaine­say mée, with her the authour of thy tragedie, shall receyu [...] such condigne punishment, as shall remaine for euer in me­m [...]ri.

These complaint [...] deliuered with excéeding sorrowe, his Brethren perswaded him, that such behauiour [...]

[...] [Page] I haue left my Countrey, and aduentured into your presence, to accuse your Daughter Alchidiana, whom ( [...]o please you) to call before this assemblie, I will charge, [...] she by false and spightfull hatred, as a most cruell and dis­loyall Ladie, trayterously murthered her Cozin the Prin­cesse Ardemia. And because this v [...]lainie hath hitherto béene concealed verie secret, in respect it could not easily bée verified: I am héere readie to proue in open [...], agaynst any of your Knights that dare maintaine her cause▪ howe the treason before rehearsed, was committed by her: in re­ue [...]ge whereof, she ought to bée rewarded with sharpe and shamefull death.

[...] part whereof (séeing the pride of the Prince of Nig [...]a) wo [...]ld furiously haue runne vpon him, saying, that hée should repent his follie: but the Soldane offended thereat, caused a Herauld presently to proclayme, that on paine of death, no one should harme or offende the Prince, nor anie in his companie, and whosoeuer did otherwise, shoulde pre­sentlie die for breaking his commaundement: then [...]ra­ming his speeches to the Prince, sayde. Amarano, nowe maist thou behold my Daughter before thée: disburden the greefe of thy minde to her, and iustice shall bée doone thée to thine owne desire. Imagine, quoth the Prince, that such as [Page] knowe you Madame Aldhidiana, will not a little maruaile, séeing you accomplished with such gracious beautie, that you should so farre forget your selfe, as to commit treason. But because a matter so vnlikely, demaundeth as hard a proofe, I will auerre with mine owne person in Combat, a­gaynst any one that dare support your quarell, that you are guiltie in the accusation alreadie alleaged, and principall cause of the death of the Arminian Princesse your Cozin. To reuenge such famous wrong, I haue forsaken my coun­trey, trauelling night and day, and haue presented my accu­sation before your Father, with this condition: that if your Knight shall bee vanquished, you are to bee punished as a cause of such weight requireth. If it he may fortune to bée foyled, and your Champion victor, I shall yéeld my selfe as conquered, and demaund no better recompence, for it can not gréeue mee to remaine with her bodie, whose verie re­membraunce [...] in this maner. Alchidiana, you haue heard the spéeches of the Prince, aduise your selfe well of your answer [...] for which of you both shall be sound attainted in the cryme, be it Le [...]e Maiestaris, or other [...]

Chap. XI.

ALchidiana hauing heard the [...] of Amarano, and that he [...] sp [...] ­ken [...] of her in the pre­sente of the [...] with maruailous anger and disdaine, retur­ned him this aunswere. Amarano the most rash and [...]. Knight that euer I sawe, I wonder howe thy folly could make thée so audacious, to come and accuse me of trea­son (against all truth) before my Father and his [...]. But thy spéeches well noted and consider [...], shew nothing but carelesse youth, [...], and too va [...]nglorious conceit: chiefly in this, that thou armed [...], and accompanied with so many well appoynted Knights, commest in this sort to molest a poore maiden, who neuer to thée or thine com­mitted any offence, but all seruiceable honour, especially to her, on whose behalfe than offerest the combat. As for the va­lour thou reputest in thy selfe, that [...] which this slaun­der doth encourage thée withall, [...] thy hartinesse and resolution of heart, thou oughtest rather oppose against a Knight able to aunswere thée, then a siely Uirgin, who hath no weapon but her [...]onour wherewith to defende her selfe. I confesse I am a Ladie, but not traiterous or false, [Page] as thou auouchest, yet of so noble courage, as were I of thy sexe, thou neuer shouldest depart this Hall, before I had that conspyring head from thy shoulders, to witnesse thy falshoode and maleuolent spirit. Notwithstanding, as I am, so please my Lorde and Father, with a Kitchin cudgell I shall let thée know, that thou dotest in thy spéeches, and a­gainst thine owne conscience chargest me, with the murder of my Cozin. Examine thy thoughts, what likely reason might induce mée to such an offence? If shée was fayre, thanks to our Gods, mine owne talent is so good, as I néede not enuie her beautie. If shée made account of her rich dow­rie, I béeing sole heyre to the Signories of the Soldane, might iudge my selfe farre beyond her, being desired in ma­riage by many Kings and Princes, whereof I am well as­sured shée neuer had the like. I knowe not then what cause should anie way induce me, to request her death. But what néede I make such pr [...]estations to thée? séeing that by some one of my Fathers [...] thy pride will bee abated, and I reuenged of the iniurie thou hast doone me. Amarano not aunswering her a [...], spake to the Soldane in this sort.

It is not decent my Lord, that a Prince or Knight of qualitie, should stay on the wordes of a Woman so little considerate, who more by anger then vertue, thinkes to re­prooue and annihilate a [...] accusation. Wherefore, accor­ding to the agréement [...] determined, cal for the knight that dare vndertake the quarrell of your daughter, to whom I will manifest in plaine Combat, that what I haue, said, is trueth: and if hée bée vanquished, your Daughter Alchidi­ana, and he shall bée burned togither, as the greatnesse of the offence well deserueth: contrariwise, if Fortune denie mée successe, I will request no other iustice, then what shall please you to appoynt for me. Maulicus séeing that well he could not denie the Prince, though to his gréefe, pronou­ced the sentence, that his Daughter that day shoulde pre­sent a Knight, to sustaine her cause, according to his condi­tions [Page] alleaged. This hard prescription, made neuer a Knight willing to aduenture the Combatte, so much they feared Amarano, for the great report they heard of his prowesse, but stoode all silent, as though themselues were condemned to death. Alchidiana séeing the courage fayle of so manie Knights, whom shée estéemed for men of great account, knewe not to whom shée should haue recourse: and therefore ouercome with excéeding sorrowe, but that her Ladies assisted her, had twise or thrise swouned before her Father. Palmerin beholding her, and knowing that his refusall was greater cause of Ardemiaes [...]eath, then the iniurious wordes of Alchidiana, pityed her estate, and hauing before his eyes the loue she bare him, the great ho­nours was done him for her sake, and the pustillanimitie o [...] the Soldanes Knights, was so mooued, [...] forgetting all daunger, and his dissembled dumbnesse, which hitherto hée had so cunningly obserued, as though he had béene borne in that Countrey, hée thus began in the Arabian tongue. [...], vnwoorthie hencefoorth the name of Knights, how can your hearts endure, that a proude and presumptuous Prince shall come into your [...] to accuse your Ladie and Mistresse, and not one of you daring to defende her right? By the celestiall powers, [...] may you bee accounted heartlesse men, and (in suffering this wrong) to be depriued of all noble titles, and to bee solde in the market as slaues and villaines. Thinke you the Prince Amarano is come hither for anie other intent, then to make tryall of his great hardinesse? Can you be destitute of reason, and so easily abused, as to thinke [...] Princesse Alchidiana, whom nature hath so worthily [...] with beautie, and with whom no other may make comparison, could be prouoked to murther Ardemia, for this onely occa­sion, because she was faire? And you Lord Amarano, for a matter so slender, haue you enterprised to blame a Ladie so vertuous, as is the Princesse Alchidiana? I accept the Combat on her behalfe, auouching, that shamefully and [Page] without reason you haue accused her, behold me readie like­wise to maintaine in open fielde, that falsely and malici­ously thou lyest in thy throate: in witnesse whereof, there is my gage, and I beseech your highnesse affoorde vs pre­sently Iudges, that may discerne the issue of our Combat. I take thy offer, quoth the Prince, and before the Sun set, will giue thée the payment that belongs to such a frollick [...] companion.

Who can nowe imagine the ioy of Maulicus and his Daughter, séeing him whome they reputed [...] by na­ture, thus to recouer his spéech? assuredly they were all so amazed, that they thought Mahomet had come from the [...] to performe this myracle. The Soldane thus sur­prised with vnspeakeable comfort, forgetting the maiestie of his person, [...] Palmerin in his armes, saying: Ah, [...] Knight, h [...]we may this bée? dreame I? or dooth but my fancie delude me with your spéech? O Maho [...]et, for e­uer bée thou praysed for this great grace. By the highest God, I am more ioyfull of this good fortune, then [...] I [...] the fayrest Island in the Mediter [...]ean Sea. Nowe will I dismay [...]o longer [...] Daughters fortune, séeing that you take her quarrel in hand, and for her sake wil com­ [...]at with Amarano: with all my heart I graunt you the Fielde, and thinke that my Daughter will not denie it. But tell mée, noble Fréend, howe you haue so happily re­couered your speech. Palmerin abashed that hee had so for­gotten himselfe, knewe not what excuse to make, neuer­thelesse, [...]éeing nowe there was no remedie, and that the [...] throwne could not bée recalled, imagine [...] some likely [...]militude of his suddaine spéech, saying: I promise you, my Lord, that the cer [...]itude of your Daughters i [...]ocencie, and the great griefe I conceyued, séeing your Knightes so cowardly and faint in courage, mooued mée into such cho [...] ­ler, as the Catarr [...], which of long time hath hind [...]red my spéech, dissolued it selfe, and [...]th giuen my tongue libertie to reueale, what I was enforced to bewraye before by [Page] signes. And this is not a thing altogether strange, for I haue heretofore read in Histories, that a Knight called Aegle Samien, dumbe from his byrth, when one of his com­panions would vsurpe the honour of a victorie, which iustly appertained to him, was so enraged and incensed with dis­pleasure, as that very passion, with the helpe of the Gods, restored his spéech. And thus hath it happened to mée, for which I honour theyr names with immortall thanks, not so much for my speaking, as that I may nowe declare my earnest aff [...]ion to do you seruice, and fayre Alchidiana your Daughter, to whome I am so greatly indebted, for the manifolde honours shée hath doo [...] mée without d [...]sert, as I shall neuer be able to recompence. Ah my noble friend quoth the Soldane, this liberall offer for the defence of [...] Daughters honour contents mée in such sort, as both shée and I [...] to requite your paines. Amarano [...] at the braue disposition of Palmerin, but specially at the great honour Maulicus did him, knew not well what to thinke: and did not feare and reproch ouer-rule him, I thinke hé [...] would haue deferred the Combat till another yéere. Not­withstanding, to couer his new opinion, he be thought him of a pretie subt [...]ltie, and saide. I beséech your Maiesti [...] to tell mée of whence this dumbe Knight is, to whome ou [...] Gods (by miracles) haue restored such brauing language. I [...] is necessarie that I know what hee is, and whence he is dis­cended, because the fight béeing enterprises for two such Princesses, as sometime was fayre Ardemia and your Daughter present: if hée be not the Sonne of a King, as [...] am, hée may not be permitted the Field with me. Amara­no, answered the Soldane, I know not what hee is, for [...] this time hée hath continued dumbe in our Court: to him therefore you shall frame your demaund, for this opinion I holde of him, as hee will answere you nothing but truth▪ but if you go about so cra [...]tily to excuse your self [...], each one may iudge that in you which but ill beséemes [...] of a noble man, that is, to bee double in your speech. And [Page] (which is more) hee béeing a Knight as good as your selfe, you may not refuse him, because you demaunded the Com­bat against any Knight in my Court, and in your challenge made no exception. Perswade your selfe (quoth the Prince) that if hée be not the sonne of a King, hee shall not enter the Fielde against mée: therefore if hee bée none such, hée hath not to meddle with Armes in this cause, and so the fight on his behalfe is finished. If thou make such doubt, said the Soldane, aske him the question thy selfe, I hope hee is able to resolue thée in these subtill cauils and sophisticall questi­ons.

During this contention, there entred the Hall a fayre yong Damosell, bearing betwéene her handes a goodly Hel­met, the richest and most beautifull that euer was seene, and falling on her knées before the Soldane, with such gra­cious salutations as stood with her dutie, shée demaun­ded which was Amarano of Nigrea, who had accused his Daughter, and which was likewise the dumbe knight▪ who enterprised her defence. Maulicus without any other in­quisition, shewed them both to her, whereupon the Damo­sell arose, and comming to the Prince, thus began. Amara­no of Nigrea, the Quéene of Tharsus my Lady and mistresse beeing certaine that this day thou wouldest be in this place, sent mée hither to aduertise thée, that the dumbe knight is of higher linage then thou art, a [...]d such a one he is, as the greatest Lorde or Prince may not compare with him in bountie. And if thou wilt knowe the certaintie of his dis­cent, more then any other as yet dooth: shee aduiseth thée (for thy profit) to desist from the Combat whereto thou hast challenged him, in defence of thy false accusation against Alchidiana. And further shée doth admonish thée, that if thou doost not as shee commandeth, the knight late dumbe, surpassing all other in knightly chiualrie, shall ouercome thée, and thou shalt not bee able to stande against him. Da­mosell, quoth the Prince, you may answere your mistresse, that ouerlate shee sent me her counsell, and I am not accu­stomed [Page] to giue credit to such sorcerers: besides, I will not loose mine honour at the simple wordes of a Woman I knowe not. And it doth not a little content mee, that this knight is such an one as hee should be, wherefore, being so sure of his bounty, I am the more desirous to Combatte with him, to make experience of his renowne: yet this I still maintaine, that what I haue spoken is true, and there­on wee will presently enter the Feeld, so please the Sol­dane to giue consent. Maulicus séeing the day was too farre spent, adiornde if till the day following, wherefore the Prince withdrew himselfe to his lodging, reposing great confidence in his owne strength, and after his departure, the Soldane taking Palmerin by the hand, sayde. I knowe not my Lorde how I may acknowledge the honour you do my Daughter, whom I estéeme as mine owne selfe: but if the Gods affoord me life, I will deuise some rich recom­pence, as I hope shall returne your owne content. Then the Damosell sent from the Quéene of Tharsus, appro­ching to Palmerin, presented him the Helmet, saying. Noble and vertuous knight, the Quéene saluteth you with this taken of her good will, in remembraunce of your speciall loyaltie, whereby you deliuered the Prince Maurice, for which she so much remaineth yours, as you shall command her any seruice hence forward, albeit she could haue wished him longer torment, that proued so vnfaithfull to her. She likewise desireth you to weare this Helmet in fight with Amarano, for it will greatly auayle you, and more then a­nyother: for such is her hope, that after you know this pre­sent seruice, you will not deny her one request, which one day shée intendeth to craue of you. Palmerin taking the Hel­met, answered.

Fayre Uirgin, most humbly thanke the Quéene on my behalfe, and tell her that wheresoeuer I am, she shall finde mée ready to fulfill any thing shee will commaunde. The Damosell departed, and made such spéede, as in short time she came to the Queene her Mistres, whom she acquainted [Page] with her whole message: whereof she was very ioyfull, e­specially of Palmerins great courtesie, whom she beganne to aff [...]ct very greatly.

Chap. XII.

THe Princesse Alchidiana hearing the words which the Quéene of Tharsus ca­no [...]ell reported before the Soldane her Father, beeing likewise glad that Pal­merin was of so noble parentage, and so [...]enowned in the region farre thence di­stant, began to loue him more extreame­ly then euer she did before, and resolued with her selfe, that seeing for her sake hee vndert [...]ke the Combate, hee bare her more secret affection then hee durst bewray, and in this opinion shee practised howe to co [...]ferre with him againe, which this day shee could not compasse, because hee was continually with the Souldane. But when Palmerin tooke his leaue for that night, the Princesse had a little leysure to thanke him for his honora­ble kindnes, and how glad she was that the Gods had re­stored his speech againe. Soone after she sent him a most sumptuous golden Armour, desiring him (for her sake) to weare it in the Combate: which Palmerin thankfully ac­cepting, assure [...] the messenger that hee would sufficiently reuenge his Ladies iniurie. In meane time, the Soldane commanded his Knight Marshall to see the field prepared [Page] in readinesse, and the Scaffolds for the Ladies prouided, and to haue two thousand Armed men in place, for defenc [...] of his owne person. All which the next morning was duely executed, the Soldane appointed two Kings, and Amara­no his two brethren, Iudges of the field: who going to their te [...]t, and all the nobilitie to their appointed places, expected nowe the issue of the fight. The Ladies came to their standing, among whom Alchidiana shewed like fayre Vesper among the other stars, and soone after came the two Combattants, so brauely and richly appointed, as nothing wanted that could [...]e imagined, especially Palmerin, be­fore whom a King bare his Helmet, and the great Admiral of Assiria his Sword, and so brauely did hee mannage his Horse, with such sightly behauiour and gallant countenance, that each one iudged hee had learned his knowledge before he came thither into Turkie: and cause Maulicus to per­swade himselfe, that the victorie was destenied to him. In the ende, that they might the sooner begin the Combat, the Iudges tooke their seates, commaunding silence through the field, which was pestered with wonderfull resort of people: and then the Heralds fulfilling their charge, gaue liberty to the Champions to doo their deuoire. Palmerin clasping his Helmet, gaue the Spurres to his Horse, and encountred Amarano with such furie, as they were [...] dismounted headlong to the grounde: but Palmerin [...] to be so [...]oyled before the Soldane, recouered himselfe quickly, and aduaunting his shéeld, gaue Amarano such a found stroke on the head with his Sword, as made him stagger in great amazednes. Notwithstanding, his courage [...], as well declared hee had [...] [Page] [...]rokes. Which when the Pol [...]ces two Brethren be helde, they were mar [...]ailously [...]bashed, for they imagined that through the East parts, [...] Knight might bee sounde to e­quall him, wherefore one of them sayde. I thought my bro­ther would haue dispatched this companion at the first en­counter, but séeing he hath held out so long: no doubt be [...] is more expert in Armes, then wée at first made account of him.

The two Kings were somewhat mooued with these words, willing him to be silent, vntill such time as the end was determined. Amarano hearing what his brother had spoken, offended with himselfe because hee could not ouer­come Palmerin, began to encourage himselfe, and albeit hée was sore wounded in many places on his body, yet he fol­lowed his intent so nobly, as taking his sword in both his handes, hée stroke Palmerin so violently on the Helmet, as made him set one of his knées to the ground to saue him­selfe. But hee perceiuing that if he had many such blowes, it would returne his disaduantage, intended to play dou­ble or quitte, and remembring the honour of his Mistresse Polynarda, he ranne with such valour on Amarano, as clea [...]ing his Shéelde in two péec [...]s, cut away a great parte of his arme. The Prince féeling himselfe so maimed, bega [...] to faint, hardly enduring to defende his enemies strokes, which Palmerin perceyued, and chased him about which way him listed, first héere, then there, where best the Prince had hope of safetie: but all these delayes little auayled him, for Palmerin left not till he got him downe, when Amara­no thinking to hel [...]e himselfe, drewe a little packet Dag­ger, and therewith thurst Palmerin vnder the short ribbes, which wound so mooued him, as renting his Helmet from his head immediatly smote it from his shoulders, Pa [...]merin beeing then so gladde and well disposed, as though hee ha [...] but no w [...]e entred the fielde, tooke the heade of his enemis by the haire, and presented it to the Princesse Alchidiana, [...]. Madame, I nowe thinke my selfe acquite [...] of the [Page] promise, which I made to my gracious Lord your Father, for héere is that conspyring head that first accused you: be­thinke your selfe therefore, if there be anything else to bee [...] for you, because I remaine heere readie to accomplish it.

The Princesse excéeding ioyfull for this worthie victory, aunswered. Truely my Lord, you haue doone so much for mée, that although my Father, my selfe, and all my friendes should bequeath our liues to your seruice, yet could wee not recompence the very least of your noble courtesies, chéefely this one, surpassing all the other, and beyonde our abilities to remunerate. Yet let me intreate you to carrie the Traytours head to the Iudges, that they may censure my innocencie in this slaunder, and whether the accuser hath not receiued condigne punishment. Which he did, and threw the head before the Princes brethren, whose gréef [...] excéeded measure for their brothers ill fortune, and taking [...]ppe the head with the body likewise, they caused it to bee sorrowfully conueied foorth of the fielde. Immediatly was Palmerins Horse brought him, whereon he mounted, and was conducted with great pompe by the two Kings that were the Iudges, and other mightie Princes, as well Ca­ [...]ffes, Agaz, as Taborlanes, to the gate of the Pallace, where the Soldane (to doo him the greater honour) attended in person his comming, the like hee neuer did before to any king or Prince, how mightie soeuer hee was, and therefore his Subiects maruailed not a little hereat. Palmerin would haue [...] him reuerence on his knee, but he would not suf­fer him, for taking him in his armes, he thus sayd. For euer (ge [...]tle Knight) be the honour of thy victorie against our [...], and th [...] false accuser of our Daughter▪ for which I [...] so bound to thee, that all the dignities [...] I am able to giue thée, may not counteruaile [...] des [...]rts: therefore I will remaine so much at thy disposition, as I and mine shall be at your command. So [...] him by the [...], he conducted him to his Chamber, [...] [Page] where himselfe h [...]lpe to v [...]arme him, commaunding his Chirurgio [...]s to be so carefull of him, as of his owne person. Thus leauing him to haue his wounds dressed, he returned to the great Hall, where hee found his nobility attending his comming, to whom he sayd. What think you my Lords of our state, if our Champion had béene foyled? I had béene the most forlorne and abiect Lorde in all Assiria, to haue béene forced to do iustice on myne owne Daughter. But thanks to our Gods, hee deliuered mée from that [...]aunger, therefore maruaile not, if (beyonde my custome) I welcom­med him with reuerence and honour: for one that renow­meth himselfe by vertue and prowesse through the whole world, ought to bée so entertained, rather then such as liue in vayne pompe and glory, whispering deceitfull tales into Ladyes eares. Neyther can you (in my iudgement) honour him sufficiently, because my Daughter and mée hee hath shéelded from death, expulsed our ignominious slaunder, and slaine our false accusing enemy, to make vs liue in perpe­tuall fame and memory. The most part of them well [...] his words, and confounded with the remembrance [...] theyr shame, when they [...] not enterprise the Combat for their Lady, knew not what to answere, but fearing to grow in further offence, sought how to change his minde to some other talke.

Alchidiana béeing all this while in her Chamber, pre­pared her selfe to goe visite [...], not knowing how to shape her [...], for fresh bewraying of [...]: for the Goddesse Iuno, when shée stoode before Syr Paris for sentence of her beautie, was not more sumptu­ously adorned then the Princesse. Nowe be [...] shée to dispute in her thoughts, the honourable grace [...] of Palmerin, his nobilitie so farre renowmed, his knightly prowesse and magnanimitie, whereof herselfe had so good experience, as shée resolued neuer to haue any other Husband. Then [...] she of her Ladies, how she might [...] her Knight, if her head [...]yre [...] orderly, if her [...] [Page] were tressed as they ought, and if her garments were braue enough. For conclusion, the louely Mayden knew not how to dispose of herselfe, to gaine his loue shée so earnestly lon­ged for.

In this equipage she goes to sée her Friend, and in his Chamber shée findes her Mother, who hindered her langui­shing Daughter, from discouering her sicknesse to him, that onely had the power to helpe her: wherefore liuing in hope of some better oportunitie, for this time she smothered her gréefes so wel as she could, finding other talke with her La­dies, least her mother should suspect her.

Chap. XIII.

AMarano thus slaine, his Brethren) ac­cording to his charge thus giuen them, before hée entred the Combat) tooke his bodie, and with great mourning they brought it to the Princesse Ardemiaes Tombe, thinking to burie him there with her: but Alchidmia aduertised héereof came presently and intreated her Father, that hée woulde sende an Herauld to the Brethren of the van­quished Prince, to charge them not to leaue the bodie of A­marano in his Dominions, for if they did, he would cause it to be burned as a Traytor deserued. Moreouer, that they themselues should depart within foure and twentie hours, [Page] on paine of the daunger should ensue by their default. For good Father (quoth she) if you should permitte their bold­nesse, it will be great blame and dishonour to you: in that it is commonly knowne, with what great pride and arrogan­cie he came to your Court, thinking to iniurie your good re­port, and eyther to shut mée from your presence for euer, or else with open scandale to ende my life. The Soldane well regarding her wordes, willingly graunted her re­quest, whereupon the Princesse Brethren were certified of the Soldanes pleasure, by a Trumpet: whereat they mar­uailed not a little: but séeing they could no way remedie it, they said. Herauld, it is reason that your Lord should bée o­beied within his owne territories, neuerthelesse you may say vnto him, that the crueltie he shewes to a dead bodie, is verie great, and against all equitie, which he héereafter hap­pilie may repent. So opening the Tombe againe, they tooke foorth their Brothers bodie, and the Princesse Ar­demiaes likewise, conuaying them into a Litter of Cipres, to kéepe them from corrupting, and thus returned with them to Phrygia, where the Princes death was greatly la­mented, but chéefly by the aged King his Father, who séeing his Sonne dead before him, after many dolorous pas­sions, thus complained. Ah Fortune, howe cruell doost thou shew thy selfe to the mightie, as well as the meanest? Ah my Sonne Amarano, too déere hast thou bought thy loue to Ardemia. Wretched and dispised olde man, howe vn­fortunate art thou among all other? For when thou per­swadest thy selfe to haue ioy and comfort by thy Sonnes, thou findest the chéefe cause of sorrowe and discontent. O death, thou sufferest me too importunate. Yet if the Sol­dane had graunted thée buriall, where thou diddest desire it before thy death, the lesse had béene my gréefe. But soone shall I cause him repent his hard dealing, and reuenge thy death with sufficient requitall. The second brother to A­marano, named Gramiel, séeing his father in such extreame heauinesse, assayed by all meanes he coulde to comfort him: [Page] promising in the presence of all his Knights, with all possi­ble spéede to reuenge his Brothers death, and so did all the sixe Brethren solemnly vowe togither. Which spéeches did somewhat comfort the aged King, who commaunded the bodies of the two louers to be taken from his presence, and for a perpetuall memorie of his Sonnes death, he cau­sed a sumptuous monument to be made of marble and Por­phire, whereon was grauen the cause of their vnhappie death. All this while, Gramiell, who vndertooke his Bro­thers reuenge, gaue charge to the people round about him, as also to the Kinges and Princes of Suria, who were then enemies to the Soldane, to prepare themselues in readi­nesse, so that within a Moneths space, hée had assembled a power of fiue thousand hardie Soldiers, himselfe béeing appointed leader and generall ouer them. In this sort they tooke themselues to the Feelde, hoping to ruinate the Soldanes Countrey with fire and sworde: but they were better entertained then they expected, as hereafter shall bée largely discoursed.

Chap. XIIII.

REmembring what hath past in the chap­ters before, we may not forget, how by the message of the Quéene of Tharsus sent to the Soldanes Court: Alchidiana (who began as it were to despise Pal­merin) was cōstrained to renue her loue: thus conferring with her selfe, that if so [Page] great a person as the Quéene of Tharsus, commended, estée­med and honoured him, hauing neuer séene him, the better meane had she, béeing dayly in his companie, to practise the furtheraunce of her earnest desires. Shée therefore conti­nually awayted oportunitie, to discouer the fire newly ra­ked from the embers, and which day and night consumed her with languishing: but so well it came to passe, that not many dayes after the Combat with Amarano, hee came to visite her in her Chamber, right ioyfull of the talke hee had with the Soldan, as cōcerning the prouision of his strength, to goe ruinate the Citie of Constantinople, which gaue him hope of his returne to Allemaigne. Alchidiana, hauing cour­teously saluted him, and shewing better countenaunce then before shée did, caused him to sit downe by her, and soone af­ter began in this sort.

I desire you, Sir Knight, by the reuerence you beare our God [...], and the [...]ayth you owe to her, for whose loue you tooke the enchaunted Crowne from the Prince Maurice: to tell me your name, what your Parents be, and of whence you are. For I sweare to you by the honour of a Princesse, that the guerdon you shall receyue in so dooing, is my heart, hauing once conquered those desires that long haue tormen­ted me: intending to make you Lorde of my selfe, and all the possessions of the Soldane my Father, without anie si­nister meaning, you may beléeue mée. Consider therefore good Knight, that without feare or dissimulation, I haue tolde you what néerest concerneth mee, if then you desire not my present death, make aunswere as honourable dutie requireth, ballancing in your owne thoughts, howe vehe­mently the impressions [...] loue haue touched me: in respect that now I haue twise for your sake, excéeded the limits of mine owne regar [...], [...] [Page] of my passions. But séeing our Gods haue béene so fauoura­ble, as to restore the thing was earst taken from you, and likewise hath brought you into her companie, who loues you dearer then her owne life: shew not your selfe so hard of nature, to flie the howre that Loue and Fortune pre­sents you withall. Therefore [...]y onely beloued Lorde, in recompence of your sharpe Combat with proud Amarano, receyue me as your wife, whom you haue woorthily deser­ued.

Palmerin séeing himselfe assayled by so faire an enemie, who coulde sooner bring in subiection an other Hercules, then euer did Iole, and as easily giue life to a statue of Mar­ble, as Venus sometime did, at th [...] request of Pigmalion the Caruer: was in maruellous affliction, hauing before him, on the one side, feare to offende God, on the other, the loyaltie he ought his Mistresse, and then the [...] death of Alchidiana, if he denied her. In the ende, remem­bring what the Soldan had spoken, concerning his voy­age to Constantinople, hée deuised by this meane to [...] her such aunswere, as she should rest contented, and neither God nor his Mistresse be offended, he thus began. [...] and most excellent Princesse, [...] I am assuredly pe [...] ­waded, that there is not any Mon [...]rce or Prin [...]h so noble in all Asia, but might reckon himselfe among the happiest, in respect of your perfections and vnualuable riches, to e­spouse you as his wife. By farre greater reason, I that am poore, a Knight errant, vnknowne, and whose life you haue saued, may say, and name my selfe aboue all other in for­tune. But knowing my selfe to simple, and of so slender de­seruing towardes you, I estéeme it impossible for the Gods, and nature likewise, to lift mée to so wonderfull [...] of happinesse. Wherefore, séeing the cause such, and greater then I can desire or imagine: likewise that it is [...] to your commaundement, [...] I were [...] any fauour of Fortune, and to bée [...] among the most vngratefull Knights in the worlde, i [...] may any thing I [Page] should disobey your pleasure. My reason is, that you (béeing reckoned as chéefe among the most perfect and accomplished Ladies) deigne so much to abase your selfe, as to make mée Lord of your loue, which hath béene desired by so many wor­thie personages.

For these causes, most gracious Mistresse, I am bound to loue you aboue all other Ladies liuing, which henceforth I hope to doo, and loyally to serue you with my vttermost endeuours. And as I ought (swéete Madame) to loue none but you, so is my dutie to hold your regard in chéefest com­mendation: therefore will I with such secrecie, as so honou­rable a conquest will permit, conceale this extraordinarie gra [...]e. And had I not this morning made promise to your Father, to accompanie his power Constantinople, there to reuenge the death of your deceassed vncle Gamezio, soone should our loue sort to wished effect, and I gather that swéet flower, which aboue all other would beautifie my Garland. Notwithstanding, my hope is such, that in this voyage I shall do such seruice to the Soldane your Father, as at my returne hée will recompence mee to your content, and good lyking of his Princes and Subiects: which may no way nowe bee mooued, least his minde otherwayes busied, should conceyue displeasure against me, and so all our fortune for euer squandered. In this respect (swéete Madame) if euer hereafter I shall doo you seruice, let me intreate you to pa­tience till my returne, resoluing your selfe in the meane while, that I am more yours then mine owne, and dedicate my life to your gracious seruice. As concerning the rest of [...] demaund, my name is Palmerin d'Oliua, and what my Parents are, the Quéene of Tharsus within these thrée daies will tell me more, then hitherto I could vnderstand by any, when you shall vnderstand more of my estate and Country also: but so farre as I yet gather by mine owne knowledge, my [...]iscent is from Persia.

This excuse hée made, because Alchidiana should not suspect him to bée a Christian: and with this aunswere shée [Page] was so ioyfull and contented, as nothing was able to in­spyre more chéerefull life into her languishing soule, which Palmerin perceyuing, and the better to continue her in this opinion, verie often he kissed her hande in signe of his affectionate obeysaunce, and in this sort hee departed to his owne Chamber, leauing the Princesse triumphing of her conquest.

He was no sooner come into his Chamber, but solici­ted with the remembraunce of his Ladie Polinarda, hee imagined how she blamed him with mournfull complaint [...] for his late promises: which thought so diuersly afflicted him, as he spent all the rest of the day in teares, and as shée had béene present, humblie requesting her to pardon what had past him, in respect hée did it not willingly, nor gaue a­nie consent with his heart thereto, but dissembled the mat­ter, least the Princes by his deniall shoulde fall into de­spayre: and rather then he would violate his solemne vow to his gracious Goddesse, hée woulde aduenture on infinit [...] dangers. Yet did this feigned answere to Alchidiana great­lie auaile him, and caused him to bée more honoured then euen hée was before: as also to bée continually accompanied with her presence, whose onely delight was in dayly behol­ding him.

Chap. XV.

NOw was the Soldan continually mind­full of the promise hée made to his de­ceassed Father Misos, to reuenge the death of his Brother Gamezio: where­fore séeing all his dominions in peace, and that hée had with him the valiaunt Palmerin, hee concluded to leuie a mightie Armie, to [...] that which dutie daylie called for. And hauing prouided a huge number of Galions, [...], Gallyes and other v [...]ssels, hée sent abroade to ad­uertise all the Kinges, Princes, Califfes, and Toborlanes his Subiects, of his will and pleasure: who likewise gathe­ring their forces togither, were numbred to bée aboue an hundred and fiftie thousand fighting men. All this while the Soldane so fauoured Palmerin, as he had bestowed on him [...], which he made but slender account of, [...] continually expected time to sée his Polynarda, Alchidinia likewise building on his passed promises, daylie presented him with many rich gifts, and practised all the deuises shee coulde to please his fancie: for so deuoutly did the Princesss loue him, as shée rather desired her owne death, then to giue him the least occasion of dislyking. And Palmerin by fayre and affecting speeches, perswaded such setled opinions in her, as shee helde his promises with [Page] greater pertinacie, then euer did any Logitian maintain [...] his Aristotle. By this time were the men of Armes come from all places, wherefore the Soldane calling to Palme­rin, beganne with him in this manner. Syr Palmerin, con­sidering how much I am indebted to you, my affections are so resolutely perswaded, that I estéeme of you as you were my Sonne, and much more then I am able to vtter: not so much for seruices you haue done mée from time to time, as for the incomparable déedes of armes and chiualrie, which makes you honoured through the whole world. Hauing nowe determined to sende my forces to Constantinople, my onely hope I repose in you, and well it liketh mée that you beare the office of my Lieutenant Generall, and principall gouernour of the Kings and Princes in this expedition. Therefore my noble and approoued good Friend, vsing your wonted magnanimitie and discretion, my people shal think well of my appointment, referring the honor of their vic­torie, to the generall hauocke and confusion of their ene­mies.

Nowe I perceiue (my gracious Lord) answered Pal­merin, that by your manifolde fauours and courtesies, you would depriue mée of acknowledging mine owne dutie: notwithstanding, in respect it is your pleasure, I would ad­uenture the vttermost of my life for you, which I cannot with greater honour loose, then in your noble seruice. Yet, may it be spoken within compasse of your highnesse con­troll, me thinks you should rather giue this charge to the King of Balisarca, a man wise, experienced, and farre more skilfull in Armes then I am. Beside, your people hauing a man of their owne nation for theyr head, will obey him more willingly, and serue with much more chéerefull co [...] ­rage, then vnder him whom they know not, but onely by your Princely and liberall bountie, which hath béene such, that from the meanest estate, where fortune helde mée as altogether despised, your Maiestie hath lifted mee to the highest earthly honour. Thus speake I, dread Lorde, as [Page] not gain saying your commaundement, but for this conside­ration, that taking this honourable charge, the Souldiers may mutinie against me, and so your seruice be altogether disappointed.

And thinke you (quoth the Soldane) that my people will be more obedient to the King of Ba [...]isarca then to you? Yea doubtlesse my Lord, saide Palmerin, that is my opinion. Know then, quoth the Soldane, that for this counsell you haue giuen mée, my loue is nothing diminished towardes you: for I sée by this noble regarde, how deseruedly you gaine the fauours of Kings and great personages: it shall be therefore as you haue appointed. This counsell gaue Pal­merin, not for any good he wished to Maulicus, or the King of Balisarca, but (desiring nothing more, then the ruine and generall destruction of these Heathen hounds, sworne enemies to Christ and his Seruants) to ridde himselfe of that charge, which would bring him so great and shamefull report, to [...]ight against his Lord and maker: therefore pre­meditating on all these inconueniences, he but expected the meane to gette footing in Christendome againe. Maulicus thus contented with his aunswere, the King of Balisarca was appointed generall of his Armie, yet he gaue comman­dement that Palmerin should bee reuerenced among them, as the second person to himselfe, and on paine of death none to offende him. As all this strength was readie to take shipping, newes came to the Court of Gramiell and his brethren, what slaughter and spoyle they made through all Assiria, whereat the Souldane béeing greatly offended, séeing his prouision against Christendome thus chaunged, came to Palmerin, and sayde. My Sonne, what thinke you of our enemies? What shall I doo to these followers of their Brother in pride? I pray you counsell mée in this necessitie. Palmerin perceiuing his desire preuented, was ouercome with maruailous passions: yet to hide his dis­content from the Soldane, he thus answered. Séeing it hath so fallen out my Lord, that without any summons our ene­mies [Page] haue presumed vppon vs, I thinke it most expedient that your Armie prouided in so good readinesse, beginne first with these arrogant inuaders: for I doubt not, their attempt béeing so trecherous, and the courage of our men so resolute, but they shall déerely buy their presumptuous aduenture. A matter soone begunne, will bee as soone ended, and our shipping readie, wee may afterwarde set forwarde to Con­stantinople, for this will bee a good whetting to our sto­mackes, to deale with our enemies of greater multitude. This counsell was accepted, wherefore it was immediatly proclaimed through the field, that euery man should be rea­die to depart within thrée daies.

Chap. XVI.

SOmewhat before the Soldanes Armie was readie to departe, the Prince Olo­rico, eldest sonne to the King of Arabia, came to the Court, and with him fiue hundred Knights, so hardy, braue, and comely personages, as both for the Court and the war, better might not be imagined. This yong prince reputed among the most valiāt of his time, hearing report of the rare beauty of Alchidiana, vnder colour of offring the Soldane his assistance, determi­ned to behaue himselfe so brauely in his court, that by his li­beralitie and honorable actions, he would obtaine the Prin­cesse [Page] to his Wife, wherefore beeing come to the Court, and hauing doone his obeysance to the Soldane, hee began in this manner.

Right mightie Lorde of all Assiria and Palestine, ha­uing of long time heard your great forwardnesse to the encreasing of our faith, chéefely of the last honourable coun­cell you held, to reuenge the death of your famous deceased Brother Gamezio, whom our Gods nowe entertaine at their celestiall banquets: I tooke my selfe to trauaile, with aduised resolution to doo you such seruice as might stande with my abilitie, and your pleasure to command. And for I now beholde, that my arriuall is in a time so fortunate, I celebrate theyr names with immortall thankes, assuring your Maiestie so farre to stretch my endeouurs, as the sonne that is beunde by dutie to his Father. The Soldane who had heard great report of his bountie and valour, his Fa­ther likewise béeing one of his friendes and confederates: after he had made him very gracious welcome, thanked him for the succour he brought him, and henceforth he would not estéeme of him as a stranger, but as his Sonne and most especiall Friende. All this while Palmerin noted the behauior of the yong Prince, and iudging by his complecti­on that hée was of better nature then the other Assirians, began to affect him, so that after the Soldane had giuen them all the good night, Palmerin accompanied the Prince to his Chamber, where they could deuise no other confe­rence, but of this new and warlike enterprise, which made Olorico demaunde of Palmerin, if hee should go in those affaires. That will I verily (quoth he) if sicknesse or prison do not withhold mee. Let me intreate you then, fay [...]e the Prince, to doo me so much honour, as to accept me for your companion. Whereto Palmerin right soone condiscended, and then began such a league of am [...]y betwéene them, that it endured to the death, as you shall reade héereafter. But because it was nowe late, they tooke their leaue of each o­ther till the next morning, when Maulicus would haue [Page] Olorico dine at his Table with Palmerin, where wanted no prouision that beséemed so great a person, béeing now set foorth in most rich and honourable pompe. The Tables be­ing withdrawne, the Prince began the daunce, thinking to sée faire Alchidiana: but hée was deceiued, for she kept her Chamber in her amorous opinions, and would not be séene till the appointed day, when the Armie should make shewe in open field.

This day the Soldane went to order the battaile, and to appoint the wings and squadrons, which made Alchi­diana likewise take delight so walke abroad with Palme­rin, who was now in maruailous sumptuous Armour, bea­ring a shéeld of Sinople, with a barre of Gold figured there­in, signifying his inward ioy, that in so short time he should get from these barbarous and vnchristian helhounds. Be­fore them went two yong Lords bareheaded, and behinde a great number of Ladies and Knights, so rich in apparrel [...] as could be deuised. Beeing thus brought to their Palfrayes. Palmerin beganne to carri [...]e and braue with his Horse be­fore the Princesse, who tooke no little delight in her sup­posed louer, and riding along with him, fell into many dis­courses, nothing tending to Religion as I gesse, but such deuout seruice as loue teacheth his Schollers. In the midst of their communication, came the Prince Olorico, so altred with his affection to the Princesse, that they which haue felt like assaults, might easily iudge the cause of his passions. Hauing made two or thrée humble reuerences to her, he offered to kisse her hand: which shée would not per­mit him, excusing the matter so modestly, and wishing his welfare as her owne, that he imagined himselfe greatly fa­uoured.

Palmerin regarding the afflictions of this new come louer, and that hée might giue him the better meane, to de­uise with her so priuatly as he desired, turned his Horse to the other side of the Princesse, thus speaking to her. What thinke you (Madame) of the gentle succour which my [Page] Lord Olorico hath brought your Father? beléeue mée, the courtesse is so surpassing great, as your selfe ought especial­ly to thanke him, if it were but for his forwardnesse, in qua­lifying the haughtie courage of Amaranos brethrē. Doubt­lesse (quoth she) his companie is to be estéemed, and among tenne thousand Knights, hardly may bee founde so braue men as is in his troupe, in recompence whereof, I will not denie the Prince any thing, that hée with honour will re­quest of me. Olorico perceiuing this sodaine inuention of Palmerin, returned him many thanks, and after the accu­stomed dissimulations vsed in such causes, albeit Loue had for a while depriued him of spéech: earnestly beholding the rare beautie of the Princesse, he thus began. Madame, al­though I should doo to my Lord your Father all the serui­ces that a Knight is able to yéelde his gracious patrone, yet the very least of these fauours, which it hath pleased your excellencie to bestowe on mée, may bee reckoned for much more then deserued recompence. Wherefore béeing per­swaded that my seruice is placed in your good conceit, I shall not hencefoorth feare to put my life in hazard, so much I desire to sée these present promises accomplished: where­of you Sir Palmerin, béeing estéemed among the most fa­mous persons liuing, shall beare mée witnesse, when time graunteth conuenient opportunitie. I haue promised no­thing, sayde the Princesse, but what I will right gladly ac­complish, requiring nothing but your good opinion, which so many choyse Ladies haue heretofore desired. And I de­maund no better pay (quoth the Prince) then her gracious fauour whom I desire to please. Thus beguiled they the time, till the Armie marched forward in array, which they faire and softly followed, till tenne Pages belonging to the Princesse, leading tenne goodly Coursers most richly ca­parassoned, came before them. Another Page brought a séemely Launce, the bandrole whereof was the Princesse colours, and a Golden Shéeld, wherein was portraied the head of Amarano, helde vppe by the haire by a Knights [Page] hands signifying the victory of Palmerin against him: the Shéeld béeing bordered rounde about with Pearles, Ru­byes, Emeraulds, Crisolites, and other precious stones of inestimable value, then beganne the Princesse thus to Pal­merin.

My noble Friend, in this warre I desire you to bée my Knight, and for my sake to beare this Launce ond Shéeld, that the proude Brethren may see the shame of Amarano. And such is my hope, that as you serued the eldest, so will you deale with the other, while one of them remains aliue. These Horses likewise for the warre I bestow vppon you, they beeing accounted the very best in Turkie, and these will serue you well when you are in fielde: our Gods bea­ring mée witnesse (faire Friend) that did not my estate hin­der me, and the regarde of mine honour withhold me, with right good will would I beare you companie, to sée your no­ble and Knightly deedes of armes. And this I dare boldly say, that Hipsicratea neuer followed her Husband Mithre­dates with greater affection, were he on sea, or on lande, on Horsebacke, or on foote, then I could doo the noble Pal­merin d'Oliua. Notwithstanding, though my body may not be there, yet shall my spirit bee continually present, to comfort my languishing life, which will be but a shadow of death to me till your returne. But because I sée many eies are fixed on vs, all the Kings likewise taking their leaue, of my father, I will leaue you to the protection of our Gods who send you happily and right soone againe. These words were coupled with such sighs and teares, as shee had fallen from her horse, but that one of her Ladies of honour stayed her.

Palmerin after hee had with great kindnesse thanked her, kissed her hande, saying. Perswade your selfe swéete Madame, your shéeld shall be shewne in such place, where his Brethren that de [...]ract your honour, shall easily sée it, though but little to theyr aduantage. Thus tooke they [Page] leaue of each other, and O [...]orico likewise had the Prin­cesse farewell: then doing their dutie to the Soldane, fol­lowed the armie, leauing him and Alchidiana sorrowfull for their departure.

Chap. XVII.

THese two Princes Palmerin and Olori­co, conferring still as they rode, with what gréefe and sorrow Alchidiana parted from them, and falling from one imagination to another, they concluded to lodge together in one tent. And be­cause Palmerin was the better & more richly prouided of all things necessarie for the field, Olorico was the more glad of his companie: so the day béeing spent, and the Tents pitched in a goodly plaine, Palmerin inuited the Prince of Arabia to suppe with him, for the Souldane had appointed him such honou­rable prouision, as better hée could not for his owne sonne. The Tables withdrawne, and spending the time a while at Chesse play, they went to bed, where Olorico (not able to sléepe) beganne in this manner to his friendly compa­nion.

Most fortunate Palmerin, howe much more could I wish to resemble you, then the greatest King or Lorde in the world, to be likewise beloued of her, who in beautie, good grace, and swéete spéech, hath not her like. And because [Page] my good Friend and Brother, I haue noted the specia [...] loue of the Princesse Alchidiana towardes you, let me in­treate you to tell me, who shée is you aboue all other loue, and intend to make your espoused Wife: vowing to you on the word of a Prince, whosoeuer it bee, to conceale it with secrecie, and to disswade my selfe from my loue newly begunne for your sake, albeit I died therefore. For your noble minde and braue gentilitie, hath gained such soue­raigntie ouer me, as all other pleasures whatsoeuer I de­spise, onely to haue your companye and fauour. Thus qual­lifying the passions, which day and night doo secretly tor­ment mée, I will sette downe such order, as my Father shall not néede to send his Ambassadours, nor imploy any of my Fréendes to demaunde her for mee: albeit for this onelye cause, I left my Countrey in such sort as you haue seene. Palmerin hearing the wordes of the yoong Prince, and per­ceiuing him wounded with her loue, whom he desired to be furthest from, smyling said. My Lorde Olori [...]o, I sweare to you by the honour of my Knighthoode, I neuer thought of the loue which you demaunde, nor haue I any desire to fol­lowe that humour. But true it is, that I would doo so much for her, as a Knight may for his Ladie, for so shée well de­serues, her fauour and gentle behauiour woorthye farre better abilitie: wherefore my déere Fréende, if you will be­léeue me, giue not ouer your intent, but practise to gaine her to your Wife: and I promise you that I will so mooue the matter to the Soldane and her, as happilie maye effect the end of your desires. Yet let me intreate you to continue so iust a Fréende to her, as her high calling well deserueth: otherwise I had rather die the death, then once to speake a word on your behalfe. These newes so cheered the Prince, as embracing him manie times, and returning him mani­fold thanks, he said. Assuredlie my noble Freend, I am great­ly beholding to my father, who gaue me my present being: but much more owe I to you, because my estate had now ended, but that your gracious spéeches called me againe to [Page] [...]. My second selfe, hauing thus lost my libertie, I despaire of attaining what you haue promised, and endure a death more then mortall: but that you breath hope of successe in­to me, assuring mée of immediate felicitie and ioyfull dayes héereafter, which no father, but so good a fréende was able to doo. After other such like spéeches, the Prince slept, but Pal­merin touched in another sort, was solliced with the re­membraunce of his lost fréendes: and perceiuing his com­panion slept soundlie, he began thus to deliuer his sorrowes. Ah vnfortunate and wretched Palmerin, how can thy mind so long beare this yoke of seruitude, onely standing in feare of death? Hast thou so forgot those two perfect louers, Tri­neus and Agriola, with thy true fréend Ptolome not know­ing whether they bee aliue or deade? what? wilt thou not searche for them? The Emperour of Allemaigne, hath not hée good cause to complaine of thée, yea, and to blame thée, if his sonne be not returned? Darest thou present thy selfe be­fore him? Ah touch of loyaltie, faire Agriola, how iustlye mayst thou call mée thine enemie, inuenter and fi [...]st motion of thy misfortunes? O wretched and miserable that I am, for leauing thée so discourteouslye, I well deserue a million of torments, farre worse then those exercised by the cruell Dyonise on the Scicilians. Nor coulde they be sufficient to expiate my hainous guilt, in that forgetting thée fayre Prin­cesse, I liue in daylie delights among these Moores and Tar­tars. But were I such as I ought to bee, mindfull of a fault so foullie committed, I shoulde not liue one houre in rest or quiet, till I had found my déerest Fréendes againe. Ah disloyall Traytour, how canst thou thus waste thy time héere slothfullie, knowing the great and continuall trauails, thy Ladye and Mistresse endureth for thée? But I vowe to God, this warre finished, I will not abide in the Soldanes Courte tenne dayes, but intende to sette forwarde to sée the Iewell of of my welfare. And were it not to my perpetuall discredit, as also that I should be iudged a faynting coward, I would begin my iourney presently.

[Page]Thus all the night continued Palmerin such like co [...] ­plaints, considering his Fréendes misfortune and his owne, with such déepe impressions, as thence forward hee liued in meruailous melancholie, and would not delight himselfe, [...] before hee was accustomed.

Chap. XVIII.

FOllowing the true discourse of our histo­rie, the King of Balisarca, Lieuetenant generall of the whole Armie, caused the next morning to bée proclaimed by soūd of Trompet, that euery man should at­tend on his Ensigne: and not go rob­bing and forraging the Uillages, on paine of death to be inflicted on the offender. So marching on in good array, in short time after they encamped themselues before a citie, where the enemies kept themselues in garison: and planting themselues there for their aduantage, the next morning they determined to giue the assault. All y ^• night they were ordering the maner of their batterie, the Pyoners ma­king Trenches, and such defences as are requisit in warlike occasions.

Euery thing in due and perfect order, at Sun rysing they beganne to assaile the Cittie rounde about: following their intent with such courage and alacritie, as with sca­ling Ladders and other Engines, in lesse then two h [...]wres [Page] they gotte vpon the walles, and (in despight of their ene­mies) entred the Cittie, murdering and expulsing the Phry­gians, and sharing the spoyle among themselues. All other Citties, Townes and Uillages, that were taken by the enemie, within sixe dayes after were recouered, they not daring to withstand the Soldans power. Gramiell, Ama­ranoes eldest Brother amazed héereat, hauing vndertaken to reuenge his Brothers death, with his men betooke him­selfe to open Fielde, determining to giue the Assirians, bat­taile, and that way to make triall of their fortune, in which resolution they came within halfe a dayes iourney of theyr e­nemies.

The King of Balisarca aduertised héereof, dislodged im­mediatlie, taking aduauntage of a little Mountaine, which was in the open sight of the enemie. And Palmerin who de­sired nothing more then the fight, that hée might accomplish his promise to the Princesse Alchidiana, when hee receiued of her his rich Shéelde and Launce: perswaded the Ge­nerall, that hée should the next morning summon the Bre­theren of Amarano, that within foure and twentie howres, they should depart the Soldanes confines, or else endure the daunger of the Sworde. The King of Balisarca aduising héereon in counsaile, founde it verie necessarie and expedient: wherefore calling his Sonne, Sir Pa [...]merin, and the Prince Olorico, hee committed the charge thereof to theyr present dispatch. They béeing come to the Armie of Gramie [...]l, were immediatly conducted to the Princes Tent, who was then deliberating with his Brethren, and other Captaines of the Armie. So soone as he vnderstoode the arriuall of these Ambassadours, he caused them to come before him, and their message béeing deliuered, the Phrygian Princes, who were of meruailous haughtie disposition, aunswered, that they would not obey any such commaundement. Moreouer, they intended to chase thence the Soldanes Lieuetenant, euen to the verie Gates of his owne Cittie: for that (contrarie to all equitie) hée withstoode the buriall of their Brothers [Page] bodie in his kingdome. Gueresin, Sonne to the King of B [...] ­lisarca, could not suffer such iniurie to his Lorde in his pre­sence, wherefore he said: that the Soldane had doone them no wrong, but receiued their Brother and his traine with greater honour then they deserued, and that none of them should haue the like againe. So went hée foorth of the Pa­uillion, Gramiell and two of his Brethren following him, whereof the one had béene in Asiria with his Brother A­marano: who séeing Palmerin, that all this while kept himselfe without the Tent, and marking his Shéeld, wher­in mockage was painted his Brothers head: he knew him immediatlie, and in great rage pulling himselfe by the haire, said.

Uillaine that I am, how can I suffer in my presence the Traytour that murdered my Brother? Bold and pre­sumptuous catife, how durst thou aduenture before mee, thus to deride me with thy villainie? Trust me, saide Pal­merin, I dare come before thée with better assuraunce of my selfe, Then thy Brother had when he entred Combat with me. Whereore, if thou be such a Gallant, as thou wouldest haue me iudge thée by these brauadoes, and like­wise hast any stomacke to reuenge thy Brothers shame: Arme thy selfe, and an other of thy Brethren with thée, and come to me in place conuenient, where I my selfe will iustifie to you both, that Amarano was woorthilye slaine, and as such a false accusing Traytour well deserued. I de­sire nothing more, saide Orinella, for so was hée called that gaue these hotte spéeches, but my Brother shall not deale with thée, till I haue tried my fortune alone: and if I faile of my purpose, then shall he afterwarde Combat with thée, this prouided, that thou assure mée from any in thy compa­nie, but thine owne person. That will I vppon my Knight­hoode, said Palmerin, thou perfourming as much on thy be­halfe: yet I thinke before the sport be doone that thou wilt wi [...]h thy fellow with thée. Thus Palmeriu, Olorico, and Gueresin withdrewe themselues, Orinello and his brother [Page] presently going to Arme them. and accompanied with ma­nie Knights, came into the field, Palmerin likewise as rea­die as the formost, came in with a good traine of Souldiers hee had brought with him, least any treason shoulde bée wrought against him. Olorico, shewed himselfe greatly discontented, because hée might not accompanie his Fréende in the Combat: but Palmerin perswaded him, that more néedefull occasions were reserued for him, which should re­turne him greater honour, and whom he should court in bet­ter sort then euer he did, the Ladies of Arabia. Gramiell be­ing verie richly armed, woulde néedes come see his Bre­threns Combat, which hée had good hope would sort to theyr honor: but Palmerin séeing Orinello readie to the carrire, encountred his enemie with such puissance, as his Launce passing through his boyd, caused him fall dead from his horse without moouing eyther hand or foote.

Hauing performed his course, hee returned to take his Launce out of his enemies body, striking him with the great Trunchion ende on the stomacke, to sée if any life was left in him: but séeing his soule was departed to Lucifers Pal­lace, hée coutched his stafe to receiue the other Brother, who met him with such strength, as he was well néere dis­mounted, yet in the ende hée was sent after his Brother, though manie hardie strokes first passed betwéene them. Héereupon was such a suddaine crie on all sides, some with ioy, and other with sorrowe, as made the ayre resound theyr voices. And I thinke that the Greekes when they receiued their libertie by Quintus Elaminius, made not the like cla­mour: when (as Valerius rehearseth) the Byrds fell from the ayre with the furie of theyr cries. In the meane while, the King of Balisarca, hauing hearde héereof, came into the Fielde, accompanied with mani [...] Lords, and conducted Pal­merin with great honour and tryumphe backe to his Tent: especiallie the Prince Olorico, who excéeding ioyfull for the good fortune of his companion, embracing him, saide. Ah gentle Palmerin, how brauelie haue you accomplished your [Page] promise to the Princesse? the like successe heauen graunt you in labouring my cause. Beléeue me good Prince, quoth Palmerin, so well will I imploye my selfe in that action, as I hope you shall haue cause to thanke me. Now to returne to Gramiell, he caused his Brethrens bodyes to be conuai­ed thence, and embalmed them in two Chests of leade, re­ferring their Funerall till his returne: and with the teares in his eyes, he thus began to encite his people. Not know­ing howe (my louing Freendes and Countreymen) to ani­mate your mindes sufficiently, with remembraunce of the tirannie, exercised by the Soldane on the bodye of my Bro­ther and your Prince: vnhappie occasion presents you with a fresh memory of reuenge, séeing these two yong Princes, the beloued Sonnes of your King, so shamefullye slaine in your presence. For this cause, déere Fréendes, that each of you may take a newe couragious spirite, to morrowe to en­counter these effeminate Assirians: let vs all be resolute to­gither, and cause them to vnderstand, that you, who haue lead your liues in the Deserts of Affrica, much better know how to mannage Armes, then such loyterers in theyr Mistresses Chambers, who can doo nothing but before theyr Ladies.

Héerevpon two hundred Knightes aduaunsed them­selues before him, swearing and vndertaking, to bring Pal­merins bodie to him the day following: and therefore all that might they prepared themselues, strengthening theyr Shéeldes and Armour, and all other things necessarie for the fight, thinking the next morning by Sunne rysing to bid them battaile, these knightes inuenting to ambush th [...]m­selues, as you shall heare. Palmerin beeing brought thus honorablye to his Tent, called for the Chirurgions to visit his woundes, which they founde so easie to bee cured, as they assured him of spéedie recouerie. Hée then [...]mmoning the whole Counsaile togither, aduised them, that in his opini­on hée thought it expedient, to dislodge that place about mid­night with bag and baggadge, and so to coast the Mountain, [Page] feigning a fearefull departure. For (quoth hée) the enemie aduertised of our retyre, will imagine that we despayre of our successe, by reason of the death of the two slaine Princes.

Thus our dissembled flight, will cause them disorderlie to pursue vs, which we will suffer, till espying our aduan­tage: when returning valiantly vpon them, I dare gadge my life we shall eyther kill them downe right before vs, or at least driue them to a shamefull foyle. This deuise was generallie allowed for good, and at the howre appointed was executed. By chaunce this morning Gramiell came among his menne verie earlie, and vnderstanding the Sol­dans power was departed with such silence: presentlye cryed alarme, charging all his men to followe them, for he doubted they woulde enter a Cittie néere at hande, which was so stronglye fortefied, as they should neuer entise them foorth to skirmish, therefore he desired to preuent them of that helpe.

Héereupon the Horsemen galloped after them amaine, crying: vpon them (my Fréendes) vpon them, the day is ours. Palmerin, the Prince Olorico, the King of Balisarca, Gueresin his Sonne, with a thousande men at Armes, sée­ing howe they were disordered: returned vppon them, and made such a slaughter among the Phrygians, as the Field was couered all ouer with their bodies. Gramiell, séeing, that of the first sallie not one came backe againe, sette for­ward with his battaile, wherein hée had a thousand Horse­men, and furiouslye runnning on the Soldans power: by misfortune hée mette with the Prince Olorico, to whome he gaue such a cruell stroke on the head, as had almost sette him beside his Saddle. Olorico greatly discontented héereat turned valiantlie towards his eneme, and betwéene them continued a very daungerous fight: but in the ende, Grami­ells Helmet béeing cutte from his heade, hee beganne to de­spayre, when Olorico following his intent, noblie at one blowe smote his heade from his shoulders. This mishap was séene by one of his yonger Brethren, who running [Page] fiercelie with his Launce against Olorico, was suddainlye preuented by Palmerin, in that hée stroke him beside his Horse, where hee was troden to death with the trampling of the Horsses.

Then came foorth the two hundred swoorne Knightes from their ambush, who had vndertaken Palmerins death, and him they hemde in so subtillie, as hée was brought into very great daunger, Which the Prince of Arabia behol­ding, made way through the thickest to assist his Fréende, after whom followed Gueresin with an hundred Knights: without which supply, both Palmerin and Olorico had béen slayne, for theyr Horsses were killed vnder them, and they enforced to fight on foote. But when they beheld this for­tunate succour, theyr courage nobly increased, and then be­ganne the sharpest encounter, for the winges on eyther side approched, the Archers and Crossebowes likewise, sending their Arrowes as thicke as hayle among them, so that the battaile endured till darke night. Then the Bre­thren sounded the retraite, for which the King of Balisarca was not sorrie, hauing so ouertrauailed himselfe that day, as he could no longer [...]itte on Horsebacke: notwithstan­ding, before hée woulde enter his Tent, he sawe the Field [...] assured, the watch placed, and all the Souldiours planted in good order.

Chap. XIX

IMmediatlie after that these two Phrigi­an princes had thus soūded the retrait, and considered how they had lost fiue of theyr brethren, thrée in single fight with Palmerin, and the other in the battaile, the greatest part of their power likewise almost vtterly dismaid: to know the cer­taintie of their strength, they commaunded a deuision to bee made of the whole and wounded, and séeing how small their number was, they concluded not to stay in any place, til they came to the Realme of Pasmeria, whereof Maurice was King, and their kiseman, from whom Palmerin tooke the en­chaunted Crowne, where they thought to supply their want, with men actiue and able to Armes.

The next day, the king of Balisarca raunged a thou­sand men in order, to giue a fresh assault on the enemie: but he was suddainlie aduertised by his espiall, how the Phry­gians were fledde. He not a little glad of these newes, sent word to Palmerin thereof, who though he was sore woun­ded, Armed himselfe, commaunding his Captaines to pro­uide sixe thousand men presently, to goe sée the certaintie of these tydings. With this strength he ioyned the Kings power, and so went to the ememies Campe, where they [Page] found no resistanuce, nor any but such as laye gréeuonslye wounded, of whome hee enquired which way the cowards were fled: which the poore Souldiours reporting to him, hée vowed to followe till hée ouertooke them. The resoluti­on agréede vpon, betwéene the King of Balisarca, and him with tenne thousand light Horsemen hée determined to pur­sue them: and the King to staye there with the rest of the Armie, to recouer the Townes againe to the Soldane, which before had béene taken of the enemie, and to bee in readines with assistaunce, if he shoulde happen to stande in any néede.

While Palmerin made election of his company, a horse­man was dispatched with these newes to the Soldane, how the enemies had béene foyled, and of their flight. The mes­senger béeing come before Maulicus, and the Letter open and read, how valiantly Palmerin dealt with his enemies: before all his nobility, the Soldane sayde. By all the Ora­cles of Delphos, I may well perswade my selfe, that wher­soeuer Palmerin is for vs, wee are assured of the victorie. The Princesse hauing heard these newes, sent for the mes­senger, and after shee vnderstoode by him, howe Palmerin bare her Shéelde in the face of her enemies, and had slaine in Combat two of Amaranos Brethren: shée was mer­uailous ioyfull, and rewarded the Messenger so well for his paynes, as for euer hée might extoll the bountie of the Prin­cesse.

The Messenger dispatched againe with the Soldans Letters, brought spéedie aunswere to the King of Balisarca and Palmerin, of their packet: wherein the Soldane harty­lie thanked them, desiring them to followe theyr fortune. Palmerin vnderstanding the will of the Soldane and Al­chidiana, and howe they desired him to pursue the Bre­thren of Gramiell: determined to set forwarde next mor­ning, aduertising the Prince Olorico thereof, that hée might put himselfe in readines. But notwithstanding all theyr dilligence, their enemies gotte before them into Pas­meria, [Page] where they rested thēselues, in hope to be assisted by their Cozin Maurice. And he was giuen to vnderstand, how the dumbe Knight named Palmerin, followed them: wher­fore he commaunded them to depart his Realme, for hee would not ayde them against his déerest Fréende. This re­pulse droue them into great dispayre, yet séeing they coulde not helpe it, they were constrained to make a vertue of ne­cessitie, and so secretly as they coulde deuise, by little and little stole toward their owne Countrey. Maurice hearing how Palmerin was come into his Realme, rode thrée or foure daies iourney to méete him, and entertaining him with excéeding honor, offered himselfe, his people and substance to his seruice. Palmerin verie thankfull for the Princes kindness [...], woulde nothing but certaine Horsses of him, be­cause diuers of his owne had miscaried. By this time were the Brethren entred the confines, which belonged to the Admirall of Tharsus, where they had doone verye much harme, by exactions and great misusing of the people. This Admirall was a verie gentle Knight, and named Alfarano, which seeing what iniurie they did him, and vnderstanding that they had béene conquered, and now fl [...]dde without a­nie place of assuraunce: leueyed an hoste of hardie Soul­diours, wherewith he intended to kéepe a straite, through which they must of necessitie passe, béeing so narrowe as they could passe but two togither: and no way else could [...] they escape him, except they woulde climbe the tops of the Mountaines.

In this place lay the Admirall ambushed, with so ma­nie men as he thought conuenient, and within thrée dayes after, Pa [...]merin with his power came to assist them. The Phrygians hauing heard héereof, were greatlie amazed at this vnexpected aduenture, and had no other helpe but to climbe the Mountaine, where in wholes & Caues they were glad to hide themselues: and there they continued fiue or sixe daies in safetie, albeit they were readie to die for want of sustenaunce. Palmerin foreséeing the incommoditie of the [Page] place, and that they could not escape him, nor néeded hée a­nie further to followe them: caused the Mountaine to be en­uironed on all sides, thinking the ende heereof woulde bée such, as indéede it afterward prooued to be. For these poore distressed menne, hauing neyther foode or other prouision, came foorth of their Caues, and assembled togither on the side of the Mountaine, where entering into conference of their estate, some gaue counsaile to goe fight it out, but other (better aduised) would not consent thereto, for better is it (quoth they) to yéelde our selues to the mercy of our enemies, then to aduenture our fortune where no hope of successe is to be expected.

Héereuppon they concluded, and the two Brethren of Gramiell were the first that vnarmed themselues, and com­ming in this manner to Palmerins Tent, thus they began. Noble Knight Palmerin, more fortunate then any man in the world, we, Brethren to the renowmed Prince Ama­rano, whom thou hast with thine owne hand slaine, and thrée other of our brethren likewise, whereof the noble Ori­nello deserueth spéeche, all sonnes to a King, and themselues héeretofore worthy accomplished Princes, though nowe [...]oyled and consorted with the deade: we (noble Lord) more certaine of thy clemencie and courtesie, then any successiue ende of a battaile so vnreasonable and desperate, come to yéelde our bodies and goods to thy disposing, desiring thee to pittie our estate, and regarde the works of Fortune, so whom thou art Subiect as well as we. Beside, that the more shall greater persons bée praised for honorable fauour, then by vsing rigour and vnnaturall crueltie, which maketh them euery where hated and despised. When Palmerin sawe them so humble, considering his owne estate, and how time might frowne on him, returned them this aunswere. Now (my Lords) haue you doone wiselie, to laye by Armes, and submit your selues, for otherwise your destruction was at hande. Notwithstanding, in respect you haue thus yéelded your selues to me, I entertaine you into my safe defence, [Page] assuring you peace with the Soldane, so that you sweare your faithfull loue, and doo him homage. So gaue hée them in kéeping to one of his Knights, whome hée especially tru­sted, & returning to Alfarano, in recompence of his wrongs and losse sustained by the Phrygians, gaue him all theyr spoyle, and the [...]aun [...]me of all the Knightes taken pryso­ners. The Admirall humblye kissing his hand, desire [...] him to rest himselfe in one of his Citties, which was within fiue or sixe miles of the place: which gentle offer Palmerin would not refuse, because he was sore wearied with trauaile: wherefore by the Admiralles appointment, the Pallace was prouided for Palmerin and his Fréende Olorico.

Chap. XX.

HHere our History willeth vs to remem­ber, how in our former discourse was mentioned, that the Quéene of Tharsus sent a rich Helmet to Palmerin, and at the Damoselles returne, was acquain­ted with his singular composed feature, rare courtesse, and Knightly chiualrie: the reporte whereof, caused her amorously to affe [...]t him, and in such vehemēt maner, as she determined her onwn death, vnlesse she might enioy his louelie company.

Which the better to compasse, shee discouered her de­sires [Page] to a cunning Magitian, hée by whose meanes she [...] the Helmet to Palmerin: who gaue her such an [...] powder, as Palmerin drinking it in wine or otherwise, should soone after become so forgetfull of himselfe, as the Quéene might accomplish whatsoeuer shée desired. He like­wise did reueale to her, the seuerall loues of Palmerin and Olorico, which tale made her more earnest in following her intent. And vnderstanding his arriuall in the Realme of Pa [...]meria, concluded in person to goe sée him: furnishing her selfe with all things necessary, both rich Tapestry, and great store of Gold and Siluer plate, habillements, preci­ous stones, rings and vnualuable Iewels. With thes [...] shée adorned her Knights, Ladies and Gentlewomen to the vttermost, and when she had finished her traine to her own liking, shée sette forward with such expedition, as within thrée dayes shée arriued at the Cittie where hée was, but first shée aduertised her Admirall of her comming, that hée shoulde imagine nothing by her suddaine presence. The Admirall so ioyfull héereof as could be deuised, in that by this meane hee shoulde the more honourably entertaine his guestes: acquainted Palmerin and the Prince Olorico ther­with, who likewise were excéeding glad of the newes, espe­cially Palmerin, desirous to know by her his offspring.

Therefore in most magnificent order with theyr men at Armes, and the Admirall Alfarano, they rode to méete the Quéene for her greater honour: who by the speciall in­telligence was giuen her, knewe Palmerin among them all, in that hee marched formost with the Prince Olorico and the Admirall of Tharsus. Shee regarding in him farre more singularities, then sparing report had acquainted her withall: after that Palmerin had saluted her with very great reuer [...]nce, as he was not to learne courtly [...] courtesie, the Quéene requited him with a swéete kisse, and thus began. Sir Knight, the fayrest beyond all other that euer I sawe, well woorthie are you to be esteemed among the most hap­pie, béeing able to winne the loue of Ladies that neuer sawe [Page] you. Aduise your selfe well of this great fauour, and what a precious Iewell you receiue of them, in requitall of your seruice, or acceptaunce of any amorous contentment. Then wonder not not, (Gentle Knight) if to sée you I haue left my Country for beside your great valour, bountie and loyal [...]ie, which neuer can be sufficiently commended, your beautie, affabilitie and most rare perfections, deserue not onelye the loue of the greatest Ladye and Princesse, but their continu­all seruice likewise, if they but consider theyr owne dueties. If then your vertues and gifts of nature are of such value and merit, what may shée imagine of her selfe, who is your onelie Ladie and Mistresse, and aboue all other is honored with your faithfull seruice, as well records the memorye of the burning Crowne? Palmerin hearing himselfe so com­mended by such an excellent Quéene, blushed with bashful­nesse, and humbly shaped this aunswere. Madame, so far vnable am I, to deserue the loue and good will you beare me, as neuer will Fortune fauour me sufficiently, to re­compence the least part of this princelie kindnesse. Yet héereof (faire Quéene) you may assure your selfe, that you haue a Knight so forward in your seruice, as nothing shall with-holde him from executing your commaundemente, though the penaltie of my life were ioyned thereon. Trust me (quoth the Quéene) your behauiour promiseth no lesse then you speake off, and if I haue taken anie paine for you, I thinke my selfe now thorowlye satisfied: lette it suffise you then, that I account my fortune not the least, hauing gay­ned such place in your good opinion. These and such like spéeches passed betwéene them, till they came to Alfara­nos Pallace, where they spent the rest of the daye in diuer­sitie of pleasures: the Quéene intreating Palmerin and Olo­rico the next daye to dine with her in her lodging, where shee intended honorably to feast them. The next day at ten of the clocke, these two yong Princes came to see her, fin­ding her in a goodlie Hall, which was richlie hanged with doth of Golde, and therein [...]oode a Cupboorde, garnished [Page] with the most costly plate that euer was séene, for the ba­sest péece was cleane gold, imb [...]lished with precious stones, beside diuerse other inestimable strange Cups, and Glasses of Agatha. What their seruice at Dinner was, I leaue to the iudgement of Ladies desirous of fauour. Yet this I dare say, that the [...]iands were so rare and exquisite, and a­bounding in such plentie, as though s [...]ee had them dayly at commaund. The Tables withdrawne, the Qu [...]ne tooke each of the Princess [...] by the hand [...], and [...]tting downe be­twéene them, with a swéete s [...]iling countenance beganne thus.

I pray you gentle Knights, to tell mée which of you is most affected to the seruice of Loue, & followes it with grea­test endeuour: gladly would I be resolued by you, albéeit I know the certaintie as well as your selues. Madam (quoth Palmerin) if you haue such knowledge of our affections, well may our answere hée excused. Uerie true, sayde the Quéene, especially you, of whose loyaltie the Prince Mau­rice is so notable a witnesse. Notwithstanding which of you doth most mistrust the attainment of her grace, to whom he is most denoted in loue, let him not giue ouer the pursui [...] of his desire: but rather let me intreate you to continue your loue with much more seruencie, as to those renowmed La­dies, who by their vertues and graces, doo woorthily cha [...] ­lenge you from all other: for I dare assure you such a succes­siue end of your loue, as with especiall content you shall fi­nish your [...] desires.

If the [...] ioyfull of this assurance, it is no question to be dema [...]ded, chiefly Olorico, who till then disp [...]ed: but now so happily resolued, gaue place to Palmerin, who was desirous to conferre more priuately with the Quéene, ther­fore in the meane time he deuised with [...] Lady, and Palmerin séeing the occasion so fit, began his tale in this ma­ner. I cannot forget, fair Quéene, when you sent your [...] to me at the Soldans court, that after her message [...] she saide to me, y ^• you were acquainted with further secrets [Page] concerning my estate. For this cause, I intreate your high­nesse, if you doo not imagine mee too importunate, that it might please you to acquaint mée with my Father and Mo­ther, for that aboue all other things I most desire. The Quéene amazed at this demaund, thus answered. Knowe (gentle Knight) that what the Ladie in this matter saide to you, as also what my selfe euen now promised you, com­meth not from mee, for one of my Knights acquainted mée therewith, hée béeing the most skilfull in the Magical sci­ences that is in all Turkie. As now he is returned into his owne Countrey, and no other answere could I get of him: but that you are the Sonne of the most loyall redoubted and valiant Prince in the worlde, whom before you haue anie further knowledge of, you shall deliuer from death, and that very shortly. Beside you loue a Ladie, who in all perfections of nature, fortune or spirit, hath not her equall.

In sooth (quoth Palmerin) I shall account my selfe right happie, to deliuer my Father from such daunger, and Heauen I beséech that it may so bée. On these tearmes came Alfarano, and the dauncing began, which constrained them to breake of talke, and step into the daunce, in which de­light they spent the time till Supper was summoned, till which aduertisement, they were so well, as was Ogyer the Dane in Faeria. For neuer was Dido such an affectionate [...]ditrice of Aeneas, recounting the ruine of the Troians, then was the Quéene of Tharsus to Palmerin: towards whē her heart was so enthralled, and with secret fire so wasted [...]nd consumed, as dooth the Waxe before the fire. Being s [...]t at the Banquet, Palmerin and Olorico on the one side, and the Quéene and Alfarano on the other, the Ta­sters attending on them were two Ladies, who had in charge to giue the one the sléeping and daungerous drinke, and to the other, the amorous & delicate, yet in effect to pro­uoke forgetfulnesse. So well did the Ladies discharge their office, and the Princes tooke this mixed drinke so substanti­ally, as they coulde hardly forbeare sleeping at the Tables [Page] wherefore euery one arysing, the Quéene [...] the [...] to Alfarano, who presently went to his lodging. Thē [...]ere these two sléepie Princes conducted to their chamber, where beeing in bed, they slept soundly, and the Quéene comming to them, accompanied with those trustie Ladies that wayted at Supper, tooke the Prince Olorico, conuay­ing him to another bed, for he was so charmed as hée coulde not awake.

Afterward the Ladies departed, and the Quéene went to bedde to Palmerin, whom she abused at her owne plea­sure. A matter not to bée esteemed fabulous, in that other haue béene brought into the like case, as well may witnesse Brangiena, who endured these swéet skirmishes, because she should not manifest the Historie of Ysuel her Mistresse, and Tristram. The Quéene hauing satisfied her vnchast desire, caused Olorico to be brought into his place againe, and then returned to her owne Chamber. But now this enchaunt­ment loosing his operation, a fantasie appeared to Palme­rin, resembling his Ladie Polynarda, who sayd: Ah Palme­rin, disloyall Traytour and adulterer, howe much are they deceyued, that repute thée a loyall and faithfull Louer? Ah wretch vnworthie of so good a name, hauing so iniuriouslie forgotten mee. Doost thou not consider thy great offence, committed against the God of heauen: medling with a Woman more brute then brutishnesse it selfe, and thy dis­loyall treason agaynst my selfe? Be assured, that if thou pre­sently forsake not her companie, I will neuer forget thy fault, but chastise thée continually as a dissembling repro­bate. So she departed, Palmerin intreating her to pardon this iuiurie, which she would not heare, but floong away in great anger: and he awaking, brake foorth into these spée­ches.

Ah vnhappie wretch that I am, thus to loose the gra­cious fauour of my Mistresse. These wordes awaked the Prince Olorico, who embracing him in his armes demau­ [...]ed the cause of his sorrow; but Palmerin was so surprised [Page] wish [...] he would make no answere, but fell from the Bedde in a swoune. Olorico fearing he was dead, cried out for helpe, whereat the Quéene arose, and casting her night Mantle about her, came to know the occasion of this clamour: and finding Palmerin breathlesse, shée called for so many present remedyes, as extinguished the passionate fitte. Palmerin séeing the Quéene so néere him, clothed him­selfe immediately, and departed the Chamber, commaun­ding all his people to prouide themselues, for he would de­part thence within an howres space. Neither could the earnest intreaties of the Quéene, nor courteous perswasi­ons of Alfarano, cause him to stay till Dinner time: but his carriage béeing sent before, and his men attending him, hée came to take his leaue of the Quéene, who verie sorrow­full for this straunge accident, said to him at his departure. Noble Palmerin, my heart attainted with such extreame gréefe, as the sight of you doth somewhat remedie; expected further hope of ease by your presence: but séeing your de­parture may not bée withstoode, I pray you vouchsafe to weare this King for my sake, and kéepe it safely, till my messenger bring you another like vnto it. Madame (quoth Palmerin) beeing vnable to remunerate the great honours you haue done me, I will not denie you so small a request, that I may the better fulfill the bond of allegiaunce, wher­in I stande bound to you while I liue. Go then in the safe protection of the Gods, quoth shée, for thou hast left me such a recompence, as all my life time will be ioyfull to mée. Pal­merin not vnderstanding [...]er darke spéeches, departed, put­ting the King on his finger, béeing the most rich and curi­ous péece of worke that euer was séene: for in it was a goodly great Rubie, cutte in faces, so liuely as could be de­ [...]ised, which shone so brightly, as in the night time it sparck­led great light. The Quéene like wise, [...] shée had giuen great riches to the Admirall, returned to her Countrey, leading thenceforwarde a verie chaste and continent life, [...]nely for his sake, by whom [...] [Page] selfe conceyued with Childe. And at the time appointed, b [...] nature, shee was deliuered of a goodlie Sonne, resembling his Father in braue constitution: whome the mother cau­sed to bée named Palmendos, as well in memorie of his fa­ther Palmerin, as also of his Graundsire Florendos, from them deriuing his name, as béeing the onlie flower of Chi­ualrie. And as Palmerin was vertuous, so did his Sonne follow him in all bountie, prudence, magnanimitie, loyalty, liberalitie, courtesse and humanitie: in briefe, he had all the noble vertues that a Child might receiue from his father, as you may at large perceyue in his Historie. But because his deeds as yet serue not to our purpose, we will leaue him growing vnder his mothers charge, and returne to them whom lately we left.

Chap. XXI.

GReatlie desirous was Palmerin to re­turne towards the Soldane, and there­fore would not make his way by Pas­meria, but iourneyed thitherwarde, where the King of Balisarca staied his comming, who came to méet him with all the Lordes and Captaines of his Armie. Thus hauing brought the Countrey in quiet obeysaunce of the Soldane, with theyr prisoners they returned towardes his Maiestie, sending worde before of [Page] their spéedie comming. The Soldane was not a little ioy­full of these tydings, as also of the fortunate victorie against his enemies, wherefore he left the Cittie of Calpha, and determined to méete them at a Castell of pleasure, which hee had lately edifyed, chéefely because hée would sée the good order of his Armie, which was now conducted in bet­ter equipage, then before was woont to bée séene in Assiria. The King of Balisarca caused the captiues to be ledde be­fore, who (by his commaundement) when they came in the Soldanes presence, threw their Armour to the ground, and thrée times fell on their knées kissing the ground, prostra­ting themselues before him with great reuerence. All these ceremonies finished, Palmerin, the Prince Olorico, with the other Gouernours of the Féelde, came, and kissing his highnesse hande, hée intertained them verie graciously: and after he had embraced Palmerin, he woulde néedes ryde be­twéene him and the King of Balisarca. In this order rode thy on to the Pallace Gate, where his Ladie Lethea and Alchidinia her Daughter, trickt vp in vestures of surpassing value, attended their comming: and after the accustomed re­uerences on all sides, entered the great Hall, where the Princesse taking Palmerin by the hande, before her Father and all his Barons, thus spake.

Sir Palmerin, so well is your prowesse and haughtie déedes of Armes knowne to euery one, as my prayse can­not extoll them to aduauntage: notwithstanding I dare say before my Father, and all his Lords héere present, that hée is so much indebted to you, as he can n [...]uer returne suf­ficient recompence. These words vttered with such affecti­on, were noted by euery one, especially the Prince Olorico, when Palmerin made this answere to the Princesse. Ma­dame, héere may you behold the Prince of Arabia, one of the best Knights that euer I knewe, and who hath doone more seruice to your Father and you in this warre, then any other beside: for with his owne hande he slue Grami­ell, who was chiefe leader of the Phrygian Armie. Beside, [Page] such and so many haue béene his rare exploytes, as no one that I knowe may be equalled with him. And all this hée admitteh to your fauour, wherein hée earnestly desireth to continue, so please you to accept him for your Knight: deli­uering this assurance before hand, that héereafter hée will aduenture his life in your cause, whersoeuer it shal like you to commaund him. For this cause (Madame) you may not re­fuse him, being the man that among all the Assirians, dooth best deserue to be your seruaunt. Alchidinia, who well vnderstoode to what ende his spéeches tended, and the occa­sion why Palmerin thus spake, aduised her selfe well, and returned this answere.

So helpe me our Gods, I know well that the Prince Olorico is so puyssant and renowmed, as any man of whom I yet heard: notwithstanding, I hope the Soldane my Fa­ther will not be ingratefull in the knowledge thereof, and that sufficiently I dare awarrant yée. But I desire you faire sir, to tell me howe the Quéene of Tharsus intreated you, and what is your opinion of her? In good faith, Madam, aunswered Palmerin, shée is one of the most honest and ver­tuous Ladies that euer I came in companie withall, and to whom I greatly desire to do any seruice. You haue good rea­son, quoth the Princesse, in that she came so farre to sée you, and discouer her loue: which other coulde as well accom­plish, as good, or rather in honor beyonde her, if they might hope of anie ease in their passionate desires. Palmerin feig­ning to vnderstand her meaning, entred into other kinde of talke, vntill supper time, which finished, each one re­turned to their Chamber, when the Prince séeing himselfe alone with his Fréend, thus sayd. Ah my déere Fréende Palme [...]in, howe worthily may you be sayde to bee without co [...]pare, in all perfections that a Knight ought to haue, loue onely excepted? yet héerein (if I be not deceyued) you doe for mée agaynst all reason, for a thousand times are you more beloued, then your selfe can loue anie. Notwithstan­ding, for this default, if so it may bée named, and for [...] [Page] wordes this day vsed in my presence to Achidinia, I re­maine vowed to your seruice: for in trueth you know not the good you did me, supporting my imperfection of speech when I was before my Mistresse. Yet know I not whence such imbecilitie should procéede, if not by béeing rauished with regarde of her celestiall countenaunce, my ouer labou­red spiri [...]e forsooke me, and béeing too much tormented in this languishing bodie, abandoned all the partes sensatiue, placing it selfe onely in mine eyes, which neuer could ima­gine themselues satisfied, contemplating beautie of so rare and especiall estimation. And were it not that my hope one­ly consisteth in you, comparing my small desert, and the excellencie of my Ladie, long ere this had my soule forsooke her infortunate habitation, which so indiscreetlie fell into these oppressing passions. And this I earnestly intreate you to let her vnderstand: in that I feare least shée impute my happie alteration, to want of wisedome and ciuilitie. Trust me, quoth Palmerin, I promise you my vttermost abilitie, and so much will I do, as one Friend may for another, to discharge my selfe of the promise which héeretofore I made you.

And let me intreate you on mine owne behalfe, to re­mooue that opinion of speciall loue, which you report the Princesse beares me, béeing not such as you doe imagine: for (noble Prince, and my deare Fréende) you néede not despayre of the benefit whereof I haue so solemnely assured you. After many other speeches, they slept till the next mor­ning, when clothing themselues in their richest garments, they went and gaue the good morrow to the Soldane, who verie honourablie thanked them: and Palmerin espying conuenient occasion, thus began.

My Lord, you haue sufficient experience, that by the bountie and great fauour of the Gods, you haue obteyned victory against your enemies, to the no little content of your Subiects: all which béeing so happily finished, base were the thought, to feare the perfection of higher enterprises. [Page] Therefore my Lord, I thinke it expedient, so it may stand with your good liking, considering your prouision for the sea is in such readinesse, your people likewise acquainted with your intent, before we meddle with the Brethren of A­marano, came daily in troupes to offer their seruice: that now you send your Armie to Constantinople, for your an­swere once heard, right soone will we embarke our selues, and set forward on our voyage. For the rest, I pray you deliuer these prisoners to be vsed as your slaues: but as for the Princes, I thinke (hauing séene the fortune of theyr Brethren, and their owne badde successe in Armes) that they will serue you with continuall loyaltie. My Sonne, quoth the Soldane, let all bée doone as you haue appointed, for such is my confidence in you, that your intent cannot but sort to good ende: wherefore my Gallies and al things readie furnished, depart when you please, hauing first sent your Souldiers abroad.

The Prince Olorico beeing present, offered againe to go in this voyage, with like number of men, as he brought against the Brethren of Amarano: for which the Sol­dane greatly thanked him, promising him such satisfaction at his returne, as should agrée with his owne content. Al­chidiana taking in ill part the words of Palmerin on the Prince Oloricos behalfe, sent for him to come speake with her, which hée did, and finding her very sad and melancholy, hée demaunded if any one had doone her displeasure, and what the cause might bee of her pensiuenesse. Ah my déere friend, quoth shée, how can I but be agréeued, séeing no one Lady in the world, hath so many contrarie fortunes as my selfe? Alas, my heart hath chosen you for my onely Lords and Friend, thinking to finde place woorthy my conceite, and that your loue would answere me with the like: but in ought I can perceiue, I am too much beguiled, for you, ei­ther as ingratefull or carelesse, vse affecting spéeches to me, importing no other ende, but that in leauing you, I should take the Prince Olorico for my Husband. Do you imagine [Page] me so mutable and inconstant, that I will or can loue anie other but you? or that my affection intirely setled so high, can brooke such a downefall, as to like the man so much in­feriour to mée? And (which most of all offendeth me) not contented to mocke me, in disdaining my knowne loue, so discourteously would perswade me to choose another? Let all our Gods be iudge, if I haue not iust cause to complaine of you, albeit I haue greater cause to hate and despise my owne selfe: for in that I haue more then deserued your loue, yet (as too much vnwise) I cannot consider, that in the heart of an ingratefull person, loue hath no place of cer­taine abyding. But seeing our gods haue in such sort sub­iected mee, as (against my will) I am constrained to loue mine enemie: in vaine were it for me to resist against them, that they beholding the vnspotted loue of the one, may in the ende punish the ingratitude of the other. Th [...]s thin­king to continue longer spéech, so many violent sighs inter­cepted her, as she was not able to proffer one word more, whereby Palmerin enforced, thus answered. I beséech you Madame, crosse me not with these néedelesse words, for al­though the Prince is so worthie to be loued, as any man that euer I saw: yet were I very much vnprouided of witte, and a méere stranger of good consideration, if I would refuse that speciall felicitie, then which I can desire no greater.

I knowe (swéete Lady) that you loue mee intirely, perswade your selfe then, that my loyaltie is no lesse, nor can death make mee gainesay the promises I haue made you: and were it not to the great disaduantage of mine ho­nour, to leaue the honourable warre your Father hath in­tended, which might procure each one to misconceiue of mee, assure your selfe, that I would forsake dignities, Armes, and all, to do you the seruice you worthily deserue: all which at my returne, feare not, shal be effected. So well could Palmerin dissemble the matter, as the Princesse was somewhat better pacified, and taking his leaue of her, re­turned [Page] to the Soldane: before whome he caused to bee brought, the Princes and Lords that were prisoners, and at his request Maulicus gaue them libertie, with this charge notwithstanding, that they should serue him in his warre. Which that they might the better accomplish, he comman­ded them horse, armour, and all other things necessarie, ma­king all possible spéed could be deuised, that his armie might set forwards to sea.

Chap. XXII.

QUickly Palmein consented to embarke the Armie, desiring the Prince Olorico to accompanie him to the Hauen, to make choyse of the best vessel for them­selues: and suruaying them all, they found a goodly Carricke, new and very well appointed, wherein many priso­ners lay chained, which had beene taken by the Soldanes gallies, and other Rouers of the Moores, of whom Palmerin demaunded what people they were, they answered that they were christians, and had long time liued there in that thraldome. Palmerin not a little glad of these newes, asked of what Countrey they were, whereup­on one of them that could well sp [...]ake the Arabian tongue, answered. Wee are all of Allemaigne, to whome Fortune hath excéeded in crueltie. These wordes were maruailous welcome to Palmerin, and for which inwardly he thanked [Page] his God: but the better to dissemble his ioy, he thus spake. This Countrey should séeme to be very farre from hence, because I neuer heard thereof before. So finding this ves­sell fitte for his purpose, hée appointed it for himselfe and the Prince Olorico, discharging all other that were there­in, two Knights onely excepted, to whose charge hee com­mitted the Christians: causing his Horses, Tents, and all other necessaries, to be carried abroad, as well the Prince Oloricos as his owne, accomplishing euerie thing in such order, as within thrée dayes after the Souldiers were rea­die to depart: and nowe the day is come to launch away, when the Soldane and other Taborlanes, accompanied the King of Balisarca to the Hauen. But the faire Alchidiana would not bee séene, by reason of her great greefe for her Friendes departure: for when shee came to take her leaue of Palmerin in his Chamber, shee fell (in a manner) dead at his féete, soone after shee deliuered these lamentable spée­ches.

This is no common farewell my beloued Lord, which you now take of me, but say it is my very last adiew: for my heart perswades mee that I shall neuer sée you more, because the extremities of my sorrowes are such, as well I know I cannot long endure. Adiew my sweete Fréende, who in stéede of my ioy and comfort, leauest me in despayre, which neuer can haue ende but by immediate death. God Madame say not so, quoth Palmerin, for I hope right soone to sée you againe. So leauing her, Olorico and he went to­wards the Hauen: the Prince beeing so passionate to leaue her sight, by whose swéete lookes his life was maintained: as had not his friendly companion comforted him, vnable was hee to departe the Pallace. But béeing nowe come to the Port, and féeling the winde and sea seruiceable, loth to trifle the time with any longer stay, they came to take their leaue of the Souldane, who tooke great care for theyr contentment, and many times embracing Palmerin, com­mending to him the disposition of all his affayres, sayd. My [Page] noble Sonne and friend, I vowe to you in presence of our Gods, that if you returne hither againe with victorie, with such honours I will endowe you, as shall be sufficient for the whole worlde to talke on. Palmerin humbly kissing his hande, went aboord, the Marriners hoysing sayle, launched foorth into the Sea, with such a braue noyse of Drums, Trompets, Clarions, Cornets, Fifes, and other instruments, as though Heauen and earth would haue en­countred together. Palmerin thus floting on the go­uernment of Neptune, imagined how with safety he might forsake his companie, wherefore he commanded to vnbinde all the Christians. For (quoth hee to Olorico) séeing they are Marriners, and well skilled in the art of Nauigation, they may stand vs in good stéede, if time so require, or any sodaine tempest should assaile vs: but the better to beguile his owne people, he caused them to sweare their faithfull seruice to him.

The neght being come, and he séeing that euerie one slept soundly, called two of the Christians, and in the Alle­maigne tongue thus beganne. My Friends, giue thanks to God for your fortune, in that you Christians haue founde one of your faith and religion, who hath good hope shortly to deliuer you from these heathen helhoundes: therefore set feare apart, and regarde well your Quadrant, if you can compasse any meane to get the coast of Allemaigne. The Christians more glad then can be expressed, answered, that they would accomplish his commandement, and therefore he should repose his trust in them. About midnight, as God would, beganne a great tempest and blustring of winde, so that in despight of the Pylots and Marriners, the Fléete was seuered in many parts: but the Christians perceiuing that this winde serued well for their auaile, kn [...]w so well how to order their course, that in short time they got farre inough from their companie, and thus continued the winde for tenne or twelue dayes, for which Palmerin deuoutly [...] God.

[Page]So happily strained Palmerin with his Allemaignes, that one of them at length tolde him they were neere the straites of Gibraltare, for which Palmerin not a little ioyfull, said, that they might passe Spaine without any feare, and so the sooner reach Allemaigne. But when they began to coast the straight the Turkish marriners were amazed, saying that the Christians knew not their course, beeing more then eight hundred thousand leagues foorth of theyr compasse.

Palmerin fearing to be discouered before hée came to his intent, aunswered in choler, that the Christians knewe their course much better then they did, and they to prate no more on paine of their liues: which threatning presently droue them all to silence. Afterwarde they sayled with so good winde, as they tooke landing at a Port in Allemaigne, which at this day is called Tolledo, when the Christians said to Palmerin, how that was the place where they were borne, where (if so he pleased) they desired their libertie. Palmerin assuring them of their request, answered that hée himselfe would land there, and therfore went first on shore, feigning to séeke fresh water, and all ihings accomplished to his owne desire, he caused his Horse to be brought forth, and Oloricos likewise, who was importunate to beare him companie. No sooner was Palmerin on shore, but he knéeled downe, giuing thanks to God for his safe deliuerance. The Marchants and Marrines of the Citie, séeing them whome they thought lost in the Sea more then tenne yéeres before, were greatly abashed, welcomming them home with excée­ding ioy, but they answered, that they ought rather to thanke the Knight in gréene Armour, for hee deliuered vs from the Moores and Infidels, without request of any ran­some.

Olorico amazed at these signes of ioy, as also when hee sawe Palmerin pray, knew not well what to thinke, which Palmerin presently perceiuing, and to resolue him of all doubts whatsoeuer, sayd. No longer neede I know my good [Page] Lord and Friende, to hide the affaires and secrets of my heart from you, know therefore that I am a Christian, and a Gentleman of the Emperours Court of Allemaigne. But that which most of all gréeueth me, is, that I am constray­ned to forsake your companie, and returne againe to my Lorde, for too much should I offend my God, to go with you to the Soldanes seruice. Wherefore my louing friend, let me intreate you to holde me excused, swearing to you by the faith of a Knight, that whether else it shall like you to go, I will accomplish your minde in any thing. I intreate you likewise, to entertaine al my Squires and Gentlemen into your seruice, and among them to share all my treasure in the Shippe, because I will haue nothing with me but my Horse and armour. And notwithstanding all this, feare nor to present your selfe before the Soldane and Al­chidiana: for to them will I write such matter of you, as they shall accept you in my place, and with as great honour as euer they did mee. If heauen so fauour mee as I may come to the knowledge of my father, I will certifie you with the truth of all. As for my counterfeiting to be dumbe, was onely but to awaite opportunitie, when with safety I might escape thence.

If Olorico at the first was amazed, what may be iud­ged of him nowe? notwithstanding, hee loued Palmerin so perfectly, as hee returned him this answere. Although Syr Palmerin, wee are of contrary faith and opinion, yet hath your noblenesse and humanitie gained such priuiledge ouer me, that as you haue long time liued a Christian among the Turks, so for your sake will I liue a Turke among the Christians, dissembling in like sort as you did, and neuer shall any occasion force mée to forsake you, till you haue found your Father, and know if he be discended of the Sol­danes bloud. No honour will it be for me nowe, to returne again to the Assirian Princes, and as for my people, I force not though they go backe againe with my treasure: for on my Knighthood, I will bee no richer then you, nor will [Page] reserue any thing with mée, then what belongs to a Knight errant, which is Horse and Armour. For the rest, let For­tune do the worst she can, I hope for all this, one day to be King of Arabia. Then noble friend, be not offended, for I will beare you companie, if death and strong imprison­ment doo not withhold mee. Palemrin embraicng him, saide.

Ah worthie Prince, so noble is your minde, and repleate with fidelitie, as perswade your selfe to find me your loyall Brother, and fellow in Armee, neuer to forsake you while I can lift my Sword, so please you to abide with mee. So calling the chéefest of them in the ship, they sayde as much to them as you haue heard, commaunding them not to stir from Arabia before they heard some other tydings. As for their strange conceit at these newes, I bequeath to your iudgements, yet durst they not gainsay their Maisters, but launching into the deepe, sayled backe again into their own Countrey.

Palmerin and Olorico for this night lodged in the Cit­tie, to refresh themselues, and the next morning, after they had taken leaue of the Merchants, they deliuered, they set forward on their iourney. Continuing their trauaile thrée daies together, at length they mette a Knight, who séeing them armed after the Turkish manner, sayde. Gentlemen, God saue ye, if I should not seeme troublesome to you be­cause I iudge you to be strangers, I would gladly knowe if you could tell me any tidings of two Knights, which long since left this Countrey. Howe were they named? (quoth Palmerin) Syr saide the Knight, one of them is Trineus, Some to our dread Lord the Emperour, and the other, the most valiant Palmerin d' Oliua. Two yéeres and more since they left the Court, without any newes what became of them, sauing that wee heard they were a while with the King of England, and thence they conuayed his Daughter, the Emperous continuing so sorrowfull for theyr losse, as e­uery houre his death is expected. May it be (quoth Palmerin) [Page] that all this while Trineus is not returned? What daun­ger will noble Allemaigne receiue, by loosing their young Prince? Ouercome with exceeding griefe and sorrow by re­port of these vnhappie tidings, to himselfe he beganne in this maner.

What shall I doo? dare I be so presumptuous, as to present my selfe before my Mistresse? what sufficient excuse can I make for the loue of her brother? Doubtlesse, if it were such a hell to me, to finde the meane for my departure, from that long captiuitie in the Soldanes Court, much more will it be to me now in the search of the Prince, for without him I dare not approach the Emperours presence. While he thus secretly discoursed with himselfe, he became so excéeding pas­sionate, as Olorico thought he had lost his sences: which was the cause, that without any further enquirie, the Alle­maigne Knight departed from them: when Olorico, ama­zed at this suddain alteration, said. How now Sir Palmerin, what hath moued you to this heauinesse? I beséech you con­ceale not the cause from me: for if it be by any offence, that the Knight offered which spake to you, soone shall I deliuer him his penance. Therefore tell me I pray you, for vndoub­tedly I will not suffer you to rest, vntill you haue acquainted me with the truth. Palmerin knowing how déerly y ^• Prince loued him, and that for his sake he had left Country, parents and friends, reposing on his loyaltie, imparted his loue to him, as also the lesse of Trineus and the Princesse Agriola, Olorico then laboured to perswade him, aduising him to compasse some secret spéech with his Ladie, of whome hée might learne how to recouer her lost brother, and the faire Agriola of England againe. Palmerin following this coun­sell, pacified himselfe, and kept himselfe so closely as he could, from being knowne to any.

Chap. XX.

SUch expedition in their iourney made these noble companions, that at length they arriued néere a castle, which was foure leagues from Gaunt, where the Emperour as then was, disposed to hunting for the delight of the Ladies: but chéefely to expell his owne melan­choly, for the losse of his sonne, as also to recreate the Princesse Polynarda, who shadowing the cause by her Brothers absence, lamented continually for her noble Friend Palmerin, of whome shee could vnder­stand no tydings, albeit she had trauailed her verie vtter­most endeuours, which forced her to so manie extreame imaginations, as the very least was worse then death it selfe.

The Emperours trayne lodging each way about the Castle, hindered our two Knights from any good hostage, so that they were constrained to abide in a little simple house, where they demaunded of a Courtier that lay there, what time the Emperour would depart thence, who aun­swered, that his highnesse was minded that day to returne to Gaunt, to conferre with the Princes electours of speciall affaires concerning the Empire. Palmerin ioyfull heereof, caused his Horse to bée brideled, and accompanied with [Page] Olorico, went and ambushed themselues in a little thic­ket, néere the high way where the Emperour must needes passe, to the ende he might beholde his Ladie Polynarda, Palmerin attending her comming who was the onely sup­port of his life, his heart leapt with conceite of his ioy to come, yet trembled likewise because hee durst not present himselfe before the imperiall maiestie, without the noble Trineus.

Soone after, by the Guarde of Archers that came for­most, hee well perceiued the Emperour was at hand, when remembring the honors and fa [...]ours he had receiued in his Court, the teares trickled downe his chéekes, chéefely for want of his highnesse sonne, who was so especially com­mitted to his trust, then followed the Empresse, and with her the faire Princesse Polynarda, clothed all in black, wit­nessing by her outwarde habit, the secret sorrowes of her heart. Her thoughts still hammering on her priuat gréefes, yet assailed with a sodaine motion, shee gaue such a sigh as Palmerin easily heard it, which troubled him in such sort, as without the assurance of Olorico, hee had fallen downe from his Horse. Polynarda beholding his sodaine alteration, without any regarde of her Mother, called Vr­banillo the Dwarfe to her, who since his comming from England neuer boudged from her, and to him she sayd. Hast thou héeretofore (Vrbanillo) séene these two Knights, which shaddow themselues in the wood side while wee passe by? No trust mee Madame (quoth the Dwarfe) I neuer sawe them to my remembrance. I pray thee, said she, ride to them so fast as thou canst, and demaunde of th [...]m from me, of whence they are, and if they can tell any tydings of thy maister, and my Brother Trineus. The Dwarfe, who was more then a Doctor in such affaires, dissembling that his Horse would stale, suffered the traine to passe by, and then rode towards the knights, who were deuising on the Princesse beautie. Palmerin well knowing Vrbanillo, and séeing him come in such hast, was not a little glad, thinking [Page] now he should heare some newes of his Mistresse, where­fore he saide is Olorico. I pray you let vs goe méete this Horseman, for I thinke his returne is onely to vs. Nowe was the Dwarffe come to them, and hauing humbly salu­ted them, said. I beséech you faire Knights to tell me whe­ther you belong to the Emperour, or are straungers, for the Ladie whome I serue, is verie desirous to knowe, and that for matters néerely concerning her, whereof if you can a­ny way truely resolue her, your rewarde shall aunswere your owne contentment? What Vrbanillo? quoth Palme­rin, lifting vp his Beuer, didst thou not knowe thy Mai­ster? Oh Heauen, (quoth the Dwarffe,) praised by thy ma­ker for euer for this aduenture. And moued with extreame ioy, he fell at this Maisters féete, saying. Ah my Lord, what comfort will this be to the Princesse Polynarda, when shée shall vnderstande your presen [...]? and not without iuste cause: for by this meane is shée deliuered from the greatest torments in the worlde. And that nothing may want to furnish this long expected ioy, tell me if the Knight in your companie, be the Prince Trineus or no? It is not hée, quoth Palmerin, for it is more then a year since, that of him, and faire English Agriola (after that I vnfortunate lost them) heard anie certaine report. For this cause Vrbanillo, it behooues thée to be faithfull and secrete, not discouering my béeing héere to any but my Ladie, of whome thou must learne, by what meanes I may best come to sée her. The Dwarffe taking his leaue of his Maister, turned his Horse to be gone: but comming backe suddainlie againe, saide. Is this Sir Ptolome that is with you? Madame Brionella will not be a litle glad to hear of him likewise. Nor is it he, (quoth Palmerin) I lost him in company with the rest. God will re­store them one day againe, saide the Dwarffe, so giuing the spurres to his horse, he galloped till he came to the Princesse, who séeing him returned in such haste, knew not well what to think: [...] fearing to be discouered by a k [...]ight that accom­panied her, determined not to request his tidings, vntill shée [Page] came home into her Chamber. But neuer was poore Louer in greater agony, when she expected her friend in some pri­uat place, then was the faire Princesse at this present: where­fore, so soone as shée came to her Chamber, shée called for the Dwarffe, who being come, shée said, I pray thée Vrbanillo, by the reuerend dutie thou owest mée, whence are the two Knights, and what answere did they make thée? They are such swéet Madam, quoth the Dwarffe, as when all the men in the world could tell no tydings of, my selfe by happie for­tune haue found: for by them I bring you the Key of Para­dise, if your self wil but find the meane to enter. Tush, I pray thée quoth the Princesse, iest not with me in this sort, for now is no time of sport or meriment: tell mée who they are I de­sire thée? Know then fair Madam, quoth he, that one of them is my Maister Palmerin, who thus concealeth him, because he hath not brought the Prince your brother with him, and he (humbly kissing your hand) commends him to your graci­ous fauour, desiring you to send him answer, how he may se­cretly speak with you, because he wold not be knowne to the Emperor, or any other of y ^• Court. How welcome these long expected newes were to the Princesse, I leaue to the opinion of long absent friends. O heauens, quoth she, doth Palmerin liue, and is so near at hand? now hath my hart his only desi­red comfort: and such is my hope, that séeing he is come, my brother (by his meanes) shall not be long hence, to such good fortune are all his actions destenied. Presently she ran to tell Brionella these newes, who likewise was excéeding ioyfull, because she imagined Palmerins companion to be her Pto­lome. Whereupon they concluded togither, that Palmerin should the night following come to the Gardein, where first his swéet Amours were sollicited, and by a L [...]dder of Cords he should ascend their Chamber. This resolution set downe, the Dwarffe departed to execute his charge, when Polinar­da thus began to Brionella. Ah my deare friend, how im­possible is it for me to hide the ioy my heart conceiueth, that was so late in such surpassing heauinesse?

[Page]What will my Ladies now thinke, when they be­hold their Mistresse so pleasaunt? Let them speake what please them, (quoth Brionella) should you render them ac­count of your behauiour? yet thus I thinke, that your dis­cretion is so good, when you haue séene the onelye comforts for your cares, that you can so wel dissemble your thoughts, as the most warie eye can hardly discerne you. Well haue you said, (quoth the Princesse) if loue could be gouerned by wisedome: but the pleasure which the wisest haue recey­ued by his rules, hath in the ende discouered [...] and folly. Such were the speeche betwéene these two La­dies, attending the night in good deuotion, when each one thought to sée her Lorde and best beleued, that their lo [...]y sorrowes might somewhat be qualified.

The Dwarfe beeing gone on his message as you haue hearde, the Knights repeted themselues on the greene [...] till Sunne setting, that they might the more [...] en­ter the Cittie: and the time béeing c [...]me that they woulde sette forward, Palmerin said to Olorico. My Lorde, [...] will take this by waye which leadeth to the Cittie, [...] in­tende before I depart, to heare same n [...]wes from my Mi­stresse. Goe which way you please (quoth the Prince) yet mu [...] I néedes meruaile at you, that you woulde bee so long absent from such an excellent Princesse: trust me, Alchi­diana is fayre, yet may not shee be equalled with your lady. The gréefes I haue endured, said Palmerin, by my long ab­sence, are not to be spoken off: yet could I no way [...] my returne sooner. By this time they were come to the Cittie, and to a lodging appointed them by Vibanillo, who béeing now come to his Maister, deliuered the message hée was commaunded. Palmerin vnderstanding his Mistress [...] pleasure, presently vnarmed himselfe, and wrapped a scar­let Mantle about him, taking his tru [...]ie Sworde vnder his Arme: hée intreated Olorico, to staye there till hée returned, or heard further tydings from him, leauing Vrbanillo in his companie, with charge to vse him as his owne person. [Page] He béeing come to the walles of louelie Paradise, sounde the Ladder reatie prepared for him, whereby hée made a spéedie passage: and finding Brionella there staying his comming, embracing her sweetly, saide. Trust me Ladie, the want of Sir Ptolome your Fréende, dooth not a little gréeue me: but by the grace of God, ere it be long I hope to bring him with me. Ah my Lord quoth the, right happie is your comming: for your presence hath béene héere most of all desired. But albeit shee sette a good countenaunce on this aunswere, yet were her secret sor [...]owes innumera­ble, beeing deceiued of the comfort shée [...]. Palmerin who thought hée stayed too long from his desire, woulde tri­fle no further time, but entred his Ladies Chamber: who angerly had throwne her selfe on a Pallet, because hée staied to speake with Brionella, then falling on his knee before her, hée offered to [...] her hande, which with dissembling disdaine she would not suffer him, saying. Truelie you shall receiue no fauour of mée, before I knowe certainlie who you are: for I stand in doubt to bée deceiued, and that you ar [...] some other then my Palmerin, seeing you haue béen so long time from me, and (which is more would neuer vouchsafe to send to me.

Then taking a light in her hand, and [...] behol­ding him, hardlie coulde [...] sette it from her againe: when welcomming him with an infinite number of swéete kis­ses, [...] saide. Now knowe I well [...] is my Palme­rin: what Countrey might be so [...], or fortune so contrarie, that could withholde you all this while from me? O that it might haue stoode with mine honor, for my selfe to séeke you foorth: with good will could I haue endured the trauaile, yea much more then you haue doone for mée. How often (considering the daungers of the Sea) hath ve­ry death surprised me [...] and into how manie sundrie opinions haue I fallen, sometime to disguis [...] my selfe into a mans attire, to enter the e [...]tate of a Knight errant, and beg [...]ne a search which neuer shoulde bee ended, till I founde you? [Page] For this hath bene receiued as a generall rule, that by [...] long sufferance and expectation, one may endure a thousand deaths: and thinke not but the very least of my afflictions, haue bene of force to depriue my life. Consider that griefe, de­sire, remembrance, languor, sorrow, hope, suspition, teares, complaints, and other such like passions common in loue, continually beate vpon the heart with burning affection: and to such inconuenience their issue growes, as the vitall spirit is chased from the bodie. For Gods sake Madame, quoth Palmerin, leaue these wounding spéeches, and suffer me to take a litle life, in b [...]holding that which is no lesse diuin [...] the humane, for my offence deserues not these accusations. Thē discouered he all his fortunes passed, which droue the Prin­cesse to no litle admiration, when she said.

Beléeue me my Lord, séeing that by your meanes my Brother Trineus is lost, for my loue, and to satisfie your promise to my Lord and Father, you must néedes goe finde him againe. That shall I Madame, quoth Palmerin, but before I begin this iourney, let me intreate that fauourable regard: which is the comfort in loue, and vniteth life & soule togither, which heretofore you haue graunted, and I hope will not now deny me. What may I iudge (quoth she) of your constancie since your absence? for not long since I was sollicited with a vision, which tolde me that you commited breach of loyaltie with a Quéene, to my no litle griefe: al­though full often I reprooued you therefore, to cause you for­sake that sinns, when me séemed the Quéene thus answe­red. Be thou assured Polynarda, that although Palmerin estéeme thée aboue all other, yet shall he leaue some part of his loue with me. Hearing these words, I brake forth into tears, wherewith you séemed to be moued, and so forsaking her, followed me: and herewith I awaked, finding (indéed) my face besprent with teares, and my heart ouercome with insupportable griefe. Palmerin abashed hereat, remembred what entertainment the Quéene of Tharsus made him at the Banquet, of her sundry delights and great fauours for [Page] his arriuall, her piercing, amorous, and alluring spéeches, wherewith incessantly shee did sollicite him: and such was conceit, as he verely perswaded himselfe, that by enchaun­ted practises she had abused him, wherupon he said. I swear [...] to you Madame, by the religious vowes of our loue, that ne­uer did. I commit such wrong against you: if the Quéene of Tharsus of whome you haue spoken, did not one night de­ceiue me by an enchaunted drinke, which vnwittingly I re­ceiued as I sate at supper, causing me to loose both sence and vnderstanding: and so acquainted her with his dreame that night likewise.

Doubtlesse my Lord, quoth she, considering the extre­mitie of her affection, she practised some meanes to compasse her desire: but séeing it fell out in that sort, and beléeuing you would not willingly offend me, I am contented to pardon that fault. In these and such like spéeches, they spent that night, and foure more afterward, all which time Palmerin was kept vnséene in her Chamber: till his departing time being come, when the Prince attiring her selfe in her w [...]n­ted mourning garments, and shaping her countenance to her former sorrow, throwded her pleasures past, and thus we will leaue them, returning to our Affirian [...] sayling on the Sea.

Chap. XXIIII.

THe tempest which had thrown Palme­rin on Hercu [...]es pillars, after many lōg and contagious stormes, began n [...]w to cease, the Sea béeing faire and calme, and the windes very quiet, whereupon the king of Balisarca General of the Ar­mie, in short time assembled togither the most part of his Fléete, and came vpon the Coast of Natolia, where hée attended the rest of his Foystes and Galleyes. And hauing there [...]ayed about fif­teene dayes, among all the Shippes that came, hée could heare no [...]dings of Palmerins Carrick: the long slay wher­of caused him to doubt, least he had vnhappily [...] in the Sea, and ouercome with excéeding gréefe, hee thus be­gan.

Ah gentle Palmerin, the flower of all Chiualrie, in lucklesse howre didst thon betal [...]e thy selfe to the Sea: what answere shal I make the Soldane for the [...] the Prince Olorico, béeing so especially committed to my trust? Nowe cannot Fortune [...] so fauourable to vs as she would: for by thy losse I vtterlye despayre of expected vic­torie. To cut off these [...] complaints, he was counsel­led by the Lords, Knights and auncient Captaines, to sette [Page] forward to Cōstantinople, to discharge themselues of their promise to the Soldane, least in returning without dealing with the enemie, they should be reputed for fearefull & faint­harted [...]owards. Setting their sailes to the wind, at length they came to the Bosphor. Now was the Emperour veri [...] aged and sickly, hauing altogither committed the superinten­daunce of the Empire, to his sonne Caniano, who had a son aged [...]eaurntéene yéeres, named Cariteos. And being aduer­tised of the comming of so manie Assiri [...]ns, Turkes, and Moores, hée sent to all the Christian Princes for succour: the greater parte whereof, was there as nowe arriued, with resolute determination, to welcome these Infi­dels.

When the Emperours scoutes had espied the enemi [...] to enter the straight, yong Cariteos beholding the Knightes on all sides, some on the walles, and other in the Fielde, came and knéeled before his Graundfather, earnes [...]lye desi­ring him to graunt him his Knighthood. For my Lord, quoth he, a better time and occasion cannot be then newe. The aged Emperour graunted his request, and with the teares in his eyes, said. In the name of God, my Sonne, maist thou receiue thy order, and to the glorious maintenaunce of the Christian faith: albeit thy youth forbids thée to venture so soone.

Presentlye arose the yong Knight Cariteos, and clas­ping on his Helmet, was the first that went foorth of the Cittie, accompanied with tenne thousand Horsemen, and twentie thousand Footemen, to hinder the landing of the enemies: which a great while hee did with such valour, as the Hauen was channged with the bloud of the slaught­red. The King of Balisarca hearing thereof, commaunded his Archers to their taske, [...] shafts [...] so thicke in such multitude, as it were the Hayle that falleth from the Cleudes: and on the other side hée gotte thi [...]tie thousande men on land, who assayled the Christians so [...], as yong Cariteos was slaine, and a great [...] of noble [Page] personages, which was the cause that the Christians retired to the verie Gates of the Citie. The Prince Caniano aduer­tised of his sonnes death, and the great daunger wherein the [...], issued foorth of the Cittie with eight thousande Horsmen, and foure thousand hardie Archers, who like hun­gry Tygers ranne vpon the Turkes, beating them to the earth in such heapes, as twelue thousand of them were slain at this encounter, and the rest repulsed backe to their ships, where many entred for sauegard of their liues, and a great number were miserably drown [...]d in the Sea.

At this mishap the King of Balisarca was greatly e [...] ­ged, who with his power presently went on shore: the fight enduring so cruell and bloudie thrée howres space, as ney­ther side could be reputed likeliest of victorie. In this en­counter ended their liues, the King of Balisarca, his Sonne Gueresin, and a great number of Cailiffes and Taborlanes of Turkie: and of the Christians, the Prince Caniano, with diuers other great Princes and Lords, whose deathes are to this day lamented in Greece: yet were the Pagans and Christians so animated one against another, as darke night was the cause of their seperation. When the Empe­rour vnderstood the death of his Sonne and Nephew, hée was readie to die with conceit of griefe: but séeing the ne­cessitie of the time required other matter, then sorrowing teares and vnprofitable lamentations, hée presently dis­patched Postes and Messengers, to haste [...] the succour was comming from Christendome. In short time arriued a mightie Christian power, and despight of the Turkes en­tred the Cittie, when the Emperour presently sent tenne thousand into the Field, and prouided a signall for the other, to set fire among the Turkishe Fléete, at what time they receiued the signe from the Cittie. The Infidelles séeing the Christians to sallie abroad, left their Shippes and came to méete them: whereupon the Christians diuided themselues into squadrons, and running furiously on the Moores, Arabies, and Assirians, made such hauocke and slaughter of [Page] them, as happie was he coulde best defend himselfe. Then suddainly was the signall of fire made, on the highest stéeple in Constantinople, to the Emperours power wasting on the Sea: which immediately launching among the Turkish Fléete, suncke the greater part of them, and burned the rest with their wilde fire. When the Turkes beheld this strata­geme, and that they were now destitute of any helpe, they beganne to faint: so that at the comming of the Emperour, who came himself vpon them, with a fresh sallie of fiue thou­sand men, they were all slaine, except a fewe that escaped in­to Galleyes, that brake from the rest vpon fight of the polli­cie. Great was the spoyle gotten by this conquest, which the Christians taking with them, entred Constantinople, where they gaue God thankes for their happie victorie.

But although the Emperour sawe his enemies van­quished, after the Princes were departed that came to his succour, right gréeueus was the losse of his Sonnes to him: wherefore his Lordes aduised him, to send for his da [...]ghter the Quéene Griana, and King Tarisius her husband, and to commit the gouernment of the Empire to him. For the ac­complishment of this generall determination, the Duke of Pera was appointed Lord Ambassadour, being one of the most auncient Princes of Greece: who accompanied with many noble Gentlemen, made such expedition in his iour­ney, as hée arriued in Hungaria, before the King and his Quéene Oriana, whose sorrowes may not be expressed for the death of her brother. When they vnderstood the Empe­rours pleasure, they resolued on their obedience, which cau­sed the King to sende for two of his Nephewes, who were sonnes to the Duchesse of Ormeda his sister, the one named Promptaleon, and the other Oudin, to be his Lieutenants in Hungaria during his absence. Upon their presence, before the Ambassador of Constantinople the King Tarisius tooke their oathes, for their loyall and faithfull gouernment. But because we must now reuiue matter long expected, as con­cerning the noble Prince Florendos of Macedon, I am [Page] loth to spende any further time in vaine, and will now re­port what happened at Buda, during the time of this deter­mination.

Chap. XXV.

LOrdings, let vs nowe remember how after that Palmerin was departed from Macedon, hauing recouered the health of the olde king Primaleon, Father to the noble Prince Floren­dos, who during the time of Palme­rins presence, was somewhat more pleasant then of long time he had béene, appeasing his com­plaints for the Princesse Griana, by the happie tidings of the ancient knight, that sent the shéeld to Palmerin at his knigh­ting. But now Florendos hearing no newes of him, retur­ned to his former heauines, and languished much more then euer he did: so that when the Macedonian Princes & Lords pressed him with continuall request of marriage, that hee might haue issue to succéede in the Kingdome, hee was con­strained by their importunitie, to make them promise of their request, crauing a yéeres respite before, in which time he intended to make a deuout voyage, whereto they consen­ted in respect of his promise. Nowe did he not demaunde [Page] this time of his Subiects, for any desire he had to bée a Pil­grim, or any superstitious zeals to the Spanishe Leather Cape, Shooes, Frocke, and such like: but for he longed to sée his swéete mistresse Griana, whom he serued in heart with such loyall affection, as till death he would not marrie with out her consent and licence.

The day being come that he would depart, he tooke his leaue of all the Princes, Lords and Gentlemen, and accom­panied with Frenato Father to P [...]olome, both caped after the manner of Pilgrimes: mounted on two Palfrayes of small value, and without anie weapons, except each of them a little short Dagger, departed the Cittie, making such haste in their iourney, as they arriued at Buda, where as then the King kept his Court, prouiding to set forwarde to Constantinople. There were they lodged in one of the best Osteries in the Cittie, and the next morning went to the great Church, where the Quéene was euer woont to heare diuine seruice: and so well it fortuned, that at the time these two Pilgrims entred the Church, the Quéene her selfe was in the Chappel. Florendos who was maruaileusly disguised, stoode not in doubt to bee knowne: but séeing the Chaplaine had begunne seruice, hypocritically he appro­ched to Aulta [...] with holie deuotion, to the ende hee might the better beholde the Quéene. Regarding her swéete coun­tenaunce, he remembring the courtesies he sometime recey­ued of her, and what excéeding affection as then shée bare him: but now being in the custodie of another, and he out of hope to haue any more gracious pittie, his spirits were so wonderfully troubled, and so manie passionate sighes hée breathes from his heart, as he fell downe in a swoune, that euerie one reputed him for dead. The Quéen, who manie times had noted his pit [...]ious lookes, commaunded Tolo­mestra one of her Ladies, shée that had the charge of her in the Tower of Constantinople, that shee should go vnder­stand the Pilgrims disease, and do the best to recouer him a­gaine, which Frenato had done before she came.

[Page] Tolomestra demanded of Frenata, the cause of his sicknes [...], who answered. Madame, we are newly come from the holy voyage of Ierusa [...]em, and hee (who was wont to endure many vehement alterations, which the contrary ayres by the waye do [...] bréede) féelyng the freshe coolenesse of this Church, hath therewit béene ouercome as it should ap­peare.

My friendes, quoth Tolomestra, withdrawe your selues to the Court, and enquire for the Gallery, in which place the Quéene dooth daily giue her almes: there shall be prouided some remedie for you, and I will giue you cer­taine precious Drugges, which shall héereafter comfort you, when any such humour offendeth you. A thousand thankes (good Ladie) sayd Frenato, we will doo as you haue commaunded vs. Seruice béeing ended, they went to th [...] Gallery, whither soone after came the Quéene, and ope­ning the Casement of her Window as shée was wont, stood to behold the Almes giuen to the poore Pilgrims. Frenato and his companion had gotten so neare the Windowe, that the Quéene might easily heare any thing they sayd. After most humble reuerence made, Florendos thus beganne. Most excellent Quéene, renowmed beyond all other Ladies, among so many of your daily charities, may it please you to pittie the most poore and miserable Knight in the world? The Quéene at these wordes knewe him, and was in such feare least the King should know of his being there, as shée could hardly sustaine her selfe, but satte downe on a Pallet by Tolomestra, who séeing her suddaine alteration, sayd. What ayle you Madame, that your colour changeth in such sort?

Ah my trustie friende (quoth the Qu [...]e) the Pyl­grime that swouned in the Church, is the [...] Floren­dos of Macedon. I pray thée goe to him, and [...] him presently to depart hence: for if the King come to the know­ledge of him, all the worlde cannot shéelde him from death. For the rest, will him follow no further, what he lost by his [Page] owne default: and that the sauour héeretofore graunted, my duetie and honour now forbiddeth mée. Tolomestra en­tring the Gallerie, saide the message to the Prince Floren­dos, who vnderstanding this sharpe answere, shed manie teares with gréefe, saying. Ah my déere Fréend Toleme­stra, desire my gracious mystresse Griana, that in requitall of so manie tormenting passions, which nowe twentie yéeres I haue patiently endured, shée will affoord me once so speake with her, and kisse her hand before I depart. To­lomestra brought this answere to the Quéene, perswading her to heare him speake, which shée might do with safetie, vnder colour of requesting to know the maruales of Pale­stine, with the precious and worthie monuments of the ho­lie Citie.

I am content to graunt so much (quoth the Quéene) but I greatly feare the issue of his spéeches, go then and cause him secretly to enter. Ah gentle habit, where-under many doe often beginne their delight, which in the ende proues woorsse then Tragicall. The two Pilgrims béeing entred, Florendos [...]ell on his knée before his Ladie, and kissing her hand, sayd.

O my God, thy name be praysed through all worldes, permitting mee to kisse these handes so long time desired. Sée héere swéete Mistresse your Florendos, that with such loyaltie hath loued you, and hitherto hath kept the fayth, which hée vowed to you at Constantinople in your fathers Pallace, and which no death can make me falsifie or change, vnlesse you please to suffer me take another wise, wherein I shall satisfie the importunate requests, which daylie th [...] Lords of Macedon make to me for marriage, that I might leaue them an heyre of my linage. Which is a matter so grée [...]ous to me, in that I failed of you to whom I first gaue my fayth, as I resolued neuer to take any other, which I knowe not how I shall performe without losse of my life. As he thought to haue procéeded further in spéeches, and the Quéene hauing not answered one worde, vnhappily the [Page] King entred, which the Quéene beholding, swouned with feare. But she was immediately recouered by her Ladyes. When the King séeing her in such estate, and in what secre­cie the two Pilgrim [...] talked with her, hée gathered some suspition, and ouercome likewise with the force of iealousie, saide.

Madame, what make you here at this time? and in so slender companie of Ladies, how dare you stande talking with these Straungers? I woulde gladly know the mat­ter, and what hath made them so bold to enter your Cham­ber? Florendos séeing his affaires to growe from badde to woorsse, and that his Ladie was so threatned, entring into choler, he drew his Dagger from vnder his Frocke, and ta­king the King by the bosome, said: Tarisius, I will not hyde from thée who I am: it is more then twentie yéeres since I promised thy death, and nowe I am come in person to per­forme it. With these wordes he stabde the Dagger to his heart, and downe fell Tarisius dead at his féete: which when the Quéene saw, she on the other side fell in swoune again. Frenato greatly amazed hereat, sayde to Florendos. For Gods sake my Lord let vs shift for our selues, before this misfortune bée blazed abroade. Content thy selfe, sayd Flo­rendos, neuer shall it bee reported that I left my Ladie to suffer for mine offence: or that for the feare of death, which is the ende of all mishaps, I will endure such intollerable anguishes and torments.

Now by ill fortune one of the Pages of honour atten­ded on the King, and hauing séene this homicide, hastili [...] ranne downe the stayres, crying aloude. Arme ye Knights, arme ye, and reuenge the Kings death, who by a trayterous Pilgrime is slaine in the Quéenes Chamber. Cardino one of the Quéenes Squires, her brother that caried yong Palmerin to the mountaine, had no leysure to take anie other armes then a Sword and Shéelde, wherefore he was the first that came to the Quéenes Chamber, where hee found Florendos guarding the entraunce, who presentlie [Page] knew him, saying. Depart my good Friend Cardyno, vn­lesse for the Quéenes loue I shal take thy life from thée. And what art thou (sayde Cardyno) that knowest mee so well? I am thy Fréend (quoth the Prince) the most vnfortunate Florendos.

Straunge it is my Lord, quoth Cardyno, that you durst venture into this Court: but take héere my Swoorde and Sheelde, and defend your selfe, for I thinke you will stande in great néede thereof. In the means while, I wil go aduer­tise the Duke of Pera of this mishap, he is your good fréend, and by his meanes you may haue some succour: for often­times haue I heard him say at Constantinople, that he wi­shed you as well as my Lord the Emperour. Dispatch then said Florendos, that thou be not found héere with me, assu­ring thée, if I may escape this daunger, I will acknow­ledge this seruice to thine owne content. Florendos armed himselfe with the Sword and Shéeld, whereof hée was so glad, as if hée had béene backed with manie trustie fréends: vowing before he died, to make such a spoyle among his e­nemies, as should remaine for an after memorie. Cardyno went with all diligence to the Duke, and secretly acquain­ted him with all this misfortune: whereat the Duke greatly amazed, answered, I will do my vttermost for his safetie, because full well he hath deserued it. And so accom­panied with many Grecian Knights, he went to y ^• Quéenes Chamber: and thrusting through the throng in despight of them that guarded the stayres, bée got to the Chamber. At the entrance whereof he found Florendos defending him­selfe with such manly courage, as nine or ten lay slaine at his féete.