CHAP. I. Of the Birth of Bevis, and of the Death of his Father.

IN the Reign of Edgar, King of England, there was a most Renowned Knight, whose Name was Sir Guy, the Earl of Southampton, whose Deeds did exeed all the Valiant Knights in this Kingdom; who thirsting after Fame be­took himself to Travel: And first he sailed into France, Flanders, Almain, Brabant, Sicily, Denmark, Calice, Gascoine, Hungaria, Spain, Estland, Norway, Picardy, Scotland, Lum­bardy, Wales: All these Parts he travelled in his Youth, and Conquered all his Opposers with his unmaster'd strength, and Victorious hand, fighting under the Banner of Christ, agaist all Withstanders whatsoever they were. Thus spending the best part of his strength for the Glory of Christ, and the honour of his Coun­try, he then returned into England again: King Edgar hearing [Page] that Sir Guy was returned, sent a Messeger for him presently to do him honour for the valiant Deeds that he had done: Sir Guy with all speed rode to the King, by whom he was Royally entertain­ed, and all his Nobles; and after great Feasting, the King, accord­ing to Sir Guy's desert, made him High Steward of England: then Sir Guy would betake him to a Wife, and the King of Scot­land having a fair Daughter, Sir Guy made suit unto her: but the Emperors brother of Almain was a Suitor unto her likewise, and she loved Sir Murdure better then she loved Sir Guy; but the King her Father knowing Sir Guy to be a most Noble Peer of England, he gave his Daughter to him in Marriage: yet still she affected Murdure best; but Guy not knowing her hatred to him, retured with great Pomp into England, with his deceitful Lady. Not long after this he had a Son by her, and they name him Be­vis: At the Birth of his Child was exceeding Ioy and Triumph, with many Sanquectings; Then Sir Guy was confident his Ladies Heart was firmly link'd to his, with the never-breaking Bands of Love; but he good Knight, was much deceived; for she (like Janus) bore a double face, one for Sir Guy, which frowned, but the other, which was for Sir Murdure, smiled; for his Wife percei­ving he was old, betook her self to love Sir Murdure, and called a Servant to her, whom she might well trust, and said; Thou must sail into Almain with speed, and keep my secrets, and say unto Sir Murdure the Emperors Brother, that I greet him kindly, and that I do desire him to provide a great company of Knights and Gentlemen to come along with dim into England, with all speed, and meet my Husband, which is hateful to me to look on, and tell him, that I will send Sir Guy into my Forrest, pur­posely to be slain by Sir Murdure; and then tell him I am his: Bid him perform this and live with me; the time he shall meet Sir Guy, shall be on the first of May. The Message being deli­vered, Sir Murdure was resolved to perform what she command­ed: so on the first of May she feigned her self very sick and weak, and called for her Husband, and said unto him, That she would desire him to go into the Forrest, and slay a wild Beast for her to eat. This worthy Knight not thinking of her Treachery, took a Steed, girt a Sword about him, and with a Spear in his hand, [Page] rode to the Forrest with speed: By this time Sir Murdure and his Company was entred the Forrest, who meeting Sir Guy, said, Traytor, for the love I bear to thy Lady, thou shalt quickly lose thy life, and after this, i'le slay thy Son; for why, thy Wife belongs to me. With that Sir Guy set Spurs to his Horse, and rode with such violence against this Murdure, that he threw him out of his Saddle: Then Sir Murdure thinking he should have been slain, cryed out to his followers, who came presently and set upon Sir Guy, and swore he should lose his Life: Then Sir Guy desired but to fight with Sir Murdure hand so hand, and then if he lost his Life, he would forgive them all; but they would not grant his request, but slew him presently, and cut off his head, and sent it to his Lady; who received it joyfully, and gave the Messenger a great Reward: this Treachery being ac­complished, Sir Murdure made hast unto the Castle of Sir Guy; and there was Royally received of Sir Guy's Wife: where for a while I leave them to their pleasures, and now come to speak of young Bevis.

CHAP. II. How Bevis kept Sheep; and how he went to his Fathers house, and slew the Porter of the Gate, and many other things that happened.

BEvis hearing how basely his Father was killed, ran to his Mother, and vowed if ever he came to Age, that he would be revenged on her, and on that base Traytor, Sir Murdure. With that his Mother gave her Son a box on the ear, which fell'd poor Bevis to the ground: Sir Sabere, being Brother to Sir Guy, was very sorrowful for the death of his Brother: and seeing his Nephew so misused, catch'd him up in his Arms, and carried him away: his Mother sent presently after Sir Sabere, privately to murder her Son Bevis: Sir Sabere said he would, & drest Bevis [Page] in old Cloaths, and sent to keep his Sheep: so Bevis went to the top of a Hill near his Fathers Castle, where his Vncles Sheep were. In the mean time Sir Sabere killed a Pig, and dipt the Garments of the Child in the blood thereof; poor Bevis all this while sot weep­ing upon the Hill, but hearing Trumpets sounding at his Fathers Castle, and much Melody, for joy that his Mother had obtained her desire, Bevis cast off care of keeping Sheep, & ran with his Shep­herds Crook on his Shoulder to the Castel, and knocking at the Gate, the Porter denied him entrance: With that young Bevis with his Crook, gave him such a bang on the Crown, which fell'd the Porter to the earth; then into the Hall he went, where Sir Murdure sat at Table with his Mother, and many Knights and Ladies (though all in Rags, he shewed them of what house he came on) and with a violent blow struck Sir Murdure under the Ta­ble, and swore if it had not been against Nature, he would send his Mother after his own Father. With that all the Knights in the Hall sought to lay hands on him; but Bevis forc'd his way through the midst of them, and got clear away: Sir Sabere méeting Bevis running from the Castle, said, Where hast thou been? Bevis an­wered, at my Fathers Castle, where I slew the Porter of the Gate and Knockt my Father under the Table, and was about to kill my mother, but that Nature taught me the contrary: Alas, said his Vncle, thou hast betrayed us both, yet once more will I save thee. The mother of Bevis (like a woman distracted of her wits) came running to her Brother in great hast, and said; What? hast thou not flain that young Villain? Madam, quoth he, he is dead: Vil­lain, said she, thou lyest: If thou dost not make him away the sooner, it shall cost thy life and his both: Madam, said he, behold his Cloaths dipped in blood: Bevis hearing her speeches, stept out of the Chamber, and was ready to tear her in pieces, but she escaped out of his hands by the help of her Brother: then she en­treated Sir Sabere and another Knight to cast Bevis into the Sea, and drown him, which they did consent unto, to pacifie her wrath,

CHAP. III. How Bevis was sold unto the Panims, and carried over the Sea into Armony, and presented to King Ermine.

AND going to the Sea-side, they met with Merchants of Ar­mony, Sir Sabere sold Bevis to them: the Merchants soon arrived in Armony, and then presented Bevis to the King; the King gave them many thanks, and swore by his God Mahound, he never saw such a sweet fac'd Boy in all his life: Then the King asked him where he was born? In England, said Bevis: Whose Son wast thou there? said the King: Sir Guy's of Southampton quoth Bevis: I have heard much talk of thy Father (said the King) and by Report he was a valiant Knight as ever yet drew Sword: I have but one fair Daughter said the King) and if thou wilt forsake thy God, and serve Apoline our god, thou shalt have my Daughter to Wife, and enjoy my Kingdom after me. Not so, my Lord, said Bevis, for all the Beauties in the World I would not deny my Creator. Then said the King, wilt thou be my Chamberlain? and when I find, thy desert, I'le dub thee a Knight, and thou shalt bear my Standard in the Field against my Foes: What you please to command me, my Lord said he, save denying of my God, I will do. Bevis was so be­loved of the King, that none Durst speak against him; Nay, Josian the Kings Daughter was in love with him. As it chanced on Christmas-day Bevis rode into the Field to recreate himself, and meeting with threescore Sarazens, one of them asked him what day it was? Bevis answered, I know not; for I was not seven years old when I came out of my own Country: Then said the Sara­zens, upon this day thy God was born, and wilt thou not honour thy God on his Birth-day. Yes, said Bevis, if I was as well armed as my Father was, you should know that I would honour this day better than ever you honoured your god Apoline: With that they all run upon him, thinking to kill him presently: but Bevis having no Weapon, got one of their Swords away, and with the same made their Steeds to run home without their Ri­ders; for he slew and wounded all the Sarazens. The King hear­ing [Page] what Bevis had done against his god Apoline, swore he should dye; then Josian down on her knees, and desired her Father that Bevis might live, which the King granted: then Josian went to Bevis and kissed him, and dressed his Wounds, and then brought him to the King her Father; who, when he saw Bevis so wounded, the Tears ran down his Cheeks, and then he prayed Josian to do the best she could to cure his Wounds, which she per formed in a little space; so Bevis grew as sound as ever he was.

CHAP. IV. How Bevis one morning slew a mighty wild Boar in the Forrest.

VVIthin that Country there was a great Forrest, and within the same there was a mighty wild Boar, that devoured Man, Woman, and Child; Bevis hearing of him, one Morning early he saddled his Steed, and took a good Sword by his side, and rode to the Forrest, to try a Combat with his wild Boar; and ri­ding to and fro, it was his luck to find the Cave where this wild Boar was, and as he tyed his Steed to a Tree, out came the Boar, and so assailed Bevis, that he was fain to shrink back: then Bevis recovering ground, made at him with a Spear, and burst it all in pieces; then out he drew his Sword, and laid many a hea­vy blow upon the Boars Bristles, but could not make any entrance into the flesh; & at last by good fortune the Boar came at him with an open mouth, and Bevis having that advantage, with one violent blow cut his upper Iaw asunder: at which the Boar gave such a cry, as would have frighted a thousand men, had they been in the hearing of it: then into his throat Bevis thrust his Sword and kil­led him outright, and with much ado cut off his Head, and stuck it upon the Truncheon of his spear, and so mounted himself upon his Steed, and as he was riding homewards, twelve Forresters set upon him to take the Boars head away, that they might get the Honour which Bevis had ventured his life for: And indeed Bevis was unprovided; for he (with very joy that he had slain the Boar) left his Sword behind him, but yet he made a pretty [Page] shift with them, for he killed nine of them, and the other three ran away: and then Bevis had frée way to ride to the Court without any hindrance. There was many spectators to behold Bevis with the Boars-head, among which company was fair Josian beholding Bevis with great joy: and Bevis seeing Josian smile, began to ride Majestically towards her, and entred the Court, fair Josian bad him welcome, and brought him to the King; so when Bevis pre­sented the Boars-head, the King received it, and gave Bevis many thanks, and swore by Apoline, for slaying the Boar he would do him great honour.

CHAP. V. How Bevis was made a Knight, and a General of Twenty Thou­sand Men, to go against Brandmond.

ABout this time King Brandamond sent an Ambassador to King Ermine, to have fair Josian to his wife or else he would beat him out of his Country: Then Ermine assembled all his Lords and Barons together to advice what to do: some said it was better to let Josian go, rather than to hazard the loss of his Crown and Kingdom: Josian knowing their resolution spoke to her Fa­ther in this manner: Father (said she) if you will be pleased to make Bevis General over an Host of men, he would maintain your right and conquer your Foes. The King hearing of his daughters words sent for Bevis and dubb'd him a Knight, and chose out twenty thou­sand men to go under Sir Bevis's Command: then Josian fitted on his Armour, & gave him a Sword called Morglay; then she brought him a Steed called Arundel; so Sir Bevis being mounted, Josian viewed him well, and smiled at him, and Bevis smiled on her again; and then saluting her, away he rode with all his Host against Brandmond and his Host: Brandmond seeing Bevis's Army to be no more, laughed at them; Dost thou laugh, said Bevis? I'le make thee curse the time that ever thou camest hither; then setting his Golden Spurs to his Steed, he ran full drive at Brandmond, that Brandmond thought sure he should have dyed at that hour, and [Page] seeing Radison was slain, his heart began to faint: The Armies both did fight couragiously, and many men were lost on both slides: then Brandmond took two of Bevis's Knights Prisoners, but Bevis met with them, and felled Brandmond to the ground, Horse and all, and took him Prisoner: O sir, said Bevis, I'le have you to Josian: save my Life, cryed Brandmond, and have me whither thou wilt: so Bevis returned with great Victory, and was Roy­ally entertained of the King; and then Josian broke her mind to Bevis; quoth she, by Mahound, I do desire to be thy Love; Not so Lady, said Bevis, I'le wed no Heatheness; Which words she took very scornfully; Bevis, perceiving her anger, said, Lady adieu, for I shall never see you again; and so he left her, and went to his Chamber; then Josians heart began to throb, and what to do she knew not; at last she sent two Knights unto him, to desire him to come unto her, but Bevis would not? then she went her self, and said, My Lord, I would entreat you not to leave me now, but grant me that I shall be thy Wife, and I'le do whatsoever thou wilt have me to do; I'le forsake my Gods, and turn a Christian for your sake, Sir Knight, or any thing else that will please you. At these words Sir Bevis's heart began to melt, and being over­joyed, he took her in his Arms and kissed her: The two Knights that Bevis redeemed from Brandmond, hearing what words passed between Bevis and Josian, told to the King, which made him mad with Bevis; so to bring Bevis to his end, the King wrote Letters to Brandmond, to put Bevis to death, who was the bearer of the Letters. Where I will leave him, and speake a little of Bevis's Vncle, Sir Sabere, who was much grieved for Bevis, and sent his Son Terry in search for him; who travelled many Heathen Lands yet could not find out Bevis; but he swore never to see England again, if he sound him not.

CHAP. VI. How Bevis went on his Journey with Letters from King Ermine to King Brandmond, which concerned his own life; and how he fought with the Sarazens in Damas, and how he pull'd down the Idols, and how they put him in Prison, and what after befell.

THen took Bevis his Letters, and posted away towards the the Land of Pavy, and has he rode, he saw a Palmer, to whom he said, What Country-man are you, good Palmer? I am an English-man, said the Palmer, and I seek for one I cannot find: what is his Name, said Bevis? His name is Bevis said the Pal­mer, my Fathers Brothers Son: I have heard of his Name, qd. he, put I do not know him: I would I could find him said the Palmer; He is about these Countries, said he; So after some discourse, they parted; for Bevis, would not make himself known, but away rode he to Damas City, where the King did live, which was a most stately place: & entring into the streets, the He thens were sacrificing to their Gods, which was odious for him to behold: What Devil do you serve here, said Bevis? and ran to the God Mahound, and pulled him down from the Altar, and threw him into the Channel: Then all the Sarazens sought with Bevis, but he plaid his part so valiantly, that he made the streets to run down with blood: for he laid about him so fast, that there was full two hundred Sarazens killed that bout: then some went to the King and told him all that was befell to the God Mahound, and how many were killed: the King all in a rage, swore by Mahound, Apoline, and Terganant, he should dye for his bold attempt, and as the King was going to see what he should be that had done this Outrage, Bevis met him at the Gate of his Pallace, and seeing the King, fell down on his knees, and delivered his message: The King took the Letters, and did read them, and they proved Treason against poor Bevis; to this effect they were; That King Brad­mond should put Bevis to death: Thus Ermine betrayed him that before had kept him from destruction: Bevis seeing what he must trust to, with manly courage began to make another great slaugh­ter [Page] among them, four or five at every blow he brought to the ground he struck such heavy strockes, that his Sword broke, and after with his Fists brought to the ground sixty Sarazens more: at last the multitude overcome him, & bound his hands that he could not stir: Alas, said Bevis, let me not dye a Dogs death but give me an horse and armour, & a good sword, and I will fight against an hundred thousand of you, so I dye fairly in the field, I care not: but all cryed out against him, and said, hang him, others said burn him, some said starve him to death: then bespake the King: he shall be devoured by the two Dragons in the Dungeon; with that they were all con­tented So in the Dungeon was he cast, but they untyed his hands by good fortune: in the Dungeon he found the Truncheon of a Spear: the Dragons seeing a Prey, made at him very strongly, but he dispatcht them both, and then he was at rest a while.

CHAP. VII. How Josian demanded of her Father what was become of Bevis.

FAther, said Josian, where is Sir Bevis? he replyed, he is gone to his Country. At this time came King Jour, intending for to wed Josian, which he obtained. And Ermine gave Jour Arun­del and Morglay, which belonged to Bevis. This Josian no way could avoid: Now all this time Bevis was in Prison, and the Koepers would go down to see him, being he had been there the term of seven years, and fed with nothing but Bran and Water, they thought he was wondrous féeble, but he wos so strong, that he kill'd them both, being midnight, and so get out clear, and took a Steed, and away he rode: now when he was gone, they quickly followed, and Sir Grandere mounted on Trunchifise, overtook him: with that Bevis turned about, and smote Grandere on the Head, which blow clove him asounder down to the Girdle; then Bevis leayt off his Steed, and got upon Trunchifise; then he rode forward again. By this time many thousands of Sarazens were in pursuit after him, & followed him so close, that he was forced on Trunchisise back to swim over the River; and when he was come to Land, with [Page] very hunger he was ready to faint; and as he rid along, he saw a Castle, where a great ugly Gyant lived that was Sir Grandere's Brother; thither he hyed and bounced at the Gate which rouzed the Gyant out of a Dream, and coming out, said, How now Fel­low? what art thou weary of thy life? How camest thou by Trunchifise my Brothers Steed? Why, said Bevis, as I served thy Brother, so sle serve thee presently: I come for Food, and that ile have before I go: Wilt thou so, quoth the Gyant? by Apoline I swear, thou shalt win it before thou hast it; I, I, said Sir Bevis, ile Dine at thy Castle, and thou shalt sup with the Devil: shall I so, quoth he? and up with a mighty Bar of Iron, and struck at him, which blow he wonderfully mist, but it beat out Trunchi­fise's brains: Bevis seeing that, nimbly leapt out of Saddle, and laid upon the Gyant most stoutly: the Gyant finding that he was very strong, with a violent force he struck a Dart into his shoulder; then, in the heat of blood, he made a full blow at the Gyant, which parted his Head from his Body: then into the Castel went Bevis, and forced the Gyants Wife to taste both meat and drink, and he fed after her: then into the Stable he went, and took a goodly Horse, and rode away from thence to find out fair Josian, whom he dearly loved: and it happened that he met with a poor Palmer, to whom he said, Who liveth in yonder Castle? Marry, quoth the Pal­mer, there dwelleth King John that married the fair Lady Josian; and is the Queen living,, said he? Yes, sir Knight, said the poor Palmer: I will give thee my Steed for thy Weed, said he, With all my heart, replyed the Palmer, and thank you too: then he leaped off his back, and gave his Steed to the Palmer, and so put on the Palmers Weed, then he took his way to the Castle, where he found abundance of joys more than he lookt for but at the first, Josian did not know him, yet still he and she talked, that he got so far into Josians favour, that she gave him leave to see Arundel, and then she knew Sir Bevis: for his Steed Arun­del hearing him speak, broke seven Chains asunder, and Neigh­ed: then Josian took Bevis uside into her Garden, and there they both concluded to be gone: Boniface her Chamberlain was a trusty friend unto her, and vowed to further their Iour­ney, he would do his best, then said Josian to Bevis; My Lord, you shall stay about my Castle a while, and you shall, [Page] say to the King that you came from Jury, and that King Brad­win is besieg'd by the King of Syrack, and how he is like to lose his Kingdom: In the mean time King Jour came home, and Bevis told him all that Josian bid him: Why sent he not to me, said the King? he did send, replyed he, but his Messengers were taken by Syrack: then Jour swore by Mahound, he would re­venge his Brothers wrong: so with all speed he raised an Army, and went to help his Brother, and left Sir Grassy to rule in his stead till his return; King Jour being gone, they gave Sir Grassy a sleepy drink, which made him lye like one that was dead, for four and forty hours: in the mean time, Bevis, Josian, and Boniface, got great store of Moneys, and costly Iewels, and then away they came for England: and as these three travelled, they were so hard pursued by Sir Grassy, that they were forced to take for their suc­cour a Cave for shelter; so there they stayed all one night: Next morning Sir Bevis went out to kill some beast or other to dress for Josian, for she was hungry: The while Bevis was abroad, there came into the Cave two dreadful Lions, which slew poor Boniface and eat him; whilst Josian trembling with fear, the Lions went to her, and laid their heads in her Lap: By this time Bevis retur­ned to the Cave, & seeing the blood and bones of Boniface, won­dred at it, and entring the Cave, Josian said, good Bevis be careful, for here is two Lions in the Cave with me, and they have slain Boniface and eaten him: Bevis answered, art thou alive? by this I know thou art a pure Maid. Josian replyed, I will hold the one whilst thou kill the other; Nay, said he, let them both come toge­ther; then Josian set them at liberty, and they came full drive at him, but he with his good Morglay, flew them both presently, and so the quarrel was ended. Then Bevis & Josian refresht themselves and rode onward on their Iourney, and as they went, there met them Ascapart, an ugly Gyant, who was thirty foot in length, and a foot between his Eye-brows, he was bristled like a Swine, and his blobber lips hung a one side; and meeting, Ascapart said, stand, thee and thy Lady must along with me; Not so, said Bevis, thou shalt have but one of us, for I will try my Manhood with thee first, and if you get the day, take it and welcome; Then Josian held Arundel whilst he fought with Ascapart; the fight continued a long time, yet Bevis avoiding his heavy blows, gave Ascapart [Page] many a wound, made him roar extreamly: and being mad, he laid at him with his cruel Bat, thinking for to beat out his Brains, but with that stroke his foot slipt, and down he fell; Bevis would have smote off his Head, but Josian being pittiful, said; Do not so, let him go with us: Lady, said Bevis, he may betray us: By all my Gods, said Ascapart, I swear if thou wilt save my life, I will be true to thee and thy Lady, and do you what service I can? Then rise and live, said Bevis: So Bevis and Josian mounted Arundel, and away they rode, with Ascapart by their side, till they came to the Sea, where they found many Sarazens and a Ship bound for Christendom, but the Sarazens would not ferry them to the Ship; then Bevis and Ascapart made great slaughter among them, and killed a bundance of them: then said Ascapart let me alone, I will carry you to the Ship, Horse and all: so he took the Horse under his Arm, with Bevis and Josian and waded to the Ship, where they had welcome, and so sailed into the Land of Colen, where dwelt a Bishop that was Bevis's Kinsman, who bad them very Wel­come; and after much discourse, the Bishop said; What Country Lady is this? Bevis answered the King of Almonies Daughter, and she would become a Christian for my sake. And what ill-favour­ed Lubber is this, said the Bishop? He is my Page, said he, and Josian and he would fain be christened; this Lubber is too big to be carried by a Midwife to the Font, said the Bishop; that is true quoth Sir Bevis. But in the end Josian was christened by the Bi­shop, and Ascapart had a Font made on purpose to be christened in that was very large; but when he came to be christened, Out Devil, quoth Ascapart, thou wilt drench me, I am too big to be christened by thee, and leapt over the Font, and away he went.

CHAP. VIII. How Bevis slew a dreadful Dragon, and what after chanced.

BEvis being in bed, heard a Knight cry, I Rot, I Rot, at which sad noise Bevis wondred: and the next morning he asked what was the cause of that noise: He was a Knight, said they, that com­ing through the street the Dragon met with and cast her Venome upon him, whereof he rotted and dyed, Where is that Dragon? said Bevis; Not far from this place, said they. Then Bevis called Ascapart to go with him, and Ascapart was very willing. So together they went, and when they came near the place where the Dragan was, they heard the dreadfullest Yell that ever was: What Devil is that, quoth Ascapart, It is the Dragon, said Bevis: we shall see him anon. I'le go no further, said As­capart, if she roars so loud before we come to her, what will she do when we fight with her? Fear not, said Bevis, we will teach her how to hold her Tongue, Marry, teach her thy self, said [Page] Ascapart, for I will go back again: then farewel, said Bevis, I will go my self, so forward went Bevis, & backward went Asca­part, Bevis coming near her Den, she made forth, but never was such a Dragon seen in the world as this was, from her Head to Tail was full forty foot, her Scales glistered as bright as Silver, and hard as Fliut; have-at thy Devils face, said Bevis and out he drew his good Morglay, (on the Dragon laid, but her Scales was so hard, his Sword cry'd twang, & never entred: then the Dragon struck Bevis to the ground, & up he got again: but she came on so fiercely that Bevis went back, & by chance fell into a Well, else the Dragon dad destroy'd him; it seems the Well was holy water, & no venome might come within seven foot of it: there Bevis refre­shed himself, & drank of the Water: and recovering his strength, to the Dragon he went again to have the other hour; but the Dra­gon assailed him so sore that Bevis was afraid he should have lost his life, yet with a valiant heart he stood to her stoutly: the Dra­gon finding him so strong bulkt a Gallon of her Venome upon him, which fell'd him dead to the ground, & his Armour burst all to pie­ces: the Dragon seeing he lay so still, she turned him with her tail, that he tumbled into the Well, and the water thereof expelled the Venome, and made himself safe and sound again; then he was a joyful man, and set upon the Dragon again: and when they had fought a long time, the Dragon would have been gone, and think­ing to raise her self, lifted up her wings: Have-at thee now, said Bevis; and with one sound blow hitting her under the wing, pier­ced her to the heart; with that she gave such a cry, which made the earth tremble; she being dead, Bevis be headed her, and put it upon his spear, and so rode home: & when the people saw him coming, they gave a great shout, as at a Kings Coronation, & all the bells in the Town did ring, and all manner of Musick play'd before Bevis, as he rode through the Town, where with great Ioy his Vncle recieved him.

CHAP. IX. How Bevis raised an Army against Sir Murdure.

NOw Bevis was willing to give over Travel, and see to get his own Inheritance; he therefore got an hundred Valiant Souldiers of his Vncle, and sailed into England, and landed near unto Southampton, and sent a Knight unto Sir Murdure, to tell him, that a Knight of Almain, hearing of his troubles, was come to aid and assist him against Sir Sabere: the Knight having told his Message, Sir Murdure desired to see him: Bevis knowing that, went to the Castle; Sir Murdure and his wife bid him very welcome, and then desired to know his Name; my Name is Gerrard, said Bevis, and I hearing of these Wars, have brought over a hundred chosen men, to help to maintain your right: I give you thanks, said Sir Murdure; but you must furnish us with Horse and Arms (quoth Bevis:) I, and of the best I have too, for every man shall chuse his own Steed and Arms, said Sir Murdure: Then have at Sir Sabere, said Bevis: so to Supper they went, and after Supper, Sir Murdure, to make his matter good, told Bevis, that the Castle was once another Knights that was his Predecessor: and said he by misfortune was slain: Had he never a Child by his Lady? Yes, said Sir Murdure: Is he dead or living, said Bevis? I know not, quoth he, when he was, young he sold me his Castle, and all his Inheritance, and spent the Mo­ney, and then went beyond Sea, and what is become of him I can­not tell: If he were such a one, said Bevis, it is no matter where he is. So after many several Discourses of Foreign Coun­tries, to bed they went, and then Bevis & his men were furnished with all things fitting for service. Ships being prepared for that purpose, they took their leaves of Sir Murdure and his Lady for that time, and sailed to the Isle of Wight, where Sir Sabere dwelt.

CHAP. X. How a Knight Wedded fair Josian in Coler, against her Will, and what after befell.

Josian all this while was in Colen with Ascapart; In that Country lived a Knight called the Earl of Milo, who loved Josian, but she would not yeild unto his will; to take her by force he durst not, for fear of Ascapart: Therefore he wrote Letters in the Name of Sir Bevis, that Ascapart should come to him: when he had done, he sent the Letters to Josian, and she received them as from Sir Bevis: and then reading them, [Page] she was very glad to hear from her dearest Friend: so she gave the Bearer a great reward & sent Ascapart with him, not thinking how she was betray'd: when as they came to the Castle, Ascapart was put in a Dungeon, instead of seeing his Master: then the lust­ful Earl went to Josian, & told her how he had served her, & Asca­part was fast in the Castle: Hast thou served me so, said she think not hereby ever to have thy will on me: Then the villian would have ravished her, but she (rather than suffer Rape) yielded to mar­ry him: Then he was very joyful, & sent for all the Kts. & Gentle­men, & the next day was married to Josian: & after great feasting at night to bed she went, & all his valiant Kts. was in the Cham­ber with him: then Josian (to have opportunity) pray'd him to send all the company away, which was performed presently; the Cur­tains being close about the Bed, she made a Noose, & as he sat by the bed-side, she slipping it over his head strangl'd him, & hung him over a beam: In the morning his Friends came to give him joy; Josian said look where he hangs: then they were all amazed, yet they took Josian & carried her to the stake to be burned. In the mean time Ascapart broke out of tha Castle, & got into a Fisher-boat, then rowing himself to Land, he met with Bevis, & told all that had happened: so they both went, & found Josian at a stake to be burned; there they fought couragiously, & released Josian, & then they went all three to Sir Sabere, where they were Royally entertained.

CHAP. VI. How Bevis and Sir Sabere raised Arms against Murdure, with other things that happen'd.

THen Bevis sent word to Sir Murdure, That he thanked him for his Arms, and bad him prepare for Battle: So Murdure and his Host came to the Isle of Wight, where Bevis met with him, and betwten them was a bloody Battel: Sir Sabere, Bevis, and Ascapart, made such havock with them, that they slew all that came near them; and Ascapart took Sir Murdure and carried him to [Page] the Castle, & put him in a Cauldron of boyling Pitch and Brim­stone; the Almain Army fled, and the King of England with his Forces run away. Sir Murdure's Lady seeing this, threw her self

down from the Castle and broke her neck: then Bevis gave rich Gifts to the soldiers, and was placed in Southampton: then he married Josian, & afterwards went to do homage to King Edgar, who was exceeding joyful to see Bevis, & made him Lord Marshal of England: the King's son would have bought Arundel, but Bevis would not sell him for gold nor silver: then the Prince would take him by force; but coming into the Stable, Arundel beat out his Brains: The King hearing this, was in wrath with Bevis, and swore he should dye: but at last it was concluded, he should only be banished the Lynd: so Bevis surrendred up all his whole Estate to Sir Sabere, and took Josian, Terry, and Ascapart along with him. [Page] And as they went, Josian fell in labor; then were they in a Forrest, and Josian bid them walk away till she was delivered: so Terry & Bevis went together, and Ascaprrt went another way; and when she was delivered, Ascapart came to Josian, and carried her away: Bevis and Terry came and found two Children, but not the mother, so Bevis took the Infants, naming the eldest Guy, and the younger Miles, and went his way, and in his journey met accidentally with a Forrester & a Fisherman, whom with good store of Gold he hired to take his Children to Nurse, & engaged them at seven years and to bring them to one Bevis of Hampton, and they should be rewar­ded to their desires: they took the Infants and the Gold, promising to perform all things accordingly; and so Bevis and his Sons parted: but Sabere, and twelve Knights with him, followed As­capart, in Palmers Weeds, and overtook him near the City of Mambrant, fought with him, and slew him on the place: Thus he redeemed fair Josian, to her great joy, and carrying her to his Inn, there he met with Sir Bevis and Terry; at which time, to compleat their happiness, the Forrester and the Fisherman brought Bevis's two Sons, who thanking them both for their care, gave them great Riches, and caused them for to be made Knights: soon after this, there began a fierce War between Jour King of Mam­brant, and Ermine King of Armony, for Josians sake; Where­upon Bevis went to the aid of Ermine, and took King Jour Priso­ner, for whose Ransome he had Twenty Tun of Gold, and three Hundred white Steeds.

King Ermine was so highly affected with this Favour, that for Bevis his sake he turned Christian, and a little before his decease Crowned Guy King of Armony, and Miles he made a Knight, where they lived a space in great happiness & felicity; but King Jour bearing an inward grudge, or inveterate malice against Bevis he once more resolved to try the fortune of War with him; so he raised a great Army of Heathenish Sarazens, who with undaun­ted Courage assaulted Bevis in Armony, being led on by King Jour himself in person: these charged not so gallantly, but they were re­pulsed as bravely, & in short time totally routed by the unconque­rable power of our English Knights. In this skirmish Sir Bevis meeting King Jour, had a single combat with him, in which fight [Page] after many bloody strokes on both sides, King Jour was slain, & his Army was wholly vanquished: Bevis then putting on the Armour of R. Jour, rode to the City of Mambrant, where he was received and welcomed home by the people, instead of their King: He no sooner got possession of the place, but he made them all become his Servants, and renounce their false Gods, and turn Christians, and by this means his fair Lady Josian was the second time at Mam­brant.

CHAP. XII. Containing the Conclusion of the History.

WHilst Sabere continued thus with Bevis, tydings came un­to him, that his wife was disinherited by Edger King of England; whereupon he, with Bevis, Josian, and his two Sons Guy and Miles, marcht to London with a great Army, and fought gainst King Edgar, slew two thousand of his Souldiers for the wrong he had done unto him, and to Sabere, and then he retur­ned to Southampton, where King Edgar sent unto him for a parly and in the conclusion made a peace with him, and agreed to marry his eldest Daughter unto Miles (Bevis his Son) whom at that time also he made Earl of Cornwal; the Wedding being solem­nized with great joy, and variety of Courtly Recreations. Sir Bevis, with Josian and Guy his eldest Son, returned to their se­veral homes. After this, Bevis lived in Mambrant, and then Jo­sian sell sick, who was accompanied by her beloved Husband, both in Sickness and in Death: They dyed both in one day, and were solemly Intered in one Grave by Guy their Son, who raised a stately Tomb over them, to the Everlasting Memory of so Gal­land a Knight, and his most Royal Constant Lady.