The famous history of the seven champions of Christendom St. George of England, St. Denis of France, St. James of Spain, St. Anthony of Italy, St. Andrew of Scotland, St. Patrick of Ireland, and St. David of Wales. Shewing their honourable battels by sea and land: their tilts, justs, turnaments, for ladies: their combats with gyants, monsters and dragons: their adventures in foreign nations: their enchantments in the Holy Land: their knighthoods, prowess, and chivalry, in Europe, Africa, and Asia; with their victories against the enemies of Christ. Also the true manner and places of their deaths, being seven tragedies: and how they came to be called, the seven saints of Christendom. The first part. Most famous history of the seven champions of Christendome. Part 1 Johnson, Richard, 1573-1659? 1696 Approx. 1189 KB of XML-encoded text transcribed from 255 1-bit group-IV TIFF page images. Text Creation Partnership, Ann Arbor, MI ; Oxford (UK) : 2004-11 (EEBO-TCP Phase 1). A46926 Wing J800 ESTC R202613 99825179 99825179 29556 This keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the Early English Books Online Text Creation Partnership. This Phase I text is available for reuse, according to the terms of Creative Commons 0 1.0 Universal . The text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. Early English books online. (EEBO-TCP ; phase 1, no. A46926) Transcribed from: (Early English Books Online ; image set 29556) Images scanned from microfilm: (Early English books, 1641-1700 ; 1834:21a) The famous history of the seven champions of Christendom St. George of England, St. Denis of France, St. James of Spain, St. Anthony of Italy, St. Andrew of Scotland, St. Patrick of Ireland, and St. David of Wales. Shewing their honourable battels by sea and land: their tilts, justs, turnaments, for ladies: their combats with gyants, monsters and dragons: their adventures in foreign nations: their enchantments in the Holy Land: their knighthoods, prowess, and chivalry, in Europe, Africa, and Asia; with their victories against the enemies of Christ. Also the true manner and places of their deaths, being seven tragedies: and how they came to be called, the seven saints of Christendom. The first part. Most famous history of the seven champions of Christendome. Part 1 Johnson, Richard, 1573-1659? [176] p. printed for Ric. Chiswell, M. Wotton, G. Conyers, and B. Walford, London : 1696. By Richard Johnson, whose name appears on A2r. Signatures: A-Y⁴. Running title reads: The honourable history of the seven champions of Christendom. Reproduction of the original in the Harvard University Library. Created by converting TCP files to TEI P5 using tcp2tei.xsl, TEI @ Oxford. Re-processed by University of Nebraska-Lincoln and Northwestern, with changes to facilitate morpho-syntactic tagging. Gap elements of known extent have been transformed into placeholder characters or elements to simplify the filling in of gaps by user contributors. EEBO-TCP is a partnership between the Universities of Michigan and Oxford and the publisher ProQuest to create accurately transcribed and encoded texts based on the image sets published by ProQuest via their Early English Books Online (EEBO) database (http://eebo.chadwyck.com). The general aim of EEBO-TCP is to encode one copy (usually the first edition) of every monographic English-language title published between 1473 and 1700 available in EEBO. EEBO-TCP aimed to produce large quantities of textual data within the usual project restraints of time and funding, and therefore chose to create diplomatic transcriptions (as opposed to critical editions) with light-touch, mainly structural encoding based on the Text Encoding Initiative (http://www.tei-c.org). The EEBO-TCP project was divided into two phases. The 25,363 texts created during Phase 1 of the project have been released into the public domain as of 1 January 2015. Anyone can now take and use these texts for their own purposes, but we respectfully request that due credit and attribution is given to their original source. Users should be aware of the process of creating the TCP texts, and therefore of any assumptions that can be made about the data. Text selection was based on the New Cambridge Bibliography of English Literature (NCBEL). If an author (or for an anonymous work, the title) appears in NCBEL, then their works are eligible for inclusion. Selection was intended to range over a wide variety of subject areas, to reflect the true nature of the print record of the period. In general, first editions of a works in English were prioritized, although there are a number of works in other languages, notably Latin and Welsh, included and sometimes a second or later edition of a work was chosen if there was a compelling reason to do so. Image sets were sent to external keying companies for transcription and basic encoding. Quality assurance was then carried out by editorial teams in Oxford and Michigan. 5% (or 5 pages, whichever is the greater) of each text was proofread for accuracy and those which did not meet QA standards were returned to the keyers to be redone. After proofreading, the encoding was enhanced and/or corrected and characters marked as illegible were corrected where possible up to a limit of 100 instances per text. Any remaining illegibles were encoded as s. Understanding these processes should make clear that, while the overall quality of TCP data is very good, some errors will remain and some readable characters will be marked as illegible. Users should bear in mind that in all likelihood such instances will never have been looked at by a TCP editor. The texts were encoded and linked to page images in accordance with level 4 of the TEI in Libraries guidelines. Copies of the texts have been issued variously as SGML (TCP schema; ASCII text with mnemonic sdata character entities); displayable XML (TCP schema; characters represented either as UTF-8 Unicode or text strings within braces); or lossless XML (TEI P5, characters represented either as UTF-8 Unicode or TEI g elements). Keying and markup guidelines are available at the Text Creation Partnership web site . eng Christian saints -- Early works to 1800. 2004-06 TCP Assigned for keying and markup 2004-08 Apex CoVantage Keyed and coded from ProQuest page images 2004-09 Andrew Kuster Sampled and proofread 2004-09 Andrew Kuster Text and markup reviewed and edited 2004-10 pfs Batch review (QC) and XML conversion The Famous HISTORY OF THE Seven Champions OF Christendom . St. George of England , St. Denis of France , St. James of Spain , St. Anthony of Italy , St. Andrew of Scotland , St. Patrick of Ireland , and St. David of Wales . SHEWING Their Honourable Battels by Sea and Land : Their Tilts , Justs , Turnaments , for Ladies : Their Combats with Gyants , Monsters and Dragons : Their Adventures in Foreign Nations : Their Enchantments in the Holy Land : Their Knighthoods , Prowess , and Chivalry , in Europe , Africa , and Asia ; with their Victories against the Enemies of Christ. Also the true manner and places of their Deaths , being Seven Tragedies : and how they came to be called , The Seven Saints of CHRISTENDOM . The First Part. LONDON , Printed for Ric. Chiswell , M. Wotton , G. Conyers , and B. Walford , 1696. To all Courteous Readers , RICHARD JOHNSON wisheth increase of Vertuous Knowledge . GEntle Readers , in Kindness accept of my Labours , and be not like the chattering Cranes , nor Momus's Mates , that Carp at every thing . VVhat the simple say , I care not : what the Spiteful speak , I pass not : only the Censure of the Conceited I stand unto , that is the Mark I aim at : whose good likings if I obtain , I have won my Race ; if not , I faint in the first Attempt , and so lose the quiet of my happy Goal . Yours in Kindness to Command , R. J. The Author's MUSE upon the HISTORY . THE Famous Facts , O Mars , deriv'd from thee , By weary Pen , and painful Authors toyl , Enroll'd we find such Feats of Chivalry , As hath been seldom seen in any Soil . Thy Ensigns here we find in Field Display'd , The Trophies of thy Victories erected ; Such Deeds of Arms , as none could have essay'd , But Knights whose Courage Fear hath ne'er dejected . Such Ladies saved , such Monsters made to fall , Such Gyants slain , such Hellish Furies quell'd ; That Humane Forces , few or none at all , In such Exploits their Lives could safely shield . But Virtue stirring up their Noble Minds , By Valiant Conquest to enlarge their Fames ; Hath caus'd 'em seek Adventures forth to find , Which Registreth their never-dying Names ; Then Fortune , Time , and Fame agree in this , That Honour's Gain the greatest Glory is . THE Honourable HISTORY OF THE Seven Champions OF CHRISTENDOM . CHAP. I. Of the Wonderful and strange Birth of St. George of England . How he was cut out of his Mothers Womb , and after stoln from his Nurse by Kalyb the Lady of the Woods : Her Love to him , and her Gifts : And how he enclosed her in a Rock of Stone , and Redeemed Six Christian Knights out of Prison . AFter the angry Greeks had Ruined the Chief City in Phrygia , and turned King Priam's Glorious Buildings to a Waste and Desolate Wilderness , Duke Aeneas exempted from his Native Habitation , with many of his Distressed Countrymen ( like Pilgrims ) wandred the World to find some happy Region , where they might erect the Image of their subverted Troy : but before that labour could be accomplished , Aeneas ended his dayes in the confines of Italy , and left his Son Ascanius to Govern in his stead : Ascanius dying , left Silvius to Rule : Silvius Deceasing , left the Noble and Adventurous Brutus : which Brute ( being the fourth Descent from Aeneas ) first made Conquest of this Land of Britain , then inhabited with Monsters , Gyants , and a kind of Wild People without Government , but by Policy he overcame them , and established good Laws : where he found the first Foundation of New Troy , and named it Troynovant , but since in process of time called London . Thus began the Isse of Britain to flourish , not only with Sumptuous Buildings . but also with Couragious and Ualiant Knights , whose Adventureus and Bold Attempts in Chivalry , Fame shall describe what Oblivion buried in Obscurity . After this , the Land was Replenished with Cities , and divided into Shires and Countries : Dukedome , Ear●doms , and Lordships , were the Patrimony of high and Noble Minds : wherein they lived not then like Cowards in their Mothers Bosoms , but merited Renown by Martial Discipline : For the Famous City of Coventry was the place wherein the first Christian of England was born , and the first that ever sought for Foreign Adventures , whose name to this day all Europe highly hath in regard : and for his Bold and Magnanimous Deeds at Arms , gave him this Title , The Valiant Knight St George of England , whose Golden Garter is not only worn by Nobles , but by Kings , and in Memory of his Uictories the Kings of England Fight under his Banner . Therefore Cal●ope , thou Sacred Sister of the Muses , guide so my Pen , that it may write the true Discourse of this worthy Champion . When Nature by true Consanguinity had recreated him in his Mothers Womb , she dreamed to be conceived of a Dragon , which should be the cause of her Death : Which Dream she long concealed and kept secret , untill her painful Burthen grew so heavy that her Womb was scarce able to endure it , so finding opportunity to reveal it unto her Lord and Husband , being then Lord High-Steward of England , she revealed her Dream after this manner . My Honourable Lord , you know I am by Birth the King of England's Daughter , and for these one and twenty years have I been your True and Lawful Wife . Yet never was in hope of Child till now , or that by me your Name should survive : Therefore I conjure you by the pleasure of your Youth , and the dear and natural Love you ●ear to the Infant conceived in my Womb , that either by Art , Wisdom , or some other Inspiration , you Calculate upon my troublesome Dreams , and tell me what they signifie : For these thirty Nigh●s past , my ●ilent slumbers have been greatly hindred by grievous Dreams ; for night by night , no sooner could sweet sleep take possession of my Senses , but methought I was conceived with a Dreadful Dragon , which would be the cause of his Parents Death : Even as Hecuba the Beauteous Queen of Troy , when Paris was in her Womb , Dreamed to be Conceived of a Firebrand , which indeed was truly verified : For Paris having Ravished the Paragon of Greece , and brought Helena into Troy , in Revenge thereof the Grecians turned the Towers of Ilium into Blazes of Fire . Therefore most dear and well beloved Lord , prevent the like danger , that I be not the Mother of a Viperous Son. These words struck such terrour to his heart , that for a time he stood speechless , but having recovered his lost Senses , he answered her in this manner : My most dear and beloved Lady , what Art , or Learning can per●orm , with all convenient speed shall be accomplished , for never shall Rest take possession of my Heart , nor Sleep close the Closets of mine Eyes , till I understand the signification of these thy troublesome Dreams . So leaving her in her Chamber , in company of other Ladies that came to comfort her in her Melancholy Sadness , he took his Iourney to the Solitary Walks of Kalyb , the Wise Lady of the Woods , without any Company , except another Knight that bore under his Arm a white Lamb which they intended to Offer unto the Enchantress . So travelling for the space of two days , they came to a Thicket beset about with old withered and hollow Trees , wherein they were entertained with such dismal croaking of Night-Ravens , hissing of Serpents , bellowing of Bulls , and roaring of Monsters , that it rather seemed a Wilderness of Furies than a Worldly Habitation : By which they knew it to be the Inchanted Uale of Kalyb , the Lady of the Woods , so pacing to the middle of the Thicket , they came to a Cave , whose Gate and Entry was of Iron , whereon hung a Brazen Horn for them to wind that would speak with the Sorceress . First , Offering their Lamb with great Humility before the Postern of the Cave , then exempting all fear , they winded the Brazen Horn , the sound whereof seemed to shake the Foundation of the Earth : after which , they heard a loud and hollow voice , that uttered these words following : Sir Knight , from whence thou cam'st , return , Thou hast a Son most strangely born : A Dragon that shall split in twain Thy Ladies Womb with extream pain : A Champion bold , from thence shall spring , And practise many a wondrous thing . Return therefore , make no delay , For it is true what I here say . This dark Riddle , or rather Mystical Oracle , being thrice repeated in this Order , so much amazed them , that they stood in doubt whether it were best to return , or to wind the Brazen Horn the second time : but being perswaded by the other Knight , not to move the impatience of Kalyb , he rested satisfied with the Answer . Thus he left the Enchanted Cave to the Government of Kalyb , and with all speed dispatched his journey to his Native Habitation : but in the mean time his Lady being overcharged with extream pain and bitter anguish of her laboursome Womb , was forced either to the spoil of her Infant , or decay of her own Life : but regarding more the benefit of her Country than her own safety , and for the preservation of her Child , she most willingly committed her tender Womb to be opened , that her Infant might be taken forth alive . Thus with the consent of many Learned Chirurgions , this most Noble and Magnanimous Lady was cast into a dead sléep , her Womb cut up with sharp Rasors , and the Infant taken from the Bed of his Creation . Upon his Breast Nature had Pictured the lively form of a Dragon , upon his right hand a blood-red Cross , and on his left Leg a Golden Garter : they named him George , and provided him thrée Nurses , one to give him suck , another to keep him asleep , and the third to provide him Food . Not many days after his Nativity , the fell Enchantress Kalyb , being the utter Enemy to true Nobility , by Charms and Witchcrafts , stole this Infant from the careless Nurses : At which time ( though all too late ) her Noble Lord and Husband returned , in good hope to hear a joyful Delivery of his Lady , and a Comfort of a Son : But his wished Joy was turned into an unlook'd-for Sorrow , for he found not only his Lady dismembred of her Womb , but his young Son wanting , without any news of his abode , which woful spectacle bereaved him of his Wits , that for a time he stood sensless like weeping Niobe , but at last brake into these bitter Exclamations . O Heavens ! why cover you not the Earth with Everlasting Night ? Why do these accursed Eyes behold the Sun ? O that the Waves of Oenipus might end my days , or like an Exile , joy in Banishment , where I may warble forth my Sorrows to the whispering Woods , that sensless Trees may Record my Loss , and untam'd Beasts grieve at my want . What Monster hath bereaved me of my Child ? or what Tyrant hath been glutted with this Tragedy ? O that the wind would be a Messenger , and bring me happy News of his abode : if he be drench'd in the deepest Seas , thither will I dive to fetch him up : if he be hid in the Caverns of the Earth , thither will I dig to see my son : or if he like a feathered Fowl lie hovering in the Air , yet thither will I flie and embrace him that never yet mine Eyes beheld . But why do I thunder forth my Exclamations thus in vain , when neither Earth nor Seas , nor any thing in Earth nor Seas will grant me Comfort for his Recovery ! Thus complained he many Months for the loss of his Son , and sent Messengers into every circuit of the Land , but no Man proved so fortunate as to return him happy tydings . He thus being frustrate of all good hopes , stored himself with Iewels , and so intended to Travel the wide World , either to speed in his Iourney , or leave his Boues in some Foreign Region . Thus leaving his Native Country , he wandred from place to place , till the Hairs of his Head were grown as white as Silver , and his Beard like the Thistle-down , but at last he ended his Travel in Bohemia , where , what for Age , and excessive Grief , he laid himself down under a Ruinated Monastery Wall and died , the Commons of that Countrey having knowledge of his name ( by a Iewel he wore in his Bosom ) engraved it in Marble stone right over his Sepulchre , where we leave him sleeping in peace , and return to his Son remaining with Kalyb the Lady of the Woods in the Inchanted Cave . Now twice seven years were fully finished since Kalyb first had in kéeping the Noble St. George of England , whose mind many times thirsted after Honourable Adventures , and often attempted to set himself at Liberty , but the fel Enchantress tendering him as the apple of her Eye , appointed twelve sturdy Satyrs to attend his Person , so that neither Force nor Policy could further his intent . She kept him not to Triumph in his Tragedy , nor to spend his days in Slavery , but feeding his Fancy with all delights that Art and Nature could afford : for in him she fixed her chief Felicity , and Lusted after his Beauty : But he seeking to advance himself by Martial Discipline and Knightly Attempts , utterly refused her proffered Courtesie , and highly disdained to affect so wicked a Creature . She seeing her Love bestowed in vain , upon a time being in a secret corner of the Cave , began to flatter him in this manner . Thou knowest ( my dear George ) how worthily I have served thy Love , and how for thy sake I have kept my Viginity unstained , yet , thou more cruel than the Tygers bred in Libya , rejectest me . Dear Knight , fulfill my desires , and at thy pleasure , my Charms shall practice wondrous things , as to move Heaven to Rain Showers of Stones upon thy Enemies , to convert the Sun to Fire , the Moon to Blood , or make a Desolation of the whole World. The Noble Knight St. George considered in his mind that Love would make the wisest blind : Therefore by these her fair promises he hoped to obtain Liberty , the which moved him to make her this Answer . Most Wise and Learned Kalyb , thou Wonder of the World , I condescend to all thy desires , upon this condition , that I may be sole Protector and Governor of this Inchanted Cave , and that thou describe to me my Birth , my Name , and Parentage : Thereto the willingly consented , and began her Discourse in this manner . Thou art by Birth , said she , Son to the Lord Albert , High Steward of England , and from thy Birth to this day have I kept thee as my Child , within these solitary Woods : So taking him by the hand , she led him into a Brazen Castle , wherein remained as Prisoners , six of the bravest Knights of the World. These are , said she , Six worthy Champions of Christendom ; The first is St. Dennis of France , the second St. Iames of Spain , the third St. Anthony of Italy , the fourth St. Andrew of Scotland , the fifth St. Patrick of Ireland , the sixth St. David of Wales ; and thou art born to be the Seventh , thy Name being St. George of England , for so thou shalt be termed in time to come . Then leading him a little farther , she brought him into a large fair Room , where stood seven of the goodliest Stéeds that ever Eye beheld . Six of these ( said she ) belong to the six Champions , and the seventh will I bestow upon thee , whose Name is Bayard : likewise she led him to another Room , where hung the Richest Armour in the World : so choosing out the strongest Corsset from her Armory , she with her own hands buckled it about his Breast , laced on his Helmet , and attired him with a Rich Caparison : then fetching forth a mighty Faulchion , she put it likewise in his hand . Now , ( said she ) thou art Armed in Richer Furniture than was Ninus the first Monarch of the World : thy Steed is of such Force and Invincible Power , that whilst thou art mounted on his back , there can be no Knight in all the World so hardy as to Conquer thee : thy Armour is of the purest Lydian Steel , that neither Weapon can pierce , nor Battle-Ax bruise : thy Sword which is called Ascalon , is made of the Cyclops , that it will separate and cut the hardest Flint , and hew in sunder the strongest Steel : for in the Pummel lies such precious Vertue , that neither Treason , Witchcraft , nor any other Violence can be offered thee , so long as thou wearest it . Thus the Lustful Kalyb was so blinded in her own conceit , that she not only bestowed the Riches of her Cave upon him , but gave him Power and Authority through a Silver Wand which she put in his hand , to work her own Destruction : for coming by a huge great Rock of Stone , this Ualiant Knight struck his Charming Rod thereon : whereupon it opened , and shewed apparently before his eyes a number of sucking Babes , which the Enchantress had Murthered by her Witchcraft and Sorceries . Oh! ( said she ) this is a place of horror , where nought is heard but shrieks and ruful groans of dead Mens Souls : but if thy ears can endure to hear them , and thy eyes behold them , I will lead thee the way . So the Lady of the Woods , boldly stepping in before , little doubting the pretended policy of St. George , was deceived in her own practices : for no sooner entred she the Rock , but he struck his Silver Wand thereon , and immediately it closed , where she bellowed forth exclamations to the sensless Stones without all hope of Delivery , Thus this Noble Knight deceived the wicked Enchantress Kalyb , and set the other six Champions likewise at Liberty , who rendred him all Knightly Courtesies , and gave him thanks for their safe delivery . So storing themselves with all things fitting to their desires , took their Iourneys from their Enchanted Grove , whose Proceedings , Fortunes , and Heroical Adventures shall be shewed in the Chapters following . CHAP. II. Kalyb 's Lamentation in the Rock of stone , her Will and Testament , and how she was torn in pieces by Spirits : with other things that hapned in the Cave . BUT after the departure of the Seven Worthy Champions , Kalyb seeing her self fast closed in the Rock of Stone , by the Policy of the English Knight , grew into such extream passion of mind , that she cursed the hour of her Creation , and bitterly banned all motions of Conjuration , the Earth she wearied with her cries , whereby the very Stones seemed to relent , and as it were wept pearled tears , and sweat with anguish of her Grief : the blasted Oaks that grew about the Enchanted Rock , likewise seemed to ●ue at her Exclamations , the blustring of Winds were silent , the murmuring of Birds and solitary dumbness took possession of every creature that abode within the circuits of the Woods , to hear her woeful lamentations , which she uttered in this manner . O miserable Kalyb ! accursed be thy Destiny , for now thou art inclosed within a Desolate and darksome Den , where neither Sun can lend thee comfort with his bright Beams , nor Air extend breathing coolness to thy woeful Body , for in the deep foundations of the Earth thou art for evermore enclosed , that hast been the wonder of time for Magick : I that by Art have made my journey to the deepest Dungeons of Hell , where multitudes of ugly , black , and fearful Spirits have trembled at my Charms : I that have bound up the Furies in Beds of Steel , and caused them to attend my pleasure like swarms of Hornets , that overspread the Mountains of Egypt , or the Flies upon the parched Hills , where the tawny tanned Moors do inhabit , am now constrained to languish in eternal darkness : woe to my Soul , woe to my Charms , and woe to all my Magick Spells , for they have bound me in this hollow Rock : pale be the brightness of the clear Sun , and cover the Earth with everlasting darkness : Skies turn to pitch , Elements to flaming Fire , Roar Hell , Quake Earth , Swell Seas , Blast Earth , Rocks rend in twain , all Creatures mourn at my Confusion , and sigh Kalyb's woeful and pitiful Exclamations . Thus wearied she the time away , one while accusing Fortune of Tyranny , another while blaming the Falshood and Treachery of the English Knight , sometimes tearing her curled Locks of bristled Hair , that like a wreath of Snakes hung dangling down her deformed Neck , then beating her Breasts , another while rending her Ornaments , whereby she seemed more like a Fury than an earthly Creature , so impatient was this Enchantress Kalyb ; but being frustrate of all hopes of Recovery , she began again to thunder forth these terms of Conjuration ; Come , come , you Princes of the Elements ; come , come , and tear this Rock in pieces , and let me not be inclos'd in this Eternal Languishment : Appear you shadows of black misty night , Magol , Cumoth , Helveza , Zontdma : Come when I call , venite fastinate inquam . At which words the Earth began to quake , and the very Elements trembled , and all the Spirits , both of Air , of Earth , of Water , and of Fire , were obedient to her Charms , and by Multitudes came flocking at her cast ; some from the Fire in the likeness of burning Dragons , breathing from their fearful Nostrils Sulphur and flaming Brimstone : some from the Water in shape of Fishes , with other deformed creatures that have their abiding in the Seas ; ●●●e from the Air , the purest of the Elements in the likeness of Spirits , and other bright Shadows , and other some from the gross Earth most ugly black and dreadful to behold . So when these Legions of Spirits had encompassed the wicked Enchantress , Hell began to roar such an infernal and harsh melody , that the inchanted Rock burst in twain and then Kalyb's Charms lost their effect : Her Magick no longer endured than the term of an hundred years , the which as then was fully finished and brought to an end ; then the Obligation which she subscribed with her dearest blood , and sealed with her own hands , brought up a Witness against her , by which she knew and fully perswaded her self that her Life was fully finished : therefore in this most fearful manner she began to make her last Will and Testament . First , welcome ( said she ) my sad Executors , welcome my Grave and everlasting Tomb , for you have digged it in the fiery Lakes of Phlegeton , my winding sheet wherein to shrowd both my Body and contemned Soul , is a Cauldron of boiling Lead and Brimstone , and the Worms that should consume my Carkass are fiery Forks which toss burning Fire-brands from place to place , from Furnace to Furnace , and from Cauldron to Cauldron , therefore attend to Kalyb's woful Testament , and engrave the Legacy she gives in Brass Rolls , upon the burning Banks of Acheron . First , These eyes that now too late weep hapless tears , I give unto the Watry Spirits , for they have wrackt the treasures hidden in the deepest Seas , to satisfie their most unsatiable looks : Next I bequeath these hands which did subscribe the bloody Obligation of my perpetual banishment from Joy , unto those Spirits that hover in the Air : my Tongue that did conspire against the Majesty of Heaven , I give to those Spirits which have their being in the fire : my earthly heart I bequeath to those gross Demons that dwell in the Dungeon of the Earth , and the rest of my Condemned Body , to the Torments due to my deservings . Which strange and fearful Testament , beeing no sooner ended , but all the Spirits generally at one instant seized upon the Enchantress , and dismembred her Body in a thousand pieces , and divided her Limbs to the four Elements , one Member to the Air , another to the Water , another to the Fire , and another to the Earth , which were carried away in a moment by the Spirits , that departed with such a horror , that all things within the hearing thereof suddenly died , both Beasts , Birds , and all creeping Worms which remained within the compass of those inchanted Woods : the trees which before were wont to flourish with green leaves , withered away and died , the bl●des of gra●s perished for want of natural moisture , which the watry Clouds de●ied to nourish in so wicked a place . Thus by Iudgment of the Heavens , sensless things perished for the wickedness of Kalyb , whom we leave to her endless Torments , and return to the Seven worthy Champions of Christendom , whose laudable Adventures Fame hath in●olled in the Books of Memory . CHAP. III. How St. George slew the burning Dragon in Egypt , and Redeemed Sabra the King's Daughter from Death : How he was betray'd by Elmido the black King of Morocco , and sent to the Soldan of Persia , where he slew two Lions , and remained seven years in Prison . AFter the Seven Champions departed from the Enchanted Cave of Kalyb , they made their abode in the City of Coventry for the space of nine Months , in which time they erected a costly Monument over the Herse of S. George's Mother , and ●o in that time of the Year , when the Spring had overspread the Earth with the Mantles of Flota , they Armed themselves like wandring Knights , and took their Iourney to seek for Foreign Adventures , accounting no Dishonour so great as to spend their days in Idleness , Atchieving no Memorable Accident . So travelling for the space of thirty days without any Adventure worthy the noting , at length they came to a broad Plain , whereon stood a Brazen Pillar , where seven several ways met , which caused the seven Knighis to forsake each others Company , and to take every one a contrary way ; where we leave six of the Champions to their contented Travels , and wholly discourse upon the Fortunate Success of our Worthy English Knight , who after some few Months Travel , happily arrived within the Territories of Aegypt , which Country as then was then was greatly annoyed with a dangerous Dragon : but before he had Iournied fully within the distance of a Mile , the silent Night approached , and solitary stillness took possession of all living things : at last he espied an old poor Hermitage , wherein he purposed to rest his Horse , and to take some repast after his weary Iourney , till the Sun had renewed his Morning Light , that he might fall to his Travel again : but entring the Cottage , he found an Ancient Hermit overworn with years , and almost consumed with Grief , with whom in this manner he began to confer . Father ( said he ) for so you seem by your Gravity , may a Traveller for this Night crave Entertainment within your Cottage , not only for himself but his Horse , or is there some City near at hand , where unto I may take my Journey without danger ? The old Man starting at the sudden approach of St. George , replyed unto him in this order . Sir Knight ( quoth he ) of thy Country I need not demand , for I know it by thy Burgonet , ( for indeed thereon was graven the Arms of England ) but I sorrow for thy hard Fortune , that it is thy Destiny to arrive in this our Country of Egypt , wherein is not left sufficient alive to bury the Dead , such is the Distress of this Land , through a Dangerous and Terrible Dragon , now ranging up and down the Country , which if he be not every day appeased with the Body of a true Virgin , which he devoureth down his Venomous Bowels ; that day so neglected , will he breathe such a stink from his Nostrils , whereof grows a most grievous Plague and Mortality of all things , which use hath been observed four and twenty years , and now there is not left one true Virgin but the King's Daughter throughout Egypt , which Damsel to morrow must be offered up in Sacrifice to the Dragon : therefore the King hath made Proclamation , that if any Knight dare prove so adventurous as to Combat with the Dragon , and preserve his Daughter's Life , he shall in Reward have her to his Wife , and the Crown of Egypt after his Decease . This large proffer so encouraged the English Knight , that he vowed either to Redeem the King's Daughter , or else to lose his Life in that honourable Enterprize . So taking his repose and nightly rest , in the old Man's Hermitage , till the chearful Cock , being the true Messenger of Day , gave him warning of the Sun's uprise which caused him to buckle on his Armour , and to furnish his Steed with strong Habiliments of War , the which being done , he took his Journey , guided only by the old Hermit , to the Valley , where the King's Daughter should be offered up in Sacrifice : But when he approached the sight of the Valley , he espied afar off a most fair and beautiful Damsel , attired in pure Arabian Silk , going to Sacrifice , guarded to the place of Death only by ●age and modest Matrons : Which woful sight encouraged the English Knight to such a forwardness , that he thought overy minute a day , till he had Redeemed the Damsel from the Dragon's Tyranny ; so approaching the Lady , he gave her comsort of Delivery , and returned her back to her Father's Palace again . After this , the Noble Knight , like a bold adventurous Champion , entred the Valley ; where the Dragon had his Residence , who no sooner had a sight of him , but he gave such a terrible●peal , as though it had thundered in the Elements : the bigness of the Dragon was fearful to behold , for betwixt his Shoulders and his Dail were fifty soot in distance , his Scales glittering as bright as Silver , but far more hard than Brass , his Belly of the colour of Gold , but bigger than a Tun. Thus weltred he from his hideous Den , and so fiercely Assailed the sturdy Champion with his burnings Wings , that at the first Encounter he had almost felled him to the ground ; but the Knight nimbly recovering himself , gave the Dragon such a thrust with his Spear , that it shivered in a thousand pieces ; whereat the furious Dragon so fiercely ●m●te him with his venomous Tail , that down fall Man and Horse , in which fall two of St. George's Ribs were sore bruised ; but yet stepping backward , it was his chance to leap under an Drange-Tree , which Tree had such precious Uertue , that no Uenomous Worm durst come within the compass of the Branches , nor within seven foot thereof , where this Ualiant Knight rested himself untill he had recovered his former strength ; who no sooner feeling his Spirits revived , but with an eager Courage smote the burning Dragon under his yellow burnished Belly with his trusty Sword Ascalon , whereout came abundance of ugly Uenome , that it sprinkled upon the Champions Armour , whereby immediately through the impoisoned strength of the Uenome , his Armour burst in twain , and the good Knight fell into so grievous a dead swoon , that for a time he lay breathless : but yet having that good Memory remaining that he tumbled under the Branches of the Drange-Tree , in which place the Dragon could proffer him no farther Uiolence . The fruit of the Tree being of such an excellent Uertue , that whosoever tasted thereof , should presently be cured of all manner of Diseases and Infirmities whatsoever . So it was the Noble Champions good and happy Fortune , a little to recover through the vertue of the Tree , and to espy an Drange which a little before had dropped down , wherewith he so refreshed himself , that he was in short time as sound as when he began the Encounter . Then kneeled he down , and made his Diuine Supplication to Heaven , That God would send him ( for his dear Sons sake ) such strength and agility of Body , as to stay the Furious and Terrible Monster ; which being done , with a Bold Couragious Heart , he smo●e the Dragon under the Wing , where it was tender without Scale , whereby his good Sword Ascalon , with an easie passage , went to the very Hilt through both the Dragons Heart , Liver , Bone and Blood , whereout issued such abundance of purple gore , that it turned the Grass which grew in the Ualley into crimson colour ; and the Ground which was before parched through the burning stench of the Dragon , was now drenched with overmuch moisture proceeding from his Uenomous Bowels , where at last through want o● blood , and long continuance in Fight , the Dragon yeelded his vital Spirits to the force of the Conquering Champion . The which being happily performed , the Noble Knight S. George for England , first yielding due honour to Almighty God for the Uictory , then with his good Sword Ascalon cut off the Dragon's Head , and pitched it upon the Trunchion of a Spear , which at the beginning of the Battel shivered against the Dragon's scaly back . During this long and dangerous Combat , his trusty Steed lay altogether in a Swoon without any moving , which caused the English Champion with all speed to crush the juice of an Orange into his mouth ; the Uertue whereof presently expelled the Uenomous Poyson , and recovered his former strength again . There was then remaining in the Aegyptian Court one Almidor , the Black King of Morocco , who long had prosecuted ( in the way of Marriage ) the Love of Sabra the King's Daughter , but neither by Policy , Means , nor Manhood , could he accomplish what his heart desired : and now finding opportunity to express his Treacherous mind , intended to Rob and spoyl St. George of his Uictory , whereby he thought to attain the gracious favour and singular good liking of his Lady and Mistriss , who loathed his company like the detested Crocodiles : even as the Wolf , though all in vain , barks at the Moon , so this Fantastical and Cowardly Almidor , through many Gifts and fair Promises , hired twelve Aegyptian Knights to beset the Ualley where St. George flew the burning Dragon , and by Force bereave him of his Conquest , and so when this Magnanimous Champion of England came riding in Triumph from the Ualley , expecting to have been entertained like a Conqueror , with Drums and Trumpets , or to have heard the Bells of Egypt ●ing a joyful sound of Uictory , or to have seen the Streets beautified with Bonefires , contrary to his expectation , he was met with Troops of Armed Knights , not to conduct him peacefully to the Egyptian Court , but by Falshood and Treachery to despo●l him of his Life and Honour : for no sooner had he ridden past the entry of the Ualley , but he espied how the Egyptian Knights brandished their Weapons and divided themselves to intercept him in his Iourney to the Court , by which he knew them to be no trusty Friends but vowed Enemies . So tying his Horse to a Hawthorn-Tree ▪ he intended to try his Fortune on foot , for fear of disadvantage , they being twelve to one ; in this Skirmish S. George so valiantly behaved himself with his trusty Sword Ascalon , that at one stroke he flew three of the Egyptian Knights , and before the Golden Diamond of Heaven had wandred the Zodiack the compass of an hour , some he dismembred of their ●eads , some had their Lambs opt off , some their Bodies cut in twain , and some their installs trailing down ; so that not one was left ●●ive to carry News to Almidor , the Black King , which stood ( during all the time of the Skirmish ) afar off upon a Bountain top , to behold the success of his hired Champions . But when he saw the Egyptians bloody Tragedies , and how the happy Fortune of the English Knight had won the Honour of the Day , he accursed his Destiny , and accused the Queen of Chance with Cruelty for disappointing his pretended Enterprize : but having a heart still fraught with all wicked motions , secretly Uowed in his Soul , to pradise by some other Treachery , S. George's utter Confusion : so running before to the Court of King Ptolomy , not revealing what had hapned to the twelve Egyptian Knights , but crying , Victoria , Victoria , the Enemy of Egypt is slain . Then Ptolomy immediately commanded every Street of the City to be hung with Rich Arras and Embroidered Tapestry , and likewise provided a sumptuous Chariot of Gold , the wheels and other timber-work of the purest Ebony , the covering thereof of pure Silk , cross-barr'd with pure staves of Gold ; likewise an hundred of the Noblest Peers of Egypt Attired in Crimson Uelvet , Mounted on Milk-white Coursers , with Rich Caparisons attended the coming of St. George . Thus were all appointed for his Honourable Entertainment , which they performed in such Solemn Order , that I lack Eloquence to describe it : for when he first entred the Gates of the City , he heard such a melodious Harmony of Heavenly sounding Mulick , that it seemed in his conceit to surpass the sweetness of all that ever he had heard before . Then they most Royally Presented him with a sumptuous and costly Ball of Gold , and after invested him in that Ebony Chariot , wherein he was Conducted to the Palace of King Ptolomy , where this Noble and Princely-minded Champion surrendred up his Conquest and Uictory to the hands of the Beauteous Sabra : where she with like Courtesie , and more Humility requited his Bounty : For at the first sight of the English Knight , she was so Ravished with his Princely Countenance , that for a time she was not able to speak : Yet at last taking him by the hand , she led him to a Rich Pavillion , where she Unarmed him , and with most Precious Salves imbalmed his Wounds , and with her Tears washed away the Blood : which being done , she furnished a Table with all manner of Delicates for his repast , where her Father was present , who enquired of his Country , Parentage , and Name : After the Banquet was ended , he enstalled him with the Honour of Knighthood , and put upon his feet a pair of Golden Spurs . But Sabra who fed upon the Banquet of his Love , conducted him to his Nights Repose , where she sate upon his Bed , and warbled forth most Heavenly Melody upon her Lute , till his Senses were overcome with a swéet and silēnt sleep , where she left him for that Night , after his late dangerous Battel . No sooner did Aurora's Radiant Blush display the Beauty of the East , and the Sun shew his Morning Countenance , but Sabra repaired to the English Champion's Lodging , and at his first uprising presented him with a Diamond of most rare and excellent Uertue , the which he wore upon his finger . The next that entred his Lodging , was the Treacherous Almidor , the Black King of Morocco , having in his Hand a Bowl of Graekish Wine , which he offered to the Noble Champion St. George of England , but at the receit thereof , the Diamond the Lady gave him , which he wore upon his finger , waxed pale , and from his Nose fell three drops of Blood , whereat he started , which sudden Accident caused the King's Daughter to suspect some secret Poison compounded in the Wine , and thereupon so vehemently shrieked , that a sudden Uproar presently overspread the whole Court , whereby it came to the King's Intelligence of the proffered Treachery of Almidor against the English Champion : but so dear was the Love of the Egyptian King , to the Black King of Morocco , that no belief of Treachery could enter into his mind . Thus Almidor the second time was prevented of his practice ▪ whereat in Mind he grew more enraged than a chased Bore ; yet thinking the third should pay for all , he expected a time wherein to work his wicked purpose , which he brought to pass in this manner . Many a day remained St. George in the Egyptian Court , sometimes Revelling among the Gentlemen , Dancing and Sporting with Ladies , other times in Tilts and Tournaments , with other Honourable Exercises : Likewise long and extream was the Love that Beauteous Sabra bore to the English Champion , of the which this Treacherous Almidor had Intelligence by many secret practises , and many times his Ears were witnesses of their Discourses . So upon an Evening , when the Gorgeous Sun lay level with the Ground , it was his Fortune to wander under a Garden Wall , to take the coolness of the Evenings Air , where unseen of the two Lovers , he heard their Amorous Discourses as they sate dallying under a Bower of Roses , Courting one another in this manner . My Soul's delight , my Heart 's chief comfort , sweet George of England , said the Love-sick Sabra , Why art thou more obdurate than the Flint , whom the Tears of my true Heart can never mollifie ; how many thousand sighs have I breathed for thy sweet sake , which I have sent to thee as true Messengers of my Love , yet never wouldst thou requite me with a smiling Countenance ? Refuse not her , dear Lord of England , that for thy Love will forsake Parents , Country , and Inheritance , which is the Crown of Egypt , and like a Pilgrim follow thee throughout the wide World : On therefore knit that Gordian knot of Wedlock , that none but Death can afterwards untie ; that I may then say , The Sun shall lose his brightness , the Moon her splendant beams , the Sea her tydes , and all things under the Cope of Heaven grow centrary to Kind , before Sabra the Heir of Egypt prove Unconstant to sweet George of England , These words so fired the Champion's heart , that he was almost intangled in the snares of Love , which before-time only affected Martial Discipline : he yet to try her Patience a little more , made her this Answer ; Lady of Egypt , Can'st thou not be content , that I have ventured my Life to free thee from Death , but I should link my future Fortunes in a Woman's Lap and so bury all my Honours in Oblivion ? No , no , Sabra , George of England is a Knight , born in a Country where true Chivalry is nourisht , and hath sworn to search the World , so far as ever the Lamp of Heaven doth lend his Light , before he tie himself in the troublesome State of Marriage ; therefore attempt me no more that am a Stranger and a Wanderer from place to place : but seek to aim at higher states , as the King of Morocco , who will attempt to climb to Heaven to gain thy Love , and good Liking : At which speeches she suddenly replied in this manner . The King of Morocco is as bloody ▪ minded as a Serpent , but thou more gentle then a Lamb ; his Tongue as ominous as the screeching Night Owl , but thine more sweet than the Morning Lark : his kind embracings like the stinging Snakes , but thine more pleasant than the creeping Vine . What if thou beest a Knight of a strange Country , thy Body is more precious to mine Eves ▪ than Kingdoms to mine Heart . There stay ( Reply'd the English Champion ) I am a Christian , thou a Pagan ; I Honour God in Heaven , thou Earthly Shadows here below : therefore if thou ●●ilt obtain my Love and Liking , thou must forsake thy Mahomet , and be Christned in our Christian Faith. With all my Soul , ( answered the Egyptian Lady ) I will forsake my Countrey Gods , and for thy Love become a Christian : and therewithal she burst a Ring in twain , the one half she gave to him in pledge of Love , and kept the other half for her self : and so for that time departed the Garden . During all the time of their Discourse , the Treacherous minded Almidor stood listning to their speeches , and fretted inwardly to the very Gall , to hear the Mistriss of his Heact-reject his former Courtesies : Therefore intending now or never to infringe their plighted hands , went in all hast to the Egyptian King , and in this manner made his Supplication . Know Great Monarch of the East , that I have a Secret to unfold , which toucheth nearly the safeguard of your Countrey . It was my chance this Evening at shutting up of Titan's Golden Gates , to take the comfort of the Western breathing Air under your private Garden . Walk , where I heard ( though unseen ) a deep pretended Treason betwixt your Daughter and the English Knight , for ●he hath vowed to for sake her gods , and believe as Christians do , and likewise she intends to ●lie from this her Native Country , and go with this Wandring Traveller , which hath been so much Honoured in your Court. Now by Mahomet and all our Country gods , we Egyptians commonly adore ( said the King ) this Damned Christian shall not gain the Conquest of my Daughters Love , for he shall lose his Head , yet not in our Egyptian Court , but by violence el●ew●ere . Therefore Almidor he secre● in my intent for I will send him to my Cousin , the Persian Souldan , from whence he shall never return to Egypt again , except his Ghost , bring News of his bad Success into my Daughter : and thereupon they presently contrived this Letter . The Letter to the Souldan of Persia. I Ptolomy , King of Egypt , and the Eastern Territories , send Greeting to Thee ●he Mighty Souldan of Persia , great Emperor of the Provinces of bigger Asia . This is the Request upon the League of Friendship betwixt us to shew the Bearer hereof , thy Servant , Death : for he is an utter Enemy to all Asia and Africa , and a proud Contemner of our Religion . Therefore sail not in my Request , as thou wilt answer on the Oath , and so in haste farewel , Thy Kinsman Ptolomy , the King of Egypt . Which Letter being no sooner Subscribed and Sealed with the Great Seal of Egypt , but St. George was dispatched with Embassage for Persia , with the Bloody Sentence of his own Destruction , to the true Delivery whereof , he was sworn by the Honour of his Knighthood , and for his Pawn he left behind him his good Steed and his trusty Sword Ascalon in the keeping of Ptolomy the Egyptian King only taking for his Purvoy , and easie Travel one of the King's Horses . Thus the Innocent Lamb Betrayed by the Wily Fox , was sent to the hunger-starved Lion's Den , being suffered not once to give his Lady and Mistriss understanding of his sudden departure , but Travelled Day and Night through many a long and Solitary Wilderness , without any Adventure worthy the Memory , only hearing the dismal cry of Night-Ravens thundring in his Ears , and the fearful sound of screech-Owls in the Crevices of the Earth , and such like Messengers of Mischance , which foretold some Fatal Accident to be at hand : yet no Fear could daunt his Noble Mind , nor Danger , hinder his intended Travel , till he had sight of the Souldan's Palace , which seemed more like Paradise , than any other Earthly Habitation ; for as the History reports , the Walls and Towers of the Palace were of the purist Marble stone , the Windows of Carved Silver-work , Enamelled with Indian Pearl , beset with Latten and Crystal Glass , the outward Walls and Buildings painted with Gold , the Pillars and Gates were all of Brass : about the Palace was a River of great breadth and depth , over the same stood a stately Bridge erected up with sumptuous workmanship of Graven Images , under the Bridge a hundred Silver Bells were hung by Art , so that no Creature might pass unto the Palace , but they gave warning to the Souldan's Guard : at the end of the Bridge was built an Alabaster Tower , whereon stood an Eagle of Gold , his Eyes like the richest precious Stones , the brightness whereof glittered so much , that all the Palace did shine with the light thereof . The day that St. George entred the Souldan's Court , was when the Persians Solemnly Sacrificed to their gods , Mahomet and Apollo , which unchristian Procession so moved the impatience of the English Champion , that he took the Ensigns and Streamers whereon the Persian gods were Pictured , and trampled them under his Feet : whereupon the Pagans presently fled to the Souldan for Succour , and shewed him how a strange Knight had despised their Mahomet , and trampled their Banners in the Dust. Hereupon he sent an hundred of his Armed Knights to know the cause of that sudden uproar , and to bring the Christian Champion bound , to his Majesty : but the Persian Knights were entertained with such a bloody Banquet , that some of their heads tumbled in the miry Stréets , and the Channels overflowed with streams of their blood , the Pavements of the Palace were overspread with slaughtered men , and the Walls be-sprinkled with purple gore : so Uidoriously he behaved himself against the Enemies of Christ , that e'er the Sun had declined the West , he brought to ground the most part of the Souldan's Knights , and enforced the rest ' like frighted sheep to flie to the Souldan for aid and succour , which as then remained in the Palace with a Guard of a thousand Soldiers : who at the report of this unexpened uproar , furnished his Soldiers with Habiliments of War , and came Marching from his Palace with such a mighty power , as though the strength of Christendom had béen to Invade the Territories of Asia . But such was the invincible Courage of Saint George , that he encountred with them all , and made such a Massacre in the Souldan's Court , that the Pavements were covered with slaughtered Persians , and the Paiace-Gate stuffed with heaps of slaughtered Pagans . At last the Larum Bells were caused to be rung , and the Beacons set on fire , whereat the Commons of the Country rose in Arms , and came flocking about the English Champion like swarms of Bees : whereat through his long Encounter , and the multitude of his Enemies , his never daunted Courage was forced to yield , and his restless Arm wearied with Fight , constrained to let his Weapon fall to the Ground . Thus he whose Fortitude sent thousands to wander about the Banks of Acheron , stood now obedient to the Mercies of his Enemies , which with their brandishing Weapons and sharp edged Faulchions environed him about . Now bloody-minded Monster ( said the Souldan ) what Countrey-man soever thou art , Jew , Pagan , or misbelieving Christian , look for a Sentence of severe punishment for every drop of blood thy unhappy hand hath here shed : first , thy skin with sharp Razors shall be pared from thy flesh alive . Next , thy , flesh with burning Irors seared from thy bones : Lastly , thy cursed Limbs drawn in pieces joynt from joynt , with untamed Horses . This bloody Iudgment pronounced by the Souldan , moved St. George to reply in this manner : Great Potentate of Asia , I crave the Liberty and Law of Arms , whereto all the Kings of the Earth are by Dath ever bound : First , my Descent in my Native Countrey is of Royal Blood ; and therefore challenge I a Combate : Secondly , an Embassador am I from Ptolomy the King of Egypt , and therefore no Uiolence should be proffered me : Lastly , the Laws of Asia grant me safe Conduct back to Egypt , therefore what I have done , Ptolomy must answer ; And thereupon he delivered the Letter Sealed with the Great Seal of Egypt , the which was no sooner broken up and Read , but the Souldan's Eyes sparkled like Fire , and upon his Countenance appeared the Image of Wrath and Discontent . Thou art by the Report of Ptolomy ( said the Souldan ) a great contemner of our Gods , and despiser of our Laws ; therefore his Pleasure is , that I should end thy days by some inhumane death , the which I swear by Mahomet , and all my Country Gods to accomplish : and thereupon he gave him in keeping to an hundred of the Ianisaries , till the day of Execution , which was appointed within thirty days following . Hereupon they disroved him of his Apparel , and attired him in simple and vase Array : his Arms that late were employed to weild the mighty Target , and t●ss the weighty Battle-Ax , they strongly fettered up in Iron Bolts : and those Ha●ds which were wont to be garnished with Steely Gauntlets , they bound up in Hempen Bands , that the purple blood trickled down from his Finger's ends , and so being despoiled of all Knightly Dignity , they conveyed him to a deep , dark , and desolate Dungeon , wherein the Golden Sun did never shew his splenoent Beams , nor never could the comfortable light of Heaven be s●●n ; betwixt the day and night , no difference could he make ; the Summer's parching heat , and the Winters freezing cold were both alike , his chiefest comforts were to number the Persians he had s●ain in the conflict , one white p●ndring in his restless thoughts the ingratitude of Ptolomy the Egyp●●●n King , another while remembring his Love , and Uow , and deep Affection that he bare to the Egyptian's Daughter , and how unkindly she took his departure , carving her Picture with the Nails of his Fingers upon the Walls of the Dungeon : to which sensless substance he would many times thus complain . O cruel Destinies ! why is this grievous punishment assotted to my Pennance ? Have I conspired against the Majesty of Heaven , that they have thrown this Uengeance on my head ? shall I never recover my former Liberty , that I may be Revenged upon the causers of my Imprisonment ? Frown Angry Heavens , upon these bloody-minded Pagans , these daring Misereants and professed Enemies of Christ , and may the Plagues of P●araoh light upon their Countreys , and the miseries of Oelipus upon their Princes : that they may be witnesses of their Daughters Ravishment , and behold their Cities flaming like the burning Battlements of Troy. Thus lamented he the loss of his Liberty , Accursing his Birth-day , and hour of his Creation , wishing that it ●●ver might be numbred in the year , but be counted Ominous to all ensuing Ages . His Sighs exceeded the number of the Ocean-sands , and his Tears the Water-bubbles in a Rainy day , as one diminished , another presently appeared . Thus Sorrow was his Company , and Despair his chief Solicitor , till Hyperion with his Golden Coach had thirty times rested in Thetis's purple Palace , and Cynthia thirty times danc'dupon the Crystal Waves , which was the very time when as his moans should end , according to the severe and cruel Iudgment of the Souldan of Persia. But by what extraordinary means he knew not . So expecting every minute to entertain the wished Messenger of Death , heard afar off the terrible Roaring of two hunger-starved Lions , which for the space of four days had been restrained from their Food and natural sustenance , only to devour and staunch their hunger-starved bowels with the body of this thrice Renowned Champion : which cry of the Lions so terrified his mind that the Hair of his Head grew stiff , and his Brows sweat water thro' anguish of his Soul , so extreamly he feared the remorsless stroke of Death , that by Uiolence he burst the Chains in sunder wherewith he was bound , and rent the curled Tresses from his Head , that were of the colour of Amber , the which he wrapped about his Arms against the assault of the Lyons , for he greatly suspected them to be the Messengers of his woful Tragedy , which indeed was so appointed , for at the same instant they descended the Dungeon , brought thither by the Ianisaries , only to make a full period of the Champion's Life : but such was the Invincible Fortitude of St. George , and so politick was his Defence , that when the starved Lions came running on him with open Iaws , he valiantly thrust his sinewed arms into their throats ( being wrapped about with the hair of his head , whereby they presently choaked , and so he pulled out their hearts . Which spectacle the Souldan's Ianisaries beholding , were so amazed with fear , that they ran in all haste to the Palace , and certified the Souldan what had hapned , who commanded every part of the Court to be strongly Guarded with Armed Soldiers , supposing the English Knight rather to be some Monster , ascended from the deep , than any Creature of Humane Substance , or else one possessed with some Divine Inspiration , that by the force of Arms , had accomplished ●o many adventurous Stratagems : such a Terrour assailed the Souldan's heart , seeing he had slain two Lions , and slaughtered two thousand Persians with his own hands , and likewise had intelligence how he slew a burning Dragon in Egypt , that he caused the Dungeon to be closed up with Bars of Iron , lest he should by Policy or Fortitude recover his Liberty , and so ●ndanger the whole Country of Persia : where he remained in Want , Penury , and great Necessity for the term of Seven Winters , living only upon Rats and Mice , with other creeping Worms which he caught in the Dungeon . During which time he never tasied the Bread of Corn , but of Bran , and Channel-water , which daily was served him through Iron Gates , where now we leave St. George languishing in great misery , and return again into Egypt where we lest Sabra the Champion's betrothed Lady lamenting the want of his Company , whom she loved dearer than any Knight in the World. Sabra that was the fairest Maid that ever mortal eye beheld , in whom both Art and Nature seemed to excell in curious Workmanship , her Body being straiter than the stately Cedar , her Beauty purer than the Paphian Queens : the one with over-burthened Grief was quite altered , and the other stained with floods of brackish Tears that daily trickled down from her fair Cheeks : whereupon sate the very Image of Discontent , the Map of Woe , and the only mirror of Sorrow , she accounted all company loathsome to her sight , and excluded the fellowship of all Ladies , only betaking her self to a solitary Cabinet , where she sate sowing many a wo●ul Story upon a crimson coloured Sampler : whereon sometimes she bathed wounded hearts , with luke-warm tears that fell from the conduits of her eyes , then presently with her crisped Locks of Hair which dangled down her Ivory Neck , she dried up the moisture of her sorrowful tears ; then thinking upon the plighted Promises of her dearly beloved Knight , fell into these Passions and pitiful Complaints . O Love ( said she ) more sharp than the pricking Bryer , with what inequality dost thou torment my wounded heart , not linking my dear Lord in the like Affection of Mind ? O Venus ! if thou be imperious in thy Deity , to whom both Gods and Men obey , command my wandring Lord to return again , or grant that my Soul may flie into the Clouds , that by the Winds it may be blown into his sweet Bosom , where now lives my bleeding heart . But foolish Fondling that I am , he hath rejected me , and shuns my Company , as the Syrens ( else had he not refused the Court of Egypt , where he was Honoured as a King ) and wandred the the World to seek another Love. No , no , it cannot be : he bears no such unconstant mind , and I greatly fear , some Treachery hath bereaved me of his sight , or else some stony Prison excludes my George from me . If it be so , sweet Morpheus , thou God of Golden Dreams , reveal to me my Love 's Abiding , that in my sleep his shadow may appear , and report the cause of his departure . After this Passion breathed from the mansion of her Soul , she committed her watchful eyes to the Government of sweet sleep , which being no sooner closed , but there appeared , as she thought , the shadow and very shape of her dearly beloved Lord , St. George of England , not as he was wont to be flourishing in his glittering Burgonet of Steel , nor Mounted on a stately Iennet , deckt with a crimson Plume of spangled Feathers , but in over-worn and simple Attire , with pale Looks , and lean Body , like to a Ghost risen from some hollow Grave , breathing as it were these sad and woful Passions . Sabra , I am Betrayed for Love of thee , And lodg'd in hollow Caves and dismal Night : From whence I never more shall come to see Thy loving Countenance and Beauty bright ; Remain thou True and Constant for my sake , That of thy Love they may no Conquest make . Let Tyrants think if ever I obtain What e're is lost by Treason's cursed guile : False Egypt's Scourge I surely will remain , And turn to streaming blood Morocco's smile ; That damned Dog of Barbary shall rue , The doleful S●ratagems that will ensue . The Persian Towers shall smoak with fire , And lofty Babylon be tumbled down : The Cross of Christendom shall then aspire To wear the proud Egyptian tripple Crown . Ierusalem and Iudah shall behold The fall of Kings by Christian Champians bold . Thou Maid of Egypt , still continue chast , A Tyger seeks thy Virgins Name to spill ; Whilst George of England is in Prison plac'd , Thou shalt be forc'd to Wed against thy will. But after this shall happen Mighty things , For from thy Womb shall spring three Wondrous Kings . This strange and woeful spéech was no sooner ended , but she awaked from her Sleep , and presently reached forth her white hands , thinking to imbrace him , but she catched nothing but brittle Air , which caused her to renew her former Complaints . Oh wherefore died I not in this my troublesome Dream ( said the sorrowful Lady ) that my Ghost might have haunted those inhumane Monsters which have thus falsly betrayed the bravest Champion under the Cope of Heaven ! for his sake will I exclaim against the ingratitude of Egypt , and like Ravished Philomel , fill every corner of the Land with Ecchoes of his wrong : my Woes shall exceed the Sorrows of Dido Queen of Carthage , mourning for Eneas . With such like Passions wearied she the time away : till twelve Months were fully finished : At last her Father understanding what fervent Affection she bore to the English Champion , began in this manner to relate : Daughter ( said the Egyptian King , ) I charge thee by the bond of Nature , and the true obedience thou oughtest to bear my Age , to banish and exclude all fond Affections from thy mind , and not thus to settle thy Love upon a wandring Knight , that is unconstant and without habitation : thou seest he hath forsaken thee , and returned into his own Country , where he hath Wedded a Wife of that Land and Nation : therefore I charge thee upon my Displeasure to Affect and Love the Black King of Morocco , that rightfully hath deserved thee in Marriage , which shall be shortly Honourably holden to the Honour of Egypt ; and so he departed without any Answer at all : By which Sabra knew he would not be crost in his Will and Pleasure : therefore she sighed out these lamentable words : O unkind Father to cross the Affection of his Child , and to force Love where no Liking is ? Yet shall my mind continue true unto my dear beloved Lord ; although my Body be forced against Nature to Obey , and Almidor have the Honour of my Marriage-Bed , English George shall enjoy my true Uirginity . if ever he return again into Egypt ; and thereupon she pulled forth a chain of Gold , and wrapped it seven times about her Ivory Neck . This ( said she ) hath been seven days steept in Tygers Blood , and seven nights in Dragons Milk , whereby it hath obtained such excellent Uertue , that so long as I wear it about my Neck , no Man on Earth can enjoy my Uirginity : though I be forced to the state of Marriage , and lie seven years in Wedlocks Bed , yet by the vertue of this Chain , I shall continue a true Uirgin . Which words were no sooner ended , but Almidor entred her sorrowful Chamber , and presented her with a Wedding Garment , which was of the purest Median Silk , imbossed with Pearl and rich refined Gold , perfumed with sweet Syrian Powders , it was of the colour of the Lilly when Flora hath bedecked the Fields in May with Natures Ornaments : Glorious and Costly were her Uestures , and so stately were the Nuptial Rites Solemnized , that Egypt admired the bounty of her Wedding : which for seven days was holden in the Court of Ptolomy , and then moved to Tripoly , the chief City in Barbary , where Almidor's forced Bride was Crowned Queen of Morocco : at which Coronation the Conduits ran with Greekish Wines , and the Streets of Tripoly were beautified with Pageants , and delightful shews . The Court resounded such melodious Harmony , as though Apollo with his Silver Harp had descended from the Heavens : such Tilts and Tournaments were performed betwixt the Egyptian Knights , and the Knights of Barbary , that they exceeded the Nuptials of Hecuba the beauteous Queen of Troy : which honourable proceedings we leave for this time to their own contentments , some Masking , some Dancing , some Revelling , some Tilting , and some Banqueting . Also leaving the Champion of England Saint George , mourning in the Dungeon in Persia , as you heard before , and return to the other Six Champions of Christendom , which departed from the Brazen Pillar , every one his several way , whose Knightly and Noble Adventures , if the Muses grant me the Bounty of fair Castalian Springs , I will most amply discover the Honour of all Christendom . CHAP. IV. How Saint Denis the Champion of France lived Seven years in the shape of an Hart , and how proud Eglantine the King's Daughter of Thessaly was transformed into a Mulberry-Tree , and how they recovered their former shapes by means of Saint Denis 's Horse . CAlling now to mind the long and weary Travels of Saint Denis the Champion of France endured , after his departure from the other Six Champions at the Brazen Pillar , as you heard in the beginning of the former Chapter , from which he wandred through many a Desolate Grove and Wilderness ; without any Adventure worthy the noting , till he arrived upon the Borders of Thessaly ( being a Land as then inhabited only with Wild Beasts : ) wherein he endured such a penury and scarcity of Uictuals , that he was forced the space of seven years to feed upon the Herbs of the field , and the Fruits of Trees , till the hairs of his ●e●d were like Eagles Feathers , and the Nails of his Fingers to Birds Claws : his drink the dew of Heaven , the which he licked from the Flowers of Meadows , the Attire he cloathed his Body withal , Bay-leaves , and broad Docks that grew in the Wood , his Shoes the barks of Trees , whereon he Travelled through many a Thorny Brake : but at last as it was his Fortune or cruel Destiny ( being over-prest with the extremity of hunger ) to taste and feed upon the Berries of an inchanted Mulberry Tree , whereby he lost the lively Form and Image of his Humane substance , and was Transformed into the shape and likeness of a Wild Hart ; which strange and sudden transformation , this Noble Champion little mistrusted , till he espied his mishapen form in a clear Fountain , which Nature had erected in a cool and shady Ualley ; but when he beheld the shadow of his deformed substance , and how his Head , late honoured with a Burgonet of Stéel , now dishonoured with a pair of Silvan Horns : his face whereon the countenance of true Nobility was lately charactered , now covered with a Beast-like similitude , and his Body late the true Image of Magnanimity , now over-spread with a hairy hide , in colour like to the follow Fields ; which strange alteration , not a little perplexed the mind of Saint Denis , that it caused him with all speed ( having the natural reason of a Man still remaining ) to ●epair back to the Mulberry tree again , supposing the Berries he had eaten , to be the cause of his Transformation , under which Tree the distressed Knight laid his deformed Limbs upon the bare ground , and thus wofully began to complain . What Magick Charms ( said he ) or other bewitching Spells , remain within this cursed Tree ? whose wicked Fruit hath confounded my future Fortunes , and converted me to a miserable estate ; O thou Coelestial Director of the World , and all you pitiful Powers of Heaven , look down with a kind Countenance upon my hapless Transformation : and bend your browsto hear my woful Lamentation : I was of late a Man , but now a horned Beast ; I was a Soldier , and my Countrey 's Champion , but now a loathsome Creature , and a prey for Dogs , my glistering Armour is exchanged into a Hide of Hair , and my brave Array more baser than the low Earth : henceforth instead of Princely Palaces , these shady Woods must serve to shrowd me in : wherein my Bed of Down must be a heap of Sun-burn'd Moss ; my sweet recording Musick the blustering Winds , that with Tempestuous Gusts , do make the Wilderness to tremble : the Company I daily keep must be the Silvan Satyrs , Driades , and Airy Nymphs , which never appear to worldly eyes , but in twilights , or at the prime of the Moon , the Stars that beautifie the Crystal Veil of Heaven shall henceforth serve as Torches to light me to my woful Bed : the scowling Clouds shall be my Canopy : my Clock to count how Time runs stealing on , the sound of hissing Snakes , or else the croaking of Toads . Thus described he his own Misery , till the watry Tears of Calamity gushed out in such abundance from the Conduits of his Eyes , and his scorching Sighs so violently forced from his bleeding Breast , that they seemed as it were to constrain the untamed Bears , and merciless Tygers to relent his moan , and like harmless Lambs sit bleating in the Woods , to hear his woful exclamations . Long and many days continued this Champion of France in the shape of an Hart , in more distressed misery than the unfortunate English Champion in Persia , not knowing how to recover his former likeness , and humane substance . So upon a time as he lamented the loss of Nature's Ornaments , under the branches of that Enchanted Mulberry-Tree , which was the cause of his Transformation , he heard a grievous and terrible groan , which he supposed to be the induction of some admirable Accident that would ensue : so taking Truce for a time with sorrows , he heard a hollow voice breath from the Trunk of that Mulberry-Trée , these words following . The Voice in the Mulberry-Tree . Cease now to Lament , thou Famous man of France , With gentle Ears come listen to my moan , In former Times it was my fatal Chance To be the proudest Maid that e'er was known : By Birth I was the Daughter of a King , Though now a breathless Tree and sensless Thing . My Pride was such that Heaven confounded me , A Goddess in my own conceit I was : What Nature lent , too base I thought to be , But deem'd my self all earthly things to pass : And therefore Nectar , and Ambrosia sweet , The Food of Heaven , for me I countedmeet . My Pride contemned still the Bread of Wheat , But purer food I daily sought tofind , Refined Gold was boiled in my Meat , Such self-conceit my Fancies fond did blind : For which the Gods above transformed me , From humane substance to this senseless Tree . Seven years in shape of Hart thou must remain , And then the purest Rose by Heaven's Decree , Shall bring thee to thy former Shape again , And end at last thy wofull misery : When this is done , be sure you cut in twain This fatal Tree wherein I do remain . After the Uoice had breathed these speeches from the Mulberry Tree , he stood so much amazed at the strangeness of the words , that for a time his sorrows bereaved him of his speech , and his long appointed Punishment constrained his thoughts to lose their natural understanding : But yet at last recovering his Senses , though not his humane likeness , he bitterly complained of his hard Misfortunes . O unhappy Creature ( said the woful Champion ) more miserable than Progne in her Transformation , and more distressed than Acteon was , whose perfect Picture I am made : His misery continued but a short time , for his own Dogs the same day tore him in a thousand pieces , and buried his transformed Carcass in their hungry Bowels : mine is appointed by the Angry Destinies , till seven times the Summers Sun hath yearly replenished his radiant Brightness , and seven times the Winters Rain hath washed me with the Showers of Heaven . Such were the Complaints of the Transformed Knight of France , sometimes remembring his former Fortunes , how he had spent his days in the honour of his Country : sometimes thinking upon the place of his Nativity , Renowned France , the Nurse and Mother of his Life : sometimes treading with his foot ( as for hands he had none ) in sandy ground , the print of the words the which the Mulberry-Tree had repeated , and many times numbring the minutes of his long appointed punishment , with the Flowers of the Field . Ten thousand sighs he daily breathed from his Breast , and still when the black and pitchy mantle of dark night overspread the azured Firmamen●s , and had drawn her Sable Curtains before the brightsome Windows of the Heavens , all Creatures took their sweet reposed rest , and committed their tyred Eyes to quiet sleep : All things were silent , except the murmuring of the running Warers , whose sounding Musick was the chiefest comfort this distressed Champion enjoyed : the glistering Queen of Night , clad in her Crystal Robes three hundred times a year , was witness of his nightly Lamentations : the wandring Howlet that never sings but in the night , sate yelling over his head : the ru●ul weeping Nightingale with mournful melody , chearfully attending on his Person : for during the limitation of his seven years misery , his trusty Stood never forsook him , but with all Love and true Diligence attended on him Day and Night , never wandring away , but ever , keeping him Company : If the extream heat of Summer grew intolerable , or thē pinching cold of Winter violent , his Horse would be a shelter to defend him . At last , when the term of seven years was fully finished , and that he should recover his former substance , and humane shape , his good Horse , which he tendred as the Apple of his Eye , clambred a high and steep Mountain , which Nature had beautified with all kind of fragrant Flowers , as Odoriferous as the Garden of Hesperides : from whence he pulled a branch of purple Roses , and brought them betwixt his teeth to his distressed Master , and being in his former Passions of Discontent , under the Mulberry-tree . The which the Champion of France no sooner beheld , but he remembred that by a purple Rose he should recover his former similitude , and so joyfully received the Roses from his trusty Steed : then casting his Eyes up to the Caelestical Throne of Heaven , he conveyed these Eonsecrated Flowers into his empty Stomach . After which he laid him down upon the bosome of his Mother Earth , where he fell into such a sound sleep , that all his Senses and vital Spirits were without moving for the space of four and twenty hours . In which time the Windows and Doors of Heaven were opened , from whence descended such a shower of Rain t●at it washed away his hairy Form and Beastlike shape : his horn●d head and long visage were turned again into a lively Countenance , and all the rest of his Members , both Arms , Legs , Hands , Feet , Fingers , Toes , with all the rest of Nature's Gifts , received their former shape . But when the good Champion awaked from his sleep , and perceived the wonderfull workmanship of the Heavens , in transforming him to his humane likeness : First , he gave honour to Almighty God : next kissed the Ground , whereon he had lived so long in misery : then beho lding his Armour which lay hard by him , bestainedand almost spoiled with Rust : his Burgonet and keen edged Cuttle-axbesmeared over with dust : Then lastly , pondring in mind , thefaithful Service his trusty Steed had done him , during the time ofhis Calamity , whose sable-coloured Maine hung frizling down hisbrawny Neck , which before was wont to be pleated curiously with artificial knots , and his forehead which was wont to be beautified with a Tawny Plume of Feathers , now disfigured with over-grown hair : whereat the good Champion St Denis of France somuch grieved , that he stroaked down his jetty back , fill the hair ofhis body lay as smooth as Arabian Silk : then pulled he outhis trusty Faulchion , which in so many fierce Assaults and dangerous Combats had been bathed in the blood of his Enemies , which by thelong continuance of time lying idle , was almost consumed with Eankered Rust , but by his Labour and industrious pains , he recoveredthe former Beauty and brightness again . Thus both his Sword , his Horse , his Martial Furniture , and all other Habiliments of War , being brought to their first and proper qualities , the Noble Champion intended to persevere and go forward in the Adventure , incutting down the Mulberry-tree : So taking his Sword , which was of thepurest Spanish Steel , gave such a stroak at the Root thereof , that atone blow he cut it quite in sunder , whereout presently flashed such amighty Flame of Fire , that the Mane from his Horse Neck was burned , and likewise the Hair of his Head had been fired , if his Helmet hadnot preserved him : and no sooner was the flame extinguished , butthere ascended from the hollow Tree a naked Uirgin ( in shape like Daphne which Apollo turned into a Bay-tree ) fairerthen Pigmalion's Ivory Image , or the Northern driven Snow , her Eyes more clear than the Icy-Mountains , her Cheeks like Rosesdipped in Milk , her Lips more Lovely than the Turkish Rubies , her Alabaster Teet● like Indian Pearls , her Neck seemed an Ivory Tower , her dainty Breasts a Garden where Milk-white Doves sate and sung● therest of Nature's Lineamen●s a stain to Juno , Pallas , or Venus at whose excellent Beauty , this Ualiant and Undaunted Champion more admired , than her wonderful Transformation : for his Eyes were so Ravished with such exceeding Pleasure , that his Tonguecould endure no longer Silent , but was forced to unfold the Secretsof his Heart , and in these Terms began to utter his Mind . Thou most Divine and Singular Ornament of Nature , said he , fairer than the Feathers of the Silvan Swans that swim upon M●ander's Crystal Streams , and far more Beautiful than Aurora's Morning Countenance , to thee the fairest of all Fairs , most humbly and only to thy Beauty do I here submit my Affections : Also I swear by the Honour of my Knighthood , and by the Love of my Country of France ( which Uow I will not Uiolate for all the Treasures of Rich America , or the Golden Mines of higher India ) whether thou beest an Angel descended from Heaven , or a Fury ascended from the vast Dominions of Proserpine : whether thou beest some Fairy or Silvan Nymph , which inhabits in the fatal Woods , or else an Earthly Creature , for thy Sins Transformed into this Mulberry-tree , I am not therefore Iudge . Therefore sweet Saint , to whom my heart must pay its due Devotion , unfold to me thy Birth , Parentage , and Name , that I may the bolder presume upon thy Courtesies . At which demand , this new-born Uirgin , with a shainefac'd look , modest gesture , sober grace , and blushing countenance , began thus to Reply . Sir Knight , by whom my Life , my Love , and Fortunes are to be commanded , and by whom my Humane Shape and natural Form is recovered : First know , you Magnanimous Champion , that I am by Birth the King of Thessaly 's Daughter , and my Name was called for my Beauty proud Eglantine : For which contemptuous Pride , I was transformed into this Mulberry-tree , in which green substance I have continued Fourteen years . As for my Love thou hast deserved it , before all Knights in the World , and to thee do I plight that true Promise before the Omnipotent Judger of all things : and before that secret Promise shall be infringed , the Son shall cease to shine by Day , and the Moon by Night , and all the Planets forsake their proper Nature . At which words the Champion gave her the Courtesies of his Country , and sealed her Promises with a loving Kiss . After which , Beautiful E●lantine being ashamed of her Nakedness , Weaved her self a Garment of green Rushes intermixed with such variety of sundry Flowers , that it surpassed for workmanship the Indian Maidens curious Webs ; her crisped Locks of Hair continued still of the colour of the Mulberry-tree , whereby she seemed like Flora in her greatest Royalty when the Fields were decked with Natures Tapestry . After which she washed her Lilly-hands , and Rose-coloured Face in the dew of Heaven : which she gathered from a Bed of Uiolets-Thus in green Uestments , she intends in company of her true Love , ( the Ualiant Knight of France ) to take her Iourney to her Father's Court , being as then the King of that Countrey : where after some few days Travel , they arrived safe in the Court of Thessaly , whose Welcomes were according to their wishes , and their Entertainments most Honourable : for no sooner did the King behold his Daughters safe approach , of whose strange Transformation he was ever ignorant , but he fell in such a deadly swoon through the exceeding joy of her presence , that for a time his Senses were without vital moving , and his heart imbraced so kindly her dainty body , and proffered such Courtesie to the strange Knight , that St. Denis accounted him the mirror of all Courtesie , and the pattern of true Nobility . After the Champion was unarmed , his stiff and wearied Limbs were bathed in new Milk and White-wine , he was conveyed to sweet smelling Fire made of Iuniper , and the fair Eglantine conducted by the Maidens of Honour to a private Chamber , where she was Disrobed of her Silvan Attire , and apparelled in a pall of purple Silk : in which Court of Thessaly we will leave this our Champion of France with his Lady , and go forward in the Discourse of the other Champions , discovering what Adventures hapned to them during the seven years : But first how St. James the Champion of Spain fell in Love with a fair Jew , and how for her sake he continued seven years dumb : and after , if Apollo grant my Muse the gift , of Scholarism , and dip my Pen in the Ink of Art , I will not rest my weary hand till I have explained the honourable Proceedings of the Knights of England , France , Spain , Italy , Scotland , Wales , and Ireland , to the honour of Christendom , and the dishonour of all the professed Enemies of Christ. CHAP. V. How St. Iames the Champion of Spain , continued seven years dumb for the love of a fair Jew , and how he should have been shot to death by the Maidens of Ierusalem , with other things which chanced in his Travels . NOw must my Muse speak of the strange Adventures of St. James of Spain , the Third Champion and Renowned Knight of Christendom , and what hapned unto him in his seven years Trauels through many a strange Country by Sea and Land , where his Honourable Acts were so Dangerous and full of Wonder , that I want skill to express , and art to describe : also I am forced for brevities sake , to pass over his dangerous Battel with the burning Drake upon the flaming Mount in Sicily , which terrible Combat continued for the space of seven days and seven nights . Likewise I omit his Travel in Cap●a●ocia , through a Wilderness of Monsters : with his passage over the Red Sea●● , where his Ship was devoured with Worms , his Mariners drowned , and Himself , his Horse and Furniture safely brought to Land by the Sea-Nymphs and Mairmaids : where after his long Travels passed Perils , and dangerous Tempests , amongst the boister●us Billows of the raging Seas , he arrived in the unhappy Dominions of Judah , unhappy by reason of the long and troublesome misery he endured for the Love of a fair Jew . For coming to the beautiful City Jerusalem , ( being in that Age the Wonder of the World , for brave Buildings , Princely Palaces , Gorgeous Mountains , and time-wondring Temples ) he so admired the glorious situation thereof ( being the richest place that ever his eyes 〈◊〉 ) that he stood before the Walls of Jerusalem , one while gazing upon her Golden Gates , glistering against the Sun's bright count●nance , another while beholding her stately Pinacles , whose lofty peeping tops seemed to touch the Clouds , another while wondring at her Towers of Iasper , Iet , and Ebony , her strong and fortified Walls three times double about the City , the glistering Spires of the Temple of Sion , built in the fashion and similitude of the Pyramids , the ancient Monument of Greece , whose Battlements were covered with steel , the Walls burnished with Silver , the Ground paved with Tin. Thus as this ennobled and famous ●ntat Arms stood beholding the situation of Jerusalem , there suddenly thundred such a peal of Ordnance within the City , that it seemed in his Ravished Conceit , to shake the Uail of Heaven , and to move the deep Foundations of the fastned Earth : whereat his Horse gave such a sudden start , that he leaped ten foot from the place whereon he stood . After this , he heard the sound of Drums , and the chearful Ecchoes of brazen Trumpets , by which the Ualiant Champion expected some honourable Pastime , or some great Tournament to be at hand ; which indeed so fell out : for no sooner did he cast his vigilant Eyes toward the East-side of the City , but he beheld a Troop of well appointed Horse come marching through the Gates : after them twelve Armed Knights mounted on twelve Warlike Coursers , bearing in their hands twelve blood-red Streamers , whereon was wrought in Silk the Picture of Adonis wounded with a Boar : after them the King drawn in a Chariot by Spanish Iennets , ( which being a certain kind of Steeds ingendred by the Wind ) . The King's Guard were a 100 naked Moors with Turkish Bows and Darts , feathered with Ravens wings : after them marched Celestine the King of Jerusalem's fair Daughter , mounted on a tame Unicorn . In her hand a Iavelin of Silver , and Armed with a Breast-plate of Gold , artificially wrought like the Scales of a Porcupine , her Guard were an hundred Amazonian Dames clad in green Silk : after them followed a number of Esquires and Gentlemen , some upon Barbarian Steeds , some upon Arabian Palfries , and some on foot , in pace more nimble than the tripping Deer , and more swift than the tamest Hart upon the Mountains of Thessaly . Thus Nebuzaradan great King of Jerusalem ( for so was he called ) solemnly hunted in the Wilderness of Judah , being a Country very much annoyed with Wild Beasts , as the Lyon , the Leopard , the Boar and such like ; in which exercise , the King appointed , as it was Proclaimed by his chief Herauld at Arms , ( the which he heard repeated by the Shepherd in the Fields , ) that whosoever slew the first Wild-beast in the Forrest , should have in reward a Corsset of Steel so richly engraven , that it should be worth a thousand sheckles of Silver . Of which honourable enterprize when the Champion had understanding , and with what liberal bounty the adventurous Knight would be rewarded , his heart was fraught with invincible courage , thirsting after glorious Attempts , not only for hope of gain , but for the desire of honour , at which his illustrious and undaunted mind aimed , to eternize his Deeds in the memorable Records of Fame , and to shine as a Crystal Mirror to all ensuing Times . So closing down his Bever , and locking on his Furniture , he scoured over the Plains before the Hunters of Jerusalem , in pace more swift then the winged Winds , till he approached an old unfrequented Forrest , wherein he espied a huge and mighty Wild Boar lying before his Mossy Den , gnawing upon the mangled joynts of some Passenger , which he had murthered as he travelled through the Forrest . This Bore was of wonderful length and bigness , and so terrible to behold , that at the first fight he almost daunted the Courage of the Spanish Knight : for his Monstrous head séemed ugly and deformed , his Eyes sparkled like a fiery Furnace , his Tusks more sharp than pikes of Steel , and from his Nostrils fumed such a violent breath , that it seemed like a tempestuous Whirlwind , his Bristles were more hard than seven times melted Brass , and his Tail more loathsome than a wreath of Snakes : near whom when St. James approached , and beheld how he drank the blood of humane Creatures , and devoured their flesh , he blew his Silver Horn , which as then hung at the Pummel of his Saddle , in a Scarf of gréen Silk : whereat the furious Monster turned himself , and most fiercely assailed the Noble Champion , which most nimbly leaped from his Horse , and with his Spear struck such a violent blow upon the breast of the Boar , that it shivered into twenty pieces : Then drawing his good Fauchion from his side ; he gave him a second encounter : but all in vain , for he struck as it were upon a Rock of Stone , or a Pillar of Iron , nothing hurtful to the Boar : but at last with staring Eyes , ( which sparkled like burning Steel ) and with open Iaws , the greedy Monster assailed the Champion , intending to swallow him alive : but the nimble Knight as then trusted more upon policy , than to fortitude , and so for advantage skipped from place to place , till on a sudden he thrust his keen-edged Cuttle-ax down his intestine throat , and so most valiantly split his heart in sunder . The which being accomplished to his own desire , he cut off the Boar's head , and so presented the honour of the Combat to the King of Jerusalem , who was then with his mighty Train of Knights but now entred the Forrest : who having graciously received the gift , and bountifully fulfilled his promises , demanded the Champion's Country , his Religion , and place of his Nativity : who no sooner had intelligence that he was a Christian Knight , and born in the Territories of Spain , but presently his patience exchanged into a great fury , and by these words expressed his cankered stomach toward the Christian Champion . Knowest thou not , bold Knight ( said the King of Jerusalem ) that it is the Law of Iudah to harbour no uncircumcised Man , but either to banish him the Land , or end his days by some untimely Death ? Thou art a Christian , and therefore shalt die ; not all thy Country Treasures , the Wealthy Spanish Mines , not if all the Alps , which divide the Countries of Italy and Spain , were torn'd to Hills of burnisht Gold , and made my Lawful Heritage , they should not redeem thy Life . Yet for the honour thou ha●● done in Iuda , I grant thee this favour by the Law of Arms to choose thy Death , else hadst thou suffered a vigorous Torment . Which severe Iudgment so amazed the Champion , that desperately he would have killed himself upon his own Sword , but that he thought it a more Honour to his Country to dye in the Defence of Christendom . So like a true enno●led Knight , fearing neither the Threats of the Iews , nor the impartial stroke of the fatal Sisters , he gave this Sentence of his own Death . First , he requested to be bound to a Pine-tree with his Breast laid open naked against the Sun ; then to have an hours respite to make his supplication to his Creator , and afterwards to be shot to death by a true Uirgin . Which words were no sooner pronounced , but they disarmed him of his Furniture , bound him to a Pine-tree , and laid his Breast open , ready to entertain the bloody stroke of some unrelenting Maiden : but such pity , meekness , mercy and kind lenity lodged in the heart of every maiden , that none would take in hand or be the bloody Executioner of so bravea Knight . At last the Tyrannous Nabuzaradan gave strict Commandment upon pain of Death , that Lots should be east betwixt the Maids of Juda that were there present , and so whom the Lot fell , she should be the fatal Executioner of the Condemned Christian. But by chanee the Lot fell to Celestine the King 's own Daughter , being the Paragon of Beauty , and the fairest Maid then living in Jerusalem , in whose heart no such deed of cruelty could be harboured , nor in whose hand no bloody Weapon could be entertained . Instead of Death's fatal Instrument , she shot towards his Breast ; a deep strained sigh , the true messenger of Love , and afterwards to Heaven , she thus made her humble supplication . Thou great Commander of Coelestial moving Powers , convert the cruel motions of my Father's mind , into a spring of pitiful tears , that they may wash away the Blood of this innocent Knight , from the habitation of his stained purple Soul. O Iudah and Ierusalem , within whose Bosoms live a Wilderness of Tygers , degenerate from Nature's kind , more cruel than the hungry Cannibals , and more obdurate than untamed Lions ! what merciless Tygers can unrip that Breast , where lives the Image of true Nobility , the very Pattern of Kinghthood , and the Map of a noble Mind ? No , no , before my hand shall be stained with Christians Blood , I will like Scilla , against all Nature , sell my Country's safety , or like Medea , wander with the Golden Fleece to unknown Nations . Thus , and in such manner complained the beauteous Celestine the King's Daughter of Jerusalem , till her sighs stopped the passage of her Speech , and her Tears stained the natural Beauty of her Rosie Cheeks : her Hair which glistred like to Golden Wires , she besmeared in dust , and disrobed her self of her costly Garments , and then with a Train of her Amazonian Ladies , went to the King her Father , where after a long suit , she not only obtained his Life , but Liberty , yet therewithall his perpetual Banishment from Jerusalem , and from all the Borders of Judah , the want of whose sight more grieved her heart , than the loss of her own life . So this Noble and Praise-worthy Celestine returns to the Christian Champion that expected every minute to entertain the Sentence of Death , but this expectation fell out contrary : for the good Lady after she had sealed two or three Kisses upon his pale Lips , being changed through the fear of Death , cut the bands that bound his Body to the Tree into many pieces , and then with a flood of salt Tears , the motives of true Love , she thus revealed her mind . Most Noble Knight , and true Champion of Christendom , thy Life and Liberty I have gained , but therewith thy Banishment from Iuda , which is a Hell of Plorror to my Soul : for in thy bosome have I built my happiness , and in thy heart I account the Paradise of my true Love , thy first sight and lovely Countenance did ravish me , for when these eyes beheld thee mounted on thy Princely Palfry , my heart burned in Affection towards thee : therefore dear Knight , in reward of my Love , be thou my Champion , and for my sake wear this Ring , with this Poesie engraven in it , Ardeo affectione : and so giving him a Ring from her Finger , and therewithal a Kiss from her Mouth , she departed with a sorrowful sigh , in company of her Father and the rest of his honourable Train , back to the City of Jerusalem , being as then near the Setting of the Sun. But now St. James the Champion of Spain , having escaped the danger of Death , and at full liberty to depart from that unhappy Nation , he fell into many cogitations , one while thinking upon the true Love of Celestine ( whose name as yet he was ignorant of ) another while upon the cruelty of her Father : then intending to depart into his own Country , but looking back to the Towers of Jerusalem , his mind suddenly altered , for thither he purposed to go , haping to have sight of his Lady and Mistriss , and to live in some disguised sort in her presence , and be his Loves true Champion against all Comers . So gathering certain Black-berries from the Trees he coloured his Body all over like a Blackmoor : but yet considering that his Countrey Speech would discover him , intended likewise to continue dumb all the time of his Residence in Jerusalem . So all things ordered according to his desire , he took his Iourney to the City , where with signs and other motions of dumbness he declared his intent , which was to be entertained in the Court , and to spend his time in the Service of the King. Whose Countenance when the King beheld , which seemed of the natural colour of the Moors , he little mistrusted him to be the Christian Champion whom before he greatly envied , but accounted him one of the bravest Indian Knights that ever his eye beheld : therefore he installed him with the honour of Knighthood , and appointed him to be one of his Guard , and likewise his Daughters only Champion . Thus when St. James of Spain saw himself invested in that honourable place , his soul was ravished with such exceeding joy , that he thought no pleasure comparable to his , no place of Elysium but the Court of Jerusalem , and no goodness but his beloved Celestine . Long continued he dumb , casting forth many a loving sigh in the presence of his Lady and Mistress , not knowing how to reveal the secrets of his mind . So upon a time , there arrived in the Court of Nabuzaradan , the King of Arabia , with the Admiral of Babylon , both presuming upon the Love of Celestine , and craving her in the way of Marriage , but she exempted all their motions of Love from her chast mind , only building her thoughrs upon the Spanish Knight , which she supposed to be in his own Countrey . At whose melancholy passions her importunate Suitors , the King of Arabia , and the Admiral of Babylon marvelled : and therefore intended upon an Evening to present her with some rare devised Mask . So choosing out fit Consorts for their Courtly Pastimes , of which number the King of Arabia was chief , and first Leader of the Train , the great Admiral of Babylon was the second , and her own Champion St. James , the third , who was called in the Court by the name of the Dumb Knight ; in this manner the Mask was performed . First entred a most excellent Consort of Musick , after them the aforesaid Maskers in cloath of Gold , and most curiously imbroidered , and daunced a course about the Hall , at the end whereof the King of Arabia presented Celestine with a costly Sword , at the Hilt whereof hung a Silver Glove , and upon the point was erected a Golden Crown : Then the Musick sounded another Course , of which the Idmiral of Babylon was Leader , who presented her with a Uesture of pure Silk of the colour of the Rain-bow , brought in by Diana , Venus and Juno : which being done , the Musick sounded the third time , in which course St. James , tho' unknown , was the Leader of the Dance , who at the end thereof presented Celestine with a Garland of sweet Flowers , which was brought in by the three Graces , and put upon her head . Afterwards the Christian Champion intending to discover himself unto his Lady and Mistress , took her by the lilly-hand , and led her a stately Morisco Dance . which was no sooner finished , but he offered her the Diamond Ring which she gave him at his departure in the Woods , the which she presently knew by the Poesic , and shortly after had intelligence of his long continued Dumbness , his counterfeit Colour , his changing of Nature , and the great danger he put himself to for her sake : which caused her with all the speed she could possibly make , to break off Company , and to retire into a Chamber which she had by , where the same Evening she had a long Conference with her true and faithful Lover and adventurous Champion : and to conclude , they made some agreement betwixt them , that the same night unknown to any in the Court , she bad Jerusalem adieu , and by the light of Cynthia's glistering Beams stole from her Father's Palace , where in company of none but St. James , she took her Iourney towards the Countrey of Spain . But this Noble Knight by Policy prevented all ensuing Dangers , for he shod his Horse backwards , whereby when they were missed in the Court , they might be followed the contrary way . By this means escaped the two Lovers from the Fury of the Jews , and arrived safely in Spain , in the City of Sevil , wherein the brave Champion St. James was born : where now we leave them for a time to their own contented minds . Also passing over the hurly-burly in Jerusalem for the loss of Celestine , the vain pursuits of adventurous Knights in s●opping the Ports and Havens , the preparing of fresh Horse to follow them , and the Bustering of Soldiers to pursue them , the frantick passions of the King for his Daughter , the mèlancholy moan of the Admiral of Babylon for his Mistris , and the woful Lamentation of the Arabian King , for his Lady and Love : we will return to the Adventures of the other Christian Champions . CHAP. VI. The terrible Battel betwixt St. Anthony the Champion of Italy , and the gyant Blanderon : and afterwards of the strange Entertainment in the Gyant 's Castle , by a Thracian Lady , and what hapned to him in the same Castle . IT was the same time of the year when the Earth was newly deckt with the Summer's Livery , when the Noble and Heroical minded Champion St. Anthony of Italy Arrived in Thracia , where he spent his seven years Travels to the Honour of his Country , the Glory of God , and to his own still lasting Memory : for after he had wandred through Woods and Wildernesses , by Hills and Dales , by Caves and Dens , and other unknown Passages , he arrived at last upon the top of an high and steep Mountain , whereon stood a wonderful huge and strong Castle , which was kept by the most Mighty Gyant under the cope of Heaven , whose puissant force all Thrace could not overcome , nor once attempt to withstand , but with the danger of their whole Countrey . The Gyant 's name was Blanderon , his Castle of the purest Marble-stone , his Gates of yellow Brass , and over the principal Gate were graven these Uerses following . Within this Castle lives the Scourge of Kings , A surious Gyant , whose unconquer'd Power , The Thracian Monarch in Subjection brings , And keeps his Daughters Prisoners in his Power : Seven Damsels fair this Monstrous Gyant keeps , That sings him Musick while he Nightly sleeps . His bars of Steel a thousand Knights have felt , Which for these Virgins sake have lost their lives : For all the Champions bold that with him dealt , This most Intestine Gyant still survives : Let simple Passengers take heed betime , When up this steep Mountain they do clime . But Knights of worth and Men of Noble Mind , If any chance to Travel by this Tower , That for these Maidens sake will be so kind , To try their strength against the Gyant 's power , Shall have a Virgin 's Prayer both Day and Night , To Prosper them with good successful Fight . After he had read what was written over the Gate , desire of Fame so incouraged him , and the thirst of Honour so imboldned his Ualiant mind , that he either vowed to redeem those Ladies from their servitude , or die with honour by the fury of the Gyant . So going to the Castle Gate , he struck so vehemently thereon , with the Pummel of his Sword , that it sounded like a Thunder-clap : whereat Blanderon suddenly started up being fast asleep close by a Fountains side , and came pacing forth of the Gate , with an Daktree upon his Neck : who at the sight of the Italian Champion so lightly flourished it about his head , as though it had been a little Cuttle-ax , and with these words gave the Noble Champion entertainment . What Fury hath incensed thy overboldned mind ( proud Pincock ) thus to adventure thy féeble force against the violence of my strong Arms ? I tell thée hadst thou the strength of Hercules , who bore the Mountain Atlas on his shoulders , or the policy of Ulvsses by which the City of Troy was ruinated , or the might of Xerxes , whose Multitudes drank up the Rivers as they passed ; yet all too feeble , weak , and impotent , to encounter with the mighty Gyant Blanderon ; thy force I esteem as a blast of wind , and thy stroaks as a few drops of Water : Therefore betake thee to thy Weapon , which I compare to a Bulrush , for on this ground will I measure out thy Grave , and after cast thy feeble Palfry with one of my hands headlong down this steep Mountain . Thus boasted the vain-glorious Gyant upon his own strength . During which time , the valorous and hardy Champion had alighted from his Horse , where after he had made his humble supplication to the Heavens for his good speed , and committed his Fortune to the imperial Queen of Destiny , he approached within the Gyant 's reach , who with his great Oak so nimbly bestirred him with such vehement blows , that they seemed to shake the Earth , and to rattle against the Wall of the Castle like mighty Thunder-claps , and had not the politick Knight continually skipped from the fury of his blow , he had been bruised as small as flesh unto the pot , for every stroak the Gyant gave , the root of his Oak entred at the least two or three inches into the Ground . But such was the Wisdom and Policy of the worthy Champion , not to withstand the force of his Weapon , till the Gyant grew breathless , and not able through his long labour to lift the Oak above his head , and likewise the heat of the Sun was so intolerable ( by reason of the extream heighth of the Mountain , and the mighty weight of his Iron Coat ) that the sweat of the Gyant 's brows ran into his eyes , and by reason he was so extream fat , he grew so blind , that he could not see to endure Combat with him any longer , and as far as he could perceive , would have retired or run back again into his own Castle , but that the Italian Champion with a bold Courage assailed the Gyant so fiercely , that he was forced to let his Oak fall , and stand gasping for breath , which when this Noble Knight beheld , with a fresh supply he redoubled his blows so couragiously , that they fell on the Gyant 's Armour like a Storm of Winter's Hail , whereby at last Blanderon was compelled to ask the Champion Mercy , and to crave at his hands some respite of breathing : but his demand was in vain , for the Ualiant Knight supposed now or never to obtain the honour of the day ; and therefore rested not his weary Arm , but redoubled blow after blow , till the Gyant for want of breath , and through the anguish of his deep gashed wounds , was forced to give the World a farewell , and to yield the Riches of his Castle to the most Renowned Conqueror St. Anthony the Champion of Italy : But by that time the long and dangerous Encounter was finished , and the Gyant Blanderon's Head was dissevered from his Body , the Sun sate mounted on the highest part of the Elements , which caused the day to be extream hot and sultry , the Champion's Armour so scalded him , that he was constrained to unbrace his Corslet , and to lay aside his Burgonet , and to cast his Body upon the cold Earth , only to mitigate his over-burdened heat . But such was the unnatural coolness of the Earth , and so unkindly to his over-laboured Body , that the melted grease of his inward parts was cooled suddenly , whereby his Body received such unnatural Distemper , that the Uapours of the Earth struck presently to his heart , by which his vital air of Life excluded ; and his body without sense or moving : where at the mercy of pale Death he lay bereaved of feeling for the space of an hour . During which time fair Rosalinde ( one of the Daughters of the Thracian King , being as then Prisoner in the Castle ) by chance looked over the Walls , and espied the body of the Gyant headless , under whose subjection she had continued in great servitude , for the time of seven Months , likewise by him a Knight unarmed as she thought panting for breath , the which the Lady judged to be the Knight that had slain the Gyant Blanderon , and the man by whom her Delivery should be recovered ; she presently descended the Walls of the Castle , and ran with all speed to the adventurous Champion , whom she found dead . But yet being nothing discouraged of his Recovery , feeling as yet a warm blood in every Member , retired back with all speed to the Eastle , and fetcht a Box of precious Balm , the which the Gyant was wont to pour into his wounds after his encounter with any Knight : with which Balm this courteous Lady chafed every part of the breathless Champion's body , one while washing his stiff Limbs with her salt tears , the which like pearls fell from her Eyes , another while drying them with tresses of her golden hair , which hung dangling in the wind , then chafing his lifeless body again with a Balm of a contrary nature , but yet no sign of life could she espie in the dead Knight , which caused her to grow desperate of all hope of his recovery . Therefore like a loving , meek , and kind Lady , considering he had lost his life for her sake , she intended to bear him company in Death , and with her own hands to finish her days , and to die upon his Breast , as Thisbe died upon the Breast of her true Pyramis : therefore as the Swan sings a while before her death , so this sorrowful Lady warbled forth this Swan-like Song over the body of the Noble Champion . Muses come mourn with doleful Melody , Kind Silvan Nymphs that sit in Rosie Bowers , With brackish tears commix your harmony , To wail with me both minutes , days , and hours , A heavy , sad , and Swan-like song sing I , To ease my heart a while before I die . Dead is the Knight for whom I live and die , Dead is the Knight which for my sake is slain : Dead is the Knight , for whom my careful cry , With wounded soul , for ever shall complain , A heavy , sad , and Swan-like Song sing I , &c. I 'll lay my Breast upon a Silver stream , And swim in Elysium's Lilly Fields : There in Ambrosia Trees I 'll write a Theme , Of all the woful sighs my sorrow yields , A heavy , sad , and Swan-like Song sing I , &c. Farewell fair Woods , where sing the Nightingales , Farewell fair Fields , where feed the light-foot Dee , Farewell you Groves , you Hills , and Flowry Dales , But fare you ill the cause of all all my woes : A heavy , sad , and Swanlike . Song Sing I , &c. Ring out my ruth , you hollow Caves of Stone , Both Birds , and Beasts , with all things on the ground : You sensless Trees be assistant to my moan , That up to Heaven my sorrows may resound ; A heavy , sad , and Swan-like Song sing I , &c. Let all the Towns of Thrace Ring out my Knell , And write in leaves of Brass what I have said : That after Ages may remember well , How Rosalinde both liv'd and dy'd a Maid : This woful Ditty was no sooner ended , but the desperate Lady unsheathed the Champion's Sword , which was as yet all besprinkled with the Gyant 's Blood , and being at the very point to execute her intended Tragedy , and the sharp edged Weapon directly against her Ivory Breast , she heard the distressed Knight give a grievous and terrible groan , whereat she stopped her remorseless hand , and with more discretion tendred her own safety : for by this time the Balm wherewith she anointed his Body , by wonderful operation , recovered the dead Champion , insomuch that after some few gasps and deadly sighs , he rais'd up his stiff Limbs from the cold Earth , where like one cast into a Trance , for a time he gazed up and down the Mountain , but at the last having recovered his lost Senses , espied the Thracian Damsel stand by , not able to speak one word , her joy so abounded : but after some continuance of time he revealed to her the manner of his dangerous encounter , and successful Uictory ; and she the cause of his recovery , and her intended Tragedy . Where after many kind Salutations , she courteously took him by the hand , and led him into the Castle , where for that night she lodged his weary Limbs in an easie Bed stuffed with Turtle-feathers , and softest Thistle-down : the Chamber where he lay , had as many Windows as there were Months in the Year , and as many Doors as there were Quarters in the Year , and to describe the curious Architecture , and the artificial Workmanship of the place , were too tedious , and a work without end . But to be short , the noble-minded Knight slept soundly after his dangerous Battel , without mistrusting of Treason , or Rebellious Cogitations , till Golden Phoebus bad him good morrow . Then rising out of his stoathful bed , he attired himself , not in his wonted Habiliments of War , but in Purple Garments according to the time of Peace , and so intended to over-view the Rarities of the Castle : but the Lady Rosalinde all the morning was bufied in looking to his Horse , preparing Delicates for his Repast , and in making a fire against his uprising , where after he had refreshed his weary steps with a dainty Banquet , and carowsed down two or three Bowls of Greekish Wine , he after by the advice of Rosalinde , stripped the Grant from his Iron Furniture , and left his naked body upon a craggy Rock , to be devoured of hungry Ravens , which being done , the Thracian Uirgin discovered all the Castle to the adventurous Champion : first she led him to a Leaden Tower , where hung a hundred well approved Corssers , with other Martial Furniture , which were the spoils of such Knights as he had violently slain : after that , she brought him to a Stable , wherein stood a hundred pampered Iades , which daily fed upon nothing but humane flesh , against it was directly placed the Gyant 's own Lodging , his Bed was of Iron , corded with mighty Bars of Steel , the Testern or Covering of carved Brass , the Curtains were of leaves of Gold , and the rest of a strange and wonderful substance of the colour of the Element : after this , she led him to a broad Pond of Water , more clear than Quick-silver , the Streams whereof lay continually as smooth as Crystal , whereon swam six milk-white Swans , with Crowns of Gold about their Necks . Oh here ( said the Thracian Lady ) begins the Hell of all my Grief ▪ At which words a shower of pearled Tears ran from the Conduit of her Eyes , that for a time they staid the passage of her Tongue : but having discharged her heart from a few sorrowful sighs : she began in this manner to tell her forepassed Fortunes . These six milk-white Swans , most honourable Knight , you behold swimming in this River ( quoth the Lady Rosalinde ) be my natural Sisters , both by Birth and Blood , and all Daughters to the King of Thrace , being now Governor of this unhappy Countrey , and the beginning of our Imprisonment began in this unfortunate manner . The King my Father , ordained a solemn hunting to be holden thro' the Land , in which honourable pastime , my self , in Company of my six Sisters was present . So in the middle of our Sports , when the Lords and Barons of Thracia were in Chase after a mighty she Lion , the Heavens suddenly began to lour , the Firmaments over-cast , and a general darkness overspread the face of the whole Earth : then presently rose such a Storm of Lightning and Thunder , as though Heaven and Earth had met together : by which our Lordly Troops of Knights and Barons were separated one from another , and 〈◊〉 poor Ladies forced to seek for sheiter under the bottom of this high and steepy Mountain : where when this Cruel Gyant Blanderon espied us , as he walked upon his Battlements , he suddenly descended the Mountain , and fetcht us all under his Arm up into the Castle , where ever since we have lived in great servitude ; and for the wonderful transformation of my six Sisters thus , it came to pass as followeth . Upon a time the Gyant being overcharged with Wine , grew enamoured upon our Beauties , and desired much to enjoy the pleasure of our Uirginities , our excellent gifts of Nature so inflamed his Mind with Lust , that he would have forced us every one to satisfie his sinful desires , he took my six Sisters one by one into his Lodging , thinking to deflour them , but their earnest Prayers so prevailed in the sight of God , that he preserved their Chastities by a most strange and wonderful Miracle , and turned their comely Bodies into the shape of milk-white Swans , even in the same Form as here you see them swimming . So when this Monstrous Gyant saw that his intent was crost , and how there was none left behind to supply his want , but my unfortunate self , he restrained his filthy Lust , not violating my Honour with any stain of Infamy , but kept me ever since a most pure Uirgin , only with sweet inspiring Muslck to bring him to his sleep . Thus have you heard ( most Noble Knight ) the true discourse of my most unhappy Fortunes , and the wonderful Transformation of my six Sisters , whose loss to this day is greatly lamented throughout all Thracia : and with that word she made an end of her Tragical Discourse , not able to utter the rest for weeping . Whereat the Knight being oppressed then with like sorrow , embraced her about the slender Wast , and thus kindly began to comfort her : Most dear and kind Lady , within whose countenance I see how Uertue is enthroned , and in whose mind lives true Magnanimity , let these few words suffice to comfort thy sorrowful cogitations . First think that the Heavens are most beneficial unto thee , in preserving thy Chastity from the Gyant 's insatiate desires : then for thy Delivery by my means from thy slavish servitude : thirdly and lastly , that thou remaining in thy Natural Shape and Likeness , may live to be the means of thy Sisters Transformation : therefore dry up these Crystal pearled Tears , and bid thy long continued Sorrows adieu , for Grief is companion with Despair , and Despair a procurer of Infamous Death . Thus the woful Thracian Lady was comforted by the Noble Christian Champion : where after a few kind greetings , they intendto to Travel to her Father's Court , there to relate what hapned to her Sisters in the Castle , likewise the Gyant 's confusion , and her own safe Delivery , by the Illustrious prowess of the Christian Knight . So taking the Keys of the Castle . which were of a wonderful weight , they locked up the Gates , and paced hand in hand down the steepy Mountain , till they approached the Thracian Court , which was distant from the Castle some ten miles : but by that time they had a sight of the Palace , the Sun was wandred to the under World , and the light of Heaven safe mus●led up in Clouds of Pitch , the which not a little discontented the weary Travellors , but at last coming to her Fathers Gates , they heard a solemn sound of Bells ringing the Funeral Knell of some Noble State : the cause of which solemn Ringing they demanded of the Porter ; who in this manner expressed the truth of the matter to them . Fair Lady and most Renowned Knight ( said the Porter ; ) for so you seem both by your speeches and honourable demands , the cause of this Ringing is for the loss of the King 's seven Daughters , the number of which Bells be seven , called after the Names of the seven Princesses , which never yet have ceased their doleful melody , since the departure of the unhappy Ladies , nor never must , until joyful News be heard of their safe return . Then now their tasks be ended ( said the noble-minded Rosalinde ) for we bring happy News of the seven Princesses abidings . At which words the Porter being ravished with joy , in all haste ran to the Steeple , and caused the Bells to cease , whereat the King of Thracia being at his Royal Supper , and hearing the Bells to cease their wonted melody , suddenly started up from his Princely seat . and like a Man amazed ran to the Palace Gate , whereat he found his Daughter Rosalinde in company of a strange Knight : which when he beheld , his joy so exceeded , that he sounded in his Daughter's bosome , but being recovered to his former sence , he brought them up into his Princely Hall , where their Entertainments were so honourable and so gracious in the eyes of the whole Court , that it were too tedious and over-long to describe : but their joy continued but a short season , for it was presently dashed with Rosalinde's Tragical Discourse : for the good old King when he heard of his Daughters Transformations , and how they lived in the shape of milk-white Swans , he rent his Locks of Silver Hair , which time had dyed with the pledge of Wisdom : his rich embroidered Garments he tore in many pieces , and clad his 〈◊〉 Limbs in a dismal , black , and sable Mantle , as Discontented th●● as the woful King of Troy when he beheld his own Son dragged by the Hair of the Head up and down the stréets : also he commanded that his Knights and adventurous Champions , instead of glistering Armour , should wear the Weeds of Death , more black in hue than Winter's darkest nights , and all the Courtly Ladies and gallant Thracian Maidens , instéad of Silken Uestments , he commanded to wear both heavy , sad , and melancholy Ornaments , and even as unto a solemn Funeral , to attend him to the Gyant 's Castle , and there obsequiously to offer up unto the angry Destinies , many a bitter sigh and tear , in remembrance of his transformed Daughters ; which Decrée of the sorrowful Thracian King was performed with all convenient speed : for the next morning no sooner had Phoebus cast his Beauty into the King's Bed-chamber , but he apparelled himself in Mourning Garments , and in company of his Melancholy Train set forward to his woful Pilgrimage . But here we must not forget the Princely-minded Champion of Italy , nor the noble-minded Rosalinde , who at the King's departure towards the Castle , craved leave to stay behind , and not so suddenly to begin new Travels : whereunto quickly the King condescended , considering their late Iourney the Evening before : So taking the Castle Keys from the Champion , he had his Palace adieu , and committed his Fortune to his sorrowful Iourney ; where we leave him in world of discontented Passions , and a while discourse of what hapned to the Christian Champion and his beloved Lady : for by that time the Sun had thrice measured the World with his restless Steeds , and thrice his Sister Luna wandred to the West , the Noble Italian Knight grew weary of his long continued Rest , and thought it a great Dishonour and a Scandal to his Ualiant Mind , to remain where ●nought but Champion-sports were Resident , and desired rather to abide in a Court that entertained the doleful murmuring of Tragedies , or where the joyful sound of Drums and Trumpets should be heard : therefore he took Rosalinde by the hand , being then in a dump for want of her Father , to whom the Noble Knight in this manner expressed his secret intent . My most devoted Lady and Mistriss ( said the Champion ) a second Dido for thy Love , a stain to Uenus for thy beauty , Penelope 's compare for Constancy , and for Chastity , the wonder of all Maids : the faithful Love that hitherto I have found since my arrival , for ever shall be shrined in my heart , and before all Ladies under the cope of Heaven , thou shalt live and die my Love 's true Goddess : and for thy sake I 'll stand as Champion against all Knights in the World : but to impair the Honour of my Knighthood , and to live like a Carpet Dancer in the Laps of Ladies I will not ; though I can tune a Lute in a Princes Chamber , I can sound a fierce Alarm in the Field ; Honour calls me forth , dear Rosalinde , and Fame intends to buckle on my Armour , which now lies rusting in the idle Court of Thrace . Therefore I am constrained ( though most unwillingly ) to leave the comfortable sight of thy Beauty , and commit my Fortune to a longer Travel ; but I protest wheresoever I become , or in what Region soever I be harboured , there will I maintain to the loss of my Life , that both thy Love , Constancy , Beauty , and Chastity , surpasseth all Dames alive : and with this promise , my most Divine Rosalinde , I bid thee farewell . But before the honourable minded Champion could finish what he purposed to utter , the Lady being wounded inwardly with extream grief , not able to endure to keep silent any longer , but with tears falling from her eyes , brake off his speech in this manner : Sir Knight ( said she ) by whom my Liberty hath been obtained : the Name of Lady and Mistress wherewith you entitle me , is too high and proud a Name , but rather call me Hand-maid , or servile Slave , for on thy Noble Person will I evermore attend : It is not Thrace can harbour me when thou art absent , and before I do forsake thy company and kind fellowship , Heaven shall be no Heaven , the Sea no Sea , nor the Earth no Earth ; but if thou provest unconstant , as Ninus did to Scilla , who for his sake stole her Fathers Purple Hat , whereof depended the safety of his Countrey , or like wandring Aeneas forsake the Queen of Carthage , these tender and soft hands of mine shall never be unclasped , but hang on thy Horse-bridle till my Body like Theseus 's Son be dash● in sunder against hard flinty Stone : Therefore forsake me not , dear Knight of Christendom . If ever Camina proved true to her Sinatus , or Alstone to her Lover , Rosalinde will be as true to thee : so with this plighted Promise she caught him fast about the Neck , from whence she would not unclose her Hands till he had vow'd by the Honour of true Chivalry , to make her sole Companion , and only Partner of his Travels : and so in this order it was accomplished : They being both agreed , she was most trimly attired like a Page in green Sarsenet , her Hair bound up most cunningly with a Silk List , artificially wrought with curious knots , that she might Travel without suspition or blemish of Honour ; her Rapier was a Turkish Blade , and her Ponyard of the finest fashion , which she wore at her back tied with an Drange-tawny coloured Scarf , beautified with Tasseis of unknown Silk , her Buskins of the smoothest Kid-skins , her Spurs of the purest Lydian Steel , in which when the Noble and Beautiful Lady was attired , she seemed in Stature like the God of Love , when he sate dandled upon Dido's Lap , or rather Animede Love's Minion , or Adonis , when Venus shewed her white skin to entrap his eyes to her unchast desires . But to be brief , all things being in readiness for their departure from Thrace , this Famous Worthy Knight mounted on his eager Steed , and the magnanimous Rosalinde on her gentle Palfrey , in pace more easie than the winged Winds , or a Cock●oat floating upon Crystal streams , they both bad adieu to the Countrey of Thracia , and committed their Iourney to the Queen of Chance : Therefore smile Heavens , and guide them with a most happy Star , until they arrive where their Souls do most desire . The bravest and boldest Knight that ever wandred by the way , and the loveliest Lady that ever eye beheld . In whose Travels my Muse must : leave them for a season , and speak of the Thracian Mourners , which by this time had watered the Earth with abundance of their Ceremonious Tears , and made the Elements true witnesses of their sad Laments , as hereafter followeth in this next Chapter . CHAP. VII . How St Andrew , the Champion of Scotland , Travelled into a Vale of Walking Spirits , and how he was set at Liberty by a going Fire , after his Journey into Thracia , where he recovered the Six Ladies to their natural shapes , that had lived seven years in the likeness of milk-white Swans , with other Accidents that befell the most Noble Champion . NOw of the honourable Adventures of St. Andrew , the famous Champion of Scotland , must I discourse , whose seven years Travels were as strange as any of the other Champions : For after he had departed from the brazen Pillar , as you heard in the beginning of the History , he travelled through many strange and unknown Nation , beyond the circuit of the Sun , where but one time in the year he shews his brightsome Beams , but continual darkness overspreads the whole Country , and there lives a kind of People , that have heads like Dogs , that in extremity of hunger do devour one another , from which People this Noble Champion was strangely delivered , where after he had wandred some certain days , neither seeing the gladsome brightness of the Sun , nor the comfortable countenance the Moon , but only guided by duskye Planets of the Elements , he hapned to a Uale of walking Spirits . which he supposed to be the very Dungeon of burning Acheron : there he heard the blowing of unséen Fires , boyling of Furnaces , ratling of Armour , trampling of Horses , ●ingling of Chains , ●umbring of Iron , roaring of Spirits , and such like horrid noises , that it made the Scottish Champion almost at his wits end . But yet having an undaunted Courage , exempting all fear , he humbly made his supplication to Heaven , that God would deliver him from that discontented place of terror ; and so presently as the Champion kneeled down upon the barren ground , ( whereon grew neither herb , flower , grass , or any other green thing ) he beheld a certain flame of Fire , walking up and down before him , whereat he grew into such an extasie of fear , that he stood for a time amazed , whether it were best to go forward , or to stand still : but yet retaking his Senses , he remembred himself , how he had read in former times of a going Fire , called Ignis fatuus , the fire of Destiny : by some , Will with the Wisp , or Jack with the Lanthorn : and likewise , by some simple Countrey People . The fair Maid of Ireland , which commonly used to lead wandring Travellors out of their ways : the like Imaginations entred into the Champion's mind . So incouraging himself with his own conceits , and chearing up his dull Senses , late oppressed with extream fear , he directly followed the going Fire , which so justly went before him , that by that time the guider of the night had climbed twelve-Degrees in the Zodiack , he was safely delivered from the Uale of walking Spirits , by the direction of the going Fire , Now began the Sun to dance about the Firmament , which he had not seen in many months before , whereat his dull senses much rejoyced , being long covered before with darkness , that every step be trode , was as pleasurable , as though he had walked in a Garden bedecked with all kind of fragrant Flowers . At last , without any further molestation , he arrived within the Territories of Thracia , a Country as you have heard in the former Chapter , adorned with the beauty of many fair Woods and Forrests , through which he Travelled with small rest , and less sleep , till he came to the foot of the Mountain , whereupon stood the Castle wherein the woful King of Thracia , in company of his sorrowful Subjects , still lamented the unhappy Destinies of his six Daughters turned into Swans , having Crowns of Gold about their Necks ; when the Ualiant Champion St. Andrew beheld the lofty situation of the Castle , and the invincible strength it seemed to be of , he expected some strange Adventure to befall him in the said Castle , so preparing his Sword in readiness , and buckling close his Armour , which was a shirt of Silver Maile for lightness in Travel , he climbed the Mountain , whereupon he espied the Gyant lying upon a craggy Rock , with his Limbs and Members all rent and torn , by the fury of hunger-starved Fowls : which loathsome Spectacle was no little wonder to the worthy Champion , considering the mighty stature and bigness of the Gyant : where leaving his putrified Body to the Winds , he approached the Gates : where after he had read the Superscription over the same , without any interruption , entred the Castle , whence he expected a fierce encounter by some Knight that should have defended the same ; but all things fell out contrary to his imagination , for after he had found many a strange novelty and hidden secret closed in the same , he chanced at last to come where the Thracians duly observed their ceremonious Mournings , which in this order were daily performed : First upon Sundays , which in that Country is the first day in the Week , all the Thracians attired themselves after the manner of Bacchus's Priests , and burned persumed Incense , with sweet Arabian Frankincense upon a Religious Shrine , which they offered to the Sun as chief Governor of that day , thinking thereby to appease the angry Destinies , and to recover the unhappy Ladies to their former shapes : upon Mondays , clad in Garments after the Silvans , a colour like to the Waves of the Sea , they offered up their tears to the Moon , being the guider and Mistriss of that day : Upon Tuesdays like Souldiers trailing their banners in the Dust , and Drums sounding sad and doleful melody , in sign of Discontent , they committed their procéedings to the pleasures of Mars , being Ruler and Guider of that Day ; Upon Wednesday like Scholars unto Mercury : Upon Thursday like Potentates , to Love ; Upon Frydays like Lovers with sweet sounding Musick to Venus ; and upon Saturday like manual professors , to the angry and discontented Saturn . Thus the woful Thracian King , and his sorrowful Subjects , consumed seven Months away , one while accursing Fortune of despite , another while the Heavens of Injustice : the one for his Children's Trausformations , the other for their long limited Punishments . But at last when the Scottish Champion heard what bitter moan the Thracians made about the River , he demanded the cause , and to what purpose they observed such Ceremonies , contemning the Majesty of Jehovah , and only Worshipping but outward and vain Gods : to whom the King , after a few sad tears Tears strained from the Conduits of his aged Eyes , Replyed in this manner . Most Noble Knight , for so you séem by your gesture and other outward appearance , ( quoth the King , ) if you desire to know the cause of our continual grief , prepare your ears to hear a Tragick and woful tale , whereat methinks I sée the Elements begin to mourn , and cover their azured countenance with fable Clouds : These Milk-white Swans you see , whose Necks are beautified with Golden Crowns , are my six natural Daughters , transformed into this Swan-like Substance , by the appointment of the God's : for of late this Castle was kept by a cruel Gyant , named Blanderon , who by violence would have Ravished them , but the Heavens to preserve their Chastities , prevented his Lustful Desires : and transformed their beautiful bodies to these milk-white Swans : and now seven years the chearful Spring hath renewed the Earth with a Summer's Livery , and seven times the nipping Winter Frosts have bereaved the Trées of Leaf and Bud , since first my Daughters lost their Uirgin-shapes : seven Summers have they swam upon this Crystal Stream , where instead of Rich Attire , and embroidered Uestments , their smooth Silver-coloured Feathers adorn their comely Bodies : Princely Palaces , wherein they were wont , like tripping Sea-Nymphs , to dance their measures up and down , are now exchanged into cold streams of water : where in their chiefest melody is the murmuring of cold liquid bubbles , and their joyful pleasure to hear the harmony of humming Bées which some Poets call the Muses Birds . Thus have you heard ( most worthy Knight ) the woful Tragedy of my Daughters , for whose sakes I will spend the remnant of my days heavily , complaining of their long appointed Punishments , about the Banks of this unhappy River . Which sad Discourse was no sooner ended , but the Scottish Knight ( having a mind furnished with all Princely thoughts● , and a tongue washt in the Fountain of Eloquence ) thus replied , to the comfort and great rejoycing of the Company . Most Noble King ( quoth the Champion ) your heavy and dolorous discourse hath constrained my heart to a wonderful Passion and compelled my very soul to rue your Daughters miseries : But yet a greater grief and deeper sorrow than that , hath taken possession of my breast , whereof my eyes have béen witnesses , and my ears unhappy hearers of your misbelief , I mean your unchristian Faith : For I have séen since . my first arrival into this same Castle , your Prophane and Uain Worship of strange and false Gods , as of Phoebus , Luna , Mars , Mercury , and such like Poetical Names , which the Majesty of high Jehovah utterly contemns . But Magnificent Governor of Thracia , if you seek to recover your Daughters by humble Prayer , and to obtain your soul's content by true tears , you must abandon all such vain Ceremonies , and with true Humility believe in the Christian's God , which is the God of Wonders , and chief Commander of the rouling Elements , in whose Quarrel this unconquered Arm , and this undaunted Heart of mine shall fight : and how be it known to thee , great King of Thrace , that I am a Christian Champion , by Birth a Knight of Scotland , bearing my Countrey 's Arms upon my Breast , ( for indeed thereon he bore a Silver Cross , set in blue Silk ) and therefore in the honour of Christendom , I Challenge forth the proudest Knight at Arms , against whom I will maintain that our God is the true God , and the rest fantastical and vain Ceremonies . Which sudden and unexpected Challenge , so daunted the Thracian Champions , that they stood amazed for a time , gazing upon one another , like Men dropt from the Clouds : but at fast consulting together , how the Challenge of the strange Knight was to the dishonour of their Country , and utter scandal of all Knightly Dignity ; they with a general consent craved leave of the King , that the Challenge might be taken , who as willingly condescended as they demanded . So both time and place was appointed , which was the next morning following , by the King's Commandment , upon a large and plain Meadow close by the River-side , whereon the six Swans were swimming , whereupon after the Christian Champion had cast down his steely Gauntlet , and the Thracian Knight accepted thereof , every one departed for that night , the Challenger to the East-side of the Castle to his Lodging , and the Defendants to the West , where they slept quietly till the next morning , who by the break of day , were wakened by a Herald of Arms : but all the passed night , our Scottish Champion never entertained one motion of rest , but busied himself in trimming his Horse , buckling on his Armour , lacing on his Burgonet , and making prayers to the Divine Majesty of God , for the Conquest and Uictory , till the Morning's beauty chased away the darkness of the Night , and no sooner were the Windows of the day full opened , but the Ualiant and Noble-minded Champion of Christendom entred the List , where the King in company of the Thracian Lords was present to behold the Combat : and so after St. Andrew had twice or thrice traced his Horse up and down the Lists , bravely flourishing his Launce , at the top whereof hung a Pendant of Gold , whose Poesie was thus written in Silver Letters , This day a Martyr or a Conqueror Then entred a Knight in exceeding bright Armour , mounted upon a Courser as white as the Northern Snow , whose Caparison was of the colour of the Elements , betwixt whom was a fierce Encounter : but the Thracian had the Foil and with disgrace departed the List. Then secondly , entred another Knight in Armour , varnished with green Uarnish , his Steed of the colour of an Iron-grey : who likewise had the repulse by the worthy Christian. Thirdly , Entred a Knight in a black Corslet , mounted upon a big-boned Paltry , covered with a vail of sable Silk , in his hand he bore a Launce nailed round about with plates of Steel : which Knight amongst the Thracians was accounted the strongest in the World , except it were those Gyants that descended from a monstrous Lineage : but no sooner encountred these hardy Champions , but their Launces shivered in sunder , and flew so violently into the Air , that it much amazed the beholders , then they alighted from their Steeds , and so valiantly bestirred them with their kee● Faulchions , that the fiery sparkles flew so fierce from these Noble Champions steely Helmets , as from an Iron Anvil : But the Combat endured not very long , before the most hardy Scottish Knight espied an advantage , wherein he might shew his matchless Fortitude : whereupon he struck such a mighty Blow upon the Thracian's Burgonet , that it cleaved his head just down to his shoulders : whereat the King suddenly started from his Seat , and with a wrathful coimtenance threatned the Champions Death in this manner . Proud Christian ( said the King ) thou shalt repent his death , and curse the time that ever thou camest to Thracia : his blood we will revenge upon thy head , and quit thy committed cruelty with a sudden death : and so in company of a hundred Armed Knights , he encompassed the Scottish Champion , intending by multitudes to murder him . But when the valiant Knight St. Andrew saw how he was suppressed by Treachery , and environed with mighty Troops , he called to Heaven for succour , and animated himself by these words of encouragement : Now for the honour of Christendom , This day a Martyr or a Conqueror : and therewithal he so Ualiantly behaved himself with his Cuttle-Axe , that he made Lanes of murdered Men , and felled them down by multitudes like as the Harvest men do mow down Ears of ripened Corn , whereby they fell before his face like leaves , from trees when the Summer's Pride declines her Glory . So at the last after much bloodshed , the Thracian King was compelled to yield to the Scottish Champion's Mercy , who swore him for the safety of his Life , to forsake his prophane Religion , and become a Christian , whose living true God the Thracian King vowed for evermore to Worship , and thereupon he kissed the Champion's Sword. This Conversion of the Pagan King , so pleased the Majesty of God , that he presently gave end to his Daughters punishments , and turned the Ladies to their former shapes . But when the King beheld their smooth Feathers , which were as white as Lillies , exchanged to natural fairness , and that their black Bills and slender Necks were converted to their first created Beauty ( where for external fairness the Queen of Love might build her Paradise ) he bad adieu to his grief and long continued sorrows , protesting ever after to continue a true Christian for the Scottish Champion's sake , by whom and by whose Divine Orisons , his Daughters obtained their former Features ; so taking the Christian Knight in company of the six Ladies , to an excellent Rich Chamber prepared with all things according to their wishes , where first the Christian Knight was unarmed , then his wounds washed with Whitewine , new Milk , and Rose-water , and so after some dainty Repast , conveyed to his nights Repose . The Ladies being the joyfullest Creatures under Heaven , never entertained one thought of sleep , but passed the night in their Father's company , ( whose mind was ravished with unspeakable pleasures ) till the morning's messengers bad them good morrow . Thus all things being prepared in a readiness , they departed the Castle , not like Mourners to a heavy Funeral , but in triumphing manner , marching back to the Thracian Palace , with streaming Banners in the Wind , Drums and Trumpets sounding joyful Melody , and with sweet inspiring Musick , caused the Air to resound with Harmony : But no sooner were they entred the Palace which was in distance from the Gyant 's Castle , some ten miles , but their Triumphs turned to exceeding Sorrow , for Rosalinde with the Champion of Italy , as you have heard before , was departed the Court ; which unexpected news so daunted the whole company , but especially the King , that the Triumphs for that time were deferred , and Messengers were dispatched in pursuit of the Adventurous Italian , and lovely Rosalinde . Likewise when St. Andrew of Scotland had intelligence how it was one of those Knights which was Imprisoned with him under the wicked Enchantress Kalyb , as you heard in the first beginning of the History , his heart thirsted for his most honourable company , and his eyes seldom closed quietly , nor took any rest , untill he was likewise departed in the pursuit of his sworn Friend , which was the next night following , without making any acquainted with his intent : Likewise when the six Ladies understood the secret departure of the Scottish Champion , whom they asserted dearer than any Knight in the World , they stored themselves with sufficient Treasure , and by stealth took their Iourneys from their Father's Palace , intending either to find out the Uictorious and approved Knight of Scotland , or to end their Lives in some Foreign Region . The Rumour of whose Departure , no sooner came to the King's Ears , but he purposed the like Travel , either to obtain the sight of his Daughters again , or to make his Tomb beyond the circuit of the Sun. So attiring himself in homely Russet , like a Pilgrim , with an Ebon staff in his hand , tipt with Silver , took his Iourney all unknown from his Palace , whose sudden and secret departure struck such an extream and intolerable heaviness in the Court , that the Palace Gates , were fealed up with sable mourning-cloth , the Thracian Lords exempted all pleasure , and like Flocks of sheep strayed up and down without Shepherds , the Ladies and Courtly Gentiles sate sighing in their private Chambers : where we will leave them for this time , and speak of the success of the other Champions , and how Fortune smiled on their Adventurous Proceedings . CHAP. VIII . How St. Patrick , the Champion of Ireland , Redeemed the Six Thracian Ladies out of the hands of thirty bloody-minded Satyrs , and of their purposed Travel in a Pursuit after the Champion of Scotland . BUT now of that Ualiant and hardy Knight at Arms , S. Patrick the Champion of Ireland , must I speak , whose Adventurous Accidents were so Nobly performed , that if my Pen were made of Steel , I should wear it to the stumps to declare his Prowess , and worthy Adventures . When he departed from the Brazen Pillar , from the other Champions , the Heavens smiled with a kind Aspect , and sent him such a Star to be his Guide , that it lead him to no Courtly pleasures , nor to vain delights , but to the Throne of Fame , where , Honour sate enstalled upon a Seat of Gold. Thither Travelled the Warlike Champion of Ireland , whose Illustrious Battels the Northern Isses have Chronicled in leaves of Brass : Therefore Ireland be proud , for from thy Bowels did spring a Champion , whose Prowess made the Enemies of Christ to tremble , and watered the Earth with streams of Pagans Blood : witness whereof the Isse of Rhodes , the key and strength of Christendom , was recovered from the Turks , by his Martial and Invincible Prowess ; where his dangerous Battels , fierce Encounters , bloody Skirmishes , and long Assaults would serve to fill a mighty Uolume , all which I pass over , and wholly discourse of things appertaining to this History . For after the Wars of Rhodes were fully ended , St. Patrick ( accounted idle ease the Nurse of Cowardise ) bad Rhodes farewell , being then strongly Fortified with Christian Soldiers , and took his Iourney through many an unknown Country , where at last , it pleased so the Queen of Chance , to direct his steps into a solitary Wilderness , inhabited only by Wild Satyrs , and a People of inhumane Qualities , giving their wicked minds only to Murder , Lust , and Rapine : wherein the Noble Champion Travelled up and down many a weary step , not knowing how to qualifie his hunger , but by his own industry in killing of Uenison , and pressing out the blood between two flat stones , and daily roasted it by the heat of the Sun , his Lodging was in the hollow Trunk of a Blasted Tree , which nightly preserved him from the dropping showers of Heaven , his chief Companions were sweet resounding Ecchoes , which commonly re-answered the Champions words . In this manner lived St. Patrick the Irish Knight , in the Woods , not knowing how to set himself at Liberty , but wandring up and down as it were in a maze wrought by the curious workmanship of some excellent Gardiner , it was his chance at last to come into a dismal shady Thicket , beset about with baleful Mistletoe . a place of horror , wherein he heard the cries of some distressed Ladies , whose bitter Lamentations seemed to pierce the Clouds , and to crave succour of the hands of God , which unexpected cries not a little daunted the Irish Knight , so that it caused him to prepare his Weapon in readiness against some sudden encounter : so crouching himself under the Root of an old withered Oak ( which had not flourished with green leaves many a year ) he espied afar off , a crew of bloody-minded Satyrs , haling by the hair of the head six unhappy Ladies , through many a thorny brake and bryar , whereby the beauty of their crimson cheeks was all besprent with purple gore , and their eyes , ( within whose clear Glasses one might behold the God of Love dancing ) all to be rent and torn by the fury of the Bryars , whereby they could not see the light of Heaven , nor the place of their unfortunate abiding : which woful spectacle forced such a terror in the heart of the Irish Knight , that he presently made out for the Rescue of the Ladies , to Redeem them from the fury of the merciless Satyrs , which were in number about some thirty , every one having a Club upon his Neck , which they had made of the Roots of young Oaks and Pine-trees ; yet this Adventurous Champion being nothing Discouraged , but with a Bold and Resolute Mind , let drive at the ●●●rdiest Satyr , whose Armour of Defence was made of a Bulls hide , which was dried so hard against the Sun , that the Champion's Curtle-Ax prevailed not : after which the fell Satyrs encompassed the Christian Knight round about , and so mightily opprest him with down-right Blows , that had he not by good fortune leapt under the Boughs of a spreading Tree , his Life had been forced to give the World a speedy farewell . But such was his nimbleness and ●●●ve Policy , that e'er long he sheathed his sharp-pointed Faulchion in one of the Satyr's Breasts : which woful sight caused all the rest to flie from his presence , and left the six Ladies to the pleasure and disposition of the most Noble and Couragious Christian Champion : Who after he had sufficiently breathed , and 〈◊〉 himself in the chill Air , ( being almost windless through the long Encounter , and bloody Skirmish . ) he demanded 〈◊〉 of the Ladies Travels , and by what means they hapned into the hands of those merciless Satyrs , who Cruelly and Tyrannically attempted the Ruine and endless Spoil of their unspotted Uirginities . To which courteous demand one of the Ladies , after a deep-fetcht sigh or two ( being strained from the bottom of her most sorrowful heart ) in the behalf of her self and the other distressed Ladies , replied in this order : Know , brave minded Knight , that we are the unfortunate Daughters of the King of Thrace , whose Lives have been unhappy ever since our Births , for first we did endure a long Imprisonment under the hands of a Cruel Gyant , and after the Heavens to preserve our Chastities from the wicked desire of the said Gyant , transformed us into the shape of Swans , in which likeness we remained seven years , but at last recovered by a worthy Christian Knight , named St. Andrew the Champion of Scotland , after whom we have Travelled many a weary step , never crossed by any Violence , until it was our angry Fates to arrive in this unhappy Wilderness , where your eyes have been true witnesses of our Misfortunes . Which sad Discourse was no sooner finished , but the Worthy Champion thus began to comfort the distressed Ladies . The Christian Champion after whom you take in hand this weary Travel ( said the Irish Champion ) is my approved Friend , for whose Company and wished for Sight , I will go more weary miles than there be Trees in this vast Wilderness , and number my steps with the Sands hidden in the Seas : Therefore , most excellent Ladies , true Ornaments of Beauty , be sad Companions in my Travels , for I will never cease till I have found our Honourable Friend , the Champion of Scotland , or some of those brave Knights , whom I have not seen these seven Summers . These words so contented the sorrowful Ladies , that without any exception they agréed , and with as much willingness consented as the Champion demanded . So after they had recreated themselves , eased their weariness , and cured their Wounds , which was by the secret Uertues of certain Herbs growing in the same Woods , they took their Iourneys anew under the Conduct of this Worthy Champion St. Patrick , where after some days Travel the obtained the ●ight of a broad beaten way , where committing their Fortunes to the Fatal Sisters , and setting their Faces toward the East , they merrily Iourneyed together . In whose Fortunate Travels we will leave them , and speak of the seventh Christian Champion , whose Adventurous Exploit● and Knightly Honours deserve a Golden Den , dipt in Ink of tru● Fame to Discourse at Large . CHAP. IX . How St. David the Champion of Wales , slew the Count Palatine in the Tartarian Court , and after how he was sent to the Enchanted Garden of Drmandine , wherein by Magick Art he slept seven years . SAint David the most Noble Champion of Wales , after his departure from the Brazen Pillar , whereat the other Champions of Christendom divided themselves severally to seek Foreign Adventures , he atchieved many memorable things , as well in Christendom , as in those Nations that acknowledged no true God : which as for this time I omit , and only discourse what hapned unto him among the Tartarians : for being in the Emperor of Tartary's Court ( a place very much honoured with Ualorous Knights , highly graced with a Train of Beautiful Ladies ) where the Emperor upon a time Drdained a Solemn Iust and Tournament to be holden in the honour of his Birth-day : whither resorted at the time appointed , ( from all the Borders of Tartary ) the best and the hardiest Knights there remaining . In which Honourable and Princely Exercise , the Noble Knight St. David was appointed Champion for the Emperor , who was Mounted upon a Morocco Stéed , betrapped in a rich Eaparison , wrought by the curious work of Indian Women , upon whose Shield was set a Golden Griffen rampant in a Field of Blue . Against him came the Count Palatine , Son and Heir apparent to the Tartarian Emperor ; brought in by twelve Knights , Richly furnished with Habiliments of Honour , who paced thrée times about the Lists before the Emperor and many Ladies that were present to behold the honourable Tournament . The which being done , the twelve Knights departed the Lists , and the Count Palatine prepared himself to Encounter with the Christian Knight , ( being appointed chief Champion for the Day ) who likewise prepared himself , and at the Trumpet 's Sound by the Herald's appointment , they ran so fiercely each against other , that the Ground séemed to shake under them , and the Skies to resound Ecchoes of their mighty strokes . At the second Race the Champions ran , St. David had the worst , and was constrained through the forcible strength of the Count Palatine to lean backward , almost beside his Saddle , whereat the Trumpets began to sound in sign of Uictory : but yet the Ualiant Christian nothing dismayed , but with a Courage ( within whose eyes sate Knightly Revenge ) ran the third time against the Count Palatine , and by the Uiolence of his Strength , he overthrew both Horse and Man , whereby the Count's Body was so extreamly bruised with the fall of his Horse , that his heart-blood issued forth by his mouth , and his vital spirits pressed from the mansion of his breast , so that he was forced to give the World Farewell . This fatal Overthrow of the Count Palatine , abashed the whole Company , but especially the Tartarian Emperor , who having no more Sons but him , caused the Lists to be broken up , the Knights to be unarmed , and the murdered Count to be brought , by four Esquires , into his Palace , where after he was despoiled of his Furniture , and the Christian Knight received in honour of his Uictory , the woeful Emperor bathed his Son's Body with Tears , which dropped like Crystal Pearls from the congealed blood , and after many sad sighs he breathed forth this woful Lamentation . Now are my Triumphs turned into Everlasting Woes , from a Comical Pastime , to a direful and Bloody Tragedy ; O most unkind Fortune , never Constant but in Change ! why is my Life deferred to see the downfall of my dear Son , the Noble Count Palatine ? Why rends not this accursed Earth whereon I stand , and presently swallow up my Body into her hungry Bowels ? Is this the use of Christians ? For true Honour to repay Dishonour ? Could not base blood serve to stain his deadly hands withall , but the Royal blood of my dear Son , in whose Revenge the face of the Heavens is stained with Blood , and cries for Vengeance to the Majesty of Mighty Jove . The dreadful Furies , the direful daughters of dark Night , and all the baleful company of burning Acheron , whose Loins shall be girt with Serpents , and Hair be hanged with Wreaths of Snakes , shall haunt , pursue , and follow that accursed Christian Champion , that hath bereaved my Country Tartary of so precious a Jewel as my dear Son the Count Palatine was , whose Magnanimous Prowess did surpass all the Knights of our recovery . Thus sorrowed the woful Emperor for the Death of his Noble Son : Sometimes making the Ecchoes of his Lamentations pierce the Elements : Another while forcing his bitter Curses to sink to the deep Foundations of Acheron : One while intending to be Revenged on St. David the Christian Champion , then presently his intent was crossed with a contrary imagination , thinking it was against the Law of Arms , and a great Dishonour to his Country , by Uiolence to Oppress a strange Knight , whose Anions had ever been guided by true Honour ; but yet at last this firm Resolution entred into his Mind . There was adjoyning upon the Borders of Tartary , an Enchanted Garden , kept by Magick Art , from whence never any returned that attempted to enter ; the Governour of which Garden was a Notable and Famous Necromancer , named Ormandine , to which Magician the Tartarian Emperor intended to send the Adventurous Champion St. David , thereby to Revenge the Count Palatine's Death . So the Emperor after some few days passed , and the Obsequies of his Son being no sooner performed , but he caused the Christian Knight to be brought into his Presence , to whom he committed this heavy Task , and weary Labour . Proud Knight ( said the Angry Emperor ) thou knowest since thy Arrival in our Territories , how highly I have Honoured thee , not only in granting liberty of Life , but making thee chief Champion of Tartary , which high Honour thou hast repayed with great Ingratitude . and blemished true Nobility , in Acting my dear Son's Tragedy : for which unhappy Deed thou rightly hast deserved Death , But yet know Accursed Christian , that Mercy harboureth in Princely minds , and where Honour sits Enthronized , there Justice is not too Severe : Although thou hast deserved Death , yet if thou wilt adventure to the Enchanted Garden and bring hither the Magician's Head , I grant thee not only Life , but therewithal the Crown of Tartary after my Decease : because I see thou hast a mind furnished with all Princely thoughts , and Adorned with true Magnanimity . This heavy Task and strange Adventure not a little pleased the Noble Champion of Wales , whose mind ever thirsted after Worthy Adventures : And so after some considerate thoughts , in this manner reply'd : Most High and Magnificent Emperor , ( said the Champion ) were this Task which you enjoyn me to , as wonderful as the Labours of Hercules , or as fearful as the Enterprize which Jason made for the Golden Fleece , yet would I attempt to finish it , and return with Triumph to Tartary , as the Macedonian Monarch did to Babylon , when he had Conquered part of the wide World. Which words were no sooner ended , but the Emperor bound him by his Oath of Knighthood , and by the Love he bore unto his Native Countrey , never to follow other Adventure , till he had performed his Promise , which was to bring the Magic●●n Ormandine's Head into Tartary ; whereupon the Emperor departed from the Noble Knight St. David , hoping never to see 〈◊〉 return , but rather to hear of his utter Confusion , or Everlasting 〈◊〉 ●●isonment . Thus the Ualiant Christian Champion , being bound to his Promise , within three days prepared all Necessaries in readiness for his departure : and so Travelled West-ward , till he approached the sight of the Enchanted Garden , the Situation whereof somewhat daunted his Ualiant Courage : For it was encompassed with a Hedge of withered Thorns and Bryars , which seemed continually to burn : Upon the top thereof fate a number of strange and deformed things , some in the likeness of Night-Owls , which wondred at the Presence of St. David , some in the shape of Progne's Transfo●mation , foretelling his unfortunate Success , and some like Ravens , that with their harsh Throats Ring forth hateful Knel●s of woful Tragedies : The Element which covered the Enchanted Garden , seemed to be over-spread with misty Clouds , from whence continually shot flames of Fire , as though the Skies had been filled with blazing Comets : which fearful Spectacle as it seemed the very pattern of Hell , struck such a Terror into the Champion's heart , that twice he was in the mind to return without performing the Adventure , but for his Oath and Honour of Knighthood , which he had pawned for the accomplishment thereof : So laying his Body on the cold Earth , being the first Nurse and Mother of his Life , he made his humble Petition to God , that his mind might never be oppressed with Cowardice , nor his heart daunted with faint Fears , till he had performed what the Tartarian Emperor had bound him to , the Champion rose from the Ground , and with chearful looks beheld the Elements , which seemed in his conceit to smile at the Enterprize , and to foreshew a lucky Event . So the Noble Knight St. David with a Ualiant Courage went to the Garden Gate , by which stood a Rock of Stone , overspread with Moss : In which Rock by Magick Art was enclosed a Sword , nothing outwardly appearing but the Hilt , which was the Richest in his Iudgment , that ever his Eyes beheld , for the Steel-work was engraven very curiously , beset with Iaspers and Saphire-Stones ; the Pummel was in the fashion of a Globe , of the purest Silver that the Mines of Rich America brought forth : about the Pummel , was engraven with Letters of Gold , these Uerses following . My Magick Spells remain most firmly bound , The Worlds strange Wonder , unknown by any one , Till that a Knight within the North be found , To pull this Sword from out this Rock of Stone : Then ends my Charms , my Magick Arts and all , By whose strong hand , wise Ormandine must fall . These Uerses drave such a conceited imagination into the Champions mind , that he supposed himself to be the Northern Knight by whom the Necromancer should be Conquered ; Therefore without any further advisement , he put his hand into the Hilt of the Rich Sword , thinking presently to pull it out from the Enchanted Rock of Ormandine : but no sooner did he attempt that vain enterprize , but his Ualiant Courage and Invincible Fortitude failed him , and all his Senses were overtaken with a sudden and heavy sleep , whereby he was forced to let go his hold , and to fall flat upon the barren ground , where his eyes were so fast locked up by Magick Art , and his waking Senses drowned in such a dead slumber , that it was as much impossible to recover himself from sleep , as to pull the Sun out of the Firmament . The Necromancer , by his Magick skill had intelligence of the Champion's unfortunate success , who sent from the Enchanted Garden four Spirits , in the similitude and likeness of four beautiful Damsels , which wrapped the drousie Champion in a sheet of fine Arabian Silk , and conveyed him into a Cave , directly placed in the middle of the Garden , where they laid him upon a soft Bed , more softer than the Down of Culvers : where those beautiful Ladies through the Art of wicked Ormandine , continually kept him sleeping for the Term of seven years : One while singing with sweet sugared Songs , more sweet and delightful than the Syrens Melody : Another while with rare conceited Musick , surpassing the sweetness of Arion's Harp , which made the Dolphins in the Sea dance at the sound of his sweet inspiring melody ; or like the Harmony of Orpheus when he Iourneyed down into Hell , where the Devils rejoyced to hear his admired Notes , and on Earth Trees and Stones leaped when he did but touch the silver strings of his Ivory Harp. Thus was St. David's Adventure cross'd with a wonderful bad Success , whose Days Travels was turned into á Nights Repose ; whose nights repose was made a heavy sleep , which endured until seven years were fully finished , where we will leave St. David to the Mercy of the Necromancer Ormandine , and return to the most Noble and Magnanimous Champion St. George , where we left him Imprisoned in the Sculdan's Court. But now , Gentle Reader , thou wilt think it strange , that all these Champions should meet together again , seeing they be separated into so many Borders of the World : First , St. Denis the Champion of France , remains now in the Court of Thessaly with his Lady Eglantine : S. James the Champion of Spain , in the City of Sicily with Celestine the fair Lady of Jerusalem : St. Anthony the Champion of Italy , Travelling the World , in the company of the Thracian Maiden , attired in a Page's Apparel : St. Andrew the Champion of Scotland , séeking after the Italian : St. Patrick the Champion of Ireland , after the Champion of Scotland : St. David of Wales , sleeping in the Enchanted Garden , adjoyning to the Kingdom of Tartary : and St. George the Famous Champion of England , Imprisoned in Persia : of whom , and whose Noble Adventures , I must a while Discourse , till the honoured Fame of the other Champions compels me to report their Noble and Princely Atchievements . CHAP. X. How St. George escaped out of Prison at Persia , and how he Redeemed the Champion of Wales from his Enchantment ; with other things that happened to the English Knight : with the Tragical Tale of the Necromancer Ormandine . NOw seven times had Frosty Bearded Winter covered both Herbs and Flowers with Snow , and behung the Trees with Crystal Isicles : seven times had Lady Ver beautified every Field with Natures Ornaments : and seven times had withered Autumn Robbed the Earth of Spring Flowers , since the unfortunate St. George beheld the chearful Light of Heaven , but lived obscurely in a dismal Dungeon , by the Souldan of Persia's commandment , as you heard before in the beginning of the History : his unhappy Fortune so discontented his restless thoughts , that a thousand times a year he wisht an end of his Life , and a thousand times he cursed the day of his Creation : his Sighs in number did countervail a heap of Sand , whose top might seem to reach the Skies , the which he vainly breathed forth against the Walls of the Prison , many times making his humble supplications to the Heavens to Redéem him from the vale of misery , and many times seeking occasion desperately to abridge his days , and so Triumph in his own Tragedy . But at last , when seven years were fully ended , it was the Champion's lucky Fortune to find in a secret corner of the Dungeon a certain Iron Engine , which time had almost consumed with Rust , wherewith , with long Labour , he digged himself a passage through the Ground , till he ascended just in the middle of the Souldan's Court , which was at that time of the night , when all things were silent : The Heavens he then beheld beautified with Stars , and bright Cynthia , whose glistring Beams he had not seen in many hundred nights before , seemed to smile at his safe delivery , and to stay her wandring course , till he most happily found means to get without the compass of the Persian's Court , where danger might no longer attend him , nor the strong Gates of the City hinder his flight , which in this manner was performed . For now the Noble Knight being as fearful as the Bird newly escaped from the Fowlers Net , gazed round about , and listened where he might hear the voice of People , at last he heard the Grooms of the Souldan's Stable , furnishing forth Horses against the next Morning for some Noble Atchievement . Whereupon the Noble Champion St. George taking the Iron Engine , wherewith he redeemed himself out of Prison , he burst open the Doors , where he slew all the Grooms in the Souldan's Stable : Which being done , he took the strongest Palsrey , and the Richest Furniture , with other necessaries appertaining to a Knight at Arms , and so rode in great comfort to one of the City Gates , where he saluted the Porter in this manner . Porter , Open the Gates , for St. George of England is escaped , and hath murdered the Grooms , in whose Pursuit the City is in Arms. Which words the simple Persian believed for truth , and so with all speed opened the Gates , whereat the Champion of England departed , and left the Souldan in his dead sleep , little mistrusting his sudden Escape . But by that the purple spotted morning had parted with her grey , and the Sun 's bright countenance appeared on the Mountain tops , S. George had Ridden twenty Miles from the Persian Court , and before his departure was bruted in the Souldans Palace , the English Champion had recovered the sight of Grecia , past all danger of the Persian Knights that followed him with a swift pursuit . By this time the extremity of Hunger so sharply tormented him ; that he could Travel no further , but was constrained to sustain himself with certain wild Chesnuts instead of Bread , and sower Oranges instead of Drink , and such faint Food as grew by the way as he Travelled , where the necessity and want of Uictuals compelled the Noble Knight to breath forth this pitiful complaint . Oh hunger ! hunger , ( said the Champion ) more sharper than the stroke of Death . thou art the extreamest punishment that ever Man endured ; If I were now King of Armenia , and chief Potentate of Asia , yet would I give my Diadem , my Scepter , with all my Provinces , for one shiver of brown Bread : O that this Earth would be so kind , as to open her Bowels and cast up some Food , to suffice my want : Or that the Air might be choaked with Mists , whereby feathered Fowl for want of breath might fall , and yield me some Succour in this my Famishment , and extream Penury : Or that the Oceans would out-spread their branched Arms , and cover these Sun-burnt Ualleys with their Treasures , to satisfie my hunger ; but Oh! now I see both Heaven and Earth , Hills , and Dales , Skies , and Seas , Fish and Fowls , Birds and Beasts , and all things under the cope of Heaven , conspire my utter overthrow : Better had it been if I had ended my days in Persia , than here to be famished in the broad World , where all things by Nature's appointment are ordained for Man's use . Now instead of Courtly Delicates , I am forced to eat the fruit of Trees , and instead of Greekish Wines , I am compelled to quench my thirst with Morning-dew , which nightly falls upon the blades of Grass . Thus complained St. George , till glistring Phoebus had mounted the top of Heaven , and drawn the Misty Uapours from the Ground , whereby he might behold the Prospects of Grecia , and which way to Travel most safely . And as he looked , he espied directly before his face a Tower , standing upon a chalky Cliff , distant from him some three miles , whither the Champion intended to go , not to seek for Adventures , but to Rest himself after his weary Iourney , and get such Uictuals as therein he could find to suffice his want . So setting forward with a speedy pace , the Heaven seemed to smile , and the Birds to Ring chirping Peals of Melody , as though they did prognosticate a fortunate event . The way he found so plain , and the Iourney so easie , that in half an hour he approached before the said Tower ; where upon the Wall stood a most Beautiful Woman , attired after the manner of a distressed Lady , and her looks heavy like the Queen of Troy , when she beheld her Palace on Fire . The Ualiant Knight St. George , after he had alighted from his Horse , gave her this courteous Salutation . Lady , ( said he ) for so you seem by your outward appearance , if ever you pitied a Traveller , or granted succour to a Christian Knight , give to me one meals meat , now almost famisht . To whom the Lady a●ter a curst ●rown or two , answered in this order : Sir Knight ( quoth she ) I advise thee with all speed to depart , for here thou gettest but a cold Dinner : my Lord is a mighty Gyant , and believeth in Mahomet , and if he once do but understand that thou art a Christian Knight , not all the Gold of higher India , nor the Riches of wealthy Babylon , can preserve thy Life . Now by the honour of my Knighthood ( replied St. George ) and by the great God that Christendom adores , were thy Lord more stronger than mighty Hercules that bore Mountains on his back , here will I either obtain my Dinner , or die by his accursed hand . These words so abashed the Lady , that she went with all speed from the Tower , and told the Gyant , how a Christian Knight remained at the Gate , which had sworn to suffice his hunger in despite of his will : Whereat the furious Gyant suddenly started up , being as then in a sound sleep , for it was the middle of the day , who took a bar of Iron in his hand , and came down to the Tower Gate . His stature was in heighth five yards , his head bristled like a Bore , a foot there was betwixt each Brow , his Eyes hollow , his Mouth wide , his Lips werelike to flaps of Steel , in all his proportion more like a Devil than a Man. Which deformed Monster so daunted the Courage of St. George , that he prepared himself for Death : Not through fear of the Monstrous Gyant , but for hunger and feebleness of body : but here God provided for him , and so restored to him his decayed strength , that he endured Battel untill the closing up of the Evening , by which time the Gyant grew almost blind , through the sweat that ran down from his monstrous Brows , whereat St. George got the advantage , and wounded the Gyant so cruelly under the short Ribs , that he was compelled to fall to the Ground , and to give end to his Life . After which happy event of the Gyant 's slaughter , the invincible Champion St. George first gave the Honour of his Uictory unto God , in whose power all his Fortune consisted . Then entring the Tower , whereas the Lady presented him with all manner of Delicates and pure Wines ; but the English Knight suspecting Treachery to be hidden in her proffered Courtesie , caused her first to taste of every Dish , likewise of his Wine , least some violent Poison should be therein commixt : Finding all things pure and wholsome as Nature required , he sufficed his hunger , rested his weary Body , and refreshed his Horse . And so leaving the Tower in keeping of the Lady , he committed his Fortune to a new Travel ; where his revived Spirits never entertained longer Rest , but to the refreshing of himself and his Horse ; so Travelled he through part of Grecia , the Confines of Phrygia , and into the Borders of Tartory , within whose Territories he had not long Iourneyed , but he approached the sight of the Enchanted Garden of Ormandine , where St. David the Champion of Wales had so long slept by Magick Art. But no sooner did he behold the wonderful Situation thereof , but he espied Ormandine's Sword enclosed in the Enchanted Rock : where after he had read the superscription written about the Pummel , he essayed to pull it out by strength , where he no sooner put his hand into the Nilt , but he drew it forth with much ease , as though it had been hung by a Thread of untwisted Silk : but when he beheld the glistering brightness of the Blade , and the wonderful Richness of the Pummel , he accounted the Prize more worth than the Armour of Achilles , which caused Aj●x to run mad , and more Riches than Medea's Golden Fléece : But by that time St. George had circumspectly looked into every secret of the Sword , he heard a strange and dismal voice Thunder in the Skyes , a Terrible and Mighty Lumbring in the Earth , whereat both Hills and Mountains shook , Rocks removed , and Daks Rent into pieces : After this , the Gates of the Enchanted Garden flew open , whereat incontinently came forth Ormandine the Magician , with his Hair staring on his Head , his Eyes sparkling , his Chéeks blushing , his Hands quivering , his Legs trembling , and all the rest of his Body distempered , as though Legions of Spirits had encompassed him about ; he came directly to the worthy English Knight that remained still by the Enchanted Rock , from whence he had pulled the Magician's Sword : whence after the Necromancer had sufficiently beheld his Princely Countenance , whereon true Honour sat Enthronized , and viewed his portly Personage , the Image of true Knighthood , the which séemed in the Magician's Eyes to be the rarest work that ever Nature framed : First , he took the most Ualiant and Magnanimous Champion St. George of England by the Steely Gauntlet , and with great Humility kissed it , then proffering him the Courtesies due unto Strangers , which was performed very graciously ; he afterwards conducted him into the Enchanted Garden , to the Cave where the Champion of Wales was kept sleeping by four Uirgins singing delightful Songs , and after setting him a Chair of Ebony , Ormandine thus began to relate of wonderful things . Renowned Knight at Arms ( said the Necromancer , ) Fame's worthiest Champion , whose strange Adventures all Christendom in time to come shall applaud ; be silent till I have told my Tale , for never after this , must my Tongue speak again : The Knight which thou seest here wrapt in this Sheet of Gold , is a Christian Champion , as thou art , sprung from the ancient Seed of Trojan Warriours , who likewise attempted to draw this Enchanted Sword , but my Magick Spells so prevailed , that he was intercepted in the Enterprize , and forced ever since to remain sleeping in this Cave : but now the hour is almost come of his Recovery , which by thee must be accomplished : Thou art that Adventurous Champion whose Invincible Hand must finish up my detested Life , and send my fleeting Soul to draw thy fatal Chariot on the Banks of burning Acheron : for my time was limited to remain no longer in this Enchanted Garden , but till that from the North should come a Knight that should pull this Sword from the Enchanted Rock , which thou happily hast now performed ; therefore I know my time is short , and my hour of Destiny at hand . What I report , write in brazen Lines , for the time will come when this Discourse shall highly benefit thee . Take heed thou observe three things : first , that thou take to Wife a pure Maid : Next that thou erect a Monument over thy Father's Grave : And lastly , That thou continue a professed Enemy to the Foes of Christ Iesus , bearing Arms in the Honour and Praise of thy Country . These things being truly and justly observed , thou shalt attain such Honour , that all Kingdoms of Christendom shall admire thy Dignity : what I speak is upon no vain imagination sprung from a frantick Brain , but pronounced by this Mystical and deep Art of Necromancy . These words were no sooner ended , but the most Honourable Fortunate Champion of England , requested the Magician to describe his passed Fortunes , and by what means he came to be Governor of the Enchanted Garden . To tell the Discourse of my own Life ( replyed Ormandine ) will breed a new sorrow in my heart , the remembrance of which will read my very Soul : but yet most Noble Knight , to fulfil thy Request , I will force my Tongue to declare what my Heart denies to utter : Therefore prepare thine Ear to entertain the wofullest Tale that ever Tongue delivered . And so after S. George had sate a while silent , expecting his Discourse , the Magician spake as followeth : The Woful and Tragical Discourse pronounced by the Necromancer Ormandine , of the Misery of his Children . I Was in former time ( so long as Fortune smiled upon me ) the King and only Commander of Scythia , my Name Ormandine , graced in my youth with two fair Daughters , whom Nature had not only made Beautiful , but replenisht them with all Gifts that Art could devise : the Elder whose Name was Castria , the fairest Maid that ever Scythia brought forth , her Eyes like flaming Torches , so dazled her Beholders , that like attractive Adamants , they conjured them to admire her Beauty : Among the number of Knights that were ensnared with her Love , there was one Floridon , Son to the King of Armenia , equal to her in all Ornaments of Nature , a Lovelier Couple never ●●od on Earth , or graced any Princes Court in the whole World. This Floridon so servently burned in Affection wi●h the admired Castria , that he Lusted after her Uirginity , and practised both by policy and fair promises to enjoy that precious pleasure which after fell to his own Destruction : For upon a time , when the Mantles of dark Night had closed in the light of Heaven , and the whole Court had entertained a silent rest , this Floridon entred Castria's Lodging , furthered by the Chamber-maid , where to her hard hap , he cropped the bud of her sweet Uirginity , and left such a pawn within her Womb , that before many days were expired , her shame began to appear , and the deceived Lady was constrained to reveal her mind to Floridon ; who in the mean time had betrothed himself to my younger Daughter , whose name was Marcilla , no less Beautified with Feature 's gift than her elder Sister ; but when this unconstant Floridon perceived that her Belly began to grow big with the burden of his unhappy Séed , he upbraided her with shame , laying dishonour in her dish , calling her Strumpet , with many ignominious words , forswearing himself never to have committed any such infamous déed , protesting that he ever scorned to sink in Womans hands , and counted Chamber-Love a deadly sting , and a déep infection to the honour of his Knight-hood . These unkind speeches drove Castria into such extream passion of mind , that she with a shameful look and blushing cheeks , after this manner revealed her sorrows unto him : What knows not Floridon ( quoth the Lady ) her whom his Lust hath stained with Dishonour ? See , see unconstant Knight , the Pledge of Faithless Vows , behold the Womb where springs thy lively Image ; behold this mark which stains my Father's Ancient House , and sets a shamefac'd blush upon my Cheeks , always when I behold the company of chaste Virgins : dear Floridon shadow this my Shame with Marriage-Rites , that I be not accounted a By-word to the World , nor that this my Babe in time to come , be termed a base-born Child : remember what plighted Promises , what Vows and Protestations passed betwixt us , remember the place and time of my Dishonour , and be not like surious Tygers that repay Love with Despite . At which words Floridon with a wrathful countenance , replyed in these words : Egregious and shameless Creature ( quoth he ) with what brazen face darest thou out-brave me thus : I tell thee , Castria , my Love was ever yet to follow Arms , to hear the sound of Drums , to ride upon a nimble Steed , and not to trace a Carpet-dance , like Priam's Son , before the Lustful Eyes of Menelaus's Wife : Therefore be gone ; disturbing Strumpet , go sing thy harsh Melody in company of Night-birds , for I tell thee , the day will blush to cover thy monstrous shame . Which reproachful speeches being no sooner ended , but Floridon departed her Presence , not leaving behind him so much as a kind look : whereat the distressed Lady by being oppressed with intolerable grief , sunk down dead , not able to speak for a time , but at last recovering her senses , she began anew to complain . I that was wont ( quoth she ) to walk with Troops of Maids , must now abandon and utterly forsake all company , and séek some secret Cave , wherein I may sit for evermore and bewail my lost Uirginity : If I return unto my Father he will refuse me ; if to my Friends , they will be ashamed of me , if to Strangers they will scorn me : If to my Floridon , Oh! he denyeth me , and accounts my sight as ominous as the baleful Crocodiles . O that I might in the shape of a Bird , or like the Ravished Philomela , flie every Wood and Wilderness with my Dishonour , for now I am neither a Chaste Uirgin , nor honest Wife , but a shameless Strumpet , and the Worlds vile scorn : whereat methinks , I see how Uertuous and Chaste Maidens point and term me a Uicious Dame : O unconstant Floridon ! thou didst promise to shadow this Fault with Marriage , but now Uows , I see , are vain : thou hast forsaken me , and tied thy Faith unto my Sister Marcilla , who must enjoy thy Love , because she continues Chaste , without any spot of Dishonour . Oh! woe to thee , unconstant Knight , thy flattering eyes deceived me , and thy glozing Tongue enticed me to commit that sin , which all the Ocean streams can never wash away : why stand I relating thus in vain ? the deed is vone , and Floridon will Triumph in the spoil of my Uirginity , while he lies dallying in my Sisters Arms : Nay , first , the fatal lights of Funerals shall mask about his Marriage-Bed , and his Bridal-blaze I 'll quench with blood : for I will go unto their Marriage-Chamber , where as these hands of mine shall rend my Sisters Womb , before she shall enjoy the Interest of my Bed : rage heart ! instead of Love , delight in Murder , let Uengeance be ever in thy thoughts till thou hast quencht with blood the furies of disloyal Love. Thus complained the woful Castria , roving up and down the Court of Scythia , until the Mistress of the Night had spent five Months : At the end of which time , the appointed Marriage of Floridon and Marcilla drew nigh● the thought whereof proved an endless Terror to her heart , and of more intolerable burthen than the pains of her Womb , the which she girded in so extreamly , for fear of suspicion , and partly under colour to bring about her intended Tragedy , which was in this bloody and execrable manner accomplished and brought about . The day atlast came , whereon Floridon and Marcilla should tie that Sacred knot of Marriage , and the Prince , and Potentates of Scythia , were all present to see Hymen's Holy Rites : in which Honourable Assemblies , none were more busie than Castria , to beautifie her Sister's Wedding . The Ceremonies being no sooner performed , and the day spent in pleasures , fitting the Honour of so great and Mighty a Train , but Castria requested the use of the Country , which was ●his , that the first night of every Maidens Marriage , a known Uirgin should lie with the Bride , which Honourable task was committed to Castria : who provided against the hour appointed a silver Bodkin , and hid it secretly in the ●amels of her hair , wherewith she intended to prosecute Revenge . The Bride's Lodging-Chamber was appointed far from the hearing of any one , lest the noise of People should hinder her quiet sleep . But at last when the hour of her wishes approached , that the Bride should take leave of her Ladies , and Maidens that attended her to her Chamber , the new-Married Floridon , in company of many Scythian Knights , committed Marcilla to her quiet Rest , little mistrusting the bloody purpose of her Sisters mind . But now behold how every thing fell out according to her desires : The Ladies and Gentlemen were no sooner departed , and silence taken possession of the whole Court , but Castria with her own hand locked the Chamber-door , and secretly conveyed the Keys under the Beds-head , not perceived by the betrayed Marcilla ; which poor Lady after some speeches departed to Bed ; wherein she was no sooner laid . but a heavy sléep over-mastered her Senses , whereby her tongue was forced to bid her Sister good-night , who as then sate discontented by her Bed-side , watching the time wherein she might conveniently Act the Bloody Tragedy : upon a Court-Cupboard stood two burning Tapers , that gave Light to the whole Chamber , which in her conceit seemed to burn blue : which fatal spectacle encouraged her to a more spéedy performance ; and by the light of the two Lamps she unbraced her Uestures , and stripped her self into her Milk-white Smock , having not so much upon her head , as a Caul to hold up her golden hair : after this , she took her Silver Bodkin , that before she had secretly hidden in her hair , and with a wrathful Countenance ( upon whose brows sate the Image of pale death ) she came to her new Married Sister , being then overcome with a heavy slumber , and with her Bodkin pierced her tender Breast ; who immediately at the stroke thereof started from her sleep , and gave such a pitiful shriek , that it would have awakened the whole Court , but that the Chamber stood far from the hearing of Company , except her bloody-minded Sister . whose hand was ready to redouble her Fury , with a second stroak . But when Marcilla beheld the Sheets and Ornaments of her Bed bestained with purple gore , and from her Breast ran streams of Crimson blood , which like to a Fountain trickled from her bosom , she breathed forth this cruel exclamation against the cruelty of Castria . O Sister ( quoth she ) hath Nature harboured in thy Breast a Bloody mind ! what Fury hath incensed thee thus to commit my Tragedy ? In what have I misdone , or wherein hath my Tongue offended thee ? What cause hath been the occasion that thy remorsless band against Nature , hath , converted my joyful Nuptials to a woful Funeral : This is the cause ( Replyed Castria , and therewithal shewed her Womb , grown big through the burthen of her Child ) that I have bathed my hands in thy detested Blood. See , see , Marcilla ( said she ) the unhappy Bed , wherein thy accursed Husband hath sown his Seed , by which my Virgins honour is for ever stained , this is the spot which thy heart blood must wash away , and this is the shame that nothing but death shall finish ; therefore a sweet Revenge , and a present Murther likewise will I commit upon my self , whereby my loathed Soul in company of my unborn Babe shall wander with my Ghost along the Stygian Lakes . Which words being no sooner finished , but she violently pierced her own Breast whereby the two Sisters Blood were equally mingled together : but now Marcilla being the first wounded , and the nearer drawing toward Death , she wofully complained with this dying Lamentation . Draw near ( said she ) you blazing Stars , you Earthly Angels , you embroidered Girls , you lovely Ladies , and flourishing Dames of Scythia , behold her woful end , whose Glories mounted to the Elements , behold my Marriage-bed here beautified with Tapestry , converted to Death's Bloody Habitation , my brave Attire to Earthly Mould , and my Princely Palaces to Elizium shades , being a place appointed for those Dames that lived and dy'd true Virgins , for now I feel the pains of Death closing my Life's Windows , and Heart ready to entertain the stroke of Destiny . Come Floridon , come instead of Arms , get Eagles Wings , that in thy Bosom I may breathe my murdered Ghost . World fare thou well , I was too proud of thy inticing pleasures : thy Princely Pomp and all thy glistring Ornaments , I must for ever bid adieu . Father , farewell , with all my Masking Train , Courtly Ladies , Knights and Gentlewomen : my Death I know will make thy Palace Death's Gloomy Regiment ; and last of all , farewell my Noble Floridon , for thy sweet sake Marcilla here is Murdered . At the end of which words the dying Lady being faint with the abundance of Blood that issued from her wounded Breast , gave up the Ghost . No sooner had pale Death seized on her liveless body , but Castria through the extremity of her wounds was ready to entertain the stroke of her fatal Sister , who also complained in this manner : Hearken to me you Loving Girls , ( said she ) to you I speak , that know what endless grief disloyal and false Love breeds in constant minds , the thought whereof is so intolerable to my Soul , that it exceeds the Torments of Danae's Daughters , which continually fill Water in bottomless Tubs in Hell : Oh that my Ears had never listened to his sugared spéeches , nor never known what Courtly pleasures meant , where Beauty lives a bait for every lustful eye ; but rather to have lived a Country Lass , where sweet content is harboured , and Beauty shrowded under true Humility , then had not Floridon bereaved me of my sweet Uirginity , nor had this accursed hand committed this cruel Murder : But Oh! I feel my soul passing into Elizium shades , where Croesus's shadow and Didoe's Ghost have their abidings : thither doth my spirit flie , to be entertained amongst those unhappy Ladies whom unconstant Love hath murdered : Thus Castria not being able to speak any longer , gave a very grievous sigh , and so bad adieu to the World. Now when the Morning Sun had chased away the darksome Night , Floridon who little mistrusted the Tragedy of the two Sisters , repaired to the Chamber-door , with a Consort of skilful Musicians , where the inspiring Harmony sounded to the Walls , and Floridon's . Morning Salutations were spent in vain : For Death so stopped the two Princesses Ears that no resound of thanks at all re-answered his words , which caused Floridon to depart , thinking them to be asleep , and to return within an hour after , who without any Company came to the Chamber-door , where he again found all silent : at which suspecting some future event , he burst open the Door , where being no sooner entred , but he sound the two Ladies weltring in their own gore : which woful spectacle presently so bereaved him of his Wits , that like a frantick man he raged up and down , and in this manner bitterly complained . Oh immortal Powers ! open the wrathful Gates of Heaven , and in your justice punish me , for my unconstant Love hath murdered two of the bravest Ladies that ever Nature framed , revive swéet Dames of Scythia , and hear me speak , that am the wofullest Wretch that ever spake with a tongue : if Ghost may here be given for Ghost , dear Ladies take my Life and live , or if my heart might dwell within your Breasts ; this hand shall equally divide it : but words I see are vain , and my proffer cannot purchase life nor recover your breathing spirits : yet Uengeance shall you have , this hand shall untwine my fatal twist , and bereave my bloody Breast of Life , whereby my happy Ghost shall follow you through Tartar Gulfs , through burning Lakes , and through the lowring shades of dreadful Cocytus : gape , gape , sweet Earth , and in thy Womb make all our Tombs together . Which woful Lamentation being no sooner breathed from his sorrowful Breast , but he finished his days , by the stroke of that same accursed Bodkin , that was the bloody Instrument of the two Sisters death ; the which he found still remaining in the remorsless hand of Castria . Thus have you heard ( most worthy Knight ) the true Tragedy of thrée of the most goodliest Personages that ever Nature framed : but now with diligent ears listen unto the unfortunate discourse of my own Misery , which in this unhappy manner fell out : for no sooner came the flying news of the Mi●●dered Princesses to my ears , but I grew into such a discontented Passion that I abandoned my self from company of People , and sate for seven Months in a solitary passion , ●ainenting the loss of my Children , like weeping Niobe , which was the sorrowfullest Lady that ever lived . During which time the Report of Floridon's unhappy Tragedy was bruited to his Father's ears , being the sole King of Armenia : whose grief so exceeded the bounds of Reason , that with all convenient speed he gathered the greatest strength Armenia could make , and in Revenge of his Son's Murder , entred my Territories , and with his well approved Warriours subdued my Provinces , slaughtered my Soldiers , Conquered my Captains , slew my Commons , burnt my Cities , and left my Country Uillages Desolate , where , when I beheld my Country overspread with Famine , Fire , and Sword , three Intestine Plagues , wherewith Heaven scourgeth the sins of the wicked , I was forced for the safeguard of my Life , to forsake my Native Habitation , Kingly Government , only committing my Fortune ( like a Banish'd Exile ) to wander in unknown passages where Care was my chief Companion , and Discontent my only Solicitor : at last it was in my Destiny to arrive in this unhappy place , which I supposed to be the Walks of Despair , where I had not remained many days in my melancholy Passions , but methought the many ●aws of deep Avernus opened , from whence ascended a most fearful Devil , that enticed me to bequeath my Fortune to his disposing , and he would defend me from the fury of the whole World : to which I presently condescended upon some assurance ; then presently he placed before my face this Enchanted Sword , so surely closed in stone , that it should never be pulled out , but by the hands of a Christian Knight ; and till that Task was performed , I should live exempt from all Danger . although all the Kingdoms of the Earth assailed me : which task ( most adventurous Champion ) thou hast now performed , whereby I know the hour of my Death approacheth , and my time of confusion is at hand . This Discourse pronounced by the Necromancer Ormandine , was no sooner finished , but the worthy Champion St. George heard such a ratling in the skies , and such a lumbring in the Earth , that he expected some strange event to follow : then casting his eyes aside , he saw the Enchanted Garden to Uanish , and the Champion of Wales to awake from his long sleep , wherein he had remained seven years : who like one risen from a swoon , for a time stood speechless , not able to utter one word , till he beheld the Noble Champion of England , that stedfastly gazed upon the Necromancer : who at the vanishing of the Enchantment , presently gave a most terrible groan and died . The two Champions after many Courteous imbracings and kind greetings , revealed each to other the strange Adventures they had passed . St. David told how he was bound by the Oath of Knighthood , to perform the Adventure of Ormandine : whereupon S. George presently delivered the Enchanted Sword , with the Necromancer's Head into the hands of St. David , the which he presently dissevered from his Body . But here must my weary Muse leave St. David Travelling with Ormandine's Head to the Tartarian Emperor , and speak of the following Adventures that hapned to St. George , after his departure from the Enchanted Garden . CHAP. XI . How St. George arrived at Tripoly in Barbary , where he stole away Sabra the King's Daughter of Egypt , from the Blackmoor King , and how she was known to be a pure Virgin by the means of the Lion , and what hapned to him in the same Adventure . SAint George , after the Recovery of St. David , as you heard in the former Chapter , dispatched his Iourney toward Christendom , whose pleasant Banks he long desired to behold , and thought every day a year , till his Eyes enjoyed a sweet sight of his Native Country of England , upon whose Chalky Cliffs he had not Rode in many a weary Summer's day : therefore committing his Iourney to a fortunate Success , he travelled through many a dangerous Countrey , where the People were not only of a bloody disposition , given to all manner of wickedness , but the Soil greatly annoyed with wild Beasts , through which he could not well Travel without danger : therefore he carried continually in one of his hands a Weapon ready Charged , to encounter with the Heathen People , if occasion should serve , and in the other hand a bright blaze of Fire to defend him from the fury of wild Beasts , if by violence they assailed him . Thus in extream Danger Travelled the Noble and Adventurous Champion St. George , till he arrived in the Territories of Barbary , in which Countrey he purposed for a time to remain , and to seek for some Noble Atchievement , whereby his Fame might be encreased , and his honoured Name King through all the Kingdoms of the World : and being encouraged with this Princely Cogitation , the Noble Champion of England , climbed to the top of a huge Mountain ; where he unlocked his Bever , which before had not been lifted up in many a day , and beheld the wide and spacious Countrey , how it was beautified with losty Pines , and adorned with many goodly Palaces . But amongst the number of the Towers , and Cities which the English Champion beheld , there was one which seemed to exceed the rest both in Situation and brave Buildings , which he supposed to be the chiefest City in all the Countrey , and the place where the King usually kept his Court : to which place St. George intended to Travel , not to furnish himself with any needful thing , but to accomplish some Honourable Adventure , whereby his worthy Deeds might be eternized in the Books of Memory . So after he had descended from the top of the steepy Mountain , and had Travelled into a low Ualley about some two or three Miles , he approached an old and almost Ruinated Hermitage over-grown with Moss , and other Weeds ; before the entry of this Hermitage sate an Ancient Father upon a round Stone , taking the heat of the warm Sun , which cast such a comfortable brightness upon the Hermit's face , that his white Beard seemed to glister like Silver , and his Head to exceed the whiteness of the Northern Isicles ; to whom after St. George had given the due Reverence that belonged unto Age , he demanded the name of the Countrey , and the City he Travelled to , and under what King the Countrey was Governed : To whom the Courteous Hermit thus replyed : Most Noble Knight , for so I guess you are , by your Furniture and outward appearance , you are now in the Confines of Barbary , the City opposite before your eyes is called Tripoly , remaining under the Government of Almidor , the black King of Morocco in which City he now keepeth his Court , attended on by as many gallant Knights as any King under the Cope of Heaven . At which words the Noble Champion of England suddenly started , as though he had intelligence of some baleful news , which deeply discontented his Princely mind : his heart was presently incens●d with a speedy Revenge , and his mind so extreamly thirsted after Almidor's Tragedy , that he could scarce answer again to the Hermit's words : But bridling his Fury , the angry Champion spake in this manner : Grave Father ( said he ) through the Treachery of that Accursed King. I endured seven years Imprisonment in Persia , where I suffered both hunger cold , and extream misery : But if I had my good Sword Ascalon , and my trusty Palfrey , which I lest in the Egyptian Court , where remains my betrothed Love the King's Daughter of Egypt , I would be Avenged on the Head of Almidor , were his Guard more strong than the Army of Xerxes , whose multitudes drank Rivers dry . Why , said the Hermit , Sabra , the King's Daughter of Egypt is Queen of Barbary , and since her Nuptials were solemnly performed in Tripoly , are seven Summers fully finished . Now by the honour of my Country , England ( replied St. George ) the place of my Nativity and as I am a true Christian Knight , these eyes of mine shall never close this undaunted heart never entertain one thought of Peace , nor this unconquered hand receive one minutes rest , untill I have obtained a sight of the sweet Princess , for whose sake I have endured so long Imprisonment : Therefore dear Father be thus ●●nd to a Travellor , as to exchange thy Cloathing for this my Rich Furniture and lusty Stéed , which I brought from the Souldan of Persia , for in the habit of a Palmer I may enjoy the fruition of her sight without suspicion : Otherwise I must néeds be constrained by Uiolence with my trusty Falchion to make way into her Princely Palace , where I know she is attended on most carefully , by many a Ualiant and Couragious Knight , therefore courteously deliver me thy Hermit's Gown , and I will give to boot with my Horse and Armour , this Box of costly Iewels : Which when that grave Hermit beheld , he humbly thanked the Noble Champion , and so with all the speed they could possible make , exchanged Apparel , and in this manner departed . The Palmer being glad , repaired to his Hermitage with St. George's Furniture ; and St. George in the Palmer's Apparel towards the City of Tripoly , who no sooner came to the sumptuous Buildings of the Court , but he espied a hundred poor Palmers kneeling at the Gate , to whom St. George spake after this manner , not with lofty and Heroical speeches , beseeming a Princely Champion , but with meek and humble words , like an aged Palmer . My dear Brethren ( said● the Champion ) for what intent remain you here or what expert you from this honourable Court. We abide here ( answered the Palmers ) for an Alms , which the Queen once a day hath given this seven years , for the sake of an English Knight named St. George , whom she affecteth above all the Knights of the World : But when will this be given , said St. George : In the afternoon ( replied the Palmers ) until which time upon our bended knees we ho●rly pray for the good Fortune of that most noble English Knight . Which Speeches so pleased the Ualiant-minded Champion St. George , that he thought every minute a whole year till the Golden Sun had passed away the middle part of Heaven : for it was but newly risen from Aurora's Bed , whe●e light as yet with a shamefac'd radiant blush , distained the Eastern Skie . During which time , the most valiant and Magnahimous Champion , St. George of England , one while remembring the extream misery he endured in Persia , for her sake , whereat he let fall many Crystal Tears from his Eyes : another while thinking upon the Terrible Battel he had with a Burning Dragon in Aegypt , where he Redeemed her from the Fatal Iaws of Death : at last it was his chance to walk about the Court ; beholding the sumptuous Buildings , and the curious engraven works by the atchievement of Man , bestowed upon the glistring Windows : where he heard , to his exceeding pleasure , the heavenly Uoice of his beloved Sabra , descending from a Window upon the West-side of the Palace , where she warbled forth this sorrowful Ditty upon her Ivory Lute . Die all desires of Joy and Courtly Pleasures , Die all desires of Princely Royalty , Die all desires of Worldly Treasures , Die all desires of stately Majesty : Sith he is gone that pleased most mine Eye , For whom I wish ten thousand times to die . O that mine eyes might never cease to weep , O that my tongue might evermore complain , O that my Soul might in his Bosome sleep , For whose sweet sake my Heart doth live in pain : In Woe I sing with brinish Tears besprent , , Out worn with Grief , Consum'd with Discontent . In time my Sighs will dim the Heaven's fair Light , Which hourly flie from my tormented Breast , Except Saint George that Noble English Knight , With safe return abandon my unrest ; Then careful cries shall end with deep annoy , Exchanging weeping Tears , for smiling Joy. Before the Face of Heaven this Vow I make , Tho unkind Friends have Wed me to their Will , And Crown'd me Queen my ardent flames to slake , Which in despite of them shall flourish still , Bear witness Heavens and Earth , what I have said , For George's sake I live and die a Maid . Which sorrowful Ditty being no sooner ended , but she departed the Window , quite from the hearing of the English Champion , that stood gazing up to the Casements , preparing his ears to entertain her sweet tuned Melody the second time : but it was in vain whereat he grew in more perplexed passions than Aenea , when he had lost his beloved Cre●sa amongst the Army of the Grecian : sometimes wishing the day to vanish in a moment , that the hour of her Benevolence might approach , other times comforting his sad cogitations with the remembrance of her true Chastity , and long continued Constancy for his sake ; comparing her Love unto Thisbe's , her Chastity to Diana's , and her Constancy to Penelope's . Thus spent he the time away , till the glorious Sun began to decline the Western parts of the Earth , when the Palmers should receive her wonted benevolence : against which time , the English Champion placed himself in the midst of them , that expected the wished hour of her coming . who at the time appointed , came to the Palace Gate , attired in Mourning Uesture , like Polixena King Priam's Daughter , when she went to Sacrifice ; her hair after a careless manner hung wavering in the wind , almost changed from yellow burnisht brightness , to the colour of Silver , through her long continued Sorrows and Grief of Heart her eyes seemed to have wept Seas of Tears , and her wonted Beauty ( to whose Fairness all the Ladies in the World did sometimes yield obeysance ) was now stained with the pearled dew that trickled down her Cheeks : Where after the sorrowful Queen had justly numbred the Palmers , and with vigilant eyes beheld the Princely Countenance of Saint George , her Colour began to change from Red to White , and from White to Red , as though the Lilly and the Rose had strove for superiority : but yet colouring her Cogitations under a smooth Brow , first delivered her Alms to the Palmers , then taking St. George aside , with him she thus kindly began to confer : Palmer ( said she ) thou resemblest both in Princely Countenance and Courteous Behaviour , that thrice honoured Champion of England , for whose sake I have daily bestowed my● benevolence for this seven years : his Name is St. George , his Fame I know thou hast heard Reported in many a Country to be the bravest Knight that ever buckled on Steel Helm . Therefore for his sake will I grace thee with the chiefest Honour in this Court , instead of thy Russet Gaberdine , I will Cloath thee in Purple Silk , and instead of thy Ebon Staff , thy hand shall wield the richest Sword that ever Princely eye beheld . To whom the Noble Champion St. George replyed in this Courteous manner . I have heard ( quoth he ) the Princely Atchievements and Magnanimous Adventures of that Honoured English Knight , which you so dearly Affected , bruited through many Princes Court , and how for the Love of a Lady , he hath endured a long Imprisonment , from whence he never looked to return , but to spend the remnant of his days in lasting misery : At which the Queen let fall from her eyes such a shower of Pearled Tears , and sent such number of strained Sighs from her grieved heart , that her Sorrow séemed to exceed the Queen's of Carthage , when she had for ever lost the sight of her beloved Lord. But the brave-minded Champion purposed no longer to continue secret , but with his Discovery to convert her sorrowful moans to smiling joy : And so casting off his Palmers Weed , acknowledged himself to the Queen , and therewithal shewed the half Ring whereon was engraven this Poesie Ardeo Affectione : which Ring in former time ( as you may read before ) they had very equally divided betwixt them to be kept in remembrance of their plighted Faith. Which unexpected sight highly pleased the Beauteous Sabra , and her Ioy so exceeded the bounds of Reason , that she could not speak one word , but was constrained through her new conceited pleasure to breath a sad sigh or two into the Champion's Bosom , who like a true ennobled Knight , entertained her with a loving Kiss , where after these two Lovers had fully Discoursed each to other the secrets of their Souls , Sabra how she continued for his Love a pure Uirgin , through the secret vertue of a Golden Chain steept in Tyger's Blood , the which she wore seven times double about her Ivory Neck , took him by the gentle hand , and led him into her Husband's Stables , where stood his approved Palfrey , which she for seven years had fed with her own hands : who no sooner espied the return of his Master , but he was more proud of his Presence , than Bucephalus of the Macedonian Monarch , when he most joyfully returned in Triumph from any Uictorious Conquest . Now is the time ( said the excellent Princess Sabra ) that thou mayest seal up the quittance of our former Loves ; therefore with all convenient spéed take thy approved Palfrey , and thy trusty Sword Askalon which I will presently deliver into thy hands , and with all celerity convey me from this unhappy Countrey : for the King my Husband with all his adventurous Knights , are now rode forth on Hunting , whose absence will further our flight : but if you stay till his return , it is not a hundred of the hardiest Knights in the World can bear me from this accursed Palace . At which words St. George having a mind graced with all excellent Uertues , replyed in this manner . Thou knowest , my Divine Mistress , that for thy Love I would endure as many Dangers , as Iason suffered in the Isle Calcos , so I might at last enjoy the pleasure of true Virginity . For how is it possible thou canst remain a pure Maid , when thou hast been a Crowned Queen these seven years , and every night hast entertained a King into thy Bed ? If thou findest me not a true Maid ( quoth she ) in all that thou canst say or do , send me back hither again unto my Foe , whose Bed I count more loathsome than a Den of Snakes , and his sight more Ominous than the Crocodiles . As for the Morocco Crown , which by force of Friends was set upon my head . I wish that it might be turned into a blaze of quenchless Fire , so it might not endanger my Body : and for the Name of Queen , I account it a vain Title ; for I had rather to be the English Lady , than the greatest Empress in the World. At which speeches St. George willingly condescended , and with all speed purposed to go into England : And therewithal sealed an assurance with as sweet a kiss as Paris gave to lovely Hellena , when she consented to forsake her Native Countrey , and to Travel from her Husband Menelaus into Troy. So losing no time , lest delay might breed danger , Sabra furnished her self with sufficient Treasure , and speedily delivered to St. George his trusty Sword , which she had kept seven years for his sake , with all the Furniture belonging to his approved Steed ; who no sooner received her proffered gifts , which he accounted dearer than the Asian Monarchy , but presently he Sadled his Horse , and beautified his strong Limbs with rich Caparisons . In the mean time , Sabra through fair Speeches and Promises obtained the good will of an Eunuch , that was appointed for her Guard in the King's absence , to accompany them in their Travel , and to serve as a trusty Guide , if occasion required ; which with the Lady stood ready at the Champion's commandment : who no sooner had furnished himself with Habiliments of War , belonging to so dangerous a Iourney , but he set his beloved Mistriss upon a gentle Palfrey , which always kneeled down untill she had ascended the Saddle , and likewise her Eunuch was mounted upon another Steed , whereon all their rich Furniture , with costly Iewels , and other Treasures was born . So these three worthy Personages committed their Travels to the Guide o● Fortune , who preserved them from the dangers of pursuing Enemies , which at the King's return from hunting , sollowed a main to every Port and Haven that divided the Kingdom of Barbary from the Confines of Christendom : but kind Destiny so guided their steps , that they Travelled another way , contrary to their expectations : for when they looked to arrive upon the Territories of Europe . they were cast upon the fruitful Banks of Grecia : In which Countrey we must tell what hapned to the three Travellers , and omit the vain pursuit of the Morocco Knights , the wrathful Melancholy of the King , and the bruited Rumor that was amongst the Commons at the Queens departure . who caused the Larum Bells to be Rung out , and the Beacons set on Fire , as though the Enemy had entred their Countrey . But now Melpomene , thou Tragick Sister of the Muses , report what unlucky Crosses hapned to these three Travellers in the Confines of Grecia , and how their smiling Comedy was by ill hap turned into a weeping Tragedy ; for when they had journeyed some three or four Leagues , over many a lofty Hill , they came nigh unto a Mighty and Uast Wilderness , through which the way seemed so long , and the Sun-Beams so exceedingly glowed , that Sabra , what for weariness in Travel , and the extream heat of the Day , was constrained to rest under the shelter of a mighty Oak whose Branches had not been lopt in many a year : Where the had not long remained , but her heart began to faint for hunger , and her Colour that was but a little before as fair as any Ladies in the World , began to change for want of a little drink : Whereat the most famous Champion St. George , half dead with very grief , comforted her as well as he could , after this manner . Faint not my dear Lady , ( said he ) here is that good Sword that once preserved thee from the burning Dragon ; and before thou shalt die for want of Sustenance , it shall make way to every corner of the Wilderness ; where I will either kill some Venison to refresh thy hungry Stomach , or make my Tomb in the Bowels of some Monstrous Beast : Therefore abide thou here under this Tree in company of thy faithful Eunuch , till I return either with the flesh of some wild Deer , to else some flying Bird to refresh thy Spirits for a new Travel . Thus left he his beloved Lady with the Eunuch to the mercy of the Woods , and Travelled up and down the Wilderness , till he espied a Herd of fatted Deer , from which company he fingled out the fairest , and like a tripping Satyr coursed her to Death : then with a keen-edged Sword cut out the goodliest Haunch of Uenison that ever Hunters eye beheld ; which Gift he supposed to be most welcome to his beloved Lady . But mark what hapned in his absence to the two weary Travellers under the Tree : Where after St. George's departure , they had not long sitten discoursing , one while of their long Iourneys , another while of their safe Delivery from the Blackamoor King , spending the stealing time away with many an ancient Story , but there appeared out of a Thicket two huge and monstrous Lions , which came directly pacing towards the two Travellers : Which fearful spectacle when Sabra beheld , having a heart over-charged with the extream fear of Death , wholly committed her Soul into the hands of God , and her Body almost Famished for want of Food to suffice the hunger of the two furious Lions , who by the appointment of Heaven ; proffered not so much as to lay their wrathful paws upon the smallest part of her Garment , but with eager mood assailed the Eunuch , until they had buried his Body in the empty Uaults of their hungry Bowels : Then with their Teeth lately imbrued in Blood , rent the Eunuch's Steed into small pieces : Which being done , they came to the Lady , which sate quaking half dead with fear , and like two Lambs couched their Heads upon her Lap , where with her hands she stroaked down their bristled hairs , not daring almost to breathe , till a heavy sleep had over-mastered their furious Senses , by which time the Princely-minded Champion St. George returned with a piece of Uenison upon the point of his Sword : Who at that unexpected sight , stood in a Maze , whether it was best to flie for safeguard of his Life or to venture his Fortune against the Furious Lions . But at last the Love of his Lady encouraged him to a forwardness whom he beheld quaking before the dismal Gates of Death : So laying down his Uenison , he like a Uictorious Champion sheathed his approved Faulchion most furiousty in the Bowels of one of the Lions . Sabra kept the other sleeping in her Lap till his prosperous hand had likewise dispatched him : Which Adventure being performed , he first thanked Heaven for Uictory , and then in this kind manner saluted his Lady . Now ( Sabra said he ) I have by this sufficiently proved ●●iy true Virginity : for it is the Nature of a Lion , be he never so furious , not to harm the unspotted Virgin , but humbly to lay his bristled Head upon a Maidens Lap. Therefore Divine Paragon , thou art the World 's chief wonder for Love and Chastity , whose honoured Vertues shall ring as far as Phebus sends his Lights , and whose Constancy I will maintain in every Land where I come , to be the truest under the Circuit of the Sun : At which words he cast his eyes aside , and beheld the bloody spectacle of the Eunuch's ●●agedy , which by Sabra was wofully discoursed , to the grief of St. George , where sad sighs served for a doleful Knell to bewail his untimely death : But having a noble mind not subject to vain Sorrow , where all hope of Life is past , ceased his grief , and prepared the Uenison in readiness for his Ladies Repast , which in this order was dressed . He had in his Pocket a Firelock , wherewith he struck fire , and kindled it with Sun-burnt Moss , and encreased the Flame with other dry wood , which he gathered in the Wilderness : Against which they Roasted the Uenison , and sufficed themselves to their own contentments . After which joyful Repast , these two Princely Persons set forward to their wonted Travels , whereby the happy Guide of Heaven so conducted their steps , that before many days passed , they arrived in the Grecian Court , even upon that day when the Marriage of the Grecian Emperor should be solemnly holden : Which Royal Nuptials , in former times had been bruited into every Nation in the World , as well in Europe , as Africa and Asia : At which honourable Marriage the bravest Knights then living on Earth were present : For Golden Fame had bruited the Report thereof to the Ears of the Seven Champions : In Thessaly , to S. Denis the Champion of France , there remaining with his beauteous Eglantine ; into Sevil to St. James the Champion of Spain , where he remained with his lovely Celestine : To St. Anthony the Champion of Italy , then Travelling into the Borders of Scythia , with his Lady Rosalinde : likewise to St. Andrew , the Champion of Scotland , to St. Patrick the Champion of Ireland , and to St. David the Champion of Wales , who all Atchieved many Memorable Adventures in the Kingdom of Tartary , as you have heard before discoursed at large . But now Fame , and smiling Fortune consented to make their Knightly Atchievements to shine in the Eyes of the whole World , therefore by the Conduction of Heaven , they generally arrived in the Grecian Emperor's Court : Of whose Tilts and Tournaments therein performed , to the honour of his Nuptials , my weavy Muse is bound to discourse . CHAP. XII . How the Seven Champions Arrived in Grecia at the Emperor's Nuptials , where they performed many Noble Atchievements , and how after open Wars were Proclaimed against Christendom by the Discovery of many Knights , and how every Champion departed into his own Countrey . TO speak of the number of the Knights , that Assembled in the Grecian Court together , were a Labour over-tedious , requiring the Pen of Homer : Therefore will I omit the honourable Train of Knights and Ladies that did attend them to the Church ; their costly Garments and glistring Ornaments , exceeding the Royalty of Hecuba , the Beauteous Queen of Troy. And also I pass over the sumptuous Banquets , the Honourable Services , and Delicious Chear that Beautified the Emperor's Nuptials , with the stately Masks and Courtly Dances performed by many Noble Personages , and chiefly discourse of the Knightly Atchievements of the Seven Champions of Christendom , whose Honourable Proceedings , and Magnanimous Encounters have deserved a Golden Pen to relate : For after some few days spent in Chamber-sports , to the great pleasure of the Grecian Prince , the Emperor presently Proclaimed a solemn Iusting to be holden for the space of seven days , in the Honour of his Marriage , and appointed for his chief Champions the seven Christian Knights ; whose Names as then were not known by any one except their own Attendants . Against the appointed day the Turnaments should begin , the Emperor caused a wonderful large Frame of Timber-work to be erected , whereon the Empress and her Ladies might stand , for the better view of the Tilters , and at pleasure behold the Champions Encounters , most Nobly performed in the Honour of their Mistresses : likewise in the compass of the Lists were pitched seven Tents of seven several Colours , wherein the Seven Champions might remain till the sound of the Silver Trumpets summoned them to appear . Thus every thing prepared in readiness , fitting so great a Royalty , the Princes and Ladies placed in their Seats , the Emperor with his new Married Empress invested on their lofty Thrones , strongly Guarded with an hundred Armed Knights , the King's Heralds Solemnly Proclaimed the Turnaments , which in this most Royal manner began . The first day S. Denis of France was appointed chief Champion against all Comers , who was called by the Title of the Golden Knight , who at the sound of the Trumpet entred the Lists , his Tent was of the colour of the Marigold , upon the top an artificial Sun framed , that seemed to Beautifie the whole Assembly : his Horse of an Iron-grey graced with a spangled Plume of Feathers : Before him rode a Page in purple silk , bearing upon his Crest three Golden Flower-de-●uces , which did signifie his Arms. Thus in this Royal manner entred St. Denis the Lists ; where after he had traced twice or thrice up and down , to the open view of the whole Company , he prepared himself in readiness to begin the Turnament : Against whom ran many Grecian Knights , which were foiled by the French Champion , to the wonderful admiration of all the beholders : But to be brief , he so worthily behaved himself , and with such Fortitude , that the Emperor applauded him for the bravest Knight in the World. Thus in great Royalty , to the exceeding pleasure of the Emperor , was the first day spent , till the dark Evening caused the Knights to break off Company , and repair to their Nights Repose . And the next Morning no sooner did Phoebus shew his splendid brightness , but the King of Heralds under the Emperor , with a noise of Trumpets awaked the Champions from their silent sleep , who with all speed prepared for the second days Exercises . The chief Champion appointed for that day , was the Uinorious Knight St. James of Spain : Which after the Emperor and Empress had seated themselves with a stately Train of Beautiful Ladies , entred the Lists upon a Spanish Gennet , betrapt with a rich Caparison : Directly over against the Emperor's Throne his Tent was pitcht , which was of the colour of Quick-silver , wherein was pourtrayed many fine Devices : Before the Tent attended four Esquires , bearing four several Escutcheons in their hands , whereon were curiously painted the four Elements : Likewise he had the Title of the Silver Knight ; who behaved himself no less worthy of all Princely Commendations than the French Champion the day before . The third day . St. Anthony of Italy was chief Challenger in the Turnament , whose Tent was of the Colour of the Skies , his Steed furnished with costly Habiliments , his Armour after the Barbarian manner , his Shield plated round about with : Steel whereon was painted a Golden Eagle in a Field of Blue , which signified the ancient Arms of Rome : Likewise he had the Title of the Azure Knight , whose matchless Chivalry for that day , won the Prize from all the Grecian Knights , to the great rejoycing of the Lady Rosalinde , the King of 〈◊〉 Daughter , that still remained in Pages Attire , wherein ( ●or the dear Love she bore to S. Anthony ) disguisedly she stole from the Court , whose discovery shall hereafter be expressed . The fourth day by the Emperor's appointment , the Ualiant and Worthy Knight St. Andrew of Scotland obtained the Honour as to be chief Challenger for the Turnament : His Tent was framed in the manner of a Ship swimming upon the Waves of the Sea , invironed about with Dolphins , Tritans , and many strange contrived Mermaids : Upon the top stood the Picture of Neptune the God of the Seas , bearing in his hand a Streamer , whereon was wrought in Crimson Silk , a corner Cross , which seemed to be his Countrey 's Arms : He was called the Red Knight . because his Horse was covered with a bloody Ueil , his worthy Atchievements obtained such favour in the Emperor's Eyes , that he threw him his silver Gauntlet . which was prized at a thousand Portagues . where after his Noble Encounters he enioyed a sweet Repose . The fifth day St. Patrick of Ireland as thief Champion entred the Lists upon an Irish H●bby , covered with a veil of green , attended on by six Silvane Knights , every one bearing upon his Shoulder a blooming Tree : His Tent resembled a Summer's Bower , at the entry whereof stood the Picture of Flora beautified with a wreath of sweet smelling Roses : He was named the Green Knight ; whose worthy Prowess to daunted the Defendants , that before the Turnament began they gave him the Honour of the Day . Upon the sixth day the Heroical and Noble-minded Champion of Wales obtained such favour at the Emperor's hands , that he likewise was chief Challenger , who entred the Lists upon a Tartarian Palsrey , covered with a veil of Black , to signifie a black and Tragical day should befall those Grecian Knights , that durst approve his invincible Fortitude : His Tent was pitcht in the marmer and form of a Castle in the West side of the Lists , before the entry whereof hung a Golden Shield , whereon was lively pourtrayed a silver Griffin Rampant , upon a Golden Helmet , which signified the Ancient Arms of Britain . His Srmcely Atchievements not only obtained due commendations at the Emperor's hands but of the whole Assembly of the Grecian Ladies wherewith they applauded him to be the most Noble Knight that ever ●hidered Launce , and the most fortunate Champion that ever entred into the Grecian Court. Upon the seventh and last day of these Honourable Turnaments and most Noble Sroceedings , the Famous and Ualiant Knight at Arms , St. George of England , as Chief Challenger , entred the Lists upon a Sable-coloured Steed , betrapt with Bars of burnished Gold , his Fore-head beautified with a gorgeous Plume of purple Feathers , from whence hung many Pendants of Gold , his Armour of the purest Lydian Steel nailed fast together with silver Plates , his Helmet ingraven very curiously , beset with Indian Pearl , and Iasper-stones : before his Breast-place hung a silver Table in a Damask Scarf , whereon was pinured a Lion Rampant in a bloody Field , bearing three golden Crowns upon his head : before his Tent stood an Ivory Chariot guarded by twelve cole-black Negroes ; wherein his beloved Lady and Mistress Sabra sate invested upon a s●●ver Globe , to behold the Heroical Encounters of her most Noble and Magnanimous Champion St. George of England : His Tent was as white as the Swans Feathers , glistring against the Sun , supported by four joyntless Elephants framed of the purest Brass , about his Helmet he tied a wreath of Uirgin's hair , where hung his Lady's Glove , which he wore to maintain her excellent Gifts of Nature to exceed all Ladies on the Earth : These costly Habiliments ravished the beholders with such unspeakable , pleasure , that they stood gazing at his Furniture , not able to withdraw their Eyes from so Heavenly a sight . But when they behold his Uictorious Encounters against the Grecian Knights , they supposed him to be the invincible . Tamer of that seven-headed Monster that climbed to the Elements , offering to pull Jupiter from his Throne . His Stéed never gave Encounter with any Knight , but he tumbled Horse and Man to the Ground , where they lay for a time berest of Sense . The Tournaments dured for that day , from the Suns rising , till the cole-black Evening-Star appeared , in which time he Conquered five hundred of the hardiest Knights then living in Asia , and shivered a thousand Launces , to the wonderful admiration of the Beholders . Thus were the seven days brought to an end by the Seven worthy Champions of Christendom , in reward of whose Noble Atchievements , the Grecian Emperor being a Man that highly favoured Knightly Proceedings , gave them a Golden Tree with seven Branches , to be divided equally amongst them . Which Honourable Prize they conveyed to St. George's Pavillion , where in dividing the Branches , the Seven Champions discovered themselves each to other , and by what good Fortune they arrived in the Grecian Court , whose long wished sight so rejoyced their hearts , that they all accounted that happy day of meeting , the joyfullest day that ever they beheld . But now after the Tournaments were fully ended , and the Knights rested themselves some few days , recovering their wonted agility of Body , they fell to a new exercise of pleasure , not appearing in glistring Armour before the Tilt , nor following the loud sounding Drums and Silver Trumpets , but spending away the time in Courtry Dances amongst their ●● loved Ladies and Mistresses , in more Royalty than the Ph●ygian Knights when they presented the Paragon of Asia with an Enchanted Mask . There wanted no inspiring Musick to delight their Ears , no pleasant Sonnets to ravish their Senses , nor no curious Dances to please their Eyes . Sabra she was the Mistress of the Revels , who graced the whole Court with her excellent Beauty , which seemed to exceed the rest of the Ladies in fairness , as far as the Moon surpasseth her attending Stars in a fro●ty Night , and when she danced , she seemed like Thetis tripping on the silver Sands , with whom the Sun did fall in Love : And if she chanced to smile , the cloudy Elements would weep , and drop down heavenly dew , as though they mourned for Love. There likewise remained in the Court the six Thracian Uirgins that in former time lived in the shape of Swans , which were as Beautiful Ladies as ever eye beheld , also many other Ladies attended the Empress , in whose Companies the Seven Champions daily delighted : Sometimes discoursing of Amorous conceits , other times delighting themselves with sweet sounding Musick : Then spending the day in Banqueting , Revelling , Dancing , and such like pastimes , not once injuring their true betrothed Ladies . But their Courtly pleasures continued not long , for they were suddenly dashed with a certain News of open Wars Proclaimed against all Christendem , which fell out contrary to the expectation of the Christian Knights . There arrived in the Grecian Emperor's Palace , an hundred Heralds , of an hundred several Provinces , which Proclaimed utter Defiance to all Christian Kingdoms , by these words . We , the High and Mighty Emperors of Asia and Africa , great Commanders both of Land and Seas , Proclaim by general Consent of all the Eastern Potentates , utter Ruine and Destruction to the Kingdoms of Christendom , and to all those Nations where any Christian Knights are harboured : First , the Souldan of Persia , in Revenge of a Bloody Slaughter done in his Palace , by an English Champion : Ptolomy the Egyptian King , in Revenge of his Daughter , violently taken away by the same Knight : Almidor the black King of Morocco in Revenge of his Queen , likewise taken away by the said English Champion : The great Governor of Thessaly , in Revenge of his Daughter , taken away by a French Knight : The King of Ierusalem in Revenge of his Daughter , taken away by a Spanish Knight : The Tartarian Emperor , in Revenge of his Son Count Palatine , slain by the unhappy hand of the Champion of Wales : the Thracian Monarch , in Revenge of his vain Travel after his seven Daughters , now in keeping of certain Christian Knights : In Revenge of which Injuries , all Kingdoms from the further parts of Prester-Iohn's Dominions to the Borders of the Red-Sea , have sent down their Hands and Seals to be Aiders in this bloody War. This Proclamation was no sooner ended , but the Grecian Emperor likewise consented to their bloody determination , and thereupon gave speedy Commandment to Muster up the greatest Strength that Grecia could afford , to joyn with the Pagans ; to the utter Ruine and Confusion of Christendom : which bloody Edict , or rather inhumane Iudgment pronounced by the accursed Infidels , compelled the Christian Champions to a speedy departure , and every one to hasten to his own Country , there to provide for the Pagans Entertainment : So after due considerations , the Champions departed , in company of their betrothed Ladies , who chose rather to live in their Husbands Bosoms , than with their misbeliving Parents : Where after some few days they arrived in the spacious Bay of Portugal , in which Haven they Uowed by the honour of true Knighthood to meet again within six Months ensuing , there to conjovn all their Christian Armies into one Legion : Upon which plighted Resolution , the worthy Champions departed one from another : St. George into England , St. Denis into France , St. James into Spain , St. Anthony into Italy , St. Andrew into Scotland , St. Patrick into Ireland , St. David into Wales . Whose pleasant Banks they had not beheld in many years before : Where their Entertainments were as honourable as their hearts desired : But to speak of the Mustring up of Soldiers in every Christian Kingdom , and what strength arrived at the appointed time in the Bay of Portugal , shall be discoursed in the sequel of this History , and how troublesome Wars overspread the whole Earth , where the Heroical Deeds of these Noble Champions shall at large be described : Also the Overthrow of many Kings and Kingdoms , Ruines of Towns and Cities , and the decay of many flourishing Common-weals : Likewise of the bloody Tragedies of many Unchristian Princes : Whereat the Heavens will mourn , to see the effusion of Blood trickle from the breasts of murthered Infants , the heaps of slaughtered Damsels trampled to pieces by Souldiers Horses , and the streets of many a City sprinkled with the blood of Reverend Age : Therefore ; gentle Reader , accept of this my Labour with a smooth Brow , and kind Countenance , and my weary Muse shall never rest , till I have finished the pleasant History of these Heroical Champions . CHAP. XIII . How the Seven Champions of Christendom arrived with all their Troops in the Bay of Portugal ; the number of the Christian Armies , and how St. George made an Oration to the Soldiers . AFter the Seven Champions of Christendom arrived in their Native Countries , and by true Reports had blazed abroad to every Princes ear , the bloody Resolution of the Pagans , and slow the Provinces of Africa and Asia , had Mustred up their Forces to the Invasion of Europe : All Christian Kings then at the entreaty of the Champions appointed Mighty Armies of well approved Soldiers , both by Sea and Land , to intercept the Infidels wicked intention . Likewise by the whole consent of Christendom , the Noble and Fortunate Champion of England St. George , was appointed chief General , and principal Leader of the Armies , and the other six Champions were Elected for his Council and chief Assistants in all Attempts that appertained either to the benefit of Christendom , or the furtherance of their Fortunate Proceedings . This Honourable War so fired the hearts of many youthful Gentlemen , and so encouraged the minds of every common Soldier , that some Mortgaged their Lands , and at their own proper Charges furnished themselves : some sold their Patrimonies to serve in these Honourable Wars : and other some forsook Parents , Kindred , Wife , Children , Friends , and Acquaintance , and without constraint of Pressing , offered themselves to follow so Noble a General , as the Renowned Champion of England , and to spend their Blood in the just Quarrel of their Native Country . To be brief , one might behold the Stréets of every Town and City throughout all the Dominions of Europe , beautified with Troops of Soldiers , which thirsted after nothing but Fame and Honour . Then the joyful sound of thundring Drums , and the Ecchees of silver Trumpets summoning them to Arms ; that followed with as much willingness as the Grecians followed Agamemn on to the woful overthrow of Troy : For by that time the Christian Champions had sported themselves in the Bosome of their kind Mistresses the forward Captains taken their Courtly Pastimes , and the willing Souldiers bad adieu to their Friends and Acquaintance , the Sp●ing had covered the Earth with a n●w Live●y : which was the appointed time the Christian Armies should meet in Portugal , there to joyn their several Troops into one Legion : which Promise caused the Champions to bid adieu to their Native Countrys , and with all speed to ●uckle on their Furnitures , to hoise up Sails , where after a short time , the wind with a calm and prosperous Gale , cast them happily into the Bay of Portugal . The first that arrived in that spacious Haven , was the Noble Champion S. George , with an hundred thousand Couragious English Soldiers , whose forwardness bet●kened a fortunate success , and their willing minds a joyful Uictory . His Army set in Battel-aray , seemed to countervail the number of the Macedonian Soldiers , wherewith worthy Alexander Conquered the Western World ; his Horsemen being in number twenty thousand , were armed all in black Corssets : Their Launces bound about with Plates of Steel , their Steeds covered with Mail three times double : Their Colours were the sanguine Cross , supported by a Golden Lyon : His sturdy Bow-men , whose Conquering grey-Goose wing in former times hath terrified the circled Earth , being in number likewise twenty thousand , clad all in red Mandilians , with Caps of the same colour , bearing thereon likewise a sanguine Cross , being the true Badge and Honour of England : Their Bows of the strongest Yew , and their Arrows of the soundest Ash , with forked heads of Steel , and their Feathers bound on with green War and twisted Silk . His Musqueteers being in number ten thousand , their Musquets of the widest bore , with Firelocks , wrought by curious workmanship , yet of such wonderful lightness , that they required no rest at all to ease their right aiming Arms. His Caliver shot likewise ten thousand of the smaller timbred Men , but yet of as Couragious minds as the tallest Soldiers in his Army . His Pikes and Bills to guard the waving Ensigns , thirty thousand , clad all with glistring bright Armour : likewise followed ten thousand labouring Pioneers , if occasion served , to undermine any Town or Castle , to intrench Forts or Sconces , or to make a Passage through Hills and Mountains , as worthy Hannibal did , when as he made a way for his Souldiers through the lofty Alps , that divide the Countreys of Italy and Spain . The next that arrived within the Bay of Portugal , was the Princely-minded Champion St. David of Wales , with an Army of Fifty Thousand true born Britains , furnished with all Habiliments of War , for so Noble and Ualiant a Service to the high Re●own of his Countrey , and true Honour of his Progeny : Their Armour in richness nothing inferiour to the English mens : Their Colours were a Golden Cross supported by a Silver Griffin ; which Escutcheon signified the ancient Arms of Wales : for no sooner had St. George a sight of the Ualiant Britain , but he caused his Musqueteers presently to entertain them with a Uolley of Shot , to express their happy and joyful welcome to Shoar , which speedily they performed so couragiously with such a ratling noise , as though the Firmament had burst in ●under , and the Earth made eccho to their thundring Melody . But no sooner were the Skies cleared from the smoak of the reaking Powder , and that St. George might at pleasure discern the Noble and Magnanimous Champion of Wales , who as then rode upon a milk-white Hobby in Silver Armour guarded with a Train of Knights in purple Uestures , but he greeted St. David with kind Courtesies , and accompanied him to the English Tent. which they had erected close by the Port-side , where for that night these two Champions remained , spending the time with unspeakable pleasure : And so upon the next day after , St. David departed to his own Tent , which he had caused to be pitched a quarter of a League from the Englsh Army . The next that arrived on the fruitful Banks of Portugal , was St. Patrick , the Noble Champion of Ireland , with an Army likewise of Fifty thousand attired after a strange and wonderful manner : Their Furnitures were of the skins of Wild-beasts , but yet more unpierceable than the strongest Armour of Proof : They bore in their hands mighty Darts , tipp'd at the end with pricking Steel , which the Couragious and Ualiant Irish Soldiers by the agility of their Arms , could throw a full flight shot , and with forcible strength , would strike three or four Inches into an Oak , and with such a certain aim they would not miss the breadth of a Foot. These adventurous and hardy Soldiers no sooner arrived on the Shore , but the English Musqueteers gave them a Princely Entertainment , and presently conducted the noble-minded Champion St. Patrick to the English Tent , where the three Champions of England , Wales , and Ireland , passed away the time with exceeding great Royalty , laying down Plots how to pitch their Camps to the most disadvantage of the misbelieving Enemy , and setting perfect directions which way they were best to March , and such like Devices , for their own safeties , and the benefit of Christendom . The next that Landed on the Banks of Portugal , was St. Andrew the worthy Champion of Scotland , with threescore thousand of well-approved Soldiers : His Horse-men , the old adventurous Gallowa●s , clad in quilted , Iack●ts , with 〈◊〉 of the Turkish fashion , thick and short , ●earing upon their Be●●ers the Arms of Scotland , which was a corner , Cross supported by a 〈◊〉 Uirgin : His Pikemen the s●iff and hardy Men o● 〈◊〉 , which con●●nually lye upon freezing Mountains , the I●● Ro●k and the Snowy Uallys , his shot , the light-●ooted 〈◊〉 , that if occasion be , can climb the highest Hill , and for nimbleness in running over-go the swift-sooted Stag. These bold adventurous Scottish Men in all forwardness , deserved as much Honour at the Eng●i●● Champion's hands as any other Nations before , therefore he commanded his shot on their first entry on Land , to give them a Noble Entertainment , which they performed most Royally , and also conducted St. Andrew to the English Tent , where after he had given S. George the Courtesie of his Countrey , departed to his Tent , which was distant from the English Tent a Mile . The next that arrived was St Anthony the Champion of Italy , with a Band of Fourscore thousand brave Italian Souldiers mounted on warlike Coursers ; every Horsman attended on by a naked Negro , bearing in his hand a Streamer of watchet Silk , with the Arms of Italy thereon set in Gold , every Footman furnished with approved Furniture in as stately a manner as the English-men , who at their Landing received as Royal an Entertainment as the other Nations , and likewise St. Anthony was as highly Honoured by the English Champion , as any of the other Christian Knights . The next that arrived was S. Denis the Uictorious Champion of France , with a Band of Fourscore thousand . After him Marched Dukes of twelve several Dukedoms then under the Government of the French King , every one at his own proper Cost and Charges maintained two thousand Soldiers in these Christian Wars : their Entertainments were as Glorious as the rest . The last of the Christian Champions that arrived upon the fruitful Banks of Portugal , was the Magnanimous Knight St. James of Spain , with a Band likewise of Fourscore thousand ; with him he brought from the Spanish Mines ten Tun of Refined Gold , only to maintain Soldiers in the Defence of Christendom ; who no sooner Landed with his Troops , but the Six Champions gave him the honourable welcome of a Soldier , and ordained a solemn Banquet for the general Armies , whose number justly surmounted Five hundred thousand ; which Legious they enjoyned into one Camp-Royal , and after placed their Wings and Squadrons Battel-wise , chiefly by the direction of St. George , being then chief General by the consent of the Christian Kings : who after he had over-viewed the Christian Armies , his Countenance seemed to prognosticate a Crowned Uictory , and to foretell a fatal Overthrow to the misbelieving Potentates : Therefore to encourage his Princely Followers to persevere in their wonted willingness ; pronounced this Princely Oration . You Men of Europe ( said he ) and my Countrey-men , whose Conquering Fortunes never yet have feared the Enemies of Christ , you see we have forsook our Native Lands , and committed our Destinies to the Queen of Chance , not to fight in any unjust Quarrel , but in the true Cause of Israel's Anointed not against Nature to climb to the Heavens , as Nimro● and the Giants proffered in former time ; but to prevent the Invasion of Christendom , the Ruine of Europe , and the intended overthrow of all Christian Provinces , the Bloody-minded Infidels have Mustered up Legions , in numbers like blades of Grass , that grow upon the flourishing Downs of Italy , or the Stars of Heaven in the coldest Winters night , protesting to fill our Countries with Seas of Blood , to scatter our streets with mangled Limbs , and convert our Glorious Cities into Flames of quenchless Fire : Therefore dear Country-men , live not to see our Christian Uirgins spoiled by Lustfull Rape , nor dragged along our Streets like guiltless Lambs to a bloody Slaughter : nor to see our harmless Ba●es , with bruised brains dashed against hard Flinty stones , nor to see our unlusty Age , whose hair resembles silver Mines , lye bleeding on the Marble Pavements ; but like true Christian Soldiers fight in the Quarrel of your Countries . What , though the Pagans be in number ten to one yet Heaven I know will fight for Christendom , and cast them down before our faces , like drops of April showers . Be not dismayed to see them in ordered Ranks , nor fear not when as you behold the streamers hovering in the waving wind , when as their steeled Pikes like to a Thorny Forrest will overspread whole Countreys : Thousands of them I know will have no heart to fight , but flie with cowardly fear like Flocks of Shéep before the greedy Wolf. I am the Leader of your noble Minds , that never sought in vain , nor ever entred Battel but returned with Conquest . Then every one with me build upon this Princely Resolution . For Christendom we Fight , For Christendom we Live and D●e . This Soldierlike Oration was no sooner finished , but the whole Army with a general voice cried , to Arms , to Arms , with Uictorious George of England : Which Noble Resolution of the Soldiers , so reioyced the English Champion , and likewise encouraged the other Christian Knights with such a forwardness of mind , that they gave speedy Commandment to remove their Tents , and to March with easie Iourneys towards Trip●ly in Barbary , where Almidor the black King of Morocco had Residence , in which Travel we must leave for a while the Christian Army and speak of the innumerable Troops of Pagan Knights that arrived at one instant in the Kingdom of Hungary , and how they fell at variance in the Election of a General : which civil Mutiny caused much effusion of blood , to the great hurt both of Africa and Asia , as here followeth . CHAP. XIV . Of the Dissention and Discord that hapned amongst the Army of the Pagans in Hungary ; the Battel betwixt the Christians and the Moors in Barbary ; and how Almidor the Black King of Morocco was sodden to Death in a Cauldron of boiling Lead and Brimstone . THE iresul Pagans after they had Levied their Martial Forces both by Sea and Land , repaired to their general place of méeting , there to conclude of the utter Ruine of Christendom : For no sooner could Winter withdraw his chill Frost from the Earth , and Flora took possession of his place , but the Kingdom of Hungary suffered excessive penury , through the humberless Armies of accursed Infidels , being their appointed place of meeting : for though Hungary of all other Countreys both in Africa and Asia , then was the richest and plentifullest of Uictuals to maintain a Camp of Men , yet was it mightily overprest and greatly burthened with Multitudes , not only with want of necessaries to relieve Soldiers , but with extream cruelty of those bloody-minded Miscreants , that through a Civil Discord which hapned amongst them , about the Election of a General they converted their Union into a most inhumane slaughter , and their Triumphant Uictory to a dismal bloody Tragedy : For no sooner arrived their Legions upon the Plains of Algernos , being in length and breadth one and twenty Leagues , but the King of Hungary caused their Muster-Rolls to be publickly read , and justly numbred in the hearing of the Pagan Knights , which in this manner was Proclaimed through the Camp. First , Be it known unto all Nations that fight in the Quarrel of Africa and Asia , under the Conduct of our three great Gods , Mahomet , Tarmagant , and Apollo , what invincible Forces be now arrived in this Renowned Kingdom of Hungary , a Land honoured through the World , not only for Arms , but curious Buildings , and plentified with all manner of Riches . First , We have from the Emperor of Constantinople , two hundred thousand . From the Emperor of Grecia , two hundred and fifty thousand . From the Emperor of Tartary , an hundred threescore and three thousand . From the Souldan of Persia ; two hundred thousand . From the King of Ierusalem four hundred thousand . Of Moors , one hundred and twenty thousand . Of Cole-black Negro's , one hundred and forty thousand . Of Arabians , one hundred and sixty thousand . Of Babylonians , one hundred and thirty thousand and odd . Of Armenians , one hundred and fifty thousand . Of Macedonians , two hundred and ten thousand . Of Siracusians , fifteen thousand six hundred . Of Hungarians , three hundred and six thousand . Of Sicilians , seven thousand three hundred . Of Scythians , one hundred and five thousand . Of Parthians , ten thousand three hundred . Of Phrygians , seven thousand three hundred . Of Ethiopians , sixty thousand . Of Thracians , fourscore thousand . Likewise from the Provinces of Prester John , three hundred thousand of unconquered Knights , with many other petty Dominions and Dukedoms , whose number I omit for this time , lest I should seem over-tedious to the Reader . But to conclude , such a Camp of Armed Soldiers arrived in Hungary , that might in one Month have destroyed Christendom , had not God defended them from those Barbarous Nations , and by his invincible power confounded the Pagans in their own practices : for no sooner had the Heralds Proclaimed through the Camp what a number of Nations joyned in Arms together , but the Soldiers fell at dissention one with another , about the Election of a General : Some vowed to follow none but the King of Jerusalem : some Ptolomy the Aegyptian King : and some the Souldan of Persia , either to persevere in their own wills , or to lose their lives in the same Quarrel . Thus in this manner , Parts were taken on all sides , not only by the meaner sort , but by Leaders and Commanders of Bands ; whereby the Kings and Potentates were forced to commit their wills to their Soldiers pleasure . This civil broil so discouraged the whole Army , that many withdrew their Forces and presently Marched homewards , as the King of Morocco with his Tawny Moors , and Cole-black Negroes : likewise the Souldan of Persia , Ptolomy the Egyptian King , the Kings of Arabia and Jerusalem , every one departed to their own Countreys , cursing the time they attempted first so vain an Enterprize . The rest not minding to pocket up abuses , fell from brawling Boasts to downright Blows , whereby grew such sharp and bloody Wars , that it cost more Soldiers Lives than the Civil Mutiny at the Destruction of Jerusalem . Which Battel by the ●reful Pagans continued without ceasing for the space of three days , in which Encounters , the Murdered Infidels , like scattered Corn , over spread the Fields of Hungary : The fruitful Ualleys lay drowned in purple gore : the Fields of Corn consumed with flames of Fire : their Towns and Cities Ruinated with wasting War : wherein the Fathers were sad witnesses of their Childrens slaughters , and the Sons beheld their Parents Reverend ha●rs , more white than tried silver , besineared with clotted blood : there might the Mothers see their harmless Babes born up and down the streets upon Soldiers Launces : there might they see their silken Ornaments and rich Attire in pools of blood lye swimming up and down : there might they see the brains of honest Dames and pure Uirgins ●●sh'd against hard ●●inty Stones , there might they see their Courts and Palaces by Soldiers burned ; to the Ground ; there might they see how Counsellors in their Scarlet Gowns lay burning in the fire : there might they ●●● how Kings and Queens were Arm in Arm consumed to Ashes : there might they behold and see melted Gold in choaked Sinks lye every where : there might they see the bloodiest Tragedies that ever eye beheld , and the wofullest news that ever Christians ears heard told . In this long and bloody War one sucking Child was not left alive to report the story to succeeding ages , no not so much as a Soldier to carry Arms throughout the Kingdom of Hungary , so justly was the Uengeance of God thrown upon the heads of these misbelieving Miscreants , that durst attempt to lift their hands against his true anointed Nations : for no doubt but the invincible Army of Pagans had Ruinated the Borders of Europe , had not the mighty Hand of God with his unspeakable mercy been Christendom's Defence , and con●ounded the Infidels in their own civil Wars , which bloody and strange Overthrow of those unchristian People let us for ever bury in the Lake of Oblivion , and persevere in the fortunate proceedings of the Seven Champions of Christendom , who had entred the Borders of Barbary , before Almidor the black King of Morocco , with his scattered Troops of Moors and Negroes returned from Hungary , and by Fire and Sword had wasted many of their chiefest Towns and Forts , whereby the Countrey was much weakned , and the Commons compelled to sue for Mercy at the Champions hands , who bearing true Christian minds , within their hearts continually pity harboured , vouchsafed to grant mercy to those that yielded their Lives to the pleasure of the Christian Knights : But when St. George had intelligence of Almidor's approach with his weakned Troops , he presently prepared his Soldiers in readiness to give the Moors a bloody Banquet , which was the next Morning by break of day performed , to the high honour of Christendom : but the night before , the Moors knowing the Countrey better than the Christians , got the advantage both of Wind and Sun : whereat St. George being something dismayed , but yet not discouraged , imboldned his Soldiers with many Heroicat Speeches , proffering them frankly the Enemies Spoils , : and so with the Sun 's uprising entred Battel , where the Moors fell before the Christians Swords as ears of Corn before the Reapers Sickles . During this Conflict , the Seven Champions still in the fore Front of the Battel , so adventurously behaved themselves , that they slew more Negroes than a hundred of the bravest Knights in the Christian Armies . At last , Fortune intended to make St. George's Prowess to shine brighter than the rest , singled out the Morocco King , betwixt whom and the English Champion was a long and dangerous Fight : But St. George so Couragiously behaved himself with his trusty Sword , that Almidor was constrained to yield to his Mercy . The Army of the Moors séeing their King taken , Prisoner , presently would have fled : but that the Christians being the lighter of foot , overtook them , and made the greatest slaughter of them that ever hapned in Barbary . Thus after the Battel ended , and the joyful sound of Uictory rang through the Christian Army , the Soldiers furnished themselves with the Enemies Spoils , and Marched by St. George's direction to the City of Tripoly , being then almost unpeopled through the late slaughter which was there made : In which City after they had rested some days , and , refreshed themselves with wholesome food , the English Champion , in Revenge of his former proffered Injuries by the Morocco King , gave this severe Sentence of Death . First , He commanded a brazen Cauldron to be filled with boiling Lead and Brimstone : Then Almidor to be brought to the pl●●e of Death by twelve of the Noblest Peers in Barbary , therein to be consumed , Flesh , Blood , and Bones : which was duly performed within seven days following . The brazen Cauldron was erected by the appointment of St. George , directly in the middle of the chiefest Market-place , under which a mighty hot fire continually burned , for the space of eight and forty hours : whereby the boiling Lead and Brimstone seemed to sparkle like fiery Furnaces in Hell , and the heat to exceed the burning Oven at Babylon . Now all things being thus prepared in readiness , and the Christian Champions present to behold the woful spectacle , the Condemned Blackmoor King came to the place of Execution in a shirt of fine Indian Silk , his hands pinioned together with a Chain of Gold , and his face covered with a Damask Scart , his Attendants and chief Conductors twelve Moors , Peers , cla● in sable Gowns of Taffaty , carrying before him the Wheel of Fortune , with the Picture of an Usurper climbling up , with this Motto on his Breast , I will be King in spite of Fortune : Upon the top of the Wheel the Picture of a Monarch vaunting , with this Motto on his Breast , I am a King in spite of Fortune : Lastly , on the other side of the Wheel , the Picture or perfect Image of a Deposed Potentate , falling with his head downwards , with this Motto on his Breast , I have been a King while it pleased Fortune : Which plainly signified the Chance of War , and of inconstant Destiny : His Guard was a hundred Christian Soldiers , holding Fortune in disdain : after them had attended a hundred of Morocco Uirgins in black Ornaments , their hair bound up with Silver Wyres , and covered with Ueils of black Silk , signifying the Sorrow of their Countrey for the loss of their Sovereign . In this mournful manner came the unfortunate Almidor to the boiling Cauldron ; which when he came near , his heart waxed cold , and his tongue devo●d of utterance for a time , at last he brake forth into these earnest Protestations , proffering more for his Life than the whole Kingdom of Barbary could perform . Most Mighty and Invincible Champion of Christendom ( quoth he ) let my Life be Ransomed , and Thou shalt yearly receive ten Tuns of tryed Gold , Five hundred webs of woven Silk , the which our Indian Maids shall sit and Spin with Silver Wheels : an hundred Ships of spices and Refined Sugar shall be yearly paid thee by our Barbary Merchants : an hundred Waggons likewise laden with Pearl and Jasper stones , which by our cunning Lapidists shall be yearly chosen forth and brought thee home to England , to make that blessed Country the richest within the Dominions of Europe : Likewise I will deliver up my Diadem , with all my Princely Dignities , and in company of these Morocco Lords , like bridled Hories draw thee daily in a silver Chariot up and down the circled Earth , till Death give end to our Lives Pilgrimage ; therefore most admired Knight at Arms , let these salt tears that trickle from the Conduits of my eyes , obtain one grant of comfort at thy hands , for on my bended knees I beg for life , that never before this time did kneel to Mortal Man. Thou speakest in vain ( reply'd St. George ) not the Treasures hidden in the deepest Seas , nor all the golden Mines of rich America shall redeem thy Life : Thou knowest , accursed Homicide , thy wicked practices in the Egyptian Court , where thou profferedst wrongfully to bereave me of my life ; through thy Treachery I endured a long Imprisonment in Persia ; where for seven years I drank foul Channel-water , and sufficed my hunger with Bread of Bran Meal : My Food was loathsome flesh of Rats and Mice , and my resting place a dismal Dungeon , where neither Sun nor the chearful light of Heaven lent me comfort during my long continued misery : For which inhumane dealing and proffered injuries the Heavens inforce me to a speedy Revenge , which in this manner shall be accomplished . Thou seest the Torment prepared for thy Death , this brazen Cauldron filled with boiled Lead and Brimstone , wherein thy accursed Body shall be speedily cast , and boiled till thy detested Limbs be consumed to a watry substance in this sparkling liquor : therefore prepare thy self to entertain the violent stroke of Death , and willingly bid all thy Kingly Dignities farewell : But yet I let thee understand , that Mercy harbours in a Christian's heart , and where Mercy dwells , there faults are forgiven upon some humble penitence : though thy Trespass deserves no pity but severe punishment , yet upon these considerations I will grant thee liberty of life : First , that thou wilt forsake thy Gods Tarmagant and Apollo , which be the vain imagination of men , and believe in our True and Everliving God , under whose ; Banner we Christians have taken in hand this long War. Secondly , Thou shalt give Commandment that all thy Barbarous Nations be Christened in the Faith of Christ. Thirdly , and lastly , That thy three Kingdoms of Barbary , Morocco , and India , swear true Allegiance to all Christian Kings , and never to bear Arms , but in the true Quarrel of Christ and his anointed Nations . These things duly observed , the Life shall be preserved , and thy Liberty obtained , otherwise look for no mercy , but a speedy and most terrible death . These words more displeased the unchristian King of Morocco , than the Sentence of his Condemnation , whereupon in these brief Speeches he set down his Resolution . Great Potentate of Europe ( reply'd Almidor , ) by whose Mightiness Fortune sits fettered in the Chains of Power , my Golden Diadem , and Regal Scepter by constraint I must deliver up : But before I will forsake my Country-gods , I will endure a hundred Deaths ; and before my Conscience be reformed to a new Faith , the Earth shall be no Earth , the Sea no Sea , the Heaven no Heaven . Thinkest thou now proud Christian , by thy threatned Torments , to make me forget my Creator , and believe in thy God the supposed King of the Jews , and basely born under an Ox's Stall ? No , no , accursed Christians , you Off-spring of Cain , you Generation of Ismael , you Seed of Vipers , and accursed through the World , look for a speedy shower of Vengeance to Rain from Heaven upon you wicked Nations : Your bloody practices have pierced the Battlements of Iove , and your Tyrannies beaten open the Gate of Mighty Mahomet , who had provided Whips of burning wyre to scourge you for your Cruelties , proffered to , and against his blessed Worshippers : Now with this deadly Curse I bid you all farewell : The Plagues of Egypt ●ight upon your Kingdom : The Curse of Cain upon your Children , the Famine of Ierusalem upon your Friends , and the misery of Dedipus upon your selves . This wicked resolution and baleful Curse , was no sooner ended by the desperate minded Almidor , but the impatience of St. George was so highly moved , that he gave present commandment to the appointed Executioners to cast him into the bolling Cauldron ; which incontinently they performed to the terror of all the Beholders : To see this woful Spectacle , the Battlements of the Temple were so thronged with People , the Houses covered with Women and Children , and the Streets filled with Armed Soldiers that it was a wonder to behold : amongst which multitudes , there were some particular Persons , that at the sight of Almidor's death , fell down and brake their Necks , but the general number , as well of Pagans as Christians ; cryed with chearful voices , Honour and Victory follow St. George of England , for he hath Redeemed Barbary from a miserble Servitude . Which joyful hearing so delighted the Seven Champions of Christendom , that they caused their Conduits to run with Wines , the Streets to be beautified with Bonefires , and a sumptuous Banquet to be proclaimed through the City ; which after continued for the space of seven days , in more magnificent Royalty , than the Banquet of Babylon when the Macedonian Monarch returned from the World's Conquest . The Champions Liberty procured such faithful Love in the hearts of the Morocco Peers ; that with a general Consent they chose S. George for their Lawful King , where after they had invested him in the Princely Seat of the Morocco Pottentate , they set the Crown upon his Head , and after presented him with an Imperial Pall , which the Kings of Barbary usually wore upon their Coronation-day , protesting to forsake their Profane Religion , and be Christened in the Faith of Christ. This promised Conversion of the Infidels ; more highly delighted the English Champion , than to have the whole World's Honour at Command : for it was the chiefest point of his Knightly Oath to advance the Faith of Christ , and to enlarge the Bounds of Christindom : After his Coronation was so solemnly performed , the other six Champions conducted him to a Princely Palace , where he took true Allegiance of the Morocco Lords , by ●●ighted Oath to be true to his Crown : After this , he established the Christian Laws to the benefit of the whole Country : then he commanded all the Ceremonious Rites of Mahomet to be trodden under Foot , and the true Gospel of Christ to be Preached : likewise he caused all that did remain in Barbary to be Christened in the new Faith : but these Observations continued but for a time , as hereafter shall be discovered at large : For Fame not intending to let the worthy Champion ▪ long to remain in the idle Bowers of Peace , summoned them to p●rieve●e in the Noble Atchievements , and to Muster up anew their Soldiers , whose Armour Caukered Case had almost stained with Rust : Therefore St. George committed the Government of the Country to four of the principal Peers of Morocco , and Marched towards the Country of Egypt , where lived Treacherous Ptolomy , the Father of his beloved Lady Sabra , whom he had left in the Kingdom of England : In which Journey and happy arrival in Egypt , we will leave the Seven Champions for a time , and speak of the Faithless Infidels in Barbary , after the departure of the Christians , whose former Honours they slightly regarded : For no sooner had St. George with his Martial Troops bidden their Country adieu , but the Faithless Moors reconciled themselves to their formed Gods , and purposed a speedy Revenge for the Death of Almidory against all Christians that remained within the Limits ▪ of that H●a●hen Nation . For there were many Soldiers wounded in the 〈…〉 , likewise a number oppressed with sicknes● which the Christian Champions had left behind for their better recoveries ; upon whom the Barbarous Moors committed their first Tyranny : for they caused the distressed Soldiers to be drawn upon Sleds to the uttermost parts of the City , and there put them into a large and old Monastery , which they presently set on fire , and most inhumanely burned the Christian Soldiers , and after converted the place into a filthy Lestall : Many Women and succourless Children they dragged up and down the Streets , till their Brains were dashed against the stones and the blood had covered the Earth with a purple hue : Many other Cruelties were committed by the wicked Infidels , against the distressed Christians , which I purpose to pass over , and wholly discourse of the woful and bloody murder of an English Merchant and his Wife in the same City of Tripoly : The report whereof may force even merciless Tygers to relent , and those eyes to shed springs of Tears that never wept before . The bloody-minded Negro's violating both Oaths and Promises before plighted to St. George , by violence set upon the Merchant's House , where first they made a Massacre of his Servants , and before his face cast their dead Bodies to hunger-starv'd Dogs : Then coming to the Merchant , they bound him fast with hempen Cords to the strongest post in his House , and after took his Children , being seven of the goodliest Boys that ever Nature framed , whom they likewise tyed round about him : then one of the Moors being crueller than the rest , proffened to desloue the Merchant's Wife before his face ; but she in Chastity like Camma , choosing rather an honourable death than an infamous life , spit in the Negro's ●ace , and most bitterly reviled him , yielding neither to his force , nor his bloody threats ; but snatching a Knife from his Girdle , vowed to sheath it in her Bosom , before the would lose her precious Gem of Honour , that once being gone , could not be recovered for all the Worlds Treasure . This Resolution of the English Merchant's Wife , caused the stern Negro to exceed in Cruelty , but the Principal of that wicked company being a bloody and merciless Tyrant , stabbed one of the silly Children before the Mother's face . Now stubborn Dame ( quoth he ) wilt thou yield to my desires , and preserve the lives of the other six Children : Otherwise shalt thou behold them Butchered in the same manner . To sell my Honour for the lives of my Children ( replyed she ) will be an Offence to God , and a continual corrosive to my Husband's heart ; if we live together : Therefore accursed Monster , prosecute your Tyranny ; it is not all your threats and bloody dealings shall convert my chaste mind , nor once enforce my thoughts to give any consent thereunto . These words being no sooner ended , but the lustful Moor took another of her Children , and stabbed before her Husband's face , thinking thereby to force the Merchant to intreat his Wife , to consent to the wicked Negro's determinations ; but he being as resolute as his vertuous Wife , spake in this manner : O you cursed black Dogs of Barbary , more worse in quality than bloody Tygers and more merciless than wicked Canibals , think you that the Murder of our Children shall enforce our hearts to yield to your Lustful desires ? No , no , persevere in your Tyrannies : I● I had an hundred Children , twice the number of King Priam's , yet would I lose them all , before I would endure to see my Wife's Dishonour : Children may be begotten again , but her honour never recovered . These words pricked the Negro's to the gall , and caused them to commit the wickedest Deed that ever was practised under the Celestial Globe of Heaven : First , they sheathed their Poniards in the Breasts of all the Merchant's Children , whose guiltless blood stained all the Chamber with a crimson colour , then with their Faulchions did they cut their Bodies in sunder , and caused seven Pies to be made of their flesh , and after served in a Banquet to their woful Parents , whom the merciless Moors set at a square Table , the Merchant placed directly opposite against his Wife , where they were constrained either to feed upon their own Children , or starve for want of other Sustenance . This woful spenacle struck such a Grief into the English Merchant's heart , that he could scarce endure to speak for weeping : his Wife , when she beheld the heads of her lovely Sons lying upon the Table , as it were looking to Heaven for Revenge , breathed forth this dying Lamentation . O silly Babes , would you had been strangled in my Womb at your first conception ! then should not these accursed Infidels have triumph'd thus in your unhappy Tragedies , nor your unfortunate Parents beheld this luckless day , whereon I pray that never Sun may shine again , but be accounted an ominous day , throughout the whole World ; for Heaven I hope ( poor Babes ) will Rain a showre of Uengeance on their heads , that have caused this our untimely death , and with this Prayer I bid the Word farewel . At which words her Grief so exceeded the bounds of Reason , that it stayed the passage of her breath , whereby she was forced to yield her Soul to the Paradice of Peace . She being no sooner dead , but the sorrowful Merchant likewise bitterly exclaimed against the Injustice of Fortune , and the Tyranny of the Barbarous Moors , accounting his Destiny more hapless than the Thracian Kings , that buried his Children in his own Bowels : and the cruelty of these Infidels to exceed the Tyranny of Nero , that caused his Mother's Womb to be opened , that he might behold the place of his conception : But when the Merchant had sufficiently bewail'd the murder of his Children , the Death of his Wife , and his own Misery , he yielded his Soul to the furious stroke of Death . The end of whose long languishments , when the wicked Moors had intelligence of , they caused their dead Bodies to be carried to the top of a high Mountain , and there left for the prey of hungry Ravens : But the Sun consumed them like the morning dew : And by the wonderful Workmanship of Heaven , in the same place sprung a Bower of Roses ; to signifie the unspotted honour of the Merchant and his Uertuous Wife ; which Miracle we leave to the wonder of the Moors , and speak of the Christian Champions Proceeding , that by this time were arrived in the Kingdom of Aegypt . CHAP. XV. How the Christians arrived in Egypt , and what hapned to them there . The Tragedy of the Lustful Earl of Coventry . How Sabra was bound to a Stake to be burnt : And how St. George Redeemed her . Lastly , How the Egyptian King cast himself from the top of a Tower , and broke his Neck . DUring the time of the bloody Murder wrought by the Barbarous Moors upon the English Merchant and his Wife . with his seven Children , as you heard in the former Chapter , the Champions of Christendom arrived upon the Territories of Egypt , where they supposed to have adventured their lives upon the chance of War , but all things fell out contrary to their expectations : they found the Gates of every City set open , and every Uillage and Town unpeopled ; for the Commons at the report of the Christians arrival , secretly hid their Treasure in the Caves of the Earth , in deep Wells and such like obscute places , and a general fear and extream terror assailed the Egyptians , as well the Peers of the Land , as the simple Country People : Many fled into Woods and Wildernesses , and closely hid themselves in hollow Trees ; many digged Caves in the Ground , where they thought best to remain in safety : and many fled to high Mountains , where they long time lived in great extremity , fooding upon the Grass of the Ground : so greatly the Egypt●ans feared the Army of the Christians , that they expected nothing but the Auine of their Countrey , with the loss of their own lives , and the murder of their Wives and Children . But to speak of the Christian Champions , who finding the Countrey desolate of People , suspected some deep policy of the Egyptian , thinking them to have Mustred their Warlike Forces to bid them Battel : Therefore St. George gave commandment through the whole Camp , that not a Man , upon pain of Death , should break his Rank , but March Advisedly , with their Weapons ready prest to encounter Battel , as though the Enemies had directly placed themselves opposite against them : Which special charge the Christian Soldiors duly observed , looking neither after the Wealth of Cities , nor the Spoil of Uillages , but circumspectly Marched according to their Leaders directions along the Countrey of Egypt , till they approach'd the sight of King Ptolomy's Court : Which when the Noble Champīon of England beheld , in this manner encouraged he his Followerss . Behold ( said he ) you invincible Captains of Christendom , yonder those cursed Lowers where wicked Ptolomy keeps his Court : Those Battlements , I say , were they as richly built as the great Pyramids of Greece , yet should they be subverted and laid as level with the Ground , as the City of Carthage ; there hath that accursed Ptolomy his Residence , that for preserving his Daughter from the burning Dragon , Treacherously sent me into Persia , where for seven years I lived in great extremity in a dismal Dungeon , where the Sun did never give me light , nor the company of People comfort : In Revenge whereof , my heart shall never rest in quiet , till I see the Buildings of his Palace set on fire , and converted into a place of Desolation , like to the Glorious City in Phrygia , now over spread with stinking weeds and loathsome puddles : Therefore let all Christian Soldiers , that fight under the Banner of Christendom , and all that love George of England your chosen General , draw forth your Warlike Weapons , and like the angry Greeks overturn those glistring Battlements ; leave not one stone upon another , but lay it as level with the ground , as the Narvest Keapers do Fields of ripened Corn ; let your wrathful Furies fall upon these Towers like drop● of April Showers , or like Storms of Winters Nail , that it may be bruited through the whole World , what just Uengeance did light upon the Pride of Egypt : Leave not ( I say ) as you love your General , when you have subverted the Palace , one Man alive , no not a sucking Babe , but let them suffer Uengeance for the wickedness of their King : This is my Decree , brave Knights of Christendom , therefore March forwards ; Heaven and Fortune be your good speed . At which words the Soldiers gave a general shout , in sign of their willing minds . Then began the silken Streamers to flourish in the Air , the Drums chearfully to sound forward , the Silver Trumpets recorded Ecchoes of Uictory , the barbed Steeds grew proud of this Attempt , and would stand upon no Ground , but leapt and danced with as much Courage , as did Bucephalus the Horse of the Macedonian Alexander , always before any notable Uictory ; yea every thing gave an evident sign of good success , as well senseless things as living Creatures . With this Resolution marched the Christians , purposing the utter confusion of the Egyptian , and the woful Ruine and Destruction of Ptolomy's sumptuous Palace . But when the Soldiers approached the Gates with wrathful Weapons ready to assault , there came pacing out thereat , the Egyptian King , with all the chiefest of his Nobles attired in black and mournful Ornaments , bearing in their hands Olive-branches : Next them the bravest Soldiers in Egypt , bearing in their hands broken Weapons , shivered Launces , and torn Ancients : Likewise followed thousands of Women and Children , with Cypress Wreaths about their heads , and in their hands Olive-branches , crying for Mercy to the Christians , That they should not utterly destroy their declining Countrey , but shew mercy to unhappy Egypt : This unexpended fight , or rather admirable wonder , caused St. George to sound a Retreat , and gave commandment through the Christian Army , to with-hold their former vowed Uengeance from the Egyptians , till he understood what they required : Which Charge being given and duly observed , St. George with the other six Champions came together , and admitted the Egyptian King with his Nobles to their Presence , who in this manner began to speak for his Countrey . You unconquered Knights of Christendom , whose worthy Victories and Noble Atchievements the whole World admires , let him that never kneeled to any Man till now , and in former times disdained to humble himself to any Potentate on Earth ; let him I say , the most unfortunate Wretch alive , crave mercy , not for my self , but for my Countrey ; my Commons Blood will be required at my hand : Our Murthered Infants will call to Heaven for Revenge , and our slaughtered Widows sink down to Hell for Revenge : so will the Vengeance of Heaven light upon my Soul , and the Curse of Hell upon my Head. Renowned Champion of England , under whose Custody my dear Daughter is kept , even for the love of her be merciful to Egypt . The former Wrongs I proffered thee when I sent thee , like a guiltless Lamb , into Persia , was contrary to my Will : for I was incensed by the slattery of that accursed Black-moor King , whose Soul for ever be scourged with whips of wyre , and plagued with the punishment of Tantalus in Hell : If my life will serve for a just Revenge , here is my naked Breast , let my heart-blood stain some Christian's Sword , that you may bear the bloody Witness of my death into Christendom , or let me be torn into a thousand pieces by mad untamed Steeds , as was Hippolitus Son of Theseus in his charmed Chariot . Most Mighty Controulers of the World , command the dearest things in Egypt , they be at your pleasures , we will forsake our Gods , and believe in that God which you commonly adore , for he is the true and living God , ours false and hateful in the sight of Heaven . This penitent Lamentation of the Egyptian King caused the Christian Champions to relent , but especially St. George , who having a heart beautified with a well-spring of Pity , not only granted Mercy to the whole Country , but vouchsafed Ptolomy liberty of Life , upon condition that he would perform what he had promised ; which was to forsake his false Gods , and believe in our true God , Christ Iesus . This kindness of St. George , almost ravished Ptolomy with joy , and the whole Land , both Peers and Commons , more rejoyced at the friendship of the Christians , than if they had been made Lords of the Western World. The News of this happy Union was bruited in all the parts of Egypt ; whereby the Commons that before fled for fear into Woods and Wildernesses , Dens and Caves , Hills and Mountains , returned joyfully to their own Dwellings , and caused Bonefires to be made in every City , Town , and Uillage ; the Bells of Egypt rung day and night , for the space of a week ; in every place was seen Banketting , Dancing and Masking ; Sorrow was Banished , Wars forgotten , and Peace Proclaimed . The King at his own Charges ordained a sumptuous and costly Banket for the Christian Champions , wherein for Bounty it excéeded that which the Trojans made , when Paris returned from Greece with the Conquest of Menciaus's Queen . The Banquetting-House was built with Cypress wood , covered with the pure Adamant stone ; so that neither Steel , nor base Iron could come therein , but it was presently drawn to the top of the Roo● : As for the variety of Services which graced forth the Banquet , it were too tedious to repeat ; but to be brief , what both the Land and Sea could afford , was there present . The Servitors that attended the Champions at the Banquet , were attired in Damask Uestments wrought with the purest Silk the Indian Uirgins spun upon their silver Wheels ; at every Course the Servitors brought in a Consort of Egyptian Ladies , who on their Ivory Lutes strained forth such admired Harmony , that it surpassed Orion's Musick , which when he was cast into the Sea , caused the Dolphins to bring him safe to the shore , or the swiftness of Orpheus his silver Harp , which made both Stones and Trees to dance ; or the melody of Apollo's inspiring Musick , when he descended to the lower parts for the love of Daphne . These pleasures so ravished the Christian Champions , that they forgot the sound of Warlike Drums , which were wont to call them fortly to bloody Battels . But these delights continued but a short time , for there arrived a Knight from England , that brought such unexpected News to St. George , that changed his Ioys into extream sorrow ; for after this manner begun the Messenger to tell his woful Tale : Fair England 's Champion ( said he ) instead of Arms get Swallows wings , and flie to England , if ever thou wilt see thy beloved Lady , for she is judged to be burned at a stake for murdering the Earl of Coventry ; whose lostful Desires would have stained her Honour with Infamy , and made her the scorn of Vertuous Women : Yet this Mercy is granted by the King of England , that if within twelve Months a Champion may be sound , that for her lake will venture his life , if it be his fortune to overcome the the Challenger of her Death , she shall live : but if it be his fatal Destiny to be Conquered , then must she suffer the heavy Judgment before pronounced ; therefore as you love the life of your chaste and beloved Lady , haste into England , delay no time , for delay is dangerous , and her life in hazard to be lost . This woful Discourse struck such a terror to St. George's heart , likewise to the Egyptian King her Father , that for a time they stood gazing one in anothers face , as though they had been bereaved of their wits , notable to speak one word ; but at last St. George recovered his former Sense , and breathed forth this sorrowful Lamentation . O England ! O unkind England ! Have I adventured my Life in thy Defence , and for thy Defence have lain in the Field of Mars , buckled on my Armour in many a parching Summers-day , and many a freezing Winters night , when you have taken your quiet sleeps on Beds of Down ; and will you repay me with this discourtesie , or rather undeserved wrong , to adjure her spotless body to consuming fire ? whose blood , if it be spilt before I come , I vow never to draw my trusty Sword in England 's Quarrel more , nor never account my self her Champion , but I will rend my Warlike Colours into a thousand pieces , the which I wear on my Burgone● , ( I mean the crimson Cross of England ) and wander unknown Countries , obscurely from the sight of any Christian eye . Is it possible that England will be so ungrateful to her Friend ? can that Renowned Country harbour such a Lustful Monster , to seek to dishonour her , within whose heart the Fountain of Vertue springs ? Or can that Noble City , the Nurse and Mother of my Life , entertain so vile a Homicide , that will offer Violence to her , whose Chastity and true Honour hath caused tameless Lions to sleep in her Lap. In this sorrowful manner wearied St. George the time away , untill the Egyptian King , whose Sorrow being as great as his , put him from his Complaints , and requested the English Knight to tell the true discourse of Sabra's proffered Uiolence , and how she murdered the Lustful Earl of Coventry : to whom , after a bitter sigh or two , the Messenger thus replied , in this manner : Most Noble Princes and Potentates of the Earth , prepare your Ears to entertain the wofullest Tale that ever English Knight discoursed , and your Eyes to weep Seas of brackish Tears , I would I had no Tongue to tell it , nor Heart to remember it ; but seeing I am compelled through the Love and Duty I owe the Noble Champions of Christendom to express it , then thus it was . It was the fortune , nay I may say , unhappy Destiny of your beloved Lady , upon an Evening , when the Sun had almost lodg'd in the West , to walk without the Walls of Coventry , to take the pleasures of the sweet Fields and flourishing Meadows , which Flora had beautified in a Summers Livery ; but as she walked up and down sometimes taking pleasure to hear the chiruing Birds how they strained their silver Notes ; other times taking delight to see how Nature had covered both Kills and Pales , with sundry ●or●y of : Flowers , then walking to see the Crystal running Rivers , the murmuring Musick of whose Streams exceeded the rest for pleasure , but she ( kind Lady ) delighting her self by the River side , a sudden and strange alteration troubled her mind ; for the Chain of Gold that she did wear about her Neck , presently changed colour , from a yellow burnisht brightness , to a dim paleness : Her Kings f●ll from her Fingers , and from her Nose fell drops of blood , whereat her heart began to throb , her ears to glow , and every ioynt to tremble with fear . This strange Accident caused her speedily to haste homewards : But by the way she met the Earl of Coventry , walking at that time to take the pleasure of the Evening Air , with such a Train of worthy Gentlemen , as though he had been the greatest Peer in England : Whose sight when she beheld afar off , her heart began to misgive , thinking that Fortune had alotted those Gentlemen to proffer her some Injury ; so that upon her Cheeks Fear had set a Uermilion dye , whereby her Beauty grew admirable ; which when the Earl beheld , he was ravished therewith and deemed her the excellentest Creature that ever Nature framed , their meeting was silent : She shewed the humility of a Uertuous Lady , and he the courtesie of a kind Gentleman : She departed homewards , and he into the Fields , she thinking all danger past , but he practised in his mind her utter Ruin and Downfal : For the Part of Love had shot from her beauteous Cheeks into his heart , not true Love , but Lust ; so that nothing might quench his desire , but the Conquest of her Chastity , such extream Passion bewitched his mind , that he caused his Servants every one to depart : And then like a discontented Man he wandred up and down the Fields , beating in his mind a thousand sundry ways to obtain his desire : for without he enjoyed her Love , he was likely to live in endless languishment : But at last he sighed out this passion of Love. Oh you immortal Powers ! why have you transported her from an Earthly Lady to an Heavenly Angel ? Sabra is no worldly Creature but a Divine Substance ; her Beauty is a stain unto the Quéen of Love , and her Countenance of more Majesty than Juno's Grace : Her twinkling eyes that glister like the flaming Stars , and her beauteous Cheeks more pleasant than Roses dipt in Milk , have pierced my heart with the pricks of Love , and her Love I will enjoy , o● lose my self . Oh! but there is a Bar which thwarts kind Affection , and hinders my desires . St. George , I mean , is her true and lawful Husband , the honour of whose Bed she will not violate for all the Kingdoms of the World. Tush , faint-hearted fool that I am , Sabra is beautiful , and therefore to be tempted : She is a Woman , and therefore easie to be won , her Husband he is sporting in the Fields of Mars , then why may not she take pleasure in the Chamber of Venus ; I will use my flattering glosses , many kind speeches , and many sweet imbraces , but I will crop that Bud , which but to taste I would give my whole Lands and Revenues : I will tell her St. George is a wanderer , and one that will never return , whereas I am a mighty Deer in England , and one that can accomplish whatsoever she desir●●● . Many other circumstances this Lustful Gar●used to flatter himself in this vain conceit . At last the scowling night with pitchy Clouds began to overspread the brightsome Heavens , whereby he was forced to repair homewards , and to smother up his Love in silence , no quiet sléep that night could enter into his eyes , but fond and restless dreams : sometimes be thought he had his lovely Mistress in his Arms daslying like the 〈◊〉 Queen upon her Minions knee ; but presently awaking , he found it but a gilded shadow , which added new grief to his Love-sick passions : then by and by he thought he saw how the wrathful Champion with his dreadful and bloody . Fauchion came to revenge his Lady's Ravishment , whereas the troubled Earl started from his Bed , and with a loud voice cried to his Chamberlain for help , saying , That St. George was come to Murder him : Which sudden Outery not only awaked the Chamberlain , but the whole house , which generally came to hear him company : They set up Camphire Tapers to give Light , and made him Musick to comfort him , and to drive all ●ond sant●fies from his mind : But no sooner ceased the Musick , but he 〈◊〉 into his former Cogitations , pondering in his mind which way he might obtain his purpose : Whereat a dismal Night-Raven beat , her wings against his Chamber windows , and with a harsh voice gave him warning of a sad success . 〈◊〉 presently began the Tapers to ●u●● b●●e , as though a , Troop of ●hastly , 〈◊〉 did encompass his L●●ging , which was an evident ●●gn that some strange and unhappy Mu●●●r should worthily follow . All which could not withdraw the ●ust●ul Earl from his wicked Enterprize , nor con●●●● his mind from the spoil of so sweet a Lady . In this manner spent he the night away , till the Sun 's bright conuienance summoned him from his restless Bed : From whence being no sooner risen , but he sent for the Steward of his House , and gave him a charge to provide a most sumptuous and costly Banquet , for he intended to invite thereunto all the principal Ladies in Coventry : What bountiful cheer was provided , I think it needless to repeat ; but to be short , at the time and hour appointed the invited Ladies repaired ; the Banquet was brought in by the Earl's Servants , and placed upon the Table by the Earl himself : Who after many Welcomes given , began thus to move the Ladies to delight . I think my House most highly honoured ( said he ) that you have vouchsafed to grace it with your presence , for methinks you beautifie my Hall , as the twinkling Stars beautifie the Ueil of Heaven : But amongst the number of you all , you have a Cynthia , a glistring silver Moon that for brightness exceeded all the rest ; for she is fairer than the Queen of Cypress , lovelier than Dido , when Cupid sate upon her knee , wiser than the Prophetess of Troy , of Personage more comely than the Grecian Dame , and of more Majesty than the Queen of Love : So that all the Muses with their Ivory pens may write continually , and yet not sufficiently describe her excellent Ornaments of Nature . This Commendation caused a general smile of the Ladies , and made them look one upon another whom it should be . Many other Courtlike discourses pronounced the Earl to move the Ladies delight , till the Banquet was ended , which being finished , there came in certain Gentlemen by the Earl's appointment , with most excellent musick : other some that danced most curiously , with as much Majesty as Paris in the Grecian Court. At last the Earl requested one of them to choose out his beloved Mistress , and lead her some stately Corants : Likewise requesting that none should be offended what Lady soever he did affect to grace with that Courtly pastime : At which request all them were silent , and silence is commonly a sign of consent ; therefore he emboldned himself the more to make his desires known to the beholders . Then with excéeding courtesie , and great humisity , he kissed the beauteous hand of Sabra , who with a blushing countenance and bashful look , accepted his courtesie , and like a kind Lady disdained not to dance with him . So when the Musicians strained forth their inspiring Melody , the Lustful Earl led her a first Course about the Hall , in as great Majesty as Mavors did the Queen of Paphos to gain her Love , and she followed with as much Grace , as if the Queen of Pleasure had been present to behold their Courtly Delights : and so when the first Course was ended , he found fit opportunity to unfold his secret Love , and reveal unto the Lady his extream Passion of mind which were in these Speeches expressed . Most Divine and Peerless Paragon , ( said he ) thou only Wonder of the World for Beauty and excellent Ornaments of Nature , know that thy two twinkling Eyes that shine more brighter than the Lights of Heaven , being the true Darts of Love , have pierced my heart , and those thy crimson Cheeks , as lovely as Aurora's Countenance , when she draws the Curtains of her purple Bed to entertain her wandring Lover , those Cheeks I say have wounded me with Love : therefore except thou grant me kind comfort , I am like to spend the remnant of my Life in Sorrow , Gare , and Discontent : I blush to speak what I desire , because I have setled my Love where it is unlawful , in a bosome where Kings may sleep and surfeit with delight , thy Breast I mean , most Divine Mistress , for there my Heart is kept Prisoner , Beauty is the Keeper , and Love the Key , my Ransome is a constant Mind : Thou art my Uenus , I will be thy Mars ; thou art my Helen , I will be thy Mahomet : thou art my Cressida , I will be thy Croilus , thou art my Love , and I will be thy Paramour . Admit thy Lord and Husband be alive , yet hath he most unkindly left thee to spend thy young years in solitary Widow-hood ? He is unconstant like Eneas , and thou more hapless than Dido . He marcheth up and down the world in glistring Armour , and never doth intend to return : He abandoneth thy presence , and lieth sporting in strange Ladies Laps ; therefore , dear Sabra , live not to consume thy youth in singleness , for Age will overtake thee too soon , and convert thy Beauty to wrinkled Frowns . To which words , Sabra would have presently made answer , but that the Musick called them to Dance the second Course , which being ended , she replyed in this manner . Most Noble Lord ( said she ) for our bounteous Banquet , courteous Entertainment , I give the humble thanks of a poor Lady ; but for your Suit and unlawful desire , I do detest as much as the sight of a Crocodile , and your flattering Glosses I esteem as much as doth the Ocean of a drisling shower of Rain : your Syrens Songs shall never enrice me to listen to your fond Requests : but I will , like Ulyffes , stop my ears , and bury all your flattering inticements in the Lake of Forgetfulness . Think you that I will stain my Marriage-Bed with the least spot of Infamy , that will not proffer me one thought of wrong , for all the Treasures of the wealthy Seas ? Surely the gorgeous Sun shall lose his light by Day , and the silver Moon by Night , the Skies shall fall , the Earth shall sink , and every thing shall change from Kind and Nature , before I will falsifie my Faith , or prove Disloyal to my beloved George ; attempt no more , my Noble Lord , to batter the Fortress of my good Name with the Gun-shot of your Flattery , nor seek to stain my Honour with your Lustful desires . What if my Lord and Husband prove Disloyal and chose out other Loves in Foreign Lands ? yet will I prove as constant to him , as Penelope to her Ulysses ; and if it be his pleasure never to return , but spend his days among strange Ladies , yet will I live in single Solitariness like to the Turtle Dove when she hath lost her Mate ▪ abandoning all company , or as the mournful Swan that swims upon Meander 's Silver Streams , where she records her dying tunes to raging Billows ; so will I spend away my lingering days in grief , and die . This Resolution of the vertuous Lady so daunted the Earl , that he stood like a senseless Image gazing at the Sun , not knowing how to reply : but yet when they had danced the third Course , he began anew to assault her unspotted Chastity , in these terms . Why , my dear Mistriss , have you a heart more hard than flint , that the tears of my true Love can never mollifie ? Can you behold him plead for grace , that hath been sued unto by many worthy Dames ? I am a Man that can Command Countries , yet can I not command thy stuboorn heart . Divine Sabra , if thou wilt grant me thy Love , and yield to my desire , I will have thee clad in Silken Robes , and Damask Vestures , imbost with Indian Pearls , and rich Refined Gold , perfumed with Camphire , Biss , and Syrian sweet Persumes : by day a hundred Virgins like to Thetis , tripping on the silver Sands , shall usually attend thy Person ; by night a hundred Eunuchs with their strained Instruments shall bring thy Senses into a golden slumber : If this procureth not thy sweet content , I will prepare a sumptuous Chariot made with Gold , wherein thou shalt be drawn by sable sported Steeds along the Fields and gallant Past●res adjoyning to our City Walls , whereas the Evening Air shall breathe a coolness , ●ar more sweet than Balm upon thy Cheeks , and make thy Beauty glister like the purple Pillar of Hyperion , when he leaves Aurora blushing in her Bed , whereby the Heavens and all the Powers therein shall stand and wonder at thy Beauty , and quite forget their usual Courses : All this , my dear Divine and dainty Mistriss , is at thy command , and more , so that I may enjoy thy Love and Favour : which if I have not , I will discontentedly end my Life in Woods and Desart places , Tygers and untamed Beasts being my chief Companions . These vain Promises caused the beauteous Sabra to blush with bashfulness , and to give him this sharp Answer : Think you , my Lord , with Golden Promises to obtain the precious Gem , the which I will not lose for Europe's Treasury ? Henceforth be silent in that Enterprize , and never after this , attempt to practise my dishonour , which if you do , I vow by Heaven to make it known to every one within the City , and to fill all places with the rumour of thy wilful Lust : A troop of modest Maids I will procure to haunt thee up and down the streets , to wonder at thee like an Owl , that never comes abroad but in the darkest night , this I am resolved to do , and so farewel . Thus departed Sabra with a sad Countenance , whereby the rest of the Ladies suspected the Earl had attempted her dishonour by secret conference , but they all assuredly knew that she was as far from yielding to his desires , as is the aged man to be young again , or as the Azure Firmament to be a place for Silvane Swains to inhabit . In such like Imaginations they spent away the day , till the dark night caused them to break off Company . The Earl smothered his Grief under a smiling Countenance , till the Ladies were every one departed , whom he courteously caused his Servants to conduct homewards with Torch-lights , because it began to be very dark , After their departure he accursed his own Fortune , and like a Lyon wanting food , raged up and down his Chamber , and filling euery corner with bitter exclamations , rending his Garments from his back , tearing his hair , beating his breast , and using all the violence he could against himself . In this manner spent he away the night , suffering no sleep to close the windows of his body : His melancholy and extream passion so discontented his mind , that he purposed to give end to his sorrows by some untimely death : So when the morning appeared , he made his repair to an Drchard , where Sabra commonly once a day walked to take the Air. The place was very Belancholy , and far from the noise of People : where after he had spent some certain time in exclaiming against the unkindness of Sabra , he pulled his Poimard from his back , and prepared his Breast to entertain the stroke of death : but before the pretended Tragedy , with his Dagger he engraved these Uerses following , upon the bark of a Walnut-tree . Oh heart more hard then bloody Tygers fell ! O Ears more deaf than sensless troubled Seas , O cruel foe ! thy rigour doth excell : For thee I die , thy anger to appease : But time will come , when thou shalt find me slain , Then thy Repentance will encrease thy pain , I here engrave my Will and Testament , That my sad grief thou may'st behold and see , How that my woful heart is torn and rent , And gor'd with bloody blade for love of thee : Whom thou disdain'st , as now the end doth try , That thus distress'd doth suffer me to die . Oh Gods of Love , if so there any be , And you of Love that feel the deadly pain , Oh Sabra , thou that thus afflictest me , Hear these my words which from my heart I strain : E're that my Corps be quite bereav'd of breath , Here I 'll declare the cause of this my death . You Mountain Nymphs which in the Desarts Raign , Leave off your chase from savage Beasts a while , Prepare to see a heart opprest with pain , Address your ears to hear my doleful stile : No strength nor Art can work me any weal , Sith she 's unkind and Tyrant-like doth deal . You Fairy Nymphs of Lovers much ador'd , And gracious Damsels which in evenings fair Your Closets leave , with heavenly beauty stor'd , And on your shoulders spread your golden hair ; Record with me that Sabra is unkind , Within whose Breast remains a double mind . Ye Savage Bears in Caves and Dens that lie , Remain in Peace , if you may sorrows hear ; And be not moved at my misery , Tho' too extream my passions do appear : England , farewel , and Coventry , adieu , But , Sabra , Heaven above still prosper you . These Uerses being no sooner finished , and engraven about the ●ark of a Walnut-tree , but with a grisly look and wrathful countenance he lift up his hand , intending to strike the poiniard up to the Hilt in his Breast ; but at the same instant he beheld Sabra entring the Orchard to take her wonted Walks of pleasure , whose sight hindred his purpose , and caused other bloody cogitations to enter into his mind . The Furies did incense him to a wicked Deed ; the which my trembling tongue faints to report : For after she had walked to the farthest side of the melancholy Orchard , he rigorously ran unto her with his Dagger drawn , and catching her about the slender wast , thus frightfully threatned her . Now , stubborn Dame ( quoth he ) will I obtain my long desired purpose , and Revenge by Violence thy former proud Denials : first I will wrap this Dagger in thy Locks of Hair , and nail it fast into the ground ; then will I Ravish thee by Force and Violence , and triumph in the Conquest of thy Chastity ; which being done , I will cut thy tongue out of thy mouth , because thou shalt not reveal nor desery thy bloody Ravisher : Likewise with this Poiniard will I chop off both thy hands , whereby thou shalt never write with Pen thy stain of Honour , nor in Sampler sow this proffered Disgrace . Therefore , except thou wilt yield to quench my desired Love with the pleasures of thy Marriage Bed , I will by force and violence inflict those vowed punishments upon thy delicate Body : be not too resolute in denials , for if thou bee'st , the gorgeous Sun shall not glide the compass of an hour before I obtain my long desired purpose : And thereupon he stepped to the Orchard-door , and with all expedition locked it , and put the Key in his Pocket . Then returned he like an hunger-starved Wolf , to seize upon the silly Lamb : Or like the chased Boar when he is wounded with the Hunter's Launce , came running to the helpless Lady , intending her present Rape , and foul Dishonour : But she thinking all hope of aid and succour to be void , fell into a dead Swoon , being not able to move , for the space of a quarter of an hour : But yet at last , having recovered her dead senses to their former vital moving , she began in this pitiful manner to defend her assailed Chastity from the wicked Earl that stood over her with his bloody Dagger , threatning most cruelly her final Confusion . My Lord of Coventry ( said she , with weeping Tears and kneeling upon the Ground ) is Vertue banished from your breast ? have you a mind more tyrannous than the Tygers in Hycoania , that nothing may suffice to satisfie Your Lustful desires but the stain of mine Honour , and the Conquest of my Chastity ? If it be my Beauty that hath inticed you , I am content to have it converted to a loathsome Leprosie whereby to make me odious in your Eyes : If it be my rich and costly Garments that make me Beautiful , and so intangle you , henceforth I will attire my Body in poor and simple array , and for evermore dwell in Countrey Caves and Cottages ; so that I may preserve my Chastity unspotted . If none of these may suffice to abase your Tyrannous Intent , but that your Lust will make me Time's wonder , and pointing stock , and scorn of vertuous Ladies , then will the Heavens revenge my wrongs , to whom I will uncessantly make my petitions : The Birds in the Air after their kind , will evermore exclaim against your wickedness : the Silvane Beasts that abide in Woods and Desarts , will breathe forth clamours of your wickedness : the creeping worms that live within the crevices of the Earth , will give dumb signs and tokens of your wickedness : The running Rivers will murmur at your wickedness : The Woods and Trees , Herbs and Flowers , with every sensless thing , will sound some motions of your wickedness . Return , return , my Noble Lord , unto your former Vertues : banish such fond desires out of your mind ; stain not the Honour of your House with such black Scandals and Disgrace , bear this in mind before you do attempt so vile a sin ; What became of Hellen's Ravishment , but the Destruction of Renowned Troy ? What of Roman Lucretia 's Rape , but the Banishment of Tarquin ? And what of Progne 's foul Deflourment by her Sister's Husband , the Lustful King of Thrace , but the bloody Banquet of his young Son Itis , whose tender body they served to his Table baked in a Pye ? At which speeches the ●●eful Earl wrapped his hands within her Locks of Hair , which was covered with a costly Caul of Gold , and in this manner presently replied unto her . What tellest thou me of Poets Tales ( said he ) of Progne's Rape , and Terius 's bloody Banquet ? thy Ravishment shall be an Induction to thy Tragedy , which , if thou yield not willingly , I will obtain by Force and Violence : therefore prepare thy self either to entertain the Sentence pronounced , or yield thy Body to my pleasure . This unrecanting and vowed Resolution of the Earl , added grief upon grief , and heaped Mountains of Sorrow upon her Soul : Twice did the hapless Lady cast her eyes to Heaven , in hopes the Gods would pity her Distress , and twice unto the Earth , wishing the Ground might open and devour her , and so deliver her from the sury of the wicked Homicide : but at last when she saw that neither Tears , Prayers , nor Wishes could prevail , she gave an outward sign of consenting upon some Conditions , under colour to devise a present means to preserve her Chastity , and deliver her self from his Lustful Assailments . There is no condition ( said the Earl ) but I would yield unto , so thou wilt grant my desire , and make me chief commander of thy Love. First , my Lord ( quoth she ) shall you suffer me to sit some certain hours upon this bed of Violets , and bewail the loss of my good name , which shortly shall be yielded up to your pleasure : then shall you lie and dally in my Lap , thereby to make my Affections , yet freezing cold , to flame with burning brands of Love : that being done , you shall receive your wished desires . Those words caused the Earl to convert his furious wrath to smiling joy , and casting down his Dagger , he gave her a courteous kiss , which she in his conceit graciously accepted : whereby his mind was brought into such a vain opinion , that he thought no Heaven but in her presence , no comfort but in her sight , and no pleasure but in her : then caused he Sabra to sit down upon a bed of Uiolets , beset about with divers sorts of Flowers , whose Lap he made his Pillow , whereupon he laid his head , intending as he thought to increase desire : but Women in extremity have the quickest wits : so Sabra busied her self by all means possible , either now or never to remove the cause of her deep distress , by practising his death , and so quit her self from her importunate Suitor ; one while she told him pleasant Tales of Love , in hope to bring his Senses to a slumber , the better to accomplish her desires ; other while she play'd and sported with his hair that hung dangling below his Shoulders like to threds of Silk : but at last , when neither tales , discourses , nor dallying pastime with his hair could not bring him asleep , she strained forth the Organs of her Uoice , and over his head sung this woful Ditty : Thou God of Sleep , and Golden Dreams , appear ; That bring'st all things to Peace and quiet Rest , Close up the glasses of his eyes so clear , Thereby to make my Fortune ever blest : His Eyes , his Heart , his Senses , and his Mind , In Peaceful sleep let them some comfort find . Sing sweet you pretty Birds in tops of Trees With warbling tunes and many a pleasant note : Till your sweet Musick close his watchful eyes , That on my Love with vain desires doth dote : Sleep on my dear , sleep on , my Love's delight , And let this sleep be thy eternal night . You gentle Bees , the Muses lovely Birds , Come aid my doleful tunes with silver sound , Till your inspiring melody records Such Heavenly Musick that may quite confound Both Wit and Sense , and tire his eyes with sleep , That on my Lap in sweet content I keep . You silver streams , which murmuring Musick make , And fill each dale with pleasant harmony , Whereat the floating Fi●h much pleasure take , To hear your sweet recording melody , Assist my tunes , his slumbring eyes to close , That on my Lap now takes a sweet repose . Let whispering Winds in every sensless Tree , A solemn , sad , and doleful Musick sing : From Hills and Dales , and from each Mountain high , Let some Inspiring sound or Eccho ring , That he may never walle from sleep again , Which sought my Marriage Bed with Lust to stain . This delightful Song rocked his Senses to such a careless slumber , that he slept as soundly upon her Lap as on the softest Bed of Down : whereby she found a fit opportunity to deliver her undefiled Body from his Lustful Desires . So taking the Poiniard in her hand , which he had cast a little aside , and gazing thereon with an ireful look , she made this tad Complaint . Grant , you Immortal Powers of Heaven ( said she ) that of these two Extreams I choose the best ; either must I yield my Body to be dishonoured by his unchaste desires , or stain my hands with the trickling streams of his heart-blood . If I yield unto the first , I shall be then accounted for a Vicious Dame ; but if I commit the last , I shall be guilty of a wilfull Murther , and for the same the Law will adjudge me a shameful death . What , shall I fear to die , or lose my Vertue and Renown ? No , my heart shall be as Tyrannous as Danaus his Daughters , that slew their Fifty Husbands in a night ; or as Medea 's Cruelty , which scattered her Brother's bloody Joynts upon the Sea Shore , thereby to hinder the swift pursuit of her Father , when Iason got the Golden Fleece from Calcos Isle . Therefore stand still you glistring Lamps of Heaven , stay wandring Time , and let him sleep eternally . Where art thou , sad Melpomene , that speakest of nothing but of Murders and Tragedies : where be those Dames that evermore delight in Blood ; Come , come , assist me with your Cruelties , let me exceed the hate of Progne for her Ravishment : rage heart , and take delight in Blood , banish all thoughts of pity from thy breast , be thou as merciless as King Priam 's Queen , that in Revenge of five and twenty Murdered Sons , that with her own hands stained the Pavements of Agamemnon 's Court with purple Gore . These words were no sooner ended , but with a wrathful and pale Countenance , she sheathed the Poiniard up to the Hilt in the closure of his Breast , whereat he started , and would have got upon his feet , but the streams of blood so violently gushed from his Wound , that he declined immediately to the Earth , and his Soulwas forced to give the World a doleful Adieu . When Sabra beheld the Bed of Uiolets stained with blood , and every Flower converted to a crimson colour , she sighed grievously : but when she saw her Garments all to be sprinkled with her Enemies blood , and he say ●allowing , at her feet in purple gore , she ran speedily unto a flowing Fountain , that stood in the farther side of the Orchard , and began to wash the Blood out of her Cloaths but the more she washed , the more it encreased : a Sign that Heaven will never suffer wilful Murder to be hid , for what cause soever it is done . This strange Spectacle , or rather wonderful Accident , so amazed the sorrowful Lady , that she began anew to complain : Oh that this wicked Murder had never béen done ! ( said she ) or that my hand had been struck lame by some unlucky Planet , when first it did attempt the déed ! whither shall I flye , to shrowd me from the company of Uertuous Women , which will for evermore shun me as a detested Murderer ? If I should go into some foreign Country , there Heaven will cast down Uengeance for my guilt ; if I should hide my self in Woods and solitary Wildernesses , yet would the Winds discover me , and blow this bloody Crime to every corner of the World ; or if I should go live in Caves , or dark Dens within the deep Foundations of the Earth yet will his Ghost pursue me there , and haunt me day and night ; so that in no place a Murderer can live in rest , such discontented thoughts shall still oppress his mind . After she had breathed forth this comfortless Lamentation to the Air , she tore her blood-stained Garment from her back , and cast it into the Fountain , where it turned the water into the colour of blood , so heinous is Murder in the sight of Heaven . Thus being Disrobed 〈◊〉 her Petticoat , she turned to the slaughtered Earl , whose face she ●ound covered with Moss , which added more grief unto her Soul , for she greatly feared her Murder was descryed : but it fell not out as she mistrusted for it is the nature and kind of Robin Red-breast and other Birds , always to cover the face of any dead man , and those were they that bred this fear in the Ladies heart . By this time the day began to shut up his bright windows , and fable night entred to take possession of the Earth , yet durst not the woful distressed Sabra make her repair homewards , left she should be descryed without her upper Garment . During which time , there was a general search made for the Earl by his Servants , for they greatly suspected some danger had befaln him considering that they heard him the night before so wofully complain in his Chamber . At last , with Torch-lights they came to the Orchard Gate , which they presently burst open : wherein no sooner entring , but they found their Murdered Master lying by a Bed of Uiolets , covered with Moss : likewise searching to find out the Murderer , at last they espied Sabra in her bare Petticoat , her hands and face besprinkled with blood , and her Countenance as pale as ashes : by which ●ighs 〈◊〉 suspected her to be the bloody bereaver of their Lord and Master's Life : therefore because she descended from a Noble Lineage , they brought her the same night before the King , which did then keep his Court in the City of Coventry , who immediately upon the confession of the Murder , gave this severe judgment against her . First , to be conveyed to Prison , there to remain for the term of twelve months , and at the end thereof , to be burned like a most wicked Offender : Yet because she was the Daughter to a King , and a Loyal Lady to so Noble a Knight , His Majesty in Mercy granted her this favour , that if she could get any Knight at Arms , before the time were expired , that would be her Champion , and by Combat redeem her from the Fire , she should live , otherwise , if her Champion were Uanquished , then to Suffer the former Punishment . Thus have you heard the discourse of all things which happened till my departure from England , where I left her in Prison , and since that time five Months are fully expired : therefore , most Renowned Champion , as you love the Life of your Lady , and with her Delivery , make no tarriance , but with all speed post into England , for I greatly fear , before you arrive on the blessed Shore , the time will be finished , and Sabra suffer death for want of a Champion to defend her Cause . This doleful discourse drove St. George with the other Knights and Champions to such an extasie of mind , that every one departed to their Lodging Chambers with dumb signs of Sorrow , being not able to speak one word ; where for that night they lam●●ted the mishap of so vertuous a Lady . The Egyptian King her Father , he abandoned the sight of all companies , and repaired to the top of a high Tower built of Marble Stone , wherein he barred himself so fast with Iron Bolts , that none could come within the hearing of his Lamentation : then raged he up and down like frantick O●dipus , tearing his eyes from their Natural Cells , accusing Heaven of injustice , condemning the Earth of iniquity , and accursing Man for such an execrable Crime ; one while wishing that his Daughter's Birth-day had been her Burial-day ; another while that some unlucky Planet would descend the Firmament , and fall upon his miserable head . Being in this extream Passion , he never hoped to see his Daughter's Countenance again : and so about midnight , being a time when desperate Men practise their own Destruction , he cast himself headlong from the top of the Tower , and broke his Neck , and all besprinkled the ●linty Pavements with his Blood and Brains . No sooner was the night vanished , and bright Phoebus entered the Zodiack of Heaven , but his bruised body liveless and sensless , was found by his Servants lying in the Palace-yard all beaten in pieces against the ground . The woful News of this self-willed Murder they told to certain Egyptian Knights , who took his scattered Limbs and carried them to St. George's Chamber , whom they found arming himself for his departure towards England ; but at this woful spectacle he took a second conceited grief in such extream manner , that it had almost cost him his Life , but that the Egyptian Knights gave him many comfortable speeches , and by the consent of many Dukes , Earls , Lords , and Barons , with many other of the late King's Privy-Council , they Ele●ted him the true succeeding King of Egypt , by the Marriage of Ptolomy's Daughter ; which Royal proffer St. George refused not , but took upon him the Regiment of the whole Countrey , so that for a short time his Iourney towards England was stayed , and upon the third day following , his Coronation was appointed , which they solemnly performed , to the high honour of all the Christian Champions : for the Egyptian Peers caused St. George to be Apparelled in Royal Uestures like a King , he had on a Suit of flaming Green , like an Emerald , and a Mantle of Scarlet very richly Fur●'d , and wrought curiously with Gold : then the other six Champions led him up to the King's Throne , and set him in a Chair of Ebony , which had pummels of Silver , which stood upon an Alabaster Elephant ; then came three of the greatest Lords in Egypt , and set a Crown of Gold upon his Head ; then followed the Knights with a Scepter and a naked Sword , to signifie that he was chief Governor of the Realm , and Lord of all that appertained to the Crown of Egypt . This being performed in most sumptuous and stately manner , the Trumpets with other Instruments began to sound , whereat the general Company with joyful Uoices cryed altogether , Long live St. George , true Champion for England , and King of Egypt . Then was he conducted to the Royal Palace , where for ten days he remained among his Lords and Knights , spending the time in great joy and pleasure ; the which being finished , his Lady's distress constrained him to a sudden departure , therefore he left the Guiding of his Land to twelve Egyptian Lords , binding them all by Oath to deliver it at his return ; likewise charging them to interr the Body of Ptolomy in a sumptuous Tomb , be fitting the Body of so Royal a Potentate : Also appointed the six Champions to raise their Tents , and muster up anew their Soldiers , and with all speed march into Persia , and there by dint of Bloody War , Revenge his former Injuries upon the accursed Souldan . This Charge being given , the next morning by break of day he buckled on his Armour , mounted on his swift-footed Steed , and bad his Friends in Aegypt for a season , adieu ; and so in company of the Knight that brought him that unlucky News , he took his Iourney with all speed toward England ; in which Travel we will leave him for a time : Also passing over the speedy provision made by the Christian Champions in Egypt , for the Invasion of Persia , and return to sorrowful Sabra being in Prison , awaiting each Minute to receive the final stroke of impartial Death : for now had the rowling Planets brought their years Iourney to an end ; yet Sabra had no Intelligence of any Champion that would defend her Cause , therefore she prepared her delicate Body to receive her latest breath of Life . The time being come , she was brought to the place of Execution , whither she went as willingly , and with as much joy , as ever she went before time unto her Marriage : she had made humble submission to the World , and unfeignedly committed her Soul to God. She being at the Stake , where the King was present with many thousands , as well of woful Personages , as of common People , to behold this woful Tragedy , the Deaths-man stripping off her Garment , which was of black Sarsenet , and in her Snow-white Smock bound her with an Iron Chain unto the Stake ; then placed they round about her tender body ; both Pitch , Turpentine , and Gunpowder , with other merciless things , thereby to make her death the more easie , and her pain the shorter ; which being done , the King ; caused the Herauld to summon in the Challenger , who at the sound of the Trumpet came tracing in upon a Roan coloured Steed ; without any kind of mark , and Trapped with Rich Trappings of Gold and precious stones of great price ; there came out at the Horse's mouth , two Tusks like unto an Elephants , his Nostrils were very large and big , his head little , his breast somewhat broad , well pitcht , and so hard that no Sword , were it never so sharp , was able to enter in thereat . The Champion was called the Baron of Chester , a bolder and hardier Knight they thought lived not then upon the face of the whole Earth ; he so advanced himself up and down as though he had béen able to encounter with an hundred Knights . Then the King caused the Herauld to summon in the Defendant , if there were any to defend her Cause ; both Drums and Trumpets sounded three several times up and down the Fields , betwixt every rest , was a full quarter of an hour , but yet no Defendant did appear , therefore the King commanded the Executioner to set the Stake on fire . At which words Sabra began to grow pale as Ashes , and her Ioynts to tremble like to Aspen Leaves ; her Tongue that before continued silent , began to record a Swan-like dying Tale , and in this manner uttered the passion of her heart : Be witness , Heaven and all your bright Coelestial Angels ; be witness Sun and Moon , all true beholders of my Fact : be witness thou clear Firmament , and all the World be witness of my Innocency ; the blood I●shed was for the safeguard of my Honour and unspotted Chastity : great God of Heaven , if the Prayers of my unstained heart may move thy mighty Majesty , or my true Innocency prevail with thy immortal Power , command that either my Lord may come to be my Champion , or sad beholder of my Death . But if my hands were stained with the blood about some wicked Enterprize , then Heaven shew present Vengeance upon me , else by some Noble Champion save my body alive . At which instant she heard the sound of a shrill Trumpet , the which S. George caused to be winded ( for as then he was near : ) which caused the Execution a while to be deferred . At last , they beheld afar off a stately Banner waving in the Air , the which a Squire carried before S. George ; then they espied near unto the Banner a most Ualiant Armed Knight , mounted upon a coal-black Palfrey , with a Warlike Launce standing in his Rest : by which sudden approach they knew him to be the same Champion that would defend the distressed Lady's Life . Then the King commanded the Drums and Trumpets to sound ; whereat the People gave a general shout , and the poor Lady half dead with fear began to revive , and her blushing Cheeks to be as Beautiful as red Roses dipt in Milk or as blood mingled with Snow . But when St. George approached the sight of his constant Lady , whom he found Chamed to a S●ake , incompassed with many Instruments of Death , his heart so relented with Grief that he almost fell buside his Horse : yet remembring wherefore he came , he recalled his Courage , and intended to try his Fortune in the Combate , before he would discover himself unto his Lady . And when the Trumpets sounded Death's Alarm , the two Knights set Spurs to their Horses , and made them run so fiercely , that at the first encounter they shivered both their Launces to their hands then rushed they together so rigorously with their Bodies and Helmets , that they fell down both to the Earth ; but St. George who was the more Lusty Knight , nimbly leap'd upon his feet without any hurt , but the Baron of Chester lay still with his head downward , casting from his mouth abundance of blood , for he was mightily bruised with the fall ; but when he revived from his Trance , he took his Shield , drawing out a mighty Faulchion , and with wrathful countenance ran at St. George . Now , proud Knight ( quoth he ) I swear by all the Saints of Heaven , to Revenge my Blood which thou hast shed : and therewithal he struck so violently upon St. George's Shield , that it cleaved quite asunder . Then began he to wax angry , and took his Sword in great wrath and gave the Baron of Chester such a stroke , that he cut away Arm and Shoulder and all the flesh of his side to the bare Kibs , and likewise cut his Leg almost quite in sunder , in the thickest place of his Thigh , and yet for all that , the Sword entred half a foot into the earth : then fell the Baron of Chester to the Ground , and breathed forth this lamentable cry . Now frown , you fatal Stars eternally , that did predominate at my Birth , for he is Slain and Vanquished , that never stoopt to any Knight before this day . And thereupon the Blood stopped the passage of his Speech , and his Soul went flying to Elysium : whereat the whole Company admired , and applauded Saint George for the most fortunate Knight in the World : Then the King delivered Sabra with his own hands to St. George , who most courteously received her , and like a counteous Knight cast a Scarlet Mantle over her Body , the which a Lady standing by bestowed upon him ; yet he minding n●● to discover himself , but set her upon his portly Steed ( that ●●●●ently grew proud in carrying so rich a burden ) and with his own hands led him by the Bridle Reins . So great was the Io● throughout the City , that the Bells rung without ceasing , that whole day together , the Citizens through every place St. George should pass , did hang forth at their Windows , and on their walls , Cloath of Gold and Silk , with Rich Carpets , Cushion-coverings of green Uelvet lay abroad in every Window : the Clergy in Copes of Gold and Silk , met them with solemn Procession : The Ladies and Beautiful Damsels strewed every street whereas he passed , with Roses and most pleasant Flowers , and Crowned him with a Wreath of green Gays , in sign of his Triumphant Uictory and Conquest . In this manner went he to the King's Palace not known by any what he should be , but that he was a Knight of a strange Countrey : Yet Sabra many times as they passed along , desired to see his Face , and know his Name , for that he had adventured so far for her sake , and that for her Delivery he had vanquished the bravest Knight in England . Yet for all her perswasions , he kept himself undiscovered till a Troop of Ladies in company of Sabra , got him into a Chamber richly hung with Arras cloath , and there unlaced his Bever ; whose Countenance when she beheld , and saw that it was her Lord and Husband which had redeemed her from Death , she sell into a dead swoon for very Ioy , but St. George sprinkled a little cold water on her face and revived her presently . After this he gave her many a kind and loving kiss , calling her the most true , and the most Loyal Lady that ever Nature framed , that to the very death would not lose one jot of her unspotted Honour . Likewise she accounted him the truest Knight , and Loyalest Husband that ever Heavenly Hymen linckt in Bands of Marriage with any Woman . But when the King had notice that it was St. George , his Countrey 's Champion , which atchieved that Noble Conquest in vanquishing the Baron of Chester , he was ravished with such Ioy , that he came running in all haste to the Chamber , and most kindly embraced him , and after he was unarmed , and his wounds washed with White-wine and new Milk , the King conducted him with his Lady to his Banquetting-house , where they feasted for that Evening , and after he kept open Court for all Comers so long as St. George continued there , which was for the space of one Month : At the end whereof , he took his Lady and one Page with him , and bad England adieu , and then he Travelled towards Persia , to the other Christian Champions , whose dangerous Iourney , and strange Adventures you may read in this Chapter following . CHAP. XVI . How St. George in his Journey towards Persia , arrived in a Country inhabited only by Maids , where he atchieved many strange and wonderful Adventures : Also of the Ravishment of seven Virgins in a Wood , and how Sabra preserved her honour from a terrible Gyant . AFter St. George with his vertuous Lady departed from England , and had Travelled through many Countreys , taking their direct Courses towards Aegypt , and the Confines of Persia , where the other six Champions remained with the Warlike Legions , at last they arrived in the Countrey of the Amazonians , a Land inhabited by none but Women : In which Region St , George Atchieved many brave and Princely Adventures , which are most wonderful to rehearse , as after is declared : for Travelling up and down the Countrey they found every Town and City desolate of People , yet very sumptuously built , the Earth likewise untilled , the Pastures uncherished , and every Field overgrown with Weeds , whereby he deemed that some strange Accident had befallen the Countrey , either by War , or Mortality of some grievous Plague , for they could neither set Eye of Man , Woman , nor Child , whereby they were forced to feed upon Roots , and instead of brave Palaces , they were constrained to lie on broad Pastures , upon the banks of Moss , and instead of Curtains of Silk , they had black and dark Clouds to cover them . In this extremity they Travelled up and down for thirty days , but at last it was their happy Fortunes to arrive before a Rich Pavilion , situated and standing in the open Fields , which seemed to be the most glorious sight that ever they beheld , for it was wrought of the Richest works in the World , all of green and crimson Sattin , bordered with Gold , and Azure , the Posts that bare it up were of Ivory , the Cords of green Silk , and on the top thereof there stood an Eagle of Gold , and at the two Corners , two green Silver Griffons shining against the Sun , which seemed in richness to exceed the Monument of Mausolus , being one of the worlds twelve Wonders . They had not there remained long , admiring at the Beauty of the Workmanship , but at the Entry of the Pavilion there appeared a Maiden Queen Crowned with an Imperial Diadem , who was the fairest Creature that ever he saw . On her attended Amazonian Dames , bearing in their hands Silver Bows of the Turkish Fashion , and at their backs hung Quivers full of Golden Arrows , upon their Heads they wore Silver Coronets , beset with Pearls and precious Stones , their Attire Comely and Gallant , their Faces fair and gentle to behold , their Foreheads plain and white , the Tramels of their Hair like burnished Gold : their Brows small and proper , somewhat drawing to a brown colour , their Uisage plain , neither too long nor too round ▪ but coloured like Roses mixed with Lillies , their Noses long and streight , their Ruddy Cheeks somewhat smiling , their Eyes Lovely , and all the rest of their Parts and Lineaments , by Nature framed most Excellent , who had made them in Beauty without compare : The Queen her self was cloathed in a Gown of Green , strait girt unto her Body with a Lace of Gold , so that somewhat her round and Lilly-white Breast might be seen which became her wonderful well ; beside all this , she had on a crimson Kirtle , lined with Uiolet-coloured Uelvet , and her wide Sleeves were likewise of green Silk , embroidered with flowers of Gold , and with rich Pearls . When St. George had sufficiently beheld the Beauty of this Maiden Queen , he was almost entrapped in her Love , but that the dear Affection he bare so his own Lady prevented him , whom he would not wrong for all the Treasures betwixt the highest Heaven and the lowest Earth . At last , he alighted from his Horse and humbled himself unto her Excellency , and thus courteously began to question with her after this manner : Most Divine and Fair of all Fairs , Queen of sweet Beauty ( said he ) let a Travelling Knight obtain this favour at your hands , that both himself and his Lady whom you behold here wearied with Travel , may take our rest within your Pavilion for a night . For we have wandred up and down this Country many a d●● , neither seeing Man to give us Lodging , nor finding food to cherish us , which made us wonder that so brave Country , and so beautified with Nature's Ornaments as this is , should be left desolate of People , the cause whereof is strange I know , and full of wonder . This Question being Courteously demanded by St. George , caused the Amazonian Queen as kindly to reply : Sir Knight , ( quoth she ) ( for so you seem both by your Behaviour and gallant Stature ) what Favour my Pavilion may afford , be assured off ; but the remembrance of my Country's Desolation which you speak of , breeds a Sea of Sorrow in my Soul , and maketh me sigh when I remember it ; but because you are a Knight of a strange Land , I will report it , though unto my grief : About some twelve years since , it was a Necromancer's chance to arrive within this Countrey , his name is Osmond ; the cunningest Artist this day living upon the Earth , for he can at his call raise all the Spirits out of Hell , and with his Charms make Heaven to Rain continually showers of blood : my beauty at that instant tempted him to Love , and drowned his Senses so in desire , that he assailed by all perswasions that either Wit or Art could devise , to win me to his Will ; but I having vowed my self to Diana 's Chastity , to live in singleness among these Amazonian Maids , contemned his Love , despised his Person , and accounted his perswasions as ominous Snakes ; for which he wrought the destruction of this my Realm and Kingdom ; for by his Magick Art and damned Charms , he raised from the Earth a mighty Tower , the Mortar whereof he mingled with Virgins Blood , wherein are such Enchantments wrought , that the light of the Sun , and the brightness of the Skies is quenched , and the Earth blasted with a terrible Vapour , and black Mist , that ascendeth from the Tower , whereby a general darkness overspread our Land , the compass of four and twenty Leagues , so this Countrey is clean wasted and destroyed , and my People fled out thereof . This Tower is haunted day and night with ghastly Fiends ; and at his departure into Persia , where he now by Enchantment aids the Souldan in his Wars against the Christians , he left the guarding of the same to a mighty and terrible Gyant , for shape the ugliest Monster that ever Eye beheld , or ever Ear heard tell of , for he is thirty foot in length ; his head three times larger than the head of an Ox : his eyes bigger than two Pewter Dishes , and his teeth standing out of his mouth more than a Foot , wherewith he will break both Iron and Steel : his Arms big and long without any measure , and his Body as black as any Coal , and as hard as Brass ; also of such a strength , that he is able to carry away at once three Knights Armed : And he never eateth any other meat , but raw flesh of Mankind : he is so light , and swift , that a Horse cannot run from him ; and oftentimes he hath hath assailed vvith great Troops of Armed Men , but all of them could never do him any harm , neither vvith Svvord , Spear , Cross-bovv , nor any other Weapon . Thus have you heard , most Noble and Courteous Knight , the true Discourse of my utter Ruine , and the Vengeance shevved upon my Countrey by this vvicked Necromancer ; for vvhich I have remained ever since in this Pavilion amongst my Maidens , vvhere vve pray both day and night , that some unhappy Fortune or terrible Vengeance may fall upon this wicked Conjurer . Now as I am a true English Knight , ( replied St. George ) no sooner shall the Morning Sun appear , but I will take my Journey to that Inchanted Tower , in which I 'll enter in despite of the Gyant , and break the Enchantment , or make my Grave within the Monsters Bowels ; which if I happily perform , then will I travel into Persia , and fetter up the most wicked Necromancer , and like a Bloud-hound lead him up and down the World in Chains . Most dangerous is the Adventure ( quoth the Amazonian Queen ) from whence as yet did never Knight return ; but if you be so Resolute and Noble-minded , as to attempt the Enterprize , then happy be your Fortune , and know , brave Knight , that this Tower lyeth Westward from hence some thirteen miles . And thereupon she took him by the hand , and caused Sabra likewise to alight from her Palfrey , and led them both into her Pavilion , where they were Feasted most Royally , and for that night slept securely . But when the day 's bright Windows opened , and the Morning-Sun began to glister , in all haste St. George , that valiant-minded Champion arose from his sweet content , and Armed himself ; where , after he had taken his Leave of the Queen , and gave her thanks for his courteous Entertainment , he also took his leave of Sabra , whom he left in company of the Queens Maidens till his return with Conquest , and so rode forth till it was Noon , and then he entred into a deep Ualley , and ever he rode lower and lower . It was then a fair Day , and the Sun shined clear ; but by that time he had ridden ten Miles and a half , he had lost both the Light and the Sun , and also the sight of Heaven , for it was there as dark as night , and more dismal than the deepest Dungeon . At last he found a mighty River with streams as black as pitch , and the Banks were so high , that the Water could scarce be seen running underneath , and it was so full of Serpents , that none could enter among them that ever returned back with Life : about his head flew monstrous Birds , and d●vers Griffons , who were able to bear away an Armed Knight Horse and all , and were in as great Multitudes as though they had been Starlings : also there were Flies as big as Nuts , and as black as pitch , which stung him and his Horse so grievously , that there issued down such store of blood that it changed his Horse from a Sable to a Crimson colour , likewise the Griffons struck at St. George with their Talons so furiously , that had he not defended himself with his Shield , which covered his whole Body , he had been pierced to the heart . In this dangerous manner rode he on , till he came to the Gates of the Inchanted Tower , whereas the Gyant sate in his Iron Coat , upon a Block with a Mace of Steel in his hand , who at the first fight of St. George . beat his Teeth so mightily together , that they rang like the stroke of an Anvil , and he ran raging like a Fiend of Hell , thinking to have taken the Champion's Horse and all in his long Teeth that were as sharp as Steel , and to have born them presently into the Tower : but when St. George perceived his Mouth open , he took his Sword and thrust it therein so far , that it made the Gyant to roar aloud , that the Elements seemed to thunder , and the Earth to Tremble , his Mouth smoak'd like a Fiery Furnace , and his Eyes rowled in his Head like brands of flaming Fire ; the wound was so great , and the blood issued so fast from the Gyant 's Mouth , that his Courage began to quail , and against his will he was forced to yield to the Champion's Mercy , and to beg for Life ; to which St. George agreed , but upon condition that the Gyant would discover all the secrets of the Tower , and ever after be sworn his true Servant , and attend on him with all diligence : to which the Gyant swore by his own Soul , never to leave him in extremity , and to answer him truly to all Questions whatsoever . Then St. George demanded the cause of the Darkness , and how it might be ceased . To which the Gyant answered in this manner . There was in the Country about some Twelve years since , a cunning Necromancer , that by Inchantment built this Tower , the which you now behold , and therein caused a terrible Fire to spring from the Earth , that cast such a smoak over the whole Land , whereby the People that were wont to dwell therein are fled and farnished for Hunger : Also this Enchanter by his Art made the River that you have passed , the which did ever Man before this time , without Death : Also within the Tower , near unto the fire , there stands a fair and pleasant Fountain , to which if any Knight be able to attain and cast the Water thereof into the Fire , then shall the Darkness ever after cease , and the Inchantment end , for which cause I have been bound to guard and keep the Tower from the Atchievement of any Knight . Then when the Gyant had ended his Discourse , St. George commanded him to remain at the Gate , for he would adventure to end the Inchantment , and deliver the Country from so grievous a Plague . Then went he close by the Windows of the Tower , the which were sixteen yards in length and breadth , till he came to a little Wicket , through which he must needs enter : yet was it set as thick with Pikes of Steel as the prickles of an Urchin's skin , to the intent that no Knight should approach near unto the Door , nor once attempt to enter into the Tower ; yet with great danger he opened the Wicket , whereout came such abundance of smoak , that the darkness of the Country doubled , so that neither Torch nor Candle would burn in that place ; yet nevertheless St. George entred , and went downwards upon stairs , where he could see nothing , but yet felt so many great blows upon his Burgonet , that he was constrained to kneel upon his Knees , and with his Shield to defend himself or else he had been bruised to pieces . At last he came to the bottom , and there he found a fair great Uault , where he felt so terrible a heat that he sweat exceedingly , and as he felt about him , he perceived that he approached near the Fire , and going a little further , he espied out the Fountain , whereat he greatly rejoyced : and so he took his Shield , and bare therein as much Water as he could , and cast it into the Fire : In conclusion , he laboured so long till the fire was clean quenched : then began the Skies to receive their perfect lightness , and the Golden Sun to shine most clearly about him , where he plainly perceived how there stood upon the Stairs many great Images of Brass , holding in their hands mighty Maces of Steel , the which had done him much trouble at his coming down , but then their power was ended , the fire quenched , and the Inchantment finished . Thus when St. George , through his Invincible Fortitude had performed this dangerous Adventure , he grew weary of Travel , what with heat and sweating , and the mighty blows he received from the brazen Images , that he returned again to the Wicket , whereat the deformed Gyant still remained : who when he beheld the Champion returned both safe and sound , he fell upon his knees before him , and said , Sir Knight , you are most welcome , and happily returned , for you are the Flower of Christendom , and the bravest Champion of the World. Command my Service , Duty , and Obedience ; for whilst I live , I do profess by the burning Banks of Acheron , never to follow any other Knight but you , and hereupon I kiss your Golden Spur , which is the Noble Badge of Knighthood . This humble submission of the Gyant caused the Champion to rejoyce , not for his Overthrow , but that he had gotten so mighty a Seruant ; then unlaced he his Helmet , and lay down after his wea●y Encounter , where after he had sufficiently rested himself , he took his Iourney in company of the Gyant , to the Amazonian Queen , where he left his Lady in company of her Uirgins , who like a kind , modest and vertuous Wife , during all the time of her Husband's absence , continually prayed to the immortal Powers of Heaven for his fortunate success and happy return , otherwise resolving her self , if the lowring Destinies should cross his intent , and unluckily end his days before the Adventure were accomplished , then to spend the remainder of her life among those happy Uirgins . But on the sudden , before the Queen and her Uirgins were aware , St. George arrived before the Davilion , dutifully attended on by the Gyant , who bore upon his shoulder the Body of a tall Oak , by which the Quéen knew that his Prowess had redéemed her Country from darkness , and delivered her from her Sorrow , Care , and Trouble : so in company of her Maids , very gorgeously attired , she conducted the Champion to a Bower of Roses , intermingled with creeping Uines , the which in his absence they planted for his Lady's delight . There found he Sabra at her Divine Prayers , like to a solitary Widow , clad in mourning Habiliments ; but when she beheld her Lord return in safety , she banished Grief , and in haste ran unto him , and in his bosom ravished her self with pleasure . But to speak how the Amazonian Queen feasted them , and in what manner she and her Maids devised Pastime for their contents , were too tedious to repeat , but when night gave end to their pleasures , and sleep summoned all things to a quiet silence , the Queen brought them to a very sumptuous Lodging , wherein stood a Bed framed with Ebony-wood , over-hung with many pendants of Gold , the Tick was stuffed with Down of Turtle-Doves , the Sheets of Median Silk , thereon ●ay a rich Quilt wrought with Cotton , covered with Damask , and stitch'd with threads of Gold. The Quéen bestowed upon St. George at his going to Bed , an imbroidered shirt , curiously wrought with many rare Devices ; as , the Labours of Hercules , the Triumphs of Mars , and the Loves of many Potentates , wrought in such curious manner , as though Art it self had been the Contriver . Sabra at her going to Bed , was likewise presented by the Quéen's Maids with a light Kirtle of changeable Uiolet , somewhat blushing on a red colour . Also , they put a white Kerchief of Silk upon her head , somewhat loose and untied , so that under the same , her Ivory Throat might be easily seen , and her fair Golden Hait lying about her Neck ; over them was cast a Mantle of green Silk , which made the Bed seem more beautiful than Flora's rich Ornaments . By them the Quéen and her Uirgins sate , making sweet Musick upon their silver tuned Lu●●s , till golden sleep had closed up their Eyes ; the which being done , the Queen with her Ladies departed likewise to their natural rests . But all this while the Gyant never entred the Pavilion , but slept as soundly at the root of a Pine-tree , as St. George did in his imbroidered Bed , for he knew not what pleasures belonged thereunto , nor never before that time beheld any Womans Face . At last , the Night withdrew her black Curtains , and gave the Morning leave to appear , whose pleasant light caused St. George to forsake his Bed , end to walk some few miles to over-view the Countrey ; in which Iourney he took such exceeding pleasure , that he thought it the goodliest Realm that ever he saw , for he perceived well how it was full of Worldly Wealth . At last , he climbed up to the top of an high Mountain being some two miles from the Queens Pavilion , whereon he stood and beheld many stately Towns and Towers , high and mighty Castles , many large Woods and Meadows , and many pleasant Rivers ; and about the Towns , fair Uines , goodly Pastures and Fields . At last , he beheld the City of Argenia shining against the Sun , the place where the Queen in former time was wont to keep her Court ; which City was invironed with deep Ditches , the Wall strongly builded , and more than five hundred Towers made of Lime and Stone ; also he saw many fair Churches covered with Lead , having Tops and Spires of Gold , shining most gorgeously ; with Weather-cocks of Silver , glistring against the Sun. Also he saw the Burgesses Houses stand like Palaces closed with high and strong Walls , Barred with Chains of Iron from House to House , whereat in his heart he praised much the Nobleness and Richness of the City , and said to himself , that it might well be called Argenia , for it seemed to be of Argen● , that is as much as to say , of Silver . During the time of the Champion's pleasurable walk , which continued from the break of day , to the closing of the Evening , happened a woful Tragedy , near unto the Queens Pavilion , committed by the Monstrous Gyant whom St. George brought from the Enchanted Tower : For that same Morning , when the Sun had mounted some few Degrées unto the Firmament seven of the Quéens Uirgins in Sabra's Company , walked into a pleasant Thicket of Trees adjoyning to her Pavilion not only to take the pleasure of the Morning Air , but to hear the chirping melody of Birds , in which Thicket or Grove , under a Pine-tree , this Gyant Lodged the passed Night : but no sooner came these Beautiful Ladies under the Branches of the Trees , but the Gyant cast his Eyes upon them , whose rare Perfections so fired the heart of the Lustful Gyant , that he must either quench his desires with the spoils of their Chastities , or end his days in some Monstrous manner ; therefore he started up from the place where he lay , and with a wrathful Countenance ran amongst the Ladies , and catching them all eight at once betwixt his Arms , he bore them to the further side of the Grove , where he Ravished seven of the Queens Maidens , and afterwards devoured them alive into his loathsome Bowels , Sabra being the eighth of that woful number , which in her sight she beheld Butchered by that bloody Wolf : but continuing the time of their Ravishment , she made her supplication to the Gods , that they would in mercy defend her Chastity from the Lustful Rape of so wicked a Monster : and immediately upon these words the saw an ugly Toad come crawling before her , through which by Policy , she saved her life , and preserved her Honour : For she took the Toad betwixt her hands , and crushed the Uenom from her impoisoned Bowels , wherewith she all besprinkled her Face , so that presently her fair Beauty was changed into loathsome Blisters , for she seemed more like a Creature de●ormed with Leprosie , than a Lady of excellent Feature . At length , she being the last of all , her time came that she should be De●loured , and the Lustful Gyant came to fetch her ; but when he beheld her Uisage so envenomed , he loathed her sight , seeking neither to Ravish her , nor proffering to Devour her , but discontentedly wandring away , greatly grieved at the committed Crime , and sorely repenting himself of so wicked a Deed , not only for the spoil of the seven Uirgins , but for the wrong proffered to so Noble a Knight ; who not only granted him liberty of Life , but received him into his Service : therefore he raged up and down the Grove , making the Earth to tremble at his Exclamations , one while cursing his Fortune and hour of Creation , another while banning his Sire and Devillish Dam : but when he remembred the Noble Champion St. George , whose angry Frown he would not see for all the World , then to prevent the same , he ran his Head most furiously against a knobbed Oak , and brained himself , where we will leave him now weltring in his Blood , and speak what became of Sabra after this bloody Accident : for after she had wandred up and down the Thicket many a weary step , incensing Heaven against the Gyant 's Cruelty , the Sun began to set , and the dark Night grew on , which caused her thus to complain . Oh you Immortal Powers of Heaven and you Coelestial Planets , being the true Guiders of the Firmament , open your bright Coelestial Gates , and send some fatal Planet , or some burning Thunder-bolt , to rid me from the Vale of Misery , for I will nevermore return to my Lord , since I am thus deformed , and made an ugly Creature , my loathsome face will prove a Corrosive to his heart , and my Body a torment to his Soul : my sight will be unpleasant , my Company hated , my Presence loathed , and every one will shun my sight , as from a Crocodile ; therefore I will remain within this Grove , till Heaven either bring me to my former Beauty , or end my Languishing Misery ; yet witness Heaven , of my Loyalty unto my Lord , and in what extremity I have maintained my Chastity : in remembrance of my true Love , here will I leave this Chain of Gold for my beloved Lord to find , that he may know for his sake I have endured a World of Woe . At which Speeches she took her Chain which was doubled twenty times about her Neck , and left it lying all besmeared in the blood of those Uirgins whom the Gyant had Ravished and slain , and so betook her self to a sad solitary Life , intending never to come in the sight of Men , but to spend her days wandring in the Woods : where we will likewise leave her for a time , and speak of St. George , who by this , was returned to the Queen's Pavilion , where he missed his Lady , and had intelligence , how that she in company of seven other Ladies , walked in the Morning into a pleasant Grove to hear the Melody of Birds , and since that time no News hath been heard of them ; for as then it grew toward night , which caused St. George greatly to mistrust that some Mischance had befallen his Lady . Then he demanded what was become of the Gyant , but answer was made , that he was never seen nor heard of since Morning ; which caused him greatly to suspect the Gyant 's Treachery , and how by his means the Ladies were prevented of their purposed pleasures . Therefore in all haste , like a frantick man he ran into the Thicket , filling every corner with Clamors and resounding Ecchoes of her name , and calling for Sabra , through every Bramble Bush : but there he could neither hear the voice of Sabra , nor the answer of any other Lady , but the woful Ecchoes of his Exclamations , which ratled through the leaves of the Trees . Then began he to wax somewhat Melancholy and Passionate , passing the time away till bright Cynthia mounted on the Hemisphere , by whose glistring Beams he saw the ground besprinkled with purple gore ; and found the Chain that Sabra was wont to wear about her Neck , all besmeared in Blood : he bitterly complained against his own Fortune , and his Ladies hapless Destiny , for he supposed then that the Gyant had Murdered her . O discontented sight ( said he ) here lies the blood of my beloved Lady , the truest Woman that ever Knight enjoyed : that Body , which for Excellency deserved a Monument of Gold , more rich than the Tomb of Angelica , I fear lies buried in the Bowels of that Monstrous Gyant , whose Life unhappily I granted . Here is the chain besmeared in blood , which at our first Acquaintance I gave her in a Courtly Mask : this Golden Chain , I say , stained with the blood of my dear Lady , shall for evermore be kept within my Bosome , near unto my bleeding heart , that I may still remember her true Love , Faith , and Constancy . But fond fool that I am , why do I talk in vain ? it will not recompence her murthered Soul , the which methinks I hear how it calls for Revenge in every corner of the Grove . It was I that left her carelesly within the danger of the Gyant , whom I little mistrusted , therefore I will meet her in Elysium shades , and crave remission for my committed Trespass , for on this Oak I will abridge my Life , as did the worthy Knight Melmeropolion for the Love of Sillara . Which Lamentation being no sooner ended , but he took the Chain of Gold , and fastned one end to the Arm of a great Oak , and the other end to his Neck , intending presently to strangle himself ; but Heaven prevented his desperate intent after a strange manner : for under the same Tree the brained Gyant lay , not yet fully dead , who in this manner spake to St. George . O stay thy hand , most Noble and Invincible Knight , the World 's chief Wonder for admirable Chivalry , and let my dying Soul convert thee from so wicked a Deed : Seven Virgins in this Thicket have I Ravished , and buried all their Bodies in my accursed Bowels , but before I could deflour the eighth , in a strange manner her bright Beauty was changed into a loathsome Leprosie , whereby I detested her sight , and left her Chastity undefiled , but by her sad complaints , I since have understood , how that she is your Lady and Love , and to this hour she bath her Residence within this Thicket : And thereupon with a doleful groan which seemed to shake the Ground , he bad adieu to the World. Then St. George being glad to hear such Tydings , reverted from his desperate intent , and searched up and down the Grove till he had sound Sabra , where she sat sorrowing under the branches of a Mulberry-tree , betwixt whom was a sad and heavy greeting ; and as they walked back to the Queens Pavilion , she discoursed to him the truth of this bloody stratagem , where she remained till the Amazonian Queen had cured her Leprosie by the secret vertue of her skill ; of whom after they had taken leave and given her thanks for her kind courtesies , St. George with his Lady took their Iourney towards Persia , where the Christian Armies lay Encamped at whose arrival you shall hear strange and wonderful things , the like was never done in any Age. CHAP. XVII . How St. George and his Lady lost themselves in a Wilderness , where she was Delivered of three goodly Boys . The Fairy Queen's Prophecy upon the Children's Fortunes . Of St George's return into Bohemia , where he Christened his Children , and of finding his Father's Grave , over which he built a stately Tomb. SAint George having Atchieved the Adventure of the Enchanted Tower , and Sabra the Fury of the Lustful Gyant , they took their Iourney towards Persia , where the Christian Champions lay Encamped before the Souldan's great City of Belgor , a place most strongly Fortified with Spirits , and other ghastly Illusions , by the Enchantment of Osmond , whom you heard before in the last Chapter , to be the rarest Necromancer in the World : but as the English Champion with his Lady Travelled thitherward , they hapned into a Desart and mighty Wilderness , overgrown with lofty Pines and Cedar Trees , and many huge and mighty Daks , the spreading branches whereof seemed to with-hold the light of Heaven , from their untrodden passages , and tops for exceeding height , to reach into the Elements● the Inhabitants were Silvanes , Satyrs , Fairies , and other Woody Nymphs , which by day sported up and down the Forrest , and by night attended the pleasures of Proserpine the Fairy Queen . The Musick of silver-sounding Birds , so chearfully resounding through the Woods , and the whistling Wind made such Melody amongst , the Leaves of Trees , that it ravished their Senses like Harmony of Angels , and made them think they had entred the shades of gladsome Elysium : one while they wondred at the Beauty of the Woods , which Nature adorned with a Summers Livery , another while at the grown and fragrant grass , drawn out in round Circles by Fairies Dances , so long till they had lost themselves amongst the unknown passages , not knowing how , nor by what means to recover the perfect Path of their Iourney , but were constrained to wander in the Wilderness , like solitary Pilgrims , spending their day with weary steps , and the night with vain imaginations , even as the Child when he hath lost himself in a populous City , runneth up and down , not knowing how to return to his native dwelling ; even so it hapned to these two lost and disconsolate Travellers , for when they had wandred many days one way , and finding no end of their Toils , they retired backward to the place of their first setting forth , where they were wont to hear the noise of People resounding in Country Uillages , and to meet Travellers passing from place to place ; but now they heard nothing but blustring of wind , ratling in the wood , making the Brambles to whistle , and the Trees to groan , and now and then to meet a speckled Beast like to the Rain-bow , weltring from his Den to seek his natural sustenance : in their Travel by night they were wont to hear the crowing of the Cock , recording glad tydings of the chearful days approach , the neighing of Horses in Pasture-fields , and the barking of Dogs in Farmers Houses : but now they were affrighted with the roaring of Lions , yellowing of Wolves , the croakings of Toads in roots of rotten Trees , and the ruful sound of Progne's Ravishment , recorded by the Nightingal . In this solitary manner wearied they the rowling time away , till thrice three times the silver Moon had returned her borrowed Light , by the which time the burthen of Sabra's Womb began to grow painful , and the Fruit of her Body ready to wax ripe , the hour of her Delivery drew on , wherein she required Lucinas's help , to make St. George the Father of a Princely Son : time called for Midwives to aid and bring her Babe into the World , and to make her a happy Mother ; but before the painful hour of her Delivery approached , St. George had provided her a Bower of Uine-branches which he erected betwixt two pleasant Hills , where instead of a Princely Cabinet , behung with Arras , and Rich Tapestry , she was constrained to suffice her self with a simple Lodging covered with Roses , and other fragrant Flowers ; her Bed he made of green Moss , and Thistle-down , beset cutiously round about with Olive-branches , and the sprigs of an Orange tree , which made it seem more beautiful than Flora's Pavilion , or Diana's Mansion : but at last , when she felt the pain of her Womb grow intolerable , and the Seed ready to be reaped , and how she was in a Wilderness void of Womens Company , that should be ready to assist her in so secret a matter , she cast her self down upon her Mossie Bed , and with a blushing Countenance she discovered her mind in this manner to St. George . My most dear and loving Lord ( quoth she ) my true and only Champion at all times and seasons , except at this hour , for it is the painful hour of my Delivery , therefore depart from out of the hearing of my Cryes , and commit my Fortune to the pleasures of the Heavens : for it is not convenient for any man's eye to behold the secrets of a Woman in such a case : stay not , I say , dear Lord , to see the Infant now sprawling in my Womb , to be delivered from the Bed of his Creation ; forsake my presence for a time , and let me , like the Noble Queen of France , obtain the favour of some Fairy to be my Midwife , that my Babe may be as happily born in this Wilderness as was her Valiant Sons Ualentine and Orson , the one of them was cherish●d by a King , and the other by a Bear , yet both of them grew famous in their Deeds ; my pain is great , dear Lord , therefore depart my Cabinet , and before Phoebus lodgeth in the West , I shall either be a happy Mother , or a lifeless Body , thou a joyful Father , or a● sorrowful Widower . At which words St. George sealed the Agreement with a kiss , and departed silently without any reply , but with a thousand sighs he bad her adieu , and so took his way to the top of a Mountain , being in distance from his Lady's aviding , a quarter of a Mile , there kneeled he during the time of her Travel , with his bare knees upon the bosome of the Earth , never ceasing Prayers , but continually soliciting the Majesty of God , to grant his Lady a speedy and easie Delivery ; at whose Divine Orisons the Heavens seemed to relent , and all the time of her pain , covered the place with a vale of darkness , by great flights of Birds , with Troops of untamed Beasts that came flocking about the Mountain where he kneeled , and in their their kinds assisted his Celestial Contemplations ; where I will leave him for a time , and speak what hapned to Sabra in the middle of her pains , and extremity of her Travel : for after St. George's departure , the fury of her Grief so raged in her Womb , that it exceeded the bounds of Reason , whereby her heart was constrained to breathe so many scorching sighs , that they seemed to blast the leaves of Trees , and to wither the Flowers which beautified her Cabinet , her burthened Torments caused her Star-bright Eyes , like Fountains to distill down silver drops , and all the rest of her Body to tremble like a Castle in a terrible Earthquake ; so grievous were her pains , and ru●ul were her cries , that she caused merciless Tygers to relent , and untamed Lyons , with other wild Beasts , like silly Lambs , to sit and bleat : her grievous cries , and bitter moans , caused the Heavens , as it were , to bleed their Uapours down , and the Earth to weep a spring of Tears , both Herbs and Trees did seem to drop ; hard st●ny Rocks to sweat when she complained . At last , her pitiful cries pierced down to the lowest Uaults of direful Dis , where Proserpine sits Crowned amongst her Fairies ; and so prevailed , that in all hast she ascended from her Regiment to work this Ladies safe Delivery ; and to make her Mother of three goodly Boys . who no sooner arrived in Sabra's Lodging , but she practised the Duty of a Midwife , eased the burden of her Womb , and safely brought her Babes into the World : at whose first sight the Heavens began to smile , and the Earth to rejoyce , as a sign and token , that in times to come they would prove three of the Noblest Knights in the World. This courteous D●●d of Proserpine was no sooner performed , but she laid the three Boys in three sumptuous Cradles , the which she caused the Fairies to fetch invisibly from three of the Richest Knights in the World , and therewithal Mantles of Silk with other things thereunto belonging ; likewise she caused a winged Satyr to fetch from the farthest Borders of India , a covering of Damask Taffaty embroidered with Gold , the most richest Ornament that ever Mortal eye beheld , for thereon was wrought and lively pourtrayed by the curious skill of Indian Weavers , how God Created Heaven and Earth , the wandring Courses both of Sun and Moon , and likewise how the Golden Planets daily do predominate ; also there is no Story in any Age remembred since the beginning of the World , but it was thereon most perfectly wrought : So excellent it was , that Art her self could never devise a cunninger . With this rich and sumptuous Ornament she covered the Ladies Child-bed , whereby it seemed to surpass in bravery the gorgeous Bed of Juno the brave Queen , when first she entertained imperious Jove . After this , Proserpine laid under every Child's Pillow a Silver Tablet , whereon were written in Letters of Gold their good and happy Fortunes . Under the first was these Uerses Charactered , who at that time lay frowning in his Cradle like the God of War. A Soldier bold , a Man of wondrous Might , A King likewise this Royal Babe shall die ; Three Golden Diadems in bloody Fight , By this brave Prince shall also Conquered be : The Towers of old Ierusalem and Rome , Shall yield to him in happy time to come . Under the Pillow of the second Babe , was Charactered these Uerses following , who lay in his Cradle smiling like Cupid upon the Lap of Dido , whom Venus transformed to the likeness of Ascanius . This Child shall likewise live to be a King , Time's Wonder for Device and Courtly sport : His Tilt and Tournaments abroad shall ring , To every Coast where Noble Knights resort : Queens shall attend , and humble at his feet , Thus Love and Beauty shall together meet . Lastly , Under the Pillow of the third was these Uerses likewise Charactered , who blushed in his Cradle like Pallas when she strove for the Golden Apple with Venus , and the Queen of Heaven . The Muses Darling for true Sapience , In Princes Courts this Babe shall spend his days , Kings shall admire his Learned Eloquence , And write in brazen Books his endless Praise : By Pallas's gifts he shall atchieve a Crown , Advance his Fame , and lift him to Renown . Thus when the Fairy Queen had ended her Prophecy upon the Children , and had left them Golden Fortunes lying in their Cradles , she vanished away , leaving the Lady rejoycing at her safe Delivery , and wondring at the Gifts of Proserpine , which she conjectured to be but shadows to dazle her eyes , and things of fading substance ; but when she had laid her hands upon the rich Covering of Damask Taffaty , which covered her Mossie Bed , and felt that it was the self-same form that it seemed ; she cast her eyes with a chearful look up to the Majesty of Heaven , and not only gave thanks to immortal Jove for her rich received benefits , but for his merciful kindness in making her the happy Mother of three such goodly Children . But we will now return again to the Noble Champion St. George , whom we left Praying upon the Mountain top , and as you heard before , the Skies were overspread with sable Clouds , as though they had been Mourning Witnesses of his Ladies Torment ; but before the Golden Sun had dived into watry Thetis's , Lap , the Element began to clear , and to withdraw her former mourning Mantles , by which he supposed that Heaven had pitied his Ladies pains , and granted her a safe Delivery ; therefore in all haste he retired back to the Silvan Cabine , the which he found most strangely deckt with sumptuous Habiliments , his Lady lying in her Child-bed , as glorious as if she had been the greatest Empress in the World , and thrée Princely Boys swéetly sleeping in their several Cradles , at whose first fight his heart was so Ravished with joy , that for a time it with-held the passage of his Tongue ; but at last when he found the Silver Tablets lying under the Pillows , and read the happy Fortunes of his Children , he ran unto his Lady ; embracing her lovingly , and kindly demanded the true discourse of this Accident , and by whose means the Bower was beautified so gorgeously , and the propounder of his Childrens Prophesie ; who with a countenance blushing like purple morning , replied in this manner : My most dear and well beloved Lord , the pains I have endured to make you the happy Father of three lovely Boys , hath not been more painful than the stroke of Death , but yet my Delivery more joyful than the pleasures of this World : the Winds carried my groans to every corner of this Wilderness , whereby both Trees and Herbs assisted my complaints , Beasts , Birds , and feathered Fowls , with every se●sless thing that Nature framed on this Earth , seem'd to pity my moans ; but in the midst of my Torments , when my Soul was ready to forsake this worldly habitation , there appeared to me a Queen Crowned with a Golden Diadem , in State and Gesture like Imperious Iuno , and in Beauty to Divine Diana ; her Garments for Bravery seemed to stain the Rain-Bow in her brightest hue , and for diversity of Colours , to surpass the Flowers of the Field : on her attended many beautiful Nymphs , some clad in Garments in colour of the Crystal Ocean , some in Attire as gallant as the pleasant Rose , and some more glorious than the Azured Firmaments : her Wisdom might compare with Apollo's , her Judgment with Pallas , and her skill with Lucina's ; for no sooner entred she my presence , but my Travels ceased , and my Womb delivered up my grievous Burden ; my Babes being brought to light by the virtue of her skill , she prepared these rich and sumpthou ; Cradles , the which were brought invisibly to my Cabine ; likewise these Mantles , and this Imbroidered Coverlet , she frankly bestowed upon me , and so immediately vanished away . At which words St. George gave her so many kind imbraces ; and kissed her so lovingly , as though it had been the first day of their Nuptials . At last , her hunger increased , and her desire thirsted so much after food , that except she received some comfortable sustenance , her life were in danger . This extream desire of Sabra caused St. George to buckle on his Armour , and to unsheath his trusty sword , ready to goar the Intrails of some Deer : who swore by the honour of true Knighthood , never to rest in peace , till he had purchased her hearts content . My Love ( said he ) I will adventure for thy sake , more dangers then Iason did for Medea 's Love : I will search the thickest Groves , and chase the nimble Doe to Death , the flying Fowl I 'll follow up and down from Tree to Tree , till over-wearied they do fall down and die , for love of thee and these my tender Babes , whom I esteem more dear than the Conquest of rich Babylon ; I will adventure more dangers than did Hercules for the Love of Dejanira , and more extreams than Turnus did in his bloody Battels . And thereupon with his Fauchion ready charged , he traced the Woods , leaving no Thorny Brake nor Mossie Cave unsearched , till he had found a Herd of Fallow Deer ; from which number he singled out the fattest to make his Lady a bountiful Banquet : but in the time of his absence , there hapned to Sabra a strange and wonderful Accident ; for there came weltring into the Cabine three most Wild and Monstrous Beasts , a Lioness , a Tygress , and a she Wolf , which took the Babes out of their Cradles , and bore them to their secret Dens . At which sight Sabra like one berest of Sense , started from her Bed , and to her weak power offered to follow the Beasts , but all in vain ; for before she could get without her Cabine , they were past fight , and the Childrens cry without her hearing : then like a Discontented Woman she turned back , beating her Breast , rending her Hair , and Raging up and down her Cabine , using all the Rigour she could devise against her self ; and had not St. George return'd the sooner , she had most violently committed her own slaughter ; but at his return , when he beheld her face stained with tears , her head disrobed of Ornaments , and her Ivory Breast all to be-rent , he cast down his Uenison in all hast , and asked the cause of her Sorrow . Oh ( said she ) this is the wofullest day that ever hapned to me , for in the time of your unhappy Hunting , a Lioness , a Tygress , and a Wolf came into the Cabin , and took my Children from their Cradles ; what is become of them I know not , but greatly I fear by this time they are intombed within their hungry Bowels . Oh simple Monuments ( quoth he ) for such sweet Babes : Well Sabra , if the Monsters have bereaved me of my Children , this bloody Sword that dived into the Entralls of the fallow Deer , shall rive my woful heart in twain . Accursed be this fatal day , the Planets that predominate , and Sun that shines thereon ; Heaven blot it from the year , and let it never more be numbred , but accounted for a dismal day throughout the World ; let all the Trees be blasted in those accursed Woods ; let Herbs and Grass consume away and die , and all things perish in this Wilderness . But why breathe I out these Curses in vain , when as methinks I hear my Children in untamed Lions Dens , crying for help and succour ? I come sweet Babes , I come , either to redeem you from Tygers wrathful Jaws , or make my Grave within their hungry Bowels . Then took he up his Sword besmeared all in blood , and like a man bereaved of Wit and Sense , ranged up and down the Wilderness , searching every corner for his Children ; but his Lady remained still in her Cabine , lamenting for their loss , ●●ashing their Cradles with her pearled Tears that run down her stained Cheeks like silver drops . Many ways wandred St. George , sometimes in Ualleys where Wolves and Tygers lurk ; sometimes in Mountain tops , where Lyons whelps do sport and play , and many times in dismal Thickets , where Snakes and Serpents live . Thus wandred St. George up and down the Wilderness for the space of two days hearing no news of his unchristened Children . At last he approached the sight of a pleasant River , which smoothly glided down betwixt two Mountains , into whose streams he purposed to cast himself ; and so by a desperate death give end to his Sorrows ; but as he was committing his body to the mercy of the Waters , and his Soul to the pleasure of the Heavens , he heard afar off the rusul shriek , as he thought , of a comfortless Babe : which sudden noise caused him to refrain from his desperate purpose , and with more discretion to tender his own safety : then casting his eyes aside , it was his happy Destiny to espy three inhumane Beasts lying at the foot of a Hill , tumbling themselves against the warm Sun , and his three pretty Babes sucking from their Dugs , their most unkind Milk ; which spectacle so encouraged the Champion , that without farther advisement , with his single Sword , he assailed at one time the three Monsters , but so furiously they pursued him , that he little prevailed ; and being almost breathless , was forced to get into an Orange-tree , else he had been buried in their merciless Bowels : but when the three wild Beasts perceived him above their reaches , and that by no means they could come near him , with their wrathful Iaws , they so rent and tore the root of the tree , that if by policy he had not prevented them , the Tree , had béen pulled in pieces , for at that time it was so full of ripe Oranges , and so overladen , hat the branches seemed to bend , and the bows to break , of which fruit he cast such abundance down to the Beasts , whereby they restrained their furies , and fed so fast thereon that in short time they grew drunk , and quite overcome with a dead and heavy sleep : this good and happy fortune caused St. George nimbly to leap off the Tree , and with his keen edged Sword , cut off ther heads from ther bodies , the which being done , he went to his Children , lying comfortless upon a Mossie bank ; who so pleasantly smiled in his face , that they made him greatly to rejoyce , and to receive as great pleasure in their sights , as though he had been honoured with the Conquests of Caesar , or the Royalty of Alexander ; therefore after he had given them his Blessing , he took them up in his Arms , and spake these words following . Come , come , my pretty Babes , your safe Deliveries from these inhumane Monsters , will add long Life unto your Mother , and hath preserved your Father from a desperate Death ; from henceforh let Heaven be your guide , and send you as happy Fortunes as Remus and Romulus the first Founders of Imperious Rome , which in their Infancies were Nursed with the Milk of a Ravenous Wolf , and as Prosperous in your Adventures , as was that Persian Potentate , which fed on the Milk of a Bitch . At the end of which speeches , he approached the Cabine , where he left his Lady mourning for the loss of her Children ; but at his return he found her without sense or moving ; being not able to give him a joyful welcome , whereat he fell into this extream passion of Sorrow , O Fortune , Fortune , ( quoth he ! ) how many Griefs heapest thou upon my head ? wilt thou needs enjoyn me to an endless Sorrow ? See Sabra , see , I have redeemed our Sons , and freed them from the Tygers bloody Jaws , whose wrathful Countenance did threaten Death . Which comfortable Speeches caused her presently to revive , and to take the silly Infants in her Arms , laying them sweetly upon her Ivory Bosome , at which they seemed to smile as pleasantly as Cupid in the Lap of Dido , when Aeneas sported in the Court of Carthage . The kind imbraces , loving speeches , and joyful conference that passed betwixt the Champion and his Lady , were now too long to be discoursed : but to be short , they remained in the Wilderness without farther Disturbance , either of wild Beasts , or other Accident , till Sabra had recovered her Child-bed sickness : And then being conducted by happy Stars , they returned back the ready way to Christendom , where after some few days Travel , they arrived in the Bohemian Court , where the King of that Countrey , with two other Bordering Princes , most Royally Christened his Children . The Eldest they named Guy , the Second Alexander , and the Third David ; the which being performed , and the Triumphs ended , which in most sumptuous manner continued for the space of one Month , then the Bohemian King , for the great Love he bare to St. George provided most honourably for his Childrens bringing up . First , He appointed thrée several Embassadors , with all things necessary for so Princely a Charge , to conduct the three Infants to three several Countries . The first , and eldest , whose Fortune was to be a Soldier , he sent to the Imperial City of Rome , ( being then the Wonder of the World for Martial Discipline ) there by the Emperor to be Trained up . The Second , whose Fortune was to be a Courtly Prince , he sent to the Rich and Plentiful Countrey of England , being the Pride of Christendom for all delightful pleasures , The Third and Last , whose Fortune was to be prove a Scholar , he sent into Germany , unto the University of Wittenburg , being thought at that time to be the excellentest place of Learning that remained throughout the whole World. Thus were St. George's Children provided for by the Bohemian King , for when the Embassadors were in Readiness , the Ships for their Passage furnished , and Attendance appointed , St. George , in Company of his Lady , the King of Bohemia with his Quéen , and a Train of Lords , and Gentlemen , and Ladies , Conducted them to Ship-board , where the Wind served them prosperously , that in a short time they had bad adieu to the Shore , and Sailed chearfully away . But as St. George returned back to the Bohemian Court , it was his chance to come by an old Ruinated Monastery , under whose Walls in former time his Father was Buried , the which he knew by certain Uerses carved in Stone over his Grave , by the Commons of the Countrey ( as you may read before in the beginning of this History . ) Over the same he requested of the King that he might Erect a Stately Monument , that the remembrance of his Name might live for ever , and not be Buried in the Grave of Obscurity . To which reasonable Demand , the King most willingly consented , and presently gave special commandment that the cunningest Architectors that remained within his Dominion , should forthwith be sent for , and withal , gave a Tun of Gold forth of his own Treasury , towards the performance thereof . The sudden report of this memorable Deed being bruited abroad , caused Workmen to come from every place of their own accord , with such willingness , that they in short time finished it ; the Foundation of the Tomb was of purest Marble , whereon was engraven the frame of Earth , and how the watry Ocean was divided , with Woods , Groves , Hills , and Dales ; so lively pourtrayed , that it was a wonder to behold : The Props and Pinnacles of Alabaster , beset with knobs of Iasper Stone ; the sides and Pillars of the clearest Iet ; upon the top stood four golden Lions , holding up , as it were an Element , wherein was curiously contrived the Golden Sun and Moon , and how the Heavens have their usual Courses , with many other things wrought both in Gold and Silver , which for this time I omit , because I am forced at large to discourse of the Princely Proceedings of S. George , who after the Monument was finished , with his Lady , most humbly took their Leave of the King thanked him for his Love , Kindness and Courtesie , and so departed towards Egypt and Persia , of whose Adventures you shall hear more in the Chapter following . CHAP. XVI . How St. George with his Lady arrived in Egypt : Of their Royal Entertainment in the City of Grand Cair : and also how Sabra was Crowned Queen of Egypt . MAny strange Accidents , and dangerous Adventures , S. George with his Lady passed , before they arrived within the Territories of Aegypt , which I want Memory to repeat , and Art , to describe . But at last when Fortune smiled , which before had long time crossed their intents with her inconstant Chances , and had cast them happily upon the Aegyptian Shore , being the Nurse and Mother of Sabra's first Creation ; the twelve Peers unto whom St. George before-time committed the guiding of the Land , and keeping of his Crown , as you heard before discoursed , now met him and his Lady at the Sea-side , most richly mounted upon their costly trapped Steeds , and willingly surrendred up his Scepter , Crown and Regiment ; and after in company of many Princely Estates , both of Dukes , Earls , Lords , Knights , and Royal Gentlemen , they attended them to the City of Grand Cair , being then under the Subjection of the Egyptian Monarchy , and the greatest City in the World , for it was in breadth full threescore Miles , and had by just account , within the Walls , Twelve Thousand Churches , besides Abbies , Priories , and Houses of Religion ; but when St. George with his stately Attendants entred the Gates , they were presently entertained with such a joyful sound of Bells , Trumpets , and Drums , that it seemed like the inspiring Musick of Heavenly Angels , and to exceed the Royalty of Caesar in Rome , when he returned from the World's Conquest . The Stréets were beautified with stately Pageants , contrived by Scholars of ingenious Capacity , the Pavement strewed with all manner of Odoriferous Flowers , and the Walls hung with Indian Coverlets and curious Tapestry . Thus passed they the Streets in great Solemnity , wondring at the curiosity of the Pageants , and listning to their Learned Orations , till they entred the Gates of the Palace , where in the first Entry of the Court was contrived over head , a golden pendant Firmament , as it were supported by a hundred Angels : from thence it seemed to Rain Nectar and Ambrosis ; likewise there descended as it were from the Clouds , Cere● , the Goddess of Plenty , sitting upon a Throne of Gold , beautified with all manner of springing things , as of Corn , Olives , Grapes , Herbs , Flowers , and Trees ; who at the coming by of S. George and his Lady , presented them with two Garlands of Wheat , bound up most curiously in bands of Silver , to signifie that they were happily returned to a plentiful Countrey , both of Wealth and of Treasure . But at Ceres ascension up into the Firmament , there was seen most strange and pleasant Fire-works shooting from place to place , as though the fiery Planets had descended from Heaven , and had generally consented to make them delightful Pastimes : but as St. George with his Lady Crowned with Garlands of Wheat passed through the second Court , they beheld a Pageant most strangely contrived , wherein stood Mars the angry God of War , invironed with a Camp of Armed Soldiers as if they were with their Weapons ready charged to assault some strong hold , or invincible City ; their Silver Trumpets seemed to sound chearfully , their thundring Drums couragiously , their Silken Streamers to flourish valiantly , and themselves to march triumphantly : all which seemed to give more content to St. George , than all the delightful pleasures before rehearsed ; for there was nothing in all the World that more rejoyced his heart , than to hear the pleasant sound of War , and to see the Souldiers brandish forth their steeled Weapons . After he had sufficiently delighted himself in these Martial Sports , and was ready so part , the God of War descended his Throne , and presented him with the the richest Armor that ever e●e beheld , and the bravest Sword that ever Rt. handled ; for they have been e●t within the City of Grand Cayer , for the spare of five hundred years , and held for the vichest Monuments in the Country . Also he presented Sabra with a Myrour of such an inestimable price , that it was valued at a King's Ransom ; for it was made by Magick Art , the Uertues and Qualities thereof were so precious , that it is almost incredible to report ; for therein one might behold the secret Mysteries of all the liberal Sciences , and by Art discourse what was practised in other Princes C●u●ts ; if any Hill or Mountain within a thousand Miles of the place where it remained , were enriched with a Mine of Gold , it would describe the Place and Country , and how deep it lay closed in the Earth ; vp it one might truly calculate upon the birth of Children , succession of Princes , and continuance of Common-wealths , with many other excellent Gifts and Uertues , which for this time I omit . Then in great state passed St. George to the third Court , which was richly beautified with all gallant Sights as the other twain ; for there was most lively portrayed the manner of Elysium , how Jove and Juno sat invested in their royal Throues , and likewise how all the Gods and Goddesses took their places by degrees in Parliament ; the Sight was pleasant and the Device most excellent , their Musick a●mired , and their Songs heavenly . Thus passed St. George , with his Lady , through the three Courts , till they came to the Palace ; wherein was provided against their coming a stat●lier Banquet then had the Macedonian Monarch , at his veturn into Babylon , when he had conquered the Middle-earth ; the curious Gates and well replenish'd Dis●es were so many , that I want Art and Eloquence to describe them ; but to be short , it was the most sumptuous Banquet that ever they beheld since their departure from the English Court , and so artificially served , as tho' that all the World had been present . Many days continued this sump●uous Chéet , and accompanied with such princely Triumphs , as Art herself wants memory to describe . The Coronation of Sabra , which was royally performed within thrée Months following , requires a golden Pen to wri●e it , and a Tongue washt in the Conservatives of the Muses H●●y to declare it : Aegypt was honoured with Triumphs , and Orand Cayer with ●●lts and Turnaments . Through every Town was proclaimed a solemn and festival day , 〈◊〉 the remembrance of their new crowned Queen ; no Tradesman nor Artificer was suffered to work that day , but was charged , upon pain of death , to hold it for a day of Triumph , a day of Joy , and a day of Pleasure . In which Royalties St. George was a principal Performer , till thirst of Honour summoned him to Arms ; the remembrance of the Christian Champions in Persia , caused him to br●viate the Pastimes , and to buckle on his steely Corslet , which had not glistered in the fields of Mars in four and twenty days ; of which noble Deeds , and adventurous Proceedings , I will at large discourse , and leave all other Pastimes to the new invested Queen and her Ladies . CHAP. XVII . The bloudy Battel betwixt the Christians and the Persians , and how the Negromancer , Osmond , raised up , by his Magick Art , an Army of Spirits to fight against the Christians ; how the Six Champions were Enchanted , and recovered by St. George ; the Misery and Death of the Conjurer , and how the Souldan Brained himself against a Marble Pillar . NOw must we return to the Christian Champions , and speak of their Battels in Persia , and what happened to them in St. George's absence , for if you remember before , being in Aegypt , when he had news of his Lady's condemnation in England , for the Murther of the Earl of Coventry , he caused them to march into Persia , and incouraged them to revenge his wrongful Imprisonment upon the Souldan's Provinces ; in which Country , after they had marched some fifty Miles , burning and spoiling his Territories , they were intercepted by the Souldan's Power , which was about the number of three hundred thousand fighting Men : but the Muster-rolls of the Christians we●e likewise numbred , and they amounted not to above one hundred thousand able Men : at which time , betwixt the Christians and Pagans , happened a long and dangerous Battle , the like many Age was seldom fought ; for it continued without ceasing , for the space of five days , to the great effusion of bloud on both Parties ; but at last the Pagans had the worst , for when they beheld their fields bestrowed with mangled Bodies , and that the Rivers for twenty Miles com●ass did flow with crimson Blood , their hearts began to fail , and inconti●ently fled like S●eep before the Wolf. Then the va●●ant Christians thirsting after revenge , speedily pursued them , s●a●●ng neither young nor old , till the ways were strowed with liveless bodies , like heaps of scattered sand ; in which Pursuit and honourable Conquest they burned two hundred Forts and Towns , battering their Towers of Stone as level with the ground , as Harvest-Reapers do Fields of ●●pened Corn : but the Souldan himself , with many of his approved Souldiers escaped alive , and fortified the City of Grand Belgor , being the strongest Town of War in all the Kingdom of Persia , before whose Walls we will leave the Christian Champions planting their puissant Forces , and speak of the damnable practises of Osmond within the Town , where he accomplisht many admirable Accidents by Magick Art : for when the Christians Army had long time given assaults to the Walls , sending their fiery Bullets to their lofty Battlements like Storms of Winters Hail ; whereby the Persian Souldiers were not able any longer to resist , they began to yield , and commit their lives to the mercy of the Christian Champions : but when the Souldan perceived the Souldiers cowardise , and how they would willingly resign his happy Government to forreign Rule ; he encouraged them still to resist the Christians desperate encounters , and within thirty days , if they had not the honour of the War , then willingly to condescend to their Country's Conquest ; which princely resolution encouraged the Souldiers to resist , intending not to yield up their City , till Death had made triumph on their Bodies . Then departed he unto a sacred Tower where he found Osmond sitting in a Chair , studying , by Magick , how long Persia should remain unconquered , who at his entrance drove him from his Charms with these Speeches : Thou wondrous Man of Art ( said the Souldan ) whom for Necromancy the World hath made famous : Now is the time to express the Love and Loyalty thou bearest thy Soveraign : Now is the time thy charming Spells must work for Persia 's good ; thou seest my Fortunes are deprest , my Souldiers dead , my Captains slaughtered , my Cities burned , my Fields of Corn consumed , and my Country almost conquered . I that was wont to cover the Seas with Fleets of Ships , now stand amazed to hear the Christians Drums , that sound forth doleful Funerals for my Souldiers : I that was wont , with armed Legions , to drink up Rivers as we marched , and made the Earth to groan with bearing of our Multitudes : I that was wont to make whole Kingdoms tremble at my Frowns , and force imperious Potentates to humble at my Feet : I that have made the Streets of many a City to run with Bloud , and stood rejoycing when I saw their Buildings burnt : I that have made the Mothers Wombs the Infants Tombs , and caused Cradles for to swim in streams of Bloud , may now behold my Country's ruine , my Kingdom 's fall , and mine own fatal overthrow . Awake , great Osmond , from thy dreaming Trance , awake , I say , and raise a Troop of black infernal Fiends to sight against the damned Christians , that like swarms of Bees do flock about our Walls ; prevent , I say , my Land's Invasion , and as I am great Monarch of Asia , I 'll make thee King over twenty Provinces , and sole Commander of the Ocean ; raise up , I say , thy charmed Spirits , leave burning Acheron empty for a time , to aid us in this bloudy Battel . These words were no sooner ended , but there ratled such a peal of Cannons against the City Walls , that they made the very Earth shake ; whereat the Necromancer started from his Chair , and in this manner encouraged the Souldan : It is not Europe ( quoth he ) nor all the petty Bands of armed Knights , nor all the Princes in the World , that shall abate your Princely Dignity : Am not I the great Magician of this Age , that can both loose and bind the Fiends , and call the black-faced Furies from low Cocitus ? Am not I that skilful Artist , which framed the charmed Tower amongst the Amazonian Dames , which all the Witches in the World could never spoil ? Therefore let Learning , Art , and all the Secrets of the Deeps , assist me in this Enterprise , and then let frowning Europe do her worst ; my Charms shall cause the Heavens to rain such ratling showers of Stones upon their Heads , whereby the Earth shall be over-laden with their dead Bodies , and Hell over-filled with their hateful Souls ; senceless Trees shall rise in humane shapes , and fight for Persia. If wise Medea were ever famous for Arts , that did the like for safeguard of her Father's State , then , Why should not Osmond practice Wonders for his Soveraign's Happiness ? I 'll raise a Troop of Spirits from the lowest Earth , more black then dismal Night , the which in ugly Shapes shall haunt them up and down , and when they sleep within their rich Pavilions , legions of fiery Spirits will I up-raise from Hell , that like to Dragons spitting flames of Fire , shall blast and burn the damned Christians in their Tents of War : the Fields of Grand Belgor shall be over-spread with venemous Snakes , Adders , Serpents , and impoysoned Toads , the which unseen shall lurk in mossie Ground , and sting the Colonels of warlike Horses ; down from the crystal Firmament I will conjure Troops of airy Spirits to descend , that like to Virgins clad in princely Ornaments shall link those Christian Champions in the Charms of Love ; their Eyes shall be like the twinkling Lamps of Heaven , and dazle so their warlike Thoughts , and their lively Countenance , more bright then Fairies , shall lead them captive to a Tent of Love , the which shall be articially erected up by Magick Spells ; their warlike Weapons that were wont to smoak in Pagans Bloud , shall , in my charmed Tent , b● hung upon the bowers of Peace ; their glist●ing Armour that were wont to shine within the Fields of 〈◊〉 , shall henceforth for evermore be stained with Rust ; and themselves s●rname● for Martial Discipline , the Wondrous Champions of the World , shall surfeit with delightful Loves , and sleep upon the laps of the airy Spirits , that descend the Elements in Virgins shapes ; Terror and Despair shall mightily oppress their merciless Souldiers , that they shall yield the honourable Conquest to your Excellency : such strange and wonderful Accidents by Art shall be accomplished , that Heaven shall ●rown at my Enchantments , and the Earth tremble to hear my Conjurations ; therefore , most mighty Persian , number up thy scattered Bands , and to morrow in the morning set open thy Gates , and march thitherward with thy armed Souldiers ; leave not a Man within the City , but let every one that is able to bear Arms , fight in the honour of Persia , and before the closing of the night , I 'll make thee Conquerour , and yield up the braging Christians as Prisoner to thy Mightiness . If this prove true , renowned Osmond , as thou hast promised ( said the Souldan ) Earth shall not harbour that too dear for thee ; for thou shalt have myself , my Kingdoms , Crowns and Scepters at command : the wealthy River Ganges , shall pay thee yearly Tribute with her Treasure , the place where Midas wash'd her golden Wish away . All things that Nature framed precious shall thou be Lord and sole Commander of , if thou prevent the Invasion of my Country . And thereupon he departed the Chamber and left the Necromancer in his Study , and as he gave Commandment , his Captains made in reaviness his Souldiers , and furnished their warlike Horses , and by the Sun 's up-rising marched into the Fields of Belgor , where , upon the North side of the Enemy , they pitch'd their Camp. On the other side , when the warlike Christians had intelligence by their Courts of Guard , how the Persians were entred the Fields ready to give them Battle , sud●en alarums sounded in their Ears , tumous of Conquest encouraged i● the Souldies , that presently they were in readiness to entertain the Persians in a bloody Banquet : both Armies were in fight , with blood red Colours wav●ring in the A●r : the Christian Champions , richly mounted on their warlike Coursers , placed themselves in the fore-front of the Battle , like courag●ous Captains , fearing neither Death nor unconstant chance of Fortune . But the Souldan with his petty Princes , like Cowards , were invironed and rompast with a ring of armed Kts where , instead of nimble Steeds , then sat in iron Chariots ; bibers heroical , and many princely Encouragements past between the two Armies before they entred Battle : but when the Drums began to sound alarm , and the silver T●umpets gave dreadful echoes of death ; when the Cross of Christendom began to nourish , and the Arms of Mahomet to be advanced , even then began so terrible and bloudy a Battle that the like was never found in any Age ; for before the Sun had mounted to the top of Heaven , the Pagans received so great a Massac●ee , and fell before the Christian Champions , that they ●ere forc'd to wade up to the knees in bloud , and their Souldiers to fight upon heaps of slaugtered Men : the Fields were altered from a green colour to a purple hue , the Dales were steept in crimson G●re , and the Hills and Mountains covered with dead Mens ratling bones . And let us not forget the wicked Necromancer Osmond , that during the time of that dangerous Enconter kneeled in a low Ualley , near unto the Camps , with his black Hair hanging down unto his shoulders like a wreath of Snakes , and with his silver Wand circling the Earth , where when he heard the sound of Drums in the Air , and the brazen Trumpets giving dreadful sounds of War , he entred into these fatal and damned Spéeches : Now is the Battle ( quoth he ) furiously begun , for methinks I hear the Souldan cry for help ; now is the time my charming Spells must work for Persia's Victory , and Europe's fatal Overthrow : which being said , thrice did he kiss the Earth , thrice beheld the Elements , and thrice besprinkled the Circle with his own Blood , the which with a silver Razor he let from his left Arm ; and after began again to speak in this manner : Stand still you wandring Lamps of Heaven , move not , sweet Stars , but linger on till Osmond's Charms be brought to full effect . O thou great Demond , Prince of damned Ghosts , thou chief Commander of those fearful Shapes , that nightly glide by misbelieving Travellers , even thou that holdest the snaky Scepter in thy hand , sitting upon a Throne of burning Steel , even thou that bindest the Furies up in Chains , even thou that tossest burning Fire-brands abroad , even thou whose Eyes are like to unlucky Comets , even thee I charge to let my Furies loose , open thy brazen Gates , and leave thy boyling Cauldron empty ; send up such Legions of Infernal Fiends that may in number countervail the Blades of Grass that beautifie those bloody Fields of Belgor . These fatal Speeches were no sooner finished , but there appeared such a similitude of Spirits , both from the Earth , Water , Air and Fire , that it is almost incredible to report ; the which he caused to run into the Christian Army ; whose burning Fauchions not only annoyed the Souldiers with fear and terror , but also fired the Horses Mains , burned the Trappings , consumed their Banners , scorc●●● Tree● 〈◊〉 Herbs , and dimmed the Elements with such an extream Darkness , as tho' the Earth had been covered with eternal Night ; he caused the Spirits likewise to raise such a Tempest that it tore up mighty Oaks by the roots , removed Hills and Mountains , and blow up Men into the Air , Horse and all : yet neither his Magick Arts , nor all the Furies and wicked Spirits could any whit daunt the most noble and magnanimous Minds of the six Champions of Christendom ; but like unconquer'd Lyons they purchase Honour where they went , colouring their Swords in Pagans Blood , making the Earth true Witnesses of their vigorious and heroical Proceedings , whom they had attired in a blood-red Livery : and though St. George ( the chiefest Champion of Christendom for Martial Discipline and princely Atchievements ) were absent in that terrible Battle , yet merited they as much Honour and Ren●wn as tho' he had been there present ; for the accursed Pagans fell before their wa● like Weapons , as Leaves do from the Trees , when the blustring storms of Winter enter on the Earth . But when the wicked Nicromancer , Osmond , perceived that his Magick Spells took none effect , and how , in despite of his Enchantment , the Christians got the better of the day , he accursed his Art , and banned the hour and time wherein he attempted so wicked an Enterprise , thinking them to be preserved by Angels , or else by some celestial Means ; but yet not purposing to leave off at first repulse , he attempted another way , by Necromancy , to overthrow the Christians . First he erected up , by Magick Art , a stately Tent , outwardly in show like to the compass of Earth ; but furnished inwardly with all the delightsome Pleasures that either Art or Reason could invent , only framed to Enchant the Christian Champions with entiring delight , whom he purposed to keep as Prisoners therein : then fell he again to his Conjuration , and bound a hundred Spirits by due obedience to transform themselves into the likeness of beautiful Uirgins , which in a moment they accomplished , and they were framed in form and beauty like to the Darlings of Venus , in comliness comparable with Thetis , dancing on the silver Sands , and in all proportion like Daphne , whose Beauty caused Apollo to descend the Heavens ; their L●mbs were like the lofty Cedars , their Chéeks to Roses dipt in Milk , and their Eyes more brighter then the Stars of Heaven ; also then seemed to carry in their hands silver Bows , and on their ba●ks 〈…〉 of go●den Arrows ; likewise upon their breasts , t●ey had 〈◊〉 the God of Love dan●●●g upon Mars his knee . Thus in the ●hape of beauteous Dam●sel● , caused he these Sp●●●ts to enter the C●r●stian● Army , and with the golden Bait of their entiring Smiles , ●o tangle the Champions in the snares of Love , and with their sinning Beauties , led them from their Souldiers , and to bring them Prisoners into his enchanted T●nt . Which Commandment being no sooner given , but these Ui●gins , or rather internal Furies , ●●ore swift then the Winds , glide● into the Christians Army , where their g●istering Beauties so dazled the Eyes of the six Christian Champions , and their s●ber Countenances so entra●ped their Hearts with desire , that their princely Ualours were a●●ted , and they stood gazing as their excellent proportions , as though Medusa's shadow had been pictured upon their faces , to whom the inticing Ladies spake in this manner : Come , princely Gallants , come , away with Arms , forget the sounds of bloody War , and hang your angry weapons on the power of Peace : Uenus , you see hath sent her Messengers from Paphos to lead you to the paradise of Love ; there Heaven will rain down Nectar and Ambrosia , sweet for you to feed upon , and there the melody of Angels will make you Musick ; there shall you fight upon beds of Silk , and encounter with inticing Kisses . These golden promises so ravished the Champions , that they were enchanted with their Loves , and vowed to take their last farewel of Knighthood and magnanimous Chivalty . Thus were they led from their warlike Companies , to the Necromancer's enchanted Tent , leaving their Souldiers without Guiders , in danger of confusion . But the Queen of Chance so smiled upon the Christians , that the same time St. George arrived in Persia , with a fresh supply of Knights , of whose noble Atchievements I purpose 〈◊〉 to speak : For no sooner had he entred the Battel , and placed his Squadrons , but he had intelligence of the Champions misadventures , and how they say Enchanted in a Magick Tent , sleeping in pleasure upon the laps of internal Furies , the which Osmond had transformed , by his Charms , into the likeness of beautiful Damosels ; which unexpected news con●●rained St. George to breathe from his sorrowful heart , this woful Lamentation : Unconstant Fortune ( quoth he ) why dost thou entertain me with such bitter news ? Are my Fellow-champions come from Christendom to win immortal Honour with their Swords , and lie they now bewitcht with Beauty ? Come they from Europe to fight in coats of Steel , and will they lye distraught in Tents of Love ? Came they to Asia to purchase Kingdoms , and by bloody War to ruinate Countries , and will they yield their Victories to so foul Disgrace ? O shame and great dishonour to Christendom ! O spot to Knighthood and true Chivalry ! this news is far more bitter to my Soul , than was the poysoned Dregs that Antipater gave to Alexander in his Drunkenness , and a deadsier pain unto my Heart , than was that Juice that Hannibal suckt from his fatal King. Come , Souldiers , come you Followers of those cowardly Champions ; unsheath your warlike Weapons , and follow him whose Soul hath vowed either to redeem them from the Necromancer's Charms or die with honour in that Enterprize . If ever mortal Creatures warred with damned Furies , and made a passage to enchanted Dales , where Devils dance , and warlike Shadows in the Night : Then Souldiers let us march unto that Pavilion , and chain the cursed Charmer to some blasted Oak , that hath so highly dishonoured Christendom . These resolute speeches were no sooner finished , but the whole Army , before daunted with fear , grew so couragious , that they protested to follow him through more dangers than did the Grecian Knights with noble Jason in the Ifle of Colcos . Now began the Battle again to renew , and the Drums to sound fatal Knells , for the Pagan Souldiers , whose Souls the Christians Swords by numbers sent to burning Acheron : but St. George , that in valour exceeded the rest , as much as the golden Sun Turpasseth the smallest Stars in brightness , with his Sword made lanes if slaughtered Men , and with his angry Arm made passage through the thickest of their Troops , as though that Death had been Commander of the Battel : he caused Crowns and Scepters to swim in Blood , and headless Stéeds with joyntless Men , to fall as fast before his Sword , as drops of Rain before Thunder , and ever in great danger he encouraged his Souldiers in this manner : Now for the Fame of Christendom , fight ; Captains be now Triumphant Conquerors , or Christian Martyrs . These words so encouraged the Souldiers hearts with invincible Ualour , that they neither feared the Necromancer's Charms , nor all the flaming Dragons , nor-flerce Drakes , that filled the Air with burning Lights , nor daunted at the strange encounters of ●estish Legions , that like to armed Men with burning Fauchious haunted them ; so fortunate were their Proceedings , that they followed the invincible Champion to the enchanted Tent , whereas the other Champions lay surfeting in ●●●ve ; whilst thousands of their Friends fought in Coats of Steel , and merited Renown by their noble Atchievements ; for no sooner arrived St. George with his warlike Followers before the Pavilion , but he heard as it were the melody of the Muses ; likewise his ears were almost ravished with the sugered Songs of the enchanted Uirgins , which like the Musick of Orpheus's Harp , caused the Stones and Trees to dance , and made the Eleme●ts to shew more brighter than the morning Beauty , with drops of Honey trickling down their crystal Cheeks ; the Doves did kiss when they began to sing ; the running Waters danced , and every senceless thing did seem to breath out Sighs for Love ; so pleasant and heavenly were the sights in the Tent , and so delightful in his Eyes , that he had been enchanted with their Charms , if he had not continually born the honour of Knighthood in his Thoughts , and that the dishonour would ●edound to Christendom's Reproach ; therefore with his Sword he let drive at the Tent , and cut it in a thousand pieces ; the which being done , he apparently beheld where the Necromancer sat upon a block of Steel , feeding his Spirits with drops of blood ; whom when the Champion beheld , he caused his Souldiers to lay hold upon him , and after chained him fast to the root of an old blassed Oak , from whence neither Art , nor help of all his Charms , nor all the Legions of his Devils could ever after loose him ; where we leave him to his Lamentations , filling the Air with ecchoes of Cries , and speak how St. George redeemed the Champions from their Enchantments : First , When we beheld them discoved of their warlike Attire , their Furniture hung up , and themselves secretly Sleeping upon the laps of Ladies , he fell into these discontented Speeches : O Heavens ( said he ) how my Soul abhors this Spectace ! Champions of Christendom arise , brave Knights stand up , I say , and look about like Men : Are you the chosen Captains of your Countries , and will you bury all your Honours up in Ladies Laps ? For shame arise , I say they have the Tears of Crocodiles , the Songs of Syrens to enchant : To Arms , brave Knights , let Honour be your Loves : Blush to behold your Friends in Arms , and blush to see your Native Country-men steeping the Fields of Mavors with their Bloods : Champions arise , St. George calls , the Victory will tarry till you come : Arise , and tear the womanish Attire , surfeit not in silken Robes ; put on your steely Corslets , your glistering Burgonets , and unsheath your conquering Weapons that Mavors Fields may be converted into a purple Ocean . These heroical Speeches were no sooner finished , but the champions like Men amazed , rose from their Ladies bosoms , and being ashamed of their follies , they submissively crabed Pardou , and vowed by Protestations , never to sleep in Beds of Down , nor never unbuckle their Shields from their weary arms , till they had won their Credits in the Fields again , nor never would be counted his deserved followers , till their Triumphe were enro●led amongst the Deeds of Partial Knights . So arming themselves with approved Corslets , and taking to them their trustp Swords , they accompanted St. George to the thickest of their Enemies , and left the Necromancer chained to the Trée , which at their depature breathed forth these bitter Curses : Let Hell's Horror , and tormenting Pains ( quoth he ) be their eternal Punishment ; let flaming Fire deseend the Elements , and consume them in their warlike Triumphs , and let their ways be strowed with venemous Thorns , that all their Legs may rancle to the Knees , before they march to their Native Country . But why exclaim I thus in vain , when Heaven itself preserves their Happiness ? Now all my Magick Charms are ended , and all my Spirits forsaken me in my need , and here am I fast chained up to starve and dye . Have I had power to rend the Vales of Earth , and shake the mighty Mountains with my Charms ? Have I had power to raise up dead Mens shapes from kingly Tombs , and can I not unchain myself from this accursed Tree ? O no , for I am fettered up by the immortal Power of the Christians God ; against whom because I did rebel , I am now condemned to everlasting Fire . Come all ye Necromancers in the World , come all you Sorcerers and Charmers , come all you Schollars from the learned Universities , come all you Witches , Beldams , and Fortune-tellers , and all that practice devilish Arts , come , take example by the story of my Eyes . This being said , he violently , with his own hands , tore his Hair from his Head , as a sufficient revenge , because by the direction of their Wills , he was first trained in that damned Art : then betwixt his Teeth , he hit in two his loathsome Tongue , because it muttered forth so many Charms : then into his thirsty Bowels he devoured his Hands , because they had so often held the ●●●lver Wand , wherewith he had made his charmed Circles ; and for every Letter , Mark , and Character that belonged to his Conjutations , he inflicted a several Torment upon himself : and at last with sightless Eyes , speechless Tongue , handless Arms , and dismembred Body , he was forced to give up his condemned Ghost ; where after his art of Lift was vanished from his earthly Trunck , the Heavens seemed to smile at his sudden Fall , and Hell began to roar at the conquest of his Death ; the Ground whereon he died , was ever after that time unfortunate , and to this present time , it is called in that Country , A Vale of Walking-Spirits . Thus have you heard the damnable Life , and miserable Fall of this accursed Necromancer Osmond , whom we will now leave to the Punishments due to such a wicked Offender , and to speak of the seven noble and magnanimous Christian Champions . After St. George had ended these Enchantments , they never ●●●athed up their Swords , nor unlocked their Armour , till the Subversion of Persia was accomplished , and the Souldan with his-petty Rings was taken Prisoners . Seven days the Battle continued without ceasing ; they slew two hundred thousand Souldiers , besides a number that fled away and drownded themselves ; some cast themselves headlong down from the top of high Trees ; some made slaughter of themselves , and yielded to the mercies of the Christians ; but the Souldan with his Princes riding in their Iron Chariots , endured the Christians Encounters , till the whole Army was discomfitted , and then by force and violence they were compelled to yield . The Souldan hapned into the hands of St. George , and six Uice-roys to the other six Champions ; where after they had sworn Allegiance to the Christian Knights , and had promised to forsake their Mahomet , they were not only set at liberty , but used most honourably ; but the Souldan himself having a Heart fraught with despight and tyranny , contemned the Champions Courtesies , and utterly disdained their Christian Governments , protesting , that the Heavens should first lose their wonted Brightness , and the Seas forsake their sooelling Tides , before his Heart should yield to their intended Desires ; whereupon St. George being resolved to revenge his Injuries , commanded that the Souldan should be disrobed from all his princely Attire , and in base Apparel sent to Prison , then to the Dungeon where he himself had endured so long Imprisonment , as you heard in the beginning of this History , which strict Commandment was presently performed ; in which Dungeon the Souldan had not long continued , sufficing his hungry Stomach with the Bread of musty Bran , and stanching his thirst with Channel-water , but he began to grow desperate , and weary of his Life , and at last fell into this woful Lamentation : O Heavens ! ( quoth he ) now have you thrown a deserved Plague upon my Head , and all those guiltless Souls that in former times my Tyranny have murthered , may now be fully satisfied ; for I that was wont to have my Table beautified with Kings , am now constrained to feed alone in a Dungeon , where Sorrow is my Food , and Despair my Servitor ; I that have famished thousands up in Walls of Stone , am now constrained to feed upon mine own Flesh , or else to starve and die : yet shall these cruel Christians know that as I lived in Tyranny , so will I die ; for I will make a Murther of myself , that after this Life , my angry Ghost may fill their Sleeps with ghastly Visions . This being said , he desperately ran his head against a Marble pillar , standing in the middle of the Dungeon , and dasht his Brains from out of his hateful Head ; the news of whose death when it was bruited in the Champions ears , they profered no violence to his liveless Body , but in tombed him in a sumptuous Sepulchre ; and after that St. George took upon him the Government of Persia , and there established good and Christian Laws ; also he gave to the other six Champions , six several Kingdoms belonging to the Crown of Persia , and six named them six Uiceroys or petty Kings . This being done , he took Trute with the World , and triumphantly marched towards Christendom with the Conquest of three imperial Diadeuis , that is to say , of Aegypt , Persia , and Morocco ; in which Iourney he erected many stately Monuments , in remembrance of his Uictories and heroical Atchievements ; and through every Country that they marched , there flocked to them an innumerable company of Pagans , that desired to follow him into Christendom , and to be christened in their Faith , protesting to forsake their Gods , whose Worshippers were none but Tyrants , and such as delighted in nothing but shedding of Blood : to whose Requests , St. George presently condescended , not only in granting them their Dellres , but also in honouring them with the favour of his princely Countenance . This Courtesie of the English Champion mecited , such a glistering Glory through the World , that as far as ever the golden Globes of Heaven extended their Lights , St. George's Honour was bruited ; and not only his marchless Adventures charactered in brazen Tables , but his martial Exploits painted in every Temple , so that the Heathen Poets 〈◊〉 Histories of his Deeds , and famoused his Name among the Worthies of the World. In this Princely manner marched St. George with his warlike Troops through the Teritories of A●●ica and Asia , in greater Royalty then did Darius with his Persian Souldiers towards the Camp. of Alexander the Great . But when the Christian Champions approached the watry World , and began to go aboard their Ships , the Earth seemed to mourn at their farewels , and the Seas to rejoyce at their presence ; the Waves couched as smooth as crystal I●● , and the Winds blew such gentle Gales , as though the Sen Gods had been the Directors of their Fleet ; the Dolphins danced above the Water , and the lovely Mair-me●●s in multitudes lay vallying amidst the Streams making them delightful Pastime ; the Skies seemed to smile , and the Sun to show a gliitering brightness upon the crystal Waters , that the Sea seemed to be siiver . Thus in great Plea●uce they passed the time away , committing their Fortunes to the mercy of the Winds and the Waters , who did so savourable serve them , that in short time they arrived upon the Eanks of Christendom ; where being no sooner come on shore , and past the dangers of the Seas , but Saint George , in presence of thousands of his Followers , kneeled down on the ground , and gave God praise for his happy Arrival , by these words following : O thou Omnipotent God of New Ierusalem , we not only give thee condign Praise for our late atchieved Victories against the Enemies , who by their Wickedness seek daily to pull thee from thy celestial Throne ; but also do render thee hearty Thanks , that hast delivered us safely from the fury of the raging Seas , that otherwise might have drenched us in her devouring Gulf as thou didst Pha●aoh with his golden Chariots , and his invincible Legions ; therefore great King of Iuda , under whose Name we have taken many things in hand , and have atchieved so many Victories , grant that these true Obligations of our thankful Hearts may be acceptable in thy sight , which be no sained Ceremonies , but the inward Devotions of our Souls . And there withal letting a showr of Tears from their Eyes , and discharging a valley of Sighs from their Breasts , as a signification of the integrity of their Souls , he held his peace : then gave her Commandment that the Army should be discharged , and every one rewarded according to his defect ; which within seven Weeks was performed , to the honour of Christendom . After this St. George earnestly requested the other six Champions that they would honour him with their presence home to his Country of England , and there receive the comfort of ioyful Ease , after the bloody Encounters of so many dangerous Battles . This Motion of St. George , not only obtained their Consents , but added a for wardness to their willing Minds ; so incontinently they set forward towards England , upon whose chalky Cliffs they in a short time arrived ; and after this took their Iourney towards the City of London , where their Entertainments were so honourably performed , as I want the Eloquence of Cicero , and the Rhetorick of Calyope to describe it . Thus , gentle Reader , hast thou heard the first of the princely Atchievements , noble Adventures , and honourable Lives of these renowned and worthy Champions . The Second Part relates the noble Atchievements and strange Fortunes of St. George's Three Sons ; the Loves of many gallant Ladies ; the Combates and Turnaments of many valiant Knights , and Tragedies of mighty Potentates . Likewise the rest of the noble Adventures of the renowned Seven Champions ; also the manner and place of their honourable Deaths , and how they came to be called the Seven Saints of Christendom . FINIS . The Famous HISTORY OF THE Seven Champions OF Christendom . The Second Part. LIKEWISE Shewing the Princely Prowess , Noble Atchievements , and Strange Fortune of St. GEORGE's Three Sons , the lively Sparks of Nobility . The Combates and Turnaments of many Valiant Knights , the Loves of many Gallant Ladies , the Tragedies of Mighty Potentates . ALSO , The Manner and Places of the Honourable Deaths of the Seven Champions , being so many Tragedies ; and how they came to be called the Seven Saints of CHRISTENDOM . LONDON : Printed by W. Onley , for Ric. Chiswell , M. Wotton , G. Conyers , and B. Waisord . MDCXCVI . To the Right Honourable , the Lord William Howard , Richard Johnson wisheth Encrease of all Prosperity . AS it hath , Right Honourable , of late pleased your most Noble Brother in kindness to accept of this History , and to grace it with a favourable Countenance ; so am I now enboldned to Dedicate the Second Part unto your Honour , which here I humbly offer to your Lordship's Hands , not because I think it a Gift worthy the Receiver ; but rather that it should be , as it were , a Witness of the Love and Duty which I bear to your Right Noble House . And when it shall please you to bestow the Reading of these Discourses , my humble Request is , That you would think I wish your Honour as many happy Days as there be Letters contained in this History . Thus praying for your Honour 's chief Happiness , I remain your Honour 's in all dutiful Love , To his poor Power , ● . I. TO THE Gentle Reader . I Have finished The Second Part of the Seven Champions of Christendom , for thy Delight , being thereto encouraged by thy great Acceptance of my First Part. I will not boast of Eloquence nor Invention , thereby to invite thy Willingness to Read ; only thy Courtesie must be my Buckler against the carping Malice of mocking Jesters , that being worse able to do well , scoff commonly at that they cannot mend , censuring all things , doing nothing ; but ( Monkey-like ) make Apish Jests at any thing they see in Print : and nothing pleaseth them , except it savour of a scoffing or invective Spirit . Well , what they say of me I do not care , thy Delight only is my Desire ; Accept it , and I am satisfied ; Reject it , and this shall be my Pennance , never again to come in Print . But having better hope , I boldly lead thee to the Main , from this doubtful Flood of Suspition , where I rest . Walk on in the History , as in an overgrown and ill husbanded Garden ; if among all the Weeds thou finds one pleasing Flower , I have my Wish . Richard Johnson . The Honourable History of the Seven Champions of Christendom . CHAP. I. How St. George's three Sons were entertained into the Famous City of London , and after how their Mother was Slain in a Wood , with the Pricks of a thorny Brake ; her Blessings she gave her Sons ; St. George's Lamentation over her bleeding Body ; and likewise of the Journey the Seven Champions intended to Ierusalem to visit the Sepulchre of Christ. AFter St. George , with the other six Champions of Christendom , ( by invincible Conquests ) had brought into Subjection all the Eastern Parts , and by dint of bloody Wars , yoked the stubborn Infidels even to the farthest bounds of India , where the golden Sun beginneth to arise , as you heard discour●ed in the former part of the History , they returned with Conquest of Imperial Diadems , Regal Crowns , Kingly Scepters , to the rich and plentiful Country of England , where in the famous City of London they many a day sojourned , a place not only beautified with sumptuous Buildings , but graced with a number of valiant Knights , and gallant Gentlemen of courtly Behaviour , and there withal adorned with Troops of Ladies of divine and celestial Beauties , that tript it up and down the Streets like to the Grecian Queens when as they tyed the Phrigian Warriours in the silken Snares of Love ; whereby it seemed rather a Paradise for heavenly Angels , than a place for earthly Iuh ●hitants . Here the Christian Champions laid their Arms aside , here hung they up their Weapons on the Bower of Peace , here their glistering Corslets pusted in their Armories , here was not heard the warlike sound of Drums nor silver Trumpets , here stood no Centinels nor Courts of Guard , nor barbed Steeds prepared to the Battel , but all things tended to a lasting Peace . They that had went in steeled Coats to sleep in Champion-fields , lay dallying now in Beds of Silk ; they that had wont with weary Arms to wield the warlike Fauchion , sat now imbracing lovely Ladies on their Knees ; and they whose Ears had wont to hear the ruful cries of slaught●●ed Souldiers , were now o'er-cloy'd with Musick 's pleasant Harmony . In this delicious manner lived these Champions in the City of London , burying the remembrance of all their former Adventures in the Lake of Oblivion , and spending their times in honourable Tilts , and courtly Turnaments ; where St. George performed many Atchievements in honour of his beloved Lady , and the other Knights in honour of their Mistresses . But at last , St. George's three Sons , Guy , Alexander , and David , being all three born at one Birth , as you heard before , in the Wilderness , and sent into three several Kingdoms by their careful Father to be trained up ; the one in Rome , to the warlike Romans , another into Wittenburg , to the learned Germans , the third unto Britain , to the valiant English. But now being grown to some ripeness of Age , and agility of Strength , they desired much to visit their Parents , whom they had not seen from their Infancies , lying in their Cradles ; and to crave at his hands the honour of true Knighthood , and to wear the golden Spur of Christendom . This earnest and princely Request so highly pleased their Tutors , that they furnished them with a stately Train of Knights , and sent them honourably into England , where they arrived all three at one time in the famous City of London , where their Entertainments were most princely , and their Welcome so honourable , that I want Art to describe , and Memory to express . I omit what sumptuous Pageants and delightful Shows the Citizens provided , and how the Stréets of London were beautified with Tapestry , the solemn Bells that rung them joyful Welcomes , and the siver-strained Instruments that gave them pleasant Entertainment . Also I pass over the Father's Ioy , who prized their Sights more precious in his eyes , then if he had béen made sole Monarch of the golden Mines of rich America ; or tha● every hair that grew on his Head had been equalled with a Kingdom , and he to have as many golden Diadems in his arms . Also their Mother's Welcomes to her Sons , who gave them more Kisses than s●e breathed forth Groans at their Deliveries from her painful Womb in the Wilderness . The other Champions Courtesies were not of the least , nor of the smallest in Account ; to these three young Gentlemen ; but to be short , St. George ( whose Love was dear unto his Children ) in his own Perlon conducted them unto their Lodgings , whereas they spent that day and the night following in royal Banquetting amongst their princely Friends . But no sooner appeared the Morning-sun upon the Mountain-tops , and the clear Countenance of the Elements made mention of some ensuing Pastime , but St. George commanded a solemn Hunting for the welcome of his Sons . Then began his Knights to arm themselves in Troops , and to mount upon their Iennets , and some with well a●med Boa●spears in their hands , prepared for the Game on foot ; but St. George , with his Sons clad in green Uestments , like Adonis , with silver Horns hanging at their Backs , in Scarces of coloured Silk , were still the foremost in this Exercise . Likewise Sabra ( intending to see her Sons Ualours displayed in the Field , whether they were in courage like their Father or no , caused a gentle Paltrey to be provided , whereon she mounted her princely Person to be Witness of these Silvan Sports ; she was armed with a cu●ious Breast-plate , wrought like to the scales of a Dolphin , and in her band she bare a silver Bow of the Turkish Fashion , like an Amazonian Queen , or Diana Hunting in the Groves of Arcadia . Thus , in this gallant manner , rode forth these Hunters to their princely Pastimes , where after they had ridden some six Miles from the City of London , there fell from St. George's Nose thrée drops of purple Blood ; whereat he suddenly started , and therewithal he heard the croaking of a flight of Night-Ravens , that hovered by the Forrest's side , all which he judged to be dismal signs of some ensuing Stratagem ; but having a princely Mind , he was nothing discouraged thereat , nor little mistrusted the woful Accident that after happned , but with a noble Resolution entered the Forrest , accounting such fore-telling Tokens for old Wives Ceremonies , wherein they had not passed the compass of half a Mile , but they started a wild swift Stagg , at whom they uncoupled their Hounds , and gave Bridle to their Horses , and followed the Game more swifter than Pyrates pursue the Merchants Ships upon the Seas ; but now behold how frowning Fortune changed their pleasant Pastime to a sad and bloody Tragedy ; for Sabra proffering to keep pace with them , delighted to behold the valiant Encounters of her young Sons , and being careless of herself , through the over swiftness of her Steed , she slipped beside her Saddle , and so fell directly vpon a thomey brake of Brambles , the pricks whereof ( more sharp than Spikes of Iron ) entred to every part of her delicate Body ; some pierce the lovely closets of her star-bright Eyes , whereby ( instead of cristal pearled Tears ) there issued drops of purest Blood ; her Face before that blushed like the Morning 's radiant Countenance , was now changed into a Crimson-red ; her milk white hands that lately strained the ivory Lute , did seem to wear a bloody scarlet Glove , and her tender Paps that had often sed her Sons with the Milk of Nature , were all becent and ●or● with those accu●sed Brambles , from whose deep Wounds there issued such a stream of purple Gore , that it converted the Grass from a lively green to a crimson-hue , and the abundance of Blood that trickled from her Breast began to enforce her Soul to give the World a woful Farewel . Yet notwithstanding , when her beloved Lord , her sorrowful Sons , and all the rest of the waful Champions , had washed her wounded Body with a spring of Tears ; and when she perceived that she must of force commit herself to the fury of imperious Death , she breathed forth this dying Exhortation : Dear Lord ( said she ) in this unhappy Hunting must you lose the truest Wife that ever ●ay by any Prince's side ; yet mourn not you , nor grieve you my Sons , nor you brave Christian Knights ; but let your warlike Drums convey m● royally to my Tomb , that all the World may write in brazen Books , how I have followed my Lord ( the Pride of Christendom ) through many a bloody Field , and for his sake have left my Parents , Friends and Country , and have travelled through many a dangerous Kingdom ; but now the cruel Fates have wrought their last spight , and finished my Life , because I am not able to perform what Love he hath deserved of me . And now to you my Sons this Blessing do I leave behind , even by the Pains that forty Weeks I once endured for your sakes , when as you lay enclosed in my Womb , and by my Travels in the Wilderness , whereas my Groans upon your Birth-day did ( in my thinking ) cause both Trees and Stones to drop down Tears , when as the merciless Tygers and tameless Lyons did stand like gentle Lambs , and mourned to hear my Lamentations , and by a Mother's Love that ever since I have born you , imitate and follow your Father in all his honourable Attempts , harm not the silly Infant , nor the helpless Widow , defend the Honour of distressed Ladies , and give freely unto wounded Souldiers , seek not to stain the unspotted Virgins with your Lust , and adventure evermore to redeem true Knights from Captivity , live evermore professed Enemies to Paganism , and spend your Lives in the Quarrel and Defence of Christ , that Babes ( as yet unborn ) in time to come may speak of you , and record you in the Books of Fame to be true Christian Champions . This is my Blessing , and this is the Testament I leave behind ; for now I feel the chilness of pale Death closing the Closets of mine Eyes : Farewel vain World , dear Lord farewel , sweet Sons , you 'r famous Followers of my George , and all true Christian Knights , adieu . These words were no sooner ended , but with a heavy sigh she yielded up the Ghost ; whereat St. George ( being impatient in his sorrows ) fell upon her liveless Body , tearing his Hair , and rending his Hunter's Attire from his back into many pieces ; and at last when his Griefs were some what diminished , he burst out into these bitter Lamentations : Gone is the Star ( quoth he ) that lighted all the Nothern World ; whithered is the Rose that beautified our Christian Fields ; dead is the Dame that for her beauty stained all Christian Women , for whom I 'll fill the Air with everlasting Mones . Let this day henceforth be fatal to all times , and counted for a dismal day of Death : let never the Sun shew forth his Beams thereon again , but Clouds as black as pitch cover the Earth with fearful Darkness : let every Tree in this accursed Forrest , henceforth be blasted with unkindly Winds : let Brambles , Herbs and Flowers consume and wither : let Grass and blooming Buds perish and decay , and all things near the place where she was slain be turned to dismal , black and ghastly colour , that the Earth itself in mourning Garments may lament her loss : let never Bird sing chearfully on tops of Trees ; but like the mournful Musick of the Nightingale , fill all the Air with fatal Tunes : let bubling Rivers murmure for her loss , and silver Swans that swim thereon sing doleful Melody : let all the Dales belonging to these fatal Woods be covered with green bellied Serpents , croaking Toads , hissing Snakes , and sigh-killing Cockatrices : in blasted Trees , let fearful Ravens shrick , let Howlets cry , and Crickets sing , that after this it may be called a place of dead Mens wandring Ghosts . But fond Wretch , why do I thus Lament in vain , and bath her bleeding Body with my Tears , when Grief by no means will recal her Life ? yet this shall satisfie her Soul , for I will go a Pilgrimage unto Ierusalem , and offer up my Tears to Jesus Christ upon his blessed Sepulchre , by which my stained Soul may be washt from this bloody Guilt , which was the cause of this sorrowful day's mishap . These sorrowful words were no sooner ended , but he took her bleeding Limbs between his fainting Arms , and gave a hundred kisses upon her dying coloured Lips , retaining yet the colour of Alabaster new wash'd in Purple-blood ; and in this ●●ta●●e a while lying , gave way to others to unfold their Woes . But his Sons whose Sorrows were as great as his , protested never to neglect one day , but daily to weep some Tears upon their Mother's Grave , till from the Earth did spring some mournful flower , to beav remembrance of her Death , as did the Uiolet that sp●●ng from chast Adonis's Blood , where Venus wept to see him slain . Likewise the other six Champions ( that all the time of their Lamentations stood like Men drowned in the depth of Sorrow ) began now a little to recover themselves , and after protested by the honour of true Knight hood , and by the Spu● and golden Garter of St. George's Leg , to accompany him unto the Holy Land bare footed , without either Horse or S●ooe , only cl●●● in russet Gaberdines , like the usual Pilgrims of the World , and never to return till they had paid their Uows at that blessed Sepulchre . Thus in this sorrowful manner wearied they the time away , filling the Woods with echoes of their Lamentations , and recording their Dolours to the whistling Winds ; but at last when black Night began to approach , and with her cable Mantle to overspread the crystal Firmament , they retired with her dead Body , back to the City of London , where the report of this Tragical Accident , drowned their Friends in a Sea of Sorrow ; for the news of her untimely Death was no sooner bruited abroad , but the same caused both Did and Young to lament the loss of so sweet a Lady . The silver-headed Age that had wont in scarlet Gowns to meet in Counsel , sat now in discontented Griefs ; the gallant Youth and comely Uirgins , that had wont to beautifie the Streets with costly Garments , went drooping up and down in mournful Uestures ; and those remorseless Hearts that seldom were oppressed with Sorrow , now constrained their eyes like Fonutains to destil floods of brinish and pearly Tears . This general Grief of the Citizens continued for the space of thirty Days ; at the end whereof , St. George with his Sons and the other Champions interred her Body very honourably , and erected over the same a rich and costly Monument ( in sumptuons State , like the Tomb of Mausolus , which was called one of the Wonders of the World , or like to the Pyramids of Greece , which was a stain to all Architects ) for thereon was portrayed the Queen of Chastity with her Maidens , bathing themselves in a crystal Fountain , as a witness of her wonderous Chastity , against the lustful Assailments of all lastivious Attempts . Thereon was also most lively pictured a Turtle dove sitting upon a Tree of Gold , in sign of the true Love that she bore to her betrothed Husband . Also a silver coloured Swan swimming upon a crystal River , as a token of her Beauty ; for as the Swan excelleth all other Fowls in Whiteness , so she excelled all the Ladies in the World for Beauty . I leave to speak of the curious Workmanship of the Pinacles that were framed all of the purest Ieat , enamelled with Silver and Iasper-stanes : and I omit the Pendants of Gold , the Escutcheous of Princes , and the Arms of Countries that beautified her Tomb , the Discourse whereof requires an Oratour's Gloquence , or a Pen of Gold dipt in the Dew of Helicon , flowing from Parnassus's Hill , where all the Muses do inhabit . Her Statue or Picture was carved cunningly in Alabaster , and laid as it were upon a Pillow of green Silk , like to Pigmalion's Iuory Image , and directly over the same hung a silver Tablet , whereon in Letters of Gold was this Epitalph written : Here lies the Wonder of this Worldly Age , For Beauty , Wit , and princely Majesty , Whom spiteful Death in his imperious Rage , Procur'd to Fall through ruthless Cruelty , For as she sported in a fragrant Wood , Upon a thorny Brake she spilt her Blood. Let Ladies fair and Princes of great might , With silver-pearled Tears bedew this Tomb ; Accuse the fatal Sisters of despight , For blasting thus the Pride of Nature's Bloom ; For here she sleeps within this earthly Grave , Whose Worth deserves a golden Tomb to have . Seven Years she kept her pure Virginity , In absence of her true betrothed Knight , When many did pursue her Chastity , Whilst he remained in Prison day and night ; But yet we see that things of purest Prize , Forsake the Earth to dwell above the Skies . Ladies come Mourn with doleful Melody , And make this Monument your setled Bower ; Here shed your brack●●h Tears eternally , Lament both Year , Month , Week , Day , Hour ; For here she rests whose Like can ne'r be found , Here Beauty's Pride lies buried in the Ground . Her wounded Heart that yet doth freshly bleed , Hath caus'd seven Knights a Journey for to take , To fair Ierusalem , in Pilgrims Weeds , The fury of her angry Ghost to slake ; Because their Silvane Sport was chiefest guilt , And only cause her Blood was timeless spilt . Thus after the Tomb was erected , and the Epitalph engraven on a silver Table , and all things performed according to Saint George's direction , he left ●is Sons in the City of London , under the Government of the English King ; and in company of the other six Champions , he took his Iourney towards Jerusalem . They were attired after the manner of Pilgrims , in russet Gaberdines down to their feet , in their hands they bore Staves of Ebon wood , tipt at the ends with silver , the pikes whereof were of the strongest Lydian Steel , of such a sharpness , that they were able to pierce a Target of Tortoys-shell ; upon their Breasts hung Crosses of crimson Silk , to signifie they were Christian Pilgrims , travelling to the Sepulchre of Christ. In this manner set they forward from England in the spring-time of the year , when Flora had beautified the Earth with Nature's Tapestry , and made their Passages as pleasant as the Gardens of Hesperides adorned with all kind of odoriferous Flowers . When as they crossed the Seas , the silver Waves seemed to lie as smooth as crystal Ice , and the Dolphins to dance above the Waters , as a sign of a prosperous Iourney . In travelling by Land , the ways seemed so short and easie , and the chirping melody of Birds made them such Musick as they passed , that in a short season they arrived beyond the Borders of Christendom , and had entered the Confines of Affrica . There were they forced instead of Downy-beds , nightly to rest their weary Limbs upon heaps of sun-burnt Moss ; and instead of silken Curtains and curious Canopies , their had the Clouds of Heaven to cover them . Now their naked legs and bare Féet , that had wont to stride the stately Steeds , and to trample in Fields of Pagans Blood , were forced to climb the craggy Mountains , and to endure the torments of pricking Bryers , as they travelled through the desart Places , and comfortless solitary Wildernesses . Many were the Dangers that happened to them in their Iourny , before they arrived in Judea , Princely their Atchievements , and most Honourable their Adventures ; which for this time I pass over , leaving the Champions for a time in their travel towards the Sepulchre of Christ , and speak what happened to St. George's three Sons in visiting their Mother's Tomb in t●● City of London . CHAP. II. Of the strange Gifts that St. George 's Sons offered at their Mother's Tomb , and what happ'ned thereupon ; how her Ghost appeared to them , and counselled them to the pursuit of their Father ; also how the King of England Installed them with the Honour of Knighthood , and furnished them with Habiliments of War. THe swift footed Steeds of Titan's fiery Car had almost finished a Year , since Sabra's Funeral was solemnized ; in which time St. George's three Sons had visited their Mother's Tomb oftner than were Days in the Year , and had shed more sorrowful Tears thereon , in remembrance of her Love , than are Stars in the glistering Horizon ; but at last these thrée young Princes fell at a civil Discord and mortal Strife , which of them should bear the truest Love to their Mother's dead Body , and which of them should be held in greatest Esteem : for before many Days were expired , they concluded to offer up their several Devotions at her Tomb ; and he that devised a Gift of the rarest Price , and of the straugest Quality , should be held worthy of the greatest Honour , and accounted the Noblest of them all . This Determination was spéedily performed , and in so short a time accomplished , that it was wonderful to Discourse . The first thinking to exceed his Brothers in the strangeness of his Gift , made repair unto a cunning Enchantress , which had a biding in a secret Cave adjoyning to the City , whom he procured ( through many rich Gifts and large Promises ) by Art to devise a means to get the Honour from his Brethren , and to give a Gift of that strange nature , that all the World might wonder at the report thereof . The Enchantress ( being won with his Promises ) by Art and Magick Spells , devised a Garland containing a●l the diversity of Flowers that ever grew in earthly Gardens , and though it were then in the dead time of the Winter , when as the silver I●cle● had di●●ob●d both Herbs and Flowers of their Beauties , and the Snow lay freezing on the Mountain tops ; yet was this Garland contrived after the fashion of a rich Imperial Crown , with as many several Flowers as ever Flora plated upon the Towns of rich Arcadia ; in diversity of colours like the glistering Rainbow , when it shineth in greatest Pride , and casting such an odoriferous Scant and Sanour , as tho the Heavens had rained down showers of Champhire , Biss , or sweet smelling Amberg●eece . This rare and exceeding Garland was no sooner framed by Enchantment , and delivered in his hands , but he left the Enchantress sitting in her Ebon-Chair upon a block of Steel ( practising her fatal Arts , ) with her Hair hanging about her Shoulders like w●eaths of Snakes , or invenomed Serpents , and so returned to his Mother's Tomb , where he hung it upon a Piller of Silver that was placed in the middle of the Monument . The second Brother also repaired to his Mother's Tomb , and brought in his hand an Ivory Lute , whereon he plaid such inspiring melody , that it seemed like the harmony of Angels , or the celestial Musick of Apollo , when he descended Heaven for the Love of Daphne , whom he turned into a Bay-Tree ; the Musick being finished , he tyed his Lute in a Damask-Scarf , and with great humility he hung it at the West-end of the Tomb , upon a knob of a Iasper-stone . Lastly , The third Brother likewise repaired with no outward Devotion or worldly Gift ; but clad in a Uesture of white Silk , bearing in his hand an Instrument of Death , like an innocent Lamb going to Sacrifice ; or one ready to be offered up for the love of his Mother's Soul. This strange manner of repair caused his other Brothers to stand attentively , and with diligent Eyes to be hold his purpose . First , After he had ( submissively , and with great humility ) let fall a showre of silver Tears from the ●isters of his Eyes , in remembrance of his Mother's timeless Tragedy ; he prick'd his naked Breast with a silver Bodkin , the which he brought in his hand , from whence there trickled down some thirty drops of Bloud , which he after offered to his Mother's Tomb in a silver Bason , as an evident sign that there could be nothing more dear , nor of more pre●ious price , than to offer up his own Bloud for her Love. This ceremonious Gift caused his two other Brothers to swell in hatred like to chased Lyons , and run with fury upon him , intending to catch him by the hair of the Head , and drag him ro●nd 〈◊〉 their Mother's Tomb , till his Brains were dashed against a Marble Pavement , and his Bloud sprinkled upon her Grave ; but this wicked Enterprize moved the Majesty of Heaven , that e'er they could accomplish their Intents , or stain their hands with his Bloud , they heard ( as it were ) the noise of dead Mens Bones ratling in the ground , whereupon ( looking fearfully about them ) the Tomb seemed of itself to open , and thereupon to appear a most terrible gastly Shape , pale like unto ashes , in Countenance resembling their Mother , with her Breast besmeared in Bloud , and her Body wounded with a number of Scars , and so with a dismal and ruful look she spake unto her desperate Sons in this manner : Oh you Degenerate from Nature's kind ! why do you seek to make a Murther of yourselves ? can you indure to see my Body rent in twain , my Heart split in sunder , and my Womb dismembred ? Abate this fury , stain not your Hands with your own Blouds , nor make my Tomb a Spectacle of more Death . Unite yourselves in Concord , that my discontented Soul may sleep in Peace , and never more be troubled with your unbridled Humours . Make hast , I say , arm yourselves in steel Corslets , and follow your valiant Father to Ierusalem , he is there in danger and distress of Life ; away , I say , or else my angry Ghost shall never leave this World , but hunt you up and down with gastly Visions . This being said , she vanished from their sight into the brittle Air , whereat for a time they stood amazed , and almost distraught of Wits , through the terrours of her Words ; but at last recovering their former Senses , they all vowed a continual Unity , and never to proffet the like Iniury again , but to live in brotherly Concord , till the dissolution of their earthly Bodies . So in haste they went unto the King , and certified him of all things that had hapned ; and falling upon their Knées before his Majesty , ●e●uelled at his hands the honour of Knight hood , with leave to depart in pursuit of their Father , and the other Champions that were fallen into great ●isteess . The King purposing to a●complish their Desires , and to fulfil their Requests , presently condescended , and not only gave them the honour of Knight-hood , but furnished them with ●i●h Habiliments of War , answerable to their magnanimous Minds : First , be frankly bestowed upon them three stately Pals●yes , bred upon the bright Mountains of Sardinia , in colour of an Iron-gray , beautified with silver Hairs , and in ●ate switer than Spanish Iennets , ( which are a kind of Horse ingendred by the Winds upon the Alpes , certain cragged Mountains that divided the Kingdoms of Italy and Germany ) for boldness and courage like to Bucephalus , the Horse of Alexander the Macedonian , or Caesar's Steed , that never danted in the Field ; and they were trapped with rich Crapyings of Gold , After the Morocco Fashion , with Saddles framed like unto Iron-chairs , with backs of Steel , and their Fore-heads were beautified with spangled Plumes of purple Feathers , whereon hung many golden Pendants : the King likewise bestowed upon them three costly Swords , wrought of purest Lybian Steel , with Lances bound about with Plates of Brass , at the tops where of hung silken Streamers , beautified with the English Cross , being the crimson Badge of Knighthood and Honour of Adventurous Champions . Thus , in this royal manner , rode these three young Knights from the City of London , in company of the King , with a train of Knights and gallant Gentlemen , who conducted them to the Sea-side , where they left the young Knights to their future Fortunes , and returned back to the English Court. Now are St. George's Sons floating upon the Seas , making their first Adventures in the World , that after Ages might applaud these Atchietements , and enroul their Fames in the Records of Honour . Fate prosper them successfully , and gentle Fortune smile upon their Travels , for three braver Knights did never cross the Seas , nor make their Adventures into strange Countries . CHAP. III. How St. George 's Sons , after they were Knighted by the English King , travelled towards Barbary ; and how they redeemed the Duke's Daughter of Normandy from Ravishment , that was assailed in a Wood by three Tawny-moores ; and also of the tragical Tale of the Virgin 's strange Miseries , with other Accidents . MAny days had not these three magnanimous Knights endured the danger of the swelling Waves , but with a prosperous and successful Wind , they arrived upon y e Tirritories of France , where being no sooner safely set on shore , but they bountifully rewarded their Marriners , and betook themselves fully to their intended Travels . Now began their costly trapped Steeds to pace it like the scudding Winds , and with their wa●like Hoofs to thunder on the beaten passages ; now began true Honour to flourish in their princely Breasts , and the Renown of their Father's Atchievements to encourage their Desires . Although tender Youth sat but budbing on their Cheeks , yet portly Man-hood triumpht in their Hearts ; and although their childish Arms as yet never tryed the painful adventures of Knight-hood ; yet bore they high and princely Cegitations in as great esteem as when the● Father slew the burning Dragon in Aegypt , for preservation of their Mother's life . Thus travelled they to the farther part of the Kingdom of France ( guided only by the Direction of Fortune ) without any Adventure worth the no●ing , till at last riding thorow a mighty Fortess standing on the Borders of L●sitania , they hea●d ( as at off as it were ) the ruful cries of a distressed Woman ; which in this manner filled the Air with ●●hees of her Moans : O Heavens ! ( said she ) be kind and pitiful unto a Maiden in Distress , and send some happy Passengers that may deliver me from these inhumane Monsters . This woful and unexpected noise , caused the Knights to alight from their Horses , and to see the event of this Accident : So after they had tyed their Steeds to the body of a Pine-tree , by the R●ins of their B●●ole● , they walked on foot into the thickest of the Forrest with their Weapons drawn , ready to withstand any assaysment whatsoever ; and as they drew near to the distressed Uirgin , they heard her breathe forth this pi●iful moving Lamentation the second time : Come , come , some courteous Knight , or else I must forgo that precious Jewel which all the World can never again recover . These words caused them to make the more speed , and to run the nearest way for the Maiden's Succour . Where , approaching her presence , they found her tyed by the locks of her own hair to the trunk of an Orange-tree , and three cruel and inhumane Negroes standing ready to dispoil her of her pure and undefiled Chastity , and with their Lusts to blast the blooming Bud of her dear and unspotted Uirginity . But when St. George's Sons be held her lovely Countenance besmeared in Dust , that before seemed to be as beautiful as Roses in Milk , and her crystal Eyes ( the perfect patterns of B●shfulness ) imbrewed in floods of Tears , at one instant they ran upon the Negroes , and sheathed their angry Weapons in their loathsome Bowels ; the Leacher● being slain , their Blonds sprinkled about the Forrest , and their Bodies cast out as a Prey for ravenous Beasts to feed on ; they unbound the Maiden , and like courteous Knights demanded the cause of her Captivity , and by what means she came into that solitary Forrest : Most noble Knights ( quoth she ) and true renowned Men at Arms , to tell the cause of my passed Misery , were a prick onto my Soul , for the Discourse thereof will burst my Heart with Grief ; but consider your Nobilities , the which I do perceive by your princely Behaviour , and kind Courtesies extended towards me , being a Virgin in Distress , under the hands of these lustful Negroes whom you have justly murthered , shall so much imbolden me , though unto my Heart 's great Grief , to Discourse the first cause of my miserable Fortune : My Father ( quoth she ) whilst gentle Fortune smiled upon him , was Duke and sole Commander of the State of Normandy , a Country now situated in the Kindom of France , whose Lands and Revenues in his prosperity was so great , that he continually kept as stately a Train , both of Knights and Gentlemen , as any Prince in Europe ; wherefore the King of France greatly envied , and by bloody Wars deposed my Father from his Princely Dignity , who for safeguard of his life , in company of me his only Heir and Daughter , betook us to these solitary Woods , where ever since we have secretly remained in a poor Cell or Hermitage ; the which by our industrious Pains hath been Builded with plants of Vines and Oaken boughs , and covered over-head with clods of Earth , and turfs of ●ra●s : seven Years we have continued in great Extremities , sustaining our Hunger with the Fruits of Trees , and quenching of our Thirst with the Dew of Heaven , falling nightly upon fragrant Flowers ; and here instead of princely Attire , imbroidered Garments , and damask Vestures , we have been constrained to cloath our selves with Flowers , the which we have painfully woven up together ; here instead of Musick , that wont each morning to delight our Ears , we have the whilstling Winds resounding in the Woods ; our Clocks to tell the Minutes of the wandring Nights ; are Snake and Toads , that sleep , in roots of rotten Trees ; our Canopies to cover us , are not wrought of Median Silk , the which Indian Virgins Weave upon their silver Looms , but the fable Clouds of Heaven , when as the chearful day hath closed her crystal Windows up : Thus in this manner continued we in this solitary Wilderness , making both Birds and Beasts our chief Companions , these merciless Tawny-moores ( whose hateful Breasts you have made to water the parched Earth with streams of Blood ) who as you see came into our Cell , thinking to have found some store of Treasure ( but casting their gazing Eyes upon my Beauty , they were presentl● 〈…〉 with lustfull Desires , only to crop the sweet B●d of my Virginity then with furious and dismal Countenance , more black than the 〈◊〉 Garments of sad Me●ponis●it , when she mourn●ully writes of bloudy Frage●hes and with Hearts more cruel than was Nero 's the tyranous Roman Emperour , when he beheld the Entrails of his natural Mother la●d open by his inhumane and merciless Commandment , or when he stood upon the highest top of a mighty Mountain , to see that famous and imperial City of Rome set on fire by the remorseless hands of his unrelen●ing Ministers that added unhallowed Flames to his unholy Furies . In this kind , I say these merciless and wicked minded Negroes with violent hands took my aged Father , and most cruelly bound him to the blasted , Body of a withered Oak , standing before the entry of his Cell ; where neither the rever and honour of his silver Hairs , glistering like the frozen Isikles upon the Northern Mountains , nor the strained Sighs of his Breast , wherein the Pledge of Wisdom was inthronized , nor all my Tears or Exclamations could any whit abate their Cruelties , but ( grim Dogs of Barbary ) in they left my Father , fast bound unto the Tree , and like egregious Vipers took me by the Trammels of my golden Hair , draging me like a silly Lamb unto this flaughtering place , intending to satisfie their Luftwith the flower of my Chastity . Being used thus , I made my humble Supplication to the highest Majesty , to be revenged upon their Cruelties : I reported to them the rewards of ●●oudy Ravishments , by the Example of Tereus , sometime King of Thrace , and his furious Wife , that in revenge of her Sister's Ravishment , caused her Husband to eat the Flesh of his own Son. Likewise , ( to preserve my undefiled Honour ) I told them that for the Rape of Lucroce the Roman Matron , Tarqui●ius and his whole Name was ever banished out of Rome , with many other Examples : thus , like the Nightingale , recorded I nothing but Rape and Murther , yet neither the Fears of Heaven , nor the terrible Threats of Hell could mollifie their bloudy Minds ; but they protested to persevere in that Wickedness , and vowed that if all the Leaves of the Trees , that grew within the Wood , were turned into Indian Pearls , and that place made as wealthy as the golden Streams of Pa●t●lus , where M. das washt●her golden Wish away , yet should they not redeem my Chastity from the stain of their insatiable and lustful Desires . This being said , they bound me with the Trammels of mine own Hair to this Orange tree , and at the very instant they proffered to defile my unspotted Body , you happily approached , and not only redeemed me from their tyrannous Desires , but quit the World from three of the wickedest Creatures that ever Nature framed ; for which ( most noble and invincible Knights ) if ever Virgin 's Prayers may prevail , humbly will I make my Supplications to the Deities that you may prove as valliant Champions as ever put on Helmet , and that your Fames may ring to every Prince's Ear , as far as bright Niperion doth shew his golden Face . This tragical Tale was no sooner ended ; but the three Knights ( with remorseful Hearts sobbing with Sighs ) imbraced the sorrowful Maiden betwixt their Arms , and earnestly requested her to conduct them unto the place whereas she left her Father bound unto the withered Oak ; to which she willingly consented , and thanked them ●ighly to their kindness ; but before they approached to the old Man's presente , what for the grief of his Banishment , and violent Usage of his Daughter , he was forced to yield up his miserable Life to the mercy of unavoidable Death . When St. George's valiant Sons , in company of this sorrowful Maiden came to the Tree , and ( contrary to their Expectations ) found her Father cold and 〈◊〉 , devoid of Sense and Feeling , also his Hands and Face covered with green Moss , which they supposed to be done by the Robin Red-breast , and other lit●le Birds , who do use naturally to cover the bare parts of any Body that they find dead in the Field , they all fell into a new confused extremity of grief ; but especially his Daughter , having lost all Ioy and Comfort in this World , made both Heaven and Earth resound with her exceeding Lamentations , and mourned without Comfort , like weeping Niobe , that was turned into a Rock of Stone , Lamenting for the loss of her Children : thus when the three young Knights perceived the comfortless Sorrow of the Uirgin , and how she had vowed never to depart from those solitary Groves , but to spend the remnant of her days in company of her Father's dead Body ; they courteously assisted her to bury him under a Chesnut-tree , where they left her behind them bathing his senseless Grave with her Tears , and returned back to their Horses , where they left them at the entry of the Forrest tyed to a lofty Pine , and so departed on their Iourney , where we will leave them for a time , and speak of the Seven Champions of Christendom , that were gone on Pilgrimage to the City of Jerusalem , and what strange Adventures hapned to them in their Travel . CHAP. IV. Of the Adventures of the Golden Fountain in Damase● ; how six of the Christian Champions were taken Prisoners by a mighty Giant , and how after they were delivered by St. George ; and also how he redeemed fourteen Jews out of Prison , with divers other strange Accidents that hapned . LEt us now speak of the favourable Clementy that smiling Fortune shewed to the Christian Champions in their Travels to Jerusalem ; for after they were departed from England , and had journyed in their Pilgrims Attire through many strange Countries , at last they arrived upon the Constnes of Damasco , which is a Country not only beautified with Cumptuous costly Buildings , framed by the curious Architecture of Man's Device , but also furnished with all the precious Gifts that Nature in her greatest liberality could bestow . In this fruitful Dominion long time the Christian Champions rested their weacy Steps , and made their abode in the House of a rich and courteous Jew , a Man that spent his Wealth chiefly for the Succour and Comfort of Travelers and Wandring Pilgrims ; his House was not curiously erected up of carved Timber work , but framed with quarries of blew Stones , and supported with many stately Pillars of the purest M●rble ; the gates and entry of his House were continually kept open , in sign of his bountiful Mind ; over the Portal thereof did hang a brazen Table , whereon was most curiously engraven the Picture of Ceres the Goddess of Plenty , deck'd with Garlands of Wheat , wreaths of Oliv●s , bunches of Usnes , and with all manner of fruitful things ; the Chamber wherein these Champions took their nightly Reposes and golden Sleep , was garnished with as many Windows of crystal Glass , as there were Days in the Year , and the Walls painted with as many Stories as were Years since the World's Creation ; it was likewise Built four square , after the manner of Pyramids in Greece ; at the East end thereof was most lively portrayed , bright Phoebus rising from Aurora's golden Bed , with a glistering Countenance distaining the Element for her departure ; at the West side was likewise portrayed how Thetis tripped upon the silver Sands , when as Hiperion's Car drives to the watry Ocean , and takes his night's Repose upon his Lover's Bosom ; on the North side was paintted high Mountains of Snow , whose tops did seem to reach the Clouds , and mighty Woods over-hung with silver Isikles , which is the nature of the Northern Climate . Lastly , Upon the West side of the Chamber , sat the God of the Seas , riding upon a Dolphin's back , a troop of Mermaids following him , with their golden Trammels floating upon the silver Waves ; there the Trytons seemed to dance about the crystal Streams , with a number of the other silver scaled Fishes that made it seem delightful for Pleasure . Over the Roof of the Chamber was most perfectly portrayed the four Ages of the World which seemed to over-hang the rest of the curious Works : First , The Golden Age was pendant over the East : The second being the Silver ( a Mettle some what baser ) seemed to over spread the freezing North : The third , which was the Brazen Age , beautified the western Parts : The fourth and last of all being of Iro● , ( the very ●e●●st of them all ) secured to be fixed toward ●●e Southern Climate : 〈◊〉 in this Chamber tested these wear● Champions a long 〈◊〉 , where their Food was not delicious , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 ●●●lesome , and their Services not curious , but comely : the ●our●eous Iew their friendly Host whom Nature had honoured 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 con●●hr Sons , daily kept them company , and not only 〈◊〉 them the Curiasities of his Habitation , but also d●secited the pleasant Situation of his Count●y , how the Towns and Cities were adorned with all manner of Delights , whereby they s●u●ed like the impe●ial Princes of Jove , where they heard most delightful Harmonies ; and the pleasant Fields and flourishing M●a●ows so beautified with Nature's gladsome Ornaments , that they seemed so Pleasure to excéed the Palace of the great Turk , or ●ny other P●rentate whatsoever in the World. Some days were spent away in this manner , to the exceeding great pleasure of the Christian Knights , and evermore when the dark Night approached , and the wanted time of Sleep summoned them to their silent and quiet Rests , the Iew●s Children , being s●ven as brave and comely Boys as ever Tame Nature framed , si●●ed the seven Champions Ears with such sweet and delicate Melodies , gently strained from their Ivory Lutes , that not Arion ( when all the Art of sweet Musick consented with his Tune , Uoice , and Hand , when he won favour of the Dolphin , being forsaken of Men ) was comparable thereto ; whereby the Christians were inchanted with such Delights that their Sleeps séemed to be as pleasant as was the sweet Ioys of Elesium : but upon a time , after the courteous Iew had Intelligence how they were Christian Knights , and such admired Martial Champions , whom Fame had canonized to be the Wonders of the World for Martial Discipline and Knightly Adventures ; and finding a fit opportunity as he walked in their Companies , upon an evening under an Arbour of Uine-branches , he revealed to them the Secrets of his Soul , and the cause of his so sad and solitary dwelling . So standing bare-headed in the middle of the Champions , with his white Hair hanging down to his shoulders , in colour like the silver Swan , and softer than the Down of Thisties , or Median Silk untwisted , he began with a s●ber Countenance and gallant Demeanour to speak as followeth : I am sure ( quoth he ) you invincible Knights , that you marvel at my solitary course of Living , and that you greatly muse , wherefore I exempt myself from the company of Worldlings , except my seven Sons , whose Sights are my chief Comfort , and the only Prolongers of my Life ; therefore prepare your Ears to encertain the strangest Discourse that ever Tongue pronounced , or wearied old Man in the height of his extremity delivered : I was in my former Years ( whilst Fortune smiled upon my Happines ) the principal Commander , and chief Owner of a certain Fountain , of such wonderful and precious Vertue , that it was valued to be worth the Kingdom of India ; the Water thereof was so strange in the Operation , that in four and twenty Hours it would convert any Mettal , as Brass , Copper , Iron , Lead or Tin , into rich refined Gold ; the stony Flint into pure Silver , any kind of Earth into excellent Mettal : By the Vertue thereof , I have made the Leaves of Trees a flourishing Forest of Riches , and the Blades of Grass valuable to the Jewels that be found in the Country of America . The Vertue thereof was no sooner bruited through the World ; but it caused many Foreign Knights to try the Adventure , and by force of Arms to bereave me of the Hononour of this Fountain . But at that time Nature graced me with one and twenty Sons , whereof seven be yet living , and the only Comfort of my Age ; but the other fourteen ( whom frowning Fortune hath bereaved me of ) many a day by their valiant Prowess and matchless Fortitudes defended the Fountain from many great and furious Assailers ; for there was no Knight in all the World that was found so hardy or of such invincible Courage , that if they but once attempted to Incounter with any of my valiant Sons , they were either taken Prisoners , or slain in the Combate . The Fame of their Valours , and the Riches of the Fountain run through many strange Countries , and lastly , came to the Ears of a furious Giant , dwelling upon the Borders of Arabia , who at the report thereof came armed with his steely Coat , with a mighty Bat of Iron on his neck , like to furious Hercules that burst the brazen Gates of Cerberus , and bore the mighty Mountain Atlas upon his Shoulders ; he was the Conqueror of my Sons , and the first Causer of my sudden Downfal● : But when I thus had intelligence of the Overthrow of fourteen of my Soils , and that he had made Conquest of my wealthy Fountain , I with the rest of my Children , thinking all hope of Recovery to be past , betook ourselves to this solitary course of Life , where ever since in this Mansion or Hermitage we have made our abode and residence , spending our Wealth to the relief of traveling Knights and wandering Pilgrims , hoping once again that smiling Fortune would advanc● us to some be●●e● Hap ; and to be plain , r●●ht worthy Champions , since then my hope was never at the hight of full perfection till this 〈◊〉 time , wherein your excellent Presence almost assure me that the 〈…〉 conquered , my Fountain restored ; and ●hy Son● Deaths ( for dead sure they are ) revenged . The Champions , with great Admirat●on , gave ear to the strange Discourse of this reverend Iew , and intended in requital of his extraordinary Kindness to undertake this Adventure : and the more to encourage the other , St. George began in this manner to utter his Mind , speaking both to the Iew their Host , and his valiant Fellow champions : I have not without great wonder ( most reverend and courteous old Man ) heard the strange Discourse of thy admirable Fountain , and do not a little lament that one of so kind and liberal a Disposition should be dispossessed of such exceeding Riches , neither am I less sorry that so inhumane a Monster , and known Enemy to all Courtesie and kindness , should have the Fruition of so exceeding great Treasure ; for to the Wicked , Wealth is the cause of their more Wickedness . But that which most grieveth me , is , That having had so many valiant Knights to his Sons , they all were so unfortunate to fall into the hands of that relentless Monster ; but be comforted , kind old Man , for I hope by the Power of my Maker , we were directed hither to Punish that hateful Giant , Revenge the Injuries offered to thine Age , satisfie with his Death , the Death of thy Children , if they be Dead , and restore to thy bounteous Possession that admirable rich Fountain again . And now to you my valiant Champions I speak , that with me through many Dangers have adventured ; let us couragiously attempt this rare Adventure , wherein such Honour to our Names , such Happiness to our Friends , such Glory to God consists , in recovering Right to the Wronged , and punishing rightfully the Wrongers of the Oppressed ; and that there be no Contention among us who shall begin this Adventure , for I know all you thirst after Honour , therefore let Lots be made , and to whomsoever the chief Lot falleth , let him be foremost in Assayling the Giant , and so good Fortune be our Guides . The exceeding Ioy which the old Iew conceived at the spéeches of St. George , had near-hand bereft him of the use of Sense , for above measure was he over-joyed ; but at length recovering use of Speech , he thus thankfully brake forth : How infinitely I find myself bound unto you , you famous and undoubted Christian Champions , all my Ableness is not able to express , only Thankfulness from the depth of a true Heart shall to you be rendred . The Champions without more words , discoving themselves from their Pilgrims Attire , every one elected forth an Armour fitting to their portly Bodies , then ready in the Iew 's House ; instead of their Ebon Staves tipt with Silver , they wielded in their Hands steeled Blades , and their Feet that had wont to indure a painful Pilgrimage upon the bare Ground , were now ready drest to mount the lofty stirrop ; but as I said , they purposed not generally to assail the Giant , but singly every one to try his one Fortune , thereby to obtain the greater Honour , and their Deeds to merit the higher Fame ; therefore the Lots being cast among themselves which should begin the Adventure , the Lot fell first to St. Dennis the noble Champion of France , who greatly rejoyced at his fortune , and so departed for y e night to get things in readiness ; but the next morning no sooner had the golden Sun displayed his Beauty in the East , but St. Dennis arose from his sluggish bed , and attired himself in costly Armour , and mounted upon a Steed of Iron-gray , with a spangled Plume of purple Feathers on his Butgonet , spangled with Stars of Gold , resembling the Azure Firmament beautified with glistering Stars . Where ofter he had taken leave of the other Champions , and had demanded of the Iew where the Giant had his residence , he departed forward on his Iourney , and before the Sun had mounted to the top of Heaven , he approached to the Giant 's presence , who as then sate upon a Block of Steel direct ●● before the golden Fountain , satisfying his hunger with raw Flesh , and quenching his thirst with the Iuce of ripe Grapes . The first sight of his ugly and deformed proportion almost daunted the valour of the French Champion , that he stood in amaze , whether it was better to try the Adventure , or return with dishonour back to his other Fellow-knights ; but having a heart furnished with true magnanimity , he chose rather to die in the Encounter , then to return with Infamy ; so committing his Trust to the unconstant Queen of Chance , he s●urred forth his Horse , and assailed the Giant so furiously , that the strokes of his Sword sounded like a weighty blow hammered upon an Anvile . But so smally regarded the Giant the puissant force of this single Knight , that be would scarce rise from the place where he safe ; but yet remembring a strange Dream that a little before he had in his Sleep , which revealed unto him , how that a Knight would come from the Northern Climates of the Earth , which should alone end the Adventure of the Fountain , and vanquish him by Fortitude , therefore not minding to be taken at an advantage , he suddenly started up , and with a g●i●n countenance he ● an upon St. Dennis , and took him , Horse , Armour , Furniture and all under his left arm , as lightly , as a strong Man would take a sucking Infant from his Cradle , and bore him to a hollow Rock of Stone , bound about with Bars of Iron , standing near unto the Fountain , in a Ualley betwixt two mighty Mountains ; in which Prison he closed the French Champion , amongst fourteen other Knights , that were Sons to the courteous Iew , as you heard before discoursed , and being proud of that Attempt , he returned to the block of Steel , where we will leave him sitting glorying in his own Conceit , and speak of the other Champions remaining in the Iew 's house , expecting the French Knight's fortunate return ; but when the sable Curtains of Darkness were drawn before the crystal Windows of the Day , and Night had taken possession of the Elements , and no news was heard of the Champion's Success , they judged presently that either he was slain in the Adventure , or else discomfitted and taken Prisoner ; therefore they cast Lots again which of them the next morning should try his Fortune , and revenge the French Knight's Quarrel ; so the Lot fell to St. James , the noble Champion of Spain , whereat his princely Heart rejoyced more than if he had been made King of the western World. So in like manner on the next morning by break of day he attired himself in rich and costly Armour like the other Champion , and mounted upon a Spannish Gennet , in pace most swift and speedy , and in portly state like to Bucephalus the proud Stéed of Macedonian Alexander ; his Caparison was in colour like to the Waves of the Sea ; his Burgonet was beautified with a spangled Plume of sable Feathers , and upon his Breast he bore the Arms of Spain , Thus in this gallant manner departed he from the Iew 's habitation , leaving the other Champions at their divine Contemplations for his happy Success ; but his Fortune chanced contrary to his Wishes , for at the Giant 's first Encounter he was likewise born to the Rock of Stone , to accompany St. Dennis . This Giant was the strongest and hardiest knight at Arms that ever set foot upon the Confines of Damasco ; his Strength was so invincible , that at one time durst encounter with an hundred Knights : But now return we again to the other Champions , whom when night approached , and likewise missing Saint James , they cast Lots the third time , and it fell to the noble Champion of Italy , St. Anthony , who on the next morning attired himself in costly habiliments of War , and mounted upon a Babarian Palfrey , as richly as did the valiant Jason , when he adventured into the Isle of Colcos for the golden Fleece , and for Medea's Love ; his Helmet glistered like an try Mountain deck'd with a Plume of ginger-coloured Feathers , and beautified with many silver Pendants . But his shining glory was soon ●lemished with a cloud of mischance , for although he was as valiant ●s ever brandisht Weapon in the Fields of Mars , yet he found a disability in his fortitude , to withstand the furious blows of the Giant , in such sort that he was forced to yield himself Prisoner like the former Champions . The next Lot that was cast chanced to St. Andrew of Scotland , a Knight as highly honoured for Martial Discipline as any of the rest ; his Steed was clad with a Caparison after the manner of the Grecians ; his Armour varnished with green Oyles , like the e●lour of the Summer fields , upon his Breast he bore a Cross of purple Silk , and on his Burgonet a goodly Plume of Feathers ; but yet Fortune so frowned upon his Enterprize , that he nothing prevailed , but committed his Life to the mercy of the Grant , who likewise imprisoned him with the other Knights . The fifth Lot fell to St. Patrick of Ireland , as brave a Knight as ever Nature created , and as adventurous in his Atchievements : If ever Hector upon his Phrygian Steed pranced up and down the Streets of Troy , and made that Age admire his Fortitude , this Irish Knight might countervail his Ualour : For no sooner had the Moon forsook the azure Firmament , and had committed her Charge to the golden burnish'd Sun ; but St. Patrick approached the sight of the Giant , mounted upon his Irish Hobby , clad in a Corsser of Proof , beautified with silver Nails ; his Plume of feathers of the colour of Uirgin's Hair ; his Horse covered with a Uail of Orangetawny-silk , and his saddle bound about with Plates of Steel , like an Iron Chair . The sight of this valiant Champion so dounted the Courage of the Giant , that he thought him to be the Knight that the Uision had revealed , and by whom the Adventure should be accomplished ; therefore with no cowardly Fortitued he assassed the Irish Knight , who with as princely Ualour indured the encounter ; but the unkind Destinies not intending to give him the honour of the Uictory , compelled the Champion to yield to the Giant 's force , and like a Captive to accompany the other imprisoned Champions . The next Lot fell to St. David of Wales , who nothing discouraged at the other Christian Knights , but at the morning Sun's uprise into the azure Firmament glistered in his silver Armour before the Fountain , with a golden Griffon shining on his Breast , where he endured a long and dangerous Combat with the Giant , making the Skies refound with ecchoes of their Stroaks ; but at last when the Giant perceived that St. David began to grow almost breathless , in defending the huge and mighty Blows of his stéeled Bat , and chiefly through his long Encounter , the Giant renu●d his Strength , and redoubled his Stroaks , that St. David was constrained like to the other Christian Champions to yield to the Giant 's Mercy . But now the invincible and heroical Champion of England , St. George , he that was Fame's true Knight , that Man of Honour , and the World's Wonder , remaining in the Iew 's Pavion , and pondring in his mind the bad success of the other six Champions , and that it was ●is turn to try his Fortune the next morning in the Adventure , he fell into great Contemplation : ( Quoth he ) I that have fought for Christian Knights in Fields of purple Bloud , and made my Enemies to swim in Streams of crimson Gore , shall I not now confound this bloody and inhumane Monster , that hath discomfitted six of the bravest Knights that ever Nature framed ; I slew the burning Dragon in Egypt ; I conquered the terrible Glant that kept the enchanted Castle amongst the Amazonians : then Fortune let me accomplish this dangerous Adventure , that all Christians and Christian Knights may applaud my Name . In this manner spent he away the Night , hoping for the happy Success of the next Day 's Enterprize , whereon he vowed by the honour of his golden Garter , either to return a worthy Conqueror , or to die with honour valiently . And when the day began to beautifie the Eastern Elements with a fair purple colour , he repaired to the Iew 's Armory , and clad himself in a black Corslet , m●unting himself upon a pitchie coloured Steed , adorned with a blood red Camparison , in sign of a bloudy and tr●gical Adventure ; his Plume of Feathers was like a flame of Fire quencht in Blood , as a taken of speedy Revenge ; he armed himself not with a sturdy Launce , bound about with Plates of Brass , but took a Iavelin made of Steel , the one end sharpned like the point of a Need●e , at the other end a Ball of Iron in fashion of a Mace or Club. Being thus armed according to his wished desires , he took leave of the Iew and his seven Sons , all attired in black and mournful Ornaments , praying for his happy and fortunate Success , and so departed speedily to the Golden Fountain , where he found the Giant sleeping carelesly upon his block of Steel , dreading no ensuing Danger . But when the valiant Champion St. George was alighted from his Horse , and sufficiently beheld the deformed proportion of the Giant , how the Hair of his Head stood staring upright like the bristles of a wild wore , his Eyes gazing open like two blazing Comets , his Teeth long and sharp like to Spikes of Steel , the Nails of his Hands like the Tallants of an Eagle , over which was drawn a pa●● of Iron glaves ; and every other Limb huge and strongly proportioned , like to the body of some mighty Oak , the worthy Champion awakened him in this order : Arise ( said he ) unreasonable deformed Monster , and either make delivery of the captive Knights whom thou wrongfully detainest , or prepare thy ugly self to abide the uttermost force of my warlike Arm and death prepared Weapon . At which words the furious Giant started up , as one suddenly amazed or affrighted from his sleep , and without making any reply at all , took his Iron Mace fast in both his hands , and with great terrour let drive at the must worthy English Champion , who with exceeding cunning and nimbleness defended himself from the Danger , by speedy avoiding the violent Blows , and withal returned on his Adversary a mighty Thrust with the pointed or sharp end of the Iavelin , which rebounded from the Giant 's Body , as if it had been ●un against an Adamantine Pillar . The which the invincible Knight , St. George , perceiving turned his heavy round-ball-end of his Massie Iavelin , and so mightily assailed the Giant , r●doubling his heavy Blows with such couragious Fortitude , that at last he beat his Brains out of his deformed Head , whereby the Giant was constrained to yield up the Ghost , and to giue such a hi●eous Roar , as tho' the whole Frame of the Earth had been shaken with the violence of some clap of Chunder . This being done , St. George rast his loathsome Car●ass as a Prey to the Fowls and ravenous Beasts to seize upon ; and after diligently searched up and down , till he found the Rock wherein all the Knights and Champions were imprisoned ; the which with his steely Iavelin he burst in sundev and delivered them presently from their Servitudes , and after returned most triumphantly back to the Iew 's Pavilion , in as great Majesty and Royalty as Vespasian with his Roman Nobles and Peers veturned into the Consines of flourishing Italy , from the admired and glorious Conquest of Jerusalem and Judea . But warn the reverend Iew saw the English Champion return● with Uictory , together with his other six Fellow champions , and likewise beheld his fourteen Sons sately delivered , his Ioy so mightily exceeding the bounds of Reason , that he suddenly Bwounded , and lay ●o●● time in a dead Trance , with the great exceeding Pleasure he conceived . But having a little recovered his decayed Senses , he gladly conducted them into th●i● several Lodgings , and there they were presently unarnied , and their Wounds washed in White wine and new Milk , and after banqueted them in the best manner he could devise ; at which Banquet there wanted not all the excellency of Musick that the Iews seven younger Sons could divise , ex●olling in their sweet sonnets the excellent fortitude of the English Champion , that had not only delivered their captivated Brethren , but restored , by that ugly Giant 's deserved Death , their aged Father to the repossession of his Golden Fountain . Thus after Saint George with the other six Champions had soiourned there for the space of thirty days , having placed the Iew with his Sons in their former desired Dignities , that is , in the government of the Golden Fountain ; they cloathed themselves again in their Pilgrims Attire , and so departed forward on their intended iourney to visit the holy Sepulchre at Jerusalem . Of whose noble Adventures you shall hear more in the Chapter following . CHAP. V. Of the Champions return to Ierusalem , and after how they were almost famished in a Wood ; and how St. George obtained them Food by his Valour in a Giant 's House , with other things that hapned . The Champions after this Battel of the Golden Fountain never rested travelling till they arrived at the holy Hill of Sion , and had visited the Sepulchre , the which they found most richly Built of the purest Marble , garnished curiously by cunning Architecture , with many Carbuncles of Iasper , and Pillars of Ieat . The Temple where in it was erected , stood seven Degrees of Stairs down within the Ground , the Gates whereof were of vurnisht Gold , and the Portals of refined Silver , cut as did seem out of a most excellent beautified Alabasset Rock : But in it continually burned a sweet smelling Taper , always maintained by twelve of the noblest Uirgins dwelling in Judea attending still upon the Sepulchre , clad in silken Druaments , in colour like to Lillies in the flourishing pride of Summet ; the which costly Attire they continually more as an evident sign of their pure and unspotted Uirginities : Many days offered up these worthy Champions their ceremonious Devotions to that sacred Tomb , washing the Marble Pavements with their true and unfained Tears , and witnessing their true and hearty Zeal , with their continual Ualleys of discharged Sighs . But at last upon an evening , when Titan's golden Beams begin to descend the western Element , as those princely minded Champions , in company of these twelve admired Maidens , kneeled before the Sepulchre , offering up their evening Drizons , an unseen Uoice ( to the amazement of them all ) from a hollow Uault in the Temple uttered these words : You magnanimous Knights of Christendom , whose true Nobilities hath circled the Earth with Reports of Fame , whose bare Feet for the love of our sweet Saviour , have set more weary steps upon the parched Earth , than there be Stars within the golden Canopy of Heaven , return , return into the bloudy Fields of War , and spend not the Honours of your time in this ceremonious manner , for great things by you must be accomplished , such as in time to come shall fill large Chronicles , and cause Babes as yet unborn to speak of your honourable Atchievements . And you chast Maidens that spend your time in the Service of God , even by the plighted Promise you have made to true Virginity , I charge you to furnish forth these warlike Champions with such approved Furniture as hath been offered to this Royal Sepulchre , by those traveling Knights , which have fought under the Banner of Christendom . This is the pleasure of high Fates , and this for the redress of all wrong'd Innocents in Earth , must be with all immediate dispatch forthwith accomplished . This unexpected Uoice was no sooner ended , but the Temple ( in their conceits ) seemed strangely to resound , like the melody of celestial Angels , or the holy Harmony of Cherubins , as a sign that the Gods were pleased at their proceeding ; whereupon the twelve Uirgins arose from their Contemplatidus , and conducted the seven Champions to the further side of Mount Sion , and there bestowed frankly upon them , seven of the bravest Steeds that they ever beheld , with martial Furniture answerable thereunto , befi●ting Knights of such esteem : thus the Christian Champions being proud of their good Fortunes , attyred themselves in rich and sumptuous Corslets , and after mounted upon their warlike Coursers , kindly bidding the Ladies adieu , betook them to the World 's wide journey . This Travel began at that time of the Year , when the Summer's Queen began to spread her beautious mantle among the green and fresh Boughs , of the high and mighty Ceda●s , when as all kind of small Birds flew round about , recreating themselves in the beauty of the day , and with their well-tuned Notes making a sweet and heavenly Melody : at which time , I say , these mighty and well esteemed Knights , the seven Champions of Christendom , took their way from Jerusalem , which they thought to be most used ; in which they had not many days travelled through the Desarts , and over many a Mountain-top , but they were marvelously feeble for lack of their accustomed Uictuals , and could not hide nor dissemble their great Hunger , so that the War which they sustained with Hunger , was far greater than the Battles they had fought against their Enemies , as you heard discoursed in the first Part of this History . So upon a Summer's Evening , when they had spent the day in great extremity , and night grew on , they happned into a Th●cket of mighty Trees , when as the silver Moon with her bright Beams glistered most clerly ; yet to them it seemed to be as dark as pitch , for they were very so etroubled for lack of that which should sustain them , and their Faces did shew and declare the perplexities of their Stomachs . So they sat them down upon the green and fresh Herbs , very pensive of their extream Necessity , providing to take their rests that night ; but all was in vain , for that their corporal Necessities would not consen● the eunro ; but without sleeping for that night , till the next day in the morning that they turned to their accustomed Travel and Journey , thinking to find some Food for the cherishing of their Stomachs , and had their Eyes always gazing about to spie some Uillage or House , where they might satisfie their Hunger , and take their Rests . Thus in this helpless manner spent they away the next day , till the closing of the Evening-light , by which time then grew so faint , that they fell to the ground with seebleness : Oh what a sorrow it was to St. George , not only for himself to see the rest of the Champions in such a miserable case , being not able to help themselves ? and so parting a little from them , be lamented in this manner following : Thou that hast given me many Victories ; thou that hast made me Conquerour of Kings and Kingdoms ; and thou by whose invincible Power I have tamed the black fac'd Furies of dark Coritus , that mask abroad the World in Humane shapes ; look down sweet Queen of Chance , I say , from thy Imperial Seat ; shew me some favour , and do not consent that I and my Company perish for Hunger and want of Victuals ; make no delay to remedy our great Necessity ; let us not be meat for Birds hovering in the Air , nor our Bodies cast as a Prey for the ravenous Beasts ranging in these Woods ; but rather , if we must needs perish , let us die by the hands of the strongest Warriors in the universal World , and not basely lose our Lives with cowardly Hunger . These and such like Lamentations uttered this valiant Champion of England , till such time as the day appeared , and the sable curtains of coal black night were with drawn . Then turned be to the rest of his Company , where he found them very weak and feeble ; but he encouraged them in the best manner he could devise , to take their Horses and try the Chance of their ut●a●t unkind Fortune . Altho St. George as they travelled was ready to Die by the way , and in great trouble of Mind for want of Food , yet rode he first to one , then to another , comforting them and making them ride a-pare ; which they might very well do , for that their Horses were not so unprovided as their Masters , by reason of the goodly Grass that grew in these Woods , wherewith at pleasure they filled them every night . By this time the golden Sun had almost mounted to the top of Heaven , and the glorious prime of the Day began to approach , when they came into a Field very plain , where in the midst of it was a little Mountain , out of the which there appeared a great smoak , which gave them to understand that there should be some Habitation in that place . Then the princely minded St. George said to the other Champions : Take comfort with yourselves , and by little and little , come forward with an calle pace , for I will ride before to see who shall be out Host this ensuing night ; and of this , brave Knights and Champions , be all assur●● , whether he be pleased or no , be shall give us Lodging and Entertainment like travelling Knights ; and therewithal he set spurs to his Horse , and swiftly scoured away , like to a Ship with swelling Sa●is upon the marble coloured Ocean ; his Beast was so speedy that in a short time he approached the Mountain where at the noise and rushing of his Horse in running , there arose from the ground a mighty and terrible Giant , of so great height , that he seemed to be a big grown Tree , and for hugeness like to a Rock of Stone ; but when he cast his staring Eyes upon the English Knight , which seemed to him like two brazen Plates , or two Torches ever flaming , he laid his hand upon a mighty Club of Iron which lay by him , and came with great lightness to meet St. George ; out when he approached his presence , he thinking him to be a Knight of but small Ualour and Fortitude , he threw away his Iron Bat , and came towards the Champion , intending with his fists to buffet and beat out his Brains , but the courage of the English Champion so exceeded , that he forgot the extremity of Hunger , and like a couragious Knight raised himself in his stirrops , otherwise he could not reach his Head , and gave him such a blow upon the Fore-head with his keen edged Fauchion , that he cut his Head half in sunder , and his Brains in great abundance rai●down his deformed Body , so that amazed he fell to the ground and presently died : his fall 〈◊〉 to make the ground to shake , as though a stony Tower had been overturned , for as he lay upon the Earth he séemed to be a great Oak blown up by the Roots with a tempestuo●s Whirle-wind . At that instant the rest of the Champions came to that place with as much joy at that present , as before they were sad and sorrowful . And so when St. Dennis with the other Knights did sée the greatness of the Giant , and the deformity of his Body , they advanced his Ualour beyond imagination , and déemed St. George the fortunatest Champion that ever Nature framed , holding that Adventure in as high Honour , as the Grecians held Jason's Prize , when he turned from Colchos with Medea's Golden Fleece , and with as great danger accomplished as the twelve fearful Labours of Hercules ; but after some few Speeches passed , St. George desired the rest of the Champions to go and see what store of Uiauals the Giant had prepared for him . Whereupon they concluded , and so generally entered the Giant 's House , which was in the same manner of a great Barn cut out of hard Stone , and wrought out of a Rock : therein they found a very large Copper Cauldron standing upon a Trevet of Steel , the feet and supporters thereof were as big as great Iron Pillers , under the same burned such a huge flaming Fire , that it sparkled like the fiery Furnace in burning Acheron . Within the Cauldron were boiling the flesh of two fat Bullocks , prepared only for the Giant 's dinner ; the sight of this ensuing Banquet , gave them such comfort , that every one fell to work , hoping for their Travel to eat part of the Meat ; one turned the Béef in the Cauldron , another encreased the Fire , and others pulled out the Coals , so that there was not any idle in the hope of the benefit to come . The Hunger they had , and their desire to eat , caused them to fall to their Meat before it was half rea●y , as though that it had béen over sodden ; the two Knights of Wales and Ireland not intending to dine without Bread and Drink , searched in a secret hollow Cave , wherein they found two great L●aves of Bread , as big in compass as the circle of a Well , and two great Flagons full of as good Wine as ever they tasted , the which with great joy and pleasure they brought from the Cave , to the great and exceeding contentment of the other Champions . Instead of Knives to cut their Uictuals , St. George used his Curtle-axe which had lately been stained with the hateful Giant 's detested Blood , and imbrewed with his loathsome Br●ins . Thus , and after this manner qualified they the pinching pains and torments of Hunger , whereof they took as joyful a repast as if they had vanqueted in the richest King's Palace in the World. So being joyful for their good and happy Fortunes , St. George requested the Champions to take Horse , ●nd mounted himself upon his Palfrey , and so they travelled from thence thorow a narrow Path , which séemed to be used by the Giant , and so with great delight they travelled all the rest of that Day , till Night closed in the beauty of the Heavens ; at which time they had got , to the top of a high Mountain , from whence a little before Night they did discover marvelous and great Plains , the which were inhabited with fair Cities and Towns , at which sight these Christian Champions received great contentment and joy , and so without any staying , they made haste onward on their Iourney till such time as they came to a low Ualley lying betwixt two running Rivers , where in the mid'st of the way they found an Image of fine Crystal , the picture and lively form of a beautiful Uirgin , which séemed to be wrought by the hands of some most excellent Workman , all to bespotted wich Blood. And it appeared b● the Wounds that were cunningly formed in the same Picture , that it was the Image of some Lady that had suffered Tormants , as well with terrible cutting of Irons , as cruel Whippings ; the Lady's legs and arms did seem as tho' they had beén martyred , and wr●ng with cords , and about the neck , as though she had been forcibly strangled with a Napkin or Towel . The Crystal Picture lay upon a rich adorned Bed of black Cloaths , under an Arbour of purple Roses : by the curious fair formed Image , sat a goodly aged Man in a Chair of Cypress-wood ; his Attire was after the manner of the Arcadian Sheepheards , not curious but comely , yet of a black and sable colour , as a sute sign of some deadly Discontent , his Hair hung down below his Shoulders , like untwisted Silk , in whiteness like Down of Thistes , his Beard over-grown● dangling down as it were frozen Isikles upon a Hawthorn tree ; his Face wrinkled and over worn with Age , and his Eyes almost blind , bewailing the griefs and sorrows of his Heart . Which strange and woful spectacle , when the Christian Champions earnestly beheld , they could not by any manner of means refrain from the shedding some few so●rowful Tents in seeing before them the Picture of a Woman , of such excellent Beauty , which had been oppressed with Cruelty ; but the pi●iful English Knight had the greatest Compassion , when he beheld the counterfeit of this tormented Creature , who taking Truce with his sorrowful Heart , he courteously desired the old Father , sitting by this woful Spectacle , to tell the cause of his Sorrow , and the discourse of that Lady 's passed Fortunes , for whose sake he seemed to spend his days in that solitary order , to whom the old Man with a number of Sighs thus kindly reply'd : Brave Knights , for so you seem by your Courtesies and Behaviours , to tell the Story of my bitter Woes , and the Causes of my endless Sorrows , will constrain a spring of Tears to trickle from the conduits of my aged Eyes , and make the mansion of my Heart rive in twain , in remembering of my undeserved Miseries ; as many drops of Bloud hath fallen from my Heart , as there be silver Hairs upon my Head , and as many Sighs have I strained from my Breast , as there be Minutes in a Year , for thrice seven hundred times the Winters Frosts , hath nipt the Mountain-tops since first I made those ruful Lamentations : during all which time I have sat before this Crystal Image , hourly praying that some courteous Knight would be so kind as to aid me in my vowed Revenge , and now Fortune I see hath smil'd upon me , in sending you hither to work just Revenge for the inhumane Murther of my Daughter , whose perfect Image lieth here carved in fine Crystal , as the continual Object of my Grief ; and because you shall understand the true Discourse of her timeless Tragedy , I have written it down in a Paper-book with mine own Bloud , the which my sorrowful Tongue is not able to reveal . And thereupon he pulled from his bosom a golden covered Book , with silver Clasps , and requested St. George to read it to the rest of the Knights , to which he willingly condescended , so sitting down amongst the other Champions upon the green Grass , he opened the bloudy Written-book , and read over the Contents , which contained these sorrowful Words following : CHAP. VI. What happened to the Champions after they had found an Image of fine Crystal , in the form of a murthered Maiden , where St. George had a golden Book given him , wherein was written in Blood , the true Tragedies of two Sisters ; and likewise how the Champions intended a speedy Revenge upon the Knight of the Black Castle , for the Deaths of the two Ladies . IN former times whilest Fortune smiled upon me , I was a wealthy Shepherd , dwelling in this unhappy Country , not only held in great Estimation for my Wealth , but also for two fair Daughters which Nature had made most excellent in Beauty , in whom I took such exceeding Ioy and Delight , that I atcounted them my chiefest Happiness ; but yet in the end , that which I thought should most Content me , was the occasion of these my endless Sorrows . My two Daughters ( as I say before ) were endued with wonderful Beauty , and accompanied with no less Honesty ; the Fame of whose Uertues was much blazed in many parts of the World ; by reason whereof there repaired to my Shepherd's Cottage , divers strange and worthy Knights , with great desire to M●●ry with my Daughters , but above them all , there was one named Leoger , a Knight of a black Castle , ( wherein he now remaineth ) being in distance from this place two hundred Leagues , in an Island encompassed with the Sea. This Leoger , I say , was so intangled with the Beauty of my Daughters , that he desired me to give him one of them in Marriage ; when I little mistrusting the Treason and Cruelty that after followed , but rather considering the great Honour that might redound thereof , for that he was a worthy Knight , as I thought , and of much fortitude , I quickly fulfilled his Desire , and granted to him my eldest Daughter in Marriage , where after Hymen's holy Rites were solemnized in great Pomp and State , she was conducted in company of her new wedded Lord to the black Castle , more like a Princess in State , than a Shepherd's Daughter of such low Degree . But still I retained in my Company the youngest , being of far more Beauty than her eldest Sister , of which this trayterous and unnatural Knight was informed , and her surpassing Beauty so excelled , that in a small time he forgot his new married Wife and sweet Companion , and wholly gave himself over to my other Daughter's Love , without consideration that he had married her Sister : so this inordinate and lustful Love kindled and increased in him every day more and more , and he was so troubled with this new Desire , that he daily divised with himself by what means he might obtain her , and keep her in despight of all the World : in the end he used this policy and deceit to get her home into his Castle : When the time grew on , that my eldest Daughter his Wife should be delivered , he came in great Pomp , with a stately Train of Followers to my Cottage , and certified me that his Wife was delivered of a goodly Boy , and thereupon requested me with very fair and loving Words that I would let my Daughter go unto her Sister , to give her that contentment which the desired , for that she did love her more dearly than her own Soul : thus his crafty and subtil Perswasions so much prevailed , that I would not frame an Excuse to the contrary , but must needs consent to his Demands ; so streightway when he had in his Power that which his Soul so much desired , he presently departed , giving me to understand that he would carry her to his Wife , for whose sight she had so much desired , and at whose coming she would receive so great Ioy and Contentment ; her suddain Departure bred such Sorrows in my Heart ( being the only Stay and Comfort of my declining Ag● ) that the fountains of my Eyes rained down a showre of sa●● Tears upon my aged Breast , so dear is the Love of a Father unto his Child ; but to be short , when this lustful minded C●●tiffe with his pompious Train came in sight of his Castle , he commanded his Followers to ride forwards , that with my Daughter he might secretly coutec of serious Matters , and so sta●d lingring behind , till he saw his Company almost out of sight , and they two alone together , then he found opportunity to accomplish his Iustful Desire , and so rode into a ●ittle Grove , which was hard at hand , close by a River's side , where without any more carrying he carried her into the thickest part thereof , where he thought it most conve●ent to perform so wicked a Deed. When ●e beheld the Branches of the thick Tree to with-hold the Light of Heaven from them , and that it seemed a place as it were over-spread with the sable m●ntles of Night , he alighted from his Horse , and willed my well-beloved Daughter that she would likewise alight ; she in whose Heart reigned no kind of suspision , presently alighted , and sat her down by the River si●e , and washed her fair white Hands in the Streams , and refreshed her Mouth with the Crystal Waters . Then this dissembling Traytor could not longer res●ain , but with a Countenance like the lustful King of Thrace , when he intended the Ravishment of Progne , or like Tarquinus of Rome , when he defloured Lucretia , he let her understand by some outward Shews , and dark Sentences the kind●ed fire of Love that burned in his Heart , and in the end he did wholly declare his devillish Pretence and determined Purpose . So my unmarried Daughter being troubled in mind with his Iustful Assailments , began in this manner to reprchend him , Will you ( said she ) destle my Sister's Bed , and stain the Honour of your House with Lust ? will you bereave me of that precious Iewel , the which I hold more dear than my Life , and blot my true Uirginity with your false Desires ? brought you me from the comfortable sight of my Father to be joy unto my Sister , and will you flourish in the spoiling of my true Chastity ? Look , look , immoderate Knight ( I will not call thee Brother ) look , I say , how the Skies blush at thy Attempts , and see how chaste Diana sits upon the winged Firmament , and threatens Uengeance for her Uirgin's sake : wash from thy Heart these lustful Thoughts with showers of repentant Tears , and seek not in this sort to wrong thy Marriage bed , the which thou oughtest not to violate for all the Kingdoms in the World. Then this accursed Knight , seeing the chaste and vertuous Maiden to stand so boldly in the defence of her Uirginity , with his rigorous Hand he took fast hold by her neck , and with a wrathful Countenance he delivered these Words : Do not think stubborn Damsel to preserve thy Honour from the purpose of my Desires , for I swear by the Crystal Tower of Jupiter , either to accomplish my Intents , or put thee to the cruellest Death that ever was devised for any Damsel or Maid . At which Words the most sorrowful and distressed Uirgin , with a shower of pearled Tears trickling down her seemly blushing Cheeks , replyed in this order : Think not , false Traytor ( quoth she ) that fear of Death shall cause me to yield to thy filthy Desires : no , no , I will account that stroak ten times more happy , and welcom to my Soul , then the joys of Wedlock : then might I walk in the Elizian Fields among those Dames that died true Uirgins , and not live to hold the bud of my Maiden's Glory whithered with the nipping Frosts of thy unnatural Desires . Those Words being well understood by the lustful Knight , who with a Countenance more furious then savage Lyons in the Deserts of Libia , took her by the slender wast , and rigorusly dasht her Body against the ground , and there withal spake these Words : Understand , said he , and be well perswaded , thou unrelenting Damsel , that eithere living or dead , I will perform my Will and intended Purpose ; for in my heart there burns a fire that all the Waters in the Seas can never quench , nor all the dri●●ing clouds of Rain , if they should drop eternal Showers ; but it is the Water of thy sweet Uirginity that must quench my furious burning Love : and thereupon in a madness he cut a great part of the Train of her Gown and bound it very fast to the Hair of her Head , which glistered like golden Wyers , and bragged her up and down the Grove , till the Gri●ss turned to a Purple colour , with the Blood that issued from her Body : by which true●ty he thought to enforce her to his pleasure , but she respected not his wicked Cruelty , and she more he proceeded to ●orment her , the more earnestly the defended her Honour . When this cruel and inhumane Monster saw that neither sla●tering Speeches , nor his cruel threats were of sufficiency to prevail , began to forget all Faith and Loyalty he owed unto the honour of Knight-hood , and the respect he should bear unto Women-kind , and blasphemed against Heaven , tearing her Cloaths all to pieces , he stripped her stark naked , and with the Reins of the Bridle of his Horse , i●e cruelly whipped and scou●ged her white and tender Back , that it was full of blew Spots , and horrible circles of black and setled Blood , with such extream cruelty that it was a very grievous and sorrowful sight to behold : And yet this did profit him nothing at all , for she continued in her former Resolutions . He seeing that she still persevered in the defence of her Honour , he straight-ways like to a bloody Monster heaped Cruelty upon Cruelty , and so took and bound her well proportioned Legs , crystalline Arms , straightly unto a withered Tree , saying , Oh cruel , and more cruel than any Woman in the World hath ever been , why dost thou suffer thy self to be Tormented , and not give consent to procure thy Ease ? Dost thou think it better to endure this torment , than to live a most loving , sweet , and contented Life ; and therewith his Anger so encreased , that he staring on her Face with his accursed Eyes , fixed in such sort that he could not withdraw them back . The which being perceived by this distressed Uirgin , as one far more desirous of Death than of Life , with a furious Uoyce , she said , Oh Traytor , thou wicked Monster , thou utter Enemy to all Humanity , thou shameless Creature , more cruel than the Lyons in the Desarts of Hircania : thou stain of Knight-hood , and the bloodiest Wretch that ever Nature ●ramed in the World , wherein dost thou contemplate thus thyself ? thou fleshly Butcher , thou unmerciful Tyger , thou le●herous Hogg , and dishonourer of thy Progeny ; make an end ( I say ) of these my Torments , for now it is too late to repent thee , gore my unspotted Breast with thy bloody Weapon , and send my Soul into the bosom of Diana whom I behold sitting in her celestial Palace , accompanied with numberless Troops of vestal Uirgins , ready to entertain my bleeding Ghost into her pleasant Mansion . This merciless Knight seeing the steadfastness that she had in the defence of her Honour , with a cruel and infernal Heart took a silken Scarf which the Damsel had girded at her Waste , and with a brutal anger doubled it about her neck and pinched it so s●r●it that her Soul departed from her teriestial Body . O you valiant Knights that by your Prowess come to the reading of this dismal Tragedy , and come to the hearing these bloody ●ine● contained in this Golden Book , consider the great Constan●y and Chastity of this unfortunate Malden , and let the Grief thereof move you to take Vengeance of this Cruelty shewed without any Desert . So when 〈…〉 that the was Dead , he took 〈…〉 and in a 〈◊〉 he overtook them , and looked with 〈…〉 a Countenance , that there was 〈…〉 to ask him where my Daughter was , 〈…〉 that bore me great affection for the 〈◊〉 and co●●●elie I offered to him at his Lady's & my Daughter's Nuptials , whō●aving a suspition by the great alteration that appeared in his Master , and being very desirous to know what was bec●me of the Damsel , for that he came alone without bringing the Damsel with him , neither could he have any sight of her , he then presently withdrew himself back , and followed the footings of the Horse , and ceased not until he came to the place where this cruelty was wroth ; whereas he found the Maiden Dead , at the view whereof he remained almost beside himself , in such sort that he had well n●ar fallen to the Ground : the sorrowful Squire remained thus a good while before he could speak ; but at last when he came again to himself , he began with a dolorous Complaint to cry out against Fortune , because she had suffered so great Cruelty to be committed upon this Damsel . And making this sorrowful Lamentation , he unloosed her f●om the Tree , and laid her naked Body upon part of her Apparel , the which he found lying by , all be●●eared in Blood , and afterwards complained in this pitiful so●t : O cruel Knight ! ( quoth he ) what infernal Heart remained in thy Breasts , or what hellish Fury did bear thee Company , that thy Hands have committed this inhumain Sacrifice ! was it not possible that this her surmounting Beauty might have moved thee to pity , when it is of power to move the bloody Canibal to remorse , and constrain even savage Monsters to relent ? So with these , and other like sorrowful Words the woful Squire spake unto the dead Corpse , he cut down Branches from the Trees , and gathered Grass from the Ground for to cover the Body , and left it laying so , that it seemed to be a Mountain of green Grass , or a Thicket of springing Trees , and then determined with himself in the best manner that he could , to dissemble the Knowledge of the bloody Fat : so he ●ook his Horse and rode the next way towards the Castle , in which he rode so fast , that he overtook the Knight and his Company at the entring of the Gates , whereas the lustful Tyrant alighted , and without speaking to any Person , entred into his Closet , by reason whereof this kind and courteous Squire had time to declare all things he had seen to the new married Lady , and the dolorous End of the constant Damsel her Sister . This sudden and unlooked for Sorrow mixed with Anger and Wrath , was such in the Lady , that she caused the Squire not to depart from the Castle , until such time as mo●e occasion served , and to keep all things in secret that he had seen , she herself remained very sorrowful , making mavellous and great Lamentation to herself all in secret , as if she would not be perceived , yet with a soft Uoice she said : Oh unfortunate Lady ? Born in a sorrowful Hour , when some blazing and unlucky Comet raigned : oh ! unhappy Destinies that made me Wife unto so cruel a Knight , whose foul Misdeeds have made the very Elements to blush ; but yet I know that Fortune will not be so far unkind , but that he will procure a strange Revenge upon his purple stained Soul : Oh you immortal Powers ! Revenge me on this wicked Homicide , if not , I swear that I will with mine own Hands put in practice such an Enterprize , and so stain my unspotted Heart with Willful murther , that all the Fates above , and all the bright celestial Planets shall sit and look from their immortal Palaces , and tremble at the Terrour of my Hate . This being said , she took in her hand a Dagger of the Knights , and in her Arms her young Son , being but of the Age of forty Days , saying , Now do I wish so much Evil unto the World , that I will not leave a Son of so wicked a Father alive ; for I will wash my hands in their accursed Bloods , were they in number as many as King Prsam's Children : And so in this ireful order entred she the Chamber , where the Knight her Husband was , and finding him tumbling upon his Bed from one side to the other , without taking any rest , but in his fury rending and tearing the silken Ornaments , where with a sorrowful Weeping , and terrible Uoice she called him Traytor , and like a ste●ce Tygress , with the Dagger that she brought in her hand , before his face s●e cut the Throat of the innocent Babe , and threw it to him on the Bed , and therewithal said , Take there ( thou Traytor ) the Fruit that thy wieked Seed created in my Body , and then she threw the Dagger at him also , in hope to have killed him , but Fortune would not that it should take effect , for it struck against the T●stern of the Bed , and rebounded back unto her hands , which when the Lady saw that it nothing prevailed , she returned upon her self her out ragious fury ; so taking the bloody Dagger , she thrust it into her Heart in such sort , that it parted in two pieces , and so she ●ell down dead betwixt his Arms that was occasion of all this bloody Cruelty . The great Sorrow hereat that this false and unhappy Knight received , was so strange , that he knew not what Counsel to take ; but thinking upon a severe Uengeance that might succeed these cruel Acts , he straight-ways devised that the Body of the Lady should be secretly Buried ; which being done by himself , in the saddest time of the Night , in a soilta●● Garden under his Castle Wall , he heard a hollow Uoice breath from the deep Uaults of the Earth , this manner o● sp●ech ●●●lo●●ing : For the bloody Fact which thou so lately hast committed , thy Life draws near to a shameful End ; and thy Castle , with all thy Treasure therein shall be destroyed , or fall into the hands of him whose Daughters thou hast so cruelly Murthered . Upon this he determined to use a secret Policy , which was to set watch and w●rd in euery passage near unto his Castle , and to arrest all such Travellers as by Adventure landed upon that Island , not suffering them to pass untill such time as they had promised by Dath to ai● and assist him , even unto Death , against all his Enemies . In the mean time , the aforenamed Squite which had seen and heard all the tragical Dealings that have been here declared , in the best wise he could , returned again unto my Cottage , and told me all that you have heard , which was unto me very sorrowful and heavy News : iudge here then gentle Knights and ye beholders of this woful Tragedy , what Sorrow I unfortunate Wretch sustained , and what Anguish I received ; for at the hearing thereof , I fell into a senseless Swound , and being come again to my self , I all to besmeared my milk white Hairs in Dust , that before were as Clean as tryed Silver , and with my Tears , being the true signs of sorrow , I bathed the bosome of my Mother-earth , and my sighs passed with such abundance from my tormented Heart , that they stayed the passage of my Speech , and my Tongue could not reveal the Grief that my woful Thoughts conceived . In this dumb silence and sorrow of Mind I remained three Days , and three Nights , numbring my silent Passions with the Minutes of the Day , and my nightly Griefs with the Stars when frostly bearded Winter had clad the Elements with sparkling Diamonds ; but at last , when my amazed Griefs were something abated , my Eyes ( almost blind with weeping ) requiring some sleep , thereby to mitigate the sorrows of my Heart . I made my repair into a certain Meadow adioyning near unto my Cottage , where amongst the green springing Downs , I purposed to take some Rest , and to look up the Closets of of my fearful Eyes , with g●lden Slumbers , thinking it to be the greatest content my sobbing Heart required ; but before I could settle my Senses to a quiet Sleep , I was constrained to breath this woful Lamentation from my oppressed Soul : Oh unhappy Chance ! ( quoth I ) oh cruel and most spightful Fortune ! why diddest thou not make me lose this bitter and sorrowful Life in my Child-hood ? or why didst thou not permit and suffer me to be strangled in my Mother's Womb , or to have perished in my Cradle ; or at my Nurse's Pap ? then had my Heart never felt this Sorrow , my Ears heard the Murther of my Children , nor mine Eyes had never wept so many helpless Tears . Oh you Mountains , you untamed Beasts ! oh you deep Seas , and you infernal powers of revengful Hell ! come , I say , and willingly assist me in this mortal Tragedy , that these my aged Hands , which never yet practised any hamous Crime , may now be stained in his accursed blood that hath bereaved me of the prop and stay of declined Age , my Daughters ( I mean ) whose bleeding Ghosts will never be appeased , nor never sleep in quiet upon the joyful Banks of the El●zian Fields , but wander up and down in the World , filling each corner of the Earth with fearful and doleful clamou● of Murther and Revenge , nor ever shall the furies of angry Souls be pacified , until mine Eyes behold a stream of purple gore run trickling from the detestable Breast of that accursed Ravisher , and that the Blood may issue from his guilty Heart like a Fountain with a number of Springs , where the Pavements of this Castle may be sprinkled with the same , and the Walls of his T●rrets coloured with a crimson hue , like to the Streets of Troy , when as her Channels ran with Blood : at the end of this sorrowful Lamentation , what for Grief , and what for want of natural Rest , my Eyes closed together , and my Senses fell into a heavy Sleep . But as I lay slumbring in the green Meadows , I dreamed that there ●s a great and fierce Wild-man , which stood before me with a sharp Fauchion in his hand , making as though he would kill me , whereat me thought I was so frighted , that I gave ( in my troublesome Dream ) many terrible shrieks , calling for succour to the empty Air. Then me thoughts there appeared before my Face a company of courteous Knights which said unto me : Fear not , old Man , for we be come from thy Daughter to aid and succour thee , but yet for all this the Wild-man vanished not away , but struck with his Fauchion upon my Breast , whereas it seemed to open , and then the wild Centaure put his hand into the gaping Wound , and pulled out my bleeding Heart : where at the same instant , methought that one of the Knights likewise laid hold upon my Heart , and they strove together with much Contention , who should pull it from the others hands ; but in the end , each of them remained with a piece in his Hand , and my Heart parted in two . Then the piece which remained in the Wild-man's keeping , turned into a hard Stone , and the piece which remained in the power of the Knight , converted into red Blood , and so they vanished away . Then straight after this , there appeared before mine eyes the Image of my murthered Daughter , in the self same manner and form as you behold her portrayed , who with a naked Body all besmared in Blood , reported unto me the true Discourse of her unhappy Fortunes , and told me what place , and where her Body lay in the Woods , dishonoured for want of Burial : also desiring me not of myself to Attempt the Revengement , for it was unpossible , but to intomb her Corpse by her Mother , and cause the picture of her Body to be most lively portrayed and wrought of fine Crystal , in the same manner that I found it in the Woods , and after erect it near unto a common Passage , where Adventurous Knights do usually Travel . And assuring me that thither would come some certain Christian Champions that should revenge this Injury and inhumain Murther . Which words being finished , me thought she vanished away with a grievous and heavy Groan , leaving behind her certain drops of Blood sprinkled upon the Grass : Whereat with great perplexity and Sorrow , I awaked out of my Dream , bearing it in my grieved Mind , not telling it to one , not so much as to the vast Air , but with all expedition performed her bleeding Souls request . Where ever since , most courteous and noble Knights , I have here lamented her untimely Death , and my unhappy Fortune , spending the time in writing her doleful Tragedy in Blood-red Lines , the which I see with great grief you have read in this Book of Gold. Therefore most curious Knights , if ever Honour encouraged you to fight in noble Adventures , I now most earnestly intreat you with your Magnanimous Fortitudes to assist me to take Revengement , for that great cruelty that hath been used against my unfortunate Daughter . At the ●rading of this sorrowful History St. George with the other Champions , shed many Tears , wherewith there did encrease in them a further desire of Revengment , and being moved with great Compassion , the● protested on their Promises made to the honour of Knight-hood , to persevere speedily on their vowed Revenge and determined Purpose ; so sealing up a Promise to their p●igh●ed Oaths , protesting that sooner should the Lives of all the famous Romans be raised from Death , from the time of Romulus to Caesar , , and all the rest unto this time , than to be perswaded to return from their Promises , and never to travel back into Christendom till they had Performed their Uows ; and thus burning with Desire to see thee end of this sorrowful Adventure , St. George clasped up the bloody written Book , and gave it again to the Shepherd , and so they proceeded forwards towards the Island where the Knight of the Black Castle had his Residence , guided only by the direction of the old Man , whose aged Limbs séemed so lusty in Travelling , that it prognosticated a lucky Event ; in which Iourney we will leave the Champions for a time , with the wonderful provision that the Knight of the Black Castle made in his Defence , the Success whereof will be the strangest that ever was reported , and return and speak of St. George's three Sons in the pursuit of their Father ; where we left them ( as you heard before ) travelling from the constnes of Barbary , where they redeemed the Norman Lady from the Tawny-moors . CHAP. VI. A wonderful and strange Adventure that happ'ned to St. George his Sons , in the persuit of their Father , by finding certain drops of Blood , with Virgin 's Hair scattered in the Field , and how they were certified of the injurous dealing of the Knight of the Black Castle against the Queen of Armenia . MAny and dangerous were the Adventures of the three young Princes in the pursuit of their Father St. George , and many were the Countries , Islands , and Princes Courts , that they searched to obtain a wished sight of his Martial Countenance , but all to small purpose , for Fortune neither cast them happily upon that Coast where he with his Famous Champions had their Residence , nor luckily sounded in their Ears the places of their Arrival . In which pursuit I omit and pass over many Noble Adventures that these three Princes atchieved , as well upon the raging Ocean , as upon the firm Land , and only discourse upon an Accident that hapned to them in an Island bordered upon the Confines of Armenia , near unto the Island where the Knight of the Black Castle remained , as you heard in the last Chapter ; upon which Coast after they were arrived , they travelled in a broad and straigh Path , until such time as they came to a very fair and delectable Forrest , whereas sundry creeping Birds had gathered themselves together , to refresh and shroud themselves from the parching Heat of the golden Sun , filling the Air with the pleasures of their sh●ill-tuned Notes . In this Forrest they travelled almost two hours , and then they w●nt up to the top of a small Mountain which was at hand , from the which they discovered very fair and well-tow●ed Towns , Princely Palaces , very sumptuous to behold ; likewise they discovered from the Hill a fair Fountain wrought all of Marble like unto a Pillar , out of which did proceed tour Spouts running with Water , which fell into a great Cistern , and coming to it , they washed their Hands , refreshed their Faces , and so departed . After they had looked round about them on every-side , and toward their right hand they espied amongst a company of green Trees , a small Tent of black Cloath , towards which these young Princes directed their Courses , with an easie Pace , but when they had entred the Tent , and saw no body therein , they remained silent a while , hearkning if they could hear any stirring , but they could neither see nor hear any thing , but only they found the print of certain little Feet upon the Sand , which caused them more earnestly to desire to know whose Foot-steps they were , for that they seemed to be some Ladies or Damsels : so finding the Trace they followed them , and the more the Knights followed , the more the Ladies seemed to hast , so long they pursued after the Trace , that at the end they approached a little Mountain , whereas they sound scattered about certain locks of yellow Hair , which seemed like threads of Gold , and stooping to gather them up , they perceived that some of them were wet with drops of Blood , whereby they well understood , that in great anger they were pulled from some Lady's Head : likewise they saw in divers places how the Earth was spotted with spots of crimson Blood : then with a more Desire than they had before , they went up to the top of that little Mountain , and having lost the Foot-steps , they recovered it again by gathering up the Hair , whe●e they had not travelled far upon the Mountain , but towards the Waters-side they ●eard a grievous Complaint , which seemed to be the Uoice of a Woman in great Distress , and the words which the Knights did understand , were these : O Love ! now shalt thou no more rejoyce , nor have any longer dominion over me , for Death I see is ready to cut my thred of Life , and finish these my sorrowful Lamentations : how often have I ask'd Revengement at the Hands of Fortune against that wicked Wretch that hath been the causer of my Banishment , but yet she will not 〈◊〉 my Request : how oft have I made my sad Complaints to Hell , ye● have the fatal Furies stopt their Ears against my mournful Cries . And with this she held her peace , giving a sorrowful Sigh , which being done , the three Christian Knig●ts turned their Eyes to the place from whence they heard this Complaint , and discovered among certain green Trees , a Lady who was endued with singular Beauty , being so excellent , that i● almost dep●ived them of their Hearts , and captived their Senses in the snares of Love , which liberty as yet they never lost : she had her Hair aboue her Ears , which hung defusedly down her comely Shoulders through the Uiolence she used against herself , and leaning her Cheek upon her delicate white Hand that was all to bespotted with Blood , which was constrained by the scratching of her Nails upon her rosie coloured Face : by her stood another Damsel which they conjectured to be her Daughter , for she was clad in Uirgin-coloured Silk as white as the Lillies of the Fields , and as pleasant to behold , as the glistering Moon in a clear Winter fréezing Night ; notwithstanding all this delectable sight the three princely Knights would not discover themselves , but stood closely behind three Pine trees which grew near unto the Mountain , to hear the event of this sad Accident ; whereas they stood cloked in silence , they heard her thus to confer with her beautiful Daughter : Oh my Rosana ( quoth she ) the unhappy figure of him , that without pity hath wounded my Heart , and left me comfortless with the greatest cruelty that ever Knight or Gentleman left Lady : How hath it been possible that I have had the force to bring up thee , the Child of such a Father which hath bereaved me of my Liberty ! O you Soveraign Powers , grant that I may establish in my mind the remembrance of the Love of thy adulterous Father ? O Girl , born to a further Grief , here do I desire the guiders of thy Fortunes , that thy glistering Beauty may have such force and power , whereby the shining beams thereof may take revengement of the dishononr of thy Mother : give ear , dear Child , I say , unto thy dying Mother , thou that art born in the Dishonour of thy Generation , by the loss of my Virginity , here do I charge thee upon my Blessing , even at my hour of Death , and swear thee by the band of Nature , never to suffer thy Beauty to be enjoyed by any one , until thy disloyal Father's Head be offered up in Sacrifice unto my Grave , thereby somewhat to appease the fury of my discontented Soul , and recover part of my former Honour . These and such like words spake the as afflictes Queen , to the wonderful amazement of the thrée young Knights , which as yet intended not to discover themselves , but still to mark the event , for they conjectured that her woful Complaints were the indualon of some strange Accident : Thus as they stood obscurely behind the Trees , they saw the young and beautiful Damsel give unto her dying Mother , Payer , Pen and Ink , the which she pulled from her fair B●som , with which the grieved Queen subscribed certain sorrowful Lines unto him that w●● the causer of her Bam●tment , and making an end of her Writing , then heard her ( with a dying Breath ) speak unto her Daughter these sorrowful Words following : Come Daughter ( quoth she ) behold thy Mother at her latest Gasp , and imprint my dying Request in thy Heart , as in a Table of Brals , that it never may be forgotten ; time will not give longer respite , that with Words I may shew unto thee my deep Affections , for I feel my Death approaching , and the fatal Sisters ready to cut my thread of Life asunder between the edges of their Shears , insomuch that I most miserable Creature do feel my Soul trembling in my Flesh , and my Heart quivering at this my last and fatal Hour , but one thing ( my sweet and tender Child ) do I desire of thee before I die , which is , That thou wouldest procure that this Letter may be given to that cruel Knight thy disloyal Father , giving him to understand of this my troublesome Death , the occasion whereof was his unreasonable Cruelty : and making an end of laying this , the miserable Queen fell down , not having any more strength to sit up , but let the Letter fall out of her hand , the which her sorrowful Daughter presently took up , and falling upon her Mother's Breast , she replied in this sorrowful manner : O my sweet Mother , tell me not that you will die , for it adds a Torment more grievous unto my Soul than the Punishment which Danaus his Daughters feel in Hell : I had rather be torn in pieces by the fury of some merciless Monster , or to have my Heart parted in twain by the hands of him that is my greatest Enemy , than to remain without your company . Sweet Mother , let these my youthful Years and this green budding Beauty encourage you still to revive , and not to leave me comfortless , like an Exile in the World ; but if the gloomy Fates do triumph in your Death , and abridge your breathing trunk of Life , and your Soul must needs go wander in the Elizian Shades , with Trula's Shadow , and with Dido's Ghost , here I protest by the great and tender Love I bear you , and by the due Obedience that I own unto your Age , either to deliver this your Letter into the hand of my unkind Father , or with these my ruful Fingers to rend my Heart in sunder ; and before I will forget my Yow , the silver streamed Tygris shall forsake her Course , the Sea her Tydes , and the glistering , Queen of Night her usual Changes , neither shall any Forgetfulnes● be an occasion to withdraw my Mind from performing your dying Requests : Then this weak Queen , whose Power and Strength was wholly decayed , and her hour of Dea●h grew near a● hand , with a feeble Uoice she said . O you sacred and immortal Gods , and all you bright celestial Powers of Happiness , into your divine Bosomes now do I commend my dying Soul , asking no other Revengement against the causer of my Death , but that he may die l●ke me for want of Love. After this the d●ing Queen n●v●r spake word more , for at that instant the cruel ●estin●es gave an end unto her Life ; but when Rosana pe●ceived her to be Dead , and she left to the World devoid of Comfort , sh● began to tear the golden Trammels from her Head , and most ●u●iou●ly to beat her where 〈◊〉 Breast , filling the empty Air with ●lamours of her M●a●s , making t●e Sk●e● like an Eccho to resound her Lamentations , and at last taking her M●ther's Letter into her hands , washing it with floods of Tears , and pu●t●ng it next unto her naked Breast , she said ▪ Here lie thou , near adjoyning to my bleeding Heart , never be removed until I have performed my dying Mother's Testament . Oh Works , and the last Work of those her dying Hands , here do I swear by the Honour of true Virgins , not to part it from my grieved Bosome , until such time as Love has rent the disloyal Heart of my unkind Father ; and speaking this she kissed it a t●ousand times , breat●ing forth millions of Sighs , and so with a blu●●ing Countenance , as red as Aurora's glistering Beams , she ●ose , and said to hersel● , What is this Rosana , dost thou think to recal thy Mother's Life with ceremonious Complaints , and not perform that which by her was commanded thee ? Arise , arise , I say , gather unto thyself Strength and Courage , and wander up and down the World , till thou hast found thy disloyal Father , as thy true heart hath promised to do . The●e words were no sooner finished , but St. George's Sons like Men whose Hearts were almost overcome with G●ief , came f●o● the Pine-trées , and discovered themselves to the Damsel , and courteously requested her to discourse the Story of all her p●ssed M●series , and as they were true Christian K●ights they promised her ( if it lay in their Power ) to relea●e her Sorrows , and to give end unto her Miseries . Rosana when she beheld these courteous an● well d●meano●'d Kn●ghts , which in her conceit carried relenting Minds , and considering how kind●y they d●sired to be pa●tners in her Greifs she stood not ●●en curious Terms , nor upon Exceptions , but most wi●●ingly condescended to their Requests ; so when they had prepared their Ears to entertain her sad and sorrowful Discourse , with a sober Countenance , she began in this manner : Lately I was ( quoth he ) whilst Fortune smiled on me , the only Child and Daughter of this liveless Queen that you behold here lying Dead , and she before my Birth , whilst Fortune granted her Prosperity , was the Maiden Queen of a Country called Armenia , adjoyning near unto this unhappy Island , whom in her young Years when her Beauty began to flourish , and her high Renown to mount upon the wings of Fame , she was so intrapped with the golden Bait of blind C●pid , and ●o intangled with the Love of a disloyal Knight , called the Knight of the Black Castle who after he had flourisht in the spoil of her Virginity , and had left his fruitful Seed springing in her Womb , grew weary of her Love , and most discourteously left her as a Shame unto her Countrey , and a Stain unto her Kindred , and after gave himself to such Lustful and Lascivious manner of Life , that he unlawfully Married a Shepherd's Daughter in a Forreign Land , and likewise ravished her own Sister , and after committed her to a most inhumain Slaughter in a desart Wood : this being done , he fortified himself in his Black Castle , and only consorted with a cunning Necromancer , whose skill in Magick is now grown so excellent , that all the Knights in the World can never conquer the Castle , where ever since he hath remained in despight of the whole Earth . But now speak I of the tragical Story of my unhappy Mother , when as I , her unfortunate Babe , began first to struggle in her Womb , wherein I wish I had been strangled ; she heard news of her Knight's ill demeanour , and how he had given himself to the spoyl of Virginity , and had for ever left her Love , never intending to return again , the Grief whereof so troubled her Mind , that she could not in any wise dissemble it ; and so upon a time being amongst her Ladies , calling to remembrance her spotted Virginity , and the Seed of Dishonour placed in her Womb , she fell into a wonderful and strange Trance , as though she had been oppressed , with sudden Death , which when her Ladies and Damsels beheld , they presently determined to unbrace her rich Ornaments , and to carry her unto her Bed , but she made Signs with her hands that they should depart and leave her alone , whose Commandment was straightways obeyed , not without great Sorrow of them all , for their Loves were dear unto her ; this afflicted Queen , when she saw that she was alone , began to exclaim against her Fortune , reviling the Fates with bitter Exclamations . Oh unconstant Queen of Chance ( said she ) thou that hast wraped such strange Webs in my Kingdom , thou that gaved my Honour to that Tyrant's Lust , which without all Remorse hath left me Comfortless , it is thou that didst constrain me to set my Life to sale , and to sell my Honour as it were with the Cryer , compelling me to do that which hath spotted my princely Estate , and stained my bright Honour with black Infamy : woe is me for Virginity ! that which my Parents gave me charge to have Respect unto , but I have carelesly kept it and small● regarded it : I will therefore chastise my Body , for thus forgetting of myself , and be so revenged for the little regard that I have made of my Honour , that it shall be an Example to all noble Ladies and Princes of high Estate in the whole World. Oh miserable Queen ! oh fond and unhappy Lady ! thy Speeches be too foolish , for although thy desperate Hand should pull out thy despised Heart from thy bleeding Breast , yet can it not make satisfaction for thy Dishonour . O you Clouds ! why do you not cast some fiery Thunder-bolt down upon my Head ? or why doth not the Earth gape and swallow my infamous Body ? oh false and deceived Lord , I would thy loving and amorous Words had never been spoken ! nor thy quick-sighted Eyes ever gazed upon my Beauty , then had I flourisht still with Glory and Renown , and lived a happy Virgin of chaste Diana 's Train . With these and other like Lamentations this grieved Queen passed away the time from Day to Day , till at last she felt her Womb to grow Big with Child : at the which she received double Pain , for that it was impossible to cover or hide it , and seeing her self in this case , like a Woman hated and abhorted , she determined to discover herself Publickly unto her Subjects , and deliver her Body unto them to be Sacrificed unto their Gods : and with this Determination one day she caused certain of her Nobles to be sent for , who straight-way came , according to her Commandment , but when she perceived her Lords , Knights , and Gentlemen of Honour were come thither before her , she covered herself with a rich Robe , and sat upon her Bed in her private Chamber , being so pale and lean , that all they that saw her had great compassion upon her Sorrow ; being all set round about her Bed , and keeping silence , she revealed to them the cause of her grief in this manner : My Lords ( quoth she ) I shame to entitle myself your Queen and Soveraign , in that I have desamed the honour of my Country , and little regarded the Welfare of my Common-wealth , my glistering Crown me thinks is shaded with a Cloud of black Disgrace , and my princely Attire converted into unchaste Habiliments , in which I have both lost the liberty of my Heart , and withal my wonted Joy , and now am constrained to indure perpetual Pain , and an ever-pining Death , for I have lost my Honour , and reaped nothing but Shame and Infamy . To conclude , I have foregone the liberty of a Queen , and sold myself to a slavish Sin , only mine own is the Fault , and my own shall be the Punishment . Therefore without making any Excuse , I here surrender up my Body into your Powers , that you may ( as an evil Queen ) sacrifice me unto our Gods , for now my Lords you shall understand , that I am dishonoured by the Knight of the Black Castle , he hath planted a Vine within my fruitful Garden , and also sown a Seed within my accursed Womb , that hath made Armenia Infamous ; he it is that hath committed hourly Evils in the World , he it is that delights in Virgins Spoyls , and he it is that hath bereaved me of my Honour , but with my Consent I must needs confess , and left me for a Testimony of this my evil Deed , big with Child , by which my Virgin 's Glory is converted to a monstrous Scandal : and with this she made an end of her lamentable Speech , and being grievously oppressed with the pain of her burthenous Womb , she fat her down upon her rich Bed , and attended their Wills. But when those Earls , Lords , and honourable Parsouages that were present , had understood all that the Queen had said unto them , like Men greatly amazed , they changed their colours from red to white , and from white to red , in sign of Anger looking one upon another , without speaking any Words , but printing in their Hearts the Fault doue by their Queen , to the great disgrace of their Country , they without any further consideration , deprived her from all Princely Dignity , both of Crown and Regiment , and pronounced her perpetual banishment from Armenia , like Subjects not to be governed by such a defamed Princess , that hath gra●ted the Fruit of such a Tree within her Womb. So at the time appointed , like a Woman forlorn and hated of all Companies , she stored herself with sufficient Treasure and betook herself to her appointed Banishment . After whose departure , the Armenians elected themselves another Prince , and lest their lustful Queen wandring in unknown Islands , big with Childs d●void of Succour and relief , where inflead of her princely Bed covered with Eanopies of Silk , the took her nightly Reposes upon the green Grass , shadowed with the fable Eurtains of the Skies , and the 〈◊〉 that were provided against her Delivery were Nymphs and Fayries dancing in the night by Proserpine's Commandment . 〈◊〉 in great Gr●ei continued s●e many days , contenting her self with her appointed Banishment , making her Lamentations to wispering Winds , which seemed in her conceit to re-answer her Complaints : at length the glistering Moon had ten times borrowed light of golden Phoebus and the nights that Candle was now almost ex●inguished , by which time approached the hour of her laboursome Travel , where without hel● of a Woman , she was delivered of me her unhappy Daughter , where ever since I have been nourished in these unfrequented Woods , and many times when I came to years of Discretion , my woful Mother would discourse unto me this Iamentable Story of both our Miseries , the which I have most truly declared unto you . Likewise she told me , that many times in my Infancy , when she wanted Milk in her Breasts to nourish me , there would come a Lyoness , and sometimes a she-Beat , and gently give me suck , and contrary to the Nature of wild Beasts , they would many times sport with me , whereby she conjectured that the immortal Powers had preserved me for some strange Fortune : Likewise at my Birth Nature had pictured upon my Breast directly betwixt my two Paps the lively form of a purple Rose , which as yet doth beautifie my Bosom with a Uermilion colour , and this was the cause that my Mother named me Rosana , answerable to my Natures Mark. After this we lived many a year in great Distress , Penury and Want , intreating Time to redress our Woes , more often then we had lived Hours ; the abundance of our Tears might suffice to make warry Seas , and our Sighs counterhall the Stars . But at last , the fatal Sisters listning to my Mother's Moans , and to my great Sorrows deprived her of Life , where now I am left a comfortless Orphan to the World , attending the time until I find some courteous Knight that may conduct me to the Black Castle , where my disloyal Father hath his Residence , that I may there perform my Mother's dying Will. These words being finished , Rosana stood silent , for that her extream Brief hindred the passage of her Tongue , and her Eyes rained such a shower of pearled Tears upon the liveless Body of her Mother , that it constrained St. George's Sons to express the like Sorrow : where after they had le● fall a few salt Tears down from their sad Eyes and had taken te●ce for a time with Brief , they took Rosana by the hand ( which before that time never touched the hand of any Man ) and protested never to depart from her cont●any till they had safely conducted her to the Black Castle . Thus after this when the Christian Knights had pitifully bewailed the Misery and untimely Death or her Mother , they took their Daggers and digged a Grave under a Bay-tree , and buried her Body therein , that hungry Ravens might not seize upon it , nor furious Bears tear it in pieces , nor ravenous Harpies devour it , and after with the point of their Daggers , they engraved this Epitaph in the rinde of the Bay-tree ; which words were these that follow : The Epitaph over the Grave of the unfortunate Queen of Armenia . Here lies the Body of a helpless Queen , Whose great Good-will to her small Joy did Bring ; Her willing Mind requited was with Teen , Though she deserv'd , for love , a Regal King : And as her Corpse inclosed here doth lie , Her luckless Fate , and Fame should never die . So when they had made this Epitaph and covered her Grave with green Turfs , they departed forward on their Iourney , towards thee Black Castle , where we will leave them in their Travels , and return to the disloyal Leoger , and how he fortified his Castle by Magick Art , according to the learned skill of a ●unning Necromancer , and of the Adventure that hapned to St. George with the other three Christian Champions in the same Castle ; therefore grant you immortal Powers of invention , that my Pen may be dipt in the Water of that learned Fountain , where the nine Sisters do inhabit , that by the help of that sweet Liquor my Muse may have a delightful Uein , so that mixing the speech of Mercury , with the prowess of Mars , I may discourse the strangest Accident that ever hapned to wandring Knights . CHAP. VIII . Of the preparation that the Knight of the Black Castle made by Magick Art , to withstand his Enemies , and how the Seven Champions entred the same Castle , where they were Enchanted into a deep Sleep so long as seven Lamps burned , which could not be quenched but by the Water of an Enchanted Fountain . THe wicked Leoger , as you have read of before , being the Knight of the Black Castle , and one that for Wealth and Treasure ; surpassed mo●● of the Potentates , when he grew detested and abhorted in every Company , as well by Noble Knights as Gallant Ladies , for ●ne spoil and murther of those three Uirgin Iames , whose pitiful Stories you heard in the two former Chapters , and fearing sudden Uengeance to fall upon his Head , he fortified himself strongly in his Castle , and with his Treasure hired many fu●●o●e Giants to defend it ? wherein if they failed , and should chance to be overcome , he consorted with a wicked Necromancer , that he with Charms and Spels should work wonders in his Castle , which Magical accomplishments we will pass over till a more convenient time , because I purpose to explain the History in good order to the Reader . First , speak we of St. George with the other Christian Knights that came in revenge of the Shepherd and his unfortunate Daughter , who with good Success arrived upon the shore of the Island , where this wicked Leoger and the M●g●can had fortified their Black Castle in which Country the Champions like the invincible Followers of Mars , fearing no danger , nor the ●rowns of unconstant Fortune , betook themselves to the readiest way towards the Castle ; in which Iourney they were almost ravished with the pleasure of the Island , for entring into a narrow and straight Lane , g●rnishe● on both sides with Trees of divers sorts , they heard how the Summer Birds recorded their pleasant Melodies , and made their sweet and accustomed Songs without fear of any Man to molest them . In which row of pleasant Trees that delighted them on both sides , there wanted not the green Lawrel , so much esteemed of learned Scholars , nor the sweet Myrtle tree , loved by Ladies , nor the high Cypress , so much regarded of Lo●ers , nor the stacely Pine , which for his flourishing height is called the Prince of Trees : whereby they judged it to be rather an habitation for Gods , and Goddesses , than a terrestial Country , for that the Golden Sun with his glistering Beams did pass through those green and pleasant Trees without any hindrance of black Clouds , for Skies were clear as tryed silver : likewise the Western Wind did softly shake the shivering Leaves , whereby it made as sweet a Harmony as if they had been Ce●e●tial Cherubins : A thousand little streamed Brooks ran upon the enameled Ground , making sundry fine Works by their ●rooked Tu●nings , and joyning one Water with another , with a very gentle meeting , making such silver Musick , that the Champ ons with the pleasure thereof were almost ravished , and smally regard●d whether their Horses went right or no , and travelling in this sort , they rode forward till they came into a marvelous great and wide Meadow , being of such exceeding fairness , that I am not able with a Pen to paint out the exceliency thereof ; whereas were feeding both wild and tame Harts , adorned with great and cragged Horns : like wise the furious wild Bore , the fierce Lyon , and the simple Lambs , were altogether feeding with so great Friendship , as on the contrary , by Nature they were Enemies . Whereat the noble Champions were almost overcome in their own Conceits , and amazed in their Imaginations , to see so strange Love , clean contrary unto Nature , and that there was no difference betwixt the love of wild Beasts and tame , in this manner they travelled along , till upon a sudden they arrived before the Buildings of the Black Castle ; and casting their Eyes towards the same , they beheld near unto the principal Gate , right over the Castle , twelve marble Pinacles , of such an exceeding height , that the Pyramids of Aegypt were very low in comparison of them ; in such sort that whosoever would look upon them , was scant able with his sight to comprehend the height thereof , and they were all painted most gorgerously with several Colours . Down below under the Castle there was an Arch with a Gate , which seemed to be of Diamonds , and all was compassed about with a great Moat or Ditch , being of so great a depth , that they thought it to reach to the midst of the Earth , and it was almost two hundred Paces broad , and every Gate had his Draw-bridge , all made of red Boards , which seemed as though they had been bathed all in Blood. After this the Champions rode to the other side of this goodly Castle , wondring at the curious and sumptuous workmanship , where they espyed a Pillar of beautiful Iasper-stone , all wrought full of precious Stones of strange Works , the which Pillar was of great value , and was garnished with chains of Gold , that were made fast unto it by Magick Art , at which Pillar likewise hung a very costly silver Trumpet , with certain Letters carved about the same , the which contained these Words following : If any dare attempt this place to see , By sounding this , the Gate shall opened be ; A Trumpet here enchin'd by Magick Art , To daunt with fear the proudest Champion's Heart ; Look thou for blows that enterest in this Gate , Return in time , Repentance comes too late . The which when St. George beheld , and had understood the meaning of those mystical Letters , without any more tarrying , he set the Silver Trumpet to his Mouth , and sounded such a vehemen● bl●st , that it seemed to Eccho in the foundation of the Castle ; whereas the principal Gate presently opened , and the D●aw bringe was let down , without the help of any visible hand , which made the Champions to wonder , and to stand amazed at the strange Accident ; but yet intending not to return , like Cowards 〈◊〉 with a past of Wind , they alighted from their warlike 〈◊〉 , and delivered them into the old Shepherd's han●s , to be fed upon the fragrant and green Grass , till they had performed the adventure of the Castle , the which they vowed either to accomplish , or never to return : so lacking down their Beavers , and drawing forth their Keen edged Fauchions , they entred the Gates , and being safe within , the Champions looked round about them to see if they could espy any body , but they said nothing but a pair of winding Stairs , whereat they descended , then had not gone many steps , out therein was so great a darkness , that scarce they could see any light , so that it rather seemed the similitude of Hell , than any other worldly place , yet groping by the Walls , they kept their going down those narrow and turning Stairs , which were very dark , and at such length , that they thought they descended in the middle of y e Earth . They spent a great time in descending those Stairs , but in the end they came into a very fair and large Court all compassed with Iron Gates like unto a Prison , or a Pallace provided to keep untamed Lyons , wherein casting their Eyes up to the top of the Castle , they beheld the wicked Knight walking with the Necromancer upon a large Gallery , supported with huge Pillars of Brass ; likewise there were attending upon them seven Giants cloathed in mighty Iron Coats , holding in their hands Bats of Steel , to whom the bold and venturous Champion of England spake with an undaunted Courage and loud Uoyce in this manner , saying , Come down thou wicked Knight , thou spoyl of Virginity , thou that art invironed with these monstrous Giants , these the wondring works of Nature , whose daring Looks seem to scale the Clouds , much like unto the Pride of Nimrod , when he offered to build up Bavel 's confused Tower. Come down I say , from they brazen Gallery , and take to thee thy Armour , thou that hast a Heart to commit a Virgin 's Rape , for whose Revenge we come ; now likewise have a Courage is thy Defence , for we vow never to depart out of thy Castle , till we have confounded thee , or by thy Force be discomfited . ●● which words he held his peace , expecting an Answer , where●●he wicked Knight when he heard these heroical Spéeches of St. Gorge , began to fret and fume like to a starved Lyon , famish●● with hungar , or the cruel Tyger m●s●ing in humane Blood , with a great desire to satisfie his Chirst , or like the Wrath of dogge● Cerberus when as he feasted with Alcide's Flesh ; even to raged Leoger the Knight of the Black Castle , throatning sorth fury from his sperkling Eyes , and in this ●●●e manner re-answered the noble Champion of England : Proud Knight ( quoth be ) or Peasant , whatsoever thou art , I pass not the smallest Hair of my Head , for thy upbraiding me with thy unruly Tongue , I will return thy Speeches on thy self , for the Pavements of my Castle shall be sprinkled with thy cursed Blood , and the Bones of those thy unhappy Followers shall be buried in the sinks of my Channels . If thou hadst brought the Army of Crasar , that made all Lands to tremble where he came , yet were they but as a blast of wind unto my force ; seest thou not my Giants which stand like Oaks upon our brazen Gallery ? they at my Commandment shall take you from the places where you stand , and throw you over the Walls of this my Castle , in such fort , that they shall make you flee into the Air , more then ten Fauchions high . And for that thou hast upbraided me with the disgrace done unto a Virgin , I tell thee , if I had thy Mother here , of whom thou tookest first the ayr of Life , my hand should spilt her Womb , that thou mightest see the Bed of thy Conception , as Nero did in Rome : or it thy Wife and Children were here present before thy face , I would al ridge their Lives , that thy accuried Eyes might be witnesses of their bloody Murthers , so much Wrath and Hare rageth in my Heart , that all the Blood in thy Body cannot wa●●●● thence . At which words the Giants , which he had hired to desend him from his Foes , came unto him very througly a●med with sturdy Weapons in their hands , and requested him to be qu●er , and to ab●●e his so intenled Anger , and they would fetch unto his presence all those braving Knights that were the occation of his Disquietness and Anger ; and so without carrying for an answer , they departed down into the Court , and left the Knight of the Castle with the Magician , standing still upon the Gallecy to behold the following Encounters . But when the Giants approached the Champions presence , and saw them so well porportioned and furnished , Knights of so gallant Statures , they flourished about their knotty Clubs , and purposed not to spend the time in Words but in Blows . Then one of y e fiercest and cruellest Giants of them all ( which was called Brandamond ) seeing St. George to be the forwardest in the Enterprize , and judged him to be the Knight that had so braved his Lord , he began with a stern Ceuntenance to speak unto him in this manner : Art thou that bold Knight ( said the Giant ) that with thy witless Words hast so anger'd the mighty Leoger the Lord of this Castle ? If thou be , I advse thee by Submission to seek to appease his furious Wrath before Revengement be taken upon thy Person . Also I do charge thee ( that if thou wilt remain with thy Life ) that thou dost leave thy Armour and yield thyself with all these Followers , with their hands bound behind them , and go and ask Forgiveness at his Feet : To which St. George with a smiling Countenance answered , Gyant ( said he ) thy Counsel I do not like , nor thy Advice will I receive , but rather do we hope to send thee and all thy Followers without tongues to the infernal King of fiery Phlegeton , and for that you shall not have any more time to speak such folly and foolishness , either return your ways from whence you came , and repent of this which you have said , or else prepare yourselves to a mortal Battle . The Giants when they heard the Champions Resolutions , and how slightly they regarded their Proffers , without any longir tarrying they straight way fell upon St. George and his Company , intending with their knotty Bats of Steel to beat them as small as flesh unto the Pot , but the Quéen of Chance so smiled upon the Christian Champions , that the Giants smally prevailed , for betwixt them was fought a long and terrible battle , in such danger that the victory hung wavering on both sides not knowing to whom it would fall ; the Bats and Fauchions made such a noise upon one another's Armour , that they sounded like to the blows of the Cyclops working upon their Anvils : and at every blow they gave , fire flew from their s●etled Corllets , like sparkles from the flaming Furnaces in Hell , the Skies resounded back the ecchoes of their Strokes , the Ground shook as though it had been oppressed with an Earth-quake : the pavement of the Court was over spread with an intermixing of blood and sweat , and the Walls of the Castle were mightily battered with the Giants Clubs ; by the time that glistering Sol , the days bright Candle , began to decline from the top of Heaven , the Giants ( wearied in fight ) began to faint , whereat the Christian Knights with more Courage , began to encrease in Strength , and with such vigour affayled the Giants , that before the golden Sun had dived to the western World , the Giants were quite discomforted and ●●ain● some lay with their Hands dismembred from their Bodies , weltring in purple gore ; some had their Brains sprinkled against the Walls ; some lay in Channels with their Intrals trailing down in streams of Blood ; and some Ioyntless , with Bodies cut in pieces , so that there was not one left a live to withstand the Christian Champions . Whereat St. George with the other six Knights fell upon their knees , and thanked the immortal Rector of all good Chance for their Uictory , But when the Knight of the Black Castle which stood upon the Gallery during all the time of the Encounter , and saw how all the Giants were stain by the Prowess of those strange knights , he raged in great Wrath , wishing that the Ground might gape and swallow him , before he were delivered into the hands of his Enemies , and presently would have cast himself headlong from the top of the Gallery , thereby to have dasht out his Brains against the Pavement , had not the Necromancer , who like wise beheld the event of the Encounter , intercepted him in his intended Drift , promising to perform by Art what the Giants could not do by Force . So the Necromancer fell to his Magick Spells and Charms , by which the Christian Champions were mightily troubled and molested , and brought in danger of their Lives , by afearful and strange manner , as shall be hereafter shown : For as they stood after their long Encounters , unbuckling their Armours to take the fresh Ayr , and their bloody Wounds received in their last conflict : the Magirian caused by his Art a Spirit in the likeness of a Lady of a marvellous and fair Beauty , to look through an Iron Grate , who seemed to lean her fair Face upon her white Hand very pensively , and distilled from her crystal Eyes great abundance of Tears . When the Champions saw this beautiful Creature , they remained in great Admiration , thinking with themselves that by some hard Misfortune she was imprisoned in those Iron Grates : at which this Lady did seem to open her fair and crystaline Eyes looking earnestly upon St. George , and giving a grsevous and sorrowful Sigh , she withdrew herself from the Grate ; which sudden departure caused the Christian Knights so have a great desire to know who it should be , suspecting that by the force of some Enchantment , they should be overthrown : but casting up their Eyes again to see if they could see her , they could not , but they saw in the very same place , a Woman of a great and princely Stature , who was all armed in silver Plates , with a Sword girded at her Waste , sheathed in a golden Scabberd , and had hanging at her Neck an ivory Bow and a gilt Quiver : this Lady was of so great Beauty , that she séemed almost to excéed the other , but in the same sort as the other did , upon a sudden she vanished away , leaving the Champions no less troubled in their thought than before they were . The Christian Knights had not long time bewailed the absence of the two Ladies , but that without seeing any body , they were stricken with such furious blows upon their Backs , that they were constrained to stoop with one Knee upon the ground ; yet with a trice they rose again , and looking then to see who they were that struck them , they perceived them to be the likeness of certain Knights , which in great hast seemed to run in at a Door that was at one of the corners of the Court , and with the great Anger that the Champions received , seeing themselves so hardly catrented , they followed with their accustomed lightness after the Knights , in at the same Door : wherein they had not entred three steps , but that they fell down into a day Cave , which was covered over in such sub●●le sort , that whoever did tread on it , straightway fell into the Cave , except he was advertized thereof before . Within the Cave , it was as dark as the silent Night , and no light at all appeared : but when the Champions saw themselves treacherously betrayed in the Trap , they greatly feared some further Mischief would follow , to their utter overthrow ; so with their Swords drawn , they stood trady charged to make their Detence , against whatsoever should after happen : but by reason of the great darkness that they could not see any thing , neither discover wherein they were fallen , they determined to settle themselves against something , either Post , Piller , or Wall , and stoping about the Cave , they searched in every place for some other Door that might bring them forth out of the darksome Den , which they compated to the Pit of Hell. And as they went groping and feeling up and down , they found that they did tread upon no other things but dead Mens Bones , which caused them to stand still , and not long after they espyed a secret Window , at the which entred a little clearness and gave some light into the Den , where they were , by which they espyed a Bed most richly furnished with Curtains of Silk , and golden Pendants , which stood in a secret Room of the Cave , behung with rich Tapestry of a sable colour ; which Bed when the Champions beheld , and being somewhat weary of their long fight which they had with the Giants in the Court of the Castle , they required some rest , and desired to sleep upon the Bed , but not all at one instant , for they feared some Danger to be at hand , and therefore St. George as one most willing to be their Watch-man , and keep Sentine● in so dangerous a place , caused the other Champions to take their repose upon the Bed , and he would be as wakeful as the Cock against all dangerous Accidents , so the six Christian Knights repaired to the Bed , whereon they were no sooner laid , but presently they fell into a heavy inchanted Sléep , in such sort that they could not be awaked by any manner of violence , not all the warlike Drums in Europe if they were sounding in their Ears , nor the ratling Thunder-claps of Heaven where sufficient to recal them from their Sleeps : for indeed the Bed was inchanted by the Necromancer's Charms in such manner that whosoever but sat upon the sides , or but touched the furniture of the Bed , were presently cast into as heavy a sleep , as if they had drunk the juyce of Owaile , or the seed o● Pop●● : where we will leave them for a time like Men cast into a Trance , and speak of the terrible Adventure that hapned to St. George in the Cave , who little mistrusting of their Enchantments , stood like a careful Guard , keeping the furious Wolf from the spoyle of the silly Sheep ; but upon a sudden his Heart began to throb , and his Hair to stand upright upon his Head , yet having a Heart fraught with invincible Courage , he purposed not to awake the other Knights , but of himself to withstand whatsoever hapned ; so being in these princely Cogitations , there appeared unto him as he thought , the shape of a Magician , with a Uisage lean , pale and full of wrinkles , with locks of black Hair hanging down to his shoulders , like to wreaths of envenomed Snakes , and his Body seemed to have nothing upon but Skin and Bones , who spake unto St. George in this despightful manner : In an evil Hour ( said the Magician ) camest thou hither and so shall thy ▪ Lodgings be , and thy Entertainment worse ; for now thou art in a place where thou shalt look for no other thing but to be Meat unto some furious Beast , and thy surmounting Strength shall not be able to make any Defence . The English Champion whose Heart was oppressed with extream Wrath , answered , O false and accursed Charmer ( said he ) whom ill Chance confound for thy condemned Arts , and for whom the Fiends have digged an everlasting Tomb in Hell , what fury hath incenst thee , that with thy false and devillish Charms thou dost prastise so much evil against travelling and adventurous Knights ? I hope to obtain my Liberty in despight of all thy Mischief , and with the strength of this Arm to break all thy Bones in sunder . All that thou dost and wilt do I suffer at thy hands , replyed the Necromancer ; only for Revengement that I will take of thee for the slaughter of my Master's Giants , which as yet lie Murthered in the Court , and that very quickly : and therewithal he went invisibly out of the Cave : So not long after at his back he heard a sudden noise , and beheld as it were a window opening by little and little , whereas there appeared a clear light , by the which St. George plainly perceived that the Walls of the Cave were dasht with Blood , and likewise that the Bones whereon they did tre●d at their first entry into the Den were of humane Bodies , which appeared not to be very long since their Flesh was corn oft with hard and cruel Teeth ; but this consideration could not long endure with him for that he heard a great rushing , and looking what it should be , he saw coming forth of another Den a mighty Serpent with wings , as great in Body as an Elephant , he had only two seet , which appeared out of that monstrous body but of a span length , and each foot bad three claws of three spans in length , she came with mouth open , of so monstrous and huge bigness , and so deformed , that a whose armed Knight , Horse and all might enter in thereat : she had upon her jaws two tusks , which seemed to be as sharp as needles , and all her Body was covered with sharp scales of divers colours , and with great fury she came with her wings all abroad : St. George although he had a valliant and undanted mind yet could he not choose but be troubled at the sight of so monstrous a Beast . But considering with himself , that it was then time and great need to have cour●ge , and to be expert and valliant for to make his Defence , he took his good cutting Sword in his hand and shrouded himself under his hard and strong Shield , and carryed the coming of that ugly Monster . But when the furious beast saw that there was a prey whereon she might employ her sharp teeth , she struck with her invenomous Wings and with her piercing Claws she griped , and laid fast hold upon St. George's hard shield , pretending to have swallowed whole this couragious Warriour , and fastning her sharp Tusks upon his Helmet , which she found so hard that she let go her hold , and furiously pulled at his Target with such a strength that she drew it from his Arm ; With that the English Knight struck at her head a mighty and strong blow with his Sword , but in no wise it could hurt her by reason of the hard Scales wherewith it was Covered , and though he gave her no Wound , yet for all that she felt the blow in such sort , that it made her to recoyl to the ground , and to fall upon her long and hideous Tail : then this valliant Knight made great hast to redouble his force to strike her another blow , but all was in vain , for that upon a sudden she stretched her self so high , that he could not reach her head : but yet kind Fortune so favoured his hand , that he struck her upon the Belly , whereas she had no Defence with Scales , nor any other thing but Feathers , whereout Issued such abundance of black Blood , that it sprinkled all the Den about . This terrible and furious Serpent , when she felt her self in sore Wounded , struck at St. George such a terrible blow with her Tail , that if he had not seen it coming it had béen sufficient to have parted his body in pieces , the Knight to clear him self from the blow , fell flat upon the ground ; for he had no time to make any other defence : but that terrible blow was no sooner passed over him , but straight ways he recovered his feet , at such time as the furious Serpent came towards him . Here Saint George having a great confidence in his strength , performed such a valiant Exploit , that all former Adventures that have been ever done by any Knight , may be put in oblivion , and this kept in perpertual memory : for that he threw his Sword out of his hand , and can unto the Serpent , and caught her betwixt his Arms , and did so squeeze her , that the furious Beast could not help her self with her sharp Claws , but only with her wings she beat him on every side . This valiant Champion and noble Warriour would never let her loose , but still remained hoseing her betwixt his Arms concinuing this perilous and dangerous sight , till all his bright Armour was imbrued with her bestial blood , by which occasion she lost a great part of her strength , and was not able long to continue . Long indured this great and dangerous Encounter , and the infernal Serpent remained fast unto the noble and valiant brest of the English Knight , till such time as he plainly perceived that the Monster began to wax faint , and to lose her strength . Likewise i● could not be otherwise , but Saint George wared somewhat weary , considering the former sight he had so lately with the Gyant . Notwithstanding , when he felt the great weakness of the Serpent , he did anima●e himself with courage , and having opportunity by reason of the quantity of Blood that issued from his Wounds , he took his trusty Sword and thrust it into her heart with such violence , that he clove it in two pieces : so this infernal Monster fell down dead unto the ground , and carried the Christian Champion with her , for that they were fast closed together ; but by reason that the Serpent lacked strength , he quickly cleared himself of her Claws , and recovered his Sword. But when he ●aw certainly , he was clear from the Monster , and that she had yielded up her detested breath into the brittle Air , he kneeled down , and gave thanks to the happy Queen of Chance for his Delivery . The venom was so great , that the Serpent threw out to infect the Knight , that if his Armour had not been of a precious vertue , he had been impoysoned to death . After the Uictory was obtained , and the Monster dead , he grew very weary and unquiet , and was constrained to sit and cool himself by a Well , which was full of water , standing in a corner of the Cave , from whence the Monstrous Serpent first appeared and came ●orth . And when he found himself refreshed , he repaired to the Enchamed bed , whereupon the other six Champions lay sleeping , and dreamed of no such strange accident that had hapned unto him , to whom he purposed to reveal the true discourse of all dangers that had befallen him in that accident . But no sooner approached he unto that enchamed bed , and set himself down upon the one end thereof , and thinking to begin his discourse , but he presently fell into a heavy and dead slumber . There will we leave them sleeping and dreaming upon the Euchanted bed , not to be wakened by any means , & return to the Necromancer , that was busied all the time of the Serpents encounter with Leoger , in burying of the dead Gyants , but he knew by his Art that the Serpent was slain , and likewise Saint George oppressed with a charmed sleep in company of the other Champions upon the Enchanted bed , from whence he purposed that they never more should awake , but spend the rest of their Fortunes in eternal sleeps . Whereupon by his devilish Arts he caused Lamps to burn continually before the entry of the Cave , the properties whereof were so strange , that so long as the Lamps continued burning , the Champions should never be waked , and the fires should never be quenched but by the water of an enchanted Fountain , the which he likewise by Magick Art had erected in the middle of the Court guarded most strongly with Sprights : and the water should never be obtained but by a Uirgin which at her birth should have the form of a Rose lively pictured upon her breast . These things being performed by the secrets of the Magicians skill , added such a pleasure to Leogers heart , that he thought himself elevated higher than the Towers of his dwelling ; for he accounted no joy so pleasing unto his Soul , as to see his mortal Enemies captivated in his power , and that the Magician had done by his Art , than all the Knights in Asia could perform by Prowess . We will not now only leave the Champions in their sleeps , dreaming of no Mishap , but also the Magician with Leoger in the black Castle , spending their time securely , careless of all ensuing danger , and speak now of the old Shepherd whom the Champions at their first entering in at the Eates of the Castle , left to look unto their warlike Palfries , as they fed upon the green Grass : which old man , when he could hear no news of the Champions return , he greatly mistrusted their confusion , and that by some treachery they were intercepted in their vowed revengement ; therefore he protested secretly with his own Soul , if that for his sake so many brave Champions had lost their lives , never to depart out of those Fields , but to spend his days in such sorrow as did that hapless King of Babylon , that for seven parching Summers , and as many freezing Winters was constrained to feed upon the flowers of the Fields , and to drink the dew of Heaven , till the hairs of his head grew as stiff as Eagles feathers , and the Nails of his Fingers like unto birds claws , the like extremity he vowed to endure until he either re-obtained a wished sight of these invincible Knights ( the Flowers of Chivalry ) or else were constrained by course of nature to yield up his loathed life to the fury of those fatal Sisters . In this deep distress will my weary muse likewise leave this old Shepherd mourning for the long absence of the English Champion , and the other Christian Knights , and turn unto S. George's valiant Sons , whom we left travelling from the Queen of Armenia's Grave with her unhappy Daughter Rosana , to take revengment of her distoyal Land , being the Knight of the Black Castle , of whose villanies you have heard so much before . CHAP. IX . How Saint George's three Sons after their departure from the Queen of Armenia's Sepulchre , in company of her Daughter Rosana , met with a Wild Man , with whom there hapned a strange Adventure : and after how they entered the Black Castle , where they quenched the Lamps , and awaked the seven Champions of Christendom , after they had slept seven day , upon an Enchanted Bed , with other things that chanced in the same Castle . THE budding Flowers of Chivalry , the valiant Sons of Saint George , to perform their Knightly promises , and to accomplish what they had protested to Rosana , at the Queen her Mothers grave , which was to bring her safely unto the black Castle , where her unkind Father had his residence . First they provided her a Palfrey or Iennet , bred upon the borders of Spain , which was furnished with black Caparisons , in sign of her heavy and discontented mind , and his fore-head beautified with a spangled Plume of Feathers . Where in her company they travelled day and night from the Confines of Armenia , with successful Fortune , till they happily arrived upon the Island of the black Castle , where they were constrained to rest themselves many nights under the shadows of green leaved Trees , where the melody of silver tuned Birds brought to them sweet sleeps : and instead of delicate fare , they were forced to satisfie their hunger with sweet Oranges and ripe Pomegranets , that grew very plentifully in than Island . But at last , upon a morning , when the Skies appeared in their sight very clear and pleasant , and at such time as when the Sun began to spread his glistering Beams upon the lofty Mountains and stately Cedars , they set forward on their Iourney , hoping before the closing in of the days bright countenance , to arrive at the Black Castle , being their long wilht for Haven , and desired Port. But entring into an unknown way and narrow path not much used , they were intercepted by a strange and wonderful Adventure . For as they travelled in those un●rodden Passages , spending the time in pleasant conference without mistrusting of any thing that should happen to them in that pleasant Island : upon a sudden ( not knowing the occasion ) their Horses started , and rose up with their fore feet , and turned back ward into the Air in such sort , that they had almost uns●dled their Masters : whereat the valiant Knights upon a sudden looked round about them to see who or what it was that caused so much fear , but when they perceived nothing , nor could conjecture what should be the occasion of such Terrour , they grew wonderfully troubled in mind . Then one began to encourage the rest , saying , believe me Brethren , I much wonder what should be the cause of this alteration in our Horses , hath some Spirit glided by us ? or remaineth some Devil among these Bushes ? Whatsoever it be , set us by the power and favour of all good luck attempt to know , and with our warlike Weapons revenge the frighting of our Horses , for our minds are not daun●ed by the Prowess of Men , nor are we afreid of the fury of Devils . These words being spoken with great courage and Majesty , caused Rosana to smile with a chearful countenance , and to embolden her heart against all ensuing accidents : so pre●ently they came to a River which was both clear and deep , the which they judged to run quite thorow the middle of the Island : and so travelling along by the River side , where within a little while their Horses began again to startle , & to be wonderfully afraid : whereupon the Knights casting about their vigilant Eyes , to see if they could perceive what it should be , that made their Horses so timorous , they espyed a terrible Moniter in the shape and form of a Satyr or a Wild Man , which did cross overt●wart the Island , of a wonderful great and strange making , who was as big and broad as any Gyant ; for he was almost four squars : his face was three foot in length , and had but one Eye , and than was in his Fore-head , which glistered like a blazing Comer or a fiery Planet , his Body was covered all over with long and shagged hai● , and in his breast there was as though it had been glass , out of the which there seemed a great and shining light to proceed . This Monster directed his way towards certain Rocks of Stone which stood in the Island , and by reason of the stragling and great noise that the Horses made , he cast his Head a●●de , and espyed the three Knights travelling in company of the Lady : upon whom he had no sooner cast his blazing Eye , but with a Devilish fury he ran towards them , and instead of a Club , he bare in his hand a great and knotty Maple Tree . These valiant Knights never dismay'd at the sight of this deformed Creature , but against his coming , they chear'd up their Horses , and pricked their sides with their golden Spurs , giving a great shout , as in sign of encouragement , and withal drawing forth their sharp cutting Swords , they stood attending the fury of the Monster , who came roaring like a Bull , and discharged his knotty Tree amongst the magnanimous Knights , who with light leaps cleared themseves from his violent Blows , so that his Club fell down to the ground with a terrible fall : as though with the violence it would have overthrown a Castle . With that the Knights presently alighted from their Horses , thinking thereby more nimbly to defend themselves , and with more courage to assail the Satyr . Many were the Blows on both sides , and dangerous the Encounter , without sign of Uictory intiming to either party . During the Battel , Rosana ( through the grief and fear that she received ) ● wounded upon her Passrey , and had fallen beside his back , if she had not first closed her hands about the pummel of the laddl● , ● being come a little unto her self , she made humble supplication unto the Lady of Chance , soliciting her that she might rather be buried in the Monsters Bowels , thereby to satisfie his Wrath , than to see such Noble Knights lose the least drop of Blood , or to have the smallest Hair upon their Heads diminished : such was the love and true zeal she bore unto those three Knights . But Saint George's Sons so manfully behaved themselves in the Encounter , bearing the Prowess of their Fathers Mind , that they made very deep wounds in the Monsters Flesh , and such terrible gashes in his Body , that all the green Grass was covered with his black Blood , and the ground all to besmeared and strewed with his mangled Flesh. When the Devillish Monster felt himself wounded , & saw how his blood ●ord upon the Earth like congealed go●e , ●e s●ed from them m●●●●wift than a whirle-wind , or like to an Arrow forced from a 〈…〉 and ran in great haste to the Rocks that stood thereby , where presently he threw himself into a Cave , pulling down after him a Rock of Stone , which did close up the Entry , the which was done with in great tightness , that the Knights had no time to strike him ; but after a while , wandering with themselves to see such a strange and sudden thing , they assailed by strength to remove the Stone , and clear the mouth of the Cave , which they did not without great difficulty . Yet for all that , they could not find which way they might enter in thereat , but like unto Lyons fraught with anger , fre●●ing and chasing , they went searching round about the Rock , to see if they could espy any Entry , and at last they found a great Cliff on the one side of the Rock , & looking in thereat , espyed the Mon●ter lying upon the ●loor , licking of his bleeding wounds with his purple tongue . And seeing him , one of the Knights said , O thou Traytor and Destroyer by the Highway ! O thou infernal Devil and Enemy unto the world : thou that art the devourer of Humane Flesh , and drinker of Mans Blood , think not that this thy strong and fast closing up of thy self in this Rock of Stone shall avail thee , or that thy Devilish Body shall escape unslaughtered out of our hands : No , no , our bloody Weapons shall be sheathed in thy detested Bowels , and rive thy damned Heart asunder ; and therewithal they thrust their Weapons through the Clift of the Rock , and pierced his throat in such sort , that the Monster presently dyed , the which being done , they returned in triumph like Conquerors to Rosana , where they found her half dead lying upon her Palfrey . But when she saw them return in safety , with a joyful and loud voice , she said : O sweet Queen of Chance , how hath it pleased thy Divine Majesty , to furnish these Knights with more strength and Prowess than any other in all the World , else could they not have chosen , but have been over come by this remorseless Monster , which seemed to be of force to destroy Kingdoms ? therewithal she alighted in good state from her Palfrey , and sate her down under the shadow of a Pine Tree , where the three Knights likewise sate down , and laid their weary Heads upon her so●t Lap to sleep , upon whose Faces she fanned a cooling breathing Air , and wiped their swe●●y Brows with her Handkerchief , using all means she could to pro●u●s them contentment . Long had they not reposed themselves upon 〈◊〉 Lap , refreshing their weary Bodies with a golden slumber , but they 〈…〉 and mounted upon their Steeds , and the next morning by break of day , they approached the sight of the Black Castle : before w●ose Walls they found seven portly Steeds , feeding within a green Pasture , and by them an ancient man , bearing in his face the true picture of Sorrow , and carving in the Barks of Trees the true subject of all his passed grief : this man was the old Shepherd which the seven Champions of Christendom ( before their inchanted sleeps in the Castle ) left without the Gates to over-see their Horses , as you heard before in the last Chapter . But S. George's Sons ( after they had a while beheld the manner of the Shepherds silent lamentations ) demanded the cause of his grief , and wherefore he remained so near the danger of the Castle ? to whose demands , the courteous old man answered in this manner . Brave Knights ( said he ) for you seem to be no less by your Princely demeanors , within this Castle remaineth a Bloody Tyrant , & a wicked Homicide called Leoger , whose Tyranny & Lust hath not only ravished , but murthered two of my Daughters , with whom I was honoured in my young years , in whole revenge there came with me seven Christian Knights of seven several Countreys , that entered his accursed Castle about seven days since , appointing me to stay without the Gates , and to have a vigilant care of their Horses till I heard either news of the Tyrants confusion , or their overthrows : but never since by any means could I learn whether good or bad were befallen them . These words struck such a terror to their hearts , that for a time they stood speechless , imagining that those seven Knights were the seven Champions of Christendom , in whose pursuits they have travelled so many Countrys . But at last , when S. George's Sons had recovered their former speeches , one of them ( though not intending to reveal what they imagined ) said to the old Shepherd : that likewise they came to be revenged upon that accursed Knight , for the spoil of a beauteous and worthy Uirgin Queen , done by the same lust-inflamed Tyrant . Then the Lady and the three Knights alighted from their Horses , and likewise committed them to the keeping of the old Shepherd : who courteously received them , and earnestly prayed for their prosperous proceedings . So the three Knights buckled close their Armours , laced on their Helmets , and put their Shields upon their Arms , and in company of Rosana they went to the Castle Gate , the which glistered against the Sun like burnisht Gold : whereat hung a mighty Copper Ring , wherewith they beat so vehemently against the Gate , that it seemed to rattle like a violent tempestuous storm of Thunder in the Element . Then presently there appeared ( looking out of a Marble-pillar'd window ) the Magician , newly risen from his Bed , in a wrought shirt with black Silk , and covered with a Night-gown of Damask Uelver : and seeing the Knights with the Lady standing before the Gate , he thus discourteously greeted them . You Knights of strange Countries ( said he ) for so doth it appear by your strange demeanours , if you desire to have the Gates opened , and your Bones buried in the Uaults of our Castle , turn back unto the Iasper Pillar behind you , and sound the silver trumpet that hangs upon it , so shall your entry be easie , but your coming forth miraculous . And thereupon the Magician left the Window . Whereupon one of the Knights went unto the Iasper Pillar , and with a vehement Breath sounded the Enchanted Trumpet , as Sr. George did before ; whereat the Gates flew open in like manner : where into ( without disturbance ) they entered : and coming into the same Court where the Champions had fought with the Giants , they espyed the Enchanted Lamps , which hung burning before the entry of the Cave where the Champions lay upon the Enchanted Bed. Under the Lamps hung a silver Tablet in an Iron Chain , in it was written these words following : The fatal Lamps with their enchanted Lights , In deaths sad sleep have cast seven Christian Knights , Within this Cave they lie with sloth confounded , Whose Fame but late in every place resounded . Except the flaming Lamps extinguisht be , Their golden Thoughts shall sleep eternally : A Fountain fram'd by Furies rais'd from Hell , About whose Spring doth fear and terrour dwell . No Earthly Water may suffice but this , To quench the Lamps where Art commander is ; No Wight alive this Water may procure , But she that is a Virgin chast and pure , And Nature at her Birth did so dispose , Upon her Breast to print a purple Rose . These Uerses being perused by the three Knights , and finding them as it were , contrived in the manner of a mystical Oracle , they could not imagine what they should signifie : but Rosana being singular well conceited , and of a quick understanding , presently knew that by her the adventures should be finished , and therefore she encouraged them to a forwardness , 〈◊〉 ●o ●eek out the enchanted fountain , that by the water thereof the Lamps migh● be quenched , and the seven Champions delivered out of Captivity . This importunate desire of Rosana , caused the three young Knights not to lose any time , but to search in every corner of the Castle , till they had found the place wherein the Fountain was : for as they went towards the North-side of the Court , they espyed another little door standing in the Wall , and when they came to it , they saw that it was made all of very strong Iron , with a Portal of Steel , and in the Key-hole thereof there was a Brazen key , with the which they did open it , whereat presently ( unto their wonderful amazements ) they heard a very sad and sorrowful voice breath forth these words following : Let no Man be so fool-hardy , as to enter here , for it is a place of Terrour and Confusion . Yet for all this they entred in thereat , and would not be daunted with any ceremonious fear , but like Knights of heroical estimation ▪ they went forward : wherein they were no sooner entered , but they saw that it was wonderful dark , and it seemed unto them that it should be a very large Hall , and there they heard very fearful howlings , as though there had been a Legion of Hell-hounds , or that Pluto's Dog had been Uicegerent of that place . Yet for all this these valiant Knights did not lose any of their accustomed courage , nor would the Lady leave their companies for any danger at all , but they entred in further , and took off their Gauntlers from their left hands , whereon they wore marvellous great and fine Diamonds which were set in Rings , that gave so much light that they might plainly see all things that were in the Hall , the which was very great and wide , and upon the Walls were painted the Figures of many furious Fiends , Devils , with other strange Uisions framed by Magick Art , only to terrifie the Beholders . But looking very circumspectly about them on every side , they espyed the Enchanted Fountain standing directly in the middle of the Hall , towards which they went with their shields braced on their left Arms , and their good Swords charged in their right hands , ready to withstand any dangerous accident whatsoever should happen . But coming to the Fountain , and offering to fill their Helmets with water , there appeared before them a strange and terrible Griphon , which seemed to be all of slanting fire , who struck all the three Knights one after another in such 〈◊〉 , that they were forced to recoyl back a great way : yet notwithstanding with discretion they kept themselves upright , and with a wonderful lightness accompanied with no less anger , they threw their Shields at their backs ▪ and taking their Swords in both their hands , they began most fiercely to assays the Griphon with mortal and strong blaws . Then presently there appeared before them a whole Legion of Devils with flesh hooks in their hands , spitting forth flames of Fire , and breathing from their Nostrils smoaking Sulphur and Brimstone . In this terrible sort tormented they these three variant Knights , whose years although they were but young , yet with great wrath & redoubled force adventured they themselves amongst this Hellish Crew , striking such terrible flows , that in spight of them they came unto the Fountain , and prossered to take of the water : but all in vain , for they were not only put from it by this Devilish company , but the water it self glided from their hands . Oh in what great travel & perplexity these Knights remaine● amongst this wicked and devilish generation , for to defend them selves , that they might attain to the finishing of this Adventure according to their Knightly promise . But during the time of all these dangerous encounters , Rosana stood like one berest of sense , through the terrour of the same : but at last remembring her self of the superscription written in the silver Tablet , the which the Knights pecused by the enchanted Lamps ; the signification of which was that the quenching of y e lights should be accomplished by a pure Uirgin that had the lively form of a Rose naturally pictured upon her breast , all the which Rosana knew most certainly to be comprehended in her self , therefore whilst they continued in their dangerous fight , she took up a Helmet that was pulled from one of the Knights Heads by the furieus force of the Griphon , and ran unto the Fountain , and filled it with water , wherewith she quenched the enchanted Lamps , with as much case as though one had dipped a waxen Torch in a mighty River of water . This was no sooner done and finished , to Rosana's chiefest contentment , but then the Skies began to war dark , and immediately to be overspread with a black and thick Cloud , and it came with great thundring and Lightnings , and such a terrible noise as tho' the earth would have sunk : and the longer it endured , the more was the fury therefore , in such sort that the Griphon with all that deluded generation of Spirits vanished away , and the Knights forsook their encounters , and fell upon their knees . and with great humility they desired in their hearts to be delivered from the fury of that exceeding and terrible Tempest . By this sudden alteration of the Heavens the Knight of the Castle knew that the Lamps were extinguished , the Champions redeemed from their enchanted sleeps , the Castle yielded to the pleasure of the three Knights , and his own life to the fury of their Swords , except he preserv'd it by a sudden flight , so presently he departed the Castle , and secretly fled out of the Island unsuspected by any one : of whose after Fortunes , Miseries , and Death , you shall hear more hereafter in the course of the History following . The Necromancer by his art likewise knew that the Castle was yielded unto his Enemies Power , and that his charms and magick Spels nothing prevailed : therefore he caused two airy Spirits in the likeness of two Dragons to carry him swiftly through the Air in an Ebon Chariot . Here we likewise will leave him in his wicked and devillish attempts , and damned enterprizes , which shall be discoursed hereafter more at large : because it appertaineth to our History now to speak of the seven renowned Champions of Christendom , that by the quenching of the Lamps , were awakened from their Enchantments , wherein they had sain in obscurity for the space of seven days . For when they were risen from their sléep , and had rowzed up their drowsie Spirits , like Men newly recovered from a Trance , being ashamed of that dishonourable enterprize , they long time gazed on each others Face , being not able to express their minds , but by blushing looks , being the silent speakers of their extream sorrows . Yet at last , St. George began to express the extremity of his grief in this manner : What is become of you brave Europe Champions ( said he , ) Where is now your wonted Valours , of late so much renowned through the World ? What is become of your surmounted strengths , that hath bruised enchanted Helmets , and quail'd the power of mighty Multitudes ? What is become of your terrible blows , that have subdued Mountains , hewed in sunder Diamond Armours , and brought whole Kingdoms under your subjections ? Now I see that all is forgotten , and nothing worth , for that we have buried all our Honours , Dignities , and Fames , in slothful flumbers , upon a silken Bed. And thereupon he fell upon his knées , and said , Thou that art the Guider of all our Fortunes , unto th●e I invocate and call , and desire thee to help us , and do not permit us to have our Fames taken away for this dishonour , and let us merit Dignity by our Victories , and that our bright Renowns may ride upon the glorious wings of Fame , whereby the Babes as yet unborn may speak of us , & in time to come fill whole Volumes with our princely Atchievements . These and such like Speeches pronounced this discontented Champion , till such time as the Elements cleared , and that golden faced Phoebus glistered with splendant brightness into the Cave through a secret hole , which seemed in their conceits to dance about the Uail of Heaven , and to rejoice at their happy Deliveries . In this joyful manner returned they up into the Court of the Castle , with their Armours buckled fast unto their Bodies , which had not béen unbraced in seven days before , where they met with the three Knights coming to salute them , and to give them the courtesies of Knighthood . But when Saint George saw his Sons , whom he had not seen in two years before , he was so ravished with joy , that he swounded in their bosoms , being not able to give them his blessing ; so great was the pleasure he took in their sights . Here I leave the joyful greeting betwixt the Father and his Sons , to those that know the secret love of Parents to their Children , and what dear affection long absence bréedeth . For when they had sufficiently opened the integrity of their Souls to each other , and had at large explained how many dangers every Knight and Champion had passed since their departure from England , when as they began their first intended Pilgrimage to Jerusalem , as you heard in the beginning of this Book , they determined to search the Castle , and to find out Leoger with his associate the wicked Enchanter , that they might receive due punishments for their committed offences , but they like wily Foxes were fled front the Hunters traps and had left the empty Castle to the spoil of the Christian Champions : but when Rosana saw her dismist from her purpose , and that she could not perform her Mothers will against her disloyal Father , she protested by her Mothers name never to close up her chearful eyes with quiet slumbers , nor ever rest her weary Limbs in bed of Town , but travel up and down the circled Earth , till she enjoyed a sight of her disloyal Father , whom as yet her eyes did never see . Therefore she conjured the Champions by the love and honour that Knights do bear unto poor distressed Lavie , to gran● her liberty to depart , and not to hinder her from her intended Travel . The Knights considered with themselves that she was a Lady of a divine Inspiration ; born unto some strange Fortune , & one by the heavens appointed , which had redeemed them from a wonderful misery . Therefore they condescended to her desires , and not only gave hee leave to depart , but furnished her with all things belonging to a Lady of so brave a mind . First , they found within the Castle an Armour fit for a Woman , the which the Enthanter had caused to be made by magick Art , of such a singular nature , that no weapon could pierce it , and so light in wearing , that it weighed no heavier than a Tygers Skin , it was contrived after the Amazonian fashion , plated before with silver plates , like the Scales of a Dolphin , and riveted together with golden Nails : so that when she had it upon her back , she seemed like to Diana , hunting in the Forrest of transformed Acteon . Likewise they found standing in the Stable at the East side of the Castle , a lusty limbed Steed big of stature , and of a very good hair , for the half parts forwards was of the colour of a Wolf , and the other half was all black , saving that here and there it was sported with little white spors : his feet were cloven , so that he needed not at any time to be shod : his neck was somewhat long , having a little head , with great ears hanging down like a hound : his pace was with great Majesty , and he so doubled his neck , that his mouth touched his brest , there came out of his mouth two great tusks like unto an Elephant , and he did exceed all Horses in the World in lightness , and did run with an exceeding good grace . This likewise bestowed they upon the Lady , the which did more content her mind , than any thing that ever her eyes bad seen before that time : Also the ten Christian Knights gave her at her departure ten Diamond Rings , continually to wear upon her Fingers , in perpetual remembrance of her courtesie . This done without any longer tarryance , but only thanking them for great kindness shewed unto her in distress she leapt into the Saddle without the help of stirrup or any other thing , & so rode speedily away from their sights , as a shower of rain driven by a violent Tempest . After her departure , the Champions remembred the old Shepherd , whom they had almost forgotten , through the joy that they took in their happy Meetings , he as yet remained without the Castle Gates , carefully keeping their Horses ; whom now they caused to come in , and not only gave him the honour due unto his age , but bestowed frankly upon him the state and government of the Castle , with store of Iewels , Pearls , and Treasure , only to be maintained and kept for relief of poor Travellers . This being performed with their general consents , they spent the remnant of the day in banquering and other pleasant conference of their passed adventures : & when the night with her sable Clouds had over-spread the days delightful countenance , they betook them to their rests : the seven Champions in a Chamber that had as many Windows as there were days in the year , the old Shepherd by himself in a rich furnished Parlor , and St. George's three Sons in the greatest Hall in the Castle . CHAP. X. How after the Christian Knights were gone to bed in the Black Castle , Saint George was awaked from his sleep in the dead time of the Night , after a most fearful manner , and likewise how he found a Knight lying upon a Tomb that stood over a flaming Fire , with other things of note that hapned upon the same . MOst sweet were the sleeps that these Princely minded Champions took in the Castle all the first part of the night , without molestation either by disquiet dreams or disturbing motions of their minds , till such time as the Queen of Night had run half her weary journey , and had spent the better part of the night : for betwixt twelve and one , being the chiefest time of fear and terrour in the night , such a strange alteration did work in Saint George's thought , that he could not enjoy the benefit of sweet sleep , but was forced to Iye broad awake , like one disquieted by some sudden fear ; but as he lay with wakeful eyes , thinking upon his passed Fortunes , and numbring the minutes of the night with his cogitations , he heard as it were a cry of Night-Ravens which flew beating their fatal Wings against the Windows of his Lodging , by which he imagined that some direful accident was near at hand : yet being not frighted with this fearful noise , nor daunted with the croking of these Ravens , he lay still silently , not revealing it to any of the other Champions that lay in the six several Beds in the same chamber : but at last being between sleeping and waking , he heard as it were the voice of a sorrowful Knight , that constrained these bitter passions from his tormented soul , & they contained these words following : O thou invincible Knight of England , thou that art not frighted with this sorrowful dwelling , wherein thou canst see nothing but Torments , rise up I say , from thy sluggish bed , and with thy undaunted courage and strong Arm , break the charm of my Enchantment . And therewithal he seemed to give a most terrible groan , and so ceased . This unexpected noise caused Saint George ( without the knowledge of any of the other Champions ) to arise from his Bed , and to buckle on his Armour , and to search about the Castle to see if he might find the place that harboured the Knight that made such sorrowful lamentations . So going up and down by-corners in the Castle , all the latter part of the night , without finding the adventure of this strange voice or disturbance by any other means , but that he was hindred from his natural and quiet sleep , by the break of day , when the dark night began to withdraw her sable Curtains , and to give Aurora liberty to display her purple brightness , he entered into a four square Parlor , hung round about with black cloth , and other mournful habiliments , where on the one side of the same he saw a Tomb all covered likewise with black , and upon it there lay a Man with a pale colour , who at certain times , gave most marvellous and grievous Sighs , caused by burning flames that procéeded from under the Tomb , being such that it seemed that his Body therewith should be converted into Coals : the flame thereof was so stinking , that it made Saint George somewhat to retire himself from the place where he did sée that most horible and fearful spectacle . He which lay upon the Tomb , casting his eyes aside , espyed Saint George , and knowing him to be a humane creature , with an afflicted voice he said , Who art thou Sir , Knight , that art come into this place of Sorrow , where nothing is heard but clamours of Fear and Terrour ? Nay , tell me ( said Saint George , ) who thou art , that with so much Grief dost demand of me , that which I stand in doubt to reveal to thee . I am the King of Babylon ( answered he ) which without all consideration , with my cruel hand did pierce thorow the white and delicate Brest of my beloved Daughter ; Woe be to me , and woe unto my Soul therefore , for she at once did pay her offence by Death , but I a most miserable wretch , with many Torments do die living . When this worthy Champion Saint George was about to answer him , he saw come forth from under the Tomb a Damsel who had her hair of a yellow and wan colour , hanging down about her shoulders , and by her face she seemed that she should be very strangely afflicted with Torments , and with a sorrowful Uoice she said : O unfortunate Knight , what dost thou séek in this infernal lodging , where cannot be given thee anyother pleasure but mortal torment , and there is but one thing that can clear thee from it , and this cannot be told th●e by any other but by me ? ●et I will not express it , except thou will grant me one thing which I will ask of thee . The English Champion that with a sad countenance stood behalding of the sorrowful Damsel , and being greatly amazed at the l●ght which he had seen , answered and said : The Powers which were Governours of my liberty , will do their pleasures , but touching the grant of thy request , I never denyed any lawful thing to either Lady or Gentlewoman , but with all my power and strength I was made to fulfill the same , therefore demand what thy pleasure ●s ▪ And with that the Damiel threw her self into the Sepulchre , and with a grievous voice she said : now most courteous Knight per●orm thy promis● , strike but three stroaks upon this fatal Tomb , and thou shalt deliver us from a world of Miseries , and likewise make an and of our continual torments . Then the invincible Knight replyed in this order , whether you be humane creatures , said he , placed in this Sepulchre by Enchantment , or furies raised from fiery Acheron , to work my confusion or no , I know not , and there is so little truth in this infernal Castle , that I stand in doubt whether I may believe thy words or not : but yet discourse unto me the truth of all your passed fortunes , and by what means you were brought into this place , and as I am a crue Knight and one that fights in the quarrel of Christendom , I vow to accomplish whatsoever lyeth in my power . Then the Damsel began with a grievous and sorrowful lamentation to declare as strange a Tragedy as ever was told . And lying in the fatal Sepulchre unseen of Saint George , that stood leaning his back against the Wall , to hear her discourse a lamentable s●ory , with a hollow voice like a murthered Lady , whose bleeding Soul as yet did feel the terrible stroak of her Death , she repeated this pittiful Tale following : CHAP. XI . Of a Tragical Discourse pronounced by a Lady in a Tomb , and how her Enchantment was finished by Saint George , with other strange accidents that hapned to the other Six Champions of Christendom . IN famous Babylon sometimes reigned a King , although a Heather , yet adorned with noble and vertuous customs , and had only one Daughter that was very fair , whose name was Angelica , humble , wise , and chast : Who was beloved of a mighty Duke , and a man wonderful cunning in the black ●rt , this Magician had a sage and grave countenance , and one that for wisdom better deserved the Government than any other in the Kingdom , and was very well esteemed throughout all Babylon almost equally with the King : for which there ingendered in the Kings heart a secret rancour and hatred towards him . The Magician cast his love upon the young Princess Angelica , and it was ordained by destiny that she should repay him with the same affection , so that both their hearts being wounded with love the one to the other , they indured sundry great Passions . Then Love which continually seeketh occasions , did on a time set before this Magician , a Waiting Maid of Angelica's named Fidelia , the which thing seemed to be wrought by the immortal power of the Goddess Venus : Oh in what fear the Magician was to discover unto her all his heart and to bewray the secrets of his love-sick Soul ; but in the end , by the great industry and diligence of the Waiting-maid ( whose Name was answerable unto her mind ) there was order given that these two Lovers should meet together . This fair Angelica for that she could not at her ease enjoy her true Lover , she did determine to leave her own natural Country & Father , and with this intention being one night with her Love , she cast her Arms about his neck , and said : Oh my sweet and well-beloved Friend , seeing that my Destinies have been so kind to me , as to have my heart linked in thy Breast , let no man find in thee ingratitude , for that I cannot live , except continually I enjoy thy sight , and do not muse ( my Lord ) at these my Words , for the intire love that I bear to you , constreineth me to make it manifest . And this believe of a certainty , that if thy sight be absent from me , it will be an occasion that my heart will lack his vital recreation , and my soul forsake her Earthly habitation . You know , my Lord , how that the King my Father doth bear you no good Will , but doth hate you from his soul , which will be an occasion that we cannot enjoy our hearts contentments : for the which I have determined ( if you think well thereof ) to leave both my Father and my native Country , and to go and live with you in a strange Land. And if you deny me this , you shall very quickly see your loving Lady without life : but I know you will not deny me , for thereon consisteth the benefit of my welfare , and my chiefest prosperity . And therewithal sheding a few tears from her Crystal Eyes , she held her peace . The Magician ( as one half ravished with her earnest desires ) answered and said : My Love and sweet Mistress , wherefore have you any doubt that I will not fulfill and accomplish your desire in all things ? therefore out of hand put all things in readiness that your pleasure is to have done : for what more benefit or contentment can I receive , than to enjoy your sight continually , in such sort that neither of us may depart from the others company , till the fatal Destinies give end to our lives ? Or if it so fall out , that Fortune frown upon us , that we be espied and taken in our enterprize , and suffer death together , what more glory can there happen unto me , than to die with thee , and to end my life betwixt thy arms ? therefore do not trouble your self dear Lady and Mistress , but give me leave for ●o depart your presence , that I may provide all things in readiness for our departures . And so with this conclusion they took leave one of the other , and departed away with as great secresie as might possibly be devised . After this , within a few days , the Magitian by his Enchantment caused a Chariot to be made , that was drawn by the flying Dragons into the which without being espyed of any one , they put themselves , together with their trusty Waiting-Maid , and in great secresie they departed out of the Kings Pallace , and took their journey towards the Country of Armenia : into the which Country in a short time they arrived , and came without any misfortune unto a place where as deep Rivers did continually strike upon a Rock , upon the which stood an old ancient building , wherein they intended to inhabit , as a most convenient place for their dwelling , whereas they might without all fear of being found , live peaceably , enjoying each others love . Not far from that place there was a small Uillage , from whence they might have necessary provision for the maintaining of their bodies . Great joy and pleasure these two Lovers received when they found themselves in such a place whereas they might take their fill of each others loves . The Magician delighted in no other thing but to go a hunting with certain Country Dwellers that inhabited in the next Uillage , leaving his sweet Angelica accompanied with her trusty Fidelia in that house , so in this order they lived together four years , spending their days in great pleasure , but in the end , time ( who never ●ested in one degree ) did take from them their ●est , and repayed them with sorrow and extream misery . For when the King her Father found her missing , the sorrow and grief was so much that he received , that he kept his Chamber a long time , and would not be comforted of any body . Four years he passed away in great heaviness , filling the Court with Ecchoes of his beloved Daughter , and making the Skies to resound his lamentations : sorrow was his food , salt tears his drink , and grief his chief Companion . But at last , upon a time as he sate in his Chair , lamenting her absence with great heaviness , and being over-charged with grief , he chanc'd to fall into a troublesome dream , for after quiet sleep had closed up the closers of his Eyes , he dreamed that he saw his Daughter standing upon a Rock by the Sea-side , offering to cast her Body into the Waves before she would return to Babylon , and that he beheld her Lover with an Army of Satyrs and Wild-men ready furnished with habiliments of War to pull him from his Throne , and to deprive him of his Kingdom . Out of this Uision he presently started from his Chair , as though it had been one frighted with a Legion of S●irits , and caused four of the chief Peers of his Land to be sent for , to whom he committed the Government of his Country : certifying them that he intended a Uoyage to the Sepulchre at Memphis , thereby to qualify the fury of his Daughters Ghost , whom he dreamed to be drowned in the Seas , and that except he sought by true Submission to appease the angry Fates , whom he had offended , he should be deposed from his Kingdom . None could withdraw him from his Determination , though it was to the prejudice of the whole Land : therefore within twenty Days he furnished himself with all necessaries , as well of Armour and Martial Furniture , as of Gold and Treasure , and so departed from Babylon privately and alone , not suffering any other ( though many desired it humbly and very earnestly ) to bear him company . But he travelled not as he told his Lords , after any Ceremonious Order , but like a Blood Hound searching Country after Country , Nation by Nation , and Kingdom by Kingdom , that after a barbarous manner he might be revenged upon his Daughter for her Disobedience ; And as he travelled , there was no Cave , Den , Wood , or Wilderness , but he furiously entred , and diligently searched for his Angelica . At last , by strauge Fortune he hapned into Armenia , near unto the place whereas his Daughter had her residence , where after he had intelligence by the Commons of the Country , that she remained in an old ruinated Building on the top of a Rock near at hand , without any more delay he travelled unto that place , at such a time as the Magician her Husband was gone about his accustomed Hunting , where coming to the Gate and finding it lockt , he knockt thereat so furiously that he made the noise resound all the House over with the redoubling Eccho . When Angelica heard one knock , she came unto the Gate , and with all speed she did open it , where when she thought to imbrace him thinking i●to be her Lover ) she saw that it was her Father , and with a sudden alteration she gave a great shriek , and ran with all the speed she could back into the House . Her Father being angry , like a furious Lyon followed her , saying : It doth little avail thee Angelica to run away , for that thou shalt d●● by this revengeful hand , paying me with thy Death the Dishonour that my Crown hath received by thy Flight . So he followed her till he came to the Chamber where her waiting-Maid Fidelia was , who likewise presently knew the King : upon whose wrathful countenance appeared the Image of pale Death , and fearing the harm that might happen unto her Lady , she put her self over her Ladies Body , and gave most terrible , loud and lamentable shrieks . The King , as one kindled in Wrath , and forgetting the natural love of a Father towards his Child , he laid hands upon his Sword and said : It doth not profit thee Angelica , to flie from thy death , for thy desert is such , that thou canst not escape from it : for here mine own arm shall be the killer of my own flesh , and I unnaturally hate that which nature it self commandeth me especially to love . Then Angelica with a Countenance more red than Scarlet answered and said : Ah my Lord and Father , will you be now as cruel unto me , as you had wont to be kind and pitiful ? Appease your Wrath , and withdraw your unmerciful Sword , and hearken unto this which I say , in discharging my self of that you charge me withal . You shall understand , my Lord and Father , that I was overcome and constrained by love , for to love , forgetting all fatherly Love and Duty towards your Majesty : yet for all that , having power to accomplish the same , it was not to your dishonour , in that I live honourably with my Husband : then the King ( with a visage fraught with terrible ●re ) more like a Dragon in the Woods of Hircania , than a Man by nature , answered and said : Thou virerous Brat , degenerate from Natures kind , thou wicked Traytor to thy generation : what reason hast thou to make this false excuse , when as thou hast committed a Crime that deserves more punishment than humane nature can inflict ? And in saying these Words , he lift up his Sword , in●ending to strike her into the heart , and to bath his Weapon in his own Daughters blood : Whereat Fidelia being present , gave a terrible shriek , and threw her self upon the Body of unhappy Angelica , offering her tender Breast to the fury of his sharp cutting Sword , only set at liberty her ●ear Lady and Mistress . But when the furious King saw her in this sort make her defence , he pulled her off by the hair of her Head , offering to trample her delicate Body under his feet , thereby to make a way , that he might execute his determined purpose without resistance of any . Fidelia , when she saw the King determined to kill his Daughter , like unto a Lioness , she hung about his neck , and said : Thou Monstrous Murtherer , more cruel than the mad Doggs in Aegypt , why dost thou determine to slaughter the most chast and loyallest Lady in the World , even the within whose lap untamed Lions will come and sleep . Thou art thy self ( I say ) the occasion of all this evil , and thine only is the fault , for that thy self wert so malicious , and so full of mischief , that she d●rst not let thee understand of her Love. These Words and Tears of Fidelia did little profit to molifie the Kings heart , who rather like a wild Boar in the Wilderness being compassed about with a company of Dogs , most irefully shook his Limbs , and threw Fidelia from him , in such sort , that he had almost dasht her Brains against the Chamber Walls , and with double Wrath he did proceed to execute his fury . Yet , for all this Fidelia with terrible shrieks sought to hinder him , till such time as with his cruel hand he thrust his Sword into her Ladies Breast , so that it appeared forth at her back , whereby her Soul was forced to leave her terrestrial habitation , and flie into the wide Air , after those which dyed for true loves sake . Thus this unhappy Angelica when she was most at quiet , and content with her mean kind of Life , then Fortune turned her unconstant Wheel , and cast her from a glorious delight to sudden death . The ireful King , when he beheld his Daughters blood sprinkled about the Chamber , and that by his own Hands it was committed , he repented himself of the Deed , and cursed the Hour wherein the first motion of such a Trime entred into his mind , wishing the hand that did it , ever after might be same , and the heart that did contrive it , to be plagued with more extremities than was miserable Oedipus , or to be terrified with her Ghostly Spirit , as was the Macedonian Alexander with Clitus Shadow , whom he caustelly murthered . In this manner the unfortunate King repented his Daughters bloody Tragedy , with this determination , not to stay till the Magician returned from his Hunting Exercise , but to ●●clude himself from the company of all Men , and to spend the remnant of his loathsom life among untamed Beasts in some wild Wilderness . Upon this resolution he departed the Chamber , and withal said : Farewel thou liveless Body of my Angelica , and may thy blood which I have spilt , crave vengeance of the Fates against my guilty Soul , for my Earthly Body shall indure a miserable punishment . Likewise at his departure , he writ upon the Chamber Walls these Uerses following , with his Daughters Blood. Now unto Hills , to Dales , to Rocks , to Caves I go , To spend my Days in Shame , in Sorrow , Grief , and Woe . Fidelia ( after the departure of the King ) used such violent fury against her self , both by rending the golden Tranunels of her Hair , and ●earing her Rosie-coloured Face with her furious Nails , that she rather seemed an infernal Fury , subject to Wrath , than any Earthly Creature furnished with Clemency : she sate over Angelica's Body , wiping her bleeding Bosom with a Damask Scarf , which she pulled from her Wast , and hathing her dead Body in luke-warm Tears , which forcibly ran down from her Eyes like an overslowing Fountain . In th●t woful manner spent the sorrowful Fidelia that unhappy day , till bright Phoebus went into the Western Parts : at which time the Magician returned from his accustomed Hunting , and finding the Door open , he entered into Angelica's Chamber , where when he found her Body westring in congealed Blood , and beheld how Fidelia sate weeping over her bleeding Wounds , he cursed himself , for that he accounted his negligence the occasion of her Death , in that he had not left her in more safety . But when Fidelia had certified him , how that by the hands of her own Father she was slaughtered , he began like a Frantick Tyrant to rage against black Destiny , and to fill the Air with terrible Exclamations . Oh cruel Murtherer ! ( said he , ) crept from the Womb of some untamed Tyger : I will be so revenged upon thee , O unnatural King , that all Ages shall wonder at thy misery . And likewise thou unhappy Virgin shalt endure like punishment , in that thy accursed Tongue hath bruited this fatal Deed unto my Ears , the one for committing the Crime , and the other for reporting it . For I will cast such deserved vengeance upon your Heads , and place your Bodies in such continual Torments , that you shall lament my Ladies Death , leaving alive the Fame of her with your Lamentations . And in saying these Words , he drew a Book out of his Bosom , and in reading certain Charms , and Enchantments , that were therein contained , he made a great and very black Cloud appear in the skies , which was brought by terrible and hasty winds , in the which he took them up both , and brought them into the Enchanted Castle , where ever since they have remained in this Tomb cruelly tormented with unquenchable Fire , and must for ever continue in the same extremity , except some courteous Knight will vouchsafe to give but three blows upon the Tomb , and break the Enchantment . Thus have you heard you magnanimous Knight , the true discourse of my unhappy Fortunes . And the Uirgin which for the true love she bore unto her Lady , was committed to this torment as my self , and this pale Body lying upon the Tomb , is the unhappy Babylonian King which unnaturally murthered his own Daughter : and the Magician which committed all these villanies , is that accursed wretch which by his Charms and Devillish Enchantments hath so strongly withstood your Encounters . These Words were no sooner finished , but Saint George drew out his sharp cutting Sword , and gave three blows upon the Enchanted Tomb , whereat presently appeared the Babylonian King standing before him , attyred in rich Robes , with an Imperial Diadem upon his Head , and that Lady standing by him , with a countenance more beautiful than the Damask Rose . When Saint George beheld them , he was not able to speak for joy , nor to utter his mind , so exceeding was the pleasure , that he took in their sights , so without any long circumstance he took them betwixt both his hands , and led them into the Chamber , whereas he found the other Knights newly risen from their Beds . To whom he revealed the true discourse of the passed Adventure , and by what means he redeemed the King and Lady from their Enchantments ; which to them was as great joy as before it was to Saint George . So , after they had for some six days refreshed themselves in the Castle , they generally intended to accompany the Babylonian King into his Country , and to place him again in his Regiment . In which Travel we will leave the Christian Knights to the conduct of Fortune , and return again to Rosana , who ( as you heard before ) departed from the Castle in the pursuit of her disloyal Father : of whose strange Accidents shall be spoken in this following Chapter . CHAP. XII . How the Knight of the Black Castle after Conquest of the same by the Christian Champions , wandred up and down the World in great terror of Conscience , ●nd after how he was found in a Wood by his own Daughter , in whose presence he desperately slew himself , with other accidents that after hapned . YOu do well remember when that the Christian Champions had slain the seven Giants in the Enchanted Castle , and had made conquest thereof , disloyal Leoger , being Lord of the same , secretly fled , not for anger of the loss , but for the preservation of his life . So in grief and terrour of Conscience he wandred like a fugitive up and down the World ; sometimes remembring of his passed prosperity , other times thinking upon the Rapes he had committed , how disloyally in former times he had left the Queen of Armenia big with Child , bearing in her Womb the stain of honour , and the confusian of her reputation . Sometimes his guilty Mind imagined that the bleeding Ghosts of the two Sisters ( whom he both ravished and murthered ) followed him up and down , haunting his ghost with fearful Exclamations , and filling each corner of the earth with clamours of Revengement . Such fear and terror raged in his Soul , that he thought all places where he travelled , were filled with multitudes of Knights , and that the strength of Countries pursued him to heap vengeance upon his guilty head for those wronged Ladies . Whereby he cursed the hour of his Birth , and blamed the cause of his creation , wishing the Fates to consume his Body with a Fire , or that the Earth would gape and swallow him . In this manner he travelled up and down , filling all places with Ecchoes of his Sorrow and Grief , which brought him into such a perplexity , that many times he would have slain himself , and have ●id his wretched Soul from a world of Miseries . But it hapned that one morning very early , by the first light of Titans golden Torch , he entred into a narrow and straight Path which conducted him into a very thick and solitary a Forrest , wherein with much sorrow he travelled till such time as glistring Phoebus had passed the half part of his journey . And being weary with the long way and the great weight of his Armour , he was forced to take some rest and case under certain fresh a green Myrtle Trees ; whese large leaves did shadow a very fair and clear Fountain , whose stream made a bubling murmur on the Pibbles . Being set , he began anew to have in remembrance his former committed Cruelty , and complaining of Fortune , he thus published his great grief : and although he was weary of complaining , yet seeing himself without all remedy , he resolved like unto the Swan to sing a while before his death : and so thinking to give some ease unto his tormented Heart , he warbled forth these Uerses following . MOurnful Melpomeneapproach with speed , And shew thy sacred Face with tears besprent : Let all thy Sisters Hearts with sorrow bleed , To hear my Plaints and rufull discontent . And with your mones sweet Muses all assist My mournfull Song that doth of woe consist . That so I may at large paint out my pain , Within these Desart Groves and Wilderness : And after I have ended to complain , They may record my woes and deep distress : Except these Myrtle Trees relentless be , They will with sobs assist the sighs of me . Time wears out life , it is reported so , And so it may , I will it not deny : Yet have I tryd so long and this do know , Time gives no end to this my misery : But rather Fortune , Time , and Fate agree , To Plague my heart with woe eternally . Ye Silvan Nymphs that in these Woods do shrowd , To you my mournful sorrows I declare , You Savage Satyrs , let your ears be bow'd , To hear my woe your nimble Selves prepare : Trees , Herbs , and Flowers in Rural Fields that grow . While thus I mourn , do you some silence show . Sweet Philomel , cease thou thy song a while , And will thy Mates their Melodies to leave : And all at once attend my mournful stile , Which will of mirth your sugred notes bereave : If you desire the burthen of my Song . I sigh and sob cause Ladies I did wrong . You furious Beasts that feed on Mountains high , And restless run with rage your Prey to find , Draw near to him , whose brutish cruelty Hath cropt the bud of Virgins chast and kind : The only thing yet rests to comfort me , Repentance comes a while before I die . Since all agree for to increase my care , What hope have I for to enjoy delight ; Sith Fates and Fortune do themselves prepare , To work against my soul their full despight , I know no means to yield my heart relief , T is only death which can dissolve my grief . I muse , and may , my sorrows being such , That my poor Heart can't longer life sustain , Sith daily I do find my grief so much , As every day I feel a dying Pain , But alas , I live afflicted still , And have no hope to heal me of my ill . When as I think upon my Pleasure past , Now turn'd to Pain , it makes me rue my state : And since my joy with woe is over-cast , O death give end to my unhappy fate . For only death will lasting life provide , Where living thus I sundry deaths abide . Wherefore all you that hear my mournful Song , And tasted have the grief that I sustain , All lustful Ravishers that have done wrong , With tear fill'd eyes assist me to complain . All that have being do my being hate , Crying hast , hast , this Wretches dying state . This sorrowful Song being d●ne , he laid himself an along upon the green grass , closing up the closers of his eyes in hope to repose himself in a quiet sleep , and to abandon all discontented thoughts , in which silent contemplations we will leave him for a while , and return to Rosana the Queens Daughter of Armenia , that bold Amazonian Lady , whom you remember likewise departed from the Black Castle ( clad with Enchanted Armour ) in the pursuit of her disloyal Father whom she never in her life beheld . This courteous Lady ( to perform her Mothers Will ) travelled up and down strange Countries with many a weary step , yet never could she meet with her unkind Father , unto whom she was commanded to give her Mothers Letter , neither could she here in any place wheresoever she came , where she might go to seek him . In which travel she met with strange Adventures , which with great honour to her Name she finished , yet still she wandred over Hills and Dales , Mountains and Ualleys , and through many solitary Woods , till at last she hapned by fortune into the Wilderness whereas this discontented Knight lay sleeping upon the green grass , near to which place she likewise reposed her self under the branches of a Chess-nut Tree , desiring to take some rest after her long travel . But upon a sudden being betwixt waking and sleeping , she heard towards her left hand a very dolorous groan , as it were of some sorrowful Knight , which was so terrible , heavy and bitter , that it made her to give an attentive car unto the sound , and to see if she could hear and understand what it should be . So with making the least noise that she could possibly , she arose up , and went toward the place , whereas she might see who it was , and there she beheld a Knight very well armed , lying upon the green grass , under a certain fair and green Myrtle Tree , his Armour was all Russet , and full of bars of black Steel , which shewed to be a very sad , sorrowful , and heavy Enamelling , agreeable to the inward sadness of his heart . He was somewhat of a big stature of body , and well proportioned , & there seemed by his disposition to be in his heart great grief : where after she had a while stood in secret , beholding his sorrowful countenance in a woful manner , he tumbled his restless body upon the green grass , & with a sad and heavy look he breathed forth this lamentation . Oh heavy and perverse Fortune ( said he ) why dost thou consent that I so vile and cruel a wretch do breath so long upon the Earth , upon whose wicked head the Golden Sun disdains to shine , and the glittering Elements deny their chearful lights . Oh that some ravenous Harpy would welter from his Den , and make his loathsome bowels my fatal Tomb , or that my eyes were sightless , like the miserable King of Thebes , that I never might again behold this Earth , whereon I have long lived and committed so many cruelties . I am confounded with the curse of sad mischance for wronging that Maiden Queen of Armenia , in the spoil of whose Uirginity I made a triumphant Conquest . O Leoger , Leoger , What fury did induce thee to commit so great sin , leaving her stained with thy Lust , and dishonoured by thy disloyalty ? O cruel , and without Faith , thou wert nursed with some unkindly milk of Tygers , and born into the World for thine own torment . Where was thine Understanding when thou forsookest that gracious Princess , who not only yielded to thee her Liberty , Love , and Honour , but therewith a Kingdom and a golden Diadom ? and therefore woe unto me Traytor , and more woes fall upon my soul than there be hairs upon my head , and may the sorrows of old Priam be my last punishment . What doth it profit me to fill the Air with Lamentations , when that the Crime is already past , without all remedy or hope of comfort ? this being said , he gave a grievous and terrible sigh , and so held his peace . Rosana by those heavy and sorrowful Lamentations , together with his Reasons which she heard , knew him to be her disloyal Father , whom she had so long travelled after to find out : but when she remembred how that his unfaithfulness and unkindness was the death of her Mother , her heart endured such extream pain and sorrow , that she was constrained ( without any feeling ) to fall down to the ground . But yet her couragious heart could not remain long in that passion , but straightways she rose up again upon her feet , with a desire to perform her Mothers Will , but yet not intending to discover her Name , nor to reveal unto him that she was his Daughter . So with this thought and determination , she went unto the place where Leoger was , who when he heard the noise of her coming , straight ways started upon his feet . Then Rosana did salute him with a voice somewhat heavy , and Leoger did return his salutations with no less shew of grace . Then the Amazonian Lady took forth the Letter from her naked Breast , where so long time she had kept it , and she delivered it into his hands , and said : Is it that thou art that forgetul and disloyal Knight , which left the unfortunate Queen of Armenia ( with so great pain and sorrow ) big with child among those unmeriful Tyrants her Country Men , which banished her out of her Country in revenge of thy committed Crime , where ever since she hath been companion with Wild Beasts , that in their natures have lamented her Banishment . Leoger , when he heard her say these Words , began to behold her , and although his eyes were all to be blubbred and weary of waeping , yet he most earnestly gazed in her face , and answered her in this manner : I will not deny to thee gentle Amazonian ( said he ) that which the very clouds do blush at , and the low earth doth mourn for . Thou shalt understand that I am the same Knight whom thou hast demanded after , tell me therefore what is thy Will. My Will is , said she , thou most ungrateful Knight , that thou read here this Letter , the last Work of the white hand of the unhappy Armenian Queen . At which Words the Knight was so troubled in thought , and grieved in mind , that it was almost the occasion to dissolve his Soul from his Body , and therewithal putting forth his hand somewhat trembling , he took the Letter , and set himself down very sorrowful upon the green grass , without any power to the contrary , his grief so abounded the bounds of reason . No sooner had he opened the Letter , but he presently knew it to be written by the hands of his wronged Lady , the Armenian Queen , and with great alteration both of heart and mind he read the sorrowful Lines , which contained these Words following : The Queen of Armenia her Letter . TO thee thou disloyal Knight of the Black Castle , the unfortunate Queen of Armenia can neither send nor wish salutations : for having no health my self , I cannot send it unto him whose cruel mind hath quite forgotten my true love : I cannot but lament continually , yea and complain unto my Fates incessantly , considering that my fortune is converted from a Crowned Queen to a miserable and banished Caitiff , whereas savage Beasts are my chief Companions , and the mournful Birds my best Solicitors Oh Leoger , Leoger , why didst thou leave me comfortless without all cause , as did Eneas his unfortunate Dido ? what second love hath bereaved me of thy sight , and made thee forget her that ever shall remember thee ? O Leoger , remember the day when first I saw thy face ; which day be fatal evermore , and counted for a dismal , day in time to come , both heavy , black , and full of foul mischances for it was unhappy unto me , for in giving thee joy , I bereaved my self of all , and lost the Possession of my liberty and honour , although thou hast not esteemed nor took care of my sorrowful Fortunes , yet thou shouldest not have mockt my perfect love , and disdained the servent affection that I have born thee , in that I have yielded to thee that precious Jewel , the which hath been denyed to many a Noble King : O love , cruel and spiteful love , that so quickly didst make me blind , and deprived me of the knowledge that belonged to my Royal Highness ! Oh uncourteous Knight , being blinded with thy Love : the Queen of Armenia stained her honesty , which she ought to have kept , and preserved it from the biting canker of disloyal Love : Hadst thou pretended to meck me , thou shouldst not have suffered me to have lost so much as I did forgo for thy sake . Tell me , why didst thou not suffer me to execute my Will , that I might have opened my white Breast with a piercing Sword , and sent my Soul to shady Banks of sweet Elizium ? Then had it been better for me to have dyed , than to live still and daily die . Remember thy self Leoger , and behold the harm that will come hereof : have a care to the Pawn which thou hast sealed in my Womb , and let it be an occasion that thou mayst ( after all thy violent Wrongs ) return to see me sleeping on my Tomb , that my Child may not remain Fatherless in the Power of Wild Beasts , whose hearts be fraughted with nothing but cruelty . Do not consent that the perfect love which I bear thee should be counted vain , but rather perform the Promise which thou hast made to me . Oh unkind Leoger , O cruel and hard heart ! is falshood the firm love that so unfeignedly thou didst profess to me ? What is he that hath been more unmerciful than thou hast been ? There is no furious Beast nor lurking Lyon in the Desarts of Lybia , whose merciless paws are all besmeared in blood , that is so cruelly hearted as thy self , else wouldes● thou not leave me comfortless , spending my days in solitary Woods ; whereas Tygers mourn at my distresses , and the chirping Birds in their kinds , grieve at my lamentations : the unreasonable torments and sorrows of my soul are so many , that if my Pen were made of Libian Steel , and my Ink the purple Ocean , yet could I not write the number of my Woes . But now I determine to advertise thee of my desired Death , for in writing this my last Testament , the Fates are cutting asunder my thread of life , and I can give thee knowledge of no more : but yet I desire thee by the true love which I bear thee , that thou wilt read with sorrow these few lines , and now I desire the Destinies that thou mayst die the death that for thee I now do : and so ●end , By her which did yield unto thee her Life , Love , Honour , Fame , and Liberty . WHen this sad and heavy Knight had made an end of reading this dolorous Letter , he could not restrain his Eyes from distilling salt tears , so great was the grief that his heart sustained ▪ Rosana did likewise bear him company to solemnize his heaviness , with as many tears trickling from the conduits of her Eyes . The great sorrow and lamentation was such , and so much in both their hearts , that for a great space the one could not speak unto the other : but afterwards their griefs being somewhat extenuated , Leoger began to say : Oh Messenger from her , with the remembrance of whose wrong my heart is wounded , being undeservedly of me evil rewarded : tell me ( even by the nature of true love ) if thou dost know where she is : shew unto me her abiding place , that I may go thither , and give a discharge of this my great fault by yielding unto Death . Oh cruel and without love ( answered Rosana ) What discharge canst thou give unto her that already ( through thy Cruelty ) is dead and buryed , only by the occasion of such a forsworn Knight ? This penitent and grieved Knight , when he understood the certainty of her Death , with a sudden and hasty fury he struck himself on the Breast with his fist , and lifting his Eyes unto the Clouds , in manner of Exclamation against the Fates , giving deep and sorrowful sighs , he threw himself to the ground : tumbling and wallowing from one side unto the other , without taking any ease , or having any power or strength to declare the inward grief which at that time he felt . but with lamentation , which did torment his heart , he called continually on the Armenian Queen , and in that Devilish fury wherein he was , drew out his Dagger , and lifting up the skirt of his shirt of Mail , he thrust it into his Body , and giving himself this unhappy death ( with calling upon his wronged Lady ) he finished his life , and fell to the ground . This sad and heavy Lady when she beheld him so desperately to gore his Martial Breast , and to fall lifeless to the Earth , she greatly repented her self , that she had not discovered her Name , and revealed to him how that she was his unfortunate Daughter , whose face before that time he had never beheld , and as a Lion ( though all too late ) who seeing before her Eyes a young Lioness evil intreated of the Hunter , even so she ran unto her murthered Father , and with great speed pulled off his Helmet from his wounded head , and unbraced his Armour , the which was in colour according to his passion , but yet as strong as any Diamond , made by Magick Art. Also she took away his Shield which had on it a Russet Flag , and in the midst thereof was pourtrayed the God of Love with two faces . the one was very fair and baund with a cloth about his eyes , and the other was made marvellous fierce and furious . This being done with a fair linnen cloath she wiped off the blood from his wounded Body . And when she was certain that it was he after whom she had travelled so many steps , and that he was without life , with a furious madness she ●●re her Artyre from her Head , and all to rent her golden hair , tearing i● in pieces , and then returned again and wiped his bleeding Body , making such sorrowful lamentation , that whosoever had seen her , would have been moved to compassion . Then she took his Head betwixt her hands , striving to lift it up , and to lay it upon her Lap , but seeing for all this , that there was no moving him , she joyned her face unto his pale and dead Cheeks , and with sorrowful Words she said : Dear Father , open thine eyes and behold me , open them sweet Father , and look upon me thy sorrowful Daughter : If Fortune be so favourable , let me receive some contentment whilst Life remaineth : Oh strengthen thy self to look upon me , wherein such delight may come to me , that we may one accompany the other . Oh my Lord and only Father , seeing that in former times my unfortuate Mothers ●ears were not sufficient to reclaim thee , make me satisfaction for the great travel which I have taken in seeking thee out . Come now in death and joy in the sight of thy unhappy Daughter , and die not without seeing her : open thine eyes that she may gratifie thee in dying with thee . This being said , Rosana began again to wipe his Body , for that it was again all to be bathed in blood , & with her white hands she felt his eyes and mouth , and all his Face and Head , till such time as she touched his Breast , and put her hand on the mortal Wound , where she held it still , and looked upon him whether he moved or no. But when she felt him without sense or feeling , she began anew to complain , and crying out with most terrible Exclamations , she said : Oh my hapless Father , how many Troubles and great Travels hath thy Daughter passed in seeking thee , watering the Earth with her Tears , and always in vain calling for thee ? Oh how many times in naming thy name hath she been answered with an Ercho , which was unto her great dolor and grief ? And now that Fortune hath brought her where thou art , to rejoyce her self in thy presence , the same Fortune hath converted her wishes into grief and dolour . O cruel and unconstant Queen of Chance , hath Rosana deserved this , to be most afflicted when she expected some joy ? O Leoger , if ever thou will open thine eyes , now open them , or let the glasses of mine be closed eternally . Herewith she perceived his dim eyes to open , and his senses now a little gathered together : and when he saw himself in her Arms , and understood by her Words , that she was his Daughter , whom he had by the unfortunate Queen of Armenia , he suddenly strove against Weakness , and at last recovering some strength , he cast his yielding Arms about the milk-white neck of the fair Rosana , and they joined their Faces the one with the other , distilling betwixt them many salt and bitter Tears , in such sort that it would have moved the very wild Beasts unto compassion ; and then with a feeble and weak voice the wounded Knight said : O my Daughter , unfortunate by my Dissoyalty , let me recreate and comfort my self , in injoying this thy mouth , the time that I shall remain alive , and before my silly Soul doth depart the company of my dying Body : I do confess that I have been pittiless unto thy Mother , and unkind to thee , in making thee to travel with great sorrow in seeking me , and now thou hast found me , I must leave thee alone in this sorrowful place with my dead Body pale and wan , yet before my death sweet Girl give me some few gentle kisses : this only delight I crave for the little time I have to carry , and afterwards I desire thee to intomb my Body in thy Mothers Grave , though it be far in distance from this unlucky Country . O my dear Lord ( answered she ) do you request me to give your Body a Sepulchre ? I think it more requisite to seek some to give it unto us both : for I know my life cannot continue long , if the angry Fates deprive me of your living company . And without strength to proceed any further in Speeches , she kissed his Face with many sobbings and sighs , and having within her self a terrible conflict , she carryed for the answer of her dying Father , who with pain and great anguish of Death , said : O my Child , how happy should I be , that thus imbracing one in anothers Arms , we might depart together ? then should I be joyful in thy company , and account my self happy in my death : but alas , I must leave thee unto the World. Daughter farewel , good Fortune preserve thee , and for ever may she take thee into her Favour . And when he had said these Words , inclining his neck upon the Face of Rosana , he dyed . When this sorrowful Lady saw that the Soul had got the victory , and departed from the Body , she kissed his pale lips ; and giving deep and dolorous sighs , she began a marvellous and most heavy lamentation , calling her self unhappy and unfortunate , and laid her self upon the dead Body , cursing her destinies , so that it was lamentable to hear . O my dear Father ( said she ) what small benefit have I received for all my travel and pain , the which I have suffered in seeking thee and now in the finding of thee , the more is my grief , for that I came to see thee die ? O most unhappy that I am , where was my mind when I saw that fatal Dagger pierce thy tender Breast : Whereon was my Thoughts ? Wherefore did I stand still , and did not with courage make resistance against that terrible and fatal Blow ? If my strength would not have served me , yet at the least I should then have born thee company . You furious Beasts that are hid in your Dens and deep Caves , where are you now ? Why do you not come and take pity upon my Grief in taking away my life ? doing so you shew your selves pittiful , for that I do abhor this dolorous Life . Yet all this while she did not forget the promise that she made him , which was to give his Body burial in her Mothers Tomb : Which was the occasion that she did somewhat cease her lamentation , and taking unto her self more courage than her sorrowful grief would consent unto , she put the dead Body under a broad branched Pine-apple Tree , and covered it with leaves and green grass , and withal hung his Armour upon the boughs , in hope , that the sight thereof would cause some adventurous Knight to approach her presence , that in kindness would assist her to in tomb him . This done , here we will leave Rosana weeping over her Fathers Body , and speak of the Necromancer after his flight from the Black Castle . CHAP. XIII . How the Magician found Leogers Armour hanging upon a Pine Tree , kept by Rosana the Queens Daughter of Armenia , betwixt whom hapned a terrible Battel : also of the desperate-Death of the Lady : and after , how the Magician framed by Magick Art an Enchanted Sepulchre , wherein he inclosed himself from the sight of all humane Creatures . I Am sure you do well remember , when the Christian Knights had conquered the Black Castle , which was kept by Enchantment , how the furious Necromancer to preserve his life , fled from the same , carried by his Art through the Air in an Iron Chariot , drawn by two flying Dragons : in which charmed Chariot , he crossed over many parts and plains of the Eastern Climates . At last , being weary of his Iourney , he put himself into the thickest of a Forrest , wherein travelling with his whirling Dragons , he never rested till he came unto a mighty and broad River , the which seemed to be an arm of the Marble-coloured Ocean : there he alighted from his Chariot for to refresh himself , and took Water with his hands and drunk thereof , and washed his face : and as he found himself all alone , there came into his mind many thoughts of his torepaised site , and how he was vanquished by the Christian Knights , for which with great anger he gave terrible sighs , and began to curse not only the hour of his Birth , but the whole World , and all the generations of Mankind . Likewise he remembred the great sorrow and travel that he ever since had induced , and what to●l travelling Knights do endure : In these variable cogitations spent he the time away till golden Phoebus began to withdraw himself into his accustomed Lodging ▪ to hide his light in the Occidental parts , and therewith drew on the dark and tenehrous Night , which was the occasion that his pain did the more encrease : all that Night he passed away with such sorrowful lamentations for his late disgraces , that all the Woods and Mountains did resound his woful Erclamations , till that Sol with his glistering Beams began again to recover the Earth . The which being seen by the Magician , with a trice he arose up , and intending to prosecute his Journey , but lifting up his eyes towards the Elements , he discovered hanging upon a high and mighty Pine-apple Tree the Armour of Leoger . This Armour was hung there by Rosana , in the remembrance of his death , as you heard in the last Chapter . And although it had almost lost the wonted colour , and began to rust through the abundance of rain that had fallen thereon , yet for all that it seemed of a great value and of a wonderful richness , so without any further circumspection or regard , he took down the Knights Armour , and armed himself therewith , and when he had lacked no more to put on but the Helmet , he heard a voice that said : Be not so hardy thou Knight as to undo this Trophie , except thou prepare thy self to win it by the Sword. The Magician at this unexpected Nosse , cast his Head on the one side , and espyed Rosana newly awaked from a heavy sleep most richly Armed with a strong Enchanted Armour , after the manner of the Amazonians , but for all that , he did not let to make an end of arming himself , and having laced on his Burgoner , he went towards the Demanvet with his Sword ready drawn in his hand , inviting her to a mortal Bartel . Rosana , who saw his determination , did provide to defend her self , and offend her Enemy . O my Muse ! that I had but learned Eloquence for to set out and declare the noble Encounters of these two Gallant Warriours : Rosana though she was but a Feminine by nature , yet was she as bold in Heroical Adventures as any Knight in the World , except the invincible Christian Champions . But now return we to our History . The valiant Amazonian when her Enemy came unto her , she struck him so terrible a blow upon the visour of his Helmet , that with the fury thereof she made sparkles of fire to issue out with great abundanee , and forced him to bow his head unto his Breast . The Magician did return unto her his salutation , and struck her such a blow upon her Helmet , that with the great noise thereof , it made a sound in all the Mountains . And so began between them a marvellous and fearful Battel , Fortune not willing to use her utmost extremity , enclined the foyl to neither party , nor as yet gave the Conquest to any , all the time of the Conflict , the furious Magician and the valiant Amazonian thought on no other thing , but either of them endeavoured to bring the other to an overthrow , striking each at other such terrible blows , and with so great fury , that many times it made either of them senseless , and both seeing the great force one of another , were marvellously incenst with anger . Then the valiant Lady threw her Shield at her back , that with more force she might strike and hurt her Enemy , and therewithal gave him so strong a blow upon the Burgonet , that he fell quite astonished to the Earth without any feeling . But when the Magician came again to himself , he returned Rosana such a terrible blow , that if it had chanced to hit right upon her , it would have cloven her head in pieces , but with great ●i●●retion she cleared her Head in such sort , that it was strucken in vain , and with great lightness she retired , and struck the Magician so furiously , that she made him once again to fall to the ground all astonished , and there appeared at the visour of his Helmet , great abundance of Blood that issued out of his mouth : but presently he revived and got up in a trice , with so great anger , that the smoak which came from his mouth seemed like a mist before his Helmet , so that almost it could not be seen . Then thus furious Devil ( blaspheming against his hard hap ) having his sharp Sword very fast in his hand , ran towards his enemy , who ( without any fear of his Fury ) went forth to receive him : and when they met together , they discharged their ●lows at once : but it fortuned that the Amazonians Blow did first fasten , with so great strength , that for all the Helmet of the Magician , which was wrought of the strongest Steel , it was not sufficient to make defence , but with the rigorous force wherewith it was charged , it bended in such sort that it brake into pieces : and the Magicians head was so grievously wounded , that streams of blood ran down his Armour , and he was forced for want of strength to yield to the mercy of the valiant Lady , who quickly condescended to his request , upon this condition , that he would be a means to convey her Fathers dead Body to an Island near adjoyning to the Borders of Armenia , and there to Intomb it in her Mothers Grave , as she promised when that his Ayr of life fleeted from his body . The Magician for safeguard of his life , presently agreed to perform her Desires , and protested to accomplish whatsoever she demanded . Then presently by his Art he prepared his Iron Charriot with his flying Dragons in a readiness , wherein he laid the murthered Body of Leoger upon a pillow of Mys●etoe , and likewise placed themselves therein , wherein they were no sooner entred , with necessaries belonging to their Travels , but they fled thorow the Air more swift than a Whirl-wind , or a Ship sailing on the Seas in a stormy tempest . The Wonders that he performed by the way , be so many and miraculous , that I want an Orators Eloquence to describe them , and a Poets skill to express them . But to be short , when Rosana was desirous to eat , and that her hunger encreased , by his Charms he would procure Birds ( of their own accords ) to fall out of the Skies , and yield themselves unto their pleasure , with all things necessary to suffice their wants . Thus Rosana with her Fathers dead Body , carryed through the air by Magick Art , over Hills and Dales , Mountains and Ualleys , Woods and Forrests , Towns and Cities , and through many both wonderful and strange Places and Countries . And at last , they arrived near unto the Confines of Armenia , being the place of their long desired rest . But when they approached near unto the Queen of Armenia's Grave , they descended from their Enchanted Chariot , and bore Leoger's body to his burying place , the which they found ( since Rosana departed ) overgrown with Moss and withered Brambles : Yet for all that they opened the Sepulchre and laid his Body yet freshly bleeding ) upon his Ladies consumed Carkass : which being done , the Magician covered the Grave again with earth , and laid thereon green Turfs , which made it seem as though it never had been opened . All the time that the Magician was performing the Ceremonious Funeral , Rosana watered the Earth with her Tears , never with drawing her Eyes from looking upon the Grave : and when it was finished , she sell into a sorrowful lamentation , following : Oh cruel Destinies ( said she ) sith your rigours have bereaved me of both my Parents , and left me to the World a comfortless Orphan , receive the Sacrifice to my Chastity , in payment of your Vengeance , and let my blood here shed upon this Grave , shew the singleness of my heart . And with the like Solemnity may all their hearts be broken in pieces , that seek the downfall and dishonour of Ladies . As she was uttering these and the like sorrows , she took forth a naked Sword which she had ready for the fame effect , and pur●ing the Pummel to the ground , cast her Breast upon the point . The which she did with such furious violence and exceeding haste , that the Magician although he was there present , could not succour her nor prevent her from committing on her self so bloody a Fact. This sudden mischance so amazed him , and so grieved his Soul that his Heart ( for a time ) would not consent that his Tongue should speak one word to express his Passion . But at last ( having taken truce with Sorrow , and recovering his former Speech , ) he took up the dead Body of Rosana , bathed all in Blood , and likewise buried her in her Parents Grave : and over the same hung an Epitaph that did declare the occasion of all their Deaths . This being done , to express the sorrows of his heart for the desperate Death of such a magnanimous Lady , and the rather to exempt himself from the company of all humane creatures , he erected over the Grave , by Magick Art , a very stately Tomb , which was in this order framed : First , there were fixed four Pillars , every one of a very fine Rubie : upon which was placed a Sepulchre of Crystal : within the Sepulchre there seemed to be two fair Ladies ; the one having her breast pierced thorow with a Sword , and the other with a Crown of Gold upon her Head , and so lean of body that she seemed to pine away : and upon the Sepulchre there lay a Knight all along , with his Face looking up to the Heavens , and armed with a Corsset of fine Steell of a russet Enamelling : under the Sepulchre there was spread abroad a great Carpet of Gold and upon it two Pillars of the sam● , and upon them lay an old Shepherd and his Sheep-hook lying at his féet ; his eyes were shut , and out of them were diffilled many pearled tears : at either Pillar there was a Gentlewoman of a comely Feature , the one of them seemed to be murthered , and the other ravished . And near unto the Sepulchre , there lay a terrible great Beast , he●ded like a Lian , his Breast and Body like a Wolf , and his tail like a Scorpion : which seemed to spir continually flames of fire . The Sepulchre was compassed about with a Wall of Iron , with four Gates for to enter in thereat : the Gates were after the manner and colour of fine Diamonds : and directly over the top of the chiefest Gate stood a Marble Pillar , whereon hung a Table written with red Letters , the Contents whereof were as follow : So long shall breathe upon this brittle Earth The Framer of this stately Monument , Till that three Children of a wondrous Birth Out of a Northern Climate shall be sent : They shall obscure his Name , as Fates agree , And by his fall the Fiends shall tamed be . This Monument was no sooner framed by the assistance of Pluto's Legions , and maintained by their Devillish Powers , but the Necromancer inclosed himself within the Walls , where he consorted chiefly with Furies and walking Spirits , that continually fed upon his blood , and left their damnable seals sticking upon his left side , as a sure token and witness that he had given both his Soul and Body to their Governments after the date of his mortal Life was finished . In which enchanted Sepulchre we will leave him for a time conferring with his damnable Mates , and return to the Christian Knights , where we left them travelling towards Babylon , to place the King again in his Kingdom . CHAP. XIV . How the seven Champions of Christendom restored the Babylonian King unto the Kingdom : and after how honourably they were received at Rome , where Saint George fell in love with the Emperors Daughter , being a professed Nun : of the mischief that ensued thereby , and of the desperate end of young Lucius Prince of Rome . THE valiant Christian Champions , having as you heard in the Chapter going before , performed the Adventure of the Enchanted Monument , accompanied the Babylonian King to his Kingdom of Assyria , as they had all solemnly promised him . But when they approached the Confines of Babylon , and made no ●ucstion of peaceful and Princely entertainment , there was neither sign of peace nor likelihood of joyful and friendly Welcome , for all the Country raged with intestine War , four several Competitors unjustly striving for what unto the King properly and of right belonged . The unnatural Causers and stirrers up to this Blood-devouring Controversie , were four Noble men , unto whom the King unadvisedly committed the Government of his Realm , when he went in the Tragical pursuit of his fair Daughter , after his dreamed illusion that caused him so cruelly to seek her Death . And the breaking our into this hurliburly grew first to head in this manner following : Two years after the Kings departure , these Deputies governed the publick State in great peace , and with prudent Policy , till after no tydings of the King could be heard , notwithstanding so many Messengers as were into every quarter of the World sent to enquire of him : then did Ambition kindle in all their hearts , each striving to wrest into his hand the sole possession of the Babylonian Kingdom . To this end , they all made several Friends : for this had they contended in many fights ; and now lastly , they intended to set all their hopes upon this main chance of War , intending to fight till three fell , and one remained Uictor over the rest : whose Head should be beautified with a Crown . But to Traytors and Treason the end is sudden and shameful , for no sooner had S. George ( placing himself between the Battels ) in a brief Oration shewed the Adventures of the King , and he himself to the People discovered his reverend Face , but they all shouted for joy , and hauling the Usurpers presently to Death , they re-installed him in his antient Dignity , their true , lawful , and long-lookt for King. The King being thus restored , married Fidelia for her faithfulness : and after the Nuptial Feasts , the Champions ( at the earnest request of S. Anthony ) departed towards Italy : where in Rome the Emperor spared no cost honourably and mòst sumptuously to entertain those never-daunted Knights , the famous Wonders of Christendom . At that time of the year when the Summers Queen had beautified the Earth with interchangable Ornaments ; S. George ( in company of the Emperor with the rest of the Champions , chanced to walk along by the side of the River Tybur , to delight themselves with the pleasant Meads , and beautiful prospect of the Country . Before they had walked half a mile from the City , they approached unto an ancient Nunnery , which was very fair and of a stately Building , and likewise encompassed about with Chrystal streams and many green Meabows , furnished with all manner of beautiful Trées and fragrant Flowers . This Nunnery was consecrated to Diana the Queen of Chastity , and none were suffered to live therein , but s●●h chast Ladies and Uirgins as had ●owed themselves to a single Life , ●aild so keep their Uirginities for ever unsported . In this place the Emperors only Daughter lived as a pro●●ssed Nun , and exempted her self from all company , except it were the fellowship of chast and religious Uirgins . This vertuous Lucina ( for so was she called ) having intelligence before , by the Dverséers of the Nunnery , how that the Emperor her Father with many other knights , were coming to visit their Religious Havitation , against their approach she attyred her self in a Gown of white Satin , all laid over with gold Lace , having also her golden locks of Hair somewhat laid forth . And upon her head was knit a Garland of sweet smelling Flowers , which made her seem like some Celestial or Divine Creature . Her beauty was so excellent , that it might have quailed the heart of Cupid , and her bravery excéeded the Paphi●n Quéens . Never could nature with all her cunning , stream more beauty in any one Creature , than was upon her Face : nor never could the flattering Syrens more beguile the Traveller , than did her bright countenance enchant the English Champion : for at his first entrance into the Nunnery , he was so ravished with her sight , that he was not able to withdraw his eyes from her beauty , but stood gazing upon her rosie coloured Cheeks , like one bewitched with Medusi's shadows . And to be short , her beauty seemed so Angelical , and the burning flames of love so fired his heart , that he must either enjoy her company , or give end to his life by some untimely means . Saint George being wounded thus with the Dart of Love , dissembled his grief , and revealed ●t not to any one , but departed with the Emperor back again to the City , leaving his heart behind him , closed in the 〈◊〉 Mo●astert with his lovely Lucina . All that ensuing night he could not enjoy the benefit of sléep , but did contemplate upon the Divine Beauty of his Lady ; and slaughted his mind with a thousand several cogitations how he might attain to the love , being a chast Uirgin and a professed Nun. In this manner spent he away the night , and no scouer appeared the mornings brightness in at the Chamber Window , but he arose from his restless Bed , and attyred himself in Watchet Uelver , to signifie his true Love , and wandred all alone unto the Monastery , where he revealed his deep affection unto the Lady , who was as far from granting to his Request , as the Skies from the Earth , or the deepest Seas the highest Elements : for she protested while life remained within her Body , never to yield her Love in the way of Marriage to any one , but to remain a pure Uirgin , and of Diana's Train . No other resolution could Saint George get of the chaste Nun , which caused him to part in great discontent , intending to seek by some other means to obtain her love , so coming to the rest of the Christian Champions , he revealed to them the truth of all things that had hapned : who in this manner counselled him , that he should provide a multitude of Armed Knights , every one bearing in their hands a Sword ready drawn , and to enter the Monastery at such time as she little mistrusted , and first with Promises and fair and kind Speeches to seek her love , but if she yielded not , to fill her ears with cruel threatnings , protesting that if she will not grant to requite his love with like Affections , he would not leave one Stone of that Monastery standing upon another , and likewise make her a bloody offering up to Diana . This Policy liked well Saint George , though he intended not to prosecute such Cruelty : so the next morning by break of day he went unto the Nunnery in company of no other but the Christian Champions , armed in bright Armour , with their glistering Swords ready drawn , which they carryed under their side Cloaks to prevent suspition . But when they came to the Monastery , and had entered into the Chamber of Lucina ( whom they found kneeling upon the bare ground at her Ceremonious Orisons ) Saint George first proffered her kindness by fair Promises , but finding that thereby he nothing prevailed , he then made known his pretended unmerciful Purpose , and thereupon all of them shaking their bright Swords against her vertuous Breast , they protested ( though contrary to their intents ) that except she would yield to Saint George her unconquered Love , they would bathe their Weapons in her dearest Blood. At which Words the distressed Uirgin being overcharged with fear , sunk down presently to the ground , and lay for a time in a dead Agony , but in the end recovering her self , she lifted up her Angelical Face , shrouded under a cloud of pale sorrow , and in this manner declared her mind : Most Renowned and well approved Knight ( said she ) it is as difficult to me to climb up to the highest top of Heaven , as to persuade my mind to yield to the fulfilling of your requests : The pure and chast Goddess Diana that sits now crowned amongst the go●ven Stars , will revenge my perjured promise , if I yield ●o your d●●ires , for I have long since deeply vowed to spend my days in this Religious House , in honour of her Deity , and not to yield the flower of my Uirginity to any one , which Uow I will not infringe for all the Wealth of Rome ? you know brave champions , that in time the watery drops will mollifie the hardest Diamond , and time may root this resolution out of my heart . Therefore I request you by honour of true Knighthood , and by the loves you bear to your Native Countries , to grant me the liberty of seven days , that I may at full consider with my heart before I give an answer to your demands , and to the intent that I may make some publick Sacrifices , as well to appeafe the Wrath which the chast Goddess Diana may conceive against me , as to satisfie my own Soul for not fulfilling my Uow . These Words were no sooner ended , but the Champions incontinently without any more delay joyfully consented , and moreover proffered themselves to be all present at the same sacrifice , and so departed from the Monastery with exceeding great comfort . The Champions being gone , Lucina called together all the rest of the Nuns , and declared to them the whole discourse of her assailment , whereafter amongst this Religious company with the help of some other of their approved Friends , they devised a most strange Sacrifice , which hath since been the occasion that so many inhumane and bloody Sacrifices have been committed . The next morning after six days were finished , no sooner did bright Phoebus shew his golden Beams abroad , but the Nuns began to prepare all things in readiness for the Sacrifice : for directly before the door of the Monastery they hired cunning Work-men to erect a Scaffold , all very richly covered with Cloth of Gold , and upon the Scaffold ( about the middle thereof ) was placed a fair Table , covered also with a Carpet of Cloth of Gold , and upon it a Chasing-dish of Coals burning : all this being set in good order , the Emperor with the Christian Champions , and many other Roman Knights being present to behold the Ceremonious Sacrifice , little mistrusted the doleful Tragedy that after hapned . The Assembly being alent , there was straight-ways heard a sweet and harmonious sound of Clarions and Trumpets , and sundry other kinds of Instruments : these entered first upon the Scaffold , and next unto them were brought seven Rams , all ado●ned with fine white Wool more soft in feeling than Ar●b●● . Silk , with huge and mighty charged Horns , bound about with Garlands of Flowers ; ●●●er them followed a certain member of Nuns a●●yled in black Uestm●●● , singing their accustomed Songs in the honour of Diana : after them followed an ancient Marton drawn in a Chariot by four comely Uirgins , bringing in their hands the Image of 〈◊〉 and on either side of her two ancient Nuns of great estimation , each of them bearing in their hands rich Uessels of gold , full of most precious and sweet Wines : then after all this came the beautiful Lucina apparelled with a rich Robe of Estate , being of a great and in●●●●able Ua●●e . Thus ceremoniously she ascended the Scaffold , where the Matron placed the Image of Diana behind the Chasing dish of Coals that was there burning : and the rest of the Nuns commned still singing their Songs and drinking of the precious Wines that were brought in the golden Uessels . This being done , they all at once brought low the necks of the R●ms by ●●●tting their Throar● , whose blood they sprinkled round about the Scaffold , ● opened their bowels , and burned the inward parts in the Chasing di●● of Coals . Thus with the slaughter , they made Sacrifice to the Queen of Chastity : at the sight whereof was present the surfeiting Lover S. George , with the other six Christian Knights , a●med all in bright Armour , & were all very attentive to this that I have here told you . This Sacrifice ended , this Lucina commanded silence to be made , and when all the company were still , she raised her self upon her ●●e● , and with a heavy Uoice distilling many salt Tears , the said : O m●●t excellent and chast Diana , in whose blessed b●●om we undetiled Virgins do recreate our selves , unto thy most Divine excellency do I now 〈◊〉 this my last Sacrifice , calling to record all the Gods , that I have done my best to continue a sp●tless Maiden of thy most 〈◊〉 Train . O heavens , shall I consent to deliver my Uirginity willingly to him whose Soul desires to have the use of it ? Or shall I my self consent my utter ruine and sorrowful destruction , which proceedeth only by the means of my flourishing beauty ? I would it had been as the night Ravens , or like to the tawny tanned Moors in the farthest Mountains of India . O Sacred Diana thou blessed Queen of Chastity , is it possible that thou ●ost consent that a Uirgin descended from so Royal a Race as I am , should suffer the worthiness of her Predecessours to be sported by yielding her Uirgin honour to the conquest of Love without respecting the chast Uow I made unto thy Deity ? Well , seeing it is so , that I must nee●s vi●●me my self against all humane nature , ● beseech thee to receive the so●e●nity of this my death , which I offer up in Sacrifice to thy Di●ine Excellency : for I am here con●trained with mine own trembling h●nd to cut off the flourishing Branches of these 〈…〉 . For this I swear before the 〈◊〉 of Diana , that I 〈…〉 the society and s●cced Bosom of that great Godde●s than ●o 〈◊〉 the Ca●●●e of my Cha●●●●y to the Conquest of any ●nig●● in ●●e Wo●ld . And now to thee I speak thou valiant knight of 〈◊〉 , be●o●d here I ●ield unto thy hands 〈…〉 Bo●y , to use 〈…〉 to thy will and pleasure , requesting only this thing at thy hand , that as thou love● me ●i●ing , thou wil● 〈…〉 , and like a merciful Champion , suffer me to receive a P●incely Funeral . At last of all to thee Divine Diana do I speak , ●c●ept of this my b●ee●ing Soul , that with so much Blood is offered unto thee . So in finishing this sorrowful Speech , she drew out a fair and bright shining Sword , which she had ●●●oden secretly under her ●own , and setting the H●●● against the Scaff●●d 〈◊〉 looked for of her Father and those that were present she suddenly threw her self upon the point of that Sword in such fu●iou● manner , that it parted her b●oody heart in sunder , & so rende●ed her Son to the t●ition of her unto whom she offered her mo●● bloody 〈◊〉 sacrifice . What shall I here declare the lamentable sorrows and pitiful lamentation that was there made by her Father and other Roman Knights that were present at this unhappy m●●chance : to great it was , that the Wall of the Monastery Ecchoed , and their pi●tiful shrieks ascended to the Clouds . But none was more grieved in mind than the afflicted English Champion , who ( like a man distraught of sense ) in great fury rushed amongst the ●eo●le , thro●ing them down on every side , till he ascended upon the Sca●●old : and approaching the dead Body of Lucina , he took her up in his arms , and with a sorrowful and passionate voice ●e said : O my belov●d 〈…〉 hearts delight , is this the Sacrifice wherein through thy desp●rateness thou hast deceived me , who loved thee more th●n my life ? 〈…〉 respite that thou requirest for seven days , wherein th●● ha●t conclude 〈…〉 , and my utter Confusion . O Noble Lucina , and my 〈…〉 were thy intention , why didst thou not first Sacrifice me thy Servant 〈◊〉 ●ove , wholly subjected unto thy Divine Beauty ? Woe be unto ●e , 〈…〉 unto my unhappy enterprize : for by it is she lost , who was m●de Sover●g● Lady of my heart . O Diana , accursed be this Chance , because thou hast consented to so bloody a Tragedy : for I do here protest , that never more shalt thou be worshipped , but in thy stead every Land and Country where the English Champion cometh , shall Lucina be adored . For from henceforth will I seek to diminish thy Name , and blot it from the Godral of the Firmament ; yea , and utterly extinguish it for ever , so that there shall never more memory remain of thee for this thy bloody Tyranny , in suffering so lamentable a Sacrifice . No sooner had he delivered these Speeches , but incensed with fury , he drew his Sword and parted the Image of Diana into two pieces , protesting to ruinate the Monastery within whose Wall 's the device of this bloody Sacrifice was concluded . The Sorrow and extream Grief of the Roman Emperour so exceeded for the murther of his Daughter , that he fell to the Earth in a senseless swound , and was carried by certain of his Knights half dead with grief home to his Palace , where he remained speechless by the space of thirty days . The Emperour had a Son as valiant in arms as any born Italian , except S. Anthony . This young Prince whose Name was Lucius seeing his sisters timeless death , and by what means it was committed , he presently intended with a Train of an hundred armed Knights which continually attended upon his Person , to assail the discontented Champions , and by force of arms to revenge his Sisters death . This resolution so encouraged the Roman Knights , but especially the Emperors Son , that betwixt these two companies began as terrible a Battel as ever was fought by any Knights ; the fierceness of their blows so exceeded the one side against the other , that they did resound Ecchoes , which yielded a terrible Noise in the Neighbouring Woods . This Battel did continue betwixt them both sharp and sierce for the space of two hours , by which time the valour of the incensed Champions so prevailed , that most of the Roman Knights were discomfited and slain : some had their Heads parted from their shoulders , some had their Arms and Legs lopped off , and some lay breathless , weltring in their own blood , in which encounter many a Roman Lady lost her Husband , many a Widow was bereaved of her Son , and many a Child left Fatherless , to the great sorrow of the whole Country . But when the valiant Poung Prince of Rome saw his Knights discomfited , and he left alone to withstand so many Noble Champions , he presently set spurs to his Horse , and fled from them like a heap of dust forced by a Whirle-wind . After whom the Champions would not pursut , accounting it no glory to their Names to triumph in the overthrow of a single Knight but remained still by the Scaffold , where they buryed the sacrificed Uirgin , under a Marble stone close by the Monastery Wall. The which being done to their contentments , S. George engraved this Epitaph upon the same Stone with the point of his Dagger , which was in this wise following : Under this Marble Stone interr'd doth lye , Luckless Lucina , yet of Beauty bright : Who to maintain her spotless Chastity , Against the assailment of an English Knight , Upon a Blade her tender Breast she cast ; A bloody Offering to Diana chaste . So , when he had written this Epitaph , the Christian Champions mounted upon their swift-footed Steeds , and bad adue to the unhappy confines of Italy , hoping to find better Fortunes in other Countries . In which Travel we will leave them for a time , and speak of the Prince of Rome : who after the discomfiture of the Roman Knights , fled in such haste from the furies of the Warlike Champions . After which , he like a raging Lyon traversed along by the River of Tybris , filling all places with his melancholy passions , untill such time as he entred into a thick Grove , wherein he purposed to rest his weary Limbs , and lament his misfortunes . After he had in this solitary place unlaced his Helmet , and hurled it scornfully against the ground , the infernal Furies began to visit him , and to sting his Breast with motions of fiery revenge . In the end he cast up his wretched Eyes unto the Skies , and said : O you fatal Torches of the Elements , why are you not clad in mournful Habiliments , to cloak my wandring steps in eternal darkness ? Or shall I be made a scorn in Rome for my Cowardize ? Or shall I return and accompany my Roman Friends in death , whose Blood methinks I see sprinkled about the Fields of Italy ? Methinks I hear their bleeding Souls fill each corner of the Earth with my base flight : therefore will I not live to be termed a fearful Coward , but die couragiously by mine own hands , whereby those accursed Champions shall not obtain the Conquest of my Death , nor triumph in my Fall. This being said , he drew out his Dagger and clave his heart in sunder . The News of whose desperate Death , after it was bruited to his Fathers ears , he interred his Body with his sister Lucina's , and erected over them a stately Chappel , wherein the Nuns and ceremonious Monks during all their lives , sung Dirges for his Childrens Souls . After this , the Empero : made Proclamations through all his Dominions , that if any Knight were so hardy as to travel in pursuit after the English Champion , and by force of Arms to being him back , or deliver his head un●o the Empero , he should not only be held in great estimation through the Land , but receive the Government of the Empire after his dece●se . Which rich proffer so encouraged the minds of many adventurous knights , that they went from fundry Provinces in the pursuit of S. George , but their attempts were all vain . CHAP. XV. Of the Triumphs , Tilts , and Turnaments , that were solemnly held in Constantinople by the Grecian Emperor ; and of the honourable Adventures that were there atchieved by the Christian Champions , with other strange accidents that hap●ed . IN the Eas●ern parts of the World the fame and valiant déeds of the Champions of Christendom , was noised with their Heroical Acts and feats of Arms , naming them the Mirrour of Nobility , and the Types of bright honour : all Kings and Princes ( to whose ears the report of their Ualours were bruited ) desired much to behold their noble Personages . And when the Emperor of Grecia ( keeping then his Court in the City of Constantinople , ) heard of their mighty and valiant deeds , he thirsted after their sights , and his mind could never be satisfied with content , until such time as he had devised a means to Train them unto his Court , not only in y e he might enjoy the benefit of their Companies , but to have his Court honoured with the presence of such renowited Knights : and therefore in this manner it was accomplished . The Emperor dispatched Messengers into divers parts of the World , gave them in ch●●ge to publish throughout every Country and Province as the went , of an honourable Turnament that should be 〈…〉 in the City of Constantinople within six months following , therein to accomplish his 〈◊〉 and to bring the Christian Champion● whose company he so much des●●ed unto his Court. This charge of the Grecian Emperour ( as he commanded ) was speedily performed with such diligence , that in a short time it came to the ears of the Christian Knights , as they travelled betwixt the Provinces of Asia and Africa , who at the time appointed , came in great Pomp and Majesty to Constantinople , to furnish forth the honourable Triumphs . At the Fame whereof likewise resorted thither a great number of Knights of great valour and strength , among whom was the Prince of Argier with a goodly company of Noble Persons , and the Prince of Fez with many well proportioned Knights : likewise came thither the King of Arabia in great state ; and with no less Maiesty came the King of Sicilia , and a Brother of his , who were both Gia●ts . Many other brave and valiant Knights ( whose Names I here 〈◊〉 ) came thither to honour the Grecian Emperour , for that he was very well esteemed of by them all . And as they came to honour the Triumphs , so likewise they came to prove their Foritudes , and to get Fame and Name , and the praise that belongeth to adventurous Knights . It was supposed of all the company that the King of Sicilia would gain by his Prowess the Dignity from the rest , for that he was a Giant of very big Limbs , although his Brother was taken to be the more furious Knight , who determined not to just , for that his Brother should get the honour and praise from all the Knights that came , but it fell out otherwise , as hereafter you shall understand . For when the day of Turnament was come , all the Ladies and Damsels put themselves in places to behold the justing , and attired themselves in the greatest bravery that they could devise , and the great Court swarmed with People that came thither to behold the triumphant Turnament . What shall I say here of the Emperours Daughter , the fair Alcida ? who was of so great beauty that she seemed more like a Divine substance than an earthly Creature , and sate glistering in rich Drnaments amongst the other Ladies , like unto Phoebus in the Crystal Firmament , and was noted of all beholders to be the fairest Princess that ever mortal eye beheld : so when the Emperour was seated upon his Imperial Throne under a Tent of green Uelver : The Knights began to enter into the Lists : and he that first entred was the Knight of Arabia , mounted upon a very fair and well adorned Courser , he was armed with black Armour , all to bespotted with silver knobs , and he brought with him fifty Knights all apparelled with the same Livery , and thus with great Majesty he rode round about the Palace , making great obedience unto all the honourable Ladies and Damsels . After him entred the Pagan Knight , who was Lord of Syria , and armed with Armour of Lions Colour , accompanied with an hundred Knights all appar●lled in Uelver of the same Colour , and passed round about the Pallace , shewing unto the Ladies great friendship and courtesie as the other did . Which being done , he beheld the King of Arabia tarrying to receive him at the Iust : and the Trumpets began to sound , giving them to understand , that they must prepare themselves ready to the encounter ! whereto these two Knights were nothing unwilling , but spurred their Couriers with great fury , and closed together with couregious Ualour . The King of Arabia , most strongly made his Encounter , and strook the Pagan without missing upon his breast : but the Pagan at the next Race ( being heated with fury ) strook him so surely with his Lance , that he heaved him out of his Saddle , and he sell presently to the ground , after which the Pagan Knight rode up and down with great pride and gladness . The Arabian King being thus overthrown , there entred into the Lists the King of Argier , armed with no other Furniture but with silver Mail , and a Breast-plate of might steel before his Breast ; his pomp and pride exceeded all the Knights that were then present , but yet to small purpose his pride and arrogancy served ; for at the first Encounter he was overthrown ●o the ground : in like sort did that Pagan use fifteen other Knights of fifteen several Provinces , to the great wonder and amazement of the Emperour and all the Assembly . During all these valiant Encounters , S. George with the other Christian Champions , stood afar off upon a high Gallery beholding them , intending not as yet to be seen in tho Tilt. But now this valiant Pagan after he had rode some si● Courses up and down the place , and seeing none entred the Tilt-yard , he thought to bear all the fame and honour away for that day . But at the same instant there entred the noble minded Prince of Fez , being for courage the only pride of his Country , he was a marvellous well-proportioned Knight , and was armed all in white Armour , wrought with excellent knots of Gold , and he brought in his company a hundred Knights , all attyred in white Sat●en , and riding about the place , he shewed his obedience unto the Emperour , and to all the Ladies , and thereupon the Trumpets began to sound . At the noise whereof the two Knights spurred their Coursers , and made their Encounters so strong , and with such great fury , that the proud Pagan was cast to the Ground , and so departed the Lists with great dishonour . Straight way entred the brave King of Sicilia ; who was armed in a glistering Corslet of very fine steel , and was mounted upon a mighty and strong Courser , and brought in his company two hundred Knights , all apparelled with rich cloth of Gold , having every one a several Instrument of Musick in their hands , sounding thereon a most delightsome Melody . And after the Sicilian King had made his accustomed compass , and courtesie in the place , he locked down his Beavor and put himself in readiness to just . So when the sign was given by the chief Herald at Arms , they spurred their Horses and made their Encounters so valiantly , that the first Race they made , their Lances shivered in the air , and the pieces therefore scattered abroad like aspen leaves in a whirl-wind . At the second course the young Prince of Fez was carryed over his Horse buttocks , and the saddle with him betwixt his Legs , which was a great grief unto the Emperour and all the company that did see him , for that he was well-beloved of them all , and he held for a Knight of great estimation . The Sicilian King grew proud at the Prince of Fezes overthrow , and was so enraged and furious , that in a small time he left not a Knight remaining on Horse-back in the saddle that durst attempt to Just with him : but every one of what Countrey or Nation soever he unhorsed in the attempt : so that there was no question , among either Nobles or the Multitude , but that unto him the undoubted honour of the Uictory in triumph would be attributed . But being in this arrogant Pride , he heard a great Noise in the manner of a Tumult drawing near , which was the occasion that he stood still , and expecting some strange accident , and looking about what it should be , he beheld St. George entring the Lists , as then come from the Gallery , who was armed with his rich and strong armour all of purple , full of Golden stars , and before him rode the Champions of France , Italy , Spain and Scotland , all on stately Coursers , bearing in their hands four silken streamers of four several Colours ; and there followed him the Champion of Wales carrying his shield , whereon was portrayed a Golden Lion in a fable Field ; and the Champion of Ireland likewise carried his spear , being of knotty Ash strongly bound about with plates of steel : all which shewed the highness of his descent , in that so many b●ave Knights attended upon him . So when St. George had passed by the Royal seat whereon the Emperour sate invested , in whose company were many Princes of great power , he rode along by the other side , whereas Alcida the Emperours fair Daughter sate amongst many gallant Ladies and fair Damsels ; richly apparalled in a Uesture of Gold , to whom he Uailed his Bonner , shewing them the Courtesie of a Knight , and so passed by Alcida , who at the sight of this noble Champion could not refrain her self , but with an high and bold voice she said unto the Emperour : Most mighty Emperour , and my Royal Father , this is the Knight in whose power and strength all Christendom do put their Fortunes , and this is he whom the whole world admires for Chivalry . Which Words of the lovely Princess , although Saint George heard them very well , yet passed he on : as though he had heard nothing . Now when he was come before the Face of his adversary , he took his Shield and his Spear , and prepared himself in readiness to Iust , and so being both provided , the Trumpets began to sound , whereat with great fury these two Warlike Knights met together , and neither of them missed their Blows at their Encounter , but yet by reason that Saint George had a desire to extol his Fame , and to make his Name resound through the World , he strook the Giant such a mighty blow upon his Breast , that he presently overthrew him to the ground , and so with great State and Majesty he passed along without any shew of disdain , whereat the People gave so great a Shout , that it resounded like an Eccho in the Air , and in this manner he said : The great and furious Boaster is overthrown , and his mighty strength hath little availed him . After this many Princes proved their Adventures against the English Champion , and every Knight that was of any estimation Iusted with him , but with great ease he overcame them all in less than the space of two hours . So at such time as bright Phoebus began to make an end of his long Iourney , and the day to draw to an end , there appeared to enter into the Lists the brave and mighty Giant , being Brother to the Sicilian King , with a mighty great Spear in his hand , whose glimmering point of steel glistered through all the Court , he brought with him but only one Squire , attyred in silver Mail , bringing in his hand another Lance. So this furious Gyant , without any care or courtesie due unto the Emperour , or any of his Knights there present , entered the place , which being done , the Squire that brought the other Spear , went unto the English Champion , and said : Sir Knight , yonder brave and valiant Giant , my Lord and Master , doth send unto thee this Warlike Spear , and therewithal he willeth thee to defend thy self to the uttermost of thy power and strength , for he hath vowed before Sun-set , to be either Lord of thy Fortunes , or a Vassal to thy Prowess ; and likewise saith , that he doth not only defie the● in the Turnament , but also challenge thee to a mortal Battel . This braving Message caused Saint George to smile , and bred in his Breast a new desire of honour , and so returned him this answer : Friend , go thy ways , and tell the Giant that sent thee , that I do accept his Demand , although it do grieve my very Soul to hear his arrogant Defiance , to the great disturbance of this Royal Company , in presence of so mighty an Emperour : but seeing his Stomach is gorged with so much pride , tell him that George of England is ready to make his defence , and also that shortly he shall repent him by the pledge of my Knighthood . In saying these Words , he took the Spear from the Squire , and delivered him his Gauntler from his hand to carry to his Master , and so putting himself to the standing , awaiting for the Encounter . At that time he was very nigh the place where the Emperour sate , who heard the Answer which the English Knight made unto the Squire , and was much displeased that the Giant in such sort would defie St. George without any occasion . But it was no time as then to speak , but to keep silence , and to mark what event came to his great Pride and Arrogancy . All this time the two Warriours ( mounted upon their Steeds ) tarryed the sign to be made by the Trumpets , which being given they set forwards their Coursers , with their Spears in their Rests , with so great fury and desire , the one to unhorse the other , that they both fail'd in their Encounter . The Giant who was very strong and proud , when he saw that he had missed his intent , he returned against Saint George , carrying his Spear upon his Shoulder , and coming nigh unto him , upon a sudden before he could clear himself , he struck him such a mighty blow upon his Corslet , that his Staff brake in pieces , by reason of the ●●neness of his Armour , and made the English Knight to double his Body backwards upon his Horses Crupper . But when he saw the great villany that the Giant used against him , his anger increased very much , and so taking his Spear in the same sort , he went towards the Giant and said : Thou furious and proud Beast , thou scorn of Nature and enemy to true Knighthood , thinkest thou for to entrap me treacherously , and to gore me at unawanes , like to a savage Boar ? Know as I am a Christian Knight , if my knotty Spear have good success , I will revenge me on thy incivility . And in saying this , he struck him so furiously on the breast , that the Spear passed thorow the Giants body , and appeared forth at his back , whereby he fell presently down dead to the ground , and yielded his life to the Conquest of the fatal Sisters : all that were present were very much amazed thereat , and wondred greatly at the strength and sorce of St. George , accounting him the fortunatest Knight that ever wielded Lance , and the very pattern of true Nobility . At this time the golden Sun had finished his course , having nothing above the Horisen but his glistering Beams , whereby the Iudge of the Turnament commanded with sound of Trumpets , that the Iusts should cease , and make an end for that day . So the Emperour descended from the Imperial Throne into the Tilting place , where all the Knights and Gentlemen were , for to receive the Noble Champion of England , and desired him , that he would go with them into his Palace , there to receive all Honours due unto a Knight of such desert : to the which he could not make any denyal , but most willingly consented : After this the Emperours Daughter ( in company of many Courtly Uirgins ) likewise descended from her place , where Alcida bestowed upon Saint George her Glove , the which he wore for her favour many a day after in his Burgoner . The other six Christian Champions , although they merited no honour by his Turnament , because they did not try their Adventures therein , yet obtained they such good liking among the Grecian Ladies , that every one had his Mistress ; and in their presence they long time fixed their chief delights : where we must leave the Champions in the Emperours Court for a time , surfeiting in pleasures , and return to St. George's Sons travelling the World to seek out Adventures . CHAP. XVI . How a Knight with two Heads tormented a beautiful Maiden , that had betrothed herself to the Emperours Son of Constantinople ; and how she was rescued by Saint George 's Sons ; and after how they were brought by a strange Adventure into the Company of the Christian Champions , with other things that hapned in the same Travels . This Renowned Emperour within whose Court the Christian Champions made their abodes ) of late years had a Son named Pollemus , in all vertues and Knightly demeanours , equal with any living . This young Prince in the spring time of his youth , through the piercing Darts of blind Cupid , fall in love with a Maiden of mean Parentage , but in beauty and other precious gifts of nature , most excellent . This Dulcippa ( for so was she called ) being but Daughter to a Country Gentleman , was restrained from the Emperours Court , and denyed the sight of her beloved Pollemus , and he forbidden to set his Affection so low , upon the Displeasure of the Emperour his Father : for he being the Son of so mighty a Potentate , and she , the Daughter of so mean a Gentleman , was thought to be a match unfit and disagreeable to the Laws of the Countrey : and therefore they could not be suffered to manifest their loves as they would , but were constrained by stealth to enjoy each others beloved and much desired company . So upon a time these two Lovers concluded to meet together in a Ualley betwixt two Hills , in distance from the Emperours Court some three miles , whereas they might in secret ( devoid of all suspition ) unite and fix both their hearts in one knot of true love , and to prevent the determination of their Parents that so unkindly thought to cross them . And ●o when the appointed day drew an , Dulcippa arose from her careful Bed , and attired her self in rich and costly apparel , as though she had been going to perform her Nuprial Ceremonies . And in this manner entered she the Ualley , at such time as the Sun began to appear out of his Golden Horison , and to shew himself upon the face of the Earth , glistering with his bright beams upon the silver-floating Rivers . Likewise the calmy Western Winds did very sweetly blow upon the green leaves , and made a delicate harmony at such time as the fairest Dulcippa ( accompanied with high thoughts ) approached the place of their appointed meeting . But when she found not Prince Pollemus present , she determined to spend the time away till he came , in trimming of her golden hair , and decking her delicate Body , and such like delightful pleasures for her contentment and recreation . So sitting down upon a green Bank under the shaddow of a Mirtle Tree , she pulled a golden Cawl from her Head , wherein her hair was wrapped , letting it fall and disperse it self all abroad her back , and taking out from her Cristalline breast an Ivory Comb , she began to comb her hair , her hands and fingers seemed to be of white Alabaster , her Face staining the beauty of Roses and Lillies mixed together , and the rest of her Body comparable to Hyrens , upon whose love and beauty Mahomet did somewhat do●e . But now mark ( gentle Reader ) how frowning Fortune crossed her desires , and changed her wished joys into unexpected sorrows ; For as she sate in this Divine and Angelical likeness , there fortuned to come wandring by an inhumane Tyrant , sirnamed the Knight with two Heads , who was a Ravisher of Uirgins , an Oppressor of Infants , and an utter Enemy to vertuous Ladies and strange travelling Knights . This Tyrant was bodied like unto a man , but covered all over with locks of Hair ; He had two Heads , two Mouths , and four Eyes , but all red as blood . Which deformed creature presently ran unto the Uirgin , and caught her up under his Arms , and carried her away over the Mountain into another Country , where he intended to torment her , as you shall hear more at large hereafter . But now return we to Prince Pollemus , who at the time appointed likewise prepared to meet his betrothed Love ; but removing to the place , he found nothing but a silver Scarf , ●he which Dulcippa had let fall through the fearful frighting she took at the sight of the Two-headed Knight . No sooner found he her Scarf , but he was oppressed extreamly with sorrow , fearing Dulcippa was murthered by some inhumane means , and had left her Scarf as a Token that she infringed nor her promise , but performed it to the loss of her own life : Therefore taking it up , and putting it next his heart , he breathed forth this woful Lamentation : Here rest thou near unto my true loving heart , thou precious Token , and remembrance of my dearest Lady , never to be hence removed till such time as my eyes may either behold her Body , or my ears hear certain News of her untimely Death , that I may in death consort with her . Frown you glistring Lamps of Brightness , that gave first Light unto this fatal morning , for by your dismal Light the pride of Earthly Women is dishonoured . Come , come , you wrathful Planets , descend the luckless Horison , and rain upon my head eternal vengeance , oppress my Body with continual misery , as once you did the woful King of Thebes : for by my slothful negligence and over-long tarrying , this bloody Tragedy hath been committed . And for her sake I vow to travel through the World , as far as ever golden Phebus lends his Light , ●illing each corner of the Earth with clamours of her Name , and making the Elements resound with Ecchoes of my Lamentation . In which resolution , he returned home to the Emperour his Fathers Palace , dissembling his grief in such manner , that none could suspect his discontented Sorrows , nor the strange accident that unto beauteous Dulcippa had hapned . And so upon a day as he was meditating with himself , seeing the small comfort that he took in the Court , considering the want of her presence , whom he so much desired , he determined in great secrecy , as soon as it was possible , to depart the Court. Which determination he straightways put in practice , and took out of the Emperours Armory very secretly , an exceeding good Cornet , the which was all Russet , and Enamelled with black , and embroidered round about with a gilded edge , very curiously and artificially graven and carved . Also he took a Shield of the same making , saving that it was not graven as the Armour was ; and commanded a young Gentleman that was Son to an ancient Knight of Constantinople , of a good disposition and hardy , that he should keep them safely , and gave him to understand of his determined precence . Although it did grieve the young man very much , yet for all that , seeing the great friendship that he used towards him , in uttering his secrets unto him before any other , without replying to the contrary , he very diligently took the Armour and hid it , till he found convenient time to put it into a ship very secretly . So likewise , he put into the same Ship two of the best Horses which the Emperour had ; and forthwith he gave the Prince to understand , that all things were then in a readiness , and in good order : Pollemus dissembling with the accustomed sorrow that he used , withdrew himself into his Chamber , till such time as the dark Night came . Which when it was come , he made himself ready with his apparel , and when all the People of the Court were at their rest and in their sleep , he alone with his Page , who was named Mercutio , departed the Palace , and went to the Sea-side . His Page did call the Marriners of the Ship , who straightway brought unto them their Boat , into the which they entred , and went straight aboard . And being therein , for that the Wind was very fair , he commanded to waigh their Anchors , and to hoise up Sails , and to commit themselves to the mercy of the Waters ; as he commanded all was done , and so in short time they found themselves ingulphed in the main Ocean , far from the sight of any Land. But when the Emperour his Father understood of his secret departure , the Lamentation which he made was very much ; and he commanded his Knights to go unto the Sea-side to know if there were any Ship that departed that night ? and when it was told them that there was a Barque that haled Anchor , and hoised Sail , they supposed straightway that the Prince was gone away . I cannot here declare the great grief and sorrow which the Emperour felt in his woful heart for the absence of his Son , which along time he always suspected and feared . But when the departure of Pollemus was bruited through all Constantinople , all sports and Feasts ceased , and all the people of the Country were overcome with a general sorrow . So Pollemus sailed through the deep Seas three days and three nights , with a very fair and prosperous forewind . The fourth day in the evening being calm , and no Wind at all , the Mariners went to take there relts , some on the Poop , and some on the fore Ship , for to case their weary Bodyes . The Prince ( who sate upon the Poop of the Ship ) asked his Page for his Lute , the which straight way was given him : and lung so sweetly , that it seemed to be a most Heavenly melody , and being in this sweet Musick , he heard a very samentable try as it were of a Woman , and leaving his delicate Musick , he gave a listning attentive ear to hearken what this sorrowful creature said , and by reason of the stilness of the Night , he might easily hear as it were a Woman uttering these Words : It will little profit thee , thou cruel Tyrant , this thy bold hardiness , for that I am beloved of so worthy a Knight , as will undoubtedly revenge this tyranous Cruelty proffered me . Then he heard another Uoice which seemed to answer : Now I have thee in my power , there is no humane creature of strength able enough to deliver or redeem thee from the torments that ( in my determination ) I have purposed thou shalt endure . Pollemus could hear no more , by reason that the Back wherein they were , passed by so swiftly ; but he supposed that it was his Ladies voice which he heard , and that she was carried by force away . So ( laying down his Lute ) he began to fall into a great thought , and was very heavy and sorrowful , in that he knew not how to adventure for her Recovery . Being in this cogitation , he returned to his Page which was asleep , and struck him with his foot , and awaked him , saying : What , didst thou not hear the great Lamentation that my Lady Dulcippa made ( as to me it seemed ) being in a small Barque that is passed by , and gone forwards along the Seas ? To which the Page Mercutio answered nothing , for he was still in a sound sleep . To which the Prince called again , saying : Arise I say , bring forth my Armour , call upon the Marriners that they may launch their Boat into the Sea ; for by the omni potent Iupiter , I swear that I will not be called the Son of my Father , if I do suffer such violence to be done against my Love , and not procure with all my strength to revenge the same . Mercutio would have replyed unto him , but the furious countenance of the Prince would not give him leave , no , not once to look upon his face : so he brought forth his Armour , and buckled it on . In the mean time the Marriners had lanched their Boat into the sea , whereinto he leaped with a hasty fury , and carryed with him his Page and four of the Marriners for to row the Barque , and he commanded them to take their way towards the other company that passed by them . So they laboured all the night , till such time as bright Phoebus with his glistering beams gave unto them such light , that they might discover and see the other Barque , although somewhat afar off . So they laboured with great courage till two parts of the day was spent , at which time they saw come after them a Gally which was rowed with eight Dars upon a side , and it made so great speed , that with a trice they were with them , and he saw that there was in her three Knights , in bright Armour , to whom Pollemus called with a soud Uoice , saying : Most courteous Knights , I request you to take me into your Gally that being in her , I may the better accomplish my desire . The Knights which were in the Gally passed by the Prince without making return of any answer , but rather shewed that they made but little account of him . These three Knights were the sons of the English Champion , who departed from their Father in his Iourney towards Babylon , to set the King again in his Kingdom . But now to follow our History , the Prince of Constantinople seeing the little account they made of him , with the great anger and fury that he received , he took an Oar in one hand , and another in the other hand , and with such strength he struck the Water , that he made the slothful Barque to flie , and laboured so sore at the Oars , that with a trice they were equal with the Bally . So leaving the Oars , with a light leap he put himself into the Gally with his Helm on , and his Shield at his Shoulder , and being within , he said : Now shall you do that by force , which before ( I using great courtesie ) you would not yield unto . This being said , one of S. Georges Sons took the Encounter in hand , thinking it a blemish to the honour of Knighthood by multitudes to assail him ; so they two brave Knights without any advantage the one of the other , made their Encounters so valiantly , that it was a wonder to all the Beholders . The Prince of Constantinople struck the English Knight such a furious blow , that he made him decline his head to his Breast , and forced him to recoil backwards two or three steps , but he came quickly again to himself , and returned him so mighty a blow upon his Helmer , that he made all his Teeth to charter in his head , which was pittiful to see . Then began betwixt them a marvellous and well-fought Battel , that all that beheld them greatly admired : with great Policy and strength they endured the ●●ckering all day , and when they saw the dark and tan●brous night come upon them , they scrove with more courage and strength to finish their Battel . The Prince of Constantinople , pussing and blowing like an enraged Bull , lift up his Sword with both his hands , and discharged it so strongly upon his Enemy , that perforce he made him to fall to the ground , and therewithal offered to pull his Helmet from his Head. But when the English Knight saw himself in that sort , he threw his Shield from him , and very strongly caught the other about the Neck , and held him fast , so that betwixt them began a mighty and terrible Wrestling , tumbling and wallowing up and down the Galley , breaking their Planks and Dars , that it was strange to behold . At this time the Night began to be very dark , wherefore they called for Lights , which presently were brought them by the Marriners ; in the mean time these Knights did somewhat breath themselves , although it was not much . So when the lights were brought they returned to their old combate with new force and strength . O Heavens , said Pollemus , I cannot believe to the contrary , but that this is Mars the God of War , that doth contend in a Battel with me , and for the great envy he bears against me , he goeth about to dishonour me : And with these Words they thickned their Blows with great desperateness . And although this last assault continued more than two hours , yet neither of them did faint , but at the last , they both together lift up their Swords , and charged them together , the one upon the others Helmet , with so great strength , that both of them fell down upon the Hatches without any remembrance . The rest that looked upon them , did verily believe that they were both dead , by reason of the abundance of blood which came forth at their Uisours , but quickly it was perceived that there was some hope of life in them . Then presently there was an agreement made betwixt the Knights of the Gally and Marriners of the Bark , that they should conjoyn together and travel whither Fortune should conduct them ; in this order as you have heard , carried they these two Knights without any remembrance . But when the Prince of Constantinople came to himself , with a loud Uoice , he said : O Love , is it possible to be true , that I am overthrown in this first Encounter and Assault of my Knighthood ? Here I curse the day of my Creation , and the hour when first I merited the name of Knight ; henceforth I 'le bury all my honours in disgrace , and spend the remnant of my life in base Cowardize : and in speaking these Words , he cast his eye aside , and beheld the English Knight as one newly risen from a trance , who likewise breathed forth these discontented speeches : O unhappy Son of St. George , now a Coward and of little Valour , I know not how thou caust name thy self to be the Son of the valiantest Knight in the World , for that thou hast lost thy honour in this last Assault . This being said , the two weary Knights concluded a peace betwixt them , and revealed each to the other their Names and Living , and therefore they adventured to travel ; the which when it was known , they sailed forward that way whereas the dolorous Woman went , so in this sort they travelled all the rest of the Night that remained , till such time as the day began to be clear , and straight way they descryed Land , to which place with great haste they rawed . And coming a Land , they found no used way , but one narrow path , the which they kept : wherein they had not travelled long when they met with a poor simple Country Man , with a new ground Ha●chet in his hand , and he was going to cut some Fire-wood off the high and broad spreading Trees , and of whom they demanded what Countrey and Land it was ? This Countrey ( said he ) is called Armenia , but yet most courteous Knight , you must pardon me , for that I do request you to return again , and proceed no further , if you do esteem of your Lives , for in going this way there is nothing to be had but Death . For that the Lord of this Countrey is a furious Monster , called the Two-headed Knight , and he is so furious in his Tyranny , that never any stranger could as yet escape out of his hand alive : And for proof of his Cruelty , no longer than yesterday he brought hither a Lady Prisoner , who at her first coming on shoar , he all to bewhipt and beat her in such sort , that it would make the most tyrannous tyrant that is , to relent and pity her distress , swearing that every day he would so torment her , till her life and body did make their separation . Pollemus the Prince of Constantinople , was very attentive to the old Mans Words , thinking the Lady to be his Dulcippa , after whom he so long travelled ; the grief he received at this report , struck such a terrour to his heart , that he fell into a swound , and was not able to go any further , but St. George's Sons , who knew him to be a Knight of much valour , encouraged him , and protested by the honour of their Knight-hoods , never to forsake his company , till they saw his Lady delivered from her torments , and he safely conducted home into his own Countrey . So travelling with this resolution , the night came on , and it was so dark , that they were constrained to seek some convenient place to take their rests , and laying themselves down under a broad branched Oak Tree , they passed the night , pondering in their minds a thousand imaginations . So when the morning was come , and that the Diamond of Heaven began to glister with his beams upon the Mountain tops , these martial Knights were not slothful , but rose up and followed their Iourneys . After this , they had not travelled scarce half a mile , when that they heard a pittiful Lamentation of a Woman , whose voice by reason of her low shrieks , was very hoarse : so they staid to hear from whence that lamentable Noise should come . And presently afar off , they beheld a high Pillar of stone , out of the which there came forth a spout of fair and clear Water , and thereat was bound a Woman all naked , her back fastned to the Pillar , her arms backwards embracing it , with her hands fast bound behind her . Her skin was so fair and white , that if it had not been that they heard her lamentation , they would have judged her to have been an Image made artificially of Alabaster , and joyned to the Pillar . These Warlike Knights laced on their Helmets , and came unto the place where she was , but when the Prince of Constantinople saw her , he presently knew her to be his Lady and lovely Mistress . For by reason of the coldness of the Night and with her great Lamentation and Weeping , she was so full of sorrows and affliction , that she could scarce speak . Likewise the Princes heart so yerned at the sight of his unhappy Lady , that almost he could not look upon her for Weeping . But yet at last , with a sorrowful sigh he said : O cruel hands : is it possible that there should remain in you so much mischief , that whereas there is such great beauty and fairness , you should use such baseness and villany ? she doth more deserve to be loved and served , than to be in this sort so evil intreated . This woful Prince with much sorrow did behold her white skin and back all to bespotted with her blood , and taking a Cloak from one of the Marriners , he threw it upon her , and covered her body , and took her in his arms whilst the other Knights unbound her . This unhappy Lady never felt nor knew what was done unto her , till such time as she was loosed from those bands , and in the Arms of her Lover . But yet she thought that she had been in the Arms of the Monstrous Two-headed Knight , and therefore she gave a terrible sigh , saying : Oh Pollemus , my true betrothed Husband , where art thou now , that thou comest not to succour me ? and there withal ceased her Speeches . The Prince hearing these Words , would have answered her , but he was disturbed by hearing or a great Noise of a Horse , which seemed to be in the Woods amongst the Trees . The rest of the Knights intending to see what it should be , left the Lady lying upon the green Grass in the keeping of Prince Pollemus and the Marriners , and so St. George's Sons went towards the place whereas they heard that rushing Noise , and as they diligently lookt about them , they beheld the Two-headed Monster mounted upon a furious and great Palfrey , who returned to see if the Lady were alive , for to torment her anew . But when he came to the Pillar and saw not the Lady , with an ireful look he cast his eyes , looking round about him on every side , and at last he saw the three Knights coming towards him with a slow and quiet pace , and how the Lady was untied from the Pillar where he left her , and in the arms of another Knight , making her sorrowful complaint . The Two-headed Knight seeing them in this order , with great Wrath he came riding upon his furious Horse towards them : and when he was near them , he said : Fond Knights , what wretched folly and madness hath bewitched you , that without any leave you have adventured to untye the Lady from the Pillar , where I left her , or come you to offer up your Blood in sacrifice upon my Fauchin ? To whom one of the three valiant Brothers answered , and said : We be Knights of a strange Country , that at the sorrowful complaint of this Lady arrived at this place , and seeing her to be a fair and beautiful Woman , and without any desert to be thus evil intreated , it moved us to put our persons in adventure against them that will seem farther to misuse her . In the mean time that the Knight was speaking these Words the ugly deformed Monster beheld him very precisely , knitting his brows with the great anger he had received in hearing his Speeches , and with great fury he spurred his monstrous Beast , that he made him give so mighty a leap , that he had almost fallen on the English Knight : who with great lightness did deliver himself , and so drawing out his Sword , he would have strucken him , but the Beast passed by with so great swiftness that he could not reach him . Here began as terrible a Battel between the Two-headed Knight and Saint George's Sons , as ever was fought by any Knights , their mighty blows seemed to rattle in the Elements like a terrible thunder , and their Swords to strike sparkling fire in such abundance , as though it had been from a Smiths Anvil . During this Conflict , the English Knights were so grievously wounded , that all their bright Armour was stained with a bloody gore , and their Helmets bruised with the terrible stroaks of the Monsters Fauchion , whereat they grew more inraged , and their strength began to increase in such sort , that one of them struck an overthwart blow with his trusty Sword upon his knee , and by reason that his Armour was not very good , he cut it clean asunder , so that Leg , and all fell to the ground , and the Two-headed Knight fell on the other-side to the Earth , and with great roaring he began to rage and stare like a Beast , and to blaspheme against the Fates for this his sudden mishap . The other two Brethren seeing this , presently cut off his two heads , whereby he was forced to yielded the mercy of imperious Death . There was another Knight that came with this Monster , who when he saw all that had passed , with great fear returned the way from whence he came . These Uictorious Conquerours , when they saw that with so great ease they were delivered from the Tyrants Cruelty , with joyful hearts they departed with Conquest to the Prince of Constantinople , where they left him comforting his distressed Lady . So when they were altogether , they commanded the Marriners to provide them somewhat to eat , for that they had great need thereof , who presently prepared it , for that continually they bore their Provision about them : of this banquet the Knights were very glad , and rejoiced much at that which they had archieved , and commanded that the Lady should be very well looked to , and healed of her harm received . So at the end of three days , when the princely Lady had recovered Health , they left the Country of Armenia , and departed back to the Seas , whereas they had left their Ships lying at road , that tarried there until their coming . Whereinto they had no sooner entred , but the Marriners hoised sail , and took their way towards Constantinople , as the Knights commanded . The Winds served them to prosperously , that within a small time they arrived in Greece , and Landed within two days Iourney of the Court , which lay then at P●ru about a mile from Constantinople . Being a Land , the Prince Pollemus consulted with St. George's three Sons , what course were best to be taken for their proceeding in the Court. For , saith he , unless I may with the Emperour my Fathers consent , enjoy my dearest Dulcippa , I will live unknown in her company , rather than delight in the Heritage of ten such Empires . At last , they concluded that the Lady should be covered in a black vail for being known , and Pollemus in black Arms , and the other Knights , all suitable should ride together : which accordingly they did , and about ten in the morning entred the Pallace : where they sound the Emperour , the seven Champions , with many other Princes in the great Hall : to whom one of Saint George's Sons thus spake : Great Emperour and Noble Knights , this Knight that leadeth the Lady , hath long loved her : in their Births there is great difference , so that their Parents croft their affections : for him she hath indured much sorrow , and for her he will and hath suffered many hazards . His coming thus to your Court is to this end , to approve her the only desertful Lady in the world , himself the faithfullest Knight , against all Knights whatsoever , which with your Imperial leave , he , my self , and these two my Associates , will maintain : desiring your Majesty to give judgment as we shall deserve . The Emperour condescended , and on the Green before the Pallace , those four overthrew more than four hundred Knights : so that Saint George and three other of the Champions entred the Lists , and ran three violent Courses against the Black Knights , without moving them : who never suffered the points of their Spears to touch the Armour of the Champions : which the Emperour perceiving , guessed them to be of acquaintance : wherefore giving judgment , that the Knight should possess his Lady , at his request they discovered themselves . To describe the delightful comfort that the English Champion took in the presence of his Children , and the joy that the Emperour received at the return of his lost Son , requires more Art and Eloquence than my tyred senses can afford ; I am therefore here forced to leave the Flower of Chivalry in the City of Constantinople . Of whose following Adventures I will at large Discourse hereafter : and how all these Famous Champions came to their Deaths , and for what cause they were called the seven Saints of Christendom . CHAP. XVII . Of the renowned and praise worthy Death of Saint Patrick , how he buried his own self : and for what cause the Irish-men to this day , do wear their red Cross upon Saint Patrick's Day . HEre must you suppose ( gentle Readers ) that time had ran a long Race before these aforesaid thrice honoured Champions had purchased so many Right Worthy Uictories : and being now wearied with Age , Death with his gloomy countenance began to challenge an end of all their worldly Atchievements , and to draw there Noble Names to a full perfection ; therefore preparing a black Stage ( for honour ) to act his last Scene out , thus it followed : The Ualiant Champion S. Patrick feeling himself weakned with Time and Age , not able any longer to endure the bruises of Princely Atchievements , became an Hermite , and wandring up and down the World in poor Habiliments ; he came at last to the Country of his Birth , which is now called Ireland , but in former times Hibernia , where instead of Martial Atchievements , he offered up ( in the name of his Redeemer ) devout Orisons , daily making petitions to the Deity of Glory , in behalf of his desired peace : a life more delightful to his aged Heart , than all his former accomplishments : And now willing to bid farewel to the World , he desired a reclosure to be made , and to be pent up in a stony Wall from the sight of all Earthly O●jects . To which request of this Holy Father ( now no Souldier but a man of Peace ) the Inhabitants wholly condescended , and builded him a four-square House of Stone , without either Window or Door , only a little hole to receive his Food in , wherein they closed him up , never to be seen more alive by the eyes of mortal Men. Also appointing divers of the Country to bring him at convenient times Food to maintain Nature , which they delivered in at the aforesaid hole , which they thought to be a deed of more than common charity , and he ( the receiver ) to be an honour to their Country by the severe and strict course of life he put himself to . Thus lived he , the servant of his God day and night , kneeling on the bare ground , till thrice the Winters cold had taken departure , and as oft the Summers warmth had cheared up the cold Earth , making his knees hard with kneeling , and his eyes dim with Lamentations for his former offences . In which time the Hairs of his Head were all over-grown and deformed , and the Nails of his Fingers ( as it were ) seemed like the Talons and Claws of an old Raven , with the which by little and little he digged his own Grave , prepared against the hour of his death to be buried in : the which by process of time came thus to effect as followeth . When he had wasted ( as I said before ) thrice twelve months in Divine Contemplations , by Inspiration ( as it seemed ) he laid him down in the Grave that his own Nails had digged : and feeling his body weak and feeble , ready to deliver up the ayre of Life , he began to speak as followeth . World ( quoth he ) thou hast been long my kind Friend , & hast graced my Name with many Titles of Honour , and making me Famous in thy large circumference : thou hast given me Uictories over all mine Enemies , and weakned the boldness of all my withstanders , that my Life and Name might be charactered amongst the rest of our Christian Champions , for which I have thought my self predestinated to a lasting happiness , in that the Title of my Fortunes challenge so long a Memory . World ( I say ) fare thou well , my life lingereth now to her last minute , which as willingly I here deliver up , as ever I brandisht Wrapon against powerful Pagan . I need no Pompal Train of Princes to attend my Funeral , nor solemn Chimes of Bells to Ring me to my Grave , nor Troops of Mourners in Sable Garments , to furnish out my Obsequy : my self here buries up my self , and all Offices of Lamentations belonging to so bad a business as my own hand Labour . Earth , I imbrace thee : thou gentle Mould , my Bodies covering , with humility I kiss thee : no difference is between thy cold Nature and my Life 's warm substance , we are both one , Emperours are but Earth , so am I. Thou Earth , gently do I yield my self into thy mouldy bosom . I come , I come , sweet Comforter , into thy hands I commend my Spirit . These and such like were the last Words that ever this good Champion delivered , so yielding to death , the Earth of it self as it were buried up his Body in the Grave , which his own hands had digged . Thus being changed from a lively substance to a dead Picture , his Attenders , as their usual custom was , came with Food to relieve him , and calling at the hole where he had wont to receive it , they heard nothing but empty ayre blowing in and out , which made them conjecture presently that death had prevailed , and the fatal Sisters finished up their labours : so calling together more company , they made an entrance thereinto , and finding what had hapned , how he had buried his own self , they reported it for a wonder up and down the Country , being an accident of much strangeness : for before that time the like never chanced . Whereupon , by a common consent of the whole Kingdom , they pulled down the aforesaid House or Tower , and in the same place , builded in process of time a most sumptuous Chappel , casting it St. Patricks Chappel , and in the place where this Holy Father had buried himself , they likewise erected a Monument of much richness , framed upon Pillars of pure Gold , beautified with many artificial sights , most pleasant to behold ; whereunto for many years after resorted distressed People , such as were commonly molested with loathsom Diseases , where making their Orisons at Saint Patricks Tomb , they found help , and were restored to their former Healths . By which means , the Name of Saint Patrick is grown so famous through the World , that to this day he is intituled one of our Christian Champions , and the Saint for Ireland , where in remembrance of him , and of his honourable atchievments done in his life time , the Irish-men as well in England as in that Country , do as yet in honour of his Name , keep one day in the year Festival , holding upon the same a great Solemnity , wearing upon their Hats each of them a Cross of red silk , in token of his many Adventures , under the Christian Cross , as you have heard in the former History at large discoursed . Whose Noble Deeds both in life and Death we will leave sleeping with him in his Grave , and speak of our next renowned Tragedy , which Heaven and Fate had allotted to Saint David , the Champion for Wales , at that time entituled Cambro-Brittanus . CHAP. XVIII . Of the honourable Victory won by Saint David in Wales : Of his Death , and cause why Leeks are by custom , of Welchmen , worn on Saint Davids day : with other things that hapned . SOme certain Month after the departure of Saint Patrick from the City of Constantinople , from the other Champions , as you heard before in the last Chapter , Saint David having a heart still s●r'd with Fame , thirsted even to his dying day for honourable atchievements , and although age and time had almost weared him away , yet would he once more make his Adventure in the Field of Mars , and seal up his honours in the records of Fame with a Noble farewell . So upon a morning framing himself for a Knightly Enterprize , he took his leave of the other Champions , and all alone well mounted upon a lusty Courser , furnished with sufficient Habiliments , for so brave an enterprize he began a Iourney home towards his own Country , accounting that his best joy , and ●he soil of his most comfort . But long had he not travelled , ere he heard of the distresses thereof ; how Wales was be●e● with a people of a Savage nature , christing for Blood , and the ruine of that brave Kingdom : and how that many Battels had been fought to the disparagement of Christian Knight-hood . Whereupon arming himself with true resolution , he went forward with a couragious mind , either to redeem the same , or to lose his best blood in the honour of the Adventure . Whereupon all the way as he travelled , he drew into his aid and assistance , all the best Knights he could find , of any Nation whatsoever , giving them promises of Noble Rewards , and entertainment as befitted so worthy a fellowship . By this means , before he came upon the Borders of Wales , he had gathered together the number of five hundred Knights , of such noble resolutions , that all Christendom could not afford better , the seven Champions excepted . And these all well furnished for Battel , entred the Country , where they found many Towns unpeopled , gallant Houses subverted , Monasteries defaced , Cities ruinated , Fields of Corn consumed with Fire , yea every thing so out of order , as if the Country had never been inhabited . Whereupon with a grieved mind he saw the Region of his Birth place so confounded , and nothing but up●●ars of murder and death sounded in his ears , he summoned his Knights together , placing them in Battel array to travel high up into the Country , for the performance of his desired hopes . But as they marched along with an easie pace to prevent dangers , there resorted to them people of all Ages , both young and old , bitterly complaining of the Wrongs thus done unto their Country . Where when they knew him to be the Champion of Wales , whom so long they had desired to see , their joys so exceeded , that all former Woes were abolished , and they emboldened to nothing but revenge . The rest of the Knights that came with St. David , perceiving their forces and numbers to increase , purposed a present onset ; and to shew themselves before their Enemies , which lay incamped amongst the Mountains , with such strength and policy , that hard it was to make an Assailment . Whereupon the Noble Champion being then their General and Leader called his Captains together , and with a bold courge said as followeth : Now is the time brave Martialists , to be canonized the Sons of F●me , this is the day of Dignity or Dishonour ; an Enterprize to make ●s ever live , or to end our Names in obscurity : let not chill fear , the Cowards companion pull us back from the golden Throne , where the adventurous Souldier sits in glory deservedly : we are to trample in a Field of death and dead mens Bones , and to buckle with an Enemy of great strength , a Pagans power that seeks to over-run all Christian Kingdoms , and to wash our Cambrian Fields with innocent Blood , To Arms , I say , brave followers , I will be the first to give death the onset , and for my Colours or Ensign do I wear upon my Burgonet ( you see a green Leek beset with Gold , which shall ( if we win the Victory ) hereafter be an honour unto Wales , and on this day , being the first of March , be for ever worn by the Welsh-men in remembrance hereof . Which Words were no sooner spoken by the Champion , but all the Royal Army of every degree and calling , got themselves the like Recognizance , which was each of them a green Leek upon their Hats or Bravers , which they wore all the time of the Battel , and by that means the Champions followers were known from the others . This was not long a doing before S. David and his Companie beheld descending from the Mountains , an Army of Pagans , as it seemed numberless , people of such mighty Statures , whole sight might even have daunted their noble Resolutions , had not the brave Champion still animated them forward with Princely incouragements ; Time stayed not long e're the Battels joyned , and the Pagans with their Iron Clubs and Bats of Steel , so laid about them , that had not our Christian Army been preserved by miracle , such a slaughter had been made of the Champion and the Knights , that well might have caused the whole World to wonder at . But the Queen of Chance so favoured St. David and his Followers , that what with their nimble Lances , keen Darts and Arrows shot from their quick Bows and Welsh Hooks , in great abundance , the Sun also lying in the Pagans Faces , to their great disadvantage , that in short time the Noble Champion won a worthy Uictory . The ground lay all covered with mangled Carkasses , the Grassie Fields changed from green into red colour , with the mingled Blood that ran from Horse and Man thus murthered . A Noble Policy was it for all our Christians in that Battel to wear green Leeks in their Burgonets for their Colours , by which they were all known and preserved from the slaughter of one anothers Swords , only St. David himself excepted , who being Uictor in the highest pride of his Glory , was at last vanquished . O unhappy fate to cut off his honour that was the only darling of Honour ! Help me Melopemene to bewail his loss , that having won all , lost his dear life , a life that 〈◊〉 whole World might well have miss of . Oh fatal Chance , for coming from the Battel , over-heated in Blood , a sudden cold congealed in all his lives Members , that without Recovery he was forced to yield unto death , to the great grief of all Knights and Followers , who for the space of forty days mourned for him in great heaviness , and after attended him unto his Grave with much sorrow . Which being done , in the honour of his Name they ordained a custom , that the day of his Uictory should be canonized , and called in all after Ages S. David's day , being holden still upon the first of March , and in remembrance thereof , upon the same day should likewise he worn , by all well-willers to the same Country , certain green Leeks in their Hats , or on their Bosoms , in true honour of this Noble Martialist , which is still a praise worthy Custom in these our Northern Climates , which time beloved Souldier , we will now leave sleeping in his Tomb in peace ) and go forward in our other intended Tragical Discourses . CHAP. XIX . How Saint Dennis was Beheaded in his own Countrey , and how by a Miracle shewed at his Death , the whole Kingdom of France received the Christian Faith. SAint Denis being the third in this our Pilgrimage of Death , was likewise desirous of the sight of his own Country , which he had not seen in many years , and purposing a toilsom Travel to the same , took leave of the other Champions , who not altogether willing to leave so Noble a Champion : yet considering the desire of his mind , they quickly condescended , wishing him the best well-face of Knight-hood , and so parting , they to their Princely Pavillions , and be to his restless Iourney as well mounted , and as richly furnished with habiliments of Knight-hood , as any Martialist in all Arabia , in which Country he was then : but leaving that place , to satisfie his desires , he travelled day by day toward the Kingdom of France , without any Adventure worth reporting , till he arrived upon the borders of that fair Country that he had so long wished to behold . But now see how Fare frowned : the welcome he expected was suddenly converted into a deadly hatred ; for there was remaining in the French Kings favour a Knight of St. Michaels Drder , who in former times hearing of the hourable Adventures of this Noble Champion St. Dennis , and thinking this same to be a disparagement to his Knight-hood and the rest of that Drder , conspired to betray him , and to bring all his former Honours with his life to a final overthrow . Whereupon this envious Knight of Saint Michaels , goes unto the King ( being as then a Pagan Prince , one that had no true knowledge of the Deity ) and said : There was come into his Kingdom a strange Knight , a false Believer , one that in time would draw the love of his Subjects from him , to the Worship of a strange God : and that in despight of him and his Country , he would establish a falufyed Opinion , and that he wore upon his Breast the Christian Cross : With many other things contrary to the Laws of his Kingdom . Upon these aforesaid false informations the King grew so enraged , that without any more consideration , he caused the good Knight Saint Denis , to be attached in his Bed-chamber , otherwise a score of the best Knights in all France had not been sufficient to bring him Prisoner to the Kings presence : before whom being no sooner come , but with more than humane sury , without cause he adjudged him a speedy Death , and by Martial Law ( without any further Tryal ) to receive the same . The good Champion Saint Denis , even in Death having a most noble resolution , nothing at all dismayed , and knowing his cause to be good , and that he should suffer for the Name of his sweet Redeemer , he most willingly accepted of the same Iudgment , saying : Most mighty , but yet cruel King , think not but yet this exceeding Tyranny will be requited in a strange manner : thy censure I take with much joy , in that I die for him , whose Colours I have worn from mine Infancy , and this my Death seals up the obligation of all my Comforts : And thou sweet Country , where I first took life , receive it again a Legacy due unto thee : for this my Blood which here I offer up into thy Bosom , is the best gift I can bestow upon thee . Farewel Knighthood , farewel honourable Adventures and Princely Atchievments . Never may this dauntless arm brandish . Weapon more in honour of the Christian Cross : For death awaiteth at my back to cut off all such noble hopes , and I by Tyranny am betrayed thereto . These Speeches being uttered , he was forced to stand silent , and in the presence of the King , with many hundreds more , was constrained to yield his Body to the fatal stroak ; where his Head being laid upon the Block , was by a base E●ecutioner quickly dissevered from the rest of his manly Members . Which being no sooner done , and the Champion lifeless , but the Elements beset with cloudy exhalations , sent down such a terrible Thunder-clap that struck presently dead , the Knight of Saint Michael that accused him , the Executioner , with others that were at his Attachment ; at which strange and fearful spectacle the King himself grew so amazed , that he deemed him to be a blessed Creature , and that he had suffered wrongfully , and how his cause for which he so willingly rendred up his life , was the true cause , which all must have a desire to die in : Wherefore incontinent from a Pagan the King turned Christian , and caused the same to be proclaimed through all his Provinces , ordaining Churches to be built in remembrance of this great Man : And likewise in the place where he suffered , he caused with all speed to be built an Hermitage of relief for poor Pilgrims to find succour in , and such as travelled in the honour of that God , in whose Name this good Champion dyed . Thus received France the true Faith ; in which we leave it flourishing , and speak of Saint James the Spanish Champion , and how he dyed . CHAP. XX. Of the Tyrannous Death that the Spanish Champion was put unto : and how God revenged the same in a strange manner : and of other things that hapned . HEre gentle Reader with a sad eye , prepare to give Entertainment to the dolorous manner of the Spanish Champions Death , who by Tyranny and cruel Dealing of the Intidels , was likewise made away . For Age and Time , as upon the former , grew upon him , and so enfeebled his strength , that he was no longer able to manage the Adventures of Chivalry , nor sight the Battels of his Saviour . Wherefore resolving to spend the remnant of his days in peace , he desired leave likewise to commit his Fortunes to the Queen of Chance : which as the other did , he quickly obtained , and so leaving Constantinople , he put himself to travel towards the Country of his first Being , not decked in his shining Armour , nor mounted on his Spanish Gennet : but poor and bare in outward habit , though inwardly furnished with Gold and Jewels of an inestimable value , which he had sowed up in the patches of a russet Gaberdine , the better to travel with : where instead of a bright shining Curtle-Axe his Pilgrims Staff served him to walk with , and for his Burgonet of glistring Steel , he covered his head ( now as white Thistle-down with Age ) with a Hat of gray colour , broached with a broad Scallop-shell , his Princely Lodgings were changed to green Pastures , and his Canopies to the Skies azured covering , where the Nightingale and Lark told the times passage . These were now his best contents and comforts , that time and age bestowed upon him . In which manner travelling many days and nights , giving still as he went the poor and needy such small pieces of Silver as he well could spare ; he arrived at last upon the Consines of Spain : Where in honour of that God , for whom he had fought so many Battels , he builded up at his own charge a most sumptuous Chappel , to this day bearing the Name of Saint Jacque's Chappel : and for the maintenance thereof , purchased divers Lands adjoining : with Quiristers to sing a Day and Night therein Allelujah to his Redeemer . This Celestial gift and glorious customs so prepared , begot such love of the meaner sort of People , that they esteemed him more than a Man , with a reverence of such regard bestowed upon him , that the very Name of this Noble Champion won greater admirations than the high Tilts of their Countries King , who being then a cruel Tyrant and proud King , maintaining Atheism by his Government , grew so envious thereat , that he caused good Saint Jacques , with the whole Quire of his Celestial Singers , to be closed up together in the Chappel which the Champion had erected , & so starved them to death . Oh bloody butchery , and inhumane cruelty ! a death of more terrour than ever was heard of . Nero in ripping up his Mothers Womb to see the Bed of his Creation , was not half so cruel . But to be short , hunger prevailed , and they dead , their Bodies purrified , and in time consumed away to dust and mould , whereupon the Lord to shew how they died in his favour , and the love of Heaven , inflicted such a light in the Chappel , that it shined Day and Night with such a glorious brightness , as if it had been the glorious Palace of the Sun : and likewise continually was heard therein ( though no Creature remaining ) such a Quire of melodious Harmony , as if it had been the sound of Celestial Musick . Which strange pleasures both to the eyes and ear , bred so great an amazement to the whole Countrey , that all with the common consent accused their King for the tyrannous putting to death of these good men so cruelly murthered ; but especially the noble S. Jacques , that they purposed to hold him for their Countrys Saint and Champion till the Worlds dissolution . The proud King perceiving now his own rashness , and his common hate against him for this deed doing , took an inward conceit of grief , that without taking any food ever after , he languished away and died : Thus have you heard the Tragedy of the Spanish Champion , whom we likewise commit to the sweet sleeps of Eternity , and pass on further to more dreadful Accidents . CHAP. XXI . Of the Honourable and Worthy Death of the Italian Champion , how in the height of pleasure in his own Countrey , death ( by a Prophecy ) seized upon him . AFter all these aforesaid Proceedings , Nature the common Nurse of us all , so wrought in the heart of Saint Anthony the Champion for Italy , that he undertook the next Tragical Enterprize , and leaving Saint George with Saint Andrew , resting their crazed Bones in the Emperours Court of Constantinople , where they lately atchieved so many Praises of Knighthood , he took his Journey towarns Italy , and knowing by the course of Nature , that his Days were not many , he purposed there to set up his lives rest , and in Death to finish up all Earthly Troubles . So coming after a long Journey to the City of Rome , where the Emperour Domitian kept his Court , and the City being then in her chiefest Pomp and Glory , won great desire in the Champions Mind , to see the Monuments of the same . So upon the Morning going from his Lodging , he walked up and down the streets with admiration , and fed his eyes with many delightful Objects . First with great wonder he stood gazing upon the Monuments that were erected in the honour of all their famous Emperours , Councels , Orators , and Conquerours , things which yielded him great Pleasure . The next thing that his eyes delighted in , was the Temple of the twelve Sibyls , a most miraculous building : in which Temple were all their Prophecies inroled , as also the beginning and ending of the whole Catalogue of the Heathen Gods , as Mars , Jupiter , Saturn , Apollo , and such like ; with their manner of Worship . The next that he saw was the House of Remus and Romulus that builded Rome , a building of much Worthiness . Next unto it stood an ancient Prison can old rotten thing ) where the man lay that was condemned to death , and could have no body come to him and succour him , but was searche , yet was kept alive a long space by sucking of his Daughters Breasts . After this he saw Pompeys Theatre , reputed one of the Nine Wonders of the World : the Emperour Nero's Tomb maintained with disgrace , for the offence he did in setting Rome on fire . To conclude , he spent many days in viewing the Martyrs Tombs and other 〈◊〉 brought from Jerusalem , amongst many other delightful fights , he came into a Chappel dedicated unto himself , called The honour of St. Anthony : Wherein was pourtrayed in Alabaster Pictures , the true forms of all the Champions of Christendom , with the Stories of all their Adventures , Combats , Turnaments , and Battles , their Imprisonments , Dangers , and Enchantments , all Portrayed and Pictured up by Enchantments and Witchcraft , whereupon ran a Prophesie , that the Patron of this Chappel should ever live unconquered , and never imbrace Death , till his eyes were witness of the ●a●e Portraytures ; which in golden Letters were subscribed over the Chappel Door or Entrance . All which when St. Anthony had beheld , and knowing by Inspiration himself to be the Man , with a meek mind embraced his own end , and never after departed the Chappel , but remained kneeling in the same upon the bare Marble , making his Orisons of repentance to the eternal Deity , till pale Destiny had cut off the threads of his old days . And thus being converted to mouldy Earth , the Emperour caused him to be Intombed in the same Chappel : and over his Grave to be 〈◊〉 a magnificent Chair ; in which Chair for many years after , the Roman Conquerours receive their Laurel rewards of Martial Wooly , under whose Banner and Name , even to this day they make their Adventures : to which high Honour and Fame both lived and 〈…〉 is praise worthy Champion St. Anthony of Italy . CHAP. XXII . Of t●● Martyrdom of St. Andrew the Scottish Champion , and how his death was revenged by the King of that Countrey , and by what means Scotland was brought unto the Christian Faith. SAint George and Saint Andrew were the two last Champions that stayed together , and as it seemed , the dearest love remained between them two : but yet rusty Time with his swift course would needs part them , and break this their united fellowship . For the summons of Honour so animated the bold heart of the Scottish Champion , that he burned with desire to see his Native Country , and to behold the place of his first Being . For leaving Constantinople , only honoured with the presence of Saint George and his three Sons , in great jollity of mind he travelleth month by month , week by week , day by day , till Time and Fate set him happily in the Kingdom of Scotland : where having not been in many years before , he received such Entertainment as if he had been the greatest Emperour of the World : for all the streets and passages as he went were furnished with people of the best regard , to give him a gracious welcome to his native home : especially the King himself , who for the love and honour he bore unto his Name and Knight-hood , lodged him his own Pallace , and proclaimed for his noble Welcome a Princely Turnament to be holden for the space of fifteen days , in which time all the Nobility and Martial Knights of Scotland performed such well-approved Atchievements , that not Greece , Constantinople , Rome nor Jerusalem could equal them in the least regard . But St. Andrew being now aged , and unapt for such Princely Encounters , ●a●e as a beholder , censuring of the best deserver , and gave such due commendations as be●itted so gallant a company : and for a farewel of such time honoured Pastimes , he desired leave of the King to depart , and to spend the remnant of his life in private contemp●ations , for the good of his Soul , & to wash away with the water of true penitence , all that blood he had spild in his Travel about the World , in the maintainance of Knight-hood : a request so reasonable , that the King could not refuse but give his consent . So taking leave of his Majesty , & the rest of the Nobility & Knights there present , he departed up to a Mountain far remote from the Kings Court , under which by Nature was erected a Cave or hollow Uault , wherein he remained for the space of a year studying Divinity , and the Commands of his Redeemer , Scotland being the● a rude and Heathenish Countrey , where the common sort of People inhabited , by which means he was much admired , and supposed to be sent from some place unknown , as a Messenger to bring them evil ridings : Whereupon those misbelieving people by a common consent ( taking him for some subtil Conspirer against their Pagan Gods , which as then they worshipped ) put him secretly to death , and after cutting off his Head in hope of reward , bore it to the King , deeming they had done a deed of much deserved commendations : Which inhumane Cruelty when the King saw , with much grief he lamented the loss of this good Man , and with all speed in revenge of his Death , raised a power of his best resolved Knights of War , putting every one to the Sword , both Man , Woman , and Child , that in any manner consented to the Champions Martyrdom : and after , in process of time , appointed a Monastery to be built in the same place where he died , causing the whole Kingdom to be brought in subjection to a quiet Government , and Christened in the right belief of this holy Father . This was the last Deed of St. Andrew , by whose Death Scotland received the true Faith , in which it now remaineth . CHAP. XXIII . Of the Adventure performed by St. George ; how he received his Death by the sting of a venomous Dragon : and of the Honours and Royalties done unto his Name , being intitled our English Patron of Knighthood . NOw droops my weary Muse , for she is come unto her latest Tragedy , S. George is summoned to the Bar of Death , where magnificent honour stands ready to give his Name a Noble Renown to all ensuing Ages . This illustrious Champion , when he was left alone , as you heard , in the company of his three Sons , Guy , Alexander , and David , strange imaginations day by day possessed his mind , that he could not rest nor sleep ; sometimes supposing his Companions were in great distress : other while how they had won the chiefest Goal of Honour , little needing his Knightly service and assistance : sometimes one thing , sometimes another , so molested him , that he must needs make his Adventure to follow them . Whereupon calling his three Sons together , he went to the Grecian Emperour and requested that they might all four depart with his leave and likeing , for Knightly Adventures had challenged them all to appear in some foreign Region , where Noble Atchievements were to be performed , but where and in what Countrey his Destiny had not yet revealed to him . So furnishing them all four in Habiliments of shining steel , they left Constantinople , as it were guided by Fate , until they came into England , then called Brittain , whose chalky Clifts S. George had not seen in twice twelve years , and now coming with a sweet embracement of his Native Countrey , he gave his three Sons thereinto a most joyful Welcome , shewing them ( to their great comfort ( the brave Situation of the Towns & Cities , & the pleasant prospects of the Fields as they passed , until they came within the sight of the City Coventry , where he was born , and received his first being : upon whose glistering Pinacles no sooner casting his eye-sight , but the Inhabitants interrupted his pleasure delights with a doleful Report , how upon Dunsmore-Heath , as then remained an infectious Dragon that so annoyed the Countrey , that the Inhabitants there abouts could not pass the Heath without great danger : & how that fifteen Knights of the Kingdom had already lost their lives in adventuring to suppress the same . Also giving him to understand of a Prophecy , That a Christian Knight never born of a Woman , should be the Destroyer thereof , and his Name in after Ages for Accomplishing the Adventure , should be holden for an eternal Honour to the Kingdom . Saint George no sooner hearing thereof , and what Wrongs his native Country received by this infectious Dragon , and knowing himself to be the Knight , grew so encouraged , that he purposed presently to put the Adventure in tryal , & either to free his Country from so great danger , or to finish his days in the attempt ; so raking leave of his Sons & the rest there present , he rode forward with as noble a spirit , as he did in Aegypt , when he there combared with the burning Dragon , So coming to the middle of the Plain , where his infections Enemy lay couching the ground , in a deep Cave , who by a strange instinct of Nature knowing his death to draw near , made such a yelling Noise , as if the Element had burst with Thunder , or the Earth had shook with a terrible Exhalation , so coming from his Den , and spying the Champion , he ran with such fury against him , as if he would have devoured both Man and Horse in a moment , but the Champion being quick and nimble , gave the Dragon such way , that he mist him , and with his sting ran full two foot into the Earth , but covering , he returned again with such rage upon Saint George , that he had almost born his Horse over and over , but that the Dragon having no stay of his strength , fell with his back downward upon the ground , and his feet upward , whereat the Champion taking advantage , kept him still down with his Horse standing upon him fighting , as you see in the Picture of St. George , with his lance goring him through in divers parts of the Body ; and withal contrariwise , the Dragons sting annoyed the good Knight in such sort , that the Dragon being no sooner stain and weltered in his venomous Gore , but Saint George likewise took his Deaths Wound by the deep stroaks of the Dragons sting , which he received in divers parts of his Body , and bled in such abundance , that his strength began to enfeeble , and grow weak ; yet retaining the true Nobleness of Mind , valiantly returned Uictor to the City of Coventry , where his three Sons with the whole Inhabitants stood without the Gates in great Royalty to receive him , and to give him the honour that belonged to so worthy a Conqueror , who no sooner arrived before the City , and presented them with the Dragons Head which so long had annoyed the Country , but what with the abundance of Blood that issued from his deep Wounds , and the long bleeding without stopping the same , he was forced in his Sons Arms to yield up his breath , for whom his three Princely Sons long lamented , making the greatest mone that ever was made in any Kingdom , and again they were so seconded with the grief of the whole Country , that all the Land from the King to the Shepherd , mourned for him for the space of a Month : which heavy time being ended , the King of this Country being a vertuous and Noble Prince , advanced Saint George's three Sons to Noble ●ssices : First the eldest of them named Guy , to be Earl of Warwick , and high Chamberlain of his Houshold . The next named Alexander , according to his Name , to be Captain General of his Knights of Chivalry . And the youngest named David , to be his Cup-bearer : and Controler of all his Revels and Delights . And likewise in remembrance of their Noble Father the Christian Champion , he ordained for ever after to be kept a solemn Procession about the Kings Court , by all the Princes and chief Nobility of the Country , upon the 23 day of April , naming it St. George's Day , upon which day he was most solemnly interred in the City where he was born , and caused a stately Monument to be erected in Honour of him , though now by the ruines of time defaced and abolished . He likewise decreed by the consent of the whole Kingdom , that the Patron of the Land should be named Saint George , our Christian Champion , in that he had fought so many Battles in the Honour of Christendom . All which we see ( with many more Honours ) to this day here maintained in remembrance of this good Knight , who ( no doubt ) resteth in eternal peace , with the other renowned Champions of Christendom : So God grant we may do all . Amen . FINIS . Advertisement of Four Books . THe History of the Seven Wise Masters . The History of the Seven Wise Mistresses . The History of Dorastus and Faunia . The Garland of Good Will. All Printed for George Conyers at 〈…〉 Ring in 〈…〉 Brittain over against Bartholomen-Close Gate . The 〈◊〉 HISTORY OF THE Seven Champions , OF Christendom . The Third PART . SHEWING The Valiant Acts and Renowned Atchievements of St. George's three Sons , Sir Guy , Sir Alexander , and Sir David . AS ALSO The Warlike Exploits and Martial performances of Sir Turpin Son to St. Denis of France , Sir Pedro Son to St. James of Spain , Sir Orlando Son to St. Anthony of Italy , Sir Ewin Son to St. Andrew of Scotland , Sir Phelim Son of St. Patrick of Ireland , and Sir Owen Son to St. David of Wales . Their strange Fights and Combats with Gyants , Monsters , and Dragons , their Tilts and Turnaments in Honour of Ladies , their Battles with Miscreants and Tyrants in defense of the Christian Religion , and relief of distressed Knights and Ladies , their punishing of Negromancers , and puting to an end their Inchantments , with other their Knightly Prowess and Chevalry . AS ALSO How St. George's three Sons came all of them to be Kings , according as the Fairy Queen had Prophesied of them . LONDON , Printed for John Back , at the Black-Boy on London-Bridge , 1696. TO His much respected Friend Mr. RALPH HARRISON OF NEWPORT POND IN ESSEX . SIR , BOokes without Patrons are ( they say ) like Orphan Children without Parents left to the wide World to shift ; i● wanting protection do oftentimes miscarry in the same . Considering this their likenes● to each other , I pondered with my self to whom I should dedicate this issue of my brain against sna●ling Criticks and carping Momuss●s ; whom casting over the Catalogue of my chiefest Friends , and Acquaintance , I found your name in a principal place amongst them . Emboldned wherewith I resolved to Dedicate these my labours unto you , being much animated thereunto by the perswasions of our worthy Friend Mr. Daniel Rawlinson of Fenchurch-Street , London ; as also your love to Books of ingenuity in general . Thus hoping you will candidly receive the same , since the second Part was kindly accepted of an Honourable Person , wishing you as many happy day's , as there are lines in the Book , I take my leave , resting Yours ever to his power , VV. VV. To the Courteous READER , THe general acceptance which the two first Parts of this Renowned History have received , hath invited my Pen to the prosecution thereof in a third Part , which I have raked out of the musty Records of old mo●h eaten Authors , almost worn out by length of time , and indeed the two first Parts do seen imperfect without a third , for there he speak of the Fairy Queen's Prophesie , how St. George three Sons should come to be Kings , but show not by which means they attained their Kingdoms , all which are fully set forth in this Third Part. What my pains have been herein , tho● who read with Judgment will easily discern and to such only I appeal , not caring for the barking Zoilists of our times , who carp ● what they cannot mend ; and like the Dog i● the Fable , lying upon Hay , will neither eat themselves , nor suffer the hunger starved Oxe ●o eat thereof ; so these men will write nothing themselves , yet are alwayes carping at the endeavours of others . If I have soared above the height of the Language in the two former parts , know that our speech is refined since they were writ , Chaucer whose lines did excel for Eloquence in his days , is now despized for plain ●nd rustick , even by those who scarcely know what language is , yet have we endeavoured herein not to coyn new phrases , nor to mix words unintelligible , but to use such a s●ile as night serve to embellish and illustrate the History , but withal to be understood and easie ●o the capacity of the meanest Readers . VVe have also endeavoured herein to write nothing improbable , much less impossible ; such as are inserted in several Histories , where they make nothing of cutting asunder two or three Gyants at one blow by the middle , with many other things void both of sense and reason , but in our undertakings we have related nothing but what to a judicious ▪ Reader may seem probable to be effected , so that we doubt not ● our History had been in the Library of Do● Quixo● that famous Knight Errant , it would have been preserved from the fire by the Barber and Licentiate . And as we have been as careful to insert nothing incredulous , so likewise have we been as careful to write nothing that is obscene for the corrupting of youth Books of that nature ( as Mr. Feltham saith i● his resolves ) being like that brutish sin of Adultery , wherein two are equally culpable , h● that writes them and he that reads them ; but in our History we have inserted nothing but what may be profitable as well as delightful , s● that the chastest Lucrece may read herein with out blushing , yet have we endeavoured to embellish it with such flowers of Rhetorick as w● could pick out of Apollo's Garden , the bette● to entertain the Reader with delight , which i● he kindly accept of ( as our hope is notwithstanding this censorious age ) we shall continue the History in a Fourth Part , and shew you ●he Loves and adventures of the other six Va●ant Knights , having in this Part chiefly insisted upon those of St. Georges three Sons . In the mean time daigne kindly to accept of what ●s already done , and then expect the other to ●ollow soon after . Farewel . On the BOOK . YOU whose stout heart to valiant Acts are bent . This Book unto your view will represent ●hat you desire , fell Monsters put to pain , Gyants and Dragons overcome and slain ; The Negromancer with his damned spell , ●is charms overthrown , and he sent down to Hell. ●astles and Towers taken in by force , The Pagan Hosts overthrown , both Man and Horse ; ●uch numbers of them kill'd , Charon might well ●● streams of their own blood row them to Hell : ●uch were the Acts these worthy Sons have done ●f the Seven Champions of Christendom : ●howing themselves true Sons of such brave Sires , ●hose valiant deeds the World throughout admires . ●ead then , and thank the Author for his pains , ●is was the labour , thy delight the gains . M. Y. The Famous HISTORY OF THE Seven Champions OF CHRISTENDOM . The Third Part. CHAP. I. The great Joy of the Infidels for the Death of the Seven Champions , the Soldan of Persia , his Letter for the Mustering up of an Army ; with the Effects thereupon . SOon had wide mouth'd tatling Fame dispersed the News of the Seven Champions deaths , into all the Countries and Kingdoms of the Earth , which caused a Universal Ioy and Rejoycing amongst those Miscreants and Infidels , which had felt the weight of their victorious Armes insomuch that they Published a day of Thanksgiving , to praise their Gods , Mahomet , Termagant and Apollo , for the deliverance of their Countries , out of the hands of such mortal enemies . Next they provide for the invasion of Christendom , and by a mutual consent to muster up such an Army as should ●●tirpate Christianity , and to root out those seven famous Nations from off the Earth , whereof those Worthies were the Heroical Champions ; and to this end the Soldan of Persia wrote this ensuing Letter to those Kingdoms and Nations which were therein 〈◊〉 . To all those Potentates and Followers of the Sect of Mahomet , the High and Mighty Emperour the Soldan of Persia , sendeth Greeting . KNow ye that our Gods have now at last sent the Messenger of Death , which hath arrested , and clapt up into the Graves those terrors of our People , the seven Champions of Christendom , by whom we have sustained so much harms and dammages ; by which means a gap is left ope , whereby we may revenge our wrongs and injuries . To this purpose we therefore desire ye to meet us with what power of Men ye can make on the Plains of Babylon ; there to joyn with the Forces of other Kings and Princes , to be revenged on the Christians , by slaying their people , burning their Towns and Cities , and utterly destroy them from off the face of the Earth . The Copy of this Letter being sent into several Nations and Kingdoms , the Kings of those Countries assembled together all the Forces they could make , and with the greatest expedition they could use , marched into the Plains of Babylon : The first that came thither mas the King of Arabia , attended with an Army of Twenty Thousand Men , whereof Eight Thousand were mountted on Arabian Coursers , being armed with Spears and Targets , so swift and dexterous in their undertakings , that they seldom mist of atchieving any business they went about . His Pavilion was of a Uiolet colour , fringed with yellow , to distinguish of what Country he was of . The next was the Soldan of Persia himself ▪ with an Army of Ten Thousand Horsemen , and Thirty Thousand Foot , of which Nine Thousand were Pioneers , to level the way for the Ar●ies matching , and to dig Trenches for the assaulting of any Castle or City . His Pavilion was red , fringed with Orange-fawny , being mounted on a Hill to be the more conspicuous to the Beholders . Next was the King of Egypt , with Twenty-five Thousand men , of which three hundred were Magicians or 〈◊〉 , to charm and bew●tch the Christian Army , that they might not fight . His Pavilion was Blue , fringed with black , and was placed on the Right-hand of the King of Arabia . Soon after came the great Cham of Tartary , with an Army of thirty thousand men , all in quilted Jackets , so thick wrought that no Arrow could pierce them : They were all armed with Steel Gantlets , and had Swords of a hands breadth , and withal so sharp that they would cut off a man at the ●●●ble with a blow . His Pavilion was of a Primrose colour , with a White fringe , which was placed on the Left-hand of the Soldan of Persia. Next came the King of Morocco with two thousand Horsemen , mounted all on Barbary Steeds , armed with Skins of Stags , so thick and tough that no sword could cut through them ; he had also ten thousand Footmen with Iron Mar●s , having round balls at the end of them , of four or five pound weight , therewith to dash out the Christians brains . His Pavilion and the Fringe thereof was all black , to signifie black and dismal days to ensue . He was placed next to the King of Egypt . The next that arrived in the fruitful Fields of Babylon , was the King of Parthia , with an Army consisting of fifteen thousand men : He had also an hundred Elephants , carrying Towers on their backs , in each of which ten men might stand and fight . This King was in stature four foot higher than most men , having each Limb answerable thereto ; so that he wore a sword of two yards in length , the pummel whereof weighed twenty pound . His Pavilion was of sky-colour , fringed with sea-green , and was placed next to the King of Morocco . Next was the Emperour or Grand Signior of the Turks , accompanied with ten thousand Janisaries , armed with sharp Scimiters , so keen they would cut a Bolt of Iron asunder . He was armed in a Coat of Mail , of burnisht Silver , having on his head a white Turbant , and a Pendant on it , wherein was depictured a half Moon , with this Motto , still encreasing . His Pavilion was green , with silver and gold fringe , and was placed on the Right-hand of the Soldan of Persia. After him came the Prince of Tripoly , accompanied with ●ou● Gyants , of a marvellous size and bigness , whose names were Garion , Carus , Phidon , and Rhapsarus ; those bore on their necks great knotty Oaks , with which they could strike two yards déep into the ground , and were most dreadful to behold . He had also with him a deformed Creature called a Sagitary , being half a Man , and half a Horse , who could run as swift as a Ship can sail , having wind and weather : His offensive weapon was a Bow , with which he shot poysoned Arrows , and was so expert therein , that he could shoot to a hairs breadth , This Prince of Tripoly was encamped next to the King of Parthia , and had a Pavilion of a Pease blossom colour , ●ringed with Murrey . After him came the Count Palatine of Trebizond , with fifteen hundred Cross-bow-men , all armed in Stéel Corslets ; He had also thrée thousand men that used slings , with which they would eractly hit whatever they aimed at , and that at a great distance from them . On his shield was painted a Griffin grasping of a Christian , with this Motto , siezed of his Prey . His Pavilion was of an azure colour , fringed with red , and was placed next to the Emperour or Grand Signior of the Turks . The next that appeared on the Babylonian Plains for the destruction of of the Christians , was the Bassa of Aleppo , who brought with him a hundred wains , loaden with balls of wild-fire , sulpher , and certain Engines called Calthorps , being little things made with four pricks of Iron , of such a fashion ; that which way soever they be thrown , one point will always strick up like a nail , and these were to be thrown into the Christians Army , to spoil the feet of their Horses . His Pavilion was of an Iron-gray colour , and was placed next to the Count Palatine of Trebizond . Next was the Mamaluck of Damascus , attended with six thousand Horse , and six thousand Footmen . He had also in his Army a deformed Monster , from the shoulders downwards shaped like a man , but his head and face like to that of a horse , being a present sent him from the Cham of Tartary , and from whom descended the horse-faced Tartar , kill'd by Count Sereni . This Mamalucks Pavilion was of yellow intermixed with black , and fringed with red , being placed next to the ●assa of Allepo . Many other Kings , Princes and Emperors were engaged in this enterprize , whose names would be too tedious here to recite ; insomuch that there was assembled such an Army , as made the earth to shake under the weight thereof ; being more in number then that of Xerxes , which drank up ' whole Rivers dry as ' they went ; or then that of the Macedonian Alexander , with which he conquered the greatest part of the World. Being thus in this manner assembled together , the Soldan of Persia , as one of the chiefect of the Association , gathered the greatest Princes and Captains to his Pavilion , where he entertained them with a costly Banquet , and then made unto them this following Dration . Most Mighty Kings , Princes and Captains of this invincible Army ; It is not unknown unto you what injuries and mischiefs we have received from the Christian Armies , under the conduct of those persons whom they called the seven Champions of Christendom ; to enumerate them all in particular , would make my Oration too tedious unto you , I shall therefore only give you some few instances : What injury did St. George , the Champion of England , unto Ptolomy King of Egypt by stealing away his daughter , as also from Almidor King of Morocco his dearest Lady and Mistress ; did not the Kings Daughter of Thesialy run away from her Country by the sly insinuations of St. Denis of France , as also the King of Ierusalems Daughter by the like perswasion of St. Iames of Spain ; what intollerable injury was it to the King of Thracia , to have his fair Daughter Kessalinde tempt'd away from her Country by the Italian Champion , but much more from the Champion of Scotland to be deprived of his other six Daughters ; did not the Welch Champion slay the Count Palatine of Tartary in his Fathers Court , besides infiuite other mischiefs , losses and disgraces we have received from them ; all which whilst they lived we were not able to revenge ; but now since Death hath been so kind to take them out of the World , let us pluck up our courages , and manfully sight in revenge of our injuries ; let pity be exiled from our thoughts , neither sparing old Age for their hoary head , nor the tender infant for his pitiful cry ; let not the tears of Matrons find regard , nor the wailings of Widows any respect , but let all be destined to the sword , that we may have a general triumph in their utter confusion . This Dration was received with a general applause , each one protesting their utmost endeavours for the extirpation of Christianity , and never to sheath their swords till they had laid the European Cities equal with the dust , and their stately Monuments in ruine , like to the lofty Pyramids of Troy. And now considering by experience the fatal effects of their former dis●ord in electing a General , and how necessary it was to have one Commander in chief ; to avoid all controversie , it was d●creed amongst them , that si● of the chiefest should be picked forrth , and out of them one to be chosen by Lot to be their General ; These six were , the King of Arabia , the King of Persia , the Soldan of Babylon , the King of Egypt , the Emperour of the Turks , and the King of Morocco . The Lots being cast it fell to the share of the Soldan of Babylon to be their General , the Emperour of the Turks was appointed Lieutenant , General , the King of Persia Major General , and the King of Arabia by reason of the swiftness of his Coursers , Scout-Master General . Other Kings and Princes had appointed unto them several other offices , according to their quality and capacity they had in the seats of War : So that all things considered they seemed to be an Army invincible , being for number like the Army of Xerxes , which drank whole Rivers dry , and for Warlike Provisions , so much and plentiful , as far exc●ded all numbers of Arithmetick . Here will we leave this mighty Army in the Plains of Babylon , and come to tell ye of the great preparations the Christians made to resist them ; but first we shall describe the valiant arts of St. Georges three Sons , and how they hearing of this great Army , intended for the ruine of Chistendom , returned home to fight in defence of their Country . CHAP. II. How St. George's Three Sons left England to seek Adventures in Forreign Countries ; how they Arrived in Sicily , and killed a terrible Monster , named Pongo ; How Urania the King of Sicily's Daughter fell in love with Sir Guy , with other things which happened . YOU may remember in the Second Part of this famous History , we left St. Georges three Sons in the English Court , where they had not continued long after their Fathers death , but growing weary of idleness , and being more desirous to follow the Camp of Mars , then to dally with Ladies in the Court of Venus , they resolved to betake themselves to ●ravel , and to seek out adventures in Foreign Countries , and having unparted their mind to the King , they furnished themselves with all things necessary for such a journey , and b●●ding the fruitful ●oyl of England 〈◊〉 , they in a few weeks sailing arrived on the Coasts of Sicily ; where marching up higher into the Country , they saw many Houses , but no Inhabitants , yea , whole Towns of empty Houses , but neither Man , Woman , nor Child within them ; which made them mistrust some grievous Pestilence had lately overspread that Country , and made it desolate of Inhabitants ; wherefore to avoid any infection which might happen unto them , they took up their lodging in the open Fields , having only the star●y Firmament for their Canopy . Thus sweetly reposeing on their Mother Earth , they slept as soundly as if they had laid on Beds of Downe , and been surrounded with Curtains of the purest Arabian Silk : Thus did they sleep securely until such time as Aurora began to guild the Firmament with her bright Rayes , and to usher in Phoebus golden light , when suddenly they were awaked with a most horrible noise , which séemed to be sent from the déep Abyss , and to be able to rend the Rocks asunder ; where upon they suddenly buckled on their Armour , and stood upon their Guard , and indeed it was but high time , for at that instant they saw coming towards them a most deformed Monster , of an excessive bigness , and terrible shape , having Eyes like burning sawcers , and Claws sharper than Eagles ●allons : He seemed to move like a high Tower or Pyramid , and with his weight to make the Earth to tremble ; the sight of this ugly Monster so s●artled their Horses , that they would hardly endure the bit , but snorting and stumping the Earth with their feet , showed the dread they had of such a sight ; but these thrée valiant Knights , in whom was sown the seeds of true magnanimity , stood fearless to abide what danger soever might happen . The first whom this fierce Monster made unto was the valiant Knight Sir Guy , who nothing daunted at his hideous shape , having put his Spear in his Rest , ran furiously against him , but the Monster being armed with scales far harder than brass , his Spear shiver'd in a thousand pieces , then drawing out his trusty Fauchion , he assailed the Monster with manly stroaks , who on his part was not backward in defence , but bolting upright on his tail , stretched forth one of his paws , and with the same grasped so hard on the arm of Sir Guy , that he had well near siezed on him , had not Sir David at that instant come in , ond with his sword cut the Monsters paw quite off , leaving the claws so firmly fixt on Sir Guy's Arm , that notwithstanding the goodness of his armour , it was very hard to be gotten off ; In the mean time the valiant and renowned Knight Sir Alexander , with great force sot upon the monster , giving him such a blow upon the head as made him to reel , who with his tail striking of Sir Alexander , so wrapped the same about his horses legs , that not able to stand he came over and over with the Kniht ; The Monster seeing him on the ground , was making towards him , whom Sir David met with such a lusty thrust on his breast , that though it pierced not the same , it laid the Monster flat on his back ; which was no sooner done , but Sir Guy nimblp leaping from off his horse thrust his sword down the Monsters Throat , who lay gasping for breath , whereby he rived his heart in sunder ; yet notwithstanding the same , the Monsters Teeth were so kéen , that he bit the Knights sword intwo , leaving the one half in his Throat , and withal sent forth such a hideous yell , as surpassed the roaring of the Cataracts of Nilus , or the greatest crack of the loudest Thunder ; but having received his deaths wound , with some little strugling he yielded his life up to the Uictors , who surveying his Body , found it to be from the head to the end of the tail , full ten yards in length , his bulk at least a Tun weight , having paws and claws answerable unto it , and each part so armed with scales , as scarcely penetrable witd any sword . The Knights having obtained this Uictory , returned thanks to the Immortal Powers , and leaving the Carcass of the hideous Monster , travel'd up higher into the Country , hoping to meet with some of the inhabitants thereof , whom now they saw had left their houses for dread of this Monster . Having travelled some few miles , and desirous of refreshment after this encounter , they saw some smoak ascending out of the tunnel of a little Cell near unto them , whither bending their course ; they saw standing at the door an aged Hermit , in a Gown of Freeze , reaching to the ground ; his Hair as white as the downe of Swans , or driven Snow , which in a careless manner hung dishelved down his Shoulders ; in his Face you might read the Map of sorrow , charactered out in deep furrowed wrinkles , whom the Knights courteously saluted , desiring to know the reason why so fruiful a Country as they had passed was left destitute of Inhabitants ; The aged Hermit having viewed them well , and perceiving by their habit they were Outlandish Knights , bent upon Martial Adventures , and seeming to be persons who dreaded no danger , he desired them to alight from their Warlike Steeds , and for a while to repose themselves in his lowly Cell , and he would endeavour to satisfie their desires , in the mean time ( said he ) I would desire you to take such homely refreshment as my Cell affords , and thereupon brought them forth such Country Uiands as that place afforded , which they courteously accepting , and having satisfied their hunger ; the Hermit began to speak to them in this manner ; Sir Knights said he , for so you séem by your outward Habiliments , if we may judge of the goodness of the apple by the fairness of the rind ; know that this Country wherein you now are is the Land of Sicily , once so fruitful and abounding in all things , that it might well be called the Granary of the VVorld ; and now still retaining its vertue , durst the Inhabitants manure the same ; But now our plenty is turned into misery , our mirth into mourning , our streets which were wont to be replenished with throngs of people , now destitute and empty of Inhabitants , and all by reason of a most gastly dreadful Monster , sent I think from the Infernal Regions for the punishment of Mankind , whom the Country people term by the name of Pongo . This direful Monster , or rather Devil incarnate , begotten as it is thought between a Land Tyger , and a Sea Shark , so that it participates of both Elements , swimming in the Sea near our Sicilian Coasts , espyed some Heardsmen on the shore , who with great wonder beheld this Monster as he disported himself on the waves of the Sea , but when they saw he made towards them , and beheld the monstrousness of his proportion , fear standing at the gates of their Eyes , put back all further perswasions of beholding him , and adding wings to their fee● , they flew away in the greatest hast● they possibly could make , but in vain was all their speed , for he soon recovering the shore , siezed upon some of the hindmost of them , whom he made a prey to his devouring paunch ; and having tasted the sweets of humane blood , he ever since hath haunted our Coasts , ranging up higher into the Country , devou●ing all wheresoever he came , and herein is his cruelty most exemplary , that he delights more in the slaughter of Men then of Beasts ; so that it is judged he hath devoured no less then five hundred persons , and for twenty miles space left all desolate and uninhabited , the dread of him being so very great , that the women to terrifie their children from crying , use to say , the Pongo cometh . Thus Ronowned Knights have you heard the cause of our Countries misery , not one of our ●●outest Champions having the heart to encounter with him ; so that at freedom he wasts and destroys all before him , until such time as it shall please Providence to send us some more redoubled Knights then ours to free us from him , for which our King hath promised great rewards , the spur to honourable atchievments , besides the great good ( a Reward in it self ) which it will do to Mankind , in fréeing us from so terrible an enemy . The Hermit concluding his speech with a deep sigh for a period , the Ualiant Knight Sir Guy , with a smiling countenance thus answered him ; Now then ( said he ) are the Stars so benigne unto Sicily , that your Country is fréed from this direful misery , for the cause being taken away the effects must needs cease ; Know then , that by the victorious Armes of me , and my two Brothers , the Monster is dead ; and no more dread of your affrighting dead Pongo , then is to be feared from a living Grashopper or Butterfly . Scarcely had Sir Guy ended his speech , when the Hermit transported with an excessive joy fell down at his feet , being almost in as great an extasie for joy , as was that Father , who having three Sons returned Uictors from the Olympick Games ; his overjoyed spirit could not contain its self in the bounds of reason , but by the excessiveness thereof yielded up the ghost : And is our Land ( said he ) capable of so great a benefit , does so good Fortune attend our Country ! Then thanks to the immortal powers above , who hath sent you hither to be the means of our future happiness ; how is our Nation bound to your Manhood , and what victims shall we offer for your fortunate success ? As the Hermit was thus discoursing , there was passing by the Cell a Herald at Arms : well accontered , and attended on by four Knights clad all in mourning Armour , who were sent by the King into Forreign Countries , to proclaim in every place where they came , that if any Knight would be so hardy as to encounter with the Pongo ; and overcome him , he should be made a Peer of the Realm , and have a golden Helmet for a reward . This their errand being made known to the three Knights , they declared unto them how Pongo was already killed , which put a stop to their further journey ; and sending back one of the Knights to the King to inform him thereof , the rest went to view the dead Carcass of the Pongo , which having surveyed with great admiration , the three Sicilian Knights invited Sir Guy , Sir Alexander , and Sir David to the City of Syracusa , where the King then kept his Court , who courteously accepting of their proffer , taking leave of the aged Hermit , who returned to his Cell , mounting their Warlike Steeds , with an easie pace they marched on : But when the King heard the news of the Monsters death , he caused the Bells to be rung , and Banfires to be made for joy thereof , and hearing how the three Knights were coming towards him , he went forth to meet them , attended on in this manner : First went two Trumpeters ●lad in the Arms of Sicily , being two plauches argent , charges with as many Eagles Sable : Then followed a Band of Pensioners with golden Streamers , which they displayed as they marched along : After them marched fourscore Knights , mounted on their Barbed Steede , and armed with bright glistering Fauchions . Next went the Kings Lifeguard , in their Buff-coats edged with silver fringe , and wearing on their shoulders Carnation Scarfs inlayed with Gold. After them the King himself in a costly Chariot , studded with Pillars of Silver , and li●ed with Carnation Uelvet , being followed with an innumerable Train of Lords and Gentlemen , and their Attendants . With this stately Train did the King go to méet the three Uictorious Knights , who at his coming alighted from their Steeds , whom the King courteously embrraced , and after some short Discourse , had them into his Chariot , and so triumphantly returned back to Syracusa , all the way the Bells ringing , the Bonfires blazing , and the people making such loud Acclamations of Ioy , as the Earth rang with the noise thereof . Being come to the Kings-Palace , they were met by the Queen Berenice , and her beautiful Daughter Urania , the flower of courtesie , and Paragon of rare perfection , who as the excelled the other Sicilian Uirgins in Dignity and Honour , so did she surpass them all in Beauty , and other Ornraments of Nature , to which was joyned such rare endowments of the mind as compleated her a Princess of admirable parts . After they were alighted from the Chariot , they were conducted to a stately Room , where was provided ●o● them a costly Banquet , which being ended , their Ears were saluted with most choice Musick ; after which the Ladies presented them with a stately masque . All this while the Princess Urania fed her Eyes with beholding of Sir Guy , whose perfections she so contemplated , that Love entering in at her Eyes , so wounded her heart , as she became wholly captivated in the Bonds of Cupid . Sir Guy on the other side was so pierced with her transcendant Beauty , and her other rare accomplishments , that he wholly resigned up himself to her devotion , she being the loadstone of his affections , attracting all the faculties of his Soul in obedience to her commands . Thus did these two Princely persons reciprocally bear true love to each other , though neither of them knew the others mind ; but as fire will not be long hid under combustible matter , so Love where it is ardent will show its self through all the disguises they can put upon it . These Heroick Knights had not béen many weeks in the Sicilian Court , feasting and revelling in all the delights and pleasures which that fruitful Country afforded , but such pleasures grew tedious unto them , especially to Sir Guy , whose Love to the Princess Urania , made sports and company distastful unto him ; so one Evening , at such time as the Golden Charioter of Heaven had finishd his Diurnal course , and driven his panting Steeds down the Western Hill , he intended to fetch a solitary walk in the Garden by himself , when coming under the Princess Urania's Chamber Window , he heard the Musick of a Lute , which with Harmonious Airs saluted his Ears , and listening a while , a Uoice deliver'd its self in these words . Now woe is me , poor hapless Virgin , I Am forc'd to yield to Cupids Deity . All my striving is in vain . Love the Conquest he will gain , And I a Vassal must to him remain . Yet gentle Cupid let me thee desire , To wound his Breast like mine with equal fire , That so our Loves together joyn'd , May settle in a quiet mind , And we in them may true contentment find . As Sir Guy was listening to this Harmonious Uoice , there passed by him one of the Princess Uranias Ladies , which put a stop unto her singing : But pondering well in his mind the substance of her Sonnet , gave him great hopes of her affections to him ; and as every Lover flatters himself in his own imagination , so did he imagine himself sole Monarch of the Princesses heart . That night the Ladies had provided a stately Mask , which at the end of every Scene was attended with most rare Musick , and excellent Dancing , to which Mask the three Brothers were invited . The time being come for the Mask to begin , it was performed on this manner . First began a most excellent Consort of Musick , then enter'd sour Maskers in Cloth of Gold , most richly Embroidered ; three of them personated the three Goddesses , Juno , Pallas , and Venus , when they strove for the Golden Apple on the Mount of Ida ; the fourth represented the Shepherd Paris , who having heard their several Pleas which they made for the obtaining of the Apple , he adjudged it to Venus , and then having danced a Course about the Room , they all withdrew . After a little space the Musick playing again , according as it was appointed ; the three Knights took each of them a Lady by the hand to lead them a dance , and now had Sir Guy the happiness to converse with his dear Lady and Mistress ; for taking the Princess Urania by the hand , he with great courtesie and humility kissed it , and she kindly accepting his proffer , he led her a Course about the Room in as great Majesty and state as did Aeneas , when he reveled it in the Court of Queen Dido , and she following him with as much grace as might become the Queen of Love to have acted it ; and so having shewed to the Spectators that he could as w●ll tread a measure in a dance , as handle the Warlike Spear or Lance ; He with the Princess Urania withdrew into a corner of that spacious Room , whilst Sir Alexander having associated himself with a gallant Lady named Alsatia , and Daughter to the Uice Roy of Naples , began a second Course to the Musick : which whilst they were performing , Sir Guy courted the Princess Urania in these words . Most Peerless Princess , ( said Sir Guy ) if the bleeding wounds of my heart could speak , which you have pierced by the beams of your matchless Beauty , then would it save my Tongue the labour to declare the affection which I bear to your Noble Person : If I have aim'd too high , blame your matchless Beauty and Vertues that have caused it ; Let me therefore conjure you by all the Rites and Charmes of Love , and by those fair Eyes that have enthralled mine , not to prove obdurate in thy Love , though I must confess my self unworthy of so high a Bliss ; yet shall the Sun sooner cease to run his course , the Stars to give light , and every thing alter from his wonted course , e're Guy will prove false , or cease to honour the perfections of the Princess Urania . Although this Speech were very welcome to the Love-sick Princess , yet that she might not seem too forward , with a Maidenly modesty she thus replyed : Sir , You must pardon me if I look before I leap ; That my self together with our whole Country is indebted to your Prowess , we shall for ever acknowledge . But to love , and so to love as to make you a promise of being my Husband , for I hope you mean no other thing but what tends to my Honour ) you must excuse me , having no other assurance of your reality , but only your own verbal expressions ; besides you being a Stranger , and I am Heiress to a Crown , were your Estate answerable to your ( I must confess ) excellent Qualifications , yet could I not be so at my own disposal to conclude of what you desire , seeing not only my Parents , but my Country have so great a●share in me . She would have proceeded further , but Sir Alexander and the Lady Alsatia having finished their dance , the Cornets and other Wind-Musiek sounding aloud , they were called away to beheld another Scene of fresh Maskers , which in this sort entertained the beholders , First entered the likeness of a stately Fabrick , made of Paste-board , and adorned with many golden streamers , which represented the Temple of Honour ; this was drawn to the further side of that spatious Room , wherein being placed , soon after entered another Fabrick , but more lower , and not so richly adorned , which represented the Temple of Vertue , and was so placed , that none could enter the Temple of Honour , but must first pass through the Temple of Vertue . After entered several persons who attempted to get into the Temple of Honour , but were loath to go through the Temple of Vertue , therefore they missed of their aim : Those who went through the Temple of Vertue , were richly adorned and rewarded , and greatly honoured of the people . But those who would climb up to the Temple of Honour , and not enter it by the Temple of Vertue , it was made so slippery on the top , that with the least treading awry , they fell down and brake their Necks . This shew being ended , and the Cornets , and other loud Musick ceasing , the U●ll●n● and Renowned Knight Sir David , taking a most beautiful Damsel by the hand , named Artesia , and Niece to the King of Sicily , by his Sister Redolentia , whose Husband was a Renowned Knight at Arms , and Master of the strong Castle of Angelo . This Noble Lady who had not her superiour for Beauty on the face of the Earth , most willingly gave her hand to Sir David , and so with as much portly Majesty as the God of War led the stately Venus , they danced a Galiard , which whilst they were doing , Sir Guy having a further opportunity to speak to the Goddess of his affections , accosted her in this manner . Most Excellent Lady ; Do not entertain a Heart more hard then Flint , which the tears of my true love cannot mollifie , nor think my affections to you to be like breath on Steel , soon on and soon off ; No , I protest by all the Sacred Oaths of Religion , and by your self , that is , by all that is good , my Love shall be as durable and firm , as whatsoever is most permanent . Nor do not think because some have proved treacherous , and disloyal to their Loves , that once so unworthy a thought should ever enter into my Heart . No , although Aeneas proved false to Dido , yet will Guy be as true to his Urania , as ever was Pyramus to his beloved Thisbe , or Lean●er to Hero ; what though Iason basely forsook his Medea , by whose means he obtained the Golden Fleece , yet shall my Faith alwayes remain firm , and be as constant to thee as was Ulysses unto his Penclope . The Princess hearing these asseverations , and being willing he should not be too much dejected , but that some beams of comfort should reflect on him , she told him , that time the Mother of Truth , would prove the reality of his affections , in the mean time that he should not despair , since being a Souldier he must needs know , that the strongest Castles by continual Batteries are forced to yield . By this time the Night was so far spent , as summoned them all to go to their Beds , where no sooner they were laid , but Morpheus the god of Sleep , closed up their eyes in Golden slumbers , Next morning no sooner did Aurora from the glowing East display her purple doors , and that Hiperion with his ruddy Kayes began to guild the Horizon with his Radious Beams , when the shrill noise of a Silver Trumpet sounding at the Court Gates , raised them from their Beds to know what was the meaning of it ; when they were quickly informed that it was a Knight of Thessaly , attended on by a Squire and a Trumpeter , who desired to speak with the King of Sicily , who being admitted into the Kings presence , delivered himself in these words . Most Noble Prince , my coming hither to you , is to desire of you assistance for our distressed Country of Thessaly , opprest , and almost desolated by the Encroachments and Tyranny of the King of Thrace : The cause of which quarrel he pretends to be , for that our King having but one Daughter named Mariana , the Heiress to his Crown and dominions : Being a Lady not only endued with excellency of Natures gifts ; but withal so vertuous , affable , and every way compleat in knowledge , that she may well be said to be the darling of her Sex , and admiration of all that know her . This Peerless Princess , the King of Thrace , who is famed a Man given over to all licentiousness , and so far degenerate from Royalty , that he commits actions unbeseeming a Peasant , desired of her Father to have in Marriage ; but she loathing to link her self in such Marriage Bands , where Love and true Honour did not mutually embrace each other refused so leathsome a proffer , and that with such indignation , that upon his Embassadors return , and acquainted with his slighting , he resolved to do that by force which he could not obtain by favour , and to that end mustered up a most puiss●nt Army , which was done in such an instant , that he was marched into the midst of our Land before we were provided to méet him on the Borders : Nay , his Horse consisting of Ten Thousand well approved Souldiers , excellently armed , both with offensive and defensive Weapons , had by their incursions so affrighted our people , that our strongest Cittadels were not held sufficient to safeguard them from danger , but all left to the spoil of the enemy . At last this news arriving to our King , who held himself secure by reason there was a mutual league of peace betwixt them , which at that time was not half expired , that he was altogether unprovided for the present ; ( a great fault in Princes , as to think any Estate so permanent , which may not be soon overturned , ) But upon the news hereof , he bestirs himself , forti●ies his chief City of Larissa , where he kept his Court , and raises as puissant an Army as could in so short a time be provided , with which he marches against his Enemies . The King of Thrace had with him a mighty Gyant named Predo , in whom he put great confidence : This Gyant had the strength of ten ordinary men , and was for stature and shape very terrible to behold . In the Ualley of Tempe they joyned battle , where notwithstanding our men did what in them lay , as fighting for the Liberty of their Country , yet being overpowered , and bore down by the strength and valour of the Gyant Predo , they received a dismal overthrow , the greatest part of their Army slain , and most of the rest taken Prisoners , amongst whom our woful King was one , who encountering Predo , who had on him a Coat of Mail , and over that an Armour of two hundred pound weight , being on foot , for no Horse was able to bear him ; Our King running against him with his Lance , it shiver'd in a thousand pieces , nor could his Sword ought avail against the Gyants Armour , although he laid so on load that the sparkles flew from it as from a piece of hot Iron , when a Smith is working it . But the Gyant valued his blows so little , finding him to be the Thessalian King , and now almost spent with long fighting , that he made no more ad● , but clasping his Arms about him , he carried both Horse and Man together into his Tent , which our men séeing fled , and dispersed themselves as well as they could for their own safety . And now the Thracians being absolute Uictors , it was agreed amongst them , that the Gyant Predo should carry our King Prisoner with him into his Castle , where he lives , being a place strongly S●ituated in an Island , having one associated with him , famous for his skill in the Black Art , so that what by the strength of the one , and Devilish cunning of the other , we despair of ever having our King again , As for the King of Thrace , he with the remaining of his Army marched up to the City of Larissa , wherein our Princess Mariana is enclosed , and so straitly besieged , that without speedy help the City is in danger to be lost , and with it the liberty and welfare of our whole Country , which now lies a bléeding in a pittyful manner , unless ( most Noble Prince ) your goodness will be pleased to lend us any aid and assistance , which now both our Nobles and Commons do most humbly implore at your hands . This woful Tale being finished , moved great pity and compassion in all the hearers thereof , especially in the three English Brothers , whose Princely minds being endowed with the true séeds of Magnanimity , they vowed by the honour of Knighthood , and all that was most dear unto them , to use their utmost endeavour , were it to the spending their most precious blood , for the relieving the Princess Mariana , and her captivated Father ; The Thessalian King promising his best assistance to joyn with them ; they with all speed made what hast they could for the mustering up of an Army ; and notwithstanding the great strength and terribleness of the Gyant Predo , did strike some dread and terrour into the hearts of many , yet being accompanied with such invincible Knights as were these three Brothers , they dreaded no danger , but with a valiant courage resolved to venture their lives with them , whose valiant acts and noble atchievements , deserving to be recorded in the Books of Fame ; Calliope assisting , shall be recorded in the next Chapter . CHAP. III. How Sir Guy took his leave of the Princess Urania ; the Battle betwixt the Sicilians and Thracians ; The Message of the Princess Mariana to the Inchanted Castle , and how Sir Alexander counted the Princess . THE Captains and other Officers made such expedition in Mustering up an Army , that in a fortnights time then h●● gotten together twenty thousand men , all which the 〈◊〉 compleatly armed out of his Royal Armory , being a Maga●●n● sufficiently stored with all necessary Habiliments of 〈◊〉 To the three Brothers he gave each of them a Silver Helmet 〈◊〉 with Gold , and inlaid with precious Stones , as a reward of their victorious conquering the Monster Pongo , appointing to their valiant conduct the management of the whole Army . Whilst thus this preparation was in hand , the Couragious knight Sir Guy , although his heart was full fraught with Ualour , and bent to the performance of Noble Atchiveements , yet had Love taken such déep Impression in his thoughts , that it was Death unto him to part with his Urania ; Whilst thus H●nour on the one hand invited him to buckle on his Armour , and Love on the other side pleaded for his stay ; he resolved not to desist from the performance of Honourable Atchievements , since the attainment of Love was by hazardous attempts in actions which were truly honourable . Accordingly be bestirred himself in Mustring up of his Men , shewing them how to handle their Weapons , and ●o use them to the best advantage , also how to gain ground in fight , and when to retreat , with other things belonging to Martial Discipline . And now being ready for their march , he went to take his solemn leave of the Princess Urania , who bestowed on him a very fair Diamond Ring to wear for her sake , as also a Meddal of her self very curiously wrought with great Art , and exceeding cost , which he afterwards constantly wore in his Bosom , next his Heart : But now seeing he could not have the opportunity of expressing his mind unto her as he would have done , he wrote this Letter , which by a waiting Gentlewoman that attended on her , was delivered unto her about the time of his departing . Excellent Princess , BLam● me not that for a while I am Summoned by the highest tye of Honour to depart from you ; being in such a cause to help the injured , which all true Knights are bound to perform : Yet Madam , know that no distance of place shall remove the affection I bear to your Vertues ; and this I swear by all that is Sacred , and can make an Oath : Let me desire you therefore to cherish a good Opinion of me , until Crowned with Victory I return again , to evidence my self to be , Your Most Loyal Servant , Guy , This Letter wos very welcome to the Princess Urania , who now began to set such a high esteem of Sir Guy , as she judged him worthy of the Empire of the World : And now he being the sole Monarch of her heart , she could not but breathe forth some sighs to think upon his absence , but then considering upon what an honourable account he was ingaged , she could not but applaud his undertaking ; yet to give him some more clear demonstration of her affection to him , upon his marching away ; she went in her Chariot to speak to him , whom she found in the head of his Troops and kindly hid him farewel in these words . Most Courteous Knight , may the Heavens prosper your undertakings according to the justness of your Cause , and that your return may be both speedy and honourable , and for your more prosperous proceeding ; assure your self you shall have a Virgins Prayers day and night . In the mean time let me request you to wear this Scarf for my sake , that by looking on the same I may not be altogether out of your remembrance . In delivering of which the tears began to fl●w into her Eyes for grief of his departure , which that they might not be espyed by Sir Guy , she made the more hast back to her Palace , where from one of the highest Turrets , she might behold in what goodly aray the Army passed along ; the valiant Guy like a second Hector , Prince of Troy , conducting them in as much state as the Macedonian Monarch when he returned from the Conquest of the Indian Empire . The distressed estate of the Thessalians was such , as called aloud for help and succour , which made the Sicilians to make such hast , that in four days time they were gotten into the bounds of pleasant Thessaly , a Country formerly enriched with all the delights that Art and Nature could afford , but now by the miseries of War so ruinated and devasted , that it looked like to a barren Wilderness . The first place they made to was the City of Larissa , wherein the Princess Urania was besieged ; for the relief of which Sir Alexander was sent before with a choice part of the Army to give them a Camisado in the night season , the rest of the Army marching at more leisure to second them , if they should be over-power'd : And one of the Thessalians who was well acquainted with the Country , was sent into the City to give them notice of their coming , and that at such a time they should make what strength they could , and give a salley out upon the Thracians . This Thessalian who was thus sent in brought great comfort unto the besieged , who accordingly prepared against the time , and so about midnight , when Sir Alexander with his Army was come within sight of the City , and holding up a blazing Torch to give them notice of their approach , they issued out of their Gates , and manfully set upon the Thracians : Sir Alexander on the other side coming upon their Backs , fell on them with such fury , as sent such numbers of the Thracians souls to the lower Regions , that Charons Boat was overburthened with their numbers . Sir Alexander laid about him with such incredible valour , that he made a Lane of slaughtered Carcasses , till he came to the Thracian Kings Pavilion , who not dreaming of any Enemies approach , was at that time asleep in his Bed ; but being ala●um'd by the dreadful cry of his Souldiers , he suddenly started up , but before he could put on his Cloaths , Sir Alexander was entered his Pavilion , and took him Prisoner . Then fell the hearts of the Thracians , nothing being heard but cryes and lamentations of wounded men : Here was one who would have run away , but had one Leg cut off , and the other deeply wounded ; here another entangled in his fellows guts , which he could not disentangle ; having both his Arms cut off . Here lay the Trunk of a Body without a Head , and there a Head gasping , as if it would speak to what Body it belonged : In some Death appeared in so many shapes , and all of them so horrid , that to any but a very unrelenting heart indeed , the sight would appear very pitiful . By this time was Sir Guy come up with the rest of the Forces , where he found an absolute Uictory obtained to his hand , so that all which they had to do , was only to take Prisoners , and divide the spoil amongst the Souldiers . By this time Hiperion with his Golden Chariot had enlightened our lower Hemisphear . Wherefore the Army marched into the City to refresh themselves ; Sir Alexander as he worthyly deserved the Honour of the Uictory , leading his Royal Prisoner , to present him to the Princess Mariana , who was ready to receive him , with all due acknowledgments to the three Brothers , but in an especial manner to Sir Alexander , for his Magnanimity , and Martial Conduct , in the rescuing of her and the Kingdom , from so implacable an Enemy . Most Heroick Knight , ( said the Lovely Princess ) although my Tongue is not able to express how much I am indebted to your Victorious Arm , nor to set forth your due deserved merits , whose worth transcends all E●comions of Praise ; yet shall the remembrance of these so great kindnesses never be out of my Heart , nor the thoughts of them out of my Mind , without a grateful acknowledgment . Then turning to the Thracian King , with as much a wrathful Countenance , as so lovely Beauty would admit , she thus spake ; And as for you Sir , the causer of all this mischief , how just reason of hatred I may have unto you , you cannot surely but imagine , for could you think this the way to come a woing ? I am sure if you did , you might well think it was not the way to come a speeding ; And now Sir , since we have you , ( and I must confess , rather as an Enemy then a Lover ) you must not be angry if we safely secure you , until we hear how Our Royal Father is used by those that belong unto you ; And so committed him to the Custody of the Marshal of her Houshold , to be kept Prisoner in a strong Tower , near adjoyning to her Palace , but with charge that he should be accommodated as a King. This being done , she invited the three Brothers , with many of the other Chief Commanders into her Palace , where having disarmed themselves , and refreshed with some Bowls of Greekish Wine ; there was provided for them a Banquet of the choicest fare which they had about them at that time , the long and strait Siege which they had endured , having eaten up the most part of their Provision , The Banquet being ended , they were entertained with most excellent Musick , intermixed with Songs in praise of the Sicilians Ualour , for in the Art of Poetry the Thessalians are very expert . The common Souldiers were highly feasted by the Citizens ; and in fine , such a universal joy did so possess the hearts of the people , that had I the skill of Homer the Grecian Poet , and as many hands to express that skill as Argus had eyes , and as many pens to write withal as ●riareus had hands , yet were all insufficient to express the same . Amidst this Ioy , the Princess Mariana was not forgetful of her Fathers safety , and therefore she presently dispatched a messenger to the Gyant Predo at his Castle in the Inchanted Island , offering the Thracian King to be exchang'd for him , which if it should be denyed , he was to learn in what estate the King was in , and ( if it were possible ) to speak with him , and to acquaint him how matters stood , with resolutions of using their utmost power for relief . Whilst the Messenger was gone on this message , the Souldiers took their Repose in safety , only each of the days they were exercised , that if the Gyant Predo should be averse to any good Conclusion , they might be the more expert at their Arms ; and indeed it was good policy so to do , for the Messenger arriving at the Inchanted Island , could find no access into the Castle , it being so ●ramed by Art Magick , that whosoever approached within twelve yards of the Gate , was taken with such a deep sléep , as if he had drank Opium , or the juice of Aconitum ; Before the Gate was a Pillar of Brass , supported by two Lyons , and curiously Engraved ; on which these Uerses were inscribed . By Magick spells this Castle shall remain , Supported by In●ernal Flends below , Until three Brothers shall the same attain , Whose power shall be this Castles overthrow . VVho ere thou art sorbear to draw too near ; Thy Life 's at stake , than which there 's nought more dear . Near unto this Brazen Pillar , stood a Rock of Alabaster , in which were enclosed three swords , richly enchased , and beset with Precious Stones in the Pummels ; on the handle of the first Sword were these Lines written . Hard closed in this Rock I sirmly stand , Until drawn out by the first Brothers hand . On the Pummel of the second Sword were these Lines inscribed . The second Brother shall by Fates decree , Draw from the Rock this sword , and none but he . On the Pummel of the third Sword , which was more artificially wrought then any of the other two , having a rich Saphire set therein , which cast forth a most radiant Lustre , on the handle thereof were these words Engraved . VVhen the third Brother he shall draw me forth , Then is our Negromantick skill nought worth , All Magick charms and spells shall be in vain , And then shall the end Gyant Predos Reign . The Messenger notwithstanding he had read the writing on the Brazen Pillar , yet adventured for to go forwards , but coming into the Inchanted ground , before he could come at the Castle Gate , he fell into such a sound sleep , that had twenty pieces of Ordnance béen shot off at his Ears , they would not have awaked him : The Negromancer , who by his skill in the Black Art , knew what had happened , fetched his Body into the Castle , laying it by the Thessalian King , who also as soon as he came into the Inchanted ground , had fallen into a dead sléep . And now being there laid together , we will leave them taking their rests , and come to speak of the proceedings of the Sicilian Army , at the City of Larissa . The Princess Mariana hearing no news of her Messenger , and doubting the worst which might befal her Father , consulting with the three Brothers , it was agreed amongst them to march with their Army into Thracia , although at that time Love had taken so deep an impression in her heart ; that it was almost Death unto her to part with Sir Alexander . On the other side Sir Alexander upon the first sight of the Princess ; was so stricken with her admirable perfections , her beauty being such an attractive Loadstone , as captivated his heart in the allurements of Love ; so that now as the Poet hath it . — The treasure of his heart did lie In the fair Casket of his Mistress eye . Cupid having thus stricken him with his youthful dart , so that he became a stranger to rest , he resolved yet to declare his amours before he betook himself again to armes ; and to that purpose finding one day the Princess all alone , he accosted her in this manner : Most Gracious Princess ; I think the Stars could have alotted me , no greater good , then to behold the surpassing work of Nature in you . Your Excellencies having so captivated my heart , that to live without your good liking , will be but a lingring death unto me : I must confess my presumption great in aiming so high ; but who can look on such perfections without liking , and who can like without loving ? And though the small tryal you have of the real affection wherewith I honour your Vertues , may discourage you to credit my words , yet I hope that in the trying of me how willing I shall be to merit your favour , you will find my deserts not altogether unworthy of your regard , since the utmost of my abilities is , and shall be devoted to your service . To which the Princess returned this answer , Most Courteous Knight , to whom I stand so much obliged for former courtesies , that all which I can do will not stand in competition of your deserts , yet the natural affection which I bear to my Aged Father , compels me at this time humbly to implore your further assistance , which as I doubt not ( the Gods being just in rightfull causes ) you will perform ; so assure your self your extraordinary kindness afforded to me in such a time of necessity , shall never be razed out of my heart , and therefore of this you may be ascertained , that no one whatsoever hath so large a Possession therein as your self ; so that should you ( as the Gods forbid ) miscarry therein ; when I am dead ( as Death must assuredly ensue thereon ) they will find the name of Alexander written in my heart . Their Minds thus made known to each other , gave great contentment to them both , especially to Sir Alexander , who humbly kissing the hands of the Princess , replyed thus unto her . Madam , There is no danger in the World so great which I shall not adventure on for your sake ; were it to perform the twelve labours of Hercules ; or with Aeneas to encounter with the Gyant Turnus : Be pleased therefore to accept me as your Knight and Servant , and I hope to behave my self so hereafter , as you shall have no cause to repent you thereof . To whom the Princess smiling , said , Sir , I do accept you for my Knight , and hope the Gods will be so propitious to you for my sake , that you shall not have an enemy able to withstand you . With which words , taking a rich Diamond Ring from off her Finger , and giving it him , she said , wear this for my sake , that whensoever hereafter you look on it , it may add fresh courage into your breast by the remembrance of me . Much other Discourse they had , but the Army being now upon their march , summoned Sir Alexander to march along with them . Wherefore taking a gentle farewel of the Princess , having vowed constancy on both sides , he joyned himself unto the Army , whose Knightly adventures , with those of his two Brothers , we shall prosecute in the next Chapter . CHAP. IV. The great Battle betwixt the three English Knights and the Sicilians on the one side , and the three Gyants and Count Brandamil on the other side ; the finishing the adventure of the Inchanted Castle , with the story of the wicked Sir Vylon . THE Negromancer Soto who lived with the Gyant Predo , in the Inchanted Castle , knowing by his Magick spells , that the Sicilian Army had given their King a total overthrow , and taken him Prisoner ; as also how they were marching towards the Country of Thrace , he acquainted the Gyant with his knowledge , who thereupon bestired himself in all haste to their resistance ; sending for his two Brothers , Brandamore the stout , and Pandaphilo the cruel , to come with all speed unto his assistance , who no sooner had notice thereof , but that with their Forces belonging unto them they hastned away . In like manner he sent unto Count Brandamil , whom the King of Thrace had left his Deputy , at such time as he made his expedition in Thessaly , to raise what power he could against the Sicilians . And now nothing was heard but the loud sound of the thundering Drum , and the shrill noise of the sounding Trumpet , horrour and amazement siczed on the stoutest heart , and the fore-boding Ravens foretold the fall of flaughtered Carcasses ; Whilst these things were acting in Thrace , the Sieilian Army being jonyed with the Thessalians , and making in all to the number of forty thousand men , armed with a just cause , marched in great confidence of an assured Uictory . And now being entered into the Territories of Thrace , the first that marched against them was Count Brandamil , with an Army of fifty thousand Thracians , where joyning Battel together , it was fought with much eager Courage on both sides , each of them striving to outvie the other in Ualour the one side to defend their Native Country , the other to revenge the losses they had sustained by their enemy : Uictory thus for a long while stood hovering over the heads of both Armies , till in the end , the valiant Knight Sir David , who had the honour that day to lead the Uaunt-guard , encountering with Count Brandamil , by main strength overthrew him , bearing him with his Lance quite over the Crupper of his Horse , whereby his fall was so great , that the blood gushed forth of his mouth , whereupon the Sicilians gave such a shout , that the Earth rang with the sound thereof , and the Thracians courage was quite cast down ; for the loss of a General is a general loss : And now the Thracians began to turn their backs and flee , when in the instant came to their rescue the two Gyants , Brandamore and Pandaphilo , with the Forces they had , which though but few yet , gave such proof of their valour , that they almost routed Thracians rallying again , set so fiercely upon the Sicilians , that in great disorder they began to give back . And now did Sir Guy bestir himself , encouraging those who were about to flee , to stand to it manfully , himself , doing such execution upon his enemies , that they flew from before his conquering sword , as a flock of Shéep from the devouring Wolf. Whilst thus he drove the Thracians before him , he at last met with the Gyant Brandamore , to whom he cryed , defend thy self thou mishapen Fiend , whose bulk is a weight too heavy for the Earth to bear ; and therefore prepare thy self , for I intend that thou shalt this night ●up with thy Master grim Pluto . The Gyant making little account of his person , and less of his words , thought to snap him at one morsel , and coming up to Sir Guy , intended to take him Horse and Man under his Arm , and carry him away ; but ere he laid hold of him , Sir Guy lent him such a blow on his head , that had not his Helmet béen of approved Mettal , he had ●left him down unto the middle , however it made him to stagger , and to recoil two or thrée steps backwards . And finding by this he had a stronger Foe to encounter withal then he thought for , he waxed more wary , not only to assail , but also to defend himself . And now the Gyant began to use his Club , which was of a wondrous length , and withal so weighty , that had it lighted on Sir Guy , it would at one blow have crushed him to pieces . After long fighting , the Gyant being angry to be thus repulsed , which never before in his life he had béen , ●e struck at Sir Guy with all the strength he had , but missing his blow , he struck his Club so deep into the Earth , that he could not readily draw it out again , which advantage Sir Guy espying , spurred up his Horse , and with his Lance ga●e such a violent punch on the Gyants breast , that he tumbled backwards over the dead Carcases of two or three slaughtered Souldiers . Then Sir Guy nimbly alighting from his Horse , intended with his Sword to have smitten off the Gyants head , but at that instant Pandaphilo the other Gyant came running in to his Brothers rescue , and undoubtedly had done Sir Guy much prejudice , being then almost spent with fighting , had not Sir David timely succor'd him , who searching out for Pandaphilo , finding his Brother so hard bestead , he coupled with him in fight , which was performed with such Manhood on both sides , that I want Art to describe the same . Pandaphilo trusting to his strength , laid on load with great fury , which blows Sir David nimbly avoided , and withal gave his adversary ever and anon such lusty knocks , that he well perceived he had a valiant Foe to encounter withal . In the mean time the Gyant Brandamore was scrambled up , and began a fresh encounter with Sir Guy : Whilst these four were thus busied in fighting , the valiant Knight Sir Alexander had made such havock amongst the Thracians , that they began to turn their backs and ●●●e : The two Gyants seeing their Army in this running posture , ran also to keep them company , whom the th●ee Brothers hotly Persued , dealing such blows with their trusty Fauchions , that they made Arms and Legs complain to the Earth how ill their Masters had kept them . The Gyant Predo who was at the time of the battle in the Inchanted Castle , hearing how hardly his Brothers fared , hasted with all the speed he could to their relief , whose coming put a stop to the Sicilians , being almost weary with persuing of them , ●o th●● a retreat being sounded , the Gyants had time with the remainder of their broken Army to secure themselves in their Castle , cursing their fortune , and inv●cating their false Gods for their future success . Sir Alexander presently dispatched a Messenger to the Princess Mariana , giving her an account of their success in this following Letter ; Most Gracious Princess , GUarded by the Almighty Power , and influenced by your divine beauty , we have given the Thracians a great overthrow , which we do not impute so much to the strength of our Arms , as to the justness of our Cause , and sighting under the Banner of such a perfection of Excellencies . As for the King your Father , of whom I know you are impatient to hear , all we can understand o● Him is by some Prisoners we have taken , that he is confined in the Inchanted Castle , from which we hope ere long to free Him : Till then , most Dear Princess rest in hope assuring your self for the effecting thereof , there shall not be wanting the at most endeavours of Your Most True and Loyal Knight Alexander . The Army having refreshed themselves for the space of two days , they then marched against the Inchanted Castle ; but before they were come within a quarter of a mile of it , they were encountred by the Gyant Predo , and his two Brothers , with what Forces had escaped from the Battle , and now began a most terrible fight , insomuch that the Earth was changed from a verdant green to a crimson dye , and the heaps of slaughtered Carcases overspread the Fields . In the heat of this fight it was Sir Alexanders fortune to meet with the Gyant Brandamore , betwixt whom began a most fier●e 〈◊〉 , in which art and valour strived who should have the 〈◊〉 , for the Gyant being of an incredible strength , was 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 over match for Sir Alexander , and he on the other 〈◊〉 so 〈◊〉 and skilful , that he returned him blow for blow with advantage ; thus continued they sighting for some space , till in the end Brandamore , what through the weight of his armour , and the hotness of the weather , sweat so abundantly , that it ran into his eyes , and quite blinded him : Sir Alexander taking the best of the opportunity , gave him such a blow ●n the head as made him to stagger , and redoubling his stroak , at the next blow fetcht him down headlong , who in his fall gave such a hideous ●●ll , as made a noise like to the Cataracts of Nil●s . This overthrow of the Gyant in whom they put so much confidence , so discouraged the Souldiers , that notwithstanding Predo and Pandaphilo did what they could to perswade them , they would no longer abide by it ; so that they were forced to retreat unto their Castle for sh●●ter , whom the Siciliansbeing over-wearied with fighting did not instantly persue , but contented themselves at present with what they had gotten . Sir Alexander after the flight of the Thracians , cut off the Gyant Brandamores head , and dispoyling him of his Armour , sent it as a ●rophy to the City of ●arissa , to be presented to his Lady the Princess Mariana , who received the same very joyfully , wondring at the large proportion thereof , and causing it to be hanged up in one of the principal Temples of their City , as a monument to posterity , and having richly rewarded the Messenger , she returned Sir Alexander thanks by him in this following Letter . Most Dear Knight , THat good Fortune is always attendant upon Vertue , your actions demonstrate ; and for your Valour shewed against my Enemies , I shall over stand obliged to you : For the Present you sent me , I could not but view it with admiration , as by the same having a porspect of the vast bulk of that unweildly Monster , and therein your invincible courage to encounter with him , and happy success in his overthrow . May the Heavens prosper your future endeavours with good success , and that your actions may be crowned with victory , which to effect shall be the hearty Prayers of Your Dearest Lady and Mistress Mariana . But to return again to speak of the Army : After they had sufficiently refreshed themselves , and taken care of the wounded Souldiers ; they marched up to the Inchanted Castle , wherein now the Desendants had strongly enclosed themselves , trusting more to the strength of the place , then to their own supposed invincible valour , which now they saw was overmatcht by the three victorious Knights . And now no opposition was made till they came to the Castle-gate , on the top of which were two Gyants with massy stones in their hands , to tumble on the heads of any who should of●er to scale the Walls . The three Brothers approaching near thereunto , espyed the Brazen Pillar , as also the Rock of Alabaster , and having read the several Writings enscribed on them , with an undaunted resolution resolved to try the adventure ; and first the undaunted venturous Knight Sir Guy putting his hand to the Pummel of the first sword , he drew it out with much ease , notwithstanding he had no sooner laid his hand thereon , but he was encountred with a terrible Griffin , but Sir Guy so nimbly behaved himself , that having déeply wounded the Griffin , he flow from him , and immediately was heard a sound out of the Inchanted Castle , as if it had been noise of Thunder . The thrée Brothers were much amazed at this terrible noise , expecting some dreadful encounter to ensue presently thereupon , but having waited a time , and séeing nothing follow , they proceeded on in the adventure ! and next Sir Alexander attempted to draw ●●t the second Sword , but ere he could well fas●en his hand ●n the pummel , there came flying against him a most dreadful burning Dragon , which sinote him with such a force that he could hardly stand upright on his Legs , but having once drawn the sword , the Dragon immediately vanished away , and at that instant proceeded a more terrible noise from the Castle , which made the very foundation thereof to shake , and the walls to s●agger and to●ter about . This terrible noise being ended , the valiant and undaunted ●● . Sir David went to pull out the third Sword , but in his passage was assailed by a most furious dreadful Sagitary , betwixt whom began a cruel combat , which lasted long , but in the end Sir David cutting off one of the Sagitaries Legs , he then nimbly stepped to the sword , and as nimbly drew it out ; which was no sooner done , but presently the Heavens seemed to be rent asunder , with dreadful claps of Thunder , entermixed with terrible flashes of Lightening , the earth quaked , and terrible groans and yells were heard of damned Spirits ; then fell a horrible stinking smoak , and all on a sudden the Castle , together with the Brazen Pillar , and Alabaster Rock were vanished away . The two Gyants which before appeared so terrible , now down on their Knées to the three Brothers , begging for mercy : The Negromancer Soto who knew by this that his Charms were at an end , sought to fly from his deserved ve● geance , but all in vain , for his spells now would do him no good , but was forced to yield up his loathed Carcass to the mercy of the Conquerors . The Thessalian King who had slept for so long a space , now awaked , wondring at what had happened , not knowing whether he were in the hands of friends or foes . Also the Messenger that came from the Princess Urania , who ( as we told you before ) was sent in Embassage to the Byant Predo . With them also awaked many others , who by the Negromancers charmes , coming within the compass of the Castle , were there cast into this lasting sleep . The first thing the three Princely Brothers did , was by the help of some of the Thessalians then in the Camp , to find out their King , which being known , he was entertained with all respects due to so Princely Majesty . The two Gyants were committed unto safe custody , under a Guard of valiant Souldiers , but as for the Negromancer Soto , notwithstanding he pleaded with much Rhetorick to have his Life saved , his practices were so notorious , and diabolical , as would admit of no pardon ; whereupon by the Commandment of the three Brothers , he had his head dissevered from his Body : At which instant appeared a great number of Fiends come from Hell , some of which siezed upon his Body , and some upon his Head , which they carried away with them , leaving behind them such an intollerable ●●ink of Sulpher and Brunestone , as was able to have suffocated all that were near them , had they not ran from the place as falt as their Legs would bear them . All things being thus ordered for the present , and no enemy appearing against them , they left this accursed place , where the Castle stood , which had for a long space been the Habitation of Devils , and wicked persons , and marched to the City of Galata , there to refresh their wearied Army , from whence they sent Letters both into Thessaly , and also to Sicily , to certifie them of their good success , and intention to return as ●●on as opportunity would permit them . Amongst others which by finishing this Inchantment were awaked out of their long sleeping ; there was only one Gentlewoman , who now though something over-worn through Grief and Age , yet by the remains of her Uisage , shewd she had once a Face which might have béen accounted Natures proud Master-piece , and an attractive Loadstone wherein the God of Love sat Enthroned : All the Company , especially the King of Thessaly , were very inquisitive to know what she was , and by what accident she came to be Inchanted in that Castle , and therefore requested she would be so courteous to them , as to give them a relation thereof : To which , after a deep sigh setched , she said , although Noble Gentlemen the rehearsal of my misfortunes cannot but breed sorrow in the hearers , much more in the relater , yet to satisfie your curiosities , and in part of retribution for the favours I have received from you , I shall the more willingly impart them to you . Know then that I am a Native of this Country , and at such time when Fortune smiled on me , Wife to a Noble Knight named Fonteious , a Man Renowned through all Thrace , for his Learning and Liberality , two special Ornaments of a noble Mind : Rich he was both in Wealth and Uertue , which two though they seldom go together , yet in him had they their residence . At the age of sixteen years I was married unto him ; now whether likeness be the cause of Love , or Love she cause of liking , I know not , but so it was that reciprocal Love passed betwixt us , I loving him because he was kind unto me , and he being kind to me , because I loved him ; long time thus lovingly lived we together , until Atropos cutting off the thread of his Life , gave an ultimum vale to my good fortune ; for my Husband leaving me very rich , and I being withal young and beautiful , you may be sure such a Widow would not be long without suiters : And indeed it was not long before I had plenty of them ; so that the famous Ulysses House during his ten years absence at the siege of Troy , was not more thronged with them to court the chaste Penelope , then was my House to gain my favour . Amongst others of this gallant Crew was one Sir Vylon ; a man who had he been endued with internal vertues , as he was adorned with a comely out-side , he might have been a match fit for a Princess : The multiplicity of his vows , the protestations of his love , his gifts upon gifts , were as so many snares to entrap me . To be short , with the catching Oratory of his words , and Language strowed with flowers , he wone me , and matcht me : But long had not we been Married together , ( although no cause given on my part ) but his smiles were returned into frowns ; no just pretence could he make therefore , though many were pretended , at last he found a means to accomplish his desire , which he brought to pass in this manner . He hearing of the Fame of this Inchanted Castle , with the dire effects attending upon those which came near it : Pretended a Letter as come from a Brother of mine , who had been long absent , and was thought ( as indeed he then was ) dead . The Letter contained these words . Dear Sister , AFter many dangers and troubles passed in my peregrination , it was my hap to come into this Country , with great expectation of enjoying your happy Society ; but hearing how crosly you are matcht , and how your Husband undervalues your Kindred ; because I cannot appear so splendid before him , as stands to your credit . I would desire you to come to me as privately as you can to the Castle in the Island , Commanded by my especial Friend Sir Brandamore , where we may conferr together in safety : Thus desiring your presence as soon as possibly you can : I remain , Your affectionate Brother , Brudo . This Letter was conveyed privately to my hands , and to give me the better Opportunity to go thither , my Husband pretended a Journey to Boetia , where he said he should stay a fortnight . All things did I then think conspired to my happiness , when as the Fates had decreed the clean contrary ; for taking only one Servant for my guide , in whom I could repose Confidence ; coming within sight of the Castle , I returned him back again , with instructions how to excuse my absence from home , as being gone to see a near Relation . Then boldly I approached the Castle-Gate , but ere I could come at it , a déep Sléep siezed on me , which how long it hath lasted , I am ignorant of , but I never awaked until both sleep and Castle were vanished away together . And thus Gentlemen have you heard the sad story of my misfortunes , what hath befallen at home since , I am fearful to think , having left behind me two young Children , a Son and a Daughter , the dear pledges of my first Husband , who I fear may speed the worse for my sake , for those who love not the stock of the Tree , will never affect the Branches thereof . Whilst she was thus discoursing , there chanced to be there a Thracian Knight , whose dwelling was not far from Sir Vylons , who hearing the relation of her misfortunes : Madam , ( said he ) for what you are so doubtful of , I can in the greatest part resolve ye ; know then , that since the time you were missing ( during which space I conceive you have slept ) is now fully two years ; but what will add most Grief to your hearing , is , that soon after your Husband had thus subtilly disposed of you , which he thought to be for a longer space ; he then began to revel in all sensual delights , spending his Time and Coyn in such a riotous manner , as if he had had the riches of Crcesus , and were to have lived the years of Nestor . But had his wickedness terminated in himself , it had been the more tollerable , but it extended to others in a mest barbarous cruelty , for he being conscious of his own guilt , thinking if your Children lived , he might be brought to an account for his rio●ousness and débauchery , he found a means to make them away , and that in this manner . He had in his House a servant named Barco , one as ripe for mischief as himself , and to whom he bare a special affection , as being a Companion with him in lewdness ; these two complotting together , enti●ed the Children to the Sea-side , where they had provided an empty Boat , into which putting the two innocent Babes , they launched them into the Sea , and so committed them to the mer●y of the Waves , which how they dealt with them is only known to the Almighty Powers . But it was not long ere the Children being missing , caused a suspicion amongst the Neighbours of hard usage towards them , by some belonging to Sir Vylon , nay there were those who sticked not openly to accuse Barco , as one prompt for any villany , and who would receive any impression his Master put upon him . Now this was so openly buzzed abroad , that at last it came to Sir Vylons Gar , who fearing to be de●●cted , thought if Barco were put to the rack he would discover all , wherefore he made means to have him poysoned , a just reward for all such bloody Uillains , had it been done by a just hand that did it . But see how divine vengeance persues wicked actions ; Sir Vylon now revelling in all excess without controul , was stricken with a sudden Phrensie , his Limbs also being taken from him , so that he lay raving and cursing in a most fearful manner ; in one of which fitts he discovered all the circumstances I have related unto you , and soon after in a desperate horrour of Conscience yielded up the Ghost . This mournful Story moved all the company to great compassion ; whereupon it was determined that the Knight who had related this story , and who had been taken Prisoner by the Sicilians , should have his freedom , and accompany the Lady to her habitation ; who in mournful manner took her leave of the Thessalian King , and the thrée English Knights , and returned homewards : In which Iourney we will leave her for the present , to relate the further atchievements of those Renowned Sons of Mars , Sir Guy , Sir Alexander , and Sir David . CHAP. V. How Sir Guy conducted the Army of the Sicilians into their own Country , and Sir Alexander that of the Thessalians ; how hearing of the great preparation of the Infidels , they returned into Christendom to raise Forces to withstand them . SOon after the departuer of Sir Vylons Widow , and that the Army were sufficiently refreshed , being highly satisfied for all the pains they had taken , with the rich booties which they had gained : The Thessalian King , and the three English Brothers thinking themselves revenged with advantage on the Thracians , they determined to march home into their own Countries ; and having setled their affairs in Thrace , Sir Guy with his Brother David marched with the Army of the Sicilians back into that fruitful Country , to which Sir Guy longed to come to enjoy the company of his beloved Urania , in which journey we will leave them for a time , to accompany Sir Alexander home which the Thessalian Arm● . Who had as great a desire to sée his beloved Mariana , and therefore having secured the chief Forts of the Kingdom , they took their march , carrying with them the two Gyants Predo and Pandaphilo Prisoners , who for their huge stature , and vast proportion , were gazed on by the people with admiration wheresoever they came , multitudes from all places flocking to see them . Before they came to the City of Larissa , where the Princess Mariana resided , they were met by the Chief Magistrates of the City in their Scarlet Gowns , Gold Chains , and their Horses trapped with foot-cloaths of black Uelvet ; besides multitudes of the common people , who all with one voice ●cchoed forth , Long live the King of Thessalia , and the Renowned Knight Sir Alexander of England . The Bells rung , the Bonfires blazed , the Conduits ran pure Gréekish Wine , the streets were hung with rich suits of Tapistry ; and all the windows along as they passed filled with abundance of Spectators to behold the return of their King , and to have a sight of the Noble Champion Sir Alexander , whom they stiled the deliverer of their Country , the flower of Chivalry , the darling of Mankind , with all the Epithets which might conduce to his Praise and Magnanimity . At the Pallace Gate they were met by the Princess Mariana , who in all dutyful manner welcomed home her Royal Father , and with many expressions of love and affection , entertained her noble Champion Sir Alexander . Here did they spend several days in feasting , ●●nqueting , and all the delights that art and co●● could invent ; but in the midst of all this jollity , there came news to the Court of the great preparations which were made by the Infidels against the Christians , as you heard in the first Chapter of this most excellent History . This news struck a sudden damp unto their mirth ; for the love of his Native Country was so dear unto Sir Alexander , that notwithstanding the intire affection he bare to the Princess Mariana , he resolved to give what succour he could unto the place wherein his Father received his first breath , and from whence his own Honour was derived . So making his mind known to the Thessalian King , and taking his solemn leave of his beloved Mariana , with great asseverations of his fidelity to her , and promise of return when those Wars were finished ; he prepared for his Iourney to Sicilia , to a●quaint his two Brothers with his resolution , being accompanied therein by divers of the prime Thessalian Nobility , who resol●ed to spend their lives in the company , and under the conduct of so noble a Champion : In which Journey we will leave them for a time , and return to speak of Sir Guy and Sir David . Who having conducted their Army back to Sicily , were entertained with all demonstrations of joy imaginable , especially of the P●●rless Princess Urania , in whose heart the love of Sir Guy was so deeply engraven , that nothing but death was able to b●ot ●●ou● . But here likewise as well as to Thessaly , soon c●me news of the Infidels great preparation for the Invasion of Christendom , which when Sir Guy heard , he resolved ●o send to his Brother Alexander , to prepare to march homewards ; but ere the messenger was fully dispatcht , Sir Alexander with the Thessalian Lords were arrived at the Sicilian Court ; to the great joy of Sir Guy , Sir David , and other Martial Spirits , only the Princess Urania was deeply melancholly that now she should part with her dear Knight , whose company she prized far above all the 〈◊〉 of the Mines of America , wherefore retiring her self to her Chamber , taking her Lute in her hand , she warbled forth this mournful ditty . My mourning Mind doth crave some sweet delight , And fancy sain would lend me some I see , But Fortune frowns , and sends me foul despight , And care doth keep all comfort quite from me . Such Passions strange do still perplex my mind , As I despair of any ease to find . But let me see , I must not yet despair , Dame Fortunes wheel may hap to turn again , When storms are past the weather may be ●air , And pleasure comes unlookt for after pain . Things at the worst , the Proverb saith will mend , VVhy should not then my sorrows have an end . But old said-saws are not yet Scripture all , For things at worst are past all mending quite ; To pining hearts all pleasure seemeth small , VVhat mirth can do the pining heart delight . VVhen Fates do frown , and Fortune is our foe , Nought can be thought to rid the mind of woe . Scarcely had she ended her Song , when Sir Guy came to take his leave of her , finding her sitting in such a given over manner , one would have thought silence , solitariness and melancholly , were come under the ensign of mishap to conquer delight , and drive him from his natural seat of Beauty . But now to describe the grief of these two Lovers at their parting , I must implore the help of Melpomene , the mournfullest of the nine Muses to guide my Pen ; the sorrow of Orpheus for his beloved Euridice , Andromache for Hector , Aegens for his supposed dead Theseus , Antigone leading her blind Father Oedipus , or that of weeping Niobe for the loss of her Children , compared to this , deserve not the names of grief . At last having vented their sorrows through the Conduits of their Eyes , and that a lovely beauty began again a little to dress her self in her Face , the Peerless Urania brake silence , and said ; My Dearest Guy , I must confess the excess of my sorrow doth scarce give way to the relief of words , being anchored down with cares in the Seas of woe ; so that I am in effect but a living Coarse , for which I can only blame your unkindness . Hath my Prayers prevailed so far with the Divine Powers , to bring you unto me again in safety , and now will you leave me to enter again into fresh dangers : Did you not swear by all that is Divine and Humane , sooner should Phaebus cease to shine by day , or Luna lend us her light by night , then that your heart should be separated from mine , which then you pretended to be dearer unto you then victuals to the almost famisht Soul , or drink to those whose Throats are parcht with thirst . If my Love was so dear unto you then , what change have you found , in me , that after the accomplishment of your Thessalian Journey , we should not then enjoy the fruition of our Loves , but that you will adventure again on new engagements , preferring your honour and desire of Fame , before my unstained Love , which hath been as true and constant to you , as ever was that of the chast Penelope to wandering Ulysses . Sir Guy , after many protestations of his constant affection , and how nearly this imminent danger wherein all Christendom was involved , concerned his honour , which would be for ever stained should he decline such an honourable action , at last drew her consent , although , with much reluctancy : So giving her a sweet kiss for a farewel , leaving her in tears for his departure , he went to accompany his two Brothers and those other Martial Heroes , who were now ready prepared to joyn with him against the enemies of Christendom ; and having with great Ceremony taken their leave of the Sicilian King , they took Ship , and Coasting along the fruitful banks of Italy ; befriended both by Neptune and Eol●s , they in short time arrived in England , the happy Port whereto their desires tended . At that time of their arrival , the whole ● and was in mourning , hearing of those vast Forces prepared against them , whom the three Brothers comforted in the best manner they might , and with what expedition they could make went to the Court , where the Noble King Edgar then resided , who entertained them in most sumptuous manner , being overjoyed for their arrival at such an exigent . Then having consulted together they sent Messengers unto all the rest of the Countries of Christendom , to raise what Forces they could make , and to be ready to joyn together in the Country of Naples against the common enemy , and this to be done within one Moneth at the farthest ; who accordingly raised great Forces in each Country , and with them marched into Naples at the time appointed . But now Calliope the sacred Sister of the Muses ; assist my Pen in setting forth the Ualiant Acts of these Renowned Knights , which they performed to their own Eternal Fame and Honour , and the general good and benefit of all Christendom . CHAP. VI. How the Christians Army Assembled together in Naples . The Oration of Sir Guy unto the Souldiers , and how they marched against the Pagan Army . YOU heard in the last Chapter how Messengers were sent into all Countries of Christendom , for the raising of Forces against the Infidels ; which severally arrived at the place of Randezvous in the fruitful Country of Naples , and first ( as being nearest ) was an Army of thirty thousand Italians , conducted by the valiant Knight Sir Orlando , whom the Renowned Champion St. Anthony had begotten on the Princess Rossalindo Daughter to the King of Thrace . This Martial Knight marching before his Companies in as much state as Hector when he traced the fields of Ilium , pitched up his Tent in a large Plain near unto the City of Nicosia . His Pavilion was of a silver colour , adorned with a silken streamer , waving in the Air , wherein was pourtrayed a Lyon rampant , beating his back with his tail , and from his mouth proceeded these Uerses ; Incensed with an anger just , For Victory we hope and trust . The very next day after these Italians had thus encamped themselves , came marching into the field twenty five thousand Spaniards , conducted by a valiant Knight named Sir Predo , Son unto St. James the Champion of Spain , whom he begat on the Princess Celestine , the beautiful Daughter of the King of Jerusalem ; After courteous embracements betwixt him and Sir Orlando , he pitched his Camp on the West side of the Italians . His Pavilion was blew ; and for his device he had a Griffen , siezing on his prey , with this Motto . Thus Griffen-like I do oppose , Defend my self , offend my foes . The third Nation that appeared in these Warlike preparations was twenty thousand gallant Frenchmen , moun●ed on Warlike Horses , and most bravely accoūtered with offensive and defensive Weapons . They had for their Commander a most Heroick Knight . named Sir Turpin , begotten by St. Denis the Renowned Champion of France , on Eglantine the Ki●gs Daughter of Thessaly , and who for her pride was transformed into a Mulberry-Tree . He was with more then ordinary Complements entertained by Sir Orlando , and Sir Pedro , and pitched his Camp on the East-side of Sir Orlando . His Pavilion was oronge tawny , embroidered with a purple , and for his device , he had the Lillies , the arms of France , with this Motto . The Lilly's glory of the Field . Unto the Lilly all must yield . The fourth Nation that engaged in this quarrel for the honour of Christendom , was the hardy Scottish-men , who to the number of fifteen thousand arrived on the fruitful Banks of Naples , conducted by that valiant and renowned Knight Sir Ewin , Son to St. Andrew the famous Champion of Scotland , and by him begotten on Artesia , one of the six Daughters of the King of Thrace , who were transformed into the likeness of Swans , as you may read in the first part of this Honourable History . At his first arrival he was highly entertained , and feasted by the other Captains , and pitched his Camp next to the Spaniards . His Pavilion was of a red colour , fringed with blew , whercout hung a golden streamer , in which was pourtrayed the Effigies of Mars , looking with a stern countenance , and breathing forth these words , Armed for Victory . The next that arrived on the fruitful Banks of Naples , were a Band of valiant Irishmen , to the number of ten thousand , attired in quilted Fackets , and slops of blue Cotten , being so swift of f●●● that few Horses could out run them . These were conducted by a valiant Knight named Sit Phelim , whom the Irish Champion St. Patrick begat on another of the six Thracian Ladies , whom he had redeemed out of the hands of thirty bloody Satyrs , as is declared in the first part . This couragious Knight was of stature somewhat more than ordinary , and withal of such strength that he would sieze on a wild Bull , or any other Beast , though never so fierce and strong . At his first approach unto the Camp , he was welcomed with a great shout of the Souldiers , being a goodly person , and having his Head adorned with a Plume of Ostrich Feathers . He pitched his Camp next to the Scottish Army , having a Tent of green , intermixed with scarlet , and richly 〈◊〉 with Gold fringe . In his streamer was pourtrayed a Ki●●● hovering with a Chicken in her claws , with these words ; T is common seen the weakest they , Unto the strong become a prey . Scarcely were the Irish well settled in their Tents , when there arrived the like number of VVelshmen , conducted by a valiant Knight damed Sir Owen of the Mountains , the Son of the Renowned Champion St. David of VVales , begotten on the beautiful Estrild , Daughter of the King of Powis Land , who had been bread up in all Warlike affairs by the appointment of his Grandfather , so that for Martial Prowess he was accounted as valiant a Knight as most in Christendom . He was likewise received with the usual Ceremonies by the other Captains , and pitched his Lents next to the Irish. His Pavilion was of a blood red colour , fringed with white , signifying peace to the yielding , and blood and destruction to the obstinate ; the words were these , The doom of either Life or Death Consisteth in the Conquerours breath . Next came the English Army , consisting of fourscore thousand experienced Souldiers ; They were divided into three Battalions , whereof Sir Alexander led the vaward , Sir Guy the main battle , and Sir David brought up the Rear . Of these were twenty thousand Horsemen , armed in rich Corllets of Steel , to desend themselves , and Lances and Darts to offend their enemies : There was of the Foot thirty thousand stout Archers , having Bowes of the strongest ●ew , and Arrows of a full yard long , headed with Steel , with which they would shoot a full half mile in length . Also twenty thousand Pikemen , with Pikes of the strongest Ash , headed with Steel , as sharp as Spanish Needles , to defend the Archers from the Enemies Horse , and to oppose an Army in a strait passage . The rest of the Army were Pioneers , Waggoners , Uictuallers , and such others as are commonly attendant on an Army . At their first landing they were entertained by the other Commanders with such a shout of joy , as the Earth rang with the sound thereof , and the hollow Caverns of the Hills reverberated with such an Eccho , as if Jupiter had spent his thundering Artillery to welcome these English Heroes . They pitched their Camp near unto the Army of the Italians , Sir Guys Pavilion being of watchet , embroydered with silver , and fringed with gold , and to distinguish it from others , it was adorned with the red Cross , the ancient arms of England . His two Brothers were not far different in their devices , and for the Motto of them all , it was to this effect . Armed with a just cause we fear no foe . No foil , nor flight , much less an overthrow . Divers Captains of other Nations came also in aid of the Christians Army ; as Sir Lando the Warlike , with five thousand stout Swedish Souldiers ; Sir Pandrasus the Dane , having in his Company a Gyant named Wonder , for his unmatchless strength , which was such that he would lift a weight which twelve ordinary men could hardly stir , besides divers others too many to enumerate , the whole sum amounting to thrée hundred thousand . After they had consulted a while together , it was concluded unanimously among them all , that every Captain should have the command of those Souldiers he brought out of his own Country , but that in difficult matters and wherein diversity of opinions might breed confusion , it should be referred to Sir Guys ordering , who was made Generalissimo of the whole Army . And now having nothing else to do but to march against their Enemies : Sir Guy to incourage them the more , being all the chief of them assembled together , made unto them this following Oration . Fellow Souldiers and Brethren in Arms , I think I shall not need many words to stir you up to Magnanimity , the justness of our Cause being such as rightly considered , is enough to make a coward valiant ; I hope you are not so forgetful , that you now go to fight for your Parents , your Wives , your Children , your Country , and what should be most dear unto you , the Christian Religion ; against Pagans , Infidels , and Miscreants , enemies to God and goodness ; whose delight is only in Blood and Rapine , whose trade and practice is the burning and destroying of Towns and Villages , murthering of Matrons , ravishing VVives and Virgins , tossing of sprawling Infants on the tops of their mercyless Pikes ; In sum , such people as act all what barbarism and cruelty prompts them to . Therefore if ye are not willing to see these miseries fall upon ye , be valiant and couragious , and so let us willingly go on , armed with a just cause , and doubt not in the least , but the just God will give us victory . No sooner had he ended his Oration , but it was received with a general Acclamation , each one vowing to live and dye in such a Cause , and under the conduct of such a General . Being thus resolved , they prepared to dislodge , and having furnished themselves with store of Provision , which was freely given them by the Neapolitan King. Besides to the number of five hundred Waggons for carriage of their Ammunition and other necessaries ; they embacked in several Gallies , and cutting the bring face of Neptune ! After about a ●ortnights prosperous Sailing , they came upon the fruitful Coasts of Asia ; where soon they heard tidings of the Pagans Army , and how they were advanced as far as Galatia , within a hundred Leagues where the Christians were landed . And now having brought the Armies thus near together we will look back again into Europe , and shew you by what a wonderful miracle the Christians Army were 〈◊〉 with an unexpe●ted assistance . CHAP. VII How the seven Champions being raised from their Graves , are solved to follow the Christian Army : How by Tempest they were cast upon the Coast of Thessaly . The great Battle fought betwixt the Thessalians and Thracians ; how afterwards they went to the Christian Army , and of the great battle fought betwixt the Christians and Pagans . NOW notwithstanding this great preparation to withstand the Pagan Army , a great fear and consternation still continued in the hearts of the people , for the report of the vastness of the Pagans Army , was spread abroad in each place , so that it was deemed so numerous as not to be encountered withal : The best remedy therefore as they thought was by Prayers to God to crave his assistance against such potent Enemies ; so that in every place intercessions were sent up to Heaven for succour in this origeney of time . Now it so chanced that at the same time there lived in the North Country a certain Holy Hermit nam'd Sylvanus : To this man it was revealed in a Dream , how that the seven famous Champions were not wholly dead , but that for the good of Christendom they should again awake , and holy to overcome the Pagan Army : And that by opening their Tombs , and laying the Herb Bazil to the Roots of their Tongues , they should revive again in good strength and vigour . This Dream he declared unto an Abbot of an Abby near adjoying , and he to the Governour of that Province , who altogether went to the English Court , and declared the same unto the King ; whereupon it was determined that the experiment should soon be tryed , and accordingly Messengers were dispatched into France , Spain , Italy , Scotland , Ireland and VVales , which Message was no sooner delivered in those several Countries , but that they soon applyed the same , and found the effect answerable to what the Hermit had dreamed ; for immediately thereupon the Champions arose as out of a sweet sleep , and having a while discoursed of those matters we have in the former Chapters declared unto you , the Messengers were returned back again with this agreement , that with all expedition they should meet together in the Country of Naples aforesaid , that with the better celerity they might overtake and joy● themselves with the Christians Army . This determination being 〈◊〉 made known to each other , they with all speed 〈◊〉 themselves of Armour and other necessaries for their journey , and taking the Holy Hermit Sylvanus along with them , they ●● a little space me● together in the Land of Naples . To re●ite the g●eat joy at this there so unexpected a méeting , is beyond the skill of my Pen to express ; but having congratulated one another , they agreed to hasten after the Christian Army , with all the expedition they could make ; so being furnished with a ●tately 〈◊〉 , they put forth to Sea , but long they had not sailed , when a 〈◊〉 Tempest overtook them , so that they expected every minute to be devoured , and to make their Graves in that merciless Element ; at last the weather clearing , they found , themselves on the Coast of fruitful Thessaly , where being landed , they gave thanks to the ●owers above for their safe deliverance . Next they provided for the refreshing of their Bodies , having in two days before taken no sustenance , for so long had the Tempest endured . Now whilst they were at their Collation , they thought they heard the ●atling of Armour , trampling of Horses , s●●i●ks of wounded Souldiers , with divers other Symptoms of an Army fighting not far off from that place , wherefore to be resolved , they called to a Thessalian , who by his running posture 〈◊〉 to fly from some danger near at hand , from whom they understood that about some half a mile from that place , the King of Thrace and King of Thessaly were engaged in a bloody fight . For so it happened that soon after the departure of St. Georges thrée Sons , the King of Thessaly , either through a generous disposition , not willing that Kings should be too close confined , or through the negligence of them that should have looked after him , the King of Thrace made an escape out of Prison , and having a Band of his Souldiers ●i● a readiness , they surprized the place wherein the two Gyanto Predo and Pandaphilo were likewise kept in hold , and set them at liberty , and being thus at freedom went into Thracia , where he soon raised an Army , and being accompanied with the two Gyants aforesaid , they entered Thessaly , harazing the same with fire and sword ; to eppose whom the King of Thessaly had raised an Army , and were at that time engaged in a fierce and bloody Battle . The Christian Champions having heard in what danger the King of Thessaly stood , resolved to succour him , and so buckling on their Armour , being guided by the Thessalian who had fled from the fight , they came to the Army just as they were in a running posture ; but soon by their valour they made it known what difference there is between multitude and manhood ; for laying about them with their keen edged Fauchions , they soon made Lanes of slaughtered Carcasses , so that the Thracians fled from before their blows , as flocks of Sheep from before the Wolf , or Chirkens at the sight of the Kite . The two Gyants seeing the Thessalians thus make head again , whom just before they accounted vanquished , they made up to the head of their Army ; whom when the Champions had beheld . St. George singled out the Gyant Predo , and St. Denis encountered with Pandaphilo ; and now such blows were dealt amongst them : that Mars himself might have been a spectator of the fight : Here strength and courage seemed to strive for superiority , fury and valour encountred each other , giving and receiving such mighty stroaks , as none but themselves were able to sustain : At length St. George with his Cuttle-are gave the Gyant Predo such a blow , as dasht into his Brains and made way for death to take possession of his Body . Pandaphilo seeing his Brothers fall , upon his Knees desired mercy , which the Noble Champion St. Denis granted him . In the mean time the ether Champions had made such dreadful ●adock among the Thracians , that all the fields lay strewed with their slaughtered Carcases ; The King himself being deadly wounded was taken Prisoner . The King of Thessaly in the mean time was in great admiration what these strangers should be who had brought Uictory to his side , which was taking her wings to fly to his adversaries , and therefore now the field being cleared of all enemies , he went unto them , desiring to know to whose valour he was so much indebted , as the rescue of his Life and Kingdom . But when he understood they were ●h● Renowned Champions of Christendom , whose fame was spread all the World over , and who were supposed to be dead : And how that St. George was the Father o● those three Princely Brothers , who had before so valiantly fought for him , he was transported with an extaste of joy , as was that Father whose three Sons returned home victors from the Olympick Games . And having congratulated each other , they took order for the Prisoners , which were in a manner the remainder of the whole Army . Then marched they in good array to the City of Larissa , being met by the Princess Mariana , attended with a train of five hundred Uirgins , attired all in suits of white Sa●cenet , who having done her obeisance to her Father , she most courteously welcomed the Christian Champions , especially St. George , for the entire affection which she bare to Sir Alexander . Here did they spend some few days in much mirth and jollity , when one night at such time as the bright Charioter of Heaven had set his fiery brass-hoof'd Coursers to their meat , and that the jetty sable night had overspread his golden glistering locks ; when Morpheus the god of sleep had lockt up the eyes of mortals , and cast them into deep slumbers . As St George lay sleeping on his Bed , there appeared to him the likeness of a beautiful Angel , which breathed forth these words , Brave English Champion make no delay , But to the Christians Army post away : Fame calls aloud , and Mars doth beat alarms , Then leave off Court delights , and fall to arms . Next morning no sooner had Phoebus with his refulgent beams enlightned the Hemisphear , but St George arose from his drowzy bed , and relating his vision to the other Champions , they agréed with all speed to hasten to the Christian Army , and having acquainted the King of Thessaly with their determination , they prepared to be gone , being accompanied to the Sea-side with the chiefest of the Thessalians . At their entering into the Ship the King presented each of the Champions with a rich Diamond King , and to St. George he gave over and above a rich Colle● of Esses , having hanging thereon a Medal of Gold , beset with precious Stones● and in it the picture of an Elephant , for his Elephant and Gy●nt like valour shewed in his defence . The Princess Mariana at the same time sent unto Sir Alexander , a Signet made of polisht Iasper , wherein was engraven a heart wounded with a sword , and crowned with a wreath , with this word Amarete . So taking their solemn leaves of each other , the wind standing fair , they set sail : Where we will leave them for a while , to speak of what be●el the Christian Army in the mean time . Whom ( you may remember ) we le●t upon the Coasts of Asia , who hearing the Pagan Army were so near , provided themselves both to assail and withstand their enemy ; and so by leisurely marches drew nearer to them . And now did Sir Guy send out twenty of his nimblest Horsemen to discover what they could of the enemy , who returning back , brought with them six Persians whom they had taken Prisoners , by whom they understood that the whole Army was encamped on a spacious Plain not far off , dreadless of an approaching Foe ; whereupon it was determined that that very night , somewhat before the break of day , they should fall upon them , which accordingly they did in this manner . First in the Uai●●e marched the valiant Knight Sir Alexander with the choicest of the English Horsemen ; On his Right ▪ hand the famous French Knight Sir Turpin , with the flower of the French Cavalry ; On the Left-hand Sir Pedro commanded a gallant party of Spaniards , mounted on such speedy paced Gennets , as for their swiftness were said to be engendred by the wind : And that their Army might spread the further , least they should be surrounded with the numerous Forces of their enemies , they had for out ▪ wings o● the one side the five thousand Swedes , conducted by Sir Lando the VVarlike , and six thousand Germans on the other side , lead by a valiant Knight named Count Primaleon . The main Battle was conducted by the matchless Knight Sir Guy , with thirty thousand foot of Bows and P●kemen , whose warlike resolutions carried victory in their very looks : On his Right-hand marched the warlike Danes , commanded by Sir Pandrasus , having in his company the Gyant VVonder : On his Left-hand was placed the valiant Scottish men , conducted by their Heroick Leader Sir Ewin : The Rea● was brought up by Sir David , with the rest of the English , having on his Right-hand the stout Sir Phelim , with his nimble Irishmen , and on his Left Sir Owen , with the hardy VVelch . Being thus marshalled , they set forward , but ere they came to the 〈◊〉 the Enemies had notice of their approach , who thereupon instantly armed themselves , and put themselves in as good a posture as on the sudden they could . The first that encountred each other was the valiant Knight Sir Pedro , with his resolute Spaniards , against the Bassa of Aleppo , betwixt whom was fought such a terrible battle that the Earth resounded with the noise of their blows . Next did the magnanimous Knight Sir Alexander encounter with the Soldan of Babylon , sending him such a flight of Arrows as would have darkened the Sky in a clear day : The Babylonians on the other side laid on load with great courage , seeking with their Horse to trample them under foot , but that the Pikemen kept them off with such courage , as cast many Riders to the ground , and put their Troops in great disorder . On the other side Sir Turpin with his French gave a lusty charge on the King of Egypt , insomuch that he was in great danger of a total rout , had he not been timely succor'd by the King of Morocco , who stoutly interposing , drove the French back in much confusion ; whereupon Sir Lando the Warlike set upon them with an undaunted courage , which gave a check to their procéedings , which with his warlike Swedes he so stoutly followed , that coming up to the King of Morocco , after a fierce encounter betwixt them two , in which Mars himself might have been a looker on , at length the King of Morocco being deadly wounded , surrendred up his Life and Body to the Uictors disposal . And now the main Battle came forwards , by which time the Sun with his Beams had guilded the Hemisphear , so that they could see to fight with more eagerness than they did before . The valiant Sir Guy charged strongly upon the Persians , who with great courage and skill defended themselves : Count Primaleon with his Germans encountered the Arabians , and now generally both Armies were fully engaged , so that death began to appear in its greatest horrour : Then was cutting , hacking , and flashing on every side ; The Renowned Christian Captains dealing such blows with their swords , and giving so many Mahumetans their deaths , as if they intended to overcharge Charons boat in ferrying them over the Stygian River : The Infidels on the other side held out with great obstinacy , not shrinking for any danger , although they were ready to be carried away in streams of their own blood . Thus with great obstinacy continued they fighting until the fable night parted their fury , when each side retired to their Camp. Next Morning no sooner had Aurora usher'd in the day , but both armies met again in the Field , and as if their stock of Ualour were afresh renewed , fell to it with more eagerness and earnestness than before , unto their work of Mankinds destruction , the thundring Drums beat alarums of Death , and the shrill Trumpets sounded forth many thousands that day their knell ; horrour , death and destruction , surrounded the Pagans on every side , yet still their fresh number made more work for the Christians valour . In the heat of this Fight it was Sir Guys chance to meet with the Horse-faced Tartar ( whom we told you of in the first Chapter of this Third Part ) whom he resolved to encounter , but the sight of him so frighted the other Horses , that not one of them would endure to come near him ; whereupon Sir Guy alighted from his Stood , and with his Cuttle axe approached the Monster , whose very looks would have affrighted any but such a one whose heart was fraught with true Magnanimity : The Monster was readier to assail then be assailed , so that betwixt them two began a most fierce and terrible Combat . The Monster was so nimble , and laid on load so strangely , that Sir Guy was never so put to it all the days of his Life ; at last spying his advantage , he gave the Monster such a Wound on his Thigh , that sending forth a hideous Yell , he ran from him with a nimble pace to the Rear of his Army : And now the Pagans began to shrink , and the Christians to gain ground , when the Wizzards and Inchanters which the Egyptian King had brought with him , began to show their skill , so that on a sudden there was such a fear and consternation throughout all the Host of the Christians , as put a stop to their full carreer of Uictory ; for immediately such a darkness overspread them , that they could hardly discern one from the other , and withal they received divers blows , yet could not perceive who it was that gave them . This continued for three hours space together , which much daunted the Christians courage , but making their hearty Supplications to God , they were not only delivered from their unseen blows , but also the darkness turned upon the Pagan Army , from whence was heard such hideous shrieks and howlings , with such other dreadful noise , as if Hell were broke loose , and the Devils gone to Barley-break . Upon this the Christians not daring to pursue them any further , retreated to their Camp , and having set a strong Watch , they Reposed themselves for that Night . The next Morning preparing themselves again to fight , they heard behind them a sound of Trumpets , as it were of an Army upon a march ; whereupon Sir Guy sent out a Party to discover what they were , who sound them to be the thrice Renowned Champions of Chrystendom , that after their departure from Thessaly , having a prosperous Wind , they Arrived on the Coasts of Asia , where hearing by the report of Fames loud sounding Trumpet , where these Sons of Mars were assembled together , they with a speedy march made up unto them : But now to express the great joy mixed with wonder and amazement betwixt these Noble Heroes , at this their meeting , it would require the skill of Homer , and the aid of Calliope , that sweet Tongu'd Sister of the nine Muses , for to express ; to see such near and dear Relations , who were supposed to be dead , and to see them at such a time when as their help was so needful , it far surpassed the joy of that Grecian Father , when his three Sons returned home Uictors from the Olympick Games . Whilst they were thus congratulating the happy sight of each other , they had an Alarum from the Pagan Camp , who being conducted by the thrée Gyants , with an assured confidence of Uictory , came marching up to the Christians Army , thinking them so shattered and dismayed , as not able to endure another Fight , and therefore came rather as to a spoil then to be encountered withal ; but they found the Christians ready to entertain them with a bloody Banquet , for coming in disorder , they were received with such a lusty charge , as sent many of their Souls to the Infernal Regions . St. George perceiving the three Gyants , the only stop of the Christians Uictory , he singled out one of the chiefest of them ; the Ualiant Champion St. Denis encountered with another , and the Couragious St. Anthony with the third : Whilst they were thus engaged against each other , dealing such blows , as if Alcides were again living , and fighting with the Gyant Anteus ; it was Sir Guys Fortune to méet with the Egyptian King , accompanied with his Magicians and Soothsayers , who began afresh to use their Inchantments , and first they raised up the likeness of a mighty black Bear , which running hither and thither in the Christians Army , put them in great disorder : At last she ran violently against Sir Guy , who laying Manfully about him , he thought he cut off one of her Legs , when she vanishing away , it proved only a leg of a stool . Next came running amongst them a mighty wild Bore , with Tusks as large as an ordinary Cows horns ; this Bore so frighted the Soldiers , that wheresoever he came they tumbled over one another in heaps ; and having thus played his wreaks amongst the English , he next ran into the Army of the Spaniards , snorting and tearing up the ground with his Tusks . The Ualiant Knight Sir Pedro hearing the shout of the Soldiers , and wondring what was the matter , came riding in haste to the place , and viewing the Bore , he ran against him with all his might , but notwithstanding his Sword was made of the purest Lydian Steel , yet made it no impression on the sides of the Bore ; wherefore Sir Pedro seeing that way would not do , the Bore coming towards him with open mouth , he ran his Sword down his ●hroat , thinking thereby to cleave his heart in twain , but the Bore therewith vanished away in a flame of Fire , which singed the Main of Sir Pedro's Horse , and made such a smoak that hardly could they discern one another . Whilst thus these Negromancers were practising their Devilish Inchantments , in the mean time the three Renowned Champions had by their Magnanimous Prowess conquered the Gyants , with whose fall fell also the courage of the whole Pagan Army , so that in great disorder they began to run . And now all hands were bathed in blood , and the thirsty Soyl ran with a Purple Stream : In one place lay disinherited heads , dispossest of their natural Seignories , there lay Armes , whose Fingers yet moved , as if they would feel for him that made them feel , and Legs which contrary to common reason , were made heavier by being discharged of their burthens . And now the Christians ore-wearied with killing , had with the day brought many thousand Pagans to their ends , when the Sable Night drawing her black Curtain over the Hemisphear , put a period to the pursuit . The next Morning the Soldiers arose betimes to pillage the Field , which they found exceeding rich ; most of the Pagan Commanders were slain , and the whole Army so shattered , that scarce a hundred of them were left together in one company . The Horse-faced Monster with some others made their escape , being so swift that no Horse could overtake him ; amongst the rest of the Prisoners that were taken was one of the chief Egyptian Magicians , who being stript of his uppermost Robe , there was found about him a number of Spells , Charmes , and other Negromansick Characters , amongst others was the Picture of a Devil , with this Label proceeding out of his Month ; Thou by our help to pass shalt bring , Many a great and direful thing . which Label being by one of the Soldiers pulled off from the Picture , underneath it there was found thus written . When as ten years thou com'st to tell , Then bid thy Skill in Charms farewel , For thou must then descend to Hell. And now belike the time was come when as his Charms were at an end , as also several of his Companions , whom the Devil had by that Label deluded , but by the writing on the other side deceived , for these Sor●erers thinking notwithstanding their Army was routed , to raise up such a company of Infernal Spirits , as should be able to deal with the whole Christian Army , they therefore began to use their invocations , and to call for help unto the Devil , as they used to do ; But now instead of the Spirits obeying their commands , loud noises tormented the Air , and the Artillery of Heaven began to roar ; the amazed Firmament seemed to rend in twain , and the affrighted Kafters of the Sky to shake ; black pitchy Clouds obscured the Sky , and all the light which was to be seen was only the dreadful flashes of Lightening . This dreadful Tempest continued near the space of an hour , when all on a sudden it began to calm , and the winds to retire , and sink into their seat , Phoebus sent forth his lightsome Rayes , which dispelled the darkness of the pitchy Clouds ; when the Christians looking upon them , saw the rufullest spectacle that ever mortal eye beheld ; the Field was strewed with pieces of mangled Carcases , and those as black as Pitch , stinking of Sulphur and Brimstone ; for the term of years being expired , wherein they had Covenanted with the Devil , he now sent his Spirits to fetch their Souls , who had mangled their Bodies in that dispiteous manner we told you of ; a just reward for all such as devote themselves to the service of the Devil . The Christians having obtained this signal Uictory , gave thanks to God throughout all the Army ; and now victuals growing scarce , by reason of the great number of the Soldiers , they resolved for to break up Camp , and those that would to depart home to their own Countries : Sicknesses and Diseases also encreased daily amongst them , by reason of the horness of those Climates ; whereupon Sir Turpin with his Frenchmen took their solemn leaves , and departed homewards ; soon after Sir Pedro with his Army of Spaniards , and quickly after most of the rest ; so that at last was none left but only the English , with Sir Pandrasus and his Warlike Danes . The seven Champions of Christendom , who for their former acts had been Eternized all the World over , were resolved to depart away in a Ship by themselves ; and now being thus scattered , we shall ( sweet Clio the Sacred Sister of the n●●● Muses assisting us ) relate the several Adventures which happenes to each of them in their several perambulations . CHAP. VIII . How Sir Turpin of France , Sir Pedro of Spain , Sir Phelim of Ireland , and Sir Owen of the Mountains arrived in Cyprus , how they put down the Tyrant Isakius , and restored the Rightful Prince Amadeus to the Throne . AND now first shall our Pen attend the actions of Sir Turpin , and his Warlike French , who having marched by land for many miles together , they then took Shipping , and after a tedious passage at Sea , arrived on the Island of Cyprus , to whose King they sent a Friendly Message , desiring Provision for their present necessity , and wherewithal to victual their ships , promising to pay him for the same to the uttermost farthing . But this King named Isakius being a Tyrant , and having wrongfully attained the Crown , not only denyed their reasonable request , but also prepared to make War against them , and by force to drive them out of his Country , which he was the more confident to do , having then in his Court a mighty Gyant named Guylon , whom with great rewards he had hired to side with him in all his cruel Tyranny . This Guylon was a Gyant of a wonderful stature , having been bred up in the Desarts of Hyrcania , he would eat up a fat Shéep at a meal , and afterwards drink up four gallous of Wine , which made him of such a ●a●t proportion , that he was most terrible to behold . His usual Weapon wherewith he fought was a square Bar of Iron , having a k●●● a● the 〈◊〉 ●t of thirty pound wright , and on his Body he 〈◊〉 a 〈◊〉 of Marl of a wonderful strength , This proud 〈…〉 ●eited of his own strength , that he thought himself able to encounter singly with an Host of men , and therefore taking with him only the Guard which belonged to the King , he marched against the French , promising to bring them all bound unto Iskius , but promises without performance signifie nothing . In this high resolution , with great ●ury he fell upon the French , dealing as many wounds as blows , and as many deaths almost as wounds ; and now his Iron Bat was all embrewed with blood , and heaps of slaughtered Carcasies lay on each side of him ; the 〈◊〉 soldiers ran from his reach with as much fear as the Par●●dge from the persuing Hawk . Sir Turpin seeing such havock made amongst his Souldiers , thought it high time to show his valou● , and to put a stop to such proceedings ; wherefore with much force guided by prudence he set upon him ; but the Gyants Armour was of such proof that nothing prevailed ; for nothwithstanding Sir Turpin was as gallant a Knight as ever buckled on Armour , and that he used his utmost endeavour for the honour of his Country , and glory of his Nation to overcome him , as well as for their own safeguard ; yet maugre all his force and valour it nothing a vailed , but he was rather forced to give way to the fury of the Gyant . Sir Turpin seeing himself thus overmatched by strength , thought to use policy , and therefore counterfeiting a slight , retreated to a place , where advantaged by the ground , and his chiefest Captains , he might the better deal with him ; but Providence had ordained a better remedy , for at that very instant it so happened that Sir Pedro with his Army of Spaniards , having been sorely weather-beaten at Sea , were by stress of weather forced to that Island for succour , where no seener landed but they had information of this Battle , and therefore after a short refreshing they made up to them ; and now slaughter and destruction fell heavy on both sides , the devouring sword making many windows in their bodies for death to enter in at ; much courage was shown on both parts , each striving to gain honour by the others ruine . And now notwithstanding the Gyants ●rags of bringing the Frenchmen bound to King , he was forced to go without his ●rrand , and for safeguard of his men make a retreat towards the City ; but there he found but cold entertainment , for the Citizens hearing how the Frenchmen were landed ; and that the Gyant with the Kings Guard were gone to fight with them , they took the opportunity of the time , and making a general Insurrection , siezed upon the King , secured the Gates of the City , and stood upon their own defence , and immediately dispatched a Messenger to the French and Spaniards , to inform them what they had done , who upon the hearing of the News , sent forth such a shout , that the Earth rang with the noise thereof . The Gyant with his company hearing the loud shout of the French and Spaniards , were in a wonderful amaze , and seeing themselves surrounded with danger before and behind , they saw there was no other way but to secure themselves by flight ; which proved the more advantagious to them , by reason the French were so enfeebled through lack of sustenance , and long fighting , that they were not able to pursue them ; wherefore leaving the Chace , they marched directly to the City , being of the Citizens entertained with much joy , who presently sent forth fresh men after the Gyant , whom Sir Pedro would néeds head , whilst the rest refreshed themselves in the City . These fresh men by intelligence of the Country people , had soon notice whether the Gyant with the greatest part of his men were gone , whereupon Sir Pedro taking along with him a choice party of the swiftest Horsemen , pursued him so fast , that in a short space they had a view of him ; but the envious Destinies had so ordered it , that near thereunto there was a strong Castle , into which he was entered before he could be overtaken ; wherefore they resolved for to besiege it , and either force him by Famine to submit himself , or to gain his fréedom by hazard of battle . Whilst they were thus busied in besieging the Gyant , and the Army refreshing themselves in the City , it happened that the Captain of the Guard , with a party of such as fled with him , being joyned to some others whose despicable fortunes made them desperate , having intelligence that the French and Spanish Ships were but weakly guarded , he with incredible celerity siezed on them , forcing those Seamen that were in them to weigh Anchor , and hoise Sail into the Sea , intending to go unto the Island Zeylon , near thereunto adjoyning , to raise Forces to withstand the Enemy , or if that failed , to séek a habitation in some other remote Country . Whilst they wer● thus hovering at Sea , it chanced that Sir Owen of the Mountains , with Bond his of valiant Welshmen came sailing that way , being severed from Sir Phelim with his Irish , by a storm at Sea ; Sir Owen s●eing these Ships , imagined them to be his faithful Friends the French and Spaniards , and therefore made up to them , but the mistake being soon perceived , they instantly fell to fighting pell mell ; and now Death shewed himself with much horrour , and blood filled the wrinkles of the Seas visage , which the water would not wash away , that it might witness it was not always his fault when we condemn his cruelty . Sir Owen with great valour defended himself , notwithstanding he were oppressed with the multitude of his enemies , which were so many in number above his men , that he had béen in some danger of being worsted , had not in the very nick of opportunity Sir Phelim with his Irish come timely to his rescue ; but now being strengthened with this recruit , they so resolutely charged on the Cypriots , that first they began to retreat , and afterwards sought to shift away the best they could by flight : But these Soldiers were so unskilful in Sea-affairs , and the Seamen whom they had forced to go along with them being joyful to be relieved by the Welsh and Irish , they so ordered the business that the Ships were all taken , and the Soldiers in them carried back to the Port from whence they had béen forced away . Sir Turpin and Sir Pedro hearing of this gallant enterprize of the VVelsh and Irish , in all hast went unto them : But now to recount the great joy at their so happy a meeting , it is beyond my Art to express ; But after congratulations passed betwixt them , they took order for the better safeguard of their Ships , and then with their Prisoners marched to the City , where they were entertained with excéeding great joy , being most magnificently feasted by the Citizens , and complemented with showes and representations , performed with great cost and Art. Whilst they were thus revelling in delights , there came to them a Messenger from the Gyant Guylon , with a Letter directed to the Officers of the Christians Army , which had Invaded the Island of Cyprus . This Letter or Challenge being opened contained these words . Think not ( proud Christians ) although by stealth and fraud you have Invaded our Country , that you shall ever subdue our Hearts , although you may hap to ●ubj●gate our Bodies : Now if your Arms be answerable to your Artifices , and that you will maintain with your Sword what you have compassed by Craft . I Challenge the best of you all to fight with me , upon this condition , that if you overcome me , we will submit our selves and Country to your disposal , but if you be overcome by me , then to pass away quietly out of our Land , and restore what unjustly you have taken from us : This you cannot refuse if you have any spark of Valour in you . Guylon . This bold Challenge being Read before the four Heroick Captains , they each of them desired to have the Combat , and that with such earnestness , as it almost bred a quarrel amongst them ; but to avoid all Controversies , it was agréed to cast Lots amongst them , to whose Honour it should befal , which being done accordingly , the Lot fell on the Renowned Knight Sir Owen of the Mountains , who returned the Gyant this answer to his Challenge . Proud Gyant , whose Valour consisteth most in boasting , and who Triumphest before Conquest : Know that thy Challenge shall be answered in justification of what we have done , prepare therefore thy self against to morrow , when I will not fail to meet thee ; till then Farewel . Owen of the Mountains . Accordingly the next day being richly mounted on a Gray Barbary Steed , armed in a Coat of Mail , with a Sword by his side , and a strong keen Fauchion in his hand , he rode towards the Castle , accompanied with the French , Spanish and I●ish Captains , and a Band of lusty Soldiers , least there should be any treachery shown by the other side : Soon after came the Gyant forth of the Castle , attended only by a Dwarf , he was on foot for he was too heavy for any Horse to bear him . He was likewise armed in a Coat of Mail , and came with his great Bar of Iron in his hands , which he flourished over his head with great pride and ostentation , drawing near unto Sir Owen , with a haughty voice stuffed with arrogancy , he thus spake unto him . Proud Knight , now shall thy Life pay for thy presumption , and thy ruin be the effects of thy over-daring , who thinkest to encounter with me in single Combat , from whose presence whole Troops have run , as dreading to come within the compass of my invincible Arm : therefore before thou urgest me too far , let me advise thee to dismount , and humble thy self at my feet , which may be a means to obtain the more favour at my hands . Sir Owen smiling at the words of the Gyant , returned the Braggado●io this answer following . Gyant , leave thy proud boasting , for know it will behove thee more to use thy hands then thy Tongue . VVhen thou hast me in thy power , use me as thou wilt , and since thou wer 't so courteous as to advise me , I shall also be so kind as to warn thee to have a care of thy self , least with my Sword I so belabour thy Jacket , as shall make thee to promise less , except thou couldst perform more . And now Sir Owen seeing the Gyant on foot , alighted from his Horse , that it should not be said advantage added any thing to his Uictory ; then drawing their swords , they laid on load with great courage , dealing such blows , that to the beholders sight the least of them would leave death behind it , and those laid on so thick , as if that every blow would have been foremost . Thus continued they for some time , their Swords like Canons , battering down the Walls of their Armour , making breaches almost in every place for troops of wounds to enter . At last the Gyant began to saint , the weightiness of his great Iron Club , together with the heat of the Sun which then shined forth in its brightest lustre , made him so sweat , as if he had been working at the Cyclops Forge , or hammering at the sooty God Vulcans Anvile ; yet like the dying Taper willing to give one flash of valour before his fall , taking his Iron Club in both his hands , he struck at Sir Owen with all his might , but his Eyes being blinded with the sweat , he mist his blow , and with the force thereof tumbled down upon his Face , giving Sir Owen thereby a fit opportunity to finish his Uictory , which soon he did , by cutting off his Head from his Body . The Cyprians seeing their Champion slain , presently yielded up the Castle , and the news being bruited abroad the Country , they came from all places , and submitted themselves unto these valiant Captains mercy , who received their submissions with much gentleness and courtesie ; soon after they caused an Assembly to be made of the chiefest persons of all the Realm , before whom , the Usurper Isakius was brought , where the Counsel being set , one of the chiefest Advocates of the Land spake as followeth ; Right Honourable , you may please to understand that this Isakius here before you , the pretended King of Cyprus was Brother to Amadeus our Lawful King , and whose Ancestors have for many descents enjoyed this Crown . This Amadeus when he dyed left behind him one only Son , a Child of two years old , named also Amadeus , to whom he bequeathed his Crown , making his Brother Isakius a Guardian and Protector to him during his minority ; but he instead of a Guardian to defend , proved a Wolf to destroy ; in stead of a Protector to nourish , became a Tyger to devour ; for he having gotten into Authority , and secured the chiefest strengths of the Realm in his hand , he soon picked a quarrel with all the Nobility , whom he thought in the least-wise favoured Amadeus , and by surmized faults bereft them of their Lives , and siezed on their Estates ; and that he might not be brought to account for these his lawless actions , he gained to his support the assistance of the Gyant Guylon , which by your unmatchable sorce hath been brought to his end . And now being secured as he thought in his Tyranny , he soon disposed of young Amadeus , but how , or which ways , is to us unknown ; Our Request therefore is ( most Noble Captains ) that he may by force be made to confess what he hath done with him ; that if alive he may be restored unto us , but if otherwise ( which the Gods forbid ) he may be punished for the same according to his deserts Then was Isakius called to answer for himself , who trembling for fear , having a load of guilt upon his Conscience , with a pale Countenance , and faultring Spéech , made this reply ; If a fair acknowledgment may mitigate my Crime , I shall hereby fréely give it you , confessing the uttermost to my knowledge , that by imparting the same , I may in some measure unburthen my Conscience , which doth now grievously oppress me . Know then that an ambitious desire of sitting in the Throne , made me make a Ladder of mischief to ascend thereunto ; in order hereof , having level'd my way , by destroying all those who I thought would oppose my designs , yet thought I not my self sure , until I had so disposed of the Heir that he might not be heard of , knowing that people have always a great affection to the Lawful Successor , yet resolved not to murther him , that if afterwards I should be called to account , by preserving his Life I might the better secure my own . Therefore by the help of a trusty Servant , I placed him with a Shepherd of this Country , he not knowing him to be the Prince , but the By-●low of some Gentlewoman who was not willing to have her shaine known ; yet with this caution , that he should being him up as his own Son , and for so doing he was liberally rewarded with a considerable sum of Money . Thus Gentlemen have I given you a true Relation of what I have done with the Prince , which it you please to send to the Shepherd , you will have the Truth confirmed by Eye-sight , he being at this present in good health ; as I am informed by the same Servant which placed him there , and who ( if you please ) shall conduct those whom you send unto the place where he now resides . Isakius having ended his Speech , it was concluded the Prince should be immediately sent for , whereupon two Gentlemen of Quality were deputed to be the Messengers , who being attended with divers servants , and guided by Isakius Confident , in a short space came unto the Shepherds house , who seeing such a company before his door , was in a Bodily fear , but at last spying Beno , ( for so was Isakius servant named ) his heart waxed more chearful ; but when he heard them demand where the Prince then was , mistrusting by Beno's presence that young Ornus ( such had they named the Prince Amadeus ) to be the party they enquired for , he was almost fallen into a swound , expecting no other but that he should be hanged up ; but being a little come to himself , he informed them that the Prince was at that present kéeping of shéep not past a half mile distant from that place ; whereupon two of the chief of them being guided by the Shepherd , went to séek him ; now as they came near him , being entered into a little Thicket , they heard a voice which with great harmony uttered forth this Sonnet ; The little Lark that in the ground is hatcht , And there bred up till Feathers make her fly ; No sooner she a flight or two hath catcht , But up she mounts unto the lofty Sky ; Where if she see Sun-shine and VVeather fair , How then for joy she twittles in the Air. But if she see the Wind begin to blow , Or pour down Rain , and Tempests do arise , Within a Bush she keeps her self full low , Where ( pretty wretch ) close to the ground she lyes ; Until such time as all the storms be past , And then again she mounteth up in haste . Which plainly shews the nature in the Lark Is still to seek to mount to lofty Sky , And though perhaps you now and then may mark A Kistrel Kite to make a slight so high . Yet all things weigh'd if each thing have his right , A Lark will far be lik'd above a Kite . The Prince having ended his Sonnet , they went up to him , doing him Reverence , which put him into a ●ear and amazement , wondring at what was done unto him , yet was not his fear so great as was the old Shepherd , séeing him with them , whom he reputed to be his Father . At last the old Shepherd acquainted him with the effect of their Message , which could not at first enter into his heart , although he had alwayes entertained noble thoughts under a vulgar habit ; yet this so sudden a message made him to doubt whether he were awake , or that he had not seen some vision or apparition ; at last a little recollecting himself , he spake in this manner ; Think it not strange ( Gentlemen ) if your words so on the sudden do surprize me , nor blame me not if I am slow to believe wonders , for such your speeches do import . 'T is true indeed , I have heard of several persons who have left their Commands and Riches to enjoy the quiet of a retired Lise ; but for the Servant of a Shepherd to be the Son of a King , and he ignorant of it , appears no less than a Miracle to me . But the Messengers seconding the old Shepherds spéeches , and with many asseverations confirming the truth of their words , at last belief entered into the cra●les of his heart , and committing his Sheep to the guidance of another , he returned with them to the Shepherds Cottage , to refresh himself before his Iourney . But when the old Shepherds Wife understood that their Servant was a Prince , she was her self in conceit no less then a Queen , saying , Ornus ( for so as I told you they called the Prince ) when thou con●est to thy Kingdom I hope thou wilt bestow on me a new Gown ; the Gentlemen laughed heartily at her request , promising in the Princes name , she should have a good one ; This so overjoy'd the old Womans heart that she brought forth unto them the choicest Cakes she had in the House , whereon they fed very heartily , and so taking leave of the Shepherd and his Wife , who could scarce speak for weeping , they prepared for their Iourney , the Princely Shepherd comforting the aged couple with great promises of Love and Friendship which he should bear unto them , for the care they had of him in his Childhood ; so taking Horse , in a short time they came to the City , where they were very joyfully received , by the four Christian Captains : But when the Citizens understood how their rightful Prince was returned to rule over them , it is not to be imagined the joy they received , which they expressed by ringing of Bells , making of Bonfires , and other demonstrations of great shoutings and laughter : Then by the general consent of the States , the Prince Amadeus was Crowned King , and the Usurper Isakius committed to Prison ; which being done , the four Christian Captains having virtualled their Ships , and having a prosperous Wind put forth to Sea , where we will leave theis to show what befel to the other Christian Champions during the mean time . CHAP. IX . The Famous Adventures of the two Renowned Captains , Sir Orlando of Italy , and Sir Ewin of Scotland , how they Redeemed the Duke of Candys Daughter from her Inchantment , with other things that happened . NOW shall our Pen attend the valiant exploits of those two famous Captains , Sir Orlando who conducted the bold Italians , and Sir Ewin the Captain of the Warlike Scottish , who having taken their leave of the seven Champions , as also of St. Georges three Warlike Sons , they marched from thence with the remainder of their Army , the greatest part of them being consumed by the Pestilence , and for want of Uictuals ; Having in their march passed the confines of Asia , and gone through the fruitful Countries of Greece , they at last took shipping in a Haven Town of Peloponesus , when after thrée days sailing they saw before them a goodly Island , from whence they heard most terrible shrieks , as it were of tortured persons , and people in great distress ; whereupon Sir Orlando and Sir Ewin commanded the Marriners to make up to it , which they endeavoured to do , but coming near to it , it moved so from them , that notwithstanding all their endeavours they could not reach it . Whilst thus they stood amazed at this strange adventure , there appeared unto them from out the Sea , a certain Tryton or Sea God , in the likeness of those which they call Mear-men , who shaking his shaggy locks , spake to them in the ship in this manner . I know you much wonder at the strange moving of this Island , and at the cryes and shrieks which you hear from thence ? to satisfie you , then know that this Island belongeth to the famous Negromancer Bandito , and whose great skill in the Art Magick hath made his name known through most Countries of Africa and Asia . Thus Bandito before such time as he practised the Black Art , fell in Love with the Dukes Daughter of Candia , and by reason of his extraordinary Riches , and high Parentage , was well entertained of the Duke her Father , but her affections were wholly setled on a young Gentleman named Dyon , , one whose Uertues were above his Wealth , and his comely Personage before his Patrimony . To him her Love was so firmly linked , that she resolved nothing but death should part their affections , and therefore to prevent her Fathers importunity , who each hour lay at her to match with Bandito , she agreed with her Lover Dyon to forsake her Fathers House , and accompany him to any other Country , where they might freely enjoy each others affections ; accordingly the next night Dame Cynthia favouring their designs , she packed up the choicest of her Iewels , and attended only with one servant whom she could trust , stole out of her Fathers House , and meeting with her beloved Dyon , at a place whereas they had appointed , having a Bark in readiness they entered therein , and the next morning before she was mist were gotten beyond the pursuit of her Father , who having Intelligence thereof fared like unto a mad man , exclaiming against the Heavens in a prodigious manner , and threatning severe punishments on his Daughter . But when it came to the Ears of Bandito , he in great fury to be so disappointed , vowed revenge on all her Relations , but wanting means to effect his desires , because the Duke was very strong and potent , he betook himself to the assistance of the Devil , and entering into a solitary Wilderness , having with him store of Magical Books , he fell unto h●● Con●●rations , and in short space raised up the Devil , with whom he Indented , that having by his means revenged himself upon his Enemies , and to live the remainder of his Life in all d●light and pleasure , at the extirpation thereof his Body and Soul to be at the Devils disposing . Having thus agreed in this Devilish Contract , his desire of revenge was so urgent , that he res●ed not until by his Magical Arts he learned where these two unfortunate Lovers were landed , of which he presently informed the Duke , who hasted thither with all speed for to surprize these deplorable innocents ; but this Bandito having them now together , wrought so by his Devilish Inchantments , that the Island wherein they were , removed from the place of his proper station , and wasted upon the face of the Ocean , whether he pleased for to direct it : And having thus done , he raised up four Infernal Hags , who with burning Whips do continually torment these three persons , which by the Fates is ordered to endure until such time two worthy Chiestains from the Confines of Christendom , shall put an end unto the Inchantment ; which two worthy persons ordained by the Fates to put a period to their torments , shall have the one of them a Cross , the other a Star depicted on their left Shoulder , by which they may know themselves ordained to be those for whom this adventure was allotted . And having uttered these words , the Tryton again sunk into the Sea , leaving all the people in the two ships in great wonder and admiration . The Tryton being thus vanished , the two Noble Captains Sir Orlando and Sir Ewin , for the better encouragement of their Souldiers , stripped off their doublets , and showing them their Conquest , there was visible thereon the two signs of an ●ssured Souldier , which was promised unto them ; whereupon the Souldiers gave such a shout as sounded like to the Cataracts of the River Nilus , and seemed to rend the Clouds in sunder . The noise being ceased , the Island which before seemed to move , now became fixed , so that with case they approached near unto it , but attempting to Land they were often put by , by Spirits in the likeness of Dragons and fiery Serpents , which so frighted the Souldiers that no words could induce them to joyn with them in battle ; whereupon Sir Orlando and Sir Ewin in whose Breasts were sown the seeds of true Magnanimity , to show them an example of undaunted resolution , leaped on shore , and with their strong Curtle-axes made of the pureū Lydian Steel , they laid about them with as great strength and courage , as did Alcides when he encountered with the Cyclops , or the magnanimous Hector fighting against the Greeks in the Plains of Ilium . Whilst they were thus occupied in these Martial Adventures , the Magician Bandito knowing by his spells that he must quickly render up his Body a loathed Carcase to the disposal of the Infernal Furies , was resolved in the mean time to do what mischief he could ; and first he raised up a Spirit in the likeness of a flaming fire , which encompassing the two Knights , so heated their Bodies as if they had been fighting in the scorching Desarts of Africa . Next appeared a terrible Monster in the shape of a Lyon , having Eyes as big as saucers , and Teeth longer than the Tusks of a Boar bred up in the Caledonian Woods , who assaulted the two Knights with great fury . In the mean space the souldiers landed themselves , and in a Warlike posture came to the rescue of the two Champions , who by this time through the scorching heat of the fire , and the strength of the Monster began to faint . Wereupon a selected party of the cheifest of them , being armed with Coats of Mail , and haveing in their hands steeled Iavelins which would penetrate and strike through any Armour , although as strong as that which Vulcan by the request of Venus made for Anchises . These with a valiant resolution ran towards the Monster , but coming at him he vanished away , leaving behind him such a horrible stink as if it had proceeded from the Lake Avernus , one of the poysoned Rivers of Hell : In the mean time the loud Artillery of Thunder sent forth such loud noises as rent the Air , and made the Ground whereon they stood to shake , attended with dreadful flashes of Lightening , when presently followed a screne Sky , and a seeming Castle which stood before them immediately vanished ; whither approaching , they found the dead Carcase of the Magician , his Ioynts all dislocated , and the Trunk of his Body as black as the sooty Moor or Cimerian darkness . The Duke and the two Lovers were freed from their torments , whom they congratulated for their happy deliverance . These three persons though much amazed at what had happened , yet could hardly believe themselves delivered from their persecuting Tormentors , but being made sensible of their preservation by the two Noble Captains , their joy was inexpressible ; the Duke returning thim his grateful thanks in these words ; Most Magnanimous Heroes , to whom Iam indebted for the remainder of my unfortunate Life , you have so far obliged me for this favour , and that so perfectly , that I must be your debtor all the days of my life : All that I can offer unto you is that you would employ me in your service , that I might testifie unto you in some part a requital of your favours ; which I acknowledge you have so undeservedly conferred upon us . Most Courteous Prince , ( replyed Sir Orlando ) all the requital we shall desire at your hands is , that you will pardon what is past , and freely bestow your Daughter on this Gentleman , whose deserts did far transcend Bandito's Wealth , ( for know we have heard all the story of their Loves ) and in so doing we shall think our selves sufficiently requited for that we have undertaken and performed for your fréedom . Sir , ( said the Prince ) your words like Musick please me so well , that it shall be the greatest joy of my heart to have it so , and thereupon embracing Sir Dyon , as also his Daughter , who humbly kneeled at his feet , desiring forgiveness for what she had done ; Dear Daughter said he , may thy joys with him hereafter be as comfortable , and more during then thy troubles and afflictions have been hitherto , and know it repenteth me for my unkindness to thee , which forced thee unto what thou hast done . After these words spoken , with many other expressions of Love , and forgetfulness of what is past , they all went to view the Body of the Magician , which they found so fearfully dismembred as cannot without horrour be expressed ; here lay his Brains in one place , in another an Eye , there a piece of his Iaw-bone ; here an Arm , there a Leg , in another place a piece of his Buttocks , wrapped up with some of his rotten Guts , and all stinking so abominably , as the smell thereof was not possible to be endured . And now there being no entertainment in that Island for so many people as they had with them , they resolved upon their departure , but before they went , they Erected up a high Pillar near to the place where the Magician was rent in pieces , on which Pillar these Uerses were inscribed ; VVicked Bandito bent unto all evil , VVho for revenge did sell his Soul to th' Devil ; VVhose whole delight was Bloud and Cruelty , And as he liv'd in Blood , in Blood did dye ; VVho ere thou be that dost this writing read Of Magick Arts , and wicked Acts take heed ; Least like Bandito that same bloody wretch , The Devil for thy deeds thy Soul do fetch . And a little underneath was this Written ; Wretched Bandito near unto this place , was by the Devil all in pieces torn ; Thou that read'st this , learn for to have more Grace , or better far it were thou ne'er wert born . The Pillar being Erected , the two valiant Captains Sir Orlando and Sir Ewin , with the Duke of Candy , the Princess , and Sir Dyon took Ship , and having a prosperous Wind , in few days arrived on the Fruitful Coast of Candy , and with speed marched to Cydonia the chief City thereof , where they were entertained most joyfully , the Bells rung , the Bon●ires blazed , the Walls , Windows , Roofs , Towers , Steeples and Battlements , all beset with people to behold the sight : The Windows were hung with rich Cloaths of Arras and curious Tapestry , and the Conduits ran with Greekish Wine . Thus in great Triumph did they march through the streets until they came to the Dukes Palace , which for stately bravery , and brave stateliness , was Erected according to what the height of ●ancy could express ; the Camfred Pillars , strange Collosses , Ascents and Statues were wonderful to behold . Here were they entertained by the Duke with all delights imaginable , each day was honoured with a Feast , where nothing wanted to crown the Appetite with content ; the Boards were served with Princely Dishes , and the Iuice of the Grape flowed in Cups of Burnisht Gold. But these two valiant Captains , in whose Breasts were sown the seeds of true Magnanimity , soon grew weary of these Carpet delights , and therefore informed the Duke of their intention to depart , who though much loth do it , as persons to whom he owed whatever he was , yet condescended thereunto : But before their departure in a grateful acknowledgment of the great kindness he had received from them , he presented Sir Orlando with a rich sword , the Pun●●el whereof was all enchafed with Diamonds , Rubies , and other frencs of rich price , upon the Bla●e was this Motto Engraven , The benesit receiv'd shall not By me for ever be forgot . To Sir Ewin he presented a rich Silver Target , beset on the sides with Emeraulds , Saphires , and other Stones of great value , of such a Refulgent Lustre , as gave a light in the Night like unto so many Wax-Candles : In the middle thereof was portrayed Hector and Achilles in a single Turnament , the one breathing forth these words out of his mouth ; In a just cause who would refuse to fight , The other answering . But then you must be sure your Cause is right . To the other Captains and Soldiers was also given gifts of great value , so that they departed away all of them very well satisfied . In their way homewards they met with certain Pyrates , who roving upon the Coasts of Italy , took many of the Inhabitants Prisoners , amongst others was the Beautiful Cyropa , Sister unto Sir Orlando . With these Pyrates they engaged with much resolution , who made a very stout resistance , so that the Air was made dark with their flying Darts , and the Sea coloured with blood issuing from the scoop-holes ; many were slain , and more wounded , before the Pyrats would hearken to yielding ; but at last seeing themselves not able to hold out , they cryed for mercy , which the generous Captains Sir Orlando and Sir Ewin freely granted them . And so the Pyrats delivering up their Weapons to the Conquerours hands , they entered their Ships ; but when Sir Orlando beheld his Sister amongst the Captives , he was intranced with wonder , and stood like a Stag at a gaze , as if his Soul had been gone upon some serious Errand , and left the Corps in pawn till it came back . She on the other side was as much surprised to behold her Brother , and deliverer , whom she ran unto and kindly embraced . But if Sir Orlando was surprised with admiration , Sir Ewin was stricken into an extasie in beholding of her divine perfections , esteeming her to be Natures chief Masterpiece , whose rare composure modellized forth the height of all Beauty , so transcendantly did she show in this low estate , that he esteemed her to be the Magazine or Common-Wealth of all Perfections , and the very true Elixir of Beauty . These Excellencies shot a thousand Darts of Cupid into the heart of Sir Ewin , so that being emholdened by Love , he accosted her in this manner . Most Divine Lady , who art inspired with all the Excellencies that the World can bestow upon your Sex ; I shall account it an honour to me to become your Servant ; my resolution herein being so Magnanimous , that I suppose no ill Fortune can attend upon it ; Daign then Madam to accept me for such , which may prove a spur to my Courage , in fighting under so divine a beauty . To whom the Lady Cyropa with a smiling Countenance replyed in this manner ; Sir I acknowledge my self doubly engaged to you , as for your love so also for my liberty , for which I cannot in the least make you a requital ; but since you do establish your Content upon my acceptance of your Service , your hopes cannot deceive you much , if an acknowledgment of my Affections to you may be any ways the means of making you happy . These loving passages betwixt Sir Ewin and the Lady Cyropa were very pleasing unto Sir Orlando , who desired nothing more then the alliance of so valiant a Knight as Sir Ewin : And now was Sir Orlando minded to have inflicted severe punishment on the Captain of the Pyrats for stealing away his Sister , but remembring his promise which he would not violate for all the Wealth of Asia ; he thereupon took the chiefest Riches of their Ships from them , which he distributed amongst his Soldiers , and having released all the Prisoners , he put the Pyrats into one of their empty Ships , and sent them away ; whilst their own Fleet with a merry gale of Wind set forwards for Italy , whether in short space they safely arrived , and to compleat their joys , not long after Sir Ewin was Married unto the Lady Cyropa , upon whom Sir Orlando bestowed many rich gifts , and sent them away to the Country of Scotland , where for a while we wi●●●ave them , and return to speak of the strange Travels and Adventures of the Seven Champions of Christendom . CHAP. IX . How the Seven Champions came to a Land where the men for their sins were changed all into the shape of beasts ▪ and how by finishing the adventure of the Golden Cave , they returned to their shapes again . NOW come we to speak of the Seven Champions of Christendom , who not long after the departure of Sir Orlando and Sir Ewin , being desirous to return to their Native Countries , to repose their Bodies where they had their Births ; taking their leave of St. Georges three Sons , they also took shiping in a single ship , and cutting the briny face of Neptune , for three or four days were favoured with a gentle gale of wind ; which made the Sailers hearts full merry ; but on the fifth day , notwithstanding that Phoebus sent forth his beams with much radiancy , until such time as he became an equal arbiter of the fore-past and coming part of the day , there then fell a mist upon the face of the Ocean , which in an instant grew to such darkness that neither Men nor Mas●s on the Deck were discernable , so that the Pilot was at a loss which way to steer , yet could they perceive that their ship moved with a swift motion , although there was then so great a calm , and such gentle Air as not to stir one hair of their heads . This continued for the space of seven days , so that now the whole company were given over to silence and sadness , when to comfort their hearts , the Renowned Champion of England St. George , calling them together made to them this following Oration . Renowned Champions and fellow Soldiers in Arms , be not dismayed at this which hath happened unto you , since nothing comes by chance , but what is before preappointed of the Gods , and must inevitably come to pass ; which things though seeming to us strange and wonderful , yet many times are the fore-runners and causes of good both to us and others ; let us therefore be armed with patience , and not think to fight against Heaven , as they do who murmur and repine at any mischance which befalls them ; for know assuredly , whom the Gods love they will protect , and to a valiant mind no peril comes unlookt for ; and if we perish in this extremity , let it be our comfort that we dye unconquered of our enemies . This Oration of St. George much comforted the hearts of all that heard him , but soon after greater comfort appeared , for on a sudden the Sky began to clear , and the Sun whom they had not beheld in many days , began to appear , and to shoot forth his enlightening Rayes ; Their ship now did not move of it self , nor knew the Marriners in what Coast they were , yet was their joy exceeding great to behold the lightsome beams of the Sun , and to converse with their Companions as well with their Eyes as with their Ears . Soon after they espyed Land , unto which they made with all the spéed they could , and having landed , found it a very fruitful Country , stored abundantly with all sorts of Beasts , Birds , and other living Creatures ; but neither Men , Women , nor Houses , nor any signs of any that had ever been there . This struck them all into wonder and amazement , but that which most of all amazed them , was to see these Beasts and Birds flock about them , and with bellowing , bleating , chirping , crying , and other signs , seem to make their moans unto them . Whilst they were thus wondering , there appeared to them an ancient Palmer , clad in a Russet Gown down to the Ground , his hair as white as Venus Doves , or Snow upon the S●ythian Mountains , his Aged Limbs supported with an E●●ny staff tipt with Silver ; his looks séemed to have formerly carried Majesty with it , 〈◊〉 now Times Plow had printed deep Furrows in his Aged 〈…〉 ; he seeing this company made up to them , and addressing himself to St. George as to the chiefest of them , spake as followeth ; Renowned English Champion , for of your Country I am not ignorant , having in my Youth travelled thro' most parts thereof . Know that by the Destinies I was informed of your coming hither , and therefore came to this place on purpose to meet you : Come then along with me , and I will shew you things transcending the power of a strong belief ; and with that he led them through a spacious Plain , unto an intricate Thicket or Labyrinth , having in the midst thereof a most stately Building which overlooked all the Plain round about . Hither through unknown ways , did the Palmer bring them , where he caused his servants ( having about twenty of them ) to provide for the Champions and their retinue , such a costly Dinner as was not imagined to be gotten in such a desart place . After Dinner having refreshed themselves with some bowls of heatick . Wine , he led , them up to the top of his Palace , which had a Galtery round about it to overlook , the Platns : Here having placed the Champions so that they might have a full prospect of the whole Country , sitting down in a Chair by them , he thus began . Know worthy Knights at Arms , that this Country wherein you now are is called Scobellum , of such a fruitful Soyl , that it may well be stiled the Garden of Ceres , and Uintage of Bacchus ; such is the plenty of all things therein ; nor was it less Populous of Inhabitants then fruitful of necessaries for to maintain them ; but this their plenty caused pride , and abundance of all things caused abundance of all manner of vices amongst them , so that as if they had ingrossed the Corruptions of all Nations to themselves , they could not have been a more desiled people then they were , exceeding the Cannibals for Cruelty , the Persians for Pride , the Egyptians for Luxury , the Cretians for Lying , the Germans for Drunkenness , and all Nations together for a generality of all manner of vices . Such a mass of evils called for a mass of punishments , which the Gods in●licted upon them , and that according to the nature of their deserts , and the quality of their crimes ; for those great plenty of Beasts and Fowls which here you view , were once Men and Women as in other places , but now changed to the likeness of what you see . Drunkards were changed into swine , who still retain the same nature , there being no difference betwixt a drunkard and a swine . Leacherous persons were changed into Goats , and some of those finer sort of lustful people into Sparrows , whose Lives are short through too much Copulation . Proud people were turned to Peacocks ; Scolds were Metamorphosed to Magpies , and chattering Iays . Such as lost their Estates at Cards or Dice were transformed to Asses . Those whose delight was only in Musick and Singing were changed to Thrushes and Nightingals : Envious persons were Metamorphosed to Dogs , who lying on Day will eat none themselves , nor suffer the hunger starved Dxe to feed thereon Those Women who would work hard , but were troubled with other had qualities , were transformed to Mil●h Cows , who would give pails full of Milk , ) but as soon as they had done , kick it down with their heels . Iesters , Buffoons , and Iack-puddings , were transformed to Monkeys , Baboons and Apes ; Dancers on the ropes were turned to Squirrels ; Usurers , Misers , and such like covetous persons , were changed to Moles . In brief , Worthy Champions ( for I would not trouble your Patience too long ) there was a general Metamorphosis made of them all , each one according to the degree wherein they had formerly lived , and this their punishment destined by the Fates for to endure until such time as some hardy Knight shall be so bold as to attempt the Conquest of the Golden Cave , which if he overcome , then shall their transformations cease , and they return again to their proper shape . Now worthy Knights , the Adventure of the Golden Cave is this ; About six miles from this place lieth a Cave , the entrance whereinto is through divers windings and turnings , like unto a Labyrinth ; in which Cave is kept a continual fire , made by such art as nothing shall quench it but only the water of a Cistern at the entrance of the said Cave , which is guarded by two Gyants , and two Centaurs , with whom they must combat before they can attain to the Cistern . Now worthy Chirstains , if there be any amongst you so adventurous , as for the sakes of these poor transformed people , will adventure your Lives , the enterprize will not only be honourable to your selves , but you will also oblige thousands in thankful gratitude to your memories for so inestimable a benefit . Now by the honour of my Country England said St. George , never let me buckle on Armour if I make not one in this enterprize ; so likewise said the other six Champions , each striving who should have the honour so accompany St. George in so noble an enterprize ; wherefore that emulation might not cause any strife , they agreed to cast Lots amongst the sir , which of the three should accompany him ; so accordingly they did , and the Lots tell upon the three famous Champions , St. Anthony of Italy , St. James of Spain , and St. Patrick of Ireland , who glad of their good Fortunes , propared themselves against the next day to try the adventure , and on the Morning no sooner did Aurora ●sher in the day , and from the glowing East display her purple doors , but the four Champions mounted on their Warlike Stoods , who glad of such a burthen , pranced under them in as great state as did the famous Bucephalus , when he was best●id by the Warlike Alexander . And taking a Guide with them from the Palmer , they traced to the Golden Cave , where they alighted , and gave the Guide their Horses to lead , resolving to try the adventure on foot , where approaching the Gate , they were met by a Dwarf , who spake to them in these words ; Proud Knights , presume not to come within the compass of these Gates , least you repent your folly , and with the loss of your lives pay for your presumption : To whom St. George answered , Dwarf , go tell your Masters , we come to try our skills with them , to prove which of our Sword , cuts sharpest . That shall you soon see said the Dwarf , and returning to the Cave told the Gyants what St. George said , who presently came marching out to them , with each an Oak upon his Shoulder , which when they came near unto the Champions , they brandisht over their heads , as if they had béen Hazel twigs ●udacious Uillains said the Gyants , do you desire to try the strength of our Arms , you shall soon féel to your cost what we can do , and therewithal struck at the Champions with such fury , us the Earth shook with the force of their blows ; who would have seen the Picture of Alecto , or with what manner of Countenance Medea killed her own Children , needed but take their faces for the full satisfaction of their knowledge in that point . The Champions nimbly avoided their blows , and getting within the Compass of their Oaks , made up to the Gyants , whose sides they so thwacked , and were so liberal of their blows , that the Gyants feeling the weight of them , betook them to their heels , and left their knotty Clubs behind them , to be viewed by the Champions with wonder and admiration , at the strength of those that could wield such massy Weapons ; but minding to prosecute the adventure , they followed the Gyants , who were gotten out of sight , and the Champions found themselves at a loss in following them , the multiplicity of paths leading each way , making them doubtful which to chuse ; at last they resolved each of them to take a several path , and if they met not together at the Cave , then to return each to the same place again . Now it so chanced that as they were going in those paths , each of them to meet with an opposer ; and first St. George met with one of the Centaurs , being of a terrible shape , and incredible strength , betwixt whom began a most fierce combat , with great Courage and Magnanimity , insomuch as St. George was never so put to it in all the battles he had ever fought before ; for the Centaur was both nimble and strong , and fought with great skill and courage , but St. George having with a side blow given him a deep wound on the Ribs , he sent forth such a hideous yell as was like the loud rattle of the drumming wind , or Canons when they disgorge their fiery vomits , and nimbly turning him about , fled amain towards the Cave . The Renowned Champion St. Anthony of Italy had not gone far in his path but he met with one of the Gyants , who came now armed in a Coat of Mail , with a great Bar of Iron on his shoulders , with whom St. Anthony encountered with great courage : Nor was the Gyant backwards of his endeavours in obtaining the Conquest , dealing such blows each to other , that who so should have beheld them , would have thought each blow had death attendant on it . This Gyant was of twelve foot height , so that St. Anthony with the point of his Sword could hardly reach his Crown , which advantage he supplyed with nimbleness , so that the Gyant spent his blows in vain , and being now wearied with the weight of his Armour , the Sun also shining in his greatest glory , he sweat so exceedingly , that it entering into his Eyes , he was almost blinded therewith , and endeavouring to wipe it off with his hand , St Anthony taking the advantage with a sudden blow cut his hand off by the wrist , whereupon the Gyant yielded himself , and craved mercy . In like manner St. James the Noble Spanish Champion , as he walked along in his path met with the other Gyant , betwixt whom was fought a most terrible Battle , striking so thick and fast at each other , as if every blow would strive to be for●most ; The Noble Champion behaving himself so ga●lantly with his Bilbo Blade , made of the purest Spanish Steel , that he cut deep furrows in the Gyants flesh , from whence issued such abundance of Blood as changed the Grass from a verdan● green to a crimson-red ; so that the Gyant through the loss of such abundance of Blood began to faint , which St. James perceiving , inforced himself with all his strength , gave him such a ●low as brought him headlong to the Ground , when smiting off his Head , he left his dismembred Car●ass , and proceeded further in his path towards the Golden Cave . Lastly , the Renowned Champion St. Patrick of Ireland , whose breast still thirsted after honourable adventures , he also proceeding forwards in his path , met with the other Centaur , betwixt whom began so fierce a combat , that to describe the same to the Life , would wear my Pen to the stumps , although it were made of refined Brass , or the purest Lydian Steel . Here on each side was strength matched with skill , fury with fortitude , and true valour with matchless magna●●●●ty . The Centaur was nimble , and armed with a Pole-axe struck at St. Patrick with great fury , which he awarded with the greatest skill he could , and with his keen Fauchion returned the Centaur his blows with interest ; The fight as it was sharp so it endured long , when being both willing to take Breath , they paused from fighting for some time , when St. Patrick spake to the Centaur in these words ; Monster of Nature , let me advise thee to yield thy self , and not to oppose ●●any . farther in the Conquest of the Golden Cave , since it is ref●dred by the Destinies , that I and my follows should be the persons that by finishing the Adventure , should restore the People to their Humane Shapes . The Centaur feeling himself déeply wounded was ready to yield , whom St. Patrick commanded to deliver up his Pole-axe , which the Centaur accordingly did ; so they both marched towards the Golden Cave , where they met St. George , St. Anthony , and St. James , and relating to each other their saveral successes , they presently fell in hand to the finishing the adventure , and approaching the Cestern , they each of them filled their Helmets with water , and being guided by the Dwarf , who now was obedient to the Champions , they came to the fire , into which they threw the water , and never left until such time as they had quencht●it , which being done , the Cave and all about it vanisht out of sight , and the thick Grove or Wilderness about it was all level and even . So returning to the Messenger whom they le●t walking their Horses , they mounted on them to return back to the ●ged Palmers , meeting by the way with multitudes of people , who by the finishing the adventure , were now restored to their former shapes . In this manner they marched along to the Aged Palmers , who entertained them with great joy , as also they were by the thrée other Champions , St. Denis , St. Andrew , and St. David ; and after they had refreshed themselves with some Uictuals , they were conducted to a spacious room , where they had their wounds bathed with Wine , Milk , and other precious Oyntments . The next morning the people were assembled together , to whom St. George made a pithy Oration , exhorting them thereafter to lead a better Life , and not to have their Natures addicted to such beastly vices , as made them though not in shape , yet to differ not from beasts in their actions , with many other words to the like effect , all which they promised to perform . And afterwards taking leave of their Hast the Aged Palmer , they returned to their Ship , and having a gentle gale of Wind set sail towards Christendom . CHAP. XI . How St. Georges Three Sons were separated by a Tempest , and how Sir Alexander lighted on the Ship wherein were t●●e Seven Champions ▪ How he was Married to the Princess Mariana , and Crowned King of Thessaly : The Tragical Story of Duke Ursini , and the Death of the Seven Champions . NOT long after the departure of the Seven Champions , St. Georges three Sons resolving also to see their Native Country , in order thereunto , embarked themselves with their Companies in thrée seperat Ships , and for the space of eight or ten days , sailed with a prosperous gale of wind , the courteous Sea all that time smoothing his wrinkled brow , and the winds only whispered musick to the déep ; but about the eleventh day the Wind and Sea contended in a robustious rage , the beaten Ships tost like a forceless feather ; now riding up on the mountain waves , as if their top Masts tilted at the Moon , anon falling again with such a precipitate low descent , as if they were sinking into Hells low abyss . In this furious storm they were separated one from the other , where we will leave two of them , and speak only of Sir Alexander , who after the storm was over , directed their Course as near as they could towards the Coasts of Christendom , and having sailed the space of thrée days , they saw before them a Ship in fight with two Gallies , or Men of War , to whom they made up with all the spéed they could , and coming near to them , they perceived by the Streamers ( wherein was woven the Red Cross of England ) that it was the same Ship wherein the Seven Champions were embarked , which when they knew , they sent forth such a loud and lengthened shout and hollow , as reverberated upon the Waves , or as the Sea makes when it trembles underneath his banks , to hear the replication of his sounds . They in the other Ship answered them with the like hollow , and then joyntly , setting upon the two Gallies , they with Pikes , Bills and Darts , plyed Deaths fatal task ; sending many hundreds of the Turks souls to be transported in Charons Ferry : So that the two Gall●es which at first were assailants , could no longer hold out defendants , but yielding themselves , craved for mercy , which the Christian Champions were the more willing to grant them , in regard that many of their Company had been sore wounded before Sir Alexander came to their rescue . So entering the two Gallies , they took from them such things as they needed , amongst which they found some Hogsheads of Greekish Wines , which very much refreshed the ●ainting souldiers ; they also took from them their Armour that they might not be able to offend others , and setting free those few Prisoners they had taken , they let them go , and having stayed a while in mending the ●a●ter ▪ d Cordage of their Ships , which was much shattered in the sight , with a prosperous wind they set sa●l , and in a few days arrived on the pleasant banks of fruitful Thessaly , and sending a Messenger to the Court to give notice of their arrival ; the message was so welcome to the Princess Mariana , ( who n●w was become Queen of that Country , her Father being lately de●● ) that she caused the Bells to be rung , and Bonfires to be made as at a publick rejoycing . And sending some of the chiefest of her Nobles to invite them to the Court , with such accommodations as she judged most needful for them at present , in the mean time she prepared to entertain them in the best manner she could , which at their coming they found to be so costly and splendid , as it raised great wonder in them to behold it ; the streets all the way they passed to her Palace being rai●ed in , and guarded on both sides with Companies of foot Soldiers : The Conduits ran Wine , and from the Belconies was heard all manner of Musick that could be imagined : And first before them marched a Compleat Troop of Horse , having between each four Ranks a Trumpeter sounding with a silver Trumpet ; the Troopers were all in their Buff-coats with silver Belts , and the Pummels of their Swords inlayed with glistering Stones , which sparkled like Diamonds . Next followed four Heralds , in four distinct Goats of Arms : After them , the Nobility of the Land in rich Robes , with Coronets on their Heads : Then came the Seven Champions , and St. Georges thrée Sons , in five rich Chariots , lined with Cloth of Gold , and studded with studs of Massy Silver : After them followed the Colonels , Majors and Captains , with silken Streamers waving before them , being ranked two by two , each English Officer with a Thessallan , and mounted on prancing Barbary steeds . And lastly , the under Officers with the Army , in goodly Arms , and accoutered most richly . In this order they marched to the Palace , where they were met by the Queen , attired in a rich Robe of Ermine , with the Crown Imperial upon her Head , who with a smiling Countenance entertained them in these words . Thrice welcom hither most Renowned Champions , whom the Gods have appointed for the relief of the distressed , and the chastisement of the vicious . Fames Golden Trumpet hath sounded the renown of your Honourable Actions , and by quelling the force of the Pagan Armies , given us great hopes hereafter for to enjoy Halcyon dayes of peace . And applying her self more particularly to the Princely Knight Sir Alexander ; Sir , ( said she ) how much I am bound to the Immortal Powers for your preservation , my Heart is not able to conceive , much less my Tongue for to express : Now as Heaven has been kind to me in hearing my Prayers for your safe return , so shall I account it my farther happiness that leaving off Arms , you now come to enjoy the fruits of our Amours , and instead of following the Camp of Mars , we solace our selves in the Tents of Cupid ; Mistake me not , ( Dear Sir ) I mean not by spending out time in wanton dalliance , but in the Honourable State of Matrimony , that being joyned in Hymens bands , we may have our joyes crowned with the issues of an unfeigned love . Most Gracious Princess ( replyed Sir Alexander ) your speeches are the sole effects of my thoughts , and your desires to me absolute Commands , being such as tend only to my profit and welfare ; wonder not then most peerless Madam , if I willingly embrace what I so earnestly covet ; and so sealing his Love on the red Wax of her Lips , they hand in hand paced it into her Palace , accompanied with the Seven Champions , as also with many of the chief Lords and Ladies of the Land ; where was provided for them a sumptuous Dinner of such costly Uiands , as might teach the satiate Palate how to eat , and those placed so thick and plentiful , as if the Table would crack with the pile of such weighty dishes . All the while they were at Dinner , melodious Happs and Songs saluted their Ears , which was breathed forth in such a curious harmony , as charmed their very souls to an extasie . After Dinner , they fell to dancing , tripping it so nimbly , as if they had been all Air , or some lighter Element . In these delights they wasted about eight or nine days , but the Seven Champions soon grew weary of such pastimes , and desirous to go home to their Native Countries , was minded to take their leaves of the Queen Mariana , but Sir Alexander and she having concluded their Nuptials should be celebrated very suddenly , they were with much entreaty perswaded to stay until they were over . The prefixed day being come , early that Morning by such time as Aurora the blushing Goddess which doth sway the dewy confines of the day and night , began to appear , but both Bridegroom and Bride were saluted with most sweet sounding Musick , which being ended , their Ears were accosted with this Epithalamium ; Sol thy Beams no longer hide , Call the Bridegroom to the Bride ; Let each one rejoyce and sing , Make the Air with Hymen ring . May all Pleasure and Delight Crown your Day , and bless your Night ; And the warm embrace of Love Be soft as Down , or Uenus Dove ; May your oft repeated kisses Bring with them as many blisses ; And these Joys remain in state Till your end , and that come late . These Solemnities being over , and the Bridegroom and Bride risen from their Beds , they prepared themselves to go to Church ; the Bridegroom was apparelled in a suit of flame coloured Tabby , to signifie how he burnt in the flames of a chast Love ; the Bride was attired all in white , to denote her unspotted Uirginity , and Maidenly Modesty . Sir Alexander was led by two Dukes Daughters , and the Princess Mariana by two of the chiefest Barons of the Realm ; having her Train born up by four Ladies of Honour : Thus did they walk in great state unto the Temple , where the Priest joyned them together in Hymens Holy Kites , which being done , they returned again in the same order to the Palace , all the way the people showing such great demenstrations of joy as was wonderful to behold . To rehearse the great Chear prepared for this Royal Dinner , the Maskings , Revellings , and other costly showes , which were solemnized by the Lords and Ladies , and other Courtiers , would tire the Pen of an industrious Writer . The next day was appointed for the Coronation of the Prince Alexander , and the Princess Mariana , which was performed in great splendour , the multitude of Spectators that came to behold it being so many , that not withstanding great store of Money was thrown about in other stréets to divert the people from thronging so thick at the Coronation , yet the people regarded the Money not at all , for the great desire they had to behold their new King. After the usual Ceremonies were ended which appertain to such Solemnities , the Trumpets sounded , and the People with a very loud shout , cryed out , Long live Alexander and Mariana , King and Queen of Thessaly . The Knights and Barons to honour the Solemnity the more , appointed the whose Afternoon to be spent in Iusting and Turneying , wherein was shown very much skill and valour , but above them all Duke Orsin , a near ●insman to the Quéen Mariana , carried the chief credit , having unhorsed fiftéen Knights that day , for which King Alexander presented him with a rich Chain of Gold , and St. George in reward of his Ualour gave him a costly Diamond Ring . And now King Alexander being thus solemnly Crowned , was fulfilled that Prophecy which was by the Faiery Queen predicted of him , as you may read in the 14 Chapter of the first Part of this Honourable History , which contained these words ; This Child shall likewise live to be a King , Times wonder for device and Courtly sport His Tilts and Turnaments abroad shall ring , To every Coast where Nobles do resort . Queens shall attend and humble at his feet , Thus Love and Beauty shall together meet . After some few days passed in Royal Trumphs , the Seven Champions resolved to stay no longer , but to hasten to their own Countries , in pursuance of which their resolution , they acquainted King Alexander and Queen Mariana of their intentions , who were very loth to have parted from their Companies ; but the Seven Champions were so resolute in their determinations , that no perswasions could induce them to stay any longer , The King and Queen seeing them so fully bent to be gone , with a great Train of Lords and Ladies attended them to their Ships , where they had caused a stately Banquet to be provided for them ; and so after many rich Presents and mutual Embracements passed betwixt them , the Seven Champions took Ships and having a gentle gale of Wind , had soon lost the sight of the Thessalian shore ; so sailing along on Neptunes watry front , the wanton Mearmaids sporting by the sides of their ship , and not scarce a wrinkle seen on Thetis face , but the Sea as calm as when the Halcyon hatcheth on the sand ; they saw before them a ship , all whose sails and streamers were black , having black Flags and Penons s●uck round the sides of the ship . The sight of this ship so strangely thus attired in black , made them have a longing desire to know what it should mean ; so making up to it , they halled them according to the Sea phrase , when a Gentleman appearing on the Deck , gave them to understand that they were of Italy , and were come from Scandia , bringing with them the dead Body of the Duke Ursini , Lord of the fruitful Land of Campania ; which when St. Anthony understood , ( this Duke Ursini having formerly béen his loving Friend ) he declared unto them who he was , and what were his Companions , and also how they were bound for Italy ; whereupon there was great rejoycing on both fides , and the Gentleman , and Captain , and Master of the Italian ship were invited into the other , where after some Complements past on both sides , and a short Collation , the Sea being calm , and like a standing Pool , no Waves nor Billows to arise , they intreated the Gentleman now that their ships lay thus at Hull , to declare unto them the manner of Duke Ursini's death , and how he came to dye in so remote a Country ? To which the Gentleman willingly condescended , and spake as followeth ; It is not now fully two years since that the Renowned Prince Oswy , Duke of Ferrara , at the Celebration of his Marriage with the famous Lady Lucinda of Mantua , kept solemn Iusts and Turnaments , with Royal Entertainment for all comers , which invited thither not only the prime Nobility and Gallants of the Italians , but also the news being spread abroad into Forreign Countries , several persons of great Quality resorted thither , amongst others was ●i●ian the Daughter of Lampasco Prince of Scandia , a Lady of such glorious eye surprizing Rays , that in her Fa●e Love seemed to sit enthroned in full Majesty ; nor wanted 〈◊〉 the●● with the helps of Art to set forth her natural perf●●●ens , so that she seemed rather a Divine Goddess then a humane creature . These her admirable Endowments was looked on by Duke Ur●●ni , through a multiplying glass , which rendered her to him the moll admirable of all Creatures , captivating his heart such a sh●al● to her Beauty , that he vowed himself a servant to her vertues , and to endear himself the more in her Respects by some Atchievments of Honour , he entered the Lists as chief Challenger against all comets , being mounted on a milk white Barbary Courser , trapped with Capparisons of Silver , and on his Burgonet a plume of goodly Feathers : His Armour was blew , resembling the Azure Firmament , spangled with stars of Gold , with this word for his device ; Vertue like the clear Heaven is without Clouds . He encountered with sundry Knights of great worth , against atl which he had much the ; better , which gained him both great applause and envy . Nor was he less skilful in the intrigues of Love than in the management of Arms , and to court a Lady as well as encounted with an Enemy , which he with much artificial Eloquence demonstrated in an address to the Lady Jilian , who seemed much affected with his person , and so far the matter went , that there seemed nothing wanting to the consummation of their Marriage , but only the consent o● her Parents , which to obtain , he sailed with her unto Scandia , where he was most nobly entertained , and his suit very well liked on . Now it was so , that a young Baron of that Country named Lamptido , had formerly born a great affection unto the Princess Jilian , and had so far prevailed with her that he was in great hopes of obtaining her Love , but his means not being answerable to her high Dignity , it was kept very close from Prince Lampascoes Ear , yet hoped he in time , that either by the death of Lampasco , or some secret stratagem , he should compass his e●●s ; but now seeing Prince Ursini in so great ●avour , he began utterly to despair in his suit , unless by some means he could find a way to deprive him of his Life . It happened not long after that Prince Lampasco proclaimed a general hunting of the wild Bore , to which Princely exercise resorted all the flower of the Nobility , and every one whose 〈…〉 ●ired with desire of glory and renown ; amongst others , none was more forward to this Royal sport then Prince Ursini , who at the appointed time came into the field , armed with his Bore-●pear , and mounted on a Spanish Gennet , who for their swi●●ness are said to be ingendred of the Wind. Being come within view of the place where they were to hunt , each man was ordered according to his ●and , when a Brace of lusty Beagles were let loose to rouse the Bore ; In the mean time every man prepared himself for the ●antling of his Weapons , and with a nimble Eye to catch all advantages that might be taken : It was not long before the Beagles ha●●ouzed the Bore out of his 〈◊〉 who seeming to regard no danger , nimbly turning round abo●●● with a kind of a wallowing running pace ; ran where he could see any company . The first that struck at him was an Italian Knight , who accompanied Prince Ursini in his Uoyage to Scandia , who brake his Spear , but wounded him not , for his Skin was scarcely penetrable , being as hard as a Bulls hide when it is tanned . Leaving this Italian he ran against a valorous Knight , named ●●iast●r , who encountered with him very couragiously ; yet could not his courage , strength nor skill , ( a● which he was in a full ineas●●● Master of ) prevail any thing ; yet was his performance so much , that giving him a small wound on the Leg , feeling the smart , he ran towards Baron Lamprido who used his utmost strength and skill to withstand him , but the smart of his wound in his Leg so exasperated him , that he ran with such fury against Lamprido as turned him Horse and Man to the ground , and undoubtedly had slain him , had not Duke Ursini come to his rescue , who with undaunted courage set upon the Bore , and with great strength , guided by skill , so followed his blowes , that he made the Bore begin to stagger , who yet with open mouth came towards him , which advantage Duke Ursini spying , thrust his Bore Spear down his Throat , and therewith rest his Heart in sunder , yielding unto him the absolute Uictory . By this time divers Knights were come in to him , amongst others Lamprido having recovered his fall , came in with the thickest but when he saw that the Bore was killed , and by the hands of Ursini , his blood boiled within him for anger , out of envy that he had done it , which he knew would more endear him in the affections of the Lady Jilian , as also that his own overthrow would much lessen her opinion of him . Hereupon a desire of revenge entering into his heart , his study was how to effect it with privacy , not only for danger of the Law , but dread of Duke Ursini's valour , whom he knew he could not match in single combat , he therefore concluded to do it by treachery , which not long after he brought to pass in this manner . Amongst other exercises which Duke Ursini much delighted in , one was the Art of Ang●ing , in which he would oftentimes spend many hours , and that with as much privacy as he could , because multitude of persons was a hinderance to the sport : It to chanced one day that he accompanied only with one servant , and having no other Armour but his Sword , went in a Boat unto a spacious River a fishing , which being known unto Lampridi , he thought it now a convenient time for him to accomplish his purposed ends ; and having engaged seven or eight other stout persons to his side , they armed themselves , and in two Boats ( to prevent suspicion ) betook themselves also to the water , taking two different ways the better to surround him in the middle . Duke Ursini was all this while so busie at his exercise , that he took no notice of their intentions ; yea at last , not perceiving they had any Armour , being hid under linnen Frocks , he permitted them to come so near his Boat , that one or two of them leaping in , began to lay hold of him ; when snatching up his Sword , he defended himself so gallantly , that he had well near sent their souls to attend at Charons Ferry , the biting steel being pursued by such streams of blood , that his Boat was all bestained with a crimson dye . In the mean time the other villains leaped in , and surrounded him so on every side , that he had no room to wield his Weapon ; however , as if he had been a man made all of fire , having a courage that knew not how to fear , he resisted them all , and in a while , ( though over-matcht ) had sent four of their souls to the Stygian Bay ; whereof Lamprido was the third : Thus for a short space did the Goddess Victoria seem favourable to him ; and now his man who all this while had done his utmost in defence of his Master , having grasped one of the Uillains , they chanced both to fall over-board into the water , when Duke Ursini endeavouring to help his man , the other Uillain gave him a mortal Wound on the Head , yet before he fell he tumbled that Uillain also into the water , to accompany his fellow , which was no sooner done , but through the loss of so much blood which issued from his Wounds , he fell down in a swound , when at the very instant there came thither a Boat with some Citizens in it , intending also to have fished there , but seeing the latter part of this skirmish , they made up to them , where they found in Duke Ursini Deaths pale flags advanced in his Cheeks , and he ready to take his Oath to be Deaths true Liege-man . The Citizens did what they could in staying his Soul● which was now making a separation from his Body , but all their endeavours were in vain , for Death , Natures bold Pursivant had taken an absolute possession of him ; Whilst they were thus busied in so king to recal 〈…〉 again , they heard one of the two pa●t●●s with which 〈…〉 countered withal at first , to give a great groan , whereupon 〈◊〉 their helping hands for to reviv● him , they at last brought bu● to his Speech , of whom they asked who were the persons , and what was their difference , which he declared unto them in manner as we have before described , and having made an end of his Relation , he presently therewith expired . Hereupon the Citizens taking along with them the Boat wherein were the dead Bodies , 〈◊〉 the City , and declaring the news , there was great sorrow and lamentation for Duke Ursini , especially by the Lady Jilian , who from her drowned Eyes shed many vain offerings to the dead : Nor can you think most noble Champions , but that the grief which then siezed upon us who accompanied him in this his ●o●age , was a●y thing less than what possessed the hearts of the chiefest , for hearing the News , we sat in such●●● given over posture , as who had behold us would have thought silence , solitariness , and melancholly , were come under the d●si●● of mishap , to conque● delight , and plunge us into the deep abyss of misery . After some little time , being raised as it were out of this trance of sorrow , we craved leave to depart hou●● ; with the Corps of ●ue ●ead Master , which the Prince Lampasco freely granted , and furnished us with all things fitting as here you see : At which words grief stopped the passage of his speech , that he could proceed no● further . The Seven Champions heartily condoled this mishap , that so worthy a Knight should fall so treacheronsly ; and now with all the spéed they could they sailed to Italy , where being arrived , Duke Ursini was interred with all the Funeral Pomp that could be devised ; where the other six Champions leaving St. Anthony behind them , they each one posted to the●● own Country , where they had not long remained , but that they dyed , and were interred in their former Sepulchres . CHAP. XII . What happened to St. Georges Eldest Son Sir Guy , after he was parted from his two Brothers , the woful Story of Selindus , how he was deprived of his Barony by Euphemius , and restored again by the valour of Sir Guy and Captain Bolus . NOW shall our Pen endeavour to describe the valiant Acts of St. Georges eldest Son , Sir Guy , whose honourable atchievments were so many and great , that to declare them in full , I n●ight as well attempt to empty the Sea with a spoon , or to scale Olympus with a Ladder of Sand. This valiant Knight being with his Ship separated from his two Brothers , as you heard in the former Chapter , they sailed through many and dangerous straits and passages ; and as they sailed thus along , they came to a broad Sea , in the middle of which they thought they saw a small Island , to which they made up , and landed some of their men , who made a Fire thereon to dress some meat : Now when the Fire grew hot , and that the meat was nigh sodden , the Island began to move , which made them all sore afraid , that they ran with all the spéed they could again to their Ship. Now this which they thought to be an Island , was only a great Fish named Lupus , which laboureth day and night to put his Tayl in his Mouth , but by reason of his greatness could not , which when they understood , they fetched their kettle and meat from off the Fi●●es back , and so sailed forwards till they came to a very fair Island , named Miconicom , in which lived the famous Enchantress , the wise Medea , who gave out Prophesies concerning future Events , which being understood by Sir Guy , he with his chief Captain named Bolus , went to her habitation , being in a dark Ualley , beset all with Mirtle-Trées , the building was fair and sumptuous , having a Brazen Gate for entrance thereunto , on which was depensilled these Uerses . You , who would with the wise Mededa speak , Blow with the Trumpet which doth hang hereby And ere you can aquestion to her break , She will your doubts resolve assuredly . Such power the Fates did unto her bestow For benefit of those which live below . Whereupon Sir Guy set the Trumpet to his mouth , and with a strong breath blew such a blast , as ecchoed in the Air like a peal of Ordinance , when immediately the Gate of its own accord flew ope , where stood a Dwarf ready to entertain them , who conducted them into a spacious Hall , which was adorned with many Statues of antick work , and wherein in a huge Frame hung the Picture of Medea , how she by letting out Aesons old blood , and by infusing new into the room , made him young again . In another Table was pourtrayed King Midas , who for preferring Pans Pipe , before Apollos Harp , was for his pains rewarded with a pair of Asses Ears . Whilst they were viewing these Pictures with delight , the Enchantress Mededa came down from her Chamber , who beholding Sir Guy with a fixed look , thus said unto him . Sir Knight return unto thy Ship , Let no advantage from thee slip ; For now the time is nigh at hand , Thou must be joyn'd in Hymens band , Thy constancy to her is known Who seeks to have thee for her own : But e're these things to thee betide Thou many troubles must abide . Having thus said she vanished out of their sight , leaving them much wondring at what they had heard : Then taking their leave of the Dwarf , they returned again towards their Ship ; but in their way , as they passed along by a Rivers side , which gently running made swéet musick with the enameled stones , and séemed to give a gentle kiss to every sedge he overtook in his watry Pilgrimage . There came crossing a Meadow towards them , an antient Shepherd , who by the downfal of his mellow years , seemed as if Nature had brought him near to the door of death ; yet were not his Hairs so gray by years as made by sorrow , which his blubber'd Countenance gave a doleful copy of his thoughts , what he was about to speak . Sir Knights , ( said he ) if ever compassion harboured in noble Breasts , let my aged years and extream misfortunes crave your pity , who from a contented , and not despicable estate , am now become Fortunes Tennis-ball , by the unconstancy of that blind Goddess . Know then , worthy Knights , my name is Selindus , once possessed of the Wealthy Barrony of Mompelior , scituate in this Island of Micomicom , a place which for the richuefs of the Soyl , and pleasantness of the Scituation , is scarcely parallel'd in all the Country . These fair possessions of mine , left unto me when I was young , soon procured me a Wife , of which yet I had no cause to repent , being a Lady replenished with all the Ornaments and Endowments of Nature , which might make her in every wise compleat . Happily we lived together for some short space of time , when the fruits of her Womb gave us great hopes of more future joyes , but the Fates had decreed otherwise , for upon her delivery , the birth of the Ihfant proved the death of the Parent , and she to bestow a Gem on the Earth , became her self a Pearl in the starry Firmament . What should I say more ? I lost a Wife , and gained a Daughter , and indeed a Daughter of such super-excellent parts , as might put a cessation of sorrow for the Mother . This Daughter whose name was Praxida , did I bring up in all vertuous Education , who in short time became the wonder of her Sex , having in her such perfections as did yield subject to admiration , and as she grew more in years , so did she add more to her perfections , which admirable Endowments attracted to her many adorers , who sued for her favour , amongst whom was one whom she most fancied , whose name was Euphemius , a knight of Placida , being an Island not far off , under the Queen Artemia , who had made him sole Governour thereof . Betwixt this Euphemius and my Daughter , unknown to me , had passed a solemn Contract , she belike fearing to disclose it to me , as doubting my consent , his Estate not being answerable to my Revenues , wherefore they got privately Married together . Now it happened not long after , upon some offence against the Queen , Euphemius was committed to Prison , and having layn there some few dayes , was brought before the Queen to be examined , who beheld him with great wonder and astonishment , for indéed he was a person of a lovely Countenance , and in whom Dame Nature had done her utmost to the making of him in all parts compleat , which so wounded her heart with an affection towards him , that instead of his being her Captive , she became his : and in part to manifest the same unto him , she frankly gave him his freedom , and with many kind words entertained him very graciously into her favour ; yet could not all this kindness endear her unto him , but the more she shewed love to him on the one side , the more was his hatred to her on the other , and that not so much in respect of his to my Daughter , as the mortal spite he bare to her for his Imprisonment , so that having a sit opportunity offered him , he fled from the Court , and confederating with some friends , intended to levy War against the Queen . The Queen understanding of his departure , fared like unto a distracted Woman , wringing her hands , and beating on her Ivory Breasts , she cast her self upon the ground , tearing the lovely Tresses from her head . Her Ladies comforted her the best wise they could , but that cherisht fire which blindly crept through every Uein of her fluent blood , would suffer her to take no rest ; but being at last informed in what place he was , she sent to him this following Letter . COuld I in the least imagine what should cause your so sudden departure , if it lay in my power , the cause thereof should be removed , but the fore not being known , how can the remedy , be administred ! If you think upon your restraint , think also upon your free-given Liberty , and do not write the one in Marble , the other in Sand. That I seek for love to you , impute it not to lightness , but to a real affection ; and let your return again to me demonstrate that your heart is not inexorable , when perhaps my presence may plead more in my excuse then can this Paper-Messenger ; so wishing you what she wants her self , Health ; she remains ever yours ; Artemia . This Letter she sent by a trusty Messenger , but his mind was so fully bent against her , that instead of liking it caused loathing . Wherefore taking his Pen in hand , he sent her again this bitter return . WHat should cause you to dote where you are hated , I cannot imagine love but lust ; therefore I shall not esteem of your Syrens Tongue , knowing that Bees have stings as well as honey : Nor think not to entrap me any more by your suger'd baits , but know that none so much hates the memory of you as doth your sworn Enemy , Euphemius . This Answer was to Artemia as a Dagger piercing her heart , so that she immediately fell into such a deadly swound , as her Ladies about her could hardly recover her . Unhappy Artemia , ( then said the Queen ) and must I live to be despised , and he to triumph in my overthrow : ungrateful man , can all my courtesies reap no other profit but only disdain ? Is it possible that I can continue to love thee , that deservest rather to live in my hatred ; but why do I thus exclaim against him , who perhaps doth this only to try me ; no , no , Artemia , he slights thy love ; Then dye fond Queen , defer not to live any longer ; yet dear Euphemius , in my death shall I make it known how near thy love was to my heart , and how highly thou wer 't prized in my Affections . In this manner did the woful Queen spend her dayes until sickness coming on , put the harmony of Nature out of tune in her Body , which by little and little languished away in such sort , that she became a meer Skelleton or Anatomy ; and now finding that Death by degrees began to sieze on her Uital parts , she called her Nobles unto her , and spake to them these words ; My Lords , I am now taking my last leave of you , the spent Hour-glass of my Life is near at hand , and now at my parting ghost I do adjure ye , as you will answer it before the Higher Powers , whither I am now going to appear , that ye invest Euphemius King when I am dead and gone ; and though I doubt not of your performance herein , yet for my more assurance , and that my ghost may quietly rest hereafter ; I shall desire you to take an Oath to do it , which if you should fail in the performance , know assuredly you will both wrong your selves and him , him in depriving him of his Crown and your selves of a good King , he being a Prince kind , wise , just and merciful , and only unkind unto me . The Nobles to satisfie her request , freely took their Oaths to be true to Euphemius ; and now the Queen being fully satisfied with what was done , willingly yielded up the ghost , whom the Nobles buried in most sumptuous manner ; which being done , they sent an Honourable Messenger to Euphemius , to certifie him of the Queens death , and how she had bequenthed her Crown to him ; which Messenger set forth Artemia's love in such pathetical words , as wrought in him a strange alteration , for when he thought upo nher unalterable affection towards him , the constancy of her love , her matchless beauty , rare endowments , and superexcellent parts , he began to reflect upon himself , his unkindness to her , his vile ingratitude , that could wrong her which dyed for love of him . These considerations made him to like where before he loathed , and to loath where before he loved ; for whereas before he used to give many private visits to my Daughter , protesting all constancy and loyalty towards her , now the poyson of hatred entred into his heart against her , as taking her to be the chief obstacle which hindred him from the enjoyment of the Quéen , and might be also the same of the Kingdom , if it should be known he were married unto her , wherefore he departed along with the Messenger , never so much as bidding her farewel , or sending any Messenger unto her . The Nobles entertained him very splendidly , and with great solemnity Crowned him King ; In the mean time the poor Praxeda was well near distracted with discontent , finding her self to be with Child , fearing to discover it unto me , and finding such an alteration of love from him ; Her case being thus desperate , knowing it impossible to be long concealed , she sent to him this following Letter . My Dear Euphemius , MEN do tax our Sex for being unconstant , but now I must apply that fault to you , I say to you , whose Oaths did give so great a Testimony of your fidelity , that I du●st not doubt them for fear of injuring my self . Ah Euphemius , doth Honours change Manners , can you so soon forget Praxeda , whom you swore so firmly to love Now if thou hast no pity for me , take some compassion on the fruit of my Womb , the seal of our loves , wherein thy lively Image is implanted ; and if thou hast any thing of Nature in thee , thou canst not but deplore its condition , and provide a remedy for the same ; we still hoping thou wilt remain constant , I rest , Thine own Praxeda . Euphemius received this Letter with great indignation , vowing revenge , the Rhamnusian Nemesis possessing his vengeful breast in all her blackest formes , and now his enraged blood being tickled with the thoughts of a pleasing himself , for as he thought his disgrace in claiming him to be her Husband ; he intended the destruction not only of she , but of all her Kindred , and that to be p●●formed as soon as he could find any pretended cause of aquat●● 〈◊〉 her . In the mean time to deterr her from any pro●●●●tion ●● her 〈◊〉 , he returned ●o her this invective answer . HAth your impudence no other person to Father your Pastard brat but upon me , whose known reputation is such , as will free me in the Consciences of all honest persons , from the known calumnies of such a vile Strumpet ; was it not my vertue preferred me by a general consent to a Kingdom ; and do you think by detraction to bespatter my good name ? Cease then perverse Monster of Women-kind , to prosecute any further claim unto me , lest it prove the deserved destruction of thee and thine . Thy deserved Enemy , Euphemius . But before she received this Letter , feeling the burthen of her Womb to grow great , she desired leave to go visit an Aunt of hers , named Milesia , pretending indisposition of Health , to which I readily granted , knowing my Sister very careful over her for her good . To this her Aunt she discovered all what had passed betwixt Euphemius and she , desiring her aid and secresie therein , and indeed it was but high time , for within three days after her coming thither , she was delivered of a goodly Boy , whom her Aunt named Infortunio , and put him out to Nurse to one of her Tenants . Soon after she received the Letter from Euphemius , which when she had read , her grief and sorrow were so great , that she deemed her self the very Map of misery , and falling into a swound it was long ere her Aunt and the other attendants could recover her to life , such a sudden grief had her soul contracted , that who so had beheld her , would have thought her Spirit ready to descend into Charons Boat , to be transported into the Elizian fields , but coming a little to her self , she thus began for to exclaim . And is it possible such Perjury can remain in men , do they think Oaths are not binding , or that divine vengeance doth not follow upon breach of promise ? Ah Euphemius , can thy heart prove so disloyal ; were all the protestations thou so often didst reiterate unto me , only feigned baits to entrap me to my destruction ? Then glory in thy triumph , but know accursed Caitiff , my soul shall haunt thee after death , as did the ghost of Queen Dido , follow the Body of Perjured Aeneas ; and saying these words , she stabbed her self to the heart with a Bodkin , which she had hidden within the Trammels of her Hair , and ●etching only two or three deep groans , she presently dyed . Praxida having acted this woful Tragedy on her self , put all the Houshold in a great uproar , especially my Sister Milesia , who fared like to one of Bacchus frantick raging Nuns , or like a Tartar , when in a strange habit he prepares himself to a dismal Sacrifice : Ah Praxida , ( said she ) how hath thy actions straid from Reasons center , thus to give thy soul a Goal-delivery ? Abhorred Euphemius , accursed mayst thou be that wer't the causer of all this mischief : Hast thou a heart more obdurate then Dunces , Tygers , or the Panthers whelps , whose healths are morning draughts in blood ; couldst thou be so unkind to her who loved thee so dearly ? and must thy revenge extend to blood ? O savage ●igour , more cruel then a Turk or Troglodite . In this manner complained the woful Milesia , shedding forth abundance of tears , which yet were but barren shadows to express the substance of her grief . At last , the extremity of her passion being over , she sent me word of what had happened ; which into what a distracted grief it put me into , let them be judge who are the Parents of an only Child : My greatest comfort in this distressed condition was to study revenge against Euphemius , but how to accomplish it there was the difficulty , as knowing my self too weak to oppose him by open force : whereupon I sent a Letter to the chiefest of the Nobles , declaring how unworthily he had done by my Daughter , and imploring their aid to revenge his disloyalty ; who greatly pitying my misfortunes , and remembring how he had been the death of their good Queen Artemia , they by a joynt consent banished him their Kingdom ; who by this means being implacably incensed against me , accompanied with a crew of ●eilows of as desperate fortunes as himself , he warred against me , and quickly outed me of my Barrony ; I in vain imploring help from his Nobles , who upon his extirpation were warring one against another for superiority : Wherefore being destitute of Friends , and hopeless of ever attaining my pr●●cine glory , I betook my self to a Shepherds life , the better to be sh●euded in obscurity ; yet being assured by the wise Mededa , that there should one day come a Knight out of a far Country who should restore me again to my Barony . Sir Guy having heard the Shepherds discourse , it wrought in him great ruth and compassion , and turning himself to Captain Bolus , he thus said ; now by the honour of my Knighthood , and by the love I bear to my Country England , I will not enter into my Ship until I have resea●ed him again in his Barony , and to make good his promise , he took with him a hundred of his choicest Soldiers , and being guided by the Shepherd . Selindus , they marched to Mompelior , where they heard how Euphemius was lodged in a strong Castle , and guarded with five hundred Souldiers , having also in pay a certain Morisco , of a wonderful stature and strength , armed in a Coat of Mail , and using a Bar of Iron of forty pound weight for his Club. Having approached within half a mile of the Castle , Sir Guy sent a Messenger to Euphemius , demanding him to restore the Castle with all that belonged to it , to Selindus , or else to expect the worst that should happen upon such refusal ; but Euphemius was so far from granting his request , that he did the Messenger to charge his Master forthwith to depart his Territories , or else his life would pay for his presumption in seeking to meddle with what he had nothing to do withal . Hereupon both sides prepared themselves for fighting : Euphemius himself , with the Gyant Morisco , accompanied with three hundred of his choicest Souldiers , setting upon Sir Guy with such sury , that had he not been of undaunted Courage , and always watchful against such desperate onsets , he had undoubtedly overthrown him ; but Sir Guy having with great Ualour stood the shock of their fury , fell upon Euphemius and his men with such undaunted resolution , that notwithstanding he made a notable resistance , yet his Souldiers began to give back , which the Morisco perceiving , he singly set upon Sir Guy , and with manly Conrage dealt about such blowes , that who so should have beheld him , would have thought the great Alcides had descended again upon the Earth , to teach Mortals the way of Mankinds destruction ; but Sir Guy so nimbly avoided his blowes , and with such dexterious skill set upon the Gyant with his never failing Sword , that he made many wounds in his flesh , whereby Death to enter in at , which Euphemius perceiving , he made up to Sir Guy to succour the Morisco , but before he could get up to him he was set upon by Captain Bolus , with so great Courage , that he found he had enough to do to defend himself . At last Sir Guy enforcing himself with all his might , gave such a blow on the Gyants Helmet as piercing the same , it came forth all embrued with his Brains , who without speaking any word fell down dead to the ground . Euphemius seeing his Friend the Morisco fall , would have fled away , but he was so inviron'd by Souldiers , that all means was taken from him to escape , whereupon he was forced to yield himself a Prisoner , and was both by Sir Guy , and Captain Bolus , entertained with great Civility . In the mean time Sir Guys Souldiers had persued their Enemies with such vigour , that those who were in the Castle , opening their Ga●es to entertain their flying Friends , before they could shut them again , Sir Guys Souldiers also entered with them : And now within the Castle began a most desperate conflict , neither Defendants nor Assailants expecting any mercy if overcome ; wherefore each one were busie in plying Deaths fatal task , their Swords making such sad work that every place was over filled with slaughter , and their mingled blood made a Purple flood that overflowed in each place they fought . Whilest thus death was Inning his plenteous Harvest , and the Souldiers so thronged as they could scarcely wield their killing hands , Sir Guy and Captain Bolus coming amongst them , soon turned the Scales on the Assailants side , so that the Defendants being more overcome by valour then number , yielded themselves and the Castle to the mercy of the Conquerours , the possession whereof Sir Guy freely surrenderd into the hands of Selindus , together with the disposal of all the Prisoners : But Euphemius remembring how discourteously he had dealt by Selindus , falling on his Knées , desired of Sir Guy that he might remain still with him , promising him faithfully to be his true Prisoner ; but his crimes were so notorious that Sir Guy would in no wise consent thereunto ; whereupon Captain Bolus begged him of him , which was granted , he having before presented the Captain with a Iewel of an inestimable price . And now did the Friends of Selindus come flocking unto him , whereby he was in a capacity to maintain his Barony against all Opposers : Whereupon Sir Guy took his leave of him , and returned to his Ship , his Souldiers according to their merits , having been before richly rewarded by Selindus . CHAP. XIII . How Sir Guy arrived in Sicily , where he overcame the Rebels , which after the King of Sicilies death , had Rebelled against the Queen Urania ; How he was Married to her , and afterwards Crowned King of Sicily . SIK Guy having restored Selindus to his Barony , as you heard in the last Chapter , he took Ship , together with Captain Bolus and his Prisoner Euphemius , and having a prosperous wind , they in a few days arrived on the Coasts of fruitful Sicily , to the great joy of Sir Guy , it being the happy Port whereto his desires were directed ; but it happened clean contrary to his expectations , the scene of actions was quite alter'd there ; for soon after his departure from thence , to his expedition against the Instdels , the King of Sicily dyed , whereby the Crown came to the Princess Urania ; but one Nefario a potent Nobleman of that Country , and who had many Dependents belonging to him , of great worth and quality , raised a strong Rebelli●n against her , pretending ( as is the custom of Rebels ) the ill management of the affairs of the Kingdom , and so well had Fortune hitherto favoured his endeavours , that he had gained from the Queen several strong places , insomuch that many of her Captains seeing his success , revolted from her , and sided with him . Sir Guy understanding the badness of her affairs , prepared all he could for her spéedy relief ; and taking with him three hundred of his stouteff Souldiers , he marched with them towards the City of Syrac●●a , wherein he was informed she was besieged by a great Army of her Enemies . Willingly he would have given her notice of his arrival , but all places were so stopped that he could not possi●ly do it ; whereupon dividing his Men into two Companies , he gave the one of them to the Command of Captain Bolus , and the other he led himself , and so in the dead of the Night set upon the Enemies ; who not in the least dreaded any danger ; and now was nothing but cutting hacking and ●●ashing throughout the Camp , so that in every place you might see a throng of Carcases , whose liveless Eyes were closed with dust and death . Sir Guy remembring that he was now rescuing his dear Lady and Mistress out of the hands of Rebels , did with his Sword do wonders ; striking so thick and deadly , as if he meant the wounded Souldiers should ●ow to Charons Boat in streams o● their own blood . And now had the cryes and shrieks of the Souldiers alarum'd Nefa●io , who put himself forward to withstand this Inundation , which he perceived was ready to overwhelm all his former success●s . In the mean time Captain Bolus had taken an eminent Commander Prisoner , by whom he understood the state of the Army , whereupon joyning with Sir Guy , they with united Courage set upon Nefario , and that with such fury , that he not able to withstand them , was forced to give ground , whom Sir Guy did not eagerly persue , but sent a Messenger to the City to enform them of what was done , who thereupon presently issued out , killing many , and bringing in more Prisoners . But when the Queen Urania understood how Sir Guy was come to her aid , her joy was so great that she was transported therewith into an extasie , sending the chief of her Nobles presently unto him , for to conduct him to her presence , whom she no sooner beheld , but she ran to him , and embracing him said ; Thrice welcome to me my most Honoured Knight , who wer 't born for the good of our Country : O how are we bound to the immortal powers for thy preservation , and sending thee in this very nick of opportunity to do 〈◊〉 . Most Gracious Princess ▪ ( replyed Sir Guy ) I do 〈◊〉 greatest happiness that I can in any wise serve you , though I wish it had not been upon this occasion , but since it is so , let not this opportunity be slipped , but whilst the Enemy is in a maze , let us fall upon him with a resolution worthy the justness of our Cause . This proposition being with great reason applauded , the Souldiers were ordered to have a sudden refreshment , having been wearied in the late Fight ; the Quéen her self entertaining Sir Guy , who whilst he ●ed on those viands she brought him , she ●eal●ed her self in the contemplation of his admirable perfections . Whilst they were thus at their repast , they heard from a far the sound of Trumpets , at which they much marvelling , sent a Messenger to know what was the matter● ; who 〈◊〉 with this answer , that there were six thousand . The 〈◊〉 come to the Quéens aid : For King Alexander ●o●n ●ter his Cor●nation , hearing how the Quéen Urania was oppressed by her Rebellious Subjects , resolved to succour her , and to that end sent these six thousand Souldiers first , resolving if they would not do , to follow himself with a sufficient Army . Sir Guy hearing 〈◊〉 News sent word to them instantly to refresh themselves , and he would joyn his Forces with them to set upon the Revels ; whilst this general fear and consternation was upon them , and having joyned to him four thousand of the choicest Sicilians , he was marching to them , but behold a sudden change put a stop to his proceedings , for in their way they met with about a hundred of the adverse party who hearing that Sir Guy was come to the Queens rescue , knowing his manhood , not only by former exploits , but also by dear bought experience in the last Battle , to secrue their Lives and Fortunes at the Queens hands , they siezed on Nefario , and as a Peace-Dffering intended to present him a Prisoner to the Queen : Sir Guy understanding what they had done , sent a Herald to the residue , promising them the Queens Pardon if they would lay down their Arms and submit to her ; which undoubtedly they had done , but that at the very instant of time , Grimaldo , Brother to Nefario , was come to enforce his Army with ten thousand Souldiers more , which he had gotten up out of the adjoyning Countries there about ; but when he heard how his Brother was carried away by his own party , and of the defeat they had received the last night , he was very much troubled in mind ; but that his Army might not take , any notice of it , he encouraged them in the best wise he could , telling them such defeats were but the chance of War , and for his Brothers Imprisonment , it might be made good by taking some of the chiofest of the other side Prisoners : That now they had so far drawn their Swords , there was no other course to take but too throw away their Scabberds ; all hope of reconcilement with the Queen being clean taken away , and therefore no other means but to use their utmost Manhood , either to conquer or dye honourably ● With these and the like speeches did he so encourage the Revels , that when the Messenger came to them with the Queens pardon , it was rejected with scorn : which being mades known unto Sir Guy , he presently ioyned with the Thessalians , and having Complemented the chief Com 〈◊〉 〈…〉 encouraged the Souldiers in such a pithy Oration , tha● 〈…〉 their Caps , they gave such ● hollow , as the earth 〈…〉 the sound of the same . And now 〈…〉 faced each other , when presently began such a terrible fight , that Mars himself might , have been a 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 thereof . In one place stood a well ordered Body , of erected 〈…〉 a young Lea●-less Wood to oppose the invading ho●se In another place were banns of Archers , whose feathered Arrowes out-run the piercing Eye , and cut a passage through the flitting . air , repelling the Brains of the insulting Foe . Here stood Horses prancing with their feet , raising such clouds of dust , as covered the face of the darkned Sky , when presently Pikes , Bills and Darts , like a moving Wood , rushed against each other . The Horses angry in their Masters anger , with love and obedience brought forth the effects of hate and resistance , and with winds of serv●tude did as if they affected glory . And now all hands were busied in killing , and the poor Soldiers stood with fear of death , as dead struck ; the thirsty Earth drank up whole streams of blood , and mounts were made of slaughtered Carcases . Sir Guy did wonders that day with his Sword , sending thousands of souls to the Infernal Regions . As thus he made lanes of his Enemies dead Bodies , he came at last to meet with Grimaldo with whom he entered into combat , and notwithstanding his Body was enclosed about with glittering walls of Steel , yet made he such breaches therein , as Death had many ways to enter , and Life as many holes whereby to creep out ; and now Grimaldo craved for Mercy , which Sir Guy refused , saying , No Varlet , thou mightest have taken it when it was proffered thee , but now nothing but death can satisfie for thy disloyalty , and therewithal reacht him such a blow , as brought him headlong to the ground , and redoubling the same , the second sent him post hast to Prince Pluto , to keep company with his fellow Rebels . Grimaldo being thus killed the whole Army betook themselves to flight , whom Sir Guy and his Company persued in eager wise , killing and destroying whomsoever they overtook , without any remorse or pity , so that there was more slain in the chase then in the fight . Having obtained this signal victory , Sir Guy ordered a part of the Army to persue the residue of the Rebels , whilest he with the rest marched back unto the City : and now was such a universal joy amongst the Citizens as was not to be credi●ed ; all the way as Sir Guy passed along the streets , the people sending forth such loud Acclamations as the vast Air was deasited therewith , and that their joy should resound to the Antipodes . When they came to the Palace Gate they were met by the Queen , accompanied with a great Train of Ladies , and Nobles that attended on her ; before all which the Queen could not forbear , but taking Sir Guy about the Neck , gave him a kiss . My dearest Love , ( said she ) what recompence can our Country afford thee in retribution of such inestimable benefits , as the Divine Powers , by thy victorio●s Arms , have bestowed upon us ; how had our Weal beee b●ried in woe , our Plenty in penury , our Riches in ruine , hadst not thou rescued us from Rake-hells and Rebels . Consider this my Honoured Nobles , and so submit to him as your King , whom I intend very speedily to make my Husband . And so hand in hand they marched up to her Palace , were he was entertained with a stately Banquet ; Sir Guy behaving himself so affably and courteously to the Nobles and Ladies , that he wone their applause , they accounting him to be the very mirrour of true Magnanimity , and pattern of noble Chevalry . And now all things being thus quieted , and the two Princely Lovers assured of each others real affection towards one another , their hearts and minds were very well satisfied : The Thessalian Army being richly rewarded were sent home , and wi●h them an Honourable Messenger to King Alexander , to return him thanks for his aid , as also to invite him to the Wedding of Sir Guy , and the Quéen Urania , the prefixed day whereof was suddenly to be : And now till that long wished for day came , did they mix Times wings with pleasant discourses , and delightful Son●ess ; amongst others Sir Guy contemplating the perfections of his Mistress , breathed forth her Praises in this Sonnet : Appelles like when Nature did thee make , Sl●e view'd the Beauties of the Earth each one ; And from them all the best of all did take , That thou should'st not excelled be by none : And for to make thee super excellent , She joyn'd in one what many Beauties lent . And thus with Uenus beauty she endow'd thee , And Pallas like she wisdom to the gave , The Learning of Cornelia she allow'd thee , That thou no lack of any thing shouldst have , And more then thus thy better parts to grace , Infused a divine Soul to a fair face . Some ( though but few ) as beautiful may be , Others ( and those not many ) may as wise , Others may be as Learned , but in thee , All Natures Jewels in one Casket lies ; That who so views thy looks a Lover makes him , Either thy Vertues or thy Beautie takes him . The appointed day being now near at hand , the Nobles and Knights prepared a solemn Iusts to be holden against all comers , and many costly Pageants and delightful shews were prepared by the Citizens ; the Ladies got them many costly Iewels , and other rich Ornaments to adorn themselves against that day ; and to compleat the solemnity , King Alexander with a splendid Train of followers came to Sicily , who were most magnisicently entertained by Sir Guy and the Queen Urania . On the Marriage Morning , the Bride , and Bridegroom were saluted up with most sweet sounding Musick ; the Palace was hung round about with Garlands , and rich perfumes cast into fires , which gave a most odoriferous smell ; melodious Harps and Songs tickled the Ears with delight . In brief , every , thing was so well ordered as befitted such a Royal Solemnity . All the way as they went to the Temple , the ways were strowed with Flowers of Flora's chiefest pride , and the Priest having joyned them in Hymens Nuptial bands , as they returned , there was great store of money thrown amongst the poorer sort of people , that they also might participate the gladness of the day ; the Bells rang , Trumpets sounded , Cornets flourisht , and the Acclaimations of the people were so great , as would have silenced the 〈◊〉 , of thunder , shot from a divided Cloud . In this stately manner they marched back to the Palace , where was provided for them a most magnificent Dinner , which for variety of Dishes , and most artful , Dressing , is far beyond my skill to express , the variety of the Dishes being so many , as if this Feast would as the Floud destroy all sorts of Fowls and Beasts . The Afternoon was spent in Dancing , Masking , Rebelling , and other Delightful sports , until such time as Morpheus , the drowsie Sergant of the Night summoned them to Bed , there to take their Repose . Next Morning , no sooner had Aurora from the East displayed her purple dedr●●● and the rosie Morning drawn away his sable Curtain , and let in the day , but the Knights and Nobles prepared themselves to Iust ; Sir Guy , King Alexander , and the Queen Urania ; with divers Ladies and Péers , seating themselves on Scaffolds to behold the same : The first that entered the Lists was a Sicilian Knight named Sir Albert , mounted on a Horse of a fiery sorrel colour , with black féet , and black list on his back , who with open Nostrils breathed forth War before he could see an Enemy . His Armour was Green , like to the Earth , when it begins to put on its Summer Livery : In his Shield was pourtrayed the resemblance of a Garden , with divers springing flowers , and this Motto , still increasing . Against him entered a Corinthian Knight named Agelastus , mounted on a Milk white Horse , but that upon his Shoulders and Withers he was fr●ckled with red stains , as when a few Strawberries are scattered into a dish of Cream . His Armour was blood red , denoting terrour to his Enemies , and on his Shield was depensilled a Hawk siezed on a Pigeon , yet hurting it not , the Word was , True Glory the only prize . At the sound of the Trumpets ( which was by the appointment of two Reverend Iudges ) they ran fiercely against each other , breaking their staves with much gallantry , but at the second course Agelastus was driven quite from out of the saddle , which disgrace he would have revenged with his sword , but that the Iudges forbid it , it being quite contrary to the order set down . To revenge this disgrace , there entered the Lists a Laconian Knight named Lysander , riding on a Barbary Horse of a cole black , his Armour answerable to the same , representing the dark shades of night , through which yet peeped some stars , as if a comfortable day would ensue : On his Shield was pourtrayed the Goddess Fortune , who Janus like looked two ways , to denote that nothing in this World is so certain , but that if good went before , as ill might come behind ; the word was , the end Crowns all . These two encountered each other with such invincible courage , as made the Spectatours to surmize , that the Warlike Mars , and invincible Alcides were come to try their martial prowess upon Earth , and fighting thus with equal courage a long space , Sir Alberts Horse leaning hard upon the other , and wining ground , the other Horse féeling himself prest , began to rise a little before , as he was wont to do in his Cornet ; which advantage Sir Albert , taking set forward his own Horse with the further spur , so as Lysanders Horse came over with his Master under him , giving to Sir Albert the honour of the victory . Many other Knights and great Personages were by him worsted , as Sir Egre of Sparta , Don Zara of Argos , VVildamore of Creet , and many others : but as we have seen the Sun in a ●erene day disperse his Beams with great splendour , enlightening the World , to the content of all the beholders , and towards the Evening his radiant lustre set in a darkned Cloud ; even so the glories gained by Sir Albert were darkned by his last enterprize , with an encounter against an Arcadian Knight named Sir Selvador , who at such time as was the Ebb of day , when Phaebus bright Chariot had run past the proud Pillars of Alomena's Son , and with his Earth born shades began to cloath the Earth with night , entered the Lists , in an Armour representing only confusion , no piece answerable to the other , yet all so well compacted as if Art had made order in confusion . At the signal of the Trumpets sounding they set spurs to their Horses , encountering each other with such well guided valour and Courage , as showed them each to be a Master of Martial Prowess ; but at the third course it was Sir Alberts ill fortune to miss his Rest , which he could not recover , before Sir Selvador had met him , and by main strength cast him to the ground . The Honour of the day remaining thus to Sir Selvador , the approach of night put a period to those Martial exercises for that day , which yet were continued with manly courage and resolution for several days after . And now before King Alexanders return home to Thessaly , the Coronation of Guy with his Quéen Urania was appointed , which was performed with all art and splendour imaginable , which also made good the Prophesie that the Fairy Quéen had predicted of him , as we mentioned before in the 14 Chapter of the first part of this History . A Souldier bold , a man of wonderous might , A King likewise this Royal Babe shall dye : Three Golden Diadems in bloody fight , By this brave Prince shall also conquered be . The Towers of fair Ierusalem and Rome , Shall yield to him in happy time to come . The Coronation being thus over , King Alexander with his Retinue returned to Thessaly , being accompanied part of the way with King Guy , and his Queen Urania ; Captain Bolus also with the English Soldiers departed to their own Country , being highly rewarded by the King and Queen . And now here must we leave these worthy Captains to relate what befel to the Heroick Knight Sir David , after he was separated from his two Brothers in the storm , as you heard before said . CHAP. XIV . How Sir David and his Company were almost Famished with Hunger : How they came to the Isle Fortuna , where Sir David slew a Dragon , and delivered the Island Ancona from Enchantment . AFter the angry Seas had by the fury of the Tempest separated the three Brothers as you heard declared before ; The magnanimous Knight Sir David was with his Ship by the force of the storm driven upon unknown Seas , where they sailed for several days in great want and penury , being necessitated both for victuals and fresh water , having nothing but their own tears to quench their thirst , and ready to eat one another to satisfie their hunger Impetuous : Famine , that pinching fury so Lording it over them , as nothing was expected now , but to dye a lingring , and of all others the worst kind of death : The Sailers were grown so feeble they were not able to handle their Sails , and the Souldiers instead of encountring their Enemies , ready to embrue their hands in their fellows bloods , and like Cannibals to devour those whom they slew : The disconsolate Sir David seeing his Soldiers thus with weakned Limbs , and barking Stomachs , thus complained to himself . O you Immortal Powers , why did you reserve us thus from the hands of our Enemies , to perish by a more lingring and ignoble death ! O why was I born to see this day ; far better it had been for us to have been slain by the swords of the Insidels ; then had we dyed in the bed of Honour , and not thus miserably to end our Lives , by that which Valour cannot encounter , nor the stoutest Courage be able to resist . In this manner did the Noble Knight Sir David make his Complaint , but not willing the Souldiers should know his inward grief , he comforted them in the best wise he could , although his own hopeless misery could present no comfort to himself : But now at last , when all hope seemed 〈◊〉 , and every woe that could by despair be brought , presen●●d it self to the troubled thought , it chanced that one of the Company as he thought spyed Land , which he imparting to his f●llows , they upon view imagined the same , whe●●upon some sparks of comfort began to enter in at the crannics of their he●rts , and making towards it as well as their weak Bodies was able to guide the Ship , with much ado they got on Land , which ●o their great Comfort they found plentifully scored with Sheep , C●nies , and divers sorts of Fowls , with which they refreshed their almost famisht Bodies . Then searching up further into the Country , they found divers Trees leaden with Fruit , very delightful to the Eye , and seemed as delicious to the tas● , but no sooner had they eaten of it , but they presently fell down into a dead swound or trance , bereaved both of sense and motion , which put Sir David and the rest who had not tasted of it , into great grief and consternation of mind , thinking themselves only reserved from Famine , to dye by this strange and unknown operation of poysonous fruit . As they were thus deploring their miserable condition ; there presented himself to them an Aged Hermit , clothed in a long Gown of Gray , his Head covered with an hoary fleece , and his Silver Hairs speaking experience : In his hand he lead two pretty Children , a Boy and a Girl , whose tender looks plea●ed innocence . The old Gentleman without any fear came boldly up to them , demanding what chance had brought them thither ; whither not any mankind had come before in threescore years , save only that Boy he led in his hand , together with the Girl , who were brought thither by the working of the Sea in a little Boat , and by him miraculously preserved . Sir David with tears standing in his Eyes thus answered the Hermit : Most Reverend Father , we may well be said to come from the Land of Sorrow , our excess of grief scarce giving way to the relief of words , such has been our so pinching want of Victuals at Sea , and Death here on land as has deprived me of most of my followers ; for coming for succour unto this Island , the greatest part of my men by eating of some deadly fruit unknown unto them , were soon arrested by Natures bold Pursivant , grim gastly death , under whose dominion they lye , if no other remedy can be procured then what we have knowledge of . Most Courteous Knight ( replyed the Hermit ) both cause and cure are well known unto me , and which I shall experience to you presently : So desiring some part of them for to accompany him , he went unto a little Grove hard by , where grew great store of an Herb whose leaves were much like our English Sassafras , this Herb did he stamp betwixt two stones , and straining the juice of it into their mouths , who thus lay for dead , they presently revived , to the great joy and admirable wonder of Sir David and the rest of his followers : Those who were thus seemingly dead , reported after their reviving , what extraordinary things they had séen in their Trances , for the Nature of that Fruit ( belike ) was such , as they imagined to themselves that they were transformed to the shapes of sundry Beasts , as Bulls , Dogs , Wolves , and the like , and that they encountered strongly against each other . After congratulations for their happy revival , the Aged Hermit conducted them to his Cell , which was pleasantly seated by a Rivers side , that ran upon so fine and delicate ground , as one could not easily judge whether the River did more wash the Gravel , or the Gravel purifie the River ; the Banks on eiher side were fringed with most beautiful Trees , that resisted the Suns darts from over-much piercing the natural coldness of the River , which ran not forth right , but continually winding , as if it had a delight to play with it self . Here did the old Hermit fetch out what victuals he had , but that nothing suffiring , they killed some Sheep , Goats , and other Beasts , which they dressed in the old mans Cell . After they had sufficiently refreshed themselves , Sir David requested the old man to enform them where they were , and of the condition of the place , to which he readily condescended , and began after this manner , Know worthy Gentlemen , that this Island wherein you now are is called Fortunia , nor large for circuit , but plentiful , for sustenance , supplying with her abundance the Country of Ancona , not far distant from this Island , and of which once I was the unhappy Governour ; being blessed with a beautiful Wife , and more beautiful Daughter , named Estrilda ; Living for a long time together in great love and abundance of all Earthly Blessings , until the Fates envying our happyness , sent thither a famous Negromancer named Orpino , who rode in a burning Chariot , drawn by flying Dragons , and who was so expert in his Devilish Art , that all the Infernal Furies were at his command , and the subterranean Spirits obeyed his charms and spells . This wicked Magician tempted by the evil spirit Almodeus , burned in lust towards my Wife , and the better to accomplish his desires , having ingrat●ated himself in great favour at my Court ( for such then it was ) he thought nothing impossible to hinder his designs : But my Wife being as vertuous as she was beautiful , not only resisted his temptations , but also acquainted me with his lustful intentions ; whereupon I was resolved to sieze on him , and by severe Iustice to bring him to condign punishment ; but knowing the great power he had in the black Art , I was fearful in what manner to accomplish my desing ; At last I resolved to invite him to a Banquet , and after he had been fully in●briated with the juice of Bacchus , to have an armed Guard to set upon him , but in vain were all the attempts which I devised against him ; ●o● no sooner did they lay hands on him , but he was rescu●d by spirits , which presently appeared in a full Army , over-spreading the places thereabouts , and sending forth such horrour and amazement amongst all my people , as happy were they could get farthest off from their sight ; In these hellish shapes did they pursue my men all the Island over , not leaving till such time as there was not one man left but only my wretched self , whom they detained Prisoner : Then did these Infernal Spirits convey all the Male Children away , but all the Females guarded by divine protection , they had not the least power to hurt or touch . Next did he by his Magical Arts upon a Rock adjoyning to the Island , erect a Cittedel or small Castle , which is kept by a Dragon , that each morning out of his mouth sendeth forth such a poysonous breath , as killeth all the Males which are upon the Island , but over the Females his breath hath no power . Iust over against this Castle standeth a Pillar , whereon are inscribed these Uerses . VVhat Man so ere sets foot within this Isle , He by our Charms immediately shall dye , VVhich shall remain in force until the while , A Knight shall overcome the Enemy . For then great Orpins Charms and Spells shall cease , And then the Land shall peopled be in peace . Having proceeded thus far in his Devilish Arts , he next by his Spirits brought me into this Island , where I have now remained the space of ten years , not having the Company of any either Man , Woman or Child , save only of these two , which were sent to me in a most miraculous manner . For walking by the Sea-side one morning , at such time when the Heavenly Team begins his Golden Progress from the East , and guilds the Horizon with his radiance ; as I cast my Eye upon the briny face of Neptune , I behold something floating on that glassy deep , and staying to take better notice of it , I perceived it to be a Boat , which without the help of ●●●her Man or Oars made towards the shore , and being come near I drew it to land , wherein were laid these two Children fast asleep , and betwixt them a Tablet written in Letters of Gold , which contained these words . Left to Queen Chance two Babes of Knightly birth , Are to the rage of Wind add Seas exposed , If that they gain a habitable Earth , By this their Paredts dear may be disclosed ; Fonteious Children , whom Death Prisoner keeps , Their Mother in the Inchanted-Castle sleeps . Their Step-Father Sir Uuylon who did owe , A grudge unto them for their Mothers sake , To end their lives his malice did bestow , On whom the Queen of Chance did pity take : Declaring they shall by an English Knight , Restored be unto his Fathers right . Thus Fates decree , and those do strive in vain , Who ere they be to alter Fates decree , By unkown means our ends we oft attain , And furthest ways to thought , may nearest be . Learn then for to be just without offence , Heavens punish evil , protect innocence . Now from what place these Children came , I am as ignorant as they themselves , whose tender Age was such as made them incapable of any knowledge , either of Parents or Country ; yet was I much revived by the Writing , which promised there restoration by an English Knight , in which I also hoped my own was included ; wherefore ever since I have carefully brought them up , and fostered them in the best manner I could ; And now I hope is the time come about , wherein what was promised by the Queen of Chance will be performed ; not doubting but that such magnanimous resolutions as I see seated in your noble breasts , joyned with a just cause , will make you couragious to perform the adventure , and to free me from this tedious trouble and thraidom . Sir David hearing this story with much admiration , remembred how he and his Brothers had freed there Mother from the Enchanted Castle , as also of the knight , which told how Sir Vuylon had exposed these two Children to the mercy of the Sea , all which he related to the ancient Gentleman , and withal promised him his utmost endeavour for finishing the Enchantment , and restoring him again to the Island of Ancona . And now was much mirth and joy on all sides : Sir David was entertained into the Hermits Cell , together with as many of the prime Commanders as it would sufficiently sustain ; the rest of the Soldiers cut down boughs from trees , and therewith made them Hutts to shelter them from the heat of the Sun , when his hot Steeds from their Nostrils vomit flame on the parched Earth : Sheep and Goats they killed abundance , so that there was store of boyling , broyling , frying , roasting , stewing , and other ways of dressing dishes to refresh their Bodies , after their sore and bitter hunger sustained at Sea. This continued for a weeks space together , but then Sir David remembring his promise made to the Aged Hermit , he buckled on his Armour , and putting himself into his Ship-boat , rowed with two Marriners , and guided by the Old Hermit , he undauntedly landed before the Inchanted Castle , and marched directly towards the Gate thereof , whither no sooner he was come , but the Dragon most fiercely issued out , when presently began betwixt them the most fierce encounter that ever was heard of , so that to describe it to the full I want the skill of Orpheus , that sweet Thracian singer , or the invention of Homer , in describing the battles of the Greeks and Trojans . The Dragon most furiously assailed Sir David , séeking to catch him in her paws , which he nimbly avoided , and lent the Dragon many blows , who lifting up her head , ●ought to throw the whole weight of her Body upon Sir David , which he perceiving , slipping aside , gave her a wound on the Belly , wherein she only was penetrable , and made her give forth a hid●●us yell ; which advantage Sir David espying , he thrust his sword into her mouth , which she so strongly bit with her Teeth , that had it not béen made of the purest Lydian steel , if would have been in great danger of being bitten in two , so that Sir David to draw it out was forced to use great strength , but withal it so cut her Tongue , that the poysonous blood came pouring forth of her mouth , which so enraged the Dragon that turning her about she gave him such a blow with her Tayl , as made him to stagger , and as if stounded , the Sword was ready to drop out of his hand , so that the aged Hermit and the two Marriners , who all this while sat in the Boat to behold the Combat , began to doubt of the success thereof : but Sir David recovering himself , against she came to assail him again with her Tayl , taking his sword with both his hands , he struck such a stroak as cut off two yards in length of her Tayl : And now the Dragon being thus wounded , began to use her first play , and sought to sieze upon Sir David with her paws , but her strength was so enfeebled through the loss of so much blood , that her force availed her not : On the other side Sir David gathering strength at the sight of her weakness , ran against her with all his might , and by main force tumbled her all along , and ere she could recover , thrust his sword into divers parts of her Belly , which was as big as any Tun , and in colour like to the burnisht Gold , whereout issued such abundance of poysoned filth , and withal strunk so abominably , as not able to endure it , he retreated to the Boat , who were ready to receive him , where they beheld how the ugly Monster rolled about in his own goar , and beating the Earth with the remainder of her Tayl , until at last she dyed , when was heard a mighty clap of Thunder , and immediately the Castle vanished away . No sooner had they beheld the Castle vanished , but they put forth to land , where Sir David on his knees gave thanks to the Immortal Powers for his Uictory , and then going up higher into the land , they came to a little Uillage , the Inhabitants whereof were greatly astonished , some of the younger sort thereof having never seen a Man 〈◊〉 in 〈…〉 ●hose that were elder , in not many years 〈…〉 understood that the Queen Wife to the 〈…〉 and that her Daughter the beautiful 〈…〉 the 〈◊〉 ; whereupon they determining to go 〈◊〉 the young 〈…〉 Marri●ers back for the 〈…〉 Company to 〈◊〉 ●long with them . Now whilst they 〈◊〉 their , many of the Country came to see them , some of the 〈◊〉 of 〈◊〉 remembering their King , fell down at the aged Hermits 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 to have seen that day they might behold again 〈…〉 ; Then was great enquiry made for the rest of the 〈◊〉 , 〈◊〉 for their 〈◊〉 , some for their Brothers , and other 〈…〉 , to whom the Aged King Antenor , for such was his name ▪ 〈◊〉 by which Title we shall now call him could give no other account , but that he could give no account of them at all . In the mean time some of them had posted to the Court , and acquainted the young Queen where her Father was , who at first could not believe their reports , such an unlikelyhood did the truth of the story carry with it ; but being confirmed by so many , at last she believed what she most desired to be true , and taking with her som of the ch●●●est of her Maidens , she hasted to him with all the speed she could ; but it was a most rare sight to behold into what wonder and admiration they were both stricken at the first sight of each other : for she having never seen a man before that she could remember , thought his long Beard and other attire most strange to behold , and he on the other side having not seen her in so many years , the remembrance of her was quite out of his memory . However , she having been instructed in the honour that Children should do to their Parents , humbled her self to him on her ●nees , whom he most lovingly embraced ; and now tears through the ever excess of joy , st●pped for a while the passage of their speech , at last the King Antenor spake as followeth . Most dear Daughter , in wh●●● sight me thinks I behold the perfections of thy Mother , the joy which I have to behold thee is enough to blot out all the story of my misfortune , for what thing can there be under the Heavenly Canopy that can bring more gladness to my Soul , or can present my Genius with a fuller blandishment of transportation , then by pouring my self forth into Labyrinths of joy to behold the jem of my desires , whom I despaired ever to have seen , but now that I have seen thee I have my desire . and shall the more willingly descend to my Geave , when I shall lye every minute expecting deaths sad summons . Much other talk had they concerning the death of the Queen , and of what occurrences had passed in the mean space ; all which time Sir David beheld the Princess Rosetta with admiration , so that Love through his Eyes stole into his Heart , and there took a full possession , becoming so enamoured of her , that an old man doth not love his heaps of Gold with a more doting superstition then he doted on her perfections , and so becoming Loves Chaplain , thrust himself into that yoak , which is justly termed the Harbinger of all unrest , a freezing fire , pleasing flame , fond fancy , and self chosen snare , but having not an opportunity now to disclose it , and the Queen inviting them to her Palace , whilst they were preparing to set forwards the rest of the Ships company came up to them , together with the two Thracian Children destined to destruction by Sir Vuylon , and who were preserved by Antenor as you heard before . All the way as they went to the Palace , they were entertained with great joy , a Troop of Maidens cloathed all in white , going before them with Timbrels in their hands , with which they played very melodiously , singing of Songs , and answering one another in pleasant Roundelays : The people all the way as they passed came flocking about them , the younger sort wondring at the Men , as if they were Monsters , and the Men wondring as much to behold in every place nothing but Women . The Quéen Rosetta entertained Sir David with very high respects , who returned her kindness with obliging Civilty . The chiefest Commanders were accommodated with Tents peculiar to themselves , and stored with delicious Uiands and Wines . Nay the very meanest Soldiers were so well gratified and entertained , that they thought themselves very much obliged both to the Queen ; and the rest of her Subjects . In this condition we will leave them for a while , to tell you what happened soon after in the Island . CHAP. XV. How Sir David was Married to the Queen Rosetta , how he over came the remnant of the Pagan army : Sir Pandrasus with his men landing in Ancona ; and how they hanged a Sagittary upon a Tree . COnquering and imperious Love had so wounded the heart of Sir David , that he could take no rest day nor night ; all sports and pastimes seemed tedious to him , and he gave himself over to such excessive melancholly that he seemed like a Status , had not his sighs breathed from his heaved-up heart , showed it to be a kind of living death ; yet were his afflictions so merciful to him , that his very tears were of a soveraign use , which as they gushed forth , seemed to quench those flames his Mistresses Eyes had kindled , which otherwise would have scorcht him to ashes In thislingring kind of life did he live for some time , seeking to suppress those passions which Love had kindled in his Breast , but the more he strove to suppress it the more it encreased , so that not able any longer to contain himself , finding a fit opportunity when Rosetta was alone , he brake his mind to her in this manner . Madam , I see so many perfections residing in you , that not to love you would argue a stupidity of knowledge , and obliges me to honour your excellent endowments to the utmost of my power ; for believe me Madam , my desires are good , and my wishes flow from a sincere affection towards you , that if you please to yield to me your Love , you shall find me both constant in affection towards you , faithful to deal Honourably with you , and Loyal , not to do any thing that shall be disagreeable to your will. Most Courteous Knight ( replyed the Queen ) to whose valour we are so much indebted , as we want words to express a due thankfulness for what you have done for us ; for your suit in love though it be a thing strange unto me , as not acquainted with any Men before your coming hither ; so cannot I promise you any thing in it , as not being at my own disposal , my Father and Country claiming a knowledge thereof , before I give a final consent to a thing of such consequence ; yet as I would not have you hope too much ( since your merit might command more ) so would I not have you to despair , since you shall not find me who am most concerned in it , the most ob●oxious to your suit ; Account me no● ( Dear Sir ) over sound in my expressions , since such high deservings , joyned with such Manhood and Courtesie , cannot but attract ●●willing acceptance of that which is so vertuously offered . ●h●y second self , ( said Sir David ) my ambition is no higher to 〈◊〉 but by a Ladder of desert ; though all I can do , were it far ●●gher then what I have already done , must needs come far short 〈◊〉 the enjoyment of so divine a Jewel as your self . As he would cave proceeded further , the King Antenor missing the company of Sir David , in which he took a most special delight came unto them , and linding Sir David in parley with his Daughter , he p●●asantly said to him . Most worthy Chief●ain , if you are as fortunate in conquering ●● Amours as you are at Arms , it is not in the power of ●●y Lady to withstand thee , and therefore Daughter it is in vain to resist the ●●nshot of his Eloquence , ●nce his Arguments like Arrowes , are not swister of ●light then sure of aim . Sir , said Sir David , if ●ny Eloquence were as able to conquer as her Beauty , I should not despair of obtaining the victory : Rosetta smiling said , in the conjunction of so many Arts and Arms , it is no disgrace at all to be conquered . Whilst they were thus discoursing , there came riving towards them a Woman on Horse-back , who by the haste that she made proclaimed that her errand was of great importance ; and so it proved , for coming near to them , she cryed out , Arm , arm , with all the speed you can , for Enemies are upon our Coast , who have already done much mischief , and if not prevented are like to do much more . These Enemies which thus mulested this Island , were the residue of the Pagan Army , which had escaped from the Battle fought against them by the Christians , and were conducted by the Horse-faced Tartar who had escaped from the sword of Sir Guy as we told you before in the seventh Chapter . These vagabond fugitives being headed by this Monster , as also by a Sagittary , who came with the Prince of Tripoly , having gotten some Ships intended to escape to Persia , but by a storm at Sea 〈◊〉 driven they knew not whither amongst several Islands , 〈◊〉 they maintained themselves by robbing , killing , and other 〈◊〉 wayes handling the Inhabitants , who joyning 〈◊〉 , ●●t upon them , and by the slaughter of same of them for●ed the rest no put forth to Sea again , After several 〈◊〉 , they chan●ed to land on this Island , upon which 〈…〉 set foot , but they ●e●● to their old trad● 〈…〉 , so that the affrighted Inhabitants 〈…〉 ●earful Sheep from before the devouring 〈…〉 understanding of what had passed , commanded 〈…〉 sently to arm , and taking a gentle farewel of Rosetta 〈◊〉 nor , he marched directly against the Pagans , being 〈…〉 Woman which brought the news . As he marched along he ●as met by divo●s women , who all fled from the mercuess 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 their Enemies , p●●●ing for the good success of the English , in 〈◊〉 vnto was 〈◊〉 depended all the hopes of their safety . The Pagans ●●●ing none but women to oppose them . ●●●ught themselves 〈◊〉 , and therefore never minded their 〈◊〉 , but 〈◊〉 to eating , drinking ravishing of women , and all 〈…〉 that a barbarous Nation could act ; when Sir David with h●s men let upon them , killing and destroying them a● their pleasures : The Horse-faced Tartar and the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 this , be●ook them to their swift paced b●●ls , thinking to g●t 〈◊〉 in their Ship , but there was none to help them put 〈◊〉 to Sea , so that being persued by a party of Soldiers , they were both ●●ken Prisoners , and carried in triumph back to Sir David , who with the rest of the soldiers had by that t●●e wearied their ●rms and biunted their swords with the slaughter of those In●idels , ●● that few or none of them were le●t remaining But now all the wonder and amazement of each person was to behold the strange shapes of these two Monsters , 〈◊〉 as much Beasts as men ; and therefore the better to secare them ; and that they might freely be beheld of the people , the 〈◊〉 made them a great wooden Cage , which 〈…〉 , they drew about with them whitherso●ver they 〈◊〉 , and in this manner they led them along until they came to the 〈…〉 , where Sir David and his Men were entertained 〈…〉 ●●ble joy : And now did the Queen Rosetta manifest her 〈◊〉 by the kind reception she made Sir David , which she 〈…〉 , that not only her Father , but 〈◊〉 of the 〈…〉 attended on her took notice of it ; Love 〈◊〉 of 〈…〉 ●ire , which cannot he h●d , unless it be deeply 〈…〉 of 〈◊〉 , yet this was the 〈…〉 not any that thought but wisht it so , 〈…〉 declared by he great content they received at the ●●ly méer report thereof ; but when it was made known to King Antenor , he was overjoyed at the news , desiring it might be consummated as soon as possible . And now all hands were preparing to do something worthy such a Solemnity , some in making Tents to feast in , some in preparing choice Uiands to feast withal , others tuning their Instruments against the day came ; and because there was no Men for the exercise of Arms , either for Iusts or Turnaments , as at such cases commonly used to be ; it was concluded for the divertisement of the Spectators that there should be a battle ●ought betwixt the Horse-faced Tartar and the Sagittary ; in order to which a square place was railed in with ropes , with seats of curious workmanship for the Gentlemen and Ladies to sit and behold it . All things being thus prepared , upon the prefixed day the Bridegroom and Bride were led in great state unto the Temple , he attended with a choice Band of English Soldiers , and she waited on by a Troop of beautiful Ladies ; after the Priest had joyned their hands in holy Wedlock , they were conducted back in the same state as they went , all the people sending forth loud acclamations of joy : At their return to the Palace they were feasted in most sumptuous manner , all the Afternoon being spent in Dancing , Masking , and such like revellings . Next Morning was designed for the combat betwixt the Tartar and Sagittary , to behold which Antenor , Rosetta , Sir David , and all the chief of the English Commanders , and Ancona Ladies took their places on the stages provided for them : About nine of the Clock the two Combatants were brought forth . the Tartar had on a quilted Iacket , wrought full of eylet-holes , at every of which hung a N●●le fastened by thread : On his Head for a Helmet he wore a Cap made of Tortoise shells , and so interwoven with steel wire , that it was not penetrable ; he was armed with an Ebon Iavelin , headed with steel , yet something blunted , as designed more for sport then hurt . The Sagittary had on a Garment made of a Panthers skin , so hard and tough as no sword would pierce it , his Iavelin was of Laconian Ash , stud●ed with Ivory , with a head of burnisht Silver . Great was the expectation of the Spectatours concerning this combat , but they knewing that their own ruine was only intended for the mirth of others , resolved rather to spend their lives to the destruction of their Enemies , and therefore m●●bly leaping ore the rails , despight of all opposition that could be made , they hasted away as swift as if their Ueins ran with Quick Silver , turning about as doth a Swallow , being here and there , and there and here , and yonder , and all at once . Sir David and the other men of war seeing the agility of the Monsters , thought it high time to bestir themselves , and thereupon getting on Horse-back made what speed they could after them , but their ●light was swift as if they had been freed from the dregs of the Earth , and were as nimble as Fairy Elves , so that in an instant they had lost the sight of them . And now being at liberty , and thus armed ; they made each place they came at a stage of slaughter , so that they might be followed by the tracts of mischief , which every where they did ; and though Sir David and the other pursuers were oftentimes very near them , yet could they not fasten on them , nor hinder them from doing an extraordinary deal of mischief . It happed at that very same time that Sir Pandrasus with his warlike Danes having been a long time tossed about on the Sea , and relieved at some of the Islands where those Pagans had been plundering before , they in requital of such courtesies promised to persue after the Instdels , and to revenge the outrages they had done them , and hearing they made towards this Island , they followed after , not knowing that Sir David , or any Englishman was upon the Coast. Great was the wonder both of the English and Danes to see one another so unexpectedly , but the English informing the Danes of their chase after the two Monsters , they resolved to joyn with them in the persuit . The Danes had at that time in their Ship a Scythian Dog , more stou●er of courage then an English Mastiff , and far swifter then an Irish Greybound : This Dog being fetched from the Ship , they led in a string until they came within view of the Monsters , who were still practising their old Trade of mischief . The Dog being let loose ran with as nimble speed as shafts fly from a Parthian Bow , or as if his flight were supplyed by wings ; and now the Monsters were to seek in their shifts , for the Dog seen overtaking them , siezed on the Sagittary , who roared like a Bull , striving ( but in vain ) to disentangle himself of the Dog. In the mean time the Horse-faced Tartar ●●●dded away as 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 as a well driven Javeelin flies , or as a 〈◊〉 persued the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Sir David with some others 〈◊〉 on the Sagit 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 commanded him to be hanged upon the next Tree , and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Sir Pandrasus , and those others who were nimblest 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 persued after the Tartar , who now more wary by 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , stayed not in any place that they should not 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 him , never ceasing till he came to a Rock near to the 〈◊〉 , in which espying a hollow 〈◊〉 or Cave he crope therein , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 sheltered himself for a time . Escaping 〈◊〉 their hands , after much 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in rain for 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 taking order for a watch 〈…〉 the World , that he might do no further mischief , 〈…〉 the Court , who went along with him , accompanied with several Dares of great rank and quality , and were most courteously received by Queen Rosetta , who thought her self the happyest Woman , and most favoured of Lady Fortune , that had sent her such a noble Hero to her Husband , who had doubly rescued her Country from destruction . After two or three days spent in feasting and no news heard of the Tartar , it was judged by all that he had drowned himself in the Sea and therefore they began to cease watching more after him : And therefore that Sir Pandrasus with the flower of the Da●ish Commanders were there , it was concluded on to Crown Sir David King of Ancona ; and all those Islands which belonged to it , which Antenor was the most forward to do seeing in Sir David such excellent accomplishments both of Body and Mind , as showed him to be rather descended of the Gods , then the off-spring of a humane Creature . The day prefixed for the Solemnity being come , before the Palace Gate a stately show was presented , performed by three English Knights , three Danish , and six Ancona Ladies ; who in a kind of Warlike Dance seemed to contend ; the Knights amongst themselves which of their Ladies was the most beautiful , and the Ladies which of their Knights was the most Ualourou● : This was done in a kind of a double Matachin Dance , for every single one had two Enemies ; at last there issued to them a Shepherd and a Nymph , who were to decide all the Controversi●e which they did in a Dialogue Song , of which this was the Conclusion of every Uerse . Valour doth Beauty honour and regard , And Beauty is to Valour a reward . Many other devices they had , with other stately Pageants and shows all the way they went to be Crowned , where ascending a Scaffold prepared for that purpose , and Sir David and Rosetta placed on two rich Thrones , after some set Speeches and Ceremonies used , two Boys in the shape of Angels descended from the Battlement with each a Crown in his hand , which they placed on the Heads of Sir David and Rosetta , which was no sooner done but the people gave a shout , crying , Long live David and Rosetta , King and Queen of Ancona , with all the Islands belonging thereto . Then did the Trumpets sound , and several sorts of Instruments play , which being finished , they marched back again in great state unto the Palace , where was provided a most sumptuous Banquet , in which neither Art nor Cost was wanting to please the Appetite of each several Guest . In the Afternoon was a Iusts held betwixt an English Knight , and a Dane , which was performed with such valour and resolution , as gave great satisfaction to the beholders , and gained great honour to themselves . And thus Sir David being Crowned King , was fulfilled the third Prophesie which the Fairy Queen had predicted on him , being this which follows ; The Muses darling for true sapience , In Princes Courts this Babe shall spend his dayes , Kings shall adimre his Learned Eloquence , And write in brazen Books his endless praise : By Phallas gift he shall atchieve a Crown , Advance his Fame , and list him to Renown . The rest of the Afternoon of this Coronation day was spent in variety of pastimes , each one studying some quaint device to set forth the glory of so magnificent a triumph ; and thus they continued until such time as the midnight Bell with his Iron Tongue and Brazen Mouth , proclaimed the night was ●●r spent , which summoned every one to their Beds , where we will leave theis for the present , and afterwards present to you what happened the next Morning . CHAP. XVI . The taking of the Horse-faced Tartar , as also of the Negroman●er Orpine , the Relation of Sir Pandrasus , concerning his strange Adventures after his departure from the Seven Champions of Christendom . NExt Morning no sooner had Aurora kissed the perfumed Cheeks of dainty Flora , and that the Sun had taken repossession of the Hemisphear , heaving his Golded Locks from of the Pillow of his Saffron Bed ; but they were alarum'd with the dreadful outeryes and shrickings of several Women , who in great multitudes came running towards the palace ; for the Tartar constrained by hunger to come out of his hole , ranged up and down for sustenance , and finding none to resist him but fooble Women , he fell again to his occupation of rapine and mischief : This being made known to those Noble Commanders , they presently armed themselves for the encounter , but only with offensive not defensive Weapons , as knowing their enterprize to consist more in persuing then fighting . They took also with them the Scythian Dog to whose swiftness they trusted more then any thing else , knowing that catching of him was half the Uictory . Marching in this Equipage , more like to Hunters than Soldiers , they spread themselves about , but the chiefest of them kept together , going in that Road they were directed by the affrighted Women , when at last they spyed him upon a Hillock , whose barking Stomach was gurmandizing upon a Sheep which he had newly siezed on , but having a sight of his persuers , he left his ●rey , and run away as swift as a Stag , who scorning the Earth with his h●●●s , runs from the shrill cryes of the full mouthed Pound ; but the Scythian Dog having gotten a sight of him , 〈◊〉 after as swift as the slight of Ligthening through the Air , so that in an instant he had nigh overtaken him , which the Tartar perceiving , turned about , and seeing he must dye , resolved yet to give one breath of Ualour before his expiring ; and with his Ebon Iavelin ran against the dog with all his might , and gave him a wound upon the shoulder , whereupon the dog nimbly turning about , slew upon his face , and catching hold of his ●a● made him bellow most hideously , and rising up on their hind féet tumbled over one another , in which fall the Tartar got his ear lose from the dog , and withal gave him a wound on the flank ; but then the dog catched him by the leg , and there held him till the Company came up to him ; who siezed on him , and sending for the wooden Cage wherein he was before , put him into the same again , and carrying him back to the Palace , hung it upon one of the arms of a stately Oak where he remained for a spectacle for the people to gare on . Whilst they were thus bus●ed about the Tartar , another Party who had béen out in search for him , returned , bringing with them the Negromancer Orpine , whose Charms and Spells upon Sir Davids conquering his Inchanted Castle , became of no effect ; so that now instead of riding in his burning Chariot drawn by Dragons , he vagabond like wandered about upon his fort , being almost starved for want of su●●enance , dreading to come near any Habitation , his wicked life being so notorious as deserved no pity nor compassion . Antenor seeing him could hardly forbear running him through with his sword , such a deep impression had the wrongs he received imprinted on him : Nor would the Negromancer have been unwilling to dye , had not the fear of going to a worser place made him willing to enjoy the priviledg of breath a little longer . But that they might make his life as uncomfortable to him as he had made others to them , they clogged him with Irons , and casting him into a Dungeon , there sustained him with bran and water : and now lying in this deplorable condition , he breathed forth this doleful lamentation . O Heavens , why do you thus prolong my life in misery ? what heart so flinty that will not grieve to hear my mones , being the direst Tragedy that ever challenged wonder , which who so hears his Eyes may spare to weep , and learn to bleed Carnation tears . VVho can look upon my woes but must there in behold the prospect of consuming grief , for there is nothing can sooner make a worker of miracles , then to see that there is any thing like to my ill fortune : Come then death and end my miseries , if so be that death could end it ; but how can he think to come to Heaven that always travelled the road to Hell ; how can he think to converse with the Heavenly Hierarchy of Angels , whose practise was only to converse with infernal Spirits : O the horrors of a guilty Conscience ! the pains of Sisiphon , Ixion , nor Tantalus , are not comparable unto mine , and yet should I end this misery , alas it is but the beginning of a worse , and this momentary death but an entrance into eternal death ; O what hath my wicked ambition brought me to ! what my desire of revenge , but a worse plague upon my own head . In this manner complained the woful Orpine , wishing for death , yet afraid to dye ; loathing life , yet desirous to live ; such was the miserable condition of this wicked wretch , fréezing in fire , and burning in ice ; feeling greivous tortures without , and more within , through the horrour that he had deserved it . And now that the Monster and Negromancer were both secured , for joy thereof Antenor prepared a costly Banquet , to which were invited King David and Queen Rosetta , with Sir Pandrasus , and the chief of the English and Danish Captains : After the Banquet was ended , King David desired Sir Pandrasus to give him a relation of his Travels after they had parted from the Christian Army , to which he readily condescended , and began as followeth : Know then most worthy audience , that after we had taken our ●eave of those Magnanimous Heroes , the seven Champions of Christendom , whose names shall live for ever inroled in the Books of Fame ; we intended to steer our course directly for Denmark , whose fruitful Banks we greatly longed to behold ; but Fates had otherwise decréed , for our Pilot being unskilful in those Seas , after much wandrings to and fro , we at last arrived in an Island named Bar●ona the VVarlike , for that both King and People of the same inure themselves continually to the exercise of Arms , and whither people from all places resort as unto a school of War. Here were we courteously entertained ; the next day was held a solemn Iusts , wherein the King and twelve others , where Challengers against a Prince of a bordering Island , and twelve of his partners , in these conflicts were broken betwixt the parties five hundred and eight Spears : On the next day was kept a Turnament for all persons to try their Ualour , which was done with great Courage and Magnanimity on both sides ; this bring done ●●ey fought with much eagerness and Courage at the Brariers , and in these exercises did they commonly spend their time . After some Communication had with the King of our Travels and Adventures ; he knowing us to be Soldiers , and that I was Commander in chief , challenged me to Iust with him , and to that purpose furnished me with Horse and Arms : at these Iusts it chanced by shivering of a Spear , that one of the spi●nters entering the Kings Helmet pierced his Brain . so that he fell down presently dead : The Nobles seeing their King thus killed were in a marvellous rage , and vowing revenge , sought to lay their hands upon me , but I perceiving their intentions , defended my self as well as I could ; so that some blowes began to be dealt amongst us , when my men seeing what danger I was in , armed themselves , and stoutly stood in my defence : And now much mischief might have ensued , had not one of the ancient Noblemen stept in betwixt them and us , and desiring us to forbear until such time as he had spoken a few words , he then delivered himself in this manner . Let not Dear Friends , sudden Passions so prevail over Reason as without Causes throughly weighed , and mature deliberation taken , to engage in such a quarrel wherein the Victor must needs suffer : Here is nothing of premeditated malice , and shall we go about to murther those for doing that which they themselves wish had never been done , therefore in seeking to do justice to the dead , let us not go about to do injury to the living ; but that without any more mischief , we may argue the case by Argument rather then Arms , since it is a well known approved Maxim , That where the Sword bears sway , Iustice for that time hath no place . This Proposition was well received on both parts , and the next day was the time appointed wherein all Controversie should be decided , which being come , and the matter argued , I was acquitted by the most of those who were then present , as a thing only accidental to the exercise of Arms ; but whilst these things were arguing in a large Plain before the Kings Palace Gate , which was the place where the accustomed Iusts used to be held , there came a Trumpeter attended with two other persons ●●ad in Armour , one of them being of a Eigantick stature , who declared , that hearing of the Martial Prowess of this King Eelphegor , ( for so was he named ) they came on purpose to try their Manhood with him . The Nobles with a sad Countenance declared unto them the mischance which had be●allen their King ; how ever they told them their Challenge should be answered , and I requested I might have the honour to Iust with him in the biggest Armour , which was granted , and one of the Nobles who was most eager in prosecuting me , undertook the other , and so we prepared for the encounter . I was mounted on the same Horse , and in the same Armour , wherewith I had Iusted against the King , with which I entered the Lists , wherein I had not been long , but my Antagonist came , riding on an Iron-Gray Horse , of a marvellous great strength and bigness , his Furniture was made into the fashion of the branches of a Tree , from which the Leaves were falling , and so artificially were the Leafs made , that as the Horse moved , it seemed indeed that the Leafs wagged , as you may behold when Zephyrus with a Gentle breath plays with them . His Armour was black , and in his Shield he had for his device a Phaenix rising out of her spi●●y Nest , with this word , Vertue ever lives . At some little distance from us , did the Nobleman and other Champion also enter the Lists , well prepared to encounter each other : At the Trumpets sounding we set spurs to our Horses , and with eager fury each one assailed his Adversary ; and here I must confess did I use my utmost endeavour for obtaining the victory , not only out of desire of Glory to encounter with so potent an Adversary , as also to regain the good opinion of the Natives , which now I seemed to have lost : Whilst each of us thus strived for the palm of Uictory , and to purchase Fame by our well deservings , we more wearied our selves then got any advantage each of other , and in this equal fight did we continue until such time as the parted day held an equal ballance betwixt the foregoing and ensuing light , and that bright Phoebus had half way mounted to the highest story of his Olympick Palace . And in this equal condition of fight we both parted , when I greatly desiring to know who it was that had so valiantly encountered with me , he pulling off his Helmet , to my great wonder , I found him to be the Gyant Wonder , who come with us out of the Land of Denmark , and that his second , a Captain who came likewise along with us : Hereupon we most lovingly embraced each other . Now you must understand that when we parted from the Seven Champions , as I told you before , we embarked in two Ships , but it chanced that that Ship wherein he was , in the night time , running upon a Rock was split in pieces , most of them perishing in the Sea , only he with some few others getting astride upon the main Mast , by the favourable working of the Sea , were driven on shoar in a small Island near adjoyning , the Inhabitants whereof received them kindly , and furnished them with such necessaries as they wanted . Long had he not béen there , but hearing of the Renown of King Belphegor aforesaid , he sold some Iewels which he had reserved from the wrack of the Sea , and with his Companion putting themselves into Armour , came to try their Fortunes at the Island of Barcona , and where it was my chance to encounter with him , as I have declared unto you . Here did we stay until the exequies of the King was over , whose Funeral was Solemnized with all the Kites that belong to Martial Discipline . Afterwards we were feasted by several of the Nobles : at one of which feasts a Gentleman there present was declaring that in an Island not far off , was a Fountain of pure Wine , both delicious to the Taste ; and extraordinary wholesome to the Body ; about whose Banks grew Trees that bear Fruit which healed all manner of Sores and Diseases whatsoever , This Fountain was guarded by a Gyant , and a Lyon of a monstrous proportion , and for the more defence thereof surrounded with a Wall of such stupendious height that it was impossible to climb over it . Having no entrance but only a narrow Wicket , which was so ordered by Negromancy that only two at a time should enter therein , for so it was declared by a Tablet , which hung over the Wicket , to this effect ; Two for to try their Valour here may venture , But a third person is forbid to enter . Sir VVonder and I having heard this Relation , resolved to undertake the enterprize , and declaring our minds unto the Company , they applauded us for our Heroical Resolutions : So the next day , being furnished with Armour according to what we desired , guided by the Gentleman who had given us the relation , we came before this inchanted Fountain , and having read the Writing , we spyed by the side of the Wicket a Silver Horn , for them to blow which would have entrance ; which Sir VVonder putting to his Mouth , it gave forth a sound as loud as when Canons disgorge their fiery vomits , or that which Nilus maketh when the water falls from the precipitated Cataracts , when immediately the Wicket opened of it self , and no sooner were we entered but it shut again of its own accord ; being thus entered , we heard the Lyon send forth such a hideous y●il , as for the noise thereof might be heard to Antipodes : Whereupon we prepared our selves for the encounter , and high time it was , for immediately we perceived both the Gyant and Lyon come marching against us . The Gyant had on a Coat of Mail , of a wonderful strength and goodness , with an Daken Tree in his hand for a Club : The Lyon had on his Neck a Coller of Bras● , wherein the Negromancer had written these Uerses ; Who me doth overcome , he for his pain The Conquest of the Fountain shall obtain . The Lyon came directly towards me , and the Gyant marched against Sir Wonder ; and began a most terrible con●lict on all sides , for knowing our Lives depended on the success we obtained , there needed no spur to whet on our Courage : The Lyon being most nimble , came first up to me , thinking with his paws to have fastened upon me , but I nimbly avoiding his grasps , which I knew to be deadly , stepping aside , gave a side blow against his Kibbs , which being as hard as Brass , or as impenetrable as the Adamant stone , which nothing can soften but the blood of Goats , wrought no effect upon him , only made him a little to stagger . The Gyant on the other side came flourishing with his Dak against Sir Wonder , intending with one stroke to have made a separation betwixt his Soul and Body , but ere he could strike , Sir Wonder gave him such a blow on the Elbow , as he had well near dropt the Club out of his hand . The Lyon having missed his aim at me , with a short turn whisking his Tayl about , gave me such a blow on my Waste , that I was almost half perswaded I was cut in two by the middle ; but recovering my self , I thrust at him with my Iavelin ; which notwithstanding it were made of the strongest Ash , yet shiverd into a thousand spl●●●ters ; whereupon drawing my Sword , and the Lyon coming siercely at me , I gave him such a blow on the fore-leg , as cut it well near half way off ; but in the mean time the Gyant had so wounded Sir VVonder , that he began to ●aint , which I perceiving , thought it high time to use my etmost endeavour , and striking at the Lyon with all my might , it was my chance to cut him a déep gash on the Eye , whereupon he roated most horribly , and retreating back , gave me opportunity to succour Sir VVonder , who now was upon the point of falling , b●●●g deeply wounded , and having lost abundance of blood . The Gyant seeing the Lyon retreating towards the Fountain , desir●● a parley , but I would hear of no Conditions but only an absolute submission of himself to my mercy , which at first he refused to do , whereupon we entred into a fresh Combat , gi●ing and receiving many blows on each side , so that being almost w●●ried I resolved to make quick dispatch , and getting within compass of his Club , closing with him , we both ●umbled 〈◊〉 together , I falling uppermost , for should he have tumbled down upon me , he would have well near crushed me to pieces . The great weight of the Gyant bruised him much in his fall , so that he was scarce able to rise , when I getting upon my feet presented my Sword unto his Throat , but then did he bellow out to spare his Life , and he would reveal all the secrets of the Fountain unto me , and deliver me the possession thereof , which I was the willinger to do , because I saw the Gyant Wonder lying at that time upon the Ground like a liveless coarse ; yet doubting of his truth , I could hardly believe him , whereupon he swore by Mahomet , Termagant , and Apollo , that he would he true to me , upon which I promised him his Life , which easily I might have taken away , he being scarce able to stand on his feet ; but my care for Sir Wonder made me apply my self wholly to him , who was now ready to cast off the Robes of Clay , and to be raked up in Deaths cold Embers ; but I now to try the faithfulness of my new servant , commanded him to fetch me some Wine from the Fountain , which immediately he did , together with some of the Fruit which was growing on the Banks thereof , which we had no sooner poured down his Throat , but he presently revived , such was the soveraign vertue thereof , and in a little space got upon his feet , and being as it were waked out of a trance , he wondred to see the Gyant and I stand so lovingly together ; when after some little pause he breathed forth these words . What am I awake , or is this some Apparition which appeared to my deceased ghost ? Art not thou my Friend Pandrasus ? and were we not engaged in fight with a Gyant and a Lyon ; if this then be the Gyant , what is become of the Lyon ? or how cometh it to pass that instead of fighting we without blows commune so lovingly together ? and how came my Soul which was just now sinking into Charons Boat , to take possession again of my Body ! Thus for a while did he expos●ulate , when we made known to him what had hapned , and by direction of the Gyant we made towards the Fountain , where by the way we met with the Lyon , who séeing the Gyant without harm in our company , he also sawned upon us : Now when we were come to the Fountain , and had tassed of the Fruit , it seemed unto us that we were as whole and as sound as ever we were before the sight . All this while did the Gyant with great séeming submission wait upon us , showing us all the varieties that belonged to the place , but under these ashes of dissimulation lay harboured a cankered heart , which burned with the fire of revenge . It now began to be the eb● of day , when the bright Charioter of Heaven began to draw towards Thetis watry bowers ; wherefore we resolved to repose there that night , and were conducted by the Gyant to a spacious Chamber , wherein stood a stately Bed : But dreading the Gyants persidiousness , we slept not both of us together , but one always stood upon his guard , which no doubt prevented him from further mischief at that time , and therefore what he could not do one way he sought to act another way ; and knowing of a poysonous fruit which grew within six miles off the Fountain , the Nature of which was , that being no sooner eaten but it cast them into a deadly sleep for the space of eight hours after ; he therefore to accomplish his Devilish design , travelled thither that night , and early the next morning before the radiant Sun pear'd through the Golden Windows of the East , he came unto us with as smiling a look as his ill-favour'd Countenance could afford , and presented to us some of the fruit to eat ; but at the same time from my Nose there fell three drops of Blood , and a Diamend King which I had on my Finger , sweat , and look'd as pale as ashes ; whereupon foreboding some Treason , I commanded him to taste first thereof himself . which with an obstinate denyal he refused to do , and perceiving his treachery was discovered , he thought now no way but to conquer by Arms ordye , and thereupon struck at me with all his might , which I awarded as well as I could , however he gave me a slight wound on my Arm ; hereupon snatching up my Sword , false Villain ( said I ) now shall thy Life pay for thy treachery , not all the wealth of the Indies shall redeem the out of my hand . And now he being out of his Coat of Mail , I could the better deal with him , laying on load upon him with all the strength and skill I had , making such déep furrows in his flesh , that the blood ●●nce't from him as from a crack in a strait pipe of Lead . Whilst we were thus fighting , the Lyon with like ●●erceness assailed Sir VVonder , who was but newly awaked from his sleep , hearing the clattering which the Gyant and I made with fighting , but the Gyant did not long endure my blows , but made towards the Fountain , to have tasfed some of the Fruit , the vertue whereof he know to be such that it would have cured him of all his wounds in an instant , but ere he had gotten half way thither , I run him in at the back with my Sword , whereupon turning him towards me , he gave me such a blow on my Wrist , which so numbed my hand as my sword was ready to drop out of it , but I having the use of one hand as well as the other , quickly recovering my sword gave him such a déep ga●h on the Ham , as he came tumbling down liketo a great Timber log , enough to shake the ground and make an Earthquake ; when runing my sword into his Bowels , I left him as I thought for dead , and returned to the succour of Sir VVonder , who by this time had overcome the Lyon , and laid him for dead , and was coming towards me , at our meeting we kindly embraced each other , thanking the divine powers for ours so notable a Uictory . Returning back towards the Gyant , we found he was not quite dead , who before his expiring confessed unto us his Treason , that if we had eaten of the poysonous Fruit , as soon as we had fallen asleep , he would have digged a deep pit , and therein have buried us alive , so near we were to the jaws of destruction . By this time the Gentleman that conducted us to the Island , attended with some few resolute Soldiers , came ( but not without much doubting ) to see what was become of us , intending with their best aid in helping us to the obtaining of the Uictory , but finding the work done to their hands , they rejoyced exceedingly at our good Fortune . And now being thus happily met together , we resolved to try an experiment of the poysonous fruit upon three Dogs which our Gentleman Condvctor had brought with him , and in order there unto we gave to one Dog two Apples , to the second three Apples , and to the third , four ; when in an instant they all presently fell asleep ; but we resolving to find whether the effects were answerable to what the Gyant had told us , staid to see what would be the event : Now it so happened that the first dog which had eaten two Apples , at six hours time awaked , and as it suddenly arised from a trance , like to one frantick ran away from us , whether we could never see him after . The second dog having ●ain about the space of seven hours , giving great groans began to i●●r and tumble about , but came not to himself till about an hour after , still continuing very sick , but we giving him one of the precious Apples , he presently revived and became well ; but the child dog who had taken three Apples never came to himself again , by which we experimented the nature of that poysonous fruit , thanking the Immortal Powers for our escaping so ●minent a danger . This being done , we went all of us to the Fountain , where we car●used of the Wine very fréely , and soon after came to us divers of the Nobles and Knights from Barcona , who beholding the Bodies of the Gyant and Lyon , highly applanded our Courage in the attemp , and with a general consent proffered us the government of the Fountain , with all the Island thereunto , which Sir Wonder freely accepted of , but I being desirous to return home , as I had faithfully promised to those of my followers which remained , having furnished my self with what necessaries I wanted , took Ship , and after many difficulties arrived in this Island . CHAP. XVII . How Sir Pandrasus in his return homewards came to an Island where Sir Phelim and Sir Owen had killed a great Gyant , and taken his Castle , and what torments the Gyant inflicted on his Prisoners . SIR Pandrasus having finished his story , they all very much marvelled at the vertues of that rare Fountain , each one censuring of it according as his ●ancy led him . King David resolving after some time to go and see it , with a desire also to visit his old Friend Sir VVonder : But Sir Pandrasus being desirous to return home , furnished himself with all necessaries thereunto , which were freely given him by King David and his Queen Rosetta ; and so taking his solemn leave of them both , he with the rest of the Danes took Ship , and with a prosperous gal● cut the briny face of Neptune , not meeting with any 〈◊〉 remarkable , until they came to an Island called Mi●omicon , where they landed , and leaving some of the company to guard the Ship , Sir Pandrasus with 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 marched up into the Country , and came to a high 〈…〉 was beautified with many stately Trees , whose curi●● 〈…〉 to brave the Skyes ; at the foot of this Mountain 〈…〉 Gyant newly killed , of a marvellous size , his 〈…〉 foot halls , his Mouth sixteen foot wide , his 〈…〉 emptyed it would hold five pecks of Wheat , his 〈…〉 in length , his whole Body full eight and twenty 〈…〉 very much marvelled at the vast proportion of 〈…〉 much more at the unmatchable strength of him that 〈…〉 him ●nd being desirous to be further informed , they saw a plain 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 path leading up to the top of the Hill , by which they ascended , and found on the top thereof a Castle of a curious Building , beautified with all the cost and cunning that the height of fancy could express , upon the Front whereof was a large Table of Brass , wherein these Lines were written ; VVithin this Castle lives the scourge of Kings , The Gyant Briomart of wondrous might ; That to his power he doth subdue all things , VVho ever dares encounter him in sight : As hundreds by their deaths have plain made known , VVho by his Martial might have been overthrown . Let none then dare to enter in this Gate , Lest for his folly he repent too late . Pandrasus having read the Writing , notwithstanding he saw the Gyant slain , yet not knowing what danger might ensue , commanded all his Company to arm themselves before they entered into the Castle , which being done , he himself went foremost with his Sword drawn , when from the Battlements a Knight called to him to know what he was , and for what business he came thither , to whom Pandrasus made answer , that he was of the Country of Denmark , and being necessitated of Provisions at Sea , was come thither for succour ; and that shall you have freely said the Knight , please you to stay whilst we come down to you ; when presently they were met with several persons unarmed , who with a smiling Countenance came unto them ; two of which company chanced to be Sir Phelim of Ireland , Son to St. Patrick ; and the Ualiant VVelsh Knight , Sir Owen of the Mountains , Son to St. David ; who after their return from Cyprus , being separated from Sir Turpin of France , and Sir Pedro of Spain , chanced to arrive in this Island , and coming to the Castle , having read the Writing aforesaid , they resolved to encounter with the Gyant , where after a long and tedious fight valiantly performed on both sides , he was at last overcome and slain by them . This Gyant was of Nature as cruel as those Tygers who are nourisht in the Hircanian Wood , to whose Heart Nature had set a lock to shut out all pity , delighting to bathe and paddle in the blood of Men ; so that the dread of him ran all the Country round about , for whomsoever he took , he so tormented , that Death was to them the least punishment . He kept only one old Woman for his Domestick Servant , as cruel as deformed , and so deformed , that I want Art to describe the same ; you could hardly perceive she had any Eyes but by the holes only , which were crept further into her Face , then her Nose was out of it ; her quarrelling Teeth of such a colour that they themselves scared one another ; her Breath able to infect the Air , and cause a Pestilence : and all the rest of her Body like to the Chaos of an unlickt Bears Whelp . This deformed Trot , whose Face was enough to proclaim her a Witch , all the time the fight was botwixt the Gyant and Sir Owen , and Sir Phelim , was mumbling the Devils Pater-noster , for the good success of her Master ; but when she saw that he was slain , she exclaimed against Heaven , and cursed all the Internal Powers , wishing the Ground might open and swallow them up , although she her self were invelloped in their destruction ; nay her desperation was so much , that she would have cast her self from the Walls , and given her Soul a loathed Sacrifice to the Devil , had she not been prevented by Sir Phelim , who as soon as he saw the Gyant fall , ran in at the Gates , for fear they should have been shut against them ; and ascending the Castle , sound this old Witch ready to have execused vengeance upon her self , but he siezing upon her , found in her custody a great bunch of Keys , such as the Poets feign that Cerberus is possess of , the Porter of Hell. And now Sir Owen séeing the Gyans quite read , was also come up to the Castle , where partly by threats , and partly by force they-come pelled her to show them the several Rooms that they might release such as were Prisoners therein ; but to see what 〈◊〉 of tortures this Cyprant inflicted on those poor Creatures , it would make a man to bless himself to behold it : In the first Room she opened , there lay four Knights bound neck and heels together , these were four Wrothers , Sons to a certain Baron named Cleander , who coming to revenge themselves upon the Gyant who had ravished their Sister , were by him taken Prisoners ; we having ●●bound them , and told them how the Gyant was killed , they were transported with an extasie of joy , yet could ha●●ly be perswaded of the truth thereof , thinking it too high a Blessing for them to obtain . In the next Room they entered , there lay a young man leaden with Irons of so vast a weight , that he was not able to stand upright , and level'd thus low with disgrac'd Calamity , he seemed to be only a living Corse ; with much add they knocked the Irons off his Legs , who whilst they were doing it , he oftentimes 〈◊〉 away , but being revived by some Cordial Spirits of rare Waters which they had brought with them , they at last brought him to himself , and demanding what he was , and what misfortune brought him thither , after a two or three deep fetcht sighs . he thus said , I am ( said he ) one whom the Fates have markt out to be a ●éeler of the extreams of misery , all whose torments should Men but know , you would say they had no mercy that could wi●h for me a dayes breath more : Born a Native of this Country , my Father a Count thereof , who in a quarrei having killed a Peer of the Realm , sought to fly into another Land , but in his passage thither was drowned at Sea , which my Mother hearing of fell distracted ; and to add to our miseries , the King siezed upon his whole Estate ; but this was not all , for as if Fate were resolved to use her utmost spight against me , my only Sister who was then upon her Marriage , being thereby disappointed of her Portion , desperately stabbed her self , so that now all the Happyness which remained to me was a security that I was so miserable as Fortune could not make me worse . Yet the King co●miserating my condition , took me to be a●●e of the Gentlemen of his Bed-Chamber , and withal allowed me a competent 〈◊〉 for my maintenance , so that my sorrows seemed in some part to be mittigated , but as if my heart were nought but a ●age for Tragedies , this serene Sky did not last long ; for I attending the King a Hunting , ( a pastime in which he took great delight ) he was on a sudden surprized by this Gyant , none but I standing to him , although followed by a great Company , the ugliness of his proportion so affrighting them , that they recommended the protection of their Life to their Féet , and fled as swift as trembling Doves before the swooping Eagle . And now the King and I thus left to his mercy , nothing would redeem our Lives but the delivering up this Castle to him , which then was the Royal Mansion of his Majesty ; and though this was done according to his desire , yet this per●idious l●mp of flesh retained us both Prisoners ; which how he used the King is to me unknown , but for my self , my miseries under him were so great that Natures rude Serjant , Death , should have béen very welcome to have arrested my Body , and laid me in the cold Prison of the Grave . This sorrowful Relation wrought great compassion in the hearts of Sir Owen , and Sir Phelim , who with wrathful Countenances commanded the old Hag to show them presently where the King was ; but she denying there was any such one there , they threatned her with words , and that not prevailing , they cut off one of her Fingers , telling her they would cut her in pieces Joynt by Joynt , if she did not perform it ; whereupon she promised them that she would , and leading them up to the top of the Castle , as if he had béen imprisoned in one of the Garrots , she cast her self from the top of the Battlements to the Ground , dashing her Brains out against the pavement , and so made an end of her damnable Life . Sir Phelim and Sir Owen taking the Keys from this wretched Coarse , opened many doors , and in every Room they went to , beheld sad spectacles of the Gyants Cruelty ; at last they came to the place where the King lay , whom they found making his mone in this manner : O ye immortal powers , what have I deserved to have this punishment in●licted on me ? How is it that Death siezes on those who would willingly live , and flyes from him who would court his embraces . O that Atropos would cut in twain the thread of my Life , to put a period to my miseries , but they are as in exorable as this Monster of Mankind , whose Adamantine hearts will not hearken to my request : Come Gentle Death , O come , come , for it is thou alone who canst ease my misery . When they had opened the door , he seeing the Keys in Sir Owens hand , thinking they were come to forment him a fresh with a wrathful Countenance thus spake unto them : Monsters of Nature , whose wanton cruelty knows no end , and who please your selves in making others to feel the effects of your Tyranny ; now satiate your selves in cruelty , for you shall not be readier to inflict , then I to suffer what the utmost of your malice can lay upon me . Whilst thus he was proceeding in his exclamation , the young man who was taken Prisoner with him , came towards him as fast as his trembling Legs would carry him , and falling on his knees , he said , Most Gracious Soveraign , blame not these matchless Heroes , whose invincible Manhood hath gained our freedom , and whose peerless Prowess hath overcome our insulting Enemy , making his Carcase become food for hungry Ravens , who used to feast his Eyes in beholding our miseries : VVhat Thanks can we render to those Persons equal to the benefits they have bestowed upon us . The King seeing young Clodius ( for so was the Gentleman named ) was in a strange kind of amaze , not thinking any Humane Power possibly able to overcome the Gyant , but being by them assured that he was slain , to confirm their words , they carried him to a Window out of which he might behold his dead Carcase ; and at that time it was when as Sir Pandrasus came unto them : Great was the joy amongst these valiant Knights for their so happily meeting together ; but being informed by the King that there were many more Prisoners behind , they resolved not to take any repast until they had set them all at liberty , and so entering into several Rooms , and setting free divers Prisoners , they came at last to a Room alone by it self , wherein was enclosed a beautiful Uirgin , whom grief had almost made distracted ; who at their entrance into the Room took no notice of them , but like to an intranced soul , stood as one with ghosts affrighted . The miseries ( said the King ) that this Uirgin hath endured , might move a heart of stone to pity , and cause the most obdurate soul to lament : She is the only Daughter of a Wealthy Knight , endued as you see with Natures chiefest Ornaments , so that before gaief had made a transmigration of her , the Quéen of Love might have served as a foyl unto her It was her chance ( a fatal chance ) to fall in Love with a young Gentleman that waited on her Father , one answerable to her in all respects , had his Estate been equal with his parts ; and he answering her love with like reciprocal affection ; but as it is incident to Lovers to meet with crosses , so did these at the very beginning thereof ; for her Father coming to have knowledge of it , this young Gentleman , whose name was Matheo , was soon turned away , and forbid ever after front coming near unto the House , and she confined to a Chamber without any other liberty ; but as Love will creep where it cannot go , so did he find means to persue his suits in Love unto her , and as he thought in a safe way , and that in this manner . There was growing just by the Chamber window where she lay , a stately Tree , upon which in the dead of the night he used to ascend , and there had parly with his Love : This they continued for some time to their great content and satisfaction ; but it so chanced upon a night he was espyed by one of the Servants , who immediately informed his Master thereof , which when he heard , he was so transported with rage , as if all his humours had turned choller , and kindled up in agonies as hot as flames of burning Sulpher ; like to the chased Boat whom eager Bounds have at a Bay ; and being thus transported with rage , he takes a Cross-bow , and aided with a glimmering light , by Madam Cynthia the pale faced Lady of the night , he sent a Bullet into his Belly , which wrought such effect , that tumbling from off the Tree he only said , my dearest , I dye for love of thee , and presently expired . But when the Lady saw what had happened , she fared like unto mad Orestes , or like unto Progne when she knew of her Sisters rape , impatience louring in her Face , so that had she not been prevented by a Maid that came into the Chamber at that present , she had by a knife given her self a period to the race of her loathed Life ; but being hindered of her design , she fell into such a swound , as if her Soul had made a total separation from hea Body . Lying in this trance , the Maid who came to her , ran and cryed out for more help , but not withstanding , all the means they could use , it was long before her sullen Soul would reenter her Body , or that any hopes of Life was perceived , yet could not all this mitiga●e the rage of her incensed Father , but commanded she should be confined still to her Chamber , and not any one suffered to remain with her ; wherefore in the night she uncorded the Bed , and tying the Line to a Piller of the Window , by the help thereof the slid down to the ground , and wandring she cared not whither , so she were out of the reach of her Fathers cruelty ; she chanced to come near to this Castle , whom the Gyant spying , caught her flying from his loathed sight , and brought her into the Castle , where ever since she hath remained in this deplorable condition which you see . CHAP. XVIII . How Sir Phelim and Sir Owen , with Sir Pandrasus , fought with the Gyant Curlo , who came to be revenged for the death of his Brother Briomart : How they flew him and all the rest that came with him ; with other things which happened . THE King having ended his Discourse , it wrought great compassion in all them that heard it , especially Sir Pandrasus , who muth pityed her sad condition , and therefore to comfort her , he having brought a bottle of the healing Wine from that precious Fountain , whereof Sir Wonder was now Governour , he gave her some part thereof to drink , which she no sooner had received , but her Spirits revived , and her colour came to her as if fresh Roses budded in her Cheeks , so that she seemed of so divine a feature , that Envies self could not but dote upon her ; and now as it were revived out of a Trance , she breathed forth these words . Am I awake , or is this only some santastical vision ? Can Fortune afford one smile unto me ? or may I hope to see one serene day in my Life ? Oye Immortal Powers , that Govern the affairs here below , give me one spoonful of sweets , to those many Gallons of bitterness which I have swallowed . But they telling her that now all danger was past , that the Gyant was killed , and she at freedom , joy began by little and little to enter in at the crannies of her heart . And now all parties being surrounded with joy , Messengers were sent to all parts of the Kingdom , to declare to them the joyful news of their Kings delivery ; whereupon , soon after a wonderful number of Lords , Knights and Gentlemen , came to congratulate their Princes freedom , and to express their joy for the death of the Gyant , whose dead Body they beheld with great wonder and admiration . But in a few dayes it began to stink so abominably that they were forced to bury it ; however the King to perpetuate the memory of so great a deliverance , caused his proportion to be made out in Wood , and placed in the front of his Castle instead of the other Writing , and at the feet whereof were these Uerses ; Behold the Gyant wondrous greatness , who VVith Cruelty o're people tyrannized , Making them so much miseries underg● , As greatest Tyrant's ere could have devised , By lingring Torments putting them to pain , That happy were they who outright were slain . Long time thus 〈◊〉 use his Cruelty , And longer we hi●●●rce must have endured Had not two Knights of valour stout and high , Our liberty and freedom both procured , By killing of that Mo●ster sierce and fell , And sending of his loathed Soul to Hell. Those famous Worthies who this act did do , Sir Phelim of Renowned Irelands Isle , And valiant Owen of the Mountains , who Did kill this murdering cruel Tyrant vile . VVhose Fame shall last whilst Time shall cease to be , For this their great and glorious Victory . But should I go about to express the great joy of the Commons for this wonderful Uictory , had I as many Tongues as Argus had Eyes , or were all Helicon infused into my Breast , yet were I not able to express the same ; the Heavens were struck with the sound of the trembling Bells , Mirth digged her pits in every Cheek , grief and sorrow were buried , care was cashiered and ●very Soul was cheared with gladness . Amongst other news that came to the Castle , one was , that the Knight , Father to the distressed Lady , was newly dead , whereby she became Heiress to his whole Estate ; who having notice thereof , notwithstanding , his great unkindness to her , yet did she make great lamentation for him , showing therein the right Nature of a ●dutyful Child . After some few dayes passed , through the earnest sollicitatious of the King , Sir Phelim , Sir Owen of the Mountains , and Sir Pandrasus , she was perswaded to cast her affections upon the young Count that was her fellow Prisoner , in consideration whereof the King restored him to all his Fathers Estate , and made him an Earl. The Marriage was solemnized with great splendour ; when on a sudden was a great upr●ar , and cry of the people , who came runing towards the Castle , as swi●tly whirling as the whisking Wind , and with as much speed as Daphne fled , when as she was persued by Phoebus ; for this Gyant Briomart had a Brother named Curlo , who lived in an Island hard by , where he used as much Cruelty as his Brother did in this : He hearing of the slaughter of Briomart , raised what force he could , and landing in the Island killed all that he could catch , sparing neither Men , Women nor Children . This being made known to these valiant Knights , they armed themselves with all the speed they might , and mustered what Forces they could raise at present ; and being thus prepared , they stayed near unto the Castle expecting the coming of the Enemy , who with great pride and confidence came marching towards the Castle ; the Gyant Curlo in the head of them . Sir Phelim seeing the Gyant marching in this manner , with a strong Pole-Are came up to him , betwixt whom began a most sierce encounter . In the mean time the two Battles joyned together , with as much rage and fury as was possible , each striving to exceed the other , who should ●loy Deaths jaws the soonest , so that the Field was strowed with dead Carcases , and mounts of slain Bodies surrounded with Moats of Blood : Sir Owen and Sir Pandrasus making Lanes for them to pass wheresoever they went , as if they altogether miuded Mankinds destruction : None was taken to mercy , but every one sacrificed to the mercy of the Sword. Whilst they were thus in the heat of the fight , the King with the new Bridgroom Earl , came with those whom desire of Liberty , and Allegiance to their Soveraign , had brought to ●rke up Arms with him , and giving a furious onset to the adverse party , they were forced a little to retire : But the Gyant Curlo had so far prevailed against Sir Phelim , that he was forced to recoyl ; whereupon our new Earl , to add to his Honour , and in retribution of those great Courtesies he had received , joyned in acombat with the Gyant , but alas his strength was not answerable to his heart , having been so much enfeebled by his long Imprisonment , so that not withstanding Sir Phelim did all he could in his res●●e , yet was he slain by him ; which Sir Owen of the Mountains perceiving with great rage guided by courage , and governed by discretion . joyned with a Manly resolution , opposed himself against the Gyant , and so lustily laid about him , that in the end he brought him down headlong , who in his fall made such a horrid loud noise as wounded the Air with terrour , like the roar of a whole Herd of Lyons , enough almost to make an Earthquake , but Sir Owen knowing the success of the Battle depended upon the Gyants Life , nimbly leaping on him , with his keen Fauchion cut off his Head , which when the rest of his Soldiers perceived , they thought to save themselves by flight , but these valiant Knights were so exasperated by the death of this new Earl , that banishing all pity from their Breasts , like enraged Lyons they fell upon them , and without all remorse never ceased till they left not one of them alive . And now having obtained such an absolute Uictory , they returned back again in Triumph , carrying the dead Body of the Corse , she was like to one quite straid from Reasons Center , as Athamas and Ino when the Snakes crawled in their Bosemes , or like to a Bull stung by Hornets , or as raged Dido when Aeneas left her ; And am I ( said she ) capable of more sorrow , can all the compass of the light show a more happy Creature than I ? Did I no sooner receive a glimpse of comfort , but on a sudden to be thrown down again into a dungeon of misery ? Ah my dear Lord , since I could not live with thee , I will not live without thee ; and with that she would have struck a knife to her heart , had she not been prevented by those that stood by her : And will you also ( said she ) become my enemies ? VVhat injury have I done ye that you deprive me of the only benefit I desire to enjoy ; and now again she would have killed her self , but was the second time prevented . But the King , Sir Phelim , Sir Owen , and Sir Pandrasus , with much entreaty so perswaded her , that she engaged to them not to lay violent hands upon her self ; and the better to divert her from any such thoughts , and to chear up her heart overburdened with grief , the King made a most sumptuous Banquet , to which were invited all the Lords , Knights , and chief Captains then present , against which time divers pastimes were devised , and costly showes performed , with most excellent Musick , rare Dancing , and other delights to provoke her to mirth , but all was as Water spilt on the Ground , it took no Impression upon her Soul , such indelible Characters of sorrow had grief engraven on her heart . And now these Warlike Knights being minded to go into their own Country , took their solenm leave of the King , who rewarded them with many rich gifts and presents , giving them many thanks for their Ualours showed in his defence ; so taking Ship , they lanched from shore , when 〈◊〉 the Sails grew big bellyed with the wanton Wind , and the 〈◊〉 glided safely on Neptunes briny face , capering for joy upon the silver Waves , until such time they each of them arrived in their own Countries , where there w●re received with much joy , and where we will leave them for the present , to relace what be●el to Sir David in going to see Sir VVonder at the Fountain of Health . CHAP. XIX . How Sir David failed to the precious Fountain , and rescued Sir Wonder : How he put to death the Tyrant Almantor , and setled Aged Pamdion in his Estate . THE Ualourous and Renowned Champion Sir David being now well settled in his kingdom of Ancona , as you heard in the fifteenth Chapter , was very desirous to see Sir VVonder , and to experiment the effects of the precious Fountain , as Sir Pandrasus had declared unto him ; wherefore selecting out a choice number of approved Soldiers , and taking his leave of the Quéen Rosetta , he took Ship , and having a prosperous Wind , he in few dayes arrived in that fertile Island ; but quite contrary to his expectation , instead of being received with great friendship , and acclamation of joy , no sooner was he landed , but a number of Knights and armed Soldiers came marching against him , bidding him either to depart the Land , or to yield up his Arms into their hands , or else to abide what their force could compel him to ; for so it was that soon after the departure of Sir Pandrasus ; that those of the VVarlike Island , understanding the rare vertues of the Fountain , and the fruit that grew on the Banks of it , that they resolved to become Masters thereof ; and to that purpose in f●●endly manner visited Sir VVonder , seeming to applaud his happy fortune in being possest of so rare and precious a Iewel as was that Fountain ; and so far did they insinuate into his favour , that he trusted them with all his secrets , which they wrought unto his ruine , for by a wile they locked him into an inner room , and siezed on his servants by a party which they secured in a private place , and to that time while Sir David landed had kept them close Prisoners . But now was the time of their deliverance come about , for Sir David understanding there was no way to be used but force , setting his men in order , gave them such lusty charge , as put them all to the rout , the greatest part of them being slain in the chase ; the residue of them that escaped flying to the Fountain , raised all their whole Force , who having arme dthemselves , speedily marched against Sir David ; and now began a most terrible fight betwixt them , with such a cruel slaughter of Men , that the Earth which was wont to bury the dead , was new its self buried with dead Bodies ; the clashing Armour rang the knell of many of those that w●re it , and crimson paths of War paved all with slain Corps : Sir David with hie keen Fauchion hewed his way through his Enemies , until he came unto their General , with whom he encountered hand to hand , and after many blows exchanged betwixt them , slew him out-right , whereupon the residue sought to save themselves by slight , but were so eagerly persued that very few of them escaped , not above three persons reserved alive . And then giving thanks to the Immortal Powers for this great Uictory , they went the next way to the Fountain , and released Sir VVonder , and the rest of his men from their Captivity . Great was the joy at this their meeting , for Sir VVonder , notwithstanding his vast strenght and invincible Courage , yet was so storngly imprisoned , that he despaired of ever regarding his former liberty , which being so unexpected , made him the highlyer for to prize it . Then did Sir David with his Soldiers drink of the Wine of the Fountain , when presently they felt the powerful vertue thereof , being in an instant as fresh and lively , as when they first began the fight . Afterwards Sir Wonder banqueted them with the Fruits of the Trees th● grew upon the Banks thereof , which were of such various tastse and yet all of them so delicious , as gave great satisfaction to the most indulging Pallat. But they were not only delightful to the taste , and pleasant to the appetite , but also of that superexcellent vertue , that who so tasted of them was immediately cured of all the hurts and wounds he had about him , were they never so déep and deadly , That night they slept soundly , and the next Morning went forth to behold the rarities of the Country . In every place they came they heard the Birds , the Airs winged Choristers , warbling forth their ditties most harmoniously , as if with their chirping they sung Carrols to the rosie Moon , and with their Musick courted the sullen Wood , and invited Mortals to walk abroad . The Earth was beautified with Natuers choicest Tapestry , so that it seemed an Elizium , or Earthly Paradise : Here grew Muskmillions , sweet William , Time , Maiden-blush , Peagles , Cowslips , Tulips , Oxlops , Lady-smock , sops in Wine , start up and kiss me , sweet Basil , Marjerum , tufted Daizy , six leaved Primrose , true love , Lillies and Uiolets . In another place , was the Ground bedeckt with azure Hare-bell , Roses , yellow King-Cups , tawny columbines , Orange tawny Marigolds , Pansies , Hony-suckles , Piony , Monks-hood , Bugloss and Pinks . In a third place was Bears-foot , Batchellors-Buttons , Burrage , Crows-foot , Crows-toes , Daffadils , Dendelyon , Priest-crown , Eglantine , Gelly-flowers , Flowerdeluces , Hearts ease , London-buttons , Lady-gloves , Rose-parsly , Liricumphancy , Wake-Robin , Rosemary , Prick-Madam , Rokcet-gallant , Capons-tail , Shepherds-pouch , Tansie , Yarrow , Nose-bleed , Woodbine , Kiss me at the Garden-gate , and a thousand other sorts of Flowers , which I want both art and skill to describe . At every walks end were shady-scréen Arbours , whose shadows seemed to woe the Love-sick Passenger to c●me and sit , and view the beauties Nature bestowed on them . Besides the singing-Birds named before , there was an infinite number of Partridges , Pheasants , Quails , and Phenixes which are not to be found in other Countries , were here very plentiful all which were so tame that you might take them up in your hands , and being killed and held up against the Sun , would be instantly roasted , needing no basting but their own fat , but in the eating they were so delicious , that the choicest Uiands which your curious Cooks with much art prepare , came far short of their goodness . There was great store of Beefs , Muttons , Hares , Conies and other sort of Beasts . so gentle , that when they had any mind to take them , they would come to them at their first call , never making any resistance , but submiting to any thing you would do to them ; and of every thing such plenty as was sufficient to maintain a multitude of people . Being thus extraordinarily well satisfied in beholding the curi●sities of this incomparable Island , they drew down to the Sea side , where they sat beholding how the Oceans frie were playing on the briny face of Neptune , and casting their Eyes a little further , they might behold a Boat come rowing towards them , wherein sat an old man whose hairs did wear the sober hue of gray , and whose wrinkled Countenance did seem to cast the account of many cares : They came rowing directly towards them , and being landed , the old Gentleman desired to speak with the chiefest of their Company , and being brought unto Sir David , he spake to him in this manner ; Most worthy Knight , whose Fame resounds as far as Phoebus darts his Golden Rayes ; and whose valiant Acts are memorized all the world over , let melting pity creep into your heart to give some comfort to my Calamity ; Know then most worthy Chieftain , that in my Native Country being an Island hard by , there liveth a cruel Tyrant , one whose will is his Law , and who seldom sleeps soundly unless he hath Blood for his Bolster thinking no thing unlawful that makes for his advantage , and to that intent keeping a constant kennel of Blood-Hounds to accuse whom he pleaseth , and who are so desperately wicked for his purpose , that they will dispose whatsoever he would have them ; by these men was I accused to have conspired against his Life , and though there were neither plain Evidence , nor and circumstance conducible thereunto , yet being Judge in his one Cause , I was condemned , and presently had my Estate siezed on , which indeed was the main cause of my Accusation . I was then blest with a Beautiful Daughter named Tremelia , of whom this Tyrant burned in Lust , who took her from me , pretending to keep her as a pledge of my fidelity , but having her in his keeping , sought to deflower her , but she resisting his unchaste desires , and giving him some opprobrious words , he in a great rage stuck her to the heart with his Dagger . I having notice of what was passed , thought it high time to provide for my self , and daring trust no body , I lay hid for two or three dayes and nights amongst Bushes , Thorns and Brakes , when disguising my self , I went to a village hard by , where I heard of your notable Atchievments in conquering this Island , the Garden of Ceres , and Orchard of Pomona , hoping according to your former favours to others in distress , that you will afford me some succour in redressing my wrongs . Sir David hearing this sad Relation of the ancient Gentleman , was moved to great pity towards him , so that he vowed by the Honour of Knighthood , to which all that bear Arms are sworn unto , either to revenge him of the Tyrant , or to lose his Life in the attempt ; and so giving the ancient Gentleman some of the water of the Fountain to drink , and some of the Apples to eat , ( which to that purpose they alwayes carried about them ) he was so refreshed , as he seemed to forget his former sorrows , and to have new life and vigour inspired into him , as had old Eson when the sage Medea infused young Blood into his aged Ueins . Next they began to consult which wayes to accomplish this enterprize , for should they take too great a strength along with them , they might endanger the losing of the Island ; for well they wist that when the fellows of those who were slain , came to hear of it , they would endeavour not only to revenge their Friends blood , but also if possible to recover again so fruitful an Island ; they therefore agréed to send for more succour to Sir Davids Country , intending to stay there until their return ; but in the mean time this ambitious Tyrant ( whose name was Almantor ) having heard how this Island was conquered by a few persons , and of the rare qualities belonging thereunto , he thought in an instant to surprize it , and to that purpose manned out what force he could make , and with great bravery and ostentation sailed towards this fruitful Island , having conquered it in conceit before he came thither . Sir David séeing this Fleet of Ships , which upon a smooth Sea danced Levalto's on the briny Main , not tossed by any rage of Eolus ; he therefore having laid an ambush to surprize them , upon their first landing séemed to sly , until he had brought them into the Net prepared for them , when turning head , he gave them such a brisk charge , as gave them a total rout , not sparing any in the chase , but by several wayes of deaths made passages for their Souls into the other World ; so that all the way as they were chased the spectacle was ugly and griefly to behold ; here lay Bodies torn in pieces , mangled Limbs cut and hackt in divers manners ; so that a man beholding such a sight might say , that War is an e●ercise not of Manhood , but of Inhumanity . Almantor himself fought most valiantly , doing what in him lay to have obtained the Uictory ; and as if he had had a spirit that durst War against the Fates ; seemed to dread no danger , but with an undaunted Courage to meet pale Death with triumph in a Tomb ; but all his Ualour would not bear him out against the unresistable force of Sir David , who coming up to him with handy blows , after a smart fight took him Prisoner ; few was saved alive besides : for the Soldiers were so enraged against them , that all compassion was for the present banished their Breasts , The Uictory being thus clearly obtained , and the Soldiers swords glutted in blood ; they led Almantor towards the Fountain , where first they refreshed themselves with some of those healing Fruits , and afterwards sat in Iudgment upon him , where was laid to his charge all the Tyrann●ea , Cruelties , Murthers and Rapines which he had committed , all which he could not excuse nor very well deny , and therefore he was adjudged for his crimes to be put to death . And now did the horrour of a guilty Conscience plainly appear in Almantor , repenting not so much for his crimes , as exclaiming against the punishment of them ; and yet in that punishment might he behold what cruelty he used to others , although the greatest smart to him was to think that he justly deserved it , whereas they suffered innocently . And now to save his Life what did he not promise , what Protestations use , what Nows , what Oaths , what Asseverations , that he would hereafter use Iustice , mixed with Clemency , not doing nor suffering any wrong to be done by others ; that he would deliver up to the ancient Gentleman his former Cstate , and repossess him in all his Inheritance , with many other flattering speeches to move their hearts to be inclinable to pity , but his crimes were of too sanguine a dye to be forgiven , and all his repentance and sorrow only ●ained ; they therefore concluded he should be put to death and gave him his choice of eight several sorts of ways whereby to dye : Viz. 1. To be hanged on a Gibbet . 2. To be put into a sack and thrown into the Sea. 3. To have his head smitten of 4. To be poysoned . 5. To be burned to death . 6. To be stung to death with snakes . 7. To be cast down headlong from a high Tower : Or 8. To be shot to death with Arrows . Sad is the choice ( said the wretched Almantor ) chuse which I will : For 1. To be hanged on a Gibbet is to dye the death of a Dog. 2. To be put into a sack and drowned is to be devoured by Fishes , and want decent Burial . 3. To have my Head smitten off , is indeed the death of a Nobleman , but which no Nobleman would willingly have . 4. To be poysoned , is to be a stinking Carcase before I am scarce cold in my Grave . 5. To be burned is of all deaths most cruel . 6. To be stung to death with snakes is a painful lingring death . 7. To be cast down from a high Tower , an uncertain death . What then remains but the last kind of death , to be killed with Arrows , and that is the death of a Soldier , which I shall soonest choose , come then , seeing you think me not fitting to live , quickly dispatch me out of the World. Then rending open his Doublet , he tyed a Handkerchief before his Eyes , and leaning his Back against a Trée , he cryed out , now do your worst , whereupon immediately some Soldiers who were planted on purpose , sent a flight of Arrows into his Breast , so that in an instant he fed down and dyed . Then digged they for him a Grave , into which he being put , they covered the same with a heap of stones , and on one broad one which lay on the top they inscribed this Epitapb . Who in his life time still for Blood did crave , Was at the last sent bloody to his Grave . Whilst this was in doing , the Soldiers which Sir David had sent for arrived in the Island , whereupon Sir David leaving some few of them for the guarding of the Island under the conduct of the Gyant VVonder , he with the residue sailed towards the Island where Almantor lived , taking along with him the ancient Gentleman for his guide , and sailing thither in the same Ships wherein Almantor came , which they of the Island espying , seeing their own Ships afar off began to rejoyce , but when they perceived strangers in them , they began to arm themselves with all the spéed they could , and to put themselves in a posture to resist their landing : But Sir David nothing daunted at their appearance , landed in des●ig●t of all the 〈◊〉 they could make , and being on land , he with his sword quickly made wa● for his Soldiers to follow him , who encouraged by his example , as soon made 〈◊〉 of their 〈◊〉 Enemies , that fled before their conquering swords like flocks of Sheep before the devouring Wolves . But now the fury of their rage being over , Sir David scorning to ●●ult over a vanquished party , caused a retreat to be sounded , and sent Messengers after them , that he would parley with them ; to which they willingly condelcended , and to that Purpose sent 3 or 4 of the chiefest of than , to whom Sir David spake as followeth . The cause of my sending to you is to offer you Peace and Liberty : Liberty from the T●raldom of an insulting Tyrant ; to whose insatiable ava●ice your Bodies and Estates were made thrall ; one who not only delighted in Crueety , but took delight in the several forms of executing the same ; who hath now paid his just desots by the ●●oke of Justice , being shit to death for his cruel Tyranny ; in stead of whom we shall 〈◊〉 for your Governor , one well known unto you , ( and here he presented to them the Ancient Gentleman ) whom if you refuse to accept , then expect no other ●●t what the Sword and a conquering Arm well inforce you to do . The Messengers having heard these words , with a loud voice cryed out , long live our Lord Pandion , ( for so was the ancient Gentleman called ) and thereupon they desired leave to go immediately to acquaint the rest with their determination ; which when they had done , there was such an acclama●on and shout of the People , as surpassed that which Thracian Boreas makes a mongst the Pines of Ossa , or as when the Artillery of Heaven are discharged along the cleaving Sky : And thereupon coming all to Sir David , they submitted themselves , promising faithful Obedience to the Aged Pandion , which he most lovingly embraced , giving them many wholesome admonitions , and desiring Sir Pandion to be a Gracious Lord unto them . And thus having setled him in the Tyrant Alma●ters place , he returned to the island of the precious Fountain ; where leaving a sufficient Guard with Sir Wonder , and taking with him some store of the Fruit , as also some Vessels of the healing Wine of the Fountaln , he returned back to his ow● country , where he was very welcome to his Queen Rosetta , and joyfully entertained by the rest of his Subjects . CHAP. XX. Now the three Sons of St. George , Sir Guy , Sir Alexander , and Sir David , met at a great Justs at Constantinople , as also Sir Turpin of France , Sir Pedro of Spain , Sir Orlando of Italy , Sir Ewin of Scotland , Sir Phelim of Ireland , and Sir Owen of Wales , where they obtained the Victory voer all that Juste awith them , being richly rewarded by the Emperour for their high Valour . LOng had not Sir David been in his Kingdom of Ancona , but there Arrived an Herald , who by sound of Trumpet proclaimed a solemn Justs to be held by the Emperour of Constantinople , in honour of his Sons Nuptials , who was contracted to the King of Tribizonds Daughter , the Beauteous Lucinda , whose Fame resounded all the world over . These Justs were proclaimed in all the Kingdoms of the Earth , so that at the time appointed there arrived at his Court the most approved Knights for Valour and prowess that were then living : Amongst others were St. Georges three Renowned Sons , Sir Guy , Sir Alexander , and Sir David : Thi●her also had Fames Trumpet invited the Valiant Sir Turpin from France , Sir Fedro from Spain , Sir Orlando from Italy , Sir Ewin from Scotland , Sir Phili● from Ireland , and Sir Owen from Wales . Being come to the Emperours Pallace , they were by him most kindly entertained , and having had knowledg that they were the Sons of the seven Renowned Champions of Christendom , whose Valiant Acts had eternized their never dying Memories , he there● on commanded them all to be lodged in one Chamber , wherein were provided for them nine most sumptuous Beds , adorned with the riehest Furniture that could be procured , and because the Justs lasted only nine days , he appointed each of them to be Champion his particular day . But before the Justs began , the Prince Rofinda Son to the Emperour , was with great state and magnificence Married to the beauteous Lucinda ; great were the Triumphs performed that day by Pageants , Fire-works , and other costly devices , far surpasting the skill of the most elaborate Writer to describe , all which we shall overpass , and come to speak of the Warlike Acts performed by our nine Renowned Heroes which was celebrated in order as followeth . On the first day of the Justs entered that valiant knight at Arms the Renowned Sir Guy king of 〈◊〉 , moun●ed on a Barbary S●eed , who pranced on the ground in as great state as Bucephal●s the Horse of King Alexander ; his Armou● ( like the colour of his Horse ) was of a dark brown ; and for his device on his Shield was an Anchor , with this word A●ch●●a spl . Against him entered a Phrygia● Knight named Dorosus , upon a sorrel Horie of an Epirian breed , with flaming Nostrils , his Armour was green and for his device he had in his Shield a Laurel-Tree , with this word , ever 〈◊〉 . At the Trumpets sound they encountered each other with great skill and violence , breaking their slaves that the splinters flew into the Air , But at the third course Sir Guy ran against him with such might , that both Horse and Man sell to the ground . With like Valour did he that day overcome twenty 〈◊〉 Knights , and was with great Triumph conducted home unto his lodging . The next day Sir Alexander entered the Lists as chief Challenger against all comers : His Horse was of a Morocco Race , with Tusks out of his mouth like to a Boar ; His Armour was red , and for his device , in his Shield was an Oxe bleeding , with this word , such to Opposers : The first that ran against him was a Maced●●ian Lord named Lentulus , of Gygantick stature , and approved Manhood , but by the Valour of Sir Alexander he was overthrown , as also nineteen other Knights of Prowess and Fortitude . The third day Sir David appeared in the Lists chief Champion against all Opposers : His Horse was of a Chesnut colour , his Armour azure , and on his sh●eld was painted a serene Sky , with this word , without Clouds . This Valian Knight behaved him self so well that day , that he brought to ground thrty four Knights , to his great Commendation and Honour , being conducted to his lodging by the Prince Rosinda , with sound of Trumpets and other Musical Instruments . On the fourth day appeared for chief Champion against all comers the Renowned and Valiant Knight at Arms Sir Turpin of France mounted on an A●ahian Courser , of a Strawberry colour , and so lively were the red spots on him intermingled with white , ( like unto Scrawherries in a d●●h of Crem ) that it seemed rather natural then artificial : His Armour was of a tawny colour , and on his shield was painted an Orange Tree , with this word , fruitfully comforting . This valiant Knight behaved himself so gailantly that day , that the Emperour in reward of his magnanimity threw unto him a Gold Chain , at the end whereof hung a rich Meddal all beset with Pearls and Diamonds , and so with great Acclamations of the people , he was conducted to his Lodging ; On the fifth day the most Heroick and Invincible Knight Sir Pedro of Spain entered the Lists , mounted on a Spanish Genner , his Armour was of a flame colour , so artificially wrought that to a not skilful Eye his Body seemed to be all on a fire for so well had the Artist contrived the same , that by the moving of his Horse , the Wind seemed to fan up the flames to a greater blaze : His device in his shield was a Salamander living in the fire , with this word , not so consumed . This Renowned Knight by his Martial Prowess overthrew no less then 34 Champions that encountered with him , insomuch that the Princess Lucinda gave him her Glove to wear , and commanded that thereafter he should be called her Knight . Upon the sixth day as Sir Orlando of Italy was entering the Lists , there met him a Squire , who spake to him in these words ; Sir Knight , my Master by me advises ye to make the best defence you can , that by your stout resistance , he may obtain the greater Honour in your overthrow . To whom Sir Orlando replyed , Go tell thy Master I am prepared for him , and that it is not good to sell the Lyons Skin until he be dead . Accordingly here●●●o encountering each other , they fought with so much skill and valour , that Mars himself might have been a spectatour of their worthy Atchievments , being Men of such Prowess as not to know fear themselves , and yet to teach 〈◊〉 others that had to deal with them ; long time did Victory equally Play upon their dancing Banners , but at last Conquest displayed her silver Wings on Sir Orlando's Head , and his Antagonists brags vanished in smoak , his Body with his Honour being laid in the dust . With the like success did he overcome eighteen Knights more that day , whereby he won the reputation of a most valiant Knight . On the seventh day the Renowned Knight Sir Ewin of Scotland was chief Champion , who entered the Lists mounted on a Scottish Galloway , who though but small of stature , was of strength comparable to an Elephant ; his Armour was black , as also his shield , with these Letters in white , hoping for day . His success was such that he foiled no less then threescore Knights , gaining to himself Immortal Fame by such their overthrow . The eighth day was managed by Sir Phelim of Ireland , as brave a Knight as ever trod the Field of Mars ; he was mounted on an Irish Hobby , decked with a Plume of Peacocks Feathers ; His Armour was so contrived as if it had been made up of several pieces , yet all joyned together in a loving confusedness . On his shield was pourtrayed a red Breast , with this word , innocently harmless . He encountered that day with 25 Knights , all whom oy his Manly Prowess he overcame . On the ninth and last day there entered the Lists that Heroick undaunted Knight Sir Owen of the Mountains , mounted on a stately English Palfrey . His Armour was milk white , his attiring else all cut in Stars , which made of Cloth of Silver , and Silver Spangles , each way seemed to cast many aspects , In his shield was a sheep feeding in a pleasant Field , with this word , without fear or envy . This valiant Knight Sir Owen behaved himself so gallantly , and dismounted so many Knights that day , that the Prince Rosinda entituled him the mirrour of Chevalry , and pattern of true Magnanimity . After the Justs were finished , the Emperour entertained these nine worthy Knights in most sumptuous manner , spending several days in their company , with great Feasts , Masks , and other stately showes , and in reward of their Martial performances , gave unto them 9 most rich precious stones , each of them valued at a Kings Ransom besides other most rich Presents from the Prince and Princess , and so taking their solemn leave of the Emperour and other High Estates then present , with great honour and applause , they returned each to his own Country . FINIS .