The most pleasant History of TOM ALINCOLNE, That renowned Soldier, the RED-ROSE Knight, who for his Valour and Chivalry, was surnamed The Boast of England. Showing his Honourable Victories in Foreign Countries, with his strange Fortunes in the Fairy Land: and how he married the fair Anglitora, Daughter to Prester john, that renowned Monarch of the World. Together with the Lives and Deaths of his two famous Sons, the Black Knight, and the Fairy Knight, with diverse other memorable accidents, full of delight.  
The sixth Impression.  
LONDON, Printed Aug: Mathewes and are to be sold by Robert Bird, and Francis Coules. 1631.   

TO THE RIGHT WORSHIPFUL, SIMON WORTEDG of Okenberrie in the County of Huntingdon, Esquire: health, happiness, and prosperity.  
THE general report and consideration (right Worshipful) of your exceeding courtesy, and the great friendship which my parents have heretofore found at the hands of your renowned Father do embolden me to present unto your Worship these my unpolisht Labours; which if you shall vouchsafe to cast a favourable glance upon, and therein find any part or parcel pleasing to your virtuous mind, I shall esteem my travel most highly honoured. The History (I present) you shall find delightful, the matter not offensive to any: only my skill in penning it very simply, and my presumption great, in presenting so rude a piece of work to so wise a Patron; which I hope your Worship will the more bear with, and account the rather to be pardonable, in that the fault proceedeth from a good meaning.  
Your worship's devoted, and poor Countryman. R. I.   

The Pleasant History of TOM A LINCOLN, the RED-ROSE Knight: for his valour and Chivalry, surnamed the Boast of England.  

CHAPTER. 1. How King Arthur loved fair Angellica the Earl of London's Daughter: and likewise of the birth of Tom a Lincoln.  
WHEN as King ARTHUR wore the Imperial Diadem of England, and by his chivalry had purchased many famous Uictories, to the great renown of this maiden Land, he ordained the order of the round Table, and selected many worthy Knights to attend his Majesty: of whose glistering renown many ancient Histories do record, and witness to all ensuing ages.  
This worthy Prince, upon a time intending to visit the city of London, with some few number of his Knights, came and feasted with Androgius, being at that time Earl of London; whose house (as then) was not only replenished with most delicate fare, but grat●st with a number of beautiful Ladies: who gave such a pleasing entertainment to King Arthur and his Knights, that they were ravished with pleasure, and quite forgot the sound of martial Drums, that had wont to summon them forth to the fields of Honour: Amongst these glorious troops of London Ladies, Angellica the Earl's daughter had the chiefest praise for beauty and courtly behaviour: for even as the siluer-shining Moon in a Winter's frosty night, surpasseth the brightest of the twinkling Stars: ●o far Angellicaes' sweet feature exceeded the rest of the Ladies: whereby King Arthur was so entangled in the snares of love, that by no means he could withdraw his affections from her divine excellence. He that before delighted to tread a weary m●rch after Bellona's Drums, was now constrained to trace Cupid's Measures in Lady's Chambers: and could as well strain the strings of a Lover's Lute, as sound a Soldier's alarm in the field: her beauty like the Adamant, drew his steeled heart to lodge in the closure of her breast: and no company delighted so much the lovesick King, as the presence of fair Angellica. So upon a time as he stood looking out of his Chamber window, he espied the Mistress of his soul sitting in a Garden under a Bower of Uines, prettily picking the ripest Grapes with her delicate hands, and took such pleasant pains in that maydenlike exercise, that the well coloured blood in her face began to ware warm, and her cheeks to obtain such an excellent beauty, that they seemed like two purple Roses intermixed with Hawthorne-buds: whereby King Arthur grew enamoured upon her, and stood for a time senseless through the extreme passion he took in beholding her beauty: But at last, recovering his senses, he spoke to himself in this manner.  
Oh most divine Angellica, Nature's sole wonder, thou excellent ornament of Beauty, thy lovely Face painted with a crimson die, thy rosicall Cheeks surpassing Snow in whiteness, thy decent Neck like purest ivory, hath like a Fowler's net entangled my yielding heart: whereby it is for evermore imprisoned in thy breast. Oh that the golden Dresses of thy dainty Hair which shine like the Rubies, glittering in the Sun, had never twinkled before my ravished eyes, than had my heart enjoyed his wont liberty, and my Fancy been free from Lover's vain imaginations. Thus, and in like manner, complained the King unto himself, seeking by all means possible to exclude Love's fire from his breast. But the more he strove to abandon it, the more it increased: and feeling no policy might prevail; but that this burning torment must of force be quenched with her celestial love he descended from his Chamber, and went boldly into the Garden; where taking Angellica by the hand as she sat upon a bed of Violets, which as then grew under the Arbour, in this manner began to court her.  
Fair of all fairs, (said the King) divine and beauteous Paragon fair Flower of London, know that since my abode in thy Father's house, thy beauty hath so conquered my affections, and so bereaved me of my liberty, that unless thou vouchsafe to cool my ardent desires with a willing grant of thy love, I am like to dye a languishing death, and this Country England of force must lose him, that hath filled her bounds with many triumphant Uictories: therefore sweet Angellica, if thy hard heart be so obdurate, that the tears of my true love may nothing molliffe, yet take pity on thy Country, that through thy cruelty, she lose not her wanton glory, and be made unhappy, by the loss of her Sovereign: thou seest (my divine Angellica) how I, that have made Princes stoop, and Kings to humble when I have frowned, do now submissively yield my high honour to thy feet, either to be made happy by thy love, or unhappy in thy hate, that in time to come, Children may either bless, or cu●se thee: Of these two, consider which thou wilt perform either with cruelty to kill me or with clemency to pre●eiue me.  
This unexpected request of the King, so amazed Angellica, that her Cheeks were stained with blushing shame, and like a bashful Maiden (for a time) stood silent not knowing in what manner to answer him, considering he was King of England, and she but Daughter to an Earl: But at last, when fear and shame had a while strove together in her heart, she replied in this sort.  
Most mighty King (said she) if your entertainment in my Father's house hath been honourable, seek not the foul dishonour of his Daughter, nor proffer to blemish the bud of her virginity with the least thought of your unchaste desires: the loss of which sweet gem, is a torment to my soul more worse than death. Consider with yourself (most worthy Prince) the black scandal that it may bring unto your name and honour, having a Queen a most virtuous and loyal Princess. Think upon the stain of your marriage bed, the wrongs of your wedded fere, and lasting infamy of your own glo●ie, for this I vow (by Diana's bright majesty) before I will y●●ld the conquest of my virginity to the spoil of such unchaste desires, I will suffer more torments, than man's heart can imagine: therefore (most mighty Sovereign) cease your unreverend suit, for I will not lose that matchless jewel, for all the treasure the large Ocean contains: And in speaking these words she departed thence, and left the lovesick King in the Arthur, complaining to the empty air: where after he had numbered many determinations together, this he purposed; Never to cease his suit, till he had gained what his soul so much desired: for continually at the break of day, when ●irans beauty began to shine, and Aurora's blush to appears. would he always send to her Chamber window the sweetest Music that could been devised: thinking thereby so obtain her Love.. Many times would he solicit her with rich gifts, and large promises, befitting rather an Empress than the Daughter of an Earl, proffering such kindness, that if she had a heart of Iron, yet could she not choose but relent and requite his courtesies: for what is it that time will not accomplish, having the hand of a King set thereunto.  
Twelve wearydayes King Arthur spent in wooing of Angellica, before he could obtain his heart's happiness, and his soul's content: at the end of which time, she was as pliant to his will, as is the tender twig to the hand of the Husbandman. But how their secret meaning required a policy to keep their privy leaves both from King Arthur's Queen, and from old Androgius, Angellicas' Father: and that their secret joys might long time continue without mistrust of any party whatsoever, this device they contrived: that Angellica should desire liberty of her Father, to spend the remain of her life in the service of Diana, like one that a bandoned all earthly vanity, honouring true chastity and religious life: So, with a denture countenance, and a sober grace, she went unto her Father, and obtained such leave at his hands, that he willingly condescended that she should live as a professed Nun, in a Monastery that the King before time had builded in the City of Lincoln; and so furnishing her forth with such necessaries as her state required, he gave her his blessing, and so committed her to Diana's service.  
But now Angellica being no sooner placed in the Monastery and chosen a Sister of that fellowship, but King Arthur many times visited her in so secret a manner, and so disguisedly, that no man suspected their pleasant meetings: but so long tasted they the joys of love, that in the end the Nun grew great bellied, and bore King Arthur's quittance sealed in her womb, and at the end of forty weeks, she was delivered; where in presence of the Midwife, & one more whom the King largely recompensed for their secrecy, she was made a happy Mother of a goodly son, whom King Arthur caused to be wrapped in a Mantle of green Silk, tying a Purse of Gold about his neck, and so causing the Midwife to bear it into the Fields, and to lay it at a Shepherd's gate near adjoining to the City, in hope the old man should foster it as his own: by which means his Angellicaes' dishonour might be kept secret from the world, and his own disgrace from the murmuring reports of the vulgar people.  
This his commandment was so speedily performed by the Midwife, that the very next morning she stole the young Infant from his Mother's keeping, and bore it secretly to the place appointed, there laying it down upon a turf of green grass: if seemed prettily to smile, turning his crystal eyes up towards the Elements, as though it foreknew his own good Fortune. This being done, the Midwife withdrew herself some little distance from that place, and hid herself closely behind a well grown Oak, diligently marking what should betide the comfortless Infant: But long she had not there remained, but there flocked such a number of little Birds about the young harmless Babe, and ma●e such a chirping melody, that it fell into a silent slumber, and slept as sweetly as though it had been laid in a Bed of softest Silk.  
By this time, the golden Sun began to glister on the Mountain top, and his sister Luna to withdraw her waterish countenance: at which time, the pleasant Shepherds began to tune their Morning notes, and to repair unto their folded Sheep, according to their wonted manner: Amongst which crew of lusty Swains, old Antonio approached forth of his Gate with a cheerful countenance, whose Beard was as white as polished Silver, or like to Snow lying upon the Northern Mountains: this bonny Shepherd no sooner espied Angelic●es sweet Babe lying upon the green Hillock, but immediately he took it up; and viewing circumspectly every parcel of the rich Uestments wherein it was wrapped, at last found out the Purse of Gold which the King had tied unto the Child's neck, whereat the Shepherd so exceedingly rejoiced, that for the time, he stood as a man ravished with pleasure, and was not able to remove from the place where he stood: but yet at the last, thinking with himself that Heaven had sen● him that good fortune, not only giving him Riches, but withal a Son, to be a comfort to him in his latter years; so bearing it in to his old Wife, and withal the Purse of Gold, and the rich Mantle, with the other things: who at the sight thereof, was as highly pleased as her Husband, when he found it first: so being both agreed to foster and bring it up as their own, considering that Nature never gave them in all their life any child, incontinently they caused it to be thristened, and called by the name of TOM A LINCOLN; (after the Town where it was found) a name most fitting for it, in that they knew not whom were his true Parents.  
But now speak we again of the Midwife, that after she had beheld how kindly old Antonio received the young Infant, she returned back unto Angelicaes' Chamber, whom she found bitterly lamenting the loss of her tender Babe, thinking that some Fairy Nymph had s●olne it away: but such was the kind comfort which the smooth tonged Midwife gave her in that extremity, whereby her sorrow seemed the less, and her mistrustful fear exchanged into smiling hope: yet neither would the King nor the Midwife at any time whatsoever, make known unto her what was become of her little Son, but driving her off with delays and fond excuses, lest having intelligence of his abo●d, she should (through kind love, and natural affection) go visit him, and so discover their Love's practices.  
Thus lived the most fair Angelica many days in great grief, wishing his return, and desiring Heaven that the Destinies might be so favourable, that once again before the fatal Sisters had finished her life, she might behold her Infant's face: for whose presence her very soul thirsted for.  
Here will we leave the solitary Lady comfortless and without company (except it were the King, that sometimes visited hereby stealth) and report what happened to Tom a Lincoln in the Shepherd's house.   

CHAP. II. Of the manner of Tom a Lincoln's bringing up, and how he first came to be called the Red-rose Knight: with other things that happened to him.  
GReat was the wealth that old Antonio gathered together, by means of the Treasure he found about the Infant's attire, whereby he became the richest in all that Country, and purchased such Lands and livings, that his supposed Son (for wealth) was deemed a fit match for a Knight's Daughter: Yet for all this his bringing up was but mean, and in a homely sort; (for after he had passed ten years of his age he was set to keep Antonio's Sheep, and to follow Husbandry, whereby he grew strong and hardy, and continually gave himself to painful endeavours, imagining and devising haughty and great enterprises: yet notwithstanding was of honest and vertueus conditions, well featured, valiant, active, quick and nimble, sharp witted, and of a ripe judgement: he was of a valiant and invincible courage, so that from his Cradle and infancy, it seemed he was vowed to Mars, and martial exploits. And in his life and manners is deciphered the Image of true Nobility: for though he obscurely lived in a Country Cottage, yet had he a superious mind, aiming at state and majesty, bearing in his breast the princely thoughts of his Father. For on a time keeping cattle in the Field amongst other young men of his age and condition, he was chosen (in sport by them) for their Lord or Knight, and they to attend on him like dutiful Servants: and although this their election was but in play, yet he whose spirits were ravished with great and high matters, first, procuted them to swear to him loyalty in all things; and to obey him as a King, where, or when it should please him in any matter to command them: to which they all most willingly condescended. Thus after they had solemnly taken their oaths, he persuaded them to leave that base and servile kind of life, seeking to serve in War, and to follow him, being the General: the which through persuasion they did, and so leaving their cattle to their Fathers and Masters, they assembled all together, to the full number of a hundred at the least: unto whom he severally gave certain Red Roses, to be worn for colours in their Hats, and commanded them, that ever after he should be called the Red-rose Knight. So in this manner departed he with his followers unto Barnsedale Heath, where they pitched up Tents, and lived long time upon the robberies and spoils of passengers, in so much that the whole Country were greatly molested by them.  
This disordered life so highly displeased the Parents of these unruly Outlaws, that many of them died with grief: but especially of all other, old Antonio took it in ill part, considering how dear he lou●d him, and how tenderly he had brought him up from his infancy: therefore he purposed to practise a mean to call him from that uncivil kind of life, if it might possible be brought to pass: so in his old days undertaking this tasking, he traveled towards Barnsedale Heath: into which being no sooner entered, but some of the ruder sort of these Outlaws ceased upon the old man, and without any further violence, brought him before their Lord and Captain: who at the first sight knew him to be his Father (as he thought) and therefore used him most kindly, giving him the best entertainment that he could devose: where, after they had some small time conferred together, the good old man broke out into these speeches.  
Oh thou degenerate (quoth he) from nature's kind: Is this thy duty to thy father's age, thus disobediently to live, ●●cunding thy natural Country with unlawful spoils? Is this the comfort of mine age: is this thy love unto thy Parents, who●e tender care hath been ever to advance thy estate: Canst thou behold these milk-white Hairs of mine all to rend and torn, which I have violently martyred in thy absence? Canst thou endure to see my dim Eyes almost sightless through age, to droy down Tears at thy disobedient feet? Oh wherefore hast thou infringed the Laws of Nature, thus cruelly to kill thy father's heart with grief, and to end his days by thy vicious life? Return, return dear Child, banish from thy breast these base actions, that I may lay, I have a virtuous Son: and be not like the viperous brood, that works the untimely death of their Parents. And speaking these words, grief so exceeded the bounds of Reason, that he stood silent, and beginning again to speak, tears trickled from his eyes in such abundance, that they stayed the passage of his speech: the which being perceived by the Red-rose Knight, he humbly sell upon his knees, and in this sort spoke unto good Antonio.  
Most dear and reverend Lather, if my offence do seem odious in your eyes, that I deserve no forgiveness, than here behold now your poor inglorious Son, laying his breast open, ready prepared to receive Death's remorseless stroke from your aged hands, as a due punishment for this my disobedient crime: but to be reclaimed from this honourable kind of life (I count it honourable, because it taketh of manhood), first shall the Sun bring day from out the Western Heavens, & the silver Moon lodge her brightness in the Eastern waves, and all things else against both kind and nature turn their wont ●●urse.  
Well then (quoth Antonio) if thy resolution be such, that neither my bitter tears, nor my fair entreaties may prevail to withdraw thy vain folly, then know (than most ungracious imp) that thou art no Son of mine, but sprung from the bowels of some untanted Tiger, or wild Li●nesse, el●e wouldst thou humbly submit thyself to my reverend persuasions; from whence thou camest I know not, but sure thy breast harbours the tyranny of some monstrous Tyrant, from whose ●oynes thou art naturally descended. Thou art no fruit of my body for I found thee (in thy infancy) lying in the Fields, cast out as a prey for ravening Fowls, ready to be devoured by hunger-starved Dogs: but such was my pity towards thee, that I took thee up and ever since have fostered thee as mine own Child: but now, such is thy unbridled folly, that my kind courtesy is requited with extreme ingratitude; which sin above all others, the immortal powers of Heaven do condemn, and the very Devils themselves do hate: therefore like a Serpent, henceforth will I spit at thee, and never cease to make incessant prayers to the justful Heavens, to revenge this thy monstrous disobedience.  
These words being ended, he gave such an extreme sigh, that his very heart broke with grief, and he immediately died in the presence of the Red-rose Knight, For whose death, he made more sorrowful lamentation, than Niobe did for her seven Sons. But in recompense of old Antonio's kind love, that preserved his infancy from the fury of ravenous Fowls, he entombed him most stately in the City of Lincoln, whose body he sent thither by certain Passengers whom he had taken, and withal a thousand pound in treasures, to be bestowed upon a great Bell to be rung at his Funeral: which Bell he caused to be called Tom a Lincoln after his own name, where to this day it remaineth in the same City: These Passengers being as then rich Merchants of London having received the dead body of old Antonio, and withal the treasure, went with all speed unto Lincoln, and performed every thing as the Red-rose Knight had appointed.  
The death of this good old man not only caused a general sorrow through the whole City, but struck such an extreme grief to old Antonio's wife, that she within few days yielded her life to the remorseless stroke of the frowning destinies, and was buried in the same grave where her Husband was entombed: Whose deaths we will now leave to be mourned by their dearest friends, and likewise for brevity's sake, pass over many stratagems which were accomplished by the Red-rose Knight & his followers upon Barnsedale Heath, and return to King Arthur & his Knights, flourishing in the English Court.   

CHAP. III. Of the first Conquest of Portugal by the Red-rose Knight, and how he was the first that ever triumphed in the City of London.  
THe report of Tom a Lincoln's practices grew so general amongst the vulgar sort of people, that at last it came to King Arthur's ears, who imagined in his Princely mind, that he was sprung of his blood, and that he carried lofty thoughts of honour planted in his breast, though shrouded under a Country life: therefore, through kind nature, he purposed to have him resident in Court with him, that he might daily see his lively sparks of honour show their resplendent brightness, yet in such obscurity, that he should not know the smallest motion of his Parentage; therefore he called together three of his approved Knights, namely Lancelot du Lake, Sir Tristram and Sir ●●●amore, and gave them in charge, if it were possible, to fetch the Red-rose Knight unto his Court, of whose adventurous exploits he hath heard so many times reported: and withal he gave them general Pardon, sealed with his privy Seal, for him and all his lawless followers.  
This Commission being received by the three worthy Knights, they with all speed armed themselves in rich Corselets, and strong habiliments of War, and so road towards Bransedale H●a●h where being no sooner come, and delivered their message from the King, but the Red-rose Knight gave them an honourable welcome, and for three days most royally feasted them under large Canvas Tents▪ wherein they slept as securely, as they had been in King Arthur's Court, or in a strong Castle of war.  
After this, Tom a Lincoln selected out a hundred of his resolute Followers, such as he best liked of, and came with Sir Lancelot, and the rest to the English Court; where King Arthur not only gave him a friendly entertainment, but also installed him one of his Knights of the Round-table: and withal preclaimed a solemn Turniament, that should be h●lden in the honour of this new made Knight: to which Turniament, assemble▪ from other Countries, many Princes, Barons, & Knights of high honour, which behaved themselves most nobly, and won great commendations of every beholder: but especially the Red-rose Knight, who for that day, stood as chief Champion against all comers. In that Turniament, or first day's deed of his Knighthood, where only by his valour and prowess he overthrew three Kings, and thirty other Knights, all famoused for Chivalry: whereby he obtained such grace in the English Court, that he had by the King a pair of golden Spurs put upon his feet▪ and generally of the whole assembly, he was accounted one of the bravest Knights that then lived in the world.  
But now mark, how frowning Fortune ended their Triumphs with unlucky News: for the same day before the Knights had unbuckled their Armours, there arrived a Messenger, who certified King Arthur, how his Ambassador was unjustly done to death in the Portugal Court, (which was an Act contrary both to the Faith of Princes, and the Law of Arms:) For whose death King Arthur grew so enraged, that he swore by the Honour of his bright Renown, and by the golden Spur of true Knighthood, the Portugese's should repent that inhuman violence, with the death of many thousand guiltless souls; and that Babes unborn, should have just cause to curse the first contriver of that unjust murder: therefore with all speed he mustered up a mighty Army of Soldiers, and (because he was continually molested with homebred Mutinies, and treacherous rebellions, the which himself in person of force must pacify) appointed the Red-rose Knight as chief General over the Army mustered for Portugal. In which Service, he accomplished so many famous Exploits, that he was for ever after surnamed, The Boast of England. For no sooner had he the whole Camp in charge, and aboard their Ships, but he proved the perfect Pattern of an exquisite Soldier: such a one, as all martial Captains may learn to imitate: for he so circumspectly ordered his Captains, that in his Camp was never known any brawl or mu●●nie. ●e was very courteous and liberal, doing honour to all men according to their deserts. He so painfully and with such care instructed his Soldiers, that at an instant always (if it were needful) every man by the sound of a Drum or a Trumpet, was found in his Charge and Quarter. And (to be brief) his Camp resembled one of the greatest Cities in the world, for all kind of officers were there found in order: and also a great number of Merchants to furnish it with all manner of necessaries. He 〈◊〉 case permitted any robberies, privy fight, force, or violence: but with severity punished those that were therein found guilty. His desire was, that his Soldiers should glory in nothing so much, as in Martial prowess, Virtue, and Wisdom. He evermore gave them their pay without fraud or deceit. He honoured, he praised, he embraced and kissed them, and withal kept them in awe and subjection: by which means his fame and honour grew so renowned, that his Army daily increased more and more. For when he first arrived upon the Confines of Portugal, his Camp grew to be as great as ever was Caesar's, when he conquered the Western World, and in matchless pro●●esse nothing inferior unto his. So fortunate were his proceedings, that he made a great part of the Provinces of Portugal desolate not being intercepted by any, but poyling every Town and City as he went, until such time a● the Portugal King had gathered together a marvelous number os Soldiers, both old, and of much experience, by reason of the continual Wars that they had with the 〈◊〉 Nation adjoining near unto them: But when this Portugal King (like an expert Soldier) seeing that no way he might resist the English Army, nor expel them his Country, unless he gave them present Battle, therefore trusting in his approved Manhood, and the prowess of his Soldiers, he set his Army in a readiness and so marched forward to meet the Red-rose Knight, and his warlike followers, which at that time had pitched his Camp in a large Champion Plaine, adjoining near unto the City of lisbon, whereas both these Armies met: and setting them in order (as it became good Captains) there they began (in the break of the day) she most cruel and terriblest Battle that ever was heard of, or fought in that age, considering the number of both parties, their experience and policy, with the valiant courage and prowess of their Captains.  
In great danger continued this fight, till the Sun began to set, with marvelous ●laughter on both sides; yet remained the victory doubtful, declining neither to the Portugese's, nor yet to the English: but at last (though long) the Portugese's begins to saint and fly; more indeed oppressed with she multitude then for any fear they received in the Eatte●● for the most part of them with honour died manfully in the Field, some taken prisoners, and the rest fled for their better safety: but now the Portugal King perceiving his Soldiers begin to fly, with courage he sought to withdraw them from flight, resisted in person valiantly the furious rage of the enemy: but in that enterprise he gained such and so many knocks, that at last he● was unhorsed, and for want of rescue, was forced to yield himself as prisoner: whereat the whole army of the Portugese's were discomforted, and the victory fell to the Englishmen: the which being obtained, the Red-rose Knight with his Army entered into the City of Lisbon; where the common Soldiers were enriched with wealthy spoils, and the King's Palace ransacked by the Red-rose Knight: where he took such prisoners as him best liked, and the rest (like an honourable soldier) he set at liberty, commanding that no violence should be proffered any way:  
After this, setting his Army in a readiness, he marched towards England, where after some few day's 〈◊〉, he arrived with all his Ho●st, in the Western parts of Devonshire, and marching towards London, where against his coming, the Citizens with the Inhabitants of other villages near adjoining, were that day seen in their most sumptucus and rich attire, every one of them endeavouring to place himself in some Gallery or Window, that the better and with more ease they might behold the triumphant return of the Red-rose Knight. All the Churches in London were on every side set open, hanged round about with most costly forniture: the streets were also most gloriously beset with green Boughs, and strewed with Perfumes of no small value: and for the infinite multitude of people that were seen in the City, there were appointed a hundred Whifflers most richly attired to keep the streets plain and open, whereby the triumphs might have the easier passage: and for that the diversity of the shows were so many, that they of necessity were constrained to part them into three several days.  
The first day hardly sufficed in good order to bring in the Banners, Standards, and Ensigns of the Conqueror, the golden Images, and Tables of price, which were all brought in on C●rts very curiously painted and trimmed.  
On the second day, came in the Armour of the Conquered King, as also of all the other Portugal Lords: and as they were rich, bright, and glittering, so were they with most cunning ordered and couched in wagons. After these entered three thousand men, in order, bearing nothing but Money openly to b●e seen, and that in huge Platters and Uessels of Silver; of which were three hundred and fifty in number, and four of our men allotted to every vessel: the other brought in most artificial Tapestry works, beautified with gold and silver. And thus was the second day's Triumph ended, in most pompous solemnity.  
Upon the third day, even at the rising of the Sun, with the first Band, entered (as a joyful sound of Conquest) an infinite number of Flutes, Drums, and Trumpets, with other like Marshal and Warlike Instruments, sounding not after a most pleasant and sweet manner, but in most terrible sort, as it was possible to be done, even in such order as they do, when they presently join Battle. And after them, came a hundred and twenty Kine all white, having their Horns curiously gilded with Gold, their bodies covered with Uayles, (which they accounted most sacred and holy) bearing also Garlands of Flowers upon their Heads, driven by certain young Gentlemen, no less well favoured then gorgeously attired. After these, followed the Coach of the conquered King of Portugal, with his own Armour laid thereon openly to been seen of all men: his Crown and royal Sceptre was laid in seemly order upon his Armour. After his Coach, came Prisoners on foot, with his own natural Children, being little Infants: and after them followed a great Troup of his Servants and Officers, as Masters of his Housheuld, Secretaries, Ushers, controllers, Chamberlains, with other Gentlemen of his Court, all in a most sorrowful manner, seeing themselves brought into such extremity and servitude, that they moved to companion all such as beheld them. Of the King's children, there were two Boys, and one Girl, of age so young and tender, that they had small understanding of their misfortune and misery.  
In this triumph followed the Father his own Children, (after the usage of his Country) clad in black mourning garments, sorrowing likewise for his hard misfortune. Then followed sundry of his approved Friends: which, beholding in that plight their unhappy Prince, broke cut into tears and sighs so bitterly, that their enemies themselves grieved at their mishaps.  
After these, followed one which carried certain precious Stones, that had been presented to the Red-rose Knight, from some ancient Cities in Portugal, who immediately followed in person triumphantly in his ivory Chariot, apparelled in vestures of purple Tissue, having a Laurel bough in his hand, and a Crown of the same upon his Head. After him, followed his own Soldiers, both footmen, and Horsemen, all marching in most decent order, armed with rich Furniture, holding also each of them a Laurel bough in his hand, their Ensigns and Banners Soldierlike displayed, sounding Martial Melody in honour of their triumphant Captain: with many other like precedents, most royal and magnificent.  
Thus in this gallant order marched they to the King's Chapel, where in the presence of the King and his Lords, (which came to honour and grace their Triumphs) they gave thanks to God for their successful victory: were after solemn Service was ended, they departed to King Arthur's Court, where every one, as well Strangers as others, were most royally feasted.  
The Portugal King seeing his kind entertainment in the English Court, where he was used more like a Friend, than an Enemy, had small care to return home, but ●rolik'd many a day amongst the English Lords: whose loves unto strangers be evermore most honourable. But so great were the courtesies that the Noble King Arthur bestowed upon the Portugese's, who for their proffered disgraces, requited them liberally with honour: and not only sent them home ransomless, but promised to lend them aid and succour from England, if occasion required: So bearing them company to the Sea side, he most friendly committed them to the mercy of the winds and waves, which were so favourable, that in short time they arrived safe in their own Country; where many a day after they remembered the honourable kindness of the Englishmen, and caused the Chronicles of Portugal to record the renown of King Arthur, and hi●●●●●●ts of the Round Table.   

CHAP. FOUR How the Red-rose Knight traveled from the King of England's Court, and how he arrived in the Fayerie-land, where he was entertained by a Maiden Queen, and what happened to him in the same Country.  
NOw, after the Portugese's were thus conquered, and sent home with great honour, the English King and his Lords, rested themselves many a day in the Bowers of Peace, leau●ng their Armours rusting, and their pampered Steeds standing in their Sca●les, forgetting their usual manner of wrathful war: which idle ease greatly discontented the magnanimous Red-rose Knight, who thought it a stain to his passed glory, and a scandal to his Princely mind to entertain such base thoughts: and considering with himself how ignorant he was of his true Parents, and from whence he was descended, he could not imagine: therefore he purposed to begin a new enterprise, and to travail up and down the World, till he had either found his Father and Mother, or else yielded his life to Nature's courle in that pretended Journey: so going to the King, (full little thinking that he was sprung from so Noble a stock) craving at his Grace's hand, to grant him such liberty, for to try his Knighthood in foreign Countries, whereas yet did never Englishman make his adventure; and so eternize his name to all posterity, rather than to spend his life in such homebred practices.  
To this his honourable request, the King (though loath to forgo his company, yet because it belonged to Knightly Attempts) he gave him leave, and withal, furnished him a Ship at his own proper cost and charges, giving free Licence to all Knights whatsoever, to bear him company: amongst which number, Sir Launcelor du Lake was the chiefest that proffered himself to that Uoyage, who protested such love to the Red-rose Knight, that they plighted their Faiths like sworn Brothers, and to live and die together in all extremities.  
So these two English Knights, with the number of a hundred more, all resolute Gentlemen, took leave of the King, and with all speed went a Shipboard: wherein being no s●●ner entered, but the Pilot hoist Sail and di●an●hored, and so committed their lives and Fortunes to the pleasure of Neptune's mercy: upon whose 〈◊〉 Kingdom the 〈◊〉 many days sailed, but Ae●●us brazen gates ●u●st open, and the Winds so violently troubled the swelling waves, that every minute they were in danger, to end their lives in the bottom of the Seas.  
Three months the wind and the waters strove together for supremacy: during which time, they saw no land, but were driven up and down, to what place the ever-changing Destinies listed: so at last they sailed beyond the Sun, directed only by the light of the Stars, not knowing which way to travel towards land, but in such extrenity for want of Uictuall, that they were forced to land at a certain Island in the Western parts of the world, inhabited only by women: where being no sooner on land, and giving God thanks for delivering them from that mortal peril, but the Red-rose Knight cast up his eyes towards the higher parts of the Country, and espied more than two thousand women coming forth at a City gate, all most richly armed with Breastplates of Silver, marching in trim array, like an Army of well approved Soldiers: the which number coming near to the Sea side, they sent two of their Damsels, as Messengers to the English Knights, willing them, as they loved their lives, presently to retire again back to the Seas, for that was no Country for their abode. But when the Red-rose Knight of England had understood the hold message of the two Damsels, he was sore abashed (considering the number of armed women he saw before him, and the great dangers they had suffered before on the Sea for want of unequals) that he knew not in what manner he were best to answer them: but having a good courage, he at last spoke to the two Damsels in this sort.  
Right Noble Ladies, I have well understood your speeches: therefore I desire you for to show such favour unto wandering Travellers, as to tell us in what Country Fortune hath brought us to: and for what cause we are commanded by you to return to the Sea?  
Surely Sir Knight (answered one of the Damsels) this Country whereon you are arrived, it is not very big, but yet most fertile and commodious; and is called by the name of the Fayrie-Land: And now to show you the cause why you are commanded to return, this it is. Not many years ago, there reigned in this Country a King which had to name Larmos', for wisdom and prowess not his equal was found in any of these parts of the world. This King had such continual war against the bordering Islanders, that upon a time he was constrained to muster for the same war all the men both young & old which were found in his Kingdom, whereby the whole Country was left destitute of men, to the great discontent of the Ladies and Damsels that here inhabited: whereupon they finding themselves so highly wronged, living without the company of men, they generally assembled themselves together, with the Daughter of King Larmos', which is called Caelia, no less in Beauty, then in Virtue and Wisdom: These Ladies and Damosels being gathered together, with a general consent, dispatched certain Messengers to the King, and to their Husbands, willing them to return into their Country, and not to leave their wives and children in such extremity, without the comfort and company of man. Upon which, the King answered, that he had besieged his Enemies in their Towns of War; and before one man should return home till he came with Conquest, his Country should be lost and made desolate, and the Women given over to the spoil of his Enemies: Which answer, when the Ladies had received, they took it in such evil part, that they conspired against their King, and Husbands, and put to death all the men children that were in the Country; and after determined, when their Husbands, Fathers, and Friends returned from the War, that they should the first night of their coming, be slain sleeping in their Beds, and that never after they should suffer man to enter into their Country. After this conclusion, they crowned Caelia the King's Daughter for their Queen: And so afterward, when the King and his Army returned from his Wars, this bloody murder was practised, and not a man left alive, but only the King reserved, whom Caelia would in no wise against nature murder: but yet notwithstanding, she delivered him into the hands of her chiefest Ladies, which put him into a Boat alone, and so sent him to the Sea to seek his fortune. Therefore most noble Knights, this is the cause, why you may not enter into our Country: which if you do, and not presently withdraw yourselves unto the Sea, the Ladies will suddenly give you a marvellous Battle.  
Now by the Euerliving 〈…〉 which Englishmen adore, (said the Noble Red-rose Knight) such extremity have we suffered at Sea, that we are like to perish and dye with hunger, unless we find some succeur at your hands: and before we will end our lives with famine, we will enter Battle with those Ladies, and so dye with Honour in the Field: yet this kindness do we humbly desire at your hands, to return unto your Queen, and certify her of our poor estate and necessity, and that we altogether instantly desire her, that if there be any spark of Virtue, or Nobility harboured in her breast, that she will have pity upon us, and suffer us not to end our lives by such an unhappy kind of death.  
With this request the two Damsels returned to the Queen and recounted from word to word the humble suit of the Red-rose Knight, and what extremity they were in: Which when the Queen understood, and that they were Knights of England, the fame of which country she had so often heard reports, she demanded, what manner of people they were, and of what condition? Surely Madam (answered one of the two Damsels) I never in all my life saw more goodly men, nor better spo●en: and it is to been supposed, they been the choice of all humane people, and with their courteous demeanours, are able to draive the merciless and savage Nation to affect them.  
The Queen hearing the Damsels so highly to commend the English Knights, thinking also upon their request, began (in mind) to have pity of their misadventures, and so instantly sent for them, and gave them free liberty to make their abode in her Country: which incontinently when the English Knights heard, how they should receive a kind welcome, and a friendly entertainment, grew so exceeding joyful, as though Heaven had sent them present comfort: so coming before the Queen and her Ladies, they saluted each other most courteously, and with great reverence. But when the virtuous Queen beheld this noble company before her, in all humility, she delivered to a hundred of her Ladies, the hundred English Knights, and reserved the Princely Red-rose Knight unto herself: and so were they brought to the Queen's Palace, where every Lady feasted her Knight in most gallant sort, and to their hearts content. But now when the Queen had the Red-rose Knight in her Chamber, and had beheld the exceeding beauty of the noble Prince, she took him by the hand, and led him into one of her Chambers, where the showed him her Riches and Treasure: and after said unto him in this manner.  
Most noble and valiant Englishman, these Riches been all only at thy Commandment, and also my body, which here I offer up as a gift and Present to thy divine excellency: and furthermore, there is nothing of value, which I am Mistress of, but shall be at thy disposing, to the intent that my love may be acceptable to thy gracious eyes. But when the Red-rose Knight perceived to what intent she spoke these words, in this manner answered her, saying.  
Most dear Princess, and fair Queen of this Maiden country, I give you right humble thanks for these your courtesies, and by no means possible may I deserve this high honour you have graced me with.  
Oh great Knight (replied then the Queen) the smallest thought of your honourable mind, is sufficien●●o recompense the uttermost of my deserts: yet let me request this one thing at your noble hands, that never asked the like favour of any one before, for she that never knew the least motion of love, is now pricked with a hundred torments: and unless you quench the ardent affection wherewith my heart is fired, with the pleasant hopes of your comfortable smiles, I am like to die desperate, and then the world will accuse you of cruelty, in murdering a consiant Lady: but if it shall please you to grant me love, and so espouse me according to Hymen's holy Kites, here shall you rule sole King, and be the Lord of all this Country.  
My right dear Lady (answered then the Red-rose Knight) you have done such pleasure to me, and to my distressed followers, in preserving us from famine, as I shall never requite it, though I should spend all the rest of my life in your Service, And know (most excellent Princess) that there is no adventure so dangerous, yet at your commandment would I practise to accomplish yet for to tie myself in Wedlock's bonds, there is no woman in the world shall procure me: for till I have finished an Adventure which in my heart I have vowed, I will not link my affection to any Lady in the world. But think not (Madam) that I refuse your love through disdain: for I swear by the dignity King Arthur graced me with, I should think myself most fortunate, if I had so fair and noble a Lady, as your divine self.  
Most worthy Knight (than answered the Queen) I imagine, that the Gods have sent you into this Country for two causes principally: The first is, that you and your followers should be preserved from death by my means: The second is, that you should inhabit in this Country lest it should in short time be left as a desert wilderness: for it is inhabited only by Women without a King, and have no other Governor but me, which am their chief Princess: And for so much as I have succoured you, so secure you this desolate City, that it may be repeopled with your séed: and in so doing, you shall accomplish a virtuous deed, and win to your names an eternal memory to all ensuing ages.  
I confess (quoth the Red-rose Knight,) that you and your Ladies have succoured me and my followers in our great necessity: and in recompense whereof, we will employ all our endeavours to the repeopling again of this Country: But in regard of the secret vow my heart hath made, I will not yield myself to your desires; for if I should infringe my oath, mine Honour were greatly impaired: And before I would commit that dishonourable fact, I would suffer the greatest torment that man's heart can imagine.  
Incontinently, when the lovesick Queen heard this answer of the English Knight, and perceived that he was firm in his purpose, she took leave of him, and departed for that time, the Red-rose Knight likewise withdrew himself into his Chamber, pondering in his mind a thousand imaginations. But she for her part was so troubled in mind, and so wounded with the Darts of blind Cupid, that when the misty darkness of night had covered the earth, she laid her down upon her bed, where betwixt Shame and her Heart, began a ferrible Battle. Her Heart was encouraged, that she should go and be with him: but shame began to blush, and withstood that persuasion; by which means the battle was great, and endured a long time: but at last the Heart was conqueror, and shame vanquished and put to flight, in such sort, that the fair Queen arose from her bed, and went and laid her down by her beloved Knight, where he slept: and being in the bed, she began fearfully to tremble, for shame still followed her unlawful practices: where after her quivering heart began a little to be qualified, with her trembling hand she awaked him, and after spoke in this manner.  
My most dear and affectionate friend, though like a careless wretch I come unto thee apparelled with Shame, yet let my true Love colour this my infamous presumption: for your Princely person, and Kingly demeanours, like Adamants have drawn my steeled Heart to commit this shameful act; yet let not my fervent Affection be required with Disdain: and although you will not consent to be my wedded Lord and Husband, yet let me been thy Love and secret Friend; that a poor distressed Queen may think herself happy in an Englishmans love.  
When the noble Knight heard the fair Celia's voice, and felt her by his side all naked, he was so sore abashed, that he wist not what to do: but yet at last having the nature and courage of a man, he turned to her, using many amorous speeches, embracing and kissing each other in such manner, that fair Caelia was conceived with Child. and wax great of a right fair Son: of whom she was in process of time safe: lie delivered; as you shall hear discoursed of large in the following History.  
But to be short, during the space of four Months, the Fairy Ladies lay with the English Knights, and many of them were conceived with their seed in such sort, that the Country was afterward repeopled with male Children, and what happened amongst them in the mean season, I will pass over for this time: for the days and nights (that have no rest) pass on their wont course: in which time their Ship was replenished with all necessaries, and the Red-rose Knight summoned together Sir Lancelot and the rest: and being assembled, he said unto them.  
My good Friends and Countrymen, you know, that long time we have sojourned in this Country, spending our days in idle pastimes, to the reproach of our former glories: now my intent is, within these three days to depart this Country, therefore let every man make himself in readiness: for there is no greater dishonour to adventurous Knights, then to spend their days in Lady's bosoms.  
When sir Lancelot and the other English Gentlemen heard the forward disposition of the Red-rose Knight, they were all exceeding joyful, and answered him; that with great willingness they would all be ready at the time appointed.  
But now, when the Fairy Ladies perceived the preparations that the English Knights made for their departure, they grew exceeding sorrowful, and complained one to another in most grievous manner: but amongst the rest, the Queen was most displeased, who with a sorrowful and sad heart came unto the Red-rose Knight, and in this manner complained to him.  
Alas, alas, my dear Lord, have ye that tyrannous heart, to withdraw yourself from me, and to forsake me before you see the fruit of your Noble person, which is nourished with my blood. Dear Knight, behold with pity my womb, the chamber and mansion of your blood; Oh let that be a means to stay you, that my Child (as yet unborn) be not fatherless by your departure. And in speaking these words, she began to weep and sigh bitterly, and after to whisper secretly to herself in this order.  
Oh you immortal heavens, how may mine eyes behold the departure of my joy! for being gone, all comfort in the world will forsake me, and all consolation fly from me: and centrariwise, all sorrow will pursue me, and all misfortune come against me. Oh what a sorrow will it be to my school, to see thee floating on the dangerous Seas, where every minute, perils do arise ready to whelm thee in the bottomless Ocean! and being once erempted from my sight, my heart for evermore lie in the bed of tribulation, under the coveriure of mortal distress, and between the sheets of eternal hewayling. Yet if there be no remedy, but that theu will't needs depart, swear unto me, that if ever thou dost accomplish thy pretended boyage, (what it is I know not) that thou wilt return again to this Country, to tell me of thy happy fortunes, and thatmine eyes may once more be hold thy lovely countenance, which is as delectable to my soul, as the joys of Paradise.  
When the Noble English Knight understood that the Queen condescended to his departure, upon condition of his return, to which he solemnly protested, if the Gods gave him life and good fortune, to perform her request: whereby the Fairy Queen was somewhat recomforted: And having great hope in the return of her dear Love, thee ceased her lamentations. And now (to abridge the Story) the time came that the valiant Englishmen should go a Shipboard: upon which day, the Red-rose Knight and his followers, took leave of the noble Queen and her Ladies, thanking them for their kind entertainments, and so went to the Port of the Sea, where they entered their Ships, and so departed from the Fairy Land. After this, when Caelia had borne her Babe in her womb full forty weeks, she was delivered of a fair Son, who came afterward to be called the Fairy Knight: which for this time we will not touch, but refer it to the second part of this History.   

CHAP. V. What happened to the English Knights, after their departure from the Fairy Land.  
WIth a prosperous Wind sailed these English Knights, many a League from the Fairy Land, to their great content and hearts desire, where every thing seemed to Prognosticate their happy Adventures: so upon a day when the Sun shone clear, and a gentle calm Wind caused the Seas to lie as smooth as Crystal Ice, whereby their Ship lay floating on the Waves, not able to remove: For whilst the Dolphins danced upon the silver Streams, and the red gilled Fishes leapt about the Ship, the Red-rose Knight requested Sir Lancelot, to drive away the time with some Courtly Discourse, whereby they might not think their Uoyage over long. Unto which, the good Sir Lancelot most willingly agreed: And although he was a Martial Knight, delighting to hear the relentless sound of angry Drums, which thunders threats from a Massacre, yet could he like an Dratour, as well discourse a Lover's History: therefore requesting the Red-rose Knight, and the other English Gentlemen, to sit down and listen to the Tale that followeth.  
The pleasant History which Sir Lancelot du Lake, told to the Red-rose Knight, being a Shipboard.  
AT that time of the year, when the Birds had nipped away the tawny leaves, and Flora with her pleasant Flowers, had enriched the earth, and encloathed with Trees, Herbs, and Flowers, with Nature's Tapestry, when the golden Sun with his glistering Beams did glad men's hearts, and every Leaf as it were, did bear the form of Love, by Nature painted upon it: This blessed time did cause the Grecian Emperor to proclaim a solemn Tournament to be holden in his Covet, which as then was replenished with many worthy and valiant Knights: but his desire chiefly was, to behold his Princely Son Valentine, to try his Valour in the Tournament.  
Many were the Ladies that repaired thither, to behold the worthy Triumphs of this young Prince: amongst which number, came the beautiful Dulcippa, a Maiden which as then waited upon the Empress, being Daughter to a Country Gentleman This Dulcippa, like Apollo's Flower, being the fairest Virgin in that company, had so firmly settled her love upon the Emperor's son, that it was impossible to expel it from her heart. Likewise, his affection was no less in fervency than hers: so that there was a just equality in their Loves and liking, though a difference in their Births and Callings.  
This Princely Valentine, (for so was the Emperor's Son called) entered the Lists in costly Armour most richly wrought with Orient Pearls, his Crest encompassed with Saphire Stones, and in his hand a sturdy Lance. Thus mounted uron a milk-white Steed, he vaunted forth himself to try his warlike force: and in prancing by and down, he many times (thorough his Beaver) stole a view of his fair Dulciopas face: at which time, there kindled in his Breast two sundry Lamps: the one was to win the honour of the day: the other, to obtain the love of his Mistress. On the other side, Dulcippa did nothing but report the valiant arts of his prowess and chivalry, in such sort, that there was no other talk amongst the Ladies, but of Valentine's honourable attempts.  
No sooner was the Tournaments ended, and this love begun, but Dulcippa departed to her lodging, where sighs did serve as bellowes to kindle Leves fire. Valentine in like manner being wounded to death, still roameth up and down to find a salve for his stanchlesse thirst: so seeks Dulcippa to restore her former liberty: for, she being both beloved, and in love, knew not the mean to comfort herself. Sometime she did exclaim against her wand'ring eyes, & wished they had been blind when first they gazed upon the beauty of Princely Valentine: Some times in visious the beheld his face cheerful, smiling upon her countenance: and presently again, she thought she saw his martial hands bathed all in purple blood, scorning her love and former courtesies. With that she started from her dreaming passion, wring her tender hands, till floods of silver dropping tears trickled down her face: Her golden hair that had wont to be bound up in thréeds of gold, hung dangling now about her ivory neck: the which in most outrageous sort she rend and tore, till that her hair which before looked like burnished Gold, were died now in purple and Uermillion blood. In this strange passion remained this distressed Lady, till the Golden Sun had three times lodged him in the Western Seas, and the silver Moon her shining face in the Palace of the Crystal Clouds. At this time a heavy slumber possessed all her senses: for she, whose eyes before in three days, and as many nights, had not shut up their Closets, was now locked up in silent sleep, lest her heart ever burdened with grief, by some untimely manner should destroy itself.  
But now return we to the worthy Valentine, who sought not to pine in passion, but to court it with the best, considering with himself, that a faint heart never gained fair Lady: therefore he purposed boldly to discover his love to the fair Dulcippa, building upon a fortunate success, considering that she was but Daughter to a Gentleman, and he a Prince borne, so attiring himself in costly Silks, wearing in his Hat, an In diana Pearl cut cut of Ruby red. On either side a golden Arrow thrust through a bleeding Heart; to declare his earnest affection. In this manner went he to his beloved Lady, whom he found in company of other Lady's weighting upon the Empress: who taking her by the hand, he led her aside into a Gallery near adjoining: where he began in this manner to express the passion of his love.  
Sacred Dulcippa, (quoth he) in beauty brighter than glittering Cynthia, when with her beams she beautifies the vales of Heaven. Thou art that Cynthia, that with thy brightness dost sight my clowoy thoughts, which have many days been over cast with stormy showers of Love: Shine with thy beams of mercy on my mind, and let thy light conduct me from the dark and obscure labyrinth of Love.. If fears could speak, then should my tongue keep silence: Therefore, let my sighs be messengers of true Icue. And though in words I am not able to deliver the true meaning of my desires: yet let my cause beg pity at your hands. Other wise your denial drowns my soul in a bottomless Sea of sorrow: one of these two (most beauteous Lady,) do I desire: either to give life with a cheerful smile, or death with a fatal frown. Valentine having no sooner ended his love's oration, but she with a scarlet countenance, returned him this joyful answer.  
Most Noble Prince, thy words within my heart, hath knit a gordian knot, which no earthly Wight may untie: for it is knit with faithful Love, and Tears, distilling from a constant mind. My heart which never yet was subject to any one, do I freely yield up into thy bosom, where it for cuermore shall rest, till the Fatal sisters cut our lives asunder. And in speaking these words, they kissed each other as the first earnest of their loves. With that the Empress came thorough the Gallery, who espying their secret conference, presently nursed in her secret hate, which she intended to practise against the guiltless Lady, thinking it a scandal to her Son's birth, to match in marriage with one of so base a parentage: Therefore purposing to cross their loves with dismal stratagems, and dryerie Tragedies, she departed to her Chamber, where she cloaked her treacheries up in silence, & pondered in her heart how she might end their loves, and finish Dulcippas' life. In this tragical imagination remained she all that night, hammering in her head a thousand several practices. But no sooner was the dewy earth comforted with the hot beams of Apollo's fire, but this thirsting Empress arose from her careful bed, penning herself closely within her Chamber, like one that made no conscience for to kill: she in all hast sent for a Doctor of Physic, not to give Physic to rest●●e health, but poison for untimely death: who being no sooner some into her presence, but presently she locked her Chamber door, and with an angry countenance, staring him in the face, she breathed this horror into his harmless ears.  
Doctor, thou knowest how oft in secret matters I have used thy help, wherein as yet I never saw thy faith falsified: but now amongst the rest, I am to require thy aid in an earnest business, so secret, which if thou dost but tell it to the whispering winds, it is sufficient to spread it through the whole world: whereby my practices may be discovered, and I be made a noted reproach to all hearers.  
Madam (quoth the Doctor, whose heart harboured no thought of bloody deeds) what needs all these circumstances, where duty doth command my true obedience? desist not there, fore gentle Empress, to make me privy to your thoughts: for little did he think her mind could harbour so vile a thought: but having conjured most strongly his secrecy, she spoke to him as followeth.  
Doctor, the love (nay rather raging lust) which I have spied of late betwixt my unnatural son, and proud Dulcippa, may in short time (as thou knowest) bring a sudden alteration of our state, considering that he being borne a Prince, and descended from a royal race, should match in marriage with a base and ignoble Maiden, daughter but to a mean Gentleman: therefore, if I should suffer this secret love to go forward, and seek not to prevent it, the Emperor might condemn me of falsehood, and judge me an agent in this unlawful love; which to a void, I have a practice in my head, and in thy hand it lies to procure thy Prince's happiness, and Country's good. Dulcippas' father (as thou knowest) dwells about three miles from my Palace, unto whose house, will this day send Dulcippa, about such business as I think best, where thou shalt been apppointed, and none but thou to conduct her thither: where in a thick and bushy grove which standeth directly in the midway, thou shalt give her the cup of death, and so rid my heart from suspicious thoughts.  
This bloody practice being pronounced by the Empress, caused such a terror to enter into the Doctor's mind, that he trembled forth this sorrowful complaint.  
Oh you immortal powers of Heaven, you guider of my hapless fortunes, why have you thus ordained me to been the bloody murderer of a chaste and virtuous Lady, and the true pattern of sobriety: whose untimelesse overthrow if I should but once conspire, Diana's Nymphs would turn their wont Natures, and stain their hands with my accursed blood: Therefore most glorious Empress, cease your determination, for my heart will not suffer my hand to commit so foul a villainy.  
And wilt not thou do if then, (replied the Empress with a mind fraught with rage and blood?) ● do protest (quoth she) by Heaven's bright Majesty, except thou dost consent to accomplish my intent, thy head shall warrant this my secrecy. Stand not on terms, my resolute attempt is clean impatient of objections.  
The Doctor hearing her resolution, and that nothing but Dulcippas' death might satisfy her wrath, he consented to her request (and purposed cunningly to dissemble with the bloody Queen) who believed that he would perform what she so much desired: so departing out of her chamber, she went to the guiltless Lady, sending her on this fatal message: who like to hapless Bellerophon, was ready to carry an embassage of her own death But in the mean time, the Doctor harboured in his breast a world of bitter woes, to think how vilely this virtuous Lady was betrayed: and considering in his mind, how that he was forced by constraint to perform this tragedy; therefore he purposed not to give her a cup of Poison, but a sleeping Drink, to cast her into a trance, which she should as a cup of death receive; as well to try her virtuous Constancy, as to rid himself from so heinous a crime.  
But now return we to Dulcippa, who being sped of her Message, went with the Doctor, walking on the way, where all the talk which they had, was of the liberal praise of Prince Valentine; who remained in Court, little mistrusting what had happened to his beloved Lady: and she likewise ignorant of the hurt that was pretended against her life: but being both alone together in the Wood, where nothing was heard but chirping Birds, which with their voices seemed to mourn at the Lady's misfortune, But now the Doctor breaking off their former talk, took occasion to speak as followeth.  
Man of all other creatures (most virtuous Lady) is most miserable, for Nature hath ordained to every Bird a pleasant tune to bemoan their misshapps, the Nightingale doth complain her Rape and lost virginity within the desert Groves: the Swan doth likewise sing a doleful heavy tune a while before she dies, as though Heaven had inspired her with some foreknowledge of things to come. Y●● Madam, now must sing your Swanlike Song; for the pretty Birds (I see) do drop their hanging heads and mourn, to think that you must die, Marvel not Madam; the angry Queen will have it so. Accursed am I in being constrained to be the bloody instrument of so tyrannous a fact. Accursed am I that have ordained that cup, which must by Poison, stanche the thirst of the bloody Empress: and most accursed am I, that cannot withstand the angry Fates, which have apppointed me to offer outrage unto virtue. And in speaking these words, he delivered the Cup into the Lady's hands: who like a Lamb that was led to the slaughter, used silence for her excuse. Many times lift she up her eyes toward the sacred Throne of Heaven, as though the Gods had sent down vengeance upon her guiltless Soul, and at last breathed forth these sorrowful lamentations.  
Never (quoth she) shall virtue stoop to Vice. Never shall Death affright my soul: nor never Poison quench that lasting love, which my true heart doth bear to Princely Valentine; whose Spirit (I hope) shall meet me in the joyful Fields of Elysium, to call those Ghosts, that died for Faithful love, to bear me witness of my Faith and Loyalty: and so taking the Cup, she said. Come, come, thou most blessed Cup, wherein is contained that happy Drink, which gives rest to troubled minds. And thou most blessed Wood, bear witness, that I mix this baneful Drink with Tears distilling from my bleeding heart. These Lips of mine that had wont to kiss Prince Valentine, shall now most willingly kiss this Ground, that must receive my Corpse. The author of my death, I'll bless; for she honours me, in that I die for my sweet Valentine's sake. And now Doctor to thee (being the instrument of this my Death) I do begueath all earthly happiness: and here withal, I drink to Valentine's good fortune: So drinking off the sleeping Potion, she was presently cast into a trance; which she poor Lady, supposed death. The Doctor greatly admiring at her virtuous mind, erected her body against an aged Oak, where he left her sleeping, and with all speed returned to the hateful Queen, and told her, that he had performed her Majesty's command: who gave him many thanks, and promised to requite his secrecy with a large recompense.  
But now speak we again of Prince Valentine, who had intelligence, how the only comfort of his heart had ended her life by Poisons violence: for which cause, he leaves the Court; and converted his rich Attire to ruthful Robes: his costly coloured Garments, to a homely russet Coat; and so travailing to the solitary woods, he vowed to spend the rest of his days in a Shepherd's life: His royal Sceptre was turned into a simple Shéepehooke, and all his pleasure was to keep his Sheep from the teeth of the ravenous Wolves.  
Three times had glistering Phoebe renewed her horned wings, and decked the elements with her smiling countenance: Three months were passed, three Moons had likewise run their wont compose, before the Grecian Emperou missed his Princely Son: whose want was no sooner bruited through the Court, but he echoed forth this horror to himself.  
What cursed Planet thus indirectly rules my hapless course? or what uncouth dryery Fate hath bereaved me of my Princely son? jove send down thy burning Thunderbolts, and strike them dead that be pro●urers of his want: But, if (sweet Venus) he be dead for love, hover his Ghost before mine eyes, that he may discover the cau●e or his inflictions. But chose, if his life be finished by the fury of some murderous mind, then let my exclamations pierce to the justful Majesty of Heaven, that never Sun may shine upon his hated head, which is the cause of my Valentine's decay: Or, that the angry Furies may lend me their burning whips, incessantly to scourge their purple souls, till my Son's wrongs be sufficiently revenged. Thus, or in such a like frantic humour ran he up and down his Palace, till Reason pacified his outrageous thoughts, and by persuasion of his Lords, he was brought into his quiet bed. Mean space, Diana (the Queen of Chastity) with a Train of beautiful Nymphs, by chance came through the Wood where Dulcippa was left in her trance: in which place, rousing the Thickets in pursuit of a wild Hart, the Queen of Chastity espied the harmless Lady standing against a Tree, and beheld her sweet breath to pass through her closed lips: At whose presence, the Queen a while stood wondering at; but at last, with her sacred she awaked her, and withal asked the cause of her trance, and by what means she came thither? Which poor awaked Lady, being amazed both at her sudden Majesty, and the strangeness of her passed Fortune and distress, with far fetched sighs, she related what happened to her in those desert Woods. The heavenly Goddess being moved with pity, with a most smiling voice cheered her up, and with a Lily taken from the ground, she wiped the tears from off Dulcippa tender cheeks, which like to a river trickled from her Crystal eyes. This being done, Diana with an Angel's voice, spoke unto her as followeth.  
Sweet virgin (for so it seemeth thou art) far better would it befit thy happy estate (happy I term it) having passed so many dangers, to spend the remnant of thy life amongst my Train of Nymphs, whereas springeth nothing but Chastity and purity of life. Dulcippa, though in her love both firm and constant, yet did she condescend to dwell with Diana's Nymphs: where now, instead of parley with courtly Gallants, she singeth Songs, Carols, Roundelays: in stead of Pen and Ink, wherewith she was wont to write Love-letters, she exerciseth her Bow & Arrows, to kill the swift-fat Dear: and her downy Beds, are pleasant Groves, where pretty Lambs do graze.  
But now return we again to the raging Emperor, who sifted the matter out in such sort, that he found the Empress guilty of her Son's want, and the Doctor to be the instrument of Dulcippas' death: who being desperate (like one that utterly detested the cruelty of the Empress) would not allege, that he had but set the Lady in a trance, but openly confessed that he had poisoned her & for that fact was willing to offer up his life to satisfy the Law, therefore the angry Emperor swears, that nothing shall satisfy his Son's revengement, but death: and thereupon straightly commanded the Empress to be put in prison, and the Doctor likewise to be locked in a strong Tower: but yet because she was his lawful Wife, and a Princess borne he something sought to mitigate the Law, that if any on within a twelvemonth and a day would come and offer himself to combat in her cause against himself, which would be the appellant Champion, she should have life: if not to be burnt to ashes, in sacrifice of his Son's death: all which was performed as the Emperor had commanded.  
But now all this while the poor Prince lives alone within the Woods, making his complaints to the flocks of Séepe and washing their waell with his di●● ressed tears. His bed whereon his body rested, was turned into a Sun-burnd bank: his chair of state, covered with grass: his music, the whi●●ling winds: the Rhetoric, pitiful complaints and means, wherewith he bewailed his passed fortunes, and the bitter crosses of his unhappy love:  
The solitary place wherein this Prince remained, was not far ●distant from the Grove, where Dullcippa led her sacred life: who by chance in a morning at the Sun's uprising, attired in green vesiments, bearing in her hand a Bow bended, and a quiver of arrows hanging at her back, with her hair tied up in a Willow wreath, lest the Bushes should catch her golden Tresses to beautify their branches: in this manner coming to hunt a savage Hart, she was surprised by a bloody Satire bend to rape, who with a bloody mind pursued her: and coming to the same place where Prince Valentine fed his mourning Lambs, he overtook her, whereat she gave such a terrible shrike in the Wood, that she stirred up the Shepherd's princely mind to rescue her: but now when the bloody Satire beheld a face of Majesty shrouded in a shepherd's clothing, immediately he scudded through the Woods more swifter than ever fearful Deer did run.  
But now gentle Reader, here stay to read a while, and think upon the happy meeting of these Lovers: for surely the imagination thereof will lead a golden wit into the Labyrinth of heavenly joys: but being breathless in avoiding passed dangers, they could not speak a word, but with steadfast eyes stood gazing each other in the face: but coming again to their former senses, Vailentine broke silence with this wavering speech.  
What heavenly wight art thou (quoth he) which with thy beauty hast inspired me?  
I am no Goddess (replied she again) but a Virgin vowed to keep Diana company, Dulcippa my name: a Lady sometime in the Grecian Court, whilst happy fortune smiled; but being crossed in love, here do I vow to spend the remitant of my days. And with that, he catching the word out of her mouth, said.  
Oh you immortal Gods: and is my Dulcippa yet alive? ay, I, alive I see she is: I see that sweet celestial beauty in her face, which hath banished deep sorrow from my heart: and with that kissing her, he said. So, see, fair of all fairs that Nature ever made, I am thy Valentine, thy unhappy Love, the Prince of Greece, the Emperor's true Son, who for thy lovely sake, am thus 〈◊〉, and for thy love, have left the gallant Court, for this 〈◊〉 and homely country life. With that, she took him about his manly neck, and breathed many a bitter s●●h into his bosom: and after with weeping tears, discoursed all her passed dangers, as well the cruelty of the Empress, as of the virtuous deed of the good Doctor. And having both recounted their passed fortunes, they confented (disguised as they were) to travel to the Grecian Court to see if the Destinies had transformed the state of the Emperor or his regiment; for now no longer outcries, nor heavy stratagems, or sorrowful thoughts sought to pursue them; but smiling fortune, gracious delights, and happy blessings. Now Fortune never meant to turn her wheel again, to cross them with calamities, but intended with her hand to pour into their heart's oil of lasting peace. Thus whilst Apollo's beams did parch the tender twigs, these two Lovers sat still under the branches of a shady Béech, recounted still their joys and pleasures: and sitting both thus upon a grassy bank, there came travelling by them an aged old man: bearing in his withered hand a staff to stay his benumbed body: whose face when Prince Valentine beheld, with a gentle voice he spoke unto him in this sort.  
Father, God save you: How happeneth that you wearied with age, do travel through the desert Groves, befitting such as can withstand the checks of Fortune's sicklenes? Come fair old man sit down by us: whose minds of late were mangled with grief, and crossed with worldly cares.  
This good old Hermit hearing the courteous request of the Prince, safe down by them, and in sitting down, he fumbled forth this speech.  
I come (young man) from yonder City, whereas the Emperor holds a heavy Court, and makes exceeding sorrow for the want of his eldest Son, and for a Lady which is likewise absent: the Empress being found guilty of their wants, is kept close prisoner, and is condemned to be burnt, unless within a twelvemonth and a day, she can get a Champion that will enter Battle in her cause: and with her, a Doctor also is adjudged to suffer death. Great is the sorrow that is there made for this noble Prince, and none but commends his virtue: and withal the deserved praises of the absent Lady.  
Father (replied then the Prince) thou hast told us tidings full of bitter truth, able to enforce an iron heart to lament: for cruel is the doom, and most unnatural the Emperor, to deal s●hardly with his Queen.  
Nay (quoth the old man) if she be guilty, I cannot pity her, that will cause the ruin of so good a Prince: for higher powers must give example unto their subjects.  
By Lady Father (quoth the Princely Shepherd) you can well guess of matters touching Kings; and to be a svitnesse of this accident, we will presently go unto the Court and see what shall betide unto this distressed Queen. This being said, they left the aged man, and so travailed towards the Grecian Court: and by the way, these Lovers did consult, that Prince Valentine attired like a Shepherd, should offer himself to combat in his Mother's cause, and so to express the kind leave and nature which was lodged in his Princely breast. But being no sooner arrived in the Court, and seeing his Father to take the combat upon himself, presently he kneeled down, and like an obedient Senne, discovered himself, and withal Dulcippas' strange fortunes: whereupon the Empress and the Doctor were presently delivered, and did both most willingly consent to join these two Lovers in the bands of Marriage: where after they spent their days in peace and happiness.  
This pleasant Discourse being ended, which Sir Lancelot had told to the exceeding pleasure of the greatest company, but especially of the Red-rose Knight, who gave many kind thanks. At this time the winds began to rise, and blow cheerfully, by which they sailed on their journey successfully from one coast to another, till at the last they arrived upon the coasts of Prester john's Land, which was in an evening when the day began to lose her crystal Mantle, and to give place to the Sable garments of gloomy night: where they cast Anchor, unseen of any of that Country Inhabitants.   

CHAP. VI What happened to the Red-Rose Knight, and his company in the Court of Prester john, and how the Red-rose Knight slew a Dragon with three tongues, that kept a golden Tree in the same Country: with other attempts that happened.  
THE next Morning by the break of day, the Red-rose Knight rose from his cabin, and went upon the Hatches of the Ship, casting his eyes round about, to see if he could espy some Town or City where they might take harbour: and in looking about he espied a great spacious City, in the middle whereof stood a most sumptuous Palace, having many high Towers standing in the air like the Orecian Pyramids, the which he supposed to be the Palace of some great Potentate: therefore calling Sir Lancelot (with two other Knights) unto him, he requested them to go up into the City, and to inquire of the Country, and who was the Governor thereof; the which thing they promised to do: so arming themselves, (as it was convenient, being strangers in that Country) they went up into the City; where they were presently presented unto Prester john, who (being always liberal and courteous unto Strangers) gave them a royal entertainment, leading them up into his Palace: and having intelligence that they were Englishmen, and adventurous travaileurs, he sent four of his Knights for the rest of their company, desiring them in the Knight's behalf, to return to the Court, where they should have a friendly welcome, and a Knightly entertainment.  
Thus when the Red-rose Knight had understood the will of Prester john, by his four Knights, the next evening with his whole company he repaired to the City, which was right Noble and fair, and although it was night, yet were the Streets as light as though it had been midday, by the clear resplendent brightness of Torches, Cressetts, and other Lights which the Citizens ordained to the entertaining of the English Knights. The Streets through which they passed to go to the King's Palace, were filled with people, as Burgomasters, Knights, and Gentlemen, with Ladies & beautiful Damosels, which in comely order stood beholding their coming. But when the Red-rose Knight was entered the Palace: he found the renowned Prester john sitting upon his Princely Throne, under propped with pillars of jasper stone: who after he had given them an honourable welcome, he took the Red-rose Knight by the hand, and led him up into a large and sumptious Hall, the richest that ever he had seen in all his life: But in going up certain stairs he looked in at a window, and espied fair Anglitora the King's daughter, sporting amongst other Ladies; which was the fairest maid that ever mortal eye beheld, and I think that Nature herself could not frame her like: but being entered the Hall, they found the Tables covered with costly fare ready for supper: when as the English Knights were set at the King's Table in company of Prester john and Anglitora, with other Ladies attending (having good stomaches) they fed lustily; but Anglitora which was placed right over against the Red-rose Knight, fed only upon his beauty and princely behaviour, not being able to withdraw her eyes from his divine excellency: but the renowned Prester john for his part, spent away the supper time, with many pleasant conferences touching the country of England and King Arthur's princely Court: the report of which fame, had so often sounded in his ears. But amongst all other devices, he told the English Knights of a Tree of gold, which now grew in his Realm, and yearly brought forth golden fruit, but he could not enjoy the benefit thereof, by reason of a cruel Dragon that continually kept it: for the conquest of which golden tree, he had many times solemnly proclaimed through that part of the World, that if any Knight durst attempt to conquer it, and by good fortune bring the adventure to an end, he should have in reward thereof his Daughter the fair Anglitora in marriage: to which many Knights reserted as well of fortaine Countries, as his own Nation; but none proved so fortunate to accomplish the wished conquest, but lost their lives in the same adventure: therefore I fully believe, if all the Knights in the world were assembled together, yet were they all unsufficient to overcome that terrible Dragon.  
With that the Red-rose Knight with a bold courage stood up, and protested by the love he bore unto his country's King, he would perform the enterprise, or lose his life in the attempt: so in this resolution he remained all supper time, which being ended, the English Knights were brought into diverse chambers: but amongst the rest, the Red-rose Knight and Sir Lancelot were lodged near to the fair Anglitora, for there was nothing betwixt their Chambers, but a little Gallery: into which being come, and no sooner laid in their beds, but the Red-rose Knight began to confer with Sir Lancelot in this manner.  
What think you (quoth he) of the enterprise I have taken in hand? Is it not a deed of honour and renown?  
Surely (replied Sir Launcelat) in my judgement it is an enterprise of death: for every man in this country adiudgeeth you overcome and destroyed, if you but once approach the sight of the Dragon, therefore be advised, and go not to this perilous adventure, for you can obtain nothing thereby but reproach and death: and doubtless they are counted wise that can shun the misuentures, and keep themselves from danger.  
But then (quoth the Red-rose Knight) shall I falsify my promise; and the promise of a noble mind ought still to been kept: therefore, ere I will infringe the Vow I have made, I will be devoured by the terrible Dragon, And in speaking these words they fell asleep.  
During which time of their conference, fair Anglitora stood at their chamber door and heard all that had passed betwixt them, and was so surprised with the love of this gentle Red-rose Knight, that by no means she could restrain her affections: and returning to her chamber, casting herself upon her Bed thinking to have slept, but could not, she began to say secretly to herself, this sorrowful lamentation.  
Alas mine Eyes, what torment is this you have put my heart unto? for I am not the woman that I was wont to be, for my heart is fired with a flame of amorous desires, and is subject to the Love of this gallant English Knight, the beauty of the world, and the glory of Christendom. But fond feel that I am, wherefore do I desire the thing which may not be gotten, for I greatly fear, that he is already betrothed to a Lady in his own Country. And furthermore his mind is garnished with Princely cogitations, that I may not enjoy his Love: and he thinketh no more of me, then on her that he never saw. But grant that he did set his affection upon me, yet were it to small purpose; for he is resolved to adventure his life in the conquest of the Golden tree, where he will soon be devoured by the terrible Dragon. Ah, what a grief & sorrow will it be to my heart, when I shall hear of his untimely death for he is the choice of all Nature, the Prince of Nobility, and the flower of worship: for I have heard him say, that he had rather die honourably in accomplishing his Vow, then to return with reproach into England. Which happy country, if these eyes of mine might but once behold, than were my soul possessed with terrestrial joys. Anglitora with these words fell asleep, and so passed the night away till the day came: who ●o sooner with his bright beams glisteren against the Palace walls, but the Red-rose Knight arose from his bed, and armed himself in great courage, ready for the adventure: where after he had taken leave of the King, and all the rest of his English friends, he departed forth of the City towards the Golden tree, which stood in a low valley, some two miles from the King's Palace:  
This morning was fair and clear, and not a cloud was seen, the elements and the Sun cast his resplendent beams upon the earth: at which time the Ladies and Damosels mounted upon the highest Towers in the Palace, and the common people came up to the battlements and walls of Churches, to behold the adventure of this valiant Knight, who as then wet most joyfully on his journey, till he came to the veil of the Golden tree, wherein being no sooner entered, but he beheld a most cruel and terrible Dragon come springing out of his hellow Cave. This Dragon was far more bigger than a horse; in length full thirty foot, the which incontinently as soon as he was out of his Cave, began to raise his neck, set by his ears, and to stretch himself, opened his throat, and casting forth thereat most monstrous burning flames of fire: Then the Red-rose Knight drew cut his good Sword, and went towards him, whereat the Monster opened his terrible throat, whereout sprang three tongues, ●asting forth flaming fire in such sort, that it had almost burnt him. The first blow that the Knight struck, hit the Dragon betwixt the two eyes so furiously that he staggered: but being recovered, and feeling himself most grievously hurt, he discharged from his throat such abundance of thick ●●●ing smoke, that it blinded the Knight in such sort, that he saw nothing: but yet not withstanding he lifted up h●● Sword, and discharged it upon the Dragon where he imagined his head was, and struck so furious a blow, that he cut off his three tongues close by their roots: by which the Dragon endured such marvelous pain, that he turned his body so suddenly round, that his tail smote the valiant Knight a mighty blow upon his back, whereby he fell down upon the Sands; being thus overthrown, he was in mind most marvelously ashamed, but after a while, having recovered himself, he ran to the Dragon again, and with his good Sword smote such a terrible blow upon his tail, that it cut it off in the middle: the which piece was seven foot in length. The Dragon through the great pain that he felt, came and encountered the Knight in such a fashion that he beat him down to the ground, and after stood over him as though he had been dead: but the Knight took his Sword, and underneath him thrust it up to the Hilts so far that it pierced his heart: which when the Dragon felt as smitten to death, began to run away with the Sword sticking in his belly, thinking to have hidden himself in his Cave but his life departed before he could get thither. Incontinently, when the Red rose Knight had rest himself, and saw that the Dragon was dead, he recomforted himself, and went and drew out his Sword from his belly, which was all to be-stayned with his black blood; and after took the Daragons three Tongues and ●●ucke them upon his Sword; and likewise pulled a branch from the golden Tree, which he bore in his hand: and so in triumph went towards the City: and being come within the sight thereof, he lifted up the Golden branch into the air as high as he could, that it might glister in the Sun for the people to behold, (which stood upon high Turrets, expecting his coming,) who perceiving it, with great admiration began to wonder. Some there were that gathered green Herbs and Flowers, and strewed the way whereas the Knight should pass to go to the King's Palace, saying: that all Honour ought to be given to so noble and glorious a Conqueror.  
Fair Anglitora amongst all other, was most joyful, when she beheld the glistering brightness of the Golden branch, and commanded her Waighting-maydes to put on their richest attires, to solemnize the honour of that excellent Victory.  
And to conclude, he was met at the City gate, with the melody of Drums and Trumpets, and so conducted to the King's Palace: where he was right honourably entertained of Prester john and his Nobles. Surely there is no man so eloquent, that can discourse by writing the great joy that Anglitora took at his return: and generally the whole Inhabitants had thereat exceeding pleasure.  
But now when the valiant Red-rose Knight had entered the Hall, and had set the Golden branch upon an ivory Cupboard richly furnished with costly Plate, the English Knights and many other Ladies began to dance most joyfully, and to spend the time in delicious sports till Supper was ready, and then the King and the Red-rose Knight was set: and with them, the noble and fair Anglitora, Launcelat du Lake and other English Knights: where (all supper while) there was no other conference holden, but of the valiant encounters of the Red-rose Knight: who for his part did nothing but make secret love signs to fair Anglitora.  
What shall I make long circumstances? The Supper passed, and the hour came that the general company withdrew them into their Chambers, the Red-rose Knight was conducted to his Lodging by many Noble men and others, which brought the Golden branch after him, and so bequeathed him for that night to his silent rest. But presently after the Nobleman's departure, Anglitora entered into his Chamber, bearing in her hand a silver Bason full of warm perfumed Waters, the which she had provided to wash the Dragon's blood from his body: which when the Red-rose Knight perceived, and thinking upon the kind love that she proffered him, put off his clothes, and made himself ready to wash. Fair Anglitora being attired in a white Frock without sléeves, turned up her Smock above her elbows, and so with her own hands washed the body of the Red-rose Knight.  
But now when this gentle Bachelor beheld her lovely Body, her fair & round Breasts, the whiteness of her Flesh, and that he felt her Hands marvelous soft, he was so much inflamed with the ardent desire of love, that in beholding her Beauty, he began to embrace her, and kissed her many times most courtiously: and so after, when he had been well washed, Anglitora caused him to lie in his Bed, beholding his well form limbs, of colour fair and quick, and could not turn her eyes from his sight: Thus as they were beholding each other without speaking any word, at last the noble Knight spoke to her in this manner.  
Most dear Lady, you know that by this Conquest, I have deserved to be your Husband; and you, through kind love, to be my Wife; whereby I may say, that you are mine, and I am yours: and of our two Bodies, there is but one: Therefore I require you to seal up the first quittance of our loves, which is, that we two for this night, might sleep together: and so accomplish the great pleasure that I have so long frished for.  
Ah most Noble Knight (answered the fair Lady) what in me lieth (that may bring you the least motion of content) shall with all willingness be performed: But yet I conjure you by the promise of true Knighthood, that you will save mine Honour, lest I be made a scandal to my Father's glory.  
There is no man in the world (quoth he) that shall preserve thine Honour more then I. What if you sleep this night with me in bed, do you any more than your duty, in that I am your Husband, and best beloved Friend.  
My dear love (replied she again) there is no pleasure which I will deny ye: but for this night, you shall have patience▪ for I will never yield up the pride of my virginity, t●ll my Father hath given me Marriage: and therefore I desire you, that to morrow you will request that favour at his hands: which being granted and performed, then accomplish your content.  
When the Red-rose Knight had understood his Lady's mind, he like an Honourable Gentleman, was content to obey her request. What shall I say more? but that the night drew on to the wont time of sleep, which caused those two Lovers (for the time) to break off company. Here slept the Red-rose Knight till the next morning: which at the break of day, was presented with a Consort of Music, which the King himself brought into his Chamber. Their melody so highly contented his mind, that he threw them a Gold chain, which was wrapped about his wrist: a gift plainly expressing the bounty that beautified his princely breast. The Musicians being departed, he arose from his rich Bed, and went unto the King, whom he found as then walking in a pleasant Garden: of whom he requsted his Daughter Anglitora in marriage, in recompense of his adventure. The which request so displeased the King, that all his former courtesies was exchanged into sudden sorrow, and would by no means consent that Anglitora should be his betrothed Spouse; and answered: that first he would lose his Kingdom, before she should be the wife of a wand'ring Knight.  
The noble Red-rose Knight, when he understood the unkind answer of Prester john (all abashed) went unto Sir Launcelat, and his other friends, and certified them of all things that had happened: who counselled him, that the next morning they should depart.  
After this conclusion, they went to the King, and thanked him for the high Honour he had graced them with: and, after that, went and visited their Ship, where for that day they passed the time in pleasure: and so when the stalling night approached, the Red-rose Knight went to the fair Anglitora, and certified her of the unkind answer of her cruel Father: whereat thee grew sorrowful, and grieved in mind: but at last better considering with herself, she yielded her fortune fully at his pleasure, promising, that for his love, she would forsake both Country, Parents, and Friends, and follow him to what place soever he pleased to conduct her. And it is to be supposed, that this night the fair Anglitora took all the richest jewels which she had, and trussed them in a faddle, and so when it was a little before day, she came unto the Red Rose Knight and awaked him: who presently made him ready, and so departed secretly from his Chamber, till they came to their Ships: where they found all the rest of the English Knights ready to depart: So, when they were all a Board they hoisted Sail, and departed from the Port. To whose happy journey, we will now leave them for a time, and speak of the discontents of Prester-Iohn, who all that night was exceeding sorrowful for the unkind answer, which he had given to the Red-Rose Knight, and so Melancholy that he could neither sleep nor rest: but at the last he concluded with himself, that he would go & convey the English Knights (at their departing) unto their Ships; to the end that being in other countries, they might applaud his courtesies used to Strangers.  
So in the morning he arose and went to the Chamber where the Red rose Knight was lodged, whom he found departed contrary to his expectation. After that, he went into his Daughter's Chamber, where he found nothing but relentless walls, which in vain he might speak unto: whose absence drove him into such a desperate mind, that he suddenly ran to the Sea coasts, where he found many of his Citizens, that showed him the Ships wherein the English Knights were, which was at that time from the Port or Haven, more than half a mile Then the King (weeping tenderly) demanded of them, if they had seen his Daughter Anglitora? To whom they answered, that they had seen her upon the Ship hatches in company of the Red-rose Knight. At which the King bitterly lamented, beating his Breast, and tearing his milk-white Hair from his Head, using such violence against himself, that it greatly grieved the behold●●●.  
At that time there was many of his Lords present, who by gentle persuasions, withdrew him from the Sea coasts to his Palace: where he many days after, lamented the disobedient flight of his Daughter.   

CHAP. 7. How Caelia the Queen of the Fairy Land was found dead, floating upon the waves of the Sea: with other things that happened to the English Knights.  
MAny days the winds blew cheerfully in such sort, that the English Ships were within ke●ning of the Fairy Land: at which Sir Lancelat took an occasion to speak unto the Red-rose Knight, and put him in remembrance how he had promised Caelia to return into her Country: unto which he answered, and said: That he would keep promise, if the Destinies did afford him life. And thereupon commanded the Master Pilot to make thitherward: but the winds net being willing, raised such a Tempest on the Sea, that the Ship was cast a contrary way, and the Mariners by no means possible could approach the Fairy land. At which time, the noble Queen Caelia stood by the sea side upon an high Rock, beholding the English Ship as it passed by, as her usual manner was every day standing, expecting her dear Love's return, many times making this bitter lamentation to herself.  
Ah gentle Neptune, thou God of Seas and Winds, where is my desired Love: bring him again unto me, that day and night we p for his company. Thus she complained at the same instant when her Lover's Ship sailed by; for surely she knew if by the Banners and Ensigns which were displayed in the wind: but when the poor Lady perceived the Ship to turn from her, she was sore abashed and dismayed. In stead of joy, she was forced to weep tears: and instead of singing, was constrained to make sorrowful complaints. In this manner she abode there all that ensuing night, and caused Fires and great Lights to be made on the shore, thinking thereby to call the Red-rose Knight. unto her.  
This order kept she every day and night for the space of six weeks, wailing the want of him, whom she loved more dear than her own heart: but when the six weeks were passed, and that the Fairy Queen perceived that she should have no tidings of her Love, she went from the Rock (all in despair.) into her Chamber; where being entered, she caused her Son to be brought unto her, whom she kissed many times, for the love she bore unto his Father: and after beholding the little Infant, crossing her Arms, with a sigh coming from the bottom of her heart, she said: Alas my dear Son, alas thou canst not speak to demand tidings of thy Father, which is the bravest Knight, the most virtuous, and the most valiant in Arms that God ever form. Oh where is Nature (sweet Babe) that should enjoin thee to weep, and myself more than thee, for the less of so brave a Prince; whose face I never more shall see? Oh cruel and unkind Fortune: my heart hath concluded, that I go and cast myself, headlong into the Sea, to the intent, that if the Noble Knight be there buried, that I may lie in the same Sepulchre or Tomb with him: where chose, if he be not dead, that the same Sea that brought him hither alive, bring me to him being dead. And to conclude, before I commit this desperate murder upon myself, with my Blood I will write a Letter, which shall been sewed to my Uestments or Attire, to the intent that if ever my body be presented to the Red-rose Knight, that then this bloody Letter may witness the true love that I bore him, to the hour of my death.  
Many Ladies and Damsels were in her company whilst thus she lamented her Knight's absence: who hearing of her desperate intended death, made exceeding sorrow. Some there were that so mightily grieved, that they could not speak one word: other some there were that sou●ht to persuade her from her desperate intent: but all in vain. For she presently went from them and with her own blood writ a Letter, and wrapping it in a Cerecloth, and then solved it to the Uestures wherein she was clothed: then taking her Crown, she bound it from her head with a Golden chain which the Red-rose Knight before time had given h●r. Then when she had done all this, she came to her little Sun, and many times kissed him, and ●o delivered him to the Ladies and Damsels to be nourished: & so after taking leave of them all, she departed toward the sea, whether being ●o●te, the went to the top of the high rock, where she began to look down upon the Sea, and after casting herself upon the Earth, looking up towards Heaven, she said.  
Thou God of my Fortunes, Lord of the Winds & Seas: thou that broughtest into this country the right perfect Knight, in beauty, manhood, and all virtues, grant that when my soul hath made passage out of this world, my body may be entombed in his b● some: which words being said, she turned her eyes towards her Palace, and spoke with a high voice: Adieu my dear Babe, adieu you glistering Towers, my royal Palace: a●ue Ladies and Damsels: and lastly, adieu to all the world, And in saying so, she cast herself into the Sea, & there desperately drowned herself.  
But yet such was her fortune, that the waves of the Sea bore her dead body the same day to the English Knights Ship, which as then lay in a Road where they had cast Anchor for to rest that night, and to be short, it so happened at the same hour when her dead Body was cast against the Ships, the Red-rose Knight went up the Hatches to take the fresh air: where (looking about) he espied the dead Lady richly attired in cloth of Gold, that gorgeously stone in the Water, the which he presently caused to be taken up and brought into the Ship: where looking wishly upon her, he knew her perfectly well: and after stooping to kis●e her pale Lips, he found the bloody Letter which he had compeled, ●r●pt in Cerecloth: so, taking it and reading the contents thereof, his Blood began to change, and to war red like the Rose, and presently again as pale as ashes. Whereat Sir Launcelat and the other Knights were greatly abashed, but especially Anglitora, who demanded the c●use of his grief? Whereunto the Red-rose Knight was not able to answer a word, the sorrow of his heart so exceeded: yet not withstanding, he delivered the bloody letter to Anglitora, the contents whereof are these that follow.  
The bloody Letter of Queen Caelia.  
THou bright Star of Europe, thou Chosen of England for prowess & beauty: When wilt thou return to fulfil thy promise made unto her, that many a day hath had her eyes planted upon the Seas after thee, shedding more tears in thy absence, than the Heaven's conteineh Stars? Ah my dear Love, makest thou no reckoning nor account of thy promise that thou madest to me at thy departure? knowest thou not, that every noble mind is bound to keep his word, upon pain of reproach and shame? but thou hast infringed it, and hast broken thy oath of Knighthood: which no excuse can recover. For since I last saw thy Ship floating on the Seas. I never came within my Palace till the writing hereof, nor never lay in Bed to take my rest, nor never sat in judgement on my Country's causes: but for the space of forty days, I stood upon a Rock, expecting thy return, till famine constrained me to depart. There have I stood day and night, in rain and in snow, in the cold of the morning, and in the heat of the Sun; in fasting, in prayers, in desires, in hope; and finally, languishing in despair and death: Where, when I could hear no news of thy return, I desperately cast myself into the Sea, desiring the Gods, that they would bring me either alive, or dead to thy presence, to express the true affection that I have ever borne thy noble Person: Thus fare thou well. From her that lived and died with an unsported mind.  
Thine own true Lover, till we meet in the Elysian fields: thy unhappy Caelia Queen of the Fairy Land.  
THus when fair Anglitora had read those bloody lines, she greatly lamented her unhappy death: & withal, requested the Red-rose Knight, in that she died for his sake, to bear her Body into England, and there most honourably entomb it: to which he most willingly consented. So causing her body to be inbalmed, they hoisted sail, and departed towards England: into which Country, they within four months safely arrived. At whose coming, the Inhabitants and dwellers, greatly rejoiced, but chiefly the Red-rose Knight and his company, who at their first arrival, kneeled down upon the Earth, and gave God thanks for preserving them from so many dangers and perils, to their high renown, and triumphant victories.  
After this, they entombed the body of Caelia most honourably as befitted a Princess of her calling. This being done, they departed towards Pendragon Castle, standing in Walls, where as then King Arthur kept his royal Court: where being arrived, they found the King, and many other Nobles in a readiness to give them a Princely welcome: amongst whom was fair Angelica the Nun of Lincoln, mother to the Red-rose Knight; yet kept in so secret a manner, that neither he, nor she, had any suspicion thereof, but spoke one to another as mere strangers, The discovery of whom, discoursed at large in the second part of this History: as likewise the strange fortune of Celia's little Son, which the Ladies in the Fairy land called by the name of the Fairy Knight; and by what means he came to be called the World's Triumph: with many other strange accidents, etc. But now (to conclude this first part) the Red-rose Knight and the fair Anglitora were solemnly married together, and lived long time in King Arthur's Court in great joy, and tranquillity, and peace.  
FINIS.  
R. I.    


THE Second Part of the Famous History of Tomazin Lincoln, the Red-rose Knight.  
Wherein is declared his unfortunate Death, his Lady's disloyalty, his children's Honours, and lastly, his Death most strangely revenged.  
Written by the first Author.  
At London Printed by Augustine Matthewes, dwelling in the Parsonage House of Saint Brides in Fleet-street. 1631.   

To the Reader.  
Promise's is debt, (gentle Reader) I have therefore performed what in my first Part I promised; which was, to show thee the unfortunate death of the Red rose Knight, his beloved Lady Anglitoras disloyal affections towards him, his children's Honours, Renowns, and Dignities: and in the period of this small History, his death both justly, truly, and strangely revenged: The reading of which (if with good consideration) I doubt not but shall bring unto thee much pleasure and delight, being (for the quantity thereof) nothing inferior to the best that hath been written of the like Subject (I mean) of Knight's adventures, and Ladies beloved. I therefore dedicate this to thy reason, knowing that this old Proverb may confirm my expectation, which is; That good Wine needs no Bush: nor a pleasing History craves no shelter. Farewell.  
R. I.   

The second part of the famous History of Tom a Lincoln, the Red-rose Knight, etc.  
CHAP. I. How Tom a Lincoln knew not his Mother, till forty years of his age, nor whose Son he was: Of King Arthur's death, and his dying speeches, and of what happened thereupon.  
WHen Arthur, that renowned King of England (being one of the nine Worthies of the World) had by twelve several set Battles, conquered the third part of the Earth; and being wearied with the exploits of Marti, all adventures, in his old days betook himself to a quiet course of life; turning his Warlkie habiliaments, to divine Books of celestial meditations: that as the one had made him famous in this World, so might the other make him blessed in the World to come. Seven years continued quiet thoughts in his breast: seven years never heard he the sound of delightful Drums; nor in seven years beheld he his thrice worthy Knights of the Round Table, flourishing in his Court: by which means his Palace grew disfurnished of those Martial troops, that drew commendations from all foreign Kingdoms. In this time, most of those renowned Champions, had yielded their lives to the conquering Tyranny of pale Death, and in the bowels of the Earth lay sleeping their eternal sleeps, the royal King himself laden with the honour of many years; and having now (according to nature) the burden of death lying heavy upon his shoulders: and the stroke lifted up to divide his body from his soul, he called before him all the chiefen of his Court: but especially his own Queen, the Red-rose Knight, and his Lady Anglitora, with the fair Angellica, the Nun of Lincoln, whom he had so many years secretly loved: and being at the point to bid a wafull farewell to the world, with Countenance as Majestical as King Priam of Troy, he spoke as followeth.  
First, to thee my loved Queen, must I utter the secrets of my very soul, and what wanton escapes I have made from any nuptial Bed, otherwise cannot this my labouring life, depart from my fading body in quiet: Long have I lived in the delightful sin of Adultery, and polluted our marriage Bed with that vile pleasure: pardon I beseech thee and with that forgiveness (which I hope will proceed from thy gentle heart) wash away this long bred evil the Celestaill powers have gravated me remission. Then turning to Angellica the Nun of Lincoln, he said.  
Oh thou my youth's delight: thou whose love hath bereaved my Queen of much marriage pleasure: thou, and but only thou, have I offended withal, therefore divine Angellica, forgive me: I like a ravisher spotted thy virginity, I ●r●pt thy sweet bud of Chastity; I with flattery won thy heart, and led thee from thy Father's house (that good Earl of London) to feed my wanton desires: by thee had I a Son, of whom both then and I, take glory of: for in his worthiness remain the true Image of a Martialist; and this renowned Knight of the Red-rose, is he: He lives: the fruit of our wanton pleasures, borne at Lincoln, and there by a Shepherd brought up, few knowing (till now) his true Parent, Ma●●aile not dear Son: think not amiss sweet Queen: for thou my lovely Angellica: Be not dismayed you honourable States, here attending my dying hour: for as I hope presently to enter into Elysium Paradise, and wear the Crown of disertfull Glory, I have revealed the long secrets of my heart, and truly brought to light those things, that the darkness of oblivion hath covered. Now the Mother knows her Son, the Son the Mother. Now may this valiant Knight boast of his Pedegrée, and a quiet content satisfy all your doubts. Thus have I spoke my mind, & thus quieted, my soul bids the world farewell. Adieu fair Queen, adieu dear son, farewell lovely Angellica; Lords and Ladies adieu unto you all: you have seen my life, so now behold my death: as Kings do live, so Kings must die. These were the last of Kings Arthur's words: And being dead, his death not half so amazed the standers by, as the strange speeches at his life's farewell.  
The Queen in a raging jealousy fretted at her Marriage wrongs, protesting in heart, to be revenged upon the Nun of Lincoln.  
The Nun of Lincoln, seeing her wantonness discovered, took more grief thereat, then joy in the finding of her long lost Son; supposing now, that (the King being gone) she should be made a scandal to the world.  
The Red-rose Knight, knowing himself to be begot in wantonness, and borne a Bastard, took small joy in the knowledge of his Mother.  
Anglitora (Tom a Lincoln's Wife) exceeded all the rest in sorrow, bitterly sobbing to herself, and in heart making great lamentation, in that she had forsaken Father, Mother, Friends, Acquaintance, and Country, all for the love of a Bastard, bred in the womb of a shameless Strumpet: therefore she purposed to give him the slip; and with her own Son (a young gallant Knight, named the Black Knight, in courage like his Father) to travail towards the Kingdom of Prester john, where she first breathed life and her Father reigned.  
In this melancholy humour spent they many days, troubling their brains with diverse imaginations. The Court, which before rung with Delights, and flourished in gallant sort, now thundered with Complaints; every one disliking his own estate: Discontent as a proud Commander governed over them, and their Attendants were idle Fancies, and disquiet Thoughts: and to speak troth, such a confused Court was seldom seen in the Land; for no sooner was Kings Arthur's Funeral solemnised, but the whole troops of Lords, Knights and Gentlemen, Ladies, and others, were (like to a split Ship torn by the Tempest of the Sea) severed, every one departed whither his Fancy best pleased.  
The Red-rose Knight conducted his Mother Angellica to a Cloister in Lincoln, which place she had so often polluted with her shame, there to spend the remnant of her life in repentance; and with her true Lamentations, to wash away her black spots of sin, that so grievously staineth her Soul: and from a pure virgin, made herself a desolute Strumpet.  
Likewise, King Arthur's widowed Queen, like to ireful Hecuba, or the tealous juno, kept her Chamber for many days, pondering in her mind what revenge she might take upon Angellica her Husband's late favourite.  
On the other side Anglitora Lady and Wife to the Red-rose Knight, with her Son the Black Knight, made provision for their departure towards the Land of Prester john, where she was borne: so upon a night when neither Moon nor Starlight appeared, they secretly departed the Court, only attended on by a Negar or Black-more; a Slave fitting to provide them necessaries, and to carry their Apparel and jewels after them; whereof they had abundant store: The Black Knight her Son, (so called rather by fierce courage, than this black complexion) was all fired with the ardent desire that he had to see his Grandsire. Prester john: therefore without taking leave of his Father (being then absent in the company of his lewd Grand mother) with a noble spirit conducted his mother to the Sea side, where a ship was ready then to hoist Sail, where of the Pilots they were most willingly received for Passengers. And in this manner departed they the Land, the Black Knight wore on his Helmet for a Scutchon, a black Raven feeding on dead men's flesh; his Caparisons were all of black velvet embroidered, which most lively figured forth the black fury lodged in his Princely bosom. Anglitora his Mother, had the attire of an Amazon, made all of the best Arabian silk, coloured like the changeable hue of the Rainbow: about her neck hung a jewel of a wonderful value, which was a Diamond cut in the fashion of a Heart split asunder with a Turkish Scimitar: betokening a doubt that she had of her Knight's loyalty. The slavish Moor that attended them, went all naked, except a shadow of green Taffeta which covered his privy parts: upon his foot a Morischo Shoe, which is nothing but a Sole made of an Asses hide, bucklde with small Leathers to his insteps upon his Head he wore a Wreath of Cypress guilded with pure gold, and a Plate of Brass about his neck close locked, with the word bondslave engraven about it. In this manner passed they the Seas, and was by these strange habits wondered at in all Countries where they came: In which travels we will leave them for a time, and speak of other things pertinent to our Story.   

CHAPTER. 2 Of Tom a Lincoln's strange manner of travelling, his woeful departure from England, and of his sorrowful lamentations for the unkindness of his Lady.  
WHen Tom a Lincoln (the Red-rose Knight) had spent some two months in the company of his Mother at Lincoln, giving her as much comfort as a Son might, he left her very penitent for her lives amiss, and returned to the Court, where he left both his Wife and her Son, the Black Knight, thinking at his arrival, to find so joyful a welcome, and so courteous an entertainment, that all the black clouds of Discontent might been blown over by their happy meeting: but as ill chance had allotted all things fell out contrary to his expectation; for he neither found Wife, Child, Servant, nor any one to make him answer: His Plate and Treasure was diminished, his household Furniture, imbesselled, and by Théeves violently carried away, he had not so much as one Steed left in his Stable, for them the Queen had seized on for her use: and furthermore (by her commandment) a Decree was made, that whomsoever in all the Land showed him any duty, or gave him but homely reverence, should lose their heads, for she had entitled him, The base borne seed of Lust, a Strumpet's brat, and the common shame of the dead King. This was the malice of King Arthur's widow: and assuredly Queen juno never thirsted more for the confusion of Hercules than she did for Tom a Lincoln's overthrow: But yet this grief (being cast from a Princess favour, to a vulgar disgrace) was but a pleasure, to the sorrow he took for the miss of his Lady and Son: No news could he hear of them, but that they were fled from the fury of the angry Queen: which was but a vain imagination laid upon the envious time: but far otherwise did mischief set in her foot, the doting mind of his Lady Anglitora intended to a further reach, which was to abandon his presence for ever, and to think him as ominous to her sight, as the kill Cockatrice. The effect of this his Wives sudden dislike, she had caused (before her departure) to be carved in stone over the Chimney of his lodging, how that She deserved damnation to leave Father, Friends, and Country, for the disloyal love of a Bastard.  
Of all griefs to him this was the very spring, the root, the depth, the height: which when he had read, he fell into a sound, and had it not been for two Pages that attended him, he had never recovered: in this agony the veins of his breast sprung out into blood, and all the parts of his body swate with grief: down fell he then upon his knees, and immediately pulled the King from his finger. which she had given him when they were first betrothed, and washed it with his tears, kissing it a hundred times: All that ever he had from her did he wash in the blood that trickled from his blesome and after bound them in a Cypress to his left side, directly where his heart lay, protesting by that God that created him, and was the guide of all his passed fortunes, never to take them thence, till either he found his Lady, or ended his life. He likewise made a solemn vow to Heaven, never to out his Hair, never to come in Bed, never to wear She, never to taste Food, but only Bread and Water, nor never to take pleasure in humanity, till he had eased his grief in the presence of his déerest Anglitora, and that her love were reconciled to him.  
Being thus strangely resolved, he discharged his Servants and Pages, giving them all the wealth that he had, and clad himself in tanned shéeps skins, made close unto his Body, whereby he seemed rather a naked Wild man bred in the Wilderness, than a sensible creature brought up by civil conversation. Thus bore footed, and bare legged, with an ivory Staff in his hand, he set forward to seek his unkind Wife, and unnatural Son: giving this woeful farewell to his native Country.  
Oh you celestial Powers (quoth he) wherefore am I punished for my Parents offences? Why is their secret sins, made my public misery? What have I misdone, that my Wife resisteth me, and like a discourteous Lady forsakes me, making her absence my present calamity.  
Oh thou gracious Queen of Love, I have been as loyal a servant in thy pleasures, as ever was Hero to her Leander, or Pryamus to his Thisbie: Then what madding fury, like a cruel commander, hath t●ken possession of my Anglitoras' heart, and placed infernal conditions, whereas the pure virtues of modest behaviour had wont to be harboured? It cannot be otherwise, but the enraged Queen with her unquenchable Envy, hath driven her hence; and not only of one heart made two, but of two seeks to make none; which is, by untimely death, to work both our confusions: therefore proud Queen, farewell: let all the furies haunt thee, and may thy Court seem as hateful to thy sight, as the torments of Hell fire to a guilty Conscience. Ungrateful England likewise adieu to thee, for all the honours I have brought into thy bounds, and with the spoils of foreign Countries, made thee the only Prince of Kingdoms: yet thou repayest me with disgrace, and loadest me with more contempt, than my never conquered Heart can inture: so kissing the ground with his warm lips, that had so long fostered him, and with many a bitter tear, and deep sob, like a Pilgrim, (as I said before) he took leave of his native Country, and so went to the Sea side; where he heard of his Wife and his Son's departure, after whom (as soon as the Wind conveniently served) he took shipbord: Where we will now likewise leave him to his fortune upon the Sea, and speak of the professed malice the Queen prosecuted against Angellica, the mother of the Red-rose Knight.   

CHAP. 3 Of the woeful death of Angellica, Mother to the Red-rose Knight, and of the death of the jealous Queen and others.  
THe beauteous Angellica, being left by her Son, the Red-rose Knight, (at his departure) in a Monastery at Lincoln, there to bewail her former offences; and for her youth's pleasure, in age to taste the bitter food of sorrow: the day time she spent in grieved passion 〈…〉 night she wasted with sighs and heart-breaking sobs: she fed on careful thoughts, her drink was streams of salt tears: her companions, thoughts of her passed wanton pleasures: her bed no better than the cold earth: her sleeps were few, but her comforts less: her continual exercise, was with a Needle to work in silk upon the Hangings of her Chamber, how she was first wooed, then won to King Arthur's pleasures, in what manner their meetings were, their wanton dalliances, his embraces, her smiles: his Princely gifts, her courteous acceptance: and lastly, the birth of her thrice worthy Son, his bringing up, his honours in the Court, and his strange discovery: all which she had wrought, as an Arras work, with silk of diverse colours, in a piece of the purest Holland cloth. In doing this, twice had the golden Sun run his circumference about the world, twice had the pleasant Spring beautified the Earth with her changeable mantles, twice had nipping Winter made the Fields barren, and the Woods leafless: and twice had the year showed himself to all mankind: in which time of twice twelve months, every day made she a sorrowful complaint for the wrack of Honour, and her Uirginities loss, which so willingly she surrendered: in this time, so greatly had sorrow and grief changed her, that her eyes (which had wont like twinkling Diamonds to give light to all affections) were now sunk into their Cells, and seemed like a hollow Sepulchre new opened: her Face, wherein Beauty herself dwelled, and her Cheeks the true die of the Lily and the Rose intermixed, now appeared old and writhe, like to the countenance of Hecuba when her husband King Priamus, and all her Princely Children were slain at Troy's destruction: and her tresses of Goldlike Hair, which like to Indian Wires hung over her shoulders, were now grown more white than Thistle down, the Isickles of frozen Ice, or the white mountain Snow: all these griefs of Nature had not age changed, but the inward grief of her careful heart.  
But now mark the woeful chance that happened, even upon the day, which by computation she had in former times yielded up her Maiden's pride, and lost that jewel that Kingdoms cannot recover: upon that hapless day, came there a Messenger from the Queen, to bid her make preparation for death; for ●● that day should be her life's end, and her fortune's period: which she most willingly accepted of, and took more joy thereat, then to be invited to a Princely Banquet.  
Be not dismayed (said the Messenger) for you shall have as honourable a death as ever had Lady: seven several Instruments of death shall be presented to you for a choice, and your own tongue shall give sentence which of them you will die by: whereupon this Messenger set this sorrowsull Lady at a round Table, directly in the middle of a very large room, (whereinto he had led her, hung all about with black; where being placed as to a Banquet, or some solemn Dinner of State, there entered seven Servitors in disguised shapes like unto Murderers, with seven several deadly services in Dishes of silver Plate: The first, brought in Fire burning in a Dish, if she would, to consume her body to ashes: The second brought in a Dish, a twisted Ceard, to strangle her to death: The third, a Dish full of deadly Poison, to burst her body withal: The fourth, a sharp edged Rayzor or Knife, to cut her throat: The fifth, an Iron wrack to tear her body into small pieces: The sixth, a Dish full of live Snakes, to sting her to death: And the seventh an empoisoned Garment, being worn, that will consume both flesh and blood. These seven deathful Servitors having set down their Dishes (the least whereof brings present death) she was commanded by the Messenger, which of them she should choose to die withal, and to make speedy choice; for he was sworn to the Queen (on whom he attended) to see it that day accomplished. At these his words, she fell presently upon her knees, and with a courage readier to yield to death's fury, then to the mercy of the living Queen, said as follow.  
Oh thou guider of this earthly Globe, thou that gavest my weak nature over to a wanton life, and from a Virgin chaste, hast made me an infamous Strumpet: thou that suffered'st only a King in Majesty to prevail against me, and with the power of greatness worm me to lewdness; for which I am now doomed to a present death, and forced by violence, to bid this tempted world a●ue; Inspire me with that happy choice of death, as my Soul may have an easy passage from my body. First, to dye by Fire, to an earthly imagination seems terrible, and far different from nature: secondly, to die with strangling cord, were base, and more sitting for robbers, théeves, and malefactors: thirdly, to die by deadly poison, were a death for Beasts and worms, that féeds upon the bosom of the Earth: fourthly, to die by cutting knives and slicing razors, were a death for cattle, fowls, and fishes that dies for the use of man: fitly by an iron wrack to end my life, were a barbarous death, and against man's nature: but seventhly, to die a lingering death, which is a life consuming by wearing of empoisoned garments, (where repentance may still been in company) will I choose: therefore sweet Messenger of my death do thy office, attire me in these robes; and the manner of my death I beseech thee make known unto the Queen: tell her (I pray thee) I forgive her; and may my death been a quiet unto her soul, for my life is to her ears as the fatal sound of night Ravens, or the Mermaid's tunes.  
Vain world, now must I leave thy flattering enticements, and in stead of thy pomp and glory, must shortly tread the doleful march of pale death: and this body that hath been so pleasing to a Prince's eye, must be surrendered up for worms to feed upon. Many other words would she have spoken, but that the commanding Messenger (being tied to an hour) caused her to put on the empoisoned Robes which no sooner came to the warmth of her body, but the good Lady after a few bitter sighs, and dreadful gasps yielded up the ghost, being (through the extremity of the infectious Garment) made like unto an Anatomy; which they wrapped in Seare cloth, & the next day gave her burial according to her estate and so returned to the enraged Queen, keeping then her Court at Pendragon castle in Wales, into whose presence was no sooner the Messenger come, but the angry Queen beyond all measure being desirous to hear of Lady Angellicas' death, in a rage ran and clasped him about the middle, saying.  
Speak Messenger speak, is the vile strumpet dead? Is the shame of womankind tortured? Is my heart's grief by her death banished my bosom? speak for I am overmastered with doubts.  
Most gracious Queen (quoth the Messenger) resolve yourself of her death, for the cold earth hath enclosed up her body: but so patiently took she her death, that well might it have moved a Tiger's heart to remorse; for in troth, my heart relented at the manner of her death, Never went Lamb more gently to the slaughter, nor never Turtledove was more meek, than this woeful Lady was at the message of her death: for the Elements did seem to mourn, closing their bright beauties up to black and sable Curtains; and the very flinty walls (as it were) sweat at the agony of her death, so gentle, meek and humbly took she her death; commending herself unto your majesty, wishing that her death, might be your soul's contentment.  
And could she be so patient (quoth the Queen) that even in death would wish happiness to the causers thereof? farewell thou miracle of womankind, I have been to thee a savage Lioness: I was blinded at the report of thy wantonness, else hadst thou been now alive: all my cruelness against thee, I now deeply repent, and for thy dear hearts blood by me so rashly spilt, shall be satisfied with the lives of many souls. Hereupon, she in a fury commanded the Messenger's head to be stricken off, and seven Servitors to be hanged all at the Court Gate, and afterward caused their limbs to be set upon high Pools by the Common high ways side, as an example of her indignation.  
Never after this hour (such is the remorse of a guilty conscience) could she sleep in quiet, but strange visions of this Lady (as she thought) seemed to appear to her: the least noise that she heard whispering in the silence of the night, did she imagine to be some Furte to drag her to Hell, for the death of this good Lady: the Winds (as she imagined) murmured forth Revenge, the running Rivers hummed forth Revenge, the flying Fowls of the Air whistled out Revenge: yea every thing that made noise (in her conceit) gave remorse for Revenge: and till that her own life had given satisfact on by death for the rheum of so sweet a Lady's life, no food could do her good, no sleep quiet her brain, no pleasure content her mind, but Despair with a terrible countenance, did evermore attend her, willing her sometime to throw herself headlong from the top of a Tower, sometime by poison to end her days, sometime by drowning, sometime by hanging, sometime by one thing, sometime by another: but at last in the middle of the night, having her heart deeply overmastered by despair, she took a Girdle of pure Arabian Silk, which Girdle she first word on her Princely Nuptial day when King Arthur married her: this fatal Girdle she made a riding knot of, and therewithal upon her Bed post she hanged her sefle. Thus blood (you see) being guiltless shed, is quitted again with blood.  
The Queen being dead, was not so much pitied of the people, as the good Lady Angellica, little lamentation was made for her death; for every one expected the like untimely end: but according to the aleadgeance of Subjects her Noblemen gave her a Princely Funeral, and set over her an Iron Tomb, in signification that she had an Iron heart, and Flinty conditions.  
here will we leave the dead to their quiet rests, and return to the Black Knight, and his Mother Anglitora, with the Indian slave that attends them: sor strange be the accidents that happen to them in foreign Countries: and after, we will speak what happened to the Red-rose Knight on the Sea.   

CHAP. 4 By what means Anglitora became a Courtesan, and how her Son the Black Knight lost himself in a wildernesie.  
THE Black Knight, his Mother Anglitora, and the Black- 〈◊〉 slave, having happily cr●st the Seas, and arrived in a Country very kertill to see to, replenished with all kind of Trees and Fruit, yet were there no Inhabitants to find, but only an old Castle built of Flui● stones, the Turrets whereof were made like the Grecian Piramedes, square and very high: At this Castle gate they knocked so boldly (each one careless of all accidents that might vappen) as it rung into the Chamber were the Knight of the Castle lay: who immediately sent a very low statur d Dwarf to see who knocked, and if they were strangers, to direct them up into his Chamber to take such kind courtesies as the Castle afforded: for indeed he was a Knight of a bountiful condition, & full of liberality. The Dwarf no sooner coming to the Gate, and espying people in such strange disguised attires, never having seen the like before, without speaking one word, ran amazedly up to his Master, certifiing him, that a kind of people of an unknown nation was arrived, and that they seemed rather Angels (in shape) than any earthly creatures.  
The Knight of the Castle hearing this, came down and met them in a large square Court paved with marble stone, where he kindly gave them entertainment, promising them both lodging and other needful things they were destitute of.  
The three Travellers accepted of his courtesies, and being long before weatherbeaten on the Seas, thought themselves from a deep dungeon of calamities lifted to the top of all pleasures and prosperity; thus from this paved Court the Knight led them up to his own Chamber, wherein was a fire made of juniper wood & Frankincense, which smelled very sweet: the walls were hung about with rich Tapestry, whereon was writ the story of Troy's destruction, the Creation of mankind, and the fearful description of the latter day of Doom: likewise hung upon the said wales, Instruments of all sorts of music, with such variety of other pleasures, as they had never seen the like.  
Now while these weary Travellers took pleasure in beholding these things, the good Knight caused his Dwarf (which was all the servants that he kept) to cover the Table, made of Cypress wood, with a fine Damask tablecloth, and thereon set such dellicates as his castle afforded; which was a piece of a wild Fore, roasted the same morning, with diverse other services of Fowls, whereof the Country had plenty: Their bread was made of the Almonds mixed with Goat's milk (for no corn grew in this soil) their Drink, of the wild grape, likewise mingled with Goat's milk; which is in my mind, accounted restorative: to this Banquet were the Travellers placed, where having good stomaches, they quickly satisfied hunger, & after began to chat of their adventures what danger they endured by sea, & how luckily they arrived in that Country, giving the courteous Knight great thanks for his kindness.  
On the other side, when the Banquet was ended, every one rising from the table, he took an Orphirian that hung by, and caused his Dwarf to dance after the sound thereof: the strings whereof he himself strained with such curiosity, that it moved much delight, especially the Lady Anglitora, whose eyes and ears were as attentive to the Melody, as Helle●s were to the enchanting Music of the Grecian Paris. In this kind of pleasure consumed they most part of the day, till the bright Sun began greatly to decline, than the Black Knight in a courageous spirit, said.  
Sir Knight (for so you seem to be by your entertainment of Strangers) this Carpet kind of pleasure I like not, it disagrees with my young desires: the hunting of untamed Tigers, the Tilts and Tournaments of Knights, and the Battles of renowned Warriors, is the glory I delight in: and now considering no other adventurous exercise, may be found in this Country, but only the hunting of Wild beasts, I will into the Forest and by manhood fetch some wild Uemson for my mother's supper.  
The Knight of the Castle (seeing his resolution) furnished him with a hunting javelin, and so directed him to the Forest, where most plenty of such pleasures were: God be his good speed, for we will leave the Black Knight in his exercise, and speak of the wanton affections of Anglitora, and the Knight of the Castle, that they cast upon each other: a short tale to make, whereas two hearts make one thought, the bargain is soon made: the Knight of the Castle having not had the presence nor society of a Woman in seven years before, grew as wantonly minded, as the Roman Tarqvinius, when he ravished the chaste Lady Lucretia. On the other side, Anglitora having the venom of disloyalty, grew so pliable to his desires, that at his pleasure he obtained that love which in former times the Red-rose Knight adventured his life for; she that in former times was accounted the world's admiration for constancy, was now the very wonder of shame, and the byword of modest Matrons: this was the first day's entrance into their wanton pleasures, which in all dalliance they spent till the Sun had lost the sight of the Earth: then expecting the return of the Black Knight, from Hunting, they sat as demurely, as they had been the chastest livers of the world▪ not a glance of wantonness passed betwixt them, but all modest and ●iuill behaviours; in this sort stayed they attending for the return of the Black Knight, but all in vain: for having a wild Panther in chase, he followed so far in the unknown Forest, that he lost himself, all that night travelling to find the way forth, but could not; sleep was to him as meat to a sick man; his steps were numberless, like the stars of heaven, or the sands of the Sea: his devices for recovery little prevailed, the further he went, the further he was from returning: thus day and night (for many days and nights) spent he in these comfortless travails; no hope cheered his heart, no comfort bore him company, but his patient mind: and now at last, when he saw all means fru●rate, he resolved to live and die in that solitary Forest: his food he made of the Fruits of trees, his drink of the clear ruaning water, his Bed was no better than a heap of Sun-burnd Moss, his Canopies the azure Elements full of twinkling lights, his Curtains a row of thick branched Trees, the Torches to light him to his Bed, the Stars of Heaven, the Melody or Music to bring him asleep, the croaks of Ravens, or the tearful cries of night Owls: the Clock to tell the hours of the night, were hosing Snakes, and Toads croaking in foggy grass: his morning Cock the cheerful Nightingale, or the cherping Lark his companions on the day, were howling Wolves, ravening Lyens, and the wrathful Bo●res: all (as the Fates had decreed) as gentle to him in fellowship, as people of a civil government: for to say troth, time & necessity had converted him to a man of wild conditions: for his hair was grown long and shaggy, like unto a Satire: his flesh tanned in the Sun as an Indian: the nails of his fingers were as the talents of Eagles, wherewith he could easily climb the highest trees: garments he had not any, for they were worn out, & as willingly was he content with nakedness, as in former times he was with rich habiliments.  
Thus lived he for seven years in this desolate Forest, by which time he was almost grown out of the favour of a man: where for a time we will leave him, and proceed to other accidents, also we will over pass the lewd lives of Anglitora and the Knight of the Castle, nor speak as yet any more of their seven years adultery; for numberless were the sins committed by them in those seven years, in that accursed Castle.   

CHAPTER. 5 How the Red-rose Knight found his Lady, and how he was most strangely murdered, and buried in a dunghill.  
THE Blackamoor slave (as you have heard) attended upon them, like an obedient Servant, and showed all duty and love, till Anglitora gave her body to the spoil of Lust, and from a virtuous Lady converted herself to a hated Strumpet, which vile course of life when the Indian perceived, he secretly departed the Castle, greatly lamenting the wrongs of his Master, the Red-rose Knight, whose noble mind deserved better at her hands. Day and night travalled the poor slave toward England, thinking to find his Master there, and to reveal that which hardly he thought would be believed by him: weary and oppressed with hunger went he this long journey: many Provinces he passed through, before he could learn the way towards England; and then was he so far from it, as at the first, when he departed from the Castle.  
The labouring Husbandman grieved not more to see his Corn and Cattle taken by Théeves: nor the Merchant to hear of his Ships sunk at Sea, than did this Indian at his vain travels, and wearisome journeys to small purpose: so at last setting forward again, he came to the sea side, thinking to hear of some Ship to give him passage over: but alas, one cross falls after another, one mischief comes upon the neck of another: and one mischance seldom happens alone; so as this true hearted Negar stood beholding how the billows of the Sea beat against her banks, and the Whale fishes lay wallowing in the Waves: behold such a tempest suddenly arose, that by the force thereof, the poor slave was cast into the Sea: but by reason of his Silken veil tied about his middle, and his great skill in swimming, (as most Negars been perfect therein) kept himself from drowning: and as good fortune would, the same tempest drove the weatherbeaten ship to the same shore wherein the Red-rose Knight (his master) was, which Ship had been seven years upon the Sea in great extremity, and before this tide could never see land. By that time the tempest ended, the Ship floated to land, wherein was left but only the Red-rose Knight in his Palmer's weed (for all the rest wer● starved up for want of food) who being weak and feeble, climbed to the top of the Hatches, where when he had perce●ued the Negar labouring for life upon the waters, cast out a long cord, and so saved him: whom when the Red-rose Knight saw, and perfectly knew, he fell all most into a trance for joy, supposing his Lady and Son not to be far distant: but recovering his former senses, he spoke as followeth.  
Oh blessed Neptune, hast thou vouchsafed to deliver me from the depth of thy bowels, and cast me on land, where once again I may behold my Anglitora, and my dear Son, the Black Knight. These seven years' famine endured on the Sea, hath been a sweet pleasure to me, in that the end brings me to my desires. Full threescore of my miserable Companions in this Ship, hath death seized upon, and through Famine, have eaten one another, making their hungry bowels graves for the others Carcases; and though now this belly of mine (like the Cannibals) have been glutted with humane flesh, and this mouth of mine tasted the blood of man: yet am I as pitiful as the tender hearted Mother, forgetting her Son's offences: and to my Anglitora will be as kind, as if never she had trespassed: nor like the Grecian Helina, left her married Lord: So taking the Blackamoor by the hand. He demanded of her welfare, and in what estate his Son remained? The true hearted Negar could hardly speak for grief, or utter one word for tears: yet at the last with a woeful sigh, he uttered forth these heart-killing speeches.  
Oh my noble Master (quoth he) by you from a Pagan I was made a Christian: by you, from a Heathen nation without civility, I was brought to a Land of Princely government; and by you, till my departure, was I maintained in good manner: there if I should prove perjured slave, and a false varlet towards you, my body were worthy to been made food for hungry Folules of the Air, and for the ravening Beasts of the Fields: therefore now considering that duty binds me to it, I will reveal such woeful chances; and such disloyal tricks showed by your Lady as will make your heart tremble, your Sinews shake, & your hair to stand upright. Anglitora your Lady and Wife, hath dishonoured your Bed and polluted that sacred Chamber of secrety, which none ought to know, but only you two: That marriage vow she made in God's holy Temple, hath she infringed, and untied the knot of Nuptial promise: in a Country far from hence hath she wrought this hated crime: in a Country unpeopled lives she in a Castle, which is kept up a Knight of a wanton demeanour; there live they two in adultery, there live they secretly sleeping in wantonness: and therefore these seven years hath she made herself the child of shame: All this with extreme grief do I unfold, and with a heart almost killed with sorrow, do I breathe out the duty of a servant: if I have offended, let my death make amends: for what I speak is truly delivered from a heart unfeigned.  
All this time of this his sorrowful Discourse, stood the Red-rose Knight in a bitter agony, like one newly dropped from the clouds, not knowing how to take these discourtesies: one while purposing to been revenged, and with his nails to tear out the Strumpet's eyes: another while, bewailing her weak nature, that so easily was won to leiudnesse: but at last, taking to him (the virtue) patience, he resolved to travel to the Castle, & with his meek persuasions seek to win her former wickedness, & to forget, forgive, and cast out of remembrance all these her unwoman-like demeanours, observing the Proverb, That fair means sooner wins a woman, then foul, Thus in company of his true servant the Negar, he took his journey toward the Castle; where (after four months travel) they arrived; the Red-rose Knight) by the directions of the Negar, knocked, and in his Pilgrims habit, desired meat and lodging for himself and his guide.  
The first that opened the Gate, was his own Lady, who immediately, upon the sight of them blushed, as though some sudden fear had affrighted her; yet dessemblingly (colouring her acknowledge of them) she in a charitable manner gave them entertainment and conducted them to a by roam at the back side of the Castle: into which place she sent them (by her Dwarf) victuals from her own Table, with a command, that the next morning they should avoid, and never more trouble that place.  
This message sent by the Dwarf, much disquseted the Red-rose Knight, and drove such amaze into his mind, that he grew ignorant what to do: And seeing his appointed time very short to remain there, he now thought fit to strike whilst the Iron was hot, and to discover what he was: so taking the Scarf of jewels and Kings tied to his left side against his heart (which she knew perfectly well to been the gifts of her Love) and by the Dwarf sent them her: The which no sooner she beheld, but she openly said to thee Knight of the Castle, that their secret affections were discovered, and her Husband in the habit of a Palmer made abode in her House conducted thither by the Moor, to bring their shame to light, and to carry her thence to England, there to be punished for her sins. Hereupon the Knight and she purposed the same night to rid themselves of that fear, and by some violent death send the Palmer to his last abiding. Disquietness attended on all sides for that day, and every hour seemed ten, till night approached; which at last came, though long looked for. Then Anglitora in company of the Knight of the Castle, like unto Murderers, rose from their Beds, even at that hour of night when mischiefs are acted, when no noise was heard but the barking of Wolves, the howling of Dogs, and the croaking of Night-owles, all assistance to black actions: In this manner came they into the Lodging of the Palmer who for weariness of his journeys, most sound slept, little dreaming that such cruelty; could be lodged in the bosom of his wedded Wife: one whose love he had first gained with great danger, and always esteemed as dear as his own heart blood. All signs of duty had she obscured, not any remembrance had she of Womanhood: Marriage Love was forgotten, their passed joys were as things never been: not any thought of remorse remained within her; but she more cruel than the new delivered Bear, or the Tiger starved for meat, by the help of the Knight of the Castle, took the Scarf of jewels (sent her from him the same evening) and by violence thrust them down the Palmer's throat: by which means they bereaved him of life and without any solemnity due to so brave a man, they buried him in a Dunghill without the Gate, not shedding so much as one tear for his death: so great was the 〈…〉 of this his 〈◊〉 full Lady. The poor Negar they set up to the middle in the ground so surely fastened, that by any means he could not stir from thence, where we will leave him wishing for death. The Red-rose Knight, or rather the unhappy Palmer, in his unchristian like Grave, and the Knight of the Castle with the murtheress Anglitora, to their surfeiting Banquets of sin, and return to the Black Knight, which had lost himself in the Woods.   

CHAP. 6. How the Black Knight being lost in a wilderness became a wild man? how his Father's Ghost appeared unto him, and in what manner he slew his own Mother.  
BY this time the Black Knight grew so natural a Wild-man, as though he had been bred in the Wilderness: for day by day he sported with Lions, Leopards, Tigers, Elephants, Unicorns, and such like kind of Beasts, playing as familiarly with them, as in King Arthur's Court he had done with gallant Gentlemen. But mark how it happened one day above an other: He changed to walk down into a Ually, where he set himself down by the River's side, and in humane complaints bewailed his own estate, how being borne and breed of a Princely Race, descended royally should thus consume his days in savage sort, amongst Wild beasts, and by no means could recover his liberty, or free himself from that solitary Wilderness, Being in this distress of mind, a sudden fear assailed him, his heart shivered, his hair stood upright, the Elements seemed to look dim, a terrible Tempest tore up huge trees, the Wild Beasts roared and gathered on a heap together, Birds fell liveless from the air, the Ground as it were trembled, and a sudden alteration troubled each thing above him: in this amaze sat he a good time, marvelling what would ensue; at last there appeared (as he imagined) the Ghost of his Fa●he● new●y murdered with a countenance pale and wan, with hollow eyes (or none at all) gliding up and down before him casting such fearful frowns, as might make the stoutest heart in the world to tremble: and at last, setting himself before the Black Knight, spoke as followeth.  
Fearenot my Son, I am the Ghost of thy murdered Father, returned from Pluto's hollow Region: I came from that burning Kingdom where continually flames an everlasting Furnace; from the fearful Pit▪ come I to thee for revenge: Oh thou my Son, if ever gentle Nature were pliant in thy bosom: if ever thou tookest pleasure to hearethy Father's honours spoken of; if ever thou desirest to have thy life meritorious in this world, take to thee thy never failing Courage, and revenge my death upon thy adulterous Mother: thy Mother now living in the filthiness of shame, making the Castle where she now remains in, a lustful stews: there was I murdered, and there buried in a stinking Dunghill; no man gave me Funeral tears, nor any sorrowed for my death: I that have dared Death in the face, and purchased Honour in many Kingdoms, was slain by my own Wife, by my nearest Friend, by my second self, by Anglitora, by her whom the whole world admired for virtue: Rise (dear Son) rise, and hast thee to that Castle polluted with the shame of thy wicked Mother: Rise I say, and let the Pavements of that Castle, be sprinkled with their detested blood, the blood of that Monster that hath not only despoiled my marriage bed of honoured dignities, but like a tyrant to her own flesh hath murdered me. See how the angry Heavens (as it were) do threaten my Revenge: hark how Hell-Furies do howl and roar for Revenge: my Wife's Adultery at the hand of Heaven deserves Revenge: My bleeding soul (Oh my Son wandreth in unquiet paths, till thou workest Revenge: my death and murder cries () for Revenge: then fear not (Son) to act it; for duty, love and nature binds thee to it, By Heaven, and by that great immortal Throne of happiness: By that low Kingdom of eternal pains; By the huge watrey Seas I passed to follow her: By Earth and by the Souls of all the mortal men that ever died, I command, ●ha●ge, and constrain thee to persevere in this Revenge, Hence to that foul defamed Castle, defamed by Adultery defamed by Murder; there to my Soul do thy latest duty: there, wound thy cursed Mother's breast, there sacrifice her life's blood, there appease thy Father's Ghost incensed with fury; so shall my Soul in joy, enter the Fields of fair Elysium: But if thou provest cowardlike, and through fear deny to execute my glorious Revenge, from this day henceforth shall my pale, wan, lean, and withered Ghost with ghastly looks, and fearful steps, pursue and follow thee. These were the words of his Father's Ghost: and having spoken these words, with a grievous groan, he vanished. At this his sudden departure, the Black Knight cried with a loud and fearful voice saying.  
My noble Father, stay; Oh stay thy hasty steps: once more let me hear thee speak. Whether fliest thou? Oh let me hear thy voice again: It will not be, He is vanished; and my Mother lives as a shame to all our generation. Oh thou stain of womanhood: Oh thou bloody Lioness: Oh brutish act: Oh beastly desires: Where shall I now find a place to shed tears in? for my heart is rend into ten thousand pieces, and the terror of this deed, is too intolerable. Rest thou in peace, sweet Father: thou in thy life wert both wise and valiant: thy virtue, wisdom, and manhood made the very enemies to love thee: Oh then, what fortune hadst thou, to die by the friendly trust of thy own Wife, my disloyal Mother, thy nearest friend proud thy greatest enemy; and by a Woman's malice, that heart was killed, that millions of Foes could never daunt. Oh sweet Red-rose Knight, most happy hadst thou been to have died ●● the Fields of bloody War, and sealed thy life's quittance modest renowned Soldiers: then had thy death been more honourable, my wicked Mother had not murdered thee, nor I been enforced to take such bloody vengeance, as I intent (dear Father) for thy sake: for let me never breathe one day longer, nor view the next Mornings rising Sun: let me never live imprisoned in this Wilderness, let nothing prosper that 〈◊〉 I ●ake in hand, and here let the world end, if I cease to prosecute a mortal Revenge, as the soul of my Father hath commanded. Hereupon he set forward toward the Castle, conducted by what chance the Heavens has allotted him: not one step he knew aright, nor what course to take to find the direct way: but it happened, that a●igni● fatuus (as he thought) or a going Fire, led him the right way out of the Forest directly to the Castle where his dishonest Mother made her abode. But coming near unto the Gates, he found all close, and near unto the Castle the Blackamoor set half way quick into the earth, having (for want of food) eaten most part of the flesh from his arms; whom the Black Knight soon digged up, and kept alive, to be a furtherance to his intended revenge.  
The poor Indian, being thus happily preserved from d●ath, revealed all that had happened in the said Castle; how his Mother lived in adultery, how his Father was murdered, why himself was set quick in the earth; and lastly, for the love of his dead Master, he protested to conduct him through a secret Uault into the Castle, that in the dead of the night they might the easier accomplish their desired revenge: Thus lingering secretly about the Castle till the middle of night: a (time as they imagined) to been the fittest for thee tragical business: at last the midnight hour came, and through a secret Cell they entered under the Castle into the Lodging where his Father was murdered. This is the place (quoth the Negar) where my sad eyes beheld thy Father both alive and dead; so going from thence into the Chamber (which by chance, and as ill luck had appointed) was through negligence left open, he showed him the Bed where these Adulterers lay secretly sleeping in each others Arms, Oh doleful sight, This lust, hath made me fatherless, and ere long this Weapon shall make me motherless: ●o kneeling down upon his knees, in a whispering manner he said unto himself. Ye lowering Destinies, now wove up the Web of their two lives that have lived too long, You infernal Furies, draw near: Assist me thou revengeful God Nemesis, for on this Sword sits now such a glorious Revenge, as being taken, the world will applande me for a loving Son. Having spoken these words, he sheathed his Sword up to the hilts in the bosom of the Knight of the Castle, who lying in the arms of Anglitora, gave so deadly a groan, that she immediately awaked: first looking to the Knight that was slain in her Arms, thou percciving her Son standing with his weapon drawn; yet wreaking in the blood of the dead Knight, meanacing likewise her death, with ● woeful shrike she breathed out these words,  
Oh what hast thou done my cruel Son? Thou hast ●laine the miracle of humanity; and one whom I have chosen ●o be my heart's Paramour, and thy second Father.  
Oh Lady quoth the (Black Knight) for Mother is too proud a title for thee: what Fury driveth thee to lament ●he deserved death of that lewd blood shedder, and not rather choose with heart-renting sighs, to bewail the death of my Father, thy renowned Husband, whose guiltless body, even dead, thou didst despise, by buring him wh●●anly upon a ●ounghill; but Heaven hath granted, and Earth hath agreed detesting both thy misdeeds, and hath sent me to sacrifice thy blood unto the Soul of my murdered Father, Whilst he was speaking these words, Anglitora arose from her bed, and in her smock which was of pure Cambric) she kneeled to her son upon her bare knees, saying.  
Oh thou my dear Son, whom once I nourished in my painful womb, and fed thee with mine own blood, whom oft I choicely dandled in my arms, when with lullababyes and sweet kisses I rocked asleep: Oh fatre been it from thee (my loving Son) to harm that breast, from whom thou first receivest life: Of thee (my Son) thy Mother begging life. Oh spare the life, that once gave thee life, with bleeding tears, I do confess my wanton offences, I do confess through me thy Father died: Then, if confession of faults may merit mercy, pardon my life. Obscure not thy renown with cruelty, making thyself unkind and monstrous in murdering of thy Mother. I charge thee, by thy duty that thou owest me; by all the bonds of love betwixt a Mother and a Son, by all the kindness showed to thee in thy infancy, let thy mother live that begs life upon her bare knees: Do not thou glory in my miseries: let not my tears whet on thy cruellnesse: let not thy mind been bend to death and murder: be no ●●●age Monster: be not unnatural, rude and brutish: let my entreats prevail to save my life: wound not the womb that fostered thee, which now I termed wicked, by only fostering thee, what child can glut his eyes with gazing on his Parents wounds, and will not faint in beholding them.  
Hereupon the Black Knight not able to endure to suffer his Mother's further entreaties, lest pity and remorse might mollify his heart, and so grant her life (which to Heaven to take away he had deeply sworn) he cut her off with these deadly words.  
Lady, I am not made of Flint nor Adamant; in kind regard of calamity, I am almost struck with remorse: but duty must quite undo all duty: Kind must work against kind, all the powers of my body been at mortal strife, and seek to confound each other, Love turns to Hatred: Nature turns to wrath, and Duty to Revenge: for me thinks my Father's Blood with agroning voice, cries to Heaven for Revenge: therefore to appease my Father's angry spirit, here shalt thou yield up thy déerest blood. Here was he ready to strike, and with his sword to finish up the tragedy: but that his grieved soul in kind nature plucked back his hand: whereupon with a great sigh he said.  
Oh Heavens; how am I grieved in mind. Father forgive me, I cannot kill my Mother And now again, me thinks I see the pale shadow of my father's Ghost gliding before mine eyes; me thinks he shows me the manner of his murder; me thinks his angry looks threatens me and tells how that my heart is possessed with cowardice, & childish fear; Thou dost prevail, O Father even now receive this sacrifice of blood and death; this pleasing sacrifice, which to appease thy troubled soul, I hear do offer. And thus in speaking these words, with his Sword he split the dear heart of his mother; from whence the blood as from a gushing Spring issued. Which when he beheld, such a sudden conceit of grief entered his mind considering that he had slain his own Mother, whom in duty he ought to honour above all living women, that he rather fell into a frenzy than a melancholy; and so with a pale countenance and ghastly looks, with spartling like to a burning Furnace, began to talk idly.  
What have I done? Whom hath my bloody hand murdered? Now woe unto my soul for I am worse than the Uiperous brood that eats out their Dams womb to get life unto themselves: they do but according to nature, I against all Nature; for I have digged up the bosom that first gave me life. Oh wicked wretch; where shall I now hide my head? for I have slain myself, in killing her: I have stained this Chamber here with humane blood The Heavens abhor me for this deed: The World condemns me for this murder, and Hell Furies will follow me with shame and terror: The Gods are grieved, Men (me thinks) ●●ie my company: dead Ghosts arise in my distresses: I see my Mother comes with a breast bleeding, threatening confusion to my fortunes. Oh thou ugly Spirit, cease to follow me, torment me not alive, for the wrath of Heaven is fallen upon my head. Despair, where art thou? I must find thee out, I will go seek thee through the world: and if in the world I find thee not, I'll saddle winged Pegasus, and scale he mansion place of love. I will ransack all the corners of the ●kie. I will throw down the Sun, the Moon, and Stars: then leaving heaven, I will go seeks for Despair in the loathsome pool of Hell; there in Pluto's Court will I bind black Cerberus up in Chains, the triple-headed Hellhound, that Porter of Hell gates, because he let Despair pass from thence. In this frantic sort ran he up and down the Chamber, and at last with the nails of his fingers he fell to grave upon the Stone walls the picture of his Mother, imitating Pygmalion, hoping to have life breathed into the same. Mean while the poor Indian with fleshless arms heaved up towards Heaven, and on his bare knees, made his supplication to the Gods, for the Black Knight's recovery of his wits.  
Oh you angry Heavens (quoth he) revoke your heavy dooms, forget this crime, forgive this unnatural murder: pity the state of this distressed Knight, and send some means to recover his senses. Thou bright Lamp of Heaven, thou eternal light, although in justice we have deserved thy wrath, yet let my prayers, my never ceasing Prayers, my hearts renting Sighs, my deep enforced Tears, work some remorse from thy incensed ire, that either this Knight may recover his lost senses, or set him free from death. Thus in a zealous manner prayed the poor Negar, desiring God to lay the Knight's fault upon his head, and reclaim his unbridled rage: which Prayer was soon regarded by Heaven, for the Black Knight had immediately his madness turned into a sad melancholy; and in a more gentle manner made his sad lamentations, as you shall heat in the next Chapter.  
But now the Negar, that all the time of Anglitoras' murder stood in a trance, began now a little (considering the fright he took at the Black Knight's madness) to summon again together his natural senses; and perceiving the unchaste Lady dead, cold, pale, won, lying weltering in her gore, and the blood of her false heart (shed by her own child) all besprinkled about the Chamber, said as followeth.  
Now (quoth the Negar, betwixt life and death) have you shown yourself a dutiful Son, and nobly revenged the death of your Father. These were the last words of the poor Indian; which as then s●nke down, and never after breathed▪ Thereupon came forth the Dwarf of the Castle, with great store of treasure, proffering the same to the Black Knight; who nothing thirsting after covetousness, refused it, and withal took the Dwarf in satisfaction for the Negars' death, and crammed the treasure down his throat; and after buried the two Servants together in one Grave. This being done he digged up his Father's body from the Dunghill, and brought it to the Chamber where his mother lay and after in an Abbey yard belonging to the Castle, he buried them both likewise, in one Grave. This being done, he kneeled thereupon, and made his complaint in this manner.   

CHAP. 7 Of the Black Knights melancholy lamentations over the grave of his Parents; and of other things that happened.  
OH thrice happy for evermore be this ground that contains the bodies of my unfortunate Parents; for this Earth hath received the sweet Darling of Nature, and the only delight of the whole World; the Sunshine of Christendom, and the glory of Mankind: Oh thrice happy be the grass, that from henceforth shall grow upon this Grave: let never Scythe touch it, nor crafty ●urking Serpent with venomous breath, or deadly poison, hurt it: Let no Lions paws, nor Bear's foot, tread upon it: Let no Beasres Horn in any manner abuse it: Let no Birds with pecking, nor creeping filthy Uermine, no winters nipping Frost, no nightly falling Dews, no rage of the parching Sun's heat, nor Stars, have power from Heaven: nor fearful Tempest nor horrible Lightning, in any manner annoy it: Let no Ploughman drive hither his weary Oren, nor Shepherds bring hither their Sheep, lest by the Bull's rage it be harmed, or by the harmless Sheep it be eaten: but let it for ever grow, that the displaying thereof may reach to Heaven: and may from henceforth this Grave be ever accounted sacred: and may the Grass be ever sprinkled with sweet Waters. Some good man upon this Grave set a burning Taper, that then for every anguish of my heart, I may beat my Breasts, till my Fists have strucken the wind from my body; and that my Soul may bear them company into Elysium. Come you wanton fleshly Satyrs: Come you friendly Fawns: Come you Fairies and Dryads, and sing sweet Epitaphs; lift up your voices to Heaven, and let your praises been in the honour of my Parents: myself like a wan, pale, and dead man, will bear you company: I will weary the World with my complaints: I will make huge Streams with my Tears: such Streams, as no Bank shall bar: such Streams, as no Drought shall dry. But alas what do I mean to repeat these several lamentations: since my dear Parents been dead: since from the world they are parted: since they are buried without solemnity: since my delights are all enclosed in the Ground: yet will I still here make my complaints, though no good ease comes thereby, adding tears to tears, and sorrows to sorrows. Oh frowning Fortune. Oh unlucky Stars. Oh cursed day that ever I did this deed, for now no sense, nor knowledge, takes their unsensible bodies of my griefs: in this Grave there is no feeling: in Death there is no pity taken. Oh thou Siluannus thou commander of these Mountains, help me poor helpless soul to shed tears: for my religion, for my devotion and Country's sake help me: either let me have some comfort in my sorrows, or let me in Death, bear my Parent's company. Thou seest what Torments I suffer; how my heart trembles, how my eyes flow with tears, how my head is with tears possessed, how my Soul is full of horrible anguish: all this thou seest, and yet it little grieves thee to see it. Oh thou churlish ground, from henceforth cease any more to bear Fruit: cease to be decked with Flowers, cease to be mantled in Green, for the purest Flowers are withered. Thy Garlands are decayed: my dear Parents are too untimely bereft of life: their sweet bodies thou harbourest, and in thy womb deliuere●st them as a food unto Worms. Therefore thou cruel Earth, howl andmourne, for thou art unworthy of such blessed bodies. And now, oh you pitiful Heavens, hear my complaints, convey them to the Souls of my deceased Parents: for my lamentations by the gentle Winds, are blown from the East unto the West: the dry Land, and the Watery Seas, are witnesses to them: Therefore no day shall rise, but it shall hear my complaints: no night shall come, but it shall give ear unto my moines: neither day nor night, shall be free from my heart-breaking cries. If that I groan, me thinks the Trees are bended, as though they pitied my tears. The very Ground (for grief) I see altars her complexion. All that I hear, all that I see, all that I feel, gives fresh increase to my sorrow. I will never henceforth come in peopled Town, nor inhabited City, but wander all alone up and down by low Uallyes, and sleepy Rocks: or I will dwell in dark Dens frequented only by Wild Beasts, where no path of man was ever seen, or to the Woods I will go, so dark, and beset so thick with shadow branches, that no Sun may shine there by day, nor no Star by night may be seen, whereas is heard no voice, but the outcries of horrible Goblins, the baleful shrieks of Night-owles, the unlukie sounds of Ravens and Crows; there shall mine eyes be made watery Fountains; there will I make such plaints, as Beasts shall mourn to hear them; such plaints will I make, as shall rend and rive strong trees, make wild Panthers tame, and mollify hard flinty stones: And if by chance that sleep oppress me, on the bare and cold Ground shall these woeful limbs rest: the green turf shall, serve as a Pillow for my head: boughs and branches of trees shall cover me: and then I hope, some venomous Serpent will speedily give me my death's wound, that this my poor soul may be released from flesh and blood: by which means I may pass to those Fields, those fair Elysium Fields, whereas my murdered Parents daily resort. In this manner complained the Black Knight upon his Parent's grave, three days and nights together, still kneeling upon the cold ground and could not by any imagination be comforted: every thing his eyes beheld, renewed fresh sorrow, and drew on new lamentations: but at last, the Powers of Heaven intending to grant him some ease, cast his distressed Senses into a quiet slumber: where lying upon his father's grave, we will let him for a time rest.   

CHAP 8. How the Fairy Knight came to be called the World's Triumph, Of his arrival in England, of the two Knights deaths, and of the Prove rbe used of three Cities in England.  
YOu have read in the first part of this History, how the Fairy Knight the Son of Caelia, begot by the Red-rose Knight, was committed (by his Mother at her death) to the keeping of the Ladies of the Land: for than was there but few Men living, being a Country only of Women: and now being of lusty age, and a Knight of renowned valour, he betook himself to travel: the only cause to find his Father, or some of his kindred whom he had never seen.  
Many were the Countries he passed: but more the dangers he endured: all which for this time, we omit: only a little speak of three gifts given him by an Hermit, that had three exceeding Virtue's: For coming to an Island to seek adventures, it was his chance to save a young beautiful Maiden from ravishing by a satirical Wild-man: for he having tied the golden locks of her Hair to two knoity brambles, and being ready to take his veneral pleasure upon her, the Fairy Knight coming by, and seeing that dishonour and violence offered to so young a Virgin, with his Sword at one blow, paired away the Wild-mans' head, and so went with the Maiden home to her Father's house, which was an Hermitage some mile distant off: where being no sooner come, but the good old man, having a Head more white than Silver, but a heart more heavier than Lead, by reason of the want of his daughter, so cruelly taken from him, began at her sight to be so cheered, that he had not the power (for joy) to speak a good space, but at last, taking the fairy Knight by the hand, he led him to an inward room, where he banqueted him with such cheer as his Hermitage afforded; and after in ●●ew of his daughters reschew, he gave him three such Gifts, and of three such Virtue's, as the like seldom had Knight. The first, was a King, which whosoever did wear, should never dye by treason. The second a Sword; that on what Gate soever it struck, it would presently fly open. The third and last, a vial of such Drink that whosoever tasted, should suddenly forget all passed sorrows.  
Having received these three Gifts of the good old Hermit, he departed, and traveled without any adventure till he came and found the black Knight afléepe upon his father's Grave: which when the Fairy Knight had awaked, in countenance they were so alike, as Nature had made them both one, (for indeed they were Brothers by the Father's side, the one true borne, the other a Bastard) yet at the first sight, such a secret affection grew betwixt them, that they plighted their faiths to each other, vowing never to part friendships. But when the Black Knight had revealed his birth & parentage, his Father's name, and place of birth, the Fairy Knight resolved himself, that he had found a Brother, as well in nature as condition: But when he heard the story of his Father's life, and the manner of his death, with the murder of Anglitora his unchaste wife, he could not choose but shed tears, whereof plenty descended from his fair eyes: whereupon he took occasion to speak as followeth.  
Heaven rest thy sweet soul (my unknown Father,) and may the fruit of thee prove as famous in the World as thou hast been; but more fortunate in their Marriage choice: As for my Stepmother, though her unchaste life haue made her in famous to all Womankind, yet this in charity I desire, that when she comes to Pluto's Realm, that Proserpina may send her to the blessed fields of Elysium; in remembrance of whom, in this world, (if ever we arrive in that noble Country of England, where my Knightly Father was borne,) we will there erect her a stately Tomb: yet no Epitaph) shall show her disloyal life, nor the cause of her death: only in Letters of beaten Gold, shall remain engraven upon her Tomb, the name of, Anglitora Daughter to Prester john, and Wife to the worthy Red-rose Knight. Hereupon he gave his newfound Brother (the Black Knight) his Wall of Drink which the Hermit had given him: who no sooner had tasted, but all former griefs were forgotten: he remembered not the death of his Father, nor the murder of his Mother, nor what sorrow he had sustained in the Wilderness: but like a jocund Knight, girt his Sword round about him, and stood on Thorns till he was set forward to seek Martial adventures. Hereupon these two Knights departed toward England, and performed many noble deeds of Chivalry by the way; But amongst all others, being in the Turkish Court (this is worthy to been noted) for with one Box of the ear, the Black Knight killed the Turks Son stark dead: for which cause, by treason were their lives conspired, and the following night, had their Lodging entered by twelve of the Turks Guard, with an intent to murder them: but by reason of the enchanted Ring, in the which they put both their little fingers, the Guard of a sudden fell all fast in a trance: hereupon the two Knights departed the Turkish Court, But no sooner were they out of the City, but a troop of armed Knights pursued them, and followed them so nearly, that they were forced to enter a Castle that stood by the Sea side, wherein no creature had abiding: coming to the Gate, the Fairy Knight with his Sword struck thereat, an it presently opened: wherein being no sooner entered, but the armed Knights of the Turkish nation closed them fast in, and caused the Gates to been walled up with Free Stone, and so departed. Now were these two Knights in more danger of death, than ever they had been in all their lives: and sure they had starved, had not good policy preserved their lives: for the Castle walls were so high, that none durst venture down without great danger. As in greatest extremity, man's wit is the quickest for invention; so the two Knights cut off all the Hair from their heads which were very long) and therewithal made along ●oo●sted Line or Cord, with the which they slid from the top of the Wall to the Ground. But this mischance happened; as the Fairy Knight glided down, the Cord broke, and his body took such a violent blow against the stony Ground, that it struck the breath quite out of his body, no life by the Black Knight could be perceived, but that his soul was for ever divided. This of all misfortunes, was held the extremest; therefore in great grief he breathed forth this lamentation.  
Oh you partial Fates (quoth he) Oh you unjust Destinies: Why have you reft two lives by wounding one? Now let the Sun forbear his wont light. Let Heat and Could, let Drought and Moisture, let Earth and Air, let Fire and Water, be all mingled and confounded together: let that old confused Chaos return again, and here let the World end. And now you Heavens this is my request, that my Soul may presently forsake this flesh: I have no soul of mine own, for it is the soul of the Fairy Knight, for but one Soul is common to us both: then how can I live, having my Soul departed, which spiteful death hath now separated? Oh thou my Knightly brother, though the Fates deny to give thee life, yet in spite of them I'll follow thee. You Heavens receive this half soul of my true Friend and let not life and death part us; with Eagles wings will I fly after him, and in jove's celestial Throne join with him in friendship. We two in life were but one; one will, one heart, one mind, one Soul made us one: one life kept us both alive, one being dead, draws the other unto death: therefore, as we lived in love, so will we dye in love; and with one Grave we may inter both our bodies: How glorious and happy were my death, to dye with my beloved friend: Now do I loathe this life, in living alone without my dear Brother: whereupon drawing his Sword from his side, he said.  
Oh thou woeful Weapon, even thou shalt be the mean, to rid my soul from this prison of body. Oh faith unfeigned; Oh hand of sacred friendship: I am resolved both with the force of Heart, Hand, and Arms, to give my Heart deaths deadly wound; for now my noble Fairy Knight, this blood I offer up unto thy Soul. But being ready with his Sword to pierce his own heart, he saw a lively blood spread in his friend's face, and those eyes that were so dolefully closed up, began now to look abroad; and the countenance that was so pale and wan, received a fresh complexion: whereupon the Black Knight stayed from his desperate resolution, and from a bloody tragedian, became the recoverer of his brother's life; who after a while, began to be perfect sensible: so binding his bruised bones together, they went a Shipboard on a Ship that lay at anchor at the next Port, making for England, so the next morning (the wind served well) the Pilots hoisted sail, merrily floating on the waters.  
Ten weeks had not passed toward the finishing of a year, before they arrived on the Chaulkie cliffs of England; upon which they had no sooner set footing, but with their warm lips they gently kissed the cold earth, This is the Land of promised glory (said the Fairy Knight) to find this Land I have endured many miseries: to find this Land I have passed many Countries, and in this Land, must I seal up the last quittance of my life, here shall my bones rest, for I am lawfully descended from the loins of an English Knight: peace be in my end, for all my days have been spent in much trouble.  
In such like discourses left they the shore side, & travailing further into the Land, they met with one of King Arthur's Knights, named Sir Launcelat Dulake, so old and lame that through his bruises in chivalry, he seemed rather an impotent creature, than a Knight at Arms; yet at the sight of these two adventurous Knights, his blood seemed to grow young: and he that before, could not march a mile on foot for a Kingdom, now went as tively as any of the two other Knights did. First came they to London, where for their father's sake, they were (by the Governors) most gallantly entertained: the streets were hung round with Arras hangings, and Tape, strie works: Pagiants were builded up in every street, the Cond●nts ran with Wine, and a solemn Holiday was then proclaimed to be kept yearly upon that day. To speak of Banquets prepared for them, the Tilts and Tournaments, and such honourable graces, I think needless. In London in great content stayed they some twenty days: in which time came noble messengers from the Court to conduct them to the King that then reigned: for since the Black Knight and his mother departed the Land, happened three changes, every one maintaining the ancient honour of King Arthur's Knights of the Round Table, whereof these two in presence of all the Nobility, were in Knightly sort created.  
After this, the King ordained a solemn just to be kept in his Court, & held in great honour for forty days: to which Knightly sports, resorted the chiefest flowers of Chivalry from all Countries, as Kings, Princes, Dukes, Marquesses, ●arles, Lords, and Knights; and for chief Challenger and Champion for the Country, was the Fairy Knight: who for his matchless manhood therein shown, had this title given him by a general consent, to be called, The World's Wonder.  
After this, being desirous to see the City of Lincoln, where the Red-rose Knight was borne, he in company of his Brother & true friend, the Black Knight, and old sit Lancelat Dulake, rod thither, at whose coming into the City, the great Bell (called Tom a Lincoln) was rung an hour, which as then was seldom shown to any, excepting Kings, and renowned warriors, returning victoriously from bloody ●attles. Here builded they a most sumptuous Minster, which to this day remains in great magnificence and glory. Likewise here builded they a most stately Tomb in remembrance of their Parents: the like (as then) no place of England afforded.  
Thus having left the noble feats of Chivalry, they lived a life zealous, and most pleasing to God: erecting many Almshouses for poor people, giving thereto great Wealth and Treasure: And when nature ended their days, they were buried in the same Minster, both in one Tomb: which likewise was so richly set up with Pillars of Gold, that above all ot●er Cities, it grew the most famous: whereupon since that time, hath this old Proverb of three Cities grown common, which is used in these words: Lincoln was, London is, and York shall be.  
FINIS.  
R. I.