THE ANCIENT History of the destruction of Troy.  
Containing the founders and foundation of the said City, with the causes and manner of the first and second spoils and sackings thereof, by Hercules and his followers: and the third and last utter desolation and ruin, effected by Menelaus and all the notable worthies of Greece,  
Here also are mentioned the rising and flourishing of sundry Kings with their Realms: as also the decay and overthrow of divers others.  
Besides many admirable and most rare exploits of Chualrie and martial prowess tested by valorous Knights with incredible events as compassed for, and through the love of Ladies.  
Translated out of French into English, by W. Caxton.  
Newly corrected, and the English much amended, by William Fiston.  
LONDON Printed by Thomas Creed 〈…〉   

THE PRINTERS to the courteous Reader, health and happiness.  
WHereas it is, and ever hath been a custom, that among all manner studies, the reading of annal, and Histories, most delighteth men of all ages, but especially young men, whose affections are quickly incensed, and their hears set on fire with an emulation of whatsoever notable and valorous enterprises they shall hear or read of: but most principally young Gentlemen and Noble men, are by the viewing of memorable deeds and martial prowess, so inflamed with an approbation of good & famous exploits; and with a detestation of ignominious or cowardly persons and deeds, that the reading and hearing hereof, do as it were kindle in their minds an ardent burning desire of imitating, if not matching, or overgoing the most glorious attempts, of the greatest & most excellent. In regard whereof, the memorable sayings, deeds, and endeavours, of the wisest, most learned, and most valiant of all ages, have been still committed to writing, and left to posterity, in all civil Countries, to be as whetstones for the wits of other to come, and as spurs to prick forward unto fortitude and magnanimity. And, to this purpose, not only true Histories have always been published, but many fictions of admirable and most strange, yea of incredible things achieved by industrious valour, and constancy in Lovers. If then feigned stories of martial men and loving Ladies, may be necessary and delightful, how much more profitable and pleasant may this History be deemed, which compriseth both rare and worthy feats of Chivalry great store, and also divers wonderful events brought to pass by the steadfast faithfulness of true Lovers: and this story, in respect of the subject, is very true, howsoever in the circumstances, some poetical paintings & hyperbolical praises may be found. And whereas before time, the Translator William Caxton, being (as it seemeth) no English man, had left very many words mere French, and sundry sentences so improperly Englished, that it was hard to understand, we have caused them to be made plainer English: and if leiure had served, we would have had the same in better refined phrases, and certain names that be amiss, conferred with Authors, and made right. But if we find your favourable accepting hereof to be such, as we may shortly have a second impression, we will have all amended.  
Far ye well.   

The first Book of the destruction of Troy.  

CHAP. 1. Of the lineage and offspring of Saturn, and how for his inventing of sowing corn, planting, etc. he was honoured in Crete as a God.  
WHat time all the Children of Noah, were spread by the Climates, reigns, and strange habitations of the world, by the general division of tongues, made at the foundation of the tower of Babylon; in those days that the world was of gold, and that the men were steadfast and poising, as mountains, and rude as stones and beasts, enhaunsing their great courages, fowling and showing their great conceits: & that the enemy of man induced maliciously to practise to make Towns, Cities and Castles, to make Sceptres and Diadems, and to forge and make the cursed sect of gods among the possessors of the Isle of Crete: There was a rich man inha●ansed full of covetise, happy, of aventurous enterprise, and right rich of the grace of fortune, some men called this man Celion, and some Uranus, he was lawful son of Ether, son of Demor Gorgon the old dweller in the caves of Archadi●e, and first beginner of the false Paynim gods. This Uranus▪ had to his wife his own sister called Vesca: he lived gloriously with her, and had possession of the most part of the Isle of Crete, and abounded prosperously in worldly goods, in increasing his natural appetites, first in increasing and ampliation of worldly Lordship and signiory, and secondly in lineage, and was marvelous rich. He had two sons, that is to wit, Titan, and Saturn: and two daughters, that one was called Cibell, & the other Ceres, of whom shall be made mention hereafter: and he had many other sons and daughters, of whom I make no mention, for as much as they be out of my purpose. What shall I rehearse more of the glory of this Uranus. He had all thing as he would, and was fortunate, and nothing went against him: his goods multiplied, his children grew and increased, but Titan the oldest son was foul, evil favoured, and counterfeit, and Saturn was marvelously fair, and amiable: for which cause Vesca the mother loved much better Saturn than Titan, and that by nature, for naturally the mother's love better their fair children than their foul: wherefore Saturn was nourished most in the lap of his mother: and Titan was put out, and in manner banished. And when Saturn was great, what for his beauty, and for his cunning and science and other virtues, he gate the whole love of all the people.  
In this time it was so, that whatsoever man practised or found any things profitable for the common wealth, was recommended solemnly, and called and named a God, after their foolish and dark custom. Saturn was named a god, for in his youth, by his coming, he was the the first finder to give instruction of ea●ing and labouring the earth, and of sowing and reaping the corn. And this invention was applied to Saturn, with divine reverence, with love upon love, not only anent Vesca, and Uranus, and his kinsmen: but above measure all the people of Crete, and of the Marches & Countries lying by, and there about. And thus his name arose, and was renowned, that from all places, men and children, Nobles and villains, came to his school for to learn. In these days that Saturn began thus to flourish, and was twenty years of age and his brother forty, Uranus their father by a sickness that he had, died, and departed out of this world, leaving his wife Vesca endowed largely of possessions. His death was noyous and sorrowful to Vesca his wife, which caused her to weep out of measure, and his sons and daughters also, they did his obsequy reverently, in abounding of great and bitter sorrow. The obsequy done (their weeping and sorrow yet during) Vesca saw that Titan her eldest son pretended to have and enjoy the succession of his father: she on a day called her dear son Saturn, with Titan, and other of the Country, and there rehearsed and said unto them, that her young son Saturn should succeed, and have the heritage's of her husband. Titan hearing the will of his mother, redoubled his sorrow, & it caused him to weep great plenty of tears, and kneeled too fore his mother humbly, and said in in this wise: Mother, I am right infortunate, when ye will that my right patrimony be put from me, and that naturally me ought to have by right, should be given from me: and yet because that I am not so well form of members, as my brother Saturn is, which sorrow is to me passing noyous, ye will put from me my fortune and birth, which ye may not do by lawful reason. I am your first son, ye have nourished me with the substance of your blood, as your child, borne in your belly nine Months. Also I am he that first dwelled and inhabited your feminine chambers: none tofore me took there any seisin: when I took that, than ye gave, me your due love, and sorted to me the succession of your heritage's. Then whence cometh this, that ye now subvert and destroy that nature hath once joined & given me: every mother is bounden to hold the conservation of the right of her child. Alas, mother, will ye make me bastard fro my right? am I a bastard? was not Uranus my father? am not I he that ye were so glad for, what time ye felt first that I was conceived in the lawful bed of my father your husband? am I not be that ye bore, and gave me suck of your breasts, and oftentimes kissed me, that is to say, in my tender days, what time my members were soft and tender? Ha mother, acquit you ayeinst me, as ye beholden and bounden by right, and knowledge ye that I am Titan, and for as much as I am less and not so well addressed as my brother Saturn, so much ye ought the more desire my promotion, and furthering.  
When dame Vesca heard her son Titan speak so sadly, and profoundly, she had pity on him: yet the pity was not of so high virtue, that might surmount the great love that was rooted between her and Saturn, and then she said to Titan her son: Titan, my son, I deny not that thou tookest thy substance between my sides, and were brought into this world: and know verily that I love thee entirely, and that I desire thy weal: but it is so clear and evident in every man's sight, that for the default, loathliness, and abomination of thy members, thou art not a man sufficient to defend thy father's heritage, with great labour and pain: for if it happen that one man would make war, thou were not able to resist him: what wouldst thou that I should do? thy brother hath the love of all the people, for his beauty, and his virtuous manners, and every man holdeth him in reverence, and thee in derision and scorn. Be thou content, thou shalt lack nothing, and if thou lack, speak to me and I shall remedy it: but speak never no more to me for the heritage, for Saturn shall obtain it, by the favour of his wisdom, meekness, and benignity, and also because the common sort judgeth him, and seeth that he shall once be the man whose life shall shine gloriously.  
Titan was sort troubled of the words of his mother, and he began to change colour, and wax red, having suspicion to Saturn, that he had contrived this matter against him: whereupon he drew him apart to him, and said: Saturn, the envy that thou hast to reign above me, hath now engendered in my heart thy mortal mischief, whereof the hate shall endure unto the mortal separation of thy life, and of mine, and of my children. Thou knowest well that I am the eldest son of our father Uranus, how art thou so hardy and presumptuous, to enhance thyself above me by conspired imagination? I will that thou know verily, that like as thou hast conspired in my temporal damage, semblably I shall conspire to thy eternal damage & hurt. And name me from henceforth thy mortal enemy. When Saturn heard these burning and inflamed menasses of his brother Titan, he excused himself and answered, that he never thought in his life to come to the succession of their father, nor never had imagined nor conspired it. Then Vesca their mother, Cibell, and Ceres, took the words fro Saturn, and said to Titan, that his threatening to Saturn was for nought, for he should reign and be Lord and master. Titan full of felony, and more angry than he was tofore, said plainly that he would not suffer it. Saturn had a great part of the people that assisted him, and gave him favour. And Titan also had other on his side, which began to murmur, the one party against the other. All the compapanie was sore troubled, and began to thrust in, and enployed them to cease the noise, and to accord Titan: notwithstanding it was hard to do, for always he would have run upon Saturn, if he had not been hold and letted always. In the end, the wise men showed Titan by great reason, that he was the more feeble, and that Saturn was more in the favour of the people, and that he would modere himself a little, and said that he should agree, and grant the reign to Saturn, by condition, that if he married, he should be bound to put to death all his children males, that should be begotten of his seed, if he any had, for the weal of both parties. Vesca with her daughter, and the ancient wise people accorded to Titan this condition, and laboured so to Saturn, that they brought them to the Temple of their god Mars, that was in the city of Oson, whereof was Lord a mighty man called Milliseus, and that afore the image of the god Mars, Saturn swore that if him happened to marry, and that he had any children males, he would slay them all, & thus was Titan content that his brother should enjoy the land of Crete, & the peace was made between them both.   

CHAP. II. ¶ How Saturn was crowned first King of Crete and how he found first divers sciences, wherefore the people held him in great honour as a God.  
AFter the treaty made of the peace of Titan and Saturn, Titan saw in himself that he might not worshipfully abide and dwell, being under his younger brother: had liefer go and search his adventures in other places, then to be thrall to his younger brother. He took his wife his children and friends, and departed at all adventure into divers places, where he found fortune so good and happy that by arms and strength he made himself king of many diverse Realms, which he departed unto his chlldrens, and commised and ordained certain espies to espy and wait, if his brother Saturn married himself, and if his wife brought forth men children, and whether he put them to death. During these said things, Saturn dwelled with his mother and his sisters Cibell and Ceres, and began to reign with so great magnificence, that they of the country seeing their neighbours by them did make and ordain Kings to reign on them, of such as were noble and virtuous: assembled together on a day, and made Saturn King over them, and upon their lines, and crowned him with great glory, with a crown of Lawyer, with great joy. Saturn anon took and accepted this royal honour and worship, and took the sceptre in his hand, and here the crown on his head, and reigned wisely, inducing his people to live honestly, and to love virtue, and ordained a naked sword to be borne afore him, in sign of justice. He did justice on malefactors, and enhanced them that were good, he did build a City, which he named Crete, because the isle bare the said name, and he was the first inhabior and dweller. When he had founded the City, he ordained his Palace and dwelling place in the middle thereof, in example, as the heart is in the mids of the body, to minister to the members, so he would instruct and govern his people. And after this, he chose an hundred and four wise men, which he instituted and ordained counsellors and governors of his Realm. And then they of Crete seeing the right great wisdom of their king, assembled together divers times, and named him a god: and yet more, they founded unto him a Temple, an Altar and an Idol, bearing in the one hand a sickle, in signification that he destroyed the vices, in such wise as the fickle cutteth herbs and destroyeth the weeds: and in the other hand he held a serpent, that did bite his tail, forasmuch as Saturn said, that every man should bite the tail of the serpent, that is to say, that every man should fear and flee the evil end: For the end oftentimes is venomous, as the tail of a Serpent: and that appeareth yet daily by the end of many evil disposed and envenomed men.  
By the mean of these things the renown of king Saturn grew, and that world was the time of gold: That is for to say, it was much better, and more abundant in the days of man's life, and in plenty of fruits of the earth, then in any other time after. The Poets by this colour, compared the world at this time to gold, which is most precious of all metals: wherefore many men say, that Saturn was the first man that found the manner to melt metal, and to affine gold, and made his vessel, & utensilles of his house, of divers metal. And under this colour, they figured at that time, the world to be of gold. Then began the men by the doctrine of Saturn to use and were gold, to mine the rocks, to pierce the mountains perilous, to haunt the thorny deserts, to fight & advance the orguillous serpents, the fierce dragons, the deadly griffons, the monstrous beasts, & to spread abroad their worldly engines. By these exercises was then Saturn the fourbisher and beginner of the style, to learn men to take these beasts. And first found the manner of shooting and drawing of the bow. Of this gold, made Saturn his house, his chambers and halls, to shine by marvelous working. He was strong and hardy, he had no fear nor doubt of any Serpent of the mountain, nor any monster of desert, or of beast dwelling in caves. He knew the veins of gold in the earth, and could discern them from the veins of silver. He edifies rich things of gold joyous unto the eye sight, and h●te and courageous to the heart. For at that time the courages by perdurable fire chase the affections of man, in manner of a contagious heat so singularly, that after always that they coveted, they desired to accomplish. In this time of the golden world, the creatures lived and endured greatly and long. And all the world laboured in edification of science and cunning of virtue. And that time were the men more virtuous in bodily edifying, then ever they were since. Among whom Saturn was never idle, after that he had once laboured corns in ear-ring and sowing. He molte and fined gold and metals, and induced and taught his men to draw the bow and shoot. He himself found first the bow, and the manner to go and sail by the sea, and to row with little boats by the rivage, and took his own pleasure for to endoctrine and teach his people in all these things, and he had great abundance of worldly goods reserved, only he durst not marry: and that he had sworn to death all the men children that should come of his seed. Whereof he was oftentimes annoyed, and had great displeasure, etc.   

CHAP. III. ¶ How Saturn went to Delphos, and had answer, how he should have a son that should chase him out of his realm. And how he married him to his sister Cibell, etc.  
WHen Saturn saw his Palace flourish and shine of gold, and saw his people obey him, saw his goldsmiths & workers break mountains with their Pikares, and instruments: saw his mariners cut the waves of the sea with their Oars, saw his disciples learn and labour the earth, saw his Archers shoot with their arrows, & smote and took the birds, dwelling in the high trees, and flying by the air: he might embrace great glory, and enhance on high his throne, and his felicity. But on the other side, when he remembered the covenant made between him and his brother Titan, he was like unto the Peacock that is proud of the fair feathers diversly fair coloured, which he spreads round as a wheel, & withal only looking on his feet, he loseth all his joy. Saturn likewise by this treaty, lost all his joy, his glory, and his pleasure. He was long time leading this life, now joyous, now sorrowful, growing always and increasing his realm, and daily thought and poised in himself if he might marry or not, for nothing in the world he would false his oath. He was just and true in deed & in word. Nevertheless, nature moved him, and cited him to have generation, and to come to company of women: and this moving was all all times refreshed and renewed by a continual sight that he had daily in a passing fair maid, that is to wit, his sister Cibell, which he saw continually: in whom was no default of all the goods of nature appertaining to woman. She was out of measure right humble in speaking: wise in her works, honest in conversation, and flowing in all virtues. And for this cause Saturn beheld her oft times. And so happened on a time as he beheld her affairs and works, he cast his eyen on her virtues that pleased him so greatly, that in the end he was desirous of her love, whereof his mother Vesca had great joy, and pleasure. And she perceiving of the desire of Saturn, gave him courage and will to marry her. And so laboured and solicited the marriage so effectually, that with great worship and triumph, Saturn spoused and wedded Cibell his sister, after their usage, and she was the first Queen of Crete. He living with her, paid in this wise the due debt of marriage, that at the end of nine months, Cibell had a son, which Saturn did put to death, acquitting himself of the oath that he had made unto his brother Titan. And of this Boccace maketh no mention. But they lay together again, And Cibell conceived then of the seed of Saturn, another son with a daughter, that by space of time appeared great in the mother's belly.  
In the time when the law of nature was in his vigour and strength, the men married with their sisters. And in especial the paynim, if they were not content, and had suffisance of one wife, they might take more without reproach. When Saturn knew that his wife was with child the second time, the death of his first son came before him, and he said in himself, that he would that his wife had been harren. Then he began to be full of diverse fantasies of forthoughts, and desired to know what should befall of the fruit of the womb of Cibell. He went himself forth to the isle of Delphos unto the Oracle of the god Apollo, that gave answer to the people that demanded of things that should after fall and happen. And then when he had done his sacrifice, and made his prayer, the Priest of the Temple put him into a pereloes, under the altar of the foresaid Idol: and there he heard a great whirling wind that troubled him, and all his wit and understanding, that he was in manner of a spasm or a sowns, by which he fell to the ground, and after that when he arose, him thought that the god Aprllo appeared unto him with a dreadful face, and said thus to him. Saturn what moveth thee to will to know thine evil destiny? thou hast engendered a son, that shall take from thee the diadem of Crete, and shall banish thee out of thy realm, & shall be without fere above all people, the most fortunate man that ever was borne in Grece. After these words Saturn came again to himself, and remembered him of his evil prophecy that touched the bottom of his heart, and so sore annoyed, and right pensive, he went out of the Oracle with a troubled heart, and all bare of gladness, and all oppressed and environed with wanhops, came to his folk and departed thence, and went to ship: and when he was in his ship, he hung down his head, which he held not up till he came to Crete. And when he had his head so inclined, he began to think and be pencyfe. And after many right sorrowful fighs, engendered in the root of Melancholy, said in this wise: Alas Saturn your king, what availeth me the dignity to be the first king of Crete? what profited me these divine reverences? or what good do me my science, when I feel me in putting back of fortune? O fortune soon turning, frail and variable, and plying to every wind like a roster: at least stay, that the wheel that turneth without end, may speak to me Saturn, that inventor and finder of the common weal. And if thou wilt not lend me thy clear and laughing visage, at least lend me thy large ears. Thou hast given me triumph and glory of Crown: and now thou sufferest me to fall from this great worship, he gods witness it. And what is this? thou hast consented to my prosperity, and now conspirest my mendicitie, my fall and shameful ●nde: and intendest that I shall be named the unhappy Saturn. If all my life hath been nourished in happiness, and the end unhappy and woeful, I shall be called and said unhappy: and all my happy fortunes and blisses shall turn more to reproach and shame, then to praising or to any worship. O fortune: in what thing have I offended? have I fought against thee? or have I done any folly against the magnificence of the gods? Have I rebelled or offended the airs, the worlds, the heavens, the planets, the s●●e, the moon, the earth's, the seas, what have I done or trespassed tell me. O my God where art thou? Hast thou ennie to me, be 〈◊〉 I have been in the Oracle of the aforesaid God Apoll● he hath showed unto me the ruin of my 〈◊〉, she 〈◊〉 ●hing and breaking of my diadem, the 〈…〉 the clearness of my reign, the enhaunsing 〈…〉 and the putting me out of my Realm, that shall or ●eade of his insurrection. Alas what remedy to this great sorrow that I have? I have slain one of my sons, wherefore I have great and bitter sorrow: and have concluded in myself, that never hereafter I will so cruelly spill the life of my children, for to die with them. After this conclusion, I must of very force, and sore against my will, return and continue in my first unnatural cruelty. For if my son that now is in the womb of my wife, be suffered to live, he shall exile me and put me out of my Realm, and down off my throne, which shall be to me right hard and grievous to bear and suffer patiently. And therefore it is better to slay him. Alas and if I slay him, than it seemeth me I should resist the will of the gods, which peradventure will raise him again, and that should be worse, for than I should not only be called an homicide and manswear, but an unnatural murderer, not of a Giant, nor of a strange man of another land: but of a right little child, issued of my proper ●eines, bones, and flesh: That after the prognostication of the gods is pre-elect, and chosen to be the greatest Lord of Greece, and sovereign of all the kings in his time.  
Saturn thus feeling him in great sorrow and trouble, and always worse and worse, as afore is said, began to change his colour and wax pale, full of melancholy, and of fantasies, and could not appease his unfortune. His most privy men, and they that were most familiar with him, durst not approach unto him, but seeing his sorrowful manner, they were discomforted in his desolation, sorrowful with his sorrow, and angry with his anger. He was in short time so greatly perturbed, and impressed with so eager impresson of sorrow, that his face was like unto Ashes, or as he had be dead always: and after many thoughts, he opened his mouth, and spoke softly thus: I slay myself by melancholy, and am a man greatly abused: I have made an oath unto my brother Titan, that I shall put all my children male to death, that shall come of my flesh. Peradventure the gods would not suffer that I shallbe forsworn: and have let me have knowledge by my god Apollo, that my wife hath conceived a son that shall put me out of my Realm, to the end that I should slay him: forasmuch as I had concluded in myself, to have broken mine oath, and have spared the lives of my children. And since it is so, I shall no longer spare them: if it happen that my son be borne alive, certain he shall be put to death: for it is better that he die a child, than he should wax a man, and wax rebel against me, and enhance himself above me, by his malice, insurrection, or otherwise.  
In this will and resolution, this sorrowful Saturn returned into his house, continuing in this estate, and sorrowful sighs, & melancholious fantasies, in such wise that Cibel durst not come into his presence, nor could not get of him a joyous sight: wherefore he got him a surname of sorrow, and was named Saturn, the triste, or sorrowful. And it was so, that when he had been in his house a certain space, and saw the day approach that his wife should be delivered of child, for to execute his sorrowful courage, he called his wife and said: Dame it is so apparent, that shortly thou shalt be delivered of the fruit of thy womb: if thou be delivered of a son, I command thee upon pain of death, that thou slay him, and that thou send me his heart. And when Cibell heard these words, and this rigorous and unnatural violence and will, anon she fell to the ground in a sown, for her legs failed her. And in the relieving of the sown, she kneeled before the feet of Saturn, and said on this wise. Sir, hast thou no shame, that wilt be husband of a woman murdering her own child: I thee require of mercy and grace, beseeching thee to have regard, that I am thy wife, and have the heart of a woman, and not of a tyrant, or a murderer. Dame (answered Saturn) require me no more of things touching this matter: it is judged by a foreseen and counterpoised sentence, that if thou have a son, he shall be dead: for I have promised and sworn so to my brother Titan: and above this, I have answer of the god Apollo, that in thy womb is a son, that shall cast me out of this realm: and therefore, see that at his birth he be dead, as dear as thou lovest thy life: and also, as I have said, send me his heart meddled with wine, that I may drink it. And how sir, answered Cibell, knowest thou not that I am a woman, and by proper and singular inclination, I have a very love to small children, and must give them to eat, and suck? O weenest thou that I have an heart so hard, as for to foil my hands with the blood of my son? I pray and require thee, to revoke thy sentence, and be piteous to thy wife and generation. Thou art wise after the judgement of thy people. In this party, thou showest thyself not good: for by thy oath thou art not bounden, nor holden to slay thy son, seeing it is truth, that all oaths made against good manners, ought not to be holden. For to slay thy son, it is a villain case, & contrary to honour, reason, pity, equity, and justice. It is sin against nature, against virtue, and against all good manners. Then, thy oath for to slay thy son is nought, and thou oughtest annul it: thou art king, and that upon pain of death forviddest thy people to make murder, or homicide. By this thou that art mirror & example to other, oughtest to be content and appease thyself. And me seemeth on that other side, that thou interpretest, and construest evil, the sentence of god Apollo, saying, that I have in my womb a son, that shall put thee out of thy kingdom, For by this, it ought to be understand, that the son that I bear, shall overlive thee, and put thee so out of thy kingdom, that is to say, into thy Sepulchre, the day that thou shalt departed out of this world. And if this may not appease thee: if it so happen that I have a son, thou mayst do him to be kept in a strong Tower, and there to set such ward upon him, that he shall never be of power to enhance himself against thee.  
Saturn had then the heart passing great, that for semblable compassion, Vesca the mother, Cibell and Ceres, wept, and gave out great plenty of tears, and in like wise all the assistants that were in the place, wept out of measure abundantly: yet nevertheless it might not soft nor attemper the hard commandment of king Saturn. But in conclusion, he said to Cibell, that she should no more procure the respite of the life of his son, but he should be dead, and she also with him, if she did not his commandment. With sorrowful conclusion Cibell departed from thence, all in a trance half dead, and casting abroad her arms and hands, with great excess of tears, that ran like a river from her tender eyen, entered into a Tower, her mother that desolate Lady following her. She being in her chamber forfrush, and all distempered with sorrow, began to travel anon, & was delivered of a daughter, and of a son. The daughter was borne before the son, and was sent by Ceres, and borne to nourish into the City of Parthenie, and was named juno: and the son began to laugh at coming out of his mother's womb, and was named jupiter.  
When Cibell and Vesca, saw the child laugh, their tears began to grow double, and they had not taken great regard and heed to the child, what time Cibell all angry and corrupt with wanhope, with a sigh and feeble spirit said to her mother: Ha, my mother, what piteous case shall this be now? give me a sharp cutting knife, and I shall murder my son, by unnatural error against my will. And after this villainous deed, for my absolution of the great sin, I shall murder myself also. And this is my full purpose: for, after so cruel a deed and work, notwithstanding any excusation, I never will longer live. The mother of Cibell was then all bewept and greatly dismayed, when she heard the air of the tender mouth of her daughter redound in her ears, of so hard a cruelty: she being all afraid, said to her, my daughter what thinkest thou to do? art thou enraged out of thy wit, or foolish? My mother, answered Cibell, yea verily, I am verily as you say, enraged out of my wit, and foolish, and yet more I am furious wood. Make me no longer to languish. Give me the cursed mortal knife, forged in an evil hour, for of force I must obey the king Saturn, your right well-beloved son, my right redoubted husband, that hath commandment over me, and will shamefully put me to death, if I accomplish not, and fulfil his commandment in the death of his son, which he hath charged me to slay.  
Anon, as Vesca considered that her daughter said, and in the error that she was in, she took the child that was in her arms, and plucked it from her by force, and always the child laughed. When Cibell saw her son in the arms of her mother, as a woman enraged and out of her wit, she began to cry, that she should slay the child, or give it her again; or else she would arise out of her bed, and go and complain to king Saturn. After these words, Vesca delivered the child to a damosel of the house, that only was there with them, and bade her, that she should go slay the child in the presence of Saturn, or in some other place out of their sight: the poor damosel excused her, and Vesca gave her in commandment, and charged her with great menaces, that she should go forth and take the child, and the knife, and ●●ea it. And so by the commandment of these two Ladies, she took the knife many times, & put it to the throat of the child, for to cut it asunder, and always the noble child laughed at the knife. And when the damosel saw this, that it was innonocent, she might not find in her heart to do it any harm. In this sorrow, and and in this pain and vexation, Vesca, Cibel, and the damosel were a long time. Now they judged him to death and put the knife to his throat: and suddenly the damosel revoked it, and swore that she would never be persecutresse of one to fair a child. And thus they began all three to weep and sob, bewailing the child, by so great affection that it was pity to hear. After this, when they had long wept and sobbed, and bewailed the tender weeping and pain of Cibell, they began a little to pacify their hearts and began to return to motherly pity. Cibell called her that held the child, and required her piteously, that she would give her her son, to kiss and hold in her arms, promising that she would do him no harm. The damosel that witted not what should fall, delivered her her tender child: and then when Cibell beheld her child, with her face all bewept, and all distempered with tears, she kissed his laughing mouth, more than an C. times, & came again to her nature, knowledging her sin, and began to say. My child, I had been well infortunate, if I had taken thy life from thee. I have contended thy death: my right sweet son, alas shall I persecute thee after the will of thy father king Saturn? It is his commandment, and I own him obeisance: if I obey, the culpe and sin is due to him. If I obey not, I make myself culpable of death. Ah what is this? shalt thou die by my hands▪ by the hands of thy proper mother? H●, shall thy mother be thy martyrer? Shall thy mother be thine enemy, and bitter mortal adversary, for doubt of death? I wot not what to say, but will I, or will I not, thou art my son. Every mother loveth her child: how may I hate thee? It is much better that I tie then thou, I have lived long though, and thou art now 〈◊〉 borne. Verily thou shalt not ●●s at this time. I shall save thy life: or, I shall die for thy health, requiring the god's mercy for the evil will that I had against thee.   

CHAP. FOUR ¶ How Saturn had commanded to slay jupiter that was new borne, and how his mother Cibell sent him to king Meliseus, where he was nourished,  
THe right sorrowful Lady, after this came better to herself, and took heart to he●, and kissed her child that always laughed. And Vesca beheld her countenance all new, and sat down on the bed side where her daughter lay. There they two began to speak together of Saturn, & of the fortune of this child, and that he had been in great adventure: and promised the one unto the other, that they would save the child, unto their power. After this promise, in the end of diverse purposes, they concluded to send this child secretly unto the two daughters of king Melliseus, the which Vesca had nourished in her young age. Of these two daughters, the one was named Almachee, and the other Mellisee. This conclusion fully finished and taken, Vesca lapped and wound the child as it ought to be, and delivered it unto a damosel being there present, with all things, & gave her charge to bear it secretly to Almachee, & Mellisee. The good damosel enterprised the said charge, and departed out of Crete with the child at all adventure, & so worshipfully guided her, that she brought the child living in safety to the city of Oson: which she presented to Almachee and Mellisee, rehearsing how Vesca had sent him to them, for the great love and trust that she had in them, and how Saturn had commanded that his mother should slay it.  
Anon, as these two damosels saw the child, and understood how Saturn had judged it to death, they received it with pity, and in favour of Vesca, promised to nourish it in the secretest and best wise that they mought, And forthwith the same hour they bore the child unto a mountain that was nigh to the City, wherein dwelled their nurse in a deep hole of a cave, which was richly entailed, and carved with Chisell and other diverse instruments. And then they sent again the damosel that brought the child into Crete. In this manner was the life of the child saved. Almachee and Mellise nourished the child with the milk of a goat. Fortune was to him more propice and helping than nature. What shall I say, in the beginning when he was put in the cave, as his nurse on a day saw him weep and cry by his proper inclination of chilhoode, because he should not be heard, they took Trumpets, Timpanes, and nimbals, and made them to sound so greatly, that a great multitude of Bees fleeing about the mountain heard their sound, and with this sound entered into the cave, and took an hole by the child, flying about him without any grief or harm doing to the child: and yet more, they made there honey, whereof the child did eat and was nourished from thence forth, which was a marvelous thing. And for to achieve the matter, beginning at the damosel that had borne this child thither: when she came again, she rehearsed to dame Cibell and Vesca, all her doing and work, and gave them a right great comfort touching the child. Then the two Ladies, by mere deliberation took an Abest, which is a precious stone, and brayed it into powder, and after that they mingled it with wine in a cup of gold, and dame Vesca bore it to her son Saturn, and she abounding in bitter tears all bewept, said unto him: My son, thy wife hath sent to thee this drink, know thou verily that she this day hath rendered and yielden the fruit of her womb, a son and a daughter: she hath sent the daughter to nourish in the City of Parthenie: but in the obeying of thy strait commandment, we have defeated thy son, and put him to death. Of whom the body, the flesh, and the little tender bones be now turned into ashes, & she hath sent here to thee, the right noble heart tempered in wine: which I present to thee, to the end that thou do thy pleasure, and be no more in doubt by thy son to be put out of the realm,  
Anon as Saturn heard the piteous words of his mother, understanding the new tidings that she said and showed him, he began to frown, and said in this manner. O pity without pity: ought not my heart be terrible angry, and restrained with pressours of sorrow, when it is force of that to mine heart this present heart, issued of his blood and roots, be given in meat & pasture, for to staunch the disconuenable hunger of mine unhonest desire. These words accomplished, Saturn was greatly displeased and full of renewing of sorrow, drank the drink, weening that it had been as his mother had done him to understand: and after went into his chamber, and there began to be greatly in melancholy: and after that, forth on he purposed and trowed to abstain himself to pay his wife the dew debt of marriage. But as there is no sorrow that overpasseth not by space of time, he forgot this sorrow, & lying with his wife, engendered another son, which she saved like as jupiter was saved (notwithstanding that Saturn charged her to put him to death) and this child was carried to Athenes, where he was kept and nourished and named Nepune. Yet after this he lay with his wife, and engendered another son and a daughter, which at time convenable were borne, and departed from their mother: but at this time she told not of her son, but hide it from Saturn: which son was named Pluto, and she did it to keep in the parties of Thessaly, that afterward was named hell. And for to content her husband Saturn, when she was delivered of these two children, she sent to him her daughter, which was called Galanta, and she died in her tender years. And thus of all these generations, Saturn supposed that none had been reserved but juno his daughter, whom he went oftentimes to visit in Parthenie, where he did it to be nourished with many noble virgins of her age, and also many ancient gntlewomen, to induce and teach them gentleness and virtue. But of all them I will a while tarry now, and also of jupiter, Neptune, and Pluto. And now I will show how Dardanus put his brother jasius to death, for covetousness to reign in the City of Corinth: and how he departed out of Corinth, and how he set the first stone in the City of Dardan, which afterward was named Troy.   

CHAP. V ¶ How after the death of King Corinthus of Corinth, his two sons, Dardanus and jasius, strove who of them should have the kingdom: and how Dardanus slew his brother jasius by treason, wherefore he must departed out of the country.  
IN this time when Crete began to be a Realm, and a kingdom, and was in possession of their first king, the same time in the City of Corinth which stand in Naples, reigned Corinthus their first king: and Corinthus had to his wife one of the daughters of king Atlas of Libie, named Electra. They reigned together and achieved prosperously their life: they left after them two sons, whereof the one was named Dardanus, and that other jasius. Some say that this Dardanus was son to jupiter: but Boccace trowed he was lawful son of Corinthus (as it appeareth in the sixth book of the genealogy of gods) Dardanus then and jasius, (after the death of their father Corinthus, and of their mother Electra) would succeed in the realms, and in no wise they could accord. Dardanus had a high and haughty courage, and jasius in likewise. They argued and strove together, the one against the other, oftentimes of this matter, and conspired and made secret menasses under covert, in such wise that Dardanus on a day assembled all the people that he could get, for to destroy his brother jasius, and his friends were then assembled in a secret place, for to treat the peace, and to see how they might content and please Dardanus.  
When jasius saw his brother come all in arms, all his blood began to change, and seeing that his Brother was moved and full of evil will, deeming that this matter should turn to great mischief, he cried and said: Alas, what availeth for to speak and counsel, and seek means of peace between my brother and me: we be betrayed, lo here is my brother that cometh upon us all in arms, each man save himself that may. With these words Dardanus came in to the consistory, smote his brother unto death, and said: jasius, thou mayst not abstain thyself from thy imaginations: Thou hast enhanced thyself against me, but now I shall make an end of thee. jasius fell down dead among the feet of his friends, and their  were all besprent and bebled with his blood. When the friends of jasius saw this tyranny, they saved themselves as well as they could to their power, and fled from thence all enraged. Then Dardanus returned to the royal Palace, and the friends of jasius gathered them, and went to arms, and made a noise, and murmur so great, that in little space all the City was strangely troubled for the death of jasius, which was greatly in the grace and favour of all the people of Corinth. For when they had rehearsed the death of jasius, they took great sorrow, and menaced Dardanus to death. And forthwith in effect they assembled by great routs in the streets, and said one to the other: Alas now is dead the love of Corinthus, that had more amity and love to the common weal than Dardanus: Let us go and avenge his death: Go we and punish the malefactor; let us no longer tarry: we shall do a meritory work. Who that ever doth injustice and tyranny, is not worthy to be chief and head of clemency, nor of justice. If we suffer a murderer to reign over us, never shall there good come thereof. Where the head is sick and evil the members may not be whole nor good. Dardanus hath slain his Brother jasius wrongfully. It is very likely, that he shall slay us after his will. Let us take from him his puissance, and let us show that we be men, destroyers of vice and enemies unto all them that seek and engender tyranny in their courages.  
Such were the clamours of the Corinthians: by such noise and semblable clamours, they chafed themselves, and in the end assembled in one place, and were of ardent appetite, to correct the malefactor Dardanus, and his complices. In this tempest and swelling furor, they went to the Palace where Dardanus had put himself for refuge, but they found the gates shut, and could not enter into it: wherefore they besieged the place making a great noise, and so great stir, that Dardanus was abashed, and anon he assembled his friends and asked them their counsel. They answered and said, that he and they were in great adventure and peril, and that the people so moved, might not lightly be appeased, and for this they said to him: save thyself, and us also with thee: Thou hast slain thy brother jasius, whom the people loved marvelously for his benignity? the trespass is great, seeing it is so done, the best way aught to be taken: we counsel thee that thou leave this Palace, and find manner to issue out, and we shall follow thee, and go with thee, and search our adventures in other lands: for it shall be great pain, by possibility, ever to content and appease this people: For it is so, that the Corinthians be terrible to all men that they have inhate and in despite.  
Dardanus hearing these words, began to sigh, and considering that he must departed from his City by his misdeed, fault, and desert, he smote himself on the breast and said: Ha fortune unsteadfast, what is me befall? My hands be foul and filthy, with the blood of my lawful brother. The insurrcetion, and the rebellion of my people, hanging before mine eyes, it is force that I flee for to save my life, and purpose to live of ravine and theft. What mischance? what evil hap is this? Since it is so, I yield me fugitise, and shall go my way, at all adventures be it. When the friends of Dardanus had understood that he was concluded and purposed to save his life, they joined to him, and appointed together that the next morning, in the first breaking of the day, they would depart from the Palace, and take the adventure to pass by their enemies, saying, that if they might escape, they would go to the rivage of the sea, and take the king's barge. And all they swore to help and company each other unto the death. The night passed, the day appeared, and then Dardanus that had not rested that night to his pleasure, but had watched with his armed men, and were ready to take the adventure that the gods and fortune would give and send them, issued out of the palace, and found the most part of his enemies asleep: he thrusted among the villains, and passed forth with little resistance (that notwithstanding, the waking Corinthians) he came to his royal ship, and took the sea, and saved himself, whereof the Corinthians had great sorrow.  
When Dardanus saw that he was so quit of the favour of the Corinthians, he went sailing by the sea, and landed first at the port of the City of Samos, being in Thrace, & there victualed him, and went to sea again, and arrived in Asia, in a quarter where the land was joining to the sea of Hellespont: And finding this land right good and fruitful for to inhabit, he made there his habitation, and there set the first stone of a right great city that he began, and after finished. This City was that time named Dardan, after the name of Dardanus, but afterward it was called Troy. Dardanus peopled and filled his City with men and women, which he gate by sweetness and fair promises And the other part he conquered by force, theft and pillage. He made himself king of Dardan, and ditched the City about with great ditches. After long time he passed out of this world, and left a son of his wife Candama, that was second king of Dardan. This king was named Erutonius, and reigned seven year in augmenting and increasing his City and people, and at last came to the end of his years: And there reigned after him Troos his son. This Troos was the third king of Dardan, and was a strong man fierce, and hardy in arms, and increased greatly his seignoury and his Crown, insomuch as the Dardanians said, that there was no king but Troy's: and named them Troyans'. And thus was Troy enhanced more than all the Realms of Greece, so highly that the king Tantalus of Frigie had great envy, and gave his heart and courage how he might annul and put down the name of Troy that was his neighbour. And began to assay to bring it down, as hereafter shall be said.   

CHAP. VI ¶ Of the great war that was moved between the Pelagiens, and Epiriens, and how king Lycaon of Pelagy was destroyed by jupiter, because of a man put to him to hostage, which king Lycaon did roast.  
THe wise and subtle Virgin minerve (as saint Austen rehearseth) showed herself in this time by the stang or river called Triton, by the greatness and subtlety of her engine: for she found the manner to forge and make arms. And to this purpose, ovid rehearseth that she had fought against a Giant named Pallas, and slew him by the flood of Triton. In the same time that the arms were founden, and the sciences of minerve where practised by all the world, a fierce dissension engendered between the epirians and the Pelagians that after were named Archadians. And hereof maketh mention Boccace in the fourth book of the genealogy of gods. Among the Pelagians reigned that time a king named Lycaon, eldest son of Titan. The epirians then enterprised upon the Pelagiens, and so made that a right great noise arose and sourded. For which cause they assailed each other by feats of arms, so felonious and asyre, that both parties suffered many foul mortal showers. When the wise men of Epire, saw this war so dissolute, and that they of their party had injustly and unrightfully undertaken and begun this war, they knowledged their fault, and went to the king Lycaon, bearing branches of Olive, in signification of peace and love, and him required that he would condescend to accord and peace of both people's. Lycaon considering that his people had as much lost as won by this dissension, and that the battles were perilous, accorded to the Epitiens the peace, by condition that they should deliver him one of their most noble men, such as he would demand, for to be his servant a space of time, in token that they had unrightfully engendered this dissension. The epirians consented to this condition, and delivered to king Lycaon in servitude the most noble man among them: and thus ended the war.  
The term and the time drew over, that the Epirien served king Lycaon his due time: and then when the time was expired, the epirians assembled them together, and by deliberation of council, sent an Ambassade to Lycaon, for to treat the deliverance of the Epirien. These Ambassadors departed from Epire, and came to Pelage, and showed to the king, how their man had served as long as he was bound: and required him that he would render and deliver him, and ratify the peace, to the end that ever after that they might be the more friends together. When Lycaon that was hardy of courage, fierce and evil unto all men, and also unto his own people, understood the words and requests of the epirians, he had great sorrow and anger in himself, and said to them with his mouth (thinking contrary with his heart) that on the morrow he would feast them, and have them to dinner, and then he would do like as they had demanded. With these words the epirians departed joyously fro the presence of King Lycaon, and on the morrow they came to the feast that was richly ordained, and made for them in great plenteousness, which was right fair at the beginning, and in the end right foul and abominable: for when it came to the performing of the feast, the king Lycaon rose from the Table, and went unto the Kitchen, and there took the body of the Epirien, his servant that he had murdered the same night, and all roasted and sodden, brought it in a great platter to the feast, and presented it to the epirians, saying: lo, here is the Epirien that hath served me, which was cause of the eschewing of the ruin and perdition of Epire. I said yesterday, that I would deliver him this day: take him who so will, I discharge & quit my hands from him, and will him no more.  
All they that then were present, as well his servants as strangers, as well Epiriens as Pelagiens, had anon great horror, when they heard and understood the words of king Lycaon: they had great shame and furor to behold so shameful and abominable a work, and outrageous sin: and were so troubled, that the blood went fro their faces, and they laid their hands afore their eyes, as they that abhorred to behold the poor martyr Epirien. And there was no man witted what to say of the infamy of king Lycaon, uneath. When the king saw them so troubled, and that every man began to frown and grudge apart, he left them, and went from thence into his chamber: and then every man rose from the Table, abhorring and eschewing the sent and savour of the dead man, and would have departed and gone their way all confuse, had not jupiter the son of Saturn been, which the epirians had brought with them in their legation and embassage, forasmuch as he was a fair child, amiable and gentle. He then when he saw that every man drew a part his way, put himself in the midst of the epirians, and began began his glorious enterprises, and said to them in this wise: O what is this? Where is the blood of the epirians? Are they banished out of hardiness? be they exiled out of valour, and of honesty? Which be the epirians that by force will expose themselves to the vengeance of so foul and horrible a deed? This case is not to be borne. And the terribleness of the tyrant Lycaon, is not to be bettered, when it bideth unpunished. Ye see that the Pelagians make semblance that they be evil apaid with him: he must be punished. I say, as for me I shall never have pleasure in my life, till I see him restrained of his tyranny.  
What time the epirians had conceived the great courage of jupiter that was so young of age, they thanked their gods of that, that they had brought him with them, and said to him all with one voice: Child, blessed be the womb that bore thee, and blessed be the gods that foreseeing this injury and wrong to us, have so inspired us, for to bring thee with us. We had been now without courage, hardiness and will to do well, and had not been so hardy, to have taken any term of vengeance. Thy words have awaked and quickened our spirits, which were dead and a sleep, and had passed by the counterpoised infamy of the tyrant Lycaon. Thy hardiness hath made us hardy: thy valiancy hath made us valiant, and l●uers of valiancy: and, thy wisdom hath inlumined us. In this case, thou shalt be conductor and leader of this work, and commander, and we shall obey unto thee. etc.  
jupiter answered and said: worshipful Lords and sirs, I am not wise enough to receive the honour that ye do me: nor my tender years shall not accept it. Always by form of counsel humbled under all correction, I will well say to you that me thinketh expedient for to be done. If ye find no man say better, than you shall do by my council and advise: ye shall take this poor Epirien, in the same estate that he is delivered to you, and bear him unto the common place of this City: for it is this day Sabbath and holiday, the Pelagians been there in great number and multitude, passing their time with diverse plays and sports. Then ye shall show this poor dead man: for it is said that the King is not well beloved with his own people for his unmanly works, and this misdeed and trespass is passing foul and piteous: anon as they shall know what he hath done, by this foul work: ye shall well see if they will take in this sin, pleasure or displeasure. If pleasure, than it were in vain and folly for to speak thereof, for this present time any more, but we must seek remedy, in our return to Epire. If they take displeasure, ye may plainly discover your courages, and provoke and call them to purge this crime that is so cursed: and I wéen that they shall right lightly intend to us: And, for none amity that is between him and them, he shall not domineer nor reign over them by tyranny: For, he is not their natural Lord: but, he is the son of Titan, brother of Saturn: And, is not King by election: but by force.  
All they that heard jupiter thus speak, marveled greatly of him, and accorded them to his council, in such wise that no man contraried it nor again said it. And so suddenly they took the murdered Epirien, and bore him to the common place, and there they showed him openly in every man's sight. When the Pelagiens saw this dead man, of whom the skin was scorched, the flesh roasted, the knows shrunken, and that the bones appeared by the jointures: they assembled all about him in great number, and casting their eyes upon him, they had so great horror, abomination and abashment, that their hearts trembled, plaining each to other: and many went away for compassion, wept, and araged trembling for anger. And, other took dust and powder and casted into the air in sign of sorrow, cutting their clothes, and saying, lifting their hands on high. O gods almighty, what people be these Epiriens? Have they roasted a man's body, and have brought it to fore us? What mean they? are we eaters of man's flesh? or bring they it to us to show the cruelty of their courage? or come they for to eat this dead man among us, for to fear us withal?  
jupiter there being awaiting, and laying his ears, and seeing with his eyes the manner of the Pellagiens, and their countenances, concerning that they condescended in the condemnation and enmity of him that wrought this piteous work: when he had heard their reasons, and had seen their woondring, he addressed himself among them, and said in this wise: O ye men of Pelage, marvel you of this unmanly and unnatural work? Have ye not enough learned and known the tyrannies of your king Lycaon? he hath murdered this man, and this man is the Epirien that was delivered to him at the treaty of the peace of you and of us, for to serve him. Lo this is the guerdon and reward that he hath done to him. He hath tirannised right evil, and hath done him evil for good. O what great infamy is it to you, that the people and folk of every other city, have reigning over them kings, noble men and virtuous: and they be crowned by election for their virtuous deeds? ye be different from them and all of another nature: A Tyrant is your king: a murderer, an unjust man, a sinner worthy of infamous death, and unworthy for to be left alive upon the earth. Consider: yea consider, under whose hand ye be, and how nigh ye find yourself in malady and peril of death. When the head acheth, all the other members suffer pain: than ye may not be whole and sound. What shall we now do, think ye, and council ye us? we come to you for refuge, and to demand you, how we ought to do and behave us against one that is so foul a king as is Lycaon. Tell us the very truth. If ye confess the truth, and that ye be lovers of reason, justice and of equity: ye shall judge and condemn him, ye shall lay your hands and puissances in correction of him, and so ye shallbe r●● of his malice.  
Anon as the Pelagiens understood of jupiter, that Lycaon their king had committed this villainous crime, also that he had presented to the epirians the body of their friend so dead, they being at table: they condemned his sin, and murmured against him, saying, that they would no more be governed and nourished under the rod of so perverse and infamous a tyrant: and said to the epirians, that they would abide by them, and stand their friends. With these words jupiter put himself among the epirians, and by his hardiness admonished them to conspire against their king. With which conspiration accorded all they of the City. And the words of jupiter were so agreeable to them, and his manners, that they put in his hand the death and destruction of their king Lycaon. And to the end that he should trust and have affiance in them, they sent for their arms and habillementes of war, and armed them. After, they assembled about jupiter, and said to him, that he should be their captain and their conductor, to achieve this said work.  
jupiter being joyous of so great an honour and worship, excused himself. But his excusations had no place, the epirians and the Pelagians ordained and constituted him head over them. And he being constituted in his dignity, set his people in order, and after did them to march toward the palace. They had not long gone on the way, when they saw King Lacaon issue out of his palace with great company of his friends all armed, as they that had been advertised of the said conspiration made against Lycaon: and feeling that his enemies came for to assail him, for to show himself a man of fierce courage, came against them, weening presumptuously for to have overcome them. And anon, as they began to approach, they challenged each other to the death without other council: And strongly moved, they assembled to a battle that was right marvelous sharp.  
Lycaon did set and lead his people, in order against jupiter. They meddled them hastily together with little strife of words: and with great strife of armour and strokes.  
The strife cost much, but in especial to Lycaon: for his people were less in puissance and might, than the men of jupiter, which were strong and of great enterprise: so they fought and smote upon the Pelagiens and caste them down now here, now there, so fierce and so unmeasurablye that none might abide that was there before them. Among all other jupiter did wonders and marvels: by his well doing he put Lychaon in a passing great distress and noyance. And in this great annoy, he pursued passing fast, for to have come run upon him. But when the false tyrant saw him come, and he saw that jupiter set his strokes so mightily that all them that he reached were smitten down to the earth and confounded, than all his heart began to fail him, and went on the other side: and he had not long abidden there, when that jupiter had vanquished and overthrown the Pelagiens, and made them to flee from the place before him, like as it had been the thunder of tempest.  
In this manner, when Lichaon saw his complices and fellowship in such extremity, he fled himself, not as a king, but as a poor man out of comfort and hope, so desolate as he durst take none of his complices with him to help him away, nor to comfort him. He doubted jupiter as the death: he (so flying away as is said) durst not enter his palace, but issued out of the city and went unto a great Forest that was nigh by: and from thence forth he was a brygand and a thief, and for this cause the poets feign that he was turned into a wolf: that is to say, he lived as a wolf, of preyss and robberies. Albeit to confirm this mutation, Leoncius rehearseth, that Lichaon so flying, as said is, fearing to be sued after of jupiter & to be put to death, put himself in a river or a great lake, and there saved himself: where feeling that the water of that river had a singular property, that is to wit, that the men that put themselves in that water, should be turned into wolves for the term of nine years, and the nine years expired, if they would put themselves in the water after that again, they should recover again their first likeness. And so it might well be done, for Lichaon put himself into the water, and was transformed to a wolf by space above said, and lived of theft and pillage in the woods and forests, waiting oft times how the Pelagians governed themselves: and in the end when he had accomplished his penance, he returned into the river and took again his man's form, and knowing that the city of Pelage might never be recovered, he returned poor and wretched unto his father Titan, of whom I will say a little, and shall tell, how jupiter began to be amorous on Calisto daughter of the said Lycaon, etc.   

CHAP. VII. ¶ How jupiter after the discomfiture of King Lycaon, transformed himself into shape of a religious woman, waiting on the goddess Diana, for the love of Calisto daughter of the said Lycaon, and did with her his will.  
AFter the discomfiture of King Lycaon, which was transformed into shape of a wolf, and began to be a ravishour of the substance of men of the country, eater of their children, and murderer of wild beasts, that he oft times assailed by rage of hunger, which constrained him to cherish and keep his miserable life: when the epirians saw that jupiter had vanquished their enemies, and that he abode master in the place, they brought him with great joy and glory to the Palace, and sought long Lycaon, first in the place where the battle had been, and after that, in the chambers of the Palace: but they found him not quick nor dead, nor could hear no tidings of him.  
And it happened, that as jupiter sought him thus from chamber to chamber, he found in the highest tower, the daughter of the king Lycaon, named Calisto, which was passing fair, young and fresh of colour. The damosel bewept right sorrowfully the less of her father, which she had all newly understood. When jupiter saw her so desolate and discomforted, he set him down by her and said: Damosel comfort yourself, and speak to me, and cease your weeping. Alas sir (said the damosel) how should I recomfort my life? The epirians have slain the king my father. Ought I to take consolation in his ruin? Ought I not to be angry? aught mine heart to be without sorrow, my stomach without sighs, and mine eyes without weeping? An hundred thousand infortunes traverse my body, and trouble me: And I see me so poor a gentle damosel, daughter of a king, that I desire more death, than life, and am more in wanhope, then in hope.  
When jupiter knew by the words of this Damomosell, that she was Daughter of King Lycaon, he had more great pity of her than he had before, for as much as she was Daughter to the king, and said to her: Damosel appease your heart: I wot well that it is of force that nature acquit himself: but ye ought to consider the inordinate works of your Father, which ye are bound to bewail. He was a less reasonable man then a king ought to be. He is not dead: he hath put himself in some place secret to save himself: his sins were too infamous, and who shall bewail and sorrow him? The Gods and Fortune have suffered the overthrow and casting down of his pride and of his tyranny. It is a right other wise thing that ye take it: have patience in his righteous adversity: For his demerits give you cause to take patience, where as nature inclineth you to unpatience: and yet ye ought not to be unpatient for his reprehension and casting down: For, it is so, that the loss of a tyrant turneth all a Country to joy. O then comfort yourself damosel: The outrageous sins, nor the unmanly furours of your Father, nor his shameful deeds, shall nothing be hurtful unto you, nor turn to your prejudice: no man shall mislay nor do to you, nor touch you in any manner of wise, I assure you certainly.  
Sir, answered the maid, I thank you of your courtesies, and of the fair words which ye pro●er, and say unto me. I wot well that my poverty hath made me indign and unworthy, but since I see that the infortune of my father is irrevocable, and that his infelicity is past remedy, I renounce the world, and pray you that it please you to entreat for me unto the Epiriens, that I might go yield myself into the religion of dame Diana the noble Virgin, Daughter of the wise jupiter, sometime king of Attic, and borne in this land. Whereupon aught to be remembered, that right anciently issued out of Pelage, a wise noble man named jupiter, of whom Boccace maketh mention in the first book of the genealogy of Gods, which jupiter was King of Attic, who for as much as he induced the people to honest laws, and did first ordain and hallow marriage: For before that time the (Atticiens married them not, but used women in common) and of this jupiter came a Daughter named Diana, the which willing to abide in the state of virginity, made a cloister in the Woods of arcady, where she assembled many Virgins that passed their time, with hunting and chase the wild beasts. For to turn to our purpose: this noble Virgin Diana, lived the same time of the subversion of the reign of Lichaon. When jupiter understood of Calisto, that she would yield herself with the Virgins, he beheld her, and said unto her: and how damosel be ye so despaired for a little tribulation that toucheth not your person? ye be young and fair, among none o● you that so go into Religion, may grow no fruit of children. Advise you well, It were better that ye abode among the worldly people, that replenish the world. Many women, and also men, enter into Religion in their youth, and repent them in their age. Sir, said Calisto, tempt me no more. If there be any gentleness in you, receive the prayer and request of one so desolate and infortunate gentlewoman, more desirous of the health of my soul, then of temporal pleasures. During these devices, jupiter, beheld without ceasing this damosel, and could not enough complain her beauty: for as much as she would into religion, with great pain, when he had heard her answers, and had seen how sweetly she had taken it, and would not be turned from her will: he said to her, that her request should be accomplished. Then he called the epirians, and required them that they would be content to suffer this virgin to enter into religion. What shall I say? The epirians put the request in the will of jupiter: and jupiter did so much, that she was conducted, and led into the religion of virgins. After, he searched all the Palace of King Lycaon, and made the epirians to seize his richesse. And there jupiter abode a certain time, with so great worship, that the Pelagiens and the epirians would have crowned him to be their king: But he would never consent thereto: as he that considered over his young age, and the variations of fortune, and said, that it availeth more to a man, and is to him more sure, to be made king in his old age, then in his youth, for the divers perils that may fall. Always he accorded that he would be Captain of the realm, and was a man of great justice, sweet and courteous unto all manner of people, etc.  
This was the first coming up of this noble Child. When he had brought in subjection to his pleasance the Pelagiens, he buried the Epirien that Lycaon had murdered, as it is said before, and did his obsequy solemnly, and after he did burn into ashes the Pelagiens, that had been slain in the help of Lycaon. And after that he sent word, and did all these things to be known and showed to the epirians that were left at home in Epire, as to the King Meliseus: whereof all the epirians, and the king Melliseus gave thanks unto their gods. But for as much as I must tell all: after this he gave not his heart and courage so much to accomplish these things, but that otherwhile he gave himself to remember and to think on the beauty that he had seen in the religious Calisto, whereby the sparkles of love environed strongly his heart, in such wise that day and night, he wished her in his arms, and repent him that he had consented that she went into religion. And so laboured in this manner, that his rest in the night was taken from him, and he was not now his own man, so increased he to love and desire this virgin: and for to see her, he made her pastime to haunt the woods, and continually to hunt the wild beasts in the Forest with Dame Diana, where, by Fortune and adventure otherwhile he recountered and met the maid Calisto. And when he had once seen her, that day he was all joyous. And if he saw her not, he had abundance of many thoughts, that ran readily in his mind. I may not all day tarry on this matter. He thought still how he might come to the grace of this religious Calisto, and all thoughts reduced and brought into one, he concluded on a day in himself, that he would put him in the habit of a religious woman, and would go into the Cloister of dame Diana, feigning to be a woman, and requiring to be received with the virgins.  
This conclusion taken and ratified in jupiter, by many deliberations in diverse days, he did make his woman's clothing by a secret workman, which promised him to keep his secrete●. When his clothing was made, he assembled the epirians in ●●euening, and took his leave of them for a certain time, saying: that he would go alone, for to do certain secret things. The epirians were all dismayed and desolate, when they heard the intention of jupiter: and prayed to the gods that they would conduct and speed him in his journey: requiring him instantly, that he would return shortly again to them. And he promised them that he so would: and then he withdrew him into his Chamber, and took the keys of the great gate, and on the morrow betimes, when he was arrayed and dressed in the vesture and cloating of a maid, he departed from thence alone, and entered into the wood, and so behaved himself that he came to the habitation of the religious maidens. jupiter had yet no beard, and was white and fair coloured in the visage. When he came unto the religion, he knocked at the gate, and then came to him a passing fair maid named Athalanta, that after was wife unto the king Meleager of Achay. And she demanded him, what he would. jupiter answered: noble virgin, Alas I am a poor woman of a noble house: I have avowed to the gods my virginity: I pray you that you will present me unto the Lady of this place, to the end that I might serve the gods, and be of the number of the other virgins. And, if it please the gods, I shall deserve it at your hands. Athalanta moved with compassion to the maid, accorded him his request, and presented him to Dame Diana. jupiter spoke all so sweetly and demurely, and made so humble and feminine manners, that he seemed properly to be a maid. Diana be held him well and long, and said, that she had never seen so fair a maid, nor so great: and then welcomed him, and received him. Then jupiter thanked Dame Diana of her grace, and Athalanta of her courtesy, and had good hope in his enterprise, when he saw himself so soon received without knowing. Then jupiter began to learn to spin, and to work in silk, and to do the exercises of maidens. And it became him as well as he had been a maid. He was humble, and of solitary conversation: he laboured with his hands, with his eyes, and his heart: with his hands he made corporal works, with his eyes he beheld oft times secretly the beauty of Calisto, and with his heart, imagining and plotting how and by what mean he might beguile and deceive Calisto, he oft times conversed, and fellowshipt with her.  
His heart was always in right great pain: otherwhile he was moved with great heaviness, and otherwhile in comfort & hope to speed well: and witted not what to say nor do, forasmuch as shame and dread were more in him than hardiness. What shall I say more he was longin this pain, more doubtful & shamefast than hardy. But in the end he adventured himself, and finding on a day Calisto beside a well where she refreshed her, as she that was weary that had run long with dame Diana, chase then and hunting a wild beast: he sat him down by her and said: My sister Calisto, I yield me to thee, and to thy grace. I am a man, and no woman: thy beauty hath overcome my courage. For to come to the point where we he now, I have clothed me like a woman and a maid. Alas I require thee, that thou receive me unto thy love, so shall we live together in the religion, and we shall take our sports and pleasures. A man hath nothing in this world but his life. They that have more pleasure than that, they be judged so much more fortunate and happy. Thou hast withdrawn thee thither for displeasure: and losest thy flourishing youth. Calisto, I cannot enough complain, nor bewail this damage. I may not praise thee enough, I have been so desirous to find thee in secret places, that the force of my will hath made me do this, and that I have enterprised this adventure, hoping in fortune that she shall give me grace, & suffer our youths to be used together secretly. For we may commune together the one with the other, without knowing of any person, not only in the chambers, but also in the bushes of this wood. O my sister, take heed what I say: and as I received and furthered of late thy request, I pray thee receive and allow the request without disdain, of him that thou mayst see is very lover of thee.  
When Calisto had heard jupiter and knew that he was a man, she was afraid, and rose up, weening to have fled, but she might not, for jupiter held her fast by the clothing, and made her to sit down by him, clipping her about the neck, and kissed her by force, so much that Calisto cried out and said. O jupiter, what folly is this? weenest thou that I am so to be overcome of thy flattering words? I had much liefer the earth would open, and swallow me up into his womb. My sister (answered jupiter) there is no remedy that may let that my will be accomplished? ye shall do my will and pleasure, be it by force, or be it by love. with these words Calisto began to cry with all her might: and jupiter began to accomplish his pleasure of her. There was neither man nor woman there about that heard it, notwithstanding that the cry of Calisto was great. So jupiter did his will of his body, and knew her fleshly, and engendered on her a son. After, he comforted her, and promised to help her in all things, and to take her to his wife, if she would return to the world with him. But his fair speech, nor his promises might not comfort her, nor for nothing that he could do or say, he could not come into the grace of Calisto. And always she swore great oaths, that she would complain unto her mistress Diana. And made so much ado, that jupiter departed from her all displeased for her displeasure. And then he went by the woods, thinking what was him befall, and also what he had to do.   

CHAP. VIII. ¶ How Calisto, for as much as she was with child, the goddess Diana put her out of the order, and of her company.  
AT this time began to rise in the mind of jupiter many thoughts, & for the better, he concluded in himself to return to Pelage from whence he came. And then, for because that he was displeased with himself for the enforcing of his Lady, dame Calisto by love, he departed from the wood, and so hasted on his way, that he was on the morn among the epirians in his first habit. When the epirians saw jupiter come again, they made him right great cheer, and great honour. And the same day jupiter feigned him, that he would go on hunting, and so went and found means to speak with Calisto, and required her that she would be his love: but she in no wise would assent to him. He returned from the chase so grieved, that for to pass his melancholy, he departed out of the country. The fourth day following after that, he ordained there folk that governed the people, and returned into the house of king Melliseus, who received him as his son, and there he dwelled a long time without adventures, whereof any mention is made: and also Calisto dwelled in peace a while: and when she heard tell, and understood, that jupiter was gone, she was passing joyous, for she had liefer have him far then nigh: always the time passed, the fruit of her womb grew: and the day came that Diana and Athalanta, with other virgins, perceived that she was with child: wherefore they assembled all in their chapter, and called Calisto, and then spoke Diana to her, and said: Calisto my daughter, thou hast done fornication with some man, this fornication is not excusable: The virgins of this place be sorry for thy sin, and have abomination of thy shame. For this cause it is of force that thou depart out of this house: thou shalt be no longer their fellow. Thou hast made thyself worthy to departed, by the breaking and losing of thy virginity. Take thine array, and go thy way into some place, where then mayst be delivered of the fruit that resteth in thee, for thou shalt no longer be here within.  
When Calisto heard the goddess Diana, and knew that she said truth, great tears fell from her eyes, and weeping by great abundance, excused her upon jupiter, rehearsing the abuse and violence that she had. Diana and the maidens had great marvel of jupiter, that had them so deceived. Calisto cried her mercy right humbly, and many times offered herself to the correction of the maidens. This notwithstanding, albeit that she was held excused, they received her not to mercy. She was condemned to go out of the cloister: and so much went the matter for't of that the poor religious woman departed from thence all bewept, and so ashamed, that she would not go to no town, city, nor house: but in a deep cave that she had seen afore time in the wood. And first she made her provision of herbs and roots, for as much as the winter was coming. After she entered into the cave, and there she held her so long time as the bear holdeth him in his den: wherefore the Arcadiens feigned, that she was turned into a bear. And it is not to be forgotten, that during this time she was delivered of a son, which she named Archas. This child was great and huge of members. Calisto nourished him among the wild beasts, with roots, fruits and herbs, and of the proper meats and prays that the cruel and terrible beasts lived with▪ and there was no beast that did him any harm, nor none was so hardy to do him any grievance. And he was so cruel and fierces that at the age of seven year, as his mother angered or troubled him on a day, he lifted up himself against her, and would have slain her. In so much that Calisto was constrained to flee before him by the bushes, and to issue out of the wood, and go to jupiter, which at that time was in the city of Pelage.  
Are has pursued Calisto his mother until he came within the city, and so forth entered after her into the Palace, and held in his hands two great round stones. When Calisto entered into the palace, by adventure she encountered and met with jupiter, whom she knew: and she kneeled down on the earth before him, and required him with afraid spirit, that he would do her justice of her son that would slay her. jupiter that nothing knew Calisto, for as much as she was evil clothed and half wild and savage, beheld the child, and made him be taken, and after he demanded Calisto what she was? Sir (said she) I am ' Calisto, that for thy sin was long since banished out of my religion. I have had this child of thy seed, such as thou seest, this is thy son. I have nourished him seven years in the forest among wild beasts. He now would slay me, for as much as I have angered him: I pray she save my life. When jupiter heard these words of Calisto, he was right glad and joyous, for it was said that she was dead; and he comforted her the best wise he could. After that he called Archas, and made the peace between him and his mother, and did cause him to be clothed and retained him in his palace. And thenceforth the same Archas governed him so well and so wisely, that at the prayer and request of the Pelagiens, Archas was made king of the country.   

CHAP. IX. ¶ How Titan assailed by war his brother Saturn, for as much as he had not put to death all his Children males. etc.  
IN this time that the young Archas was crowned king of Pelage, and that he named the City Arcadia after his name, the king Saturn was so great, and so puissant, that for to ample and increase the splendour of his nativity, he named himself Saturn son of heaven, and of earth. But then as he began to study how and by what manner he might exalt the splendour of his felicity by divine mysteries, fortune turned her back to him ward. And as there is nothing in earth that may abide and endure: so it happened that Titan was all acertained, that the queen Cibell had diverse men children that she did cause to be kept secretly, and so had saved their lives. Boccace that recounteth this history, in the fourth book of the genealogy of the gods, saith not by what mean. Titan knew this thing alway, either by suspection or by envy that he had of the glory of Saturn his Brother, or by secret advertisement, Under this colour, he determined in his courage, that he would assail Saturn by arms, and for this cause he did assemble on a day all his sons, and them required, that they would aid and help him to get the land of Crete, saying that he would make war against Saturn his Brother: and that by right and just title he had good cause, for he had not put to death diverse men children that his wife Cibell had conceived of his seed, like as he had promised and sworn.  
The children of Titan, the one was Lycaon: that at this time was no longer wolf nor king of Arcadia, another had to name Typhoon and was king of Sycilie and of Cypress: the third was called Briareus, and was king of Nericos, the fourth was named Ceon, and was king of the isle of Cea, the fifth was named Aegeon, king of the Sea Egee, and of the isle desert, and the sixth was named Eperion, king of Plipheros. When they had heard the will of their father, that had purveyed them all these Realms, that he had conquered after his departing out of Crete, they desiring to please him, and coveting the recoverance of their ancient heritage's, that were then of great renown, said to him as by one voice, that they were ready to accomplish his good pleasure, and to go into Crete with armed hand, and swore that they should constrain Saturn to seek and fetch his sons, and persecute them with his hand unto death.  
The old Titan had in his heart great joy, when he beheld the free and great courages of his sons. And there they promised and swore together, that they all should employ them to the recoverance of their heritage's. After which communication, they ordained in such wise, that they gathered them together at the port of Sicill, and sent unto their Lordships to assemble men of Arms, and of war. They went and made such diligence, and so exploited, that there were assembled great armour and harness, and much people at the said port. And when the day was come, they so desired to labour this matter, that they departed from Sicill with a great host, and took the Sea, and so made their journeys with good speed, that in few days they sailed unto Crete, at the port arrived and took land. And then entering fiercely into the land, they destroyed and wasted all afore them so cruelly, and continued in their war so mortally, that they came unto the City of Crete, where King Saturn dwelled and was resident: and then Saturn was advertised of their coming and descent. And Titan that might no further pass without battle or assault, sent to Saturn a letter, whereof the tenor followeth. O Saturn glutted with worldly he ●our, and covetous of glory: for as much as thou art occupter of the signory that by right belongeth to me Titan thy Lord and elder brother: furthermore, because thou art falsely perjured, for thy wife hath diverse men children that thou hast not put to death, in like wise as thou wert bound: know that I am come to take possession of thy kingdom, not appertaining to thee, but to me. Wherefore, come to mercy, and meek thyself to grace. Or else make thee sure of thy person, for if it be possible for me, I will come and have reason of thee.  
When Saturn had read this letter, as a man all amazed, sent for his wife Cibell, and took her apart, and adjured and charged her to say the truth, and tell him what she had done with his children. With this charge the poor Lady changed colour, and seeing that she was constrained to say the truth, she said: Sir, thou knowest that I am a woman, the heart of a woman naturally doth works of pity. Had not I been in nature an abominable monster, if I should have devoured with my hand the children of my womb? where is that mother that will murder her children? Certes, my hand was never man-slear, nor never shall be. I have erred against thy commandment, in the favour of nature: and since it must needs be so, I had liefer to be murdered then a murderer: and to be named piteous, then cruel, for murder is cruelty appertaining to unreasonable beasts, and to tyrants: and pity is naturally appertaining to a woman. And therefore I confess to have borne three sons, conceived of thy seed, which I have caused to be nourished secretly: but demand me no further, for where they be, they shall live, as long as it pleaseth fortune, will Titan or not: and there is no death whereof any woman may be tormented with, that shall make the places to be discovered where they be.  
Saturn hearing these words of his wife, was so astonished, that he witted not what to answer. Notwithstanding, for the better, he assembled all the wise men of his City, and to them said: My brethren and friends, what is best to be done? Titan my brother hath begun war in this Realm: my wife hath confessed, that she hath received of me three Sons, which she hath nourished in a strange land, under the colour that I should not slay them. Titan assaileth me. What shall we do? Sir, answered the wise men, where force is enhanced by over great presumption, there must be policy to conduct wisely, and to put the hand to withstand it. Thou hast a strong City, and fulfilled with great people: thou art wise for to govern them: put thyself in arms, and take no regard to the quarrel of Titan. A man is not worthy to be a King, but if it be in his virtue and gentle manners. Crete was never Realm but now. Titan hath been all his life inclined to vices, and is all wrapped in sin, in which purpose he seeketh to come to thy Crown▪ If he extol himself, thou must debase and put him down. This is the remedy, help thyself, and we shall help thee. He that flieth, causeth his enemies, to chase him. Thus now it may not be eschewed, but we must withstand and assault our enemy, and that courageously. For what a man may do this day, let him not put it over till to morrow.  
Arm thee then well and surely, and assail from thy City thine enemies. If thou so do, thou showest thy courage to be advanced greatly,, and not lightly to be overcome by any: and so thou mayest abate somewhat their pride and presumption. If thou behave otherwise thyself, and let them take their rest, that shall be matter and cause for to encourage them: upon which they will wax proud, hoping to come to their purpose, which shall be to thee more harming then available: For courage and hope oft times (men say) make men to attain to become conquerors great and high. Notwithstanding, thou art king: thy will be accomplished and fulfilled.  
Saturn answered and said. Brethren and friends, it were great shame to us and our City, if we suffered it to be dissipate and destroyed. It is of force that the war be begun and open, and every man dispose him to save his worship. Titan assaileth mine honour, and requireth my dishonour. Since it must be that of this matter the arms and war be judges, we shall arm us this hour, and pursue the entertainment of the right good adventure of Fortune that shall come to us. And my heart telleth me, that as suddenly as our enemies be entered into this land, as suddenly we shall make them to go and issue out again. With this answer all the wise and noble men of Crete took great pleasure.  
Then Saturn gave the answer to the Messenger of Titan, and said unto him: if Titan, returned not within two hours, that he would come and take the battle against him. With this answer the Messenger returned to Titan, and told him the intention of Saturn. Titan swore then that he would never turn backward, till he had attended and abiden the battle. Saturn was a man of great valour, and high will. When the Messenger of Titan was departed, he made sound to Arms, at which sound the young and old armed them, and made them ready. What shall I make long process? in short time they were ready at the point: and when Saturn saw that his enemies made no semblance to move, he went and ascended into his Chair (for in this time the Kings went to battle in Chairs.) After he issued out of his City, and ranged his people about him, and anon after he caused them to march against his brother Titan, etc.  
As soon as the Titanoys saw the Saturniens come, they were right glad, and made themselves the greatest cheer of the world, and moved themselves joyously against them: and with a great cry, they had great shields of tree, maces & pollares, and guisarmes of strange fashions, and they were all on foot except Titan, and his sons, which as kings had their Curs and Chairs, in which they were brought and carried, not by the force of horse, but by the puissance of men. They approached so nigh, that they came to fight, and began to fall to work: then the archers of king Saturn began to draw and shoot, and made the Tytanoys to stay and stand as long as their shot dured, and slew and hurt many of them. When the shot failed, the Tytanoys, that had great sorrow for to be so served of the Saturnyens, ordered themselves again, and swore the one to the other, that they would be avenged, and came forth and fought hand to hand: in which they bestirred them so eagerly, that for the noise and din that their axes and guisarmes smote upon their shields, it seemed as it had been thunder. At the encountering then the battle was right fell: Lichaon, Aegeon, Ceon, Typhoon, & Encheladus, were in the first front: there was many a shield broken, with the weight of clubs and pole-axes, and many heads broken. Ceon and Typhoon, at the beginning maintained themselves right valiantly, and conducted their folk all within the battle by the rigour of their strokes, insomuch that whom they met of the Saturniens, they beat them down. By their well doing they were known and doubted of their enemies, insomuch that Saturn made his chair to be led out of the way, for the great bruit and noise that they made about him. There was great effusion of blood, for the Tytanoys did what they could to have endured in their bruit and cry: and the Saturniens with Saturn laboured for to abate it and break it. And so the coming of Saturn was cause of prowess upon prowess, and and of many one dead, and they intended one and other so busily to their work, that the most part of the day they fought so, that none might glory for victory, nor be troubled for discomfiture. But in the end when the Tytanoys saw the sun decline, as covetous of glory and of worship, at one cry that Titan made, upon Saturn, Lichaon and Aegeon, with many other enclosed about him (he being from his company, his chair broken by force of pole-axes) and gave him many wounds: and finally they took him, and brought many of the Saturnyens to death, and overthrew them in discomfiture. And that worse is, they were so discouraged, when they understood that Saturn was taken, that they lost the vigours and strength of their hearts, and the might of their arms, & turned their backs and fled all so out of order, that the Titanoys entered with them into the City, and took it, and wan it without any resistance, beating down the people, with great murder of men, women, and of small children.  
At this time men might see the Ladies and Matrons of Crete, take the dust, and cast it into the air, and run by the streets, now here, and now there, all without kerchiefs, with their hair hanging about their heads, casting away their attire, and their little Children crying after them. The wise men of the Town, seemed out of their wits, and the City was so troubled, that they might not be more. Among all other, Cibell, Vesca, and Ceres, made great sorrow likewise, without ceasing: for Titan, that never loved them, came then into the palace, and put in prison Saturn and his wife, and swore they should never departed thence, till they had put to death all their sons that were come of them. And furthermore, Titan did cause himself to be crowned king of Crete. So availed not the infinite prayers and orisons that Dame Vesca made to Titan, in the compassion of her son Saturn, and of Cibell, for their deliverance: nor the fair speaking of Ceres, nor the tears moved of charity, were of no value. The more prayers that they made unto Titan, the more found they him uncourteous, felon and hard hearted. He did execute and put to death all them that held or were appertaining to the party of Saturn: and by the space of four days vexed and troubled Crete, in robbing and shedding the blood of the Citizens: and he persecuted not only the men, but ●o women and children, and took their goods, and departs among them that held on his party. When Vesca saw all these things happen in the City, and that her son Titan governed him so maliciously, and always worse and worse, without any compassion on the people, she came to the prison where Saturn and Cibell were, and said to them with a mouth voiding dolorous sighs. Alas my children what will ye do? What shall become of you? How shall ye be saved? The land of Crete is not only drowned by the tears and weeping of your best friends, but with their blood, and with the blood of their wives and children. And the heart of Titan is so terrible hard and endured, that ye shall die here in miserable pain, or ye must put your sons to death. Since it is so, it is better that they be put to death, and that ye send to seek them, when for your life is none other remedy.  
The anger of Cibell was right asper and sharp, to hear the sorrowful tidings, insomuch that her heart failed, so as Saturn and her mother thought she would have died When she was come again to herself, she cried and said. Ha my mother, what say ye to us? Have we so great pain for to keep our children, and that we should this hour abandon them to the death? Shall I use treason to my children that begin to flourish in right clear fame? That shall never be (if it please the gods) I had leaver die. jupiter my son hath a great name, and hath won the love of the Pelagiens, and of the epirians: all the world praiseth him: and holdeth him one of the valiantest men of the world, he is my son, I shall send to him, and let him have knowledge of the misery that I am in, by the damosel that bore him unto the Mountain of Oson, and shall require him of succour, and I hope that he is a man of so high courage, and so fortunate that he shall secure her that hath done him that merit that is worthy to have his succour, and that saved him in his tender days: and my heart telleth me that he shall receive by this tiding a right great joy, in knowledging the place of his nativitte. For more greater joy he may not have come to him, then to know that he is the first son of the ancient house of Crete. And this shall turn to him a sovereign gladness, when he shall see that he is required to come and make the recoverance of his father and mother, and of his country.   

CHAP. X, ¶ How jupiter with the aid of King Meliseus of Epire, delivered Saturn his father, and Cibell his mother, out of the prison of Titan: and how he slew Titan in battle.  
WHen Saturn and Vesca had heard Cibel so speak, Vesca said, that her advise was right good, and Saturn was all astonished, for he thought that jupiter, that he had seen at diverse times with King Mei●seus, should in no wise be his son, so hardly he could believe it, and give faith unto the words of Cibell, and said, if jupiter would secure him, he were the man to do it, and that he was content that Cibel should send to fetch him as she had said. Then Cibell sent for the damosel that knew all the guiding of jupiter, and gave her the charge to go unto him, and to dispatch this business. This damosel joyous of this Ambassade, departed secretly, and tarried not till she came unto the house of Meliseus, and finding there jupiter with the King, after the reverence made, she addressed her speech to jupiter, and said to him: jupiter rejoice and be glad, I bring to thee tidings of gladness. For among other sorrows, fortune that hath hold ●●ee long time ignorant, and not knowing the place of thy right noble nativity, hath now certainly laid open the discoverture and knowledge of the same ignorance, and will that thou know, that thou art the first son and heir of the King Saturn, and of Dame Cibell. The King Saturn thy father, as every man knoweth long since made an oath unto his brother Titan, that he would slay all his children males that should come of his seed: for which cause the day of thy nativity, he commanded that thou shouldest be put to death: but thy mother had pity of thee, and for to save thy life she sent thee secretly unto this house, giving thy father Saturn to understand, that she had done execution on thee. And so for to eschew the furors of thy father, thou hast been here nourished all thy days, and knowest not thyself what thou wert, and now thou art certain. What joy is this to thee? certainly great. And thou oughtest to go joyously unto thy father and mother, presenting thyself unto their grace: if it were not that after these tidings of joy, I must needs show unto thee (jupiter) other tidings: and that is this. Thy mother that hath saved thee, thy uncle Titan holdeth her in prison, with Saturn, for that that she hath nourished thee: and he hath overcome and vanquished thy father in battle lately, and taken from him his Realm: and yet more, he will put them to death. Wherefore they pray and require thee, that thou have pity of them: and that thou wilt employ thee to go and deliver them out of the danger that they be in at this day.  
The King Meliseus and jupiter hearing these tidings of the damosel, marveled them right greatly: and jupiter was right joyous when he had understood, that he was son of King Saturn: and on that other side, he was sore vexed of the troubling of Crete, and thanked the damosel. And after that he turned him unto the king, and said to him: Sirrah ye may now know and understand, what I am, and of what house, as this damosel witnesseth. My father and my mother be in the hands of their enemies: I pray you in their favour, that ye will help me to succour them: and that we go hastily, oppressing him that hath oppressed them: & I have a singular hope and trust in fortune, that she will help us. Fair son (answered Meliseus) know that I have more joy in the recoverance of thy lineage than I can show or make semblant of, and in sign of this, I promise to help thee as much as in me is possible. And then jupiter assured the Damosel, and swore unto her, that he would put him in arms against Titan: and had her return unto Saturn and Cibel, and to comfort them in hope of right short succour. The damosel departed from thence, with the words of jupiter, and returned in to Crete, and told unto Saturn and Cibell, all that she had done. Anon after the damosel was departed, jupiter sent for Archas his son hastily, with the Arcadiens, and also sent for the epirians and the Parthenyens, with them of the City of Analcre. All these people loved jupiter with great love, and came at his commandment in great number of men of war. jupiter welcomed them as well as he could, and told them the cause why he had sent for them: and told them that he was Son unto king Saturn. After these things he did cause to be made ready all things that were necessary unto his Host: and so they departed from the City of Oson, with a right fair company of men of arms, unto the number of six thousand fight men: and so well sped, that in short time he brought them within a mile nigh the City of Crete.  
And there jupiter would tarry upon the top of a Mountain, and called to him his s●●●e Archas that then had but thirteen year of age, but he was right wise and well bespoken, and gave him in charge, that he should go into Crete to give summons unto the king Titan, that he should go out of the City, and deliver to him his father Saturn, with his mother Cibell. The young Archas (that was hardy and had his heart high enhanced) with the word of his father went unto Crete to the King Titan, to whom he got him to be presented, and said unto him these words that follow: Titan, I come unto thee in the obeisance of my father jupiter, first son of King Saturn, that thou holdest in captivity. He hath been advertised of oppression that thou hast done in the person of his Father and of his mother, and the death of their sons: he signifieth to thee by me, that he is son of Saturn, and that he is as much thine enemy as thou to hi● soui●●●art enemy. Upon which, I thee ●●●non as legate once, twice, thrice, that thou yield this Cic●io unto his Father King Saturn●, and that as hastily as thou hast entered therein, likewise that thou depart●. 〈◊〉 do (answered Titan) thou tellest me tidings that be full of pleasures, and ob●●ltation, by the which, I know by thy words, that Saturn hath a son yet li●ring: nor by this mean. I see clearly, and so seethe all the world, that by good and just quarrel I am made king of this 〈…〉 jupiter thy father knew, that I doubt him not, nor set nothing at all by his coming: and also that I will nothing do after his commandment, Titan, (said Archas) for as much as thou abidest in this will, I will no more at this time trouble thee: Make good watch: jupiter is hereby, that tarrieth for none otherwise, but answer from thee, for 〈◊〉 his endeavour to recover this City.  
With this word departed Archas from the presence of Titan, and returned again unto his father. When jupiter heard the answer of Titan he was full of gladness, for he desired nothing but for to be in arms, and concluded with his people, this on the 〈◊〉 we he would assault the city, in case that 〈◊〉 furnished on him to battle, A●on were there 〈…〉 and leaves, and tabernacles: the O●●● 〈◊〉 the A●tadiens and the epirians, lay upon the agré ver●●le and made their host to watch: Titan was then in Crete. And it is to wit, when Archas was departed 〈◊〉 his presence he assembled all his sons, 〈…〉 these 〈◊〉 which were to the pleasant and agreeable 〈◊〉 For they desired nothing but strife and debate, and assured themselves to have victory of jupiter, as well as they had of Saturn. In the same hour they sent four spies, to espy the number of their enemies 〈◊〉 made ready their harness: these spies went so fa●re, that the saw the host of jupiter, ma●● their report to Titan of the place where his enemies were; and of what number of people they were. After the report of the said spies, Titan concluded, for as much as his enemy were but a 〈◊〉 from the City, that there should make them ready, and go to battle against them, on the most early. The night passed fast, and the ●ay came o●, and then above the sun rising Titan mounted upon his ●haire that was right ri●h, and made his Titanoys to range in battle, and left an hundred within the City, for to keep it from Rebellion, or from treason, and took all the other ●●th him under his conduct, and of his sonne● and his espies, etc.  
jupiter, that was not idle, had the same hour set all his men in order: and had then brought all his folk, into a fair plain, hoping of battle. And this Titan had not far ridden, but the saw the host or jupiter, for this plain was at discover 〈◊〉 sides, and as far as each might see other, each of them full of joy, enforced him to make shouts and cries, and with great courage they marched the one against the other, unto the joining and smiting of strokes. Then jupiter 〈◊〉 himself in the front of the battle, and 〈◊〉 his bow in his hand, and his 〈◊〉 by his side, by his s●●ting began a 〈◊〉 that was right fierce: for on the 〈◊〉 and the other, there were right good archers, and many ●a●ters of polished stones, that failed never: and that 〈◊〉 the cause of the death of many. When the shot and casting of stones failed, they began to go together 〈…〉, and then began of mortal fight hand to hand, that was so 〈◊〉 that the breaking of the spears and the this f●es 〈…〉 wells of Crete, and 〈◊〉 to the cares of 〈◊〉 and of Cibell, at the noise whereof they began to rejoin, for they had a good hope that jupiter would obtain the victory against Titan. This 〈◊〉 Vesca: we●●● upper upon a high Tower that she might see into the flee 〈◊〉 and there she same the fight of the battle. Th●● ha●●● jupiter his 〈◊〉 in his ●ne hand, and his sh●●ke in the other, and with his sword h●e smote into the thickest of his Enemies, and with his shield he saved himself from their ●●●ies. And with one stroke of his sword, he divided the body of Enceladus, one of the sons of Titan, and cast him on the ground at the feet of the Titanoys, that were right sorry for the death of their fellow. jupiter assailed them right sharply, and one cried slay slay: but he that so cried was slain anon by the hands of jupiter, that destroyed the blood of his adversaries. He was strong, fierce, young and boisterous: and of high enterprise. He defended him vigorously as a Lion, mightily as an Elephant, and eagerly as a Tiger, and intended not only unto the defence of his body: but to save and rescue all them that were in peril under his charge: he did marvelous things, on all sides the noise and bruit doubled and redoubled about him. The Titanoys began to be overthrown by great routs: one fell on his shoulders, an other on his shield, and he charged so sore upon them, that his strokes might not be sustained of men, they were so strong and puissant. etc.  
This battle was cruel and hardy at beginning for both the two parties, & there were many of the Titanoys, of Arcadiens, and of the epirians hurt, dead and cast under foot. Archas was there accompanied with fifty Arcadiens appointed unto the guard of his body, for as much as he was young: and yet he made and put himself to the arms. Meliseus failed not, nor Titan, Lycaon, Aegeon: on the other side also, each man did his best that he might. I cannot say how many men lay dead on the ground, us how oftentimes the one set upon the other: but ye shall understand that there was none comparable unto jupiter, in strength, in leading his men, nor in prows: there was nothing to him impossible. He overcame the overcomers: he flew the flears: he smote down the smiters: he put himself so far forth, and in so many places in the battle of the Tytanoys, that in a strait he came and found Titan in his chair, that overthrew the epirians with stones and round plumettes, that he cast on them and cried, Titan, Titan, for as much as he thought that he fought well. When jupiter knew that Titan was there, he drew toward him, and as Titan advanced his arm, for to smite upon an Epirien, jupiter lifted up his sword, and charged so sore upon his arm, that he smote it off, and departed it from his body, whereof he had great joy, and cried, jupiter, jupiter: and Titan so hurt, had great sorrow, that he fell down within his Chair.  
At this time the epirians began to courage themselves, and the Titanoys were discouraged. Lycaon and Aegeon were there fast by, where they saw their father's arm fly into the field: then they began to assail jupiter, as men despaired, and so began a new combat, where much blood was spilt. But notwithstanding the fierceness of Lycaon that had jupiter long time in hatred, forasmuch as he had taken from him his Lordship, jupiter followed so eagerly to put Titan to foil, that he broke his Chair into pieces, by the help ●● the epirians: and with the sword that he smote off his arms, he departed the life from the body of the unhappy Titan, by a mortal stroke that he gave unto his heart; 〈◊〉 than bent he his endeavour and prowess to persecute Lica●● 〈◊〉 Aegeon, that had given to him many strokes and 〈◊〉: and he smote with his sword upon the head of Lycaon so fiercely, that the sword went to his heart, whereat Aegeon had so great sorrow and dread, that he fled and saved him from the skirmish: in which skirmish the Tita●ois, so unmeasurably had the worst, that all were put to death, and to fight in the fields, some here, and some there: one of the sons of Tit●● named Typhoon, seeing the discomfiture, came unto jupiter, and said: jupiter, ●e here thine enemy: fly not after them that fly: it shall be unto thee more honourable to fight against me that defieth thee, then to run after the fugitives: Never yet was I found fleeing before mine enemies, nor yet will I. Thou hast slain Titan my father, and my brother is slain and vanquished by force and strength, and so it behoveth that this Realm must be thine or mine: and now let us see who shall do best: if I may I will vanquish thee: and if I overcome thee, certainly thou shalt not ●is by glai●e nor sword, but by the water of the ●ood that runneth all red, and died by the blood of my kin, to the end that thou drink of the blood that thou hast made run out of their bodies, whereof I have great sorrow and grief: for by the course of nature I ought to take displeasure and annoy thereof, and also to turn to great despite the displeasure that thou hast done to me, etc.   

CHAP. XI. ¶ How jupiter vanquished in the field Typhoon, and cast him in the River, etc.  
THis Typhoon was great and full of presumption and pride: when he had said all that say on his heart, jupiter that had then beheld & understood him, answered to him: vassal, hast thou no knowledge what reason and right the gods & fortune have done for me? Thou art strong of members: and there proceed from thy heart words more outrageous than wise, and forasmuch as thou demandest battle, thou art welcome: make thee ready shortly, and do the best that thou canst, and hast thee, for the cause requireth it. With this word Typhoon smote jupiter so rudely upon the head of his shield, that he dare away a great ●●arter, & made jupiter to sloupe with the right leg. There were by many epirians, that seeing jupiter so smitten, r●● and come for to rescue him: but jupiter would not suffer them that they should help him in any case, but bad Meliseus and A●chas, that they should follow the chase of them that fled. And thou he began to assa●● Typhoon, by great virtue ●●●ce, in such wise that he gave him many wounds in his body and thus began the battle of Typhoon and jupiter: they were both strong and able in the craft of arms, they charged one upon that other dolorously and eagerly. It is no need that I declare how many strokes the one gave unto the other: but I must tell how jupiter so fought and smote his enemy, that he took from him his sword & shield: and when he was in that point, he charged him upon his shoulders by force of his arms, and bore him to the river that was all died with the blood of dead men: and there he made him die miserably, casting him into the flood with the head downward, for as much as he had menaced jupiter with such a death. What shall I say more of this battle? after the death of Typhon jupiter went again to the pursuit of his enemies, until the sun began to decline into the west, and followed on by great slaughter: but in process of time when he saw that Titan and the more people were so feeble and so dispersed by the fields that they might never arise again, he sounded the retreat, and assembled his folk in the best wise he might, and after he took the right way to the City, having great joy and e●●●tation of his victory. And he had not tarried long, but that four Citizens of Crete came unto him, and to told him, that all they of the party of Titan were fled, and that they had taken out of prison his father.   

CHAP. XII. ¶ How jupiter and Saturn reconciled themselves together: and how jupiter, by commandment of his father we●●●●● to destroy the King Apollo of Paphos, and of the medicine of Esculapius. etc.  
IVpiter received these Citizens and their tidings in right great g●a●●es, and desiring with all his heart to be with his father and mother, did so much speed him that he 〈◊〉 into Crete: Saturn and Cibel, with V●●●●, were at the ga●e, which received him honourably, and brought him unto the Pal●ato, where he was 〈◊〉 with the king Me●●● and A●●●●, in 〈◊〉 ●●●●n that it might be no better. At the coming of jupiter many tears were wept for joy, by dame Cibell and Vesca. Cibell kissed and beclipt often times her son. And all they of the country came thither into the palace, for to feast and worship jupiter, and also they gave him many great gifts. And it is not to be forgotten, how Saturn reconciled himself unto him, and gave him a state as to his son. During these things, the body of Titan was searched among the dead bodies, by the commandment of Saturn, and there was made for him his obsequy solemn, as it appertaineth to a king, and likewise unto his sons that were found dead in the battle. All the sons of Titan were not perished and dead in the battle: for among all other, jopetus and Briareus were left alive and fled: That is to say, Briareus was fled into an isle of Greece named Nericos: and jopetus fled into a part of Libie, where be inhabited: And he had with him three sons that he had by his wife, whereof the eldest was named Athlas, the second had his name Hesperus, and the third named himself Prometheus. Athlas dwelled in Libie, and Hesperus reigned in spain, and were both vanquished by Hercules, as it shall be said in the second book.  
For to hold on our purpose: when Saturn and jupiter had done the obsequies of the Titanoys, tidings came to jupiter, that Apollo king of Paphos had taken part with them that fled from the battle of the Titanoy. This said Apollo had made alliances with Saturn, and was son of jupiter of Arctic. When jupiter and Saturn heard these tidings, anon Saturn required jupiter that be would take vengeance on Apollo that was his ally, and that he would destroy his enemies. At the request of Saturn, jupiter enterprised the war, and in haste he went and besieged the City of Paphos, and took it with assault, and put to sword and destruction all the fugitives that he could find: and more over, he spoiled Apollo of all hi● riche●, and of his Lordship, leaving him so nakedly, that he departed from Paphos not as a king, but as a poor beggar▪ and fortune was to him so contrary, that he was constrained to keep the sheep of king Admetus of Thessaly. In this place some men say, that in the time that jupiter began to mount in his reign, and to embrace honour, Esculapius son of Apollo, which was right expert in medicine, and searching one day his adventures, as he went by a wood side, he saw from far, where an heard man with his little horn, fought against the basilisk, that of his nature slew the people only with his sight. When Esculapius saw this, he greatly marveled, and tarried, and he had not long abiden, but that the herdman had overcome the basilisk, and constrained him to withdraw him upon a Rock that was there nigh by. Esculapius was all amazed with this thing, so that he witted not what to say: for he thought it was impossible for a man to overcome one so mortal a beast. Then when that the basilisk was withdrawn upon the rock, Esculapius went hastily unto the herdman, and finding that he had on his head a chapellet or garland made of many diverse herbs and flowers, he judged incontinently that in this foresaid garland was an herb of such virtue that kept him from the death, and also from the subtle venom of the basilisk. Then he entreated so, that the herdman or shepherd, gave him his chapellet or garland, as ignorant of the virtue thereof: and then the said herdman went again for to assail the basilisk: and suddenly with one proper sight of his eyes, the poor shepherd fell dead unto the earth.  
Esculapius was then well assured, that he had well thought that in the chapellet was an herb that sufficed to withstand against the malicious interication of the venomous eyes of beasts: and with the said chapellet, he went to the Rock, and fought so against the basilisk that he slew him. Whereof he had so great say, that a heart aspiring to worship might have no more. When he had thus done, he went unto the herdman, and having pity on him, took all the heaths one after another, whereof the chapellet was made: and put them severally each by himself in his mouth. And at last he touched only the leaves of the virtuous herb, and bruised it in his mouth, so putting it in the dead man's mouth, suddenly he rose from death to life. O marvelous virtue of an herb men read that by the same herb, Hippolytus (which came unto his death by the means of his stepmother, who accused him falsely) afterward was raised to life again, and after he had been long dead, and drawn through bushes, hedges, mountains & thorns, when his body was found, and they that found him laid him in a meadow upon a plat of herbs like unto the herb whereof is spoken before, by virtue of the same his wounds were healed, and his life was given and yielded unto him again.  
For to hold on the matter: when Esculapius had raised the herdman or shepherd, he took the herb and the basilisk, and bore them unto the City of Paphos, telling his adventure, and from thenceforth he raised men from death to life, by virtue of the herb, and fought and overcame basilisques. And for this cause he got him so high a name, that jupiter was displeased at his glory, and undertook war against him, and slew him: whereof his father Apollo took so great sorrow in himself, that he enterprised the war against jupiter, but jupiter overcame him, and constrained him to such an extremity, that for to hi●e his name, he went and served the king Admetus of Thessaly, as is said before. And thus when jupiter had vanquished Apollo by one mean or by other, he returned into Crete with great glory, and found there Neptune and Pluto his brethren, and juno his sister, that made him good cheer. This juno was the most beautiful woman and fairest maid in all the country. After the return of jupiter she conversed with him certain space of time, albeit they discovered not their minds at this time, And in process of sin juno returned into Partheny, with the other virgins which she had been nourish with & there abode in many thoughts and desires: and made never other prayers unto the gods, but that they only would give here grace for to be wife unto her brother. And it is not to had forgotten, that as she was strongly set in love with her brother jupiter, as much or more was jupiter firmly in love with her. For, to see her only (after that he had sent home all his men of war into their own countries, and that he had established his father Saturn in his signory and Lordship) under the colour of devotion he went often times into the City of Parthenie, and took pleasure to be with her, etc.   

CHAP. XIII. ¶ How jupiter with great joy spoused his sister juno. And how the king Saturn began war against jupiter his son, etc.  
ANd as jupiter was thus busy to solicit the virgin juno in the City Partheny, for to have the better occasion to abide there, he builded a Temple, and didst to be dedicated unto his mother Cibel, and at last did make an image or statue of a woman in royal attire, that gave meat unto many small images of little children, in remembrance that she had saved the life to her children. And when this temple was perfected & made unto the dedication, Saturn & Cibel together came thither, with all the nobles of the country, and there made a great solemnity, that dured 15. days in great gladness. And at this great feast and gladness failed not jupiter nor juno, for about the end of this solemnity the nobles of the country treated their marriage, and the priest of the temple of Cibell assured and betrothed them together. And anon after, in the same temple their spousals were made and celebrated, with so great glory, joy, and triumph, that it is not possible to be rehearsed. And jupiter and juno lay together, and engendered a daughter, that they named Phebe. The Partheniens for memory of this marriage, founded there a temple, wherein they set the image of juno, in habit of a maid that married her. And always after that same day that jupiter wedded juno, they made in that temple an annyversarie, and a great feast, which was held in manner of a wedding. After all these things, Saturn returned into Crete, and Pluto returned into a part of Thessaly, where he founded the city of Helle, whereof shall be spoken in the second book, and Neptune returned into Athens, where the Athenians made him king, as well for his virtues, as for that he was son of Saturn, at that time the most renowned king of the world.  
In those days, when Saturn saw him quit of Titan, and of his generations, and that he saw his children mount from low places into reigns of high Chairs, all his sorrows vanished away, and then began the clearness of his reign to be peaceable: all doubts, all dreads, all suspicions were put away: He had of the goods of Fortune as much as he would: None was then so hardy that durst conspire against his dominion: he found himself in peace general. And it is to be supposed and gathered by the Reigns of his time, that he was in so great peace and tranquillity, that he might have finished and ended his days in the same, if he himself had not sought to begin war: for he had jupiter his son unto his help, at that time the most valiliant in arms that was in all the world. And when Saturn saw him thus in peace a long time, it happened on a day, when it came unto his mind, that his God Apollo had prognosticated, that this jupiter should put him out of his Realm, suddenly there began to engender in him a mortal hate against jupiter that had done unto him so many good deeds. And seeing that every man held him in love, and was busy to please him, he was the more incensed, and gave credence unto his cursed prognostication: and so he suffered himself to be entangled with so great a folly, that he could never draw it out after: and thus he returned unto his ancient sorrows, and fantasies, in such wise that he made them appear outward. etc.  
When they of Crete saw Saturn so troubled, the most privy of his secret council endeavoured to comfort him: but it helped nought, nor they could not get from his mouth the cause of such melancholy, unto the time that he had determined in his heart that he would persecute unto the death his son jupiter. And then he did cause to assemble his Princes and his councillors, and said to them: I charge and adjure you all, by the names of all our glorious gods, that ye say to me the troth, and advise, me what thing shall, or ought a king to do with a man that he doubteth, by a divine answer that hath been said to him, that this man shall put him out of his reign and Kingdom. When they of Crete had understood the charge and adjuration of the King, they assembled themselves at a council, and there they ordained, and appointed one, that for all the other should have charge to give this answer. Sir, the council knoweth that long since ye had an answer of your God containing that ye had engendered a son that should put you out of your reign: and that dame Cibell that time was delivered of jupiter: the counsel prayeth you, that ye will consider, how what time ye were deprived of your crown, and had lost it, he delivered you, and made you quit of all your enemies. If the cause of your charge and adjuration touch not this matter, the council is of opinion, that if the king have puissance and might over him that he doubteth, and that he have cause evident, a king than ought to make him sure from that man, and free from dangers.  
Certes, said Saturn, the advice of the counsel is reasonable enough: and for as much as I must declare to you, and say to you what I mean: I am the King that I speak of, and the man that I doubt, is jupiter my son: him I fear and dread much more than the death, in so much that I may not endure, nor take rest for him: For sleeping I dream that he riseth against me, and assaileth me in arms, with a great multitude of Arcadiens, and of Epyriens, and resteth conqueror and victorious over me: and, waking, I have alway mine ears open for to hearken and espy, if he be about to come on me with men of arms: and thus I can have no solace, pleasure, nor rest, and am a man lost. This considered: I will that he be dead: and I take the culp and sin upon me. And, I will that ye know, that I am your king, and that ye to me own obeisance: and for that, I command you, upon pain of death, that there be not one man that is so hardy to withsay any thing contrary to my will, and, that each of you be to morrow found ready in arms before this Palace, for to secure and serve me in this work, which is the greatest thing that ever shall come to me.   

CHAP. XIIII. ¶ How they of Crete, when they had heard the commandment of Saturn, were sore troubled and grieved: and how he gathered his forces against jupiter his son.  
WHen they of Crete had heard the resolution of Saturn, they were greatly abashed: for they knew well, that Saturn took this matter greatly to his heart, and that he was a terrible man to offend: And so they knew, that wrongfully he willed the death of his son jupiter, that had restored him to his Lordship by prowess and valiance. Many there were that went into an other kingdom, because they would not be with the father against the son, nor with the son against the Father. But there was no man that durst be so hardy to reply against Saturn, nor say that he did evil, for they dreaded more his ire, then to offend justice. What shall I say? After the commandment of Saturn, each man withdrew him unto his house, full of grief and bitter sorrow in heart. And there was not one man, but he had his face charged with great grief and heavy annoyance. etc.  
The day than drew passed: and on the morn, Saturn, armed himself, and sounded Trumpets unto arms. They of Crete arose this morning, and many there were of them that knew the intention of Saturn: And also there were many that marveled of that that the King would do, and could find no reason wherefore he made this army: For all Crete was in peace, and all the Tytanoys were disparcled, and put unto destruction for ever. Among all other, Cibell witted not what to think: Seeing that Saturn sent not for jupiter, she demanded him oftentimes whither he would go, and for what reason he took not jupiter with him in his company? jupiter was at that time in Parthenie with his wife juno.  
When Saturn had heard the demand of his wife Cibell, all his blood began to change, and he said to her, that all in time she should know the place that he would go to. Cibell was wise and subtle: when she heard the answer of the King, and saw the fashion of his countenance, her heart gave her that he had some evil will: and she had suspicion that he would do harm to jupiter. Wherefore she went into her chamber right pensive, and at all adventure she sent hastily into Partheny, and signified to jupiter, that he should depart hastily thence: & that she imagined the Saturn his father would to him displeasure, for he made a right great assembly of men of arms, and there was no man that could tell the cause wherefore.   

CHAP. XV. ¶ How King Saturn, with all his great host came before the City of Arcadia, against jupiter his son.  
IT is to be thought that jupiter had his heart right displeasant when he had received these tidings from his mother Cibel, and although that she warned him by supposing, as she that witted not verily the will of the king: yet when he considered that he was not sent for unto his army, he doubted him and departed thence, and said to his wife juno, that he would go unto Arcadia concluding in himself, that by this mean he should see the behaviour of his father, and to what place he employed his army. But he was not far on his way, when he rested upon a mountain, and looked behind him, that he saw the City of Partheny, that anon was evyroned and full of the men of arms of king Saturn: that gave to him a great proof of the advertisement of his mother. And for to see what way he bent his course, he tarried still on the mountain, having his eyes always unto the City. And anon he saw his father Saturn mount into his Chair, and all his army issue out at the same gate where he came from, and took the same way that he had taken: And that gave him verily to understand and know, that his father sought him. And so he departed from this mountain: and went to Arcadia, and told unto his son, and to the Arcadiens the cause wherefore he was come, and prayed them, that they would furnish him with good armours, to the end he might defend their City, if need were. etc.  
The Arcadiens, at the request of jupiter, made ready their arms, and their city, and sent out espies upon the way. And anon, after they were come from the Palace, the espies affirmed to jupiter and Archas, that they had seen the champain country, and the ways of Arcadia all full of men of arms. Anon there was proclaimed in the City in the name of their sovereign Lord jupiter, that every man should make good watch, and keep his ward. With this cry the Arcadiens armed them with helmets and arms of leather: and went upon the the walls and towers, having in their hands Axes, sword, Guyfarmes, Glayves and Maces. And they had not long tarried there when they saw come from far two men of Crete, which came to the gate and asked of the porters, if jupiter were within? The porter, when he understood what they asked: answered them, that jupiter was in the City: and if they had to do with him, they should find him in the Palace, where he passed the time with his son Archas: and, that he was newly come unto the town to visit him. When they of Crete heard this, they were sore troubled: for they sought him that they would not find. Notwithstanding they went in, and passed forth up to the Palace, and there finding jupiter with the nobles of Arcadia, after the reverence made, one of them spoke, and said: Sir, we seek thee: and we have no will to find thee, for, we come against our will, to execute a commission, by the which may sooner come ruin & trouble then peace to Crete and us. Saturn thy father commandeth thee that thou alone come speak with him. he hath sought thee in all the places of Partheny. His daughter juno thy wife (not thinking evil) hath ascertained him that thou art come hither. He is come after thee in arms, and we know not what he thinketh to do: for was never so angry, nor sorrowful, nor so fierce as he is now. We be his servants, force hath constrained us in his obeisance, and for this cause will we thee to appear in person before him this same hour, all excusations set a part.  
When jupiter had considered and well pondered in his mind the adjournment or summons, with his eyes full of tears, he made ●●s answer, and said thus: I marvel of the right strange demeanour of my father: and peradventure it is not without great cause. His Realm is in peace. I have put and set him again in his Realm, he putteth himself in arms without my knowledge, and now he sendeth for me, that I should alone come speak with him: that is too strange a thing unto me. And, he behaveth himself not as he ought to do: for men ought to praise them that have deserved it, and be of value. I have availed him as much as his Realm is worth: and he hath other times sent for me to make war. I wot not now what evil will he hath, or may have to me. But here he is come with his army, where he hath nothing to do. And being come, he demandeth nothing but me alonely. All things considered and weighed: I have no reason for to obey his commandment: notwithstanding that he is my Father: forasmuch as the suspicion is too much apparent. But I am content, if he have to do with me, to serve him, and to come to him, upon condition that I shall be accompanied with all my friends that I can get, and none otherwise.  
The two Commissaries, with this word returned unto Saturn, and told him the intention of jupiter. Saturn took right impatiently the answer of jupiter, and approached unto arcady, and besieged it, with great oaths making his avow unto his gods, that if he may have jupiter, he with his hands would make sacrifice of him. And then he sent for his most wise men, and willed them, that in fell menaces they should go summon the King Archas, and the Archadiens, to yield and deliver him jupiter: declaring openly and plainly, that he was more his enemy than his son.  
The wise men departed from the Host, at the commandment of Saturn, and did well their devoier to summon the Archadians: and said to the King and people of arcady: we be come unto you, forasmuch as ye sustain jupiter, whom the King Saturn holdeth for his enemy, telling you if ye deliver him unto Saturn, ye shall be his friends: and if not, he doth you to wit, that ye do keep you with good watch and ward, for he hath not in the world whom he reputeth greater enemies than you, etc.  
By this commandment knew jupiter, that it was he himself for whom Saturn made his army. The Archadiens assembled to council without jupiter, and spoke of this matter, and made answer to the wise men of Crete, how they were bounden to serve jupiter, and how they would keep him, and live and die with him, against all men, above all other. When the wise men had their answer, they returned unto Saturn, and told him the answer of the Archadiens. Anon hastily sore chafed, and inflaming with great ire, he commanded, that the City should be assailed. Anon went to Arms they of Crete, in such wise, that they approached the walls and forts. And when the Archadiens saw their enemy's approach, anon they sounded to arms, and came to the fight, and plied them to defend their walls with great courage. Then was drawn and shot many an arrow, and many a stone cast, and many beaten and hurt, as well within as without: Guns, Bombards, he great artillery was none in this time in the Realms. Always they of the City had well the craft to cast upon their enemies burning Brandes, and Oils and waters boiling with ashes.  
And for to do thus, jupiter had induced and taught the Archadien people men, and women, that when they of Crete came most strong to the assault, and supposing to have entered the city, they were charged with fire, Oils and scalding waters, that of force constrained them to go back, with great loss of people and to sound the retreat. Saturn then taking the most sorrow of the world, for that he might not obtain his will, for that by the walls lay more than four hundred of his men dead, returned into his Tent, after the assault, passing sorrowful and desolate: and had so great grief at his heart, that he could neither eat nor drink. But this notwithstanding he thought right well on his hurt people, and went to their Tents, and did cause to minister medicines unto them that were hurt. etc.   

CHAP. XVI. ¶ How jupiter sent his ambassadors to his father Saturn for peace. And how Saturn would not hear nor intend to peace. etc.  
THe Arcadiens were passing joyous, when they saw and took heed how they of Crete ceased with shame their assault, and after the assault and retreat of both sides, alway Saturn applied to heal and give medicines unto his hurt men. The Arcadiens then assembled a council, and by great deliberation they sent seven of their honourable councillors in ambassage unto Saturn, of whom the one spoke and said. Saturn, thou knowest and oughtest to know, that every King ought to labour to live in peace: For, the most fair thing of the world is peace. Peace nourisheth profit: by peace are prospered men and children: towns and Cities are united and knit together by charity, and made as one by amorous communication. By peace, realms profit, in beautifying and building fair houses: in labouring and ear-ring the earth and in length of life. By peace, men's bodies be whole and quiet: and it is that thing that causeth a man to demand soveraygntie. O Saturn, it seemeth that thou reckest not of this good virtue, for reigning in peace and tranquillity there is no king nor Prince that dare show him against thee. Thou hast not only troubled thy Realm: but thou art abuser of war, For to have peace, a man ought to order and dispose to the war. Thou dost all otherwise: and regardest not, that thy son jupiter hath delivered thee from the bonds of thine other enemies, and hath set thy Diadem in a surety of peace, which thou might not do without him? seest thou not, that by making him war, thou canst not have peace: and, that thou destroyest and breakest this peace; seest thou not that this is thy son by warring against whom thou art a Monster in nature? The fathers naturally do love their children: and the rude and brute beasts keep and hold this condition of nature. Thou seekest and wouldst destroy the blood of thy son. And from whence cometh this unnatural appetite? Might it not satisfy thy cruel purpose and old error to think on the goodness and benefit that thou hast received lately by his restoring thee to reign? be thine interior rancours permanent? Shall thy fantasies never cease? Wilt thou be in age more foolish and simple than a child? The more that men grow in age, the more be they wise. Thou hast less knowledge now, than thou hadst in thy wildest youth. And from whence cometh this default? Is this by the heavenly Influence? If it be thus: where is reason? where is equity? where is the love of the father to the son? knowest thou not that had not jupiter thy son been, thou hadst been yet in great darkness languishing? I signify to thee, as the advocate of jupiter, that he loveth thee as his own father: and further more, I pray thee, that thou wilt be in peace. And if thou will him no good, yet at least will him no harm, nor encumbrance.  
I should soon yield to your demand (answered Saturn) if the experience of the life of jupiter came not to my sight. See I not how he enhanceth himself the most he can? See I not how the people by his fair and fawning words own him more favour than me? See I not that he flieth from me? If he be not culpable, wherefore flieth he? He will say to the people, that he is innocent. Say ye that he hath nothing done against me? I wot not how the Archadiens take it: but if I may once set my hand on them, there was never so great a destruction as shall come unto arcady. And I have not as now any purpose to departed from this place, till I have utterly razed this City that is rebel against me, and my commandments. Sir (answered the Archadiens) since that fair speech may not refrain thy passing great ire, nor restrain thy war, beware, keep thee well from us, and us from thee, for the matter shall take his end by war. God speed the right and fortune, we will not long draw forth time: it is concluded, that the Archadiens and jupiter will issue to morrow out of the City: and if they find any that assail them, they will defend their lives. This speech ended, Saturn turned his back to the Archadiens, shaking his head, and the Archadiens returned into their City, and rehearsed and told from the beginning to the ending all that they had done: and by their report, it was confirmed, that the day following they should issue out of the City, in such wise as they had purposed among them, etc.  
jupiter had great displeasure in himself, for that he saw that his father was so grieved, and would not be content: yet notwithstanding, he doubted not so much, but that he took courage to him, and said, he was more holden to keep his life, then to obey the evil will of his Father, that hated him at his birth. This night passed over, anon after that the sun cleared & lighted the air, about the third hour of the day, Archas, jupiter, and the men of war of the City, went into the field in good order: and they were not so soon issued out of the gates, but they were seen of the Saturniens, that waited for them, by the commandment of Saturn. And then began each against other, so great a cry and noise, that it resounded unto the mountains and walls. And then they began to assail the Archadiens by shot and stones, so eagerly, that when jupiter saw there was no other remedy but to fight, he put him forth foremost in the front before, and so began to say to them that sought him, crying with an high voice, to here is jupiter, each man do to him what he may.  
And thus began the dolorous battle of Saturn and jupiter. There was the father against the son, and the son against the father. There lost nature her fair and commendable properties. The father sought to spill the blood that he had engendered: and promised great gifts unto them that might take him. The battle was rigorous and hard: and then wrought and fought well jupiter and Archas, and above all, the noble jupiter employed so hardily his Sword tempered with steel, that he smote down shields and Helms, and cut off heads and arms, and there was no man might resist his prowess invincible. He made to tremble the most hardiest that were there: he made retire, and to go aback, them that had advanced themselves more than they had power and virtue to maintain. He broke the wings of the battle: and in their most strength, he met and encountered many times Saturn his father, and it was well in his power and puissance to grieve him: but though that Saturn laid on him, and gave him great strokes and grievous horions, yet he would never smile again, but said to him oft times, Alas my father, wherefore seekest thou the effusion of my blood? I am thy son, and thy servant. Thou hast no cause to persecute me. I will not lay my hand upon thee: but beware and put no affiance in the Archadiens, for if they may have and get thee in their power, thou shalt find in them little pity nor mercy, etc.  
Saturn notwithstanding these fair words, would never refrain his ire: but smote ever upon jupiter as fiercely as he mought. jupiter of all his strokes took no heed, and set little thereby: and albeit that he had occasion to fight and smite his father: always he turned his strokes, and had no consciens to occupy his sharp sword upon them of Crete, yet sometimes he so laid on that every stroke without fault was died with new blood. And, this he did meaning to show Saturn that he fought against him in vain, and that to him was nothing impossible. All these things nothing dismayed Saturn. The cry was great about jupiter, the arms were greatly exercised, the ground was all covered with the effusion of blood, and the dead bodies lay one upon an other beheaded and smitten in pieces. O right hard and sore battle: Saturn was so entangled in his obstinacy, that the blood of his men wetting his arms by the course of the large wounds that jupiter made unto them, might not moderate his ire nor heat. And his eyes were so blind in his ire, that he saw not his right evident damage: nor how he sought the proper mean, by which he was put out of his Realm, that he doubted, and against which he intended to make resistance, and eschew it with his might.   

CHAP. XVII. ¶ How jupiter vanquished in the battle against Saturn his father: and Saturn fled by the sea.  
IN this battle jupiter saved oftentimes Saturn among the Swords of the Arcadiens, and did good against evil: many of them of Crete fought against heart, knowing that Saturn had begone, and was cause of the war: and, notwithstanding they put their hands to work, yet the faintheartedness that they had among them, was cause of the loss of a right great number of people. They doubted jupiter, and had no power to withstand and fight, so well as they would have done, if they had felt the quarrel good: and by this manner was the batteldemeaned, to the great prejudice of the Saturniens. jupiter submitted himself to his father, and often times cried in his ear, that he should withdraw him, or the battle would be worse, or be lost. He withstood his strokes a great while, waiting that he would conform and convert himself from his evil opinion. But then at last, when jupiter took heed, and saw that he would in no wise hear him, he opened and displayed his valour, and the great might of his arms and of his sword, and made such affray upon his adversaries, breaking their helms, and hewing their harness, not in manner of a man having all day sustained the fear of great strokes and conflicts of the Saturniens: but in the manner of a Champion fresh and new, of whom the strokes redoubled.  
Thus than it seemed unto the Saturniens, that in multiplying of the horions and strokes, the strength and puissance of jupiter began to revive and grow. His well doing and valiance gave unto the Archadiens strength upon strength: and unto his enemies great loss of blood, and also of life. There was the ground bedewed with new blood. There were dead bodies covered with new dead men. There was the chair of Saturn smitten into pieces. Saturn held a long while the battle, as long as his might would endure: and in no wise would flee. But in conclusion, when his men saw that the war went with them always from evil into worse, they began to retire, and turned the back and fled: and then Saturn turned and fled in likewise. Then they were followed in the chase, so sharply and deadly, that some were slain in the way, and some saved themselves now here and now there. And among all other Saturn was so nigh pursued by Archas and some of the Archadiens, that he had no leisure to return into Crete, but was driven by force, till he came unto a port of the sea that was thereby, where he saved himself by mean of a ship that he there found: and there he went unto the sea with some of them that fled, so sore grieved and pensive, that he might not speak, etc.  
Thus this battle ended, of the father and the son. When Archas saw that Saturn was saved in the sea, he returned to jupiter his father, and assembled again his people, and told them these tidings, and also he assembled his council for to wete what jupiter should do. And they of the council were all of the opinion, that jupiter should go into Crete, and that they would make him king: saying, that the gods had showed clearly, that they would that he should succeed as king in the Realm, which his father was fled from, for as much as they had then no head. To this counsel accorded jupiter, and went to Crete by space of time where he was received for king, for the citizens durst not gainsay it, for as much as they witted not where Saturn was become. And although Cibell and Vesca made great sorrow for the misfortune of Saturn, yet they turned their sorrow into gladness at the coronation of jupiter: and sent for juno. And then began jupiter to reign in distributing and departing unto the Archadiens the treasures of his father, whereof they had great joy and gladness: and for this cause (say the Poets) that jupiter gelded and cast his genitoyre into the sea, of whom was engendered Venus: That is to say that he cast the treators of his father into the bellies of his men, whereof engendered all voluptuousness, which is compared and likened unto Venus.   

CHAP. XVIII. ¶ How Achisius' had a daughter named Danae, the which he did cause to be shut in a tower, for as much as he had an answer, that she should have a son the which should turn him into a stone.  
IN those days when jupiter of Crete flourished in honour, strength, prowess, and valiance, in the City of Argos reigned the right mighty king Acrisius, that caused his daughter Danae's to be be shut and kept in a tower. For to know the genealogy of this king Acrisius: in this part it is to be noted, that of jupiter borne of Archade, and of a damosel named Isis, came a son named Epaphus: this Epaphus engendered a son and a daughter, the son was named Belus, and reigned in a part of Egypt, and the daughter had to name Libya, & divelled in Affricque, where she conceived a son named Busiris, that was an unhuman tyrant, as shall be said hereafter in the deeds of Hercules. Belus then engendered two sons, Danaus and Egyptus. Danaus' had fifty daughters, and Egyptus had as many sons. And these sons and daughters were conjoined together by marriage, weening Egyptus right well to have married his sons, but he was deceived of his weening, for Danaus for envy & covetousness to have the succession, made that by his daughters, traitorously should be murdered all the fifty sons of the said Egyptus, the first night of their espousals, as they slept. And all they consented in this foul horrible crime of sin, except one alone named Hypermnestra, which had a steadfast heart of pity: for, when she should have persecuted her husband Lynceus, she saved his life mercifully: and also conceived of his seed, a son that was named Abas, that after was king of Argos: and he engendered the king Acrisyus, whereof is made mention in the beginning of this chapter. These were the parents and progenitors of king Acrysius: he was right puissant in riches, but he named himself poor, for he had no children but one daughter only, which he named Danae's: and for to have a son, he went day by day into the temples and oracles of the gods: and there made prayers and sacrifices enough, fastings, almesses, and other suffrages. All these things might not help to bring to pass the accomplishment of his desire. His wife came unto her barren years, and he was out of all hope to have any child male, and then he comforted him in Danae's his daughter, and set his love so greatly on her, that he had no pleasance but only to be hold her: and he purposed that never man should have her, but if it were the most noble and valiant man of the world. But for as much as in this world is nothing perdurable, this love was of little enduring, and that by the procuring of the king Acrysius, for that the love he had in Danae's grew in ampliation of natural jealousy, he went into the oracle of God Belus his old Grandfather, and, searching what should be the destiny of his daughter, he did cause him to be answered, that of her should come a son that should turn him into a stone.  
By this answer, Acrysius began to fall from the great love that he had to his daughter: he returned sorrrowfull and pensive into his house; and became all melancholic, without taking joy or pleasure in any thing that he saw. His daughter was then young: he saw her often times, otherwhile in cruelty, and sometime in pity. The remorse of that that he looked to be transformed into a stone, by him that by destiny should be borne of his daughter, moved him to cruelty, in such wise that often times he determined that he would put her to death, and so to spoil his blood, to the end for to remedy his infortune. But when he had taken in his hand the sword wherewith he wéened to slay her, nature began to meddle and put in herself between them and from this cruelty made him to condescend to pity, and put away his sword, and let the shedding of her blood, that was come of his own blood, the which should come unto the succession of his crown which his ancient progenitors had ordained before, etc.  
For to say the verity: this king Acrisius from thence forth took his rest crossed with many sighs, and could not be assured of himself. His daughter grew, and became a woman: she was passing fair, and right comely. Many kings and great earthly Lords desired to have her in marriage, and would have endowed her with noble Crowns. But the king Acrisius refused all them that required her, and imagined, that his daughter, for her great beauty, might be taken away and ravished, by which she might by adventure have a son that should turn him unto a stone. And to the end to eschew this peril and danger, he thought, that he would make a Tower the strongest in the world, and that in the same Tower should his daughter Danae's be closed and shut, during her life, without coming of any man to her: for he was so jealous of her, that he believed her not well when he saw her. In the end 〈◊〉 sent for workmen, and forgers of steel, and of copper, from all parties, and brought them unto a strong place, 〈◊〉 environed with waters, where was no entry but in one place.  
When he had brought thither all his workmen, he said to them, that he would have a Tower made all of copper, with a gate several from the Tower, to put in four and twenty men of arms, for to keep the Tower if it were need. The workmen bargained with the king Acrisius, to make the Tower and the gate, and set on hand to the work: the Tower was made in process of time: and then when all was achieved▪ Acrisius brought thither his daughter without letting her know his intention. And as soon as she was in the Tower, he said to her: My only daughter, it is come unto my knowledge, that in searching thy prosperity, to my god Belus, I have been advertised, that of thee shall come a son, which shall convert and turn me into a stone. Thou knowest that every man naturally coveteth and desireth safely to live in his life. I love thee passing well, and nothing in the world so much excepting my life. But certain my life toucheth me more near to my heart, than thy love: wherefore I seeking and requiring the remedies against my predestinate infortune, would never give thee in marriage to any man that hath required or desired thee. Also, to the end that generation descend not of thy body, and, that thou shouldest have no knowledge of man during my life, I have made to be framed this tower of copper, and will that thou be closed and shut therein, and that no man see thee. I pray thee my daughter, accord thee unto my will and desire: and take patience in this place for to pass thy time. I will provide to accompany thee with many noble virgins, that shall give unto thee all that thou canst or mayst think needful, etc.  
When the noble damosel Danae understood the will of her father, she beheld the Tower of Copper made for to keep her shut fast there in. And further, when she considered that she should never marry during the life of her father the king, she was sore troubled about these things, and by great bitterness with sorrowful heart began to weep, and said: Alas my father, am I borne under so unhappy a constellation, for to be a martyresse and prisoner, not in the end of my years, but in my young time? not in a prison of stone, or of cement, but in a tower of Copper and Latton, in such wise as I should dwell therein, perpetually? Thou interpretest evil the sentence of the God Belus, saying that of me shall be borne a son that shall turn thee into a stone: For, by this sentence ought none other thing to be understood, but that I shall have a son that shall reign after thee, and shall turn thee into a stone. That is to say, that he shall put thee into thy Sepulchre. Behold, then what simpleness shall it be to thee to behold me thus enclosed and shut in this Tower. My daughter (answered Acrisius) thou interpretest the Prognostication of our god Belus after that thee liketh, to thy joy and profit. It lieth me sore on my heart, that if thou have a son, he shall put me to death: and that is my judgement and fear. Gainsay no more me, I am thy father, Lord, and master over thee, thou shalt abide here, either by love, or otherwise. At this conclusion when Danae saw that she might not content her fearful father, as wise and sage as she was, she agreed and accorded to do his pleasure, yielding to it with the mouth, and not with the heart. And then the king sent for virgins, and also old matrons in all the Realm about; and delivered his daughter unto them for to accompany, serve, and keep her, and made them all to be shut and closed in with her. After, he took his leave of them, commanding them upon pain of death, that they should not suffer any man to come and speak with his daughter, without his witting and knowledge. When he had thus done, he returned into the City of Argos, and assembled forty strong women, which he gave wages, and pay to, and sent them to keep the gate, and the entry of the Tower. And then spread the renown of these things, in so great a sound and noise, that all Grece was full of the tidings, and there was no King ne Prince, but that complained the loss of the youth of fair Danae, then holden and named the most fair of all the Greekish maidens, daughter of the king, etc.   

CHAP. XIX. ¶ How jupiter, in guise of a messenger brought unto the Tower of Dardan, to the Damosels, and to Danae, many jewels, feigning that he came from jupiter.  
BY this Tower, and by this mean Acrisius thought to overcome his predestinate misfortune, and was well eased that his Daughter was in so sure and safe a place. All the world spoke of her, and of her Tower: by compassion they complained her state, and it was so much spoken of this cause, that jupiter had his ears full thereof: and not only his ears, but also his heart: for in hearing the recommendation of the excessive perfection of this virgin. Danae, he was amorous of her greatly and desirously, assoon as the marriage of him and juno had been consummated. And then he began with all his heart, to think how and when, or in what manner he might come to see this damosel Danae. And so much he thought and studied in this matter, that there was none other thing that he would hear of, nor no conferences of his men, save only of them that spoke of the prison of Danae. And he spoke chéerefullye, and talked with all diligence, covetting instantly to be with her, and that as well in the presence of juno, as otherwise: saying, many times, that he would that the Gods would give him grace and power to bring this damosel Danae out of the Tower. etc.  
By this mean and these speeches, juno was in doubt, and began to feel the first sparkle of jealousy, casting infinite curses and maledictions upon Danae, and upon all them that had sown those tidings before her husband. This she showed not only in covert and in her stomach, but more openly in the presence of her husband, showing evidently that she had the attaint of ielously. This notwithstanding, jupiter was nevertheless desirous for to see Danae more than he was before. The maleditions ne curses might not let ne withdraw his affections which grew more and more. In the end he found himself so ravished with her love that there was no more continence found in him. To conclude, he devised intentions and conclusions, and purposed to go unto the guardiens and keepers of the damosel Danae, and that he would bear unto them so largely and so many ouches of gold and jewels, with money of gold, that he would turn them with his gifts to accord to him, and let him enter into the tower of Danae's. Then he sent for the jewellers, that were wont to serve his father Saturn, and made them make the most rich jewels and Ouches that were ever seen or thought. When the workmen had made a part, jupiter took them, and laded him therewith, and evil clothed like as he had been a servant, he alone departed from Crete, and drew him to Argos, the most secretly that he might, and so went and came seeking the Tower of Dardan. Which he found in an evening, and saw the walls shining, and came unto the gate, where he found many of the matrons sitting at the door, for recreation, etc.  
When jupiter was comen, he saluted the Matrons, and said unto them: Noble dames, the good night come to you. What Tower is this, of so noble and so strong fashion? Fair son, said the eldest of them, ye be not of this Country, forasmuch as ye know not the name of this Tower. Know ye certainly that it is named the Tower of Dardain, and this is the proper place that the king Acrisius hath caused to make for to keep his daughter the virgin Danae in, which is a damosel so furnished with all virtues and honourable manners, that her like is not in all this world: But, the poor maid is so much infortunate, that her father Acrisius holdeth her in this Tower shut, for that he hath an answer of his gods, that of his daughter Danae should be borne a child that should turn him into a stone. This is cause wherefore we be and keep her that no man may converse with her in no fashion. And her father is the king Acrisius, which is so sore smitten to the heart with jealousy, that if he knew of your being here, he would send to destroy you. And therefore withdraw you, and go forth on your way. jupiter hearing the answer of the woman, gave no regard unto her words, saving that he heard with his ears: for he employed his eyes unto the marking of the Tower: and seeing that it was impregnable for any assault, as well for the strength of the place where it was founded on, as for that it was nigh the City of Argos, which was right strong: he considered in himself, that for to come and see this maid he could not obtain but by the mean of these women. And then thus he answered to the old woman: I thank you of your good advertisement: I am much beholden unto you, but I shall yet say more unto you, if it please you, I am sent unto the damosels of this place from the right mighty king jupiter of Crete, for to deliver to them certain presents on his behalf, Wherefore I pray you, that it please you to give me assistance to speak with them. When the old matron understood of jupiter, and that he brought presents unto the Damosels: she answered him, that he was right welcome, and made him to enter into a little Chamber (which was by the gate, for to speak therein to their friends when they came to visit them.) And then she went into the chamber of Danae, and there assembled all the women of the place, and said unto them. My fellows, the King jupiter of Crete greeteth you well by one of his servants, whom I have put into the Chambret of the gate: he hath said to me, that he hath brought certain presents. See ye now whether ye will receive them or not: and what I shall answer to the messenger, etc.  
The Damosels were right joyous and glad, when they heard these tidings, and took their council together, and concluded, that they would take and receive these presents of the king jupiter. Then they descended into the chambret, and feasted the messenger, which did them reverence, and said to them: Ladies, and Damosels, your renown is so great, that it hath moved the king jupiter to desire your love. In sign of which, he hath sent to you of his jewels, and prayeth you to receive them in good part, and he recommendeth him unto the right noble grace of your Mistress the king's daughter. With these words jupiter opened his sack of leather, wherein were his jewels, and delivered them unto the damsels: When they had received, and saw them what they were, they were all abashed for to see things so precious, and said that they would go and show them to their Mistress. And forth they went up into the tower, and showed their presents unto Danae: signifying to her, that the king jupiter recommended him unto her noble grace. As soon as this noble virgin had seen these jewels, she said, that it must needs be that jupiter was rich and liberal: and said moreover, that the gift that he had given was more of value then all the Realm of Argos: and also, that she would that the man that had brought these jewels, where feasted as it appertaineth, and also willed that jupiter should be thanked in her name. Then the Damosels by the commandment of Danae, went to feast the messenger of king jupiter, the best wise that they might, the most part of the night in eating and drinking. And then came the aged woman that had first spoken with him, and said to him: My son, the maiden Danae thanketh the king jupiter of the courtesy that it hath pleased him to do her damsels: and, she taketh herself greatly beholden to him, and to you that have taken the pain to bring them: and if there may please you any thing herein, spare not this house.  
Dame (answered jupiter) ye do me too much honour by the one half: if there be any thing in Crete to your pleasure, ask you it, and certainly ye shall have it with good heart. And thus they talked so long that it was time to withdraw him thence. jupiter took leave of the damoiselles, and concluded that he would return into his country, on the morrow early. What shall I say more? jupiter took this night as much rest as he might, and had the heart so surprised, that he awoke more than he needed: for the hour was not come that he attended to speak to Danae. He returned secretly into Crete, and caused to be made new jewels much more rich and more precious than the other were, for to go again, and present to the damosels. And as soon as was to him possible, he gathered jewels together as many as would load an horse. After this; on a morning early he loaded an horse with these jewels, and without wéeting of any person, with the same he so laboured on his way, that without any hindrance he came unto the tower. And there assembled the damosels, and did them reverence, and said to them. Ladies and damosels, the king jupiter hath you so in his grace, that knowing by the report of me, what feasting and welcome ye made lately for his jewels: he hath sent unto you other, and in his name I present to you these jewels that I have now brought: praying that the present may be acceptable and well thought of: and that it please you to do so much unto your mistress that I might a little speak with her, for to advertise her, if it please her, of certain secret things that touch her, and wherewith I am charged by jupiter.   

CHAP. XX. ¶ How jupiter in the guise of a messenger, with many jewels, came the second time to see Danae's: and how he spoke and gave to her in knowledge what he was: and how he lay with her that night.  
WHen jupiter had achieved his purpose, he showed forth his merchandise, and when the matrons had understood of jupiter, that he desired to have grace to speak with Danae's, they went unto the maid, by the council of the old woman, for to have her opinion: and coming to her, the old woman spoke for them all, and said: my daughter, the king jupiter. hath sent hither the burden of a horse of the most fairest jewels that ever ye saw. Certes it is a gallant sight to see them: notwithstanding we durst not receive them, for as much as the messenger requireth to speak with you, which is forbidden us by your father. Consider what we shall do: we be greatly beholden unto the king jupiter for his courtesies, but when we think on the strait commandment of your father, we wots not what to do. When the maid Danae's had heard the words and the tidings of the old woman, she was right pensise: but for all that, she spared not to say that, that her heart judged best: and thus answered. My mother, ye know well, and it needeth not to tell you, that he that doth show love and courtesy, aught to be thanked by kindness. The king jupiter (as ye have to me said) hath often times done for us. And seeing the first good cometh from him, me thinketh, under all corrections, that we may well suffer him to speak with me. It is a small matter for his servant to speak a word with me. The king my father shall never know it: it is no need that he know all that shall fall: but first show to him, how it is charged you upon death, that no man speak with me. And make him promise and swear, that he shall keep this matter secret.  
The Damosels and the old woman, joyous of the answer of the maid, went down from the tower, to the gate, and finding jupiter busy to open abroad and unbind his jewels, the old woman said unto him: Fair son, the king jupiter hath found more grace here in this place anent the maid Danae's, than all the men in the world. Nevertheless ye must know, that upon pain of death, it is to you forbidddn, and to other by us: And, we be also charged upon the same pain, by the King Arcrisius, that we shall let no man living speak with her. The commandment of the king is so great, and your request is not little. Certes we dare not bring you unto her, all thing considered: For, if it were known, without fail we should be all put into the fire. And peradventure, if ye were found here within, by the king that cometh often times hither, he would put you to death. Wherefore we pray you excuse us against your master. At hearing of this answer, jupiter found not that he sought: and then he held him more near in despair, than he did in hope: but he remembered, that a beggar should not go away for once warning, & said unto the old woman, to the beginning of her answer: Dame, ye do well if ye fear and dread the king, which is to me no marvel. Yet his commandment is not so straight, but that ye may enlarge it if ye will: he hath commanded that none shall speak with her. The king jupiter requireth that his servant may say to her certain things in secret, touching her honour: ye shall do that pleaseth you, but in truth if ye accord him his request, the accord shall not be prejudicial to you in any thing. For the king jupiter is no prattler and knoweth so much of the world, that unto you he had not sent me, if he had not found me secret. And thus if ye will do to him any pleasure, ye have none excusation reasonable. None knoweth hereof but you and I. If I speak unto the maid by your consent, who shall accuse us? it shall not be ye, for that the matter toucheth you. And it shall not be I, nor the King jupiter: for certainly we had liefer die in sorrowful death, and also abide in grievous pain. etc.  
Fair son, answered the old woman, ye speak so sweetly, that we may not nor can give unto you the refuse of your request. We dare well affy, and trust in you. Alas dame (answered jupiter) doubt you? When I shall fault against you or any other, I wish to be smitten with the thunder and tempest. I would verily that ye had the prerogative to know my inward thoughts, to the end that in judging of my mind ye might be assured of me, not to have by my cause any inconvenience. With these words, jupiter drew to his will the old woman, and all the Damosels as well by his subtle language as by his riches. For to use short process, the old woman accorded to jupiter, that he shall have the grace to speak with the maid, and brought him before her, with all his presents: jupiter had then more joy than I can write.  
And when he was thus above in the tower of Dardan, in beholding the ample beauty of Danae his joy doubled, and he knew her well by her beauty, and made unto her reverence, saying. Right noble & accomplished damosel, the king jupiter saluteth you by me, and sendeth unto the women of this house, of such gods as fortune hath given to him: if it be your pleasure they shall receive them: and after I will say unto you certain things secret, which the king jupiter your servant, hath charged me to say unto you. My friend answered Danae, saving your honour the King, jupiter is not my servant, but I myself am beholden to him, and am his servant, and thank him of his bounty: it seemeth as he had reigned gold in this place. It is acceptable to me that the women of this tower have your presents. And it pleaseth me well also to hear your charge, to the end that King jupiter, should not say that I were unkind, etc.  
The matrons and the Damosels were present at this answer, jupiter delivered unto them his jewels which they received with great gladness. After that Danae took the messenger by the hand, and led him a part unto the beds side, where she made him to lean by her. And then when jupiter found himself all alone with Danae he said unto her: right noble damosel, I no more call you damosel, but Lady: For ye are my lady and my only mistress, which have mastered mine heart, and also have overcome me under the sound and bruit of your glorious reports & name. For to advertise you, verily I am jupiter, of whom now I have spoken to you at the presentation of the jewels, and it is truth, that it is not long fithen, when I was in my Realm, for to hear reported the manner how your Father held you shut in this Tower (with little good that may accord unto your honour) as well for to get your thank and grace, as for pity wherewith I was moved, I have deliberated in my heart to employ myself unto your deliverance, and also for to get your grace. And for to execute this deliberation, I have taken part of my treasures, and have come hither to present them unto your Damosels, and so departed: and of new am comen again, in hope to have your love, whereof I am well content and thank mercy and fortune. Alas madame, if I be so hardy as for to have put myself in the adventure of my life for to show the great love that I have to you. Excuse me, if I have enterprised a thing so high that I ne me hold worthy to attain, but in the affiance of fortune, and insomuch as she will favour in this party. Madam then in consideration of my words, ye may see my life, or my death, and ye only may lightly make the judgement. If your humility condescend in the knowledge of pity that I have had of you, exposing myself into the danger, where I might be sure, I am now nigh the jeopardy which ye may save: and if not I yield me your prisoner. Certes, the shining resplendissour of your renowned beauty, whereof the meed passeth the renown and the triumph of your incomparable excellency, hath enraged mine heart, and brought me hither into the prison of your will. Alas Madam, behold, and see with your eyes full of sweetness, and of clemency, me which see not at this time, but languish for fault of rest in continual travail, in furies redoubled, and in sighs upon sighs, which may not be purveyed of remedy, but by your benignity and amorous good will.  
At the beginning of the first recommendation that was made of you in my presence, and at the point that I enterprised to deliver you out of this Tower, I beheld myself right joyful and happy, because of so high an enterprise: but seeing the perils that I find myself in since, I wot never what I may say of myself. For by month upon month, week upon week, and day upon day, your name hath had domination on me. And oft times hath constrained me to be ravished, and yet more in a trance by desire to speak to you, and to imagine how I should come to the point where I now am, and not only in this, but also to find mercy in you. And I pray and require you right humbly, that the amorous gift of mercy ye will to me accord, and thus doing, ye shall do mercy to yourself, and have pity of your young days, which you have consented to lose by the foolish fantasies of the king your father. Ye know well that (his life during) he will not suffer you to be married to any man. It is possible that your father shall live as long as you, for he is strong of members, hard and boisterous. Also ye ought conceive if ye will believe me, that your life hath no wealth nor pleasance. Only the pleasances come unto the people by the sight, and by beholding of diverse things. The women singularly have their principal pleasures in their husbands, and in their generation and lineages. Ye may come here to, but than ye must have mercy on yourself. Is it not in your conceit and knowledge that no man hath but his life in this world? Forasmuch as ye obey and yield to the foolish commandment of your father the King Acrisius, ye shall be a woman lost: being in this place, it is not possible to take and have patience. This is too hard a thing unto a young heart to be put in prison without demerit. I know the humane affections, and understand that natually every creature loveth his profit before the profit of another. This is against your prosperity and utility, from which ye be shut here within. How may ye have love unto him which is cause of two evils? The less evil is to be chosen, since that you feel you condemned here unto the end of the days of your father. Doubt ye not but his end is oft desired to his death, for your sake: and his death may not be effected without great charge of conscience. Me thinketh that better it were for you in diverse considerations to find way to issue and go out of this place, and to take to husband some noble & puissant man, that would enterprise to carry you away secretly for to be his wife in his Country. By this mean ye shall be delivered from the pain that ye be in: ye may eschew the death of your father, and less evil ye should do in breaking his foolish commandment, then to abide in the point where he hath put you. Madame, alas think ye here on for your honour and health: (as I have said unto you) I am your servant, and if it please you to departed from this place, ye shall find no man readier than I am: for to keep you, and to save you, I give myself unto your noble commandments, for to furnish your will to my power, as he that beareth always the remembrance of you in the most deepest place of my mind: in sleeping I see you, and waking I think on you. I have had never rest in myself, nor never shall have, but if it please you. My fortune, my destiny, my hap and unhap come of you. If ye take me unto your mercy, and that I find grace with you, I shall be the most happiest of all happy. And if ye do otherwise, it may be said that among all unhappy, none shall go before me. But if such fortune shall come to me by your rigour, I will take it in patience, for the nobleness that I see in you always, I require you that my heart be not deprived ne put from your heart, for as much as it toucheth me nearly. All the tongues of men can not say, nor express the quantity of the love that I have in you, no more than they can pronounce by proper name, all the stars of heaven. By this love I am always in thoughts, labours, in sighs, anguishes, and often times in great fear and doubt. At this hour I wots not whether I live or not, because me thinketh I am here for to receive absolution, or a mortal sentence. These things considered, alas will not ye have him in your grace, that for to deserve your love and mercy, hath abandoned and adventured his life, as ye may see, leaving his royal estate, the better to keep his cause secret. Unto an heart well understanding, few words suffice. For conclusion, I pray you to give your heart unto him that hath given his heart unto you: and that ye provide from henceforth for the ill case ye now be in, after the common judgement.  
With this, jupiter held his peace, and kept silence, and lent his ears for to hear what should be the answer of Danae. The right noble damosel, when she had heard his talk, which she had sore noted: and when she saw that he had given her space to speak, she was resolved, and changed colour and said to him. Sir king, alas know ye well, what would be the renown that would abide with me, if I should 

and not only in this, but also to find mercy in you. And I pray you right humbly, that out of the amorous gift of mercy, ye will to me accord, and in this doing, ye shall do mercy to yourself, and have pity of your young days, which you have consented to lose, by the foolish fantasies of the King your Father. Ye know well (that during his life) he will not suffer you to be married to any man. It is possible that your Father may live as long as you, for he is strong and boisterous. Also ye ought to conceive if ye will believe me, that your life hath no wealth nor pleasure. Only the pleasures come unto the people by the sight, and by beholding of diverse things. The woman singularly have their principal pleasures in their Husbands, and in their generation and lineages. Ye may come hitherto, but than you must have mercy on yourself. Is it not in your conceit and knowledge that no man hath but his life in this world. Forasmuch as ye obey the foolish commandment of your Father the King Achrisius, ye shall be a woman lost: being in this place, it is not possible to have patience. This is too hard a thing unto a young heart, to be put in prison without demerit. I know the human affections, and understand that naturally every creature loveth his profit before the profit of another. This is against your prosperity and utility, from which ye be shut here within. How may you have love unto him which is cause of two evils. The less evil is to be chosen, since that you feel yourself condemned here unto the end of the days of your Father, doubt you not, but his end is oft desired for your sake: and his death may not be effected without great charge of conscience. Me thinketh that better it were for you to find way to issue out of this place, and to take to husband some noble and puissant man, that would enterprise to carry you away secretly for his wife into his Country. By this means you shall be delivered from the pain that you be in: you may eschew the death of your Father, and less evil you shall do in breaking his foolish commandment, then to abide in the point where he hath put you. (I have said unto you) I am your servant, and if it please you to departed from this pla●e, you sh●ll find no man readier than I am, for to save you: I give myself unto your noble commandments, to nourish your will to my power, as he that beareth always in remembrance of you in the most deepest place of my mind: in sleeping I see you, and waking▪ I think on you. I have had no rest in myself, nor never shall have, but if it please you. My fortune, my destiny, comes of you▪ If you take me unto your mercy, and that I find grace with you▪ I shall be the most happiest of all happy. And if ye do otherwise, it may be said, that among all unhappy, none shall go before me. But if such Fortune shall come to me by your rigour, I will take it in patience, for the nobleness that I see in you always, I require you that my heart be not deprived, nor put from your heart, forasmuch as it toucheth me nearly. All the tongues of men cannot express the quantity of the love that I have in you, no more than they can pronounce by proper name all the Stars of Heaven. By this love I am always in thoughts, labours, in sighs, anguishes, and oftentimes in great fear. At this hour, I know not whether I live or not, because me thinketh I am here to receive absolution, or a mortal sentence. These things considered, alas will not ye have him in your grace, that for to deserve your love and mercy, hath abandoned and adventured his life as ye may see, leaving his Royal estate, the better to keep his cause secret. Unto an heart well understanding, few words suffice. For conclusion, I pray you to give your heart to him, that hath given his heart unto you: and that ye consider from henceforth for the ill conceit ye now be in, after the common judgement.  
With this Jupiter held his peace, and lent his ears for to hear what should be the answer of Danae, The right noble Damosel: When she saw that he had given her space to speak, she was resolved, and changed colour and said to him. Sir King, ●las know ye well, what would be the Renown that would abide with me, if I 〈◊〉   believe your counsel? What would the people say? Madam, answered Jupiter, the worst that they may say, shall be, that men will name you disobedient unto the foolish commandment of your Father, which as all men knoweth, holdeth you fond in this Prison. And if ye will thus help yourself, and convey yourself away, men would but laugh, for your youth would excuse your doing, and ye should be reported to have done this deed by great wisdom. Ah, Sir, said Danae, ye go about to deceive me by your fair words: I know the speeches of the Argiens', and also know that I am bound to obey my Father: Furthermore, I am not so ignorant, but that I would well have some nobleman to my Husband so as mine honour were saved: and also, I confess that I am greatly beholden to him that hath sent so liberally and so largely of his treasures and jewels, and in likewise unto you, if it be truth, that ye be him that ye say that ye are. But when I have considered, and understood, and seen visibly, that the Argiens' would defame me to perpetuity, and that my Father would send me where mine honour should strongly be abased and put underfoot, by your proper declaration, I will in no wise deal hardly with you, neither shall you have any disturbance for my cause. But I pray you to think on the other side, of mine honour, and that ye suffer me alone with my company and friends.  
Dame (answered Jupiter) be ye in doubt of me that I am not Jupiter King of Crect? If I be any other, all the Gods confound me, and the Thunder fall on me, the swallow of the Sea receive me, and that I be given to be meat unto the most venomous beasts of the world. O Madam, put no suspicion in my doing: as I have said to you, I am come to you not in Royal estate, but in simple array for to order my matters more secretly: then accord ye this request. Take ye day of advice, and grant to morrow I may speak once to you, and counsel you well this night.  
The noble Maid Danae had then her blood so moved, that she durst not behold Jupiter: for shame smote her in the eyes. This notwithstanding, her heart commanded her to try what man he was, and whether he had the state of a Nobleman or a King. At last she took day of advice, and accorded to him that she would speak again to him on the morrow. After this, she commanded the Tables to be covered by the Damosels, and said, that she would feast the messenger of the King Jupiter. The Damosels hearing that, answered they were all much bound to feast him, and showed to her the riches that they had, all along in the Chamber, whereof the walls shone and were bright: The Damosels arrayed with the jewels of Jupiter, garnished the Tables with meat. Danae and Jupiter were set the one against the other: the service was great and rich, and they had enough to eat, yet Jupiter nor Danae gave little force of eating, Jupiter eat less bodily, then spiritually, he was in trances, in doubts, and fears: He had an answer by which he could not gather any thing to his profit, save only that he hoped that Danae would discover it unto the Damosels, as the young maidens be of custom to discover the one to the other, and as when any requireth them of love, that they should show favour to him, the more for his gifts. In this estate was King Jupiter for his part. The Damosels beheld him enough and said, that he had not the behaviour of a yeoman or servant, but of a man of very noble and great estate, and above all other, Danae, to whom Jupiter had given cause to be pensive, cast her eyes upon Jupiter, upon his countenance, his gesture, and beauty, and then it seemed that he had said truth, as well then as the night before: she began to feel the sparkles of Love, and seeing his riches that he had given in the house, she determined to give him her heart and love. On this resolution, to which her heart concluded, she was firmly settled, yet her mind was interlaced with abundant thoughts. ●any Noblemen had required her love before time, that she was shut in the Tower, and could never turn her heart, nor cause ●er once to sigh or think on th●ir requests. The only words of ●upiter were so effectual and happy, that they constrained her to ●ear them, and to become pensive, breaking all doubts and contrary opinions.   

CHAP. XXI. How Jupiter came from his Chamber by night, and lay in the Tower of Dardan, with the Damosel Danae on whom he begat the noble Perseus.  
SO long dured the feasting of Jupiter that it was time to withdraw from thence. Then Danae took leave of Jupiter and did convey him into a secret Chamber by her Damosels. When Jupiter was departed, she entered into her Chamber, a●● 


was interlarded with abundant thoughts. Many noble men had required her love, before time that she was shut in the Tower: and could never turn her heart nor cause her once to sigh or think on their requests. The only words of jupiter were so effectual and happy, that they constrained her to hear them and to become pensive, breaking all doubts and contrary opinions.   

CHAP. XXI. How jupiter came from his chamber by night, and lay in the tower of Dardan with the damosel Danae, on whom he engendered the noble Perseus.  
SO long dured the feasting of jupiter, that it was hour and time to withdraw thence. Then Danae took leave of jupiter, and did convey him into a secret chamber by her damosels. When jupiter was departed, she entered into her chamber,    accompanied only with the old woman that was her mistress, which had charge on her above all other, and as soon as the old woman had her privily in her chamber: as she that was suspicious said to her: my daughter, tell me of your tidings, I must needs know what thing this messenger hath said to you. Dame answered Danae, will ye wit? yea said the old woman. Then answered Danae, he must come himself, and make the re●ort, for he hath said to me so many things, that the tenth part is not in my mind. My daughter (said the old woman) I think well he is not come hither without cause. What hath he said? if ye have not all in mind, tell me at least that abideth and resteth in your mind. Dame (answered Danae) ye know well that never I mistrusted you, and that the secretness of mine heart to you hath always been open: I will now make no new customs. For to short this matter, he that nameth himself servant of jupiter, is jupiter himself (by report) and hath made great oaths, that he hath made these presents and gifts for to speak to me. Indeed he hath showed to me how I lose here my time, and hath required me to be his wife. To which I have not yet consented, but have taken day for to give an answer to morrow, hoping to take your counsel, and therefore I pray you that ye counsel me in that I have to do, and what answer he shall have of me. Ye know how I have suffered his gifts to be received: he must be therefore satisfied by some manner, either by fair speech, or otherwise.  
The old woman had been before time in the house of king Meliseus, and there had seen jupiter in the time of his return from his conquest of arcady, and had partly known him since the first day that he came thither. This notwithstanding, she doubted of his person, for as much as men otherwhile be like one to another, and she had always her eye on him. When then she had understood by Danae, that had told her that he was jupiter, she was sure that it was he in his person, and had great joy, saying. My daughter, certainly I know him that we speak of, and have talked with him of long time past. And for his person I assure you, it is he that he hath done you to understand of. But for to persuade or counsel you, if ye take him unto your husband, I can say none otherwise to you, but that he is one of the most valiantest men of the world, and that his enterprises be right high. And if I had a daughter the most best mannered of the world, there is no man living that I would give her sooner unto, then to him, if it pleased him to take her. Ye see that notwithstanding his simple array, he is a goodly man, he is noble, he is rich, he is wise, he is a king. Ye feel in yourself your courage, if ye will use and observe the commandment of your father, ye may not with him hold consistory ne parliament. If ye will absent you from this place by good means, there is no man but jupiter that may help you. I counsel you neither the one nor the other, choose ye and take ye the best way, etc.  
Ah my mother (said Danae) how should I choose myself? there is in me neither wit, nor reason to take that I should choose, ne for to discern the good from the evil. And as for me, I shall put it all into your deliberation, and will that ye know that out of this Tower would I feign be, (mine honour saved, and the honour saved of my company.) With this came in to them all the damoses of the house, and said to her, that they had made right good cheer to their guest: and thus failed the secret conference of Danae, & of the aged woman. The damosels went & set their jewels, newly presented to them, and parted to each of them her portion, saying: that to king jupiter was none like, but that he was among all other the most bountiful, & most honourable king of kings.  
The maid Danae took great pleasure with all these things. When the damosels had parted among them their jewels of gold with great joy, they brought Danae to bed, & departed from her chamber, which they left open by forgetting, as they that had set all their mind and thought on their riches, and so went to their beds into their chambers. jupiter lying in his bed at this hour, found himself so surprised with covetousness of love, that he was constrained to arise, and to look out at a window to behold if the day approached, lifting his eyes again to the stars of heaven, and was ravished in his heart by the remembrance of fair Danae, and said 〈◊〉 noble Danae, that hath more beauty than the star ●ning, and that shineth by sovereign clearness: alas, whe● be ye this hour? the pain that I endure for your cause, ye know not, nor the great jeopardy, & the perilous case that I have put me in, to attain your love. Unkindness, may she have place in you, with disdain, rigour and fierceness, which be mine enemy's envenomed with mortal venom? O Danae, remember yourself of me. And thou fortune that hast succoured me in all my affairs, secure me in this present need.  
With this word his complaint ceased, and he gave his mind so many sharp thoughts that pierced his heart right pensively. This thought was great, and touching a right adventurous enterprise. When all was done he determined in himself to assay if he might come to the end of his thought, and arrayed and clothed himself, and went out of his chamber unto the tower, where he saw the door open to his seeming, and finding it true that it was open, he went up as softly as he could that he should not be heard, and came so far that he came to the chamber of Danae, whereof the door was open: in which chamber was a lamp burning. jupiter all full of gladness put his head into the chamber, to behold if the damosels had been with Danae: and when he had beholden that there was none, but that Danae was alone, in her bed: he adventured him to go unto her, where he found her sleeping, and awoke her by kissing. etc.  
Danae was so sore abashed, when she felt herself so kill, that she crept within the bed. jupiter drew nearer, so that he discovered her face for to speak to her, whereof she being afraid, opened her eyes, and when she witted that it was jupiter, and that he was alone by her bed side, she made a right great shrych and cry. When jupiter heard this cry, he was much troubled: nevertheless he purposed to adventure, turning her to him ward, and comforting her by his sweet speaking, he declared to her in the end that it must needs be that she must be his wife, promising to come and to fetch her in short time. And so long he held her in such talk, that he unclothed himself, and in speaking to her he sprang into the bed, and lay by her side, notwithstanding that she with said and wit-stoode it with all her might. Then said the maid, that she was betrayed. And weeping tenderly she wend to have fled, and did her best to have gone away. But jupiter took good heed, and at the leap that she supposed to make, caught and held her by the arm, and made her to lie down again, and he clipped her and kissed her again. And so appeased her in such fashion that she left her weeping. And on the morning when he rose up from her, he left her with child with a young son. What shall I say more, jupiter by this hardiness achieved his purpose, and his will on fair Danae, and made the peace for his offence. The night passed over, and the day came, that jupiter must needs arise and departed from her, and then by necessity constraining him to keep the honour of Danae, he arose, and took his clothing trussed together, and returned into his Chamber, where he went to bed, and slept so fast and surely, that he awoke not till the hour and time to go to dinner.  
At this hour Danae asked where was the Messenger of king jupiter, and said that she would eat with him, and that they should bring him up into the Tower secretly. With the word of Danae, two Damosels went down out of the Tower into the Chamber of jupiter, and finding him asleep, awoke him, whereof he was amazed and ashamed. For the Sun was that time mounted high. And then he arose, and arrayed him hastily, when he witted that Danae had sent for him to come speak with her. And so came to her, which began to wax red, and to lose her colour, & countenance, when she saw him. And the reverence made, they went and eat together, and made great cheer: yet Danae was ashamed, and was strongly surprised for the case that was happened to her: and she might not abstain to set her eyes on the beauty of jupiter, which also failed not on his side to behold her by so ardent desire, that the eyes of the one and the other pierced each other oftentimes. In this beholding they passed part of the time of the dinner. When they had taken their refection, jupiter and Danae drew them apart, and held a long parliament of their work. And it was concluded between them, that jupiter should go into the Country, and that he should return thither with a certain number of people, for to take away the fair Danae. And with this conclusion, jupiter departed and returned into Crete, leaving Danae in the Tower, of whom I will cease for this present, and return to speak how Tantalus the king of Frigie fought against the Trojans, and had battle against them, which was the first battle that ever was in Troy.   

CHAP. XXII. ¶ How the King Tantalus of Frygy assailed by battle the King Troos of Troy: and how Ilium and Ganymedes his sons discomfited him in battle.  
WHen the King Troos had named his city Troy, and was mounted, and enhanced in so high renown that the kings his neighbours as to his regard were but in little reverence, and less glory: many thus losing their honours, by his right great worship, began to murmur against him in deed and in thought, and among all other, the King Tantalus of Frigie son of the Archadien jupiter king of Attic, took in right great despite the excellency of Troos, and considered against him, and made a great assembly of men of arms, and so departed out of his Realm, with intention to destroy and spill the King Troos and his City of Troy. This Tantalus had a son in his company named Pelops: and also left a son at home named Thyestes', for as much as he was young. And this Thyestes' had a son since named Philistines the father of Menelaus that reigned in the time of the third destruction of Troy. For to return to our purpose, than Tantalus behaved himself in such wise, that he conducted, and brought an host upon the territory of Troy, and did smite down and destroy all thing that was in their puissance, unto plain destruction. Wherewith the cry and clamours of them that fled was so great, that in short time the King Troos was advertised of it whereof he was not afraid for he had the city well garnished with people. Also he made ready to resist his adversaries, and that by such diligence, that when he had heard the tidings in the morning, in four hours after he issued out of Troy with thirty. thousand fight men, and drew unto the place, where the Frygiens were entered.  
This noble king Troos, had in his company two sons, of whom the eldest was called Ilium to whom came down from heaven the Palladium. And the younger was called Ganymedes. These two sons valiant and hardy came into the field, and required their father Troos, to depart his army in two: and that he would grant to them his vaward, for to prove their might upon their enemies. Troos considering that by separation of his people they that were beaten or put back might be succoured when it should come to strokes, granted the request of his two sons, and took unto them twelve thousand of fight men. Ilium and Ganymedes thanked the King Troos their father, and took leave of him, and went forth with their fight men, in such wise that they were a mile before the battle of the King. And so the King Troos followed the battle of his two sons, Ilium and Ganymedes. And he had riders between both appointed for to report to the king Troos, when his sons had found Tantalus their enemy: and also the two noble sons had before them their diverse espies, and watchers that were sent out into diverse places, to see and to discover the state, the puissance and the order of their enemies. which found them about the evening, and anon after, they returned unto Ilium and Ganymedes, and bade them to make cheer, and that they had seen the enemies of Troy, in a certain place that they named, and that there they had seen them lodged: and that they might well be numbered by estimation about thirty. thousand fight men.  
Of these tidings had the Trojans great joy, it was that time about midnight, and they were lodged in the end of a valley: Ilium and Ganymedes anon the same hour assembled all the noble men of their company, and told them what the espies had reported, and demanded of them counsel. All were of opinion that they should suffer their Host rest yet a good hour, and after that they should break their fast a little and lightly, to the end to have the better and longer their breath, and also to be the more courageous, and to cause them to be the better awaked, and this done, they should depart for to go assail their enemies. This opinion seemed good unto the five sons of the king. And they signified their intention by the riders, unto their father Troos. After this they withdrew them to take a little their rest, and gave charge to them that kept the watch, to awake them when they saw their time: and so they had but little rested, when they were awaked and called, and that each man should take his arms and follow on. The Trojans obeyed, and knew well it was time to make ready speedily. They were never so joyous as they were when they knew they should go to battle. They eat and drunk temperately all with one good will. they garnished them with their arms: and showed the one to the other, how they would fight in the battle and confound their enemies, and menaced them of an evil conflict with them.  
At this hour the Moon shone right clear: by which shining and light, Ilium and Ganymedes put their people in array in fair order. When they had took the short refection, they began to march toward them, and put themselves before all other: they came so nigh by Moon light, and by their guides, that they were heard of them that kept the watch of their enemies that they sought: the which fled unto the tents of king Tantalus, and awoke him and told him the the Trojans were come to assail him: and that they had seen them in great number. But Tantalus believed not lightly his watch, and deferred his arising more than need was. He had not long abiden, but the Trojans came upon his host, and laid load upon the Frigiens so unmeasurably, that the redounding of their strokes, came and fell into the ears of Tantalus, which arose and sprang on his feet terribly afraid. With this affray were awaked all the Frigiens in general: some by mortal wounds, and some by their cries, and some hurt grievously. In coming on thus, the Trojans damaged greatly their enemies: and the more, because many of them were not furnished with their arms, which were smitten down by the swords of the Trojans, and they were beaten down maimed mortally, and wallowing in their blood. This notwithstanding though that the coming on of the Trojans was sharp, and that Ilium and Ganymedes approved themselves sharply in their work, Tantalus and his son Pelops gathered their people that withdrew them, about their tent, and there mustered them together, and then when they found them in number sufficient for to enter into battle, Tantalus cried, Frigie, Frigie: and after he did cause to march his people against the trojan, that beat down all before them in the place where they were arrived, and then began the noise to be great: For, on all sides were cries made, and at the joining the skirmish was horrible, that it seemed that the world should end in the same place.  
Ganymedes and Pelops encountered together, and full of great courages they fought together, so sore and hard, that a great while, by the wounds that were seen upon their heads and upon their arms, they were like the one to slay the other, and the one had slain the other, had not Tantalus and Ilium have been by. For, Tantalus smote upon Ganymedes, and Ilium smote Pelops: and the Trojans and Frigiens meddled the one with the other. And there began the slaughter and murder: and there was fight as champions, showing each man his virtue and his prowess so strongly, for as much as they saw the Moon go down and decline. And yet was not the day come, when they found in the morning the place all covered with bloody heads, arms, and of men dead: but the number of the Frigiens' that there were put to the worst, was much greater number, ten against one, then of them of Troy. What shall I say? as long as the moon gave his light, there was no fault on the one side, nor on the other, each man did his part. The moon got her into a dark cloud, and anon it was dark, & then the middle began to cease fight, & the retreat was cried. The Frigiens withdrew them at the cry of Tantalus. And the Troyans' at the cry of Ilium & Ganymedes. And there was none but would had gladly abiden the end of this skirmish and fight.   

CHAP. XXIII. ¶ How the king Troos chased in battle the king Tantalus: and how the king Saturn came by sea sailing to the port of Troos: & how the king Troos received him worshipfully.  
AFter this foresaid battle, when Tantalus was withdrawn, he began to cast his eyes upon his people, which were all on a hill, for to wit how they were of number, and how they had borne themselves, and how much people he had lost: and he went all about them with his son Pelops, and him seemed well that his power was made less than he had thought, whereof he had in his heart a right great and sharp displeasure, and visiting his host in this fashion, the day began to arise: and in the dawning, two things appeared, and came to the knowledge of the people of Tantalus: one was the great loss of his people, and the other was, the battle with King Troos, that they saw from far discovered and approach. Certes, when Tantalus considered his evident damage, and saw that his enemies, because of the succours that came to them, were stronger than he was, he found not in the resolution of his enterprise but despair and shameful end, and all discomforted, he called his son and his principal friends, and demanded them what was best to do. They counseled him that he should labour to save himself, and said to him, if he abode, and attended the Trojans, that would be cause of his destruction, and of all them that were left of his people.  
When Tantalus understood this, and knew that he was desperate, and nigh his shameful end and flight, and above that, that he might not extinguish and put down the name of Troy: he took himself by the beard that was long, and impatiently said, smiting himself with his fist: O cursed envy, thou didst promise me of late to put Troy under my feet, and hast made me to rise presumptuously against her: Now see I well the contrary, and that by me Troy shall flourish: and that more is, by my cause her name shall grow and shall be enchaunsed, and that all kings shall tremble before her, in my sight and beholding. O false traiterours fortune, accursed be thou, that I ever believed on thee. These words finished, he said to his son and to other of his council, that they should cause his people to withdraw a little and a little. At last he commanded that each man should save himself, and then they put them all to flight. Ilium and Ganymedes took heed and ran after, and chased them out of the territories of Troy, with great occison, and slaughter of the people of the Frigiens. And after that they had chased them, they said that they had done them shame enough, and left work and returned, and came anon and met the king Troos their father, that followed them: which had great joy, when he saw that they had quit them so well upon his enemies, by the good conduct of his two sons.  
The joy then that Troos made Ilium and Ganymedes after the battle, was great and of good love. Troos brought them again unto Troy with great worship. The Trojans men and women received them worshipfully, & blessed the womb that had borne them, and the breasts that gave them suck. These were two noble sons of the King, of whom the names were borne into all the Marches there abouts, with so great a bruit and noise, that not only the neighbours of Troos came to make alliance with King Troos and the Trojans: but there came also Kings of many far Countries of the East, which could not magnify enough the puissance of the king, and of the city of Troy, etc.  
In these days when Troy showed the rays of her puissance and nobleness through the universal world, Saturn late king of Crete, sailed by the seas with little company, not as king and possessor of the realm, but as banished and dispurveyed of all land and country, so poor that he had no place to withdraw him to, nor witted not whither to go, but only by deserts, and by the depth of the sea. When he had been in this point a great while, thinking without end, how he might persecute his son jupiter, fortune brought him into the sea of Hellespont, and then beholding about him, he espied and saw Troy, which was a City passing fair and rich, and of marvelous greatness. And than what for to take him a little rest, as for to put away his melancholy, and for to revittaile his ship, and people, he sailed and rowed into the City, and landed at the port. When the Trojans had seen the ship of Saturn, that was better, and more of value then all the ships that they had ever seen, the masters of the ships of Troy, went hastily unto the King Troos, and said: Sir, be of good cheer, and make ready your house, I assure you that there is come right now unto your port, the most rich ship that ever was seen on the sea, and me seemeth this considered, that in so noble a ship, must be some noble or great earthly Lord that cometh unto you, etc.  
Anon as king Troos heard these tidings of the master mariner, he desired to see so fair a ship, and accompanied with his two sons, went for to see at the port, and to feast them of the strange ship. This king Troos was courteous and honourable. When he came unto the port, he found that Saturn made ready his ship, and disposed him for to go unto the city. And seeing the ship, he marveled much: for the utensils that were within were richly made: furthermore, Saturn & his companions were armed, and had no mariners. He beheld their behaviour at his coming, and knew that they were men of war right well in point: so he thought in himself at the beginning for to arm himself, and to send for the Trojans: But afterward, when he had seen their little number, and that no ship followed nor came after these strangers from the coast, he changed his purpose, viewed and approached unto the ship, and called Saturn that most best was arrayed above the other, and asked him what he sought, both he and his fellows, and from what nation they were? and whence they came from? And Saturn answered to him and said. Sir, albeit I know not at what port I am arrived: for as much as my heart giveth me that ye be courteous of your nature, I will not hide nor cover any thing touching your request, I was late king of Crete, named Saturn: now I am but Saturn, for my son hath put me out sorrowfully, so that of all the riches of all my people, and all my goods temporal, there is nothing left me but this only ship that ye may see. Wherefore I pray you, and require, that it please you to direct me to some Lord of this country, to the end that I may require licence and leave to enter into his lordship, and to take that, that shall be necessary competently to the life of me and of my company.  
When king Troos heard the case of Saturn comprised in brief words, he said to him by compassion. King Saturn, ye be welcome into the house of Troos: in troth I have great grief in myself of your first annoyance, for your glorious renown, and for the goodness that is in you, as often times I have heard it recounted. But with this annoyance two things glad and joy my heart, the one proceeding of the accomplishment of desire, for I have desired many days for to see you, and this desire is now accomplished in me: and the other proceedeth of hope, and in this part I say to you, that I king of this country have intention to comfort and to council you to my power, and also to give you so good aid, that ye shall correct your son, and shall punish his person, in such wise as it shall appertain for his offence. Saturn began to sigh, and to take a little comfort of the great proffer and good cheer that the King Troos made to him, and he thanked him of so high and ample offers, and at the coming out of his ship he b● 〈◊〉 him in his arms, and kissed his hand. What shall I say? the King Troos brought him into his Palace with all his men, and feasted them as it appertained, for the love of Saturn. In likewise, the people being advertised of Saturn, that it was he that found the manner of labouring of the earth, of melting of metals, and of sailing, and rowing by Sea, made so great and plentiful feast at his coming, that they could no more do. At that time, during this feasting, when Saturn felt him in the grace of the Trojans, on a day he called Troos and his two sons, and addressed his words to them saying: Lords of Troy, ye have done so much for me, that I may never deserve it: but as I have said to you, my son is enhanced and lift up above me, and hath taken from me my Realm. I entreat you, as much as I may, that ye will council me what thing is most convenient for me to do. And how I shall suffer and bear the injury done to me. etc.  
My brother (answered the King Troos) this is against nature for a son himself to rebel against his Father: the sin and crime is foul and worthy of reprehension, for every son is bounden by all laws to serve, worship, dread and obey his Father. And it is not reason that any man should approve or hold with a son disobeysant. Your son is in this condition cursed and right evil: and I am of the opinion that ye shall not acquit you well, unless you do to your power to master and overcome his evil manners. And to the end ye shall not excuse your evident harms and losses, when ye will, I will deliver you my son Ganymedes, accompanied with twenty thousand Trojans, that shall secure you, unto the death. Or they shall set you again in your royal tribunal. Saturn was all recomforted, when he knew the love that the King Troos showed to him: and after many thanks, concluded, that he would return into Crete with Ganymedes, and would begin again the piteous war of him and of his son. And following this conclusion (from thenceforth on) he did cause 〈◊〉 ●●●●int the shipping of Troy, and all things appertaining, and gathered together men of arms with great puissance, by the introduction of Ganymedes. And when all the assembly had mustered and were gathered together, he took leave of the king Troos and of Ilium, and went to the sea, and shipped all his many, and knowing the situations of the countries by the seas, he directed his host into the Sea Egee, where as was Egeus son of Titan the great pirate, which durst not have to do with them in no wise: and from this sea of Egee, he travailed so much by diverse journeys, that he came and arrived at the first port and haven of Crete.   

CHAP. XXIIII. ¶ How Saturn, by the aid of Ganymedes, and of the Trojans, returned into Crete, to fight against jupiter, where he was overcome and vanquished, and Ganymedes taken.  
AT that hour when Saturn arrived in Crete, the sun was turned into the west, and on the heaven begun to appear the stars. Saturn knew the port, and took land hoping to enter the country secretly, and went a little way, and there lodged his people in a place convenient & made them rest, & eat and drink by the space of four hours, and then he awoke the host, and made the Troyans' arm them, and enter into the Realm. But they were not far gone, but anon after the sun rising, and approaching a strait passage, the espies and scowrers came unto Saturn, and Ganymedes hastily, and told them that they had seen the King jupiter right strongly accompanied, which kept the passage. Upon this place, it is to wit, that when jupiter was departed from Danae, and from the Tower of Dardan, and was come into Crete, desiring to accomplish his promise to Danae, he did cause to assemble his men of war, concluding in himself, that faithfully he would go fetch the fair Danae, and bring her into his Country by force of arms. What shall I say more? His army was all ready, and came the same night where on the morrow he hoped to have departed, but as he was in his bed that night in his City of Parthenie, tidings came to him, of the arriving of the Trojans. Wherefore he was constrained by force to change his purpose: of which he was right sorry and marvelous passing heavy. This notwithstanding, suddenly as these tidings were freshly brought unto him, he arose and took his men of arms that he had assembled, and hastily brought them unto the strait whereof above is written, and there abode his enemies, as wise & well advised. And it is not to be forgotten, that in this army among his men, was the king of Molosse, which had late found the industry and craft to tame and break horses, for to be ridden, and to ride them. And there was come he and his men, to serve the king jupiter for his good renown, accompanied with an hundred men that ran as the wind. And for this cause they were called Centaurs: and these Centaurs were so terrible, and cruel, that they doubted not the puissance of King, nor of none other whatsoever they were.  
For then to return to the matter already begun: when Saturn knew that the passage was kept, and that jupiter was then advertised of his coming, he caused his host to stay, and said unto them: My children, it behoveth that this morning, ye so do in Crete your devoir, not only in mustering and showing your courages, but above all, that ye be redoubted and dread like the thunder, Assure year selves of your quarrel, jupiter mine enemy is here, where he abideth our coming to the battle ordained: if we will come to the end of our enterprise, it is necessary that we draw thither. Let me hear what ye will say. Then thus answered Ganymedes: we be come into Crete, for to correct your son, and to set you again in your throne. We will do that we may do by our power, and fight freely without doubting or fear. And unto the end that no reproach be laid unto us, I will send and summon your son, first or any sword be drawn or struck smitten, to the end that he yield him unto your obeisance: and that he come and amend his misdeeds. And then Ganymedes did call forth his trojans by consent of Saturn, and set them in order of battle: and when he had so done, he sent one of his ancient knights, a noble man unto jupiter, and gave him charge to make the summons, such as is said before. The Trojan departed from the host, at the commandment of Ganymedes, and did so much that he was presented before jupiter, and said to him, jupiter, thou oughtest to know that every son oweth obeisance unto his father: thou dost contrary to these things, and showest that thou art not son of a king, but of perdition, for thou despisest thy father: In stead of reverence, thou hast him in hate: and thou makest him war where thou shouldest hold him in love: and thou puttest him to great dishonour thyself, where thou art hold and bounden to do him worship. O jupiter, who shall give thee absolution of thy life, dwelling in venom? Who shall excuse thy sin? Thou art enemy of thy father. The case is so grievous, that there is no mercy ne excusation, unless it proceed from the natural clementy of thy father. Behold jupiter, behold the end of thine insurrection. All law positive, and all law written, condemn thee unto death, and curse and anathematise thee. It is great pity, thou art a goodly young man. Know that thy reign may not long dure: and that thou shalt more sharply be punished than thou weenest peradventure at this this time. For Ganymedes one of the sons of Troy is hereby in the help of Saturn thy father, with twenty thousand sighting men, which summoneth thee by me, that thou return into the mercy of thy father, and yield him his realm, all excuses set apart.  
Messenger (answered jupiter) if I were such one as ye say, with just reason ye and other might give sentence and condemnation upon me: I were then guilty for both parties: And I trow if Ganymedes (of whom ye have spoken) had heard my my excuse, he would not be mine enemy. I answer you, that I love my father Saturn, in as much as he is my father. But I say to you on the other part, that he hath oft times sought to put me to death, he showing himself my mortal adversary and not father. (For every father naturally loveth his son) and for that regard I will keep me from him, as from mine enemy: And will well that the Trojans know, that if they come and assail me, I will defend me with all my puissance, etc.  
With this answer, returned the said Trojan unto Saturn, and Ganymedes, and said unto them what he had found. Saturn and Ganymedes swore then the death of jupiter, and approached so nigh the strait, that they came within a bow shot, the one nigh unto the other: and from as far as they saw each one nigh unto the other, they made great cries and shouts. jupiter had set his puissance in two wings, whereof he was chief in the foremost, and Ixion, and his Centaurs were governors of the second. When jupiter had seen that there was no way but for to skirmish, he said he would begin the battle: and after that he had encouraged his people, he pricked his horse forth, and then happened and befell a marvelous thing, For from the high clouds above, came down an Eagle upon his head, and after began to fly about him, making him joy and there, and departed not nor left him during the battle.  
By the flying of this Eagle, jupiter and the people took in them an hope of good success. And Saturn and the Troyans' fell in a fear and doubt that could not come out of their conceits. What shall I say more? when jupiter saw the doing of the Eagle, he had a great joy in his heart, and as a man well assured in his body, he entered among the Archers of the Trojans, that shot thick at him, and running as a tempest, passed by their arrows, and tarried not for resistance of shot, till he came among the men of arms, of the Trojans.  
The Trojans had never seen man on horse back before, and when they saw jupiter, they had thought it had been half a man and half a horse: and there were some that fled at his coming, and some abode and fought valiantly, against him: thus began the battle of that day. They of Crete followed jupiter with a great noise of Tabors, and clarions, and began to skirmish with the Trojans: they did their best on both sides, jupiter bore to the ground many Trojans, and well employed his horse on which he road. Ganymedes and Saturn, on the other side failed not. Always jupiter proved himself in arms the most expert above all other. And abandoned his body and life unto the fight of his enemies, and there was no man that durst have to do with him or abide him, but he was slain and put underfoot, by the cutting and smiting of his sword.  
Cruel and fierce was this battle. The Trojans were without fear, and did great prowesses, and manly by the the leading of Saturn, and of Ganymedes. Saturn met jupiter often times, as he that sought great strokes: but jupiter that knew him well, would never abide him, saying: that he would never set hand on his person, but eschewed and fled his death unto his power. This notwithstanding he sought the death of his helpers, and made no sparing, of their harness, ne armour of leather, of their heads, ne of their lives, of young, nor of old, of valiant, nor of hardy, it was to him all one: he yielded neither to one side, nor to other, for stroke of sword, of mace, ne of guisarme. Yet he had oft remembrance of the fair Danae: and desiring to be quit of his enemies, for to go about her deliverance, like as he had promised unto her, he smote off heads and arms. Unto him was nothing impossible. At every stroke he died his sword with new blood, and the Eagle did flee always about him, now low, now high. Wherefore the Troyans' had great despite in themselves.  
Ganymedes the noble Trojan was of little stature. Yet notwithstanding, he was of more greater courage than any other, vigorously he fought against them of Crete, as he that minded nothing but to get worship and honour. What shall I say? they fought thus together in this point, from the morning till the evening, without that any of both parties obtained any winning or loss, and then Saturn withdrew his people on the one side, and jupiter returned with the King Ixion and the Centaurs, and still followed him always the Eagle, and sat upon his Tent, which was made of boughs, and green rushes. For at that time Tents and Pavilions of cloth were not had nor used, howbeit, the making of linen cloth, and of cloth of Gold, and Silk was found afore this tyme. In this night they of Troy, and they of Crete, made great cheer in their Tents and lodgings: and disposed them to begin again on the morrow the labour of arms, hoping all to have the better and victory. The hurt men were dressed, and the harness broken was made again and amended: they spoke largely of the prowesses of one and other, but principally they held their speeches of the Eagle, and spoke so much of him, that jupiter that same night took a piece of Crimson Satin, containing a yard and a half square, and made therein the resemblance of an Eagle of Gold, and set it on a Spear, and made a banner, saying, that he would bear that banner in all battles ever after. And said further that he understood by the Eagle, that it was a token to him, that he should abide victorious of his enemies. And that he should be sovereign king of Crete, like as the Eagle is king of all fowls.   

CHAP. XXV. ¶ How jupiter discomfited again king Saturn in battle: and how Saturn was put to flight by the sea.  
Such were the speeches of King jupiter in this night, the which he passed the most joyously that he could: and he visited the hurt men, and comforted them, and concluded with Ixion, that the day following the Centaurs should have the battle, and they that had fought the day before should rest them. After this he slept on the green, and rested him until the time that the Centaurs put them in array, and went to horseback. And so did jupiter, for he had liefer have died, then to have been idle. At this time Saturn slept not, nor was there no more slackness found in him and Ganymedes, than was in jupiter, for they were sure that they should be met withal, and assailed of their enemies again. They doubted and arrayed them the best wise they could, and about the Sun rising they trained and went unto the host of jupiter, encouraging each other, to smite and fight, and assail their mortal enemies hardily, for to avenge the blood of their fellows, that were dead in the battle the day before.  
For to make short: then the Troyans' were sore inflamed with appetite of vengeance, and were the first in the field, wherefore they had great joy in their hearts, & made a right great cry. But this joy was anon abated unto them: for suddenly as jupiter & the Centaurs heard their cry, they took the banner with the Eagle of gold, their spears and their shields, and with a joyous sound of trumpet's clarions and tabours, pricked forth their horses which ran swiftly through the air, and running as they that held not of heaven ne of earth, upon their enemies they began to fight. Certes, when the Trojans saw the Centaurs mounted on horseback, running as the wind, they were so amazed and afraid, that they had wéened, never to have seen light day. Nevertheless they took courage and abode them, and the Centaurs fought so mightily among them, that each one of them bare to the earth a Trojan with the point of his spear. And among other, Ganymedes was borne down to the earth among them: and some were hurt and some relieved after hurting, and some without hurt. When Ganymedes felt himself among the horseféetes, he was in his heart terrible angry, and said that he would be shortly avenged. Anon he arose suddenly and took his sword, and seeing the Centaur that had smitten him down, doing marvelous feats of arms among a great many of his folk, that mightily withstood his unmeasurable strokes, he gave unto him so great a stroke, as he was leaning on the right side to have smitten a Trojan, that he gave him a great wound, by which he was so astonied that he drove him down of his horse, and he himself leapt up into the saddle. This Centaur was named Aeson, and was young, and was afterward father of jason that conquered the golden fleece. When he had received the stroke that Ganymedes had given him, he made a cry so great, that ten Centaurs came running, and defended him from the press. And casting down one another, they beat the Trojans, and cast them down and sparkeled their blood that all the place was died red: and as they found Aeson and Ganymedes the one nigh the other, and beholding Ganymedes that he practised to manage and govern his horse: and seeing their fellow put down from his horse, they were passingly surprised with great ire, and by mortal hate, they pursued Ganymedes unto death. The Trojans approached: they being there fought manly against the Centaurs. And the Centaurs casting and smiting on Ganymedes: the Trojans did their utmost to defend him, and put themselves in jeopardy of death for him. For many of them were slain and sore hurt.  
These Centaurs were strong, huge, great and loathly: the Trojans had more courage than strength of body. In this place Ganymedes showed enough of prowess, and of valour and well defended him a while: but in the end Fortune was to him adverse, in such wise, that after he had suffered many assaults: and that he had seen put and cast to ground, more than a thousand Troyans, he beheld on the otherside, and saw Saturn retire in plain discomfiture. After he saw that his Troyans let them to be driven back, and to be put to death, without turning or fight again, and that all brake, and turned their back: also he saw them that were about him, gave it up and fled: and then knowing in this discomfiture that he had no remedy nor recoverance, and that he alone might not bear nor abide the battle, he put himself to flight, and fled after the other, and sustained as he might, the pursuit that the Centauris made upon his men, and in the end he guided them unto the port where the shipping was.  
Saturn then all despaired entered into his ship, with great loss of Trojans, and Ganymedes entered into an other, right angry and so displeasant that I cannot rehearse. At the entry of the ships, one party of the Trojans that were left were perished in the sea, another party perished by the sword, and the other took shipping. jupiter and Ixion thanked their gods greatly of this victory, and concluded together, that they would yet pursue their enemies by the sea, for as much as they were yet great in number. And Ixion said, that it was expedient to bring them to utter destruction for as much as they had fortune with them, and to the end that they should never rather force more against them jupiter yielded this pursuit, greatly gree●ed, for to him seemed that he had tarried too long, and yet should tarry more if he entered into the sea, that he might not be with Danae, at the day that he had promised her. This notwithstanding, hoping always to excuse him unto her, he made him ready hastily to go to the pursuit of his enemies, and sent for his mariners, and after went into a temple that was thereby dedicated unto the god Mars.   

CHAP. XXVI. ¶ How jupiter, after he had sacrificed the Eagle, pursued the Trojans: and of the strong battle that he had against Ganymedes.  
IVpiter was not so soon in the Temple, but the Eagle entered also, an set him on the altar. When jupiter saw that, after many thoughts he took the Eagle, and made Sacrifice: and anon after came tidings that his mariners were ready. So he went out of the temple, and recommended him unto Mars, and came to his mariners that had made all things ready, and went to sea accompanied with the Centaurs, and two thousand of his men of Crete, and sailed after his enemies, as he desired: For the Trojans fled apace, and made all the sail they could. In these two days jupiter oftentimes wished him with his fair Danae, and thought that his long tarrying would be irksome unto her.  
When that the two days were passed, the day following at three of the clock, they of Crete and they of Troy began to meet together upon the sea. They of Troy were in great sorrow and they of Crete in great joy. At this time Saturn was not with the Trojans, as he that durst not return with them for his shame that was befallen, and was all discomfit in himself and in despair: and passed by the waves of the sea, drawing into the East. When Ganymedes had espied the ships of Crete from far, he supposed first, that it had been Saturn, and tarried a while at ancre, but in process of time, when Ganymedes saw the ships coming by great force near, and saw the banner of the king jupiter appear, by which he understood verily that it was jupiter and his enemies, and not Saturn that he abode for.  
Then was Ganymedes sore troubled, and called his companies, and showed them the banner with the golden Eagle, and asked them what was best to do? They answered to him and said: that Saturn had abandoned them and given over, and that they ought not to abide and tarry, but only every man to save himself. Ganymedes would fain have abidden the battle, for to prove if they were as fortunate, and happy on the sea as they were on land: but when he knew the mind of the Trojans, that desired nothing but rest, he made to weigh up anchors, and sail forth, fleeing and withdrawing from them of Crete, as much as in them was possible. jupiter and his Centaurs then seeing the Trojans lying at ancre, began to furnish and fit them with their harness: and when they saw their enemies take up their anchors, they began to shout and follow. The pursuit was strong, and dure● three days and three nights: and in the morning of the fourth day Ganymedes and his company espying land (and that was Troy that they saw) they drew to the port with great joy, but that soon was entremedled with sorrow. For when they had taken land, they beheld and saw that their enemies followed them, and came to the port all provided and ready to battle. This shame and loss smote unto the heart of Ganymedes, in such fashion, that he cried and said in this wise unto his men.  
My brethren, and my fellows, fortune hath done to us a grace by which we be brought and conducted hither, but this grace is to us little profit as we may plainly conceive. Lo hear is the King jupiter, which hath done to us great shame, for to chase us into our own territory: and what shame will it be to him that will now fly? and more over, who is he that now will not hold the bridle by the teeth? now behoveth not to fly, but now it behoveth for to fight. It is meet and necessary for to revenge his losses and his blood, and for to recover worship. We be in our own country, if we revenge us not, we shall come into perpetual dishonour. Of succour we cannot fail: for now the Trojans be upon the walls, and go upon the high Edifices of the City, that behold our landing. And some there be that make them ready to welcome us. And who that now is not well courageous, never far he well: let every man enforce the virtue of his strength. For as for me, for to be hewn in pieces, I will no more flee: I pray you that ye take courage and abide with me.  
Two things happened whiles he spoke and uttered these speeches unto his people, the Trojans were advertised of the coming of their men, and of the following and landing of their adversaries, and they disposed them to resist and withstand them. And jupiter and his men approached the port, and with that Ganymedes left warning his fellows, and ran unto the port, holding in his hand a strong spear, his company took example by his right high courage, and followed him. Then began both the parties to make their cries, that went up into the air. jupiter and his Centaurs enforced them to take land. Ganymedes and the Trojans enforced them to defend and to put them from the land. Great and sore strokes were given: many of them were perished in the sea. And many there were that their blood was shed on the land. But jupiter that had no fellow in the place, got land in a little space, and sustained the fierceness of the skirmish, by help of some of the Centaurs, so that he made Ganymedes to retire back to his fellows, and so exploited by the hewing of his sharp sword, that he made all his men to take land, and had lightly put Ganymedes and his men to the foil, if out of Troy had not come the king Troos and Ilium, with a great multitude of people, that ran unto the rescue and help of the hardy and valiant Ganymedes, who for to save his men, offered and put his body to incredible travel and labour.  
The King Troos and Ilium, then made a sally out of Troy, in right fair order, and exposed them to bear a part in the travail of their blood. jupiter with Ixion and the Centaurs, left then them that he esteemed vanquished and overcome, and directed their forces against king Troos and Ilium, and them that followed them, notwithstanding, that they had been feebled by the air, and being on the sea, which did them little good. The Centaurs were great and huge, and strong as elephants, hardy as lions, and eager as Tigers. At this time the weather was fair and clear, the sun shone fair, when they began to skirmish: it was a fair thing to see the bicker, and a great noise to hear the cries: there was many a spear broken, and many an arrow shot, and many a staff and guisarme shivered, helms inogh frushed, and many skins of Lions, Bears, & Horses, smitten and torn in pieces. Troos and Ilium were right asper and fierce in the rescue of Ganymedes. jupiter and Ixion, were valiant and desirous to get honour, and so fought and laid on the Trojans, on the right side, and on the left side, that before them was no resistance, nor order holden, etc.  
The Banner of the Eagle of Gold was always in the most strength of the battle. The King Troos that had never seen Banner used in battle, was greatly amaruayled what it should signify, and oft times did what he could to fight against them that held it, and would feign have put it down, and smitten it into pieces, but always he found there so great strokes, and so well laid on, that he was feign to go as far back as he came nigh. He was valiant of his body, and well knew the Art of war. jupiter approved him many times and often, and fought with him in many places, and noted him in his mind for a notable man: there was in him no fear ne dread, nor also in his sons Ilium, and Ganymedes: they yielded unto arms their devoirs. They did worshipfully deal with their bodies, unto their puissance without end. They wrought and fought with their enemies, making their swords red in the blood of the Cretians. They followed with great force, in such wise, that they fought all that day, otherwile afore, and sometime behind. And it was so in the end, that when the sun began to go down, Ganymedes thinking on his great loss, and desiring to recover his worship, took a terrible and mighty axe, and inflamed with right noble courage, fought about the banner of the Eagle of gold, where was the most strength, and smote down on the one side and other, so unmeasurasurably, that his axe changed colour, and he cried with an high voice, Troy, Troy.  
jupiter had always an eye on the banner. When he heard the cry of Ganymedes, and saw his behaviour, he knew him, whereof he had great joy, for he sought no man but him: he gave over the place where he was in, and joyously addressed him unto him and said. O valiant Trojan, thou hast showed thy prowess all the day, and now thou manifestest and showest thyself by great feats of arms, and of great shouts. Thou art only he that I seek among the valiants of Troy: not only that I presume to be more valiant in arms than thou, but for as much as thou art he that hast assailed Crete, and that I have pursued thee hither. Thou hast assailed and fought with me, arm against army, and now let us fight body against body, and he take it that may get it.  
Ganymedes with this word lifted up his axe, and casting his eyes on jupiter, and thinking of that he had heard, made him this answer: Happy and fortunate king of Crete I know now that thou art worthy to have grace of fortune, and that thou art more wise than strong. Thou seest that fortune is with thee, nevertheless now thou informest not thyself above me, I allow and praise thee: in as much as thou dost worship and honour to thine enemy, and dispraisest him not, but imaginest that he hath courage at his heart, know thou that thou dost thyself honour and worship. For, to dispraise and blame another man, no man ought to advance himself. I would that it pleased the gods, that thy father Saturn which is wandering on the sea, were now here, for it is mine intent that by his help we would have reason of thee, and I will come thereto, if it be for me possible, for I should be satisfied for all my hurts and losses, if I might conquer and overcome thee. And without more words, Ganymedes let fly his axe, and smote on jupiter. jupiter covered him with his shield, which was smitten in two pieces by the cutting of the axe, and then jupiter bestirred himself, who all that day had abstained and spared from fight and the feats of arms: and commanded his folk that they should let him alone with Ganymedes, for as much as he was alone. And now he defended himself against the axe of Ganymedes, and be laboured him with his sword, the most best wise that to him was possible.  
Thus began the battle of the two champions of Crede, and of Troy. They were both right expert, to do the feats of arms: their cries were high and fierce: they smote each other fiercely & eagerly: the fire sprang out of their helms, by the might of their strokes. But when fortune was on the part of jupiter, what might Ganymedes do? His strokes were great, and he gave unto Ganymedes many wounds: and indeed took away his axe, by the mean of a great wound that he had in the right arm, & might have put him to death, if he would. But for to make short process: when he had taken his weapon from him, he had pity on him, and saved his life, and caused him to be kept by four Centaurs Anon after it began to wax dark, for the night took from the day his light, wherefore it behoved them to take their rest, and leave off fight. And so the Trojans withdrew them into their City, and they of Crete unto the port of the sea.   

CHAP. XXVII. ¶ How the King Troos, and Ilium his son, made great sorrow for Ganymedes for they witted not where he was become, And how jupiter went to the sea, for to go to Argos  
WHen Troos and Ilium were withdrawn, they abode at the gate unto the time that all the Trojans were come again into the City, as they that knew not where Ganymedes was become, whom they sore desired to have found. All they that were in the battle of the Trojans, were entered, and there was no man that could tell the King Troos, where his son Ganymedes was: or whether he was alive or dead. And when he saw, that he had no more men left in the field, he returned into his Palace sorrowing and greatly vexed: and sent for them that were come again from Crete, and inquired of them of all the tidings, and what they had done with his son. As touching his son they answered: that in the evening he was in the press among his enemies, but they witted not what was become of him. And as touching the tidings of Crete, they told him, how they had sped in their journey against them: and how the Eagle appeared unto jupiter: and how they were overcome by the strength of the centaurs. And how they witted not where Saturn was become.  
These tidings gave unto the king Troos sorrow upon sorrow, and to Ilium also. And the tears fell down from their eyes: and in special Ilium wept sore, bewailing his brother in this manner: Alas my brother, alas Ganymedes, where is become the glory of Troy, by the unfortunate and unhappy Saturn, which hath failed there in thy need. At the least if thou hadst come again, we together would have done our best to have been avenged of this loss. We would have assayed our bodies, by fraternal love, for to have recovered thine honour. How is it, art thou perished by venturing? what hard grief and sorrow is thee befallen? for to say all thy misadventure and mishap is too prejudicial unto the house of Troy. Ilium fair son, answered Troos, for one adversity it behoveth not to be abashed in the war, in any wise, but to have firm courage. War giveth this day victory to one, and on the morn, taketh it away, and giveth it to another, and so putteth each out. A virtuous and a manly man unto his death, ought not to be afraid. If Ganymedes he dead in the battle, or if he be taken, what remedy? it is then expedient, either to avenge his death or to secure him: but our enemies be in little number, we will to morrow fight with them again, and let the gods do their wills of us. And if I fail herein, I shall be quite discouraged.  
Ilium, and the nobles of Troy, comforted them with these words of king Troos, and confirmed his resolution for to go on the morn, to assail their enemies. Whilst these things were in parley in the city, jupiter was in the field, and made great cheer, with Ixion, and the Centaurs: and being set at supper upon the ground, all about a great stone, jupiter sent for to fetch Ganymedes, and made him to sup with them. Ganymedes was sore moved, and had in his heart great trouble: yet he took a short refection with them, for he felt right great ache and smart in his wounds. And there jupiter commamned with him, saying, that he was the valiantest man that ever was seen among the most valiantest of Troy: and for as much as he was in his mercy, and that it was he, that late with his father, descended into Crete, where he had gladly planted his name in worship, if fortune would have suffered him: therefore (said he) I will no more war before Troy: but I will enter again to morn into the Sea, and will go and put in execution, a thing that lieth me now sore at heart: And will well that ye know, that I have intention to go unto the Realm of Argos, unto the Tower of Dardan, for to deliver, according to my promise, out of the same Tower the fair Danae, whom the King Acrisius holdeth fast shut in, without any reason. This conclusion pleased king Ixion, and the Centaurs, for as much as they had heard speak of the Tower of Dardain: and they thought well that the Argiens' might not hold against their strength. When that they had eaten, they entered into their ships, and thought among other things, on the wounds of them that were hurt, and also of Ganymedes. And after they laid them down on the straw to sleep, and about two hours before day they weighed anchor, and departed so secretly, that the Trojans had no knowledge thereof. And on the morrow betimes, when king Troos and Ilium issued out of Troy to battle, they ranged in good order, and found no man to have to do withal, nor they could not see nor perceive their enemies on no coast of the sea, for they had so far sailed from the port, that by that time they were out of sight. Thus they had great sorrow marvelously, and came unto the place where the battle had been, and buried the dead men. But now I will leave speaking of them, and of jupiter, and will turn unto the History of Danae.   

CHAP. XXVIII. ¶ How the king Arcrisus, when he saw his daughter with child, sent her to exile: and put her in a little vessel into the sea, at the adventure of fortune, etc.  
THe noble damosel Danae abode with child of the seed of jupiter, as it is said before. After that jupiter was returned into his country, she abode passing long in hope, that he would come to fetch her by strength of people, and would lead her into his Realm, as he unto her had promised. In this hope she mounted often times into high windows of the tower, and casting her eyes now hither, now thither, upon the mountains, ways and streets, for to aware if he came, or that she might see his men of arms, and his people of war, and without end, she had always her ears open, to hearken if she might hear the Trumpets, Tabours and Clarions. This hope dured long, unto the last day that jupiter had promised: and sore she complained in this time of his abiding, and said unto herself, that he would come. But certes, when evening was come of the day that he had set, and he was not come, nor she heard no tidings of him, when she saw that he came not, and that the fruit of her belly appeared: she went down from the window of the high Tower, and all surprised with despair, to behold her belly, said: poor belly, I may no longer hide thee, I have covered thee unto this time, hoping the coming of jupiter: the day is come and passed that he should have come, and there is no tidings of him. Alas, and hath he also forgotten me? Where art thou jupiter? Art thou dead or alive? If thou be dead, speak to me in spirit, in excusing thee of thy default. Tell me what I shall do with thy seed? And if thou be alive, what right evil adventure holdeth thee? Art thou weary of me? Of Danae? of her that thou enforcedst by raining gold? of her that thou so much desiredst? Alas, thou promisedst me thy love, and gavest it unto me: and I received the gift in good part, and gave unto thee mine heart, in like case, and more than thou weenest. And what shall this be, jupiter, my love and friend? Art thou of the nature of false men, as hypocrites that go about to deceive poor women, and then leave them in dishonour? Alas thou art one verily, thou hast brought me into perpetual shame, and hast abandoned and given me over. O mischievous man, O false liar, be thou cursed with thy riches, and accursed be the hour that ever I saw thee. I am for ever by thee put to shame: and by thee mine end approacheth. I may no longer hide thy works. Where shall my child become? every man shall see and know my trespass. Alas my father shall put me to death, I may not fail of it: and as for death it shall not grieve me, save for the fruit that I bear: yet shall I keep it as well as myself, at all advenure come what may come thereof, etc.  
In these and such like words, Danae passed over this night, without sleeping or rest: from thenchforth she began to be all melancholious, and took this so sore to heart, that she fell into a right grievous malady. When the maidens that nothing knew of this case, saw her so evil disposed, they signified it into the king Acrisius. And then came the king to visit his daughter, and betook her to the cure of his Physicians and cunning men, and demanded of them what malady she had. They answered him in the presence of Danae, that she was great with child, and that in short time she should be delivered. Danae answered, that they failed to say the truth, and that she had never known man: and denied her fact as much as in her was possible, hoping always to live: for she knew well that her father would condemn her to death, if he knew that she were with child. And about this, all the maidens of the house strived with the mistress, saying, that they had well and surely kept the tower, that no man save the king had spoken to her, but if he were come invisible, since that they had received her into their governance. Whereat the king was greatly abashed, and sore wondered.  
When the king heard these words, and saw the state of his daughter, he was sore troubled. For by experience he saw well, and it appeared that Danae was with child: he trusted and believed better the Physicians, than the excusations of the maidens, and of his daughter. And for to know the truth, he sent all the maidens of the place into prison to Argos, and betook Danae in keeping to other women, and commanded them upon pain of death, that they should tell him, if she were or happened to be delivered of child or no. Within a certain time, when Danae saw her in this case, she began to fall into weeping. The king Acrisius, from this day forth, came every day to know how she did. She wept without ceasing: she spoke not but unto her heart: and she bewailed her love, and complained on Fortune sorrowfully. But when she had laboured long in these weepings, and that her fair eyes were made great and red, about fifteen days before the time of her childing, the began to remember the cause why she was put into the Tower. And that the gods had prognosticated, that she should have a son that should be king of Argos. In this remembrance she was comforted a little: and when the time came that nine months was expired, she brought forth a passing fair son, which the Ladies and women received and named him Perseus: And after that signified it unto the king. But at the birth of this child, she excused and put out of blame all the damosels, and said that they were all innocents of her fact.  
Anon then as the king Acrisius knew the verity of his Daughter, and that she had a fair son, he had in his heart more of sorrow then of joy, and condemned her to death indeed, and commanded two of his mariners, that they should take the mother and her child, and put them in a little Boat, them both alone, and that they should carry them far into the high sea, that after should never man see them nor have knowledge of them. The mariners durst not refuse the commandment of the King: but by his commandment, they went unto the Tower Dardan, and took Danae, and her son Perseus, and said unto the damosel all that that they had charge to do, praying her humbly that she would pardon them. And this was about midnight, when Danae understood that she should be cast into the sea, and her son with her. Yet she had hope to escape this peril, by the mean of the fortune of her son. This notwithstanding, the tears ran down from her eyes, and weeping tenderly, she took her leave of the ladies and damosels that had her in keeping: and they let her be carried upon the sea, making complaint & piteous bewailings.  
When the mariners had brought her upon the sea, they left her in a little boat, & put in her lap Perseus her fair son. And as hastily as they might they conducted her into the deep sea without meat or drink, and without stern or governaile, and gave her over to all winds. Then was there many a tear wept among the mariners, and Danae, and Perseus the young child. The mariners bewailed with great compassion that they had to see such a damosel abandoned to peril of death. Danae wept in considering the rigour of her father, and the fault that jupiter had done to her, and also for the peril which she might not resist: and Perseus wept for the blowing of the wind, and for the gross air of the sea, that his tenderness might not well suffer to endure. In this fashion the Matrons returned to Argos, and the right discomforted damosel Danae went forth upon the waves of the sea, at the agreement and will of the winds. The waves were right fearful, and lifted themselves into the air as Mountains, the winds blewe by great storms, the little Boat was borne and cast upon the waves, and oftentimes Danae looked, and supposed to have perished: but she had always hope in Fortune. And so well it happened, that in this adversity and trouble, she was cast into the Sea of Apulia or Naples. And there she was found by adventure of a Fisher, that for pity and charity took her into his Ship, and her son, and brought her on land, forasmuch as he saw it was great need.  
At this time the noble Danae was as a dead body, and half gone: when the mariner had brought her a land, the took a ring of gold that she ware on her finger, and gave it unto the good man, praying him, that he would bring her into some house, where she might warm and cherish her, with her child, for he was nigh dead for cold, and was all in a trance. The mariner took the Gold Ring, and brought the damosel, and the little child into his house, and made them a good fire, and brought them meat and drink. As soon as Perseus felt the air of the fire, his heart came to him again, and he began to laugh on his mother. When she saw that, all her sorrows turned to nought, and she took hope of good fortune. She than made ready and arrayed her son, and her colour came again: & she did eat, and drink. What shall I say? the fisher beheld her, and then seeing in her so much beauty, that the like to her he saw never none, he went unto the court of the king of Naples, and told him his adventure, praising so certainly her beauty, that the King sent hastily for to fetch her. This King was named Pilonus, and was son to the ancient jupiter. And when Danae was come before him, suddenly he waxed amorous of her, and demanded her name, her country, and the cause why she was adventured on the sea. At beginning she excused herself of all these things, unwilling to tell all, and began to weep. When the King saw that, he comforted her and said to her, that he would take her to his wife, for her beauty: and spoke so fair to her, and so graciously, that she told him all her life, how she was daughter of the king Acrisius, and how she was shut in the tower, and how jupiter had deceived her, and how her father had put her in the sea. What shall I say more? when the King Pilonus heard all these fortunes of the damosel, he had pity on her, and wedded her with great honour, and did put to nurse Perseus, and got on her a son, which was named Danaus: but of this matter I will cease, and turn again to the history of jupiter. etc.   

CHAP. XXIX. ¶ How jupiter returning from Troy by sea, encountered the great thief Aegeon, which he fought with, and overcame: and of the tidings that he had of Danae, whereof he was passing sorrowful.  
WHen jupiter was departed from Troy, as afore is said, he made his mariners to sail and row with all diligence, for to withdraw from the port, and for to approach Crete, for he knew well that the time of his promise made to Danae was expired, and that displeased him greatly, that he might not amend it. His mariners did all that they could do by the space of a day natural, but the day being past, there rose a tempest in the sea, so terrible and out of measure, that it bore many ships with their furniture under water, broke their sterns and helms, and drowned all the ships, saving only that ship where jupiter was in: wherefore he wept outrageously. The tempest dured two days and two nights. They saw not that time in the haven, sun nor moon nor stars. jupiter and they that were with him thought never to have died other death, yet they escaped the death, and took land on the third day when the tempest was ceased, not in Crete, nor in the sea of Europe, but in the Ocean so far, that they knew not the language of them that inhabited the port where they came to ancre.  
When jupiter and his people saw the strangeness of the people dwelling in this port, and their manner of doing they knew that they were far from their region, and then was jupiter discomfited, in such wise, that he wished that he had not been there, nor come on the sea, forasmuch as he knew well that he might not accomplish his promise made unto Danae his love. He made many great bewailings touching this matter, and more than I can say: and also complained for his men that he had lost in the storm and tempest, as well as he complained for the default of his promise. But when his companions, that is to wit, Ixion, and the Centaurs, and Ganymedes, had refreshed them, and victualed them, and had well put all things in point, and had taken all things necessary for their ship, they weighed anchor, and departed from the port, & took their way into the East: and so laboured day by day, and month upon month, that they entered into the sea Egee. And they had not long sailed, when Aegeon the great thief and rover, which held at his will all this sea: then they disanchored from the port of the isle of Desert, and accompanied with six galleys, and with a thousand men of arms, came before jupiter, providing them to battle, in purpose to have destroyed them.  
When jupiter and the Centaurs saw the behaviour of the thief, they knew straightway that they might not fail of battle, & saying each to other they would defend themselves unto the death: they had not long held parliament among them, but they furnished them with their arms, and displayed the banner with the Eagle of gold. And in the displaying, they made a great joy, as they had been in paradise. At this time had Ganymedes his wounds healed. When he saw that each man prepared him to fight, saving he, which was prisoner, he came and kneeled down on his knees before jupiter, and required him right humbly, that he would command to deliver him his harness, for to help to maintain his worship, and also to defend his life, promising to do his true devoir. jupiter took up Ganymedes, when he saw him submit himself, and began to set his love on him, in such wise, that it endured unto the death: and that more is, he made that his harness and arms were yielded to him, saying, that from thenceforth they would be brethren and fellows in arms. And Ganymedes answered to him, that he would always abide and dwell his servant.  
During these speeches, Aegeon and his galleys boarded the ship of jupiter: and fought with them hardly. Aegeon was in the front before as captain. jupiter beheld him and knew him by his arms that he bore, and yet that any stroke was smitten, he called to him and said. Thief and rover and pirate, how darest thou pursue to death him that made thee tremble, and fly before him at the battle of Crete, by seeing of his sword died and made red with the blood of the unhappy Tytanoys? Behold and see me, I am jupiter the mortal enemy of all thy lineage. Thou in likewise art my enemy, and now art come to battle against me. It may be well said, that we shall run each upon other, by great force: and that this conflict shall be right damageable for thee or for me, and let the gods do their pleasure.  
When Aegeon understood what jupiter had said to him, and that he was the destroyer of his lineage, he had his heart so incensed with ire and impatience, that he could not answer one word: And grinning with his teeth, he began to smite so hard toward jupiter, that if the stroke of the axe, that he smit had been right, there had never been remedy of his life. But jupiter knew the feats of war, and when he saw the stroke come, he avoided it: and lifted up his sword, and charged it upon Aegeon so surely, that he could not avoid the stroke, which was so forcible, that he was so astonished as it made him fall down upon the planks of the galley. Then made the pirates and thieves a great cry, and fell upon jupiter, and his fellows. Ganymedes held his axe in his hands, and was not then idle: he fought and wrought valiantly, after his power, and so did the Centaurs. The skirmish was great, and many were dead, not of the party, of jupiter, but of the party of the pirates, and then laboured the Centaurs, so that they died their galleys with the blood of their enemies: And that the pirates, albeit they were ten against one, could not, nor might not abide before them. etc.  
Thus began the mortal battle of the pirates, and of the Centaurs, when the one Galley had fought as long as they might, an other came on. This jupiter and Ganymedes had enough to do to fight and they failed not what to do, for the more they smote, the more displeasure had the pirates. Each of their strokes was the death of a pirate. In process of time Aegeon came again into the press dismayed, and fulfilled with impatience, he put himself forth to fight, in the most strength, all desperately, to win all, or to lose all. At this time the battle was so terrible and so deadly, that all the Galleys closed the Ship of jupiter, and smote on it: but this was to their mishap and ilfare, for the most part of them were slain: and then Ganymedes and jupiter entered into the galley of king Aegeon, where he fought so sore, on the one side and the other, for envy who should do best, that of all them that were within, there was not left one man, but he was slain, or cast into the sea, excepting only Aegeon, which jupiter took with his hands, and bound him with an hundred chains of iron, etc.  
With these chains of iron Aegeon had a custom for to bind his prisoners, until the time they had done his will. When the pirates saw the mischief that came upon them, and that their master was overcome and bound with the chains that he was wont to torment the prisoners withal, they intended to save themselves, and withdrew them from the ship of jupiter, saying, that those that they had fought withal, were no men but devils: and that they were unhappy that came unto their hands. jupiter had but one ship, The pirates dispersed abroad one here, another there. And when the Centaurs saw that, they said to jupiter, that it ought to suffice to have this victory over his enemy, and that it was no need to make pursuit after the unhappy thieves. jupiter accorded to the same, and entered again into his ship with Ganymedes and Aegeon, and after made his mariners to take their course again. And always he had in his memory Danae. It needeth not to make long talk of these travels and journeys, and other adventures. He was a year long sailing by the sea: and in the end of the year, he arrived in his Realm, and there found four hundred horses, which they of Crete presented him to his welcome.  
The Queen juno his wife, made great cheer, for she loved him with all her heart, wherefore she feasted him, and them that presented to him the horses. And he put in prison Aegeon, and let Ganymedes go free where he would: they loved then together ever after as two brethren. When jupiter had been there three days, he took four hundred of his men of the most puissant, and made them Gentlemen, and after made them Knights, giving to each of them one of his Horses: and taught them, and informed them the feats of arms, after the discipline of Ixion and the Centaurs. And when they had done this, he assembled a thousand Pietons, or foot men, and two hundred Archers, and with the company of them and of the Centaurs, and of the Knights, he departed from Crete fifteen days after his return: and sent not for Pluto, nor for Neptune, and took his way unto the City of Argos, meaning to have taken away the fair Danae. But he had not far gone, when he encountered and met one of the Citizens of Argos, a gentleman and worshipful, that recounted and told to him all the life of Danae, for as much as he demanded of him tidings. And assured him on his life, that the king Acrisius had set her on the sea, for as much as she had brought forth a little son against his commandment.  
When jupiter heard the case and the misfortune of Danae, he began to sorrow and sigh sore: the sweat came into his face, and tears into his eyes, he called Ganymedes and Ixion, and told them, that his voyage was broken; and that the king Acrisius had cast her into the sea, for whom he made this army. Ganymedes and Ixion comforted him the best wise they could, & brought him again to Crete: he held him there solitarily a while: and lay by his wife juno, and juno and her Aunt Ceres made him good cheer oftentimes. And so oft came Seres, that once she asked the cause of his sorrow. He beheld the beauty of her: & for that she was alone, he used the matter so that he had to do with her, and knew her fleshly, and that she conceived of his seed a daughter: and after he determined in his mind, that he would go into Sicill, and conquer the country, delighting alway to occupy himself in feats of arms: and taking leave of the King Ixion, and of the Centaurs, his shipping was made ready, and he went to the sea, and came into Sicill, and conquered it unto the isle of Lemnos. And when he had so done he went into Italy, and came into the house of King janus, which received him, and made him great cheer, and told him that his father Saturn was come newly for to dwell there by, and that he was singularly loved of all the people, for as much as he taught them to labour the vines and to sow corn.  
All the blood changed in jupiter, when he heard that janus spoke to him of his father Saturn: nevertheless he went for to see him, and saw him, and found his Father making and founding a new City in the place where now stand the Capitol of Room. And in such wise he submitted him to his Father, that Saturn took him to his grace, and made peace with him: and also accorded to him that he should enjoy from thenceforth his realm of Crete. At the accord and making of this peace, were the King janus, and the King evander, and they dwelled the one nigh the other, that is to weet, janus in a City called Laurence, and Evander in a City being nigh the mount Auentin: and so was there the king Italus of Syracuse, that made in this time a new City named Albe, upon the river of Tybre. All these kings made great cheer for the agreement of the father and the son. And thus jupiter abiding there, he acquainted himself with the wife of king evander, named Nicostrate, for as much as she was right expert in the science of necromancy, and in charms and sorceries: And of her he learned this science. jupiter after this, took leave of her, and of his father Saturn, and of his neighbours, and left there Saturn, that was married again unto a woman called Philiris, by whom he had a son called Picus, that was father of king Famus, husband of the queen Fatua, of whom Hercules was amorous (as it shall be said in the second book) and returned into Crete, and there found that his wife was delivered of his son Vulcan, and that his beloved Aunt Seres was delivered of a daughter, named Proserpina. Whereof juno was right evil pleased and content, and complained to jupiter of the dishonour that he had done to her. But jupiter set nought thereby, but laughed, and was more joyous of his daughter then of his son: For his daughter was marvelous fair, and Vulcan his son was foul and crookebacked. Notwithstanding, for to live in peace with juno, he married Seres to another man named Siccam: and gave to them the Realm of Sicill, and the City of Siracuse: and sent them to dwell there with Proserpina. And it was not long after that, but he sent his son Vulcan into the isle of Lemnos, whom he betook to be governed by three men, named Berrotes, Seropes, and Pyragmon: and kept him so well that he came to age, and that he was a man of right noble mind, and learned all sciences, in especial Necromancy, Geomancy, and pyromancy, and made many marvelous things, that be past credit to speak: wherefore I will tarry now of him and of jupiter. And will treat of his son Perseus, for as much of him came Alcumena.   

CHAP. XXX. ¶ How the Queen Medusa came to Athens, to worship in the temple of the goddess Pallas. And how the king Neptunus waxed amorous of her, and how she deceived him.  
IN this time when jupiter dwelled peaceably king of Crete, and that his son Vulcan waxed great, and learned the craft of Necromancy, in the land of Hesperye there passed out of the world a king named Porcus, a man of right great valour, which the Hesperiens called god of the sea of Spain, anciently named Hesperie, as is said. This king left three daughters that had not but one eye, as the Poets say: that is to say, their principal care was for the vanities of the world, and therefore they were called Gorgon's, that is to say, studious or lovers of the earth, for as much as they intended unto vices, that hold of earthly things. Of these daughters, one was named Medusa, the other Euriale, and the third Senno. Medusa, that was the eldest of all the other, succeeded in the Empire and in the Realm. And the Poets say that 〈◊〉 had the head of a Serpent: giving by this to understand, that she was wonderfully wife and subtle. After the death of King Porcus, this Medusa governed mightily her Realm, and maintained pyctes and men of war, and in her beginning she occupied and haunted the sea of Europe at pleasure, and with right great triumph. And landing on a day at the port of Athens, she sent unto king Neptune, to require him that he would grant unto her, that she might enter into his City, for to worship in the temple of the goddess Pallas, which was newly made. Neptune did great honour unto the Messengers of Medusa, and accorded unto her, that she should enter into his City, and into the Temple, upon condition that she should have none with her save her damosels. When Medusa heard the answer of king Neptune, she concluded that she would go into the temple: where of was a great talk. And she was accompanied with many Damosels so richly arrayed, that it was a gallant sight for to see. She entered into the Temple and into the city, and there she turned into stones, not only the men that beheld her, but also the women, and among all other especially a Queen that was named Ida.  
By this it is to be understood, that this Medusa was of so excellent beauty, and was so passing rich, that all they that beheld her, gave themselves over wholly to covet her beauty, and her riches. And therefore write the poets, that they were turned into stones: For, they that dispose themselves and give them to the delights of this world, be likened and compared unto hard stones, whereof may no good come. Thus than Medusa entering into Athens, converted and turned many men into stones: in so much that Neptunus heard these tidings, and desiring to see this Queen, he went into the Temple where she was in contemplation. And he had not long beheld her, when he felt himself so desirous of her, and of her love, that he said to himself, that she should be his wife, and that she should never escape him.  
This Medusa was long space in contemplation, during which Neptune desired her beauty more and more, and his heart gave him, that he should obtain his purpose. And anon after that his heart had thus cheered him, he a little paused, considering the excellency of her grief and thought traversed and arose in his mind, that constrained him to say these words that follow: Alas, in what matter, in what sorrow, and in what right great and inflaming pain be they that be burning in love by long space of time, that I already begin to find me in so many sighs and pains, that I wots not how I may in time come unto this Lady, for to require her to be my wife She is shining in all beauty, and in right abundant riches. This is it that I lack. She beholdeth me otherwhiles in her prayers: it may happen so well, that love may turn her heart, for to make alliance betwixt her and me. And what is this? men say that love hurteth no man, but if it be by his eyes. If the eyes be not made for to see, I will say that my desire shall hap well. Where am I? where I am: put me out. Where is my heart? where is my desire? I know not what I think: my thought may be abused, and my abuse may well be reversed: mine eyes peradventure think they see that they see not. Mine ears imagine to hear, and yet they be deaf. I find myself in a great perplexity and very ataynder: and yet more, in a superfluous error, more than any man may have. For, when I see this Lady more excellent than all other in beauty and riches, reason telleth me, that she is not come hither for me: and when I behold, that she is alone without men in my City, who shall again say my will? I will require her to be my wife, after that she hath done her devotion: and if she accord to my request, my labour shall do well. And if she gainsay, and withstand it, than I must use force and authority royal.  
Thus, when Neptune came to this conclusion, Medus● arose from her contemplation, and looked right fair. Neptune went to her, and did her reverence, and after prayed her, that she would go to his royal palace for to refresh her. Medusa thanked him of his courtesy, and said, that she might not well tarry there at that time. When Neptune understood that she was to return, without staying longer in his house nor in his City: he was sore displeased in his heart, yet he held her in parley, and drew her a part, and said unto her (changing colour) Madam, I am sorry that ye refuse to take harbour in my house. I am king of this City, the gods have not given to me so great hap, that I have yet any wife, any Lady or damosel: it is so now happened, that the gods and fortune have inspired you to come hither. Certes, it is so that your right high beauty hath prepared the eye of my heart, and hath made me so desirous of you, that I give unto you heart, body, and goods, and all that a lover may give unto his love and Lady, or any king may give. Wherefore I pray you, that ye will go unto my palace, to the end that I may have communication more secretly there, and tell you of the right great love that I have to you.  
Anon, as Medusa understood the requests of the king, she began to frown, and not willing to be otherwise entreated, she answered to him. Sir king, if it were so that mine heart desired acquaintance and communication with one man more than with another, in truth, if I so found me disposed, I would hold myself right happy, finding myself in the grace of your eyes: but the matter goeth with me far otherwise, I love men, as much one as another. I have a purpose to abide and continue in my virginity. Ye be a king: you have given to me safe conduct for to perform my pilgrimage. I desire you that ye hold you content, and that ye bear yourself in such wise, as if ye had never seen me. Madam (said Neptune) how shall I do that ye say, when my heart is all given unto you? Sir (answered Medusa) it behoveth first to know, and after that to love. I have told you here that I have a purpose to abide a virgin, what may it profit you to say, that ye have given me your heart? these be but lost words. Dame (said Neptune) the Diamond shineth, not till it be polished: ye were never peradventure desired nor requested of love before now: wherefore ye have no more love to one man then to another. Therefore ye must understand, that acquaintance breedeth love: and if ye will come and abide with me, I make no doubts but that your mind will change, and that ye will make a league with me. Sir (answered Medusa) my will is unchangeable. Notwithstanding (said Neptune) it must change, be not abashed. Sir (answered Medusa) I see nothing that giveth me cause of abashment: for I feel my heart firm and stable in his operations. Ye be a King, and have given me safe conduct, for to finish my devotion at the Temple of the goddess of your City. Reason and honour should govern your courage. Dame (said Neptune) if your beauty surmounted not the beauty of other women, I would consent anon to your return: But when I conceive in my mind you form in so high a degree of nature, that nothing lacketh in you. And further, when I see that the great goddess Pallas hath inspired you to come to this my City, reason may have no place: howsoever it be by love or by force, ye shall be my wife: for I had liefer die, and run into all the dishonours of the world, then for to fail to have your love.  
When Medusa that was wise had understood the words of Neptune, and saw well that he was courageously inflamed with her amorous desire, and that she might not escape his power, for her beauty, unless it were by an adventure: then she changed her hair into colours: that is to say, that where force reigned, she wrought by subtlety, and said unto the King. Sir, I know that ye be a great and puissant Lord, and that love hath moved you by force to take me to your wife. Since your pleasure is such, I am content to do all what shall please you in such wise as ye have demanded, and that this same day be made the marriage between you and me: but, the more solemnly to hallow the feast of our wedding, I require you of two things: First, that I may return unto the port, to my people, for to array and dress me with my costly jewels, for I may not employ them to more great glory then to use this day of my marriage: And secondly, that ye will cause to array and address the ladies of this city, for to receive me as it appertaineth: for I will that ye well know, that in all the remnant of ladies of the world, ye shall not find any that have more movable goods nor riches than I have.  
Neptune was then as one all ravished in joy, when he heard this answer of Medusa: he thanked her for her sweet words, and agreed to her, to do in such wise as she had devised. And anon he sent again this Medusa unto the galleys, hoping that she would return again to be his wife: but when she, by the subtlety of her wit, was delivered again at the port where Neptune had nothing to do: in stead for to return to the city, she caused to weigh anchors of all her ships, and hoist sail, and in all haste withdrew them from the port: and in stead to array her investments nuptial, she took her arms, and made all her men to arm them. And thus she escaped from Neptune, who was in great sorrow marvelously, and in great anger said, that she had the head of a serpent, and that her hairs were turned into colours, to the end to hide more graciously the malice of her heart: he repeated the manner how she had deceived and beguiled him, etc.  
Thus then escaped Medusa the hands of Neptune, by the mean of her head serpentine: & Neptune abode converted and turned into a stone: that is to say, having his mind set on earthly affections, and on the riches of Medusa, and went not after her, for as much as her power of men, surmounted much all the power of Athens. Of this thing ran the renown through all Greece. And the beauty of Medusa was so commended, that from those parts, went every day many knights to see her, and many of them were turned into stones, and many lost their treasures: innumemerable enforcing themselves by arms to conquer this Lady, who withstood always their assaults and endeavours, and always abode conqueror of them.  
Medusa set nought by King nor Prince that would have her to wife. She was all set to get and gather the treasures of the world. Whereas her father had been very covetous, yet was she more covetous, and coming again from Athens into her own Realm, after she had brought under subjection the Greeks' that rebelled against her, as is said, she was so plunged in the deep swallow of covetousness and avarice, that she made war against all her neighbours, and conquered them, constraining them to pay her yearly large tributes. Whereby her estate and name arose, and was so great, that the fame thereof ran into many far regions: and among other in the City of Naples, where reigned the king Pilonus, as afore is said.  
In the time that the renown of Medusa was in this credit, Perseus' son of Danae and jupiter was in the valour and prime of his strength: and he daily required his mother and the king, that they would give him leave to seek his adventure. When then Pilonus heard speak of the mightiness of Medusa, of her rapines, and of her avarice, he thought that his son in law should do a virtuous work, if he might correct her: so he told to Perseus that he would send him thither. Perseus' thanked him, and said, he would employ thereto all his puissance. Then the king Pilonus sent for men of Arms, and made ready thirty Galleys for the army of Perseus, and dubbed him knight, for the order of chivalry began that time to be used in all the world. And it was decreed that that same day Perseus should go to the sea.  
And when the king had accomplished all the ceremony to the case required in the paynim wise, Perseus took leave of the King Pilonus, and of his mother Danae, and of the damosels, and right joyously entered into his Galley: afterward they weighed anchors, and departed from the port of Naples, with a great noise of Tabors and Trumpets, and with banner displayed, and sailed into the deep sea. It was a good and fair sight to see his departing. There was many a tear wept: every body loves Perseus, for so much as he was humble and courteous. The Apuliens departed never as long as they might see him: and then after they returned home, praying unto the gods, that good and right happy might be the fortune of Perseus. And the noble knight went by the sea, and the coasts at all adventure. What shall I say? he so hasted on his way that he came to Africa, that was named Libie at that time, and there would have refreshed him at a port, beside the straight of Gybaltar where as was King Athlas, the great Astrologyen. But this King put him from landing at this port, and came in arms against him, and showed by sign a far off, that he would keep his country with his sword. Then Perseus, which would not there employ his army, withdrew him from the port meaning to avenge him an other time, of that hard usage, if fortune would help him. He passed the straight, and sought so long the Realm of Medusa, that anon after he found it, and had tidings by certain merchants that he found travailing on the Sea, who told him that she and her sisters sojourned in a city which stood on the sea coast  
Great was the joy of Perseus, when he understood these tidings: his folk had great need of victual wherefore he called them all and bad that they should make them ready and arm them, for they were nigh the place that they sought: and then, as they sailed away forth, about three hours before the evening they saw the city where Medusa was in, and moreover they saw Medusa and her sisters with a great number of men of war that were trained on the port, so richly arrayed and furnished so that it was marvel to see. When Perseus saw this, he divided his army in three equal battles, each of ten galley, and ordained and put in captains of war: and wisely informed them how they should come nigh and approach the port. And after he put himself in the first battle: and the poets say, that the goddess Pallas gave to him then a shield of crystal: that is to understand, that he approached right wisely the port that was upon the great sea of Spain, and that he conducted himself by such prudence which is likened to crystal, that he came and fought hand to hand against the puissance of Medusa: & that by the shining of the right clear shield of his prudence, in receiving & giving infinite strokes, he got land, and constrained Medusa to return to her city, by force of arms, and by prowess and with a good ordering and fight of his soldiers. At that time the head serpentlike of Medusa might not withstand his first fortunes: for she that was accustomed to put under foot, and overcome all them that exposed them in arms against her, at this time was put to the same extremity, that she had put other to.   

CHAP. XXXI. ¶ How Perseus vanquished in battle the Queen Medusa: and how she fled into her City.  
Such was the beginning of the war that was between Perseus and Medusa, where the Gorgon's so fortunate (which Medusa had cherished right dearly) fell down from the wheel of Fortune, which wheel had consented that the prudence of Perseus should be cause of their downefal, and humbling. This notwithstanding, Medusa took courage in herself, and re-entered into her City, and gave charge to one of her men, to go unto her enemies, and to inquire of them, who was chief and captain of them, and what thing he sought in her Country? The Hesperiens, at commandment of Medusa departed from the City, and came to the host of the Apuliens, that were busy for to lodge them that night: and he hasted so much that he came to Perseus, who took his refection upon a table that he had made of a great stone of Marble, and said to him in this wise: Sir, the conqueress of men hath sent me to thee, for to inquire what thing thou wilt do in her country, to the end that she may know what she hath to do? Messenger (answered Perseus) I have a purpose to enfranchise and make free all men from the servitude that thy mistress holdeth them in: and to make her that hath but one eye, that she convert and turn men no more into stones, and that her riches shall be no more the causes of the loss and perdition of knights which would have her in marriage. For, against her malice of the serpent, I will be armed with prudence, and will well that she know, to morrow, without longer delay, I will give assault unto the City, in case she come not against me in battle,  
With this answer, the Hesperien returned unto Medusa, and recounted unto her all that he had heard. Medusa assembled then all her men of war, and said to them: it is no marvel though I have mine heart sore troubled, when after that I have vanquished great companies of men of arms, I see that shamefully we be driven back, and withdrawn into this City by the prowess of an handful of men. O what grief is this to them that have been accustomed to overcome, and to triumph in all manner of wars? Where be the high enterprises, by which we made all the Western Seas to fear and dread? Where be the swords that have been yielded to us, by the kings our tributaries? Where be the armies and strengths that have made to tremble the mountains, and Rocks of Libya? Where be they that this day have taken fear for prowess, dread for hardiness, dishonour for honour? At least since this thing is so handled, it behoveth to deal the best wise we may: but now it behoveth also, that every man encourage and show himself valiant, and that to morrow it be recovered, that by us this day is lost. The enemies of the City have done us to understand and know, that to morrow they will give us assault, if we furnish not them with battle. And for as much also as they be travailed on the air of the Sea, it is much better that we furnish them with battle at this time, then that we should abide longer. Our enemies be strangers, here lieth our triumph or ever mortal misadventure. If we overcome them, it shall be a memory for us far and nigh in all honour. If the case go contrary, we shall run with the loss of our lives into derision, and mockery of all people. And what is this, shall the blood be spread abroad of them, that have made the ground red with the blood of other? Shall the honour be wasted and lost, and also the name that we have gotten with so great labour? All the world take to them courage and hope: these two things be as needful in war, as the arms, and without them shall never man attain to the crown of victory. Ah then take heart to you, and make ready your harness and arms: to morrow must be the day that ye must needs make to shine your deeds the best wise ye may, and that for to keep your renowmes, and your titles of honourable prowess.  
Dame (answered one of the Captains) it is great pity, that ye were not a man, for if it had been so, it is apparent that ye would have conquered and put under all the monarchy of men. As ye say, we must needs keep our renown, if fortune hath been to us this day froward, to morrow she shall turn to profit. The wounds and hurts that be made in our worships and blood, we must bear it, and take it in good part. And our prowess and honour shall to morrow put from us all notes and shame, we will so behave ourselves. Can ye not rise so early, that we might be on the front of them well arrayed, and proved for to fight for the prosperity of your land? we will do your request. When Medusa heard the good will of her captain, to whom consented all the other, she was right joyous, and concluded with them, that she with all her puissance would beset and assail their enemies at midnight, in hope to come upon them unwares. This conclusion was thought good unto all: and each man withdrew for to take their rest, and for to make ready his harness. Medusa slept not much this night, as she that had the heart always great, and sore charged with greedy desire of vengeance: and at midnight, than she sounded to arms, and made them to be ready and furnished. She took her banners that were right rich, and her men were diligent enough to arm them, for in that art they were well instructed. And when they were ready and assembled before the Palace royal, Medusa and her Sisters issued out of the gate, in rich estate, and giving good morrow to her folk, with as little noise as she could, she divided them into two companies, whereof she made one company to departed by one of the gates of the City, and she herself conducted the other by the gate that was against the port or haven. etc.  
At this time the air was pure and clear, and the stars twinkled: and anon the Moon shone, and put away the darkness of the night according to her celestial office. When Medusa was in the field, she went along by the sea shore, and supposed to have taken Perseus and his folk, but she failed: for as soon as she issued out of her City, it was perceived of the watchmen of the host of Perseus, and they signified their coming, to Perseus and his men, that slept in their harness. And thus, when she approached unto her enemies, and had supposed to have distressed them, she found them ready furnished and trained in good order of battle, wherewith there arose a right great cry of both parties, and with this cry there grew a great skirmish, so eager and fierce, that it was need unto all, to put forth their prowesses and their strengths. There was many a man cast down dead upon the sand. There many a sword died red with blood. Then began the second battle of Medusa, making a great noise in joining of the battle, and then had they of Naples a strong party for to master, etc.  
In this tempest Perseus gave himself to no rest: he had always his eyes open, his ears bend to hear, his arms ready to smite: he was quick in his green youth, his sword flashed and cut desperately: he smote no man nor shield, but he all to broke it, and slew all down right. Medusa, that always put her in the most strength and affairs, and most press, by mighty great courage for to entertain and to hold together her men: seeing often times the practices, and the noble feats of arms of her enemy Perseus, had great sorrow, for with his only valour, he held the Apuliens in estate and ray, and there was none that might resist his strength, or at least, that had might to resist him. This thing turned to great displeasure unto Medusa, yet she corrected this displeasure, and used her prowess the best wise she might. She did great hurt to her enemies, and smote down here and there so valiantly, that she seemed much better to be a man then a woman: and better became her to brandish a sword, then to spin or turn a spindle.   

CHAP. XXXII. ¶ How Perseus in this battle, slew the mighty sister of Medusa, and vanquished her in the battle.  
THis skirmish than dured long, with great beating down of men of arms and knights: the envy that Medusa had at the well doing of Perseus, gave to her arms more force & strength, than nature had given her. She was full of malice, and yet she could keep her well from the sword of Perseus. And always she was environed with the best men she had. What should I make long talk: they fought in this fashion unto the day, before that any witted to whom he should ascribe the victory: but even as the sun began to spread and show his beams and rays: in semplable wise, Perseus began to show the rays of his prudence, & brandished his sword. And seeing on the one side the banner royal, he thronged into the press, and drew to that part, casting men down dead on the sands, more than an hundred. This banner was square four foot, made of crimson satin: and in the mids was an image painted, whereof the body was a figure and fashion of a woman, and the head was of a serpent.  
Medusa was never far from this banner, for she drew her always thither for rescue. When Perseus was come thither, with a great company of his folk, he cried Perseus, Perseus. And lifting his sword that was tempered with blood from one end to the other, it happened that the first stroke that he gave in this place, fell upon one of the sisters of Medusa, so terribly, that she fell down dead, with a great wound beginning on her head, and going down to her stomach. Then they of Naples smote on the Hesperiens with all their force. Then smote Perseus endlong and overthwart, on the right side, and on the left side: his strokes were so mortal, that they afraid not only the most feeble of his enemies, but all the most strongest, and also the most courageous Medusa.  
Great was the slaughter: and being at that point, Medusa enforced her power to withstand the great force of Perseus. This notwithstang, she that afore times had overcome many men, was then overcome: and having late the greatest courage, and the heart more fierce than any man, she was vanquished with despair, by the only chivalrous dealing of Perseus, that had broken her banner, that had smitten her men in pieces, partly slain with his sword, & partly fled. And he had not only made red his sword and right hand with her blood, but the sea by small gutters was made red with warm blood: through which Medusa lost her ferocity, all her presumption, all her strength, and all her vigour: so evil went the game on her side, that when she had seen her banner destroyed, when she had seen the most victorious of her knights confounded by sight, and when she saw her men of arms leave the battle, and fly before Perseus, as before the image of death. Finally, she saw all her puissance turn into destruction general, whereof the end was, that each man gave it over, and every man that might save himself, saved him by caves, and bushes, here one, and there another, so sore afraid, that it was a piteous thing to hear their cries: and many saved them in the City, and many were slain in the flying, by Perseus and his men.   

CHAP. XXXIII. ¶ How Perseus conquered Medusa, and her City, and smote off her head. And how he went to fight against the king Athlas of Septe, a mighty and puissant Giant.  
Perseus' at this discomfiture pursued Medusa, flying into her City, and entered in with her, and the most part of his people with him, that failed him never to put to death all the men defensible that they found, to the end that no insurrection should be against them: but they spared the blood of women, and little children, by the commandment of Perseus. And among the other, as Perseus found Medusa that was hid in a Cistern, he had pity of her: howbeit he smote off her head. And of the blood that issued out, there engendered Pegasus the flying horse. By the head that Perseus smote off from Medusa, is understood, that he took from her her Realm, and deprived her of it, and banished her poor and naked. And by the flying horse that was engendered of the blood issued from her head, is understood, that of her riches issuing of that Realm, he founded and made a ship named Pegase: that is as much to say, as good renown: and this ship was likened unto an horse flying, forasmuch as the good renown of Perseus was then borne from region to region, in such wise, as upon an horse flying. And forasmuch as Perseus went in this ship, into diverse Countries, where he gate him a great name.  
By this fashion Perseus conquered the head of Medusa, and did make Pegase, the most swift ship that was in all the world, and abode there a certain number of days, seeking the treasures of Medusa, and the riches on which she and her sister had set their delights, and their hearts.  
There found Perseus' stones precious, and things marvelous. When his ship was made, he filled it with precious ornaments and jewels, and leaving in this City men for to govern and guide it, he went to the Sea, and took for his arms the arms of Medusa, and rested not till he came to the port of the City, where reigned Athlas, saying that he would put him under and subdue him, before he returned into his Country.  
This City had to name Septe. Athlas knew well the arms of Medusa, and from as far as he saw Pegase the ship, he knew the arms that were therein: then he thought that Medusa had been vanquished of these strangers, and doubted sore their coming. This notwithstanding, he did put his men in arms, and be wailed much Philotes his brother, otherwise named Hesperus, he that kept the garden with Apples of gold, with his daughters. When his folk were armed, he trained them upon the port in good order: and anon after came to the port, and there he was assaulted with diverse and sharp conflicts. Athlas was young, strong of body, and puissant of people: he defended him valiantly, and kept the port with the point of his sword, so well, that by his assault, Perseus conquered nothing on him in two days that the assault endured: but that was more by the strong nature of the port, then by the strength of the sword of the king Athlas.  
Then when Perseus saw that he had not folk enough for to take this port, he withdrew him into the deep sea, and sent into Naples, unto the king Pilonus, half the treasures of Medusa, signifying to him his high adventure, and requiring him, that he would send him a thousand soldiers. The king and Danae had great joy of these tidings: and at the request of Perseus, assembled fifteen hundred fight men, which they sent into Libie, with his own son Danaus, whom they ordained chief and captain of the army. When Perseus saw come these fifteen hundred fight men, from as far as he had spied them in the sea, he know that it was flying succours that came to him, and took his flying horse, and went to meet them, and found there Danaus his brother, to whom he made the most great cheer of the world, and entered into his ship, and there abode all that day feasting him. And after when it came to be night, he commanded his mariners, that they should row and sail toward Septe. And they said to him, that on the morrow they would deliver him at the port. With that the Mariners laboured to do their best cunning: so that after the night was past, about the Sun rising they showed to Perseus the haven and port of Septe.  
Then was Perseus full of great gladness, and called Danaus, and said to him: my brother, we be now come to the port, where thou shalt get this day honour and worship, if it please the gods: for if the good adventure help us, the honour shall appertain unto thee before me, that durst not enterprise this alone by my puissance. Oh then, in the name of all our gods, let us employ here the head of Medusa: for my mind giveth me advise at this time, that she shall turn into stones all them of this Region: that is to understand, that by thee and thy men, that by the mean of the riches of Medusa be come hither, they of this City standing before us, will be constrained to abandon and give over their port, and fly between the walls of stones of their City. My brother (answered Danaus) I have good day and trust in fortune, that she will be thy helper: but for the honour and worship of this 〈◊〉 it shall not turn to my profit, but unto thine that af●●● 〈◊〉 our of so honourable a work: and I desire nothing in this part, but the name of a soldier: for as thy soldier, moved only by the love of our fraternity, I come for to serve thee. And as for the riches of Medusa had they not come into Naples with thy right good fame, these warriors had not come into Libie. Then for conclusion, it is to be said, if in this work be honour, that it must turn unto thy glory and praise: but this notwithstanding, I will not fal●e thee: but for thy love and worship, I will endeavour to the assault all that I may, and will serve and obey thee as my lord, and natural brother. And I pray thee to tub, and make me Knight.  
With this word Perseus drew out his sword, and gave to Danaus' the order of knighthood: and afterward commanded, that each man should furnish him with his armours: and then made to display banners, standers, and pennons, and other cognisances, and ensigns of war. After he did cause to sound his trumpets, clarions and tabours, and then prepared all his galeis, and they set in right fair and good order, and sailed so much that he came to the port, which was all full, and environed with Libiens that were ready to cast on them spears, darts and stones: For they of that country were right expert in the war. And to come a shore at this port there was a right great hurly burly, and a very grievous conflict. Perseus was in Pegase, and assailed the Libiens at one end: and Danaus was in the galley, and assailed them in likewise. And they put them both in the most danger of the assault: they had great shields and large, wherewith they covered them.  
They dreaded no stroke of glaive ne sword, nor of stones: they put themselves into the midst of the port, and there they gave the assault: where many were dead on the one part, and on the other there were plenty of fighters, in such wise that at the entry there were many Apuliens overthrown and put back, for they were then hot and eager: but after this, when they had gotten land, Perseus and Danaus began to smite so unmeasurably upon the Lybiens, that they beat them down without remedy, now here now there, at the right side, and at the left side, all made red with their blood. Also Perseus gave so great a stroke with his sword unto Athlas, that purposed to have come and broken the ranks, that never after Athlas had no hope, nor durst not come among the strokes, albeit that he was great, strong and puissant.  
Too much covetous of victory were Perseus, and Danaus, and they of Naples: the Libiens had not been accustomed to find so fierce and mortal arms, as them of Perseus. The king Athlas witted not what to say: he encouraged his people the best wise he could. This notwithstanding, he saw them beaten down of his enemies without number and without measure, and saw further, that they of Naples won always. And when he had seen all this, and also beheld, that these men had vanquished the Queen Medusa, he judged in himself that he was not puissant enough to resist their strength, and that the hardiness of this battle should be to him more damageous than available: so sounded he the retreat, and fled, not into his city, but into a right high mountain that was thereby: and therefore say the poets, that Athlas by the sight of the head of Medusa, was turned into a Mountain. And from thenceforth was this hill called Athlas, and yet endureth the name unto this day. And for as much as Athlas saved him there among the stones he founded afterward a castele there, where he dwelled until time of Hercules.   

CHAP. XXXIIII. ¶ How Perseus turned the king Athlas into a stone: and how the Queen Auria wife of king Pricus waxed amorous of the Knight Bellerophon that refused her, wherefore after he had much pain.  
WHen Perseus and Danaus, saw Athlas and all his folk put to flight, first he chased them unto the Mountain, where they were turned into stones, dying with their blood the caves, bushes ways & paths. And secondly, when they had put them unto utter foil, as much as they could, they drew to the City, whereof the gates were not shut nor kept with any man: and entering in, they found none but a little number of matrons and young children, which made a terrible great lamentation. All the young men and women were fled unto the fields, and had abandoned the City with their folk and goods. When Perseus and Dardanus were within, and saw that it was abandoned to them and their people, they took all that they found, and passed that night with great joy & gladness, making great cheer, and thanking their gods of their victory that they had given to them. And on the morrow, Perseus made to be beaten down the gates of this City: after he commanded that every man should take his spoil, and when they were laden with all, Perseus and Danaus went to the sea into their galleys, and sailed forth, leaving Athlas in the mountain, where he gave him unto the study of Astronomy.  
In this time jupiter made alliance with king Troos, by the means of Ganymedes: and in sign of love and friendship, he gave unto Ilium a picture of gold, which was set in the palace of Ilium, as it shall be said in the third book. And it was not long after that king Troos came to the course and end of his reign: and his obsequy was hallowed, and kept solemnly at Troy in great abundance of tears. And then Ilium was crowned king of the City, where he lived in ampliation and increasing of his signiory and lordship, and wedded a noble Lady of the city, of whom he received a son named Laomedon. And for as much as I find not that Ilium did any thing after his coronation, nor made other thing, save that he finished and made his palace, I will speak henceforth of Laomedon his son that reigned after him. And here I will leave the noble deeds of this Ili? on: and yet ere I writ of Laomedon, I will pursue my matter of Perseus. And for to come thereto, I will recount an history that fell after that Perseus had turned king Athlas into a mountain.  
In this time then that Perseus began to give his life unto right worthy deeds and works of noble fame: Acrisius Grandfather of this Perseus, and natural father of Danae, was put out of his kingdom and Realm, and all the signory of Argos, by a conspiration that Prycus his brother made against him. And there was left unto Acrisius of all his Realm, no more but only the tower of Dardain, whereto he fled for refuge. This Acrisius and Prycus, were natural sons of Abas, lawful son of Lynceus, that was only left alive, of the fifty sons of Aegisthus, by the mercy of his wife Hypermnestra, daughter of Danaus.  
Pricus then having usurped from his brother Acrisius the signory of the Realm of Argos, had a wife named Aurea, that was so brought up, that of custom she had no delight, but to live in voluptuousness. And on a day she beheld among her servants one so comely a knight, that nature had nothing forgotten in him touching his body: of whom she was enamoured. She was young, and her husband Pricus was ancient in his demeanour & conditions, and much less desired carnal concupiscence than his wife did, though they were both right near one age. This knight thus beloved, had to name Bellerophon. When Aurea had begun to love this knight, she solicited him with her eyes, and with her countenances, drawing him to delight and fleshly lust. But the true knight, that had his heart firm and stable, which perceived well her countenance, dissimuled, and feigned that he was blind in this part. And in the end when the Lady saw that by countenance nor sign amorous that she showed, he employed him not once for to please her, but fled her company: in the most evil wise that she might, she intended to turn her love into hate, and her fair countenances into fierce malice, so envenomed, that for to make him die, she accused him before her husband the king Pricus, saying, that he would have enforced her, wherefore she required justice instantly.  
At this accusation made, Bellerophon was present, and being sore abashed, and astonished at the beginning, but hearing the Lady speak, at length he cleared himself, and excused him, saying: Madam never please it unto the gods, that for to cover mine honour, I do discover the disworship and fault of another. Let never man advance himself by defaming another: This knowing, I will say the truth, and if there be any man that may worthily prove this against me, and overcome me, no blessing to my heart. I will stand to the judgement of all noble men that have known my behaviour. Alas lady, from whence is come this abusion, for to charge me that I should have willed to enforce you? when or in what place was it done, or where be the witnesses of the cry that ye made at the affray? where be the proves that shall say that ever in my life I was with you alone? It giveth me marvel from what heart departed this dishonour that ye note in me? and for what cause it is imagined against me? for I will well that all the world know, that I have served you truly and loyally, and that I never thought dishonour unto you nor unto the king, to whom I pray that he will take and make information upon my living, and to understand in like wise yours. And if it can be proved and appear that I have trespassed, that I may be punished: but I pray also, if I be found innocent, that I may have speedy absolution.  
Sir said the Lady, that strongly was obstinate in her error, I make me party against him. If then I accuse him, it is truth, it ought not to demand witnesses of his folly. In this case I am worth two witnesses: for all the world knoweth, that when an ill man will dishonour a woman, he calleth no witnesses nor no proves thereto, but doth his damnable will the most secretly that in him is possible. And so wéened Bellerophon to have done with me, wherefore I require sentence and judgement of him. With these words, Pricus assembled his Council, and it was judged that the lady should be believed, and that Bellerophon should be culpable of death. Then spoke Pricus to Bellerophon and said. Fair son, thou knowest and hast found that I have loved and nourished thee lovingly: thou understandest the accusation of thy Lady, the case is so foul, that it may not be purged by denying. For if it were so, the evil boys and had fellows, would all day dishonour as many of our women as they could find. In this case the Ladies have a prerogative for to be believed, and need not to bring forth witnesses, And forasmuch as thy mistress hath vanquished thee, and required judgement of thy trespass, thou art condemned to die. But forasmuch as before this time I have had great love unto thee, and that I know thee a valiant man of thy body, I will mitigate and attemper this sentence in this wise, that thou shalt go fight against the Chymere of Sicill, and if thou mayst overcome and master her, I give thee thy life, and give thee plain absolution of all, upon condition that never after thou renew nor rehearse this trespass.  
Sir (answered Bellerophon) sith that fortune consents, that I be attainted of any infelicity: and that the privilege of the Ladies take place, and go above reason: I had much liefer to be vanquished by wrong cause and evil, then by just and good cause, and thank you of the moderation of your judgement, and make vow here in your presence, that in all haste I will go into Sicil, to prove me against the Chimere, and will see if fortune will help me to get again the life, which she hath made me lose by your judgement. Then the noble knight departed, and took leave of the king, of the ladies and damosels, took also his armours, and goods, and made covenant and bargained with certain mariners, to bring him to Sicill. When they were agreed, he went to the sea with little company, and was evil at ease at his heart, when he saw that Fortune was to him so contrary: yet he comforted himself in his good quarrel: and sailing on a day on the Sea of Hellesponte, his Mariners looked into the West, and saw come a right great float of Ships of war, which discomforted them so sorrowfully, that it was wonder, and they awoke Bellerophon that at that time slept, and said that they were but dead and cast away.  
Bellerophon comforted his mariners the best wise he could, and told them that discomfort could not help them: and as he was thus speaking, a galley of advantage went out afore his fellows, and flying on the sea like unto a bird addressed her unto the ship, wherein was Bellerophon, and aborded it. And who that will demand what the name was of the galley, and what men were therein: I will say to them, that this was Pegase, and that Perseus was within it. As soon as he might speak to the mariners that carried Bellerophon to Sicyll, he asked and demanded them, what they were, and into what region they would go? When Bellerophon heard Perseus speak, he beheld his behaviour and countenance, and judged in himself that he was of a good house, and said to him: Certes sir I have much great joy, for that I see the ship and mariners be so well addressed, and in so good readiness as yours be, for ye seem well a knight of a noble house, and therefore I tell you my case, after that ye have made your ask. First then, where ye inquired what we be, know ye that in Argos we have taken our birth: And as to the second, I answer you, that we have a purpose to go strait into Sicill, to the which I am constrained by the rigour of a mortal judgement, cast upon me at the instance of a Lady called Aurea, that unjustly and untruly hath complained upon me, saying that I would have enforced her. This Lady that I speak of, is wife to king Prycus, which newly and of late hath banished and exiled his Brother Acrisius out of his Realm, and this King, for to please and satisfy the accusations of his wife, hath condemned me to be put to death, yet for the good and the acceptable service that I have done to him, he hath granted me to live, if so it please the gods, that I may by possibility vanquish and overcome a Chimere that is in Sicill, unto the which I go for to assay me. So I pray you that in our misfortune, we be not let by you, neither by none of your company.  
Valiant knight (answered Perseus) as it is true that the heart of a noble man taketh pity, and compassion in the distress and passion of his equal: the weighing of your case hath pierced mine heart with a charitable mercy and pity, by which ye may surely understand, not to have by us any hindrance during your infortunate life. And for as much as the hearts of them that would be induced at calling to the deeds of Arms, singularly delight them in adventures of great worth and weight to get credit by, I will accompany you, for two causes. The first is, to expose myself to the disputation and destruction of the Chimere, if it happen that you overcome her not, which I suppose ye can not. And the second is, that after the Chimere be vanquished, I may be guided by you unto the Realm of Argos. For from now forth, I will be enemy unto the King Pricus, for the sake of the father of my mother the King Acrisius. And for to let you have more greater knowledge of this matter, I tell you that I am son to Danae: that very same son that was conceived in the tower Dardan, of the seed of jupiter, and that same in person, that king Acrisius made cast into the sea. But this notwithstanding, I shall take no vengeance on his demerits, but for the honour of the blood, and of the womb of whom I am issued, I shall secure and aid him, and pray you that ye will be my fellow and brother in arms, and that ye will come into my Galley, and send home again your mariners into their countries, if it please you.  
When Bellerophon heard the good words and answer of Perseus, he made alliances with him, and entered into his Galley, and gave leave to his mariners, and accompanied with him Perseus and Danaus, that for love of him took their way into Sicil, where they arrived in space of time, and took land: and that same day Bellerophon armed him, desiring to find the Chimer, and took leave of Perseus, in such wise, as he that put him in peril of death. The Ports writ that this Chimere had the head of a Lion, the womb of a goat, and the tail of a serpent, but for truth it was a mountain inhabitable, that had in height above a passing great cave of Lions, and in the middle of the hill it was full of goats, And at the foot beneath, it was environed and set round about with serpents. These lions and serpents were passing damageable, and noyous unto the country about and nigh. When Bellerophon then saw the mountain, he went thither, and Perseus and Danaus followed him. They had not long marched, when they saw and beheld more than a thousand little Serpents with many great Dragons, of whom some came about Bellerophon and cast out their venom, and the other passed forth, and came running upon Perseus and Danaus, which had promised to Bellerophon, that they would there do no deeds nor enterprise of arms, but if it were by constraint, and in defending their bodies.  
Anon as these three valiant knights saw these cursed beasts, they took their swords and smote upon them, and be headed many of them, but with this they had great pain and travail, for these beasts were cruel and full of pride, and hardened them eagerly to them, and if they had not been well provided with habiliments of war, they had there sooner have found death then life. Bellerophon went always afore, and smote down right, and headed, and smote into pieces many. Perseus nor his Brother Danaus fought not, but with the beasts only that came upon them. When Bellerophon had a little ceased the fight and battle against this vermin, and had found it more sharp and more biting, (for the point of his sword was made terribly blunt, with smiting against their hard scales and skins) then there leapt down and out of their holes the goats and the lions, and came down for to assail the the knight, in so great number, that he was all environed with them, etc.  
Some of these beasts escaped from him and came to Perseus, and gave him his hands full to employ his strength and prowess: the Lions leapt about the neck of Bellerophon, sometime in such number, that in no part he might be seen. Yet by his ability he could well save himself, but he had never escaped, there came so much venom upon him there, and beasts, and on Perseus and Danaus, which so fiercely assailed them, and if he had not won a rock, upon which he got up with great pain, and right great sweat of his body. For to go upon this rock, there was but one strait way. Then compassed him the Lions, and with them the other beasts, which stayed on the way of the rock, and at the foot, roaring and making great noise about him, so that Perseus and Danaus had none other hope for the knight, but that it had been his last day: for he had so many beasts about him that it was likely, that the edge and cutting of his sword might not long endure, without it had been worn or broken. Then the Lions when they might not touch his body, boat the stones, and did tear them with their claws, the serpents flew up into the air, and lifted up their bodies upon their tails, and cast fire and smoke out of their throats unto the rock. And the most hardest of the Lions, one after another trained themselves in battle against him, and showed their teeth, receiving his strokes sore set. And they fled not, but abode as beasts familiar and sore covetous of man's blood, in whom reigned exceeding great fierceness, as much as in any wild beast of the world at that time.  
Hard and marvelous was the battle, as Perseus and Danaus beheld, and thought in what fashion they might secure Bellerophon. The noble knight defended him to his power, and seeking how he might save him from this peril, he cast his eyes upon a great stone that hanged over the way of the rock, whereupon he was mounted, and then he thought if he might make that stone to fall down, that he should slay the most part of the beasts. Then he began a little and a little to wag the stone, and to seek the jointures that held it, and so much laboured, that in the end he made it fall upon the lions, serpents, and goats, in such wise as in the falling he made all the rock to tremble, and feared in general these unhappy beasts, so that they were there all bruised, like as the thunder had come upon them, and yet that more is, with the tumbling down, it made the rock that Bellorophon stood on so shake, that he tumbled down thereon, and was so astonished, that he witted not whether it was day or night.  
The stone was great, and brought down many stones with him, Perseus and Danaus thought at the beginning, that all the mountains had tumbled down, and were not well assured in themselves. This notwithstanding, they beheld plainly the end, and seeing after the noise of the tempest, that their fellow lay upright all along upon the rock, they supposed that he had been dead. Then they made great sorrow, and were displeasant, and approached the rock, where they found the beasts lying under the stones dead, and they went upon the mountain, and then knew that Bellerophon was not dead: whereof they recovered great joy, and ceasing their sorrow, they took the knight between their arms, and Perseus demanded him how it stood with him, and how he felt himself.   

CHAP. XXXV. ¶ How Perseus vanquished the monster of the sea, and exposed himself against him for the love of Andromeda. etc.  
Perseus' and Danaus' awaited gladly the answer of Bellorophon, and they held him for the most best accomplished knight that ever they saw. What shall I make long process of this matter? Perseus and Danaus searched this mountain, and went into the caves of the beasts, but they found none. And still sat Bellorophon upon the rock, for he might not go for the hurt and bruising of his foot. And then as the two Knights had fetched a compass and gone about the hill, they returned to Bellorophon, and then Perseus said to him. My brother, O how well art thou worthy to have of me praising and commentation? thou hast this day done a good and holy work, by thy worthy behaviour, thou hast gotten unto thy name the crown of glorious fame. Thou hast passed the straight way and passage of infortune, from whence thou art issued clear as the sun. And not only thou haste laboured for thy weal and utility, but for the weal and profit of this region. For thou hast slain the warders of the serpents and the porters of the Lions that kept this country inhabitable, which shall from henceforward be inhabited and occupied with people. Bellorophon was all abashed when he heard the glory that Perseus gave unto him, by meekness and humility that was in him. And answered, if there be any worship in this work, that it shall turn as well unto them as unto him, and they began to praise each one another, and they eat upon this hill the same night, after they had made sacrifice unto their gods. And thither came all the Apulyens, where they made great cheer. Afterward they took all the skins of the Lions, and the heads of the serpents that were dead, in sign of victory, and laded them in their galleys, and they bore them with them into their galley with Bellorophon which might not go, and finally they went unto the sea, and sailed and rowed toward the port of Athames which was nigh by, but when they thought to have drawn unto this port, suddenly there arose a tempest on the sea so great and hydeous●, that they were constrained to abandon them unto the wind, and passed forth by the haven, and their fortune was such that they were brought into Sirie, upon the sea of Palestine. And they came into the port and haven of joppes, where reigned Amon, and in Palestine reigned Cepheus and Phineus. etc.  
The same time that Perseus arrived there by means of this tempest, the port was full of men and women and children, that it seemed that all the world had been assembled. Perseus came thither alone, for his folk were dispersed upon the sea, some here and some there in the galeis. When the syrians saw him arrive by force of the wind, they assembled in a great number about his flying horse. And the king Amon seeing that it was loaden with the heads of lions, he was sore abashed. And for to know from whence was that galley come, he inquired who was the master? At which inquisition answered Perseus, and demanded of the king courteously, in what Country he was arrived: The King told him that he was in Sirie: and that the Realm appertained to him. When Perseus knew that he spoke to the king: he said. Sir I am descended unto this port by the disposition of fortune, also my men be sore travailed by the tempest of the sea, that hath been long troublous unto them, I require and pray thee that thou be content, that I and they may come a land here for to refresh us. And if it happen in time coming that thou or any of thine have ●éede of like courtesy in Naples, which is the place of our dominion, I promise thee, by the promise and word of a noble man, that the like merit & thank shallbe rendered unto thee. The king answered: noble knight there be so many spies now adays sailing by realms and countries, that a man may not well know to whom he may a●●y and trust. This notwithstanding, I see well by your behaviour, that I trow that ye will not give us to understand any other thing than truth. I abandon to you all my country: and pray you that ye will come and take patience in my house, and furthermore I council you, that ye depayte and come out of your ship: for if ye abide there long ye shall be in great peril, For as much as we know certainly, that into this port will come anon a monster of the sea that shall devour a right fair virgin and maid, which is here by, bound upon a stone, for the crime of her mother, and by my sentence. And if ye tarry here till his coming, it is to doubt, that it shallbe the worse for you. Boccace in the genealogy of the goddess toucheth not otherwise the cause why this maid was thus exposed to the monster. Wherefore I pass it over: and who demandeth the name of this maid, Boccace saith, that she was named Andromeda.  
When Perseus had understood that there was bound this maid, he desired to see her, for the marvelous judgement that was given upon her, and arrayed him with rich vestments and clothes and then issued out of the galley, and took out also Bellerophon which might not yet help himself, and after he went unto Andromeda. There were her parents and cousins in great number, which laboured in sorrow and great plenty of tears. When Perseus saw this maid that was passing fair in her degree, which never saw her like or match, he had pity of her, and said to himself, that if he might he would deliver her from this peril. Then he called her friends, and said unto them in the presence of Amon: I have certainly great pity and compassion of this so fair a damosel: and also am amazed how the gods suffer and endure that she is so fortuned in her tender years. If it so happened that she might have any knight or noble man, that would unbind her, and for charity expose his body against the monster for the love of her, should she be quite? They answered yea: Ah then said Perseus, if I would for her sake adventure myself in this work: and if it so fortuned that I had the grace to overcome and surmount the monster and for to put him to the foil, will ye be content that the maid be my wife? They answered yea, yea. And I promise you, said Perseus, and swear, that she hath found me, a knight that shall put his body and life in jeopardy for her. etc.  
With this word Perseus sent to fetch his arms: and after went to the damosel and unbound her from the stone, and delivered her to her friends and kinsmen. Saint Augustine in the book of the city of God, rehearseth, that yet in the same port is the stone that Andromeda was bound upon, that they of joppes kept for a sign and memory of the victory that Perseus had of the monster. All they that were there, marveled greatly at the enterprise of the knight, and knowing the monster, they judged him to be but dead, allowing his hardiness that to them seemed was too great. One and other spoke of this matter. Perseus' armed him joyously. When he was armed, he came to Andromeda and kiss her, taking leave of her, and said, fair maid, pray ye unto the gods for your champion, that for your love submitteth himself unto the peril of death, to the end that by your only mean I may come unto the enjoying of love, and that we together may be joined in marriage, which I buy at the price of my life. Noble Knight, answered the maid, I am more beholding to you then to all my kinsmen and friends. Know ye, that if my prayers may obtain of the gods, ye shall return safe from this enterprise. Then Perseus went before the stone, and Andromeda kneeled with great humility, with both her knees upon the earth, in calling on her gods to help her champion, and there were many matrons upon the bank of the Sea, that for compassion put them in contemplation, and by this example of them all, the syrians began to pray for the prosperity of the Knight, excepting only the king Phineus, which prayed for his death. And that for this cause, for as much as before the judgement given on Andromeda, he had fianced and betrothed him to her. So had he wished, that the monster had devoured Perseus. to the end that the marriage of him and of her might have been ended. What shall I say more? When Perseus had so put himself forth by the stone, he looked toward the sea, and held in his hand a good and passing strong sword, and he had not long beheld the situation, and taken leisure to see the place, when there sprang out of a swallow or depth of the sea, a monster so great and so horrible, and so dreadful, that it seemed that he had been made for to destroy all the world: he was rough and went on four feet like a beast, and his form was so disfigured, that none witted whereto he might be likened.  
When then the syrians saw him put his head out of the deep, there was none so well assured, but he trembled for fear. And many were so afraid, that they fled into their houses, and re-entered into their City. This notwithstanding, Perseus as soon as he saw him rise up, he came to him as hardy and right well assured, and smote him with the point of his sword, so full upon the right eye, that on that side he made him blind, whereof the monster felt so great pain, that he came out of the Sea with open mouth, and thought to have swallowed Perseus. And Perseus went back a little, and put his sword between his jaws into his throat, so far forth, that he could not draw it out again, and so of force it abode in his throat more than four foot.  
At the second stroke the monster made a maruaslous cry, lifting up his head, and weening to have cast out the piece of the sword which abode in his throat, but it would not be. Alway the monster assailed Perseus and wéend to have swallowed him into his throat: and Perseus alway struck at him with his sword, and put him at defence, and smote always at his throat, and about nigh his other eye, and so well intended the work, that after he had given him many wounds he made him blind on the left eye, like as he did on the right eye. And then as the monster went here and there, and made many walks without seeing or knowing where he went, pursuing his enemy, Perseus gave him many wounds, searching his heart, and at the last he found it. And finally he bestirred him so that he pierced the heart, with which stroke he made him to fall down dead.   

CHAP. XXXVI. ¶ How Phineus would have had Andromeda: and how Perseus answered him that she should be his wife.  
PAssing joyous and astonished were the Syryens when they saw the good fortune of Perseus, and said one to an other, that such a knight ought to be praised above all other men. The king Amon took great pleasure to see his dealing: & seeing the monster labouring in his death, he went down to him, embracing him and said. Sir, the gods govern thy fortune, and since they have received thee in their favour and grace, there is none that may annoy thee: in a good hour were thou here arrived: demand what thou wilt, and I will cause thee to have it. Sir, answered Perseus, I have preserved from death the Damosel: I desire none other thing but her. O valiant Knight, said Phineus, that was there awaiting, thou dost much glorify thyself, for thou hast gotten in a half day more honour, than an other knight shall get in an hundred year. And greatly thou oughtest to be commended. But beware that the beauty of this maid deceive thee not: know thou that I have betrothed her, and by right she ought to be my wife. Many days be gone and expired since, that in the presence of our bishop we promised to take each other in marriage. This misfortune is after come to her, thou haste relieved her, and wouldst therefore have her. The beginning is fair, but the end is foul. And if it so hap that thou do me wrong, I let thee know that I will not suffer it: for in this country I am a King, & have great puissance: all the glory that thou hast gotten, shallbe here quenched. Wherefore I pray thee, that thou forbear in this case: and that thou suffer me to take that is mine, and take thou that that belongeth to thee.  
During these words, Perseus looked towards the Sea, and saw from far his galyes coming the one after the other directing them toward this port. Whereof he had right great joy, and said unto Phyneus. King I make no doubt that thy power is great in this country, but know thou right well that I know no man living that shall cause me to leave that belongeth to me. When I came hither I found this maid condemned unto death. At that time she was all abandoned to the death. I have saved her: and I say to thee that she is mine, and thou oughtest to have no regard to any promise that she hath made to thee, or to any other. And so I have intention that she shallbe my wife. And if thou wilt Combat and fight for her, assemble thy power, and make thee ready in thy battle. Lo here come my galleys ready for to receive thee: and although I have not people enough, yet I have in my coffers the most part of the treasures of Medusa, for to send for men of arms in all places where I may get them.  
When Phineus considered this answer, and knew that he was the Knight that had vanquished Medusa, whereof the renown was great and ran through out the whole world, he could none otherwise answer to Perseus, but that he might do his pleasure. All the kinsmen of Andromeda were angry with Phineus for his folly, and made him so ashamed, that he departed thence, and went into the City. After they went to behold the monster, and then came sailing and rowing the Apuliens unto the port, and being come, they brought Perseus and Andromeda into joppes with great triumph: and yet that more is, Perseus and Andromeda espoused each other that same day, and lay together. And the solemnity of their wedding endured fifteen days. During this time, the syrians came to the port daily, for to see and behold this monster. Plinius rehearseth, that of this monster was borne to Rome a bone of forty foot long, so great as an Oliphant. Let them then that read this history, search how great and huge this monster was, when only one of his bones was so great. The Romans for a great marvel have and keep that bone. What shall I say more? At the end and expiration of this feast of the wedding of Perseus and Andromeda, Perseus took leave of the syrians, and furnished his Galleys with victuals, and departed from joppes, and went to the sea, leading with him his wife Andromeda. And fortune was to him so good, that in a little time he passed the seas of Syrie, and came to land at the port and haven of Thebes. Where he was received courteously of King Creon, that then reigned a young child.   

CHAP. XXXVII. ¶ How Perseus re-established in his Realm the king Acrisius: and how he slew the King by evil adventure.  
IN Thebes there refreshed them these Apuliens, and made alliance with the king, after they departed from thence, and took their way by land toward Argos, under and by the conduct of Bellerephon, that then was whole, & healed of his foot, who knew well the country. When Bellerophon had guided them so nigh Argos, that in an hour they might run before the gates, he signified it unto Perseus, and then Perseus made his host to tarry in a Valley, and sent Danaus unto the King Pricus, to summon him that he should yield the Realm unto the King Acrisius. Danaus' went to Argos, and accomplished the summons. The king Pricus answered to him, that he was king, and that he would hold that he held: and menaced Perseus unto the death, if he departed not the Country hastily. Danaus' returned unto the host of Perseus with this answer, and made to him the report. Perseus then hoped that king Pricus would come to him, and give him battle, and had thereof right great joy and pleasure: for he desired nothing in the world more, then to be in arms: and for to be the better able to withstand his foe, he ordained that night, that he would departed his battle in three: whereof he gave charge of the first battle to Bellerophon, which require and desired of him the ●award with right great instance: and he himself held the second battle. And to Danaus he betook the third: and thus when he began to set forth Bellerophon on his way, he had not far gone, when he saw from far the king Pricus, that knew of their coming by his espies, and had set his battle in good order.  
Bellerophon had with him but two thousand fight men. When the king Pricus saw him come with so little a company, he supposed that it had been Perseus, and thought to have had all won before hand by advantage, and made his people to set against them, by which within short space began a cruel and hard battle. And of this battle was Pricus right joyous at the assembly, and well employed his arms and his sword, and did marvels, but at that time he supposed by force to have abidden victorious and conqueror of his enemies, he cast his eyes toward Thebes, and saw Perseus and his battle, that discovered and showed himself: wherein his fortune was such, that in the beholding the head of Medusa, which he bore painted in his shield of crystal, he and all his folk, in a moment, were turned all into stones. That is to say, that he and all his meinie had lost their strengths and courages, and that they might no more lift their sword then might the statues or images. And that Prycus fled, and all they that could, fled some into the city, and some into the fields at all adventure. Perseus deigned not to follow the chase, because of their poor case. And thus Prycus escaped the death, and abandoned and gave over the country, and went with them that fled into Calidonie, where he was afterward put to death by Hercules. And Perseus went into the city of Argos, whereof the gates were open and without any men that made any defence. When he was in the city, he made an edict charging upon pain of death, that none be so hardy to use any force nor violence there. After that he sent to seek his grandfather Acrisius, and told him who he was, and so delivered to him again his city and his realm.  
Of this courtesy Acrisius held himself greatly beholden unto Perseus, and asked him, & inquired of his daughter Danae, and of their adventures. Perseus told him all that he knew; and than Acrisius was right sore displeasant at that hard usage that he had done: and for to amend all, he adopted Perseus to his son, and gave him the full power to govern the city, and himself with drew him into the tower of Dardan and then sent again unto Naples, Dardanus his brother, with whom went Bellerophon: and he gave unto them and to their company, great treasures at their departing. Perseus' sent many Arigiens into Licie? and made them to inhabit the country. And thus abode Perseus in Argos with his wife Andromeda, of whom he got many children, That is to weet, Sthelenus, Blache Demon, Erictreus and Gorgophon, which all became men, and took wives, yet reigning the King Acrisius. And among all other Gorgophon, had one wife, of whom he had two sons Alceus, and Electrion, Alceus engendered Amphitrion, and Electrion, engendered Alcumena, of whom came Hercules. What shall I make long process of the facts and of the generations of this Perseus. He governed passing well the realm, and loved much the King Acrisius: But there fell an hard fortune unto him in the end, for as he went on a night alone unto the tower of Dardan to visit the king, the guarders and keepers of the Tower knew him not, and fell upon him and hurt him. When he felt him smitten he put himself to defence. The noise waxed great, the king heard the noise, he came running down for to part the fray, thrusted into the press, in such wise that Perseus knew him not, and with his sword he so smote him, that he slew him and all the people with him: and anon after, when he came in, and found him dead, he remembered and thought he had put him to death after the prognostication of the gods, and made great sorrow, and did ordain his obsequy right solemnly. And at this obsequy happened for to be there, jupiter and his son Vulcan, which at that time practised together the science of magic and nigromancye. etc.  
At this time Vulcan forged and wrought the thunders unto jupiter. That is to say, that he busied himself with smiting and troubling by fire and sword, the Realms of his neighbours, and the poets say and make many fables of him, whereof needeth to make no mention at this time. Perseus then did great honour and worship unto his father jupiter, and in likewise did jupiter unto Perseus. And each told other, and rehearsed their adventures. But when the obsequy was done of King Acrisius, and jupiter beheld and saw Perseus so heavy that he could have no joy, he returned into Crete unto his wife juno, and there he exercised himself in the science of Magic. And then when Perseus found himself alone in Argos, and saw that he might recover there no joy, he departed from thence, and went unto the city of Misene, but he reigned there not long, forasmuch as the death of Acrisius renewed always, and he could not put it out of his mind, and so he departed thence, and withdrew him with a great host into the Orient, where he got and conquered by arms, a great Country, which he named Persia, after his name, and there founded the City called Persepolis, after that he had vanquished and put to death Liberpater, which made him war. And then when he had so done, he purveyed for his children in such wise, that his two sons, Alceus and Electrion, with Amphitrion and Alcumena, dwelled in Thebes, and Brachman reigned in Persia, Erictreus upon the red sea, and Stelenus in Misene. But to speak of them all I will cease at this time, and will tell only of Amphitrion, and Alcumena, that loved so well together, that they took day the one to wed the other. And the cause that moved me to write of these two, is forasmuch as of Alcumena came Hercules, who first destroyed Troy, etc.   

CHAP. XXXVIII. ¶ How jupiter lay with Alcumena: and how Queen juno sent two serpents for to slay Hercules: and how Hercules strangled the two serpents.  
IN this time when jupiter came again into Crete, and that he with Vulcan his son and juno practised by their study, the science of Magic: after that, that Vulcan had forged the thunders of jupiter, Amphitrion wedded the fair Alcumena, in the City of Thebes, with great honour, and also with great company of Kings, Queens and of Ladies. The feast of this wedding was great. jupiter the King of Crete, and the Queen juno were there. During the feast, jupiter continually beheld Alcumena, for her great beauty (for Alcumena was the most fair woman that ever was seen) all his delight, and all his busy care was in the beholding the ladies. He desired nothing but for to be alway among the ladies, and always had the eye upon them. But in the end he beheld Alcumena most in especial, in whom he had a singular pleasure. In the great abundance of his sight, he so sore fixed his eye on her excellency, that his heart began to be troubled, in such wise that he was amorous and covetous of her love. In this his so greedy covetousness and desiring, he let pass the solemnity of the wedding, and returned into Crete: but he had not long sojourned when the said covetousness so wrought vehemently in him, that on a day he began to speak of Alcumena, in the presence of juno. And said unto Ganymedes his Esquire: Ganymedes, what seemeth you of the beauty of Alcumena? Sir, said the Esquire, me thinketh, she shineth in all manner excellency of a Lady, and for that to comprise all her virtues, there is no king so great, but that he might well seem to be of alliance with one that is of less beauty than she is.  
When the Queen juno understood that jupiter talked so much of Alcumena, at that same time she was sore moved with new jealousy: For she had often times been jealous of jupiter, and thought in herself, that if she might, she would cause to fly and put to death Alcumena. After these speeches, jupiter found himself sore entangled and overcome with love, and for to overmaster it, and to let it pass, he took his bow and arrows, in purpose to go to the wood for to slay some wild beast. And went forth accompanied only with Ganymedes, but as soon as he was issued out of the gate, there came and met him one of the knights of Thebes, and did reverence unto the king, and said unto him, that the king Creon of Thebes sent him unto him, and required him that he would aid and help him to war against the king of Thelipoly, that had trespassed against him. When the king jupiter had heard the message of the king, he was right joyous of the request of the king of Thebes, and took the knight by the hand, and brought him to his palace, and there feasted him, and made him right good cheer, and after he said, that with right good heart and will, he would secure and help the king Creon in his war. The knight of Thebes with this answer took leave of king jupiter, & returned unto Thebes. Where preparation and ordinance was made to go unto Thelipoly. It was not long after that the King jupiter made his army, and hasted him as much as he might, that shortly she might come to the house of Thebes, where he hoped to find Alcumena. When all thing was ready he took his way, and sped him in his journey, that he came to Thebes, where he was right honourably and worthily received of the King, the Queen, and of the lady. The king jupiter at his coming forgot not to look, if he might see Alcumena: but he saw her not, wherefore he was in great grief, and witted not what to do. And he looked after Amphitrion, but he could no where see him, whereat he was more abashed than he was before. In this abashment he approached to King Creon, and demanded of him, where Amphitrion was? The King Creon, answered him, that he would shortly come, and that he assembled his men of arms at the Castle of Arciancie, which he had given him. This Castle stood between Thebes and Athens upon the river, and was a passing fair place and strong. Anon as jupiter had understood, that king Creon had given Arciancie to Amphitrion, he imagined soon that Alcumena was in that place. and was in will to have gone to that place if it had not been that he dreaded the talking of the people, and also he feared to make Amphitrion jealous. This considered, the king jupiter abode in Thebes not well pleased, for as much as he might not see Alcumena, and passed there that time the best wise he could, till Amphitrion & other were come. Then they departed from Thebes from the king Creon, and went for to lay siege to the city of Thellipolye, accompanied with the king jupiter, and many other. During the siege, they of the city assailed oft time by battle again their enemies, but they of Thebes had alway so good fortune, that in the end they of Thellipolye yielded them in all points to the will of king Creon: and thus when the king of Thebes had overcome and subdued the city, he returned unto his country with great joy. etc.  
When Amphitrion saw that their enemies were overcome, and that there was no more peril, he had great desire to go see his wife Alcumena: and for to hast him the more sooner to be with her, he departed from the host, with leave of the king, accompanied with an Esquire only. When king jupiter saw Amphitrion so depart upon his way, he began to think and advise him of a great subtlety, for to come to his intent. And he departed from the host with Ganymedes only: and as soon as he was in the field on the way they two being together, jupiter entered into conference with Ganymedes, and said to him: Ganymedes, I have great affiance in you, and more than in any man that liveth, wherefore I will tell you privily a thing secret, which I shall accomplish as I hope: And ye must hold and keep it secret. Truth it is that I am amorous terribly of dame Alcumena. By no mean in the world I may yet forget her, nor put her from my desire. She knoweth not the pain that for her love aboundeth in me, for I never was so hardy to discover to her my case, nor never durst show it to her, for as much as I know her wise, chaste and virtuous. This considered, thinking on this thing, I feel and find me full of troubles, and confess my folly, for I am in a manner in despair now: inasmuch as I had supposed to have found the like answer of love in Alcumena. But the sudden departing of Amphitrion yet giveth me in a manner an hope, for at the time that I saw him depart from the host, for to go see his wife accompanied with his Esquire, I imagined that in all haste I would go unto Arciancie, by a more near and shorter way: For I know the passage long since, and that I would transfigure myself into the form of Amphitrion, and you into the form of his Esquire, for to go unto Alcumena, and to make her understand that I were Amphitrion. Ganymedes, upon this intention and purpose, I am come on the way, to go thither with you, we must needs win upon Amphitrion this way a night and day, and therefore let us go now merrily. Me thinketh that love shall help me, and when Alcumena shall see me transformed into the shape of Amphitrion, and you as his Esquire, she shall not be so wise to perceive mine enchantment.  
Ganymedes harkened right diligently to the will and purpose of jupiter, and promised that he would employ him in this affair as much as in him was possible, and so they road with good will and great desire the readiest way, and in riding and going, jupiter went about his enchantments, and sped him so, that he arrived in an evening at the Castle of Arciancie. When he was there arrived, he transfigured himself, and Ganymedes, in such wise as he had before purposed, and then at the same hour that Alcumena slept, and that each man was a bed, they came to the Castle, and so knocked at the gate, that they awoke the porter. The porter came to the window, and looked down beneath, and saw jupiter and Ganymedes by the moon light, him thought and seemed that it was Amphitrion, and his esquire, wherefore he opened the gate, and received him, in such wise as he would have done his Lord Amphitrion. After he brought him unto the door of the chamber where Alcumena slept, and awoke her, saying that her lord was come. After he returned to keep the gate, by commandment of jupiter, and Alcumena opened her Chamber unto jupiter, which entered in with great joy, and at the entry into this chamber, jupiter and Alcumena took each other in arms, and kissed, Alcumena thinking that it had been Amphrition: and when they were so beclipt each in others arms, Alcumena demanded him from whence he came? jupiter answered and said, he came from Thellepolys: and that after the giving over of the town, & yielding of their enemies, he departed from the host, for the love of her, accompanied only with his esquire, to come hastily to her. Then Alcumena was well content at the words of jupiter, and asked him, if he would eat or drink? jupiter answered, that he would nothing, but go to bed with her. What shall I say more? he lay with her, and had that he desired: the King jupiter had never so great joy in himself. And going to bedward, he had Ganymedes, that he should go to the Chamber door, and abide there without. And so Ganymedes departed from the Chamber, and jupiter approached to Alcumena, with great love, and so complaised her in love as much as his power might extend. In this wise, and by this fashion, came jupiter unto the secrets and joy of love, so that to acquaint himself with this lady, him seemed expedient for to enchant all them that dwell in the place. And then he slept with Alcumena, and after he arose, and came to Ganymedes which kept the watch at the door, and told him, that for to do this matter secretly he must enchant all them of that place, in such wise that they should not awake until the coming of Amphitrion. And he willed that he should go to the gate, to wait if Amphitrion came. And if it happen (he said) that he came by the day light, I shall deliver to you a powder that ye shall cast in the air against him, and this powder hath such virtue, that it shall keep Amphitrion from approaching this place as long as the day endureth. And then when it is night, and he knock at the gate, ye shall come to me, and we will open the gate, and bring him to his wife, and after that we will return from hence,  
The King jupiter, with these words wrought in his science, and made his charms and sorceries, in such wise, that all they that were in the place might not awake without a remedy against his enchantment. When he had so done, he transformed Ganymedes, into the likeness of a Porter, and appointed him to keep the gate. After he returned into the Chamber of Alcumena, and shut fast the windows that no light might come in. And after he went to bed, and lay with the Lady, and awoke her, and there spent all the residue of the night, and all the day following, taking his pleasure with her, so long that he begat on her a right fair son, conceived under the reign of the best constellation of heaven. In the end when king jupiter had been with her a night and a day, about the hour when the Sun goeth down into the West, and that him seemed that Amphitrion should come, he made by his science Alcumena for to sleep. After he rose up, and made himself in the form of one of the servants of the place, and he had not long tarried after, but Amphitrion and his esquire came knocking at the gate, for it was then night. When Ganymedes heard him knock, he came to the gate, and opened it. Amphitrion wéend that it had been his porter: so he saluted him, and demanded him where his wife was? The valiant porter said to him, that she slept, and so brought him into her chamber: and jupiter so going, charmed him that he had no desire to eat, nor to drink. When he was come into the Chamber, he awoke Alcumena, that was all abashed when she saw Amphitrion, for she supposed for truth, that she had seen him a good while before, and she groped about her in the bed, and thought she had dreamt. And when she had groped in the bed, and that she found no person there, than she was more amazed then afore. Notwithstanding she arose, and came to Amphitrion, saying to herself that she had supposed to have seen him before: notwithstanding she made cheer to her husband, saying to him that she had all the night dreamt of his coming. After they talked of many things. Finally, he went to bed with her, and lay with her that same hour, and then Alcumena conceived yet a son of Amphitrion. jupiter and Ganymedes departed then from the Castle, and there left all sleeping that were within the place, that none awoke till it was in the morning, and they had weaned that they had slept but one night, but they slept a day and two nights. And this matter was handled so secretly, that never person could espy it. By this mean the fair Alcumena conceived two sons, the one of jupiter, and the other of Amphitrion.  
By space of time the fruits of her womb began to appear: the tidings were borne all about, and also into Crete, and came to the ears of King jupiter, and Queen juno. The King jupiter this hearing, was passing joyous and glad in the presence of Queen juno. He beheld Ganymedes, and began to wax red, and after showed a right good countenance, and gave praises to the gods, for the conception of Alcumena, and spoke much good of her, so that the jealousy of this old Queen, renewed and refreshed, and she planted in her heart, a right great enure, and deadly hatred against Alcumena.  
With the renewing of this envy, the Queen juno concluded in her mind that was meddled with the multipliance of jealousy, that she would slay and cause to die Alcumena by enchantment of sorcery: For in that craft she was an experienced mistress. O old cursed woman? She held musing in her heart her cursed jealous thought, and laid her ears to hear jupiter speak of Alcumena, without any thing replying again.  
But finally, when she knew that the time of childing of Alcumena approached, she departed from Crete secretly all alone, and said to jupiter, and did him to understand, that she would go disguised on certain secret pilgrimages, and went forth unto Arciancie, where was a temple standing right nigh the castle, and was made in remembrance of the goddess Diana. This old queen then entered into this Temple, nothing for devotion that was in her, but for to espy if any person came from the castle, for to inquire the state of Alcumena. She was disfigured by her craft. This craft used afterward Simon Magus in the time of Saint Peter, and of the Emperor Nero. When she had been there a little, Galantis that governed Alcumena, was there long in orisons, and prayers before the representation of the goddess. At the end, when she had done, she arose from her contemplation, and thought to have returned. But this old queen came against her, and saluted her, and for to come unto her purpose, she said unto her faintly: dame I am all abashed. Wherefore answered Galantis? For as much (said she) as I am not in certain where I am. Love (said Galantis) ye be at the Castle of Arciancie, for this Temple is of the appurtenances of the Castle, and standeth between Thebes and Athens. Dame (said the old juno) I trow that this is the place, that Amphitrion and Dame Alcumena dwell in? Ye say truth, said Galantis, and how far they (said juno?) Right well (said Galantis) my Lord Amphitrion is in good health, and my Lady Alcumena is ready to bring forth a child, she expecteth nor waiteth for longer day nor term, and therefore I may no longer tarry: it is time that I return to her. To the gods I commit you.  
Galantis with this word went to Alcumena, which began to travail and feel the pain of childing, and the false old queen abode in the temple, in intention to cause to die and slay Alcumena, in such wise as she had purposed. Then, in steed of saying of orisons, she began to make certain fiendly and devilish works. This done, she laid her legs to cross one over the other, and sat in that wise, and then the same moment and time that she had so done, Alcumena by the strength of sorcery began in the same wise, her legs to cross one over the other, and sat in the same manner as the old juno did. In such wise, as there was no man nor woman that might make her do otherwise. The poor Alcumena felt then the most grievous and sharp pains of the world, for her fruit would come out, and it might not in no wise, for as much as her legs and thighs were so cross one over the other: she cried and complained piteously, and was in right grievous martyrdom. The midwives could find no remedy: she was three days holden in this point, always her legs crossed one over another. During these three days, Galantis and the ladies and women, one after another came to the temple of Diana, for to pray for the deliverance of Alcumena, and always they found the old queen sit with her legs crossed, and one over another. But they found her never in one semblance and likeness. For at each time she transformed her into divers likenesses and figures, of beasts or of women, to the end that they should not perceive her, nor her craft. Nevertheless, she could not so transform herself, but that Galantis that oft came into the temple, took heed of her, which found always there a beast or a woman, sit in the manner that Alcumena sat in her chamber. Alcumena had been then three days in pain. At the fourth day, than Galantis waxed melancholy and angry at that she saw in the temple: so she assembled the women, and said to them. Certainly fair dames, it must needs be that the pain that my lady Alcumena suffereth, cometh of some sorcery and witchcraft, for all the pain that she hath cometh of that, that she may not departed her legs and unfold them. This is mine imagination, and I am of advice to purvey soon for it: For I have seen in the Temple, at all times that I have been there, more than three days, a woman or a beast, with legs crossed or folden, as my Lady hath hers: me seemeth for truth, that it is some evil creature, which willeth evil will to my Lady, and that by her sorceries, constraineth her to sit as she doth. If it be so, I will deceive her: For one of you and I will go into the Temple, feigning right joyous and glad cheer, and will thank the goddess Diana, saying all on high, that my Lady is delivered of a fair son. And then when that creature that always is there, and changeth her into diverse forms, have heard our praising, if it be so that she will any ill to my lady, I doubt not but she shall lose countenance, and that all troubled she shall departed, thinking to have failed of her enchantment. And then if it be truth that I suppose, my lady may have some manner of deliverance from her pain. etc.  
The women during these words, remembered them that they had seen in the Temple, the woman and beasts that Galantis spoke of, and were of opinion, that Galantis should do like as she had supposed. Then Galantis and one of the women departed from the chamber, and went to the temple, and entering therein, they saw on the one side where the false old queen sat, as she was wont to do, and had transformed herself into the guise and form of a Cow. They passed forth by confidently, without making any show of sorrow, or other thing, save only of joy: and when they were come before the altar, they kneeled down and joined their hands together, and said: Diana, sovereign goddess, thy name be praised in heaven and in earth, for thou hast given this hour to my Lady Alcumena, and helped her to bring forth into this world, the most, the most fairest child of the world. With these words, they rose up and returned again: and as they went, they saw the cow suddenly departed out of the Temple, and ran upon the fields, and in the same time and instance, Alcumena arose, and was delivered of two fair sons, before Galantis and her fellow were come into the Chamber.  
When Galantis were come unto Alcumena, and found there two fair sons which she had brought forth, she was full of joy, for that she had be guyled and deceived the false old juno. She told then unto the Ladies, and to Alcumena, how she had seen the Cow, and how she was departed from the Temple, and assured them that it was some evil person, and that she had hold Alcumena in this danger by sorcery. The Ladies sent after to seek the Cow, but they heard never after tidings of her: and greatly always they joyed in the nativity of these two sons. Of these twain, the one of them was great and right fair, and of exceeding excellency, and the other was little and feeble. The great child was the first that was borne, and was named Hercules, and the other had to name Ypecleus. Hercules (as some say) was the son of jupiter, and well resembled, and was like unto him, and Ypecleus was the son of Amphitrion. The tidings of this nativity anon ran all about, and all they that heard speak thereof, made joy and were glad thereof, save only juno. For she had never joy in her heart after that she had heard in the temple, that Alcumena was delivered, and had brought forth a son. She departed from the temple, as is said, in the form of a Cow, despising in her heart the goddess Diana, and was so troubled that she had neither wit nor understanding, and thus sorrowing, when she was a little withdrawn from the Temple, she took again her own form of a woman, and went upon the mountain of Olympus, there she waxed pensive, and began to think what she might do: after she smote herself on the breast with her fist, and said: what availeth me to be borne of the royal blood of Saturn? What availeth me my patrimony of the world of gold? what availeth me the diadem of Crete? & what availeth me the sciences of the world, that I have learned by great study and labour, when the gods be against and contrary to me in all things? The king my husband careth not for me, nor setteth nought by me, no more in mine old days, than he did in my youth. O what destiny, Fortune wilt thou never turn thy wheel? Shall I always suffer still tribulations and this pain? Certes, seeing thou favourest me not, and that I be hold that of all my desires there is not one that may attain to effect, all shame and vexation redoubleth in me, and I am so put in despair, that my misfortune must needs be cause of shortening and lessening the natural course of my days. With these words she beheld the earth, and not the heaven, & paused a while, and after that said: And am I not well infortunate and borne in an evil hour? My craft and sorcery availeth not against mine enemy Alcumena. I have failed against her, but certes I will prove myself against her son, to the end that his mother may be my fellow, and hold me company to make sorrow. For I will slay her son: and by this mean, for that she is a woman and a mother, I shall give her cause of anger, grief, and displeasance.  
O cursed old Vyrago, conspiring then against the poor innocent: then she imagined that she would take two serpents charmed and conjured, to work the death of the son of her enemy, and that she would some night put them into his chamber, to the end that they should strangle him. With this conclusion, she departed from the mountain, and returned into Crete. There being, she so laboured by her science, that she did assemble on a day secretly, all the serpents of the country. She was alone, and well understood, and knew this merchandise. When she had assembled them all, she chose two of the most felonous, and most envenomed, and put them in her lap, and bore them home, and after waited a day, when king jupiter had gone into a far voyage: and then, feigning that she would go on some pilgrimage, she departed alone from Crete, and did so much, that in disguised shape she came into the Castle of Arciancie. The king Egeus of th' ens, and the king Euristens of Attic were at that time come into the castle to make good cheer: and it was in the evening when juno entered. When she was within, she made herself invisible by her craft, and sought all about to find the chamber, wherein was the son of Alcumena. She sought so long till she came to the door of the chamber, where there was a window open. She went to the window, and looked in: and in the beholding, she saw two nurses, and two sons, whereof she was all abashed, and began to muse much. Thus as she was pensive, Alcumena came for to see her sons, and feasted them in such fashion, that the old juno perceived and knew, that both the two were her sons, whereof she had great joy. For she concluded in her false and evil mind, that she would strangle both two by the Serpents, etc.  
Alcumena departed from the chamber, by the space of time, and juno let the night wax dark. The nurses laid the children in their cradles to sleep, and they slept. And after they laid themselves down and slept, leaving a Lamp burning in their Chamber. Then when they were asleep, at that time that juno would accomplish her work, she opened her lap, and made to leap out the two serpenis, charmed and enchanted, to work the death of the two children, and put them by an hole into the chamber. When they were within, they lifted up their heads, and smelling the two children, made unto them, giving the first assault unto Ypecleus, in such wise that they strangled him, and there murdered him. After the death of Ypecleus, these two serpents came unto the cradle of Hercules, that was awake the same time. When the Serpents were come to the cradle, they went the one on the one side, and the other on the other side, and mounted on the Cradle, but this was to their evil ease: For as soon, as they came up, Hercules perceived them, and was afraid: because they were fierce and dreadful, he then bestirred himself, and his arms with such might and force, that he broke the bonds in which he was wrapped and swaddled, and so laboured that he had his arms and his hands at large, and then when the serpents ran upon him, he put them back by natural strength and force many times, and fought with them with his fists right long: but at last, when Hercules saw that the serpents oppressed him more and more, and ceased not to assail him, he took in each hand one, making a great cry, and held them so fast and sore, that he strangled both two.  
The nurses awoke at the cry that Hercules made, and arose up hastily, and went to the cradles for to see their children, and they found Ypecleus dead, and they found that Hercules held yet the two serpents in his hands. Suddenly as they saw that marvel, they cried piteously. With that juno the false witch and sorceress, that had seen all, fled her way sore troubled and terribly angry at that, that the serpents had not wrought and achieved her purpose, as well in Hercules, as they had done in Ypecleus. And Amphitrion with Alcumena awoke, and came into the chamber where the two nurses were, which made sorrowful and piteous cries: and entering therein, they saw Hercules at the one side yet holding the Serpents, and at the other side they beheld Ypecleus all swolen with venom and dead: then deep and grievous sorrows came and entered into the bottom of their hearts. Alcumena began to cry and weep by natural pity, and Amphitrion was all afraid. Many damosels and other folk came to the chamber, which all were afeard to take away the Serpents, for fear of hurt: and there was none so hardy that durst approach to Hercules, for the serpents that he held in his hands which were swollen with the venom. Always Hercules made no heavy nor worse cheer, but laughed to one and other, and was there in that case so long, that physicians and surgeons came, and by their science, took from his hands these venomous beasts. When Amphitrion saw Hercules delivered from the Serpents, he recomforted Alcumena, that was nigh dead for sorrow, and made to burn and bury Ypecleus. All they that were there had passing great marvel of the power and strength of Hercules, that was so young a child, and that he had soughten against the serpents, and by excessive strength and might had strangled them.  
The night passed in the fashion and manner that I have rehearsed. On the morrow betime, Amphitrion would show and manifest this marvelous and glorious victory, wherefore he did cause to take Hercules, and made him to be borne to Athens, into the temple of the god Mars, with the two serpents: and he in person went accompanied with King Euristeus. The false old witch juno followed a far after in a dissembled form and shape. When Amphitrion was come into the Temple, he sent for King Egeus, and assembled the people, and after took Hercules, presenting him unto the god Mars, thanking him of the victory that he had sent to Hercules against the Serpents. After this he lifted him up, and showed Hercules unto the people, recounting and telling to them his marvelous adventure. And thus when Hercules was showed and put into the common view and sight of the people, and that every man gave him laud and praise: the false old juno, being in the press, with other, after that she had long beholden the noble child, that in all his members he resembled and was like to king jupiter, for to put Amphitrion in jealousy of his wife, and for to make him to have Hercules in suspicion, she says unto them that were about her: Certes, Amphitrion is a very fool, if he wéeneth and thinketh that Hercules is his Son: Behold the members of King jupiter, and the members of this Child, ye shall find no difference. This Child and jupiter, be both of one semblance, and have like favours and shape. And every man sayeth, that this Child is the Son of jupiter, and none other. When this old juno had sown these cursed words, she withdrew her apart out of the press, and took another shape, to the end that she should not be known. And then these words were sown abroad, and told forth of them that heard them in such wise, that a great murmuring grew and arose touching Amphitrion. And it was reported to him, that men said so by advertisement of the old juno. When Amphitrion heard these new tidings, he began to behold the child, and in the beholding him, thought verily that this child had wholly the very semblance and likeness of king jupiter. And then began to enter into his heart a right great grief & sorrow, and thus after he entered into jealousy. Yet he kept silence, and made as good countenance as he might, and could, for to eschew the slander. And anon, after that the people were withdrawn, he called the king Euristeus, and prayed him, that he would bring up Hercules, saying, that never after he would see him, and that he believed verily that he was the son of jupiter. Euristeus comforted Amphitrion the best wise he could, meaning to have put this jealousy out of his mind, but he could not. What shall I make long rehearsal? Euristeus enterprised to keep and nourish Hercules, and made him to be borne into his house. Amphitrion returned unto Arciancie, where he found Alcumena sore discomforted for these tidings which she had received: and for to excuse herself to Amphitrion, and the false old Queen juno, she went unto Crete. Of which matter I will stay now, and will come to speak of the first adventures of Hercules.   

CHAP. XXXIX. ¶ How Hercules began the Olympiad's: and how he waxed amorous of Megara, the Daughter of the king of Thebes: and how he showed his strength in all manner of games and exercises.  
THese tidings of this first adventure of Hercules were anon spread through all the provinces of Grece. Some said he was a bastard and the son of jupiter: and so recounted Plautus in his first comedy, and other held that he was the very son of Amphitrion, and so recounteth Boccace in his book of the genealogy of gods. But whose son so ever he was, Euristeus had him in keeping, and did him to be nourished hardly, and not tenderly, without the city of Attic: For the kings and the citizens and dwellers in towns, in this time, made their children for to be nourished out of good towns, and made them for to lie upon the bare earth, and naked, for to be more strong, without entering into cities, until the time they had power, and strength to exercise arms. Lycurgus had ordained this law and many other that follow. First he ordained that the people should obey their Prince, and that the Prince should be firm in justice and live soberly, and that merchants should do their merchandise, giving one ware for an other, without any money, and that each man should avenge him openly, and that a young man should have in a year but one gown, and that one man should not be more gallant nor acquaint then another, and that no man should renew the memory of wrong passed: and that men of arms should have no wives, to the end that they might be more eager and fierce, in the war: and to content the fragility of men, he ordained, that nigh the hosts should be certain women common, in places called Fornices, whereof cometh fornication. These were the laws that the Greeks' used in the time of the beginning, and coming up of Hercules. And for to come again to my purpose: Hercules was nourished in an house, that stood in the plain fields, and was oftentimes put out into the rain and wind, and lay the most part of that time upon the earth, without any other bed: he lay oftener so then upon hay or dried straw. With this nourishment he waxed and grew in all beauty, strength, and prudence: he was humble, courteous, and gentle. All good manners began to grow and shine in him: he was sober in eating, and in drinking: he slept gladly on the fields: he shot and drew the bow daily. When the king Egeus of Athens had heard speak of him, he made to be nourished with him his son, that was named Theseus. Hercules and Theseus were both of one age, and loved right well together. Theseus was strong and mighty, and a fair child, and he had wit enough. But Hercules passed him, and shone as far above him as the Sun shineth above the stars. When he was seven years old, he exercised wrestling, and overthrew and cast the greatest and the strongest that came to him. Not one and one at once, but five or six, or as many as he might set his hands on, and did so great feats of strength, that out of Thebes, of Athens, and of Atticque, daily came men, women, and children, for to see him. The more and elder he grew, the more enforced he his strength. When he was ten year old, there might no man stand nor abide in his hand. At thirteen years of his age, he began to handle and use arms, and of his proper motion, he thought that he would go up unto the mount Olympus, and there he would abide and answer all manner men thither coming by the space of fifteen days, and to receive them in arms, or in wrestling, or at any other proof or assay of strength: and for to come to the effect of this enterprise, he awaited a day when Euristeus came for to see him, and said to him. Sir, ye have nourished me unto this time, like as I were your own son, if fortune were to me as contrary as nature, I knowledge that I should be the most infortunate child that ever was borne. Some say that I am son to jupiter, and other say of Amphitrion, howbeit I have no father but you only, that have nourished me with your substance. Wherefore I yield unto you as to my father, and advertise you, how that I am purposed for to be on the mount of Olympus, in as short time as I well may, and there I will abide all them that thither shall come, fifteen days fully together: and for to deal with them at the spear, at sword, at wrestling, and at running: always foreseen, that it be by your licence and leave, and that it please you of your courtesy to give to him that shall do best some prize, to the end for to encourage the hearts of noble men unto valiancy, that they might attain to renown. Euristeus answered and said: Hercules, fair son, ye can require me of nothing that is honest and worshipful, but I will he thereto agreeable. ye be young, and yet ye be strong and puissant, and I wot well there is no man that may endure against you. Since it is so, that ye have the will so to do, I am right well content, that ye make the proof, and show the strength of your youth: and for to effect and bring this enterprise unto your credit, I will array you as richly as if ye were my proper son. My father (answered Hercules) I thank you of this grace and kindness, and since it is so your pleasure, it behoveth you to choose a man of great understanding and authority, that shall go unto all the Realms of these Coasts, for to show unto the Kings, Princes, and Gentlemen, the purpose and enterprise that I have taken in hand. Fair son (said Euristeus) ye say truth, ye shall make your letters containing your intention, and send them to me, and then when I have received them, I will use so good diligence, that ye of reason shall be content.  
After these speeches and many other, the king Euristeus went home, and Hercules took ink and parchment, and set him to write in letter's the form of a proclamation, which he made, that contained in this wise. Greeting be to all kings, Princes, Knights, Gentlemen, Ladies and Gentlewomen, from the esquire unknown, and well fortuned. We let you have knowledge, that the first day of the month of May next following, the esquire unknown will be on the mount Olympus, for to show himself in habiliments convenient unto arms, at the pleasure of the gods and fortune, and for to receive all them that be of noble houses and name, that will and shall come thither to try masteries in the manner that followeth. In the beginning of the first three days, he will hold exercise of wrestling, and he that shall do best, by the judgement of the judges thereto commised, shall win an Elephant of fine gold. The fourth day he will run a furlong or more against all them that will run, and he that best runneth shall win a fair Courser. At the fift and sixth days, he will shoot with the hand bow, first at the most strait and nigh marks, and after at the most long marks, & he that shooteth most strait and nigh at short marks, shall win a glove of gold: and he that is best at long marks, shall have a bow and a sheaf of arrows. At the seventh, he will cast a stone against all men, and he that doth best thereat, shall have a right good diamond. At the eight day, and other following to the fifteenth, he will exercise arms: and if any will prove himself one alone against him, he shall be received (foreseen that during the first six days he shall come and present himself unto the judges) & he that so doth best, shall have a rich sword. And if it happen that they that shall come to this feast will tourney together in manner of a battle, in jousting with lances or spears, & fight with swords or baryers, the judges shall ordain captains, such as shall seem convenient, & who that best doth in this exercise or fight shall win a garland of laurel. All these things before written, the said esquire unknown promiseth to accomplish, and prayeth unto all noble men, Ladies, and Gentlewomen, that they will vouchsafe to come and see this meeting of Nobles, which shall be performed by the pleasure of the immortal gods, who will give to the acceptors of this worthy challenge, multipliance of honour and increasing of good fortune, etc.  
When Hercules had written this proclamation, and engrossed it, he sent it to Euristeus, who read it, and him seemed that the invention of the author and maker was good and right worthy to be put in memory, and called one of his knights, and gave him the charge and office to go publish this proclamation in the courts of all the kings of Greece. The knight enterprised with right good heart to do the said office: (and this was the first officer of arms that ever was) He went to Athens, Thebes, Argos, Lacedemonia, Arcadia, Perelye, Magnesie, Crete, Ephese, Pepos, Tripoli, and Thessaly, and all about he published the proclamation, without declaring who he was that should keep the exercise. They that heard speak of the squire unknown, and understood his high enterprise, judged him, that this came of a noble courage, and that he might not fail to get honour and fame. The knight, for to finish this voyage, had four Months term for to accomplish it.  
During this time, Hercules disposed him for to furnish his provision for the exercises, and so did the kings and noble men, for to come thither. What shall I make long process? When the even before the first day of the exercise was come, the King Euristeus brought Hercules upon the mount Olympus, and from all parts came thither so many Noble men, Ladies, and Gentlewomen, that the number might not be esteemed, the Mount was full on all sides. All this night there was great ado, and noise of one and other, for to make their tents and lodges of bows & leaves, and to pitch their pavilions. And it ought not to be forgotten, when the even was come, how the knight that had published the challenge, assembled in a common tent all the knights that were come thither, and required them in the name and on the behalf of the Esquire unknown, that they would choose among them, such as should be judges, and give the prize. When the kings that were there, heard and understood the request of the noble Esquire, they thanked him, and they choose three kings to be their judges, that is to weet, the king of Thebes called Creon, the king of Argos named Gorgophon, and the king of Myrmidon, named Aeson, which was father of jason. They were wise and discreet: they enterprised the office with a good will. And that night they passed over with great joy, for they assembled in a tent, which was made for to dance in, and the kings with the knights young and old went together: and thus began the feast, which endured till midnight in dances and songs.  
The king jupiter and Amphitrion were not at this assembly, by the counsel of king Euristeus, which let him have knowledge secretly, that Hercules was he that should hold and keep this sport or exercise, for to eschew all words and languages, that might grow or arise up, by cause of the nativity of Hercules: for Amphitrion on the one side believed not that he was his son, and jupiter on the other side said, that he appertained not to him. He sent them word therefore, that they could do no better, than not for to come to this solemnity, which was a most special thing, and the most strange that ever was spoken of before that time. The first day of May, at the hour what time the sun cast his heat upon the earth, Hercules did cause to sound a trumpet, for to make the Ladies to go up into the scaffolds and places appointed: and anon after they being mounted and set, Hercules leapt out of the tent appareled to wrestle, and came into the mids of the place or field, making reverence unto the judges, kings, and to the ladies. He was then xiiii. year old full accomplished. Anon as he had done the reverence, the knight that was officer of arms, made a cry and said: High & excellent iu●ges, we let you have knowledge, with all kings, knights, and gentlemen of arms, Ladies and Gentlewomen, that here is the Squire unknown, ready present in his person, upon the mount Olympus, and offereth himself to fulfil the contents of his challenge, by order, and after the manner that the particulars thereof make mention. Wherefore, if there be any man that will prove and assay him at wrestling, let him come, and he shall be received.  
Theseus of Athens, at the end of this proclamation, and at the commandment of king Egeus his father, entered then into the field: he was a passing fair child and a gentle, at his coming he saluted Hercules, and said to him: Master of all bodily exercises, I am come hither, not of presumption, but for to learn those things that I have need of, and therefore I recommend me unto your grace. My Brother Theseus, answered Hercules, I may more learn of you, than you of me: wherefore let us endeavour to win the prize, it must be begun by some body. These words accomplished, the two noble Esquires approached and seized each other. Theseus' employed his puissance, and Hercules suffered him to do as much as he would or could, without showing and putting out his force and might again to him. And so they shook and lugged each other, but in the end Hercules cast Theseus, the most softly and favourably that he could. Whereat the laughter was great among the ladies and gentlewomen. Theseus then departed from the place, and went among the ladies and Gentlewomen, praying them that they would take it in good part that he had done. Then came unto the place, many young squires of whom I know not the names, and they endeavoured and traveled all that they might for to get honour and worship, but their labour profited little unto them, in regard of getting the prize: for Hercules cast and foiled all them that came, and the wrestling dured four hours continually. At the last, at the request of the Ladies, the judges made the wrestling to cease for that day, because that they saw that Hercules was young, and that he had done a great work, etc.  
When Hercules had understood that the judges had made cease the wrestling, he was right sorrowful, for in his wrestling, he had a singular pleasure. The judges then with Eusteus came to him, & made him do on his clothes, and array him. After they brought him into the common hall, where as the Ladies were dancing and singing joyously: and it was said to him, that he must dance and sing like as other did. Hercules' excused him much, but his excuse might not avail. He was set on to dance in hand with Megara, a right fair Gentlewoman, of young age, but she was right well furnished with wit and understanding: and she was daughter of king Creon.  
When Hercules saw him in the hand of one so noble a Gentlewoman, he was sore abashed and ashamed. The Gentlewoman on the other side was also shamefast, for as soon as she had seen Hercules wrestle, she had set all her love on him. And they witted none of them both what to say: howbeit, in stead of words, they used privy and covert countenances. Hercules took a singular pleasure to behold and see the Gentlewoman, and the more near the Gentlewoman was to Hercules, the more she set her heart on him. What shall I say? love in this night enforced and constrained them to love each other, without speaking, and their beauty was cause thereof. Men should not have found in all Grece two so fair children, nor of better qualities. They were enough beholden and looked on, and in especially Hercules, for his prowess: and every man marveled of him, and of his behaviour.  
By space of time, then Hercules was brought from the feast into his tent. His tent nor the tent of the kings, and of the ladies, were not made but of branches, with leaves and herbs giving good odour & savour. It was not known how to make tents of cloth nor of silk then. Hercules passed this night, more intending to think on the beauty of Megara, then for to sleep. The day following, at hour convenient she came unto the sport, and there were many young men strong and active, the strongest of all Grece, but Herculus with one arm threw and cast them, and that day and the day following he cast and flung to the earth more than three hundred, and there could not so many come to him but he cast them down, and put them to foil, without any chase himself ne grieving, and at that time he got a right great glory and honour there. Megara oftentimes beheld him, and in likewise did the ladies and gentlewomen, and many there were that set their love on him. And thus he passed the exercise of wrestling to his worship all three days. At the fourth day he assembled all them that were come thither for to run, and he made them that were most feeble to ride upon the best coursers that were in Grece, and after he showed them the furlong or stade, and made them to take their way and run, and he ran after the horse and men, but he passed all them that ran, and without taking once his breath he ran the furlong, and came thereto before all the riders, and runners: wherefore he was greatly praised, and had a great laud. And some say, that he ran all as swiftly as a hart. Of this course that Hercules made, all the world wondered, and held it for a marvelous thing, and wrote it in books, among other things worthy to be put in memory.  
At the fifth and sixth days following, Hercules took his bow and his arrows, and went into the place that was ordained for to shoot in with the bow, and the Ladies and the gentlewomen were there. Hercules and many other, shot at a most straight, and near the mark, but shot by shot he exceeded all the nighest: for he shot always within a little ring of gold. And as for shooting at a long mark, he passed the furthest in the field four and twenty strides: his how was so great that it was the load and burden of a man. No man could bend it but himself. It was a pleasure to see him, for he got great praise and fame the two days, and yet got he more the day following, which was the seventh day of the sports: for when it came to the casting of the stone a far, one after an other, than he cast it, employing his strength in such wise that he passed six paces further than any man that at that time employed himself in that exercise.  
Then they that were come to this feast cried with a high voice, the Esquire unknown is neither the son of Amphitrion, nor the son of jupiter, but he is the son of the god of nature, which hath garnished him with double force, and redoubled it an hundred fold.: in his infancy he vanquished the serpents, and in his youth he surmounteth in wit force and valiance all the world. Blessed be the womb that conceived him and bore him, for to glorify Greece: For certes the time shall come once that he shall be the glory of the Greeks', and their triumph, and well shall help them if they have need.  
Such were the words of the Kings, of the Ladies, and of the Damosels, of the nobles and of the valiant, each man praised him in his guise. The fair Megara heard gladly the commendation and praising that men gave him: but yet she saw him more gladly do his feats and valiances, and it is no marvel though she saw him gladly, and gave her to behold him: for in Hercules was, that was not in other: his beauty surmounted the measure and the great portion and quantity of his force and strength. What shall I lay? After that each man that would cast the stone, had done, he went into the common tent, where many an amorous man was with his Lady, and there he began to put himself forth a little, and his speech with one and other well became him: for he had a right high and a clear understanding. Megara and Hercules in this evening oftentimes beheld each other secretly, & their countenances were fixed each on other often, and then of force they changed colour. In this changing of colour, there was not a vein in them but was moved. And by this moving grew amorous desires in abundance, with deep sighs, which were nourished in the abysms and bottoms of their hearts.  
Among all other things, for to speed the matter, the kings and the ancient knights assembled them in council, for as much as they had many young knights that were come, and had abidden from the beginning of the feast, for to do feats of arms against Hercules. The puissance and strength of Hercules was well considered of in this council: and for as much as it was very likely that no man might stand against him, it was ordained that he should do no deeds of arms hand to hand: and that the days that were yet to come of the residue of the feast from two days to two days, they should turnoy in manner of battle: whereof should be captains two Kings that were there, that is to wit Tandarus that was father of Menelaus husband of the fair Helen, and Ixion that was King of Thessaly. These two Kings took on them with a good will this charge, and it was ordained, that Hercules should let them turnoye until the time, that the one party were at worse, and that then he might help that party so suffering the worse, unto the time that he had brought them to match their betters. This ordinance was showed in the tent, by the officer of arms. What shall I make long count? they that were afore named for to fight, and to do deeds of arms man for man against Hercules, were right joyous of the new ordinance. The feast then ceased, and one and other withdrew them unto their tents on the morning they came to the fields for to begin the first turnoy, and there were five hundred Esquires, and three hundred knights, all armed as for to go into battle, saving that their sword were rebetues and not sharp, and that their spears had rochets o● tree or of wood. The king Tandarus and the King Ixion was richly arrayed, and well horsed, and armed well with bossed curets, and ran in the most hardest place of this assembly. There were no more but an hundred knights on horseback, for horses at that time were but little known nor used. All they on horseback and they on foot were parted into two companies. The one of these companies, was delivered to Tandarus, and the other to Ixion. And when Tandarus and Ixion had all that they ought to have, they that had horses, at the sound of the trumpet were ready to joust, and ran one against another, so courageously, that they troubled all the air with dust and powder that rose by their horse feet. At the bickering each met with other oftentimes, and there were some overthrown under the horse, and tumbled upside down at joining: and some there were that broke their spears knightly and chevalrously, for there were plenty of valiant knights. But in the end, when the knights on horseback had done their endeavours, and that they set their hands on their swords, the pietons or footmen began to renew the turnoye, with so great a stir and noise, that all the mount redounded, on the one side, and on the other: there were many spears broken, and shields unjointed, they foined with their spears eagerly, their strokes and foins were great: each man showed the quantity of his force, it was joyous to see the spears fly in the air by pieces: there were great cries, none spared other, ancient nor young. The ancient beat and fought with the young: the young men by great courage learned and showed the old men. When their spears were broken they took their swords, where with began a new ado, joyous and pleasant: they cutting their helms and hewing on their shields so courageously, and in special they of the part of Ixion, that they of the part of king Tandarus, were constrained to call for Hercules unto the rescue.  
When Hercules heard that they cried after him, he was passing joyous, for it was a grief to him to be idle, and to see other labour. He was nigh by the turnoye, beholding them that did best: he had also his sword in his fist. At the cry that they that were put to the worse made, he went unto their aid and help, and began to tourney on the side where were the greatest strokes given, so pleasantly that it was joy to behold. The king Ixion came against him for to maintain his prowess, and to hold together his folk. But certes, for his welcome, Hercules smote him on the shield, in such wise, that all astonished he bore him to the earth, and down from his horse. Then began there a great shout and laughter, & as well one as the other began to apply them to the rescue of Ixion. Hercules put himself into the press, and made heaps on all sides, so great, that Tandarus and his folk recovered, and entered into the battle with their counterparty. At that time began again the turnoy strong and sharp: they that right now fled, took heart, force and virtue to them again by the well doing of Hercules, and recovered vigour and strength. Hercules, of all them that were there was taken heed of, his strokes surmounted all other without all measure, & he brought again Tandarus to match his better with little labour. Finally, he did show so great pr●wesse that day, and in the days following, that he was commended above all the men of the world. What shall I make long process of the turnoy, and of the pleasant sports of this feast? There were three great turnoyes and notable: at each turnoy, as soon as it happened that one party was put back, and to the worse, Hercules by his well doing recovered them, and put them up above again. No man took heed but to his glory: every man said well of him: at dances, and at feasts, every man loved him, every man worshipped him: there was no tongue of noble, nor of base, but that gave him laud and praise, whereof the conclusion was such, that all the prizes abode with him, and also there were given to him many gifts of the kings that were there. The days of this solemnity drew over, & the last night, the kings and the ladies, and nobles assembled in the common tent, and of one common accord they would that from year to year they and their heirs should hold & renew the feast that Hercules had begun and established, for they saw that it was the most honourable pastime that ever was made in Greece, and named the feast olympiad, because of the mount Olympus. And they had it so recommended, that from thence forth they dated their edicts, and their letters of continuance with the year of the first olympiad, etc. In such wise as we say the year of the incarnation. These things ordained, given and promised, the officer of arms of Hercules, thanked all them that were come to this olympiad: after that each took leave of other, and departed on the morrow, and thus finished and ended this feast.   

CHAP. XL. ¶ How Hercules sailed by the sea into Hesperie: and how he vanquished the isle with the muttons or sheep, and vanquished Philotes, and slew his fellow.  
AT the departing, Hercules passed not greatly for the withdrawing and departing of all them that were there, saving for the departing of Megara: he knew not the malady of love, until the time he saw her departed into the country. Megara went unto Thebes, and Hercules drew him to Athens, right pensive, and thinking much on his Lady: and sore desiring to see her, he went in the company of Euristeus unto Athens, where they feasted them four days long. At the fourth day tidings came, that unto the Port and Haven were come strange folk by fortune, which were clothed in right pleasant robes and garments. When the King Euristeus heard these tidings, he sent anon to fetch these strangers to him, and asked them from whence they were? they answered him, that they were of the West, and of the region of Hesperie. Where is the region of Hesperie, said Euristeus, and what manner Country is it? Verily answered one of them, I trow that in all the world is no better Country, for there is abundance of all things that be necessary to man's life, and I can tell to you, that in the places of our dwelling, and where we have our haunt, there be many Isles lying about the furthest parts of Mauree, beyond Ampolesie, where grow all the best things that men can think, and there is a king named Philotes, son in law to a King named Athlas, which be the generation of Greeks': and it is not to be unremembered, how that the King Philotes accompanied with the daughters of king Aihlas, found late an isle right pleasant, as was his adventure. This I'll is all plain without mountain or valley, it is in such wise as is a Garden, all green, and there be therein so many sheep and muttons, that it is marvel, which be kept and chéerished there as diligently as if they were of fine Gold. Of these muttons that I speak of, we have our robes and gowns made: we and they that may have them, must buy them at a great price of Gold. We eat the flesh, and  us with the skins. And know ye for certain, that into this isle is but one entry, and he entereth not therein that would, for the King Philotes and an other Giant which be wise, and subtle, and marvelously strong, always keep the entry of the isle, and always the one waketh while the other sleepeth. Certes (said Euristeus) by that, that I understood of you, the isle that ye speak of, is of great excellency. This Philotes that ye make mention of: what man is this King Philotes? The stranger answered and said, that he is the most redoubted and dread king of the West parts: he is a Giant that by his force and strength hath conquered the isle with the sheep, and hath put out them that dwelled and inhabited there before. He is so strong, that it is but late ago, that he said, if he might find a man more strong and puissant than he is, he would never after bear arms to fight in battle, during the life of that other.  
The king Egeus then gave leave to the strangers to departed from his presence, and commanded that no man should let them in their returning toward their Country, and they went and departed. Euristeus abode with Egeus, and Euristeus came to Hercules, and Theseus, and wished by a great desire to have of those muttons, saying to them, that he would that it had cost him as much Gold as a pair of muttons weigh: and that he had a Ram, and an Ewe, for to engender in his Country. In that time were no sheep in Greece. When Hercules had heard the desire of King Euristeus, suddenly he said to him. Sir, ye have a desire to have a pair of muttons, appertaining to the daughters of Athlas, by the conquest and arms of the strong Giant Philotes. I promise you here for truth, upon my gentleness, that by this day three weeks, I will departed by water, or by land, for to fetch and get them: and that I will never return into Greece, until the time that I have found the Isle, and that I shall oppose myself against the Giants that keep it, and will assay if I can get the isle from them, like as Philotes hath gotten it from other. When the king Euristeus had understood the enterprise that Hercules made, he was passing sorry, for he loved Hercules as much as he had been his own son. He dissuaded him from that enterprise, weening to have broken it: but Hercules answered so wisely, and so discreetly, that Euristeus was content to suffer him to go unto this adventure, and Theseus with him.  
The renown of this voyage was spread anon in all the Country. Egeus and Euristeus made ready for their two sons a right good Galley, and well furnished it with all manner thing. The Galley and all other habiliments were all ready in good time. At the end of three weeks they went to the sea, and with them right many noble Greeks', & rowed so forth till they came into the deep Sea, where they sailed and rowed many days, without finding of any adventure to speak of. For at that time the Sea was but little used, neither of thieves, nor yet of merchants. What shall I say? their master or pilot, in process of time brought them to Hespery, that afterward was named Spain, and there sought so long the isle with the sheep, that at last they arrived there at the place. The Giant that was appointed to keep the entry, and the ward of the isle, slept not at that time when the Greeks landed. He then issued out of his house, and came all armed unto the straight passage, where might no man go up but one at once, and he cried to the Greeks, saying: Sirs, what seek ye here. Hercules answered: we seek the muttons that be in this isle, for to carry some of them into Greece. The Giant answered, have ye money enough? if ye have so, ye shall have enough. How (said Hercules) shall we not have them otherwise? No, said the Giant. Then said Hercules, at the least let us have them at the price that ye have gotten them for. How said the Giant? The King Philotes hath conquered with his sword the isle and the muttons. Hercules' answered, mine intention is in likewise to conquer the isle from him. If ye will defend it, haste you: ye shall have the battle against me, or else let me have the Isle, that I may do therein in my will.  
Anon as the Giant had understood the conclusion of Hercules, he made him ready to defend the place, and blewe a great Horn that was there hanging on a tree. At sounding of the Horn, the daughters of Athlas awaked Philotes, and told him that some were there to get the place, and that the Giant had blown the horn. Philotes with those words rose up, and found that Hercules by force had put back his Giant, (that excepting Philotes was the most subtle man of arms in all Hesperie,) he was so sore abashed that he began to sigh and be sorry: but this notwithstanding, he had not long abode there, when Hercules smote the giant on the right shoulder with such strength and force, that the shield of the giant was fallen from him, and his arms all to bruised, and his sword entered so far into his body near unto his heart, that he smote him down dead at his feet.  
When Philotes saw his giant dead: he came unto Hercules, for to defend the place, saying, that he would avenge his giant if he might. Hercules had great joy, when he saw Philotes come to the place, and said to him: king thou art welcome, I have now joy in my heart, since I shall prove myself against thee. Men say, there is no stroke but of the master: now let us see how we shall work together. Well and happy be he, that well shall do and prove himself. Philotes in the hearing of these words, came unto the place, and held a great Polaxe, with which he smote sore upon the shield of Hercules, and made him to stagger a little. Whereat Philotes began to laugh, and thought to have smitten again Hercules with that Polaxe, who was ashamed of the other stroke. And he than kept him well, and waited so, that in the smiting he caught it, and plucked it out of his fists, and cast it into the sea. Then was Philotes all abashed of the force of Hercules: and when he had lost his Poleaxe, he took his sword, and came for to fight with Hercules. Philotes had the advantage, for Hercules was under him. They assailed the one the other right fiercely, and well they kept them both two. All this day they fought without ceasing, so long as the day endured: the night came on that they must cease, than they lay there both two upon the place. They slept nothing, for it was no time, both two kept the watch, and they endured it well, for they were accustomed for to wake. Thus waking Philotes had many words unto Hercules, and demanded from whence he was: and Hercules told him the truth. After they spoke of their battle: and at the desire and request of Philotes, they promised each to other, that if any of them were vanquished and overcome, for to save his life, he should be holden to serve truly the vanquisher all his life after, etc.  
During these speeches and promises, the day star that the Poets call Aurora, began to arise in his reign. The air was clear and fair, the stars shone. At this hour Hercules cast his eyes among the stars, and seeing there Aurora shine above all other, he began to remember his lady. Megara saying. Alas, Madam where be ye now? I would it pleased the gods, that ye remembered as well me, as I remember you. In truth the light of this same star inflameth the amorous fire wherewith I was late seized by the administration of your beauty. Ye be as far shining in beauty above the maidens of Greece, as this Aurora shineth above all the other stars, of whom the number is so great that no man can tell. O noble Megara, the right clear star, your remembrance illumineth mine heart, like as this star illumineth the heaven, and me thinketh that by this remembrance when I come to the battle, I shall prevail the better. Wherefore I promise you, if fortune help me, like as I desire, ye shall have your part of all that I shall conquer, etc.  
The night drew over, and the day began, and at the point of the sun rising Hercules was all glad of the thinking and remembrance that he had of his Lady, and took his sword, and said to Philotes: we have paused long enough, ●o it is day, and the sun riseth, it is better that we exercise deeds of arms now, then when the rays of the sun be greater: let us take the time ere the great heat come, and let each of us do his best. Philotes that was all ready, was right joyous when he heard Hercules, for he thought in his mind that he should soon and in little space speed this matter, and said to him. Hercules I am ready, and was since yesterday to achieve this battle: keep you as well as ye can, ye have slain my Giant the most stout and hardiest man that was in all the West, Wherefore I have great displeasure, but at the least, since his death may not be recovered by death of a man, I will do my best and devoir, to have a new soldier, and that shall be you, or else my sword and fortune shall fail me. Shall I so said Hercules? and if your sword and fortune shall fail you, what tidings? By my gentleness said Philotes, that befell me never. And if any ill fortune and misadventure run upon me, that I must needs be your servant, let it be upon condition, that I shall never go after into battle at mine own adventure or none other during your life: neither for you, nor for other I shall never fight, but if it be myself defendant. Without other words the two champions assailed each other, and smote together so sad, and sore, that the place redounded with their strokes. In a little while they had their shields unfastened by great blows. Philotes did not fail to smite on Hercules: but his strokes were nothing so great, but that Hercules might bear them well enough without grief or suffering great damage.  
Thus began the battle again of the two Giants. Hercules was as high as a giant: he was right fierce in arms, he did much to get the standing, but yet he might never attain to smite Philotes a full stroke, for as much as Philotes was above on the passage, which contained well two cubits of height. When Hercules saw and knew that Philotes kept his standing without abashing or adventuring to come down, he thought subtly that he would fayne himself weary, and by little and little after he began to smite more féeblye than he did before: after that he recoiled himself, and smote from far, as if he had failed and been weary. The Greeks' were afraid and wéend he might no more: and then Philotes sprang down from the standing, weening to have put him to the foil: but then when Hercules saw him before him, and that one was no more higher than an other, Hercules came to his place again, and gave so great a stroke to Philotes, that he made him recoil and go back more than four foot. Philotes was then all abashed, and repent him that he descended from the standing: but that was for nought, for the repenting might not avail. Then he took courage, and enhanced his sword, and smote Hercules on the left arm, so hard that he gave him a wound that the blood sprang out.  
When Hercules saw the arms of Philotes besprinkled with his blood, he made none other countenance, but that he would suddenly be avenged of the stroke. In giving to Philotes three strokes, with the first he broke his helm, and smote him on the head, and with the second he gave him a great wound on the right shoulder, and with the third stroke, he made his sword to fly out of his fists: and then he caught him in his arms, and after long wrestling he cast him to the earth, in such wise that Philotes yielded him servant unto Hercules, and promised him to serve him truly all the residue of his life, and that he would bear his arms after him in all places where he should go. Hercules' received to mercy Philotes. And then called Theseus and his company, who came and were right glad and joyous of the victory that he had obtained. Then Hercules, Philotes and all the other went into the isle where they found the daughters of Athlas greatly discomforted for the death of the giant. And for as much as Hercules had also conquered Philotes their keeper, Hercules and Philotes comforted the daughters the best wise they could: and there the Greeks' refreshed themselves the space of three days.  
The fourth day he took thirty. rams and thirty. ewes, and brought them into their ship, after that they went to the sea, without any harm doing in the isle, for the love of the gentle women: they departed thence, and went to the sea, accompanied with Philotes, which was conquered by Hercules, as is said, and after loved Hercules well and truly & served him ever after. But of their journeys, I will cease for this time, and will speak of a monster of the sea that the gods sent to Troy for to devour the fair Exione daughter to king Laomedon.   

CHAP. XLI. ¶ How Hercules fought at the port of Troy against a monster, of the sea, for the daughter of king Laomedon.  
IN that time, as Boccace rehearseth in his genealogy of goods, in the third chapter of the sixth book, Laomedon the King of Troy was busy to wall and fortify his city with walls and towers, to the end to make it more strong. He was not well furnished with treasures nor with money. For to accomplish his desire, he went unto the temple of the gods of the sun and of the sea, that were passing rich, and took all the money that he could find, promising to pay it again all at a certain day and time set. By the mean of this money, he closed and fortified the city of Troy with walls and towers. The work was costly, howbeit in little time he finished it: and it was not long after that the work was finished, but the day came, in which Laomedon should pay and render unto the temples of the gods the money that he had taken and borrowed, At which day, the priests of the temples came unto Laomedon and demanded him, if he would tender the oblations and offerings, that he had taken out of the temple? Laomedon deigned not to speak to the priests, but sent them word shamefully, that they should return and keep their temples. Wherefore he was afterward sore punished, for in the same night after that he would not hear the priests, the great winds began to rise and beat the one against the other, and caused the sea to rise in such wise that it entered and went into the town so far that it held the streets full of water, and drowned a great part of the town. Besides this, in eight days following, the sun shone so ardently, and gave so great heat, that the people durst not go into the air by day time, and that dried the superfluity of the abundance of the water of the sea that was left: whereof rose a corrupt and a mortal vapour, that infected all the city. Whereof engendered so great a pestilence, that the most part of the Trojans were smitten to death by the great influence of the corrupt air.  
By this pestilence they of Troy fell in great desolation, the citizens men and women, young and old died (without speaking) suddenly. The father could not, nor might not help his child in necessity, nor the child the father. At this time reigned in Troy neither love nor charity: for each man that might save himself fled away for fear of this mortality, and gave over, and left the City, and went to dwell in the fields, and among all other, the king Laomedon seeing the destruction of his realm, went into the isle of Delphos, unto the temple of the god Apollo, for to have the council of the god, touching the health of his City. With Laomedon went the most noble and the most puissant men of Troy: when they were come into the temple, they put them in contemplation and devotion before the idol, and the devil that was therein answered them and said. The money which was taken out of the temples, and not rendered and paid again, is cause of the malady and vengeance of Troy. And I do all the Troyans' to wit, that never shall Troy be quit of this malady, unto the time that the said city provide to appease the gods, in this wise: that it is to wit, that every month they must choose one of the virgins and maidens, which must be set on the sea side, for to be devoured by a monster that the gods shall send thither: and the said virgin shallbe chosen by lot or adventure. And in this wise must the city do, for to appease the gods perpetually until the time that they find one man, that by his arms and by his might shall overcome the said monster.  
After these words and answers, Laomedon and the Trojans assembled to counsel upon this matter, and concluded, that for the common weal and health of Troy, they would put their virgins in that jeopardy and adventure, to the spoiling of the monster, without any exception or reserving. Then they returned unto Troy, and took their virgins, and cast lots among them: and on her that the lot fell, she was taken and brought to the sea side, and anon after was seen to come out of the deeps or swallow of the sea, so great a tempest, that the sea rose and was troubled. The sea wrought and a right great flood of water lifted up the monster by times out of the sea: he was as great as a whale or a hulk, and then he took the virgin, and swallowed her in, and went away again into the sea, and from thence forth the pestilence ceased. Thus was Troy delivered from their sickness and malady by the oblation of their virgins, that were offered unto the monster, from month to month: and thus (as is said) their virgins were delivered. It happened in the end of the month, that the sort or lot fell on one of the daughters of king Laomedon, named Exiona: this daughter was young and fair, and well beloved of all people. When this lot was fallen on her, she was not only bewailed and sorrowed of king Laomedon her father, and of his son Pryamus, and her sister Antigona, and of her cofins and allies: but of all the people, men, women, and children: notwithstanding, their weepings, nor the good renown of her, could not save her, she was put to the disposing of the monster. The noble virgin was ready to obey the king Laomedon, and brought hereupon to the sea side, accompanied with nobles, ladies, and gentle women, with a great train of Trojans, citizens, and merchants, all which made sorrow for her. What shall I say? at the instant that she was thus brought thither, Hercules at adventure arrived at the port of Troy, with his muttons: and he willing to refresh him there, made to cast his anchors out, and going out, and taking land, he beheld on the one side, and saw the Troyans' weeping and bewailing Exiona, in casting abroad their arms and wring their hands, that he had pity to see it. And he desiring to know what them ailed, put himself into the press, and saw there where they bond the fair Exiona in the rout, attired with royal attire, all discoloured and full of tears, as she that expected nothing but the death. Hercules' moved with compassion to the damosel, addressed his language unto king Laomedon, for as much as it seemed, that above all them that were in the place, he was a man of authority: and demanded him, wherefore that the damosel was there bound? Laomedon cast his eyes all be wept on him, and was all abashed to see his greatness, and his beauty▪ nevertheless he answered him, what art thou that art so hardy to demand me of my misfortune, which is to all common in Troy? Sir (said Hercules) I am a stranger, and I love the worship and honour of Ladies, and there is no thing that I might do for them, but I would do it unto my power: and for as much as I see this Gentlewoman thus entreated, in the favour of all Ladies, I have asked of you the cause, and I will know it, or put myself in adventure for to die with her. And therefore I demand yet again, what trespass or sin hath she done, that these men thus bind her? My son (answered Laomedon) I see well that ye he ignorant, and know not the reasons and the cause, wherefore my daughter is here abandoned: there is no man but he may well know it, for she shall die for the safety and health of Troy, and I will tell you how we be come thereto. The gods of the sea and of the sun have plagued and grieved Troy with a right great pestilence, that took his beginning with a superabundance of the sea, whereby the streets of Troy were full in every place of water. After this deluge and flood, the time was marvelously and outrageously hot, by the great heat of the sun, whereby this sea was dried up. Of this dryness or drought engendered a vapour infected, and of this vapour ensued a pestilence. And, for to resist this pestilence, I have been at the oracle of the god Apollo, where I have had answer, for to appease the gods, and to cease the pestilence, the gods of the sun and of the sea will, that from month to month, be taken in Troy, one of the virgins by sort or lottte, for to be exposed and offered, in this place, unto a monster of the sea. The Trojans were content to fulfil the will of the gods, and I with them. We have cast our lots upon our virgins, whereof many be swallowed, and devoured by the monster, and now the sort or lot is fallen on my daughter, will she or not, she must needs obey, and appease the goods.  
After her shall come an other, there is no remedy: and this shall endure upon the virgins of Troy perpetually: for it is the destiny that Troy shall never be quite of this right hard servitude and thraldom, until the time that they have found a man that alone shall vanquish and overcome the foresaid monster, by his puissance and prowess: which will be impossible, for because that it is true, that all the men of the greatest city of the world, can not find any way to vanquish him, he is so great and dreadful. And these things considered, demand me no more, my daughter shall die for the common weal of the place of her nativity. She was borne in a good hour, when the gods will, that by lot, and this fortune she be to them offered. Sir (answered Hercules) truly I think under heaven is no city so bond and thrall as yours is: howbeit, it ought to be understood that the gods will not suffer that this malediction shall hold and endure continually. Ye must live in hope. If fortune and the gods will do me that grace, that I might vanquish and overcome the monster, and make Troy free from this servitude, what reward would ye give me? truly said Laomedon, I think not that it be possible that ye should vanquish the monster. Who is he that will expose him to so great a folly? Hercules' answered, unto a valiant heart is nothing impossible. If I triumph upon the monster, and save thy daughter, what reward shall I have? Laomedon answered. If thou mayst do that thou sayest, I have two horses the best that be in all the world, which I love as well as half my realm, I will give them to thee as to the best knight of knights, and as to the most hardiest of hardy. Sir (said Hercules) it is enough to me, and it sufficeth me to have the two horses. Let me alone with your daughter. I have a trust and hope that this day I shall labour for the weal of Troy, and that I shall franchise and make free the virgins and maidens of this city. But I pray you, if there be in your city any great bar of iron, or of metal, that ye will send for to fetch it to me, for to defend me with all.  
The King Laomedon, and the Trojans, were all abashed, when they saw the enterprise that Hercules had made: and at the words of Hercules, the King remembered him of a great club of iron that lay at the entry of his palace of Ilium, that was so heavy, that the strongest man of Troy had enough to do to lay it on his shoulder. He sent for it, and presented it to Hercules, and Hercules lifted it up as it had been a little glaive. Philotes and Theseus were present at all these things. Hercules took leave of them, and at the press, and recommended him unto their prayers, and forth with all the Sea began to roar terribly. Laomedon and the Ladies, and they that were there took leave of Exione, and of Hercules, and recommended them unto the mercy of the gods, and went upon the downs, for to see the end. Thus abode Exione alone and all despaired upon the gravel with Hercules: who kneeled down on his knees upon the gravel, turning his face unto the East, and made his prayers unto the God that made the monsters and terrible beasts, requiring him that he would give him force, strength and virtue of power, for to deliver Exione from her misfortune of the monster, This orison accomplished, Hercules entered into a little boat, that Exione was in, and anon after, the Sea roaring, more and more, grew and arose in such wise that the boat floated, and was lifted up and borne by divers waves. After this, in great troubling of wind, when the sea was risen in great abundance of waters, Hercules and the Trojans saw coming the great horrible and unmeasurable monster, bringing with him a tempest so terrible, that it seemed that all the monsters of hell had been with him. He made the waves to redouble hideously, he lift him up above the water, and put out his mosel unto his shoulders, so that by the swallowing of the water, sprang out of his mouth great floods of the sea, and mounted so high, that it seemed that it had been a gulte that had pierced the clouds. For to say the very truth of this monster, he was so horrible and fearful, that only for to look and behold it, the most hardy and resolute of Troy, trembled for fear as a leaf on a tree. This notwithstanding, Hercules was nothing afeard, but always he comfort- Exiona, that fell down as dead. He took his club, the monster came by the boat, and cast his mosel unto Exiona, weening to have swallowed her in, as he had done the other virgins afore. Hercules kept her, for he smote him so vehemently upon the mosel, that he gave him a right great wound, so sore and heavy to bear, that he made him to go back and recoil into the bottom of the sea. Then in the falling of the monster into the sea, the waves arose high into the air, whereby Hercules and Exiona were all wet with the washing and sprinkling of the waves: & their boat was borne with the waves upon a bank of sand, where the sea was so low, that the monster might not well swim with his ease unto them. The monster always swum after them, and coming nigh to them lifted up his head, and in the lifting up, there issued out of his throat so great abundance of the water of the sea, that the boat was full of water and sunk, in such wise that Hercules was in the sea unto the great of his thighs, and Exiona stood in the water unto the middle.  
Anon as Hercules saw him in this case, he had great displeasure in himself, more for the pain and grief that Exione had, then for the dread that he himself had. The king Laomedon, Theseus, and Philotes, and all other, supposed then that Hercules and the damosel, without redemption had been devoured of the monster. The monster then seeking his prey, leapt against Exione, with a terrible wave. Hercules had his club ready on his neck, and awaited nothing but the monster, desiring to avenge him of the displeasure that he had, and that he would have done to him: he then discharged his club on his head so mightily, that the bar entered therein, and the blood sprang out. Then was the monster more wood upon Hercules: so he ceased the assault of the damosel, and assailed Hercules, and always as he lifted his head out of the water, he disgorged upon the valiant champion great floods of the sea. But this notwithstanding, he could not do so much harm unto Hercules, but that Hercules did much worse to him. Hercules followed him with his club, and made him to sink again into the bottom of the sea, by the huge weight of his strokes.  
The battle endured long between Hercules and the monster. If the monster might once have touched Hercules, he would at one mouthful have devoured or swallowed him in. He had a wide and a great throat, out of measure: he made a great noise and cry: he was fierce in exercising his fury. But Hercules fought with him boisterously, and held the virgin by him: and for what thing that ever the monster did, he could not so suddenly lift up his head out of the water, but that with one stroke of his club he was driven back always unto the bottom of the sea. What shall I say? Hercules was oft times in peril for to be drowned. The peril was great, and more than I can rehearse. Fortune was with him and the damosel, so that he fought and beat the monster valiantly, and so endeavoured in smiting continually on his muzzle and on his head, that the sea withdrew, and took from him the spirit of life, and then he all to bruised his brain, and so vanquished him, and slew him. And after when the Sea was withdrawn and far ebbed, he took Exiona by the hand, and brought her upon the ditch, and delivered her unto her father the king Laomedon.   

CHAP. XLII. ¶ How Laomedon shut Hercules out of Troy: and how Hercules swore that he would avenge him.  
WHen the king Laomedon saw his daughter thus delivered from the monster, and Troy made quit from the dangers, he bowed and thanked greatly Hercules: after he came to the sea side, accompanied with Hercules, Theseus, Philotes, and with the Trojans. And went for to see and behold the monster that was so great, that three hundred horses might not move him from the place where he was. One and other looked for to see the strokes that Hercules gave him, and they could not see all. But at that they saw they marveled: for Hercules had broken bones that it seemed not possible to break, and they had found the head hurt in so many places, that with great pain they could know whether he had a head or none. Of this high and incredible victory, the Trojans rejoiced marvelously, and had Hercules more in grace, than any man in the world. When they had seen and beheld the monster enough, they departed thence, and brought Hercules into Troy. They came not so soon unto the palace, but they found Exiona clothed with new array and vestments. And as for Hercules, all that he had upon him was wet and nothing dry. The king Laomedon would have had him to have changed his habits, and would have given him new. But the valiant Esquire refused it all, saying that he had been accustomed not to be always well a● 〈◊〉 ease. In this estate than Laomedon brought Hercules 〈◊〉 Troy, unto the castle of Ilium, and his Greeks' with hi● and feasted them as it appertained. Hercules and his Greeks' were four days triumphant in Ilium. During these four days, the Trojans went out in great routs, for to see the monster, and gave so great saved and praise to Hercules, that Laomedon had envy thereat, doubting that the people would love better Hercules then him. He thereupon sent Hercules and his folk out of the town for to hunt: and as soon as they were out of Troy, he drew up the bridge, and shut the gates against him. When Hercules thought for to have entered, Laomedon spoke to him, and said to him from far, that he had moved by conspiration the City against him, and that he would no more receive him into the Town. Hercules was passing wroth, when he understood the accusation of Laomedon: and answered him, that never in his life he had thought any villainy to him, whereof he charged and offered himself to prove himself clear by battle in the field, and to adventure his body against thirty other, that would say or maintain the contrary, which offer Laomedon would not receive. Then Hercules required him, that at the least he would deliver him his horses, that he had promised him for the victory of the monster. Laomedon answered him, that he would deliver him none. Wherefore, said Hercules? Laomedon answered, for as much as it is my will and pleasure so to do. Ha false and untrue king (said Hercules) thou withholdest me the prize and reward of my labour, and thou yéeldest me evil for good, I swear to thee by the puissance of all my gods, that as I have delivered Troy perpetually by my club, from the monster of the sea, and consequently from the sword of pestilence: in like sort, and even so, by the same club, I will yield and render unto Troy the pestilence, or death, and war, if the gods give me the grace: and I have intention for to make the Trojans say, that they were happy that died in the time of the pestilence that is past.  
Hercules (full of great ire) departed with these words, and left there the king Laomedon, that set little store by that he had said to him: for he trusted and put all his affiance in the strength of the walls of his City, and he thought that no man might annoy nor grieve him. And then Hercules went again to his ship, and mounted on the sea with his club, and his sheep, and with his fellow Theseus. Philotes held himself well happy for to have been vanquished of one so valiant a man as Hercules was, and he took on him the office for to bear his harness in all places where he went. What shall I say? from Troy unto Thebes fell nothing worthy to be put in memory, that is of record. In the end he arrived in Greece, and knew by some certain man there, that the king Euristeus was in Thebes: whereof he had great joy, for he thought he saw the lady Megara, which he deesired to see by great desire. He went then unto Thebes, where he was solemnly received of the king Creon, which had him in great good account for his valiance. One and other came and welcomed him: he sent his sheep and muttons unto the king Euristeus by Philotes. Philotes himself told and recounted, how Hercules had conquered them and him also, and how he had slain his giant at the passage. Of these tidings was the king Euristeus passing joyous, and so were all they that were there, or heard speak of it. Every man glorified Hercules: Ladies and Gentlewomen came and welcomed him. Among all other Megara failed not, she came to Hercules and welcomed him, and well became her to welcome and make him cheer: For, she was wise and of good manners, and certes her coming gave more solace unto Hercules, than all the loving and praisings that were then given unto him, albeit that all the world praised and exalted him, for this voyage, above all the Greeks'. And the sheep were so desired, that kings bought them for the weight of gold: wherefore the Historiographers and Poets put this conquest in perpetual memory, writing among his deeds in this wise. Substulit mala aurea, that is as much to say, that he bore away the muttons of gold, for as much as they were esteemed at prize of the weight of gold. For Mala in Greek is as much to say as sheep in English, or muttons in French, and so recounteth Boccace in his genealogy of gods: and so approveth Varro, which writeth likewise in his Book de Agricultura.  
By this conquest, the name of Hercules began to fly in height and excellency. The Poets have feigned upon this History, that the daughter of Athlas had a garden kept night and day by a serpent waking, wherein grew Apples of gold, and that Hercules slew this serpent, and gathered and bore away the Apples. By this garden is understood the Isle: by the serpent waking, the subtle giant commised to keep it, that always awoke at the passage. And by the apples of gold be understood the sheep, esteemed to the valour of the weight of fine gold. After then this presentation made to Euristeus of the sheep or muttons, as each man marveled of the prowess of Hercules, Philotes added and gave to his overcomer Hercules praises upon praises, and lauds upon lauds, and honour upon honour: For hearing kings and princes, ladies and gentlewomen, and seeing that Hercules held his peace at things, whereof he might have embraced honour and worship, he declared from point to point his adventure, not credible of the monster of Troy, and showed the club wherewith he had put him to death: but after that he rehearsed the honour and grace that he had gotten in Troy, and the wrong that Laomedon had done to him: he said so much thereof, that they enterprised all to go to war upon the king Laomedon, for to take vengeance of the wrong that he had done to Hercules.   

CHAP. XLIII. ¶ How Hercules had battle against the king Laomedon: and how he vanquished and destroyed Troy the first time.  
IT is not possible that my pen can write the grace and excellent renown that Hercules got in Greece at his coming from Troy. The kings and the princes reputed themselves happy and fortunate for to have their reign in his time. Amphitrion his father putative, began to have him in grace, and came into Thebes to him. His mother Alcumena came also; and certes she failed not to have abundance of joy, when she might set her eyes to see her son, which was so greatly renowned. The noble Lady had not seen him in long time before she saw him triumph in honour, in valiance and in prowess: annoys, griefs, and displeasures, that she had for him, because that he was named the son of jupiter, whereof she held herself innocent, were then all forgotten and put in oblivion. The feast was great in Thebes for the love of Hercules: men spoke not of any thing but of him and of his prowess. Creon, Euristeus, Egeus, Amphitrion and many other, assembled them together, and made their musters and assemblies for to go unto Troy. By space of time their army was ready: and then they took their leave, and Hercules was made captain of this army. He went to the sea accompanied with the kings above said, and ten thousand men all chosen for the nonce. At the time convenient the mariners disanchored, and went to sail: They sailed so long by their course without stay or letting that (yet during their victuals) they came on a day into Frigie, unto a port of a City named Laryse being nigh to Tenadon. This city was of the demean of Troy: for which cause the Greeks' assailed it, and took it by force of arms, and after that rifled it and took all that was therein. And when they had spoiled it, they went to Tenadon, which was a gentlemanly City: they assailed it, and took it as they did the city of Larise, and they put therein the fire, and burned it, so that the air was inflamed in such wise, that it was seen in Troy, how the City burned. The assault of Tenadon dured not long, for as much as the Trojans were not advertised of their coming. When they saw the air so inflamed, for to see from what place the flame came, they mounted and went upon the high towers and buildings of Ilium, and looking toward Tenadon, saw that the City was all on a fire, whereat they that saw it were right sorry, and greatly abashed. About this they looked into the sea, and espied then there the float of the Greeks', whereof they were more abashed than they were before. And then without any longer tarrying, they descended and went down into the hall of King Laomedon, and said to him: Alas Sir, what is best to be done? the Greeks' come upon us with aright great float: we have seen them and know them. The strong Hercules menaceth you, for to destroy your city. Certes I believe it is he. For now, for the beginning of the feast, he hath burnt Tenadon, and that is it that causeth the air to be full of fire.  
The King Laomedon hearing this tiding began to sigh and taste of the evil and trespass that he had committed and done against Hercules. This notwithstanding, for to give courage unto his men, and to his son Pryamus that was at that time of the age of xx. year, he did cause to sound to Arms, and made him ready, and with his arms showed a right fierce and hardy semblance. This done, he armed Pryamus his son, that never had been in battle before, and dubbed him knight: after he took him by the hand, and issued out of Ilium. In issuing out he met many Trojans, that told him, that at his port were landed many Greeks', that had destroyed Tenadon, and unless he halted him, they would soon take land. Laomedon with out speaking any word, passed forth by them that had brought him these tidings, and came to a place that was there by Ilium, where he found more than twenty thousand Trojans ready armed. And seeing them, he began to joy in himself, and called the principals, & said to them: Lords, ye be renowned in all the world, by the high prowess of your ancestors: Before that Troy was walled, they defended it with the sword against their enemies: the renowned king jupiter of Crete, could not get this City, nor the Thessalonians by their war, might never subdue this City. It is now happened this day, that a new assembly of enemies come upon this City, and as men say, they have put the fire in Tenadon: let us go receive them courageously, and let us make of them like as our fathers have made with other, etc.  
When the Trojans had heard these words of their King, they answered all, that they would live and die with him, for the weal of the City: and that they had intention to keep his honour, and for to make grow their ancient glory. Without holding of long process, the King Laomedon did then display all his banners. After he issued out of Troy, setting and training his men in good order. And then as he began to conduct and lead them forth, suddenly he heard at the port, a passing great noise and bruit of Trumpets, Clarions, and Tabours, of the Greeks'. Then his blood began to chafe, than his hair of his head began to stand up, he knew that they were his enemies: and as soon as they knew the Greeks', without holding of any order nor measure, they dislodged them, and began to run to the port, one before an other. When they approached the port, they espied the Greeks', that landed with great forces. Then they challenged them unto the death, and ran upon them sharply. The Greeks' were furnished with good armours, and put them to defence, and began to skirmish the one with the other so unmeasurably, that in the aboarding and meeting there were many dead and hurt. Hercules was there among the Greeks'. He began to fight sharply among the Trojans, and had his club. Certes he welcomed them in such wise, that the most strongest of his enemies durst not abide him: he fought fiercely, in desire of revengement, in coveting of worship, and to get him a name. Lifting up his hand, he showed to the Trojans his club, and made them to feel the weight thereof, & the strength of his arm, and he laboured so earnestly, and did so valiantly, that they that saw him, doubted him more than death, and said the one unto the other: behold Hercules, but come not near him. It were folly so to do: all that he reacheth he slayeth and breaketh to pieces. We do evil to fight against him: this is the deliverer from the terrible servage and thraldom of Troy: how should we resist his club, when the huge dreadful monsters be by the same put to the foil? etc.  
Such were the words of the Trojans. Hercules' fought against them fiercely: he was stout and stable: he went before: all the Greeks' followed him, and took a pleasure to behold him. The cry was great about him. What shall I say? he fought until the night, and never ceased until the going down of the Sun, and then the Trojans sounded the retreat, and they departed both parties. Laomedon put his sword into his sheath, which was all bloody with Greeks' blood: and in likewise did Priamus his son. They re-entered into their City, after the skirmish, & they concluded, that on the morrow they would furnish their enemies with battle. And the Greeks furnished them in the champain, and made good cheer, for they had lost but little of their people at their coming on land. This night passed over: when the day appeared to the Trojans, and the Greeks', each in his manner made him ready to the battle: many of the Trojans would gladly have broken this battle, and prayed unto king Laomedon, that he would render and deliver to Hercules the horses that he ought to him. Laomedon would not do it, but answered, that he doubted nothing his enemies. He had then about fifty thousand of fight men, all ready: of these fifty thousand he made two battles, one of twenty thousand, and that he led himself, and the other of thirty thousand, of which he made Priamus' captain. This done, he issued out of Troy, with twenty thousand fight men, and came unto the fields, entering upon the Greeks', etc.  
When the Greeks' espied king Laomedon coming, they were full of joy, as they that were ready for to receive them at the point of their spears, and with hewing of their swords. They had made of their host four battles. In the first was Hercules. And in the second was Amphitrion, and Theseus. And in the third was the king Creon, and in the fourth was Euristeus. Hercules then that had the first battle, marched when it was time, against the King Laomedon, and he had four ancient knights well appointed in the feats of Arms, that set and conducted his folk in array and order. They marched so nigh, the one to the other, with great noise of Trumpets, and Labours, that the Archers, and Cross bows began the battle, after that that Hercules had summoned Laomedon to pay him that he had promised him, and that Laomedon had made refusal thereto. The Greeks' were furnished with stronger Bows and shot then the Trojans were: and by that mean they slew abundance of their enemies: and especially Hercules bore him so well with forty Arrows that he himself shot, one after another, that he slew forty of his enemies, such as he would choose, without failing.  
Hercules was at that time the best archer, and the most sure at mark that was in all Greece, & also in all the world. He and his men (as is said) cast many of the Trojans to the ground by the shot. When the shot failed, Hercules delivered his bow unto Philotes, that bore his harness, and took a strong sword and sure. When it came to sword, and breaking and foining with spears, Hercules that was always in the first front, leapt against the king Laomedon, that was departed from his host afore all other, for as much as he road upon one of the horses that he had promised to Hercules. And running one against the other as swiftly as they had flown in the air, met and smote each other so sore, that their spears broke in pieces, which sprang about them. Hercules' passed forth and smote among the Trojans, and Laomedon in like wise, entered into the host of the Greeks: they began to handle their swords, and to hew each upon his enemies. Then arose there a marvelous noise: they that had spears and shields, employed them for to join battle. The fight was great, the strokes were hard, the battle was general, for of the one party & the other, many men were distressed and beaten, notwithstanding that the Greeks' were most boisterous and most hard in arms, and more valiant than the Trojans, and better held them together, than they of the battle of king Laomedon. Hercules' wrought and bestirred him fast with his sword, that he had conquered from Philotes. At every stroke and every step he killed a Trojan, and smote of their heads and arms in great abundance, that it seemed that they that he touched had not been armed. Laomedon was busy on the one side, and feigned not, but bore him right well upon his horse, and ran from rank to rank among the Greeks': he rested not, but conducted his people knightly, and his people were great in number: he set upon his enemies so eagerly, that he enclosed them, and then was the murder and slaughter so great that on all sides a man should not have seen anything but blood and heads, and arms fly in the place and the field.  
When Theseus and Amphitrion beheld the battle of Hercules so enclosed with the Trojans, they bethought them, and came to his help ere he had need. At their coming they made a right great uproar, they thrusted & couched their swords upon the Trojans, which were too far forward, and joined to them with such prowess, that they smote down the most stable and strong, and went so far among them, that they made them that were so far come, to retire again, and go back by force and strength. In this going back and recoiling, the host of Laomedon was all afraid and abashed. The three swords of Hercules, of Theseus, and Amphitrion, were seen brandishing above all other in well doing, and in short space they began to vanquish and overcome their enemies, and would have brought them to the foil & shame. Then that the young Pryamus with his thirty thousand appeared to come to the assault, making so great a noise that all the ground trembled, and gave a marvelous sound, and they that were upon the walls and edifices of Troy, made withal a great cry. Hercules, Theseus, and Amphitrion, beholding Pryamus coming, and the puissance of Troy, set their people in array, and in battle order went with a great train of Greeks' against them, for to withstand their enterprises. Theseus was the first that spied Pryamus, who set and couched his spears against him, and he came with a great courage mounted upon the second horse of king Laomedon his father, and charged with so great might upon Theseus, that he bore him to the ground turned up side down, bruising him upon his shield. Theseus' relieved him being right angry at this fall, and entered among the Trojans, smiting and hewing on them with his sword, in such fury, that he smote off the heads of more than thirty Troyans ere he ceased. The bruit and noise was great about him. The Trojans would have revenged them of his sword, but their power was not so great: they had work enough to save themselves, many Greeks' came in the aid and help of Theseus: and then they began to renew the battle.  
At this time, and at this skirmish Hercules and Amphitrion were nothing idle: they were on one side, and Theseus' on the other: at meeting there was many a man hurt and slain. Priamus did marvels unto the Greeks: at the beginning, he bore him so valiantly among his enemies, that he found no man that did him any harm or annoy. He made his sword for to taste strongly the blood of his adversaries: then as he was in this case he heard about Hercules, a right high and a great piercing cry of his people, crying, Troy, Troy, in despair to have prevailed. And then Pryamus weening to have helped, and to smite down dead all them that were before him, ran unto the rescue, to his maladuenture: for as soon as he was come before Hercules, and, Hercules saw him so on horseback, he remembered him that it was he that had overthrown Theseus to the ground, and said, that he would avenge him, and lifting up his sword, he smote Pryamus so fierce upon his helm, that he was all astonished, and that his sword slid down on his horse neck, and entered in so far, that there fell down both Pryamus and the horse.  
When Pryamus was so overthrown horse and man, and also so astonished, that he witted not where he was: Hercules was advertised that it was Priamus son of the king Laomedon: and then had pity of him, and took him prisoner, and did send him out of the battle. The Trojans seeing this, were sore and grievously troubled, and for the rescue of him they endeavoured themselves and were encouraged so terribly, that Hercules might not sustain all the rigour of the battle, and that the Greeks' were constrained to lose place. The King Creon then displayed his banner, and his battle, and in likewise did Euristeus, and they put them in two wings one on the right side, and the other on the left side: and they came running in upon the Trojans with so great noise and so great tempest, that all the Trojans felt well their coming, for at that time they witted not where to turn them. They were smitten before and behind so sore that they lost the company of Pryamus, and witted not where he was become. etc.  
At this enterméeting, and skirmish, Laomedon was out of the press and refreshed him. When he heard say that his son Priamus was taken: he was therefore passing sorrowful, and had so great pain, that the sweat came to his heart and from thence unto all his members, wherefore he went himself again to battle half out of his mind: the battle was then fell and envenomed, and there was most hard fight. But, for to augment and increase the overgreat sorrow of this Laomedon, he found that his folk had the worse and loss, and little fought, On the other side, he saw the horions and strokes of the Greeks', so great and so unmeasurable, that his men were brought out of rank, and the arrays broken, and charged with so heavy stookes of the heavy swords, that they went and turned back, and began to fly: and then when it came to the discomfiture, Laomedon abode not with the last, but entered again into his City as hastily as he might. The Greeks' followed the Trojans eagerly, and so nigh, that they entered in with them, with great effusion of blood. Hercules was the first that wa● the gate: and as for the Greeks' he was porter, and put in all them that were of his knowledge. Many Trojans passed by the cutting of the sword, and many fled away by the fields, and bushes. When Laomedon saw, that by force his City was taken, and put in the hands and governance of the Greeks' (right sore discomforted, and all in despair) he took his daughter Exione and Antigone, and his most precious jewels and gems, and fled away privily, thinking that his enemies would make there a right great destruction and pilling, as they did: For when Hercules had put his men within the City, he let his men rob and pill. Thus the Trojans were persecuted. The channels were tempered with their blood. The houses were beaten down, and the great riches were put into prays: and of all the goods of the City, there were left nothing whole, but the palace of Ilium, whither the ladies and the maids were withdrawn. Hercules would in no wise destroy this palace, forasmuch as the ladies made to him a request for to spare it. At this prize Hercules sought long Laomedon in the palace of Ilium, and in all places of the city, but he could hear no tidings of him, wherefore he was sore displeasant: and when he had beaten down the walls, that had been made with the money of the gods, he departed thence, and returned into Grece with great glory. And in this wise was Troy, destroyed the first time. Wherefore I will thus now make an end of this first book, and will begin the second book: where shall be showed how Troy was re-edified, & how it was destroyed the second time. And how Priarnus raised it, and made it again. In continuing the noble labours of Hercules now new begun, etc.   
Thus endeth the first book of the collection of the gathering together of the histories of Troy.   

The Table of the first Book of the Collection of the History of Troy.  

THe beginning of this Book showeth the genealogy of Saturn: and of the covenant and promise that he made to his brother Titan, and how he took in hand mortal war against jupiter his own son. Cap. 1. Pag. 1  
How Saturn was crowned first king of Crete: and how he found diverse sciences, wherefore the people held him in great honour as a god. cap. 2. pag. 6  
How Saturn went to Delphos, and had answer how he should have a son that should chase him out of his realm: and how he married him to his sister Sibell. cap. 3. pag. 9  
How Saturn had commanded to slay jupiter that was new borne: and how his mother Sibell sent him to king Meliseus, where he was nourished. cap 4. pa. 17  
¶ How, after the death of King Corinthus, of Corinth, his two sons Dardanus and jasius strove which of them should have the Kingdom, and Dardanus slew his brother jasius by treason, wherefore he must depart out of the country. Chap. 5. Page. 21  
Of the great war that was moved between the Pelagiens and the epirians: and how King Lycaon of Pelage was destroyed by jupiter, because of a man, put to him to hostage, which king Lycaon did roast. Chap. 6. pa. 25.  
How jupiter after the discomfiture of king Lycaon transformed himself in guise of a religious woman of the goddess Diana, for the love of Calisto daughter of the said Lycaon, and did with her his will. Chap. 7. pa 33.  
How Calisto, for as much as she was with child, the goddess Diana put her out of the order of her company. Chap. 8. pa. 40.  
How Titan assailed by war his Brother Saturn, for as much as he had not put to death all his children males. Chap. 9 pag. 43.  
How jupiter with aid of King Meliseus of Egypt delivered Saturn his father and Sibil his mother out of the prison of Titan, and slew Titan in battle. Chap. 10. pa. 51.  
How jupiter vanquished Titan in the field, and cast him in the river. Chap. 11. pa. 58  
How jupiter and Saturn reconciled them together: and how jupiter by commandment of his father went for to destroy the king Apollo of Paphos: and of the medicine of Esculapius. Chap. 12. pa. 59  
How jupiter with great joy espoused his sister juno: and how the King Saturn began war against jupiter his son. Chap. 13. pa. 63  
How they of Crete, when they had heard the commandment of Saturn, were sore troubled and grieved and how they rose & moved themselves against jupiter his son. Chap. 14. pa. 66  
How King Saturn, with all his great host came before the city of Arcadia, against jupiter. etc. chap. 15. page▪ 68  
How jupiter sent his ambassadors to his father Saturn. etc. chap. 16. pa. 70  
how jupiter vanquished Saturn his father in battle. etc. chap. 17. pa. 74  
How Acrisius had a daughter named Danae, the which he did put in a tower, chap. 18. pa. 79  
How jupiter, in the guise of a messenger, brought unto the tower of Dardan jewels &c. chap. 19 pa. 83.  
How jupiter (in the guise of a messenger, with many jewels) came again. etc. chap. 20. pa. 88  
How jupiter came from his chamber by night, and lay in the tower of Dardan, etc. chap 21. pa. 97  
How the king Tantalus of Frigie assailed by battle the king Troos, etc. chap 22. pa. 102  
How the king Troos chased in battle, the king Tantalus: etc. chap. 23. pa. 106  
How Saturn (by the aid of Ganymedes and of the Trojans) returned into Crete. etc. chap. 24. pa. 111  
How jupiter again discomfited king Saturn in battle, and Saturn was put to flight by the sea. Chap. 25. pa. 117  
How jupiter after he had sacrificed the Eagle, pursued the Trojans: etc. chap. 26. pa. 120  
How the king Troos and Ilium his son, made great sorrow for Ganymedes. etc. chap. 27. pa. 126  
How the king Acrisius, when he saw his daughter with child, sent her to exile, etc. chap 28. pa. 128  
How jupiter returning from Troy by sea, encountered the great thief Aegeon, etc. chap. 29 pa. 134  
How the queen Meduse came to Athens to worship in the temple the goddess Pallas etc. chap. 30. pa. 141  
How Perseus vanquished (in battle) the queen Medusa, and she fled into her city. chap. 31. pa. 149  
How Perseus in this battle slew the mighty sister of Medusa and vanquished in the battle. chap. 32. pa. 153.  
How Perseus conquered Medusa and smote of her head, and went to sight against the King Athlas of Septe a mighty giant. chap. 33. pa. 155  
how Perseus turned king Athlas into a stone: and how the queen Auria wife of king Pricus, was amorous of the knight Bellerophon, etc. chap. 34. pa. 159  
How Perseus vanquished the monster of the sea, and exposed himself against him for the love of Andromeda, ca 35. pa. 169  
How Phineus would have had Andromeda, and Perseus answered him that she should be his wife. chap. 36. pa. 174  
How Perseus re-established in his realm the king Acrisius: and how he slew the king by evil adventure. ca 37 pa. 177  
How jupiter lay with Alcumena: and queen juno sent two serpents for to slay Hercules, and he strangled them. chap. 38. pa, 181  
How Hercules began the Olympiad's, and waxed amorous of Megara etc. chap. 39 pa. 197  
How Hercules sailed by the sea into Hesperia, & vanquished the isle with the sheep, etc. chap. 40 pa. 210  
How Hercules fought at the port of Troy against a monster of the sea, for the daughter of king Laomedom. ca 41. pa. 218  
How Laomedon snutte Hercules out of Troy, and Hercules swore that he would avenge him. chap. 42. pa. 226  
How Hercules had battle against the king Laomedon: and how he vanquished and destroyed Troy the first time. chap. 43. pa. 230   
Thus endeth the table of the first book.   

HERE Beginneth the second book of the Collection of the Histories of Troy.  
Which speaketh of the prowess of the strong Hercules, of his marvelous deeds, wonderful works, and of his death.  
VIR ESSIT WLNERE VERITAS   printer's or publisher's device 
LONDON Printed by Thomas Creed, 1596.   

The second Book of the destruction of Troy.  

¶ How Hercules fought against three Lions in the forest of Nemee: and how he slew them, and took their skins or hides.  
IN the first book is begun the deeds and prowesses of the strong and puissant Giant Hercules: and how he destroyed first the City of Troy, and vanquished the king Laomedon, after which deed and conquest, he returned into Gréece, where he held him a certain space of time without doing of any thing that is found by writing. But then, as the old juno by her evil and cursed envy gave her to imagine and think how she might make Hercules to be destroyed and die, tidings came to Crete, that into the forest of Nemee were come many Lions, and among all other, there was one that was sixteen hand of height, that destroyed and wasted all the country. And this june had war against Euristeus, and then, for to have acquaintance with Hercules, and under colour of good love, for to bring him into the claws of this lion, she made peace with Euristeus, and sent for him to come into Crete, for to confirm the peace. Euristeus, that thought nothing but well, went into Crete, and brought with him Hercules. The peace was made, juno acquainted her with Hercules, they came to speak of the lions in the forest of Nemée, etc. And so much spoke juno, and reported to them that she said to Hercules, that it were well an act for to get him honour and renown, for to go unto the forest of Nemée, and for to employ him to conquer those lions. Hercules weening that juno had counseled him for to go and assail the Lions for his worship and profit, enterprised for to go into the forest. juno required him, that if he went, when he had vanquished the lions, he would return unto her. Hercules promised her that he would so do. After he departed from Crete: and first he went into Thebes for to see Megara, and for to make his harness and arms for to be ready. When the ladies of Thebes knew that Hercules would go against the lions of Nemée, all they complained of his youth: and they thought that he should die there, for the lions were cruel and terrible. Megara above all other, was passing sorrowful, and required the ladies, that they would pray Euristeus, that he would keep Hercules from going unto so dangerous a voyage. The ladies accomplished the request of Megara, and had wéened to have broken the voyage of Hercules by the mean of Euristeus, but they might in no wise let his purpose: For Hercules answered to Euristeus, and unto the ladies, that it was the first enterprise that he had taken in hand at the request of any lady, and for as much as the queen juno had made him to do it, he had intent to accomplish it by the pleasure of the gods and of fortune.  
Hercules was great in heart and of courage, being exalted with honour, he had liefer have died then to have done a thing whereof should follow any dishonour. When his arms were ready, he armed him. After he took leave of king Creon, of Euristeus, of Amphitrion, of the ladies, and of the Gentle women, accompanied only with Philotes, which would never leave him. He departed from Thebes, and so sped him in his journey, that he came unto the forest of Nemée, which stood not far from Argos. In approaching this forest, he went two days without finding beasts or men, until the time that he entering into the forest, found a pastor or herdsman named Melorcus. This heard man was mounted upon a great tree. When that he saw Hercules enter into the wood, he called to him, saying: Sir ye be dead, if ye go any further, return quickly, for the fierce lions will eat you: or else come hither up to me upon this tree. Hercules hearing the words of Melorcus, looked upon the tree, and demanded him what he was? alas said the pastor, I am the most poor man of all other, the lions of the forest at their coming have eaten a great heard of beasts, that I have nourished here by: besides that, they have eaten all my family and meinie: and they have devoured all save me alone, which have by adventure a great while saved myself upon this tree, where I eat nothing else but leaves and akehornes, and dare not descend and come down, for fear of three lions which be here by, who will soon assail you, unless ye depart and fly, etc.  
The pastor finishing his words, there came leaping out of a bush the three lions, and marched against Hercules, roaring and crying, and opening their eyes with so great rage, that it seemed they would have pierced through Hercules with their fell sight. The great lion came first, his hair standing up, he was as high as an Olyphant, & great after that proportion, and his head was twice as big as the head of a bull. Hercules seeing them come, took his sword and his club that Philotes bare. Philotes, notwithstanding his prowess, was so sore afraid, that he went upon the tree unto the herdsman. Hercules set his club unto the tree, and took his sword fast in his fists: the lions at the appraching brayed in their throats. Hercules smote one of them between the eyes, and bore him down to the earth, that he sat upon his buttocks. The great lion thought to have sprung upon Hercules, and to have taken him in his claws, and made a terrible leap. When Hercules saw and knew his intent, he turned from him, and smote at the third lion, which was light and nimble, and struck with his sword so right, and so firmly into his throat, that he reached him to the heart, whatsoever resistance that he made in biting of the sword: and left it within his body in such wise that he fell down dead. When the two lions saw their fellow so used they set their claws on the earth, and howled so yrously, that it seemed that thunder had sprung out of their stomachs. All the forest sounded thereof. Hercules took his sword: the two lions approached of new again, and ran upon him with their paws, and hurt him so unmeasurably, that they loosed his armour, their nails entering into his flesh, and them they drew out all died with his blood.  
Hercules had his heart sore troubled, when he felt his wounds that the Lions had made: then he lifted up his sword, and smote on one and other, but the great Lion had his skin so hard, that his sword might no more enter therein then it might on a great stithy. Thus began the battle of the Lions and of Hercules. The little lion was passing eager and fierce, he launched him forth oft times against Hercules, and alway thought to have hurt him with his claws that cutted like a razor: but he launched so oft that it was to his evil health and ease, for Hercules among, and after many strokes, made to be divided from his body the right leg, very nigh by the shoulder, and smote him down by the feet of that other lion that lay dead. etc.  
When Hercules saw that he was delivered of the two evil beasts, and that he had no more to do but with the great Lion, he began to have an hope of good fortune. He then had comfort in himself of the battle, which was strong to sustain: for the great lion gave him great strokes with his paws, and put him oft times in peril of death: the sword of Hercules might never enter into the skin of the beast, it was so hard. The lion took his sword between his teeth and his nails, that with great pain he pulled and haled it from him. Finally, when he had long fought with his sword, and knew well that thereby he might raise no blood of the lion, he would assay if his club were to him more profitable. Then he took it, and the first time that the Lion came upon him, he gave him a stroke with his club, so great on his mouth, that all the teeth broke and fell out before him. The Lion feeling the stroke, made a great marvelous howling, so he lifted up his paws, and thought to have pulled down Hercules. But he fled the coming of the lion: and the lion fell to the ground, with so great fierceness of running and failing of Hercules. And when Hercules saw that he was fallen, he leapt upon him forthwith eagerly and beat him, and held him with his hands about the throat, so fast, that he brought his jaws out of their places out of joint, and made his eyes to fly out of his head and strangled him, and so slew him.  
In doing this deed or work, Hercules showed a singular hardiness, and incredible force: for he strangled with his hands a lion, with the skin so hard, that spears nor swords might not do any harm: he put him to death by a wonderful valiance: and when he had so done, he went to the other that lived yet, and all to brake and tore him, as if it had been a little lamb. After he called Philotes to him, and the pastor or herdsman, that were marvelous joyous and glad of so high a victory. And Hercules found the manner how to slay the Lions, and took their skins, by the help of the herdman. When they had flayed them, it was night. Hercules then demanded the herdman, if there were any house or lodging thereby, where he might have meat and drink? The herdman brought him to his house, where they found provision of meat and drink, wherewith the good man feasted Hercules to his power, and he seemed that he was in paradise. And thus Hercules passed the day and the night, and forgot not to think on his wounds that were fell and smarted, so that little or nought he slept that night. This notwithstanding, when the day appeared, he took leave of the herdsman, and so departed, and took his journey for to go into Crete, for to show unto the Queen juno the three lion's skins, and for to thank her of her good advertisement.   

CHAP. II. ¶ How juno sent Hercules into Egypt to be slain of the tyrant Busire: and how Hercules slew the tyrant against the hope and will of juno.  
AT this time reigned in Egypt the king Busire the son of the Queen of Libie: and the land of Egypt was dry not fertile, but barren. Busire, for to remedy this, called his clerk that held the science of Zoroaster, and asked of them what he might do for the health of his Realm? They asked counsel of the gods, and had answer, that they must sacrifice unto them man's blood. When Busire (that naturally was evil, and that had never done good) heard this answer: he began to tyrannize more and more, that was a tyrant before. And began first with his people, raking and plucking from the mothers their little children, and from the men their wives, and from the wives their husbands, in burning and defiling the temples of Egypt with their blood. For all these homicides and slaughters the drought ceased not, but augmented and waxed more. The clerk demanded their gods, the cause why they had no dews of water nor rain from above? They answered, that they would not have the just blood of Egypt, but the strange blood which they should take and make sacrifice thereof. The gods by this answer, would have in sacrifice the blood of Busire, for he was strange in virtuous policy, and far from all good. And the clerk understood that they would have the blood of strangers. Busire advertised of this answer, ceased to persecute the blood of Egypt, and turned his sword upon the blood of strangers. And made an Edict and statute, that no stranger should enter into his City, but he should be sacrificed to his gods, and that he would slay all the strangers that he might get. By this Edict, and by this damnable custom, many strangers, nobles and other were put to sacrifice, and had their blood she● in Egypt. Among all other, one noble man of Crete (of the lineage of juno) perished in this misfortune, by the sword of Busire. The tidings came into Crete, and there was made for him a great sorrow. As this sorrow was in his most prime, Hercules and Philotes came unto the Queen juno, and they found her charged with tears of weeping, in her City. At that time there were an hundred Cities in Crete, and the King jupiter held him no more with juno, for many causes and reasons, When then Hercules was returned unto thi● Lady juno his stepmother, he made reverence unto her. After he showed to her the skins of the Lions that he had slain, and thanked her of the high adventure that she had admonished him of.  
The cursed stepmother, for the return of Hercules, augmenting her sorrow upon new sorrow, received and feasted Hercules, and made to him faintly the greatest cheer that she could. It was upon the point to go to dinner, she made him to dine and eat with her. In eating, after diverse speeches of the Lions, she devised and thought how she might make Hercules for to die: and thought she might do no better, then to send him into Egypt. At that time she concluded in herself, that she would send him into Egypt if she might. For to do so, she changed the reasoning of the lions, and said to Hercules: your coming again in safety, is to me most joyful, for that your name shall be put in perpetual renown and praising among the most worthy and best of the world: for ye have done many fair enterprises and deeds. In your young childhood, ye made all the world to wonder and marvel of the victory of the serpents, by you strangled. After, ye made your sword to brandish in the west parts in Frigie, and now newly in Nemée. The adventure of these exploits have given to you right much honour and worship, whereof I have right great joy: for each person ought to be glad and rejoice in the well doing of another, and especially of a noble man, and principally such a one as laboureth to excel in valiantness, every person is holden and bound to counsel him unto his worship and weal. Wherefore, since it is so that ye endeavour yourself from day to day, and seek the perils of the sea, and the dangers of the earth, to the end for to overcome them: I advertise you, that in Egypt is a tyrant that sacrificeth all strangers that come into his country, without reserving noble man or base. So than me seemeth, if fortune will help for to go and conquer him, that ye ●●●uld get great honour and worship to you and yours, and health and profit to all the nations of the world.  
Madame, answered Hercules, I am not, nor never shall be in all my life, of such recommendation as ye say and report: notwithstanding, for as much as I have great desire for to do works that may be to the pleasure of the people, and for their health and weal, I promise you, and swear, that to morrow without any other delay, I will put me in devoir on the way, for to go into Egypt. And I will never return again into my Country, until the time that I have seen the tyrant. And if he lay or put hand on me, for to sacrifice me, I have intention, that he shall not do it without strokes. juno hearing the enterprise of Hercules, had in her heart passing great joy. That day they passed in many conferences. Hercules took the skins of the Lions and delivered 

a●● laboureth to excel in valour, every person is bound to counsel him to his honour and welfare. Wherefore, since it is so, that ye endeavour yourself from day to day, and seek perils of the Sea, & dangers of the earth, to overcome them: I advertise you, that in Egypt is a Tyrant, that sacrifizeth all strangers that come into his Country without reserving Noble or base So (I think) if Fortune be still favourable to you, you shall gain great honour to yourself, and profit to all the Nations of the world.  
Madam, answered Hercules, I am not nor never in all my life, shall attain to such an e●●ceding height of honour as ye report: notwithstanding, forasmuch as I have great desire to perform adventures to the benefit of all Nations, that they shall concern. I promise you, and swear, that to morrow without further delay, I will make all things in readiness, to go into Egypt And I will never return again into my Country, until the time that I have seen the Tyrant. If he lay hand on me, to sacrifice me, I have intention he shall not without great strokes. Juno hearing the enterprise of Hercules, rejoiced in her heart exceedingly. That day they passed in many confer●nces▪ Hercules took the skins of the Lions, and deliver●●   them to a certain workman, to make of them a garment in manner of Armour, to Arm him withal. On the morrow he took leave of his Stepmother, and departed from Crect, so journeyed on the way with Philotes, (without finding any adventure, worthy the remembrance) on a day he came to the Gate of the City Memphis, in Egypt, where the Tyrant Busire held his residence.  
When Hercules was come nigh unto the Gate, he took his Club that Philotes bare, and entered himself into the City. He had not been long there, nor far gone, but Busire which was advertised of his coming, came against him with his complices, without speaking of any word, ran upon him. Hercules was well appointed, for he knew the Tyrant by his gesture, and the sign that was told him: he lifted up his Club when he saw him come and as the Tyrant would have smitten him with his Sword, without any word speaking, he struck the Tyrant on the right side so vehemently, that not only he field him to the earth, but also all the ribs of his body were broken, that he could ne●● reléeve himself after. The Egyptians seeing Busire overthrown some ran to reléeve him, and the rest assailed Hercules. Then was all the City in an uproar. Hercules was joyful he had overthrown the Tyrant, and began to make the Egyptians to know his Club. He slew many of them, and the remnant he made to fly. His strokes were so forcible, that the Complices of Busire that were accustomed to shed man's blood, had their blood shed abroad, and could not remedy their mischance, which was so great, that Hercules filled all the place with dead bodies. And after a long battle, he found himself alone, for there was no man so hardy that durst be seen before him. The people and the Commonalty of the Egyptians, minded not the rescue of their King. When they saw him beaten, they all hated him, and beheld the Battle from far by very great routs. When Hercules had then laboured so much, that he found no man to fight with him, he set down his Club, and addressed him unto a great company of Egyptians that stood there, and assured them, he would do nothing unto them, and asked what people they were that had assailed him? They answered him kneeling on their knees, they were manslayers, Hangmen, and people of vicious and evil life: that their King, which he had first beaten down, was the worst of them all, and had purposed to put him to death as a stranger, to make Sacrifice unto the Gods. And they prayed him to Sacrifice their said King.  
Hercules granting their petition, accorded it unto the people: and took this cursed Tyrant Busire, and bore him upon his shoulders, unto the Temple, which the Egyptians showed him. The false Tyrant cried after help terribly: but his cry availed him not. The Egyptians cried unto Hercules, sacrifice, sacrifice him. When Hercules came into the Temple, he sacrificed him, after he had showed him his cursed and evil life. And then when the fire was put unto the Sacrifice, it began to rain, and the great drought began to fail: Whereof the Egyptians were so joyful, that none could express. They did sing praises unto Hercules, and brought him and Philotes unto the Palace, and constituted Hercules' King over them: but he refused: and ordained judges to govern them. Then he returned unto Queen Juno, who had great sorrow, and to King Creon who had great joy at the rehearsal of his good Fortune.   

CHAP. III. ¶ How Hercules espoused Megara: and how he was made knight in Thebes.  
IN like wise as the young Vine, by the labour and industry of the labourer, groweth in height, and his boughs spread abroad full of fruit: so Hercules, by virtue labouring virtuously, grew in verdure of well doing, and in fruit of nobleness: his works, his boughs, his branches then began to sprout abroad, and to mount and spread from Realm to Realm. The secret conspiracies of juno, and her cursed envies might not hurt, nor minish the virtue of Hercules. The more that she thought to put down and hurt him, she more she was cause of his exaltation. As he was puissant and strong of body he was yet more strong of virtue, for virtue was set in him, as the precious stone is in gold, and as the sweet smell as in the flower, and as the ray of the Sun beam is in the Sun: he was beloved of Kings, of Princes, of Ladies, of Gentlewomen, of Nobles, and of base folk: in especially Megara the daughter of King Creon loved him. And verily she was not deceived: for Hercules loved her also, and was never hurt but he thought on her. Yet they durst none of them speak to other of this matter: they were ashamed to discover that, whereby they had hope to have honour and worship. They beheld each other, and oft they bewailed, and complained to themselves, and desired the day that they might take each other in marriage.  
And so much they wished after that day, that at the last it came. For on a morning tide, as Hercules was gone unto the wood, for to take a wild beast, he remembered him of his Lady, and began to speak and say to himself softly. Shall I be always in pain? Shall mine heart never be eased, but always languishing in love? I see one and other in great joy with their loves and ladies, and I wot never how to come to the point of one only, that I have chosen above all other, and for to achieve my purpose I wots not how to begin. I dare not speak to her, nor I have not assayed if she would condescend. Shall I speak to her I wot not well? If I speak to her, and she refuse me, I shall fall in despair. I shall die for sorrow of melancholy and displeasure, I shall never dare come after in any noble assembly a foot. Alas, what pain? all considered, a time must come that I speak to her. If all her friends were of one accord, for to give her to me in marriage, and she were not content and pleased, all were lost. The most jeopardy is, to have her good will and grace, for without her grace I may nought do. Then it is of necessity, that I seek and require, if I may have her good will, since it is so: for if I sleep thus and speak not, I shall never achieve nor come to my purpose.  
Hercules' resolute in his purpose, surprised and inflamed with great desire of love, came from the wood, and abandoned the wild beast, and gave it over, for to come unto Megara, thinking how, and by what words he might come and show unto her that which lay on his heart. He went then so far, that he came unto the garden of the palace, where he was with many ladies and gentle women. He made to them reverence, until he espied the time that he might speak to Megara, and he waxed so pensive that it is marvel: he entermitted nothing to confer with the Ladies, but therewith he drew him apart into the garden. When the Ladies beheld him so pensive, divers of them came to him, and talked with him to put him from his thoughts and pensiveness, but they could not, and at last Megara came to him. As soon as Hercules saw her come to him, he began to sigh, and came against her. And she said to him, Hercules, why are ye so pensive, put away from you such melancholy, & tell me of your news I pray you? Lady (answered Hercules) I thank you of your good visitation, and since it pleaseth you to hear of my tidings, and to know them, I will say to you a part. First I tell you, that the cause that I am brought and put in the abysm or swallow of pensiveness and sighs that is this day come unto me, is by beholding of you: for as I went to the wood to hunt, the remembrance of your right noble beauty, continually being in mine imagination, came into me, and made me enter into a secret perplexity, that is to wit, whether I should always live unguerdoned, and unrewarded of love, and also (if I durst say so to you) I have set my heart and love wholly on you. Madame this perplexity was great, but in the end I concluded to come unto you, for to know the conclusion of my fortune, whether it be death or life. Being in this deliberation (thinking how I might speed with you) and staying in this point and doubtfulness, your coming hath put me out of a right great thought and pensiveness, for I witted not better how to come to the point for to speak to you a part) as I may now do) then for to apply the matter in time, for I say to you for truth, that since the time of my olympiad, I have desired you night and day, and at that time I set my heart on your service, resolving to love you for ever. Madame, I know and wot well, that I have enterprised a thing that I am unfit and not worthy of. This notwithstanding, I abide your mercy, and require you, that it may please you to receive me into your grace, in such wise, that shortly I may see the day of our marriage, etc.  
When Megara understood the words of her love Hercules, she in heart rejoiced with great solace, and much joy, notwithstanding she was abashed, and all shamefast she answered thus. Alas Hercules, by what fortune find I me in the grace of so gentle a man as ye he? Your excessive prowess, your glorious labours, your resplendent virtues be so much of value, that ye are worthy to have to wife the flower of Ladies and the choice. With these words the gentlewomen came there unto them, to bear their conferences of love. And said unto Megara, that it was time for to withdraw her for to dine. Megara, sorrowful of hasty departing, and that she had no more space to reason with her love, & that she might not achieve her purpose, by constraint took leave of Hercules, & went into the hall, all full fed with love, and Hercules abode in the garden, glad & joyous of the sweet enswere that he had received.  
When the Ladies than had left Hercules in the garden, as soon as they were gone, Hercules assembled Euristeus and Amphitrion, and said to them, that he had great desire and will to be married, and prayed them that they would go to king Creon, to know if he would give him his daughter Megara. They spoke to king Creon of this marriage: the king heard them speak right gladly, for the matter pleased him, and answered that he might no where better bestow his daughter, then to the most noble man of the world Hercules, whom he loved as his own son, which was so valiant and so noble, and had no fellow like unto him: and that he was content to give to him his daughter, and all with her that he would demand. Euristeus and Amphitrion thanked the King of his courteous answer. Megara and Hercules were sent for: the king made them to troth-plyte each other, with great joy of both parties. After this process of time, the day of the espousals and marriage was celebrated with glory, triumph, honour and joy. What shall I say? they lay together without more ado, and lived together right honestly.  
Anon after the solemnity of this marriage, Hercules came to King Creon, & prayed him that he would dub and make him knight, for as much as they of the realm of Iconie were come unto him, and had chosen him for to be king of their city, for his good renown. The king Creon (joyous of that, that he was chosen for to be king of Iconie) answered, that he would accomplish his desire: but he would that this should be done at a certain day assigned: saying, that then he would make a right noble feast, where men should joust and turnoy, and that he would cause to come thither all the Kings and the Princes of Grece. Hercules' accorded and agreed to the counsel of the King, and then the King sent his messengers unto all the Kings of Grece, and prayed them to he at the chivalry and dubbing knight of a noble man, that shall hold a solemn sport at a day, named and set, for to answer all them that shall come to the jousts. The renown of this foresaid feast was anon borne and known unto all the reigns of Grece: the provision and ordinance was great in Thebes, one and other disposed them for to be there▪ the time passed, and the day came, many a king & knight was come at that time to Thebes. Theseus and jason the son of King Aeson, were there amongst all other. The kings made a great stir, and great pompous shows about ten of the clock before noon. The king Creon went into the place that was ordained, arrayed, and ready for the jousts. At a corner in the same place there was a tent. In this tent was Hercules all alone. That same time the Ladies and gentlewomen went and mounted upon the Scaffolds: the iousters came into the place, no man knew nor witted not, who was this new knight. What shall I say? When the king Creon saw that the knights were come in on all sides, and that the ladies were gone upon the scaffolds, he sent for Hercules and made him knight after their statutes. And then Hercules mounted upon his horse, took his Spear and his shield, and challenged them that were there, to the end that each man should do his devoir. And then one and other that desired to have worship, took their spears, and ran against Hercules, and began a jousting that was right hot and sharp. Their spears were strong and broke not easily, but they met often times, and some were overthrown and smitten down off their horses. They that might not joust against Hercules, assayed each other, like to like. jason and Theseus jousted oft times against Hercules, and pirothus' son of king Ixion in like wise. All they that I name, bore themselves right valiantly. Notwithstanding, above all other, Hercules abode all men, and no man might abide his strokes, but he bore them all down except jason, which encountered him diverse times, and gave him many great strokes. Hercules bore down Theseus to the earth, and Pyrothus, & well near fifty strong knights. He did show so much valour, that no man abode in the place but jason and he. And then he left and ceased the jousts, for the valiancy that Hercules found in jason, and ever after he had a special love to him, and took acquaintance of him, and feasted him, and made him great cheer.  
At the end of this jousting, knights, ladies, and gentlewomen went unto the palace. There was Hercules made king of Iconie. The feast was great and rich, more than I can rehearse: the strangers were greatly feasted, and highly thanked in common. What shall I make long process? When all the feast was passed, with honour and glory of Hercules, and there was no more to do, whereof any memory is for to speak of, Pirothus prayed all them that were there to be at his wedding in Thessalonique, at a certain day named. Each man promised him to go thither, and be thereat. Every man took leave of Hercules when time was come of departing, and each man returned into his Country and place: and they could not enough marvel of the glory abounding, and likely to abound, flourish and fructify in Hercules, which was very courteous and humble, and was not proud for the grace that he had in temporal honour and renown. He was so virtuous, that he was not the more high minded therefore, nor enhanced himself, but the more méeked and submitted himself.   

CHAP. III. ¶ How the Centaurs ravished Hippodamia at the wedding of Pirothus: and how Hercules recovered her again, and vanquished in battle the Centaurs.  
FOr to continue our matter, then when Hercules saw approach the day of the wedding of Pyrothus, he disposed him to go thither. By space of time he went forth on his way, and took Philotes with him: and at all adventure took with him his armour of the skin of the lion. When Megara saw him departed, she was sore troubled for his departing. And the more for that, that he took his armour with him: for she thought, if Hercules had heard speak of any great exploit, he would go thither, and endeavour himself to assay himself against it. With great sighs she looked after him, as far as she might, praying to the gods, that they would bring him shortly again. Hercules and Philotes went forth into the Country, and as much as they might they hasted so their journey, that they came to Thessalonicque, where they were received with great joy of Pyrothus, and of his friends. They found there a right great assembly of noble men, Ladies and Gentlewomen. Theseus and jason were there. The friends of jason would that jason should be made knight. And for to do that, they presented him to Hercules, which gave him the order of knighthood. And Hercules said, that he had seen in him a good beginning of a noble man, and if he may live, he shall attain one day to things right high and noble. Among other things the day of wedding came, the city was all full of nobles, & the Centaurs were there: they were an C. Giants armed, that ran as the wind, which the king Ixion had got him in Thessaly, of whom some dwelled in Molose, and the other in Aphyte a City of Epire, whereof was Queen Hippodamia the Lady and bride of the wedding. There were many kings and princes, of whom I have not the names. The queen Hippodamia and Pyrothus were wedded together after their law. When the time of the dinner was come, they set the Lady in the hall, where was made a general feast. At this feast all the comers were amply served with all manner of good wines, and good meats: in especial the Centaurs made passing good cheer, and drunk so much of the strong wines, that the principal captain of all named Eurycus, and some of the other, had words together, and troubled the feast. In this trouble they sought together, and cast each on other pots, platters, wines and meats, so terribly, that many of them were hurt and dead. Then anon was the hall full of noise. Euricus and fifty of his giants issued out of the press, and went to fetch their hardesse or armour. When they were armed, they entered into the hall, and not content with the trouble that they had made (albeit that Hercules and the other endeavoured to appease them that slew each other) they took the queen Hippodamia, and bore her out, and ravished her, and fled away with her. When the Ladies saw this great outrage, they cried out all afraid. The affray was so great, that Hercules, jason, Pyrothus and Theseus, ran unto them, and when they knew that the Centaurs had ravished the Lady, at few words they went and armed them anon.  
Hercules did on the skin of the Lion, and took his sword, his bow, and his arrows, and then went after the giants without abiding for any other company or person. The giants were withdrawn under a tree, and there they trained them in battle, as they that witted well and surely, that the first that should come to them, should be Hercules. They hated Hercules secretly, and had envy at his glory. They swore all the death of Hercules: and then when they were in these terms and speeches, Euricus espied from far Hercules, and showed him to his company. Hercules was all alone, and came not a pace softly as a man, but he came running as nimbly and swiftly, as the heart runneth in the valley, and it seemed that he flew in the air. The swiftness of Hercules abashed nor afraid not the Centaurs: they were about four score, and they were all of great courages: they took then their Spears, Pole-axes, sword and other weapons of war, and some of the strongest of them were against Hercules: on the other side, as soon as Hercules approached so nigh as he might shoot at them, he bent his bow, and with an arrow he s●●o●e a Centaur named Grineus, in such wise that the arrow pierced the head, entering by the visage, and nailed and fastened his head unto a tree that stood behind him. With the second arrow he smote another Giant, named Petreus, in the breast through the armour, that it went through his body. With the third he hurt Dorillas, a terrible Giant, and nailed his hand unto his face, and the arrow entered with so great might (as afore is said) and made the hand to be fastened to his face: of which stroke he was dead.  
He shot many more arrows then, as long as he had any: and he shot none, but with it he hurt or slew one of the Giants. When his shot was failed, the Giants, being sore grieved for that they had seen their fellows die by the shot and strong hand of Hercules▪ they cried upon Hercules, and environed him on all sides, Sisacus, Pheotones, Nessus, Mincus, Stilo, Lodevin, and Piseon, were the first that smote upon Hercules with their Swords. Hercules took his Sword, and came against Pheotones, that had a great Axe, so great that it was a man's burden. Pheotones anon lift up his great Axe, and thought to have smitten a mighty stroke upon Hercules. But Hercules that knew enough of the war, turned him from the stroke, and so the great Axe fell down to the ground. And then suddenly Hercules caught that great axe, and plucked it out of his hands, and forthwith gave him a stroke withal, so great that he smote of his right arm with the shoulder. etc.  
Such was the beginning of the battle of Hercules, and of the Centaurs. Cilarus smote then Hercules behind, with all his might. Piseon and Ledevin smote him also both at one time: notwithstanding Hercules was not once astonished therewith, but running to Cilarus, he gave him a stroke with the axe so lustily on his helm, that it entered into his body, so that he overthrew the giant to the earth, and he served in likewise Piseon and Ledevin. jason and Theseus put them then in the battle, and well proved their youth, at their coming. For to give the other heart and courage, Hercules thrusted into the greatest press of the giants, and so wrought with the axe, that they cursed Pheotones that had brought them thither, and all them that had gone about this matter. In beating and smiting down all before them, Hercules began then to seek Hippodamia, & found her all bewept, right beside and nigh Eurycus. Then he spoke to Euricus. and said to him: thou evil glutton thou hast this day troubled the feast, and stolen the Lady of my friend Pirothus, and now anon I will trouble thy spirit: with this word he discharged his axe, & smote with-al Eurycus, in such wise on the head, that he fell down dead, unto the great grief and amazing of the other giants: For, in beholding the are died with the blood of Curyens their captain, they were all abashed. Then began Hercules to smite more and more upon the giants: there was none then so resolute, but he was afraid: nor none so hardy, but he began to hide himself, and tremble for fear. His strokes were not to be born, but he put his enemies out of array, and unto flight. Finally, with the help of jason, of Theseus, and of Pirothus, that were marvelous valiant, they vanquished and chased them unto a river, where twelve of them saved themselves in passing and swimming over, and all the remnant of them were persecuted unto the death, save only Lyncus that Hercules held prisoner, for as much as at the discomfiture, he prayed him of mercy, and yielded him unto him. Thus were the Centaurs destroyed, more by the strength and hand of Hercules, then by any other. When Hercules had so fought that there were no more of the Centaurs upon the place, he and his fellows returned unto Hippodamia, and brought her again unto the City with great triumph. What shall I say? the Ladies recovered joy by the recoverance of Hippodamia, and renewed and began again the feast, that dured afterward eight days right great and sumptuous. etc.   

CHAP. V ¶ How Pluto ravished Proserpina: and how Orpheus went for her into hell: and how the queen Ceres came unto the wedding of Pirothus: and how Theseus & Pirothus fought with Cerberus, porter of the said hell. etc.  
IN this time, that is to wit a little before the wedding of Pyrothus, as Pluto (the king of Molose, son of Saturn, and brother of jupiter.) sailed and went by sea, seeking his adventures, so long he sailed that he arrived in Sicill, and he found there nigh by the water's side a right great assembly of Sicyliens that hallowed the feast of their gods. When Pluto saw this feast, he did arm twenty of his company under their robes or garments, and went in this manner for to see the feast, for to wit if he might find any booty. This Pluto was the greatest thief, and the most lecherous man in all the world, and had with him a Giant named Cerberus, enough like unto Pluto of conditions and of courage, but he was much more stronger and more puissant of body. All the other were great as giants, and had learned nothing else but for to practise harm and mischief, and could none otherwise do. When then the Sicilians saw Pluto come and his fellows, they supposed that it had been some of their neighbours that came for to see their plays and sports, for as much as they came clothed in their garments, and saw none of their armour nor harness. And they enforced them to sing and dance. But Certes their songs and their dances were not continuing nor dured long: for in coming unto them there, the king Pluto cast his eyes aside, and saw there the Queen of that country that beheld the feast: and by her, her daughter that made a garland of flowers. The mother was named Ceres and the daughter was called Proserpina, & was married unto a noble man, named Orpheus, that sat beside her and played on the Harp. This Proserpina was passing marvelous fair. Anon as Pluto had seen her he desired and coveted her, and advertised his folk secretly of her, and after came nigh unto her, that he set hands on her, and laid her on his back and bare her away.  
When Orpheus and Ceres saw Proserpina so taken away they cried out piteously and lamentably unto Pluto. With this cry, the Sicilians left their feast, and ran after Pluto in great number, men and women, hoping to have rescued Proserpina. But when Cerberus and his complices saw the uproar, they drew out their sword, and showed their arms and smote upon them that approached them, and slaying them abundantly, they retired, and went unto the port Maugre the Ciciliens and Orpheus. They guided Pluto into his ship, and after they entered, and then disanchored and carried away Proserpina. The Sicilians were then dispurveyed of arms. They could not withstand the taking away of Proserpina. At the departing from the port was made the most sharp lamentation and sorrow that could be. Proserpina wept sore on the one side piteously, and cried right high and loud. Ceres on the other side, with the Sicilians, made no scarcity of tears, and Orpheus failed not to furnish his tears with deep sighs, for he loved Proserpina, and she loved him also. At their departing, their hearts were brought to a hard and grievous distress, with so great anguish that Proserpina fell down in a sound: and Orpheus was so ravished with anger, that he returned unto his Palace, when he had lost the sight of Proserpina, and held him close in his chamber, with out speech two days.  
At the end of two days Ceres 〈◊〉 dis●e Orph●● that would neither eat nor drink 〈◊〉 said in him, that 〈◊〉 knew well the ravishour of her ●●●●der that it was Pluto the king of Molose, and they 〈…〉 a part of Thessaly in a low and base Citt●● 〈◊〉 ●●ied H●ll for as much as in this isle, King 〈◊〉 complices old so much harm and evil, that 〈◊〉 compared unto d●● is, and their city was named He●● 〈◊〉 Orpheus understood that Proserpina was in he●● he 〈◊〉 ●●ile hope in himself, and eat and drank, and made 〈◊〉 that he would never rest in place unto the time that 〈◊〉 been in Hell, for to see Proserpina.  
After that he had eaten, he sent for his mariners, and bade them to make ready a ship. When the ship was furnished with all that it behoved, (after the lead● and cong●e taken of the Queen Ceres) in habi● 〈◊〉 he entered alone into his ship with his harp, and 〈◊〉 mariners to sail forth on the sea, in such ●●se that he arrived at one of the ports of Thessaly. Orpheus went there a land, and after he commanded his Mariners, that they should abide him in the same place, until a certain time that he named. After, he departed and went from country to country, so long for to dispatch his matter, that he came to the gate of hell which Cerberus kept, and there he began to play on his harp right sweetly and melodiously.  
When Cerberus heard the sound of the harp, h●● lifted up his head on high, and came out of the gate for to know who was he that played so melodiously? and by the sound of the harp he found Orpheus: and thinking that Pluto would gladly hear him: (for to rejoice Proserpina that always wept) he made him enter into the city, and brought him before the King. Orpheus then began to play again on his harp. When the King Pluto had heard him, he took therein good pleasure, and so did all they that were there by him. Then Pluto sent for to seek Proserpina. When she was come, and heard him play with his harp, by his play she knew well that it was her husband: then she was sore abashed, and whereas she had sore wept before, she kept as much more after. Pluto was sort for the sorrow that Proserpina made, and said to Orphe●s. if he could so play with his harp that the lady should cease her weeping, he would give him what he would ask of him. Orpheus' promised and assured him that he would do it. And Pluto swore to him, that he would hold and keep his promise if he so did. And then Orpheus set and tuned his harp, and played diverse songs so sweetly, that the infernal Ceberus, and many other fell asleep: and also Proserpina, by the mean of certain tokens and signs that Orpheus made with his eyes, ceased of her weeping.  
When Pluto saw Proserpina so ceasing her weeping, he was passing joyous: he awoke then Cerberus and the other that slept: after he spoke to Orpheus and said to him, that he had so well harped, that no man could do better: and that he would that he should demand something, and he would give it him without any fail. Orpheus' hearing the words of Pluto, had great perplexity in himself, for to knew what thing he might demand: in the end he said to him. Sir, I am Orpheus the husband of this lady, and for her love I have enterprised to come hither in this case now: I pray and require you, that ye will give and render her again to me, that I may bring her again unto her mother that dieth for sorrow. When Pluto had heard the request that Orpheus had made, he was all amazed at the hardiness that Orpheus had showed: how be it, he answered to him. Orpheus ye have demanded of me Proserpina: she is the Lady that I most love of all the world. Nevertheless, for to accomplish the promise that I have made to you, take her, upon condition that ye bring her out of this City, without looking or beholding after or behind you: and if it happen that ye once look behind you, ye shall lose her. At this answer Orpheus was content, and it seemed to him that his wife was as good as recovered or won, he and Proserpina passed over that night in good hope. When the morning was come, Pluto delivered Proserpina to Orpheus, on condition afore rehearsed. Orp●●●nd Proserpina took leave of king Pluto, and than●● 〈◊〉 after they went on their way, but he had not gone half way to the gate, when Orpheus privily looked behind him, for to see if any man followed him, and then he found at his heels Cerberus, that took Proserpina away from him, and yielded and delivered her again unto the king.  
Orpheus' seeing that by his unhappiness he had lost his wife, began to curse the day that he was borne, and came after, and followed Proserpina, and began again to harp, and to offer great gifts, for to recover her again, but it was said to him for conclusion, that he should never have her again: and also, that if he had used the feats of arms, as he had the strings of the harp, he should have died. With this conclusion Orpheus departed from hell full of sorrow and anguish, and returned into Sicill, unto the queen Ceres, telling to her his adventure. The queen being acertained that her daughter was in hell, as she that was advertised, that in Thessaly should be hallowed the feast of the wedding of Pyrothus, and that there were many knights, of great name, she went to the sea, and came fitly to Thessalonica, while the feast yet endured. In approaching the city, on an after noon as Pyrothus and Theseus were in the field they mether. Her army w s great. The seus and Pirothus saluted her, & she saluted and gréeted them again, and after asked them the estate of the feast of the wedding. They told, and recounted her all. After she demanded of them, if there were there no knights of great name, and high enterprises? when they understood that she inquired so far: they would know what she was, and demanded her name? I am (said she) the Lady Ceres of Sicill. Then spoke Theseus and said: Madam, ye be welcome: for what occasion demand you, if in the feast be any knights of enterprise? I can well say to you, that there be truly: but notwithstanding I do wish you, I pray you, and also require, that ye tell and declare unto us the cause why ye have so demanded. etc.  
Sir (said the Lady) since it pleaseth you to inquire of mine estate so far: know ye for certain, that I have made to you my demand, for as much as Pluto the King of Hell hath ravished my daughter Proserpina, by which I am hurt unto the death: and I would fain find some knight that of his courtesy would employ him for to get her again, and yield her to me, and for to assail the cursed tyrant: who I pray the gods may be damned and confounded everlastingly for his demerits. Wherefore I pray you, if ye know any that will to me be merciful, that it please you for charity to direct me unto him. Madam (answered Theseus) be ye no more inquisitive to find such a knight as ye seek: for in the favour of all Ladies I will be your knight in this work, and promise you upon mine honour, that I will transport me into hell. And the king Pluto shall never have peace with me unto the time that he hath restored your daughter.  
When Pyrothus heard the enterprise of Theseus, he began to break of his words, and said to him. My brother, what think you to do, when ye enterprise for to go into hell? ye know not the bounds nor the situation of that place. Hell standeth behind the inner sea between mountains and rocks, so high that the Citizens that dwell therein, be in continual darkness and shadow: and the Entry is so difficult that it is impossible to come within the City, unless the porter consent: For here-be-foretime, many have gone thither, that be there left and abiding: there goeth no man thither that ever cometh again. It is right an hell, and each man nameth it hell, as well for the situation thereof in so dark and unlightsome a place: as for the inhumanytie and terribleness of the inhabitants that wait to do evil and displeasure to all the world. Theseus answered unto Pyrothus, and said: There is nothing impossible unto a valiant heart.  
The King Pluto is cruel and strong, his folk and people tyrannous. His City standeth in a Country environed with mortal perils. Notwithstanding, certes the doubt and fear of these things, shall never ●aunt nor withdraw my courage, but that I will do my devoir to achieve this enterprise, and will perform my promise, or will have reproach of all manner of Knights. A man to kpeepe his own honour and worship ought not to doubt any peril what soever it should be. etc.  
When Pyrothus had heard the noble answer of Theseus, he allowed it greatly, and said to him, that his words were to him right pleasing and so acceptable, that he would hold him company in this adventure. The Queen Ceres thanked the two Knights: so they brought her into the City and into the palace. She was there received and feasted as it appertained. The stealing away of her daughter was told, and the enterprise of the two Knights. By the report of this adventure, and with the enterprise that Theseus and Pyrothus had made, all the feast was troubled again on a new. Among all other Hippodamia considering that her husband that was so newly married unto her would go in this perilous voyage of hell, her heart began to give out weeping of tears, and might receive no solace nor comfort unto her eyes. What shall I say? the feast ended in great sorrow. jason and Hercules would gladly have gone with Theseus and Pyrothus, and spoke thereof to them, but they would not suffer them. Then departed Hercules and entered into a ship, as if he would have gone into his country. Each man in like wise departed, and Theseus and Pyrothus took their way for to go unto hell. And then about their departing, whereof Hercules was advertised, Hercules made for to direct his ship unto the marches of hell, and there went a land alone, concluding in himself that he would go after Pyrothus and Theseus his loyal and true fellows, and betook to Philotes the charge for to bring Lincus unto Thebes, and for to put him there in prison until his returning and coming again. After, he departed, and Philotes shipped in the sea, where he had a dolorous adventure, as shall be said hereafter. But at this time I must cease speaking of that matter, and will recount of Hercules, how he went into hell.   

CHAP. VI ¶ How Hercules found Pyrothus dead at the gates of hell, and Theseus in danger: and how Hercules vanquished Cerberus: and how he conquered Proserpina from Pluto, etc.  
IN this place it ought to be spoken, that when Theseus and Pyrothus were departed from Thessalonica, for to go and assay if they might recover the fair Proserpina, they did so much travail, that by their diligence in short time they arrived in the valley where was Proserpina, in the valley full of sin and cursedness. Pyrothus that knew the country, found the direct way that went to the City, and entered first therein. This way was so strait, that there might no man but one alone go neither on the right side, nor on the left side, the rocks were so high, that no man might go on neither side. When they had passed this way, they found a rock carved and cut into stairs or grées, made and hewed out with chysels. And then they saw low beneath, Hell, as a City strong, environed with waters that fell down impetouslye and fearfully from the rocks, and made a terrible noise and roaring: for they fell from right high into a low swallow or abysm in the earth. This City was all enclosed with mountains. For to speak properly, it was a right Hell, and it had no more but one entry and one gate: then for to come down to the gate, Pyrothus and Theseus descended down by the degrees made in the rock. Then in the desceding suddenly they saw spring from the gate a great giant out of measure, that had an head marvelously misshapen, fierce black and ugly. He had his nose high and and wide, his Chin long, his teeth great as a horse teeth, his eyes great like unto an ox, his ears hanging like an hound, his shoulders large and broad, his belly swollen and great bolned, his legs and his thighs were passing strongly bened and mighty. This terrible Giant was Cerberus, whereof is touched and rehearsed before.  
The Poets named him the hound with three heads, considering his right grievous and unhappy living, which is compared and likened unto three singular vices: that is to weet, to pride, to avarice, and luxury, or lechery. By pride, he glorified himself, and enhanced him above all the men in the world with his force and strength, for he was so strong that no man might withstand him. By avarice and Covetise, he had an appetite insatiable for to gather together treasures, and took and bore away all that he might have or could find. By luxury, there was no man living of more foul life than he was: for he had never done other thing in all his life then for to defile and ravish women and maidens, ladies and gentlewomen, & so by good right the poets named him an hound with three heads, for he was soul as an hound that liveth in multiplication of sins, and taketh therein his felicity. O grievous felicity? When Theseus and Pirothus had espied this enemy Cerberus come unto them all armed, making the wheel in marching proudly unto them, Pirothus said to Theseus. My brother, behold what enemy this is: he that putteth him in such perils for for the love of ladies, setteth but little by his life. It behoveth us now to live or die, let us now achieve joyously our enterprise. And to the end that ye may not think but that I had liefer die then to have reproach, I will be the first that shall begin the battle. Theseus had no space nor leisure to answer, for Cerberus came to them, and called to them, saying: What seek these fellows in hell? We come (said Theseus) for to seek Proserpina, whom Pluto hath taken away from the Queen Ceres. We will never return into our Country, unto the time we bring her with us. Truly (answered Cerberus) if ye will return into your Country, ye shall render and yield again Proserpina, but I will forbid you the return. And this day I will present unto you Proserpina, my Sword died in your blood. And here you shall be buried: ye shall never see Proserpina, nor come no nearer than ye be now. With these words he lifted up his Sword, and gave so great a stroke to Theseus upon his Shield, that he did bear away thereof an half quarter, etc.  
When Pirothus saw his fellow smitten, he took his sword, and smote Cerberus on the one side. Theseus smote him on the other side, and they gave him two right great strokes, so great that they made Cerberus to be chafed so sore, that he began the battle so unmeasurably, that he all to frushed and broke their shields, and their harness, and also made his sword to be died with their noble blood, as he had before said. The battle was hard and mortal at the beginning. Theseus & Pirothus received many wounds by eager strokes, their arms were all to hewn and broken. The battle endured long, and Pirothus did right well behave himself: but Cerberus smote upon him so unmeasurably, that after many wounds given to him, he all to broke his helm, and cleaved his head in two pieces unto the stomach, etc.  
When Theseus saw his fellow die, he struck with his sword in great anger, and smote Cerberus so fiercely that he made him stagger, and go back two paces. Cerberus would have avenged him of this stroke, and smote upon Theseus a stroke, by so great force, that if the noble knight had not turned back, Cerberus had borne and smitten him unto the earth. This stroke of Cerberus fell upon the earth, and entered therein, and Theseus smote again upon his enemy, which had the heart so great, that he began to roar as an old Lion, and smote Theseus so fiercely with his sword, that he all to broke his shield, and all to frushed his helm, that he was all astonished at the stroke. But always Theseus' abode in his place: and then Cerberus would have brought him unto destruction, following the evil adventure of Pirothus, if that fortune had not brought thither Hercules, which came so fitly to rescue, that Theseus knew not else how to save him.  
At this point when that Theseus was so astonished, Hercules that was departed from the sea (as is said) came to stairs that were cut and made in the Rock, and beholding Theseus all covered with blood, and Pyrothus dead, he began to descend down, crying to Theseus that he should not be afeard nor take no dread. When Cerberus saw and heard Hercules, he began to cry again and roar, and assailed eagerly, for to be quite of him. Theseus might no more, howbéeit that he was recomfortes with the voice of Hercules, but began to run now here and now there before Cerberus.  
So much then hasted Hercules for to go down the stairs or degrees in entering the place, and as hastily as he might he cried to Cerberus, and said to him. Tyrant cruel, let the knight run and come to me: thou hast put to death upon the earth my good friend Pyrothus, whereof I am sorry certain: and if I may I will take vengeance on thee for him. Cerberus hearing the sentence of Hercules, ran no more after Theseus, but tarried and beheld Hercules with a fierce look, and answered to him. So weeneth he to avenge his shame that so believeth: I have destroyed thy fellow unto the death, and unless thou exceed him in skill of arms and in bodily strength an hundred fold double, it is folly for thee to come hither: For I am Cerberus the porter of hell, he that at report of my name all the world trembleth.  
Thus ending his answer Hercules was at the foot of the rock, and he had his club upon his shoulder. Cerberus came against him, they smote each other lustily, and thus they began a right hard battle: and then Theseus that was passing weary sat at one side by, out of the way, & rested him in drying and cleansing his wounds of the blood that had come out of them.  
Hercules beheld then on the one side, and seeing Theseus purging and cleansing his profound and great wounds, he began to employ the force of his strength and might, by such marvel, that with a stroke that he gave him upon his helm upon the right side, he made him to bow and stoop under his club, and to kneel to the ground with his left knee, and at the second stroke in pursuing him hastily, he made his sword to fly out of his hands, and then he made him to fall on his arms to the ground, and with the third stroke, as Cerberus weened to have relieved him and gotten his sword, Hercules smote him upon the body, that he made his head reel against a great stone that was thereby: after that he sprang upon him, and bound his legs with the strength and force of his hands, maulgres the giant, & he tore of the helm of his head, and would have slain him, but Theseus prayed him that he would not put him to death there, and that he would bring him into Thessalonica, for to die by the sentence of the Queen Hippodamia, etc.  
Cerberus was not then put to death, at the request of Theseus. Notwithstanding Hercules bond his hands behind his back, and after he made him arise, and took him by the beard, and made him go upon high on the rock, and there he laid him down, and bound his feet, his hands, and his neck together, in such wise that he might not, nor durst not remove. When he had done so, he went down, and entered into the gate of hell, and leaving there Theseus, he went so far that he found the palace of King Pluto, and there came into the same hall where Pluto was with Proserpina. All they that were there, marveled at him, when they saw him entered: for they knew nothing of the overcoming of Cerberus, as they that left all the charge and keeping of their City to Cerberus, without having any doubt or suspicion: and also they were so far from the gate, that they might not hear of the battle, nor knew nothing what was befall to their porter. Then when Hercules had found Pluto and Proserpina, he had great joy, and knew by tokens and marks of them there being, that it was he, he addressed him to Pluto, and said, Pluto, by thy malice Sicil is now all full of weeping, and of tears, for the ravishing of this Lady, which thou hast not willed to yield, and render again to her husband Orpheus. I wot not what pleasure thou hast therein, but I will say to thee, that thou shalt receive great displeasure, in following the evil adventure of Cerberus, whom I have vanquished and overcome, etc.  
With these words Hercules lift up his club, and gave such a stroke to Pluto, that he overthrew him to the earth, so that he moved neither hand nor foot. When he had so beaten Pluto, thinking that he had been dead, he assailed all them that were there that made any murmur, and put them all to death lightly with his club in the presence of Proserpina, which trembled for fear. Then he comforted Proserpina, and said to her, that he was come unto that place for to deliver her, and for to bring her again to her mother, and that she should boldly follow him, Proserpina assured and resolved, was comforted with these words of Hercules, and followed him.  
Hercules opened the hall, and went out, and Proserpina with him. After he addressed him unto the gate of the Palace, and it happened to him that he found there a right great company of Citizens, that were advertised of this affray, and they ran upon him unmeasurably pursuing him to death. When Hercules saw that, he willed Proserpina that she should get her a part. After that he enhanced and lifted up his club, and began to skirmish with his enemies right virtuously and by so high prowess, that he covered all the entry of the Palace with these miserable, tyrants that he flew, smote down, and all forfrushed them, and put to death more than four hundred. Finally he wrought so that the other fled and gave it over: and then when he saw his evil willers dead and scattered, he took Proserpina by the hand and lead her out of the gate of the city.  
Theseus (that abode and tarried at this gate, as is said) greatly rejoiced when he saw Hercules come again with Proserpina: he arose and went against them, and saluted the lady, and presented to Hercules a chain of a diamond iron that he had found at the gate, and many prisoners bound, that Cerberus had bound withal. Hercules unbound the prisoners, and took the Chain, and bound Cerberus with, all. And when he had buried Pyrothus, he departed from this hell, and took his way with Proserpina, Theseus and Cerberus, and without great ado for to speak of, made so his journey, that he arrived there in Thessalonica, and delivered Proserpina to the queen Ceres: and to Hippodamia, he presented Cerberus, rehearsing to her and the Ladies, how he had slain Pyrothus. Hippodamia had so great sorrow for the death of Pyrothus, that for to recount and tell, it is not possible. All they of Thessaly likewise made great mourning and sorrow, and sore bewailed their lord. What shall I say? for to revenge his death. Hippodamia did cause to bind Cerberus to a stake in the theatre of the City, and there young and old tormented and vexed him three days long continually, drawing him by the beard, and spitting at him in the visage, and after slew him inhumainly and horribly. And then when Hercules and Theseus, Ceres and Proserpina had tarried there a certain space of time in comforting Hippodamia, they took leave together, and Hercules went accompanied with Theseus toward the city of Thebes. But of him I will now leave talk and will come to speak of the adventures of Lyncus   

CHAP. VII. ¶ How Andromeda delivered Lycaon from his enemies: and how he slew in battle the king Creon, and took the city of Thebes etc.  
WHen Philotes had received into his guard and keeping Lyncus, and Hercules was gone to the succours of Theseus and Pyrothus, as before is said: the mariners took their ship, and went to the sea, and sailed all that day without finding of any adventure. But on the morrow betime in the morning, fortune that alway turneth without any resting, brought to them a great ship, that drew his course unto the same place that they came from. Of this ship or galley was Captain and chief, andromeda's King of Calcide. This Andromedas was Cousin unto Lyncus. When he had espied the ship where Lyncus was in: he made to row his galley abroad, and said, that he would know what people were therein. In approaching the ship of Thebes, Lincus beheld the galley of Andromeda, and knew it by the signs and flags that it bare. In this knowledge Andromeda spoke, and demanded of the mariners, to whom the ship belonged? Anon as Lincus saw and heard Andromeda, he broke the answer of the mariners, and cried to him all on high. Andromeda, lo here thy friend Lincus. If thou give me no succour and help, thou mayst lose a great friend in me: for I am a prisoner, and Hercules hath sent me into Thebes.  
Andromeda hearing Lincus, had great anger, for he loved well Lincus, and called to them that brought him, and said to them, that they were all come unto their death. And also that they were under his ward. Philotes and his folk were furnished with their arms and harness, and made them all ready for to defend themselves, and with little talk they of Calcide assailed Philotes, and Philotes and his folk employed them at their defence. The battle was great and hard, but the ill fortune and mishap turned in such wise upon the fellows of Philotes, that they were all slain and dead. Andromeda had two hundred men in his company, all robbers and thieves on the sea. These thieves and robbers smote hard and fiercely upon Philotes, and all to hewed his arms, striking and giving to him many wounds, and he buried many of them in the sea. But their strong resistance profited them but little, for in the end he was taken and bound, and Lincus was delivered and unbound from the bonds of Hercules.  
Lincus had great joy of his deliverance: he than thanked his good friend Andromeda. After this, he told him how he was taken, and how Hercules had dissipated and destroyed the Centaurs. And among other he named many of his friends that were dead, whereof Andromeda had so great ire and such displeasure, that he swore incontinently, that he would avenge it. And that as Hercules had slain his friend, in like wise he would destroy his cousins and kinsmen. Lincus took great pleasure to understand the oath of Andromeda which would avenge the death of his kinsmen. He said to him, that Hercules was gone into hell. And after demanded him how he would avenge him upon the friends of Hercules? and thereupon they were long thinking. In the end when they had long taken advice, Andromeda concluded, that he would go assail the City of Thebes, and if he might get it by assault, he would slay the king Creon and all them of his blood.  
With this conclusion came thither all the galleys of Andromeda which followed, in whom he had eight thousand fight men. Andromeda made them to return toward Thebes, and as hastily as he might he entered into the Realm, wasting and destroying the country by fire, and by sword so terribly that the tidings came unto the king Creon. When the king Creon knew the coming of the King Andromeda, and that without defiance, he made him war, he sounded to arms, and assembled a great company, and knowing that Andromeda was come into a certain place, he issued out of Thebes all armed, and brought his people upon his enemies, that had great joy of of their coming. And then they set them in order against them, in such wise, that they came to smiting of strokes. The cry and noise was great on both sides, spears, swords, darts, guisarmes, arrows and pole-axes, were put forth and set a work. Many Nobles were were beaten down and dead. Lincus and Andromeda fought mortally: the King Creon and Amphitrion failed not, there was blood abundance shed on the one side and on the other. And the battle was so cruel and sharp then, that in little while after Andromeda and his people got and wan upon them of Thebes, and constrained them to retire and for to go back: whereof the king Creon had right great sorrow, and weening for to have put his men again in array, put himself in the greatest press of the battle where he fought mortally, and made so great a slaughter and beating down of his enemies, that Lincus and Andromeda heard of the skirmish, and then they came together. And as Lincus saw the king Creon do marvels of arms, he gave him three strokes one after another, and with the fourth stroke, he all to broke his helm from his head, and slew him, whereof they of Thebes were sore afraid, and disparred so, that they were put to discomfiture, and fled: which flying Amphitrion might not remedy, albeit that he was strong and of great courage.  
Of this evil adventure Thebes was right hastily advertised. Megara was gone up upon one of the high towers of the palace, and saw and beheld the battle: and from that place she saw them of Thebes slain without remedy, and also turn their backs. The sight of the beating down of the king her father, and the view of the slaughter of other made her to cry out and said. Fortune, Fortune, what mischief is here? where is Hercules? Alas where hast thou brought him? Alas that he is not here to defend the country of his nativity, and for to keep his wife far from annoy, and for to put his hand and shoulders for to bear the great acts and deeds of this battle?  
When she had said this, she fell in a swoon, and so lay a great while. Nevertheless, the king Andromeda and Lincus, followed so hastily them of Thebes, that they entered the City with them. And for as much as the Thebans were without head, and put out of array, and that Amphitrion had so many wounds upon him, that all the members failed at this work, the unhappy Lincus and Andromeda took the City, and flew all them that might bear arms, except Amphitrion, whom they found not in the heat. After they went up into the palace, and there they found Megara and Amphitrion in great desolation, with many ladies and gentlewomen.  
As soon then as Lincus had espied Megara (she was so fair and pleasant) that he became amorous of her, and came to her and said. Lady weep no more: Hercules the bastard son of jupiter, is gone into hell, and there he is dead. Ye have been wife of a man gotten in adultery, from henceforth ye shall be fellow and wife of a man legitimate, and borne in lawful marriage, for I will wed you, and will do you more good and pleasure then ever ye had. Megara answered: false traitor, weenest thou that I be so foolish as to give faith and credit to the words of the homicide of my father, and to the enemy of my lord Hercules? Know thou that I am his wife, and that I will never have other husband but him: he is no bastard, but son of my Lord Amphitrion, and the most noble man that is in all the world. Lady (answered Lincus) I am king of this City, ye be now at my commandment, will ye, or will ye not, I shall do my will with you, but I will put it in respite, and in my sufferance till to morrow. After these words Lincus sent Megara into a Tower, and made her to be kept there. After he sent Philotes into a low prison, and finding there in bondage and misery Priamus the son of king Laomedon, he had pity of him, and sent him again to Troy, where he was after received with great joy of the Trojans, etc.   

CHAP. VIII. ¶ How Hercules entered into Thebes in unknown habit: and how he put to death the Giant Lincus, and his complices, and his wife Megara, etc.  
BY the sword of Lincus then and of Andromeda, Thebes was troubled dolorously. Lincus exercised there many tyrannies and wickednesses. In this misfortune Andromeda departed, and went to do his business, leaving there Lincus with four hundred men of war, for to keep the city, and to hold it in his obeisance. Thus was taken vengeance of the Centaurs. In the time of this revenge, the Queen juno came into Thebes, and had great joy when she found it in desolation, and full of widows and orphelins, and in the enemies hands of Hercules: then were great the tears and lamentations of Megara. Amphitrion was nigh her, who understood all her griefs, and comforted her. Lincus came many times unto her into the prison, and requested her sweetly to have her love, and that in the fairest manner he could. Yet his sweet and fair words availed not, for he found her constant and firm, and always keeping inviolable her chastity, and gave him many virtuous answers, whereof followeth one, which was the last, and this. Lincus, thou hast now thy hand strong, and hast conquered Thebes. Fortune and ill hap hath given unto thee the tyranny, whereby thou hast enriched thyself with vices. Thou hast furthermore the power for to commit on me murder: but thy power, nor thy sins be not so strong, nor of such might, for to make my virtue to bow in two fold. Megara always bewailed Hercules: she lamented so much on a day, that she became all ravished, and in a trance. And that same day Hercules that was departed from Thessalonica a good while before, made so his journeys, that he entered into the realm of Thebes accompanied with many noble men. And entering into these coasts, he found the country all destroyed. And he had not gone far, when it was told him, how Lincus was Lord of Thebes: and how he had slain in battle the king Creon, and had imprisoned Megara, etc.  
When Hercules had received these tidings, he was replenished with great anger, and said, that he would avenge him if he might. Then he clad him above his armours with a mantle, and disguised himself as much as he might: when he had so done, he left there his fellows, and entered himself into Thebes unknown, and passed through the gate, and bore him so well, that the Porters let him pass forth: and in likewise entered into the Palace. At the entry of the Palace, a soldier came to Hercules, and demanded of him what he sought there? Hercules cast away his mantle a far, and took his sword that was strong, and without any word he gave so great a stroke to the soldier that was not armed, that he cloven his head from the highest part down to the ground. Many other soldiers that were there, seeing the stroke, cried, and being afraid, ran to their axes and clubs, and some were of them that put forth themselves for to take Hercules: but Hercules smote off their heads, and beat them down: and then began to arise a great uproar, and so great a noise, that Lincus heard it. And thinking it had been his porters that quarreled, he came running down all unarmed, for to make peace. As soon as Hercules perceived, and saw him coming out of the hall, he drew unto him with his sword ready drawn in his hand, crying, Hercules, Hercules, and smote him so that he cut off the right arm, and with the stroke he fell down to the ground. And after he smote upon one and other, that had no helms on their heads, nor habergions on their backs, and then they knew that it was Hercules. He slew them so thick, that with the blood that ran down, was made a right great rushing, as if it had been a river.  
Among these things the gentlewomen of Megara issued out of the palace, and went into the streets crying with high and clear voice, that Hercules was come again, and that he had slain Lincus. With these cries all the City was moved, the good men old and young, the widows, wives and maids ran unto arms with great courage, and assailed all about the men of Lyncus. There was a terrible battle, and many people gathered together, men & women against their enemies. In a little while all the city was troubled. When Hercules had put to death all them that he found in the close of his palace, excepting Lincus whom he put in the guard and keeping of the Queen juno, and of many Gentlewomen that came unto him: then he sprang into the streets, and showed his sword, and smote down right on all sides in skirmishing so mortally with the men of Lincus, all about where he might find them, that by the help of them of Thebes, he made them all to pass the sharpness and cutting of his sword. And then was Thebes all glad: and Hercules returned into the palace, unto the place where the ladies kept Lincus. Then Hercules sent for to break up the door of the chamber where Megara was in, for as much as they could not find the keys, for they that kept her were dead. Megara then full of gladness came unto her lord. Hercules rose up to her, and would have embraced her, and kissed her. But Lincus, that thought on nothing but for to do evil, by the secret persuasion of juno, turned him from it, saying: Hercules, let be my concubine, I have taken my fleshly desires with her: she is of mine acquaintance, and the most luxurious lady that ever I was acquainted withal.  
When Megara heard the right great injury and wrong that the traitor charged her with, she fell backward for anger being furious, without saying of any word. Hercules was all full of anger, and hot and full of great ire, weening that Lincus had said truth, so he smote off the head of Lincus, and with the same sword that he had slain the traitor with, he put to death Megara, who was with child. Howbeit the Chronicles of Spain tell, that Hercules slew not his wife, but that he put her into a religious house, that he ordained in Thebes in the temple of Diana, renouncing her company: and there it is said, that this was the first religion that ever was in Thebes. These things accomplished in the one manner and in the other, Hercules went forthwith and took out of prison Amphitrion and Philotes, and departed from thence all angry and sore grieved: so that at that time and long after he spoke not: and went his way at all adventure, accompanied with Theseus and Philotes, with the great bewailing of them of Thebes, which then after his departing crowned over them Layus the son of King Agenor of Assirie, for as much as he had wedded the daughter of the king Creon named jocasta.   

CHAP. IX. ¶ How Hercules put to death the King Laomedon, and destroyed Troy the second time.  
Hercules', Theseus, and Philotes, departed from Thebes, and went into many divers lands, seeking their adventures. And passing by Licie where Hercules was made king, on a day they came into Mi●imidonie, unto the palace of the King Aeson, where jason was, which had enterprised for to sail to the isle of Colchos, and made his things ready. When Hercules had been feasted of jason and of Duke Peleus, and that he knew of the enterprise, that jason would go and conquer the fleece of Gold, he vowed and promised that he would accompany him And if fortune would be with him, he would adventure to bring his enterprise unto an end. What shall I make long process? jason and Hercules made ready a right good ship, and went to the sea, and renewed not their victual till they came to the Port of Troy. And then they renewed 〈◊〉 them at the port, for the king Laomedon was then in Troy, which had fortified marvelously the City again: and knowing that there was landed at his Port a ship full of Greeks, he sent down a man that commanded them rudely, that they should depart thence, and that he was enemy to the Greeks. jason (as Captain of the army) answered coveteously the messenger of King Laomedon, and prayed him that he might have victuals for his money. The messenger answered him, that he should have none there, unless they got it with the sword. Then Hercules might no longer tarry, but swore to the Trojan, that if he might return from the voyage that he had enterprised, that he would yet once again destroy Troy, and that he would not leave one stone upon another. With this conclusion Hercules and jason departed from Troy, & by fortune they were brought to the port of Lemnos, whereof was a woman Lady and Queen, named Hypsyphyle, which waxed amorous of jason, as it is contained in the history of jason. In this port of Lemnos Hercules was advertised, that thereby was a king named Phyneus, which suffered himself to be governed by an avaricious woman. Phyneus had been married to another woman before, and had by her two sons. These two sons were unrightfully by their stepmother put to exile. For to say the very truth, his second wife was so corrupted with avarice, that she took from the King his riches, and held greater state than he. When Hercules had knowledge thereof, he went and spoke to king Phyneus, and to the Queen, and showed to them their vices in so good manner and fashion, that the two children were called back from their exile, and that the king held his estate royal. Then returned Hercules into Lemnos, and took the sea with jason, and went into the ●●e of Col●os, where jason by the learning and industry of Medea, conquered the sheep with the fleece of gold, which he bore with him into Gréece. Then Hercules recommended greatly jason among his parents and friends, and told them of the right great unkindness of the king Laomedon, and how that he had sworn for to destroy Troy for the rigour that the king Laomedon had done unto them. They swore all together with Hercules the destruction of Troy, and concluded the day of their departure, and after made ready their ships, and all that was necessary for them. And then Hercules held so well his covenant in their army, that at the day concluded among them they entered into the sea, and did so much travail that they landed at the port of Troy, with so great an host, that Laomedon durst not forbid them the port.  
jason was at that time in a far strange country. Hercules had with him many noble men, And among all other there were with him the king Thelamon, Ajax, the duke N●stor, Castor, Pollux, Theseus and many kings and dukes At the landing of this port, which was of strong entry, Hercules, that nothing doubted his enemies, made to sound and blow up trumpets and labours, and made so great a noise, and stir, that the walls of Troy, and of the Palace, redounded thereof, and that Laomedon seeing (out of one of his windows) the host of his enemies, was a right great while in a thought whither he might go to battle against them, or no. It happened to him, that as he was thus pensive, he beheld toward the market place, and saw there more than thirty thousand armed men: which inflamed his heart in such wise that he went and did arm him, and (all his thoughts and pensiveness put a part) came to his people, whom he warned and desired to do their part and devoir. And after, himself, trusting in fortune, issued out into the field in order of battle with good conduct: and although he supposed that Hercules was in the army landed at the Port, whom he doubted, he marched unto his enemies which joyed at his coming. And then began the Trojans and the Greeks a right hot skirmish, with so great murder and manslaughter, that at the joining there was many a man hurt. Hercules failed not to smite and trouble his enemies: he cast his eyes on high, and saw the banner royal of Troy: he fought and smote down on the right side and on the left side, and with his club he smote down unmeasurably, that he came to the banner, and finding there Laomedon that did marvels of arms upon the Greeks, he smote him with his club often times upon his helm, in such wise as he might not save himself, and that he pierced his club within his head and brain, and with one stroke he slew him among plenty of Greeks lying dead on the sea sand, ending there his miserable life.  
After he smote upon them that bore the banner, and rend the banner, and then were the Trojans all discomforted and cried: Let us fly, let us fly. And with this cry that was impetuous, they began to retire and go back unto the City weening to save themselves. But the Greeks spoiled them with the points of their swords and cuttings of their sharp glaines, so mortally, that in slaying and killing the most part fell dead like as the tempest had run among them. They took the City, so troubled with the death of the King Laomedon, that there was none or right little defence among them. In entering into the gate of Troy, Thelamon was the first man, and Hercules was the second, and then Hercules found well the he did right high chivalries. Priamus was not at that time in Troy, but he was gone into the East by the commandment of King Laomedon, after his return from Thebes. What shall I say? fortune having cast down the King Laomedon (as is said) by the strong hand of Hercules. Besides that, he put into Troy Hercules and his people, which brought them all to the ●ewing of their swords. They entered into Ilium, and peeled it, and after did try havoc upon all the treasures of Troy. In likewise they took Exiona the daughter of the King, whom Hercules gave unto Thelamon, requiring him to take her, forasmuch as he was the first that entered the City. And when they had taken all that they found good in Troy, for a final vengeance, Hercules heat down the Towers and buildings: and put the fire therein: in such wise, that there abode not a stone upon an other, etc.   

CHAP. X. ¶ How Hercules and Affer assailed by battle the Giant Antheon: and how they vanquished him in battle the first time.  
AFter this general destruction of Troy, when the Greeks were departed, and Hercules had left them, the Greeks returned into Grece, with great glory, and Hercules went by the Sea seeking his adventures, accompanied with Theseus, and Philotes: and it happened him, that as he arrived at the port of Alexandria, he found in this port a great army. When the Captain of the army saw him come to anchor, he knew by the ensigns of Hercules, that it was Hercules: and for that he had heard him recommended above all manner men whatsoever they were: then he came unto him all full of joy, and said to him, Lord of nobleness and treasure of virtue, among the people, most mighty, and among the kings most resplendent in all glorious virtue, I salute you, and request you, that I may be your servant and friend. And thus saying, he was on his knees before Hercules, and in sign of humility, he kissed the earth. When Hercules saw the salutation and the manner of the doing of this man, he took him by the hand, and (lifting him up from the ground) saluted him, and after demanded of him his name, and to whom that army belonged that he saw there? He answered him, that he was named Affer, son of Madiane, the son of Abraham, and that in that army was none other captain nor chief but himself, and that the Egyptians had ordained him duke and leader of this host, for to go into Libie, for to destroy the country in vengeance of the evil and harms that the tyrant Busyre, that was of Lybie had done to them, in such wise as he well knew.  
When Hercules had understood the name and the affairs of Affer, he took him for his friend: and said to him, that he would accompany him to conquer Libie. After he thanked him, and brought him into a right rich ship, where he feasted him as much as to him was possible. They had not long abiden there, but they went unto the sea with great gladness, for the Egyptians were so joyous and glad to have Hercules with them, that they thought and believed verily, that there might no mishap nor evil come to them. Hercules' found in the said ship of Affer, the wife and also the daughter of Affer, This daughter had to name Echée: she was the most fair gentlewoman of all the world, and young and fresh. By the daily sight of her, Hercules became amorous of her, and required her to be his wife. Echée answered, that of herself she might not accord to his demand: but she said, if fortune give me so great a grace that I might be your wife, I should have more cause to thank the gods, than any wife living. Hercules was right well content with the damosel: and by her persuasion, called Affer, and required him that he would give to him his Daughter to be his Wife. Affer thanked Hercules for that he vouchsafe to demand his daughter: he that was the most excellent of nobles: and said to him, that he should take her and do with her his will and pleasure. Hercules' espoused and wedded Echee, by the consent of Affer, and they lay together, paying the due debt of marriage in such wise that Echee conceived of the seed of Hercules. What shall I make long process? Hercules and Affer sailed so long that they found the port of Lybye, where now standeth Carthage, and there they arrived and took land, in a night which was clear, and after they entered hastily into the country, and besieged the City of Lybie, without resistance or gainsaying.  
In this City was then a great giant named Antheon great above measure above other giants, the most strong and the most conquering that was in all the parts of Europe and Libie, Cirene, Tripoli, Mountains and all the Isles inhabited in these countries unto the Isles fortunate. This king then advertised of the coming of the Egyptians, was passing angry, and swore that never none of them should return again into Egypt.  
Assoon then as he might he did cause his men to arm them and issued out of the city with a great company of Libian, and had so great haste to run upon the Egyptians, that he set no order among his people, whereof he took great harm? for when he came to the battle, he found that Hercules had trained his people, and set them in two battles, of which he lead and conducted the first battle. It happened so, that they of the said company of Hercules, by force of shot, bore themselves so valiantly, and with strokes, that they brought to death more than fifteen hundred Lybiens. When the shot failed, Antheon sprang into the greatest press, as the most valiant, and supposed well to have skirmished with his enemies: but anon as Hercules saw him come, he laid hand on his club, and put him forth before and gave him so great a stroke, that he made his head to bow on the left side. Antheon had his sword lifted up for to have smitten Hercules, when he received the stroke that Hercules gave him, by which his stroke was broken. Nevertheless he said between his teeth, that he would avenge him: so he lifted up his sword again, and smote Hercules so vehemently, that with the stroke he broke his shield. Then knew Hercules, that the giant was a man of great strength. This notwithstanding, he smote him the second time with his club: and thus Hercules and Antheon gave each other so great strokes, that there came between them of the two parties, Libian, and Egyptians. There was a great noise of clinking of swords and sounding of the shields and helms that were broken, and halberds that were dismailed, shields quartered, and glaives broken: there was the blood largely shed on both parties. Hercules and Antheon were parted by force of the press. Antheon by great ire smote without ceasing upon the fierce Egyptians: Hercules all broke the helms largely with his club, and did with the Libyans all his pleasure, and brought so many to death with his club, that in little time he passed throughout the whole power of king Antheon many times, and in his way he covered the earth and the way that he held all with dead Libian. The first skirmish was strong and damageable to Antheon: for against one Egyptian that he flew with his sword, Hercules made die with his club ten Libian. About Hercules was nothing but blood, Hercules made the mountains redound with cries, the companies to tremble, the Libyans to fly and go back, and won little gain. What shall I say more? as long as the day endured he held the battle in vigour, and about the evening, when Affer and Theseus came to the fight, he bestirred himself in such fashion against Antheon, that he made him fly, all charged with horions and strokes, and then in like wise fled after the Libyans.   

CHAP. XI. ¶ How Hercules took king Athlas: and how he began to study the science of astronomy, and the seven liberal sciences.  
WHen Hercules saw the Libyans turn into flight, he did cause to sound the retreat, for as much as it was late, and with great glory returned into the place that he had chosen for to hold his siege at. His wife Echée came against him with open arms and be clipped and kissed him: she holp to unarm him, and brought him fresh water for to wash his face with, and there was made right good cheer of all the Egyptians. Contrary to this good cheer, the Libyans were in the City and made great sorrow, for they had lost near thirty thousand men: especially Antheon made simple cheer, for he had good cause: for Hercules had so beaten him with his club, that he might not help himself, but went with great pain to bed, and with sorrow sent for his Physicians and Surgeons, which came and visited him, and found him all bruised, and said to him, that it would be well near a month ere they could heal him Antheon considering his case, sent and desired of the Egyptians truce for the space of a month, offering to them for to send them daily a certain number of cattle, and a right great quantity of victuals. Then he made out his commandments, and sent unto all the kings and princes that were his tributaries, and also unto his neighbours, praying them that they would come & succour him with their men of arms, in the most hasty wise that they might. This truce so made, Hercules began to remember them, that before time he had heard Philotes speak of a king that reigned thereby named Athlas, and that he was the most wise man and cunningest of all the world, and that he dwelled in a Castle standing on the top of a right high mountain named Athlas, after the name of the same king. In this remembrance, Hercules being covetous of the science of Athlas, called Philotes and said to him, that he would go into the Realm of the king Athlas, and that his intent was to seek there his adventure. Philotes answered and said, that he could well lead and bring him into the Realm, for he knew the country. Then Hercules called Affer and Theseus', and charged them, that they should always make good watch. And after took leave of them and of his wife, saying that he would hastily return. This done, he and three mariners with Philotes went unto the sea in a gallie-finely made and light, and sailed and rowed into the sea Mediterrane: they had speedy wind and ready, and Fortune was good to them. In little while they came unto the strait of Gibraltar. And then Philotes showed unto Hercules the mountain and the castle where Athlas was at that time abiding.  
When Hercules saw the mountain and the castle, he went and took land joyously: after he took his club, and commanded Philotes and his mariners for to abide them there. Then he went toward the mountain, and it happened that he met with a man that descended down from the hill, and he addressed him toward the said man, for to hear some tidings, and demanded him from whence he came? He said, I come from the castle that ye may see yonder on high. Whither go ye, said Hercules? unto the City of Mercelie, answered the stranger: the king Athlas to whom I am servant, hath sent me thither to publish his commandment unto the Citizens, that within six days they should be furnished with their arms, for to accompany him to go unto the war of the great king of Libie, which requested instantly to have his succours. Wherefore if ye will serve him in this army, and be his soldier, go up and ye shall find him in his Castle studying the science of astronomy. The servant of King Athlas with these words went forth on his way, and Hercules went up into the mountain, and came to the gate of the Castle, where he found four knights, that demanded of him what he would have? Hercules' answered, that his will was for to speak to the king, for certain matters that touched him. The four knights (not thinking but good) brought Hercules within a great hall, wherein were all the men of king Athlas, assaying them with swords and axes, forasmuch as they had heard say, that they should go to war and they were all armed.  
When these knights had brought thither Hercules, they gave knowledge unto the king, that a strange giant asked after him, and would not tell them the cause why? Then Athlas went down, and found Hercules armed with his skin of the lion, and asked him what he was? Then he answered and said, he was Hercules that hath conquered Philotes and the garden with the sheep of thy daughters: I am now come hither for to conquer thee with thy sciences. Wherefore it behoveth thee, that thou do to me obeisance, and give over to help the great Antheon mine enemy, and that thou come to me. And if thou wilt not do so, arm thee hastily, and defend thee with arms, and that I demand of thee: and if thou wilt not consent thereto by love, I will make thee accord to it by force. Athlas was exceedingly discouraged when he knew by the mouth of Hercules that it was he that had late conquered Philotes, and had slain the giant his fellow, taken his sheep, and also newly had assailed by war Antheon, to whom he had promised to give succours: and also considered, that he willed that he should yield him to him: his heart then began in him to swell for anger and pride, and in great rage he said to him O thou presumptuous Hercules, how art thou so hardy to come alone before me: thou that I may not love? Know thou that I have had many a displeasure by thine outrage, for Philotes was my right great friend: and now thou art come to renew this displeasance, and wilt that I should yield me unto thee, that is not mine intention, etc.  
Athlas with these words went into a Chamber there fast by, and commanded that every man should arm him, as they did. Hercules had always his eye upon him, to the end he should not escape him. When he was armed, he came against Hercules, and challenged him to the death. After he gave him a stroke with his sword fiercely. With the cry and with the stroke, all they of the fortress assailed Hercules. Then Hercules put himself in defence, and laid about mightily by the rigour of his club, and with twelve strokes he slew twelve of his enemies. After he hurt and wounded many other, and spared long the blood of Athlas. But in the end, forasmuch as Athlas gave great strokes to Hercules, Hercules smote him upon the helm, without employing of all his strength, and gave him a wound in the head, that all astonished he bore him to the earth. From that time forth they of the fortress, durst no more assail Hercules, nor they adventured them not for to rescue, nor to relieve Athlas, but fled thence out of the Castle, and Hercules abode there alone with Athlas, and the dead bodies. So in the end when Hercules saw that they had given it over, he took Athlas, and made him to cry him mercy. After he went into his study, and took all his books, which he laded upon a camel, and after returned unto Athlas, and constrained him to follow him. And when Hercules had done in the castle all his pleasure, he departed accompanied with Athlas, and with his books, and brought him down to the sea side, to the place where Philotes abode him, etc.  
When Philotes saw Hercules come with Athlas, and his books, he had great joy, and took acquaintance with Athlas, who was so sorrowful that he might not speak: and then they entered into their Galley, and went unto the 

go unto the war of the great King of Lybia, which requested instantly to have his succour. Wherefore if ye will serve him in his Army, and be his soldier, go up and ye shall find him in his Castle studying the science of Astronomy. The Servant of King Atlas with these words went on his way, and Hercules went up unto the Mountain, and came to the Gate of the Castle, where he found four Knights that demanded of him what he would have? Hercules' answered, his will was to speak to the King, for certain matters that concerned him. The four Kts. (thinking nothing but good) brought Hercules within a great Hall, wherein were all the men of King Atlas, assaying them with Swords and Axes, forasmuch as they had heard say, that they should go to Wars, and they were all armed.  
When these Knights had brought Hercules thither, they gave knowledge unto the King, that a strange Giant asked after him, and would not tell them the cause why? Then Atlas went down, and found Hercules armed in a lions skin, and asked him what he was? then he answered, he was Hercules that hath conquered Phylotes and the Ga●den with the Sheep of thy Daughters: I am now come hither for to conquer thee with thy sciences. Wherefore it behoveth thee that thou do to me obeisance, and give over to help the great Antheon mine enemy. And if thou wilt not do so, Arm thee hastily, and defend thee with Arms, and that I command thee: If thou wilt not consent thereto by love, I will make the accord thereto by force. Atlas was exceedingly discouraged, when he knew by the mouth of Hercules that it was he that had conquered Philotes, and had slain the Giant his fellow, taken his sheep, and also newly had assailed by War Antheon, to whom he had promised to give succour: and also considered, that he willed he should yield himself to him: his heart then began to swell for anger and pride, and in great rage he said to him. O thou presumptuous Hercules, how art thou so hardy as to come alone before me? thou that I may not love? know thou that I have had many a displeasure by thy outrage, for Philotes was my great friend: and now thou art come to renew this displeasure, and that I yield me unto thee, is not my intention.  
Atlas with these words went into a Chamber fast by, and commanded that every man should arm him, as they did, Hercules had always his eye upon him: to the end that he should not escape him. When he was armed he came against Hercules, and challenged him. After he gave him a stroke, with his Sword fiercely. With the cry and with the stroke all they of the Fortress assailed Hercules. Then he put himself in defence, and laid about mightily by the rigour of his Club, and with twelve strokes he slew twelve of his enemies. After he wounded many other, and spared long the blood of Atlas. But in the end, forasmuch as Atlas, gave great strokes to Hercules, Hercules smote him upon the Helm, without employing all his strength, and gave him a wound in the head, that all astonished he bore him to the earth. Then they of the Fortress durst no more adventure to assail Hercules, neither durst they adventure to reléeve A●las, but fled thence out of the Castle, and Hercules abode there alone with Atlas, and the dead bodies. So in the end when Hercules saw they had given it over, he took Atlas, and made him to cry him mercy. Then he went into his study, and took all his books, which he laded upon a Camel, and constrained Atlas to follow him. And when Hercules had done in the Castle all his pleasure, he departed accompanied with Atlas, and with his books, and brought him down to the Sea side, to the place where Phylotes stayed for him.  
When Phylotes saw Hercules les come with Atlas, and his books, he had great joy, and took acquaintance with Atlas, who was so sorrowful that he could not speak: then they entered into their Galley, and went unto the   Sea: Atlas was sorrowful, and troubled with the wound he had in his head. Hercules requested him instantly, that he would teach him his science. Atlas would in no wise do it at the beginning of his sorrow: but when he had conversed and tarried with Hercules, as well for the bounty he saw in him, as by the persuasion of Philotes, which affirmed that Hercules was the most noble and virtuous man that ever was, he began to teach him all his sciences: wherein he learned and profited by quick and sharp wit, that he attained to all, and that afterward he became the best Philosopher, and the most perfect Astronomer in all the world. Thus studying, Hercules returned with great honour into the Army of Affer, and found at his coming, that his Wife had brought forth a fair Son, which the Egyptians had Crowned King of Egypt, where he reigned afterward, and was called Dedon.  
When Affer saw Atlas, and knew how Hercules had vanquished him, he marveled much of his prowess which was so great, and of his wisdom that attained to such high things. But Hercules bent all his wit and study to learn the science. In the mean while a little and a little the time passed, and Antheon assembled a very great host, and was all healed of his wounds, and the Truce failed and expired, whereat the Egyptians had great joy: for they yet hoped to have victory of their enemies. And the Lybians hoped to revenge them of the shame that Hercules had made them receive. When the Truce was expired, the day following Hercules made ready his battles of the one side, and Antheon ordained his on the other side. Antheon made three battles, the first of twelve thousand fight men, the second of twenty thousand, and the third battle of thirty thousand. He then ordained himself King and chief Captain of the first battle: in the second, he ordained the King of Getulia to be Governor: and in the third, he made the King of Cothulie. And then when he had well set them in array, and trained them, in a morning he made them to march joyously against his enemies, expecting nothing but the hour when Hercules would charge them.   

CHAP. XII. How Hercules assembled his battle against Antheon King of the Lybians, which he put to flight, and slew the King of Cothulie.  
Hercules' had made of his folk two battles, the first whereof he conducted. Affer and Theseus guided the other. When he saw the Lybians march, which made the greatest tumult and noise in the world, he went forth before, and his Company followed. Then began the Trumpets to sound, and Tabours to make great noise: the cry was great, they began sharply the battle, whereof Hercules and Antheon made the assay by a swift course, and with sharp Swords smote so sore together, that Antheon broke his Sword, and the Iron of the Sword of Hercules pierced the Shield of Antheon and his arms on his right side, by which he had a wound where the blood sprang out. Antheon was almost dead with sorrow when he felt the stroke, and saw that his Sword had done but little to Hercules: he took his Sword, and Hercules took his, and they smote each other so hard, that Hercules bore Antheon unto the earth with one stroke, and had slain him, had not the Lybians run upon Hercules on all sides, they gave him so great an assault that he knew not to whom he might attend. Then Hercules employed his Sword upon the Lybians. The Egyptians assembled them eagerly upon their enemies. Antheon relieved himself all ashamed of his fall: applying all his puissance and strength to revenge him, not upon Hercules, but upon them of his party. This Antheon smote eagerly on the one side, and Hercules on the other. Antheon fought with great fierceness and anger, and Hercules by Prowess. The fierceness of Antheon was great, but the Prowess of Hercules was so excessive great, that the Lybians fled him, and when they saw him they trembled for fear, at this battle, before the Sword of Hercules all bloody. Then the great routs of the Lybians were sore afraid, and kept no array: he smote off heads, and laid them down to the earth: his folk that were destroyed by Antheon he gathered together again. He made such work that the Lybians had the worse, and Antheon sent hastily to the King of Cothulie, that he should come to his help.  
The King of Cothulie at the sending of Antheon, departed, weening to have come to the skirmish: but when Affer and Theseus saw him, they went against him, and hindered him. Then began the fight so great and mortal, that Theseus and Affer slew the King of Cothulie, beat down his Banners, his recognizances, and his Cotuliens, and smote so sore upon their bodies, that they went back, and were constrained to cry for help. The King of Getulia seeing this evil adventure, came unto 

Antheon relieved himself all ashamed of his fall: applied all his puissance and strength for to avenge him, not upon Hercules, but upon them of his party. This Antheon smote on the one side, and Hercules on the the other. Antheon fought by great fierceness and anger, and Hercules by prowess. The fierceness of Antheon was great, but the prowess of Hercules was so excessive great, that the Libyans fled him as the death, and where they saw him, they trembled for great fear at this battle before the sword of Hercules all bloody. Then the great routs of the Libyans were sore afraid, and kept none array: he smote off heads, and laid them down to the earth: his folk that were destroyed by Antheon he gathered together again. He made such work that the Libyans had the worse, and that Antheon sent hastily to the king of Cothulie, that he should come to his help.  
The king of Cothulie at the sending of Antheon, departed, weening to have come to the skirmish: but when Affer and Theseus saw him stir, they went against him, and letted him of his way. And there began the fight so great and so mortal, that Theseus and Affer slew the king of Cothulie, beat down his banners, his recognizances, and his Cotuliens, and smote so sore with the Iron upon their bodies, that they went back, and were constrained to cry after help. The king of Getulia seeing this evil adventure, came unto   the rescue, and found the Cothulians all discomforted. At his coming, the cry, the noise, the tempest and strokes began to renew: many a valiant act, and many a prowess was shows there. Many showed their virtue and strength, and many were slain there. Theseus did there marvels, but always the Getulians held them together, and fought against Theseus by the space of three hours, and lost but few of their people unto the time that Hercules brought them of the battle of king Antheon to discomfiture, & made them to fly, to save themselves with the Getulians, that then discouraged themselves in such wise that after they had seen the battle of king Antheon disranked and broken they might not lift up their arms to defend them, but were slain by little and little: and finally, they were brought to so strait limits and bounds, that they witted not where to save them. And then they fled out of the place, dispersed by the fields and champaigns, without leaders, guides, or captains. And then Hercules put himself forth in the press all before, among them that fled first of the Libyans, so that he came to the gate of the city with them, and there he began to smite so unmeasurably, that he put to death the Lybians flying thither, and the porters, and them that would resist him. Also he made the Egyptians to enter into the town. And Antheon seeing fortune against him in all points, fled into his palace not accompanied as a king: but went at large in to the fields, by the conduct of four moors only, that brought him into Mauritania after.   

CHAP. XIII. ¶ How Hercules fought again, against king Antheon, and put him unto the death.  
BY this manner Hercules and the Egyptians entered into Lybie, and subdued it by force of arms. And Antheon was fled into Mauritania, where he assembled new folk hastily. They of Libie yielded them all to the mercy of Hercules. When Hercules had thus daunted them of Lybye, and their neighbours, seeing Antheon, he made Affer king, and named it after him Africa, and said that he fought not for his singular profit & covetousness but for liberality, and for to enhance virtue. O most valiant and noble Hercules, there was never man borne among the paynims more liberal, more noble nor more virtuous. He would not be king of all the world: he was liberal, and employed his conquest right well and wisely, and gave all his gifts advisedly. When he had made Affer king, he inquired what laws they held, and established among them the Sacrament of marriage. For at that time the women were there all common, and when it happened that the women had children, they gave them to the men after their Phisiognomies: and thus telleth Aristotle in his politics.  
Besides this sacrament, Hercules ordained unto the Africans, that they should hold the laws of Gréece, and by right wise and politic government, made the Africans live reasonably and virtuously. And above all other things, he made them have the order of marriage in great reverence. When Hercules had ordained all this, tidings came to him, that Antheon was come again to chase him with many Moors, that followed him. Then he returned toward Antheon and the morians, and there smote them down with his club so deadly that he made it red with their blood, and slew them all and put them to flight so cruelly, that Antheon abode alone against Hercules, and fought against him body to body by great strength, and gave him many strokes hard to bear.  
But Hercules gave to him so many and so large strokes that the Giant witted not how to save him, and wéened to have fled. But Hercules that ran as swiftly as an horse ran after him, and embraced him in his arms with all his might, and lifted him up into the air, and bore him over the host of the Maurytanes. And when he came nigh unto them, he cast him down dispiteouslye to the earth, that all to bruised and forfrushed Antheon abode there dead. And his death turned unto the Moors so great abashment, that they lost all their strength and puissance, and were slain by great excess without remedy: they lost there the king Antheon, the king of Mauritane, the king of Tingie, and many other kings, and all the honourable of the battle: for in the end they all fled, in which flight was taken and subdued to the signory of Africa the City of Mauritans.   

CHAP. XIIII. ¶ How Hercules and Theseus fought together against the two Damosels of Scythie, etc.  
IN remembrance of this victory, Hercules did make in the field a statue or image of a man sleeping, in the place where he had put to death Antheon, and there under he did bury the body of Antheon. And anon as the image, which was made of the bone of an Elephant was set up there, the neck of the the image began to sound like as it had been a man sleeping, wherefore the Moors had afterward the sepulchre in great reverence, and worshipped the idol. After this statue thus accomplished by Hercules, he went by Tingie and Ampeloste, and by many other Countries, and conquered all the country that now is called Africa, and gave all to Affer, and Affer returned into Libie, and there he found Echée his wife dead by a grievous sickness: wherefore he took & made sorrow so great, that it was marvel. Then to forget this sorrow, he took leave of king Affer, and the Egyptians, and had thought to have departed thence, but as he was in taking leave, a damosel strangely arrayed came unto him and said, Lord of Libie, the Queen of Scythie, Ladies of Egypt, of Cappadocie and of asia, have sent me unto you: which ladies have conquered the said countries, in taking vengeance of the misfortune of their husbands now late dead: and have abandoned their Country because of the great outrage that Vexores King of Egypt made in Scythie. And as as much as ye be of the lineage of the Egyptians, they send to you, that ye submit you unto their obeisance, for to do with you that that shall please them: or else, that ye come against them in battle, for to eschew the effusion of blood. And they let you know, that they have good right to subdue you, and that if there be among you two knights, that against two of them will do feats of arms to try their lives, they will deliver to you two Ladies in place convenable, upon condition, that if the Ladies vanquish, and overcome you, ye shall be holden as vanquished, and be a● their commandment: and if your men overcome the Ladies, they shall be reputed as overcome, and shall be subject unto you.  
Hercules hearing this greeting and message of the Ladies, answered unto the messenger. damosel, since that the Ladies of Scythie he so chivalrous, that they have conquered the great Realms of Egypt, of Cappadoce, and of Asia, they be sore for to doubt. Nevertheless for to eschew the effusion of blood, and for to defend the Africans from their bondage, ye shall return unto them and say, that the battle of the two knights against two ladies, is accorded and agreed unto them, for to be done to morrow, upon the condition that ye have said. Then Hercules, Affer, and many other swore and promised to hold these things, and did great honour and reverence unto the damosel.  
The damosel having done her message, as is said, returned unto the Ladies, which were entered a great way in Africa, and tol● to them word for word, the answer of Hercules. The principal or mistress of all these Ladies, was named Synope, and had two sisters, so expert and strong in in arms, that they dread no knight of the world, the one was named Menalippe, and the other Hyppolita. Anon as these Ladies had received these tidings of the Africans, they had great joy, and holding opinion that Africa was won by the strength of Hypolite, and Menalippe, which did marvels in arms, they ordained that they should fight with the two Knights: and so for to do, they warned Hippolyte an Menalippe, which were on the morrow ready in the fields.  
At the hour that was ordained, Hercules and Theseus (sitting on two strong horses with a great company of Africans,) road into the place that the Ladies had chosen for to do feats of arms in. There were the two Ladies abiding, in a fair place armed and well mounted on good steeds, and by them were the other Ladies in great number. As soon then as Hercules and Theseus had espied the two Damosels, they made them that followed to stand, and come no near, and sent unto the Damosels, to wit what they would do. The Damosels answered, that they abode the two knights, and that they were ready to do deeds of arms against them, under the condition of their quarrel. And if they were come, they would come forth.  
Hercules and Theseus, with this answer took their spears, and spurred their horses, and made sign unto the Damosels. And they furnished with Shields and with Spears, ran against them so chivalrously, that it seemed that they held of heaven, not of earth, and at the coping of their sharp spears, the strokes were so huge and great, on both sides, that Hyppolita and Theseus bore each other unto the earth: and in like wise did Menalippe and Hercules. The Africans marveled much to see the two Princes borne down: and yet the Ladies of Scythia marveled much more of the Damosels, etc.  
When the Knights on the one side, and the Damosels on the other side, found themselves lying on the earth, shame and abashment smote them unto their hearts. Nevertheless, each of them got them up as lightly, and with great courage took their swords, and approached each other, and charging and smiting the one upon the other so fiercely, that the Ladies and the Knights felt the strokes, Hyppolita pursued her man Theseus, and Menalippe held her unto Hercules. The strokes of Hippolita were great, and did great grief unto Theseus. Theseus' enforced himself strongly to avenge him, and might not well come to his purpose. Hercules' put under and overcame Menalippe lightly with his sword, and put her in his mercy, but Hippolita maintained her force so mightily against Theseus, that she had put him to foil, had not Hercules been, that said to him: Brother, what shall this be? where is the prowess of Theseus? Shall that be daunted by the chivalry of a damosel? If it be so, certainly all men shall have shame of your dishonour.  
These words began to quicken, and to wake again the blood of Theseus that was afore asleep, and to lighten the courage, in such wise that he recovered a new force and strength, and put himself forth, and began to smite with such prowess, that he made the damosel recant, and took from her, her sword, and conquered her: whereof the Ladies were much grieved and sorrowful, and in especial the Queen Synope, which then sent to Hercules her arms, in token that she was vanquished, praying him that he would yield again and render the two Damosels. And Hercules took the arms of the Queen, and sent to her Menalippe, and made peace with her for the Africans, upon condition, that she should give Hyppolita in marriage to Theseus, which was amorous of Hyppolita. So then the wedding was made in Africa with great honour and worship. And the Ladies hearing tell of the marvelous acts and deeds of Hercules, praised him all, and held themselves happy and fortunate to be vanquished of him.   

CHAP. XV. ¶ How Hercules began to wax amorous of Deianeira: and how Achelous & Hercules had battle the one against the other: and how Achelous was vanquished.  
AFter the conquest of these ladies, Theseus took leave of Hercules and of Affer, and returned into his country, for to bring home his lady, and went to the sea, for to go into Calcedony which lieth in the opposite of Achaie & of Arcadia, for to see a fair lady of excellent beauty, that he had heard greatly recommended by a Calcedonien that was in his company. He did so much, what by sea and by land, that he came into Calcedonie. The king of that place had to name Oeneus, and had two daughters, the one named Deianeira, and the other Gorge. Deyanyra was the fairest, and that was she that Hercules came for to see. When Oeneus had understanding and knowledge that Hercules came into his country, he had great joy, and went against him, and received him embracing him so honourably as was to him possible. In entering into his palace, the Queen and his two daughters Gorge and Deianira welcomed Hercules. Incontinent as Hercules cast his eyes upon Deianeira, that was the most fairest woman that ever he saw, and that she by desire right deep was settled and rooted in the most deep place of his heart, he felt himself ravished marvelously. This desire entered into Hercules all full of rays of love, and pierced into his heart as suddenly as the rays of the sun pass through the glass.  
Deyanyra had so much beauty, and was so well accomplished and so glistering and shone among the ladies, that to her might be made no comparison, not all only in beauty, but with that in wisdom and bounty. She was the most precious treasure of Calcedonie: and thither came many Ladies & gentlewomen and other. Her neighbours were all amorous of her, and especially the king Achelous that was strong and puissant. This king had great signory, and marched through the realm of Calcedonie. When then Hercules had been there a space, in passing the time joyously, and in beholding the behaviour of Deianeira, it happened on a day that the messenger of king Achelous came to Oeneus, and said to him, that Achelous demanded of him, if he would give him his daughter: and that if he would not give her to him at this time, he would molest and grieve his country, and would make him war. At this message Oeneus was troubled, and answered the messenger, that on the morrow he would give him an answer. All that day Oeneus was pensive, and sorry, and abode alone: and for to pass his melancholy, he came to Hercules. When Hercules saw him so pensive he adjured him in earnest wise that he should tell him the cause of his pensiveness: who told it him, and said. Lord Hercules, since it pleaseth you to know of mine annoyance and grief, I will anon tell you the cause. There is hereby a king my neighbour named Achelous, great and fierce and proud, which many times hath required to have to his wife Deianeira my daughter. I have not been in will to accord the marriage, for as much as I know this king a man of right evil life. And for this cause I have had many menaces of him, and also this day his messenger is yet come again to me and hath said to me, that if I give him not my daughter at this time, he will make me war. Certes Hercules, if ye ye see me pensive, it cometh to me by this occasion, for I have not yet given him his answer, but I must give it him to morrow.  
Nevertheless, I have concluded in myself that I will not give unto him my daughter. And now when I see verily, that by the refuse of my daughter, it must needs be that the war be open between the aforesaid king Achelous and me, know well that I am displeased: for war is the eternal desolation of the country, perdition and waist of the people and of goods.  
Sir (said Hercules) it is needful unto a man that he take and bear all that fortune will. As ye say, war is not increasing of people, but dimunition, yet by that extremity it behoveth to pass, It is expedient that a man rejoice in his right. Right comforteth the courage of a man, and the courage of a man comforted, bringeth him often times to glorious victory. A brute beast disgarnished of reasonable wit, fighteth for his hole and nest, with his claws, with feet, with his teeth, and with his bill. What shall a man sensible and endowed with wit and reason, do with any assault (and namely in his own land and territory?) Nature willeth and instructeth that where corporal force faileth, vigour and virtue of courage worketh, and that they fight for their country. Take courage then in your right, and say your intent unto your enemies: ye have received me worshipfully, & in my receiving these tidings that be come, I will help you if it be need: and I suppose if Achelous assail you, he shall repent him.  
With these words the king Oeneus comforted himself greatly, and the day drew over. On the morrow Oeneus called the messenger of Achelous, and said to him, that he should come no more to demand his daughter: and that he was not minded to give her to his master: and furthermore, if he moved war against him for this cause, he had intention to defend himself unto the death of the last man of his people. The messenger returned with these words, and told them to Achelous and all that he found with him. Achelous was evil content with king Oeneus, and as he that was overmuch smitten with the love of Deianeira, began to assemble his men of arms, in intention to make war on king Oeneus, and to take from him his Daughter. Hercules was then in Calcedonie, and often times he was with Deianeira in gracious conferences. He found her so well addressed in all honest manners, that all day he was the most part with her, and in the night he did nought but dream and think on her: howbeit, he said nothing to her that touched his amorous desires, willing first to show there his power in arms. It happened on a day he opened a window that was by the garden of Deianeira, and casting his eyes down, he saw Deyaninira, that sat upon a green place, accompanied with many Ladies and Gentlewomen. Then he set all his mind to contemplate the excessive beauty of her. After he desired her, and in coveting and desiring said. O Deianeira, thou that hast not the prerogative to know the hearts and the thoughts of men, if I should say to thee the tenth part of the love and desire I have to thee: thou mightest not believe it. I have gone many a country, and seen mannie a Realm and many a treasure, I have desired many a thing. But of all, for to come to my wished bliss, I was never in so great thought as I am for to get thy grace.  
The same hour that Hercules spoke by himself, Deianeira was not idle: she had Hercules in her mind, and remembrance, & in her heart, then being rich in the points of love, sown between variations of hope and despair, was esprised in all her veins with the heat of that fire that burneth amorous hearts. This fire burning, was strong and very hard to quench, or to cover the right piercing sparkle. She lay down then upon the grass, and began to say in her mind. Alas Hercules, what shall Deianeira do? she may not come to attain unto your love, I was wont not long since, not to deign to behold a man, and then said, that neither Prince nor King should have my love. Now I am all of another nature, and desire no other thing, but that I might be your wife. I have supposed to have remained and continued a stable virgin, and I only was disdainer of men, contrary to the requests and admonitions of the ladies: these be now far other tidings. with these words she ceased a little, and began to think on many other things. At this point, as she thought on Hercules, and Hercules on her, tidings came thither, that Achelous was coming for to besiege the City, by land and by sea, and that he was very near by. For these tidings arose in the palace a great murmuring, that came to the ears of Hercules and of Deianeira: their spirits were traversed in such fashion, that Hercules left to behold Deianeira, and the damosel left to think on Hercules, and both two went unto the king Oeneus.  
Anon as Hercules came unto the king, and that the King saw him, he went against him, and said to him, that his enemies were very near the City, Hercules answered joyously, that it behoveth to go feast them: and willed that he put his people in arms. At this answer of Hercules, the king did sound to arms, and with this sound all Calcedonie was moved, and each man made him ready. Hercules and his Greeks were ready in a little space. The Calcedonians assembled by great companies in the palace. When they were assembled, the king and Hercules brought them into the field, and Hercules put them in order: that done, he did cause them to march, and the Calcedonians and Greeks so sped them on an after dinner, that they came and found their enemies, and approached them so nigh, that there was nothing to do but to smite and lay on. Hercules had made two battles, one and the first with his people, and the other with the Calcedonians. When they came to the point to meet, Hercules went to the Calcedonians, and in the presence of the king said to them. Lo here ye may see your enemies that set little by you, for they be come into your Lordship to assail you. I pray you that the great outrage of them abate not, nor minish your courage. Ye ought herein to have the fierceness of a Lion, the puissance of an Elephant, and be greedy as a Griffon, for to deliver you without end, from the enmity of king Achelous, in keeping your country, your dominion, your honour, your treasures, your wives, your children, and that more is, your lives. Be ye then studious to do well, be ye inflamed with desire of vengeance, be ye covetous to get worship and glory. If ye show not yourselves valiant at this time, ye may not have any thing but beggary, or servitude to death: for your enemies will do unto you all the evil of the world, if they have victory over you. These words wrought in the hearts of the Calcedonians, and gave to them courage marvelously. And all they with one right good will desired the battle. When Hercules had finished his exhortation, he went to the battle: for it was come to the point to fight. Then were there great cries on the one side and on the other: tabors, trumpets, clarions, harness, and weapons began to sound: knights began to stir at the entry of the battle. Hercules and the Greeks shot and drew largely upon their enemies, and made Achelous all abashed, forasmuch as he hoped not to have found so great resistance with the Calcedonians. Then they cast their eyes upon the banner of Hercules, and seeing the great Lion that was painted therein, they began to imagine that there might be Hercules, of whom was spoken throughout all the world, for his virtues and his strength.  
When they were thus imagining, the shot failed, with great slaughter of them of the party of Achelous. When the shot was so failed, Hercules took his sword, & went up and down among them of Achaie, that were in th● first front of the battle of Achelous, and there made an hole so great, that the Calcedonians & the Iconians won upon them at the first joining, and made the other party to recoil, and go back, whereof Achelous had great sorrow: and he took to him twenty knights which were chosen, and came & ranged with them there, where Hercules scattered and broke the battle of the Achaians. There he approved his courage lustily. This strong giant, and his horsemen so valiantly fought, that the Greeks entering tarried and abode, and also Hercules: for they died their swords and the earth with their blood, and beat down many Iconians. And there was the strife so great, that men might see nothing else but heads and arms fly into the field. Hercules smote no stroke but it cost to Achelous the death of a man. Achelous in like manner stroke for stroke smote down one of his enemies. The residue of their folk did the best they could, now before, now behind, and yet might never the achaians confounded and put back their adversaries, howbeit they were always four against one: and the Iconians were in great number, and they had always fresh people and new. In this manner the two puissaunces fought together more than four hours. love wrought sore there, in Hercules and in Achelous, both two made their sword to flourish covered with blood. They met oft times and smote each other, but never durst Achelous abide before the sword of Hercules, for the horrible strokes that he saw Hercules give, but he put him in the press assoon as he had smitten him, or had angered him.  
In this battle Hercules did wonders and marvels. Oeneus took a great pleasure to behold him, and the achaians had therein displeasure, for they that saw him, were no more assured to escape the death, than he that fa●leth the sword in his neck in the hand of a tyrant. There received no man a stroke of him, but he abode in the place: he made so great a slaughter, that no man can well write it. In the end, king Oeneus with all his Calcedonians came to the battle: in his coming the achaians received loss upon loss, and peril upon peril. The king Oeneus made many of his enemies to die. Hercules showed his puissance more and more: by his well doing, he put the achaians all out of array, and after unto flight: and the loss of the field turned greatly unto the damage of king Achelous: for Hercules chased him shamefully into his ships, and made him to lose twelve thousand achaians, etc.   

CHAP. XVI. ¶ How Hercules put to the worst king Achelous: and how he espoused Deianira.  
AFter this victory, when Hercules saw that the king Achelous saved himself by the sea, he called the king Oeneus, & said to him, that he would pursue his enemy, & that he would deliver the world of him: and after took an hundred of his chosen men, and took leave of the king Oeneus, and went to the sea, following after Achelous, recommending him to Gorge & to Deianira. In this night Oeneus after the departing of Hercules, returned into Calcedonie, and told his wife and his daughters the high prowess that Hercules had done in the battle, and how he had chased his enemies, and how he was gone after with two hundred men. The lady's Gorge and Deianara were right joyous of the victory, but it grieved them sore that Hercules with so little a company pursued Achelous: and above all other, Deianira was greatly vexed and grieved at the enterprise of Hercules, so sore that she went into her chamber, and was constrained to weep, and not to have joy in heart until the return of Hercules. For to return unto the purpose touching Hercules, when he was put to the pursuit of Achelous, as is said, he entered into his realm, and followed him so nigh, that he was constrained to withdraw himself in a right strong castle standing by the sea. Hercules' besieged Achelous in this castle. When Achelous saw that Hercules pursued him with so little a company as with two hundred men only, he called his friends and his leaders of men, and among other things told them, that it was a shame for them to suffer themselves to be besieged with so little a number of people. They answered, that he had said truth: and concluded, that the same hour they would issue out, and raise & break the siege, and forthwith they sounded to arms with short counsel. It was not long after that they issued out of the castle, but Hercules espied them, and knew that they came to the battle: he set his men in array, after he went alone before unto his enemies, as he that doubted of nothing. When Achelous saw him come, he began to make a great sigh, and cried unto his people, upon him: saying that it was he with the club that had chased him out of Calcedonie, and promised great gifts unto them that best belaboured him with strokes. But when his folk knew that it was Hercules, they made courtesy each to other for to go before, and trembling as the leaf on the tree, they durst not abide the weight of the club: but without smiting of any stroke turned their backs, and fled unto the castle.  
Achelous seeing the behaviour of his folk, and the dread and fear that they had of Hercules, wéened that he should have died for sorrow: so he went and entered again with them into the castle. And Hercules returned with his people, laughing at the poor dealing of his enemies. Hercules began then to think on Deianira, and Achelous began to imagine how he might annoy the Calcedonians: he had there one of his captains that said unto him: Sir, ye know well that your strength may not compare unto the strength of your enemies: we be ten against one, but that may nothing help us: for, alonely the club of the mighty giant that is with them, is enough for to bury us all, and also for to destroy your realm. Consider ye then, since it is so, that open puissance and plain strength may not be used at this time, it is expedient to imagine some subtlety, for to grieve the Calcedonians: and it is mine advice that there shall be made a great flaming light in the sea, such as I shall well devise, so as by that means they that have besieged us, may be deceived lightly. This flaming light must be by night, and it shall be great and forcible: we will make it secretly: assoon as our enemies shall see it, they will leap out of their tents, and will go unto the sea for to see the marvel, peradventure without any arms, for they dread nor fear us not, and then we will set on them, and shall find them unfurnished and unpurveyed of their arms, & consequently it may ensue, that of them all we shall make a notable riddance. etc.  
When Achelous heard this counsel, it seemed to him good, and he would that it were put in effect in such wise as he had devised. The deviser did make an hundred torches, which were finished in fifteen days. During these fifteen days, Hercules assailed many times the castle, where Achelous was in, but he might never do any thing thereto, for the fortress stood upon the sea, and in a strong country, and might not be gotten by assault, and Achelous might have no succours from no part: for, between this castle and Achaye was a great country. When the fifteen days were passed, and the torches were made, on a night when it was peaceable from wind & storm, they that carried the torches, issued out of the castle, four of them unto the haven, where was left but one little boat which was on ground, and had not in long time afore been put to the sea. And if ye demand where the ships were become that Achelous brought to this port, I say to you, that Hercules had caused to take them, and sent them into the sea, to the intent that Achelous should not escape him, nor take away the ships by night. The achaians then came to this little boat lying on the ground, and plied them that they brought it afloat on the Sea as secretly as they could, and entered therein, with all that to them was necessary. And the king Achelous put himself in ambushment with a thousand of his men, in a place nigh whereas him seemed that the Calcedonians would go out for to see the light that should be made. Then when they that were in the sea, knew that it was time to light their torches, they set them a fire and put them round about the mast, wherein were made as many holes as was torches. And so as they had imagined, they did. Anon the knights that kept the watch of the host of Hercules saw it, and sore marveling at this light, awoke Hercules and his fellows, and showed them the light.  
Assoon as Hercules saw the brightness of the torches, he would know what it was: and then he approached the bank of the sea and his company with him, and had not been long there, when the king Achelous did cause to light an hundred torches that he had provided, and after he issued out of his ambushment with his thousand men, and ran upon Hercules, and assailed him and all his men fiercely. But when Hercules saw them discover themselves, he set his people in order in the best manner he might, by the light of the stars, and received his enemies courageously, where began a right dolorous battle: for the one smote on the other very felonously, and there were many wounded and dead. The skirmish was great. Achelous' thought to skirmish, but he was skirmished with himself, unto the effusion of his blood: for Hercules among all other smote him on the helm, that he foundered, and gave him a wound on his head that the blood gushed out: and moreover, he took him, and delivered him to twelve of his men to keep. There were great cries, and great abundance of strokes of sword. Then were the torches quenched and put out by the force of the smiting of the achaians, which desired greatly to rescue their king: and so they abandoned their lives in the heat. But when their torches were quenched a little and a little, they began to cool them, and withdraw them, for they saw nothing at all. When they were withdrawn, Hercules assembled his folk, and said to them, that he would go assay if he might take the castle in this trouble, and that they should follow him hardily and fiercely: and anon after, when he saw his enemies return unto the castle, he ran after and stayed them, and put himself in the thickest of them, and smiting with his club on the right side and on the left side, he made a right large place and way. And by this way he lead his people unto the gate of the castle, where he entered with them that fled, and there made so great a slaughter of his enemies, that with little resistance, that same night he put to death twelve hundred, and the other fled into the city of Patrace, from whence they were. In this battle, and in the battle that had been in Calcedonie, all the men of Achaye were slain, except about a four hundred, which saved themselves by flying: for Achelous had taken all his men with him, his country and his city Patrace was all destroyed. When Hercules had taken the castle, afterward he went into the country and into the city of Patrace: and entering into all places without any resistance, he set over this realm into the hand of king Oeneus, and he abode not long after that he had subdued this realm, but he departed and returned into Calcedonie as hastily as he might for to see Deianira: and there he was received with so great glory, joy & triumph, that no man can rehearse ne write. The Poet's report and write this conquest that Hercules made upon Achelous, feigning that Achelous fought first in guise of a man, and that then he was vanquished: after he changed himself in a guise of a serpent. This is to be understood, in subtleness and in malice, as he did in assailing Hercules by night. To conclude, he fought in the guise of a bull, and that Hercules broke his one horn: that is to be understood, that at the last Achelous was fierce as a bull, for he died well nigh for pride & sorrow that he was taken: and that Hercules broke his horn, that is to be understood that he broke his realm and destroyed it.   

CHAP. XVII. ¶ How Nessus took Deianira from Hercules when he passed with her over the river: and how Hercules slew Nessus with an arrow.  
GReat was the feast then, that the king Oeneus made for the victories that Hercules had achieved upon king Achelous: For he doubted him passing sore. Hercules at his coming presented to him Achelous & his realm, and said to him that he should have it without any refuse. The king Oeneus sent king Achelous into exile, and held himself greatly bounden and beholden to Hercules whom he honoured marvelously. Then Hercules took to his heart again right amorous conceits: and also in like manner did Deianira, she had sovereign joy to see Hercules, and desired none other thing but for to see him. What shall I make long process? when Hercules had been there a space, he required king Oeneus that he would give him his daughter to wife. Oeneus with right good will agreed, and accorded to him, and Deianira consented with better will. The wedding was solemnized pompously and solemnly, and they went to bed, and lay together. And soon after when Hercules saw that his father in law had his realm in peace, he took leave of the king Oeneus, and departed from Calcedonie with Deianira and his people, for to go by land into his realm of Iconie. Hercules had always in his journey Deianira by him: he loved her exceedingly, & had great solace in her beauty: and if he had not studied with Athlas, he could not have abstained him from beholding her beauty. In passing the time pleasantly in the manner that folk do that be new married, Hercules journeyed so far, that he came to a quarter of Thessaly, where the river of Hebenus runneth, and arrived on this river, which was deep and broad running impetuously, and had neither bridge nor plank to pass over, but there was a Centaur named Nessus that spent there his life, by the means of a little boat, in the which he carried the people over the river, etc.  
When Hercules had found this passenger Nessus, he came to him, and demanded of him how he and his folk might pass the river? Nessus that knew Hercules since the time that he had vanquished his fellows at the wedding of Pyrothus, answered to him, that he might not pass the river but by his little boat. And if he would pass, he would with a good will do him the pleasure to set him over. Hercules' thanked Nessus: And forasmuch as he saw that the boat was but little, and that the time was disposed to rain, he would that Deianeira and her damsels should pass first. Deianeira and her maidens entered into the boat. When they were therein, Nessus rowed, and in the rowing, he beheld Deianeira, and he looked on her so much that her beauty ravished him. For as soon as he was come over on the other side, he took Deianira, and said that she should be his wife, and then catching hold on her, he took her on his shoulders and bore her away: wherefore Deianira and her damsels made great cries. And Hercules seeing that the old giant bore away Deianira, which he would resist to his power, bend his bow, and shot an arrow upon the giant, with so great might and cunning that he smote him on the right side unto the heart, and gave him the death's wound. The bow of Hercules was so great and strong that no man could bend it but himself. Nessus, when as by his wound that Hercules gave him, he began to feel the approaching of death, and to suffer sharp anguish always, he ran a great while after unto a valley, where he fell down, and considering that his life had no recovery, he employed the end of his life to imagine how he might do displeasure to Hercules, and remembered that he had terrible poison about him and mortal, and said to Deianira by great malice. Lady, the love of you hath caused me to receive the death, which me displeaseth not so sore, as doth that cruel Hercules shall enjoy you, which are worthy to have a worthy man. Hercules is no true husband, but the untruest to his wife that ever was. And forasmuch as I have singular pity of you, and that your beauty constraineth me to do you pleasure, I will give you here a precious thing, and having such virtue, that if ye boil it with one of the shirts of Hercules with the blood that runneth out of my wound, and if that ye give the shirt to Hercules and that he wear it, he shall never after love other woman ne lady but you.  
And with these words the giant took the poison, and tempered it with his blood, & wound it in a linen cloth, and gave it to Deianira. The foolish Deianira giving credence to the giant, took the poison. The giant charged her that no man should touch it bare, saying that then it would lose his virtue after the touching: and with that he gave up his ghost and died piteously, and Deianira escaped from his hands, purposing that she would keep that poison secretly at all adventure, for to help herself, if it were need. In the mean while that these things befell between Deianira and the giant, Hercules was not in hearts ease for Deianira: for he was in great distress when he saw Nessus bear away his wife. Assoon as he had smitten him on the right side with his arrow, as is said, he unclothed himself, and cast his gown, his harness and club, over the water by great strength, and after he started into the water, and swam over unto the other side, and then as he put on his raiment, Deianira (again accompanied with her damsels that followed her) came to the river furnished with the cursed poison. When Hercules saw Deianira return, he imagined anon that he had slain the giant, and went against her, and demanded where the traitor was. Deianira answered not at the first to this demand, but said to him: alas my Lord, in what peril have I been? what oppression? what despair of joy hath oppressed mine heart? The traches of mine arms where yet is seen the print of the hands of the giant, show in what displeasure I have been. The cursed glutton giant bore me unto the depth of a deep valley, where death approaching by the stroke of your arrow, that made him to fall down, and he would never let me go until the last sigh of death. Certes, I have suffered a great jeopardy, but thanks be to the gods, since I have found you again. And know you verily, that I am avenged of mine enemy, whom I have seen die miserably, whereof I am all rejoiced and glad again.   

CHAP. XVIII. ¶ How Hercules fought against the serpent of the moor Lerna, and slew him, etc.  
DEianira and Hercules kissed each other by right great love. After, Hercules went into the place where the giant lay dead, & forasmuch as he found him deprived of his life, he let him lie there to the beasts & to the birds, and took his arrow that lay by him. And this was the Arrow that Achilles was slain with after in the temple of Phoebus in Troy, for the love of Polyxena. Then Hercules and Deianira came again to the river, and Hercules set over his men, and went from that place into the city of Lerna. The king of this City did great honour to Hercules, and received him as honourably as he could. Among divers talk Hercules demanded him of his tidings. The king answered and said, that he knew none other, but that in a great palace there dwelled & abode a monster half man & half serpent, that destroyed all his realm by common murder. For he said that all the men, women, and children that this monster can find, he slayeth them with his tail that is envenomed, with his claws armed he devoureth, and destroyeth them with his teeth, and there escapeth none. And so it will come to pass that this country be desert: for the labourers nor merchants dare not go by the country with less company than two hundred men: and if they be less, the monster assaileth them, like as he hath done many other, etc.  
Hercules was passing glad and joyous of these tidings, and said to the king: Sir, I have laboured yet hitherto for the common weal of many realms, and yet have I the will to persever and to do the works of virtue. Know ye then, since that I am here arrived, I will do somewhat for the weal of this country, like as I have done for many other. And I have intention for to put me in devoir to morrow on the way toward the monster, and for to abide the adventure, to vanquish him, or to be vanquished of him. This monster was called Hydre, forasmuch as he dwelled in the waters. When Deianira heard the enterprise of Hercules, that he would go alone, and abandon himself in so great peril, she began to weep and make so great sorrow, that no man might appease her, nor make her stint her weeping. Hercules' comforted her the best wise he could. Athlas & Philotes comforted her in like manner, and showed to her the right high and glorious deeds of Hercules, for to give her hope in this adventure. All that might not help nor avail: she loved Hercules with all her heart, with all her might and puissance. She required him with her eyes charged full of tears, that he would abstain him from so high an enterprise; saying that it was no wisdom fo● a man to expose himself to so evident terrible dangers, and that the gods had sent the monster into the country, for to correct and chastise the people. Notwithstanding that Hercules was very ardently in love with her: yet her tears that she wept, nor her prayers, nor her reasons can cause Hercules to break his purpose for to enterprise this adventure. But on the morn early he clothed him, and departed from Learn, and took his way toward the moor, whereas was the monster.  
This moor was long, and three miles in compass, as the Chronicles of Spain rehearse, and all environed with fountains that sprung out of the high mountains. In the midst of this plain was a great lake or pond, wherein dwelled the Hydre on dry land. When then Hercules was come to this place, the Hydre that never slep● with both eyes, and that had always the neck stretched on high and the ears open, had anon espied him, and suddenly came against him running with great force. Hercules' abode when he espied the marvelous monster, and had great pleasure to see him: he was ten foot of height, and had as a long a tail: he was foul and covered with hair: he had his body armed, and in his right hand held a naked sword, and in the left hand he bore a shield. Hercules thus beholding him, suffered him to come to him. Then the monster spoke to him and said: poor giant whether goest thou? behold this sword sharply on both sides cutting: yet was there never man that heard me speak, but he died by the point of this sword. Forasmuch as I am the most wise creature that ever nature made, and that I am accustomed to make a question to such men as I find, and then to destroy them if they cannot answer thereto. And forasmuch as I find not in my realm, any but people as beasts, and without understanding, I have therefore destroyed their blood, and so will I do thine, if thou canst not assoil a sophism that I shall make to thee. O thou man serpentine said Hercules, thine eloquence, thy prudence, thy cruel sword, foul and polluted with infinite homicides make me nothing abashed, ne discourage me: I seek thee, and am come hither for to destroy thee. And I will assail not only one of thy sophisms, but as many as thou canst think: and will that thou well know, that if by force of my wit, I assail thy sophisms, and fallacious arguments, I will do unto thee like as thou wouldst do to me: and if it happen that thy science may not overcome me, yet will I that that thou defend thee with arms, and that thou keep thy life as well as thou canst, etc.  
With these words the monster made unto Hercules seven sophisms one after another, all fallacious and subtle: then when Hercules had given solution to one, the monster replied by seven arguments. Yet Hercules that was full of philosophy, and expert in all science, answered so substantially to all his fallacious arguments, that he set him at a nonplus. And for this cause the poets feign that this Hydre had seven heads, as it appeareth in the first tragedy of Seneca, and say that when Hercules had smitten off one of his heads, that seven other heads came again in the same place. In the end then, for to pursue this matter, when Hercules had so disputed against the serpent that he yielded him to Hercules, in such wise as he witted not what to say. Hercules' said to him: Serpent inhuman, we have fought long enough with the tongue. Take thy sword, I may no longer withhold my hand from smiting upon thee, and assay if thou be as subtle in arms as thou art subtle in language. Poor fool, said the serpent (which was full of pride) knowest not thou, that by my part serpentine I have infected all this country, and I will this day drink thy blood, and devour thy body, wherefore make good watch, and keep thee well.  
Without more words Hercules enhanced his sword, for to have smitten his adversary, but he could not so soon haste him but the serpent gave him first two strokes, one with his sword, and the other with his tail, wherewith he had almost smitten him down to the ground. Yet Hercules abode standing, & with his sword that he had lifted up he smote the monster upon the helm with such strength that he all to frushed the helm, and made him a wound in his head. At this stroke that the Serpent felt, he was full of fury, and with his sword smote Hercules the second time upon the helm, with so great might that the sparkles and the fire flew out, and the helm was broken. Hercules that never before had received so great a stroke, promised him that he would revenge it, and smote him right angrily. Their strokes were great and deadly, they smote each other 〈◊〉, and they were both two of great courage. But when fortune had enough cherished them both, she turned against the Serpent so earnestly: that after many strokes Hercules smote his sharp sword within the helm into his head, and bore him down dead unto the earth.  
Hercules had great joy when he saw the monster put to the foil, & he went for to fetch the king of Lerna, with Deianira, and his folk, and brought them for to see the monster. When he had showed them the monster, he made a great fire and burned it, and made sacrifice unto the gods. And by the fire he consumed the monster Hydre. Wherefore there were given to him great and right high praises and thanks. And he was brought to the City of Learn with great glory of Ladies and of gentlewomen, which conveyed him unto the king's palace singing melodiously. Deianira then joyed greatly in the triumphant victory of her noble husband. When Hercules had abidden there a while, he departed and went to Athens, where Theseus received him gloriously. Then Hercules and Athlas held school in Athens, forasmuch as they of Athens were quick of capacity and of wit, and gave themselves all to learn science: and there they were a great while introducing and informing them of Athens in philosophy and in astronomy. And especially in astronomy Atlas profited in such wise, that the students said, that he sustained and bore the heaven on his shoulders. O noble virtuous man. When Hercules had spent some time there, and studied so long that his doctrine had given light unto the Athenians, he departed from thence with great bemoaning, and brought his wife unto the city of Licie. And then he was so greatly renowned, that from all the realms of Greece there came daily to him noble men and other, for to profit in virtue, in nobleness, in honour, in arms, in philosophy, in astronomy, and in all other perfection, etc.   

CHAP. XIX. ¶ How Hercules went into Spain: and how he fought in the Sea against king Geryon, and vanquished him: and how he took the city of Megidda, and entered therein.  
IN the time that Hercules flourished in virtue, and that his name was borne from realm to realm by glorious renown, as the Chronicles of Spain rehearse, there was a king of the City of Megidda that standeth upon the river of Gaudian which began to make his name to have a great report by many bad misdeeds and tyrannies that no man could tell the third part. This tyrant had to name Geryon, he was king of Andalos●e, and Destremadure, and also of the mountains of Galicia, and of Portugal. The Poets feign of this tyrant, that he had three heads, forasmuch as he had two brethren great giants, the which were all of one nature, and of one complexion, and they were so united together, that all that the one would, the other would: and they were never in discord. Geryon was the worst of them all. He did cause to be made a temple in the City of Megidda, and ordained that all they that were noble should there have their image and sepulture: and that men should make there the remembrances of all the men of name that he should slay, to the end that there should be a memory of them in time coming. What shall I say of his deeds? he & his brethren tyrannised not alonely upon the strangers, but also upon his neighbours, and had pity on no man, in such wise that he got him an evil name, and that the Africans, whom they persecuted more than any other, went for to complain to Hercules, by the commandment of Afer, as to the sovereign destroyer of tyrants and of monsters, and prayed and required him greatly, that he would deliver them out of this tribulation.  
When Hercules understood the complaint of the Africans, and was advertised of the tyranny that Geryon and his brethren used: He enterprised for to go into Hesperie, and promised to the Africans, that they should have right shortly liding of him. And after asked them of the state of king Afer. And when they had told all that they knew, they returned with great joy into their country. Hercules from thenceforth, disposed him for to go into Hesperie: wherefore his wife Deianira made great sorrow. The renown of this voyage was anon spread in all the country. In short time there came more men, of arms into Liche for to serve Hercules then he sent for, he was so good, bountiful and wise: and also valiant and so free that he gave a way all his spoils; wherefore every man would follow him, and good cause why: for no man followed him nor served him, but that he rewarded and enriched him in all wealth and worthiness. When then his army was ready, he took leave of his wife Deianira, and departed out of the realm of Licie. Many a tear was shed at his departing, as well of Deianira, as of his scholars that learned of him. Theseus and Hispan, Athlas, and Philotes were with him. During this voyage, he studied oft times with Athlas, and was never idle without doing somewhat that aught to be remembered. He arrived in Africa, where he found Afer, which received him worshipfully. From Africa Hercules passed by the strait of Gybaltar, and went into the Gades, that now we call Galicia, and peopled the country, forasmuch as he found there good land, and delivered this people for to govern unto a noble man named Phylistines. This philistines as Bocace rehearseth in the genealogy of gods, was son of Phenis, king of Phenycia. And this Phenis was son of king Agenor, son of king Belus. Philistines then reigned in Galicia, and was after named the Priest of Hercules, forasmuch as when Hercules had vanquished the tyrants of Hesperie, he founded there a temple which he held after in great reverence. Always as Hercules peopled and inhabited this land, he did cause to be made pillars or columns high and marvelous great, and set them upon the sea: and upon every pillar or column he did make an image of hard stone, in the semblance and likeness of a knight, like unto Hercules all clad with the skin of a Lion. And there was one of the images that held a table wherein was written with letters of gold. Pass no further for to seek land, ne go for to conquer further any realms in the West, for thou shalt find no more land, etc.  
The noble Hercules went then into the country whereas standeth now the city of Siuil, which was not then founded, and found by his science that there should be builded a city of great renown: wherefore in memory thereof, he set up in that place a pillar of hard stones, and thereupon set an image holding in his hand written, that said: That there should be made one of the greatest Cities in the world. This land of Galicia appertained to Geryon. But then when Hercules had made this pillar abovesaid, and set it whereas now standeth Seville: he had a great will for to begin to build the city, for the countray was passing good & commodious. But Athlas (by the science of astronomy) counseled him contrary, showing him by certain signs, that it was destiny, that another should make the city. And therefore nigh the pillar, he did make a column of white marble, upon which stood the image of Hercules great & rich, that held one hand against the East, wherein was written: Here hath been Hercules. And with the other hand he showed the writing that the other image held.  
These things accomplished, Hercules departed from thence, and left to inhabit and keep the country eight hundred men of his of the country of Scythia, that were strong and expert in arms, and with good will they abode there, because the country was plentiful. Then went Hercules by the banks of the sea, into the last and furthermost part of Europe, and sailed so far that he entered into the river of Guadiana, whereas the tyrant Geryon dwelled and abode in the City of Megidda. The same time that Hercules entered into the river: Geryon went up to the top of an high tower, where he might see all about the country, for to espy if any person came, upon whom he might exrecise his tyranny. He had not been long there, when he beheld the river and saw the army of Hercules: And seeing this army, he had great joy, for him seemed well that in all haste he should subdue and overcome them. Without other delay he assembled his complices, and sounded to arms. Within a little while all his men that were ready and furnished with arms, came unto him for to know what he would? when Geryon was all armed, and ready for to go and enter into the battle, he declared to his people his intention, after he entered into his galleys as hastily as he might, and went from Megidda approaching toward the Greeks. Thus rowing forth, it happened him that he met a little boat: And from as far as he saw it come, he went against it and arrested it. In this boat were no more than two mariners, & Hispan. Geryon then called Hispan, and demanded of him whither he went, & what he was? Certes sir, answered Hispan. I am a Greek, & have intention to go to the king Geryon, that is now in his city of Megidda, for to dispatch a message that I am charged with. Messenger (said the king) if ye seek Geryon, ye need for to go no further forth: for I am he, whom ye speak unto. Sir (answered Hispan) since that you be he to whom my message appertaineth, I let you have knowledge in the name of the virtuous Hercules, that he is an enemy to your vices: and for to correct your great and abominable trespasses and sins, he is come into your dominion. Messenger (answered Geryon) how is Hercules so presumptuous as for to come upon me, to take upon him to correct my vices? he wot little with whom he hath to do: go to him, and tell him, that he shall not be let to find me, but it shall be too soon for his health, and that I will feast him in such wise ere he escape me, as I have been accustomed to feast strangers.  
Hispan departed with these words, and returned unto Hercules as hastily as he might, and told him word for word what Geryon had said unto him: and moreover he said, that he would meet with him right soon all prepared and ready for to begin the battle. When Hispan had finished his message, the galleys of king Geryon appeared, and were seen from far. Hercules and the Greeks had great joy, and began a right great shouting, in sounding trumpets, mischiefs, and tabours. Geryon and his folk seeing and hearing their enemies, they likewise began to shout, and to make a marvelous great noise. The air was then filled with a right great and joyful noise. In this uproar and outrageous noise, the two hosts approached each other. At the approaching was not spared darts, nor round stones, nor arrows. They of Hesperie had great abundance of daries, which they used and cast on the Greeks as it had been rain. The cries redoubled on the one side and on the other, so that there were many dead and hurt. They were all men of war: each man bore him valiantly, and among all other, Hercules having the bow in hand, slew as many of his en●mies as he shot arrows. The shot dured long. When it failed they fought hand to hand. Then began the battle to be eager and hard. Geryon showed himself a man boisterous and well expert in arms, and put to death many Greeks': but for one that he slew, Hercules slew ten of the Hesperiens, etc.  
At the encounter that the Galleys made, there were many hurt, and strokes given. Hercules took his club and in smiting one of the Galies, that thought to have grappled and boarded his galley, he struck with so great force, that he made it to cleave asunder, and that the water came in so suddenly that the most part of them that were in that galley were drowned, and perished without stroke smiting. After this, Hercules came to another galley, and there did he marvels of arms: all they that he reached with his club were dead or sore hurt. Some he smote the brains out of the head, and of other he broke legs and arms. It seemed to thunder with him: he did so bestir him, that each man fled from him: and there was no man that withstood him, or durst abide him. When he saw this, he put himself forth to exploit great affairs. He leapt from galley to galley, and made so great slaughters, that his people by his good example abounded in valour of courage and puissance, and the Hesperiens diminished & lessened: and also they had so much damage, that all things went against them. And then Geryon, cunsidering that he might not but lose, and that fortune was an enemy unto him, he did sound a retreat, and so left the battle.   

CHAP. XX. ¶ How Geryon assailed Hercules the second time, before Megidda, and how Hercules slew his brethren, and vanquished in his battles, & constrained Geryon to fly, etc.  
WHen Hercules saw his enemies busy to withdraw them, he sounded the retreat, and forasmuch as it was nigh night, and also because he had enclosed the Galleys of Geryon, in such wise that they might not return into his City without passing by him. When the two armies were withdrawn, Geryon in the darkest of all the night, shipped & went into the sea, and went into the City of Valeritia, whereof one of his brethren was king, & put him there in safety, in purpose to make the greatest army that he could to come upon Hercules. Hercules after the retreat, ankred his Galleys upon the river of Gaudiana, and passed there that night. On the morrow when he saw that Geryon and his folk were fled, & were not upon the sea within kenning, he rowed up into the city of Megidda. There he took land and assailed fiercely the city. The assault was eager and sharp, and the Megiddans defended themselves, but they were so disfurnished of men of war, that they might not hold it out, but opened the town to the Greeks' and yielded them all to the will of Hercules. Thus was Hercules lord & master of the principal city that Geryon had, & he entered into it, and the Greeks with him. There had they good daily the city was well provided with victual. Since they departed out of Greece, they found no where so good fortune. What shall I say? Hercules held him there a space of time searching in what place he might find Geryon. During these things, he went unto the temple, for to thank the gods. In this temple were many Sepultures garnished with right fair marvelous histories. Among all other there was one passing rich: for the remembrance of Geryon was there, as of a king of fine gold, and he was environed with 30 kings, whose heads were smitten off. Hercules' abode at this sepulture, and demanded of the Citizens wherefore served the statues & images so rich. A citizen said to him, that there were the sepultures of the noble men of their realm, and that the king Geryon had brought up that custom to make these Sepultures, for to have remembrance of them that were valiant in arms. Furthermore (said that same man) as soon as in this country a man hath put a noble man to death, than he doth to make a remembrance of that dead man on his sepulture. And forasmuch as king Geryon in his time hath slain 30 kings, he hath caused this sepulture to be made which you see, meaning to be buried here, in the end of his days. When Hercules heard this that the Citizen said, he answered, that he held himself happy, that he had escaped the sword of such a tyrant, that put so many kings to death, and made his Orisons, & his prayers unto the gods: After this he returned to the palace, and there came unto him the messenger of king Geryon, that by the power of his master commanded him to void the city, and the realm, or else to make good watch. Hercules' answered, that he was entered into the realm, & also into the city with strength of arms and that he would not go out thereof until the time that one had taken from him his sword and arms, by force of arms, or until the time that he put the country in obeisance.  
The messenger returned from Megidda with this answer unto Geryon, and told him what Hercules had answered him. Geryon was with his two brethren: they took the words of Hercules impatiently, and swore that they would avenge them of him. To make short work: they went to the sea with a great army of men of arms. They rowed and sailed with all the strength they might unto Megidda: the wind and fortune suffered them in few days to come and arrive at the port of Megidda: And Hercules was advertised of their coming, who suffered them to take land, and let them rest that day that they came there: they were fifty thousand men. At that time that they came a land it was late. When they saw that the Greeks' made no defence at their landing, they said one to another, that they durst not come and fight with them. And weening all to have won advantage, they thereupon concluded that on the morrow they would assail the City right early. Upon this conclusion, Geryon and his brethren purveyed them of things appertaining to the assault, and menaced greatly Hercules and his Greeks for to slay them villainously. Hercules and his Greeks' were then in Megidda, thinking on their affairs, not only in the intention for to defend them from their enemies, but for to issue out the next day following, and for to assail them by battle, assoon as the night were passed. Then a little before the sun rising, on the morrow, Hercules made two battles. In the first, he put a thousand fight men, and enterprised to conduct them. In the second he put the residue of his army, and made Theseus' captain of them. After this, when he had right well trained his people, and set them in a right good order, he admonished them to do well their devoir, and had in mind to say to them certain things, but he might not finish his speech: for that same time Geryon and his brethren, & their folk, made their approaches to assail the city, and made so great a hurly burly and noise, that all about it redounded, etc.  
When Hercules heard this uproar, he did prepare open the gate, for to behold & see what new thing was there. And at the issuing out he saw his enemies that hasted them to come to the forts and walls with ladders and other Engines fit and necessary to make an assault. Then he began to laugh in himself, and bad his men to follow him: and he went straightway forth for to begin the skirmish. And assoon as the porter had opened the gates, Hercules marched unto the Hesperiens bringing his club with him. When Geryon saw Hercules come from far, he knew him, by his skin of the Lion, and by his club, and showed him to his brethren, that marveled of him, because he came alone upon them. Luther is our mortal adversary, said Geryon: he is full of pride, and setteth little by us: Let us assail him all three, and destroy him: it is time: all the gold of the world shall not save him. Hercules with these words came so nigh the three giants, that he might well speak unto them, and cried unto them and said: ye evil tyrants, lay down your engines appertaining to assault: it is now no time to assail the city, but it behoveth you to dispose you to enter into battle. The battle is ready, begin at me, and I at you, and let us sight together till more come. With these words he lifted his club, and discharged the stroke so sore upon one of the three brethren, that he cast his shield before the stroke, and all astonished he bore him to the earth. When Geryon & his other brother saw their brother so borne down and beaten, they smote with their swords upon Hercules with great fury, and so employed their strength, that they broke part of his arms. With these two strokes of their swords, Hercules received more than an hundred darts upon his body: howbeit the sword nor the darts were not so hard tempered, that they could pierce, enter, ne hurt the arms of Hercules, ne Hercules left not to work with his club: but he it lift up on high at that time, and strak it upon the second brother of Geryon so lustily, that down from the top of the helm, he all to crushed and bruised him, & smote him down to the ground, like as an hard and great rock● had fallen on his head, etc.  
Geryon was all afraid for to see so great a stroke, and with a wonderful angry and fierce heat, he laid upon Hercules, and gave him so great a stroke upon the helm with his sword, that he made the fire spring out: but the helm was so hard, that the sword might not enter. Then was Hercules environed with his enemies, and was smitten in many a place upon his body. The Hesperians desired sore to see their sword and glaives red with the blood of Hercules, but Hercules put himself to defence, joyous for that he might employ his strength upon them. And when he proved him thus upon one and other, and would suffer none come nearer than his arm and club might reach, and that his enemies more and more came about him, Malion, that was nephew to Ulysses, issued out of Megidda with a thousand men of the army of Hercules. And seeing so great a company of people about Hercules, and was assured that he fought there, he and his people addressed themselves thitherward, making so great a cry, and setting on so valiantly, that in bearing down all afore them, they came and found Hercules, that he had slain more than six hundred of his enemies, and that he feared yet nothing. They that bore ladders and other engines, were constrained to cast them down to the ground, and to go to the battle. The battle was there grievous and hard: and there were many knights slain. Geryon bestirred himself terribly. His brother that was first beaten, after that he was borne out of the press, came unto the field again, and in his coming he made a great room among the Greeks: he was strong and puissant, and bore a right heavy guisarme, the edge of which was three great foot long: he did marvels with this guisarme, and beat down so many of the Greeks, that the noise arose greatly about him. And this noise came to the ears of Hercules. Then left Hercules them that he fought with, and drew to the noise that proceeded by the cause of the giant. Assoon as he saw the giant, that deal with the Greeks as he would, he was not well content with that guisarme: and he lifted up his club, and smote the giant upon the shoulder, employing his strength in such manner, that the shoulder and the side he all to brake, and bore him down to the ground, not fully dead, but in worse estate then dead, for he might not relieve himself, and must needs die under the feet of the men of arms right miserably.  
At this time Theseus and Hisp●n, with the residue of the Greeks, came unto the battle right joyfully, and finding their enemies without ray, and without conclude, they skirmished among them fiercely, and slew so many, that all the place was covered. Hispan and Theseus clo● the heads of many knights unto the teeth: they 〈◊〉 right expect in the feats of arms. At their coming they made their enemies to retire, and wan upon them with so good fortune, that by their means and well doing, Geryon lost more than thirty thousand men. In short time the battle was such about Hercules, that his enemies witted not where to save them. And Geryon being advertised of the death of the second brother, turned his back and fled unto the sea, blowing his horn. When the Hesperiens heard the horn, anon they endeavoured suddenly to commit themselves to flight; and they that might save themselves, saved them without delay. Hercules, Theseus and Hispan, with about twelve hundred Greeks' followed them swiftly: they entered into some of their ships, and pursued Geryon, but they had not mariners so ready as the other had, wherefore they were a little letted. Howbeit, as far as they might see, Hercules pursued them only with his twelve hundred men.   

CHAP. XXI. ¶ How Hercules pursued Geryon, and how he went and vanquished him, and put him to the death, at the port of the Corogne.  
THus having finished the battle for this day, to the great damage and dishonour of Geryon, and all to the honour and profit of Hercules, Malion abode in Megidda by the ordinance of Hercules, for to keep the Greeks' that abode there, and for to take the spoil of their enemies. Hercules on the other side, sailed and rowed after Geryon. Geryon perceived him, and was sore afraid and fled all that ever he might. The flight dured three days. Geryon had good mariners, who kept them warily from boarding of the ship of Hercules. And they sailed by the sea Mediterrane, from coast to coast, from flood to flood; now before and now behind. But the end was such, that on the fourth day they were constrained to abide Hercules at the battle upon the sea or descend to land at the Corongne in Galicia. For to fly always the death, whereof they were in doubt, they left the sea and took the land at a port, imagining that they should well defend them against Hercules, for they were ten against one. Anon as they had taken land at the port of the Corongne, they took and tramed them about the port, for to defend the sea, which was strong for to take. And then Geryon warned his men, saying: lo nowheere is the hour or the day that we must die or overcome our enemies in. Fortune hath done to us the worst she can. She was wont to make all strangers to tremble before our sword. Now she maketh us to tremble before a right little number of people. Alas what shame is this? truly the shame is great, and we ought to have right great reproof so to do. Since we be at this point, there is no way but to avenge this shame. If we avenge us at this time, we shall recover our worship and honour. In our usage lieth right good hope, for fortune hath brought us into a very good port; and me seemeth that she w●ll raise us again, and make us conquerors of our adversaries: let us now defend the port. Avenge we our blood, avenge we our sorrow, avenge we our damage: it must needs be done, etc.  
In the mean while that Geryon encouraged thus his folk, Hercules and his company rowed so nigh the port, that they were come to strokes smiting. The Hesperiens cast upon Hercules then round stones, darts with sharp irons on the end, spears and sword. Against this the Greeks' took their shields, and covered them, and put them in devoir for to win the port. But the casting of the Hesperiens was so mortal, that it constrained their enemies to abide, and not approach the port. They had at this port great abundance of stones. The Hesperiens kept well the entry more than three hours, so that the Greeks could find no way nor mean to remedy it. At the end of three hours, Hercules right sorrowful to see his men troubled so, thought he would enter into a little boat, and adventure himself alone to win the port. Then he that doubted no stroke of any mortal man, entered into the little boat, and steered it himself, with help of the wind which he had at his advantage, and hoist up the sail, and putting all in adventure, as fast as he might he brought the boat unto the port, whither he came by his hardiness. But this was at such time as he received more than a thousand strokes with stones: and that his sail that stood over end by force of the wind, was smitten full of holes, and the cords broken, and the mast overthrown, and the boat well nigh filled with stones. Notwithstanding all these things, Hercules ceased not at all from his enterprise, but through he passed by all the strokes of his enemies. He laboured so that he took land, and that he thrust himself among the Hesperiens: and there he began to smite with his club, on the right side, and on the left side endlong and overthwart, with such abundance of prowess, that all the place was red with their blood and with their brains. Theseus and Hispan, and fifty of the Greeks' best armed, by the example of Hercules, took a light boat and adventured themselves to win the port. Hercules was even at the mouth of the port: he saw Theseus come, and for to make him have passage, he ran hither and thither, and did so great hurt to the Hesperiens, that without great danger, they took land, and sprang out of the boat. Then was the assault hot and furious. Geryon came to the landing of Theseus and fully three hundred of his men that followed him. All they smote and laid upon the Greeks, and of the fifty they slew ten. When Theseus and Hispan saw that, their hearts began to swell. They encouraged themselves, and piersed the assembly of Geryon: and against one man that was slain of theirs, they slew fifty of the Hesperians. And there they used so their prowesses, that they did there the greatest marvels of the world by arms.  
Geryon died for sorrow that he might not come to have his will on the Greeks: he and his men were eager as Tigers that had been famished. The Greeks were very mighty and strong as Elephants: their strokes were great, they doubted neither death nor sword, but put all in adventure. The battle was strong, and the Greeks received many a wound: always Theseus and Hispan by their marvelous prowesses saved them from the death, and made passage thorough a great press where Hercules was. Hercules that left not to smite was very glad when he saw Theseus and Hispan, and their forty companions. Their coming cost Geryon the death of a thousand men & more: for Hercules, for to encourage his men, and for to be to them an example of well doing, he added to his deeds strength upon strength, and prowess upon prowess, confounding his enemies so dreadfully and terribly, drawing them toward the sea, that they that saw him, wished that they had been in their mother's wombs: and in flying they were in such haste, & so distressed, that they beat each other into the sea, and so they slew each other themselves. Then was Geryon smitten to the heart with great ire, meddled with impatience: so he put himself in the press, and smote not only upon Hercules, but also upon the companions of Theseus: he smote the first man upon the helm, so that he cloven his head unto the teeth. After he assailed another, and bore him to the earth so astonished, that he witted not where he was. Consequently, he made there a great assault suddenly on the Greeks, so that he died his sword with their blood, and that the Greeks were constrained to make a huge great cry, for to have succours.  
At this season the Greeks, that were left in the galleys, entered into the port, and took land easily. When Hercules and his folk heard the cry that his men made, he ran thither to the assault, and made about them a new noise great & piteous. Geryon knew anon, that the noise came because of Hercules: For he saw him come and smite in the thickest of the press, for to save himself: then he called to his folk and chéered them in encouraging, and had there so great mishap, that for one stroke that Hercules gave him with his club by chance he was constrained to departed from the press, & to withdraw him apart with them that were weary, & for to take his breath. Geryon afterward fought to his extremity, and casting so his eyes upon the skirmish and fight, he saw the Greeks upon the port, & providing them unto the battle. After he saw how they put many of his men to the worst, and that he might not resist it: all his losses came before his eyes, and then he began to sigh, and said, with a dolorous heart: alas, what is the mutability of fortune? Flattering fortune, what hast thou thought? All the honour that thou hast given me here before, redound now to my shame, since thou hast sent and parted to me so many goods, wherefore hast thou sent to me Hercules? this is the enemy of all my glory no●e quenched. He from a shining hath brought me unto a name all full of darkness. At least, if thou hast given him sufficient: let him not come after me with his horrible deeds. All my veins be replenished with furies, my heart murdereth itself boiling with ire. O what great mishap is this: since it must needs be that I shallbe unfortunate, I will verily die of the club that I have seen my brother die with: or I will take vengeance. Geryon all out of his wit with these words put him in the press, crying: Geryon, Geryon, for to make his men to courage themselves. Thus crying & seeking Hercules, he put to death many Greeks: he was all furious, so as his sword was died with the blood of his enemies. In the end he came unto Hercules, & with his sword so died, he smote him sore. Hercules was weary, for without ceasing, he abode fight by the space of 4. hours, and had received upon his arms so many strokes, that no man could number them. This notwithstanding, he fled not at all from Geryon: but came to him joyfully, and fought against him with so great force, that all they that saw it marveled: and after many strokes smitten of Geryon and Hercules, Hercules smote him one stroke, so great that he all to bruised Geryon, and beat out the brains of his head, and smote the helm upon his shoulders, so that he fell down dead among the dead men, in such wise mangled that he abode there dead.   

CHAP. XXII. ¶ How Hercules founded the City of Corogne, upon the tomb of Geryon.  
Such was the end of the unhappy life of Geryon the tyrant: he died in like wise as the two brethren did, by the club of Hercules. When the Hesperiens saw him brought to that pass, as for to taste the bitter morsel of death, all left their arms. All they bewailed sorrowfully the death of Geryon, and fell all in despair: So that one stayed still to be slain, other fled by deserts, by mountains, by the banks of the Sea, and turned all back in discomfiture. When Hercules had espied them so disraied, he thanked the Gods, and began for to pursue his enemies. The pursuit dured unto the Even. The Greeks' filled the fields, the mountains and the ways by the Sea, with the blood of them that fled. When the night was come, Hercules and the Greeks withdrew them into the Galleys, and did eat, and drink such as they had, and made joyful cheer. The hurt men were remembered and comforted with the victory and spoil. The weary men forgot the labour that they had done. They rested them after their travail, & passed the night over. When it was day, on the morrow Hercules issued out of his galley: And beholding the port him seemed that a city should stand well there, and said that he would make one there: and concluded to begin it. He sent unto all places where he witted that any people were thereabouts, and gave to each man in knowledge, that he was minded to make a city there, and that the first person that would come to put hand thereto, should have the government thereof. This thing was known in all Galicia. Many came thither, but a woman named Corogne was the first that came. And therefore Hercules gave unto her the ruling thereof, and made to begin the city, and named it Corogne, in remembrance of the victory that he had there. Upon the body of Geryon he founded a tower, and by his art composed and made a lamp burning continually day and night, without putting of any thing thereto. Which burned afterward by the space of 300. year. Moreover upon the pinnacle or top of the tower: he made an image of copper looking into the sea, and gave him in his hand a looking glass having such virtue, that if it happened that any men of war were on the sea meaning to do any harm to the city, suddenly their army and their coming should appear in this said looking glass: and that dured unto the time of Nabuchodonozor: who being advertised of the property of the glass, filled his galleys with white things & green, bows and leaves, that it seemed a wood, and in the looking glass appeared none other thing but a wood: Whereby the Corogniens not knowing of any other thing than their glass showed to them, furnished not them with men of arms, like as they had been accustomed to do when their enemies came: And thus Nabuchodonozor took the city in a morning and destroyed the looking glass and the lamp. When this tower was made, Hercules caused then to come thither all the maids of the country, & willed them to make a solemn feast, in remembrance of the death of Geryon. After, he departed unto Megidda, where were presented to him 100 oxen of the fairest.   

CHAP. XXIII. ¶ How Hercules assailed the king Cacus, and had battle against him, and overcame him: and how Cacus began to tyrannize in Italy, etc.  
AFter this conquest, as Hercules intended to people and inhabit this new country, tidings came to him that in the City of Cartagene, a king & giant reigned, named Cacus, which was passing evil, & full of tyranny, and had slain by his cursed dealing the kings of Arragon and of Navarre, their wives and their children, and possessed their seignories, and also held in subjection all the country of Italy. Hercules' received right joyously these tidings, and said, that by the pleasure of the Gods, he will assay if he may take vengeance of the death of the kings of Arragon and of Navarre. Then he disposed him unto this work, and having an appetite to correct the king Cacus, as soon as his army might be ready, he went unto the realm of Castille, whereas was the king Cacus in the city of Cartagene, that stood beside a mountain named Monachaio. And he passed by many realms that did him obeisance, for his virtuous renown: but when he came to approach to Cartagene, the king Cacus came against him without obeisance, and in arms: for he had been advertised of his coming. And as he entered into the frontiers, he sent unto him one of his knights, that said to him these words that follow: Hercules thou open tyrant, that hast thine heart greater than thy body, and that wouldst assail the heavens, for to conquer them, if the Gods had given thee wings for to fly as the birds have: If thou seek peace and love unto the king Cacus, thy equal in condition and fortune, I salute thee in his name: and if thou come otherwise to him as his enemy, I defy thee in his name. And in no wise be thou so hardy as to enter into his country. And if thou enter, know thou that thou shalt find in Cacus and in the Castiliens so hard an encounter, that from thy evil adventure shall no man of thy company be quit, etc.  
Knight (answered Hercules) whatsoever you be, you show not that you have the heart of a noble man. For it is a shame to all men, and especially to a noble man, to missay or speak evil of another man. Ye have called me an open tyrant: and also ye have compared me unto the tyrant Cacus. I answer you to this article, that I am no tyrant: but a destroyer of tyrants: and therefore ye shall return again unto Cacus, and signify to him, that I have intention for to show what hate I have unto tyrants: and that within few days he may prove upon me the hard encounter, whereof I have now received the menaces. With this answer the Castilien departed from the presence of Hercules, and returned unto the king Cacus, and told him word for word what Hercules had said to him. When Cacus had heard all this: he was abashed, notwithstanding that he was a strong Giant and a puissant, and that he had never found a man stronger than he was himself: for the renown of Hercules was then so great through the universal world, that the most strong, and the most assured in arms, and most fortunate doubted him, and trembled hearing him speak of his deeds. Howbeit Cacus took courage in himself, and in passing over abashment, in the presence of his nobles he said: Blessed be these next hasty days, that nature and fortune shall bring to us, for to make the proof of our force and strength. Now it behoveth that Castille and Sicily show the force of their arms, for to defend the king Cacus from the claws of his enemies: and it is of necessity likewise that the king Cacus, for his people display, and put forth the uttermost of his strength. Now go we on my brethren and friends, we be come to the war. The Greeks come upon Castille without any quarrel, let us go against them and fight for our country: the birds fight one against the other for their nests, and the dumb beasts for their caves. Nature leadeth them so for to do. If we have the same nature: the time is come that we ought to show it, etc.  
When the Castiliens and the Aragonnoys that were there, heard Cacus so speak, they praised greatly his courage, and answered all with one voice, that they were ready to assail their enemies. With this answer the king did dislodge his host that he had there in the fields: and went forth against Hercules, the straightest way that he could. The king Cacus then went on the way desiring sore to find Hercules. Hercules on the other side came then against Cacus. They went so long the one against the other, that soon after they saw each other, nigh a place where Hercules founded after a city, which was named Terracene. Assoon as they saw each other, they began to make great joy, and to make shouts and cries. After they trained them in order of battle, and marched the one against the other so hotly and sharply, that they filled the air in short space with shot of arrows, casting of stones, and of darts. At the beginning of this battle the Castiliens bore them valiantly, and there were many of their part slain, more by hardiness then for dread. For they put themselves too far forth. And they doubted not the shot of the Greeks', that shot on them so sore, and so thick, that all the ground was made red with their blood. And the Castiliens which were so far gone and sore chafed were driven to resort back again to their fellows. When king Cacus saw his folk so sore bestead, and heard that they recoiled from the shot of the Greeks, he had great sorrow in his heart, and witted not what to do for to entertain and hold his battle. Some fled, and other recoiled and went back, and other fell down to the earth dead or sore hurt. The battle dured long in this point, always to the sorrow of king Cacus. But in the end the shot of the Greeks failed, and the Castilians with Cacus recovered new strength, in such sort, that they came to fight hand to hand with sword, and that they shed and spread largely the blood of them of tire and of Ancone which were in the first front of the battle of Hercules.  
The noise arose great there: there were many shields broken and skins of Lions cut in pieces. There as Cacus approached, it seemed that the tempest was: he was great, strong, and fierce and outrageous in smiting: each of his strokes was the death of a Greek. In the end, he did so much that the cries of them that were about him mounted so high in the air, that the Castiliens had well weaned to have won all, and began to make joy for their good fortune in chase the Greeks to the death: but even in like wise as a right clear day is other while troubled by a dark black cloud: so by the alone coming of Hercules that came then to the skirmish, all their joy was troubled and turned into mortal loss. For the deadly arm of Hercules laid about him then so terribly that he beat down the Castiliens, like as a mower with a scythe cutteth down the grass in a meadow. When Cacus saw Hercules so founder and beat down his men, all the blood in him changed. Then his blood so moved, as a courageous man he presented himself before the front of Hercules, and smote him with his sword so sore and hard, that he cloven his shield in two parts. The Castiliens seeing the shield of Hercules fly by pieces, thought anon that Cacus had slain and put to death Hercules, and then made a cry for joy, but it dure● not long: for Hercules lift up his arms with his club, and smote Cacus upon the top of his helm with such strength, that it seemed to Cacus that he saw an hundred thousand candles, or that he had been smitten down with the greatest rock of Spain. This notwithstanding Cacus abode standing in his place, and challenged Hercules to death, and smote him with all his might. At this assailing, the Castiliens hoping in the fortune of Cacus, all they assailed Hercules. Hercules was gone so far among his enemies, that he was alone from all his company. When he heard that Cacus threatened him to death, and saw that the Castiliens assailed him & came to him from all sides, he had his heart all filled with solace, and abandoned the thickness and hardness of his skin of the lion to the sword of them all, without revenging him save only against Cacus. Thus began the battle between Hercules and Cacus: the strokes were great and fearful without measure. Cacus fought in the spirit of a tyrant chafed, and desired sore to overcome Hercules for to tyrannize and triumph over him. Hercules' fought in a virtuous heart, founded and nourished in virtue, and as an enemy of vice, he assailed this vicious king. Both two were great, fierce, and strong, of great courage. But certes when they had both tasted enough each other, at length the strokes of Hercules were so great and so forcible, that the shoulders of Cacus nor his head might not bear, nor had the might to sustain them. So the end was such, that after their battle had dured two hours, Cacus left him: for he might no more suffer him, but fled and went his way, etc.  
When Hercules saw that Cacus fled, he meant not to follow after. This notwithstanding, for to have the victory in this battle, he began to hue on the Castiliens, Arragonoys, and such other as he might find: for he left no man alive, before him young nor old, feeble nor strong. Hispan & the other of his side, made their feats of arms to flourish and shine. The battle was sharp: for then the Greeks doubled & redoubled their strokes, and slew many of their enemies. In the end when Cacus had taken his breath, he put him again into the middle at one side, where his folk fled, & made them to tarry, smiting and beating the Greeks more terribly than he had done before, whereof the cries arose so high there, that Hercules then sighting on another side, heard the cry, and then he ran thither at all adventure. And anon as he spied Cacus, he went before him, and broke the press, and smote down so sore, that Cacus knew Hercules, but he durst not abide him, but fled again with evil hap. And then the Greeks made a cry and a joyful noise, so that all the Castiliens fled, some here and some there to the great hurt and loss of Cacus. For of all his people there was left no more but 50 which saved themselves upon the mount of Monchayo which stood thereby. But that was with great effusion of blood of them of Castille, that thought to have mounted up with the other, that it seemed that there had been a great spring of blood, that the caves in the valley were replenished with blood, howbeit Cacus for to fly well, saved himself and fifty of his men upon the mountains, as the chronicles of Spain rehearse. When he was above, and in sure peace, he returned and looked down to the foot of the hill, and he saw there so many Castiliens, that without number were dead, or in danger for to die: he had great sorrow then at his heart, not for pity, but for despite, and for the danger that he saw ready whereby he must pass. Anon after he saw from far in the champaign and each quarter and place there all covered with them of his part and of their blood. Also he saw them that fled taken and brought to the hands of the other. These things considered, the desolation of his dominion and the punishment of his tyranny was to him evident: he thought then that Hercules would soon conquer all the country: For they obeyed him for his tyranny, and not for natural love. This notwithstanding he despaired not, albeit that he saw all the puissance of his men destroyed by the club of Hercules, and knew that he might no more reign in that country, for all were slain in the battle, and then he returned unto his Science. And thus as sorrowful as he was he entered into a house that he had there. But first appointed twelve of his men to keep the passage of this mount, which was so strait and narrow that there might go up but one man at once.  
When then Hercules and his men had put to death all their enemies, Hercules began to assail the rock, and to mount, and go upon the degrees or stairs: but then suddenly they that kept the pass, cast upon him great stones, in so great abundance that of force he was constrained to descend. When Hercules saw that he must withdraw him, he obeyed fortune, but notwithstanding he made there a vow that he would never departed from the foot of the rock unto the time that he had constrained Cacus to descend & room down by famine or otherwise. This vow made, Hercules came unto the foot of the hill, where battle and slaughter had been, and made the place to be made clean and purged of the dead bodies and of the blood of them that there lay dead. After he did make his tent of dews and leaves, and his bed of fresh grass, and commanded that each man should lodge there. At that time the night came and the day failed, the Greeks were weary for that they had all day laboured in arms, and would feign have rest, and made good cheer with that they had. And after that they had ordained and set their watch, aswell for to keep the coast, as for to keep the rock, that Cacus should not come down, they laid them down upon the grass, in such wise as they were accustomed, when they were in war, and so slept and passed that night.  
On the morrow Hercules parted the host in twain, and sent Hispan with one of them into Arragon and Navarre, and he abode there with the other. Hispan in the name of Hercules was joyfully received of the Navarroys and of the Arragonoys. And they made to him all obeisance, acknowledging Hercules to be their Lord, and the most virtuous prince that was in the West. When Hispan had all subdued as is said, he returned unto Hercules. Hercules lay yet still before Monchaio, and there held Cacus in such subjection that he might not issue. Cacus and his folk were then in great want of victual, and they witted not what to eat nor to drink. They deferred as long as they might, hoping that Hercules would be weary to be there so long. But in the end when their victual failed, and they saw that they mu●t needs adventure themselves to come down, Cacus by his science made certain secret things to go down into their stomachs, and after put thereto the fire and taught all the other to do so: and then suddenly as they felt the fire issue out of their mouths, and the fume and smoke in such abundance that it seemed all on a light fire; then by the counsel of Cacus, they adventured themselves to descend down in running and casting fire and fume so impetuously, that Hercules and the Greeks thought that it had been a tempest of lightning of the heaven, and had burnt the mountain: so they made him place, for it was a thing for to make men sore abashed: and thus they escaped the danger of Hercules at that time. For during all that day the rock was full of smoke and fume that Cacus had made, and the smoke was so material, that it seemed darkness.  
When Cacus and his folk were thus escaped, and passed the host of Hercules and of the Greeks', Hercules was then the most wise clerk that was in the world: and all his pastimes he employed in study: he took his books, and began to muse how and by what reason he was descended from the rock: he read and turned many leaves, but all thing well considered he found not that this fume came of natural things: whereof he had great marvel. Then he sent for Athlas that always was lodged behind the host, for to be solitary. When Athlas was come, he showed him the smoke and fume that yet dured. Then he told of the lightning that was passed by the host, and demanded of him his opinion. Athlas knew incontinent the fume, and answered to Hercules. Certes my son, thou art more sharp in science than I, for mine age may not attain to so high things as thy youth. Howbeit, forasmuch as I know the growing of this thing long time past: I will tell thee (that I shall say, thou shalt find true as I suppose). Thou shalt understand that this fume is a thing artificial and made by the craft of Vulcan that was father of Cacus, which was an excellent master in this science, and was the inventor thereof: he made certain mountains in Cicille to burn, and shall always continually burn unto the end of the world. Cacus, which can the art and craft of his father, hath made this fume, and for to escape from thy hands, he is descended with his company in the form of lightning or tempest, and thus thy strength is deceived by his Science.  
When Hercules understood this that Athlas had said to him, he greatly marveled of the science of Cacus, and might not believe it. Then for to know the truth, he took his club, and went up through the smoke or fume, unto the top of the rock, seeking Cacus: but he found there neither beast nor man: then he returned unto Athlas, and laughing, confessed to him that he had said truth, and said that he would make no pursuit after him, forsomuch as he was so gentlemanlike escaped. This day they passed over in speaking and communing of Cacus and of his father Vulcan. The day following when the smoke and fume was gone and vanished away, Hercules began to behold the country, and saw that it was commodious and fertile, and to the end that there should ever be remembrance and memory of him, he founded there a city, which he named Terracone, forasmuch as he gave this country to the son of the king of Ancone, and there he made him dwell with his people and with them of tire. Hercules after this foundation, went to the city of Salamanque, and forasmuch as it was well inhabited and peopled, he would make there a solemn study, and did make there in the earth a great round hole in manner of a study, and he set therein the seven sciences liberal with many other books. After he made them of the country to come thither for to study, but they were so rude and dull, that their wits could not comprise any cunning of science. And then forasmuch as Hercules would departed on his voyage, and would also that this study were maintained, he did make an Image or statue of gold unto his semblance and likeness: Which he did set up on high in the midst of his study upon a pillar: and made so by his craft and art, that all they that came before this image for to have declaration of any science, to all purposes, and of all sciences the Image answered, instructed, and taught the scholars and students, in such wise as it had been Hercules in his proper person. The renown of this study was great in all the country. And this study dured after the time that saint james converted Spain unto the christian faith. From Salamanque Hercules departed and went into Catalogne, and founded there the city of Barseloigne, which is a right good city. And finally when he had accomplished all these things, he sent Athlas home again into his country, but he held by him all his writers, for he loved books above all the riches of the world. After he would give leave unto Phylotes for to return unto his country. But Phylotes refused his congee and leave, and said to him that he would serve him all his life, and that he reputed his felicity more great to be in his service, then for to govern the country that fortune had put in his hand. Hercules after this, called Hispan, and said to him: Hispan, I know thy wit and thy valiance. I have found thee always wise and true. Thou art a man of authority and well known in these Coasts. I do now make and constitute thee to be king over all this Country, and I do give unto thee none other charge but to love virtue and to ensue honour and worship. When Hispan heard the gift that Hercules made to him, he fell down at his feet and thanked him, and after excused him of so great worship. But Hercules said to him, that he would that it should be so, and delivered to him a certain number of people of his company for to serve him. After he made him to departed, with great sighs and sorrow. And Hispan went then by all the countries that Hercules had conquered there from Geryon, and Cacus. And from thenceforth on, the country was named spain, after his name: Whereof I will now cease talking of this conquest of spain, and will come to speak of the deeds of arms that Hercules did in Lombardy, and of the death of Cacus.   

CHAP. XXIIII. ¶ How Hercules fought against the eleven Giants of Cremona: and how he vanquished them.  
WHere be now the kings, the emperors, the soldans, and the princes that men may speak of the virtuous liberality of them, equal or like unto that of Hercules? The men at this day fight one against other, and make money conquests: but they attribute them unto their singular profit. They resemble not Hercules, that never fought but for the common weal of the world. O noble Hercules. For to follow & pursue my matter. When he made Hispan king of all the region of Hesperie, that now is named spain, he sent for his Oxen, his kine and calves, and after departed from Barselone, and took his way into Lombardie, he went so long on his journey, that he came nigh to the city of Cremona, which is but a days journey from Milan. There were then in this city xi. giants great out of measure. These eleven giants were all brethren, & sons of Ne●e● the son of Saturn. And they called themselves all kings of this city. They held all estate royal, howbeit their rnoumes were but small & little, & that because they were thieves & rob their neighbour, and made them always war. When then they knew that Hercules approached their city, anon they assembled their council together, and demanded the one the other, if they should suffer Hercules for to enter into their city? All were of one opinion; that they should not receive him, and that they would send unto him one of them, which was named Nestor, that he should not enter into Cremona, unless he first had vanquished in battle the eleven brethren. Nestor at the commandment of the giants departed from Cremona, and went to Hercules, whom he found with his little army but three mile from Cremona. Then spoke he to Hercules, and said unto him. Sir, I have ten brethren kings of Cremona, that have sent me unto thee, forasmuch as they be advertised that thou interest into their dominion, and they charge thee by me, that they will give unto thee no passage into Cremona, unless thou first overcome them one after another in battle: and therefore choose whether thou wilt have the battle, or else to return again, and leave this voyage. I advertise thee that they be all giants more great and more puissant than I am. Sir knight, answered Hercules, I have taken my way for to pass by Cremona: let the giants know that Hercules hath intention to speak unto them more near, as he that dreadeth not nor feareth their accustomed tyrannies, which I must deliver the world of, by feats of arms. And forasmuch as to the end that they presume not that I have any doubt or dread of them in any manner, ye shall say to them that I will not fight with them ten, one after another, but all at once together, and you with them, if you will accompany them: and for to do so, they shall find me raedy to morrow early, by day light.  
Hercules with these words made his people to abide, and rest there for that night. And Nestor returned to his brethren, and said to them: My brethren, I have spoken unto Hercules, and have told him your commandment: he hath answered unto me with a right high and plain courage, that he will fight with us to morrow, not one after another, but with us all at once. And for to speak plainly of him, he hath the semblance of a man to be valorous in arms, and furnished with prowess: he is a prince very modest, and of great courage. Dispose you well, it behoveth to furnish well the battle. Certes the battle will be perilous, for he is mightily membered, and as great as one of us, but me thinketh that he may not compare nor prevail against us eleven, and that he may not escape from our forces, but that we shall pierce him with our sword whatsoever force or strength is in him. The giants so hearing him praise Hercules, had great marvel of him, and might not believe Nestor of that, that he had reported that he would fight with all together at once, for there was none of them all, but he thought himself strong enough for Hercules. Then they asked of Nestor, and demanded of him if he were sure to have well understood that Hercules said unto him, that he would fight against them all at once. Nestor answered, yea, and that he had heard him say it in his proper person. With this answer they concluded, that on the morrow they should arm them all, and that they would go to the field for to fight against Hercules, if he came against them. One of the giants said then unto his brethren, to morrow shall be the day of our glory & worship. We shall vanquish the vanquisher of the monsters, let us make good cheer. Brother (answered Nestor) therein is no doubt but that we shall overcome and bring to the foil him that ye speak of, but so much shall our glory be the less, that we shall be eleven against one. Well said the other, if in fight against us eleven, we shall have the less honour, let us every man fight for himself. Brother, answered Nestor, if ye had seen and heard him as I have, ye would not be so hardy as ye show semblance of: he is another manner of man than you ween. Keep you at the offer that he hath made, it is better to have the most profit and less honour in such a case. In these conferences they passed all that day, afterward they went to rest. When the hour was come on the morrow early, they arose and made themselves ready in the best wise they could. After they sent one of their men unto Hercules, for to know if he would say any thing: but assoon as the messenger issued out of the gate, the first thing he saw, was a giant, armed marvelously: the messenger abode then, and advised him a little. After he had advised himself, he went unto the giant armed, & asked him what he was. I am Hercules, said the giant. What will you say or have, said the messenger. I will say, said Hercules, that the giants of Cremona have no cause for to let me the passage of their city. And forasmuch as they let me to understand yesterday, that if I would have passage, it behoved me to vanquish them one after another in the field by battle: I am come hither in hope to win the victory: and demand no other thing but for to see them in arms for to fight with them all together at once, to the end to have the sooner done. Wherefore I pray you to go to them, and signify unto them my coming, and that they haste them.  
The messenger with these words returned unto the giants, and told them all what he had found. When the giants knew that Hercules was already come into the field, they all took their swords and their furniture of war, and departed from the city, addressing themselves against Hercules. Hercules was then alone in the place. The men and women of Cremona went upon the walls and towers for to see the battle. And Phylotes with other noble men of the Greeks were upon an hill far enough from the place where Hercules was abiding the giants. Certes, it was a fair sight to see the coming of the eleven giants. They were all well appointed & well furnished with helmets enriched with gold and stones. They were great and strong, all of one measure, they were bearded, and had fierce countenances: they came on and marched stoutly, and with a great courage. When they came nigh to Hercules within half a bow shoot, they menaced him all to death, and made a cry so great that the walls of the city redounded. After they ran against the assured prince, like as they had been lions: Hercules hearing these cries, and seeing their course on foot, he stayed for them, lifting up his club over his head. When it came to meeting, it seemed well that the giants would have all to bruised him with their sword, for they smote upon him so unmeasurably, that the pieces of their swords flew into the air. Their strokes were great. Hercules suffered them, and beheld what power they had: but when they had made their assays upon him, Hercules made his assay upon them, and with his club smote one of the giants upon his helm, so that he all to bruised not only his helm, but also his head, that he fell down suddenly dead. When the other ten giants saw that their brother was so dead of one stroke, they had great sorrow, and their blood was much moved. Nature willed them to take vengeance. They did that in them was, and assailed Hercules eagerly on all sides. And thus began the battle between Hercules and the giants. Hercules dreaded not any stroke of sword, of spear, ne pole-axe: his skin of the lion was hard and strong: his strength was stable, and his club bore all, and so it was need: great were the strokes that they gave each other. The giants did all their endeavour, and gave strokes enough to Hercules, but they could never pierce the skin of the lion, it was so hard: but yet was his club more harder. The giants marveled of the constance and puissance of Hercules. Assoon as Hercules had lift up his club for to smite on them, his enemies that were there, leapt aside, and other while broke his strokes: howbeit he did so much, that in less time than an hour, he slew four of them, and the other seven fought afterward by such vigour, that the more he smote them with his club, the more furious he found them and fierce, etc.  
The battle was terrible and hard, for the giants were strong, & long had used the skill of arms, and great pain had they to save themselves, and to avenge the blood of their brethren, and for to have worship of the battle. And they said, that they were infortunate, seeing they might not overcome one man alone, nor match him. In fight, they helped and comforted each other, and had all good courage. But what profited them the great number of brethren? and what availed them their courageous strokes, when they were approaching their death? Hercules was always Hercules: he rejoiced much in the plenty of his enemies, he comforted himself in fortune: fortune helped him, he did marvels on all sides, well could he fight, and well defended he himself, all that he did was well done: all that other did, and endeavoured to do, was nought worth: notwithstanding that they were mighty and hardy. But the luck and good hap of Hercules was not to be broken, ne his club could not be foiled: but he triumphed, and more was his puissance to sustain the furies of his adversaries, than their might was to charge him with their strokes. O marvelous strength and might of a man. His puissance was not of a man, but of an elephant: his skin of the lion, seemed that it had been tempered with quick and hard steel: his body seemed more constant against the cutting sword of all his ill willers, then is an anvil against the strokes of many hammers or great sledges. There was no stroke of his enemy that grieved him: he took great pleasure in the battle, seeing himself among so many giants. He still greatly rejoiced, and there was nothing grieving him, but the declining of the day, which began to fail. At this hour, when the Sun withheld her rays, and turned into the West, Hercules would make an end, and speed his battle. The giants began to cease for to smite, for from the morning unto the evening, they had fought without any ceasing: and Hercules behaved himself in such wise, smiting upon one and other, being about him, hard and sharply, that it befell so, that of some he overthrew and broke helmets and heads, and of other, he broke arms and sides marvelously, and gave so many great strokes, that finally; he beat down, and to bruised them all, except Nestor, which fled away when he saw the discomfiture. And therein did he wisely, for all his brethren were there slain by the hand of Hercules, etc.  
When they of Cremona saw their Lords dead, they had soon made an end of their weeping and sorrow, for they had been to them hard and troublesome. At the end of this battle, they assembled to council, when they saw that Hercules had won the battle, and concluded together, that they would yield themselves to Hercules, and put themselves to his mercy. With this conclusion they issued out of the gates in a great number, and came unto Hercules, which was the conqueror of his enemies: first they kneeled before him down to the ground: secondly, they prayed and required of him mercy: and thirdly, they surrendered unto him their city and their goods, and said to him, they would hold him for their lord during their lives. Hercules, that was pitiful and gentle unto them that were meek, and humbled themselves, received the Cremonians into his grace, and made them to rise & stand up, and after sent for them of his host. When they were come, he brought them into Cremona, where great joy was made unto them, for they were glad of the death of the giants. And there was no man, nor woman, nor child, that thanked not the gods.  
By this manner was Hercules king of Cremona and enriched with a new title of victory. The first night that he entered into the city, he rested him and his people: and then were they well refreshed and right well feasted and served with victual. On the morrow he did cause to bring into the city the bodies of the giants that were dead, and did bury them worshipfully. And after he founded upon them a very great tower and high, and upon the tower he set xi. images or statues of metal, after the fashion of the giants that he had slain, in remembrance of his victory.  
After the edification of this tower, Hercules left in Cremona, folk for to govern them, and departed thence for to go further forth into the country. He studied always, and was never idle: he studied so much, that he could make the fire artificial, aswell as Cacus: and found the remedies against the same. What by arms and by his science, he gate a very great glory and praising in Italy. He went into many places, and over all where he came or went, men did him honour and reverence. What shall I make long process? with great good adventure, he went so far, that he came to a city standing nigh the mount Auentin, where reigned a king named Evander, which received him solemnly. It is to be noted, that when Cacus fled from Monchayo (as is said) unto this mount, he came into Italy all displeasant to have lost his signory. Then he gave leave to departed from him to all his servants, and all despaired alone, he went to the mount Auentin in an evening, where he was constrained to withdraw himself, for he doubted much Hercules. When he was come above on this hill, he found there a great cave, and there he went in without supper, and then he began to be discomforted greatly & bitterly, & said: Alas, now am I exiled & banished out of all my signories & lordships. Now have I no succour nor comfort of person. I dare not name me king, where I was wont by my name to make kings to tremble, alas all is turned, & become upside down. I have nothing to eat, nor wot not where to lodge, unless it be with the beasts. O poor king: where so any man so unhappy as I? I am so infortunate and unhappy, that I dare not be seen nor known. With these words he laid him down upon the bare ground, and laid a stone under his head, and with great pain and grief fell asleep: which dured not long, for his veins were strongly stirred, his heart was not quiet, and his body was right evilly sustained. Anon he awoke, & went out of the cave, for to look if it were nigh day: for the night troubled him, and was to him too long. But when he was come into the air, he saw no day appear, nor stars, nor moon shine, but he found it all dark, cloudy and thick, and saw all the region of the air covered with clouds, whereat he was greatly vexed and grieved. Then he went into the cave again, not into the deepest, but at the mouth thereof, and there sorrowful and pensive abode without any more sleeping till it was day.  
When the day appeared, Cacus issued out of the cave, and went up unto the top of the hill, and began to behold and see the country about. The country seemed to him good and fair for to live there. After great pensiveness, and many thoughts, he concluded in himself, that he would abide there unto the time that his fortune ceased, and would live there of booties, rapine and theft. After he bethought himself, that he would go to king Pricus of Calidonie, which was his cousin, for to have company to lead his wife with, that he had chosen, and that he would ask and demand in marriage one of his daughters. With this conclusion he departed from the mount Auentin, and took the way unto Calidony, going apace till he came thither. Some say that Calidony is the country that we call Calabrie. When Cacus was come to Calidonie, king Prycus received him, as it appertained to a king, forasmuch as he knew him, and was of his lineage: and after demanded him of his tidings. Cacus began to sigh, when he saw that he must tell his mishap, and then told him and recounted from the beginning to the end, how Hercules had taken from him his realms, and how he had been besieged, and how he was escaped. And forasmuch (said he) as I dare not abide in mine own country, I am come hither unto you for refuge, and to tell and count my sorrows. And I have intention to hold me on the mount Auentin in a Cave that is there until that time mine enemy Hercules shall departed from mine heritage: and I will keep me there so secret that no man in the world shall have knowledge thereof, to the end that Hercules know it not, forasmuch as he hath me in great hate, and he hath more greater hap and fortune in arms than I have. And if he knew that I were in any place, I am certain that he would come thither for to destroy me. This considered, I have chosen this cave for to hide me, as I have said: but forsomuch as I have more sorrow in feacute; eling, than my taste requireth, it is so that the eyes of a man being in great trouble, rejoice in the visage and fight of a woman, for a woman is a gladness and comfort of a man. Wherefore I require you, and pray you that ye will give me to wife one of your daughters. And if it please you so to do, certes ye shall do to me great pleasure, and the most friendship that I may have for this present time. The king Pricus answered and said: Cacus ye be come and descended of high gentleness, and have great lordship and signory in Hesperie. If fortune were against you this day, your highness ought not therefore the worse to be esteemed. At this day I have four daughters, of whom the one is named you'll. Take whom it pleaseth you, except you'll: for I will not yet marry her. And if ye have any will to make any army against Hercules, tell it me plainly, and I will secure you as a true friend. Cacus was right well content with the answer of the king, and thanked him, saying that he would make no army for this season, but he would pass his time in the cave, like as he had purposed and concluded. Then the three daughters of king Pricus were sent for, and Cacus choose one of them, which he wedded, and after lay with her, and abode there two days. At the end of two days, he would departed, and took leave of the king. The king would have delivered unto him ten knights and ten Squires, for to have brought him on his way, but he refused them and would none. Then he would have delivered to him certain ladies and damsels, but of all them he took none, save the two sisters of his wife: which would by force go with him. Thus than he departed from Calidonie, accompanied with three sisters. He was always sorrowful and pensive, and from that time forth, thus being in impatience for his mishap, and casting out of his royalty, he began to run out, and bathed his axe in the blood of the men, women and children that he met, and put them all to death, etc.  
Cacus began to exercise the deeds of fury and of tyranny, as he was going unto the mount Auentin. Anon as he was come, he entered into the cave, the best wife he could with his wives, and the most secretly. And of this place he made a nest of theft, and a pit of sins. For the first night that he had lodged his wives, he went into the village that stood there fast by, & beheld the fairest house, where into he entered by a window that was open, and slew all them that were therein: and after took all the goods, as much as he might bear upon his shoulders, and bore them into the cave, whereas were his wives.   

CHAP. XXV. ¶ How Cacus stole away the oxen and kine belonging to Hercules: and how Hercules fought with him therefore, and slew him.  
IN the morning Cacus found a right great stone of marble, which he took and bore it unto his cave, and made therewith his door. The most part of that time Cacus held him in his cave, and went never out but when he would do harm or evil. When he went into the field, as is said, he slew all them that he met. He rob every man, he deflowered women, he burned houses and towns, and shortly spoiled, and did so much harm in Italy, that they that passed in the country, supposed it to be destroyed by the Gods, and could not know whereof, nor from whence came these persecutions that Cacus made upon them. For to return then to our talk of Hercules: he came unto the city of king evander, in the time that Cacus bedewed Italy with blood of men, and filled his cave with continual stolen goods. After the coming of Hercules and of his men of arms, his beeves, or oxen, were brought into the city, because the king evander should see them. The king took great pleasure to behold and see them: for they were high and passing fair. After that the king had seen them, Hercules demanded of him, whither he might send for to pastor them, for that night? In truth Sir, said Evander, if ye will follow my council, ye shall let them abide in this City, and not send them into the fields. Wherefore said Hercules? evander answered and said, forasmuch as when we send out our beasts, we know not where they become. They have been stolen, and driven away, and we cannot know who be the robbers, our servants been murdered, the houses be burnt, the people that should labour in the field, be slain, the women and maidens be violated and put to shame: and we cannot remedy it. For we cannot have knowledge of the authors or doers thereof. Wherefore, some men say, & will avouch it, that they be the Gods that thus punish us, for our sins. Wherefore I pray you let your beasts abide in this city, to the end that they be not stolen. Sir, said Hercules, ye recount and tell to me a great marvel: I believe well that those things that ye say be very true. But this notwithstanding, since that the Gods have saved them unto this day, they will keep them yet if it please them. For if they will have them, even as well they will take them in the City, as in the fields. And if there be a robber or thief in the country that will take them away, I suppose I shall find him, and shall make Italy quite of him. With these words, Hercules sent his beasts into the pasture, and there left them without any keepers. The day passed over, the night came. In this night Cacus issued out of his cave, and went into the country for to pill and rob if he might find any booty. Thus as he that is unhappy seeketh evil, and in the end he is paid at once for his trespasses, the unhappy adventure brought him into the meadow, where as pastured the oxen and kine of Hercules: it was nigh the morning, he had with him his three wives. Assoon as he saw the beasts by the light of the moon that shone clear, he knew them. Anon he was all abashed, and his blood changed in his visage, and not without cause: for soon after his sorrows began to grow on him, and came to the quickness of the heart, that he could not speak. His wives seeing that he spoke no word, and that he beheld the beasts, as all a wondered, came to him, and demanded of him what he ●iled? Alas, answered Cacus, since it is so that ye must needs know: I tell you for certainty, that all the sorrow of the world ariseth in my stomach, and environeth mine heart: for I here see the oxen of the triumph of mine enemy Hercules, and in beholding them, I remember the losses that I have had by him, and the honours and worships that he hath made me for to lose, and also the realms that he hath taken away from me, and the great misery that I am now in. He must needs be hereby in some place. Cursed be his coming, for I wot not what to do: but in sign of vengeance, I will slay his oxen and his kine.  
When the three sisters had heard that Cacus so sorrowed, they counseled him that he should not slay the beasts, Saying that if he slew them, Hercules should lose nothing, for he should eat them. It were better said his wife, that ye take and lead away as many as ye may, and bring them into our cave: for if ye do so, Hercules shall have loss and displeasure, and ye shall have pleasure and profit. Cacus believed that his wife said to him, yet he looked in the meadow all abouts, if any man had been there to keep them, but he found no man nor woman: And then he came to the beasts, and took eight of the best that he could choose, four oxen and four kine, after he bond them together with a cord by the tails, and put the cord about his neck, and drew them so in that manner unto his cave, albeit that the beasts resisted strongly to go backward in that manner. Cacus brought in this manner recoiling, and going backward, all those beasts that he stolen, to the end that no man should follow him by the traches of the feet of the beasts.  
When he had put in his cave the beasts of Hercules, as said is, he shut the door so well, that a man should never have known nor perceived that there had been any door. Then weening that he had been sure, he laid him down and slept. Anon after, the sun rising, and that it was day, Hercules that desired much to hear tidings of his beasts, arose up, and did so use the matter that the king Evander brought him unto the place, whereas his oxen and kine were. When they were come into the meadow, Hercules found that he lacked four oxen and as many kine: Whereat he was sore troubled, and for to know if the Gods had taken them, or any thieves had stolen them, he commanded that they should seek all about the meadow, and see if the traches or the prints of the feet of the beasts might be seen or found. At this commandment, one and other began to seek. Some there were that looked toward the mount Auentin, and found the steps and footing of the oxen, but they thought by that footing that the beasts were descended from the mount, for to come into the meadow. When all they had sought long, and saw that they found nothing, they made their report unto Hercules, and said to him, that they could not perceive on no side where these oxen were issued out, and that on no side they could find any signs nor tokens of beasts going out of the pasture. But right now said one, I have found the steps and feet of certain oxen, and kine, that he descended from the mountain into the meadow. When Hercules heard, that from the mountain were come oxen into the meadow, he called Evander, & demanded him, what people dwells on the mountain. evander said to him, that thereon dwelled no man nor beast: and that the mountain was not inhabited. Hercules would go to see the footing: and went thither, and he thought well that thither might have passed eight great beasts in that night, for the traces of the feet were great and new. Then he would wete where they were become: but he found well that the footing of the beasts took their end there as they pastured. He was then right sore a marveled, forasmuch as there were no strange beasts, and began to muse. When he had a little paused, he beheld the mount, and said, it must needs be that the Gods have ravished mine oxen, or else that there is a thief in this mountain, that is come and hath stolen them, and hath led them away recoiling backward. But forasmuch as I have less suspicion of the Gods, then of the thief, I will never departed from hence until the time that I have searched this mountain from one side to another, for my heart judgeth, that the beasts be here, etc.  
With this conclusion Hercules did cause to take divers calves that were there, and made them to fast till noon. During this while he sent for his harness and arms by Phylotes, and armed and made him ready to fight. Anon after midday, as the calves began to cry and bleat for hunger, he caused them then to be brought about the mountain. Thus as they passed by the place where the cave was, and cried, it happened that the kine that were in the cave heard them, and answered, crying so loud, that the sound passed by the holes of the cave, and came to the ears of the calves, and also of Hercules, and of other. When Hercules heard the cry of his kine, he abode there: his calves began to cry again, but his kine cried no more, for Cacus by the force of their cries was awaked, and as he that always doubted for to be discovered, rose up, and cut the throats of the kine. The calves then naturally knowing their dams, cried very loud, and bleated as they that desired the milk for to live by. Howbeit they could not so loud cry, that their dams answered them: hereof marveled much Hercules. Then he approached the mount, and went unto the place where him seemed that he had heard the kine, and was there full three hours seeking if he could find any hole or cave or way to pass by. But howbeit that he passed many times by the entry of the cave, he could never perceive it. Some said, that the noise and bleating that they had heard of the kine, was come by illusion. The other said, that Hercules lost his labour and travel, and prayed him to leave to seek any more, for they thought them not recoverable. In the end when Hercules had heard one & other, and saw that he might not come to the end of his desire, in a great anger he took in both arms a great tree that grew there, and shook it three times with so great force, that at the third time he overthrew it root and all, in such wise that the root that came out of the earth made a very great large hole so deep, that the bottom of the cave was seen plainly.  
When Hercules saw the great hole that the root of the tree had made, he was right joyful and glad, and said: truly it is here that the great thief dwelleth. I must see if he be here, and what merchants inhabit in this place. In saying these words, Hercules bowed down his head, and beheld on the one side of the cave, where he saw Cacus. Assoon as he saw the thief, he knew him anon, whereof he was more joyous than he was before, and called to him, Cacus I see thee, thou hast before this time troubled the realms of Hesperie with innumerable trespasses and great sins that thou didst commit openly and manifestly. This was the cause of the destruction of thy signory. Now thou troublest the Italians with tyrannies secret and unknown. I know thy life. Thou mayest not deny it, nor gainsay it. It behoveth that thou die therefore, and that I make the Italians frank and free from thine horrible and odious thefts. O cursed man, if thy crowns, thy Diadems, thy Sceptres, thy renowns, thy royal men, might not maintain thee: Why then, and wherefore art thou wrapped here still in sins, and amendest not, for all thy punishment that thou hast suffered, but yet still in the steed and place that thou shouldest dispose thee to that, that appertaineth to a king and a prince, thou hast been a thief. In steed to do justice, thou hast been a murderer, and a putter in of fire to burn villages and houses. And where thou shouldest have kept and saved women, thou hast deflowered them and done them villainy. O caitiff king, without conjuring or pining of thee, Certes, I see well, that thou art he that the Italians know not, and that thou hast persecuted them. Thy malice hath been great and thy subtlety, seeing that this day thou wert never bewrayed, and hast done great mischief. But thy cunning is not so great, nor hast not thou so hid thee, but thou art right nigh peril, for thou shalt yield to me again my Oxen. And to conclude, thou shalt put me to death, or thou shalt die by my hand, and thou shalt not escape by running, nor by thy subtle shifts.  
When Cacus understood this sentence, he was exceedingly afraid, nevertheless he lifted up his head, and seeing that he was found by Hercules, the only man of the world that he most hated, he said to him: Alas Hercules, a man all corrupted with covetousness: what cursed fortune hath made thee to draw out the tree whereof the profound and deep roots hath covered the secret abode of king Cacus late reigning, but now deprived from reigning, and banished from all worldly prosperity? Sufficeth it not to thee, that I may have the use of my natural forces to live by, when thou hast taken all away from me, and that I am forced to live of robbery and spoil, whereof the blame and fault ought to redound upon thee: Why sufferest thou not me to live and draw forth the residue of my poor life, among the stones, among the rocks, and among the worms of the earth? Consider now, what thou hast done to this king, and seek him no more. Thou hast hurt and grieved him enough. Hercules answered Cacus. In the deepest of thy depths of wretchedness and miseries, thy demerits will accuse thee: and I am right sorry and grieved to see a king in so woeful and shameful estate: but seeing thou canst not beautify thy days passed or present with one only good deed, what remedy? thou hast daily exercised tyranny as well in prosperity as in adversity. I wot well that thou art the new persecuter of the Italians, and that thy hand is all foul with their blood. I seek thee not, nor the Italians can say nothing of thee. And for as much as they complain not of thee, having cause to their prejudice, this tree hath spoken for them, and by his roots he hath discovered thine ambush. So behoveth it that thou choose, whether thou wilt come and fight with me here in the air at large, or else that I come and assail thee there within. For if it be to me possible, I will deliver the world from thy tyrannies, etc.  
By this answer, Cacus knew that there was no respite for his life. Then he intended to save him as he had done aforetime, and made by his craft so great a smoke and fume, that it seemed to come out of the hole that the tree had made, as it had been a very pit of hell. And this fume was mingled with flames burning as it was marvel. For all this fume Hercules left not Cacus, but leapt into the Cave, in the middle of the flames and fume, as he that was master of the craft, and was quickly purveyed of remedies that thereto appertained, and went in lustily and assailed Cacus, in such wise as he felt no fume nor let: and then he gave him so great a stroke upon the helm with his club, that he made him to hit his head against the walls of the cave. Cacus with the receiving of this stroke, let the fume disgorge out of his stomach, seeing that by that manner he could not escape, and took his huge great axe, that stood by him, for to defend him with. Hercules suffered him to take his axe. Cacus smote upon him, for the cave was not large: & they fought long therein. Unto the rescue of Cacus came the three sisters, that made great sorrow, and did cast stones upon Hercules in great abundance, and wept bitterly.  
These three damsels loved very well Cacus. Hercules and Cacus fought more than a long hour without ceasing. At the end of the hour, they were both so sore chafed, that they must needs rest them. Then Cacus took in himself a great pride, for he was strong of body, and him seemed, when he had rested, that Hercules was not so strong as he had been afore times, & that he might never vanquish him, forasmuch as he had not overcome at the beginning. By this presumption he demanded of Hercules, if he would finish the battle without the cave. Hercules' answered, that he was content. With this answer Cacus took away the stone that shut the cave, and went out, and in going after him, Hercules espied his kine that were dead in a corner, and his oxen that were bounden by the mussels unto a pillar: He was sorry when he saw his kine in that case. Nevertheless he passed forth, and pursued Cacus, that reached out his arms, and made him ready, and said to him: Thou cursed thief, thou hast done to me great displeasure to have slain my kine. Yea (cursed thief thou thyself) answered Cacus, yet hast thou done to me more displeasure, to have slain my men and taken away my realms. Thou art only culpable of the evil that I have done, and of the death of thy kine. I would it pleased the Gods, that I had thee as well in my mercy, as I had them: be thou sure that thou shouldest never take away realm from no man: and now let us dispatch our battle. At these words, Hercules and Cacus smote each other right sore, and with great fury so as their strokes cleaved to their harness, & made a great noise. At this noise, the king evander and the Greeks came to the battle, for to see it, which they made before the entry of the cave, whereas were the three sisters passing desolate. Cacus enforced him with all his puissance: For he saw it was time, then or never to show and put forth all the force that he might. He handled his axe right mightily, and well was him need so to do. He was hard and boisterous: he gave many a stroke to Hercules. And him seemed otherwhile that he should confound him unto the deep pit of the earth. But Hercules on his side failed not, though he had a strong party against him: He was also strong at the combat, and more strong than was good for the health of Cacus. He smote never Cacus, but he turned his eyes in his head, or made him stoup, or kneel on the one side or the other, or to go back shamefully. This battle by long during grieved the beholders, they so assailed each other, and fought hard on both sides. Finally, they did so much that they were driven to rest them, and that all their body's sweat all abouts. When Hercules saw, that yet was not the victory won, and that the night approached, he had great shame in himself, that he had held so long battle. Then he began to lay on Cacus so hard, and redoubled his strokes with such force upon Cacus so fiercely, that at last he bore him down to the ground all astonished, and made him to lose his axe, and then took off his helm. The three sisters fled then into a forest named Oeta, all full of tears and cries. Many Greeks would have gone after: but Hercules made them to return. After he called the king evander and his folk, and said to the king. Sir, lo here is he that was wont to trouble the Italians with secret murders, covert thefts, and unknown defiling of women. Give no more suspicion to the Gods. Lo here is the minister and doer of these trespasses, I have intention to punish him, not only after his desert, but unto the death.  
evander answered to Hercules and said: Prince excellent and worthy above all worthies, and the most best accomplished of all men flourishing in arms: What reverence is to thee due? thou deservest not only human reverence, but that reverence that is of divine nature: I believe assuredly that thou art a God, or the son of a God, or else a man deified. Thou in especial haste seen more in a moment, than all the eyes in general of all the Italians have seen, not in a whole year, but in an hundred years. O the bright resplendent sun of noble men, and fair shining with glorious feats and deeds: how may we thank thee, and give thee land for thy desert in this great work? Thou (by thy most excellent labour) hast disburdened us from darkness, and hast given us light of clearness: thou hast effected more than the great troops and all the assemblies & men of arms of Italians would have been able to do. Thou hast gotten more triumph in chastising of this giant passing terrible, them we be able to reward thee for. Truly if thou be not a god, thou hast from the gods their singular grace. I promise to thee, in remembrance of this labour, to build a solemn temple in my city, where thou shalt have an altar, and upon the altar shall be thy representation of fine gold, and the representation of this tyrant, in showing how thou hast vanquished him, to the end that our heirs and successors in time coming, may have thereof knowledge.  
During these words, Cacus refreshed him, who was astonished of the stroke that he had received, and thought to have fled: but Hercules ran after, and caught hold of him, and embraced him in his arms, so hard that he could not stir from him, and brought him again, & bore him unto a deep pit that was in the cave, where he had cast in all ordures and filth. Hercules came unto this foul pit that the Greeks had found, and put Cacus therein, his head downward from on high unto the ordure beneath. Then the Italians came about the pit, and cast so many stones upon him, that he died there miserably. Such was the end of the poor king Cacus: he died in an hole full of ordure & of stinking filth. When the king evander saw that he was dead: by the consent of Hercules, he made him to be drawn out of the pit, and caused him to be born into his city, whereas Hercules was received so triumphantly, that no man can rehearse. The feast was great that night in the palace of king evander, and passed with great joy. On the morrow the king Evander caused to be set forth the body in the common view and sight of all the people, and afterward ordained certain folk thereto ●it and meet, to carry this miserable corpse or body thorough all the cities where he had done harm, and for to count and rehearse to them his life. What shall I make long rehearsal? When the body was showed in the city of king evander, they that had the governance thereof, bore it into divers places, and always they praised Hercules. In remembrance of the novelty of this victory, the king Evander made to begin the Temple that he had promised to Hercules, & required Hercules, that he would abide there in that country until the time that his Temple should be fully made and finished. Hercules beheld how the king evander did labour about building his temple, with all diligence, and agreed to his request, forasmuch as him seemed that the Temple would be shortly made. And some books say, that long time before, the god Mars had promised to Hercules, that there should be a temple made unto him: and for that cause he was come into Italy, for to wit if his destiny should happen or no. And when the Italians heard recount the birth of Hercules, they believed better, that he was the son of god jupiter, then of Amphitrion.   

CHAP. XXVI. ¶ How the queen of Laurentia grew enamoured of Hercules: and how the king Pricus came into Italy with a great host, and sent to defy Hercules.  
THe glorious deeds of Hercules were greatly recommended in Italy, aswell for that he had vanquished the giants of Cremona, as for the death of Cacus. So great was his renown, that during the building of his temple, all manner people came thither, for to see him, and did to him divine honours, naming him the son of god jupiter. The kings and the lords came to him, for to give him gifts and rich presents. Among all other, the queen of Laurentia came thither from her city, with many chairs and chariots, filled and laden with jewels, and presented them to Hercules. Hercules' received into his grace this queen & her presents, and thanked her greatly. This queen had to name Facua, and was wife of the king Fanus, son of the king Pricus, the son of Saturn: she was young, fresh, tender, and full of lustiness. She had not seen king Fanus her husband in four year, for he was gone into a far country, and was not in all this time come again. So it happened that after she first began to take heed of and behold Hercules, and to mark him well, she began to desire his company and acquaintance: and she loved him so sore and exceedingly, that she could not turn her eyes nor her thoughts upon none other thing but upon Hercules. In the beholding & seeing him, she said in her heart, that he was the most well favouored man, and proper without comparison, that ever she saw, and that of right men should give him laud & praise, saying moreover, that her seemed that her heart was entangled with the fire of his love: many cogitations and thoughts ran in her mind. Now was she awaked and quickened with a joyous spirit, & eftsoon all pensive. She passed so the first day that she came in this manner with Hercules. When she was gone away for to rest, she laid her down on a bed all clothed, and there she began to think on the beauty of Hercules with so ardent desire, that she could not abstain from weeping, & sore wished after him: whereof the end was such, that after many imaginations, about the grey morning, she began to say unto herself: O fortune, what man, what privy, what king hast thou brought into this country? This is not a king like other. This is an image singular, and like as if the gods had made him by nature to exceed and triumph above all her other subtle works and labours. All glory shineth in him not only by his valiant prowess, but by his simple and sacred perfection of body, to which may be made no comparison. O clear image among the nobles, who is she seeing his eyes, that with one only sight will not have her heart thoroughly pierced? who is she that will not covet and desire his grace? The most fortunate of all happy, and well fortuned shall she be that may get his good will: he is humble, fair, pleasant, and laughing: he is a treasure. O dear treasure: like as the gold passeth all other manner metals, in like sort he passeth all other works of nature in all prosperities: how then shall I not love him? As long as I shall live, his name shall remain written in my memory, and his beauty shall not be forgotten, but remain for a memorial eternal,  
Great were then the praises that Facua uttered of Hercules: she forgot anon the king Fanus, and put him all in neglect for the love of Hercules. She was there a certain space of time, and always thought on Hercules. Hercules that thought nothing of her, made unto her no semblance nor sign of love: howbeit he talked oft times with her, and with the wife of the king evander, named Carmenta. The more he conferred with them, the more was Facua in great pain by the inflaming of love: some time she lost her colour and countenance, but certainly she covered it, and hide it so well, that no man took heed of it. Then when she had been there eight days, bearing such grievous pain, she saw that Hercules could not perceive the love that she had to him: for to come to the end of her desire, she came on a day to Hercules, and humbly required him that he would come and take the pains to come to her house, for to pass the time, whiles the king Evander there finished his temple. Hercules' accorded, and agreed unto her request, whereat she had very great joy in herself. They then disposed themselves for to go unto Laurencia, and took leave of the king evander, and of the queen, and so took their way. Thus then going, Hercules was always by the side of Facua, who reasoned of many things by the way: and always Facua had her amorous eyes fixed on the view of Hercules, that at last Hercules began to take heed, and said to her softly thus: Lady, you do me great worship to bring me into your house. Alas sir, answered Facua, I do to you nothing but trouble you: for I have not the power to feast you and make you cheer as I fain would. Lady (said Hercules) the good cheer that ye bestow on me, is to me acceptable, so that from henceforth ye bind mine heart for to be willing to fulfil your will in such wise that there is nothing that ye desire, but I will accomplish it at your commandment, after my power, as to any the most best accomplished lady that is in the West part. Facua with these words began to smile, and answered. Sir, I have nothing done for you: and ye are not so beholding to me as ye say. Howbeit I thank you for your good word. And thereof I hold me right fortunate and happy, for that the most worthy man of all ●en deigneth to accompany one so poor a lady as I am. Lady (answered Hercules) I take not that to be attributed rightly to me, to say, that I am the most worthy of men: for there have been many better than I am. But certes the more ye speak, the more ye make me your subject. And since you do to me so great honour, I request you as much as I may, that I may be your knight, and that ye take power over me to command me to do your will and pleasure. Sir, said Facua, will ye that it be so? Lady (answered Hercules) alas yea. I will not command you, said Facua, but I will give you over me as much signory and lordship as it shall please you to take. Hercules with the same word, would feign have kissed the lady, and had done it, had it not been for the worship of her, which he would keep. They had enough of other conferences. From that day forth Hercules intended to please the lady more than he had done before. And shortly he acquainted himself so with her, and she with him, that they lay together secretly. And he begat on her a son that was named Latin, which was afterward of great government.  
During these things, whiles that Hercules and Facua had this good time in Laurencia, tidings came that the king Fanus was coming. Facua, that then began first to joy in the love of Hercules, was passing sorry and heavy, when she heard these tidings, for she firmly fixed her heart on Hercules. Suddenly the tears all blubbered her eyes. And so weeping she came into a chamber where as Hercules was: then she took him apart, and said to him. Alas my love, I shall die for sorrow. Lady, said Hercules, wherefore? Forsomuch said she, as my husband the king Fanus cometh home: It is full four year since I heard of him, I had supposed he had been dead, but he is not. His herbingours and fourriers be come before, and say, that he will sup here this day. Alas, what evil adventure is this? we must needs now departed, and our communication shall fail. With this word the lady embraced Hercules, and fell down in a sown in his lap. Hercules took her up, and comforted her the best wise he could, and said to her, that since it is so that she was married, it was reason that she abode still with her husband. Whatsoever Hercules said unto the Lady, she could not keep her from weeping, nor bewailing her love, and her bewailinges were great. In the end she went into her chamber, and dried her eyes, and broke off her dolorous weeping as much as she could, arraying and appareling her in such wise, as if she had been joyous and glad of the coming of her husband, who came soon after, and entered into his city with great triumph.  
Hercules and Facua went against the king Fanus. When the king Fanus saw Hercules, he did to him as much honour and worship as he could do: Forasmuch as he had heard say, and was advertised of the deeds of arms that he had done against the giants of Cremona, and against Cacus: and thanked him, forsomuch as he was come into his city. For conclusion, Hercules abode there four days after that Fanus was come home: on the fifth day he considered, that he might no more enjoy his love, and that he did nothing there but lose his time: so he took leave of the king Fanus, and of the queen Facua, and returned unto the house of the king evander, where he held him, and abode unto the time that his temple was made and accomplished. About the consummation of this temple, an Herald of Calidonie, came to Hercules, and signified to him, that the king Pricus came against him with a great puissance of men of arms, for to revenge the blood of Cacus his cousin: and that he charged Hercules, that he had without a cause (and cruelly put to death one so noble a king as Cacus was: and said to him moreover that if he would maintain the contrary, on the morrow early he should find the king Pricus in the same place where the blood of king Cacus was shed: and that there, by mortal battle, by puissance against puissance, he would prove it true that he said.  
When Hercules had well heard, what the king Pricus had signified to him: he had his heart all full of joy, and answered to the Herald, that the death that he had made Cacus to die, was a work of justice, and that upon the quarrel, he would furnish by battle the king Pricus, at the hour and place that he had said. After this answer thus made, Hercules gave unto the Herald has gown that he ware, and did him to be feasted right well, saying, that he had brought him tidings of pleasance. When the herald had had good cheer, and well feasted, as Hercules had commanded: He returned unto the king Pricus, & told him, what Hercules had answered to him, and that he should have on the morrow the battle. The king Pricus, that supposed to have won all by advantage of multitude, (for he had in his host more than thirty thousand men) thanked the Gods of these tidings: and came and lodged him the same night, nigh unto the mount Auentin, upon the river of Tiber. He made him ready then for to fight this battle. And likewise Hercules: each man on his side thought on his works. The night passed over, and on the morrow as soon as it began to dawn, the king Pricus & Hercules began to sound their great tabours, and with that sound, their men put them in arms to be ready, and after trained in battle order. And so they came both parties, as well the one as the other, into the same place where the blood of king Cacus had been shed, etc.   

CHAP. XXVII. ¶ How Hercules fought against the king Pricus in battle: and how he fled into the City, where Hercules alone slew him and many more with him.  
ABout five of the clock in the morning, Hercules and Pricus assembled at the battle: from as far as Pricus saw Hercules, he made a marvelous cry. With this cry, all the Calidoniens began to run against Hercules▪ and made so great a noise that it seemed that there was not people enough in all the world for them. But certainly like as a small rain abateth or layeth down a great wind, in likewise Hercules alone laid down their over great boasting and uproar. For assoon as he saw his enemies run against him, about a quarter of a mile off, he departed from his battle that was well set in order, and after that he had commanded his folk that they should not haste for nothing, he began to run against the Calidoniens swiftly, not like an horse, but like an heart that no man might overtake. The king evander was all abashed for to see in Hercules so great nimbleness and swiftness. Pricus and the Calidoniens, when they saw him move from the host, they supposed that it had been a horse or other beast. In the end when Hercules was come nigh to them, within the space of a bow shot, they knew that it was Hercules, whereat they were sore abashed of his coming. Pricus cried to have set his men upon him. They shot arrows, and casted darts and spears upon Hercules, against all the parts of his body: nevertheless they could never pierce nor enter into the skin of the Lion, and he never rested till he had accomplished his course, thrusting him among his enemies so mightily, that overthrowing all before him, like as it had been a tempest or thunder, he went into the midst of the host, whereas there was the chief banner of the king Pricus.  
Hercules' abode and stayed there, but began to smite and lay on upon the one side and the other, and to die his sword with the blood of the Calidoniens. His sword was so heavy that no man might endure it, it all to bruised all that it reached. It made the place red, whereas the blood of Cacus was shed, with blood upon blood, and with dead men upon dead. Then was not the shame and death of king Cacus avenged, but augmented upon the persons of his friends, in abundance of slaughter and of murder. The cry arose greatly about Hercules: he broke and all to rend the banners, and the recognizances of the Calydoniens, and of their conductors: there was none so hardy, but he drove him away: and there was none so resolute, but he was afraid and trembled. All the best and hardiest fled before him. Then he made what spoil he would with his enemies. Theseus, evander, and other came then unto the battle. At this conflict there was many a spear broken, many a halberd and many a helm broken, and many a knight smitten in pieces. The Calidoniens were in great number, and there were many of them strong and mighty. The battle was right strong and mighty and fierce. The king Pricus set foremost before upon the Greeks, and laboured with his hand right chevalrously. And Hercules and Theseus did worthily and deserving memory: they ran from rank to rank, and broke the ranks of their enemies. They comforted and encouraged their men, and showed to them how they should do. Their feats and deeds were so great, that it is impossible to recount and tell: for in little time they put their enemies in despair. What shall I say? all the discomfiture was in the Calidoniens, for by force of arms they abode upon the field for the most part. And then when the king Pricus saw, that his people could no more fight, and that he lost on all sides, & that fortune was against him in all points, after he had sore laboured, & that he had need of rest, he withdrew him out of the press, & sounded a retreat, and with the sound, the Calidoniens turned back, and fled after king Pricus.  
When Hercules saw that the Calidoniens withdrew themselves, he made in like wise his Greeks to withdraw them: not for any need they had, but for to show their emies, that they would well that they should rest them. In this wise the battle ceased, Hercules supposing that the Calidoniens would assemble on the morrow when they had rested them: but they withdrew themselves, some here and some there. The day passed, the night came on: then the king Pricus assembled his folk, and showed to them their loss, and the strength and might of the Greeks', and in especial of Hercules. After he said to them, that they could never conquer them, and that they could no wiselier do then to withdraw them, and to return into their country. The Calidoniens that dreaded Hercules more than the death, or tempest, or thunder of the heaven: had great joy, when they understood the will of king Pricus: and answered all with one accord, that they were ready to go forth on the way. With this answer they concluded, that they should leave their tents, their carts and armours, for to go lightly and more secretly. After this they took their way, according to their conclusion, & fair and softly they went their way without making stir or noise, and did travel so much this night that on the morrow they were far from Hercules. After this, on the morrow when Hercules espied that they were fled, he and his men pursued after swiftly, howbeit they could not overtake them. For, to speed the matter, the king Pricus returned into Calidonie. Hercules pursued him into his city, which was strong with walls, and besieged him. During this siege, there was never a Calidonien that durst come out. Hercules oft times assaulted the city, but he lost his labour. At length, when he saw that he could not get ne win upon his enemies, he called his Greeks, and said to them: that man that ventureth not winneth nothing. We sojourn here without doing any thing worthy of memory. Our enemies will not come against us, unless we fetch them, and thus we shall have no end: shortly we must all win or lose. Wherefore I think it best that I disguise me, and go unto the gate, & let the porters understand that I have an errand unto the king: and hereupon, if I may enter, I will go unto the king, & so deal, if it be possible, that he shall never assault me any more in battle. And if it happen that I may so do, as I have told you, I will that ye assail the city assoon as I shall be within, to the end that the Calidonians may have to do with you aswell as with me, and that I have them not all at once upon me.  
When Theseus and evander understood well what Hercules would do, they answered, that they were ready to obey all his commandments, and that they would assault the city, after his saying. Then Hercules arrayed himself like as he had been an ambassador, and Theseus & the Greeks disposed themselves to make the assault. When all was ready, Hercules departed and came & knocked at the gate of Calidonie: the porters looked out at a little window, to see who knocked there, and seeing that there was but one man in a long gown, they opened to him the gate, and asked him what he would have? Hercules' answered, that he sought the king. And what would ye with him, said one of the porters? Hercules said, I would feign speak unto his person: and saying these words, the porters saw that Hercules was armed under the gown: and then at few words they cried, upon him, and laid at him before and behind, saying that he was a traitor, and that he was come to espy the city. When Hercules saw him to set upon by the porters, he was there as he would be, and had great joy: which he covered under simple countenance, and made at the beginning semblance that he would have fled away and escaped: but he employed so little of his strength, that the porters brought him unto the king Pricus, which sat in the hall with his daughters and his princes, & presented him to him, saying: Sir, lo here is a traitor, that is entered into your city for to espy your power. We have taken him: he said that he would speak unto your person, and he is armed under his mantle as ye may see: it is a right evil token: for a man desiring to speak to a king, should in no wise be armed privily nor covertly.  
When the king understood the accusation of the Porters, whiles they spoke, he beheld Hercules, and knew him: Whereat he was so sore afraid, that he witted not what to say. Hercules then bestirred himself and wrung himself out of the holding of the porters, casting them down to the ground so hard and so grievously, that they never after might relieve themselves. When the Calydoniens that were in the hall, saw him so evil entreat the porters, they threatened Hercules unto the death, and assailed him on all sides. His gown was then anon rend off. In bickering he received many a stroke, and always he defended himself without displaying of his power and of his strength, as he that awaited for the tidings of the assault that was nigh. The affray was great in the hall and in the city on all parts, the Calidoniens ran to the palace, for to assail Hercules. King Pricus made him ready, & came with other unto this fray. Then was Hercules assailed fiercely: but this assault was dear to the king: for to his welcome Hercules came to the tabernacle that stood upon four great bars of iron, whereof he took the one, and beat down the tabernacle. After he lifted up his arm with the bar, and smote the king Pricus so unmeasurably upon the ●o● of his helmet, that notwithstanding his strong harness and armours, he all to beat him down to the earth, and smote him so sore broken and bruised, that he fell down dead between his two porters.  
At this time the cry arose great among the Calidonians. Not alonely there, but also in the city (for he that kept the watch sounded to arms, forasmuch as the Greeks assailed hastily the walls.) Calidony was then terribly troubled, and the Calidonians witted not where to turn them, whether to Hercules, or to the assault. All was full of heads armed, aswell in the palace as upon the walls. After this that Hercules had slain the king Pricus, he began to smite upon his enemies, and his strokes were great, at each stroke he slew two or three, so as shortly he bore himself there a knightly, that in little while he covered all the pavement of the palace with dead bodies of the Calidonians, lying one upon another, without that any man might damage his armour. The Calidonians were of great courage, and had great shame for that they might not overcome Hercules, that alone had done upon them so great an exploit. They assailed him with great courage, and cast upon him darts & sharp iavelines. His arms and his shoulders bare all, and he did so great things with his bar, and gave so great strokes, that none of them might resist his strength. The poor Calidonians came thither with great courage and desire for to revenge the death of their king. Hercules put so many to death, that he witted not where to set his foot, but it must be upon Calidonians. Before the gate of the palace was a pitiful noise of weepings & of cries, that women and children made. In the end, when the Calidonians knew and perceived the virtue & the strength of Hercules, and that they laboured in vain, they ceased to assail him, and fled. Then Hercules issued out of the palace with his bar all covered with blood. Assoon as the Calidonians saw him, they set upon him passing furiously, and assailed him anew: they cast stones and darts upon him, they shot arrows on him abundantly, as they that were purveyed, and awaited for his passage. In this assault Hercules had much to suffer: yet after receiving more strokes than can be numbered, he passed the watch, that awaited to have stain him, and rested never till he came unto the gate.  
The Calidonians ran then after him, as men without dread of death, and mightily swollen with pride and ire, began on anew to smite upon his shoulders, and upon his back. When Hercules saw that, he turned his face upon his evil willers, and smote upon them with his bar, on the right side, and on the left side, so lustily, that he died his bar with new blood: and maugre his enemies, he beat them down, and all to bruised them before him. He made them then to recoil and go back more than forty paces: and after came to the gate. And the Calidonians pursued him again: but ere they came upon him, he all to brake & bruised, and to frushed the locks, and the wickets, and doors of the gate: and the Greeks' assailed him with all their power, and beat down the draw bridge. After he called the assailants, and they came unto him, and with little resistance they entered the city, which was at that time with great slaughter of the Calidonians that would not yield themselves, nor put themselves to mercy, until the time that they saw their streets and houses full of dead bodies. etc.   

CHAP. XXVIII. ¶ How Hercules was enamoured on you'll the daughter of king Pricus: and how he required her of love: and how she accorded unto him.  
BY this manner was king Pricus slain, and his city taken by Hercules. After the slaughter, when the Calidoniens had humbled themselves, Hercules and Theseus went to the palace, & they came thither so fitly, that they found the daughters of king Pricus, with their ladies and gentlewomen, seeking the king among the dead bodies. There were so many dead bodies, that they could not find nor know him that they sought. Hercules at his coming began to behold one and other, and especially among all other, he cast his eye upon you'll, the daughter of the king: forasmuch as she was excellently glistering in beauty, that in all the world was none like unto her. When he had a little beheld her, by a secret commandment of love, he drew him unto her, weening for to have comforted her. Anon, as the right desolate gentlewoman saw Hercules approaching unto her, she trembled for dread, and fled unto her chamber, the ladies and the gentlewomen followed her: and among them so did Hercules. What shall I say? he entered into the chamber where she was, and sat down by her. She thought to have risen for to have gone out of the way, but he held her by her clothes and said unto her: Lady, ye may not fly my company. you'll spoke then and said: O miserable tyrant, what seekest thou me now for to trouble me more? Thou hast slain my father, let that suffice thee. Madam (answered Hercules) if the king Pricus be dead, it is reason that he be not much bewailed nor wept: for he thinking for to avenge the death of the tyrant Cacus, came not long since for to assail me in Italy, saying: that I had unrightfully and without cause slain him. In maintaining the contrary, I fought with him upon this quarrel: the battle was not ended, nor put to utterance at that time, for he withdrew himself with his people, and came into this city. and I have pursued him hastily, albeit I could not overtake him. When I saw that, I laid my siege about this city: he would not come to fight the battle during my siege, wherefore I have this day willed to have an end. Fortune hath been on my side, and hath put you in my power. Certes, it must needs be, that without remedy ye be my lady and my love: for in seeing your singular beauty, love hath constrained me to be yours. Then I pray you as affectuously as I may or can, that ye cease your sorrow, and that ye receive me as your friend and love. The more ye weep the less ye get and win, continual tears or wéepinges, nor long lasting sighs may never raise your father again.  
The fair you'll with these words was sore oppressed with hot & contrary imaginations, that her heart failed her. It was a piteous thing to behold how her friend Hercules would have taken her up and sustained her between his arms. But a wise lady that had always governed her, came to him and said to him kneeling on her knees: Sir, I pray you in the name of all the Gods, that ye will cease to speak to this poor damsel for this time. She hath this day lost her father, it must needs be that nature acquit her. Ye may do with her your own pleasure, if ye let her a little abide in her melancholy: all shall be well if it please the Gods, as well for you as for her. At the request of the Lady, Hercules was content to let her go for that time: he recommended you'll unto the Gods, and went unto Theseus for to pass his time with him: but to the end that you'll should not go away nor escape, he ordained twelve Greeks to keep her, and commanded upon pains of death, that they should suffer no woman to issue out of the chamber, without witting whither she went. In this night Hercules did cause the dead bodies to be had out of the palace, and the place to be made clean. And also he ordained that the body of the king Pricus should be put in the sepulture. When these things were accomplished, Hercules & Theseus with their men of arms, made good cheer with such as they found there: and you'll was never out of the remembrance of Hercules. you'll certainly at this time was so discomforted, that it cannot be recounted. The lady that had her in governance, traveled right sore for to comfort and cheer her. Then when Hercules had left her in the chamber, as said is, she had many words to her: and among all other she said to her: My daughter, you weep too much. Ha madame (said you'll) how may I less do? when shall I have cause to weep and to wail if I have not now? My father is dead: I have lost him that most loved me of all the world. I may lose no more, ne no greater thing. Ought not then my heart to be angry and sorrowful? My daughter (said the lady) I know well that ye have the most apparent occasion of sorrow that any woman may have: but since it must needs be that you pass by this infortune, what profit you your grievous weepings? There may nothing proceed of them but augmentation of melancholy, and hurting and appairing of your praised beauty. Ye be now fallen into the hand of this prince. This is a man worthy and noble above all other, he loveth you: ye ought to thank the gods, and to give them praise for this grace. For this is to you a good fortune, and an hap in your mishap. If ye will be ruled by me, y● shall take all this in good part. Better it is to suffer one evil than two. He thinketh ye ought to consider your estate. And if ye consider it well, ye shall endeavour you to forget it. Madam (said you'll) Alas, and how may that be, that I should have love or affinity or familiarity with him that hath done to me so much harm. He hath not taken only from me a knight, an uncle, nor a cousin: but mine only proper father. Let none speak to me thereof. He is, and shall be my mortal enemy, as long as I live: and as long as he shall live, he shall have no more of me, for prayer, promise, nor for menace.  
My daughter (said the lady) make not yourself bond, whereas you be free: the effects and deeds of love be subtle and sudden. Love is always in his secret throne, that can do none other thing, but humiliate, and méeken the hard hearted, and bow the strong. So hard nor so strong a heart is not amongst the humane creatures, but that it is right soon humbled and made meek when that it is his pleasure. There is no tower so high, but it may be beaten down by subtle mining. Neither is no wind so great, nor so rigorous, but it may be tempered. There is no night so dark, but that it is surmounted with the day. Ye hate Hercules now, but if you have a while kept company with him, and have had communication with him, peradventure you will love him better than ever you loved your father, your mother, or any other of your lineage. And that I may prove by myself: for I had my husband in so great hate first, ere we loved together, that I would feign have seen him die a shameful death. Shortly after, when we had begun to be acquainted one with another, I loved him so steadfastly, that if he had not been with me day and night, I had thought I should have died for sorrow and grief. My daughter, such be the chances of love, that often times I say, after great hate cometh great love. The glory of Hercules is so clear, that your heart ought to be delighted therewith: the conquest that he hath made in this city, shall be for you a singular preparation to all good. Would you attain to a more greater weal, then for to be fellow or love of him that is the subduer of kings, the most best wel-faring man, and the most triumphant in arms? for to him is nothing unpossible: he hath conquered the most part of the universal world. O my daughter, rejoice you in fortune: shut not the door to prosperity that cometh to you: it is to be believed, that the desolation of this city, hath been devised and ordained by the parliament of the gods, in favour of you, that are the paragon, and none like unto you, of all the daughters of the kings, for to give you in marriage unto this man.  
By these words the fair you'll had her stomach surprised with sundry imaginations. She rose then up from that part, and entered into her guardrobe, whereas was the presentation of the goddess Diana. When she was come thither, she kneeled down in great humility before the image, and in abounding of sighs, and weeping as sore as she had done any time of the day before, she said: Goddess of virgins, what shall thy right simple servant and handmaiden do? Alas, lighten mine hope, behold mine affection, weigh my mishap. Send thine eyes into the secret of mine heart, and see the sorrow that I bear, and in the favour of virgins keep my body, and preserve me from the hand of him that would that I should be his wife. Since that he had caused in me the root of mortal hate, which is not possible to be rooted out, as nature judgeth in me (for it is not possible that I may love mine enemy) I am therefore persuaded, and it is truth, that the hate that I have against this tyrant Hercules, shallbe ever abiding.  
In these prayers and lamentations you'll abode until the dead of the night, cursing Hercules, saying that she had rather die then to love or like him. Thus disdaining the love of Hercules, without meat or drink she passed the whole night. The day next following, Hercules returned unto her, and on a new prayed her, that she would be his wife: saying, without respite, that she● must needs agree thereto. She was right sore displeasant of this request, and excused herself in many fashions that were too long to rehearse at this time. But at the end of the prayers and requests of Hercules, Love inspired in such wise the gentlewoman, that she understood well that Hercules was of the root of noble father and mother: wherefore she accorded to do his pleasure. What shall I more say? you'll companied then with Hercules as his wife, and they lay together, and they grew acquainted each with other. Love then inrooted in their hearts, so that their two wills were locked and put in one will. Hercules forgot Deianira, and you'll forgot the death of her father, and was so much enamoured on Hercules, that she might rest in no place, but that she must be always with him. O marvelous thing, the rancour and the hate that you'll had yesterday unto Hercules, is now suddenly turned into love infallible. For to speed the matter: during yet the first days of the love of Hercules and you'll, at the prayer of you'll, Hercules gave her sisters in marriage to certain knights of the Greeks', and left them there to govern the country and the realm of Calidonie. After he departed from thence, and brought his oxen and his kine with him, and sent again the king Evander into his dominion, thanking him of his company, and of the honour that he had done to him.  
evander would gladly have accompanied Hercules into Greece: But Hercules would in no wise that he should have the travail. At last then evander (with great thank of Hercules and of his army) departed: and Hercules with his army went unto the sea, and he forgot not behind him the fairest you'll, but he loved her sovereignly. All day he was with her, and she pleased him as much as she might, doubting more to lose his love than she was sorry for the death of her father. Then as they thus went by the sea, maintaining to their power the amorous life, Hercules encountered on a day, nigh by an haven and a good city, a galley of merchants. Hercules made the galley to tarry, and after called the master, and asked of him what country he was, and from whence he came? Certes sir (answered the master of the galley) I departed late from the port of Thrace that is hereby: I see well that ye be a stranger, and that ye know not the peril that ye be in: wherefore I have pity of you and of your company, and do advertise you, and wish you, that at the next haven ye shall find, in no wise ye tarry there, for nothing that may befall you: for all so truly as ye be here, if ye go thither, ye shall take harm: for there is a king, a tyrant the most cruel that is in all the world, named Diomedes, that holdeth under him ten thousand thieves, and he maketh war against all them that he may find, and hath a custom that he putteth men to ransom such as it pleaseth him: and if they that he putteth to such misery, pay their ransom, he letteth them go quiet, and with that money and substance, he nourisheth his thieves, and his horses. And if they cannot furnish their ransom, He himself smiteth them to morsels, and giveth them to his horses for to eat and devour. But there is one thing good for you, for this morning he is gone to the chase, for to hunt in a forest, which is a four mile from Thrace, and with him there be an hundred of the strongest thieves that he hath. And this know I of a truth, for I have seen them departed not passing three hours ago, etc.   

CHAP. XXIX. ¶ How Hercules fought against Diomedes, in the forest of Thrace: and how he made his horse to eat him.  
Hercules' hearing these words that the master of the galley said to him, and rehearsing the life of Diomedes, was passing joyous in his heart, more than he had been since the death of the thief Cacus. He had in him that valour, that where he might know a monster or tyrant to be, or any men molesting the weal, thither he went, and such tyrants he destroyed: and to the end that men should not say, that he did such works for covetise, he would never hold, nor retain to his proper use nothing of their goods, but all that he conquered in such wise he give it unto noble men, and praised nor sought nothing but virtue. He would not make his signory to grow nor be enlarged, and take to himself realm upon realm. He was content with that, that nature had given him. And always he would labour for the commonweal. O noble heart? O right well disposed courage? O most virtuous painym, there was none like to him of all them that were afore him, nor after him. For to hold on and go forward with my matter: when the master had advertised him, as afore is said, that the tyrant Diomedes was gone on hunting into the forest, with his hundred thieves, he inquired so much that the master showed him the situation of the forest, & by what way and manner he might soonest come thither. After this, he gave leave to the master to go his way. That done, he called his mariners, and made them to seek the place. After, he assembled the Greeks, and told them, that he would that they should abide him there, and that he himself without delay would go into the forest, that the master had showed him, to seek Diomedes: saying, that he would never return into Greece until the time that he had delivered the country of this tyrant. you'll began then to weep, when she heard the enterprise of Hercules, & prayed him, tenderly weeping, that he would leave and departed from the hazard of so great peril. Hercules took no regard nor heed to her prayers. He delivered to Phylotes his bow & his club, and entered into a little galley finely made and light. Which he guided by the help of Phylotes, right nigh the place where he would be: and took land two bow shot off, from the forest, and so in setting foot on land, he heard the cry and noise of the hunting, and had thereof great joy, and said that he was well and where he would be. He took then his club, and left his bow with Phylotes. After he entered into the forest, and had not far ranged in the forest, when he found Dyomedes and his hundred thieves. Diomedes was the first that from far espied Hercules, and knew that he was a stranger▪ & called to him and said. Giant, what is it that thou seekest in this forest? Hercules' answered, what art thou? Diomedes said, I am the king of Thrace: thou art entered into my Dominion without my leave: it displeaseth me, and thou must be my prisoner, wherefore yield thee to me. Hercules said then: king, since thou art Diomedes the king of Thrace, thou art undoubtedly the tyrant that I seek. And therefore I am not of purpose to yield me without stroke smiting, and especially to an evil thief. Know thou, that I will defend me with this club, with which I have been accustomed to destroy monsters, and am in hope this day, to make thy horses eat and devour thy body, like as thou hast taught and used them to eat thy prisoners.  
When Diomedes heard the answer of Hercules, he took a great axe, that one of his thieves bare after him, and he lifted it up, threatening Hercules unto the death, and discharged so hard, that if Hercules had not turned the stroke with his club, he had been in great peril. Diomedes was of the greatness and stature of Hercules, and had abundance of strength and puissance. When Hercules had received the stroke, he lifted up his club, & failed not to smite Diomedes, for he gave him such a stroke upon the stomach, and so heavy that he turned him upside down from his horse, and laid him all astonished in the field. Then his hundred thieves bestirred them, and assailed Hercules on all sides. Some of them there were that recovered Diomedes, & set him on his horse, the other shot at Hercules: some broke their sword on him. All this impaired nothing the arms of Hercules. His halberd and his helm were of fine steel forged & tempered hard. He stood there among them like a mountain. When he had suffered the first skirmish and assault of the thieves, for to show to them with whom they fought, he set upon them, and smote down right on all sides with such valour, that suddenly he made the pieces of them fly into the wood, and smote them down from their horses. Diomedes was at that time risen, and with great fury and discontentedness, with many of his complices came unto the rescue of his thieves, whom Hercules used as he would. And whiles that some assailed him before, he came behind, and smote him with his axe upon his helm, the stroke whereof was so great that the fire sprang out. Diomedes had well thought to have murdered Hercules: yet Hercules moved not for the stroke, but a little bowed his head. After this than he lift up his club, and smote among the thieves, and maugre them all, in less than an hour he had so belaboured the iron about their backs, that of the hundred he slew sixty, and the other he all to bruised and frushed and put to flight with Diomedes. But Hercules running more swiftly than an horse, among all other pursued Diomedes so nigh, that he reached him by the leg, and pulled him down from his horse, and cast him down against a tree unto the earth. After he took him by the body, and by main force, bore him unto the place where the battle had been. There he dishelmed him and unarmed him with little resistance. For Diomedes was then all to bruised, and might not help himself, and when he had him thus at his will, he bond him by the feet and by the hands. After this he assembled together twenty horses of the thieves, that ran dispersed in the wood, and came to Diomedes, and said to him. O thou cursed enemy, that hast employed all thy time in tyranny, and didst never one good deed, but all thy days hast lived in multiplying of sins and vices, and hast troubled the people by thefts & prays irreparable, and that hast nourished thy horses with man's flesh, & by this cruelty hadst supposed to have made me to die: Certes I will do justice upon thee, and will do to thine evil person, like as thou wouldst have done to mine. Then Hercules laid the tyrant in the midst of the horses, which had great hunger, and they anon devoured him, for they loved man's flesh. And thus when Hercules had put the tyrant to death, he took his arms, in sign of victory, and returned unto Phylotes that abode him.  
Philotes had great joy, when he saw Hercules return, he inquired of him how he had done, and how he had borne him. And Hercules hide nor concealed nothing from him. What shall I say? with great joy and gladness they returned unto the Greeks', and did cause to disancre their ships, and sailed for to arrive at the port or haven of Thrace. Then would Hercules make to be known, & published in Thrace the death of king Diomedes. Whereat was a great uproar. This notwithstanding, Hercules took to Philotes the arms of Diomedes, and sent him into the city for to summon them that governed it, and for to yield it into his hands. Philotes went into the palace of Thrace, and made to be assembled them that then were principal in the City. When they were assembled, Phylotes did then open to them his charge and message, and summoned the Thraciens, that they should deliver their city into the hands of Hercules: Saying that Hercules was he that had put to death Diomedes for his evil living, and for the love of the common weal: and that the city could do no better but to receive him at his coming, for he would not pill it, but he would only bring it to good policy. When he had done this summons, to the end that they should believe him, he discovered and showed unto them the arms of Diomedes.  
When the Thraciens heard Phylotes, and saw the arms of Diomedes, some of the complices and companions of Diomedes and thieves, were full of great rage, and would have taken the arms from Phylotes. The other that were wise and notable men, & that many years had desired the end of their king (seeing his arms) knew assuredly that Diomedes was dead, and full of joy answered to Philotes. Forasmuch as Hercules was a king of great renown and wisdom, and that he had done a work of great merit in the death of Diomedes they would receive him with good heart into the city. Without long discourses, the Thraciens went unto the gate, and opened it. Phylotes returned then unto Hercules and told unto him these tidings. Hercules and the Greeks went out of their Galleys, and entered into Thrace in space of time. The Thraciens brought them unto the palace where were yet many thieves. Hercules put all the thieves to death, not in the same night, but during the space of ten days that he sojourned there. He set the city in good nature of policy. He delivered it from the evil thieves, he made judges by election, at the pleasure of the people. And then when he had done all these things, he departed from Thrace with great thanks, as well of the old as of the young. He mounted upon the Sea, and after by succession of time without any adventure to speak of, he did so much that he came unto his realm of Lycie, into his palace, where he was received with great joy of the inhabitants, and also of the neighbours. And there he abode with the fair you'll, whom he loved above all temporal goods.   

CHAP. XXX. ¶ How Deianira was full of sorrow, forasmuch as Hercules loved you'll, etc.  
Theseus' then, after the return of Hercules, seeing that he would abide there, and that there was no mention, that in all the world was any monster nor tyrant, took leave of his fellow Hercules, of you'll, of Phylotes, and of other, & went to Athens, and to Thebes. Likewise the Greeks took leave, and every man returned into his country, and to his house, recounting and telling in all the places where they went, the great adventures and the glorious works of Hercules. Then the renown that runneth and flieth by realms and Empires as swiftly as the wind, so swiftly came unto Iconie whereas Deianira sojourned, and it was said to Deianira, that Hercules was returned from Spain, with great glory and triumph, and that he was descended into Lycia. Dame Deianira for this renown, was glad, and all ravished with a great and singular pleasure, and concluded that she would go unto him. Yet she was abashed for that he had not signified to her his coming, and that he had not sent for her, sore pensive and doubting, that she should be fallen out of the grace of Hercules. She made ready her company, and in right noble estate she departed from Iconie, on a day, for to go into Lycia. In process of time, she came nigh unto Licia. Then she tarried there for to attire and array her in the best and the most fairest wise she could or might, and called her squire named Lycus, and commanded him that he should go into Licia, and signify to Hercules her coming. At the commandment of Deianira, Lycus went forthwith into the City, and that happened right at the gate, he encountered and met a man of his acquaintance, a squire of Hercules. Lycus and the squire gréeted and saluted each other. After this, Lycus asked of the squire, and demanded him, where the king was, and if he were in his palace? yea verily said the squire, he is there, I wot well, and passeth the time with his Lady you'll, the most beautiful, and out of measure most replendissant Lady that is in all the world, as great as it is. Each man alloweth her, and praiseth her a thousand times more than Deianira. Hercules hath her in so much grace, that continually they be together. And whatsoever the Lady doth, it is acceptable unto Hercules: and there is no man that can say or tell the great love that they have together.  
Lycus hearing these tidings of the squire, took leave of him, and made semblance to have let fall, or left behind him some of his gems or jewels: forasmuch as he was of opinion in himself, that it was good that he had advertised her for his estate. Pensive and simple he came to Deianira, where as she was attiring herself preciously, and said to her. Madam what do ye here? Wherefore answered Deianira? Therefore said Lycus. Why is there any thing, said Deianira? what tidings? Lycus answered: hard tidings. I have heard say and tell of Hercules, things full of such hardness, that certes it is right grievous to me to say unto you. Howbeit since that ye become thus far, and that ye must needs know, and understand them: I tell and say to you certainly, that your Lord Hercules is in his palace right joyfully, and that he hath with him a Lady, fair by excellency, whom he loveth and much delighteth in above all things, for her beauty, which is so high and great, that each man marveleth, and say, she is the most sovereign in beauty, that ever was seen with man's eye.  
Behold, and advise you well, what ye will do, ere ye go any further: this day it is needful to abide, and take council and advise.  
At the hearing of these tidings, Deianira was passing angry, and was all bespread with a right great sorrow in all her veins. She began to quake and tremble. Her fair hair that was finely dressed on her head, she all to tore it with her hands in so furious manner, that she disatyred her, and smote herself with her fist to great a stroke upon her breast, that she fell down backward in a sown. The ladies and the gentlewomen that accompanied her shrieked, and cried dolorously, and were sore moved at seeing her blood. At length Deianira came to herself again, all pale and wan, and thinking on the sorrow that engendered in her, and also on the sorrow that was coming to her, she spoke, and said with a feeble & low voice. Poor Deianira what shalt thou do? or whither shalt thou go? thou that findest thyself forsaken and put back from the love of thy lord Hercules? Alas, alas, is it possible that the new coming of a lady, may take away my husband? The heart late joined to Deianira, shall it be disjoined, by the finding of a woman of folly? shall she make the separation? I hope verily it may not be: For Hercules is noble of heart and loveth virtue: and if he abandon and give me over, he shall do against virtue and nobleness. I have affiance in him that he will be true to me. Madam (said Lycus) ye fail nothing to say that Hercules is noble and full of virtue: for he hath employed all his time in virtuous things: howbeit, he is a man, and hath taken in love this new woman, for her beauty: affy not you so much in his virtue, lest your confidence beguile and deceive you: know well that fortune entertaineth not long princes and princesses on the top above of her wheel: there is none yet so high, but that he maketh them sometime lie beneath among them that suffer trouble. Behold and see well what ye have to do. If ye go unto Hercules, and he receive you not as he hath been accustomed, that shall be to you a cause of despair. Men say, that he loveth sovereignty this new lady: It is apparent then, that he shall set but a little store by your coming: and if ye go, the Lady will be evil content she hath renown, and every man is glad to do her pleasure. There shallbe no man so hardy to welcome you, for the love of her. Go not thither then, the peril is too great: I council you for the better, that ye return into Iconie, and that ye hear this thing patiently, in attending and abiding until that the fire and the fume of this lady be quenched. For, whereas Hercules is all another manner of man then the most part of men be: so shall he leave the love of this lady a little and a little, etc.  
Deianira considering that Lycus counseled her truly, believed well this council: and right sore weeping she returned into Iconie. When she was in the house at Iconie, than she deprived herself of all worldly pleasure, and held her solitarily, without going to feasts or to plays. Thus abiding in this solitude, her grievous annoy grew more and more, by so great vexations, that she was constrained to make infinite bewailing and sighs. The continual comfort of her ladies might give to her no solace. The innumerable speeches that they used unto her ears, for to make her pass the time might never take away Hercules out of her mind. She passed and lived many days this life, having always her ear open for to know if Hercules sent for her. In the end when she had waited long, and saw that nothing came, and that neither man nor woman was coming to bring her tidings from the person of Hercules, she made a letter, which she delivered to Lycus, for to bear unto Hercules, and charged him to deliver it to no person, but to the proper hand of him that she sent it unto. Lycus took the letter, and went unto Licie, and two mile from the city, he met Hercules in a cross way. Hercules came from arcady, where he had newly slain a wild boar, so great that there was never none seen like to him. When then Lycus saw Hercules, he made to him reverence, and presented his letter to him, saluting him from Deianira. Hercules waxed red, and changed colour, when he heard speak of Deianira. He received the letter amiably and read it, and found therein contained, as as here followeth.  
Hercules my Lord, the man of the world that I most desire, I humbly beseech & earnestly entreat you, that you have regard to your true servant and unworthy lover Deianira. Alas Hercules, alas. Where is become the love of the time past? ye have now sojourned many days in Licie, & ye have let me have no knowledge thereof. Certes, that is to me a right dolorous grief to suffer and bear: for I desire not to be deified nor to mount into the celestial mansions, with the sun, with the moon, nor with the stars, but without feigning or breaking of a free heart, I desire your solemn communication. I may from henceforth no more feign. It is said to me that you have another wife besides me. Alas Hercules have I made any fault against your worthiness? wherefore give ye me over and abandon me? How may ye do so? men name you the man virtuous. Ye abandon me and forsake me: and that is against virtue. Though now ye do it, I have seen the time that ye were my husband, in embracing us together, and kissing, you showed then to me semblance of good liking & of joy. Now, let ye her alone that ye loved, as a poor castaway. Alas where be the witnesses of our marriage? where be the eternal vows & oaths that we made one to another. Men be deaf & blind, but the Gods hear and see: wherefore I pray you, that ye consider, that which ye ought to consider: and that ye hold your good name more dearer, than ye do the love of your new acquainted gossip that maketh you to err against virtue, whereof ye have so great a renown, & I pray you hastily writ to me your pleasure, etc.  
When Hercules had read from the beginning to the end, the letter of Deianira, as he yet beheld and saw it, you'll came unto him, with three hundred gentlewomen, for to be merry, and to make cheer with Hercules. Hercules then closed the letter, and returned into Licie, holding you'll by the hand: howbeit when he was in his palace, he forgot not Deianira, but found means for to go into his study, and there wrote a letter: and when it was finished, he took it to Lycus, for to present it to Deianira. Lycus took the letter and returned home again to Deianira. First he told her the tidings, and of the state of you'll. After he delivered to her the letter, containing, that he recommended him unto her, and that he had none other wife but her, and that he prayed her that she would not give her to think any evil, but to live in hope and in patience, as a wise lady and noble aught, and is bound to do, for her honour and credit. This letter little or nought comforted Deianira, she was so vehemently attainted with jealousy. Her sorrow redoubled and grew. In this redoubling, she wrote yet another letter, which she sent to Hercules, and that contained these words that follow.  
Hercules, alas and what availeth me to be the wife of so noble a husband as ye be? your nobleness is to me more hurtful than profitable. O fortune, I was wont to rejoice, for all day I heard none other things but commendations and praisings of your prowesses and right glorious deeds and exploits, wherewith the world was inlumined and shone. Now must I be angry and take displeasure in your works that be foul & full of vices. All Greece murmureth at you, and the people say, that ye were wont to be the vanquisher of all things, & no● ye be vanquished by the foolish love of you'll. Alas Hercules, and how? shall I be separated from you, and he holden the waiting drudge of the caitiff you'll? She is your Caitiff, for ye have slain her father, and have taken her in the prize of Calidonie, and yet now she hath the place of your lawful wife. Alas, have I said well, married? for to be named the fair daughter of jupiter king of the heaven and of the earth? Now shall I no more be called so, it is not always happy to mount unto the most high estate. For from as much as I have mounted in height, and was your fellow, from so far I feel myself fall into the more great peril. O Hercules, if for my beauty ye took me to your wife, I may well curse that beauty: for that is cause of the grievous shame, that is to me all evident, for to prognosticate mine harm and ill to come. And that is to come, cannot your astronomers see that? I would I knew that. I wot well your beauty and my beauty have brought my heart into the straight prison of sorrow without end. And I may not count them but for enemies, since by them all sorrows come unto me. The ladies have joy in the pre-eminence of their husbands, but I have ill fortune and mishap. I see nothing but displeasure in my marriage. O Hercules, I think all day on you, that ye go in great perils of arms, and of fierce beasts, and tempests of the sea, and in the false perils of the world. Mine heart trembleth, and hath right great fear of that I ought to have comfort and hope of wealth. All that I remember in my mind, and think on in the day, I dream on in the night: and then me thinketh verily, that I see the cutting sharp swords enter in me, and the heads of the spears: and after me thinketh, that I see issue out of the caves of the forests and deserts, lions, and wild monsters, that ease my flesh. Since the beginning of our alliance unto this day, I have had all the days and nights such pains for you, and borne and suffered them. But alas, all these things are but little in comparison of the pains that I now suffer and endure, forasmuch as ye maintain strange women, and a woman of all folly. May she be called the mother of your children, by whom the sparkles of foul renown shall abide with you. With this spot or vice is my pain redoubled, and it pierceth my soul. I am troubled with the dishonour of your ample highness. The people say, that ye are made as a woman, and live after the guise and manner of a woman, and spin on the rock: where ye were wont to strangle lions with your hands, ye● leave the exercise of arms, and to be known in far countries and realms, in showing your virtue, like as you were wont to do, for the only company of the caitiff you'll, that holdeth and abuseth you. O cursed company and foul abuse. Speak to me Hercules, if the right high and mighty men that thou hast vanquished, as Diomedes of Thrace, Antheon of Libie, Busire of Egypt, Geryon of Spain, and Cacus the great thief saw thee thus holden to do nought, for the beauty of a daughter that soon shall pass, what would they say? Certes they would not repute them worthy to be vanquished of thee, and would show and point at thee with their fingers, as at a man shamed, and made like a woman, living in the lap of a woman. O how strong is you'll? when her hands that are not worthy nor meet to thread a needle, hath taken thy club, and brandished thy sword wherewith thou hast put in fear all the earth? Alas Hercules, have you not in remembrance that in your childhood, lying in your cradle, ye slew the two serpents. You being a child were a man, and now when you have been a man, are you become a woman, or a child? This is the work of a woman, to hold himself always with a woman: or, it is the deed of a child, for to enamour himself on a woman of folly. The truth must be said, you began better than you end: your last deeds answer not the first, your labours shall never be answerable nor worthy your praisings nor your lands. For all the commendation & praising is in the end. Whosoever he be that beginneth a work, whereof the beginning is fair, & the end foul, all is lost. Surely Hercules, when I behold the glorious beginning that virtue made in you, and see that you now be vicious, all my strength faileth, and mine arms fall down as a woman in a trance or a swoon, and without spirit: and it may not seem to me true, that those arms (that bare away by force the sheep from the garden, belonging to the daughters of Athlas) may fall into so great a fault, as for to embrace and beclip fleshly another wife than his own. This notwithstanding, I am assured of a truth, that you hold not caitiff you'll, as a caitiff, but as your own wife: not in prison, but at her pleasure, in chamber finely be decked, and in bed curteined and hanged: not disguised and secretly, as many hold their concubines: but openly and with shameless face showing herself right glorious to the people, & as that she may so do lawfully. For she holdeth you prisoner and caitiff, and she hath put the fetters about your neck, by her Italian jugglings & shifts, whereof I have great shame in myself. But as for the amendment, I will discharge my mind, I cannot better it, but pray to the gods that they will purvey for remedy.   

CHAP. XXXI. ¶ How Deianira sent to Hercules a shirt envenomed: and how Hercules burned himself in the fire of his sacrifice: and how Deianira slew herself when she knew that Hercules was dead, by the means of her ignorance, etc.  
WHen Hercules had read this letter, he understood well what it contained, and was smitten with remorse of conscience. By this remorse, he understood that virtue was stained in him: he was then very pensive, and so much deprived from all pleasure, that none durst come to him in a great while and space, save only they that brought to him meat and drink. Neither you'll durst not go to him, Licas that had brought this letter, was there waiting and attending the answer long. No man could know whereof proceeded the pensiveness of Hercules, nor the cause why he withdrew himself from the people. In the end, when Hercules had been long pensive, and had thought upon all his affairs, and what he had to do: for to withdraw himself, and to get himself from you'll, he departed from his chamber on a day, saying, that he would go and make sacrifice to the god Apollo, upon the mount named Oeta, and commanded, and forbade, upon pain of death, that no man should follow him except Phylotes. By adventure, as he issued out of his palace, accompanied only with Phylotes, for to go upon the mount, he met Licas. Licas made to him reverence, and demanded of him, if it pleased him any thing to send to Deianira. Hercules' answered to Licas, that he would go make his sacrifice to the god Apollo, and that at his return and coming again, he would go unto her, or else he would send unto her.  
With this word Hercules and Phylotes passed forth, and went on their pilgrimage. And Licas returned unto Deianira, and told to her the joyful tidings that he had received of Hercules, and also what life Hercules had lead since the day and the hour that he had presented to him her letter. Deianira all comforted with these good tidings, went into her chamber, and thanked the gods, and fortune. Anon after, she began to think on her estate, and thus thinking, she remembered her of the poison that Nessus had given her, being at the point of death, & how she had kept it in one of her coffers: and forthwith incontinently she opened the coffer, and took the cursed poison, and one of the shirts of Hercules: and as she that imagined by the virtue of the poison to draw again to her the love of Hercules, like as Nessus had said unto her, she made the shirt to be boiled with the poison, and gave the charge thereof to one of her women. When the shirt was boiled enough, the woman took the vessel, and set it to cool. After she took out the shirt openly, and wrong it, but she could not so soon have wrung it, but the fire sprang in her hands so vehemently, that as she cast it upon a perch to dry, she fell down dead.  
In process of time, Deianira desiring to have the shirt, and seeing the woman that had charge thereof, brought it not, she went into the chamber where the shirt had been boiled, and found the woma● dead, whereof she had great marvel. Nevertheless she passed the death lightly, and by one of her damsels she made take the shirt that hanged on the perch and was dry, and commanded her that she should fold it and wind it in a handkerchief.  
At the commandment of Deianira the damosel folded and wrapped the shirt. But so doing, she was served with the poison in such wise that she lost her speech, and died anon after. This notwithstanding Deianira that thought on nothing, but for to come to her intention, took the shirt, and delivered it to Lycus, and charged him that he should bear it to Hercules, praying him in her name, that he would wear it. Lycus, that was ready to accomplish the will of his mistress, took the charge of the dolorous shirt, and departed from thence, and went into the mountain whereas Hercules was, and there he found him in a forest, whereas was the temple of Diana: Hercules had no man with him but Phylotes, which made ready for him a great fire for to sacrifice an hart that Hercules had taken running at a course. Lycus then finding Hercules in the temple, he kneeled down low to him, and said, Sir, here is a shirt that your waiting woman and servant Deianira sendeth unto you. She recommendeth her humbly unto your good grace, and prayeth you that ye will receive this present in good part, as from your wife. Hercules was joyous of these words, and anon unclotheth him, for to do on this cursed shirt. Saying, that verily she was his wife, and that he would for her sake wear this shirt. In doing on this shirt, he felt a great dolour and pain in his body. This notwithstanding, he did on his other clothes above, as he that thought none evil. When he was clothed and the shirt was warm, his pain and sorrow grew more and more. Then he began to think, and knew anon that his malady came of his shirt, and feeling the pricking of the venom, without long tarrying, he took off his rob, & supposed to have taken off his shirt from his back, and to have rend it, and spoilt it. But he was not strong enough for to do so, for the shirt held so sore, and cleaved so fast and terribly to his flesh, and was so fastened to his skin, by the vigour of the sharp poison, in such wise that he tore out his flesh, and bare away certain pieces thereof, when he would have taken off his shirt, etc.  
Hercules knew then, that he was hurt and wounded to the death. Death began to fight against him, he began to resist by drawing of his shirt from his body with pieces of his flesh and of his blood, but all might not avail. He all to rent and tore his back, his thighs, his body unto his entrails and guts, his arms, his shoulders unto the bones, and still his dolour and pain grew and enlarged to be more and more. Thus as he returned, in the force of his great dolorous pain, he beheld Lycus and another fellow that he had brought with him, that were all abashed of this adventure. Then he went to them, and said unto Lycus. Thou cursed and unhappy man: what thing hath moved thee to come hither under the false friendship of Deianira, to bring me into the chance of this misfortune: What thinkest thou, that thou hast done? Thou hast served me with a shirt intoxicate with mortal venom. Who hath introduced thee to do this? thou must needs receive thy desert. And saying these words, Hercules caught by the head poor Lycus, that witted not what to say, and threw him against a rock so fiercely, that he to frushed and all to broke his bones, and so slew him. The fellow of Licas fled, and hide him in a bush. Phylotes was so afraid, that he will not what to do. At the hour that Hercules was in this case, much people came into the temple. The entrails of Hercules were troubled. His blood boiled in all his veins, the poison pierced unto his heart, his sinews shrunk and withdrew them. When he felt himself in this misery, and that death hasted his end by terrible pain, as he that could not take away the repugnance of his virtuous force, striving against the malice of venom, he began to run, over hill, and over valley, up and down the forest, and pulled up the great trees and overthrew them. After, he began to rend off his shirt, with the flesh that was sodden and broiled. When he had long lead this life, he returned unto the temple, all assured of death, & lift up his hands and eyes unto the heaven, and said: Alas, alas ●ust it be that fortune laugh at me for this miserable destiny coming of the accusation of mad ie●●dulle and sorcery of that woman that in the world I held and reputed most wise and most virtuous? O Deianira, unnatural woman without wit, without shame, and without honour, with an heart of a tyrant, all besotted with jealousy: how hast thou been able to contrive against me this fury and treason envenomed? false feminine will unnatural, out of rule and out of order, thou hadst never so much honour and worship as thou now hast deserved blame: not only for thee alone, but for all the women that do, or ever shall be in the world. For if it happen that kings or princes acquaint them with ladies or gentlewomen, for the multipliance of mankind, they will never have credit, nor affiance in their proper wives. O Deianira, what hast thou done? The women present, and they that be in the wombs of their mothers, all shall spit at thee in thy face, and shall curse thee without end, for the reproach by thee turning upon them infinite: and men will have dread for to be served with the like shirt, etc.  
Alas Deianira, what shall Calcedonie now do that glorified her in thy glory, and put and set thee in the front of their honour, as a carbuncle for the decking of their precious things? In steed to set thee in the front, they shall cast thee under feet, and in steed to have glory of thee, they shall have shame: hereof they may not fail, for by impiety and diverse engines, and by conspired and swollen cruelty, thou hast conspired my death, and haste broached and unfolded, not recurable misfortune, for thee and me, and for our friends and kinsmen. O Deianira, thy malice as an unhappy and most cursed serpent, hath wrought this malicious and reproachful murder. Thy false jealousy hath more power to extermine my life, then have had all the monsters of the world. By thine offence and by thy mischievous sleight hid and covert, where from I could not keep me, I must die and pass out of this world. Since it is so, I thank fortune, and ask of the Gods no vengeance of thee: but certes to the end it be not said, that the vanquisher of man, he not vanquished by a woman, I will not pass the bitter passage of death by thy mortal sorceries full of abomination: but by the fire that is neat and clear, and the most excellent of the elements.  
These dolorous, and sorrowful words accomplished, Hercules took his club, and cast it in the fire, that was made ready for to make his sacrifice. After he gave to Philotes his bow and his arrows, and then he prayed him, that he would recommend him to you'll, and to his friends: and then feeling that his life had no longer for to sojourn, he took leave of Phylotes and then, as all  and sodden, he laid him down in the fire, lifting his hands & his eyes unto the heaven, and there consummated the course of his glorious life: When Phylotes saw the end of his master Hercules, he burned his body to ashes, and kept those ashes in intention to bear them to the temple that the king evander had caused to make. After, he departed from thence, and returned into Licia, greatly discomforted: and with a great fountain of tears he recounted to you'll and to his friends the piteous death of Hercules. No man could recount the great sorrow that you'll made, and they of Licia, as well the students as rural people. All the world fell in tears, in sighs, and in bewailinges for his death. So much abounded you'll in tears and weepings, that her heart was as drowned, and forthwith departed her soul from the body by the bitter water of her weeping. Each body cursed and spoke shame of Deianira. Finally, Deianira advertised by the fellow of Lycus of the mischief that was come by the shirt, she fell in despair, and made many bewailinges: and among all other she said, What have I done? Alas, what have I done? The most notable man of men, shining among the clerks, he that traversed the strange coasts of the earth and hell: he that bodily conversed among men, and spiritually among the sun, the moon and the stars, and that sustained the circumference of the heavens, is dead, by my cause, & by my fault, and without my fault. He is dead by my fault: for I have sent to him the shirt that hath given to him the taste of death. But this is without my fault: for I knew nothing of the poison. O mortal poison. By me is he deprived of his life, of whom I loved the life as much as I did mine own. He that bodily dwelled among the men here on earth, and spiritually above with the sun, the moon and celestial bodies: He that was the fountain of Science, by whom the Athenians arrowsed and bedewed their wits and skills: he that made the monsters of the sea to tremble in their abysms and swallows, and destroyed the monsters of hell: He confounded the monsters of the earth, the tyrants he corrected, the insolent and proud he humbled and meeked: The humble and meek he enhanced and exalted: He that made no treasure but of virtue: he that subdued all the nations of the world and conquered them with his club: and he that if he had would, by ambition of signory might have attained to be king of the East, of the West, of the South and of the North, of the seas and of the mountains: of all these he might have named him king and Lord by good right, if he had would. Alas, alas, what am I own ●● all unhappy time? when so high and so mighty a prince is dead by my simpleness: he was the glory of men. There was never to him none like: nor never shallbe. Ought I to live after him? Nay certes, that shall I never do. For, to the end that among the Ladies I be not showed nor pointed with the finger, and that I fall not into stranger's hands, for to be punished forasmuch as I have deserved shame and blame by this death, I will do the vengeance on myself. And with that she took a knife, and saying, I feel myself, and know that I am innocent of the death of my Lord Hercules, with the point of the knife, she ended her desperate life. Whereat Phylotes was all abashed: and so were all they of Gréece, that long wept and bewailed Hercules, and his death. And they of Athens bewailed him exceedingly, some for his science, and other for his virtues, whereof I will now cease speaking, beseeching her that is cause of this translation out of French, into this simple and rude English, that is to wit, my right redoubted lady Margaret by the grace of God Duchess of Burgoine and of Brabant, Sister to my sovereign Lord the king of England and of France, etc. that she will receive my rude labour, acceptably and in good liking.  
Thus endeth the second book of the Collection of histories of Troy. Which books were late translated into French out of Latin, by the labour of the venerable person Raoulle Feure priest, as afore is said, and by me, unfit and unworthy, translated into this rude English, by the commandment of my said redoubted Lady Duchess of Burgoine. And forasmuch as I suppose the said two books have not been had before this time in our English language: therefore I had the better will to accomplish this said work, which work was begun in Bruges, and continued in Gaunt, and finished in Colein, in the time of the troublous world, and of the great divisions being and reigning, aswell in the realms of England and France, as in all other places universally through the world, that is to wit, the year of our Lord a thousand four hundred seventy and one. And as for the third book which treateth of the general and last destruction of Troy: It needeth not to translate it into English, forasmuch as that worshipful and religious man john Lidgate moonk of Bury did translate it but late, after whose work, I fear to take upon me (that am not worthy to bear this penner and inkhorn after him) to meddle at all in that work. But yet, forasmuch as I am bound to obey and please my said ladies good grace: and also that his work is in rhyme: and as far as I know it is not had in prose in our tongue: and also peradventure, he translated it after some other author than this is: and, forasmuch as divers men be of divers desires, some to read in rhyme & meeter, and some in prose: and also, because that I have now good leisure, being in Coleine, and having none other thing to do at this time: to eschew idleness, mother of all vices, I have deliberated in myself, for the contemplation of my said redoubted Lady, to take this labour in hand, by the sufferance and help of almighty God, whom I meekly beseech to give me grace to accomplish it, to the pleasure of her that that is causer thereof: and that she receive it in gree, of me her faithful, true and most humble servant, etc.   
The end of the second Book.   

❧ The table for the second book● of the Collection of the historoyes of Troy.  

How Hercules fought against thre● Lions in the forest of Nemee: and how he slew them and took their skin 〈◊〉 Chap. 1. pag. ●45  
How juno sent Hercules into Egypt 〈◊〉 to be slain of the tyrant Bul●●● of how Hercules slew the tyrant, against the hope of ●●no. Chap. 2. ●●●  
How Hercules espoused Megara, and how he 〈…〉 knight in Thebes. Chap. 3. ●●●  
How the Centaurs ravished Hippodamia at the wedding of Pyrothus: and how Hercules recovered her aga●●●● vanquished the Centaurs in battle. Chap. 4. ●●●  
How Pluto ravished Proserpina: and how Orpheus' 〈◊〉 for her into hell, and the queen Ceres came 〈◊〉 wedding of Pyrothus: and Theseus and Pyroth●● fought with Cerberus porter of the said hell. Chap. 5. pag. 265  
How Hercules found Pyrothus dead at hell gates, and Theseus' in danger: and how Hercules vanquished Cerberus, and how he conquered Proserpina from Plato. Chap. 6. 27●  
How Andromeda delivered Lyncus from his enemies: and how he slew in battle the king Creon, and took the city of Thebes. Chap. 7. 279  
How Hercules entered into Thebes in an unknown habit. ● bite and how● he put to death the giant Lincus, and his complices, and his wife Megara Chap. 8, 283  
How Hercules put to death the king Laomedon, and destroyed Troy the second time. Chap. 9 287  
How Hercules and Asser assailed by battle the giant Antheon, and how they vanquished him in battle the first time. Chap. 10. 291  
How Hercules took the king Athlas, and he studied astronomy, and the seven liberal sciences. Chap. 11. 295  
How Hercules assembled his battle against Antheon, king of the Libyans, whom he put to flight: and how he killed the king of Cothuly. Chap. 12. 300  
How Hercules fought again, against king Antheon, and put him unto death. Chap. 13. 302  
How Hercules and Theseus fought together against the two damsels of Scithie. Chap. 14. 304  
How Hercules began to wax amorous of Deianira: and how Achelous and Hercules had battle the one against the other and how Achelous was vanquished. Chap. 15 pag. 308  
How Hercules put to foil the king Achelous: and how 〈◊〉 espoused Deianira. Chap. 16. 323  
How Nessus ravished Deianira from Hercules, when he passed with her over the river: and how Hercules slew Nessus with an arrow. Chap. 17. 328  
How Hercules fought against the serpent of Palus of of Learn, and slew him. Chap. 18. 331  
How Hercules went into Spain, and fought on the Sea against king Geryon, and vanquished him: and how he took the city of Megidda and entered therein. Cham 19 336  
How Geryon assailed Hercules the second time before Megidda: and how Hercules slew his brethren, and vanquished his army, and constrained Geryon to flee. Chap. 20. 341  
How Hercules pursued Geryon: and how he went and vanquished him, and put him to death at the port of Corogne. Chap. 21. 349  
How Hercules founded the City of the Corogne upon the Tomb of Geryon. Chap. 22. 352  
How Hercules assailed the king Cacus, and overcame him, and how Cacus began to tyrannize in Italy. Chap. 23. 354  
How Hercules fought against the 11. giants of Cremona, and vanquished them. chap. 24. 364  
How Cacus stolen away the oxen and kine of Hercules: and how Hercules fought with him therefore, and slew him. chap. 25. 375  
How the queen of Laurentia was enamoured of Hercules: and how king Pricus came into Italy with a great host, and sent to defy Hercules. chap. 26. 386  
How Hercules fought against the king Pricus, which fled into his city, where Hercules alone slew him and many more with him. chap 27. 392  
How Hercules was enamoured on you'll the daughter of king Pricus, and required her of love, and she accorded unto him. chap 28. 399  
How Hercules fought against Diomedes, in the forest of Thrace: and how he made his horse to eat him. Chap. 29. 405  
How Deianira was full of sorrow, forasmuch as Hercules loved you'll, chap. 30. 411  
How Deianira sent to Hercules a shirt envenomed: and how Hercules burned himself in the fire of his sacrifice: and how Deianira slew herself, when she knew that Hercules was dead by the means of her ignorance. chap. 31. 419   
FINIS.   

❧ In these two Books precedent, we have (by the help of God) treated of the two first destructions of Troy, with the noble acts and deeds of the strong and puissant Hercules, that undertook and did so many wonders, that the wit and skill of all men may well marvel.  
And also how he slew the king Laomedon, beat down, and put his city of Troy to ruin. Now in the third and last book (God assisting, we will tell how the said City was by Priamus' son of the said king Laomedon re-edified, and repaired more strong and more fortified then ever it was before.  
And afterward, how for the ravishment of of dame Helen, wife of king Menelaus of Greece, the said city was totally destroyed, and Priamus with Hector and all his sons slain, with nobles out of number: as it shall appear in the process of the Chapters.  
Imprinted at London by Valentine Simmes. 1597.   

¶ The third Book of the destruction of Troy.  

CHAP. I. ¶ How the king Priamus re-edified the city of Troy more strong than ever it was before: and of his sons and daughters. And how after many counsels he sent Antenor and Polydamas into Greece, for to demand his sister Exione, that Ajax maintained.  
FOr to enter then into the matter, ye have heard heretofore of the second destruction of Troy, how Hercules had taken prisoner Priamus the son of king Laomedon, and had put him in prison. Howbeit Dares of Frigte saith, that his father had sen● him to move war in a strange country, where he had been right-long, wherefore he was not at that discomfiture. This Priamus had espoused and wedded a very noble Lady, daughter of Egyptius, king of Thrace, by whom he had five sons and three daughters of great beauty, The first of the sons was named Hector, the most worthy and best knight of the world. The second son was named Paris, and by surname Alexander, the which was the fairest knight of the world, and the best shooter and drawer of a bow. The third was called Deiphobus, right hardy and discreet. The fourth was named He●enus, a man of great science, and knew all the arts liberal. The fift and the last was called Troilus, that was one of the best knights and puissant that was in his time.  
Virgil recounteth, that he had two other sons by his wife, of whom the one was named Polidorus. This Polydorus was sent by king Priamus with great plenty of gold, unto a king his friend, for to have aid against the Greeks. But this king seeing that king Priamus was in deadly strife against the Greeks, and also being moved with covetise, slew Polydorus, and buried him in an Isle of the Sea. The other son was named Ganimedes, whom jupiter stole away, & made him his bottle carrier, in the steed of Hebe the daughter of juno, whom he put out of that said office. The eldest of the daughters of king Priamus was named C●eusa, which was wife to Aeneas: and this Aeneas was son of Anchyses and of Venus, of Numidia. The second daughter was named Cassandra: and was a right noble Virgin, adorned and learned with Sciences, and knew things that were for to come. And the third was named Polixena, that was the fairest daughter, and the best formed that was known in all the world. Yet above these children heretofore rehearsed, king Priamus had thirty bastard sons by divers women, that were valiant knights, noble and hardy.  
When then king Priamus was in a strange Country, he was occupied and very much employed in the sense and profession of war, the Queen and her children were there with him. The tidings and news came to him that the king Laomedon his father was slain, his City was destroyed, and his noble men were put to death, their daughters brought in servitude, and also his sister Exione.  
At these sorrowful tidings he was greatly grieved, and wept abundantly, and made 〈◊〉 lamentations. And anon incontinent her left his siege, and finished his war, and returned hastily 〈…〉 and when he found it so destroyed, he beg●●● to make the most ●●row of the world that 〈…〉. And after he had 〈…〉 cell to make again the 〈◊〉. Then he began to ●●●●●ie the city so great and so strong, that he never ought to doubt his enemies: & did close it with right high walls, and with great Towers of Marble. The city was so great that the circ●●se was 〈…〉 journey. And at that time in all the world was none so great, nor no●e so fair nor so excellently compassed.  
In this City were six principal gates, of which the one was named Dardan, the second Timbria, the th●●● Helias, the fourth Cheta, the 〈◊〉 Troyen, and the 〈◊〉 Antenorides. These gates were right great and fa●re, and of strong defence. And there were in the city rich ●●●ces, without number, the fairest that ever were, and the fairest houses, rich and well compassed. Also there were in many parts of the city, divers fair places and pleasant for the citizens to sport and play in. In this City were men of all Crafts, and Merchants that went and came from all the parts of the world. In the middle of the city ran a great river named Paucus, which bare ships, and did bring great profit and solace unto the inhabitants.  
When the City was thus made, the king Priamus did cause to come all the people and inhabitants of the country there abouts, and made them dwell in the city. And there came so many, that there was never 〈◊〉 ●●ter furnished with people and with noble men and ●●●●ns, than it was. There were found many ga●●es and 〈…〉 richest Palaces and strongest that ever was in all the world. And it was of height five hundred paces, besides the height of the Towers, whereof was great plenty, and so high that it seemed to them that saw them from far they reached unto the heaven. And in this rich palace, the king Priamus did make the richest hall that was at that time in the world: within which was his rich Throne, and the table whereupon he did eat and held his estate among his Lords and Barons: and all that longed thereto, was of gold and of silver, of precious stones, and of ivory.  
In this hall, at one corner, was an altar of gold and precious stones, which was consecrated in the name and worship of jupiter their God, to which altar went men up twenty degrees or steps. And upon the altar was the Image of jupiter of fifteen foot of height, all beset and and arrayed with precious stones. For in that God jupiter was all the hope and trust of the king Priamus, for to hold his reign long, and in all prosperity, etc.  
When he saw that he had so fair a City, so strong and so well peopled, and with that so rich of goods, he began to take some displeasure at the wrongs that the Greeks' had done unto him, and thought long how he might revenge him. Then he assembled on a certain day all his Barons, and held a rich Court. At this Court Hector his eldest son was not, for he was in the parties of Pannony, on the affairs and certain works of his father, forasmuch as Pannonie was subject unto the king Priamus. When king Priamus saw all his folk assembled and gathered before him, he began to speak, saying in this manner. O men and true friends, that be partners of my great injuries to me done by the Greeks', for so little a cause or trespass: ye know how the Greeks by their pride have come into this country, and have slain cruelly your parents and friends, and also mine. And how they have taken and led away, and hold in servitude Exione my sister, that is so fair and noble, and yet they hold her as a common woman. Ye know well, how they have beaten down, and destroyed this City, overthrown the walls, the Palaces and houses, unto the foundations, and have borne away the great riches, whereof the City was full. And for these things I think it should be reason, that by the help of the Gods, who resist those that be insolent and proud, we altogether by a common accord should take vengeance of these injuries. Ye know what City we have, and how it is peopled with good men of arms, and fighters: and garnished with all manner of goods and riches.  
Also ye know well, the alliances that we have with many right great Lords, that with good will will help us, if need he. Wherefore, me seemeth, that it should be good for us to revenge us of this shame. But yet forasmuch as the adventures of the wars be right doubtful and dangerous, and that no man knoweth what may come thereof (albeit that the injury be great, and that they hold my sister in so great dishonour) yet will I not begin the war: But first, if ye think good, I will send of the most sage and prudent men that I have, to pray and require them, that they render and yield again my sister Exione: and I will be content to pardon all the other injuries, etc.  
When the king had thus finished his words, all allowed and praised his advise, and it seemed to them good. And then the king Priamus immediately called one of his Princes, named Antenor, and earnestly desired him, and used courteous and gentle persuasions, that he would enterprise this embassage forthwith into Greece. And Athenor with all humility answered him, that he was always ready to do his good pleasure. Then was there a ship made ready, and all that belongeth and was convenient to bring Antenor into Greece. He entered into the ship, and his men, and sailed so long, that they arrived at the port of Thessaly, whereas was then by adventure the king Peleus, that received right joyfully enough Antenor, and demanded of him, wherefore he was come into those parts. Antenor answered to him in this manner. Sir, said he, I am a messenger of the king Priamus, that hath sent me to you, and hath commanded me to say to you and other, that he is well remembered of the great injuries that ye and other have done to him, that for so little cause or occasion, have slain his father, destroyed his city, and his people some dead and some in servitude. And yet that is worse to hold his sister foully as a concubine, and yet at least he ought to have wedded her. And forasmuch as ye be a man of great wit and discretion, the king my lord wisheth you and warneth you, that from henceforth ye cease the rage and the great slanders that may come for this cause, that all good men ought to eschew to their power & that his sister be safely delivered again to him: and he will pardon the residue, and will hold it as a thing that never had happened, etc.  
When the king Peleus had heard Antenor so speak, he chafed with him anon in great anger and ire, and began to blame the king Priamus, and said, that his wit was light. And after, menaced Antenor, and commanded him that he should go anon out of his land: for if he tarried long there, he would slay him with great torments.  
Antenor tarried not long after, but entered into his ship without taking leave of king Peleus, and sailed so far by the sea, that he arrived at Salamine, where the king Thelamon sojourned. Then Antenor went unto him, and declared to him the cause of his coming in this manner. Sir (said he) the king Priamus requesteth effectuously your nobleness, that his sister Exione, whom ye hold in your service so foully, ye would restore unto him. For it is not fitting nor seemly unto your glory nor renown, to use so the daughter and sister of a king, and that is issued of a more noble line than ye be. And in case that ye will restore to him his sister, he will hold all things as not done, as well the damages, as the dishonours that by you and other have been done unto him.  
When the king Thelamon had heard Antenor so speak, he began to wax passing angry, and answered to him right fiercely, saying: My friend (said he) whatsoever thou be, I have much marvel of the simpleness of thy king, to whom I bear none amity, neither he to me. And therefore I ought not to hearken unto his prayer nor request. Thy king ought to know that I and other have been there for to revenge an injury, that his father Laomedon did late to some of our friends, And forasmuch as I then entered first into the city of Troy with great travail & effusion of my blood, Exione of whom thou speakest, which is right fair, was given unto me for the guerdon of my victory, for to do with her my will.  
And forsomuch as she is so well to my pleasure as she that is of great beauty, and replenished with all Sciences: it is not to me so light a thing to render and deliver again a thing that is so fair and delightful, which I have conquered with so great pain and danger. But thou shalt say to thy king, that he may never recover her, but by the point of the sword: but as for me, I repute thee for a fool, that ever wouldst enterprise this message, wherein lieth thy great peril: for thou art come among people that vehemently hate thee and thy like: therefore go thy way hastily out of this country. For if thou abide any more here, I will make thee die by cruel and hateful death, etc.  
When Antenor heard Thelamon so speak, he entered right hastily into his ship, and sailed so far, that he arrived in Thessaly, where the king Castor and the king Polux his brother sojourned. He went a shore speedily from his ship, and declared his message, like as he had done to the other. And the king answered to him in great ire, and said to him thus. Friend (what that thou art) I will that thou know, that we think not to have injuried the king Priamus without cause: for it is so that the king Laomedon his father then began the folly, wherefore he was slain. For he wronged first certain of the Nobles of Greece, and therefore we desire more the evil will of thy king Priamus, than his good love or peace. And certes it seemeth well that he had not thee in any good reckoning when he sent thee hither to do this message in this country: wherefore I wish thee, see well that thou abide not here long, for if thou go not incontinent, thou shalt die villainously. Then Antenor departed without leave, and entered into his ship, and sailed till he came to Pilon, where the duke Nestor sojourned, with a great company of noble men. Antenor went unto him and said, that he was messenger of the king Priamus, and told and counted to him his message, in such wise as he had said to the other before. And if the other were angry, this Nestor chafed in himself more against Antenor, and said to him. Ha, ha, vile varlet, who made thee so hardy for to say such things before me? Certes, if it were not, that my nobleness refrain me, I would anon cause thy tongue to be plucked out of thy head, and in despite of thy king, I would by force of horse cause to draw thy members one from an other. Go thy way hastily out of my sight: or by my Gods, I will cause to be done, all that I have here said, etc.  
Then Antenor was all abashed, at the horrible words of Duke Nestor, and doubting the fury of his tyranny, returned unto the Sea, and set him on his return to Troy ward. And he had not been long on the Sea, when a great tempest arose, and the air began to wax dark, and to rain and to thunder right marvelously, and there rose great winds contrary, and waxed thick and horrible misty, and his ship was borne on the waves, one time high, and another time low, in great peril, and there was not a man in the said ship, but supposed to die, and that made not special promises and vows to their Gods, and in these perils were they three days, and on the fourth day the tempest ceased, and and the air waxed all clear, and became peaceable. Then they comforted themselves, and sailed so far that they came to the port of Troy, and went strait to their Temples, to give then thanks to their Gods for that they had escaped so many perils as they had been in. And after Antenor went with a great company of noble men before the king Priamus, and when all the Barons were assembled, and all the sons of the king present, than Antenor told all by order, what he had done in Gréece, like as it is contained heretofore. At these tidings was king Priamus sore troubled, and grieved for the opprobrious taunts that they had offered to his messenger in Greece. And then he had no more hope nor trust to recover his sister.   

CHAP. II. how the king Priamus assembled all his barons, for to know whom he might send into Greece, for to get again his sister Exione. And how Hector answered: and of his good council: and how Paris declared to his father, the visions and the promise of the Goddess Venus, etc.  
WHen the king Priamus was thus acertained of the hate of the Greeks', and by no far means he could recover his sister, he was moved with great ire, and thought that he would send a great Navy into Greece, for to hurt and damage the Greckes. Alas king Priamus, tell me, what misadventure is this, that hath given to thee so great hardiness of courage, for to cast out thyself from thy wealth and rest? Why mayest not thou refrain the first moovinges of thy courage? albeit that it was not in thy puissance, yet thou oughtest to have and take good council and advise, and to have in thy mind that men say commonly: Some man thinketh to revenge his sorrow, and he increaseth it.  
It had been a more sure thing to thee, to have remembered the proverb that saith, that he that sitteth well, let him not move. Or else, he that is well at his ease, let him keep therein. All things may be suffered save wealth: a man that goeth upon plain ground, hath nothing to stumble at. In this manner the aforesaid king Priamus thought long, and after he assembled on a day all his noble men in his palace of Ilium, and said unto them. Ye know, how by your council, Antenor was sent into Greece for to recover my sister Exione, & that by fair means. Ye do very well know also, how that he is returned and come back, and also what wrongs and opprobries he hath found? And me seemeth that the Greeks make little account of the injuries that they have done unto us, at the least, they by their words repent them not, but yet they menace us more strongly than ever they did. God forbidden that ever it should come unto us, like as they menace us. But I pray the gods to give us power to avenge us to their loss. And as for me, me seemeth, that we be more puissant and strong than they are, and also we have the most surest city, and the best furnished in the world: and also we have of great lords very great plenty allied to us, for to help and aid us at our need: and I think for conclusion, that we have well the puissance for to damage and hurt our enemies in many manners, and valour to defend us from them. And so should it be good, for to begin to show to them what puissance we have, to grieve them withal. If ye think it good, we will send our men secretly, that shall do to them great damage, ere that they shall be ready for to defend themselves. And for that ye ought every one to employ yourselves to take vengeance of these injuries, and that ye have no doubt for any thing, inasmuch as they had the first victory: for it happeneth often times that the conquerors be vanquished of them that were vanquished, etc.  
Then all they that were present, allowed the advise of the king, and offered every man by himself, to employ themselves to the same with all the power they could: whereat the king Priamus had great joy. And after that he had given them thanks, he let every man departed and go home to their own houses, excepting only his sons legitimate, and the bastards whom he held in his palace, and told to them his complaint of the Greeks' with weeping tears, in this manner: My sons, ye have well in your memory the death of your Grandfather, the servitude of your Aunt Exione, that they hold by your life in manner of a common woman. And you be so puissant, me seemeth that reason should instruct you, for to employ yourself to revenge this great injury and shame. And if this move you not thereto, yet ye ought to do it to satisfy my will and pleasure: for I am ready to die for sorrow and anguish, which ye ought & be bound for to remedy to your power, that have caused you so well to be nourished and brought forth. And thou Hector, my right dear son, that art the eldest of thy brethren, the most wise and the most strong, I pray thee first, that thou enterprise to put in execution this my will. And that thou be duke and prince of thy brethren in this work, and all the other will obey gladly unto thee. And in like manner shall all they do of this realm, for the great prowess that they know in thee. And know, that from this day forth I discharge me of all this work, and put it upon thee that art the most strong and mighty to maintain battles: for I am ancient and old, and may not from henceforth help myself, so well as I was wont to do, etc.  
To these words answered Hector right soberly and sweetly, saying, my father, and my right dear and Sovereign Lord, there is none of all your sons, but that it seemeth to him a thing human, to desire vengeance of these injuries, and to us that be of high nobleness, a little injury ought to be great. As it is so that the quality of the person groweth and diminisheth, so ought the quality of the injury. And if we be desirous and have appetite to take vengeance of our injuries, we forsake not, nor leave therein the nature of men: for in like manner do and use the dumb beasts to boo, and nature itself teacheth and guideth them thereto. My right dear Lord and father, there is none of all your sons that aught more to desire the vengeance of the injury and death of our Lord and grandfather, than I that am the eldest. But I will (if it please you) that ye consider in this enterprise, not only the beginning, but also the middle and the end, to what peril we may come hereafter, for otherwhile little profit some things well begun that come to an evil end.  
Then me thinketh, that it is much more allowable for a man to abstain him for to begin things whereof the ends be dangerous, and when of may come more evil men good: for any thing is not said to be fortunate or happy until the time that it come unto a good end. I say not these things for any evil meaning or cowardice: but only to the end that ye begin not a thing, and specially that thing that ye have in your heart to put in practice, but that ye first be well counseled. Ye know well that all Africa and Europe be subjects unto the Greeks'. How be they furnished with knights, worthy, hardy, and rich right marvelous? Cortes, at this day the force and strength of us here, is not to be compared unto them, in force, nor in valiance. Wherefore, if we begin the war against them, we might lightly come to a mischievous and shameful end. We that be in so great rest and ease amongst ourselves, what shall we seek for to trouble our prosperity, and welfare? Exione is not of so high prize, that it behoveth all us to put us in peril and danger of death for her: she hath been now long time there, where she is yet. It were better that she spend forth her time, that I think hath but little time to live, than we should put us all in such perils. And meekly▪ I beseech you, not to suppose in any wise, that I say these things for cowardice: But I doubt the chances of fortune, and least that under the shadow of this thing she confound and destroy your great signory, and least that we should begin things that we ought to leave, for to eschew more great mischief, etc.  
When Hector had made an end of his answer, Paris was nothing well content therewith: he stood upon his feet, and said in this wise. My right dear Lord; I beseech you to hear me say, to what end ye may come, if ye begin the war against the Greeks. How, be not we garnished with so mighty and noble chivalry as they be? Certes that be we, which in all the world is none that may discomfit: and therefore begin ye hardly that enterprise that ye have thought of, and send some of your ships and of your people to run into Gréece, and to take their people, and damage the country. And if it please you to send me, I will do it with a good will and heart, for I am persuaded, that if ye send me, I will do great damage unto the Greeks', and I will take some noble lady of Greece, and bring her with me into this realm, and by commutation of her, you may recover your sister Exione. And if ye will understand and know, how I am persuaded of this thing, I will say to you, that the gods have promised it to me. It happened of late (said Paris) in the time that by your commandment I was in the lesser India, at the beginning of the Summer, that upon a Friday, I went to hunt in a forest very early, and that morning I found nothing that turned me to any pleasure: and then after midday I found a great Hart. that I put to the chase so swiftly, that I left all my company behind, and followed the Hart into the most desert place of all the Forest, which forest was named Ida. And so long I followed him, that I came unto a place that was passing obscure and dark: and then I saw no more the Hart that I chased. I felt them myself sore weary, & my horse also that might no further go, he sweat so on all sides. So I lighted down to the ground, and tied my horse to a tree, and laid me down upon the grass, and put under my head my Bow bend, in stead of a pillow and anon I fell asleep. Then came to me in a vision the god Mercury, and in his company three goddesses, that is to wit, Venus, Pallas, and juno. He lest the goddesses a little from me, and after he approached, and said unto me in this manner: Paris, I have brought here these three goddesses unto thee, for a great strife, or controversy that is fallen between them. They have all chosen thee to be judge, and to determine after thy will. Their controversy or strife is such, that as they did eat the other day together in a place, suddenly was cast among them an apple of so marvelous form of fairness and beauty, that never was seen none such afore amongst them. And there was written about this foresaid apple in Greekish language, Be it given to the fairest. And so anon each of them would have it, for any thing in the world, saying each herself to be most fair, and fairer than the other, and so they might not agree. Wherefore they have put it to thy judgement, and each of them promiseth thee certainly a gift for thy reward, that thou shalt have without fail for the judgement of the apple. If thou judge that juno be the fairest, she shall make thee the most noble man in the world in magnificence. If thou judge for Pallas, she shall make thee the most wisest man of all the world in all sciences. If thou judge that Venus be the fairest, she shall give unto thee the most noble lady of Gréece. When I heard Mercurius thus speak to me, I said unto him, that I could not give true judgement, unless I saw them all naked before me, for to see the fashions of their bodies the better, and so for to give a true judgement. And then incontinent Mercurius did cause them to unclothe themselves all naked: and then I beheld them long, and me thought all three passing fair: but yet me seemed that Venus exceeded the beauty of the other: and therefore I judged that the apple appertained to her. And then Venus greatly rejoicing at my judgement, confirmed unto me the promise that Mercury had made before in the favour of her: and after I awoke strait way. Ween ye then, my right dear father, that the gods fail of any thing that they promise? Nay verily. So then I say to you still, it is best that ye send me into Gréece, and that you may have joy of that I shall do there. etc.  
After Paris, spoke Deiphobus in this manner: My right dear Lord, if in all the works that men should begin, they should be advised ever in the particularities and singular things that might happen or fall, they should never enterprise nor do valiant act by hardiness. If the labourers should leave to ear and sow the land, for the seed that the birds pick up and gather, they should never labour. And therefore (right dear father) let us make ready for to send into Gréece of your ships. ye may not believe better counsel than that counsel that Paris hath given to you: for if he bring any noble lady, ye may easily, for to yield her again, have again your sister Exione, for whom we all suffer shame enough. After this spoke Helenus, the fourth son of king Priamus, that said thus: Ha, ha, right puissant king, and right sovereign dominatour over us your humble subjects, and obedient sons. Beware that covetousness of vengeance put not in you such danger as lieth herein. Ye know very well, how I understand and can the science to know the things future and to come, as ye have proved many times without finding fault: the gods forbid, that it ever come that Paris be sent into Gréece. For know ye for certain, that if he go to make any assault, ye shall see this noble and honourable city destroyed by the Greeks, the Trojans slain, and we all that be your children. And therefore dissuade yourself from these things, whereof the end shall be sorrow and great desolation with right bitter death, the which you yourself, and your wife, and we, we, that be your sons may not escape. For truly if Paris go into Gréece, all these evils shall come thereof.  
When the king heard Helenus thus speak, he was all abashed, and began to counterpoise and think of the matter, and held his peace, and spoke not of a great while: and so did all the other. Then arose up on his feet, Troilus the youngest son of king Priamus, and began to speak in this manner. O noble men and hardy, how be ye abashed for the words of this coward priest here? Is it not the custom of Priests for to dread the battles by pusillanimity, and for to love good cheer and pleasures, & to fill their bellies with good wines and with good meats? who is he that believeth that any man may know the things to come, unless the gods do show it him by revelation? It is but folly for to tarry upon this, or to believe such things. If Helenus be afraid, let him go into the Temple, and sing the divine Service, and let the other take revenge of their injuries by strength and force of arms. O right dear father and lord, wherefore art thou so troubled for these words? send thy ships into Gréece, and thy knights wise and hardy, that may make requital to the Greeks for their injuries that they have done unto us. All they that heard Troilus thus speak, allowed him, saying, that he had very well spoken. And thus they finished their parliament, and went to dinner.  
After dinner the king Priamus called Paris and Deiphobus, and commanded them expressly, that they should go into the parties of Pannonie, hastily to fetch and assemble knights wise and hardy, for to take with them to Gréece. And then that same day Paris and Deiphobus departed from the city of Troy, for to perform and accomplish the will of their father. The day following, the king assembled to counsel all the citizens of the city of Troy, and said unto them after this manner: O my loving friends and true citizens, ye all do know notoriously, how the Greeks by their pride and insolency have done to us great wrongs, and innumerable damages, as it is very well known in the all whole world. And ye know also, how they hold Exione my sister in servitude, wherefore I live in great sorrow: and also ye be remembered, how I sent Antenor into Gréece, that hath nothing done: wherefore my sorrow is doubled. And forasmuch as by iron he cured the wounds insanable, I have purposed to send Paris my son with men of arms and puissance into Gréece, for to invade and assail our enemies by strength, and for to do them great damages, and for to assay if they might take any noble lady of Gréece, and to send her into the city: and that by the commutation of her, I might get again my sister Exione. And forsomuch as I will not begin this thing, but that it may come to your knowledge first, I pray you that you say to me your advise: for without you I will not proceed further therein, forasmuch as it toucheth you all as well as me.  
When the king had thus finished his speeches, and that each man held himself silent a great while, then stood up a knight named Pantheus, that was the son of Deuphrobe the Philosopher, and said: O right noble king, as I am your true servant and vassal, I will declare to you my advice in this matter also, truly as a vassal and subject is bound to counsel his lord. Ye have had well in knowledge Deuphrobe the great Philosopher my father, that lived whole and sound more than nine score and ten years, and was so wise in Philosophy, that he knew the science of things to come hereafter: he said unto me many times, and affirmed for truth, that if Paris your son went into Gréece, for to take any noble lady by violence, that this noble city should be destroyed and burnt unto ashes by the Greeks, and that ye and all yours should be slain cruelly. And therefore, right sage and wise king, pleaseth if your nobleness to hear my words, and believe that the wise men have said, and be persuaded in that thing that ye may not lose by if ye leave it, & whereof great sorrows may ensue, if ye persevere in opinion. Wherefore will ye seek to entrap the good estates of your rest, and put your tranquillity under the dangerous adventures of fortune? Leave this, and dissuade yourself, if it please you, from this folly, and finish and end your life in rest happily, and suffer not Paris to go into Gréece in Arms. And if ye will algase, send ye another then Paris.  
At these words of Pantheus grew and arose great murmuring of the hearers. Some reproved the prophecies of Deuphrobe the Philosopher, and some held it for mockery and a fable: and they were of the greatest number, insomuch that by the consent of the more part, Paris was appointed for to go into Gréece with men of arms: and the parliament finished, each man went home into his house, and to his place.  
When this conclusion was known of Cassandra daughter of king Priamus, she began to make so great sorrow, as if she had been foolish or out of her right mind, & began to cry on high, saying: Ha, ha, right noble City of Troy, what Fairy hath moved thee to be brought to such perils, for which thou shalt in short times be beaten down, and thy high Towers be overthrown & destroyed unto the ground? Ha, ha, queen Hecuba, for what sin hast thou deserved the death of thy children, which shallbe cruel and horrible wherefore with holdest not thou Paris from going into Gréece? which shallbe cause of this evil adventure? And when she had so cried, she went unto her father the king, and with weeping drowned in tears, prayed him that he would be persuaded for to leave off his enterprise, saying: that she witted by her science the great evils and harms that were coming by this mean. But neither for the dissuasions of Hector, neither admonition nor warning of Cassandra, the king would not change his purpose, nor for Helenus his son, nor Pantheus, etc.   

CHAP. III. ¶ How Paris and Deyphebus, Aeneas, Antenor, and Polidamus, were sent into Greece: and how they ravished Helen out of the temple of Venus, with many prisoners and richesses, and brought them to Troy, where Paris espoused, the said Helen.  
AT the entry of the month of May, when the earth is attired and adorned with divers sloures, Paris and Deiphobus returned from Panonie, and brought with them three thousand knights right hardy and wise. Then they made ready two and twenty great ships, and charged and laid in them all that was convenient for them. Then the king Priamus called Aeneas, Antenor, and Polidamas that was the son of Antenor, and prayed them and commanded, that they should go into Greece with Paris and Deyphebus: and they offered themselves to go with a good will. And when they were all ready and assembled for to go into their ships, the king Priamus spoke to them in this manner. It needeth not to use many words, for ye know well enough, for what cause I send you into Greece, and how well that I have cause for to avenge me of the wrongs that the Greeks' have done unto us, But the principal cause is, to recover my sister Exione, that liveth in so great thraldom. And for to do so ye ought to employ you: wherefore I pray you, and admonish you, that ye bend all your endeavour and diligence that I may recover my sister. And be ye certain, if ye have want of need or succour, I will secure you with so great a strength, that the Greeks' shall not be able to bear. And I will that in this voyage ye hold Paris my son Duke and conductor of this battle of Aeneas and Antenor.  
After these words, Paris and all the other took leave of the king, and entered into their ships, and hoist up sails, and recommended them to the guiding of jupiter and Venus, and sailed so far by the deep Sea, that they arriving in the parts of Greece, in coasting the country, it happened them on a day, that they met a ship, in the which was one of the greatest kings of Greece, named Menelaus, that went unto the City of Epire, unto the duke Nestor that had sent for him. This Menelaus was brother of Agamennon, and was married unto the queen Helen, that was the fairest Lady in the world, that men knew of in her time: and she was sister of king Castor, and Pollux, that dwelled then together in the city of Samestare, and nourishing with them Hermione their niece daughter of the said Helen, Menelaus made a little cross his ship, and to turn out of the right way: and so the one did not know the other. And the Trojans sailed so far, that they arrived at the Isle of Cithar in Gréece, and there they anchored their ships and went a land. In this isle was a temple of Venus passing ancient, and of great beauty, full of all richesses: for the inhabitants also of the country had their devotion specially unto Venus the Goddess, and kept and solemnized her feasts each year, and she gave to them answers of their demands. Then when the Trojans were arrived, they hallowed the most principal feast of Venus: and for this cause were there assembled men and women of the country there about, that made great cheer, etc.  
When Paris knew this feast, he took his best clothes and did them on, also the best faring and cleanliest men that he had, and he went into the temple, and entered therein by fair and pleasant manner, and made his oblation and offering of gold and silver with great liberality.  
Then was Paris much beholden on all sides of them the were there, for his beauty a for he was one of the fairest knights of the world, and was so richly and so quaintly clothed and docked, that it gave great pleasure unto all them that beheld him, and every man desired to know what he was, and whence he came. And they demanded of the Trojans, that told them, that it was Paris, son of king Priamus of Troy, that was come into Greece, by the commandment of his father, for to require amiably that they would render and yield again Exione his sister, that they had given to king Thelamon. So far went the tidings of the coming of these Trojans, and of their beauty and rich clothing, that the queen Helen heard speak thereof: and then alter the custom of women, she had great desire to know by experience, if it were truth that she heard speak of: and disposed her to go unto the temple under the colour of devotion, for to accomplish her desire. O how great folly is it, unto honest women to will go oftentimes unto the feasts and sports of young people, that little or nothing do there, but muse and devise how they may come to their desire, and care not what mischief may follow in body and in soul? The ship should never perish, if it abode always in the port, and were not sent out into perils of the Sea.  
It is a good thing and a precious jewel, to have a good woman that holdeth her honestly in her house. O how great damage came unto the Greeks' and to the Trojans of this City, that Helen went so lightly to see the Trojans: that ought not so to do, and specially in the absence of her husband? But as it is the custom of women to be wilful to bring their desire to the end, Helen incontinent did make ready horse and all that was convenient, for to go unto the temple: and she did them to understand, that she went for devotion: for this temple was not far from the place where she dwelled. When all was ready, and she clothed in habit royal, she road with her company unto the Isle of Cythar, and entered into a vessel that brought her nigh to the temple, where she was received with great worship of them of the country, as their Lady. She entered into the Temple right stately, and made there her devotions and her oblations with right great liberality, etc.  
When Paris knew that the queen Helen, that was wife of king Menelaus, one of the most noble kings of Greece, was come unto this temple, he arrayed him in the most gentlemanliest wise that he could (and his company) and went into the temple, for he had long time before heard speak of her great bravery. And then, as he was come and saw her, he was greatly surprised with her love, and began earnestly to behold her, and to desire to see the fashion of her body, that was so fair and well shapen in all things, and in such wise, that it seemed properly to them that saw her, that nature had made her to be beholden and seen: for in her was nothing, but that it served to manifest all the beauty that might be found in a woman. Wherefore Paris might not forbear to behold her, saying in himself, that he had never seen, nor heard tell of any so fair and so well form. And as he beheld her, in likewise she beheld him, as many times and oft, and her seemed that he was more fairer a great deal than had been reported to her: and still she said in herself, that she never saw man of so great beauty, nor that pleased her so well to behold: and so she left all her devotion and all other thoughts, and gave no heed, nor respect to any thing, save only for to behold Paris.  
When Paris knew and saw this, he had great joy, and beheld her sweetly more and more, and she him. By which sight they showed enough of their desires, the one to the other: and thought diverse times, by what occasion they might speak together. And so long they beheld each other, that by likelihood, Helen made a token or sign to Paris, that he approached to her, and anon Paris sat down beside her, whiles that the people played in the temple, and spoke unto her with a soft voice right sweetly, and she to him, and declared each to other how they were surprised with the love of the one and of the other, and reasoned how they might come to the end of their desire. And when they had spoken enough of their hot l●●e, Paris took leave of her, and issued out of the temple, he and his company: and Helen sent after him her eyes as far as the might.  
When Paris was come to his ship, he called to him the most noble and greatest of his company, and said to him in this manner. My friends, ye know well wherefore the king my father hath sent us unto Greece: that is to wit, for to recover Exione his sister: and if we may not recover her, that we should do damage unto the Greeks. We may not recover Exione, for she is in over strong an hand: and also it should be to our great danger and damage, since it is so that the king Thelamon, that holdeth her and loveth her hearty, is more puissant than we, and is in his own proper heritage. We be nothing so puissant for to take in Greece any noble City, the country is so full of people, and of many valiant folk. Then me seemeth good, that the fair gift and notable that the Gods have sent unto us, we refuse not. We see in this isle come to that feast the most greatest citizens, and the temple replenished with the most noble women of this province, and also the queen Helen, that is lady of this country and wife of king Menelaus. This temple is also full of all riches: if we might take them alive that be in the Temple, and bring them prisoners with us, and take the Gods that there be of gold and of silver, we shall have conquered a great gain, and so may get other riches that we may go fetch in some other places.  
If ye think good, I am of the opinion, that now this night we will enter into the temple all armed, and ●ée will take men and women, and all that we shall find and bring into our ships, and principally Helen: for if we may bring her into Troy, the king Priamus may lightly enough have again his sister Exione for her: therefore advise you speedily what is best to be done, whiles the matter is hot, and before they escape us. Some of them blamed this thing, and some allowed it: and finally, they concluded after many counsels, that they would do as Paris had devised.  
Now it happened that when the night was come, & the Moon was nigh gone down, the Trojans armed them in the most secret wise that they could, and left some of them for to keep their ships, and the other went privily unto the Temple, and entered therein, so armed as they were, and with little defence, took all them that they found in the temple, and all the riches that were therein. And Paris with his own hand took Helen, and them of her company, and brought into their ships all the best, and put them in sure guard, and after returned to the booty. Then began the noise passing great within the temple, of the prisoners, and of some that had leaver suffer to be slain then for to be taken prisoners. The noise was heard far, in such wise that they of the castle that stood thereby heard it: and incontinent they arose and armed them, and came to assail the Trojans, as valiant as they were. Then began the skirmish right fierce and mortal: but the Trojans (that were four against one, slew many of them, and the other fled and retired into their castle: and then the Trojans took as much as they could find of goods, and bore it unto their ships, and entered into them, and hoist up their sails, and sailed so long, that on the 7. day they came and arrived at the port of Troy, their ships full of good prisoners and of good riches: and they abode at the port of Tenedon, that was but 3 mile from Troy: and there were received with joy. And then Paris sent a proper messenger unto his father the king Priamus to let him have knowledge of his coming, and of all that that he had done in Gréece. Of these tidings the king was greatly rejoiced, and commanded in all the City to make a feast solemnly for these tidings, etc.  
Whiles that Helen was with the other prisoners in the ship of Paris, she made great sorrow, and ceased not to weep nor to bewail with great sighs her husband, her brethren, her daughter, her country and her friends, and was in so great sorrow, that she left to eat and drink. And Paris comforted her the most sweetly that he could: but she might not suffer to forbear weeping, and then Paris said to her in this manner. How Lady: Wherefore make ye this sorrow day and night without rest? What man or woman is it, that might long endure and suffer this? Know not ye that this sorrow hurteth your health? Yes verily lady, ye make too much thereof: Wherefore from henceforth, I pray you to leave and take rest, for in this realm ye shall lack nothing, and no more shall those prisoners that ye will have recommended: and ye shallbe the most renowned lady of this Realm and the most rich, and your meinie that be here shall want nothing. To these words answered Helen to Paris in this manner: I know well (said thee) that will I, or I will not) I must needs do as ye will, since that I am your prisoner: and if any good be done to me and to the prisoners, I hope the Gods shall thank, and reward them that so do. Ha, ha, said Paris, doubt you not, for me, I will do to you and them all that shall please you to command. And then he took her by the hand and brought her into a more secret place, and said unto her: Madam, think ye, forasmuch as it hath pleased the Gods for to suffer you to be brought by me into this province and kingdom, that ye be lost, and undone, and that ye shall not be more rich and more honoured than ye have been, and that the Realm of Troy is not more rich, than the Realm of Achay▪ yes verily that it is. Think ye that I will maintain you dishonestly? certes nay, but will take you to my wife, and so shall ye be more honoured than ye have been with your husband, and more praised: for your husband is not issued out of so noble a house as I am, nor so valiant: nor he loved you never so well as I will do. Therefore cease ye from henceforth to make such sorrow, and believe me of this that I have said to you Ha, ha, said she, who can abstain her from making of sorrow being in the state that I am in? alas, this case happened me never before: but since it must be none otherwise, sore vexed and grieved, I will do that thing which ye require of me, forasmuch as I have no ability to resist it. Thus was Helen recomforted a little: and Paris did please her to the uttermost of his power, etc.  
When the morrow came, betime he did cause to cloth her, and array her the most honourably that he might, and made her to sit upon a Palfrey richly arrayed and decked: and so did he other prisoners, each after his degree: and after he went to horse back himself, and Doyphebus his brother, Aeneas, Antenor, and Polydamus, with a great company of noble men, and accompanied the queen Helen, and departed from Tnedon, and went to Troy ward. And there came against them without the town the king Priamus with a great company of noble men, and received his children, and his friends with great joy: and after came to Helen, and bowed rightly sweetly to her, and did to her great joy and worship. And when they came nigh the city, they sound great store of people glad of their coming with many sorts of instruments of Music: and in such joy came unto the Palace of king Priamus: and he himself lighted down and holp Helen down from her palfrey, and ●●d her by the hand unto the Hall, and there they made right great joy, all the night, throughout all the City, for these tidings. And then when it came unto the morrow, Paris (by the agreement and consent of his father) took Helen to his wife, and wedded her in the temple of Palace: and therefore the feast was lengthened throughout all the city, and there was joy that endured yet after eight days whole, etc.  
When Cassandra knew for truth that Paris her brother had wedded Helen, she began to make great sorrow, to cry & bray as a woman out of her wit, & said thus.  
O unhappy Trojans, wherefore rejoice ye of the wedding of Paris, whereof so many evils shall come and follow? And wherefore see not ye the death of yourselves, and of your sons that shall be slain before your eyes and their husbands before their wives with great sorrow? Ha, ha, noble city of Troy, how shalt thou be destroyed and put to nought? Ha, ha, unhappy mothers, what sorrow shall ye see, when yeé shall see your little children taken and dismembered before you? Ha ha Hecuba caitiff and unhappy, where shalt thou take the water that thou shalt weep for the death of thy children. Ha, ha, people blind and foolish, why send not ye incontinent Helen home again, and yield her unto her right husband, before that the sword of your enemies come, and slay you with great sorrow? Ween ye that this prince (the husband of Helen) will dwell at home without grievous vengeance? Certes that shallbe your dolorous destruction and end. Ha ha, unhappy Helen, thou shalt do us much sorrow. As Cassandra spoke and cried thus with high voice, and with great sorrow, the king Priamus knew it, and did her to be taken prisoner, and sent to her, and did pray her, that she would cease, but she would not. And then he commanded, that she should be fast shut in prison, and in irons, where she was kept many days. O what pity was it, that the Trojans believed not this warning and admonition? For if they had believed it, they had eschewed the right great en●● that came after unto them, which shall be told in tables and made plain and manifest to them that will hear them unto the end of the world, etc.   

CHAP. III. How Menelaus was sore troubled for the ravishing of Helen his wife. And how Castor and Pollux brethren of her, pursued Paris in the sea: and of their death: and of the condition and manner of the Lords, as well Greekes as Trojans.  
AS these things were done, as is said, Menelaus (that sojourned at Epire with the Duke Nestor) heard tell the truth of the prize and taking of his wife, and of his people, whereat he was sore angry, and much abashed, and was so greeeved and sorrowful, that he fell to the ground in a sound. And then when he was come to himself again, he began sore to complain him, and make the greatest sorrow of the world. And above all other things he was most sorry for his wife, and bewailed her beauty, and her solace, and might by no way be comforted. When the duke Nestor heard say thereof, he came to him hastily, and comforted him the most best wise he could, for he loved him with great love. But Menelaus could not leave his sorrow: but took his way unto his country, and the duke Nestor brought him on his way with a great compane of noble men.  
He sent unto the king Agamemnon his brother that he should come and speak with him. And also he sent unto Castor & Pollux, the brothers of Helen, that they should come also to him. And anon, as they had heard the message, they came unto him. When Agamenon saw his brother make such sorrow and heaviness, he said to him, ah my brother, wherefore hast thou such sorrow? suppose that the cause be just, yet a wise man ought not to show such semblance outward: it causeth his friends to be sorrowful, and his enemies to be joyous. And therefore, feign thy sorrow and allay thy rage, and make semblance as though thou regardest nothing this that is befallen: for by weeping nor by using of sorrow, thou mayest never come to honour nor vengeance, but only by the force of the naked sword: thou shalt therefore awake thy courage, and so shalt thou take revenge of the harms that be done to thee. Thou knowest what puissance we have, and what helpers and aiders we shall find for to avenge us: for this injury toucheth all the kings and princes of Greece, and assoon as we shall require them of help, there shall not be one but he will help us with all his power, and then we will go with great puissance before Troy, and will slay our enemies, and do what we list, and will destroy the City. And if it happen that we may take Paris, that is actor of these hurts and ills, we will hang him, and make him die an evil death. Cease then thy sorrow, and let us make to be known to all the kings and princes of Greece this injury, and require them that they will help for to take vengeance. Then was Menelaus recomforted with the words of his brother, and anon they sent their letters unto all the barons of Greece: and at their sending they came all, first Achilles, Patroclus, Diomedes, and many other. And assoon as they knew wherefore they were sent for, they said, that they would go to Troy with all their strength, for to avenge this shame, and recover Helen. So they chose them Agemenon chief and Prince of their host, as he that was wise and prudent, and of good council.  
Now it happened that the king Castor and the king Pollux that were brethren of the Queen Helen, as soon as they heard say, that their sister was ravished, they entered into their ships, and went after the Trojans with a great company of men of arms, for to see if they might recover her. On the third day that they were on the sea, there rose so great a tempest in the sea, & therewith came so great a rain, and thunder, that their ships were cast by the waves, one here, another there, the masts broken, their sails rend, and finally they were all perished and drowned, that never was none seen of them. And the Paynims say, that these two brethren were translated with the gods, into the heaven or zodiac, and returned into the sign of two beasts, forasmuch as they were brethren germans. And thus ended their lives, by the occasion of the taking of their sister. Some Poets feign, that these brethren be translated into two stars, that is, the North star, and the South star, which be named after them Castor and Pollux.  
In this place declareth Dares, in his book, the fashions of the Greeks that were before Troy, of the most notable of them, as he that saw them and beheld them many times during the truce that was often times between both parties, during the siege before the city. And he began to speak of Helen, and sayeth, that she was so fair, that in the world no man could find no fairer woman, nor better form of all members. Agamennon was long and white of body, strong of members, and well form, loving labour, discreet, hardy, and passing well bespoken. Menelaus was of mean stature, hardy in arms, and courageous. Achilles was of right great beauty, blonke hairs and crisp, grey eyes and great, of amiable sight, large breasts, & broad shoulders, great arms, his reins high enough, an high man of great stature, and had no equal nor like to him among all the Greeks', desirous to fight, large in gifts, and outrageous in spending. Tantalus was great of body, and right strong, faithful, humble, flying quarrels if they were not just and true. Ajax was of great stature, great and large in the shoulders, great arms, and always was well clothed, and very richly: and was of no great enterprise, and spoke very quick. Thelamon Ajax was a marvelous fair knight, he had black hairs, and had great pleasure in song, and he sang himself very well: he was of great prowess, and a good man of war, and without pomp. Ulysses was the most fair man amongst all the Greeks, but was very deceitful and subtle, and delivered his speeches joyfully: he was a very great liar, and was so well bespoken, that he had no fellow nor any like unto him. Diomedes was great, and had a broad breast, and marvelous strong, of a fierce regard and fight, false in his promises, worthy in arms, desirous of victory, dread and redoubted: for he was greatly injurious to his servants, and luxurious, wherefore he suffered many pains. The Duke Nestor was of great members and long, and well bespoken, discreet and very thrifty, and gave always good counsel, quickly and soon he would be very angry, and straightway pleased again: he was the most true friend in the world. Prothesilaus was fair, and of goodly stature, right noble and active in arms. Neoptolemus was great, black hair and great eyes, but joyous and well cheered, his eiebrowes smooth, stammering in his words, but he was wise in the law. Palamedes son of king Naulus, was of right fair shape and lean, stout and amiable, a good man & liberal. Polydarius, was passing great, fat and swollen, hardy, high minded, and proud, without truth. Mathaon was of mean stature, proud and hardy, and one that little slept by night. Brisayda, daughter of Calcas, was passing fair, of mean stature, white and meddled with red, and well made, sweet and pitiful, and whom many men loved for her beauty: for the love of her came the king of Persia into the aid of the Greeks, unto the siege before Troy.  
Of them that were within Troy, the same Dares saith, first of king Priamus, that he was long, grisly and fair, and had a low voice, right hardy, and that he did gladly eat early in the morning, a man without dread, and that hated flattery: he was upright, and a good justicer, and had great delight to hear singing and sounds of music, and earnestly loved his servants, and much enriched them. Of all his sons, there was none so hardy as was Hector, the eldest son of king Priamus. This was he that passed in his time all other knights in puissance, and stuttered a little: he was great, and had hard members, and could endure much pain, and was much hairy, curled, and lisped: there never issued out of Troy so strong a man, nor so worthy: nor never came there a villainous word out of his mouth: he was never weary of fight in battle: there was never knight better beloved of his people, than he was. Paris was a passing fair knight, and strong, soft haired, and true, swift, and sweet of speech tutmouthed, well drawing a bow, wise and hardy in battle, very resolute, and covetous of lordship. Deiphobus and Helenus were both passing like of fashion, in such wise that a man could not very well know the one from the other, and also they resembled passing well the king Priamus their Father. Deiphobus was very wise and hardy in arms. And Helenus was a marvelous wise Clerk. Troilus was great and of stout courage, well mannered, and well beloved of young maidens: in strength and merriness he resembled and was much like unto Hector, and was the second after him in prowess: and there was not in all the whole realm a more strong nor more hardy young man. Aeneas had a great body: he was marvelously discreet in his works, well bespoken and very courteous in his words, full of good counsel, and of skilful cunning. He had his visage joyous, and the eyes clear and grey, and was the richest man of Troy, next the king Priamus, in towns and castles. Antenor was long and lean, and spoke much, but he was discreet, and of great industry, and one whom the king Priamus loved greatly, and that gladly played among his company, and was a right wise man. Polydamas his son was a goodly young man and a fair, hardy, and of good manners, long and lean like his father, brown, and was strong in puissance of arms, and of good and courteous words. The king Menon was great, and a goodly knight, he had large shoulders, and great arms, he was hard in the breast, and of great prowess, and one that brought many knights unto Troy. The queen Hecuba was a strong big woman, and seemed better a man then a woman: she was a noble woman, passing wise, courteous and honest, and loving the works of charity. Andromache the wife of Hector, was a passing fair woman, and white, and that had fair eyes, and fair hair: she was among all other women right honest and civil in her works. Cassandra was of a fair stature, and clear, round mouthed, wise, of shining eyes, she loved virginity, & knew much of things to come, by Astronomy & other sciences. Polixena was a very fair daughter, and tender, and was the very ray of beauty, in whom nature failed nothing, save only that she made her mortal: and she was the fairest maid that was in her time, and the best form. Many more were within the town and without, during the siege: but these were the principal & greatest of name. And therefore Dares declareth the fashion of them, and rehearseth not of the other.   

CHAP. V ¶ How the kings, dukes, earls, and Barons of Greece assembled all, with their navy before the city of Athens, for to come to Troy: and how many ships each man brought unto the help of the king Menelaus.  
WHen it came unto the end of February, that the winter was passed, the kings and princes of all the provinces of Greece, assembled them together at the port of Athens for to go to Troy. It is not in the remembrance of any man since the beginning of the world, that so many ships and knights were assembled, as there were at that time. For first Agamemnon, that was chief and prince of all the host of the Greeks', brought from his realm of Michmas an hundred ships full of armed knights. The king Menelaus his brother brought from his realm of Sparta, forty ships. Archelaus and Prothenor from the realm of Boecie, fifty ships. The Duke Ascalapus and the Earl Helmius, from the province of Orconemy, thirty ships.  
The king Epistrophus, and the king Sedius, from the realm of Focide, thirty ships: and in his company were the Duke Theuter, Duke Amphimacus, the Earl Polyxena, and the Earl Thebus, and many other noble men.  
The ancient duke Nestor, for his province of Pilon, fifty ships. The king Thoas of Tholy, fifty ships. The king Doxunois, fifty ships. The king Thelamon Thyleus, six and thirty ships. Polibetes and Amphimacus from his province of Calidonie, two and thirty ships. The king Idumeus and the king Mereon of Crete, four score and two ships. The king Ulysses of Trace, two and fifty ships.  
The Duke Tynelus, from his City of Friges twelve ships.  
Prothocathus and Prothesilaus the dukes of Philaca, brought with them two and fifty ships. Collesis brought four & twenty ships from the realms of Cresome, and then brought king Machaon, and the king Pollydris his son, three and thirty ships. Achilles' brought from his noble City of Phaces, two and twenty ships.  
The king Thephalus brought from Rhodes two and thirty ships. Eruphilus from Orchomenie, two and fifty ships. The duke Anthipus, and the duke Amphimacus, of Rusticane, thirteen ships. The king Polibetes of Rithe, and the duke Lopins his brother in law, that had wedded his sister, threescore and two ships. The king Diomedes of Argos, four score and two ships, and had in his company Thelamus and Euryalus: the king Poliphebus, nine ships, the king Fureus, thirteen ships, the king Prothoylus of Chemenense, two and fifty ships. The king Carpenor of Carpadie, two and fifty ships. Theorius of Breisse, four and twenty ships. The sum of kings and dukes that were come thither, were sixty and nine. And there assembled at the Port of Athens twelve hundred and four and twenty ships, without comprising the ships of duke Palamedes, the son of king Naulus that came after on with his estate, as shall be said hereafter, etc.   

CHAP. VI ¶ How the Greeks' sent Achilles unto Delphos, to the God Apollo, for to know the end of their war: and how he found Calchas sent from the Trojans, that went with him to Athens.  
WHen the king and the Princes were thus assembled at the Port of Athens, the king Agamemnon, that was chief of all the host, and taught always to conduct this host orderly, assembled unto the counsel on a plain without the City all the noble men of their host. And when they were all assembled about him in seats that he had made, he said to them in this manner. O ye noble men, that by one will and mind be here assembled in this host with so great puissance, ye knew very well, that it is not in the remembrance of any man, that he saw ever so many noble men assembled, for to achieve any work, nor so many young knights, and active in arms, for to assails their enemies. Is not he then out of his mind, that presumeth to raise himself against us, and to begin war? verily I doubt not but one of an hundred that is in this company, is sufficient enough to bring this work to an end, for which we be all assembled. It is well known to each of you, the great injuries and the great damages that the Trojans have done to us: wherefore we have just cause to take vengeance by force of arms, to the end that from henceforth they, nor any other enterprise never against us in any manner: for if we should suffer such injuries by dissimulation, they might yet grieve us more than they have done. And it is not the custom of the noble men of Gréece, to let pass such wrongs in dissimulation. & therefore it should be to us great shame, that be so many, and that have assembled so great strength, to dissemble in this quarrel, and (yet that more is) there is no nation in the world, but that breadeth our puissance, save only these foolish people of Troy, that by evil counsel have moved them against us, and also have enterprised war upon us: as first the king Laomedon, that injuried some of our people for little occasion: wherefore he received death for his reward, and his city was destroyed, and his people slain, and soon brought in servitude, where they he yet. Certes, it is not so difficile and hard to us that he more puissant, to take vengeance on the Troyans', as it was to four Princes of less puissance, that came to get the better of them. Forsomuch then, as the Trojans know verily that we be assembled for to go upon them, and that they be strongly furnished with men of arms against our coming, and of all such things as behoveth them for to defend them with; it seemeth me good, if it please you, that ere we depart from this port here, we send into the Isle of Delphos our special messengers, for to have answer of our God Apollo, of this that we will do and enterprise.  
Then was there none but he allowed and approved the words of Agamemnon, and chose incontinent Achilles and Patroclus, for to go into this isle, to hear the answer of Apollo: and anon they departed and went and came soon thither: for the said Isle is as it were in the midst of the Isles of Cyclades, where Locana, Enfanta, Apollo and Diana be. And there was a rich temple, in the which the God of the Paynims was worshipped, and gave answer to the people of such things as they demanded of him. This Isle was first called Delos, that is as much to say in Greek, as manifestation: forasmuch as in this isle the Paynims saw first the sun and the moon after the deluge: and therefore they supposed that they had been borne there of their mother: for Apollo is the Sun, and Diana is the Moon, in their language,  
Some call this isle Ortigie: forasmuch as the birds that men call Ortiges, in English they be Quails, were first seen there. The Paynims gave to Apollo divers names after the divers operations of the sun. In this temple was a great Image, composed and made all of fine gold in the worship of God Apollo. And albeit that the Image was deaf and dumb, yet every where Idolatry reigned in such wise at that time in the world, that the devil put him in the Image▪ and gave answer to the Paynims of the things that they demanded of him. And this did the devil, for to abuse the foolish people, that at that time believed that this Image was very God, etc.  
Upon this part the author declareth, from whence came first Idolatry. We find in Historia ecclesiastica, that when Herod was deceived by the three kings that returned not again to him, but worshipped our Lord jesus Christ as is contained in the Gospel, and afterward departed by another way, etc. that Herodes purposed to have slain the child jesus, and therefore the glorious Virgins our Lady Saint Mary his mother, and joseph bore him to Egypt. And as soon as our Lady entered into Egypt, all the Idols of Egypt fell down to the earth all to be broken and bruised, according to the prophesy of Esay that said thus. Ascendet dominus in nubem levem, & ingredietur Egyptum, & movebuntur simulacra Egypte. Showing that at the coming of our saviour jesus Christ, all Idolatry should have an end. And among the jews, Ishmael was the first that made an Idol, and that was of earth.  
And Promotheus made the first among the Paynims, and taught other the manner how to make them: but the right beginning of Idolatry came of Belus king of Assirie, that was father of king Ninus, the which Belus when he was dead, his son Ninus did bury him in a rich sepulture, and did make an Image of fine gold, to the semblance and likeness of his father, for to have consolation and memory of him, and worshipped him as his god, and compelled his folk to worship him: and anon an evil spirit entered within the Image, and gave to the people answers of their demands. And thus by the example of him, the paynim made other, in the worship of their friends, and worshipped them: and thus proceeded they in Idolatry, and there were none but that they had their proper gods that gave to them their answer of their demands, by the devise of the enemy, that so deceived them, and brought to damnation by the envy that he had, and yet hath upon the line of men, that God made to fulfil the places of Paradise, from whence he was cast out for his pride into this horror and darkness, and after the day of judgement to abide in Hell for evermore, in the company of the damned men.  
Whenas Achilles and Patroclus were arrived in the Isle of Delphos, they went with great devotion into the Temple of Apollo, and there made their oblations with great liberality, and demanded of him answer of their affairs and works. Then answered Apollo with a low voice. Achilles, return unto the Greeks that have sent thee hither, and say unto them, that it is to come, and shall happen for certainty, that they shall go safely to Troy, and there they shall make many battles. But in the tenth year they shall have victory, and destroy the city, and they shall slay the king Priamus, his wife, and his children, and the most great of the country. And there shall none escape, save they only whom they will save.  
Of this aforesaid answer was Achilles passing joyous: And it chanced whilst they were yet in this Temple, that a Bishop of Troy named Calchas son of a man named Thistram which was a passing wise man entered into this Temple: and he was sent also from the king Priamus, for to have answer of Apollo, for them of Troy.  
As he then had made his oblations, and demands for them of Troy, Apollo answered to him: Calchas, Calchas, beware that thou return not again to Troy: but go thou with Achilles unto the Greeks', and departed never from them, for the Greeks' shall have victory of the Trojans, by the agreement of the Gods, and thou shalt be to them right necessary in counsel, and in doctrine. Anon as Calchas knew Achilles, that was in the temple, he approached to him, and made acquaintance to him, and accompanied together, by faith and oath, they told each to other what the Idol had said to them. Whereof Achilles had great joy, and made right great cheer and countenance to Calchas, and took him with him, and sailed so long, that they arrived at the port of Athens safely: and when they issued out of their ships, Achilles took Calchas by the hand, and presented him to the king Agamemnon, and to other, and told to them the truth of the answer of Apollo: How they should have victory of the Trojans, and how Apollo bade him that he should not return again to Troy, but hold him with the Greeks' during the war. Of these tidings were the Greeks greatly rejoiced, and made a solemn feast, and received Calchas into their company, by faith and by oath, and they promised him to reward him well, and do him good, etc.   

CHAP. VI How the Greeks', with a great navy, went and sailed toward Troy: and how they arrived at the port of Tenedon, three mile from Troy, which they conquered, and beat down to the earth.  
AFter this feast that the Greeks' had made, for the good answers of Apollo, Calchas went in a morning in the company of Achilles and of Patroclus unto the tent of Agamemnon, where all the most nobles of the host were assembled, and he saluted them right courteously, saying: O noble kings and princes, that be here assembled for vengeance of the great injuries to you done by the Trojans, wherefore tarry ye now here, after the Gods have given their answer? ween ye not that the king Priamus hath his espies among you, and that whiles ye sojourn, he furnisheth not his country and city with victual, with horses, and with other necessaries? Is not a great part of the Summer passed, and ye have yet nothing enterprised upon your enemies. Beware that ye be not unkind and ingrate, at the answer of the Gods: and that by your negligence they change not their answer into the contrary. Therefore tarry ye no longer, but ship you and your horse, and go ye to the sea, and cease not until the time that the promises of the Gods be accomplished. And when Calchas had thus spoken, each man said, that he had well said and spoken. And then Agamemnon sent unto all the host, and commanded with a trumpet, that every man should make him ready to remove. And anon they entered into their ships, and disanchored, and drew up their sails, and went all unto the Sea: and they had not long sailed, not passing a mile from Athens, but the air that was before very clear and fair, began to wax troublous and thick, and there began a right great tempest in the sea, of wind, of rain, and of thunder: insomuch that there was none so hardy but he had fear, and we end to have died, for their ships were cast by the sea, the one here, and the other there, and they supposed none other for certain, but to have been drowned. Then said Calcas to them that were with him, that the cause of the tempest was forasmuch as Diana their Goddess was wroth and angry against them, because they departed from Athens and made to her no sacrifice: and, for to appease this wrath, it behoved that the king Agamemnon sacrifice to her with his own hand Iphiginie his daughter a young virgin, and tender of age, and that otherwise the tempest should never cease. And for to speed this sacrifice, he counseled to turn the navy, and to apply it to the isle of Andill, where the temple of the Goddess Diana was, etc. When the king Agamemnon understood this thing, he was all grieved and passing sorrowful in his mind, for he loved his daughter Iphigenie with great love: and on the other side, he was prayed and required of all the other kings and princes of Greece, that he would make no delay to this that was so great a matter, or to withstand the sacrifice: wherefore he was vanquished by the said Princes, and for the love of his country, he took his said daughter Iphigenie, and in the presence of great kings and princes, sacrificed her unto the goddess Diana: and anon the tempest ceased, and the air became neat and clear, and the sea well quieted and in tranquillity and peace. And then he went again into his ship, and all the other in like manner, drew up their sails, and sailed before the wind, so far that they arrived at a port of the realm of Troy, nigh unto a Castle called Sarrabana. Dares putteth not down determinately, what was the cause wherefore King the Agamemnon made his Sacrifice unto Diana. But Ovid (in the twelfth book of Methamorphose) saith that it was Iphigenie his daughter, as above is said. And when they of the castle saw the great Navy at their port, they armed them, and came unto the port, weening to defend their land against the Greeks, and assailed them that then were come a land, that were yet weary of the travail of the Sea. But the Greeks' issued anon out of their ships in great plenty all armed, and slew them, and chased them unto their Castle, and killed them with flying, and entered into the Castle with them, and there put them all to death, and took the booties, and after beat down the castle unto the earth, and then re-entered into their ships again, and sailed so far, that they arrived at the port of Tenedon, and there then they anchored their ships, etc.  
At this port was a passing strong Castle, well peopled and full of great riches, and was three mile from Troy. When they of the castle saw the Greeks', they ran to arms, and furnished their castle with good fighters, and the other issued out and came unto the port, where they found the Greeks that were then issued out of their ships all armed, and great plenty, and took all that they could find. Thus began the battle between them right fierce and mortal, and there were enough slain & dead of both parts: and many more of the Greeks' then of the Troyans'. But as soon as the great strength of the Greeks' were landed, the Trojans might no longer suffer nor abide, but put them to flight, some to the castle, and the other fled unto Troy. Then the Greeks' bestirred them and belaid the castle round about, and assailed it on both sides, and they within defended it passing well upon the walls, and slew many by shot and by Engines, but the Greeks' dressed their engines all about the castle, and set their ladders unto the walls, and went upon all sides, and they within defended them valiantly, and made them fall down in their ditches, some dead and some hurt. But the Greeks' that were so great in number, sent always new folk to the assault, whereof they within were so weary, that they retired, and went back from their defence: and then the Greeks' entered by force into the castle, and there slew all them that they found, without sparing of man or woman, and took and peeled all that they found that was good, and after beat down the castle, and the houses unto the earth, and put in the fire and burnt all up. And after they re-entered into their ships joyous of their gain that they had gotten in the Castle.   

CHAP. VIII. ¶ How the Greeks' did send Diomedes, and Ulysses, unto the king Priamus, for to have again Helen, and the prisoners, and the answer that they had.  
WHen the Greeks' had destroyed and beaten down thus the Castle and edifices of Tenedon, and of Sarrabana, and that they refreshed them in the meadow of Tenedon: then Agamemnon that had the charge of all the host, and to conduct it well as a good captain ought to do, commanded that all the booty and gain of these two castles should be brought forth. And so it was done anon, as he had commanded: and he as a wise king distributed the gain, to each man after his desert and quality. And after did cause to cry in all the host, that all the noble men of the host should assemble them on the plain of Tenedon, before the king Agamemnon: and when they were all come, the king Agamemnon spoke and said in this manner. My friends and fellows, that be here now assembled for so just a cause as each of you knoweth, and in so great puissance, that there is and shall be tidings thereof in all the world: yet how strong that the puissance be) that it please the Gods that it be without pride and felony: for it is so, that of the sin of pride grow all other vices, and that the gods resist and withstand the insolent and proud people. And therefore we ought to put away pride from our works: and in especial in this work here now, and use the right way of justice, to the end that no man may reprehend us, nor blame.  
Ye know well, that we be come thus far, for to take vengeance of the injuries and the wrongs that the king Priamus hath done to us: and we have done to him now great hurt and damage. Ye may well know for truth, that they have assembled in the city of Troy great power, for to defend them against us: and also the City is passing great and strong: and ye know well, that they be upon their proper heritage, that is a thing that doubleth their force and strength. For ye may take example of the Crow, that otherwhile defendeth well her nest against the falcon. I say not these things, for any doubt that I have, but that we shall have victory, and that we shall destroy their City, albeit that it is strong: but only for our worship, to the end that we be recommended to have conducted this work by great discretion, and without pride: for oftentimes, by our too hasty enterprise, a thing of great weight, without advised council may come to a mischievous end. Ye know well, that it is long ago that the king Priamus did require us, by his special messengers, that we should render to him his sister Exione, & that by our haughtiness & pride we would not deliver her again: and if we had delivered and sent her home again, these evils had never happened in the isle of Cythar, as they now be. And the queen Helen, that is of the most noble of Gréece, had never been ravished, nor lead away: and also we had not enterprised the pain nor the labour, where we now be in. And there is none of us that knoweth what shall happen to him good or evil: and therefore if ye seem good, that we might return into our country, without suffering of more pain, with our honour and worship, we will send unto the king Priamus our special messengers, and bid him to send and deliver again to us Helen freely, and that he restore unto us the damages that Paris hath done in the isle of Cythare: for if he will so do, our return shallbe honourable, and we may no more ask of him by right. And if he refuse this, we shall have two things that shall fight for us, that is, justice, and our true quarrel, and our puissance excused: and when men shall hear of our offers, they will give the wrong and blame to the Trojans, and to us the laud and praise: and we shallbe excused of all the damages that we shall do to them, after these offers. Therefore advise you among yourselves, what thing ye will do.  
Then were there some bad people, that blamed this counsel, and some allowed it: and finally, they concluded to do so as Agamemnon had said. Then they chose for their messengers, Diomedes and Ulysses, for to go to Troy, and make their legation: which took their horses, and went incontinently thither, and came to Troy about midday, and they went strait to the Palace of king Priamus, and took their horses to keep at the gate, and after went up into the hall, and in going up, they marveled greatly of the rich works that they saw in all the palace, and specially of a tree that they saw in a plain, the which was made by art Mathematic, marvelously composed, and of great beauty, for the tronchon or stock beneath, was no greater but of the greatness of a spear, and was passing long and high, and above had branches of gold and of silver, and leaves that spread over the palace, and save a little, it covered all: and the fruit of the same tree was of divers precious stones, that gave great light and brightness, and also did much please and delight them that beheld it. They went so far forth that they came into the great hall where the king Priamus was, accompanied with noble men. And then without saluting the king nor the other, Ulysses said unto him in this manner.  
King Priamus, marvel nothing, that we have not saluted thee, forasmuch as thou art our most mortal enemy. The king Agamemnon (from whom we be messengers) sendeth and commandeth thee by us, that thou deliver and send unto him the queen Helen, whom thou hast caused most vilely to be ravished and taken from her husband, and that thou make satisfaction for all the damages that Paris thy son hath done in Gréece: and if thou so do, I suppose thou shalt show thyself a wise man: but if thou do not, behold what evils may come unto thee and thine: for thou shalt die an evil death, and all thy men, and this noble and famous city shall be destroyed. When the king Priamus heard Ulysses thus speak, he answered incontinently (without demanding or ask any counsel:) I marvel greatly of these thy words, that requirest of me that thing that a man already vanquished and overcome, and one that might not defend himself no more, with great pain would accord to thee. I believe not that the Greeks have such puissance to do that thing which thou hast said unto me: they require of me amends, and I ought to demand the like of them Have not they slain my father and my brethren, and lead away my sister in servitude, whom they deign not to marry honourably, but to hold her and use her as a common woman? And for to have her again, I have sent unto them Antenor, and would have pardoned them the surplus: but ye know the villainies and menaces that they did use towards my messenger: and therefore I ought not to hear anything that ye say unto me: but had rather die valiantly, then to agree to your request. And let Agamemnon know, that I desire never to have peace nor love with the Greeks, that have done to me so many displeasures. And if it were not that ye be messengers, I should make you die an evil death. Therefore go ye your way anon, for I may not behold you without displeasure in mine heart. Then began Diomedes to laugh for despite, and said thus: Ha king, if without displeasure thou mayest not see us, that be but twain, then wilt thou not be without displeasure all the days of thy life: for thou shalt see from henceforth before thine eyes great armies of Greeks, the which shall come before the city, and shall not cease for to assail it continually: against whom thou mayest not long defend thee, but that thou and thine finally shall receive bitter death. Therefore thou shouldest take better counsel in thy doings if thou wert well advised.  
Then were there many Trojans that would have run upon the Greeks, and drew their sword for to have slain them. But the king Priamus forbade them, and said unto them, that they should let two fools utter their folly: and that it was the nature of a fool to show folly, and to a wise man to suffer it. Ha, ha, sir, said Aeneas, what is that, that ye say? men must show to a fool his foolishness: and truly, if it were not in your presence, this fellow that hath spoken so foolishly before you, should receive his death by mine own hand. It appertaineth not unto him to say unto you such vile and venomous words nor menaces: and therefore I advise him, that he go his way quickly, unless he cease to speak foolishly. Diomedes, that of nothing was abashed, answered to Aeneas and said: Whatsoever thou be, thou showest well by thy words, that thou art right ill advised, and hot in thy words: and I wish and desire that I may once find thee in a place convenient, that I may reward thee for the words that thou hast spoken of me. I see well that the king is fortunate and happy to have such a counsellor as thou art, that giveth him counsel to do villainy. Then Ulysses broke the words of Diomedes right wisely, and prayed him to hold his peace, and after said to king Priamus, we have understood all that thou hast said, and will go and report it unto our princes. And incontinent they went, & took their horses, and returned unto their host, where they found many assembled before the king Agamemnon, and told to them the answer of king Priamus: whereof they had great marvel, and conferred long together, for the well ordering of their affairs, since they were acertained of the war of the Trojans.   

CHAP. IX. ¶ How Agamemnon assembled to counsel the Greeks, for to have victuals: And how they sent Achilles and Telephus unto the realm of Mess, where they slew the King Theutran in battle: And how Telephus was made King: And of the Kings that came in the aid and help of King Priamus.  
AFter these things, Agamemnon called his folks to counsel in the plain of Tenedon, and said unto them among all other things. It behoveth us necessarily to be advised, how that during the siege before Troy, our host shall be succoured with victual: and therefore, if ye think good, we will send unto the realm of Mess, to have from thence victuals continually, for it is a country right fertile and commodious: and they that shall go thither, shall take surety of them of the country, that they fail not to send victual to the host, so long as we shall be in this country. This counsel pleased much the Greeks, and incontinent they chose Achilles, and Telephus the son of Hercules, to furnish this message, and to go thither with a great company of men of arms. In that province reigned a king that had to name Theutram, and had long reigned in peace, for his country was peopled with good & hardy knights. When Achilles and Telephus, with three thousand knights fierce and hardy were arrived in the isle of Mess, they issued out of their ships, and went on land. Then came against them the king Theutran with a great company of men of foot and on horseback.  
Then began the battle right fiercely, and at the skirmish there were many knights slain on both sides. And albeit that the Greeks' were less in number then the other were, they defended themselves well: but their defence had not availed them, had it not been for the great prowess of Achilles, that did great marvels with his body, as he that was the most strong and most valiant of the Greeks: for whosoever he smote he died therefore, and there might no man endure before him. When then Achilles had espied the king Theutram in the mids of his people, that did great damage to his folk, he thrusted into the greatest press of his enemies, and beat down before him all that he found until that he came unto the king Theutram: and he gave him so many strokes, that he all to hewed his helm, and smote him down to the ground sore wounded, and had slain him incontinently had not Telephus been, which put himself between them, and prayed Achilles humbly, that he would not slay him, nor do him any more harm than he had: and the king himself cried to Achilles for mercy. Then said Achilles to Telephus, what moveth thee to pity our enemy mortal, that is come to assail us with so great fury: it is reason that he fall into the pit that he made ready for us. Ha, ha, sir, said Telephus, this king was very familiar with my father Hercules, and also did to me on a time, great honour in this land, and therefore I may not suffer to see him slain before mine eyes. Well then, said Achilles, take him, and do with him what thou wilt. Then was the battle finished, and the Greeks' ceased, and the king Theutram was borne into his Palace as dead, for Achilles had sore bruised him, and all to trushed him. And the king prayed Achilles and Thelephus, that they would go with him: the which went, and were received with great joy and honour.  
It was not long after, that the king Theutram, that was wounded to the death, by the wounds that Achilles had given him, sent for Achilles, and Thelephus, and then said to them: My friends, I may not long live: and after said to Thelephus. My friend, I may no longer live, and I have no lawful heirs of my body, to whom I may leave this realm, that I have gotten with great labour, and had lost long since, had it not been the most worthy of all worthies, thy father Hercules, which warranted and was a shield to me against all them that would have taken it from me: and he did oft fight with them that would have taken it. So thy father by his great prowess, slew them and chased them out, and since I have kept it peaceably, not by my merit, but by the virtue of thy father. And, since it is so that thy father hath conquered this realm for me, that have no heirs, it is good right and reason that thou be heir of thy father: and forsomuch as this is my last word, I leave to thee this Realm and all mine other goods, wheresoever they be, and make thee mine heir, and pray thee that thou do bury me honourably, as it appertaineth to a king. And as soon as he had finished these words he died, and then Thelephus, and the nobles of the country, did bury him honourably, and laid him in a very rich Sepulture, whereupon was written this Epitaph: Hear lieth the king Theutram, whom Achilles slew: the which left his realm to Thelephus.  
This Thelephus, that before was but Duke, was made king of Mess: and all the nobles of the Country did him homage, and all the people promised unto him faith and service. Then Achilles did furnish his ships with victual, and ordained that Thelephus should abide in his new realm (which he did being sore grieved) and he prayed him, and also commanded in the name of the Greeks', that he should do his diligence, to send unto the host of the Greeks' oftentimes victuals: and he promised him that he so would do without any default. And then Achilles took leave of him, and returned into his ships, and sailed so long that he and his company arrived at the port of Tenedon safely, where they found the host yet sojourning: and anon as he was landed, he went strait unto the Tent of king Agamemnon, where all the princes and kings were assembled: and there he was received with great joy, as he that all the host loved much, for his great strength and prowess. Then Achilles told to them, how he had arrived at Messe and of the battle, and how that Thelephus was made king, and how he had promised to furnish the host with victuals.  
Of these tidings the Greeks' had great joy, and allowed and praised much the valiance of Achilles: and after the Parliament each man went unto his pavilion. Then was Achilles received with great joy of his Mirmidones, that much loved him.  
In this place here, the author nameth what kings and princes did come to the help and aid of king Priamus to Troy: not of all, but of the most notable. First came unto their aid, the king Ponderous, the king Galior, and the king Adrastus with three thousand knights armed.  
From the province of Tholoson came four Kings, with five thousand knights armed, the King Carras, the king Amasius, the king Nestor, that was a mighty strong man, and the King Amphimacus. From the Realm of Licie came the king Glaucon, with three thousand knights, and his son Sarpedon, that was one of the strongest knights of the world, and cousin of king Priamus. From the realm of Lycaon, came the king Ensemus, with three thousand knights right expert in arms. From the realm of Larissa, came two kings with fifteen hundred knights, the king Mistor that was a very great man, and the king Capidus. From the realm of Thabory came the king Remus, with three thousand knights, and in his company came four dukes and seven earls, that were in league with king Priamus: they bore in their arms the colour of azure without other sign, and thereby was the king Remus and his people known in the battle. From the realm of Thracie, came the king Pilex, and the duke Achanias, with xi. hundred knights. From the realm of Panonie came the king Pessemus, and the duke Stupex his cousin, with three thousand knights, right expert to joust and shoot with the bow. This is a marvelous wild country, of Forests and Mountains, and where is but little people, and enough of wild beasts and of birds. From the province of Boecie, came three dukes, with twelve hundred knights, the duke Anserimus, the duke Fortunus, and the duke Sammus. From the realm of Burtin, where as grow good spices, came two kings brethren, with a thousand knights, the king Boetes, and the king Episteus. From the reign of Paphagore, that is at the sun rising, in the East, full of all riches, came the right rich king Philemeus, with three thousand knights, all their shields of the hides of fishes all covered with gold and precious stones, and this king was as great as a Giant. From the reign of Ethiope, came the king Perseus, and the king of Thiction with him, that was right hardy and wise, with three thousand knights, that had in their company many a Duke and many an Earl.  
And also there was with them, Simagon, the son of king Thiction. From the realm of cheers, came the king Theseus and Archilogus his son that was of the affinity of king Priamus, & brought a thousand knights. From the isle of Argust, came two kings, of whom I have not the names, with twelve hundred knights. From the reign of Eliane, that is beyond the realm of Amazon, came an ancient king right wise and discrecte, named Epistropus, and brought a thousand knights, and a marvelous beast that was called Sagittary, that behind the midst was an horse, and before a man, this beast was hairy, like an horse, and had his eyes red as a coal, and shot right well with a bow: and this beast made the Greeks sore afraid, and slew many of them with his bow. Thus were in number all the knights that came in aid of king Priamus two and thirty thousand, besides them of the realm of Troy, and of India the lesser. And it is not found by writing that since the creation of the world so many noble knights were assembled in one place, and that prosecuted the quarrel for so little occasion. O how the kings and princes ought to take heed, and be well advised for to begin war, if they might amend it by another way.   

CHAP. X. ¶ Of the coming of Duke Palamedes: and how the Greeks' departed from the port of Tenedon by the counsel of Diomedes, and came and took land before the strong City of Troy: and how the Trojans received them with battle right vigorously.  
THe Greeks' were not yet parted from Tenedon, when Palamedes the son of king Naulus, came and arrived at this port of Tenedon, with thirty ships full of knights armed, all noble and hardy men. And of his coming the Greeks had great joy, and murmured afore, because he tarried so long, whereof he excused him by sickness that he had  
This Palamedes was holden in great worship among the Greeks', and was the second next king Agamemnon, puissant and discreet in arms, and very rich. And at his coming, he was anon chosen to be counsellor of the host. And thus were the Greeks' many a day and night at the port of Tenedon, oftentimes assembled to counsel, for to advise them in the best manner to besiege the city of Troy. And at length, after many opinions, they held them to the counsel of Diomedes, that was this. Now said he, all ye Kings, Princes and Barons, that be here assembled, we ought to have great shame and dislike, seeing it is a year agone since we landed here in this country, and have not yet been before Troy. Verily, in this we have given to our enemies great advantage: for it is so, that this time during, they be purveyed of great aids, and all their city strongly fortified, and fenced with walls and bulwarks, that they have good leisure to make: and verily they think that we be not so hardy as to come unto them, and therefore the more that we delay to go thither, the more increaseth our shame and damage: and I trow if we had gone thither when we came first into the country, we should have more easily gone ashore and taken land, than we shall do now: for they be better furnished now then they were at that time, of all such things as them behoved, for to defend them with: and therefore, I council you, that to morrow betimes we put us on the way in good order, and let us lay the siege firmly, and as hastily as we may. We ought to know, that we shall not so do without great battle: Wherein it behoveth each man to employ himself, and to put behind all fear and dread. For by none other way we may prevail in this matter, nor better nor more honourably, as I think, etc.  
The counsel of Diomedes pleased all the Barons of the host, and on the morrow early they re-entered into their ships, and sailed strait unto the port of Troy, and brought their ships by good order one after another.  
In the first front they put an hundred ships right well furnished with knights and banners, that waved in the wind, and after them they put another hundred: and after, all the other by order, and they had not far sailed, but that they saw the noble City of Troy, and approached thereto, as hastily as they might. When the Trojans saw the Greeks' approach the City, they ran to arms, and mounted upon their horses all armed, and went forth without order unto the port. Then when the Greeks' saw the Trojans come in so great number, for to defend their port, there was none so hardy but he was afraid. But forasmuch as they could not go a land, but by force of arms, they armed them incontinent, and did their best to take land by force, etc.  
Of the first hundred ships, was chief and captain, the King Prothesalaus of Philard, that endeavoured with great pain and diligence to bring his ships within the port: but the wind that was strong, blew them into the port so strongly against the shore, that many of them brake and bruised, and many Greeks' were drowned, and they that might take land took it, and were anon slain by the Trojans with great torments, and in so great number, that the ground was red with their blood. It is not in the remembrance of any man that ever any Navy won land with so great damage as did the navy of the Greeks. After this first hundred ships, the other came and arrived that followed them: and they that were within, were well provided of great Arbalesters, wherewith they did shoot and flew many of the Trojans, and constrained them to go back.  
And then with all speed took the Greeks' land, and succoured the first that fought at great deadly hazard. Then began there a battle. The king Prothesilaus, that was landed with the first, did great marvels with his body, and slew that day of the Trojans without number. And if he alone had not been, all the Greeks that were gotten a land, had been slain. But what might his defence help, when seven thousand Greeks' fought against an hundred thousand Troyans? And I say to you, that for the great danger wherein they felt themselves, they sold their lives dear, abiding the succours of king Archelaus, and the king Prothenor that anon arrived, and would the Trojans or not, they went ashore, took land, and succoured their people valiantly, and began again cruel battle, etc.  
After that arrived the duke Nestor, and his folk, that thrusted in among their enemies right fiercely. There was many a spear broken, and many an arrow shot: knights fell down dead on both sides, and the cry was so great, that it was marvelous to hear. There were slain many Trojans by Archelaus & Prothenor. After arrived the king Ascalus, and the king Aglaus with their ships, and went aland, and assailed the Trojans with great fierceness, and by force made them to retire and go back: and then came to the battle great plenty of new Trojans. Then began the battle to be greater than it had been all the day before, in somuch that the Greeks were recoiled by force unto their ships, and then arrived Ulysses with a great company of knights which thronged anon into the battle: and the Greeks recovered land at their coming, and assailed on the Trojans. There made Ulysses great effusion of blood of his enemies, and immediately his ensign was known among them. King Philomenus seeing that Ulysses slew so their people, he addressed himself to him, and beat him off his horse a little wounded. Ulysses smote him again so hard, that he wounded him in his throat, and cut asunder his original vein, and smote him as half dead. And the Trojans ran and took him from the Greeks, and bore him upon his shield into the city. And had not this adventure of this king been, the Greeks had been discomfited. But the Trojans laboured much to save him. Then arrived the king Thoas, and the king Agamemnon, the king Menelaus, and the king Thelamon Ajax, with all their power, and went a land, and fought a battle very valiantly, and broke their spears, upon the Trojans, and beat down many, some slain, and some hurt. At this skirmish were many Trojans.  
When the king Prothesilaus departed from the battle, where he had been since the beginning, for to take breath, and when he came to the port, he found all his men nigh dead, for whom he wept for pity, and took again his courage, to avenge the death of his men, and went again unto the battle, and in his great ire slew many Trojans, and wounded them, and smote down many of them off their horses. Then came to the battle of the party of the Trojans, the king Perses, with a great company of knights: at the coming of the Ethiopians began the battle to be mortal, and there were many Greeks slain, and by main force they made them go back, and had without fail discomfited them, had not the worthy Palamedes soon gone aland, for at his coming the Greeks were recomforted. And also Palamedes did great marvels with his hand, and addressed him against Sagamon the brother of king Memnon, and nephew of the king of pierce, that sore grieved the Greeks: and he smote him so sore with his spear, that he pierced him through the body, and smote him dead down to the earth: afterwards he thronged into the great press, and beat down all that he met, and each man that knew him, made him way. And then arose a cry upon the Trojans, so that they might not bear the strength of Palamedes, who were recoiled by force, and had been all discomfited. But the most worthiest of all worthies, Hector, when he heard the cry upon his people, he issued out of the City, with a great company of knights, and entered into the battle, armed in rich arms, & bare in his shield of gold, a Lion of Gules. His strength was anon known among the Greeks': he encountered and met in his coming the king Prothesilaus, that had not all day ceased to slay Troyans: and he smote him with his sword, with so great might upon his helm, that he cloven him unto the navel, notwithstanding his armour, whereof he fell down to the ground. And after, Hector thrusted into the greatest press, and as many Greeks as he reached with his sword, he slew. Then each man fled from him, making him way, and then demanded the Greeks' one of another, what was he that so grieved them, and strait they knew, that it was Hector the most strong man of the world, and then was there none so hardy that durst abide his stroke.  
Then it happened, that Hector went out a little for to refresh him: whereupon the Greeks took courage again against the Trojans: and this happened that day, eight or ten times. It was about the hour of Evensong what time Hector departed from the battle, and re-entered into the City: for the Greeks' were withal discomfited, and then arrived the right strong Achilles with his maimed ones, and entered anon into the battle with three thousand good knights that were with him: and then were the Trojans on all sides beaten down and slain, for against Achilles endured no man but he was beaten down to the earth, and sore hurt.  
Then were arrived all the Navy of the Greeks', and the knights gone a land, and skirmished with the other in the battle: wherefore the Trojans had much to suffer, so that they must needs flee into their city, and Achilles and the other slew them flying: there was a great cry of the hurt men, and there was Achilles all died with the blood of the Trojans that he had slain, and there was great slaughter at the entry into the City. There saw the fathers their children slain before their eyes: and the murder and the slaughter had been more great, if Troilus, Paris and Deiphobus had not come with a great company fierce and new, who came and issued out of the City, resisted the Greeks' and made the slaughter to cease, and for that the night was nigh, each man withdrew him into his place.  
The Trojans kept close their City, and did make good watch, and Achilles with the Greeks, returned to their Tents with great glory, who were not yet dressed: but the king Agamemnon did cause to dress them incontinent, and made each man to take place meet after his estate. And they that had no tents nor pavilions, lodged then under the leaves, the best wise that they could, both themselves and their horses, and after anchored their ships as well as they might, and took out of them all that was necessary to them. Thus made the Greeks' their siege this night, and set it before the City of Troy, and made marvelous great fires in the host, that made it as light as it had been day. So were they lodged a night together, and made right good watch, although they had none assaults this night: and they had all the nights Trumpets and Minstrels great plenty, that Agamemnon ordained for to comfort the host. And they rested this night all armed the best wise they could. This was the first battle of the Greeks, and of the Trojans, at their coming, etc.   

CHAP. XI. ¶ Of the second battle before Troy, in the which were many Kings and great Barons, slain by the worthy Hector: and how the Trojans had been victorious of of their enemies, had it not been for the prayer of Thelamon Ajax cousin of Hector, etc.  
ANd when the night was passed, Hector that had the charge of all them of the City, ordered right early his battles in a great plain, that was in the City, and put in the first battle two thousand good knights, which he betook to lead and conduct to twain of his kinsmen, that is to wit, to Glaucon the son of the king of Licie, and to Asiamolor his bastard brother, and assigned to them the king Thesus of Trace, and Archilogus his brother that was wise and valiant, and made them to issue out of the gate named Dardan, that stood against the host of the Greeks: in the second battle he put three thousand good knights and strong, whom he took to conduct to the king Exampitus of Frigie, & to the king Alcanus that were knights of great strength, and recommended them to the guard of the Gods, and made them issue out after the other in good order.  
The third battle he betook to Troilus his brother, for to conduct wild three thousand knights, wise and hardy, and said to them at the departing. My right dear brother, my heart putteth me in doubt of thy great hardiness: wherefore I pray thee that thou govern thee wisely in the battle, in such wise that thou enterprise not such things as thou mayest not achieve: and that thou put not thy body in danger of death, by overmuch weening, whereby thou mightest give joy to thine enemies and ours. Go thy way in the name of the gods, who conduct and keep thee from peril & encumbrance. Ha, ha, sir brother, answered Troilus, it needeth you not to doubt of me, for I will do that in me is, right as you have commanded: and then he went forth with his company after the other, and bare in his shield three lions of gold.  
Hector put in the fourth battle three thousand knights and seven hundred, whom he took to conduct the king Huppon of Larissa. This king Huppon was most strong of all the Trojans next Hector, and had in his company a valiant knight, a bastard brother of Hector, wise & hardy, named Diamaicus. The fifth battle Hector delivered to conduct to the king of Cisaine, with all his folk, that were marvelous strong and great as giants, and the same king bare in his shield all azure without any difference. And Hector put in commission in this battle Polidamas his bastard brother with this king, and issued after the other. The sixth battle lead the king Prenestus, that had his people well instructed to shoot and draw the bow, and went without arms to battle, mounted upon good light horses: and Hector commised Deiphobus his brother to conduct them, and they issued after the other. With this battle joined Hector all the chivalry of the realm of Agreste under the conduct of king Esdras, and of king Philon. This king Philon had a marvelous chair, all of ivory, of gold and of silver, and of precious stones. This chair was drawn by two strong knights. With these two kings, Hector put Epitagorens his bastard brother, & they issued after the other. The seventh battle lead Aeneas, and a noble admiral named Eufrene, and they went after the other. The eight battle lead the king of pierce named Perses, and Paris was chief and captain, and Hector prayed Paris his brother, that he would not assemble unto the Greeks', unto the time that he came himself, and that he would follow him anon. The much battle and the last lead Hector himself, and ten of his bastard brethren after him: and all the best knights of the city chosen, were in this battle, to the number of five thousand, etc.  
Then when Hector was richly arrayed, and armed with good harness and sure, he mounted upon his horse named Galathe, that was one of the most great & strongest horse of the world. And so (armed and mounted) he road unto the king his father, and said unto him: Right dear father, retain with you a thousand and five hundred knights, and all the men of foot of this city, and hold you without before the sight of the Greeks, & move you not, but if I send you word: to the end, if we have necessity, that ye be our refuge. And I will send you always among my messengers, that shall tell to you the state of the battle: and take ye good heed, and keep good guard, that our enemies take not our city by policy or treason. And the king answered him: My son, I will do all as thou hast said unto me: for next after the aid and help of the gods, thou art all my hope and trust, and I have no confidence but in the virtue of thine arms, and in the great discretion of thy wit. And I pray to the gods right humbly, that they will keep thee whole and sound, and preserve thee from encumbrance.  
After these words, Hector went forth after the other. This Hector was very courageous, strong, and victorious in battle, and a right wise conductor of men of arms. His shield was all of gold, and in the middle a Lion of gules, and albeit that he was the last that issued out of his house or of the city, yet passed he always all the battles, and came and put himself before in the first battle. The women that were in the city, and all the other went upon the walls for to behold the battles. There were the daughters of the king, with the queen Helen, that had great doubt, & divers imaginations in herself.  
Whiles that Hector had ordained his battles, the king Agamemnon was not idle, but ordained right early of his people, six and twenty battles. He put in the first battle Patroclus with his people, & with them the folk of Achilles, which was not that day in the battle, for his wounds that he had, and did stay to heal them in his tent. Thy Patroclus was a noble duke, and rich, and loved so much Achilles, that they were both of one alliance. In the second battle was the king Menon, and the king Idumeus with three thousand knights: and there was the duke of Athens with all his people. The third battle lead the king Achalaphis, and his son Phinenus with their people. The fourth battle lead the king Archelaus, and the king Prothenor his brother, and with him was Securidan the right strong knight with all the people of Boecie. The fift battle lead the king Menelaus, with all his people of Sparte. The sixth battle lead the king Epistropus, and the king Celidus with all their people. The seventh battle lead Thelamon Ajax with all his people of Salamine, and he had four Earls with him, that is to wit Thesus, Amphymacus Dorius, and Polidarius. The eight lead the king Thoas. The ninth lead Ajax Aleus. The tenth lead the king Philotus. The eleventh the king Idumeus & the king Neron. The twelfth the duke Nestor: the thirteenth lead the king Exiones. The fourteenth the king Ulysses. The fifteenth the king Humerus. In the sixteenth were the folk of Prothesilaus much despairing to avenge the death of their Lord. The seventeenth lead the king Polidarius, and the king Machaon: The eighttéenth the king of Rhodes. The nineteenth the king Sampitus, and the king Lidorus. The twentieth, the king Geripulus. The one and twentieth, the king Phylot●tes of Larisse. The two and twentieth Diomedes: The three & twentieth the king Oeneus of Cypress. The four and twentieth the king Prothalus. The five and twentieth the king Carpenor. The six and twentieth, & the last battle lead king Agamemnon, emperor of all the host.  
When all the battles were set in order on the one side and on the other, and there was nothing to do but to meet, than advanced him Hector all the first, and Partroclus came against him, as fast as his horse might run, and smote him so strongly with his spear on his shield, that he pierced it thorough out, but more harm did it not. Then Hector assailed Patroclus with his sword, and gave him so great a stroke upon his head, that he cloven it in two pieces: and Patroclus fell down dead to the ground. When Hector saw him dead, he coveted his arms, for they were right trim and rich, and lighted down off his horse for to take them, but the king Menon came upon him with three thousand good knights, for to defend the king Patroclus against Hector, & said to him thus. Ha, ha, wolf ravishing and insatiable, certes it behoveth to seek thy pray in some other place, for here gettest thou none. And then they assailed on all sides, and would have taken from him Galathee his horse. But Hector by his prowess remounted (would they or not) and meant to have avenged him on king Menon, but the king Glaution and the king Thesus and Archilogus his son, came with three thousand fight men: And then Hector laid on and beat down all afore him: and the first that he met he gave so great a stroke, that he slew him, and after him many more he beat down, and flew.  
Thus began the battle on both sides, and Hector came again to the body of Patroclus, for to have his arms, but the king Idumeus of Crete, came against him with two thousand fight men, and the king Menon (that had always his eyes to Hector) letted him, and was so in the way, that Hector might not have his arms that he most earnestly desired, and suffered great pain forasmuch as he was on foot: but he enforced him with all his courage, and began to slay man and horse, and to smite off heads, legs, feet and arms, and slew fifteen of the strongest that assailed him. In this mean while, the king Menon took the body of Patroclus before him, and bore it unto his tent. As the Greeks' contended to grieve Hector, and to take away his horse, there was among them a strong knight, named Cre● de la plerre, that grieved him most: than one of the servants of Hector addressed him against this Creon, and gave him so great a stroke with his spear, that he smote him down dead to the earth, and after he smote down another, and cried to the Trojans right loud, that they should come and succour Hector.  
With this cry came first Securabor one of the bastard brethren of Hector, and thrusted into the greatest press so fiercely, that he came upon them that most grieved Hector, who had slain more than thirty of them, and did so much bestir him, that by force he made the Greeks' to recoil: and then was Hector remounted upon his horse, and thrusted in among them by great fierceness, and slew great plenty of them, for displeasure that he might not have the arms of Patroclus. Then he met with none but he slew him, or beat him down hurt, and each man made him way and dreaded him, etc.  
Then came to the battle Menesteus the duke of Athens, and came and joined him to the battle whereas Troilus was, who did marvels, and had with him the king Sampitus, the king Machaon, and the king Alcanus. Then began fierce battles, Menesteus addressed him against Troilus, and there fought against him with so great force, that he beat him down of his horse, in the great press of the folk: and Menesteus laboured with all his strength, insomuch that he took him, and led him toward their tents with a great company of knights. Then Miseres of Troy cried to the Trojans, that Troilus was prisoner, and that they should be dishonoured if they suffered him to be lead away. Then the king Alcanus took his spear that was right strong, and addressed him unto them that held Troilus, and smote the first down to the earth, and smote another and sore wounded him, and did so much by the aid of his men that Troilus was rescued, and set again upon his horse, and also by the help of king Sampitus that came on with all his people, he gave so great a stroke to Menesteus overthwart, that if he had not been well armed, he had been slain. And then cried Mnesteus to his people, and so began among them a mortal battle, and there were many slain on the one side and the other.  
Among these things, Mnesteus, that was sorry that he had lost his prisoner, met Miseres, by whom he had lost him, and assoon as he knew him, he addressed him to him and beat him down, and the same time smote down another knight. Then came to the battle Hupon, and Hiripisus with two thousand fighters, and against them came Menelaus and Prothenor with their folk, and there began a mortal skirmish, etc.  
Anon after came Polidamas the son of Antenor with a great company, and thrusted in on the other side among his enemies. After came the king Remus from Troy with three thousand fighters, and against them came Menelaus with all his people. The said Menelaus addressed him against king Remus, & they jousted together, and smote each other to the ground. Then addressed him Polidamas, and Remus against the nephew of Helen a young man twenty year old, and Remus gave him so great a stroke with his spear, that he smote him down to the earth, whereof Menelaus had great sorrow, for he loved him much, and in his great ire, he gave so great a stroke to Remus with his sword, that he smote him down as dead. And when the king Remus was so beaten down, his men had we end that he had been dead, and would have fled had it not been for Polidamas that retained them with great pain, and did so much that they took their king so hurt as he was, and bore him home in safety. Then the king Celidus, that was the most fair king of the world, addressed him to Polidamas, and smote him with his spear, but he could not remove him, Polidamas gave him so great a stroke with his sword, that he smote him down to the earth. Among all these things Hector went and came beating down and slaying his enemies, and made way before him in slaying of knights and beating down, so far that he came upon them of Salamine that the king Thelamon conducted, who slew many of the Trojans, and beat down by his prowess. Then the king Theuter gave so great a stroke with his spear to Hector, that he made him a deep wound: and Hector in his great ire encountered an admiral of the Greeks', and slew him cruelly with his sword. Then was Hector closed with his enemies on all parts: there was of the Greeks' the king Thesus, and he spoke to Hector and warned him that he should go out of the battle, and said that it were damage for all the world to lose such a knight: and Hector thanked him right courteously.  
In this while Menelaus and Thelamon assailed Polidamas: and Thelamon that addressed him first, smote him with his spear, and after gave many strokes, insomuch that they broke the lace of his helm, and took him, and had lead him away had not Hector been, which was not far off, who smote among them that held him and slew and hurt many of them, and did so much by his valiance that he slew thirty of them: and the other fled, and left Polydamas with him. Then there put them together, the king Menelaus, and the king Thelamon, with all their people, and smote in among ●he Troyans by so great fierceness, that they made them go back maugre them, notwithstanding the great prowess of Hector that was with the other that did marvels, in his person. And then was his fierce and gallant warlike horse Galathe slain under him, and then he defended himself on foot so marvelously that there was none so hardy of the Greeks' that durst approach him. When his brethren knew the right great danger that he was in, they ran all to that part. Then was Thelamon sore hurt, and Dinadorous one of the bastard brethren of Hector, gave so great a stroke to Polixenus a noble man, that he slew him, and beat him down of a great and a strong horse, whereupon he sat, and took the Steed to Hector, who mounted upon him incontinent. There were marvels of arms done by the bastards. Then came on Deyphebus with all his host, wherein he had great store of Archers that hurt and slew great store of the Greeks'. And Deyphebus made & gave to king Theuter a great wound in the visage. Then began the battle as mortal as it had been in all the day. There was Thesus assailed by Quintelinus one of the bastard brethren of Hector, and of king Moderus, and was taken and lead away: but Hector delivered him all quite, for the courtesy that he had done to him a little before.  
Then came to the battle of the Greeks, the king Thoas, and the king Philotas: but the king Thaos addressed him against Cassilanus one of the bastard brethren of Hector, and gave him so great a stroke, that he slew him down to the earth, seeing Hector, which then smote so angrily among the Greeks', that he slew many, and put them all to flight. Then came to the battle Nestor with six thousand knights: and the king Esdras, and the king Philon, that did great marvels of arms, came against them.  
At this assembly there were many knights slain, and beaten down, of the one part and of the other. The king Philon, that did great marvels in arms, was enclosed with the Greeks' on all sides, and had been slain, if jecomas and the king Esdras his father had not delivered him from their hands. Hector and his brother did marvels, with Polydamas, and had put all the Greeks to flight, but Menelaus and Thelamon resisted them strongly.  
Then came Aeneas to the battle with all his host, and put him in with Hector and the other, and by force put the Greeks' to plain flight, whereof Ajax had very great sorrow: and also as he beheld behind him, he saw the banners that came to the battle that had not yet been there, and there was all the flower of the chivalry of Greece. Then prayed he them that fled, that they would abide, and recommence and begin a new battle. Ajax and Aeneas encountered so hardly, that they fell both to the earth. And then came Phylotes with three thousand knights, and made the Trojans go back, and smote Hector with his spear, but he might not remove him: and Hector gave him so great a stroke with his sword, that he beat and sore hurt him. Then came to the battle the king Humerus, and the king Ulysses with all their people, and the king Humerus, and they had in their host ten thousand knights, the which did the Trojans much sorrow that were very weary. To their succours came Paris unto the battle, and in his coming smote so hard the king of Frigie, who was cousin to Ulysses, that he slew him and beat him down, whereof the Greeks' had much sorrow: and Ulysses supposed to have smitten Paris with his spear, but he smote his horse and slew him, and Paris fell to the earth. Then Troilus gave to Ulysses so great a stroke, that he wounded him in the face, and made the blood spring out like as the wine runneth out of a tun, etc. and Ulysses hurt him again. And truly the Trojans had then fled, had it not been for the great prowess of Hector, and of his brethren: for Hector ceased not to put himself in the greatest press, here and there, and each man that knew him made him way.  
When he saw that his people might not suffer the great strength of the Greeks, he withdrew them on a side, and told them what injuries the Greeks' had done to them, and what they will do if they come to their conquest, and then admonished and warned them to do well, and after brought them by a valley on the right side for to assail their enemies. There was great slaughter of the Greeks: there was the king Thoas assailed of the bastard brethren of Hector, for to avenge the death of Cassibelanus their brother, that he had slain: they beat him down off his horse, and razed off his helm from his head, and had slain him incontinent, if the duke of Athens had not come on, that thrusted in among them, and gave so great a stroke to one of the bastards Quintilinus, that he fell down to the ground sore hurt: and Paris smote the duke with an arrow in the side, and made him a great wound. But the duke that was sore hurt, set not thereby, but maugre them all, he delivered the king Thoas from their hands. Then Hector did endeavour to put the Greeks' unto flight, and then the king Humerus shot an arrow unto Hector, and hurt him in the face, and Hector ran upon him by so great ire, that he smote him sore upon the head, and cloven it unto the teeth, and he fell down dead. Then, with blowing of an horn, came more than seven thousand Greeks' for to assail Hector that defended him against them marvelously. After this he went a little off to his father, and took three thousand knights fresh and fierce, and brought them to the battle, and at their coming he made very great slaughter of the Greeks', etc.  
Ajax and Hector jousted together, and fought each with other, Menelaus slew at this joining an admiral of Troy. Celidonius slew Moles of Oreb the nephew of King Thoas. Mandon smote out an eye of king Sedonius. Sadellus slew an admiral of the Greeks'. Thelamon beat Margarelon and sore wounded him. Famuel beat the king Prothenor to the earth. The king of Gaul jousted against Mnesteus, but Mnesteus hurt him on the nose with his sword. Then Dianor seeing his brother hurt, addressed him to Mnesteus, and smote him down to the earth: and then fell upon him the three brethren that would have slain him, or taken him, but he defended him valiantly, and anon he was succoured by the king Theuter. But Hector then assailed them both, and without fault they had not escaped, had not Ajax the strong knight have come to the rescue with a thousand knights that he had in his company. Then came on the king of pierce with five thousand knights that Paris lead: and so did all the other Trojans, and made the Greeks' recoil, and go back by force. Dares writeth in his book, that Hector slew a thousand knights, only in this assault.  
Among all other things Hector encountered the king Menon before a tent, and said to him: ha, evil traitor, the hour is come that thou shalt receive thy reward for that thou lettest me to take the arms of Patroclus: and then he smote him so great a stroke that he fell down to the ground. And after Hector alighted down, & smote off his head, and would have taken his arms from him: but Mnesteus letted him, and smote upon Hector overthwart, by such force that he gave him a great wound, and went his way without more carrying, doubting the fury of Hector. Then Hector went out of the throng, and did bind up his wound that it bled no more, and after went in again into the press, and slew in his coming many Greeks'. And Dares saith, that after he had bound up his wound, he slew the same day a thousand knights, & there was none had courage to avenge him against him or defend himself, but he put them all to flight, & the Troyans' entered into their tents and peeled and rob them, and took all the best that they could find, etc.  
On this day had the Troyans had victory of the Greeks, if fortune had consented: for they might have slain them all, and eschewed great evils that after came to them. Certes it is not wisdom, when any man findeth his enemy in great peril and fortune, to offer his power to deliver him thereof: for it happeneth oftentimes, that he shall never recover to have his enemy in the same case, but that fortune will turn her back: Thus it happened this day to the unhappy Hector, that had the better of his enemies, and might have slain them all, if he had would, for they sought nothing but for to slay. When by great misadventure there came afore him in an encounter Thelamon Ajax that was son of king Thelamon, and Exion, that was cousin German of Hector and of his brethren, which was wise and valiant, he addressed him against Hector, and delivered to him a great assault, and Hector to him, as they that were valiant both two: and as they were fight, they spoke and talked together, and thereby Hector knew that he was cousin German, son of his aunt: and then Hector for courtesy embraced him in his arms, and made great cheer, and offered to him to do all his pleasure, if he desired any thing of him, and prayed him that he would come to Troy with him, for to see his lineage ot his mothers side: but the said Thelamon, that intended to nothing but to his advantage, said that he would not go at this time. But prayed Hector, requesting that if he loved him so much as he said, he would for his sake, and at his instance, cease the battle for that day, and that the Trojans should leave the Greeks' in peace. The unhappy Hector accorded to him his request, and blewe a horn, and made all his people to withdraw into the City. Then had the Trojans begun to put the fire in the ships of the Greeks', and had all burnt them, had not Hector called them from thence: Wherefore the Trojans were sorry of their repeal.  
This was the cause wherefore the Trojans miss so have the victory, to the which they might never after attain, nor come: for fortune was to them contrary: and therefore Virgile saith: Non est misericordia in bello, that that is to say, that there is no mercy in battle. A man ought not to be too merciful, but take the victory when he may get it.   

CHAP. XII. ¶ Of the first truce of two months, demanded by the Greeks': and of the three battles between them, in the which Hector beat Achilles to the ground twice, and after slew the king Prothenor, and smote him with one stroke in two parts.  
WHen it was come to the morrow betimes, the Trojans armed them for to go and assail the Greeks': but the Greeks sent betimes to king Priamus, and demanded truce for two months: and he agreed to them the said truce. And then were the dead bodies gathered, as well of the one part as of the other, and some were buried and some burnt. Achilles was then so sorrowful for the death of Patroclus, that he could in no wise be comforted: he made his body to be buried in a fair rich Sepulture, and so did they of the other, as of the king Prothesilaus, and other kings and princes that were slain: and they that were hurt and wounded, they did cause to be healed, during the truce. Priamus the king did bury his bastard son Cassibelanus right honourably, in the temple of Venus and showed great sorrow for his death, and so did all the other, etc.  
When Cassandra heard the grief and sorrow that the Trojans made for the death of their friends, she cried and said: O ungracious Trojans, make sorrow for yourselves, for in likewise shall it hap and come to you as it is to your friends, that is the death: alas why seek ye not peace of the Greeks, before these evils come to you, and ere this noble city be destroyed? alas why yield you not again Helen, that the king my father did cause to ravish by force, wherefore ye shall all be destroyed? Among all these things, Palamedes murmured greatly at the signory of Agamemnon, saying that he was not worthy to have so great domination above all the other, and that he himself was more worthy to have the signory of the host, than Agamemnon: and that he had not the good will and consent of the princes, but only of three or four: and then at that time there was nothing further proceeded.  
When the truce failed, the king Agamemnon that had the charge of all the host, ordered right early his battles, and gave the first to Achilles, and the second to Diomedes, the third to Menelaus, the fourth to Menesteus the duke of Athens, and over all the other he ordained good captains and conductors. Hector ordered his battles in like wise, and set in the first Troilus, and in all the other he set good captains and hardy, and made all the battles to issue out: and he set himself in the front before. And when Achilles saw him, he ran against him, so that they smote each other to the earth right sore. Hector remounted first, and left Achilles lying on the earth, and smote in among the other, in the greatest press, and he reached no knight but he slew him, or beat him down: and went throughout the battle all made red with the blood of them that he had slain. When Achilles was remounted, he thrusted in among the Trojans in the great press, and slew many: and he went so far, that he encountered Hector again, and he ran to him, and Hector to him, but Achilles was borne down to the ground: and Hector would have taken his horse, but he might not, for the great succours that Achilles had. When he was remounted, he assailed Hector with his sword, and gave so great strokes to Hector, that nigh he had beaten him: but Hector gave to him so great a stroke upon the helm, that he overthrew him, and made the blood spring out of his head. Thus was the battle mortal of the two knights: and if they had not been parted the one from other, they had been slain: but their people put asunder them. Then came Diomedes to the battle, and Troilus on the other side, which smote each other to the earth. But Dyomedes remounted first, and assailed Troilus, that was on foot, and defended himself valiantly, and slew the horse of Dyomedes: but their men remounted them both two, by force, and then they began again to skirmish. And Dyomedes had taken and lead away Troilus, if the Trojans had not put them in peril of death, for to rescue him: and many of them were slain. Then came to the battle Menelaus of the Greeks side, and Paris on the other side: and thus going and coming Hector ceased not to slay, and to beat down knights. Then there was a new knight named Brietes that assailed him fiercely, but Hector by right great ire smote him upon the Helm, so great a stroke, that he cloven his head unto the navel, and he fell down dead: but Archilogus his cousin seeing that Hector would have taken his horse, Archilogus defended him, as much as he might: and then Hector ran upon him, and smote him so hard, that he smote his body in two pieces notwithstanding his harness. The king Prothenor addressed him to Hector that then took no regard nor heed, and smote him down to the earth.  
And Hector remounted anon upon his horse, and gave to king Prothenor so great a stroke with all his might, that he cloven body in two halves: Achilles that was his parent or cousin seeing that, had so great sorrow, that he and the king Archelaus contended to revenge his death.  
But the Trojans did come upon him with such courage and warlike strength, that the Greeks' fainted and must needs flee, and the Trojans followed them unto their tents: and then the night came on, that made them to departed, and the Trojans returned back into their City.   

CHAP. XIII. ¶ How the Greeks' held parliament, how they might slay the worthy Hector: and how they returned to the fourth battle, in the which Paris and Menelaus encountered, and the king Thoas was brought prisoner to Troy.  
AFter this battle, when the night was come, all the kings, princes and barons of the Greeks' assembled at the Tent of king Agamemnon, and there held they their parliament how they might slay Hector. And they said, that as long as he were alive, and came to battle against them, they might never vanquish the Trojans: but he should to them do great damage. And for to bring this thing to the end, they requested Achilles, that he would take it upon him, as well for his strength as for his wisdom. And Achilles enterprised it gladly, as he that witted that Hector desired more his death, than the death of any other: and also Hector was he, by whom he might soon lose his life. After this counsel they went to rest, till on the morrow betime they armed them. And Hector was then issued out of the City with his battles well and diligently ordered, and was himself before all other in the first battle. And after him came Aeneas, and then Paris, and then Deyphebus, and after him Troilus, and after him the other following each in his order. Then joined all the Trojans together, and were more than an hundred thousand fight men. Then began the battle horrible and mortal. Paris with them of pierce, that were good knights, slew with shot many Greeks, and hurted them. Hector encountered the king Agamemnon & beat him, and wounded him sore. And then Achilles assailed Hector, and gave him so many strokes, that he broke his helm. Then Aeneas and Troilus came to the rescue of Hector, and Diomedes came upon that, who addressed him to Aeneas, and beat him, and said to him in mockery: Ha, ha, good counsellor, that gavest counsel to thy king to offend and grieve me, know thou for truth, that if thou come oft into these battles, and that I may meet with thee, thou shalt not escape without death.  
Among these things, Hector assailed Achilles, and gave to him so many strokes, that he all to frushed and broke his helm, and wéened to have taken him: but the son of Guideus ran upon Hector, and gave him so great a stroke with his sword, that he did hurt him very sore. And Hector in his ire encountered Diomedes, and gave him so great a stroke, that he beat him down to the ground. Then Troilus alighted, and descended down for to fight with Diomedes on foot: but Diomedes defended himself so valiantly, that was marvel. And beside them fought together Hector and Achilles. Then came to the skirmish all the kings and princes of Gréece, with a great company of men of arms: and from the party of the Trojans came all the Barons that were come for to aid them. There began marvelously the battle. The king Agamemnon and the king Pandolus fought together, the king Menelaus encountered Paris, and they knew each other well, and Menelaus smote him so hard with his spear, that he gave him a great wound, and smote him down, whereof Paris was all ashamed. Ulysses beat the king Arastous, and took his horse that was very good, and sent it to his tent. Polimites assailed Huppon the ancient, and slew him. Neoptolemus & the king Archilogus fought together. Polidamas beat Palamedes, and wounded him very sore, and after mocked him by reproach. The king Selenus, and the king Carras encountered together, and Carras was sore beaten and wounded. Philomenus beat Antenor. Philoteas and the king Remus fought together. The king Thesus and the king Enrialus fought together, and both were sore hurt. And the bastards of king Priamus did marvels, and slew mane Greeks, and hurt many kings. The king Thelamon, and the king Sarpedon jousted so sore, the one against the other, that they fell both sore hurt, and all astonished of the anguish that they had. The king Thoas and Achilles that were cousins, assailed Hector, and gave him many strokes, and drew off his helm from his head, and hurt him in many places: and Hector gave to him so great a stroke with his sword, that he cut off half his nose.  
To the rescue of Hector came his bastard brethren, that slew many of the Greeks, and took the king Thoas, and wounded and beat the king Agamemnon, in such wise that he was borne to his tent as dead, and the king Thoas was lead prisoner to Troy. Menelaus endeavoured to grieve Paris, and Paris shot at him an arrow envenomed, and wounded him in such wise, that he was borne into his tent, and assoon as Menelaus had bound up his wounds, he came again to the battle for to assail Paris, if he had found him: and he found him, and assailed him, but Aeneas put himself between them both, forasmuch as Paris was unarmed, and not able to prevent him: and so Aeneas lead him into the city, to the end that Menelaus should not slay him. Then Hector assailed Menelaus, & wéened to have taken him: but there came to the rescue great plenty of chivalry of the Greeks': wherefore Hector might not come to his intent. And then he thrust in, and smote among the other, and did so much, with help of his folk, that the Greeks fled. And then the night came on, that made the battle to cease.   

CHAP. XIIII. ¶ How Priamus would that the king Thoas that was prisoner, should have been hanged: and how they returned to the fift battle, in the which Hector slew with his hands three kings: and how Diomedes slew the Sagittary, etc.  
WHen it came on the morrow betimes, the king Priamus would not that they should fight that day, but sent for his council, that is to wits, Hector, Paris, Troilus and Deiphobus, Aeneas, Antenor, and Polidamas, and said unto them: Ye know how we hold prisoner the king Thoas, that without any evil that we have deserved, is come for to destroy us: and therefore me thinketh good, that we make him die an evil death. What say ye thereto? Ha sir, said Aeneas, the gods forbid that your nobles should do such a villainy, since it is so that the king Thoas is one of the most noble kings of Gréece, for that it might happen that the Greeks might take one of ours, to whom they might do in semblable wise, whereof ye might take the greatest grief and sorrow in the world. So than it is better, as me thinketh, that ye keep right well and safe the king Thoas, without misdoing unto him, that if by fortune one of ours were taken, we might make an exchange, and take the one for the other. This counsel seemed good and pleasing to Hector, but the king Priamus said unto them, Yet, if ye do thus, it shall seem to the Greeks that we doubt them, and that we dare not put their folk to death: notwithstanding, I will do by your counsel. This counsel finished, Aeneas took Troilus and Antenor, and went to see Helen, whom they found in the great hall of Ilyon with the Queen Hecuba, and many other noble Ladies, where she made great sorrow, and they supposed then to have comforted her, and so did the Queen Hecuba, that said to her that she should take no thought nor sorrow, and that they of the City should well defend them.  
Among these things the Greeks complained very sore of the death of their friends that the Trojans slew thus, and held themselves very children that they had put themselves in such danger, wherefrom they had well passed and been delivered, if they had had good counsel: and yet it happened that same night, that there came so great a wind, and so great a rain, that their Tents were all turned upside down to the earth, and it seemed that the world should have ended by the great storm, whereat her sorrow was doubled. When it came to the morning, that the tempest was passed, they armed themselves all throughout the host, and went against the Trojans, that then were issued to battle. Achilles' addressed himself first to Hupon, that was great as a Giant, and was king of Larissa, and he smote him so sore with a spear in the breast, that he slew him, and bore him down to the earth. Hector slew in his coming the king Anthomeus. Diomedes slew the king Antipus. Then the king Epistropus, and the king Cedus assailed Hector, and Epistropus jousted against Hector, and broke his spear upon him, and said unto him many villainous words, whereat Hector was wonderful angry, and in his exceeding great ire gave him such a stroke, that he slew him, and afterward said unto him, that he should go and say his villainous words to them that were dead, such as he was wont to say to living men. Then was Cedus passing sorrowful for the death of his brother, and admonished a thousand knights, that he meant for to slay Hector: and they assailed him anon, and beat him off his horse, and they cried to the king Cedus for to slay Hector. And when Hector perceived that, he gave him such a stroke that he cut off his arm, wherewith he fell, for the anguish that he felt: and anon Hector slew him. Aeneas slew in this skirmish the king Amphymacus, and then went together all the most puissant of Greeks, and assailed the Trojans, and slew many of them, and they went with so great force that they put the Trojans in a chase, in the which Achilles slew the king Philes, whereof Hector had great sorrow: and in his ire he slew the king Dalpme and the king Doreus, and thus by the puissance of Hector, the Trojans recovered the field, and flew many Greeks', etc.  
Then issued out of Troy the king Epistropus with three thousand knights, and they broke ranks, and thrusted among the Greeks', that recoiled in their coming: forasmuch as he brought with him a Sagittary, the same that afore is made mention of. This Sagittary was not armed, but he bore a strong bow and a quiver that was full of arrows, and shot strongly. When the knights of the Greeks saw this marvelous beast, they had no will to go forth, and they that were afore began to withdraw them, and went back. Among these things Hector slew Polixenes, the noble duke that fought sore against him, for by the strength of the Trojans & the horror of the Sagittary, the Greeks were driven back to their tents. It happened that Diomedes before one of the tents was assailed of the Sagittary, and had this beast before him, and the Trojans on his back, so that it behoved him there to show his puissance. The sagittary had then shot an arrow to him, and Diomedes that was not well assured, advanced him nigh unto him, & gave him so great a stroke with his sword, who was not armed, that he slew him, and that time it was past midday, and then the Greeks' recovered the field, and made the Trojans to flee. And then encountered Hector and Achilles, and with force of their spears they fought both two and fell both to the earth: And as Achilles was first remounted, they supposed to have lead away Galathe the good horse of Hector: but Hector cried to his folk, that they should not suffer him to lead him away. Then they ran upon Achilles, and did so much, that they recovered Galathe, and rendered him to Hector, that was right glad of him. At this skirmish was Antenor taken and sent to their tents, notwithstanding that Polidamas his son did marvels of arms, for to rescue him, but he might not: and thus they fought to great damage of the one party and of the other, until the night parted them.   

CHAP. XV. ¶ Of the truce that were between them, after the which began battle again from Morn to Even, with great damage of that one party and of that other: but the Trojans lost more than the Greeks'.  
ON the morrow betime, the Greeks' sent Diomedes and Ulysses unto the king Priamus for to have truce for three months. The king Priamus assembled his counsel upon this thing, and each man agreed save Hector, that said that the Greeks' feigned that they would bury their dead bodies, by cautel, and they lacked victual, and therefore required they truce, to the end that during this time they purvey them of victual, and we daily waste ours, whereof we may soon have scarcity: howbeit he would not abide only by his intent against the opinion of so many wise men, but agreed with the other, and the truce was accorded for three months. This truce during, the king Thoas was delivered in the steed of Antenor that they held prisoner, whom they sent to the Trojans. Calcas that by the commandment of Apollo had left the Trojans, had a passing fair daughter and wife named Briseyda. Chancer in his book that he made of Troilus named her Cressida, for which daughter he prayed to king Agamemnon and to the other princes, that they would require the king Priamus to send Briseyda to him. They prayed enough to king Priamus at the instance of Calcas: but the Trojans blamed sore Calcas, and called him evil and false traitor, and worthy to die, that had left his own land, and his natural Lord, for to go into the company of his mortal enemies: yet at the petition and earnest desire of the Greeks', the king Priamus sent Briseyda to her Father.  
The truce during, Hector went on a day unto the tents of the Greeks', and Achilles beheld him gladly, forasmuch as he had never seen him unarmed. And at the request of Achilles, Hector went into his Tent, and as they spoke together of many things, Achilles said to Hector, I have great pleasure to see thee unarmed, forasmuch as I have never seen thee before. But yet I shall have more pleasure, when the day shall come that thou shalt die of my hand, which thing I most desire. For I know thee to be very strong, and I have oftentimes proved it, unto the effusion of my blood, whereof I have great anger: and yet have much more great sorrow, forasmuch as thou slewest Patroclus, him that I most loved of the world. Then thou mayest believe for certain, that before this year be past, his death shallbe avenged upon thee, by my hand, and also I wot well, that thou desirest to slay me.  
Hector answered and said, Achilles, if I desire thy death, marvel thou nothing thereof: forasmuch as thou deservest to be mine enemy mortal: thou art come into our land for to destroy me and mine. I will that thou know, that thy words fear me nothing at all, but yet I have hope that within two year, if I live, and continue in health, and my sword fail me not, thou shalt die by the force and valour of mine hands, not thou alonely, but all the most greatest of the Greeks, for among you ye have enterprised a great folly, and it may none otherwise come to you thereby but death: and I am assured that thou shalt die of mine hand, ere I shall die by thine. And if thou think that thou be so strong, that thou mayest defend thee against me, make it so that all the barons of thine host promise and accord that we fight body against body, and if it happen that thou vanquish me, that my friends and I shallbe banished out of this realm, and we shall leave it unto the Greeks', and thereof I shall leave good pledge. And herein thou mayest profit to many other, that may run in great danger, if they haunt the battle: and if it happen that I vanquish thee, make that all they of thy host departed hence, and suffer us to live in peace. Achilles' chafed sore with these words, and offered him to fight this battle, and gave to Hector his gage, which Hector took and received gladly, etc.  
When Agamemnon knew of this offer and bargain, he went hastily unto the Tent of Achilles, with a great company of noble men, which would in no wise accord nor agree to this battle, saying that they would not submit them, so many noble men under the strength of one man: and the Trojans said in like manner, save only the king Priamus that would gladly agree, for the great strength that he found in his son Hector. Thus was the fight broken, and Hector departed and went again to Troy, from the Greeks.  
When Troilus knew certainly that Briseyda should be sent to her father, he made great sorrow, for she was his sovereign lady of love, and in semblable wise Briseyda loved earnestly Troilus: and she made also the greatest sorrow of the world for to leave her sovereign lord in love. There was never seen so much sorrow made between two lovers at their departing. Who that list to hear of all their love, let him read the book of Troilus that Chaucer made, wherein he shall find the story whole, which were too long to write here: but finally Briseyda was led unto the Greeks' whom they received honourably.  
Among them was Diomedes that anon was inflamed with the love of Briseyda, when he saw her so fair, and in riding by her side he showed to her all his mind, and made to her many promises, and especially desired her love: and then when she knew the mind of Dyomedes. she excused her, saying, that she would not agree to him, nor refuse him at that time, for her heart was not disposed at that time to answer otherwise. Of this answers Diomedes had great joy, forasmuch as he was not refused utterly, and he accompanied her unto the tent of her father, and did help her down of her horse, and took from her one of her gloves that she held in her hands, and she suffered him sweetly. Calcas received her with great joy, and when they were in privity between them both, Briseyda said to her father these and semblable words.  
Ha, a, my father, how is thy wit failed that were wont to be so wise and the most honoured and beloved in the city of Troy, & governedst all that was within, and hadst so many riches and possessions, and now hast been traitor, thou that oughtest to have kept thy riches, and defended thy country unto the death? but thou lovest better to live in poverty and in exile among the mortal enemies of thy country. O how shall this turn to thy great shame? Certes thou shalt never get so much honour, as thou hast gotten reproach: and thou shalt not only be blamed in thy life, but thou shalt also be ill spoken of after thy death, and be damned in hell. And me seemeth yet, it had been better to have dwelled out from the people upon some isle of the Sea, then to dwell here in this dishonour and opproby: weenest thou that the Greeks' hold thee for true and faithful, that art openly false and untrue to thy people? Certes it was not only the God Apollo that thus abused thee: but it was a company of devils. And as she thus spoke to her father, she wept grievously for the displeasure that she had, etc.  
Ha, a, my daughter, said Calcas, thinkest thou that it is a fit thing to despite the answer of the gods, and specially in that thing that toucheth my health? I know certainly by their answers that this war shall not dure long, that the city shallbe destroyed, and the nobles also, and the bourgeses, and therefore it is the better for us to be here safe, then to be slain with them: and then finished they their talk.  
The coming of Briseyda pleased much to all the Greeks', and they came thither and feasted her, and demanded of her tidings of Troy, and of the king Priamus, and of them that were within, and she said unto them as much as she knew, courteously. Then all the greatest that were there, promised her to keep her and hold her, as dear as their daughter: and then each man went into his own Tent, and there was none of them, but gave to her a jewel at the departing: and it pleased her well to abide and dwell with the Greeks', and she forgot anon the noble City of Troy, and the love of noble Troilus. O how soon is the purpose of a woman changed and turned? certes, more sooner than a man can say or think, now late had Briseyda blamed her father of the vice of treason, which she herself exercised in forgetting of her country and true friend Troilus.   

CHAP. XVI. ¶ How the Greeks' and Trojans began the sixth battle, that dured by the space of thirty days, in which were many kings and princes dead, of the one side, and of the other: and how Diomedes smote down Troilus off his horse, and sent it to Briseyda his love, that received it gladly, etc.  
AFter the three months of truce passed, on the morrow betimes the Trojans provided them to battle. And when Hector had ordered all his battles, he issued out first, and took with him fifteen thousand fight men, and Troilus followed him with ten thousand knights: after him came Paris with three thousand fight men of good archers, and well horsed. After came Deyphebus with three thousand fighters: after him came Aeneas, and the other all in order, so many, that there were this day of the party of the Trojans, more than an hundred thousand good fight men and hardy.  
Of the party of the Greeks' came there first Menelaus with seven thousand knights, and after him Diomedes with as many, and then Achilles that lead also aleven thousand, the king Pampitus with a great multitude of knights, and the other after, like as they were appointed. The king Philes advanced him the first, & Hector came against him, so strongly that he slew him with his spear. Then there arose a great cry of his death among the Greeks, and the murder and slaughter began so great, that it was an horrible sight to see, as well of the one side, as of the other. King Pampitus slew many Trojans, for to avenge the death of his uncle, & assailed Hector: but Hector gave him so sound a stroke that he slew him, & for to avenge his death the Greeks' slew many of the Trojans. Achilles slew many noble men, among the which he slew the duke Byraon, and Euforbe, that was a great noble man. Hector was this day sore hurt in the face, and bled great plenty of blood, and witted not who had done it, & therefore the Trojans recoiled unto the walls. And when Hector apparently saw upon the walls, the queen Hecuba his mother, and his sisters, he had great shame, and by great ire assailed the king Menon cousin of Achilles, and gave him so many strokes with his sword upon his helm, that he slew him in the sight of Achilles, that was like for to have been mad, and took a strong spear, and ran against Hector, and broke his Spear upon him, but he could not remove him: and Hector gave him with his sword so great a stroke, that he made him to tumble under his horse, and said to him: Achilles, Achilles, thou contendest to approach to me, know that thou approachest thy death. And as Achilles would have answered to Hector, Troilus came between them with a great number of knights, and put them in the midst of them. And there were slain more than five hundred knights of Greece, and were put back by force: and Menelaus came to the rescue with three thousand fight men. And of the party of the Trojans, came the king Ademon, that jousted against Menelaus, and smote him, and hurt him in the face: and he and Troilus took him, and had lead him away, if Diomedes had not come the sooner with a great company of knights, and fought with Troilus at his coming, and smote him down, and took his horse, and sent it to Briseida, and did cause to say to her by his servant, that it was Troilus horse, her love, and that he had conquered him by his prowess, and prayed her from thenceforth that she would hold him for her love, etc.  
Briseyda had great joy of these tidings, and said to the servant, that he should say unto his Lord, that she might not hate him that with so good heart loved her. When Diomedes knew the answer, he was right joyous, and thrusted in among his enemies: ●ut the Trojans that were stronger than they, made the Greeks to go back & recoil unto their tents, and had slain them all, if the king Agamemnon had not succoured them with right great strength. Then began the battle horrible and mortal, and the Greeks' recovered the field, and chased and put the Trojans back unto their ditches. Then came Polidamas to the rescue, with a great number and multitude of knights, and did goodly exploits of war: and Diomedes addressed him to him, but he was beaten of Polidamas that took the horse of Diomedes, and delivered it to Troilus that fought on foot, and he mounted anon thereupon.  
Then came Achilles against Troilus, whom Troilus received gladly, and beat down Achilles, which remounted lightly, and assailed Troilus with his sword, and Troilus defended him right valiantly. Then came on Hector, and had at this time slain more than a thousand knights: but the Greeks' defended Achilles, that were so sore oppressed, that hardly they might defend him any more, and he had been slain or taken, if the king Thelamon and the duke of Athens had not succoured him. And they set him again on his horse with great pain, and then the night came on, that parted them. They fought thus thirty days continually, to the great damage of both parties: and there were slain six of the bastard sons of the king Priamus, and Hector was hurt in the face, and therefore the king Priamus demanded truce of the Greeks for six months, and they agreed and accorded to him, etc.   

CHAP. XVII. ¶ How the Greeks' and the Trojans began the seventh battle, that dured twelve days, and after began the eight battle much damageous to the Trojans, for Hector was slain by Achilles, and they were driven back into their City by force, to their great damage.  
During the six months of the truce aforesaid, Hector sought to be healed of his wounds, and played in the noble hall of Ilyon, that was (as the history saith) the most royal hall and fair that was in the world. Thus during the truce, the king Priamus did bury his six bastard sons each in a sepulture by himself right honourably. Among all other things, Diomedes suffered great grief for the love of Briseyda, and might not eat nor rest for thinking on her, and required her many times of her love, and she answered him right wisely, giving him hope without certainty of any point: by the which Diomedes was inflamed on all parts with her love. When the six months were passed, they began to fight by the space of twelve days continually from the morning unto the evening, & there were many slain of the one side and of the other. And then came a great mortality among the Greeks' in the host, by the great heat that then was: and therefore the king Agamemnon required truce, which was agreed and accorded to him, etc.  
When the truce was passed, the night before, Andromeda the wife of Hector that had two fair sons by him: whereof the one had to name Laomedon, and the other Astromates, this Andromeda saw that night a marvelous vision, and her seemed if Hector went that day following to the battle, he should be slain. And she that had great fear and dread of her husband, weeping said to him, praying him that he would not go to the battle that day: whereof Hector blamed his wife, saying, that she should not believe nor give faith to dreams, and would not abide nor tarry therefore. When it was in the morning, Andromeda went unto the king Priamus, and to the Queen, and told to them the verity of her vision: and prayed them with all her heart that they would do so much at her request, as to dissuade Hector that he should not in any wise that day go to the battle, etc.  
It happened, that day was fair and clear, and the Trojans armed them, and Troilus issued first into the battle, after him Aeneas, after Paris, Deiphobus, Polidamas, and the king Sarpedon, the king Epistropus, the king Croys, and the king Philomenus, and after all the princes that were come in the aid of the Troyans', each man in good order. And the king Priamus sent to Hector that he should keep him well that day from going to battle. Wherefore Hector was angry, and said to his wife many words reproachful, as he that knew well that this commandment came by her request, yet notwithstanding the forbidding, he armed him: And when Andromeda saw him armed, she took her little Children, and fell down at the feet of her husband, and prayed him humbly, that he would take off his arms: but he would not do it. And then she said to him, at the least if ye will not have mercy on me, yet have pity on your little children, that I and they die not a bitter and grievous death or that we be not lead into servitude and bondage into strange countries.  
At this instant came the queen Hecuba and the queen Helen, and the sisters of Hector, and they humbled themselves and kneeled down presently before his feet, and prayed and desired him with weeping tears, that he would do off his harness, and unarm him, and come with them into the hall: but never would he do it, for their prayers, but descended from the Palace thus armed as he was, and took his horse, and would have gone to battle. But, at the request of Andromeda, the king Priamus came running anon, and took him by the bridle, and said to him so many things of one and other, that he made him to return, but in no wise he would unarm him.  
Among all these things the battle was mortal of the Greeks' and of the Trojans. Diomedes and Troilus jousted together, and at the assembly they grieved each other and without fail each of them had slain other, if Menelaus had not come and parted them. Then the king Miseres of Frigie beat Menelaus, and had taken him when Aeneas came, and troubled them, and would have slain him, but the said Troilus delivered them, and slew many Greeks'. Then came the king Thelamon with three thousand fight men, and jousted in his coming against Polidamas, and put him to the worse, and unhorsed him. But Troilus succoured him, & made him to remount on his horse: after came Paris and Achilles on the other side, that smote among the Troyans', by so great force, with the help of his people, that he put them to the flight unto the city, and in this chase Achilles slew Margarelon one of the bastards of the king Priamus.  
When Hector knew that Achilles had slain Margarelon, he had great sorrow, and did anon lace on his helm, and went to the battle, that his father knew not of, and in his coming, he slew two noble dukes Greeks', the duke Coriphus, and the duke Bastidus, and he thrusted into the greatest press of the Greeks', and slew as many as he could reach, and the Greeks' fled afore him, that there was none so hardy that durst abide his strokes: and ●hus the Trojans returned and slew the Greeks' on all sides. Then the Greeks took Polydamas, and had lead him away, had not Hector been, which delivered him, and flew many Greeks. Then an admiral of Gréece named Leocides, assailed Hector, and Hector slew him anon.  
When Achilles saw that Hector slew thus the nobles of Gréece, and so many other, that it was marvel to behold, he thought that if Hector were not slain, the Greeks should never have victory. And forasmuch as he had slain many kings and princes, he ran upon him marvelously, and a noble duke of Gréece with him named Polyceus, that was come for the love of Achilles, the which had promised to give to him his sister in marriage. But Hector slew the same duke anon in the sight of Achilles. Then Achilles weening to avenge the death of Policeus, assailed Hector by great ire: but Hector cast to him a dart fiercely, & made him a wound in his thigh: and then Achilles issued out of the battle, and did bind up his wound, and took a great spear in purpose to stay Hector, if he might meet him. Among all these things, Hector had taken a very noble baron of Gréece, that was quaintly and richly armed, and for to lead him out of the host at his ease, had cast his shield behind him at his back, and had left his breast discovered: and as he was in this point, and took none heed of Achilles, he came privily unto him, and thrust his spear within his body, and Hector fell down dead to the ground. When the king Menon saw Hector dead, he assailed Achilles by great ire, and beat him down to the ground, and hurt him grievously, and his men bore him into his tent upon their shield. Then, for the death of Hector, were all the Trojans discomfited, and re-entered into their city, bearing the body of Hector with great sorrow and lamentation.   

CHAP. XVIII. ¶ Of the rich sepulture of Hector: and of the great lamentations and weep that the Trojans made for his death: and how Palamedes was chosen duke & governor of the host of the Greeks.  
WHen Hector was dead, & his body borne into the city, there is no tongue that could express the sorrow that was made in the city generally of men and women: and there was none, but he had rather to have lost his own son then him: and they said every one, that from thenceforth they had lost all their hope and trust of defence: and thus they demeaned right long their extreme grief and sorrow. The noble kings and princes bore the body unto the palace of Ilyon. Their when the king Priamus saw him, he fell down in a swoon upon the body, and was as dead for sorrow, that uneath they could take him away by force. There demeaned great sorrow all his brethren. What might men say of the sorrow that his mother the Queen made, and afterward his sister? O what sorrow made his wife? certes there can no man express all the lamentations that there were made. And forasmuch as the body might not long endure without corruption, the king Priamus took counsel of many wise masters, how they might keep the body of Hector without corruption and without sepulture: and then he did cause to be made by their advice and counsel a rich sepulture upon four pillars of gold, lift up on height, upon the which was made a marvelous rich Tabernacle of gold and of precious stones: and on the four corners of the Tabernacle, were four images of gold, that had semblance of angels: and above the Tabernacle there was a wonderful great image of gold, that was made after the semblance of Hector, and had the visage turned toward the Greeks, & held a naked sword that he menaced the Greeks' with: and there was in the mids of the Tabernacle a place void, where the masters sat, and put the body of Hector flesh and bones clad in his best garments and robes, and stood right up on his feet, and might endure a long time in that wise without corruption, by a certain device that the masters had set on the sommet or top of the head of Hector: that is to wit, a vessel that had an hole in the bottom, which vessel was all full of very fine balm, and that distilled and dropped into a place above on his head, and so spread down into all the members of the body, aswell within as without, and they filled often times the vessel with balm. And thus the body might not impair for the great virtue of this balm. And all the people that would see Hector, they saw him verily in like manner as he had been alive. To this sepulture, the same masters made a lamp of fine gold, burning continually without going out or quenching, and afterward they made a closure, to the end that no man should approach nor go unto this Tabernacle without licence or leave. And in this Temple the king Priamus ordained and set great plenty of priests for to pray unto the gods without ceasing, for his son Hector, and gave to them good rents.  
Among these things, the king Agamemnon assembled all the kings and most nobles of his host, and said unto them in this manner: My friends all, ye kings, princes and barons, we ought to render and yield thanks to the gods humbly and with devout heart, that our right hard enemy Hector hath suffered to be slain by the hand of Achilles. For as long as he was alive, we had never any hope to have come to the better hand of our enemies. What may the Trojans from henceforth hope or trust for, but only for their own overthrow? and we may in short time hope for the victory upon them. And for as much as Achilles is grievously hurt, and may not go to battle, if ye think good, whiles that ye maybe healed, and the other also that be hurt (of whom we have many, and also for to bury the dead bodies) we will send to the king Priamus for to have truce for two months. The counsel seemed good to them, and they sent anon to the king Priamus for truce, and he accorded it to them for two months.  
During this truce, Palamedes murmured again at the signory of Agamemnon, and as they were on a day all together, & Palamedes spoke of this matter, the king Agamemnon answered to him, as sage, in the presence of all the other, and said unto him: Palamedes, weenest thou that I have great joy of the signory that was given unto me at the beginning, and have occupied to this present time? for that it was not at my request, neither have I none avail nor profit thereby, but I have great charge, and break many sleeps therefore, to the end that by my negligence our host go not to decline nor disworship: and certes if had well sufficed me to have been under the government of another: and I fear no man that may accuse me, that for any evil or negligence I have failed in any thing. And if thou gavest not thy consent unto mine election, thou needest not to dismay thereof: for thou werest not as yet at that time come with the other, but it was two years after ere thou camest. And therefore, if we should have abiden thy coming, we had been at the Port of Athens. And forasmuch as thou shalt not think that I have joy or pleasure of this office, and am desirous to have this honour, I am content that another be chosen, and am ready to give consent with the most voices. When Agamemnon had thus spoken, there was no further proceeding that day in this matter. And then at even Agamemnon did make it to be cried in all the host, that each man should be on the morrow betimes before his tent at the Parliament.  
When it came to the morning that they were all assembled, Agamemnon said to them. My brethren and friends, I have had unto this time the charge of this work with great travail, for to conduct it well, in such wise that by the sufferance of the Gods I have brought it unto honour unto this time. And forasmuch as it is not lawful that an University be ruled always by one master, but that every man employ him to the best, to his power: and forsomuch, as I have conducted this host long time, I will that we do choose another, that may conduct it discreetly. When Agamemnon had finished his words, his saying pleased to every man, and they chose Palamedes to be their duke and governor: and then he went unto his Tent.  
Achilles that lay sick of his wounds, was angry at the deposing of Agamemnon, and said before all them that would hear it, that Palamedes was nothing like unto Agamemnon in wit and in discretion, and that they ought not to change him for Palamedes: but forasmuch as the people had consented, he abode thereby also, etc.   

CHAP. XIX. ¶ How the king Priamus issued to battle, for to avenge upon the Greeks' the death of his son Hector: and of the prowesses that he did: and of the anniversary of the said Hector, in which Achilles was surprised with the love of Polixena the daughter of king Priamus, in such wise that he might endure no rest.  
WHen the the two months of the truce were passed, the king Priamus desiring to avenge the death of his son Hector, ordained with his own person his battles: and set in each battle good conductors, and he himself went and lead with him five and twenty thousand of good knights chosen of the best. And Dares saith in his book, that there issued out of Troy that day an hundred and fifty thousand men. Deyphebus was the foremost, and then Parie: and after him came the king Priamus, and Troilus, Aeneas, Menon and Polidamas, they went unto the Tents of the Greeks'. Palamedes had ordained his battles. Then began the battle great and mortal. The king Priamus smote down Palamedes in his coming, and after smote unto the greatest press of the Greeks', and slew many of them, and beat them down, and did so much in arms in that day, that with great pain would believe that a man so ancient and old might do that he did that day. The king Sarpedon of Troy assailed king Neoptolemus, that was a passing strong knight, and king Sarpedon was borne to the earth, that defended him valiantly, and gave so great a stroke unto king Neoptolemus, that made him a great wound in his thigh. Then came to the battle the king of pierce, that remounted the king Sarpedon with the aid of his folk. Menelaus and the duke of Athens assailed the king of pierce, and enclosed him and his people among them, and slew the king of pierce, and made the Trojans to recoil by force: there did the king Sarpedon, great and wondrous matters of arms.  
The king Priamus and his bastard sons that then followed him, ceased not to slay the Greeks': and there was none that day, that did so much in arms, as did the king Priamus, for his sorrow & his ire made his strength to grow. Then the Greeks' advised them to take the way, by which the Trojans should return unto their city: and they went thither in great number. And when the Trojans recoiled for to go into that place, they found themselves in the middle of their enemies. Then began mortal battle and there came upon them the king Priamus, with a great number of fight men, by a wing, and Paris came crossing them with a great plenty of good fighters, and he had great store of archers that slew many of the Greeks', and hurted them: and they did so well, that by force the Greeks' were driven to recoil to their Tents. And the Trojans re-entered into their City, and the king Priamus had the loss and worst of this battle. He sent to the Greeks' to demand truce, and they agreed and accorded to him: but we find not how long this truce endured, etc.  
Among these things the king Priamus did cause to carry by land, the body of the king of pierce, for to be buried in his country: then was the weeping and sorrow great in Troy, and in especial of Paris, that loved him exceedingly. During this truce, the anniversary of Hector approached, when men should mourn fifteen days in great sorrow, and after should hollow the great feast of the funeral, as it was that time the guise and custom for kings and Princes. And then during the truce, the Greeks' went and came into the City safely: and so did the Trojans unto the Tents of the Greeks'. Then Achilles had desire to go to Troy to see the City and the feast of the anniversary of Hector, whom he had slain: and so he went all unarmed unto the temple of Apollo, where as was the sepulture of Hector, and he found there great plenty of men and women, that were noble and wept, & made great sorrow before the sepulture: which Hector a man might see on all sides all whole, in like manner as he was first, by the virtue of that balm. There was the queen Hecuba, and Polixena her daughter, that was passing fair, with a great company of noble Ladies, that had all their hair dispersed and hanging about their shoulders, and made right marvelous sorrow. And albeit that Polixena made so great sorrow, yet she lost nothing of her beauty, but seemed, & showed herself so fair in all her members, that nature form never none more fairer, etc.  
When Achilles had well advised and seen Polixena, he said in himself, that he had never seen so fair a woman nor better form nor made, & with that she was one of the most noble women of the world. Then was Achilles shot with the dart of love, that struck him to the heart so marvelously that he could not cease to behold her: and the more he beheld her, the more he desired her. He was so besotted on her, that he thought on no other thing, but abode in the temple unto the evening, as long as the queen was there: and when she went out, he conveyed his eye upon Polixena, as far as he might see her: and this was the cause, and the beginning of his mishap. In this sorrow Achilles returned unto his tent, and when he was laid to sleep, that night there came many things in his mind & in his thought: and he knew then the danger that Polixena had put him in, and thought in himself that the most strong men of the world could not, nor had not power to vanquish him, but the only regard and sight of a frail maid had vanquished and overcome him: and him seemed, that there is no medicine in the world might heal him save she.  
Then he said my prayer, my strength, nor my riches may nothing move her to have pity on me: I wots never what devil hath put me in this danger to love her that hateth me so sore, with mortal hate, and by right good cause, for I am come hither for to slay her kin and cousins, and now late have slain her noble brother Hector. Certes I see no remedy, since she is the most noble and fairest of the world. And then he turned him to the wall, and fell in weeping, and drowned himself in tears, and of necessity he must think how he might come to the love of Polyxena: and so he covered and hid his courage as well as he might.   

CHAP. XX. ¶ How Achilles sent his secret messenger unto Hecuba the queen of Troy, for to request her daughter Polixena, and of the answer: and how for the love of her the said Achilles assembled the host of the Greeks, and counseled them to departed, and have peace with the Trojans.  
THe night following; as Achilles was laid on his bed, and might not sleep, he thought that he would send betimes his messenger unto the queen Hecuba, for to know if he might find with her that favour that she would give to him her daughter Polixena to wife, and he would do so much for her that he would make the Greeks' to raised th●ir s●●ge, and go again into their country hastily, and that peace should be made between them. Thus as he thought in the night, he put in execution and so sent his true messenger unto the queen, for to require her daughter, and said to her the promises that his Lord had commanded him. When the queen had understood the words of the messenger, she answered him discreetly, notwithstanding that she hated Achilles more than any man of the world, saying: friend, as much as in me is, I am ready for to do that thing that thy master requireth of me: but so say unto him, that I may not do this thing alone by myself, but I will speak to my Lord, and to Paris my son, and thou shalt come to me the third day again, and I will say to thee thine answer.  
When the messenger heard the queen so speak, he returned unto his Lord, and said to him all that he had found: and thus began Achilles to have hope to come to his intent. The queen Hecuba went anon unto the king Priamus her husband, whereas Paris was, and told to them all that Achilles had sent to her, and then the king hanged down his head, and was so a long while without saying of any word, and after said to his wife: O how is it, as me thinketh, a hard thing to receive into friendship and amity, him that hath done to me so great offence, that hath taken away the light of mine eyes, in slaying my dear son Hector, and hath therein given hope to the Greeks' to have the victory. But yet for to eschew the more great peril, to the end that mine other sons lose not their lives, and that I may have rest in mine old days, I consent with you that he have that he requireth: always foreseen, that he do first that thing that he hath promised, without any deception. Paris agreed to this thing readily, forasmuch as in the promises of Achilles was nothing spoken of Queen Helen, etc.  
At the third day after, Achilles sent again his messenger unto the queen, and as soon as he came before her, she said to him: I have spoken to my husband, and also to my son Paris of the request, and also of the promise of thy Lord: and they be content that this his re-request be agreed to him: so as, that he do first that thing that he hath promised: and so thou mayest say to him, that he may come to the chief and end of his desire, if that he conduct wisely and secretly this thing as much as in him is. The messenger took leave of the queen, and came anon to his master, and counted to him all that the queen had said to him. Then began Achilles greatly to think how he might perform this that he had promised to the king Priamus, and that it was a grievous thing to do, and that it was not all in his power. But it is a proper vice unto the foolish lovers, to promise things that are hard to bring about and difficile, for to come to the effect of their loves. And likewise glorified him Achilles, that for his merits or for giving his aid to the Greeks' he would make them to leave their siege. And then Achilles by the counsel of Palamedes assembled all the kings and noble men of the host, in parliament, and said to them in this manner.  
My friends, that be here assembled, for to bring this war to the end, think ye not other while on yourselves, how by great rashness, lightness, and folly, and for to recover the wife of Menelaus, we have left our countries and lands, our wives and our children, and be come into this so strange land, where we have dispended the hours foolishly, and put our bodies in danger of death, and in great infinite labour: and since we have been come hither, there be right many kings and princes dead, and I myself have shed much of my blood, that never should have happened if we had not begun this folly. Helen is nothing of so great price that there behoveth to die for her so many noble men: there be enough in the world of as noble and as fair women as she is, of whom Menelaus might have one or two, if he would. And it is not a light thing to overcome the Trojans, as they that have a strong City and well furnished with good fighters, on horse back and a foot: and it ought to suffice to us that we have now slain Hector and many other of their nobles, by the which we might now return with our honour and worship: and, if we leave Helen, have not we Exione, to whom Helen may not compare in nobleness?  
Then arose the duke of Athens, and the king Thoas, and contraried strongly the words of Achilles: and so did all the other, and said, that he spoke neither reason, nor well. Whereat Achilles had great sorrow, and commanded his Mirmydones that they should not arm them any more against the Trojans, & that they should give no counsel nor aid unto the Greeks. Among these things, victuals began to fail among the Greeks, and they had great famine. Then assembled Palamedes all the most noble of the host to counsel, and by their counsel was the king Agamemnon sent unto the City of Mess, to the king Thelephus, that charged and laded his ships with victual, and came safely again into the host of the Greeks', where he was received with great joy. Among these things Palamedes did cause their ships to be repaired, to the end that they might be more ready, if they had need, etc.   

CHAP. XXI. ¶ Of the death of Deyphebus the son of king Priamus: and how Paris slew Palamedes: and how the Trojans drove back the Greeks' into their tents, and set fire on their ships: and how for all these things Achilles would not go to battle, for the love of Polyxena.  
WHen the truce were passed, they began to fight as they had been accustomed. Deiphobus assailed in his coming the king Croesus of Greece, and he addressed to him gladly, and jousted the one against the other: but Deyphebus beat the king Croesus' dead down to the ground, whereat the Greeks' were sore troubled, and put them to flight. But Palamedes and Diomedes came with five and twenty thousand fight men, that resisted the Trojans: with them was the noble king Thelamon Ayax, that addressed him against Eufronius, one of the bastard sons of the king Priamus, & smote him so hard that he beat him down dead to the ground, in sight of Deiphobus, that in his great fury ran upon Thelamon, and beat him and sore hurt him. When Palamedes saw the stroke, he took a great spear, and addressed him to Deyphebus, and smote him so hard in the breast, that the spear entered into his body, and the spear broke and the truncheon abode in the body of Deyphebus. When Paris saw his brother so hurt to the death, he took him, and lead him unto the gate of the City, and took him to his men to keep. And as Deyphebus opened his eyes and saw Paris his brother, he said to him: Brother wilt thou let me descend into hell without avenging of my death: I pray thee as earnestly as I may, that ere this truncheon be taken out of my body, thou do so much by thy hand, that thou slay him that hath slain me. Paris promised him, that he would do his best: and returned into the battle right angry for his brother, and said in himself that he desired no longer to live, but until he had avenged the death of his brother: and sought Palamedes all about, and found him, that he fought against the king Sarpedon, that had assayed for to slay him, and Palamedes defended himself valiantly, and in his great fury gave so great a stroke with his sword to the king Sarpedon, that he cut off his shoulder from the body, and anon king Sarpedon fell down dead.  
Paris seeing the great damage that Palamedes did to them, and how with his prowess he had put the Troyans' to flight, and ceased not to slay and smite down always: he bent his strong bow, and aimed well at Palamedes at leisure, and shot to him an arrow envenomed, and smote him in the throat, and cut in two the master vein, and Palamedes fell down dead to the earth: for whose death the Greeks made much sorrow, and left the battle, and went unto their tents, and there held a parley against the Trojans, and defended them strongly. Then descended the Trojans afoot, and entered into some of their tents, and took all that they found that good was; Then Paris and Troilus went by a side way unto the Port, and did put fire into their ships, and burnt so great plenty, that men might see the flame far. To the rescue of the ships came the king Thelamon, with a great company of fight men, and began the battle horrible, so so that there was great killing & slaughter on both sides: and verily the ships had been all burnt, had it not been for the prowess of king Thelamon, that did marvels with his body, & for whatsoever he did, there were more than five hundred ships burnt. There was great slaughter of the Greeks, & many were hurt. There was Ebes the son of the king of Trace sore hurt with a spear, and bore the truncheon in his body, & in that point he went to the Tent of Achilles, where he rested him that day, and had refused to go to the battle, for the love that he had to Polyxena. Ebes' reproached greatly Achilles, that he suffered so to destroy the people of his country, and to die villainously, and saying that he might well help them if he would. And assoon as he had finished his words, one took the truncheon out of his body, and anon he fell down dead in the presence of Achilles.  
Anon after, came from the battle one of the varlets or servants of Achilles, and Achilles demanded him tidings of the host. Ha sir, said he, it is this day mishapped to our folk, for the great multitude of Trojans that be come upon them, and they have slain all that they could ●éet with, and I trow there is not left one at home of the men of Troy but that every man is come to the battle: and therefore, if it please you now, whiles that the Trojans be weary, to come to the battle, ye shall get to you perpetual memory of worship and of glory. For by your prowess you shall in little space have all vanquished them, and they shall not dare to defend themselves against you, they be so weary. Never would Achilles for the words of his varlet, nor for the death of Ebes, change his courage, but dissembled all that he had seen & heard, for the great love that he had to Polyxena.  
During these things, the battle was right sharp, and endured unto the night, to the great damage of the Greeks: and the night parted them, yet was not Deiphobus dead, but he drew towards his end: and when Paris and Troilus saw him in that sorrow, they began to cry and make great sorrow. And then Deyphebus opened a little his eyes, and demanded of Paris with a feeble voice, if he were dead that had slain him? And Paris said to him yea. Then Deyphebus did cause to draw out the head of the spear with the truncheon, and anon died. Wherefore the Trojans made great sorrow. It is no need to hold long talk of the sorrow, that the king Priamus his father made, nor his wife and his sister, for it was too much, and also for the death of the king Sarpedon. Of the other party the Greeks' made great sorrow for the death of Palamedes, and made his body to be buried worshipfully. And as they that might not be long without an head and governor, by the counsel of the duke Nestor, and of other, Agamemnon was set again in his dignity as he was before.  
The day following, the Trojans early in the morning issued out of the city, in good order: and the Greeks' came against them. Then began the battle mortal, and there was great slaughter on both sides: but it reigned so much that day, that the Greeks' withdrew them to their Tents, and the Trojans followed after them: but the rain was so great, that they must needs leave the battle and return to their city. On the morrow betimes, they began to fight, and flew that day many barons of the Greeks', and fought till the even: and so they fought the space of seven days continually, where was great slaughter of the one and of the other. And forasmuch as the Greeks' might not suffer the stench of the dead bodies, they demanded truce for two months, which were granted to them by king Priamus.  
During this truce, the king Agamemnon sent the duke Nestor, Ulysses and Diomedes, to speak to Achilles, for to pray him, and will him to come to the host, for to defend then against the Trojans that slew them marvelously. When they were come unto him, he received them with great joy. And then Ulysses said unto him: Sir Achilles, was it not by your agreement, and also ours all this host to leave our country▪ and a owe year come running upon king Priamus, and have destroyed him, and his, by force of arms, & do beat down his ●itie? From whence cometh this courage, after so many hurts and damages as we have received in this land, by the Trojans that have slain so many kings and p●intes, peeled and rob our tents, and burned our ships, and we were now in hope to have vanquished them, alter that ye by your force and valour have slain Hector, that was the true defender of the Trojans: and also now that Deiphobus is dead, the Trojans be there with put ●nder foot, and after this day when ye have gotten with great travel to great worship and so good renown, will ye now lo●se all at once, and suffer your people to be slain duelly, that ye have so long defended with the effusion of your blood? Please it you from henceforth to enter ●oute & keep your good renown, and defend your people, that without you may not long defend them against your enemies, to the end, that we may come to the victory by your prowess, by the which we hope to attain and come to it.  
Sir Ulysses, said Achilles, if we be come into this land for these causes that ye have declared, we may say that great folly was among us, that for the wife of one of us (that is to wit, of sir Menelaus) so many kings and so high princes be put in peril of death. Had it not been much more wisdom, for the noble Palamedes to have abider in peace in his country, then for to be slain here, and other kings and princes in like manner? Certes, as the most great part of the world of noble men be here how assembled, if they die here, as many be already dead, it must needs follow that the countries shall be replenished and governed by villains. Hector, that was so noble and so worthy, is he not dead? in like wise I may die shortly, that am not so strong as he was. And therefore in as much as ye require me to go to battle, so much pain and labour lose ye, for I have no more intention to put me any more in danger: and love better to lose my renown then my life: for in the end there is no prowess, but it will be forgotten. Nestor and Diomedes contended enough to draw Achilles to their quarrels, but they might never induce him to their purpose, nor the words of Agamemnon neither. And then he said to them, that they should make peace with the Trojans, before that they were all slain. etc.  
Then returned these three princes unto Agamemnon, and said to him all that they had found in Achilles: and Agamemnon made it to be known to the princes of the host, whom he had assembled for this cause, and demanded of them their advice. Then stood up Menelaus, saying, that it would be to us now great shame to seek peace with the Trojans, since that Hector and Deiphobus be dead, and slain, and that by their death, the Trojans repute them as vanquished: and that without Achilles they should well maintain the war against the Trojans. To that answered Ulysses and Nestor, and said, that it was not marvel though Menelaus desired the war, for affection to recover his wife, and that Troy was not so disgarnished, but that they had a new Hector, that was Troilus, who was little less strong and worthy than Hector. And there was also another Deiphobus, and that was Paris, whom we ought to doubt as much as the other: and therefore they counseled the peace, and to return home again to Gréece. Then cried the false traitor Calcas, which was traitor to the Trojans, and said: Ha, noble men, what think ye to do against the commandment of the gods? have not they promised to you the victory, and will ye now leave it? Certes, that should be great folly: take again courage to you, & fight ye against the Troyans more strongly than ye have done before, and cease not till ye have the victory, that the gods have promised to you. And then with the words of the said Calcas, the Greeks took heart to them, saying verily, that they would maintain the war against the Trojans, whether Achilles holp them or not, and that for him they would not leave.   

CHAP. XXII. ¶ Of many battles that were made, on the one side and on the other, to their both great damage: and of certain truce, and of the death of the noble Troilus that Achilles slew against his promise, and drew him at his horse tail through out the host: and how Achilles slew the king Menon, etc.  
WHen the truce of two months was passed, they began to fight in battle right sharply. There did Troilus marvels of arms, for to revenge the death of his brother. Dares sayeth in his book, that he slew that day a thousand knights, and the Greeks fled before him, and the battle endured unto the night that parted them: the day following, the fourteenth battle began hard and sharp. There did Diomedes marvels of arms, and slew many Trojans, and hurt them, and addressed himself against Troilus one time, that smote him so hard, that he beat him down to the earth, and sore hurt him, and reproached him of the love of Briseida. Then the Greeks ran with great strength, and took Diomedes up, & bore him upon his shield unto his tent. Menelaus' that saw Diomedes so beaten, addressed himself against Troilus, but Troilus that had yet his spear whole, smote him so hard, that he beat him down to the earth sore hurt, and was borne into his tent by his men upon his shield. Then Agamennon assembled all his strength, and thrust in among the Trojans, and slew many, but Troilus came against him, and smote him down off his horse: but he was anon remounted by the help of his folk.  
Thus finished the battle that day, and Agamemnon sent for to have truce for six months: which were agreed and accorded by king Priamus. Howbeit, it seemed to some of his council, that he should not grant them for so long. Among these things, Briseida against the will of her father, went for to see Diomedes that lay sore hurt in his tent, and she knew well that Troilus that was her love, had so hurt him Then returned into her mind many purposes, and in the end she saw that she might never recover Troilus: and therefore assoon as Diomedes were whole, she would give to him her love without longer tarrying.  
Among these things the king Agamemnon transported him unto the tent of Achilles in the company of duke Nestor, and Achilles received them with great joy, and Agamemnon prayed him that he would come forth to the battle, and suffer no more their people thus to be slain, But Achilles would never stir up his courage for his words: yet forasmuch as he loved Agamemnon, he agreed and consented that his men should go to battle without him: whereof Agamemnon & Nestor gave him great thanks, & after they had thanked him, he returned into their tents.  
When the truce were passed, Agamemnon ordained his people to battle, and Achilles sent to him his Mirmidones clad & marked with a red sign, for to be known. Then began the battle hard and sharp, to the great damage of both parts. There Troilus beat down the duke of Athens, and slew many of the Mirmidones, and hurt, and fought thus till the night parted them. On the morrow betimes, began the battle sharp & mortal, the king Philomenus & Polidamas took the king Thoas, and had lead him away, had not the Mirmidones rescued him. Then Troilus smote in among them, and slew many and hurt them, but they delivered to him a great assault, and slew his horse, and would have taken him. Then Paris and his bastard brethren smote in among them, and broke their ranks, and put Troilus again on his horse: then was there a fierce fight: there slew the Mirmidones Emargeron one of the bastards of king Priamus of Troy, whereof Troilus had great sorrow, and by the aid of his people smote in among them, and slew and hurt many, but they defended themselves valiantly, and held together, and Troilus ceased not to grieve them, & to enter among them often times. Then came to the battle Agamemnon, Menelaus, Thelamon, Ulysses and Diomedes, with all their people, and began a hot skirmish. There the Greeks' did make the Trojans to suffer much pain, but Troilus succoured them valiantly, and put himself always where most need was, and slew and beat down all that he found, and did so much by his prowess, that the Greeks' fled into their Tents, and Thelamon defended valiantly, & made them to recover the field by his prowess. This was the sixteenth battle, in the which died many knights of both sides. Troilus ceased not to grieve the Mirmidones, and there was none so puissant, nor so strong, that might endure against him, and he did so much, that he put the Greeks to flight, and took an hundred noble men that he brought into the city.  
When the battle was finished, against the even the Mirmidones returned unto the Tent of Achilles, & there was found many of them hurt, and there were an hundred of them dead, whereof Achilles had much sorrow: and when it was night, he went to bed, and there he had many thoughts, and purposed once to go to the battle for to revenge the death of his men, and another time he thought on the beauty of Polyxena, and thought that if he went, he should lose her love for ever, and that the king Priamus and his wife would hold him for a deceiver, for he had promised them, that he would help no more the Greeks', and when he said in himself, that he had sent his men unto their aid, and in this thought Achilles had been many days, and that the day came that the seventeenth battle began being very much horrible, that dured by seven days continually, wherein were many Greeks' slain, Agamemnon required truce: but the Trojans agreed no longer the truce, but till they had buried their dead bodies, and when those days were pass: sed, the eighteenth battle began right aspire and fires. Menelaus and Paris jousted together, and beat well each other. Polidamas and Ulysses fought together a great while, and Menesteus beat down Aeneas with jousting. The king Phylomenus beat Agamemnon, and had sore hurt him, if Thelamon had not come on that smote to ground Philomenus sore wounded. Archilogus the son of duke Nestor, assailed one of the bastards of king Priamus named Brum, and smote him so hard with his spear, that he bore him down to the ground and slew him. Whereof the Trojans had great sorrow, and above all other Troilus was angry, that smote in among the Greeks' and had put them to flight had not the Mirmidones have been that resisted him. And therefore Troilus smote in among them, and slew so many, and beat down, and did so much, that he made the Greeks' to go back into their Tents, and alighted on foot and entered into the tents, and slew them on all sides: and there was so great a cry, that the sound came to Achilles, that rested him in his Tent, and demanded of one of his servants that was there, what it was? and he said to him, that the Trojans had vanquished the Greeks', and slew them within their Tents, which were no more able to defend them: and think ye to be sure here said he? nay ye shall see anon more than forty thousand Trojans that shall slay you unarmed: for at this time they have slain the most part of your Mirmidones, and they cease not to slay them, and there shall not abide one alive, but if they be succoured.  
At these words Achilles did quake for ire, and set behind him the love of Polyxena, and did arm him hastily, and mounted on his horse, and ran all out enraged as a Lion, and smote in among the Trojans, and spoiled them, slew and hurt them in such wise, that anon his sword was known, and the blood ran in the field all about as he went. When Troilus knew that Achilles fought with his sword, he addressed him to him, and gave him so great a stroke, that he made him a great wound and a deep, that he must needs cease many days of coming to battle. Troilus was hurt also by the hand of Achilles, but nothing so sore, and both fell down to the ground, and the battle dured until the night: and on the morrow they began again, and endured unto the Even. And thus they fought six days continually: Wherefore there were many slain on either part. The king Priamus had great sorrow of this that Achilles against his promise was come into the battle, and thought that he had given him to understand a thing that was not: but rather that he meant for to deceive him then otherwise, and reproached his wife to believe so lightly him: and Polyxena sorrowed then enough, for she was contented then to have had Achilles to her husband.  
Achilles among other things, did heal his wounds, during six months of truce that they had gotten, which wounds Troilus had given him, and he purposed to avenge him, and that Troilus should die shamefully by his hand. After these things the nineteenth battle began with great slaughter, and afore that Achilles entered into the battle, he assembled his Mirmidones, and prayed them that they would intend to none other thing, but to enclose Troilus, and to hold him without flying till he came, and that he would not be far from them. And they promised him that they so would. And he thronged into the battle. And of the other side came Troilus, that began to slay and beat down all them that he reached, and did so much, that about midday he put the Greeks to flight: then the Mirmidones (that were two thousand fight men, and had not forgot the commandment of their Lord) thrusted in among the Trojans, and recovered the field. And as they held them together, and sought no man but Troilus, they found him, that he fought strongly, and was enclosed on all parts, but he slew and wounded many. And as he was all alone among them, and had no man to secure him, they slew his horse, and hurt him in many places, and plucked off his head his helm, and his coif of iron, and he defended him in the best manner he could. Then came on Achilles, when he saw Troilus all naked, and ran upon him in a rage, and smote off his head and cast it under the feet of his horse, and took the body and bound it to the tail of his horse, and so drew it after him throughout the host. Oh what villainy was it to draw so the son of so noble a king, that was so worthy and so hardy? Certes, if any nobleness had been in Achilles, he would not have done this villainy.  
When Paris knew that Achilles had thus villainously slain Troilus, he had great sorrow, and so had Aeneas and Polidamas, and laboured to recover his body, but they might not, for the great multitude of Greeks that resisted them. On the other part, the king Menon died of sorrow for the death of Troilus, and assailed Achilles, and said unto him in reproach: Ha, ha, evil traitor, what cruelty hath moved thee to bind to the tail of thy horse, the son of so noble a Prince as the king Priamus is, and to draw him as he were the most villain of the world? Certes thou shalt abide it, and ran upon him, and smote him so hard with his spear in his breast, that he gave him a great wound, and after gave him so many strokes with his sword, that he beat him down to the ground, and then was the body of Troilus recovered with great pain. The folk of Achilles relieved their Lord and set him again on his horse: and as soon as his strength came to him again, he came again into the press, and encountered the king Menon, and assailed him stoutly, and the king Menon defended him valiantly, and did hurt Achilles in many places: but there came so much people on the one side and of the other, that they were parted: then came the night on, that parted them, and made them to cease, and they fought thus the space of seven days.  
At the seventh day, when Achilles was healed of his wounds, desiring to avenge him of the king Menon, he said to his folk, that if they might encounter him, they should hold him in close, like as they did Troilus. Then began the battle right asper, Achilles and Menon fought together, and by great rage beat down each other a foot. Then the Mirmidones enclosed him, and took him by force, that had no man to secure him. Then Achilles seeing the king Menon in this danger, he ran upon him, and slew him with great torment: but Menon gave him before many great wounds, whereof he lay long after. Among these things, Menelaus and Menesteus with a great company of kings and princes, and many fight men, thrusted into the throng and put many Trojans to flight, the which entered into their City with doing great mischief, forasmuch as the Greeks chased them so nigh that they slew and hurt many of them.   

CHAP. XXIII. How Paris, by the persuasion of Hecuba his mother, slew Achilles in the temple of Apollo, and the son of duke Nestor, and how Paris and Ajax slew each other in battle.  
FOr the death of Troilus the king Priamus his wife and his children, and all the inhabitants of the City made great sorrow marvelously: and they said all, that since they had lost Hector, Deyphebus and Troilus, they had from thenceforth no more hope of their life then of their death. The king Priamus demanded truce, and it was agreed and accorded by the Greeks': during the which they did bury honourably the body of Troilus and the body of king Menon. The queen might not be appeased nor comforted for the death of her children, and thought in many manner ways how she might be avenged on Achilles that thus had slain her sons by cruel tyranny. And finally she called Paris, sore weeping, and said to him secretly these words. Right dear son, thou knowest how this traitor Achilles hath slain by treason thy brethren my children, that were with thee, the solace of my life. And forasmuch as he hath so slain them by treason. me seemeth good, and also just and right, that he be slain by treason, and I will tell thee how it shallbe done. The unhappy man hath many times required me to have to his wife Polyxena, and I have given to him good hope thereof. I have purposed to send to him my keeper of my signet, and bid him come to speak to me in the temple of Apollo, and I will, right dear son, that thou be there in wait with a good company of knights, and then when he shall be come, that ye run upon him, & slay him, that he escape not with his life. Paris answered, that he would do this thing in such wise as she had devised, and thereupon he assembled twenty good knights in whom he affied him much, and went forth into the Temple of Apollo.  
Assoon as Achilles heard the messenger speak, that came from the queen Hecuba, the fool being evil counseled, took with him the son of duke Nestor, & they went both unto the temple of Apollo, and assoon as they were come, Paris and his knights ran upon him, and Paris cast at him three darts, wherewith he hurt him sore. Achilles drew out his sword, that had no more armour, and wrapped his arm with his mantel, & smote in among the knights right fiercely, and slew seven of them. But in the end the son of duke Nestor Archilogus, & Achilles, were both slain within the temple: and forthwith Paris commanded, that his body should be cast unto the hounds, and to the birds: but at the request of Helenus, they were put in a place before the temple, for to be kept. And the Trojans had then great joy, and said they had no care of the Greeks', ne set nought by them. When Agamemnon knew thereof, he sent unto the king Priamus, for to have the bodies for to bury them. The king Priamus made them to be delivered, and were borne down to their tents: then arose a great sorrow among the Greeks, and said that they had all lost. The duke Nestor might not be comforted for the death of his son, and they made for Achilles a noble sepulture, which by the consent of king Priamus was laid within the city, at the entry of the gate of Tymbre.  
After these things the king assembled to his counsel all the nobles of the host, and showed to them, how for the death of Achilles, the most part of them were discomforted, & discouraged from the war, and therefore demanded them if it were good to leave the war, or to entertain and hold it. Then was there among them divers opinions, some allowed the war, and the other blamed it, and at last they concluded all together with one accord, to maintain the war, saying, If Achilles were failed, yet for that should not fail the promises of the Gods. Then stood up Ayax among them, and said, If Achilles be dead, let us send for his son whom the king Nicomedes his grandsire nourisheth, and teacheth the feats of arms: for I trow that without him we may have no victory of the Trojans. His counsel seemed good, and by the agreement and will of every man, Menelaus was chosen to go fetch Neoptolomus son of Achilles that was named otherwise Pyrrhus.  
Among these things, when that truce were failed, the 16. day of june, when the days be at the longest of all the year, the Trojans began the twentieth battle against the Greeks', that was right sharp and hard: this day went Ayax by great folly, to battle without arms, and bore nothing but his sword.  
The Trojans that had lost their best defenders, were not then so hardy as they were wont to be, but for to save their lives they fought mightily: Paris with all the people of pierce, that were the best archers, slew many Greeks, and the king Philomenus fought strongly, and they of Paphlagony came on, that slew many Greeks, and by force made them to recoil. Menesteus' jousted against Polidamas, and beat him right fiercely, and ran upon him with his sword, and had taken or slain him, had not the king Philomenus delivered him from his hands. Ayax did this day marvels of arms, thus unarmed as he was, and slew many Trojans, and was not yet hurt. In the end he smote in among them of pierce that Paris lead, and slew many of them, and made them to turn to flight. When Paris saw his people thus slain, he shot to Ayax an arrow envenomed, and reached him between the back and the sides, & Ayax anon felt that he was hurt to the death, and he thought that he would not die, till he had avenged him on him that had slain him, and did so much that he found Paris, and said to him, thou hast slain me with thine arrow: but before that I die, I will slay thee. And also by thee, and for thy cause, be many noble men slain. And then he gave him so great a stroke, that he cut a two his face so deep, that he fell down dead to the earth: and Ayax fell down after him. The Trojans took the body of Paris with weeping tears, and bore it unto the City, and they were followed unto the gates. The next night following Agamemnon made the host to approach near to the City▪ and there pight their Tents. And the Trojans kept their walls day and night. Then had the Troyans no more no hope of their lives, when they saw that all the sons of king Priamus were dead: and there is no tongue that can express the lamentations that the king Priamus made, and his wife and his daughters, and the queen Helen, for the death of Paris: and above all other, Helen made the most greatest sorrow. The king did bury Paris in a right rich sepulture, and set it in the Temple of juno honourably, etc.   

CHAP. XXIIII. How the queen Penthesilea came from Amazonne, with a thousand maidens, to the succour of Troy: and slew many Greeks', and after was she slain by Pyrrhus the son of Achilles.  
THen two months during whole, the gates of Troy were not opened, and the Trojans did nothing but go in the City, and lamented and sorrowed: and the king Agamemnon did send oftentimes unto the king Priamus, that he should send his men to battle. But the king Priamus fearing and greatly doubting his destruction would not do it: forasmuch as he abode the succours of the queen of Amazon, that was then on the way for to come unto the succours of the king Priamus. Amazonne is a province, where dwelled then none but women without men, and they were brought up to war and to fight. They had nigh their country an isle, where the men dwelled, and they were accustomed three times a year to go thither, in April, May, and june, unto the men, for to have their company, and after they returned into Amazonne, and they that had conceived, and were with child, if they bore sons, they gave them suck a certain time, and after sent them to the fathers. And And if it were a daughter, they held it by them, and did burn off the right pap, for to bear the better the spear, and taught her the feats of arms. Of this province, than was the Lady and Queen, a very noble virgin, and a strong fighter, that had to name Penthesilea, and she loved well Hector for his good renown. When she knew that the Greeks' had assailed Troy with so great strength, she went thither, for to secure it with a thousand virgins, for the love of Hector. And when she was come, and knew that he was dead, she made great sorrow, and prayed to the king Priamus that he would let her issue out to the battle against the Greeks', and that she might show to them how her maidens could bear their arms.  
At the prayer of Penthesilea on the morrow betimes was the gate opened, and there issued out the king Philemenus, with all them of Paphlagone, Aeneas and Polidamas with all their people, the queen Penthesilea with all her maidens. The Greeks' were anon ready and began the battle hard and sharp. Menesteus addressed him to Penthesilea, and she likewise to him:: and anon she smote Menesteus down to the ground, and took his horse, and gave him to one of her maidens. Then came Diomedes against her, and she received him gladly, and smote him strongly that he was turned upside-down from his horse, and she took from Dyomedes his shield trom his neck, and delivered it to one of her maidens. When Thelamon saw that she did such deeds of arms, he addressed him against her, and she against him, and Thelamon was borne down to the ground, and had lead him into the city, but Dyomedes came to his rescue, with great defence: and then she cried to her maidens, that smote in among the Greeks, by such fierceness and ire, that she and they turned them to flight, and they chased them slaying and beating them unto their tents, and had slain them all, if Dyomedes had not so greatly resisted them, who maintained the skirmish unto the night, that departed them, and the queen Penthesilea returned into the city with great glory: where the king Priamus received her with great joy, & gave her many fair jewels and rich, and him seemed well that he should avenge him of his sorrows. They fought thus many times after, and so long that Menelaus returned from the king Nicomedes, and brought into the host Neoptolemus the son of Achilles otherwise named Pyrrhus.  
This Pyrrhus was received with great glory of all the barons of the host, and above all other, the Mirmidones were passing joyous, and held him for their Lord. Then was delivered to Pyrrhus all the conduct of the men of arms, and they made him knight by the hand of the noble Thelamon the prayed to the Gods to give him strength and courage in guiding of his sword, and that they would give him victory and honour for to avenge the death of his father: and two other Princes set on the spurs of gold, and the king Agamemnon gave to him all the arms of Achilles his father, and all his other precious pearls and jewels: and for this new knight & feast of chivalry, the Greeks' made many days great gladness & joy, etc.  
After these things came the day of fight, and the battles were ready on the one side, & on the other. Then began the battle right hard, Pyrrhus that was armed with the proper arms of his father, encountered Polidamas in his coming, & had slain him with the great strokes of his sword that he gave to him, but the king Philomenus came and delivered him: and then Pyrrhus smote from his horse Philomenus, and had lead him away, had not they of Paphlagone rescued him with great travel. Among these things, the queen Penthesilea entered into the battle with her maidens, & smote in among the Mirmidones, and slew many of them. There came then the king Thelamon, that smote to the ground Penthesilea, and she gave him so great a stroke with her sword, that she beat him down to the earth in like sort: and then her maidens relieved her, and set her again on horse, and she smote in among the Mirmidones, that held the king Philomenus in great danger, and many she slew and hurt of them. When Pyrrhus saw that his men were so evil entreated, he cried to them and said, that they ought to have great shame that suffered them to be vanquished by women: and then he left the king Philomenus, for to defend his men against the maid. Then addressed the queen Penthesilea nigh to Pyrrhus, and reproached him for that his father had slain Hector by treason, and that all the world ought to run upon him. Pyrrhus that had so great sorrow at these words, addressed him against her, and anon she beat him down to the earth: and forthwith he rose again, and assailed Penthesilea with his sword, and she him by great strength: and then was Pyrrhus remounted by the aid of his Mirmidones. Then came to the battle Agamemnon, Dyomedes, Menelaus, & Menesteus the duke of Athens, with all their people, and so did all the other princes & barons.  
Among these things, the king Philomenus was delivered of the Mirmidones, and he gave great thanks unto the queen Penthesilea, and said, that had not she have been, he had been slain. Then came to the battle all the Trojans: and so began the skirmish sharp and mortal: there encountered Pyrrhus Glaucon the son of Antenor, and brother of Polidamas of another mother, and gave him so great a stroke, that he slew him and fell down dead to the earth. Then addressed Penthesilea unto Pyrrhus, and he to her, and beat down each other to the earth: but they remounted anon, and began the fight together again: Then came so much people of both parts, that they were parted. Polidamas (for to avenge the death of his brother) slew that day many, Greeks', and hurt them, and did so much in arms he and Penthesilea, that they put the Greeks' to flight. Then came to the rescue Pyrrhus, Diomedes and Thelamon, and made them that fled, to abide and sustain the combat: and so they did unto the night, that each man went into his place: they fought thus every day a month long, in which time were slain more than ten thousand fight men of both parties, and Penthesilea lost many of her maidens: and when they had rested a month, they began the battle right sharp.  
At this assembly came one against another of Pyrrhus and Penthesilea, and broke their spears without falling, but Pyrrhus was so hurt, that the truncheon of her spear abode within his body: wherefore the cry arose greatly among the Greeks', and they ran upon Penthesilea with great strength, and broke the lace of her helm: and then Pyrrhus that in his great fury took none heed to his wound, set not thereby that he had the truncheon in his body, but assailed strongly Penthesilea, that had then her helm broken, and she weaned to have smitten him, but Pyrrhus reached her first, & gave her so great a stroke with his sword, that he cut her arm off by the body, whereof the said Penthesilea fell down dead, to the earth: and Pyrrhus that was not yet content, smote the body, and cut it in two pieces: and anon for the great effusion of blood that ran from his wound, he fell down as dead among his people, and they took him up & laid him upon his shield, and bore him into his tent. Then the maidens of Penthesilea, for to revenge the death of their Queen, smote in among the Mirmidones by great fury, and slew many, and hurt: but it profited but little to the Trojans, as they that were but a few against a great multitude of Greeks. And so there were slain of them of Troy that day in the battle, more than ten thousand men, and the other withdrew themselves into the city, for to save themselves, and shut & closed fast their gates, and had no more intention to issue out to battle against their enemies, etc.   

CHAP. XXV. ¶ How Antenor and Aeneas spoke together among them for to deliver the city unto the Greeks by treason, and did it under colour of peace: and how the king Priamus gainsaid them, with some of his bastards by great and rude words.  
THe Trojans had very great sorrow, when they saw them in this distress, for they had no more hope to have any succours from any place, and they endeavoured to nothing, but to keep well their city, and to furnish them well with bitaile: for they feared nor dreaded nought of any assault. Among these things, the Greeks would have cast to the dogs the body of Penthesilea, forasmuch as she had slain so many noble men of Gréece: but Pirrus gainsaid it, for the honour and credit of nobleness: and finally, they concluded, that they would cast it in a pond that was nigh the city. Anchises with his son Aeneas, and Antenor with his son Polidamas, went to counsel together, for to advise them, how they might have their lives saved against the Greeks, and their goods, and rather than they would fail hereof, they would betray the City.  
Then they concluded that they should speak unto king Priamus, and counsel him to take a peace and appointment with the Greeks, in restoring of Helen to her husband, and the damages that Paris did in the isle of Citharis. O if the king Priamus had been so happy to have done this, and had pleased the Greeks at the beginning, he had saved his life, and his wife's life, and the life of all his children, and had saved all the City and the citizens, and had eschewed all the mischiefs that came to them afterward. Therefore say men in a Proverb, that the concord or peace soon taken is good, for it is an hard thing to reappease such manner damages to him that hath advantage of the war. For with great pain would the Greeks have been content (that were then at the better hand) with these offers, forasmuch as they had suffered so many hurts and damages before Troy, for them seemed well that they were at the point for to destroy the City, and all the inhabitants. But the aforenamed traitors spoke not of this matter, but to the end that under colour of peace they might betray the city, if otherwise, they might not save their lives.  
Then they went before the king Priamus and Amphimacus one of his bastard sons, and spoke there of this matter before many noble men of the City: and above as king Priamus had heard them speak of purchasing of peace with the Greeks, he thought that they spoke this thing by great fury, and began to laugh, saying to them, that he would be advised and take counsel first: and then they spoke unto him in this manner: If thou wilt hear our counsel upon this thing, mark what we shall say, and if it please thee not use the counsel of other. The king said that he would well hear their counsel, and would weet what seemed them good, saying unto them: What seemeth you good? Then spoke Antenor saying: King, you may not dissemble but that you and yours be compassed with your enemies, who been here by your city, desiring your death and destruction, and ye may not issue out: there are more than fifty kings that desire nothing but to destroy this City, and you, and all them that dwell therein: ye may no longer resist them, neither dare ye no more open your gates: and thus we let us then be enclosed herein. We ought of two evil things choose the less evil: and therefore, for to have peace with the Greeks, if ye seem good, we will render Helen to Menelaus her husband, since that Paris is dead, and also restore the damage that Paris did do to them in Gréece, rather than we will suffer ourselves to be put to the death, etc.  
At these words arose up Amphymacus, one of the bastard sons of king Priamus, and reproved eagerly the words of Antenor, and said unto him, what trust or hope may my Lord my father and we have in thee, since that thou oughtest to have firm goodwill unto him and to this city, and we see that thus recreant, thou oughtest to live and die with us, and thou counselest us now to make peace with the Greeks to our great dishonour and shame. Truly, before that the king shall do that, there shall die twenty thousand men: the thing that thou counselest the king, cometh of treason. Many other injurious words said Amphimacus to Antenor: and Aeneas began to interrupt him, saying, ye know well that we may not from henceforth go to battle against the Greeks, and we dare no more open our gates, wherefore it behoveth us to find means to have peace with them. Then the king Priamus with great ire said to Antenor and to Aeneas: have ye not shame in yourselves to speak so to me? ye make me die with sorrow: for all that I have done hitherto, I have done it by your counsel. Antenor, at thy return fro Gréece, whither I sent thee to require my sister, counselledst thou not me that I should send Paris into Gréece for to endamage the Greeks'? And I had never taken upon me for to have moved war against them, had not thy false counsel been, which moved me to send thither. And thou Aeneas, alas when I sent thee with Paris into Greece, wast not thou principal of the counsel that Paris should ravish Helen, and bring her into this realm, and thou helpedst thereto with thy person? And if thou wouldst have been contrary thereto, and have let it, Helen had never seen the walls of Troy. And now after this, that they have slain all my children, and done so much damage and hurt, ye counsel me, against honour, to make peace with the Greeks, that have so cruelly destroyed me? Certes, your counsel finisheth my life with great sorrow and dishonour, etc.  
Of these words was Aeneas' exceedingly angry and wroth, and answered to the king words sharp and pricking enough, and departed, he & Antenor from the king evil content. And when they were gone, the king began to weep, as he that dreaded that they would deliver the city into the hands of the Greeks, which would slay him incontinent. Then he thought that he would make them die first, and called to him Amphimacus, and said to him: Right dear son, I am thy father, we ought to support each other, unto the death. I know certainly, that Antenor and Aeneas contend for to slay us by the Greeks, and to deliver them this city: and therefore it should not be ill done to make them fall into the pit that they have made ready before ere they do any such evil, and I will tell thee in what manner. To morrow at even they will come to take counsel, than thou shalt be ambushed here within, and thou shalt have with thee good knights, and when they shall be come, thou shalt run upon them, and slay them. Amphimacus made answer unto him, and said, that he would so do with a very good will, and albeit there were no more assembled at this counsel but the king and his son: yet there is nothing so secret but otherwhile it is known. Aeneas knew well the truth of this thing, and it was not known by whom he knew it, and anon he and Antenor and some other of their complices, spoke forth of the treason of the city, and there they swore each to other: and then they said, if they went more to counsel to the king, that they would go with great company of men of arms: for Aeneas was of the most noble of Troy, and most rich next to the king, and best of lineage, and might well compare to the king. And Antenor was also rich and puissant of friends in the city, and their treason was such that they would have delivered the city in the hands of their enemies: So as they and all they of their lineage should have their lives and their goods saved, and thereof they took good surety of the Greeks'.  
Among these things the king Priamus sent for Antenor, and Aeneas to come to counsel, for to perform that thing that he had purposed, but they came with a great company of men of arms: and therefore the king sent Amphymacus that he should leave off this enterprise. The day following, the king sent for all the Troyans' to council, and when they were assembled before him, Aeneas stood up and willed all them to make peace with the Greeks': to whom all the other accorded save the king, and then said to him Aeneas, Sir king, wherefore consentest not thou with the other, for will thou or will thou not, we will treat for the peace, and will make it maugre thee. When the king saw that his contradiction might nothing avail, he had leaver consent with the other, then for to be the cause of his destruction, and then said he to Aeneas, Let it be made as ye shall think that it may be most expedient to the peace, and I will think well of it. Then by the counsel of them all, Antenor was chosen for to go to the Greeks', and treat for the peace: and the Trojans took branches of Palm in sign of peace, and went upon the walls of the City, and showed the sign unto the Greeks, the which showed well that they would intend to the peace. And then was Antenor retired from the walls and let down, and was presented to the king Agamemnon. And the king Agamemnon commised all the work to the king of Crete, Diomedes, and Ulysses, and that all those things that these three kings should decree with Antenor, all the Greeks promised to hold it agreeable, and swore it upon their law, etc.  
When they were all four assembled, Antenor replenished with fury, promised to them to deliver the city by treason, for to do with it their will and pleasure, so that they would save him and Aeneas and all their kinsmen and parentage, and all them that they would choose, and that Aeneas should have all his possessions without any loss. These three kings of Greece swore to Antenor that thus they would do, and hold: then said one to the other that this thing must be secret, unto the time it be brought about, and to the end to keep this treason more secret, Antenor prayed to the Greeks', that they would deliver to him the king Cassilius that was a very ancient man, for to go with him to Troy, to the intent that he might be the better believed, and for that he knew the will of the Troyans', that is to weet, if they would have peace with the Greeks', and also for to say to them the will and desire of the Greeks', and then demanded Antenor the body of Penthesilea, which the Greeks agreed to them gladly.  
After these things Antenor and the king Cassilius entered into the city, and did to be known to the king their coming. On the morrow betimes, the king Priamus assembled all the Troyans', for to hear the answer of Antenor: the which said to the king otherwise then he found, making a long sermon, for to cover his bad doing.  
Where he spoke long of the puissance of the Greeks, and of their truth in their promises, and how they had holden the truce that they made, lying before the city, & had been faithfully governed without breaking of them, and after spoke he of the feebleness of the Trojans, & of the dangers that they were in: and in this time concluded, that forthwith it were profitable to seek peace, and that they were come thereto: and said, it could not be unless they gave a great quantity of gold and silver unto the Greeks for to restore to them the great damages that they had in the war. And after they advised the king & the other, each in himself, for to employ him in this thing without any sparing. And forasmuch (said Antenor) as I cannot know at this time all their will, I would that ye would let Aeneas go with me unto them, for to know better their will, and to the end that they believe us the better. Every man allowed the words of Antenor: and then went he and Aeneas to the Greeks, and with them the king Cassilius.  
When the counsel was finished, and all done, the king Priamus entered into his chamber & began to weep right grievously, as he that perceived well the treason, & plained sore the death of his sons, and the great damage that he bore, and that worse is, he must buy his peace of them that had done to him all this hurt, and to give them all the treasure that he had in long time gathered together, & to become poor in his old days, and yet he is not sure of his life, but must needs do the will of them that shall betray him. On the other side when Helen knew that Antenor should go to the Greeks, she prayed him right effectuously, that he would make her peace with Menelaus her husband, and that he would take pity on her: and he promised to her, that he would do to his power.  
When Aeneas and Antenor were come into the host of the Greeks', they treated of their treason, with the three kings that the Greeks' had commised: and there they made the peace for Helen, and took good surety. After their communication, the Greeks ordained that Diomedes and Ulysses should go with them to Troy, and they went with them. There was great joy when they heard of their coming into their City, weening to the Trojans to have had the peace they had so much desired. On the morrow early, by the commandment of the king Priamus, all the Trojans were assembled at his palace, than spoke Ulysses, saying unto them, that the Greeks demanded two things, that is to weet, restitution of their damages, and great quantity of gold and silver: and also they demanded that Amphymacus should be banished for ever out of the City of Troy, without any trust ever to come in again, (this purchased Antenor for Amphymacus, forasmuch as he had contraried him afore.) O how great peril it is to speak lightly in time of perturbation and sedition. Then as they were all assembled in parliament, they heard suddenly a marvelous cry: at that Diomedes and Ulysses were in great fear that the people would have slain them: then the other said that they would take these two kings in the stead of Amphymacus, to the intent that he should not be banished: and yet there could no man know nor weet from whence this noise came, nor wherefore, therefore they departed, and every man went into his place, etc.  
Then Antenor drew apart Diomedes and Ulysses for to speak of their evil practices. Then said unto him Ulysses, Wherefore tarriest thou so long, and delayest to do that thou hast promised? Antenor answered & said: The gods do know that Aeneas and I attend to none other thing, but to do that we have promised to you, but there is a marvelous thing that hindereth us, and I will say to you what it is. certainly, when the king Ilium founded first the palace of Ilium in this city, he established in the name of Pallas a great temple in this City, and when it was all ready and made, saving the tower, a marvelous thing descended from the heaven, and that stack in the wall of the temple within the great altar, and it hath been there till this time, and none may bear it away, save they that keep it: the matter is of tree or of wood, but there is no man that knoweth of what wood, nor how it is so made: but the goddess Pallas that sent it thither, gave unto this thing a great virtue, that is this, that as long as this said thing shall be within the temple or within the city, within the walls, the Trojans may not lose their City, nor the kings, nor the heirs, and this is the thing that holdeth the Trojans in surety, and therefore they may the better keep it. And this thing hath to name Palladium, forasmuch as the goddess Pallas sent it. Then said Diomedes: If this thing be of such virtue as thou sayest, we lose our labour. Then said Antenor that they ought nothing to dismay them, for he and Aeneas attended for to fulfil the promise, for I have but late spoken to the Priest that keepeth it, to the end that he may deliver it by stealth: and I have sure trust that he shall deliver it me for a great sum of gold that I promised him: and assoon as I shall have it, I will send it to you out of the city: and then we shall perform that thing we have promised to you: and ere ye go hence, for to cover and hide our work, I will go unto the king Priamus, and will let him to understand, that I have spoke long to you, to know what quantity of gold ye demand: and it was so effected as Antenor had determined.   

CHAP. XXVI. ¶ How the traitor Antenor bought of the Priest the Palladium: and gave it to Ulysses: and of the horse of brass that was by the Greeks' brought to the temple of Pallas, being full of men of arms: and how the city of Troy was taken, and burnt, and the king Priamus slain, etc.  
WHen Diomedes and Ulysses were returned into their host, Antenor went unto the king Priamus, and said to him that he should assemble all his folk to counsel: and when they were all come, Antenor said to them, that for to come to the peace of the Greeks' they must needs pay twenty thousand mark of gold, and that in good weight, and as much of silver, and also an hundred thousand quarters of Wheat: and this must be made ready within a certain time: and then when they have this, they shall give surety to hold the peace without any fraud or subtlety.  
There it was ordained how this sum should be levied: and whiles they were busy thereabouts, Antenor went to the Priest that kept the Palladium, the which Priest had to name Thoant, and bare to him a great quantity of gold, and there were they two at counsel. Antenor said to him, that he should take this sum of gold, wherewith he should be rich all his life, and that he should give to him the Palladium, and that no man should know thereof, for I have (said he) great fear, and as much dread as thou, that any man should know thereof. And I will send it to Ulysses, and he shall bear the blame upon him, and every man shall say that Ulysses shall have stolen it, and we shallbe quit thereof both two, etc.  
Thoant the priest resisted long the words of Antenor: but in the end, for covetousness of the great sum of gold that Antenor gave unto him, he consented that he should take the Palladium and bear it away. Then Antenor took it anon, and sent it unto Ulysses the same night, and after the voice ran among the people, that Ulysses by his subtlety had taken and borne away the Palladium out of Troy. O what treason was this of a Priest, that loved better for covetousness to betray his city than to leave the gold that was given him! Certes, it is a fowl vice in a Priest the sin of covetousness, but few have been before this time, and few be yet, but they be attainted therewith, whereof it is great pity, since it is so that avarice is the mother of all vices. Whilst that the Trojans gathered together their gold and silver, and put it in the Temple of Minerva, to keep unto the time that it was all collected, it pleased them to offer and make sacrifice to their god Apollo: and when they had slain many beasts for their sacrifice, and had put them upon the Altar, and had set fire unto them for to burn them, it happened that there came two very strange marvels, the first was, that the fire would not kindle nor burn, for they began to make the fire more than ten times, and always it quenched, and might never burn the sacrifice. The second miracle or marvel was, when they had appointed the entrails of the beasts for their sacrifice, a great Eagle descended from the air, crying greatly, and took with his feet the said entrails, and bore them into the ships of the Greeks.  
Of these two things were the Trojans sore abashed & dismayed, & said that the gods were wroth with them. Then demanded they of Cassandra what these things signified: and she said unto them, that the god Apollo was wroth with them for the effusion of the blood of Achilles that was shed, wherewithal his Temple was defiled and violated: this is the first, and ye must go fetch fire at the sepulture of Achilles, and light your sacrifice therewith, then will it quench no more: and they did so, and the sacrifice burned clear: and for the second miracle, she said to them, that for certain, treason was made of the City with the Greeks. When the Greeks heard of these miracles, they demanded of Calcas what it signified, and he answered that the yielding of the City should come shortly. Amongst these things Calcas and Crisis the Priest counseled the Greeks, that they should make a great horse of brass, and that must be so great as might hold within it a thousand knights armed: and they said unto them, that it was the pleasure of the gods. This horse was made by a passing wise master, as Appius was, whose name was Sinon, and he made it so subtly, that no man might perceive nor see entry nor issue: but within it was easy to them that were closed therein for to issue when they would, etc.  
When the horse was fully made, and the thousand knights therein, by the counsel of Crisis, they prayed the king Priamus that he would suffer this horse to enter into the city, and that it might be set in the temple of Pallas, forasmuch as they said that they had made it in the honour of Pallas, for a vow that they had made for restitution of the Palladium which they had caused to be taken out of the same temple, etc.  
Among these things the Princes that were yet in Troy, when they saw that the king had so foully and so shamefully treated with the Greeks, they went out of Troy, and took their men with them, and the king Philomenus led no more but two hundred and fifty men and threescore maidens of Amazonne that were left of a thousand that came with the Queen Penthesilea, and carried the body of her with them, and traveled so long that in the end they came unto their own Country.  
Then came the day that the Greeks should swear the peace feignedly upon the plain field upon the sanctuaries. King Priamus issued out of the city and his people, and swore there each party to hold the peace firmly from thence forth on: and Diomedes swore first for the Greeks: after, when they had broken the peace that they had treated with Antenor of that thing that they concluded after, & therefore they maintained, that they were not forsworn by that colour, as the proverb saith, He that sweareth by a cautel or maliciously, he by malice forsweareth himself. After that Diomedes swore likewise all the kings and princes of Gréece, and then the king Priamus and the Trojans swore in good faith, as they that knew nothing of the great treason: and after their oaths thus made, king Priamus delivered Helen to Menelaus her husband, and prayed him and other kings and princes of Gréece, that they would pardon Helen, without suffering to be done to her any injury or hurt: and they promised him feignedly, that they would do to her no wrong.  
Then prayed the Greeks, that they might set the horse of brass within the Temple of Pallas, for the restitution of Palladium, to the end that the goddess Pallas might be to them friendly, in their return. And as the king Priamus answered not thereto, Aeneas and Antenor said to him, that it should be well done, and that it should be honour to the city. Howbeit the king Priamus accorded it with evil will. Then the Greeks' received the gold and silver, and the wheat that was promised them, and sent it, and put into their ships. After these things they went all in manner of procession, and in devotion with their priests, and began with strength of cords, to draw the horse of brass unto before the gate of the city, and forasmuch as by the gate it might not enter into the city, it was so great: therefore they broke the wall of the city in length and height, in such wise as it entered within the town, & the Trojans received it with great joy, but the custom of Fortune is such, that great joy endeth in heaviness, and in sorrow. The Trojans made joy of this horse, wherein was closed their death, and they knew nothing of it. In this horse was a subtle man named Sinon, that bore the keys of the horse, for to open it. When the Trojans were a sleep, and rested them in the night, forthwith they issued out of the horse, and gave a token of fire to them that were in the fields, to the end that they should come into the City, for to put it all to destruction.  
The same day the Greeks' feigned to go unto Tenedon, and said, that they would receive Helen, and set her in safety, because that the people should not run upon her, for the great evils and hurts that were fallen for her, and thus they departed from the port of Troy with their sails drawn up, and came before the sun going down, to Tenedon. Then had the Trojans great joy when they saw the Greeks' departed, and they supped that evening with great gladness: and the Greeks' so soon as they were come to Tenedon, they armed them in the evening, and went stilly & privily toward Troy. When the Trojans had well supped, they went to bed for to sleep. Then Sinon opened the horse, and went out and light this fire, and showed it to them that were without, and anon without delay, they that were in a wait, entered into the City by the gate that was broken for to bring in the horse of brass. And the thousand knights issued out, and where they found the Trojans they slew them in their houses, where they slept as they that thought nothing.  
Thus entered the Greeks' into the City, and slew men, women and children, without sparing of any, and took all that they found in their houses, and slew so many ere it was day, that they had slain more than twenty thousand. They peeled and rob the Temples, and the cry arose to be horrible of them that they slew. When the king Priamus heard the cry (he knew anon that Aeneas and Antenor had betrayed him) he arose then hastily and went into his temple of Apollo, that was within his Palace, as he that had no more trust nor hope of his life, and kneeled before the high altar. Cassandra fled on the other side, as one that had been out of her wit, into the temple of minerve, weeping and demeaning great sorrow: and the other noble women abode still in the Palace, in weepings and in tears.  
When it came to the morrow, the Greeks' (by the conduct of Aeneas and of Antenor that were open traitors unto their City, and also to their king and Lord) came and entered into the Palace of Ilium, where they found no defence, & put to death all them that they found. Then Pyrrhus entered into the temple of Apollo, & found there the king Priamus abiding his death: then he ran upon him with a naked sword (in sight of Aeneas and Antenor that guided him) he slew there the king Priamus before the high altar, which was all bebled with his blood. The queen Hecuba and Polyxena fled, and witted not whether to go: and it happened that she met with Aeneas, and then said Hecuba to him in a great fury, Ha, a, fellow traitor, from whence is come to thee so great cruelty, that thou hast brought with thee them that have slain the king Priamus, that hath done to thee so much good, and hath set thee in magnificence, and also hast betrayed the country where thou were borne, and the city that thou oughtest to keep: at the least let it suffice thee, and refrain thee now of thine intent, and have pity of this unhappy Polyxena: to the end that among so many evils as thou hast done, thou mayest have grace to have done one good deed, as for to save her from death, before the Greeks' slay her. Aeneas (moved with Pity) received Polyxena in his guard, and put her in a secret place.  
Among these things king Thelamon set in the temple of minerve in keeping Andromeda the wife of Hector & Cassandra, whom he found there in Ilium, and set the city on fire in all places, and brent all the noble city, except only the houses of the traitors, which were kept and reserved. When the city of Troy was all brent, king Agamemnon assembled all the most noble of Gréece in the temple of minerve: and when they were all assembled, he required them of two things: one was, that they should hold their faith and truth to the traitors: the other, that they should take good advise to part the prey of the city. The answer of the Greeks was such that they would hold their faith to the traitors as for the first point: and as to the second, every man should bring all the prey in common, and there to part to each man after his merit and desert. Then spoke Thelamon and said, they should burn Helen, for whom so much hurt and evil was come, and that so many worthy kings & princes had died for. And there was a great murmur hereupon, that with great pain Agamemnon, Ulysses, and Menelaus might save her. But Ulysses with his fair speech said to them so much of diverse things, that they were content that Helen should have no harm. And then Agamemnon did so much to all the other, that for his reward, the daughter of king Priamus Cassandra was delivered unto him. Whilst that the Greeks held yet their parliament, there came to them Aeneas and Antenor, and advertised them how Helenus had always blamed the Trojans of the enterprise that they made against the Greeks, and counseled them to put the body of Achilles in sepulture, which they would have given to the hounds, and besought them therefore that they would save his life, and it was agreed and accorded to them. And then Andromeda and Helenus entreated for the two sons of Hector, which were saved, albeit that Pyrrhus was there against, and debated it a little, but in the end he agreed it, and so the children were saved.  
After this uproar they ordained that all the noble women that were escaped from death, should go whither they would freely, or dwell there still, if it pleased them. And after these things done, they purposed to departed from Troy: but a great tempest began to arise that time that endured a month whole before they might go to the sea. Then demanded the Greeks of Calcas the cause of this trouble that endured so long? and he answered, that the puissances infernals were not yet appeased for the effusion of the blood of Achilles, that was shed in the temple of Apollo, for the love of Polyxena: and for to appease the Gods, it behoved to sacrifice Polyxena, for whom Achilles died.  
Then Pyrrhus inquired diligently where Polyxena was become, that was cause of the death of his father, for there was no tidings whither she was alive or dead? Agamemnon demanded of Antenor: which said to him, that he knew not where she was, whereof he lied not: and yet for to make an end of all his evils, he inquired so much that Polyxena was found in prison in an old ancient tower, whereas she was put in, and then he went thither and drew her out by force by her arms, and presented her unto the king Agamemnon, which anon sent her to Pyrrhus, the which sent her to the sepulture of Achilles for to be slain: and as they led her, there was no king nor prince but that he had great sorrow, for to see so fair a figure of a woman to be lost, and without that she had deserved it, and they had delivered her from the hand of Pyrrhus, if Calcas had not been, that said always, that the tempest should not cease unto the time that she were dead.  
When the fair Polyxena was before the sepulture of Achilles, she excused her very humbly of the death of Achilles, and said, that she was much wroth and sorry of his death, and that the kings and princes of Greece suffered her to die against justice, and without fault or trespass: yet that she had leaver have the death then to live with them that had taken away and slain all her friends. And when she had finished her words, Pyrrhus smote her with his sword (in sight of the queen her mother) and slew her cruelly, and cut her all in pieces, and cast them all about the sepulture of his father. When Hecuba the queen saw thus her fair daughter slain▪ she fell down in a swoon, and after went out of her wi●, and became mad, and began to run as a vagabond, and all enraged, and assailed with her teeth and with her nails all that she might come by, and casted stones, and and hurt many of the Greeks'. Then they took her by force, and lead her into an isle, and there they stoned her to death. And thus 〈◊〉 queen Hector ended, and finished her life, and the Greeks made for her a noble sepulture, and put her body therein: and hi● Sepulture appeareth yet in the same I'll unto this day, etc.   

CHAP. XXVII. ¶ Of the dissension that was moved because of the Palladium, between Thelamon and Ulysses: and how Aeneas and Antenor were exiled out of Troy: and how the Greeks' returned, and of their adventures.  
WHiles that the Greeks' sojourned yet at Troy, and might not departed for the great tempest, after that they had destroyed all the City, and taken all that they found that was good, the king Thelamon made his quarrel before the king Agamemnon for the Palladium that Ulysses had, saying that he had not so well deserved it as he had done, that had so many times succoured the host with victual, and also had defended it by his great prowess: whereas the Host of the Greeks' had been in danger to have been lost, had not he been, and said, that he had slain the king Polimnestor, to whom the king Priamus had put Polidorus his son, and after had slain the same Polidorus, and had brought a great treasure he found, unto the host of the Greeks'. And also he had slain the king of Frigie, and brought his goods into the host, and alleged then, that he had gotten many realms to the signory of Greece, and other many valiances that he had done to the honour of the Greeks': and said moreover, that Ulysses had in him no prowess nor valiance, but only subtlety, and fair speaking for to deceive men, and by him have we gotten to us great shame, that where we might have vanquished the Trojans by arms, now we have vanquished them by deceit and falsehood.  
To these words answered Ulysses, and said, that by his valiance and by his wit the Trojans were vanquished: and if he had not been, the Trojans had been yet in state and in glory in the City. And after said to Thelamon: certes the Palladium was never conquered by your prowess, but by my wit: and the Greeks' witted not what it was, nor of what virtue it is, until I did them to know thereof first, by the diligence that I did use thereto: and when I knew that the City of Troy might not be taken as long as it was in the same, I went secretly into the city, and did so much that it was delivered unto me, and after we took the city. To this answered Thelamon injuriously, and Ulysses to him in like manner, insomuch that they became mortal enemies each to other: and Thelamon menaced Ulysses to the death openly. And yet after that this matter was well discussed, Agamemnon and Menelaus judged that the Palladium should abide and tarry with Ulysses (and some said, that they did likewise make this judgement forasmuch as Ulysses by his fair speaking had saved from death Helen, that Thelamon and other would have had dead) And with this judgement they might not be content, for the most greatest part of the host said, that Thelamon ought better to have the Palladium then Ulysses: and therefore Thelamon spoke to Agamemnon and Menelaus in many injurious words, and said unto them, that he would be their mortal enemy from thenceforth on. For this cause Agamemnon, Menelaus, and Ulysses held themselves all three near together, and had always after with them a very great number and marvelous multitude of most valiant knights. Then it came to pass, that on the morrow after, early in the morning, that Thelamon was found slain in his bed, and had wounds in many places of his body, whereof rose a very great cry in the host, and they made great sorrow, and gave all the blame unto three kings before rehearsed. Pirrus that loved exceedingly the king Thelamon, said many injurious words to Ulysses, and to the other. Then Ulysses doubted, and the next night following he and his men entered into their ships secretly, and went to the sea, for to return homeward, and left with Diomedes his friend the Palladium. Pirrus did cause to burn the body of Thelamon, and put the ashes in a rich vessel of gold, for to bear with him into his country, to bury it honourably. The hate was great between Pirrus and the king Agamemnon, and his brother: but Antenor made the peace, and after on a day gave a dinner unto all the nobles of Gréece, & did serve them with many meats, and gave to them fair gifts, etc.  
Among these things, the Greeks reproached Aeneas, that he had falsified his oath, in that that he had hid Polyxena: and for this cause they banished him out of Troy for ever. And when Aeneas saw that he might not abide there, he prayed them earnestly that they would accord and agree that he might have the two and twenty ships that Paris had with him into Gréece, and they granted to him his request, and gave unto him four months space for to repair them, and furnish them of all such necessaries that they lacked. Antenor departed after from Troy with his good will, and led with him a great number of Trojans: but the history telleth not whither he would go. Aeneas' greatly hated Antenor, forsomuch as by him he was banished out of Troy: and was in great sorrow, because Antenor was not as well banished as he. And for this cause Aeneas assembled all the Trojans, and said to them: my friends, and my brethren, since that Fortune hath put us in the state wherein we be, we may not live without a head and governor: and if ye will do by counsel, ye shall choose Antenor, and make him your king, for he is wise enough to govern you. This counsel seemed good to the Trojans, and they sent after Antenor that returned anon unto them: and as soon as he was come, Aeneas assembled a great number of people for to run upon him, as he that was most mighty in Troy. Then the Trojans prayed him that he would cease, since that the war was finished, and that he would not begin it again. How (said Aeneas) should we spare one so heinous a traitor, that by his great villainy hath caused Polyxena the fair daughter of king Priamus to die, and by him I am banished out of Troy, that should have counseled and helped you: and now I must needs leave you? Aeneas' said so much to the Trojans, that they banished Antenor for ever out of Troy, and constrained him anon to go his way out of the town, etc.  
Antenor entered into the sea with a great company of Trojans, and sailed so far that he fell among men of war and pirates of the sea, who ran upon him and slew many of his men, and hurt and rob and peeled of his ships: and in the end Antenor escaped from them, and sailed so far that he arrived in a Province named Gerbandy, whereof the king Tetides was lord and king, a just man and a courteous. In this land arrived Antenor with a few ships, and rested on the side of a greater Isle, that was nigh unto the port. He saw the country fair and full of woods and of land, and of fountains, and there he builded a city to him and to his people, and fortified it with walls and good towers. And when the Troyans' knew thereof, many went thither and dwelled there with Antenor, and the city grew apace, and was full of people, and Antenor governed him so wisely in this land, that he was well in the grace of the king Tetides, and was the second after the king in his realm: and named his city Cortiremetralum.  
Cassandra that was left at Troy, had great sorrow for the great mischiefs that were fallen to her friends: and ceased not to weep and wail: and when she had demeaned long her sorrow: the Greeks' demanded her of their estate in their returning home: of which she said to them, that they should suffer many pains and great perils ere they were come into their country: and after she said to Agamemnon, that they of his own house should slay him. So it happened to him after, and to all the other, like as Cassandra had devised to them and said. Of the king Thelamon were left two sons, of two queens, the eldest was named Hermicides of the queen Glausta: and the other of the queen Thymissa had to name Anchisatus: these two children nourished the king Theuter till they were great to bear arms.  
Among these things Agamemnon and Menelaus demanded leave for to return into their lands: and the most great of the host gave them leave, being sore vexed, forasmuch as they had been taken as suspect of the death of Thelamon, with Ulysses which was stolen away like a thief, wherefore he showed well, that he was culpable of the death. Thus these two brethren put them to the sea for to return home, and in the entry of the Winter, when the sea is most dangerous, anon after the other Greeks' entered into the Sea, as fools and evil advised for the doubts of the Sea, and had their ships all charged and laden with the richesse, whereof they had spoiled the rich city and realm of Troy: and for the great desire that they had for to be at home in their country, they began to return thus in the mids of the Winter, and set apart all dangers and perils, which fell unto them. About the hour of noon, came a great tempest, and surprised them suddenly, with great thunder and rain, with wind and with great waves of the sea that casted their ships here and there in the sea: and broke their masts, and all to rend their sails. And when the night came, which was long and dark, the ships left each other in sailing before the wind, some in one place, and some in another, and many were burnt with lightning and thunder that fell upon them, and many were drowned and sunk into the Sea: and they that were therein were dead and drowned, and the great riches of Troy lost. Oyleus Ajax that had xxxii. ships in this company, had all his ships burnt and perished, and he himself by the force of his arms and legs all naked swimming came and arrived a land, all swollen with the water that he had drunken, and lay a great while upon the gravel, more looking for death then life: and anon after came other in likewise, that were so saved with swimming, which were discomforted in their mishap and unhappiness. This mischief came to this Ajax, forasmuch as he drew Cassandra out of the temple of minerve. And it happeneth oft time, that many be punished for the sin and trespass of one man, etc.   

CHAP. XXVIII. ¶ How the king Naulus and Cetus his son did spoil on the sea many ships of the Greeks, in their return for the death of his son Palamedes, and of the death of the king Agamemnon, and of the exile of Diomedes, and of his calling back by Egee his wife, etc.  
IN this time there was a king in Gréece named Naulus that was very rich and puissant, and his realm stood upon the side of the Sea of Greece toward the South. In the which Sea were great rocks and high, and many mountains and hills of sand which were right perilous. The king was father of Palamedes, that was slain before Troy, and had yet a son named Cetus: there was none in Gréece so rich, nor so puissant a king.  
Now were there some evil people there that could not be in ease without grieving and annoying of other, which made the said king Naulus to understand, and his son king Cetus, that Palamedes was not slain in battle, so as the voice ran, but he was slain covertly by Ulysses and Diomedes. Agamemnon and Menelaus had made and contrived a false letter, wherein was contained that Palamedes would have betrayed the host of the Greeks', whiles he was emperor of the host, for a great quantity of gold: and they made this letter to be put by the side of a knight that was slain. And then Ulysses treated in such wise with one of the secretaries of Palamedes, for a great sum of money, such as the Letters contained: and this Secretary by the induction of Ulysses put this sum of money under the head of Palamedes whiles he slept. And as soon as the secretary had said to Ulysses that he had done: then Ulysses slew this Secretary privily, and forthwith did so much that this letter came into the hands of the Greeks, that read it, and were all abashed when they saw in writing the treason, and the sum contained in the same laid under his head. They went then into his tent, and found the truth of this thing, and would have run upon Palamedes: but he offered himself to defend it against whom soever would prove it: and so there was none that durst fight against him. Then Ulysses did so much by his fair language, that this thing was appeased: and it seemed that it was best that Palamedes should abide in his dignity.  
After this thing thus appeased, Ulysses and Diomedes on a day did Palamedes to understand, that they knew a pit, wherein was much treasure, and that they would that he had his part: and that he should go the night following. When the night was come, they went all three alone without more company, and there offered Palamedes for to go down into the pit first, and they said, that they would follow: and assoon as he was within, the other two cast stones upon him so many, that they slew him, and after returned to their tents privily. This thing said, these men charged king Naulus, and Cetus of the death of Palamedes: and all was false. Then the king and his son began earnestly to think how they might avenge them of the Greeks'. They knew well that the Greeks' were upon return in the heart of the Winter: and that they must pass by his realm. And then the king Naulus did cry in all his realm, that men should make great fires every night upon the mountains that stood by the sea side. And this did he to the end, that when the Greeks' should see the fire by night they should come thither, weening to find good haven: and if they came, they should find hard rocks and mountains of sand. And so they should not escape without death. It was thus done, as Naulus had devised, there were nigh two hundredth ships of the Greeks broken against the rocks: and all they that were therein were drowned. When the other ships that followed them heard the noise of the ships that so were broken, and the c●●e of them that were drowned, they turned on the other board, and made to seaward, and saved themselves. Of them that escaped, were Agamemnon, Menelaus, Diomedes, and some other that shall be named hereafter.  
Cetus, that otherwise was called Pellus, had great sorrow, when he knew that Agamemnon was escaped: and then he thought long, how he might avenge himself. When he was come home, and was arrived in his own land, he wrote a letter to Clytaemnestra the wife of Agamemnon: and this letter contained, that for certain Agamemnon her husband had espoused one of the daughters of king Priamus, and that he loved her greatly, and brought her with him into his country for to make her Queen, and to put out Clytaemnestra, or to slay her: and therefore Cetus advertised her, to the end that she might provide for herself. Clytaemnestra anon believed these letters, and thanked Cetus enough, and thought that she would avenge her of her husband. This Clytaemnestra, in the absence of her husband, loved a man named Aegisthus, by whom she had a daughter named Erigona: she loved more her love Aegisthus, then ever she did her husband, though he was come of low blood. But it is the custom of a woman that doth amiss, to take one to her of less value than her husband is. She had treated with Aegisthus, that the first night that Agamemnon should lie with her, he should run upon him and slay him. This thing was done in like manner as she had purposed: and Agamemnon was slain, and laid in the earth: and anon after, Clytaemnestra took to husband her love Aegisthus king of Michmas.  
Agamemnon thus slain, had a son of this Clytaemnestra that was named Horestes, a young child, which Calcibus his cousin had in keeping, and took him from his mother, to the end that she should not slay him: and after sent him to the king of crete Idumeus that was his uncle. And he had great joy of him: and so had his wife Tharasis also, that loved him as much as Clytaemnestra her daughter, that had no more children but her, and she was a fair young maid. Thus as Cetus had written to Clytaemnestra the wife of Agamemnon, in like manner he wrote to the wife of Diomedes named Egée, who was daughter of the king Polimites of Arsimens, and sister of Assandrus, that returned from Troy with Diomedes his brother in law. So it happened in their returning, that they went into the land of king Thelephus, which was evil content, and went against them with a great company of men of arms, and assailed them: and they defended them strongly. And Assandrus slew many of the knights of Thelephus, whereof he had great sorrow and was angry, and took a great spear, & addressed him against Assandrus with so great force, that he smote him to the earth, and slew him. Diomedes, to avenge the death of his brother in law, slew many knights of Thelephus, and recovered the body of Assandrus with great trouble and pain, and bore it into his ship.  
Thus died Assandrus, but it was not so reported to Egée his si●ter: but it was told her, that Diomedes her husband had slain him, to have all the signory of Archimens', whereof Assandrus had the one half against his sister Egée. Of these tidings, and of them that Cetus had written, Egée was angry with Diomedes her husband, & wrought so with her people, that they promised her they would no more receive Diomedes for their lord. Thus when Diomedes returned, his wife ne his folk would receive him, but banished him out of the country of Archimen for ever. Then happened he to arrive in Salamine, where king Theuter brother of king Thelamon was. This king heard say, that Diomedes was culpable of the death of his brother, with Ulysses: whereupon he commanded that Diomedes should be taken. But Diomedes hearing thereof, fled thence. King Demophon, and king Athamas being arrived in their lands, were banished by semblable manner. Then arrived they in the land of Duke Nestor, which received them with great joy. These two kings purposed to go into their lands with men of arms, and take vengeance on their people. But Duke Nestor blamed them thereof: and counseled them that they should first send to them to admonish them to receive them for their Lords, and promise to them great franchises and liberties. Thus did they as Nestor had counseled them: and it was not long after, but that their people received them, as aforesaid.  
While Aeneas' abode in Troy to repair his ships, he endured many assaults of his neighbours, that would have taken as a prey all the remnant of the Trojans. And forasmuch as he might not abide there longer than his term assigned unto him by the Greeks: he assembled the Trojans, and counseled them that they should send and seek Diomedes to be their king, and said unto them, he would come willingly, forasmuch as he was driven out of his country: and he was both wise and valiant. So they sent for to seek Diomedes, and found him: who came forthwith, and found the Trojans besieged by their neighbour nations, Aeneas then prepared to the battle: in which Diomedes bore himself so valiantly that he took away prisoners, and hanged many as thieves. In the fift battle he behaved himself so, that he got the upper hand altogether of his enemies, and conquered them all: so as there were none of his neighbours that durst assail the Trojans.  
During these things the navy of Aeneas was ready, whereupon he took shipping with Anchises his father: and being at sea, they resolved to go and seek an habitation where the gods and fortune would assign. During their adventures at sea many perils happened, and roving at random this way and that way, they sailed by Hellespont, and thence passing arrived at Tuskane in Italy: from whence sailing they came to Carthage, and thence again to Italy. The story whereof who lift to peruse, let him read Virgil. When Egea the wife of Diomedes knew that the Trojans had entertained Diomedes, and that he had discomfited their enemies, she doubted that Diomedes would also take vengeance on her. Then she counseled with her people, and by their advise she sent for him to come unto her: who came with a good will, and had good entertainment, In like manner did sundry Lords that had been exiled, return again to their wives and houses, and enjoyed their old signiories, as many as had escaped the danger of the sea.   

CHAP. XXIX. How Horestes son of King Agamemnon cruelly avenged himself of the death of his father. And how king Ulysses, after sundry perilous adventures returned to his Country and kingdom.  
THen Horestes the son of king Agamemnon, who was twenty and four years of age, and had been brought up under king Idumeus, was by the said Idumeus made knight, at whose knighting was great feasting and sport. Then Horestes prayed him that he would help him with his people to be avenged of the death of his father, and to recover his land again. Whereupon Idumeus delivered to him a thousand armed men wise and hardy. And Horestes gathered out of other places an other thousand: so passing toward Michmas he went by Trasim, where Forensis was lord and governor, of whom he got a hundred soldiers: this did Forensis for the hatred that he bore to Aegisthus, forasmuch as the said Aegisthus having espoused his daughter, forsook her for the love of Clytaemnestra. So he joined with Horestes to make war against Aegisthus. This expedition was taken in hand at the beginning of the month of Mate. When they came before Michmas, those that kept the city would not yield it. He then besieged it round: for Horestes had answer from the gods, that he should be avenged of his mother with his own hands, albeit that she was fast closed within that fortified city. Aegisthus was not all this time within the city, but was gone to procure aid and succours of men of war from other places, against the coming of Horestes his enemy, by the instigation of his wife Clytaemnestra.  
When Horestes understood thereof, he laid a great ambush of armed men, to surprise Aegisthus in his return, and therewith also laid fresh and hot assaults daily to the city: which being not well fortified, was by Horestes taken after fifteen days siege: who appointing his men to keep due watch and ward, that none should go out nor in at the gates, went himself to the palace royal, where he took his mother, committing her to safe prison, and caused them to be apprehended that were any wa● guilty of the death of his father, and that had rebelled against him. The same day returned Aegisthus with his new aids, thinking to have gone unto the rescue of the city but by the way he was taken by the ambush of Horestes, who slew all his men, and carried him to Horestes with his hands bound behind him.  
On the morrow after Horestes caused his mother Clytaemnestra to be brought before him stark naked, with her hands bound, whom as soon as ever he saw, he ran at her with his naked sword, and first he cut off her two paps, and after slew her, and caused her body to be drawn into the fields, and there to be left for dogs and the birds of the air to devour. Then he made Aegisthus to be taken and stripped, and to be drawn naked through the city, and after to be hanged. And in like sort dealt he with those that were found to have been culpable of his father's death. This vengeance took Horestes for the death of good king Agamemnon his father.  
Menelaus after sundry great perils by sea, at length arrived in crete, having with him Helen his wife: who hearing of the death of his brother, and how cruelly Horestes had put his own mother to the death, was sore displeased with his nephew. At that same time came to Menelaus all the greatest Lords and Nobles of Gréece, for whose sake all the Greeks had suffered so much trouble and vexation. From crete Menelaus sailed to Michmas, and told Horestes, that he was not worthy to be king or governor, for that he had so cruelly put to death his own mother. Whereupon Menelaus assembled at Athens all the chief nobles of Gréece, to the end to deprive Horestes of his reign and government, for the tyrannous murdering of his mother. Horestes excused himself thereof, saying, the gods had appointed him to do that which he had done.  
At this the duke of Athens rose up, and offered to be champion in maintaining Horestes his cause 'gainst any that would withstand it, by combat or otherwise: which challenge of his being by no man accepted, Horestes was judged guiltless, and was suffered still to enjoy his kingdom. But upon this quarrel Horestes conceived such mortal hatred against Menelaus his uncle, that he afterward bore great evil will to him. Notwithstanding king Idumeus came within a while to Michmas, and so reconciled them each to other, that Horestes took to wife Hermione the daughter of king Menelaus and of Helen. Whereat Erigone the daughter of Aegisthus and of Clytaemnestra had so great sorrow, that she hanged herself, being grieved that Horestes prospered so well.  
During these affairs, Ulysses came into crete with two merchants ships, for he had lost all his own ships, and the chief of his goods by rovers or pirates at the sea. After which loss, he arrived (by mishap) within the country of king Thelamon, where he lost the residue of his goods, and they of the country would have hanged him, had it not been, that by his wit and cunning he escaped their hands. After that he arrived in the country of king Manlus, who hated him for the death of his son Palamedes: yet there he so handled the matter by his wit and industry, that he got out of their hands also. In the end coming again into crete, he was friendly entertained by king Idumeus, who wondered to see him in so poor a case, demanding him of all his adventures, and how he had sped since his departing from Troy. To all which Ulysses replied, showing how many and how great perils he had passed by sea, and how he had lost all his men and goods that he brought with him from Troy. King Idumeus had pity on him when he heard these things, and gave him honourable and bountiful entertainment, for as long as he would stay with him. When he would needs departed to return into his own country, Idumeus gave him two ships furnished with all things necessary for his voyage, and riches with him great plenty, requesting him that he would take his way homeward by the Country of king Alcinous, to whom he should be very welcome, etc.  
Thus Ulysses departing from crete, came unto king 

Kingdom. But upon this quarrel Horestes conceived such mortal hatred against Menelaus his Uncle, that he afterwards bore great evil will to him. Notwithstanding King Idumeus came within a while to Michmas, and reconciled them each to other that Horestes took to wife Hermione the daughter of King Menelaus and of Helen. Whereat Erigone the daughter of Aegisthus and of Clytaemnestra had great sorrow, that she hanged herself, being grieved that Horestes prospered so well.  
During these affairs, Ulysses came into Crete, with two Merchant-ships, for he had lost all his own, and the chief of his goods by Pirates. After which losses, he arrived in the Country of King Thelamon where he lost the rest of his goods, and they of that Country, would have hanged him, if he had not by his cunning escaped their hands. After that he arrived in the Country of K. Manlus, who hated him for the death of his Son Palamedes: yet there he so handled the matter by his industry, that he got from thence. At last coming again into Crete, he was kindly entertained by K. Idumeus, who wondered to see him in so poor a case, demanding of all his adventures, how he had spe● since he last departed from Troy. To which Ulysses replied, how great perils he had passed by Sea, and how he had lost all his men and goods, that he brought from Troy. K. Idumeus had pity on him, when he heard these things, and gave him honourable entertainment, as long as he would stay. When he would departed into his own Country, Idumeus gave him two ships, furnished with all things necessary for his voyage, and with great plenty of riches, requesting him that he would take his way b● the King Alcinous to whom he should be very welcome.  
This Ulysseses departing from Crect came unto K.   Alcinous who received him joyfully, and was much delighted with his communication. There Ulysses told of Penelope his wife, how many noblemen had requested her love, yet none could obtain it, but she still abode constant: and how certain of his lands were unjustly detained from her during his absence: the truth of which, his Son Ulysses Thelamonious coming thither assured him thereof. Whereupon Ulysses prayed Alcinous that he would accompany him to his Realm with a great company of armed men, to help him again to his right. To which Alcinous willingly agreed. So they sailed by Sea, and on a night arrived in his Country, and coming to the houses of his enemies, slew them all, on the morrow after, Ulysses came to his Palace, where he had Royal entertainment, of all sorts of people: but especially Penelope his wife made great joy for his coming, which she had long desired. His people then came from all places, with many rich presents, to welcome him home. Great was the joy, and most honourable the entertainment that Ulysses had at his return showed him. Then he dealt with King Alcinous, that he gave to his Son Thelamonius, his daughter Nausica to wife. The wedding being celebrated with great solemnity, Alcinous departed home again, into his Country, leaving Ulysses quietly possessed in his Realm.   

CHAP. XXX. Of the dealings of Pyrrhus after his return from Troy: and how Horestes the Son of Agamemnon slew him at Delphos, for that he had gotten away Hermione his Wife.  
Pyrrhus' the Son of Achilles, and of Dyadamis, daughter of Lycomedes, which Lycomedes was Son to Acastus an old King, and greatly hated of Acastus his Grandfather by the mother side. It is not recorded how this hatred grew. But this Acastus having driven Peleus out of his Kingdom of Thessaly, laid wait to have slain Pyrrhus in his return from Troy.  
Pyrrhus passing through many perils at Sea, was driven by foul weather, to cast most part of his riches he brought from Troy into the Sea: and arriving at Molosse he going ashore, was given to understand, that K. Peleus' his Grandfather, by the Father-side, was exiled from his Kingdom by Acastus, and that many Ships were hired to lie in wait to slay him: whereat he was sore displeased. King Peleus then knew not how to save himself, because Philistines and Menalippus the two Sons of Acastus, sought by all means to slay him. In the end Peleus remembered him of an old building, that stood half a mile from the City of Thessaly, between the Sea and the City: this place was encompassed about with Rocks and walls, having great Cellars under ground, into which by a little hole grown over with bushes, a man might go.  
Into these Vaults King Peleus got him, and there he abode until the return of his Nephew Pyrrhus from Troy, by whose good help, he trusted to avenge himself of his enemies. 〈◊〉 whose coming he often went to look on the Sea coast. When Pyrrhus with his Ships were landed, he addressed himself to Thessaly, against K. Acastus: and the better to achieve his purpose, he sent his two Secretaries, the one called Crispus, and the other Adrastus, to one Assandrus, a man of great honour in Thessaly▪ (which Assandrus was a great friend both to him, and to Peleus) for to have his counsel and help. The Messengers having been with Assandrus, returned to Pyrrhus, assuring him of his friendly aid. Whereupon Pyrrhus hoist Sail, and making toward Thessaly, they were by a sudden Tempest driven in at the Port ●epeliadim, half a mile from Thessaly near about where Peleus kept in the Vaults. Then Pyrrhus went ashore to rest himself, and take fresh air, and by chance he went walking to the Cave where Peleus was hidden: and passing along the bushes▪ he fell into the hole, where was the descent into the Cave, where he found Peleus his Grandfather▪ Peleus knowing him by his countenance, for he resembled much his Father Achilles▪ embraced him joyfully, and made known unto him all his misfortunes, and the wrongs that he had sustained by the means of Acastus, and his Sons. Tidings hereof came to Philistines and Menalippus the Sons of Acastus, who were on hunting in a Forest there by. Then Pyrrhus appareled himself in beggarly apparel, and leaving his Grandfather with his Ships, went alone with his sword into the Forest, where he met with Philistines and Menalippus, who demanded of him, what he was▪ Pyrrhus said, he was a Grecian, that returning from Troy▪ in company with 500 more had escaped his life from Shipwreck, and lost all that he had in the Sea, being now driven to beg for his sustenance: wherefore he did beseech them, if they had brought any victuals with them, they would give him some thing to eat. The two brethren said, that he should abide with them: which thing he granted.  
Upon this parley a great heart came running by them, at the ●●ght whereof Menalippus put spurs to his Horse and followed on the chase: and immediately Philistines alighting off his horse to rest himself, Pyrrhus ran him thorough and slew him: and Menalippus afterwards returning again, was also slain by Pyrrhus. Thus Pyrrhus slew his two Uncles, the brethren of Thetis the Mother of Achilles his Father. Passing from thence, he met with Chinaras, one of the household of Acastus, of whom demanding where the K. Acastus was? and understanding that he was hard by, he slew Chinaras, and going in haste to his ships he arrayed him in precious robes, and so came back again to the Forest: and meeting with King Acastus, the King asked him who he was? I am (said he) one of the Sons of King Priamus of Troy, who now am Prisoner to Pyrrhus. Where is Pyrrhus (said the King?) He pointed him toward the Sea. And as he was looking toward the Sea-coast, Pyrrhus drew his sword and would have slain him, had not Thetis been, who knew Pyrrhus, and cried out saying: Ah dear Nephew what wilt thou do? Wilt thou kill my Father as thou hast killed my two brethren, thy Uncles? and thus saying, ●he caught him fast by the arm, that he was about to strike withal. Then Pyrrhus replied saying: the King Acastus thy Father, hath wrongfully exiled K. Peleus thy Husband: let him restore him unto his right and I will save his life. King Acastus was content therewith: then a peace was concluded between them all three, and they loved well together. After this, Acastus said to Peleus, I am old, and can no longer govern this Realm: and those are gone that should have succeeded me in this Kingdom. Therefore if it please thee, let Pyrrhus my dear Nephew take on him the Government. Peleus was well contented: and then was commandment given to all the Barons of Thessaly, that they shoul● do homage to Pyrrhus as their King and Sovereign: whereto the Barons with great joy and liking accorded. Thus was Pyrrhus crowned King of Thessaly and esteemed the most redoubted King in all Greece. Idumeus King of Crect died shortly after, leaving behind him two Sons, Merian and Loarca. Loarca died shortly after his Father, and Me●ian enjoyed the Kingdom. Thela●●●us 

his enemies. For whose coming he often went to look on the sea side. When Pyrrhus with his ships were landed, he addressed himself to Thessaly, against king Acastus: and, the better to achieve his purpose, he sent his two Secretaries, the one called Crispus, the other Adrastus, to Assandrus, a man of great honour and estimation in Thessaly (which Assandrus was a great friend both to him and to Peleus) for to have his counsel and help. The messengers having been with Assandrus, returned to Pyrrhus, assuring him of his friendly aid. Whereupon Pyrrhus hoist sail again, and making toward Thessaly, they were by a tempest driven in at the port Sepeliadim half a mile from Thessaly, near whereas Peleus kept in the vaults or cellars. Then Pyrrhus went aland to rest himself, and take fresh air, & by chance he went straight walking to the cave where Peleus was hidden, and passing along the bushes he fell into the hole, where was the descent into the cave, as afore is said, where he found Peleus his grandfather. Peleus' knowing him by his countenance, forasmuch as he resembled much his father Achilles, embraced him joyfully, and told him all his misfortunes and wrongs that he had sustained by means of Acastus and his sons. Tidings hereof came to Philistines and Menalippus the sons of Acastus, who were on hunting in a forest thereby. Then Pyrrhus appareled himself in torn beggarly apparel, & leaving his grandfather and company with his ships, went alone with his sword into the forest, where he met with Philistines and Menalippus, who demanded of him, what he was, and whither he would. Pyrrhus' said he was a Grecian, that returning from Troy, in company with 500 more, had escaped with his life from shipwreck, and had lost all that he had in the sea, being now driven to beg for his sustenance from door to door: wherefore he did beseech them, if they had brought any victuals into the forest, that they would give him somewhat to eat. The two brethren said forthwith, that he should abide with them: which thing he granted, etc.  
Upon this parley a great heart came running by them, at the sight whereof Menalippus put spurs to his horse and followed on the chase: and immediately Philistines alighting from his horse, to rest himself, Pyrrhus ran him thorough with his sword and slew him: and Menalippus afterward returning again, was also assailed and slain by Pyrrhus. Thus Pyrrhus slew his two uncles the brethren of Thetis the mother of Achilles his father. Passing from thence, he met with Chinaras' one of the household of Acastus, of whom demanding where the king Acastus was, and understanding that he was near there by, he slew Chinaras, and going in haste to his ships, he arrayed him straightway in precious robes, and so adorned, he came back to the forest: and meeting anon with king Acastus, the king asked him who he was. I am (said he) one of the sons of king Priamus of Troy, who am prisoner to Pyrrhus. Where is Pyrrhus (said the king?) He pointed him toward the sea. And as he was looking toward the sea, Pyrrhus drew out his sword and would have slain him, had not Thetis been, who knew Pyrrhus, and cried out saying: Ah dear nephew, what wilt thou do? wilt thou kill my father, as thou hast killed my two brethren thine uncles? and thus saying she caught him fast by the arm that he was about to strike with. Then Pyrrhus replied, saying: the king Acastus thy father hath wrongfully exiled king Peleus thy husband: let him restore him unto his right, and I will save his life. King Acastus was well content therewith: then a peace was concluded between them all three, and they loved well together. After this Acastus said to Peleus, I am old, and can no longer now well govern this realm: and those are gone that should have succeeded me in the kingdom. Now therefore, if it please thee, let Pyrrhus my right dear Nephew take on him the government. Peleus hereof was well contented: and then was commandment given to all the barons of Thessaly, that they should do homage to Pyrrhus as to their king and Sovereign: whereto the barons with great joy and liking accorded. Thus was Pyrrhus crowned king of Thessaly, and esteemed the most redoubted king in all Gréece. Idumeus the king of Crete died shortly after, leaving behind him two sons Merion and Loarca. Loarca died shortly after his father: and Merion enjoyed the kingdom.   Thelamonius the son of Ulysses had a son by his wife Nausica, named Deiphobus.  
After all these things accomplished, Acastus went and buried his two sons in Thessaly, by the consent of Pyrrhus: and it happened that when Pyrrhus was promoted to this royal dignity, he became enamoured of Hermione daughter of Helen, and wife to Horestes. Her he so courted, and alured by many enticements, that he got her away from her husband into Thessaly, and took her to his wife. Horestes was sore grieved at this injury offered: yet he durst not assail him with battle in his own Realm, but said that he would ere long be avenged of this indignity, assoon as time & place would serve. It came to pass shortly after the Pyrrhus went to Delphos, for to give thanks unto his god Apollo, for the good success he had obtained in Thessaly, in revenging his father's death, & getting the kingdom: and leaving in his palace behind him Andromache sometime the wife of Hector, and Laomedon her young son, in his absence it was found, that the said Andromache was with child by Pyrrhus, whereat Hermione took displeasure, so that she sent word to Menelaus her father, how● Pyrrhus for the love of Andromache had forsaken her, requesting him, that during the abode of Pyrrhus at Delphos he would come and kill Andromache and Laomedon her son. At her request Menelaus came, and with naked sword ran at Andromache, who caught in her arms Laomedon her young son, and ran into the city crying for aid.  
Upon sight hereof the city rose in arms, for to defend Andromache and her young son from the outrage and daughter: whereupon Menelaus was forced to retire into his country without achieving his purpose. When Horestes also understood of Pyrrhus his being at Delphos, he went with all speed thither, and meeting him, slew him with his own hands, and caused him to be buried. Shortly after this, did Horestes recover again his wife, and carried her into his own Realm. When Pyrrhus was dead, Peleus and Thetis took Andromache that was with child by Pyrrhus, with her little son Laomedon, and sent them into the city of Molossa, where Andromache was delivered of a 〈…〉 son, which she named Achilleides. This 〈…〉 when he was grown to years, holp his brother Laomedon to be king of Thessaly, and willed, that for his sake all the Trojans should be set free. Here the story saith, that the sister of king Menon (which Menon Achilles slew before Troy, and whom king Priamus buried by his son Troilus) came in very ●●●tly apparel to Troy, and opening her brother's sepulchre, took out his bones: which so soon as she had, she with them vanished suddenly, no man knew whither, or which way. And it is said, that either she was a Goddess, or the daughter of a Goddess.  

the Son of Ulysses had a Son by his Wife Nausica, named Deiphobus.  
After all these things accomplished, Acastus went and buried his two Sons in Thessaly, by the consent of Pyrrhus: and when Pyrrhus was promoted to his Royal dignity, he became enamoured of Hermione daughter of Helen, and wife to Horestes. He be so courted, and alured by so many enticements, that he got her away from her Husband into Thessaly, and took her to his wife. Horestes was sore grieved at this injury: yet he durst not assail him with battle in his own Realm, but said he would ere long be avenged of this indignity, as soon as time would serve: shortly after that, Pyrrhus went to Delphos, to give thanks unto his God Apollo, for the good success he had obtained in Thessaly, in revenging his Father's death, and getting the Kingdom: and leaving in his Palace behind him Andromache, sometime the wife of Hector, and Laomedon her young Son, in his absence it was found, that Andromache was with Child by Pyrrhus, whereat Hermione took displeasure, and sent word to Menelaus her Father, how Pyrrhus for the love of Andromache had forsaken her, requesting him, that during the abode of Pyrrhus at Delphos, he would come and kill Andromache and Laomedon her Son. At her request Menelaus came, and with a sword ran at Andromache, who caught in her arms Laomedon he● young Son, and ran into the City crying for aid.  
Upon sight hereof the City rose in arms, to defend Andromache and her young Son from the slaughter: whereupon Menelaus was forced to retire into his Country, without achieving his purpose. When Horestes understood of Pyrrhus his being at Delphos, he went with all speed thither, and slew him with his own hands. Thus did Horestes recover again his wife, and carried her into his own Realm. When Pyrrhus was dead, Peleus and Thetis took Andromache that was with Child by Pyrrhus, with her little Son Laomedon, and sent them to the City of Molossa, where Andromache was delivered of a goodly Son, which she named Achilleides. This Achilleides when he was grown to years, holp his Brother. Laomedon to be King of Thessaly, and willed for his sake, all the Trojans should be set free. Here the story saith, that the sister of King Menon (which Menon, Achilles slew before Troy, and whom King Priamus buried by his Son Troilus) came in very costly apparel to Troy, and opening her Brother's Sepulture, took out his bones: which so soon as she had, she with them vanished suddenly, no man knew which way. And it is said, that either it was a Goddess, or the Daughter of a Goddess.    

CHAP. XXXI. Of a Vision that Ulysses had in his sleep: and how Thelagonus the Son of Ulysses by Queen Circe, came to seek Ulysses and slew him, not knowing who he was.  
AS Ulysses was sleeping on his bed, he saw a vision, in which there seemed before him, a wonderful fair creature, the most beautiful that ever he saw, which he would fain have embraced, but the Image would not suffer him. And he going after it, the Image asked him, what he would have: he answered, that he was desirous to join with it in carnal copulation. Then said the Image: Oh, a woeful conjunction will this be, for thereupon one of us must die. Moreover, to him seemed, that the Image held a Spear, about the head was a pencil cunningly wrought all over with fishes. And to him seemed, that the Image departed away and said: this sight betokeneth destruction that shall happen to us two. When Ulysses awaked, he was troubled to think of his dream, and being desirous to know what it might signify: he sent unto the Soothsayers of his Realm, to inquire what this Vision might presage: who having considered thereof, said: that his own Son should kill him. Upon this, he fearing his Son, caused him to be apprehended and surely kept. Afterward he made him to dwell in a Castle, that stood alone, where with a few of his trusty Friends and Servants, he spent the time: and this Castle none might come unto but those few of his own retinue: and they not to pass or repass but at certain times, by a drawbridge and a wicket, the Castle being watered round about. Now it had so fallen ●●t before, that in his return from Troy, Ulysses had arrived in an Isle where Circe was Queen and Governor, which was the cunningest woman in the world in enchantment.  
This Circe by her witchcraft made Ulysses stay with her a time at his return, and conceived by him a Son, whom she named Thelagonus. And about the time of Ulysses his dwelling in his Castle: Thelagonus being grown to ripe years, and being a stout young man, would needs know of his Mother, who was his Father. After much entreaty she told him, who was his Father, and where he did dwell.  
Thelagonus very glad hereof, and desiring to see his Father, traveled forthwith to Achaia, and hearing where U●isses dwelled, he went thither: and coming on a Monday morning, he requested those that kept the bridge, that they would let him go in to speak with Ulysses. The Porters would by no means yield thereto, but thrust him back churlishly whereat he taking displeasure, struck one on the neck with his fist, and beat him dead, and setting upon the other, cast them all off the Bridge, whereupon they made a great cry: insomuch that the people of the Castle armed themselves, and came and assailed Thelagonus. He seeing that, stepped to one, and wrung his Sword out of his hand, wherewith he slew fifteen in short space, and was himself hurt in many places. Hereupon the uproar grew more and more: and Ulysses doubting it was his Son Thelamonius, who had broken out of prison, came running out with a dart in his hand, which he fling at Thelagonus, and hit him, not knowing who he was, and hurt Thelagonus a little.  
Thelagonus feeling himself hurt, fling it again at Ulysses (not knowing who he was) with so great force, that hitting him, he fell down to the earth. Then Ulysses being in great pain, (remembering himself of his foresaid Vision,) demanded of him what he was? saying, I am Ulysses. Thelagonus hearing this, fell to great lamentation, and said. Alas wretch that I am, I came hither to see my Father, and to live joyfully with him, and now I have slain him. Thus saying, he fell down in a swoon: and when he was come again to his understanding, he rend his clothes, beat himself about the face ●●th his fists, and went to his Father, and fell down weeping before him, and said: I am Thelagonus thy unhappy Son, whom thou begottest on Queen Circe: I pray the Gods that they will suffer me to die with thee.  
When Ulysses understood this, he sent for Thelamonius his lawful begotten Son, who presently coming would have slain Thelagonus, to revenge his Father's death. But Ulysses said, not so, for he is thy brother: be ye reconciled together, and live and love as brethren. Then was Ulysses carried into Achaia: where within three days he died, and was by his Son honourably buried. After whose death, Thelamonius his Son succeeded in that Kingdom, who kept with him Thelagonius his brother for the space of a year and a half, making him knight, and honouring him greatly. At length being often sent for by Circe his mother, he returned to her into the Isle Aulides, having received many rich presents at the hands of his brother. And Circe dying shortly after, Thelagonus enjoyed her Kingdom, and reigned in the said Isle threescore years. Thelamonius was fourscore and thirteen years old at the death of Ulysses his father, and reigned afterwards, much increasing his Seignory, threescore and ten years.  
In this wife Dares finished his book of the siege of Troy, and speaketh not of their further adventures: and as much as is contained in the History before written, is also found to have been recorded by Dictes, the Greek: and in most things both their Books agree.  
Dares in the end of his book writeth thus, that the siege of Troy endured for the space of ten years, ten months and twelve days: and that the number of the Greeks there slain was eight hundred and six thousand fight men: and the number of the Trojans, slain in defence of themselves and of their Country, was six hundred fifty and six thousand fight men. He saith, moreover, that when Aeneas departed from Troy into exile, he carried with him two hundred ships: and that Antenor had with him away five hundred Soldiers, and all the rest that were escaped, went with Aeneas.  
The said Dares furthermore reporteth in the latter end of his Book, by whom the most noble Kings and Princes of the one part and of the other were slain: and he saith that Hector the most famous Prince of Chivalry in the world, slew with his own hands in good and loyal fight, eighteen Kings: not with treachery or subtle devises, but by his prowess and valour: the names of which Kings do here follow; That is, King Archilogus, K. Prothesilaus, K. Patroclus K. Menon, K. Prothenor, K. Archimenus, K. Polemon, K. Epistropus, K. Ecedius, K. Daccius, K. Polixenus, K. Phybus, K. Anthypus, K. Cenutus, K. Polibetes, K. Humerus, K. Fumus and K. Exampitus. And Paris he slew Pallamedes, who was Emperor of all the Greekish Host, K. Achilles, and at last K. Ajax: and therewithal Ajax slew him also. Aeneas slew K. Amphimacus, and K. Nercus. Achilles slew K. Cupemus, K. Yponeus, K. Plebeus, K. Austerus, K. Cimoneus, K. Menon, and King Neoptolemus.  
Also he slew Hector at unawares, and Troilus, whom he caused his Myrmidons to beset round about. Pyrrhus the Son of the said Achilles, slew the Queen Penthasilea in fight: he slew also cruelly and tyrannously, the noble King Priamus. He slew moreover Polixena, the fairest Maid in the world, Dyomedes slew King Antipus, K. Escorius, K. Prothenor, and King Obtineus.  
Now thus I am come to the finishing of this present book, which I have translated (though rudely,) out of French into English, at the commandment and request of my right gracious and redoubted Lady and Mistress, the Lady Margaret, Duchess of Bourgony Lothericke, and of Brabant, etc. And forasmuch as I am weary of tedious writing, and worn in years, being not able to write out several books for all Gentlemen and such others as are desirous of the same, I have caused this book to be Printed: that being published the more plenteously, men's turns may be the more easily served. And as for the sundry Authors that have written of this matter, namely, Homer, Dictes and Dares, albeit their writings in many circumstances do disagree, yet in describing the Destruction of Troy, they all affirm it to have been in manner as is said, utterly ruinated and laid waste for ever, with such a wonderful Effusion of the blood of so many worthy King, Princes, Dukes, Earls, Barons and Knights, and such an exceeding number of soldiers; as here is mentioned.  
And look what pleasure or commodity men reap by perusing this Book, let them transfer the praise and thanks due therefore, (next to almighty God) unto my foresaid right gracious Lady, who not only caused me to undertake this translation, but hath also bountifully rewarded me for my labours. To whose good liking I humbly Dedicate this work: beseeching her Grace, and all that shall read the same, to accept in good part my simple endeavour herein. And I (most humbly pray unto Almighty God) that the example of these cruel Wars and dissolation of this famous City, may be a warning to all other Cities and People, to fly Adultery, and all other vices, the causes of Wars and Destruction: and that all true Christians may learn to live godlily, and in Brotherly love and concord together, Amen.  
PErgama flere volo, Fata Danais data solo,  
Solo capta dolo: capta, redacta solo.  
Causa malitalis, Meritrix fuit exitialis:  
Foemina lethalis, Foemina plena malis.  
Si fueris lota: si vita sequens bona tota:  
Si eris ignota, non eris absque nota.  
Passa prius Paridem, Paridis modo, Thesea pridem.  
Es factura fidem, ne redeas in idem,  
Rumour de veteri, faciet ventura timeri,  
Cras poterunt fieri, turpia sicut heri.  
Scoena quid evadis, morti qui cetera tradis?  
Cur tu non cladis, conscia clade cadis?  
Foemina digna mori, reamatur amori priori:  
Reddita victori, deliciisque thori.   
FINIS.   

The Table of the Third Book of the Destruction of TROY.  
Chapters. 1. 
HOw King Priamus re-edified the City of Troy more strong than ever it was before: of his sons and daughters. And how after many counsels, he sent Antenor and Polidamas into Greece, to demand his sister Exione, that Ajax kept. Pages. ●  Chapters. 2. 
How King Priamus assembled all his Barons, to know who he might send to Greece to get again his sister Exione. How Hector answered: and of his good counsel: how Paris declared to his Father, the Vision of the Goddess Venus. Pages. 9  Chapters. 3. 
How Paris and Deiphobus, Aeneas, Antenor and Polidamas, were sent into Greece: and how they ravished Helen out of the Temple of Venus, with many prisoners, and riches, and brought them to Troy, where Paris espoused Helen. Pages. 17  Chapters. 4. 
How Menelaus was sore troubled 〈◊〉 the Ravishing of Helen his Wife. And how her two Brether Castor and Pollux, pursued Paris in the Sea: and of their deaths: And of the condition and manner of the Lords, as well Greeks as Trojans. Pages. 14  Chapters. 5. 
How the Kings, Dukes, Earls, and Barons of Greece, assembled with their Navy, before Athens, to come to Troy: and how many ships each man brought to help K. Menelaus. Pages. 28  Chapters. 6. 
How the Greeks sent Achilles to Delphos, to the God Apollo, to know the end of their War, and how he found Calchas, sent from the Trojans, that went with them to Athens. Pages. 29  Chapters. 7. 
How the Greeks with a great Navy sailed towards Troy: and how they arrived at Tenedon three miles from Troy, which they conquered, and beat down to the earth. Pages. 3●.  Chapters. 8. 
How the Greeks did send Dyomedes and Ulysses again to K. Priam's, to have Helen and the Prisoners, and of their answer. Pages. 35  Chapters. 9 
How Agamemnon assembled in council the Greeks to have victuals: And how they sent Achilles and Telephus to the Realm of Mess, where they slew King Theutran in battle: And how Telephus was made King: And of the Kings that came to aid and help King Priamus. Pages. 39  Chapters. 10. 
Of the coming of Duke Palamedes, and how the Greeks departed from Tenedon, by the counsel of Dyomedes, and came and took Land before the City of Troy, and how the Trojans received them in Battle right vigorously. Pages. 43  Chapters. 11. 
Of the second battle before Troy, where were many Kings and Barons slain, by worthy Hector: and how the Trojans had been victorious of their Enemies, had it not been for the request of Thelamon Ajax, Cousin of Hector. Pages. 48  Chapters. 12. 
Of the first truce of two months: and of the three battles between them, in which Hector beat Achilles to the ground twice, and after slew K. Prothenor, and cut him in two. Pages. 58.  Chapters. 13. 
How the Greeks held Parliament how they might slay Hector, how they returned to the fourth battle, in which Paris and Menelaus▪ encountered, and brought King Thoas prisoner to Troy. Pages. 61.  Chapters. 14. 
How Priamus would have had King Thoas hanged, and how they fought the fift battle, in wh●ch Hector slew three Kings: and how Dyomedes slew the Sagitary. Pages. 63  Chapters. 15. 
Of the Truce between them, after which began battle again from morn to even, with great damage to both par●ys, but the Trojans lost more than the Greeks. Pages. 65  Chapters. 16. 
How the Greeks and Trojans began the sixth Battle, that dured thirty days, in which were many Kings and Princes slain on both sides, and how Dyomedes smote down Troilus off his Horse, and sent it to Briseyda his Love, that received it gladly. Pages. 69  Chapters. 17. 
How the Greeks and Trojans began the seventh battle, that dured twelve days, and after began the eighth battle, wherein Hector was slain by Achilles, and they were driven back into their City by force to their great damage. Pages. 71  Chapters. 18. 
Of the rich Sepulture of Hector, and great lamentations and weep the Trojans made for his death: and how Palamedes was chosen Governor, of the Host of the Greeks. Pages. 74  Chapters. 19 
How K. Priamus went to be revenged on the Greeks for the death of his Son Hector: and of the Prowesses he did: and of the Anniversary of Hector, in which Achilles was surprised with the love of Polixena, the daughter of King Priamus, in such wise that he might endure no rest. Pages. 77.  Chapters 20. 
How Achilles sent a secret Messenger 〈◊〉 Hecuba Queen of Troy, to request her Daughter Poli●ena, and the answer: how for the love of her Achilles assembled the Host of the Greeks and caused them to departed, and make peace with the Trojans. Pages. 79  Chapters. 21. 
Of the death of Deiphobus, the 〈◊〉 of Priamus, and how Paris slew Palamedes: and the 〈◊〉 chased the Greeks into their Tents, and set fire on t● 〈…〉: and how Achilles would not go to battle, for the love of Polixena. Pages. 82.  Chapters. 22. 
Of many battles that were fought on both sides: and of a certain Truce, of the death of 〈◊〉 troilus, whom Achilles slew against his promise, and d●●w at his horse-tail through the Host, how Achilles slew King Menon. Pages. 86.  Chapters. 23. 
How Paris by the persuasion of Hecuba his mother, slew Achilles and the Son of Duke Nestor in the Temple of Apollo, and how Paris and Ajax slew each 〈◊〉 in battle. Pages. 90  Chapters. 24 
How Queen Penthesilea came from ●●azon with a thousand Maidens, to the succour of Troy, and slew many Greeks, and after was slain by Pyrrhus the Son of Achilles. Pages. 93.  Chapters. 25 
How Antenor and Aeneas consulted together to deliver the City unto the Greeks by Treason, and did it under colour of peace: and how King Priamus withstood them, with some of his Bastards, by great and rude words. Pages. 96  Chapters. 26. 
How the Traitor Antenor bought of the Priest the Palladium, and gave it to Ulysses: and of the Horse of Brass that was by the Greeks brought to the Temple of Pallas, being full of men of Arms: and how the City of Troy was taken and burnt, and the King Priamus slain, etc. Pages. 103.  Chapters. 27. 
Of the dissension that was moved because of the Palladium, between Thelamon and Ulysses: and how Aeneas and Antenor were exiled out of Troy 〈◊〉 how the Greeks returned, and of their adventures. Pages. 109.  Chapters. 28. 
How K. Na●lus and C●tus his Son did spoil many Ships of the Greeks in their return, for the death of King Agamemnon, and of the exile of Dyomedes, and of his calling back Egee his wife. Pages. 113  Chapters. 29. 
How Horestes 〈◊〉 of K. Agamemnon, cruelly avenged himself for the death of his Father. And how King Ulysses after sundry perilous adventures, returned to his Country. Pages. 117.  Chapters. 30 
Of the dealings of Pyrrhus after his return from Troy: and how Horestes the Son of Agamemnon slew him at Delphos, for that he had gotten away Her●●one his Wife. Pages. 120  Chapters. 31. 
Of a Vision that Ulysses had in his sleep: and how Thelagonus the Son of Ulysses by Queen Circe, came to seek Ulysses and slew him, not knowing who he was. Pages. 124.   
FINIS.