THE Famous, true and historical life of Robert second Duke of Normandy, surnamed for his monstrous birth and behaviour, Robin the Devil.  
Wherein is contained his dissolute life in his youth, his devout reconcilement and virtues in his age: Interlaced with many strange and miraculous adventures. Wherein are both causes of profit, and many conceits of pleasure.  
By T. L. G.  
Imprinted at London for N. L. and john Bushie, and are to be sold at the West door of Paul's. 1591.   

To the worshipful and true Moecenae of learning, M. Thomas Smith, T. L. G. wisheth all abundance of worldly fortunes in this life, and the benefits of heavenly felicity in the life to come.  
SEeing in these our days, men rather seek the increase of transitory wealth, than the knowledge of divine wisdom, preferring stuffed gabs, before studious books, their pounds, before precepts, losing the true riches of the mind, to level at the transitory allurements of this world, feeding fools with siggs, and philosophers with flouts; I have among the multitudes of these men, made choice of your Worship for my Patron and Moecenae, who of a far more happy nature with Theodosius, honour Appian, and seeing learning almost suppressed with contempt, or discountenanced with neglect, have in this famous City (like a virtuous member of the same) begun to exile ignorance, to revive arts: knowing Ladislaus reasons to be of force, that Citizens who are unlettered, are less than men, or rather (as Frederick the Emperor was wont to say) manlike beasts. Which virtuous endeavour of yours (worthy both your name and fortune) shall in time to come more advance you, than they who tooth and nail labour to purchase lands, which ordinarily perish through their heirs lavishness. It is true fame which is gotten by virtue, & perfect virtue to maintain learning; which is so kind to those that seek after it, that in all changes of fortune, in all miseries of this life, and casualties whatsoever, it prepareth the mind, & preventeth mishaps. And lest I among the poor Tirones of learning, who desire the increase thereof with the most, though deserve therein with the least, should seem to forget this especially and engrafted virtue so admirably bestowed upon your worship, I have thought good to present you with a rude and homely written history, which if with like regard you shall accept, as Alphonsus did the silly Satyrs of Philelphus, I doubt not but in short time to publish that under your name, which shall not only merit and deserve your acceptance, but also mightily profit all such as are studious in all sorts of learning. Till when, I most humbly commend me, desiring your Worship most earnestly to prosecute your virtuous enterprises, beseeching God to prosper you in them and all other, to the advancement of Letters. From my Chamber 2. Maij. 1591.  
Your Worships to command, T. L. G.   

To the courteous Reader whatsoever.  
GEntlemen, I have upon the earnest request of some my good friends, drawn out of the old and ancient antiquaries, the true li●e of R●bert second Duke of Normandy, (surnamed for his youthful imperfections, Robin the Devil) wherein I stand not so much on the terms, as the truth, publishing as much as I have read, and not so much as they have written. The Loadstarres that directed me in my course, if they have colours and no counterfeit, do me right to say they set down colours without counterfeit: yet many things have happened in times past, incredible in our age, and in our age such things have fallen out, as had our fathers known they had marveled: It only behoveth us to apply all things that tend to good, to their end, which is virtue, and esteem them; to intend all things that are bad, to their end, which is vice, and eschew them. So shall we in reading reap that fruit, that impossible things shall be referred to God, and possible ordered to our amends. Farewell.  
T. L. G.   

The famous, true, and historical life of Robert, second Duke of Normandy.  
IN the populous and plentiful Dukedom of Normandy, (in times past called Neustria) at such time as Pepin the Father of the great King Charlemaigne governed the flourishing Kingdom of France, Aubert the first Duke of that Country, by some supposed to be Ronvere of Denmark, began to signorize in the same about the year of our Lord 750. a Prince by nature affable, in nurture fortunate, as glorious for his Conquests, as gracious in his courtesies, enterprising his attempts with Metellus constancy, and finishing the same with Alexander's fortune: who being in years youthful, in person comely, in discourse pleasant, in riches mighty, was sought unto by divers Princes, who intended by inserting him into their lineage, the better to assure themselves in their livelyhoodes. Among the rest, the worthy Duke of Burgundy wrought so earnestly, and persuaded so effectually, that Aubert at last accepted his fair sister Y●da or Editha for his wife, a Princess in whom nature planted as much excellence, as amiableness, tempering the gifts of fortune and the mind with such equability, that her goods seemed great in respect of her goodness, and her goodness more great, in that she had goods: for as the mighty inundationns of Nilus make the river more famous, so ability united with bounty, and a liberal hand with a merciful heart, do greatly assist in causes of honour. These two princely couples ordained by destiny to high desasters, though their affluence of riches promised them felicity, yet the influence of the heavens intimated their adversity; for having great signories to bequeath, they had no heirs to enjoy, accounting this for their only cross, that they were without children: many were their vows, but to no avail; many their prayers, but to little purpose; if physic might have made fruitful, Editha had been a Mother; if great sums could have purchased young sons, Aubert had been a Father. Seven years and more lived they in this sort, the one careless of loves delight, the other comfortless in that she was barren, till on a prefixed Saturday, when Nature had powered all her treasures on the earth, Flora powdered all the meadows with flowers, when the lovesick Zephyrus softly breathed, and the tender leaves sweetly bowed, when the sun played with the wave, & the wave dallied with the sun, both enjoying an equal sympathy of solace, Duke Aubert (who from his youth upward was marvelously delighted in the chase) accompanied with his fair Duchess, departed out of his Capital City of Rouen, to take his pastance in the Forest. Editha (by divine ordinance) was that day attired, as if she intended to woo Lucina to grant a Son, and win the Norman Duke to get a Son. Her hair, in stead of gold to grace it, was golden exceeding gold, more finer than the third wherewith Arachne wrought her loom, more softer than the bed of Roses, wherein the Morning played with Shafalus. Bound it was after a careless manner, as if disdaining that so rare beauties should be imprisoned, but pleated in such sort, as if Nature should make a labyrinth for Love, Love could not wish a sweeter labyrinth. Midst every pleight were certain spheres of Pearls and Diamonds, which with the excellency of their pureness, gave no little grace to her hairs perfection: her brows not so hard as ivory, but more whiter, intermeddled with some delicate vermilion, her eyes in purity like the Carbunckle, lightning the darkest thoughts in effect like the Leadstone, drawing the most indurate hearts, concluding all passions in themselves, in that they were the roots of passions: her cheeks like two orbs of rubies participating the whiteness of the Lily, her lips resembling the Roses, being limits of more wonder than either tongue can express, or eye behold. Oh how may men that surfeit in conceit, express in pen! Suppose the attire answerable to the person, the person exceeding report, and in a word imagine Auberts' happiness, who might behold so fair, and enjoy so fair, and looking on the outward perfections, boldly aver ●his: 
Quae latent meliora puto.   
In this sort both these Princes road together, till such time as their train had roused a mighty heart, and uncoopled their hounds, when each one intentively followed the game, enforcing himself either to show his good horsemanship, or woodmanship, the rocks resounded with the cries, the woods echoed at their clamours. In this sort spent they the morning, till about Noonesteede, when the Sun was in the South, at that time shining in his greatest mightiness, Aubert being attainted with heat, entered the thickest of the wood, hoping to obtain some cold shelter, where he might rest himself for a while, and rid himself of his wearynes. But the further he walked, the more was his wonder, for ●n every side Nature had been so prodigal of her power, that the eye could not behold too much, nor the thought imagine so much. Hear saw he a fair delicious brook, recording music in his course, being crystal in clearness, environed with fair Ceders so orderly aranged, as Art could not in more excellence exemplify the effects of perfection. On that side a closed Arbour beawtifyed with Roses, paved with Violets, on the top whereof, the birds with melodious music animated the flowers, and the flowers assisted by the Western cool winds, seemed to dance for delight, and to flourish. Hear within for the self same occasion of refection, Editha had withdrawn herself, who in her solitariness, bethinking herself of her fortunes, her decaying beauty, her detested barrenness, the lost labour of her husband, the last limit of her happiness, her imperfection the period of his pleasure, his pensiveness the only fruit of her imperfection, in these terms bitterly bemoaned herself, whilst Aubert little suspecting her presence, yet willing to hear the sequel of her feminine complaint, closely shrouded himself near the Arbour, whilst in this sort she desperately complained. O Nature, too natural unto same, but too negligent on my behalf, who yielding the basest tree his blossom, the tallest pine his apple, the weakest stalk his flower, the wasted field his spring, hast bequeathed increase to all things, and bereaved me of increase: thou hast made me fair, but unfortunate, a Princess, but impregnant, making me in desire as rich as any, in defect as wretched as the most. Oh, hadst thou been as favourable to me as to the Lioness, in bequeathing me one princely son, I might then have exclaimed on Destiny, if I had lost him, and not have disclaimed delight, in that I ever lack him. But thou art like the veruen (Nature) poison one ways, and pleasure an other, feeding me with grapes in show like to Darius' vine, but not in substance, like those of Vermandois. Thou art a partial mistress, pleased in thy secrecy, peremptory in thy severity. But why blame I Nature, and accuse not Fortune? she is the mistress of time, and the minister of tyranny, supplanting Nature in some things, and desert in all things. But why blame I Fortune, who is only active in ●utabilities of estate, not in hidden causes of Nature. You are they (O Destinies) whom neither tears may attaint, prayers persuade, vows prevent, or sighs provoke: you have made Nature a stepdame, ordained Fortune my foe, and by your secret influence, have prevented my desired favours. Alas poor unhappy Lady, borne to neglect, be witched with necessities, why live I to be a byword of the world for my b●●rainesse? O my Soul, were Death as partial, as thou impatient, he could not be so forward to destroy, as thou to die. In this sort with many bitter sighs, she abruptly finished, washing her lovely visage with lukewarm tears, beating her amiable breasts with bitter strokes, till finally she burst out into this final outrage. Well you heavens, since you neglect me, I respect you not, if God vouchsafe me no some, the Devil send me one, so though my woomb be wretched in beating, yet happily I shall escape the scandal of unfruitfulness.  
Aubert not able to endure any longer to hear her lament, broke off her impious discourse by his unexpected presence, where beholding his beloved Editha hathed in tears, subdued with sighs, and blushing for that she was bewrayed, he thus began to comforting.  
Ah my Editha, the Creature must not war with the Creator, nor expostulate unkindness with God, who bestoweth mercies for good deserts, and miseries for neglect of duty, he is not tied to our will, but we ordered by his power, sooner favouring those by whom he is feared, than such who would force Destiny, which will not be defrauded. What though my Princess thou art Childless, yet art thou not comfortless? What though as yet dispossessed of a Son, yet not disappointed of thy hope? The Trees that are longest in growth, are fastest in root, where as Flowers have but their morning's flourish, and their evenings funeral. Thou art yet young, and meet for increase, fair and fit for fancy, ordained before thou be a Matron, to become a Mother. Frullick Editha, me thinks I see a Babe sucking at these breasts, an Infant dallying in this bosom, and a Son, who shall pay thee with as many smiles, as thou hast been pained with millions of sighs: so saying, he sweetly embraced her, and finding a fit opportunity wherein both he and she might communicate their fancies, he dried up the tears from her eyes with his kisses, and folding his arms about her neck, left such a pledge with her of her most desired pleasure, that as the most Historiographers aver, he in that place begat her with child, After many their delicious encounteries, and interchaunge of affections, they both of them arose and went to horse, and were no sooner issued from the thicket, but they met with their whole train, who presented the Duke and Duchess with the pray they had taken, which kind couple in returning homewards with privy smiles discovered their pleasant pastimes. The Duke rejoicing to see his Princess' merry, Editha joyful in that she hoped to be a mother.  

How Aubert by the commandment of Pepin King of France, was upon his return sent to war in the aid of the Loraynes against the Vermandois, and how at his return from the war, Robert his son was borne, who for his villainies was surnamed the Devil.  
NO sooner was Aubert returned to his Court, but certain messengers saluted him with letters of credence from King Pepin, craving his aid in the behalf of the Loraynes against the Vermandoys. The noble Duke being naturally inclined to famous exploits, not effeminate pleasures, rejoiced at this occasion, and taking kind leave of his Duchess, he levied his men at arms, marching by long journeys so speedily, till at last he arrived where both the battles were pitched in fight of one another, his present assistance increased the hope of the Loraynes, and ruinated the hearts of the Vermandoys, who that night dislodged themselves in secret, seeking all occasions of delay, whereby they might either weaken their enemy, or strengthen their army. Five months and more dallied they the time with light skirmishes, wherein Fortune now smiled on the one part, now laughed on the other, but Aubert who detested delays, and by their protraction suspected their policy, so incessantly incensed the army of the Loraynes, that finally they dissolved either to decide the controversy in fight, or die in the enterprise: so that following the Vermandoys in to what place soever they withdrew themselves, at last they enclosed the Eneme in a fair plain encompassed with high hills, where was neither hope of flight nor expectation of delay, whereupon both the adversary hosts upon a prefixed day encountered, where the Loraynes had the victory, losing only six hundred men in the battle, and the Vermandoys, beside those that were taken prisoners, lost the flower of their Nobility, beside nine thousand Commoners who fell in that fight. But Auberts' courage was of no small expectation in this encounterie, for with his own hand he slew the General on the adverse party, and renting the Colours from the staff, trampled it under the feet of his horse in contempt of his maligners. The Loraines in this sort being Lords, after they had ransomed their prisoners, and concluded their peace, returned to their countries, and Aubert no less enriched than honoured, returned to his City of Rouen, where discharging his train of Soldiers, he intended his accustomed pleasures.  
But Editha during the absent of her husband, was so fortunate and fruitful after their last intercourse; that she increased daily, and at last the quickening babe in her womb, deprived her of all her wont suspect: but at such time as the Duke was returned, and the appointed time of her delivery expected, the heavens intimating some prodigious sequel, were afflicted with continual thunders; the earth shook as if amazed at Nature, the lightnings flashed with great fury, and midst all these Commotions Editha was brought a bed of a son, who by his father's ordinance was in great pomp carried to the Church of S. Owen's in Rouen, and christened by the name of Robert. This infant in his swathing clouts, gave certain testimony of his future outrages, for being borne beyond the custom of nature with all his teeth, according to the opinion of the Historiographers, was enchanted, for in stead of drawing nutriment from his Nurse, he bitten off her nipples, and being kissed in the cradle by the Lady of Sanserres, he bitten off her nose: in his food he was ravenous; in his fashions & behaviour rigorous; in stead of his infantly cries, used severe smiles, planting in his parents more occasion of suspicion, than ca●se of hope. At seven years of age his mother diligently intending his amends, sought out a man of good life and great learning, who might instruct him in the fear of GOD, and resolve him in the secrets of Arts, she accompanied him with his equals in birth, his companions in study, leaving no means unsought to reclaim him, nor persuasions unapplied to reform him: but as the Oak sooner breaketh than boweth, and the Sallow being bowed in the twig is crooked in the tree: so Robert by nature inclined to vice, could in no wise be induced by advice; he was in wit pregnant, but applied the same to looseness, rejoicing as much at devilishness as other in their doctrine; in reading the Poets he despised the precepts of worth, and delighted in the poems of wantounes; he was eloquent, but in impiety; diligent, but in mischief, having nothing in more estimate than murder, flying nothing more earnestly than modesty: and in regard of this his intemperance, it was by some supposed that his mother at such time as he was begotten, was enchanted; each one seeing his inclination fled him as a Serpent, his equals he banished from him with buffet, his elders with revilings, having neither fear of God nor regard of godliness. If his mother went to see his wretchedness, he became more wicked: if Aubert sought to reconcile him with good counsels, he labours the more to defile himself with larcenies and cruelties, yea such and so many were his mischiefs, that it was wondered at, that the earth did not sink under him in respect of his ungraciousness, no one of his fellows escaped from him unwounded. Hearing his Tutor one day discoursing upon the nature of C●euta, he gave diligent attention to his doctrine, and finding out the simple, he prepared the same according as he was instructed, and presented it to his master's son a child of rare towardness, who no sooner tasted thereof, but with vehement and bitter agonies gave up the ghost: the father wonderfully astonished at this action, and enquiring the cause of him with many pitiful bemoving, he received this answer.  
Master (said he) I have but put in practice that which you have taught me in precept, and since I find you a man of such credit, I will boldly write under your lesson probatum est: he was naturally inclined to intort all good principles of Philosophy, and to apply the earnest secrets of antiquity to notable insolency; he dissembled most holiness when he was irreligious, supposing it virtue to invent sin, and shame to be ignorant in sin: his provident Tutor knowing (as the Proverb runneth) the Tree by his fruit, the Lion by his nail, and the Crocodile by his tear, knowing by daily experience that too much impunity is the cause of too much impiety, that it is easier to stop the river in the spring, than withstand it in the stream, that the Lion restrained being a whelp, is tractable in his greatest years; that Custom was a mean, if not to subdue, yet to alter Nature, thought good by cruelty to correct that, which by le●●●ie he could not confound: for which cause seeing that gentle admonition prevailed nothing, he exchanged his strict persuasions to stern looks, his sound rudiments to sharp rigour, hoping to recover that by displing, which he could not reform by discipline. But as their labour is frustrate who seek to bring Cancasus into a plain, to bereave India of gems, Candia of oils, Cochim of pepper, or Hibla of honey; so where the unreformable work of Nature is grounded in peremptory wickedness, it is impossible either to destroy or disannul the effects thereof, according to the opinion of the Poet: 
Naturam expellas furca licet usque recurrit.  For, giving him ordinary correction at one time for an erroneous offence which he had committed, in stead of submission and acknowledgement of his misdeeds, he intentively employed himself to murder, and finding his Master one day asleep, he privily took his penknife and cut his throat, smilingly concluding his impiety in this sort. 
Ille mihi feriendus aper.   
But as they that paint the Image of Venus' shadow her excellence, by depicturing her back parts, pretending either a secret insinuation of their own admiration, or her mightiness; so in laying these lose colours of Robin's misgovernance, I rather enforce wonder in myself to write them, than credit with those that shall read them, who conversing and daily reading the Norman antiquaries, shall find far more of his youthly insolence, than is here set down, every way beyond belief, yet no way differing from the truth.   

How Duke Aubert and Editha called Robert their son to the Court, where by his mother's persuasion he was admitted to the Order of Knighthood.  
THe rumour of the young Prince's outrages were no sooner spread throughout the Court, but Aubert heavelie agreed at his sons misdeeds, and Editha becoming wel●y desperate of his amends, with heavy hearts called the young man to their presence, where the old man showing the severity of a Prince in his looks, but the sincerity of a father in his laments, began in this manner to school his son, whilst Editha was wholly given over to sorrow. Ungracious and ungodly young man (said he) who in thy cradle porteudest thy future indiscretion, and in the ripeness of thine age showest the rashness of thy nature, that makest my title of signory, thy privilege of sin, and my law, the occasion of thy looseness: Is this thy reward for thy mother's care? thy care for thy father's comfort, to exempt thyself of all grace, to exemplify in me all grief. Alas hapless Prince that I am, reduced to all extremes, should I punish thee according to thy sin, I should deprive myself of mine only solace, and in not punishing thy murders, I am as it were agent in thy massacres. Oh vain youth, if thy studies were answerable to thy estate, and thy wisdom equal to thy wit, thou mightst perceive that thy desaster is the desolation of this Estate, and the more my people hope of succession, so much they fear thy fatal confusion. The Cockatrice killed in the shell, quelleth not being a Serpent: the Tiger tamed bring a whelp, teareth not being grown great; and were there hope to restrain thee being young, there were some better hope of regard in thine age. But as Semiramis miraculous birth, showed her marvelous burial; so thy unreverent behaviours in these years, are very Oracles of thy tyrannies in time to come, so that reason counseleth me rather to cut thee off in the twig, than endure thee in the tree. Oh cursed youth, I see by thy careless smiles, the contempt of my counsels, and woe be to the time that I begat thee, since wilful ignorance doth so much beguile thee: but stay thy hand, or lose thy head, trouble me no more with such complaints, lest I cut thee short in thy complots; and since thou art negligent of my rudiments, assure thyself I will be unnatural in my revenge. After he had expostulated with him in this manner, he suddenly departed, and entered his privy Closet, where as he sat so amazed with grief, and amated at his ungraciousness, as had not Editha followed him, and with amiable persuasions, animated him with hope, he had surely in that ecstasy miserably ended his old years. But Robert in stead of repenting his offences, began to renew his follies, quarreling with his father's guard, in such manner, that every man knowing his natural inclination, fled his company as being a monster among men. If any grave old man came near him attempting to counsel him, after he pretended some diligent attention for a while, he suddenly took out his knife, and cut of his beard: satisfying the party wronged with this Ironical reason: 
Quae superflua sunt, abscindenda sunt.   
Whilst in this manner he misgoverned himself among the Courtiers, Editha was not unbusied in the Closet, but so laboured her husband by entreaties and tears, that (since Robert ●er son was about 21 years of age, and able to bear arms) he at last consented to grant him the Order of Knighthood, alleging these reasons, that honours are the spurs of virtue, and natures that are forward in wickedness, by conversing with the virtuous are reform; nought left she unsought that might insinuate; nothing unreported that could persuade. To be brief, the prefixed day of his Knighthood was appointed, & his arms were delivered him: the Nobles of the Country were assembled, the Ladies were orderly invited: neither did Aubert spare any cost to show his magnificence, or Editha any counsels to reform Robert's mind, but calling him apart into her privy Chamber, she began in this manner to advise him.  
If my secret complaints (thou sinful young man) had not more effect to mitigate the heavens, than to move thee, I would dry them up and defy thee, but since they are piteous and respect prayers, I will weep for thee to win them to thee, in hope they will be as favourable in mercy, as I am forward in moan: Oh more obstinate than the Northern wind, more indurate than the hard Marble, more cruel than the Libyan Lioness, more perverse than the Lydian tyrant; thou hast open ears to conceive mischief, but a dull heart to consider of modesty, I see thy repining looks, thy reprovable lewdness, thou despisest to hear my prayers, or harbour my precepts. Ah Robin, hath the care of obedience no force, the credit of a mother no favour, or art thou proud to see me woeful, or pleased to seek out my wretchedness? Thou knowest that by nature thou art near me, that thy folly is my fall, thy vain deeds, my very undoing: if then thou have care of my life, yield some respect unto my lessons; thou art now stepped in years, & hast judgement to discern errors, now call thyself home, and record thine old wickedness, amend thy life, meditate on thy looseness, cast a rain on thy nature, conceit the reason of nurture, better is a mean life in virtue, than an high estate in vice: Hast thou offended in thy youth? the misdeed is ordinary: Wilt thou amend in age? oh the action is honourable: I conjure thee my son by these devout tears, by these devote entreats, by the name of thy mother, by the necessity of obedience, to exchange thy excess to mediocrity; thy murder to modesty; thy untowardness to staidness, and prepare thyself to accept the Order of Knighthood which thy father will bestow on thee on to morrow day, being the feast of the nativity of S. john Baptist, for arms I will furnish thee, for attendants I will send them thee, only prepare thyself presently to watch in the Abbey of S. Peter's, (at this day called S. Owen's in Rouen) and bethink thee so re behave thyself, that thy father may have comfort and I content.  
Robert by some natural instinct being attainted by these feminine complaints, and friendly persuasions, seemed in some sort to relent, and suffered his mother to arm him, and with some attendants departed to the Abbey to perform his vigil. But when all were departed, and he left alone, and Lucina clearly smiling on the candles of the night, 'gan beautify with her sparkling brightness the diffused darkness of the Centre, Robert more vigilant in villainy, than valiant in virtue, suddenly issued out of the Church, and secretly stealing into the Suburbs, travailed a whole league into the fields, seeking some subject whereon to execute his pretended injury: at last he arrived at a Nunnery distant one league from Rouen, at this day called Le salle de damoiselles, where he entered, and calling the Lady Abbess before him, he commanded and conjured her in such sort by threatenings, that she brought all her young Nuns before him, and those that were bed ridden he made them be brought, then immodestly stripping them naked, he made choice of the fairest, a virgin of mighty constancy, who being wholly addicted to Chastity, and seeing his natural churlishness, by all means possible sought to divert that by humble suit, which he had contrived to effect in horrible secrecy: But he whose heart was rather hardened than mollified by persuasions, in stead of tendering her complaints toare off her attire, and dragged her by the hear of the head into a shady Wood near adjoining. It would have made a flinty heart to flow with tears to see the miserable maiden, he comely locks shadowing her naked limbs, how lifting up her delicate hands to the heavens, and pouring forth delicious tears on her beating bosom, she implored help, she complained her harms, how she resisted even in conquest, & seemed loath to suffer that she must néedly suffer. But the cruel caitiff, careless of God, forgetful of goodness, given over to sin, made subject to shame, neither moved by entreaties, nor alured to truce, wretchedly deflowered her, and hearing how incessantly she called for mercy at his hands, and expostulated for revenge with the heavens, he cut off both her paps, through the agony whereof, the gentle religious Lady gave up the ghost.  
The bloudsucking wretch having in this sort satisfied his lewd lu●t, imbrued in the purple drops of the murdered Lady, hastily returned to the City, employing all his labours and study, how to invent new lamentable stratagems: no sooner did the morning's roseate coach beautify the East with vermelion redness, and the fair breathing Steeds of the Sun mount above the bosom of Oceanus, but each noble peer apparrailed in rich attire, his horse trapped with costly comparisons, attended before the Palace gate, till the Duke should issue to service, great was the solemnity that day throughout the City. The Ladies were glorious in their attires, the lovers gorgeous in their train, there wanted nothing that might delight the eye, or content the ear. Among the rest, Robert by his Mother's appointment was armed, & richly apparrayled anew, & after his Father, with the rest of his Nobility, had heard Mass in the Minster, by general appointment he was sent for by the best Nobles of the land, who certifying him of his Father's pleasure, and how he attended his coming, he answered, that he was a hungry, and wanted his breakfast, & that he would not lose the same for ten of the best Knightwoods' in all Normandy. Long travail, and much persuasion used these princely Nobles to persuade him thence, till at last bringing him into the presence of his Father, he had with all solemnity the accolade, and was commanded to kneel down to receive the order of Knighthood, at such time as his Father lifted up the sword to perform the rest of the Ceremony, he joyfully rose up, and drew his weapons, and had not some more advised stayed his hand, he had assuredly slain his Father. I certain noble man offering the Spur, he answered him ridiculously in this sort. 
Non sum t●ntus cessator ut calcaribus indigeam.   
In these undecent and disorderly de●●tanors, this unhappy young man spent the flourishing time of his years, having neither regard of person, nor respect of place. At the Triumph, his desire was rather to drive his horse into the throng, whereby he might tread men down, than break his lance against his adversary in the open lifts, such is the corruption of man's nature without the especial assistance of the almighty. But least through tediousness I detain you in reporting his Father's persuasions, his Mother's precepts, the Nobles counsels, the ladies courtesies, I will hear leave off to speak of the Triumphs, returning to speak of his manner of life, after he had received the honour of Knighthood.   

How Robert the Devil took the strong castle of Turnigue which his Father had builded in defence of his estate, and of certain of his riots he made against some of the inhabitants of the Country.  
THe strong Castle of Tornid●, (that very Turnigue that flourisheth at this day) not only for the serenity of the air, and the amenity of the country: among all the especial holds of Normandy as held in most account, but also is best defenced. This strong Castle and Fort was first builded by Aubert against the invasions of the Britons, where he reposed his greatest warlike provitions, and the most part of his Treasury, and was afterward ceased upon by this unhappy Robert his son, who gathering together the most part of all the dissolute persons of the country, kept this strong place for many years, spoiling the inhabitants round about, burning their houses, ravishing their wives, and committing such murders, as it was imagined, that Nature had ordained him and his wicked crew, for the only monsters of his time: and as a little brook assisted by land waters, and low grounded, extendeth itself at last to a huge River, so this riotous company at the first exceeding not the number of 30. grew at last to a multitude of murderers, thieves, patricides, & fratricides, so that he who had committed any capital offence in the country, inserted himself into the number of Robert's followers, who becoming about 4000 strong, made all the neighbours round about them amazed at their mischiefs: neither had they regard of age, or religion, or respect of nation or alliance, but what so best pleased their appetite, or most appeased their avarice, all that was sacred in their censure, and lawful in their lewdness. Many were the cries of hapless Mothers, whose babes were murdered in their bosoms: many the tears of tender Damsailes, enforced in their flower of youth: many the poor, whose small possessions were ravished by the injuries of the mighty, whilst Robert sitting aloft as the head of Confusion, surfeiting in his excess, accounted riot for righteousness, his drunkards for his divines, his murderers for his mates, his blasphemers for his board companions. Oh the horror and confusion of those times, where iniquity was held for equity, and devilishness accounted desert. In religious houses this Devil of a man, and devilish man, in stead of reverencing the learned, rid them of their lives; for at Ambois he entered a Monastery of Minorites, and cutting off the fattest Friars heads, he pitched them upon poles, causing the veriest knave to carry the cross, and the rest appareled in Copes, to tune a devilish Dirge of impiety. From others he took away by violence their riches, saying as julian the Apostata did after him, that riches did hinder them from the entrance into the Kingdom of Heaven. Those of his train who were most tyrannous, he most highly rewarded, and such as did swear most, might spend most. Great were the clamours of the poor, the cries of the oppressed, the complaints of the fatherless, the weepings of the widows, the father for his child, the child for his father, the mother for her son, the son for his mother. 
Nec quicquam nisi vulnus ●rat, cruor undique manat.   
In an Abbey near to Lisseux he entered and slew all the Monks, in that they would not show their treasures, and finding four Pilgrims kneeling at a Cross, he cut off their heads, saying, they could never die in better minds. Meeting with the Bishop of Caen richly mounted upon a Moil, attired in his richest furniture, he dismounted him, saying, he reserved that beast to a better use than that a beast should bestride it. Such and so many were his unworthy attempts, without all expectation of amendment.   

Of the horrible murder which Robert the Devil committed upon the Lord of Beaumount.  
There dwelled at that time, wherein Robin surnamed the Devil accustomed to exercise these his detestable injuries, a noble Norman Gentleman, surnamed for his fair Castle sake the Lord of Beaumount, near to Turingue. This Gentleman had taken to Wife the daughter of the County Gourdon, a Gentle woman of inestimable beauty, who after her espousals, being conducted with great solemnity to her husband's Castle, was by Robin's espials surprised in the way, and being bound both herself and her husband, was brought to the hapless mansion of this wretched murderer, where the disordinate tyrant beholding the beauty of the Lady, her young years, her fair face, he first imprisoned her husband in the dungeon of the Castle, and burning in disordinate desire, sought all means possible to persuade her unto lewdness: but she neither respecting life, or expecting liberty, and careless of her harms, in regard of her honour, in stead of dalliance, accused him of devilishness, and tempering her sweet looks with a blushing severity, she reproved him in this sort.  
Whereat aimest thou so much thou ungracious tyrant? if to bereave me of mine honour, thou art impious: if to rid me of my life, I am pleased: for one of these extremes must I expect of one so insolent. The Crane and Rite agree not, and yet Birds: the Swordfish, and Whale, are at enmity, and yet Fishes: Saturn, and Venus, accord not, and yet Planets: neither may the vicious agree with the virtuous, although both be reasonable creatures. Oh Prince, I detest thy course, I lament thy inconstancy, to see the hope of Normandy, the ruin of Normandy: if liberty have so great prerogative with thee, to murder at thy pleasure, to ravish as thou likest, go rid thy Father of his right, who may better suffer, in that he brought up such a plague, and leave us poor innocents, who deserve no punishment. My Lord and I are coupled by love, counited by virtue, allied by holy Matrimony, and wilt thou sever those whom God hath coupled? no cruel man, though thou presume to separate bodies, thou hast no portion of our Souls: though thou tyrannize over our lives, thou art no master of our loves: come, practise thy cruelty: I see thine eyes swollen with sensuality: I see thy hands trembling to attempt: I mark each lineament of nature, combating in itself, till thou hast exercised thy tyranny: but flay not, if I must be exe●utiate, marti● me: if thou wilt surfeit on blood, glut thyself, for my body (ungracious man) whilst these hands serve to wraffle, and limbs vouchsafe to resist thee, thou shalt not defile it; and if inhumanity exceeds so far in thee, as thou intendest lust to the utterance, assure thyself, my incessant complaints shall so solicit the heavens, that sooner shall they dissolve to nothing, before I differre to curse thee. But (partial and perverse young Prince) this maketh thine injustice more manifest, in that thou punishest my husband, who have deserved no danger, and differrest to revenge thee on her, whose too fair looks have bereft thee of thy senses: oh suffer him to departed in peace, and detain me in penury: let not the innocent he held for nocent, nor such as have not wronged thee, suffer wrong by thee: Lo, I assist this last prayer with pitiful tears, this humble suit with bitter sighs: oh be thou pliant in this, though peremptory in all other things.  
These her lamentations accompanied she with such maving passions, as if her soul intended whatsoever her body had ena●●ed, and like a weak Champion, entering the Lists with a cruel warrior, seemeth forward to resist, though feeble to revenge: so this noble daughter of the County Gourdon, though she saw no means to overpress her enemy, yet in what she might, she endeavoured to resist him, but Robert like an unmeasurable rock, grounded in the Ocean with inremovable power, resisted all the showers of her tears, and storms of her sighs, seeming rather more severe after her complaints, than before he was resolute; and calling her husband, in the presence of his new espoused Bride (who being bound, could no ways assist him but with her courageous comforts) he caused his limbs piecemeal to be chopped off, and twixt every torment, continually laboured either to persuade the Lady to love, or her husband to command her to lust. But the young Gentleman feeling the torments insufferable, and fearing his tongues default, bitten off the same, depriving the cruel ravisher the means of further hope, and his Wife occasion of hazarding her honour. Which when the tyrannous Prince perceived, he increased his cruelties: in midst of which extremity fair Emine (for so was the Lady called) cried out in this sort to her husband: Ah Beomond, the Conquest is welny finished, and ●●●sing thy life, thou hast purchased thy immortality. Be bold noble young man, the divine spirit shall flourish, when this earthy dross shall vanish: and though we are separated on earth, we shall be united in the heaven. Oh condign merit of thine? oh kind token of thy love? thou hast supplied my weakness by thy constancy, and having attained the goal of grief, thou art even now entering the gates of glory. Oh blessed Soul, if divine eyes may brook impieties, stay and behold my staidness; whose torments, were they far more than my Beamonds', can be nothing, so I preserve myself inviolate. Robert like an enraged Lion, given over to rage and murder, having shortened the days of the husband, began now to attempt the wife, and whilst his cursed crew animated and egged him on, seeing no means possible to accomplish his lose and unbridled lust, he sheathed his sword in her entrails, who mildly giving up the ghost, suffered her death with more than manly courage.   

How Aubert understanding of the rebellious outrages of his son, after some messages, caused free pardon to be proclaimed for those who should deprive him of his life.  
The noise of these notorious cruelties were no sooner bruited in the ears of Aubert, but he picked out certain of his chosen Counsel, and sent them unto Turingue, commanding them by kind persuasions or policies to bring him to his presence, who so far forth endeavoured themselves on the way, thinking to accomplish their Prince's command, that they arrived at the Castle, where after certain counsels debated on both parts, Robert utterly denied obeisance, saying, that his Father was but the shadow of governance, himself the substance, the one more fit for his heads, than a battle, himself as nimble at a lass, as in the lists: he showed them his treasuries stored with wealth, his vaults full of wines, his ●alles full of cutthroates, his chambers full of concubines, and in stead of rewards which are bestowed on the messengers of Princes, he gave each of them a halter, swearing unto them, that whosoever hereafter durst come and trouble him from the do●ard his father should die the death. With this ungodly answer and gross entertainment, the messengers returned to Aubert, who having the gates of his palace pestered with the troops of such as were injured, cast off the wont semblance of a dear father, and presented himself like a severe judge, causing it to be proclaimed throughout his Dominions, that whosoever could bring him the head of Robert his son, should have pardon for the deed, and a reward for his labour. But see the constant hearts of faithful subjects, they rather endured damage, than sought his death; rather supplied his lacks, than sought his life: It was lamentable to behold how the Prince's Court was exchanged to the Palace of care; how in stead of recreation, he sought desolation, loathing his life, longing for death: Editha like the picture of despair, closed herself in her Chamber, nought was heard but moan in stead of melody, sorrow in am of solace, complaint in place of pomp: but with hapless Robert it fared far otherwise, for no sooner heard he of his father's decree, but he animated his ministers to more malice; in stead of quailing, he fell to quaffing; of dread, he followed delight, leaving no means unattempted whereby he might glory in his ungodliness, there was no free passage to any city, the Merchants were beaten and their goods taken from them, the Market wives spoiled, and their victuals bereft them, so that this flourishing Dukedom seemed almost decayed. Among the rest, a brave Courtier, son to the Duke of Constances', having a merucilous delight in the Chase, was ordinarily accustomed to sport himself in the Woods near adjoining the Castle of Turingue, and one unfortunate day it was wherein it befell that he was busily following his game, at such time as Robin the Devil with his crew of cutthroats disported himself in that Forest likewise, the cries of the hounds were heard on both sides, the games were interchangeably followed, & by unlucky misfortune it so fell out, that the Huntsmen on both parts fell at debate, and so long time fought it out, till both the Princes encountered one another in the hottest of the fury: Prince Robert being naturally harebrained, and careless of equity, seeing how some of his men were wounded, drew his sword whilst the young toward Gentleman on the other side rated his servants, and humbly offered satisfaction for injuries: but Robin in stead of requiting him with the like courtesy, cut his head from his shoulders, and mangling the same hung it about the neck of the chiefest Huntsman, and sent it as a present to his father; so returning with his followers from out the Forest, he entered his Castle, smiling pleasantly at his sinful practice. The young Prince's servants gathering up the mangled members of their dead Master, laid them upon his horse, and with many pitiful lamentations brought the same to their Duke and Master, who lay not far thence at the Castle of Constances', who beholding that dreadful spectacle, in stead of fatherly cries and fruitless complaints, he hammered upon revenge, and arming himself at assay, he gathered together sour thousand men at arms the most approved and valiant of all his signiory, and assembling them together before they were ready to march, he with stern visage presented before their eyes the murdered body of his only son, and with a gravity accompanied with remorse, he burst out into this vehement exhortation.  
Behold here a spectacle my friends and fellow Soldiers, a ruthful spectacle for the father, a remorseful despite of you my subjects, not enterprised by a stranger, who was provoked by injury, but attempted by our near neighbour, who was rather honoured than harmed, and before GOD what greater wickedness? what more impiety? If murder be unpunished among ourselves; if those who should defend us shall offend us; if the privilege of a father shall outcountenance all faith, why mistrust we not one another? why murder we not one another? why rob we not one another? If self same security await the disobedient as the obedient, let us cast off this community, despise sovereignty, where neither a man may be Lord of his own goods, nor the father assured of his own son, nor the subject in safety of his own life. Among the Persians robbery was repaid with death, oh my unhappy Country, here murder is winked at with remission! In Lacedaemon the Prince might be impleaded by law, but in Normandy we are spoiled by our Prince beyond law. But why stand I ripping up the ruthful discourse of many mischiefs? where this one injury sufficeth to incense us, behold this hapless young mā●laine in the prime of his years, murdered in the heart of his Country, slain by the hand of Robert heir of Normandy, see how his bleeding wounds stir up revenge, me thinks I hear his groaning ghost exclaiming on me his father for revenge, trying out unto you my subjects for revenge, whom I beseech as a father, & command as a Governor to take pity of these old years, your own Lord lives to partake this common injury with me. Me thinks I see in your eyes some tears of remorse; but dry them up my subjects, it is blood that must requite blood, and revenge that must repay injury. If you leave me in my attempt I will prosecute it; if you follow me and die with me, you show your obedience, you show your courage, you show you love, you show your loyalty, you shall be dear to your Lord, who will die for your safeties: let the resolute therefore swear revenge on their swords, we have Auberts' warrant for our safety, we have rewards prefixed for our warfare, follow me therefore and let us find out the miscreant who hath spoiled us, and either die or rid the world of this murderer. After he had discoursed in this manner, the whole assembly swore to follow him to the death, so that each one of least expectation enforced himself to be most forward. The Duke caused the body of his son to be borne out of sight, and entombed with a rich and sumptuous funeral, and privily marching by night, he laid his men in ambush in the Wood near adjoining the Castle of Turingue, weighting the approach of the morning, at which time he assuredly hoped to assuage his displeasure.   

The bloody and cruel battle fought between the Duke of Constances' and Robert the Devil and his train, and what thereupon ensued.  
As soon as the watchful morning had opened her purple gates in the East, and discovered her palaces full of Roses, and the Sun adorned with a wreath of Chrysolites, began to shake his dewy locks lately washed in the bane of Eurotas, Robin surnamed the Devil called up his company of rakehells and commanded them to arms, where after they had glutted themselves with their morning's refection●, they marched on with mighty shouts, astonishing the Woods with their cries, which when the Spials of the Duke apperceaved, they gave their Lord a secret intelligence, and each one prepared himself to the fight. By this time had Robert with all his train entered within the compass of the Ambush, where suddenly the Duke of Constance commanded the alarum to be sounded, and couching his spear ran into the thickest of the enemy, seeking on every side for the murderer of his Son, if happily he might espy him. Prince Robert apperceaving the pretended treason, arranged his men, & entering the thickest throngs, that each one wondered at his prowess: he was a man of tall stature, big boned, of a stern and majestical countenance, of much forwardness and courage, and had his brutish nature been answerable to his force and valour, assuredly he had been a man of high account even at that time. Fatal and bloody was the fight on both sides, the one kindled by the injury they had received, the other combating according to the proverb, Pro aris & focis: hope they had none of life but in their valiant resist, and that which encouraged them the more, was the valour and holdness of their General: which the Duke of Constance apperceaving, he gathered together thirty of his most bravest Cavaliers, & with them all at one time assailed Prince Robert. It was now about even tied, and the Prince's soldiers were either all of them sore wasted or wounded, when the Duke by main strength dismounted Robert, and gave him a great and deep gash in the thigh; the Catines that followed him seeing the● master distressed, desperately sought his rescue, and were every one of them put to the sword, only Robert of himself recovered a horse, and so valiantly continued in his defence, till the dark night parted the Combatants, and he found convenient means to avoid the danger; the Duke of Constances' seeing the Enemy was hotly overcome, and that it was impossible to follow the Prince, being most expert in the secret ways of the Wood, sounded the retreat, causing the dead bodies of his Soldiers to be buried, and sending Aubert word of the bloody victory attained against his son.  
Thus in triumph leave we him, rejoicing mightily in his revenge, and resorting with solace unto his Castle; and return to Robert, who sore travailed with his wounds, and having his horse tired, posted with all speed he could possible now this way now that way, searching for some place of security where he might hide himself from the enemy: but evil fortune pursuing him every way, his horse at last tired under him, so that he was constrained to forsake his arms, and trusting only to his sword to walk through the Forest on foot; many were his sighs, and bitter curses, many his exclamations and complaints, whilst desolate Echo the faithful companion of such as be sorrowful, vouchsafed some pitiful reply in his pensiveness; but the great expense of blood, the long and weary course of travel, the cruel and dangerous pursuit of his foes did not sufficiently amaze him, but to the more increase of his grief, a hidden affliction of the mind began with such horror to attain him, that he every way grew desperate. Oftentimes did he prepare himself to complain, but knew scarcely how to complain, he felt himself mortal, and that he was a man, he examined the changes of fortune, and bethought him on the causes of his fall, neither knowing how to amend than they were so infinite, nor reconcile himself he had been so dissolute: and lifting up his eyes to heaven, he beheld the Moon performing her course, the Stars ministering their duties, and by their celestial beauty began with himself to imagine the beauty of their maker, than called he to remembrance the old rudiments of his master, as touching the essence and power of God, the wonderful workmanship of the heavens, the beautiful order of the spheres, the strange creation of man, the influence of the celestial bodies in these inferior parts, and considered that all things were made by a determinate and inviolable law limited by prescript of Nature, and that if in the earthly compact of man the imperfection and grief of one member afflicted the whole compact, much more a contrariety in the powers both of soul and body threatened a confusion: Then called he to mind, that since there was a Mover which disposed & ordered all things, so in due ordinance of government it was requisite too as he prescribed rewards for good deserts, so he should also ordain punishments for vice. Hereupon began he to meditate on the nature of sin, the causes of sin, and the effects of sin, and him thought that a voice sounded in his ear, the reward of sin is death. Oh how great was the horror and confusion of his soul at this time, his burden heavier than Aetna, his affliction more fiercer than may be imagined, and suddenly a shower of tears burst from his eyes, his heart was inflamed, his thoughts troubled, and the eye of reason long time obscured, at last began to break forth with inestimable brightness, so that falling down on his knees, and thumping his wounded breast, he at last in bitter terms entered into this ecstasy. I wonder thou maker of heaven at thy workmanship, & thy worthiness is known by thy works, I see that thou art just in dealings, and I desperate through my delays, I have had a portion with the chiefest creatures, but have employed it worse than bruit beasts. Oh how my soul groaneth within me, and my inward bowels are grieved in my body. Lord thou hast made me, but I have martyred me; thou hast saved me, I have shamed thee; thou hast elected me, I have rejected thee; mine impenitence hath wrought thy impatience: oh enter not into the fullness of my sin, lest I adventure the fury of thy sword, the vale of heaviness overcladdeth me, the hope of heavenlinesse is clouded from me: Oh that the hills would fall upon me, or that the depth might devour me: oh that I had never been borne, or had ever been better. Lord it is justice, I merit condemnation, I deserve affliction and no favour, damnation & no preservation, commination from thee, not combination with thee. Oh my soul groan for my sins, grieve at my shames. Oh happy were my soul if grief could suffice: oh my soul, rend at thy unrighteousness, melt at thy murder, or happy were my soul if remorse would suffice; but my portion is in the grave, not among the just; among the defiled ones, and not the reconciled ones; I am heavy my God; but why call I him mine, whom I have blasphemed? I am sorry my God: as if sorrow would satisfy the excess of sin? Oh, no I am unworthy to behold heaven, to conceive hope, to entreat mercy, to promise amends: but damnation, oh the bitter wound of damnation that threateneth me, that killeth me.  
In these desperate and sorrowing terms spent he the most part of the night, neither receiving sustenance, nor enjoying sleep, his clear complexion became pale, his strong limbs grew lither, and he that before time thought himself more worthy than the King of heaven, now thought himself unworthy to tread upon the earth. By this time the memory of his sins assailed him anew, and a hidden working from above dispersed the cloudy passions of his thought, in such manner as we see a fair and pleasant breath of wind, which during the extreme heat of the Sun, tempereth the fury of the same, in which manner I leave him till the morning.   

How a Hermit found Robin the Devil sore wounded, and relieved him, confirming him in his repentance with his wonderful persuasions, how he dealt with his followers, and his intended voyage to Room.  
The day 'gan no sooner to discover, dimming the brightness of the Stars with a more radiant clearness, but an old Hermit who had sequestered himself from the world, after he had said his morrow Mass, walked abroad to take the air, and as he travailed through many beautiful paths, wherein he was accustomed in great devotion to meditate: at last he arrived where Robert lay, altogether bathed in his blood, and so overcome with despair, that he continually languished till it pleased death to yield a final period to his pensiveness. The good old man seeing his parsonage comely, his apparel courtly, his wounds deep, his danger great, approached more near him, and reviving him with fountain water, which sprung very near at hand, he brought him into some remembrance of himself: at last with much persuasion he led him to his Hermitage, where after some refection taken, and his wounds bound up, Robert began to break out into these terms.  
Ah old man, how fond art thou to foster a viper in thy bosom, and a villain in thy bed? why permittest thou not that I sleep with death, who am already damned? and may die without merry, who have lived by nought but murder? The old man amazed to bear his cursed melancholy, knowing that desperate wounds require most of all irksome medicines, began thus. Ah my son, gather thy spirits together, it is fondness in thee to desire death, and policy in me to protract life; by the one thou shalt lose occasion of repent; by the other recover means of amends: Thou art no viper my son, thy sting is blunted, and these dews of tears thou pourest in my bosom, are sinews and strings to draw thee to heaven: thou art not damned, for the knowledge of thy sin is a mighty step to thy repentance: thou canst not die without mercy, since thou wert borne in mercy, neither will he that made thee to show his power, suffer thee in thy repentance for to perish. Hast thou been a murderer? a great escape my son, a breach of Commandment, a heinous sin: but is not God merciful to forgive beyond our conceit? He knew thee in thy Mother's womb, and ordained thee to an end: he limited the days of thy life, and thine hours were not unknown unto him, and all this was done by ordinance of his secret will, and not without the mighty hand of his mercy. Thou hast carried unclean ●ands, borne a corrupt heart, been prodigal in disobedience, prone to contempt, these are the fruits of thy old man, which show God what he is, and his mercy how great it is. Oh my Son, God is tempted as much in suspect of his mercy, as in neglect of his justice, for his mercy exceedeth all his works: I will teach thee, and my words shall savour unto righteousness. The hand that governeth all things, is divine: the works of God admit no limits, and his ways are unknown: he balanceth not sins by our proportion, nor condemneth by worldly judgement. Be confident therefore, and serve the Lord in fear and trembling. Suppose all things wicked that is in thee, and confess thy wickedness beyond measure. Detest that which thou hast pursued: be penitent in that thou hast defaulted. If the Lord look upon thee in mercy, thy soul shall feel it, yea, thy reins shall wax hot, and thy spirit moved: neither fear thou if terror assail thee beyond measure, for the hand is mighty that helpeth thee. Dread not my son, fear not, boldly disburden thy mind of uncleanness, and power out thy soul before thy God, and weep with contrition, for in so doing, assure thee thy tears are lacked up in his bottle: look what is between the East and West, so far will he separate thy sins from thee, if thou repent thee, Robert hearing hereof, began to gather heart, but calling to mind what he had before time heard of the learned Clerks of Normandy, how there are some sins which are against the holy Ghost which are neither forgiven in this life, nor in the life to come, he began to beat his breast, his eyes stared, his hear stood upright, and as if he had Bemboes' vision, he began to cast away all hope of mercy, crying out in this manner, o etiam in spiritum sanctum peccavi; nulla remissio, sempiterna condemnatio. The old man hearing this extreme allegation, cast himself prostrate on his face, crying out unto the heavens, O ah occultis criminibus liberanos domine. Hold back my Son, thou art too forward: defer to presume on that sin, which thou canst not define, neither object that to thyself, which dependeth on the judge: thy deeds are written, but to God belongeth mercy. It is doubted, whether presuming too much on the knowledge of hidden sin, be not sin. But be thou advised by me, refer all to the Lord, detest all means that may seduce thy mind: arm thee with the shield of faith: pray that thy belief may be increased: let all things seem vile to thee in respect of true repentance, and thou shalt find the working of God beyond conceit: enter not into his judgements, but cleave unto his mercies: if thou be'st tempted, pray vehemently: what though for a while thy Soul be dull and heavy? it is my Son for no other cause, but to make thy joy more fuller. What can be a more certain proof of mercy, than grace to detest sin? or, how can man better overcome sin, than by imploring mercy? But tell me what thou art, and thy course of life, that I may further counsel thee.  
Robert hearing this heavenly Hermit in how divine sort he solaced him, began to gather heart, and could him the order of his birth, the manner of his life, with other matters too tedious in this place to discourse of. And when the old man was fully satisfied, he told him the weight of sin, the reward of sin, exemplifying to him the fruits of repentance, and in such manner schooled him, that of a lewd young man, he reconciled him to a stayed and holy course of life, enjoining him for penance to go baresoote to Rome on Pilgrimage, wearing at his back a cloth of hair. Robert after his stay about seven days with the Hermit, was in some sort recovered, and intending his soul's health, besought the company of the Hermit to his Castle, where finding those his dissolute mates who were left alive, he first by earnest persuasions sought to reconcile them, and finding them no ways tractable, he put them all to death, as being vipers in his father's common weal; and locking up the doors, he led the Hermit into his Treasury, where showing him the riches which he had taken from others, he humbly prayed him to resort unto his Father and Mother, to present his submission, and report his contrition, beseeching them to make restitution to every one whom he had wronged, and with bitter compassion he so washed the poor Hermit's head in tears, that the good old man rejoicing in spirit, cried out, Benedictus dominus in omnibus operibus suis, and taking their leave the one of the other, the Hermit travailed to the Court at Rouen, and Robert walked on his journey towards Rome.   

How Aubert heard of his sons overthrow, and did reward the messengers, and how the Hermit arrived at the Court, whose joyful tidings was great comfort to the Duke and Duchess.  
WHilst Aubert in deep melancholy dispended his days, loathing the detested reports of his sons practices, and consulting with his Nobles in what sort he might cut off such an improfitable offspring, the messengers of the Duke of Constances' presented themselves before him, who after their most humble reverence signified to the Duke, the whole sequel of their message, first, the death of their young Lord, lastly, the discomfiture of his lewd Son, which tidings so wounded him to the heart, as for a long time he continued as it were in an ecstasy, not knowing to what hopes he might aspire, seeing his succession so desperate: but calling to his remembrance, that a Prince's word was a sufficient warrant, and the loss which (as he supposed) he had sustained, was rather the occasion to cut off a continual grief, he cleared his distressed looks wherein care had planted many furrows, and turning unto them with mild countenance, gave them this friendly answer. My friends, if my brother of Constances' hath revenged his sons death (as you certified me) he hath performed the part of a friend, and exemplified my justice, for which cause, in that he hath rid our common weal of a Rebel, and his Father of a wicked son: we entertain you as messengers from our friend, and deservers in our estate, and for this cause we think good, that out of our Treasury he receive such reward as we appointed, and you for your pain taking, shall enjoy this small reward of two hundredth marks: in this sort causing his bounty, and the prefixed recompense, to be delivered unto them, he discharged them, falling into deep consultation with his Counsel about the affairs of succession: there was no heart so indurate, that considered on the desperate estate of Prince Robert, but lamented, some one admiring his valiancy, some after his supposed loss, arguing Duke Constances' of cruelty, who otherwise hated the young Prince most deadly. But the consultation of the Princes was broken off by the sudden repair of the Duchess, who hearing of the desperate estate of her Son, and uncertain of his safety and life, filled the whole Palace with feminine clamours: an every side was sorrow seated, neither was there eye so partial in the whole assembly, that shed not some tears, till suddenly in midst of this garboil, the old Hermit entered the presence, whose sudden excess brought them all, into expectation, so that the old Duke comforting his fair Editha, attentively gave ear, expecting some novelty, when after most humble reverence, the reverent Father began his discourse after this manner.  
These strange alterations in your looks you Princes, persuades me of your overgreat forwardness in passions, who are castly overcome with every light joy, and suddenly crossed with the lightest trouble: which fruit of intemperance (with reverence, you Nobles may I be bold to tell you) ariseth through want of equability in mind, and assured remembrance that you are mortal. If according to your worldly store, your estates were constant, you should be so far from knowing God, as you would quite forget him. At the entrance of thy Palace Aubert I see men weeping, because the report runneth thou art wretched; thus are all affections ruled by the affairs of the mighty, and honour is so savoury a thing in those men's minds, who would be great, that it sootheth, and is soothed by all sorts of them. In Traian's time, all men loved justice, because he was just: in Octavians before him, all hunted after peace, in that he was peaceable: in Heliogabalus days all were wanton, in that he was wanton: and now, since thy mind is vexed with doubtful grief, thy subjects likewise are attainted with doubtful grief. But dry up your tears good Princes, and rejoice, Prince Robert (supposed dead) is surely living, (yet dead to his old wickedness) following better ways: for after he escaped from his enemies, he arrived in my Hermitage, where after I had cured his wounds, and counseled him from his wickedness, he undertook his voyage and Pilgrimage to Rome, but before resorted to Thuringue, labouring to dissuade the remnant of his followers from their lewd life, which when he could not effect, he in my presence slew them, under pretence (as he said) to rid his country of caterpillars. And in that, dread Prince and my liege Lord Aubert, he hath mightily offended you, he humbly by me beseecheth his pardon, protesting vehemently a hearty detestation of his sin; and requesting, that it would please Editha his Lady Mother and Duchess, to have him in memory in her most sacred devotions: and for that he knoweth that he hath many ways indamnished poor men, he humbly entreateth your Mightiness, to accept these keys of your Castle of Thuringue, where in the Treasury you shall find sufficient to make ample satisfaction for all injuries: thus having discharged the duty of a messenger, and acquitted your Grace of suspicion, I humbly crave licence to departed, that I may the better intent my wonted contemplations. It were hard to imagine with what incomparable joy the old Duke entertained this aged Herald of his happiness, for his tears of joy trickling from his eyes as messengers of his hearts content, abundantly watered the Hermit's bosom, and being unable to express his joy, he silent folded his arms about his aged neck, seeming so besotted with delight, as before he gave over he cried out with the Grecian, O Fortune, pay this most exceeding joy with some durable grief, for as now it is at the fullness: Editha likewise was not careless to content herself, but drawing the old man apart, with often repetitions of his troubles, his torments, his passions of mind, his patience in affliction, as the occasion offered itself, she became either pleasant, or pensive, showing by her changes of colour, her contentation, or discontents: and in this joy let us leave them, returning to our weary Pilgrim, meditating in this religious travails: to see how from a graceless person, he became a godly penitentiary, truly the discourse hereof draweth me into admiration of God's mercy, who calleth men home beyond common belief, accomplishing herein his divine promise, who said, that he came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.   

Of the strange travails that Robert surnamed the Devil, endured on the way, with those accidents that befell him betwixt Normandy and Rome.  
It was about that time when as the Sun had remembered himself of his accustomed loves, and had dispersed the beauties of increase through the bowels of the earth, yielding every stalk his flower, every Tree his fruit, and quickening the decayed beauties of the field, which were beforetime wasted by Winter's obscurity, when this penitent Prince, beforetime esteemed the very pattern of deformity, began to show himself the paragon of reformation: his haughty looks exchanged he to humble levity, his defying of God, to deifying of God, his graceless oaths, to godly observances, punishing himself by bodily travel, who before time was given over to butcherly tyranny: in stead of hammering mischiefs in his head, he humbled himself with contemplations: his soft bed, was turned to sweet grass: his Robes of Honour, to the rags of a Hermit: his pampous riot, to poor roots: his rich Wines, to springing waters: and such was his patience in these alterations, that he preferred them before all pompous Treasures. Three days travailed he with restless toil, till at last being overburdened with extreme weariness, he sat him down by a clear Fountain, cooling his thirst in stead of a courtly Cup, in a homely clapper: and after he had taken such repast, as the herbs of the field afforded him, he sat him down under a Pine tree, and beholding the bark thereof, which with smoothness invited him to write, and the cool shade which gave him shelter against the sunny heat, with a little pencil he engraved this his devout passion in the thickest thereof.  

Robert's Meditation.  

O Heavenly God that governst every thing,  
Whose power in heaven and in the earth we know,  
Thou God from whom the gifts of grace do spring,  
Respect my suit who am oreprest with woe.  
O pity God, sweet God some pity take,  
And cleanse my soul for jesus Christ his sake.   

I wail the life that I have led before,  
The days ill spent that came into my mind  
Incense my soul with horror very sore,  
And threaten death unless I favour find.  
O pity God, sweet God some pity take,  
And cleanse my soul for jesus Christ his sake.   

My graceless oaths now laid before mine eyes,  
My youth misspent and worn by women's guile,  
My hidden sins my woeful soul surprise,  
My want of former grace (ay me the while.)  
Cry mercy Lord that thou wouldst pity take,  
To cleanse my soul for jesus Christ his sake.   

Away thou world that flatterest earthly man  
With heavenly joys, and bringst him down to hell,  
I loathe this life do thou what so thou can,  
My longing is with God my Lord to dwell,  
Who will relent and eke some pity take,  
To cleanse my soul for jesus Christ his sake.  
Anchora Christus.    
These verses were written with a zealous spirit, accompanied with fervent sighs, hanselled with scalding tears, witnessing his constant contrition, but being troubled in spirit, and desirous to mitigate his martyrdom, he attempted further, writing this Madrigale in the bark of a Cyprus tree.  

Madrigale.  

My reason's eye had seen my youthly rage,  
How it had worn my hopes of virtue bare,  
How careless wit was want on beauties page,  
And headless will true judgement did ensnare,  
How all was wracked that hope of wisdom gave,  
It wept a world of tears my soul to save.   

The listening ear of that impartial guide,  
That by his beck the earth and man directs,  
With sunny beams of peace the tears up dried,  
And will made barren reckoned his neglects:  
Since when my soul for grace to heaven doth fly,  
In praising God and blessing reasons eye.  
Etiam in naufragio.    
Thus passed he some few hours endeavouring to attain some rest, and after weary nature vouchsafed him any consent to wander, he walked onward: The fift day after his morning's Orisons he travailed through a thick Wood, giving scarce any licence to the Sun●e beams to enter those shady limits: The soil was barren, signifying desolation; the trees leafless, the walks loathsome: in depth of the shadiest thicket thereof, there sounded a deep and hollow voice calling intentively for help, whilst in stead of Echoes, the fatal Screech-owl sounded a doleful reply. Robert amazed at this melancholy spectacle, and wondering at the dolefulness of the complaint, he boldly entered the desolate shadow, proposing God for his guide, and his courage for his companion: he had not long travailed, but suddenly he beheld a fierce Lio● which furiously assailed him, renting off the lap of his Palmer's weed, before he could shape defence: but at last entering combat with his Palmer's staff, he so valiantly defended himself, that he slew the Lion, and seeing it sprawl upon the ground, entered into this contemplation. Oh GOD that hast delivered this huge Lion into my hands, defend me from that roaring Lion which seeketh to devour my soul, and prosper me in those actions which I enterprise for thine honour and glory. This said, he proceeded further, when lo● a fair delicious damosel crowned with a garland of Roses, appareled after the manner of a Hamadriade, presented herself before him, where making semblance of an amorous and distressed Lady, she feigned a pretty shadow of complaint, and folding her arms, as if she had been loves forsaken, she tuned this Elegy, whilst from out the heart of the desert, a strange sound of melodious music accorded to her complaint.  

Pluck the fruit and taste the pleasure  
Youthful Lordings of delight,  
Whilst occasion gives you seizure,  
Feed your fancies and your sight:  
After death when you are gone,  
joy and pleasure is there none.   

Here on earth nothing is stable,  
Fortune's changes well are known,  
Whilst as youth doth then enable,  
Let your seeds of joy besowne:  
After death when you are gone,  
joy and pleasure is there none.   

Feast it freely with your Lovers,  
Blyth and wanton sweets do fade,  
Whilst that lovely Cupid hovers  
Round about this lovely shade:  
Sport it freely one to one,  
After death is pleasure none.   

Now the pleasant spring allureth,  
And both place and time invites:  
Out alas, what heart endureth  
To disclaim his sweet delights?  
After death when we are gone,  
joy and pleasure is there none.   
The final conclusion of this Canzon, was shut up with a pleasant Couranto, in which from out the grove four satires antiquely entertained four Nymphs, and suddenly vanished, whilst this fair Hamadriade in semblance approached Robert, wanton casting her arms about his neck, proffering dalliance: but he whose love was planted on heavenly, not on earthly delights, suddenly cast her from him, and lifting up his hands to heaven began thus. O thou maker of the heaven, tie me to thy love, entice me to thy law, incense me to virtue, subdue in me vanity, let not temptation conquer, though it try me; nor Satan compass, though he tempt me. The prayer was no sooner finished, but a horrible crack of thunder fell from the heavens, the Woods were inflamed with lightnings, and this wanton vision suddenly vanished, in stead whereof succeeded horrible Eathquakes, the Curtains of the heaven were darkened, the compass of the world was clouded, and on the face of the Centre there appeared through the light of lightning, hideous shapes of Giants threatening him, monstrous tigers assailing him, but he constantly putting his trust in GOD, and boldly walking on his way, at last attained into an open plain, in the midst whereof there stood a poor Chapel, with a little Cottage hard beside, and by that time the dangers were overpast, & the dimmy approach of the evening foretold him that the day was spent; for which cause he hasted into the Chapel to do his devotions, where he found before the Altar a grave old man performing his divine prayers: neither of these two intended worldly salutations, but solemnly fell to their devotions, which being performed, the old man seeing so goodly a parsonage clothed in a Pilgrim's weed, with great reverence saluted him, deeming him for no less than he was, beseeching his company in his Hermitage for that night, in that other lodging was not near at hand. Robert easily condescended, and entering the homely Cottage, he was feasted in friendly sort with such dainties, as his poor estate could afford. During the time of their repast, Robert desirous to know the secret of the enchanted Wood, began to question with the old man about the same: who all amazed to hear that Robert had passed it, in manner of admiration, he answered thus. Truly (my son) thou art happy, that through the mercy of GOD haste overpassed those dangers which thy predecessors could never attain unto: for this Wood (my friend) is called Le bois du temptation, the wood of temptation, where through many holy men have attempted to pass, but they have either been withdrawn by delight, or driven back by fear, and finally perished through their own follies: But since thou hast so constantly persevered, proceed in thy devotion, and let humility be thy companion, and doubtless (my son) thy end shall be far better than thy beginning. Robert wondering at his doubtful conclusion, replied thus. And why father, dost thou know my beginning? I son (said he) thou art of the earth as I am, borne of a Princess as I was not, son to a Duke, yet of detested life, Robert of Normandy I know thee, thy change was foreshown me in vision, now therefore prosecute thy pretence, follow thy repentance, for in so doing thou shalt perform mighty things. The sorrowful Prince hearing but the repetition of his former life, wept most bitter tears, being sore ashamed to behold the grave father. But the old man comforted him, and knowing the expedition of his journey, so animated him, that he presently set forward, in that the lovely Moon assisted him with sufficient light: the aged sire conducted him on his way, in which they had not long travailed, but they took their leaves the one of the other, & Robert continually prosecuted his journey. In travailing the Alps divers Gentlemen offered him their Moils to ride upon, but he refused them. In Italy sundry Merchants invited him, wondering at the majesty of his countenance; but he replied that he was unworthy, and so with tears forsook them. If any his fellow Pilgrims fainted on the way, he bore him on his back; if any thirsted, he sought them water; he was comfortable to those that were comfortless; and where he saw the innocent wronged he was aggrieved. Travailing about Ancona he saw a villain, who cruelly handled a poor country maiden, and drawing near him he so rigorously revenged the injustice, that the poor maid falling at his feet was feign to entreat for her persecutor. Such blind men as he met he called them happy, assuring them that the loss of their outward eyes kept them from beholding much vanity; seeing a lame man complaining of his imperfection, make strait thine inward man (said he) good friend, for that shall mount to heaven through thy virtue, when these limm●s shall dissolve to earth and become the prey of vermin. In all his travails he was constant, patronizing the weak, punishing the wicked, and in this manner travailed he till at last he arrived at Rome.   

How Robert the Devil entered Rome, and what there chanced unto him.  
TWo months was Robert ere he attained his journeys end, and at the last entered the City on the feast day of S. Peter, at which time in great solemnity the Popes are accustomed to go to divine Service, and humbling him with other hermits, (as it was the custom in those superstitious days) he attended there for his benediction: Great was the solemnity on that day, and throughout the streets where the Bishop should pass, each one devoutly humbled him on his knees to entertain his blessing: At the entrance of the Church, among other devout hermits, he beheld Prince Robert bathed in his tears, humbled on his knees, and wondering at his manly countenance & tall proportion, he questioned with himself as touching his estate: the penitent Norman with bitter sighs made him a due relation of his birth, estate, life, alterations and cause of travail, beseeching his fatherhood of absolution. The Pope amazed at the name of Robert, whose infamy had been bruited through the whole earth, s●ept back as altogether astonished, yet at last gathering his spirits together, and rejoicing at his reformation, he sent him to a wholly and devout Recluse, who was his 〈◊〉 Confessor, commanding Robert to be ordered by him, and so giving him his benediction he entered his seat royal. Robert intentively to reconcile himself after he had performed his vow, departed out of the City towards the Cell of this Recluse, who was a man of much holiness; the place of his 〈◊〉 was beautiful, from whence he might beh●ld the cool streams of Tiber beating upon the maiden walls of the world: to be short, be entered the Cell, discovered himself to the Recluse, who detesting his abommable life, and not knowing what manner of punishment he might condignly appoint him, he commanded him for that night to continue in devout prayers in the Chapel, promising him the next morning to satisfy him in his doubts. During the time that darkness overspread the face of the whole earth, and every bird beast and fish enjoyed the happy benefits of fléepe, the vigilant religious couple devoutly applied themselves to contemplation, when about the third hour of the night the Recluse was resolved of his penance: wherefore upon the break of day, when Robert had arisen from his prayers, he came unto him, and carrying in his countenance the gravity of a father, and in his heart the sincerity of a Counsellor, he began thus. Young Prince, if thy contrition for sin be so compassionate as thou pretendest, and thy zeal to acknowledge the same so accomplished as thou presumest, know this that thy danger is less and thy benefit the greater, for repentance is a sweet sacrifice, and desire to amend is the way to end the fault. But in that thy offences and follies have been extraordinary, thy punishment must be no less, in sufferance whereof thou shalt thoroughly perceive the indignity of thy former sin. Hereupon be prescribed him his penance: first that he should eat no meat but that he received from a dog: secondly, that during seven years he should be dumb: lastly, for that space of time he should walk in a fools habit, in acknowledgement of his accustomed lewdness. Robert thankfully accepted that which was enjoined him, neither repining at the hard penance, nor disdaining the slender pittance, but taking humble leave of the Recluse, hasted himself unto the City to satisfy that which was prescribed him, and buying him a fools habit he walked up and down the streets, enduring the revilings of children, who cast dirt in his face, scoffed and mocked him, and the more lewd language that they used, the more contentment he received, remembering this, that his deserts and presumptions deserved far more martyrdom: oftentimes was he reviled, but devotion closed his tongue, considering this in himself, that in refraining the same be avoided much offence. Certain of his confederate hermits beholding this madness and idle behaviour, came unto him to comfort him, but he crossing his hands and weeping tears, pointed to the heavens, signifying thereby that he suffered that cross for sinning against them. In short time he became the by word of the City, some buffeted him, which he endured patiently; some others of more charity offered him food, which he with gratulation refused, so that no other noise was published through Rome but of the strange Idiot that was dumb; the people flocked about him, some praising his person, some lamenting his ignorance, some grieving that he was dumb, othersome laughing at his dotage: thus every man gave his several judgement of him   

How Robert entered the emperors Court, & how he there lived.  
AT last he entered the emperors palace, at such time as with his Nobles he solemnized a most solemn and festival day, great was the press about the table, and many the attendants, but Robert boldly entered the presence, demeaning himself after such a manner, that the Emperor and Princes took very great delight in him, he was active of body, & vaughted exceedingly well, performing such adventurous tricks, as the Emperor all amazed inquired what be might be; he made him signs of dumnes, shadowing under colours of delight his intentive devotion. Then presented they him meat which he refused, accustoming himself at every such offer to make show of discontent. The Emperor at that time had a fair Greyhound, who for his swiftness in the chase and seemliness of body was highly esteemed, that beholding Robert fauned upon him and played with him, as if appointed by some divine instinct to affect him; the Emperor seeing he refused meat at his hand, cast some pittance at his dog, where Robert suddenly struggled for the same and greedily fed thereon, which made the lookers on intentive to sport, to accustom him to that kind of feeding. The Emperor caused him for this cause to be cherished in his own house and tended with diligent care, taking pastime continually to have Robin in his presence. At night when the festivals were finished, Robert was brought unto a good bed well furnished, but he refused it, & gathering together certain locks of straw he made him a cabin under the stairs of the emperors palace, where for seven years space he continually slept with the hound, refusing all other content or delectation. Oftentimes was he privily seen to weep bitterly, & when he could get into any several place to pray devoutly on his knees, which being told unto the Emperor, made him more curious to inquire his progeny, but by no means could he understand it, for the good Prince had kept it most secret. Thus may we see that when the mind is withdrawn from worldly delights, (wherewith for the most part wretched men are detained) all things seem abject and vile, except such as lift the soul unto heaven, and subdue the body in his sensuality. This most famous and renowned Roman Emperor, among all other his high blessings and Fortune's benefits, had a fair Lady to his daughter, whose picture if Praxitiles would describe, or a better Master than Apelles, he should rather lack cunning, than lay colours; as beautiful she was as Nature could imagine, and as well form as she was fair, and no less exquisite in learning as in lineaments, her only imperfection was that she was borne dumb. This noble Princess called Emine, was sought unto by all the monarch and unmarried Potentates of the world, so was her fame bruited abroad, and such was her beauty: among the rest, the soldan of Babylon understanding by certain Italian Merchants the exceeding and surpassing excellence of her person, and receiving from them her picture, he became wonderfully surprised in love, so that neglecting all other pleasures, he only settled his mind towards the attainment of her favour: Oftentimes presented he rich presents to ordinary travailers, desiring only to grow famous in the Italian Countries, and he that could but in best words set out Emines praise, had a princely recompense. Round about his Palace was no other posy but Emine: and in his Oratory was no other Goddess but Emine: if he talked, he talked of Emine: if he longed, he longed for Emine: if he wept, he wept for Emine: thus were all his joys metamorphosed into Emine. It was wondrous to see his disguise in attire after the Christian manner: his desire to be holy after the Christian holiness, such power hath love both to alter both the nature and ●●nner of life and religion. But leave we him, and return we to Robin, who conversing continually in the emperors Court, was at length beheld and fancied by Emine: and although she had not the liberty of speech to express his affections, yet by the motion of her body, and the carriage of her eye, she published her fancies. Thus may you see Gentlemen, certain grounds laid of strange adventures, hidden only in the secret judgement of God, and certainly performed in times past, the sequel whereof followed after this manner: and first as touching the estate of the soldan.   

Of the melancholy and strange life of the soldan during his love, and the events of the same.  
THe rich and mighty soldan of Babylon having (as you have read) in beholding the picture fallen in love with the person, for the space of six months secretly concealed his hidden grief, and communicated it only with strangers and aliens, 'gan rather increase than diminish his despair, for knowing the natural inclination of his subjects every way repugnant against the laws and manners of the Christians, their dissident religions, their different regiments, their mortal hate, and immovable stiffneckednesse, he began to give over all thought of contentation, plotting out such a course of life, as therein he showed more barbarous constancy in love, than judgement and discretion: for picking out a solitary wood far from the resort of men, he builded him a place of pleasure, begirt with rich bulwarks, and environed with sweet springs: the lodgings all of white Marble, the pillars of jaspis, and the whole furniture so rich, as never eye of man could behold more wonderful. In midst whereof, was placed a dainty and wonderful Garden, stored with all the riches of nature, with sweet shades, clear springs, strange flowers, wholesome herbs: and in the middle of the same was erected a Temple to Cupid and Emine, wherein her stature made of the purest gold, seemed to stain all the excellency of workmanship, for the Painter had done as much as might be, to describe beautiful Emine. Herein he closed himself, and having all the battlements of the temple made of polished ivory, he with a true loves knot interlaced his name with Emines, being of himself excellently seen in portrait. If any one of his Lords resorted unto him, desirous to know the name of his Goddess, he answered Emine: but how he served, or of what place she was, he durst not tell, fearing the barbarous treasons of his greatest subjects. Thus ceased that warlike nation their arms, who were beforetime so famous, and he that was wont to fight for signiory, was now foiled and besotted with love. The Nobles about him not enduring idleness, presented themselves before him, seeking to dissuade him from his obscurity, but all in vain, till Behenzar, a chief Musulmah in Bagdet or Babylon, humbling him on his knee, spoke in this manner.  
Most royal offspring of Mahomet, though thy displeasure be my death, and thy frown the ruin of my fortune, yet knowing myself a Subject, and thyself my Sovereign, I will labour for thy delight, though it cost me my death. Why is thy greatness that scarce was contented with the world, now at last contained within a wall, or thy courage which never was vanquished, thus on the sudden veiled: Hast thou been valiant with Hannibal, to fall with Hanib●ll? and wilt thou that wontest to make victory thy goddess, now make vanity thy gods good. Let me speak with patience, it is not the idleness of thy mind, but the idol of thy heart; default of eigernes, but the folly of thine eye: I see love printed in thy brows, I fear love is planted in thy breast. Oh my Prince, if I deserve favour, discover thy fancy, there are remedies for wounds that are known, medicines for apparent maladies, but l●cers that are concealed in the flesh, are not cured but by sharp Physic: It is love, I see it working in thine eyes, which enfeebled by the power of thy thoughts, would execute that kindness which thy heart can not consent unto. And what if love? art thou not Lord of Babylon, who may command? the bravest befriended by great Kings, who have fair Concubines? let Asia be sought out: if Asia hold thy love, Asia shall not keep her, if Europe, what may Europe to thy power: As for sandy Aphrica, the Sun is too hot to breed any white coloured Phoenix: howsoever thou love my Sovereign, if it be love, (and that it is love thy life declareth) certify thy Princes of thy fancies, command them, employ all, send Embassades, present benefits: if all fail, thy Sword is true loves dart, which shall pierce further with the terror of thine arms, than all the world that attempteth thy countermand. The Nobles admiring the boldness of Behenzar, and suspecting no less, cast themselves in general at his feet, and swore unto him by a solemn oath neither to contrary him, nor forsake him, till he had achieved the fullness of his joy, if so it pleased him to discover the cause of his pensiveness. The soldan marking their incessant suits, and praising Behenzars' dutiful obedience, roused himself from his melancholy seat, and with a milder countenance began thus.  
I am fortunate in nothing more my noble Peers, and beloved Princes, than in this, that I have valiant men to follow me in my Conquests, and vigilant men to counsel me in my discontents. You require a matter O my companions, which hath cost me much hartbreake, and may procure me much happiness. It is no ordinary passion that I feel, or servile pleasure that I follow. I tie not my thoughts to limits, nor my limits conclude my thoughts. My troubles are like the twins of Democritus, augmented at once, counseled by nothing, but by my opinion: I have the quality of Salmacis, which being tasted, procureth madness, and this quality is love, and this love in me hath the disposition of the Hamonian Lake, capable of all forms, but consumed by one, which form may not be reform. Ah Behenzar, well mayst thou accuse mine eyes, for they by a héedl●sse glance, have eclipsed my matchless glory. Oh my Princes, I swear to you by Mahu whom I honour, by my right hand that never fainted, I blushingly confess I love, but not so basely as Hannibal, for Capua contained his, where Europe admyreth my Mistress. It is fair Emine I love, to whom this Altar is erected, and my vows are directed. Princes wonder not, Theagines a Greek, loved Cariclia a Moor, & your soldan a Mahometist, his Emine a Christian. The aim of my thoughts is the honour of Rome: oh sweet Rome that containeth such an honour, which if I attain not, it is but your discontents, my death, & if my death, what though: oh happy death if for her grow my durance. This abrupt conclusion was followed with such a bitter sigh, as all men expected no other but his final overthrow, or her consent: whereupon his Nobles privately, consulted, and by his consent Behenzar was made Embassalor, and with rich presents sent to Rome to crave Emine in Marriage, and if the repulse should be granted, the conclusion was, that privy intelligence should be given, and Ships rigged, to the end that on the sudden the soldan might invade Christendom, and rid himself of all the obstacles of his happiness. These conclusions well liking the soldan, were briefly debated, the Ambassadors dispatched, the Ships rigged, the soldiers levied, and the despair that the soldan conceived, at the first was turned into a fresh hope, yet the sweet grounds of his pleasant discontents so alluref him, that in seeming to hope, he pretended despair, and in the absence of his Lords, who intended the furtherance of his affairs, he trafficked nought else but fancy, drawing on three ivory colombes, environing the statue of Emine, these three succeeding Sonnets: upon the first, he placed a Chameleon in a sea of blood, with this Mot underneath it, Mututus ab ill●, and underneath the same this Sonnet.  

The first Sonnet.  

IN how contrarious forms have I conversed,  
Since first mine eyes and heart by love were chained,  
Now like the heart my bosom hath been pierced,  
Yet no Dictamnum served when I was pained.   

Now like the babe of Climene enclosed,  
In piteous bark Electrum have I stilled,  
Now like the Nymph of craggy rock composed,  
The rocks and woods with sorrows have I filled.   

Now to a dying Swan have I been turned,  
With doleful tunes my funerals waimenting,  
Now to the Salamander never burned.  
Yet in the fire for evermore frequenting.  
Oh loathed life on nought but sorrow grounded,  
Where who so triumphs most, is deepest wounded.    
Upon the second he placed a Bark perished in a stormy Sea, a Fury guiding the helm, the Sky overcast, the Gemini appearing, under which was written Sic perij, and under that this Sonnet.  

The second Sonnet.  

Sailing the sea of my forepointed greenaunce,  
My will the helm of my misfortune guiding,  
Expecting gain suspecting no mischeevaunce,  
With stayless keel I cut the waters gliding.   

The fair liurnall lamp whilst that I sailed.  
With never partial eye my course assisted,  
But when the lights delightful beauty failed,  
And wavering cinthia in her course persisted.   

In silver ●ould two brother Stars appeared,  
That in the cloudy journey I attempted,  
Incensed the Seas, and more my Shop they necred,  
(Though fair in form) my Bark from hope exempted,  
Amidst the storm my will the helm forsaketh,  
And thus my Ship a luckless shipwreck maketh.    
On the third he painted men's, Fortuna, and Natura, all striving to raise a dead man, who had four Cupids, two hanging at his hands, two et his feet, which kept him down with this Motto, Hic labour, and underneath the same this Sonnet.  

The third Sonnet.  

IF all things are ordained to an end,  
In semblance good, or perfect good in deed,  
What final bent have these my tears I spend,  
Or all the drops my wounded heart doth bleed.  
Or to what fat all period are you aimed  
My bitter sighs, that have my bosom maimed.   

Oh my effects of passion every thing,  
That to a certain purpose is applied,  
His final hope at last to end doth bring,  
But such success alas is you invied.  
For though mine eye his tears, my heart his blood,  
My breast his sighs bestows, they do no good.   

For why the end for which you travel sore,  
Is not attained by the threefold gifts  
Of mind of body, or of fortune's store,  
Which man to type of matchless honour lifts.  
For what you seek no limits doth admit,  
Nor yields to time, nor is subdued by wit.   

Cease then my tears, and bleed no more my heart,  
Restrain your storms, my sighs you toil in vain,  
For your felicity exceedeth art,  
Whereto nor toil nor labour may attain.  
For love it is subtle influence,  
Whose final force still hangeth in suspense.    
In these passions and fantasies consumed the Sould●● the most part of his time, now imagining hope of success, now fearing cause of repulse, adoring Emine as his Saint, and placing his follace in his amorous conceits, until such time as he heard the fatal message of his overthrow: till when we leave him, returning to Behenzar, who having a prosperous wind, and a better will, sailed so fortunately, and travailed so forwardly, that he arrived at Rome, where what success he had, you shall understand in the Chapter following.   

How Behenzar arrived at Rome, and of his repulse and dispatch. The valiant courage of Robert hearing the name of Christ blasphemed. The love of Emine towards him: and the assembly of the christian Princes in the aid of the Emperor.  
THe rumour was no sooner spread throughout the dominions of the Empire, but all contributary Princes assembled together in the City of Rome to do the Emperor service, and make his estate more pompous, and after letters of safeconduit presented to the Ambassador, Behenzar mounted on a brave Barbarion Horse, trapped in Tissue, and Pearl, himself attired after the Barbarian fashion, with his Algozin of cloth of gold embroidered with rubies, being led between two Kings, was in all solemnity conducted unto the emperors Palace, who in his great Hall, set among an innumerable troop of Courtiers, as Phoebus amidst the lesser Scars, whom Behenzar after small or no salutation attempted thus. Emperor of Rome, amongst all the blessings thy God hath bestowed on thee, among all thy fortunes that have befallen thee from thy youth hitherto, the only good is this, that out soldan of Babylon, the terror of the world for arms, the Lord of Conquerors, for actions, deigneth to salute thee, who hearing of the beauty of thy Daughter the young Princess Emine, and vouchsafing to grace thee with his alliance, craveth her as his Wife in Marriage, which bounty of his if thou neglect, know, that thou fosterest the shadow of thine own ruin, thy Kingdoms shallbe spoiled, thy Prince's slain, thy Crown trodden at his feet, and thy ruins shallbe so grievous, that thy royalties were never so great. If thou entertain his demands, hold, take these presents (whereupon he caused twenty Moors to discharge their carriages of gold & silver, and lay it at his feet) if not, be dareth thee it as a pledge of his revenge, till he redeem it with the sword, Great was the murmur throughout the hall at the insolence of the Pagan, and among the rest Emine was exceedingly moved, who sitting at her Mother's feet, by her tears began to testify her cause of terror. The Emperor being a Prince of a haught heart, disdaining to be outfaced by the bravest warrior in the world, having long since determined never to marry his Daughter out of Christendom, returned Behenzar this magnifical answer. It is not our custom in Europe proud Babylonian, to persuade with peremptory threats, but to woe with gentle entreaties, and as our natures are mollified by mildness, so are they indurate by menaces. If the soldan salute me as his equal he erreth, for the Emperor of Christendom deigns no so base companion as a soldan: if as his superior, I thus answer him, the distance of his country, the difference of his custom, the abjectness of his riches, the barbarism of his religion, these disable him to be an emperors son; as for my daughter she must be ruled by her father, & her father will not admit thy master, who if he attempt me with injuries, I will temper him for his injustice; as for his presents I bestow them on thee, for gold (Barbarian) amongst us, is of small account in respect of virtue, go let thy vassals take it up, and carry thou that home as a gift meeter for a messenger of the soldan's, than a Master of the soldan; for his invasions I fear them not, since my Christ is my protector, under whose safe conduct both these and I little fear him, and so be thou answered. Behenzar mad with rage seeing the emperors small regard, stamped with his foot, and swore thus: By Mahu (Christian) thy Carpenter's son that Christ, your God, shall not save thy hands, nor thy heads from the sword of the meanest Prince about the soldan, but this City shall be razed in despite of thy protector, and thy power. Behenzar had so said, and in his fury was stinging out of the Palace, when Robin the Devil having all this while solemnly attended at the foot of the Emperor, all on the sudden arose, and not enduring to hear the name of his Saviour blasphemed, he fling the Pagan to the ground, and stamped him under his feet, which done, he made show of a foolish triumph, and bumming the proud Babylonian with his babble, he had welny killed him, had not the Prince's drawn him off, who safety conducted blaspheming Behenzar to his ships, and smilingly laughed at the insolence of the Idiot. The fair Emine seeing the forwardness of her Champion was marvelously delighting, showing unto her father by signs that he was no fool but some man of high spirit, every day dressed she means to recover his wits, using prescripts of Physic, and the council of the learned, who secretly informed her that he was a man of rare expectation. These suppositions marvelously inflamed her, and love began to show himself in act in all her outward parts, inflaming her eyes, changing her colour, which lest it should be perceived, she with humble reverence forsook the assembly, leaving her father with the other Princes in great consultation, who resolving to prevent all inconveniences, departed each one to his Country, swearing by solemn oath each one to gather his greatest power, and to come and assist the Emperor the next year in the suspected, or rather certainly pretended wars of the soldan: in which minds I leave them intentive on their forces, Robert devout in his follies, Emine detained with fancies, Behenzar sailing to Babylon, who with such expedition followed his business, that with a prosperous wind he arrived in Assiria, and so hastily posted to Bagdet: what there ensued the Chapter following shall declare.   

How the soldan being repulsed by the Emperor, with a huge and mighty army sailed into Italy, and how he besieged Rome, with some events thereabout.  
NO sooner had Behenzar declared unto the soldan the resolute and careless answer which the Emperor had returned him, but racing his rich Palace, and stamping the statue of his Goddess Emine to powder, he furiously called for Arms, swearing all his Princes by solemn and inviolable oaths, never to departed out of Christendom, till they had ruinated the Empire, and recovered his love: and hereupon he embarked himself as soon as the next Spring appeared, accompanied with 11. Kings, 18. Princes, & 300. Mesulmahes, his Army consisted of 300000. horse and foot, his Barks and Galleys choked the Sea, and the billows groaning under the burden, began to wonder at the wood of stately Pines which laboured upon their bosoms. With these forces and in this Equipage arrived this soldan of Babylon in Italy, the terror of whose threats amated all the Western parts; the poor country men throughout Italy drove their cattle to the chief Cities, forsaking their houses, and leaving their riches; the noise of trouble amated Greece, and afflicted Spain, and the French as all amazed prepared arms. And as in common dangers a huge and mighty army is the only mean to make head against a furious Enemy, the whole Nations assembled them together about Rome, and submitted themselves under the conduct of the Empire. Now at Rome in stead of beautiful houses were builded strong Bulwarks; in stead of Palaces, Palisadoes, and each man was mightily addicted to the safety of his country. But the Barbarian like the cruel river of Tigris, exceeding his bounds with unmeasurable and resistless waters, or the lightning falling upon the dry Cedars, overran all the fruitful champion, destroyed Cities, burned villages, razed Manner houses; the voice of desolation was heard on every side, and fear and wonder assailed men on every side: The Clergy with great devotion called for assistance from heaven, and every man hearing of the danger of his neighbour, suspected his own damage to be at hand. At last the soldan after great victories, rich spoils, good fortunes, and long journeys arrived at Rome, begirting the City with a mighty and strong siege, his streamers waned in the wind, and the Eagle of gold shining on the top of his Pavilion, seemed to abash all the beauties of the Capitol. The Emperor was no less vigilant in preparing defence, for being assisted by the bravest men of Europe, he neither pretermitted policy, nor omitted opportunity: often were the outrodes the Enemy made about the Country, and there passed no day wherein there was no some light skirmith, wherein for the most part the fortune was doubtful. But Behenzar moved with the outrage of the Idiot, among all the Pagans was most forward to battle, every day would he ride about the walls, reviling the Christians, calling the Emperor Toward, his followers Foxes, that durst not stir out of their hale, till at last Pepin of France with other famous Lords, who endured not concumelie, neither brooked braves, so earnestly wrought with the Emperor, that the battle was appointed the day following, and the soldan thereof advertised by a Harrolt; great was the preparation on both sides, and greater the dread among the Christians, in that the whole hope of the Empire depended on the fortune of that conflict. No sooner did the bright and beautiful messenger of the day, with blushing seemliness awaken the sleeple God of light, whose Chariot being appareled by the hours, with golden brightness gave possession to radiant Phoebus, but both the armies issued out into the field, and in a fair plain arranged themselves in battle, there might you hear on both sides the Captains exhort, the Cavaliers applaud, the trumpets made a heavenly harmony, enforcing the horses to carrier, and the heart to courage: in brief, the battles joined, where the soldan showed inestimable feats of arms, hewing, murdering, and overthrowing whom so ever he met. Pepin like Mars enraged, or Achilles incensed, beating down all that resisted, brandishing his sword like lightning, now struck he down the King of Circasso, the Duke of Hieropolis, now rescued the old Emperor, who laden with years and arms, yet lacking no courage, sought all means possible to subdue his enemies. Behenzar on the other side seemed like Alexander among the Macedones, for being attended on by a troup of Mamelukes, resembling the Macedonian Phalax, he dispersed the horsemen, tossing them on his pikes, so that after a bitter and long ●ight, the right wing of the Christians was discomforted: there might you see Ortacus of Denmark● show himself a brave warrior, who entering upon the Thessalian horsemen with his Danish Regiment, so dismembered them, that they fled about the fields, both disordered and welny destroyed. But the soldan relied them s●dainly, and intermeddling them with fresh hands of Soldiers, gave such a charge on the front of the enemy's battle, that it was enforced to recoil. The Christians in this incountrie were put to the worst; of Princes were slain the Duke of Consa, the Earl of Malgrania, the King of Pontus, the Marquis of Pisarra, and to the number of 1700. Christians, the Emperor himself hardly escaped, and was in great peril of his life, who gathering up his broken wings together, in grievous discontent of mind entered his City, whilst the Pagans triumphed in their Tents, having lost but to the number of 900. men, besides those of mark and account.   

Of the great moan that was made throughout Rome for the loss of the Christians, and how Emine the next day of battle gave Robert the Devil a rich white Armour and Shield, with a white horse, who rescued the Emperor, and did wonderful deeds of arms.  
GReat was the moan through all Rome for the Christians ruin, many the tears of the mothers be moaning their sons, many the sighs of the daughters weeping for their fathers, there was no house in the City which solemnized not some funeral, and happy was he in his misfortune, whose son had been most forward. But among all the mestfull families, the emperors Court was most unfortunate, where in stead of rich spoils, the Imperial chambers were replenished with dead and wounded bodies, and confusion seeming to have elected her habitation in that place, began to infect every particular person with his poison. The Empress bathed in tears, had her eyes almost choked up with weeping, and Emine the flower of beauty seemed like the Rose overwashed with overlirant shows, her crimson stains became pale and bleak colours; so much doth sorrow alter both the inward and outward abilities. Robert aggrieved in heart to see these discontents, groaned in mind, though he dissembled mirth, practising all means possible to delight the Emperor, to move laughter to the Empress, to content Emine; feign would he have enterprised arms, but he durst not, fearing it was prejudicial to his vow, and so much courage wrought in his heart, that espying his Confessor one day, who by reason of these wars had withdrawn himself into the City, he by signs showed his de●ires to do the Emperor service. The good old man falling on his neck blessed him, and confidently persuaded him thereunto, (so his desire were not for vainglory sake, but for the honour and in the name of Christ). Robert resolved herein became more frolic, moving great pleasure in the Princes, by kissing their swords, and playing with their arms; many battles were there fought, wherein he would feign have been present: One day among the rest, at such time as the Princes issued out to battle, Emine called Robert up into the top of a high turret, from whence they might behold all the manner of the conflict: but alas, the day was fatal to the Christians, and the cries of them that fled pierced the very heavens. Robert not able to endure these massacres, wept bitter tears for anger, and seeing Emine discontent, made signs unto her for armour; she by divine instinct somewhat ascertained of his intent, secretly with her own hands armed him in a rich white armour of her fathers, which he used in his youth, giving him a fair sword and shield, and shutting his beaver close commanded that a horse should be given him; the grooms of the emperors stable gave him a fierce and stout Steed of selfelike colour as his arms wear of, on which speedily mounting, he issued forth of the gates, gathering together the scattered troops, and entered the thickest of the Saracens with such fury, that before his ● aunce was broken he dismounted thirty of the best Pagans: then taking in hand his well tempered sword, he performed such Chivalry, as all the beholders were amazed, his sword lighted in no place where it cleaved not a limb, neither was their Helmets of that temper that could withstand his stroke, he slew Behenzar hand to hand, and had welny taken the soldan prisoner, had not a band of strong Tartarians rescued him. Emine from her solitary Turret beholding his prowess, was surprised with marvelous solace, now wished she that she could speak whereby she might move her love, now desired she that he were as noble, as he was valiant, and as witty, as he was worthy. But the Emperor among the rest was wholly revived with the sight, and yielding God most humble thanks. animated his Soldiers to pursue the victory; many and valiant were the men that fell that day by Robert's sword, and had not the night by speedy approach departed both the Armies, the soldan had that day suffered an undoubted overthrow: whereupon both the Armies sounded the retreat, and Robert with all expedition privily entered the City, where encountering the Recluse his Confessor, he left his Armour with him, and hid his horse in a Monastery, where the good man was resiant, returning to the Court in his fools habit: by which time the Emperor with his attendants was entered the City, and being disarmed sat him down in great content, discoursing with his Princes and Emperors upon the affairs of that days service; great was the noise throughout the City of the white Knight's valour, and in Court was no other talk but of the strange Knight that behaved himself so valiantly. The Emperor made great inquisition after him, but by no means could understand thereof.  
By this time Robert and his hound (as was his custom) entered the dining chamber, playing many pleasant tricks before the Emperor, who took thereat wonderful delight, Emines eye was continually fixed on him, and whilst the Kings talked of the valiant warrior, she purposely pointed at him. It fortuned in this incountrie that Robert had a little scratch over his right eye, which being but freshly wounded bled a little; the Emperor that loved him dearly, examined who had harmed him; great noise was there about the Palace of this injury, and no man would be known of it, only one Knight kneeling before the Emperor, certified his grace that the knight who had deserved so much in his service that day, was wounded in the same place, & that he suspected it was he. Robert fearing lest he should be discovered, began much more to play the Idiot, putting his Coxcomb upon the Knight's head & laughing, which caused all the Princes to take great delight: but Emine still pointed at him, & if the liberty of her tongue had granted her means to discover the secrecy of her thought, Robert assuredly had at that time been known. The Emperor notwithstanding began to gather on these allegations, and desirous to know the certain truth, privately appointed certain Knights against the next day to the number of thirty to attend the said Champion; and by some means to cause his discovery. In this manner passed they the evening in delight, till it was bed time, when as the Emperor and Empress (after order was given for the safety of the City) betook them to their rest, and the other several Lords and Princes to their lodging, at which time Robert and his hound entered their homely cabin, wherein meditating without closing his eyes, the salt tears streamed down his cheeks in remembrance of his sins, in thought of his father, in consideration of his country: and now came there to his mind how for six years and mare he had lived an abject life, unworthy his estate, the thought whereof so much abashed him, that it is unpossible to reckon up his perplexities: then called he to mind the kind effections of Emine, and his soul bemoaned that so perfect a person should have so palpable an unperfection: now applied he the cause thereof to the emperors sin, accounting the virgin happy, that by her want of speech escaped from many occasions of offence: then recorded he the effusion of Christian blood, and of mere compassion in midst of that thought he wept most bitterly, when the poor kind beast licked up his tears. In this sort spent he the night in consideration of many things, and in conclusion of the adventure of his life, for the safety of Christendom: whilst the approach of the morning called each one from his ●ouch, and the warning Trumpet called out to the fight, their went every one to arm him, and after they had heard the divine service, & taken some refection, prepared themselves unto the fight: In the soldan's Camp all were far otherwise, for the loss they received the day before envenomed their hearts, and made them more vigorous unto revenge, each one resolved with this Camarado, to subdue, or die; to conquer, or be confounded. In their looks were shadowed their tyrannies, and in their haste their hardiness. Scarcely were the alarms sounded on both sides, but the enemy gave the charge, and the soldan inflamed with love, and enraged with fury, sought by all means possible to confound his adversaries. On every side were heard the groanings of wounded men, some having lost their arms, some their legs, the son oftentimes was trampled under the horse feet of his father, and in these common miseries, nature herself stood amazed to behold the Massacres. The soldan which way soever he travailed, overthrew his resistants, the Emperor was by him unhorssed and wounded, and had not Pepin, and Charles of Burgundy rescued him at that time, actum esset de imperio. Certain men that were lightly wounded, brought no less astonishment into the City, than was in the battle, for they aggravated the discomfiture far more than it was, reporting that the Emperor was unrecoverably distressed. Robert hearting of these rumours, hasted to the Recluse, his soul groaned within him, and zeal overcame him, so that after some devout prayers, accompanied with remorseful tears, he mounted on horsseback, and having taken his arms, he so valiantly and furiously entered the fight, that those who beheld him, thought that some tempest had been stirred up, and some whirlwind issued from the City, in his fury he took no regard of person, murdering whomsoever he encountered: scarce could his horse stir himself for the multitude of dead men that fell before him: such of the Christians as fled out of the battle before his entrance, returned vehemently, so that the conflict was renewed with such vigour, as the heavens in vehement showers seemed to be weep the murder. The Emperor beyond all expectation, showed himself valiant, and approaching the place where the Norman Prince fought, he cried out for extreme joy: Oh hope of Christendom, thou flower of chivalry, thou anchor of mine Empire, the heavens requite thee: see how old in years my person shall accompany thee, how forward I will fight, and enforce thyself the more to prevent the desolation of yond City. Robert quickened with his words, departed as if he understood him not, and meeting with the soldan, gave him such a stroke on the helmet, that his horse fell unto the ground, and he himself was wonderfully amazed. The whole band of the Mamelucks seeking to withstand him, were either dissipated or destroyed, and be that thought to gain the chiefest triumph, enacted the choicest tragedy: in brief, as the tender blossoms new apparra●led by nature, issuing from their stalks as new borne creatures, upon the violent breath of a Northern wind, are deprived of their beauty and decayed in their blossom: so the Pagans beholding the forwardness of the assailant, and the feebleness of their assembly, fled away, both careless of their weal, and recureless in their wrack. Robert seeing the evening approaching on, the Christians proud with victory, the pursuit hot, the flight hasty, suddenly withdrew himself; for the gentle Western wind (a kind lovemate of the eventide) began with courteous breathe to assuage his overgrown weariness, the sun in the East set in his scarlet redness, pretending the beauty of the succeeding day, or the windynes of the following night; for which cause, dreading to be be scried, and desirous to escape, (ascribing all glory to heavens, and not unto his hand) he suddenly departed, leaving the Christians to pursue that with swiftness, which he had compassed by his sword, but whilst he seeketh to avoid the fury of his enemy, he is ready to perish through the means of amity, for the thirty chosen Knights appointed by the Emperor to descry him, at such time as he forsook the battle, followed him hastily, and couching their Lances all at once, on sudden assailed him: he seeing so many attempting him at once, turned his horse, resolving to endure the hazard, but finding their arms to be Christian, he spurred his horse, detesting utterly to come in knowledge: the pursuit was hot, the flight servant, the followers in despair, the flyer determined; how often smiled Robert to himself, knowing that he fled before he feared? how often feared they to touch him, that fled from them? in brief, some one better horsed than the other, seeing that the hazard of their credits depended on their knowledge, having the swiftest Horse, pursued the Norman Prince, and so eagerly endeavoured, that he gave him a deep wound in the thigh, and suddenly returned to his companions, knowing, that the bitterness of the same, and the eagerness of his grief, would soon disclose the obscurity of the sufferer. And now began the night to give freedom to the afflicted, and Robert means of escape, who arriving at the Hospital of the Recluse, set up his Horse, b●und up his wounds, and in his Idiotlie habit, entered the Court. Emine that had seen the battle, could hardly contain herself, entertaining the supposed Idiot with many solemnities, being only privy with the holy man to his ordinary rescouses. Often did she offer in signs, to show he was wounded, but Robert so cunningly concealed his agonies, as the world could not discern his grievance. In conclusion, the day closing up, the dangers were manifest, the Christians had the upper hand, the Pagans were discomfited, and the Emperor returning in triumph unto his Court, was solemnly received with Procession, and every valiant Prince entertained also with public applaudings. In the Palace was prepared a most sumptuous Banquet, and such Bonfires and benevolence was bestowed in the City, as if the Emperor had been but newly established. After such as were wounded were with comfortable Oils and Medicines revived, they set them down to Supper, yielding to almighty GOD most hearty thanks for their so fortunate victory, passing away the night in such mirth and iollicie, as if they had at that time solemnized some Festival. The emperors Treasury was opened, and benefits were employed on every side with great bounty: the Io Pea●s of triumph, resounded in all places, and amongst the rest a brave Poet, yet devout, after the solemn harmony of Music presented this Hymn.  

Eurylochus Hymn.  

WHen wasteful wars, (fruits of afflicting time)  
Have left our soil devoid of all suspense:  
When barren hope, the flower of earthly Prime  
Perceives that grace exceedeth man's offence:  
What may we work, or what may man pretend,  
Whereof to God he not ascribes the end?   

Our dull and fruitless fruits of fleeting earth  
Are sinful (like ourselves) that them suppose,  
sins harvest never fails, but grace hath dearth,  
Oh how contrarious mortal men are those  
That ground on this, that God hath griefs withstood,  
And yet from God acknowledge not the good?   

All Empires are exchanged, and changing thrive,  
(Yet only God is cause of every change)  
Estranged the men that were, from men alive,  
Affections thus still live, by being strange.  
In changes yet since God alone directs,  
He makes a change from grace who so neglects.   

In colours thus we compass much worth,  
All senseless in suppose thus sense we use  
(Great Princes) grace from secrets wendeth forth,  
Which proffered some accept, and some refuse.  
Let those who taste the fruits commend the tree,  
This I from God, and God hath taught it me.    
And besides all these revel, Robert notwithstanding his wounds, was in appearance marvelous pleasant, for neither the grievousness of his sin, nor the greatness of his misfortune could alter his delights in this public rejoice. He made pretty skirmishes with his hound, and after he had attained the conquest, seemed in choler to lead the kind creature in his leash. Now began he in signs to decipher his solace, presenting the Emperor with Palm bows in stead of victory and peace, and with an Olive Garland in token of a Conqueror, which gave the Monarch mighty occasion of rejoice, but the Monarch after his mind had for a while been detained with pleasure in midst of his thought of victory, began to inquire of him who was the occasion of his victory, and conferring with his Princes, he resolved himself by their counsels in what manner he might requite his courtesies, then calling unto him the thirty Knights, he questioned with them about him, who could no otherwise inform him, but that through the swiftness of his Horse, he escaped from them, and was by one of them wounded in the thigh, by which means they thought he should only be known, and by no other: this made the Emperor amazed, considering his voluntary obscurity, and great desert, but Emine still pointed at Robert, Emine still intimated Robert: some suspected this man, some that man. To be short, in that Christendom had been saved, and Rome preserved by his mea●es, by common consent it was ordered, and the next day most solemnly proclaimed, that he who had so well deserved of the Common weal, if leaving his voluntary obscurity, he would bring forth his white horse and armour, and show the wound that was inflicted him in the last combat, he should inrecompence of his good deserts towards Christendom, be made he●re apparent to the Empire, and receive in Marriage fair Emine the daughter of the Emperor. This being thus concluded, Emine seemed to rejoice, and embraced Robert in open assembly, moving her Father and Mother thereby to 〈◊〉 admiration. Each one through the Court, began to descant upon this event, and the whole City was suddenly styled with the rumour. At last the hour of midnight approached, whereby the weary travailed Princes were called to rest, and Robert aggrieved with his wound laid him down in his Cabin, and the ●ound supplying the office of a Surgeon, licked up the clotted broud of his wound.   

How marvelously the soldan was discontented after his overthrow, with the tidings that was brought him as touching the Proclamation.  
BUt where the Emperor solaced for victory, the soldan sorrowed in that he was vanquished, and entering his royal tent, altogether discontent, he began to exclaim on the destinies, to complain of his desaster, to expostulate with love, to repeat of his loss, yea so was his heart burdened with incessant griefs, his mind broken with remediless grudges, that from a reasonable man, he became enraged. Alas said he preposterous and injurious ●ortune, the variable goddess of human estates, and the 〈…〉 of worldly stability, thou temperest the indignities of those that trust thee not, and ouerturnest the dignities of those that tempt thee not. Thou hast made me, who whilom might compar● for felicity with Caesar, complain my misfortunes with Sertorius. I am bereft of delight, banished from love, and is not this misrrie? I am rob of my friends, reviled of my foes, and is not this martyrdom? Oh that I had been buried in my Cradle, or bereft of thy cruelty, or thou hadst been more constant or I more 〈◊〉? Worldy miseries have their medicines; discontents are ●elieued by counsels wants and decays by works a●d diligence, reproofs, by patience, in complexions all contrary humours have their helps. Anticira purgeth Melancholy, Rhubarb Choler, Scency Phlegm, Wounds have their 〈…〉 philosophy to help it: but love, the 〈…〉, the determined pestilence of 〈…〉 poison of the heart, 〈◊〉 unconquered 〈◊〉 of the soul, that hath no Antidotes to prevent, nor electuaries to comfort, nor persuasions to relieve, nor purges ●o expulse, only it is infinite in nature, and infinite in cruelty. Oh my life, how art thou miserable through my love? and my love, how misgovernest thou my life? by thee I have lost friends, and am desolate in fortunes, I perish in thy rage, my subjects perish through thy rashness. Oh that I had been persuaded, or, that I had better prevented. But why spend I the time in wishes, which are no means of welfare, una salus 〈◊〉 nullam sperare salutem. Let me die, for death taketh away the scandal of my decay, yea only death is the medicine of my misery: this said, he cast himself groveling on his bed, contemning all food, refusing all nourishment, neither could the persuasion of his Princes, nor the prayers of his soldiers, in any ways withdraw him from his 〈◊〉, till sudden news was brought by an espial out of the City, of the general Proclamation published in Rome, that who so could bring forth his white horse and armour, and show the wound that was 〈◊〉 him in the 〈…〉, he should in recompense of his good deserts towards Christendom, be made heir apparent to the Empire, and receive fair Emine the Daughter of the Emperor in Marriage. This news somewhat relieved him, and a sudden hope entered his hidden thoughts. He knew his own courage of as great consequence as any man's, whereby if he were crossed in his voluntary purpose, he might wag● the Combat, he gathered by circumstance, that the Knight who deserved, had vowed obscurity, and these tokens that were required were possible whereupon 〈◊〉 all his 〈◊〉, he only called unto him a certain 〈…〉 knowledge, with whom he so wrought with 〈◊〉, that he by Magic found'st the means to draw the 〈…〉 Robin's. Being by this means aided with all possibilities, he caused the 〈◊〉 to be forged with all expedition, and wounding himself vehemently in the thigh, he presently 〈◊〉 up the same, resolving by this means to deceive the Emperor, to compass Emine, and keep the remnant of his 〈◊〉 in security: whereupon, discovering his pretence unto his Nobles, and showing them both his manner and means, he armed himself, and committed the care of his army to the charge of his Princes, and so taking his leave, departed towards the City.   

How the soldan entered the City of Rome in his disguise, and made his claim to Emine who should have been betrothed unto him, and what miraculous chance did thereupon infew.  
ONe day and more after his last victory, the Emperor kept his bed, and viii. days continually after intended quietness, knowing that the enemy was too much weakened to provoke him as yet, yet sufficiently able in their trench to work for their own defence: it chanced, that upon the feast day of S. Peter (a day of great solemnity in the City of Rome) that after the Emperor with his other Princes had heard the divine service, and bestowed their bountiful alms on the poor, whilst in great pomp the mighty potenta●● sat in his hall, attended on by a manly train of Courtiers. The soldan entered the City in bright and lucid armour, his cre●t replenished and beawti●●ed with a plume of rich feathers, which overspreading the back of his milk white Steed in many beautiful colours, gave greater beauty to his horse and himself, and in that he was armed after y● Christian manner, the first court of guard let him pass. He was a Prince of high majesty, and wonderful dexterity in arms, and with such agility managed he his horse, as all the Citizens began to marvel, some alleging this, some muttering that, according to their natural opinions, and dispositions; but at such time as he entered the high street wherein stood the emperors palace, the second court of guard stayed him, and questioning with him what he was, it was answered that he was the very same knight that had rescued the Emperor, relieved Christendom, and deserved Emine, and for that cause he was come according to his Excellency's proclamation to claim his due. The rumour was no sooner spread, nor the word past, but he was entertained with general applause of the Soldiers, the Citizens began a festival, and all the chief Courtiers in magnificent pomp came out to meet him, when being dismounted and brought before the Emperor, after gracious salvations he began thus.  
Most mighty and famous Emperor of Rome, since the common voice throughout Christendom, and report in foreign Countries, attributeth as much constancy to thy word, as commendation to thy worthiness; I have being a Prince as mighty as thyself, and more courteous than thou imaginest, presumed to rely upon thy promise, and require the accomplishment of thy proclamation; I am the man Roman Emperor, that bewitched with the excellent beauties of thy daughter, have forsaken mine own friends, to relieve my foes, and have saved thy life, when thou soughtest my loss, I have invested a mean subject with the estate of a soldan, and from a soldan have I changed myself to procure thy safety; Love (thou great Potentate) hath made me murder mine own Mercenaries, massacre my native friends, yea love hath so governed my affections, that to enjoy it I have hazarded my fortunes: yet is the reward of my travel so great, and the regard of Emine so gracious, that were there thousand kingdoms to adventure, millions of Soldiers to lose, hosts of friends to forsake, I would leave them all to betake me to Emine; that I am the man, behold the means, the armour, the horse, behold the wounds, which thy pursuing Knights inflicted (wherewith he discovered his thigh) all which yield apparent testimony of my approved towardness; had this action been attempted by a stranger of mean estate, the desert had been mighty; but being practised by thy 〈◊〉 achieved by thine equal, how worthy 〈◊〉 I thy 〈…〉 The Emperor impatient of delay (his joy was so accomplished) arose from his royal seat, accompanied with all his Princes, and ca●●ing his arms about his neck began thus. I had not thought ●raue soldan, that such bounty of mind had remained in a Barbarian, to hazard his own fortune, and to relieve his foe: but since I see by apparent proof that thy virtue is beyond expectation, and thy deserts approve thy magnificence, my promise shall be accomplished, and Emine and this Empire, these Peers and mine own person, shall be at the soldan's command, only great Monarch it behoveth thee this, if thou mean to wed a Christian, to become a Christian, which if thou shalt effect, such a league of consanguinity shall be knit between us, as shall concern thine own safety, and the 〈◊〉 of both our subjects. The soldan that accounted no other heaven, than enjoying Emine, and rather respected his pleasure, than his profession, voluntarily condescended, and in the presence of all the Estates of the Empire was christened by the Pope, that was at that time there in presence, by the name of Frederick: great was the solemnity in the palace, and many the Caresses of the Courtiers: then were Lists set up, and Trophies erected, and nothing sounded throughout Rome but the marriage of Emine, who unawares was called for by the Emperor, and certified by signs of his determination. The poor Lady expecting nothing less than marriage of him she 〈◊〉, sent out plentiful tears, and spent many bitter sighs to the astonishment of her father, and the whole assembly continually pointing at Robert, who in the thickest of the assembly had heard all the coloured falsehoods, and smiled at them; but he that rather ha● care of GOD, than the world, set all pomp and 〈…〉 nought, acknowledging his actions to have been attempted for conscience sake, not promotion. marvelous was the 〈◊〉 of Emine, whose eye was never off of Robert, seeming as though with piteous tears she claimed his protection, which wrought in him a change of colour, and made him together with the grievousness of his wound to departed out of the assembly. Emine astonished hereat fell down in a sound, and being at last dawed after many mild persuasions of her father, alleging how her repulse was disparagement of his majesty, she condescended and vouchsafed the accord: great was the joy of the soldan, the rejoice of the Soldiers, the content of the Princes, the delight of the private: in brief, the day following the solemnisation was to be accomplished. The rumour of the soldan's success was no sooner spread thorough the Camp, but if there were applause in the City, there were marvelous triumphs in the Trenches, in such sort as it happeneth among Sailors, who when a bitter storm hath been past, and their ship in danger of drowning, forget their old damage, and rejoice, their late escape: so fared it with these Barbarians, who seeing the fairy of war ceased, the cause of peace commenced, forgot their former broils, and rejoiced at the preseuce of fortunes benefits. In great delight and jollity were these Princes conversant all the day long, and at night with no less expectation of pleasure, each one betook himself to his rest; only Robert who knew the determined day of his penance was expired, and saw that the Princess Emine did mightily affect him, began to conceive some sparks of pity, gréening that an impious Pagan should enjoy such 〈◊〉; and in such sort fared he, as those that play at the game of Chess, still preventing, but always fearing a mate, his mind was wholly addicted to God but the portion of the flesh began to conspire; great was the combat all the night long between hás affections, now of zeal, then of compassion, strait of love, for there is no generous heart but is capable of the same, The morning mean while began to push forth her beauties, weeping her 〈◊〉 sweet 〈◊〉 and pearlie m●ysture on every tree, plant, and flower in the meadows; the hills were adorned with the golden beams of the Sun, and Rome enriched with all the beauties of Nations, the spacious galleries 〈…〉 pearls, and tissue, every street was adorned with 〈◊〉, virgins with lamps of silver with sweet perfumes and odours appareled in white, with Coronets of pearl, their hair scattered about their bosoms attended for the Bride, and a noise of melodious music, accompanied with delicate voices awaked both the Princes that were to be espoused. First entered the soldan into the great Hall attended with his bravest Musulmahs, so rich & gor●●ous, that the Sun which beheld them seemed to dazzle at their devices: after entered the Pope with all his Clergy, singing most melodious hymns, when suddenly all the Princes attending, the Emperor marched forward, who twixt himself and Pepin of France, (the greatest of crowned Kings) brought fair Emine appareled like juno in all her pomp, and attended with all the beautiful of Europe; Robert among the rest in a new fools attire, was a special attendant, and oftentimes his heart earned and his soul sighed to see that another should enjoy his title; feign would he have spoken, but religious zeal closed his lips: In brief, when the solemn service was accomplished, the Pope in all solemnity presented himself in his Pontificalib●● to couple these two magnificent Princes together, Emine was brought forth, the soldan addressed, the Ceremonies were begun, and the soothfastness was to be plighted; when (lo the wondrous works of almighty GOD) Emine at such time as their hands should have been joined, violently drew hers backward, and suspited by divine providence (●●ter she had been 〈◊〉 from her infancy thethert●) she began thus.  
Unhallowed Pagan, who to perform thy lust, counterfeitest Religion, and to attain my love, hast coined a lie; know thou that though thou canst dissemble with the world, thou canst not be hidden from GOD: with what face (〈◊〉 soldan) canst thou claim another's right? or entitle thyself to that honour which thy vetters have deserved? It lies not in that weak hand to contain such hardiness, in that 〈…〉 firmness, couldst thou reach to that honour wanting faith. It was not man (ye Princes) it was no human power (dread father) but the divine working of God by the means of this supposed Idiot, that gave us conquest: This Robert surnamed (for his wicked life in times past) the Devil, who hath turned his damned deeds to devotion, is he that rescued the Emperor, was armed by me, was horsed by my command; and if he be searched, is the very man who was wounded by your Knights; this soldan's armour is magical, his Steed infernal, himself perfidious; why permit you (Princes) that he who hath soiled his hands in your bloods, should be served like a Prince of high bounty? Lay hands on him, inflict bonds on him, flay the viper ere he sting, and the Crocodile ere he can devour. These words were uttered with a confident and bold spirit, and all the assembly was abashed at this wonder; the soldan stood as a man that had lost his senses, and the best Romans began to flock about Robert. During these miraculous events, whilst each man's tongue was kept mute with marvel, the holy Recluse entered the presence (ordained as it is thought by divine ordinance) in his hands bore he the true Armour, and about his neck the girdle and sword, having a religious Novice at his heels who led the white Steed; who taking Robert by the hand marched through the press, and prostrating himself before the Emperor and Pope, began thus. How many ways (you ties of Christendom) hath God permitted error to supplant the righteous, to the end that beyond expectation he might express his righteousness? The lips that were shut hath he opened, and the things that were hidden hath he revealed; Patroclus is not Achilles (ye Princes) though he wear his armour, nor the Fox the Lion though he wear his skin, nor the Crow the king of birds, though he hath borrowed the feather, nor this soldan the deserver, though he hath claimed the title: but most sacred Emperor, this man is the cause of your safety, Christendom is beholding to this prince, and Normandy famous in this Robert; and that this is he, what greater 〈◊〉 (before my God) than Emines testimony? hath not God given her an instrument to open desert, which before time was closed with dumbness? and that this is he, what greater proof than the very Armour, the very Sword, the very Steed, concealed and kept by me for greater secrecy? Behold the wound, not enforced by a voluntary stroke as is the soldan's, but by a favouring hand who laboured to discover him; if therefore truth being opened, be preferred before error, and condign worthiness before impiety and wickedness, Emperor accept this Prince of Normandy for thy son, who procured thy security; for thy kinsman, who rescued thy Country, so shalt thou perform the duty of a just Prince, and be commended for thy providence. This said, he discovered Robert's th●gh, and presented all the titles of his claim, and craving private conference with him, was permitted to converse with him alone in a hidden chamber: mean while the Palace was in an uproar, and some swords were drawn to assail the soldan, who abashed & ashamed at his discovery, seemed rather a dead than a lives man. But the Emperor who saw in his looks the tenor of his looseness, being a gracious and benign Prince, withstood the assailants, and after thanks given to the heavens, and kind embrace to Emine, he spoke in this manner to the soldan. Pagan, though it be in my power to cut thee off, it is not my pleasure to use discourtesse, I see it was fancy that made thee feign, and folly that hath procured thy fall, I know thy estate is desperate, thy soldiers spent, thy Musulmahs discomforted; and in that I disdain to combat with these who are welny conquered, I pity thee, and pitying thee grant thy peace: If therefore thou wilt presently departed my Court, dislodge thy Camp, and leave Christendom, thou and thine shall enjoy both life and liberty, and that for Emines sake; if not, resolve thyself to die, to see thy Nobles destroyed, and the memory of thy name entirely exterminate and extinguished. The soldan pondering with himself his perilous estate, seeing his love recureless, and his liberty reckless except he accepted the opportunity, answered the Emperor in this sort. If my fancies have made me foolish, bear with me Emperor, more mighty than I have fallen; for the attainment of Emine if I have feigned, I must now only repent it, bearing a deep wound in my thigh, but more woe in my heart: for my life I respect it not, were it not I regard my subjects; for thy bounty I accept it, and will departed Christendom, and so relying on thy word I take my leave, surrendering thee thy Christianity, since thou hast here●t me of mine Emine. This said, reviling and exclaiming on destiny, the Pagans departed, and tru●●ing up their baggage shipped themselves, leaving both the siege and Christendom, which was mightily comforted by their departure.  
By this time had the Recluse absolved Robert, and acquitted him of his penance, and advising him to put on a rob of majesty, he brought him into the great Hall unto the Emperor, when as kneeling upon his knee, the brave Norman began thus. Since my penance is performed, and my conscience discharged, (most mighty Emperor) I must acknowledge thy inestimable bounty, who for this seven years space hast maintained me being an abject in mine own country, and odious both to God & man: for which bounty if I have done your majesty or Christendom any service, it was my duty, who having defaulted in my former life time, aught in my reconciled years to follow honourable actions. The Emperor hearing his grave and wise salutation, seeing him an amiable and comely Prince, embraced him, and lifte● him up, replying thus. I thank my God (brave Norman Prince) that he hath opened truth, to discover treachery, & in stead of a Pagan hath recommended my Emine to a Christian, for which cause hold take the honour of my estate, and the hope of her father, take Emine, who by divine providence was ordained for thee, and by right and duty appertaineth to thee: and in so saying he caused the Ceremonies of Marriage to be solemnized between them, to the wonderful rejoice of all the assistance. Pepin of France seeing one of his Peers so fortunate, wept for joy, neither was there any one Potentate that entertained not Robert with hearty love and kindness; the Empress rejoiced in him, Emine heartily embraced him, and such was the solace throughout the City, as may not be expressed. During these pompous solemnities, the Emperor bethinking him on his promise, caused the Princes to be assembled, where he invested Robert with the Imperial Diadem, proclaiming him heir apparent of the Empire after his decease. In which pomp and triumph I leave them, returning a while into Normandy where our History began.   

How A●bert hearing no news of his son, after the term of seaven-yeares died, leaving the possession of his Dukedom in the hands of Editha and the Lord Villiers, with the lamentable treasons that thereupon ensued.  
AVbert the old Duke of Normandy, after the departure of his hapless son Robert, lived a desolate and discontented life, hearing no certain notice of his safety, or security, for which cause he took such inward thought, that at such time as seven years were overgone and expired, he gave up the ghost, leaving the charge of his Dukedom (till Robert his son might be found out) in the hands of Editha his Duchess, and Villiers a Peer of his signory. At such time as his funerals were fully finished, Villiers seeing Editha was a Princess of a mild and merciful nature, nothing delighted with troubles, or worldy affairs, took upon him the handling of all controversy; and so sweet was the bait of signory to him, in a short time, that from being an agent for another, he began to imagine the means how to take the whole possession into his hands: Little suspected he that Robert was living, and as for Editha since she was a woman, he supposed it an easy matter to supplant her, and her power: for which cause, after many conclusions, and melancholy deliberations, he suborned two false witnesses, who accused the Duchess of poisoning her deceased husband, so couloring the accusation with probabilities, and corrupting great men by bribes, that Editha was imprisoned, and after a while adjudged, which was, either within the term of a year to find out a Champion to defend her truth, or else to be consumed with fire. The chaste Princess seeing iniquity prevail against equity, perceiving the judges ears were sh●t, and the great men's tongues silent, and beholding her former friends, how like summer birds they forsook her, she cast off all care of life, grounding herself upon her innocency, and returning to prison, led therein a solitary and lamentable life, whilst Villiers enjoyed the Signiory. Often and many were her complaints, accompanied with fervent prayers, and divers times called she to remembrance her former offences, and bethinking herself of her son, wept bitterly. One day looking out of her prison window, (from whence she might behold the thick Forests, and pleasant Meads) she bethought herself how wretchedly she had cursed her womb, and the unhappy fruits of her tempting God: for which cause, humbling herself on her knees, and shedding tears of compassion, she spoke thus. O my God, thou art just, but I injurious: I tempted thee by unlawful curates, thou chastisest me with deserved cruelty: I imputed my barrenness to thy wrath, not to my wickedness, and sought help from the Fiend, in hope to be fruitful: this my tempting of thy Majesty, exempteth me from thy mercy, and my lewd desires are the cause of my lamentable destruction. O Mothers learn by me, let him that made all things, moderate all things: let him that granteth increase, prefix the time of increase, except not against his glory, lest he exempt you of his goodness: his delays are no dalliance, his decrees are divine: since therefore he doth dispose of us, let us not oppose ourselves against him: O father of mercy pardon my impiety: let mine innocency have rescous, as thou art the God of the righteous: thou that savedst Susanna secure me; thou that relievedst Daniel deliver me: in this sort, and with these sighs, full often and many times did this poor Princess bemoan her mischief, exclaiming on the impiety of her accusers, whilst suspicious Villiers thought every hour an age, and every day a year, till her dares were determined, yet in outward show he bemoaned her, visiting her oftentimes, presenting her with many delicates, enterprising with all possible industry to rid himself of suspicion, and abuse her simplicity: divers of the Princes privily murmured, seeing his ambition by his behaviour, and his craft cloaked under courtesy, but as times have their revolutions, so truths are discovered, which shall manifestly appear by the sequeale that in●ueth, wherein it is evidently proved, that God never fa●leth those who put their trust in his mercy.   

How Robert after he was invested in the Empire, heard of his Father's death, and departed to take upon him his Dukedom, accompanied with Emine his Empress, and Pepin of France, with other Princes.  
WHen Robert surnamed Devil, had in this sort attained to the Monarchy, enjoying the type of world's felicity, wherewith ambitious minds are greatly delighted, yet showed he himself to be so far estranged from vainglory, that he wholly attributed his good fortunes to the deui●e Majesty: his delight was to converse with holy men; his study the heavenly doctrine, he entertained Hermits with great devotion, and Pilgrims received great presents at his hands: in this sort remained h● beloved of his equals, and honoured of his subjects, ●ffected by the Emperor, fancied by Emine, till a desire took him to revisit his own Country, & converse with his own friends, and ●o to the f●●therance hereof, how occasion ministered itself. It chanced at such time as all the Christian Princes prepare to make return into the Countries, in that the wars were finished, that Pepin had certain letters sent unto him, whereby he understood of the decease of Aubert, and the estate of the Duchy, which he imparted with Robert, whose sudden sorrow caused the whole Court to be detained with discontent. In brief, his heart so earned at the slender and weak estate of his native Country, that at last he attained licence from the Emperor, to go visit the same: Emine likewise was permitted to accompany him, with many other great Lords, so when all things were in a readiness, he took his leave of the Emperor, who with entire affection, and tender favour, embraced both his Son and Daughter, recommending them to the safeco●duit of the Almighty, and King Pepin, who accompanied them: and so long they travailed with gracious entertainment in all great Cities, that at last they arrived on the frontiers of Normandy, when as Robert bethinking him of his Fathers, loss, began to weep, whom Emine comforted with many amiable consolations, and Pepin persuaded with sound and sage reasons. They had not long travailed, but they met a damosel galloping in great haste, and lamenting so piteously, that it grieved the beholders: aged she was, yet goodly of parsonage: and being earnest in her haste, would have overpassed the Princess, had not Robert stayed her, demanding the cause of that her so great expedition. O Prince (said she) for no less thou seemest, hinder not my haste, lest thou harm an innocent: for why, my let is the loss of such a 〈◊〉, who hath not her equal in the world for virtue▪ yet shortly is like to perish through treason and villainy. Robert knowing her countenance, questioned further, and his mind persuaded him, that the cause nearly touched 〈◊〉, as in sooth it afterwards proved, for the Lady ripped up unto him the whole discourse of Edithas imprisonment, her accusation for poisoning her husband, the subtle & malignant insinuations of Villiers, neither pretermitted she any thing that might concern his Mistress, or move affection: she told how his Lady was adjudged to death within three days, if she found not a Champion, (for only three days remained of the year) she declared the earnest haste of the accusers, and concluded thus: Now noble Prince, since thou knowest the cause of my travail; if courage serve thee in the attempt, O be forward, and help the forsaken, for more noble canst thou not fight for, more gracious canst thou not adventure for: but if thou prefer thy rejoice before justice, pleasure before prowess, and bear the name of a Knight, but not the nature, O stay me not, stay me not good Prince, I will seek out Pippins Court of France, where are valiant Knights and virtuous, stern in rigour, studious of right; who if they forsake this cause, are worthy to entertain none. This discourse finished she with abundant tears, neither was there any in the company so hard hearted, who be wept not Edithas misery. Robert inflamed with displeasure, replied thus: Lady, thou hast found a Champion, seek no further, hear is Pepin to allow him, and a Princess to appoint him: this said, he in private conferred with the King of France and Emine, desiring them to take easy journeys, whilst he and the messenger intended the safety of Editha: the request was so reasonable, that it was quickly granted him▪ whereupon he took his horse and armour, and travailed with the ancient Lady, resolving himself in every respect of that he suspected: yet concealed he himself, though she required his name very earnestly, and taking up his lodging near the City of Roan, he charged the Lady to go and comfort her Mistress, assuring her that she had a Champion that either would die or acquit her. The Lady was not ●●ack to accomplish his command, but so schooled her Mistress by comfortable admonitions, that she who before times was altogether comfortless, began to gather some consolation. And now the prefixed day was arrived, when Villiers desirous to effect his pretended tyranny, had erected an ample and fair Lists in the chiefest and fairest plain adjoining to Rouen, building sumptuous Scaffolds for the judges, providing place of audience for the prisoner, leaving nothing unsought for, that pertained to that tragedy: and at such time as the assembly of estates was set, he brought forth the Champion, a kinsman of his own, well instructed in arms, and resolved in the complot of treason. This brave Cavalier richly mounted, bonded his horse before the judgement seat, offering to do his de●oire toward the approbation of the Duchess treachery. Then was the prisoner called for, where Editha carrying in her looks the badge of modesty; in her behaviour the courage of a Matron; apparrailed in black Velvet, and covered with a vail of black Tissue, ascended her Scaffold, attended by all the chief Ladies of Normandy, who to testify their melancholy, were in like manner attired mournfully. After that Editha had done her obedience to the judges & Estate, she was demanded for her Champion, who returned this answer. It is extreme injury, and no justice (you Fathers) when Princess shallbe condemned like private persons, without respect of their Majesty, or regard of their accusers: for otherwise was Auberts' hope (ye Lords) who appointed me to command you, and not to be condemned by you: but duty I perceive was buried with him, and those that honoured him in his life time, it was not for love, but in hope to get living. I am accused for poisoning Aubert, ye Peers, and you yourselves were eye witnesses of his natural death, when no sign of treason, no token of violent death, appeared either before his death, or after his departure. Had he taken potions, they should have wrought, but you know there was no violence in his pangs, but even the infirmity of age that fashioned him to his grave. But you will say there are witnesses, and what allege they? forsooth that I bought poison, but of whom? that I tempered poison, but where? that I ministered poison, but when? were you as forward to examine circumstances, as you are affected to listen to complaints, you would blush either at your wilful blindness, or undeserved malice. But be it as you pretend, adjudge me to the fire, yet shall I die innocent; call me murtheress, I know I am innocent; for my Champion, I have not sought him, but God hath sent him: if he come not at the summons, let my 〈◊〉 be consumed, this is the aim of mine enemy, and the worst of your envy. This conclusion she vetered with confident boldness, insomuch as Villiers blushed, and some of the Peers began to suspect him: well, the summons was sounded according to order, and brave Robert of Normandy boldly entered the Lists, offering to adventure his life in the behalf of Editha. Great was the joy of all the Ladies, to see so goodly a Knight enterprise the Duchess right, and Editha in thought seemed to claim some part of him: but leaving tedious circumlocutions, this in brief was the effect of the matter, the Champions were sworn, and the judges appointed, and after sound of Trumpet, and Proclamation, the Combat was commenced. Great was the courage of the accuser, but greater the constancy of the defendant, the one fought for money, the other fought for his Mother, the one tru●●ed to his force, the other to his faith, the one fought with fear, the other with confidence, in brief, the one no less animated by amity, than the other emboldened by equity, after their Lances were broken, they betook them to their Swords, where (after some small resist) Robert lent his adversary such a stroke, that he cut off his right arm, and killed his Horse, and nimbly buckling himself unto his enemy, who prepared to fly, rend off his Helmet fro● his head, and rudely casting him on the earth, commanded him either to discover the truth, or he was but dead. It is wonderful to see the affection of faithful Commons to their natural Princess, for no sooner was the appellant overthrown, but they all with common voyc● cried out, God save Editha our true Princess and innocent. Villiers was abashed, and descending from the judgement seat, sought means very politiquelie to make away the vanquished, before the villainy were discovered: but Robert prevented the same, for menacing him that was in his danger with present death, he in open assembly discovered the Treason, the Complot of Villiers for the Dukedom, leaving nothing untouched, that might manifest the Duchess innocency. This his confession so moved Robert, that taking Villiers by the hear of the head, he drew him to the judgement seat, causing the Escheu●s of Rouen to lay hold on him, when mounting up the Scaffold where the Princess sat, he took her by the hand, and conducted ●r to the chiefest seat of judgement, and opening his Beaver, he humbling himself on his knee, spoke thus;  
Though my unworthiness before times (most gracious Duchess, and courteous Mother) deserve not the sight of so reverent a person, yet acknowledging my faults, and beseeching your favour, behold your Son Robert (for his wickedness before times surnamed the Devil) now humbly prostrate before you in all du●tie: though I have been a corrosive to you in your youth, behold, God hath left me to be a comfort to you in your age: Rejoice (Madam) and as appertaineth to you, punish this Traitor according to his demerits. And you unnatural Normans, that neglecting duty, have affected doubleness, grow ashamed at your follies, and confess your faults, who have countenanced a Traitor, and contemned your Sovereign. Editha devoured in joy, in stead of reply, fell upon his neck in a sound, and with such entire affection embraced him, that it was thought that both their bodies were united together with a mutual sympathy of affections: and after she was revived a little, stealing a long kiss from his lips, she began thus. And art thou yet living my Son, or are mine eyes deceived? Yea thou livest my Son, for nature tells me so, planting such a joy in my heart to see thee, as I never had so great will to sigh for thee. Oh the fruit of my womb, and the comfort of thy father, had Aubert lived to behold thee my son, to have seen thy wild ●alliance exchanged to wise discourse; thy fond behaviour, to affable benignity, thy divellishnes to discretion; oh the joy, oh the solace; but he from heaven beholdeth thee, and I on earth embrace thee. The Peers and Ladies cut off her further discourse, each one presenting him homage and humble salute: whereupon taking Editha with him, and placing her on the right hand, he with great gravity ascended the judgement seat, and spoke thus to all the assembly. Were I as insolent, as I have been accustomed (my countrymen) neither would I ascend the place of judgement, nor condescend to administer justice: but since God hath humbled my heart, and altered my affects, and made you happy, in calling me home, hearken to me my Subjects, and consider on my sayings: If absence altar not heritage, as it cannot, and forgetfulness change not duties, as it should not, you ought ye Normans to account me for your Lord, and accompany my care for you, with your love towards me: and for this love and duty you employ on me, I must level out and devise means to preserve you, which can no better be administered but by justice, which ordereth all things with so determined judgement, that the good are maintained for their goodness, and the bad punished for their injustice: Since therefore in the entrance of my government I find cockle that hath choked the corn, weeds that have overgrown the herbs, and perverse men who have inverted policy, I will take the sword in hand like a commander, and root out this cockle from the corn, these weeds from the herbs, these rebels from the righteous, that the good may better flourish, and the bad stand in more fear; for which cause (ye Normans) since it is confessed, and approved, that Villiers with his competitors, have conspired against the Lady Duchess my mother, our will is that they perish in the same fire they provided for the faultless, and suffer the same punishment they ordained for the innocent. All the whole people applauded his righteous judgement, and justice was orderly executed, whilst each one marveled at his excellency and wisdom. After than that he had received homage of the Peers, and was invested in the Dukedom, at such time as he was entering Rouen with his Lady mother, the King Pepin with fair Emine richly accompanied presented themselves; great was the gratulations twixt Pepin and Editha, who courted her in this manner. Madame, though your son Robert departed from you a rebel, he is returned in royalty, being not only Prince of Normandy, but Emperor of Rome, this his Lady and wife, these his followers and wellwishers; so is your sorrow paid home at last with great solace, and the grief you have endured requi●ed with gladness. Editha when she heard these tidings was ravished with joy, humbly entertaining Emine, and honouring her son; great was the triumph in Normandy for the liberty of the Duchess, the return of the Duke, and after long and festival solace, Pepin received homage and fealty for the Duchy, and returned to Paris in great pomp: Robert, Emine, and Editha remained in Rouen, till afterwards being called to Rome upon the decease of the Emperor, he became of an irreligious person, the only royal paragon of the world.    

Epilogus.  
GEntlemen, I have given colours to a rare conceit, as full of wonder as worth, as full of perfection as pleasure, in which I have satisfied humours, and performed history, observing with Apelles the proportion of lines, as Protogenes did the disposition of lineaments, keeping such method in my humours, as the spheres in the heavens: where Venus is placed near Mars to correct his malice, and mirth is planted in this discourse to detect the imperfections of melancholy. If Prosperus seek for contemplation he shall find it; if Quintilian for invention, he may meet it; yet are all things tempered with that equability, that we contemplate no more than we may avow, nor invent no more than we can verify. Here may the despairing father find hope in his sons untowardness, and the untoward son take example to please his despairing father: here is Eben, though black in colour, yet abiding trial: let those that make no Idol of their wits, be master's o● this work; for the rest they shall if they read, find a thorn where they seek a thistle, and a reason to condemn themselves, though they commend not this sequel: and so courteous Gentlemen relying on your favours, I bid you farewell.  
FINIS.