THE HEROICAL ADVENTURES OF THE KNIGHT OF THE SEA COMPRISED IN THE MOST FAmous and renowned History of the Illustrious & Excellently accomplished Prince OCEANDER, Grand-sonne to the mighty and Magnanimous CLARANAX, Emperor of Constantinople, and the Empress Basilia; and son unto the incomparable Olbiocles Prince of Grecia, by the beauteous Princess Almidiana, daughter unto the puissant King Rubaldo of Hungaria.  
WHEREIN IS DESCRIBED HIS Parent's misfortunes, and captivities, his own loss, strange preserving, education, and fostering (by Kanyra Q. of Carthage) his Knighthood, admirable exploits, and unmatchable atchievementes, graced with the most glorious conquests over Knights, Giants, Monsters, Enchantments, Realms, and Dominions; with his fortunate coming to the knowledge of his Parents in the greatest extremity of their captivity; his combating, affecting, and pursuits in his love towards the rarely embellished Princess and Lady-knight Phianora, daughter unto the invincible Argamont King of England, by the gracious Princess Clarecinda.  
AT LONDON ¶ Printed for William Leake, 1600.   

Favourable Readers whosoever  
IN the exposing of this History unto you, I thought it best to deal with you, after the manner of that puissant King of the Lacedæmonians, Agesilaus: who being chosen (according to the custom at such friendly meetings) by drawing of lots, the master of the banquet (whose office was to prescribe how much each guest should drink) and being asked of his Sellerer, how much wine he should set before each of them? If there be store (saith he) give every one as much as he requireth: if there be but little, divide it equally amongst them; to the end there should neither be want of wine, nor any man enforced to drink more than he thought sufficiently convenient: So I, tracing his steps herein, wish no man to spend his precious time in reading this my history, any longer, than it standeth with his own liking: neither will I discourage any one, that taketh liking thereof, from the continual reading; promising to him that desireth most, enough: and leaving to them, that at the most esteem the least for enough, leave enough to use therein their own discretions. As for those who having once perused the same, and are desirous once more to renew some especial matters: as also for them, whose weightier affairs will not lend leisure to the reading of so long an History, I have set down my Chapters so, as some of them are almost full histories; at least, amongst other strange adventures, contain sundry Tragical and lamentable relations: The names whereof you may find in the table. What faults are either committed for want of good heed in the writing, or haste in the reviewing, it resteth in thy patience to pardon it: if in the history itself, it remaineth to my power to perfect it. Which, till my leisure shall give me better leave to perform, I leave you to the perusing of what already is proposed.   

The Table of the Chapters.  

HOw after great wars, the emperors son of Constantinonople was espoused to the beauteous Princess of Hungary: & how Olbiocles combated the Knight of the Tiger, who wrongfully challenged the espoused Princess for his lady: and by what means the knight of the Tiger escaped death. Chap. 1.  
The extreme cruelty the Knight of the tiger inflicted on Allua the damosel of the Round-Iland: & how he caused the Dwarf Toydell to cast himself headlong into the Sea. Chap. 2.  
How the Princess Almidiana, in the absence of her husband the prince Olbiocles, was surprised, with the princess Eristama, and all her Ladies, by the stern Giant Ortolomorgantell: And how the princess Almidiana was delivered of a most beautiful infant: and to what exigents she was driven, to save it from destruction, Chap. 3.  
How Olbiocles, Alfortio and Orthisius, with other Knights, put themselves in inquest after the Giant Ortolomorgantell, to rescue the enthralled Princesses: and how Olbiocles arrived on the Island of Acconumbo: where, in revenge of the damosel Alluas death, he fought with Treglador, the knight of the Tiger: And of the exceeding joy the Queen of Carthage made, for the young seaborn babe, her brother Artimagus sent unto her. Chap. 4.  
How after Orthisius and Alphortio had put themselves to sea, they arrived at the Isle of Sicily; where they encountered with a strange adventure of Oezima the duchess of Siracusa; whom they delivered from the terror of death, to which she was betrayed by the treacherous dealing of her wicked Aunt Atryelph: who by the consent of the Citizens, was put to a most cruel death. Chap. 5.  
How Oceander, excited by the lamentable discourse of his fostermother the Carthaginian Queen Kanyra, undertook to revenge the deaths of her husband Asdrey, and her son Sygandez, on the tyrant Marcymodez: And how he valiantly assaulted, and slew the Duke of Thebes, younger brother to Marcimodez, and hung his carcase over the walls of the castle Carzar, to the terror of his enemies. Chap 6.  
How the Gentleman of the sea attempted the adventure of the enchanted shield, which he achieved. And how he was presented by a Dwarf, with a most gorgeous coat-armour from the wise Artimagus: in the which he received the order of knighthood of Marcimodes, whose nephew Nigrasto he combated: for whose death, he left all the camp in an uproar. Chap. 7.  
Of the knight of the Tigers arrival, at the Hermit Calandre his Cell: and the comfort the old father yielded him, by the relating of his own misfortunes: Howbeit Troglador enraged with the remembrance of his committed wickedness, with his own hands ended his life, in the Hermit's grove. And how Olbiocles, finding him dead, delivered his body unto Calandre, to be buried: Of whom he received strange directions concerning his inquest. Chap. 8.  
The assault of Marcimodes against the Castle of the Queen Kanyra, & of the cruel combat betwixt him & the knight of the sea; and how by Marcimodez treason he was caught captive, and was redeemed by the valour of the strange Knight of the Five swords; by whose aideance, Oceander slew Marcimodez, and discomfited his whole army. Chap. 9  
How Oceander departed from Carthage, with Medion (knight of the five swords) to the enchanted Castle of Bryarostez: where he conquered the Giant, and dissolved the enchantment of the Sorceress Mardegua; whereby he recovered the valiant prince Ptoladine to his senses, and finished the adventure of the Fountain etc. Chap. 10.  
How the princes of France and Spain arrived at the kingdom of Volcania, where they combated the usurper Terindantes: who perceiving he should be vanquished, murdered the imprisoned Queen Mabina: and desperately throwing himself headlong from the Tower of the palace, being not altogether dead, was afterwards put to a most cruel torture. Chap. 11  
How the knight of the Sea, accompanied with Briarostez and Medion, in the way as they travailed to the fiery cave of the Egyptian princess Cyafa, encountered with xi. Knights, who would have forced a Lady: whom they overthrew. And how Oceander freed the Infant of Egypt from her fiery prison, and entered combat with the Grand Cardigan, for the release of the Knight with the Golden shield: who, at the enchantress Mardeguas entreaties, afterward combated Oceander; & by what accident they were parted. Chap. 12.  
How Norin and Nigramounde, the sons of the Giant Cardigan, overtook the Infant Cyafa: whom, in revenge of their father's death, they would have murdered; but were with shame repulsed by Bryarostez & Medion. And how the Knight of the sea arrived on the Island of the enchantress Malagda. Chap 13.  
The arrival of Olbiocles on the Island of Malagda, where he remained of a long time enchanted. How he was delivered from his transmutation by the knight of the sea, to whom he related his unfortunate metamorphosing: And how he supposed Oceander to be drowned in the boat of the enchantress. Chap. 14.  
How Phianora, the princess of England, arrived at the city of Constantinople, where she found the Emperor Claranax his Court in exceeding sadness. And how she obtained of the Emperor to proclaim a lust for the precious mantle of Mardegua: her conquest over many Knights, and dangerous combat with the knight of the sea. Chap. 15.  
oceander's delivery from the enchanted mantle of Mardegua, by the arrival of Artimagus his messenger: with whom, the Knight of the Sea departed unto the wise man's Castle: of the death of Artimagus, and the doleful mourning of the Carthaginians for him. Chap. 16.  
How Phianora, the Lady-knight, freed the knight of the leopard, from the wonderful enchantments of the Gyantesse Gola, & her two Sons Norin and Nigramound: with whom she departed unto the Rocky-Iland. Chap. 17.  
The terrible and perilous combat, that Olb●ocles and the knight of the Golden shield had with Ortolomorgantell, the giant of the Rocky-Iland: their distress by their devilish adversary: and their unexpected rescue by the valorous knight of the Sea; by whose aid they slew the giant, and released the distressed princesses A●midiama & Eristama, cha. 18.  
Of the dangerous conflict betwixt the Knight of the Sea, and the barbarous Pirate Tolurino, brother unto Marcimodez. His peril, and conditional yielding to the fleet of Tunis and Tangur, as champion of the Alcharon against the christian Emperor of Grecia. And of the original of the hatred between Tomarin and the Emperor Claranax, for the death of Tumanio. Chap. 19  
How Olbiocles, Phianora, Almidiana and Eristama landed on the Island of the Hermit Calandre. From whom they carried tidings to the Emperor Claranax of the purpose & proceeding of the Kings of Tunis & Tangur. And of the exceeding joy the Emperor, and the Empress Basilia made, for the recovery of their long absented children, and their politic preparation for the resistance of their approaching Pagan enemies. cha. 20.  
How Tomerin of Tunis, Tangu● of Tangur, the knight of the Sea, and Tolurnio, with the residue of the Pagan army, accosted the Isle of Sicily: where they slew the Duke of Hybia, and took Orthisius and Alfortio prisoners, and enforced King Dionine & all his subjects, to forsake christianity, & become Mahometans. Cha. 21.  
How the Pagans, arriving at Constantinople, sent Ambassadors to summon the Emperor to personal appearance, before the Potentates of Tunis. And how the knight of the Sea slew the young prince of Sparta, for his stout reply in the behalf of the Emperor his master. and of Claranax his resolute answer to the message of the king of Tunis. Chap. 22.  
Of the great battle between the christians and the Pagans, cut off by the coming of the night, begun afresh the next day wherein the Grecians went with the worse: & their revenge wrought by the slaughter of 17000 Barbarians And how the Pagan Princes, enraged, concluded the speedy confusion of all christendom. Chap. 23.  
How the christians were utterly vanquished of the Africans, the city take● by the Infidel's; the Emperor, Empress, the Kings of Hungary & Bohemia, and all the estates of Greece put in strong prisons and manacled etc. And how by the sudden arrival of the wise Magartez, Oceander knew himself to be a christian. Cha. 24.   
The end of the Table to this first Part.   

A Table of such tragic Relations, as are in diverse places occurrent, being rather occasions of adventures for variety, than altogether of the Essence of the History.  

1 The tragic tale of Allua and the Knight of the Tiger. pag. 9  
2 curio's Rustic to Olbiocles. pag. 26.  
3 The miseries of Oezima Duchess of Siracusa. pag. 48.  
4 The lamentable Tragedy of Asdrey and his Son Sigandez, murdered by Marcimodez- pag. 53.  
5 The story of Ericlea and Tantanez, Governor of Memphis. pag. 64.  
6 The pitiful History of Basileon and Albinoe. pag. 79.  
7 Of Ptoladine and the Infant Cyafa. pag. 97.  
8 The Tragedy of Terindantes, and the Queen of Volcania. pag. 109.  
9 Of Zodalin and Lydia. pag. 117, & 118.    

❧ THE FAMOUS HISTORY OF THE Heroical adventures of Oceander Prince of Graecia (Grandsonne unto the mighty Emperor Claranax of Constantinople, and Son unto the excellently accomplished Prince Olbiocles and the incomparable Princess the fair ALMIDIANA of Hungary) the Knight of the SEA.  

CHAPTER. 1.  
¶ How after great wars, the emperors son of Constantinople, was married to the beauteous Princess of Hungary: And how he combated the Knight of the Tiger, and vanquished him, who wrongfully challenged the espoused Princess for his betrothed Lady. And by what accident the Knight of the Tiger escaped death.  
AS soon as the bashful mistress of the morning, from the windows of the East (mounted in her golden Chariot) had sent forth her radiant blushes to illuminate the darksome forehead of night-shadowed Cosmos: 
Olbiocles departeth secretly with Princess Almidiana from Hungary.  The illustrious Prince of Graecia, Olbiocles, being already sped of his precious prize, the invaluable Princess Almidiana; posted with all the speed possibly he could, from the unsuspecting Court of Rubaldo. And taking his troublesome journey with most speedy celerity from his pursuing enemies, within four or five days he attained the uttermost bounds of Hungaria. From whence with great joy entering into the confines of the Grecian Territories, he leisurely shaped the latter part of his travail towards the famous city of Constantinople: where arriving, he remained in secret in an acquainted friends house, with his most beauteous sister (for so he termed her for that season) the admired princess Almidiana. Who attiring themselves in unknown abillimenrs, traversed up and down the streets to their good contentment; until such time as Olbiocles' page, Curio, having followed a great concourse of people to the emperors palace; brought tidings that Rubaldo, 
Open wars proclaimed between Hungary and Greece.  king of Hungary, had by his Ambassadors proclaimed open war against the whole Empire of Greece, in regard of the dishonour offered unto him, by the stealth of his daughter Almidiana from his Court, by you my Lord Olbiocles, quoth he. But what answer (said Olbiocles) did the Emperor my father return them? Answered the page: He denied any such fact to be done by his consent: and for his excuse (being urged) he proffered to defend his innocency by dint of Sword. And now on both parts they are making head, to invade each others Territories.  
These news struck the princess Almidiana to the very heart; so as her colour changing, she was almost ready to swoon, for the sorrow that she endured: Insomuch as at length, enforced by the extremity of her grief, she braced forth into these passions.  
Wretched Almidiana, how art thou tossed in the seas of endless trouble! and vexed with the torments of eternal anguish! having no remedy to help thy misery, nor no Balsam to salve thy misfortune. First, by reason of my loyal love, did I forsake my kingdom to enjoy an husband: And now (miserable that I am) having obtained, I dare not be acknown I do affect him. And thus (unable to prevent it) shall I see my dear dear love, the causer of my Fathers, Countries, and husband's harms: & by their untimely hurts, mine own final destruction: which I can not eschew but by danger; which I cannot conceal but to my disparagement: which (gracious heavens) I would only might extend to me; thereby that I alone might woefully bewail such happened misfortunes.  
But (foolish woman that I am) why do I bewail, what cannot be helped! with the unwise Physician, seeking in vain to salve that sore, that cannot be recured. What say I? lament unhappy Almidiana; and weep at thy mischance. Nay rather be patiented, and rebuke not thy misfortunes. God hath not created thee to be confounded: neither made thee a Princess, to be always punished: hope well therefore (poor Princess) and if this hap be unlucky, blame not thy fate, but thy folly, that hath made thee to adventure so far beyond the limited bounds of thy obedience; as to make thee frighted by thy father's frown: thereby becoming the sad subject to the turning wheel of Fortune.  
In these lamentations continued the woeful princess of Hungary, continually receiving hopeful comfort from her dear Olbiocles; 
The Grecian & Hungarian armies encounter.  until such time as (open wars being proclaimed on either parties, between the Grecians and Hungarians) both the Emperor Claranax, and Rubaldo had brought their armies to the encounter: wherein many worthy knights, on either side, by the deadly fury of their fierce opponents being most cruelly done to death, the generals at length pitying the wonderful destruction of their innocent subjects, incited each other to try the right of their quarrels in a single combat: whereto the King Rubaldo was the first in moving of the question.  
Mighty Emperor of Constantinople (for though thou be my enemy, I will not abase thy title) since it hath been our unhappy fortune, 
Honourable not to derogate even from his enemy.  to contend in this unkind enmity together, to the endangering of both our Diadems; let our indignation reach no more to the ruin of our subjects: but since for our cause is grown this contention, let our own arms defend our justice; that thereby none but the offenders might make satisfaction for his offence, with his blood. To which the king of Hungary's words, the Emperor thus replied; Puissant King of Hungaria, although it becomes not the Emperor of Constantinople in his own territories, to abase myself to any inferior Potentate; yet since your request is so reasonable and profitable for both our Countries, I condescend to combat thee: with a full hope (or ever it be long) to make thee confess the treason, with too dear a repulse for thy enterprised invasion.  
Now are the soldiers on both sides, barred out by strong fastened lances from a prepared place, purposely chosen out by most skilful champions, for the two chieftains to fight in which being finished; the king of Hungary entered as challenger on a milkewhite palfrey, 
Single combat between the Emperor Claranax & Rubaldo.  with trappings of the same coloured velvet, embossed about with silver bars: prancing up and down the lists with a wrathful mind, expecting the coming of his opponent: who presently approached the lists, on a dapple-gray courser, clad in rich comparisons of tissue; adorned with mighty hosses of the refined gold of Ophir; who, putting his Lance in the rest, gave forth to encounter with his fierce Hungarian adversary. Who assaulted each other so furiously, as both their lances broken upon their helmets; they were borne out of their saddles, and both of them sent headlong to measure out their lengths upon the ground. But nothing amazed at their falls, they rose up lightly, & vnsheathing their keen courtelaxes, they gan speedily to prepare themselves to their foot encounter. But Olbiocles, at length fearing the heavy chance of war between such noble potentates; having with him his beauteous Almidiana, with great celerity possed unto the combat; seeing so fit an opportunity; stepped in between the menacing Potentates; and showing his naked breast, began in this wise to allay the fury of the enraged Combatants. 
Olbiocles with the Princess manifest 〈◊〉 ●●clues to their Parents.   
Here, here (most mighty Princes) in this breast of mine sheath those keen instruments of your anger; For I alone am the causer of this contention; having enfired your princely hearts with rage, and provoked your unkind displeasures; against you. Be ye therefore revenged on me (dear Princes) or else for my sake lay away these arms; upon whose causage you have levied them; that either I may live in your affections, or make yourselves the actors of my afflictions: that if my tongue cannot beg full pardon for my offence, yet my heart blood being shed by you for the profit of the common wealth, might at length purchase some few floods of tears to bewail my unhappiness. Speak Rubaldo; say dear Claranax; I am Olbiocles, shall Olbiocles die? Behold Almidiana, shall Almidiana die? We are your unfortunate children; dear parents, shall we die?  
Herewith he finished his speech with sighs; and as well the good Emperor, as Rubaldo, unable to refrain from weeping, let fall their sword and stood amazedly gazing upon their submissive children; with sorrowful souls, craving their reinstallment in their absented fatherly favours. Which woeful sight when the attending soldiers beheld, they all fell down upon their knees; with one voice praying mercy, for the woeful princess, whose incessant effusion of tears from their eyes fountains, 
Olbiocles and the princess reconciled to their father.  declared the abundance of their heart's sorrow. Wherewith the fury of the offended parents being at last mollified; they were again most lovingly reconciled unto one another, and the match between the two princes, being concluded upon; with all speed possible their marriage was in most sumptuous order celebrated. In the time of whose enduring, to declare what knightly Iustes, tiltes, tournaments, what royal bravery in feasting, infinity of pleasurable pastimes were enacted, would not only be tedious to the reading: but also superfluous for the recital: 
They are o● p●●sed.  wherefore to following accidents we will apply us.  
The marriage rites being in this sort solemnized; in the very midst of their chiefest pleasure (whilst the Emperor Claranax with the Empress Basilia, in company of a number of other estates, and knights of Graecia, and Hungary, were recreating themselves in the Palace garden) news was brought unto the emperors highness, of the arrival of a certain knight, with the device of a Tiger on his shield; being a knight of a mighty making, and of most proud carriage, armed in complete harness of a sable colour, fitting his mind's contentment, who came unto Constantinople, to defy the Prince Olbiocles, in defence of his rightful interest that he had to the late espoused princess Almidiana: whom he challenged for his true betrothed wife; and in defence of his challenge, he offered to maintain his justice by force of arms, against whom soever durst to enter combat in the Prince Olbiocles behalf. 
Troglador challengeth the combat of Olbiocles.  The good Emperor hearing the knight of the Tigers so insolent presumption, waxed blank for anger, whereby the knight remained unanswered for a long space; until such time as the prince of Spain Alfortio, in the room of the Prince Olbiocles (who a little before was ridden on hunting) gave him this petty morsel to stay his enraged stomach.  
Think not untutored knight of the Tiger, that thy bare boasting and threatening braves, shall in regard of the maintenance of so just a quarrel, drive the meanest knight in the emperors Court to his trumps, or make any of us fear thy manliness; whose manhood we have never experienced. By thy stately gate, and comely accomplishments, thou seemest to be a valiant knight; and yet believe me, were you valiaunter than you are, he were worthy the name of a coward, that should stand in doubt of your force, before he had made trial of your fury. In which regard (by the emperors permission) I here, in the name of the Prince Olbiocles, pronounce the unjustness of your challenge, avowing to defend his right he hath, unto the Princess Almidiana, in arms against thee unto the death. Haste thee then (replied the strange knight) unto the combat; that or ever an hour be at an end, I may abate thy foolish hardiness, by thy miserable death.  
The consent of the Emperor herein obtained, they presently departed from the hall; the one to the place appointed for combats; the other to arm himself, for defence of the prince Olbiocles right. Who having by this time heard of the knight's presumption, he left of his sport, and 'gan presently return to the city; where having armed himself in unknown armour, arrived at the lists, as Alfortio was ready to enter: whom beckoning aside, he entered the lists and prepared himself to answer the threatened objection of his adversary: Who having set his spear in the rest, spurred forth so fiercely against Olbiocles, 
Combat betwixt Olbiocles, and the knight of the Tiger.  as breaking his staff on his shield he passed by with as good a guerdon; being wounded a little in the left shoulder. Wherewith nothing at all aggrieved, he returned upon the valiant Greek, with his sword in his hand, determining to requite his former foil, with a triple damage, on the helm of his adversary: who I warrant you entertained him so valiantly, as having cleft each others shield, & bruised their armours in many places; in that the fight had almost continued an whole hour, they began both for to be weary; but especially the knight of the Tiger; who by reason of his wounds received in diverse places, was scarcely able to stand: which the Grecian prince perceiving, he utterly denied all time of resting; but rather more fiercely laying load upon his enemy, he enforced him many times to stagger, in such sort, as ha● not a young Damsel (attended on by a dwarf) come speedily unto his rescue, 
T●oglador vanquished, and saved by the Damsel Allua.  Olbiocles had smitten his head from his shoulders: but even as he was unlacing of his helmet, the Damsel kneeled down before him, with showers of pearled tears trickling from her eyes, most instantly begging his lives pardon.  
Fair Grecian Prince (she said) if ever mercy did harbour in thy knightly breast; or thy mollifiable heart can relent at the pitiful entreaty of a Damsel, then be now most gently moved unto compassion; and intimated by my woeful prayers, be gracious unto thy vassal: and though he have thus grievously offended, yet (gentle Olbiocies) by my words, let thy heart be wooed to relenting. Damsel (replied Olbiocles) is this wounded knight any thing of kindred unto you, that you entreat thus for him? Not any thing a kin to me (answered the Damsel) but for the dear affection that I bear unto him, I have adventured to crave his release. Damsel (quoth Olbiocles) at your entreaty I shall willingly grant him life; but otherwise assure you he should have died, for his villainy: herewith he delivered the wounded knight unto the Damsel who binding up his bleeding wounds; laid him on her Palfrey, and in all hast departed from the emperors Court towards the seaside; where we will leave them taking shipping, and return again unto our Champion.  
Olbiocles, having thus obtained the victory of the knight of the Tiger, presently spurred his horse to departed again from the company; But Alfortio clapping his hand fast upon his shoulder, began to stay his journey with these speeches.  
Sir knight, although I may think it a proffered injury, to be in such sort disappointed of the combat; which in knighthood I ought to have performed; yet scorning to envy your chivalry, I only demand you to declare your name. in recompense of the injury. To whom the Prince answered; Sir knight, I am not ashamed to declare my name; yet since you have objected unto me, the proffering of an injury: know I am resolved, at this time not to manifest it. The Spanish knight was almost enraged, with this discourteous answer, insomuch as he was ready to draw out his Scimitar: but remembering himself, he thus replied. My Lord Olbiocles, you need not in sooth to conceal your name in this sort from your friend: but that you always love to be thwarting me. Had I not known you by your speech; we might have begun but ill-favoured jesting: here at Olbiocles laughed, and presently approached to the Palace window: where doing his duty to the Emperor; he caused exceeding gladness in the hearts of the Grecian Princes, who not a little rejoiced at his happy conquest, gotten over the knight of the Tiger.   

CHP. 2.  
¶ The extreme cruelty inflicted by the knight of the Tiger, on the silly damsel of the Round Island, and how he caused the dwarf Toydell to cast himself headlong into the Sea.  
But in the interim of those actions, the sorrowful Damsel of the round Island together with her Dwarf Toydall (for so was he called) with great care and exceeding speed, having got the wounded knight of the Tiger safely aboard her ship, which she had lying at anchor, in the havens mouth of Constantinople, she applied many healing plasters to his wounds, & with such diligence tended his hurts, as greater could not be expected at the hands of the best Chirurgeon in the world. But yet, for all her applying of medicines, and doing whatsoever other necessaries about him, he continued still in a dead swoon; so as the poor Damsel doubtful of his reviving, most woefully despaired of his happy recovery: and for very grief to think on his woeful disaster, she remained in a quandary, almost in a manner besides herself. But to the end you may the better understand the occasion of this Damsels affection, I will briefly relate unto you, from the beginning, the cause of her loving him.  
This Damsels father being called Acconumbo, having spent his youthful years, in following of knightly adventures; in his older age, 
Acc●●u●bo a wicked governor.  kept his abiding in a certain castle in the round Island, which he held as his patrimony. Now he being a very cruel man, and of a most severe nature, not contented only to tax and rate his loyal subjects, but also at most base prices would deliver up the lives of his people, into the hands of their enemies: which the chiefest men of the Island, seeing by no means they could remedy, consulted together to bereave Acconumbo of his government: amongst whom this knight of the Tiger (called Troglador) was one of the chiefest; who by his professed love to the young Damsel Allua (for so was this Damsel called) obtained means to enter into Acconumbos Castle, 
Allua for T●●glado●s ●●ue be ●a●●●● her father Acconu●bo.  where he got her (enticed by his fair loves promises) with her own hands to help strangle her distressed father: who in the pangs of death, on this wise exclaimed against her beastlike cruelty.  

Acconumbos' curse.  

Unnatural, not my begotten daughter;  
Some hellish hag, hath me, with thee beguildy;  
Hard is thy heart, for to commit this slaughter;  
More fit for savage beasts, & Tigers wild;   

Yet scarcely shall we see their paws defil'de,  
Or jaws berayed with murdered parents gore:  
And yet wilt thou prove so unkind a child  
To him, who thee hath nourished of yoare?   

Think heavens at last will plague thee for this ill,  
And damn thy soul to everlasting fire:  
(Inhuman) then refrain thy wicked will;  
'tis not a petty sin to slay thy Sire:   

But if thoul ' needs perform this wicked act,  
And father's cries can not thy anger suage;  
Bear to thy grave, with terror of thy fact,  
The cruel curse of my declining age:  
If heavens be just, account hereof withal,  
By him thou lovest best, thy life shall fall.    
But nothing relenting at her father's words, this hard hearted Damsel proceeded in her enterprise; which being performed, 
Acconumbo strangled.  and Acconumbo now by her unnatural means deprived both of his life and dignity; she curtezanlike fawned upon succeeding Troglador; who being a knight of no less beauty & wisdom, than fortitude & magnanimity, was chosen, as Governor unto the liberties of the Round Island: wherein established, he kept aloufe from the Damsels love, and made a may-game at poor Alluas affections, 
Trogladorcasteth Allua off.  and setting his favour on an higher Phoenix, thought by force of arms (as you have heard) to bereave (in his foolish bravery) the Prince Olbiocles of his new married bride. Thus was poor distressed, Allua had in contempt by him she most affected; yet was her love so exceeding towards him, as all the while he remained in his amazement, she did nothing but weep, sigh, groan, & wring her hands; wherewith tearing her hair from her head, she would blame her ha●, lament her misfortune, & curse the time that ever she was borne unto such misery.  
Oh unfortunate wretch that I am (said she how am I able once to lift up my eyes unto the heavens, 
True lo●e n●●er 〈◊〉 the greate● danger.  who have most justly made me thus miserable; since both my wickedness is so exceeding as it can not be pardoned, and my misfortunes so extremes they may in no wise be remedied. Hapless woman that I am, woe worth the hour wherein first I breathen: for even from my infancy have & been nourished unto mishap, & tended up under an unlucky planet, to be the only anatomy of hate & wretchedness. O my dear heart & love Troglador; why do my woeful eyes endure to behold thy fair sweet body thus massacred, and thy manly limbs so cruelly mangled: I would I had been harmed for thee, so that thou wouldst have pitied me; I would I had been wounded for thee, so my trickling blood might have mollified thy heart to have taken compassion on me.  
At these last words Allua shed such abundance of tears, as her sight thereby failing, she fell in a swoon at the side of Troglador; but by the dwarves diligence being recovered, she prepared herself to her second lamentation; but perceiving the knight of the Tiger begin to open his eyes, 
Troglador waketh out his swoon.  she ran unto him to embrace him & comfort his drooping senses; but he marveling how he came thither, remembering himself of the battle had with Olbiocles, & knowing by his received wounds that he had suffered the wrack of his honour, & verily supposing that the Damsel was cause of his disparagement: he fiercely rose out of his bed (which seemed to blush with the bleeding of his wounds) and taking his Scimitar in his hand, he came unto the trembling Damsel, & renting her up and down the cabin wherein he lay, he tore of all her golden hair, from her swollen head, 
He cruelly murdereth Allua.  beating & bouncing her with his fists, & kicking her with his feet, remorseless at her cries, & obdurate unto her clamours; at length (thinking therein to prove the more cruel unto her) he cast her into the shipboate, and binding her hand and foot; with his dagger he nailed her to the ribs thereof; & dipping his finger in her blood, he wrote these horrible verses for her Epitaph.  
The love the father bore the child,  
Condemned, forsaken, scorned;  
Converted unto curses wild,  

Impiety against pa●ents never passeth unpunished.  This wicked wretch forlomed;  
Whose foolish fancy frenzie-like,  
Fell fury did compel,  
To seek her death at champions hands,  
Whose soul (condemned to hell)  
Covets with nought but ugly bands  
Of hideous fiends to dwell:  
Where hundred tongues can scarcely half  
Her suffered torments tell.  
And a little underneath, to the Spectator.  
If hateful horror may  
Thy harmless heart affray,  
Bewail this heavy sight,  
With s●d and sorrowing spirit,  
Contrary unto him,  
That did commit this sin;  
Whose heart shall near repent  
The c●us● of 〈◊〉 torment:  
W●●●●ickednesse was such  
To father, and to me;  
As torture none too much  
For her I think to be.  
Having written these inscriptions on the side of the boat, he cut the cable, wherewith to the ship it was fastened: & letting the same go at random, he returned towards his cabin again: where finding Toydell the dwarf crept behind a farthel of merchandise (half dead for fear) to save himself from Trogladors' fury, he dragged him out by the ears, and causing him to run up to the top mast, with threatening words, and daring menaces, he made the poor wretch to tumble headlong into the Ocean: from whence how he escaped, and also of the revenge wreaked on the most cruel knight of Tiger; another chapter shall serve in due time to treat of.   

CHAP. 3.  
¶ How the Princess Almidiana, in the absence of her husband Olbiocles, was surprised, with the princess Eristama, and all her ladies, by the stern Giant Ortolomorgantell; And how the princess was delivered of a most beautiful infant; whom she commended to the tuition of the unmerciful waves.  
COnstant & joyful remained the fair Princess Almidiana to her loving Olbiocles, in such sort, 
Almidiana with child.  as the time almost expired of woman's expectation, her womb (impleat with an happy burden) began so extremely to give evidence of her down-lying; as for a great while being somewhat weakened thereby, she was feign to keep her chamber: but at length her sickness somewhat overpassed (though the time of her painful travel, then nigh her, approached) she determined for her recreation, to walk a whi●● in the fields next adjoining with 〈…〉 Athens, Orthisius, the Prin●● 〈…〉 ●teous Erista● 〈…〉 dies, & lusti● 〈…〉 Emperor 〈…〉 in that it 〈…〉 Flora ha● 〈…〉 Siluanu● 〈…〉 ●ding t● 〈…〉 and fr● 〈…〉 the ye● 〈…〉 ●pen 〈…〉  
〈…〉 ap● 〈…〉 al● 〈…〉 ●ningly supported by many pretty wands of hazel: upon the compassing rafters whereof, 
Solaceth her with Erastus and other ladies at Meroanders' Arbour.  were many pleasant devices lively both painted and engraven; as of birds, the prating Popinjay, the ashbredde Phoenix, the fatal Screech-owl, the coal-black Raven: Of beasts, infinite both alive and pictured, were artificially placed all along the sides of the benches: whereof some were of stercer, others of milder, more of stranger, and the rest of a commoner; but none of servile or contemptible natures. As for fishes, there wanted not great store of them; by reason that quite through the arbour there ran a most sweet and pleasant stream. Which pittering on the pretty pebbles, made such a dulcet harmony, as seemed to be the music of the Sea-gods, in the ears of the hearers. Quer the top of the entrance into this pleasant arbour, were hung up, by Moroander (who was thief artificer in this devise) certain gratulatory verses, in a table of the wood Pla●anus: which the Princess Almidiana taking in her hand, perused, unto herself, this courteous welcome.  
heavens joy,  
earths pleasure,  
junnes love.  
〈…〉 ●towes  
〈…〉 ●enter● 〈…〉 ●f the 〈…〉 entertain his gests in the most royalty he could. How excellent their banquets, what cheer, sports, and pastimes were; or how eloquently they framed sundry histories to pass away the time withal, it is needless to recite; lest we should be longer demonstrating them, than their pleasures lasted; which received a cruel cross by the sudden approach of a mighty Giant; 
Their disp●res dashed by the arrival of Ortolomorgantell.  his name was Ortolomorgantell, stern Governor of the (remote and almost unheard of) Rocky Island; who being informed at his Castle Lapidine, by a certain Hungarian prisoner, of the great beauty of the Princess Almidiana; with all possible speed, he took shipping, and scouring along the sea to Hungary, he had been thereto seek her: In the chief city whereof he did great scathe, slaying the people, wounding the young Prince Morcavill, driving him and the Queen Anaxia his mother, by force of arms, to seek for saveguard in their Castle; where hearing that the prey he so laboured for, was abiding at the Court of the Emperor of Constantinople, he returned back with his shipping unto the coasts of Greece; where he thus unluckily arrived, even at the time when the Princess Almidiana and Eristama, were in the midst of their pastimes; when being certified by a prisoner that she, for whom he sought, was in that company, he presently set hand to his falchion, and rushing in amongst the troune of trembling Ladies, he ran unto the Princess, 
The Princess' surprised.  and taking them both (half dead) under his arm, he began to departed with his prisoners; when the Prince of France, loath to let him pass so quietly, recalled him in this sort back again.  
Stay furious Devil, and suppose not to go so lightly away with those Ladies, before you have underpassed the vigour of my correction. Ortolomorgantell made little account of the Prince's words, but passed on without any fear or regard of them; which made the Prince, in a chafe, to advance himself the faster towards him; when taking his sword in his hand, he smote the Giant a cruel blow on his left arm wherein he held the Ladies; wherewith he was almost feign to let them fall from him: but yet remembering himself, he used them as his buckler against the unhappy French man; who well might make proffer; but never wound the Giant, for fear of hurting the two distressed innocents, whom he knew assuredly the Giant lead unto their deaths. Wherefore as a man beside himself he stood amazed; and by grief being made careless he stood leaning on his sword, altogether astonished at his hard misfortune, that he could not be a succour to the distressed Princess' sorrow.  
You may well swear, that Ortolomorgantell was not in the mean while idle; 
Orthisius laid for dead, and Meroander.  for so soon as he perceived in what case the matter stood with Orthisius, he flourished his falchion about his head, wherewith striking a main blow at the Prince's head, he laid for dead on the ground; and not staying any longer to prosecute the Tragedy, departed unto his ships, where he staid for his other soldiers; who, with multitude had oppressed the manhood of the Grecian knights; and leaving the duke of Athens most pitifully wounded; were returned unto their master (like hags to the devil) with the remnant of the Ladies.  
Ortolomorgantell, glad of his got prey, binding the woeful Ladies with cable to the ship mast; 
The Giant setteth sail with his prisoners.  hoist up his sails, & putting from the shore; shaped forth his journey to the place, from whence at first he invited himself to this enterprise.  
Being about the midst of the afternoon, he thus put off from the shores of Greece; and with great swiftness sailed he, until it was an hour before the decline of Apollo the earths rejoicer: when mounting upon the hatches of the ship, wherein himself sailed; he perceived (making unto him amain) four tall ships; who being approached, called unto the mariners of his ship, to yield them prisoners unto their mercy: which Ortolomorgantell hearing, presently started up, and with his falchion in his hand and his steel plaited shield on his arm, casting a grim look at his enemies; with a terrible voice he demanded; who durst be so bold as to interrupt the passage of the mighty O●tolomorgantel? wherewith closing furiously with the ships of the pirate Tolurnio (who was brother unto Mar●im●des the usurping king of Carthage) he presently leapt into one of them; 
Conflict betwixt the Pirate Tolurnio, & Ortolomorgantoll.  and smiting all those that he met under his feet, he met with Tolurnio, who resisting the giants rage, was occasion, that between them two there grew a most bitter bickering: which no doubt has been dangerous unto both of them, had not the dark secrecy of the silent night come suddenly stealing upon them; whereby being unable any longer to continue combat, they were enforced to ungrapple their Barks, and cease off the conflict.  
But now return we to our prisoners. No sooner was the conflict begun between this merciless Giant and the menacing pirates, but that the Princess Almidiana and Eristama recovered their senses; and reviving out of that their long continued trance, they fell most woefully to bewailing of their miseries; Eristama wonderfully, for death of her brother Orthisius: But Almidiana more grievously, both for the loss of the Prince of France, as also for the unlucky absence of her dear husband Olbiocles, thus lamented.  
Ah dear and loyal husband Olbiocles, how exceedingly will thou grieve when thou shalt hear of my captivity? And how bitter will be thy anguish, 
almidiana's lamentation.  when thou shalt know of my miseries? Little wilt thou brook with patience my penury: and lightly thou wilt not sorrow at my mishaps; but wilt fret with anger to be partaker of my mischiefs. Dangerously thou wilt adventure for my releasement; but in thy attempts, God shield thee from the author of my evil; who worse than a devil, 
True love desireth no copartner in misery.  holdeth forth horror and hazard to destroy; venture not sweet Prince, endanger not thyself so much for my sake dear Olbiocles. But since my destiny declines to dire destruction, and that necessarily I must abide in this thraldom, cheer up thy heart (dear husband) and let this one thing suffice to comfort thee: That as I lived, so I will die none but thy dear and loyal Almidiana.  
On this manner did the distressed Princess both lament and comfort her disconsolate thoughts, until such time as enforced by her grief, the time of her lying down appreched; and for grief of her heavy burden, giving great shrieks and grooms; the Mariners moved by her distress unto compassion (and the rather because they had been Christians) give her Ladies leave to convey her down into ●inner cabinet, her painful throws coming upon hereafter grievous torment suffered, she was within a while deliverer of a most goodly infant; whose beauty causing her greater sorrow, ●nfo●ced her ●ongue on this sort to lament the child's mis ortune.  
Ah dear Infant in what unhappy time I have traveled in childbed with thee, the Gods do know, and thou art unable to acknowledge: but what great miseries after this luckless tinte of thy birth thou art like to suffer, thyself I fear shalt too exceedingly feel, whilst I thy unhappy mother shall grieve at thy misfortune.  
Herewithal she kissed the child, and with the tears falling from her eyes, weeping most extremely, in the excess of her passions, she was thus comforted by the Princess Eristama. 
Eristama comforteth her.  Doubt not (dear Madame) of your poor Infant's happiness, neither affright yourself, concerning his future fortunes. Heaven (no doubt) hath not blessed you with an husband, that you should die in thraldom: neither graced this Infant with a Prince to his father, to the end he should suffer the wrack of his happiness. What though at this time you continue a captive to the tyranny of your fierce enemy Ortolomorgantell; yet you ought to be patiented: and although your child be borne in this time of disaster, will you therefore torment yourself? Nay, rather thank the Almighty, who showed you such favour in your distress; and become not impatient by your miseries: but have a firm hope, that he (the God of heaven) who hath blessed you with such an offspring, will deign in his mercy, to provide for all following casualties.  
The distressed Princess Almidiana, was somewhat recomforted, by the good advice of Eristama; wherefore she cleared up her cloudy brows, and with a more mild fare (according as her sorrow would suffer her) looking upon the infant, he seemed to her thinking, to smile upon her. Wherewith she said, God grant (my sweet child) that after a sunshine there come not a cloudy tempest. Herewith they heard some knocking at the door of the cabinet: who reported unto the Princess the success of the fight, and how he thought that very speedily the conquest between Tolornio & Ortolomorgantel would be finished; which struck the Ladies to the heart: but knowing they had no remedy but patience, they remained quiet; consulting by what means they might save the harmless Infant from the fury of this devilish monster. But alas, 
The Lady's devise for the child's safety.  what should they do? On what should they so (in vain) consult? Two ways only there was, both doubtful; either of life, or death. If they should keep him still, who could tell whether Ortolomorgantell would save him; or offer him (according to his wicked custom) up on the altar; of his heathenish God Metrath Agorah? Or if peradventure he did decline from his devilish custom, and save his innocent blood; yet it was too manifest, that he should for evermore continue a most wretched captive: where, if he had not what was sufficient to maintain him, he was like enough, either by cold or hunger, to suffer danger. What then should be done? This one way wrought assured mischief, and the other brought as much danger. For if they should commit him to the mercy of the Ocean, who knows not that the Seas are senseless, and therefore merciless? 
An hard choice.  If they place him in a boat, where will he have victuals? or having victualling provision, in this hapless misery, what man shall help him? Who shall feed him? or what kind heart shall cherish him? Help himself he cannot: yea, though meat be put into his mouth, he can not eat it He is but an hour old, and can not shift: he is but tender, and of no force, and therefore can not help itself. what then shall he do? What means shall the wretched mother devise for his delivery? Cast him into the Seas? Perhaps some nature-incited Dolphin, will on his back take pity on him? Who knows that? were he Aryon, he could not without an harp be saved: or had he an harp, being he could not use it, it were bootless: or could he use it, yet being so tender, the winds would have power of him, and the chilling cold of the billowing waters, would with a sudden stiffness stifle him. Oh poor child, how unfortunate is thy fate, and how unhappy thy chance, to be borne in such a time of miseries? Yet God shall purvey thee of better fortunes.  
With these sorrowful considerations, the woeful mother exceedingly terrified, for very grief was ready to give up the ghost: but being recomforted by her ladies, she received courage to cross her mifortunes; and at the last consented, with patience to commit her silly soul to the tuition of the calmed Seas. In which determination, taking the babe in her arms, bestowing on his heart (whereon by Nature were lively depainted the billows of the Ocean; which by his hearts panting waved up and down like the maritime deep) a thousand kisses, into his opened bosom, of- a whole volley of sighs, she breathed out this affectionate farewell.  

¶ The Princess almidiana's farewell to her most dear Infant.  

MY pretty babe, whom royal Sire begot  
On beauteous mother, in unhappy time,  
In whose nativity kind stars deigned not  
To future happiness for to combine,  
Their prosperous glory foreshowing shine,  
Behold thy mother (sitting in my lap)  
With watery eyes bewailing thy mishap.   

Thy wicked hap, which woeful fate abodes thee,  
To cross thy sweet spring, with sad winter sour:  
Which from thy infancy (poor soul) o'reloads thee;  
And chiefly for thy infant-yeares want power,  
To shadow thee from saddest sorrows shower;  
Whose stormy gust's, and frosty nipping blast,  
Thy fair youth's heaven, with grief shall overcast.   

For why? (unkind) I must against my will,  
Even in a moment thy poor self forsake,  
And to thy luckless lot, must leave thee still,  
Unto the senseless Ocean to betake  
Thy tender corpse, whose piteous cries might make  
An harder heart, then mine (God knows) to rue:  
Yet I poor soul, cannot the fact eschew.   

Ah, what will others say, when they shall hear  
How cruel I am proved to my child?  
Will they not bounce their breasts, and tresses tear?  
Cursing, fell vengeance on a deed so wild?  
And say, Medea never proved so wild:  
For she did only slay her infant brother;  
But thou thy son: O most tyrannous mother!   

Her fact may be excused, her shame may leave her;  
Consuming time her cruelty may hide;  
But thy most savage deed shall blamed, ever  
Within the memories of men abide;  
So as, though time do near so swiftly slide,  
Yet shall he on his wings, transported still,  
Cary remembrance of my wicked will.   

What then (unhappy wretch) wilt thou effect?  
Which way wilt thou determine his relievance?  
Wilt thou, for fear, his safety neglect?  
And still retain him to a farther grievance?  
If hear he stay, he dies: if go, perchance  
Some happy star may guide him to good fortune:  
Which otherwise might too much ill importune.   

Then silly soul, why should I longer stay,  
From prosecuting what I have intended?  
What though a while from me (poor babe) thou stray,  
Unto the raging billows safe commended?  
It must be borne which can not be amended.  
And since withouten help I must forsake thee,  
Sweet boy, to God's tuition I betake thee.     

CHAP. 4.  
¶ How Olbiocles, Alfortio, Orthisius, and other knights put themselves in inquest after the Giant Ortolomorgantell, to rescue the enthralled Princesses: And how Olbiocles arrived on the Round Island; where, in revenge of the damosel Alluas quarrel, he fought with the Knight of the Tiger: and of the exceeding joy of the Queen of Carthage, for the young Seaborn babe that her brother Artimagus sent her.  
Delivering forth together with sobs and sighs, this sorrowful farewell, she set her last loves signet upon the tender lips of the young infant: whom, having wrapped in warm swaddling clothes, 
Hard shift.  she put into the ruins of an old chest, which by the help of an honest mariner, (who pitied her case) was with pitch so cunningly fastened from taking any violence from the waves, as hoping the Gods would, as well in this little plank, as well as in a greater vessel protect him, speedily she delivered the silly infant up unto the tuition of the Ocean.  
But the Almighty pitying the child's miseries, most graciously provided for his safety; for by his divine institution & providence, he caused a poor fisherman, who was casting his nets about the shores of Asia, to draw nigh unto the ship, & (having never seen any such before) to stand hovering about it, & in amazement, to gaze exceedingly upon the strangeness thereof. Whereof the Ladies being advertised, called him unto them and some of them giving him their purses, others their bracelets, girdles, chains, or whatsoever else might seem of worth, to carry that child unto the Emperor of Grecia: which he promising to do; they delivered the child, & yet before they would departed with him (as well as they could) they gave him his christendom, by the name of Oceander: 
The child christened Oceander and delivered to K●lus a Fis●man.  which greek word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 signifieth a man of the Ocean: Whereafter suffering the poor fisherman to departed with his charge; th●y all with one consent returned unto the masts again; whereto being, as they were erst, chained, they expected the coming of their furious keeper Ortolomorgantell; who having ended the combat, waved unto their ship, to follow more nearly unto them; which they did: and because there was none but Christians in the ship, the Giant concluded to have the same guarded by a certain number of Barbarians: who seeking to domineer over the poor Christian mariners, caused that the miserable Ladies endured the greater servitude: 
We return to them again in the 18. chap  which done Ortolomorgantel with all hast possible, made towards the Rocky Island: where we will leave him, till time fit to tell his tyranny, to talk a while of our woeful knights of Greece and Hungary.  
Such was the extreme anguish, that both the Emperor Claranax & the king Rubaldo, with all the rest of the knights of Grecia conceived for the sudden surprisement of the Ladies, as also the death of Meroander duke of Athens; as they were all at the point of going out of their wits; 
Meroande: deceased.  but especially the young prince of France; who reviving out he fell into by reason of his wounds received, by the fury of the Giant, being enraged with despite of his own misfortune & his sister Eristamas loss, presently called for his horse and armour, & in the company of the valiant Imp of the king Oruntio of Spain, 
Orthi●ius and Al●ortio emberqued themselves in rescue of the Princesses.  he hied him unto the haven of Constantinople; where embarking himself he put out to the Sea. But yet for all this haste of Orthisius: Olbiocles, hatting herd of his Ladies ill fortune, had armed himself, and before ever Orthisius could attain the haven; he went aboard, and hoisting up his sails, made away so amainely from the coasts of Greece; as in short while he was past ken of his country inhabitants: which he perceiving; and with tears lamenting, at last braced forth into this agony of passions.  
How unadvised are those foolish Poets, which stick not in their laboured penworkes, to praise Fortune as a Goddess? and how indeliberate are those makers, which impute unto her fickle Deity, more than a divine potency? too far do they reach their fancies, to attribute such infinite power to such an inconstant guide: 
Oshiocles invectine against Fortune.  Since if she were what they feign her to be, she would be merciful, whereas now she is monstrous; and she would continue mighty in her constantness, when now she is ever variable and unconstant in her mightiness; resembling the Sun, who by his heat scorcheth the grass of Pelion, the erst by his beams was nourished; playing the cunning Panther with men's affections, showing a glorious countenance to allure, whom she determineth to delude: putting a pleasant bait down our throats, under the which she hideth a hook to rend our wezand, covering serpents with Cinnamon, and foul toads under the sweet leaves of a flourishing Laurel, to the end, that if we taste we might be stinged; or if we smell, we might be envenomed. She provideth Cleopatra's dainties to allure us, that being bitten with the figge-hidden Aspis; we should sleep to death, with security, reckless and unrepentant.  
Not unlike the monster Hyena, she can change herself, and in a moment growing variable transmute her countenance with her conditions, so as no man is able in most security, to say accordant to the presuming proverb;  
" Mayor sum quam cui possit fortuna nocere.  
" I am beyond the reach of Fortune's rage.  
For even in performance of our pleasures, she seconds us with pain, crossing our delight with dislike, and our joyfulness with joyless accidents: as in me she hath made manifest, whom in the midst of pastime, she hath pained; and in the interacting of my pomp, hath dashed out my glorious title, and plunged me in a sea of punishment, making my love a captive, me a caitiff, her an enthralled prisoner, me a painful pilgrim, obliged by my heart's love, to attempt her freedom. And lastly, allotting her bands, with care, & myself, banishment without comfort, or almost any possible hope of regaining her, my love, my dear spouse Almidiana: whose soul the almighty for his mercy, comfort, and whose chaste body the high jove preserve from spiteful villainy of her overrulers; that as she hath lived for me, so in mine arms she may contentedly give the world her indebted farewell.  
Herewith, tears stopping his speech, 
Olbiocles swouneth.  he fell down in a passion, in the bosom of his page Curio; who lamenting his Lords mifortunes was sitting by Olbiocles; with trickling tears to bear the diapason in his masters melancholy music. This Curio, therefore, raised from his dumps by Olbiocles' swoon, started up on his feet, 
A careful servant.  and using sufficient means for his Lord's recovery, whom he quickly revived from his trance, and inquiring of his welfare, was thus answered. O, my dear page Curio, how often have I been recovered by thy diligence & care, from extazies! Sure many times; but thou shalt not pass requiteless: for here I give the this chain: which, being thou shalt by reason of my miseries, shortly leave me, may peradventure stand thee in some stead. Herewith he proffered his chain (which was made of refined gold fetched from abounding Ophire) and urged him to take it: But poor Curio, rather wishing his Lord's presence without reward, then delighted with riches in his master's absence, fell prostrate at Olbiocles' feet; and with tears in his eyes, humbly requested his Lord's favour, & that he would rather with his own hands reave him of life, than once to motion a matter so opposite to his soul's affection; vowing before the majesty of the heavens never to joy, after he should be so forsaken without deserving.  
Olbiocles perceiving by the outward action, his poor pages inward affection, most kindly recomforted him up with a firm promise never, whilst his life lasted, once to offer to forsake him: whereat the loving lad rejoicing, he humbly kissed his Lords hands, in token of his content, studying daily, seeing his lords melancholy humour, by some pleasant intercourses, either by way of history or tale, to expel his assiduous sorrows; & amongst divers others, he cheered up Osbiocles' drooping senses, with this pleasant, (though unpolished) Rustic.  

¶ The Pages pleasant Rustic.  

Upon the hills of Arcady,  
Where old God Pan melodiously  
His pipe of reed full sweetly strained,  
Whilst on fell Fortune he complained,  
Which did his beauteous Syrinx's change  
Into the whistling reed (so strange  
An accident was never seen,  
Unto Gods, Paramours to been)  
At what time Flora in her prime,  
Observing it was summer time,  
With fragrant flowers of each dye,  
Had diapered most gorgeously  
The face of mother Tellus fair;  
So as thereby she did declare  
Th'approaching sacred festival  
Of God Silvanus nuptial,  
Unto fair goddess Clarida:  
Wherefore this shepherds holiday  
Was cleped of each country swain,  
That to Silvanus did pertain.   

Thilk day of mirth and merry cheer  
Each shepherd knew approaching near:  
Wherefore they gathered every one,  
Together to king Caucus stone:  
About the which they place the flocks  
Of Sheep and Goats, about the rocks  
Which skip and leap wild thyme to browse,  
Which grows thereon most plenteous.   

Then with pastora's hand in hand,  
Each Rustic doth in roundel stand;  
Which is entrenched in the ground,  
With seats of turns y placed round;  
On which poor Shepherds lovingly  
Declared their true constancy,  
Unto their loves: who them invested  
With coronets of green bows wrested.   

In am whereof, to Sheepeheardesses,  
In courteis wise each swain addresses  
His hand, his heart, his cap, his coin,  
And all the good he can conjoin  
Unto his true loves courtesy;  
Who gives again most lovingly,  
All kind of token she did take,  
And then as to her loving make  
She yields herself obedient  
In all that is expedient:  
When if he likes her, he doth gin  
To vow to her, and she to him,  
Forevermore continually  
To live with him obediently.  
Thus they conclude, and thus agree,  
Both loving man and wife to be;  
So Cloden did to Coladine,  
So Ferin to fair Eglantine,  
So Chloris did to Coridon:  
And so dealt shepherds every one;  
Solemnizing their nuptials,  
Upon such holy festivals.   

Thus in disport, while they them held,  
They suddenly 'mongst them beheld  
A Nymph in strange attire dressed,  
Which putting in among the rest,  
Had kept their day of frolicking,  
With a strange kind of wondering:  
Sometime her face they might perceive,  
Ready to smile, and then deceive  
Their loving expectation,  
With other kind of fashion.  
For sometime laugh, and sometime cry,  
Now right, now holding neck awry,  
With jeering kind of scoyning eye,  
She changed her face so diversly,  
As soon each silly shepherd boy  
'Gan fear she meant them some annoy,  
In that she came in such disguise,  
Unto their shepherds sacrifice.  
Wherefore they 'gan for to suspect her,  
And cast about them to detect her:  
Of her they did inquiry make:  
But no man of her knowledge spoke:  
But every one did murmur much,  
To see her change and gesture such:  
Wherefore they did determine strait,  
Her to entrap, for to lay wait.   

Therefore on her their hands they lay;  
But there they did their selves betray;  
For some lost sheep, and some their good,  
Others for want of love were wood:   

Yet do what ever she could do,  
She was at length oppressed so,  
By such a rustic multitude,  
As being brought to servitude,  
Herself false Fortune she confessed;  
Which known, the Swains her so detest,  
As presently with all their might,  
They proffer her most fell despite;  
And stripping her from her attire,  
To whip her they done all conspire:  
Which they did so perform indeed,  
As soon they made her body bleed:  
And for she wrought their miseries,  

low Fortune am to be lined.  They reaved her of both her eyes:  
Then setting her upon a wheel,  
Which forward could (not backward) reel,  
They sent her from their rural store;  
To which she vowed to come no more:  
Which is the cause that ever sense  
She doth to shepherds none offence;  
But bends her power 'gainst king & princes,  
Whom to her thraldom she convinces.    
The woeful Prince of Greece, was greatly eased of his griefs, by this and such like pleasant tales of Curio; who endeavoured, both in speech and action, so neatly to set forth the matter he pronounced, as Olbiocles could not choose but both applaud the poor page's invention, and added grace; which made the matter handled, far more pleasant and delightsome. But notwithstanding all this iovisance that he received; he could in no wise forget the miseries that most galled him; neither did he at all leave to meditate on his misfortū●●, for although his countenance waxed calm, & the clo●●s of his brows were sometime cleared; yet his heart harboured discontent, and the fair welkin of his happiness was surcharged with sorrow; so as even in the very centre of his soul, was sadness enclosed; and in his woeful breast, a whole legion of tormenting passions were included: which feeding upon his lives maintainer, with such eager fierceness, as the starven Eagle upon the outcast carrion, scarcely suffered him to desist one minute, from thinking on his dear and loving Lady Almidiana: whose sacred Idea continually presenting itself before his sleepless eyes, caused new commotions to arise in his breast, and unwonted perturbations to perplex his soul: which agony so afflicted him: as even in his nightly rest (which was nought but of broken slumbers) he would rise out of his bed, exclaim against Fortune, and in his rage and fury call for his sword and armour, to defend his distressed Almidiana.  
In this perplexity he continued almost for the space of fourteen days, with a most earnest desire, wishing to attain some strange harbour, where he might hear of any tidings concerning the distressed prisoned Princesses. 
Olbiocles arriveth on the round Island.  And after a while sailing, he came within the ken of an Island; into the havens mouth whereof being entered, he inquired of a certain Mariner, the name of the country, and in what state the government thereof remained. To all which interrogatories the Mariner answered, that the country wherein they were now landed, was named the Round Island; wherein in times past the cruel knight Acconumbo held his tyranny: for the which deposed and done to death by the help of his daughter (who lately here arrived all massacred) and the ungentle prince that now reigneth; he left his diadem to this knight Proglador to inherit; who (as we hear credibly by the Damosels dwarf reported) hath since most inhumanly murdered the young maiden, named Allua. 
The inhabitants in arms to revenge All●as death against Troglador.  For which cause the whole Island is up in arms; and by the reason of Trogladors mightiness, it is likely that the contrary party shall suffer a great hazard of their good fortunes, and the Common wealths extreme ruin of her most loyal subjects. The Prince thanked the mariner for his relation, and presently striking sail to come nigher the shore, he went a land with his dwarf Curio: who carrying his helmet and lance after him, travailed farther onward into the Island; when they perceived a great company of pavilions pitched about the walls of a Castle, wherein, as then the Damosels friends were besieged. Wherefore, he speedily buckled on his helmet, 
Olbiocles entereth the camp of Troglador.  and kept on his pace, until he was entered into the camp of Troglador: where he was greeted by a company of knights after this sort;  
Knight of the Leopard (for such was the device in his shield) know that from the mighty prince of this Round Island, we are to command your stay in this place; until his highness leisure of enterparleance for your abearing. Upon pain of his displeasure, proceed no farther: but for the assurance of your desisting, dismount ye; and either leave thy horse or thy head, for gage of your abiding. Herewith they began to lay hold upon his horse bridle: whereat Olbiocles enraged, rendered them this answer. Unworthy, in good faith, were I of the honour of knighthood, if for the vain brags of a sort of injurious opponentes, I should be so foolish as to hinder my intended journey: and more unwise should I prove, if I should not only desist from my purpose, but also (in am of my cowardice) leave either my horse, or my head behind me, without enterprising their deliverance. Herewith he unsheathed his curtle-axe, and gave him that held his bridle, such a recompense for his boldness, as he curtailed both his arms off at the elbows, giving him a fair warning for approaching any more so near him: who falling down, 
Olbiocle● slayeth some of Trogladors knights.  left his void place for the rest of his companions; whereof divers of them had almost as unlucky entertainment. For, some their shoulders, some their brawned arms, and others their heads had (by the Prince's vigorous fury) parted in a short space from their maimed bodies: so as by his valour, Olbiocles being rid from his enemies, for fear of farther danger, pricked forth his horse, towards the Castle: 
He entereth the castle of the defendants  whereinto received by the porters, he was gladly entertained of the defendants, for their conductor and Champion; and so after due rep●st taken, for that night he reposed himself on a most soft bed of down, placed in a most gorgeous gallery of white marble; on the walls whereof were curiously carved infinite images of the strangest living creatures; with such lively art-proportioned lineaments, as if they had as yet enjoyed the vital spirit of breathing.  
On the next morrow, so soon as the fyre-breathing palfreys of Apollo, with their horned hooves, had stricken the Hunts up, at the iron lattices of Thalatto, and that their master Phoebus, leaving the watery bosom of his lover Thetis, had with his ivory chariot made his swift passage through the ribs of the Ocean; the valiant Greek, awaked from his slumbers, attired himself in his warlike abiliments; and, descending the stairs of his chamber, came into the base court of the Castle: where assembling together the principals of the knight's defendants, he consulted together with them about the effecting of their liberty: 
Olbiocles determining to challenge the monimachy of Troglador, is prevented.  amongst whom at length it was concluded that (for the trial of their innocency) the knight of the Leopard, with the usurping Homicide, should contend in a monimachye or single combat. Upon which, being resolved; Olbiocles calling for ink and paper, determined to write a challenge to his adversary, the more to egg him on to enraged fury: But in the initium of his intent, he was presented with the like Letter of challenge from his angry adversary Troglador: which Olbiocles unripping, found it to contain thus much in effect following.  
Troglador to the most injurious Knight of the leopard, neither health nor happiness.  
IN regard (discourteous knight) of thy wicked dealing towards me, not only bereaving me of my fair spouse, the Princess of Hungaria, and also thy disloyal & unknightly abearing of thyself towards me in the combat of Constantinople (both which I can willingly pardon) but also for thy great villainy thou hast offered my knight-heraulds which I sent unto thee, whom thou hast most inhumanely massacred, against all right or law of arms; I here challenge thee (as thou wilt be accounted valorous) in a single combat with me, before the gates of the Castle, with thy body to make good the damages thou hast done me; or else, not daring to satisfy my request, keep thee still enclosed in thy fortress: but with assurance, that yer long, by main force, I shall pull thee out from thy walled defence, and with my sword, lay dire vengeance on thy cursed shoulder.  
From my camp. Troglador your greatest enemy.  
This threatening Letter being loudly read by the prince Olbiocles, caused to the whole audience great sorrow: but the generous Greek made so small account of his vain boasting, as with a great laughter at the usurpers folly, he sent back the messenger to his Lord, with this answer. I know not what mad fury driveth thy master Troglador unto this folly; as, with the burned child, once more to put finger into the fire: or with the singed gnat to dare again to flutter about the flame of the candle. The fish Sphyrana, once entangled, will take heed of the net; and the dogs of Egypt, once thoroughly terrified by the Crocodiles, will ever after only war●ly l●ppe at the brinks of the river Nilus. Tell Troglador, ●e should have meditated before he menaced; and like a wise Martialist have consulted with his courage, before he challenged the conceited conclusion of a doubtful conquest: he might will enough have better remembered with perpendancy, his Constantinopolitan combat, and then he should not have needed to challenge a new conflict: But since he is so wilfully forgetful, 
Olbiocles accepteth the combat.  the next time that I meet him (which shallbe within this hour) with my curtelar, i'll beat a little better memory into his brains.  
The messenger, though he were a good knight, yet he was almost terrified with so terrible an answer: insomuch as longing to departed, he took his leave, and presently returned unto the camp: where finding Troglador in his tent, he thoroughly declared unto him the whole resolution of Olbiocles; wherewith the cruel tyrant enfired with anger presently stepped unto a lance, and piercing the messenger to the heart, vowed by the powers of heaven, with the self same weapon to make the stern Greek to abye his insolent presumption.  
In this anger he armed himself; and taking (on his arm) a most strong shield of well tempered steel, he mounted a mighty Courser, wherewith he pranced gallantly up and down, before the gates of the Castle, awaiting the coming of his fierce adversary: who, 
The justness of the quarrel to be respected.  in the mean time (being loath to enter the combat but in cause of truth) examined the dwarf Toydel, of the whole misfortune of his mistress: who making relation of her miseries, begun in her life, and continuing unto her death; declared also, how after the Damozell was so massacred, and himself toppled into the sea, by reason he had some cunning in swimming, he attained the boat, wherein Allua lay murdered, and the help of a poor fisherman (whom Troglador killed for his labour) he was set a land on this Round Island: where he, with the Damosels friends and alliance, hath ever since sustained the fury of the tyrant. Which relation of Toydel, when the Grecian Prince had fully weighed; pondering in his heart, how heinous a thing the cruel murdering of a damosel (though d●ath deserving) was in the eye of the most high, he determined by the assistance of the almighty, once more to co●●e the co●●●ge of this unjust caitiff. Wherefore, having endorsed his harness, and purveyed him of sufficient (as well offending as defending weapons; he mounted his Palfrey; & (commanding only his Page Curio, to wait on him forth of the Castle gates, he departed from his wronged friends, with hope to make his wronging enemy feel the force of his vigorous arm: without the gates he found his adversary, ready appointed for the assault; whereupon fewtering their Spears, they ran fiercely one against the other as in their courses; the Knight of the Tiger; shivered his Lance upon the shield of Olbiocles without any further harming him: 
They encounter.  The like the Grecian Prince performed to the full on Trogladers Target: whereby passing one by another quietly, they prepared themselves, for their second encounter; which was so valiantly performed by the noble Greek, as (without any harm received to himself) with a mighty blow, he bore him out of his saddle to the ground; and presently alighting, proffered the Tyrant the combat on foot. But, as the proverb is, The baited Bear will beware of the stake. So Troglador, having once before thoroughly felt the fury of Olbiocles to his cost: & now again being entered within the same predicament, fearing his stars to boade a worse chance, he determined not to hazard his life in the single Combat against so tried a Champion, and therefore casting his shield at his back; he remounted his horse: and betook himself to flight, 
Troglador betakes him to flight.  from the fury of his adversary: whereat the worthy Grecian, enraged, mounted also on horseback, and after him for the space of an hour, he hotly followed in pursuit: But seeing he could not overtake him; he speedily returned, first to the Camp, where (saving of some few) he was willingly entertained, and afterward to the Castle, where he was most joyfully welcomed, and honourably feasted where we must this time leave him; to turn our tale to the poor distressed Infant.  
By the providence of the Olympian Rector, the poor captived Princess of Hungary, being on the sudden eased of the care of her silly Infant, through the coming of a poor Fisherman, to whom she delivered her Son to be transported into Greece; beseeched the Heavens for their good hap, and so to her sorrow committed them to their following fortunes. The poor Fisherman Kalus (so called for his honesty) was no less confounded for joy of this little Babe, & his got infinity of treasures, than the poor Princess was comforted with the hope of her Child's more happy safety: wherefore with a glad heart & a merry gale, he cut his course towards the coasts of Greece, fully hoping, for the presenting of so beautiful an Infant, to receive of his Landlord (who was a great Gentleman of his country) some rich recompense for his labour.  
But as no Garment sooner receiveth stain, then that which is most brightly coloured: nor any man sooner deceived, than he who by hope was most assured: so this man, in his chiefest expectation of good, 
Kalus overtaken with a tempest.  was suddenly crossed with vexation. For while Kalus was thus merrily making way cross the billows in his Ferry-boate, there rose such a sudden Tempest, that he being in the midst of the vast Ocean, without hope of any harbour, was so tossed up and down by the bounding waves, as thereby having lost the use of his sea-skill, he was forced to commit his Bark to the fury of the waters.  
In this plight he remained for the space of three whole days, dangerously riding on the rising surges, most wonderfully amazed at the swiftness of his Ferry-boate, which for the roughness of the Seas and the rage of the Storm, sliced her course cross the Ocean, with such a speediness, as (contrary to all natural reason) he safely arrived at the third days end, at a certain Island, 
He arriveth on the Island of Artim●gus.  on the confines of Africa, where at that time, inhabited a cunning Magician, named Artimagus: who knowing by the secrets of his art of his infant's misery, had framed his whole science to the bringing of this fisherman's boat to the place of his abiding. Wherefore having now brought to effect his intended purpose, he attended at the marble stairs of his Castle (which by art was so framed, as none, but when he consented, 
Artimagus his Castle.  could descry it) he attended his coming: whom with what joy he received; my pen nor my tongue, is scarcely able to make manifest; but only thus much I will willingly insert; that he, having reserved him to some necessary purpose (whereof in place convenient you shall be informed) s●nt him by his daughter Magartez, to the wronged Queen of Carthage, his sister; who accepted his present so thankfully as ever after she thought herself more bound unto him by this good turn, then by her natural consanguinity. In which her joy, we must be feign to leave her, until such time as oceander's years gives us a more sufficient occasion to treat of him; and turn our stile to other accidental occurrences.   

CHAP. 5.  
¶ How after Orthisius and Alfortio had put themselves to the Sea, they encountered with a strange adventure of the Duchess of Siracusa, whom they delivered from the terror of death, to which she was betrayed by the unjust dealing of her wicked Aunt: who by the consent of the Estates of the city, was put to a most cruel death; and the young Duchess reinstalled in her inheritance.  
EVen as these things were thus in acting, the two valiant Princes of France and Spain having put themselves in inquest (as you have heard) after the Giant Ortolomorgantell; bending their course towards the west end of Europe, they furrowed so speedily cross the Greekish Seas, as into the Mare Mediterraneum; wherein they sailed a good space, until such time as by the rage of the rising billows, they were enforced to seek for harbour on the Coasts of Sicilia: where, surging at the port of Sicacusa (a city in the forenamed Island) they were very joyfully received by the young duke of Hybla; who was brother to a most beautiful Lady, 
●●●hisius and Alsortio arrive at Siracusa.  being Duchess of Siracuse, named Oaezima. For the redress of whose miseries, her brother Oreardey, hearing of the arrival of the worthy Princes, attended their advent with exceeding diligence; whom, he causing to land, after most courteous embracements, in this sort most kindly welcomed: Fair knights and (as I guess) noble princes of Grecia: If unknown Choraebus, 
Kindly entertained by O●y 〈…〉 H●●●●.  with his troops of updaunted soldiers, were in Troy's extremity welcome to the distressed Priamus; or the resolved bands of Achil es, with his fierce and fearful Myrmidons, acceptable to the Grecians, in the time of intestine skirmishes; then think brave minded Champions, that your coming is not unwelcome unto my country; or that I will prove unthankful to the Almighty for your most lucky arrival in my haven, in this time of disaster; wherein I have more need of your heroic actions, then either Priam, or the Grecian Heroes, of their proffered succouring aiders. The Princes were ready to reply upon him, when he thus cut off their inceptions. But yet for all my miseries which I endure, let them not any whit aggrieve you, until such time, as (hearing the whole circumstance of our misfortunes) ruth may drive you to rage, & your conceived anguish move you to such exrreame anger, as by your knightly virtues you may dissolve the Gordian knot of our miseries. Herewith he led them with him towards the duchesses Palace, where the two princes found exceeding good entertainment, both for delicate cheer, as for sweet sounding music: which, though it somewhat solemnly sounded, yet exceedingly delighted the noble Champions, so as with great content (after their royal welcomes) they betook their wearied bodies unto the down-soft couches: with which they were not a little contented; finding themselves so safely seated from the fury of their late feared tempest. In this quiet they remained until the morning at which time Apollo, the days glorious director, had no sooner chased away the coale-blacke night; but that the noble Princes of France and Spain presently broke off their slumbers, and attiring themselves in scarlet coloured velvet mantles, they were by an attending Page conducted into the Palace garden: wherein, by the variety of most sweet smelling herbs, flowers, and diversity of Indian shrubs, their drooping senses were exceedingly delighted and refreshed, There they walked up and down, meditating and ask many questions of the boy concerning his Lord, and the young Duchess Oezima; whereunto, the Page in this manner answered.  
My Lords, it is not the part of an honest servant to delay the delating of his mistress' sorrow; neither should it be the property of a courteous Syracusan bluntly to deny any interrogant, ask whatsoever is lawful, and more necessary for the required, than the inquirers, to be declaclared: Therefore in that which I can, I will resolve you; especially touching myself: But as for any thing touching my Lady the Duchess of Siracusa, I neither can nor may inform you, since it is a matter only to be resolved by herself, after her delivery: to the contrary whereof she hath sworn never to perform any thing to the infringement of her determination, though she die therefore.  
The two knights seeing they could get no more concerning this Lady Duchess, being loath to urge him to tell any thing against his will, or the oath of his dear Lady; required the relation of his own misfortunes whereunto the Page willingly consenting, reported unto them the same, after this manner.  

The Page's report.  
Although (most noble and valorous Champions) my miseries be without remedy, and my sorrows unsalueable; yet. notwithstanding to requite your courteous requests; I shall not stick to rip up the whole history of my misfortunes. Know ye therefore, that in times past, I was bestowed by Fortune's savour, on a most beautiful Lady, for her Page: whom with how much love and diligent care I served for the space of two or three years, I will not at this time dilate: only thus much know ye, that I attended her with such affection, as should she have required my head I should have thought myself ingrate, if I could not have found in my heart to have given it her: But alas, I would she had had it, so by my death she might have been defended from following misfortunes: which a little after befell her in this wise.  
There was a knight of great power in the Island of Vulcania (whereof my Lady was Governess) named Terindantes: who, 
Mabina Lady of Vulcania.  as his possessions and power were greater than any others in the Island; so he had his heart's centre impleate with far more pride, and his thoughts soothed more high exceeding ambition, than any others else within the confines. Which his ambition, causing him to make his mark of a crown; gave him so great respite and leave for his affecting, as openly with great insolence, he began to be check make, or hail fellow well met with my Lady Mabina: for so was her name. Which his presumptuous action, she but indifferently brooking, began to cool his courage with this caveat. Take heed proud Teridantes, and be warned in time by her who may command thee, that thy abearing be better towards thy Sovereign; and thy audacious actions be more humbly ordered towards our highness; least. provoked by thy misdemeanour, we disdeame of thy disloyalty; and thereby, or ever thou be'st aware, thy presumption procure punishment for thy overweening pride. Think not that Princes are painted gewgayes, to be pricked on thy sleeve; or that I, a Queen, am made of clouts, to be played withal by every cullion-like companion; but know that we are borne Princes, & therefore must rule; we are created Queens, and therefore will be obeyed: wherefore I charge thee here, by our regal authority; not to dare (upon pain of death) hereafter once to approach our presence, or to come nigh the gates of our Royal court, by a league, without our highness granted permission; remembering henceforth, that the Prince is not to be compared with, 
Teridantes banished the Court of Vulcani●  of a subject but with loyal eyes to be gazed at, as an heavenly object. Herewith the Queen Mabina caused Teridantes to be presently excluded her Court gates, with firm resolution, not without his penitent submission, ever any more to admit him to her highness favour.  
Teridantes, galled to the heart with this nipping reprehension, in a rage departing from the gates, vowed or ever the Goddess Cynthia had thrice changed shape, to ruinated the Palace of the Queen M●bina, and work a most cruel revenge on his female enemy. 
Maketh a conspiracy against Mabina.  In which his resolution, he called together his kinsmen and near allies, and with their help levying a sufficient army, he laid strait siege against the Palace wherein the Queen remained: which by reason of the infinity of soldiers, victuals, & munition, by the providence of the Queen being furnished, he was not able any way to carry; although by the space of a month, he had encompassed the walls with his multitudes of valiant and hardy soldiers. Which almost made him to be past all hope of ever winning it; and the rather, because that the defendants (in a sally, which they suddenly made out at a back postern gate, upon his unsuspecting soldiers) had by their valour not only greatly disturbed his Camp, 
Tarisdin taken prisoner.  but also taken a cozen of his (named Tarisdin) prisoner. Wherefore he resolved to break up his Camp: but cruelty not suffering him to prove cowardly, he suddenly began to stay, and bethinking on his revenge, he at length effected it by this stratagem.  
Having parlously pondered with himself of the sundry mischiefs and infinite miseries that happened to a Commonwealth, through such civil wars, & homebred contentions, he cunningly concluded a peace for eight days with the Queen Mabina; with lawful leave granted for either other, 
Truce for eight days  quietly to pass and repass from the Camp to the Court, or the Court to the Camp; and in as peaceable manner (during the time of the truce) to converse one with another, as if there had never before been any deadly feud betwixt them. Of the which truce, not only Tirindates, but also Maniba (unsuspecting future misery) was greatly rejoiced.  
But how long continued it? Not (scarcely) passing two days. For Tirindates (who minded nothing but revenge for injuries) clean contrary to his taken oath and plighted fidelity, spying his time of advantage (though he was narrowly watched by the Queen's loyal defendants) entered the Palace with his armed soldiers, 
Mabinas' two sister's 〈◊〉 ●●●ed.  and laying hold on mabina's two young sisters of exceeding beauty, in spite of of all the resistance that could be made to the contrary, he departed with them to his tents; where, for that night he kept sure watch and ward about his army, for fear of some sudden sally from his fortified enemies. Which indeed served him in good steed; for about midnight, he had gone nigh to have paid for his treason, had he not been forewarned by his scouts; and so being in a readiness, prevented the fury of his assailants. But, what profited these secret assaults? since what they adventured for, was in the hands of their enemies. On the next morrow, Tirindantes, causing all his army to be in arms, with a troup of lusty knights, carried with them the Queen's sisters to the gates of the Palace: where, erecting a place of execution for the two innocent young Ladies; he threatened the Queen, that unless she would presently deliver him his captive cozen Tarisdin, she should speedily see the destruction of her loving sisters; who woefully holding up their hands, most pitifully requested her heart's compassion. But, as the Lion scorneth to be bearded by any servile or base conditioned beast; 
Majesty cannot brook insolency.  but with his paws and gnashing his tusks together, will fiercely assail him: so this worthy Queen disdaining the terrible threats of the disloyal traitor, with a courageous heart, and unterrified stomach, for his former menace, did meet the like measure.  
Do what thou canst, or darest, proud Traitor (quoth she) unto my innocent sisters: for of this thou mayest be assured, that if they perish; nay if thou dost but wring their fingers, thy cozen Tarisdin (whom thou lovest as dearly as thy life) shall of his head, make a football for my soldiers to spurn at. That shall I quickly try, said Tirindantes. Now therefore expect thy elder sister's Tragedy: And therewithal, 
Kathe●●●● beheaded  he caused the Executioner to smite off katherina's head. And then again he settled him to solicit his former suit. Now Queen Volcania, resolve thyself what thou wilt do; since thou seest me resolute in my enterprise: answer me to the proof: wilt thou restore my cozen Tarisdin? or wilt thou perspect thy second sister's execution? Speak therefore, and that briefly: otherwise, no longer deceive thyself, but be sure I will make short with Straffera. Herewith he paused a while, expecting the Queen's determination.  
But mabina's heart being already stricken dead with the former butcherly spectacle; and with sorrow amazed in her soul, for her sister Katharinas death; overwhelmed in a sea of grief, she sank down in a swoon; not being able for the space of half an hour to utter one word, or heave up the lids of her eyes; until such time, as revived from her passion by the piteous and loud cries of her loyal subjects, 
Straffera beheaded.  who lamented the death of her second sister; she suddenly started up: and viewing the cruel murder, cursing and crying out upon the wicked Traitor; 
Tarisdin slain.  she resolved on revenge on captive Tarisdin: whom causing to be held over the walls by her soldiers, with his own dagger she digged out his heart from his traitorous breast, and gripping it in her hand, she flung it, in despite, at Tirindantes face, saying; And not this only, O bloody tyrant, but a farther revenge I do seek for.  
With which her fierce revenge, Tirindantes being enraged, presently embattled his army; and approaching to the walls of the Palace, at the second assault, he mounted the gates; and winning the mastery over the Queen's subjects; 
Mabinas' power overthrown and her eyes put ●●t.  in his fury he put all to the sword, except the Queen (whom, having put out her eyes, he keepeth in extreme thraldom) and a few others, who getting out by a postern gate, fled for the safety of their lives both night and day from the fury of their pursuing enemies. Amongst which number, I being feign to shift for my life, was forced to fly unto Sicilia; where of my Lord Oriardey, at Hibla (with whom I now remain) I was entertained for his trusty servant.  
Thus have you heard (most noble knights) of my misfortunes, and my dear Ladies miseries: of which (until fates and fortune both agree for her releasement) I know most assuredly, that I shall never, while I live be remedied.   
The Page having concluded his story, with a stream of tears trickling from his eyelids; moved the noble minded Princes to great compassion; insomuch, as they were about to comfort him with a promise of revengement on Tirindantes: but by reason of a certain lamentable noise of some distressed Lady that they heard, they were enforced to keep silence for that season; and desirous to understand more manifestly the whole complaint, they drew a little nearer unto the east side of the garden, where they heard a sorrowful voice proceed out of the iron grates of a prison window, which on this sort dolefully lamented.  

O heavens when will you help my helpless self?  
And by your sacred powers most divine, 
oezima's complaint in the dungeon.   
Together when will you your aides combine?  
Unto my saddest suits for to incline  
Your hearkening ears; that justice may refine  
Her wicked faults, tyrannous Atrielph,  
That thus hath sunk me on sad sorrows shelf;  
By her endeavours, and conspiring trains  
(Supposing for to work my joys decline)  
Condemning me unto a thousand pains,  
Which here within this dungeon I sustain.   

Within this dungeon full of nightbred dread,  
Where nought but horror and despair should dwell,  
I do in chains of steel fast fettered still,  
(Orecloyde in senses with each noisome smell)  
Remain in torment more than tongue can tell,  
Wishing a thousand times that I were dead,  
Rather than in this sort imprisoned:  
Robbed of honour, hated in defame,  
Vexed in soul, with body's torture fell;  
Still to revive, discredited in name:  
The figure of dishonour, hate, and shame.   

Help therefore (oh ye heavenly Governors)  
And from the vertice of Olympus high  
(Yielding regard unto my plaintfull cry)  
power down your mercy's most incessantly;  
Lest, wanting that adiument heavenly,  
And sacred auxill of celestial powers,  
Like Biblis, I be turned into showers;  
Through the effluction of my watery eyes:  
Which having powered forth continually,  
Whole riverets of tears, denotifyes,  
Dire death shall over my soul soon tyrannize,   

Wherefore (O Gods) to you I do commit  
The safe tuition of my grieving soul,  
Which here tormented in this prison foul,  
Incessantly my prayers doth unfold,  
Unto your deities; for to enrol  
Within your breasts (where justice still doth it)  
The memory of this fowl fact, unfit  
For any human heart for to invent;  
And graciously her malice nill permit  
To bring my honour to so bad event,  
As hitherto she hath determined it:  
But by your heavenly providence, prevent  
Her will, that bends unto so bad intent.   
The two Princes of Spain and France, were greatly mo●ed at this doleful lamentation; & therefore turning themselves to the Page, they inquired of him the complainants name, as also the estate of torments, wherein she remained. Whereunto, Noble Knight, answered the Lady, this is the Lady Duchess of this City called Oezima; sister to my L. the Duke of Hybla: who by the insidious dealing of her Aunt, the old Duchess Atrielpha, is here cast into this prison, where she sustains her weary life with only course bread and puddle water; which with a wooden dish, she is fain to take out of the stinking kennel, that runneth clean through the dungeon: thus doth she lie helpless and hopeless continually, as at this time, imploring the heavens, to have mercy on her soul, wearied of her earthly tormented body.  
Herewith, entered the Duke of Hybla, into the Garden unto them; who, with tears in his eyes, requested their knightly aid in the defence of his imprisoned sister, against three wicked Knights, that wrongfully accused her for the death of her Husband, the late Duke of Siracusa, & in defence of their quarrels, taken on the behalf of the old Duchess Attrielpha; 
The Princes accept the combat against atrielpha's challengers.  threatening to venture their bodies against any Champions. Which when the valiant Princes heard, they bade him be of comfort; for in their own persons they meant to combat the Knight's Traitors; and yer long, by force of arms to make them openly to confess their treason. And presently they departed to their chambers, where endorsing on their armours, they were attended on by 4. Dwarves, who carried their Spears and Helmets.  
In this guise, they came into the palace base Court, where they found their adversaries (according to the wont custom, which should continue for Five months) attending the coming of any knights, that durst adventure to challenge them for their treason: who pranced up and down the lists with such infinite pride (daring the beholders with their threatening menaces) as the heroic minded Princes of Spain and France (unable to endure silent any longer) began to thunder forth their death's peal, into their ears.  
At the last, O ye wicked traitors; at the last (I say) the just Gods from their heavenly thrones perceiving your perpetrated villainies, have provided for the safety of oppressed Innocent, and in his just judgements, will power down vengeance upon the heads of the malefactors. Prepare yourselves therefore (O ye wicked men) to receive the just recompense of your treasons, by the hands of them, who not for number, but justness of the quarrel, will offer you the combat.  

They enter combat.  Herewithal the Princes entered the lists, and the three Knights (whose names were Licandro, Mirnao, and Rogesto) prepared themselves to the Careyre.  
Licandro, and Rogesto fewtered their Lances at once against Alphortio, who received them with such a fierceness, as, though they both broke their spears upon his shield, yet he little or nothing moved, but answering them in their own language, gave Rogesto such a wicked welcome, as piercing him clean through the cuirass into the flesh, he made fall dead to the ground, 
Rogesto slain.  where he lay gasping for life, until they had begun the second Careyr: which being performed with Semitars was very notable, and of a pretty continuance, until such time, as Licandro having wounded Alfortio, in the sword arm, so enraged him, as the Spaniarde, little liking such a bargain, with a main blow striking of a great piece of Licandros' helmet, and a piece of his brawn of the shoulder, rendered him a sufficient requital for his proffered fury. 
Licandro wounded.   
In the mean season, Mirnao, who was in combat with Orthisius, seeing how the world went with his companions, having received a great fall, and being likely to receive the foil at his enemy's hands, 
Mirnao yieldeth, and revealeth the treason.  fell down on his knees, and yielding up his weapon to the Prince of France, confessed openly his complotte, and how they were alured, by the old Duchess Atrielpha, unjustly to accuse the innocent Oezima, of the murder of her husband the good Duke of Siracusa; whom in a secret complot with the old wicked Duchess, they had most cruelly done to death, and thrown him into the Mediterranean Sea. Which discourse, so soon as the beholding people had heard related, they cast up their hats for joy of the duchesses approved Innocence: & not any longer withholding their furies, they leapt over the lists, and in a rage, running to the overcome traitors, they set fiercely upon them, & never rested, until they had torn their flesh from the bones, no man thinking himself happy, but he that had rend some gobbet from the slaughtered carcases.  
Cursed Atrielpha, in the mean while knowing by the shout of the people, how the matter stood with her Champions, 
Atrielph determineth to murder Oezima.  presently ran towards the prison gates, with a club in her hands, meaning to dispatch the innocent Duchess: but blinded with rage, not knowing where to find the key of the dungeon, she cursed herself, banned Fortune, & exclaiming against the Heavens, so said at the door with her iron beetle; as by the reverberation thereof, Orlardey, being advertised about what work the wicked wretch was, called unto the worthy Champions, and conducting them unto the dungeon door, surprised the old Traitress, ere she were aware, 
She is attached.  and carrying her in their arms, out unto the people, required their judgements, to what death she should be condemned: whereunto, some answered this, and others that, according to the common proverb; 
Quot homines, tot sententiae.  
How many men, so many sundry minds.   
AT length they required her to be delivered them whereunto, at the Duke at Hybla's entreats, the Knights consented, and yielding her into their hands, gave them power of her life & death. So soon as they had her among them, they stripped her out of her clothes; 
Atrielph trodden to death by the people  and tying her hand and foot, ran up and down over her, until such time as they had squiesed her to death by their often treading. Whom, being thus dispatched, they cast into the Haven of Siracusa; rejoicing in their hearts, that they had taken such vengeance on her treason.  
Oriardey, in the while returned unto the prison, unto his pined sister: whom losing from her chains, he brought forth of the dungeon, into the upper Chamber: where causing her to put on her best attire, and declaring unto her, 
Oezima set at liberty.  the whole history of her releasement, brought her by the hand into the palace Hall; in humble wise, to render thanks for her happy delivery, fro her thraldom which a● soon as she espied her h●ppy deliverers, she so artificially performed as, (although she was most bewt●full) she gave them more cause to admire her wit, then wonder at her beauty; wherewith the Princes were greatly delighted, but especially Alpho●t●o, who vowed in his heart never to entertain any other paramour.  
Yet notwithstanding, she was grown so lean and meager, with her thin diet in the Dungeon; as she gave the Prince's good occasion, to require the occasion of her disasters inition; Too which she (being unwilling to seem ungrateful) with great facility condescended: but, for it was now dinnertime, they washed their hands, and sat down at the table: and having sufficiently taken their due repast, they attentively hearkened to this relation of Oezima; who taking them by the hands, began the history of her misfortunes, after this manner.  

oezima's relation of her misfortunes.  
IT is scarcely three months, since (Heroyck Champions) it be fortuned my luckless Husband Tirocles was one evening a (little after the decline of Apollo into the western Seas) found dead, all mangled, and massacred in the Palace garden, and all covered over with Rose-leaves and other herbs; to the end, he might not be perceived: when about that time my wicked Aunt Atrielpha, 
Tirocles murdered by Atrielpha, and Oezima for it accused.  conspiring with three other knights (who indeed, had murdered my Husband Tirocles) gan run up and down the Palace shréeking and crying out against me, where is that same wicked woman? that same homicide? and that same murderer of her Husband? what is become of her? whither is she gone? what, doth she think to scape condign punishment for her wickedness? God forbidden; & the Heavens themselves will frown, if so great a crime should be passed over so lightly: herewithal they rushed into my chamber, where I was reading of my book, and all at once, railed on me saying: Ah, ha, thou wicked woman, and thou villainous wretch, for all thou couldst do it so cunningly, yet by the just judgement of the Heavens thy treason is detected: I, poor soul, was not a little amazed at these their outcries, but standing still in a sudden passion, I gazed upon them, not knowing in my heart, after what sort to answer unto their unjust accusations: whereupon my infidious Aunt taking sufficient advantage, said: See you not (O you worthy knight) how her shameful silence detectes her, and how he heart pricked with the sting of her infected conscience, withhouldeth her tongue, from executing the function of an excuser?  
Herewithal, I could withhold no longer: But, O ye just dooming judges of Olympus (quoth I) look down from your thrones of justice, and with the eyes of Truth perspect my unspotted innocence, that is accused wrongfully of what I neither know, nor ever committed.  
O, Callet (replied the deceitful wretch) dost thou make as though thou knewest not of thy Husband Tyrocles murder, calling to the heavens to defend thine Innocence, as though thou hadst not been an actor in this Tragedy? thinking by thy protestations and bragging of thy guiltless innocency to escape the due punishment that by thy wickedness thou hast deserved? No, no: For assure thyself, that, as long as I live (the loving Aunt of unhappy Tyrocles) I neither may, nor will suffer such a wicked malefactor as thou to pass unpunished.  
This her false accusation, not a little pinched me at the very heart: wherefore urged by her exclaims, I began to excuse myself for guiltless of the fact, as well as I could; with my tears & words, keeping a just Decorum of a distressed Lady: But all in vain. For my Aunt, who before had prepared a brest-place against all pity, replied upon me, with this (more than severe) answer: Dost thou excuse thyself (oh shame of all womankind) of a matter, making so manifestly against thee? What is it that leads thee unto such farther folly? Dost thou suppose 〈◊〉 be cannot prove thee guilty? Or dost thou think, 〈◊〉 thee, but only upon surmises? O most unprest, and foolish woman! if thou thinkest so, thou ar●●●●ed; for behold here, how manifestly we will con●●●hee: And therewithal (before a number of my loyal ●ens) she pulled forth of my gown pocket, a bloody handkerchief; and pulling out also my knives, 
A subtle treachery.  she showed them all begored with blood, unto the beholders: who, presently not wading into the depth of her treachery, applauded her cunning detecting (of so close conveyed a treason; and with one accord, condemned me for to be an homicide, and the inhuman murderer of my Husband. And therefore as a convicted person, they condemned me unto the stinking dungeon, there to be kept as prisoner until the next morning: 
Oezima condemned, and imprisoned.  at which time, I should be condemned, to be burned at a stake (according to the custom) on the Market hill: where that same night they did nothing else but erect a mighty stack of wood, and make up a number of boarded scaffolds, for my loyal Citizens, to sit and behold my undeserved martyrdom. Which the next morrow had been effected, had not my loving brother Oriardey, partly by his authority, as also by persuasion, reduced the Knights (sore against my aunt's will) to defer the day of execution, only but for Five Months. In which space, if by the valour of some hardy Champions, I were not by right of Arms delivered, then at the time and place appointed, to suffer the deserved punishment of a wicked malefactresse. Thus for a while was I reprieved, and I enjoyed unlooked for life: which how loathsome it was unto me, living in such a desolate, stinking, and darksome dungeon, I will omit at this time to speak of. Only thus much I must rejoice at, that the Gods have at length heard the ●●ee●●●●t prayers of their humble handmaid; and by the valour 〈◊〉 ●ou his servants, hath in his infinite mercy, delivered me from the hands of my oppressors. Wherefore unto their sacred deities all honour and glory; and unto you his instruments, I yield all hearty and humble thanks, both now and evermore.   
Oezima, co●●●●ded her discourse with a pair of kisses on the hands of the ●oble Princes: who receiving them very thankfully, ●●●ered her ●●ate obedience. And hearing that the Estates ●re ar●●●ding at the Palace gate, to await the Duchess, 〈◊〉 her reinvestment, in the government of the City; the ●ll in haste arose up from their enter coursings: and the two Noble Princes of France and Spain, taking the Duchess Oezima, by the little hands, conducted her royally between them, in the company of the Duke of Hybla her brother, into the Palace base court: where admitting the Citizens unto her presence, she graciously with a smiling look and lovely gesture, 
A gracious Nature.  proffered her bared hand unto them for the Bassient: who, with great shouts and clamours of gladness, rejoiced at the happy refruition of their wronged Governess. Herewith the Duchess mounted her Palfrey: whose trapping being of a sad ash-colour velvet, hemmed about with twist of Gold and Pearl, fitly represented the terror of her heart, being as yet not thoroughly invested in her authority: which, to be brief was with great solemnity that very afternoon performed; and with such royal and admirable manner effected, as the like, neither before nor since that season, was never hitherto done, seen, or heard of. But lest we may seem, to far to have waded into this matter, we will now leave these Siracusans in their jollity, and for a while treat of some other story, which as yet we have left unperfected.   

CHAP. 6.  
¶ How Oceander excited by the lamentable discourse of his fostermother Kanira, undertook to revenge her injuries done to her by the Tyrant Marcimodes, the usurped King of Carthage: and how he valiantly assaulted and slew the Duke of Thebes, younger brother to the Tyrant; and hung his carcase over the walls of Castle Carzar, to the terror of his enemies.  
FOrasmuch, as thou mayst peradventure (gentle peruser) desire to hear more of the little Infant whom we left, safely delivered from the fury of the waters, in the custodi● of the Queen of Carthage, commended unto her, by her brother Artimagus, we will now, a little break square with Decorum, and (briefly overpassing all other occurrences) step boldly unto our Champion: whose noble actions inflame me with such a fervent fury, as in post haste (though absurdly) I approach, resolved to my power, to emblazon his heroic enterprises; which are so many and so wonderful, as without the divine help of the learned Muses, I shall never be able to declare his victories. But to be short.  
So soon, as twice nine Winters (which equaled so many Summers) had speedily passed over the head of that orphanized Infant, and that he now was of the age of eighteen years; he began to be so apt and towardly in each action, so affably courteous to all people, and so gracious in his carriage towards his familiars, as he not only won the love and liking of the Queen of Carthage, but also gave her exceeding great hope, that only by his happy means, she should be delivered from thraldom, and be at last thoroughly revenged upon all her Enemies. Wherefore, 
Of procerous stature.  seeing him now to be of indifferent years to conceive of her offered wrong; as also of sufficient stature (as being but 12. he exceeded in height the tallest soldier in her garrison) to undertake the requital of so extreme an injury; taking sit opportunity, while he was walking in the Castle garden; after many by-intreaties, to incite him to hearken unto her Tragic story, and he having granted audience, she broke her mind, unto him after this sort.  

¶ The lamentable and tragical discourse of Kanira, touching the death of her husband Aldrey, and her son Sigandes.  
TWenty times (dear son) hath the fruitful Goddess Ceres furnished the naked earth with her hidden treasures, and so many times, hath frosty-bearded Hiems, with hibernall flowers, nipped down the flourishing tops of Lady Estas' fosterchildrens, since the first time that I fell into misfortune, or saw the decline of my glory, by the cruel tyranny of unmerciful Marcimodes; who, by his insidious dealing and plotted treacheries, effected both my noble husband Asdreyes', and my valiant son Sigandes tragedies.  
For (after he had by his mighty power conquered all the best knights in these quarters, and brought the greatest portion of the confines of Africa, 
The insa●●able am●tion of Marci●●ede●.  under his subjection) his ambitious mind being never satisfied with sufficiency, nor glutted with satiety; but still coveting the farther enlarging of his dominions; caused him at length to affect the Carthaginian Crown, and to desire the supreme government over so great a kingdom. Which he, knowing the force of my husband, & by arms not daring to attempt, by a new devised and unsuspected stratagem, in this wise effected.  
He caused by the sea side, a huge theatre of lime and stones so artificially to be builded by most cunning workmen; as, it having but only one little wicket to enter in at, seemed within to have an infinite number of fair posterns, which being barred over with great iron plates, 
A stran● stratag●  obumbred (from the sight of any stranger) the view of a number of great pipes of lead, which dispersed themselves into every postern so innumerably, as being unstopped by the most cunning artifex, they would in a short time, overflow the whole compass of the Theatre, and drown all, whatsoever was therein contained.  
This deceitful instrument, thus unhappily, by the great labour & toil of most expert workmen, at last finished; Marcin●odes in most courteous and loving manner, invited my Lord and husband Asd●ey unto that accursed Theatre, to the end to be hold the sundry fights of most strange beasts and terrible monsters; 
Falsehood in fellowship.  whereof at that time he had provided a number, which were sent him from the deserts of Arabia. With which his courteous embassage, my dear husband (enticed to his destruction) repaired, accompanied with a royal troup of loyal attendants, according to his promise, unto the forepointed place of the beholding pastimes: into the circuit of whose fatal walls, being graciously conducted by certain attendants of Marcimodes, they remained expecting the performance of sundry promised pastimes. Which expectation was accordingly in a moment satisfied, to their no small content, that least of all suspected any following misfortune.  
But when men think themselves most secure, then are they most subject to danger: as it fell out with my dear Asdrey, and my suspectless countrymen. For, in the very midst of their pleasures, when they were most intencive to their sports, the tyrant caused the leaden pipes to be opened by his artificers: which spouting forth their streams all about the encompassed game-place, yielded no free room from the springing of their waters: which in short while, swelling up as high as a man's chin, gave the drenched Carthagenians, a sufficient warning to seek shifts for their safeties. But all was in vain: for out at the gates, they could not pass; by reason the wicket was with water overwhelmed, and also so surely barred, as had Hercules been in such a taking, his club would have done him little service. What then should they do? Get up the walls they might not: for, beside the danger in climbing, the Thebans with their warlike weapons so resisted the skalers, as either armless, or headelesse, they sent them backwards into the water. How then should they save their lives? By a hard shift for they must either swim or sink: and endure above water they could no longer, but until they were weary: which (out of doubt) would be very quickly: for most of them already had yielded up their ghosts, and with their heads dounewards, 
A woeful & lamentable exigent.  bid adiewe to the world in the bottom of the water. In the mean while my poor and loving Asdrey laboured for his life; and being in a quandary, whither he should sink or swim, was cheered up with this comfortable speech of Marcimodes: 
Cold comfort.  Maintain thy weary life by swimming a little longer, O noble Carthaginian king; and I shall fetch thee a sufficient supporter to hold thee up from sinking. My innocent husband, though he was almost dead with overlabouring himself in the water; yet hearing the Tyrant speak so gently, as well as he could, he rendered him thanks for his unlooked for courtesy, and with all his might, stayed his body against the side of the wall, expecting the coming of the outrageous Tyrant: 
Sigandes beheaded.  who minding nothing but infidious cruelty, presently caused my sweet son Sigandes, by his soldiers, before my husband's face to be beheaded. And then taking the head in his hand, he called unto my distressed husband, saying; Here, here, O king of Carthage, thou mayest perfectly behold the glass of thy destruction: herewith he threw the head unto my dear Asdrey. Who for grief he conceived by so sorrowful a sight, let go his hold: and being even at the midway betwixt life and death, he only brea●hed out these speeches for a farewell: And is this (O Tyrant) the performance of thy plighted promise? It might be sufficient to rid me from any further labour, replied Marcimodes: But since you will needs challenge me of my promise, hold take this slaughtered carcase in steed of a log to hold thee up from destruction: And therewith his soldiers tossed the headless body of my dear son Sigandes into the water. Over the which my noble Lord and husband (doing the exptations of a dear parent after the death of his loving son) shed forth an Ocean of pearled tears, & with his redoubled sighs, 
A sorrowful entertainment.  bedimming the air all about him, he made the very wild monsters which swum up & down the Theatre to draw nigh him, & (in their manner) with mournful looks, and doleful sighs & roars to make known, how deeply his sorrowful shrieks had penetrated, into their unreasonable hearts; which proving more pitiful than human creatures, who stood obdurate at his miseries; most strangely did relent at so great a punishment; into whose ears he dolefully sighed forth these acclamations.  


Asdreys' imprecations for vengeance on Marcimodes treason.  High jove, which fro thy throne dost see my woe,  
And sitting in thy seat celestial  
Dost by thy divine prescience foreknow  
Each deed of man that liveth here below:  
Look down unto this deed tyrannical:  
Committed by conspiring Traitors skill,  
Insidiously poor Innocents to spill:  
Almighty King, and if it be thy will,  
Before thy heavenly seat judicial  
Prepose this heinous fact done here below,  
And in thy justice, do requitance show  
Unto the causer of our torments all;  
Who traitorously hath us betrayed so:  
And subtly infringing plighted faith,  
Delivered us to this most cruel death.   

But oh, that death had been the worst extreme;  
And that our torments should have gone no further:  
Then should we not have sung so sad a theme  
Like dying swans amids Meander's stream;  
But chearily comforting each one the other,  
We should have yielded up our wearied ghosts,  
Unto the burning Acharontique coasts;  
And undisturbed by a tyrants boasts,  
In quiet peace, unto thy coelique Realm,  
Our innocent souls should flit; of worse murder  
No whit affrighted, nor could think to deem  
Men worse than senseless monsters for to seem,  

Monstrous men, whom monsters exceed in pity.  And more obdurate, and from pity further,  
As now they are. For beasts lament my grieving;  
But men look on, laugh, and yield no relieving.  
Therefore (O sacred, high Olimpique King)  
Before thy heavenly throne majestical,  
Condemn these tirannizers bestial;  
And do them forth to cruel judgement bring,  
According to deserts in every thing:  
And then shall I with thanks and praises meet,  
Continually thy holy justice greet.   
This said, he lovingly kissed whilom Sigandes breast, and clasping his trembling arms about the breathless trunk, 
Asdrey drowned.  he gave himself down; and sinking with it to the bottom of the water, he there ended his woeful life together with a multitude of his most loyal subjects: who seeing their Sovereign dead, and perceiving no remaining hope of safety, desperately sunk themselves unto the bottom of the water. Which doleful Tragedy of my dear husband so soon as the tyrant Marcimodes had effected; he presently levied an army, and with ensign displayed, marched towards my unprovided City of Carthage; which he son took, 
Carthage taken, and Queen Kanira fled to her Castle Carzar.  and overcoming my amazed and unarmed Soldiers, he enforced me with a few of my most trusty Citizens, to fly for safety of ourselves, unto this Castle of Caezar; wherein I have already remained for the space of his twenty years, without hope of any deliverance by any, but only your worthy valour, who are chiefly preserved from the rage of the merciless seas, for the preservation of my Estate; and wonderfully outpointed by the secret and divine working hand of Nature, for the sole regaining of my liberty, and reposing of my former dignity in the city of Carthage: of whose happy fortune, and lucky effects in this enterprise, it hath been long ago y by my aged father Artimedoro; who left unto me for his last will and testament, his only precaution of my sorrows finishing. Herewith she drew from out her bosom, a little square Table of Cittern wood, on the which was written in golden Characters these following presages.  

Until betwixt two seas, by luckless chance  
A sucking infant shall himself advance:  
And, leaving in captivity his mother,  
Shall safe arrive by cunning of thy brother.  
Upon the shores of Sunburnt Barbary,  
Marcimodes, with extreme tyranny,  
Shall keep thee under stavish vassalage:  
Yet, when that Seaborn babe shall come to age,  
By manlike force and worthy chivalry  
He shall contend against his enemy:  
And yer the Moon her course shall run, uneath:  
He shall prove famous by the faitors' death.  ARTEMEDORO.   
Thus (dear son) thou seest how my fortunes depend on thy forwardness, & my chief comfort is solely comprised in thy chivalry. Say therefore, sweet gentleman of the sea (for so he was there named) if in thy valour I may safely repose my confidence, and by thy uncomparable valiancy repossess my kingdom? Oceander, who was not a little tickled in the heart strings, that his valiant proceed were thus foreprophecied by so learned a Magician as Artemedoro was (glad also of such fit occasion to declare his good affection he had to do his fostermother any service) made no long pausing but presently rendered her this comfortable answer.  
Fair Madame, and my honourable mother, although my infant years forbids me to be to bold, yet my good courage and the justness of your cause commandeth me to able all cowardly thoughts and putting on the armour of resolution in trial of so manifest a quarrel, 
Oceander's virtuous eagerness to revenge the treason of Marc●modea.  to dare manfully in arms to buckle with so fierce a tyrant, and to quell the fury of so proud a presumer, so unjust usurper, and so unmerciful and insidious a traitor. Cheer up your drooping soul therefore (dear Lady mother) with this assurance, that on my fidelity both unto Gods and men, I shall never be at rest, until I have cooled the courage of so wicked an oppressor; or else (failing in my first attempt) left my carcase for a recompense of my bold adventuring; accounting always (according to the adage) that; 
It is the part of worthy men,  
In duty for to see,  
That vicious and wicked wights  
justly corrected be.   
Assure yourself therefore (sweet Madame) of my aid, not only in this action, but also in whatsoever enterprise else you shall willingly command me.  
Kanira seeing his hardy resolution so well (yea beyond the hope of his years) to fit her expectation; for very joy could not contain herself any longer, but needs she must by her outward action demonstrate her inward affection. Wherefore running unto him, & embracing him, after she had sweetly kissed him, she said, O my dear son, now I see that my father's presage is true, concerning thy courage, and that the just judging heavens, in mercy, have heard my plaints and pitied my afflictions: to this did the Gods send thee unto me, and to this end have I preserved thee, and hitherto thou hast given me sufficient hope of recovering my lost dignity, and reinfranchising me from the tyranny of so vile and wicked an oppressor. Only one thing as yet resteth in trial to make up my wavering hope, a well assured happiness (which if thou canst not effect, I am resolved never more to expect my deliverance) and that is this; After my father Artimedoro was dead, and that he had resigned up his Cell and books of skill unto my brother Artimagus, and his daughter Magartes; I entreated some strange effect of their science to be framed for me; to the end, that thereby I might be the more ascertained of the person that should fulfil the prophecy. Wherefore, my brother Artimagus with great study and labour endeavoured to fulfil my requests; and at length by his cunning, he fabricated a most strong and fair well tempered shield; which he charmed so fast and sure, to the shoaring side of a craggy rock, by his magical spells and Necromancy, as no knight (be he never so strong) shall have the courage to approach it, by reason of an infinity of invisible Furies, that withstand their endeavours; or having approached it, can be able to pull it away; it is so firmly enchanted. This is the adventure, I would have you to attempt: of the which if you fail not in your enterprise. I shall think me the most happy woman, and you the most valiant and hardy Champion in this Southern Continent.  
The forward gentleman of the Ocean, no sooner heard of this rare adventure, 
Hazard exciteth the honourable.  of the enchanted shield, but he presently burned with an ardent desire of attempting so wonderful an enterprise. Wherefore, resolving his mother of his will and courage that he had unto the trial, he concluded with her, as soon as he could purvey him of weapons and armour, to go and courageously give the adventuring. Nay son (replied Kanira) if that be the worst, you shall soon be provided for; and presently she caused a dwarf to buckle on his armour (which she had hidden for that purpose in an arbour of the garden) and to gird him with a trusty sword: which being performed, calling for their Palfreys, they speedily mounted, and only attended on by the dwarf, 
They journey ●o the rock of the enchanted shield.  and two other knights (Lugonto and Piresty) they hastily took their journey towards the rock of the enchanted shield.  
And as they were thus travailing onwardly, they espied a furlong before them, a company of knights soldiers, who had gotten amongst them, the poor silly fisherman Kalus, and were dragging him amongst them, into the neighbouring woods, 
Kalus reskew●d.  for to make him confess the estate of the Q. of Carthage, during her abode in the castle Carzar. Wherewith Oceander enraged, presently setting spurs to his horse with his lance in his rest, 
Organio slain ●his knights ●ut to foil ●y Oceander, ●nd Kaniras' night.  he ruffled in so rudely among them, as making some for fear fly this way and others that way, he leveled his lance at the fairest, and by good hap he hit Organio (the Duke of Athens, and brother unto Marcimodes) so sound a buffet on the helmet, as piercing him clean through the beaver, into the face, he made tumble over his horse croope, & measure his lubberly length on the dusty earth: and than vnsheathing his Curtle-axe, he laid about him so lustily, on the helms of his Enemies, as he wondered himself exceedingly of his fury's execution: for by this time, he had overcome, maimed, and slain outright, five very valiant Knights and of some reputation. Which his havoc made of the outraging Knights, so soon as Piresty saw, enraged with a worthy emulation at the young Gentleman of the Seas doings, he set spurs to his Palfrey; in great fury he pricked forward unto the conflict, and after him Lugonto. Which too so bravely behaved themselves in their assailing, as they sent a pair of their foes to the ground; and with the self same Lances, they effected the second encounter so valiantly, as each of them piercing quite through the breastplates of their opponents, they quickly made the rest to take their heels; and thereby, both freed themselves and the young Prince, from all further trouble and contention.  
But, for by this time Phoebus, the days cheerful director, had taken his decline unto the Western Ocean, and that the darksome Night, with her sable coloured mantle, had overspread the dusky Earth; the Q. of Carthage, with the Gentleman of the Sea, and the rest, were enforced to frustrate their journey; and for that season to return unto their Castle Carzar: so named for their enforced endurance. Over the walls whereof, the next morning, having stuck the head on a bore spear, they hanged the dead carcase of Organio; to the great terror of the Thebans, his loving subjects, 
Organios' body hung over the Castle wall.  and the extreme grief of his brother Marcimodes: who vowed by main force to redeem his body from such shame of his insulting foes; or in hazarding the attempt, to leave the bodies of his bravest soldiers, massacred in the ditches of the Castle Carzar.   

CHAP. 7.  
¶ How the Gentleman of the Sea, attempted the adventure of the enchaunced Shield; which he achieved: And how he was presented by a Dwarf, with a most gorgeous enchanted coat-armour, from the wise Artimagus; in the which he was made Knight by Marcimodez, whose Nephew he combated: And how he left Marcimodez and his Camp all in an uproar, for the death of Nigrasto his kinsman.  
GReat was the joy and frolicking, that they of the Castle made, for the victory of the young Gentleman of the Sea, over the Thebans Duke, Organio (whom they hung over the walls) which endured the whole nighttime: Not only the Queen herself, but also the rest of her loyal subjects, being greatly assured by his first good proceedings, that he would not only achieve the adventure of the shield, and redeem them from the tyranny of Marcimodez; but also, if the Heavens granted him their Celestial favour, and divine auxil, become the most heroic and valorous Champion in all the world.  
But, as soon, as the blushing morning had brought assured tidings of the approaching day, the noble Gentleman of the Sea (with a desirous mind of finishing the adventure of the Enchanted shield) arose out of his bed, 
Virtue is impatient of delay.  and with all haste possible he shaped his way, towards his foster-mothers, the Queen ranira's, chamber: whom finding walking alone in a fair large gallery, very fairly hung with right tapistry, he thus dutifully saluted  
My dear Mother, Gods grant you a happy day, and send you as pleasant a down-lying, as they have afforded you an unsorrowfull uprising. But Madame what muse you on, thus early in the morning? Do you meditate of our following adventure? or forethink you of some future danger? Speak madame; but with this Proviso, that you do not gainsay my proposed proceed; considering I am resolved, either to lose my life, or bring away by force of arms, the Enchanted shield from the Rocks of Africa.  
Dear son (answered the Queen of Carthage) in this your resolute determination, I do no whit dislike your heroic mind: But yet hereof I assure you, that you have missed your mark in so suddenly judging of my cogitations. For I do not meditate upon any thing, but only walk here in my gallery, to drive away a little pernicious disease from me, which hath sorely troubled me all this morning, insomuch as I can scarcely refrain from sleeping: For in deed I am so drowsily idle; as I should presently fall into a slumber, if I should but sit still a little: But I know it would be very sore against your mind, that I should any longer prolong our journey, to the Rock of the enchanted Shield. True madame (replies Oceander) and therefore I beseech your Majesty, our Palfreys to be brought forth. It shall be so (answered the Queen) and therewith she caused the Horses to attend in the Base court for them; when she with Oceander and Five or Six Knights more (whose names were Lugonto, Piresty, Maruall, Gerardo, and Trosny) withal speed possible departed to the Rock of the Enchanted shield. But because the tourney was somewhat long, and such extreme posting so exceeding painful, and their accompanying would be tedious without conversing; they agreed to pass away the time with merry Stories; and that every one, according to his turn, should deliver forth some pretty theme, for his following friend to treat of. 
Purposes to deceive the weariness of their journey.  Content (quoth Oceander) and first of all, the Queen my mother shall propound her question.  
Agreed (replied the Queen) but than I must be exempted from telling my tale. Be it so Madame, replied the Gentleman of the Sea, and on that condition, I will begin; and therewithal he thus answered to his given question.  

Whether, virtue or violence, is the stronger.  
ALthough perhaps some man (whose insight might be more deep, and whose wisdom and judgement be sounder to conceive more sharply of this matter than myself) might happily maintain violence to be the stronger, in regard it so often (and almost ever) overthroweth and overwhelmeth the vigour of Virtue; yet not him which continually giveth the foil: 
Virtue may be for a while dashed, but not quite destroyed.  but him which longest endureth, I account the victor. And although for a time the beauty of virtues forces be by violence overshadowed, and in a manner almost dashed, yet shall I needs judge virtue to be the stronger; since, even in a moment, after so huge a tempest, her troubled sky being cleared of such dark clouds of violence, 
Revirescit vulnere virtus.  she at the last re-enjoyeth a far more glorious splendour, and thereby with speed overcometh her foe, and unburdeneth herself of such violent disgraces. And to the end, that thou shall not think, that with only my bare words, I seek to prove it, I shall allege you a fitting example, of the virtuous conquest of a beauteous damosel, over the violent attempts of wicked injurers.  

The story of virtuous Ericlea, reported by Oceander.  
IN the famous City Memphis (in former ancient time, the Metropolis of the Egyptian Monarchy) there governed as Vicegerent in place of the puissant King Arcabanus, (who was departed into the kingdom of Armenia, against Arsainez, to revenge an injury) one Tantanez a worthy Knight, and of exceeding valour, and reputation; who for his virtues was no less renowned, and for his justice honoured, than any Memphian of what estate soever, within the Egyptique territories: Notwithstanding as the wind cannot be always at one corner; nor her horned Moon be all times in her waning; but the one must needs change, and the other by the strict necessity of old antic Time, must decline unto her waning: So this unhappy Tantanez, could not for ever so observe a moderation in his matters, but that at length he was convicted of unjustice, and his grave abearing found out at last to be turned into graceless attempt: For it was his (though most unlucky) chance one day as he was going in progress, with great pomp and Majesty about the walls of Memphis, to espy from out the chamber window, of a Knight's house where he then reposed himself, a most beauteous Lady (named Ericlea) to walk hand in hand, 
Tantanez en flamed with Ericleas' love  very lovingly with her husband Zarmez (a man whose deformity and ill favoured Vulcan like countenance, very ill befitted so fair and lovely a Venus) about her Garden: with whose beauty he was suddenly so inflamed, as he could not be at quiet, until such time as he had made known his passions unto her, by this following Epistle, that he sent to her house by a most secret and trusty messenger.  

1  
With pen in steed of pearled tears,  
I do my passions paint;  
Then (Venus match) lend listening ears  
Unto my sad complaint;   

2  
Complaint of my tormented heart,  
Exhibited unto  
Thy charming eyes, which work my smart,  
And ever-during woe.   

3  
Therefore let graciousness proceed,  
From undisdainefull mind:  
And what your beauty made to bleed,  
Salve with your being kind,   

4  
Lest fond staying overlong,  
From lending remedy,  
I do complain of suffered wrong,  
By double cruelty.   

5  
Seek not therefore (dear Dame) to cure  
My sorrow with disdain,  
Lest that thereby thou dost procure,  
Unto thyself the pain.   

6  
For know if thou deny remorse,  
Unto my kind entreats,  
I will not woo; but i'll enforce  
Thee to my will, by threats.   

7  
Resolve thee therefore, and with speed,  
What answer thou mayst make.  
For I determined am, thy fruit  
Of beauty for to take;  
Or missing narrowly my mark,  
To make the Tree to shake. Adieu.  
He that may command, and yet  
entreats thee, Tantanes.   
ERiclea, poor Lady, having very well entertained the messenger of Tantanez Letter, withdrew herself into her closet to peruse the contents. Which so soon as she had read, and thoroughly pondered the meaning thereof in her thoughts, and thinking verily that the Vicegerent writ it to no other purpose but to try her honesty towards her husband Zamez; 
A wise determination.  whom (though none of the comeliest) she as dearly as her life affected; she determined so to answer him, as if he meant in jest, he might know her constancy: or if in earnest, he might thoroughly perceive her wife like fidelity. Wherefore taking pen in hand, she answered him thus briefly.  
Desist (dear Lord) to undermine the favour I do bear  
Unto my husband; whom I love, even then myself more dear:  
And let not such polluted thoughts, once harbour in your mind,  
As to request I false should be unto my Zames kind.  
Wert thou the mightiest amongst men, Artabanus himself,  
Thou shouldest not wrack my honesty upon dishonours shelf.  
A Lais, may a Lais play: but she that is a wife  
(Like Lucrece, with her Collatine) should lead an honest life.  
Therefore desist soliciting: but if it will not be,  
Seek forth a Lais for thy lust, and not dishonest me.  
She that scorneth thy threats,  
Ericlea, the constant wife of Zames,  
THis letter delivered to the messenger, who presented it unto the Vicegerent, did so nip the Memphian to the heart; as for grief falling sick, for a great while he remained in great perplexity, for sorrow that he could not obtain his hoped for favour at Ericleas' hands, whom he so dearly loved. But thinking that the cause of her refusal was, by reason that her husband was yet living, he resolved with himself by some cunning stratagem, to make away Zamez. And therefore he presently sent for him by an Herald to come unto the Court. At whose summons he presently repaired unto Tantanez: 
Imbrobe Amor quid non mortalia pectora cogis?  who causing certain knights of the post, hired with golden coin, to accuse him of high treason, against the Egyptian Majesty; without suffering him once to answer or excuse himself, unjustly without any law or equity, he condemned him to a most cruel death. Which being executed on him, Tantanez supposing he could not now lightly miss of obtaining Ericlea, 
Zamez put to death.  betook himself once again to solicit his loves suits; not attempting any more to win her to his lust, but wed her to his wife: And therefore with purse & promises, he at once solicited her constant heart, and by all means possible enticed her to yield to his affections.  
But all in vain: for Ericlea still reserving the memory of her husband Zamez death, freshly in her mind, and knowing, how by the most unjust dealing of the Vicegerent Tantanez, he was against the order of law most rigorously condemned and executed, determined utterly to refuse Tantanez offers, 
A virtuous & honest resolution.  & rather to abide the chaste widow of her first choose Zamez, then to be held the changing concubine, or wretched (if she should be) wife of Tantanez. Whereupon she not only denied his lustful suits, but firmly avowed if he did ever again proffer her such an injury, either in word or writing; she would not only be her own executioner, and by her death disappoint him of her love; but also would by her acclamations, excite her friends and allied kinsfolks to the revengement of her husband's death, and her own wrong; to his utter discredit and destruction.  
All these absolute denials notwithstanding, Tantanes remained in his purpose so resolute, as seeing he could not by fa●●e means, 
●oue rejected and despis●●n● 〈◊〉 to ●●●t.  he decermined by fowl, to overmaister her reiections. Wherefore he sent for her by certain Placeboes, who were the Panders to his wicked lusts; & having her before him he condemned her unjustly to be famished in a dungeon, at the side of a great wood: where, for all his allurements and enticing words, she remained, for the space of two days, 
auricled con●emned and ●mprisoned.  free from any consent or thought of yielding to his wicked will; a●d so had remained to her death, had not he (everwhelmed in his last) the third day, offered her violence, and by force attempted her chastity's disparagement.  
Wh●ch his wickedness she very illcontentedly brooking, se●ng by no other means she could eschew dishonour, she determined to put her life in danger, 
impatient violence repealed with incomparable virtue.  rather than to yield her body's fruition to so manifest a jeopardy: and therefore resolving her s●lfe of this remedy, she desired that before she consented to this wicked intent, she might be suffered to meditate with her s●lfe of her safest way of condescending.    
Which her request, Tantanez (little suspecting any stratagem) having granted, the virtuous Lady arose up on her feet, and presently pacing unto a deep Well of puddle water in the one side of the dungeon, standing upon the brinks, she said aloud unto the Vicegerent; Speak Vicegerent, whether shall Tantanes leave his lust, or Ericlea her life?  
Which words when Tantanez heard, and withal perceived to what end her resolution tended, he presently fell down on his knees, and promising never again to proffer her any violent wrong, with the tears in his eyes, he most earnestly entreated her to desist from her so desperate enterprise; avowing, never any more whilst he lived, to persist in his pretended purpose of her surprisage, or once again so much as to harbour one ill meaning thought within the secret closure of his pancing, penitent breast With which earnest spoken words of reconcilement, the lady somewhat pleased, though not altogether pacified for her husband's death, causing Tantanez to swear by the sacred deity of celestial jupiter, to forsake his intended villainy, ●hee removed from the Well, & receiving humble thanks of the poor vicegerent, 
Ericlea delivered.  she was immediately s●t at freedom from imprisonment: and being returned home unto her house she remained there quietly, without so much as once looking out of her doors (for fear of the like surprisage) until cruel Atropos, having shred her lives thread, gave a full period to her long-lasted languor. Thus (dear mother) have you heard what I can answer unto your propounded question: whereon if I have not sufficiently dilated, I beseech you save me checkless, by remembering my books are left at home, and that I am not come as a Scholar, but a soldier to plead in arms before your majesty.  
The Queen answered him very pleasantly again, some time reprehending him, and some time rejoicing at his handsome salving of his ignorant dispute, with excuses and therewith she began to propound her second question, to Sir Luganto; who excusing himself, by showing them the top of the rock of the charmed shield, gave Kanira occasion to reprehend Oceander a little, for his so long tarrying in his related story, as also the rest to have a needful care of both the Prince Oceander, and their own abiliments; to the end that when they should attempt any dangerous adventure, they might not the sooner miscarry by reason of some unlooked to miss, in their armour. In this like work they busied themselves, until they might perfectly behold the stony rock glister like the reflection of the Sun, all about the brims of the enchanted shield: which the gracious Carthaginian Governess reputing as a sign of the young gentleman of the seas good fortune (goshopping her palfrey close unto him) she thus began to assure him of good and happy finishing of his adventure:  
O my most dear and loving fostersonne, how happy may I think myself to be, that have brought thee up with such care, from thy childhood, and made thee endoss on armour in thy young years; since to thy glory I see thy actions to tend, and the very senseless things by the goodness of the Gods, by strange signs to prognosticate thy happy fortune. For to what other purpose doth the rock effuse so exceeding a splendour about the shield? but thereby to manifest, how thy exceeding valiancy shall make thee wondersome, and thy heroic achievements shall make thy glory to illuminate the earth: as in a summers day doth the glorious rays of light-bringing Titan, begild the billows of the Ocean with his brightsome reflections. Fear not therefore, noble gentleman of the Sea, to attempt, nay (by force of arms & thy well boding fortune) to achieve this strange adventure of this shield, which is here (only for thy fame and honours increase) placed thus wonderfully, by most cunning enchantments.  
The forward young Prince, hearing his mother's comfortable excitements of him, to undertake the performance of the enterprise, though he foreknew it to be somewhat difficult in achieving; yet with an undaunted stomach he determined to hazard the adventure: and in this resolution setting spurs to his Palfrey, he galloped apace towards the rock, 
●ceander unhorsed by an nuisible opponent.  determining in spite of his invisible resisters, on horseback to approach the shield. But yet he came nigh it, by a metrodde he received so strong an encounter from some unseen enemy's lance, as with force of the push, he was dispossessed of his saddle, & enforced whether he would or no, on foot to try out the event of the adventure.  
This notwithstanding, he was no whit at all abashed: but rather enraged at his received fall, he leapt up lightly on his legs again: and vnsheathing his good Curtle-axe (that for the approvednesse thereof was cleped Scindifer) he mainly pressed on unto the rock, 
●eatchieueth ●e adventure  and clapping his armed hand upon the shield (for all he received multitudes of buffets on his gauntlet) by force he pulled it from the hard stone where it was fastened; & clapping it before him, he supposed by the safeguard thereof, to rush through the midst of the unseen defendants. But as he was so endeavouring, he was thus staid by the sound of a voice, which proceeding from the hollowness of the rock, pronounced forth these words of comfort.  
Perplex thyself no more, heroic Prince,  
To entertain thy unresisting foes;  
Whom by your valour you did erst convince.  
For know that now wailing their overthrows,  
They are enchanted here by magic art,  
Within this Rock to bide eternal sm●●t.  
These verses drove such exceeding joy into the young Prince's heart, as he presently kneeled down upon his knees, and with great devotion, 
Nulli pietate secundus.  he rendered thanks to the Gods, for that they had given so good success unto his enterprise. Which his sudden gladness, so soon as Carthagininian Kanira perceived, with the other six knights, she ran unto the young gentleman of the Sea, and most kindly embracing, and kissing him, she gratefully rendered him excess of thanks for his good achievement: which being thus happily finished, with great joy and mirth, they mounted themselves (having before alighted for the Bassient) and putting spurs to their Palfreys, they pased home again with an indifferent celerity: & having forgotten to propound any more questions, they counted it their propositum, to prattle only of the prince oceander's actions; which not only the knight, but the Queen herself; even unto the very heavens, extolled with admiration.  
journeying onwards in this sort towards their Castle in great iovisance, they perceived a far off, a dwarf to approach towards them, 
A dwarf from Artimagus.  leading a horse loaden with very costly furniture for a warlike Champion: which being of a new fair colour very richly ennameled, and beautified with divers rocks of gold & silvery hew, interlaced here & there with sundry sorts of Crystal scaled fishes, made such a fair show through the pleits of a lose Lawn (wherewith it was covered) as this troup of gallants were greatly delighted with the beautifulness thereof. But so soon as the dwarf was come something nigh unto them, he demanded, which of them was the young gentleman of the Sea? Who being showed him, taking Oceander by the armed hand, & kissing it, he in this wise saluted him from his master: Noble gentleman of the Ocean, my Lord and master, the wise and learned Artimagus, knowing by his art, of your noble finished enterprise of the enchanted shield, and foreseeing by his cunning and skill in Necromancy, the exceeding dangers, and inevitable misfortunes, that you are hereafter to undergo, or hardly escape, hath sent you by me his servant, this rich coat armour (which by his magic art he hath so charmed, as it shall never fail you in the hottest conflict) in token of his firm friendship and love which he beareth unto you, and as an obligation to bind him as a most dutiful servant unto your Princely safeguard.  
Having ended his salute, he took down the armour from his hackney, and uncovering it, gave it unto Oceander: who not a little joyful for being owner of so gorgeous a piece of harness, 
Oceander presented with an enchanted coat-armour from Artimagus.  rewarding the dwarf, sent him back with innumerable thanks to his master Artimagus, for so rare a present: and causing himself presently to be indossed with his enchanted armour, he found it more fit for him then the nine hide-folded Target for the vigorous arm of the invulnerable Greekish Champion Achilles; and more gorgeous, than the Vulcan-framed armour of Aeneas, fetched from the Cyclops forge by the Paphian Goddess Cytharea, when she sought for her sons safeguarde (from the fury of Rutilian Turnus) fight for a kingdom, and his love Lavinia. Oceander being thus gorgeously armed in the enchanted harness, and stoutly advancing his shield (the device whereof was the Neptunian kingdom) he pranced up & down before Queen Kanira, being esteemed of his beholders, to be the best accomplished gentleman in all the territories of the Africa continent.  
But, by this time having sufficiently glutted their eyes with gazing on the gorgeousness of the armour, 
Returned to the Castle they find divers of their knights wounded.  they once again set forward to the Castle: which, by the shutting in of the evening, they entered; but alas, in an ill hour. For they no sooner came up into the great hall, but they saw where eleven of their best knights were sitting on their chairs, half dead with the dangerous wounds they had lately received in a conflict, against the cruel Nigrestoe, Nephew of the tyrant Marcimodes; who with a band of warlike Thebans, and Barbarians, had that afternoon most furiously assaulted the Castle, 
Nigresto repriseth the body of Organio, from the walls of Ca●zar.  and (wounding those knights) by force taken away from the walls, the dead corpse of the treacherous Duke Organio, and carried it away unto Marcimodes; who within a while avows, for his brother's death, to take a more cruel and sufficient revengement.  
The good Queen, hearing these sorrowful tidings, was exceedingly vexed; insomuch as, sitting her down, she rested silent for a long while; for very grief of heart not able to utter a word, and in that sort remained all the other, both knights and gentlemen: But Oceander (whose stomach rather yearned to wreak an injury, than wail a misfortune; coveting rather to cry quittance, 
A noble mind makes misfortune a spur to virtue.  then to lament quite helpless with his enemies) made Nigrastoes' cruel dealing an edge to revenge; & enraged which the Thebans actions, in the vehemency of his anger, he plighted solemn promises, to requite Nigrastoe to the proof for his so bold adventuring: and therewith all he plotted forth a stratagem, befitting to the night; and only made the Queen, and certain others of his friends privy to his attempts; with only one dwarf named Trufidill. After his repast taken, he departed from the Castle Carzar, and in the silence of the pitchy night, he took his way speedily towards the sea side; where he rested himself until the appearing of the cheerful morning: whose due harbinger, Lucifer, was no sooner mounted on the clouds, giving unfeigned notice of the approperating day, but that this worthy Prince remounted his Palfrey, and from the shore side directly travailed to the camp of Marcimodes (part whereof being not able to be lodged within the city, was pitched, without the walls of Carthage) where being admitted unto the presence of Marcimodes, he feigning himself (more truly than he thought) to be a Grecian; humbly requested his orders of knighthood at the tyrant's hands, 
Oceander enters the camp of Marcimodes.  to be given him. Marcimodes eyeing the young prince, & perceiving him to be of an excellent feature, was very greatly delighted; and hoping thereby he might win the Greek for his constant friend, taking his sword and striking him three blows on the shield, he girded the knightly sword unto him, and commanding him to rise sir knight, he schooled him to observe religiously and loyally his orders of knighthood: 
Oceander receiveth the honour of knighthood of Marcimodes.  and never but in a just quarrel to offer the combat unto any person.  
School thyself tyrant with that lesson (quoth the gentlemyn of the Sea) and teach not me those precepts, which thou thyself hast dissoyally eschewed. For assure thyself hereof Marcimodes; that I, only to correct such villainy and injustice, have at this time taken upon me these knightly orders. Marcimodes hearing the bold (though true) speeches of the knight of the Sea, could in no wise refrain from uttering his conceived anger by his heart's messenger.  
Proud and undiscrete new made knight, how darest thou, being but even now invested with the royal orders, once so presumptuously to upbraid me with disloyalty, who have (almost longer years, than thou hast days) with my sword, courageously maintained the honour of unstained knighthood? Do but stay a while (foolish hardy young springould) until I have but armed me; & with my sword (to thy cost) I shall show thy dull capacity, how ill the insolent words are befitting for thee.  
Herewith, in a chafe, he went hastily into his tent to arm himself, thinking in a moment to have made Oceander with his life to do penant satisfaction, for his committed presumption. But he was deceived of his purpose, at that time, by his Nephew Nigrasto; who, seeing the reproach that Marcimodes suffered, had suddenly (and therefore slightly) armed himself, & came out unto Oceander with a volley of threats, giving the watchword unto the combat.  
By love, thou foolish stripling. I marvel how such foolish-hardy audacity could once enter into thy cowardly breast, 
Nig●asto.  as that thou shouldest so much as dare to but behold a frown, much less abide the fury of the most mighty Commander of all Africa? But since thy bold presumption hath drawn thee into so intricate a labyrinth of our displeasure: by the heavens high Ruler, though I am nor my Lord Marcimodes; yet at my hands, full dearly shalt thou buy thy folly's repentance. To which Oceander: Think not Nigrastoe, that I am ignorant of thy name, or cursed conditions: But letting this pass, know tyrant that I am destined to be thy death, and that on my lances point, as on the spear of Phtigian Hector, sitteth confusion to my enemy; and dismal destruction to my despisers. Defend thee therefore; for not thou, 
Oceander and Nigrasto encounter.  but I, am determined the assailant. And herewith they both set spurs to their coursers, and encountered together with such a fierceness, as both their Lances being shivered in pieces, they provided them of fresh and stronger: wherewith, returning to the second encounter, they crossed each others helms so rigorously, as Oceander was by the strength of his adversaries push, enforced (in spite of his heart) to kiss his horse crupper. But Nigrastoe, having his buckles of his helmet broken, by the fury of Oceander's affronting, was deceived of his headpiece: and being cast out of his saddle (and yet loath to leave his stirroppes) he hung backwards at his horse heels: who, in dragging him by the feet alongst the fields, with his horned hooves, battered his armour, so close unto his backside and ribs; 
Nigrasto slain with his horse heels.  as he soon made his weary soul with doleful groans and heart-breaking sighs, to give his battered body a sorrowful farewell.  
Which woeful Tragedy of Nigrastoe, when the knights of Thebes and Barbary beheld, they cried to arms: and together by multitudes, even in a moment, 
Tumult in the Campe.  getting them to their weapons, they clustered about the pavilion of their General: and causing him to mount a mighty Bactrian Course, they furiously pursued after the knight of the Sea, crying out, cursing, banning, and outrageously exclaiming upon Oceander: whom, calling the accursed new knight, they wished might repass home again with his life in safety. Thus road the traitorous frantic Thebans in a rage, after the knight of the Sea. Who (no whit at all weighing their in vain spent curses, or bitter ban) for the safeguarde of his life, took his speediest way towards the Castle Carzar: 
Oceander pursued by the Thebans, flieth to the Castle, and is rescued by the Carthaginians.  from the turrets whereof, being by the diligent watchmen a far off descried; he was presently rescued by twenty or thirty worthy knights; who coming upon the spur unto his aid, encountered so courageously with the foremost of the tyrant's soldiers, as (sending at the least a score of Barbarians, and with them Marcimodes, unto the earth) they made them by heaps, as fast to recoil unto their Camp, 
Marcimodes dismounted.  as they came by multitudes in pursuit unto the Castle; some of them for fear hurting themselves, maiming their friends, and in such sort mischieving their companions; as more miscarried in their fearful flight, than fell by the unresistible fury of their opposing adversaries. Which unlooked for foil, when the tyrant Marcimodes perceived; he remained half in an ecstasy at his misfortunes; exclaiming against heaven, cursing earth, and blaspheming the name of his Gods; 
Tyranny and impiety are still consociates.  in such irreligious sort, as he fully demonstrated himself to be as he was; a Barbarous miscreant and a Godless Infidel. But yet at last (having already given his rage sufficient scope) he somewhat pacified himself with full hope of revenge. And therewith, causing the dead bodies of Nigrasto and Organio, with solemn ceremonies (according to the custom) to be burned, he dissolved their ashes into little barrels of wine; whereof he every morning drank an hearty draft, 
A strange ceremony of Sepulture most commonly used in many places in the old time.  coveting to make his body their sepultures; whose weight and bones, the earth and fire he judged unworthy to carry or consume. To which his proud superstitiousness, we will for this time leave him, to proceed more forward with our abruptly finished history of the knight of the Tiger, and the worthy Grecian Prince, Olbiocles.   

CHAP. 8.  
¶ Of the Knight of the Tigers arrival at the Hermit's cell: and the comfort the old Father yielded him by the relation of his own misfortunes: howbeit notwithstanding, Troglader enraged with commemoration of his own wickedness, with his own hands ended his life in the hermits grove; and how the Prince Olbiocles, finding his dead carcase, delivered it unto the Hermit to be interred: of whom he received directions concerning his inquest.  
Having with disgrace (as you have heard) in such unexpected manner, received a due recompense for his villainies, at the hands of his most hated Enemy Olbiocles: the vanquished Knight of the Tiger, with all might and main travailed from the Castle of the Round Island, 
Troglador entereth into the grove of Calandre.  four or five days journey into the farther part of the Island: where he entered into a large and a thick set grove, very pleasantly decked here and there, with Dates, Oranges, and Olive trees; which rendered so odoriferous a savour, as he was not only refreshed, but also exceedingly delighted with so delicate objects; insomuch, as in his conceit he deemed it the sole Paradise of Silvanus; who had planted those fragrant arbours, for the pleasant recreating of his beauteous Clarian; or the silent grove of Calisto, wherein enamoured jupiter, in likeness of a woodnymph, did dally with her. In so great an amazement, did he stand gazing on their quivering branches, as at length an extreme desire excited him to enter into the bowels of the wood; to see if peradventure he might encounter with any courteous passenger, that of his mere compassion, would charitably accept of him, for his companion. And herewith, because the way was but only a small tract of footmen, through the thick set Bushes (whose narrowness was impassable for any travailer on horseback) he presently dismounted; and unbridling his Palfrey, he turned him loose unto the pastures; and on foot took his way towards the midst of the Grove; not of a long while hearing or seeing any one, of whom he might receive but even the common comfort; until about that time the days illustrator had in his golden chariot, fully mounted unto the toppoinct of the Zodiac. At what time, he perceived coming from the East side of the wood, an old age wearted man, 
The good hermine Calandre.  clad after a homely yet a comely) fashion, with a white long beard reaching downward unto his girdle. at the buckles whereof hung a leathern Scrip, a book, and an holland handkerchief: wherewith, over-laboured with gathering windfallen rotten boughs, he wiped the sweat from off his wrinkled forehead: which was as proud of those trickling small drops, as the Pactolian sand-hills of their most precious glistering Pearls, there left and forsaken of the ebbing billows of the bubbling waters. To whom, the wandering Knight giving the time of the day, as courteously as his sorrows could afford him, the grave Hermit in this courteous manner greeted.  

His kind salutations to Troglador.  Welcome young Prince (for so I do suppose thee)  
Unto this silent unfrequented grove:  
Where after weary toil, you may repose ye,  
In quiet hermitage, which here above  
I builded have of mud and straw compacted,  
Suffitient enough to keep him free,  
From showering rain and tempest, that extracted  
From worlds abuses, willingly would be;  
And from the restless and disturbing rage,  
Of earthly wights pernicious perturbations:  
Stately in enough, for my declining age;  
Who only do desire, in meditations  
Of high jehovah, and his sacred law,  
The small remainder of my life to spend.  
Which since to death I see so near to draw,  
I nourish chatily to godly end.  
In which my poor, simple, undecked Cell  
(Such one as Baucis, with Philemon had)  
And if with me you shall vouchsafe to dwell,  
I shall be of your company more glad,  
Then can a Father be of his dear Son,  
After he hath him many years forgonne.  
This welcome was uttered in such affectionate sort by the good old Hermit; as the Knight of the Tiger, perpending with himself, in what security, he might there safely remain free from any pursuing Enemies, with that godly father; he accepted willingly of his courteous offer, & rendering him thanks for his adiument in such a time of tribulation, he went along with him to the solitary Cell; 
He arriveth at the Hermitage.  in the way at full relating unto the Hermit, the whole history of his misfortunes, from point to point as you have already heard it. Which ended, the ancient Separiste, comforting him up with an Exordium of good counsel, at last wishing thoroughly his welfare; by declaring his own mischances, he went about to exhort him to bear his miseries with patience, in hope of some better following happiness,  

〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 his relation of mishaps.  
AT what time the mighty Emperor of Moscovia (named by reason of his virtues and stayed government Basileon) waged intestine wars against the powerful Corlordine of Caspia, I was not only in favour, 
Man's imbecility, to admire great states, because they are gre●, not because they are virtuous.  but also in a firm conjoined bond of amity with my Sovereign: whose gracious looks I accounted more worth than the world, and whose committed secrecies, I retained with more inviolable affection, than my very soul. Insomuch as if he smiled, I was joyful: if frowned, I accounted myself joyless & unfortunate. For in his looks lay my life, and in his blithesome brows my blessedness: so as I thought nothing good, but what he did: no religion true, but what he embraced: nor no man happy, but whom he most favoured: 
All is not gold that glistreth.  so far did my affection lead my fancy, to esteem him above all earthly, and honoured him above the heavenly governors. But all Rivers bear not Tagus golden sands: neither was he whom I so adored, 
A fair face may hide foul falsehood.  endued with the heavenly virtues (that I supposed) for any long continuance: but making friendship, a visage for his villainy, he sought by such secret means to effect my tragedy. The reason this; that exceeding fame of my most dear wives beauty (for none was more beautiful than my Albinoë) being by pick thanks Panders buzzed in his itching ears, he was so inflamed with her features (as his lust suffering no longer stay) he presently sent a messenger unto me, to declare by word of mouth, as also by his majesties Letters, his highness affection to Albinoë. The one I heard, the other I read: and the Nuntio I courteously received, rewarded honourably, and humbly returned unto his Master, with most wished tidings of my consenting: who herein, without making my poor Albinoe acquainted, sent her presently most honourably attended, with a troup of my trustiest servants, to the Moscan Court, 
Friendship abused.  to satisfy the unnatural beastly lust of the lascivious Tyrant: But seeing her sad countenance at her departure, as she was mounting up into her coach, I sought to comfort her with this kind farewell. Albinoe, my dear Albinoe, cheer up thy drooping thoughts, affrighted with thy sudden departure unto our Sovereign (for unto him it is I send thee) since thou thyself dost know and I can also assure thee, of his exceeding virtue: as thou needest neither doubt, nor I fear any following misfortune. God almighty grant it (quoth she) but my soul is affrighted with the presage of some ensuing danger. All must sort out as it pleased God and our King (quoth I) and herewithal committed the innocent Lamb to the fury of the devouring Wolf: 
Albinoe sent unto Basileon.  who quickly made his prey of her unspotted honesty; without either regard of her honour or exclamations. Which being done, he sent home again untome, the hapless wife of an unhappy husband: 
Returned to Calande.  rather repressing, than revenging my poor wives wrong on the lascivious Tiger, who abused my friendship by his filthiness; and distained my loyal love, with the dregs of defiling lust: who was not contented by making me the Pander to his pleasure, 
Lust turned to loathing.  to rob me of my right; but also within a while, beginning to loathe the thing that he erst so earnestly loved, he sought my dearest wives confusion; & by her death, my lives destruction: which in so cunning a sort he endeavoured to have effected, as neither by his look or gesture, could of any of us, be either of my wife or me, (poor souls) once so much as suspected.  
For having in a manner reconciled himself, by his feigned submission, both with my wife and me, 
Ex ficta amicitia, Impudetia ex Impudentia, livido: ex libidine  he earnestly invited us unto a banquet, in a little pavilion, which he had pitched by the side of a broad and swift running river: where welcoming us very courteously, he entertained us with dainty cates to please the taste, rare objects to inchaunte our eyes, and most sweet sounding Music to delight our senses: insomuch as we thought ourselves happy, to have so gracious a Sovereign, and judged our chances fortun● 〈◊〉 enjoying so familiar a friend. But long this our excel 〈◊〉 joy lasted not: for his wicked lust, having erst l●●●● unto lewdness, brought his conscience to sorrow 〈◊〉 committed villainy; yet not with repentance, but with ●uenge, seeking to blot out his faults remembrance: Insomuch as now minding to manifest his malice, he, under a feigned show of kindness, drank a Cleopatra's draft unto Albinoë; and in delivering the bowl unto her, he touched the brims thereof with so strong a powder, as my wife no sooner tasted thereof, but she fell down breathing; out, 
poylo●● by Basileon.  together with her life, this sorrowful farewell.  

Unkind, ingrate, cruel Basileon,  
A former injury thus to requite.  
Hadst thou no subject else to work upon,  
But only me, poor miserable wight?  
What if thou hadst or not? Hereof assured  
Bee, that I joy in this my death procured.   

In that I know remembrance of the shame,  
That thou hast wrought to me unhappy woman,  
Shall here on earth commaculate thy fame,  
And thee accounted make a Beast, no man:  
And after death, my soul shall daily cry  
To Satur's son, to venge thy tyranny.   
AS soon as she had ended her speech and was dead, the cruel unremorseful Tyrant Basilion arose from his seat, and with his falchion struck of her neck. Which, in such violent sort dissevered, left a bubbling fountain of bloody gore between the headless shoulders. Which sight made me exceeding sad: so as I could not choose, but, with the tears in my eyes casting sorrowful glances upon so dismal a spectacle, cry out (without either regard or fear of the tyrant's fury) Oh Albinoe, my dear Albinoe, how deeply thy heads smart penetrateth into my loyal heart, let the tears ●●sse the faithful messengers of my miseries. Herewith ●ooke up my dear Lady's head, and causing her body to be ●●ried in the sandy shores, I was about to departed into the 〈◊〉 ●os●o, there with full determination to manifest my ●●●●ued injuries before the Muscovian estates: whose justice I knew to be such as would quickly have severely punished so great wickedness. But Basilion, jealous of my pretence, sent after me, a band of his trusty servants; who, with their weapons compassing me about made my heart astonished at that then, which I afterwards most earnestly desired: & brining me unto Basilion, they made me in spite of my heart, to swear unfeignedly, never hereafter whilst I lived to disclose the committed murder: 
Unheard of barbarousness.  but rather in a new made bond of friendship, to plight myself obliged to his cruel Tyranny. Which I did: and thereupon licence was given me, to departed home. Where for a long season I remained secret, not daring to see; much less to speak with any body. But only in the night season I would oft-times take my walk unto the Sea side, where my dear Albinoe lay buried: where taking her golden haired head, from forth of a little coffin (wherein I had placed it) in spite of my teeth, my thoughts Ambassador would utter forth my soul's extremities.  


Head.  O world of woes, wherein I once delighted;  
Fair fashioned head, of nought but sorrows matter  

calander's lamentations over the head of his dear Albinoe.  Compacted, framed cunningly, condighted  
By Nature's self only the world to flatter;  
With fruitless hope of thy fruition,  
Which in a moment was begun and done.   

Done in a moment may I rightly say:  
For to thy cheeks, fair cheeks of ivory hew, 
Cheeks.   
Thy beauty was but joined for to betray  
Thy souls dear gem: which lost, ne'rs got anew.  
For by th'attractive vigour of thy beauty,  
He did obey, to pay a duelesse duty.   

He did obey. Ah had he not obeyed,  
Then had I lived secure, careless unscorned;  
Which by his wicked lust, being now betrayed,  
Am love-robbed, life-reaved, hopeless, hap-forlorned:  
And all by him, whom I to much believed,  
Wicked etc. but ho; blab not his name though grieved.   

Oh had he had remorse, or manlike pity,  
He would not have envenomed those with poison, 
Lipp●.   
From out betwixt whose ruby closet pretty,  
He sucked with delight, his fancy's foison:  
Which singing his soul's music never misses,  
But whilst he descanted on them with kisses.   

But ruby those are pale, and her fair tapors,  
Which like to Luna, heavens illuminated, 
Eyes.   
Are dulled now by death, like Nilean Papors:  
Whose force, and vigour, by the floods abated,  
Do droop their hea dsnd circle to the ground:  
Even so did lust these Lamps of light confound.   

These Lamps of light confound; whose glorious shine  
Would jove himself, from juno have enticed,  
Are now become dull, iellied, not bright eyen,  
Because their lights foundation being sliced,  
The builded Architecture needs must fall,  
Which then is worse than never built at all.  
Thus this poor head, with cheeks & lips, & eyes,  
Sliced, beawtylesse, pale, iellied, decays, dies,  
And I (poor soul) in tears, do wish that never,  
They had been so, not to continue ever.   
IN this sort would I many times lament over the breathless body of my poor Albinoe, with whom my joys, pleasure, liberty, and life, were in a manner ended, thwarted, disturbed, and almost finished: wherewith, I, for so long a time and so many nights, spent myself; as almost overwearied with such extreme watching, I chanced to lay me down on the sandy grave of my deceased wife, to take some sense-refreshing nap. Where I no sooner slumbered, but there appeared before me the pale Ghost of my Albinoe, in such hideous and horrible sort dismembered, 
Albinoes' ghost appeareth to Calandre.  as I rather thought it but my dreaming fancy then some true vision of any risen body; until such time as I heard her with a soft hollow voice, to utter forth these sighing lamentations: which with so lively, though lamentable, action she out-breathed, as my foolish fancy almost mistoke her to be living.  

Unhappy wight, why dost thou thus lament,  
Over the body of thy wife in vain,  
With dimmed eyes, and cheeks with tears besprent?  
Since I (for whom alone thou dost complain)  
Am reaved of my simple sepulture,  
Which thou (poor Calandre with sorrows rend)  
Amids the bowels of this sandy plain,  
Didst for thy slain Albino● procure.   

For know, no sooner had the sable Night,  
Thrice with her hellish darkness overspread  
The glorious splendour of Olympos light,  
And thrice to Limbo, her black mantles led,  
But that the Moscan Prorex, in a rage,  
At such my simple burial took spite:  
And taking from my grave my carcase dead,  
'Gainst it he cruelly new war did wage.   

And in his fury, with his brandished sword,  

Worse than barbarous & beastly cruelty of Basileon.  Tyrannously he did my body spoil.  
For why? therewith having my stomach gored,  
With filthie-clotted blood he did defoil  
My stiffened limbs, which long death overspread:  
Then with his curtleax (in sort abhorred)  
He all my carcase thus dismembered,  
And all the joints did in a Cauldron boil.   

And Lo, he means in far more cruel wise  
(Erst as he hath done unto me thy wife)  
Over thyself yer long to tyrannize.  
Wherefore some other place from tyrant's strife,  
Inquire thou forth; where thou in safety  
Mayest evermore remain. Therefore arise,  
And swiftlier than the air, shift for thy life;  
Lest by thy stay thou breed thy misery:  
But now farewell; I must to Elizye.   
She no sooner ended her tale, but she presently vanished, leaving me (poor soul) half distracted from my senses, for grief of my poor Albinoës' anguish: insomuch, as the very vexation of my heart, caused my eyes to open; and being broken out of my slumber, I pondered with myself of the wonderful appearance of my dear wife: whose admonition of flight so peplexed me, as I presently (finding indeed her body to be ungraved) resolved of my journey into some other country. Whereupon, leaping into a boat which was fast floating at the shore, I betook myself to the sea; never determining either to row with the Oar, or turn to land for provision, until such time, as by the course of the waters, I should be cast on land at some unknown and alien kingdom: when having in that purpose resolutely a certain space continued, I was at length, through the mercy of the pitying heavens, surged on the Coasts of this same Island; wherein, erecting this poor simple Hermitage, I have for these forty winters (thanks be to God) to my contentment, in quiet remained. Thus (gentle Prince) have you heard my miseries, and seen the salve of my misfortunes: which if with patience you shall willingly follow, no doubt but it shall prove to your body's ease and your souls eternal contentation.   
The knight of the Tiger, hearing Kalander's relation, rather grew to be more perplexed then pacified, with his remembrance of his miserable estate: 
Troglador despaireth.  and the more the good old father desired his safety, the more Troglador despaired of salvation. And therefore, as despair is the mother of damnation: so his hopeless, restless, & tormented thoughts leading him to destruction, he presently rushed out of the hermits Cell, & entering a furlong or thereabouts into the wood; with his dagger he engraved upon the bark of an Olive tree, whereon he hanged himself, these verses following.  

Troglador ●ayeth violent ●ands on his own life.  Black sin, oreloading my tormented soul,  
With sad remembrance of my faults committed,  
Enforceth me, my wickednesses foul  
Firmly to fear, never to be remitted:  
In which distrust, this Olive I prepare  

〈◊〉 devilish life, desperate ●eath.  To show the signal of my dire despair.  
The godly hermit, for all his haste he made to prevent this mischief, came to late to provide a medicine for Trogladors miserable mischance. For, before he could once find him out and have a sight of him, he was stark dead, his lips black, his countenance cold, and his members stiff, & his lifeless body already cut down, by the Prince Olbiocles: 
●lbiocles  who after all the good entertainments given him at Acconumboes' castle (where he instituted the good knight Aradinus governor) had followed in pursuit after the knight of the Tiger; and even at his last gasp, hanging on the Olive tree, found him.  
The Grecian prince was exceeding sorry, though not that Troglador was dead, yet because of his hands (by reason of his self caused death) he escaped unpunished. But seeing there was now no other remedy, he determined to suffer his ghost to pass quietly over the Stygian Lake: and therefore with his dagger (as well as he could) he endeavoured to dig forth a sepulture. But perceiving old Calandre, with all might & main, to approach him, he relinquished his endeavour; and delivering the dead body of the knight of the Tiger, to the Hermit (who in that place buried him) also having related unto him, his undertaken charge for finding out of the surprised Grecian princesses, he received from his aged mouth, these cunning directions, concerning his inquest.  

My son, my son (quoth he) though sorrow makes me  
Vnwontedly to tremble, and amazed  
To stand, with both my mind and body crazed; 
calander's predictions 〈◊〉 Olbiocles h● following fortune's.   
Yet shall I in mine Art not much mistake thee:  
But by my knowledge gotten long ago,  
I shall to thee some following chances show.   

Listen therefore unto the words I speak,  
And in thy heart imprint my declaration.  
For why? those wonders unto thee I break,  
That all the world shall have in admiration;  
And only by thy woeful happened chance,  
Thou shalt the fame of worthy knights advance.   

For yet thou shalt find out the gem of Greece,  
(Which is detained upon the Aegypticke shores)  
Thou shalt thy bodies outward feature lose:  
And in the forest 'mongst stif-bristled Boars, 
In the 14. Chapter.   
Thou shalt go grunting, grinding of thy tusks,  
Making thy cabinet amongst the bushes.   

Twice seven years in such a monstrous shape  
Thou shalt remain, estranged from thyself,  
Till by thy help thy son shall safe escape  
From danger of of thy Sirtes, and sandy shelf;  
Who shall by chivalry the spells undo,  
Of hellish hag, that thee transmuted so.   

Then shalt thou joy, and then remember this:  
But long your friendship with him shall not last.  
For in the midst of your pleasure's bliss,  
Your joy unto annoy shall be displaced.  
For him you shall in Ocean drowned misdeem,  
And to an Eagle you shall changed seem. 
●n the 17. Chapter.    

Out of which misery, by maiden's hand  
You shall be strangely set at liberty:  
With whom, you shall departed to Afrique land;  
Where you shall see, amids her misery,  
Your Lady freed, the captiver dismayed,  
By courage of strange knight, and English maid.   

Then shall you joy, then shall you live in peace,  
Within the bowels of your country Greece;  
Until some worse fortune do befall you,  
Which shall unto far greater mischief hall you:  
Yet courage, gentle Prince: for through your grief,  
You shall receive new pleasure, and relief.   
Herewith the Hermit ceased, and Olbiocles rendering him hearty thanks for his directions (by reason that by this time the fiery chariot horses of the Sun, overwearied with their long labour, had drenched themselves in the western Ocean, for the refreshing of their sweeting members) departed with old Kalander to his hermitage; where we will for this time leave him to his rest a while, to return again to our Afrique Champion Oceander: whose manlike heart burned within the enclosure of his breast, with the ardent desire he had to revenge the Queen Ramiras injury, upon that usurping and cruel tyrant Marcimodes; who, all this while fretting with fury for his Nephew Nigrastoes' overthrow, hath solemnly sworn by his great God Termagant, utterly to ruinated that same pelting Castle of the Carthaginian runagates.   

CHAP. IX.  
¶ The assault of Marcimodes against the castle of the Queen; and of the cruel combat between him and the young knight of the Sea: and how Marcimodes by treason caught him captive; and was redeemed by the valour of a strange knight of the five swords; by whose help Oceander slew Marcimodes, and overthrew all his army.  
INflamed as yet with the extreme injury offered unto his fostermother, the gracious Queen of Carthage, the noble knight of the Sea could not choose, but continually be devising and contriving for the new complots, to wreak more sufficient revengement on the knight of the Round orbs (for such was the devise in the shield of the tyrant.) wherefore, so soon as the days guidress, 
oceander's preparation against Marcimodes.  Aurora, had the next morning appeared, he armed himself in his enchanted armour; & with the residue of the Carthaginian Champions, which bore true loyalty towards their Sovereign, he prepared himself to departed towards the pavilions of Marcimodes. But as he was in egress from the Castle, he was given to understand (by the watchmen from the battlements) of the assured and present approach of the tyrant to the assaulting of the Castle; 
Marcimode● marcheth to assault the Castle.  with such a mighty troop of soldiers, as they seemed in multitude to pass the stars, and in number almost equal to the sands of the Sea. Wherefore the base sort of soldiers, at so unexpected an infinity of enemies, stood amazed; and their courage failing them, they wavered betwixt hope and fear, to whether side they should betake themselves. Which the valorous knight of the Sea perceiving; like a good Captain, in this sort he cheered up the hearts of his drooping soldiers.  
O ye noble and courageous Carthaginians, my mates in arms, and worthy followers; what cause hath so cracked your credits? and what auke occasion hath thus cooled your undaunted courages? What is it at a rabble of tyrannising robbers, 
oceander's oration to the dismayed Carthaginians.  that you are amazed? and is it at the sight of a few base & cowardly carpet knights that you are in this unwonted sort troubled? O my friends, if so it be; depel that fearful faintheartedness, and trusting in the justness of your quarrel, cry Canira for Carthage; and with your sword points writ your angry lessons courageously on the breast of your Barbarian enemies, in bloody Characters; that either by death or victory, you may be renowned through all following posterity; who shall Chronicle up your conquests in leaves of molten brass, with this title; Behold the men that died for Country's good. Courage therefore brave competitors: and since Marcimodes is come to fore us at our Castle gates, let us give him so hot a welcome, as he shall but ill favouredly brag of his entertainment.  
The drooping hearts of the Carthaginians were so cheered with these comfortable exhortations, as they presently with one accord cried out; The justice of our quarrel for good Queen Kanira and Carthage: and therewithal they fiercely assailed their approaching enemies: with whom they so valiantly contended, 
The armies join.  as of a great while it could scarcely be judged to which side the victory would incline: until, at last oppressed with multitude, their assailing in every place without the warlike order, the Carthaginians were in spite of their teeths (yea though their General did admirable acts of Chivalry) enforced to retire with shame into their Castle: 
The Carthaginians are ●eat back. The Barbari●ns enter the Castle.  where, maugre their valiant resistance, the stout Barbarians entered, together with them, in at the gates. Which caused such exceeding courage in Marcimodes; as, not staying to enter with his soldiers, he caused ladders to be set against the wall. Whereby mounting up to the battlements with his Theban Champions, he had made it a bloody day to the Carthaginians; had he not been the sooner espied by the knight of the Sea: who like a valiant Captain, being vigilant to help all places, traversed up and down the Castle, here aiding and there succouring his distressed followers: and at length, perceiving his dangerous enemy on the Battlements (who with his sword stood menacing destruction) he speedily passed unto Marcimodes; and with his courtleaxe gave him so sound a welcome, 
Oceander encountereth Marcimodes.  as had he not the better defended himself with his steel tempered shield, he had at that time received a sufficient guerdon for all his cruelties.  
But Oceander gained nothing by this bargain. For Marcimodes courageously brandishing his fauchone about his head, he rendered the knight of the Sea so sound an answer upon the crest of his helmet; as had he not caught the surer houldefast upon the stones, he had gone nigh to have staggered off from the battlements.  
Yet recovering himself, 
Marcimodes tumbleth himself and Oceander down from the wall.  he so furiously prepared his good sword Scindifer, for his requitance; as Marcimodes loath to abide the doubtful fury of his descending blow, cast away his weapons: and grappling close with Oceander, or ever he was aware or able to prevent any such mischief, he cast both himself and his adversary down headlong amongst his soldiers; with a loud voice calling unto them; here, here, O my worthy followers, here lies the enemy of all your happiness, enclosed in the steely arms of your noble General, like conquered Hector yielded to the overmatching might of the warlike Ithacan. Hither therefore bend your forces, valiantly to bereave him of liberty, who hath against the royal order of his Knighthood, offered unto our lineage such heinous injuries. Now therefore be you all throughlie revenged of so public and notorious a disturbing enemy.  
The knights and soldiers hearing the exclaims of their Theban General, with an undiscreat fury they circled themselves round about the worthy Greek: who unable of so many to resist the forces, was feign (whether he would or no) to yield himself to the fury of his enemies. For, 
Oceander taken captive by the oppressing multitude, and led bound to Marcimodes pavilion.  although his armour was so excellent and of so fine a temper, as it could in no wise be pierced; yet he being but young, and his sinews not fully strengthened, and also engriped by the iron arms of his adversary Marcimodes, could not choose but in a moment be oppressed by so huge a multitude of unmerciful soldiers; who had neither pity nor compassion over his youth or valiancy: who having in this wise caught him captive, with great shouts, in triumphant wise (with his hands bound, and his feet tied under the horse's belly like a base slave) they departed with him towards their pavilions: where, what they would have done unto him, the latter end of this chapter shall make manifest.  

Sorrowful state: the Carthaginians wholly dismayed.  But to return to the Castle; such shrieks, such cries, such clamours and lamentations were there, as neither the Queen Kanira herself neither any of her worthy Carthaginians could once lift up their eyes to the heavens, neither cast a cheerful look on the earth; but with weeping and howling penetrating the skies, they went up & down the Castle, striking their griefe-wounded breasts with their fists, 
●he arrival of Medion, the valorous knight of the five sword.  in such merciless manner, as they manifestly declared the little hope they had of his recovery, or their own safety. And the worthy Governess had fully decreed to give over her life and interest in the kingdom of Carthage; had she not been recomforted by the approach of a (strange) most fair proportioned knight, all in black armour, with the device of the five sword: who inquiring for the knight of the Sea, and being given to understand of his enthralment, dashed his gauntlet on his head and therewith pointed to the declining Sun; in token that he vowed yet the same were set, either to leave his life, or gain captived oceander's liberty. Wherewith, setting spurs to his Pegasian Palfrey, & beckoning to the Carthaginians for to follow him, he galloped as fast as his horse could carry him towards the tents of the tyrant. Where he was no sooner arrived, but he might perceive how busily the merciless Barbarians were gathered in a cluster, 
Place of excecution prepared for Oceander.  to erect up an huge iron stake, whereon to torture their got Captive Oceander: who, as yet having no understanding of the true God, sat lamentably bewailing his miserable misfortune. To whom, the Knight of the five Swords drawing near, he heard him on this wise to lament his mischances.  
O most wretched and miserable Caitiff, how unhappy a wretch art thou, even in the April of thy advancements, 
Oceanders lamentation.  to to be thus disastrously crossed by disaduentures? Hadst not th●u strength when thou wert assailed? did thy arm fail thee in the Combat? or did thy armour deceive thee in the conflict? None of these: for my strength was fresh my arm strong, and my armour unperceable. Then why didst thou not effect thy thoughts affecting? or, because thou failest, why dost thou not ban thy strength, curse thy arm, and blame thy armour. O no: they did their duties, and only ill foresight and wicked fortune, hath brought me to this mischief: on whom (remediless) I must complain in the midst of my anguish, and at my latter gasp only think myself wronged by her fickle deity: whose furrowing frowns, I never once hope to see rechaunged into a fair calmed countenance. Farewell therefore dear fostermother my gracious Sovereign, and your loyal succourers: for never again shall I revise you, in perfect mirth and jollity. But dear friends, of this I would to the Gods you were assured; that nothing doth half so much torment my troubled soul, as that I shall in this sort suffer death like a towardly caitiff, & cannot courageously give up my life amongst the freely weapons of my compassion wanting Enemies. 
Median cutteth Oceanders carde●  Herewith he offered to have knapped the cords wherewith he was bound, in sunder. Which the Knight of the five swords seeing, with his Courtleax he sliced the bands; and, giving the enthralled Knights hands unexpected liberty, he snatched a Lance from a stout Barbarian, and delivering it to Oceander, he said: Now noble Knight take here what thou hast so earnestly desired, and courageously fight for thy liberty, and behold me here before thee; who will rather lose my life, than not regain thy freedom.  

Oceander set free.  The good Knight taking the Lance in his hand, and joyfully kissing it, said: welcome, O unexpected author of my liberty: now shall the traitors know, how dearly they shall abye for my enthralment. And therewithal he gave the Barbarian that was next him, so sound a buffet on the breastplate; as he made him with tears of blood, to lament his so suddenly happened misfortune: the like did he the second, & a third; the valiant Knight of the five swords, continually equalling him in his actions. 
They make a massacre amongst the Barbarians.  And herewith pressing unto the rabblement of unsuspecting Thebans and Barbarians, they rushed in among them so roughly, as neither of them both, but had borne down in a moment six of their armed adversaries. Which the rest of the remaining rout perceiving, they suddenly encompassed them about, and with their semiters so fiercely laid at the Champions (who were now weaponless, except their Curtleaxes) as had not speedy rescue come suddenly from the Castle Carzar, under the leading of the five worthy Knights Lugonto, Piresty, Maruall, Gerardo, and Trosney, they had in less than an hours conflict, macerated both Oceander and the other knight, into a thousand pieces.  

A supply of Carthaginians from the Castle.  But now oceander's side, being thoroughly relieved by this fresh supply of soldiers, began greatly to triumph over the almost conquered Barbarians: who like sheep before devouring Leopards, fled for their lives from the fury of their following foes; who pursued the victory so hotly, as they made them in heaps to fly for safety to the tents of Marcimodez, 
Thebans fly.  who being at his wits end for anger of so unexpected an overthrow, banned the heavens, the earth, and his Goddess fortune, for working of his so sudden misery. And in a rage buckling on his helmet, & taking a mighty lance in his hand, he caused his soldiers to return again unto the battle: 
Marcimodez encountereth Oceander.  and espying the ringleaders of his enemies, he fewtered his spear; and meeting enraged Oceander for his opponent, he smote him so strong a blow upon the cuirass, as losing both his stirrups, he was feign to embrace his horsnecke, to save himself from falling: But quite scotfree notwithstanding Marcidomez not escaped. For, besides that he was wounded with the Knight of the Seas Lance in the right shoulder, he was enforced by the fury of the encounter, 
Marcimodez unhorsed.  to forsake his saddle, and as well as he could to save himself from hurt in the falling. But enfired with the foil, he nimbly raised his wounded corpse from the ground, and unshcathing his falchion, he thus angrily threatened his contending enemy.  
Alight, alight, thou disloyal and traitorous Knight, and on foot with me try out the event of the battle, or else, by the divine Majesty of the Gods I do swear, I shall slay thy skipping Palfrey, and in my fury wreak the extremest revenge I can against thee. Come therefore, and, an if thou canst, either leave thy own wretched, or bereave me of my wished life.  
Now by the honour of Knighthood (answered the Knight of the Sea) thou shalt not die so fair a death Marcimodez. For neither do thy villainies deserve a better, neither shall I do thee wrong in giving to thee a far worse. Now therefore prepare thyself to die: for under my horses hooves will I trample thy accursed carcase. 
Marcimodez trodden to death, by Oceanders horsemen.  And therewith he and his following soldiers trotted over him: who yielded up his miserable life among the horse-heels of his mightiest adversaries; who rejoiced to hear the bitter groans that his heart dolefully breathed, from the bottom of his bruised body. Which his overthrow when his amazed soldiers saw, they fearfully betook themselves to flight, shamefully leaving the late vanquished Carthaginians victors in the field. Who, having gathered together the most precious spoil of the battle, most joyfully returned with their new obtained victory, to their expecting friend in the impregnable castle Carzar.   

CHAP. X.  
¶ How Oceander departed from Carthage with the Knight stranger, to the Castle of Briarostez: where he conquered the Giant, and dissolved the enchantment of the Sorceress Mardigua; whereby he recovered the valiant young Prince Ptoladine to his senses, and finished the adventure of the fountain; and what thereof followed.  
KAnira, the good Queen of Carthage, not a little joyed at the happy recovered freedom of her beloved fostersonne, the Knight of the Sea: and therefore rendered she exceeding thanks, to the valiant Knight of the five swords, for his happy adiument in so dangerous an enterprise. But the strange Knight, knowing that it was more for his own profit then for hers, that Oceander was so adventured for, in this sort answered.  
Indeed gracious Madame, partly through my help he obtained the refruition of his freedom: yet I assure your Majesty, that if his valour had been no more than mine, we might both of us perchance have bought our liberty with the loss of our lives: and also it stood not only on my life, but also on my dearest Cousins for whose cause I came to implore his valiancy) that he should be thus luckily delivered. Wherefore, you are not beholding unto me (dear madame) but unto my Lord the Knight of the Sea; who, by his valorous actions, is thus in an happy hour returned home to both our comforts. It seemeth then (quoth the Queen, speaking very sadly) by your speech sir, that my son should, within this little while, depart from me to the accomplishment of some adventure. True Madame, replied the knight. Unhappy woman as I am (than said she) why have I thus overlived my good fortunes? And then shed●ing a flood of pearled tears, which in two small rivers ran from her eyelids, she most earnestly entreated the strange Knight, at that time for to pardon her young (and as it were new borne) foster son. But, seeing his impossibility of condescending, yet (quoth she) since there is no other remedy but that I must needs forego him, let my grieved mind be satisfied with the relation of so desperate an adventure, as by necessity compels him, so suddenly to forsake us. But, sith the tables are covered, we will omit it until after supper: betwixt the which and bed-time, I hope we shall have sufficient leisure to give an attentive auskult unto your history.  
Wherewith, taking Oceander in one hand, and the Knight of the five sword in the other, she placed herself unto the table. When having sufficiently taken their repast of most delicate provision, cloth being taken away, & their night mantles put about their shoulders; the Queen, and her company, diligently attended to the Knight of the five sword his pronounced history.  

A declaration of Ptoladines' misfortunes.  
THere bordereth upon the East side of this Continent of Africa, the famous and fertile Kingdom of Nilewatered Egypt: over whose spacious and large limited territories, at what time the mighty Alcaazo governed as soldan, there was a most cunning Necromancer named Cturidan: who having by his enchantments builded a most impregnable Castle, little or nothing cared, either to pill, rob, or spoil any of his majesties most loyal subjects: yea, 
The tyranny of the enchanter Cturidan.  & dared sometimes, to proceed even unto the Metropolis of Egypt, and besiege the soldan, even within the walls of his royal City Cayery: insomuch as all the subjects and commonalty, unable to abide the enchanters so violent incursions, withdrew both themselves, their wives and children, as also their goods, cattle, and whole substance, into the chiefest and strongest Towns & Cities near adjoining. Whereby, 
Alcaazo maketh peace with him.  all the Country being abandoned and left desolate of inhabitants (by whose wants did follow divers calamities) the soldan Alcaazo was feign (after many a fought battle, to no advantage) by making fair promises, and sending right rich presents, to buy a composition at the hands of Cturidan. Who for a pretty season remained a faithful performer of his promised bargain, until such time, as by the wished consent of the parents, Ptolodine the only son of the King of Mesopotamia, 
Ptoladine prince of Mesopotamia espouseth the Egyptian Princess Ciafa.  was matched in the bonds of matrimony to the sole daughter of Alcaazo named Giafa. At whose solemn concelebrated nuptials (all the estates of both the Kingdoms being assembled, tilts and turneyes proclaimed, and all other princely pleasures whatsoever, both royally and sumptuously performed) amongst the rest that were thither assembled, the enchanter Cturidan, with a great troup of his attendants, repaired unto Cayry to solemnize that day of feasting. When princely delicates being placed b●f●re him, and change of outlandish wines filled out to h●m in glistering goblets of Ophir gold, he drank so many dulcet draughts with Antony, as with him his senses being ●uer-drenched, 
〈…〉 unseemly dalliance with Ciafa.  he fell to dallying with Prince Ptoladines, fair Cl●opatra, in such unseemly manner, as the King of Mesopotamia (who sat next unto him) seeing his misdemeanour, began to take him up after this order.  
Do not deceive thyself enchanter (quoth he) by mistaking this bride for Hipodamia: for assure yourself, if so you sergeant Lycus, here is a Pirithous in this company, that will play a revenger of thy villainies.  
Cturidan, enraged at these speeches, being unable for anger to utter any answer, swelling with wrath, and in his soul yearning to be revenged, gnashed his teeth together; & with so strong an enchantment he overcast the face of the bright-some heavens with a mighty darkness, 
Maridomir transported by enchantment, unto Cturidans Castle.  as no one was able to discern his friend, but only Maridomir; who, mounted on the back of a charmed Dragon, was speedily transported through the air, into places as yet never heard of.  
No sooner were the heavens cleared of their darksome clouds, and an accustomed passage opened to the transplendent rays of Titan, but the estates miss the K. of Mesopotamia: and the Prince Ptoladine (who had heard the entercoursing of his father with the Necromancer) assuring himself of Cturadines' villainies, drawing out his Scimitar, he doubled his blows so fast upon the head of the cursed enchanter, as had he not all the better helped himself by his Magic art, he might peradventure have but a little miss of leaving his life behind him. And yet he escaped not altogether scotfree: for he had received one wound so deeply into his brainpan, 
Cturidan mortally wounded by Paladine.  as being returned home unto his enchanted Castle, he laid him on a soft bed of down: and perceiving the same for to be mortal, and that he could not live any longer season, he called unto him his nephew Briarostez, a most terrible Giant, and committing unto him and his old mother Mardigua (together with the charge of the enchanted Castle) an express commandment, either by force or sorceries, to revenge his death, on the whole house of Ptoladine, he suffered his cursed soul to departed out of his filthy carcase: 
He dye●●.  which (entertained with terrible cracks of thunder & lightning) was transported in a sulphury superficies, unto the burning bank of Phlegeton prepared for such damned sorcerers.  
Cturidans body was no sooner bereaved of his essential vigour, but that his furious nephew Briarostez 'gan set up his bristles, and threaten destruction to the Egypticke & Mesopotamian territories; vowing with fire and sword, 
Briarostez wasteth the Kingdom of Egypt & Mesopotamia.  to make that desolate, that had made his haughty spirit so disconsolate. And therefore he both privily and openly attempted to revenge himself of the young Prince Ptoladine, and his beauteous spouse fair C●afa. Which his affecting, Briarostez at length effecting, he surprised all (except the Princess Cyafa, who, aided by my Lord the wise Artimagus, is hidden in the fiery cave of Egypt) and carrying them all captive to his Castle, 
Ptoladine, Alcaazo etc. surprised and imprisoned by Briarostez.  he there afflicteth them with unknown tortures; whilst the base sort of Egyptians and Mesopotamians do lead their weary lives at random, heartless, helpless, & hopeless, by reason of their detained worthy governors; of whose upright and just ruling, it may well be verified.  
Old time shall nevermore such kings bewray,  
Their sceptres with like justice for to sway.   
Thus the Knight of the five swords having finished his story, with exceeding earnestness craved the Queen's consent to the Knight of the seas journey: which (though with some unwillingness (at last being condescended, they arose from the tables: & taking their leaves of one another, by the grooms of the chambers they were conducted unto their lodgings; where they rested all night in such great quietness, as either could be thought, or wished for.  
On the morrow, by that time Triton the shrill trumpeter to the Sea-gods, had loudly sounded his Hunt's up to the Ocean's inhabitants, the knight of the five swords forsook his idle couch; and bethinking him of speedy dispatch for his journey, he dismounted the marble stairs of his lodging, and entering into the castle Hall, he attended the coming of the Knight of the Sea. Who, being conducted thither by his mother the gracious Queen of Carthage, was with tears presently delivered unto the society of the Knight stranger. Who very hearty thanking the Queen for her granted favour, 
Oceander & Medion embark for Egypt.  immediately departed from the Castle Carzar. And at the havens mouth of Carthage, going a shipboard, they betook themselves to the the favour of the winds. By whose pleasant gales they in short time, sliced through the billows of the Mare Mediterraneum; & to their great comfort, happily arrived on the shores of Egypt: when, putting in at the Westermost branch of the River Nilus, 
Nilus.  they bore alongst the banks thereof, until they came to surge right under the foot of an high declining mountain. Whereunto ascending, they espied a league from the shore, 
The Castle of Briarostez.  a most beautiful & strong castle: whose foundation being drawn by enchantments out of the hardest rocky substance, seemed to the eyes of the beholders, to be unconquerable. Which also was in so strange a sort situated, as not only the neighbour Regions, bordering the mountain itself, 
A goodly prospect.  but also the farthest confines of the kingdom lay openly subject to the prospect thereof. Which was so pleasurable, as if ever any Paradise was framed by the hands of cunning Artificers, for the delighting of some mighty Princes, then surely this same, excelled: with which neither the Piramidez for height, neither Babylon for bigness, neither the Memphian Temple of the Egyptian Goddess Isis, do once deserve to be compared. For besides the goodliness of the building itself, the whole vertice of the Mountain was so adorned with sundry sorts of fruitful Orchards, such an infinite number of sweet smelling Gardens, through the midst of whose bowels streamed fair crystal riverets (which watered the borders) & such unheard of diversified plenty of all things, as it was admirable to behold, & almost incredible to be reported. All which things were in such exquisite order placed, as the whole top of the adorned mountain seemed more like an artificial heaven, than any earthly building.  
Wherewith Oceander was so delighted, as (had not the knight of the five sword with the more earnestness urged him to the finishing of his journey) he could have willingly remained in perspection, till the approaching of the evening: so exceedingly was he amazed at the so cunning workmanship. But being roused from his dumps, he proceeded in his journey, until he came unto a great drawe-bridge of the Castle; which, being let down by reason of a certain messenger which was sent to inform the Giant Briarostes (who was then on hunting) of the approach of the two Champions, they speedily entered: 
They arrive at the Castle.  and being come unto the gate, they might perceive the picture of a most terrible and monstrous giant most artificially carved out of the hard marble: on whose brazen shield (which he seemed to behold with a most stern countenance) they saw written in bloody characters, these following verses.  

Be not too bold, foolehardy passenger, 
Ridiculum terriculame● tum: et vanu●   
For to adventure thy approaching hither;  
Lest by my dreadful anger's messenger,  
Thou wishest to have turned some other whether;  
When thou shalt see thy wisdom come to late  
After thou hast incurred my heavy hate:   

Which once commote, with instruments of death,  
It will inflict thy overweakned coarse:  
And then in vain thou shalt dispend thy breath,  
To beg some kind compassion, and remorse;  
Which at my hands thou never shalt obtain  
Till lifeless thou shalt conquered remain.   

After which conquest gained by my might,  
When as thy body is of life despoiled,  
The carrion Crows shall for thy carcase fight.  
By whose flesh-renting bills thy limbs tormoyld,  
Shall after that withouten sepulture,  
Naked and fleshless on the fields endure.   

Therefore be warned whilst thou mayest in time,  
By him, which loathes to meddle with such gnats,  
By spending of his vigour; which divine  
Is counted for so many fierce combats,  
And overthrows, which I to men of might  
Have heretofore given in single fight.   

Five times, five knights, within less than a year,  
I have fordone, and cast unto the ground,  
And half so many monsters fierce, well-near,  
By knight lie chevisance I did confound:  
Which lying live less on the dusty earth,  
Pronounce me, Fortune-favored, from my birth.  
Therefore desist from this thine enterprise:  
For whoso doth attempt it, surely dies.  BRIAROSTES.  
Now in faith (quoth Oceander with a great laughter) this same burley piece of man's flesh brags well: & if there came no better than I hither, in sooth they should praise his scarbugge faculty; and yet in despite of his threatenings, I remain here to try the event of this enterprise. What a devil, doth he think men of valour to be so foolish, as upon his bare menaces, and the setting forth of his painted picture, so suddenly to terrify their senses? Now by the high Gods of Carthage; I do verily avow, that I shall never in my heart, joy hereafter, if I cannot cool the courage of this boasting beast, Briarostes. And therewith, taking the pommel of his sword, he bounced at the steely bars of the gate so sound, as he made all the Castle therewith ring again: and then looking up towards the battlements, he espied where the wicked witch Mardigua, sat lasciviously playing & dallying with the sense-reaved young prince Ptoladine; 
●ardigua.  who amorously entertained whatsoever love-tricks she offered. Whereat the knight of the Sea enraged, he said: Ah, thou wicked & lascivious woman; shamest thou not with thy whoredom, to abuse so noble a young gentleman? And then turning his speech to Ptoladine, O worthy and noble offspring of the Mesopotamian Prorex, in time call to thy remembrance, the miseries that thou art moiled in and enraged, with the pernicious enticements of that subtle sorceress: give her a just recompense for her deserving. But seeing, how for all his speeches, neither Mardigua, 
They which are quite drowned in vice and sensuality, are endeafened to the good advice of the virtuous.  nor Ptoladine once glanced their eyes upon them, or seemed to regard his speeches; but rather to be the more pleasant & sportive; he turned his face from them, & leaning upon the rail of the bridge, he there rested himself, expecting the coming of the furious giant Briarostes. Who by this time, having heard the true report of the speedy messenger, in a rage clapped up his beaver, & casting his bugle horn at his back, with his boarespeare in his hand, with all his might & main, he galloped home unto the Castle: where seeing the two knights attending his arrival, before he spoke unto them, he thus began to fall on chiding with Mardigua.  
How cometh it to pass (my honour-unminding Aunt) that by the little regard thou hast unto my credit, thou hast suffered the damned wretches, to enter so near unto my Castle (whether never as yet, the best Champions durst approach) without condign punishment for their adventuring? And then turning him to the knights (whose courages were never by words daunted) he thus shook them up with this evil language (which proceeding out of a cankered breast, must needs effuse a very crabbed salute)  
O ye wretched death-seeking men, what fury hath incensed your foolish fancies, thus audaciously to attempt the endangering of my dignity? at whose feet, both the lives of you, and all other Egyptian Champions, are submissively humiliated: 
Briarostes to Oceander & Medion.  in whose hands both your weal, woe, pain and pleasure is so surely engaged, as with the bending of my frowning brow I could work your wretchedness, & with the furious out-breathing from mine angry spleen, I could overthrow and consume you.  
What? have ye lead your lives at too much ease, and lived so pleasantly free from the burdenous yoke of my afflictions; as now, growing careless of any farther continuing consolation, you do dare the trial of his strength, whose halfe-pitche vigour shall overwaigh your too weak bodies, to destructions  
If so it be, proceed to your peril: but if, as wandering passengers, you have in the midst of your journey gone astray unto this Castle, we willingly (of courtesy, though not of custom) permit you to departed hence, to the perfecting of your painful pilgrimage. Having thus ended, he sternly looked on the two valorous knights, expecting their answer: which, with resolution, was in this sort uttered by Oceander.  
Think not Briarostes, that our coming to this thy Castle was by hap or chance, 
Oceanders answer to Briarostes.  as waiefaring travelers, which in their need seek to relieve their necessities at some neighbouring hamlets. For know, that we are no painful pilgrims, but honour-prizing Princes; into whose ears the true report of thy horrible villainies being sounded, hath caused us in this sort of set purpose to approach this thy fortress: in arms to let thee understand of the extreme wrongs thou hast offered unto most mighty Potentates: and therefore we crave at thy hands, restitution of injuries; or thou denying (utterly refusing thy proffered pity, and scorning thy presumptions) we defy thee to the combat; hoping yer the decline of Climenes' Paramour, 
The giant defied to ●he combat.  to give thee the just recompense of an inhuman and butcherly tyrant.  
Briarostes (having as yet never heretofore found any one that durst so boldly upbraid him with his villainies) was so angered at the heart with the knight of the Sea; as, without bidding him beware, he flung his boar-spear so strongly at him, as had he not all the nimbler leapt from his station, he had been peppered for his presuming. Which (as God would) missing him, smote so deep into an oaken post of the gate (which was overcovered with iron bars) that they might well perceive the devilish giants force was admirable. For, almost four handfuls, he had hidden the iron head, within the thickness of the wooden proper, which was riven even from the bottom, by the force of the entering.  
Which Oceander well weighing, he determined, as little as he could to hazard himself to the giants unresistible outward fury; & therefore, as soon as he could, resolved to close with him. Where, although he received some small disadvantage, he knew he could not greatly be harmed, by reason of the goodness of his armour: which being impenetrable, could never be bruised by the crushing of his enemy: when praying the help of the knight of the five sword, in his extremity, he unsheathed his good curtlear, & bearing his enchanted shield before him, he courageously pased towards the giant: who as furiously with his brandished falchion with out-breathed threatenings advanced himself as fast forward to meet him. Who encountered with Oceande● so fiercely, as he made him surely to understand the great power and strength that lay enclosed within the sinews of his boisterous brawny arms.  
For, 
The combat  with his falchion he so lashed on the helmet of the young Champion, as had not the enchantment stood him that more in steed, for all his nimble avoidings, he had in a moment been heawed into as small pieces as flesh to the pot. And yet, I believe, the giant had but small cause to boast of his win. For, being but slightly armed, only with a single corselet, 
Briarostes wounded.  as one who little fore-suspected any such adventure he was wounded so deeply on the thighs, and under the left side, as by the great effusion of his blood from out those wide gashes he was so weakened, as (perceiving he could not long continue the combat) he determined at one blow to make an end of the conflict. And therefore, casting down his shield, with his falchion in both his hands, he let fall so mighty a blow on the shield of his adversary; as therewith battering it unto his helmet, he made the worthy Greek, in spite of his teeth to bend his knees and do him reverence.  
But the courageous knight of the Sea, recovering again upon his feet, and seeing that to endure any more such di●elish buffets, was but to hasten himself to destruction, he resolved a through requital for the giants fury. And therefore, flourishing his sword, Sc●ndifer, about his head, he lent such a main blow (with interest) upon the armed shoulder of Briarostes; as (paring both harness and flesh, s●eare from the bone of his sword hand) he made him humbly at his feet, to beg compassion at the hands of the valiant vanquisher: vowing and earnestly promising never any more to use his tyranny: 
Briarostes yieldeth himself to Oceander.  but to live his humble and obedient servant in all vassalage, whensoever he should command him.  
Oceander rejoicing at the calmed courage of the giant, gently took him from the ground: 
Courtesy matched with courage.  & kindly embracing him in his arms, avowed, that if he loyally performed his promises, not only not to accept him as his vassal: but also, lovingly to receive him for his most constant friend Wherewith Briarostes was so exceedingly well pleased, as for very joy the tears braced out of his eyes; and in a sweet ecstasy, he manifested the great delight he conceived, by the Princes courtesy: and therewith commanding the gates to be opened, entered with the two knight's strangers into the Castleyarde: wherethrough they had scarcely passed, but that wicked sorceress Mardigna having raised all her servants in armour, came marching towards the knight of the Sea shooting, and casting arrows stones, boarspears, javelins, and darts; so fast and furiously against him, as it seamed for a while, that the heavens had reigned them down upon them: so thick they fell upon the armours of the Champions. Who enraged with her villainy had made a bloody massacre of her soldiers had not Briarostes (whom favour had won to friendship) upon pain of his displeasure, commanded his servants to desist their enterprise: & then (being entreated by the princes) Briarostes safely conducted them up into Mardiguas tower: 
They ascend Mardiguas ●nchaunted Tower.  where they ascending up into the highest gallery, espied at the farther door thereof the young Prince Ptoladine, dallying amongst a number of maiden Musicians with a glorious Coronet of glistering pearls overpearching his golden looks: which circling about the ridges seemed to the beholders to be in love with the precious abilliment: which was so cunningly enchanted by the sorceries of Mardigna, as so long as the head was therewith engirte, the wearers brains were so distempered, as presently forgetting all former accidents, 
●toladines ●rowne.  he should only betake himself to the dallying with beautiful damosels: which made Ptoladine to give no regard unto the approaching knights: but, having his mind still plodding on his pleasures, to stand still as one in a trance: whose mind was ravished, & whose senses rob, by sweet melodious sound of the eare-delighting mufique of the delicate maidens. Whose sweet warbled lullabies intermixed cunningly with their instruments delectable sounding, would have made any effeminate creature, to have adjudged it the Olympian melody that was consorted by the learned Parnassian Muses, at the joyful overthrow of lascivious Venus, by their sovereign Governess Tritonia. 
True reason refuseth to give ear unto the ravishing allurements of voluptous Sirens.  Whereat, the courageous knights were almost at the first amazed; but remembering themselves of what they came for they ran unto the maidens, and wt●h their swords shredding a●onder the string of their instruments, made them to cease their Syren-like music: which was no sooner performed, but they suddenly vanished away: and the sense-reaved prince Ptoladine, for anger of their actions, fell in a swoon. But being revived by the knights diligent help, he tore his hair, and in a rage he ran out at a back door, down into the Tower garden, in his frantic resolution, determining in an enchanted Well to defend himself (as he had been well fore-lessoned by the wicked sorceress) from the sight of his pursuers. But with such exceeding celerity was he followed by the valorous knights, as yet he could effect his action, Oceander took hold fast on the skirts of his doublet: by the which he upheld him strongly, until with the Mesopotamians struggling, the seam of the skirt rending, 
Ptoladine plungeth himself into the Well.  he suddenly plunged unto the bottom of the water; lea●ing both Oceander and the good knight of the five sword, in a pitiful taking, for the worthy young gentleman. Wherefore, with tears standing in their eyes they poared down into the fountain, which seeming bottomless quite extinguished their hope of ever attaining the young Prince's safety.  
Whilst in this sort they dolefully powered forth their lamentations over the fountain, they perceived about the brims thereof, these verses of comfort following, by some cunning Artificer to be characterized.  
Courageous knight that dost the conquest gain  
Over the cruel keeper of this tower;  
By cunning skill I do demonstrate plain,  
That, till th'enchanted crown, by manly power  
Be taken from the sence-reaued prince's head,  
This towers enchantments are unfinished.  
Therefore proceed: if this thy valour wins,  
Thou shalt behold strange & unthought of things.  
The knight of the Sea, with great admiration, read these verses: and perceiving how in the getting of the Crownet, consisted fini●●ing of the enchantment, he valiantly resolved to cast himself headlong into the fountain. 
Oceander taketh the enchanted crown off, from Ptoladines' head.  Which his determination he so speedily executed, as having taken off the charmed Coronet (after some striving) from the Prince's head, in a moment the Castle sunk, and all the rest of the fair Orchards, sweete-smelling Gardens, & crystalline Fountains on a sudden vanished: only he saw Ptoladine, Briarostes himself, 
The enchantment dissolved.  and the knight of the five sword stand beside him (on the plain & large champaign valley) amazed both at the things that vanished, and also at the sudden approaching of the two mighty kings Alcaazo and Maridomir, attended on by a great troup both of Egyptian and Mesopotamian knights and gentlemen: who kneeling down at the feet of the magnanimous knight of the Sea, with most hearty thanks rendered a grateful guerdon for his incomparable valour, showed in delivering both them and their disiressed son Ptoladine; from the furious abuses, & beastly cruelty of the wicked enchantress Mardigun. Which their thanks the worthy knight rendering in orisons to the favouring heavens, showed his great piety to the Gods, and his small delight taken in the transitory praises of earthly creatures. But now for a while let us forsake him, to return to the unfinished enterprise of the two valiant knights, Orthisius and Alfortio: by whose adventurous achievements, both France and Spain shall eternally be renowned.   

CHAP. XI.  
¶ How the Princes of France and Spain arrived at the kingdom of Volcama: where they combated the usurper Termidantez. Who, seeing he should be conquered, murdered the imprisoned Queen Mabina, and then desperately throwing himself from the porch of the palace, being not altogether dead, was afterwards put to a most cruel torture.  
LOng those valiant princes Orthisius and Alfortio (by reason of their desire they had, both to do justice, as also to follow in inquest, after the most beauteous Grecian Princesses Almidiana and Eristama) could not remain amongst their newe-wonne friends in the Cities of Hybla and Siracusa: wherefore courteously (with thanks for their good entertainment) taking their leave of Oezima, and her brother the Duke Oriardey. who with tears in his eyes giving them a most kind farewell, with unfeigned orisons for their safeties, he committed them to the Seas. Over whose calm bosom having sailed, they happily surged on the coasts of Volcania. Where, being in the chief City by their Page, provided of a requisite lodging, 
Orthisius and Alfortioariu● on the Island of Volcania.  they rested their weary limbs, for the space of two days: when giving notice to the chiefest and most loyal favourites of the wronged Queen Mabina●s cause, the third day they repaired in arms, with the people flocking after their heels, unto the usurpers palace. Out at a window of whose gatehouse they heard the sorrowful Queen, thus dolefully to effuse her souls sad lamentations: 
Queen mabina's complaint.   

And shall I still (O gods) in this distress,  
With brinish tears, from mine eyes fountains spring,  
Bewail my miseries remediless,  
And wearying my hands with often wring,  
Continue in this dungeon evermore,  
My sad mischances thus for to deplore?   

Which being told unto these prison walls,  
That are both reasonless and lifeless things,  
Whilst that my tongue me wretched caitiff calls,  
Their Echo from their bowels wretched wrings:  
And when that I do tire them with exclaiming,  
They answer sadly, as lamentinges framing.   

I sigh, and say alas: they do reply,  
Alas, alas: and when that I do groan,  
They, seeming to lament my misery,  
Do, echoing, reanswer me with loan:  
So as, where I condole without relief,  
They do lament, as partners in my grief.   

And were it not for them, I should become  
Heart broken, frantic, mad, and melancholy.  
For by their woeful echoing alone,  
I do receive my souls refreshing wholly:  
Which only keep themselves from wanting pity,  
To be sad consorts in my careful ditty;  
Which evermore I sing with sobbing breath,  
As prep'ratiue before approaching death.   
She had no sooner sighed out her sorrows, but that the unmerciful usurper, entering the prison, reprehended her sharply, for being so lavish in her laments; with menacing words threatening her most cruelly to cut out that apt & delicate organ of her speech if she continued any longer in her lamentations. Which when the Noble minded Spaniarde heard, he thus began canvas him for his beastly and treacherous cruelty: In human monster; & uncivil tyrant, who hath instituted thee a stern corrector of most disconsolate Ladies? What, is thy heart waxed so haughty since the usurpation of thy tyranny, as thou canst not only be contented to disgrade and disgrace; but also to sight-reave: and not only that, but to speec●-ba● thy wrongly oppressed prisoner? whose injuries cry for justice, & whose unregarded wrongs invocate the high commander of the firmament to power down just vengeance on thy accursed head: at whose hands we are come in arms, 
Quamuis ●e●a, veniet vinditta tamen. Terindantes appeached by Alfortio.  to require the respitelesse restitution of her right, and sufficient satisfaction for all the outrages that thou hast unjustly offered her Come down therefore unto me, who will enter the Lists against thee, in defence of thy Sovereign's just quarrel, to whom thou hast used such Satirical actions.  
Tyrindantez, though he was galen to the very heart with these objections, yet the better to make the common citizens to bear the better liking to his cause, he very patiently seemed to brook these menaces. But, as the fire cannot long lie hidden under the dry flax, but that by the smoke it should be discovered: so, for all the tyrant sought by not answering, to cloak his anger; yet the fierceness of his countenance so manifested his indignation, as both the Prince of Spain himself, as also all the beholders, did plainly perceive out of what metal the quintessence of his meekness was extracted. But (to say the truth) he refrained from replying, till with his lance he might batter an angry answers on the stomach of his adversary. And therefore speedily causing his Squires to arm him, he descended his palace-hall stairs, and mounting h●mselfe on a mighty Courser, he prancer up and down proudly before the Lists; till being urged by the Prince Alphortio, he presently rendered him this disdainful answer.  
Proud Knight, stranger, 
Terind●nces, answer in arms.  know that I so lightly account of thy braving challenge, as wert thou the Mars-like champion to the gods, I should scorn to enter the lists against thee; much more as thou art now a proud young Princocks, whom want of years hath made so vndiscre●tely attempt this dangerous enterprise. Come on therefore (vainglorious young man) and at my hands receive thee a just guerdon for thy foolish hardiness. Herewith, setting spurs to his hor●e, he galloped so fast to the encountering of his enemies, as his Palfrey stumbling, he was cast quite headlong out of his saddle to the ground. 
Malum omen.  Which he taking to be malum omen of any future good fortune on horseback, resolved to try out the combat on foot. Wherefore drawing out his courtleax, he pased towards Alfortio, to have stain his Courser. Which he perceiving, presently dismounted; and delivering his Palfrey to his Page, 
A foot fight between Alfortio & Te●indantez.  with his shield advanced before him, he went to meet his approaching adversary. Who, with his heavy sword smote so thick and furiously upon Alfortioes' shield; as, if he had in such sort long continued, he had not only hewn his shield (wherewith he defended himself) in sunder, but also gone nigh within less than an hours space, by wide-gashed wounds, to have made his Volcanian grass of purple hue, by the effusion of Spanish gore. But Tirindantez, being already awearied with his so thick bestowing of his vain sent blows on the shield of his valorous enemy, began somewhat more lazily to lift up his courtleaxe, as if he had more mind to have rested his weary limbs on some downbed, than continued his resistance against approaching danger.  
Which the worthy Spaniarde with great dexterity turning to Tirindantez disadvantage, with his sword of spanish steel he so courageously behaved himself against the Tyrant, as having sliced his shield in sunder, within two or three sound sent buffets, he so cooled the Volcanians courage, as on his knees he made his humbly to prostrate himself before his knightly feet. With which his so sudden foil, the wicked usurper was so enraged, as rising up again, he so courageously redoubled his blows on his adversaries shield, as (having now sufficiently freed himself from the Spaniards fury, and fearing some sour answer to his sharp objection) making way with his courtlear, through the thick press of the beholding multitude, 
Terindantez leaveth the combat.  he left the combat: and despairing of any future good fortune, he speedily ran up into the gatehouse; and burst open violently the prison door, where the unhappy wronged Queen Mabina remained, in tears bewailing her misfortunes. To whom with a feigned penitency, as sorrowing for the wrongs that he had done her, Now dear (though by my means wretched) Madame, said he, am I at last (lamenting my injustice, and tyrannous misdealing) come happily to release you of your torments. And therewith lifting her up from the bare boards (by whose ascending, coldness her limbs were chilled, benumned and stiffened) he knocked off her manacles, which had so long time made her beauteous body swell with their hard engriping: and taking her gently by the (once lily white) hands, he presently led her up to the top of the gatehouse; where she (poor soul) unsuspecting any such insidiousnesse (to her grief) heard him with an hoarse voice, to sound forth the dreadful alarum, to her fatal tragedy.  
The deceitful Panther, before the destruction of his eye-gazers, doth hide his head; 
Terindantez to M●bina.  and set forth his delectable skin to the enticement of other wild beasts: and the deformed Porpoises, before the coming of some outrageous tempest, are pleasantly sportive before the shipmen: the one useth his insidie, to forewarn: the other to devour: so I, unhappy Mabina, used pleasant gestures unto thee, to refresh thy drooping spirits; but to let thee know that a procellious storm cometh after a pleasant Sunshine, I have with the Panther, alured thee to thy destruction; which with my courtleaxe I shall execute on thee with extremity: now therefore receive the last extreme of all my cruelties. With which word, Mabina giving a most groanefull farewell to the faithless world, 
The Q. Mabina beheaded by Terindantes.  he struck of her head: whose tongue wavering in her mouth, seemed (though speechless) to call for vengeance at the hands of the just judging heavenly deities. And then turning himself towards the amazed people, he on this sort prognosticated his own disparagement.  
O ye unhappy subjects of the deceased Volcanians governess, why are your senses amated, and yourselves amazed, 
His oration to the Volcanians.  at this my merciless committed murder? What? are your hearts not your own? or is your loyalty so lazy, and yourselves so leaden, as cowardice is entered where courage was once interested? that seeing the murderer of your Princess (your minds sole meditation) Mabina, you can refrain from weapons; and astoniedly gazing in my face, desist from wreaking vengeance on my accursed treachery? What, do ye (in your thus still standing) expect that myself should work my own destruction? If so ye do (amazed Citizens) assure yourselves, your expectations shall be satisfied. For first, behold, how like to stony-hearted Pyrrhus (Achilles' soboline) I cast down headless Polixena from off the battlements, & after (contrary to the worthy Graecian) behold the downfall of her enemy.  
Wherewith as desperate of any remission for his committed villainy, he threw himself headlong from off the gatehouse; 
●e throweth himself head ●●ng from the gatehouse.  thinking by his own violent action to have suddenly sent his Cimmerian soul to Acheron. But God, who seethe all things, in his justice disappointed him of his intended purpose, so as that, only being bruised, he was taken up alive, by the rout of the attending people, who with open mouths tried for judgement against the traitor: with which their just entreaties, the worthy Princes of France & Spain being exceedingly moved, to this effect before the multitude, pronounced this terrible judgement.  

The sentence of his judgement.  That first for the space of three days (if he lived so long) he should have his fl●sh torn piece-meal with hot burning pincees from off his body; & then his bones to be burned in afire of pitch & brimstone; that so consumed, he might not have convenient sepulture, appointed for all dying christians. This judgement against him, so well pleased the true hearted Citizens, as it was no sooner pronounced by the two Princes, but it was immediately most severely executed by the common people: who taking themselves to be highly bound unto the courageous champions, with one consent, chose them to be their kingdoms governors: 
Phylocalus installed Ruler of Volcania.  but both Alfortio and Orthisius refusing, they remained the obedient subjects unto Phylocalus their late slaughtered Queen's kinsman; whom for Ruler, the noble Princes had over them appointed. But now another while let us busy ourselves, about some other matters, less impertinent.   

CHAP. XII.  
¶ How the Knight of the sea, accompanied with Briarostez, & the knight of the 5. swords, in the way as they travailed to the fiery cave, encountered with eleven knights who would have forced a Lady; whom they overthrew: and how he freed the Infant Ciafa from her fiery prison, & afterwards departed from them, in pursuit after the grand Cardigan with whom he entered combat for the releasement of the Knight with the golden shield, who at the Enchantress mardigua's entreaties combated Oceander; and how they were parted by a strange accident.  
MAridomer & Alcaazo with their son Ptoladine, & the rest of the Mesopotamian and Egyptian estates, being thus happily delivered from their miserable enthralement, by the incomparable valour of the Knight of the sea, with great joy and gladness took their way towards Caiery, 
Cairo.  whose high topped towerets they no sooner saw, but kissing the ground, they thanked the gods, for granting them the revise of that, whereof by reason of their extreme thraldom, they had so long time despaired: and then embracing the knight of the sea, by whom they had obtained conquest, and thanking Medion (for that was the knight of the five sword name) by whose careful diligence they were provided of a Champion, with great iovisance and shouting they ran towards their hoped home: at whose gates they found their loving Citizens with precious presents, 
The Cairoans joy for the s●fe return of Alcaazo & Ptoladine.  and princely pageants ready to entertain them. But being entered into the paved street of Cairy, to tell what hollowing, shouting, clapping of hands, leaping, dancing, ringing of bells, playing on timbrels, haps, and clarions, sounding of horns, corners, trumpets, sagbuts, and all other kind of musical instruments there was, it both surpasseth my pen, & accloyeth my remembrance: but I am sure that all the rest of the remaining day, and all the whole night was spent in nothing but in presenting their happy returned Princes with most pleasurable pastime.  
This notwithstanding, as the Heicfer, though she be in the midst of her sportivenesse, hath a continual regard other houseld calf, so these worthy Princes in the midst of their pastimes, could not so forget their dearest daughter the Princess Ciafa, 
Oceander, with Bri●●●ste●, and Medion undertaketh the adventure of of the fir●e cave of Ciafa.  whom (you have heard) Artimagus had hidden by his skill in the fiery cave of Egypt, but that they must needs send immediately for her releasement: & therefore, once more entreating the adiument of the valiant knight of the sea, and obtaining his consenting, they presently dispatched him, with Briarostez, & that worthy knight of the 5. swords, Medion, towards the eventing of the enchantment: who taking their journey more Northwestward, toward the city Carthage, as they travailed over a ridge of mighty mountains, they espied, where below in the valley, a sort of armed Knights were forcibly binding of a beautiful Lady, on one of their horses; to carry her against her will away with them. Whose sorrowful shrieks so penetrated into the thoughts of the noble minded Knights of Africa, as enraged with the offered outrage, they speedily galloped their horses, down the hill; and enterrushing roughly amongst the rabblement of traitors, drawing out their sword, they courageously commanded them on pain of forfeiting their heads to desist from any farther prosecuting of their pretended evil enterprise: alleging them to be a shame and fowl dishonour to the order of knighthood, so uncivilly to abuse any honourable or honest damosel: and therewith the Knight of the Sea began to lay his hand on the Lady's manacles, too unloose them; when one of the eleven Knights (trusting more than any of the rest, to his own valour) vnsheathing a mighty courtleax, began in this sort to terrify the undaunted courage of the Carthaginian champion.  
By heaven sir Knight, who made you so bold as to correct us in our actions? Either let go your houldfast on these damosels manacles, or (by our great god Mahomet) with my sword I shall make your sea-shield spatter about your ears: and therewith he let fly at the Knight of the sea, with all his might. Who receiving the blow on his charmed shield, with his good sword Scindifer, he smote Durdon so sound a buffet on the headpiece; as cleaving it to the beaver, he made him lifeless to kiss the cold cheek of his old Grandmother. 
Durdon slain.  Wherewith the other ten Knights (ashamed for their overmatching number, to betake themselves to flight) grew so enangred with Durdons overthrow, as all at once they stoutly assaulted the Knight of the sea; but to their small profit. For, what by his courageous well dealing of his blows, & the unresistible adiument of his 2. companions, he gave them so sour a welcome, as having slain and mortally wounded seven of them, they enforced the other three, for fear of their unabidable-furie, to betake themselves to their heels; and in the neighbouring woods (by hiding their craven head in the thick-set bushes) fearfully to provide for the safety of their lives.  
Oceander, 
Lydia freed from the villainy of Durdon & ten other knights.  glad that he had in this sort so quickly rid his hands of the wicked Traitors, unbound the sorrowful Lady: who rendering him most hearty thanks for her deliverance, most humbly entreated them, at a Castle of hers thereby, for that night to take up their lodging. Which they accepting, she presently conducted them unto her Castle: where giving them exceeding good entertainment, she caused the wounded corpse of her late murdered husband to be brought before them. At whose unmercifully massacred limbs, the worthy knights being in a manner amazed, she in this sort made the doleful recital of her husband's Tragedy.  
I am ascertained, magnanimous knights, 
Lydia's relation of her husband Zadelines death,  that in your hearts you do wonder at, and in your thoughts abhor this detestable villainy; which only upon spite was in this cruel sort executed upon my innocent husband, by those wicked wretches, from whose unmerciful violence, your noble chevesance of late defended me.  
What the occasion of their conceived hatred against him, should be, I know not: only I surmise it from hence to have his inition.  
It misfortuned, 
Milodes slain.  that in a single combat between two knights (the one whereof was a stranger, the other our near neighbour, named Milodes) by the variable chance of the fight, that Milodes was slain: and the other (though sore wounded, yet not so near death) to the end he might the more speedilier escape from the hands of any following pursuers, cast off his battered and burdenous armour; and so disharnished, he presently betook himself to flight: but whether, the Gods do know, and not I: for as yet I never heard of him.  
Which his unbuckled armour being found out by my (unhappy) husband Zadolin, he caused his attending Page to gather all the scattered pieces together, and wrapping them up in his cloak, to bear them on his back home after him; which he did: and (thinking nothing of any following misfortune) he remained quiet in his chamber all that evening.  
But no sooner had the daughter of darkness, the light days enemy, overcast the heavens with a mourning mantle; but the kinsfolks and allies of slaughtered Milodes, with weapons, and torches, arrived at our Castle, and with great violence rushing in at the gates, they killed my Porter, slew my servants; 
Delirant Reges, plectuntur Achivi. Zadolin murdered  and without either pity or compassion, with their swords and battleares, they in this most cruel manner murdered & massacred my poor husband Zadolin; whose thoughts legate unmercifully gripped between a pair of pinsons, was unjustly dissuffered to plead his master's innocence. Only I (poor and unhappy Lydia) in my thin smock on the cold floor, with tears, sighs and groan endeavoured to beg his pardon, pleaded his innocency, swore he was guiltless; and in brief declared the matter, as manifestly as my interrupting sobs would suffer me: But all in vain: they were obdurate to my orisons; or could they by my pleading, have been made pitiful, it had been to no purpose: for ere I could have half spoken, my dear Zoladin was murdered; 
The rage of Durdon and his men against guiltless Lydia.  and only my agony appeased, with the threats of the treacherous villains; who bade me be contented, for my turn was the next unto my husbands: and then, haling me by the hair, down the stairs, they road away with me unto this mountain; where they meant to have bound me to their horsetailes, & have speedily dragged me to the burning Cave of Ciafa; whereinto they threatened for to throw me: which they had surely performed, had not you by the gracious appointment of the heavens, happily arrived at that instant for my delivery.  
Now owe mine honour (quoth the knight of the Sea) I have not in all my life heard tell of a worse villainy.  
But thanks be to Mahomet (said Briarostes) they have sufficiently at your hands paid for it; as better men than they have done before them: & had not I tasted of better mercy than they did, perhaps my head should have fled with a vengeance, where my heels should never have overtaken it. All things go by the direction of the Gods (replied Medion) and so it is sufficient that we all are living. True (answered Briarostes) but since it is so far in the night, let us prepare ourselves unto our lodgings: whereunto the knight of the Sea, & Medion consenting, they gave the good-night unto the Lady; and so departed unto their provided bedchambers; where they all slept sound: only Medion, in this sort meditated on the Lady.  
Divine Lydia (I call thee divine, 
Medions' passionate resolve, for the love of Lydia.  because like a deified Goddess thou governest my affections) would to the Gods thy heart were as benign, as thy hew beautiful, and thy tongue as apt to pronounce my content, as thy frowns (I fear) are about to prognosticate my confusion: then should I glory in my good fortune, that am now grieved with heart-gnawing languishment: yea but I fear the failing of thy favour, and that in vain with the travailer, ● shall assault a Basilisk; by whose eyes penetrating, I shall find my own confusion. But fool, why fearest thou? will the ambitious soldier lay aside his armour, and for fear of missing the conquest, not adventure the conflict; where the precious price of the victory is an Olive garland, amidst whose wreaths sits honour in her chiefest dignity? No, rather will he die in the attempt, then, by not hazarding his hap, to be bereaved of his happiness. And wilt not thou adventure a frown, to obtain her favour? which is more glorious than a conquest, and more high-prized, than the Olive garden: whose looks infuse life, and whose pretty smiles, seem a petty Paradise of eternal pleasures: whose ruddy cheeks like the rays of Cynthia refresh thy loves flower; & from out whose Rubilike fine closurets proceeds a comfortable warm dew, to infuse new mirth into thy love-massacred soul in the midst of thy martyrdom. But stay: the fragrant flower, called Flos Solis, if it be nipped off at the top, by the Indians, when it is but young, it will never bear any blossom: and the young Eagle, that hath his talents cut when it is but a nestlecocke, will never prove so ravenous as his dam did: So Medion, must thou nip the head of thy springing fancy, in his infancy; & it shall never bear blossom in his age, to hurt thee: and pair his griping talents yet he be fledge, and he shall never lacerate thy heart in his fierce flight: and so shalt thou live at freedom, by being freed from maimed fancy. Nay rather, thereby shalt thou work thy confusion, then content; and kill thy own self, by quelling thy fanciful cogitations. For, what be came of the branch that was nipped? it never bloomed? true. For his opened juice being dried up by the hot reflection of the scorching Sun, suddenly withered: and the talent-wanting Eagle, never after prospered. Thus both perished: and so shall I, if I follow their example, finish a like end unto my follies. Suffer therefore thy fancy to have his full course; and curb it not in the waxing, lest thou curse it in the waning: & only rest herewith fully satisfied, the Lydia is fair without compare, & therefore worthy to be loved incomparably: that she is gracious, & will listen unto thy greeving: she is kind, & may breed thy comfort: & lastly, which I hold my souls sole Axiom, she is a woman, & therefore to be won.  
With this conclusion, he closed his eyes, and in their slumbers he quietly accompanied his sleeping companions: in which quiet repose, they remained the remnant of the night: which no sooner was put to accustomed flight, by the appearing of the brightsome morning, but that these exquisite Chevaliers, Oceander, Briarostes, and Medion, forsook their grave-imitating beds: and causing their armours to be presently buckled on their shoulders, craving a conductor to the burning Cave, they took their leave of their Hostess: which was so sound sealed on the lips of Lydia by Medion, as she had a suffitint Item, to judge of his affections. And departing in all haste from Zadolins' Castle, they shaped their journey back again unto the mountains. Alongst the declining banks whereof, directly passing on their journey, within three days (after their wearisome travail) they arrived at the foot of a most high cliff: whose steep down chalky sides beating back the rays of the resplendent Sun, by his beams reflection they seemed to guild the Ocean with a new Phoebean glister. This th● 〈◊〉 Champions ascending, 
Oceander arriveth at the fiery cave.  they perceived from the 〈◊〉 thereof, a mighty fire to effuse himself into so man● 〈◊〉 which licked their chalky architecture, as it 〈…〉 of them to yield a sufficient heat for the burning up of any indifferent incendible substance. In which flame (which proceeded out of an artificial Furnace) knowing the infant Ciafa to be enclosed, the worthy knights were exceedingly grieved; but especially Medion: who dolefully lamented the miseries of the beauteous Princess, whose fate he thought already to have failed, & whose unhappy ruin he thought to be remediless and unrecoverable. Wherefore prostrating himself upon the earth: 
Medions' grief for the supposed torments of Ciafa.  O dear ground (quoth he) I would I had been engraved within thy bowels, before I had lived to have seen this lamentable time of disaster. Ha my dear Lady Cyafa, how greatly is unprovident nature to be blamed, that made thee, so seemly beautiful, so suddenly to be burned. What will your loyal husband Ptoladine say, when he shall hear of your end? and how unmercifully with his beating hands, will he massacre his breast, when he shall understand of your misfortunes! From any further proceeding in his plaints, he was cut off by a sudden passion: whereout, being by the diligence of Oceander and Briarostes, revived, he ragingly ran up and down the top of the craggy cliff, to find, if it were possible, which way they might safely get to the farther side thereof: 
Oceander & the rest pursue a Bear.  which by no means they could effect, until by the pursuing of a monstrous Bear, which had lately seized upon a young Kid, they chanced happily to happen on an unfrequented by way: which with their sword clearing from the intercepting brambles and thickset prickly bushes, they speedily through passed; & were by the sandy shores soon directed unto the fiery cave of Ciafa; which seeing in vain they should endeavour with water to quench, by forcible fury they sought for to enter. Whereupon clapping their shields before their faces, 
They attempt to enter the cave. Medion and Briarostes enforced to return.  they all at once attempted the ingression: but such was both the ill fortune of the giant and the knight of the five swords, and so exceeding was the swelter of the enchanted flame; as being therewith almost smoulthered, they were forced to turn their faces from the fire ward, & hic themselves faster out (by one half) than they entered: Only by the undaunted courage of the uncomparable knight of the sea, was the hot intending fume of the fiery flaming, little respected, and wholly suppressed; though until egress of paragon of Egypt, his fury could not altogether be extinguished. 
Ciafa delivered out of the cave by Oceander.  Which the noble minded knight suspecting, he presently took the fair princess (who was there sitting in a chair of Alabaster) in his arms; and with great swiftness issuing out again from the entrails of the fiery Cave, he no sooner rested himself safe on the sands; but incontinently, with a most terrible clap of thunder, the fire ceased, the cavern closed, and all the enchantment was effinished. 
The enchantment finisheth.  Whereat Medion exceedingly rejoicing, humbly kissed the Princess ciafa's hands; and in the best sort that he could devise, he joyfully welcomed her unto her happy freedom. For the which, both he and the fair infant Ciafa, so hearty thanked the valiant knight of the Sea; as Oceander almost ashamed of their too great gratitude, promised them in am thereof, his dutiful service in whatsoever they should command him. Which offer of his good will, the beauteous infant of Egypt graciously accepting, with all humility, desired their back conducting unto the famous city of Cayry; where her father Alcaazo and the Mesapotamian Maridomir, in care expected their safe arrival. Oceander would very willingly have condescended; had he not been prevented by the sudden arrival of a Ship of war upon the shores of the burning Cave: out of the which hearing a most lamentable exclaiming; to see the event thereof, he was feign to part from his companions: 
Medion and Briarostes guard the infant Ciafa to Cayro.  and leaving Briarostes and Medion, to guard the infant of Egypt safely unto Cayry, he pased softly towards the seaside: where he perceived a mighty giant of most monstrous bigness, & exceeding stature, with a massy iron mace on his neck, having come on shore to mount up into a steely Chariot; 
Cardigan.  which was drawn by two fierce & big Lions, up unto the firm land; and under his feet in steed of a footstool, to lie an armed knight: which in iron chains being strongly fettered, effused such passionate laments; as the tender heart of the valorous Prince thereby was so extreme touched with compassion, as making anger his spurs to honour, he presently posted after the monstrous Giant; whom overtaking, he began courageously in this sort to enquestion.  
It seemeth unmerciful Tyrant, by the outcries that this captived knight here maketh, 
Oceander to Grand Cardigan.  that thou hast villainously offered him some outrage: which if it be, assure thyself, incompassionate, infringer of the law of Nations, that vengeance is already at this instant hanging over thy ungracious head; which powered on thee by the judgement of the justest justicer, shall make thee all to late to repent thy committed wickedness.  
Grand Cardigan (for so was the Giant named) hearing the Prince's pert challenge, could not choose but laugh at his (supposed) folly. And therefore without speaking any word, for an answer; with his huge hands he thought to have fastened upon his helmet, and so drawing him into his Chariot, to have there carried him captive in company of his other prisoner: But he far failed in his effects. For Oceander (whom use of arms had taught to know advantages) seeing the incomparable pride of the haughty devil to exceed reason so far, as with his weaponless hand to think to surprise an harnessed knight; vnsheathing his trusty Curtle-axe, he so curtold Cardigans arm off at the elbow; as the hand falling to the ground he taught his haughty heart a sound lesson, 
Oceander smiteth off the giants arm,  for the inconsiderate reattempting of any so dangerous an enterprise. But the devilish Giant was herewith incensed with such an unspeakable fury; as for very anger, his eyes seemed to sparkle fire, and out of his ribs of his beaver his angry breath issued out with such a thickness, as therewith his eyesight being dimmed, he sat still for a great while in a quandary, not knowing well which way to bestir himself: till vexed which the extreme smarting of his wound, he grew suddenly so enraged as dismounting his steely Coach, & furiously advancing his iron we upon over the helmet of Oceander, he let the blow descend down with such a fury upon his enchanted armour, as battering oceander's shield with the mighty forceful poised thereof, unto his headpiece, he made him sufficiently to feel the fury of such angry Giants. And to say the truth, 
A dangerous combat between Oceander and Grand Cardigan.  had not the iron mace been somewhat more, than the maimed monster could well have wielded, Cardigan had at that one blow, battered Oceander all so pieces. For such was the invincible force of this giant before he happened to be thus dishanded, as young oaks plucked up by the very roots, scarcely sufficed him for a mace, to overmaster the most mightiest monsters: and with his own hands he would subdue fierce Lions, and bring them to a wonderful tameness. But the heavens viewing his pride to be so uncomparable, at last made him to be humbled by a knight, whose stature (though not stomach) was far, to his, inferior. For the worthy knight of the Sea (though he was beaten to the ground, and sorely inly bruised by that devilish stroke of Cardigan) so nimbly arose from the slippery earth, as before Cardigan could mount his mace to redouble his blow, 
Oceander grappleth with the giant.  he was gotten within him; and running strongly against him to overthrow him, he greatly bruised the giants armour; but by his uneffected policy, enwrapped himself in a net of exceeding danger: which surely had been inevitable; had not Cardigan, who with his boisterous arm endeavoured to crush him against his breastplate, in the midst of his action, for want of blood to maintain his vigour, fallen down to the ground for faintness: and yet in his fall with his huge body he so overwhelmed him, as Oceander for a great while, was not able to recover himself from his fury, and heavy overpoise: but having at last after much struggling, safely freed himself and remounted upon his feet, he drew out Cardigans mighty and broad falchion; wherewith smiting off his other arm, 
Cardigans o●her arm smitten off, & vanquished.  he left the ugly giant in a pitiful pickle, to expect his wretched lives approaching period.  
And then turning himself towards the Chariot, he unbound the enthralled knight with the golden shield, 
●hianora rescued by Oce●nder.  who in this sort rendered him thanks for his liberty: Noble and courageous knight, whomsoever thou art; the Gods, whom thou adorest, send thee as great good fortune, as thou deservest favour at my hands for this thy showed friendship in delivering me from the hands of this devilish Giant, whose infinite fury, millions of the mightiest Knights in this Western world could never have abated. Herewith the Knight with the golden shield offered to kiss his gauntlet. But Oceander, in whose heart meekness and courtesy sat royally enthronized) took him gently by the hand, and in this manner made refusal of the proffered favour: what I have effected for thy freedom (Knight of the golden shield) was by the favour of the Gods, and as I was obliged by the noble order of my Knighthood: and therefore requireth no thanks, at your hands; since what I did, was not at your request, but for the performance of my duty: wherein I hope I have honourably accomplished the part of a worthy champion, by freeing the oppressed, and giving a bridle unto hairebrainde presumption: desist therefore from such unmerited requital, and let us both rejoice for the fruition of our happy conquest. Now because that by this time, it grew toward the approaching of the evening, they left the Giant to his griefs, & took their ways toward the sea side where, in Cardigans argosy, they determined for that night to take up their lodgings. Where they were no sooner come, 
The sorceress Mardigua arriveth.  but arrived an old withered woman (whose hairs being coloured like the midnight, & strangely curled like the snaky wreathed tresses of the Furies) putting to the shore, landed, like hellbred Allecto, to bring debate between the two valorous Princes: Her name was Mardigua that wicked sorceress: whose enchantments for spite that Oceander had happily effinished, she now by her insidious craftiness (by undermining the Knight of the golden shield, with a feigned show of received injuries) sought a through revengement on the knight of the sea: and therefore coming to Phianora (for that was the name of the Knight with the golden shield; though following adventures, she would not be known to be the divine daughter of King Argamont of England) Noble Knight with the golden shield (quoth wicked Mardigua) if any pity or compassion be in your princely breast, I beseech you of your knightly valour, 
She soweth debate between Oceander and Phianora.  to take a just revengement for me on a most wicked traitor, that hath done me the greatest villainy that ever any honest ears have heard of. Whereunto the Knight of the golden shield condescending, and with a religious oath confirming, the insidious wretch, after some feigned tears, forcibly wrung out from her hollow eyelids, in this sort began to task her champion to his promises performance: Know then, most worthy Prince, that it was yonder Knight of the Sea, that hath so villainously outraged me, razed my castle, slain my subjects, and (obdurate to my entreaties) carried away my kinsmen, captive prisoners: chastise him therefore according to his deserts, and evermore be renowned by being my courageous champion. Oceander very well knowing her, & hearing how shamefully she had before his face belied him, could not for his blood refrain; but with his sword drawn he must needs proffer to lop of her accursed head from her withered shoulders: whereof, the unsuspecting Knight of the golden shield, taking advantage; nay, nay (said he) thou hast too too much already manifested thy malice against her: prepare thyself therefore to receive thy just deservings at his hands, 
The knight of the golden shield combateth Oceander.  who is sorry so soon to be thy corrector: And therewith, she struck Oceander a sound buffet on the cuirass: wherewith he was so enangred, as leaving of excuses, he soon requited the Knight with the golden shield for his labour. For he so notably behaved himself against him; as no occasion was offered, whereof he took not advantage; and no part of his adversaries body which was not so soon wounded as negligently defended: which caused the Knight of the golden shield, somewhat to become faint, and in a short space to wax so weary, as she was hardly able to continue her party good, for one only bout longer; without taking some breathing space (for in their combat they had continued, the better part of an hour and three quarters, without breathing, or once desisting from dealing of their deadly blows: whereof, on the contrary side, the courageous Knight of the Sea (being no whit a wearied) took so great advantage, as with his sword he thought at one stronge-fetched blow, to have ended both the Knight of the golden shields life, and the contention. Which in●●●● he had ●ndoubtedly done: 
An happy accident.  had not his good swo●●● 〈◊〉 by the providence of the highest, fallen flatly on the crest of his enemy: and therewith the buckles being broken, have impoverished the helmet, to enrich oceander's eyesight with the aspecting of the most beautiful object, the ever Dame nature by her deified cunning framed. For so soon as the proud helmet was distennanted of so precious a head; 
The Knight of the golden shield discovered to be a Lady-knight.  such a bush of golden twisted tressalines reigned themselves into the bosom of the Princess, as the jove-sent shower of Pactolian gold into the lovely lap of Danac: which being handsomely disheveled about her armed shoulders, made her resemble bright-shining Cynthia in the grey clear Welkin, in fashion; though far exceeding her in favourable fairness; so angelical were the looks of this divine & more than beautiful Lady-knight: at whose sight, like the sun-gazing Indian, Oceander was so amazed; as like one transmuted, he stood still mute in a quandary, being of a great while not able to recover his over-ravished senses: till the Princely maid ashamed of her such discovery, clapped on her helmet again, and leaping into the boat with Mardigua, she hastily both carried away his heart's horror, and his eyes Elisian-like exceed of pleasure.   

CHAP. XIII.  
¶ How Norin and Nigramonde the sons of the grand Cardigan, overtook the Infant Ciafa, whom in revenge of their father's death they would have murdered: but were repulsed by Briarostez and Medion; and how the Knight of the sea was carried in his enchanted boat to the Island of Malagda.  
NOrin, in the mean time, and Nigramonde, the devilish issue of that damned Giant Cardigan, being roused from their rests (which they took in a most strong fortress) by the lamentable outcries (which bellowing-like thundered into their ears) of their massacred and distressed Father, with all the hast possible they presently hied unto him: whom finding both armless, and in a manner lifeless, they hoist up into his iron chariot: & having carried him unto their castle to be carefully tended by their chirurgeons, 
Cardigan carried unto his Castle.  & causing their Lions to be humbled unto the servile saddle, they presently mounted on them: & with their battleares on their shoulders, 
Norin & Nigramonde haste to revenge the death of their Father.  they hastily galloped after their Father's mischiefe-worker, to be revenged on him for his too too audacious cruelty: but all in vain. For taking a clean contrary way, they left their adversary Oceander (though unknowing) in his combat against the Enchantress cursed mardigua's champion; the beauty unmatchable, the fairer than fairness itself, Phianora: and with an angry haste, they cut forth their journeys towards the neighbouring mountains, whither they vainly thought their adversary to be galloped. Now as the valiant Briarostez, and the valorous Knight of the five swords, high minded Medion, were with their princely charge, the fair Infant Ciafa, returning leisurely towards the castle of late wronged Lydia the woeful wife of Zadolin, whom the eleven Knights murdered for the death of Milodez, they were suddenly recalled by one of the young Giants; who being come with in voice-reach, with a hoarse throat in this sort sounded out their sudden retreat. Think not, most vile and wicked traitors, by this your sudden taking flight, to pass thoroughly unpunished for the cruel murder of our dear father the mighty Cardigan; whose princely blood, shed cowardly by your peasant blades, presents a sorrowful remembrance of wrathful vengeance to be wreaked on your carrion carcases. In an evil hour (quoth Briarostez) art thou come thus unjustly to challenge us: but since thou wilt needs be meddling, come on a god's name, and by the power of almighty Mahomet (who guide my hand to gain the victory) I shall give thy proud approach so piercing a welcome, as thou shalt with shame wish thy farther safety, when by my lances point thou shalt be borne to the ground, shamed, 
Norin and Briarostez encounter. , foiled, and overthrown. Therewith they both met together so fiercely, as breaking their pine-tree spears against their pouldrons, they were both sent headlong from their horsebackes, to finish the rest of their Monimachy on foot, who nimbly recovering themselves from the fall, presently drew out their steele-heawing weapons; and so stoutly belabred one another about the crests, as it might well have made them dissy: for their intolerable strokes, made the other four beholders, very exceedingly amazed: Briarostez with his broad falchion Cordelue, sent such a strong blow on the shield of Norin, as nigh therewith he parted it in two pieces; and then sliding between the breastplate and the armhole, it strait descended unto the ground; where doing no other harm it stayed: but so was it stricken into the muddy substance, as before Briarostez could thoroughly unloosen it, Norin flourishing his battleaxe with a strong whirl about his head, stroke Briarostez such a sound buffet overthwart his shoulders, as with the fury thereof, he was forced to stagger backward, at least three yards from the place where he first stood. But, as hap would, in his retiring he gave such a twitch at the hilt of his sword Cordelue, as he unburied it from the bowels of the earth, wherein it was so fast enclosed. And having recovered both himself and it in his hand; now holy Mahomet (quoth he) and Termagant; on whose Meccan altars, I unmissingly offer a precious annual sacrifice, but inspire mine arm at this time, with some inresistable flavour of your sacred vigours; and I here make a solemn vow for ever steadfastly to maintain your holy deity, and heavenly laws written in your divine Koran, against any mortal man whosoever it oppugning: as indeed he did: for in defence thereof he manfully died under the resistless sword of Oceander, who had newly embraced the holy faith of Christ, as you shall hear in the second part of this present history. Briarostez having in this sort ended his short orisons, he added such a fierce fury to his vigorous arm, as therewith mounting up his falchion, above the helmet of his strong adversary, the same descended with such violence between the cuirass and the shoulder of Norin, as it not only pared away a great piece of his left arm, but with such a devilish decline rushed on the hard temperature of his steely gauntlet, 
Norin sorely wounded by Briarostez.  as with an unresistible fury it clean parted the hand, from the arm of Norin: who instantly with hideous tears and bellow, exclaimed upon his brother Nigramonde, with an invincible courage to take just vengeance on his overmatching enemies; and herewith he thought to have fled. But Medion, who as yet had not meddled in the conflict, 
Slain by Medion.  gave him such a recall with his courtleaxe on the cuirass, as he fetched him down backwards from his fierce beast, with a vengeance, to try if he durst to hazard the second combat; and therewithal advancing his shield before him, he stood watchfully expecting the undoubted assault of enraged Nigramond: whose stomach was so taken down by his brother's misfortune, and the Egyptian honourable manhood; as horsing his wounded brother Norin upon his furious beast, before him; he made fear add spurs to his feet; 
Nigramon de betaketh him to flight.  and hastily flying from his unpursuing enemies, he left the field open to his foes: who, glad they were so well freed from their troublesome guests, speedily hied them to Lydias castle; where we will leave them to their recreation, & Briarostez to his wounds recurring; and return again to our former forsaken champion Oceander: who (as you have heard) being left all alone by the witch Mardigua, and the worthy Princess Phianora, saving only accompanied, with the approaching night, 
Oceander amazed, and inflamed with the beauty of Phianora.  and the huge environing Cliffs; casting an admiring, amated and amorous sight after the fleeting boat wherein the beauteous Princess sailed from him; his thronging thoughts, amazed at the miss of their blessedness, began to charm his trembling minds Ambassador, thus dolefully to lament his irreparable misfortune.  
Of sudden griefs and heart-amating wrongs,  
Why sit I in this silence uncomplayning?  
Since raciturnitie in griefes-explaining,  
My inward heart with woe so over-thronges;  
As if I had whole infinites of tongues,  
They scarcely to my torments could give vent,  
Wherewith my soul incessantly is wrong,  
One sorrow would another so prevent,  
Under my palates vault passing along.  
Therefore must sorrow from his secret cell,  
(Wherein amids the centre of my heart,  
He, captive-like tied, doth in terror dwell)  
From out his prison house perforce departed,  
To act a Libertine released part:  
Who with exclaims to my sense sorrowe-torne,  
This axiom of my fortunes shall impart;  
That in unhappy time, poor I was borne,  
To sit and see relief, yet live forlorn,  
IN these and the like muse he spent the time, until by the sudden approach of the silent night (who in her pitchy chariot, had already coursed over the face of the Element) he was forced both for his safeguard & his ease to take up his Inn, for that night, in a little tilt-covered wherry boat, which lay hard at the shore: 
Artimagus counterfeiteth himself a fisherman, to disport with Ocea●der.  wherein being entered, he found an old fisherman, who on a chaffingdish of coals (which he had kindled by the light of a strange precious stone, which with dropping on of salt water & oil strangely blazed) was broiling him a few freshwater fishes for his supper: who seeing (as indeed none than he could see better) the valorous Knight of the sea, coming towards him, presently started from his stool, whereon Diogenes like he was set, and steadfastly looking on Oceander (who gave him courteously the good even) he spitefully threw the dish of fish down on the boards by Oceander, saying: By Mahomet I would thy nose were slit, that thus unhappily hath smelled out my hungry supper. By jove, had not years taught me the better wisdom; I could find in my heart desperately to overturn the boat, and drown myself, because I would have thee drenched in the Ocean: Herewith he so puffed and blowed for anger, as Oceander, though he were somewhat choleric, at his curmudgenlynesse, yet he could not choose but smile at the old fisherman's vain anger. And therefore bursting out into a great laughter, he thus began to pacify his angry host: Why good old man, what meanest thou in this sort to cast away thy meat and in this sort to be offended? as though I were such a base conditioned villain, as to cut thy age-crazed wezand, for a few gobbets of homily broiled fish. Fear not old father, for I am no such man: for by the almighty and great prophet Mahomet I protest unto thee, that my intent is only here to get me some safe harbour, and not in any wise injuriously to harm you I know it well (dear Prince quoth he) nor am I the man that for a dish of homely broiled fish, 
Artimagus revealeth himself.  would so jarringly stand at terms in earnest with so gracious a Lord, to whom not only my boat, but my skill, my body & (if need so require) soul is wholly indebted, and altogether devoted. And then discovering himself unto the knight of the sea, to be the most wise & learned Lord Artimagus, the only brother (as you have heard) of Carthaginian Kanira, he heaped such joys on the heart of Oceander, as both by tongue and pen are unable to be expressed: only let this suffice, that they fell from their chat, to their cates; and from their repast to their sound repose. Whilst they being in a sweet & silent sleep, the wherry, enchanted by the art of Artimagus, stealingly sliced through the salt waters of the Ocean: and in that only night (governed by the supernatural skill of the divine Artist) it speedily crossed, from the coasts of Africa, unto (which is almost uncredible) the Enchanted Island, of the witch Malagda, whose devilish sorceries the following chapter shall presently entreat of.   

CHAP. XIIII.  
¶ How Olbiocles arrived on the Island of Malagda, where he was enchanted; how he was delivered from his transmutation, by the Knight of the Sea, to whom he told his misfortune after his metamorphosing; and how he misdeemed Oceander to be drowned in the boat of the Inchaunteresse.  
OLBIOCLES, that worthy Prince of Grecia, thanking the good old Hermit Calandre; not only for his honest entertainment in the Cell, but also for the strange relation of his following fortunes; departed from the Hermitage, back again unto the Castle of the good knight Aradinus; 
Aradinus Governor of the Round Island.  whom he (as you have heard) had created chief Governor of the Round Island, on conditional fealty unto the Majesty Constantinopolitan: to whose desirous ears, the whole history of tyrant Trogladors self-wrought Tragedy being related, caused such excess of joy in his soul; as falling on his knees, and kissing the armed feet of the worthy Greek, he most earnestly prayed for the like success to second all his undertaken actions; offering his love, his lands, his life, to be put in the hazardous and most pernicious peril, to do his exquisite self any acceptable jot of pleasure. And to confirm his profferings for unfeigned, he humbly entreated the willing acceptance of a young son of his, named Tclio; for the good companion of his Page Curio: whose service he would warrant on his life to be most trusty, loyal, and humiliate. The knight of the leopard, seeing the affection of the good Governor Aradinus, with thanks requited his good will: but for certain seacret considerations of approaching casualties, he courteously refused Telio, saying, that in his soul, he had vowed; until the regaining of his thoughts sovereign, divine Almidiana, never to receive more company, or comfort, then that only which his poor Page Curio could yield him.  
With which his answer Aradinus and his son Telio, being very well satisfied, they left him wholly to his own determinations; when, after a few days resting in the Castle, Olbiocles took his farewell of the Governor, and going on shipboard, he hoist up sails, and with his hearty comprecations, to the heavens for his safety, he committed himself to the mercy of the seas. 
Olbiocles l●ueth the Round Ilan●  Upon the crests of whose mounting billows, how often he was tossed, and in fearful danger of drowning; neither unto the shores of how many alien kingdoms by force of the waves he was driven; neither how many dangerous adventures, both by sea and land he achieved; nor what strange conflicts, combats, and contentions he entered for ladies, wronged Princesses, and damosels; as, that against the arch-pirat Tolurnio, the brother of Marcimodes the tyrant, for the Countess' sister of Corinth, Vpiora; 
〈…〉.  I will not at this time make any tedious mentioning commemoration: only let this suffice you, that his fame so far increased, as the great Governess Malagda, not only admiring; but also being enviously enamoured with his virtues, enited herself with the strongest spells, and strangest Necromantic charms that either by art or nature she could practise, to bring him by the irresistible vigour of her damned science, to the unhappy surging on her accursed Island. Where Olbiocles, unfortunately apporting, 
Olbiocles arriveth at the land of Ma●gda. ●alagdaes ●eleome ● Olbi●cles.  he was no sooner landed, but he was thus encountered by this cunning Enchantress: Mirror of magninamity, & prewe Patron of prowess and chivalry: How long I have expected thy coming unto this my poor inheritance, well mayest thou divine by the hollow sinking of my consumed eyeballs; which have never ceased the continual effluxion of their tears, since the first time their lights guidress longed for thy to too long-abstained approaching: and surely, hadst thou but prolonged thy coming a little longer, my eyes had become blind; and my eyeballs been no bigger than pings heads, so dry would I have drawn the almost empty fountains of visors: and all for grief of thy absence, dear Prince of Constantinople: whose presence since I now so happily at last enjoy; welcome, and thrice welcome be thou to poor Malagda; whose lovesick thoughts have rend almost in sunder the concave vaumure of my tender breast: & herewith taking Olbiocles by the armed hand, she conducted him very honourably unto her castle, where she banqueted him so royally with all kind of diversities of dainty delicates, 
●ne fears him.  whose knelles the warbling voices of an hundred heavenly nymphelike Damosels so melodiously sounded; as the more the worthy son of Claranax did eat, the more reliving he felt his appetite: such admired virtue consists in this celestial art, which used by a cunning Orpheus, 
Can dead men's ghosts (whom death did erst surprise)  
From black cocytus' lake, cause to arise,  
And dance strange antics on th'elysian plains,  
Libertinized from their suffered pains.   
This sumptuous banquet being ended, after repast they went to repose themselves in their lodgings: where for that night they slept so securely, as until it was towards morning not any of them opened their drowsy eyelids; but only the wicked Enchantress Malagda: who awaking about midnight, by her cunning sorceries raised such a vail of darkness before the face of the silver moon, as, at that time being unable to be seen of any mortal creature, thinking herself safe in her wickedness, she approached the chamber door of the sound-sleeping knight of the Leopard: which breaking open, she (whilst she bathed his body in a most strangely enchanted liquor) breathed out this incantation over the unsuspecting Constantinopolitan: 
My beldame, Grandam Circe's, help in haste, 
She exerciseth her enchantment over him.   
Thy daughter dear to wreak a full revenge,  
Upon this wicked murderer of my son:  
Whom he hath slain by vigour of his arm;  
Which was ourioy, which was our only hope,  
Our only comfortable ages stay:  
Whose soul doth cry for vengeance to be wreak,  
Upon his mischiefs worker: therefore lend  
Your happy help; yet not to put to death,  
This worthy knight: for know o grandam great,  
Malagda loves him better than her soul;  
Therefore agree to my enchanting spells,  
And let him live, though reaved of his shape,  
The penant satisfactour of our wrongs:  

Olbiocles metamorphosed into a Boar.  Therefore to tusks be his teeth ychanged,  
His breathing nostrils to a rooting snout,  
Prick up his ears, in length out-shooting strait,  
His feet and hands turned into horny hooves;  
And all his skin of Alabaster hew,  
Discoloured and turned to hairy hide;  
Eke all his body be transmuted so,  
As what he was, no earthly man may know.  
And let this spell, O Goddess, firmly stand;  
Till he be vanquished by the strongest hand.   
Ending her charms, she conveyed him out of his chamber, unto the top of a most high hill neighbouring to the sea side: within whose enchanted promontory, she left the poor prince, in such strange sort metamorphosed; as for the space of full fourteen winters, he hath there remained without any (even the least) hope of recovering his former manlike feature; greefully casting for the ghastly grunts and groans in such strange manner, as the whole Island oftentimes rang of his effused lamentations: whose fences, though charmed, were not so utterly reaved of their manlike wont reason; but that sometimes they would think on his misfortunes, sigh at his miseries; and lamenting, reckon up his whole world of mischances; as, the loss of his Lady, leaving of his country, &c. and now lastly his own unhappy & monstrous transmutation: which though he no otherwise, then as one in a dream, as yet perceived; yet he could not choose but exceedingly sorrow at (if it had been) so dreadful an anatomy of misformitie. Such was the extreme longlasting misery of this poor (once princely) creature, to whose so festered sore, by the divine providence of the almighty Physician, a most precious plaster is in preparing. Let us leave him therefore in his miseries, to fetch with speed this happy and (if it might he) more than happy Oceander, whom we lately left in his silent slumbers with Artimagus in the enchanted boat, which (as you have heard) so speedily apported this Island of Malagda.  
By that time the sable night had banished all further abode, and trussing up her pitchy mantles, had yielded up her government to the approaching morn; the thrice-exquisite and valiant Carthage fostered Oceander, bidding adieu to his drowsy slumbers, began to arise from his cabinet: and looking up and down the boat for the wise Artimagus, 
Oceander awaking misseth Artimagus.  and not finding him (for earnest occasion, as afterwards you shall hear, had from thence withdrawn him) he was so exceedingly amazed; as in a doubt, he began in this wise to ponder of his proceed.  
What? have I dreamt that I have seen, or do I now dream that I do perspect these strange accidents? have I been mocked with illusions? or are my senses enchanted; that I now do what I know not of, and remember what I have but as yet surmised. Did I not set free thee beauteous infant of Egypt, fair Cyafa, from the burning Cave of Artimagus? were not these hands employed for the delivery of the knight of the golden shield from the tyranny of that devilish Giant Cardigan? and did not these eyes (unfortunate because my eyes) cast gentle love-entertaining glances, on the divinest perfecture of Nature? and is not this the wherry-boate, wherein with Artimagus that counterfeit fisherman I happily took up my lodging? yes, true; No, 'tis not so. But (O Mahomet) if I be deceived, why hast thou suffered such vain fancies to inhabit my mortal brains? But if it be true, dear GOD of our forefathers, why hast thou so unhappily bearest me of my loving and learned foster-father? And eke Artimagus, if thou hast been with me, whether art thou gone? after thy departure leaving thy fostersonne accosting this strange and unknown region: with this word, the warm tears trickled down his cheeks; but remembering himself, he wiped his eyes, and buckling on his helmet, he went to the forepart of the boat (which surged right under the foot of Malagdas mountain) and taking his footehold, 
Oceander is cast on the shore of Malagdas Island.  he assayed to leap a land: but in his rise, a boisterous (spel-raised) billow so unhappily turned the boat sidelong, as, his feet slipping, Oceander fell into water, where he stuck knee-deep in the sands where, by reason his boat was suddenly departed, he was forced to stay helpless, not being able, for the danger one way, and for his sticking fast, on the other side, either by one means or other to relieve himself; until by the providence of the almighty (who in his mercy pitied his miseries) sense and shape-reaved Olbiocles, the unfortunate father of distressed though not known to be) Oceander, according to his accustomed order, descended that enchanted hill, to take his mornings draft at the brinks of the brinish Ocean; when espying an armed knight unhappily suffering his lives shipwreck on the swallowing quicksands, he set up his stiff backearming bristles; and with a grisly grunt grinding his foamed tusks together, he wallowed into the water; with open mouth thinking (as he had done diverse) to have crushed the armour of Oceander in a thousand pieces: 
Olbiocles delivereth Oceander from drowning.  but seeing that by reason of the good temperature of the metal, as also the strong enchantment thereof, he could not hurt it, he grasped faster hold, and in his mouth, he carried him presently out of the water, and shaking his hairy hide, he began to ascend the mountain, with intent to have borne him unto his beastly Sty, which he had framed amongst the bushes of the mountain. Which the valorous knight of the sea seeing, and withal perceiving that now or never it was time to free himself; he strived to set his foot on the ground: where obtaining sure footing, he on the sudden leapt out with such a forcible spring, as in a moment he got himself from the jaws of the enchanted beast: which seeing hinselfe bereaved of his prey, gave such a groan & gnashed together his teeth so irefully, as the whole mountain trembled at the terrible noise thereof, & therewith he ran fiercely against Oceander, and with his ironlike tusks, 
Oceander fighteth with the enchanted Boar.  he steake the defending shield with so irresistible a fury, as, maugre his head, the knight of the sea was feign to forsake his hold, and kneeling to the ground, to cry, Ha most mighty Mahomet; and shall I now be shamed by a sows son, and after so many conquests, become the prey to a beastly swine? Ah, God of our progenitors, if it be thy will, by thy dread power defend me from my unreasonable, unmerciful adversary. This said, with his good sword Scindifer, he pointed so sound a period on the gammon of the savage beast, as had it hit upon an Anvil, it would undoubtedly have cleft it asunder in the midst; so main was the blow, sent by more than almost an human fury: which notwithstanding, no more entered into the enchanted skin, than an if the sword had been of wood, and the Boar of steel. Wherewith the knight of the Sea was so amazed, as he was at his wit's end, not knowing which way well to clear himself of so dangerous a conflict: But seeing there was no other worst (if the worst should come) but death, and that, 
〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉,  
Death is the end of every mortal man,   
He determined to do his utmost to get the conquest and gain his freedom, and once more to try the whole hazard of his good fortunes. But because his good sword could do him but small avail, in that the Boars skin was unpierceable, he cried, help Mahomet: and therewith stepping to an Oak tree (whose branches had already borne the bitter blasts of an hundred winters) to pull some heavy club from the withered stock, he perceived there-under, the undissevered bones of a man, 
Curio Olbiocles Pages bones found by Oceander.  covered over with sundry pieces of armour; upon the shield whereof (whose devise was a Leopard) were raggedly engraved these few verses, 
Hard is thy temper, harder is thy hap,  
Poor shield, disfurnished of princely master;  
Whose chance mischaunced, and whose sad mishap  
If I should seem to wail in such disaster,  
My pearled tears, than rain, should shower down faster.  
For why, he is transmuted to a Boar,  
From which he never shall be changed more.   
And a little below.  
Alas that women kind should have their will,  
Since their conceits, bend only unto ill,  
Unfortunate CURIO.  

Oceander perceiveth the Boar to be some enchanted knight.  As soon as Oceander had read them, he perceived, that undoubtedly that Boar, wherewith he did combat, was the unhappy owner of that harness, for whose metamorphosing the unfortunate dead Page had lamented in such his doleful engraven Elegy. Wherefore, determining not longer to seek his destruction, but redemption from the enchantment; he endeavoured himself to the finding out of the hidden limits of that wonderful enchantment: which, by the unapproaching of the, Boar unto him, effecting, he incontinently rushed upon the Boar, and in his armed hands clasping his horny feet, the valorous knight of the Sea, or ever the beast was aware of him, 
The enchantment finished, and Olbiocles restored to his ●hape.  dragged him forcibly from out the circuit of the enchantment: which with a terrible clap of Thunder finishing, left the Grecian Prince to the fruition of his former manlike shape and beautifullfeatures. And then Olbiocles; On my knees (most valiant knight) I render thee humble and deserved thanks for this my freedom; freedom (I say) from even the most wicked and devilish imprisonment, that ever any mortal creature endured. For know, that not only by the devilish spells of a most damned witch Malagda, I was strangely enstraunged from my manlike features; but also in such wonderful sort, besotted in my senses; as, 
Those that are only led by the appetite, following but what their outward senses lead them to, are no whit different from bruit beasts; who herein especially differ from man; In that he is endued with reason. No pleasure but hath his pain.  what I was, what was good, what was bad, I neither knew nor remembered: but as I was so I lived, a swinish life, only preserved in life for the lustful pleasures of the wicked enchantress; of whose accursed body I had more often beastly fruition, than the heavens of the sun since my metamorphosing: yet in my pleasure, I was continually rated for slaying of her son Coaran, in defence of the beauteous Princess Vpiora, as rather had I to have been dead, then so to have endured such assiduous upbraiding: from which (thanks be to the almighty) I am thus happily by your knightly valour at length released: for which I should think myself ingrate, if I should not stand obliged, in an eternal bond of amity unto you, for this unrequitable adiument: herewith Olbiocles would have kissed oceander's gauntlet, in token of gratefulness. But he (in whom nature had happily planted chivalry and courtesy) would not suffer such humility, but turning his back to him, he hastily ran unto the seaside after the flying transfugant Malagda: with whom he no sooner leapt into her ferry boat, but that as seeming overladen, it suddenly sunk under water: whereat leaving the noble minded Prince Olbiocles exceedingly amazed, we will a while forsake this accursed Island, to turn our stile a little to the knight with the golden shield, 
Oceander pursueth Malagda.  and our worthy peers of Grecia.   

CHAP. XV.  
¶ How Phianora arrived at the city of Constantinople, where she found the Emperor Claranax his court in exceeding sadness, how she proclaimed a Just for the precious mantle of Mardegua, her conquest over many Knights, & combat with the Knight of the Sea.  
PHianora in such sort (as you heard) being departed in the wherry of the Enchantress wicked Mardigua, from the shores of Africa, as ashamed of her disclosure of Oceander, in all hast shaped forth her journey to the coasts of Grecia, when surging within a short while before the havens mouth of Constantinople, they perceived there neither ship, 
Phianora arriveth at Constantinople.  nor men of any reckoning; but only a few fisher-boats for to apport there. Which solitary spectacle so amated the young Princess, as for very grief to see so famous an harbour, so little frequented now, which in times past, yea even within her own father's memory, had been the only receptacle for all, both heathen and christian nations; the tears trickled down so abundantly, by her cheeks, as for very pity thereof the (though otherwise pitiless) Enchantress, could not choose but comfort her up with these kind speeches;  
Perplex not thyself in this sort (dear daughter) with the sudden sorrow conceived for so strange an alteration. For of this I shall assure thee, that ere I (as old as I am) should die, Phianora shall see the court of Constantinople far more famous and frequented, then hitherto any enrolled record hath left in notice. With these words the Princess was somewhat comforted: and taking heart of grace, as hoping for better fortune to befall so fair a city, she entreated the witch to put to land: which Mardigua performing, they both together passed up unto the Emperor Claranax his palace: where they found the hall, parlour, and galleries, hung all with sable hang; 
The Grecian court, in a dead quietness.  the Knights and Ladies, attendants, clothed in mourning vestures; bearing in their looks the signs of sorrow, and breathing from their heart's centre meteorized sighs, multiplied by the continual commemorations of their misfortunes: at the upper end of the galleries, the lively images of the Emperor Claranax and the Empress Basilia were engraved in alabaster in full proportions, hanging their heads in their bosoms, and with their naked hands instead of a Mound, vphoulding a deaths head: whereupon in latin characters was written; NOSTRAE SPES TANTA SALUTIS. 
This is our only hope of safety.   
At this sad sight, Phianora was exceedingly moved to compassionate sorrow, insomuch as she could not refrain from kissing the hands of the stony pictures; saying, ha, my royal friends, how greatly is fortune to blame for affrenting you in such cruel manner! Once before have I vowed, and hear again do I avouch, an eternal inquest after your most distressed children, for whose loss you thus languish, & for whose mischances you are grown thus miserable: with these speeches she effused her sorrows: which were no sooner ending, but that the Emperor and the Empress Basilia, 
The Emperor & the empress mourn for the loss of their children.  all attired in a sad suit of black velvet, entered into the gallery, with such cast down countenances, as (respecting only their sad entercoursing) they never so much as regarded the two strangers Phianora & Mardigua; until they so nigh approached them; as Phianora, doing her duty, in this manner raised the Emperor from his melancholy; Mighty Emperor, and my dread sovereign Queen Basilia, the gracious god of heaven, 
phianora's salute unto them.  for the love of his dear son jesus Christ, comfort up your disconsolate thoughts; and of his mercy, free you from your long-endured misery: by the happy resending of your hapless children. The Emperor hearing this salutation, could not but in courtesy regret the stranger: and therefore kindly embracing Phianora about the gorget, with his eyes full of brinish tears, Knight of the golden shield (quoth he) how much I am indebted unto thee for thy continual deprecations to the highest, for my happiness, I am not able to explain: only with thanks I must needs express the great good will that I bear unto thee, whose demerits have more then firmly obliged me, in an undissolvable bond of eternal amity.  
Ha, my good Lord (answered Phianora) I thank your Majesty that you do so graciously accept of my poor and humble service: which since with such love it is recompensed, I protest before the almighty, never to slack, until by Gods gracious help, I shall regain your, almost irreparable and unhopeable comfort; that once again I may with joy behold the Court of Grecia to be replenished with as many valiant and undaunted Champions, as ever hitherto, you may remember it. And to that end, I beseech your Highness, to grant me a commission, to proclaim solemn tiltes and tourneiss to be holden on the plain before the city, whereunto under safe conduct and assurance, the worthiest Knights of all nations may safely repair: thereby not only to know what valorous warriors your Grecian Dominions may afford, but also to make known unto your neighbouring Potentates (that wonder at your glories dimness) that even in your greatest misfortunes your knightly royalty cannot be repressed. 
Later anguis in herba. A treacherous purpose under the mask of a gorgeous prize,  Grant it (great governor quoth Mardegua) and for the accustomed victor's prize, I shall propose a gorgeous mantle of my own making, so curiously wrought, & costly enchased with precious stones and pearls, as he that winneth it, shall think himself blessed to be the wearer of so rich a garment. The good Emperor thanking them for their courtesies, granted them their requests; with promise that himself to the second vanquisher, would give as rich a collar of gold as ever came about any Prince's neck in Christendom: all which being concluded on, they conducted each other into the parlour. They had not talked any long time of their intents, before the tables were covered; and the meat being served in, they fell to their victuals: from the which after a little recreation of walking in the emperors garden, they departed to their lodgings, giving charge unto certain trusty knight-heralds, to proclaim a Just to be holden for all comers on the plain before the famous City of Constantinople. 
justs & tourneiss proclaimed.  Wherein to be brief, such was the exceeding diligence of the messengers, as the rumour thereof spread both far and near unto the Courts of the most mightiest christian Princes: Insomuch as by the time appointed (which was 6. months) the whole haven of Constantinople was almost choked with multitude of ships of all neighbouring nations: 
Many princes and kings repair to the Tournements. Rubaldo. Anaxia. Morcavill. Fiardon. Zaama.  such an infinite number of Knights and Gentlemen arrived, within that short time, on the fertile shores of Grecia. For first, from Hungaria, came the good King Rubaldo with his Queen Anaxia, and his young son Morcavil; who being newly dubbed a Knight, most earnestly excited his father unto that journey: with these also came the old knight of Bohemia, Fyardon his Queen Zaama, and his son and nephews, Arcanio, 
Arcanio.  Tholon, 
Tholon.  and Thiorin. 
Thiorin  The aged king of Transiluania also sent a cousin of his named Kaviscon, 
Kaviscon.  his heir apparent adopted, with a great troup of that country knights and gentlemen for his attendants. Thither also came a strong Pagan, with a great retinue of his country knights, from the shores of Danuby, son to the mighty Orbirrohell, called by the right name Xanzimar; 
Xanzimar.  but in his pride usurping the title of The Christians Terrifier. All which being (as aforesaid) arrived at Constantinople, pitched their tents (after their salutations to the Emperor) round about the plain before the walls of the City: which were placed in such order about the Lists, as they seemed like a company of petty villages, about some great borough Town. With which sight not only the Emperor, Empress, & the Knight of the golden shield, but also Mardegua (as she whose cunning invention had conspired some worthy knight's destruction) greatly rejoiced: insomuch as now with great preparation they stayed for the day of pleasure prefixed. Which being approached, they no sooner espied the mornings mistress, with dishevelled tressalines to mount her ivory chariot, but they endossed on their armours; and on their foaming coursers, they pranced up and down before the Lists, awaiting the arrival of the Grecian Challengers: who by reason that that morning the Emperor found himself somewhat ill at ease; and also the King of Bohemia, by reason of his late long journey, was faint and weary, as yet had no leisure to come. And in the mean time, the alien Knights doing their devoyres, spent the whole forenoon in justing: 
justing among the stranger Knights.  which was very valiantly performed, to the foil of many good Knights, and the brasting of many strong lances. At the end whereof, a lusty knight attendant of Xanzimar (for he scorned to just with the basest himself) named Martio, remained with the honour of the field; having since his first encountering, overthrown sixteen Transylvanian knights to the ground: from whom (though against the law) he took away both horse and harness.  
After dinner was ended in the emperors palace, the day grew so serene and pleasant by reason of the bright ascent of the days illustratour, into the top-front of the Zodiac; as the Emperor Claranax his feeble mind was exceedingly refreshed: and therefore taking the old King Fiardon, of Bohemia (to whose cheeks also the estive heat had added a crimoson blush) by the age-wrinkled hands, 
Claranax & Fiardon go to behold the journey.  he cheerfully said; Brother of Bohemia though even now faint sickness made us give small respect unto our Princely pastimes: yet now again, the fair sunshine inviteth us to the conspecting of our royal feats of late-renewed Knighthood. From the view whereof I protest I would not be any longer absent, for twice the price of the inestimable Mantle of Mardegua; such heroic encouragement, I know, my presence will infuse into the undaunted hearts of my Grecian Companions. Accompany me therefore dear friend O cousin Fyardon, with a merry countenance, unto the beholding of our prepared Iustes: which only to relieve the drooping sadness of sorrowful Greekish souls, was purposely proclaimed, by the worthy Knight of the golden shield: whose exquisite a bearing against these repaired foreigners, shall win him the deserved name of the flower of Chivalry. In this sort the good Emperor invited the old Bohemian King, to the beholding of the justs: who gladly granting his highness request, staying his feeble joints with an ivory staff, presently departed with him unto the great Towers of the City gate; which had been in former times erected to the same intent and purpose: to the top whereof ascending, they might at ease overview the whole circuit of the newe-suburbized pavilions: which being of sundry Nations, and therefore of divers fashions, drew great delight unto the hearts of the great Potentates, who now had fresh occasion of calling to mind their wont such like pleasures.  

The Kings, Queens, & Ladies placed.  The Emperor Claranax, in this sort, with the Kings of Hungary, & Bohemia, the Empress Basilia, the Queen's Anaxia, Zaama, and an infinite number of most beautiful Ladies, amongst whom (as Cynthia amongst a troup of stars) the fair young Princess of Sparta, Rosamyra, 
Rosamyra of whom you shall hear more in the second part of this history.  eldest sister to the toward Knight Ismerion, shone forth her silver rays, which (seconding unmatchable fair Phianora) was only admired of the amazed gazers; but especially of the exquisite Prince of Transiluania: whose hap if it had been to have had her, had been most happy: but or ever he could come to solicit her, she was unfortunately slain by the cruel Pagan King of Danuby; as you shall hear related in the second part of this present history.  
The Emperor and Empress being placed, there entered up into a high scaffold, for judges of the field, 
judges of the field.  four very ancient Knights of Constantinople, named Sornio, Florido, Sanio, and Sigando: who commanding the trumpets to be sounded, gave licence to the knights that would, to do their devoirs. Then entered there into the Lists, three Grecian Knights, 
Grecian knights, unhorsed by Martio, Iperom, and Peronu.  with their lances in their reastes; who were encountered and unhorsed by Martio, and two other sturdy Pagans, Iperom, and Perronu: who abore themselves so valiantly against the Greeks, as in less than a quarter of an hour, they vanquished a dozen worthy Constantinopolitans, approved Knights. Whereat the Emperor looked very sad, saying; I pray God we have a better ending than we have had a beginning: or else shame and woe to the Grecian Knighthood.  
Herewith he turned about to the King Rubaldo, with intent to require his help towards the recovery of his Grecian credit. But ere he could utter his mind, he was recalled to the battlements, by the old King, of Bohemia; who showed him him three exquisite young Knights all in white armour (who by their hero●call demeanours gave perfect notice of their wonderful valour) whom when the Emperor saw, he highly commended their courageous carriages; and therefore earnestly wished to see them run their career: which he no sooner wished, but they performed it with such irresistible fury; 
Martio and ●pecom, Pe●o●u, vnhors●ed by the Bohemian princes. Kanzimar entereth the ●istes.  as at their forcible fierce shocks (without any resistance) both their enemies and horses, were overthrown to the ground. Which Xanzimar the devilish Pagan perceiving, with a monstrous clamour he cried out to his adventuring knights of Danuby, to withdraw themselves from the combat; for he only would be the executioner of the young Greek Champions tragedies: and with a mighty Pinetrée lance in his rest, he ran such a strong carryere against Thyorin, as although the Bohemians spear gave him a shr●wde shock in the encounter, he so roughly rushed his Lance against the young knights gorget, as (giving him a sore wound) he bore him topsy-turvy over his horse croope to the ground: 
Thioron dismounted.  and then rushing in with the other two Knights Arcanio and Tholon, with his falchion he so stoutly behaved himself against them, as many times not only Tholon, but also the Bohemian Prince himself, he made grieffully to groan under his heavy strokes. Nevertheless so exceeding courageous was the resistance of the valiant Knights, as in spite of his heart he was sometimes enforced to confess his foolish hardiness, in attempting so dangerous a conquest.  
But, now too late he stood to repent him: and therefore, seeing how it stood upon his safety to rid him speedily from two such fierce enemies, he raised himself upright in his stirrups, and (casting his crooked shield behind him) with his sword in both his hands, 
Tholons' arm disjointed from his shoulder.  he struck such a resistless blow on the shield-arme of Tholon, as disjointing it from the shoulder, he made him for safety of his life to turn his horse head, and fly amain for some succour to the Surgeons of the Emperor. Now God of heaven (quoth the good Emperor weeping) since the time of my youth have I not seen a more fiercer combattante, than yonder mighty and valiant Knight of Danuby: of my life, he is unmatchable; and from him, no Grecian, shall be ever able to receive honour. Ha, my dear son and friends Olbiocles, Orthisius, & Alfortio, that you were but here to behold this terrible Champion; for well I know, you would lose your lives, but you would wreak vengeance on the head of you proud insulter. Thus lamented the good Prorex his misfortunes, thinking assuredly, that never again the Grecians should fiend the Lists with victory: for also, by this time was the brave Bohemian Prince Arcanio beaten off from his horse, and grievously wounded. 
Arcanio beaten from his horse, & wounded.  Which the prince of Hungary perceiving, he stepped before Xanzimar, and with his courtelax he distributed such sound buffets on the helmet of the Danubian, as had he not the better defended his head with his steely shield, his curled Peticranion had been crazed: but the furious Pagan, rather incensed, then daunted with the young knights strokes; brandished his falchion so strongly over the helmet of prince Morcavill, as paring away his whole plume of crimson coloured feathers, and a great part of his crest, 
Morcavill smitten dow●  he sent him headlong to associate his fore-foyled friend Arcanio. But now were the cheerful clamours huge and mighty of the Pagan's attendants, for joy of their Prince's victories: which had so daunted the Grecian knights, 
The Grecian knights daunted.  as Xanzimar for more than half an hour traversed up and down the Lists, without disturbance of any one offering the encounter. Wherefore, by reason of the fast approaching of the night, he was permitted with honour of that days Just to return for that night unto his tents: where leaving him, a joyful man for his got glory, unto his rest; in the mean while, convert we our stile to our stories only subject, the heroic and valorous knight of the Sea: who (as you have heard) being departed from the knight of the Leopard, into the boat of the Enchantress Malagda, was thought of Olbiocles, to be drowned in the surging Ocean: wherein, indeed he was exceedingly deluded by the cunning of the Enchantress. For she knowing the great love that Olbiocles did bear his worthy deliverer, had by her cunning framed that monstrous billow, to seem to overswallowe the enchanted wherry-boate; to the end that thereby she might perplex the friendly thoughts of the worthy Greek; who she knew would extremely bewail the death of so good a Champion. But (to be brief) she loved herself too well to be her lives only abbridger: and therefore she refrained from such a dangerous revengement. But knowing by her art of the subtle dealing of the wicked Enchantress Mardegua, she determined to bring Oceander, to the adventuring for so mischievous a prize, as the rich proposed mantle: 
The enchanted mantle of Mardigua.  which was so cunningly enchanted, as if he did but wear it, he should presently, become frantic, to his own destruction. Wherefore (after a long sailing) turning herself towards the knight of the sea (as if amazed at his presence) she suddenly started back, and then falling prostrate on her knees, she most pitifully with floods of effused tears, 
Malagdas' submission.  besought him of mercy for her misdeeds; beseeching him by the duty he owed to his dear fostermother Kanira, that he would slack his incensed fury, and not in his anger execute any evil against her, whose life was subject to do his liking, 
●aire pretext ●f a foul presence.  and whose art & learning tended only unto his advancement: and therewithal she up and told him of the great jousts at Constantinople, and the rich prize proposed; which she was assured he should conquest, by reason of his matchless fortitude: and with these feigned fair words Syren-like charming the anger of Oceander, she kissed his armed foot, and with a trembling heart expected the doubtful answer of the valorous Prince. Who irefully knitting his brows, 
Oceander.  Minion (said he) take heed, that what thou sayest, be true: for else I vow by Mahomet the deified Prophet of our holy ancestoures, that with my sword I shall dissever thy body into as many pieces, as thy withered hide is enwrapped into wrinkles: make haste therefore to Constantinople, that, for thy lives safety, I may speedily find thy actions according to thy plighted protestations. The cunning woman laughed in her sleeve at the foolish pity of the worthy knight: whose doleful tragedy in her wicked thoughts, she already (though vainly) supposed acted. And therefore using her might and main, art and skill, to the forwarding of the journey, she made cross the seas with such celerity, as by that time the beauteous Aurora had, with vermilion-blushing cheeks, forsaken the saffron couch of her loathsome age-wearied lover Tithon; 
Oceander & Malagda apport at Constantinople.  they safely apported the shores of Grecia: where they no sooner landed, and pitched their Pavilion; but that they were visited by an infinite number of Pages, who inquired of him both his name and country: whereto he answered, he was called of his countrymen, the knight of the sea, brought up in Africa, under the virtuous and noble Queen Kanira of Carthage; for whose sake he was thither repaired, by force of arms, to win away the prize-proposed mantle, from the proudest that dared to defend it against him. The Pages hearing his speeches, and judging him to be of small force, because of his few attendants, laughed at his boldness; saying, they hoped ere it were noon, to see him foiled by some base cowardly carpet knight: and therewith departing, 
The second days jousts.  they left him to the expecting the second days joustes inition. To the which (the Emperor, Empress, and judges of the field being placed on their scaffolds, as aforesaid) the trumpets sounding, lent licence to the attending Champions, to give their valorous onsets. And therefore Xanzimar and Phianora fewtring their spears against each other, 
Xanzimar & Phianora just.  with a strong carreire met together so fiercely, as both their Lances breaking, without any harm, being not so much as once diseased by their shock, they passed by each other; & either of them, lightly providing himself of new weapons, prepared himself to the second encounter: which was performed so courageously by the Knight of the Olive branch (for such was the device, by the advice of the wicked witch Mardegua, of the English Princess at this time) as piercing with her steely pointed Lance quite through, 
Xanzimar borne out of his saddle by Phianora.  both shield and cuirass of the furious Pagan, she bore him at her spears point clean out of his saddle, laying him almost breath less upon the cold earth: from whence in a swoon, he was speedily conveyed by his attendants, to his Pavilion, to he healed from his deep struck iction.  
For anger of their Lord Xanzimars' overthrow, the misbelieving Pagans, thick and threefould, clustered to combat the worthy knight of the Olive-braunche: 
The Danubians pelmell assault Phianora.  but so valourously did the worthy English Damozell distribute her iron alms amongst the thickest of that rabble multitude, as in a moment she brought more than nineteen of them, with crazed crowns to their Beso 'las tierras: insomuch, as now, their courages being somewhat cooled, they began to keep somewhat more aloof from her, than they were wont. Wherefore at pleasure she might prance up and down the Lists, without any disturbance. In which ease having continued the better part of two hours (seeing no more to adventure the combat) she dismounted her courser; and leaning against the rails of the Lists, she there rested her wearied limbs: which mild Zephyrus with gentle breath, so pleasingly cooled, as (the hot swelter of her sweat abated) her late-enfeebled body began to be refreshed; and anew to receive, as it were a second force and vigour. Which, that choice flower of unmatchfull Chivalry, Oceander, sufficiently perceiving; with the old witch Malagda, in steed of a Page to carry his sword, excellently accoutred in his admirably-inchaunted watchet armour, he pranced in most stately manner, towards the Pavilions of vanquished Xanzimar: and taking out a strong and mighty spear, cut out of the heart of a hard knotty oak, 
Oceander entereth the lists against Phianora.  he entered into the Lists; and clashing the truncheon end of his Lance, with great force against his shield, he gave signal unto the combat. Which the worthy maiden knight understanding, she presently remounted her bit-champing Courser, and taking a sturdy tough Lance in her hand, with a swift carryere, she spurred towards the knight of the Sea: 
A sharp combat.  who regreeted her with as great forwardness; insomuch as the very earth seemed scarcely to bend under their horses hooves; with such exceeding celeritte they passed to the encounter. Their meeting was wondrous sudden: and though the shock was most fierce and forcible; yet only on their shields, they braced their knotty staves, which in a thousand pieces flew shivering unto the Element; & without moving in their saddles, they passed by each other, without any other harm, than a small wound, which Phianora received, through her shield into her shoulder; Oceander by reason of the incomparable goodness of his armour, scaping scotfree from his female enemy's fury. But now are they providing for the second encounter: and the trumpets summoning them to do their devoiers with new refreshed courages they spurred their ready Palfreys to their swift carreiring: 
Phianora both horse and man borne to the earth. Oceander virhorsed by her.  and leveling their Lances at each others helmet, they met with such a mighty and irresistible felnesse; as the knight of the sea, having borne his adversary both horse & man to the ground, was enforced by his foe's fortitude (though against his will) to caper over his horses croope for company.  
In this sort being both dispalfreyed, they lightly leapt upon their feet, and vnsheathing their trusty Curtelaxes, with their advanced shields before them, they menacingly marched unto each other, and with their sword, laying load upon their steely burgonets, each endeavoured his uttermost against his adversary; so as neither of them having the victory, though Oceander had the better, they continued an whole hours combat, in such courageous, never ceasing sort, as both Greeks and aliens stood by, all amazed at their so long-endured contention: which (no doubt) had lasted longer, had not the glorious Princess Phianora, by reason of her bloods effusion, out of her deepe-gashed wounds, on a sudden, fainted before the feet of her enemy; who sorrowed at her disparagement more than if he had lost the conquest. And therefore sending her by her attending sorrowful Pages to her chamber, he repaired unto the scaffold; at the hands of the judges, to receive his honour of the Just, conquered in so dangerous a conflict. 
Oceander ●●●neth the honour of the lusts.  The judges hearing him demand but what was just, allotting to the wounded knight of the Olive-braunch, the second; they willingly tendered unto him then, for winning the first place in the conquest, the gorgeous & precious mantle of the deceitful Enchantress Mardigua: who, together with Malagda, inwardly rejoiced at their so well (unforecomplotted) performed stratagem.   

CHP. XVI.  
¶ Oceanders delivery from the enchanted Mantle of Mardegua, by the coming of Artimagus his messenger: with whom the knight of the Sea departed to the wise man's cell: of the death of Artimagus, and the sorrowful mourning of the Carthaginians for him.  
QVestionlesse the wickedness of these two mischievous women was exceeding monstrous, in such a villainous sort to entangle such rare Parragons of prowess within the nets of their inventive consp●racie: who brought about their drift so cunningly, 
A mischievous treachery, almost inevitable.  as needs, and of force, either Phianora, or Oceander must perish by their contrivements; which only in their hearts the Inchauntresses desired: and therefore Mardegua caused Phianora to change her shield of gold which too well was known to the knt●ht of the sea, into the shield of the Olive branch; to the end, that by Oceander (of whose arrival by her art she foreunderstoode) she might receive her deaths wound; and (herein joining with Malagda) the valorous knight of the sea, by adorning himself with the precious mantle, might by the operative force of the strong enchantment, become his own cruel executioner. Which indeed, he had done, had not their wicked complets been cunningly overreached, by the more than natural inventions of Artimagus: whose special regard over his dear foster child caused him in haste to prevent these mischiefs, by sending his daughter Magartes 
Magartes.  in present embassage, to the famous City Constantinople: who, only attended on by a pair of Dwarves, pressed through the multitude, towards the knight of the Sea: to whom (after duty to the Emperor) she in this wise delivered the message of her father:  
All health and happiness be restored to the wise man my father Artimagus: 
Her message from Artimagus to Oceander. Wisdom providence, and good, counsel preventeth the greatest mischief.  who, tendering thy safety; by virtue of thy obedience unto him, chargeth thee by me, that leaving the pernicious glory of the prize, thou presently depart with me unto his Cell; where he lieth between life and death, sorrowfully expecting thy speedy repair unto him: and therewith snatching the mantle (which he was casting about his shoulders) out of his hand, she clapped it over the back of the wicked Enchantress Mardigua (who little thought of such a mischief) and presently posting away with Oceander, she never ceased till they were all embarked in the Enchanted whery-boat: wherein, having put from the shores of Gretia, they committed themselves to the finishing of their long and dangerous journey; to the great joy of Magartes, whose repair had thus happily reprieved Oceander 
Oceander delivered from Mardeguas mantle.  from so great a mischief; and on the contrary, to the exceeding grief of the miserable and wretched woman M●rdegua. Upon whose body and bones the enchanted pason of the mantle took such operative power; as all her body swelling monstrously, her hair standing upright upon her head, and the very skin crumpling into little rolls upon her ●nuenomed members, put her to such extreme pain, 
Incidit in praprium frau●●●●lerata caput. Mardegua whipped 〈◊〉 her own 〈◊〉  as enforced by the intollerablenesse of her cruel torment, and anguish, she galloped up and down the Listyarde, with hideous shrieks and roaring, emploring every particular amazed behoulder, with his death-working Cortelaxe, to rid her (most wretched wight) out of her most miserable languor. But finding none so hard hearted, as to work her tragedy, she dismounted her Palfrey; and mounting up the top of the City walls, from the highest Battlements thereof, 
She waxeth frantic with torments of her mantle, & throweth herself into the sea.  she desperately cast down her excruciated carcase, into the ditches: which loath to bury so bad a creature, in their speedy current, they presently conveyed her unto the Adriatic sea; where what became of her body or mantle afterwards, was never since, either known or heard of. But in the mean while, the good Emperor Claranax, and all the worthy order of knighthood there congregated were so amazed at that sudden happened sorrowful accident, as without any word speaking they stood for a great while gazing one another in the face; not knowing whether to their left hand, or to their right (they were so astonished) for to turn themselves: to which their amazement, well we will leave them, to welcome our worthy knight of the sea, to the sunburnt coasts of Africa: with with his tears he joyfully saluting, 
Oceander arriveth at Carthage.  he speedily posted to the fair City of Carthage; where he found the inhabitants in exceeding sadness, for the assured report of the extreme sickness of the wise Artimagus; 
Artimagus' sick.  whose age had brought such anguish, and whose approaching death would prognosticate their dreadful destruction. The valorous knight was stricken to the heart, with this rumour; and therefore hasted the faster towards the Castle Carzar: where he was kindly (though sorrowfully) entertained by the woeful Queen Kanira: 
Queen Kaniras' salute ●o Oceander.  who kissing his cheek very tenderly, with her eyes fraught with tears, and a trembling voice; I would to the Gods (she said) that either thou hadst come sooner, or else not repaired so soon to this so dispaireful a Castle; whose hard walls harbour none but heavy hearts, ready to break in pieces for thinking of their approaching miseries. For know (dear fosterchilde) that my dear brother the wise Artimagus (whose well-being was my soul's comfort) hath his life dated at a present period, and lying panting and almost breathless upon a down soft Pallet, leaves us poor wretched creatures, fearfully expecting his latter gasp: which lest it be finished before you see him. I shall hastily lead you into his chamber; that into the closure of your bosom, as he most desireth, he may with joyfulness yield up the unlasting lease of his lingering life.  
With these words, the woeful Queen conducted Oceander, unto the lodging of her brother Artimagus 
Oceander in presence of Artimagus.  ●on whose armed parsonage the good old man, no sooner cast his dim eyes, but that they perceived how his colour freshly revived in the pale cinders of his thin cheeks, and a vermilion tincture, already gin plead a new possession in his sunken mansions; also his spirits to receive fresh vigour, by the life enfusing presence of Oceander: by whose armed hands the wiseman shaking him; with an hollow voice & a deathlike sound, 
Artimagus his welcome to Oceander.  on this manner (weeping for very joy) he softly breathed out this welcome.  
Ha, ha, my dear fostersonne Oceander, dearer unto me than my very souls essential substance; sweet Oceander, how welcome art thou unto me! and how exceedingly is my departing spirit refreshed by thy happy presence! Infinitely surely am I bound to thank the heavens arch-ruler, for thy safe & happy delivery from the mischievous complots of most wicked sorceresses: who had laid deceitful snares by their cunning enchantments for to entrap thee; without either respect of thy valour's virtue, or the highest Mahomet's revengeance. Alas my sweet son, little didst thou suspect that when thou hadst conquered the mantle, thou didst with the unprovident travailer, seek for shelter under the bright scales of a venomous serpent. For, if thou hadst but worn it, thou shouldest have endured stranger tortures, than did Prometheus (fastened to the mountain Caucasus) under the crooked beak of the never ceasing heart-devouring Vulture: only herein, your torments differed, that with your own hands you should end your miserable life, when this languor shall last unfinished.  
This, yea this only, was the cause of my grief; & only to release thee from this wretchedness, did I send my daughter Magartez unto thee, to fetch thee speedily unto me: for whose good and prosperous fortunes I have spent my life and used my learning in such sort, as when the times shall fully be expired, the whole world shall wonder at thy chances. For in this same little scroll of gilded parchment, 
Read of this in the last Chapter.  which thou seest here covered over with these leaves of brass, is contained the rarest 〈…〉 approved skill: whose leaves are fast bound with so strong Enchantments, as they never shall be opened, until a certain secret time prefixed by the Gods: wherein after thou hast done thy parents the most extreme wrong that may be offered, thou shalt by this, come to the true knowledge of thy pedigree, and the true and ever living saviour, to thy own great happiness, and the wonderful astonishment of all creatures, that shall hear of so strange an happened accident. But dear son, though the time be somewhat long yer these things come to pass, tempt not thy fortune by the ardent desire of knowing these secrets, yer the time is fully expired of the accomplishing of these wonders. For, at that very instant; shall my dear daughter Magartez (to whose use I leave both my Cell and learning) present the same unto thee: & then thou mayst boldly vaunt thyself to be the most happiest knight that ever was borne of any mother. Also dear Prince (for now it concerns me to entreat thee) since every creature is subject unto death, let me request thy patience for my departing out of this wretched life: and though thy love thou bearest unto me for my manifold adiuments in thy necessities, be incomparable; yet when thou shalt with those clear shining glasses of thine eyes, behold this crazed carcase & withered body of mine, both cold and lifeless, suffer not thy sorrows to go beyond their bounds: but with a moderate mean in grieving, with some few tears trickling from thy eyes fountains, bathe over my cold, pale, age-nipt cheeks, in token of thy unstained affection; that Marga●tez (to whose artful tuition I betake thee) may the more willingly oblige herself in an eternal duty to thy preseraance, & preferment in the field of glory, & triumphant honour, won by the virtue of thy never overmatched chivalry: and, now hoping that you will rest somewhat satisfied with my sad departure, I humbly print on your stéely gauntlet the last signal of my affectionate and loyal friendship:  
when, sweetly kissing the iron glove, 
Artimagus depar●eth this life  he plucked his arms down into the bed, and turning his face from the attendants, he quietly yielded up his ghost; whilst his daughter Margartez, with a cast-down countenance and a trembling voice (equivalent to the cunning couch of a sweet sounding Lute) dolefully sighed forth this sorrowful knell verse; 
O Prophet great, which in the heavens above,  
Thy residence dost keep eternally,  
Look down upon his soul with eyes of Love,  
Which languishing in much misery,  
With sighs and groans would to compassion move  
Thy sacred soul; that since he needs must die,  
His fleeting ghost may to the skies remove;  
There to attend upon thy deity.   
As soon as he was thoroughly dead, they most dolefully lamented over his dead body, with such greeful groans, 
Carthaginians lament the death of Artimagus.  cries and clamours, as the whole Castle rang again of their mourning; so loudly did their shrieks echo, and penetrate even into the under-cloudes of heaven; so dolourously they bewailed the death of the most wise and learned Lord Artimagus. Which their sad ceremonies being ended, they preciously embalmed his disentrailed body; and perfuming it with infinity of most sweet odours, they caused it, the very same night, to be carried in an Ebon Chariot, into the midst of the market place of Carthage; where, before the sorrowful Citizens, they consumed it unto ashes: and over the place where it was burned, the loving Carthaginians, with a huge mass of pearls and treasure, 
Artimagus' funeral rites.  speedily erected a most fair Chapel, consecrated unto Mahomet: wherein for many years together they kept sad ceremonies, in commemoration of this most wonderfully wise Artimagus. Whose departed soul leaving to the censure of the Highest, let us again r●●eit our speeches back to the famous Court of Grecia; where, after her dangerous combat, we left the beauteous and warlike Phianora in a pitiful plight, under the hand of well-experienced Chirurgeous.   

CHAP. XVII.  
How Phianora, being recured of her wounds, delivered the Knight of the leopard from the enchantments of Gola, and her sons Norin and Nigramounde; whom she vanquished, and departed with him to the Rocky-Iland of Ortolomorgantell.  
RIght sore and dangerous were the wounds, that the worthy daughter of Argamonte, K. of fertile England, received in her late-foughten combat, with the Knight of the Sea: nevertheless they nothing so much in comparison, grieved her, as the vexation she received, by reason of the great care she had to keep herself undiscloased from the cunning Surgeons; 
Phianora still conceleth herself.  whom only by the continual wearing of her helmet, she kept from the knowledge of her sex and features. But, as the more the mistrusting spy seeks by his subtle carriage, and honest, feigned conversation, to hide his secret intent from his entercoursers, the more he is suspected of all men, & his wicked drifts far narrowlier looked into: so with how much the greater diligent care the beauteous Princess conserved herself from the knowledge of all men, by so much the sooner insearching liar she was watched by the suspicious Surgeons; who used all indifferent means possible to find out the cause of her concealing: but to no purpose; though at length they espied her in her secret closet, with her helmet unlaced, 
The Princess discovered by her Surgeons.  and her yellow golden looks, such as the Poets have feigned Ariadne's, smoothly disheveled adown her shoulders, proud to bear the burden of such sun-excelling beauteous tressalines. Which so admired wonderment so soon as they descried, they presently ran to tell the Empress and the Queen's Basilia and Zaama; who were then walked abroad into the royal ga●den. Who no sooner heard the humiliated Surgeons, to man●fest the worthy knight of the Olive brannch to be a Princess: but that, all amazed, they held up their lily hands to heaven, and shedding tears of joy; Oh God (quoth they) and is it possible that in our sex should remain so unvaluable valour? now God forbidden but that we speedily go and see so peerless a paragon. And therewith in all hast they ran unto the lodging of the Princess Phianora: 
Phianora departeth in secret from the Court.  where they found her missing, her armour gone, and only one Page in all the Palace that could tell any tidings of her departure. Wherefore with great grief they searched about the chamber, to see if they could find any thing of her, for to reserve as a lasting remembrance: and finding nothing but only a ruffled-up piece of paper, they unfolded it open, and with tears in their eyes, they jointly read these verses, in manner of a sonnet, following; 

The Mariner amid the Marine deep, 
Phianorae▪ Epitimen.   
By boisterous blast of wind unkindly tossed,  
His mounting bark from ragged rocks can keep,  
By cunning skill of every neighbouring coast:  
Eke travailers amongst their dangers most  
Can shield themselves in sured safety,  
From bird, from beast, from fiercest fomans' host,  
In quietness and ease: and only I  
Of creatures every one, in misery  
Done lead my lingering life, which evermore  
Is subject unto each calamity:  
To nightly pain, the day doth pain restore,  
Which pitiless of my endured spoil  
Doth add increasing torments to my toil:  
To which false Fortune never shall lend ease,  
Until my death procure her freaks appease.   

Mundi nulla quies. Wretched Phianora of England.    
Now on my faith (quoth the good empress Basilia 
Basilia. ) I had rather than my life, that she had not thus suddenly departed; that before she had left us I might have done her more honour than I have done: for which I am most hearty sorry. But since I cannot now pleasure her, I will earnestly pray for her speedy return, that once again ere I die, I may in part recompense her princely courtesies. Truly madame (quoth Anaxia 
Anaxia. ) if she have not received that honour from you, as befitted the estate of so high and worthy a Princess, she may thank her own self for it, that of so long a season held such a nice point to discover herself: and for my part I do rejoice, that I flacked my courtesy to her; since (as it should seem) she scorned to make herself known unto us.  
But the good old Queen Zaama, 
Zaama.  being of a more milder nature than the Queen of Hungary, with a smiling countenance began gently to excuse the young Princess' departure: averring, that she rather thought the young valorous Princess wise, in concealing herself in such a place; considering that that happeneth in a day, that chanceth not in seven years; and perhaps she had some secret intelligence of conspiring traitors: whose lascivious lusts shadowed under the smooth vail of love, might call her chastity in question: moreover what knew she, whether my Lord the Emperor would royally entertain her? considering she came so unaccompanied of attendants, such and so many as befitted the train of so great a Princess. And for her sudden absenting of herself in this sort from her lodging, peradventure it was, by reason she feared, being discovered, to receive some check of the emperors highness for her such a-bearing. Therefore we are rather to be blamed for finding out her drifts no sooner: and not she for not discloasing herself no speedilyer.  

Phianora embarqueth for the coast of A●a.  In this sort excused the old Queen Zaama the sudden departure of the English Princess: who by this time, was far enough departed on shipboard from the shores of Grecia; and with such speed and celerous haste she sailed, as (to make a brief report in steed of tedious descriptions) she very quickly arrived on the coast of Asia: where only refreshing her seasick self (in the city Tripoli a port town of that same country) she took ship anew, & dancing on the mounting billows of the Midland Sea, she safely put a shore, at the territories of the huge Gyantesse Gola, the woeful widow of the mighty giant Cardigan. When travailing all alone in her armour, with her golden shield on her arm, farther up into the country, wherein she wearily journeyed so long until such time, about the third appearance of Apollo's radiancy, she was mounted up (though not without great toil) the tree adorned vertice of a most steep and rocky mountain. From whence despecting, she beheld a most goodly strong built Castle right at the foot thereof: whose high towers, almost equalling her cloude-menacing station, gave her sufficient cause to wonder. Gazing at whose artificial greatness she had surely for a great space remained, had not her ears, conducted her eyes, to a place of far greater wonderment. For in the Orchard of the Eastermost Tower, she espied the most pitifullest spectacle that ever eye looked on. For, 
Phianora arriveth at Golas castle.  by the uttermost boughs of a large spreading and high Cedar tree, she saw a lean scraggenly, flesh-consumed creature, hanging by both his hands, as fast as could be: which, a most hunger-starved, ravenous, Vulture or Eagle continually with his sharp horned beak unmercifully pecked; 
The terrible and intolerable torment of Olbiocles and Huguy.  whilst about his own neck and feathered wings, a thousand slender, long, and venomous Aspides (a most pernicious kind of Serpents) uncessantly pierced his own body and pinions quite through and through, with their paine-procuring stings. Wherewith he then being all empoisoned, did swell so monstrously, as it was almost impossible that his skin should uncracked contain any longer his puffed up entrails. Which putting him to more than an infinity of torments, made his troubled soul to breath out such sorrowful sighing shrieks without ceasing, as the neighbouring echoing the doleful sound of his sad canzons (as shaken by the violent motion of some sudden earthquake) instantly trembled at the shrillness.  
Certes if the magnanimous English maid was amazed hereat, it was no marvel; since had that big boand tamer of usurping tyrants, Hercules himself, heard such an hideous and fearful yelling, his very ears would have ringled thereat, and his heart have little mist of failing him. Wherefore, with a long silence, Phianora sadly sighed at so sorrowful a spectacle: which brought her wits almost to an end, and her white alabaster body to a sudden shivering: such strong possession had faint fear taken in her heart, until (remembering herself that what she either saw or heard, was but a false illusion raised by the strange enchantments of the wicked governor of the Castle, whosoever) she resolved putting her confidence in her almighty redeemer jesus Christ; 
Phianora resolveth to redeem him.  and next unto him in the rare virtue of her golden shield (under whose shadow she was safe from all hellish sorceries) to dissolve so hard, doubtful and dangerous an adventure. And therefore (seeing there was no safer way unto the Castle) she submitted her soul to the mercy of her saviour; and then casting her shield at her back, with her hands she let herself down by little and little, by the steepy side of that mighty mountain: where, by that time, the brightsome rays of Phaeton's fair father reflected so sweltringly; as the wearied Princess, all to scorched with such hoatenesse, began to wa●e faint for lack of water to cool her weasand, which was all to wrinkled with the great thirst that sun had caused. And knowing not well how to provide for the remedying of her want, she determined to put all to the regard of the highest: and then passing, by little & little, to the one side of the rock; she espied, where out from between a quarry of red marble, there sweetly issued a most swift running riveret; which intruding in here & there betwixt the hollowness of the hill, made many pretty semicircles in his speedy descent unto the valleys underbounding it. To this brook the thirsty Princess no sooner approached, but that in her steely helmet she drank whole carrouses to her following fortunes: and being well refreshed, with this (as thirst taught her to think) Nectarean liquor, she relaced on her helm again; and all alongst the side of the little brook, she softly slid down safely; until coming within a fathom and a half to the ground, she was forced, by the right down steepness thereof, to disfurnish herself of her shield & other troublesome raiments; and then leaping down into the valley, by reason of her former weariness she lighted so heavily on her feet, as all her body shrewdly shaken with the fall, caused that her late cured wounds fell fresh on bleeding: which for to stint, with great toil and pain she sought forth certain great and broad leaves of a sort of strange shrubs which there grew: which plaster wise applying to her sores, 
phianora's wounds fall a fresh on bleeding.  within less than a quarter of an hour she found herself in indifferent state to proceed on in her intended journey, which without delay she speedily ended; and coming to the gate of the enchanted garden, which was all of steel, she might perceive thereon written in vermilion letters; 

Within this garden, in an eagle's shape,  
The Son of Claranax enchanted bides▪  
From out the which he never shall escape;  
Till eighteen winters from his feathered sides,  
Empoisoned Serpents with their forked sting  
(To glut their greedy maws) the blood shall bring▪  
Nor then shall cease his more than cruel pain.  
For when those years are spent of all his trouble,  
Unless th'enchantress be by virgin slain,  
His former suffered torments shall redouble.  
Therefore o thou that shalt this writing read,  
Pray for the advent of some help with speed,   

Written with the tears my wide wounds wept,  
HUGVY.    
The worthy English Princess at the perusing of these verses was diversly perplexed: for one way she sorrowed for the miserable misfortune of Olbiocles (the worthy son of a more than thrice worthy father) who was so wickedly bereaved of his manlike proportion: another while, she rejoiced that she had at length found out the chiefest subject of her inquest & occasion of many loyal Grecians sorrow: whom, seeing that God had so happily sent her, she solemnly avowed either to redeem from such mischief, or to spend the best blood of her body, in her thoughts affecting: & herewithal, commending herself to God; she fiercely bounced at the gates with the hilts of her Courtelax, so as all the castle rang therewith: and then leaving herself upon her sword, she stood expecting some sudden answer: but all in vain. For as the cruelest mastiffs bite before they bark: 
Treachery of Golas sons.  so whilst the wicked witch Gola & her two sons Norin & Nigramonde delayed their answer, they busied themselves in furbrushing of their arms: wherewith accoutred, they presently departed out at a back postern; with intent that whilst their mischievous mother Gola should open the door and entice the knight of the golden shield into the garden, they would encompass her about; & then make her sure enough for ever going out again. Which indeed they had done, had not the worthy princess, by chance lifting up her eyes, espied the dust which was abundantly raised by the beating hooves of Norins' Lion horse: who posting forward faster than his brother Nigramond, caused that betwixt him and Phianora, began a sudden combat; which speedily was ended by the valorous Princess: who at one blow severing the left leg of the young Giant from his brawny thigh, 
●orin overcome and ●re wounded  made him to tumble off from his huge beast. Whose unruliness was so exceeding; as almost half mad, it galloped back again, dragging the aid destitute body of the lim-lopt Norin, by the right foot hanging fast in the stirrup, round about the Castle walls: until Nigramond perceiving it; for anger of his brother's mischance, with his broad falchion (which sometime was his father the Grand Cardigans) he smote off the Lion's head, saying in this manner; By the aid of Mahomet, will I be revenged on my overdaring enemy: and thererewith putting spurs to his horse, he never ceased galloping till he had sight of his undaunted enemy. Whom approaching with his broad sword in his armed fist; By Mahomet, foolish hardy knight (quoth he, with a hoarse voice) in an ill hour hast thou adventured hither, to harm us: for with my slicing sword, within a moment I shall so hew thee, as thou shall never hereafter stand in need of any Chirurgeon: when lifting up his heavy weapon, he struck a mighty blow at the valiant princess. 
Encounter between Nigramound and Phianora.  Which lighting upon her well tempered shield made the air to reeccho the noise thereof: which sounded as a world of waters in their fierce combats against some concave rock. To which his furious prayers, Phianora with her cutting Curtle-axe lent such a forcible Amen, on the spacious target of the Giant; as cleaving it in two pieces, she pared away therewith half his hand. Which so incensed him, as with such a devilish fierceness he let his falchion descend upon the shield of them worthy virgin, as it being battered to her helmet, she was forced for her safety to stagger backward. From which, with much ado recovering, she smit at Nigramound so terrible a blow, as the fine edge of her Curtle-axe paring away a piece of his beaver; in descent, 
Nigramound Lion-horse slain by Phianora.  alighted with such wonderful force upon the curled head of the Lion-horse, as parting it both from neck & shoulders, the ugly beast suddenly sank down to the ground, and in the fall, overwaighing his master, did exceeding pleasure to the worthy princess. Who presently unlacing Nigramounds helmet, and setting her point of her sword against his throat: 
Nigramound vanquished.  she threatened him with present death, unless he would become a true Christian: and leaving all his cruel and heathenish complots (which would lead his soul to hell) would presently deliver the valiant Prince of Grecia from his extremest torments. Whereunto he, for fear of death subjecting himself, promised that both he would become a Christian, and unfeignedly believe in the right Redeemer: & also, as far as in him lay, cause his old mother the Gyantesse Gola, to do the like; and speedily set at liberty, the two enchanted Champions Olbiocles and Hugui. On this condition (quoth the Princess) I release the: and therewithal raising him up from under the Lion's belly, she went with him towards the gate, whereout he issued. Nay (said she) yonder is a gate of iron, that is far nigher than that you lead me unto. True said the Giant, but therein I would not wish you to enter, for it is so enchanted, as whosoever goeth in thereat, shall never enter out again. I pass not for that, (replied Phianora) for if it were ten times more perilous; yet would I enter into it, and assuredly think by the grace of jesus Christ, safely enough to proceed out again; or if I do not, yet I know the worst, and so long it makes no matter. The young Giant, though (by reason of his passed promise) it somewhat grieved him to see the knight of the golden shield so mad minded as to hazard his life to such manifest destruction; yet, he not greatly sorrowed at the same, because that thereby he hoped of a just revenge to be wreaked upon him by the strength of the enchantment. And therefore conducting him to that postern gate, he causes his mother Gola to open the same. 
Phianora safely entereth the enchanted gate.  Whereat, when she saw the noble Princess to enter, she swollen for very anger: and stepping to a Pole-axe (which underpropped a piece of the wall) calling her son Nigramond, base, bastardly, cowardly minded slave, she presently pashed out his brains; & then taking her flight towards her lodging, 
Nigramond slain by Gola  she supposed by her swift running to save her wretched life. Which her intent she no sooner put in execution, but Phianora (remembering Olbiocles' deliverance consisted in Golas destruction) speedily pursued after her; 
Gola is beheaded. The enchantment dissolved.  & overtaking her, she presently smote of her wicked head from her withered shoulders. At which wound her life finishing; with a sudden thunderclap (which made the whole valley to tremble) she allotted a final end to the whole enchantments: which being thus happily dissolved, restored Olbiocles to his former features, and Huggui to some better ease: 
Olbiocles and Huguy regain their former shapes.  both whom, Phianora returning from the place where she flew the Gyantesse, found, by reason of their long-lasted torments, so weak and feeble; as neither of them being able to stand, she carried them into the Castle: where, laying them in their warm beds, she caused them to be so carefully tended by the servants (who were submitted to her favour) as within short time she brought them on foot again so well, as they could now walk into the fields, or into the gardens, for an hour, or two hours, if they so pleased. Which brought great joy to the worthy and virtuous Princess: whose mind greatly yearning, to know the whole occasion of their enchanting, received this satisfying answer from Obiocles.  

Olbiocles' tale of his transmutation.  
EXcellent princess (quoth he) understand you, that by birth I am a Prince, and borne to great patrimony, as the only son of the mighty Emperor Claranax of Constantinople; in times past, reverenced for his virtues, and famourized for his fortunes; until such time as that fickle deity by whom he grew most happy, made him most infelicious; by permitting a most monstrous and deformed Giant, at unawares to reave him of his joy, by robbing from him the most chaste, constant, and amiable Princess Almidiana, the unhappy wife of me, most unfortunate husband: after whom having in vain long travailed in inquest, I misfortuned after many other mischances, 
Olbiocles & Hugui driven by tempest, on the shores of Gola.  by forcible fury of a most terrible tempest (wherein the lightning with the thunder equally contended which should excel the other either inlightnesse or in loudness) to be cast ashore upon these territories; where together with Hugui, this my faithful companion seeking for some kind comfort at this Castle, we were suddenly assailed and vanquished by the devilish sons of that dead and damned Gyantesse: who, with their furies oppressing our feeble forces, took us prisoners, & (first most pitifully scourging us with whips of twisted wire) told us how the cause of their malicious cruelty was, 
Taken prisoners by her sons.  for because that in single combat they knew me by my shield (which indeed was a most worthy Pagan princes, called the knight of the Seas) to have traitorously slain their dearest husband and father, the terror of the world, Gran Cardigan: and afterwards (not satisfied with our former undeserved punishment) they strongly enchanted us into this garden. Where, 
They are enchanted. Olbiocles by reason of oceander's shield (which for haste to follow Malagda, he had left behind him, at the mountain) being mistaken to be the knight of the Sea.  in what strange shape myself was metamorphosed, and reason-reaved, and with intolerable torments both I and my unhappy companion were tortured, is altogether unpossible to be by me expressed: considering, that whatsoever my trembling tongue should tell thereof, my inward thoughts would continually recall; because with too too much lenity, it would demonstrate my unspeakable perplerities. Only thus much. I may avouch, that never yet poor christian suffered half so many mischiefs under the hands of such misbelieving infidels, as we have done, for wearing the mistaken shield of that most magnanimous Pagan, the knight of the Sea.   
Most true (quoth Phianora) and with him that oweth this shield, I fought two combats (though to my danger, as I deserved) & only for my sake slew he that monstrous Giant Cardigan: which I but evilly requited. But letting it pass with my repentance; since we have all hitherto endangered our lives and safeties, for so gracious a Lady, as is the fair Princess Almidiana; you (my Lord Olbiocles) playing the part of a loyal husband, and we of most loving friends, let us never break league, but unto our lives ends continuing resolute (our wounds being whole, & ourselves healthy) still stoutly persist in our undertaken inquest; 
Phianora resolveth still on the search of Almidiana  and either to find and free the beauteous Princesses of Hungary and France, from a cruel and unknown oppressor; or failing of our purposes, lead our lives like banished pilgrims, in everlasting exile. infinity of thanks did Olbiocles render the knight of the golden shield for that favour: and relating unto her the whole history of his foretold fortunes by the good old hermit Kalandar, he persuaded her that now the time was fully accomplished of his approaching happiness, 
They embark for the Rocky Island.  and earnestly excited the Princess to take shipping; which the next day she did: and with Olbiocles & Huguy in her company she pleasantly sailed towards the rocky Island: where, of their arrival and proceed against Ortolomorgantell, some following chapter shall speedily treat of.   

CHAP. XVIII.  
¶ The great and cruel combat, Olbiocles and the Knight of the Olive branch had, with Ortolomorgantell the giant of the Rocky Island; their distress by their devilish adversary, and unexpected help of the Knight of the Sea; by whose aid they slew the Giant, and released the distressed princesses, Almidiana and Eristama.  
SO soon as that devilish and dreadful Giant Ortolomorgantell, had conflicted (as before ye have heard) the proud archpirate Tolurnio (the middle brother of Marcimodez, 
Ortolomorgantell landeth on the Rocky Island.  whom the valorous Oceander conquered in defence of the good Queen of Carthage) and was safely surged at ●he havens mouth of the Rocky Island (so called by reason of the invincible strength thereof, ensituated amidst a multitude of stony promontories) he presently landed all his prisoners of Grecia: whom he caused to be numbered unto him. And finding them to amount to fifteen, he laughed exceedingly at his good luck: & rendering thanks unto his great god Mettath Agorah for his happy fortune, he vowed by his obedience unto his sacred deity, customarily as he had begun, 
A detestable and wicked custom.  so for ever to continue a yearly sacrifice of christian Ladies blood, unto his godhead. And then rising up from the bare ground, where he kneeled to make his orisons; for an earnest penny of his promises performance, 
Hebitha sacrificed to Mettath Agorah by Ortolomorgantell.  he presently with his battle axe smote off one of the Ladies heads, named Hebitha: which burning on a pan of Cypress coals (commixed with Cinnamon & divers other sweet smelling shrubs of Africa) to ashes, he mingled the hot cinders with the new shed blood: & therewith bepainting his heart & hands, he frantically danced towards his Idol of his God, which stood right before the gates of his castle Lapidine: 
The castle Lapidine.  where babbling out, with a loud voice, certain blasphemous words, he all to benoynted the image (which in the likeness of a Giant was made of hard marble) over & over with bloody fingers: & then returning unto the sorrowful Ladies, he caused them to be carried to prison, in a most dark vast, and stinking dungeon; where they were daily fed only with bread & water; until such time as either they died, or by one & one, were by the a cursed Giant yearly offered up in sacrifice unto his devilish Idol. Only amongst all the rest, and out from all the rest, of that wretched company of worthy Christian Ladies, 
The two princesses Almidiana and Eristama presented to Duronda.  he excepted the two beauteous Princesses, Almidiana and Eri●ima; for precious presents, to bestow upon his wife the Gyantesse Duronda. Who, like the swine that knew not how to use the precious Hematite, most villainously abused these two more than angelical creatures; by making them slaves to moil and toil, and putting them to all kind of continual beastly drudgery: insomuch as their ivory brows began to banish beauty, 
A woeful change.  their pretty ruddy cheeks to be changed to pale roughness, & their lily white hands (whose slender fingers were like the roots of the Daphne-changed Bay, whose cunning wavering on the well strained Lute strings, had so many times heretofore caused amazement to the hearts of the happy hearers) now changed to a swart blackness, & began to be hard, great & rugged: insomuch, as being thus (in a manner) metamorphosed from themselves, they stand gazing with wonder upon themselves mistaking themselves, 
Whatsoever miseries and misfortunes happen unto us, they happen not undeserved for our sins continually merit ex●rcamest punishments: Though, (Non quoties peccant homines sua fulmimittit jupiter) God strike not so oft as we offend him.  not to be themselves: so strangely they were estranged from themselves. All which notwithstanding, they bore so patiently as always incessantly calling on the holy name of Ch●ist, they accounted these miseries worthily to be chanced unto them; such multitudes of sins, with woeful hearts they confessed themselves, daily to have committed; and in all matters never more to have misdane, then in cleansing of the accursed Idol from the slimy filth of the Christian blood offered sacrifice: whereunto they never at any time repaired; but on their bared knees, with sobs & sighs they would earnestly ask forgiveness at the hands of the Almighty, for their enforced wicked doing: as in a pretty verse which the Princess Almidiana wrote on the walls of the dungeon, wherein the Grecian Ladies lay enfettred, is manifestly declared.  

almidiana's praies.  Sweet Saviour of the world (whose precious blood  
Was shed on Cross for all believers good)  
Down from thy heavenly throne, with gracious eye,  
Behold (O lamb of God) my innocency,  
Which is enforced here by tyranny,  
Against my will (O Lord) for to digress,  
From thy commandments, to wickedness:  
Therefore, O saviour, more than merciful,  
Seek not according unto my misdeeds,  
For to wreak vengeance on my soul at full:  
But with a countenance that kind comfort breeds,  
Look courteously upon my black offences,  
When hell against my soul his suit commences.  
IN this great misery did these two beauteous and virtuous Princesses (whilom the glistering Comets of Europe) lead their lives under the cruel thraldom of Ortolomorgantell and Duranda: 
Along & miserable thraldom.  which with great extremity having now lasted 23. years; by the providence of the most merciful jehovah, draweth now at length to a full conclusion. For by this time are those three worthy gallants, 
Olbiocles, Phianora and Huguy land at the Rocky Island.  apported and landed at the haven of the rocky Island of odious Ortolomorgantell; and prosperously proceeding onwardly to the Castle, have both read phianora's Catalagy to the highest commander, and revenged their angers that they bear to blasphemers of the faith and gospel of Christ jesus, sufficiently on the bloud-sprinkled Idol of Mettath Agorah: whom with their sword having all defaced, 
The Idol of M●●tath Agorah defaced.  cast down to ground, subverted and utterly razed; they all fell prostrate to the earth, and with one accord they cried out;  
O almighty God of our forefathers, and holy saviour of the world Christ jesus, behold we beseech thee, 
Their devour prayer for a prosperous proceeding.  with the eyes of pity and compassion, us thy poor penitent and distressed creatures, the work of thy holy hands, according to thine own image; & as our wretched lives lengthen or lessen to thy liking, so with a tender and fatherly care have regard over us, thy poor children: who not for our own glory, but for the advancing of the holy name of thy son our saviour jesus Christ, have endangered our safeties to the hands of our faithless and merciless enemies: into whose bloodthirsty throats (unless adiuved by thy heavenly potency) we are like to infuse our dearest lives. Having ended their prayers, they remounted on their feet again, and buckling on their helmets, they 'gan cheerfully approach the Castle: but in the gates, before they could enter, they found such shrewd resistance by the giants servants, as maugre their heads they were for a great while debarred of their entrance. 
A conflict with the giants servants.  Which struck such an anger into the courageous hearts of the worthy Princes Olbiocles and Phianora, as like the Ram, recoiling to give the fiercer butt, with their trusty curt leaxes in their armed fists, they gave so fresh and furious an onset upon the unarmed slaves; as, or ever they rested, they sent some armless, others leggelesse, & more headless, but all lifeless, to take up their cold lodgings under the black mantle of everlasting night. Which dreadful destruction of her servants, when the monstrous giantess Duronda saw, out of her chamber window, with a loud thundering voice she cried unto her husband saying: How long, how long, ah thou mighty corrector of overdaring christians, wilt thou suffer thyself to be abused by their feeble forces? up Ortolomorgantell, up I say, & with thy mighty arm, like the blustering blast● of Boreas, overturn the slight glory of these simple shrubs: whose courages I see already to fail, & whose hearts to tremble for fear of thy inplacable wrath; within whose limits their lives are already entered. With these words, she brought to him a mighty & massy Mace: 
●uronda armeth Ortolomorgantell.  which being armed, both for offence & defence, with long nails of steel, seemed altogether death-working, to whomsoever the fury thereof alighted: & then buckling on his iron arms, which were almost 3. inches thick, she thrust him out at the doors by head & shouldere: who no sooner espied his enemies, but with a mighty frown & fume, like a smoke, issuing out at his wide nostrils, he set himself in this sort to check their overdaring:  

Ortolomorgantell to the 3. knights.  By my soul (audacious knights) your foolish attempt will lead you to destruction. What, were your wits not your own? or are you mad? that having slain my servants, you dare not only stay here in my castleyard, but also menace my mightiness with threatening shows, the sooner to incite me to the combat. Well then, since you will need prove courageous and hardy, hardly come on: and, being you have thus far provoked me, proceed on in your enterprise; that by my irresistible fury, you may quickly feel the force of my mighty arm, which shall assuredly pash your bones in pieces: if my holy God Mettath Agorah fight not against me.  
Your dumb, dead Idol (quoth Huguy) can neither fight with you, nor against you now: for not an hour since, in spite of his holy deity, he was laid in the dust, from whence he is like never to be recovered. When the giant had heard those words, he was so exceedingly enraged, as his teeth gnashed together, and his eyes for anger sparkled with fire: & lifting up his mighty Mace (which was as big about, at the knotty end, as a man's middle) with both his hands, he sent such a devilish buffet at Huguy, 
Huguy is slain.  as battering his head & helmet down flat unto his shoulders, he made him without any farther ceremonies, to yield up his sodaine-sent soul into the hands of his holy saviour. And then converting his fury to the other 2. Knights (who were loath to abide the weight of his unwieldy weapon) he coursed them round about the Castle court; they, like hares before the hounds, not daring to turn again; until such time as Ortolomorgantell exceedingly wearied with his traversing, leaned upon his club to rest his weary limbs, & to wipe of the sweltering sweat from his swollen face (which, overdropping his eye-lidds, made him in a manner blinded with a misty vapour) the worthy English Princess lent him an indifferent iction upon the left leg: 
Ortolomorgantell wounded by Phianora.  which though it did no great harm, yet it did him but little good. For, entering into his boots of mail, it sliced away, at least an handful of the calf of his leg: which not smally grieved the huge monster; so as betaking him again unto his club, he pursued Phianora so hoately, as driving her into a narrow corner between two conjoining pillars, he put her to her trumps. And even there had she acted an untimely tragedy, had it not been for the approved goodness of her golden shield: with which, as under a canopy, overcovering her helmet, 
Phianora driven to a deceitful e●igent.  she prettily preserved herself from wounding; though her crest of her headpiece was almost battered to her skull, with the weighty blows that forcibly descended from her enemy. But on the other side, why doth not that worthy admired Prince of Grecia, by his inresistable valour, give happy help unto the Princesses imminent danger. Alas, what should he do? rather than his life he would redeem her: but good Knight his way is hindered by a number of the Giauntesses' slaves: which having been by this time sufficiently armed, had encompassed him about and all at once with their sharp weapons laying incessantly at him, 
Olbiocles assaulted and distressed by the giants servants.  have, though not wounded him, yet wearied him; so as his arms being weary of striking, and his feet of standing, he (though with much a do) withdrew himself unto the stony steps of the Image of Mettath Agorah. On the upper stair whereof, resting his over-laboured limbs, with only his enchanted shield (at his most ease he could) he resisted his remorseless assailants: who in a moment had undoubtedly oppressed him (whose feeble hands, now began to decline with the weight of his enchanted shield) had not that renowned and admirably valorous Knight of the Sea, Oceander, in his enchanted boat, the only legacy that the wise Artimagus left him, 
Oceander arriveth.  happily arrived at the instant of Olbiocles feeble fainting. Who, seeing such a multitude of servile cullions, to overpress so overweakened a knight (who now was ready to yield up his life unto the Lord, and his body unto their butchery) grew immediately so enraged, as vnsheathing his good sword Scindifer out of the curiously gold wrought scabbard, 
He rescueth Olbiocles.  he suddenly sheathed it in the boiling bowels of an unmerciful slave, that stood next him: 
Slayeth Linguaro,  and then turning himself at one side, he lent such a blow to one Linguaro (who with terrible words threatened death & destruction to Olbiocles) as slicing off both tongue and chaps (before he had half ended his babbling) he gave a full period to his oration. At which buffet the worthy son of Grecian Claranax received such exceeding comfort, as (in a manner relieved from his languor) taking up his charmed shield, he cried to Oceander; here, O worthy knight o●th● Sea, receive again the weighty weapons which on● 〈◊〉 or thee to wield: which notwithstanding, until I can deliver up unto thy worthiness, I shall make once more to endure the heavy blows of my hateful enemies) he smote so fiercely upon his encroaching assaulters; as full quickly he made them to feel the refreshed fury of his vigorous arms. The worthy Knight of the Sea, on the other side, so valiantly behaved himself against those that opposed themselves against him; as having with his keen courtleaxe cut asunder the thread of thirteen of their lives, 
Thirteen slain the rest fly.  he made the rest (which were in number, half as many more) to betake the safeguard of their lives, to the swiftness of their heels: whom Oceander with an honourable anger, so speedily pursued, as, or ever they could get into the Castle, he made some of them shorter by their heads. In the mean while, so great was the care of Olbiocles, for the Knight of the golden shields safety (whom before he saw in such extremity of danger) as he presently pased towards the stern Giant Ortolomorgantell: whom, having laid aside his mighty mace, he espied with might and main to be pulling the swowned Phianora out of her corner. Wherewith he was so aggrieved, 
Olbiocles closeth with Ortolomorgantell.  as nothing respecting the greatness of the danger, he ran and closed within him, thinking by wrestling to have withstood his enterprise. But alas, his arms and legs are so weak and weary, as he was not able to grapple and keep his ground, at one time. Which Ortolomorgantell perceiving he cast the worthy Graecian, with great impatiency, to the earth: and setting his foot upon him, he there kept him down; until having dragged the body of the English princess, cross over his breast, he took up his heavy club, and breathing out most beastly blasphemies against the saviour of all Christian souls, he menaced the heavens in his haughtiness, & lifting up his wicked weapon with both his hands above his temples, he now menaced eternal night to the trembling Princes. But Oceander grieving to behold her whom he best loved, the fairest of all fairs, fair Phianora, sorrowfully over-canopyed with such imminent cruelty (stepping between the Giant and the Knights) in the declining of the dreadful blow, he encountered the giants arms, so sound; as paring them both together at the elbow, he left the devilish tyrant armless to prosecute his intended execution. Whereat, Olbiocles (though by his late peril greatly perplexed) laughed a good: but Ortolomorgantell (quite dashed out of countenance with his late arme-curtalling cut) sending out of his huge throat horrible roaringes, ran up and down the castle to find some ease, for his cureless disease. Whom the worthily enraged knight of the sea, so fast followed, as overtaking him at the chamber door (where the wicked Gyantesse, his wife Duronda, woefully bewailed him) with his sharp pointed sword, he bored both him & her clean through the entrails: 
Ortolomorgantell and Duronda slain by Oceander.  wherewith falling on the floor; they impenitently yielded up their sinne-bespotted souls into the black hands of Belzebub, their adopted Grandfather.   

CHAP. XIX.  
¶ Of the dangerous combat of the Knight of the Sea, against the barbarous Pirate Tolurnio; his peril and conditional yielding to the fleets of Tunis & Tangur as Champion of the Alcharon against the christian Emperor of Constantinople; and of the original of the hatred of Tomarin to Claranax, for the death of Tumanto.  
TO whose wicked ends, the two Princes Olbiocles and Phianora (being recovered and raised from the cold pavement) no sooner arrived, but that Olbiocles offering him his shield, and the worthy Phianora proffering him her eternal friendship; with desire of pardon, for her former offensive contentions, they in this sort hearty tendered him most humble thanks, for safe delivering of them from so perilous and dangerfull a labyrinth of loss; wherein, their lives had been so ensnared, as only by his incomparable power they were to be delivered.  
Glorious in thy conquests, and gracious in thy mercies, (most illustrious knight of Carthage) alas poor silly creatures as we are, how shall we be able, ever to requite thy manifold deservings? which are so infinite, as our tongues are unable to tell: much less, our thanks for to regratifie. Yet (noble knight) such as we can at this time tender, take thou; that in some part we may satisfy our own souls, saluting thee with these poor presents. Which if thou shalt please to accept, we shall ever think ourselves in honour obliged, to your virtues; which have not only freed us, but (also as we hope) released the 2. most mighty, yet miserable Princesses, from whole multitudes of mischiefs wherein they were enwrapped. Oceander (whose heart yearned after soe-got honour) refused this friendly humility of so valorous knights: whom raising from the ground, he most lovingly embraced, & delivering up unto them the tuition of the Castle Lapidine, as also the full government of the whole Rocky Island of Ortolomorgantell (commanding them to do his duty to the distressed Ladies, 
Oceander departeth from them.  for whom they conflicted) with his enchanted shield on his arm, he presently took his leave of the two Knights (who sorrowed exceedingly at his so speedy departure: but especially Phianora, in whose thoughts, love had already placed his imperial throne) & descended to the water side: where not finding his enchanted boat, he greatly marveled. But hoping that all was done to the best, he pacified himself; & walking up and down the shore, he at last espied, where his boat lay at surge, under the hollowness of a Rock: which greatly rejoiced him. But seeing it ready to put from the shore, he made the more haste to it; 
He putteth to the Sea.  and with much ado getting on board, he launched out swiftly into the Egyptian sea. Wherein he had sailed very swiftly for the space of 3. or 4. days, without meeting with any adventure; until about midnight the Moon being in the meridian of her course, he perceived right before him, 3. call ships furnished very fitly with all appu●tenances; and on the hatches only one mighty bigbaned Mariner: who calling unto him, commanded him to yield unto the mercy of the mighty & most magnanimous Tolurnio, lest his head smarted for his hearts haughtiness. Whereunto, the Knight of the Sea seemed to give little heed; until the Mariner vexed at his unregarding, with a long grapple pulled the boat unto the side of the ship: and then drawing out a mighty courtleaxe, he vainly spent his spirits to oceander's 
Oceander encountered the fleet of Tolurnio.  spoil. Who, sorrowing to meet with so unmeet and mightelesse an opponent made no more ado, but only with his gauntlet-armed fist, he smote the braggart so stinging a whirret under the temples, as striking him stark dead under the hatches, he gave his drowsy fellows a foul fore signal of their following destructions. Whereupon they were so enraged, as (without any tarrying to arm themselves) only in their shirts, or hose and doublets, they fiercely mounted upon the hatches▪ but seeing, but one only knight to oppose himself against so many of them, they presently braced out into a loud laughter, thinking with their very looks to have quickly made him submissively to repent him of his too too audacious adventuring. But alas, poor souls, therein they were deceived: for he no sooner espied their reckless issuing, but with his good sword Scindifer, 
Slaughter of Tolu●ios soldiers.  he so dreadfully behaved himself amongst them, as having stricken to the ground (never to rise again) sixteen of them, he made some to hide their heads under the hatches, and others, for safeguard of their lives, desperately to cast themselves into the sea: whose open mouths made such pitiful exclamations, as the soldier's of the other ships awakened with their wail, approached speedily to aid their want. Of these, there were in number at the least thirty well approved & sturdy Pagans: who with hoarse voices crying on the name of their earthly God, and King Tolurnio, presently closed with the ship wherein Oceander remained victor: and all at once encompassing him about, with their naked sword, they for a great while fiercely assailed the worthiest flower of all chivalry. Who, seeing that to stand idle, was unprofitable to a man in his peril, placing his back against the shippemaste, with his sword and shield he made such defending offensive resistance, as when they most looked for victory, they still felt the greatest extremity of his virtue: so as, therewith amazed & atterrifi●d, they by their great wounds, learned more wisely, and less wilfully, to keep aloof off from the sway of his confounding sword; which like the firebrand of some hellish fury, flourished forth nothing, but sorrow & confusion,  
Tolurnio 
Tolurnio armeth himself  himself, in the mean season having endossed on his armour, with great grief perceiving how dangerously the world went with his soldiers (for, of thirty, were scarcely three and twenty left alive, and unwounded) grew into a great rage with them: and bidding them, like cowardly dastards as they were, to retire themselves back unto their cabinets, with a shrill voice he thundered out these threatening menaces against undaunted and interrifiable Oceander: Poor Pilgrim, by the divine issue of almighty Ops, for thy audacious adventuring to our disturbance, thou shalt demerit thy own destruction: which shall be so duly executed on thee in my anger and unplacable fury, as thou shalt never need to boast of thy excessive win; unless by a more than a deitie-defended wonder, thou shalt admirably escape the hands of more than most mighty Tolurnio; who I am: and whose very frowns the mightiest monarchs of the world have trembled at. For with my Battle-axe I shall, like Hercules, batter thy brains in pieces about thy shoulders: and with that word, 
Tolurnio assaulteth Oceander.  he lifted up his heavy harchet above his head & with all his force he smote so strong a blow on the enchanted shield of the knight of the sea; as although it could not enter, yet he was greatly endangered with fear of falling into the seas. For with such fury the blow descended, as he was feign to save himself both on hands and knees, from toppling over the hatches. But by his nimbleness soon recovering his feet, he advanced himself so fiercely against the Pirate, & with his Scindifer, he struck so strongly on the helmet of Tolurnio; as having battered the crest to his skull, he made him to admire at his unresistible valour. Nevertheless, Oceander gave not so stout objections but he received as strong replies: for Tolurnio rendered him so rough requitals on the enchanted azury helmet, as he made him many times to stagger & reel (in a manner astonished) so resistless almost was the pirates fury. Wherewith the worthy Grandsonne of thrice worthy Claranax, grew so impatient; as, casting his shield at his back, he struck so sound a buffet, with his swords in both his hands, at Tolurnio, the he parted his shield in two pieces, 
Tolurnio overcome by Oceander.  and in the descent of the blow battering his gorget (which was of pure steel) close unto his neck-boane, he left small vent unto the Pagan's breathing; who had there presently yielded up his life, had they not been parted by the sudden approach of a mighty navy of Barbarians: 
A navy of Barbarians.  who in a moment boarding them, commanded their submission unto the most mighty kings of Tunis and Tangur, ay-dreaded Tomarin, 
Tomarin of Tunis.  and undaunted Tangut. 
Tangut of Tangur.  Whereat, the two combatants were so amazed, as they knew not what to say; until Oceander (whose magnanimous courage, no accident could control) with a stout voice answered; that unless right commanded him, though reason bade him; yet he would not yield himself unto his enemies, whose justice or Injustice he never as yet saw balanced. For, Multa pericla petit, noto qui fiderit hosti: and therefore he demanded pardon of them for not yielding; unless in Parle, they could allege sufficient reasons to induce him, to do so base a duty. Whereunto the king of Tunis in this wise replied; Know sir knight, that the cause of calling for thy submission, is not as a servile slave scornfully for to control thee; but, in the honour of our most holy and sacred Prophet Mahomet and his never to be confounded Alcharon, to request thy help, to maintain his h●sts, and wholly to supplant the fattened Religion of the Europan Christians: who under the government of the Grecian Emperor Claranax, have heretofore entered and invaded our territories of Tunis and Tangur, 
The cause of the Barbarians expedition into Christendom.  slain my dear, and only dearer son Tumanto (whose virtues overshined their valours) under most feigned friendship, & coloured treason. And thereupon he began to relate at large his own imprisonment by the Grecians, the besieging, assaulting, and taking of the great City of Tangur, 
Of this thou must read in the history of Claranax precedent.  and la●●ly with tears he told his son Tumantos' tragedy: first, how he was conjoined in friendly league with the Emperor; then how he laboured for peace between the king Tangut and Claranax, and then the insidious trains of the worthy Governor, which were laid to betray his too too trustful and credulous child. Which fault objected to the good Emperor, though it were not altogether true, yet it seemed so unto him, because his eyes of justice were blinded with fatherly favour. To all his tale, he added such infinity of tears, as he greatly moved compassion in the hearts of Oceander and Tolurnio: who hearing his quarrels justness, quickly condescended unto their requests; 
Oceander & Tolurnio accorded, and join with Tomarin against the Christians. Oath taken.  protesting with all their power and strength to maintain the honour of their holy Prophet Mahomet, root out the gospel of Christ, and thoroughly to revenge the wrong offered him by the greekish Emperor: to all which, they swore themselves on the Alcharon. Wherewith king Tomarin and Tangur were so well pleased; as at the report of Oceander's courageous behaviour in his late fought combat, 
Oceander chosen Champion of the Alcharon.  they joyfully created him the invincible Champion of all the territories of Tunis and Tangur; as also the sacred defender of the holy Alcharon; to the great rejoicing of Tolurnio (who of a furious foe, was now become a faithful friend) and the general contentment of the whole fleet. Which gracious offers, the knight of the sea accepting most gratefully, gave them exceeding encouragements to proceed in their intended voyage; whereby he doubted not, 
Deus avertat,  but to see all Christendom happily converted either into blood, or turned to the obedience of their highest Prophet Mahomet: under whose ensign we will resign them, and assign our stile to the perfecting of our former story.   

CHANGED P. XX. ¶ How Olbiocles Phianora, Almidiana, and Eristama arrived on the Island of the Hermit Calandre: from whom they carried news to the Emperor, of the kings of Tunis and Tanguts' proceed: of his joy, for the recovery of his long absented children, and politic preparation for the repelling of his Pagan enemies.  
VEry sorrowful were the Christian Princes, for the sudden absence of the uncontrollable knight of the sea: but seeing that they could not remedy it, they somewhat calmed their desires of his accompanying. And therefore Olbiocles arming his left arm with the battered shield of Oceander, and Phianora resuming her trusty Courtleaxe keen Calibine, they descended back again into the Castle court: where, on the pavements, they found fourteen of Ortolomorgantels servants, 
Submission of the rest of Ortolomorgantels servants.  with their weapons scattered, & hempen haulters about their naked necks: whose ends delivering into the hands of the Princes, they trembling expected that doubtful answers of their lives or deaths. With whose humble submissions, their tender hearts, were soon moved to compassion: therefore uncasing their necks of such unkind collars, the Prince Olbiocles in this sort pronounced the sweet sentence of their safeties.  

Olbiocles' oration to them.  Well wot I, well wot I (poor Paganized souls) that, not only against your consciences you became the false adorers of Mahomet; but also against your wills, you were enforced for fear of death to be the cruel keepers, and (as I fear) killers of the most beautiful Princesses of Christendom. Wherefore, we here mercifully pardon you and forgive your offences: for only as instruments you served to satisfy the insatiate mind of your blood-thirsty master: whose soul, by this time, hath participated with such malefactors, the endless torments of never to be extinguished fire and brimstone. In regard of whose sorrows, we charge you to discharge your souls of all such wickedness, as makes you to incur hell's wretchedness; where that monster to mankind, lurking Leviathan, reigns in his ever damned royalty. Repent therefore (dear brethren) and relinquishing all further remembrance of your long retained false Alcheronticke Acharonticke religion, submissively & unfeignedly, in your souls, subscribe unto the suspectless supremacy of our dear Saviour Christ jesus; whose precious blood hath bought you, and whose fatherly patience hath preserved your souls (as I hope) from the gaping gulf of Gehenna: whose tusks are unable to touch you, and whose roaring throat shall never swallow your souls, if by your unfeigned repentance you obtain your sins remission at the hands of your righteous Redeemer; who (though we pardon your bodies) can to your souls add infinity of everlasting torments. Speak therefore, and that truly, whither (alive or dead) our worthy mistresses are remaining within your custodies?  
These words they willingly answered, that of all the fair Ladies of Grecia, 
Only Almidiana & Eristama alive of all the Grecian Ladies.  only but two of them were living, whose virtues were unspeakable, and whose beauties were far more brightsome, than the eye-bedimming sunbeams; named (as with tears they often told them) the unhappy daughters of the two most happy kings of France and Hungary: and therewithal one of the slaves ran speedily unto their (loathsome) lodgings, to fetch them, whom he knew he should make happy bp the two Christian knights reknowledgement.  
If the good prince Olbiocles were exceedingly rejoiced with the tidings of his true-love's happy health, 
A joyful meeting of Olbiocles and Almidiana.  it is not to be wondered at; since his newly coceived joys then, were but as shadows to following substance of his sovereign gladness, received by the sudden approach of his sweetest spouse Almidiana: whose entertainementes bred such astonishment in the hearts of the amazed beholders, as even the veriest butcherliest Barbarian thought his heart, for joy of their kind embracements, would leap out of the mansionized concave of his breast; and in conceit being rapt into the court of heaven, he clearly commemorized the pleasing dalliance of great Saturn's son with his sweet Semele, enwrapped within the misty mantles of the crime-concealing clouds: so heavenly and happy were the sweet embraces of the regreeted lovers: who in a moment, 
Viewed, embraced, kissed,  
Sense failed, falled, swooned,  
Relieved; ere they witted,  
That so they had been grounded:   
But to be brief, their loving encounter being ended, they all together kindly embraced each other: and on their knees, rendering most hearty thanks to the Almightiest, for such their fortunate remeeting, after so many multitudes of mischievous miseries, they pased into the Castle hall. Where causing themselves to be unarmed, they were presented by the Princess Eristama 
Eristama.  (who was not a little glad that the worthy knight of the golden shield, by unlacing his helmet, had discovered himself to be a Lady) with a most rich basin and Ewer of massy Silver: whereon were cunningly engraved the victories of Ortolomorgantels ancestors. Wherewith, the fair Princess of England bathing her bloody and bolne face all over, 
Phianora feeleth herself ill at ease.  found herself somewhat faint by reason of a sudden chillness which assaulted her sweeting temples: whereby, in a great distemperature, she was conducted into a costly chamber. Where wrapping her in warm mantles, they somewhat refreshed her feeble senses: which notwithstanding could not that night be so thoroughly recomforted, as that, with joyful hearts they could betake themselves, either to their repast or repose.  
So soon notwithstanding, as the Celestial wagoner had in a frantic fury, forsaken the watery lap of his well-beloved Goddess Thetis, and issuing out at the latticed portals of the eastern Ocean, had swiftly followed the flying darkness (which with sable wings had ta'en her speedy journey to the western India) the worthy Phianora was wholly recovered of her sickness; and with infinite incitements, 
They embark for Grece  so well prevailed with her companions, as they all consented that morning to take shipping. Which their determination in such a happy hour they performed, as (their sails full filled with a gentle gale of wind) they in great safety, and with no less speed, furrowed over the azury face of the midland sea, towards the Island of the good old hermit Calandre; of whose habitation before hath been declared. At whose sandy shores, by that time, that Triton, the trumpeter of the seagods, 
They arrive at the Round Island.  had eleven times shrilly sounded the Hunts up, on his shelly Shackbut; they pleasantly approached. Where, what was their entertainment by the good old father, welcome unto his solitary Cell, or entercoursing with him, about more than most strange accidents, I will not at this time tediously treat of: only let this suffice; 
Eget qui cupit: qui non cupit habet.  that they were so well contented with his kindness, and so well pleased with his plainness; as for the space of five days they continually conversed in his company; repairing from their ships to his Celestina, and from his Cell back again, every morning & evening, 
Content a kingdom is.  as duly and with as great delight, as if they had pased to the pleasure-abounding Palaces of the most mightiest monarch in Europe. But, 
Remembrance of the Parents cannot be easily rooted out of the minds of the children.  as the Fawn cannot be always weaned frum the company of the Dam: so these fair offsprings of most famous parents, could not now any longer remain absent from their dear father: whose death they feared would (if it had not already) deprive them yer long of all earthly comfort. And therefore giving the old Hermit to understand of their departure, they (early the sixth day) awaited his coming on the shores side, where the holy father (after morning salutations ended) with tears like pearls bespangling his snowy beard, delivered them, together with a letter of import unto the Emperor their father, this kind farewell. 
calander's farewell to the Grecian Princesses.  Dear friends, and my royal Lords and Ladies of Constantinople, how many & divers dangers are incident to all travailers; as well by sea as land, I will not at this time dispute of: but leaving such strange secrets to the sole al-commaunding potency of the highest director, with thanks for your gentle acceptance of my homely entertainment accordant to my poor ability, I tender your excellencies all hopeful assurance of a most happy journey to the fertile territory of Greece & Hungary. To whose inhabitants, what infinity of intestine casualties shall shortly occur, my tongue doth tremble to tell, and my heart rend almost in sunder to think on: but God for his mercy shall at last (yea even at the last gasp of good fortune) deliver it. The right relation of all which this same Letter, within this little casket, so largely discloaseth; as I hope, the good Emperor Claranax (to whose highness hands I most earnestly entreat you to deliver it) shall have, 
A Letter from the Hermit to Claranax.  though not altogether sufficient, yet indifferent time to provide himself of all things necessary, for the repelling (if it might be possible) of so inevitable a mischief. These words, not without weeping, ended, he commended them all to the protection of the most powerful; and then humbly taking his leave, he presently departed back again unto his melancholy mansion; where for a while we will let him rest, and return to our travailers: who with fair words & rich promises so incessantly alured the toiling mariners; as with a never slacking celerity they sliced through the salt seas (as it were) in a moment, 
They arrived at Constantinople.  unto the haven of Constantinople. Whose wide womb, they no sooner espied impleate with a great sort of swift-sailing ships; but that, with wondrous gladness they clapped their hands, & with excess of joys they speedily entered into the harbour. Where the fame of their arrival was no sooner spread abroad, but that in great multitudes the citizens clustered about them to behold the only hopes of all following good fortune. When, they had not any long space, through the crystal casements of their eyes, fed the covetise of their fancies; but that the aged Emperor Claranax with his good Empress Basilia, the kings of Hungary and Bohemia, with their loving bedfellows Anaxia and Zaama (who accompanied with Rosamira the beautiful Princess of Sparta, and a huge multitude of worthy attendants, both Ladies, knights and gentlemen of all states and conditions) approached gallantly unto the haven. Where, after the Emperor had lovingly embraced his most be loved children; 
Their joyful & loving entertainments by their parents & dear friends.  and after him, both Kings, Queens, and Ladies having joyfully given their loving welcomes unto the late arrived Paragons, they altogether (not without excess of gladness manifested by their sundry stops of heart-delighting harmonies) conducted the Prince Olbiocles, the knight of the golden shield, 
Absentia reuersos reddit amicis chariores,  Almidiana and Eristama, to the greatest Temple of Constantinople: where, divine service ended, amongst the rest, the Emperor in this sort, powered out his grateful thanks before the Majesty of the most majestical: 
Thanksgiving of the Emperor for the return of his long absented children.  Glorious God, who for thy love of thy dear and only begotten son jesus Christ, hast had a gracious and fatherly care over me, thy poor and base hanidworke, thanks, yea unfeigned thanks doth my submiss soul render unto thy divine majesty that with the incomparable power of thy mighty right hand hast thus mercifully released me, at last, from so many multitudes of miseries, which encompassed my soul, and in a manner overwhelmed me. Having finished his thanksgiving, he turned towards his obedient offspring: of whom (after many kisses bestowed) he received this following Letter of Calandre.  
To the sacred Constantinopolitan Majesty, all health and happiness.  
MIghty Emperor, 
The hermit calander's Letter,  and most puissant Princes of Greece and Christendom etc. Understand you by these presents, that at this time the whole Knighthood of Tunis and Tangur, are in most warlike manner well accoutred, safely shipped, and swiftly sailing towards the territories of Sicilia: which by arms converting to the false worship of their heathenish Mahomet, they will celerously surge on the coast of Constantinople: unless By the providence of God they be speedily prevented.  
From my solitary Hermitage, CALANDRE.  
NOw upon my honour (quoth the Emperor in a maze) by this letter of the Hermit, I wot of wonders: Belike these barbarous Barbarians are grown of late to conceit a conquest over Constantinople: thinking Claranax, by reason of his approaching age, to be grown to so cold a constitution, as he is either too feeble, or too much afraid to enter any combat. Well, well, let Tomerin and Tangut commence their conflicts: by the help of God and his good grace, I shall never be said to fly their furies, as long as my withered body is able to bear armour against their forces. But considering, 
Claranax preparation against the invasion of Tomarin.  that not words, but wariness was the repelling of war, in great wisdom he caused his havens mouth to be chained up; that they might not with their iron Rams, by water any whit endanger the city walls: and as for the city itself he engarisoned it with infinity of approved and undaunted soldiers, of that same Religion. Also to all his neighbouring Princes of Christendom he presently sent ayde-requesting letters: as, to Sparta, Thessaly, Transiluania: the kings Rubaldo also and Fiardon speedily departed unto their several provinces of Hungary and Bohemia, to levy a competent number of their country soldiers, for the defence of Greece and Christendom. To which their warlike expedition, we will leave those worthy Princes, to return unto our huge host of the Pagan Potentates.   

CHAP. XXI.  
¶ How Tomarin of Tunis, Tangut of Tangur, the knight of the Sea, Tolurnio, and the rest of the Pagan army accosted the Island of Sicilia; where they slew the Duke of Hibla, took Alfortio and Orthisius' prisoners: and enforced King Dionine and all his subjects, to forsake the Gospel of Christ, and become Mahometans.  
Wonderful was the joy that the cruel Barbarians conceived in their hearts for the notable conquest that they hoped to gain against the Christians; whom they thought utterly either to convert or convince, by the fierceness of their devilish furies: whose irresistible forces they first and foremost bend against the poor inhabitants of Hybla and Sicilia; where at this time reigned that terrible Tyrant Dionine. 
Dionine. The fleet of Tunis arrive at Sicily.  Upon whose sandy shores landing whole millions of mischievous miscreants, under the safe conduction of the most invincible Knight of the sea, and the four eldest sons of the great Giant Gawdramound, Brammadon, 
Brammadon.  Camaru, 
Camaru.  Xamaru, 
Xamaru.  and Hollobron. 
Hollobron.  Who, in company of thirteen other of their brethren, all mighty membered men (having vowed to revenge their father Gawdramounds loss of both his hands, in his combat with the Emperor Claranax before the gates of Constantinople, to their powers, upon all Christendom) began first of all in the expedition against the City of Hibla, to manifest the rancour, their cankered hearts had until this season oblivionized. For with so strait a siege, 
Hybla besieged.  they suddenly engirt the christian Citizens within their walls, as there could not any one so much as pass or repass through the armed troops of these merciless miscreaunts: whose bloody hands no sooner laid hold on any stranger, but that presently stripping his body naked, they would incompassionately strangle him before the faces of the beholding citizens. Whose hearts were so at terrified at these remorseless actions of their barbarous enemies; as many times, they would be ready desperately to destroy their hunger-pinched bodies, with their own proper hands. Which in deed many had done, and more would have begun, had not that worthy Duke Oriardey, with the tears trickling down his pale cheeks, provoked by pity, in this wise counseled them to provide for their safeties.  
Loving friends, 
Oriardeis oration to his discouraged Hybleans.  and my most dear countrymen & loyal subjects, turn hither your faces, and on me your more than most miserable Duke, convert your careful overclowded countenances. What though the fury of our faithless enemies force us to this strait, shall we therefore fear? though they seek to destroy us, shall we therefore in a desperate mood, distrusting to the mercy of our saviour, dispossess our bodies of living, & our souls of the life everlasting? God forbidden. For (si parvis componere magna licebit) which of you all, my loving Citizens, having & holding a sure fortress, whose situation was your safety, would willingly raze it to the ground and ruinated it, ever after to live in the wide fields, or in the woods, subject to crosses, cold, calamities, dangers, and destruction? If any of you should do so, were you not worthy to be accounted foolish, or stark frantic? Yes verily. Why then (O ye amazed inhabitants of Hibla) are your minds infected with such poisonous madness, as to make away yourselves, to eschew your oppressing enemies, without regarding your sweet souls; which is subject to our saviours eternal enmity? O remember, remember, that you are not Pagans (as those that perpetrate your perils) but rightly believing Christians. Then for his sake whom you serve, fear, and salute by the sweet name of Saviour, depelle those heathenish fancies from the centre of your hearts habitacle: and let not the subtleties of the deceitful Devil so much surprise you, as to make you by your own selves, the sequesterers of your souls from that heavenly paradise, which is prepared for those that faithfully believe in the holy name of jesus Christ. Furthermore, were you forsaken of the Father, refused by the son, & left reprobates on the face of the earth, would you lay violent hands upon your own lives? He that killeth himself (saith Aristotle, an heathenish Philosopher) doth not so much wrong unto his own life, 
We are born especially to do good to our country.  as injury to the common wealth. For being so dead by his own despair, what profit can he do unto his country? for which alone he liveth, and for whose good he ought to make small spare of his life. Therefore (O my loving friends) desist, I beseech you, for doing that double wrong, both to yourselves and to your City, by your proper-caused destruction; but only at my request, laying aside such wicked thoughts, cheer up your drooping cogitations: and since there is no other remedy, but we must need die, let us sally out at the City gates; and with our swords bedyed with the purple gore of our Pagan enemies, let us lustily lavish out our lingering lives; bought by the bloods of our hateful adversaries. 
A good Captain.  The good Duke no sooner finished his exhortatory oration, but that he speedily enraunged his willing soldiers in order of battle: & with such great care, & kindness, he went from one band to another, exhorting every particular person to adventure his life courageously, for the advancement of their true religion. Which he had no sooner done, but they heard a sudden alarm in the camp of the Pagans. 
A wise General turneth every accident to an occasion of encouragement.  Which the worthy Duke thinking to be some mutiny risen amongst his enemies; courage (quoth he) courage my loving countrymen. For our God, moved to mercy by our miseries, hath made the way open by his mighty arm, for us to wreak vengeance upon our enemies. God & our Lord jesus Christ therefore be your saviour and defender, in the enterprise that we attempt for the glory of his gospel: 
A Sally upon the Pagans.  and therewithal they courageously issued out of the City gate, upon their Pagan enemies. Who (being preaduertised of their attempt, as of all other accidents besides, by the traitorous dealing of a Hyblan Knight named Nequion, 
Nequion through ambition, betrayeth the Hybleans.  who affected the principality of the Hyblean province) were by this time sufficiently armed against their approaching adversaries. Whom they encountered with so irresistible a fury; as although like Oxen, the valiant Duke Oriardey felled almost five and thirty Pagans stark dead to the ground (and amongst the rest three giantlike brethren, of the seventeen sons of Gandramounde, whose names were Trybart, Roron, and Pyramon) yet were the Hibleans, 
The Hybleans fly.  like sheep before the face of the pursuing wolves, made to fly from the fury of their following foes: who ere they could regain the city gates, encompassed them in, so strongly on all all sides, as having slain Oriardey 
Oriardey slain.  and an infinite sort of other soldiers, took four thousand of them prisoners. With whom it had been a bloody day, had not the (incomparable for all virtues) most exquisite Oceander, appeased the anger of the enraged sons of Gandramound; & opposing himself against their attempts (as it were) enforced Bramadon (who was both the eldest & mercifullest of them) to entreat his brethren's patience, for the preserving of the lives of the submitted christians: who, 
Hibleans yield and turned ●ahometiste.  yielding unto their mercies had consented to receive the holy Alcheron of their great prophet Mahomet, for their faith & defence: wherewith the brave brethren were indifferently satisfied. And all commotions appeased, & circumstances finished, they suffered the Paganized Hybleans, in quiet continually to possess their lives, livings, and habitations, without any further disturbance.  
Now, notwithstanding all these things were brought to this unlucky pass, by the traitorous dealings of that disloyal Nequion; yet was he never the more regarded, but rather (according to his wickedness) worse entreated at the hand of the most just conqueror Oceander. Who judging all things according to justice and equity, caused him to be presently stripped out of his clothes, 
Proditionem amo, non proditorem.  and (by a slave being led through the streets of the city of Hybla) to be whipped unto death by the betrayed Citizens. Who after they had scourged him sufficiently, 
Memorable justice executed on so monstrous a traitor) Nequion.  carried him unto the marketstead: where commanding his head to be smitten off from his shoulders, they flayed his body: &, letting his carcase be cast unto the dogs, they made a displayed ensign of his skin; thereby to terrify hereafter traitors, from the perpetrating of any such villainy against their country. But alas, it doth little avail: for even in these our days, doth treason in more plenty abide, and treachers more abound then ever heretofore hath been denotified. Which mischievous malady, I beseech you a while to suffer me thus briefly to bewail.  
Whither is duty f●ed? and unto what desert  
Of Arabia, or groves unfrequented  
By daily haunt of men, doth faith departed?  
As that without thinking on desert,  
Or to the Sovereign, godly obeisance;  
Multitudes of christians don them advance,  
Against their Kings, and Gods laws to start:  
As, in their mind clogged with mischance,  
Trait'rously to conspire to work great grievance,  
Against their God and mighty Sovereign:  
Under whose check they should rightwise remain.  
Soon after these things were thus luckily by the Pagan power performed, the valorous knight of the sea, Brammadon, 
The Pagans match up into the country.  Camaru, Zamaru, Hollobron, Sylias, and an hundred thousand of the chiefest of the Barbarian army, marched under the banner of Mahomet (which was advanced by a sturdy knight of Tunis, named Oridor) by long and speedy journeys, farther into the bowels of the upland country; taking all the Cities, Castles, Towns, & provinces; and bringing them under their yoke, caused their consciences to be confounded, and their souls spotted with the devilish doctrine of the Alcharon; which for fear of death they were forced to embrace: to such extremity were these poor & miserable creatures driven, by the remorseless cruelties of their most wicked oppressors.  
Even unto the promontory, abufting the Hesperian City Rhegium, reached the limits of their conquests: from whence with great toil & laborious travail they passed in battle array, alongst the Eastside of the fire outbreathing Aetna. From whence they might perceive the ship-engorging gulf of Charybdis, at one side; on the other side calm danger-colouring Scylla: on whose mossy vertice a sort of deceiving Sirens were set in consort, and right before them an huge rank of unconquered Cities relinquished, 
Cities abandoned.  and left desolate by the cowardly flight of their fearful Inhabitants. Of whose abode, together with the tyrant Dionines (the bastard son of Dionysius) the true report being related unto them, by a captive christian (whom they had taken in the mountains) to be in the strong city of Syracuse; they presently dislodged their army by great journeys, to that side of the Island: against whose towering walls being approached, they courageously displayed their ensigns of defiance. Which being answered with as great stoutness on the adverse part by the christians, they caused their camps to be pitched & fortified round about the west, south, 
Syracuse besieged.  & north sides of the city: wherein, they remained quiet for the space of three whole days, without giving any attempt against the christians. But on the fourth day, with the sun, they began to set themselves i● warlike order, expecting sound of the shrill trumpet, to ●●t●●●ō them to their assaultings: 
The city assaulted.  which no sooner breathed, but it rung out the sorrowful knell of a thousand christians. For, in so good and martial order, the stout Barbarians, with their steely weapons, approached the gates of the City (from out the which the undaunted regiments of Alfortio, Orthisius ●● the tyrant Dionine sallied) as, 
Alfortio Orthisius and Dionine make a ●ally.  the Christians unable to ●f array their ranks, were forced (though not without some loss unto their enemies) with great disadvantage to return unto the City again: which had been there assuredly surprised, had not the worthy hopes of France and Spain, with more than invincible courages, even in the entrance into the gates, stoutly repelled the devilish disturbers; and twice grappling with Bramadon and Oceander, by divine auxill no doubt fairly freed themselves from mischief, & the whole City from that days misery.  
On the morrow again, Hollobron, and Camaru with sixteen thousand approved Knights of Tunis, were sent by the commandment of the Knight of the Sea, valiantly to rea●aile the walls of the city by land; whilst himself with Brammadon, and the residue his brethren sat in consultation about the bringing of their ships and little pinnaces of Tangur to assault the same by water. With great shouts & cries, Hollobron and his followers approached unto the ditches of the City: over the bridge whereof, having courageously won passage, they stoutly assaulted the issuing christians. Between whom there began so bitter a bickering, as within less than an hour, by the valorous virtue of the worthy Spaniard & his battalion of Syracusans, fifteen hundred Pagans were laid breathless on the earth. Whereat Hollobronso extremely chafed, as for very wrath his nostrils gushed out on bleeding: and then taking a mighty lance in his rest he fewtred it against Alfortio: who did the like to him. But with such a strong fury they at the front of the bridge encountered, as the Prince of Spain (being in the disadvantage, by reason of the lower ground) was forcibly borne over his horse crupper to the ground in a swoon: 
Alfortio unhorsed and taken prisoner.  and Hollobron was with the head of Alfortios' lance (which more than an handbreadth lo●●●▪ as entered into his shoulder) so extremely grieved & tormented as causing the enpasmed Prince to be speedily conveyed 〈◊〉 his soldiers unto his tents, he would abide no longer amongst his enimies● but in post hast he fled to his pavilions, leaving his brother Camaru, who was in combat with Orthisius, in great perplexity, for the safe recoiling from hi●●nemies, without giving any disadvantage.  
Who (though not without some danger) speedily sounded the retreat unto his soldiers. Whereof Oceander understanding, his ears glowed to hear of their cowardice, ●nd his heart for anger began to swell so big, as if it ●●ould have beaten open the lattices of his ribs with his furious panting: and suddenly rising from the table, with Brammadon and all the worthiest approved knights in the whole army, he furiously hasted to the assault. Which he gave so forcibly against the Christians in Orthisius his regiment, as (having boisterously beaten the French Prince, 
Orthisius beaten from his horse by Oceander.  from of his palfrey) they put the residue to fearful flight: whom the worthy knight of the Sea, with a huge troup of Saracens, followed in such hot pursuit; as entering by force of arms into the city gates, 
The Siracusons' overthrown.  they slew and spoiled all (of what degree or sex soever) that made any resistance against him.  
Which sudden sack, brought such exceeding terror into the hearts of the Sicilians; as, together with their King Dionine, 
Dionine & his Sicilians yield and become Mahometists.  wives, concubines, children, goods and lives, they submissively yielded themselves to the mercy of their mischievous molestours. Who, pardoning their bodies of any farther damages, caused them to forsake their dear Saviour, renounce his holy gospel: and finally, by obliging their selves in obedience to Mahomet, to deliver their souls up to multitudes of endless miseries, and to everlasting damnation. God for his mercy forgive the Author hereof, who rather of ignorance, then of envy, perpetrated so unpardonable a wickedness.   

CHAP. XXII.  
¶ How the Pagans arrived at Constantinople, and sent Ambassadors to summon the Emperor to personal appearance before the Estates of Tunis: and how the knight of the sea, slew the young Prince of Sparta, for his stout reply in the behalf of his master: and of the resolute answer of Claranax to the message of the king of Tunis.  

Hollobron dieth.  XAmaru, Brammadon, and Hollobron were very grievously wounded in this exploit; but especially Hollobron: whose shoulder rankled so exceedingly, by reason that a piece of the Lances heed was broken in the bone; as for very pain his life was in great peril, and at last (by the way on the seas as they sailed to Constantinople) perished, to the no little heaviness of his brethren: who in revenge thereof would divers times have destroyed the two worthy Christian princes, prisoners; had not the diligent endeavours of Oceander, caused them to desist from their devilish determination. Notwithstanding, this conquest obtained, and the state of Sicily subverted and converted to their obeisance; the knight of the sea returned his Camp, to the shores of Hybla. Where recounting unto the kings of Tunis and Tangur, the happy success that seconded his attempts, with great congratulations and joy (having in this enterprise spent the best part of the spring) they reembarqued themselves: and hoisting up sails, they speedily committed themselves to the doubtful mercy of the Seas: on whose mounting bistowes, they were for some fo●er or five days very dangerously tossed, & mightily dispersed (as upon the neighbouring shores of Italy and Naples) where Brammadon (as you shall hear in the second part of this history) did suffer shipwreck. But within a seven hours after the tempest ceased, there arose so fresh a gale at the poop of the ships; as, having sufficiently recovered the third part of their Navy, they cheerfully proceeded on in their voyage towards Constantinople: which they prosecuted with so good fortune, 
The fleet of Tunis arriveth at Constantinople.  as they arrived within less than a month after, at the havens mouth thereof. Which finding it by the providence of the good Emperor debarred from them; as well as they could, they unchained, emptied, and with such facility entered; as before the Grecians could prepare for their resistance, the whole haven was in full possession of the Pagans. Nevertheless they were so continually pestered with multitude of garbage, as stones, blocks, and such other like weapons, as they were feign to retreat their vessels a little backer into the seaward: which greatly gladded the Grecians, who were thereby freed from a many sore gallings.  
The Kings of Tunis and Tangur were wonderful wrath with their displacing from the haven: & therefore he determined (knowing the invincible courage of the Christians) by land wars, & single combats, to weary and disanimate his enemies. Wherefore, putting to the shore, he alanded his soldiers: 
They encamp.  who in this order, encamped themselves beside the wilderness of Grecia: The whole army of fierce Barbarians, was divided into four several battles, conducted under the ensigns of the kings of Tunis Tomarin, Tangut of Tangur, the uncontrollable knight of the sea, and the undaunted sons of the giant Gandramound: who in warlike array marched about the country to find out fit place for to encamp themselves. But not knowing any, more adiuvable for their army, than the plains under the wilderness of Grecia, they there incontinently pitched their pavilions: which, garnished with plumes of sundry coloured feathers, on the crests of their well tempered helmets, raised such a lustre by the rays of the earth's illustratour, as heaven itself seamed to blush at the excelling gorgeousness of the enriched earth; whose dusky face was so admirably adorned with such a glorious army.  
Whose greatness, albeit amazed a multitude of most cowardly meacocks; notwithstanding, no whit amated the excellent courage of the good Emperor Claranax: who only reposing his confident hope in his righteous Redeemer Christ jesus, 
Constant courage io●ned with careful providence.  never changed once his countenance for fear of his huge number of enemies: yet, therefore did he not neglect, like a careful Christian and a loving Captain, providently to puruoy for the safety of his signiory; but with great watching and vigilancy, he strongly engarrisond the city with sufficiency of Soldiers, and munition. And filling all the storehowses with corn and victuals for a whole years' provision, he not only made restraint of cates (where superfluity drew them to riot) but also by his strict commandment, he caused all his subjects very straightly to observe fasts, and offer up continual oblatory orisons, with singular devotion, unto the majesty of the most Highest.  
These matters being with wonderful discretion and wisdom ordered, intelligence was given him by his most trusty espials, of the approach of the King of Barbery's Ambassadors unto his Palace. Wherefore commanding them admittance unto presence, there entered into the great Hall, the knight of the sea, 
Ambassadors from the kings of Tunis and Tangur.  with Camaru, Tribart, Vibrant and a great company of knights of Tunis, all armed saving their heads, whereon they ware light hats of Taffeta. Who, seeing the Emperor sitting under his Canopy of Estate, with the whole knighthood of Greece about him; without any reverence fit for so mighty a Monarch, in this wise (by the mouth of Oceander) proudly saluted him. 
A bold embassage   
Our great Prophet Mahomet maintain and defend the most mighty kings Tomarin of Tunis, and Tangut of Tangur, and grant them happy victory over all their enemies: and confound Claranax of Constantinople, and all the damned Christians, that tendered the defence to the destruction of the worthy Prince Tumanto of Tabaroa; whom thou most traitorously flewest before the walls of Tangur, under a feigned colour of counterfeit friendship, against all equity, and contrary to the promise that thou plightedst to the honourable orders of knighthood. Which, being manifest before the eyes of the Estates of Tunis and Tangur, hath urged them at this time, by me, to summon thee (in all humble and submissive sort, disrobed of thy royal vestures, with an halter about thy neck, and a white wand in thine hand) presently to repair unto the pavilions of the Barbarian Potentates. Before whom, if proudly thou refuse to make thy personal appearance, we here (in the names of our dread Sovereigns) proclaim utter ruin and destruction against thee and all thy kingdom; within whose territories no Christian shall be left alive: so extremely and rigorously shall our Pagan Curtelaxes, within these few days, punish thy inconsiderate contumacy.  
With such presumption and haughtiness was this speech delivered by the knight of the sea, against the emperors honour & fame; as for very anger at his boldness, his eyes waxed bloudshot, & his forehead was furrowed with so fearful a frown, as all the lookers on trembled at the terrible aspect of his bunched brows: which notwithstanding were but the very shadows of his hearts substancified impatience. Whose choleric humour so choked up the mouth of his voices organ, as he was unable to render any reply unto his expecting enemies. Which Oceander perceiving, he turned unto his fellows, and in great derision; See ye not (quoth he, 
bold & bitter.  with a loud laughter) with what patience the Emperor endures our Embassage? No doubt but by that time he hath studied a little longer, we shall receive some stout answer: he struggleth so mightily to speak to us. The young Prince, Ismerion of Sparta, and the brother to the fair Rodasilua, with little patience brooked this shameful indignity offered unto his Sovereign: and therefore doing his obeisance to the Emperor, with an high voice, he began thus to correct their in civility.  
It better befitteth the gravity of Ambassadors, to use themselves with reverence before a Potentate: and not in such injurious manner, to miscarry theirselves before so mighty a Monarch, as the Emperor Claranax, my dread Lord & Sovereign. Whose sword, like the mowers sith, being discontinued from correcting of your misdemeanours, hath given leisure to your careless conceits, in your prides, to perpetrate new controversies: which with a greater vengeance will speedily procure you a more dreadful destruction.  
By Mahomet (quoth Oceander very scornfully) the boy prattles prettily: and on mine honour it were pity to let the little urchin to die of a consumption; that craved his present confusion so pithily. And therewith he smote the young Spartan Prince such a buffet under the temples, with his armed fist, as he quite felled him to the ground: 
Ismerion slain by Oceander  and with his feet there prosecuting his pitiless fury, as he made his mouth together with a stream of clotted blood, to belch out his miserable life.  
O who hath seen the sad countenances of Priam, Hecuba, & Polixena (bedeawed with the tears of true sorrow, for the death of their dear son Hector) saw but even the very type of the torments, that Claranax, Basilia, and most wretched Rodasilua endured, at the woeful sight of so sorrowful a spectacle: whose conceived grief was in such excess of sadness, as 
No Rhetoricians tongue in words can paint  
The sorrows great, that did their soul's attaint.   
For with tears their azury eyes were drowned, with trembling their arms and hands shaked, their hearts for horror panted from out their places, their tongues faltered, their temples travailed with sweat, & (to conclude) all their bodies were distempered, they shrieked at the sight, they left their thrones, thronged about him, threw themselves upon the ground, felt his pulses, found no life, fainted under him; revived (not to relieve) but renew their lament over his cold carcase; whom they most loved being alive, and most lamented being suddenly sequestered from himself, & from those he more affected than himself. In this doleful sort they passionatized themselves over the departed Princes body: which they bathed in the dew of their tears, until anger and magnanimity, drawing the good Emperor from such wailing effeminacy, enforced his cogitations Ambassador, 
The emperors resolute answer to the Ambassadors.  to utter forth this couragions resolution. Sleep in thy soul's security sweet Prince of Sparta: whose untimely death, as my eyes have relented over thee, so mine ire shall revenge with an unplacable fury, on the heads of thy wicked enemies. hearken therefore (O ye merciless miscreants) and behold my more than deserved clemency towards ye: that I should harm Ambassadors, is against the laws of Nations; yet you manifestly see, that your misdemeanours have merited no mercy: which notwithstanding (though even contrary to justice) I willingly and graciously grant you; that in my rage it may not be reported, rather of your words (wherein your masters wrong me highly) then of your deeds (wherein yourselves have proffered me most intolerable indignity) I took revengement. Which though it be warranted in all religious both Christian & Pagan, yet with multitudes I will not wreak it, nor with so many as I might command to punish ye, 
Honourable patience.  will I oppress ye: but quietly permitting you to departed my Palace, remit the trial of our causes to our fortunes followed in the field: where fierce Bellona shall decide the justice of our quarrels without partiality. Depart ye therefore in peace (discourteous knights) to your Pavilions: where, humbled on your knees, you shall denotifie unto your Sovereigns, that they show their pride, & inconsiderateness; so presumptuously to command one, that is far better than their selves; so basely at their sole summons to submit himself, and safety, unto their doubtful censures; since what they lay unto my charge is altogether untrue, and of malice falsely forged, to pick quarrels against me. For, where Tunian Tomarin inferreth treason unto me, 
The Emperor Claranax wrongfully accused, to have treacherously murdered Tumanto.  practised against his son Tumanto, he should have said (& that rightly) that I was too trusty unto his treacherous son: whose Barbarian manners grew so barbarous, as after I had promoted him to the highest dignity in Grecia, he falsely (having feloniously stolen away my Niece Marinda of Moldavia from me) fled over to my foes of Tripoli and Syria. Under whose banner he boldly bandied against me; until by the just judgement of the heavens, he in the Adriatic seas (according as he had deserved) by a sort of servile sea-roavers, 
Tumanto taken by Rovers & slain.  received the right recompense of a traitor (to wit, plain hanging) yet nether by my consent nor countrymen. Therefore tell your misinformed masters of Tunis and Tangur, that they done injury to my innocency, by invading my territories, under the pretence of my committing treason against Tumanto; since (in my conceit) they rather complot the comprising of my Crown and city of Constantinople: yet I will not take knowledge thereof. But since they will needs accuse me thus wrongfully in words, tell them, I will yer long excuse with deeds rightfully & willingly: for with my sword I hope on their gorgets to plead guiltless, to their peril & destructions.   

CHP. XXIII.  
¶ Of the great battle between the Pagans & the Christians, cut of by the coming of the night, begun afresh the next day: wherein the Grecians went by the worse: & their revenge by the death of 17000. Barbarians, & how the Pagan Potentates enraged, concluded the speedy destruction of the whole City.  
IF the Pagan Ambassadors admired the unheard of clemency of the royal Emperor, it was no marvel: since both for magnanimous prowess, & merciful patience he was unmatchable. Wherefore with the greater reverence they respected his highness; courteously replying, that whatsoever he had commanded them for answer, they would, on their honours truly refer unto their Sovereigns: and thereon engaging their credits, they presently departed (after honourable entertainment) from the Palace of the Emperor, to the tents of the kings of Tunis and Tangur. Where, to the relating of the good emperors answer, we will leave them; to return to the (by this time, returned) Commanders of Christendom. Who with a mighty navy having passed over the Adriatic seas, speedily alanded their troops of trained soldiers (in sight of their envious enemies) upon the plains of Constantinople, to the exceeding comfort of the Constantinopolitan Christians: 
Aide of Christians in succour of Constantinople: with Morcavil 3000. horse, Rubaldo 1200 foot. Fiarden Arcanio 100 horse, 9000. foot, with Curanand Kauisco●●0000.  who from their walls battlements espied, where first the stout young Prince Morcavill of Hungaria, with his battalion of 3000. horse (after whom followed the king Rubaldo with 2000 Huns, and stout Bulgarians on foot) proudly passed alongst the forefront of the Pagan's pavilions. Next whom the old king of Bohemia, with his forward son the Prince Arcanio, marched with a strong battaglion of an hundred horse, and 9000. foot, all worthy knights: from Thessaly and Transiluania, came also forty thousand sturdy soldiers, marching under the ensign of the valiant princes Curan and Kaviscon: at whose arrival the Constantinopolitans so loudly shouted, as the whole city trembled therewith. Then a great Lord of Sparta with 4000 under his leading, well approved Grecians, disembarqued themselves. Who hearing of the timeless death of their young Prince Ismerion, solemnly vowed to make a slaughterhowse amongst the pavilions of the pitiless Pagans: with whom also the like swore the thrice-excellent Erimaro and Orbano the worthy Governors of the French and Spanish armies; protesting till the death, resolutely to wreak vengeance on their misbelieving molesters, who had encaptivated, their young Sovereigns. All these in martial order courageously passing close by the pavilions of the Pagans, marched 3. times round about the plain before the City: where (though greatly against the mind of the careful Emperor Claranax, who forewarned them of some treacherous mischief that might there befall them) they strait ways strongly encamped their companies; whose courages yearned to be grappling with their Pagan enemies,  
With exceeding gallantness they marched in this order into the City: where they were graciously entertained of the good old Emperor Claranax. Who with great gentleness gave to every several soldier such singular welcomes, as every one vowed, willingly to spend their lives in defence of him and his whole countries: such and so unheard of was the forwardness of the Christians in Constantinople: who no less comforted the drooping spirits of the Grecians, then discouraged the stout hearts of the rude barbarians, Kings of Tunis & Tangur. Whose hosts, as they were huge in multitudes, so they were haughty in manners, diverse in dispositions, & contrary in condition: & therefore not only gave often occasion of quarrels and debates, 
Tumult in the Pagans' Camp.  but also of sudden destruction to the whole army; had not some malicious malefactors been the more speedily corrected, by the good advice of the Knight of the Sea. Who, assuredly seeing how many multitudes of mischiefs were likely to second each mutiny, (causing a fit place by the handiworks of painful Pioneers) with a loud voice and an undaunted courage, in this sort played the Prolocutor, to the Pagan princes: who encompassing him about with their armed chariots, yielded an attentive auscult to his oration.  
Sacred Emperors of Tunis, Tangur, and Tabarca, 
oceander's oration to the kings of Tunis, T gur & Tabarca.  if I were able in words, like a cunning Orator, or another Hermes, but even halfewise to express the very colon of my conceit; your mightiness should thoroughly perceive the great pity, that I would plainly prostrate before the eyes of your excellencies, of the sudden confusion of our complotted enterprise. But (alas) I am insufficient to perform my pretence: and therefore, in plain terms, I shall truly lay open unto you my proposed purpose. Understand you therefore, my Lords, that not only ever since our arrival, but even at this instant, our army hath been, and is so pestered with pernicious traitors and conspirators; as never a day, nor hour, nay nor scarcely at this present, our friends and loyal followers can rest free from their disturbances: whose hearts are still conceiting, whose heads ever complotting, and whose hands are ready to the accomplishing of all wickedness and treasonous insidies, that can possibly be plotted or performed.  
Such conspiracies were contrived by Cascar and Ombator against the holy Alcheron of Mahomet: and such was the blasphemy of Blandulon against his deity. The like was that of Raphan, who enterprised the sudden surprisage of your majesties lives in your pavilions: and no whit differed that same abominable action of A●tior Esson, who in arms openly oppugned against the profitable proceedings of your potencies. Infinite more of molestours could I number, that within these few days, have traitorously conspired against the common good of our glorious army. But what became of them? They died either by perishing or punishment: and more undoubledly will follow them; should not our holy prophet Mahomet, the better provide, by his divine providence, for our perfect prosperity. Let us therefore on our knees, magnify his holy name; and with our hands, manfully maintain his true belief against all his misbelieving adversaries, that perversely oppose themselves against his holy hests, and against our hosts for his sake. And so shall we not only profit the perfectness of our religion, but also preserve our camp and country from the traitorous complots of some wicked wretches, whom idleness and ambition egg on, to the work of their deserved ends, and our doleful confusion.  
The Knight of the Sea, with so great vehemency of spirit pronounced this his speech; as the Barbarians, being exceedingly amazed at his bold & brave behaviour; in token of their great good liking of his counsel, rendered him a gracious applause, with excessive shouting: all in general rejoicing that they had so good a chieftain, and courageous a champion to conduct them; except Ebator. 
Ebator.  Whose heart yearning for anger of the remembrance of his brother Ombators treachery, caused him secretly to conceive no small hatred against the Knight of the Sea, for ever after. And therefore, with all his Moroccans, he stoutly opposed himself against the opinion of Oceander, 
Private hatred hindereth public proceed.  in a great rage saying; that he neither could nor would give grant unto the graceless disposing of the wars of Tunis, after the desperate devising of so inconsiderate a Puny: whose lack of discretion, had brought him to such an ill determinated disposition. Whose plots if they prove not rather prejudicial then profitable to your holy practice and religious proceed, I shall think hereafter, that aged experience may breed expense; but never be able to work that effect, as youthful rashness is able to effinish. Ebator, ending his speech, speedily posted to his tents: and packing up all his pavilions, with his band of Moroccans, 
Ebato● forsaketh his Pagan a●●ie.  he presently embarked himself: and, without any far word, or farewell, he set up sails towards the shores of Barbary: where, leaving him to his wilfulness, we will return to the wars in Grecia.  
Though the Knight of the Sea were gauled even to the quick, with Ebators spiteful quirk; yet seeing neither the time, nor place to be fit for revenge, he wisely retained his anger: and, with the subtle Serpent Echidnon, ceased hissing until some better season, wherein he might safely hit the Moroccane home, with a full requital. But in the mean while, defiance being denounced against each other; aswell the Pagans as the christians drew forth their forces into the midst of the plain, before Constantinople: whose walls and warlike battlements being emburdened with a multitude of beauteous Ladies, set on the same so fair an embellishment; as had the Sun shone never so brightly, they would scarcely have sent so splendent a lustre into the eyes of the admiring soldiers: whose hearts, through their crystal casements, were so deeply inflamed, as they thought nothing able to quench the hot fire of their fancies, but only the heart blood of their hateful enemies.  
Wherefore, by the commandments of the governors on both sides, the dreadful signal to the fight being sounded, there no sooner approached the King of Tangur with his Fessians from the army of the Pagans; but that Prince Morcavill, with his Hungarian 
The battles of Fessians & Hungarians affront.  horsemen, pressed furiously against them. Between whom there was so strong an encounter as king Tangur, breaking his lance upon the gorget of the young Hungarian, was quite unhorsed, & fifteen of his best knights at the same time in the like sort served. Where they had ended their lives, had not a fresh band of Barbarians bosterously buskled in amongst them; & overthrowing a great number of christians, made the residue to retire themselves, until the King of Tangur was rehorsed. Who no sooner found himself repossessed of his his saddle, but that setting spurs to his palfrey (like an angry Lion) he lashed with such fierceness into the thick troup of his enemies, as the prince Morcavill being unable to withstand his force, by little & little he retreated from the Pagans fury. Which his dear friend Arcanio perceiving, 
A supply of Bohemians.  he called amain to his Bohemian Martialists; and putting his strong spear made of knotty Cornel, in his rest, he ran so swiftly against a prue pagan knight named Rodorin (who was one of the K. of Tangurs' guard) as, bearing him quite over his saddle, he made him to take a new and more uneasy seat on the crupper of his palfrey. Whom leaving to his shame, with the same spear he bore to ground seven other sturdy Pagans, before his arm or aim failed. In which his enterprise he was so bravely seconded, by his battaglion of Bulgarians; as in spite of the king of Tangur, they not only won ground of his Barbarians, but in a moment made them, maugre the might of their commander, to betake themselves unto most fearful flight.  
At which their cowardice, the Knight of the Sea was so exceedingly enraged, as for very wrath, he waxed so wood as uneath any Sarrasen was able to behold him: until, taking Xamaru and Brammadon by the gauntlets; How long (said he) shall our generous hearts trust our honours, in the hands of these heartless soldiers? Until our christian enemy shall joyfully triumph, in our overthrow? Our holy Mahomet forefend it: and then in what I can, I shall defend it. For rather had I die, then suffer ourselves to be thus cowardly sacrificed unto all misfortune by these unbelieving christians.  
Ending these words, he caused Brammadon and his brother to follow him▪ who, with his lance in his rest, 
Oceander Brammadon and Xamaru enter the battle.  and his shield on his shoulder, leveled so strong a stroke against the helmet of Arcanio, as beating him quite from his horse, he left him to seek for succour, among a number more of Bulgarian knights, whom his fellows sent down headlong to associate him. Whereat the good Prince of Hungary waxed so wroth, as with a hundred of his best and couragiousest warriors, he presently encompassed the three Pagan knights within their armed angle: & in such sort behaved themselves against them, as though Oceander was most excellently armed, and of a most invincible courage; yet had he much ado to match so many worthy Martialists. Whom though many times he exceedingly endamaged, hurt, and beat off from their horses, yet he could not so quietly rid his hands of them, as he should (without some sound knocks) scape scotfree from their furies: especially Prince Morcavill, who three times though he were felled to his horse mane; yet so many times he revived: and recovering his vigour, sealed such sorrowful quittances on the helmets of his adversaries, as he made them in an ertasie, to decline their heads, and leaning on their palfreys' creastes, quite forget to execute their intended enterprise. But in vain it is to contend with ones stronger: a mightier manageth arms against Morcavill: and therefore no marvel, though any longer he cannot withstand his furious & weighty blows: which, in such irresistible sort, and unceasing manner, lashed against his burgonet; as the buckles being broken, and the armour braced in pieces, he was forced for want of defence, to lose some of the best blood in his body; 
Morcavill flieth.  and by swiftness of his horse speedily to escape from the fury of his unmatchable adversary Oceander: who, with his good sword Scindifer, did cut such broad lanes cross the battaglion of Bulgarians, as there was not any one that durst once so much as oppose himself against him: so like a never-matchable Martialist, or rather Mars himself, he behaved himself amongst the amazed christians. Who had presently been foiled, had not the strong King of Hungaria, with the Princes Kaviskon, 
The battle of Huns, Thessalians, and Transylvanians set forward.  and Curan, with their unbroken bands of Rutters, Thessalians, and Transylvanians, incontinently come to their rescue. At whose angry assault the battle began, once more, to be so fortunate unto the christians; as the knight of the sea was on a sudden beaten back; & his, & brammadon's horses slain under them; & Xamaru, with the scattered legion of Saracens, enforced violently, to betake themselves, by little and little to the retreat. Whom the King Rubaldo pursued so courageously, as the whole company of christians (aswell within, as without the city of Constantinople) clapped their hands, & shouted for joy; praising god for giving them such good prosperity, and almost an assured victory over all their misbelieving enemies: whom at that time they had utterly vanquished, or at least exceedingly foiled; had they not for greediness of getting the conquest, disarraunged themselves, and run headlong after their enemies. 
Through disorder of the christians, they lose advantage over their enemies, and fall into disadvantage themselves.  Which, the courageous and wise leader of the discomforted Saracens, no sooner advised, but he presently took thereby occasion of advantage. For, horsing himself again by pure force, on the palfrey of a sturdy Knight of Thessaly, named Radoron (whom at one blow he severed to the breastbone) he spurred speedily into the midst of his daunted soldiers; and there strongly brandishing his courtleaxe, with a loud voice and a commanding action, he stoutly recalled his slying fellows, saying; For shame, for shame (my worthy country men) fly not so fearfully before your following enemies: but, remembering the justice of your quarrel, and for what cause ye undertook this enterprise (viz, for the death of Tabarcan Tumanto, and the exalting of the holy Alcheron) cheer up your disconsolated courages; and turning your faces towards them, like a stream dammed up, make your recoiling be the recovering of more fury; and on the sudden with far greater violence break out upon their resisting troops; and by the resistless vigour of your arms, make them to break now, who erst made you to bend: or, refusing to perform it, prepare yourselves to receive the guerdon of your cowardice, at the hands of him, who esteems his life less, than the loss of so assured and glorious a victory.  
These wrathful words, were so excellently graced with ireful actions, as his Pagan soldiers, partly for shame, partly for fear, were incontinently enforced to follow him. Whereupon, joining himself with Xamaru, Tribarte, Vibrante, and Cammatu, he thundered in, with such fury amongst the disarrayed troops of the suspectless Christians; as at the first brunt, there were overthrown, to the very ground, 
The Transylvanians and Thessalians recoil.  thirty of the most approved Transylvanians, and Thessalians; and the valorous Princes Curan and Caviskon, both at once, enforced to lose their stirrups, and embrace their horses necks, to save themselves from falling.  
The dismayed Christians, with wonder, made way for the Paganne Champions: who never rested, until such time, as they approached unto the strong garrison of Bulgarians; who, had all this while encompassed in the brave knight Brammadon; though in vain: who had so courageously maintained the combat against them, 
The Bulgarians give back  as eleven of their fellows being slain, the rest stood a loof off, without once daring to approach him. Whereof the good king Rubaldo being advertised, he presently posted unto the Paganne, & with him hand to hand, entered to sore a combat; as, had they not been both of the most approved Knights in the whole army, the battle had in a moment on one or other side been finished. But, ha good good, that Rubaldo was so far in years; for had he been in his prime, two Brammadons could scarcely have matched him. Nevertheless, he so bravely behaved himself against the Barbariam; as, despoiling him of certain parcels of his impaired armour, he had in a short space put him to the worst; had not the Knight of the Sea and the whole knighthood of Morocco (seconded with forty thousand Tabarcan soldiers, 
A supply of Tabarcans.  brought freshly in, under the conduct of the Arabian Argostas) set so fiercely upon the garrison of Hungaria; as making a bloody lane quite through them, they presently parted the combat: & having (though not very easily) taken Rubaldo 
Rubaldo taken prisoner.  prisoner, sent him pinioned back unto their pavilions, by a strong band of Saracens, and Brammadon; whilst they hotly pursued after the discomfited Hungarians: 
The Hungarians discomforted.  who, like sheep before the wolves, fled fearfully from the fury of their merciless pursuers. Who followed than so fiercely, as, before they could gain the gates of Constantinople, there fell three thousand christians, under the slaughtering sword of the merciless miscreants: against whose endeavours the Lord of his mercy oppose his power; or else the peril of all christendom is perpetrated in their proceed. Which brought extreme sorrow to the very souls of the controwled soldiers: who entered the gates of the City with such sad gestures, and heavy countenances, as if the destruction of Phrygian Troy had been counterenacted by the woeful Grecians. For, some came in with their arms off, other with their helmets cleft, and more with their bodies wounded: all hanging down their heads, and holding down the points of their weapons, and trailing their pikes and lances by the club ends on the ground, in such sorrowful sort; as who had seen them, and would not pity their perplexities, 
Duris genuit se cautibus horrens  
Caucasus, Hyrcanaeque admôrunt ubera Tigers.  
Hard Caucasus within his marble maw had got him first:  
And by the milk of Hircan Tigers, he was after nursed.   

Curan & his Transylvanians put to the retreat.  assoon as these were in this sort entered, there came flying unto the City, Curan with his Thessalians and Transylvanians: who brought such a sorrowful relation of the conflict, as there was never the like terror within the amazed hearts of the woeful Constantinopolitans, before. But, oh; when the Emperor Claranax, the Empress, and all the rest of that worthy rout, heard the taking of Rubaldo prisoner, and the death of Kaviscon related; with what an ireful geasture did they tear their tresses, beat their breasts, and bewail their miseries! But in especial, the Queen Anaxia so extremely bewailed the captivity of her dear husband, as, for agony of heart, she fell into such an hot burning ague, as she never while she lived, recovered perfectly thereof again. And surely at that instant, she had yielded up her weary life, had she not been the better comforted up, by the sage councellings of the Princess Almidiana and Eristama; who had (as you have heard) proved by experience, that the only remedy in adversity was patience. If these were woeful, how wroth on the other side was the good Prince Olbiocles? who was angry at nothing so much, as that he was so shrewdly taken down by a fever; as, like another Hector, he could not patronize the notable performances of his country men; whose body should have been the buckler to his Christian followers. Wherefore, 
Olbiocles impatient for his extreme weakness.  he smote himself sorely on the stomach, and beating his head against the bolster, he continued for a while almost in a frantic passion. Unhappy wretch (quoth he) and most accursed caitiff that thou art; why was I borne to see the ruin of my Country and Religion, and not be able in such extremes to secure them? If so, I would I had never rather received life, than thus have lived to behold such irreparable misfortunes. And therewithal he suddenly threw the sheets over his face, as if he had been ashamed of what could not be salved. For, by the providence of the Highest he was prevented in his princely purpose; least by courageously defending himself, he might have more offended himself, then by man's foreprovidence could be perceived. For, had he and the knight of the sea, once entered the combat; who knoweth not, that their undaunted courages would have brought one of their confusions? whose near affinity being once known to the reliever; who then would be more sorrowful than the vanquisher? and more care oppressed, than the conqueror? But to return, together with the day; that days destruction of the poor Christians being ended, the knight of the Sea caused the retreat to be sounded: whereupon, all of them retired to their tents. 
Retreat sounded by the Pagans'.  Where, how graciously each courageous soldier was guerdoned for his valiancy, and what wonderful rejoicing there was generally through the whole Camp of Pagans, I take it to be both tedious for the reading, and superfluous for the relating: and therefore, I will back address me to the bruised bands of sorrowful and disconsolate Christians. Whose hearts as they were full of sorrow for their recoil, so were they hopeful of wreaking a full revenge on their inhuman and devilish enemies. And therefore, calling their young Prince Curan, and the sage and strong Lord Labasto, with all the worthiest of the Spartan knights and soldiers, into counsel; they speedily concluded on a sudden revenge, to be wreaked on the unsuspecting Pagans: which they no sooner contrived, but they put it in execution. For, by that time the heavens had been hidden thrice three hours, in the sable coloured mantle of that same goddess of obscurity, and that by the crowing of the wakeful cock, 
The Christians in the night, sally out into the Camp of the Pagans.  they knew that it was past midnight; these two worthy Captains, Curan and Labasto, closely conducted their bands of Transylvanians, Thessalians, and Spartans, out at a postern gate of the city: & with such advised secrecy & silence they marched unto the Camp of the Pagans, as before the scoutwatch could descry them, they were within a furlong of the Royal pavilions of Tangur. When, bearing the alarm to be suddenly given to the Saracens, they rushed into the midst of the amazed Pagans, with such a sudden fury; as if Mars himself accompanied with infinities of his equals, had broken out of ambush, to take them at advantage: for on all sides, the fiery Spartans, following their Lordly leader, made such slaughter amongst the Infidels, as they met not with any, for the while, that were able to withstand them. And the first that encountered was Brammadon, & his two brothers Tribarte & Vibrante: who hurtled, like wild bulls, against Labasto and a strong Sparan knight, named Tellador. Who in the like sort received them so valiantly, as they made their steely pointed Lances to strike sparkles of fire, from out their well tempered beavers; never a one of them scaping scotfree, from the fury of his adversary. For, Labasto & Telador, by reason of their opponents incomparable strengths, were exceedingly bruised; & Brammadon and his brother, for default of their hastily endossed armours, wer● both exceedingly wounded: yet they passed by one another, with such invincible demeanours, into the thick press of each others enemies; as on all sides in a moment they massacred multitudes of resisting soldiers, 
A great havoc both of Christians & Pagans.  aswell Pagans as Christians. But oh, who had seen the wonders were wrought by Curan and his Thessalians, against the armed troops of their numberless enemies, he would have thought he had been irresistible in his angry action. For in less than an hour, he and his followers had given such a bloody banquet to the Saracens, under the king of Tangurs' regiment, as with ease they might approach unto the Royal pavilion: where, they had surprised Tangut himself, had not Oceander with a strong band of Tunis, with Xamaru, 
Oceander. with a supply of Pagans.  and divers others of the noblest of the Barbarian knighthood, with such unheard of valiancy repugned them; as, seeing themselves unable to resist their innumerable forces, by little and little, they advisedly retreated to their fellow followers of Sparta: who, having by this time slain, at the least, 
17000. Barbarians slain.  seventeen thousand Barbarians, with no little joy returned speedily unto the city of Constantinople. Where, what joys, what triumphs, and what thanksgiving there was generally amongst all Christians, I will not at this time stand to recite; lest I should make my book big only with superfluous descriptions.  
The hurly burly in the mean time continued still, 
A tumultuous hurly burly in the Pagans Camp,  in such disorderly manner in the Camp of the Pagans, as no man knowing well who was his friend, he took every one to be his enemy. Wherefore there happened exceeding bloodshed amongst them: which had not been possibly pacified; had not the knight of the sea caused his guard, with their battleaxes in their hands, in the names of the Kings of Tunis and Tangur, charged every one particularly to return unto his station. Which being (with much ado) performed, and the tumult appeased; the knight of the sea, by the commandment of King Tomarin and Tangut, causing silence to be proclaimed, called together Brammadon, Xamaru, Vibrante, 
The Pagans sit in counsel.  Tribarte, and Zabieir the Duke of Alcazer, with diverse more of the most valorous, and wisest of the African knighthood, unto secret counsel. Where many and divers verdicts being of divers given, and diversly censured; at last the eldest son of Giant Gandramond (with a fierce look, an haughty courage, and an high voice)  
Had I thought (quoth he in a rage) that so glorious an enterprise, as the invasion of all Europe, had been undertaken by such a sort livered milksoppes; by Mahomet, Brammadon 
brammadon's advice.  would never have once stirred a foot to aid you.  
For, where I thought, that not so much as the meanest soldier, if a Pagan, but that he was invincible; what may I now think? studying (unhappy that I should find so) the noblest, most heroic, and most worthiest knights (yea even the Generals themselves, whose virtues should be as a pattern to the base Barbarians valour) to be become such simple meacockes and of such cowardly resolutions. What? for an assault made by night upon us, by a sort of misbelieving Christians, who, like Arabian thieves, have even in our sleep set upon our soldiers, and surprised them, shall we, as my degenerate brother Tribarte counsels us, break up our camp, leave our attempts, & surcease our endeavours, even in the midst of our enterprises? Mahomet our holy Prophet, and great Termagant forefend it; and defend me from those, who for a flea-bites (in respect) will change their minds, and (unmindful of their eternal honours) refrain from finishing, even the last act of these Christians tragedies: who will not stick to think and talk, that their God in whom they believe, hath by his heavenly power dedefended them, and preserved their city from being sacked by such an infinity, of (as they call us) misbelieving Pagans; whose holy Gods are not in potency half equal to their Christ jesus. Oh holy and most mighty Mahomet, what a blemish will this be to thy divine majesty? To the dimming of whose resplendent glory, rather than any accident should ankly happen, I would first tear down the stony walls of Constantinople with my nails; or hazard myself to a doubtless destruction. Brammadon uttered these last words with such a wondrous vehemency of spirit, as the whole assembly both admired and admitted what he had counseled. And thereupon, with great joy they steadfastly resolved, so soon as the blushing morn appeared next; by their sudden assaults, to bring confusion on the Christians, & by the speedy conquering of Constantinople, to make all Grecia destitute of any fortified place of refuge, for to repugn them in their attempt.   

CHAP. XXIIII.  
¶ How the Christians, by the politic counsel of Duke Zabier of Alcazar, were vanquished by the Infidels; the Emperor Claranax, the Empress, the king of Bohemia, and all the Estates of Greece put in strong prisons and manacled; the Constantinopolitans forced by tortures and fear of death, to believe in Mahomet: And how by the sudden arrival of the wise Magartes, the knight of the sea knew himself to be a Christian.  
ZABIER, the good old Duke of Alcaazar, though he well had proved by experience, that haste bringeth waste; yet he determined willingly not to affront either Brammadon, or any of the others, in their resolves. Nevertheless, as one somewhat displeased, that the whole counsel had so rashly consented unto the youthful unadvised devise of Brammadon; as to surmise the sudden surprise of Constantinople (wherein the better part of the powerful prowess of Christendom was strongly engarrisonned: he turned to the one side, as a male content, from the company of such young Counsellors: and leaning his arm upon his helmet, he there rested in a melancholy dump; until, seeing both the kings, Tomarin and Tangut, with silence to expect his verdict (as one whom they knew most prudent) with his snowwhite hand, smoothing down his whiter beard, he gravely endeavoured in this sort better to advise them;  
It is not unknown unto ye (my noble Lords) how at that time the Emperor Claranax, 
Zabiers' sage counsel unto the Pagan Princes.  with his millions of manful Christians, embattled himself against the armed bands of Tunis, I boldly met him in the face, & not only combated him, but wounded him in the head very sorely: yet I but little prevailed: for I scaped not scarrelesse (I assure ye) in my enterprise. Also at the battles of Tangur and Tabarca, I boldly bade him battle, and hand to hand three times in one afternoon affronted him; but to no purpose. For by my unadvised rashness, I still lost more than I gained, & went away with the disadvantage; yea, even when I had my enemies at most advantage.  
The Christian Emperor Claranax (my worthy Countrymen) is not only warlike, but wary, wise and wily: & is not therefore to be dealt withal so rashly and headily, as any of our neighbouring nations, in Barbary, Lydia, or the rude Arabians, the foster themselves in the desert wildernesses, by base pillage & petty pilfry; whom in a moment, with a band of Launciers, or at the most with a small army, ye may presently put either to the flight or the foil. But, this nation with whom we now contend, are Christians: whose forces we have (to our costs) so thoroughly felt, as they seem in arms, rather to be like those valiant Heroes their ancestors (on whose helmet crests, is engraven Assured victory) then to have fetched their pedigree from puling Paris, who more delighted in amours then in armours; as one who cared not for bloody Bellona, so he might enjoy his harmless Helena, to dally with. These are no such simple souls (O ye worthy knights of Africa) & therefore not to be dealt withal scarbugge-like, as young Brammadon would have them. For it is not one battles loss will overcome them: but sundry slight skirmishes, that must first weaken them: for they are both prewe and politic, 
Where the Lion's skin will not serve, we must piece it, with the soxes' case.  having some of their knights in arms, whilst others be in ambush. And therefore, it is ill for us, with the eager mastiff, to venture to far in pursuit after the subtle Panther; lest, unawares entangled within his renting paws, we find ourselves subject to inevitable danger, and destruction.  
Oceander hearkened most attentively to the brief oration of the good old Duke of Alcaazar; who had no sooner ended, but by the holy Alcheron, Zabier (quoth he) thy counsel is both politic and profitable: for hereby we may both weaken the Constantinopolitans, and yer long (Mahomet and his holy Angels favouring us) take them at such advantage, as all the prisons in Greece may easily be filled with their captive carcases.  
Hereunto the whole counsel condescended: and thereupon each one departed to his own pavilion; except Tomarin, Tangut, the knight of the Sea and Zabieir: who, 
The Pagan princes go to view the city.  with their pages & six other attendant knights, secretly stolen out of the camp, & posted to the city: which they saw so exceedingly well watched & warded with bands of soldiers at that time, as they all wondered to see the Christians so vigilant in their defencing. Whereupon, Tomarin (quoth Tangut) I would to the Gods my men had been Christians, on that condition they would thus safely have guarded themselves from their Grecian surprisements. Whereat they all fetched a deep sigh, & speedily departed to their camp again. Where they were no sooner entered, but they might perceive on their pavilions, the brightsome glimmering of the blushing morning, to bid good morrow to those Martialistes, whose eyelids the drowsy slumbers of the former night had never closed. When, speedily & providently embattelling their soldiers, before it was fully daylight. Brammadon, Xamaru, & Taliertez took their way, with a strong battaglion of 3000. stout and valiant soldiers (as speedily as they could) unto a little nook of the forest, adjoining within half a league of Constantinople. 
An ambuscado of Pagans.  Within whose bushy entrails they closely enambushed themselves; whilst the knight of the Sea, Bamaru, Tomarin, & a selected battaglion of Tunis marched celerously forward, to encounter their Christian enemies. Who (under the general conduction, of the wounded Prince of Hungary, Labasto of Sparta, and Prince Curan of Thessaly, with their eager bands of Huns, Moldavians, Bulgarians, Bohemians, Budans, Transylvanians, & angry Spartans) had warlikely enraunged themselves in battle array, against the approaching of their reproachful adversaries of Tunis and Tangur: whose hearts were inflamed with such an ardent desire of revenging their Religion, and the death of their slain friends and brethren in the last days conflict; as like enraged Lions (running furiously to pray upon an heard of Neat, or Buffins) they marched fiercely against their Pagan foes. When, with their Lances in their rests, each side charged the other so strongly, as at the first encounter, sixteen of either part, were quite borne out of their saddles: amongst whom Curan and Tomarin accompanied their foiled fellow soldiers. But Tomarin in a moment received his horse again, at the hands of Oceander: who with almost an hundredth courageous knights, endeavoured with all might and main to repel the irresistible fury of the Spartans. Who (having hemmed in strongly on all sides, amongst them, Bamaru & the knight of the sea, whom they most envied) crying all aloud; The death of Ismerion of Sparta, shall this day be revenged: with one accord they lashed so furiously on the misbelieving Saracens; as, though the knight of the sea wrought wonders, in wounding and killing them without ceasing; yet they so desperately pressed upon him; as, had not Brammadon, Xamaru, and Taliartez discovered themselves the sooner out of their ambush 
The ambush breaketh out.  (maugre his magic armour) he had been in a moment, either taken prisoner, or hewn into a thousand pieces: so exceeding dreadful were the angry forces of the enraged knights of Sparta, for the revengement of the untimely death of their young Prince Ismerion.  
In the mean time, Tomarin and Bamaru were neither idle nor knightly occupied: for with multitudes of pitiless Pagans, they environed the good Prince Curan in such strong, & strange manner amongst them; as, being on foot, and the Saracens all horsed, he had much ado, of a long while, to settle one sound blow upon any of his adversaries: until by the happy help of the young Prince Morcavill, his enemies thick set troops were forcibly broken: and four of the mightiest Saracens being quite unhorsed, he was speedily remounted on a strong Barbarian palfrey, whose masters head he paid for the horse hire. When with his courser's heels making some room amongst them, he smote a big knight named Tleas, 
Tleas' slain●  so smart a blow over the left thigh, as cutting it quite from the loins, he made him quickly to leave his saddle to the safeguard of some unhorsed Christian. And therewithal, joining side to side with the Prince of Hungary, they heawed such a lane, through the thick troops of the misbelieving enemies, as within the space of a quarter of an hour, they quite freed themselves from the furies of the devilish Pagans.  
But alas, they could not long enjoy such happily enfranchised liberty.  
For now approacheth the piteous period of all their generous proceed. Oceander is at hand (freed, & having foiled and confounded his Spartan 
The Spartans' foiled.  opponentes, slain Labastoe, 
Labasto slain.  and slaughtered almost every of his soldiers) with his falchion Scindifer, reeking with lukewarm blood of new-slaine christians. Who brandishing it above his helm, lent such a right-downe blow upon the Hungarian Princes helmet; as, battering it into his brainpan, 
Morcavill slain by Oceander.  he sent him headlong unto the cold earth. Whose yellow dust (as pitying the innocent young Prince's death) gathered into clottered balls, before the mouth of his bleeding wound: which strangely seeking to stop, it never ceased till itself was drowned in the bloody gore of the slain young Gentleman. Whose executioner the God of heaven forgive: for when he struck the stroke, he knew not that he wrought the downfall of his dearest kinsman. At whose death, the Prince of Thessaly was so inflamed with desire of revenge, as (not regarding the multitudes of his mischieving enemies) he roughly rushed into the thickest squadrons of Barbarians: and with his trusty courtleaxe he laid so lustily about him, as he never lent blow that lighted in vain; his brandished sword bringing assured death to his opponents: so as, before he once so much as rested, he brought eleven of his resisting foes to ground; with his own hands, still making an easy way, for his almost slaughtered soldiers, to follow him through. But what prevail doughty deeds, against death? or a warlike Martialist against a more worthy Mars? Oceander, with a fatal fury, hath crossed him through the troops, and by the brandishing of his cutting courtleaxe, hath summoned his sweet soul to take flight from his earthily prison house. For, with such an irresistible fury the falchion descended upon Curans 
Curan it slain.  cuirass, as parting it in pieces, it buried his cursed blade in the bowels of his christian stomach: which, belching out his life together with his blood, bade a sorrowful farewell to his more than sorrowfullest soldiers. Who like good subjects never joyed, unrevenged to after-live their slaughtered Sovereign: but, desperately dispersing themselves amongst their enemies, they joyfully died, in effecting of their revengeful resolutions, 
Thessalians slaughtered.  after the slaughter of more than fourteen hundredth stout Barbarians.  
In this sort, from day to day, did the good fortune of the christians continually decline; so as, the good old Emperor, perceiving no happy help for his helpless hap, remained in a most melancholy pensiveness, as one who had lost himself in some desert wilderness; where, not having what to relieve him he determineth to banish his breath from his body by doleful dumpishness: such and so sorrowful was the good Emperor, for the emprisement of Rubaldo, death of prince Morcavil, loss of his friends, slaughter of his subjects, ruin of his Realm, & sudden confusion of all christendom. The meditating on which miseries so mightily massacred his soul; as, had he not been of the greater wisdom, & had the surer confidence in the power of his God, to whom nothing can be impossible, it had been almost impossible for him, to have any long time, kept his life & body together. Nevertheless, with the assiduous thought of his thronging misfortunes, he was so exceedingly vexed, as in his agony he seemed more like some anatomy; then as he was, the generous, worthy and thrice excellent Emperor Claranax. Whose sorrows daily more and more increased, in such abundance, as it was a wonder to see the excess of his extremities, like an unhealeable ulcer, still to increase; whilst his power, pleasure, and princely pomp decayed, ceased and decreased.  
And even in the midst of these his mischiefs, his enemies pressed, and oppressed, towards his City, and subjects, in such huge multitudes; as, having encompassed Constantinople in, on all sides, 
Constantinople strait engirt on all sides.  and by their narrow watchings, disappointed the Citizens of all further provision of victualling necessaries, they penned them in, like a flock of silly sheep, within the encompassing circlings of devouring Leopards: whose staying brought starving, and whose egress assured danger, destruction and death. In these infinities of extremity; O God therefore, at last take pity and compassion of thy distressed servants piteous perplexities; that by their foil received of their remorseless enemies, thy own honour, and thy sweet Son jesus Christ's glory may never fall, or be defiled with the filthy and horrible blasphemies, that will proceed out of the malicious mouths of misbelieving and faithless Sarrasens: from whose power, if of thy gracious goodness, thou dost not protect thy dear children, undoubtedly, even in a moment, all christendom shallbe converted unto Maumetrie.  
But, lest we seem herein too tedious, let us now revert our stile to the last act of this lamentable story, or rather doleful Tragedy.  
After that (to their no little joy) the plagues of Europe, that misbelieving Pagans, had in many skirmishes (by the unmatchable chivalry of that same choice flower of Knighthood, thrice exquisite Oceander) sequestered all good fortune from the proceedings of the penned up Grecians; and that they perfectly perceived the quondam power of the christians, to be in such strange sort diminished; as only within the circuit of the walls of Constantinople, there were remaining but thirty or forty thousand fight soldiers (most of which number were either pined with hunger even unto the bones, 
The misery of the christians.  or prejudiced so in their bodies by wounds, as they were not able to make any strong resistance) they waxed continually more boulder & bolder in bidding battle to their unabiding enemies: who rather sought, if it were possible, by peace to procure some happy conclusion; them by conflicting any more, to bring their Cities & religion to confusion. Yet notwithstanding, such was the uncontrolled courage of the old Emperor Claranax: as though he should have died, he could not in such cowardly sort refrain from affronting of his furious foes. And therefore commanding his soldiers to speedy arms; with the good aged king Fyardon of Bohemia, the courageous Princes Arcanio, Tholon, Thiorin, & the young Duke Siranius of Athens, brother of murdered Meroander (whom the Emperor Claranax 
Claranax leadeth his army against the Pagans.  the self same day, with other three of his his companions named Riscian, Lebarano, and Yponto, had ennobled with the honourable order of Knighthood) he marched warlikely out of the gates of Constantinople, towards the camp of the Africans. With whose numberless multitudes, before he would join in conflict (causing a little mount of turfs to be raised by his pioneers) with a strong voice and a cheerful countenance, he in this wise began to comfort up his almost disconsolate soldiers: who having settled themselves in order round about him, with greedy ears attended, to his following oration.  

Claranax his oration to his army.  My dear friends, & faithful followers, though I am assured of your high valours, and that your courages are uncontrollable: yet, that in your haughty hearts centre, no one thought of childish and cowardly fear might (by reason of the multitude of your heathen enemies) once enter, I can in no wise refrain or retain my tongue, from telling you your duties in such distressefulnesse. Hearken therefore unto the words of your dear sovereign, my most dutiful subjects: and embrace, with joy, what I shall relate with joyfulness of soul: if to your soul's comforts my exhortative speeches may penetrate into your hearts, which misfortune hath macerated, and unheardof hard mishap hath made (I feareme) heavy unto destruction. At which word, the tears fell in such abundance from his eyes; as, for a while being unable to proceed any further, he leaned himself on the arm of the young Prince Arcanio: but by the sorrowful sighing of the christian soldiers, being somewhat moved, at last (sighs lending leave) he once again prepared himself to his former proposed task: But God be our guide, and as his will shall be, so let our wills be: and though he have a great while turned his face aside from us, yet let us still hope that he hath not cast us into these perils, to cast our lives into perdition: but rather, by making our foes to triumph over us, at the last by their sudden confusion, to work his name everlasting glory. Which though for a space, I see it must be dimmed with the darksome dregs of Paganry and Barbarism; yet I hope he will not altogether forget the faithful, or suffer his chosen children to bear the intolerable yoke of heathenish thraldom. Which (if it be his holy pleasure we should endure) let us not shrink aside, or be dismayed at the matter: but rather with unaffrighted hearts, and constant courages, let these same base parts of ourselves (our souls hateful prison houses) willingly sustain the shameful servitude, whereto our maker, hath appointed us. I speak not this nevertheless (dear friends and associates) to dissuade you from your heroic and worthy resolutions, or to persuade you to most cowardly yielding unto your enemies, or to prostrate yourselves submissively, before the proudest of the Pagan Potentates. For, far be it from me, to wish your thraldom, especially, servilely to subject yourselves (yea, and also your sweet souls) to such shame and slavery: for whose liberty and the glory of our Religion (against the proudest he, that dareth) even from my cradle. I have unwed to lose the dearest member of my poor carcase: which this day (God willing) shall either be hewn in pieces amongst my enemies, or else return victorious in the happy overthrow of the common adversaries of all christendom: which God, of his goodness grant unto me. The good Emperor Claranax having ended, his soldiers shut up his oration with such a shr●ll iteration of Amen, as both hills and dales echoed with resounding. 
The army of the christians march joyfully to the battle.  When (by reason of the fast approaching of the Pagan army) every one repairing unto his ensign; before the rest, the four new made Knights Siranius, Ristion, Libarano, and Yponto, stepping out before the Emperor Claranax, fell down on their knees, & most humbly begged to be honoured with the first encounter. Whereunto the Emperor condescending, they speedily mounted their strong limbed coursers: on whose backs, at once, each seemed to the beholding Grecians (like as a second Perseus on his winged Pegasus) to fly before their fellows for greediness of the first onset: with such a furious swiftness their virtuous emulations caused them to post unto their enemy's squadrons. Against whom came pricking out Zamaru, Vibrante, and two other mighty Pagans, with such wondrous fierceness, as the very ground seemed to tremble under the battering hooves of their well timbered palfreyes: betwixt whom the onset was given with such his resolution: 
They encounter.  as, brasting their knotty spears even to their gauntlets, they seemed to have dimmed the air with the several shivers of their stivered lances; whilst they passed by each other, not without sufficient tokens of their approved valours, encharactred upon their gorgets. When at once, vnsheathing their keen Courtleares, they renewed their cruel combat: wherein each one of them behaved himself with such dexterity; as the whole armies aswell Africans, as Christians, wondered at their angry actions.  

The battaglions of Arcanio & Brammadon encounter.  And now by this time, the battaglion that was led by the Princes Arcanio and Tholon, joined so strongly with brammadon's regiment of Barbarians; as at the first shock, sixteen of their side were quite thrown to the ground, and Tholon and Bawrant (with whom he encountered) enforced both to make a pillow of their palfreys' croupes, to save themselves from a shameful falling. On the other side, the strong battaglions of Tunis and Tangur, under the conduct of incomparable Oceander, marched forward, 
The battalions of the Emperor & Tomarin meet.  to cope with the Emperor and the King of Bohemia's regiments. Betwixt whom there began so hot a conflict, as not any of them (except the Knight of Sea, whose spear bare death unto his opponent) escaped hurtless from the encounter. For the old King Fiardon, being the first (by reason of the swiftness of his horse) that encountered, met Tomarin so strongly upon the cuirass, as piercing his brazen armour, he broke off the head of his lance, against the breastbone of the Pagan potentate: who on the other side, so adventerously affronted the Bohemian King, as he bore both horse & man almost on the earth. Wherewith, Fiardon 
Fiardo overthrown horse & man.  was so greatly bruised, as he was feign presently to departed aside out of the battle, for to breathe himself. Which the Emperor Claranax seeing: Ha, dear God (quoth he, with a great sigh) what pity is it of my dear cousin of Bohemia's age-caused weakness! good old man, I shall revenge thee on thy boisterous opponent: and therewithal (thinking to have learned the Pagan King, a lesson for his overbould encounter) he leaveld his lance with such unusual strength against him; as, had not Bamaru the sodainlyer st●pped in between them, he had fully requited the foil, received by the King Fiardon. For he so courageously charged Bamaru, as (for all by the Pagans assault he lost the stirrups and was wounded in one of his thighs) he bore him, without once breaking of his lance, clean out of his saddle to the earth: where, had not a band of sturdy Saracens come speedily unto his rescue, he had there been either slain or taken prisoner.  
In the mean while, the undomptable Knight of the Sea, and Thiorin met one another with such a strong carreiere; as, Thiorin breaking his lance in a thousand shivers upon the Knight of the Seas helmet, he received oceander's spear upon his threefoulde shield. Which unable to withstand the death bringing sharpness, 
Thiorin slain.  yielded way to the steely point; until (having pierced quite through and through the Bohemians armed body the same stack half a yard out behind his back, to the great wonder of the christians; who, never since the combat of the Emperor Claranax and the king Fyardom, against the stern Giants Rhombort and Ramorin, in defence of the Queen Gyloria, of England had once beheld so strange an accident.  

The knight of the sea doth great deeds of arms.  But, the Knight of the Sea never stayed with that encounter: but like a wood Lion, or some mountain Tiger, he fiercely rushed into the thickest troops of christians, and with the self same spear, wherewith he slew Thiorin, he so valourously assailed his resistantes, as before it broke, he unhorsed eleven Constantinopolitan knights: and then, wresting a strong lance from an attending Moor, he so courageously behaved himself therewith; as, without resting, he sent three Bohemian Knights, both horse and man, to measure their lengths upon the ground.  
Which Fiardon advising, Oh, dear Lord of Heaven, (quoth he) what wonders doth yonder Knight in the watchet armour, with the golden rocks perform against us! Surely, if his arm fail him not the sooner, I shall stand in doubt of our utter overthrow: wherewithal, the Knight of the Sea charged a strong Athenian named Maxetes, with such sure, as he bore him up by plain force, at the p●int of his spear, well-nigh three quarters of a yard, from his horseback. Who was no sooner recovered upon his feet again, but that, Knight of the Sea (quoth he) now will I try, whether thy fortune be so good on foot as on horseback: and therewith running his sword up unto the hilts, in Oceanders steeds belly, he made the valorous Knight of the Sea, in spite of his teeth, to dismount himself unto him. Whose haughty heart, unable to brook such an horrible injury, incensed him with multitudes of angry thoughts: which boiled in such wondrous wise within his breast, as his eyes sparkled with fire, & out of his mouth (together with these dreadful words) proceeded abundance of smoke; which like to a thick mist, conducted these terrible tidings, out at the loop holes of his beaver; Now by Mahomet (unknightly Christian) if my good sword hold, thou shalt full dearly abye thy perpetrated villainy, in slaying of my palfrey. Wherewith the furious fostersonne of Carthaginian Kanira, 
Maxetes slain by Oceander.  smote such a stroke upon the helmet of the Athenian; as, cleaving his helm and head asunder, the biting steel never stayed, until in the bowels of poor Maxetes' body, 
The Christians give ground.  it had buried itself in a bloody sepulture. At which sorrowful spectacle, the Christian soldiers were so exceedingly amazed, as by little and little they gave ground to their following foes; and in short time would have fled; had not the god king Fiardon, after his breathing space, once more put in amongst them; and like a good Chieftain, sought rather to forsake his life, then forego his soldiers, in such extremity. Wherefore, with his falchion in his fist, and his shield on his arm, he speedily road unto the place where Oceander remained unhorsed: when, calling unto him; Sir knight (quoth the good king of Bohemia) induced thereto by thy virtue, though thy foe, and hostile enemy; yet envying that any one should triumph in thy misfortune-caused overthrow, I shall quickly deliver thee from the danger of thy enemy's horses feet; that with the greater glory I may boldly boast of my got victory. Hold thee therefore (quoth he) and on the preposed condition, remount thee on this same Barbarian Palfrey: 
Fiardon horseth Oceander  and therewith he delivered him a strong and tall Courser, which he had won at one full blow from a stout Moroccan: whose shoulder deprived of the head, spewed out a stream of bloody gore, upon the dusty ground; which willingly drank up the purple flood that flowed, from such a forced fountain.  
Oceander, though he could not choose but wonder at Fiardons unprofitable courtesy; yet he would not refuse his so gentle offer, especially standing in need at that time of such an happy adiuver. And therefore, taking the horse by the reigns, he lightly mounted up into the saddle: & then approaching to the king of Bohemia, Now sir knight (quoth he) will you I should perform the promise I made unto you? Yea, replied Fiardon. Surely (answered the knight of the sea) then, thought it might seem a point of discourtesy to do so; yet since you will needs have it so, I shall willingly condescend to satisfy your fancy: prepare yourself therefore for the encounter. You shall be welcome, said Fiardon: & thereupon they buckled together so fiercely, as if two hungry Panthers had been contending for some got prey: 
Combat between Fiardon and Oceander.  & with such exceeding strength, with their keene-edged Curtelaxes, they unceasingly lashed on one another's helmet, as it seemed they were all on fire, with the sparkles that were raised by their furies. When, Fiardon (angry to be so long in such a simple combat) lifted up Queen Gilorias sharp slicing falchion, and therewith smote the knight of the sea, so sound a buffet on the beaver; as, had not his age made him crazed (for all his enchanted armour) he would at that same blow, have either slain him outright, or so amazed him, as all the Surgeons in Europe, with their Esculapian skill, should never have been able to heal him again. Nevertheless, the same descended not so lightly, but that it made the knight of the sea not only to stagger, but also to embrace his horse neck, to save himself from falling. But recovering himself, now by the holy Alcheron (quoth he) I shall not be behind hand with thee for my payment: and therewithal raising himself up in his stirrups, he lent the good old king of Bohemia so sound a blow upon the shield; as, parting it quite in two pieces, the sword never stayed, till it uncreasted his helmet. With the heaviness of whose fall, Fiardon 
Fiardon carried captive to Tomarins pavilion.  was so amazed; as in a swoon he lay still on his Courser, until, by the commandment of Oceander, he was carried captive unto Tomarins pavilion: whilst the more than thrice renowned son of Olbiocles, followed eagerly after his flying enemies; whom to the very gates of Constantinople, 
The Christians go to wrack.  with a great slaughter, he swiftly pursued.  
As here, so in all parts of the battle, the Grecians and Bohemians went to the worst. For, where the four new dubbed knights of Athens, Siranius, Ristion, Libarano, & Vponto were in combat against Xamaru, Vibrant, Accoell, & Norlas, the battle went so disastrously against them; as, though Siranius and Libarano, had slain their opponents Vibrant and Norlas, 
Vibrant & Norlas slain.  and the other two had sorely wounded Accoell & Xamaru; yet they were at last so wonderfully weakened, not only with the offending and defending of their enemies, and friends; but also with the abundance of blood that issued in no small quantity out of their broad wounds at the beginning of the combat, their strengths so exceedingly decreased, as in spite of their uncontrolled courages, they were feign submissively to prostrate themselves, and their lives to the doubtful mercy of the misbelieving Pagans. Who, not a little glad of their got victory, sending them altogether (with the dead bodies of Vibrante and Norlas) unto their brother brammadon's tent Royal, they presently rushed into the midst of the Athenian regiments, with such puissance; as, maugre their courageous magnanimities, the Christians were feign to grant themselves conquered; and by base flight, 
The Christians fly.  to seek to save their wretched lives, from the furies of their wicked oppressors. Which when that prew Prince Arcanio 
Arcanio with his Bohemians give a supply.  (who was doing miracles of Chivalry against his Pagan enemies) perceived, with such a fell fury, he stoutly opposed himself, and his band of Bohemians, before the face of the Pagan pursuers; as, at the first shock, he overturned Accoell, 
Accoell slain Arcanio overthrown.  both horse and rider to the earth: and then, puissantly passing on further, with the self same Lance, he charged a giantlike Saracen, so full upon the breastplate; as, piercing him into the stomach, he suddenly made him tumble headlong unto the ground Which Bawrant (who was in combat with one-armed Tolon) advising, he at unawares assaulted Arcanio behind, with such unknighty fierceness; as, piercing him quite through the right shoulder, he bore him half dead, clean to the ground. Which unchampion like assault, & treacherous stercenesse, brave-minded Brammadon, not without blushing, 
Virtuous valour. Bawrante slain.  beholding; with his sharp sword he so sound executed his vigorous virtue, upon the traitor Bawrantes helmet; as, parting it to the beaver, he made him too late repent his but lately offered injury. With which his virtuous valour & true knightly prowess, Acanio was so amazed, as he presently delivered up his sword unto his hands; & yielded himself & his safety, 
Arcanio prisoner.  prisoner to so praise worthy a vanquisher; who speedily sent him to accompany Fiardon, his distressed father. Between whom, and the king Rubaldo of Hungary, and other Christian Captives, what sad congratulations passed (for that I hast towards an end of this my first part of the history) I will not stand to relate, neither can they long remain in it. For within less than the third part of a quarter of an hour, 
Tomarin wounded.  there entered Tomarin all wounded into their pavilions, in such grievous, sort; as with a joyful hope of some better fortune, to betide the good Emperor Claranax, against his Pagan foes, they were half amazed: each one in his heart most earnestly soliciting the Almightiest of all mighties, to send his happy succour, at last to second the cruel conflict of the discouraged Christians, against the barbarous Barbarians: when presently they heard such a joyful shout in the Christian armies; as, if the victory had wholly vaded from the Moors, and advanced itself miraculously among the Grecians. Wherefore, their hearts danced for joy within their breasts; which held an assured hope, that now at length their happy freedom should be regained, their oppressors repelled, and so great a plague as (if God defended not) was likely to infect all Christendom, should be quite and clean, even before the declining of the days illuminatour, into the western Ocean, be abelled, and expelled. But alas, such their hope was suddenly frustrated. For, as by the approaching of the Prince Olbiocles (whose ague the fearful agony of the subversion of all Christendom, had strangely banished) together with the old Queen Zaama of Bohemia (who hearing of her husband Fiardons harms, had taken arms Amazon-like, for his revengement) the retiring Bohemians and Athenians were again reduced into their martial order; 
The battle renewed by Olbiocles & Zaama.  and the battle on the Grecians side, was rank by rank courageously begun a fresh against their enemies; so as those that got ground lately, were now grown to be good enough for their pursuers; whom they continually chased, with a new increased slaughter: Even so again, the stout Queen Zaama of Bohemia, being overmatched, by the valour and youthful vigour of a lusty African, named Caliartez (who had quite unbuckled her habergeon) in one place; and in another, the worthy (though sore weakened) Prince of Grecia, fight courageously, in the rescue of his captived father Claranax, with Oceander; being overmastred, and made captive; 
Olbioce● captive.  the fortune of Christendom began to show a new face; and the discomfited soldiers, casting down their weapons, to betake themselves to most speedy retreat. Wherein, 
The Christians retreat, are sharply pursued, and yield.  being swiftly followed by the Infidels, after great slaughter, they were forced to submit themselves unto the mercy of the bloodthirsty Barbarians; who would have put them every mother's child unto the sword; had not their devilish furies been contradicted, by the dreadful frowns of their knightly conductors: who, by the commandment of the illustrious knight of the sea, causing all the Christian prisoners, as well noble, as ignoble, to be manacled together, marched fair and softly towards the gates of Constantinople: where what multitudes of mournful Matrons, 
A sorrowful time, full of calamity and pity.  angelic companies of beautiful Ladies, and sorrowful troops of oppressed Orphans, and age-wearied fathers, came basely creeping on their bare knees, to beg their lives pardon at the hands of their haughty conquerors, it were both tedious to recite, and incredible to be believed.  
For none there was, but those that scorned  
To bow at fortunes frown,  
That did refuse for to confess  
Themselves for overthrown.  
Wherefore in anger all enraged,  
The Pagans them apply,  
To set resistants to a task  
Of long captivity:  
So as that prisons every one  
Were filled with Christians store,  
As none should have been empty left,  
Had there been many more.  
Amongst the rest, is Claranax,  
Fiardon, and their wives,  
With children, friends, and subjects chief,  
Adjudged to lead their lives,  
In dungeons deep, where darkness still  
doth light of heaven expel,  
Whilst that they justly represent  
The sightless caves of hell.  
Where they must fettered still remain,  
Until to Mahound's law,  
They would become obedient,  
And live in fearful awe.  
Which whosoever did embrace,  
With willingness of mind,  
Not only life, but lawful love  
He did 'mongst Pagans find.  
Which was the cause, that multitudes  
Forsook their saviours best,  
And to the patched Alcheron,  
Their confidence addressed:  
Which to the good, what grief it caused,  
It cannot be expressed.  
OF which their endurance, God (of his infinite & incomparable goodness) at last taking merciful compassion, he graciously stretched out his hand to help his servants; & lent leave, that at last his chosen people might be miraculously defended by him, by whom their state, religion, and liberty, had been erst so exceedingly endamaged and offended. For now was the time come, when to know his father, & acknowledge himself unto his kinsfolks: whom he had no sooner imprisoned, manacled, and enthralled, but that there arrived before him, in the base-court of the emperors palace, the wise woman, and learned Lady enchantress, Magartez, 
Magartez arriveth happily at Constantinople.  accompanied with a great troop of most valiant Carthaginian Knights (whose spangled plumes of diverse-coloured feathers, chumbrating the steely creastes of their gilded helmetts, showed in semblance, like warlike Mars his burganets, overshadowed with golden tressalines of his Paphian fair paramour) who falling prostrate before his armed feet, in this sort delivered she her embassage:  
Brave Knight of the Sea, that God that ruleth all that he made, and made all that is, preserve (for his dear sons sake jesus Christ, the sacred saviour of all believing souls) preserve I say, the gracious Kanira, the happy (yea thereby thrice happy) mother of thee so fortunate a foster-child.  
Oceander, hearing the wise woman to greet him with such a christian salutation, knew not what to judge of the matter: but wondering at the manner, he stood still in a maze; until Magartez proceeding on forward in her speech, in this sort, awaked him out of his melancholy muses.  
What? do you wonder my gracious Lord at this? only because I greet you like a christian? Madame, quoth he, I do and stand amated at the strangeness of the accident. Then will you marvel more, replied the wise Lady, when you shall assuredly understand, that you yourself are a christian; and with your valour, shall hereafter defend the decayed estate of christendom; yea, & that thou shalt be heir to the Empire of Greece and Constantinople.  
Surely (answered Oceander) it may be so: but I assure you I cannot easily believe it. No? quoth she, you will tell me another tale, by that time you have perused the contents of this scroll: and therewith she gave him the brazen scroll of Artimagus: 
The scroll of Artimagus.  (which you before heard, was given to the custody of Magartez, being charmed with such admirable skill, as it could never be opened by any man, but Oceander; neither by his own self until such time as he had done his parents the greatest wrong that could be) which the Knight of the Sea receiving at her hands, and with great and speedy facility opening, he might perceive therein, not without great art encharactered, this following relation of his royal birth and noble Parentage.  

¶ TO THE MOST EXQVISITE OCEANDER.  

I  
Happy achiever of each hard adventure,  
Illustrious Sea-knight, unto thine assays  
Fortune is bound to cross each disaduenture,  
That shall oppose itself against thy praise.   

two  
For that great God that rules the azure sky  
By mighty hand and power puissant;  
As he for thee hath given his son to die:  
So let him his grace in thy heart emplant.   

III  
That after thou shalt come to be of power,  
And matchless force, thou mayst be known to be  
The worthy Grandchild of that Emperor,  
That rules all Greece in Christianity.   

IIII  
Thou mayest give honour to his deity,  
That hath preserved thee to this happy time,  
To free thy country from the tyranny  
Of strong Usurpers, of a stranger clime.   

V  
Which when by these lines thou shalt understand,  
See that thou strait it to redress endeaver:  
But first thy parents free: then out of hand,  
In thy attempted enterprise persever.  
And then that God that made and governs all,  
Shall make thee famous by thy foeman's fall.  ARTIMAGUS.   

Oceander. knoweth his parents.  Oceander, not without amazement, having perused this pleasing poem of his parentage, grew on the sudden to be both glad, & sad: glad, that he knew his friends, kinsfolks, & parents: sad, that he had caused the ruin and destructive downfall of his worthy countrymen, in whose faces he should be ashamed ever hereafter for to look; were it not that through ignorance his fault being committed, thotough repentance, his punishment might be remitted. And therefore (after on his knees he had powered out his orisons of thanksgiving before the throne of his heavenvly maker, 
An happy change.  for his gracious mercy, at last compassionately bestowed upon his wretched and unworthy self, to wit the revealing unto his terreane thoughts, that he was one of the happy members of Christ jesus, his holy redeemer and saviour) taking the wise Magartez 
Oceander delivereth the keys of the prisons to Magartez.  by the hand, and leading her into a secret chamber, he gave unto her all the keys of the prison houses, wherein his unhappy countryfolkes were enclosed, he bade her dispose of all things at her pleasure, & according to her great discretion; whilst he himself, would cause the Townsmen and converted Citizens, against the next morning to be ready in arms, to defend the rightness of their religion, and liberty of their consciences. Whereupon, till towards the evening, she departed unto her lodging (which was in a very fair tent of needlework, wrought most artificially with diverse-couloured silk and pearls) whence, after the shutting in of the silent evening, she took her journey, first from one prison unto another (without any let or stop of the watch, because the Knight of the Sea himself, for that night, by the commandment of the Kings of Tunis & Tangur, watchfully guarded the streets in armour, with a band of his most valiant soldiers) where finding a number of the Grecian nobility, sitting in sad consort, with their dear sovereigns. Claranax, Rubaldo, Fyardon, Olbiocles, 
Magartez reporteth of Oceander to the captived christian princes.  the Empress, the sick Queen Anaxia, wounded Zaama, sad Almidiana, wise Eristama, and divers more of that doleful company; entering hastily in among them, she first gave a willing greeting, & then sitting herself down amongst the Princesses, she there briefly related unto them, from one end to the other, the whole and almost incredible history, of the Knight of the Seas adventures; assuring them that he was their son, and would (when time served) most willingly acknowledge them for his parents. Which pleasing story brought them all into such excess of delight and pleasures; as before it was altogether ended, they all sank down in a swo●ne, 
Vnhoped-for comfort.  upon one another's necks: such wonderful joy doth the reobtaining of a lost friend procure, unto the kind hearts of the loving father, and kinsfolks. But, after the space of a quarter of an hours wondering at their admirable fortunes; Oh dear God (quoth Almidiana then with tears trickling down her fair cheeks) and hast thou thus graciously, then at length (yea even at the last gasp) taken compassion on thine handmaid? as to send me my dear son, whom in the hands of a poor fisherman, 
almidiana's thanksgiving.  I left to the mercy of the Ocean? O great God, for ever and ever shall I praise thee, and thy mighty power shall be magnified amongst all nations. And then turning her to Magartez: yea but (dear Lady quoth she) when shall my unworthy eyes enjoy the happy sight of my most worthy Son? Replied Magartez; It will not be long, most beauteous Princess, before he come & visit you: for towards the morning I do expect him. whereupon they broke off their talk, 
Oceander entereth into the prison, & is known to be Olbiocles' son.  until the breaking out of the blushing morning, from the lattic'de portals of the Eastern- Ocean; when the Knight of the Sea, together with the sun, entered into the prison house unto them. Whom Almidiana and Eristama no sooner beheld, but they disarmed him of his breastplate, & unbuttoning his doublet, which hide the secret signal that he was their son: this is he, this is he O my worthy parents and companions, for whom my heart hath more than ten thousand times been ready to rend in pieces: welcome my son, welcome Oceander, my more than sweetest son. Wherewithal she kissed him so sweetly, that Rubaldo could not refrain from tears, thinking of the timeless death of his dear son Prince Morcavill. For whose slaughter, his heart a great while wrestled, whether with anger he should revenge his disaster on the Knight of the Sea, as his enemy: or, forgetting the mischief, kindly to entertain him for his dear and loving Graunde-child, In which conflict of contrary cogitations, kind love obtained the conquest: for, 
Anger, from a father's heart,  
Will in a moment soon departed,  Wherefore rising up from the cold pavements, where he was sadly set, he presently ran to Oceander: & with the pearled tears trickling down his snowwhite beard; Sufficeth it (quoth he) my dear son, that thou art yet living: for as dear art thou to me, as was Morcavill; though through thee, my sad soul mourns for his destruction: and therewith they fell both in a pasme vpp●n one a●●●h●rs b●s●me: so 〈◊〉 were th●●●●●y 〈…〉; but e●p●c●●l●y of the Emperor Claranax, the Empress, Olbiocles, and the Queen Anaxia. Who for very gladness sat silent in their places on the cold pavements, not being able to utter one word, or so much as beckon unto their soul's Elysium, more than thrice happy Oceander: such pleasure able passions his presence caused, in the hearts of all his loving friends. To whose courteous embracings, kind kissings, and loving entercousinges, we will at this time leave him: as at his losing we did begin, so at his happy finding, reviewing, and reinjoying of his royal Parents, now also determiing to finish this first part, of the famous History of his admirable, and heroical Adventures.   
FINIS.   

R. W. To the author of this HISTORY.  

LIke as the poisoned Spider and the Bee,  
In summers time from off one fragrant Rose,  
To suck sweet juice and venom we do see;  
Yet not the herb her virtue for to lose:   

Even so, what seely Innocent not knows,  
That among men the like effect is found?  
As some from Truth itself, others from shows,  
Will reap both good and ill, from off one ground.   

Wherefore (perhaps) some men will limits bound,  
Unto thy praises with sufficiency:  
Others (perchance who will seem more profound)  
Will count thy writings but a foolery;  
And will it scandilize injuriously:  
Yet let not such despite thy heart confound,  
But suffering them to pass such as they be,  
Care only for to please the honey Bee.   
R. W.