¶ THE SECOND part of the first Book of the Mirror of Knighthood: IN WHICH IS PROSECUTED THE ILLUSTRIOUS deeds of the knight of the Sun, and his brother Rosicler, Sons unto the Emperor Trebatio of Greece: With the valiant deeds of arms of sundry worthy Knights, very delightful to be read, and nothing hurtful to be regarded.  
NOW NEWLY TRANSLAted out of Spanish into our vulgar tongue by R. P.  
LONDON  
Printed by Thomas Este. 1599   

TO THE RIGHT worshipful Master Thomas paul Esquire, Clerk of the Crown in her majesties high Court of Chancery  
COnsidering (right Worshipful) that such men as have excelled others in virtue or any excellent quality, do shine through perpetual fame all abroad, and are like the bright Sun beams, surmounting (without comparison) the small and speedy decaying candles of the rude & ignoble: and seeing that this brightness of fame hath, and doth not only shine in men by virtuous studies and contemplative exercises, but also in most worthy feats of chivalrv and martial prowess (the knowledge & practice whereof Cicero, that most wise and learned Senator, deemed as necessary as learning and other good gifts of the mind, to maintain an orderly common weal.) Considering also that as well the spirit of God hath by the hands of Moses, and of many good men since, published, and that greatly commending them, the valiant acts and puissant exploits of sundry both good and mighty men at arms, as did Homer, Titus Livius, Sallust, with many more, the right martial and ever memorable acts of the Greeks', the Romans, etc. All which records of Chivalry ●ending to animate others unto imitating the like, and being ●s a spur to instigate and prick us forwards unto prowess, who ●lse would be idle and lie in obscurity: I have thought it ●ot fruitless to publish this Mirror of Knighthood also, in●ented and set forth rather to encourage dastards and to teach ●he ready minded what excellency is in puissant and invincible minds, passing common judgement, then to feed the reader with an untruth. Now, sithence custom hath made it to be as a law in men's hearts observed, that they account books published not to have sufficient warrant, except they be dedicated to some worthy parsonage of authority, I am bold to present unto your Worship this Book, entitled▪ The second part of the Mirror of Knighthood, done out of Spanish, and now newly printed: beeseeching your Worship rather to accept of my good will showed, than to respect the simpleness of the gift. Thus ceasing to be tedious, I commit you to the tuition of the Almighty, who bless you and all yours.  
Your Worship's most assured: T. E.   

To the Reader.  
I Have (good Reader) according to my forepast promise, prosecuted the Second part of the first Book of the Mirror of Knighthood: after which likewise (before the second part already Printed) followeth another book, which is entitled in the Spanish work, The third part of the first Book. etc. Which, with as much expedition as may be, shall be published: whereby both the acquaint beginning, and the quoy abruption, shall be brought to a concord, though no conclusion: Yet shall the whole story be concluded with diligent speed, if thou accept with thy wont courtesy, these passed impressions. Desiring thee not to think the fullness of the history to be deferred of malice, but by evil luck: wherefore good Reader, I beseech thee, bear with the abruptness of the translation, the errors of the impression, and the good meaning of the Author: and think not every Actor a right Grecian Lord, no more than every Chremes, a Corinthian churl: but contrary, that as Terence showed the figure that then was, so our Author shadoweth the form that should be in all Nobility, to wit, Chivalry, and courtesy. Committing therefore the consideration of this work to thy acceptance, I conclude▪  
Thine to use. T. E.   

G. G. To the Reader.  

IF learned Maro merited such praise, for penning down Aeneas travails strange:  
Or if to heaven they Nasoes name do raise, that writ of men and beasts trans formed by change:  
Then shall our Spaniards toil I trust obtain, Though no such praise, yet pardon for his pain.   

For as their pens did paint the rare events, of things succeeding, fitting for their time:  
Even so doth he declare in his contents, the very means to Honour's top to climb.  
Accept his will, do not disdain his work, In simplest show doth truest meaning lurk.   
FINIS.   

¶ THE SECOND PART of the first book of the Mirror of Knighthood, in which is prosecuted the illustrious deeds of the Knight of the Sun, and his brother Rosicler, sons to the Emperor Trebatio of Greece.  

OF ALL THAT HAPPEned unto the Emperor Trebatio and the Princess Briana in their way unto the Grecian Empire. CHAPTER. I.  
WIth great joy and contentment, the Emperor Trebatio and the Princess Briana travailed towards the Grecian Empire, as well for the fruition of her contented joy, as the pleasure and ease which she hoped to have, at such time as she should come unto the Empire. And if it had fallen out that their departure should have been known, yet at their ease they could not follow them, for that most of their travail was by deserts and uninhabited places, and not by peopled towns & villages: and this was the occasion that they could not come so seen unto Grecia as they might, if they had taken the frequented way. And so in great peace and quietness they travailed certain days without any accident happaning that is worth the noting, till such time as they had passed through the kingdom of Hungaria, & entered among certain mountains which were very craggy & troublesome to travail in, where they chanced upon the skirt of the mountain Sarpedo, which is very great, and was inhabited with very furious and uncivil people. This was the cause which made them to travail by the lowest part of the mountain, where they continued on their journey till the third day, at such time as the Sun was in the extremest of his parching heat, which caused them to have an earnest and great desire to drink, for that they were thirty, by reason that all that day, and the other day past, they could find no water, nor any other thing to drink.  
And because the great thirst which the Empress sustained was more grief unto the Emperor than his own, he diligently searched in every place where he came, to see if he could by any means find any Town, Uilage, or Fountain, where they might have water to quench their thirst.  
And he as travailed in this care and sorrow, within a while after he discovered a certain valley which entered in by the one side of the Mountain, & in the midst thereof there was as it were a sluice which proceeded out of the Mountain: and it seemed unto him, that it could not he without water, for that the ground about it was very fresh and pleasant.  
And presently leaving their way that they then followed, they took the next way which lead them unto the valley, and with great travail they came thither, in the end whereof they found sufficient of that whereof they had such need. For that out of the foot of a high & mighty Rock, the principal beginning of that mountain, there was a small valley like unto a meadow, being very green and fresh, & on the one side it was enclosed with that mighty Rock, and on the other side environed with great and thick trees of all sorts, both delectable and pleasant.  
This valley was very plain, and out of the cliffs of that rock, there issued a sweet and a crystalline fountain of most excellent clear water, which ran into the midst of that valley, whereas it made a strange: being very pleasant to behold. Likewise they saw in that high Rock, certain steps cut out of the hard stone like unto stairs, which ascended up unto a door which was in the said Rock, and it seemed to be above fifteen ●…adome high.  
And they saw that by the door there was cut out of the same Rock, holes like unto windows, which made them think there should be some habitation or dwelling in the same. And for that the place was very delightful, it did in a manner invite them to refresh themselves. There the Emperor alighted from his horse, and made him fast unto a Tree, and took the Empress in his arms from her paulfrie, the like did he to all the Ladies and Damosels, and they went unto the Fountain whereas they did satisfy themselves of their desire, thinking all their travail well béestowed, to come unto that pleasant and delightful place.  
Then they sat themselves down, by the head of that spring, and did eat of such meat as Clandestria had brought with her: and this mighty Emperor had for his table the lap of the Empress, which he did more esteem than all the great abundance of silver and gold and other furniture in his royal and princely court. Also they received wonderful great pleasure and contentment at the sweet and pittering noise which the running water made, which by reason of the swiftness of his course seemed to be a Fountain of crystal, for the great clearness thereof.  
And when they had eaten and well refreshed themselves with that which they brought, the Emperor did pull of his helm, and stretched out his body upon the green grass, and laid his head on the Princess lap. And after that he had discoursed with the Princess many ●…wéet and amorous speeches, he fell a sleep, wherefore ●…he Princess had great care of him and commanded ●…ell her Gentlewomen to keep silence and to make no noise for fear of waking of him, and she was well contented in her mind that they were passed the Kingdom of Hungaria, hoping in a short time to enter into the great Empire of Grecia. But all this in comparison was nothing unto the great love & contented joy that she received, to see that noble Emperor lie a long with his head on her lap, and subject unto her love, very much beholding the great severity and courageous countenance of his fair face, marking his mighty members, and the good proportion of his whole body. And as he lay upon the grass, it seemed to her that inall the world there was not his like to be seen, he was of so excellent a stature and worthy to be beloved above all other. And for that the Princess by experience was fully persuaded of his noble prowess, she said unto herself, that there was not in all the world lady or gentlewoman, that had better chance than she, affirming that although Fortune in times past did show herself cruel, yet at that time she had recompensed her with more honour and delight, higher dignity and prosperity then ever she possessed, or thought at any time to attain unto. But as it is a thing both general and common, that at such time as a man thinketh himself to have most felicity in this mortal light, he is nearest unto perils, having suddenly all his mirth turned into mourning, with mischiefs unlooked for: so at this present it happened, for in the mean time that the Emperor took his rest upon the lap of the fair Princess, and she likewise remained in the top of her prosperity, all her Gentlewomen being at a Fountain, washing their hands and faces with that fair and crystalline water, upon a sudden and unaware they heard a great norse amongst the trees, and shrieks that seemed to be of women that came toward the place whereas they were, with sorrowful weep and lamentetions. The Princess and all her Gentlewomen being amazed at that sudden noise, saw come forth from among the trees towards the Fountain, a mighty great and deformed Giant, all armed, saving the beaver of his helm was up, and mounted on a mighty horse, having in his hand a great boar spear, which had a very sharp and long blade of a span broad, and he had a fierce and furious countenance, which caused great fear unto all them that did behold him. After him there followed ten men (marvelous ugly and ill favoured to behold, and no less dreadful) which were on foot all unarmed, with a certain kind of unused weapons in their hands, who brought in the midst amongst them two knights upon one horse, with their hands fast bound, and two Ladies upon two palfreys, which gave very great and sorrowful shrieks. But when the Princess saw that monstrous Giant come forth of the thicket, she gave likewise a great shriek, and quaked for fear, in such sort that she had no more colour in her face then a dead body: at which noise, as well of the Ladies and Gentlewomen, as of the Princess, the Emperor awaked out of his sound sleep, as one that had been greatly affrighted, and looking about him he saw that monstrous and ugly Giant with all his internal company coming towards them: wherefore with a trice he rose up and laced on his helm, and came unto the Princess, who was as one that had been dead, and said unto her: Take a good heart and be courageous, for it grieveth me very much to see you in this plight, for I doubt not, (such courage receive I by your presence, but principally God assisting me) to de●…iuer you from this monster. The Princess was so trou●…led and in such fear, that she had not any power to an●…were him one word again: And at that time she would ●…aue given all the Grecian Empire, yea, the whole world ●…f it had been hers, to have seen herself and the Empe●…our clear from that monstrous Giant. At this time the ●…reat Giant came unto the place whereas they were, ●…nd greatly marveled to see them there, although to the ●…ontrarie rejoicing, and very much delighted with the ●…are and excellent beauty of the Princess, with a dread●…ull and horse voice he said.  
Oh my Gods, what a rich prey is this that you have reserved for me, these fifteen years have I attempted no other thing but to rob Ladies and Gentlewomen, with no less per●…ll than pains, and yet all this time have I not met with one, that so much doth content me as this Lady, and in delivering these words he approached unto the Emperor, and said.  
Tell me thou unhappy Knight by what evil fortune art thou come hither unto this place? The Emperor who at that time was very angry to hear his devilish words, and again to see the Princess so changed, with a stout courage and wrathful countenance answered him.  
Tell me thou brute beast, wherefore dost thou in this manner extol and praise thyself of so evil and devilish a custom, knowing that there is a God in heaven that will punish thee for these thy evil works which thou dost use.  
The Giant was exceeding wrathful when the Emperor speak thus, so that he made no reckoning to answer him, but giving a terrible & hoarse cry, he threw that great and big Boar Spear which he brought, at the Emperor, with so great strength, & in such sort, that if it had chanced a right with the broad end and steely point, I doubt whether his Magical armour had been sufficient to have made resistance, but it would have pierced through his body: but the Emperor foreseeing that perlilous blow, mith great lightness cleared hmiselfe from the fury thereof by leaping on the one side, so that the Boar spear struck the ground, and with the great strength wehrewith it was thrown, it entered more than half the length thereof into the earth.  
Which when the valiant and courageous Emperor saw, and finding himself to be so nigh unto danger, the Giant being on horseback, and considering the great advantage which he had, strait ways laid hold upon the bridle of the Horse, and with his strong armed fist struck the horse such a ulow upon the head, that he made the brains fly out, & he fell to the ground master and all.  
The Giant seeing that, with great haste cleared himself from his horse, & being on soot, drew out a mighty & broad faulchon, which hung at his girdle and approached unto the Emperor, striking him so great and mighty a blow upon his helm, that he could not otherwise choose, but that he was constrained to stoop with both his knees to the ground, which did somewhat trouble his remembrance, but this mighty Emperor quickly be thought himself again, and took his sharp sword in both his hands, and struck the Giant such a blow upon his thigh, that although his armour was a finger thick of hard Steel, besides a skirt of mail which he had hanging down, nevertheless he cut all a sunder, & entered through the flesh unto the hard bone, where he made a sore wound, from whence great abundance of blood ran out. The Giant feeling himself thus wounded, & seeing so great resistance to be made with one alone Knight, reared as though it had been a Lyon. At which noise together with the rushing of their harness, and the sound of their mighty blows, there appeared out of the windows of the Rock another Giant, which unto his seeming was no less furious and ugly of semblance than the other, who seeing that mighty and well fought battle between the Emperor & his brother, 〈◊〉 as great hast as was possible for him, he went and armed himself. In the mean time the other Giant and the Emperor made their battale with so great and heavy blows that the noise thereof did sound throughout all those mountains.  
And the more that this Giant did force himself to strike the Emperor, so much the more did the Emperor provide to clear himself with great lightness from his terrible strokes, for that he knew very well it would be very per●…llous, if he should fasten on him but one full blow, nevertheless the Emperor at all times did wound him at his pleasure, in such sort, that what with the strength of the Giant, and the great policy and lightness of the Emperor the battle was brought into great doubt, although the Giant had lost very much blood by these wounds which the Emperor had given him. For when he saw his blood in such sort scattered upon the ground, he was more furious than before, and with great wrath he béesturred himself with his Falchion, cursing himself and blaspheming against his Gods, in that he could not in any wise fasten one full blow upon his enemy, and that one Knight should bring him into so great a perplexity. All this while the Empress and her Gentlewomen did very well behold that wonderful battle, & had great fear to see the hugeness of the Giant, and peril in which the Emperor was, and so amazed, they were that they could not move themselves out of the place whereas they abode, but every one of them on their knees very earnestly prayed unto God with many tears, to deliver them from that great agony wherein they were.  
And being in this agony, they heard within the Rock ●… great noise & rushing of armour, wherewith they looked about, & saw descending down the stairs another Giant, all armed, of no less bigness & dreadful countenance then the other, who came down in great haste, with a mighty ma●…e of Steel in his hand. When the Princess and her Gentlewomen saw him, they were more afraid then at the first, & yielded themselves unto destruction, & therewith gave marvelous & grievous shrieks & cries, which was the cause that the Emperor was in a great fear of some misfortune, and looking about him to see what it might be, he perceived another monstrous Giant that descended down his stairs with his mase in his hand: & although he did see the great danger and peril at hand, yet did not his heart fail him one ●…ot, but with a noble and stout stomach his strength the more increased, so that forgetting all the tra●…ayle against that Giant, with new strength he str●…k the Giant with both his hands such a blow overthwart the waist, that the thick armour and skirt of mail had not sufficient strength to make defence against his mighty and strong arm, but that the sharp cutting sword must needs execute his fury, which dividing both armour and bones, entered into the bowels, wherewith the Giant with grievous pangs of death strait ways ●…ell down to the ground, and with his fall made all the earth to▪ shake.  
At which time the other Giant was come down the stairs, and seeing that terrible and cruel stroke, he life up his eyes to heaven, and with a loud voice he said. Oh cruel and cursed Gods in whom I believe and worship, which of all you is it that hath consented unto the death of my brother Argentaria? in what sort or how shall I be revenged of so great an outrage done unto me, you being above in the heavens, and I here upon the earth.  
And in saying these and such like words he came towards the Emperor, with his mighty maze raised in the air, in such form, that it was most dreadful to behold: but this valiant Greek whose strength was nothing inferior unto his predecessors, the mighty Achilles, Pyrrhus, and Molosso, for when he saw the Giant coming towards him in that terrible sort, and so fiercely, in great hast he went whereas the Boar spear stuck, and with exceeding strength he pulled it out of the ground, and took it fast in his hand about the midst of the staff, and therewith he stayed and abode the coming of the Giant, who as soon as he was come within eight or nine paces of him even as one would throw a dart at a ●…aighted Bull, so did this mighty Emperor life up his rigorous arm, and with great strength threw that Boar Spear at the Giant, and struck him in the midst of the breast with so great strength, that passing through armour and flesh, the broad and Stéely point of the Boar spear appeared at his back all bloody. And the staff thereof, by reason of the great streangth wherewith it was thrown, did shake in the giants body till such time as he fell down dead to the ground.  
The force of this strong and mighty blow gave great contentment unto the Princess and her Gentlewomen, and also on the other side those men that came with the Giant were no les amazed when they saw their Lords dead, whom they thought to be the mightiest and strongest in all the world, and although they were many in number, yet had they no courage to withstand the fury of the Emperor, and despairing in themselves, of their security, they all left their prisoners, and every one of them procured to save himself by running away and hiding them in the thickest of that Mountain. Then the Emperor seeing that there was no more to be done, but that all was finished with that blow, he rejoiced very much, and went unto the Princess whereas she stood (who had lost the Roseal colour of her face) and with a glad and cheerful countenance he said unto her thus. Lady, now assure yourself that these people shall no more trouble you. Then the Princess who was almost in an ecstasy with the great pleasure she received, when she saw the Emperor return unto her without any wound or hurt, and the wonderful strength that she saw in him, with great pleasure and delight she saw in him in her arms and said.  
My Lord I have great cause to confess this my security, having so strong and mighty a Knight in my company, but for all that my heart could not but receive great fear to see you in such danger, with those terrible and ugly Monsters, and I assure you that many days will pass before I shall be able to cl●…re myself of the great fear which by them I have conceived: so that these and many other like amorous words passed betwixt the Emperor and the Princess.  
Then the Emperor remembered himself of the prisoners that they brought with them, and left the Princess, and went towards them, and did unloose them of the bonds wherewith they were fast bound, and saw that the two Ladies were very fair and marvelous richly appareled, and the two Knights very well armed, and of a good proportion, although their armour in many places was broken and cut, and they themselves sore wounded, whereby issued from them very much blood.  
These Knights and Ladies did behold all that passed, and saw with what valour the Emperor did deal with those Giants, and were greatly astonied, marveling who it should be, that being but one alone Knight, he should by his great might and force overcome two so mighty Giants as those were, and in so short time as that. And seeing themselves set at liberty by the noble and valiant prowess of this Knight, they knew not how to gratify that great benefit which they had received of him, but only in gieving him ceaseless thanks for the same.  
The Emperor commanded the Ladies to bind up the wounds of the two Knights, that they might lose no more blood: who did it with a very good will, for that they were their Husbands. And the Emperor asked of then who they were, and what was the occasion that the Giant brought them prisoners in that sort.  
Then one of the Knights said unto him. Sir, you shall understand that this Knight which you see here and I are bretherin, and Lords over the seven valleys: if at any time you have heard speaking of them. And they are situated betwixt Danubia and Transiluania, and are under the subjection of the mighty King of Hungary, and these Gentlewomen which are with us are our wives, and are likewise two sisters. And as we were for our recreation passing away the time with pleasure and delight in the company of many Knights and Gentlewomen: in one of the said valleys high adjoining unto this Mountain Sarpedo, being in the shadow under a Forest side, having least care upon any danger or trouble, upon a sudden we were beeset with this Giant (that you first slew) and with his men, we defended ourselves against them as well as we could, but in the end he slew the most part of the Knights that were in our company, and the rest fled, so that we remained all alone, and not being able to make any longer resistance against him, he took us jointly with these two Gentlewomen, and brought us in this sort as you have seen. And this is not the first robbery that these Giants have committed.  
For that of long time they have done great harm throughout all the Provinces that are adjoining unto this Mountain. And as I have heard reported of them, the meat which doth most content them is human flesh, which doth make us to believe verily, that if your sovereign bounty, had not succoured us in this great extremity, in a short space we had been eaten up by these two Giants and his people, and they use most commonly to have their habitation and dwelling in this Rock which you see here, for when they are within it, if all the world should come against them, they are able to make a long resistance.  
And the Knight concluding with these words, the Emperor was very glad and joyful that he had rescued and ●…t them at liberty from so great a danger, for they seemed 〈◊〉 him to be persons of no small estimation giving great 〈◊〉 to almighty God, for that he had taken away the 〈◊〉 of so great an evil from that land.  
And therewith they went all together unto the Prince●…, who received them very cur●…eously. And strait ways, she was known by the Knights, for that many times before they had seen her: where at being very much amazed, they looked one upon the other not knowing what to say.  
When the Emperor perceived that those Knights did know the Princess, in brief words be gave them to understand how he was the Emperor Trebatio, and how the Princess was his wife, and that they were going towards the Grecian Empire, and came unto that place to seek water. for the great necessity they had thereof, and there the Emperor requested them that at their return into their Country, they would go unto the Court of King Tiberio and kiss his hands in his beehalfe, and declare unto him how and in what sort they found him at the Rock.  
When these Knights understood the whole matter by the Emperor, they could not satisfy them in musing at so sudden and strange a meeting. And falling on their knees before the Emperor and the Princess, they required their hands to kiss them, but they with great joy and pleasure did make them arise from the ground, and after that between them there had passed many delightful words of conference, the Emperor said that he would go see what was within the Rock, and so he ascended up the stairs till he came to the door, which he found shut in such sort, that by no means he could get in, neither would they open the door for all his great knocking. And as they might perceive, those that remained within that Rock were household servants, and two sons of those Giants, being about the age of ten years, whom they saw at the windows beholding all that had passed, and they shut the door very fast, and durst not open it, for that they thought verily that Knight would destroy them all, in so much that the Emperor was constrained to return back again.  
After a while that the Emperor and all the rest of the company had eased and refreshed themselves by the Fountain, he and the Princess determined to departed, and the Knights with their wives would have borne him company, and did desire very earnestly the Emperor to suffer them so to do, yet he would not consent thereto, but desired them to return unto their own Country, and to let them so alone as they were, for that he had greater pleasure to travail in that sort, then with any more company. When these Knights understood his determination, they would not stand in contention with him, nor importune him any farther, but taking their leave of the Princess, they and their wives did return unto their own country, having enough for all their life time to declare that which they saw of the worthy Emperor Trebatio, and of his high bounty, béeléeving that in all the world there was not a Knight like unto him. And when they came into their Country, they left their wives there, and straight way departed toward the Court of King Tiberio, to show unto the King their Embassage from the Emperor, & to declare unto him the whole matter, how and in what order they were delivered from their great peril as shall in this History by declared. And when they came unto the Court, they were marvelously well received, as you shall hear in this Chapter following.   

How the Emperor Tiberio and the Princess Briana arrived in the Empire of Grecia. Chap. 3.  
WHen the coming of the Emperor Trebatio and the Princess Briana into Grecia, was known unto the Prince of that Province, who was a young Knight and one of his subjects, he was very much amazed, and likewise all his Subjects, for that they thought verily that many years past he had been dead, and there was no other reckoning made of him, neither would they believe his coming to be true, till such time as every one of them did see him with their own eyes. And being certified thereof, they did receive him with such majesty as the Emperor did remain, and would not proceed any farther, but first wholly and perfectly informed himself of the estate of all things within the Empire. And there was given him to understand how that the King of Bohemia had been and was governor of all the whole Empire, and how that he had ruled and governed it with great discretion and justice. And how that all people generally were very well content with his government, at the which the Emperor received great pleasure, and sent unto him giving him to understand of his coming, with the Princess Briana, certifying him by a brief letter of all that he had passed, and willed him to meet him at Constantinople. When the King and all the nobles of the Empire, who at this present were in Constantinople, heard these news, I am not here able to express the great admiration that they had, and the exceeding joy that they in their hearts conceived for that sudden news, in such sort that if each of them had received his own Brother, they could have possessed no more pleasure, he was so well beloved. So in a short space these news was published throughout all Constantinople, and was a marvelous thing to behold the great pleasure and sports that, were in the City, and generally amongst all the people.  
Then the King of Bohemia, with all those noble Princes and Lords did join themselves together, and departed toward Dardania, whereas they received the Emperor and the Princess Briana, and conducted them unto the great City of Constantinople, with such majesty and pomp, that never Prince nor Roman Emperor was so received into his country.  
And when they were come unto Constantinople, that fair and royal Princess Briana was crowned Empress of Grecia, at which coronation was made the greatest Feasts and Triumphs, with such pompous solemnity as never was in all the world before that time. To which Triumph and Feasts, there did not only come all the Princes, noble men, and valiant Knights natural of the Empire, but also of all the Kingdoms and Provinces which were nigh adjoining, unto whom the news came of the arrival of the great Emperor Trebatio.  
And for that the excellent and mighty deeds which the worthy Knight of the Sun did in the Castle of Lindaraza, should be manifest unto all people, and that the memory thereof should not be forgotten, the Emperor commanded to call together all the best Painters that were in Grecia, and commanded them to paint upon the fore front of his Palace, which was next adjoining unto the great Court, in singular perfection, & natural sort, all the whole Island, the Castle, the gates, and the terrible and wonderful keepers and guards, with the mighty and perilous battle that the Knight of the Sun had with them, and of all the rest that happened for to clear him of that enchantment, as hath bane told you in this History past. And when it, was concluded and set forth in colours, it was a thing very strange to behold, and of great admiration to all people that did look thereon, insomuch that they could not believe, that any human man was able to do so great deeds of arms as was done by the Knight of the Sun.  
And all people had great desire to see him, although the Emperor had much more desire, with no less love and good will, then if he had known him to be his natural Son. And for that this great triumph shall be more spoken of in this History, at this present it doth leave them till their time, and returneth to tell you of all that passed in the Court of King Tiberio, when he knew of the departure of the Emperor Trebatio and of the Princess Briana.   

How the departure of the Emperor Trebatio and the Princess Briana, was known in the Court of King Tiberio, and what passed about the same. Chap. 3.  
THe History saith, for that the Gentlewomen of the Princess Briana were fully certified that their mistress kept her Novena in her chamber as she was wont to 〈◊〉▪ and as I before told you, they never ha●… any occasion to mistrust her departure, fo●… that at any time before they never could perceive the lea●… presumption thereof, till such time as the nine days were passed, and the tenth day come, & seeing not the chamber door of the Princess open they were all in a confusion, not knowing what it should mean. So in this doubt they remained until the eleventh day, at which time not seeing the chamber door opened, they determined to go thither, and began to call & knock at the door, but there was none that answered them, whereat being more amazed, they knocked hard, and struck mighty and great blows at the door, nevertheless there was none that answered them, although they were there a great while knocking: and being much amazed thereat, they strait way gave the Queen of Augusta to understand thereof, who was in the City of Buda, & being very much amazed at that sudden news, she called certain of her Knights & Gentlewomen, and in their company departed to the monestary. And when she came unto the chamber door of the Princess, & found none to answer her, for all their great knocking, she straight ways commanded her Knights to break open the door, and hatchets and other things being brought for the purpose, they broke open the door, which done the Queen with her Knights and Gentlewomen entered the chamber, and not finding the Princess nor any other person therein, were very sore troubled & amazed, she sat herself down upon the floor, and knew neither what to say or do, but only to lament and to make great sorrow. And as they were in this confusion they found the Letter that was written lying upon the Table, and directed either to the King Tiberio, or unto the Queen, the which Letter they gave straight way unto the Queen Augusta, who with great anguish did open the same, and saw thereon written all the whole Hostorye of the mighty Emperor Trebatio and the Princess Briana, with the true relation thereof, till such time as they departed, and in the end of the Letter they craved pardon for that they went away in such sort as they had done, without giving them to understand thereof, alleging the reason to be for the death of the Prince Edward, for that the King Oliverio, father unto the Prince, should not with any reason have cause to quarrel with the King Tiberio, neither account him as partaker in the death of the Prince.  
So when the Queen understood the effect of the Letter, she remained all astonished and amazed, not knowing whether she might give credit unto so strange a thing as this was, although to the contrary she received exceeding great joy and pleasure, for the good fortune of the Princess her Daughter, that in all her life she felt not in herself so much pleasure, & gave great thanks unto God for his exceeding benefit which he had done unto her.  
At that time the King Tiberio was in the City of Ratisbona, and the Queen Augusta straight ways sent messengers, such as she thought could well declare all that had happened, and by them she sent the Letter that the Emperor had left written behind him in the chamber of the Princess, and the Queen remained with her own Gentlewomen, and with the Gentlewomen of the Princess in the monestary of the River: for that it was a place of great quietness & pleasure, and sent all her Knights and the rest of her servants unto the City, remaining only with a few Knights for her guard, & other servants, such as were needful for her service.  
The messengers which went with the Embassage unto the King Tiberio, came unto the Court before him, at such time as the King was accompanied with all his high Princes and Knights, amongst whom there was that excellent and worthy Knight of the Sun, carrying to hear when the departure of the Emperor and the Princess should be declared in the Court. And when the messengers came before they King the straight ways declared unto him their Embassage, and gave him the emperors Letter, which at his commandment was read openly in the hearing of all the Court. And when they understood all that this History hath told you, the great admiration that all people received, was wonderful: & when the King heard the contents thereof, he remained a great while as one being in a maze, and speak never a word. At last calling to his remembrance the mightiness of the Emperor, the great majesty of his estate, the worthiness of his person, & the excellency of his royal descent, he thought within himself that God had done much for him, in giving him so worthy & mighty a son in law, and that his Daughter was the most happiest Princess then living in the world, that in the end of all her sorrow she had found so noble & excellent a husband. All this and many other things did greatly delight his heart, but considering how much he was in charge for the Prince of great Britain, he did not make any outward show of his inward contentment, but demeaned himself as one 〈◊〉 in thought, and very much troubled.  
And after that he had a great while remained in that trance, without speaking any thing, he suddenly arose up from the place whereas he sat, and leaving all his Knights and Noble men in the great hall, he intered into his closet, and being there alone, he béeganne again to call to his remembrance the noble and mighty deeds of the worthy Emperor Trebatio, and the more joy and pleasure he seemed to receive, giving great thanks unto God for that all things by the working of his mighty hand were brought to so good and joyful an end. And thus all things well considered, he determined to make an outward show of great anger against the Emperor, till such time as he might understand how the King Oliverio did take the matter, at such ●…ime as he should hear news thereof.  
Likewise at that time came to his remembrance the mighty deeds that the Emperor declared of the Knight of the Sun, musing with himself who that Knight should be that was of so great strength and power, and was very glad and joyful that he had bin in his Court. And at this time all the nobles and Knights which remained in the hall did talk one with another, and very much marveled at the mighty deeds of the Knight of the Sun, and all people did behold him giving him great praise, and extol●…ing him unto the heavens, in such sort that he was ashamed to hear himself so praised: But as it is a thing most common, that against prosperity of the virtuous there doth not lack malicious and enuions persons, who never resteth to procure the execution of their venomous stomachs, it so fell out amongst the Knights that were there present, there was Florinaldus, he which the Knight of the Sun did overthrow at the bridge before Albamira, who for that he was a stout and gallant Knight, received great grief that the Knight of the Sun should overthrow him, and especially before his Lady and mistress, and therefore he was very desirous to seek to have opportunity wherein he might be revenged, & make satisfaction of the shame and rebuke which he had received by him, many of those nobles and Knights that were present were his parents and kinsfolk. And I know not whether it was with the great hope he had in his own strength, or in the confidence of his kinsfolks and friends, which were very many, he determined with himself to seek some occasion of contention with the Knight of the Sun.  
Now at such time as these Knights were praising him, and giving him his deserved commendation, for the good he had done unto the Emperor, Florinaldus replied unto them, and with a loud voice, that he might be heard of all that were there present, he said. The Knight of the Sun cannot in any wise excuse himself of a great offence, in that he did not advertise my Lord, the King Tiberio, that the Emperor Trebatio would secretly carry away his Daughter contrary unto his will, And for that he hath been hitherto in his company, it is to be supposed that he was acquainted with the Emperor's determination: and if it please my Lord the King to give attention unto my words, he should command him for the same to be accordingly punished, for that in no place there ought to be given any credit or trust to traycours, and therefore much less in the court of high and mighty Kings.  
When the Son of Trebatio heard these words, his colour changed, and with very anger he gnashed his teeth together, striving to mitigate his cholarike ire by reason, and to answer Florinaldus with patience, but yet this valiant Del Phoebo could not execute his virtuous desire, for that his wrath and choler did much more surmount his calmness, which did proceed of his worthy & vexed heart, in such sort that he could not find which way to compass the same without the great abusing of his honour, especially to ●…eare so infurious and vile words spoken against him, but with a surious and frowning countenance, which seemed to terrify all them that did behold him, he replied unto Florinaldus, and said: These words which thou hast spoken, Florinaldus, be villainous, and not to be suffered. Therefore upon the same if thou wilt go forth into the field with me, I will give thee to understand that thou dost lie falsely, for that I was never traitor to King nor to any other creature. When this stout & gallant Knight heard these words, his youthful blood being moved, being politic and nimble, with a trice he wrapped his cloak about his arm, & drew out his sword, with the which he would have stricken the Knight of the Sun, who was unarmed: but giving the enterprise against the flower of all knights, before his sword could descend to execute his will, with a light leap more than three paces he avoided, & drew out his sword (which was a heanie and sorrowful drawing out unto many.) And for that Florinaldus had there many kinsfolks & friends, and likewise of his own squires and servants▪ they altogether drew out their swords, some against the Knight of the Sun and other some to make peace betwixt them, so that there was not any in all the hall but he had his sword readre drawn.  
Now at such time as the Knight of the Sun would have stro●…en his first blow at Florinaldus, a brother of his called the Trojan Earl, with his sword in his hand, put himself forwards, and thought to receive the blow which descended, cutting the Air with great fury, & lifting up his sword▪ (with pretence rather to hurt the Knight of the Sun, then to make peace, his misfortune was such, that the blow descending with so great fury struck the sword out of his hand, & the sword of the Knight of the Sun lighted upon his head, so that he clave it to the shoulders, and he fell down dead unto the ground, which was great grief to Florinaldus, and unto all the rest of his kinsfolks & friends, that did see him fall: who with great desire to revenge the death of their kinsman, did put their lives in great danger, with the peril that was before them. And procured all that ever they could to wound the Knight of the Sun. And being many and he unarmed▪ he found himself in the greatest danger that ever in all his life he had been in. Yet for all that in this desperate conflict, he did plainly show that he was the most courageous Knight of all his predecessors, and of all that followed after him. So that in all the twelve parts of this great history as Trebatio, they have no small cause to mention this mighty Alfebo, more than any other Knight: for that this strong Knight did think nothing impossible unto him that consisted in f●…ates of arms, and where so ever he came, there was nostrength nor courageable to make resistauns against his fury.  
Now, when this courageous Gentleman did see himself enclosed with his enemies, and so many coming together to discharge and execute their fury upon him, his wrath and courage increased in such sort, that in leaping forwards and forwards, striking about him on every side, he chanced on two of them which came before him, being servants unto Florinaldus, so that with an overthwart blow he cut the one of them clean a sunder by the middle, & chanced upon the other in the same place, that his sword entered into his bowels, & both of them fell dead to the ground. And not staying, he laid about him on every side, so that no man did endure before him that was unarmed, but he overthrew him unto the ground, and all that ever he did was little enough, for that with the great violence and fury which they used without all fear, pressing upon him in such sort, that they hurt him in three or four places, where at their issued very much blood.  
Notwithstanding what with the great fory he had, and his exxéeding lightness and deadly blows that he struck, he made the most part of all them for great fear to put themselves apart from him. And having space that he could turn and wind his sword about him, there was none that was so hardy for to assail him, but that he cut him a sunder in the midst.  
There was at that time many nobles and Knights that would have parted and made peace betwixt them, but the tumult was such and so far out of order, that by no means they could reform it, till such time as the King Tiberio heard that great rumour and noise in the hall, he came forth out of his closet, and took his royal Sceptre in his hand, and pressed in amongst the thickest of them very furiously and with great anger. And when he came where as the Knight of the Sun was, and saw round about him so many dead persons, and amongst them the Trojan Earl, with great anger he laid hold on him and said, what is this O Knight, that in such order thou d●…st disqui●…t my court, and hast slain my Knights, so all the rest when they saw the King, they immediately did retire back and were in quiet.  
Then when the valiant Knight of the Sun knew him to be the King, and heard what he said, he forthwith did moderate his anger all that ever he could, and said: it is your Knights that doth disquiet your Court and not I and if I have slain any it is in defending myself from the death, which they do procure to give me. Of this said the King I will inform myself, & punish them that hath been the occasion hereof. And in saying these words he demanded of him his sword, which he gave him, more for courtesies sake then for any other thing, & having it, he also took the sword of Florinaldus, and of all the rest that he suspected to be on his party, and strait ways called before him all his Knights & guard, & commanded them to take the knight of the Sun prisoner, & to carry him into a strong Tower which was on the one side of the Palace, & likewise to take Florinaldus, & all those that were on his side, & to carry them unto another Tower that was on the other side of his Palace, so that both the one & the other were put in good keeping, but if the Knight of the Sun had been armed, before he would have been taken prisoner, he would have made the King to have given ear & to hearke●… unto that he would have said in discharging himself, but by reason that he was as it were naked, he yielded, and had patience with all that which the King commanded, & so they lead them unto the Tower which was very high & well walled. And when he was therein, they made fast a very great chain to his leg, and for to keep him there was put thirty armed Knights, and as many more other men. Then the Duchess of Panonia, did send unto him a very good Surgeon to heal him of his wounds. At this time the death of the Trojan Earl was published throughout all the Court, and there was made for him great lamentation, for that the most noblest Princes and Knights that were there, were of his kinsfolks. So both the one & the other complained very much unto the King of the Knight of the Sun, in such sort that he was very much inflamed against him. At this time there entered into the palace the Countess, Lady and wife unto the Trojan Earl, in mourning appare●…l, bringing with her two young sons, who entering into the Hall whereas the King was, beeganne to power forth sorrowful complaints, destring justice against them that had slain her Husband, and seeing him lie dead upon the floor, she threw herself upon him, and made such lamentation, that it was a heavy thing to behold, at which sight if the King before were inflamed against the Knight of the Sun, his indignation did the more increase against him, in beholding the great sorrow of the Countess, and determined in himself to do justice upon the death of the Earl, and he joined unto his indignation the great authority that he had to be called an executer of justice, (which unto many, yea, & very mighty monarchs oftentimes is very hurtful, & the end of those extremities obtain them the infamous names of Tyrants.) Then the King commanded that the dead bodies should be carried out of the hall and buried, and the Trojan Earl was buried with great honour, and accompanied with the most noble and principal Knights of the Court. Now, he being very sorrowful for the death of the Earl, many Knights that had affection unto the Knight of the Sun did labour with him for his discharge, of being in any fault of that tumult, and did inform him of the great cause that he had to do that which he did in his own defence, but there was nothing that did profit at all with the King, but rather he did show himself very angry and wrathful against them that did speak unto him in the Knight's béehalfe, which was a great grief unto many which did know the valour and desert of the Knight of the Sun, for it seemed unto them no reason that he should be entreated in that sort. And because that the King Tiberio was daily and hourly urged on all parts, the one crying and ask justice, and the other gaynesaying the same, he was for certain days very doubtful, not knowing how co determine what was best to be done, but answered them all to their little delight. By this time the ●…night of the Sun was healed of his wounds, and the Duchess of Panonia provided for him all things necessary in the prison, performing it with as great care and diligence as might be: But when he knew the King was doubtful of his determination, and of the great iudignation he showed against him: it did repent him that he suffered himself so to be taken. And he imagined with himself what means might best be wrought for to clear himself of that imprisonment: for that the nobility of his valiant courage, could not abide to be so shut up, and abide the courtesy and pleasure of the King. So in this order the story doth leave him till the time serve.   

How the Knight of Cupid did take his leave of the Queen Arguirosa, and entered into the kingdom of Rusia, where he found a strange adventure. Chap. 4.  
THE mighty deeds of the Emperor Trebatio, and the worthy knighthood of the valiant Alphebo, hath put almost in oblivion that excellent and worthy Knight Rosicler, whose amorous love, and invincible deeds, do deserve a more eloquenter writer than my unskilful pen can perform. Now if you do remember in the History past, how that one way Fortune caused him to be the most saddest and sorrowful Knight that ever was seen, so full of bitter heaviness, that whatsoever thing he did accomplish and bring to pass was not sufficient to make him merry. And on the other side, Fortune did show him very 〈◊〉 in putting before him marvelous and wonderful things and adventures of so great strangeness, that over coming them by his surmounted valo●…r, in all the world was spread a broad the fame of the Knight of Cupid. So after that he had slain that valiant 〈◊〉, from all the parts of Thesalia, and the confines round about, there came many people for to see him, as a thing of great admiration, in the time that he there remain●…d, for to place the Queen Arguirosa in full possession of all her lands, and that all her vasals and subjects were quieted and settled in good order. For by reason that he was on the queens side, in few days they were all in peace and quiet.  
Now when he saw that there was no more to be done, he was very desirous to go unto some other place, whereas in recompense of the great honour and service done unto him, he might be in some solitary desert, to béewayle his mis●…ortune. Then remembering himself, he determined to take his leave of the Queen Arguirosa, who bore him great good will, and did love him as herself. And if she had not perceived that his heart was prisoner in some other place, she would with a very good will have chosen him Lord of hers, and received him for her husband, without any desire to be informed farther of his estate and descent: for she rested wholly satisfied in that which she saw by experience of his royal worthiness and bounty.  
And when the Knight of Cupid did declare unto her his desire to departed, and craved licence for the same, she received so great sorrow thereat, that in a long space she could not make him any answer. So after a while that she had remained in that trance, distilling from her crystalline eyes abundance of tears which ran down upon her fair and lily white cheeks, like unto oriental pearls: she uttered unto him these words.  
Worthy Knight, this thy departure which thou dost pretend, is unto me so great a grief, that I heartily wish I had not known you, although it had cost me a great part of this my Kingdom. For considering how much I am bound unto you, and remembering the great desert and ba●…our of your person, I do not think neither can I well bée●…éeue that there is any thing in all the world able to make me merry, or minister unto me any pleasure or contentment but only your presence. Oh, I would God (if he were so pleased) that I might know your heart at liberty, 〈◊〉 thereby ●…ée able to repay you part of the great benefit whic●… you ●…aue showed unto me, in making you Lord over all this ●…ingdome, and therewith I should account myself the happiest Gentlewoman in all the world, but seeing it is so that another hath possessed that place before me, and deserved to be Lady of your liberty: this one thing I do desire of thee, that wheresoever you become to remember me, and this my Country and Kingdom, the which you may take as your own at all times when occasion shall serve, for that there cannot be a greater pleasure unto me, then for you to command me in any thing that is requisite. And if at any time Fortune bring you into this country, with more delight than at this time you seem to be endued with all, I shall think myself most happy, that as I have r●…ceiued at your hands this kingdom, so I may likewise obtain a husband at your appointment, for receiving him at the hands of so worthy a Knight, it cannot be but very conformable unto my honour, and convenient for my estate.  
All this the Queen spoke, for the great love she bore unto Rosicler, giving him honestly to understand that if it were his pleasure to receive her for his wife, she was very well content therewith, but Rosicler who had his thoughts very far from her purpose, would not answer any thing whereby she might take any hold, yet gave her great thanks for her courteous proffer made unto him, and promised her always to have her in remembrance, and to serve her in all that ever he could. And although at that time ●…e did excuse himself as much as he might to clear himself of that charge, in providing her a Husband of his own choice, yet time did serve that Rosicleer had opportunity, 〈◊〉 did esteem it very much, & he did pacify very great and troublesome controversies, hatreds, and discords, by which she might have received great damage & harm, as in this History shall be showed unto you. So in the end of many courtesies between them, Rosicler took his leave of th●… Queen, and would receive nothing of her but only a good horse, which she commanded to be given him, & so he departed out of the City, and in few days after out of the kingdom, and in passing through Dardania and Dacia, he travailed many days, in the which there chanced sundry adventures that I omit, to come unto the effect of this history. And being forth of the Realm of Dacia, the history saith that he entered into the kingdom of Russia, whereas it was told him there were great and marvelous adventures. So it happened that the third day in the morning he entered into that Country, and came unto a plain mountain, so fresh and delectable as might be pos●…ible, and he travailed so long therein, till at the last his way did part in twain, & the one way was more used than the other, and by reason that his mind was troubled in thinking upon his Lady the Princess Olivia, he was so far from his remembrance, that he respected not which way he took, but followed that way which his horse voluntarily went, who entered into that which was less used, & he travailed forwards in that way the most part of all that day, and being tormented with his love, he remembered not to eat, neither had he mind of any other thing, till such time as his horse for very hunger stayed and would go no farther, but strived to eat of the green grass which was in the way. And by this occasion the Knight of Cupid came unto himself, and saw that he had lost his way, and was entered into that path, and considering the most part of the day was already past, he quickened up his spirits, and travailed with better remembrance than before he had done, making great haste to come unto some place, where he might have somewhat to eat, and not suffer himself to die desperately with hunger. So he followed that evil accustomed way till such time as it was almost night, and it brought him unto the sight of very high and mighty Rocks, which were in the midst of that wilderness, under the which he saw a thing that did put him in great admiration which was, that out of the mouth of a cave under those Rocks there came forth great flames of fire, accompanied with dark and thick smoke, which seemed to be some infernal den, the mouth of the Cave was so great, that a Knight on Horseback might well enter in thereat: and being ●…rous to know what it should be, he drew nigh unto it, but his horse was so fearful, that he could not come so nigh as the Knights will was, but was constrained to alight from his back, and made him fast unto a tree, and he went a foot towards that wonderful cave. When he came nigh unto it, he saw towards the right hand engraven in the hard Rock certain Letters very fair, which seemed to be of great antiquity, and he read them, finding them to be as followeth.  
This is the cave of the wise Artidon, who died for the love of Artidea, daughter unto king Liberio, the only heir of this Kingdom, who in recompense of her cruelty doth and shall remain here, giving true answers unto all that shall be demanded of her, till such time as a Knight shall come, who with his great bounty and force can overcome the terrible keepers of the entry hereof, and set her at liberty, and then shall this entry be free unto all those that will know any thing of the wise man.  
When the Knight of Cupid had well read these Letters and understood them, he very much marveled at that strange adventure, and straight way it moved in him a great good will and desire to prove the same, both to see and know what was within the cave, and even as one that did abhor his own life, so he delighted not in any other thing but in great and perilous adventures, & endeavoured to give the attempt unto them when he had opportunity, but by reason it was late, and that it waxed dark, he determined to let the enterprise alone till the next morning, for that the night might be a hindrance unto him for the performance. And therewith he pulled off his Horse Bridle, to let him feed upon the grass there about, and he as one that had no care of himself, laid him a long upon the green grass, and then his mind began a new to be troubled with his accustomed thoughts, not remembering that in all the day before he had not eaten any thing, neither did he know where to get any meat to refresh himself at that time of the night, and calling to his remembrance the cruel words in the Letter of the Princess Olivia, his heart suffered so great gréese and passions, that tumbling himself upon the grass from the one side to the other, he said: Oh earth, that for all mortality thou openest thyself, and receivest them into thy bosom, wherefore dost not thou now at this present open thy bowels and receive me into thee, for being buried, I should receive great contentment. I know not wherefore I live any longer, or wherefore I am suffered in this world, for that I have lost all hope to see any more the Princess Olivia. Oh that this adventure which I mean to prove might be the last, and that I might die here within this cave, although the occasion of my death be never known nor heard of. So these and many other words of great lamentation he uttered, that it was most grievous to hear, and passed away a piece of the first part of the night with great sorrow. And the night being very dark, upon a sudden he heard a noise and murmuring of people, which caused him to arise up to see what it should be, and he saw at the foot of the Rock a great fire, and round about the same there were a company of Shepherds, and those were they which made that noise. And being desirous to know what they could say more of that cave, he determined to go whereas they were, and when he came unto them, he saluted them with very courteous words. When the Shepherds saw him of so goodly a stature, and armed with so precious and rich armour, they received him as a Knight of estimation, and gave him very good entertainment, and did invite him to their supper, which they had in a readiness, and after that he had surrendered unto them thanks for their courtesy, he sat down amongst them by the sire.  
Then one of the shepherds, who seemed to be the chief among them, and that had more understanding, and was of a better conversation than all the rest, did demand of the Knight of Cupid, what adventure had brought him at that time of the night to that place? The Knight answered and said. I am a stranger in this Country, and now it is three days since I first entered into this Kingdom, and for that I did not know nor yet do, this country, my fortune hath brought me hither this evening, and seeing that the night drew on, fearing to be entangled in unaccustomed ways, I determined to remain there hard by the Court till the morning, pretending to prove that adventure when the day was come. And afterward when I saw you together here, I thought it best to come into your company, as well to eat somewhat (for that I am very hungry) as also to inform myself of you touching the adventure of this cave of Artidon, for till this evening that I did come hither and see it, I never before heard any mention thereof. Then the shepherds said, sir Knight, seeing that you have given us to understand the occasion of your coming hither, we will now give you to understand what we know, and what at any time we could learn of the adventure of this cause, & possibly after you understand it, it will withdraw you from this great good will and determinatyon that you have, to give the proof and enterprise. And in the mean time that which we have for our supper shall be made ready, & of such as we have with a very good will you shall eat your part, for that your person and presence doth deserve no less.  
Now, that which we do know and of long time past have heard say touching this Cave, is, that in time passed almost out of memory, there was in this Kingdom of Russia a Knight called Artidon, who being a Knight of great courage and high lineage, and gentle of disposition, was also the wisest in the magical art that could be found in many countries. And in the chiefest time and flower of all his Knighthood and science, this Kingdom was governed by a Lady called Artedea, who at the death of the King her father was very young, but when she came unto the state of marriage, thee was so fair and of so great beauty, that many Princes and Knights desired to have her for wife, but among all those that in their service did most endeavour to obtain her love, there was not one of them that in so noble and valiant manner did demean himself as Artedon did, for not alone in deeds of arms, but also by his science, he did mighty & wonderful things in her service. But his fate & misfortune was such, that the queen did not only withdraw her love from him, but did also hate & abhor him to the death: & all that ever he did in her service did move her to be melancholic & very angry. This worthy Artidon had his love so entirely fixed upun her, that he would do any thing for her delight, but all that he did was not esteemed of the Queen, which was the occasion that after he was fully certified & understood her great cruelty, he sell into a mortal sickness, & being without all hope of remedy of the Queen, he determined to revenge himself on her before he died. So on a night by his great learning, he took the Queen out of her bed & brought her unto his cave: & that night there was thundering & lightning, that with the great noise thereof, they thought verily the whole world would have sunk. But in the morning when they saw that the Quane was gone, & could not find her, they sought for her in all parts, but all was in vain, for that chancing to come this way, & reading that which is there graven in the Rock, they strait ways understood that the wise Artidon had brought her thither, in revenge of the great cruelty that she used to him. Whereupon there was divers Knights that would prove the entry into the cave, and it fell out with them as you shall bear. All such Knights as were in love did enter in through the fire, without receiving any hurt, but within a while after they were put back & thrown out again some ●…arke dead, and other some very sore hurt and ill entreated. And when it was demanded of them what they saw within the cave, and what happened unto them, they said ●…hat at the entry thereof there was a great Bull, which did ●…efend the entry, and at the first encounter he struck them with his horns, and dorue them out of the cave, and this Bull was of so great and wonderful bigness and fierce●…esse that the like hath not been seen, & his horns were ●… so great hardness that they seemed to be steel, & all such Knights as did not love, at the hoore that they gave the enterprise, they felt so great heat & torment, that they were constrained to return back again, so that they could not come unto the knowledge of the Queen, neither unto this day hath there been any that hath had so much prowess to come unto the knowledge of her, although there have come many Knights out of divers and sundry countries to prove this adventure, and it is now a great time past since any enterprise hath been given, and yet all the people of this Country do live in hope that their Queen shall be delivered out of this enchantment, so that ever since the time of her enchanting this Kingdom hath been ruled by governors, and not one hither to hath borne, the name of King, but at such time as any do enter into this ground, they are sworn to deliver the Kingdom unto the queen Artidea, at such time as she is delivered out of that enchanted cave. At this present he that is governor of this country is a young knight of great virtue & wisdom, whose name is Luziro, and divers then be that be cunning in Art magic, that have told him that in the time of his government the queen shall be set at liberty●… from the Enchantment of Artidon, so that they do look for her delivery daily. This is sir Knight that which I have heard declared and spoken by ancient men, and here I do tell you of a truth that the keepers of that cave have caused so great sear in all this country, that of long time there hath ben●… no Knight so hardy to give the enterprise unto the cave, ●… I do not think him to be a wise man that will put himself to prove this adventure, for that hither to there hath not bell a Knight of so much prows as to conquer the first keeper, & it is to be believed, that the cave is not kept by that alone bull, but that theridamas is some other keeper as ill or worse than he●….  
The Knight of Cupid was glad and did very much rejoice at this good news which the shepherd had told him of this adventure, & giving him great thanks for the same he said, that for any thing he would not let but give the enter thereto if the day were come. Whereat the shepherds were greatly amazed, and did request him a●… that they might to leave and giu●… over this determination, and not to put himself into such peril, for that by no means he could escape the death, or else to be very sore hurt. At this time their poor supper was ready, and set upon the green grass▪ whereas they sat down to supper together, & when they had supped the Shepherds went and took their rests, & slept, & the Knight of Cupid did solitarily put himself a part, and sat down upon the grass under a tree; & there passed that night with great desire to prove the entry of the cave, & thought the night a thousand year till that▪ day was come.   

How the Knight of Cupid entered into the dreadful cave of Artidon, and of all that happened there, Chap. 5.  
SO the next day in the morning when the Sun began to show himself over all the earth, the worthy Knight of Cupid arose up, and looked for the shepherds, and saw them where they lay all a long upon the green grass▪ and were all a sleep very sound, & without all care, as those that were not troubled with any kind of sorrow for to disturb them of their rest, and calling to remembrance the great number of night's that he had passed wholly without any sleep or taking any rest, & of his great ●…ares and profound thoughts, that did not all only banish ●…way all sleep in the night, but also in the day time it brought ●…im into exceeding admiration, which did sore trouble his ●…houghts, & caused him to lift up his eyes to heaven & say.  
Oh Fortune how little are we bound unto thee, all we whom thou hast brought into this world with dignity ●…nd honour, and caused us to exercise and use all military Knighthood, it had been much better for us, and with grea●…er ease & quiet rest void of all care, ●…to pass our times in ●… mean and a base estate, here in these green and flouri●…ing fields, whereas is all the quietness in the world: And not with so much pleasure in the courts of Kings and Princes, whereas we do see & make captive our own liberties, and venture our lives and honours every hour, & again if it be not with loss of blood and great perils, he is not worthy of honour nor to▪ bear the name of a Knight, but doth greatly defame the order of Knighthood, whereas they sleep & pass the sweet nights with great quietness & receive no infamy nor rebuke▪ but do comfort and rejoice themselves all night long with the peceable freshness of the air, whereas is all quietness of the wild beasts, the silence of the birds, the pittering noise of the running of waters, the great freshness of the trees, the sweet & odoriferous smells of all flowers, which I say is unto the soul & heart a continual peace & concord, & in the break of the day a new form & mosicke, for to recreate themselves in their golden sleep, the sweet noise and music of the birds, who doth with the flittering of their wings & notes, almost invite a man to all delights, and afterward the golden beams of the Sun, at all times when he doth show himself, doth rejoice & recreate all human hearts, and all the rest of the day following is spent with great mirth & pastime, with sufferable heats, under the freshness of the green trees, & when night cometh on them, they altogether join about the comfortable fire, whereas they have a peaceable and friendly conversation with great affection, & that which is most in this fortunate and happy estate, is, that fortune cannot much hurt them, for that in small matters they do with great ease execute their anger, so that we are void of all these benefits, we I say that live in this troublesome estate of military knighthood, for that the first day we be armed Knights, we begin to seek the death for ourselves, and life for others, we are always be wrapped with great dangers and perils for the safeguard of our lives and honours, so that I know not what difference is be wixt our travails, & the travalies of them which are always upon the seas, tossed here and there with great torments & troubles And if this life be common to all Knights▪ as in especial it is unto the sons of high and mighty Kings, to whom and at what time Fortune will use her cruelty▪ she doth not lack some matter of occasion to execute her wrath▪ For I do account that mariner to be unwise, that knowing of the storm and tempest, will leave his Port and engulf himself wilfully into the seas. And it is not the wisest part of a man, especially of him that doth desire to live with rest, to seek highness and honour, and thereby frequent himself where all dangers are apparent. And in saying these words he began to go towards the place where the shepherds were, & at the noise that he made in his going, they did all awake out of their sound sleep: & when they saw him they did all arise up on foot, and did salute him very courteously, & when they understood of him that he would give the enterprise to prove the entering into the cave, they all together did go with him, and promised him that they would there remain till such time as they did know what should become of him, and so they went all together towards the cave, and when they came thither, the Knight of Cupid did take his leave of the shepherds, and when he saw those wonderful flames that proceeded out of the mouth of the cave, he iugded that there must needs be many marvelous and dangerous adventures within, and at the sight of that present peril his courage and fury did very much increase, and he committed himself unto God, beginning to put himself into the fire, & for that he was so true a servant unto Cupid, that merualious fire did not hurt him any thing at all, but found it true as the shepherds had told him. Then he passed through the fire, and went forwards till he came into the cave, whereas no fire was, but yet it gave so great a light and brightness, that he might see all that was within very plainly, and he went towards a very narrow lane, which seemed to be cut out of that rock, & was so strait that three Knights could not pass together through it, but with great difficulty: & over the lane it was covered with arthes' very strongly, like as it is in sellers. And as the Knight of Cupid went towards it, he strait ways heard a great & wonderful noise like unto a Thunder bolt, which descendeth unto the earth, thrown out of the region of the air, & it was that out of the inner parts of the cave there came towards him, alongst that narrow lane, a mighty great Bull, who seemed to fill all the lane with his bigness, and according unto the fury which he brought with him, & his long & sharp horns, the could not choose but must needs be terrible to behold, & I know not how any human heart could have had so much strength & force, but that he must receive great fear & dread in seeing so terrible a beast coming towards him, & especially in so narrow a place as that was, where he could not turn himself to the one side nor to the other, but of very force he must abide that terrible blow of the Bull, yet this valiant & worthy Knight whose heart was more harder than any Diamond, with a stout courage as one that made little account thereof, did abide the coming of that furious bull. So when the Bull came nigh him, he bore his head very low to strike him, but the Knight laid fast hold with both his hands upon his sharp horns, ●… here was a thing of great wonder done by the Knight, for that according unto the fury and violence which the Bull brought with him, it was sufficient to overthrow a tower to the ground, but this mighty Knight which the great strength of his strong arms did stay his fury▪ although he made the Knight to recoil backwards four paces, but firming su●… his feet & using his great strength, he gate again the grou●… he lost, the Bull when he felt so great strength against him, began to roar so terribly that all the mountains seemed to open thereat. And when the shepherds that were without did hear that terrible roaring, they were at a point to departed thence, & not to abide the coming of the Knight of Cupid, they received so great a fear. Then the Bull with a new fury & violence made the Knight of Cupid to recoil backward again, in such sort that if he had not at that pinch used his mighty force & strength, he had been clean thrown out of the cave, but his strength did so much increase at that present, that forcing the Bull therewith, he carried him before him in that narrow lane, & the Bull being not able to make resistance against him, was carried perforce through the lane, till he came to a very fair & large court, which was all paved with coloured bricks, which cast a great light, & was founded upon great & mighty pillars of marble, round about the court there were galleries marvelously wrought & very fair, & according to the excellent work that was there, it gave him to understand that there was other then human creatures at the making of it. Here in this court the Knight of Cupid & the fierce Bull, the one did carry the other sometimes forwards, sometimes backwards in this their wrestling, that it was wonderful, either of them procuring all that ever he might to overcome his adversary. Then the Knight thought within himself that in that order he could little profit against the Bull, neither do him any harm, but determined to let him lose & to assault him with his sword, which when he had done he did repent it very●… much, for that when the Bull was lose, he seemed to be more terrible than he was before, & retiring backward to fetch his course, he ran against him with great fury & strength, that the Knight had enough to do to clear himself from his terrible & mighty blows. And although he did strike him very strongly with his sword, yet he did the Bull no more harm than if he had been made of steel and his sword of wood, and after that he had proved many times with his sword, and saw that it did not profit at all, but rather brought himself in great danger, every time that the Bull came against him he determined to turn unto his first contention, and to travail all that ever might ●…ee to overthrow him to the ground. And so he did, that when the Bull came against him, with his head low is strike him with his horns, be laid fast hold upon him, and a new began their wrestling, continuing a great while ●…n this contention, the one forcing the other with all their strength and power they had, up and down the Court. This conflict endured so long, that in the end the bull waxed somewhat weary, at which time the Knight when he perceived it, he crossed his arms, & wrong the Bull's head on the one side, & thrust him forwards with so great strength that he overthrew him on his back to the ground. Upon a sudden the Bull being overcome the Sun was all darkened, & the heavens, in such sort that the court was as dark as it had been at midnight, and upon the same there was great thunderings and lightnings, as it seemed that all that mighty work would sink or be overthrown, and sure it would have been a thing very dreadful unto any other, that had not his heart so stout and courageous as the Knight of Cupid, but this did not endure long, for likewise upon a sudden this great tempests of lightning and thunder did end and vanish away, and the day turned to be very fair and clear. At which time there appeared unto the Knight of Cupid a new and strange and unlooked for danger, which was, that in the time that the tempest did endure, this fierce bull which lay a long upon the ground, his bowels were opened in the midst all a long his belly, and strait way there came forth a dark and thick mist, the which did endure a while, till such time as by little and little it did consume away, and he saw in the same mist in the midst of the court a black lump that after the mist was gone appeared to be a great and fearful dragon, who shaking herself did stretch out her wings, which did cover a great part of that court likewise she stretched forth her sinued legs and paws, and showed her sharp claws▪ and opening her deformed mouth, she showed forth her tusks, which were like unto Elephants teeth, and out of her nose and eyes she threw forth great flames of fiere, accompanied with black and thick smoke, which made her seem the more horrible, and when she had stretched forth herself a great while, as one that awaked out of a sound sleep, she arose upon her feet and gave terrible and great shrieks, that she seemed to be some infernal monster, and strait ways went towards the Knight, & according to her g●…at s●…ercenesse and lightness, he had need of a stout and courageous heart that would abide and withstand her fury, but the son of Trebatio who was desperate with love, did not alonely esteem a little this horrible and terrible Dragon, but this present danger which was agreeable unto his misfortune: and with a valiant courage, he did abide her coming. And when the Dragon would have caught him in her deformed mouth, and have fastened upon his shoulders, her cruel and sharp nails, he put himself on the one side with great lightness, and having the Dragon on his right side, he struck her with all his strength a terrible blow upon the head, that he thought verily therewith to have parted it in the midst, but the sword did no more harm on her, then if he had stroke upon a hard Diamond, and being very much amazed thereat, he said within himself, that all those things were infernal and fantastical, but he had not so soon made an end of striking the blow, when as this horrible dragon returned upon him, and having no time to clear himself from her, she put her strong legs upon his shoulders, and clasped her cruel nails on his back, and griped him with so great strength, that she had passed through all his bowels, if the force of his magical and fine armour had not made defence against her, and by reason that his armour was made by that art, the hardness and sharpness of her cruel nails were not sufficient to pierce them through, yet notwithstanding this valiant Knight did feel himself very sore troubled, as well with the fire and smoke which she threw from her, as with the great strength wherewith she did gripe him, and although he thrust at her with the point of his sword under her belly, yet he did her no more harm than if he had stroke upon a Rock in this sort▪ the stout Knight had the worst of this contention, and was put in great peril and danger, but his noble and stout courage could not suffer to see himself so embraced with that infernal beast▪ wherefore letting his sword fall out of his hand, with his fist he struck her such a blow upon the head, with so great courage and strength that he made all h●… teeth to chatter together the one with the other, and being therewith somewhat astonied, she withdrew herself from him, and he then being at liberty, and having more room to profit himself with his strong & rigorous arm, he strait way upon the same with his close armed fist, which I may resemble unto a Maze of iron, struck the dragon the second blow in the same place whereas he had struck the other, and what with the great fury wherewith it was stroke, and the amazement of the first blow, the skull of that monster which was as hard as flint, was beaten & broken down into the brains, yet at this present the dragon was not slain, but rather did seem more horrible and devilish then before, for beating of her wings and rising up in the air, she made a dreadful noise, and with her terrible and long tail she beat the pavement, in such sort that all the court and the galleries round about it did shake, the Knight was greatly amazed to see her fierceness and infernal fury, and stood still to see what would come thereof, and by reason that all which the Dragon did was with the pangs of death, in a small time after she fell down dead, and o●… a sudden the floor did open▪ and the Bull and the Dragon fell both in thereat and were consumed, and the earth shut up again, so that there remained no mention of them. And when the Knight of Cupid saw all these strange adventures, he was wonderfully astonied at them, as on that had seen very few of such like enchantments, so he recovered his sword which he threw from him, and put it up in his sheath, and looked round about, be thinking himself what was best to do, and as he looked about him, he saw upon a wall that was right before him under one of the galleries in that court, a thing which put him in great admiration▪ which was, that he saw there portrayed his own figure and likeness, with the device of his armour, and the entering into the Cave, and all that happened in the contention he had with the Bull and the Dragon, till such time as they were consumed into the earth, every thing particularly a●… it was, that he himself could not declare it so perfectly a●… it did appear there upon the wall, and the Bull and the Dragon appeared there so fierce and furious, as though they had been alive. And when he had well perused all this, he said within himself, that the wisdom and knowledge of Artidon was great, and remembering the great passion and sorrow of love which he passed and suffered, and the great dis●…ing and hatred which he found in her whom he so entirely loved, he gave a great sigh & said: Oh cruel & tyrannous love, there is no wisdom and understanding able to refrain himself & leave thee, neither any strength sufficient to make resistance against thee, so that I believe thy power and strength is more in the wise and most ripest of wit, and strong of courage, much more than in any other baler person: as the fire is most furious of force being made with strong & hard timber, but yet thou respectest no estate, neither one nor other, neither the strong nor feeble person, they ought not to paint thee with thy eyes shut, for so much as all they which do serve thee are blind, and thou with thy shut eyes dost behold all their sorrows and troubles, and givest them their payment for their service. And in saying these words he went from that place, and on the other side he saw a great & broad pair of stairs, very well wrought, which went up unto the galleries, and it seemed to be the way which he should take, wherefore he ascended up the stairs, and when he came into the galleries he saw that they were very broad, and well wrought with strange work, & three of those galleries were on that side the court whereas he had the contention with the monsters, and on the other side toward a very fair Orchard, fresh and delectable, full of all sort of green trees and sweet flowers, whereas he heard a marvelous sweet harmony of many ●…yrdes, which were in that Orchard, and on the other side of the Gallery was there marvelous great and strange buildings, and in the same Gallery there was a door open for to enter into that work, so the Knight of Cupid entered in, and came into a Quadran: which appeared very clear, bright, and fair, and on the one side thereof there was a door, which seemed to be shut on the inside, who had to keep and guard the same a mighty great and dreadful Giant, with an iron Mase in his hand, who as soon as he saw the Knight, with both his hands lift up his Maze above his head, and did abide till such time as the Knight should come unto him, with so terrible countenance, that any man would have thought it great folly to have a●…utted ●…im, and over the door was written Letters to this effect.  
When this door shall be open, then shall the Queen Artidea be at liberty, and the entry herein shall be free unto all people.  
And when he had read it, he thought within himself▪ that for to make an end of that adventure, he must needs have battle with the Giant. And so without any more tarrying, with his sword in his hand he went towards him. When the Giant saw him nigh, he discharged from a lost his great and mighty Maze, thinking to strike the Knight of Cupid on the head, but he who always had in remem●…e what was best for him to do, with a marvelous great lightness leapt on the one side▪ in such sort, that the ●…eat iron mase fell down upon the floor, and with the fury wherewith it was stroke, it made all the palace to shake: this ●…ghtie blow was not so soon given, when that the worthy Knight threw a some at him▪ and struck him on the breast, and according unto the great strength wherewith it was given, it had been sufficient to have passed through the giants body, although he was armed with strong iron, but his armour was made by such art, that it made the point of his sword to double and bow unto the hilts, and made no sign thereof in his armour. Then the Giant lift up his mase again to strike him another blow but this valiant Knight seeing the small harm that he could do him with his sword, determined to assault him by some other means, and seeing that the Giant did discharge his blow▪ he entered in soclose with him, that he was constrained to fall down on both his knees for to clear himself from the fury thereof, and rising up again with great lightness, finding himself nigh the Giant, he threw his sword from him, and with both his hands laid fast hold in the midst of the Giants Maze, and pulled at it with so great strength, that he pulled it out of his hands, and was very joyful for the winning thereof. But as soon as the Giant had lost his mase, upon a sudden he vanished away that he was never more seen, and the Knight of Cupid remained all alone very much marveling at such sudden and strange things as he saw there, and when he perceived that there was no more to do but to open the door, he went to it and proved to open it, but he could not move it neither on the one part nor on the other, although he put great strength to open the same, & seeing that he cold not profit with his strength, he took the giants Maze in his hands and said: It doth come all to one purpose to break thee by force, as to open thee by policy or art, & therewith he struck a mighty blow in the midst of the door, that he broke it all to small pieces, and upon a soda●…ne at the same time he heard a great and terrible noise of Thunder, that the heavens seemed to open therewith, and in all the Kingdom of Russia was heard that terrible noise, which caused all men to fear and wonder, for that the day was very fair and clear, & could not imagine what should be the occasion to move any such thing in the Region of the Air, and after that this great Thundering and noise was past, the Knight of Cupid saw that the entry in at the door was clear, and without any impediments, so he entered in thereat and came into another Quadran, which was marvelous bright & clear▪ only by the virtue of precious stones which were very big, set round about the walls, and in the midst of this Quadran, there was in manner of a stage, very straungel●…e wrought and round about it steps like stairs for to go up upon, and upon the same stage there was set in a chair very richly wrought, the Queen Artidea who was very fair & royally appareled, who le●…ned her head upon her arm, and there was beholding a Knight of a very good countenance and disposition, who was all armed with guilt armour, and broidered with precious stones, kneeling upon his knees before her, having his breast open, showing unto the Queen his bloody heart, and although his countenance did show him to be dead, yet the wound and the blood was so fresh, as though at the same instant it had been done. This Knight was the wise Artidon, who willingly and with his own hands did wound and open his breast, after that he had brought the Queen thither, at the hour that the Knight of Cupid entered into that Quadran and saw all this, the same hour was the enchantment undone, and the Queen was at liberty, who when she life up her eyes and saw him, she strait ways understood that that Knight had finished that adventure, and set her at liberty, for the which being joyful, she arose from the place where she was set, and when the Knight of Cupid saw her arise, he went towards h●…. and did salute her very courteously, and she spoke unto him saying: O gentle Knight, wherewith can I gratify you for this great benefit which by your mighty bounty and prowess this day I have received, in that I am at liberty and clear of this heavy and sorrowful prison, in the which I have been so many years, doing no other thing but live in continual sorrow and lamentation for the death of this Knight. Tell me I pray thee who thou art, and in what estate doth all my Kingdom remain, for that I béeleeve, by reason of the long time that I have been here, there is no memory nor mention of me.  
Then the Knight of Cupid said, Lady, unto god thou oughtest to surrender these thancks, and not to me, for that he hath been the principal doer, and he it is that hath delivered thee out of this Enchantment, and that which I of my part have done, it is sufficient satisfaction, for that I have done it in the service of such a person as you are. And as touching the rest which you do ask of me, you shall understand that I am a strange Knight and was never in this country before it was within these four days that I entered into it, notwithstanding in this small time I have understood by certain shepherds which I left here without the cave, that in all your kingdom there is great memory of you, and that they do look for your return daily, and since your first entry into this Cave until this day the kingdom hath been in power of governors, and none hath been called King. And believe this of a certainty, that your liberty will be unto all them great joy and delight, and they will receive you with no small honour.  
The Queen was very glad and did rejoice to hear those words. And when she saw the excellent beauty of the Knight of Cupid, who had the beaver of his helm lift up, she was greatly amazed thereat, and thought within herself that she could not make him better satisfaction for that which he had done for her, then to take him for her husband. And thinking the time long to see herself clear out of that place▪ she said, that if he were desirous to know the truth of any thing of the wise Artidon, that he which was kneeling on his knees upon the scaffold was the same, and that he would give him the true and perfect answer of all things that should be demanded of him. The Knight of Cupid who was very glad thereof, went unto the wise Artidon, and said.  
O gentle Knight and wise Artidon, let now thy misfortune give comfort unto my sorrow, which thou dost know is very great, and how that it should be unto me a glorious death, that in opening of my breast, and showing my heart unto that cruel Lady, I might cause her to weep, and it were but one tear of pity to have compassion of me.  
Likewise thou dost well know the great misfortune of the Princess Briana my Mother, and how the Prince Eeward my Father and my Lord. her spouse was lost, and we could never hear any news of him, and also my brother the Gentleman of the Sun was lost being but an infant, and never yet could news be heard of him, now here I besire thee that thou dost give me some news of them, or to tell me whether they be alive or dead, or whether I shall go to seek them, for that whatsoever thou shalt tell me, I shall hold it for a truth, and when thou hast satisfied me of the truth hereof, than I will desire thee to tell me some news of that which passeth in the court of King Oliverio, and as for the Princess Olivia my mistress, I know well that I do not deserve to know any thing of her. And when he had made an end of saying these words, strait ways the wise man did open his eyes, & did look upon the Knight of Cupid, and when he had well beholden him, he answered and said: Worthy Knight of Cupid, thou oughtest to have thyself in great estimation, for that thou hast finished and made an end of this adventure, the which many could not have done, although they were both mighty and worthy Knights that have come hither, and given the enterprise of the same, although they have done other wonderful and great deeds of arms, for the great compassion which thou hast had of my death I give thee thanks therefore, and in reward of the same I will tell thee strange and secret things, which shall give thee great contentment, touching that which thou hast demanded of me of the Prince Edward, & of thy brother. And in saying these words he told him particularly all the whole History of the great Emperor Trebatio, from the first time that he was in love with the Princess Briana, till such time as he went out of the Castle of Lindaraza, by the high prowess of the Knight of the Sun, & how he went in his company into Hungaria, and how he carried the Princess into his Emp●…re of Grecia. So likewise he told him how that mighty and valiant Knight who took the Emperor Trebatio his Father out of the enchanted Castle, was the Knight of the Sun, of whom he was succoured, being at the point of death in the Island of Candramarte, and how it was that Gentleman of the Sun his brother, who being a young intant was lost at the Monastery of the River, who at this present is a Pagan and doth live in the law of the Gentiles, for that he hath been brought up amongst Pagans, and doth not know whose son he is, although he hath been in Hungaria, in the court of his grandfather, the King Tiberio▪ & hath done so high & mighty deeds of Knighthood, as ever hath been seen or heard of. When the Knight of Cupid heard all this, he received very great content & was very glad that the long & heavy sorrow of the Princess his mother was remedied, the which did give her ●…ally no small sorrow & grief. And being in this delight the wise man proceeded forwards in his talk and said.  
Touching the news that thou do●…st ask of me of the Court of the King Oliverio, I give thee to understand that all which at this present they do entreat of there, is, that the Prince of Lusitania is very much in love with the Princess Olivia, and hath demanded her of the King her Father for spouse, & the King hath promised him the grant thereof, and what shall happen thereof I cannot ●…ell, neither what the Princess Olivia doth pretend therein, for that to me there is not granted so much liberty as to discover or declare the secrets of hearts, neither of that which hath passed at this present. And now pardon me for that I cannot answer thee unto any other thing whatsoever thou wilt demand of me. And in saying these words the wise Artidon did close up his eyes, & remained dead as before.  
But when the Knight of Cupid understood what he said touching the Princess Olivia, his blood warred cold in his body, & all the pleasure which before he received, was now turned into heaviness, & having no power to dissemble any longer, he cast up his eyes unto the heavens and uttered words of great lamentation, and with so terrible sighings and complaints, that the Queen Artidea, who was beholding him, had great compassion of his sorrow. And being in this grief, he heard a great noise of people which were coming up the stairs into the gallery: And looking what it should be, he saw the Shepherds that remained without the cave abiding his success, who when they perceived that he tarried so long, and came ●…r forth, and again hearing the great noise of the battle of the Bull, as also when the Dragon was engendered, they were greatly amazed, whereupon two of them went to carry these news unto the Prince Luziro, who was in a city but a mile from that place. And in the mean time that these two Shepherds were declaring unto the Prince all that they heard, after that the Knight had entered into the cave, at that instant was heard that great & terrible thundering which was made when the Knight of Cupid broke the door of the enchanted Quadran, with the iron male of the Giant, at which time the Queen was set at liberty, which when the Prince & all his Knights heard that terrible & wonderful noise, they all suspected that that Knight had broke up & undone that Enchantment and strange adventure of the cave, for that it was told him by many wise men, that in his time the Queen should be discharged & set at liberty. So straight way the Prince took his horse, & being accompanied with many noble Knights he came unto the ca●…e, and when he came thither he saw that the letters that were wont to be there were altered, & other letters containing these words in their place.  
This adventure was finished by the Knight of Cupid, who did set at liberty the Queen Artidea, and in remembrance thereof there doth remain within the wise Artidon, of whom all those that are touched with amorous passions, may pass the flames of fire without any impediment, and know of him all that ever they will ask.  
When the Prince and all those that came with him had read that writing, they were marvelous glad and joyful, and thought long to see the Queen, and the Knight that had set her at liberty. And without any more tarrying they entered in through the flames of fire, and for that the most part of them were young men & lovers, they passed in quiet without any 〈◊〉 of the fire, and went forwards on till they came into the court, & there they did all of them behold the w●…ll, whereon was portrayed the Knight of Cupid, making his battles with the Bull, Dragon, & Giant, which was wonderful to be seen, as well for the flercenes and strangeness of the battles, as for the great subt●…itye and art that was in the setting forth of the story upon the wall. After that they had well perused the same, they went forwards up the stairs and came into the galleries. This was the noise that the queen & the Knight of Cupid heard, & tarrying to see what it should be, the Prince of Luziro, accompanied with all his Knights entered into the quadran, & when they saw the queen, whom the Knight of Cupid had by the hand they were greatly amazed to see her so fair & beautiful, & when they came unto her, they asked her hands to kiss them, & told her who they were. When the Queen understood he was the Prince Luziro, who was governor of the realm in her absence, she was very glad and joyful, and entertained him with a very good grace, and asked of him how he did know that the adventure was furnished, because he came so quickly thither. And then he told unto her what the shepherds had declared to him, and of the great noise of thunder which they heard, he affirmed that to be the occasion that they came thither so soon, and after that the Prince had talked with the queen, he turned unto the Knight and did embrace him, receiving him with words of great courtesy & friendship, who was like wise greatly astonished at his mighty & fair countenance, which was agreeable unto his great courtesy & courage▪ showed in that adventure, & being very desirous to know who that stout & valiant Knight should be, they requested the queen to demand it of him, & for that the Queen heard that which the wise Artidon had said unto him, she straight ways declared that he was the emperors son of Greece, & wondering very much thereat, they could not but look & behold him with great affection.  
So after that among them there had, passed many curt●…ous words, the Prince Luziro and all the rest that came with him, did endeavour themselves to behold the strange things of that enchanted Quadran. And when they saw the wise. Artidon with his breast open in such sort that they might discover his heart, they were moved & had great compassion on him, & did very much extol & praise his wisdom & bounty, in that he would rather die then profit himself of the Queen against her will. And when they had viewed all things that was to be seen, they went forth of that enchanted Quadran, & descended into the fair & broad court, & returned a new and beheld that timorous battle which was there figured, & would not believe that in any human Knight there should be so much force & strength, as was showed to be used in those battles. So that after they had well debated the matter touching the valiantness of that worthy knight, they all together went forth of the cave, & went unto the city, whereas that fair Queen was received with great honour & admiration of all people, & within a few days after the Queen and the Prince Luziro were made sure together, & at their Marriage there was made great feasts & triumphs. And here the history doth leave them at this present, for to tell you of two worthy & esteemed Princes Brandizell and Claverindo, whom we left in the court of the King of Polonia.   

How the two Princes Brandizell and Claverindo departed from the Kingdom of Polonia, and came into the Kingdom of France, and of all the rest that happened. Chap. 6.  
NOw we must call to remembrance those two valiant Princes Brandizell and Claverindo, whom we left in the Kingdom of Polonia, whereas the Prince Brandizel was well beloved of the Princess Clarinea, after that he had delivered her out of the power of the Giant. Now the the history saith that after these two Princes had sojourned there certain days, they asked licence of the King to departed, for that they had great desire to go & seek out their friend the Knight of the Sun, without whom they could not be in quiet one hour. Likewise the Prince Claverindo had great desire to go and know his parents, and although that the King was very sorrowful for their departure, yet he could not deny them, but granted them leave, & did offer unto them very many & rich gifts, but the two Princes would receive nothing of him. So one day before they should departed, the Prince Brandizel had opportunity to talk with the Princess, and in the end of great communication that passed betwixt them of love, he took his leave of her, & promised her to return again into that Country with as much speed as might be. Then these two Princes departed, & in their company Armineo, uncle unto the Prince, and went towards the sea, & being entered into their ship, they began to navigate towards the Kingdom of France, & that coast bore out from the Ocean sea towards the Septentrion, which was the occasion that they travailed fifteen or sixteen days, without happening unto them any thing worth the telling, till the seventeenth day they arrived in a very fair and pleasant Port of Normandy, which was unto them all their great joy and pleasure, but in especial unto Armineo, for that knowing the Country he wept with great joy, for that he was returned again into it, & there they heard news of Oristeo, & of the Queen Olindia, who were at that present in the famous City of Paris, and were very sad & sorrowful, for that they could never hear any news of their son the Prince Claverindo, nor of his uncle Armineo. Then they accounted together among themselves what was best to be done, and in the end of many debates they thought it best and did conclude, that before they went to Paris, or gave the King to understand any thing of their arrival they would go and prove the adventures in that Kingdom, and achieving some of them, it might be the occasion that they should be known with more 〈◊〉.  
●…nd according thereunto they prepared all thiinges, and for the space of three noneths they went through all the countries, & did many & wonderful deeds of arms, by the which they got so great fame, that they had no other talk in all the Kingdom, but of the two Knights with Flower de Luce's, for that either of them had for his devise a Flower de Luce, & for that the King Oristeo was informed many times of the great Knighthood of these two Knights, he had much desire to see & know them, that he might do them honour. So after that these two Princes had in this time travailed all the whole land, they concluded betwixt them to go unto Paris & there first before they made themselves to be known unto the King, to maintain a just for the space of two months, & to put for the price thereof a very fair tent, which was given them by the wise Lirgandeo▪ that was so strange and rich, that the like was not to be found. Now when they came unto the City▪ they strait way went unto the Tyl●… yard, which was right before the King's palace, & there they commanded their rich Tent to be armed, & sent an Embassage unto the King Oristeo giving him to understand of their coming, & craving pardon for that they did not their duty in going to kiss his hands, till such time as those jousts which they had ordained were finished. When the King heard thereof, he was very glad, and rejoiced, as one that had great desire to know so good Knights as they were, and again to see some of their great bounty and valiantness, which hath been told him. And there with he returned them thanks for their Embassage, and sent them word that he received great pleasure, that such Knights as they were come unto his Court, and if it were so that they had need or lack any thing, he would command them to he furnished of all necessaries. To conclude, for that this History cannot song remain herein, for that which is to be spoken of the Gran Trebatio & his Sons, wholly I do pass over all the wonderful deeds of these two Princes, but yet they say that in the space of two months these two Princes did maintain their just, that there was not in all France a Knight of estimation & valour, but was everthrowen by these Princes in the presence of the King & Queen, who were daily at the windows to behold them, & thought that in the world could not be two Knights of more force & strength But the King was somewhat sorrowful in himself, and thought it a great dishonour to his court, for that there was not one Knight of valour, but all were overthromen by the other, but this sorrow & grief endured but a while, for that the last day of the justs the Prince Claverindo did make himself known, as in the chapter following shall be told you.   

¶ How the two Princes Brandizell and Claverindo being in the City of Paris, there came thither a Giant called Brandafu●…el, with whom the Prince Claverindo had a very strong and furious battle. Chap. 7.  
THE great fame which these two Prince's gate in the justs that they did maintain in the City of Paris, was such, that not only the Knights of the kingdom, but also divers Knights of other provinces & countries did come to prove themselves with them, and as it is a common thing the fame, & in especial of such not able justs, do fly abroad into all parts. It happened at that time there dwelled in a little Island in the Ocean sea, near unto Normadie, a Giant called Brandafuriel, of a very great stature & deformed, with whom the King Oristeo was glad to hold friendship & peace, for the great damage and harm which he did upon the sea at all times when it pleased him. And for that this Island was compassed with high & mighty Rocks, which made it so strong, that all his power were not sufficient for to do him any harm, he being within, when the fame of these two Knights which were in Paris, came unto the giants ears, and of the rich Tent that was prepared for the prize of this Just, it straight ways gave him a desire to go thither, as one that was certain that ten such Knights as they were, were not sufficient to defend the Tent▪ but that by his prowess he must bring it away▪ And to execute his determination, he straight way departed from the city of Paris, & carried in his company to the number of ten Knights: and came thither one day before that the two months of the justs did end, whereas the two Princes were doing of marvelous deeds of arms. And as the great place was full of Knights, as well strangers, as those naturally borne in that Kingdom: at which time the great & furious Giant entered in amongst them, bidding them to make him way, with a loud & terrible voice. And when they saw him so great & ill favoured, they all feared him, & made him a large & broad way, that he might pass forwards. And when the Ciaunt saw the rich Tent where it was, he went towards it and did behold it with great admiration, and it 〈◊〉 onto him to be very rich and strange: and after 〈◊〉 he ●…ad satisfied himself with the sight thereof, he said: which be the Knights which doth defend this Tent. The Prince Claverindo, who was nighest unto him said: I am he that doth defend it, with an other Knight my companion▪ therefore say what thy pleasure is. That which I will say said the Giant, is, That where you are but two Knights for to defend it, I would you were twenty together. For winning of it it will be unto me more honour to win it of twenty, then of two alone Knights. But seeing that you are no more, come on let us go unto the battle: and come both of you against me. For that with one alone blow I will hoist you both out of your saddles, the one of you with my la●…ce▪ an●… for other I will take him under my arm. The Prince Clanerindo was very much offended and angry at 〈◊〉 pride of the Giant▪ & answered him saying. It is always the custom of you Giants, to abound in to ●…h arrogancy and pride, which maketh me not very much to marvel, of any thing that thou hast said. Therefore take unto thee thy spear, and I alone will defend the tent from thee. And if thou dost overthrow me from my horse, the Tent shall be thine, without any denial of me or my companion. The Giant when he saw himself so little esteemed of one Knight, he was so full of fury and wrath, that he could not refrain his ire, but drew out a mighty great and broud falchion which was hanging at his girdle, and went to strike the Prince Claverindo upon the helm, thinking therewith to cleave him down unto the waist. But the Prince who was a very stout and politic Knight, and in many things did resemble his friend the Knight of the Sun, before that the Faulchin could execute the Giants determination, he gave a great leap with his horse on the one side, that the Giant lost his blow, and it was stick in vain. And by reason that the blow descended right down, he struck his own horse upon the head, that he clove it in two pieces▪ and he fell down dead to the ground with his master▪ so that the Giant could not rise up again without great pain and grief, for that the horse in his fall caught the Giants leg under him. The King and all that did behold them, fell in a laughter, and had great pleasure in that which the Giant had done: Although his coming thither was a great grief unto many. For according unto the great fame which he had in those parts, they thought verily that the two Knights could not have sufficient force and might for to defend the Tent, but that he would win it and carry it away. When the Giant saw himself without a horse, with great ire he arose up and went towards the Prince▪ who with a trice leapt from his horse back▪ for that he would have no advantage of him, & drew out his sword and did abide his coming: so that beetwixt them there began ●… very angry and well fought battle, striking on every ●…e, that it was strange & wonderful to behold. The prince Claverindo was mighty of person & well proportioned, light and strong, besides all this, he had his a●…monr made and tempered by art magic, which was given him by the wise Lirgandeo, of the which he was sure that whatsoever blow his adversary did fasten upon him, it should not hurt him, which was the occasion that although the Giant were of much more force, yet he should maintain himself very well against him and make him to abate his great arrogansie and pride. And by reason that the Giant was big and heavy, the Prince did strike him at all times at his pleasure, and many times he did cut his armour and flesh, whereat issued out great abundance of blood.  
The King and all those that did behold the battle, greatly marveled at the prowess of that Knight, but above all, his uncle Armineo, was very glad and joyful, that he made his party so good in the battle, & said within himself, that it he did persever and bring it unto a good end, that with great honour the Prince might discover himself unto his Parents: and did pray to God with all his heart to aid and help him in that battle, for that it continued still very dangerous and full of peril. For that thi●… great and furious Giant when he saw that his Falchion could not enter, nor diminish the armour of his adversary▪ He did procure all that ever he could for to strike him upon the helm to astonish him, for that he never chansed to strike him upon the Helm, but that he made him sometimes to bow his knees to the ground, and other times to stoop with his hand to keep himself from falling, in such sort that the battle was in balance very doubtful, for more than an hour, that there was known no vantage betwixt them, but only that the Giant was wounded, and the Prince not.  
It was a great encouraging unto the prince Claverindo, to see himself in presence of his Parents, and hoped that very shortly he would give them to understand thereof. And this was the occasion that made him to be the more furious against his enemy. The Giant when he saw himself wounded, and all the ground be sprinkled with his blood, he greatly wondered at the strength and resistance of his enemy: and finding all things clean contrary unto his expectation before he began the battle, h●… was almost ashamed, yet he béeléeved that the state of his victory did remain only in the striking of one full blow upon the Helm of his adversary. And therewith he took his great Falchion in both his hands, and went towards the prince, making a show as though he should strike him upon the head, whereat the Prince stooped on the one side, and the Giant did stay the striking of his blow, till afterward unadvisedly at his pleasure, he struck him upon the Enchanted Helm, that it made all them that looked on, to marvel how he could sustain or suffer such wonderful fury, for that it was sufficient to have clove a great rock asunder, but by reason of the virtue of his armour, made by that wise Lyrgandeo for such necessities, that the Prince received no damage of that furious blow: but by the great strength wherewith it was given, he thought verily all his skull had been broken to pieces, and therewith he bowed his knees to the ground, remaining for a good space all astonished, that he could not arise up.  
When the furious Giant saw him in that trance, he turned again and lift up his mighty Falchion and stroke him an other blow in the very same place, and by reason that with the other blow his falchion was crazed with the force and strength of the second blow, it broke in three pieces, in such sort, that there remained in his hands but only the hilt, which was the occasion that the blow did no harm, otherwise it had cost him his life, and with the noise thereof he came unto himself, and arose up somewhat amazed, and with the fury of that great blow, he did not see that the Giant was without a Sword, but entered in with him in a great rage, and struck him such an overthwrat blow upon the thigh, that he cut his armour and flesh unto the hard bone: of the which the Giant felt himself very evil.  
The Giant seeing himself without weapon, he would have entered in with his enemy, to have caught him in his arms. but the Prince understanding his pretence, recoiling back threw a foin at him, which chanced on his beaver which was broken, and thrust him through and through the head, wherewith this fierce and ugly Brandafuriell fell down dead to the ground, it was unto all them that did béeholds what passed, a great admiration and wonder, when they saw so sterce and mighty a Giant, who in all those parts was greatly dreaded & feared, in so short space overthrown and slain, by one only Knight, and for that the King could not away with him for certain angers and griefs which continually he did unto him, he was very glad and received great joy for his death, and thought long to know the Knight who had done that valiant and worthy deed, being certified within himself, that there was not a Knight in all the world like unto him in courage and strength.  
When the Prince Claverindo saw himself clear of that monstrous Giant, he lifted up his eyes to heaven and gave great thanks unto the almighty God, and put his sword into his sheath, and went towards the Prince Brandizell & Armineo his uncle, who received him with great pleasure and joy, seeing the honour & praise which he had won in that place, and said amongst themselves that it was not then time to keep them any longer unknown, but great reason to discover themselves. And therewith they all three together went towards the place whereas the King and the Queen were, accompanied with all the principal Knights of the Court, and when they came before them, without taking of their helm, they did their duty and reverence, the King received them very gladly, and rejoiced much with them. Them Armineo began to speak and said.  
Most mighty King, you shall understand that these Knights are come from strange Countries unto this thy court, not so much to get honour here amongst thy Knights as to give thee certain news, at the which thou wilt receive great joy and contentment, which are concerning thy son the Prince Claverindo, who many years past was lost, being carried away by a great rover from his Country, who at this present is a live and doth very well, and is waxed such a Knight, that in the whole world you have very few like unto him, and in company with him is his uncle Armineo, with no small desire to come and see thee, and ever since they were taken by that Rover, they have been always together, and as we do understand they will not be long from hence.  
The King when he heard these joyful news, with a loud voice said: Oh mighty God, is it possible that my Son Claverindo and my Brother Armineo be alive, and that there hath been in my court who hath seen them, and never told me till now, and so long time past. And in saying these words he turned unto Armineo and said: Gentle Knight, seeing that you have brought me so joyful news, I pray you also tell me where you did leave them, that I may send to seek them, so shall I have my joy wholly fulfilled. It shall not need that your highness do send to seek them said Armineo, for that they are within the Kingdom of France, and will be here very shortly. When Armineo had said these words, the King was in a great doubt whether this which the Knight had told him was true, and whether he spoke it in manner of mockage. The Queen who was present when she heard these words, thought it a thing impossible to be true. Then the King arose up from the place whereas he sat, and went unto Armineo, and cost his arms about his neck, saying: O gentle Knight, tell me if this be true which thou hast said, or whether thou boast it to mock with me, for that my sad and sorrowful heart cannot beeléeve this joyful news to be of truth.  
Then Armineo said. I will not tell any thing unto your highness but that which is of truth, and for that you shall be put in greater admiration understand that he which slew in your presence that ugly and monstrous Giant Brandafuriell, is the Prince Claverindo your Son, and the other Knight his companion is the Prince of Persia, and I am thy Brother Armineo. And in saying these words they all three pulled of their Healmes, and straightways the King and the Queen did know Armineo, and although the Prince was lost in his tender age, yet in the proportion of his face they did very well remember him, at which words with a sudden and unlooked for joy, they ran unto him and clasped their arms about him, and remained a great while embraced together, and could not speak one word with the great joy and pleasure which they received. So in the end when that their harls and arms had contented themselves with that loving and joyful meeting, they fell into communication, whereas betwixt them there passed a great discourse of their lives, whereby the King and the Queen was fully satisfied of all that the Prince Claverindo and Armineo had passed, after such time as they were taken prisoners by the power of that great rover Mambriniano. So when the king and the Queen heard of the great misfortunes & travalles that their son had passed, & was now in their presence accompanied with that mighty Prince Brandizel, with whom he was brought up, there was no joy that might be compared unto theirs, and they gave great thanks unto God, for such his merciful benefits showed upon them. When these news was published abroad, I am not here able to declare the general joy & pleasure which was made, not alone in the great City of Paris, but in all the kingdom there was great and solemn feasts made, the which endured a long while. And for that the History hath very much to tell of other Knights, at this present it doth leave to speak any more of them, and returneth unto the Knight of the Sun▪ whom we left prisoners in the court of King Tiberio.   

How the Knight of the Sun escaped out of the prison where he was kept, and perforce departed from the Court of the King Tiberio. Chap. 8.  
THe History showeth that the Knight of the Sun was thirty days prisoner in the tower whereas we left him, at the great City of Ratisbona, in which time the king Tiberio did never determine what should be done-touching the death of the Trojan Earl, but was rather in a great doubt, not knowing what to conclude therein, for that on the one side the wife and children of the Earl, and all his parents and kinsfolks, who were very many, and of the principallest of the Court, did every day and hour importunate him for to do justice upon the Knight, and on the other part, considering the great valour and deserr, and the sovereign excellency that seemed to be in him, he could not consent in his heart that such a Knight as he was should die, although his offence had been far greater than his was, and as the king remained in this doubt, the Knight of the Sun was no less perplexed, seeing himself so long time in prison, & that the King would not determine what his will was therein. Likewise the same time Florinaldus was prisoner in another tower, unto whom the pain and trouble of his imprisonment was not so much grief, as his desire was earnest to be revenged on the Knight of the Sun, in especial for the shame which he received at his hands before his Lady Albamira, as much as for the death of the Trojan Earl, and for that he was a vallaunt Knight, he could not persuade himself that the Knight of the Sun should have any vantage of him, if he entered battle with him by the sword, and thought within himself that by no other means he could make satisfaction of his honour, but to defy him to mortal battle for the death of the Earl his brother, and to demand of the King licence for the same, and as he determined, he put it in execution, and called unto him a Squire of his, and sent him unto the Knight of the Sun, for to tell him that it was not unknown what words did pass beetwixt them, and how that he had slain the Trojan Earl his brother, ●…o that upon the same occasion he did defy and challenge him to mortal battle, and if it were so that he accepted battle, he for his part would procure lysence of the King for the same. So the ●…uyer went with his message, and declared it unto the Knight of the Sun, who was very glad and joyful thereof, not for any good will 〈◊〉 he had to make battle with Florinaldus, for that he had no desire to dishonour or shame him, but the chiefest occasion of his joy was, to recover his horse and armour, wherewith to defend himself, and not to suffer himself to be taken and carried again unto prison. And there with he said unto the squire, that he should tell his Lord that he was very sorry for the death of his Brother, and that he did well know that he was in the fault of all that passed, to that nevertheless seeing he demanded the battle, he could do no otherwise but make his defence, and so he promised to accept the battle, as far forth as the King would give them lysence. Then the squire returned with this answer unto his Lord, who when he heard the meekness of the Knight of the Sun, his stout courage did the more increase, and sent straight way unto the King a certain Knight of his part for to ask licence, that he & the Knight of the Sun might enter battle about the death of the Earl, affirming that it was his request against the Knight of the Sun.  
Now you shall understand that it was the use and custom of that Country, that the Brother or any other unto the fourth degree of the kindred, might revenge the death of his brother or any other kinsman, of him whatsoever he were that committed the murder, and the law being such, the King could doo●… no less but give lysence unto all that which Florinaldus did request. When Florinaldus did understand the same, he was well content, and the next day following the battle was appointed to be held in the midst of the great court. The day being come, the King sent unto the Knight of the Sun his sword, and when the hour approached that they should make their battle, the King commanded 500 Knights, and as many more foot me●… to 〈◊〉 and keep●… Florinaldus and the Knight of the Sun, that they might ha●…e the field in quiet and safety.  
And besides all this they had all the principals and Knights of the Court to accompany them, so that they went out of the prison whereas they were with great h●…nour. And when they came into the place, the King and all the rest of the nobles were at the windows, and the people in other places whereas they might best see the battle. incontinently all those which did bear them company, at the commandment of the King did a part themselves from the two Knights, & were appointed for judges the Duke of Austria, & the Earl of Denmark, who were the best esteemed in all the Court, did divide the space betwixt the two Knights, & put each of them in his place. When the Knight of the Sun saw himself at liberty, he said unto himself: Oh mighty Emperor Trebatio, how mayst thou blame me of forgetfulness towards thy majesty, for that I have not performed the vow which I promised thee, to see thee strait after thy coming into Grecia▪ the Gods do know how much I have desired it, notwithstanding if it fortune this day, my purpose is to see thee very shortly. And in saying these words the Trumpet sounded unto the battle, & the gallant & valiant Knight Florinaldus did strike his furious horse with the spurs, & made towards the Knight of the Sun, for his courage & furious force was such at that time that it seemed fortune could not be contrary unto him in any wise. Likewise the strong & mighty Greek came forth to meet him, with so great fury, that in the running of his horse, the ground seemed to tremble whereas he went, and in the midst of their course they joined together with their Spears, and Florinaldus broke his great Spear upon the fine armour of the Knight of the Sun, in such sort that he shievered it in a thousand pieces, which flew into the air, but this strong and stout Knight remained firm in his Saddle, and made his encounter with Florinaldus, striking him on the breast with so great power and strength, that he overthrew him and his horse to the ground one upon another, in such for that his horse fell upon him, that he could not arise by any means, whereby this gallant and 〈◊〉 Knight was very ill entreated, and lay along upon the ground as though he had been dead, wherefore the King and all they that did behold the battle were much amazed at the great power and force of the knight of the Sun, saying one to another that he had not his like in all the world.  
Straight way there was heard in the great place many shrieks and cry, and looking what they should be, they saw it was the kinsfolks of Florinaldus, who thought that he had been slain, and began to lament his death, and the death of the Earl. When the knight of the Sun saw Florinaldus did not rise up again, he went unto the judges and demanded of them if there were any more to be done to clear himself from that enterprise▪ To whom the judges answered, that touching the battle there was nothing else to be done, and as for any other thing, they did not know the kings pleasure. In the mean time the King was very sorrowful, and thought surely that Florinaldus had been dead, wherefore he called his chamberlain and commanded him to go and charge the Knight of the Sun to re●…ourne again into the prison, and that the guards should bear him company till he came to the Tower, where he should remain as prisoner. But when the Knight had done this message unto the Knight of the Sun, he went to the windows whereas the King was, and with a loud voice he said.  
In the Courts of high and mighty Kings they ought not to entreat a travailing Knight in this sort as you do me, for if I slew the Trojan Earl, it was with my sword in my hand, defending myself like a Knight, from them which sought my death, and for that I do not deserve any punishment, neither was there any reason why I should be so long in prison. But now seeing you do command me to return again unto prison, let every one defend and keep himself from me as well as he can, for that I do pretend to keep my liberty. And in saying these words he drew out his Sword, and set Spurs unto his Horse, and pressed among the thickest of the guard, which had compassed him about, and with the great fury that he had, he made way through the thickest, overthrowing some with his Sword, & other some with his horse. The King straight ways perceived the pretence of the Knight, & being very angry, with a loud voice commanded the Knights of the guard and the foot men for to take him. And at the commandment of the King, the Knights of the guard, resorted unto the place whereas the Knight of the Sun was, & in great number they put themselves before him with their sword in their hands, & over laded him with very many blows, & although the Knights were many, yet in a short time he made them to recoil, and to give him way, flourishing with his Sword in his furious hand, about him, on the one side & on the other, in such sort that he never struck blow but that he slew or overthrew a Knight.  
The slaughter that he made among them was such, and in so great number, that although the knights and all the foot men did the best they could to take him, yet in spite of them all, this furious knight made way before him, and went from amongst them out the place. And chancing into a narrow street, he set spurs to his horse and made him run with great swiftness, till such time as he was out of the City in the field. The slaughter which he made amongst them, and the great fear which they received, was such, that there was not one so hardy that durst follow after him, but to content the King they c●…ustered a great number together, and followed him through the street a trotting pace, and although they went a great number together, yet they which were foremost stayed their horse brid●…es, being unwilling to overtake that furious knight, so that the knight of the Sun had time to a part himself a great way from the City, and chanced unto a way which brought him unto the river Danubia, and travailed along by it with all the speed he might, for that if the people of the King should follow him, they should not overtake him, for that he had no desire to have battle with the Knights of King Tiberio, as well for that he was very weary, as that he was unwilling to do any more harm than he had done, & so he travailed all the rest of that day till it was night, & because he knew not the Country, he determined to stay and rest himself in a very fair and green forest, which was betwixt the river & the high way, and the place seemed unto him to be very delightful & fit for to rest in, wherefore he alighted from his Horse, & pulled of his Helm, & sat down upon the green, & leaned unto a tree, whereas he did rest himself from that great travail which he had passed all that day before, & by reason that he came thither very weary, he strait ways fell a sleep, & therein he passed a good part of the night, which was very fair by reason of the Moon light, and about midnight upon a sudden he awaked through a great noise which passed the highway, as it seemed, & bearkening what it should be, somewhat amazed with his sudden awaking, he heard that it was a great cry and lamentation of Ladies & Gentlewomen, and much rushing of armour, where with he put on his helm and did abide their coming on foot. Here the History leaveth them, for to tell you of all that passed in the Court of King Tiberio, and of other things which happened in this time.   

Of all that passed in the court of King Tiberio, after the Knight of the Sun was departed, and how the brethren of the Duke of Pannonia, and Aridon of the Wilderness did determine to revenge themselves of the King Tiberio, for that he would not pardon their deaths. Chap. 9  
WIth great shame and reproach the Knights of the King Tiberio remained, by reason that they were so many, and yet not able to prevail against one alone Knight, and much marveling at that which they saw him do, they said one unto another, that it was not possible he should be a human Knight. And when they came before the King & told him that he was gone, and that they could not make resistance against him, he seemed to be very wrathful against them, & was ashamed, taking it for a great reproach unto his Court, but that which troubled him most was, the complaints & tears of the parents & kinsfolks of Florinaldus, & of the wife & children of the Earl, for that they all together kneeled before him, which caused him to be more wrathful against the Knight of the Sun. Then straightways the Knights of Florinaldus did take their Lord out of the place and carried him unto his lodging, and for that he had no wound nor hurt but only the bruising & torment of the fall, he strait ways came unto himself & was quickly whole & sound, with which the rumour of his parents & kinsfolks was some what mitigated, & the King Tiberio lost some part of his great grief which he before sustained. And when he was somewhat in quiet & his anger over past, he called to his remembrance all that he had seen the Knight of the Sun do, & the gentle grace & courtesy that he used with all men, for the which he did deserve to be honoured & esteemed of all, & conceiving anger against himself, he said in his mind, that he had rather have lost a great part of his estate, than such a Knight should have departed from his court so much abused, & many times when he thought thereof he was very sorry for that which he had done against him. Now let us leave the King in his repentance, and many other of the principal Knights in his Court, who likewise were very sorry for the departure of the Knight of the Sun, and let us tell of other things which happened in that time.  
If you do remember that after the Knight of the Sun, had overcome that stout & valiant Knight Aridon of the black wood, the Duke of Pannonia, and he confessed all the treason that was conspired betwixt them against the Duchess, and how that the King commanded their heads should be cut off in the midst of the place, without any pardon, although many Knights & great Lords did importunate the King for their pardon. Now the History saith that this Aridon, of the black wood had a brother called Egion, a young man of a mighty stature & force, and of a singular courage for to attempt any thing, who was in the black wood, at such time as Aridon was beheaded. Also the Duke of Pannonia had likewise another brother called Farmonte, a valiant Knight and very proud, being Lord over many Countries in high Almain nigh unto the black wood, who went abroad seeking his adventures in those parts, & had got unto himself great fame & renown, for many deeds of arms which he had done in that country. Now when the death of their brethren came unto their knowledge, & in what sort the King Tiberio commanded them to be slain, they were very sorrowful for the same, and either of them determined within himself to annoy the King Tiberio all that ever they could, till such time as they were revenged of the death of their brethren. It so fell out that these two joined together, and were both of one mind and determination, concluding between them to be both together at the execution of revengement, for that they may the better bring to pass their pretence, & to annoy the king. Both these knights were in great security in their countries, & were altogether one helping and aiding another with great friendship, for that those Countries over which they were Lords and governors were very montanish and craggy, in such sort that there could not proceed against them any great host, but that they might easily make their defence, and with very few people.  
When they were agreed and conformed together Egion brother unto Aridon, by whose death he was then Lord over the black wood, determined to go unto the court of King Tiberio, & there to inform himself of all that had passed touching the death of his brother, & for to spy out how & in what manner he might be revenged on the King, so he came unto the Court in secret wise, not making himself known what he was, whereas he was certified of all that he would desire. Likewise he was given to understand how that the Queen Augusta was with her Ladies & Gentlewomen at the Monestary of the River, & there remained ever since that the Emperor Trebatio had carried away the Princess Briana. This Egion did very well consider the situation of the Monastery, and of the Knights which the Queen had for her guard & keeping, & thought within himself that in that place better than in any other, he might make satisfaction of his desire. Wherewith he returned unto his own country, & conferred with Farmonte, and certified him of all that had passed, and told that he had found out a fit place and opportunity agreeable to be revenged of the King, namely that the Queen Augusta with all her Ladies and Gentlewomen were at the Monestary of the River, which was far from the place whereas the King did abide, and although she had certain Knights for her guard, yet they might go so well provided, that in despite of them all, they would go take the Queen and her Gentlewomen, & bring them unto their own Countries, whereas they should be in safety from all the whole power of the King Tiberio.  
When Farmonte heard these words, being a courageous Knight, he liked very well of that which Egion had uttered, and thought it good to give understanding of all this their pretence, unto a Giant called Barbario, who had his dwelling thereby▪ on the shirt of the mount Sarpedo, who was a great friend unto them, and mighty and strong in deeds of arms, thinking with his help to destroy all the whole power of the King Tiberio, when he had opened this unto Egion, they both determined to go & talk with him, & to desire him if it were his pleasure, to be a companion in that enterprise. This accordingly they accomplished, manifesting unto him all their pretence & determination, when he understood it, did straight offer them his company, & also certain other valiant Knights which he had with him, being such as desired no other thing, but to have opportunity where they might employ their force & strength to do mischief. And to conclude, he came away with them, carrying with him ten of his Knights, who were very big of stature, & of great strength, with whom he durst give the enterprise against a thousand Knights.  
And when they came unto the black wood, Egion did choose other ten Knights of the best and strongest that he had. So being joined together, they did departed and took their way towards the Monastery of the River: and entering into Hungaria, they went three and three together, because there should grow no suspicion, and the most of their travail was by night. In this order they travailed, that at length they came to the Monestary of the river, and were not suspected of any, whereby the●… might have occasion to follow them, to see what they pretended. So tarrying the one for the other, they joined all together, and being in good order, upon a very fair and clear moneshine night, they set upon the monestary, broke the doors, entered in, and took the Queen with all her Gentlewomen, out of their chambers, at whose great shrieks and cries, the Knights which were of their guard being lodged in certain houses out of the monestary, did awake, & being all amazed, they began to arm themselves, in such great haste, that there were joined together more than forty, who went unto the place where as the no se was, so that beetwixt the Knights and the Giant, began a great conflict, but it fell out very evil with them, for that the most part of them were armed with out light, and upon a sudden, so that they lacked many pe●… ces of their armour. And more, the power of the Giant with Egion and Farmonte, was so strong, that they alone had been sufficient to destroy them all: so that in a small time there was the most part of them slain, and the rest that remained did hide themselves, for the great fear that they had: Insomuch that they had time and space to take the Queen and many of her gentlewomen into their power. And for that purpose they brought with them a Coach. with four wheels, drawn with six mighty Horses, and very swift, such as in a short space would carry them a great way: into the which coach they put the Queen and her gentlewomen, whose lamentations were so loud, that they might be heard a great way. Then they all together placed themselves round about the coach, and struck the horse, & in great hast they began to travail towards their country, vyry glad and joyful for the rich pray which they had obtained. And continually as the Knights which were of the guard and keeping of the Queen, came thither at their great shreckes, they did not cease to follow the coach, and had battle with the Giant and their Knights in the way, but the Giant did entreat them all in such sort, that some dead, and other some very sore hurt, he left them lying along the way whereas they went.  
This was the great noise of r●…mour & the cries which did wake the Knight of the Sun out of his sleep, in the Forest, thinking upon that great traua●…e which he had with the Knights of the King Tiberio, in the City o●… Ratisbona: and in the very same night did this wrong happen unto the Queen, and the coach did draw near the place whereas he was a sleep. And as this good Knight awaked upon a sudden almost amazed, and bea●…d a far of the great shrieks of the Gentlewomen, he strait way la●…d on his Helm, and went to seek his horse, who was feeding on the green grass, and bridled him & leapt into the saddle: at which time the Giant and the Knights came right against him whereas he was. And by reason that the moon did shine very bright, he saw them coming in this order. Before the coach went the Giant Barbario, mounted upon a mighty Horse all armed, with a great Iron Mase in his hand all bloody▪ with the great company of Knights which he had slain that night, and according unto his furious and dreadful countenance there were few Knights that durst ab●…e before him. And on both sides of the Coach, road the two valiant knights Egion and Farmonte, with each of them a battle axe in their hands. And their furious and fierce semblance which they showed, was no less to be feared, (by reason of the greatness of their bodies) than the Giants. And after the coach there followed to the number of fifteen knights, which remained of twenty that they brought forth, all on horseback, and well armed: who went keeping of the Gentlewomen, that they should not fall out of the coach. All this the Knight of the Sun stayed to behold, and by the shricks which the gentlewomen gave, and by the words which they spoke, he did well understand, that the Giant and those Knights did carry them away by force. And although it seemed to be an unequal match and very terrible, that one alone Knight should think to set them at liberty, yet this mighty and valiant Greek made no stay, but with a valiant courage set spurs unto his Horse and issued out of the forest whereas he abode: and came into the high way, and put himself before the Giant and said these words. Tell me Giant what is the occasion that thou dost carry these gentele women perforce against their wills. When this great Barbario in that sort saw the Knight before him, and the great hardiness wherewith he spoke unto him, without making any answer, he lift up his great mase of Iron, and went against him to have struck him vpo●… the head, with a right down blow: but the Knight of the Sun had his sword drawn in his hand, & ●…et spurs unto his Horse side▪ and made him give a great and a light leap on the one side, wherewith he cleared himself from that terrible blow, and the mase fell down to the ground: and with the great force and strength where▪ with it was strooken, it lacked little that the Giant had not fallen to the ground after the mase, for that he stopped with all his body forwards upon the saddle bow. And before he had any time to settle himself again, the Knight of the Sun entered in with him, and raising up himself in his Styrops, he struck with both his hands so furious and terrible a blow at his wa●…. that by reason the joints of his armour was in that place in a manner broken with his former conflicts, he cut the body in two pieces, in such sort, that the one half remained in the Saddle, and the other half from the waist upward fell down to the ground: and it was so quickly done, that when Egion and that mighty Farmonte béehelde the battle, with that wonderful and terrible blow, & saw the half body of the Giant fell unto the earth. And beholding the knight which had done that deed, with his sword in his hand all bloody, they received great admiration, and either of them thought within himself, that it should be some selestiall creature, sent from God for to destroy them: for that they could not persuade with themselves that in a mortal man there should be so great force and strength. Yet because they were valiant Knights, and high minded, and of proud condition, either of them did assault him with great ire and wrath: and the first that approached unto him was the mighty Farmonte, who with both his hands struck such a right down blow at the Knight of the Sun, which lighted upon his right shoulder, that it had been sufficient to clean him to his breast, if that his enchanted armour had not defended him. And by reason that the hatchet could not cut, the strength of the blow was the heavier, in such sort, that it made him to double and bow his body forwards, that his breast touched the saddle bow, and he had not well settled himself in his saddle again, when that on the other side, he was assaulted by the mighty Egion, who with his mighty hatchet, struck another right down blow at him, that if he had chanced to hit him, it could not but needs it must have done him great harm.  
But this courageous and valiant Knight, whose exceeding lightness and strength, was in all points equal: struck his horse with the spurs, and made him to leap on the one side, which was the occasion that he cleared himself from the ●…ry thereof, and therewith he entered in with that mighty Farmonte, and struck him such a blow upon the head, that if he had not clasped himself about the horse neck, he had fallen down unto the ground, he had no soo●… given this blow, but that the stout Egion lift up his Hatchet again and struck him another blow upon the Helm, that he made him decline his head unto his breast, being somewhat amazed therewith. All this that passed, as w●…ll with the Knight of the Sun as the Giant and the rest, the Queen Augusta & her Gentlewomen which were in the Coach did beehould, for that those which drove the Horse that did draw the Coach did stay, and the night was very clear, and the Moon did shine so bright that it seemed to be day, and they greatly marveled at the sudden death of the Giant, and likewise of the battle which that alone knight made with the other two knights, and certainly they beel●…ued that that knight was sent from God. In this time the mighty Farmonte had struck the Knight of the Sun a terrible blow upon his Helm, with so great fury and force, that he thought vorely his teeth had been broken with chattering and beating one against another, than this valiant and courageous knight seeing the great resistance that was against him, his force increased, and he took his sword in both his hands, and raised himself in his ●…rops, he striking a mighty blow at the stout Egion, which lighted upon his shoulder in all ill hour for him, for after that he never sorrowed for the death of his brother Aridon, for that the fine and well tempered sword did cut the hardened steel of his armour, and never rested there, but descended down unto hi●… waste, and spared neither flesh nor bones. but that fore quarter with all the rest of the unhappy Egion fell down dead unto the ground. When the mighty Farmonte saw that terrible blow, and his companions dead, he knew not what to say nor think of the great force of his adversary, yet the great pride which he had would not suffer him to acknowledge his mighty power, but bloody he pressed forwards, thinking by one only blow to take revengement of all the harm which was done, not foreseeing that which should happen, and lifting up his steely hatchet, with both his hands he struck a mighty blow upon the hard and Enchanted Helm of the Knight of the Sun, so that it sounded throughout all the woods and forests very strongly, and astonished him that he had no remembrance, in such sort that his horse carried him more than ten pace●… from the place whereas he was, but yet before the mighty Farmonte had time to give him another blow he was come again to himself, and remembering the mighty and furious stroke which he had received, full of wrathful ire and courage, he took his Sword in both his hands, and setting spurs unto his horse sides, he pressed towards that mighty Farmonte, to gratify the blow which he had received, who with a stout and proud courage did abide his coming. The Knight of the Sun raised himself on his stirrups, and gave him such a blow upon the head, that he clove it down to the shoulders, wherewith he fell from his horse dead to the earth. At which time there approached with the noise of the battle all the Knights which followed the Coach, and when they saw their Lords in that battle with one alone Knight, they would not help them, for that they thought either of them sufficient to use him at their pleasure, and therefore they put themselves on the one side to behold the battle, but when they perceived both their Lords with two blows so suddenly slain, their blood waxed could within their bodies, and they did verily believe that the same Knight was some infernal spirit, and no human creature, yet because they were many, they took courage one of another, and did assail him all together▪ striking at him very strongly, and by reason that they were all valiant and chosen Knights, they had put the Knight of the Sun in great jeopardy, if he had not been of so valiant courage as he was, who with so valiant and stout a courage did béehave himself amongst those Knights that if there had been as many more, they had not been sufficient to have brought him into any ●…xtremitie, for that in a small time with his furious strokes, of some he clove their heads a sunder, and of other some he cut away their arms, and other some he overthrew to the ground marvelously wounded, in such sort (because they had no Lords nor masters to give account unto) all those which remained alive and not wounded, determined to fly away, and thought it great folly any longer to abide those mortal and wonderful blows, but turned their backs and fled with all the hast they could, leaving that strong and mighty knight all alone, who seeing that there was no more to be done, went unto the coach to see who they were that came therein. And when the Queen Augusta and all her Ladies and Gentlewomen saw them dead and wounded, which carried them as prisoners, & that there remained no more but the mighty knight all alone, they gave great thancks unto almighty god, and wept for very joy to see themselves at liberty. And the Queen having great desire to know who that worthy knight should be, she spoke unto him and said.  
Oh happy and fortunate knight, whom I believe to be the mightiest and worthiest in all the world, tell us I pray thee who thou art, that I may know whom to gratify, for this great benefit that we have received in destroying of these traitors that carried us away prisoners. When the Queen had said these words, the Knight of the Sun did know her, for that he had seen her before, at such time as he had the battle with Aridon, and being much amazed to see her in that place, and in the power of those evil persons, was on the contrary very joyful, for that he had done unto her that service, did lift up the beaver of his Helm and said. Lady I give great thanks unto my Gods for that it hath pleased them to bring me hither at this time, & in so good opportunity to serve you, for that I assure you I was very ignorant and knew nothing hereof, but being sound a sleep within this forest, I was awaked by the great noise which they made, so that determining what it should be, I arose up and came towards this place, and you shall understand that I am the Knight of the Sun, he (if your highness call to remembrance) that had battle in your presence with Aridon of the black wood, and by reason of a sudden injury which hath chanced unto me, with certain Knights in the court of the king, I came hither into this forest this night to sleep and take my rest. When the Queen understood that it was the Knight of the Sun, and knew him by the Sun which he had upon his armour, her joy & pleasure did the more increase, & thinking herself in a great deal more safety than before, she said: Now I do well know & understand that my fortune is fallen out much better than I did make reckoning of, for that it hath pleased God to have so great a care over me, as to bring me such a Knight in this our most extremity, and considering the great good which thy coming hath been unto us, I cannot impute it, but unto the goodness of God in this our necessity. In the mean time that the Queen was saying these words & other such like, certain of her Knights which followed her somewhat out of the way from the coach, only for to spy out & know the way whether they went for to give the king to understand thereof. So long as they heard the noise of the battle, they burst not approach nigh whereas they were, but afterward when they heard that the Gentlewomen held their peace, & left off their shrieks and lamentation, they by little & little drew nigh unto the place whereas the coach was, till such time as they saw the Giant & the two knights, & others lie a long on the ground, some stark dead, and other some very sore hurt, complaining their misfortune. Likewise they saw the Knight of the Sun talking with the Queen, whom they knew by the devise he had of the Sun, & being much amazed at that wonderful sight, they drew nigh unto them, and when the queen knew that they were of her company, she took great pleasure with them, & commanded them to bring before her one of those knights of the Giant that lay upon the ground hurt, the knights accomplished her commandment, & when they had brought one of those knights before her, she demanded who they were that had taken her and her Gentlewomen prisoners, & what was the cause that they did it, threatening him with death if he did not tell the truth, and to the contrary, his life if he did tell her the whole effect, and promised him to have him healed of his wounds. The wounded Knight seeing that it would little avail him to hide any thing, considering that their Lords were slain & dead, did plainly and clearly declare unto her who they were, and of all that had passed, and what was the occasion that they did it, according as you have heard before in this History. And when the Queen understood the whole effect of her imprisonment, her body trembled with the fear that she received, knowing not how to recompense the Knight of the Sun for the great pleasure which he had showed unto them, but desired him to bear her company unto the Court of the King, promising him large and rich gifts, but because the Knight of the Sun had a greater desire to go see the Emperor Trebatio, then regard of riches and estate, he gave humble thanks unto the Queen for her gentle offer, and did excuse himself in the best sort he could, saying, that he had a journey in hand which he could by no means leave of at that present, but he hoped that the time would come he should return and serve the King, and be in his court. So after that they had a great discourse about this matter, the Knight of the Sun took his leave of the Queen, at which time were come together ten or twelve of the queens Knights, who had hid themselves for fear●… of the Giant, and when they saw that they could not by any means persuade the Knight of the Sun to return unto the court again, they suffered him to departed, although it grieved them very much that he should departed in such sort, before the king had rewarded him, for the great benefit which they all received at his hands. In the end the Knight of the Sun departed from the Queen, and left her in the company of her Gentlewomen and Knights, who determined to go unto the court of the King. And when those Knights saw the great and wonderful blows wherewith he had slain the Giant & his companions, being very much amazed they looked one upon another, & said that it seemed to be a thing impossible that a human wight should do such wonderful deeds. And for that it should be believed of them which did not see the battle betwixt them, & because there should remain a perpetual testimony & memory of the same, the queen Augusta determined to carry unto the court of the King the bodies of the Giant, & of Egion & Farmonte, clove & cut in pieces in such sort as you have heard, & for the same purpose she commanded the coach to be prepared, she & all her Gentlewomen came forth thereof, & caused the dead bodies to be put therein, so there they passed away the rest of the night which remained, & two of those Knights did return unto the monestary of the River, to give them to understand of all that had passed, & to bring palfrays & all things necessary for the Queen & her Gentlewomen. When the morning was come, and all things in a readiness, they took the way which lead them towards the court, carrying with them in their company the Coach, wherein was the bodies of the Giant and of Egion and Farmonte, who were very great and big, and for that the wounds wherewith they were slain, were very terrible and wonderful to behold, it put all them whom they met by the way in great admiration and especially when they understood that one alone Knight had done that deed. There were some of the Knights that were in the guard and keeping of the Queen, straight way when they saw the assault which the Giant and his companions made in the monestary, and seeing that they were many and that all their power was not sufficient to make resistance, they strait way departed in ●…ost with as great hast as was possible for to give the King Tiberio to understand thereof, & with the great haste which they made, the next day in the morning they came before the 〈◊〉, and told unto him all that passed, saying that if out of hand he did not with his Knights give aid & succour, the Queen & all her Gentlewomen should be carried away prisoners. When the King understood these news, he was very much troubled, and fearing that the Queen should receive some harm, he commanded that his Knights should arm themselves with all the speed that might be, which 〈◊〉, they departed to the number of two hundred Knights, and took their way towards the Monestary of the River. After that they were departed there were many other Knights that were arming themselves for to follow those that were gone before, & being all in a readiness▪ with as great hast as ever t●…eir horses could run they followed the other, in this sort they continued their travail till it was somewhat late, at which time those Knights which went foremost did discover a far of coming towards them the Queen & all her gentlewomen & Knights, bringing before them the coach & when they were satisfied that it was the Queen, with great & exceeding joy they went & told the King, who was very heavy and full of sorrow, supposing that his succour should come too late, by reason of the great distance that was betwixt the one and the other, but strait way when he understood the news that his knights gave him, he received so much comfort, that it seemed to revive him from death to life, & therewith he passed forwards, & road before them all, whereas he saw the Queen & all her Gentlewomen & knights coming, & the coach before them, wherein was the bodies of the giant and of the two dead Knights, & being nigh it, they sta●…ed, and with great admiration beheld those terrible & wonderful won●…ds, and could not imagine with themselves what it should be, but being half amazed at that wonderful sight, they remained till the Queen came, whom the King did embrace & receive with as great joy as if they had not seen one another a long time before. Then the King demanded how and in what sort she was set at liberty. To whom the queen said: My Lord, you shall understand that I and my gentlewomen being in the monestary of the river, we were assaulted by this Giant & two Knights that we do bring here dead, who had in their company more than twenty Knights, which came with them, who killing & wounding the most part of the knights that were of my guard, they took us & carried us away prisoners in this coach that we bring here, & according unto the great haste & swift course wherewith we were carried, I am certain that all your succour had come too late, but God was so pleased & my good fortune, that this night past travailing by the edge of a forest, there was a knight sleeping, who afterward I knew to be the knight with the devise of the Sun, which made the battle with Aridon of the black wood, who being suddenly awaked by our great shrieks & sorrowful lamentations, came forth into the high way to see what it should be, & he alone had battle with the Giant & these two knights, & hath entreated them in this sort as you do see, & besides all this he slew and wounded all the rest of the knights that came with them, himself remaining whole & sound, w●…thout any wound or hurt, & we set at liberty, with great joy & pleasure, especially when we knew who he was, & afterward came unto that place certain of my knights that did follow the coach wherein we were, & by one of their knights that were wounded and lay on the ground, we did understand who they were that did carry us prisoners & for what cause they did assault us, & there the Queen declared unto the King all that ever the Knight of the Sun had done for them in that battle & rescue, & how he departed from h●…r, & how she could not by any means cause him to return unto the court for to receive his reward for that worthy and valiant deed which he had done for her. When the King understood that it was the Knight of the Sun, who in the delivery of the Queen had done so high and worthy acts, one way he received great pleasure & another way he suffered great grief, for that he had not d●…ne him being in his court) the honour that unto so noble and vali●…nt a Knight appertained, and was very angry with the Queen, for that she did suffer him to departed & go away in 〈◊〉 order, and thought that if it were possible to overtake ●…nd find him, he himself in person would follow him. But when all the Knights which came in company with the king Tiberio understood that the Knight of the Sun had done all this, they greatly marveled, & beholding those wonderful wounds which the giant & knights had, they thought it a thing unpossible that any human Knight should do it, & wondering thereat they had enough to do to look one upon the other. Strait way in this sort the king & the quéen●… returned & took their way towards the City of Ratisbona, with all their Knights, carrying with them the Coach & the dead bodies, & the fame of the Knight of the Sun increased, in such sort that never after his memory was lost in those parts, & for long time after they had enough to do to communicate thereof, whereas this History doth leave them for to tell you what happened unto the Knight of the Sun.   

¶ How the Knight of the Sun came unto a castle, whereas he did deliver a Gentlewoman, and recovered two Pages, whom he carried with him. Ca 10.  
AFter that the high and mighty Alphoebo was departed from the Queen Augusta, 〈◊〉 would not stay in any place for to rest himself, although he had great need thereof, because if the king and his Knights should follow him, they should not overtake him, & so he continued his journey, pretending to pass into Grecia, & to go see his great friend the Emperor Trebatio, & with this pretence he travailed & passed away the rest of the night which remained & the morning being come, he chanced into a very large & plain field, all covered with pleasant 〈◊〉 green herbs, in which he travailed a good while, for that it was somewhat long, & toward the end thereof at the foot●… of a small mountain, he saw a castle, which seemed unto him to be very fair, and having great desire to repose himself and to eat some thing, he determined to go thither And before he came to it, as far as a man might throw a stone, he saw come forth of the castle gate, a Gentlewoman, running & giving great shrieks, and after her followed two knights armed with their swords drawn in their hands, threatening her that if she would not tarry, they would kill her. In this sort they all three came running towards the place whereas the Knight of the Sun was: & by reason that the knights were armed, they could not overtake her, till such time as she came whereas he was. And when the Gentlewoman saw him so mighty & so well proportioned, she life up her voice & said. Secure me gentle Knight, & deliver me from these traitors, who pretend to ravish me The Gentlewoman had no sooner said these words, but that the Knight of the Sun alighted from his horse, & put himself before them with his sword drawn in his hand, and said: what mean you gentle Knights, that you both follow one alone Gentlewoman. They who were full of malice & very proud, without answering one word, they assaulted him, and struck each of them a blow at him with their swords, but hard was their hap, for that they knew not what they did, neither did they know him, which with so great meekness spoke unto them. He then seeing their great discourtesy, and little respect which they had, he struck the one of them such a blow upon the head, that he clove it in two pieces, and he fell down dead unto the ground, and finding the other on his right side, he struck at him an overthwart blow, that he cut of his sword arm hard by the shoulder: and when he saw his companion dead, and himself with out an arm, making very dolorous and grievous complaints, he ran about the field, and had all his life time after to repent himself for that wrong which he would have done unto that gentlewoman. Who when she saw herself at liberty from those two knights, and in so short a space, being very much amazed at the might of that Knight. She came unto him and with weeping said, Oh good and gentle Knight, seeing that God had given you so much bounty & strength, succour and help my father and two brotherens, which are in that castle which you see before you, & are at the point to be slain by certain tra●…terous knights, that do pretend to kill them. And when the knight of the Sun heard this, with a trise he went unto the Castle, & as he entered in thereat, he heard great rushing of armour in the galleries about the court. And going up, he saw that it was four armed Knigh●…s at the entry of a door, who did strive to come in thereat, and in the inside, there was an ancient man, with two well proportioned y●…ng men unarmed, having but only their swords in their hands who did defend the entry. And when the Knight of the Sun came where as the four Knights was, the first that he met with all he struck him so terrible a blow, that he overthrew him dead at the feet of his companions. Who being very much amazed at that sudden mischief, turned themselves about to see who it should be that had done that harm. And when they saw the Knight of the Sun all alone with his sword in his hand, they left them with whom they had the battle at the door, & went against him, and with great fury began to lay upon him, but this their bravery did not endure long, for that in a short time with very few blows he gave them to understand who he was, for that he overthrew one of them to the ground, and the other two being very sore wounded, ran away and left him alone, till such time as the ancient man and the two young men that were with in the door came forth, who when they saw what the Knight of the Sun had done in so short a space, they greatly marveled, although they strait way knew him by the devise he had of the Sun, for that they were present at such time as he had battle with Aridon of the black wood: and no less musing at his arrival thither, they went towards him and demanded his hands to kiss them, for the great friendship which he showed unto them. And he received them with great courtesy and said▪ My friends, I pray you tell me what was the occasion that these Knights would have slain you, and other two Knights which followed a Gentlewoman out of this castellw●…o I have also delivered from them, and she will be here strait way. Then the ancient old man, who seemed by his gravity to be honourable, being very joyful for that he heard his daughter was at liberty, answered him and said as followeth.  
Oh worthy knight, I do verily believe that thou art sent of God, to defend and maintain the feeble and weak persons, & to chastise the proud and arroga●…t▪ For that I was present at such time as thou wert brought unto the city of Ratisbona, for to make battle with Aridon of the black wood, and now at this present art come for to set me at liberty from this great outrage which these knights would have done unto me: so that I verily believe that by great mystery thou art sent for our aid & help, therefore (gentle Knight) thou shalt understand, that the occasion wherefore these traitorous Knights would have slain us, was, for that the one of them many days past, did demand of me for wife my daughter, whom you have delivered out of their power. And for that I did know he was an evil, malicious & a traitorous knight, & a very coward, I would never grant unto the same: neither would my daughter consent there▪ unto. And for to revenge themselves thereof, this morning at such time as the gate of the Castle was open, we being without all fear & suspection, upon a sudden, the six Knights which you have seen, entered in, & amongst them came the same Knights which I have told you of. And because I did perceive their determination was to kill us, & to carry away my daughter with violence and parforce, which certainly, & without all doubt had happened in this order, if it had not pleased God that thou shouldest have come hither to give us aid and secure.  
So at such time as this ancient man had made an end in saying these words, the Gentlewoman his daughter, whom the Knight of the Sun had delivered from the two Knights, came whereas they were. For whose coming the father and her brethren received double joy, & the no less joyful, for that she found them clear from the outrage which they would have done unto them. So that neither of them did know in what sort they might gratify the Knight of the Sun, for the great benefit which they had received at his hands, but offered unto him all that they had. And for that he found in them so great good will, he determined to way there certain days, to comfort and ease himself: for that he found his body in many places bruised & ill entreated, with the battles which he had with the Knights of the King Tiberio, & the Giant and with his Knights when he set at liberty the Queen Augusta, for although his good armour did defend him from being wounded, yet his body could not but receive great damage, & he tormented by the heavy weight and strength of the blows which he received, & he felt himself vory sore therewith, in such sort, that he had great need to be cured thereof. All which he declared unto the lord of the castle, & unto his sons, who were very joyful, & received great contentment at the same, as those who were very desirous to serve & pleasure him in all that ever they could. So the knight of the Sun remained there certain days in which time he was marvelously well cured of his bruises, by the gentlewoman, who was cunning & expert in chirurgery, & did it with a very good grace.  
The Gentlewoman's name was Olivia, and her father's name was Onorio, and his sons names were Aurellio, & Binnano, and they all did love him very much, and would that he should never departed from thence, from their company. But at such time that he would needs departed, the father requested the Knight to grant him a boon, which was, that he should receive into service his two sons, and carry them with him for his pages. The Knight of the Sun knowing them to be young men of great virtue, well proportioned and courageous in what so ever necessity should happen: he took them with him, and they did serve him for pages. And time did serve that they did very well ser●…e him, and their Father and mother did recompense the love which they bore unto him, as shall be told you in the second part of this History. So at this present we will leave them departed from the Castle, to tell you of other things which chanced in this time.   

Of the great triumphs which were made in Constantinople for the coming of the Emperor Trebatio, and how the death of the Prince Edward was bruited in great Britain, and of all that happened. Chapter. 11.  
THe great sorrow and heaviness which the Grecians received for the loss of their Emperor Trebatio was not so much, but that the joy and pleasure was much more which they possessed for his unlooked for return, and that was well seen and perceived generally in all estates, the knights in ordaining and making great Iustes and Tourneys, and other military exercises, and others in inventing new devices of plays, and occasions of joy and pleasure, in such sort, that throughout all the whole Empire they practised no other thing but pastimes and pleasure, as well in the one sort of people as in the other, & that which was most to be considered of, was, that this mighty Emperor, the more for to rejoice and pleasure his own subjects, did command to be proclaimed a solemn Just, not only in the Countries be longing unto the Empire, but also in all the Kingdoms and Provinces thereto adjoining, giving and granting safe conduct to all that ever would come thither, as well Pagans as Christians, of what kind of law and sect so ever they were, and for that these justs were published in many parts, and that the Emperor gave free and safe conduct, what with some for to see what passed, and other some to prove themselves in the justs, there came so many knights that it was a strange thing to behold, and every day there was great justs and 〈◊〉 in the mighty City of Constantinople, whereas the worthy and valiant knights did give testimony of their great bounty, and either of them did labour and travail for to get honour, but they which did show themselves most gallantest and valiant in those justs, were Rodamarte P●…ince of Sardenia, son unto Alselo, who was one of the twelve that went with the Emperor Trebatio to the Monastery of the river & Alpino, Lord of Lemos, and Rodofeo, Prince of the Rhodes, & Artidoro Prince of Candia, all young men and amoro●…s, who for their great knighthood did get exceeding same at these feasts and justs. In these pastimes there passed many days, and every day there came new and strange knights, unto whom the Emperor Trebatio did much honour, and did spend liberally amongst them a great part of his terasury, and for that these feasts & pastimes did endure very long, & that there succeeded in them many strange things, as shall be told you in this History, let us leave them new béegun, and tell of other things that succeeded in this ti●…e, which is very needful for this present History: for as much as the return and coming of the Emperor Trebatio was published in all places, and that the manner of the death of prince Edward was known. The news of all this came unto the ears of the king Oliverio, who although he had almost forgot the loss of the Prince, by reason of the long time passed since it happened, yet these new news of his death was so dolorous, that it did renew within his thought the great love which he bore unto him, as unto his son, that in a small time they thought verily he would die with very sorrow, but the principal remedy that he took for his comfort, was to determine himself to take revengement for the Prince's death upon the Emperor, and although hi●… power was not so great as the power of the Emperor, ye●… he thought that the king Tiberio to fulfil the great oblygation in the which he was bound unto him, would giu●… him aid and secure: and again the Prince Don Silueri●… would likewise secure him with all his power, which wa●… very great, giving him for spouse his daughter the Prince Olivia, according as he had determined. And besides this, the king of Spain who was his very friend, would succour him all that he could, & here with he might very well revenge himself upon the Emperor, and destroy all his Empire. All this the king determined in his thought, & the great passion and grief which he had for the death of his son, would not suffer any other thought to enter in his breast, & with this determination he sent messengers unto the king Tiberio to give him to understand how he was determined to he revenged for the death of his son, & desired him of all friendship to aid him in his determination, knowing how much he was bound thereto, for that he was slain in his service. And touching all his determination he did write him a letter at large, of the which he had an answer again to his desire, for that the king Tiberio acknowledging how much he was bound unto him, could do nothing to the contrary but offer himself in all that he might to help him, although he wished for his part that all were excused, for it seemed unto him that if the Emperor Trebatio slew the prince Edward, it was with his spear in his hand, & in battle one with the other, like knights, and therefore he should not be blamed in such sort, to take such revengement against him, and although he had all this within his thought, & was well content to have the Emperor for his son in law, yet he would not give any body to understand thereof, for that he was a king which always had a great respect in matters of estimation and honour, which was the occasion that the king Oliverio as aforesaid, had of him a very good answer, and to his contentment. Likewise he wrote to the king of Spain, who also did offer unto him all he requested when he had need thereof. In the mean time that all this passed, the king Oliverio travailed with the Princess Olivia his daughter, that she should think well to receive for her spouse the Prince Don Siluerio, laying before her his great valour, and the necessity he had of him: so considering this matter many times the king did importunate her, sometimes with requests, and other times with threatenings, in such sort that this fair. Princess was in the greatest perplexity that ever Lady or Gentlewoman could be, and every moment she desired death, whereby she might be clee●…e from his continual requests, and which she had determined to give herself, when she did see that there was no other remedy. Likewise it was known in England, that Rosicleer the young knight, who had left so great fame in all that country, was son unto the Emperor Trebatio and the Empress Briana, which news did greatly content all people. And when the Princess Olivia understood the whole mystery, one way her joy surmounted, in seeing that he whom she loved more than her own self, was son unto so mighty an Emperor, and that there was not between them the kindred which she thought had been, and another way she did greatly repent herself of that which she had done against him, and the more was her grief when she called to remembrance all that which had passed, insomuch that she did nothing else but weep at all times when she was alone. Now after the king her father had received an answer from the King Tiberio, and from the King of Spain, talking with Don Siluerio, he gave him to understand his determined purpose, & a new he di●… offer unto him his daughter, the Lady Olivia for his spouse, saying that first before he did perform the same, it should be great reason that he return into his kingdom of Lusitania, and give his parents to understand thereof, and to let them know all the war that he did determine to béegin against the Emperor Trebatio, for that he might have his people in a readiness for to him give all the aid and secure that possibly he could, for that the Prince did in●…irelie love the Princess Olivia, he desired nothing more than to pleasure the king in all that he could, so that strait way he did promise the King to perform all that he had commanded. So all things being in a readiness that was necessary for his voyage, he went to sea, and took his way towards the Kingdom of Lusitania, whom this History doth leave till time dooch serve, for to tell you of the three worthy Princess, Bargandel, Lyriamandro, and the Tartarian Zoylo, of whom a long time we have not spok●…n of.   

How the three Princes, Bargandel, Lyriamandro, and the Tartarian Zoylo, who w●…nt in the demand of Rosicleer, came into the Kingdom of Lusitania, and of all that happened unto them there. Chap. 12.  
THis History hath very long forgot to speak of these three excellent Princes, Bargandell, Lyriamandro, and the Tartarian Zoylo, not for that their worthy deeds of Knighthood are not worthy to be spoken off, but only for that we have so much to entreat of Trebatio and his children, that this history hath enough to do to declare their morthinesse, you do remember how these three Princes all together with a very good will and one consent, departed from the kingdom of ●…ngland, to go and seek out their vory friend Rosicler, and after a long time that they travailed by sea, in the end they arrived in the Empire of Trabisond, whereas they saw that fair Princess Claridiana, who did put them in great admiration only for to be hold her high and mighty deeds of knighthood, and her strange demeanour, with the excellent grace and courtesy that she used with all men, so in the end of certain days that they there remained, they did take their leave of the Princes, and departed out of that Country, and went again unto the Sea, without any other determination whether to go, but only whether their fortune would bring them. Now the History saith, that in this sort they did navigate by Sea a long time, till it happened upon a day very early in the morning they discovered land, which being known by the mariners, they said that it was the Kingdom of Lusitania. And when these three Princes understood the certainty thereof, they determined there to go a land hoping that they should hear some news of their friend Rosicler, for that they were certain wheresoever he did become, his noble valiantness was such, that it would be noised throughout all the Country. Wherefore they left the sea, and being a land they took their Horses and followed the way which they liked best, and travailed by it a good while, which in the end brought them unto the top of a mighty 〈◊〉, from whence they did discover somewhat a far of, a mighty great plain, and in the most thereof was situated a fair City, hard by a rivers side, which seemed to be very great & huge. Also they saw without the city in the fi●…lds a great army of knights and men of war, with many tents & 〈◊〉, by which these three Princes understood that the City was besieged, and thereupon they consulted amongst themselves what was best to be done, so in the end of many speeches they determined to go into the camp, & there to inform themselves of the occasion of those wars, & knowing the truth they would lean unto the part that they thought had most reason, therewith they descended into the plain, & trau●…iled by it till they came unto the army, & strait way there came out against them more than twenty knights, to know whether they were their friends or their enemies. Then these Knights did compass the Princes round about, & demanded of them from whence they came, & what they sought in those parts, and they answered that they were strange Knights, and not known in that country, and for that they had seen their camp they came thither as Knights that doth s●…rue for wages, Then those of the camp when they heard their answer, & saw that they seemed to be Knights of estimation, as well by their rich armour which they had, as by their good & gentle dispositions, determined to conduct them before the king their Lord, for that he might determine with them at his pleasure, and so they brought them before their Lord, who was king of Balachia, which pretended to take the kingdom o●… Lufitania (for that it bordered upon him) and entered into that country with a mighty army, and she that was Lady & governor at that time was widow woman called Lavinia, who had a daughter whose name was Olimpa, a very fair Damsel, and by reason that she had no husband, neither power to be compared unto the King of Balachia, was béesiged in the same City, defending herself within with such people as she had, in the best manner that she might. All this was told unto these princes in the way as they went before the king. When they came before the king of Balachia they found him in his tent, accompanied with many knights and on the one side of him there was a Giant, of a marvelous huge & big stature, and of so horrible and fierce a countenance, that it would make one afraid to look upon him, and when the king saw those three knights, he asked of them of whence they were, & likewise if it pleased them to serve him in his wars. The Tartarian Zoylo who could speak the language, was requested of the rest of his companions to answer for them, who said.  
You shall understand O king of Balachia, that we are travailing knights, & of the country of Tartary, and do travel into the world to seek our adventures, and although we be exercised in the wars, yet we are accustomed to serve none in them, except first we know what our wages shall be, and it is in this order as I will tell you, and thereof there is not to be diminished or taken away any thing, so that we three will just with all such knights as will come forth against us till such time as we be overthrown, and if so fall out that we at the first encounter be overthrown, than we three will serve thee one whole year for nothing, and if it be our fortune to overthrow any, them either of us so many knights as is over thrown by us, look how much wages all they together have, so much must either of us have, according to the number that he doth overthrow. This is our use and custom of service in the wars, therefore O king, look if that this our manner of service content thee, and if not, give us lysence to departed, that we may go to some other place to seek our adventure.  
When the Tartarian Zoylo had made an end of this his speech, the king and all that were in his Tent laughed very much at that which was spoken, not for that they did think much in the wages which they did ask, but for that there seemed to be amongst them Knights, that if they might come forth to the just with them, at the first should remain and serve a whole year without any wages, and for that they knew this for a certainty, the king did strait way grant unto all that which the Tartarian Zoylo had demanded, and said that he was very well content to stand unto that should happen, and the matter being by all them agreed upon, these three Princes went out of the Camp into the plain field, whereas they might just at their pleasure. Likewise the King went forth with his principal Knights, such as did serve him for wages, to see what should happen.  
Now the king commanded strait way particularly the best and most valiantest Knights that were in all the Camp should come forth to just with the three Princes, who were in a readiness a horseback with their spears in their hands, abiding the coming of those who should just with them. The first which came forth to just with them, were three valiant Knights, of a mighty proportion and stature, such as in all the camp could not be found the like, and being in their places one against another, they made themselves ready unto the just, but whosoever had seen them at that time, would have judged the three Princes at the first encounter should have remained without any wages, and especially the King who laughed at the accord which was made beetwixt them, but it fell out clean contrary unto their thought, for that all six together met in the midst of their course, and the three Knights of the Camp broke their spears upon the Princes without moving of them in their Saddles, but the Princes made their encounter with so great force, that they hoist them out of their saddles, in such sort that they tumbled upon the ground, and passed forwards so stiff and upright in their course, that they put the King and all those that did behold them in great admiration, but not long after there came forth other three Knights to the just, which were also three of the best and most esteemed amongst all the rest, and look as these Princes did serve the first, so did they serve those three, and overthrew them to the ground, and finally in the space of one hour they had overthrown to the number of fifteen Knights of the most valiantest & worthiest amongst them all. Then the King found himself half ashamed & mocked, with the bargain he had made with them, & it seemed unto him that according unto their great valiantness & strength, they would have overthrown all the knights that were in the camp, the one after the other, so that according unto the bargain, all his treasure should not be sufficient to pay their wages. When that mighty & monstrous Giant that was with the King saw him that he was somewhat sad & heavy for that which the Knights had done, he commanded strait way to be brought unto him a horse which was very great & conformable unto his bigness, & strait way he leapt upon him, & chose one of the bigest spears that he could find amongst all the rest, & said unto the king that he would just with those Knights, & bade them come all three against him, and that he hoped so to entreat them in the just, that afterward they should neither be able to take wages nor to wear armour. The King received great delight when he saw the Giant on horseback, & was very certain that his power and strength was to perform all that which he had said, yea, if they had been ten such knights together as they were. And when this proud & furtous Giant was in a readiness to the just, these valtant Princes who were very desirous to get honour, either of them did procure to prove their adventure with him, but this mighty Tartarian with many requests unto his companions did begin to just with this mighty Giant, & when the Giant saw that alone knight did put himself before him, he would not move one jot from the place whereas he was, but cried out unto the knights, that they should come forth against him all three. But when he saw his words did little profit him, with great fury & infernal courage he made his course against the valiant Tartarian, who with a worthy courage, as one that was both stout & strong of heart, broached his horse with the spurs and went forth to meet him, & in the midst of their course they met so strongly together, that their great spears were broken into small shivers & this stout Tartarian did double with his body backwards, in such sort that his head strike di●… upon the Horse crupper, & being somewhat astonished with that strong encounter, he passed forwards on his Horse, & strait ways did settle himself again in the saddle, but the strong & deformed Giant, Horse & all fell down unto the ground, with which fall they made a marvelous great noise, & he had his saddle fast betwixt his legs. When the King Balachia saw his Giant on the earth, he was very heavy in his heart, and commanded that no more Knights should come forth to the just, but that the three Princes should be brought before him, at which time the monstrous giant did arise from the ground, and drew out a great & mighty falchion which he had at his girdle, & went towards the Princes & said, that they all three together should make battle with him.  
The three Princes not making any reckoning of his words, on horseback as they were, went before the King, and asked him if he were content to pay them their bargain that was made betwixt them, if not, they would departed unto some other place whereas they thought best. Then the King who was marvelous angry and offended with them, answered and said▪ I will that you serve me in this my wars, and afterward it shall be at my pleasure to pay you for your service, and if you will grant unto this with a good will do it, if not I will make you perforce. Then these three Princes who had no desire to tarry there, although the King would give them all the treasure that he had, but only intended to serve and help the Queen Lavinia, for that it seemed unto them that she had most right, without speaking any word unto the King turned about their horses, and took their way towards a great bridge of stone, which passed over the river, and at the farther end thereof was the gate of the City, and upon the said brige and wal●… of the City there were many people, and because the camp was very nigh the city, they might well discern all that had passed with the three Princes, and what they had done, and very much marveled to what purpose it was done, and could not imagine who those three valiant knights should be.  
Now when the King Balachia saw that the three Princes went their way, with great wrath & anger he began to cry out with a loud voice unto his knights commanding them to take them perforce. At which commandment many of his Knights did follow them with as great spe●…d as their horses could run, but before they could overtake them, these three Princes, were entered upon the bridge. And when they saw so many people following them they drew out their swords & turned back upon them. And wounded many of them. But by reason of the great company that assualted them, they were put to great extremity, & forced to retire backwards towards the city. And by reason that the bridge was somewhat narrow, it did profit them very much in that their enemies could not assault them but all before, to whom they did very great harm. This battle endured betwixt them more than half an hour, in which time they slew of their enemies more than twenty Knights. And when those which were within the city saw all that passed, they thought it best to open the gates unto those Knights, that so valiantly & with great strength defended themselves, & determined to retain them, on their part, to help them to make defence against their enemies, for that they did withdraw themselves towards the City.  
This determination they performed for as these three Princes did by little and little retire towards the gates of the city, so when they came nigh them, they that were upon the walls and battilments of the city, did shoot many arrows, and threw stones, and other things at their enemies, with the which they did them very great harm, and made them to retire backwards, by reason whereof they had space for to open a 〈◊〉 door of the Gates, by the which the three Princes entered in, and the Poster●…e being 〈◊〉 again they of the city received them very w●…l, and gave them good entertainment, and much marveled at their great valour & strength, & the Princes with like courtesy did return them thanks for that which they had done, and that in their defence they would do all that ever was in their powers. There was amongst these people a knight who was principal of them, & had the charge over that gate, and this Knight carried the three Princes before the Queen Lavinia, accompanied with many other knights & Gentlemen, and when they came before her, they gave her to understand of all that they had seen those three knights do, & how they came of their own good will to serve her in her wars. The Queen when she heard that which the knight had told her, received great joy in their gentle disposition & good proportion, receiving them very courteously, and doing them all the honour she could, & offering herself wholly unto them, & like▪ did advertise them of the small reason that the King had to besiege them. These Princes answered her with wont courtesy, and did offer themselves unto the Queen so liberally that she was almost satisfied of the safeguard of her city. Then they remained there all that day without doing any other thing, and the King of Balachia remained in his camp●… with great anger and sorrowful heaviness, that those three Knights were gone from him in that order, and did swear a mighty oath that he would make them die an evil death, if he might get them into his power. And although he had, at this present great wrath against them, there did not pass very long time after, but that they did grieve him much more, and made him repent himself for that he did not give them better entertainment, when they first entered into his camp, as in this chapter following shall be told you.   

¶ How the three Prince's Bargandell, Lyriamandro, and the Tartarian Zoylo, issued forth with such people as were in the city, unto the camp of their enemies, and of the mighty deed of arms that they did there. Chap. 13.  
WHen the next day was come, these three princes were very desirous to go forth of the city against their enemies, and to raise up the siege that was against the city, and set at liberty the Queen Lavinia, from that inconueniens. They requested to know what company of people were in the city. And m●…stering them they found that there were in all, a thousand Knights, & three thousand footmen, all well armed, & very courageous, for to do all that which was commanded unto them. And they were certified that in the camp of their enemies, there might be five thousand Knights, and vi. thousand footmen. Yet for all that it seemed unto the valiant stomachs of these Princes, that they might go forth, with the people which they had, to give the assault and attempt against their enemies. So strait way they commanded that every man should make him ready, & this being done, they left the city well provided & in good guard: & commanded the gates of the city to be opened, & they issued out, in very good order.  
In the forward went these three mighty and worthy Princes, and all the rest when they saw them so mighty and well proportioned of members, and very stout, received great courage. Then those which were in the company without, when they saw the people of the city came forth, they were greatly amazed, and did verily believe that those three Knights had heartened and given them courage to attempt the field. The King straight way commanded that all his people should be put in order with all spée●… possible: but by reason that their enemies came upon them unawares, before they could be in order, they were assaulted of them, & received great damage, and yet it could little have advauntaged them, if the three Princes had not been there, who being in the fore front, did wound, kill and overthrow all that came before them, and put themselves so far amongst their enemies, that their own people could not follow them, without great travail.  
So when the King saw this great destruction which the three Knights made amongst his Knights, he pulled himself by the beard, and blasphemed against himself, for that when he had them in his tent, he did not command that they should be taken & put to a cruel death. Then the huge & monstrous Giant which was there, left the King, & pressed in great haste towards that place whereas the three Princes were: & the first that he met with all was with the Tartarian Zoylo, & when he knew him to be the same that did overthrow him in the Just, he was very joyful thereof, & made towards him. When this approved and worthy Tartarian saw him coming, with a valiant & stout courage, he did abide him: so that betwixt them there began a stout & well fought battle. And although the Giant was very great & monstrous, and had advantage by his mighty members, and great strength, yet to oppose against the same, the Prince of Tartary, had very good armour, made by art magic, in such sort, that by no means it could not be cut nor broken. So that he did strike at this furious Giant so mighty & terrible blows, that many times he pierced both his armour & flesh, that the blood ran out in divers places. At the same time the other two worthy Princes, Bargandell and Lyriamandro did marvelous deeds of arms, and were all to be brewed in blood, with the great number which they had slain: & were so feared amongst their enemies, that wheresoever they went, they made them way. And when their own people did see the great valiantness and worthy deeds which they did, they received great courage, and did very great harm and damage upon their enemies. And although this did endure for a while, yet it could not endure no longer than the whole camp was gathered together & put in order. And for that they were a great number more than those of the city, with great violence they pressed upon them, in such sort, that these two Princes could not choose but perforce they must retire backwardly. And when the Tartarian Zoylo, who was in battle with the Giant perceived that his companions did retire, he thought it not wisdom to remain there alone amongst so many, but at that instant he left the Giant & put himself amongst his companions, making them to retire in very good order, that their enemies might not do them any harm. The giant when he saw himself clear from his enemy, he was not sorry for it, but departed & made no account of him, for that his courage was abated in meeting his match. So all those of the city retired, until they came upon the bridge, & in good order they entered into the city. And although their enemies would have entered in with them, yet the three Princes which were the last, & those soldiers which were upon the walls and battilments, did defend the entry so that they returned unto the camp, where as they found the King very heavy & sad, to see the great damage which he had received that day of his enemies, & the great number which he saw those three Knights to kill, who before he had in little estima●…ion. On the other side, those of the city received great joy, as well for that which they had done, as to have on their part those three knights, with whom they recovered more heart & courage than before. In the time of all this conflict the Queen Lavinia, & hi●… daughter Olimpia, were upon the top of a tower that was night the walls of the city, from which place they did see all that passed. And when they saw the three Princes coming, with great joy and pleasure, they went farther to receive them, & did them snch honour, as unto those (next unto God) she put her whole trust & confidence in: not doubting by them to be delivered from that great wrong done unto hi●…. So there they rested themselves, the rest of the day which remained, till the next day was come, in the which they did all, as shallbe told you in this chapter following.   

¶ How these three Princes went forth the second time into ●…he camp, and were taken prisoners by their enemies. ea 14.  
THE sorrow & grief which the King of Balachia received was very much, as well for the slaughter & harm done 〈◊〉 his people, as also for the coming of those three knights to them of the city, by whom they had recovered such courage: whereas before they were at a point to yield themselves. And it seemed unto him, that according as that day they came forth upon them, so they would do it oftener, & did imagine within himself how & by what means he might be revenged on those three knights, & take away from his adversaries the force and aid which they had of them. And having determined with himself what was best to be done, he commanded to call unto him the Giant whose name was Fulgoso, & when he came before him he said, do thus which I command thee, choose in all the whole camp a thousand knights of the best thou canst find, and in a readiness with them, & when thou dost see our enemies come forth of the city, thou & all these knights shall have no other charge, but to take the three knights which went from hence, and bring them prisoners before me: for that I do see that in those three only resteth the force & strength of our enemies. The Giant who was no less wrathful, than the King, with a very good will did promise to accomplish all that he had commanded. And so he departed from the king, & began to choose out the knights that should serve his turn for that attempt, and unto every one particularly he gave his charge what he should do. So they were all in a readiness, tarrying the time, when their enemies should come forth. And all the rest of the soldiers were continually in very good order, very desirous to be revenged, of the harm which they had before received. When the next morning was come, these three Princes had great desire to finish that which they had béegunne, for that they would follow & proserute their enterprise: wherefore they determined to go forth of the city as they did the day before. And for the same purpose they gathered together the best soldiers that were in all the city, and commanded the gates to be open, & they issued out in very good order.  
Now when they were passed the bridge, they set upon their enemies, whom they found not vnprouid●…d, as the day before, but in a readiness tarrying their coming, so that beetwixt them there began a very stout and well fought●…n battle, and there these three princes went all together before, working wonders, wounding▪ kill, and overthrowing all that ever they met, in such sort, that they made large way whereas they went. In this sort endured the battle more than one hour, and all things went well with them of the City, but suddenly came upon them the Giant Fulgoso with his thousand knights, and for that they had no other charge but to take these three Princes, they strait ways compassed them about, in such sort that not one of their company could come nigh them by a great space. Then this mighty Giant began the battle alone with these three knights, for that according unto his force and strength they had mough to do with him, & in the mean time that they were in battle with the Giant, the knights of the Giant did kill their horses, and in falling unto the ground they all together charged themselves upon them, and with the help of the Giant they were not able to make any resistance, neither was their great prowess and strength sufficient to defend themselves, but that they must needs be taken prisoners. When they took away their swords, and pulled of their Helms, and carried them before the king, who was in his Tent, very joyful when he saw them brought prisoners. And by reason that the three princes did lack in the battle, those of the City could not make any farther resistance against their adversaries, and therefore they did retire in the best wise they could into the City, and when they found missing in their company the three knights, and understood that they were prisoners, I am not able to declare their great sorrow and grief which they received, for that beside the love they bore them, they hoped also by their help to make defence against their foes, and if their absence and lack was left amongst the common people, much more was the grief that the Queen La●…ima and her Daughter received when they heard that sor●…owful news, so that it seemed that they were past all hope of remedy, for that they had lost those three knights, which caused them to be very heavy, and could do nothing but weep. And now to return to them that were in the camp, the History saith that the King and all the rest were very ioy●…ull, for that he had in his power the three knights, and thought that he could not revenge himself upon them to command them strait ways to be put to death, but would use some other stranger revengement, intending to keep them prisoners in such cruel prisons, whereas they should by little and little be consumed and die, and to give them every day torments, because their end should continue long, and would not suffer that at once they should be slain, and therewith he commanded the Giant Fulgoso, that he should take unto him twenty knights and carri●… them unto the castle of stone which he had taken, that was but three miles from that place, and strait way the giant put all things in a readiness, and bound fast the hands o●… the Princes, and so put them upon their Horses, and with twenty Knights they took the way towards the Castle, whereas the king had commanded to carry them. When these three Princes saw themselves so carried, with their hands bound like unto malefactors, they were very heavy and sad with themselves, & knew not what to do, but to have patience at that sudden chance and misfortune, not having any other comfort, but to receive their death with a very good courage, in what sort so ever they would give it them. The love of these Princes was so much the one unto the other, and their great valour and bounty was so apparent amongst them, that they received as great grief the one for the other, as though it had been particularly to each of them, and either of them desired to die for to save the other two of his companions. So when they had travailed from the camp the space of two miles, they passed by the foot of a small mountain, and when these three Princes lift up their eyes for to béehould that Mountain, they saw descending from the top thereof a knight of a mighty stature of his body, and of a good disposition, very well armed and mounted upon a good Horse, who seemed by his demeanour to be a knight of estimation, who descended the mountain a reasonable pace, and came towards them, and for that this History here after will declare unto you who this knight was, he doth leave all at this present, till time do serve to tell of other matters.   

How the Knight of the Sun going towards the Empire of Grecia, should have been taken by treason at a Bridge, and of all that passed therein. Chapter 15.  
THE History saith that the knight of the Sun remained eight days in the Castle of Onorio, at such time as he found himself whole and sound, and felt no grief of his great travail which he received, with the Giant & his knights, so he took his leave of the Lord of the Castle, and of his daughter Oliria, & carried with him his two sons Aurelio and Bynano, whom he gave unto him for to be his Pages, and after he had a long time travailed, it happened upon a day somewhat late towards the evening, they came unto a Bridge which was upon the river Danubia, upon the which there was a mighty, great, and well towered Castle, one of the most strongest that ever he saw in all his life, and this Castle did belong unto the king Tiberio, and it was edified there very strong, for that it was in the uttermost parts of all Hungaria, and was situated there for that his enemies could not enter into his Country with any army, but only that way, by reason that the River there was very great, and he that was lieutenant and had the keeping of the Castle, was the Trojan Earl, before the Knight of the Sun slew him, and after his death the King did commit the charge and keeping thereof unto his Brother Florinaldus, for that he was a knight of great estimatian, and one of the principallest of his Court, who not forgetting the ●…uill will which he had conceived against the knight of the Sun, he determined to take him prisoner in that Castle, and when by force he could not do it, he would do it by treason. For understanding of a certainty that he could not pass by any other way, but that only, as it in deed fell out, that at such time as the Knight of the Sun should come thither, Florinaldus was within the Castle with more than twenty knights, abiding his coming. So when the knight came thither, he ●…ound the gates of the bridge shut, which was under that mighty Castle, and he took the ring of the gate in his hand and gave great strokes, at which noise there appeared at a window a very fair Gentlewoman, and well appareled, and when she saw the Knight of the Sun, she strait ways knew him by the tokens she had of him, and speaking unto him, she said: What is it that you would have gentle Knight, that you knock so hard at the gates. When the Knight of the Sun saw the Gentlewoman, saluting her very courteously he replied: That which I would have (fair Gentlewoman) is, that you would command the gates to be opened, that we may pass and go forwards on our journey, for that according as it hath been told me, there is no other way to pass, but by this Bridge. I am very well content to doo●… this which thou dost demand, said the Gentlewoman, but yet first thou must do that which other Knights do when they come to pass this way. What is that which I must do, said the Knight of the Sun, for it may be such a thing that I shall have great pleasure and delight to doo●… it. That which thou must do said the Gentlewoman, is to just with a knight, & if it so fall out that he do overthrow thee from thy horse to the ground, thou shalt leave here thy name written, and then pass forwards on thy journey, and if so ●…ée that you do overthrow the Knight, you must ●…arrie here all night, and receive the honour that shall be done unto you, and in the morning you may departed whether your pleasure is.  
All this I am very well content to do, said the Knight of the Sun, therefore command that the gates may be opened. Tarry a while said the Gentlewoman, and therewith she withdrew herself from the window, and within a small while after the gates were opened, and there came forth a very big and well proportioned knight, mounted upon a good horse, & well armed, seeming to be of a good disposition, and without speaking any word unto the Knight of the Sun, he went and put himsel●…e in the field with his spear in his hand ready unto the just. Then the Knight of the Sun took his spear and prepared himself, and being both in a readiness they broached their horses with their spurs, and with great fury and force they made their encounter, which was in such sort that the Knight of the Sun encountered with the Knight of the Bridge with so great force, that he bore him over the horse crupper, with the saddle betwixt his legs, and he fell down to the ground, and the Knight of the Sun passed his course forwards without receiving any harm. Then the Knight who was thrown down arose up, and without speaking ever a word went into the Castle. This Knight was Florinaldus, who as yet did not acknowledge himself, but would prove his good fortune the third time with the Knight of the Sun. Then the Gentlewoman which spoke unto him at the window, came down unto the gate, accompanied with other two Gentlewomen, and when she came unto the Knight of the Sun, she said.  
Of a truth gentle knight, thy great bounty is such, that unto thee more than to any other, with great reason we ought to give thee service and honour, which in this Castle we be accustomed to do unto valiant Knights, and seeing it is now late, and you cannot go far this night, alight from your horse and go we up into the Castle, & rest yourself, whereas we will do you all the honour that possibly we may. The Knight of the Sun would very feign have proceeded on his journey, and not have stayed there, but considering his promise, and again that it was very late, he determined to accomplish that which seemed unto him with a 〈◊〉 good will the Gentlewoman had desired. And therewith he did alight from his Horse and his Pages did the like, and it was commanded that their Horses should be kept in good order, and the Gentlewoman went unto the Knight of the 〈◊〉, and took him by the hand and lead him up into the castle, whereas he was served and banqueted with 〈◊〉, and divers sorts of fruits & other things, till such time as supper was made ready, so they sat down and were served with divers kinds of meats, in as ample manner as could be at the table of King Tiberio. And all this while there appeared not in the castle one knight, but Gentlewomen and household servants, at which the knight of the Sun was greatly amazed, and asked of that fair Gentlewoman what was become of the knight with whom he did just. And the Gentlewoman answered, that at such time as he is overthrown by any knight, he never dare come in her presence again, till such time as he hath overthrown some other knight. And in talking of this and other things wherein they most delighted, they passed the time away till it was time to go to take their rest, than there came two Gentlewomen with two silver candlesticks, and candles therein, whereby the Knight of the Sun perceived▪ that it was for his departure to bed, and taking leave of that fair gentlewoman, he went with the other two, who brought him unto a chamber which was very fair and richly hanged, in the which was a rich bed, wherefore he greatly marveled at the honour which they did unto him So when he came into the chamber the Gentlewomen left the Candles and departed, and his Pages did unarm their Lord, and he went into the bed, one of the Pages who was called Bynnano was of a very prompt wit and understanding, and very crafty in all his beings, and he seeing the great honour which they did unto his Lord, not knowing him, and that there was not se●…ne in all the Castle a knight stirring, neither the knight that was overthrown in the just, mistrusted some thing, which was the occasion that he perused very well all the chamber round about whereas his Lord should sleep, and lifting up a cloth of tapestry which hung upon a wall in the same chamber, he discovered a half door behind it, which had neither lock nor boult, at the which he received little pleasure, but went unto his Lord and told him of it, saying.  
My Lord, you have travailed many days in this Country of Hungaria, and by your great valiant knighthood, you have got unto yourself many friends, and on the contrary likewise many enemies, therefore where so ever you do come in any place, and the parties in that place not being by you known, it is requisite to have some jealousy, and to mistrust the worst, especially always to be well a●…uised, for that with great ease by the way of treason, a coward and weak person doth take revengement of a worthy and valiant knight, and this considered, so much the more as a man is courageous, so much the less ought he to trust. I have here very well considered of the great honour which in this Castle they have done unto you, without knowing you, neither have you done any thing for them: & again, I have not seen one knight stirring in all this castle, neither the knight that you did overthrow at the gate of the Bridge in the just, at which I greatly marvel, and I do suspect some treason, for that I have found a false door behind this cloth of tapistry, which hath neither lock nor ●…olt, nor any other thing to make it fast withal, whereby you may rest in quiet, therefore my judgement is, that you ●…rme yourself again to be in a readiness whatsoever ●…hall happen, and so armed you may lay yourself down ●…gaine upon this bed and sleep, and in the mean time I ●…nd my brother will be vigilant, and ready to awake you 〈◊〉 we do hear any stirring.  
When the Page had made an end of saying these words, ●…e Knight of the Sun received great contentment to ●…eare him speak so wisel●…e and discreetly, and seemed that he had great reason in that he sa●…de. So taking his counsel he arose up again and armed himself, and being armed he laid him down ●…pon the bed, and the two Pages likewise did say themselves down upon another bed, which was provided for them, and leaving the candles burning in the Candlesticks all the night, the two Pages in the mean time that the one did sleep the other did wa●…e, wathing till such time as that happened, which shall be told you in the next Chapter following.   

How Florinaldus would have taken the Knight of the Sun by treason, and how he slew his Knights, and received Florinaldus to his mercy, and of all that happened besides. Chap. 16.  
VEry much ought they to have in estimation and prize, the good and faithful servants, when that jointly therewith they be of a ●…harp understanding, wise, and of a prompt wit: for besides the serving of their Lords with reverence, duty, and discretion, they do supply many oversightes which often times men do●… fall into, and the wise advise of a good servant doth come to more effect, then of a perfect friend. And here I do digress from the judgement of some wise men, that say a man ought to have but few servants, and those to be the most vilest, fo●… that with them a man shall live with more care. But my judgement is, that rather with them they should live more viciouslie, for that the vileness and simplicity of the servant, is unto the master a peaceable means to live beastly, but unto him that will live virtuously & well, the shame & discretion of a wise servant is a great warning, not to overshoot himself. And many times he doth determine with himself that, which reason nor the knowledge of God cannot withdrew him from his disordinate desie●…s, yet the sham●…fastnesse of a wise and discréeta serua●…nt doth somewhat disturb him. Well, seeing that this doth bring profit for the soul, and for the honour of man, wherefore should we not rather entertain them that be wise & able to give good counsel, th●…n those which can neither profit their master nor themselves. Besides all this, there is to be reaped of a discreet servant many other good things as to be politic, touching the estate & living of his Lord & master, as looking to his lands & goods, & respecting his honour, & by his fidelity great rest & quietness, and many times a conversation of life, as it happened unto this mighty & valiant Knight of whom we have spoken that all his extreme & singular bounty had not been sufficient to have delivered him from the death if it had not been by the discretion of the wise & prompt understanding of Bynnano. And now to return unto the matter. The History saith, that Florinaldus with his twenty knights all armed were in a readiness, so at midnight when they thought the Knight of the Sun had been in his soundest sleep, in as secret manner as might be they went unto the false door which was behind the tapistry, in the chamber of the Knight of the Sun, & when they thought to have entered in thereat all together, with a great number of Torches light before them, the two Pages heard the rushing of their armour, & before that half of them could enter in, they had called their Lord, who with a trice was on his feet, & when he saw these armed knights enter in at the door, some with ha●…chets of arms, and other some with their sword drawn in their hands, with great anger and furious wrath he received them, and drawing out his fine cutting sword, he struck the foremost of them upon the helm, that he clove him down to the breast, wherewith he ●…ell down dead to the ground, and he was scarce fallen when that he struck another with a buy blow upon his neck, that he made his head fly from his body, and fell against the wall on the other side. Then all the rest when they saw so sudden a mischief following them by him, whom they thought to have found in his bed and a sleep, their ●…loud waxed cold in their bodies, and would not have willingly have been there for all the goods in the world, & would feign have fled back again the way they came, bu●… Florinaldus who was the hindermost of all, & kept the door, would not let them go forth, but that they should do their best against the Knight of the Sun. And so they returned a●… upon him, and by reason they were many, they laid vpo●… him like a company of smiths, when they do beat their yro●… on the anfield. And if his armour had not been very good, 〈◊〉 could not be but that he had been in great danger, yet by 〈◊〉 mighty courage he was without all fear, & put himself amongst them, in such sort, that in a short space he sle●… & ●… verthrew very sore wounded to the ground the most par of them, & the rest which remained, returned & went forth ●… the same door whereby they entered, in spite of Florinald●… that did keep it, & among them that went forth, the Knigh●… of the Sun did likewise go forth, & the first that ●…e m●… withal was Florinaldus, which seemed unto him to be ●…o▪ of all the rest, as well by the rich armour that he wore, ●… by keeping the rest that they should not fly, & he 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 such a blow upon his helm, that he made him s●…oup & bo●… his knee to the ground, & as the History hath told you, 〈◊〉 naldus was very proud of heart, & of great strength, & neu●… lacked courage to attempt any thing against the 〈◊〉 the Sun, & seeing himself at that time in so great extremity, he would prove his fortune against him 〈◊〉, struck him so strong and mighty a blow upon his 〈◊〉 that the Knight of the Sun did feel the pain 〈◊〉 of ver●… grievous, and there with he struck Florinaldus another in 〈◊〉 compence of that which he had 〈◊〉, with muc●… more strength, that he made him feel his great su●…y, an●… nothing dismaying thereat, he pressed unto him, and 〈◊〉 tempted a brave & furious battle, for that his 〈◊〉 was very good and made by art magic, which 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 occasion at the first, although the 〈◊〉 of the Kn●…ght the Sun were very strong and terrible, they 〈◊〉 him 〈◊〉 much harm, but as this valiant and s●…out greeks anger & fury increased more & more, you might have seen how that the proud knight, sometimes he stooped with his knees to the greund, and sometimes with his hands, that he had enough to defend himself, and to arise up, so that he had no time to strike at his adversary, but was almost out of his wits with anger, and thought unto himself that he had all the force of the world against him, and when he saw that his life could not long endure, but needs he must have patience unto fortune, & that his power and strength was not sufficient to go through with his intention, he determined to yield himself unto the mercy of him whom God & good fortune was favourable unto, and to root out from his heart that evil intent which he alwaie●… pretended against him, & therewith he pulled off his Helm & put himself before him, saying.  
Oh worthy and valiant Knight, the best that ever was girt with sword, here I do acknowledge and conf●…sse my great offence, and that I do deserve a worse punishment than death, for that which I have conspired against thee, and my evil determination hath increased every day more and more since the time that I was overthrown by thee at the pass●…ge of a bridge which I kept. Now here I do pray and desire thee, that thou wouldst pardon and forgive me all that is past, and receive me into thy friendship, which I shall more esteem of, than any thing in all the world.  
When Florinaldus had said these words, and that the Knight of the Sun did know him, all the blows that he received that night did not trouble him, as that did penetrate into his heart, and abate his great courage and ire, for that he did not only pardon him, with a very good will, but did also forgive all the harm that ever he had done unto him or unto any other of his parents or friends, for that he did acknowledge the same, and was very sorry and repent himself, not withstanding for to prove whether that which he had said were but dissembled because he saw himself in that great extremity, he said. Of a truth Florinaldus I do not pretend by any means to receive thee into my company & friendship, & less will I put any confidence or trust in thee, till such time as thou dost accom plish one thing which I will tell thee In this I shall think myself most happy, said Florinaldus, that you would command me to do the thing, wherein I may show the great desire that I have of your friendship & conversation. That which I will you shall do said the knight of the Sun, is, that out of hand you do departed hence, and take your journey throughout as many Countries as you can, but especially through the country of France, in the demand of a Knight which hath a Flower de luce for his devise, whose name is Claverindo, & when you have found him do my commendations unto him, & tell him that I do go strait unto Constantinople, & how I do mean to tarry there till such time as I do hear some news from him. With all this I am very well contented said Florinaldus, & then these two did embrace one another, & from that day forwards, they were perfect friends, as more at large shall be told you in this History.  
So the Knight of the Sun with his Pages departed from this Castle towards the Empire of Grecia, and Florinaldus in the demand of the Knight with the Flower de Luce. And here this History doth leave them till time doth serve, ●… returneth to tell you of the noble knight of Cupid, whereas we left him in the Kingdom of Russia.   

How the Knight of Cupid departed from the Kingdom of Russia, and of all that happened unto him in his journey. Chap. 17.  
Certain days the Knight of Cupid remained in the court of King Luziro, by the earnest request of him and the Queen, who did honour and love him, and had him in prize above all the Knights of the world, in such sort that they would he should have remained with them in their company always, & never departed from thence, but for that he could never be in quiet, neither take pleasure or comfort in the honour, which they did unto him, after that he had heard the news of the Princess Olivia, certain days passed he took his leave of the king & Queen, who did offer unto him very largely at all times whensoever he should have any need of them or of their estate. And being departed from the Court, he determined with himself what was best he should do, & thought that it should be good to pass into Grecia, & there to know his father the mighty Emperor Trebatio, & to give him to understand that the mighty & valiant Knight of the Sun was his son, & likewise his brother, whom he had a very great desire to see, calling to remembrance that which he did for him in the Island of Candramarte, & received great joy & contentment in himself to have such a valiant & worthy knight unto his brother, & to be sons unto so noble a father, & also the great remedy that was had for the sorrowful loss of the Princess Briana his mother. But as he did delight himself in these thoughts, strait way there came unto his remembrance, that which the wise Artidon had told him of the Princess Olivia which caused unto him so great a sorrow & grief that all his pleasure and great contentment was forgotten, & it made him to abhor his own lif●… & all the world, & thought within himself to go where all they should never after hear news of him. For that he could not persuade with himself, thinking it a thing impossible for him to live in the world, neither to receive any comfort amongst his parents and friends. When that he should understand how that the Princess Olivia was in the power of any other Knight, thus he travailed in a great confusion, & could not determine with himself what was best for him to do, and being troubled in his mind he passed the Kingdom of Russia, & travailed other three days in another kingdom adjoining thereunto, & by reason that his mind was always occupied with these profound & contrary thoughts, all his travail for the most part was out of the high ways, & many times he was benighted in the fields, & would pass a whole day without eating any thing. So it happened one day very early in the morning, having lost his way, he found himself amongst a great number of mountains, & was so far engulfed amongst them that he could not find the way to come out, neither did he know where he was, till the most part of the day was past, & then he discovered a mountain which was higher than all the rest, & determined to go up to the top of the same, to see if he could from thence discover any way or town whether he might resort. Then he went up unto the top of that mountain although it was with great travail, & being at the top he was there a good while, & looked round about him towards all parts, & did discover a mighty Country, & very plain, & that place whereas he was, was the craggedst part of all that country. Also he discovered a narrow way, for to descend from those mountains into the plain, where he saw a mighty broad & used way which passed alongst by the foot of that mountain, & as he would have descended towards that place, he saw som●… what a far of coming towards him a company of knights, whose armour glisteren very much, & among them he saw one that was more higher than all the rest from the breast upwards, & he seemed unto him, although it was a far off to be a Giant, & being very desirous to know who they should be, he stood still, till such time as they drew nigher, & then he saw that in the midst of that ambush of knights there came other three Knights on horseback with their helms off, & their hands bound behind them, whom he did well perceive to be carried prisoners against their wills.  
These were the three Prince's Bargandel, Lyriamandro, & the Tartarian Zoylo, which were carried prisoners in the power of the giant, at the commandment of the King Balachia, and the Knight which they saw come down from the mountain towards them, as the History hath told you before, was the knight of Cupid, who seeing them to bring those knight's prisoners, & very desirous to know who & what it should be, did descend down the mountain towards the high way whereas they should pass, & when he drew nigh unto them, he strait ways knew them to be the three Princes his very great friends, & very much marveled to see them in that case, & upon a sudden the water ran down his cheeks, & his heart was ready to burst with great sorrow & grief, to see such peerless princes carried in that sort, and being strait ways desirous to venture his life in that present danger for to perform that wherein he was greatly bound, for the defence of his friends, he put himself into the midst of the high way with his spear in his hand, & the great giant Fulgoso came foremost of all the rest, mounted upon a mighty horse, & armed with very thick & strong armour of fréele, & with a spear in his hand so big, that it seemed to be a Pine tree, & the beaver of his helm up, that a far off one might discern his monstrous & evil favoured countenance, and when the Knight of Cupid saw that it was but labour lost to talk with that sort people, & words spent in vain, he broached his Horse with the spurs, and with so great fury that it seemed to be a Thunder bolt, he made his course against the giant, who when he saw him come running against him, with so great a noise & furious a violence, one way he thought he had been some foolish Knight, & beside himself, & to the contrary he very much marveled to see him coming with so galiant a grace & furious courage, & without any more tarrying ●…e set spurs unto his mighty Horse and went forth to meet him so fast as his Horse could run, and in the midst of their course they met both together, and this worthy and valiant knight of Cupid struck the p●…ant in the midst of his body, his spear being made of the heart of a C●…pres tree. & the head of very fine tempered steel, which was given him by the king Luziro for a very precious and excellent good one▪ at his departure from him, & his encounter was so strong, that before his spear did break, the sharp & well hardened head did pierce through the ill tempered harness of that great giant, & ran through his body, appearing at his back, & therewith he fell down dead to the ground, & with the mighty fall he broke the strong staff of the spear, & the Knight of Cupid received so great encounter of the Giant that it made him lose his stirops, & to let lose the rains of his horse bridle, & passed forwards without receiving any more harm, & before that he came whereas the other Knights were, he had recovered both his stirops and the rames of his Horse again. When the three Princes and the Knights of the Giant saw that great & terrible encounter, they very much marveled thereat, & remained astonished and amazed, and thought it so wonderful that they could not tell what to say unto it, and with great sorrow and grief for the death of their Lord, all the knights together assaulted the knight of Cupld, and with great shrieks and shouts they compassed him round about, and laid upon him with all the power and strength they could, and although they were many, yet this stout & valiant knight did quickly abate their courage, for that at the first three blows which he struck at them which came foremost, he overthrew three of them to the ground very sore wounded and almost dead, and after bestirred himself amongst the rest with so great fury that it was a wonder to see. The three Princes who did behold all that passed, knew not what to say, to see one knight of so great bounty and force, to attempt the battle against a Giant and so many Knights, and with a good will they would have given all that ever they were worth to have been lose and at liberty for to have helped that Knight●…. But at that time there was no need of their succour, for that in less than half an hour the son of Trebatio had overthrown to the ground dead and ●…erie sore wounded the most part of all his enemies, and the rest that remained seeing so great slaughter, thought themselves in no security, but turned their Horse bridi●…s & fled that way which they came as fast as their Horses could run, and never forgot the ●…eare which they received neither did they look back till such time as they came into the camp afore the king, some with their faces cut, and some their arms, they told him that one alone knight came against them in the high way and slew the giant and all the rest, saving they which saved themselves by flight. The King and all those that were with them very much marveled at that sudden misfortune, and thought it a thing impossible that any human creature should give such an enterprise & go through therewith, neither to have so much hardiness and courage of heart. The King receiving great sorrow and grief for the death of the giant, did out of hand command a company of knights to be armed in a readiness, & return unto the knight of Cupid. When he saw himself clear and at liberty from his enemies, determined to set the three Princes at liberty, and not to make himself to be known unto them▪ for two causes, the one for that he departed from them out of England, without giving them to understand thereof, and the other, for that they should not carry any news of him to the Court of King Oliverio, for that the Princess Olivia commanded him in her Letter to departed thither, whereas she might never here any news of him, and for these causes he would not make himself known onto the three Princes, but came onto them and did unbince them, and c●…t a sunder the cords wherewith they were bound, and counterfeiting his speech ●…nd voice in the best wise he could, he asked of them who ●…hey were, and what was the occasion that they were carri●…d away in that sort. Then they who were no l●…sse amazed 〈◊〉 his great bounty, then glad to see themselves at liberty, ●…aue hearty thanks for that which he had done for them, and the Tartarian Zoylo declared unto him of whence they were, and likewise told him of all that happened unto him and his companions since the time that they first entered into the kingdom of Lusitania until that hour that they delivered them. When the knight of Cupid understood all the whole effect, he received great joy within himself, for that he had succoured his friends in so great a necessity. And being demanded of them who he was, for that they might know him of whom they had received so great a benefit he answered them that he was a strange knight of that Country, and that he could not discover nor tell unto them his name, till such time as he had finished a journey which he had taken in hand, but if they were desirous to return and aid the queen Lavinia, he would go with them and bear them company, and do for her all that lay in his power. When the three Princes heard him say those words they were very glad and joyful, for that their whole desire was to return unto the City, as well for the succour of the Queen Lavinia and her daughter, as to be revenged on their adversaries, as of the king of Balachia, for that they were very angry and wrathful against him, and beholding often and very much that knight, how he was adorned with all bounty, they said one unto another, that in all things he resembled Rosicleer, as well in his great valour as in the gentle disposition of his body, and in all the rest of his behaviour, and calling him to remembrance, and how that they could not hear any news of him, the tears ran from the eyes of either of them for the love they bore unto him. And being asked by the knight of Cupid the occasion wherefore they should shed those tears, they told him that they all three went in the demand of a Knight that in all things, as well in béehaviour as in proportion of body was like unto him, and how that the remembrance of him was the occasion of those tears, for that many days a gone he departed from them, and since that time they could never hear any news of him. At this present the Knight of Cupid received great sorrow and grief, in seeing that those three Princes being of so great valour went in his demand, and that occasion did so serve, that he could not discover himself unto them. Here may you plainly perceive what the discourtesy of the Princess Olivia did cause, for that it caused him to withdraw from him the▪ great pleasure and contentment that he should receive in discovering himself unto his friends. So after that they had talked of these and other like things, the three Princes took each of them a horse o? those knights that were slain, and they four together took their way towards the City, although by the counsel of the tartarian Zoylo they went not the right way, suspecting that when the king of Balachia should understand of the death of the Giant, he would send some people against them, but their determination was not to be seen till such time as they were come nigh unto the camp, and then put themselves into the City if need so required, and in this sort although the King did send his power they should not meet with them, but that they might much more at their pleasure come nigh the camp of their contraries, and consulting amongst themselves what was best for them to do, they determined to give the assault upon their enemies suddenly, and to press through them till such time as they might get the Bridge, and being there they were very certain that when those of the City should see them, they would issue forth and secure them, or at the least ways they would open the gates that they might enter in, and look as they had determined they did put in practice, and all these four together did enter into the Camp of their enemies, cutting, wounding, and killing, that it was a wonder to see the great effusion which they made amongst them, and never rested till such time as they came unto the bridge, whereas they did defend themselves very, valia●…ntly, from them that followed them, where those of the City did see all that passed.  
And when they knew that those worthy Knights were their friends, they were very glad and rejoiced to see them, and did open unto them the gates of the City, & very much marveled at the other knight that c●…me with the three princes, for that they saw the great slaughter which he made amongst his enemies with his sword in his hand, and when these sour Knights saw the gates of the City opened, they did retire by little & little upon the bridge, until such time as their enemies did leave off following them, as well for the mortal blows they gave them, as for the great harm they received by them which were upon the walls of the City, so that they had time at their pleasure to enter into the City, and when they were within they shut the gates, and received them with great joy, and carried them before the Queen, whose joy was so great for the return of these three Princes▪ that I am not able to express it, for that her comfort and hope that she had in them was very much, and their imprisonment was a grievous corsie unto her heart. So there they did repose & rest themselves all that day, and all the next following, with a great deal more joy than at any time before. The next day being come the knight of Cupid and the three Princes commanded that all such people as they thought could do any thing to arm themselves unto the battle, and so in very good order they went forth into the field against their enemies, and overcame and broke the Camp and slew the King, and the most part of those that were with him, and the rest ran their way, so that those of Lusitania remained with the victory, and pursued their enemies till such time as the night did withdraw them back, and made them to retire, and it was a thing to be wondered at, to see the great feats and deeds of arms that the knight of Cupid did that day, for it may be said, that he alone was the occasion of breaking up of the Camp of their enemies, and the destruction of all the whole army of the king of Balachia, so that on the one part as w●… as one the other, they very much marveled of the incridyble deeds which they saw done in that battle. No●… when the night was come, the knight of Cupid seeing that there was no more need of his help, he determined to departed very secretly, for that he saw by the determination of the three Princes that it was a thing impossible to keep himself close long, but that he must be known by them. Therefore he called a knight of the City a side, and said unto him, that at such time as the people were gathered together and entered into the City, he should tell the Queen and those three strange knight●…, that he was departed and gone about certain business that did importune him very much, and that they should not by any means follow him, neither hope of his return, for that he knew not whether he should ever return again or no, and so he departed on't of the Camp, and with a trotting pace travailed all that ever he could that night, very sorrowful in his heart for that he could not rejoice himself in the company of his very friends, who with so loving and perfect friendship went to seek him. With these sorrowful thoughts that night he travailed so long that he came unto the sea, & the next day in the morning, he entered into a Ship of merchandise, which arrived at that place to refresh themselves with fresh water, and were bound unto Alexandria. Now to return unto the three Princes, the History saith that at such time as they had gathered their people together, and would have entered into the City, they found wanting the knight of Cupid, and being very sorrowful for his absence they went seeking him, and ask for him of all that they met, till such time as they came to the knight, with whom the knight of Cupid had talked, and he told unto them his ●…mbassage and all that he had said unto him. And when the ●…hree Princes understood of his departure, they were very ●…orrowfull for the same, and remembering the valiant deeds ●…at they saw him do, and the great boud in the which they ●…ere bound unto him, they were very desirous to have ●…owen him, and to have had him in their company, and ●…ery one of them thought in his mind that he should be ●…osicleer, for that they were fully resolved amongst them●…ues that there was not a knight in all the world that was ●…le to do for them that which he did, but only Rosicleer, but strait way they put this thought from them, in saying that if it were Rosicler, there was no occasion wherefore he should keep himself from them & not be known, seeing that he understood that they went in his demand. Thus with a great desire which they had to know who this knight should be, all that night they would not enter into the city, but sent unto the queen requesting her to pardon them, they strait way departed to go seek out the knight of Cupid, & the next day in the morning they came unto the sea side, & unto the Port whereas he did ship himself, & there they had news of him, by the tokens that they gave. So from thence they departed in his demand in an other ship, that the queens Lavinia commanded to be given them, and here the history doth leave them travailing by sea, and returneth unto the knight of Cupid who departed and went before them.   

How the knight of Cupid arrived in the kingdom of Phenicia, whereas he delivered from the death a knight, who afterward was a very great friend of his. Chap. 18.  
THE great sorrow and grief which the worthy knight of Cupid sustained in his heart cannot be here expressed, as well for the loving of his dear friends in those countries, & not making himself known unto them, as for the news which was given him to understand in the cave of the wise Artydon, concerning the princess Olivia, and being sore afflicted with th●… thoughts they sailed six days with a prosperous wind, but the seventh day they were taken with a mighty great an●… perilous torment, which made them lose their way, & wer●… constrained by the furious force thereof to take port in th●… kingdom of Phenicia, whereas the merchant's determin●… to go a land, and there to rest themselves certain daye●… for that they were very weary and Sea sick, by reason ●… the great storm the which they had past. When the knigh●… of Cupid was a land, and saw that the country seemed but him to be very fruitful, fresh, and pleasant, he determined with himself to see the country in the mean time that the mariners did trim their ship, & make provision of all that was necessary, and so he took his horse & went alone from the port, taking the way which led him unto a mighty great City that was but six miles from that port. And when he had travailed two miles from the port, he saw a far of from him in the same high way where he went, a great number of Knights, which seemed unto him that they were in battle they so beesturred themselves, and therewith he did amend his pace to know what it should mean, and when he came nigh unto them, he saw that it was more them twenty knights who had compassed about one alone Knight, who was a of a very big stature, and armed with blackarmour, who made battle with them all, and did defend himself very stoutly and strongly, and had overthrown wounded to the ground six of them, so that he seemed to be a valiant Knight and of good estimation. When the Knight of Cupid had well marked him, and saw him so valiantly defend himself, he received great contentment, and determined to succour him in that conflict, persuading him that the truth and right was on his part, for that there was so many against one, and without any more tarrying he set spurs to his Horse sides, and with his Sword in his hand he put himself in the midst of them that had compassed him about, and before that he struck any blow he said. Knights hold your hands and be in quiet a while, and let me understand what is the occasion of this battle, that so many Knights are against one? All of them did well hear and understand what he said, but the answer which they made unto him, was, that they all stroke at him, as they which made no reckoning of him, which was a sorrowful hour for some of them, for that when the knight of Cupid did see their villainy, his anger did presently increase, and he lift up his strong arm and stroke one of them upon the helm, that ●…e clove his head down to his shoulders, so that he fell from ●…is horse dead to the earth, & he was scarce down when the stroke another upon the shoulder, so that he clove him to the breast, and bestirred himself amongst them with so great fury, that before they did perceive their loss and harm he had overthrown half of them to the ground. When this mighty knight who first made battle with them all, saw himself succoured and aided in that time as he thought his life to be lost, he received great joy and contentment, and was very much amazed to see the strange courtesy of that Knight, and the furious strokes which he gave unto his contraries, the which was such, that if he had not seen it with his own eyes he would never have beeléeved it, and with that new and unlooked for aid & succour, his strength and courage did so increase, that he struck such a blow upon the arm of one of them that was next him, that he cut it clean a sunder, and it fell to the ground holding his shield fast and he struck another upon the head that he clove it to the eyes, and overthrew him from his horse to the ground, so that afterward they could not strike any more blows, for that the rest of the Knights seeing the great slaughter and effusion of blood which those two Knights made, thought their lives in small security, and fled away with all the hast they could, being to the number of six or seven knights, so that these two valiant knights were left alone, & when the knight with the black armour saw himself clear from his contraries, he lift up his beaver and went unto the knight of Cupid, saying.  
O gentle knight & the best that ever was seen, for I believe that in all the world is not thy like, wherewith she be able to greatifie this good turn which you have done unto me, I cannot surely with less than to offer my life, so that next unto God by you I have my life, & at least wait delivered me that I was not carried away prisoner, whi●… would have been unto me more grievous than my dea●… Sir knight, said Rosicleer, your great valour doth deser●… far more than this, and I do account myself very w●… satisfied for that I have done, doing it for so worthy knight as you, nevertheless I desire you to tell me if y●… are of this Country, & what is the occasion that you had this battle against so many knights? To whom this Knight replied: This question which you do demannd of me doth require long time to declare, and for that these Knights belongeth unto the King of this Country, whom we have had this controversy with, & I do believe that when these that be run away shall come before him, he will send a number more of knights after us, therefore me thinks it shall do well that we apart ourselves out of this way, & go up towards the mountain, & there we shall be sure not to meet with them, and riding by the way I will declare unto you the whole effect of this that you do demand. These words which he spoke liked well the Knight of Cupid, & therewith they departed from that place and went towards certain mountains which were towards the right hand, than the knight with the black armour began to make relation unto the knight of Cupid, and said.  
Sir Knight, you shall understand that I am called Sacridoro, & not long since was King of Antiochia, & as rich and prosperous as any other king could be, but Fortune hath pursued me in such sort, & showed herself so rigorous unto me that in a very short time I have lost my Kingdom, and am left all alone banished from a great number of very good knights which I had continually with me, some of them ●…e dead & slain, & other some in prison, & the occasion of all this hath b●…n, that the king Polidarco, lord of this country, hath a daughter, whose name is Oriselua, a very fair damsel, endured with many good graces & Princelike conditions, to whom I did & do at this present bear great love, which was the occasion that I did demand her in marriage of the king her father, who would not give her unto me, in consideration that in times past he had certain controversies with the king my Father, for which cause I did move wars with him, thinking by force to get that which by ●…he way of request I could not obtain.  
Whereupon either of us did join and gather together the greatest army that possible we could, so that in the end we joined in battle, whereas my cruel fortune & destiny would, that all my camp was broken & destroyed, & I escaped out of the field by great adventure, & by reason that I had no people, knights▪ nor soldiers, for to defend my kingdom, in few days they made a conquest of all, without leaving me either town or village, wherein I might rest myself, yea, & although I do see myself so destroyed & overthrown, yet the love is so great that I have unto the princess Oriselua, that I cannot go out of this country, for that I would every day hear some news of her, & although I have procured to go in all the secret possibie, yet it hath been given the king to understand thereof, who caused forthwith many knights to be put in divers places, either for to kill me or to take me prisoner, and these knights with whom I made the battle were the kings, so that if it had not been for your good succour I had been slain, or else carried before the king their lor●…, who I do believe would strait ways have commanded to be put to the most cruel death that could be invented, for that in times past my father slew his father in battle, since which time he had always this rancour & great enmity against me. This is sir knight, y● whole effect of that which you demanded of me, & now seeing that I have given unto you the whole relation of my life, I do here very much desire you to tell me your name, & of what Country you are, that I may know to whom I have discovered myself, & to whom I shall remain in dutiful obligation all the days of my life.  
When the King Sacridoro had made an end of declaring this, the knight of Cupid was moved unto great compassion, and iontlie therewith he had singular affection unto him, for that he seemed to be a person of great valour and of like desert, and for that his high bounty did deserve to b●… had in reputation of any good Knight, & especially for that the passions of love had been the occasion that he was brought into that state, the which alone was sufficient to move any to have compassion on him, for that there is ●…o other grief, sorrow, perverse fortune, nor adversity, more worthy to be pitied than that, he was a great while before he could make him any answer, in which time his adversity did grieve him very much, but in the end he spoke unto him & said.  
Of a truth worthy king, this discourse which you have made unto me of your estate, hath been unto me very sorrowful & grievous, for that so terrible a fall of fortune is sufficient to overthrow any valiant heart or stout courage, & especially being wounded with love as you have told me, & that thing alone is sufficient to cause me to have compassion on you, & all this being true, & your adversity very great, yet it cannot be denied but that your heart must be more stouter & valiante●…, if that with a good stomach you do pass it over, and not hold it as a new thing happened unto you, but as a thing which of long time passed before it chanced was known unto you, & daily looked for, for that the valiant courage doth mitigate & weaken the hardiness of fortune with the virtue of the spirit, & in nothing it is so quickly known as in the greatest extremities of their adversities. Fortune may very well overthrow a strong knight, but yet his valiant courage may be such, that the shall have no power to get the victory of him. He is overthrown that doth think himself vanquished, & he that hath all his hope void as a thing dead, & 〈◊〉 whose courage is such, that all remedies doth seem unto him dissolute. You have lost your kingdom very slightie, & by the loss of one battle, so likewise it may fall out, that by another battle you may get it again, for it is a common thing in wars, to overcome, & to be overcome, & many times we do see those which one day hath victory, when the day before they lost it. Possibly worthy king, you will say, that touching this which I have said, you have no provision, & are alone without any army, neither any power requisite, whereby you should have any hope to recover again your Kingdom.  
To this I auns were, that I have your adversary the King Polidarco in a far more weaker estate, and that it may so fall out that you shall ●…ee equal in the field, for that he hath your kingdom by tyranny, and against all reason, all those whom he hath on his side and in his behalf (or at least ways) the most part of them, in the end will return against him and be on your side & behalf, for that many & infinite times it hath been seen, a tyrannous King doth find himself alone & without company being in the midst of all his subjects, yea, at such time as he thinketh himself to have the most company, & to be in power the most strongest. And it may be (worthy King) that this your sudden fall & misfortune, is the punishment of almighty GOD, given unto you for some secret & just cause, and being by you acknowledged, he hath given you to understand thereby how & what a frail thing all human power and strength is, at such time as we do lack his divine favour▪ & if it be his pleasure he will return you again unto your honour & high estate. Therefore if God be so pleased you have no need to seek any inconveniences, neither to break your head how and in what manner it shall be brought to pass, but to strengthen and comfort yourself, & to fortify your valiant courage against all that shall happen.  
This I say, for that it seemeth unto me that you shall do well to leave travailing in this Country, for so much as you do it in great peril and danger, and profit you very little, and return unto Antiochia your own Country, there to talk and confer one with an other, and procure to gather together your friends and most principallest s●…biectes, such as you were wont to have and to trust. For that it cannot be but there be some that do remain alive, who with fear or else thinking that you are not alive, or perhaps lost, dare not discover themselves, and then when you have gathered together some of your party, every day you shall find yourself increased, & then time will tell you what you shall do, & according unto your disposition & strength as y● time shall serve. I for my part do assure you, (although I have to go another way) yet for the great sorrow & grief that I receive for this your misfortune, I will go with you into your Country, & will not go forth one step out of your company, till such time as I do see how all thing will pass, in this your enterprise and proving of fortune. And in that you do ask of me my name, and what Country man I am? Surely I am so desperate & do so much abhor my own life, that not many days since, by chance I met with the greatest friends that I have in the world, who travailed in my demand, and without making myself known unto them I departed & left them, for that I would not that they should understand that I am alive, but now seeing that you▪ most valiant & worthy knight, have declared unto me, and very plainly, the whole discourse of your travail, & the secret of your heart & estate, it now seemeth unto me, that I shall have no reason to hide myself from you, understand then that I am Rosicler, son unto Trebatio, the Emperor of Grece, and the ●…mpresse Briana, daughter unto the King Tiberio of Hungaria, and by my misfortune I am out of favour and cast off by a precious Princess, whom I do love with all my heart, by whom I am constrained to travail these strange countries, only with the name of the Knight of Cupid, for that no news of me might come unto the ears of that cruel Princess, who with the same condition did grant unto me my life. And herewith the knight of Cupid made an end of his words.  
When the King Sacridoro understood who that Knight was that gave him so good and sound counsel, and so liberally did offer unto him his company▪ he did suddenly con●…eiue in his heart a great love and friendship, in so ample ●… manner, that he never had the like to any other Knight, the which thing did show itself, as in this History shall appear. So he went unto the Knight of Cupid and said: Oh worthy & most excellent prince, now may I say that I have no occasion to complain on Fortune, for that it hath not taken from me so much as I have this day, only in knowing of you, & seeing in you so great a comfort, for certainly I do believe & hope, that if I have your sovereign bounty with me, not only to get again my lost kingdom, but also to have the kingdom in my power, of the king Polidarco my enemy: Unto thee, O merciful God, I do give in●…inite thanks, for that I acknowledge this my remedy doth proceed from thee, & from thy hands, and so I will accept it, & therefore sovereign prince, here I do accept & receive the great courtesy that you offered unto me, & will p●…sse into An●…iochia in your company, with no less joy & assurance, then as though I were in the midst of a mighty & strong army. With these & other words of great courtesy betwixt them they passed on their way, & when they were departed out of that high way they travailed forwards by the si●…es of high & mighty mountains very craggy▪ which were upon the right hand, & being there, the king Sacridoro said unto the knight of Cupid: You shall understand (worthy prince) that for to pass into Antiochia, either we must proceed forwards this way in which we now are, by the plain country, or else we must travail over these high mountain●…s which be here before us, & by either of them there is great peril & danger, for if we travail this plain Country, we must of very force pass through a great part of the Country of the king Polidarco, and considering the number o●… spies that he hath laid in wait for me, it cannot be chose●… but that I shall be known, so that every day we shal●… have great and perilous battles with the knights of th●… King, and again if we do pass along the tops of 〈◊〉 mountains, they say that it is not inhabited, but all 〈◊〉 and that there is on them very many terrible and furiou●… beasts, so that of long time since there hath none 〈◊〉 that way for fear of them, therefore valiant knight consider unto which of these two dangers we shall offer ourselves. The knight of Cupid did study a while upon the same, and afterward answered & said: Of two evils it is good always to eschew the worst, and it seemeth unto me that to pass this plain through the land of the king Polidarco, is not only perilous for the battles which we do look for with his knights, but also it is very hurtful unto us, for you be known, whereby we shall not at ease enter into your kingdom. Therefore it seemeth best unto me that we take this way by the mountains, for although there be wild beasts, as you say, we shall with more ease overcome them then armed men, for that God did make man Lord, giving him power over all wild beasts, & what by strength or by policy there is no kind of wild beast, be he never so furious, but by man he is subdued and brought into subjection. When the knight of Cupid had uttered these words unto the king Sacridoro, his counsel did like him very well, & therewith they took their journey towards the top of those mountains, which were of so great height, that all that day & the next day following they had enough to do to get unto the▪ top of them, & when they were above they saw that it was very plain, although they saw in them many great & thick woods, and full of bushes, which made it to be more hard to pass, & for lack of travailing that way there was no usual path, which was the occasion that their travail was more troublesome unto them, but for that the hearts of either of them were more harder than that country, with a valiant and s●…out courage they followed their journey till such time as there happened unto them that which shall be told you in the next Chapter following.   

Of a strange adventure which happened unto the knight of Cupid and the king Sacridoro, travailing by the mountains of Phenicia. Chap. 19  
AS these two worthy and valiant knights travailed together upon those sharp and fragrant mountains, the one imparted unto the other all the whole estate of their amorous pessions, so that both in declaring as well of the one as the other, it seemed unto them that they did not ●…eele the weariness of their journey, and in this sort they travailed two days without eating any thing, but of such wild fruit as they found in every place whereas they went. So the third day at such time as the Sun was about an hour high, travailing without any care by a forest, which seemed to be a more quiet & peaceable Country than that which they had before travailed in. Upon a sudden their horses started, & their hair began to stand upright, & they were afraid, & brayed & snorted in such sort, that they could not make them proceed forward, and looking about them towards every side, to see what it should be that caused the same, & on a sudden there came forth of the most thickest of the Forest two great savage & wild men, who in the bigness of their bodies seemed to be giants, who were mounted upon two Lions very furious, which served them for horses, without any bridle or other kind of thing, but they had each of them in their hands a mighty great, heavy, & knotted club, with the which they did govern their Lions to go what way it pleased them, and when they had discovered the two knights, they went towards them, and when they approached them, the fear was so great that their horses received, that all the policy and strength which the knights could use, was not sufficient to make them go towards the savage men. So before they could have leisure to alight from their horses, these savages were come unto them, upon their tamed Lions, and finding the knights with their backs towards them, for that their horses did cast themselves about, they struck them with their knotty clubs two such blows upon their five and steely healmes, with so great strength, that they made them stoop forwards with their breasts upon the saddle bows, being somewhat amazed. And before that they could come well again to themselves, these savages struck them other two blows that brought them out of their remembrances, and therewith they took them in their arms from their horses, and carried them into the thickest of that forest, and they had not borne them far, but they came unto a very great fountain, which seemed to be in the manner of a cistern, and the water was as clear as Crystal, but it was of so great depth, that it seemed to have no bottom. When they were come thither, these wild men did lay the two knights upon the ground without any remembrance as they were before, and alighting from their lions, they made them fast unto two Trees there by, and strait way they began to give terrible and mighty blaringes and shrieks, such as might be heard a great way, at which noise in a short time there was gathered together about that Fountain more than twenty savages, such as they were, some riding upon Wolves, and other some upon other wild beasts, some of them which came nigh unto the knights whereas they lay, did labour and travail all that ever they could to unarm them, & for that they were not expert in the use of armour, they did nothing but tumble them up and down from the one side to the other, and could not find which way to get of their armour. And in tumbling of them in this sort, the knight of Cupid came unto himself, and he seeing in what state he was, in spite of all those that were unarming him he rose up from the ground whereas he lay, and drew out his fine cutting Sword which was given him by the Queen ●…ulia, and with great fury and inflamed wrath, he struck the first that he found next him such a terrible blow upon the waist that he cut him in two pieces, & overthrew him dead to the ground, and so he served the second, and the third, & when all the rest of these wild men saw what had passed, they were in a great fear, yet for all that they took unto them their great knotted clubs, and all together assaulted him, and when they had compassed him round about on every side, they laid upon him so strongly, that the knight of Cupid was put to great travail, for that with their strong & heavy blows they all to bruised his flesh and bones, but seeing that he had no other thing to deliver him from that reproach but only his sword, he so béehaved himself therewith, béesturring him from the one side to the other, that the effusion of blood was so great amongst those savage people, that the clear and crystal water of that fountain was died red with the blood of them, and the battle betwixt them was very terrile and bloody, and if this battle had endured long, this good and valiant knight had sound himself in great peril and danger, for that there was no hum●…ne creature able to suffer the mighty blows which those savage people did strike with their clubs, being stroke so thick, as commonly a smith doth strike upon his anfield, but his valiant and stout courage was such, and his force and fury, that in a small time he made such destruction amongst them, that of more than twenty which were there of them, there remained alive but three, who ran away with all the hast they might, and put themselves into the thickest of the Forest, and all the rest lay along upon the ground, some their arms cut off, and some their heads cloven in pieces, and some their shoulders cloven to their breasts, and other some cut clean a sunder in the midst, that whosoever had seen so great ●…estruction amongst such barbaro●…s people and furious savages as they were, would certainly believe that there had been no human power & strength able to have done it, and when this battle was finished, this worthy knight remained so weary and bruised of his body, that he could not stand upon his feet, and being very dry, he went unto the Fountain, and pulled of his helm, and whereas the water was most clearest & troubled with the blood, the same for to drink, and drinking thereof, he had not well staunched his great thirst when he f●…ldowne unto the ground without any feeling or remembrance.  
And at the same time that he was drinking, the good King Sacridoro was come to himself, and when he saw that great slaughter that was upon the ground, and the knight of Cupid a foot a drinking, he remained as one amazed and beside himself, and could neither arise up nor speak one word, seeing that, which seemed unto him to be a thing the most strangest and wonderful that ever was seen or could be imagined, & at that time that the knight of Cupid did fall down to the ground in a sound, at the same instant there came forth of the profound depth of that Fountain a Monster of the Sea, very great, and of body very horrible and wonderful to béehould, who had the face of a maid, with her hair hanging down half her body, so soon as she was out of the fountain she went unto the knight of Cupid, who lay along upon the ground, and took him in her arms, and returned unto the fountain and dyved down to the bottom thereof with the Knight, in such sort that they could not be seen, neither was there any sign of them. When this good king Sacridoro saw his very friend so conveyed into the water and carried away by that Monster, whether as be could not imagine to the contrary, but even to be made her food, I cannot here declare the great grief and anguish that he felt in his heart, in such sort, that if hi●… death at that present had been presented unto him, it could not have grieved him more, and all times when he did remember the loss of his friend, the most worthiest Prince in his opinion that was in all the world, and again the great remedy that he had conceived in his heart, to have recoue●…ed by his aid and help, he could not by any m●…anes suffer so great sorrow, but fell down unto the ground as one that were gasp●…ng for life, tumbling himself upon the earth, giving very grievous sighs and groans, lamenting much his misfortune with words of great sor●…ow and lamentation, & in this sort be passed away all the rest of the day which remained, and likewise the whole night following, till the second day was come, in the which happened as shall be told you in this next chapter following.   

How the three Prince's Bargandell Lyriamandro, and the Tartarian Zoylo, came unto the fountain whereas the king Sacridoro was lamenting the death of his great friend the knight of Cupid, and how they were advertised by him who he was, and of all that happened therein. Chap. 20.  
YOu do well remember how that we left the three Princes, Bargandel, Lyriamandro, & the Tartarian Zoylo, in the kingdom of Lusitania in the demand of the Knight of Cupid. Now the History saith that the three princes had betwixt them a great controversy which of the two should be most valiantest and of higher bounty, either the Knight of Cupid, or their very friend Rosicler, and were very desirous to hear some news as well of the one as of the other, & with this great desire they did travail till they came to the same Port whereas the knight of Cupid had embarked himself, whereas they heard news of him of very many the which had seen him, and therewith they put themselves in a good ship, & committed themselves unto God, and sailing by the sea, they were taken with the same storm and torment that we spoke of in the Chapter before. And whether it was by the great wisdom of Artemidoro, or by fortune, I know not, but their Ship did aruie in the Kingdom of Phenicia, in the same Port whereas the knight of Cupid did disimbarke himself, and this was the next day following after that they had entered in, and of the merchants that were there they understood news of the Knight of Cupid, and how that the day before he was departed into the Country, and having these news, they strait way departed and followed him, and did ask of every one that they met for him. So they were certified by certaiine shepherds, (as there were very many on the skirts of those mountains) how that he and the king Sacridoro did take their way towards the wilderness, When the three Princes had fully certified themselves thereof, with great joy they followed him so long, that in the end they came nigh unto the fountain of the savage people, and before they came unto the fountain, they found the Horse of the King Sacridoro and of the Knight of Cupid, which ran about the fields, drawing after them their saddles and bridles, and when they saw them and knew the one of them to be the horse of the knight of Cupid, they were greatly troubled in their minds, and knew not what to say, but looked one upon another, and seemed that it could not be well with their masters, sèeing their Horses run in such sort about the field, and for that they were all of a marvelous strong and stout courage, they did offer their lives into what so ever peril or danger should happen. Thus they went round about from one part to another seeking these two Knights, and in the end they travailed so much that they came unto the great and fair fountain, whereas they saw the wonderful slaughter of the savage people, which lay alongst the ground, and found the King Sacridoro stretched upon the earth, as one that had neither reason nor understanding, but beside himself, with the great sorrow, weeping, and grievous lamentation which he passed that night past, and all the day before, and when they saw him in this case, and likewise the great slaughter made upon that wild and furious sort of people, they received great admiration, and thought verily that the king Sacridoro had been dead, and judged that he and the Knight of Cupid had done the same, and for to certify themselves the ●…etter, they all three alighted from their Horses, and came ●…nto the King and pulled off his helm, and therewith they ●…ooke water out of the Fountain and threw it upon his ●…ce, and for that he had received no other harm but drounesse with watching and weeping, he quickly came unto ●…mselfe, and when he saw those Knights before him, he ●…gan a new both to sigh and weep very piteously, shed●…any tears, and he said.  
O sir knights, wherefore have you done unto me so much harm, as to cause me to come again unto my remembrance, you should have suffered me to die, that I might not have felt any more such evil fortune, let me pray you malt an end of this sorrowful life, for that there is no other thing that can comfort me. Oh Trebatio, Emperor of Grecia, who shall bear unto thee this heavy news of thy son the knight of Cupid? Who dare come before thy presence to give thee to understand of this grievous and delorous misfortune? These and other many such words, said this good King Sacridoro, lamenting the death of his great friend. When these three Princes understood, that he was son unto the Emperor Trebatio, whose great fame came unto their ears: very much amezed and sore troubled, they did behold one an other, and knew not what to say unto that which they had heard spoken. And being very desirous to know to what end it was spoken, they came unto the King Sacridoro, and did comfort him in the best wise they could, and desired him to tell them what was become of the knight of Cupid, for that of long time they had travailed in his demand. So when the King saw the three Princes, which as well in their armour as in their disposition seemed unto him to be knights of great estimation. With many tears and great sighs, he told unto them all that which had happened unto him, and unto the knight of Cupid with the savage people, and in what sort the monster did carry away the knight of Cupid into the depth of that Fountain. Also he told them that this knight was called by his other name Rosicler, and was son unto the Emperor Trebatio, and of the Empress Briana. When the princes understood that the knight of Cupid was Rosicler their very friend, either of them received so great sorrow and heaviness, as though he had been dead before them. And having no power to suffer so dolorous news, every one o●… them threw himself upon the ground, and without speaking any word, either of them did weep and be wail th●… death of their friend very grievously.  
When the king Sacridoro understood that those three Knights were friends unto the Knight of Cupid, he received a new sorrow and grief in his heart, to see them lament & sorrow for his death, and with this great rage and mortal anguish he went unto the Fountain, and standing upon his feet he did behold the profound deepness of the water, & three times he was ready to throw himself therein, and many times he retired back again, but in the end (the wise Artemidoro saith) that he said these words: Oh worthy and valiant knight of Cupid, seeing that my cruel destiny will not permit that in life time I cannot enjoy thy company and friendship, my death shall now follow ●…hine, and one Sepulchre shall possess both thy bones and mine. And in saying these words he slipped forwards with his feet into the fountain, all armed as he was, and with the great weight of his armour, he sunk strait ways unto the bottom of the water, in such sort that he was no more seen. The wise Artemidoro doth write this notable act done by this king, declaring that the love and friendship which he had unto Rosicleer, was the occasion that he desired to live no longer, for that he thought verily he had been dead. But the wise Lyrgandeo saith, that the King Sacridoro had some knowledge of this marvelous Fountain, and that he had some hope to find his friend the knight of Cupid alive, but how so ever it was, it was a thing worthy of great memory, and the greatest experience of friendship that ever was seen. And when the ●…hrée Princes heard the words which the King said, and ●…aw him throw himself into the Fountain, they knew not what to say, but seemed as though they had been in a dream, ●…ut yet if the danger of the loss of their souls had not dis●…urbed them, every one of them very gladly and with very ●…ood will could have found in his heart to have done so much ●…s the king Sacridoro did, and there they remained all that ●…y and all the night following, and did no other thing but ●…ment. So the next day they thought it could not profit them remain there, & determined to return to sea, & go to the court of the King Oliverio, and from thence to departed unto their own countries, and so they departed from thence, and returned the way which they came so sad and sorrowful, that many days after they could not receive any comfort, neither could there any pleasure enter into them. Whom this History doth leave till time doth serve, for to tell you of the worthy Knight of the Sun, whom we left travailing towards the Empire of Gercia.   

Of a strange adventure which the knight of the Sun found travailing towards the Grecian Empire, Chapter 21.  
AFter that the mighty Alphoebo was departed from the bridge whereas he had the battle with Florinaldus, and his knights, the history saith that in few days he entered into the Empire of Grecia, upon that side which is beetwixt Dardenie and Macedonia and travailing certain days in that Country, he always kept his right way towards Constantinople. So it happened upon a day as he travailed by a broad & used way which went from one City to another, at such time as the greatest force●… of the Sun was overpassed, he saw in the same way coming towards him a great multitude of people, and the mo●… part of them seemed to be Gentlewomen, amongst whom the seemed ●…o be armed giants, and as they came a far of, it happened to be a thing of great majesty and highness, and th●… knight of the sun being very desirous to know who it shal●… be, did put himself somewhat out of the way on Horseba●… as he was, and stood still, and tarried till all that peop●… should pass by, for that all things in that Country seem●… very strange unto him, and likewise at this time a thi●… greatly to be marveled at, for although he could not ●…iecture with him what occasion should move him to be tro●…bled, yet he f●…it within himself a great weakness, as thou●… he should have sounded▪ which made him to think in his ●…art that he should hear of some new & strange event, & being thus troubled with himself, within a while after those people which he had seen pass by, but the great wonders and merua●…s which he saw there at that present, no tongue can tell nor p●…can write the secret thereof yea, such, that if Homer were present for to make description thereof, yet for all that, the wonderful matter contained thereof, would surmount his eloquent style▪ & the pleasantness of the History, the sweet harmony of his song. To conclude, the wise Artemidoro saith, that the adventure was worthy to be at chieved of so high & worthy a knight, & did not appertain unto any other that was base than the son of Trebatio, and if that sovereign Princes without all comparison of beauty and fairness, Claridiana had not been discovered & known by the Princes in Trabisond. Then the author might well have said, that all the beauty of the world was joined together in this adventure, the which came in this order.  
There came foremost of all twenty damsels, and every one very richly appareled, and mounted upon But ●…ornes, all betrapped with cloth of gold, and every one of them had on their heads a very fair and gallant bunch of ●…eathers, and all these came by three and three, which was a ●…raunge sight to be seen, & after these Damsels came a ●…ery great and triumphant Chariot, the which was carri●…d upon twelve wheels of very fine ivory, and drawn with twelve Unicorns, as white as the Snow, and all the ●…arnesse that belonged unto them was of very fine gold, ●…nd every one of these unicorns had upon him a dwarf, with a whip in his hand to govern him. This Chariot ●…as very long of one hundredth foot, and fifteen foot broad, ●…nd the Chariot was covered all over with a Tent very ●…chlie wrought with gold and silk, and under that Tent ●…as there made a division of chambers and closerts, and in ●…e fore part of the chariot from the tent, there was in manner ●…f a tabernacle very high, and all the forepart discovered & open. And under the same was there wrought with gold two arks, the one joining to the other, of so excellent and rich work, that according to the great & sumptuous riches, there was never Emperor of Rome in his most triumph that had the like arks made unto him, and under the same arks there was two chairs, all of gold & precious stones, & in one of those chairs there sat a Damsel, that according unto the great majesty & beauty which she had, seemed to be some celestial creature come down from the heavens. And it is not to be believed that Helena, for whom there were stain so many thousands of Greeks & Trojans, was so fair as she. Thiy Damsel was appareled in a robe of cloth of gold, all set full of five Sapheres, with very fair & strange work, & she had upon her head a call made of Emeralds, in manner of a net, through the which her yeolow hair was seen, that it seemed to be third of fine gold, and for that she was as white as Snow, she seemed of so great beauty, that no human understanding was able to comprehend the same. Under the other ark hard by that, there sat in the chair, a knight all armed saving his head, of a high stature and well made, his face was very fair and of a good and gentle proportion, and his armour was so strange and rich, that the line was never seen in the world, for that it was made all of scales of fish, which is in the Athlantike sea, ●…d as white as milk, and as hard as any Diamond, and all the joints and lasings thereof was garnished with very fine gold and precious stones, wrought very strangely, & beside that, they were of much more force, then if they had been of fine steel, (and tempered by art magic) they were so strange and fair in show, that any king or Emperor of high estate would gladly desire to have the like. He had also a sword at his girdle girt unto him, the hangers and the scabbard were all of fine gold, and the pommel and ball was of a fine emerald. He had upon his head a Hat of green Silk, all full of small Rubies, and had a very fair brooch in it. And for that he was white and fair of face, it did become him marvelously well: he carried his arm▪ upon the chair, & leaned his head on his hand looking downwards with his eyes somewhat with a sad countenance, that ●… seemed ●…ee had some care, and at the feet of this knight & of the Damsel that sat by him, there sat si●…e Gentlewomen, all apa●…ailed in cloth of s●…uer, broidered with very strange & rich work of gold & stones, who were crowned with crowns of gold upon their heads like unto Queens, & had in their hands certain instruments in form of Lutes, with the which they made very sweet music. And before this Chariot came on foot twelve Giants of a marvelous great & huge sta●…ure, all armed with very fine & shining steel, and every one of them had a hatchet of arms in his hand, and according unto the fierce & furious figure which they showed, it was a wonderful & terrible sight to behold. Likewise behind this Chariot there came other twelve Giants, in such order as the first did, but these came all mounted upon great & mighty horses, & had in their hands heavy clubs, & they came riding two & two together. In this sort did this triumphant Chariot pass by the knight of the Sun, with so great a majesty and high estate, that it was very marvelous & strange to behold. When the knight of the Sun had well beheld all that passed by him, and had contemplated himself in beholding that fair Damsel which sat by the knight, he thought verily that he had joyed in some celestial and dinine vision. So when the Chariot was passed by and out of sight, he remained as one blind and astonished, even as the Sun upon a sudden should lose her light, or as if the day should be turned to night: Even so did he remain as one half amazed for a while, and as one that had not known what had passed, and for that he would the more better satisfy himself of that which he had seen, as one which still remained in a great doubt, he broached his Horse with the spurs and road before the chariot, and stayed himself till such time as they should pass by him again. Now when he saw that Damsel, & had contemplated on that strange & sovereign beauty, strait way his hard & strong heart that never was overcome by love, was in such sort wounded, that of long time after many & difficult remedies were sought to heal that cankering wound, and he that no human power was sufficient to move out of his saddle, was by the show of that fair sight so troubled in his under standing, that his strength failed him, in such sort, that if his Page Bynnano had not been, who did very well perceius his perturbation, and stayed him, otherwise as one without any remembrance he had fallen down to the ground, but his Page Bynnano very quickly came to his Lord the knight of the Sun, & held him fast in his arms with all his strength he could, saying: What is this my Lord that before this fair company you do show yourself so feeble & weak: Unto which the knight of the Sun did answer never a word, but as one amazed & astomed he knew not what to say. In the mean time the damsels which road before the Cahriot on their Unicorns, did very much behold the knight of the Sun, & he seemed unto them that he was the best proportioned knight that ever they had seen, & one of these damsels who seemed to be more pitiful than all the rest, 〈◊〉 his great alteration, & how his Page did sustain him in his arms, supposing that he had been in a sound, she let the Chariot pass forward & came where the knight of the Sun was, & said unto his Pages: brethren, I pray you tell me what is the sickness of this knight, for that it seemeth to me he is in a sound.  
The Knight of the Sun when he saw the Damsel, of whom he might inform himself of that which he so much desired, coming somewhat unto himself answered her and said.  
Fair Damsel there hath happened unto 〈◊〉 ●… sudden sickness, that I myself do not know 〈◊〉 to name, wherefore I cannot advertise you thereof, but now seeing it hath been your pleasure to have some care over me, I do most heartily desire you to declare unto me what they are that ride in that Chariot, & whether they are going in such triumphant sort, for it may so fall out, in the mean time that you do give me to understand thereof, this my sickness will leave me, & herein I shall be much bound unto you, and if I may require that courtesy. The damsel who received great contentment in his company said: Of a truth sir knight, although it will be somewhat tedious to declare unto you all this which you do demand of me, yet I will tell it you with a very good will, for that your behaviour doth deserve that I accomplish this, yea, & much more for you. The knight of the Sun did give her great thanks for her gentle offer, & she began to tell unto him that which was his desire, saying.  
You shall understand sir Knight, that in the Gran Ca●…aia within the Orient all Regions owelleth an high and mighty Lord called Alicandro, who is Emperor of Tartary the great, and of the Scitiha, and Lord over all the islands Orientales and Meridionales, who by his mighty power hath brought in subjection almost all the kings & mighty Lords of Asia, for the which he is called the mighty Emperor king of kings and Lord of Lords, and cometh of the lineage of the divine Gods, whom we do honour & worship, for which cause all we that by his vassals & subjects have him in more reputation than any human creature. This mighty Emperor when he was a young man was married unto a damsel, who for her great bounty & beauty was had in reputation for a divine Goddess, and being with child by the Emperor, when her time was come, she was delivered at one birth of a son and a daughter, which be those two that are in the Chariot under the two rich arks, and the Damsel is called Lindabrides, and the Knight Meridian, and as you see her without comparison fair and beautiful so is he, neither more nor less without comparison in arms, for that in those parts there was never seen knight of so much strength that could compare himself with him, & it is to be supposed that jupiter was never so mighty & strong as he is, of whom he is reported to descend. So when these two Princes came unto age, there was a great contention amongst the kings & mighty Lords, subjects unto the Emperor, which of these two should be sworn for Prince & sovereign ruler of that great estate & empress, after the death of the emperor, for that in those countries as well the daughter as the Baron, if she be first borne, doth succeed in the kingdom, and this controversy was not only amongst the subjects, but also betwixt the Emperor & Empress, for that the Empress did love least the Prince Meridian, & the Emperor did affect most the Princess Lindabrides, & was very desirous that she might succeed him in his estate, & in the mean time that this contention endured amongst them, the Emperor commanded to call together all the wise men as could be found in art magic, & these he charged that they should give their judgement, & prognosticate upon the succession of these two Princes, & to declare which of them would best reserve his divine lineage, & his high consecrated estate. Now all these wise men gave their judgement, & in the end of many days the most part of them, especially the wisest, did jointly conclude, that by the offspring of the Princess the Tartarian Princess shoule be exalted, and the lineage of the Emperor should be by her better reserved, for that they found how a knight in another Empire in Europe should marry with her, who should come to be the most highest & puissant Prince in all the world, of whom should succeed very famous knights. Other wise men there were which did prognosticate the contrary, & said that the Princess would be the occasion that that high & mighty estate should be destroyed & overthrown, & that her wedding should be lamented in all Asia, much more than the wedding was that was made with Helena, & the son of Priamus. When the Emperor & all his nobles did see the great controversy betwixt the wise men, & well understood their judgements & prognostications, they came to a conclusion betwixt themselves, & did determine that the Prince Meridian and the Princess Lindabrides should come in this sort as you have seen into this great Empire of Grecia, for that they found that there was no other Empire in all Europe, & that they should travail through all the kingdoms & provinces in the Empire. And if it be so that the princess Lindabrides did find a knight that could overcome the Prince Meridian in battle, that he should enter into the Chariot & sit down in the Princess chair, & that afterward he should defend her great & excellent beauty for the space of three months, in the court of the Emperor, & if in the mean time he found not a knight that could overcome him, that then he should return with the Princess to the court of the Emperor Alicandro, and there he shall be married unto her, & made heir of that great Empire. And if it be so that the Prince Meridian do travail through all these kingdoms & Provinces, & find never a knight that can overcome & get the victory of him in battle, that then he should remain for prince & successor of all the great estate of that empire, & the like preferment should be given unto him, whosoever should overcome him that overcame the Princess. And this we hold for certainty that the prince Meridian shall remain with the Emperor, or else he that shall succeed him, shall be the best knight that is to be found in all the world. And in this sort it seemed best unto the Emperor & all his nobles to appease the controversy, and the best way that the truest prognostication should come to effect. So the emperor & the empress being very well content here with, commanded that this chariot of triumph to be made, with the majesty which you have seen, so that it is now two months since we entered into the Empire of Grecia, & we have passed Dalmasia & Dardania, and Missia, Thessalia, Macedonia and Arcadia, and other Provinces, in the which the Prince hath had many battles. And as yet he could never find knight, but that he overcame him, & had the victory with great ease, but now he is very sad and heavy, as one that hath some great care, for that coming unto the court of the King of Macedonia, after he had overcome the Prince & many other knights he was stricken with the love of the Princess Florabindia, daughter unto the king of Macedonia, who is the fairest damsel that ever I saw in all my life, except the Princess Lindabrides, our Lady & mistress, & now the way we take is towards Constantinople, for that it hath been told us that there are joined together the most highest Princes & valiantest knights of all the empire. Whereas our prince Meridian may the better show his great bounty, for that according as he is of might & power, I do believe the Greeks shall have enough to talk of him all the days of their lives.  
Now here have I told unto you gentle knight, all your desire, therefore I commit you to the Gods, and I will departed, the Chariot is gone a great way before, therefore pardon me, for I cannot tarry any longer. And in saying these words this damsel departed upon her Unicorn, and the knight of the Sun remained very much amazed at that so strange an adventure, and was very glad and rejoiced within himself for that his sickness might have some remedy, although he thought that he was not worthy of so great a benefit, yet he had heart and stomach to give the attempt unto a thing of greater importance, and did little esteem any knight in the whole world, and yet he had no courage to conceive that he was worthy to come to so high an estate, and so he remained amazed a good while, and by reason that his new sickness did trouble him very much, he lacked understanding to direct him in what he had to do, till within a while after he came unto himself, and broached his Horse with his spurs, he road forwards and said. What is this, whereupon do I stay, for that I see it is impossible for me to live, if I left to comfort myself with the divine beauty and sight of the Princess? And with this he put himself before the chariot with great good will to speak unto the Prince Meridian, and as he turned his horse for to behold that fair face of the Princess, his tongue failed him, and as one voyde of reason and understanding he stood still with his horse, without speaking any word, till such time as the chariot was passed by and gone a great way. So when the knight of the Sun was come again unto his remembrance, he began to be angry with himself, for that he seemed to be of so small a courage, and striking his horse once again with the spurs, he over took the triumphant Chariot, and putting himself béefort it, he commanded the dwarves to stay the Unicorns, and coming as nigh as ever he could unto the Prince & the princess, with a troubled voice he said these words.  
The divine Gods be in your guard and keeping, mighty and worthy Prince of the Scythians, by one of your Damsels I do understand the manner and occasion of your coming hither into this Country being so far from yours, and although I think myself unworthy of so high a recompense as is granted unto him that shall overcome you, yet me thinks by all reason I am bound to answer in the justice of this sovereign Princess Lyndabrides, for that according unto her great beauty, she deserveth to be Lady and Governess, not only of the Emperor of the Scythians, but of all the whole world, certainly I had rather serve you and be at your commandment, then give occasion of your discontentment, but seeing that it cannot be done by any other menaes, I desire you that you would take it in good part, that in consideration thereof we may enter in the battle, and pardon this my enterprise, for that surely it doth not proceed so much of the confidence that I have of mine own power and strength, as it doth by the duty I own unto so divine and sovereign a Princess.  
In the mean time that the Knight of the Sun was speaking these words, the Prince Meridian did very much behold him, and it seemed that he was the best proportioned knight that ever he had seen, although he had the beaver down, and receiving no less delight at his words, then at his gentle disposition, with a great and severe countenance, he answered him, saying:  
Sir Knight, I do gratify very much your courteous words, as well for them as for your gentle disposition. And I do certainly believe, that your bounty cannot be small. And the battle which you do demand of me, I accept for that I come for no other thing in this sort and manner as you see. And in saying these words, he arose from the chair whereas he sat. And strait way two of these Giants which went a foot, entered in, under the Chariot, & brought forth there a horse, the most fairest and strongest that ever was seen: and somewhat disforming from other horses, for that he had his body very big, and the hindmost half was all as black as any jeate, and the half forwards was as white as the driven snow, his head was very little, and in the midst of his forehead was there a little horn like unto an Unicorn: and in his legs he had four joints, for which cause he was very light, and did run as swift and quick as the wind, and as yet there was never Horse that could overtake him, and some said that this Horse was engendered of a mare and a Unicorn, the which they affirm for certainty, as well for his form and making, as for that they have in that Country of Scythia & Tartary many Unicorns, and oftentimes they are seen in the fields feeding with the Mares. To conclude, this horse as well in his strength as in his swiftness was the best Horse that ever was seen, and was called Cornerino, by reason of the horn that he had in his forehead.  
They brought him forth all covered with cloth of gold, and with a bush of white feathers on his head, and all his Saddle was enamelled, and broidered about with Oriental Pearls, the styroppes were of fine gold, and his bridle and all the other trappings were of fine gold and silk, and for that the Horse was very great and fair, and his furniture so rich, certainly he seemed to be the Horse of some mighty Prince. So this worthy Prince Meridian did mount upon his horse, and it was a thing greatly to be mernailed at, to see him on horseback with that strange and rich armour that he brought with him, and his mighty and big proportion and gentle disposition did marvelously become him, and this worthy Knight of the Sun rejoiced very much to see him in that order, and had great contentment to see him. But if this Prince Meridian did seem so brave on horseback, what shall we say of that gran Alphoebo, in whom all the proportion and gentle disposition of human was comprehended, for unto all them that did behold him, he caused great admiration, and therewith he began to move his Horse and to turn him in the field, and the Prince Meridian did béehould him very well, and did strait way conceive within himself, that it should be a Knight of great prowess, for that before he never saw a Knight better set and well made, and he took great pleasure to béehould him.  
Likewise this beautiful and sovereign Princess was overcome by that sudden and unlooked for sight, for in lifting up with great majesty her grey and Crystalline eyes, she saw the Knight of Sun and his goodly proportion and gallant demeanour, wherewith her heart did so alter, that she bore him better good will, and had him in more estimation than any other knight that she had seen. So these stout and valiant Knights did put themselves in a readiness to the battle, and what happened therein shall be told you in this Chapter following.   

Of the stout and well fought battle betwixt the Knight of the Sun and the Prince Meridian, and of all that happened afterward. Chapter. 22.  
IT was so strange as worthy to béehelde, those two stout and valiant warriors, the Knight of the Sun and the Prince Meridian, who were with their Spears in their hands one against another, with so furious semblance, that all those which did behold them were amazed, and seemed by their furious demeanour that the battle betwixt them would be very rigorous and well fought, therewith the Knight of the Sun did cast up his eyes upon the fair Princess Lyndabrides, and when he saw that fair and celestial face, which seemed to be an Angel of heaven, strait way he felt all his strength and force to fail him, and that he had not the heart that he was wont to have, neither the courage and force wherewith he was wont to enter into battle, and being very much amazed thereat, he lift up his eyes unto heaven and said.  
Oh immortal Gods, at whose will and commandment all things are rolled and governed, do not now show yourselves contrary in this battle which I do determine to make against this Knight, and although he do descend from your divine progeme, this heavenly Princess Lindabrides his sister doth the like, and with no less reason than he, doth deserve to be Lady and governess of that mighty and consecrated estate of the Emperor Alicandro her Father. And if it be so that herein I shall not have your favour, consent that I may have the favour of this Princess, which if I do obtain, I will not fear all the whole world if it be against me.  
And when he had said these words, it seemed unto him his heart did rejoice and was very much comforted. So strait way six of those Dwarves which road upon the Unicorns that drew the Chariot did sound their Trumpets, the which did make a very great and timorous noise, at the sound whereof these stout warriors did move themselves the one against the other, & the great swiftness and fury of that Horse Cornerino was such, that it seemed he could not be seen in his swift course, and the ground under him, but although the horse of the knight of the Sun was not so swift as he, yet the great haste & fury which his master used made him run with so great swiftness, that almost in the midst of the course they did meet together, and the encounter was so strong, that their mighty spears were sheevered in such sort that the splinters slew into the air, and these stout warriors did pass the one by the other, and neither of them were moved in their saddles, & yet for all that it seemed that the great violence and force of their horses in their course was nothing abated, but with great lightness they turned them about, and these two knights gave the assault one against another with their swords, and began to strike in such furious sort, that they seemed to be all on fire, with the great abundance of sparkles which slew out of their armour, and throughout all the field was heard the great noise of their terrible blows, and many knights which travailed in those parts came unto that place to see what it should be, and beholding that terrible and well fought battle beetwixt those two knights, did stay as half amazed thereat. This furious battle beetwixt them did endure more than one hour, and there was no advantage known then, and for that the armour of the Prince Meridian was the best in all the world, & likewise the armour of the knight of the Sun of no less strength than his, the sharp edges of their cutting Swords had not so much force as to enter, neither to unbuckle their armour, although they did execute their mighty blows with all the force and strength possible, by which means they were both in great security not to be wounded, notwithstanding for all that, the great and mighty fury wherewith they did strike one another, did make them many times to stagger and be amazed, and almost beside themselves and put them in great danger, and when the Knight of the Sun did feel the great courage and strength of the Prince Meridian, he did conjecture with himself that the Gods were all on his side, so that it was ●…ot possible to overcome him.  
Likewise the Prince Meridian said unto himself, without all doubt this is the Greek knight which the Soothsayers and wise men of my father did prognosticate should be married unto the Princess Lindabrides my sister, and that he should descend from high estate, for it seemed him that if all the force of these knights that ever he had battle with, were joined together, it was not so much as that which he only in this one knight, and both in thought and fury of their battle, they were equal. As this fair Princess Lindabrides did béehould them, she lost the pleasant and fair colour of her face, & was greatly troubled to see her brother brought into such extremity, for that she thought there was not any Knight in all the world that might compare with him. At this present the worthy Prince Meridian did strike the knight of the Sun such a blow with both his hands upon the helm, that he took away the sight of his eyes, and the rains of his bridle fell out of his hands, but strait way this gran Alphoebo gave him his payment, and struck him so terrible a blow upon his hard and Diamond Helm, that it made no less noise than the Thunder doth in the region of the air, when it Thundereth down the Thunderbolt, and troubling his remembrance he fell forwards upon his Saddle bow, without other moving, and his Horse Cornerino carried him round about the field without any remembrance. This worthy Prince revived presently, and seeing himself so far from his enemy, he set spurs to his horse with great fury, and ran against him, and when he came nigh unto him, he struck him such a blow upon the helm, that the Knight of the Sun thought verily his eyes should have been burned out of his head, with the great abundance of sparkles of fire that flew from thence, but the Prince Meridian did not go without his payment, for that the Knight of the Sun returned upon him with great fury, so that the one laid upon the other very strongly, and the battle betwixt them did endure more than two hours, in such sort that the Giants and many other Knights which came thither at the noise of the battle, greatly marveled, and did wonder with themselves, how they could in any wise endure so much travail.  
Likewise the fair Princess Lyndabrides, who with great admiration did behold the battle, was in a strange confusion in herself, and could not imagine what that knight should be that was so strong, and with so great valour and prowess did maintain the battle against her Brother, and which was of so mighty parsonage, and of so good proportion. In this sort did these valiant and worthy warriors contended full two hours and a half, and there was no advantage known of either part, but in the end the wrath of the Knight of the Sun did so increase, that his blows seemed to be of more strength and fury then at the beginning, but the Prince Meridian did con●… always in one estate, and his force was at all times equal, and seeing his adversary so strong before him, with both his hands he struck him such a blow upon the shoulder that he made him stoop with his body forwards upon the saddle bow. The Knight of the Sun with a trise did raise himself up again, and setting again in his saddle, he took his sword in both his hands, and stroke so terrible a blow at the Prince upon his hard Helm, and with so great strength, that if he had not embraced the Horse neck, he had fallen down to the ground, and the blow was so heavy unto him, that he had thought a whole Tower had fallen upon him, and when he knew and felt the great force and strength of his enemy, he lift up his eyes to Heaven and said.  
Oh sovereign Gods, save and defend me from this knight, for that according to his great force and might, and the invincible power that he useth against me, I ●…aue no security of my life under this hard and strong ●…rmour. And in saying these words he raised himself up in his saddle, and stretched himself upon his stirops, and with both his hands he struck the knight of the Sun such a terrible blow upon his magical 〈◊〉 that he made all the teeth in his head to chatter one against the other, and to decline his head down to his breast, who considering himself again gratified his salutation with another blow, so furious, that he brought him out of all remembrance, and his horse carried him throughout all the field as though he had been dead. The Knight of the Sun at that time did stand still and not move himself, but abode still till such time as he should recover. The Prince as soon as he was come again unto himself, took his Sword in both his hands, and with great fury made towards the knight of the Sun, who seeing him coming towards him did the like, and in the midst of their course they met together, and raising themselves both together upon their stirrups, they struck two such terrible and mighty blows upon their healmes, that the Knight of the Sun overthrew the Prince Meridian to the ground so bold of feeling that he moved neither hand nor foot, but lay as one that had been dead. Likewise the blow which the Prince gave unto the knight of the Sun, was with so great force and strength that he made him bow with all his body forwards down to his horse neck, and also he struck his helm from his head. Wherewith he remained unarmed, and showed to all the people his fal●…e and severe countenance full of royal majesty. And by reason that he was chafed in the battle, his colour was the more lively and amorous, and in such sort that there was no feminine heart of so great force, that could make any resistance against that terrible and sudden blow of natural beauty. So that when the Princess Lyndabrides did see him, neither the majesty of her high estate, nor th' valour of his courageous heart was sufficient to resist, but that she must needs be taken prisoner with his beauty and love, in such sort, that many days after passed before they could find remedy for to minister a salve to the cruel sore of Cupid, which her heart received at that sudden and unlooked for joy. Likewise when he saw her brother lying a ●…ng upon the ground as though he had been dead. She there lost her fresh & lively colour, & fell in a sound in the arms of her Ladies & gentlewomen, than the knight of the Sun alighted from his horse, & went unto the Prince & pulled his helm from his head, and saw that all his face was swollen, & that he voided much blood at his mouth, for which he was very sorrowful, for he thought he had been dead, the which he would should not have happened for all the goods in the world, for that his sister the Princess Lindabrides should conceive no displeasure against him. And again, he had him in great estimation, for that he was a knight of such valour & prowess, but he was quickly cleared of that sorrow, for that after he had given him some air, he straght way by little & little came unto himself. So when he was wholly in his perfect remembrance, & saw himself unarmed and in the arms of his adversary, with a mighty courage he embraced patience, & yielded himself unto that his present misfortune in being so overcome, & with a cheerful and severe countenance he spoke unto the knight of the Sun and said.  
Ualiaunt and worthy knight, seeing that the divine Gods hath permitted me by you to be overcome, and that I have lost the victory, I do verily believe that it is a thing agreed and determined in their divine counsel, that you must be successor in the sacred Empire of the Tartarians, and to have to wife the Princess Lindabrides my sister, for according unto your great valour and desert, you are that Greek knight of whom there hath been so many and very high matters prognosticated by the wise men of Tartary, and such as are expert in art magic. And for that you have all their favour on your side, do not delay, ●…ut prosecute your good fortune, and go with my sister vn●…o the Court of the Emperoor Trebatio, whereat you must ●…efend and maintain her beauty for the space of two months, and this time being finished, you may with great honour accompany my sister unto the Empire of Tartary, and there at your coming all that hath been promised shall be performed without diminishing any parcel thereof. For which a knight of great worthiness both in courage & courtesy, the Emperor my father & all his subjects will be very well content. When the Prince had made an end of saying these words, the knight of the Sun did answer thus.  
Oh high and sovereign Prince, the great fury of your blows, & the peril & danger wherein I found myself in this our battle, hath showed & fully certified me of your great force & strength, & how that the divine Gods have been favourable unto me, in defending & keeping me from the fury and force of your mighty arm. And as touching these words which you have said unto me, yvor princely & severe countenance do fuilie assure me that your bounty is much more than any other human creatures, & that your great virtue cannot but proceed from the high progeny of the heavens. And as touching this courtesy which you do promise me, I do think myself unworthy to receive it, being the greatest honour that any human heart can have. And here I do request your highness that you would return & sit down again in your seat, & prosecute your begun journey, & I promise you that hereafter I will never demand any right or title that I have in this adventure And again, for that this sovereign Princess Lindabride shall not lose the right of her victory, let it be divided in this manner: betwixt you & her part that high & mighty estat●… of the Emperor Alicandro, for seeing he is Lord over s●… many lands, there will be sufficient for both of you.  
Then the Prince Meridiaan who was endued with a●… virtue and courtesy, embracing the Knight of the Sunn●… said.  
Worthy Knight, your great bounty doth deser●… all that is given unto you, and much more. And there no reason (although you do excuse you self) but that you should enjoy that which you have got by your great noble promise. And of all the good fortune that doth happen unto the Princess Lindabrides, my sister, I do make reckoning to have my part. And I do receive as much delight that she doth succeed in the empire of Tartary, as though I did succeed therein myself, and especially for that you shall be her husband, by whom it hath been prognosticated, in our estate shall be increased all goodness & honour.  
And in concluding these words, the prince Meridian did take the knight of the Sun by the hand, & did carry him unto the fair Lindabrides, who as soon as they came before her, arose from her chair, & did make unto them great reverence, & they likewise did unto her their obedience, & then the Prince Meridian laid.  
Lady & sister, receive unto you this knight that here cometh unto me, for this is he whom the divine Gods have promised & ordained for you, & he that above all knights in the world doth deserve to be Lord over the great Empire of Tartary: before the Prince Meridian & the knight of the Sun, came unto the princes Lindabrides, she was wounded with his love, & those words which were spoken unto her, did open the wound more, yet for all that in her behaviour she made on outward show thereof, but with great gravity & sobriety, she answered them and said.  
My Lord and brother, I do give to the Gods great thanks, for that you have escaped from the fury of the battle past being so cruel & rigorous, I would not see you again in it for all the empire of the mighty Emperor our Father, no, although I should possess the whole world it would profit me little, when that it should return unto your damage: and this knight I receive (not for that the gods hath promi●…ed him unto me) but for that he is given me by you, & here ●… certify you, that there is not in me so much discourtesy as to ●…efuse him. When the Princess had made an end of saying ●…hese words, the knight of the Sun received so great joy, that he knew not whether it was in heaven or earth, but kneeling down before the Princess, he asked her hands to kiss them, which she would not consent unto, but took him by the hands & caused him to arise, & after that there had passed betwixt them many words of great courtesy & love, they all three together entered into the chariot under that rich tent, & in a very fair & rich quadran, they sat down, whereas they were served with many precious conserves & other delicates, with the which they did comfort themselves for the great travail which they had passed, & the exceeding pleasure which the knight of the Sun, & the Princess Lindabrides did receive in beholding one another, to see themselves together, was such, as they seemed to be transported into another world. Now when the banquet was ended, the Prince Meridian & the knight of the sun walked up & down in that quadran & the Prince desired the knight of the Sun to tell him who he was, and of what country. And there he did declare unto him how he was called, & as much as he knew beside of himself. At which the Prince marveled, thinking within himself that this knight should be borne by great mystery, and that he was son unto some of his Gods, for that so strange & marvelous beauty, with that sovereign and mighty force could not be comprehended in any so amply, except he were some divine creature. After that they had largely talked together of all his estate, the Prince Meridian discovered unto the knight of the Sun the entire love which he bore unto the Princess Floralidia, daughter unto the mighty king of Macedonia. And more, he told him that he was determined to return unto the court of the king of Macedonia, & to remain there certain days unknown: & the better to accomplish the same, he desired him to let him have his armour & Horse, & he would leave him his, with the which he might likewise go unto the court of the Emperor Trebatio, & be there in those triumphs unknown fo●… the space of two months, which he must accomplish in defending the beauty of the princess Lindabrides my sister. And before that time were accomplished, if it pleased God to send him health he would come thither, & that all three together they would return unto the gran Tartary. Then the knight of the Sun agreed that all should be done as he had devised, saying that any thing which unto him seemed good should please him, & that he should receive great delight thereby. With this determination they passed away all the rest of the day that remained, until it was time to go to supper. And there within the Chariot they supped all three together with so great majesty, as though they had been in the court of the Emperor Alicandro.   

¶ How the Prince Meridian did leave the Chariot of the princes Lindabrides his sister, and how he went with the armour and horse of the Knight of the Sun, unto the Court of the King of Macedonia. Chapter. 23.  
WHen the night was come the prince Meridian, talked with his sister, & told her that he was determined to go unto the court of the king of Macedonia in secret wise, & not to be known, & the better for to accomplish the same, he would arm himself with the armour of the knight of the Sun, & promised her that before the two months were finished, that he would meet her again at Constantinople, & then all they three would return unto the gran Tartary. And although the princess did show herself to be very sorrowful for the same, yet in the end she yielded unto all that he pleased to command. So strait way he armed himself with the armour of the knight of the sun, which did fit him very well, for that they were almost both of one stature. Likewise he took unto him his sword & his horse, & took his leave of the knight of the Sun & of the Princess Lindabrides his sister, and with only two Pages he entered the way which lead him unto the city of Macedonia, & for that it was then time to rest, this fatre Princess did take her leave of the knight of the sun, & being accompanied with all her Damsels, she entered into a closet which was appointed for herself, in which she lay, and the Damsels that had the crowns of gold upon their heads, which were all Queens and great gentlewomen, & all the other damsels did lie in another chamber nigh●…adioyning unto that of the Princess. And all those giants had the guard & keeping of them in this order following. Six of them without round about the chariot, & other six within at the chamber door of the Princess & all her Damsels, & the other twelve giants did sl●…pe till it was midnight, at which time they did arise & then the other twelve slept till it was morning, so that they did watch equally & in order. Likewise at that present they carried the knight of the Sun unto the prince Meridian's chamber, which was a good way from the chamber of the Princess, where he was served with two damsels, till such time as he was unready & laid into a very rich bed, whereas he passed all that night with so profound thoughts, that he could not sleep one whit, for that there was represented in his heart that Angelical force of the fair Princess Lindabrides, which made him as one astonished & amazed, with contemplating therein, many times he did talk unto himself, & did arise out of his bed, imagining whether it should be a dream or some other fantasy which had entered into his thought, and he had such great desire to have the day come, that he might return & comfort himself with the Angelical vision, that he thought every hour to be a whole night. But it was not the knight of the Sun alone that was troubled in thought, but also the princess Lindabrides tumbled & tossed in her bed, as one to whom such amorous thoughts & passions was very rare, for she had her heart out of quiet, & could not sleep one hour in all the night, but always had in her remembrance her new gest which was lodged in her Chariot, & his strange & marvelous countenance was so printed in her mind, that she did verily believe the Gods had sent him unto her as a thing of their own choice, for that he was in all points agreeable unto his valour & strength. In this sort did the one & the other pass away that night, till the next day was come, & then they did as shall be told you in this next Chapter following.   

How the Knight of the Sun and the princess Lindabrides travailed towards Constantinople, & sent messengers to the Emperor Trebatio, to give him to understand of their coming. Chap. 24.  
WHen the next day was come, the knight of the Sun did arise from his bed, & his Pages did help to arm himself with that gallant and strong armour of the prince Meridian, & likewise did gird about him his rich sword, and when he was armed, it was strange to be seen how well it did become him. And when he understood that the Princess Lindabrides was up & ready, and that she would come forth, he went towards her chamber door, but when he should come before her presence, his flesh trembled, as though a whole army of knights would assault him. And when he was entered into her chamber, he found the fair Princess accompanied with her damsels & ready to come forth, & showing unto him great courtesy (whom the Princess was not a little joyful to see) she spoke unto him & said. Sir Knight, how hath it been with you all this night in your new lodging. Very well fair Lady, answered he, & I could well have slept in that rich & soft bed which I had, if other occasions had not troubled my mind & caused me to watch: then according unto your saying said the princess, you have not slept well. No forsooth Lady, said the Knight, for that cares be enemies to rest & sleep, & do banish away all ease, & especially when they be new conceived.  
The Princess did very well understand to what intent their words were spoken, and it did nothing grieve her to hear them rehearsed, yet because she would not make any outward show that she understood them, she said. Unto all sorts of men it is natural to be careful, & there is none that can live with so great felicity in this life, but at one time or other he shall be troubled with cars, therefore let us go unto our seats and command that the chariot may go forwards on our journey, for that it is time. And in saying these words she went forth of her chamber, and the knight of the Sun did take her, by the hand, & they went together till such time as they came unto their seats, whereas they sat down under the arks of that triumphant chariot, & strait ways the Damsels mounted on their Unicorns, & the giants did put themselves in order, in the same manner as when the knight of the Sun did see them the day before, & strait way they began to take their way towards Constantinople. So when this Alphoebo did see himself set down by that precious & fair Princess, he was as one in an ecstasy with the great joy & pleasure that he received, & it seemed unto him that his joy was equal to the celestial glory which the faithful enjoy after their departure out of this world. And this fair Princess did as greatly rejoice to have by her him whom she loved with all her heart, but her great majesty that she showed in outward appearance was such, that the knight of the Sun durst not be so bold as to make manifest unto her his love, but rather had her in estimation, as though there had been present juno, his principal Goddess. In this order they travailed certain days, till such time as they came within one days journey of Constantinople, and then the knight of the Sun said unto the Princess, that it should be good to send some messengers unto the Emperor Trebatio, to give him understanding of their coming, for that he was a Prince that would very much rejoice and have great pleasure therein. Which thing seemed good unto the Princess, and she called strait way before her four of those Giants which were on Horseback, who were Kings, and had crowns of silver upon their heads, and did inform them what they should say, and sent them unto the Emperor Trebatio. So these four kings went unto Constantinople, and they entered into the great Court at such time as it was full of diverse armed knights, for to celebrate the Feasts and triumphs which were there ordained. And at such time as the Emperor Trebatio and the Empress Briana were at the windows of the palace, beholding the great feasts and journeys which were there made. And when these four Giants did enter into the great Court, all people did very well beehould them, and made them way that they might pass whether they would. So they demanded for the Emperor, who being certified what they were, they went unto the Palace gate and did alight from their Horses, and went up whereas the Emperor was, and much people followed them to know wherefore their coming was, being so sudden. And when they came before the Emperor, one of the Giants said these words following.  
Most high and mighty Emperor, you shall understand that in the Oriental regions of Scythia the divine Gods did create a Damsel, who is endued with so great grace and beauty, that she is had in no less estimation than a celestial creature, who is daughter unto the mighty Emperor of the Tartarians, King of kings, and Lord over all the Lords in the Orient. This Damsel is called Lyndabrides, and she hath a brother called Meridian, of so great bounty and strength, that it is to be béeléeved in all the whole world his equal is not to be found, and by reason that both these Princes were borne together at one birth, there hath grown a great controversy as well betwixt the Emperor Alicandro and the Empress, as amongst all his subjects, which of these two should be sworn for Prince & successor of all those kingdoms. And in the end of many and diverse judgements of prognostications and divination, it was concluded that these two Princes should come into this thy Empire of Grecia, in such triumphant manner as you shall quickly see, in such sort, that if there be any knight, that in part and defence of the Princess Lindabrides did enter into battle with the Prince Meridian, and overcome him, that the same knight should possess the place of the Prince, and for the space of two months defend and maintain the beauty of this Princess in thy Court. And if it so fall out he be not overcome by any neither knight, that than he shall have for spouse the fair Princess Lyndabrides, and shall be successor with her in the great Empire of Tartary, and he that shall overcome the other, and make her defence for the space of two months, shall have the like. And to the contrary, if the Prince Meridian, after that he hath travailed throughout all the kingdoms and provinces of thy Empire, & is not overcome but doth maintain still the victory, that then he should be sworn for Prince and everlasting successor of the whole Empire. So that in this sort and for this occasion they came unto your Empire. And after that the Prince Meridian had travailed through some kingdoms and overcome many Princes and knighiss, the divine gods did permit them at length to meet with a knight of so much bounty and force, that entering into battle with the Prince he got the victory, and did overthrow him from his horse to the ground with one blow with his sword that he gave him: and that being done, he entered into his place, and being ready with the Princess to come hither to this thy court, they first determined to send us hither unto you, from them we should desire to kiss your Imperial hands, and to request you that you would accept and receive their coming in good part, for that their intention is for no other thing but to serve you. This is only our coming hither, therefore your pleasure may be to consider hereof, and to give us our answer.  
The Emperor and the Empress, and all those which heard what the Giants had said, very much marveled at so strange an adventure, and the Emperor did not let to think within himself, that possibly the knight which did overcome the Prince Meridian should be the knight of the Sun his great friend, for whom he looked every day, and did very much marvel at his long tarrying, whom he loved with no less good will then if he had known him to be his son, and was very desirous to know of the Giants what signs & tokens he had, and the devise upon his shield and armour, but he could not learn of them by any means, for that they were willed before that they should not tell him. For the knight of the Sun was determined to enter into the Court unknown and did call himself the knight of the Chariot. Then the Emperor arose up from the place whereas he sat, for to give answer unto the Giants of their Embassage, and said.  
Friends, you may declare unto your Lady the Princess Lyndabrides, and unto the knight that doth come with her, that the Princess and I receive great pleasure for their coming into this Country, and we shall deem it no small courtesy, that they will come unto this court at what time so ever their pleasure is, and I promise you here shall be done unto them all the service we can, although it will not be sufficient for so high and mighty a Lady. And here with the Giants took their leave of the Emperor and the Empress, and returned unto the Princess, declaring unto her and the knight of the chariot the whole answer of the Emperor, who decreed the next day to enter in Gonstantinople. When the night was past they did the day following, that which shall be told you in the next Chapter.   

Of the entering of the knight of the Chariot and the fair Princess Lyndabrides into Constantinople. Chapter 25.  
YOu remember the great feasts & triumphs which the Emperor Trebatio commanded to be published, not only in the Grecian Empire, but also in other kingdoms, lands, and Provinces, adjoining there unto, and of the safe conduct that he gave unto all knights as well Pagans as Christians, that would come unto him. Now the History saith, that when the time drew nigh that these feasts, and triumphs should be celebrated, there were so many knights gathered together as well strangers as naturals, that they could not be all received into the great city, but that the Emperor was constrained to command to arm a great number of Tents in the field, wherein were lodged very many Knights, and never in Grecia until that day was seen so great & gallant a number of knights together, for that the most part of all them that came unto those feasts, were knights of estimation, and armed very richle, and the mighty Emperor hereat received great delight, and did show unto them great liberality, in such ample sort, that they all greatly marveled and said, that he was the mightiest Prince in the whole earth. So these feasts being béegun, there was one day in the great place of Constantinople marvelous iusting and full of armed Knights, and all the windows and galleries were replenished with people. And those which that day did best béehave themselves, was Artidoro Prince of Candia, and Alpino Lord of Scicilia, and Dardante Prince of Dalmatia, but they which more than all these did show themselves gallant and stout, were Rodomarte Prince of Sardenna, and Rodafeo, Lord of the Island of the Rhodes, who had overthrown so many Knights that day, that all people did think verily they would carry away the price of the just, thee which was very rich, which the Emperor did ordain and appoint for them, who most worthiest and stoutest did béeha●…e themselves in those triumphs. The mighty Emperor Trebatio & the Princess Briana was at a window of their great Palace, beholding those jousts with very great joy and contentment, to see such a number of glistering Knights as were in that great place, and at such time as they were in the chiefest of the jousts and most hottest, with all their force and vigour, upon one side of the place there began amongst the people a great ●…umult or wondering, & strait way they heard a noise and sound of Trumpets, with so great violence and force, that it made houses to tremble, in such sort that one could not hear another what was spoken. So after that the Trumpets had left sounding, they heard Music of sundry Instruments, whose melody was so Heavenly and sweet, that all those which heard it thought they had been ravished in their senses, and the noise of that Music was so loud, that it might be heard throughout all the whole place. At which sudden and sweet noise all the people turned their eyes that way, whereas they saw entering into the great place a number of Damsels, mounted upon Unicorns, marvelous richly appareled, so that every one of them seemed to be a Queen, and they entered in order, in two ranks, and each of them had in their hands an Instrument, wherewith they made that sweet and concordant Music. Strait after them they saw coming in the triumphant Chariot the fair Princess Lyndabrides with her Damsels, and the twelve Giants before them, who came with so great a majesty and sovereignty, that it put strange admiration in all them that did behold it, and this fair Princess and the knight of the Chariot were set in their Chairs, under those triumphant ●…rkes, and at their feet sat the six Queens with crowens of gold upon their heads, but when the sovereign & fair princess was well seen & noted of all, it seemed wonderful unto them. Likewise they saw the Knight of the Sun armed with that fair and rich armour of the Prince Me●…idian, and his helm upon his head, because he would not be known of the Emperor, he put them in great admirati●…n. In this sort did this triumphant Chariot pass through the great place, till such time as they came under the windows whereas the Emperor and the Empress were, where the Dwarves did stay the Unicorns that did draw the chariot, and being right over against one another, by reason that the chariot was very high, and the window wherein the Emperor stood was very low. The fair Princess and the knight of the Chariot did arise up from their seats, and made reverence unto the Emperor and the Empress, who with no less courtesy did receive them, showing great pleasure and delight for their coming. And returning all four, they sat themselves down again into their places, where there passed be't wixt them many words of conference, wherein was used great reverence and c●…rtesie: and herewith they departed and passed forwards, and the triumphant Chariot was put on the side of that great court, whereas all the Damseuls did alight from their Unicorns, and went unto the chariot, and the Giants did put the Unicorns in the neither part of the chariot, and likewise their horses, them all the four & twenty Giants placed themselves round about the chariot, to guard and keep the same, & put all the people in fear at their furious countenances, and strait way one of them took a Letter of parchment which had the seals of the Emperor Alicandro, and read it out aloud, that all people might well hear it, & did declare the form of all that adventure, and the great promise and preferment which the Emperor had granted unto him that did defend the beauty of the Princess Lyndabrides, for the space of two months in the court of the Emperor Trebatio. When he had made an end of reading thereof, and that this aduen●…ur was well understood, many of those most esteemed Knights were very joyful and took great pleasure therein, every one thinking in himself to have his part therein, and thought long till such time as they might prove themselves with the knight of the chariot, who tarried not long, but did give them ●…ul satisfaction of their desire, for that as soon as the letter was read▪ two of those Giants did bring forth his Horse Cornerino, very richly trimmed, in such sort as he was brought f●…orth for the Prince Meridian, at whose sight they not a little marvel, and the knight of the Sun making great reverence unto the Princess, descended from the chariot, and leapt on horseback, & beside his mighty proportion, the great beauty and riches of his armour, and of the saddle and all other trappings & necessaries belonging to his Horse, he was a spectacle for all the Knights that were in that place, & taking a spear in his hand, he went & put himself in place whereas the justs were made, with such gallant demeanour & gentle disposition, that before they saw him strike a blow with spear or sword, they all judged him to be of great bounty and strength, and to be a knight of wonderful estimation and price, he was not well settled in his place of just with his horse Cornerino, when there came before him a big and well proportioned knight, who amongst all the Greeks was had, in greatest estimation, this was the stout Alpino, Lord of the Island of Lemos, who had done that day many deeds of Knighthood, and haing both of them their Spears in their hands, one of the Giants of the Chariot did sound a Trumpet, at which sound these two knights did béegin to move themselves one against the other, and with the great ●…wiftnesse of the Horse Cornerino, it seemed in a moment they joined together. This strong A lpino, who thought to ●…aue part of that precious Lady, by the great force and strength of the encounter which he received, lost the sad●…le of his Horse, and found him along the ground, lying so ●…uill entreated therewith, that he took his speech from him ●…or a great season, and the knight of the chariot passed forwards in his course, so upright in his Saddle before, as ●…hough he had made no encounter. The Emperor and all ●…e rest that were in that assembly, were amazed to see that ●…ighty Alpino overthrown, but yet in a short time they 〈◊〉 more at the knight of the Sun, & had him in grea●…r estimation, for that presently there came against him to 〈◊〉 Artidoro, Prince of Candia, & Alfonte, Lord of Sicilia, and 〈◊〉 Prince of Dalmatia, called Dardante, & the two Prince's 〈◊〉 and Rodafeo, the valyantest of all the Greeks, all which he did overthrow to the ground at the first encounter, & not one of them did once move him in his saddle. To conclude, that day he did overthrow all knights that came to the just against him, which were to the number of more than fifty, as well strangers as naturals of the Empire of Grecia, and the like he did to all them that came against him in eight days following, and in some days he did overthrow more than an hundreath, and there was not one that did abide him the second encounter. So that the great Chivalry and worthy deeds of Kighthoode of the knight of the Sun, was manifest in the court of the mighty Emperor Trebatio, and he knew not what to say, but that the Knight of the Chariot was the best Knight in all the world, and that he had made more strength than any human creature, and the Emperor Trebatio, who had continually his mind upon his friend the Knight of the Sun, was in a great doubt, for that he could not hear any news of him, and it seemed unto him that the Knight of the Chariot did resemble him very much, as well in proportion, as in his great strength which he saw in him, and could not by any means persuade with himself but he should be the same, but yet he had great credit and was fully resolved that if it were his friend, he would not but make himself known for the great friendship that was be't wixt them. In the same time the precious and sovereign Princess Lyndabrides was very joyful to 〈◊〉 the mighty Knighthood of her Knight, and was fully persuaded that her Gods had created him to be the worthiest and strongest in all the world, and chosen him for her 〈◊〉 which was the occasion that she did love him so much, and in such sort that she could not be out of his presence on● moment, as one that was very certain and sure that ther● was no other Knight of so great bounty, nor any peruer●● fortune, of so great force to separate the love that was bé●twixt them. But yet for that all human things are 〈◊〉 such sort, that there is no firmness nor stability in them Long time did not pass but this sovereigning Princess ha● great fear of Fortune, as hereafter you shall understand. And here the History doth leave the court of the mighty Emperoor Trebatio, to declare of a damsel, whom nature had endued with beauty, above all creatures in the world, which was able to overthrow the great pleasure of the sovereign Prince of the Scythians.   

Of a strange adventure which happened unto the Princess Claridiana, being a hunting. Chap. 26.  
AFter that the three Princes, Bargandel, Liriamandro, & the Tarrarian Zoylo, were departed from the empire of Trabisond as the History hath told you, the royal princess Claridiana, who received the order of knighthood, used for her exercise to go on hunting, and she took great pleasure therein, that there was no o●her thing that did like her but only that, and the game wherein she most delighted, was the wild Boar, Lions, and Bears, & other savage beasts, that were perilous & difficult to be slain. And for that she could not at all times find these wild & furious beasts when she would, it was the occasion that one day she determined to go unto the mountains of Oligas in Galatia, six days journey from Trabisond, whereas it was told her that there were many wild beasts, for ●hat the mountains were very high, & void of all inhabitants, 〈◊〉 upon the top of them there were great forests full of trees, ●nd very thick & bushy. So she asked licence of her parents, who granted it unto by'r with a good will, as they which were desirous to pleasure her in all things, for that she was so ●aire & courageous. So this fair princess did take with her ●iftie knights to bear her company, and six gentlewomen ●o wait upon her and to serve her, beside a great number 〈◊〉 other servants and huntsmen, and they departed from Trabisond, and in the end of eight days they came unto the ●ountaines of Oligas, whereas she commanded to be pitched many tents & pavilions, for to lodge herself & her people, for that her determination was to tarry there a whole month, because the country did like her very well, although the mountains were exceeding high, & they found in them many plains & valleys, very pleasant & delightful for that time of the year, for that the same was very hot, & there the Princess found great abundance of all kind of game, where she did satisfy her whole desire, & it was a strange thing to see her when she road a hunting, upon a mighty great and light horse, appareled in green velvet, & a hat of the same, wherewith she covered her golden hair, the which was knit up in a call of gold, & she carried in her hand a boar spear, with a very sharp & fine steeled head, & at her neck a horn of ivory, so that in her demeanour she seemed to be some Seraphin come down from heaven. In this order she went forth to seek her game, & when she had found any wild beast, she ran after them like a whirl wind, & although they were very great & furious, yet she would ever quell & kill them with her b●…are spear, so that in the space of fifteen days, that she was there, she had slain many wild boars & hears & two Lions, at the which she received great contentment, and as it happened upon a day she did enter into the mountains more than at three times being alone & without any company, she came into a mighty great and broad plain, whereas she saw come forth of the thickest of the forest, a very great heart, fair, & as whi●…e as snow, who although he came forth without any fear, yet at such time as he saw the princess, he began to take his course through the plain, ●… when she saw the heart to be so g●…eat & fair, as one that had great desire to overtake him, she began to run her horse after him with great swiftness, & with such lightness, the it seemed sh●… did not hurt any grass whereas her horse did tread. So she ran a great way, but the Princess could not overtake th●… heart, neither was the heart far from her, till such time as 〈◊〉 were at the farthest part of that great plain, whereas th●… Hart did enter into a thicket, and as the Princess woul●… have entered in to have followed the Hart, upon a sudden there was before her a very great & dreadful Lion, such a one as would have put any good knight in great fear, which raising up himself on his hinder feet, was as high as the Princess on horseback, who pretending to make his prey, would have gripped her with his great & heavy paws upon the shoulders, but she with a valiant and manlike courage struck him in the midst of his breast with her boar spearé, so terrible a blow, that it passed through his body, & he fell down dead to the ground. When she had done this, being very desirous to overtake this white heart, she followed her course after him, & running a while in that thicket, in the end she came into a little plain, which was compassed about with that thicket, in the midst of the which she saw a great hole, in manner of a cave, which entered into the ground, & strait ways she saw coming forth thereat a mighty great serpent, & wonderful to behold, who beating with his wings & giving terrible shricks went towards the Princes Claridiana with his terrible mouth open, so great & wide, that a man might very well pass in thereat. When the ro●…all Princess did see him coming, which a stout heart & valiant courage she did abide him till he came nigh unto her, & having in her hand that bloody boar spear, wherewith she flew the furious Lion, she stretched out that warlike and strong arm, & threw it at the Serpent with so great force and strength, & chanced to strike him in the midst of that ●…nmeasurable mouth which he had open, thinking to have made his prey upon the Princess, that almost all the boar spear was hid in his body, and passed through his ●…owelles, in such sort, that this monstrous and dreadful Se●…pent could not 〈◊〉 himself out of that place, he was so wounded with the Boar spear, and giving many great and terrible shrieks, within a little time ●…e fell down dead to the ground. This being done, ●…he Princess was very much amazed, and did behold the Serpent being dead, and it seemed unto her to be the most fiercest that ever she had seen or heard off, & thought within herself, that where all such Porters & keepers were, it could not be chosen but that there was some secret within. And as she was determined to go towards the mouth of the cave, she saw coming forth thereat an old woman, who seemed by her parsonage & apparel to be a person of authority, who coming unto her said. The fair & royal princess Claridiana is very well welcome, for that many days past you have been of me marvelously wished & looked for. This worthy Princess when she saw that she was known by the old woman, being very much amazed, she said: Of a truth gentle madame, your words, & that which hath happened here unto me, doth put me in great admiration, & I do not know what I should say unto this which I have seen. The old woman answered, I do well believe that all this which you have seen doth make you marvel very much, for that as yet you do not know the secret of this adventure, but come, & go with me, & you shall understand the mystery thereof. When the old woman had said these words, the worthy & valiant Princess alighted from her horse, and made him fast unto a tree, & went unto the woman, who took her by the hand & lead her unto the cave, & going down a pair of turning stairs, they went so long till they came into a very saire Hall four square, & although it was under the ground, yet it was so light as though the Sun di●… shine therein, by reason of a great precious stone that was set in the wall thereof, from the which proceeded that great light, & there was in the midst of that hall a table of Al●…blaster, very white, & upon the table lay a whole armour, with the sword, & was so garnished with rich pearls, that it seemed to be of great valour & estimation. And when they came nigh unto it, the old woman said unto the Princess.  
Worthy Gentlewoman, this armour which you do ●… here, did belong unto the Queen Pantasillia, who was slain at the destruction of Troy, the which is one of the best in all the world, for so soon as she was slain they were brought hither by a wise man that did foresee & know that it should be achieved by a damosel, who in forre of arms, & beauty, should ●…ar surmount that famous queen. And for to guard & keep the same, he put that Lion, & that wonderful Serpent, which you have slain: for whosoever had come h●…ther, that had not been of so high & heroical courage as you are, could not achieve the same, neither come unto the sight thereof. And for as much as by your prowess, they belong to you, you may well take them & arm yourself with them, for that there shall succeed unto you▪ marvelous & wonderful things, which shall be the occasion that you will have them in great estimation, & this is the end of this adventure, & the occasion that you were brought hither by that white Hart. And for that I do perceive you are desirous to know who I am, you shall understand that I am called Oligas, of whom those great mountains doth take their names, for that I have many years past, had my habitation & dwelling place here as you have seen. And for the knowledge & understanding that I have in the art magic, my fame is spread in many regions: and here doth never 〈◊〉 adventures in these Mountains, for such knights as come hither.  
When the old woman had uttered these words, the princes was much amazed to hear her, & no less joyful for the precious armour which she had obtained. Then she armed herself there with, & they were as fit for her as if it had been made of purpose. And after she was armed, the wise Oligas did take her by the hand & said: come worthy princes & go with me, & I will show you things that you will rejoice at. Then this Lady did carry her out of one quadran into an other, till such time as they came into a fair & great hall, whereupon the wa●…s was painted all the fairest damosels that were in all the world? such as in times past had the fame to be fair & beautiful. Amongst the which the princes did see her own face pictured, & next unto her, she saw the Empress Briana, and the fair and beautiful Olivia, at whose great beauty they did much marvel. And going forwards, they saw the fair & excellent Lady Lindabrides, sitting in her triumphant Chariot, at whose great majesty, and sovereign beauty, this royal Princess was very much amazed. And turning unto the lady Oligas, she asked of her who that gentle woman should be, and wherefore she did put herself into that chariot. So after a while that they had well perused all that was there to be seen, this Lady took the princess by the hand & lead her out of that hall into another, whereas was pictured all the famous knights that hath been & were at that present in all the world, & all such as were dead & past, were painted upon another: amongst the which she saw pictured, that illustrious & worthy Greek, the knight of the Sun, who above all the rest did manifest himself, as did apere: & had before him all the whole castle of Lindaraza, & the great mighty & wonderful battles that he had with the knight of triumphant chariet, & the fair Lindabrides therein, in the like manner as he was in Constantinople, defending her great beauty. And as the royal princes did cast her eyes upon him, & did consider his mighty statnre & gentle disposition, & his severe countenance, who seemed to be more a celestial creature than any human knight. And joining thereunto his great & mighty wonderful deeds & prowess, which was portrayed there before him. She strait way found herself wounded with his love, in whose heroical & liberal heart, did never enter any human thought before: was now all only with that sight, taken prisoner in such sort, that life should first want, before that she should be released and at liberty. And because she would dissemble that new & amorous passion, she asked of the old Lady, who that knight should be, than the Lady, who did well understand her thought, said: you shall understand fair princess, that this knight is called the knight of the Sun, & now by another name is called the knight of the Chariot: this is be that doth defend in Constantinople, the beauty of that Lady Lindabrides, according as I have told you, when you did behold the infant. And as yet it is not known whose son he is, nor he doth not know his father nor his mother, but the time will come & that shortly, that they shallbe known, greatly unto their honour and praise. And thus much I can certify you, thnt never amongst knights passed of old antiquity, neither at this present hath been, nor is, that is equal unto this valiant & worthy knight, & his worthy & heroical deeds will extinguish & blot out all other before his time, and all others that shall come after htm.  
These were words that caused the wounded heart of the Princes to be the more tormented, for considering the great worthiness of his person, and the jealousy that she felt in her mind, & had of that Princess Lindabrides caused her love to be the more greater. And from that present she had great desire to pass into Grecia, & to see with her eyes, that knight whose picture had rob her of her liberty. And she was fully certified within herself, that if the knight of the chariot did once behold her beauty & fairness, that he would quickly forget that princess, whose beauty he doth now defend, although she should appear to be more fairer. And having these thoughts within her, she was a good while & could not take away her eyes, in beholding the picture of the knight of the Sun, till such time as having shame of that old lady, she put her eyes apart, & did behold the mighty Trebatio, & his son Rosicler, who in his stature & countenance, did very much resemble the knight of the Sun. And for to know who they were, she did ask of the old Lady, and she did tell her that next unto the knight of the Sun, that they two were the best & strongest knights in all the world. And how that, that mighty Emperor, was he whom the knight of the Sun had taken and delivered out of the enchantment of Lindaraza, as she had seen in the painting of the knight of the Sun. So being much amazed at that she had seen, she remained there till she thought it requisite to return unto her company, for that they should not trouble themselves in seeking her. And there with he said unto the old Lady, that she would departed if it were her pleasure, & that she had no other thing to command her. Unto whom she answered, saying, that the might use her discretion, although she had many other things to show her, which she should keep close until such time as occasion served to come that way again, at whose sight she should take great pleasnre. And therewith she took her by the hand and carried her forth the same way she entered, till such time as they were out of the cave, whereas the old Lady committed her to God, and taking her leave of the princess she returned into her cave, & strait way upon a sudden the cave was vanished away, in such sort, that the princess could see it no more, & remained a while amazed at that which had happened she took her horse whereas she had left him tied to a tree, & sought out her company, very glad & joyful for that precious armour which she had won, although otherwise she were so far in love with the knight of the Chariot, that she thought long to return unto Trabisond, & departed from thence & pass into Grecia, for to see that knight, for she thought with herself, that he alone was above all the rest of the world, that did deserve to enjoy her person & beauty. And with this great desire she travailed, till such time as by the sound of her horn her knights came unto her, who marveled to see her armed with that precious and rich armour, & did receive her with great joy & pleasure for that they had gone about seeking for her a good while, complaining very much for her absence, for that they ●…nspected some mishap had chanced unto her. The Princess did riceive them very courteously, and declared unto the manner how she got that rich armour, and so ●…hée went with them unto their Tents, and the next day in the morning they departed to Trabisond, for that with her new and amorous passions which troubled her, she did not like well of those deserts, neither did she receive so great delight in her hunting and game as she was wont to do, but all her desire was to see the knight of the Sun▪ and all her joy was in Grecia, desiring there to manifest her beauty. And here the History doth leave her till the time serve for to tell you of the knight of Cupid, whom we left in the depth of the mountain of Phenicia.   

Of that which happened unto the sorrowful knight of Cupid, after that he was carried into the Fountain of the savage people. Chapter 27.  
YOu do well remember of the strange and sudden loss of that amorous and strong knight Rosicler, how after he had drunk of the water of the Fountain of the Savage people, he fell down on the ground, and how that there came forth of that Fountain a monster of the Sea, and took him in her arms, and carried him unto the depth and bottom of the water. And how that his great and faithful friend the King Sacridoro not having so much patience as to suffer so great loss, did throw himself after him into the fountain, with great good will to receive the death with him. Now the History saith that the marvels of this fountain were very many and strange, for that so soon as this amorous knight was in the depth of that water, he found himself in a very fair and and green field full of flowers, whereas the calmness of the air, and the clearness of the Sun seemed unto him to be the same as it was before, although considering what he had before suffered, he seemed to be in another world, & looking about for the monster that had brought him thither, he saw that she was a fair damsel & well proportioned, who with a merry countenance came unto him & said: Ualiant & hardy knight, by your great bounty & strength, you have obtained to come & drink of the water of this fountain, & by drinking thereof you are come hither, therefore I will give you to understand of this adventure, & of the marvelous things that you shall here see. For I hope in God and my good Fortune, that you are the knight for whom I have many days looked, by whose great strength, considering you be so loyal and perfect a lover, to set me at liberty out of this place, and also being a worthy Prince, who doth suffer every day very grievous and mortal pain. When the fair Damsel had spoke these words the knight of Cupid did salute her very courteously, and therewith she began to declare her adventnre, saying.  
You shall understand (gentle knight) that the king Polidarco, who is now king over this Country, had a son called Don Lusindo, who being dubbed knight, was one of the strongest and well proportionedst knight that could be found in all these parts. Likewise the king Polidarco had a brother, a very wise man in the art Magic, who dwelled in these mountains, and in this valley, which seemeth unto you to be a new world, and this wise man was my father, who for my better safeguard and honour, did carry me unto the courtof the king Polidarco, whereas I continued certain years in the company of the queen & her daughter Oriselua. And being there, the prince Don Lusindo fell in love with me, insomuch that in the end of many days he did so importune me, that he plighted me his faith and troth to take me for his wife, and I having my confidence therein, he did obtain of me all that his pleasure was, and although this was kept secret many days, yet in the end it came to be discovered, for that my father was very old, and knowing that his time was come that he should die, he did procure to marry me and give me unto a husband, according unto my estate and honour. And being very importunate with me therein, I was constrained of necessity to declare unto him that I was made sure unto the Prince Lusindo, and how that he was my spouse and husband. And at such time as the king my father went unto the prince, for to know of him the truth, he denied it and said▪ that there never passed beetwixt us any such promise. And all that ever my Father could, was not sufficient to make him confess the truth. And he seeing the great disloyalty of him, determined before he did die to be revenged of that injury, and likewise of me, in such sort, that in time there might be some remedy, & so by his great knowledge he brought the prince hither unto his habitation, and put him into a quadran full of fire, whereas he is continually burning, and without ceasing he crieth out & giveth terrible shrieks, & cannot come forth of that quadran. And when he was put therein, he said, that by no manner of wise he could be clear of that great torment and pain, till such time as a knight, who by his bounty & prowess, should come unto the fountain of the savage people and drink of the water, and drinking thereof, he should discover the entry into this habitation, as you have discovered the same. And how that this knight by the great loyalty of his love should supply the great disloyalty of the prince, & how he should take him forth of that quadran whereas he is, by the force and strength of his arms, first getting the victory by battle, and how that after he is delivered from that place, he should receive a●…d take me to be his spouse, & tell the truth of all that had passed. This being ordained and done, my father died, and here I do remain all alone very sad and sorrowful for his death, and with great grief and compassion of the prince, for that there cannot be a more grievous thing in the world than to hear him shriek and lament. And although the king his Father did know of a certainty that the wise man his brother did bring him hither unto this habitation, to be revenged on him, yet for all that, he could never find the entry into it, although he hath procured by all means that ever was possible. So that the king and the queen his mother, and all the rest of the kingdom do live in great sorrow and heaviness for the loss of the prince: for this habitation hath an other entry by a Cave, which in all the world doth bear the fame, ●…ut the entry thereof is so perilous and dark, that there is ●…o human knight dare enter it, and there is none but I a●…one that doth know of this entry into the valley. And seeing ●…hat you, most venturous knight, is he, by whom my Father said should be concluded and finished, this adventure.  
Therefore I pray and desire you, to take compassion of this Prince, and of me, who do likewise in my heart feel every way his pain and grief: and go set him at liberty, that possessing the same, he may go and comfort his Parents, giving them the joy and pleasure, that in his recovering again they might receive. And here with the Gentlewoman made an end of her tale. And the knight of Cupid remained, and marveled at that which he had heard. And having a great desire to set at liberty the Prince Lusindo, he requested the damsel to show him where he was, & he would do all that in him did lie for to set him at liberty.  
And when he had said these words, the damsel did take him by the hand, & lead him through that flourishing green Ualley, till they came unto certain high & mighty Rocks, wherewith all that valley was compassed about. And there was cut out of one rock a pair of stairs, where at this damosel and the knight of Cupid went up, till such time as they came unto a door, where into they entered, and came into very many great and fair rooms, at the beauty whereof the knight of Cupid greatly marveled, for that beside they were all cut out of the hard stone, they seemed to be the strangest kind of work that ever he saw in his life. And strait way when he béeganne to enter in thereat, they might here the Prince Don Lusindo complain with great and terrible shricke.  
So they went forwards till they came unto the Quadran of Fire, the door whereof was open, whereat he saw the bright flames of Fire, of which the whole quadran was full, which was a thing of great wonder. And he saw in the midst of the Quadran, the prince all armed, with his Sword in his hand, sitting in a Chair, and could not move, neither to the one part nor to the other, and it was very pitiful to see his demeanour. And when they came thither, the damosel said unto the knight of Cupid: worthy knight, if you be amorous, and have not committed an●… disloyalty against your friend, you may without all le●… or fear enter into this fire which you see before you, and bring out the Prince from the place whereas he is, and the fire shall by no means hurt you, but if you be no loyal nor firm lover, the fire will burn you as it doth the prince, and you shall have no power to go forwards with this enterprise▪ for that the prince is a valiant knight, and will make his defence very strongly for a good while. The knight of Cupid when he heard her say these words, had little care to make her answer, but without any more tarrying he went in at the door of the Quadran, and went forwards till he came whereas the Prince was, and the fire did not hurt him any thing at all, who as soon as he saw him, arose from the Chair whereas he sat, and with his sword in his hand went to strike him, and charged him with great and mighty blows, but he who had no other desire nor determination, but to procure his bringing out of that place, drew not out his Sword against him, but with his mighty, great, and strong arms he took him by the waist, and in spite of his heart he lift him up from the ground, and carried him through the Quadran, till he came unto the door whereas the fair Damsel did tarry for them, and when he had brought him thither, the Prince began to make great resistance in his defence, as one that were beeside himself, and ignorant of the good that should come unto him. The knight of Cupid seeing that the Prince did set all his strength against him, he likewise enforced his strength, and overthrew him down to the ground out at the door, whereas strait way the Prince did find himself at liberty ●…f that terrible fire and pain he suffered. And before he ●…ould arise up, the knight of Cupid did pull off his Helm ●…nd said unto him. You are but dead Prince Don Lusindo, 〈◊〉 you do not acknowledge this Damsel to be your wife. ●…nd when the Prince saw the Damsel and did know her, ●…ée received great delight to see her there, and said. Of a ●…uth gentle Knight, for this thing which you do ask of ●…ée, there is no need to certify me with the fear of death, 〈◊〉 that I have very much repent me of the great disloyalty I have used towards her, and there is nothing that I desire more, then to take her unto my spouse and wife, as surely she already is. In saying these words the knight of Cupid did a part himself from him, and gave the prince his hand, helping him to arise from the ground. And being on foot he did embrace the fair Pinarda with great love, for so the damsel was called. And the prince returning unto the knight of Cupid, he gave him hearty thanks for that which he had done for him, and requested him to give him to understand of whom he had received so great a benefit, and he told him that he was called the knight of Cupid, and how that he was of the kingdom of Hungary. And when the Prince saw that he made no more declaration of himself, he would not be importunate with him, for that he perceived well how he was unwilling to be known, and for that it grew to be very late, the fair Pinarda did request them to take their rest that night in that habitation, whereas they were both of them very well served, and there grew betwixt them great friendship▪ So the next day they all three together descended out of that habitation, by the same stairs whereby the knight of Cupid did go up, and descending down into the green valley, they saw coming towards them a knight of big stature and very well armed, whereat they were all much amazed, but strait ways when they drew nigher, he was known to be that valiant and worthy king Sacridoro, who as it hath been told you did throw himself into the depth of the fountain, whereas he found himself in that green and flourishing meadow, and he went to seek out the knight of Cupid, greatly amazed at that which he saw, for that it seemed he was in a new world. And when the knight of Cupid knew him, with the greatest pleasure and delight i●… all the world he went towards him, and there they did im●… brace one another, as though they had not seen one anothe●… a long time, and there they declared the one unto the othe●… what had happened unto either of them. And strait wa●… the knight of Cupid made known unto the Prince Lusindo, his friend the king Sacridoro, and gave him to understand, that by his occasion and for his cause he came unto that f●…taine of the Savages, and that he ought to thank him for his liberty. The Prince who had known him before, and knew of the great love that he bore to his sister Oriselua, with great joy and pleasure he did embrace him, and promised him that he would do so much with his father, that they should be friends, and give him the Princess for his wife, with the which the King Sacridoro was so joyful, that he was as one beside himself with the great pleasure which he received, and gave thanks unto God for that benefit showed unto him, in meeting with that good knight of Cupid, who was the occasion of his remedy. So after that betwixt them there had passed very much talk, they determined to go unto the court of the king Polidarco, and they departed from that place, having in their company the fair Pinardo, & went through the famous cave of Phenicia, where of hath been spoken so much, & there they did understand the occasion of that terrible & fearful noise which continually was there heard, for the which there was none that durst give the enterprise to go into the cave, and was by reason of the valley which the knight of Cupid found himself in, at such time as he was taken into the fountain of the Saua●…es, was so deep, and compassed about with such high and ●…ightie rocks, so that never any man could enter in, neither ●…ould they climb up unto the top of those mountains, nor ●…ome to the knowledge of any such valley that was in that ●…ace amongst those rocks, and under those rocks and moū●…ines there was a cave that passed through, which was ve●… obscure and dark, and also narrow, by reason whereof, ●…gether with other open parts in the same Rock, the air ●…d enter in, passing through from the one side unto the ●…her, and the noise was so great that it made in the same ●…ue, and by cliffs thereof, that it was very time●…s and fearful to béehould, in such sort that there ●…s none durst enter in there at, whereupon it was ●…led the terrible Cave of Phenicia. So the Knight of Cupid, and the king Sacridoro, and the prince Don Lusindo, with the princess Pinarda, went forth of the cave, and all four together went unto the court of the king Polidarco. Who when he understood of the coming of the Prince Don Lusindo his son, the great joy and pleasure which he and the Queen did receive cannot be expressed, and the honour which was done unto them, for the time that they remained there. In which time the king Sacridoro was made sure unto the princess Oriselua, for whose sake he had passed great misfortunes and troubles. And the prince don Lusindo was married unto the fair Pinarda, at which marriage, there was made great feasts and triumphs in all the kingdom▪ And here the History doth leave them till time do serve.   

How the three Princes, Bargandel, Lyriamandro, and the Tartarian Zoylo, went unto Constantinople, whereas they gave understanding of the death of Rosicler.  
FULL of sorrow and heaviness departed the prince's Bargandel, Lyriamandro, and the Ta●…tarian Zoylo, out of the kingdom of Fenici●… for the loss of their great and especial frien●… Rosicler, as those who certainly béeléeu●… that he was dead. And without receiui●… any comfort or consolation, they travailed many days 〈◊〉 Sea, till in the end they arrived in the Empire of Grecia whereas they understood of all that had passed with the Emp●… rour Trebatio, and the Empress Briana. But when Ly●… mandro did understand and know the good fortune of 〈◊〉 sister, he did therewith mitigate the great sorrow that 〈◊〉 suffered for the news he brought. And having a great 〈◊〉 sire to see the Empress, and to know the Emperor, th●… all three accorded together to go unto Constantinople. A●… in that time the fame was so great in all parts, of the knig●… of the Chariot, that in what place wheresoever they ca●… ●…her was no other communication but of him, & of his great prowess, & of the knights that every day he did overthrow to the ground. And by reason that this was the occasion to bring unto their remembrance, the high bounty of their friend, the knight of Cupid, they could do no other thing but weep & sigh, with great sorrow, saying to themselves, that if they had him in their company, they might get honour in Constantinople: for that the knight of the chariot could not be of so high a courage and force, but that he would unhorsed him and get the victory.  
So when they were come unto Constantinople, they did one day enter into the great place, at such time as it was full of knights, as well strangers as of their own country. And the knight of the Chariot had overthrown the worthiest & best knights that were ther. So these three princes did prove themselves with the knight of the chariot, but he overthrew them all to the ground. But first they had broken with him each of them three two spears, which was unto them no small honour, for that until that time, there was not one knight that had fastened themselves to break two spears: and it was the occasion that they were well esteemed of all the beholders. And so without any more staying, they went to make themselves known unto the Emperor, & to the Empress, who were very desirous to know who they were. But when the empress did know her brother, & the Emperor was informed who they all three were. I cannot express the great joy & pleasure, which they received, at their coming thither, & according there unto they gave them entertainment. For ●…hat the desire which the empress had to hear news of her brother, was very great, because she loved him exceeding well, & likewise to know somewhat of her son Rosicler, ●…or that they two were very great friends. And as it is a ●…hing natural, that when a person is most at his contented ●…oy and pleasure, in this life: suddenly they are mixed with ●…reat sorrow and bitter heaviness. And it now fell out, for ●…hat these three. Princes did not know that Rosicleer was son unto the Emperor & the Empress Baiana, at such time as both parties were in the chiefest of their delight▪ ●… received great contentment. Liriamandro did declare all that happened unto them by Rosicleer, & of his great strength & worthiness, & of all that which he had done for them being unknown, but in the end he told of his strange & dolorous loss, & in what sort the king Sacridoro did throw himself after him & was s●…ke down into the depth of that fountain. When the Empress understood this of her son Rosicler, she thought verily to have died presently, with the great sorrow which she received, and there with she fell down to the ground in a sound. Then the mighty emperor who did very well understand the occasion, did use all diligence to comfort her, for that those news were a corsie unto his heart likewise, but yet dissembling his sorrow, with great courage he took the empress in his arms & did comfort her all that ever he could. And when these news were published through out all the city, they began to make great lamentation, in such sort, that the feasts & justs did cease & stay for certain days. Likewise the three princes were very sad & sorrowful that they had brought such heavy news, & their great sadness & 〈◊〉 pain did increase more than before, when they understood that their perfect friend Rosicler was son unto so high & mighty parents, as also so nigh kinsman unto Bargandel & Liriamandro. So they remained there certain days, whereas the Emperor & the Empress did them much honour, & were with them very royally entertained, and for that the two princes Bargandell & Liriamandro had great desire to see their loves, Rodasilua & Siluerina, in one night very secretly they departed out of Constantinople, and taking the way towards England, they travailed till they came unto a part of the Ocean sea which was in Rone, & there they did ship themselves & came into England, where they were very well received of the King Oliverio: & being asked for their friend Rosicler, they gave him to understand of the sorrowful less of him, for whom the king received great grief 〈◊〉 sorrow, for that he loved him very well. But when the news ca●… unto the understanding of the Princess Olivia, there could be no sorrow equal unto hers, neither any tongue so eloquent for to express the half part thereof, for that the did love Rosicler more than her own self, and at that present death had been more welcome unto her then such sorrowful news, so that at the sudden hearing thereof she remained one whole hour without any remembrance, in such sort that she seemed rather to be dead then alive. And when she came unto h●…r self her sorrow did double increase, and in a more deadly trance then before, she fell down upon her bed, whereas she lay the most part of all the day without speaking any word▪ till such time as a damsel that was with her fearing that she had been dead, ran & told the king, who strait way went unto his chamber, accompanied with many knights. And being very much amazed to see his daughter in that case, he procured for her many remedies, by which this fair princess did come again unto herself, although her desire was rather to die then to live. And seeing herself in the presence of her father & of so many knights, she could not manifest the great grief which she felt in her heart, which was the occasion that her pain was the more. And it is to be beeléeved that at that present she had died, if God had not preserved her for a farther benefit more than she did hope for, or think off. And because that all this great sorrow & grief of the princes was for her more glory & pleasure in time to come. The History doth leave to speak any more of her till occasion serve, & showeth of other things which happened in the mean time.   

How Florinaldus came into the kingdom of France, where he was taken prisoner at a bridge, & how by two knights that came thither he was set at liberty, whom he knew to be the knights of the flower de luces, which he sought. Chapter. 29.  
THe good Lnight Florinaldus, who by the commandment of the knight of the Sun went in the quest of the knights of the flower d●… Luses, & travailed through many and divers countries, till such time as he came into the kingdom of France, coming at length unto a bridge, which was upon the river Rodano, he saw two knights very fierce, & by seeming valiant, who were brethren unto Brandafuriel, that mighty and strong Giant which the Prince Claverindo, slew in the great city of Paris, and they were come unto that place for no other occasion but to keep passage, & to do all the damage they could unto the king Oristeo & his knights. The one of them was called Crudamonte, & the other Rocardo, being of their bodies & limbs as giants, & they had in that place taken divers prisoners, & slain many knights, & before that Florinaldus did pass that bridge, he must needs just with one of them, & his fortune was such, that by the strong encounter he received his Horse & himself fell down to the ground, in such sort that one of his legs was under his Horse, so that he could not make any longer battle, & the mighty Rocardo, which was he that made the just with him, if he had not embraced himself about his Horse neck, had likewise fallen down to the ground, with that strong encounter which he had received. So Florinaldus was taken prisoner, & put into fast hold, but it was not long after that the news of these two knights came unto, the court of the king Oristeo, & being understood by the two princes Claverindo & Brandizel, they in great secret departed from the court to make combat with them. And when they came unto the bridge, there was betwixt them four a very fierce and stout battle, in which the two Princes found themselves greatly perplexed, for that these two were very stout & valiant knights, yet for all that the goodness of their armour did stand them in great steed, & again, they were of such courage, that in the end they got the victory, and slew them, and cut off their heads, & sent them unto the king Oristeo, & requested of him pardon, for that they had departed without licence, certifying moreover, that they were gone to seek out their friend the knight of the Sun. And in as short time as possibly might be they would return again unto the court. Now when these two brethren were dead, the two princes did set at liberty all the prisoners that were there, amongst whom was Florinaldus, & when he saw the devise of the slower de ●…uses, he strait way knew that those were the knights, in whose demand he had travailed. And therewith he went unto them, & declared the Embassage of the knight of the Sun. And when they understood the same, if there had been given vnt●… them all the world, at that present they could not have received greater pleasure, especially after that Florinaldus did tell them all that he had done in the Island of Lindaraza, & afterward how that the Emperor Trebatio entered into Hungaria, & of all the rest. So that these two princes were as men amazed to hear him tell of those high & mighty deeds, and thought the time very long till they did see him. With this great desire they all departed from that bridge & travailed till they came unto Marsella▪, whereas they ●…id embark themselves, and took their way towards Grecia. Whom the History leaveth till fit time, for to declare of the Knight of Cupid, whom we left in the kingdom of Phenicia.   

¶ How the Knight of Cupid and the King Sacridoro departed from the kingdom of Phenicia for the Empire of Grecia. Chap. 30.  
VEry great & solemn feasts were celebrated in the kingdom of Phenicia, at the marriage of the valiant and well esteemed King Sacridoro, and the Prince Don Lusindo, with the fair Pinarda, and also for ●…o give delight and pleasure to the Knight of Cupid, whom they did honour & had in so great estimation as the worthiest & most valiant knight in all the world, & were all greatly amazed, as well at his great grace & virtue, as at his bounty and strength, yet notwithstanding for that he had always in his memory the discourtesy of the princess Olivia, any thing whatsoever he did see could not make him merry, neither give him any contentment, so that continually he was very sad & heavy, for the which his great friend the King Sacridoro was very sorry & roceived great grief, for that he knew from whence his eui●…l & infirmity proceeded, & did comfort him as much as possibly he could, in saying, that per adventure the princes Olivia had she wed him that discourtesy, for that she did not know who it was, & that it did not agree, neither was it requisite for her honour to show favour unto any knight, except he were a king or prince such as with all honour & majesty she might receive for her spouse, but (said he) possibly when she knoweth that you are son unto th●… Emperor Trebatio & the Empress Briana, she will repent & change her mind, and that he was such a Knight as that princess Olivia should receive great delight to receive him into her service. And then he gave counsel that he should go into Greece, & make himself known unto his parents, & from thence he might take his journey into England, & there to prove once again his fortune. And in saying these & other such like words in effect, this good king Sacridoro comforted the Knight of Cupid. And after that the feasts & triumphs were ended, he said that he would departed & go towards the empire of Greece. And with that determination he asked leave of the king Sacridoro, but he which bore him no less good will then unto the queen Oriselua his wife, said, that in no manner of wise he would consent unto to his departure, except he were in his company, for that he would bear him company, until such time as he made himself known unto the Emperor Trebatio, his father, but the knight of the Sun would very feign have excused that journey, saying unto him that it was not a thing that beseemed him to be absent at that present time from his country, being new married, for that possible the king Polidarco, his father in law, & the Queen Oriselua his wife would be angry, but all that did profit very li●…le, for the king was determined to go with him, and although he thought again to lose all his kingdom, yet would he not leave his company. So that the Knight of Cupid was constrained against his will, to take him in his company, the which he refused, thinking that the king Polidarco, & the Q●…éene Oriselua would receive some grief & anger for his departure, and yet he had so great delight in his familiarity & friendship, that it seemed unto him in all his life time he never met with a knight, so conform●…ble unto his, neither that with a better will did offer unto him friendship. And although at time he did refuse his company, yet time did come afterward that it was very necessary & profitable unto him, as he reafter shall be told you in this History.  
And for that the king Sacridoro did know the great desire the Knight of Cupid had to departed, talking on a time with the king Polidarco, and the Queen his wife, he gave them to understand how that the Knight of Cupid was son unto the Emperor Trebatio and of the Empress Briana, and how that he would departed toward Grecia, to make himself known unto his Father, for which cause he could not but bear him company, for the great obligation in which he was bound unto him, and did desire them that they would think well thereof. And although his departure grieved them very much, yet seeing the great reason that he had, they answered that he might do as he thought best, for that it seemed unto them he had great reason therein, & they much marveled that the Knight of Cupid should be so high and mighty a Prince. At length when they had taken their leave of them and of the Prince Don Lusindo, who was also very sorrowful for their departure, they went out of the city, & travailed unto the sea coast, where they did embark themselves, & took the way towards Grecia, wher●… that happened unto them which shall be told you in this Chapter following.   

Of a very fierce and perilous battle which the Knight of Cupid had with a famous giant in the Grecian Empire. Chap. 31.  
THe sorrow & grief was very much which was in the whole empire of Grecia, by reason of the news touching the death of Rosicleer, for the Emperor did command, that for the space of one month all mirth & pastimes which were made in the great city of Constantinople, whereas were so many & excellent knights, that it was a strange thing to behold. Which knights not having any thing to do, some departed into their own countries, & other some went out of the court to seek their adventures in the Empire, till such time as the month was passed. In the end of which, the Knight of the Chariot should return to defend the beauty of the fair princess Lindabrides▪ so that at that time the city of Constantinople was left void, and all the land of the Empire full of Knights, as well strangers as naturals amongst whom there did not lack to be every day great contentions. It fell out in this time that there came into Grecia a mighty great & famous giant called Mandroco, who was Lord of Achia, which was an Island joining unto the graecian empire, of so great force & strength that he was invincible, & of long time the whole country of Grecia did not like well of him, for that he greatly harmed them, as well by land & by sea, and as this mighty Giant heard the report of the high deeds of chi●…alrie done by the Knight of the Chariot, in the great city of Constantinople, and likewise of the great safe conduct granted by the Emperor, with the great desire he had to prove himself with him, and to make manifest his mighty force and strength in that Court, he passed into Grecia, and came thither two days after the demand of the Knight of the Chariot, and being determined to remain there till the month was accomplished, he travailed in the Empire, and with what knight so ever he met, he should not departed, but first prove himself with him, and o●… all such as he did overthrow to the ground, he would, take their Horses from them, and when he had joined a great number together, he would send them into his Island. So he béehaved himself, that in space of twelve days he had ever thrown more than two hund●…ed Knights, and all their Horses were his and for that they did find themselves aggrieved, many of those Knights did make their complaint unto the Emperor of their misusing, who received so great sorrow and grief, that he himself would have gone in person, to have proved himself against him, if the Empress had not hindered him. And again, calling to remembrance the safe conduct that he had granted unto all Knights, he wo●…ld not send any people against him, for that he would not break his promise. So that he received great grief for that which every day was told him of that giant. And his great name and fame was spread throughout all that Country, in such sort, that many Knight did procure to apart himself out of that way whereas he went, and unto all Knights his name was terrible, and they said that in all the world there was not a Giant so mighty and strong. And travailing in this sort, it so fell out, that in the same time there came into the Country of Grecia the Knight of Cupid, and the good King Sacridoro, and strait ways there was given them to understand of the high deeds of the Knight of the Chariot, and how that he remained in Constantinople, till such time as the month was accomplished, for to return and defend the beauty of the fair Princess Lindabrides. Likewise they heard the great complaints which was made of the mighty Gya●…nt Mandroco. The Knight of Cupid having great desire to meet with him, did direct his way toward that way whereas it was told him that he went. And it fell out one day that as he and the king Sacridoro did pass through a mighty and great used way, they saw the giant coming the same way, with more than thirty of his own knights, which bore him company, and he was of so high and big stature, that he did appear above all the rest from the breast upwards, and when these two Knights came nigh unto them, the Giant did béehould them, and liking well both of the Knights and their Horses, 〈◊〉 strait ways said that they should prepare themselves unto the just with him, one to one, or both together, which their pleasure was, and best liked them.  
Then the Knight of Cupid, who had a great desire to prove himself with the giant, requested the King Sacridoro, that he would let him have the first battle. To whom he answered, that he should do his pleasure, although he would have been very glad first to have proved his own fortune, & so the Knight of Cupid, without answering any word, went and put himself in one part of the high way. And when the Giant saw him so big and well made, it liked him well, and laughed unto himself, because he would just alone with him, and might profit himself with his companion. The giant had under him a very fair and mighty Horse called Rondarte, that next unto the Horse Cornerino was the best in all the world, and for that he was so mighty and strong, he travailed on him, for if he had not been such a one, there were no horse that were able to sustain and suffer him, for that he was so big, and again the great weight of his armour which was more, and being on Horseback he had a mighty great & big spear in his hand of so great weight, that a Knight had enough to do to lift it from the ground, & therewith he put himself right against the knight of Cupid, in the presence of many Knights that were gathered together to see what should pass betwixt them. So both of tham did broach their horses with their spurs, with so great fury, that it seemed the ground would sink whereas their horses ran. So they met together, and made their encounter, which was with so great strength, that their mighty great and big spears did fly into the air all in shéevers, and the Giant lost his saddle, and had a great fall unto the ground, but the Knight of Cupid kept his course forwards on, somewhat astonished with the force of that encounter, which made all the Knights of the giant, & those which were there gathered together to see that contention, and all those which had seen the worthy knight of the Chariot, said, that without all doubt it was he, and that he had gone abroad with other armour, because he would not be known, & to prove himself with the Giant, for that in his gentle disposition, and great force & strength in his encounter, he did resemble him very much. So when this mighty Giant saw himself overthrown to the ground, he knew not whether it was a dream, or truth which he saw, he was so amazed, and seemed that it was not possible that he should be overthrown, and his enemy remain in his saddle, whom he saw returning back again on Horseback, and when he came unto him he said.  
It is great right and reason Giant, that thou possessest the same order and condition that thou didst ordain for them, with whom thou hast jousted, which is, that he who so ever is over thrown to the ground, to lose his Horse, and to be his o●… whom he received the encounter, that did overthrow him. Then the Giant did look upon him with a very fierce and furious countenance, that it seemed there flew out of his eyes great lightning and sparkles of fire, and ●…ayde.  
Here I do give and yield unto thee my Horse, for that ●…hou ●…ast won him, but I will so handle thee, that living thou ●…hal not inoy him, although all the gods do come down frō●…eauen to aid & help thee. And in saying these words, he a●…ose from the ground, and drew out a very great and heavy ●…auchon that he had at his side & went towards the knight ●…f Cupid with it in his hands, who would not abide him ●…n Horseback, but with great lightness he leapt forthwith 〈◊〉 his Horseback, and drew out his sine cutting ●…woord which he had won before of Candramarte, that was of the Queen julia, and went forth with the same in his hand to receive the Giant, and as they met to strike both together at one time, the Knight of Cupid did stay his sword in the air, and tarrte●… till such time as the Giant had discharged first his blow and at such time as his great Falchion did descend, he leapt on the one side with great lightness, that his blow could not fasten upon him, and being down, he entered into him with a stout and courageous stomach, and give him such an overthwart blow upon the thigh▪ that he cut both armour and flesh unto the hard bone out of the which wound there issued great abundance of blood. The Giant did complain very much of this wound, and began with a great noise to cry out against the heavens, and with great ire and courage he turned again and u●…t up his curting falchion, and because he would not miss his blow, he struck the Knight of Cupid overthwart his waist with so great fury, that if his armour had not been made by the great wisdom of Artemidoro, he had cut and parted him in two pieces. And therewith he made him to fly on the one side more than six paces, and thought verily that all his bones had been broken, and before that he could settle himself for to return against him to give him his pa●…ment, this great and mighty Giant was upon him, and lift up his mighty falchion, and would have struck him a right down blow, but this val●…ant and good Knight seeing himself in so great extremity, with sovereign courage and with a valiant heart, & strength, he let loose the sword out of his hand, and before that the Giant could execute his blow, for that he had his arms all a high, he entered in with him, and embraced him with his strong arm●…s abou●… his waist, that he made him to lose the force of his blow and with so great strength he charged him upon that thig●… which was wounded, that sore against his will, he ouer●… threw him to the ground, who fell in such order that it seemed a great wall had fallen down. The Giant when h●… saw himself under foot, he did force himself all that eue●… he could for to ●…se up again, and thrust with his strong arms at the knight of Cupid, for to get him from over him, but he did use so great policy, that he did recover his sword again which did hang by the wrist band, and putting the point thereof to his visor of his helm, he thrust it in thereat, in such sort that he thrust it through and through his head, so that there was slain that great and famous Giant Mandroco, with so great wonder unto them which did see him slain, as though he had been an immortal man, for that no human strength had been sufficient to have slain him. And when his knights did see him lying a long upon the ground and dead, being very desirious to revenge the death of their Lord, they all together did assault the worthy knight of Cupid, & did compass him round about for to kill him. So when the valiant king Sacridoro saw his very friend in that great extremity, he struck his horse with his spurs, and put himself am●…gst the thickest of them, and the knight of Cupid began to strike upon his enemies, in such sort, that every blow that he ●…oke was with so great fury, that either he slew one, or overthrew one to the ground. And the king Sacridoro did h●…lp him with so great strength, that more than six he overthrew dead to the earth, at which time the knights that were there gathered together for to see the battle, when they saw the giant dead, and the high bounty of the two knights, more than twenty of them returned in their behalf, so that in a little time after that they came to help them, the knights of the Giant were all slain, and all those received great contentment and pleasure at the death of the Giant, for that they were all amazed & had great fear of him. And seeing the high & mighty prowess of the knight that slew him, they were all very desirous to know him, and so some of them did ●…oyne themselves together, and did desire him to tell them his ●…ame, for that they were desirous to know what he was ●…hat had done so great benefit and good unto all that Country.  
Then he surrendered unto them great thanks for the ●…reat aid and secure he had received at their hands, and ●…uld unto them that he was called the Knight of Cupid, and that he could not at that time give them any farther to understand▪ 〈◊〉 that those Knights did cease from troubling him any farther, but always▪ had in ●…elofie that he should be the Knight of the Chariot, for that in all things he did resemble him very much. So when that the knight of Cupid and the king▪ Sacridoro departed from that place, certain of the knights which were there, considering the great contentment and pleas●…e that the Emperor and all his court would receive, for the death of that Giant. Even dead as he was, they took him, & laid him overthwart upon a horse, in the saddle, but by reason of his great length his head and feet did trail upon the ground, and in that sort they carried him unto Constantinople, having great joy & pleasure, and no less wonder, unto all them that did see him. And when they came unto Constantinople, they made representation of him, unto the Emperor, & declared unto him, all the manner how and in want order the Knight of Cupid had stain him, how was not a little amazed, & seemed unto him that the Knight which had done that act, could not be but of great & exceeding valour, for that the giant was of great strength and force: and that there was not one of so great name & fame amongst all the islands of the Terreno sea. So the Emperor had great desire to see & know him, for that by the signs & tokens which he understood of him, it gave him in his mind, that he should be the Knight of the Sun: Whom he had a great desire to see, & very much marveled that he came not thither, according unto his promise. So in this sort the fame of the knight of Cupid, began to be known throughout all the whole Empire of Greece. And after that the Giant was slain, the Knight of Cupid, neither the king Sacridoro, would not enter into Constantinople, till such time as the Knight of the Chariot did return to defend the beauty of the Princess Lindabrides, but travailed in that Country certain days, in the which they did many deeds of great Chivalry, whereby their fame did increase, in such sort, that there was no other communication, but of them: likewise there was great contention grown amongst many, which of the two Knights, he of Cupid, or he of the Chariot, should be the best proportioned and strongest Knight: and all in general had great desire to see them both together in battle, the one against the other. And did believe very certainly, that they two were the best Knights that were in all the world.   

How the Knight of the Chariot returned to defend the beauty of the Princess Lindabrides, in the mighty City of Constantinople, whereas happened very strange things. Chap. 31.  
AT such time as was accomplished the month that the Emperor had commanded the triumphs and feasts to cease, for the death of his Son Rosicler. Strait way the great city of Constantinople, began again to be furnished with all sorts of worthy & va●…aliant knights, as well strangers of their native country, who had travailed throughout that country, to pass away the time of the emperors commandment. So for to prove the adventures with the knight of the Chariot, and other some to see his mighty Knighthood. So the first day that the knight of the Chariot entered into the place, he overthrew more than twenty knights, such as were very famous, & came▪ from far countries, for to prove themselves with him. The Emperor and the Empress were in the windows of their great ●…allaice, with so sad and sorrowful semblant, that it did well appear in them, the great grief which they received, for the ●…eath of their son. And being in this Just, there entered ●…nto the place three worthy Knights, of a strong and big proportion, and armed with very rich armour, wrought and ●…rauen with great cost. The which were strait ways ●…nowen, by the Knight of the Chariot, in the device which ●…ey brought: And were joyful of their coming, for that ●…ese three knights were the two valiant princes Brandizel, Claverindo, & his! friend Florinaldoes, who were come in the demand of the knight of the Sun. And when they heard the great report and fame of the knight of the Chariot, they came thither to prove themselves with him, and so they entered into the great place, and Florinaldus was the first that put himself against the knight of the Chariot. And at such time as he should make his encounter, the knight did lift up the point of his spear because he would not strike Florinaldus, but yet Florinaldus made his encounter which so great strength, that he shéevered his spear all to pieces, & either of them passed the one by the other, without any moving. So then they returned to make the second encounter, and look as the knight of the Chariot did the first encounter, so he did now likewise again, because he would not hurt him, which was the occasion that Florinaldus did plainly understand that his adversary would not encounter against him, and there with he did a part himself from the place of just, marveling very much at the great courtesy which the knight of the Chariot did use with him. So strait way entered into the just that stout and valiant Brandizel, but to conclude, it happened with him as with the prince Claverindo, as it happened with Florinaldus, so that they were constrained to withdraw themselves all three half abashed, for the little profit that did proceed o●… their encounters, and no less marveled at the great courtesy which the knight of the Chariot did use with them, for th●… which they conceived within themselves that he should b●… their great friend the knight of the Sun, for that in his de●… meanour in all points he did resemble him very much, and again, that setting him a part, that there was not in all th●… world a knight of so great power and strength. At that tim●… that the great place was all covered with people and arme●… knights, on the one side thereof they saw enter in a might●… knight of his body, and mounted upon a very fair & grea●… Horse, and was armed with so precious and rich armour that amongst all the knights there was not the like, excep●… the armour of the Knight of the Chariot, he brought wi●… him three Damsels, all mounted upon their palfreys, a●… brought with them certain farthels. Likewise a very foul & ill fau●…ed dwarf, which carried his spear & shield. And being within the place, he turned his Horse head, ●… went & put himself nigh unto the triumphant Chariot, whereas he began to behold & to view that precious & fair princes, Lindabrides, who received great pleasure, in beholding the great & mighty valour of her knight. So after that he had viewed her a good space, he departed from thence, & went unto the knight of the Chariot, and saluting him very courteously, he said: of a truth worthy knight, the great beauty of this precious princess, doth far exceed. And that you have great reason to detend the same. Notwithstanding, I do know a damsel, very strange & far from this country, that if you did see her, doubtless she would seem unto you to be of no less beauty, than the princes. This cannot be said the Knight of the Chariot, for that the princes Lindabrides my mistress, doth exceed in fairness & beauty and like good grace, all the damsels, ladies and gentlewomen, that are in all the world. And this will I affirm and defend against all such, as shall say the contrary. Upon the proof thereof, said the Knight, I will Just with you. And possibly I will make you to know the contrary: the which he did very well accomplish and perform, although there were many that did laugh at him. So when he had said these words, the strange Knight took of the dwarf his spear and shield which he brought, and with a very wrathful and strange semblance, he put himself on the one side of the Just, the knight of the chari●…t did the like, and began to take their course together with great force and strength. And in the midst of their ●…ourse, they made a very great & mighty encounter, brea●…ing their spears, & shivering them all in splinters, without any mension or moving in their saddles, or doing any more harm, but passed their course forwards with great 〈◊〉. And returned and made their second encoun●…er, where at the strange Knight lost his stirrups, and the ●…eanes of his horse fell out of his hand, and did somewhat decline himself in his saddle: yet for all this he ran forwards on his course, & quickly recovered himself again, although very sore troubled, & no less amazed at that mighty & strong encounter which he had received. The knight of the Sun did follow his course, & kept himself upright, although it seemed unto him, that to be the strongest encounter, that ever he received unto that time, & had that strange knight in great estima●…ion. And being determined to make the third encounter, & ready to take their course, there entered into the midst of the place, a dwarf, the least & the most ill favoredst that ever was seen, who came riding upon a roan Horse, & brought in his hands two spears all g●…lt, & maruailosly well made, & went directly unto the Knight of the Sun, and giving unto him one of those spears he said. This spear is sent unto you by a wise man, who hath great desire to serve you, & doth send it you, for to just with this Knight who is before you. And he doth give you to understand, that therewith you shall make such an entounter, that all the force and strength thereof, shall return against yourself, & shall pass through your mighty & stout heart, and death shall first conclude with you, before that wound be healed. And when he had said these words, the Knight of the Sun did receive the spear, & was very much amazed at the words that he heard spoken. And without any more saying, the dwarf departed from him, & went unto the strange Knight, & gave unto him the other spear which he brought, & said: This spear a wise man doth send it unto you for to just with the Knight of the Sun, & he doth give thee to understand, that at this encounter thou shalt overcome thy contrary, & shalt make him to lose the name which now he hath, & thou shalt remain wounded for ever. And when he had made an end of saying these words, not staying any longer, but struck his Horse with his whip, & returned the way back again, where he came. And all men remained very much amazed: but much more the knight of the Chariot & the strange knight, & could not understand to what end those words were spoken, but left their spears which they had & took the spears which the Dwarf had brought them, and spurring their Horses they began to run one against another with great fury, & in the midst of their swift course, at such time as all people did behold them, & looking what should be the end of their encounter: the two worthy knights did encounter very strongly together, & either of them chanced to strike one another upon the beavers of their helms. Now whether it was hap or fortune, or whether those guilt spears did work by art or instuence,, I know not, but both these knights did fall backwards, & struck their heads upon their horses croupers, & the lasings of both their helms did fail, & they fell from their heads. But strait way they settled themselves upright again, & as you see that shining Sun & the fair Diana, when they do appear: even so seemed the faces of these two knights, for that the knight of the Sun did show that perfect & severe countenance, which until that time not one that was in all that place had seen. And of the other part, the strange knight did seem to be the sovereign, & without comparison in beauty, that fair, Claridiana, whose Rubicomde hair which seemed to be of fine gold fell lose & spread about her ears, & hanged over all her back, parted in the midst, as though it had been done by a compass, showing her celestial face, which seemed unto all people, to be some divine creature. What should I say unto that fair Medusa who did transport men into stones, yet was she not to be compared to this royal princess, who with her celestial & fair countenance did put all those that were in that place, in great & strange admiration, & almost astomed and amazed, not believing to the contrary, but it should be some divine vision: So that the fair Pincesse Lindabrides could not with much reason blame her knight of the Sun, if that he were wounded by that mighty & strong blow, & that the true & perfect love which he bore unto her, should be somewhat troubled. for that the force thereof was such, that he was not able to make any resistance, but that his heart was cloven asunder in the midst, & the one half remained rotten as before it was. And the other half he did yield unto that sovereign princes that was before him. So strait way when he felt himself wounded, he considered of the words which the dwarf had spoken, & knew that they fell out to be true, not knowing what to say unto that strange adventure which happened unto him. But when the royal princes did see that pleasant countenance, whose all only picture did wound her unto the heart, & made her to come into those parts, the joy & pleasure which she received, I am not able to express: and her love did the more increase, for that it seemed unto her, that by a great deal, that royal presence that she had before her, might be compared unto the figure which she saw in the mountains of Oligas. Then the knight of the Sun went unto her & said, worthy gentlewoman, show us I pray you so much 〈◊〉, as to tell unto us, who you are: for that according unto the strange things which we do see in you, we cannot believe to the contrary, but that you do descend from the heavens, and that you are the divine goddess Palas, of whose sight, I should think myself happy, if fear did not put me in doubt to obtain so great glory. Then the princes with a merry and cheerful countenance, did answer him and said. Worthy knight, your great valour doth constrain and force me to give you to understand of all that you do ask, although when I came unto this court it was with intent, not to give myself to be known. You shall understand that I am called Claridiana, and I am daughter unto the Emperor of Trapisond, and of the Empress his wife, who in her time did exercise military knighthood: & for that the great fame of your high prowess doth so far extend in the world, I departed out of Trapisond for to come into these parts, not for any other purpose, but to prove myself with you. And now I do think my travail well bestowed that I have taken, for that I do know so mighty & strong a knight.  
Oh what great joy & contentment did the Knight of the Sun receive when he heard these words, as well for that he did know who she was, as also that she was a human damsel, whereon he might occupy his thoughts, & likewise the great honour that she did unto him 〈◊〉 saying that his son had brought her thither. And as he would have made an answer, at the same instant came thither the mighty Emperor Trebatio, who as soon as he knew the knight of the Sun, in great hast he withdrew himself from the window & came unto him. When the knight of the Sun saw him coming, with a trice he alighted from his Horse, & kneeling down before him he demanded his hands to kiss them, craving pardon for that he did not before that time make himself to be known. The mighty Emperor did embrace him with entire affection, showing unto him so great joy & pleasure, as though he had known him to be his son, & having him in his arms, he said. My friend, how could your heart suffer so long time to refrain to speak unto me, for certainly ●…ccording unto the great desire which I have had to see you, & the great care that I have had of your so long absence, doth make me say that you have done me great wrong, in not discovering yourself unto me in all this time that you have been here. My Lord, answered the knight of the Sun, I do acknowledge my error wherein I have erred, yet I am worthy to be pardoned of your highness, for that love hath been the occasion hereof, & it may please your highness to speak unto this damsel, who is the sovereign princess Claridiana, & daughter unto the emperor of Trabisond. When the emperor understood thereof, for that before he knew nothing, being very much amazed, he went towards her. When the princess saw them coming, she did alight from her horse, & received them both with a marvelous, great, & dutiful reverence. And the emperor began first to speak unto her, and said.  
Since when did my desert deserve to see in my Court so great goodness & honour: certainly I shall never be able to do service unto God, for to gratify this great courtesy. My Lord answered the princes, the great valour of your person, & the mightiness of this your Court doth deserve, that all the rest of the princes in the world should come to serve you: & I for my part do account myself happy to find myself here, whereas is joined together all the worthiness of the whole world. So after that these & many other words had passed betwixt them, they all three together went towards the great palace, & when they came thither, the empress Briana was advertised, how that the Knight of the Sun & the princess Claridiana were there, who with great joy and pleasure went forth to meet them, whereas the Empress did embrace the princess with great love, and there passed betwixt them words of great courtesy. Likewise the empress entertained the knight of the Sun, & as he kneeled down before her for to kiss her hands, the empress did take him by the hand, & made him to arise up, & as in his semblance he did resem●…le very much her son Rosicler, as well in her face, as in the proportion and disposition of his person, the tears issued from her eyes, for that it gave her occasion to remember her lost sons, & giving a great sigh, she said within her sel●…e: Oh that if God were so pleased to use so great courtesy unto me, as that this knight were one of my sons. And with her tender heart overcome with sorrow, she said: Gentle knight, I find myself very much grieved, because you have been so many days here in this court, & that neither the emperor my lord nor I have known you, for that many days we have tarried & looked for you, as for one unto whom we are most bound unto in this world. This my fault, said the knight of the Sun, your highness pleasure may be, to impute it unto the Princess Lindabrides, who hath been the occasion thereof, for that in nothing I could take greater delight, then to come & serve my Lord the emperor, & your highness. With these & such like words they entered into the great palace, & coming into a great & fair Hall, the empress sa●…e down on the one side with the princess Claridiana, & the emperor with the knight of the Sun sa●…e down on the other side of the hall, whereas the one did declare unto the other the whole discourse of all that happened unto them, after such time as they parted a 〈◊〉 in the kingdom of Hungaria, & either of them received great pleasure to hear one another. In this time the fair princes Lindabrides, who was in her triumphant Chariot, had no security, neither received any contentment, for having seen the sovereign beauty and great majesty of that royal princess Claridiana, which seemed unto her to surmount & pass any human judgement or understanding, she waxed very heavy of heart & sorrowful, which caused to engender in her many ●…ealous thoughts, & complained against her gods & nature, for that they created so great beauty & majesty in that damsel, & began somewhat to suspect the new amorous passions of her Knight. So being very sad & heavy, & no less marveling at all that which had happened, she arose up from the chair whereas she sat, & went into her chamber, & threw herself upon her bed, whereas she lay weeping a great space, and the longer the knight of the Sun did stay his return, the more did her pain increase through the jealousy which she conceived.   

¶ How the Knight of the Sun returned to defend the beauty of the fair Princess Lindabrides, and what happened besides. Chapter. 33.  
AFter that the Emperor Terbatio and the knight of the Sun had betwixt them declared the whole discourse of all that which had happened, as well of the one as of the other, the Emperor was very desirous that the knight of the Sun should remain and lodge within the palace, but the knight of the Sun a●…swered, that by no means he could do to the contrary, but keep company with the princess Lindabrides, till such time as was accomplished the two months that he should defend her beauty, & at such time as he should take his leave of them, he was in a great confusion of himself, not knowing which way or how he might return unto his demand without offence unto his mistress the Princess Claridiana, whom he loved with all his heart, and being in her presence, there remained in him no memory of the princess Lindabrides. Being in this confusion within himself, not knowing what to do, the royal princess Claridiana, who was not a little joyful to see him in her presence, spoke unto him & said: It shall be very requisite (worthy knight) that you do return unto your demand, for according unto the justice that you have of the princess Lindabrides, I do think it ended. Then the knight of the Sun who was not a little joyful when he heard these words, answered saying: Sovereign Lady, my demand is brought to a conclusion, for that you have made an end thereof, getting the victory of me by the strength of your rigorous arm, in making me to acknowledge the contrary, in beholding your excellent beauty. Then the princes said, not for that I have any vantage of you in prowess, for that unto all people it is known to the contrary, and look how far you do exceed me in chivalry, so far doth the fair Princess ezcéed me in beauty, neither have I done any thing which should be the occasion to disturb you, that you go not forwards with your demand. This will not I do, except you will command me, said the knight of the Sun. And as he stood in contention, not for to go without her licence, the Princess Claridiana did 〈◊〉 great pleasure therein, although to the contrary she was so high minded, that although the worthy knight of the Sun doth defend the beauty and gentle disposition of the Princess Lindabrides, yet she received no grief for the same, because she knew very well, and unto all other it was manifest, the great advantage that she had of her, and whatsoever affection the worthy Knight of the Sun did bear unto her, was not sufficient to make her acknowledge the same. And this was the occasion that she had so great trust in the knight of the Sun. And afterwar●… it fell so out, that this confidence did bring her almost to the point of death, and she said unto him: Ualiant and worthy Knight, I shall receive great courtesy in that you do accomplish that which I have desired you, & if it be but only rejoice myself in your high and mighty Knighthood, so that you shall do me great pleasure to return unto your accustomed demand. Here with the Knight of the Sun did take his leave of her, and of the Emperor & Empress, and mounting upon his Horse, he went out of the palace with great desire to speak with the two princes Brandizel & Claverindo, who were with Florinaldus adiding his coming. So when he came into the place, he went strait unto them & lead them into a secret Chamber within the Chariot, whereas they made themselves known the one unto the other, where they embraced the one the other with great delight, as those which loved together like unto perfect friends. And with the great desire they had to see one another, they remained a great while embraced before any of them could speak, but after that they were somewhat quieted, the two Princes Brandizel and Chaveryndo did give the Knight of the Sun to understand all that ever they had passed, after such time as they were separated at the sea. And the knight of the Sun did declare the like unto them. Wherein they passed all that day till night drew on, at such time as the knight of the Sun would go and speak with the Princess. And so he took his leave of them in saying that he would return again strait ways. The two Princes and Florinaldus did remain lodged in one part of the Chariot, whereas they were provided for of all things necessary for them.  
The Knight of the Sun who went to speak with the Princess, found her in her Chamber sitting in a Chair, where she slept, and leaning her head upon her hand. There was two torches of 〈◊〉 burning in her Chamber, at the light whereof she being a sleep, seemed so fair and beautiful that the Knight of the Sun seeing her, it was the occasion that his 〈◊〉 lou●… 〈◊〉 renew again, in such sort, that he had clean forgot the Princess Claridiana, and so he stood still a good while and did beehould her, and seemed unto him that there was not the like thing to be desired in all the world, and being in this thought, the fair Princess did awake, and when thee ●…aw the Knight bée●…ore her, she was very joyful for the same, yet for all that with a very sad & 〈◊〉 semblance she spoke unto him, saying: What hath been the occasion of a thing so strange unto me, worthy Knight, that you have not come to see me all this day? My Lady and mistress (said the knight of the Sun) the renewing of acquaintance with the Emperor, and with other of my friends, hath been the occasion thereof. And the Gods doth kn●…w how I should have received much more contentment, if I had remained in your presence. My presence would little have profited you, said the Princess, for that you took so great pleasure, and rejoiced yourself in the sight of that fair Princess Claridiana. The Knight of the Sun who well understood her jealous heart, very desirous to put it away from her, said: The divine Gods hath not created your great beauty with such advantage above all the Gentlewomen in the world, that the presence of another Gentlewoman should be sufficient to give occasion that yours should be forgotten, & in especial of this your Knight, who doth thin●…k that in the heavens he should not receive rest, if your presence should fail him. With these & other like amorous words which the Knight of the Sun said unto her, the fair Princess was somewhat pacified, and forgot a great part of the suspicion she had. So these two were together a great part of the night, talking of things in which they received delight, & I am fully persuaded with myself, that if the Knight of the Sun had not returned to see the Princess Claridiana, that the memory of her would have troubled him, for that the force of her excellent beau●…y, and the sweet & amorous conversation that she had with him was such, that the knight of the Sun thought himself mos●… happy. At that time it was past midnight, and the Princess said unto the Knight of the Sun that he should go to bed, and so he took his leave of her, & returned unto his friends, and there they lodged all four together in one chamber, in four beds, whereas they slept the rest of the night which remained, till the next day, in which succeeded all that which you shall understand in the next Chapter following.   

How the Knight of the Sun did defend▪ the beauty of the Princess Lyndabrides, and how there entered into the justing place the knight of Cupid, and the king Sacridoro. Chapter 34.  
WHen the next day was come, the knight of the Sun should go forth to defend the beauty of the fair Princess Lindabrides, at such time as the great place of the Imperial city of Constantinople was garnished with very many valiant and glistering Knights, and the mighty Emperor & Empress were at the windows of the great palace. Likewise the Princess Clarichana, who was ●…hat day appareled like a Gentlewoman. Also the princess ●…indabrides was in the triumphant Chariot. So the Knight ●…f the Sun came forth armed with that precious armour, ●…ounted upon his Horse Cornerino, that all people received ●…reat contentment at his strange and gentle disposition, but 〈◊〉 especial the fair Princess Claridiana, who thought that ●…ight to be a thousand years, her desire was so great to see ●…im again. So after that this gentle Knight had advanced ●…imselfe on horseback a while, with a quiet pace he went ●…nd put himself at the li●…t, abiding the just against him what 〈◊〉 ever he were that would give the enterprise. And from that place, he cast his eyes upon the royal Princess Claridiana who was next unto the Empress, But when he saw her strange and sovereign beauty, the wound which the night past was cured and made whole, with the presence and conversation of the Princess Lindabrides, did now return and open again, in such sort, that it was requisite to procure other more difficult & stronger remedies for to cure the same. The fair & gallant princess Lindabrides did greatly fear the same, for when she saw the fair princess Claridiana, & did well co●…sider the great force of her beauty and grease, the cause did work in her effect, in such sort, that she could not receive any contentment in her sad & heavy heart. So that after it was not long when there came forth against the Knight of the Sun many Knights, and jousted with him, but in less than one hour he had brought unto the ground more than twenty Knights, of such as held themselves most valiantest & of greatest prize. And being about noon tide, on the one side of that great place, they saw entering in two Knights, of the which one of them was that worthy Knight of Cupid, & the other was the good king Sacridoro, his loyal and great friend. And for that he was known by his device, and his great fame was spread abroad in all the Empire of Greece, there arose a great rumour amongst all the people, in saying that the same was the famous Knight of Cupid, who slew the great Giant Mandroco, and how that the Knight of the Chariot had found now his equal. And all in general had great desire to see them prove their strange and mighty forces, the one against the other. And the mighty Emperor when he understood that it was th●… Knight of Cupid, he was very glad and rejoiced much a●… his coming, for that he was very desirous to know him, and to give him all the honour that such a Knight doth deserve. And turning unto the Empress Claridiana, he said You shall understand (fair Lady) that all the people tha●… are in this great place are altered, at the coming of thi●… Knight which bringeth the devise of Cupid, for that he i●… one of the best and most famous knights that hath come into this Country, and all in general hath great desire to see him prove himself with the worthy Knight of the Sun. Then the Princess Claridiana did very much béehould the Knight of Cupid, and saw that he was very big and well made, and that in all points he did resemble very much the Knight of the Sun, she said that they had great reason to give him the name and fame, as the Emperor had said. At that time as the Knight of Cupid and the king Sacridoro did enter into that great place, they did not know that the Knight of the Chariot was known to be the Knight of the Sun, for that they came then from their journey, and had travailed that day seven miles, and the Knight of Cupid had great desire to prove himself with the knight of the Chariot, as well for that he could not suffer that any knight should make defence, and say that there was a fairer Gentlewoman than his mistress, the Princess Olivia, and first before he would consent thereunto, it should cost him his life. And with this determination he passed forwards more into the place, and all people that did béehould him received great contentment. And when he came unto the Knight of the Chariot, he saluted him very courteously, and said.  
Worthy Knight, I had rather serve you, then give you any occasion of anger with battle, for that your great bounty is so notorious and manifest unto all people, yet notwithstanding your demand is of so great importance, that there is no Knight whatsoever he be, that doth know what loan is, can either suffer nor consent unto the same, ●…ill such time as he doth prove his adventure with you, for ●…lthough the Princess Lindabrides be very fair and beuti●…ull, yet there be damsels and Gentlewomen in the world ●…hat doth account themselves as fair and as beautiful as he. And I myself do serve one, that as I have justice on 〈◊〉 part for to defend her beauty, I have so great security ●…f bounty and force for to comath with you upon this de●…aund, I would not think much to take from you this enterprise. The Knight of the Sun who received great delight, did answer him and said: Sir knight, I do give you great thanks for the 〈◊〉 used, & the self same good will I have always to be at your commandment, for that the great fame which is spread abroad in this Country of your high and mighty knighthood doth constrain any good knight to have you in prize and estimation. And in that you do say of my demand, I would my gods were so pleased, that my bounty were conformable and agreeable unto the justice and right which I have of my part, and if I were sure thereof, then would I against all the Knights in the world defend the contrary, not withstanding if you do thin●…k that both in the one & in the other there is lack of my part, come let us go and make the proof thereof, for that first I will lose my life before I will leave to do all that in me lieth. When the knight of Cupid heard this, without making any more answer he turned about his Horse, & the knight of the Sun did the like, and either of them did put themselves at the list, & the knight of the Sun said unto himself: Oh high & sovereign gods, with a devout & humble heart I request your aid & help to secure me in this battle, for that I shall have to do with so famous and worthy a knight. And if it be so that you be favourable unto me, although all the Knights in this great place do help him, yet shall I not fear them. But when the Knight of Cupid did see himself before the Emperor Trebatio his father, and the Empress his mother, he did not let to say: Oh high & mighty God, the creator of all things, here I do desire thy divine majesty, who hither to in all the battles which I have made, hast given me the victory, let me not now I pray thee be forgotten nor denied of your aid and help, for that in any of them past the death should never have grieved me if I had been overcome. What happened betwixt them you shall understand in this Chapter following.   

Of the wonderful and cruel battle made beetwixt the knight of the Sun and the knight of Cupid, and of the perilous end and success thereof. Chapter 30.  
THere was great attention and silence in the great place, & at the windows of the mighty city of Constantinople, abiding to see the perilous & dangerous contention that should be beetwixt the knight of the Sun and the knight of Cupid. Then the two worthy and valiantest knights in the world struck their ●…urious Horses with their spurs, and made them to run with so great swiftness, that the ground seemed to tremble under them, & it put great admiration in all those that did behold their furious ●…estures, and the fierce end of their rigorous encounters, but especially the princess Lindabrides, who lost that roseal cou●…our of her fair face, in such sort, that she had no courage to ●…éehould the running of their swift course. These furious knights made so great haste in their long course, that when it was thought they had not begun, these valiant knights with ●…heir great & big spears did execute their encounters with 〈◊〉 great strength of their arms and puissant force of their ●…odies, that their big and long Spears being broken in ●…éeces, the shéevers thereof flew into the air, showing the 〈◊〉 of these two Knights, with so great noise and ●…umbling, as commonly the hard shingle doth by the Sea ●…oast, being thrown up by the force and strength of the ●…ormy Sea: And these two worthy knights with no less ●…ry than a Thunderbolt, passed by one another, without 〈◊〉 mention of grief received by that strong and rigo●…us encounter. Their furious Horses had scarce made an 〈◊〉 of their long course, when that with strange lightness 〈◊〉 turned their horses about, almost as swift as the air, ●…awing out their fine cutting swords, and with a trise, their light Horses were togther, and they struck both together the one at the other such blows, that warding it with their sheelds, they were both of them cloven a sunder in the midst, and their swords descended upon their Helms with so great force and strength, that both of them declined their heads, as though they had done reverence the one unto the other, like brethren as they were. And when they saw that in their shields there was no defence, the rest that remained of them they ●…hrew off their arms to the ground, and with with their swords in both their hands, they began to strike one another, in such sort, that it seemed they could not endure one quarter of an hour, but that these valiant Knights should be cut all to pieces in this perilous battle, for that their strong blows were far out of measure, and although their armour, for that they were the best in all the world, it did defend them that they could not be wounded, yet for all that the great force and weight of their mighty blows did all to bruise their flesh and bones, but yet these worthy Knights did not faint any thing at all, but rather their fury and force did the more increase, and were so furious in this their wonderful battle, and their blows so thick, that scarcely they could be perceived, but the Knight of the Sun struck the knight of Cupid such a blow upon his rich and strong helm, that he made the fire to fly out thereat in great abundance, the which took away the sight of his eyes, and did deprive him somewhat of his feeling. And as the Knight of the Sun would have doubled another blow upon him, the Knight of Cupid was wholly come again to himself, and before he could discharge the same, he made his light horse to leap on the one side, in such sort▪ that his blow was strooken in vain, with so great forc●… and strength, that he had fallen down to the ground afte●… his sword, if he had not sustained himself by the pommel of his saddle, but this blow was not so soon discharged when the Knight of Cupid entered in with his Horse, an●… with both his hands he struck the Knight of the Sun 〈◊〉 strong a blow upon his Heime, that he deprived him alt●…gether of his feeling, & made him to lose his stirrups, and the bridle of his horse. And the furious horse being tormented with that mighty blow, did somewhat apart himself from that place, whereas they made their battle. The emperor Trobatio, & the Princess Claridiana, was greatly amazed, when they saw the Knight of the Sun, brought into that estate. Likewise the precious Princess Lindabrides out of her triumphant Chariot, with great sorrow & grief, did behold the same. But all this did not endure long, for that the Knight of Cupid for all the haste that he made could not come to double upon him, so soon as the valiant Knight of the Sun, was come again unto himself, & recovered his bridle & stirrups. And full of mortal courage, being to the presence of his Ladies, & by one all only Knight to be so ill entreated, he lift up his strong arms, with his sword in both his hands, and spurred forwards his furious Horse, with so great wrath, that all them that did behold him, were greatly amazed: & coming unto the Knight of Cupid he struck him such a right down blow with so great force & strength, that he made him to decline and stoop with his head down to the horse neck, & the blood ran out at his ears and nose, and out of all feeling, he rested with his breast on his saddle bow. And his horse carried him from the one place to the other, in such sort that it seemed that he had in him no life, till such time as within a little space he came again unto himself: and sée●…ng himself in that sort used, with great grief he began ●…o say: Oh sovereign God, who hath been my ●…ider and ●…uccourer, in all battles past, which I have sustained and 〈◊〉 the victory of brave and furious Giants, and valiant Knights, now I do most heartily desire thee, at this present ●…o be favourable unto me, for I do acknowledge and con●…esse, that with out thy help, I shall not be able to make my ●…efence against this courageous Knight: for that he is the 〈◊〉 that in all my life I have proved. And do not con●…ent my God, that I be overcome, before my parents, and ●…efore I do give myself to be known, except it be by the knight of the Sun my brother. And in saying these words, the valiant knight of Cupid, struck his furious horse with the spurs, & returned upon the knight of the Sun, & with so courageous force, he struck so terrible a blow, with his hands, upon his rich & precious helm, that the sound thereof was heard through all the City of Constantinople, & was charged so much therewith, that he thought verily that his eyes and all the teeth in his head were broken, by the great abundance of blood that issued out from the lasing of his helm. And his horse Cornerino, did founder under him, with the great force and weight of the same blow, & so remained a good while, & could not arise, till such time as the Knight of the Sun with great fury did quicken him with his spurs: & said within himself, that with great reason the Knight of Cupid was so praised in the court, for that there was never Knight or Giant, that ever did bring him into that extremity. So there again these valiant warriors did return unto their battle, with so furious braveness, that all those which did behold them, were greatly amazed, musing how that two human bodies could endure so long, and suffer so great torment. And with great reason they said, that those two knights was the flower of all the knights in the world.  
The Emperor Trebatio being very much amazed to see the knight of the Sun in that extremity, he said unto the princes Claridiana. Oh who had seen the high & mighty knighthood that was done by the knight of the Sun in the Island of Lindaraza, upon the monstrous giants & wild beasts, & the great prows done against so many worthy knights, as well in this court, as in other places, that seemed to be done by some divine providence, rather than by any human knight. And now to see him in so great danger to be overcome by one alone Knight, surely it is a strange thing, & to be wondered at. Of a truth, said the fair princes, they which have not seen, cannot well believe it, but yet it seemeth unto me that the knight of Cupid should be such a Knight, that wher●… he is known he is had in the like reputation, as the knight of the Sun is with you.  
In this time the valiant knights never seized, neither were they weary, although more than two hours they combated together, but seemed rather with more force & fury, then at the beginning, they did persever in the strong battle, striking the one the other with so great fury, that many times their heavy blows did astony them, as well the one as the other, & brought them both unto the point to be overcome.  
Which was the occasion that their stout couragiss did gather more strength, & their strong arms the more force: & made either of them to think, that it were better to be slain then to be overcome, before them, whom they did combatte, which was the occasion, that their battle was of a great deal more force than at the beginning. And again, if their horses had not been the best in all the world, they could not have carried them, neither have suffered the great travail, which their masters put them unto, with entering in, & retiring back, with the Arong & heavy blows which they received, & the light leaps & springs which they gave, forced by their sharp spurs was sufficient to have wearied them: but by reason that their horses were so good, & their armour so sure, all the state of the battle remained in the force & ●…he strength of the knights. And by reason, that either of them was suffiently furnished therewith, was the occasion that the battle went in such sort, that betwixt them there was not known any vantage.  
And as the Knight of the Sun at that time did behold the fair Princess Lindabrides, and saw her to be so sad and lost all her colour, he suspected the occasion to be in the peril of the battle. With a new fury, and double force, he struck so mighty a blow at the Knight of Cupid, that he thought ve●…ily with that alone blow, to have finished the battle, for that his arms did hang lash down, & his head upon his horse neck, & he without remembrance, in such sort that his Horse carried him about that great place, and all men did look when he would have fallen from his Horse to the ground.  
And for that the Knight of the sun did think that he had been dead, he did leave to follow him. But yet he had not concluded to give a compass round about with his Horse, in sign of victory, when the good Knight of Cupid was wholly come again to himself, & was settled in his saddle, and recovering his sword which he had lost by the strength of that blow with great fury he spurred his great and furious Horse, & went towards the knight of the Sun, and settling himself upon his stirrups, he struck him such a blow upon the shoulder, that if his enchanted armour had not been such, without all doubt, he had cloven him unto the Horse saddle. But by reason that they were so strong, his sword made no more sign on him, then if he had stroke upon an anfield of steel. Yet for all that the knight of the Sun was so charged with that blow, that if he had not embraced himself about his horse neck, he had fallen down unto the ground.  
Oh how great was the wrath which the knight of the Sun received, in seeing himself brought into so great extremity, before the royal and beautiful Princes Claridiana, and the fair princess Lindabrides. It caused the fury of his mortal blows to double, and to be angry with himself, for that one alone Knight should so long endure against him.  
But what did all his wrath and fury profit him, for that he had to do with that strong and worthy Rosicleer, the very same who next unto him, was the best Knight in all the world. And the same, that if all the Knights in that place should move attempt against him, his valiant and courageous heart should not fail him one jot. And seeing himself before the Emperor his Father, and the Empress his Mother, if he got no●… the victory of the battle, it would utterly discourag●… him to come any more into their Court and presence which caused him to execute these rigorous blows, with so great force, that it made the knight of the Sun, to wonder at his great strength. At this time the one was known so well to the other, that the end of the battle was very doubtful, for that the greatest part of the day was past, wherein the valiant & worthy knights had combated, & no less vantage to be judged betwixt them then at the beginning. At which the Emperor & the princess & all the rest of the knights & Ladies that were in the palace, very much marveled, and said that the knight of the Sun had met with his match. Likewise the valiant king Sacridoro, for that he knew the great force & strength of the Knight of Cupid, was greatly amazed that the knight of the Sun, should so long endure with him, & said unto himself: Surely not without great reason the high bounty of the knight of the Chariot is extolled, that he alone doth maintain himself against him, that the savage people of the enchanted fountain could not endure one half hour, and against him that the fierce Tiger and monstrous Giant, which were keepers of the Prince Lusindo, could not make any resistance. And in saying these words he desired God of his goodness to grant the victory unto his perfect friend, for that before the Emperor Terbatio & Empress Briana, his father and mother, he might not be disgraced, which would be the occasion that he should never come more before them. In this time the blows of these two valiant Knights were so rigorous, that all those which did behold them were greatly amazed, and two miles about that place was the noise of their blows heard as though it had been thunder, putting the hearers in great fear, and the lookers one waxed weary, but they seemed with new force to begin the battle again. So in this sort these valiant Knights did persever in their rigorous battle, without any ceasing, but still executing their terrible blows the one upon the other, till more than six hours were past since the beginning of their combat, and it seemed that the Sun would separate the battle, for that she began to withdraw herself into the occidental Regions. At this time it seemed unto the knight of Cudid, that in all that day he had done very little, and that the day was almost spent, being very angry with himself, he said.  
Oh lazy & cowardly knight of Cupid, with what face canst thou come into the presence of the emperor Trebatio, & acknowledge him to be thy father, seeing that in his presence one Knight hath brought thee into this extremity. Is it possible that I am that same Rosicleer, who in the court of the king Oliverio pushed out of their saddles so many knights & giants, & he who always thought that there was none but he that was worthy to put his thought & care upon the princess Olivia. Now do I see that I have no reason to blame that princess for entreating me so evil, for that with one alone knight I cannot defend the justice of her great beauty. What is become of that great hardiness wherewith I attemted the enchanted cave of Aridon, & the mighty force wherewith I did overcome those two furious beasts? Certainly I do believe that all is lost and gone, for that I cannot now make resistance against one knight: It is possible that I am that Knight of Cupid, that in all the battles that he hath attempted in his life time got the victory? No surely, for that by one alone Knight I am at the point to be overcome. Now I do see that from this day forwards I must die without all hope of any remedy for my sorrow and grief, for that I am impotent, & do lack my force & strength for to revenge me of the prince Don Siluerio, & the occasion I hoped to have given, that the princess Olivia should have understood of her error: Oh my loyal, true, & perfect friend king Sacridoro, what reason was it that did move thee for to throw thyself into that profound & deep fountain of the Savages, and again, for to leave thy loving wife & natural kingdom, for to bear & keep company with a Knight, who before thy presence is at the point by one alone knight to be overcome. And you Bargandel & Liriamandro, with the Tartarian Zoylo with what reason have you left your mighty kingdoms, & tyavile in the world to seek Rosicleer, your great friend, having other which doth overpass him very much: Oh knight of▪ the Sun where is now your singular bounty, and in what place have you travailed the you have not met with this Knight, whereby might have been excused this great reproach that your brother doth look to receive this day: Oh how it ●…oth grieve me not for to know you, for that I shall not be able to say that I am your brother.  
At the same time the knight of the Sun, with no less sorrow & grief, said unto himself.  
Oh weak & cowardly knight, how much doth it stand thee in hand from this day forwards to lose the name of the Snn, for that all those which hath been by thee overcome under that name, do account thee for a coward & of little force, seeing thee by one alone knight to be brought unto this perplexity. Is it possible that I am he that had so much courage, & was so hardy as to set my mind on two of the most highest damsels in all the world: Of a truth if I be the same with great reason I ought to receive of them my payment for this my great folly, in considering what they are, & I at the point to be overcome in their presence. Oh royal princess Claridiana, how may you think yourself mocked, that coming from so far countries only for to see the wonderful deeds of the knight of the Sun, whose fame was so spread throughout all the world. And in the first battle which you have seen him to make, you do see with the blows of one alone knight brought out of his remembrance many times, & his horse to carry him as a thing dead throughout the field. How can I from this day forwards without great shame come before you, having received me for your knight, and cannot in your presence defend your rare and singular beauty.  
With what reason and boldness dare I before the Empress bind myself unto your service, seeing that in so short time I have found my equal. What reason is there to the contrary, that you being in the most extremity of all the damsels in the world that likewise he to be the most valiantest amongst all knights, that durst be so bold to set his mind on you.  
So these valiant Knights saying these & other words unto themselves, did so much animate their courageous stomachs, that eight hours▪ were past since the beginning of their rigorous battle, & at that time their wonderful blows seemed to be with more force & strength, and their horses with their great & continual labour waxed weary, but these two valiant knights at that time seemed to fight with new force & strength, & never ceased striking one another such terrible blows, that the standers by had their ears filled with the sound of their fine tempered armour, and were so greatly amazed to see the great travail that they suffered in that bartaile, & likewise to see with what great force & strength they did execute the same, in the end of long time that they had endured, & seemed that there was never done by them the like prowess nor activity, as was done at that prelent, as truth was, for that neither of them in all their lives was ever brought into the like extremity or peril, as they were in this battle, nor never had the like fear to be overcome. But the great shame & reproach, with the jealousy of their honour, did so much touch either of them, that it made them without feeling any travail to procure all that in them lay for to get the victory, or eel to die in the demand. So at this time the golden Diana began to show her light in the oriental Regions, and the worthy Knight of Cudid not esteeming his own life, if he should not get the victory of the Knight of the Sun, with both his hands, raising himself in his stirops, he struck him so terrible a blow, that it did deprive him of his understanding, & made him to fall backwards upon the back of the saddle, that his head touched the horse crupper, and his weary Horse carried him about that great place, in such sort, that all those which saw him, thought that he had been dead. But when the Princess Claridiana did see him in that plight, her blood waxed could within her body, and being sore troubled, she asked the Emperor if he were dead or no, but he was at that wonderful blow so troubled, that he had no power at all for to answer her, but whosoever at this time had seen the face of the fair Princess Lindabrides, would have known by her colour the great love that she did bear unto him, but at such time as the Knight of the Sun did come again unto himself, there was never Lion nor furious beast more outrageous than he was, and considering the great danger and peril that he was in, his out ragious heart was so full of mortal anguish, with unmeasurable wrath, that he struck his light horse with the Spurs, and crushed his teeth together, that it seemed sparks of fire proceeded from his eyes, and like unto a whirl wind he ran towards the Knight of Cupid, who seeing him recovered again, made likewise against him with so great fury, that the ground where his Horse did run seemed to tremble: Oh how great was the fear which the fury of these valiant knights caused in them that did behold their mortal wrath, coming the one against the other, terrifying their understanding to abide the end of their mortal blows. I do believe certainly that there was not one knight in all that place, of what force and strength so ever he was, that seeing the fury of those valiant knights, but he would have been terrified, neither was there any friend, although he had been fully satisfied of the bounty of any of them, but would have prayed unto God for them, seeing them in that great peril. The Emperor Trebatio, with the great love that he bore unto the Knight of the Sun, and the desire that he had to know the knight of Cupid, received no less fear than all the rest, and said.  
Oh mighty God, thou who madest these Knights of nothing, I pray and desire thee to aid and secure them, and let them not execute their great wrath the one upon the other, neither do not permit that the Knight of the Sun be slain before he do acknowledge thy great power, and turn unto thy laws, that his soul be not condemned to immortal pain. So the swift course of their furious Horses joined their encounters, and the two wrathful Knights raising themselves in their stirrups, pretending to make an end of their long and doubtful battle, with the extremity of all their force and strength, they struck one another with so great wrath upon their fine Helms, that although the fine edges of their mighty cutting swords could not enter nor cut their enchanted armour, yet these valiant Knights were so overlaid with the great might and power of their blows, that the knight of Cupid was constrained to decline himself on the one side, and therewith he fell down to the ground, whereas he lay, and moved neither hand nor foot, but was as one that were dead, and the invincible knight of the Sun by the force of the blow was clean void of any understanding, and had likewise fallen to the ground if Fortune had not favoured him, that he fell forwards upon the saddle bow, that his head touched the Horse neck, and his arms hung down on both sides, and voided great abundance of blood out of his mouth & eyes, in▪ such sort, that they thought him likewise to be as dead as the Knight of Cupid, and his horse being tormented with that terrible blow did founder under him, and remained without any moving, as though the bones of his legs had been broken. At which sight all those that were in that great place, received so great sorrow and grief at the extremity of these two valiant Knights, that thinking they had been dead, they lamented as though they had been their natural brethren. But the Princess Lindabrides when she saw her Knight in that estate, not having any power to resist so mortal a grief, had not the power to govern herself, but fell in a sound, & had fallen out of her Chair whereas she sat, if her Gentlewomen had not been, who seeing her in that case, took her in their arms, and carried her into her closet, and laid her upon her bed, whereas she had more semblance to be dead, then as one having any life.  
Likewise the Princess Claridiana, with no less pain and grief did behold her knight, who with the mightiness of her courageous heart did make resistance against that amorous thought which love caused within her. Who with no less sorrow and grief when he saw the Knights in this extremity, and as though he had known them to be his sons, he withdrew himself from the window, & descended down into the great place, accompanied with many Knights, he went whereas these knights were, and found that they were compassed about with their perfect friends, the two Princes and the king Sacridoro, who lamented with great abundance of tears, and caused their Helms to be pulled of, and to throw water in their faces, thinking therewith and with the air▪ they would come again to themselves, but all was in vain that they did, for that there was in them no other sign, but as though they had been stark dead. For which occasion & with dolorous grief the Emperor commanded them to be carried unto his Royal Palace, and caused their armour to be taken off, and to be laid in several beds, which was in two quadrants, very richly hanged, joining the one unto the other.  
Then were called together the best Hhisitions and Surgeons that were in all the whole city of Constantinople, who did behold and peruse them very well, & told unto the Emperor that they were not dead, although they were in great peril of their lives. Who being somewhat comforted thereby, commanded that forthwith their faces should be washed and made clean, that were all to be rayed with boold, and swollen, and did not a little marvel in their minds when they saw the great beauty of the Knight of Cupid, and the small quantity of years which he seemed to have. And how that he resembled very much the Knight of the Sun, and he had so great love unto both those Knights, that he would have given half his estate to have seen them out of that great peril. So after the Physicians and Surgeons had well perused them, they found that the greatest evil which they had, was weariness of their bodies, and all their bones and flesh bruised, by the mighty force of their terrible blows. So they ministered unto them very sweet and comfortable ointments, and all that was necessay for them and most convenient, and commanded that every man should departed from thence and let them alone, that they might sleep and take their rest, with only two Pages, which were in another chamber there by with great silence, that whensoever these knights should come unto themselves they should call the Physicians and Surgeons. In this time there was not a knight in the city of Constantinople, neither in that great place, nor in their Tents in the field, as well strangers and Country men, that did occupy themselves in any other communication, but in the wonderful and timorous battle of these two Knights, and of their mighty blows, particularly every thing as it was, and said, that there was never seen in all the world such like contention betwixt two knights, with so great strength, force, and peril, neither was any Damsel or Gentlewoman that saw the peril of these two Knights, but did very much lament the same, and said, that if these two Knights did die, that the flower of all knighthood in the world was finished and ended. But in this time what did those two Princes Brandizel and Claveryndo and his very friend Florinaldus? Surely no other thing all that night but lament for their very friend the Knight of the Sun, and making so great sorrow, that it would have moved any to have had compassion that should have heard them. But what shall I say of that valiant and worthy King Sacridoro, his perfect friend, that when the night was come, he found himself all alone in that great place, without the company of his very friend the Knight of Cupid, and not knowing where to lodge himself, surely his sorrow and grief was such, that if he thought to find his friend the Knight of Cupid in the profound depth of the sea, he would have thrown himself therein, as he did into the deep fountain of the savage people, for to take revengement on that monster who carried his friend away. So he went forth of the City, and being in the fields he did alight from his horse, & laid himself down upon the green grass, whereas he passed away all that night, with great lamentation, béewayling the misfortune of his perfect friend. The history doth not declare any thing of the fair Princess Lindabrides, but that she passed all that night in sorrow and grief. But he saith that the princess Claridiana when she was alone in her chamber, there was no sufficiency in the highness of her estate, neither in the generosity of her courageous heart, for to draw her from the lamenting of the misfortune of her knight, in such sort, that all the night she did no other thing but shed abundance of tears which ran down by her Crystal cheeks, and spoke such lamentable and sorrowful words, that it seemed her life could not have endured till the next day, if it had not pleased God to have given remedy therein, as in the next Chapter shall be declared.   

How the knight of the Sun and the knight of Cupid, were come again unto themselves, & how they were known to be brethren by a marvelous means. Chapter 36.  
NOw was the time come that the universal creator and maker of all this, would that these strange marvels should be manifest unto all men, and that the great travails and biter complaints of the Empress Briana should come to an end, his divine providence doth so ordain all things, that at such time as the loss of the Greek Princes was very certain unto them, and that there was great suspicion and doubt in the lives of the two worthy Knights of the Sun and of Cupid, at that time were the lost princes found again, and these famous knights clear of their peril, and known to be sons unto their royal fathers, for that with more honour they might celebrate the triumphs and feasts of their natural Princes. So after that this rigorous & furious battle was ended, about midnight the knight of the Sun came unto himself and awaked out of his long and heavy place. And when he was well settled in his remembrance, he called so mind the passed battle, but seeing himself naked & alone in that bed, with a torch burning in the quadran, ●…e strait way suspected what it should be, and thought verily that the knight of Cupid had got the victory, & he overcome. Whereat he received so great sorrow and grief, that he though it better to be dead then to remain with life, and was the occasion that he fell again in a sound, and so remained more than one hour, at which time he returned again unto himself, with mortal anguish and inward grief, he said.  
Oh false and deceivable Gods, how much have you been by me honoured and worshipped, now I do béeleeve that your sect is false & evil, and all we which do believe therein, we do err and are out of the right way. How could your divine providence (if you have any above men) permit & suffer that he who in this world was no less esteemed than you in the heavens, to be by one Christian before so high and mightte Princes & knights brought to be overcome. Wherefore hath it been said that your high and divine power was very much extended upon the knight of the Sun, and now by one enemy of your law is come to be destroyed? Wherefore did you put into him more higher estate and prowess then ever was in any other Knight, & now so soon to come unto reproach and shame. Oh how convenient it is that I die, or else to go whereas I shall never more be seen, rather than with so great reproach to come unto the Court of the Emperor Trebatio.  
Oh Princess Claridiana, wherefore would you by the rigorous force of your arm that the Knight of the Chariot was known to be the knight of the Sun, that now in so short time the high renown and fame of his great valiantness is lost: Oh how much better it had been for me to have been flame, being the knight of the Chariot, than now being known to be the Knight of the Sun, to be overcome and lose the victory, for that whatsoever had chanced under this name of the Chariot, should not with so great reason have received the reproach. Oh how much better and more acceptable had it been for me, to have been some base and towardly Knight, and not by so high and mighty deeds by me done, which caused in me so much pride, for to put my mind upon the most highest damsels in all the world. From this day forwards it doth not béehoove me to come in their presence, but procure my death, or else to go whereas they shall here after never hear of my name.  
And in saying these words he received so great courage, that he blasphemed against his Gods, calling them false diceivers, making an oath to destroy all such Idols and Temples of theirs as were in that Country. And with great fury he arose out of his bed, and went seeking of his armour round about the Chamber, with determination for to departed from thence whereas they should never hear any news of him. So when he saw that in all that Quadran he could not find his armour, for that the Emperor had commanded them to be laid up and kept, by the light of a Torch that was in another Quadran, he went thither to look for his armour, but at such time as he would have entered in thereat, he heard a Knight which did greatly complain himself which lay in another bed, and for to hear his ●…orrowful complaint, he stayid himself without at the door.  
This was the Knight of Cupid, who being come again ●…nto himself, with great grief and sorrow was ready ●…o burst to see himself alone and unarmed in that place, béeléeving that the knight of the Chariot had overcome him, and the Emperor had commanded him to be brought thither to be cured, and amongst many other things he said thus.  
Oh heavy and uncomfortable Knight of Cupid, what misfortune did move thy desire to come and seek the Court of the Emperor Trebatio, for to see the great marvels of the Knight of the Chariot, for that therein thou hast been so feeble & faint, so that it doth not béehoove thee by no means, to acknowledge thyself unto the one to be his son, neither to go & seek the other to acknowledge him to be thy brother. How dare I be so bold as to say that I am son unto the Emperor Trebatio, who is the highest & mightiest Emperor in all the world, or for to say that I am brother unto the knight of the Sun, he being the flower of all knighthood in the world, and to be overcome by another & not by him? Oh sorrowful Rosicleer, how much doth it profit thee to go whereas thou mayst never more be seen, and not to come any more in the company of men, seeing at such time as thy fame was most spread in the world, fortune hath given thee so great a fall: Oh Princes and Knights of the world, how many of you hath been by me overcome, from this day forwards you need not to speak any more of the Knight of Cupid, for that all his honour & victory is transported unto the Knight of the Chariot: Oh Princess of England, my heart is not now so sad, as yours may rejoice and be glad. And if you have forgotten Rosicler, I have no reason to complain, for you being the most precious Damsel in the world, you have no reason to have in estimation a Knight that so quickly is overcome and shamed: What revengement can I take now of the Prince Don Siluerio, of whom the Princess Olivia hoped for to frustrate, and make satisfaction of her error: Where is now all her confidence, seeing that first I am overcome, what hope shall I have of any victory: Oh valiant and worthy Knight of the Sun, what is become of your sovereign bounty, that you hau● not met with this knight of the Chariot. Certainly I do believe, that it should have gone otherwise with you, them with this sorrowful Knight of Cupid, your brother Oh haw from this day forwards, may you be without all good hope for to know your royal parents, for that there is none that doth know who they are but I alone. It doth accomplish me first to die, then for to discover it so greatly unto my shame. In saying these & many other words, this sorrowful knight would have risen up from his bed, to have departed from thence. But when the knight of the Sun had well understood all that was said, he was the most joyfulest man in all the world, & so naked as he was, he entered into the quadran, & with his arms abroad went towards him & said: Oh my Lord and perfect friend Rosicler, what fortune is this unto me, that without knowing you▪ I have been by your rigorous blows so ill entreated, in such sort, that without any remembrance I was almost at the point of death. behold here your friend the knight of the Sun, the same, who in the Island of the false giant, before that I did know you, I got the battle, for to secure that fair damsel. Behold me here, I am the knight of the Chariot, with whom yester day you made the stout & perilous battle, who according unto the entertainment that he had of you, it had been better that you had first known him to be the Knight of the Sun, so should I not have received so much damage. And here I do desire you that if you ●…oe know any thing of my progeny, to let me understand thereof, for behold I am the Knight of the Sun. And for that you shall the better believe that I do say, behold here the mark that I have upon my body, for being borne with the ●…ame, I was called by this name, of the Sun, at which time ●…s I was found at the sea in a small boat, by Florion. And in ●…aying these words▪ he did open his shirt at his breast, & did how the sign of the Sun, which was upon his right side.  
So when Rosicler had well understood, what the worthy Knight of the Sun had said, and knowing him by his face, and by the sign of the Sun on his body. He saw before him the present romedy, of all his sorrow, which was such, & of so great force, that never in all his life he received the like. And again, in knowing his brother the knight of the Sun, he received so great joy and pleasure, and was so glad, that as one half amazed and from himself, he embraced him, and so remained a good while without any power to speak, not knowing whether it was of a truth that which he had seen, or some false vision with the which many times he hath be●… deluded.  
But after many amorous and comfortable words of the knight of the Sun, he was fully certified, and put out of all doubt, & returned a new to embrace him, shedding many salt tears, which distilled down his breast, he said as followeth.  
Oh divine power & majesty of him that the heavens and earth doth govern, how have I deserved so great merit, that at such time as I was in the greatest favour of fortune, I was upon a sudden brought unto the estate to be over thrown down into the pit: And by thee I am reserved & comforted, & have attained to know him to be my brother, which is the most famous knight in all the world, whom I thought to be my great and mortal enemy.  
Oh my Lord and knight of the Sun, acknowledge this knight of Cupid, which is the same Rosicleer, who you going in the small bark at the Island of the giant, did deliver from death: & although I do not deserve so great a benefit, yet I give you to understand that I am your brother, and both borne at one time & at one birth, of the high & mighty empress Briana, at such time as she was at the Monestary of the River: being with child, by our high & mighty father the Emperor Trebatio And by a misfortune which happened unto the nurse, who did nourish bring and us up for her own children, you were lost in a small boat, which by the furious force of a mighty deep▪ & perilous River, and with the swift course thereof, you were carried into the main sea, and there was tossed up & down▪ till such time as you were found by Florion, the Prince of Persia.  
The two pages which was in another quadran hard by to watch them▪ with the noise which the Knight of the Sun did make at such time as he arose out of his bed, they did awake, & heard all that passed betwixt the two Knights: who being almost from themselves with the great joy & pleasure they received, they took a torch that was light in that quadran, & without making themselves ready, they went running unto the place whereas the Emperor Trebatio & the empress Briana lay, & were a sleep. And never rested knocking & giving great blows at the door, till such time as they were answered by the guard, that kept them. And the pages in great haste willed them to open the door, for that they brought unto the Emperor, the most joyfulest news that ever in all his life he received.  
The guard who did know the pages by their speech being very much amazed thereat, did open the door, and they without any staying, went in with the burning torch in their hands, whereas the Emperor & the empress were a sleep, and with a high and loud voice, they said: Oh high & mighty Emperor Trebatio, and you sovereign Empress Briana, arise up from your beads, and you shall see the knight of the sun and the knight of Cupid alive. And by the great providence of God, they are known to be brethren. The one is the gentleman of the Sun, and the other is Rosicler, both your lost sons.  
So when the Emperor Trebatio and the Empress Briana heard that news of so great joy and pleasure, without any more tarrying, they arose out of their beds, and covered themselves with certain mantels, which were very rich, and in great hast they forthwith went ●…nto the quadran or lodging whereas they left them. So when the Empress came unto their lodging, she did behold ●…he crystalline face of Rosicleer, who did know the same, although she had not seen him of long time: & again, he was very much grown in bigness of his body & person.  
But when she was fully certified that to be most true which was told her, without tarrying for the Emperor she ran unto him, & did embrace him with great love & joy, and took him out of the arms of the knight of the Sun, who was in his shirt, & embraced with him. But the great joy, which the Empress received, to have him in her arms, was such, that she had no power to speak in a great space. But in the end, with shedding of great abundance of tears, she did reprehend him, for being so long away from her. In this time, the Emperor came & did embrace the knight of the Sun, with so great pleasure, that scarcely he could keep himself upright. Who when he saw the Emperor, he kneeled down before him, & asked of him his hands for to kiss them, & said: It may please your highness to give unto me your hands, as unto the knight of the Sun, your faithful servant, where with I may wholly & entirely rejoice myself, & enjoy that great benefit, which the high gods, this night hath permitted that I should know for father, him whom unto their divine power doth make equal. The knight of the Sun, had no●… more time for to speak, for that the Emperor did embrace●… him, & made him to arise from the ground, & kissed him with great love, as much for that he was the knight of the Sun as for that he knew him to be his child.  
And in shedding many tears, which ran down by thei●… cheeks, for great joy, he embraced him again, & said. Oh 〈◊〉 loyal & faithful friend, and loving son, with what word●… shall I give thanks, unto my sovereign Lord & god, for th●… great benefit which he hath showed unto me, this night, t●… acknowledge myself to be father unto him who is the fl●… were of all knighthood in the world, & without knowing hi●… to be son, is the only person that I most loved an●… made account of in all the world. Surely I know n●… what to say, but to receive it for so great a merit, that it seemeth unto me that I do lack force and strength for to conceive it, In this time the pleasant & amorous words which passed betwixt the fair Empress Briana & her son Rosicler, was with so great joy & pleasure, & they received so great contentment, that I know not whereto to compare it, but unto that joy which the Emperor Trebatio & the Empress Briana received, when they met together in the monastery of the River, after long time that the Emperor was absent. So with this sovereign joy the Empress did not remember the knight of the Sun, till such time as Rosicler said: May it please your highness to speak unto my brother the Knight of the Sun, & to acknowledge him for the best son that ever was borne of mother. Then the Empress all astonied & amazed, as one awaked out of her sleep upon a sudden, she left Rosicler & went unto the knight of the Sun, who was still in his shirt, & at the opening of his shirt before, she did see the sign of the Sun that was on his breast, whereat she received so great joy & pleasure, that if the Emperor had not been who did sustain her, she had fallen down unto the ground. Then the knight of the Sun did kneel down before her, & took her hands & kissed them very often, till such time as she being ravished with joy, threw her arms about his neck, & fell down upon him, and kissing him on that fair face, with a terrible sigh of great love she said.  
Oh Knight of the Sun, the loyal and perfect friend of my Lord the emperor Trebatio, how shall I now rejoice myself in this great benefit which my Lord God hath showed unto me, to have the knowledge of so worthy a son, if the fear which I have of Fortune do not disturb me, in remembering the solitary life which I lead, and reloycing myself in your childhood and with what sudden change Fortune did carry you away from me. Likewise the great sorrow and grief which I received for your love was such, that as yet I am not perfect in myself, neither can I believe that in one who was environed with so great sorrow & bitter anguish, should receive so great mirth and joy, so that in the remembrance of all troubles past, if it should not be rejoiced with this present joy, to mitigate the fury thereof, my feminine force & strength were not iufficient to suffer the fury of this great pleasure the which is come unto me, in acknowledging such a valiant & worthy knight to be my son: Oh how now do I give great thanks unto my God, for the travails & troubles, which your loss & the absence of my Lord the Emperor hath caused unto me, seeing that I am now paid with so high a gift, & joyful reward. Saying these & many other words, the Empress Briana had the knight of the Sun so fast embraced in her arms, with her face joining unto his, that he had no power to make any answer. And for that these two brethren were still in their shirts, the pages which were nigh them in the quadran, had belonging unto them two mantles, wherewith they did cover themselves, & the Knight of Cupid with the greatest pleasure that ever he felt in all his life, went & kneeled down before the Emperor & said.  
Let it please your sovereign highness to know me the Knight of Cupid, who hath not received small travail for your absence, & for the loss of my brother the Knight of the Sun, in seeking of you both in strange Countries, very far & aparted from these countries, although it was not in so ample manner, as was requisite to the service of my Lord the Emperor Trebatio, for that at that time we had him rather for an enemy then for a Father, but for the accomplishment of that which I was bound unto my Lady the Empress. And for to know who was the occasion that my Lady the Empress should lead so strait & solitary a life, which she maintained in the monastery of the River, which was a thing that touched me very much. But now knowing the occasion & ground thereof, I do not marvel so much, but only how she could sustain herself & live one moment without his presence And again if she had not said that he was called the prince Edward, I do believe that she would not have been deceined, & being innocent, she did not mistrust any such deceit.  
So vath no less joy and pleasure then unto the knight of the Sun, the Emperor did embrace him, & made him to arise from the ground & said: Oh my son Rosicleer, how it seemeth unto me that you were not content, neither received any pleasure at this deceit or policy, as you do say I used with the Empress your mother, but in consideration of the fruit that I received in doing the same, I may compare it unto your lo●… suffering & being quiet, & delating of the time that I could not receive the great joy & pleasure that I should in the acknowledging of such a Sun. Tell me for God's love, what hath been the occasion that you have refrained yourself so long time, & delated to give me this sovereign joy which now I do receive: if it before the deceit & policy which I used with the Empress your mother. The fruit which proceeded thereof is sufficient to excuse that error done, if it had been of greater importance, but what reason have I to excuse myself from the occasion that made me to do it. Then Rosicleer not a little abashed at that which the Emperor had said unto him, answered: If the overplus o●… the reason which I have to rejoice me in the acknowledging of such a father. I had to encourage me, to public myself for his son. Then had your highness reason to blame me, in the detaining myself so long herein. And because I do find myself not worthy to deserve so great a benef●…, I did make detraction thereof, till this time should supply the great lack which was in my valour. So that your highness may of truth understand, that all that which happened unto me by the Knight of the Sun my brother, had been done by some other Knight. First I would have consented to the death, then with so great shame to have acknowledged myself to be son unto such parents. The Emperor would very ●…ayne have answered Rosicler, but that the Empress and the knight of the Sun came unto them, & altogether they did a new embrace each other, in such sort, that they had no time for to speak, & the joy & pleasure was so much in the Empress Briana, that she was almost from herself, & could not well satisfy her eyes in the beholding of her sons, & showed unto the emperor the signs▪ tokens which they had upon their breasts, & brought them into the world at their birth. So that betwixt them there passed a great discourse of many things, which did greatly augment their joy & pleasure, of all that had happened unto them, that if I should here make particular relation, I should never make an end, therefore to avoid tediousness I do let it pass, it is sufficient that the readers here of do understand the great reason, as well of the parents as of the children, for to recoice themselves of this new & sudden pleasure. In this time it was published throughout all the palace, these good & strange news, & the noise & rushing was so great amongst them with the hast they made for to go & see their new princes, that all the whole city was in a rumour & tumult, suspecting that it had been some other thing, & was the occasion that there resorted much people unto the Palace, in so great abundance, tha●… he palace was full, & coul●… no more enter. Likewise the st●…s had so great press, that one could scarce pass by another. But when it was known unto all people of the acknowledging of their new princes, there was so great pleasure amongst them, that in a short time all the whole City was so lightsome, as at noon days with the great light of Bonfires & Torches that was in every street thereof, with many pastimes & new inventions of so great mirth, that it seemed that there were joined together all the pastimes and pleasures in the world. The royal Princess Claridiana was not the last that came for to see these new Princes, for that so soon as she heard of the great joy which was caused by this new and strange news, she arose on't of her bed, and covered herself with a precious and rich rob, lined with Martin's fur, which was brought her by her Damsels, and her golden hair hanging down, with so great beauty, that she was esteemed rather for some divine Goddess, than any human creature. She went unto the place whereas the Emperor and the Empress with their sons, were embracing one another. And for that her Gentlewomen went before her, with light Torches in their hands, every one did give place unto her, and did receive her with great honour and courtesy. But with a gracious and smiling countenance accompanied with great severity, she left them all, and went and did embrace the worthy Knight of the Sun, and said: If that by the force of my arms, worthy & valiant Prince, did cause you to receive any anger and grief, when I made you to be known for the knight of the Sun, with the same arms I will now make satisfaction of my fault, in embracing of you, as the son of the Emperor Trebatio, and of my Lady the Empress Briana. The great pleasure which the worthy Knight of the Sun received of this embracing ought not to be compared unto that which was the occasion that he came unto the knowledge of his father and brother. But this may well be said, that he could not receive greater pleasure and contentment, if at that time the whole world and all the riches therein had been given unto him, for when he felt himself touched with those delicate arms & warlike hands, he thought verily that in all his life he could not receive the like glory, and humbling himself very much, with a meek voice he said: As it was perilous unto the knight of the Sun, that rigorous encounter, which by your strong arm (worthy princess) he received, yet this sovereign and great benefit, which as son unto the Emperor Trebatio I have received, I do acknowledge myself to be fully satisfied and paid of that high recompense, although it was not so small the harm which I received by that encounter, that I think to receive any satisfaction, but will rather put me in farther peril and danger. The Princess Claridiana did very well understand the last words that were spoken by the knight of the Sun, but dissembling with him she left him and went unto the knight of Cupid, & said: Let it be in good time the acknowledging of the knight of Cupid, for that there was no cause sufficient, being less than this, for to make peace with him, who in this battle did show so much enmity. And for the part that I have therein, if that by any other knight the knight of the Sun should be put into so great extremity, I say I am very glad for that it happened to be done by you. For to conclude, it was gods pleasure, that all bounty and goodness in the world should consist in the blood of the Emperor Tiebatio, wherein the knight of Cupid is partaker with the knight of the Sun, so that it is not much to be mer●…ailed at, that the bounty of the one and of the other should be equal. So after that Rosicleer had answered the royal Princess Claridiana, strait way came unto them, the two worthy Princes Brandizel and Claverindo, who when they heard the news, almost from themselves with the great ●…oye which they received, they came in great haste for to▪ see their good friend the Knight of the Sun, whom they did embrace with so great love, as though they would never have separated themselves. The Knight of the Sun gave understanding unto the Emperor, and to all that were present, who and what these Princes were. Of the which they did all greatly rejoice, and the Emperor with great joy and pleasure said.  
Oh what great wrong hath been done unto me hitherto, that being in this my Court, such, and so high and mighty Knights, and I could never have any knowledge thereof, for to do unto them the honour that unto such personages doth appertain. And now have I my joy and cont●…nt fully accomplished, for that I have so high and mighty Princes and Knights that be partakers with me therein.  
At this time was the reioyeings and pleasures so great in the Pallai●…e, as also in the City, that one could ●…carce hear an other with the great noise that was amongst them.  
And as the Knight of Cupid looked round about him on every side, and could not see his faithful friend the King Sacridoro, being somewhat troubled therewith, he did inquire after him, and there lacked not them which did tell him, that when the battle was concluded betwixt him & the knight of the Sun, that he was seen to go forth of the City very sorrowful and comfortless, but they knew not whether he wae gone. The Emperor by and by when he understood what was the occasion of his sons alteration, rejoicing very much that he had so high and mighty a king in his Court. Forthwith he commanded certain Knights to go & seek him out, towards that way which he was seen to departed. Who in a small time they found him out, whereas he lay a long in the green field almost from himself with great sorrow and weeping, that he seemed to be dead. And when they had brought him to himself again, one of the Knights said.  
What do you make here sir Knight, that you do not go and help to celebrate this great mirth & joy which is made, for the acknowledging of the new princes of Greece? What feasts and rejoicings be these, said the King Sacridoro, I for my part am more fit to command to make preparation for my burial, then to celebrate any Feasts. Then the knights said, may it please you to arise up, for you shall understand that the knight of Cupid your faithful friend, hath sent us to seek you out, praying you to come and bear him company, to rejoice in that he hath known the knight of the Sun to be his brother, and son unto the Emperor Trebatio, which is that knight of the Chariot, with whom he made the battle the day past. What is this that you do tell me, said the king Sacridoro, that the Knight of the Chariot is brother unto the Knight of Cupid.  
Yea surely, that he is, said the knight, but and you will not beeléeve me, lift up your eyes and look towards the City, and you shall see the great Feasts and triumphs which are made therein, for the acknowledging of their new Princes. The king Sac●…idoro, who was no less amazed then joyful at those news, looked towards the City, and saw that with the cressets, fires, and other lights, as though the City had been on fire. In great hast he arose up, and the knights which came to seek him, fetched his horse, who was lose in the field, and bridled him, then they all together leapt upon their horses, and went towards the mighty palace, and met with so many masks and other kinds of pleasure, that almost they could not pass through the streets. And when they came whereas the Emperor & the Princes were, this good king was known by them strait by the device of his armour, & he who first went forth for to receive him, was the Emperor Trebatio, who clasping his arms about his neck, said.  
Now is all my desire accomplished (worthy King) for that I am come to the knowledge of him, who for that he would not lose the knight of Cupid, his faithful friend, did abhor his life, & sought his own death in the deep fountain of the Savages, whereas he could have no other hope but to die the death: Oh happy and fortunate son Rosicler, that could obtain so high and faithful a friend. And more happy are you (worthy King) that in doing of this worthy act of friendship, you have filled all the whole world with the fame thereof, in such sort, that it will never decay nor be forgotten, so long as the reason of man doth endure.  
The king kneeling down would have taken his hands to have kissed them, but the Emperor did cause him to arise from the ground, and would not consent thereunto. Then did all the rest come and embrace him, and did him great honour, for that it was known to them all what he had done for Rosicleer, by the other Princes which came thither, as you have heard in the History. So for a perpetual memory hereof, because that such a worthy deed should not be forgotten, the Emperor commanded that it should be portrayed in the fore front of his mighty Palace, nigh unto the adventure of Lindaraza, which made all them that did behold the same to marvel much thereat, When Rosicler came to embrace the king Sacridoro, their joy and pleasure was no less at that time, then if they had not seen one another in twenty years. In this time the good Pages of the Knight of the Sun, who never departed from their Lord, from the time that the battle was finished, until the time that the worthy Knights were known for brethren, and the great sorrow and grief which they received for that which was past, was nothing in comparison so much, but their joy and pleasure was much more, in that they saw before their eyes, and thought all their labour meruaylouslie well béestowed (which at all times they well accustomed to do in ample manner) upon so worthy and valiant a Lord. And as they did partly understand the love that their Lord the Knight of the Sun had to the Princess Lindabrides, and remembering that she remained in a great sound at such time as the battle between the two brethren was ended, Aurelio said unto his brother Bynnano, that he should remain there with their Lord, and that he would go and carry these news unto the Princess Lindabrides, for that possiblte she had no understanding thereof. So he departed out of the Palace and w●…nt unto the triumphant Chariot, whereas he found the Giants in their watch very heavy and sorrowful, for that all of them thought verily the Princess Lindabrides had been dead, for that she never returned nor came unto herself from the time that they carried the Knight of the Sun out of the justing place, and for that Aurelia was known of all the guards, he went up into the Chariot, unto the chamber whereas the Princess was laid upon her bed, and her Damsels round about her as though she had been dead, who were very much comforted when they saw and knew him, and with the great desire that they had to know what was become of the knight of the Sun, they asked of him where he was? Let us do so much that we may bring the Princess again unto her remembrance, said Aurelio, for that I do bring news that she will not a little rejoice ●…ir self at. And therewith her Damsels & he took the Princess by the hand, & made her to sit upright upon her rich bed, & threw on her face marvelous sweet waters, & used such remedies that she somewhat came again unto herself, that seeing Aurelio with a merry and cheerful voice, he said. What is this Lady, that in the time that your highness ought to be most merry and glad, in helping to celebrate the great joy & pleasure, which my Lord the Knight of the Sun doth receive, in acknowledging himself to be son unto the Emperor Trebatio, and brother unto the Knight of Cupid, with whom yesterday he made that rigorous battle, & now you to be so sorrowful & sad, and out of all remembrance, & as yet the news is not fully known abroad. You shall understand that my Lord the knight of the Sun is very well, thanks be to almighty god. And for that the Emperor Trebatio his father, & the Empress Briana his mother, will not give him leave to come & see your highness, he doth send me to desire you to pardon him for this night, till to morrow it be day. At which news the great joy & pleasure which the fair Princess received was such, that if the Page had not been so well known as he was, she could not have béeléeved it, but because he was known to be so faithful a servant unto the knight of the Sun, she was fully persuaded of the truth, and arose up from her bed as merry & as joyful as ever she was in all her life, & said that by no means she would remain there, but go & see the knight of the Sun, and speak unto the Emperor Trebatio, & unto the Empress▪ Briana, and help them to rejoice the acknowledging of their lost sons, & therewith she called her damsels to help to make her ready, & to trim her in the best and richest manner that was possible, calling to remembrance how the Princess●… Claridiana was in the palace, who would not let but to be present at the acknowledging of the knight of the Sun, in consideration whereof she determined to go in such sort, that she might assure the fear which the princess Claridiana did put her in. So after that she was by her damsels made ready and put in gallant and rich order, she commanded to call unto her two of the principallest Giants that were there amongst the rest, and taking him by the hand she descended out of the Chariot, and before her went a great number of damsels with Torches burning in their hands, and were so richly appareled, that either of them seemed to be a queen, and her train was carried up by two very fair damsels, with crowns of gold upon their heads, because they were queens, and they had other two damsels which carried up their trains, and came last, and in the midst amongst the Damsels that carried the burning Torches before the Princess, there went four Giants, of those of the guard, all armed with very bright and glistering armour, and each of them a mighty Falchion in his hand, who were so furious and terrible to behold, that the sight of them (to all that did look on them) was a sufficient safeguard unto the Princess. And in the same order there went other four Giants after the princess, who were no less safeguard unto her, and for that she was one of the fairest damsels that was in all the world, and so richly appareled, she seemed by the light of the Torches to be so exceeding fair, that many which were rejoicing themselves in the city, and celebrating these great feasts, did forget themselves in their own inventions and sports, and remained astonished and amazed in beholding the strange beauty and sovereign highness and estate, which the Princess had. In this sort she passed through the great place till she came unto the mighty Palace, and entered in ther●…at. When the Emperor understood of her coming, and all those which were with him, they went ●…oorth to meet & receive her, and all that were there present, ●…ere not a little amazed at the strange beauty of the prin●…esse, unto whom when they had done all their duty & reue●…ence, the Empress Briana received her and took her by the ●…and, and took the Princess Claridiana in the other hand.  
So they went all three into a very fair and well garnished quadran, whereas they did pass all the rest of the night which remained with so great mirth and pleasure, that it is better 〈◊〉 be thought on then told, although the 〈◊〉 Claridiana was in no such security as before, who at times did behold the knight of the Sun, and seemed unto her that there lack no reason for to love the Princess Lindabrides, if there remained any remnant of love in him, after that he had seen her, although on the other part, with great reason she herself in estimation, and was in all things assured, if that she had been satisfied, that by reason the Knight of the Sun would govern himself, yet the great fear of the Princess Claridiana was nothing in comparison to that which the princess Lindabrides felt, with her perilous grace and countenance. For when she saw the great vantage that she had over all that ever she had seen, and the great reason that the knight had for to love her, she was in great perplexity of mind and thought, that she did very much repent herself for coming thither.  
Likewise in this time the Knight of the Sun was not so firm in the love of the one, but many times he was overcome with the sight of the other, neither had he brought himself into such bondage, but that he had liberty for to renew the love lost, & although his mind was brought into such alteration and contensious battle, as he never found himself in the like, yet his body in such sort did refrain the desire which his covetous ey●…had for to behold, that he gave unto none of all them that were there present, any occasio●… of suspicion of his grief, neither unto any of the Damsell●… occasion for to think any thing but the fear of their beauties, and the great reason that either of them had for to 〈◊〉 beloved, which desert surmounted in either of them.  
In this time the Emperor Trebatio and the 〈◊〉 Briana never ceased to inquire and asked of their preciou●… sons, what things had chanced unto them in adventures until that time that they were known. Unto the which sometimes their sons, & sometimes their faithful friends did satisfy themselves in such sort, that not only the emperor & the Empress, but also all those that were present to hear them were greatly amazed, & gave great thanks unto god for his miracles showed upon those knights. Although they had greater reason to marvel within a while after, because the wise Artemidoro came thither, & did show the chronicle of all that two worthy knights had done, wherein was declared particularly the worthy deeds of either of them, & likewise of their friends. So in declaring what had happened unto them, they passed away the rest of the night which remained, with so great contentment unto the hearers thereof, that they wished the night longer, so that he might not leave off declaring those things.   

¶ Of the great feasts & triumphs that were made in the great City of Constantinople, for the acknowledging of the princes, and of a certain adventure which came at that time thither, whereat all the Knights of the Court were at the point to be lost. Chapter. 37.  
THe next day in the morning the rejoicing & pleasure that was in the great city of Constantinople, with the inventions that the citizens had, the more to increase the same, was in such sort, that the strange Knights, which found themselves present thereat, had great reason to say that it was the best & most richest city that any prince had in all the world, & the people thereof so loyal & faithful as any subjects might possibly be. Likewise the Greekish knights mounted upon very good horses, garnished and béetrapped with very rich cloth of Gold and 〈◊〉, and did pass throughout all the great City, and made a great noise upon t●…e paved streets, which did not a little augment the great feasts: amongst whom there did not lack princes of great estimation, and knights of great fame. And for that they were subjects unto the Emperor Trebatio, they did as well show themselves very gallant & joyful, in acknowledging of their new princes. And all of them went & did kiss their hands, who received them with great love, embracing of them & acknowledging some of them for very good & faithful friends, more than for subjects, but in especial, the good & valiant prince Rodafeo, prince of the Rhodes, & Rodamarte, & other valiant princes & knights, which the knight of the Sun in the Just, did know them to be of great bounty, & worthy to be esteemed. So this day the emperor Trebatio did invite to dine with him, all princes & Knights of fame, as well strangers as of his countries, that were in the court. And with the great importunance of him and of the Empress Briana, of force there must remain with them that day the fair princes Lindabrides, who with a better good will, would have remained in the place, whereas she had little security of her love, in the princess Claridiana: and for that as than it was not a time to take any armour, the emperor, princes & knights, did apparel & adornat themselves, with cloth of gold and silk, of great valour, and was conformable unto their high estates. At which time the princes Claridiana, did not forget the rich apparel, the which her damsels brought for her from Trapisond, the which in contention of the princes Lindabrides, she did put on, and was so well garnished, that it might well be said, that the stones & pearls that was on it, to be worth half some kingdom.  
So likewise the Empress, who was as brave and a●… gallant as the other two, came forth, and all three on hors●… back, they went to hear divine service, at a Monestar●… that was without the City, in a fair fresh and gréen●… field, with whom there went out ●… great a number o●… knights for to bear them company, that the streets of th●… great city could not hold them, so that the most part of them were constrained to remain in the field, & yet the Emperor & the princes were not come of the palace. But before him there came forth, all those princes & knights of greatest estima●…ion of Greece, so gallantly appareled and furnished, that it did augment very much his great estate.  
So after them came the good Emperor, in the midst betwixt his sons, all mounted upon great & mighty horses, so gallant & well proporsioned, that it might well be said, that in all the world there were not three knights of so gallant a semblance, as they were. And the contentment was so great which all their loving subjects did receive, that they did contemn with an other to put themselves in places where as best they might recreate themselves in the seeking of them. Likewise, all the windows of the City were full of damsels & gentlewomen, not a little wondering at their strange & big proportions, giving great thanks & praise unto God, for that in all this time he did preserve, defend & keep them. And by reason that the Emperor was in the enchantment of Lindaraza in the prime of his years, they all three did so much resemble the one the other, that they could scant be known the one from the other, but that his sons were somewhat bigger of body than their father was. So after them came the fair Empress Briana, upon a Moil, very richly garnished & betrapped. And the king Sacridoro did lead him by the bridle, the empress was so gallant & fair, that in all the whole empire of Greece could not be found neither lady or damsel, that being put before her, but that she had great vantage over them, except it were the excellent beauty, though two fair ladies & princes, who went the one on the one side and the other on the other of the empress. One of them was ●…nounted upon a white Unicorn, & the other upon a white ●…awfery: and the two Princes Claverindo and Brandizel, did lead them by their bridles.  
And they were of as gentle dispositions of their bodies, as they were fair and beautiful in their faces, that like the beams of the Sun, they did dim the sight of all them that behold them. And amongst the people there was not a little contempt & strife which of these two should be most fairest, & of best proporsion, although much more greater was the contention that either of them had in their hearts, for the knight of the Sun, for they knew not to which of them he would yield himself prisoner, but the force & strength of the presence of either of them was such, that it could not be judged but to be a continual contention, without hope of any victory, & although there was some vantage in the perilous sight & surmounted grace of the royal princess, more than in the fair Lady, yet considering the long time and great conversation that she had with the knight of the Sun, was the occasion that there was such attension within his heart, that he had not so much understanding for to acknowledge the small vantage that was betwixt them, by reason whereof he was brought into that estate, that the knight of the Sun should never have been by any of them overcome, except the presence of one of them had lacked. So in this order they went towards the monestary, with the Giants of the princess, hindermost of all them, & their Damsels, very strongly armed for their safeguard. So they issued out of the City into the field whereas the monestary was, and there the Knights of Greece, as well as the strange Knight did make a great triumph and gallant show with their Horses, and for that they were all lusty and valiant knights, and meru●…ylonslie richly appareled, and it was a great comfort, joy and pleasure, unto all those people which did behold them.  
When they came unto the Monastery, the Knight of the Sun did alight from his Horse with a trise, and for that he knew not which of his Ladies he might be bold first to take down from their Horse, he left them both, and went unto the Empress his mother, & took her in his arms & lifted her from her Moil, whereon she was riding, & sat her down upon the green grass, & the Emperor & Rosicleer did alight the Princes. Then they altogether entered into the monestary, whereas they heard divine service with great solemnity, yet the two sons did not so much rejoice themselves thereat, as the Emperor their father did, for that the presence of those fair Ladies did cause Rosicler to call unto remembrance the great beauty of the Princess Olivia, who was no less in degree then any of them, so that there could no joy nor pastime enter into his heart, that was suffient to take away that great heaviness that so long time was rooted in him, but rather the conversation of his parents & of the princes & Knights, did cause in him the more sorrow, for that he could not occupy himself in those deep and profound thoughts as he was to do, and was very desirous to find some means, how with reason he might leave that life which he then lead very much against his will, & seek some other way which was more agreeble unto his unfortunate estate. In this day the knight of the Sun, more by divine inspiration, then for any duty unto his parents, did receive the holy sacrament of baptism, & did confess that all those gods in the which he did believe, to be false & liars, & did return unto the law & faith of Christ, with so great will & determined mind, as though he had been a long time before instructed therein, for he had always before his eyes, & could not be fully satisfied that it should be good, that law in the which he had lived hither to, which was the occasion that with the more ease he did attain to the perfection of the law of god. In which he continued his life time, like a true & faithful Christian. At the which the precious Princess Lindabrides did receive so great sorrow and grief, that she seemed to prognosticate unto herself, that the Knight of the Sun was not ordained for her, neither for to be Lord and reign over the great Empire of the Seythians. And to the contrary, the princess Claridiana was so glad & joyful, for that she was wholly persuaded of her security thereby, & also void of the fear that she had of the great beauty of the fair Princess Lindabrides, (although time did serve that she could have had a much greater in effect.) So the divine service was ended, & every one of them in such order as they went forth returned back again unto the royal palace, whereas they dined together, in the one part of the palace more than two thousand Knights, & in the other part in a fair great quadran, which opened upon a very fresh & odiferous green garden, whereas the Empress dined, with all her Ladies, Damsels, & gentlewomen, & in the mean time while they were at dinner, there was so great melody & music, with strange in●…entions of mirth, & the great abundance that there was of all things for their service, that with great reason all the strangers in general did say, that it was the most highest and royalest Court that was in all the world, & the emperor to be the most worthiest prince, for that in ample manner he did know how to honour all good & worthy knights. And to see the Emperor & Princes, with all other Knights so gallantly apparelled with cloth of gold and silk, adorned full of precious stones and pearls, with their faces & proporsions of so exquisite beauty. And on the other part the Empress, with the Princess Lindabrides, and the princess Claridiana, with all their Damsels and Gentlewoman, the Knights being served with Squires and Pages exceeding gallantly appareled, and the Ladies were served at their Table with very fair Gentlewomen and well appareled, that surely it seemed there was comprehended all the bounty and beauty in the world. And there were many Knights at the board that did forget to eat, and were as half amazed or astonished in beholding the mighty and strange things that were done in that great hall all the dinner time, which seemed unto them to be the strangest that ever they had seen.  
So being in this order all together as you have heard, and dinner being done, & all the tables taken up, they saw entering in at the door of the great hall a gentlewoman, who did very much digress from all those that were in the quadran, as well in apparel as in her person & disposition, in such sort, that all which were there present did behold her, for that she was very fair of face, and so high of person, that she did surmount all the knights that were there four fingers, she came appareled with a large robe, which covered all her body down to her feet, & was wrought with so many diversities of silk, full of precious stones & pearls from the top unto the lower part, & was made fast before with gold & precious stones of great price, which did become her very well, the hair of her head was very yeolow, & curled, knit behind her ears, in such sort, that being separated in the midst, they were brought over her shoulders, and hung over her breasts down to his knees, and at the ends of the partition of her hair, she had hanging two precious stones, either of them as big as a reasonable apple, the which did augment her beauty the more.  
This Gentlewoman brought leading by the hand, a knight of a very big body and members, & resembled very much the prince Brandizel, who was there present, but that he was higher than he was by a finger's breadth, & was armed with armour that was very well guilt, that it seemed to be of very fine gold, & was wrought by marvelous cunning, & garnished so full of precious stones, that it did manifest unto them all to be a Knight of great estimation, his shield was all of fine Steel, & in the golden field thereof there was graven two Lions of Silver, and a knight with a bloody sword in his hands, who at two blows did part them both a sunder in the midst, he had the beaver of his helm lifted up, in such sort that they might discover & see his face to be swartish and boisterous.  
and his countenance very fierce, that it gave them all to understand, that he should be very proud & arrogant, & after them came two dwarves, very little, & of so ill favoured semblance, that it made all them that were in the hall greatly to laugh. The one of them carried up the train of the damsel, & the other dwarf carried the knights shield, which was a great deal heavier & higher than he was, for that being at his back, there was nothing seen of the dwarf, but seemed that the shield was carried in the air, without help of any person. When this Knight & that gentlewoman were in the midst of the great hall every one held his peace, & there was great silence to hear what their demand should be, & knowing the Emperor for that he was set at the upper end of the Table, and again be the Imperial arms that was over whereas he sat, they turned themselves towards him. And the gentlewoman began with a loud voice, that all that were there present might hear her, and said.  
The high & mighty power, & the divine providence of the high Gods, keep & increase the mighty estate, of thee emperor Trebatio, & of all the worthy & valiant Knights of this thy Court, for that they being overcome, the victory of the arabical prince may be the more extolled, the better to obtain & deserve the love of the queen of Carmania. You shall understand emperor Trebatio, that this knight who is here present is called Rodaran, prince & lord of Arabia the great, of that which is called Felix, for that it is a country of great abundance, whereas the influences of the same, & all the celestial operations doth most rejoice themselves. And I am called Carmania, for that I am queen of Carmania, & the occasion that we are come hither into these far Countries is, for that this being a young man and a Knight, doubtful to find such another in all the world for his valiantness and force, being very desirous to get honour, he departed out of his own Country, & after that he had done marvelous and incredible feats of arms, he arrived in my kingdom of Carmania, where when he had seen my gréat and strange beauty, & I being a damsel and not married, it chanced that he fell in love with me, and uttered unto me all his whole mind, but first he told who he was, & requested me to receive him for my husband. The which, so that it might not be prejudicial to my honour, nor hurtful unto my fame, but profitable unto my estate, for that he is so high and mighty a prince, & so valiant a knight, I did conclude and grant him my love, upon this condition, that first he should do such feats of arms as I should see & understand, that he was the best & most valiantest Knight in all the world, and if not, it was not for him to procure my love, for that I would by no means marry with him, neither with any other. For as I have myself in estimation to excel in beauty & highness of birth & estate all the damsels that are now living. So likewise he whom I will take for to be my husband, shall surmount all other knights. The which condition this knight did accept and grant unto, and moreover he said, that the choice should be mine to appoint wherein he should prove himself, and how that he would in all points perform my request, & he would speak no more words therein, till such time as all should be very manifest and plain. And I being very desirous to know the truth thereof, not giving any credit unto those mighty acts which I herd to be told of him, I caused an uncle of mine to come unto me, who was very expert in the art magic, and I desired him that by his art he would advertise wherein and how I should prove this knight to be (as it was reported) the best knight in all the world. Who after that he well perused his books & studied in this my request, he told me that he had found by his art, that in the Court of the Emperor Trebatio in the city of Constantinople, that there should be in this day in the great hall joined together the flower of all Knighthood in the world, and the most famous and valiantest Princes and Knights therein. And that it seemed unto him, that there was no better opportunity to accomplish my desire then this, and how that this Knight and I should come unto this court, and he to defend and maintain the quarrel, in saying that I am the most precious and fairest Damsel in all the world, against all amorous Knights that shall say the contrary, and he to be the only Knight, above all other that doth deserve my love. The which counsel seemed so conformable unto my great desire, and he granted unto the same. At the same very instant we departed on our journey, and in the end of much travail we are come hither the self same day that the wise man did tell me, and according unto that which I do see in this great hall, I do find it to be true, although I am doubtful amongst so goodly a company of Knights to find any that is to be compared unto this valiant and worthy Prince Rodaran, and how that the fame of this court is much more than the deeds thereof. And for that this our long journey shall not be ended without receiving some benefit and profit, here I do desire you most high & mighty Emperor, to give leave and licence unto these your knights, that in this case they may procure to do their best, otherwise with great reason they might have shame to come before their amorous Dames, if that you too refrain the consentment hereof, and not to defend them in this case with all their might & power, but first I do give you to understand, that before that this valiant Prince Rodaran do enter into battle with any of these knights, it shall be upon this condition, that if he be by any knight overcome, that both he & I to be prisoners unto him that getteth the victory, to do with us all that his will & pleasure shall be. And if it be so that he doth overcome any knight, that likewise in the same order he to be his prisoner, to carry him into his Country, or to do his pleasure with him. And again, although the Prince Rodaran as one that is without all fear, would in the midst of the place of this great City make the proof of his great bounty, for that it should be the more manifest unto you all: yet I being no man, and somewhat timorous, for the great love which I do bear unto him, have requested him that it might not be here in this city, for that the imprisonment of so high Princes & knights as be here present, might grow unto great peril & danger, and great disturbance to use his will of his prisoners, after they be overcome. And for that the security of all parts shall be more certain to avoid the inconveniences that may happen to the contrary, it shall be good, and seemeth unto me very convenient, that these trials do pass at the bridge of the white jasper stone, that which is on the first arm of the five Rivers, which runneth into the River of Danubia, and runneth into the Sea Maditaraneo, which is in the confines & utter parts of this mighty Empire, whereas the Prince Rodaran shall tarry and abide the coming of all such knights as will combat in the defence of this demand, and never to departed the field till such time as he be overcome, or else to remain with the victory of all Knights, of what estate and same so ever they be. And for security, that the prince Rodaran shall perform & keep all that is said, according unto the order of knighthood, he shall give his gage afore all and unto all that is in this great hall.  
And therewith the Prince Rodaran did throw his gauntlet so high, that all those which were there might see it, in token of defiance. And without saying any more, or doing any reverence, they departed out of the great hall, leaving amongst all them that were therein a great laughter, as well at the demand of the Gentlewoman, as at the disposition of the Dwarves, although they received great contentment at the disposition of the knight, and there were many that were very desirous to make the first proof with him, and béeléeved of a certainty, that according as he was of members and stature, that he should be of great force and strength.  
With this desire there were diverse that arose up from the table, and went unto the Emperor, & asked licence that they might go & prove themselves with that knight, amongst the which, the first was that good Knight Rodamarte, Prince of the Rhodes, a young Knight, & one of the valiantest that was in the emperors Court. Likewise the valiant Prince Rodafeo, who was also a very good Knight, and both of them in love with fair ladies that were with the Empress, the one of them was daughter unto the king of Bohemia, called Amilinia, & the other was daughter unto the king of Dalmatia, called Salandria, who receiving great contentment of their valiant desires & good dispositions, did show unto them great favour & courtesy determining to take them to be their husbands. Likewise in this demand there lacked not the valiant Brandizel, who sustained great passions with the grief that he received for the absence of the fair Princess Clarinea, would in her absence do her this service, for that the beauty of that Gentlewoman was nothing in comparison unto his Lady. And with no less good will the good king Sacridoro came forth to ask licence, & after him Rosicleer, & the knight of the Sun, all being on foot before the Emperor, did desire him to give them licence to give the first attempt: who with a pleasant laughter said that he knew not what to say in that case, but did remit it unto the Princess Claridiana, that she should determine what they should do therein. Who did excuse herself in all that ever she could, & did remit it unto the princess Lindabrides, yet for all that it fell out that in the end she must needs determine and conclude the great contention that was amongst all those Knights, who should be the first that should give the attempt. So she concluded that the first enterprise should he given by him that did first ask licence of the Emperor, and next unto him the second that demanded licence, and so the third, in the same order as they craved licence. And although it was a grief unto them which should be the last, having for certainty that the first would conclude the demand of Rodaran, yet for all that they thought the sentence just and right which was given by the royal Princess Claridiana, who if at that time had been lawful, with a very good will she would have been the first herself that should have defended her own beauty, rather than to have made the order and repetition she did unto the knights. The Prince Rodamarte would presently have departed in the demand, but the Emperor by no means would consent there unto, but said that in all that day they should not meddle therein, neither should any knight arm himself, neither do any other thing but spend the time in pastime & pleasure, & celebrate that feast for the acknowledging of his sons, & how that they had time enough afterward to accomplish their desires. So that they spent the time in no other thing, but in making of mirth and pastime, with marvelous strange & new inventions, holden in the place of that great City by the Citizens, that gave great contentment unto all the Knights, who likewise did dance with the Ladies and Damsels of the Empress, who were very fair and pleasant. Likewise the Knight of the Sun did dance with the princess Claridiana, & with the princess Lindabrides, with so gentle & courteous demeanour, that they received so great contentment therein, as to see him in his armour, although according unto his deep thoughts, he had more care to rule his eyes to behold them in equal manner, than he had to keep his feet in compass in his dancing. So the night drew on, & all those which dined with the Emperor did likewise sup with him, and after supper they passed away the most part of the night in dancing and mirth. At which tune the princess Lindabrides, although it was great grief unto her for to departed from the presence of the knight of the Sun, yet would she return unto her Chariot. The Emperor and the Empress did importunate her very much for to tarry there, and to remain in the Palace, but all that ever they could do d●…d profit nothing at all. So she returned unto her Chariot, accompanied with the Emperor and all the rest of the Princes and knights, till such time as she was within the Chariot, whereas they did all take their leave of her, and returned back, unto the palace, which was a great grief unto the Knight of the Sun, for that he could not carry and remain to sleep in the Charior as he was wont to do, and no less was the grief of the princess Lindabrides when she saw him departed, and although the acknowledging of the knight of the Sun did cause her very much to rejoice for that he was of so high estate, yet she would for her part have given the half of her lands, upon the condition that she had never known him what he was, for that she was better in quiet when she understood no other thing but only his great val our & bounty, and the name of the Knight of the Sun, & the great security that she had to marry with him, than now to know him to be of so high blood and lineage, which the peril that she doth suspect, and a thing apparent before her eyes, which was the occasion that in all that night she could not take any rest nor sleep, with the great care and grief which she received, and her mind so tumbled & tossed with diverse such strange thoughts concerning the Knight of the Sun, that never in all her life she found herself in the like confusion. For one way considering with what intent she departed out of her own Country, and how that her brother the Prince Meridian was gone and left her, & another way, the acknowledging of the knight of the Sun, and the renouncing of his law, and likewise the coming of the Princess Claridiana, with her estate, and surmounting beauty, did cause her to suspect very much that the knight of the Sun would wholly give over the enterprise that he had taken in hand, so that she did account herself to be the unhappiest and most unfortunatest Damsel that was borne into the world, and with the great grief that this doubtful thought did cause in her, she said.  
Oh high and divine providence of the immortal Gods, whom all the whole nation of the Oriental and Septentrional Scythians do worship, with reason hath your divine power to permit, that upon the unhappy Princess Lindabrides, such strange things should be showed, as it for that it should be published in all the world, how that I was constrained to banish myself from mine own Country, and to travail in the world to seek other strange Countries, whereas only for one Knight I do hate & abhor mine own life, and my liberty brought into great captivity? Oh how much it had been better for me to have been accounted amongst the meaner sort of Gentlewomen, for than I should not have had reason to have procured the extremest of all Knights, neither should I have had any reason to captive myself for him, but now reason doth require that I despair with myself, for my fortune doth lack to give me any aid or remedy: Oh immortal gods, seeing that in the strangeness of my beauty, you would manifest your high and mighty power, wherefore did you not only make me and no other, to be the deserver of him, that only doth deserve to enjoy my great beauty and fairness: Wherefore did you make another so equal unto me, which is the occasion that I do sustain this great grief, I would it were your divine pleasure, that seeing alone I do deserve the Knight of the Sun, that the Princess Claridiana might he she, for that she being the only deserver of him, will be the occasion to excuse betwixt us a great jealousy and cruel contention, for that I had rather to account myself unworthy of such a Knight, then to enjoy him with so equal a companion, for that neither of us in this sort can live in any security, but will rather be a continual dying, for being unto one alone, the remembrance of the other will be the occasion of great danger, and she which should be forgotten, in remembering the victory of the other, would cause in her a cruel and mortal grief: Oh I am without all good Fortune, what shall I do, considering that I am none but myself, whether shall I go, being a prisoner; What comfort shall I take seeing that I am without all remedy? What counsel shall I take having no understanding, neither is there any power to persuade me to reason, but will rather the more increase my sorrow and grief? What shall I do, if I do remain here, I shall lack reason to sustain myself, & considering my high estate, will cause a farther grief: & again, the sight of the knight of the Sun cannot be so joyful unto me, as the presence of Claridiana will be hurtful. And if I depart out of this Country, and returned unto mine own, it will be no other thing but to separate the life and soul from the body. And to live without the presence of the Knight of the Sun, will be a life unto me, as unto those who are in the dark, and see no light. But alas what do I say, although they receive nor see no light, yet the pain doth not trouble them: but it I do find myself banished out of the presence of the knight of the Sun, there can be no pain in the world compared unto that which I shall suffer. Oh Knight of the Sun, how mighty and strange is your Fortune, that only in your hands doth remain the whole remedy of the Princess Lindabrides, she who in beauty and fairness is excellent and doth exceed, and amongst all Ladies is the most highest, and yet will let to give her remedy, but rather condemn her unto cruel death. Wherefore have I so many Lordships and kingdoms, with so many thousaads of people, which the divine Gods hath given unto me, when that with all those jointly with my strange & exquisite beauty, I cannot subject the will of one alone Knight.  
The sorrowful Princess Lindabrides had scarce made an end of saying these words, when that void of all memory and understanding, she remained upon her bed as one that were dead, whereas she remained all that night, without coming again to herself. With no less sorrow and grief the worthy Knight of the Sun passed away the night without sleep, calling to mind all that had passed betwixt him and the Princess Lindabrides, and the great love which unto that day he bore unto her, jointly with his marvelous surpassing beauty: which was in such sort figu●…ed in his heart, that it made great resistance against the love which he had unto the princess Claridiana, in especial, when she was not in presence. But being both present, the great liking he had of the royal Princes, did almost over come him: who at that time neither more nor less, did take as little cause, as the others did sleep. For that the great love which she had unto the knight of the Sun did not let but put some doubt in that which her wounded heart so much desired. And although the highness of her estate & the excellency of her beauty, did almost wholly persuade her of security, that the knight of the Sun would not forget her. Yet the sight of the princes Lindabrides, and her remaining in the court did cause in her some jealousy, not knowing what would be the end of that her demand. Likewise she had great doubt in her hope: For that at such time as the princess should return into her own country, the knight of the Sun could not do ●…o the contrary, but to bear her company, so that the continual conversation of them two together, would be the occasion of that, which being in her presence, might be excused. So with these & such like thoughts, they passed away the night: ●…n the which the good knight of Cupid neither more nor less, did not sleep very much, whose passions are not to be accouned, nor compared with the rest. For if I should here declare ●…ll that ever he passed for his lady & mistress, the fair prin●…es Olivia, all this history were not sufficient to hold it, al●…hough it were very much bigger. It is sufficient that he pas●…ed away the night with no less care, than the others that ●… have told you of: although his passions were not so strange ●…nto him, as it was unto the other their griefs. But the fu●…e of his sorrow was somewhat appeased, with the hope that ●…e had for to be revenged on him, who was the occasion of ●…ll his evil & mortal pain. So at that time it was ●…oysed 〈◊〉 the great City of Constantinople, and in all the whole Empire of Greece, the great army that was making in a readiness in england, & the occasion wherefore they did ordain the same. Which was the occasion that the sorrowful knight of Cupid, did think every day a whole year, with the great desire he had to see himself with the prince done Siluerio, not for that he would have any recompense at his hands, for that it seemed unto him, that he was in no fault, but only to give to understand unto the princes Olivia, the small reason that she had so for to cast him off. So in this sort they passed away all that night, very conformable in their sleeping & rests, but very different in their variable and pensive thoughts.   

Who the valiant Rodaran was, and the Damsel, and the occasion wherefore they came unto the Court of the Emperor Trebatio. Cap. 28.  
THe coming of this valiant knight Rodaran unto the court of the Emperor Trebatio, was not so void of occasion, but that there was comprehended there in great disc●…ipt, mischief, & treason: & an evil prejudicial unto all Christendom, & hurtful unto the best princes & Knights therein. All the which came in such order knit & put together, that it lacked but little all to be lost, if it had not been by the di●…ine providence, (who forgetting the offences 〈◊〉 his people) did by his infinite mercy & goodness provide a remedy: although many times, for the sins of the people, doth permit many & continual persecutions, done by the unbelievers, upon the Christians, to make them the better to know him, & to leave all their evil & wickedness, 〈◊〉 to return unto him. Yet for all that, he never doth so abhor & leave them, for to bring the Christians unto utter confusion & end: as it hath appeared in the old and ancient times, amongst the laws & customs of men, nor never will so long as this world shall endure.  
You do well remember how that in this history hath ●…en told you, that at such time as the worthy knight of the Sun did first see the Princess Lindabrides, he did partly understand of the mighty power of the emperor Alicandro, her father, how that he was king over the Scythians, & emperor over the Tartarians, & Lord over all the Indians & Regions orientals, from whence it grew that he was had in reputation of the greatest & mightiest prince in all the world. Likewise he was lord of the great Cataya, whereas is that mighty city which is of one hundredth miles compass, & of all the rest that is in the Oriental India, in that part whereas amongst all his subjects he was called the mighty king of kings, Emperor of the Tartarians, & the Lord of the Oriental Indians, son & heirs unto the high Gods. This title they gave unto him, because the people of these countries had it for a law & custom amongst them, & always had in reverence his predecessors which were Emperors, before the emperor Alicandro, to be sons & heirs of their false gods, in whom they did all believe & worship. Besides all this, this mighty emperor had in his subjection all the kings & lords that were in the oriental part of the Indians, unto the meridional, which are nine kingdoms, all very great & mighty, and full of great riches: so that with great reason they might say, that he was the mightiest emperor & king in all the wor●…h. Hear the History saith that many ●…e deceived to think that this mighty empire should be christians, for although they have amongst them some part of the law, which God gave unto that great Captain Moses, yet their law doth differ very far from the true and perfect law of jesus Christ, for that they be all Idolaters, and every one of these kings doth believe in that which seemeth unto him best, for that there is no law nor commandment to make them incline to any kind of goodness for the safeguard of their own souls. So it happened on a time as this mighty Emperor Alicandro was in his great city of Neptaya, which is in Cataya the great, very pensive & sad, for that he could here no news of the children▪ the Prince Meridian & the Princess Lindabrides, reprehending himself very much, for he had so sent them forth into the world. One day being accompanied with all his mighty Knights & lords his subjects, he received so great sorrow and grief in the remembering of his children, that it caused him to weep. And leaning his cheek upon one of his hands, he shed forth many salt tears which ran down upon his white face. The which being seen by those peers his subjects, they were all very much amazed, what should be the occasion that the Emperor should weep.  
So before that any did arise up to demand of him the occasion, there arose up amongst them a king, who was king of Gedrosia, an old man of more than one hundredth years, who amongst all the rest present, was esteemed to be the wisest in Astrology, & divination, that could be found in all Asia. And all they did give so great credit unto that which he did tell them should happen, as though it had been all ready accomplished: the which king did weep very bitterly, & with so great sorrow, that almost he could not speak, but yet he said. Oh high & mighty king of the Scythians, & Emperor of the Tartarians, if you had as good judgement of the knowledge of things to come here after, as now to conceive in matters present, then wo●…ld you leave of this great weepings for your children, who are very well & in health, & in place whereas they are very much honoured and had in estimation as they do deserve. For that the time will come that thou shalt weep and bewail, thine own loss and deste●…ction, of all thy vassals and subjects, with whose blood, all the fields of the mighty Empire of Greece▪ I do see be sprinkled, and yet I cannot achieve to know how, nor the occasion thereof: but only I do see by great signs and notable tokens of the colestiall influences, and my knowledge doth so far extend▪ that I do know, that my days doth draw unto an end, and I cannot endure long. In the graecian Empire he that is the most mightiest king & Emperor & greatest Lord in all the world, shall lose his great strength, & ha●…ing lost his own liberty, the most valiantest & worthiest knights that shall be there at that present, shall lose their lives and the quantity shall be so great, that the waters of Inno shall lose their christallyne colour, and shall be changed into red blood, which shall give testimony of the greatest destruction of Knights that ever hath been in the world. The which I cannot by my knowledge achieve nor think to fall upon any other, but upon thee, for that at this present thou art the most mightiest Emperor in all the world. And if it be so that unto my words you or any of yours do give any credit, procure out of hand with great wisdom to seek remedy to prevent the same, and to cut off so great an evil as is prognosticated against us. And if unto these my words you will give no credit, the time itself will give a perfect testimony of this that I have said, when that you shall have no time nor space for to give any remedy at all unto the same.  
Without saying any more this old king of Gedrosia, did set himself down again in his place, leaving this mighty emperor & all the other kings and Knights that were in that great hall, very much amazed at the words which he had spoken, & knew not what to say, but being amazed they did look one upon another, & spoke never a word. But this mighty Emperor who always found the prognosticating & deuining of this old king to be true, yet he thought this to be a thing impossible, & not to give any credit thereunto, but yet to hear farther what he would say, after a certain space that he had bethought himself, he said.  
The great wisdom which I do know to be in you, good king of Gedrosia, and the truth which you have said, that the cause of my weeping was the remembrance and tal●…ing to mind my loving children, and the great sorrow and grief which I do receive by their absence, is a sufficient peswasion that I & all that be here present should give wholly credit unto all this which you have said, but yet it is not known unto you & all this nobility, that my power and strength is such & of so great force, that if all the whole world should join together, & make their confederacy against me, yet were they not sufficient to bring me unto that estate to be overcome, neither once to abate any point of my mighty power, much less the Empire of Greece, for that I am fully persuaded that the least of you here present, with the power which you have in your kingdom, is sufficient to destroy it, & to consume it with fire & v●…ter ruin (if any occasion of controversy should be betwixt us) as yet there is none, neither is there any mistrust of the same, for that it is a country very strange unto us, and likewise very far of from this Country.  
When the Emperor had said these words he held his peace & showed so merry semblance and countenance, that it seemed unto the king of Gedrosia that the Emperor gave but small credit unto that which he had said, who with great anger arose up again and said.  
High and mighty Emperor, the great confidence & trust that you have in your high estate and power doth cause you to make a jest at these things which I have told you, for that it seemeth a thing impossible, without any consideration, how that there is no security of worldly things, for when a man doth think himself to be most surest, than he is farthest off, & as it doth happen unto all estates, so likewise high & mighty Princes do fall and come unto destruction, even at such time as they account themselves to be in the greatest favour of Fortune, then is their fall the greater. And here I do tell you again for a certainty, that all that which I have told is of a truth, & shall come to pass, without failing any jot thereof. And for that you shall not put so great confidence in the mighty power & strength which you have▪ here I do give you to understand, that before one year doth come about th●…r shall, be ●…oyned together in the great city of Constantinople, which is in the empire of Grecit (that you have in so little estimation) such a number of Knights, although not very many, yet they shall be such, that they alone shall be sufficient (being together) for to destroy the greatest and mightiest army that you and all your subjects, in their kingdoms & Lordships can join together. And if that out of hand you do not procure that these knights, (or at the least) the principallest of them may lose their lives, to avoid the inconveniences that are pronounced against us. And if you will not, here I do return & say to you again, that the sharp edges of their ●…ine cutting swords shall use such cruelty upon yours, that the small brooks shall be turned into great Rivers with their bloods. Therefore considering my duty, & that which I do owe unto your high estate, to give whole credit unto these my words, & to provid such remedy as shall be convenient for so great a peril prepared against us.  
Without speaking any more words this old king of Gedrosia set himself again in his place, leaving this mighty Emperor and all those Kings and Nobles that were there present, much more amazed than they were at the first, although they were fully persuaded and béeléeved of a certainty, that it was impossible to find in all the world so many Knights that might compare themselves with them that were at that present in that court, no not by a great deal, which was the occasion that whereas before they did not give full credit unto those words which the King Gedrosia had said. At this time they gave less and made a mock at him and at his divinations, but yet for that the Emperor Alicandro was very wise, and had great experience of the small security that was in the prosperous estates of this transitory world, with a wan colour & sorrowful semblance, he fell in a great imagination & deep thought, musing upon the words which the King Gedrosia had said. And as the Emperor was in this sort a great while without speaking any word, but very pensive & heavy, amongst the rest of all those kings & nobles that were in that great hall, the valiant Rodaran arose up & put himself on foot, who was king of Arabia, subject unto the Emperor Alicandro, a young man, & so valiant, that in all Asia there was not a knight to be found, that by a great deal was able to compare himself with him in mighty prowess & feats of arms, and for that he was so furious and stubborn, he was feared of all, & all that were in the whole Empire of Tartary, were very desirous to pleasure him, and not one that durst anger him in any respect, except it were that valiant Prince Meridian, with whom he would never contend nor procure to combat, yet there was never other knight nor Giant that ever did abide the battle with him one hour. This Rodaran with great courage and anger, as though fire should proceed out of his eyes, began and said as followeth.  
I do not know high & mighty emperor of Tartary, with what reason is attributed unto thee the name of the divine, & the parentage that you have of the high & divine Gods, that you do suffer in your presence, & in the presence of so many mighty kings & lords your subjects, that the king of Gedrosia should be so bold & hardy to speak these blasphemies, the which he hath said, for that I do believe, that if all the power of the gods, & the rest of all the whole world beside, should join themselves together by the Deity that you have received by your predecessors, if they were all joined together, yet were they not sufficient to comprehend this, the which the king hath said, much less the Emperor of Greece, and the knights that shall there be assembled and joined together. And here I do swear unto you by the order of Knighthood that I have received, and by my kingly estate, that if I had them all together in the field against me, I do think to kill and destroy them all, or make them to yield as prisoners. And again, if it be so that the divinations of this old King of Gedrosia do put any fear or dread into your hearts, and that his words should seem unto you to be true, and that the remedy the which he hath ordained will be sufficient for to avoid the great inconveniences, in making away those knights. Hear before your divine highness, and before all that be here present I do promise, that at such time as these knights shall assemble and join together in the City of Constantinople, to be there present in that Court, and will maintain and defend that the Queen Carmania, my well beloved Lady and mistress, is the most fairest Lady in all the world. And with all those that shall say unto the contrary, upon the same reason I will combat with him, until such time as one of us be dead or yielded prisoner unto the other, upon condition that he who hath the victory, shall use his pleasure with him that is overcome. So that in this sort either they shall remain the most weakest and cowardliest knights in the world, or else I will bring them prisoners before your presence, for that the king of Gedrosia may lose the great fear which he hath conceived of them.  
When he had made an end of speaking, there was not one King nor Knight amongst all them in the great hall that durst make any answer unto those proud words of Rodaran, but only the king of Gedrosia, who rising upon his feet did answer him, saying.  
If thou wert so valiant of arms and deeds Rodaran, as proud in thy words, than should I be fully certified, that thou wouldst be sufficient to accomplish much more than here thou hast said, and that there were not in all the world a Knight that might compare himself with thee, but for that thy strength and prowess is far different and contrary unto thy great pride, here I do give thee to understand that this day twelve months there shall be such Knights assembled and joined together in Constantinople, that whereas thou shalt exceed them in the one, they shall exceed thee in the other. And it shall happen unto thee many hours in the day that thou shalt acknowledge this to be true, all this which I have said unto thee, although at this present it seemeth unto thee to be a fable and lie. And I do desire no other revengement for the injury which I have received at thy hands, but only the reprehension which thou thyself shalt make at such time as it shall be unto thee well known. And for that my words shall seem unto thee to be of less credit, and that thou shalt have farther experience of that which I by the stars and celestial operations do understand and know, here I do give thee to understand (that if thou dost go forwards with this enterprise which thou hast promised) thou shalt find in the City of Constantinople a woman, who with her singular beauty & fairness shall far excel the beauty of the queen of Carmania, thy lady, & with the great force & strength of her arm, shall abate thy courage and make thee to yield.  
And therewith he held his peace, but the great pride of that valiant Rodaran increased, in such sort, when he heard those words of the old King Gedrosia, and his anger was so great, that if the Emperor and those kings which were there present had not disturbed him, with determined purpose he went towards him to have thrown him out at the window. But when he saw that he could not execute his pretence, with great anger and courage he went out of the hall, swearing great oaths, that he would accomplish and perform all that which he had promised, & that being finished, to take revengement of the great injury which he had received of the old king Gedrosia. Wherewith he left all that were there present greatly amazed at his pride and hardiness. And so departed unto the kingdom of Carmania, whereas all his joy was, for that he was amorous of the Queen of Carmania, who was in great royalty and estate, and very fair. And in process of time finding himself in great favour with her, and having her aid and help to his contentment, he strait way gave her to understand of all that which had passed with him in the court of the mighty Emperor of Tartary, and of his promise that he had made before all those which were there present, in saying that he could not in any manner of wise excuse the same, but that he must needs béegin the enterprise of his journey towards Greece out of hand. The Queen Carmania was very wise and of a good judgement and understanding, & if it had been in her power, she would very feign have hindered this journey, and for that she knew very well the condition of this valiant and stout Rodaran, and that there were none that were able to persuade him from the contrary of this his determined purpose, she would not by any means say aught against him, but with a merry countenance she did offer herself to go with him into Greece, upon condition that he would grant unto her one thing that she would demand of him, if his pleasure were that she should go with him. The which with a very good will he did grant unto her. And she promised him to bear him company. Then did they ordain all things necessary, for to carry with him on his journey, but half the year was almost past before they could begin to travail, for that the queen commanded a net of iron to be made, very arteficially & cunningly wrought, & it could not be made an end of in any shorter time.  
And although that Rodaran did often times ask wherefore the same was made, yet for all that the Queen would never tell him, but after that this net was made, and all things in a readiness, this valiant Rodaran & the Queen departed out of the Country of Carmania, & carried in their company certain knights and Pages which were necessary, and after that they had passed many and diverse countries, they came unto the port of Tenedon, whereas they did embark themselves, and took their way towards Greece.  
And although there happened unto this mighty Prince in his journey many strange and wonderful things, because it is not necessary, this History doth not make any mention thereof, but only in the end of many days and great travail, they arrived in Greece, not far from Constantinople. This valiant Rodaran was determined to execute his enterprise within the City of Constantinople, but the Queen of Carmania did disturb him, and said, that now was the time come that he should perform the gift that he had promised her before he did departed out of Carmania, which was, that the contension which should pass with him and the Knights of Greece, should not be executed in the City of Constantinople, but in the place whereas she would appoint it. The which Rodaran, although it did grieve him very much, yet durst he not say against it because he promised her. So they navigated all along the shore, till they came unto the Bridge called Iasp●…, which is the first passage over Danubia towards the sea, and was the most strongest that was upon all the river, and furnished full of Towers and battlements, and especially three towers of great force and admiration, the one at the entry upon the Bridge, and the other in the midst, and the third at the farther end, all wrought with fine white jasper stone, of so great strength, that it seemed impossible to be taken or won by force of arms. And this Bridge was maintained and kept by the Emperor of Greece, by reason that the people which doth inhabit on the one side of the five arms which proceedeth from Danubia, and runneth into the sea Fuxino, they are very barbarous, furious, and beastly, and many times they do enter into that Countri●… and do very much harm therein. And although the Emperor would make a conquest over them, as divers times he hath put it in practice, yet he cannot, for that they have neither Cities, Towns, nor villages, neither any dwelling houses, but only great Caves under the ground, whereas they do make their habitation, because they are so beastly and brutish. In consideration whereof it did behove the Emperor to have that bridge very strong and exceeding well kept, and it was for that alongst the River there was none other passage. When this valiant Rodaran and the Queen arrived at that bridge, & saw it to be a place very convenient for their purpose, strait way the prince Rodaran did prepare himself for to win the same, & being armed & in very good order, he took the queen by the hand, and without any more company they went towards the gate of the bridge, & knocked thereat, & for that they were all alone, the gate was strait way opened. When they were entered within the first Tower, this valiant Rodaran commanded those that were the keepers thereof, that they should yield up the towers and bridge, and that they should departed with quietness. Who seeing him alone & they so many, would not obey his commandment, but did procure to defend the towers & the bridge, and would not suffer him to perswadge any farther. But this valiant Rodaran in a small time did so béehave himself amongst them, that wounding and killing the most part of them, the rest were constrained & thought it good for the safeguard of their lives to yield, and to do all that he commanded them. And so they delivered unto him all the keys of the gates and towers, and departed thence at their liberty, with the loss of the most part of their companions, and although they were ashamed so many to be slain and overcome by one alone Knight, which made them to refrain coming into the emperors presence, yet there did not lack (who before Rodaran did enter into Constantinople) that did advise the Emperor thereof. At such ●…ime as he came thither, he was very angry with him●…elfe, for that he was so bold to give that enterprise, and if ●…t had not been for the disturbing of their great feasts and ●…riumphs which were made there for their sons, he would ●…aue sent thither such as should have rewarded him unto ●…is contentment for his boldness. But when that Roda●…an was come unto the Court, and the Emperor fully sa●…sfied of his demand, he was very glad and joyful, for that he had so good opportunity, whereby he should receive his p●…yment for his boldness, and small account that he made of him and his estate. So when this valiant Rodaran and the Queen of Carmania saw themselves Lords and governors over the whole bridge and their Towers, they commanded all those that came in their company to enter in thereat, whereas they did establish their abiding, and caused the ship wherein they came thither, which was at the sea, to enter into the river, and to surge close unto the bridge, whereas they did let fall their anchor, and made her very fast, for that in the same Ship Rodaran did determine, having overcome the most part of the best and principallest knights in all Greece, to put them prisoners into the same ship, and return with them into his own Country. So after that the Queen of Carmania had well perused the situation of the bridges, & of the towers, she saw that the tower that was in the midst of the Bridge was made in such sort, that beneath it was round like unto an ark and hollow, without any gate, but as broad as the bridge was, whereas she caused the net of iron to be hanged in the highest part of the hollowness within, in such sort, that it could not be seen nor discerned without, but it was so large, that it occupied all the bigness of the vault within, and in such sort the Queen of Carmania caused it to be hanged, that in pullling of a cord, ordained for that purpose, the whole n●…t should fall down.  
When Rodaran saw the net hanged up and put in good order, he was very desirous to know to what purpose it was put there, and did importune the queen so much, that in the end she was constrained to declare it unto him, saying.  
You shall understand (my Lord) that the great love which I do bear unto you, hath caused me to fear that which your valiant and singular bounty doth assure me and put me in great doubt of, and although that I am fully persuaded that there is not in all the world a knight that can compare his bounty unto yours, yet it seemeth unto more, that having to do with so many who will prove themselves against you, it cannot be chosen but there must needs be some amongst them that will trouble you so much being weary, that you shall receive some harm on your person. And therefore being moved with the great love that I do bear unto you, I have caused to be made and put in this iron net which you see, that at what time so ever being in battle with those Knights, you shall find yourself to be in any extremity, that then you may retire yourself with him whom at that present you do combat, till that you are both right underneath this net, and being there, then presently both you and your adversary shall take your ease. And this (Sir) is the whole cause and effect why I have caused this net to be made. And if it be so that this which I have done do cause in you any disconentment or grief, here I do crave pardon, and do request you to attribute the occasion, as a fault committed by a woman, for when an offence is committed for love and good will, it is the easier to be pardoned and forgiven.  
This valiant Rodaran in all his life time did not receive so great grief and sorrow, as at that present, when he did understand & see what the Queen had ordained, and it seemed ●…nto him that she had doubt of the victory that he hoped to have of the Greekish Knights, yet for all that the love that he bore unto her was such, that he would not say against that which she had done, but showing himself to be very angry for the same, he said.  
Lady and mistress, it doth grieve me very much, that the Prince of Arabia is so little known unto you: What ●…oo you think that in all the world there is one for one, ●…hat is of so great strength, that of himself he is sufficy●… to bring me into so great extremity in battle, that I ●…hall be driven to seek for rest and succour, for to bring ●…nto an end this my enterprise which I have vnderta●….  
And if the battle which I had with the Prince Meridian in your kingdom of Carmania, doth cause you to suspect or have any doubt in me. You do well understand that the occasion doth grow by the Deity that is in him, of the immortal gods, from whom he & all his progenitors doth descend, and would not consent nor suffer, that by any human knight he should be overcome, so that our battle was separated, without any victory of either of our part. The which was no small favour and honour unto me, that the Gods would make me equal unto their divine bounty. And seeing that the Prince Meridian is he, who only is partaker of the divine Deity, and no vantage betwixt us two, for very certain & sure I may account the victory of my part against the Greekish Knights, without thinking of any need of help in the battle, that I shall have with them.  
The Queen was very discreet and wise, and with her amorous and sweet words did pacify him, in such sort, that the net did still remain as she had commanded it to be put, for a farther effect than she did give Rodaran to understand. And although at that time it did cause in him great anger and grief, yet before many days had passed, he received great contentment and pleasure therein, so that this was the occasion that moved this valiant Rodaran and the Queen of Carmania to come unto the Court of the Emperor Trebatio, and the occasion of this their demand.   

How the Prince Rodamarte went unto the bridge of jaspe, for to combat with the valiant Rodaran. Chapter 39  
WIth great care and small rest the ●…alyaunt Prince Rodamarte did pass away the night, thinking long till the morning was come, for to departed unto the bridge of jaspe, for to combat with Rodaran, for that the day beefore he liked him very well, & seemed to be a knight of great valour. Yet for all that, he was of so valiant a courage, that he had no fear of his might & big proportion, but very early in the morning before that the sun had covered the earth, he was armed, with very strong armour, & his horse trimmed & dressed very richly with cloth of gold, which did signify unto all people his high estate. So in this sort he went forth of Constantinople, with but only one page, which did carry his spear & his shield. And having his mind occupied on the love of the princess Analiria, he travailed so much that the next day he came unto the bridge of the jaspe: But Rodaran & the queen with great quietness, & contentment, did abide the coming of the greekish knights. So when Rodamarte came unto the gate of the first tower, he found that it was fast shut, & he commanded his page to call there at, who with the ring that hung at the gate, he gave great and mighty blows, & strait way appeared one of the keepers out of a window, somewhat high, & perceiving that it was a Knight of the emperor Trebatio, he willed him to tarry a while & the gate should be opened unto him. The keeper strait way went & told his Lord Rodaran, who incontinently did arm himself with his strong & rich armour, and requested the Queen that she would with her own hands help him, & said. L●…dy now shall you 〈◊〉 the difference that is betwixt the greekish Knights, & your 〈◊〉, and how evil shallbe accomplished the prouis●…es of that king of Gedrosia. So when that all things was in very ●…ood order, he commanded that the gate of the first tower sh●…uld be open, so that the Prince Rodamarte did enter in there at, and coming on the Bridge in the space that was betwixt the first Bridge and the second, which was as long, as the corpse of a good horse might endure. There he found Rodaran, mounted on Horse back, with his spear in his hand, who was so big and of so great stature, that he lacked but little, to be as big as a giant. And at the farther end of the great space that was from the first tower unto the middle tower, under the vault thereof, was the queen, Carmania, sitting in a chair of estate, with cushions & pillows of cloth of gold very richly, & curiously wrought with silk. So when the prince came unto the place whereas Rodaran was, he did salute him very courteously & said. Thou shalt understand Rodaran, that I am a knight of the Emperor Trebatio, one of them that thou didst deceive openly in the great hall of his Court. And for the love of a fair Lady whom I do serve, I am come hither, for to chastise thee, for thy great folly, which thou spakest before the most fairest damsels, & most valiantest knights in all the world. Therefore turn thy horse for to Just with me, or else turn & deny all that thou spakest ther. With great laughter & disdain Rodaran answered unto the prince Rodamarte & said, of a truth knight, if that my Lady the queen of Carmania, were not before me & in presence, possible it were better for me to deny that which I have spoken, then to just with you, for that you do seem to be a gentle & valiant knight. But for so much as she is present, I know not how to excuse myself, but first consent to lose my life. then to commit any such offence. Therefore as reason doth require, seeing that you do know who I am, let me likewise know by whom I shall be overcome. I am said he Rodamarte, prince of Cypress, & vassal unto the emperor Trebatio: Therefore leave of these thy words, & let us come to the effect of deeds, that thou mayst believe of certainty, that which thou hast now spoken in mockage & jesting. Unto the immortal gods I do give great thanks, said Rodaran, for that so far as I can perceive by your gentle semblance, that you do seem to be a knight of great estimation, if my judgement do not deceive me. And therewith all these two valiant knights did departed the one from the other, Rodamarte toward the foot of the bridge whereas he entered in, & Rodaran toward the place whereas the queen was. And when he came nigh unto her, with great pride he said: Lady, I pray you to give very good entertainment unto this prisoner, for that he is the prince of cypress. And therewith all the one moved against the other with so great fury, that it seemed the bridge did shake under them. And in the midst of their swift course, these two made their encounter, in such sort, that their s●…aues were shivered in pieces, & they passed forwards on without any moving by the force thereof, till such time as they justled together with their body's horse & man. And by reason that the valiant Rodaran was bigger of body & of more force & strength, he struck the prince in such sort, that he overthrew him horse & all to the ground, so clean void of all memory, as though he had stroke against a mighty rock, & he broaching his horse with the spurs, passed over the Prince, who was so evil entreated, that he could not arise, till such time as Rodaran returned with his horse, & alighted from him, & took his sword from his girdle, & his helm of his head, & did help to raise him from the ground. And when he was come unto himself, he took him by the hand and lead him to the Queen Carmania, who when she knew who he was, she received him very well, & said: Gentle knight what do you think of my Lord Rodaran be all the other Knights of Grecia like unto him. Lady and Queen, answered Rodamarte, if this contention doth long endure, the knights of Grecia, will seem unto you to be other manner of knights then Rodaran.  
Well said she, for that you shall see how much you are deceived, here you shall remain with us till such time as the best knights of the emperors court be brought hither to bear you company. Then Rodaran did cause him to be unarmed, & to be put at his foot a great chain, & commanded him to be put into a deep and dark dungeon, whereas he was certain days, with more sorrow & grief to lose the victory in that demand, then to be overcome as he was. Then his page which came with him, departed from thence, and returned unto Constantinople, with a sorrowful heart.  
And one day at such time as the Emperor with his sons, and all the knights, in the court were in great pastimes and pleasures, sporting themselves, with dancing in company with the Empress & her Ladies & gentlewomen, & the princes Lindabrides, & Claridiana with them. The page entered into the court with so great sorrow & grief, that he was scarce able to speak, for to tell the heavy news of the prince Rodamarte, yet as well as he could he gave them to understand of all that he had passed with Rodaran, at the which they did all marvel very much for that Rodamarte was had in reputation for one of the best knights that was in all the empire of Greece, & the emperor received great grief that it fell so out, that by one alone knight he should be overcome. Then strait way that valiant & esteemed prince Rodafeo, who was the second by lot to go forth, without speaking any word departed out of the great hall, the emperor seeing his determination did commend him unto god, & so did the rest that were there present, but especially his lady the princess, who when she saw him departed, her heart was ready to part a sunder. When this valiant prince came unto his lodging, he armed himself with very strong & rich armour, & commanded his horse to be trapped with cloth of gold, which did signify unto all men his 〈◊〉 & high estate, and so departed out of Constantinople with one alone squire, & when he came unto the bridge, the like happened unto him by Rodaran, as happened unto Rodamarte, and was put prisoner with him in the same dungeon, whereas they received so great sorrow and grief to be in such a demand overcome, that rather they desired to die then to live. So when the valtaunt Rodaran saw that he had two prisoners, and both prince's o●… so great valour and estimation, he was so proud and high minded that it was stra●…nge, and beeléeved of a certainty that those two were the best knights that were in all the emperors Court, and was as pleasant and idyfull with the queen, as though he had overcome them all. And was very sorrowful because that this victory did not pass in the great city of Constantinople, thinking that there, better than in any other place, he might rejoice himself of his great pride & vain glory, & did very much reprehend the queen for that there was so much time lost in Carmania, in making that iron net for that they had no need thereof. The Queen seeing that he had great reason so to say, held her peace, & answered nothing there unto. When the prince Rodafeo was overcome & prisoner, his squire returned back again unto Constantinople, and watching the time that the Emperor & all his Knights were together, he entered into the court, & declared all that which happened unto the prince, at the which they were greatly amazed, & from that day forwards they had the valiant Rodaran in much more estimation, seeing that he had overcome two of the best knights that the Emperor had, & although at that present the emperor received for them great sorrow & grief, suspecting that these two princes should be ill entreated in the power of Rodaran, yet because he was fully certified that there remained behind such knights for to combat with him, that very shortly would not only set them at liberty, but also bring Rodaran prisoner unto him. So for that the third lot did fall unto the mighty & valiant prince Brandizel, to take this enterprise & demand, strait way as soon as the squire of Rodafeo had told the news of his Lord's imprisonment, he arose up from the place whereas he was set nigh unto the knight of the Sun and put himself before the Emperor, & asked licence for to go and combat with Rodaran, who did grant it unto him, and said.  
I am very sorrowful (mighty and valiant Prince) that you were not the first that went in this demand, for if you had, I do believe of a certainty, that Rodaran should not have had any occasion to boast himself of the victory of any knights of my Court. And therewith the Prince doing his duty unto the Emperor, departed out of the great hall, & went unto his lodging for to arm himself & the knight of the Sun said unto the emperor. This may your highness with great reason speak unto the prince Brandizel, for that in the great wars of Persia, I have the best knights that were in all Asia, against the bab●…lonians, & I could not see one that in arms & prowess could match with him. And again, if by the divine providence there had not been remedy put in the acknowledging the one the other, his high & mighty bounty had been to me full dear, in a battle which we had at the sea, without knowing one another, the which battle endured betwixt us more than six hours. So there the knight of the Sun did declare unto the emperor all that happened between them two, & what he had seen him do against his knights at the sea. Likewise some part of his valiantness the Prince Claveryndo had told him of, and done in his presence & company. At the which all those that were there present marveled very much. And the Emperor answered, his precious & gentle proportion doth cause me to believe much more than he is able to do. And with this they all departed, abiding the news of all that shall pass with this valiant prince.   

¶ How the Prince Brandizell went to combat with Rodaran, and of the strong and rigorous battle he had with him. Cap. 40.  
AFter that the valiant Prince of Persia was armed with very rich & glistering armour, and mounted ou a mighty courser, which did show forth his great magnifisence, and conformable unto his estate, with one alone Squire, for to carry his spear and helm, he departed out of the great city of Constantinople, and took his way towards the bridge of jaspe, not without great grief and sorrow in finding himself absent from the presence of that fair Clarinea, although he received great comfort in being in company with the knight of the Sun. And with the great desire that he had for to bring Rodaran prisoner unto the Emperor, he travailed so much that in a short time he came unto the bridge of jaspe. At which time Rodaran & the queen Carmania were both sitting in a window of the tower of the same bridge, & saw him coming. Who seemed unto him to be a Knight of great bounty & estimation, by the big & mighty proportion of his body. At whose sight Rodaran did arm himself, & being mounted upon his courser, the queen commanded that the gates should be opened unto the prince, who entered in thereat, but in any wise they would not suffer his squire to enter in with him, & being entered into the first tower, the gates were shut very fast at the commandment of the Queen, so that his squire remained without. And when he came unto the place whereas Rodaran was armed & mounted upon his horse, the prince saluted him & made reverence unto the queen like a courteous knight as he was. Unto whom Rodaran with far more pride than c●…rtsiee, returned his salvation, and said.  
Sir Knight, if thy deeds be conformable unto the presence of thy person, then hath the Emperor Trebatio done verse well to let thee be one of the first to come & combat with me, for that by overcoming thee, this contention shall strait way cease, for that I am persuaded there shall not remain a knight in all his court that shall be able to resist my demand. But yet I do desire, that first before thou dost enter into battle with me, that thou wilt tell me who thou art, for that I do very much muse & marvel within myself, that in this country I should find a knight, being naturally borne therein, so mighty of person, & of good & gentle disposition as thou art. Unto whom this valiant & courageous prince with great ●…éekenesse did answer him in this manner.  
Not in the mightiness of personages, neither in the abundance of words, doth consist the bounty & force of knights, but in the great virtue & valiantness of a courageous heart. And here I say unto thee (although I am more bigger of parsonage than any other that doth remain in the court of the emperor) yet after such time as I am by thee overcome, the Emperor Trebatio hath such knights remaining with him, that the victory of them shall seem unto thee very doubtful, although at this present thou art very certain to overcome me. And in that thou dost ask of me who I am, here I give thee to understand that I am a Knight of the emperor Trebatios, & a very friend unto he knight of the Sun, the which is a thing at this present that I have in great estimation. And in saying these words the prince did turn about his furious horse, and Rodaran did like, who when he saw the Queen, whereas she sat in her accustomed place at the second tower, with her face very pale and wan, half dismayed, for that the prince did seem unto her to be a valiant knight, he said unto her.  
Lady, pacify yourself, & you shall see that at this encounter with my spear, I will cause you to forget the fear which you have of this monster. And therewith these two valiant Knights with the great fury of their Horses, and with their great and long spears in their hands, in the midst of their swift course they made their terrible encounter, in such sort, that upon their shields their mighty Spears were shéevered all to pieces, & neither of them at that terrible encounter made any semblance of moving in their saddles, and at such time as they did join & meet together with all the force of their bodies, it was with so great force and strength, that neither of them could proceed forwards, but that Horse & man came all unto the ground, and made so great a noise with rushing of the harness together (by reason that it was with so great strength) that it seemed as though a great piece of ordinace had shot off. At which time the squire of the Prince Brandizel, who remained without the gates, did not let to pray unto his Gods for the victory of his Lord, after that he heard the noise of that terrible encounter, which made him very much to marvel, but much more did Rodaran marvel, at a thing which seemed unto him very strange, to see himself overthrown to the ground by the encounter of one alone knight, whereas before he thought that there was not one Knight in all the world that was able to do it unto him. Likewise he was greatly ashamed to see himself unhorsed before the presence of his Lady & Queen, which caused to increase in him great anger and fury, for to revenge himself of that injury, and drew out his Sword the which was very great and broad, and went against the Prince, who was not a little amazed to see him come against him with so great fury and force, and seeing his determination, did likewise draw out his Sword and met him, and both of them stroke together with so great fury and force, that at the first blows their shields were cut asunder, and their swords descended upon their Healmes with so great strength, that it made both of them to decline their heads down unto their breasts, and made each other of them feel and acknowledge the force and strength of his adversary, and from that time these two warriors did strike such mighty and furious blows the one upon the other, with so great strength, that it was wonderful to behold, always procuring where to strike his adversary, for to do him most harm, and although their armour were of so strange and excellent mixture, that there was never force nor strength of man, neither any Sword so fine, that could cut or perish them, which was the occasion that it did save them from wounding one another, yet for all that, they did strike their blows so thick, and in such great haste, that at such time as they did fasten a right and sure blow, they did greatly bruise one another's flesh and bones, so that either of them did procure the best he could to defend himself from the terrible blows of his enemy.  
At this time was passed a good hour, from the time that they first began their battle, at which time Rodaran seeing, that although he did his best in executing his fury, that there was no vantage to be seen of neither of their parts, he was very much amazed at the great force and strength of his adversary, and began somewhat to acknowledge the great reason that the old King of Gedrosia had, in praising and extolling the high and mighty deeds of the Knights of Greece: moreover, he said unto himself, that that knight alone was sufficient for to destroy half the army of the Emperor Alycandro, and by reason that his pride was very great, and he himself of a valiant and stout courage, although the victory should be very late, yet he supposed that the fury of the Prince Brandizel could not endure long against him, and being fully persuaded in his thought, he made so great haste in striking of the Prince, that he made him very much to marvel at his stout and valiant courage, because it troubled him very much, and brought him into that perplexity, that he was driven to béesturre himself from the one side of the Bridge unto the other, for to clear himself from some of his great blows, which to the contrary he should have received, and made him to use more lightness than the big proportion of his body could well endure, and for that their sheelds were all cut and broken in pieces, in such sort that there was no defence in them, the whole state of the battle was in the great and mighty force in striking on another, executting their blows with their swords in both their hands, in such furious sort, that the one had great fear of the other, their bones and flesh were all bruised with the mighty force of their blows, and their bodies so wearied, that if it were not for the great valour of their hearts and courage, and again the loss of victory so shameful and reprobrious, there was neither of them, but with a very good will would have thrown himself along upon the ground to have taken some rest, but by reason that they were so valiant Knights, and very few in all the whole world that were able to have any vantage of them, would not show one another the great necessity in the which they were brought, Rodaran for that he was in the presence of the queen, who was very sad and heavy in her semblance, and no less marveled to see the cruel battle that was between them. Likewise the Prince Brandizel, with the remembrance of the fair princess Clarinea, and of the Emperor Trebatio, and all the rest of the knights of his court, he thought it better to die there a thousand deaths, then to return back unto the court, and lose the victory, at which thoughts they recovered so great courage, & gathered so great strength from their valiant hearts, that either of them looked as well for death as victory. At which time there had passed more than three hours from the beginning of their battle all which time they never rested themselves, nor ceased not to oppress the one the other all that in them was possible. Which was the occasion that the mighty and courageous stomach of that valiant Rodaran was not sufficient, neither the presence of the queen of Carmania, but that his great pride did abate (which before was never brought in subjection) and of pure necessity and force, by reason of his great weariness, withdrew himself on the one side, and with the great grief thereof he began to speak unto the prince and said. Knight hold thy hands, and let us rest ourselves a while, for that there doth continue time enough to finish our battle.  
Likewise the Prince Brandizel at that time was brought into so great necessity of rest, that without answering him any word, he did likewise withdraw himself, & leaned upon the p●…mell of his sword for to take some ease, and imagined upon the great strength and courage of Rodaran. And it seemed unto him that in all his life time he never combated with any knight or giant that ever did charge him with so great and terrible blows, neither that ever did endure so long battle with him without taking some rest, but only that most worthy and valiant Knight of the Sun. And he thought verily within himself, that if the force of Rodaran did long endure, it could not be otherwise but that he should be overcome and lose the victory, and yet considering what a great shamed and rebuke it would be unto him to come before the Emperor Trebatio, and the rest of his great friends, the Knight of the Sun and the Prince Claverindo, he did fully determine with himself to lose his life fitting on foot, and not to be overthrown from his Horse to the ground, and to lose the victory. At this present time likewise Rodaran was leaning upon his sword to breath himself, and called unto his remembrance the words that the old king of Gedrosia had said unto him, and seemed that they would prove to be true, and did very much commend his great wisdom and knowledge, and did reprehend his own gpeat pride, and would with a very good will have given the greatest part of his estate, upon condition that he had not put himself in this demand, and contention, because he found himself to be so weary, and that in so long time they had battle and combat together, there was no vantage to be judged on either part, he thought of a certainty that it could not be otherwise, ibut he must be overcome and lose the victory. And as he was beholding of the Prince, and very much marveling at his great force and bounty, it seemed unto him that according unto the mightiness of his person and the richness of his armour, that he should be some Knight of high estate. So after a while that he had well breathed and refreshed himself he said.  
Wherefore have not we great care over ourselves, and wish that we had not known one another, for that according unto that which hath passed betwixt us in this first battle, and again, that which we do look for in the second battle, cannot be, but that either of us will sooner consent to die, then to be over come and lose the victory. Therefore I do desire thee by the virtue of that thing that in all the world thou dost best love, that thou dost tell me who thou art, for that according unto thy mighty stature and great bounty, I cannot believe that thou 〈◊〉 ●…ee a Knight of the Empire of Greece.  
Here the Prince Brandizel could not by any means let, but certify him of his demand, having conjured him in that sort, and therefore said.  
Rodaran, because thou hast so great desire to know who I am, I will give thee to understand, although it doth grieve me very much to tell thee. Thou shalt understand that I am Brandizel, prince and right heir unto the whole, Country of Persia, and son unto the king Florion, and of the Queen Balisea. Great thanks do I give unto the high and immortal Gods, for that I was fully certified within myself, that so valiant a knight as thou art could not be borne in this Country, therefore here once again I do desire thee that thou wilt tell me the occasion that so mighty a Prince as thou art, and being a Pagan, that thou doest abide and recreate thyself in strange Countries, and to show thyself so great a friend unto Christians: Tell me I pray thee, if thou hast received their laws, and customs, and left the law of the Pagans? Thou dost demand of me great account, said the Prince, but for that thou shalt not believe all that which thou hast said, I will be brief & give thee to understand in few words. I do believe that thou dost know, or at the least ways hast heard, of the great battles and contentions that passed betwixt my Father the King Florion, and the mighty Africano, who had usurped and taken away my Father's kingdom. I have heard the same (said Rodaran) and I was called unto the said wars, and for that I did see that Africano had neither reason nor justice, I did refuse the journey, and would not go with him. Then the Prince said, you shall understand that in these wars my Father got the victory, and recovered all his lands the which he had lost, but especially by the great force, strength, and bounty of the valiant Knight of the Sun, and Son unto the Emperor Trebatio, who at this present remaineth in his Court, and by the prowess of the Prince Claverindo, son unto the king Oristeo of France, both the which being very young were lost, and both found at the Sea by the king my father, who carried them with him, whereas they two and I were brought up all three together, and from that time there did grow so great love and friendship betwixt us, which was the occasion, jointly with the duty which I own unto them, that I am come in their company into this Country, & cannot certify myself, neither am I at quiet but when I am with them, and in their company and conversation. This is the occasion wherefore I am come into this country, because you are so desirous to know, & here I mean to remain so long as these princes abide in the Emperors Court. Oh Prince Brandizel, said Rodaran, now I plainly see and perceive how that the high Gods are very angry with the Pagan people, and will plague and punish us by the hands and power of the Christians, for that we have now at this present, more than at any time heretofore so great confidence in them. Oh Prince of Persia, if the loss and destruction of thy natural Country do cause in thee any sorrow, or the destruction of the Pagan people do cause any grief, then would thy heart lament, and cause thee to leave off this great friendship which thou hast with the Christians, and take upon thee mortal war against them, for here I do give thee to understand before the great Cane, king of the Cambalos, and Emperor of Tartary, and before all Kings and Lords, his subjects and vassals, the King Gedrosia, who is one of the wisest in divination and Astrology, that is to be found in all the world, to whom at that present I gave but small credit, he did declare and pronounce that in our days and times should be stain and destroyed the most part of all the Pagan people in the fields of Greece, by the mighty force and power of the Knights that be therein, and that there the greatest and mightiest Kings in all Asia shall lose their government & estates. Unto whose words I made no contradiction, for that it seemed unto me to be a thing impossible. And moreover he said, that in the Empire of Greece there were such Knights, that if means were not found by one way or other to disturb them, that they alone were sufficient to accomplish and bring to pass all this which I have said. And for this occasion I departed out of my Kingdom and Country, and did promise the Emperor Alycandro never to return again unto the same, till such time as I came unto the Empire of Greece, and there with my power and force to take prisoners the best Knights that be in all the Empire, and to carry them away with me unto the Emperor Alycandro, & now seeing that you do know my determination and purpose, and the great profit that will grow thereof unto all Asia, I do desire thee by the service and duty which thou dost owe unto the high Gods, that leaving the great friendship which thou hast with the Christians, let us two procure to take and carry them prisoners into our Country, that by them we may ransom and set ourselves at liberty from the great destruction which is prognosticated to be done unto us by them, which by no means can be excused, except first we do this which I have told thee. Then the Prince Brandizel answered and said. Let the Pagans remain in their Country, and let the Christians alone in theirs, for that this remedy which thou hast taken in hand Rodaran, will very little profit to excuse the harm which thou hast spoken of, being a thing determined by the high powers. And here I do give thee to understand that there doth remain many Knights in the City of Constantinople, and such, as ten such knights as thou art be not sufficient to take one of them, and to bring him unto prison. And here I do advise thee to take good heed and béeware of the fury of the Knight of the Sun, before whom there is no human ●…reature able to make any resistance. And in that thou ●…oost request me to leave of their friendship, and to bée●…ome their enemy, speak no more thereof unto me, for I ●…oo more esteem their friendship and love, and to be friend ●…nto the sons of the Emperor Trebatio, and his friends, ●…hen to be a Prince, yea more than to be Lord over all A●…ia. And if thou wilt leave off this demand which thou bringest with thee, and go unto the Court of the Emperor Trebatio, and become a brother in our friendship, there shall be done unto thee the honour that to such a knight belongeth, and if not, let us return again unto our battle, and he which of us two shall be overcome, let him do all that the other who winneth the victory shall command, and so shall be excused all the requests that are betwixt us two.  
Here Rodaran was very sorrowful, because he found so small comfort of the Prince in this his determination, and believing that only in the overcoming of that knight did consist the accomplishing of his adventure, and that it might so fall out, by the victory of him to end his demand, for that which the Prince had told he could not béeleeve, neither give credit that those knights which did remain behind in the court, should be such as he did report them to be, but with the great anger which his words did cause in him, with a courageous stomach he took his sword in both his hands, and went against the Prince, and struck him such a right down blow upon his fine and precyou●… helm, that with the noise and force thereof it thundered in his ears, and so dazzled his eyes, that he was constrained to fall with his hands upon the ground, not in such sort that he lost his remembrance, neither did his courageous heart fail him, but was set in such a heat, with the anger of that mighty blow, that with great lightness he arose up again, and with his sword in both his hands he struck so terrible a blow, being overthwart upon the strong helm of Rodaran, that he made him to fall on the other side with the force of all his body upon the wall of the Bridge, the which did sustain him, that he fell not to the ground, neither into the river, although whereas he received the blow with the sword, it did grieve him in such sort, that he thought verily the ear and the jaw on that side had been broken all to pieces. Likewise the blow which he received upon the wall did grieve him very much, that if it had not been by the great fury that he received, which did sustain him, he could not have kept him upright on his feet, but his anger & fury was such, that as one that had not received any hurt nor harm, with great lightness returned upon the prince, & began to strike at him such terrible & thick blows, as though the battle were but then new begun. At the which the prince was very much amazed, & did force himself all that ever he could, to strike at Rodaran, the mightiest blows that it was possible for him to give, in such sort that the battle was at that time in the greatest fury that ever it was. And the noise of their terrible & thick blows upon their fine helms, was so great, that the towers & gates of the bridge did seem to tremble. Then the squire of the prince who was without, was very much amazed that the battle did so long endure, fearing that Rodaran did not make the battle with the prince alone, for that it did so long endure, which caused him to go from one place unto an other, procuring where he might be to see what passed betwixt them, to certify the truth thereof. And as he went alongst the water's side, he went so far that he might discover the space of the bridge that was betwixt the two towers, & although the walls or battilments of the bridge were somewhat high, yet for that the knights were both very big of their persons, that he might from their breasts upwards discern them, so that part of their battle he might perceive. And when this squire did see that they were alone, and the great heat and fury of their battle, which seemed at that time to be but new begun, he was greatly aston●…ed and as one half amazed, and could not persuade with himself, that in two knights could be comprehended so great force and strength. So these two knights continued in the second battle more than one hour, and no vantage could be known between them, although both of them, had done to the uttermost that was in their power, force & strength. And for that they were both of them of very big bodies, and the travail great which they had passed, and the terrible and mighty blows by the one and the other received, did so much torment them, that they were brought unto the estate, that their strengths did fail them, in such sort that either of them was at that estate, and thought verily to be overcome.  
So when that Rodaran, saw that his contention did little profit him, & could not help himself in the battle, he then called to remembrance, that which the queen Carmania, had advised him off, & was, that in that place whereas she was, he should find ease, at such time as he found himself in the greatest necessity in the battle, which caused him little & little to retire backwards towards the place whereas she was, giving & receiving blows, as the time did serve.  
The Prince Brandizel, likewise at that time was in that perplexity that he was ready to yield himself for to be overcome, but when he saw that Rodaran, did begin to retire, with the great joy & pleasure which he received to see him so upon a sudden to faint, that he began a new to recover his force & strength, & followed him, striking at him with all the might he could, but his faintness and wariness was so great, that he could scarce life one leg after an other▪ for to follow him: the which when Rodaran did perceive, he would with a very good will have returned to have made resistance for that it seemed unto him that in a small time he should overcome him, for that the prince was so weary and feeble, But when he would have forced himself thereunto, he feared that he was wholly deprived of his strength, & his arms so sore with weariness, that he was constrained still to retire backwards, till such time as he himself & the prince, were wholly under the vault or arch of the second tower of the bridge, whereas the queen Carmania, nigh unto the same, sat in her estate. Who when she saw that these two knights were so weary that almost they could not stand upon their feet.  
She pulled a cord of Silk which hanged by her, & came down from the height of the arch, which caused that artificial net of iron to fall down upon both those knights, in such sort, that their heads were fast in the net, & their legs and arms so fast bound with all their body, and with so great strength, that they were not able to turn themselves on the one side nor on the other, but were taken prisoners in such sort, that if they were not made lose by other, it were a thing impossible to be loosed.  
So when this was done, the queen arose up from the place whereas she sat, & commanded a great chain to be brought, & the helm of the prince to be taken off, & the chain to be put about his neck, likewise they made his hands fast with manakils, that he was not able to move nor to do any thing.  
Then she commanded a gentlewoman that a key should be brought, wherewith she did open a lock that the not was made fast with all, & cleared out of the net, both the prince & Rodaran. They being out, the cord was pulled, & the net carried up again into the place whereas it was before. But when this valiant prince Brandizel, saw himself betrayed & prisoner, he thought verily to have burst with anger: & with great ire & wrath he said unto Rodaran. Oh false & traitorous knight, what reason hath moved thee being a knight of so great power & strength in arms, & of so high estate, for to commit so great treason, against one alone knight, making battle against thee, his body against thine.  
Tell me traitor, how canst thou consent to be called knight, when thou dost use so great villainy unto the noble order of Knighthood.  
How canst thou praise and extol thyself, in the great Asia, to have overcome and gotten the victory over knights of Grecia, when that with so great falsehood & treason thou hast apprehended them.  
Rodaran, was very much amazed at this which the Queen had done, and at the great subtleness of the art where with she did assure him of this victory against those Grecian Knights, And for that before this time, he did not know the secret of her polesie, & making himself very ignorant thereof, he answered & said. Thou hast no reason, prince of Persia, to call me traitor, for that in all my life time I have not committed any treason. And here I do swear unto thee by the high god●…, that I was as ignorant of this which the queen hath done, as thyself. And retiring backwards towards her, was, for that I being weary in the battle & very faint, I thought by the sight of her to recoyer some force and strength, for that the love which I do bear●… unto her, is very much. Well said the Prince, seeing it is so that thou art without fault, do so much that my helm may be brought unto me again, & that this chain may be taken away, & let us return again unto our battle. I will not consent there unto said the queen, for that thou art my prisoner. And Rodaran, shall not give unto this liberty. Then lady said the prince, give it you unto me, for no longer time, then to make an end of our battle: & that being finished, I do promise you by the faith of a knight, to return again unto your person. For unto such a lady as you are, what so ever knight he be, will think well to be your prisoner.  
Truly I do like as ill of this as of the other, said the Queen of Carmania, for that at such time as the battle shallbe finished between thee & Rodaran, thou shalt remain in such pitiful case, that I shall receive no profit of thy imprisonment. Therefore go your ways at this time & bear company with the other Knights of the emperor Trebatio, and give them some comfort, for that they are very sad and sorrowful, to find themselves prisoners: and very shortly we will send others for to comfort thee also. And take this of a certainty, that we will not carry you from hence till such time as we have all the best Knights that the Emperor Trebatio hath▪ here prisoners, to bear you company.  
And forth with they carried the prince away from thence who was so angry and furious, that it seemed that he felt no weariness of the battle past, but rather if all the world were his, he would give it, upon condition that he had on his helm, & his sword in his hand, for to take revengement of this treason upon Rodaran. So they took him & put him in to a deep dungeon next the water, which was in the second tower whereas the other two knights Rodamarte & Rodaseo were, who were greatly amazed when they saw the prince Brandizel to be brought in that order, thinking that he had been overcome by Rodaran, but the prince who knew them very well, with the great sorrow and grief that he received when he saw them, he gave them to understand of all that which had happened betwixt him & Rodaran, & of the great treason which the Queen had ordained, whereby they were fully persuaded that all the rest of the knights which remained in the court of the emperor Trebatio, would be brought thither prisoners, if they had not some advertisement given them thereof. With this thought (which grieved them not a li●…le) these three good knights did pass away the time, tarry●… to see what fortune would dispose of them. And strait ways after that the Queen Carmania understood who the prince was, she sent a damsel of hers unto him who did unarm him, & caused him to be laid in a bed which was brought thither, whereas he was cured with very good & comfortable ointments, of those great blows which he received, where with all his body was full & his flesh all to bruised, whereby was given to understand the great contention that was betwixt him & Rodaran. The squire of the Prince who remained without, received great contentment when he saw Rodaran retire backwards, ready to yield the victory, & having lost the sight of both these two Knights, when they entered in under the second tower, he remained there to understand what the end would be, till such time as he saw Rodaran return with his sword in his hand, who commanded the gates of the first tower to be opened, and being very much amazed because he could not see his Lord, he ran unto the gate, & meeting with Rodaran with a heavy cheer, he asked what was become of his Lord? To whom Rodaran said, he is overcome & hath lost the victory, & doth remain prisoner, therefore do thou return unto the emperor, & bid him send other knights, & such as can better defend themselves then those which he hath sent hitherto, for that these do remain my prisoners. The squire durst not give him any answer, but departed from thence very sorrowful, & with great weeping, he returned unto Constantinople, & at such time as the emperor was accompanied with all his princes & knights, he entered into the great hall whereas they were, & there he declared unto them the news, and all that had passed, with is much sorrow, that he was scarce able to tell it unto them. When the Emperor and all that were there present had heard & understood the words of the squire, they were very much amazed that such a knight as the Prince was should be overcome by Rodaran, but amongst them all the knight of the Sun & the Prince Claverindo were amazed most, for they knew very well his great bounty & prowess, & could not believe that it should be true, for that there was not ●… knight in all the world that was sufficient to abate his courage & get the victory, but the sorrow & grief which every one of them received was such, that out of hand they would have armed themselves for to go & combat with Rodaran, but this stout & valiant king Sacridoro, who was the fourth person that did demand the enterprise, did disturb them of their desire, and strait way arose up from the place where as he was set, and put himself before the emperor, and asked licence of him, who strait ways did grant it unto him, saying.  
Ualyant King, I pray God grant unto you the victory against that strong & stout pagan, & deliver thee from treason, for I do believe that the imprisonment of such knights can not be without some treason or falsehood. So after that the king Sacridoro was departed, the knight of the Sun said, that if there were not some treason used with Rodaran, that the prince Brandizel would rather consent to die then to be overcome. And of this your highness may be well assured, said Rosicleer, that if the king Sacridoro do not end this contention, that all we shall have enough to do with Rodaran, for except it were with the Knight of the Sun my brother, I never met with so valiant a knight. I hold him for no less, said the Emperor, for his presence doth perform the same, & the same which we have heard of him. In all this life, although the imprisonment of the three princes were some grief unto them, yet for all that they ceased not continually to make great feasts & sports throughout all the great city, & in the emperors palace, whereas every day the princess Claridiana came & many other ladies & gentlewomen, they had great pleasure & delight in making amongst themselves so great feasts & sports, that they passed away all the time in great pleasure & pastimes, although the jealous thoughts of the princes Lindabrides would not by any means suffer her to rejoice herself in any kind of pastime, but it was the occasion that she received the greater grief, because the princes Claridiana at all times was in presence, & her great beauty & gentle grace would not suffer her to assure herself of the great love she had unto the knight of the Sun, who always when he was in presence of these two ladies, was so troubled, that all that were there present did greatly marvel that he was so quiet and had so few words, and the other for that he was no more wearyer, of the which the princess Claridiana did not let but had some suspicion of that which her great beauty and desert did assure her. And because the knight of the Sun did not behold her, and cast his eye upon her, so often as she desired, she was in a great confusion and troubled within herself, not knowing whether he did it or no, for that he would not have that those which were there present should have any suspicion of the love that he bore unto her, or whether the presence of the princes Lindabrides did cause any forgetfulness of his part towards her. So because this History must more at leisure declare of their loves, it doth return to tell you of the King Sacridoro, who were departed in the demand of Rodaran.   

¶ How the king Sacridoro went to combat with Rodaran, & of all that happened unto them therein. Chapter. 41.  
THe valiant King Sacridoro after that he was departed out of the great hall, went strait unto his lodging, whereas he was armed with his strong and rich armour, & mounting upon a mighty great and light horse, accompanied with one alone page, for to carry his spear, he departed out of Constantinople, & with the great desire he had to prove himself with Rodaran, in a short time he came unto the bridge, & as soon as Rodaran had discovered him from the top of one of the towers, he strait way armed himself with his strong & rich armour & being mounted upon his horse, he commanded that the gates of the first tower should be opened, whereat the king Sacridoro entered, with his spear in his hand, & strait ways the gates were shut again, leaving his page without, who did as the squire of Brandizel did, procure where he might see & behold the battle. The king Sacridoro as soon as he was within, found Rodaran mounted upon his horse, and very well armed, with his spear in his hand, whom he did salute very courteously. To whom Rndaran said, knight, thou art welcome, for that according unto the semblance and good proportion, thou shouldest be one of the best esteemed knights that the emperor Trebatio hath in all his Court. Therefore I pray thee tell me who thou art, that I may understand with whom I shall make battle, and I am sure if the emperor do send thee, it is to amend the faults of the Prince of Persia, and it should appear that thou art in great estimation, for to come and revenge the Prince, who was so valiant, that I never in all my life had so much travail to overcome one knight. To whom the King answered and said. Thou shalt understand Rodaran that I am called Sacridoro, and am king of Antiochia, and Knight unto the Emperor Trebatio, and a perfect friend unto Rosicleer, his son, who otherwise is called the knight of Cupid, of whose valiant and mighty deeds I am sure thou hast heard tell. Of a truth I have heard great talk of him (said Rodaran) for that in all Asia there is not a thing more noised and published abroad, than the great adventure which he finished in the cave of Phenicia. And one of the chiefest occasions which hath brought me into this country is, for to prove myself with him, for that I cannot 〈◊〉 of truth, that he should be so valiant as the fame 〈◊〉 of him in all the country. To whom the king answered, of my faith I do promise thee, that if once thou dost prove him, he will bring thee out of this doubt, for all that thou hast heard speak in him, is nothing, in comparison of that which thou shalt find of him, if thou dost once prove him. Truth it is thou hast overcome & got the victory of such knights, that there be few in the world like unto them, and although I do come hither to combat with thee, I do come more for to put myself out of doubt, of a mistrust that I have, for that I cannot beeléeve that thou couldst get the victory of them without some falsehood or deceit, and for to think that I can do more against thee than they were able, for in all things, they were able to amend my faults. Thou shalt strait ways see, said Rodaran, whether that my power and force be able to do more than this or no. And there with he turned about his horse, and took so much scope as was sufficient for his Horse. The King did the like, so both of them with their Spears in their hands, broached their furious Horses, who made their course with so great swiftness, that quickly they were together, whereas they did execute the force and strength of their furious encounter, and shievered their Spears all to pieces upon their fine armour, after that they had glanced from their shields, and with the force of their furious encounter, their horses joined together with their mighty bodies, that horse and man fell upon the ground, and being fast in their saddles, the evil fortune of the king Sacridoro was such, that one of his logs doubled under his Horse, in such sort, that by no means he could pull it out, nor clear himself to arise again, and Rodaran with the force of the mighty fall, was so astonied and amazed, that void of remembrance he lay along upon the ground without moving hand or foot, but as one that were dead. The occasion thereof was, for that he was so big membered and footed withal, that the rigorous fall was more perilous unto him then unto the king Sacridoro. But when the Queen Carmania saw all that had passed, she arose up from the place whereas she sat in company with all her Ladies, and came whereas these two Knights were on the ground, and took of Rodarans helm and gave him air, so that he came again to himself presently, and arose up on his feet, and was greatly amazed at the great strength of the king Sacridoro, & went towards him, who with very anger was ready to burst, to see himself in that great extremity, and could not help himself. Rodaran pulled of his helm from his head, and took his sword from him, and made fast a mighty great chain unto his leg, and put a pair of manacles upon his hands, and so carried him prisoner whereas the other Princes were, with so great sorrow and grief for that which had happened, that if it had not been for the loss of his soul, he would have slain himself. And when the other Princes did know the valiant king Sacridoro, their sorrow and pain did double increase. And when either of them had told him all that they had passed with Rodaran, he and all the rest were very sad and heavy, for that they did believe of certainty, if God did not put remedy therein, it were not possible that there should remain any good knight, but be brought all to prison. So there they remained all four together very sorrowful, till their fortune did procure to the contrary, but their sorrow and grief was not so much to see themselves so in prison, as Rodaran received joy and pleasure, for the good fortune that he had with the King Sacridoro, for that according unto the great encounter that he received of him he should have passed great extremity, if he had joined with him in battle with their swords, so that at this time he made little account of the rest of the knights which remained, because he had brought into his power these other past, who were very valiant and of great prowess. The Page of the King Sacridoro when he saw his Lord carried to prison and his helm from his head, after he had made that great encounter, he would tarry no longer, but with great sorrow returned unto Constantinople, whereas he gave the Emperor to understand ●…ud all the Knights that were there present, the heavy news of all that had passed, which caused such an admiration in all them that heard it, that they knew not what to say, but that Rodaran was the most valiantest and strongest knight that was in all the Pagan land. And the sorrow and grief was so much that the Emperor received, that he would have armed himself, and have gone and proved himself with Rodaran, but that his son Rosicler, who received greatest grief for the imprisonment of the king Sacridoro, and was the fifth to whom the lot did fall out to follow the demand. Without any more tarrying he asked licence of his Father, who committing him unto God, did grant it unto him, saying.  
My welbeeloved and good son, use thyself in such sort that thou mayst revenge the injury done unto thy friends. And in this thing I do acknowledge the great benefit that God hath done unto me, in that I do know thee and thy Brother to be my sons, which is the occasion that my court is so greatly honoured with so many valiant knights, and now in this time that Rodaran hath put us into this great extremity, which would have fallen out very evil if we should have lacked you.  
But whereas your highness is, said Rosicleer, we might be well forborn, for if it were so that we were all prisoners unto Rodaran, we should receive great comfort, and have our liberty very certain, if you alone did remain. God deliver you from this, said the Emperor, for although there should be no lack in my good will to receive death to set you at liberty, yet my force & strength should want for to supply the lack of such knights. And therewith Rosicler did humble himself unto the Emperor, and departed out of the great hall, & went unto his lodging for to arm himself, leaving the Emperor and all the rest very joyful, béeleeuing of a certainty, that for his great bounty & mighty power, there was not a Knight in all the world (setting a part his brother the invincible Knight of the Sun) that might be compared unto him. In the which they were not deceived, although it happened not so well unto Rosicleer in the 〈◊〉 which he had with Rodaran as they thought, as in the chapter following shall be declared unto you.   

Of the strong and well fought battle that the valiand Rosicler had with that stout Pagan Rodaran, and of all that happened unto them therein. Chapter 42.  
THE valiant and well esteemed Rosicleer departed out of the City of Constantinople, carryeng upon his shield the devise of Cupid, by the which he was known and looked on of all people. Likewise the windows were full of Ladies and Damsels, who prayed unto God for the victory of their Prince, as though he had been their own brother, who travailed with so deep and profound thoughts, mixed with sorrow, which were unto him as much care, as to see himself with Rodaran in battle, and to bring him prisoner unto the Emperor. In this sort did the Prince travail towards the Bridge of jaspe, and being sore troubled within his thoughts, oftentimes he had lost his way, if his page which went with him had not put him in remembrance, which was the occasion that he made the time long before he came unto the bridge, and for that the remembrance of Don Siluerio did cause unto him great sorrow and grief, that many times he said unto himself: Oh if God were so pleased, that in satisfaction of the great travail which the Princess Olivia hath caused me to have, that this knight were Don Siluerio, he that I do now go to seek, and although the great favour which he hath, is sufficient to defend him from all the world, yet the great reason which I have to complain myself, is sufficient that I do execute upon him this my great anger & wrath. And in this thing alone the Princess Olivia must pardon me, for although I would rather suffer death then in any thing to cause her to receive anger, yet cannot I let to do that and much more, to give her understanding of the small reason that she had to forget me and receive another. And here I do protest that if death doth not cut me off first, I will revenge this my bloody wrath, and then perhaps she will weep and lament her error. And although this is not sufficient to make satisfaction unto this my unhappy Fortune, neither can it give any remedy or ease unto this great grief, the which I have for her cause received, yet it shall suffice me that another shall not boast himself, to have obtained and got that which I have lost, neither any other to rejoice himself with that which doth cause my sorrow and grief. And although that this shall ●…ée against all reason, & that Don Siluerio doth dot deserve 〈◊〉 at my hands, yet shall it be comfortable unto my heart, 〈◊〉 that it is so captive unto love, it doth consent unto no ●…eason.  
Rosicler in saying these words, and other like in ef●…ect, after much travail he came unto the bridge of jaspe, ●…ho strait ways was known by Rodaran, by the de●…se that he had of Cupid, whose great fame and renown 〈◊〉 that time was spread throughout all Asia, more than any Knight therein. When he was armed with his heavy and strong armour, he strait ways mounted upon one of the biggest and lightest horses that he had, and the Queen being in her royal seat of estate, commanded the gate of the first tower to be opened, wherein this valiant Rosicleer entered without any suspicion. And when he drew nigh unto Rodaran, he did salute him and said. The knight of Cupid and son unto the Emperor Trebatio is very welcome unto me for that his great fame which flieth throughout all the world of his great and valiant deeds, as also the great desire which I have to prove his great strength with mine, more than the desire that I have to apprehend the knights of the Emperor, hath caused me for to come hither into these Countries. Both the one & the other, might have been excused Rodaran, said the knight of Cupid, for that men being in their own Countries are subject unto the blows of Fortune, and have ●…nough to do for to cleer●… themselves thereof, much more to come and seek the perils and danger in a strange Country, it were much better for thee to have friends in Greece. And if the Queen o●… Carmania do bear thee so great love, as she hath published, we would rather procure thy rest and quietness, and not thy troubles and travails, wherein thou dost so much pu●… thy life in adventure. It had been better excused of thy part, said Rodaran, the seeking of the adventure under the water of the Fountain of Phenicia, than my coming hither to seek the Knights of Grecia, but for that both Kings, Princes, and Knights, are no more, but as the world doth yield unto them honour and promotion for their deserved deeds. Then it is not much that we adventure our lives, the more to increase our honours, for that according as thou hast said, in all places men are subject unto the perils and dangers of this world, and unto the terrible blows of fortune when she listeth to strike us, notwithstanding if thou dost pretend to make battle with me, upon the occasion which you know, choose the advantage of the bridge to the contentment, if not, return back again from whence thou comest, and make no more preaching unto me. But the answer 〈◊〉 the valiant Rosicleer made unto him was, he turned about his light Horse, and put down the beaver of his helm, with his spear in his hand he went & put himself at the end of the bridge, & Rodaran did the like, & being both settled, they struck their horses with so great fury with their spurs, that they made them run like the wind, and in the midst of their furious course they made their encounter, & executed the strength of their mighty spears, in such sort, that glancing upon their shields, they lighted upon their fine harness, and shéevered all to pieces, and the splinters ●…ew a great way into the field, yet these two valiant Knights remained as firm in their saddles, as though they had made no encounter at all, and passed the one by the other without touching, and with a trise they returned again with their Horses, and their swords in their hands, and assaulted one another so strongly, that the first blow that Rodaran stroke at Rosicleer, lighted upon his Helm with so great strength, that he made him decline his head to his breast, but the first blow that Rosicler stroke at him, was such a one, that the shield which he lift up for to ward the same, was cut in pieces hard by his hand, but the fine cutting Sword of the Queen juha, not remaining there, did descend down upon his helm with so great fury and force, that he made him decline his head down unto his Horse neck, who felt such great grief with that terrible blow, that he thought verily that all his head had 〈◊〉 in ●…eeces, and be●…gan to say unto himself: Oh high and immortal Gods, in whom I and all the Arabians do believe, ●…et here thy divine power defend me from this strong and ●…aliant Knight, for if it fall out so, that I receive many such ●…lows as this was, it cannot be otherwise, but that needs ●… must here end my days: Oh old King of Gedrosia, who ●…ould have believed that I should have found in the Christi●… knights so much strength.  
Oh you immortal Gods, save and defend the mighty Emperor of the gran Tartary, that he come not into this Empire of Greece, for to acknowledge & prove the knights of the Emperor Trebatio, his Court, for that I do assure you if you come hither, that you nor none of yours will return again unto Arabia, for that these alone knights are sufficient to destroy you all, if that now by my power and force I do not make resistance, and put order for to disturb them.  
And in saying these words, Rodaran with great courage stroke at Rosicleer great & mighty blows, who likewise received such by the hands of his adversary, that if it should have endured long, he must needs have received the worst. And having great confidence in his mighty strength and in the bigness of his body, determined to assault his adversary by proof thereof, and therewith he threw his Sword from him, and caught Rosicleer in his arms, and travailed with his strength all that ever he could for to hoist him out of his saddle, or to overthrow him to the ground, but Rosicleer who was as strong as he, did not refuse the wrestling, but likewise threw his Sword from him, and caught him betwixt his strong arms, and did so strongly crush him, that Rosicler did well perceive that his determination did not fall out as he thought. So in this sort for a good space they travailed the one to overthrow the other, but there was no advantage perceived between them, neither could the one overthrow his adversary, till in the end after great travail they both together did force themselves so much, clasping their knees hard unto their saddle, having one another in their arms, they did so much, that both their Horses foundered and fell with their masters unto the ground, and being down, for to arise again they were constrained to lose themselves. who with a 〈◊〉 were upon their feet, and returned to their battle again with their swords, for they could little profit themselves with wrestling, in the which contention they endured more than two hours, without knowing any advantage in either of them, although in the end it seemed unto Rodaran that Rosicleer, did execute his fury with so great courage & lightness, as when he first began the battle, & saw plainly that whatsoever he could do, he should get no victory of him, but saw the peril of his destruction to be very certain, if he should long endure his strong & terrible blows, which was the occasion that he dissembled & showed himself to be much more weary than he was, & began little & little to retire backwards, towards the place whereas the queen of Carmenia was: always striking at Rosicler, his blows of more fury and force, who followed him, for that he should not gather any suspicion of falsehood. So in this sort they did combat tog●…ther very strongly, till such time as they were both under the arch or vault, hard by whereas the Queen was: who seeing Rodaran, so nigh the point to be overcome, she pulled the cord, & made the Iron net to fall down upon both the knights in such sort, that they were both prisoners, & so fast band, that they could not move themselves to the one part nor to the other. And straightways the queen of Carmania, arose up from the place whereas she sat, & went unto Rosicleer, & pulled of his helm from his head, & likewise took away his sword, & he could not defend the same, & caused manakles to be put upon his wrists, & a great chain at his neck. And this being done, she opened the iron net, and caused it to he drawn up, as it was before, and the Knights clear of the same: But when Rosicler saw this great dis●…eit & treason, he was so angry & full of courage, that being as he was, if he had had his sword in his hand, he would have rewarded Rodaran according unto his deserts. But when he saw that there was no remedy, with great patience & wisdom he did overcome the great force of his ire, paciently●… suffering that his perverse fortune: & with great discretion he said unto Rodaran, I do much marvel what thy meaning and determinate purpose is, to use such deceit for to apprehend good and worthy knights: for that their overthrow cannot advance unto thee any honour, neither their imprisonment give thee any profit. To whom Rodaran answered & said: Do not thou think Knight of Cupid, that I have profited myself in using of this remedy to get the prisoner, for it hath not been for fear or doubt that I had of the battle, or for necessity of help for to overcome & get the victory of thee: no no, but only for that I do see that there doth remain a great number of good knights with whom I must combat: so that I would not detain myself so long in the apprehending of one alone knight. For that I have promised, in a very short time, to present unto the mighty Emperor of Tartary, the best knights in all Grecia, for prisoners. Who for that you are all enemies unto our sect and laws, he would gladly see you all slain. Unto which words of Rodaran, Rosicler would not answer any thing, but suffered them to carry him whereas the other knights were prisoners: who having heard the great noise & rumour of the battle, they were marvelously astonished, fearing what it should be. But when they saw them bring thither Rosicleer with his helm taken of, & a great chain at his neck, their sorrow & grief did increase, in such sort, that either of them would have given the adventure against ten such as Rodaran, for to see themselves at liberty, only for to give him his payment for this his great treason.  
But when Rosicler, did see them, his sorrow & pain was so great, that he could not speak, but they forcing themselves all that ever they could, did comfort him, saying: That now was the time to put away sorrow & grief and to be thankful unto almighty god, for that seeing that the knight of the Sun, was abroad, & at liberty, that God would not consent that so great treason should go forwards, but that by the force & strength of his arms, he will put remedy, the better that we may understand and know, that the great force and strength of men, neither the great and surpassing beauty & valour of knights, is not sufficient, whereas doth lack his divine succour.  
At this time the great joy & pleasure, which Rodaran received, was out of all measure, seeing he had got for prisoner that famous & valiant Knight of Cupid. And that there could remain no other knight, that was able to make any resistance against his great force & strength, but only the knight of the Sun, of whom he had heard tell of his marvelous and strange deeds of arms. And hoped to have him very shortly their prisoner, with the rest of the Knights, by the aid of this subtle art of the quéeve Carmania, unto whom he gave great thanks for the great policy used therein. Whereas before he was very grievous and sorrowful for the same, thinking it should not be requisite nor needful in any respect.  
So when that the page of Rosicleer, who was within perceived that the battle was ended, he knocked very strongly at the gate by the ring, till such time, as he was answered & given to understand, that his master was overcome & lost the victory, & was prisoner: & how that he should departed unto the emperor Trebatio, & tell him that he should send an other knight. The page when he heard these words, with great sorrow & heaviness, he departed from thence, & said within himself: well, seeing that Rodaran had overcome the Knight of Cupid, so likewise he would overcome & have the victory of all the rest that remained. And many times he did curse & ban Rodaran, & the queen Carmania, for that they came unto the court, at that time of so great feasts & triumphs, which the Emperor made, for acknowledging of his sons: and thereby to cause unto them so great sorrow & grief. So when he came unto Constantinople, he awaited such time as the Emperor was at dinner, accompanied with all his best knights: at which time he entered into the great hall, where as they were, & began to declare unto them (shedding so many tears, that almost he could not speak) how that Rosicleer remained prisoner, & of all that passed with Rodaran, saving in what sort he was taken prisoner: for that in the place whereas he stood for to see the battle▪ he could not see any part of the second tower, so that he could say nothing therein.  
But when the emperor & all the rest of the knights heard those heavy news, they were so greatly amazed, that they were almost out of their wits, not knowing what to say, but looking the one upon the other, and seemed unto them as though it had been a dream. But when these news came to the hearing of the Empress, her sorrowful grief was so great, that as one dead, she fell down into the lap of the princes Claridiana, who sat next unto her, & procured with all her force, to bring her to herself again, and did comfort her, saying, that she had no reason so much to set unto her heart the imprisonment of Rosicleer, & how that she was fully persuaded, that it was a thing impossible, except it were by treason, & requested her to pacify herself, for that there remained such knights behind, who very quickly would discover the secret thereof, & when that this will not serve, Rodaran is still in your country out of the which you need not let them to departed and carry away their prize.  
At which time the knight of the Sun, without any more tarrying arose out of the place whereas he was with so great anger, that his fair and white colour, was turned into sanguine and black.  
And ask licence of the emperor, he departed out of the great hall, & went unto his lodging & armed himself with his strong and bright armour, & mounting upon his strange & light horse, he departed out of Constantinople, & took his way towards the bridge of the jaspe, with as great desire to see himself with Rodaran, as to return whereas he might comfort and rejoice himself with the sight of his Ladies: without whose sight, in such like passions, it seemed that it was not possible that he could live: who at this present this History doth leave, for to tell you of other things that passed in the mean time in England.   

¶ How the Prince Don Siluerio returned and demanded of the king his daughter the Princess Olivia, to wife, and because she would not marry with him, she returned with her knights, and of all that chanced therein. Chap. 43.  
YOu have heard what great sorrow & grief the news of the death of Rosicler did cause in the Court of the King Oliverio, & likewise how joyful the prince Don Siluerio was, for that the king had given him his word & promise that the princess Olivia should marry with him, but he did not so much desire it, as the princes did hate him. For although that the heavy news of the death of Rosicler did touch her very near, yet she repent herself so much, for that cruelty which she had used unto him, & the great love that the remembrance of him did cause in her, that rather she would consent to death, then agree unto that which the king her father had requested of her divers and sundry times. And for that the prince Don Siluerio did many times importune the king to perform his promise, which was the thing he most desired. Who answered him, that till such time as he had ended the wars which he had with the emperor Trebatio, he could not by any means conclude with the princes, which was the occasion that continually he passed the time in grievous passions, supposing that it was for no other thing, but a pollisie, to cause the princess to give her father such an answer as should be contrary to his will & desire. And because the time to give case and remedy unto his desire was so long, and he not able to endure, (his sorrow and grief was such) the delay thereof. Upon a day, at such time as he found the princess Rodasilua all alone he did very earnestly desire her, that by all ways and means possible she should learn to know of the Princess Olivia the truth of the answer which she made unto the king her father at such time as he told her that he would marry her with him, whether, it was with good will and determined purpose to accomplish the same at the time appointed, or whether she did it to prolong the time, being moved by some hatred towards him, for that according unto her answer, he would determine what were best for him to do. Then the princess Rodasilua who had great desire to use remedy and to ease the sorrowful passions of her brother, did promise him to do all that ever in her power was possible to be done, & so took her leave & departed from him, & waited her time. It chanced afterward upon a day at such time as the princess Olivia was alone in her closet, she went & knocked at the door, & being known who she was, the door was opened strait ways, & she went in, & found the princess with her countenance very heavy & sorrowful, and her eyes swollen with continual weeping, & her fair cheeks which before were wont to be ruddy & full, was now so lean & wan, as though she had been new risin out of some great sickness or infirmity. And finding her in this order, being moved thereby unto great compassion, she said: What is this my lady & mistress, is it not sufficient, the time wherein I served you for maid of honour, & the great good will that continully I had in any thing that did appertain unto your service, in the which I was always faithful & true, & do I not now deserve to know the occasion wherefore, and from whence doth proceed (that whereas at other times you were wont to be very merry & joyful, & given to pleasure & pastimes, & now upon the sudden to be so sorrowful & sad) for that I have seen your great beauty & fairness to snrmount all other damsels & gentlewomen in the world, & now I do see all lost & in a mortal hue. Tell me the occasion for gods sake wherefore it should grow, that I might do my good will and therein show the great love that I do bear unto you, in seeking remedy for the same. And here I do protest that if you will not give me to understand the occasion hereof, that forth with I will departed from hence unto mine own country, for that I do not determine to serve any more those that so evil do reward them that do travail in their service.  
At which words of the princess Rodasilua, the princess Olivia received no joy nor pleasure, but rather did the more increase her pain & grief, for that she knew not what to answer unto such an importunate demand although after a while that she held her peace, with great desire that she had to turn her of, & to send her away, she said.  
Lady it is very doubtful and hard to think that any person in the world can persever in their great pleasure & contentment, & never to receive any sadness nor griefs in their lives, no, for sure it is a thing that only is received for those happy creatures who do rejoice themselves in the celestial glory, & if at this present that I am so sad & discontented as you do see me, it is not a thing to be marveled at, for that it is no new thing to all us that do line in this world, every day to receive pleasure & displeasure. And if in all this time I have not told you the occasion wherefore I am sad, it hath not been for lack of good will for to pleasure you, neither lack of knowledge of the good deeds which continually I have received by you, but only the evil which I do feel in me is such, & of such quality, that I myself do not understand it for to show it unto the physician, whereby he might procure some Physic for to remedy the same. But this only I can say, that I do find myself very sad, for that there is nothing that can give me any contentment to rejoice & recreate myself. Likewise I do feel myself mortal, for that I do hate and abhor to live, so that there is no Physic to be ministered, whereas sickness is not known And this great heaviness & discontentment doth proceed from my heart, and there is none but the heart that can declare from whence the occasion doth proceed.  
This is all that I can advertise you, my ladies & princes, & if this do not give you satisfaction, you must pardon me, for that I am not to give you any farther intelligence. In this hath your highness showed me great favour, said Rodasilua, in that you would vouchsafe to declare unto me the quality of this your infirmity, which is one of the strangest diseases that ever I heard of in all my life. And being such a sickness as you have told me, it cannot be known, neither is there any physic to be ministered, I promise you I know not what to say thereunto, but only this, & in my judgement it is best, that you take unto yourself a husband, having now so good opportunity, in that the king your father doth offer unto you such a marriage, as is convenient for your honour & estate. And although I am a damsel & have no experience of these matters, yet by myself I may judge of another, & do suppose that there is nothing under the Sun that is more profitable to give you pleasure, & to cause you to have contentment, & to put from you this heaviness which you have upon your stomach: & seeing that it is a thing certain that you must do hereafter, as you have promised & given your word unto the king Oliverio, your father, in my opinion it were better out of hand to procure the same, & not to prolong the time, but take time whilst time doth serve, for that peradventure the time will come that you would, & then you cannot, for as you have said, there is no constancy in things of this world, & every day you have a new change, & the conditions of men do alter. At which words the princes▪ Olivia did well understand, that the whole communication of the Princess Rodasilua did extend in the favour of Don Siluerio her brother, for the which, being angry, as she, who did hate and ab●…orre him more than any thing in all the world, pretending to put her out of all doubt, and that she should not afterwards come unto her any more with the like enterprise, she answered her again and said: Lady I do give you great thanks for this remedy which you have given me for my great sickness, and do accept very much your good will therein, but yet I should think much better of you (seeing as you do say that your whole desire is that I might have remedy for the same (that such Physic as you do wish unto me, might extend wholly to expulse this my great sorrow and grief, and not under colour of pretence to ease and help me, to procure to put remedy in some other, feigning to apply it wholly unto me. Therefore Lady and Princess Rodasylua, here I do give you to understand of a certainty, that there is no remedy of Physic that can give remedy and ease of this my great evil, no I say, not to one part thereof, but only death, which I do desire to take me out of this world. And now seeing that I have so plainly declared unto you that your counsel given me for my comfort and ease, doth little profit, and therein no remedy nor help is to be hoped of, I do most heartily desire you to speak no more unto me thereof from this day forwards, for that it is not unknown unto you how young and tender I am of age, and that there is no time lost in me for to tarry, and when time shall serve, I will accomplish and perform all that shall be reason, and whatsoever the King my father shall command me. And in that you do say, that peradventure when I would, than opportunity will not serve: Lady, you do know well▪ that there be many Princes in the world, and other Lords of great estate, and again, that I am a damsel and daughter unto such a Father, that with the help of God I shall not remain by the walls and lost. And herewith the Princess Olivia did hold her peace, and arose up from the place whereas she was, for that Rodasilua should not reply any more in her béegunne pretence. Who hearing and well understanding all that the Princess had said unto her, without any more words she departed out of the Closet, and went unto her own lodging, and presently sent for the Prince her brother, and declared unto him all that she had passed with the Princess Olivia, who received so great sorrow and grief, that in a good space he could not speak one word, but the Princess Rodasilua his sister did comfort him, saying, that he should be quiet and have patience, and to dissemble all that possibly he could, for that she hoped with the help of God that time would serve that the Princess Olivia would be better persuaded, & that she did béeleeve that all her sorrow & grief was for the death of Rosicleer, & that being once forgotten, then would she acknowledge the great benefit which she should obtain in receiving so noble a Prince for her husband, & give God great thanks for the same. So betwixt them there passed much other communication about that matter, & in the end they took their leave of one another & departed, but the prince Don Siluerio receied so great sorrow & grief, that a great time ●…fter there never entered in him any mirth or pastime, but always in great sadness, languishing with the great suspicion that he had of his love the Princess Olivia, till such time as he béethought himself of a policy, whereby he might remedy himself of his great sorrow and grief, & because opportunity did not serve, he did delay the time till he did execute it, as shall be told you hereafter in this History.   

How the Knight of the Sun went to combat with Rodaran, and how by a demand he left his determined journey. Chapter 44.  
WIth great desire the Knight of the Sun travailed towards the Bridge of jaspe, for to be with that Pagan Rodaran, with so valiant a courage, that he thought more of the time that he should be absent from the sight and company of his Ladies, then of the brave and 〈◊〉 battle which he should have with Rodaran, and although ten of the most bravest and valyaun●… Knights in all the world did abide his coming, for to have contention with him, yet for all that it should not be any occasion to put from him his amorous thought and great care, neither cause him to receive any fear in his valiant & courageous stomach. And being ingu●…sed with these his amorous passions, his horse carried him whether he would. And calling to remembrance the Princess Claridiana and the fatre Princess Lindabrides, the absence of them was the occasion that he thought verily his heart would have parted a sunder in two pieces. In this sort he travailed towards the bridge the first day, and the second day that he departed out of Constantinople, travailing in a great broad used way, he saw a far of coming towards him a knight of a big stature, and mounted upon a mighty couser, and armed with very rich and precious armour, and brought in his company a lady of great beauty, meruaylouslie well appara●…led, and mounted upon a Palfrey. And when he approached nigh unto them, having a great pleasure to beehould the Knight, he stayed his horse, and saluting them with great courtesy, he asked of them if they were of that Country, and whether they travailed. Then the Knight who was greatly amazed at the singular disposition of the Knight of the Sun, and the strangeness of his armour and horse, did answer him and said, that they were not of that Country, but strangers. And what should be the occasion to move him to ask that question. The Knight of the Sun replied again saying: for no other intent but to do unto you all the pleasure that in me doth lie, for your gentle disposition caused me to demand this question. I pray God that I may gratify your great courtesy, said the strange Knight. And here I do give you great thanks for your good will offered unto me, being as I am.  
You shall understand sir knight, that I am of a Country very strange and far from this land, and I am come hither in the demand of a knight who is called the Knight of the Sun, whose fame is such, that I am come forth of my Country to seek him. Therefore sir Knight, if you can●…e give me any news of him, and ●…ell where I shall find him, you shall do me great pleasure and courtesy therein. At which words the Knight of the Sun was very much amazed, hearing that a knight of a strange country should come in his demand, and being very desirous to know his Embassage, he answered and said.  
Of a truth sir Knight, you could not have met with one that better could have given you news of this knight then with me, for I can give you to understand where you shall find him before one hour be past, but yet first before I do tell you where he is, I shall receive great courtesy if you do tell me what the occasion is that you do come in this sort to seek him. The knight was very glad and joyful when he heard that news, for that it was the thing that at that time he most desired, and thinking the time long to know where he might find him, he said. Of a truth sir Knight, although there had been no occasion of your part to bind me to declare unto you the occasion of my coming, your great courtesy and gentle disposition is sufficient to cause me to declare unto you that which you do demand, and to bind me to do in your service any other thing whatsoever your pleasure is to command me.  
And now you shall understand that I am King Lyseo of Lydia, and this Lady whom I bring with me is my wife, and our evil hap and misfortune hath been such, that at such time as we were most prosperous and received greatest joy and contentment in our Kingdoms, and most at our ease, a cruel tyrant and King of Arcadia, in respect of certain contentions which chanced beetwixt us two, being travailing knights, he is now risen up against me, and as a mortal enemy doth invade my kingdom, with so great puiss●…nce of Knights and Giants, and hath entered into the same, and hath spoiled and taken all, saving one alon●… City called Lydia, whereas I have defended myself for the space of two mooneths with those small company of knights which remained with great travail, and every day is presented unto us death before our eyes. So in the end of this time, I seeing that the strength and power of the king did daily increase, and that mine did still diminish, and that I had no remedy to defend and deliver that City, which is the principal force and strength of all my Kingdom, the remnant of my knights called a counsel together, and command what was best to be done therein, and they all with one consent thought it best that I should go and seek some aid and succour, wherewith we might defend ourselves from our enemies, and give me their words that they would defend the City till such time as I returned. And I seeing that it was the thing that did ●…éehoooue me very much, I fell at a consent with them that they should make their defence, & abide my return for the space of two months, and ie it so fell out that in that space I did not return again, that they should conclude a truce with the king of Arcadia for a certain space, as they thought best. This being agreed upon, in great secrecy I and my wise departed out of the City, with determination to seek out some aid and succour, wherewith I may defend the City of Lydia, for in making defence thereof, almost the whole Kingdom is defended. And that being lost, it is without all hope ever to recover the same again. And bée●…hinking myself unto what king or Emperor I were best ●…o go to procure succour, I could not imagine any place wherein so short time I might accomplish my desire, as to ●…éeke out that valiant Knight of the Sun, whose fame is ●…o much spread abroad throughout all Asia, after the great ●…arres of Persia, so that the great confidence which I have 〈◊〉 him hath brought me into this Country, and I am ful●…y persuaded that if I do carry him in my company to ●…idia, that he alone is sufficient for to raise the siege from ●…he City, for that all the force and strength of that war ●…nd great power, doth consist in the death of the king of Arcadia, and if that the Knight of the Sun do give unto ●…im the death, it is sufficient to conclude and end the wars, ●…r when all the rest of his army shall find themselves ●…ithout their king and Lord, they will return again in●… their own Country. And that which now doth most grieve me (gentle Knight) is, that it is now forty days since my departure out of Lydia, and by reason of a great storm and foul weather which happened unto us at the Sea, we could not arrive here in this Country any sooner. So that there resteth unto me no more but twenty days of the time that I set with my Knights for to return, who cannot by any means do otherwise after that time be expired, but to yield up the City, for they have no victualle●… for any longer time, and although at that instant I 〈◊〉 find out the Knight of the Sun, yet shall we have inoug●… to do to come thither in time. So gentle knight, this is al●… that I can advertise you of, that you have saked and demanded of me, therefore I pray you now to tell me whe●… I may find this knight of the Sun, for that accordin●… unto the great excellency and virtue which is spoken 〈◊〉 him throughout all the world, I believe that there will b●… nothing to the contrary to disturb him, but that he 〈◊〉 have pity and compassion upon me, for that God 〈◊〉 not created a knight of so great estimation, but only to 〈◊〉 mend such great wrongs done in this world.  
When the Knight of the Sun had vnderst●… the demand of the King Lyeso, in all his life he did 〈◊〉 find himself in so great confusion and trouble, for that 〈◊〉 the one part the demand which he made against Rod●…ran, and the imprisonment of his great friends did cau●… and bind him not to leave off his enterprise béegun, and 〈◊〉 the other part the great and extreme necessity of 〈◊〉 King and of that sorrowful queen, who in the mean ti●… that the King did declare unto the Knight of the Sun 〈◊〉 you have heard, did weep very pitteouslie, the which 〈◊〉ued him unto great pity, in such sort, that for any thi●… as he thought, he could with no reason leave her, but g●… them suc●…our and help, and seeing that the time was short that the King Lyseo should return unto the City Lydia, it seemed unto him a thing impossible, first to conclu●… the demand of the Pagan Rodaran, the which he det●…mined, and afterward to give them aid and succour, wh●… was the occasion that he was in great doubt, and for a good space he could not speak one word, till such time as the king asked him wherefore he did not answer him. Whereto the Knight of the Sun answered and said:  
Mighty King and Lord, do not you muse nor marvel that until this time I have not answered you, for that at this instant hath happened unto me two things of great importance, and if I leave either of them undone, it will be unto me as grievos as death. The one of them is, that Rodaran king of Arabia is at the bridge of jaspe, which is ●…n the confines of this Empire of Greece, and I am going ●…hether to combat with him, for that he hath prisoner a bro●…her of mine, and many other Knights of the Emperor Trebatios' court. And the other is your demand and great ●…ecessitie, the which doth grieve me as much as though it ●…ere unto myself, béecase you shall understand that I am ●…he knight of the Sun whom you do come to seek, and ●…lthough there be not in me that bounty which you have ●…oken of, yet there shall not lack good will for to put my life 〈◊〉 adventure in your service. And because this my demand 〈◊〉 Rodaran hath chanced at this instant, and lik●…wise your ●…reat necessity, which doth not require any delay, hath 〈◊〉 the occasion that I am thus troubled, and in this great 〈◊〉, for that I cannot accomplish them both according 〈◊〉 my desire, but now seeing it is so fallen out, and that 〈◊〉 in the confidence the which you have had in me, you 〈◊〉 left to seek and procure aid and secure in other pla●…. And now the time is very short, and you cannot other●…ise procure for yourselves, hap what hap shall, and come ●…hat shall come, I am determined to go out of hand with 〈◊〉. And in the mean time that we shall with the favour 〈◊〉 God clear ourselves, and set ourselves at liberty from 〈◊〉 war, I do believe that Rodaran will not departed out of 〈◊〉, for that in the Court of the Emperor there do re●… many valiant knights, with whom he will have i●… to do before he can overcome them all.  
But when the king Liseo understood that he was the knight of the Sun, and with what determination he did offer himself in their aid and succour, in all his life he did not receive greater joy and pleasure, and went unto him and embraced him, saying: Great and infinite thanks do I give unto my Lord God, for that it hath pleased him to let me see so high and worthy a Knight, and I may well persuade myself, that you being a knight of so strange and gentle disposition, can be no other, but he whose fame is in all the world, and not a little amazed at your strange and excelle●…t bounty. And now seeing that it is my fortune to come into this great extremity, and that you of necessiti●… must make an end of this your pretend●…d enterprise, God forbidden that ever you should leave this your determined pretence for to accomhlish my neces●…itie▪ it were much better that I lose my whole Kingdom, then to hazard the liue●… of so precious and valiant knights. Therefore I will return again into Lydia, and procure to be with my knight●… before my time be expired, and there offer myself unto death with them, for to accomplish & perform that which I have promised. Then the Knight of the Sun who wa●… wholly determined to go with the King said. I am fully determined to accomplish all that which I have said▪ and if it be so that you are not content therewith, here 〈◊〉 do swear unto you by the order of Knighthood, that 〈◊〉 am purposed to go thither all alone, for that your necess●… tie doth not require any delay. And for this my demau●… which I have beegunne, I shall have time enough, for th●… Rodaran cannot departed towards any place, but I shall find him to execute my fury on him. And likewise there 〈◊〉 remain in Greece many valiant Knights, who will 〈◊〉 ta'en him for the time, and I am very sure that it was 〈◊〉 possible for him to apprehend those knights whom he 〈◊〉 prisoners in his power, except it were by some treason●… falsehood.  
At which time the King Lyseo would with a very 〈◊〉 will have stayed with the knight of the Sun, from 〈◊〉 determined pretence, all only for that he would not that he should have left his first demand, but by any means he would not be persuaded thereunto, so that in the best ways he could, he did gratify his great courtesy & good will offered unto him, still persuading to the contrary in saying, that it were better that he should perish, then so many noble knights. But all was spoken in vain and nothing would serve, for that the knight of the Sun would departed with them in their company, & leave of his first & own demand. So straight way without any longer tarrying, in company with the king & queen, they took their ieurney towards Lydia: & the king said unto the queen, that he was the most virtuous knight that ever he saw in all the world, & how that the great fame that went of him, was with ●…ust reason. So in this sort th●…y travailed till they came unto a little castle, where as they determined to ●…ary, for that the night was come upon them: and there resting themselves, very early in the morning they arose & did prosecute their journey. And they had not ●…rauailed long when that out of the same castle, they saw ●…ome forth six armed knights, who likewise sojourned there, ●…ll that night: & following them, they did overtake them 〈◊〉 the entry of a great valley, & when they drew ni●…h, one of ●…he knights said. Sir knights you understand, that your horse 〈◊〉 armour doth give great contentment unto these my com●…, & I for my part, doth all only desire this Lady, for 〈◊〉 she seemeth to be very fair, & to be of high estate, ther●…, out of hand it doth accomplish you, to leave them, except 〈◊〉 will die in our hands. Then the knight of the Sun, who 〈◊〉 the first was with them very meek & sufferable, & with 〈◊〉 dissimulation he said: Sir knight, if we do give and 〈◊〉 unto you our armour, & our horse, will you not be ●…ntent to leave with us this Lady. No of truth, said the 〈◊〉, for that I ●…ad rather lie and take my ease with her 〈◊〉 night, then to have all the horse and armour that is in 〈◊〉 the world.  
Then the knight of the Sun, who could no longer suffer so great villainy nor outrage to pass before the presence of the king, & finding himself very nigh unto the knight, he lift up his fist & struck him with his armed hand, such a blow upon the helm, that he buckled it unto the skull in such sort that he broke it all to pieces, & he fell from his horse dead to the ground. The rest of the knights his compa●…ions, when they saw th●…t terrible blow, they were very much amazed, for that never in all their lives they saw the like done, and with s●… great strength, & wished that they had not put themselves in that demand and enterprise. But yet 〈◊〉 themselves, for that they were many, they drew forth their swords and w●…nt against him, & did assau●…t him, with mighty & terrible blows. Yet ●…or all that the knight of the Sun made little account of them, & would not dr●…w his sword, but stroke a●… other of them such a terrible blow with his armed fist, that likewise he overthrew him from his horse dead to the ground, & said, god forbid that I should drawout my sword to defile it upon so vile people as these be, that without all shame doth demand our 〈◊〉 & armour, & yet not content, bu●… 〈◊〉 so would ha●…e th●… queen for to defile her. Then the king Liseo, who was one of the 〈◊〉 knights in the world, being very much amazed, at the great bounty & strength of th●… knight of the Sun could no longer forbear himself, but 〈◊〉 his sword drawn in his ha●…d, he assaulted the knights▪ tha●… remained. And the first that he met with all, he cut of 〈◊〉 arm, & with a trise, he struck at another & wounded him 〈◊〉ry fore, & over threw him from his horse to the ground. An●… the knight of the Sun, at that time struck an other with 〈◊〉 armed fi●…t, that he all to be bruised his helm & skull, & oue●… threw him dead to the ground, so that there remained of 〈◊〉 six, but one alive, and seeing himself all alone, thought no 〈◊〉 to tarry, but set spurs unto his horse, and ran 〈◊〉 with all the hast he could.  
●…o that these two valiant knights remained all 〈◊〉 with great content to see themselves clear of those discourteous knights, as als●… to see the pro●…e of the great valiantness of either of them, & so they returned onwards on their journey, & had great pleasure & pastime, at the demand of those uncourteous knights they travailed till such time as they came unto the sea coast, & unto the pa●…t whereas they found the ship out of the which the king & queen had disembarked themselves: into the which they entered, & found the wind very prosperous and so great, that within three days after their departure, they arrived at a port or haven of Asia, where as they went a land, & to●…e their way towards Lydia, always travailing in great haste for that they would come to the city, at the time that the king Liseo, had appointed and promised unto the knights, but yet for all the haste that ever they could make, their time was accomplished, & over and above, more than ten days, at the end of the which, one day in the after noon, at such time as night drew on, they had sight of their enemies, who had th●…ir camp still pitched & compassed round about the city. And that day they assaulted the city, & made a meruaileus great skirmish in such sort that they lacked very little to e●…ter into the city, & the most part of the knights that made their defence, were slain: who did defend the city with great force, and like good and loyal vassalle, always determined first to die the death, then for 〈◊〉 up the city. Although they were all that remained so weak and so feeble, that if they had returned to give a new ●…sault, by reason of their great weariness, & wounds, they must needs have yielded unto the death & were all very much amazed, that the king Liseo, was not returned again according unto his promis●…, for that they had him in estimation for one of the best knights that was in all those parts, & they feared very much lest some ill fortune or mis●… should have happened unto him.  
So when these two Knights came within the sight of the camp where their enemies w●…re, the king Liseo said, my very friend and Lord, what do you think is best for us to do, for to enter into the city, that we may give some comfort unto those sorrowful and afflieted knights. You do best know worthy king, what is best to be done in this case, said the knight of the Sun, & therefore if it were possible before that I do enter, I would very feign know how far the force and strength of these knights doth extend: therefore if it please you, to take the queen behind you upon your horse, and procure in all that ever you may, for to get unto the gates of the city, & cause your Knights to keep the gates open, for that I will be there very quickly. Do all things according unto your pleasure said the king, & I pray God to give unto you such victory, that our enemies might understand & know, that as yet the king Liseo, is neither dead, nor overcome. So when the night waxed dark, the king in the best manner he could, he took the q●…eene behind him on his horse, & embraced the knight of the Sun, shedding many tears, he took his leave with the queen, & departed by a narrow lane, which he knew very well, & went towards the city: & although he met by the way with divers, yet for all that, having no fear by reason that he spoke the language very well, they made little reckoning of him, & did not mistrust that he should be any of their enemies. Then the knight of the Sun when he supposed that the king had passed the camp, he took his spear in his hand, & dre●… nigh unto his enemies: & when he saw them, that they were with out watch, or care of any evil that might ●…appen unto them, ●…e committed himself unto God, & put himself amongst his enemies: & with his spear he began to kill & to destroy so many of the knights & other soldiers, that his great force & strength was quickly known, by the number th●…t lay dead in the field. For that in a short space, he had flame more than fifty of them, at the nois●… of whom with a tri●…e all the whole camp was in an vpro●… and cried unto armour.  
And after that this valiant knight had broken his 〈◊〉, with his sword in his hands he pressed still forwards amongst them, in such sort, that he seemed to be some infernal creature. And without finding any great resistance he approached unto the tents that were in the field, which were very many & rich, whereas he found in them very many that seemed to be valiant Knights, who at the noise & vpr●…are of the soldiers were all armed, & in their company many great and deformed giants, that seemed to be great towers, who when they saw all the people run away, & saw not their enemies follow them, being greatly amazed thereat, they stood still & knew not which way to departed, but when the valiant knights drew nigh unto them, the first knight that he met withal, he struck him such a blow upon his helm, that cléeving it & his head down unto the breast, he overthrew him dead to the ground▪ & turning himself about, he struck another upon the waist, that he cut him a sunder in the midst, & overthrew him from his horse likewise dead to the ground, which made all the knights that were there not a little to marvel, & for that this valiant & worthy knight would not at that time tarry any longer, he set spurs unto his furious horse & passed through the camp with so great fury that there was not one knight that could get before him, & being seen by one of the most valiantest giants amongst the rest, with a great maze in his hand he followed him, pretending to strike him with the same. The knight of the Sun perceiving it, turned about with his horse, & before that the giant could execute his mighty blow with his mase, he struck him so terrible a blow upon the waist, that his sharp cutting sword entered into his bowels, that he fell down from his horse dead to the ground, and then without any stayin●… he put himself in the midst of the whole camp and made so great a spoil amongst his enemies, that he whom he found in his way might well think himself unhappy. So that they all fled and ran before him, as from some infernal creature, that according unto the great destruction that he made amongst them, they thought him to be no other. In this sort this valiant knight went throughout the whole camp, without finding one that was so hardy to disturb him, & slew with his own hands more they two hundredth knights, & being all imbrued in blood, he came unto the gates of the city, whereas he found the king Liseo, who being known by his knights & subjects, did open the gates, & did abide his coming. And when they saw the knight of the Sun to come, all to be rayed with blood, the knig strait ways did imagine what had passed with him & embraced him saying: Oh my good & perfect friend now I am fully persuaded that it hath pleased god to give me full remedy, & set at liberty all my kingdom, only in that I have your valiant person here with me. At this time the most principallest of all the knights of the city came unto them, & with great contentment & joy to see their Lord and king they entered into the city, & commanded the gates to be shut very strongly, & exceeding good watch & ward to be kept, & they altogether went unto the palace, whereas they were of the queen marvelously well received & entertained and did unarm the knight of the Sun with her own hands, and there they did repose & rest themselves that night, not without great care & complaints unto their king, to see themselves in such great affliction, & almost all the people in their Country lost.  
Likewise also was the valiant knight of the Sun sore troubled with his amorous thoughts of the fair princes Lindabrides, and of the princess Claridiana, which thoughts were more troublesome unto him then the furious battle which he should have with his enemies the next day following. But when he remembered his brother, and the rest of his friends that were prisoners with Rodaran, he received so great sorrow & grief, that he thought long till the day was come, & had a good trust and confidence in God, that very shortly he should see himself clear from his enemies, & for to have time to return unto the bridge of the iaspe, & to conclude his pretence to combat with Rodaran.  
Likewise at this time all those that were in the camp of the king of Arcadia, did not take their rest in perfect quietness, but when they remembered that which did pass with the beginning of the night, they all trembled with their great fear which they received of that worthy & valiant knight. And when they had made relation of all that had happened unto the king of Arcadia, he began to blaspheme against his gods, for that it was not his fortune to meet with him, & they were all amazed, because they could not understand & know who that valiant Knight should be. And again they were fully persuaded that it could not be the king Liseo, for that he was not a knight of so great valour, for to make such destruction amongst them, for that they had combated with him divers & sundry times▪ & likewise others had been so venturous as to enter into their camp, but never did show so great force, & the King being very desirous to know who he should be & to see him, he passed away all that night with much more care than any of the rest.   

How the Knight of the Sun and the King Lyseo went out into the camp of their enemies, & of the cruel battle that thy had with them. Chapter. 45.  
THe next day very early in the morning, the good king Lyseo and the valiant knight of the Sun, after that they had committed themselves to God and broken their fasts, they armed themselves with their strong and rich armour, and went out into the great court of the Palace, whereas were joined together before the king all the knights of the city, who did exhort them to be valiant, & to put their lives in adventure fight, seeing that the goodness of God had brought him back again, & in his company so valiant & worthy a knight, who did offer themselves unto death in whatsoever it pleased the king to command them. The king gave them great thanks for their great loyalty, & did animate their courageous hearts in the best wise he could, saying: My good friends and loyal subjects, I have always had before mine eyes the great love which you do bear me, & now you do show it more amply, that you have kept & defended this my city, in the time that I have been from you in procuring this aid & succour, God for his infinite goodness & mercy sake grant us victory over our enemies, that I may have opportunity to gratify you for this your great loyalty & travail. And I have good hope in my Lord jesus Christ that it will so fall out, only for that I have this happy & worthy knight in my company, whose fame doth sound throughout all the whole world, & all you together ought to have him in greater estimation then if I had brought a meruallous huge & mighty army of knights. And in saying these words, he commanded to number the people that were in the city, & they found that there was to the number of one thousand of very good knights & valiant, & two thousand other, that might well bear armour, & turning towards the knight of the Sun, hé●… said. Ualiant & worthy knight, & my very friend, your pleasure is to command what is best to be done, for all we will obey you as our principal captain and defender. Then the knight of the Sun humbling himself very much said.  
Worthy King, I am not come hither into this Country, but to serve you with my person, therefore I pray you command what we shall do, for I purpose to be the first that shall obey it, and for my part I give you to understand that forasmuch as all these your knights are very weary●… of the battles past, I myself alone this day will go forth into the camp, and there to procure all that is in my power against your enemies, for that principally with the favour of almighty God I will do so much, that they shall receive damage and grief. But when the King Lyseo and all his Knights heard those words, they marveled greatly at the mighty stomach and courage of the Knight of the Sun, and with great admiration did bée●…olde him, and it did seem unto them a thing impossible that in a Knight of so few years should remain so great force and strength, that he alone should offer to put himself into the ●…field against more than twenty thousand Knights, and as many more soldiers that were in the camp of the King of Arcadia, whereas was amongst them the bravest Knights and Giants that were in the Pagan Country. Then the good king Lyseo who could not by any means abide to remain in the City, said, that he might do all that his pleasure was to command, but he would not in any manner of wise remain behind in the City, but that he would also go out in his company. Then do what your pleasure is my Lord, said the knight of the Sun, for having you in my company, I will not fear all these our enemies. And so contrary unto the wills of all the other Knights, they prepared for to go forth they two alone together, and before the time that the Sun had mounted to mid day, these two valiant & worthy warriors being armed with their strong and rich armour, and mounted upon their mighty and furious courses, they commanded the gates of the City to be opened, and at such time as the Queen and all the rest of the Ladies, Knights, and people were upon the tow●…rs and battlements of the Cit●…ie for to béehoulde all that should pass, they went forth of the City, and when they ●…ad passed a mighty long & broad bridge which was nigh ●…nto the walls, under the which ran a great and deep ●…ater, and putting themselves a little out of the way for ●…o view the Camp, whereas they remained a while, and bée●…ors they entered into the army, the knight of the Sun took from his neck a very fair and rich Bugle, and blew it with so great strength, that it made all the hearers thereof in the camp for to tremble. And being discovered by their enemies, the King of Arcadia did straight ways understand that it should be the Knight that so troubled them the night past, and therewith commanded that the best of all his Knights should be armed, and that they should go forth for to know what was their demand. The first amongst all those Knights that went forth, was Brother unto the King, called Momfriero, a valiant Knight and stout of his person, and worthy in feats of arms, and such a one, that in all the Pagan Country there was found very few, so gallant and so lively in any kind of exercise, and marvelous presumptuous, who being mounted upon a great and furious courser whet out of the camp, and with great threatenings and oaths he swore that with the first encounter that he should make with his spear, for to bring him prisoner unto the King. When he came unto the place whereas the Knight of the Sun was, with great pride and arrogancy he said.  
Tell me thou simple and captive Knight, what great boldness and folly is this of thine, that thou being but one alone, darest for to sound thy horn against so great an army as this is, whereas there be knights sufficient for to conquer the whole world, and here I do swear unto thee by the high Gods, that before it be long I will give thee thy reward for this thy great folly, because thou shalt not advance thyself here after, how that before Momfriero thou didst this or that. And in saying those words he drew nigh unto him, reserving that which was requisite for the course of his horse, and with his spear in his hand he came against the Knight of the Sun; who wished▪ and desired no other thing, and with the force of his horse Cornerino he made against him, and although the course was very long, yet with a trice they met together with so great fury, that the earth seemed to tremble under them, they made their encounter in such sort, that the valiant pagan shéevered his great Spear all in small shéevers, but at such time as he thought all had been finished, he found himself from his Horse upon the ground by the great encounter of his enemy▪ in such sort, that he was constrained to leave his saddle, and the Knight of the Sun passed forwards as though he had done nothing at all, and this valiant Pagan was not so soon overthrown, but presently he arose up again, and drew out his sword, thinking that the Knight of the Sun would have returned again upon him, but he making little account of him, did blow his horn again. Then the king of Arcadia, who from his Tent did behold all that passed, being greatly amazed to see his brother overthrown, sent another knight called Rufier, who was a great Lord in Arcadia, and one of the most bravest that he had in all the camp, who being mounted on a mighty courser went out of the camp, with so great pride & arrogancy, that he thought verily to revenge the injury done unto Momfriero, but his expectation fell out clean contrary, for when he came to make his encounter with the Knight of the Sun, he gave him such a blow with his spear, that he pierced him quite through, that he overthrew him dead unto the ground, and breaking his spear therewith, he drew out his great and sharp cutting sword, and in his company the King Lyseo, they put themselves into the press of the Camp whereas they made great slaughter, killing and overthrowing as though they had been all naked without armour: Oh how joyful were all those of the City, when they saw the great marvels of their Captains, and their great bounty and surmounted strength, and to the contrary how the King of Arcadia was amazed when that he saw two alone knights for to do so great murder and destruction in his mighty and puissant army, and said with himself, that if all the world should have told him the like, he could not have béeléeved it, except he had seen it with his own eyes, and for that he would see more of their wonderful deeds, he did not procure to arm himself, neither would he move from the place whereas he was▪ but stood still beholding the two valiant knights how they did behave themselves amongst their enemies, who without finding any thing that did disturb them in their way●…, they went throughout the whole army, killing and wounding all that they met withal, in such sort that they were all to be ra●…ed with blood, and the field lay full of dead bodies, and whereas it was before all dust, it was now turned into dirt. At this time was well perceived the mightis and valiant courage of the Knight of the Sun, who was so furious and fierce in his battle, that whereas the King Lyseo did kill or wound one, he for his part did kill four, so that they slew betwixt them that day more than three hundredth Knights, and in the end there went forth to make resistance against them two great and stout Giants, and with their mighty mazes in their hands, they went towards the place whereas the Knights were. Then the Knight of the Sun because they should not take so great pains as to come unto them whereas they were, but seeing them a far off to come towards them, he went forth to meet them, and scarcely they could have so much leisure as to life up their mazes for to strike them, when that the Knight of the Sun with great lightness struck one of those Giants with his sword in both his hands so terrible a blow upon his right shoulder, that he cut him down to his bowels, in such sort, that the fore quarter with his right arm did part from his body, and he fell from his horse dead to the ground. Then the other Giant who saw the ill success of his companion, beeganne to roar, and to discharge his heavy club upon the Knight's head, but this courageous knight perceiving the same, set spurs unto his horse, who springing forwards, did clear his master from that terrible blow, so that his mase fell down unto the ground, at which time the good King Lyseo did find himself nigh unto the Giant, and struck him so terrible a blow upon his arm, that he cut his armour and flesh unto the hard bone. At which time the Knight of the Sun was embraced with other Knights, and the Giant life up his mase again, and struck the King Lyseo so strong a blow upon his hard and rich helm, that he made him fall backwards upon his saddle bow without any remembrance, with his head upon the horse neck, & his arms hanging on both sides as though he had been dead, and vo●…did out of the beaver of his helm great abundance of blood. Then the knight of the Sun, who at the noise of that terrible blow did look about him to see what it should be, and when he saw the King in that great perplexity as though he had been dead, his sorrow and grief was such, that never in all his life he received the like, and wished that he had not brought him out that day unto the battle, but seeing that it was then requisite to revenge the same, with more fury and wrath then ever he received, he went towards the giant, who was ready to strike the king Lyseo another blow, and raising himself in his stirrups, with the force of both his hands he struck the Giant such a blow upon his head, as though he had no armour upon him, he clove him down unto the breast, & the Giant fell down dead to the ground, than the King of Arcadia and all those that were with him wondered greatly when they saw that terrible and mortal blow strooken, their blood waxed cold in their bodies, and all their bones did shake, and received such fear, that there was not one that was so hardy almost scarce to look upon him, much less to assault him, and the King of Arcadia ●…ayd unto himself: Oh immortal Gods, who could have beeléeved that your power doth so far extend, to make a ●…ortall man so mighty, that at two blows he hath slain ●…wo of the most valiantest Giants that were in all the ●…orld, and he alone sufficient to make resistance against ●…wentie thousand Knights, the flower of all the Pagan Country. And I do verily believe, seeing that you do force ●…ée to speak it, that the force and strength of this knight 〈◊〉 much more than yours, and if it were possible for him to ●…oe up into the heavens, as he is here on the earth, he would 〈◊〉 destroy you all. At this time all those which were 〈◊〉 the City, when they saw the disgrace of the King Lyseo all the great joy and pleasure which they received tun see the wonderful marvels of those two Knights was turned into great sorrow and heaviness, and began amongst them grievous lamentations, but especially the Queen, who fell in a deadly sound, & so remained more than one hour, but in the mean time this invincible Knight not making any stay at the death of the Giant, without departing from the king Lyseo, did such wonderful deeds round about him, that they durst oot come nigh him to assault him by a great space, but with great sorrow withdrew themselves, because their lives depended in receiving but one blow of his hands, if he chanced to hit them right, and although a far off they threw at him Darts, Lances, and swords, as well at his Horse as at him, yet they did him little harm, for that his armour was such as the history hath showed, and his horse was all covered with a very small and light mail, made by such art, that there was no weapon able to cut nor pierce it, for so the Prince Meridian had caused it to be made, of whom he won his armour as you have read, which did not a little profit in the mighty and immortal deeds of this invincible knight, for if that his own armour and the armour of his Horse had not been of so great force and strength, it had not been possible for him to have finished and brought to an end so many perilous battles and contentions as he hath done. When this good knight saw that his enemies with great fear did fly from him and gave him way, he went unto the king Lyseo and took him in his arms, and rubbed and chafed him in such sort, that he came again unto himself, and when he saw the great peril and danger wherein he was brought, and the great slaughter which the knight of the Sun had made▪ he lift up his hands to heaven, and gave great thanks unto almighty God, and with a very good courage he joined with him, and with great and mighty blows he began to help him, with desire to revenge the great peril in which his enemies had brought him: in this sort these two knights put themselves into the thickest of their enemies, making s● great slaughter, that they were judged rather to be devils of hell, then mortal knights, and there was none that was so bold that durst withstand them in their way, and by reason the night drew on, they being all bloody, and almost weary with killing and wounding of their enemies, they began to take their way towards the City, with so great quietness as the ravening Lion after she hath had her prey doth departed through the feeble and weak herds of cattle, but the King of Arcadia when he saw them departed so quietly and to their contentment, by his outward show he seemed to be so furious & full of wrath, that not one that was about him durst come in his presence, but with many uprobrious words he rebuked them, saying: Oh vile people and of base courage, how is it that you are not ashamed that two alone Knights against so many as are of you, hath had so great courage and boldness, to enter into our camp, & hath slain so many of your brethren, kinsfolks, and friends, and to suffer them to departed in so quiet sort as they do, as though they had done us no barm at all. Here I do make a vow and swear by the high Gods, whom I esteem but little, that to morrow if they return bether again, to arm myself, & with mine own hands to take revengement of him that all you together cannot do. At that time there was in presence with the King many stout and valiant Knights, who thought it a great shame and small manhood to be so many against two alone Knights, and therefore they would not arm themselves that day, who when they saw the King to be so angry and wrathful, every one of them made a solemn oath, to take cruel revengement of those two Knights, if the next day they did come forth again. In this time if the sorrow & grief was very much with them in the Camp, the great joy and contented pleasure of them of the City, to the contrary was as great, when they saw those two valiant warriors return together, and caused the gates to be opened, and went forth to receive them, and ●ould not satisfy themselves in honouring of them, & gave great thancks unto God in that he had sent unto them so valiant a knight, for when they saw his great and singular bounty, they were all fully persuaded that God had sent him unto them for to aid & secure them in this great necessity. But when they came unto the King's palace, I am not here able to recite the great joy & pleasure wherewith the Queen received them, who thought of a certainty that the king had been dead, but when she saw him by her, she knew not what to do for joy, but with her own hands did unarm the King and the Knight of the Sun, and would not consent that any other should help her, and because their armour was so strong and exceeding good in making defence, they had not received any one wound that was needful of curing. So there was brought unto each of them straightways a new gown, and putting them on, they sat down unto supper, and passed away that night with more contentment & joy, than any night before since the King of Arcadia came into that Kingdom. Whom at this present the history doth leave, for to declare unto you what passed in the Court of the Emperor Trebatio, after the knight of the Sun was departed from the Court.   

How Rodaran sent unto the Emperor Trebatio, demanding more Knights, and who went forth in the demand. Chapter 46.  
EIght days remained Rodaran at the bridge of jaspe, tarrying for some knight that should come from the Court of the Emperor Trebatio, for to combat with him, in the end of the which when he saw that none came, he sent a damsel of the Queen of Carmania's unto the Emperor Trebatio, giving him to understand how that all those Knights which were sent by him were prisoners, and that he should send more Knights, and if not, how that he was determined to departed into his own Country with those Knights which he had in his power. So the damsel departed, with this her message, & at such time as the emperor, with other princes & knights, were in the great hall of the pallas, this damsel entrrd in theratand without acknowledging any courtesy she went before the Emperor, and said.  
Rodaran, king of Arabia, my Lord doth send me to give thee ●…o understand emperor Trebatio, how that all those knights which thou didst send unto him, are prisoners, & doth me will ●…hee to send other knights, such as may with their great bounty & strength set them at liberty, & if not, he is determined to departed into his own country, and to carry them with him prisoners that already he hath, & will declare in all places that there were no knights in thy court that durst come forth to combat with him.  
When the damsel had made an end of saying these words, she returned back & went out of the great hall, & without any tarrying returned unto Rodaran, leaving the emperor & all his knights that were with him in great admiration 〈◊〉 sorrow, believing that the knight of the Sun was also pri●…, & as men half amazed they looked one upon another, & ●…new not what to say, & there was not one of them that could ●…eléeue, that such knights as went forth for to combat with Rodaran, could be taken prisoners, except it were by some ●…reat treason. Then the valiant Claverindo, who could no ●…onger suffer his courageous heart so swelled▪ but ask li●…ence of the emperor, he departed towards the bridge of the 〈◊〉, more with pretence to understand if there were used a●… treason, & for to be prisoner with his friends, then for any ●…ope he had to conclude that which the knight of the Sun & ●…osicleer could not do. And when this valiant prince came 〈◊〉 the bridge, the battle that was between him & Roda●… was so well fought, that they were more than half day in great contention, and could not get the victory 〈◊〉 of another, neither was there any vantage known of ●…ther side, but in the end Rodaran feeling himself weary & 〈◊〉 the night drew on, he began to use his accustomed remedy, and did retire backwards: this valiant prince with great courage did follow him, till such time as they were under the 〈◊〉 of the second tower. Then the queen did pull the cord. 〈◊〉 let the iron net to fall down upon those knights, in ●…uch ●…ort, that they were both prisoners, & strait way they pulled of the prince's helm, & took a way his swood, and when his hands were bound, they took him out of the net, & did carry him prisoner unto the other knights. Great was the sorrow & grief which these good knights received, when they saw themselves together prisoners by so great treason. And seeing that they were in place whereas they could not profit themselves of their force & strength, but to have patience, & to suffer that terrible blow of fortune, they committed themselves unto God, till such time as it pleased him to dispose of them to his pleasure. So when this valiant prince was likewise prisoner with the rest, Rodaran sent the damsel again unto the emperor, for to give him to understand how that the knight which he sent last was also prisoner: & that he should send other knights of great bounty in arms. But when the emperor did ●…eare that message, without speaking unto the damsel or 〈◊〉 any other that was there present, he arose up & wen●… all alone into his closet. And kneeling down upon the ground, shedding many salt and bitter tears from his eyes, he began to complain himself saying. Oh high & mighty Lord, the creator of all things, without whose good will & permission nothing can be done. Hear I 〈◊〉 acknowledge that the great pride & presumption of all mor●… tall men is such, and being by thee abhorred, many time's i●… the occasion, that being by thee forgotten, they fall into grea●… troubles & necessity, by the which we may understand, tha●… all our great force & strength, high estates, and all goodne●… which we do receive doth proceed & come wholly and onel●… from thee, & by thy will & permission: & lacking thy aid an●… help, we are▪ of ourselves nothing at all. And I a morta●… man, at such time as I thought to be most highest in estat●… & most 〈◊〉 est, with the new acknowledging of my worthy valiant sons, with the high & mighty knighthood of my court, with whom I did believe to be sufficient for to conquer the whole world. Forgetting with my great pride & presumption, to give thee thanks for so great benefit which by thee I have obtained & now is the occasion that I am by thee for gotten & voide of thy mighty hand & power. And in a short time I do see my sons & all my knights which was the flower of all the world, in the power of one pagan, & prisoners▪ & I myself in danger to be with them. Here I do humbly desire thee my Lord good, seeing that I do acknowledge my fault, that I alone may receive the punishment. And do not permit that so many good knights to perish & decay. In saying these & other like lamentable words, the good emperor all that day he would not go forth of his closet: but when night was come, he armed himself very secretly, with his strong & rich armour, & took a mighty great & light horse, and with one squ●…er, he departed out of the city, & took his way towards the bridge of the jaspe, leaving order that they should say that he was in his chamber very sick, & that he commanded that none should enter in unto him▪ for that if they did know of his departure, all knights of the Court would follow aft●…r him, which was contrary to his desire. So in this sort went this worthy emperor, with so great desire to find himself with Rodaran, that he thought every hour to be a whole day. But yet he made so great haste that the fist day after his departure, he arrived at the bridge of the jaspe, without finding any adventure by the way, worth the telling. And at his coming unto the bridge, 〈◊〉 knocked at the gate, and strait way it was open▪ and the Emperor entered in there at, and hi●… squire would hau●… entered in with him, but those that were at the gate woul●…●…ot let him to go in, so that the squire did strive with the●… and did stand in contention, and one of the men took up 〈◊〉 ●…ogell and struck the squire, that it grieved him very sor●…▪ ●…t which noise the Emperor looked beehind him, and saw ●…is squire to be so misused, he drew out his sword and 〈◊〉 that man such a terrible blow, that he everthrew him dead to the ground, the rest seeing their companion slain, they began altogether to buckle with the emperor, but he used himself so with them, that in a small time of ten which were of them, he slew eight, & the other two ran away for to tell their lord what had passed, & the gate remained with o●…t any keepers, so that the emperor entered the bridge, and his 〈◊〉 with him, & he had not well passed half the bridge, when Rodaran armed with strong armour, & mounted on his furious horse, with his spear in his hand be came ●…orth and met him, & with presumptuous and proud words he said: Knight, thou seemest to be some innocent & variable person, thou coming to combat with me, thou ●…ast made contention with my men. Hear I swear unto thee by the high god●…, that thy life shall make me recompense for theirs, but first I will that thou tell me whether thou art the Emperor Trebatio, or some of his court, for that hitherto tho●…e which hath come hither, have not been so uncourteous as thou 〈◊〉 been. Then he said, thou shalt understand Rodaran, that I am the emperor whom thou ●…oost speak of, & not bele●…uing tha●… thy strength is sufficient to overcome and take prisoners so good knights as thou hast in thy power, I am come hither 〈◊〉 combat with thee, for to know by experience that which 〈◊〉 many times hath been told me of thee▪ therefore look unto th●… self, for thou shalt have 〈◊〉 to do herein, & let pass th●… death of thy keepers. And in saying these words, the good emperor turned about his horse: likewise Rodaran no less 〈◊〉 full▪ as much marveling to see the emperor there, turned 〈◊〉 'bout his horse, and being both in place to begin their cours●… they both of them together set spurs unto their horses, & 〈◊〉 the midst of the bridge they made their encounter, and 〈◊〉 each other with their spears in such sort, that they were 〈◊〉 broken in pieces, and passed by one another without 〈◊〉 any more harm, and turned their horses about 〈◊〉 with their Swords drawn, and their shields on 〈◊〉 shoulders they assavited the one the other very 〈◊〉 lie, and the one of them stroke the other with so 〈◊〉 force & strenzth, that the noise ran all alongst the river. Rodaran did so much o●…presse the Emperor with his mighty blows, that he gave him to understand, that he was a knight of great bounty. Likewise he received such blows of the emperor, that Rodaran did very well feel & understand him to be so good a knight as any of the other knights that came before him, & many times he said unto himself, that with great reason those valiant knights did serve the Emperor Trebatio, for that he was of his own person the most worthiest prince that ever ●…e saw or ●…elt, & seemed unto him, that forsomuch as he was come thither unto the combat, there remained in the court no other knight that was of any account or estimation, which was the occasion that he did animate & force himself very much for to oner●…ome him, & did charge him with great & mighty blows, but he had to do with the emperor Ttebatio, father unto the knight of the Sun & unto Rosicleer, & such a one for his person, that setting his sons a part, there was not a more valiant & worthy knight in all the world, who with the great sorrow & grief which he received for the imprisonment of his knights, did so charge Rodaran with his mighty blows, that although his strong & fine armour did save him ●…rom death, yet many times he brought him out of his remembrance, that his horse carried him round about the bridge.  
In this sort the battle en●…ured more than three heures, & could neither of them overcome the other, but in the end because their horses waxed weary, they concluded together to leave them, & to make their battle on foot, & for that they might then more at their ease bestir themselves to execute their terrible blows, the battle at that time seemed to be more furious & well fought, for their sheelds were all broken in pieces, & with the strength of both their hands they struck the one upon the others ●…elme, that it made them to sound like bells, and their ●…ares were so full with the noise thereof that it was strange. And many times these sto●…t Knights with the mighty strength of their blows, were constrained to vow their heads down unto their breasts, and stoop with their knees to the ground, and likewise with their hands to stay them from falling all together, yet with a trise they recovered themselves again, & abated nothing of their courageous striking one of another, although they were all to shaken with the force of their blows, yet the one had not so soon discharged his blow as the other had his sword aloft for to recompense the same & if at one time the emperor did bow his knees to the ground straightways the mighty Rodaran did stoup with his hands, because he would not altogether fall down, & sometimes he fell upon his face, as half amazed. At this time was Rodaran very much amazed at the great and high bounty of the Emperor Ttebatio, & thought verily unto himself that it was not possible for him to get the victory of that rigorous battle, if he did not profit himself of his wont remedy & treason, yet was he marvelous desirous to overcome that Magnanime, & valiant emperor in battle, for that he had taken all the other Knight's prisoners by that treason, he would not if it were possible, but overcome the emperor by force of arms, which was the occasion that he did very much enforce himself to augment his blows, but by reason of the great fury of the emperor, & the mortal & troublesome blows which he struck, brought him into great feebleness & to be weary, the emperor was not clean void, but by reason of the long endurance of the battle, he waxed likewise weary, so that both of them had great need for to rest themselves some what, of the great travail which they had passed, and did withdraw themselurs both together, & tested themselves upon the 〈◊〉 of their rich swords, & without speaking any word the one unto the other, they remained so a good space, till such time as the Emperor feeling himself somewhat refreshed said.  
Tell me Rodaran, what is the occasion that thou being such a knight as thou art, & so mighty a prince, & king of Arabia, hast left thine own country, & come into these strange countries, so far from thine, whereas we are all contrary unto you in customs and laws.  
Well, said Rodaran, seeing that you so liberally have shown unto me who you were, I will strait way give you to understand of your demand. You shall understand that on a time I being in the court of the mighty Emperor of Tar taria, which is the gran Cataya, by the mouth of the king Gedrosia (who is an old man, & very well seen in the art of necromancy, I heard him say, that the knights of Greece before many years did pass, shall destroy all the Tartarians & pagans, & bring unto destruction the most mightiest kings and Lords that are in all those countries, & overthrow all their I●…ols down unto the ground in despite of our Gods, & for that the words of that king did make the emperor & all the kings & noble men that were there present greatly to marvel, I in the midst amongst them did arise bp, & gave my word & promise in their presence, for to come into these parts, & by mine own hands for to take & carry away prisovers all the knights of Greece, & for that they all did make a jest thereat, and thought it a thing impossible, I strait ways departed out of the court, & took in my company the queen of Carmania my spouse & wife, & am come hither, and done as is apparent unto you, And with pretence & good will when I have prisoners the best & most esteemed knights of all the court to departed unto the sea, & return again unto Tartary, & there to make a present before the emperor of all the prisoners that I shall carry, that he man do with them all that his will & pleasure is and according unto the evil will which he doth bear unto the christians, he will cause them all to die an cruel death, so 〈◊〉 as they shall be presented before him. Therefore emperor Trebatio, look well unto t●…y self, for that I do desire more to carry thee prisoner, then to enjoy the kingdom of Carmania, although it were more greater than the whole Empire of Tartary.  
God will do better with us than thou dost think for, said the emperor, & being very angry & wrathful at the evil pretence of Rodaran, he went unto him & in such sort began to charge him with his strong & heavy blows, bruising both his bones and flesh, that he was constrained to bestir himself, more for the defence of the blows ●…ée received, then for to procure to strike any. At this time was more than six hours passed since the beginning of the battle, at which time the worthy emperor with new force & strength did double his blows, & in such sort did entreat Rodaran, that he was without all hope of victory of that battle, which caused him to retire backwards upon the bridge, for to seek remedy for the safeguard of his life, although it was a great grief unto 〈◊〉 for to do it, & was the occasion that this good emperor was brought subject unto the cruel blow of fortune, as the others were, & there he was taken prisoner in the iron net, whereas he understood all the treason, whereby all the other knights were taken prisoners, & strait ways they pulled off his helm, & took away his rich & precious sword, and bound his hands, & made fast to his feet a great & long chain, & carried him whereas the other knights were, but when they saw him brought thither, & he them prisoners, either of them received so great sorrow & grief, that they thought verily to burst with anger, & there were knights amongst them that would gladly have yielded themselves unto death out of hand, upon condition, to be but one hour at liberty, but especially the worthy Rosicleer, who when he saw the emperor his father prisoner, his sorrow & grief was so much, that he could not speak one word. Then Rodaran when he saw that he had prisoners the most principal●…est Knights of all Greece, with the counsel and consent of the Queen Carmania, his wife, he put himself presently into his ship, which was at an an●…er in the river hard by the bridge of the jaspe. Likewise all the prisoners in very good order with the Queen Carmania, and all their people, they commanded to hoist sail, and being very glad and joyful of their noble prey, and the wind prosperous, in short time they were put into the main Sea, whereas they shaped their course the nighest way they could for to go unto the Emperor of Tartary. Rodaran received the greatest contentment that ever man could receive, for that he very well knew by experience, that the present which he carried, was the most worthiest and valiantest knights that were in all the woorld. Also he thought that the Emperor of Tartary and all his nobles would have him in great reputation for that policy which he used herein. Let this now remain for an example unto all kings and mighty Lords, wherein they may see the small security which they have in their high estate, and how subject they are unto mutable Fortune, for that at such time as they are exalted all aloft, with great pride and presumption they forget God, who is the author of all goodness, and he once leaving them, they are strait ways overthrown, and brought into such perils and dangers, that none but god alone is sufficient to deliver them, from whence doth proceed the mirror, to see how little their own power and strength is, when they think they are exalted in the most highest estate, as it hath happened unto the good Emperor Trebatio, who at such time as he thought to be so puissant and strong to conquer the whole world, & mounted so high, that never Emperor nor king achieved the like, in a short time he was taken prisoner, with his son, & other valiant Princes, only by one Pagan. Whom at this present, the History doth leave, to declare unto you what chanced in Constantinople after the Emperor departed.   

How it was known in Constantinople the imprisonment of the Emperor, and what was done in consideration thereof. Chapter 47.  
AT such time as the squire which was with the Emperor saw his Lord prisoner, and the great treason which was used to take him, without any more tarrying he returned unto Constantinople as fast as his horse could run▪ and at such time as there was joined together in the great hall of the palace many princes & worthy knights, he entered in at the door, & with a loud voice ●…e said: O●… princes & knights of Greece, what do you hare so without care or consideration, and do not procure to go and help the Emperor our Lord who by the greatest treason that ever was seen or heard of is taken prisoner by Rodaran. At which time all the princes and knights were amazed at the words, and there grew a great vpro●…re amongst them, and demanded of him how and in what sort it happened, who in brief did declare it unto them, the which was presently published in the great palace, and throughout all the city. And when it came unto the ears of the Empress, in her estate whereas she sat she fell in a sound, & was in the arms of her Ladies more than an ho●…re as one that were dead, & in all the palace was made such sorrow & lamentatio●…, as though the Emperor had been slain, and with a trise therewere many princes and knights armed, and joined together a company of more than two hundredth, who departed out of the city all together as fast as their horses could run, and they took their way towards the Bridge of the jaspe, but all did 〈◊〉 little, for that when they came unto the Bridge, they found that Rodaran with hi●… rich pray was gone, and they could find no sign which way, so that they knew not whether to follow them. In this time the great valour of the Princess Claridiana was not absent, for that aseer she had very wisely and courteously comforted the Empress, she promised her and gave her her word never to return any more unto the Empire of Greece, without the Emperor, and strait way she was armed with strong and rich 〈◊〉, and mounted upon a light horse, only accompanied with her Damsels, she departed out of the City, and when she came unto the bridge of the jaspe, she found the knights that went out to seek the Emperor, very sorrowful and without all comfort, because they knew not which way to go seek Rodaran, some of them embarked themselves to the sea, and other some went travailing into the land to go and seek him, but the Princess finding in a port (which was nigh unto the place whereas they were) a ship rea●…ie in all points, she embarked herself therein all alone with her Damsels, & it seemed unto her that seeing that Rodaran did carry with him so rich a pray, that it did not beehoove him to stay in the country. So she put herself unto the sea, without knowing any certain way whether to travail, but only committed herself unto Fortune. So they na●…igated five days at the Sea, without finding any adventure worthy the telling, in the end whereof very early in the morning they discovered land nigh unto them, which was pleasant and well furnished with all manner of green trees, and having great desire to go a shore, they commanded to hoist out their ●…oat. So the Princes and her damsels went a land, and she mounting upon her horse, and her Damsels upon their Palfrays, they began to travail by a very narrow and small used path, which went through a Ualley, which was garnished full of very sweet Roses, and other odoriferous flowers and herbs, and they had scarce travailed therein one mile, when they saw coming against them a damsel upon a palfrey, so fast as he could run, and men running threatening to kill her, if she would not stay, but when she found herself nigh unto the princess, she said: Oh knight defend me from these traitors, for they have committed the greatest treason that ever you heard. Then the princess having her helm on, she put herself before these men, because they should not come unto the damsel, who would not withdraw themselves, but perforce would have laid hold upon the Damsel, wherewith the Princess with her Spear struck one of them therewith, that she gored him clean through, and 〈◊〉 fell down dead unto the ground. Then one of the other offered to strike at the princes with a great falchion that he had in his hand, who perceiving it, spurred her horse over him, who tore him all to pieces under his feet, and slew him, and offering to strike the other with her spear, he took his legs and ran so fast as ever he could the way he came. Then the Damsel being at liberty, the Princess demanded of her what was the occasion that those men did follow and pursue her? Ah sir, said the Damsel, do you return with all speed back again the way you came, and make no longer tarriaunce in this place, for if you be taken it is not possible that you should live any longer. Tell me first the occasion why, said the Princess, than afterward I will do that which seemeth best unto me.  
Sir knight (said the damsel) here before goeth a giant, the greatest and most furious that ever was seen by men, who with more than twenty knights in his company, doth carry prisoner the Queen of Hiberia, with the Princess Theophilia her daughter, and 〈◊〉 more Ladies and Damsels of hers, who by force this infernal Giant did take away from the King Hiberia, and more than forty Knights of his, who were passing away the time abroad in a very delightful forest, this Giant did put us all together into a Ship of his, and hath brought us hither prisoners, carrying us into a Castle which is there a little before, from whence I came running away, and it seemeth unto me better to die in the hands of them that shall follow me, then to be prisoner in the power of that infernal Giant.  
The Damsel finishing these words, she received so great fear, that the Princess could not stay her, but more by force then with her good will, she caused her to return again in her company the way which she came, in which they had not travailed very farr●…, when they saw coming towards them ten Knights as fast as their horses could run, who being advertised by him that ran away, they came in the demand of the Knight which had slain the other two men. And when they saw them, by the signs and tokens that the man had given them, they understood that it should be the Princess, than all together with their swords in their hands they ran against her, but she received them in such sort, that she received no harm of their encounters, but she struck one of them so right, that the point of her spear came forth at his back, and fell down dead to the ground, and breaking her spear with that encounter, she drew out her sword and began to combat with them, and did so béehave herself, that in a short time she had slain the one half of them, and although those Knights did charge her very much with their strong blows, yet by reason that her armour was so good, she was in great security not to receive any wound, by reason whereof, without all fear she put herself amongst them, striking such mortal blows, that it was wonderful to behold, and never rested till she had slain all save two, who seeing the great force & strength of the Princess, durst not tarry any longer, but returned the way they came as fast as their Horses could r●…nne. The Damsel at this time would very fain have had the Princess return back again, and not have gone any farther, but her courageous and valiant stomach would not consent thereunto, but followed the other in that way they went. After they had travailed in that way a small space, they discovered upon the top of a high Rock a Castle, very great and full of towers, and compassed about with a very strong wall, and coming nigh unto the same they saw come forth of the gate a Giant, the greatest and tallest that ever they saw in all their lives, and mounted upon a great and mighty courser, & in his company more than ten Knights, who came that way wherein the Princess travailed, but as soon as the Damsel of the Queen had spied them, she had no desire to stay, but returned back again the way she came as fast a●… her palfrey could run, but the Princess who received no fear of the Giant nor of his Knights, kept 〈◊〉 her way towards them, and when the Giant came nigh unto her, with a hoarse and hollow voice he said: Oh foolish and unhappy knight, how is it, knowing that I am Orbion, and having slain my knights, thou durst be so bold and have so great courage to tarry and abide my coming, it doth grieve me for the anger which thou hast given me, for that it will be unto thee a great honour to be slain at my hands, and I smally satisfied for the death of my Knights, in taking away thy life. Far more foolish and unhappy, mayst thou account thyself Giant, said the Princess, if thou didst know thyself, knowing that god is in the heavens to punish all evil deeds, and how darest thou be so bold to use so great evil and ●…illany. Therefore out of hand make recompense of all this evil which thou hast done, and set at liberty all those which thou hast prisoners in thy Castle, if thou wilt that the divine justice be not executed on thee this day. The proud Giant when he heard those words was so full of anger & wrath, that a thick smoke came out of his Beaver, and without answering any word he turned about his horse, and with his Spear in his hand he came against the Princess, saying: Oh if the high Gods were so pleased, that the●… wert that great Siracusano and Achilles the Greek, io●…utly with Hector of Troy, that all three together I might deprive them of their 〈◊〉, wherewith I might somewhat ass wage this my great wrath and anger. This valiant & worthy Princess did not refuse that terrible and cruel encounter of that furious Giant, but with her spear in her hand went forth to meet him, and meeting together in their first course, the Giant encountered with the Princess in the midst of all her body with so great strength, that if her armour had not been made by the art of the Queen of Pantafilia, it had not been possible for her to have escaped death, for if he had made that encounter against two other Knights, he had surely yearced them through, and for that the force of her fine armour would not consent to be broken, the head of his spear●… glanced on the one side, and the staff was sheevered all t●… pieces, in such sort that the princess 〈◊〉 clear of that encounter, but she made her encounter with so great force again●… she Giant, that chancing on the one side under his arm, it pierced him through his harness, & her spear appeared more than half on the other side, making a little wound, and by force of that strong encounter, his horse was overthrown to the ground, & in his fall one of his legs chanced under his Horse, in such sort, that by any means he could not move himself, & as the princess would have returned upon him, all the giants knights came against her, and compassed her round about, and charged her with mighty blows on every side, but when she saw herself in that necessity, she drew out her sword, and in a small time gave them to understand her great bounty, and stroke at them such blows, that they durst not come nigh her, at which time she had overthrown and slain more than half, in all which time the Giant could not by any means clear his leg from under his horse, and if so be that any of his Knights alighted to help him, the princess was presently with him and slew him, so that all the b●…ttayle was with his Knights, and this valiant princess had so great confidence in her excellent and strong armour, that she put herself amongst them, as the r●…utshing Wolf amongst the poor and simple lambs, and she never struck blow but she did kill or sore wound a Knight.  
There was not as yet full an hour passed since the beeginning of the battle, when this royal Princess had slain the most part of the Knights, and the rest which remained ●…eeing much amazed at her mortal blows, ran away, so that she remained all alone in the field with the Giant, and 〈◊〉 herself clear from all those knights, with a trise she 〈◊〉 from her horse, and giving the bridle to one of her 〈◊〉, she went unto the Giant, who was blaspheming ●…gainst his gods, in seeing his knights slain before his eyes, ●…nd could not help them, but the first thing which this royal 〈◊〉 did, she took the horse off his leg, and did help him 〈◊〉 arise ●…rom the ground, saying: Orbion, here thou shalt 〈◊〉 how little the force of man availeth, when they 〈◊〉 forgotten of God, & for their evil works they lack divine 〈◊〉: Tarry a little, said the Giant, for as yet I am not at the point to acknowledge this, and there with he drew out a mighty great and broad Falchion, and went against the Princess, and struck her such a blow upon the helm, that it sounded throughout all the Ualley, and if it had not been very good and of great force, both head and body he had cloven clean a sunder in the midst, and for all that it made her to stoop with her hands unto the ground, yet did not this worthy Lady receive any fear, but rather it did increase her force and courage, wherewith she returned unto him, & struck him such an overthwart blow upon his leg, that it cut both harness and flesh unto the hard bone, whereat ran out great abundaunte of blood, than the Giant returned again with great fury for to strike the Princess upon the helm, pretending with that blow to conclude the battle béetweene them, but she taking warning by the first which she received, with great lightness did clear herself from the fury thereof, and his blow descended down to the ground, that the falchion entered into the earth almost up to the hilts, and before that the Giant could pull out his Falchion, the Princess cast a thrust at the visor of his helm, in such sort, that chancing in the sight, it passed through his head on the other side, so that the Giant fell down dead to the ground. This being done, the Princess gave great thancks unto almighty God, for that great victory which he had granted unto her, and mounting upon her Hors●…, she took her way towards the Castle, and when she came there the gates were opened unto her, for that the small company which remained alive of the people of the Giant, received greater pleasure than sorrow for his death, only for his evil and cruel customs and confines. The Princess strait way entered in, and called for the keys of all the Castle, and demanded where the Queen was, & she was brought foorth●… with unto a great quadran, whereas she found the Queen with the Princess Theophilia, and all their Ladies & Gentlewomen, in great sorrow and heaviness, without any hope of succour, who when they heard of the death of the giant & of all that had passed, their joy was such, that till such time as out of a window they did see him dead in the field, they could not believe it. And as the princes entered in whereas the queen & the princess was, they understanding what she had done in their delivering, they went towards her saying: Ualiant & worthy knight, the living God reward thee for that which thou hast done in our behalf, & here we do most heartily pray you to pull of your helm, or else to tell us your name, that we may know unto whom we are bound for this great benefit showed unto us. Then the princes the more to glad & comfort them, did pull of her helm, & did declare unto them who she was. And she remained so fair & so full of beauty after the great travail that she had passed, that it was as great marvel to behold her, as Diana in break of the day: the queen & the princess were greatly amazed at that great wonder, & looked the one upon the other, believing it rather to be a dream then of truth, all that which they saw. But in the end being fully satisfied the queen and the princess did embrace her, giving her great thanks for that she had done for them. So they remained there all the rest of that day & all the night: and the next day in the morning the princes ordained & made lord of that castle, a knight of the giants, for that he seemed to be a good knight, & the queen & the princess with all their ladies & gentlewomen did departed from thence, & the princess did bear them company unto the port. And in the way as they went, they met with the damsel that ran away, who for very shame would not come in presence of the queen, although they all had great mirth & pastime with her, for the small confidence she had in the princes. So when they came unto the port, they all embarked themselves in the same ship wherein the princes came into that country: & having the time & wind very prosperous, the next day they arrived at Hiberia, & they had not all fully disimbarked themselves a land, when that thither came the King with more than two thousand knights, who went in the demand & seeking of Orbion, whohad carried away the queen, & when he met them there, & v●…derstood of them all that had passed, his joy & pleasure was such, as to the judgement I reter me: but when he was fully certified by the queen who the knight was that put them at liberty, he went toward the princess, & said: Worthy Lady, ●…iue me your royal hands that I may 〈◊〉 them, for I own it unto you for this great benefit showed unto me, & all kings & princes in the world, are bound unto your great highness & bounty. The princess did then embrace him saying: Unto God do I give great thanks for his great benefits showed unto me, in that he hath permitted that I have done this great service unto the queen & unto the princes, and likewise in excusing your travail begun to sake out Orbion. And now seeing that there is no more to be done herein, in your service, I do most heartily desire you to give me licence to departed, for that I have very much to do in other places. And so very much against the kings will, he took leave of her, & offered himself & all his kingdom at her commandment. So she departed from them & tra●…ailed eight days without finding any adventure, till in the end she was clean out of Hiberia, & entered into another kingdom & upon a sudden at such time as the knight of the Sun was past, she discovered a great way off from her, a mighty army o●… knights, with very rich tents & ancients: likewise she saw nigh unto that army, a great & well 〈◊〉 city, out of the which there went forth one alone knight, & within a littl●… while after she saw him to make battle with the most strongest knights that ever she saw, & in beholding this fier●… battle the history leaveth her, till opportunity.   

¶ How that the Knight of the Sun and the king Liseo 〈◊〉 forth the second day against their enemies, & of the hig●… knighthood which they showed in their battle. Chap. 48.  
IN the kingdom of Lydia, was not the knight of the Sun idle, neither received he much ease in the time that he was there, for that calling to remembrance the imprisonment of his friends, and also the great love which he bore unto the princess Claridiana, whom he exceedingly loved, & also unto the fair princess Lindabrides, was the occasion that he could not take any rest, but was put in the greatest care & doubt that ever he had in all his life. Not knowing when to clear himself of that which he had promised unto his new friend, the king Liseo. And because that the time should not pass away 〈◊〉 wares. The next day after the battle as the history hath told you, the king Liseo, determined to go forth again in his company. Then the knight of the Sun bid request him very much, to let him that day go forth alone, for that they should have other days wherein they would go forth both together. The which the king Liseo by no means would consent thereto, saying: that first he would consent to lose all his kingdom, for that it did accomplish him so to ●…ee, rather than to consent to see him in the camp amongst his enemies alone. But the knight of the Sun having a great desire to go forth alone said. Here I do swear unto you my good Lord, that if you do not like wall hereof, that I will leave all your friendship, the which I do esteem very much, & depart whereas you shall never hear more of me. Then the king when he saw him so determined, said: My good friend, do your pleasure, yet consider I pray you what pleasure I can receive to see you in the midst of mine enemies, and not be a partner of your pain: notwithstanding seeing you are therewith content, I will not contend against any thing you will command. So this valiant Knight being armed with his strong and rich armour, and mounted upon his horse, somewhat before that the S●…nne had any source, he went forth out of the City, at which time the king and the queen, & all the knights and Ladies were upon the towers of the city, and at the battlements, for to behold & see what should pass with this valiant & warlike knight, who before that he came into the camp, did set his horn unto his mouth & did blow it so strong and loud, that there was no knight so stout in all the camp, knowing who he was that did sound it, but his heart would tremble thereat, and such were there that would gladly have given all that they had, upon condition that they had not entered into the kingdom of Lydia, although to the contrary there were many other which did never prove his blows, & were very valiant & stout, who did arm themselves, and at the commandment of the king they went forth against him, & the first that went forth amongst them, was one named Alberro, & borne in Seras, & being a Knight arraunt, he came in company with the king of Arcadia to those parts, & was counted for one of the most valiantest knights that was amongst the pagans, & his armour was so excellent good and made by such art that there was no blow of sword able to cut it, who was mounted upon his horse with great pride and arrogancy, and went towards the knight of the Sun, and without any other salutation or courtesy he said: It shall well appear foolish and simple knight, that in the battle which thou hadst in this field, thou didst not meet any enemy so valiant as I am, for if thou had●…t yesterday proved and felt the force of my blows, thou wouldst not have returned this day to de●…ie us with so great boldness.  
Well said the knight of the Sun if thou hast thyself in so great estimation, and that there is not a knight in all the camp that is thy equal: Wherefore didst thou not yesterday come forth and make resistance, seeing I made so great slaughter amongst thy companions, and in resisting thereof thou mayst well understand and know that there 〈◊〉 no more in thee, then in any of them, for it seemed unto 〈◊〉 great villainy to be so many against thee alone, said 〈◊〉 berro, but now that we are alone together I will 〈◊〉 thee to understand that it is true all that I have said. And in saying these words both of them turned about their horses, with their spears in their hands, & made their encounter the one against the other, with so great swiftness of their horses, that they which did behold them could scarce ●…ary the sight of their eyes after them, & their encounter was with so great force & strength, that this valiant pagan very much against his will was thrust out of his saddle, and the knight of the Sun passed forwards on, & lost one of his stirrups, but the force of that strong encounter grieved him very much, and he was not well settled again in his saddle, when there came forth to just against him another valiant pagan, called Pirro, & brother unto Alber●…o, no less valiant & prou●… than he was, who did encounter him very strongly & for that he came upon him on a sudden, and struck him unawares, i●… lac●…ed very little to have overthrown him from his horse out of his 〈◊〉, but this courageous knight framing himself very strongly with his sword in his hand, struck him such a blow upon his helm, that all amazed he 〈◊〉 him fall forwards upon the sad●…le pommel, & as he would have strooken another blow, he heard behind him a great noise of horses, & turning him about to see what it should be, he saw that it was a knight that came to encounter him, with a big spear in his hand behind him, & being well advised at such time as he should strike him with his spear he put himself with great lightness on the one side, & cut his spear a sunder in the midst with his sword, & the knight passed forwards on without doing any more harm, this was a valiant Moor called Gruto, and borne in Africa, and being a wandering Knight he came in that country, in the company of the ●…ing of Arcadia, for one of the stoutest and most valiantest knights in all the whole army, whom the ●…ing sent out against the knight of the Sun, béeléeving that with the aid and help of the others they should overcome & take him. So straight ways after him ●…ame another knight called Breo, brothers so●…ne unto the 〈◊〉▪ and no less valiant than the others, who likewise broke his spear upon the knight of the Sun, who moved no more in his saddle, then if he had made his encounter against a strong tower. At this time the valiant Alberro was mounted again on horseback, and Pirro was come again unto himself, so that they two in company with Gruto & Breo, all four together with their swords drawn in their hands assaulted the knight of the Sun, & began to charge him with so many hard blows, that it had been sufficient to have cut & broken an anfield of steel into pieces, and there was never Knight in the world at one time so assaulted as the knight of the Sun was, for that he made battle & resistance against four of the most valiantest knights that were in all the country of the pagans, & such, that either of them were sufficient to fight against twenty knights, but this was that knight of the Sun, he whom all Persia & Hungaria, and all the whole Empire of Greece, with the greatest part of all the world did tremble when they heard him named, and he who with his great bounty did bring in subjection the terrible & fearful keepers of the castle of Lindaraza, & he whose high and mighty knighthood is such, as never was heard of, who did strike & charge these four knights with so terrible and mighty blows, all together, that the wide fields & valleys, with the sumptuous works of the great city, with the timorous noise of that cruel battle was full with the sound, & because their armour was of so great excellency, that no sword being never so sharp could pierce & cut them, all the whole state of the battle remained in their great & mighty strengths, & overcharging of their terrible blows upon one another. Then the stout & valiant Alberro, who showed himself very rigorous in the battle, when he saw that the king of Arcadia, & all the whole army stood & did behold them, & seemed to be a great shame & rebuke that on alone knight should so defend & maintain himself against four knights, & such as they were, with his sword in both his hands he struck him such a blow overthwart the visor of his helm, and because his mighty cutting sword could not enter there in, yet it took away the sight of his eyes, & there flew so many sparks of fire out thereat, that it seemed the whole helm, to burn there with, but yet for all that this valiant warrior was nothing amazed or astonished thereat, but procuring to give him his payment for the same, struck him so terrible a blow, that out of all remembrance he made him fall backwards upon his horse crupper, & his horse carried him round about the field, voiding at his mouth & nose great abundance of blood. But when his brother Pirro saw that, believing that he had been slain, he struck such a blow at the knight of the Sun, that he made him to lose the rains of his horse bridle, & was therewith some what astonished, & being not fully clear from the fury thereof, when that the stout Breo struck him another blow upon his hard helm, that the noise & sound thereof was heard a good way▪ & the knight of the Sun so overcharged therewith, that he declined with his head down to his horse neck, & as Gruto came unto him to strike him an other blow, thinking thereby to overthrow him out of his saddle, with great lightness he raised himself again, & with the great ire the which he had, he struck such an overthwart blow at Alberro with both his hands in the midst of all his body, that be all to bruised his armour, & with the great force thereof he broke his ribs & his gall within his body, in such sort, that he fell from his horse down to the ground: Oh how much was the great sorrow & grief which the king received when he saw that terrible and wonderful blow, for that his cousin was very rich & a knight that was best beloved above all other knights that he had and also for that he conceived within his mind, that if that knight should endure long, that he would not leave one knight alive in all the whole camp that is of any reputation.  
So with the great grief which the loss of his knights caused him to have, with a trise he caused himself to be armed with his strong armour, which was a finger thick of very fine steel, and so good as any was in all the world, and being mounted on a strong & light horse he went out of the camp with his spear in his hand, saying: Oh that my fortune were so good, that as I go against this valiant knight, I might make battle against all my false gods, in whom I have believed & put my confidence, for if they were all against me, & they were knights in this world, I think verily to overcome them all, & make them to know & understand that the power & strength of this knight is much more than theirs. The king had not fully concluded in saying these words, when the valiant Pirro with one blow that the knight of the Sun gave him with his sword, fell from his horse as though he had been dead, but when the King saw that, with wonderful force he went towards him, & with a great & broad falchion in his hand he struck the knight of the Sun upon the helm, that it took way the sight of his eyes, & deprived him of his understanding, and his horse carried him a while about the field, for you shall understand that the king of Arcadia was so stout & courageous a knight, that never any knight with whom he did make battle with, could endure with him a whole day in the field, & was of great fame and feared amongst the pagans, but yet he did not go away boasting himself of this blow, for the knight of the Sun before the king could strike him the second, returned & came again to himself, & set spurs unto his horse, & came running against the king like a whirl wind, & with his sword in both his hands he struck him such a blow upon his helm, that he made him to fall forwards upon his horse neck, & the blood ran out both at his mouth & nose, and his horse carried him round about the field out of his remembrance, as though he had been dead, at which time Alberro was come again to himself, and he and Gruto together did terribly assault the knight of the Sun, charging him with great and heavy blows, the which he felt and grieved him very much for though his armour did defend him from wounding, yet for all that it could not excuse him, but that his flesh must have been very fore bruised with those mighty & strong blows, and it had been better for him to have contended against the whole army, then against those four knights, for that being embraced with a great number, the valiant knights could never have so good opportunity to execuse their mighty blows upon him, but in such sort these valiant Pagans did so charge him, that he felt himself sore troubled, but yet for all this, not fainting nor losing one point of his courage, but rather increasing more and more, did so béehave himself with those two stout Pagans, that in a small time he had overcome them, if the king of Arcadia had not come again to himself, and Pirro mounted again upon his Horse, who seeing themselves so evil entreated, with great fury and courage they went to help their companions, which was the occasion that at that time their battle was more kindled and better fought than it was in all the day before, for when these stout Pagans saw themselves all four together, their courage and force did the more increase, and herein the knight of the Sun was nothing behind them, for the more they did charge him, the more his strength increased. At this time it was more than three hours since their battle began, without taking any rest either of them, and those that beeheld them waxed weary, and likewise the Pagans marvelously tormented with the mighty blows which they had received, and the knight of the Sun more angry & wrathful than he was all the day before, and his anger did so far exceed, and his force so much increase, that at one blow he overthrew the stout Gruto to the ground, and with an other blow he overthrew Pirro, but the valiant Berro stroke him so strong a blow upon his helm, that he made him to stoop & decline his head to his horse neck, but he made no brags thereof, for that the knight of the Sun returned his payment with so great fury and force, that buckling his helm, & breaking therewith all to ●…éeces the skull of his head, he overthrew him dead to the ground, and with a trise he turned upon the king of Arcadia, who was coming against him to strike him, and struck him such an overthwart blow on the one side, that he overthrew him on the other side. Then this valiant and worthy knight without any longer staying amongst them, but with as great fury as a whirl wind he put himself in the midst of the whole army, and wounded & slew so many, that all the way whereas he went, he left it full of dead bodies, so that there was not one in all the camp that durst make resistance against him, but passed through amongst them, as commonly the baited Bull, being well pricked with darts doth pass through a company of men. At this time the day passed away, and night came on, and this valiant Knight somewhat weary with wounding and killing of Pagans, all to be brewed with blood he departed out of the Camp, and without any following him he came unto the gates of the city, the which were strait ways opened, and he found at the entry in thereat, the king Lyseo▪ all armed in a readiness to go forth in his aid and help, if he were driven to any necessity, of whom he was received with great joy & pleasure, and the gates being shut, they went unto the palace, whereas with great mirth and joy they were received by the queen, and supped together with great joy and pleasure, and took their ease all that night, and the knight of the Sun determined not to go forth other two days to the battle.   

How Rodaran came to land, and by great adventure he came unto the kingdom of Lydia. Chapter 49.  
WIth great pride did this Pagan Rodaran navigate by sea with his rich prey of the prisoners which he carried, for to present them before the Emperor of Tartary, who was no less endued with wisdom & patience, than with force and strength, for to suffer that terrible and cruel blow of Fortune, always abiding the good hour that fortune would use upon them, and as so many knights as well in virtue as in prowess, was not wholly forgotten of God, as appeared here at this present, for that he did ordain their fortune in such sort, that the ship in the which they were carried, and did arrive in the Kingdom of Phrigia, and for that it was the right way to go unto Tartary, Rodaran and the Queen went a land, and commanded that the prisoners likewise should be taken out of the ship, who were all bound in chains, so that they were carried very strongly and in good order. So in this sort they travailad five days without happening any thing unto them worth the telling, in the end of the which they came into the Kingdom of Lydia, and came in the sight of the camp of the King of Arcadia, and Rodaran demanded whose army that same was, and it was declared unto him the truth thereof, who received great joy and contentment thereat, for that the king of Arcadia was a very great friend of his, for being in the Court of the Emperor of Tartary, and a travailing knight, he had great acquaintance and frequentation with him, and having great desire to see him, and give him understanding of his pray the which he carried, he said unto the Queen Carmania, that he would go●… unto him for to see him, and she thought it good, and consented thereunto. So they went and carried their prisoners before the king, and when they came unto the tent of the king of Arcadia, they alighted from their horses and entered in ●…herat, and as soon as he knew that it was Rodaran, with ●…reat courtesy & pleasure he received them, for that this was he greatest friend he had in all the world. And when he understood the occasion wherefore he came into those parts, and ●…f the prisoners he brought with him, the King very glad ●…nd joyful caused them to be brought into his tent, wher●… he honoured them very much, and gave Rodaran to understand of all that ever he had passed and done in the king●… of Lydia, & how that he had brought his enterprise vn●… that estate, that he had almost taken that last city, and ●…w that there was come to help them a Knight, the most ●…liantest & strongest that ever in all his life he had seen, and gave to understand of all that he hath done, in three times that he came forth to battle with his people, at the which Rodaran was greatly amazed, and as one that all rancour and mallaice was not clean rooted out of him, he had great desire to see that knight, and to combat with him, believing that he should conclude and make an end of that which the whole army before could not do. So Rodaran remained till the next day hoping therein to see that valiant Knight. Whereat the King of Arcadia received great joy & contentment, thinking that if he and Rodaran might have the knight of the Sun betwixt them, that he could not by any means escape, but either be slain or taken prisoner. In this sort they passed away that day, and the night with great pleasure, although it was unto the prisoners over much sorrow and grief, always with patience abiding the good hour of Fortune.   

How the Knight of the Sun went out the third time into the camp of the king of Arcadia, & what happened therein. Chapter 50.  
THE next day after that Rodaran came into the King's Camp, the knight of the Sun was determined to go out into the field, with the great desire he had to clear himself of that enterprise, for to return again into Greece, as well to combat with Rodaran, as to recreate himself with his Ladies, the absence of whom was unto him no small grief: likewise he was put in great perplexity and care, for that according unto the great number of people which the king of Arcadia had with him in his Camp, it was not possible for him to clear himself so soon as he thought he should, which was the occasion that very early in the morning, before the Sun did show herself this valiant warrior being armed with his rich & strong armour, and mounted upon his great and light horse, with a mighty s●…eare well steeled in his hand, he went out of the City, and very much against the will of the King Lyseo, whom he caused to tarry within the City in a readiness, for to come forth to aid and help him, if any cause of necessity did call him, and to give him his whole contentment he would not say any thing against him that his pleasure was to do. So when this courageous Knight came unto the Camp, he blew his horn with so great strength, that it was heard throughout all those wide and broad fields, and put great fear in the most part of all them that were in the Camp, for that there were very few of them that had any security, falling into his hands. Then the King of Arcadia understanding the demand of the Knight, did strait ways command the most valiantest and strongest in all the army to arm themselves, and commanded to set thayres without the door of his tent, whereas he and Rodaran sat down, to see and behold from thence all that the Knight of the Sun should do. It was not long after that there went out of the Camp a valiant Pagan called Alri●…o, who was mounted upon a mighty great Horse, and armed with guilt armour, ●…ull of rich precious stones, which certified them that he was of high estate, and went towards the Knight of the Sun, and with a great spear in his hand, with the which he gave him a very strong encounter, in such sort, that his spear was sheevered all to pieces, and the Knight of the Sun thereat made no mention of moving 〈◊〉 his saddle, but he made his encounter so strongly against ●…is enemy, that by reason of the stiffenesie of his Spear, ●…nd the fineneste of the others armour, that would not content to be broken, with the force of that blow he was hoi●…d out of his saddle, and thrown over the horse crupper to ●…e ground, ten p●…ces from his horse, and the blow chaun●…ed under his breast in such sort, that before he came unto ●…e ground his breath was gone, and he stark dead, and though at this blow all the Pagans wondered great●…▪ yet for all that came forth another Knight, no less ar●…gant and proud then valiant, who at the first encounter 〈◊〉 bear Alrifo company. Then after him came forth ten knights together, of the valiantest and strongest that were in all the whole army, all the which this valiant and worthy warrior did overthrow to the ground some stark dead, and other some so evil entreated and bruised with their falls, that afterward they would serve to use no armour▪ And this being done, there was not one Knight in all the camp that was of so great force that durst go forth to combat with him, so that he was there t●…rrieng a good while to see if any would come forth against him. All this being seen by Rodaran, and how that there was none that durst take upon him the enterprise, with a trise he causee himself to be armed with his strong armour, and being mounted upon his big and light Horse, with a great Spear in his hand he went forth against the Knight of the Sun, who when he saw him coming so big and well membered, he had him in estim●…tion to be a very good knight, and choosing himself a good Spear, amongst a great number which he caused to be brought out of the City, he did abide the coming of Rodaran, who when he came nigh unto him, he said.  
Thou shalt understand, sir Knight, that I am newly come into this camp, and hearing very much spoken of the●…e thy valiant deeds, it hath given me great good will to come and see part thereof, and for that according unto that which I have seen thou seemest to be a good knight, I would that thou wouldst leave to be any more against the King o●… Arcadia, and to forget the friendship and favour which tho●… sh●…west in the part of the king Liseo, and I will carry the in my company, and do so much that the King of Arcadia shall receive thee to be his ●…night, and to pardon and forgiu●… thee all that is past. And if thou wilt do this which I d●… offer unto thee, I will receive thee unto my friendship an●… be thy friend, and if not, see that thou dost defend thy sel●… from me, for that I will make thee by force to do that whi●… thou wouldst not by fair means. Then the Knight of 〈◊〉 Sun, who received better contentment at his gallant d●… position, than any pleasure in his words, with great ●…éeknesse answered him and said.  
Sir knight, who are you that is so valiant, that alone doth presume to do with me that which all this whole army hath not had power to accomplish. To whom he said: Hitherto I have not denied my name to and that hath demanded it of me, neither will I now, nor ●…rom this day forwards. Neither will I deny mine unto thee, said the Knight of the Sun. Then the knight said: Thou shalt understand that I am Rodaran, King of Arabia, who with the force of my arm think to flush that which all thi●… whole army have not power to do. Oh how joyful was the Knight of the Sun when he heard those words, and knowing him to be that Rodaran, and the person which in all the world he most desired to meet with, as well to combat with him, as to know of the imprisonment of his brother, and of his loving friends, and the more to keep himself sacred, he said: Is it possible that thou art that Rodaran, who in company with the Queen Carmania passed into Greece, to combat with the knights of the Emperor Trebatio. To whom he answered very quickly, and said: I am he, and more thou shalt understand that by the force of my strong arm I have prisoners the best knights that are in all Greece, and likewise the emperors person. All the which I do bring with me in my company prisonrs, for to present them before the Emperor of Tartary, to do with them all that his pleasure is to command. Then the knight of the Sun without making any tarryeng, but as glad as ever he was in all his life giving great thanks unto God, that his fortune was so good to find Rodaran at that instant, he set Spurs unto his horse and turned him about, and came against Rodaran who likewise came against him, & ran against one another with so great fury, that the earth seemed to shake in their wift course, & in the midst thereof they made their encounters, which were such, that their spears were broken to pée●…es, & passed by one another without receiving any harm, & ●…rning about with their swords in their hands, they assal●…d one another with so great force, that they which be held 〈◊〉 were terrified, & the Knight at the Sun understood that Rodaran was very valiant and stout. Likewise Rodaran thought not that he had to do with the Knight of the Sun, but when he saw how strongly he did strike his blows, and the little account he made of his blows, with great sorrow he said unto himself.  
Oh high and mighty Gods, what a number of strange marvels be there in this world, for that I thought verily there was not any that was able to be compared unto me in force and strength, and yet I found those in Greece that did far surmount and pass me therein, and béeléeving that there was none other in all the world, now without seeking of them, I have met with one, with whom I hope of n●… other remedy, but to be slain by him, or else to be overcome. And with the great grief that the remembraunc●… hereof caused unto him, he took his Sword in both hi●… hands, and struck the Knight of the Sun so strong a blo●… upon his helm, that he took away the sight of his eyes an●… deprived him of his remembrance, and so he remained ●… stoyned a little space, and before that Rodaran had an●… time to strike him another, the valiant Knight was com●… again unto himself, and with great wrath he struck Rodaran such an overthwart blow on the one side of his healm●… that if he had not clasped himself about his horse neck, h●… must needs have fallen unto the ground, and he had n●… well seteled himself again in his saddie, when he stro●… him another right down blow upon his Helm with great strength, that he fell down backwards upon his hor●… crupper, clean out of all remembrance, and his horse c●… ryed him round about the field, voiding at his mouth a●… nose great abundance of blood, and he was so long béefo●… he came again unto himself, that all men thought he h●… been dead, and without doing him any farther harm, ●… Knight of the Sun tarried till he came unto himself gain. When the King of Arcadia saw this and how eu●… his friend was entreated, with as great anger as thou●… he would have burst, with a trise he was armed with ●… thick armour, and mounted upon a mighty great ●… light horse he went out of the camp, & went toward the knight of the Sun, without taking any spear, but with his great & broad fanchon he struck at him so heavy & strong a blow, that it grie●…ed very much the knight of the Sun, who answered him with the like, that all the wide fields were full with the sound. Then the prisoners who were in the tent of the king, & very much amazed to hear the sound of so terrible a blow, asked of them that were in the tent what it should be, and strait ways it was told them that he should be some worthy in prowess that could maintain and defend himself against two so valiant pagans. At this time the king of Arcadia struck the knight of the Sun so terrible a blow that his ears were tormented with the sound thereof, & lost the sight of his eyes, & remained astonished a good while, although it was not so long that the King had space to strike him another, but it was in an evil hour for him, for when the knight of the Sun came again unto himself, all kindled in wrath & with more fury than a thunderbolt he assaulted the king, & with both his hands he struck him so strong a blow upon his helm, that as one that were dead he overthrew him from his horse to the ground, voiding great abundance of blood out of his ears & nose, at which time the knight of the Sun had scarce withdrawn himself from giving of that blow, when Rodaran came again unto himself and went against him, & with both his hands he gave him such a mighty blow, that it was heard a great way off, & the knight of the Sun to keep himself from falling, was constrained to embrace his arms about the horse neck, & felt by force of that great blow that Rodaran was both strong & stout, but for so much as at that instant all ire and wrath did remain in him, with one alone blow he pretended to make an end of that battle, for that he thought the time very long till he kn●…w some news of those prisoners his dear friends, and therewith taking his sword in both his hands, raising himself in his stirroppes, changing his white colour into perfect red, like unto the brave & ramping lion that followeth the fearful Deer, even so went this wrathful knight against Rodaran, & struck him a blow overthwart his helm, that out of all remembrance he threw him as dead at his horse feet, & leaving these two Pagans in such sort that all men judged they had been dead, with no less fury than a whirl wind he put himself in the camp amongst his enemies, killing & wounding all that ever he found in his way, so that there was none that made any resistance against him, but they all ran away before him, that he found no●…e with whom to fight, except he did follow them to overtake them, & he thought himself most happiest that was farthest of from him. In this sort this valiant knight pressed into the camp, & went so far, that at the last all imbrued with blood of them which he had slain, he came unto the Tent of the king of Arcadia, whereas he was put in great perplexity & trouble, for that there was joined together many stout and strong knights, who altogether did assault him very strongly, but he feeling the great resistance that there was made against him, did double his blows with mortal fury, that his force did appear to he more at that time, than it was in all the day before. All this time of the battle from the beginning that the knight of the Sun went out of the city unto that instant, the royal princess Claridiana was beholding the same, for that this was the contention of the three knights that she stayed to behold, at such time as the history did leave her, which was the knight of the Sun combating with Rodaran and the king. Then the Princess drawing more nigher, did strait way know him, as well by his armour & horse, as by the mighty & singular disposition of his body, & the better for to behold his high knighthood, she sta●…ed & stood still, & marveled very much at that which she saw, and although she did see it before her eyes, yet she could not believe it, and said.  
It is not possible that although there were here those two captains of the mighty Africa & Scipion, & with them Hercules & the mighty Samson, that all they together were not sufficient to do that which this alone Knight doth on his enemies. Of truth I have great reason for to love him, as the highest & most precious knight in all the world. And in saying these words, seeing that he was compassed round about which so great a multitude of knights she struck her horse with the spurs with so great fury, & put herself in the midst of the camp, & never stayed till such time as she came whereas the knight of the Sun was, & began to deal such blows, that she made his enemies to run away. At which sight the knight of the Sun was put in great admiration, & could not imagine who that valiant Knight should be, & being very joyful of so good aid & succour, he put himself amongst his enemies, killing & overthrowing so many, that they all ran away before him as from the death, and with great favour that he had of the princes, and the valiantness that she used, he left her at the door of the tent, & alighted from his horse and entered in, & struck such mortal blows at them that he met, that he made them all to retire backwards, & to put themselves into another room in the Tent, whereas they thought better to defend themselves, but the knight of the Sun with terrible fury followed after them, and with a few blows he slew six or seven of them in presence of the Emperor and all the rest of the prisoners that were with him, who were greatly amazed at such a sudden chance, not knowing what it should be, and very much marveled beholding the great wonders the which he did in their presence, but when in beholding they knew him very well by his armour, & by the mightiness of his person (although he was all bathed in blood) I cannot here rehearse the great joy & pleasure which they received, seeing themselves in that great necessity, & upon a sudden in that time unlooked for, so great succour, surely they did believe that he was 〈◊〉 thither by the power of almighty God. And as yet this good Knight had not seen them, for that he was occupied in disembarking himself with them that he had before him, upon whom he struck such mortal blows, that some of them he cut a sunder in the midst, and other some he clove down to the teeth, & others to their breasts, with such mortal destruction, that in a small time there remained not one of all their enemies alive in the tent, for that the princes Claridiana did worthily defend the entry, in wounding & killing all those that came nigh unto her. At this time because the king Liseo had seen all that the knight of the Sun had done, & how far he had put himself in amongst his enemies, having great desire either to be slain or else to see an end of his liberty, all such as were within the city & able to wear armour, went forth to aid the knight of the sun if need so required, they put themselves amongst their evemies, defending that none should come & give succour unto the king, who still with Rodaran were in a sound & from themselves, & as they came all forth with desire to die or to be at liberty, like mad dogs they put themselves amongst their enemies, & slew many of them, but in especial the good king Liseo who never struck blow, but that he slew or overthrew a knight to the ground, & by reason of the great hurt & damage which they of the camp received on that side having great need of aid & succour, they all did leave the battle at the tent and went thither, although there remained not so few against the Princess, but that she had mough to do. Now when the Knight of the Sun was clear of his enemies, he saw the prisoners whereas they were in a corner of the Tent, all of them with great chains at their legs, and knowing them, on the one part he shed many salt tears from his eyes, for to see so high and mighty Princes brought into so great extremity, and on the other part he was as joyful as ever he was in all his life, because his fortune was so good to bring him to give them their liberty, and lifting up the beaver of his helm, he went and kneeled down before the Emperor his father, and took his hand and kissed them, but the emperor with a tender love, more than of a father, in shedding many tears that ran down by his cheeks, with great joy and pleasure he did embrace him, saying: I was very certain & sure, my well-beloved son, that we should not lack your aid & secure in the time of this our great necessity, & here I give great thanks unto the sovereign creator, that by his mighty power you were sent at this time to give us liberty. Then Rosicler and all the rest of those mighty princes and knights did embrace him, & could not believe that he should be the knight of the Sun, with the great joy & contentment they received when they saw him, who pulled off all their chains, & set them at liberty, & took from one of them that was there slain, the keys of certain chests, whereas was all their armour, so that they lacked not one piece of them, for that Rodaran & the queen Carmania commanded all to be kept very well, that none should be lost. All this time was the queen Carmania hidden in a closet of the same tent, so heavy & sad to see all that passed, that she thought with very sorrow to have died. And in the mean time that the emperor & the rest were arming of themselves in great haste, the knight of the Sun returned to secure and help that Knight, whom he left defending of the door of the tent, that none should enter in thereat, & it was that worthy & royal princess Claridiana, whom he found very bravely and stoutly combating with a great number of knights, and had before her at the entry of the Tent, very many slain and wounded, and for that she kept herself in the inside of the entry, she defended herself the better from all that came against her. But when he came amongst them with his mighty blows, he made all his enemies to a part themselves from the door of the Tent, for when they saw him coming, every one did procure to make way all that ever they could from him, for that they thought verily he could be no mortal man, doing that which they saw him do. At this time the good king Liseo came with all his knights together in an ambushment, in the midst of the camp, killing and wounding his enemies, that they thought them to be all ravening Lions, but yet in the end if they had endured long, there could not one of them have remained alive, for they were but a small number, & their enemies very many & valiant. So at this time the good emperor and all the rest of those worthy princes & knights were armed, & with their swords drawn in their hands with the greatest fury in all the world they went out of the tent, and as those which had a great desire to revenge themselves in a small time they made such a slaughter amongst their enemies, that they thought it best to give them way, so that they had time & space enough to provide themselves of horses, of those which ran round about the field of the knights that were slain, & when they were all mounted on horseback they joined themselves together in an ambushment & put themselves in the midst of all the battle with so great fury, & struck such cruel & mortal blows, that there were none in all the camp that durst abide before them. Who so had seen the good Emperor Trebatio at that present, in the midst of his two sons, killing & wounding so many, that he was all to be bathed in blood, & did well appear by the blows he gave the great good will which he had to revenge himself, & that val●…aunt prince Rosicler did strange feats, that whosoever had seen him might well know him to be brother unto the knight of the Sun. Likewise the mighty & furious Prince Brandizell with king Sacridoro & Rodamarte, it might well be said that all they were a sepulchre unto their enemies, for that they were very many that were slain that day, & for that there was none that did know the princes Claridiana, seeing the mortal blows which she gave, and the wonderful things which she did, they all marveled much, not knowing who that mighty & strong Knight should be, & they had a merua●…lous great desire to know him. To conclude, for that this excellent company kept themselves together, they made such a slaughter amongst their enemies, that which way so ever they went they made a broad way, & in a small time they came & joined with the good king Liseo & his knights, who were wonderfully amazed when they saw the knight of the Sun accompanied with so many stout & valiant knights, and could not by any means imagine what it should mean, & being all joined together, those that were with the king Liseo received great conrage, & their enemies hearts failed, and much the more because they had no captain to govern them, & put them in courage, & mistrusting the worst, many of them ran away out of the camp, procuring each one to save his own life, & when the rest saw some of their companions run away, they out of hand did the like, in such sort, that in the end of one hour, the prisoners were at liberty, there remained not one in all the camp of the king of Arcadia, except it were those that were slain & wounded, which were more than half of them. And when they saw themselves at liberty & clear of their enemies, not finding one with whom to ●…ight, the king Liseo went unto the knight of the Sun, and pulled off his belme, and embraced him, saying. Ah my good Lord and perfect friend, how can I gratify this great good benefit the which this day I have received of your great worthiness, for by you I have recovered my lost Kingdom, therefore worthy Prince, I do most heartily desire you to tell me who these valiant knights be, and from whence so excellent a company should come. Then presently the knight of the Sun, who did esteem very much of him, declared unto him who they were, and by what adventure he had found them there. At this time the Emperor and all the rest of the Princes and knights had taken off their ●…elmes, and the king Liseo was the gladdest man in all the world, and went to kiss the emperors hands, saying: May it please your sovereign highness to give your hands to kiss them, for that through you I am restored unto my lost kingdom. This high and worthy Emperor did embrace him with great love, so likewise did all the other Princes & knights, & there passed betwixt them many curt●…ous words, yet for all this was not the royal princess Claridiana known. And being desired by the emperor & all the other princes & knights to give them understanding who & what he was, she strait way pulled off her helm, whereas he did discover her yeolow hair, which was bound up with a net of gold, very richly & wonderfully wrought, & by reason of her great 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 which she received in the passed battle, her colour was somewhat moved, wherewith she showed so perfect & singular beauty, that verily she seemed unto them all, to be rather some divine creature, than any human person, & there was never a one there but she seemed unto them to be some celestial thing. Then the Emperor and all the rest of the knights that did know her, being as much amazed at her beauty, as to see her there at that instant, went all unto her. & did welcome her with great courtesy. And the emperor said: My Lady & mistress, this liberty the which I and all these princes & knights have received, it cannot be but by the hands of so high a damsel as you are, & I pray God that we may be able to gratify you for the same. Unto the knight of the Sun, said the Princess, ought you to surrender and give these thanks, for that for him is ordained and kept the atchiving of all good adventures, and to give the final conclusion of the same. What might here be thought of the great joy and pleasure which this amorous and valiant knight conceived, when that in that time and place he found himself in the presencé of his Lady and mistress, having seen what she had done for him before he knew her. Truly this mirth and gladness was so much, that he thought all his understanding to be transported into a celestial glory whereas the chosen doth remain, and going towards her, he said: Your sovereign beauty may please to give unto me your se●…re hands, that I may kiss them, in acknowledging of the great courtesy which all we have received by your sovereign aid and succour, and for that all enterprises which I do take in hand may have credit, it shall be done in your service and praise, as I am bound, and likewise all good and valiant Knights in the world. Then the Princess who received great contentment at his words, laid her arms upon his shoulders and said: Worthy Prince, your politic dealings and excellent bounty sooth so far excel, that it is not needful for me to express the same, neither any other, but only to behold what is done by your valiant hands here in this Camp, and unto this there is good witness, who is the king Liseo and all his knights. And passing beetwixt them many other amorous words, the Knight of the Sun did tell them all how and by what adventure he came thither, and all that happened with him after he departed out of Greece. The like did the Princess Claridiana, so that all the whole company understood by what order they were there assembled and joined. In the mean time that they were in this acknowledging one another, those of Lydia were not idle, for they minded no other thing but to rob and destroy all that were in the Tents and Camp of the King of Arcadia, and finding there great store of riches and treasure which the king had brought, every one of them did so lad themselves, that ever after they remained very rich, and thought their long and great travail to be well employed, the end fell out so prosperous unto them. Then the Emperor Trebatio out of hand commanded that the Queen Carmania should be brought before him, for there should be no harm done unto her, who when she thought verily that Rodaran had been slain, tore her hair, and did such justice on herself, that they thought verily it would be her death. And ask of them whether the king of Arcadia and Rodaran were alive or dead, they went strait ways unto the place whereas they lay a long upon the ground, and commanded that their Healmes, should be pulled off, and fresh water to be thrown upon their face to refresh them, & strait ways they came again unto themselves, and when they understood in what estate and perplexity they were all this time, their sorrow and grief was such, that they thought it had been better for them to have been slain, then to suffer so great misfortune: but when the King of Arcadia, did look●… about him for his army, and could see never a Knight on his part, but those that were slain and lay in the field, with very sorrow and grief he thought verily his heart would have burst. Likewise when Rodaran, saw all his prisoners at liberty, and he overcome by one alone Knight, the great sorrow and grief which he received, could not be here expressed, and if he had had his helm and his sword, and on horseback, he would have tarried there no longer. Then straightways the King Lyseo, did desire all these worthy warriors, to repair unto the City for to refresh themselves, and to take their ease, who consented unto his request, and went towards the city, and carried with them their prisoners, whereas they were received of all the Citizens and nobles of all the kingdom, that were there present, with so great joy and triumphs, that the whole City seemed to be on 〈◊〉, with the great bonfires & other lights which were made in every street of the City, not remembering any of their troubles past. So when they came unto the Queen's palace, who was very wise and discreet, she received them with such courtesy, as was requisite to so noble persons: whereas they were all unarmed, and recreated with very sweet waters and ointments requisite for such hurts and bruises as they had received. For although their armour did defend them from wounding, yet could not their flesh be free from bruises, by the force of such terrible blows as they received. And in especial the knight of the Sun in the battle which he had with Rodaran, and the King of Arcadia, although he esteemed it in nothing, with the great contentment and pleasure which he received in seeing before him the fair Princess Claridiana, not he alone who loved her as his own soul, did receive contentment, but likewise the Emperor, & the other princes & knights did rejoice very much, & had her in that reputation as her high estate deserved. So in this sort they passed away all that night in great pastimes & pleasure, till the next day in the morning, in the which the king Liseo, went unto the ●…mperour and unto the Knight of the Sun, & asked of them what their pleasures was to do with the king of Arcadia, & Rodaran, for that they were their prisoners. To whom the Emperor said▪ that those prisoners did belong unto the knight of the Sun, and how that he would give order what should be done with them. The knight of the Sun when that he heard that, he would very feign have excused himself thereof, but it did little profit him his excuses, but that generally it was concluded, that all should be done as he would command it. So he seeing their determination, commanded to be brought before him Rodaran, and the king of Arcadia, unto whom he said. The high estates great riches & sovereign gifts which fortune yieldeth in this world, & by the will of god is departed amongst men, often times is the occasion that pride doth increase, the more in them: & having clean forgotten that they are mortal, and subject unto any misfortune. Contrary unto all reason they put themselves in exercises to comprehend things of great wait and no less perillo●…s, as though there were not a god to withstand them, thinking themselves to have power over all fortune: from whence doth proceed, that when they think themselves most surest and most highest in their throne, lacking the chief and principal ground of reason and justice, the wheel of their hope, being very swift and of no security, turneth about, and throweth down unto the ground, that which is most highest, in such sort, that there is no humane creature able to resist, so great force. And so it hath happened unto you, for being made Lords and kings over great and mighty Kingdoms, and likewise endued with force and strength, yet there increased in you so great pride, that all seemed little, the which you had of your own, but against all reason & justice, you came to seek that which at such time as you thought all concluded and ended, then were you farthest of, and brought in that estate that you do well understand & know, how little the power of men is, when in wrongful causes you apply yourselves Now in the behalf of the Emperor my lord, & these knights I require you to swear to be true to King Liseo and his kingdom. but return unto your own Countries & Kingdoms, and procure to defend them, and keep yourselves therein, and not to give from hence forwards any such attempts as hitherto you have done, for if you do you can look for no ●…ther thing but loss of your lives or else shame unto your persons. And first before all other things, to make satisfaction unto the King Lyseo of all such hurts and damages as hath been done in his kingdom, and likewise to surrender and yield up all such things as you have taken from him, lands, and otherwise, without any delay.  
At which words of the knight of the Sun, the two Kings received no great contentment, for they were so rooted in pride & mischief, that it could not be rooted out till such time as they were utterly overthrown and lost in the fields of Grecia but now seeing in what estate they were, & how that it did behove them to show more patience than they had, they swore before the Knight of the Sun to perform & fulfil all that he would demand them, & for their liberty which they received at their hands they gave great thanks. And so they with the Queen Carmania▪ taking their leave of all them, they departed thence, and went towards their own Countries and kingdoms, whereas they had enough to do to tell of the knights of the Emperor Trebatio, so that in the most part of all the Pagan Country, his name was feared Whom at this present this history doth leave till time doth serve.   

How the Emperor Trebatio with all his Princes and knights departed out of the Kingdom of Lydia towards Constantinople. Chapter 51.  
Three days after the departure of the King of Arcadia and Rodaran, remained the Emperor in Lydia, with all the rest of the Princes and Knights in great mirth and pastime with the King Lyseo and all his nobles, in the end whereof they thought it time to go and see the Empress, and the rest of Greece, whom they were well assured to be very sad and sorrowful for their absence. So concluding together, they determined the fourth day in the morning to departed. The time being come, they all did take their leave of the Queen, who shed many tears to see them departed, and the king Liseo went to bear them company till they came to the sea side, for they could not by any means cause him to abide in the City. So they travailed seven days, in the end whereof they came unto the Sea, whereas the king did take his leave of them, embracing them all, offering himself at their commandment at all times when occasion should serve. And after that he was departed from them, he found himself very solitary without their company, and in especial without the company of the Knight of the Sun, for that he esteemed more his company and friendship than all his whole Kingdom. The Emperor and all those that went with him did embark themselves in a very good Ship, and took their way towards Constantinople, and having the wind and weather very fair and prisoners, they made their navigation which great joy and pleasure generally amongst them all, but in especially the knight of the Sun, who finding himself always in presence of the royal Princess Claridiana, he was as pleasant and joyful as ever he was in all his life, and although many times all the rest that were in the ship, were at the ship side sporting themselves, when that he had opportunity to speak and utter his mind, yet for all that he had so great respect unto her, that ●…t seemed unto him that he lacked boldness to utter unto ●…ir his pain and grief, and for that the royal Princess, ●…either more nor less than he was, troubled with ●…morous ●…assions, did not let at all times to make some outward ●…ew thereof, which was the occasion that it caused him so ●…ake heart at grass, and speak unto her, who with no ●…sse courtesy and 〈◊〉, as the Pagans 〈◊〉 use when ●…ey do 〈◊〉▪ and worship their false Gods, in such sort he began to speak and said: Excellent and royal princes of Trabisond, your sovereign highness and the divine excellency of your royal person, being by the Knight of the Sun seen and known how far it doth extend, doth make him not to be so hardy and bold for to publish himself to be yours, for that it seemeth unto him not to deserve to enjoy so great favour and renown, and as I am now a Christian, and do believe in the law of the true God, whereas I was wont to be a Gentile, then might you be well assured, that in no other God in heaven or on earth would I believe in, but only in you, neither would I recommend my soul and body unto any other: and as I am persuaded that in thinking herein, much more in speaking, cannot be without great offence unto God, yet if it were before his divine Majesty, I might make any excuse, I would perform this that I say, and here I give many and infinite thanks unto the sovereign creator, that not only hath brought me out of that blind custom and law of the Gentiles, and hath given me the law of grace, but also he hath sustained me until this time for to behold your sovereign beauty, that only therein I may also know his great might & power. God also made the heavens, the earth, and the stars, and endued them with greatness and light of great beauty, but yet ob divine clemency, in you alone i●… more to be seen then in all them, I will not declare unto you (royal Princess) how that singular beauty and fairness have been the occasion that my heart doth receive sorrow and grief, yet I may say that it is rather glory than pain, for that without it I am not able to live one moment. And here I do give you to understand that I am so much yours, that so long as this soul doth sustain my body, my heart shall not neither cannot, but continually have you for my Lady and mistress. Therefore sovereign Princess, I do most heartily desire you to show so much favour unto the Knight of the Sun, as to grant him licence to be yours, for that without it, he living cannot choose but serve you, and for that with my life I will no●… offend you (if you do not receive contentment herewith) I will give myself the death.  
The royal Princess at these words received neither anger nor grief, but being very pleasant and merry for that he had said unto her, with an excellent grace & great humility she answered him and said.  
Knight of the Sun, who for his name, which is the name of so high a prince, by desert deserveth to be lost, and in how much is this name amongst the most esteemed Knights in all the world had in estimation, I do not know by what reason he should so little esteem himself, and so far exalt me, that for to publish himself to be mine, he saith that he lacketh courage and boldness, here I give you to understand that I have in such estimation your mighty deeds, and the great worthiness of your person, that for to receive you to be my knight, I am therewith very well content, and with all only this, I do béeleeve that in all the world there is not a Damsel that is equal unto my highness. And farther you shall understand (gentle knight) that the great fame of your high Knighthood was the occasion that I came out of Trabisond, only for to see you, therefore my good Lord, from this day forwards, procure that we may return thither with as much speed and in as short time as may be, for that I desire very much, that in the Court of the Emperor my Father, so high a Prince and so worthy a Knight as you are might be known. Then the knight of the Sun with more contentment than ever he received in all his life, kneeled dowen before the Princess and would have kissed her hands for the great courtesy showed unto him, but she in no wise would consent thereunto, but caused him to stand up, and took him in her arms, whereas grew between them so great love, that nothing was to separate them but only death and although these loving words passed between them, & seemed that there was no conclusion of any thing, yet in their hearts there was so strong a knot ●…ade, that before it should be undone, it should be greatly amented. So they passed the time in these & other reasons, in the which time their Ship did navigate with prosperous winds, and the fift day after their departure from Lydia, they arrived in a port or haven of Grecia, whereas they did disimbarke themselves, and went a land, from whence they had not travailed far, when they met many Knights, who went seeking of Rodaran, marvelous sad and heavy for the imprisonment of the Emperor, and all the other Princes and knights that were with him, who when they knew the Emperor and the rest, so fast as their horses could run they went unto Constantinople, to carry the news. And as soon as it was known throughout the great City, there were very few that remained, but they went forth to meet their good Lord, the Emperor and his sons, and received them with so great joy and pleasure as though they had been their own kinsfolks or children, and had been very long absent from them. So they entered into the great palace, whereas of the Empress they were received with that joy and contentment, as in such like absence may be conceived, and with no small complaining of the Empress unto the Emperor, for that he all alone, and without giving her to understand, would go forth and put himself into so great peril. Strait ways it was known throughout the whole City all that had passed, and the great deceit and treason that Rodaran used for to take prisoners all th●…se Knights. Then the Emperor the more to extol and make manifest the worthy deeds of the Knight of the Sun, commanded to be painted all that ever had happened from the first time that Rodaran came unto the Court, until such time as he departed after the battayle●… in Lydia, & to be done in the fore front of the great palace nigh unto the adventure of the Island of Lindaraza, and for that it was done by the hands of excellent workmen and very natural, it did not a little amplify & set forth the grea●… bounty of the knight of the Sun.  
So in this sort with great joy and pleasure they remained a good while in the Court without happening an●… thing worth the telling, but the knight of the Sun received not so great joy & contentment, in finding himself in the presence of his ladies, as the princess Lindabrides received sorrow & grief to see the great conversation which the knight of the Sun had with the princess Claridiana, & the great peril which her presence might cause unto her, which was the occasion that she received no pleasure, but was always very sad & perisive, & caused unto the Emperor and Empress great sorrow & grief▪ seeing her in that case, thinking that she received some displeasure in his court, which greatly discontented her, because she did not as she was wont, showing herself pleasant, & many times they asked of her the occasion, offering to do all that was possible whereby she might receive joy. And she answered them with great diss●…mulatton, saying, that there was nothing that caused her to be so sad, but only because she could never hear any news of her brother the prince Meridian, since his departure from her. Then the Emperor believing it to be as she had told him, presently sent abroad knights into all parts to seek him, & daily did comfort the princess, 〈◊〉 that before long her brother Meridian would come thither. Likewise at this time the good knight Rosicler was not altogether at his ease, for that idleness and eass was the occasion that he called to remembrance things passed, in such sort that the old wound of his love began to renew & feaster again, so that within few dai●…ee that he had remained in Constantinople, his own natural country & habitation, waxed 〈◊〉 unto him, & the ●…onuersation of his father, mother, & brother (for that he could not receive any pleasure or delight) did cause unto him great 〈◊〉 & grief, & did ab●…orre their company▪ & all his delight ●…as to be alone, & to any place where mirth & pastime was ●…e could not abide. All the which increased in him so much, that in the end he determined with himself to do that as ●…eereafter shall be told you.   

¶ How the Empress Briana was delivered of a son, and of the great feasts that were made at his birth. Chapter. 52  
IT is said in this famous history that the mighty emperor Trebatio had another and the third son, by the fair empress Briana, of whom is made great mention in the second part of this history, for that was one of the most mightiest & famous knights in all the world, & that next unto his singuled brethren the knight of the Sun & Rosicler, there was none equal unto him, & many times combating with his brethren unknown, he put them in great hazard, & with either of them he hath maintained battle almost a whole day, & in the end it was very small the vantage they had of him, so that this valiant knight did finish so many mortal deeds, that they deserve to be spoken of, & to be put in the number of his brethren, & in all other things, as in body & stature, he was conformable & equal unto them, & did resemble so much the knight of the Sun in his face, that many times he was taken for him, & if it were not that he was of fewer years, with great difficulty might you know the one from the other. This valiant & fortunate prince, as the wise Artemidoro saith, was borne strait after the emperor and all his company came from the kingdom of Lydia, for that when that stout Pagan Rodaran came into Greece, the empress was very big with child. It doth apéere that the wise Lirgandeo doth make difference, for he doth make no mention of this young gentleman, till the conclusion of the great battles which they passed between the emperor Alicandro of Tartary, and the Emperor Trebatio of Greece, from which time he doth declare marvelous & wonderful things done by him. I do believe that the occasion of this is, because that the wise Lirgandeo did not see him, till such time as he came into Greece, & made no mention of him till all the battle was finished, & at such time as the emperor & all the rest took their rest with great joy & pleasure, after the great travail which they received in the wars past, for that at this time the young gentleman, was very tender of years, & passed not six years of age, so that till that time there is no more mention made of him, then is in this chapter, but afterwards these two wise men do begin to writ of him marvelous great & wonderful deeds, & do both agree in their writings. When the time was come that this royal empress should be delivered there chanced a thing of great admiration & marvel, which did show & declare a very high and great mystery in the birth of this ●…hild, which was that night and very moment that he was borne, the Moon did shine so bright & clear, & threw from her such glistering beams of light, that it seemed to be the Sun, & the most part of all the earth was so clear, as commonly it is in the morning, when the Sun doth spread her beams abroad. This was seen just at midnight, & did endure for the space of half a quarter of an hour, i●… it put all those that saw it in great admiration, & those which afterwards heard tell thereof, & greatly marveling thereat, they demanded of the wise men what that strange token might signify, & there was none that could declare the signification thereof, but only the wise Artemidore, who was at that present in Constantinople, who did tell them plainly that it did pro●…nosticat & show that the features & deeds of that young prince, should so clearly shine in the obscure & dark regions of the barbarous people, as the moon did show her shining light, in the obsure darkness of the night. And time did come that it was perfectly seen & proved to be true all that this wise man had told them, for that by his occasion the most part of the oriental regions were turned into the christian faith and true belief in jesus Christ.  
After this which the wise man had told him, as also for that the child was borne very fair. The Emperor and the empress & his sons were very glad & joyful, & all the knights of the court, & the citizens began to make great feasts and pastimes for the birth of the new prince, the which endured in the City for the space of one moonth, & afterwards as the child did increase in years, so did he increase in bounty and bigness of body, in such sort that all men marveled greatly there at, and said, that according unto the wonderful tokens seen at the birth of that child, it could not be but that he should recover as great fame▪ & be as singular in bounty as his brethren. And many times the princess Claridiana, & the fair princess Lindabrides did take him in their arms, and shows him great joy & love, for that he was brother unto the knight of the Sun, & said that never in all their 〈◊〉 they saw a child of so great perfection, but this was nothing to that which they would have done, if they had known how that be should quench the fury & perilous discord that was between them, for certainty if it had not been done by him, neither the one nor the other should have lived in security, and for that this history shall make perfect relation in his time, at this time there shall be no more said, till such time as the wise men in their writing of this happy prince shall agree in one & be conformable, which shall be at the age of six years▪ as is aforesaid, for till that time he was nourished & brought up in the court of the Emperor his rather, under the cockering and wing of the Empress his mother. And now let us return unto the fair princes Lindabrides, for we have great & marvelous things to declare of her.   

¶ How the Princess Lindabrides before the Emperor, Princes, and knights of his court, did ask a boon of the knight of the Sun, and he granted it unto her, which was the occasion that he must departed out of the Empire of Greece. Chap. 53.  
LOng time was the Princess Lindabrides in the court of the Emperor Trebatio, without having any mirth, joy or pleasure, for that she saw that the knight of the Sun did frequent very much with the princess Claridiana, and that it seemed unto her that he did not love her, as before time he did, & being fully persuaded, that alone the presence of the princess was the occasion of all her evil, many times she imagined with herself how and by what means she might take him away from the same, for that her great beauty might take effect in him, so that she might live in more security, and for that her mind was always troubled there with, in the end she determined to do as you shall hear. Upon a day at such time as was joined together the Emperor & all the Princes and worthy knights of the court with the empress & the princess Claridiana, & all their Ladies & gentlewomen, making great feasts & pastimes in the great hall, at such time as they were most in quiet, the princess Lindabrides rose up & stood on her feet, & when they saw her demeanour they all held their peace.  
Then she began to speak saying.  
High & mighty Emperor of Greece, if valiant princes & mighty knights for the maintaining of their honours, are bound to respect ladies & damsels in their necessities, as by their promise & oath made, at such time as they do receive the order of knighthood: in how much more are bound so high princes & knights as are here present, to respect a damsel of so high estate as I am, who is banished from her natura●…l contr●…, & come into this, as unto the court of the most hghest king & emperor in all the world. And here I say of truth that if the remedy of my necessity doth now fail me according as I would have it, & denied me by so high princes, with just reason may I account myself for an unhappy damsel. Therefore now in the presence of you all I do ask a boon of the knight of the Sun, who is here present, the which I do request that it may be by him granted unto me, and likewise consented, by you most high & mighty Emperor & Empress. All that were there present were very much amazed at the words of the princess, not knowing what should be the occasion why she should ask that boon. And first she would have the grant before she would declare her demand. Then the knight of the Sun seeing that the princess would not declare, but first he must be bound, he was somewhat in a confusion, although he made no outward show thereof: but upon a sudden, he arose up, & answered her, saying. My good Lady, if the duty which I have to serve so high a damsel as you are, you do not esteem in more, then in giving of my word, here I do grant unto you the boon, which you have asked of me, although of the security I am aggrieved, according to the benefits which I have received. Very well said the princess, seeing that you have granted me of your part, likewise I desire the emperor, & my Lady the empress, to consent & grant unto the same, that I may be sure of all parts. We do grant unto the same, said the Emperor & the empress, laughing very much at the security which the princess ●…emanded. Now shall you understand the boon the which I do crave, said the Princess. For so much as the knight of the Sun did overcome the prince Meridian my brother, & that I remained in his power, that now he carry me unto the court of the Emperor my father, whereas it is great reason that I do return, being so long since my departure from thence. And this I will that he shall do, without having the company of any other. When the knight of the Sun, heard the boon which the princess demanded, he was in a great confusion, but the princess Claridiana, was in a greater, but yet she made signs unto him with her eyes, that he should grant unto her all that ever she would demand, for that it seemed unto her, that with his hon●…ur he could not 〈◊〉 to the contrary, & there the knight of the Sun did promise her to bear her company till she came unto the court of the Emperor her father, & although it grieved the emperor & the empress very much, yet there was no other remedy, but he must consent unto the same by the voice of all the rest, & being concluded, their departure was determined to be within eight days following, with great joy unto the princes Lindabrides, & much grief unto the princess Claridiana, who seeing that the knight of the Sun must needs absent himself from her, & that it was for his honour to departed into far countries, her sorrowful heaviness was so great, that she could not dissemble so much, but some part thereof was discovered, & especially considering the perilous company that he had with him, for that in her presence, she had no fear of the princess Lindabrides, for that the singularity of her excellent beauty did fully assure her, but in her absence she knew not what continual conversation of the princes, with the knight of the Sun would work, and being much troubled with this thought, she called unto her a damsel, one of them that was most private with her, & said: Arcania my well-beloved damsel, as unto the most trustiest & faithfullest servant the which I have, I will commit one thing into thy hands, the which doth importune no more but to have continual pleasure, joy, & quietness, or else sorrow & heaviness all the dates of my life, and I would you should put such diligence therm, as ever you have had in things which belongeth unto me. You do understand how that the knight of the Sun hath promised unto the princess Lindabrides to go with her and bear her company unto the court of the emperor her father, & I knowing the great worthiness of the knight of the Sun, as well in his own person, as in his high estate & bl●nd from whence he doth descend, I am fully determined in my heart, consenting thereunto my father the Emperor and the Empress my Mother, to take him for my husband, as the most highest and mightiest Knight in all the world, and for the accomplishing and performing of this, I find nothing more contrary, than the great beauty of the Princess Lindabrides, & the continual conversation which the knight of the Sun shall have with her in this long journey, and my pretence is to know whether the knight of the Sun doth ●…eare any affection or love unto the Princess Lyndabrides or no, for if it do so fall out, it is not convenient that so high a damsel as I am should set my mind any more on him, & the better that I may be certified he 〈◊〉, it doth behove me that you go in his company▪ & whatsoever thing shall happen unto thee by the way▪ (but death) do not leave their company till such time as the knight of the Sun doth return again into his Country, & doing so, you may very perfectly & truly inform me of all that shall pass. Then Arcan●…a understanding all that the princes had said unto her, she kn●…eled down before her, & kissed her hands for the great courtesy which ●…he showed unto her, because she did commit that secret unto her before any other, & promised her to put all d●…ligence therein that was possible. And not long after that the dams●…ll had made an end of saying these words, when the knight of the Sun ●…hanced to pass that way whereas they were all alone, & his coming was, with pretence to speak with the princess, if time and place might serve. ●…nd when he saw her all alone with her damsel, he drew nigh unto hi●… & made great reverence, & almost scarce able to utter his words, he said: M●… Lady & mistress, what is it that your sovereign highn●…sse will command this sorrow●…ull knight, who banished out of your pres●…nce, doth go●… to accomplish that 〈◊〉 which he hath grant●…d unto the princes Lindabrides. The almighty God doth know my lord, said the princess how great a 〈◊〉 it ●…s unto me your departure, and how solitary I shall find myself in your absence, but for that we are more ●…ound ●…o regard our honours & high estate, th●…n ●…o b●…e 〈◊〉 unto our wi●…s. I can do ●…o otherwise but 〈◊〉 than myself the b●…st I may for this departure, & comfort my ●…elfe with the ho●…e I have of your speedy return, but one thing I wi●…l that you take with you of mine in this iourn●…y, to put you in 〈◊〉 of this Country, and of her that gave it you. And in this Damsel w●…o is the faithfullest & best beloved that I have, who will serve you with that loyalty and care as she doth owe unto my service, and she shall not departed from you till such time as you return unto my presence. With great joy and pleasure did the knight of the Sun receive that 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 which the Princes showed unto him, and with the great sorrow which he felt for his departure from her said: Now I say that my departure is good, and all my grief turned unto glory, for that your sovereign highness●… in this great perplerity hath given me company, now with great reason shall I traua●…le in com●…ort, for that your royal person doth gri●…ue at my departure, and the great benefit which you offer unto me, in this your Damsel Arcan●…a, I do receive it with humble than●…ks, and it shall be unto me great comfort to have before me one that so long time hath been in company and conversation of your highness, although this damsel to cause me to have in remembrance this country doth little se●…ue my turn, for that I have remembrance on no other thing, but only in thinking that your highness doth 〈◊〉 look for my return, and herewith my desire shall be such to return, that all such time as they ●…oo detain me, will be sorrow and grief unto my 〈◊〉 heart. Th●…se and many other communications in effect passed beetwixt the Princess Claridiana and the knight of the Sun, till such time as with great grief they took their le●…ues, and he departed, and for that the day of their departure drew on, all things that were necessary for their ionrncy were made in a readiness▪ and the Emperor commanded such provision to be made for the Chariot of the Prin●…esse Lindabrides in such sort, that they had small ●…ack o●… any refreshing, till such time as they came unto Scythia.  
When the day was come that they must departed, they were all in a readiness▪ and in the triumphant Chariot there was such sweet Music with Trumpets, that it o●…d well signify their departure, but the Knight of the Sun, neither the Princess Lindabrides would enter into the Chariot, for that the Emperor and all those Princes and knights would go forth to take their leaves of them, the knight of the Sun was mounted upon his horse, and the Prince●…se Lindabrides upon an Unicorn, and being accompanied with the Emperor and all those valiant Princes and Knights, which were to the number of more than three thousand, taking her leave of the Empress, who was so full of sorrow and grief, that she thought her soul would departed from her body, seeing that her sand did departed from his own Country, into a Country so far off, and although her sorrow and grief were very much, yet that of the royal princess Claridiana was much more, who seeing herself absent from him whom she so much loved, and how that he went in company with them that put her in so great peril, her stou●… courage neither her royal estate was not sufficient to withdraw her, but that she received so terrible a grief, that it took away all joy & comfort from her heart, and having no power to go forth to bear them company, she remained all alone in her chamber, dissembling that she was not well, and lying upon her bed uttering (with many salt tears) such sorrowful and lamentable words, mixed with heavy and deep sighs, that it showed her great grief. Now to return unto the knight of the Sun, who was departed two miles from the City, whereas the Emperor & all those Princes and knights did take their leaves of them, and returned unto the City, and found themselves very solitary without the company of the Knight of the Sun, who was with the princess Lindabrides in her Chariot, and had great grief for his departure from his friends▪ whom the history doth leave at this present, and the fair Princess Claridiana very solitary, the which the absence of her knight did increase daily more & more, and finding herself in no rest nor quietness in that Country, she had great desire to return unto her own, 〈◊〉 such time as she heard news of the knight of the Sun.   

How the Knight of Cupid in the company with the King Sacridoro went out of Constantinople, & of all that happened more. Chapter 54.  
Certain days after the departure of the Knight of the Sun, did Rosicler abide in the City of Constantinople, the more for to give contentment unto the Emperor & Empress his known parents, them for any contentment he had with himself although he was singularly well beloved of his friends & vassals, and in such sort, that if his heart had not been set & fully satisfied in another place, in all the world he could not find himself so well as in that country, for that all the Princes & knights that were came ●…hether to celebrate the great feasts & triumphs, did still remain th●…r in the court, for that the Emperor riceived great pleasure of their company, for which occasion there were none of them departed: but the old sore of love of the Princess Olivia did feaster a new, by reason of his great idleness, there was nothing that was sufficient to give him any delight, but continually he was very sad & pensive, and full of care, so that the Emperor & Empress with all the other Princes and Knights his friends, beeléeved that he had some secret in●…irmity, which was the occasion of his sorrowful demeanour, and was a very grief unto them all, and by reason that this sorrowful and amorous passion did daily in●…erase more and more in him, and made him so careful that he could not take any kind of rest nor quietness in the Court of the Emperor his father, he fully determined to departed from thence, and considering the great obligation in which the King Sacridoro was bound unto him, he could not choose, but with great reason request to have his company. So one day finding himself all alone with him, he told him what he was determined to do, and how that his w●…ll was to go unto England, and there to certify himself fully and wholly, of all that had passed with the princess Olivia. And although it did not seem well unto the King Sacridoro, that Rosicleer should leave the Emperor his father and his mother, at such time, as they cannot but receive great sorrow & grief for his departure, yet seein●… his determined purpose therein, and the small contentment which he received in that court, he could not but needs must consent unto all that he requested, and offer himself in person to bear him 〈◊〉. whether so ever his pleasure was. So between these two friends was conc●…uded when they ●…ould departed, and in great secret, for that they would not be disturbed by any. And so in a night, they two all alone, ●…nd one page, they departed: And Rosicler, left a Letier written for the Emperor his Father, 〈◊〉 he gave him to understand, how that he and the King Sacridoro, went upon a journey, the which did import them very much. And desire him of pard●…n, for that they were deyar●…ed without his licence: and that their return should be in as short time as was possible. So the next day after their departure, they were found lacking, the Emperor asked for them, and straight way was brought unto him the letter which Rosicler left behind him, by the which he understood his departure, for the which he and the Empress Briana, and all the rest of the Prince's 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in the Court, were very sorrowful. But for that he 〈◊〉 in his letter that his return ●…ould be with 〈◊〉▪ they did comfort themselves with that hope, praying unto God to prosp●…r him in his journey and to return with health.  
So these two perf●…ct and faithful friends, travailed with so great speed, all that night, that the next day in the morning, they found themselves a great way departed from that mighty City of Constantinople. And being certain that none, in the beehalfe of the Emperor, would ●…ollow them, somewhat for to ease their horse of the great trauayl●… they had all that night, they alighted at the house of a foster, or keeper of a Forest, somewhat out of the broad way. And after that they had well refreshed themselves and their Horse, they returned unto their travail, wherein they endewred many days, in the which they did marvelous and wonderful deeds: all the which this history doth leave of the telling, for if that all things which was done should be made mention here, there would be no ●…nde of this book. To conclude, of necessity they must needs pass through all the whole Country of Grecia, and the great Ocean Sea for to embark themselves for England, (whereas he thought the time long till he came thither) and not taking the right way, in the end of many days, they 〈◊〉 in the borders of the great Empire of Russia, on that part which falleth toward high Almain. And travailing therein certain 〈◊〉, at such time as they had passed the greater part thereof: upon a day, in the same way wherein they travailed, they saw coming towards them, a great ambushment of more than tw●…ntie Knights. And when they came nigh unto them they saw one in the midst of them that did surmount all the rest of the company two spans in height, and so big of all his members, that it did appear he should be of mighty & great force of arms. They brought also with them three Damsels, with their hands bound, and upon their palfrays, who made marvelous great and pitiful lamentation, and with great shrieks they did give to understand, that they were carried away by force. So when these two va●…iant Knights came nig●… unto them, they were moo●…ed unto great compassion in such sort that their courageous stomachs could not suffer that before them any damsel should he perforced, and Rosicler coming nigh unto that great knight, who appeared by the riches of his armour, to be Lord over all the rest, he said unto him in this manner.  
T●…ll me if it please you for God●… love, what great evil ●…ath these Damsels committed, that they do deserve to be ●…arried thus prisoners. Then the knight who had his bea●…er lift up, with a fierce countenance he did behold them, ●…nd as though he were very angry at that demand, with ●…reat pr●…de he answered him and said.  
From whence hast thou had so great hardiness, thou foolish and simple Knight, that thou darest to ask of the mighty Fulmineo, the occasion wherefore he doth apprehend Damsels. It doth well appear that thou art a stranger in this Country, than thou hast not heard of my great fame. And for that thou mayst tell news of my great wonders, when thou art in thy Country, thou shalt understand that I am called Eulmineo, as I have told thee: And I am son unto the mighty Giant, Brumaleon, Lord over seven castles that I have in this Country, and of so great strength, that they are sufficient to make their defence against all the whole world. It is now ten years since my father died, and since that time hitherto, I have it for a custom, to leave neither Ladies nor damsels, that seemeth fair in mine eyes, but that I do take them parforce, and do carry them unto my Castles, and do solas myself with them. And when I do find others that doth better content me. I do take them and let the other go: so that I have in my Castles, great store of them. And although the Emperor of Russia being very angry and wrathful of my doings, hath proved to drive me out of his country, yet hath he never been able to do it, but all only in hearing me named, he doth tremble with fear, and always I have in my company these knights as thou seest, and in my castles I have as many more, not so much for the guard and defence of my person, as for the authority of my Lordship. Here have I told unto thee knight, all that thou hast demanded of me, that thou mayst tell thereof when the●… dost find thyself in place, whereas they have not heard of my fame. And in saying these words he left them, and would have passed forwards his journey, but Rosicleer, and the King Sacridoro, were very much amazed when they heard of that evil and abominable custom, & determined to put their lives in adventure, to cause that great knight to amend his life, and to leave of that evil custom, Rosicler put himself before him and said. I would very gladly desire to know of thee Fulmineo, if the contentment which thou dost receive in this thy bivellish life, can suffer to receive any counsel, and considering how abominable thy works are, and thou wilt acknowledge the error in the which thou art, repenting thee of the same, and never after to use them any more, and turn over a new leaf, taking unto thyself some other kind of life that may be more profit unto thy body, and honour unto the person, but principally for thy soul, and in doing so, thy high and mighty Lord of all powers, of his bountiful and great mercy will pardon thee of all these great evils which thou hast done, and thou shalt excuse the self of the infernal pains, to the which thy soul is condemned, and if thou wilt not do this, behold the justice of God who can no longer suffer thy abominable deeds, and seeing that there is no amendment in thy life, when thou ●…oost think lest thereof, will fall upon thee to thy utter destruction. Oh strange Knight, said Fulmineo, how I am now fully certified that thou art altogether foolish, in that ●…hou dost put thyself to preach unto me, and to give me counsel, but I myself am in the fault thereof, because I stayed and used words with thee, and although I gave thee to understand of my woneerfull deeds, yet did I not tell thee the principal of them, the which I will give thee to understand, because it shall be a warning unto thee how to return an answer to me any more. Know that being my Father Brumaleon, one of the most strongest and valiantest Giants which was to be found in all the world, only for reprehending me for a rape the which I did unto a Damsel, and did offer to give me counsel to the contrary, I did defy him even to the battle, and hand to hand 〈◊〉 slew him, although as then I was very young and tender ●…f age, for at that time I was not full eighteen years of age. Now seeing I did this against mine own father for giving ●…ée counsel, consider what I will do against thee, if thou 〈◊〉 stand in contention herein, and make me angry.  
And in saying these words, without speaking any more, (for 〈◊〉 was not his custom to stay long with any) he broached his furious Horse with his Spurs, commanding his knights to proceed forwards he would have departed, but that valiant Knight Rosicler who was a great enemy unto such as he was, and could not suffer that any in his presence should receive rebuke or shame, and especially 〈◊〉, seeing that it was labour lost to speak unto that vile Giant, he took his spear in his hand and put himself before him, saying.  
For as much as thy ears are deaf for to receive counsa●…le, choose unto thyself that part of the field that doth best please thee, for that possibly with the death thou shalt know how profitable it will be to amend thy life, therefore take to thee thy weapon and defend thyself, for it doth béehoove thee by force to do that which thou wilt not of thy own good will, for always I have heard say, that the evil and naughty tree it is best to dig him up by the root.  
When Rosicler had said these words, he turned about his horse, and took that part of the field that liked him best, and with his spear in his hand he put himself before Fulmineo, who laughing very much began to go forwards his way with great anger, saying.  
Captive Knight, thou shalt not get by me so much honour, in saying thou didst enter alo●…e in battle with me. Then Rosicler said: Thou vile and evil beast, and the head of all pride and presumption, take unto thee thy weapon and defend thyself from 〈◊〉. Then Fulmineo when he heard this, with great ●…re ●…ee pulled down the beaver of his helm, and aparted himsel●…e from his Knights, without spear of sword in his hand, and said: Come against me, thou foolish and caprime knight, that for as much as thou hast heard of my deeds, it shall be good that by experience thou dost prove my force and strength, for that without spear or other weapon I will take from thee all thy armour & weapon that thou bringest with thee. Then Rosicler being very angry at the great pride of Fulmineo came unto him and said: Brute and devilish braced, take unto thee thy lance and sword, and come against me, for that I am not such a knight that will combat with thee with any advantage, & for that Fulmenio did stand in contention not to take any weapon, Rosicler threw his spear from him & assaulted him with his sword in his hand, & struck him such a blow upon his helm, that he made him decline his head down to his breast, & Fulmineo in all his life never received the like blow, that he thought verily his teeth had been broken in his head with beating one against another, & being very much amazed at the great strength of that knight, & seemed unto him to be such a one, that without weapon he could not overcome him, he drew out from his side a great & broad sword, and went against Rosicleer to strike him on the head with great strength, that chau●…cing upon his helm it made him somewhat astonished▪ & if his helm had not been very good, he had clonen him down to the breast▪ but Fulmineo did not advance himself very much in giving that blow, for the valiant Rosicleer did strike him such another on his right shoulder, that by reason of the great strength of his armour his sword could not cut it, yet for all that it did charge him so much, that if he had not embraced himself about his horse neck, he had fallen down to the ground: Oh how greatly am●…zed was Fulmineo at the great force and strength of Rosicleer, for when he saw with what courage he struck his blows, and feeling the mighty force of them, he said with in himself: By fortune is there returned again into the world that Greek Achilles, or that valiant Hector, for that he was fully persuaded that he was not in all the world that could bring him into so great extremity, & yet he hoped to kill them both, if they entered into battle with him, & for that he was one of the strongest & bravest knights in all the world, without abating any thing of his great strength, but still increasing his courageous fury, in such sort, that he béeganne to lay upon the valiant and stout Rosicleer, with so strong blows, that if he had been an 〈◊〉 of 〈◊〉, he had surely clove it in pieces. Likewise if it had been one other knight with other armour, he had been cloven asunder. But by reason that the valiant Rosicleer was in perfect security with his armour, (although sometimes with the great fury of his blows, he was astomed, & almost from himself) yet he did answer him, with other blows of so great fury that Fulmineo, being tormented with them, did roar like a Bull. So that in this contension & rigor●…us combat, these two endured more than two hours, & every blow that was stroke, did make each other to doubt of his life. And for that I will not be tedious, to tell all things particularly, the which was done in this well fought & perilous battle, I will conclude & tell you what happened in the end. It was ordained by the divine providence, that this mighty Fulmineo, should make an end of his evil & devilish life: who being very angry with himself, & blaspheming against all his goods, & against all things both in the heavens & on the earth, for that one alone knight did endure so long in battle against him. With an infernal fury which he had within him, (as it seemed by the great quantity of smoke which came forth at his beaver) he went against Rosicleer, & with both his hands as he struck him such a blow upon his enchanted & rich helm, that if his sword had not glanced upon his shoulder, ●…o doubt he had been in great peril. Yet for all that, it was so terrible, that it took his remembrance from him, & made him to fall forwards upon his saddle bow, in such sort, that all men did think that he would have fallen down dead to the ground. But this good knight did not long remain in this trance, but came again to himself, & with a trise he settled himself in his saddle, & struck his horse Rondarte, with his spurs, with so ●…urious wrath & mortal courage, that the earth seemed to tremble under him: & raising himself a good span in his saddle, he went to wards his enemy, & struck him such a blow upon his steely helm, that he clove it a sunder, & cut his head all to pieces. And with the great strength of the blow, his borse was so charged, that he bowed his knees to the ground, & so remained a good space before he arose up again. In this sort the evil Fulmineo did make his end, & his soul condemned unto hell, whereas with continual torment he is plagued for his evil deeds, as shall be done unto those that in this world with so great pride doth commit the like offence, if that by the permission of god he doth not repent him of them before he die, for that his neighbour being by him injured, at the day of judgement he will ask vengeance of the same. But when the knights of Fulmineo saw their Lord slain & dead, they were greatly amazed to see him so soon overcome & slain by one alone knight, that they were without all heart & courage for to revenge his death, and remained all astonished and amazed without any moving, as though they had been a company of Images made of stone, & beholding of Rosicleer, who seemed unto them to be a knight sent from god to punish & chastise the evil deeds and life of Fulmineo. So after that Rosicleer had given thanks unto almighty god for his great victory having compassion upon the damsels which they brought with them tied, he went towards them for to set them at liberty. And when he came unto the first, he strait ways knew her to be Fidelia, one of the damsels of the princess Olivia, she whom in England brought unto him the sentence of banishment, & strait ways calling to remembrance all that ever had passed he received so great sorrow & grief, that his heart was all covered with sadness in such sort, that clean void of all remembrance he fell from his horse to the ground as though he had been dead. This his great friend the king Sacridoro, when he saw him in that trance, with a trice he alighted from his horse and went towards him with great ang●…ish and grief, not knowing what it should be the occasion of that sudden & strange alteration, and taking him in his arms, he lifted him up from the ground, thinking that in giving him air he would return again unto his remembrance, but all that ever he could do, did profit him very little, for that he was in such sort, that he seemed to have no li●… within him. Then the knights of Fulmenio, who were very glad & joyful for the death of their Lord, did unloose the damsels, & the knights with the damsels came together for to help the king Sacridoro, to lift him from the ground, & to carry him unto one of the castles of Fulmenio, which was there nigh at hand, and when they pu●…led of his helm for to give him are, the damsel Fidelia knew him strait ways by his fair face, although in many 〈◊〉 before she had not 〈◊〉 him, which was the occasion that he was somewhat al●…red, & knowing him & seeing him in that estate & perplexity, & shedding many tears she wept ve●…y vitterly over him, although otherwise she was half from herself with great joy that she had found him, for that many days before she had travatled in his d●…maund, & for that the time was long, & Rosicler ca●…e not unto himself, and they seeing that it was a sound accompanied with anguish & very deep sigbes, those of Fulmenio did take him in their arms, & with the help of the king Sacridoro they carted him unto a castle that was there ●…igh at hand, whereas they said him upon a bed, & when the D●…wsell Fidelia had told the king Sacridoro of whence she was, he strait ways understood the occasion from whence did proceed all this alteration & evil of Rosicleer, & strait ways requested all the Knights that were there to departed, & let him alone, & being all departed the king requested the damsel to tell him if she brought any message unto his friend Rosicler, for that of long time travailing in his compante, he knew of his love, so well as himself.  
And when Fidelia understood that that was the king Sacridoro of whom she had heard so much of his doings with out any suspicion she told him how that she was damsel unto the fair Princess Olivia, & how that she brought him a letter from her. How is this said the king, is not the princess Olivia as yet married?  
No surely, said Fidelia, for first she will consent to die a thousand deaths, then to forget the great love which she doth bear unto Rosicler. Oh lord have mercy upon me, said the king, how hath Rosicler been deceived, for that it was told him that Olivia was married, which was the occasion, that a thousand times he hath been at the point of death. And in saying these words with the great joy he received, he went unto Rosicleer, whereas he lay, & took him by the arm, & did shake him in such sort, that he made him somewhat to come to his remembrance. Then the damsel Fidelia, went unto him and said: My lord wherefore will you not speak unto me, who with so great travail & grief, hath wandered through all the world, this two years in strange countries in seeking of you. And being at this time wholly in his remembrance, & understood what the damsel had said, with great anguish of mind and pale colour, he said. Ah Fidelia, how wouldst thou that I should live before her, who brought me the sentence of my death. How can I live one moment, calling to remembrance the ●…ast hour that thou didst see me, when thou didst leave me, more dead than alive, from that time hitherto, there hath not entered one ●…ot of joy or mirth in my heart. And if it had not been for the great regard which▪ I have (as a christian) unto my soul, I could not hitherto have sustained myself, but a thousand times, I had slain myself, for that I would not live without the love of the princess Olivia. What heart is that so diamant hard & strong, that seeing and knowing my fortune, & the pernersenes thereof, that would not be moved unto compassion. For that in all the world, the sight of the princes Olivia, was deemed, neither unto the unreasonable beasts of the fields, nor unto fowls of the air that flieth, neither unto the stars and planets of the heavens, unto all these were nothing hidden, but unto all thing permitted the sight and presence of Olivia, but all only that unfortunate Rosicleer whose life was sust●…ined only with the sight of her, was prohibited a forbidden her presence. Ah my good Fidelia what advensure hath brought thee into this country, tell me I pray thee, & give me to understand something of the princess Olivia, my Lady & mistress, to whom my name is so greatly abhorred. Yet for all that it shall be to me great quietness, to here tell something of her. And in saying these words, he went unto the damsel & did embrace her, with some contentment, more than he ha●… before, for that he saw before him, the faithfullest & trustiest secretary of the princes Olivia, his mistress, of whom he might very perfectly inform himself of that which his heart did desire. Then Fidelia, who could not refrain herself from weeping, when she remembered the cruel letter, which she delivered unto him in england: & the great sorrow & grief, which he received by occasion of the same: she took forth a letter out of her bosom, the which she brought with her, & delivered it unto Rosicleer, saying: My goodlord, take bee●…e this letter which is sent you from the princess Olivia, my mistress, and by it you shall understand, what part she hath sustained & had of your grief & sorrow, and what grief it hath been unto her, your absence: & as a witness of the same, I can give you to understand, & do verily believe, that there is not a damsel in all the world, at this present borne, that hath sustained so heavy & sorrowful a life, as she hath done since that you departed out of england. My lord what shall I say unto you, I have had her in my arms more than a thousand times for dead, without any hope of life. And her sorrow & grief is so much, for that she hath done against you, that there is nothing that she hath desired so much as for the death. Three times have I gone forth into the world, travailing all about to seek you, and every time I have been forth hal●…e a year. But when I returned unto the princess Olivia, without giving her any word of you, her sorrow, grief & care was such, that I being moved with great compassion, came forth again in your demand. And that with the great peril of my own person, and the news which I heard of your death, did give me occasion for to return back again. And unto the contrary, understanding the great sorrow which my La●…ye would use with me, I was determined rather to die, travailing from one country to another, then to return into England: but God who knoweth the hearts of all creatures hath permitted that this should proceed no farther, but hath giveu me so good fortune as to find you. When Fidelia had ended these words, the joy which Rosicleer received was such when he heard that sweet news from his mistress, not believing that that which he heard should be true, but rather a dream, & coming again unto himself, he went unto Fidelia & said: My good friend and well-beloved Fidelia, I desire you by him which created all things, & by the duty which you own unto my lady the princes Olivia, that you do tell me if this which I have heard, hath been the principal, occasion of your coming, or whether you have spoken it to comfort me in this sorrowful life which I have had continually, for I cannot believe that the princes Olivia hath received any grief for me, having banished me out of the kingdom of England, as 〈◊〉 by the cruel words of the letter which she sent me by my faithful friend, & if it be now true which you have told me, happy am I, & more happy is the life in which I have lived so long in sorrow, for that I am now recompensed with so so●…er agine a reward: it hath been told me that my mistress the prin●…es Olivia was married, which was the occasion of my, greater sorrow. And how is it possible that all this should be true which you have told me? Then Fidelia answered, I have told you the truth of all my lord, & in that you say that she is married it is the thing that is 〈◊〉 off from her heart, fo●… although the king her father would have married her unto the prince of Lusitania, & did importune her very much to accept the same, yet could he never conclude with her to accept the marriage, but first she would rather consent to receive a thousand deaths, them to do it, so that to perform all that which doth owe unto your love, she hath ●…en brought into great extremity and danger with her father. The great joy which Rosicler received h●…reat, was such, that he thought himself to be transported into another world. So taking the letter of his lady & mistress, he did kiss it many times, for that it had been many times in her hands, & did open it, w●…eras was written as followeth.  

The Letter of the Princess Olivia to Rosieleer.  
IF the pain which I receive in writing, were not confirmable to that which thy desert doth deserve, than should not I have any 〈◊〉 to write, neither reso●… to ask pardon for that which is past, but yet ob Rosicler, the great force & strength which caused your highness to make defence, was the occasion to make the wound more greater in my heart. I did send to banish thee out of my presence, for that I might not peril myself with thy continual presence, but in doing that, I did banish my own soul from my body, whose absence shall continue & endure so long, as thou art absent from me, & am so far from reason, & so void of memory, since the time that thou departedst from this court, that when I do consider of my own life, I know not whether I live or dream, or whether I am a woman or monster, for that life is odious unto me, and I do abhor all pleasure, & the company of my damsels is great grief unto me, & when I am alone I am tormented, my ears are deaf & do not hear, my eyes blind & cannot see, & my tongue dumb and cannot speak, except it be to name Rosicler, in such sort are all my senses prisoners unto thee, that in no other thing they do occupy themselves in, but only in accusing me for the error the which I have committed against thee: my eyes say that they are blind, for that they cannot see the goodness that they were wont to see, my ears deaf, for that they cannot hear that continual praise which they were wont, of thy person, the telling of thy mighty deeds, the victory of thy perilous battles, the great fame of thy high knighthood, and the continual praise of thy high and wonderful attempts. My memory saith that it doth remember, that only with thy presence all the whole Kingdom of England was glad and joyful. In the Court of the King my father, thou didst exalt such as were good Knights, and didst ●…onour them, and didst chastise and 〈◊〉 such as were evil, and proud Giants didst thou make humble & ●…eeke. Likewise Damsels did travail all alone, for that only in thy name they went in great security. And the Princess Olivia in only seeing thee was always joyful and gallant above all the rest. And now my understanding doth tell me that all is changed topsy-turvy, and clean contrary unto that it was wont to be, all the whole kingdom of England very sad & sorrowful, the court of the king Oliverio overthrown, for that good knights lack therein, & the evil doth increase, and such as are proud doth augment, and damsels as Orphans do tru●…ile with no security, but doth m●…strust all knights: all doth find lack of they presence, all doth weep and be w●…ste thy departure, all doth curse the hour of thy departure, & the occasion that moved thereunto. But what shall Olivia now do, who hath been the occasion of all this, and yet unto her hath thy departure been more grievous? O●… a truth, if that with my death I could have made a means for all this, with a very good will a thousand times I would have been glad to have received it, and should have thought i●… the least of all my deadly sorrows. But alas what shall I do, if I do lack death for my remedy, th●… shall I lose all the hope I have to see thee, the which if I do lose, I shall think my soul far more then lost, & in this sort I shall not make any recompense for this great error, neither you satisfied for the great hurt and harm received, so that I take ●…t for the better choice to live, sustaining my life with this ●…ope, & for that I do greatly fear that my life cannot long endure, if thy coming be not with brevity, therefore I do ●…end this Damsel to seek thee, for to desire thee (in first par●…oning of that which is passed) that thou wouldst not permit that my soul departed out of this world, till such time as my eyes may rejoice themselves with the sight of thee, for that only therewith I shall think myself happy, and for that in all other matters thou mayst give perfect credit to this my faithful secretary, and understand all my sorrowful passions, I do enlarge no farther, but remain praying unto God to keep & defend thy person, and to direct thy paths arighis.   
When Rosicler had read this Letter, and knew it to 〈◊〉 hers, what shall I say unto the great joy & pleasure which he received, but that it was equal unto the great sorrow and grief which he suffered, for that as one from himself he was reading, 〈◊〉 did not contemplate himself with those sweet and amorous words of his Lady and mistress, and the great love which she did profess in her letter, and how 〈◊〉 did repent herself of all that was past, of all the which he received so great joy and contentment, that all his senses were occupied therewith, in such sort that he 〈◊〉 himself transported into the celestial glory, so that he had no tongue for to speak unto the King Sacridoro, neither feet for to remove himself out of that place, nor eyes for to look upon Fidelia, but only occupied in recreating himself in that contemplation, reading and beholding that Letter many times. In the end he remembered himself as one that did awake out of a dream, and went unto the King Sacridoro, and embraced him & said: Oh my Lord & perfect friend, I desire you to put me out of all doubt of this doubtful thing which I have before me, for that you shall understand, that look how much the glory is which at this present I receive, so much more will the pain and grief be unto me if it fall out otherwise.  
Therefore tell me (I pray you,) whether I do sleep or am awake, or whether it be true that I do now see, or whether it be one of those dreams which I was wont to have, do not let me I pray you to live deceived, for that is ●…ot reason, one so unhappy and void of good fortune as I am, should recreate and content himself with so high a benefit as this is. Béehould how I do dream that the Princess Olivia hath sent me a Letter by her secretary Fidelia, and having compassion on me, she would that I should be hers, and to go into England for to serve her, and be at her commandment, and doth write to me such amorous words, that there is no human creature that doth deserve the same, much less a man that is so forgotten as I am: Béehould here Fidelia, here is the Letter, the hand and seal of my Lady and mistress, the Princess Olivia: Tell me I pray you, whether I do sleep or dream, and whether it be true this which I do see. The King did not marvel much at all this which passed because he did very well understand the operation of love, but embracing him, he took him by the hand and said: Oh my Lord Rosicler and perfect friend, now I do see the great wonders of God, and how great his mercy is, for that he doth forget none that doth put their trust in him, for when I was very prosperous in riches, high 〈◊〉 estate, and accompanied with all my vassals and subjects, and in sovereign hope for to overcome, and have that which I most desired, strait ways I found myself very far from the easement of my grief, and the end of all my desire separated, for that I was overthrown from my estate, and all my kingdom destroyed, my people overcome and left desolate without my vassals, and banished, out of mine own Country, and thrown out into the world, & sunk into a lake whereas I found all that which I desire, remedy for my sorrow, and recovered again my Kingdom, and restored unto mine own estate, and above all things, I recovered a good & perfect friend of you, therefore all aff●…iction and tribulation in the world, God doth permit it unto them that he doth not forget, and when they do think themselves most afflicted and troubled, overthrown and brought most low, and most without all hope, and void of all goodness, at such time with a trise and in a moment they are brought into more higher estate than they were before, with joy and prosperity, giving them occasion for to esteem and have in more honour the thing that they most desire, and so hath it happened unto you my good friend Rosicler, for that at such time as thou didst abhor thy own life, and when thy sorrow and grief had most government over thee, and when that all hope of remedy was past and farthest off from thee, upon a sudden hath come unto you remedy for all things, and in so high order, that you yourself cannot believe it, and you do think yourself unworthy of that which God hath ordained for you, therefore surrender unto god thanks for the same, and gratify this Damsel for her great travail which she hath taken for you, and do not ●…ay that it is a dream or mockage, that which we do all see with our eyes. At which words of the King, Rosicler came wholly to himself, and having no heart to speak, with the great joy he received, he embraced the King and Fidilia many times, and by exterior tokens and signs, he did communicate his pleasure and joy unto them. Then afterwards Rosicler demanded of Fidelia all what had 〈◊〉 by whom he understood all that ever she did know of the Princess Olivia, for there she made manifest unto him her life, her passions, and her cares, and all that ever had passed in the Letters, and how by them she understood him to be Son unto the Princess Briana, and afterward it was published that he was son unto the Emperor Trebatio. Likewise she told him the occasion of the writing of the first Letter, and the great repentance which she had for the same, the great anguish and grief she had for Don Siluerio, the great good will of the king her father, and the great importance he used, also the great 〈◊〉 of the Princess Olivia, all which when Rosicler heard, he was as you may judge of all them that faitfully and truly do love, at such time as they are given to understand any thing of their best beloved: the which things unto such as are free from all love are counted but tr●…fles, and children's toys, whereas to the contrary unto them they are pearls and precious stones.  
Then the King seeing them in this profound and deep rehearsal, took him by the hands and said: My good Lord let all these matters pass for this time, and let us understand that which doth most accomplish you, which is to go into England, whereas you shall understand and know all these matters of the Princess Olivia, for that I do perceive by the long travail, in the which Fidelia hath gone, in seeking of you, that you delay the time very long.  
Then Rosicler, as thou●…h he did awake out of a sound sleep came unto himself, and saved. O●… high and sovereign Lord and God, here I do give infinite thanks unto thy holy name, for that it hath pleased you to put remedy in the life of this your Knight, with this unlooked for remedy. And unto you my very good friend Fidelia I do give great thanks for the great travail the which you have passed and taken, in seeking of me, that I may go comfort and recreate myself, in the sight and countenance of my Lady and Mistress. And I do desire of God, to grant me life, that I may gratify your large pilgrimage, which you have passed, ●…n seeking me. And turning himself unto the King, he said: Pardon me, I pray you my good Lord, these my amorous passions, and let us go whether your pleasure is to command us, without tarrying any longer. So strait ways they commanded the kn●…ghts of Fulmineo, to bring before them all the Ladies and damsels, that were in all the Castles. And being brought before them, they were more than thirty, all very fair and full of sorrow. All the which Rosicleer, did command, that they should go and present ●…hemselues before the Emperor of Russia in saying, that ●…wo 〈◊〉 Knights, hath slain Fulmineo, and that they do ●…urrender and yee●…d unto him all his Country and lands, ●…or that Fulmineo, hath left no heir. And unto the Damsels ●…ée did give all such riches as he found within the castles. ●…nd for to set order in this and in all 〈◊〉 things, they tar●…ed there that day and that night: and for that his desire ●…as so great for to go into England, the night seemed so 〈◊〉, that he thought the day would never have appeared. So the next day, at such time as the Sun did scarce appear, when they were armed with their rich & bright armour, and mounted upon their good horses, these two valiant knights and perfect friends went forth of the castle, and in their company the damsel Fidelia, leaving a good Knight which was Fulmineos in the guard and keeping of the Castle and all the rest, till such time as the Emperor of Russia did command his pleasure to be done with them. So all they together took their right way towards the sea, whereas they might embark themselves for England, where the history doth leave them till time doth serve. So the Ladies and damsels of Fulmineo went before the Emperor, & declared unto him the embassage of the knights, & of all that ever had passed, for the which he received great joy & pleasure, & marveled greatly that one alone knight had slain Fulmineo, & was very sorrowful for the departure of those two knights, & would have given a good part of his country for to have had them remained in his court, & presently gave unto those ladies and Damsels all the castles and lands of Fulmineo, in recompense of the great harm and damage which they received of him. The Emperor as well as all the rest that did border upon the country of Fulmineo, gave great laud and praise unto god, because he was out of the world, and would very feign have seen and known that knight that had so much force and strength for to kill him.   

How the knight of the sun and the fair Princess Lindabrides went forwards on their journey towards the great Tartary, and of the stout battle that the knight of the Sun had with the Trojan Oristides. Chapter 55.  
LOng time did the knight of the Sun and the fayr●… Princess Lindabrides travailed together towards th●… gran Tartary, with great majesty in her triumphant Chariot, which did manifest their high estate unto all that sa●… them. In this sort they travailed without happening unto them any thing worth the telling, till they came unto a convenient port, whereas they might embark themselves towards the gran Tartary, and by reason of the continual conversation of the Princess, and the Knight of the Sun, and the great beauty and sovereign grace of the Princes Lindabrides, which continually in the eyes of the Knight of the Sun did work effect, in such sort, that what so ever contrary might be presented before him, was not sufficient, but that his hard and stony heart must of force be mollified, and clove it a sunder in the midst in such sort, that the old wound did rankle a new, and he put in far greater extremities then at the first beginning, for that the Princess Lindabrides deprived him of all his senses, and as the Diamond stone doth draw iron unto him, so doth she bring unto her all his thoughts, so that the Princess Claridiana by reason of her absence, the remembrance of her great beauty is forgotten, and the wound which he received at his heart by hi●… singular beauty, is not now felt, by reason of the great grief of the Princess being present, so that his eyes could béehould no other comfort nor pleasure, neither doth his thoughts desire any other glory, so that he doth not occupy himself in any other thing, but to serve her, and to give her all the contentment possible, her presence ●…s unto him great joy, comfort, and pleasure, and her ab●…ence great sorrow, pain, and grief. When the Sun should ●…rise he saith, that it is slothful, and when that it goeth ●…owne, he saith that it flieth, for that all the day time he ●…oth rejoice himself with the sight and conversation of the ●…rincesse, and the night doth separate them a sunder the ●…ne from the other. At this time you may believe that the ●…rincesse Lindabrides was more gladder and joyful then ●…hen she was in the city of Constantinople, in the presence ●…f the Princess Claridiana, for now seeing her Knight by 〈◊〉, and considering the great love which she bore unto her 〈◊〉 in the wa●… travailing towards the Court of the Em●… Alycandro, her father, her contented pleasure was so great, that she never thought to be so merry, neither to enjoy so great glory. So when they came unto the sea ●…ide, they embarked themselves in a very fair and great ship, wherein they put themselves into the power of the waves. And upon a day when the knight of the Sun found himself alone with the princess Lindabrides, amongst other matters which passed between them, he said.  
Lady and Princess of the gran Tartary, if I did think that my over much pain and inward grief were perfectly known unto you, than would not I at this present declare it, neither the remedy for the same would I crave at your hands, for if you my Lady and Mistress, did understand and know how grievously I do feel it, and in you to reign any good will to do me good, then would you of your proper good will procure to put remedy to the same without my ask, for that I cannot beeléeve nor think that it is possible, that Nature hath form a Damsel endued with so great beauty & sovereign grace, that it doth surmount all which at this present are borne, and should lack in you pity, the which is an extremity amongst Damsels, for whereas any pity doth dwell, they cannot be without compassion, and having comassion to procure to put remedy in so sorrowful a heart as mine is, which in every hour and moment is in lively flames burning and languishing in burning coals. The shining beams of your sight hath so kindled my thoughts, that they be all occupied in your service, and hath likewise scorched all my inward parts, and all my senses are blind, my body all to pieces, and my soul as immortal always. Therefore Lady I do desire you, that although my pain is equal unto that which they have that are condemned to the pro●ound lake, yet that in our remedies we 〈◊〉 be different that the mercy which doth lack for them, let it be in you for to help me, that I may be clear from so terrible a fire. And do not delay any longer my remedy, for my grief is so great, that it cannot suffer any delay because that thereby I may be brought unto such extremity, that then you would show me this pleasure of remedy, then shall not I be able to receive it at your hands.  
And in concluding these words, the knight of the Sun with as great courage as ever he had, went unto her & kissed her on one of her fair cheeks. Then the princess, who very well understood the words of the knight of the Sun, & his desire, although she was very glad & joyful to see the great love that he did bear her, which was the thing that she did most desire, yet for all that she was so full of honesty, & adorned with so great majesty & highness, that she was clean contrary unto the purpose of the knight of the Sun, & would rather consent to die, then to yield unto any such thing, and so making some semblance as though she were angry, accompanied with great gravity, she answered him and said.  
Knight of the Sun, my very good & perfect friend, I would never have believed that the true & perfect love which I have borne unto you, should have been recompe●…ced with the like singlene●… & purity of love, & to have proceeded from a pure & perfect thought, for that of mine own part I have always thought to be sure, & in the great force & strength of your person I had always hope of defence against such like reproach, at such time as I was most captive and overcome by love, & most kindled in the burning flames thereof. I hoped in your sovereign virtue to have found defence for my imbe●…: but now alas, I find all to be contrary and clean changed from my expectation. What, will you give remedy unto your sorrow and grief, with that which will redound much to my barm? Will you first serve your own turn & accomplish your own desire, without any consideration of my highness & honesty, the which if you did bear good will & love, as you do publish, you would never procure so great harm unto me, for it should be more grief unto thee the sorrow that I should receive, than thy own grief: neither should you receive any joy in that, which should cause in me grief. 〈◊〉 and knight of the Sun, that I hau●… not myself in so little estimation, that you should think that my love were so base to cause such desires, nor the desires so mortal that should cause unto you pain, but rather I do think that things above nature do cause ne pain unto men, having want thereof: So likewise my high & royal estate accompanied with sovereign beauty should be to you holden as a thing above nature, so by that means you should not have the pain & grief which you publish, neither for to seek & procure such unseemly remedy, I will not enlarge any farther herein, for that I am angry, & with anger ought little to be spoken, & especially with friends. It is sufficient good knight of the Sun, that I do love you more than myself, and when time doth serve I will do that which love & reason doth bind me, that shall be at such time as we shall come unto the gran Tartary, by the Emperor my father, & all those mighty kings and lords of his court, with great 〈◊〉, equal unto your highness, our marriage shall be 〈◊〉, & in the mean time have patience & bridle your own 〈◊〉 & affections, & do not lose the glory of your great & mighty deeds, in being vanquished by your own affection, for as the victory is greater that a man doth get of himself, so much greater is the victory when he doth overcome his own will, for to that which reason doth deny, & a greater shame when that by a base knight he is overcome, for that the first is, for the lack which is of virtue and of the person, for so much as they did not lack force & strength for to make resistance, & secondly, the lack was in nature, for that it gave him no more strength for to defend himself.  
And herewith the princes made an end of her reasoning, being somewhat mo●…ed, her redicond colour apeered, signifying that pure anger was the occasion thereof. Whose words took so great effect in the knight of the Sun that one way it did grieve him very much, for that he had declared unto her his des●…re, & otherwise the great majesty & highness of the princess, was so augmented in his love, that he did love, her much more from that day forwards then before, & ask pardon of her, he kissed her hands perforce. At this time Arcadia, was not so far of, but that she did understand part of their communication, for that at all times when she saw the knight of the Sun & the princes Lindabrides all alone, she strait ways procured to put herself in place whereas she might hear what passed between them, & having very well understood what passed, it did grieve by'r very much, for the great sorrow which the princess Claridiana would receive when she should understand the truth thereof, especially seeing it is a thing that may be held, for that according as she did understand, that they two had great good will to be married at such time as they came unto the gran Tartary, and so dissembling her grief in the best wise she could, she tarried and did abide the time, that fortune would ordain therein.  
So at this time, being three days after their departure towards the port whereas they did embark themselves, they did arrive at the port of ●…enedon, hard by that place whereas there was wont to be the great City of Troy, where they went a land, & by her giants were taken out of the ship of the triumphant chariot, & placing themselves in order with sovereign majesty as before, they began to take their journey by land, & they had not well ●…rauailed full two hours, when that they saw before them, a very high and well ●…owred Castle, situated at the foot of a Bridge. So when they came nigh unto it, they saw that the River was so deep, that of force they must pass over the Bridge with the Chariot, which had breadth enough for the same. And as yet the Unicorns were scarce entered upon the Bridge, when that there came forth out of the Castle a Knight armed with very rich and substantial armour, and mounted upon a great horse, who was so great and so well made, that in all their lines they hadd●… not 〈◊〉, so great & well proportioned a knight. Who when he came nigh unto them, he lifted up his beaver & said. Lords you shall understand that the passage over the bridge is defended by me, against all knights, that presumeth to pass this way, except first they do leave here their shields, and their names written thereupon, in confessing themselves to be over come by the trojan Oristedes. And seeing the great majesty of your coming, it doth give me occasion to give you better entertainment than I accustom to do. For that you shall understand the ancient custom of this bridge, & likewise the bondage wherein I am bound, for the defence & keeping here of, is, that I must show no courtesy to any knight that here passeth. The knight of the Sun was very much troubled, as well at the good disposition of Oristedes, as at his gentle speech and great courtesy: & being very desirous to know more of him he said. Sir knight I do give you great thanks for your good will & courtesy showed unto us, & for that you shall not break any custom that hath been so long kept at this bridge, I will do what doth lie in me, for to make the passage ●…ree for us. And when I can do no more, then will I do that the which I am constrained unto by force.  
But yet of courtesy I require you sir knight tell me what is the occasion that you do call yourself trojan, & wherefore do you keep & defend the custom at this bridge. For that according unto the long time that is past since that this city of Troy was destroyed by the greeks, I do believe that there is no knight that doth remain, that is of the trojans blood. I will tell you, said Oristedes, for that you have so great desire to know it. And I do marvel that you cannot believe this which I have said, for that all those that hath not been accustomed to come this ways, are likewise deceived, for that the ancient writers, never wrote of that which I will show you. You shall understand gentle Knight, that at such time as this great city of Troy, was bes●…eged by the greeks, there came in the aid & secure of the king Priamus, queen of the Amazons, named Pantasilla, who having heard many times in her own Country to praise & extol the great strength & valiantness of Hector, more for his love then for any zeal she had to defend Troy, she came together with very many people of her for to see him & in the time of that siege, the queen declared unto Hector the great love she bore unto him, & he who was no less affectioned unto her granted her all that ever she would demand, so that the queen was begotten with child by Hector, & was delivered of a son whom they called Pireo, the trojan, who very secretly & not known to any body, was given unto a nurse borne in that city, to be brought up as her own child. So after the death of king Priamus & all his sons, & the destruction of the city, there remained certain citizens of a base sort, such as the Greeks made no account of, amongst whom it chanced the nurse who brought up Pireo was one of them, who knowing whose son he was, did bring him up with great care, till such time as he was a man, & by nature he was inclined to the exercise of arms, so he gave himself only thereunto, & had delight in no other thing, & for that it was manifest unto him whose son he was, for to sustain some memory of the city of Troy, & of his father, he caused this bridge to be made, & this castle, and ordained a custom that no knight might pass that way, but first to combat with him & to leave herein his shield & his name, saying that he was overcome by him, & in the time of his life he overcame so many knights, that they are without number, & when he died he left behind him a young son, and commanded that all those that did descend from him, should maintain that custom, which of long time hath been maintained at that bridge, so that all those which have succeeded in this Country from him until this time, hath maintained & kept that order & custom, and hath overcome so great a number of knights, that in all that great forest which you do see, there is no room almost to hang their sheel●…es. And in saying these words, he showed unto them the forest, whose trees were all full of shields, which did hang upon the boughs & branches, some of them were glistering, & other some with great antiquity had lost their colours, & there were so many of them, that without great difficulty they could not be told, & proceeding forwards, Oristedes said: This is the occasion why & wherefore this custom is kept & maintained at this bridge. And I will keep and defend the same so long as I do live, for that my lineal descent doth come from that noble stock of Pireo, & his father Hector, & for that there hath remained no other remembrance of Troy, this shall remain for a memory of the noble blood that was there spilled.  
The knight of the Sun rejoiced very much at that which Oristedes had told him, & did esteem him little for that he came of that royal blood of Troy, & seemed unto him according to his disposition, that he could not but be like in valiantness unto his predecessors, & giving him great thanks for that which he had told him of his life & custom, he said unto him: Well gentle knight, seeing it is so that you cannot choose but keep & maintain this your custom, neither I nor all these that do come with me cannot pass this bridge without making battle, or else to return again the way which we have come. Let us if you please, procure to do all that in us doth lie, & unto him that doth lack fortune, let him do all that the other doth command. And in saying these words the knight of the Sun descended out of the chariot & commanding his horse to be brought forth, he mounted upon him, & with his spear in his hand he went & put himself at the entry of the bridge, of the which Oristedes was very much amazed, and seeing him coming with so great majesty, & in the company of so fair a damsel, he did verily believe him to be some knight of high estate, & of great bount●…e of arms, & although he was a very valiant knight his mighty demeanour did not cause in him any faintness, & although he had had perfect intelligence that he had been the most valiantest knight in all the world, yet he had no doubt to combat with him, for that he had kept & maintained that bridge more than eight years, in which time he had overcome more than one thousand knights, yet he never met with knight that by very much might compare himself with him.  
And then with as valiant a courage as appertained unto his progeny, he went & put himself right against the knight of the Sun, and both of them at one time did broach their horses with their spurs, and with so great fury, that the bridge seemed to be overthorwen, & both the Knights to be on fire, with the great quantity of sparks that came forth of that paved pavement, and in the midst of the bridge they made their encounter in such sort, that their spears were she uered all to pieces, & they passed the one by the other as though they had done nothing, and with a trise they turned about their horses with their swords in their hands they assaulted one another, & the first blows that were stricken, it seemed that all that valley was full of the sound thereof, being st●…iken upon their enchanted healmes, whereas all those were executed, and being nothing amazed nor astonished therewith, but with great fury and wrath●…ulnesse they did assault each other with their sound blows, and being meruailous●…ie overcharged with the great force of them, it made them to decli●…e their heads to their breasts, so that either of them did feel the great force of his a●…uersarye, and Oristedes said unto himself, that never in all the days of his life did he combat with a more valiaunter and worthier Knight, but being determined to give to understand his great force and strength, without any fear or dread, he béeganne to charge the knight of the Sun with his terrible blows, and with so great force and strength, that he made him to bestir himself from the one part to the other, because that he should not fasten a full blow upon him, & this valiant knight of the Sun said unto himself, that not without just cause & great reason the fame of that worthy Hector endured so long in the world, and now proving that knight, who doth proceed of that anc●…ent stock, he doth find him, & do believe that there is not a more valianter knight than he is to be found in all the world, & seeing that it was necessary & stood him upon to use against him all his power & strength, he presently charged him with his mighty & furious blows. So these two worthy knights endured in their battle more than one hour without ceasing or taking any breath, but breaking their shields & tearing of their shirts ●…f mail that was so fine, sustaining the terrible blows of●…th other, & by reason of the great goodness & fineness of their armour & helms, their furious swords could not execute any wound, yet for all that their flesh & bones were all 〈◊〉, and many times they brought each other out of all r●…membrance, & seeing that their battle endured very long, without acknowledging any advantage between them. The princess Lindabrides was very much amazed, likewise all the ladies & the damsels, & giants that were with her, & 〈◊〉▪ O●…istedes for an extreme & valiant knight, that so long did sustain himself against the fury of the knight of the Sun. Now was it almost two hours that these two valiant knights were in their battle, when that the knight of the Sun with very much shame & anger, for that the battle endured so long before the princess, and with one alone knight, with both his hands he struck such a blow at Oristedes, upon his fine and enchanted helm, that the ●…ound thereof was heard throughout all that valley and forest, and endured a good space, and made him to fall forwards upon his saddle bow out of all remembrance, and his horse carried him along the bridge till he came unto the Castle gate, whereas he stayed till such time as Oristedes came again unto himself, very much tormented with the force of that mighty blow, and all his face béerayed with blood, and ran out at his nose and mouth, and when he saw himself in that case, with more fury than ever he was in all his life, he set spurs unto his horse, and made him to run towards he Knight of the Sun with more fury than his weariness would well consent, and with his sword in both his hands he struck him such a terrible blow upon his fine enchanted helm, in such sort, that if his sword had not somewhat glanced, upon his shoulder, it would have put him in great peril, for that the fury of that blow was such, that the knight of the Sun had fallen from his horse to the ground, if he had not embraced himself about his horse neck, and was so greatly amazed at the great force & strength o●… Oristedes, that he said unto himself.  
Oh valiant and famous Greeks, such as were joined together at the siege of this great City of Troy, with how great reason, (above all things the which doth happen in this world) ought you to be honoured and praised, for that you did not alone resist the great force of the Sons of Priamus, but also you did destroy and overthrow all his generation, with all the whole power of the Trojans: Oh Achilles that Captain of Greece, with what reason can I name myself and say, that I do proceed of the noble blood, from whence my father the Emperor doth descend for that it was not unto thee so much reproach the blows of that stout warrior, the first begotten of Priamus, as are unto me the blows of this knight, who doth descend of his lineage. And of truth I do say, that if of this reproach I do not revenge myself, I do pretend never hereafter to name myself for a Breeke. And in saying these words the fury which he had was so great, that he hasted with great speed towards the valiant Oristedes, who being not very well experienced with such like force, did abide his coming, and with both his hands he struck him such an overthwart blow upon his strong and enchanted helm, that he made it to fly of his head, and so unarmed he fell from his horse to the ground, so far out of remembrance and from himself, that he could not arise up again, till such time as the Knight of the Sun did alight from his horse, and did help him. And when that he had received air, he came again unto himself, and the Knight of the Sun took up his helm, and gave it unto the knight, saying: Gentle knight take unto you armour, and do not lose by their ●…ack, that which your great bounty doth assure you. Then Oristedes, when he saw the great courtesy of the Knight of the Sun, he threw his sword unto the ground, and said. My gods will not consent, for so much as I do lack Fortune, for to defend myself, that I do let to acknowledge, that I am by you overcome. It is sufficient gentle knight that you have overcome me in battle of arms, and not now to overcome me in courtesy.  
Then the valiant and worthy Knight of the Sun) wh●… had no good will to combat with him any more) being very joyful, he went unto him saying: Happy art thou gentle knight, that your deeds do give to understand of your descent, from that noble and valiant Knight Hector. For as there doth remain in you force and strength of arms, so is there no lack of virtue in you. I am he that is overcome, and he hath the victory that will not that our battle should proceed any further. And in saying these words the two knights did embrace one another. And the knight of the Sun at the request of Oristedes did tell him who he was, ●… knowing the same, at that time he did dissemble, a marvelous dolour and grief the which he received at his heart. And did complain very much against his gods, for that they seemed to be so favourable unto the Greeks against the Trojans. So likewise when that he did know who the Princess Lindabrides was, he went unto her, & making a great reverence, he would have kissed her hands, for that he did know her in the court of the Emperor her father, & was two years in the same court, whereas he did so high feats of knighthood, that he was esteemed to be one of the best knigh●…s in all his own country, and likewise in the gran Tartary, and for that he was so great a friend unto the Prince Meridian, he did not combat with him about his demand, and if that Oristedes would have remained and abode in the court of the Emperor Alicandro, he would have made him a mighty Lord, but understanding the death of his father, and for to maintain that custom, he returned unto Troy, whereas hard by the bridge there was a little City, to the number of two thousand households, and inhabited by the descent of such as remained at the destruction of the great city of the Troyans', and likewise unto such Gieekes whom the country did like well. Now to return unto the purpose, than did the Princess receive Oristedes with great love, and said: Is it true my friend, will you thus entreat us in your own Country, we would not use you in this sort in Tartary, if we had you there. Sovereign Princess, said Oristedes may it please your highness to pardon & forgive me this error, for that my duty in the which I was bound by mine ancestors to maintain this custom, as also lack of knowing you, was the occasion that I have committed this oversight, and for that Oristedes did know of the demand that the Prince Meridian did bring out of his country, he demanded of the Princess for him. And she told him how that the Knight of the Sun had battle with him, & of all that passed betwixt them both. The which when Oristedes understood, he did comfort himself very much, for that it seemed unto him to be no reproach, for to be overcome by so valiant a knight, by whom Meridian was first overcome, who thought that there was not a knight in all the world that could match him. So receiving great contentment for the acknowledge of the Princess, as also to know that she should be married to so valiant a knight, with great joy & pleasure he said. For that which unto so high a princess as you are is due, I think it is no reason that in this sort alone you should enter into the gran Cataia, whereas are assembled the mightiest lords in the world, in the emperor's court, therefore if you please I will go before, and carry them the news of your coming, that they may receive you, as your high estate doth deserve, for that I am sure that the Emperor will be as glad as ever he was in all his life with the news, and I shall receive great contentment to find myself present in the Court of the Emperor Alycandro, at the celebrating of so high a marriage, and at the great triumphs & feasts as shall be there made, as also for my bounden duty, for the great good will which always the Emperor bore unto me. The Knight of the Sun would very fain have disturbed the voyage of Oristedes, for to have excused the great travail which he should receive in that journey, for that it was very long, and needs must pass through very strange Countries, but he offered this with so great good will, that it did profit nothing all that ever he could do for to disturb him of his journey. So for that day they all went unto the City, whereas they were marvelously well received, and were served of all things very abundantly. Then the knight of the Sun looking out of a high window of the palace, he saw pieces of walls and towers of old antiquity, which was a memory of the great City of Troy, and round about the same the wide and broad fields, whose sight caused the tears to fall from his eyes, when he remembered the great number of worthy knights, as well Greeks as Trojans that were there slain, and béehoulding the great circuit thereof, which did extend from the one side unto the other four miles, & the smallness of the City at that present, and the great demonstration of towers & other mighty building, he said within himself: Oh weak, miserable, and feeble life of man, what confidence or security can mortal men have in the great riches and pomp of this world, considering with great attention the sudden & uncertain movings & changes of human things, & how suddenly they are overcome & destroyed. Who had seen the great city of Troy compassed about with so strong walls, and fortified with so high and great towers, and furnished with sumptuous buildings, full of people, governed by so mighty a King, and defended by so famous captains, who had known the King Priamus, Lord over the principal regions orientals and Meridionalls, of the great Asia. Who had seen his mighty power, his great riches, his pride and high estate, the great number of vassals and subjects, the worthiness of his Captains, the singular force and strength of his sons, and all these upon a sudden and unlooked for, the great City of Troy destroyed and beaten down, their strong walls overthrown, with their towers, their mighty palaces and buildings flat upon the ground, King Priamus and his sons gored to death, Hector drawn about the field, Policena her throat cut, the Queen stoned to death, Andromica, with the notable Matrons of Troy defiled, the whole City destroyed, the Citizen's 〈◊〉, and their wives, and widows banished from their natural Country, with their young sons in their arms, dispersed throughout the world. all is lost and all is go●…e, and no memory left, but that which is for a farther grief, in remembering that which is past, leaving béehi●…de that which doth give us continual sorrow and grief, and considering thereof, it doth make us greatly to mernayle, in seeing how that fortune sometimes doth exalt us aloft, and at other times doth throw us down, tossing us this way and that way, like a tennis ball. Now I know of a truth, that with great reason the Mariners doth call ●…he tempest, Fortune, and not without great occasion wise ●…en doth say, that it is very troublesome to suffer prospe●…itie, and that it is requist for to learn to suffer the a●…undaunce of Fortune, for as that wise Poet Lirico saith, 〈◊〉 the high and mighty Pine Trees are oftenest beaten 〈◊〉 tormented with the winds, and the highest Towers 〈◊〉 the greatest falls, and on the high mountains and 〈◊〉 doth the thunderbolts commonly strike. It is said 〈◊〉 the human highness of itself, is unquiet and with●… security, for that there is nothing that can be so secret, 〈◊〉 it cometh to be discovered, as care, travail, envy, 〈◊〉 fear, weeping, and in the end death. And likewise I do now know to be true, that how happy so ever the beginning is, the end is uncertain and doubtful, for that all human things do turn about like a wheel, and after a quiet and calm Sea, followeth tempests and troubled waters, and after a clear morning a cloudy evening. Therefore comfort yourselves you Greekes and Trojans, that have been banished in these fields of Troy, for that the fame of your mighty deeds is out of the subjection of Fortune, and it cannot be that by her you be overthrown so long as the world endure. In saying these and many other words the knight of the Sun remained a good while at the same window, with great sorrow and grief which the remembrance of all those things did cause unto him. So night drew on, and every one went to take their rest, & after that they had stayed there two days, the knight Oristedes took his leave of them, and took in his company two Pages, and departed out of the City, & took his journey towards the gran Cataia, and gran Tartary, unto the court of the Emperor Alycandro, which was in the gran Cataia. So that at this present the History doth leave him with the Knight of the Sun and the Princess Lindabrides, till time serveth.   

How Rosicleer and the king Sacridoro came into England, and what happened with them there. Chapter 56.  
MAny days travailed Rosicleer and the King Sacridoro towards the kingdom of England with so great desire to find themselves there that Rosicleer did thin●…ke eue●…y day to be 〈◊〉 whole year, & passed through many countries whereas happened unto them many & 〈◊〉 things worthy to be kept in memory. Yet the history doth let them pass for shortening of time. But in the end of much travail, they came unto a port haven of Holland, whereas they found a ship that was ready to departed for England. And being very glad, for that they found so good opportunity, they entered into the said ship, wherein they found many Ladies and damsels, accompanied with certain knights, who declared that they went unto the City of London, unto certain triumphs and feasts which was made at the marriage of the Princess Olivia, with the Prince of Lusitania, for that in many 〈◊〉 bordering there about, it was commanded to be 〈◊〉. 〈◊〉 when Rosicler heard that, he was very much 〈◊〉, not knowing what it should mean, but the damsel, 〈◊〉▪ who did very well know the determined will of the Pri●…cesse, did strait way fall in the reckoning thereof,▪ 〈◊〉. ●…ir knight fear not, and do not dismay yourself, for without all doubt there is no other thing in this matter 〈◊〉 be 〈◊〉, but this which I will tell you: and is, that ●…he prince 〈◊〉 Siluerio, hath very much importuned the king 〈◊〉 this marriage. And he seeing the great necessity that 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in, for to maintain these wars against the 〈◊〉 Trebatio, and having need of his aid and help, will 〈◊〉 v●…to him his daughter in marriage, although it be against her will. But this one thing you shall understand 〈◊〉 me to be for certain, and to build upon the Princess ●…liuia, that at such time as her father will compel her to do 〈◊〉 thing perforce, that first she will kill her own self, them 〈◊〉 unto the same. And so it ●…ell out true, as the damsel ●…elia, d●…d conjecture, for that the sorrow and pain of the ●…nce Don Siluerio, did so much increase, seeing the little good ●…ll that the Princess Olivia did bear unto him: upon a 〈◊〉 such time as the King was occupied in preparing ●…ldiers in a readiness, and other things necessary and con●…ient for the wars, the Prince finding himself all 〈◊〉 with him, be said: That for so much as it was not 〈◊〉 unto him, of his promise made, to give 〈◊〉 the Princess Olivia, for his wife, he desired him for to accomplish the same, and to give her unto him for his spouse, if he would that he should perform that which he had promised him, of people for the wars, for that to the contrary he would return again into his own Country with his Knights. Then when the King saw with what determined will he spoke unto him, he was very sorrowful for the same, and remained a good space without making him any auns were, in which time he remembered how many and sundry times he had procured that marriage of his daughter, and like wise how often he had importuned her for the same, who always did apart herself by diverse excuses, as though she had no great desire thereunto. So that if he should grant unto the Prince's desire, it must of force be done contrary & against the will of his daughter, wherein he did hope of no good success of that Marriage to be done against her will, for that in such cases the principal to be considered amongst men, as well in high estate, as in meaner sort, is to understand th●… good will 〈◊〉 their daughters, for that only in them doth consist the forc●… of Matrimony. And if there be lacking this point therein they may better say that it is violence than Marriage. An●… again, the wound in his heart was so fresh for the death 〈◊〉 the Prince Edward his son, that he little esteemed to 〈◊〉 venture his estate and life, for to be revenged for the sam●… and as these grievous passions after that once they be 〈◊〉ted in man, doth shut up all their senses & understanding that they cannot have any judgement within themselves to consider any thing with reason: Even so the 〈◊〉 grief which the King conceived for the death of his son did so shut up his understanding, that he desired no 〈◊〉 thing but revengement. So he determined for to force 〈◊〉 constrain his Daughter unto that Marriage, only for satisfy his appetite and evil desire, not having before 〈◊〉 eyes, neither consideration that after that all should be nished and done, according as he would have it, that 〈◊〉 son should remain d●…ad, and his daughter lost and 〈◊〉 away, for that he married her against her will, and 〈◊〉 seeing that if he should deny to accomplish his promise unto the prince, he would return again into his own country with all his people, & without him he could not do that which he so greatly doth desire. So after a while that he was troubled with these thoughts, he returned unto the prince & said: Worthy prince of Lusitania, if I have withdrawn myself in giving you my daughter to wife (according as you have demanded her of me) do not you think that it hath been neglected, or that there hath lacked in me any good will, for that rather more than you I do desire the same, but the detraction hereof hath been for two causes, the one, in part of my daughter, for that she is young & tender of age, she hath no good will to be married so soon, the other, in consideration of the great wars which we do look for and the great haste that we do make for the same, I would that first all these wars should be fi●…ished & made an end of, & then afterwards with a great deal more quietness should your marriage be celebrated with that honour & highness as is requisite unto so high princes. But now seeing it is so that you cannot suffer so long delay, I will accomplish & perform all your request, & 〈◊〉 promise you to give you my daughter for wife, & will diliuer her unto you as I have promised, before these wars begin, & I will at the celebrating of this marriage (for that the princess is the only heir unto these kingdoms) that t●…er be made great & solemn feasts, & that it be proclaimed in all the kingdoms & provinces joining héereabouts, for that this day two moonths I will have it agreed & concluded.  
Wherae the prince Don Siluerio was very glad & joyful, thy force did kiss the king's hands, & offered unto him all his knights, & his estate, at all times when he would command them, than the prince did take his leave of the king, & strait ways it was known throughout all the city, & the feasts were proclaimed. But when the news came to the ears of 〈◊〉 Olivia, her sorrow & grief was so great, that many times she was at the point of death, & was fully determined within herself, that at such time as her Father would use that force unto her, that first before she would consent there unto she would kill herself. Then the king knowing her will & mind to be contrary unto his pretence, commanded her to be put into a tower, & alonely in the company of her damsels, & commanded that none should either see or speak with her, believing that thereby she would reclaim herself, & yield unto his request. In the mean time the prince Don Siluerio made ready & put in order all that was requisite & needful for those feasts, with so great expenses, & now inuentio●…s, as never the like hath be●… seen, for that this was one of the most riches princes in all the world, & had brought with him more than fifty thousand knights into England, & amongst them were such, that they thought that in all the world was not their equals. These were the great triumphs and fea●…ts that were told unto Rosicler & the king Sacridoro in the ship whereas they came passengers, all the which they belée●…ed to be as Fidelia had told unto them, & with the great desire that Rosicler had to meet with Don Siluerio, he thought to be very slow the swift course & sailing of th●… ship, as though she did not move out of the place. So in this sort the ship did navigate a leaven days, in the end whereof they arrived in a port of Scotland, which was a province of England, & disi●…barking themselves they gave great thanks unto them which came with them in the ship, for their good conversation, they took their leave of them & departed all alone, & it was consented between them that Fidelia should go before, and give understanding unto the princess Olivia of their coming, and afterwards finding her conformable unto their will, they would determine what was best to be done.   

¶ How Fidelia went to the Prince Olivia, and gave her understanding of the coming of Rosicler. Chapter. 57  
AS you have heard before, it was concluded between the two knights that Fidelia should go before unto the City of London, for to carry news unto the princess Olivia of th●… coming of Rosicleer, & to understand the estate of all things. So she took her leave of them & departed on her tourney, & they two remained in a monestary of religious men, which was four miles from London in great confusion, not knowing how to determine themselves in these matters, that they stood them so much upon, seeing with what great hast they did provide all things necessary for those triumphs & feasts, & the celebrating of the marriage of the princess Olivia, for that within four days the time would▪ be expired of the two months which were appointed as it was told them of many that they overtook going unto the triumphs. And Rosicler hearing the same, was so full of anguish in heart, that he seemed like a fool, furious & from himself, & would neither eat nor drink, neither all that ever the king Sacridoro could say or do, was sufficient for to appease him, & many times he did arm himself and would have taken his horse for to go and seek the prince Don Siluerio, and wheresoever he had found him, to have sl●…ine him, but by the great wisdom and government of the king, by force and against his will he did stay and detain him, always putting before him the ill success that would proceed in doing the same, and how that he might therein bring himself into a marvelous perplexity, and be an occasion that the princess Olivia shall be put whereas he shall never see her. Likewise that he should consider how Fidelia was gone to speak with the princes Olivia, & that it was not good till such time as she had sent her answer, & given us to understand her purpose, not to give any attempt. With which p●…rswasions Rosicler stai●…d hims●…lfe, although very sorrowful, and without any contentment, or hope of remedy. He did abide the return of Fidelia, & the answer she should bring from her lady the princess. Who when she came unto the city of London, she went unto the great pallas whereas she found not the princes, but it was told her▪ how that the king had commanded her to be carried into a strong tower, whereas no body could neither see her, nor speak with her, but only two damsels, who did serve her, & without opening any door, to any body all such things as was necessary for her, was drawn up at a window. This tower was situated, upon a high rock, very strong, & nigh unto a very broad & deep river, & walled round about. And the king kept the keys thereof, for that he would that none should enter in thereat for to visit the Princes, for that she seeing herself so solitary, & in so great straightness, would be the occasion, that she would yield herself unto marriage, & to do all that the king's pleasure was to command her, although it were all only for to be clear of so strait & solitary life. So when Fidelia, came unto the gates of the tower, & saw that they were shut, she knocked at a ring that hung thereat, till such time, as a damsel whom she did know very will, did look out at a window: who when she knew Fidelia, being very much amazed to see her, she said. What hath been become of you my sister Fidelia, that in so long time, you have not come to visit the princes our mistress, for that your absence hath grieved her very much, and hath thought long for your coming. To whom Fidelia, answered & said, my good friend I have been all this time in Scotland in my mother's house, for that I was very sick, & till now she would never let me departed from her. Then the other damsel said, if you do mean to come in hither, you must go unto the king, for that he hath the keys of the tower. Then Fidelia very heavy when she heard these news she would stay there no longer, but went unto the kings pallas. And entering into his chamber, finding him all alone, she kneeled down before him, and kis●…ed his hands.  
Then the king when he knew her, he was very glad & joyful of her coming, & said, my friend Fidelia, where have you been so long, that you have not come to see us: unto whom she said, in Scotland with my parents, & here I do desire your highness to pardon me. For that, & by reason of a great infirmity which my father had, was the occasion that I have detained myself so long, & have not come to acknowledge my duty & service unto the princess my lady & mistress. Thou art welcome said the king, & here I do desire thee, to go & see the princess, & to declare unto her the great benefit which will come unto her, in taking for husband, the prince Don Siluerio. And there the king did declare unto her all that was appointed to be done, for that he had her in reputation for her gravity, & wisdom, and thought that the Princess would give more credit unto her words, then unto any other. Then Fidelia, who made a very good semblance, showing that all that was done, did seem very well, & that the king had grea●… reason therein: did promise unto him, to te●…l and persware the princess in such sort, that she would make to remove her purpose Then the king gave the keys of the tower, unto one of his privy chamber, & commanded him to go with Fidelia, & to open the gates of the tower, & bring Fidelia 〈◊〉, & to lock the gates again, and to bring him the keys. So Fidelia did take her leave of the king, & went with the knight unto the tower, whereas the gates were opened, & she being within, they were shut again, & the keys brought to the king. Then Fidelia, went up into the tower, unto the chamber of her lady & mistress, who having news of her entering into the tower, did abide her coming, in so great confusion and sorrow, as ever she was in all her life, suspecting the news to be very evil that Fidelia should bring her. And being in her chamber all alone, feigning not to be very well, whereby she might the better understand of Fidelia the whole effect of her message. Who so soon as she entered into the chamber, she kneeled down before her, and did kiss her hands, at which time the princess had no power to speak unto her, she was so suddenly taken, & pinched at her heart, misdoubting her embassage, but after a while coming again unto herself, as though she had awaked out of a dream or sound sleep, and seeing in presence an other damsel, who at the same instance, entered in she said. Thou art welcome my Fidelia, tell me how thy mother doth who hath been the occasion of thy so long tarrying ther. Ah my good lady, said Fidelia, my mother hath lain so sick, that a thousand times I thought she would have died, & although that I would many times before, have departed to have come hither, yet would she never consent thereunto, till now that thanks be unto God she doth remain very well. I am very glad thereof, said the Princess, although I have thought long for your coming. And in saying these words the other damsel went forth, & Fidelia, did shut the door after her, so that the princes, & Fidelia remained all alone. And seeing that she would give her news of her embassage, she was again so suddenly taken that she had no heart to hear her, but looked so pale, as though she had been dead, trembling with all her body & flesh, as though she had been afraid to hear what Fidelia would say. Who with a gentle laughter to see the princes in that case, she said. If the strange countries, high ways, mountains, & desolate places, in the which I have travailed & the troubles which I have suffered, and the great perils in the which I have seen myself, were manifest unto you (my lady & mistress) then do I will believe that you should be satisfied, of the great love, & good will, that your Fidelia, hath to serve you. How oftentimes in the cruel teeth, & unmerciful nails of furious beasts, did I think to be torn all to pieces, finding myself all alone in the deserts of Syria, & inhabited Petrea. How many times in the high towers and rolling mountains of sand, have I been delivered, out of the deserts of Africa, & how many tunes hath mine honour put been to sale, & I to be lost in so many strange countries, in the which I have passed, and fallen into the power of monstrous and strange kind of people, & of different manners & customs, I have found & seen myself in all these perils & dangers, & God hath brought me out & delivered me from all these tribulations, & in the end of all, when I was past all hope to find out him that I sought, & at such time as my honour was in the greatest peril to be lost, & being carried prisoner with my hands bound, in the power of the most evillest knight that ever humane nature framed, & so valiant in arms, that all the whole empire of Russia did fear & tremble at him, than did god aid & help me, by meeting of that happy & fortunate Knight, he who never in the world was borne the like, for refuge & defence of damsels, he who had travailed & wandered throughout all the world, accomplishing the banishment that by you was commanded him, whose life was as a fantasy unto his soul, with more desire of death then to live, his fortune at this time did bring him, whereas without knowing me he slew that evil knight that carried me prisoner, with other damsels the which he had taken, and after that he had s●…aine him, coming for to set us at liberty, he strait ways knew me, & calling to his remembrance that cruel sentence of yours the which I carried unto him, & delivered after that out of the like peril he had delivered me, his grief was such in his heart, that for the space of two hours we had him for dead, at which time if the letter of your succour had not been presented unto him, I believe he would there have ended his days. To conclude, he read your letter, & there with received so great joy, that he seemed to be transported into another world and of truth my lady, you may believe, that according unto the sorrowful life which he hath lead, and the over much troubles which he hath passed for your occasion, that now he is as one restored from death to life, he is come with me, and hath brought with him that worthy king Sacridoro, he who many times you have heard tell, did launch himself into the fountain of the Savages after him, so that they are now the greatest friends in the world.  
They are altogether, & ●…oo remain in a place four miles from hence, tarrying to know what your pleasure is to command them. The princes was so attentive unto that which her damsel told, that when she had made an end of her tale, with the great joy which she received, the tears ran down her fair cheeks, & felt within her heart so marvelous pleasure & sovereign contentment, that she found herself clean changed from that she was wont to be, in such sort that she had no tongue to speak unto Fidelia, neither did she remember to make her answer, for that all her senses were occupied in thinking on Rosicleer, not béeléeving to receive so great a benefit as to see him. Then Fidelia seeing her in that case, to ●…e her by the hands, & bringing her to remembrance, she said: Lady, why do not you answer me, and give me thanks for this security which I have done, for I perceive that now I have accomplished and brought to pass all that you so much desired, you make no account of me: Ab Fidelia, said the princes, my heart is full of anguish & grief, that I cannot comprehend so great a benefit which God doth show unto me, only in that I know that Rosicleer is alive, and if he did come see me, having my perfect remembrance, my pleasure & contented joy should be such, that in all things I should think myself happy, if death did take me in Rosicleers arms. Lady, said Fidelia, let all such matters pass, and let us be diligent in that which is most convenient to reserne the life of you and Rosicleer, and to make all things sure for that which is to come, for with death you can put small remedy in that which is past. Ah my Fidelia, said the Princess, one evil being passed, another is come, do you not see this my close keeping, and how fast my Father hath me in this tower, that of a thousand other damsels I cannot be seen. And above all this, he hath promised unto Don Siluerio, that within these four days, he will marry me unto him, and deliver me in his power, to lead my life with him, therefore my good friend, imagine with yourself what is best to be done, in this my great trouble, for that I know not what I should say. Fidelia likewise was at her wits end, not knowing what was best to be done, for that the tower whereas they were was so strong, and the windows of so great height, that it was not possible for any to enter into the tower, except it were by the gate. So that both of them passed away the day in great confusion, and likewise the night, without sleeping any whit at all, but talking and imagining what was best to be done, in that so dangerous and perilous a case.   

How Fidelia departed from the Court, and went to speak with rosicleer at the Monastery, whereas she left him. Chapter 58.  
WHen the next morning was come, Fidelia said unto the princess, that forasmuch as beetwixt them two they could find no remedy how and by what means Rosicler might come and speak with her, that if it were her pleasure she would go unto the place whereas she left them, & see if they could determine some means for to disturb this that the king did determine to do with Don Siluerio, & set her at liberty out of that secret bondage. The which counsel seemed very good unto the Princess and commanded her presently to go forth and put it in ure. But how is it possible to go forth, the king having the keys of the tower? Fear not for this said Fidelia, for I have good remedy for the same. And in saying this she went unto a window, and seeing an ancient man thát passed up & down, & calling him unto her, she bade him to come nigh unto the tower, and said unto him: Good man, for gods love I do desire thee to do so much for me, as to go unto the king, & to tell him that Fidelia the damsel of the Princess Olivia, would speak with him about certain matters which doth accomplish very much her highness, & that I would desire him to command the gate of the tower to be opened that I may come forth. This ancient man took his leave of her, & promised to perform her request▪ So he went unto the king, and declared the message of Fidelia, who when he heard it was very glad and joyful, beeléeving that it was concerning that which he had said unto her, & delivered the keys unto his chamberlain, who was a very honest old man, and commanded him to go & to open the tower gate, that Fidelia might come out. Then the chamberlain did as he was commanded, & Fidelia took her leave of the Princess & went unto the king, and taking him on the one side somewhat a part, she said: sovereigns Lord, you shall understand that I have got the victory of the princess, & she saith, that seeing it is your pleasure she is very well content to marry with the prince Don Siluerio, and if she hath not hitherto consented, the occasion hath been her young & tender age, and also considering the great wars which is looked for, she knew not how God would dispose with her husband, for that he is a young and very courageous, by reason whereof he would put himself whereas should be the greatest peril and danger. At which words the king received so great contentment, that he said unto Fidelia. There is nothing in the world that doth so much content me▪ for to marry her against her will, would be a gri●…uous corsive unto my heart, and therewith he cast his arms about her neck, and embraced her, and gave her great thanks for her travail therein, and promised her for her pains taken, to marry her very honourably. If it please your highness, said Fidelia, the Princess my Lady willeth me to go unto the Monastery of Nuns, that is twelve miles from this City, to command them to make certain works which she hath great need of. Let it be done in God's name said the King, go thy ways and God send thee good speed. And heerwith Fidelia took her leave of the king, very joyful, and she being gone, the king presently sent for don Siluerio, and when he came he said unto him, how the Princess was content to be married unto him, and that all things should be made ready for the marriage. But when the prince don Siluerio heard that news, there was no joy and pleasure in the world that might be compared unto his, and being proud with the same, he went and gave all his knights understanding thereof, and presently it was published throughout all the City, for the which they were very joyful, and the preparation for the feasts and triumphs went forward more than it did before. Then Fidilia who in all this time did not sleep, but in great haste travailed towards the monastery, whereas she left the two knights, and at her coming thither Rosicler received her with great pleasure, for he thought every hour he travailed to be a whole year. And when she had declared unto him the whole estate of all things, and of the great joy which the Princess received for his coming, one way he was very joyful, for that his Lady showed him so great love, and another way he was in great confusion, not knowing what order might be taken for to deliver his Lady and mistress out of that great perplexity in the which she was brought, with the which she was brought with the marriage of the prince Don Siluerio, but in the end after great debating between them, the king Sacridoro who received as great grief for the sorrow of his friend as though it had been unto himself: My good Lord and friend, that which I can say is this, that for these and such like attempts god did ordain knights in the world for to surpass others, and so likewise to be in greater per●…ls, & for to do such things that should seem to surpass and exceed nature, and to appear strange unto others, for if the lustaining of perils were equal in all degrees, then for very little should serve the extremity of knights, for that they should not find wherein to exercise themselves, for to appear valianter than others. Therefore seeing that God hath made you more valyaunter than any in the world, you ought for to put your person in adventure to put remedy in this matter, with reproach and peril unto your ●…erson, such as never hath been seen in Knight, seeing that ●…he Princess Olivia is so fast locked in, that to take her out from thence it is a thing impossible, and it is now requisite that you do pacify your altered mind, that you may the better abide time and season to work oùr feat.  
And my judgement is this, that we do weight the time that the king shall command the Princess to be taken out of the Tower, to carry her unto the palace for to celebrate the Marriage with Don Siluerio at which time there will be little memory of armour, but all occupied in apparayling themselves, and to seek out new inventions, than we to enter in, and to take the princess from them, and paying with your rigorous arm him who shall withstand us, for that at that time they shall not have so great strentgh, for to cause us to stay, and if once we get well out of the City, we have the sea at hand, whereas we cannot lack a ship, all furnished and ready for to make Sail, we being once within, and betwixt this and that place our horse be so good, that I béeleeve there is not any that can overtake us, of all remedies impossible, this is one amongst them that is possible to be done, therefore now my Lord, consider with your s●…lfe, what is best to be done in this extremity. Then Rosicleer who was marvelous attentive unto these words which the King Sacridoro had said: having his heart so valiant and courageous for such like attempts, and liking the counsel of that invention very well, before that the King had fully ended his judgement, when that he would have put himself in that enterprise, and finding this to be the best remedy, they concluded, and strait ways therewith they all three departed to the sea side, which was not far of, and when they came thither they procured to seek out and to provide for to serve their turn a good Ship, and amongst a great number of strangers that were come thethey with people for to see their feasts, they chanced to enter into one, which seemed unto them to be the strongest and the best sailor amongst them all. And talking with the master or patron thereof, they found him to be of the Empire of Greece, and Rosicler knowing him by hi●… speech to be of Greece, he took him a part, and did discover unto him who he was, and told him what great necessity he had of him and of his sheep, promising him excellent payment, with the advantage, if so be that they did well escape with their enterprise, and without reproach. Then the Master of the Ship being a Grecian, and having heard of Rosicleer, was very glad and joyful, for that he had so good opportunity to serve him, would have kissed his hands, as the hands of his Lord and Prince, and offered him not only his ship, but also his life to serve him at that and all other times. Then Rosicleer with great love embraced him, and gave him great thanks, and all the rest of the day that remained, they were in the Ship with him, putting in order all things necessary, as unto so peril●…ous an enterprise was requisite. So the next day drew on of the marriage, as it was agreed, which should be the third day, in the which time these two perfect friends did peruse and mend their armour, and fortified their ship, for it seemed according unto the great necessity into the which they were driven, that it was all needful. So the next day being come, Fidelia took●… her leave of them, and went unto the city, & strait ways unto the king, who commanded that the Tower should be opened, willing her to do his hearty commendations unto his daughter, and to tell her that she should make herself in a readiness, for the next day she should come forth to see the great feasts & triumphs which the Prince Don Siluerio hath ordained for her sake. With this Fidelia took her leave of the king and departed, and the gates of the Tower being opened, she entered in thereat, & the gates were shut again ●…s before. When she came unto the Princess, they two to●…ether entered into her closet all alone, and there Fidilia de●…lared unto the Princess all that ever she had passed with ●…he King her Father, and what was concluded with the two ●…ights. And when the Princess understood the great peril ●…nd danger in the which she should put herself, her heart 〈◊〉 her to think thereof, and waxing pale of colour, she 〈◊〉 as though she had been dead, not knowing whe●…her she were in Heaven or in the earth. At which time Fidelia, did comfort her saying: What is this my Lady and mistress, at such time as his death was most published, and you environed with most mortal anguish, at that time, you had a good heart for to suffer all, & courage for to dissemble. And now you that have your knight so nigh at hand with hope quickly for to see him, you do lack force for to suffer, and your heart do fail you for to enjoy him, that more than your own life you have desired. For Gods love do it not, my Lady, but rather animate your self, and do you rejoice, for that in such great necessity, the great valour of noble courage is known: and in especial, whereas no evil may chance unto you, but rather a further benefit and contentment of mind, more than hitherto it hath been unto you. And if once Rosicler, have got you into his power, then is there nothing that can be hurtful unto you, for to ●…ourne you to any grief, for that you have recovered for your husband, the most high and worthiest Prince in all the world as well in his estate, as of his person. Then the Princess●… said, with a great sigh, ah, Fidelia, I have no dread nor peril of my own part, for that I did choose rather to kill myself, then to do any other thing to the contrary. So that I have little fear in any other thing, touching myself: but my fear is only for Rosicleer, for that this his enterprise the which he doth take in hand is great, his life must needs be in great peril, if God for his 〈◊〉 mersie do not marvelously deliver him. For this cause (said Fidelia,) hath God made him of such force above all other, for tha●… he hath delivered and cleared himself, in greater dangers than this is: so if God permit, he will clear himself o●… this. And I do béeleeve, that God hath not forgot you, bu●… will deliver you, with your honour, out of this rebuke, an●… will not permit that your father the king, should do so grea●… outrage, in forcing you to marry against your will. S●… with these & other such words in effect, did Fidelia perswad●… the princess Olivia, in such sort, that she did not esteem an●… peril that should happen unto her, with the great hope tha●… she had for to see Rosicleer, although other ways the grea●… love which she did bear unto him did make her to fear more than his great bounty did make her security. So all that same day they passed with great confusion, tarrying till the next day did come, that the great triumphs & feasts should be made, & that the prin●…sse should be taken out of the tower for that the next day following should be the day of the marriage.   

How the great triumphs and feasts of the marriage of the Princess Olivia were celebrated, and of all that happened therein. Chapter. 59  
WHen the day was come that the marriage of the Princess Olivia, with the prince don Siluerio should be celebrated, the great City of London was so full of people as well strangers, as those borne in the Country, that the streets could scarce hold them, & all the streets were full with the military knighthood of Lusitania, the which did publish & set forth the great power & mightiness of the prince don Siluerio, who was that day appareled with very ●…ich apparel●…, of cloth of Africa, full of marvelous precious ●…tones of the India's Orientals, & accompanied with many va●…iant knights of his own, and also borne in the country of ●…ngland, and in company with the king, they went unto the ●…hurch, and in the midst amongst them the three precious ●…nd esteemed Princes, Bargandel, Liriamandro, and 〈◊〉 Zoylo, unto whom the Prince▪ Don Siluerio did offer 〈◊〉 friendship. Then when service was done, the King 〈◊〉 invite, to dinner with him, all the most esteemed ●…nights that were in the Court, as well strangers as ●…ose of the Country, and there was so great a number of 〈◊〉, that they could scarce be placed in the mighty palace. And after that with great majesty & pomp they had ended their dinner, they together did accompany the king unto the tower, for to take out the princess Olivia, who being advertised by Fidelia what she should do, was marvelous richly appareled, abiding they time that the should come to take her out of the tower, and dissembling with herself clean contrary unto that which was in her stomach.  
So when the gates of the tower were opened, she descended down from her closet, accompanied with her damsels, and Brandizel & Lyriamandro did take her and set her upon a white palfrey, which was ordained for her, marvelous richly traped, and being accompanied with the most principallest Knights in all the court, they carried her unto her palace, and put her in a royal estate that was appointed, whereas she might see all the feasts and triumphs. When done Siluerio saw her to be so fair and of so great beauty, that in all the whole world was not her peer at that presen●…, he was as joyful as ever he was in all his life, and was so gallant and mercy, as though they had given unto him all the whole world, and did pretend to do such things that day, that the Princess should have him in estimation for a very valiant Knight. Their triumphs and feasts they had ordained in this sort, fifty of those knights and o●… the principallest that he brought with him out of Lusitania, did hang their shields round about the Tents, which were pitched in the midst of the great court of the palace▪ and their names written upon their shields, and all th●… knights were within their tents, abiding all other Knight●… that would come and combat with them, as well with thei●… swords as with their spears, and whatsoever Knight dy●… come and touch any of those shields, presen●…ly should com-foorth he whose n●…me was written thereupon to comb●… with him, and on the other part of the great court was do●… Siluerio in another Tent, very richly wrought with gold and silk, an●… was ordained, that all such venturous Knight as had in Just or combat overcome any of his Knights should afterwards Combat with him one after another and he had his shield likewise hanged upon his tent, as the others had, setting himself in a chair at the tent door, whereas he might very well at his pleasure see all that ever was done by his knights. And the king was set in his royal place appointed, & having in his company, those three worthy princes, Bargandell, Lyriamandro, & the tartarian Zoylo, who because they were so great friends unto the prince Don Siluerio, they would not as that day just, but did bear the king company. Likewise many other princes and knights which came thither to see the triumphs & feasts, & being all set in order, the ●…usts began, for there was come forth into the court an english knight called Amberto, very valiant & courageous, & famous in all that country, who strait ways at his cu●…ring in, she wing a valiant mind, he went unto the tents, and with his spear he touched the shields of the knights of Lusitania, whose owner strait ways came forth, who was one of the stoutest that was amongst them all, whose name was Bramides, & being mounted upon a strong and great horse, with his spear in his hand he put himself into the field, & Amberto doing the like, with so great fury and force as their horses could run, they made their encounter, which was in such sort, that the english knight was pushed out of his saddle down to the ground, & Bramides of Lusitavia proceeded forwards on his course, without any moving, and as though he had done nothing, for the which he was esteemed of the king Oliverio & of all those that beeheld him to be a worthy knight, & presently after the foil of Amberto, came forth into the court a strange knight, who was very desirous to get honour, but at the first encounter Bramides of Lusitania ●…uerthrew him, & without staying he overthrew six or sea●…en that came forth to just with him, & this being done, he went into his tent, where the prince Don Siluerio received so great pleasure, that he did not let but say unto the king (who was in his royal estate hard by whereas he was) how doth ●…our majesty like the knight of Lusitania that can so well behave themselves and maintain the field.  
It seemeth unto me said the king, that if all they be conformeble unto this knight, they ought to be had in great estimation. At this time entered another valiant knight into the field, and was naturally borne in France, called Reno, who touching with his spear one of the shields, there came strait ways another knight of Lusitania, who although he was a very valiant knight, yet the French knight was of so great force, that at the first encounter he overthrew him to the ground, & passed on his course as though he had done nothing at all, & presently taking another spear in his hand, he went unto the prince Don Siluerio, & touched his shield with his spear, & strait ways the prince came forth mounted upon his mighty horse, very gallant & courageous, & joining in their encounter, although the french king was very valiant, yet the prince was of far greater strength, by reason whereof he gave him and his horse a great fall unto the ground. Whereat the king & all those that did behold it, received marvelous great contentment of the prince Don Siluerio. So the most part of the day was passed away, wherein the knights of Lusitania had overthrown unto the ground more the●… five hundredth other knights, & the prince Don Siluerio in al●… that time received no foil that was any thing to his reproach for the which he was very glad & joyful, & thought that i●… all the world at that present there was not one like vnt●… him, who imagined that the princess Olivia received grea●… contentment thereat, who had her understanding occupied i●… other matters, and had her mind so occupied upon Rosiclee●… that she had no regard unto any thing that was done in 〈◊〉 the great court, and having continually before her eyes th●… great reproach which should be done unto her that night, sh●… was so full of fear, that many times her heart did fail hi●… but by reason of her shamefastness (for that all people ver●… much beheld her great beauty) she did cover & hide a 〈◊〉 part of her sorrow. At this time because the knights of 〈◊〉 had overthrown so many in the field, there was not knight in all the court seen to prove their adventures, of the which Don Siluerio with great pleasure said unto the king: I believe that for the knights of England this day, the knights of Lusitania cannot lose their custom, to have the better in feats of arms. At which words of the prince Don Siluerio there were divers knights in company with the king that received great grief, especially two ancient knights, kinsmen unto the king Oliverio, who in their time were valiant knights, & because age would not agree that they should put on armour, they were like to burst with anger, in seeing how the knights of Lusitania would disgrace the knights of England. Then upon a sudden there were amongst the countrymen of the country a great rumour, which seemed to be of some sudden joy, & looking what it should be, they saw entering on the one side of the great place a knight of a very big stature, & armed with rich armour, & mounted upon a great horse, who by his gallant disposition seemed they knew to be Brandamarte, the best knight which at that time was in all the court, he was borne in England, a young man & very valiant, & since the small time that he was an armed knight, by his mighty prowess he hath got very much honour. And all those of the country had great hope in him that he would defend the honour of his Country against those knights of Lusitania. The King likewise was very desirous that his Knights might not receive any reproach. When Brandamarte came unto the Tents, he touched one of the shields with his spear, and strait ways the owner thereof came forth, mounted upon a mighty horse, and coming unto the just, (because the knight of Lusitania was very valiant) yet Brandamarte was much more, and overthrew the other unto the ground, and without any farther delay he touched other six shields, and at the first encounters he overthrew the owners of them to the ground, which gave great contentment unto the king Oliverio, and unto all those of the Country, for that he defended so valianutlie the honour of their country: But their joy endured not long, for that after that Brandamarte had touched the shield of Bramides of Lusitania, with his spear, he came strait ways forth, & for that they were both of them very good & valiant knights, they made their encounter very strongly, in such sort, that Bramides of Lusitania, lost his stirrups and passed his course forwards on, without receiving any other harm. And Brandamarte, with his horse, (who was somewhat weary) was constrained of very ●…orce to fall unto the ground, at which fall there was few in all that great place, but was very sorry: & the wore, for that after that he was everthrowen for the space of a good hour, there was not one Knight that durst enter into the great court. And the knights of Lusitania with great pride, was advansing & praising themselves. But in especial, Bramides, who with a loud voice, that all the people might hear him, he said: Come forth, come forth, you knights of England, that you may understand and know, how valiant & of great strength, the knights of Lusitania, are. Then the prince Don Siluerio, who was in his tent, hard by the place whereas the king was, with great pride & contentment that he had of the honour, which his knights had got, he said unto the king. Now mighty king you shall understand, that not without great cause the knights of Lusitania, are esteemed for the best knights in all the world, for that in any place wheresoever they become, they never lose, but always get honour. And I do believe & have it for a certainty, that with these first thousand knights, that I have here with me, of Lusitania, that I am not able alone to make war against the emperor Trebatio, but also to conquer the most part of all the world. At these words of the prince unto the king, not one which was with him received any contentment. But in especial those two ancient knights, the one of them was called Adriano, who could not suffer to hear the great reproach, but with very anger, he said: My Lord & prince, of truth I may speak it, that the bounty & force of all the world, doth not consist in the knights of Lusitania, for that I have seen in this country such, that if they were here now at this present, that all your knights would get by them but little honour. Then the prince said, I would that god were so pleased, that those knights were here now at this time, for that I & my knights would very quickly bring you out of this doubt. So at this time, some of the knights of Lusitania, were very joyful for the honour & victory which they had received, & other some as sad & sorrowful, for the reproach & shame happened unto them, by the knights of the country, at which time upon a sudden & unlooked for, they saw two knights which entered into that mighty place, of so gallant & gentle disposition, & well armed, as ever they saw in all their lives, of the which, one of them upon his mighty horse did put himself right over against the great pallas, & the other went unto the tents of the knights of Lusitania, and touched one of the knights shields with his spear, and strait way the owner thereof came forth. And this strange & venturous knight, made his encounter with so great strength, that in the midst of that great place, he overthrew him from his horse to the ground, his heels upwards, & so far from himself as though he had been dead.  
Then strait ways came forth an other, who with great lightness he shoved him out of the saddle, so that he was taken in men's arms & carried him into the tent, for that all the bones of his body were shaken & bruised, with that strongs encounter. And without any long tarrying, he overthrew other ten knights of them, entreating them in such sort, that not one of them all could arise from the ground, of himself, but that they were carried in other men's arms, into their tents. At the which the king Oliverio, & all that were there present, were greatly amazed, and could not learn by any means to know who those two valiant knights should be. Then all th●…se of England received great joy and contentment, for that they saw that the knights of Lusitania, there pride and joy did abate.  
And Adriano said unto the king, I believe that the Prince Don Siluerio is not, well pleased with this knight. Let him alone said the king, for I have a good hope that his knights will carry away but little honour of that which is past. Then Bramides of Lusitania came forth mounted upon a mighty great horse, & with a big spear in his hand he gave a turn about the place, showing great pride, & thinking certainly that at the first encounter he would overthrow the valiant knight, but it fell not out according unto his expectation, for that they made their encounter with such force that Bramides upon the shield of the strange knight shéevered his spear all to shéevers, but the knight made no show of moving in his saddle, but he made his encounter so strongly against Bramides, that heaving him right out of his saddle, he carried him a good way off from his horse, with his head to the ground and his heels upwards, & was so astonished with that terrible blow, that he could not arise from the ground, till such time as some of his companions took him up, & carried him into their tent. Oh how great was the grief that the prince Don Siluerio conceived when he saw his knights receive so great reproach, & the knights of England with so great joy & pleasure, because they saw that strange knight defend their honours so valiantly. The king and the two ancient knights that were with him, desired very much to know who that knight should be, and likewise his companion, who as it seemed unto them, was as one amazed, beholding that mighty palace, & in his semblance & proportion seemed to be no less valiant than his companion, as it was of truth, for that it was that valiant Rosicleer, who had not so much government of himself for to safer, but needs he must come forth into that great place with the king Sacridoro, for to behold that day the princess Olivia, but that he saw the princes in her royal estate, showing forth her sovereign countenance with so singular beauty, he was as one astonished & amazed, not knowing whether he were in Heaven or on Earth, and the great glory th●… which he felt within himself when that he had before him that precious sight so long of him desired, that forgetting himself he remained in one place without any power for to move himself, but as one deprived of his wits. And the other was that stout & strong king Sacridoro, who seeing the great mischance of his companion, would make some show of his great bounty, and by reason that he was of so great bounty, in less than one hour he overthrew unto the ground all those fifty knights, all very evil entreated, & ill beestead with the force of the mighty falls which they had received, & the great pleasure the which Adriano received hereat was such, that he could not let but say unto the prince Don Siluerio, how do you like this my lord, now you may well see that the bounty of all the world doth not consist only in the knights of Lusitania: By God I do swear, that according unto the using which these knights have received, the emperor Trebatio shall be in great security of them for any harm he shall receive at their hands. The prince was so full of sorrow, & so angry for that which happened unto his knights, that without making any answer unto Adriano, with great fury he mounted upon his great horse, & took a spear in his hand, & put himself ready at a point for to revenge the in●…urie done unto his knights. At which time the valiant Zoylo, for that he was a great friend unto the prince, fearing that there should happen some reproach unto him, said unto the king: Truly my lord, if it please your highness, I would very much that the prince Don Siluerio might excuse the justing at this time with that strange & venturous knight, for that he hath gotten this day very much honour, & I would not that now he should lose it again▪ Surely said the king Oliverio, I should be very sorrowful, and I would that all might well be excused, and they separated if there were any good mean for the same. I will go and part them said the ●…artarian Zoylo.  
And therewith he arose up from the place where he sat by the king, & descended down the court, & mounting upon a horse very gallantly & richly trapped, which was brought unto him, he went unto the king Sacridoro, and said.  
Sir knight, by the way of courtesy I do heartily desire you that this day you would cease your high & valiant deeds, for you have done enough to give testimony of great bounty, & at this time to departed, for that the king Oliverio shall receive great contentment & courtesy in so doing. Then the king Sacridoro, who knew him very well, since the time that he saw him at the fountain of the savages, & having great desire to show him pleasure, answered him & said: Sir knight not only in this, but in all other things whatsoever your pleasure is to command me, with all my heart & power I will do it to do you pleasure. So after that the valiant Zoylo dad gratified him with great thanks for his courtesy, the king Sacridoro departed & went unto the place whereas Rosicler was as one amazed & astonished, beholding the great beauty of the princes Olivia, & shaking him by the hand, he said: Come let us now departed from hence, for we have tarried here very long. Then Rosicler coming to himself, as one which did awake out of a dead sleep, set spurs to his light horse, and went with the king Sacridoro & put themselves in a by way out of that great place, in such sort, that in a short space they were out of sight, and the prince Don Siluerio ramained very furious and full of anger, for that the knight was departed from thence before he did first take revengement for the injury done unto his Knights, and for that it wax●…d late, & again there were no knights left for to just, there began strait ways a great noise of sounding of Triumpets, and other instruments of music, which was done in such sort, that all the whole City did ring thereof, and here with the justs were made an end, the Tents taken out of that great place, and the Prince Don Siluerio, with great honour, accompanied with many Princes and knights, was brought unto the mighty palace, whereas he was very well received by the king, ●… was carried into a Chamber which was on the one side of the great hall, whereas he was unarmed. The Princess Olivia before this time knew Rosicler, for Fidelia when she saw him advertised her, whereat she received great contentment, & did esteem all her travails & sorrows which she had received well bestowed, although when she remembered the great hurly burly that should be that night, her heart was very much out of quiet, and full of anguish, and could not by any means be merry, but with great sighs and bitter tears she desired God to deliver her well out of all those dangers.   

How that at such time as the King Oliverio and the mighty Princes and knights of the Court were joined together, that the Princess Olivia and the Prince Don Siluerio should take hands, Rosicleer and the King Sacridoro entered into the mighty palace, and what happened therein. Chapter. 60.  
AFter that Rosicleer and the King Sacridoro were departed out of the place whereas the justs were made, they both put themselves into a Forest which joined nigh unto the City, whereas they remained till the night was come, being fully determined what they should do, for that they had left their ship at the coast, all in a readiness & very well appointed, & considering in what great peril & danger they did put themselves, they prayed unto god with all their hearts for to deliver them well out of that great reproach, & having a very good hope that god would aid & secure them, for that which they went about was in a just & right cause, for to set free the great wrong & harm done unto the Princess. The day being past and the night come, they issued out of the forest, and entered into the city, & for that there were so many knights, as well strangers as Country men, they could not be perceived, for the streets were full of them, & likewise the night being dark, their armour could not be discovered, neither was there any account made thereof, for that it was a time void of suspicion, so they drew nigh unto the palace, at such time as the Princess Olivia & the Prince Don Siluerio should join hands together, vowing matrimony, the palace being clear & light with the great number of torches and candles that were there lighted, that it seemed to be mid day, and there were so great a number of people, that they could scarce move by one another. All this time went Fidelia very diligently up and down the palace, and when she saw the hour draw near that their pretence should be put in execution, she went out of the palace, and taking with her a bundle of things necessary for the princess, she went towards the sea side, and put herself in the ship, abiding the time to see what fortune would do for her Lady and mistress, and for those worthy and valiant Knights, and was in so great fear, that for any thing she would not be put in the like again. All this time was the Princess Olivia so full of anguish and alteration, that she knew not whether she were alive or dead, and being in a quadran nigh unto the great hall, accompanied with all her Ladies & damsels, ready to be taken forth to join hands with the Prince, she many times fell in a sound, and being very much comforted by the Princess Rodasilua & Siluerina, yet all that ever they could do did profit very little, neither could she recover any force nor receive any comfort, for that the hour was come that she should pass that great affliction, and in remembrance thereof she thought verily that her heart would have leapt out of her dody. At this present time Rosicler and the King Sacridoro, came unto the palace, and by a false door which Rosicler knew very well, they entered into a chamber whereas the princess was, leaving their Horses with a Page of the kings, who put them under a portal where they could not be seen of the people, so they went up a narrow pair of stairs till they came into the great hall, whereas they found the King Oliverio, with all those mighty Princes and knights, in a fair Quadran, in company with the prince Don Siluerio, abiding the coming of the Princess Olivia, to take her to his spouse. Likewise on the other side of the hall in another Quadran was the Princess Olivia, accompanied with all her Ladies and Damsels, and with the Princess Rodasilua and Siluerina, who had her in the midst beetwixt them, and when they would have gone whereas the King was, the Princess Olivia could not step one foot forwards, but fell in a sound in the arms of the other Princesses. Then when these two valiant knights saw it was time, they entered both together into the quadran, and the king Sacridoro carried his Sword drawn in his hand, and his shield on his arm, the which put a great tear amongst all the Ladies and Damsels, and Rosicler went strait unto the Princess Olivia his Lady, and took her in his arms, lifting her from the ground, all which time she was in a sound, and by reason at their entering in, all those Ladies and damsels gave great shrieks and out cries, there came presently to that place many Knights, and being without armour they drew out their Swords, and doubled their cloaks about their arms, and went to rescue and take away the Princess from Rosicler, who carried her in his arms, but for that the good King Sacridoro was at hand in a readiness, with four blows which he gave, he overthrew four Knights dead to the ground, of them that first approached where they were, the which did put so great fear in all the rest, that they durst not come nigh him, so that Rosicler had room to come unto the narrow stairs, which descended down to the false door. Then the King Sacridoro put himself in the face of all the people, and did so much, that Rosicler came unto the place whereas his horse was, and finding none for to disturb him, he mounted forthwith upon his Horse, and took the Princess in his arms before him, and he had the Page to tarry for his Lord, and setting spurs unto his good horse Rodarte (which he had of the Giant Mandroco, and one of the strongest and lightest that was in all the world) within a short time he found himself out of the City, and with so great jury, that it seemed a Thunderbolt or whirl wind, he took his course throughout those fields with so great swiftness, that the grass whereon his horse trod, seemed as though it moved not. This valiant Rosicleer travailed with so great joy and contentment for that rich pray which he carried, that he could scarce believe he had so great a jewel with him. At which time the Princess Olivia was in a sound, without any sense of knowledge who carried her away, and by reason of the great care of the people, in the which the king Sacridoro remained, troubled so much Rosicleer, that it was the occasion he forced his Horse with so great speed, that in a short time he came unto the sea coast, and straight ways he entered into a Ship, and laid the Princess upon a bed, and kissed her, and left her in the company of Fidelia her damsel, and he went a shore and mounted upon his horse, and with as great speed he returned back again, to seek out his perfect friend the King Sacridoro, who in all this time had done marvelous deeds, but by reason that the King and all the other Princes and Knights that were in the Quadran, at the great shrieks and outcries of the damsels were come thither, they had so compassed him round about, that he could not move himself neither on the one part nor on the other, but for that they were all unarmed, he quickly made such a slaughter amongst them, that the rest durst not come night him, so that he had time to descend the stairs, and coming under the porch, wheaeas his Page was with his horse, although that a great number descended the stairs after him, yet in spite of them all he mounted upon his Horse, and by reason that the number was great, being on Horseback he slew many of them, than the page mounted upon his Horse, and broaching them furyous●…ie with their Spurs, of pure force they went out of the Palace. In the mean time the Prince Don Siluerio seeing what had happened, was the most furious & angriest Knight in the world, and entered into his chamber, and armed himself with high▪ rich and glistering armour, and the like did many other Princes and knights, as well those which were borne in England, as of those which he brought with him out of Lusitania, and being armed he came unto the place whereas he left the king, and when he saw that they were gone, in great baste they calied for their horses, and mounting on them they follow their enemies with so great fury, that many of their horses burst in their running, and in pursuing of them they met with many that told them news of the King Sacridoro, and they forced so much their horses in following after them, that the Prince Don Siluerio ●…uertooke the King Sacridoro a mile out of the City, who when he saw him come alone, did abide his coming, and when he came unto him, with an outrageous fury he struck the King such a blow upon his helm that he made him to decling his head down to the breast, but the King returned such another unpon his helm, that he had overthrown him to the ground if he had not embraced himself about his horse neck, but the Prince received so great grief for the carrying away of the Princess, that he feared not the peril of the battle, but with great fury and courage he béeganne to strike at the King, charging him with very furious and terrible blows, but all that did profit him very little, for that the king was a great deal more stronger than he was, so that it could not have fallen out well with him, if the battle had endured long, but at this time there were joined toge●…her with him more than one hundredth Knights, the which ●…yd compass the good and valiant King round about, and ●…harged him with very great and thick blows, but he who was very valiant and courageous, did very little ●…stéeme his life (for that it was in the quarrel, and his du●…ie which he did own unto his perfect friend Rosicler) and 〈◊〉 such sort he did animate himself, that in a small time ●…ée had slain more than twenty knights, and if there had not been so many of them, he would by the help of almighty God, and his great strength, quickly have cleared himself of them, but by reason that there were so many, and more and more they increased, that he found himself in great peril, and at the point to be slain. But at this time that valiant Rosicleer, who seemed to come like unto a whirl wind upon his great and swift Horse, when that he came unto the place whereas they made that cruel and perilous battle, and seeing in what great danger and peril they had brought his friend, he straight way put himself amongst the thickest of them, like unto a ravishing Lion, some he clove their heads a sunder, and some he cut of their arms, and other some he cut a sunder by the waist, and did so héehave himself amongst them, that in a small time, he had overthrown the half of them dead to the ground.  
Then when the king Sacridoro, knew the great aid and secure which he had, with a new fore he charged so his enemies, that betwixt them both they did so much, that there was not a knight in all the field that durst abide them, but only the Prince Don Siluerio, who being wounded with mortall●…sorrow & grief, for the carrying away of the Princess Olivia, with more courage than strength or force, he did combat with both of them, charging them with very great and heavy blows. Then Rosicler, who seeing that that one Knight did disturb them of their journey, without knowing him, he struck him so terrible a blow upon his sine helm, that all amazed and astonished from himself, he fell from his horse to the ground. That being done, these two good and perfect friends would not make any long staying, but set Spurs unto their surions' horses, and ran wit●… so great lightness, that there was none that could ouertak●… them, till such time as they came unto the sea side. Now a●… this time, came the king Oliverio, out of the city, with mor●… than ten thousand knights, as well strangers, as of hi●… own Country, and followed the pursuit of their enemies And when they came unto the place whereas the battle was fought, they were greatly amazed to see that grea●… slaughter and e●…usion of blood, and could not believe that any human Knight should have so much force and strength for to make so great slaughter as there was done, and helping up the Prince Don Siluerio from the ground, who lay a long upon the earth as though he had been dead, without moving of hand nor foot, they all together in an ambushment followed the pursuit of their enemies, those two Knights, but for all the great haste which they made in their running, at such time as they came unto the Sea si●…e, they were all entered into their ship, and the Greek master of the same being all in a readiness, brought whom his anchors, and hoist forth his sails, and began to navigate upon the calm waters of the Ocean sea, for that at that present they found fortune and wind favourable unto them, there was no glory in all the world that might be compared unto this of the perfect lover Rosicler, when he saw so much at his ease and will, and in his power, her for whom he had passed so great sorrow and grief. Then when the Princess Olivia was come again unto herself, she took him in her arms & kissed him very often, uttering words of perfect love, & although as yet she was not clean void of the alteration in the which she was brought, yet finding herself in the arms of him whom she so much loved, she received great pleasure & contentment, and much more, to see herself free from that great force, which the king her father against all reason and justice would have constrained against her will to marry with the Prince Don Siluerio, and again, calling to remembrance what great sorrow and grief which the absence of Rosicler did cause her to ●…ustayne, she therewith received so great contentment and ●…lorie to see him in her presence, that she thought her ●…elfe to be new risen from death to life, comforting and ●…eioycing herself with the presence of him that she so long ●…ooked for.  
Then when the king Oliverio and the Prince Don Sil●…erio, and the other Princes and knights that came with ●…hem, when they approached unto the water side, and saw that the ship was departed, and perfectly informed how that the knights and the princess were therein, they received so great sorrow & grief, that the king was at the point of death, and the Prince if they had not held him, would have leapt into the sea, and for that they could not understand nor know in whose power the Princess was carried away, their pain and grief was the greater, and in great hast they caused a great company of ships to be made in a readiness to follow them, & being all in very good order, there entered into them many knights, as well those of Lusitania, as knights of England, and being in this preparation, there was a mariner of another ship which came unto the king and said: Mighty Prince, a Damsel which was in the ship that is departed, gave me this Letter to give unto your highness, if that by fortune you should come hither. Then the king being very much amazed, not knowing who it should be that left that letter, he took it & opened it, and saw that it was the firm of Fidelia, and read the contents as followeth.  
HIgh and mighty king of Englang, Fidelia, Damsel, and servant unto the Princess Olivia, doth wish unto thee health, that therewith thou mayst put away all sorrowful passions from thy heart, and to know how far the power of almighty God doth extend, & how subject all Knigs and Princes, and mighty Lords, aught to be unto his ordinances and laws, as well for that they are good and just, as also because man hath not power to resist them. Thou pretendest to marry thy one and only Daughter and heir unto all these kimgdomes, giving her a husband unto 〈◊〉 she should be continually obedient, without any respect or consideration of her good will and love, neither of her 〈◊〉 and quietness, but only for a desire which you have to go and take revengement for the death of Prince Edward thy Son: behold king Oliverio, that the laws of God doth not permit that thou shouldest do this force of matrimony, which thou hast pretended to do unto thy daughter, for that the revengement of all things is reserved for & unto him who hath power for to do it. The sovereign creator of all things would not permit that thou shouldst be an homicide unto thine own daughter, as thou hadst been if this present remedy had not prevented the same, for that the princess Olivia had ordained to kill herself, the same night that they should have been made sure together, but the divine providence did so ordain & provide, that the greek Prince Rosicler, thy very friend (who being wounded with the love of the princes thy daughter) should come & set at liberty this great outrage of forcing, & to take her out of thy power, & to carry her unto the sovereign empire of his father, whereas with great majesty conformable unto her highness, shall their marriage be celebrated: therefore they & I do desire thee for that thy honour & the honour of thy daughter shall be by this change greatly augmented, that thou wouldst conceive well 〈◊〉, & to have patience, for that it can be no otherwise, always obeying as our duty is, the divine providence.  
When the king had read this letter, & well understood the ●…ontents thereof, he was one way greatly amazed, to vnder●…tand that Rosicleer was alive, & another way his pain and ●…riefe did double in him, considering the two great injuries ●…hat were done unto him by the father & the son, & as one 〈◊〉 himself with the great sorrow he received, he wept & 〈◊〉 out with a loud voice saying: Oh fortune & my great 〈◊〉 how much do you show yourselves to be my eni●…ie, that thou art not content that the emperor Trebasio 〈◊〉 my well-beloved son the Prince Edward, but that now 〈◊〉 is come his son, & hath rob me of my daughter, 〈◊〉 only heir of these kingdom: Oh sovereign creator, ●…herefore doest thou suffer so great arrogancy in these 〈◊〉? why dost thou not at once destroy them, & throw 〈◊〉 out of this world, as thou threwest Lusifer out of heaven: Oh kings & princes of the world, come & join your ●…elues all together in my favour, & give me aid, for to take revengement of two so notable injuries: Behold that the pride of Greece doth everyday increase, in such sort, that in time they will be Lords & governors over all the whole world, & put you all from your mighty kingdoms & high estates. Likewise the great lamentations that Don Siluerio made when he saw his marriage so changed, was such, that there was none that heard him but was moved unto great compassion. In great haste was made in a readiness twelve great ships, & divers other small ships, in the which there was embarked more than ten thousand knights very well armed and likewise with them did embark themselves the prince Don Siluerio with the three princes, Bargandel, Liriamandro, & the tartarian Zoylo, & in great hast they made sail that way which Rosicleer went, although the three princes had another determination, contrary unto Don Siluerios, for when they unrerstood that he who had carried away the Princess was Rosicler, they were as glad as ever they were in all their lives, although they could not perfectly believe that he should be alive. Then they called to remembrance all that had passed at the fountain of the savages with them, and were fully determined that if it were certainly Rosicleer, & did overtake him, that first they would consent to their own death rather than he should receive any harm, for that they were all three of them such friends unto Rosicleer, that except it were the king Sacridoro, in all the whole world he had not the like. So they weighed their anchors, & hoist sails, & began to take their journey after the other ships, with as much sail as ever they could make, they did navigat through the great ocean sea with as much speed as ever they could, & the king Oliverio returned back again unto his city & palace, very heavy & sorrowful, whereas strait ways with great speed he began to gather together people for the war●…▪ Writing unto the mightiest kings in all christendom, desiring them for to aid & secure him with all the people that were possible, for the furniture of his wars, giving them to understand the great injuries which he had received of the emperor of Greece, & his son, & how greatly he was bound for to revenge himself of the same. Whereas the history doth leave them all time doth serve, for to tell you of the knight of the Sun who remained at the broken city of Troy, & of the trojan Oristedes, who was travailing towards the gran Cataia.   

¶ How the Trojan Oristedes came unto the Court of the Emperor Alicandro, and gave him understanding of the coming of the ●…rinceffe Lindabrides. Chapter. 61.  
THe history saith that Oristedes the Trojan, made so great speed in his journey towards the gran Cataia, whereas the emperor Alicandro was, & after that he had passed the first two Scithias, in the end of fifty days he entered into the third, which did belong unto the Emperor Alicandro, & the gran Cataia was in the confines of the third Scythia, which fallethmore towards the Orient, under the which was the mighty emperor of Tartary, the great, & many other kingdoms, subject unto the emperor Alicandro, whereby he was esteemed to be the mightiest lord in the world. Besides all this, all the kingdoms & Lordships of the Orient were subject to him. So when this good knight Oristedes was entered into the third Scythia, within one moonth after be entered into the gran Cataia, where he understood that the emperor was in ●… city called Neptaia, which had above an hundredth & fifty thousand households within the walls, & when he came unto the said city, he went unto the palace, & entering in thereat, he found the Emperor in the great hall, accompanied with many kings and Lords that were his subjects.  
And entering in thereat he pulled of his helm, & went & kneeled down before that mighty Emperor, for to kiss his hands: but he who knew him very well, & very glad for to see him there, made him to arise up on his feet again & did embrace him saying, Oristedes, my very good friend, thy absence hath not caused unto me so much sorrow & grie●…e, as now t●…y coming doth cause me to be glad and joyful.  
Then Oristedes said, my good lord & emperor you shall receive much more contentment, when that you do understand the news that I do bring unto you, for that you shall understand that the princes Lindabrides, your daughter is coming, & very nigh unto this country: & doth bring in her company a knight, the most valiant est that ever the gods did create in all the world, and having the prince Meridian, your son, travailed throughout many countries, till he came unto the emp●…re of Grecia, & never could find any one knight, that in bounty & force, was equal unto him. But this alone knight, who did overcome me in equal battle, & since he hath defended the beauty of the Princes Lindabrides, with the best knights that is in the world. And when he came unto Troy, whereas I do dwell, defending the passage of the bridge, kept by old antiquity, having battle with him, he overcame me. And at his commandment I am come hither, for to bring you news of their coming. And for that you shall see & understand, how favourably the gods hath been unto the princes, in giving unto her so valiant a knight, you shall understand, that if he do exceed in bounty, of knighthood, there is no lack in him of majesty and high estate, for that he is son unto the Emperor of Grecia, being accounted the mightiest Prince, that is amongst all the Christian.  
So when the Emperor Alicandro had well understood all that Oristedes, had told him, he was so full of joy and mirth, that he thought that in all his life he never received the one half of so great comfort & pleasure, for that he lovod the princes Lindabrides, much more than the prince Meridian. And would give a good part of his estate, so that the Princess might remain with the whole Empire. And for that he was fully certified of the high bounty, of Oristedes, & of the prince Meridian, his son. That he was certain & sure, that the knight that should overcome them, in battle, should surmount all other knights in the whole world. And so with great joy, he did embrace Oristedes, & gave him great thanks for his coming. All the other lords and knights that were in the great hall, they were greatly amazed when they understood that one alone knight did overcome in battle two such valiant knights as they were. For that they thought verily that in all the world could not be found others that could be equal unto them. So straightways the Emperor Alicandro, caused these news to be published throughout all his kingdom & lordship, commanding all his v●…ssailes & subjects, to prepare & make themselves in a readiness, to be at the great triumphs & feasts which he doth pretend to make, at the marriage of the princes Lindabrides, his daughter. All this while the knight of the Sun, went tranailing in his triumphant chariot, & the more that the conversation of the princes did continue, so much the more, did his heart burn in the flaming fire of her love, in such sort, that he never remembered the fair princes Claridiana, neither the em●…erour his father, nor Rosicleer, his brother, neither his two perfect friends Brandizel & Claverindo, of all his memory he was clean void, forgetting his own natural country, & all transported & kindled in the amorous love of the princes, and only in contemplating himself in beholding her great beauty, was all his joy & delight, so that he remembered no other thing. Whereat none ought much to marvel, for that the surpassing beauty of this noble princes, (accompanied with so high and sovereign majesty) was such, that I do believe that there was never knight borne in this world, that keeping continual company with her as the knight of the Sun dead, & having before him that perilous sight, that could clear himself or withstand the fiery darts of love (although we may well dissemble the great loyalty that it told of other knights, for that it is to tell of things surmounting nature, or else it is so ●…ar to extol knights, for to make them to bear off to be men.) So that if the knight of the Sun with the presence of the princess had forgot himself, to the contrary, the princes with the presence of him was the pleasantest lady in all the world, & received great contentment only in thinking that at their coming unto the court of the emperor her father, their marriage should strait ways be celebrated. So after that they had travailed one month in the mighty Asia, they entered into the second Scythia, whereas they saw so many & so strange forms of people and customs, that the Knight of the Sun went very much amazed, and although many things worthy of telling happened unto them in this journey, yet this history doth leave them, for that if he should detain himself in telling of them, he should leave off to declare the principal, for that the greater part is untold. To conclude, in the end they entered into the country o●… the gran Cataia. Then the emperor when he understood that they were within a days journey of Neptaia, whereas he was, he went forth to meet them accompanied with mor●… than fifty kings & lords, his subjects, & every one a crown 〈◊〉 gold upon his head, and more than a thousand knights tha●… went in guard. And when they came whereas they met th●… triumphant chariot, they alighted from their horses, & wen●… & kissed the hands of the princes Lindabrides, & embraced th●… knight of the Sun, & he received them with great joy & co●…tentment, & when the emperor drew nigh, the knight of th●… Sun kneeled down before him for to kiss his hands, but th●… emperor with great pleasure marveled at his mighty pr●…portion & gallant semblance, would not consent therevnt●… but embraced him with great love, & kissed him, saying: do desire the high & mighty gods, my son, to grant you health, that you may enjoy many years your youthfulness, for that your coming into this country hath made me very glad & joyful. And I do desire them (my good lord) said the knight of the Sun, to preserve your person & imperial estate for that all we your subjects, may do our duties in your service. Then Oristedes the trojan came unto him, as one that had a great desire to see him, & the knight of the Sun embraced him with great love, & all those kings & knights marveled much at his mighty proportion, & musing how that 〈◊〉 knight of so few years should consist so great force & strength. So after that all had given him entertainment, the emperor went unto the triumphant chariot, & ascended up into it the fair princes did fall down upon her knees & kissed his hands, & the emperor likewise kissed her, & received her with great love, & passing between them many words of great pleasure, he set himself down in the triumphant chariot, in the midst between the princes & the knight of the Sun, & all the other kings & lords, mounted upon their horses, & compassed the Chariot round about, taking their journey towards the mighty City of Neptaya, whereas of an infinite number of people, as well women as men, with great solemnity they were received, being all much amazed at his gentle and gallant disposition. Likewise the knight of the Sun did very much marvel at the mighty greatness of that city, and of the great abundance of people that were therein, and said unto himself, that not without great reason the Emperor was esteemed for the mightiest Prince in all the world. So likewise when they came unto the mighty palace, he was no less amazed to see the great sumptuousness and riches thereof, for that in all his life he never saw the like, no not by a great deal, for that it seemed ●…o be a city compassed about with very strong walls and high towers. When they came thither they all alighted from their horses, & entered into that mighty palace, whereas they passed away the rest of the day that remained, & all that night in great & solemn feasts. And it was concluded amongst them all, that within fifteen days they should begin to make the great triumphs & feasts for the marriage of the knight of the Sun, & the princes Lindabrides, at the which triumph shall be present the most strongest king and knights in all the pagan country, for to see by experience the great bounty that hath been published of the knight of the Sun, who all this time received great joy & contentment, for the time drew on to finish his great desire, & although the love of the princes, & her great desert were the principal occasion that he should be desirous to marry with her. Likewise considered, he might think himself happy to have to wife the daughter of so mighty an emperor, & heir unto so high estate. With this determination & firm love he passed away that time very much honoured of the emperor, & respected of all those lords & kings his vassals, for that they all had a great delight & pleasure in him. Whom the history doth leave at the present to tell of other things that happened in the mean time.   

¶ How the two Princes Brandizel and Claverindo, departed from the Court of the Emperor Trebatio, & what happened unto them being at the sea. Chapter. 62.  
AFter the departure of the knight of the Sun, the two princes Brandizel & Claverindo did a bide certain days in the court of the emperor Trebatio of whom & likewise of all his knights, they were honoured & esteemed, & by reason of the great love which the Prince Brandizel bore unto the princess Clarinea, she could not take any rest nor be at quiet. S●… upon Turrian day being in conversation with his friend Claveryndo, he said: That for so much as the Knight of the Sun was not there with them, me thinks it should be good (in the mean time till he returned again) to fly from this idleness in the which we are, and to go and seek some adventures for to increase our honour, and to exercise military Knighthood. The which counsel liked the Prince very well, and understanding the will of Brandizell, he straight ways said that he should do all that his pleasure was, for that he should receive great contentment therein. So both of them asked licence of the Emperor for to departed, promising him to return again so soon as they heard that the Knight of the Sun was returned again. So the Emperor (although very much against his will, and by their great importunancie) did grant leave unto them. So these two perfect friends departed from Constantinople, and when they came unto the water's side, they entered into a ship which they found ready to departed towards the kingdom of Polonia. After that they were departed & had sailed on their voyage four days, there began to arise a great storm at the sea, and at midnight the wind began to blow so terrible, and the Sea to work so far out of all order, that sometimes they thought that the waves carried the ship up into the clouds, and other times they thought the Ship to fall down to the depth thereof, and the Ship received such a leak, that whatsoever the mariners could do with the Pomp and otherwise, yet might they go up to the knees in water above the balest, for the which cause these two good knights made no other reckoning but to be lost, which caused them with all their hearts to pray unto God to have mercy on them, and to forgive them their sins, and also if it were his divine pleasure to deliver them out of that great torment. When the day was come those boisterous winds did so beat the Ship▪ tumbling and tossing it from one part to another, in such fort, that it could no longer endure, but opened a sunder in the midst, so that these two Knights had no other refuge, but either of them to take hold of the first plank that came unto their hands. Then God who did reserve them for a greater effect, did deliver them that they were not drowned in that torment, for that they had not fully half an hour. sustained themselves upon their planks in the water, when that those mighty high and great waves did carry them upon the shore. The Prince Brandizel in Polonia, and the Prince Claverindo upon an Island that seemed to be full of thick and green trees, who when he was upon the shore, and saw himself clear of that great torment, he gave great thanks unto almighty God for his wonderful benefits showed unto him in that his deliverance, & did very much lament the loss of his friend Brandizel, not knowing what was become of him. And being very desirous to know in what Country he was, finding a narrow and small used way, he followed the same, and travailing therein a mile, he marveled very much that he could see no people, neither any town or inhabitance, the Country being so fresh and full of Trees that it seemed unto him never in all his life to have seen a Country so delightsome. So after a great while that he had travailed by that narrow path, at such time as the Sun began to wax hot, and found himself out from amongst those trees, he entered into a great and wide plain, in the midst of the which he saw a mighty high and well towered Castle, the which was of Lyndaraza, the sight whereof put him in great admiration, and it seemed unto him that it could not be wrought by any human hands, and being very desirous to know who it should be that was Lord of that marvelous Castle, he hasted his pace more than before, and went towards the same, and the nigher he came to it the more he marveled.  
So when he came and saw that wide and deep ditch, and that there was no other entry into the Castle but only by the bridge, he went thither, and found that the gate was shut, and having at the ring thereof a very fair and rich horn of ivory, with a scroll upon it which said.  
Thou Knight, whose fortune hath brought thee hither, if thou art determined to know any thing of this great and strong Castle, blow this horn, and thou shalt not lack one to make thee answer, and have a great care in defending thyself from the Porter, for that he will put thy life in great peril.  
The Prince hereat was very much amazed, and could not imagine what it should be, but having a great desire to know what should be within, without any longer tarrying, and with a valiant courage he took the horn and put it to his mouth, & began to sound it with so great strength, that the sound was heard throughout all the Castle, and he had not scarce pulled the Horn from his mouth, when that with a great rushing and noise the gates were open, and there issued out at the gate a furious beast called Brama, and the most horrible and evil favouredst that ever was seen form by nature, for that his body was as big as two good horses, and his legs more bigger than a bulls leg, and each leg had five claws, and the least of them was a span long, and as big as a man's finger, and his mouth so big, that a man might well go in thereat, and was all furnished with very big tusks, and as sharp as a razor, and he threw out at his mouth great abundance of fire and smoke, in such sort, that it seemed to be Hell mouth, and he came forth with so great braveness, that there was no man but only at the sight of her would have received great fear. And as soon as this Brama was come forth, it went straight ways towards the Prince, and in his hastiness he would have gored him with his sharp tusks, but the Prince who was politic and very light, gave a leap on the one side, and cleared himself from the fury thereof, and passing by him with his sword he thrust so terrible a foin at that monster, that chancing between two ribs, it entered into his body up to the hilts, and pulling the sword out, there followed great abundance of blood out at the wound. Then when the furious Brama felt himself hurt, with as great fury as ever was seen, he returned unto the Prince, who bearing his head very low, in such sort, that by no means he could defend himself, but must of force abide his fury, who struck him with his tusks so terrible a blow, that he threw him from the ground ten paces from him backwards, so that if his armour had not been made by that wise man Lyrgandeo, at that blow he had parted him a sunder in the midst, yet for all that, the Prince was so evil entreated with the mighty fall, that if he had not been of so valiant a courage, it had not been possible for him to have risen again from the ground, but by reason that he was one of the most valiantest Knights in all the world, with a trise he arose up again, and at such time as this furious Brama camen towards him again, for to clasp him betwixt his cruel and sharp claws, he firmed himself sure upon his feet, and took his sword in both his hands, and determined to put his life in adventure in striking of one blow, and so he did, for at such time as this Brama came unto him, he struck him so strong a blow with both his hands upon his monstrous head, and for that his Sword was very good and sharp, and stroke with so good a will of the Prince, that it clove it clean asunder, and the sword entered into the ground a good span, so that the monstrous beast fell down dead to the ground before the Prince, who praised God greatly for that victory which he had, and remained a good while be holding that great beast, and was very much amazed at his strange form and furious composition, and being very desirous to know and understand the end of that strange adventure, without any longer tarrying he entered in at the great gates that were open, and as he went in under the first tower, looking on the one side, he saw proportioned on the wall, his perfect friend the Knight of the Sun, and it was so arteficially done, that it seemed to be himself in person, and being greatly amazed thereat, he stayed to he▪ hold the whole circumstance thereof, and there he saw the three first battles the which he made upon the bridge, painted very naturally. And calling to remembrance that which the Emperor Trebatio had commanded to be painted upon the fore front of the palace, he strait ways fell in reckoning what it should be, and how that was the Island of Lyndaraza, whereas the Knight of the Sun took out and set at liberty the Emperor Trebatio, and receiving great joy and contentment to see painted there the mighty and wonderful deeds of his great friend, he passed forwards, and finding that there was no door shut to ●…ake any resistance, he entered into every part thereof, without any fear or dread, and in every hall or chamber wherein he entered, 〈◊〉 stayed to behold the brave and perilous battles that had there passed with the Knight of the Sun, and of all them were so perfectly set forth, that it seemed to be new done as then, and being as greatly amazed to see all this, as also the sumptuous buildings, it seemed rather to him to be things celest●…all, and not made by the hands of any human creature. And when he had passed through all the doors, halls, and chambers, whereas the Knight of the Sun had made battles, he entered into the great and mighty Court, whereas he was no less amazed than before at the strange making thereof and great riches. So in this sort he proceeded forwards, and went up a broad pair of stairs into a mighty Gallery, whereas he discovered the door, and three steps of beaten silver, and coming to them he entered in at the door, where he saw the fair Lyndaraza and all her Damsels, playing upon Harps, with so excellent a grace, that the sweet noise of Music seemed to ascend up in●…o the Heavens, and filled his cares with the sweet melo●…ie, in such sort, that as a man deprived of his vnderstan●…ing, the Prince remained at the entry of the door, and sée●…ed unto him that the voice of Lyndaraza was rather ce●…estiall then human, and therewith he was strait ways ●…aken prisoner with her love, and never before was there ●…uer Lady or Damsel that was Lord of his heart. So then ●…yndaraza tooking towards the door had spied the Prince, ●…nd straight ways left off her playing and singing, and her damsels, took her by the hands, and did lift her up from her state whereas she sat and with a countenance as thou●…h she had been angry, she said: Who are you sir knight, that hath been so bold, without my lysence, to enter into this my castle. Then the Prince who was beholding of her, as one amazed, and was very sorry, for that he had given her occasion to be angry, with a trise he pulled of his helm: and discovered so fair & comely a countenance, that it was strange to behold, and kneeling down before her, he said, Fair Lady, I do most heartily desire you to pardon me, for this great anger which you do concei●…e & show against me, for my coming in hither, for as I was ignorant to see that which I have now seen, so am I without fault for my coming in. And if it be so that I have committed any offence, in recompense thereof, is sufficient the great gri●…fe which your great beauty hath caused unto me. And 〈◊〉 error which I have made, cannot be compared, nor like equal unto my grief. Well said the fair Lindaraza, if you will that I shall pardon you, sir Knight, you must tell me who you are, and how the keeper of my castle did let you 〈◊〉 come in. Then the Prince said, at the commandment of such a fair Lady, I cannot choose but to be obedient, and in especial, I, who in all only your good will, doth 〈◊〉 my life. Therefore you shall understand my good Lady that I am called Clavarindo, & I am prince, and right 〈◊〉 unto the Kingdom of France. And the keeper of this castle did consent to my coming in▪ for that in making 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, I ●…lew him. And being very desirous to 〈◊〉 what should ●…ée here within this castle, which seemed 〈◊〉 me rather to be celestial, then humane: I did prosecut my entering, and finding no disturbance, I rested not till ●…ame hither, whereas (I do b●…eleeue) I have found 〈◊〉 death, if your anger (fair Lady, against me) do 〈◊〉 All this time, the fair Lindaraza was beholding the 〈◊〉tie proporsion, and fair countenance of the Prince. 〈◊〉 so ●…ar as ●…hée remembered by the words of her n●…kle, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 léeved 〈◊〉, that he was the same unto whom the entry this castle was ordained for, and causing him to arise from the ground, ●…hee said: It is not to be suffered, that against the highness of your royal estate and the great desert of your person, that any should retain anger, therefore worthy Prince, you are heartily welcome unto this Castle, and carrying him into 〈◊〉 rich close●…, her damsels unarmed him, and was served with very fine and rich robes necessary at that time, 〈◊〉 then the fair Lindaraza said: Worthy Knight, I do most heartily desire you to tell me by what fortune you came hither unto this Island, whereas the entry is consea●…ed unto very few Knights, and likewise 〈◊〉 you can tell me any news of the Emperor Trebatio, my lord, for that since the time ●…e was carried away from hence by a knight of mighty Knighthood, we never heard any news of him. Then the Prince who was with great pleasure contempl●…ting himself in her great beauty, and as one that could give her relation of all together, he told her of all that had passed till such time as he departed out of that court of the Emperor. Of the which the fair Lindabrides received so great pleasure, to hear those news, that her beauty increased the more. And being in this communication, Flamides (who was gone a hunting in the Forest) came home, and when 〈◊〉 saw the Prince he was very galled, for that he understood that he should be the knight, by whom his nephew Lindaraza should be set at liberty, & entering into the quadran whereas they were, and known unto the Prince who he was, he received him with courteous entertainment, and they both embraced one another with great ●…oue. So they pass●…d away the rest of the day which remained with great pleasure, and when the night came, the Prince and Flamides ●…ay both in one chamber, whereas the Prince declared unto Flamides the great love which he bore unto Lindaraza, and ●…esired him that he might have the carrying of her unto the Court of the Emperor her father, for that his determina●…ion was, to demand her for his wife, and according unto ●…he great love and friendship that was beetwixt them, they ●…éeleeued verily that she should not be denied.  
Then Flamines who received greater contentment thereat, then at any other thing, said, that he was very well content, and that he should do him great pleasure therein. So betwixt them both it was consented, that they all together should departed from thence the next day. Whereas this History doth leave them till time doth serve, for to tell you what happened unto the Prince Brandizel.   

How the Prince Brandizel was delivered from the torment of the Sea, and what happened unto him afterwards. Chapter. 63.  
IN great peril to be drowned the prince Brandizel found himself in that furious torment, which chanced unto them at the Sea, but God would not permit that such a knight as he was should die, but first to acknowledge his Christian law, did direct his fortune in such sort, that the plank whereon he swum, was carried by those universal and great rolling waves unto the shore, which seemed to be very good, fresh, and fertiel. When this wearied and afflicted Prince was a land, he knew the Country, for that he had been in it before, and it was the kingdom of Polonia, whereas he did deliver and clear out of the power of the Giant, the fair Princess Clarinea, his Lady, and for that he knew the Country very well, one way he was very sad and sorrowful, for the great peril in the which remained her very friend Claverindo, & otherwise he was the gladdest man in all the world, for that he was in that Country, and so nigh unto the Princess his Lady, but when he considered with himself that he was on foot, and so evil entreated with the sea he was ashamed so to show himself before the King, neither knew he no●… what to do, nor whether he might go, for to remedy himself in that necessity. The time of the year as then was very hot, and after that he had dried himself in the Sun, he put himself into a gallant fresh & green Forest, which was along the sea side, & coming unto a fountain of very clear 〈◊〉 crystalline water, shadowed with boughs of very green 〈◊〉 odoriferous tre●…s, he stooped and drunk of the same wate●…, & after he had well refreshed hims●…lfe he sa●…e down upon 〈◊〉 green grass, & pulled off his helm & laid himself down, & what with the pittering of the leaves of the trees, 〈◊〉 with the pleasant air, likewise with the sweet noise of the running of the water, he fell in a sound sleep, & being there a 〈◊〉, the king of Polonia who was on hunting in the same forest, chanced with his knights, for to come unto the same place, & when the king & his knights did first see him, they were greatly amazed to see a knight of so gentle disposition to lie along upon the grass, & especially in that place, but by reason his helm was off, they did very much behold him, & in the end they knew him to be the prince Brandizel, 〈◊〉 great fri●…nd, at the which he was greatly amazed for to see him there alone, & without any horse, yet was he the gladst man in all the world, & did alight from his horse & went unto him, and shaking him by the arms, the prince did awake out of his sleep, & when he knew the king he was much amazed, & with a trise he arose up and went for to kiss his hands, but the king who did love him very well did embrace him with g●…eat love, and asked him how he came into that country all alone, & by what adventure. To whom the prince said, with great desire to serve your 〈◊〉, & there he declare●… vn●…o him all that happened unto him, & unto the prince Claverindo, & understanding all, the king was very sorrowful for the great peril and danger in the which the prince Claverindo remained, although he thought all for the best, & was very glad to see in that country the prince Brandizel, for that he had a great d●…sire to ma●…ie him unto the princes Clarinea his daughter▪ for that it seemed unto him to be one of the be●…t knights in all the world.  
So after that there had passed betwixt them many things, the king commanded a horse to be given unto the prince, & so they departed together unto the city of Poloni●…, which was but four miles from that place, whereas they were meruailou●…ly well retained, but especially of the princes, whose joy & pleasure was such, that it could not be rehearsed, at such time as she understood of the coming of him whom her heart so greatly desired▪ and whom she thoug●…t so long for his coming. The history cannot here detain himself long, but only how that the prince remained there certain days in the which time the wise Lirgandeo understanding the great care in the which he was in, for that he du●…st not marry himself without the licence of his father, did send him letters from the king Florion, and from the queen his mother, by the which they gave him licence to marry with the princess Clarinea, & desired him to return & see them so soon as it was possible, & the prince being glad thereof, did show them unto the king, who likewise did rejoice thereat. So strait wsies the marriage was made in such sort, that the prince did enjoy the princess Clarineo, whereas the history doth leave them till time doth serve.   

¶ Of the great triumphs & feasts that were made in the court of the Emperor Alycandro. Chapter. 64.  
THe day drew on in the which the marriage of the knight of the Sun with the princess Lindabrides should be celebrated, & the whole city of Neptaia, with the wide & broad fields, were all furnished with valiant, worthy, & well esteemed knights, which seemed to be a mighty army, amongst them there lacked not high & mighty kings, & valiant & stout knights, for that all the flower of the pagans were joined together in the court of the emperor Alicandro, Whereat the knight of the Sun was greatly amazed for that if he had not seen it, he could not have believed that the power os any one Lord in all the world could not have extended so far. At this time the knight of the Sun was esteemed and honoured of all those mighty kings, Lords, and knights, who thought long for the day of the triumphs, for to see by experience some part of his great bounty that was so noised abroad, for that they could not believe that he should be of so great force & strength but that there were a great number of pagans in that court that would show themselves more valiaunter than he. In this time the great joy & contentment which the Princess Lindabrides received cannot be expressed, for that the day approached nigh in the which her well-beloved knight shall be given her to husband, so that there were no joy nor pleasure that might be compared unto hers, ●…or that as than she was void of all fear, & in great security of that great doubt which the presence of the princess Claridiana did put her in. So the dext day was come, in the which the great triumphs & feasts should be celebrated, for that the next day following they should be married, in which day the emperor (in a fresh & green garden, which was joining unto the palace) did invite all those mighty kings, princes, & esteemed knights, that were there present, for to dine with him, the which was done with great solemnity, and great store of music of divers sorts. The dinner was ended somewhat betimes, & all those knights which would enter into the 〈◊〉, went to arm themselves, & the ●…mperour put himself in his royal place appointed to be hold all that should pass, accompanied with such ancient kings & knights that for their age they could not wear armour nor ●…ust. And strait wai●…s the fair princes Lindabrides, who was so bravely & richly appareled, as never the like was seen, came forth accompanied with more than two hundredth of ladies & damsels, which were very fair & of high estate an●… lineage, and were carried unto a place of estate, that was very rich●…y hanged, and was appointed for them, on the one side of that mighty court. So when that all the windows, 〈◊〉, 〈◊〉 all other places were ●…urnished with people, knights began to appear in the court, a great number. Then the knight of the Sun being armed with his rich armour, that he had of Meridian, & mounted upon his light horse, he came forth into the place, all to he trapped with cloth of filu●…r, wrought with beaten gold, & set full of precious stones, 〈◊〉▪ which was worth a whole ●…ingdome. He likewise had a 〈◊〉 of blue silk, wr●…ught with gold, which the princes Lind●…brides, did give him▪ & did become him marvelously well, & for that he came forth accompanied with many princes & knights, & with the sound of many instruments it gave him so great majesty, that it well seemed that he was the most highest prince in all the world. And all men received great contentment of his mighty proportion, for that he was the best made knight, & the comeliest both on horseback & en foot, armed & v●…armed, that was ●…o be found amongst all 〈◊〉 & pagans. And the most excellentest pain●…ers in Grecia, did send his picture for a m●…ruaile into all the wor●…d, and was no les●…e wondered at of all 〈◊〉 that did see it. So when the knight of the Sun was ent●…ed into the great place, he road round about the same, & being done he put himself at his 〈◊〉, with a mighty great spear in his hand, 〈◊〉 pulled down ●…is beaver, & strait ways they began to 〈◊〉 unto the just. It was not long after, when there came forth against him a pagan knight, and prince of Cambray, a young man & very desirous to get honour, who was armed with 〈◊〉 ry rich armour, & mounted upon a great Horse, who 〈◊〉 against the knight of the Sun, who likewise came forth 〈◊〉 receive him, and made their encounter, with so great force 〈◊〉 strength, that the prince of Cambray all to be shivered hi●… spear, upon the strong armo●…r of the knight of the Sun, with out doing him any o●…her harm: but he made his 〈◊〉 with so great force, that as though he had been a child, he 〈◊〉 him out of the saddle unto the ground, & he passed 〈◊〉 on, as thou●…h he had done nothing. And for that they had the prince in estimation of a valiant knight, they were all very much amazed to see him so quickly over thrown. Then strait ways after him came forth Bracazar, king of the Sandalos, with a crown of gold upon his helm, which did signify him to be a king, who was very proud, and a knight very much feared amongst the pagans, & coming against the knight of the Sun, they made their encounters in such sort, that when the pride of Bracazar did mast increase, he found himself overthrown unto the ground, unto his great reproach, & the knight of the Sun, without any moving, & with great fury of his horse, did pass forwards on without receiving any harm. So strait ways there came forth another pagan, unto the encounter called, Gebreo, king of the Teras, one of the principalest in all the court of the emperor, who thought at the first encounter, to over throw the knight of the Sun, & with great fury went against him, & struck him, such a blow with his spear, that he made him somewhat to decline backwards upon his saddle. But the knight of the Sun, made his encounter with so great strength, that he over threw him & his horse unto the ground. Then without any further tarrying, there came foor●…h other three strong and valiant pagans, whom he overthrew at their first encounters, to the ground, 〈◊〉 so great wonder unto the emperor, & unto all those that did b●…hold him▪ that they could not believe that in any human knight, should remain so great force, or the like were able for to do. But much more they were amazed, when that the most part of the day he passed away in that sor●…, & had 〈◊〉 to the ground, more than one hundredth of paga●… knights, of kings & other mighty lords, without any show of weariness in him, or receiving any damage at all, but as one that ●…ad done nothing.  
Then the 〈◊〉 Oristedes, who was néer●… unto the ●…mperour, sa●…d: Of truth I cannot believe, but all the Gods in the heavens did io●…ne together at the making and ●…ngendring of this knig●…t, and did use him in all their powers and strength, for that coming bether & to be lord over all these thy country's kingdoms & ioveraigne Emperor, to be equal with them. Then the emperor said, I do ver●…ly believe the same for as the high gods hath brought me hither this knight, for to marry him with my daughter, & to be lord over this my high estate, even so had they great care & consideration, for to make him of so g●…eat courage, above all them that are in the world. And I so glad for to receive him to be my son, that there is no other joy, that I do d●…sire nor look for. So whilst that the emperor, & the Trojan Onstedes, was talking haereof, there entered into the great place, twelve giants, all together of so huge bigness, that they seemed to be towers, & all mounted upon mighty elephants, & armed with armour made of scales & bones, bordered with with fine gold & precious stones, with crowns of silver very curiously wrought, upon their helms, & their elophants were covered with skins, & lined with very fine white 〈◊〉, which did become them very well. And there entered in after them twelve dwarfs, of the Pigmeres, which were their pages, and all mounted upon Elophants, who carried their spears & shields, which were of so great hugeness, that they were all together hid under them, that no part of them could be perseved, in such sort, that beholding the mighty hugeness of the one, & the small stature of the other, might very well be considered the great contrariety that is in the operation of nature. Then so soon as they were entered in, the emperor strait ways sent word to know what they were & it was given to understand, that they were the kings of the oriental islands, which were very many & very abundant, full of gold & silver & precious stones, & whereas all the whole nation, as well women as men, were giants. Although not far from them was the country of pigmeres: & for that these kings did understand of these great feasts & triumphs, they were agreed altogether to 〈◊〉 & see them, each of them believing▪ that twenty of the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 that might be joined together, were not able to equal themselves unto his great force & strengeth. And to say the truth, they were the greatest & valiantest in all the world, for that they were of the natural generation of giants, for others there be abroad in countries, that although they seem to be as big as they be, ●…et are they not of the nation that they be of.  
When these twelve G●…ants were entered into the great & mighty place, all the whole company wondered greatly, for they were the greatest that ever they had seen, and being mounted upon these Elophants, they seemed an unusual thing to ●…ust with, & no knight would just with them, for that twenty knights together were not sufficient once to move them. So straightways one of them put himself right against the knight of the Sun, with a spear in his hand, of so huge bigness, that it seemed to be the mast of a ship, who shaked it with such unusual force of his arm, that all men mused at it, & seeing him so great & fearful, there were few in all that place but were very sorry to see him put himself against the knight of the Sun, but especially the Emperor Alicandro, and much more the princess his daughter, who could not abide to see her knight put in that great peril, but sodai●…ly lost her colour & fell in a sound in the arms of her ladies & damsels, who had very much to do before they could bring her again unto herself. But this worthy & courageous knight, who made no wonder at the hugeness of the Gian●… but choosing the greatest and strongest spear that was 〈◊〉 a great number that were there, and setting spurs unto his swift horse and with so great ●…ury, that it seemed like a whirl wind, he went towards that mighty Giant, who so fast as the Elophant could run, came against him▪ and joining together in the midst of the 〈◊〉, the spears point of the Giant did pierce through the shield of the knight of the Sun, and by reason that his armour w●…s the finest and the strongest that was in all the world, the spear could not pierce it, but glanced on the one side, so that the spear apeered at the back of the knight of the Sun, with his shield upon the point, for that the buckles thereof were broken, and upon a sudden in that place was there a g●…eat rumour, & shriks amongst the people, thinking that he had been slain, but the val●…ant knight who had not his equal in all the world, determined there to show his bounty, made his enter in such sort upon the broad breast of that dreadful Giant, by reason that the spear was great & strong, & before it did break he overthrew him & his Elephant to the ground, whose fall made so great a noise, as though a whole tower had fallen down, & he proceeded forwards on his furious course as though he had received no encounter at all, which made all those that were present to wonder at that mighty blow. Then the valiant Oristedes said unto the emperor: I do believe that if the ancestors of this knight, the greeks, and mine of the ●…roians, which were together at the siege of Troy, were now alive, not one of them should get any honour by this knight, neither could they do such marvels in knighthood, for that if this we have seen, should be related unto us in histories, are given us to understand by others, the most part thereof we never should nor could, beeleeue, but rather judge it to be a thing impossible. Of a truth said the emperor, your trojan ancestors were very good & singular knights, but yet I do believe that this knight is better than ever they were, & being in this communication, the second giant came forth to just with the knight of the Sun, who taking another shield, as fast as his horse could run moved against him, & so mightily they made their encounter, that the spear of the giant, by reason that it was big, and chanced a full blow on the knight of the Sun, that it made him to decline backwards somewhat, & broke not, but glanced upwards without doing any other harm, so that he settled himself, but he made his encounter with the Giant so strongly, that unhorsing him from his Elephant, he threw him to the ground, and the good Knight passed forwards, leaving the giant with so great anger, that the smoke c●…me out at his beaver, as from a chimney with fire. Then strait ways came forth the third Giant, whom this valiant knight did overthrow unto the ground▪ in the same order as he did the other▪ in ●…uch sort he persevered in his valiant bounty, that the first part of the day lacked to conclude, when that of the twelve giants, he had ouerthrowe●… a leaven of them to ground, without once moving in his Saddle at the encounter of any of them, putting so great wonder in all them which beeheld him, that seeing it before their eyes, they thought it a thing impossible to be béeleeved. And the fair Princess Lindabrides seeing her knight clear from so mighty encounters, was no less joyful, as to see him so far absent from the presence of the fair Princess Claridiana, although she was not in full security in seeing the last Giant which remained, who seemed unto her to be the best and most wonderful, and so it was of truth, for that this was the most bravest & strongest of them all, a●…d although they were all Kings, every one of them over his Island, yet by reason of his great braveness and mighty force, they were all subject unto this, and they esteemed him for their Lord and principal amongst them, and in sign and token thereof, this had his crown of fine gold marvelous richly wrought with precious stones, and the other were all of silver, and he was called Bradaman Campeon, which was as much to say in their language, mighty king, Captain, or champion, and was Lord over the Island Serpentaria, which is the most biggest and principallest amongst all the Oriental islands. The wise Artemidoro saith, that this was he that did compile the mighty deeds of he Knight of the Sun, in those parts whereas this Bradaman dwelled, was the most mightiest and valiantest Giant that ever was seen, and he who had most power over all the Giants of the Orient all islands, for that by reason of the great fierceness of that nation, there was never any that had so much power as to bring them into subjection, but in the time of this Bradaman Campeon, they were constrained to be subject unto him, in such sort, that in only hearing him named, they did tremble and quake, and in respect of him, they did not only take him to be their Lord, but did also serve and obey all such kings as were put in by him into any of those islands, and would not suffer any for to reign longer than it was his will and pleasure.  
This great Campeon seeing his strong companions so overthrown and lose the victory, he received thereat neither sorrow nor grief, but was rather very glad and joyful, to see the great valour of that knight, for that (as he hoped to) to overcome him, he might then the better show forth his great bounty, although it seemed unto him to get very little honour in overcoming of him, considering the great encounters and justs which he had made before with so many Giants and Knights, and approaching unto the knight of the Sun upon his mighty Elophant, which seemed to be a great tower, he said.  
Sir Knight, thou oughtest to have thyself in great estimation, for that thou hast with so great lightness overthrown my companions, which are the most strongest Giants in all my Kingdoms, and for that thou shalt not deceive thyself of thy victory, the which thou hast got of them, neither thy bounty to make thee so hardy for to enter with me alone into contention, I will give thee to understand that I am Bradaman Campeon, Lord over the Oriental islands, he that if all the Knights in the world were joined together in the 〈◊〉 against him, he doth think to put them unto the sword first, before they should overcome him by arms. Likewise ●…or that I would not that the reproach of my companions▪ should be left unrevenged, I will give thee this liberty, for to choose fifty knights of the best that thou canst find in all this company, and that you come all together to combat with me, and not to let me take any rest till such time as I do kill and vanquish you all.  
The great bravery of the Giant for all that, did not put any fear into this worthy knight, although he seemed unto him, to be one of the most deformedst of stature that ever he saw in all his life: yet his valiant courage was such, that with the help of god, he hoped to abate his pride, & with that confidence he answered & said: I do give thee great thanks Bramadan, for this tale which thou hast told unto me although (for to give occasion to have thee in greater estimation) it had been better, that an other had given me to understand of thy great fame, and not told me by thyself. For that there can nothing be well done, when that it is advanced and set forth by the d●…er thereof, but must needs lose a great part of the ●…ertue, and touching that, whereas thou sayest, that I should choose unto me fifty Knights for to help me, I give thee no thanks for the same, for that I am fully persuaded, that thou dost it for vainglory, and to boast thyself, more than for any honour or profit thou dost mean towards me: therefore take unto thee thy weapon and come forth against me, for with the favour and help of God, one of lesser stature than thou art, although his better servant did quell a Giant as thou art: so likewise may I overcome thee: for that thou mayst the better know the great miracles of god, and how mighty they are. Bradaman, who very well understood, what the Knight of the Sun had said, making a great laughter, he said: Knight, if before I had thee in reputatio●… of valiant, I now account thee for simple and foolish, for that thou wilt attempt things that are béeyond nature, and unpossible: so that I do account it rather to folly then to any manhood or strength: take into thy company the Knights which I do will thee, otherwise it will be a great reproach to me, when it shall be known in my Country, that I do take a spear to just with one alone Knight. Then the Knight of the Sun said, it is more honour to overcome one knight, than to be overcome by one hundredth. And if in thy Country it be a great shame for to just against one alone Knight, so likewise 〈◊〉 my country a great dishonour, when it shall be known, that for to combat with thee I seek company and help, therefore I will combat with thee alone if thou wilt, if not, make thy return back again from whence thou camest, and let other good Knights come unto the Just, who doth think long for the Same. Bradaman at these words was very angry, and likewise for the Knight of the Sun, because he would continue with him alone, and as one amazed he remained not knowing what to do, one way seeming to be great necessity in him to combat with him alone, and an other way great reproach and shame, to leave his companions quarrel unrevenged. The Emperor and all those th●…t were with him did well hear and understand all that passed beetwixt them, not a little wondering at the fierceness of that monstrous and valiant Giant, and did greatly fear his strength and unreasonable stature, seeming unto them unpossible that any human Knight should overcome him. Now when Bradaman saw that his braveness nor importunations did little prevail him to persuade the Knight of the Sun not to enter into battle with him alone, with great fury he turned the reins of his mighty Elephant, and broaching him with his spurs, he 〈◊〉: Well, seeing that thy folly hath so disquieted me, if all the Gods in the Heavens should join together with t●…eyr powers for to secure and aid thee, yet shall they not be sufficient for to deliver thee out of my hands, and more he s●…yd: O●… 〈◊〉 and reproachful Bradaman, at the mensioning of whose name all the whole earth almost doth tremble, and now one alone knight so valivant and hardy, that he dare put himself in the field against me: how and which way might I take revengement of this so great o●…trage. And in saying these words with a mighty great spear in his hand, which seemed to be as big as a Pine Tree, and as fa●…t as his Elephant could run, he went against the Knight of the Sun, who calling upon God for h●…s aid and ●…uccour, likewise ran against him, with so great swiftness, that heaven and earth seemed to tremble, so that the lookers on had great fear to behold him, ●…arrying to see the success of that rigorous encounter, the which was such, and with so great force and strength▪ that their spears (although they were very big) were sheevered all to pieces without any moving either of them in their saddles till such time as they came to meet together with their bodies and horses. Then the good Horse Cornerino with his sharp and hard horn, broached the El●…phaunt in the midst of the breast, in such sort, that wounding h●…m very s●…re, he overthrew him dead to the ground with his master Bramadan upon him, who gave such a blow upon the earth with his fall, that it seemed a mighty Tower to have fallen he made so great noise. Likewise the Knight of the Sun with his Horse being tormented with the mighty encounter of Bradaman and his Elephaunt, almost astonished they came both to the ground, yet with a tryse this courageous knight rose up upon his feet, & with his sword deawen in his hand, and his shield on his arm, he went against Bradaman, who greatly amazed at that strong encounter, was upon his feet, with a great bat of iron in both his hands, at the end whereof was hanged by strong chains of pron four great peliets of the same metal, the which he ●…long about his head, flourishing with such ●…urie to see himself overthrown at the first encounter by one alone Knight, that he wished all the whole place to be fu●…l of Knights, and against him, that he might the better execute his fury, and coming nigh unto the Knight of the Sun, with great fury and forc●… he let dri●…e at him so terrible a blow, that the big pellets on his bat whirled in the air, and made so great a noise, that there was none in all the place, but only in seeing of him so fierce and outrageous, but were marvelously afraid. But this mighty and valiant knight, seeing so terrible and mortal a blow coming upon him, with great discretion made show as though he would abide the fury thereof, but yet at such time as he would discharge the same, by reason that the Grant was ●…rry h●…gh, and the blo●… struck overthwart▪ he with great 〈◊〉 st●…oped down to the ground, in such sort, that the blow went over him without touching him any thing at all. And with the great fury of the bat and the pellets, it made the Giant to turn twice about with all his body. In the mean time this valiant knight, did strike him such a blow upon his leg, that what with the great strength wherewith it was strooken, and the fineness of his sword, it cut his armour and the flesh unto the hard bone, whereat issued very much blood, that the earth was all to be sprinkled therewith. But when that Bradaman, felt himself wounded, and saw his adversary before ●…im, with so great courage, his wrath, anger and mortal courage was such that he might be compared unto one of the infernal furies, for that there came forth at his visor so much smoke and sparkles of fire, as though it had been full of gun powder and Brimstone. And with so great braveness, that he put great fear in all them that did béehould him, with both his hands, he began to throw that great and heavy bat about his head, with so great force and swiftness, that it seemed to make a round cerkle, and the weighty pellets of iron that hung thereat, made a whirling noise in the air. And so with this dreadful semblance, he went against the knight of the Sun, being very certain and sure, that if any of those pellets, should fasten upon him, that it would break him all to pieces. But he who in the like extremities his heart never fayle●… him, seeing that it did accomplish him to 〈◊〉 from his adversary, or else to abide that dangerous blow, from the which it was not possible to escape the death, if any of those pellets did chance to hit him. At such time as he came nigh him, & that the pellets had passed once about whi●…ling hard by his v●…sar of his helmr, before that he could come about again, with great lightness, he put himself within the force of the blow, and ●…oyned with the Giant, in such sort, that when he came about with his swelling blow again, the pellets miss their purpose, but with the hand end of the club he struck the Knight of the Sun with so great strength that he thought verily, that all his armour and bones had been broke a sunder in the midst: and by reason of the grea●… strength and swiftness wherewith the pellets flew about, was the occasion that the bat flew out of the Giants hands, and ●…ell a great way from him on the ground. The which when the good Knight saw, being very glad, he cleared himself from him, and said: I promise thee from this time forwards, thou shalt not profit thyself any more of this thy dreadful weapon against me. Then the Giant who made no reckoning thereof, drew out a great broad falchion the which he had hanging at his ●…ide, and said: knight, do not encourage the self any more for this, that if all the heavens and 〈◊〉 were joined together in thy fa●…our, yet should they not be sufficient for to deliver thy life out of my hands. And in saying these words, he went unto the Knight of the Sun, for to strike him a blow upon his head, the which was done so quickly, that the Knight had no leisure for to clear himself, but warding it with his sword and shield in the best wise he could, and chancing under his sword, he ●…loue his shield a sunder in the midst, and the force of the blow descended down upon his Helm with so great strength, that it made him to stoop with his knees & hands. down to the ground, and if his helm had not been won●…erfull good, at that same blow he had cloven him down unto the girdle, yet for all this, that valiant knight fainted nothing at all, but with great lightness he arose up a●…ayne, and by reason that the Giant was of great height, he could not procure to wound him from the waist upwards, ●…herefore he took his Sword in both his hands and stroke ●…im such an overthwart blow, upon the left leg, that he cut 〈◊〉 harness and flesh to the hard bone, and made a grea●… wound then the other before, whereout there issued ve●… much blood, whereat Bradaman recovered so great out●…agious fury, that he wished that all the great place were ●…ll of knights to contend against him, whereon he might the 〈◊〉 execute his blow, for that the Knight of the sun ●…ith his great lightness and force did clear himself from 〈◊〉, in such sort, that it was a great marvel for him to 〈◊〉 one sure blow upon him, which was the occasion that the battle endured more than two hours betwixt them, with so great force and strength, that there was no judgement to be given béetweene them who should have the victory. All those which béeheld this brave battle were very much amazed at the fury and force of Bradaman, and much more at the bounty of that valiant knight, & how he could so long endure against him. Then the Emperor Alicandro (although he had great doubt of the battle) yet he marveled very much, and said unto Oristedes, the singular bounty of the Knight of the Sun is to be wondered at, who likewise with words of great praise said, that there was not a knight in all the world that in bounty & strength was like unto him. In this time the fair Princess with the out ward show of her heavy countenance, and the going and coming of her rubicond colour, gave to understand what great sorrow and grief her heart received for to see her well-beloved knight put into so great peril and trouble, and occupied herself in no other thing, but praying unto her Gods for to give him the victory, at which time the splendent Sun drew nigh unto the Occident regions, and the sad darkness of the night began to cover the earth, when the furious Bradaman and the good Knight of the Sun had endured three hours in the battle, without taking any rest, yet at that time they struck so fierce and furious one against an other, as though it did but as then béegin, and Bradaman laboured with great courage for to fasten one sure blow upon the Knight of the Sun, beeléeving verily there with to make an end of that battle, but all that ever he did procure to do, was to little purpose, for that this worthy knight knowing the great peril and danger of his mortal blows, did procure by all means to defend and clear himself from them and with great fury and lightness he did still strike and wound him on his big legs in such sort, that although his armour was made of fine and hard bones of Elephaunts, yet when the night drew on, he had more than ten wounds on them, whereout ran so great abundance of blood, that all the place was baraye●… therewith, as though there had been two bulls slain, the quantity, was so much by reason whereof the giant's force and strength abated, in such sort, that he did not execute his blewes with so great strength as he did at the first, the which being known by the knight of the Sun, his fury & ●…orce increased the more▪ & Bradaman fainted by the loss of so much b●…ood, & being without all power & strength, he fell down unto the ground, whose fall was so terrible & heavy, that it made the whole palace, with all the towers to shake, which was as great ●…oy & pleasure unto them that did behold it, as it was sorrow & grief unto all the giants, the companions of Bradaman, who were ready to burst with pure anger, to see their lord to be over come & lose the victory, & the knight of the Sun giving thanks unto almighty god for that great victory, went unto Bradaman, ●… pulled off his helm to see if he were dead or not, and when he saw that he was but in a sound, he commanded strait ways that he should be carried from thence, whereas he might be cured of his wounds. The which was strait way done, and his wounds washed and bound up, & found that he was in no peril of death, although if the knight of the Sun had known at that time what would have happened, with a very good will he would have c●…t off his head, before he would have commanded him to b●… 〈◊〉, for that every drop of blood which was there spilled, cost full dearly the emperor of Greece. Thus this brave & perilous battle being concluded, the horse of the knight of the Sun was strait wa●…es brought unto him, & 〈◊〉 thereon, all those kings & mighty lords came for to bear him company▪ with such gallant noise of music, that it showed the great malestie of those kings & Princes that were there present. In this sort they bore this knight company till he came unto the mighty palace, doing him such honour as the like was never done unto any Prince or Knight, and being entered into the palace, in company with those Kings, ●…ordes, and knights, the mighty Emperor Alicandro came 〈◊〉 into the galleries for to receive him, & embracing him with great love he 〈◊〉: Oh my door & weibeloved son, how happy & joyful was that day when first I knew you, I may acco●…nt myself happy in that I had a daughter for to deserve so ●…aliant a knight. Then the knigh●… of the Sun kneeling d●…wne before him, sai●…: In this am I only bound to give great thanks unto God, & to acc●…unt myself happy & fortun●…te, for that I acknowledge for my father so soueraign●… a lord. And being in this conference, the empress came & embraced him with great love, although until that time she did with him evil for the great love which she b●…re unto her son the prince Meridian, yet having seen that day the great marvels by him done, her malice was turned into great love, & accounted herself happy in obtaining such a son in law▪ Then they altogether entered into a very great quadra●…, whereas he was unarmed, & being supper time, the fair●… princ●…s Lindabrides was brought thither with great torch light, & much musi●…ke, whereas they sup●…ed altogether with great joy & 〈◊〉, the knight of the Sun & the fair princes Lindabrides were set together, where●…s passed betwixt them many amorous questions, the which did great●…ye increase their amorous desires, & by reason of the great quantity of lights that were in the quadran, their beauties did redouble more than before, & gave great contentm●…nt unto all the lookers on. So after that they had s●…pped, began the feasts of dancing, in the which the knight of the Sun did 〈◊〉 with the princes, with so notable & excellent grace, with the like disposition, that it was a thing worth●… of beholding. Likewise th●…se kings & lords did dance with the l●…dies and damsels of the princess, who were very fair, in the which mirth and pastime they passed away the greatest part o●… the night, and for that the Knight of the Sun was very weary of his great travail the past, the Emperor would not that that night they should be made sure together, but commanded it to be referred till the next day following▪ Thus midnight being passed, all men went unto their rest and the knight of the Sun at two of the clock in the morning took his leave of the Princess Lindabrides, with great sorrow & grief, for that his desired glory was put off and delayed till the next day. So being departe●… the one from the other, the knight of the Sun was carried into his chamber, whereas he ever lay since his coming thither, and being laid in his rich bed, he passed away that night, as shall be told you in the first Chapter of the next book.   
Thus endeth the second part of the first book of the Mirror of Knighthood.   

THE TABLE.  

OF all that happened unto the Emperor Trebatio and the Princess Briana in their way unto the Grecian Empire Chapter. 1. Folio. 1.  
How the Emperor Trebatio and the Princess Briana arrived in the Empire of Grecia. Chap 2. fol. 7  
How the departure of the Emperor Trebatio & the princes Briana, was known in the court of king Tiberio, & what passed about the same. Chap. 3 fol. 8.  
How the knight of Cupid did take his leave of the Queen Arguirosa & entered into the kingdom of Russia, where he found a strange adventure. Chap. 4. fol. 13.  
How the knight of Cupid entered into the dreadful cave of Artidon, and of all that happened ther. Chap 5. fol. 18.  
How the two Princes, Brandizel and Claverindo departed from the kingdom of Polonia▪ & came into the kingdom of France, and of all the rest that happened. chap 6. fol. 26▪  
How the two Princes Brandizel and Claverindo, being in the City of Paris, there came thither Branbafuriel, with whom the Prince Claverindo had a very strong and furious battle. Chap 7. fol. 28.  
How the knight of the Sun escaped out of prison where he was, and perforce departed from the Court of the king Tiberio Chap. 8. fol. 31.  
Of all that passed in the court of the king Tiberio, after the knight of the Sun was departed, and how the brethren of the Duke of Pannonia, and Aridon of the wilderness did determine to revenge themselves of the king Tiberio, for that he would not pardon their deaths. chap. 9 fol 34.  
How the knight of the Sun came unto a Castle, whereas he did deliver a Gentlewoman, & recovered two Pages whom he carried with him. Chap. 10. fol 42.  
Of the great triumphs which were made in Constantinople for the coming of the Emperor Trebatio, and how the death of the Prince Edward was bruited in great Britt●ine, and of all that happened Chap 11. fol. 45.  
How the three Princes, Bargandel, Liriamandro, and the Tartarian Zoylo, who went in the demand of Rosicler▪ came into the kingdom of Lusitania, and of all that happened unto them there. Chap. 12. fol 47  
How the three Princes, Barga●…del, Lyriamandro, and the 〈◊〉 Zoylo, issued foo●…th with such people as were in the City unto the Camp of their en●…mies, and of the mighty deeds of arms that they did there. Chap. 13. fol 50  
How these three Princes went forth the second time into the camp, & were taken prisoners by their enemies. cap. 14. 〈◊〉 52  
How the Knight of the Sun g●…eing towards the 〈◊〉 of Grecia, should have been taken by treason at a bridge, and of all that pas●…ed therein. chap. 15. fol. 54  
How Florinaldus would have taken the Knight of Sun by treason, and how he slew his knights, & received Florinaldus to his 〈◊〉, & of all that happened beside. cap. 16. ●…o. 56  
How the Knight of Cupid departed from the Kingdom of Russia and of all that happened unto him in his journey. Chapter 17. folio 58  
How the Knight of Cupid arrived in the Kingdom of Phe●…cia, whereas he delivered from death a Knight, who afterward was a very great friend of his. Chap. 18. fol. 63  
Of a strange adventure which happened unto the Knight of Cupid and the King Sacridoro, travailing by the mountains of Phenica. chap. 19 folio. 68  
How the three Prince's Bargandel, Liriama●…dro, and the Tartarian Zoylo, came unto the fountain whereas the King Sacridoro was lamenting the death of his great friend the Knight of Cupid, and how they were advertised by him who he was, and of all that happened therein. chap. 20. fol. 70  
Of a strange adventure which the Knight of the Sun found travauling towards the Grecian Empire. chap. ●…1. fol. 72  
Of a stout and well fought battle beetwixt the Knight of the Sun and the Prince Meridian, and of all that happened afterward. chap. 22. fol 78  
How the Prince Meridian did leave the Chariot of the Princess●… Ly●…dabrides his sister, and how he went with the armour and horse of the Knight of the Sun▪ unto the 〈◊〉 of the King of Macedonia. chap. 23. fol. 83  
How the Knight of the Sun and the Princessee Lindabrides travailed towards Constantinople, and sent messenge●… to the Emperor Trebatio, to give him to understand of their coming chap. 24. fol. 84  
Of the entering of the Knight of the Chariot, and the fair princess Lindabrides into Constantinople cap. 25 fol. 86  
Of a strange adventure which happened unto the Princess Claridiana being a hunting. chap. 26. fol. 89  
Of that which happened unto the sorrowful Knight of Cupid, after he was carried to the fountain of the savage people. chapter. 27. folio. 93  
How the three Princes, Bargandel, Liriamando, & the Tartarian Zoylo, went unto Constantinople, whereas they gave understanding of the death of Rosicler. chap. 28. fol. 96  
How Florinaldus came into the kingdom of France where he was taken prisoner at a bridge, and how by two Knights that came thither he was set at liberty, whom he knew to be the knights of the flower de luces, which he sought. cha. 29. fol. 98  
How the Knight of Cupid & the king Sacridoro departed from the kingdom of Penicia, for the Empire of Greece. ca 30. f. 99  
Of a fierce & perilous battle which the knight of Cupid had wiah a famous Giant in the Grecian Empire. cha. 31. fo. 100  
How the knight of the chariot returned to defend the beauty of the Princess Lindabrides, in the mighty city of Constantinople, whereas happened strange things. chap. 32. fol. 104  
How the knight of the Sun returned to defend the beauty of the princes Lindabrides▪ & what happened beside. ca 33. fol. 108  
How the knight of the Sun did defend the beauty of the princess Lindabrides and how there entered into the justing place the Knight of Cupid, and the king Sacridoro. chap. 34. fol. 109  
Of the wonderful and cruel battle made betwixt the knight of the Sunue and the Knight of Cupid, and of the perilous end and success thereof. chap, 35. fol. 112  
How the Knight of the Sun and the knight of Cupid were come again unto themselves, and how they were known to be brethren by a marvelous means. chap. 36. fol. 119  
Of the great feasts and triumphs which were made in the great City of Constantinople, for the acknowledging of the Princes, and of a certain adventure which came at that time thither, whereat all the Knights of the Court were at the point to be lost. Chap. 37. folio. 129  
Who the valiant Rodaran was, and the damsel, and the occasion wherefore they came unto the court of the Emperor Trebatio. chap. 38. folio. 137  
How the prince Brandizel went to combat with Rodran, and of the strong and rigorous battle they had. cap. 40. fo. 148  
How the Prince Rodamarte went unto the bridge of lasp, for to combat with the valiant Rodaran. chap. 36. fol. 144  
How the King Sacridoro went to combat with Rodaran, and of all that happened unto them therein chap. 41. fo. 156  
Of the st●…onk and well fought battle that the valiant Rosicleer had with that stout Pagan Rodaran, and of all that happened unto them therein. chap. 42. fol. 158  
How the Prince Don Siluerio returned, and demanded of the King, his daughter the Princess Olivia, to wife, and beccause she would not marry with him, she returned with her knig●…ts: and of all that chanced therein. chap. 43. folio. 171  
How the knight of the Sun went to combat with Rodaran, and by a demand he left his determined journey. cap. 44. fo. 173  
How the Knight of the Sun and the King Lyseo went out into the camp of their enemies, and of the cruel battle that they had with them. chap. 45. fol. 172  
How Rodaran sent unto the Emperor, demanding more Knights, and who went forth in the demand. cap. 46 foe 176  
How it was known in Constantinople the imprisonment of the Emperor, and what was done in consideration thereof. Chapter 47. fol. 181  
How the Knight of the Sun. & the King Liseo went forth the second day against their enemies, and of the high Knighhood which they showed in their battle. chap. 48 fol. 185  
How Rodaran came to land and by great adventue he came unto the Kingdom of Lydia. chap. 49. fol. 189  
How the Knight of the Sun went out the third time into the camp of the King of Arcadia, and what happened therein. Chapter. 50. folio. 195  
How the Emperor Trebatio with all his Princes and knights departed out of the Kingdom of Lydia towards Constan●…. chap. 51. fol. 198  
How the Empress Briana was delivered of a son, and of the great feasts that were made at his birth. Chap. 52. fol. 201  
How the princess Lindabrides before the Emperor, Princs, and Knights of the Court, did ask a boon of the Knight of the Sun, and he granted it unto her, which was the occasion that he must departed out of the Empire of Greece. Chapter 53. folio. 202  
How the Knight of Cupid in company with the King Sacridoro went unto Constantinople, and of all that happened more. chap. 54. fol. 206  
How the Knight of the Sun and the fair Princess Lindabrides went forwards on their journey towards the great Tartary and of the stout battle that the Knight of the Sun had with the Trojan Oristedes. chap. 55. fol. 215  
How Rosicleer and the king Sacridoro came into England & what happened with them there. chap. 56. fol. 223  
How Fidelia went unto the Princess Olivia, and gave her understanding of the coming of Rosicler. chap. 57 fo. 22●…  
How Fidelia departed from the court, & went to speak wit●… Rosicler at the monastery, whereas she left him▪ ca 58. fo. 22●…  
How the great Triumphs and Feasts of the marriage of th●… Princess Olivia were celebrated, and of all that happened therein. chap. 59 fol. 23●…  
How at such time as the king Oliverio & the mights Princ●… and knights of the court were joined together that the Pri●… cease Olivia and the prinee Don Siluerio should take hand Rosicler & the King Sacridoro entered into the mighty 〈◊〉 lace, and what happened therein. chap. 60. fol. 2●…  
How the Trojan Oristedes came unto the court of the emperor Alicandro, and gave him understanding of the coming of the Princess Lindabrides. cap. 61. fol. 2●…  
How the two Princes, Brandizel and Claverindo, depar●… from the court of the Emperor Trebatio, and what happened unto them being at the sea. chap. 62. fol. 2●…  
How the Prince Brandizel was delivered from the tormen●… the sea, & what happened unto him afterwards. 63. fol. 2●…  
Of the great triumphs and feasts that were made in the 〈◊〉 of the Emperor Alicandro▪ chap. 64. fol. 2●…   
FINIS.