THE NINTH part of the Mirror of Knighthood, Being the fourth Book of the third part thereof:  
Wherein is declared, the high and noble acts of the sons and nephews of the Noble Emperor Trebacius, and of the rest of the renowned Princes and Knights, and of the high chivalry of the gallant Ladies: wherein also is treated of the most cruel war that ever was in Greece, with the amorous events, and the end thereof.  
AT LONDON Printed for Cuthbert Burbie, and are to be sold at his shop, at the Royal Exchange 1601.   

The fourth Book of the third part of the Mirror of Knighthood, wherein is declared, the high and noble acts of the sons and nephews of the Noble Emperor Trebacius, and of the rest of the renowned Princes and Knights, and of the high chivalry of the gallant Ladies: wherein is treated of the most cruel war that ever was in Greece, with the amorous events, and the end thereof.  

The first Chapter. How the Princess Rosselia of Rome, being delivered from the Enchantment, desired her father to be revenged on Don Heleno, Prince of Dacia; and of that which followed thereof.  
SO many were the harms received of the princes of the Greeks, (most Noble Lord) that in all the Pagan's countries there was no speech of any thing, but of revenge, and that, the most cruel that might be: for those which were grieved, were so great monarchs, that each of them determined to invade Greece apart; particularly, Bembo, who drew his pedigree from jupiter, and felt himself most touched, seeing the Greek lover to bear away the spoils, which were due to his worth and valour.  
Well had the Pagan some body else, who likewise was grieved for him. For Proserpina below in her dark kingdom, through the malice which she bore against the Greeks, entreated her beloved Pluto, for aid in the behalf of Bembo, against the Grecians. The infernal prince was so subject to his wives request, that he commanded Discord to be called, whom, with the greatest company that possibly might be, he commanded presently to depart, & to leave neither arms nor lance on end, which should not be bend against the Greeks: for the Grecians bold attempts were not to be endured. Discord felt itself some thing grieved, ever since the time of the venturous Octavius Augustus; for her arm being unable to resist the valour of that young man, he peaceably possessed the whole world; wherefore it was an easy matter to make her leave that infernal habitation: she was well accompanied; for with her went Ambition, and jealousy, friend to the blind god, and there went Avarice and the rest of the infernal Furies. Discord sallied, armed at all pieces, in russet armour, with a sword in each hand, & upon her shoulders a bright shining Mirror; a sign, that as she pardoned none, so would she go in safety from her enemies, accounting all for such Covetousness marched with her spectacles, which made all she saw seem greater, with a monstrous aspect. The first place attempted, was in Morea, against the brave Epirabio, to the end that in service of his Liciana he should repair into Grecia, there now to recover that, which before, by his late coming he had lost. They knew how to take so good order, that although the Prince went with his confederates, all the kingdom was in an uproar, to attend the service of their sovereign Lord. The king of Lituania was already summoned, to the end that, with the greatest forces that he was able to make, he should draw near unto Niquea. Covetousness encountered this man, and in such sort overcame him, that at the instant he began to order his people, which were many and well armed.  
The fair Lisiana would not stay from going into Greece; for not a little succeeded for her there: Good friends had they ray3sed against Grecia, but their chiefest trust remained in the brave Romans. Discord, Covetousness and Suspicion took charge of the Conquest: For the very soul of Resilia was possessed, seeing her faith so ill rewarded, and that the Dacian had made a scoff of her. There is no viper, which showeth itself so cruel, as a fair Lady doth against him, whem she hath once loved as her soul. jealousy crossed in the midst, until she was wholly overcome, forcing her to ask cruel vengeance of her father, for that which the Dacian had committed. They made hereto add thereunto, which was, that the Emperor ask her, whether there past any promise of Marriage? She (being blinded with passion) answered her Father, Yea.  
Wrath approached in so good a time, that a Basiliska returneth not more wrathful, than the Roman Emperor Constantius showed himself to be against the Greeks: he presently commanded a Council to be assembled in this case: there entered thereinto Arsiano, the brave Prince of Almany, whom Dishonour had already overcome, bringing to his mind, the disgrace whereinto Don Heleno the Prince of Dacia had brought him: and as his voice was the first, and he well disposed thereto, he gave his opinion, that by fire and sword, vengeance should be taken. No man gainsaid this passionate young man. The alarm was speedily given in Rome, and in all the towns subject thereto.  
Thither came the Kings of Zerssa, of Carthage and of Argier, all which were friends to the Romans.  
The king of Rhodes failed not in this war. As for the furious Almain, he thought with his own people alone to give battle to the whole world: for he left not in all Almany, neither high nor low, one man that was able for the wars.  
The King of Scotland came with a mighty Hosse, in favour of the Roman Empire, for the friendship he had amongst the Daughters. Discord was yet of greater power; for it passed into Gibia, leading Revenge by the hand, where she published the death of their Princes, by the hands of the Dacian Lord in Rome: their death was there already understood, and mourned for.  
But those infernal furies knew how to take so good order, that all that whole populous Kingdom was at an instant in an uproar: who had a younger brother, and the most valiant man in all those kingdoms, called Brundusio the strong, who although that he were not a Giant of his body, yet there was no man (how strong soever) that was able to resist his force, which yet was not known to be borrowed. He speedily began to levy people, gathering together the Borderers, which were brave Knights, with many proud Giants, which exceeded two thousand: of other people, the strong Brundusio raised an hundred thousand fight men, and with them he went to join himself with the Romans, carrying sufficient provision for many days, perceiving that the war would be of long continuance. The Emperor of his arrival received him with great joy, seeming unto him, that with that people, and the rest which he would levy, it were a small matter to subdue the whole world: they would not invade the Greeks, without advertising them of their departure, deeming that it would be attributed to their small valour, although it followed a most cruel naval war, as that which passed between them and the Sultan of Egypt, which would give them notice, that they were daily to expect them. Herewith was there made a most proud defiance, signed by xii kings, which were joined in that confederacy with the mighty Roman, who of himself and of his adherents, had levied above four hundred thousand most ready and expert Soldiers: for amongst them went the fierce Almains, a people through all the world held for valiant. Commandment was given for the making of many engines for the wars, and providing of munitions, because they would not every day lend for provisions. In such sort was the Roman furnished, that not of Grecia, but of all the world, he made small reckoning, promising his daughter to crown her Empress of Constantinople, in despite of all the Grecians. And with this preparation they speedily sent foore Giants, in company with a cousin german of Brundusio, called Coriando, a most valiant Knight, & held in the second degree after his strong cousin, with a Damsel called Sabina, which knew Don Heleno, for that she had invited him to the justs, who carried the defiance signed and sealed, knowing what she had to say, as she which was one of the most discrat women of the world. The messengers were about to depart, when in the great Palace entered those, which were sent by the Sultan of Niquea, advertised by Lupercio, of that which the infernal Furies had gained upon the Roman Prince. There came the brother of the Prince of the Garamants, subject to the Sultan, and two other Princes, which were of Media and of Armenia, who, although they had been in disgrace with the Sultan, about the stealing of L●riana, as is said in the first book, the truth being known, that they had not be●n the cause, nor acquainted therewith, he received them into his friendship, binding them by new favours, which was, to send them for his Ambassadors to the Court of Rome: They went with such company as was fit for so great Princes, as they were. The King knowing of their coming, with the most principal that were with him, went forth to receive them, taking the King of the Garamants by the hand, to do him the greater honour: they all let them down to hear the Ambassade of so mighty a Monarch as the Sultan of Niquea. As they all expected the Ambassade of the Sultan, the valiant King of the Garamants, making a little reverence, drew out a sealed Letter of credence, and giving it to the great Emperor of Rome, Constantius look it, and with a loud voice a king of Arms read it, which said thus: was therein. The valorous Coriandro, who went in company with the four Giants & the Damsel, answered him, that therein went certain Knights of Rome, into Grecia, to defy the Greeks. Much were they pleased with the answer of those Princes, and seeing they held that course, having so good occasion, they said they would accompany them: for no lesser displeasures had they also received of the Greeks. It appeared what they were, by their Arms: and so those of Rome also rejoiced in their souls, to have so valiant Knights (as they seemed to be) in their company, not seeing the hour to meet them in Grecia: where we will leave them until their time, for they will bring in matter enough to talk of.   

CHAP. II. Of that which happened unto the Prince Poliphebus of Tinacria, with the Damsel which carried him into the kingdom of Samogacia.  
ALl those which have weighed the great travel of Imagination, with such sound consideration, and so advisedly, as is requisite, (most noble Prince) have judged it very great; and not without much reason: for he who will please many, must seek out matter different: for that which to one is loathsome, another holdeth for pleasant and sweet; and to hit right to please many, is impossible: for even between three that are invited, there is great difference in tastes: as he said, who had well experimented the same, Horace. I say so, because it is not possible in so large an history as this, which I now have in hand, but to be tedious, with the diversity of Chapters: although that if men impassionate should be judges therein, this is the most certain mean to entertain that can be.  
But of force, seeing I take this way, I must have recourse to pardon, and to treat somewhat (leaving so many defiances) of the noble Tinacrian, who with some amorous grief took his leave of Rosabel, both wondering at what they saw the one in the other: but it made it the lighter, to see the valorous kinsmen which he had, and what it behoved him to do, to be called brother to so great Princes, and Uncle to such a Knight; for yet to Claridiano he was unknown. With this conceit he retired to embark him, where his Damsel attended his coming, fearful that his long staying might be the occasion, that he should not come in time with his succours; for the most accomplished Lady in all Samogacia, had grounded her hopes upon him. At his coming, she told him, what pain she endured, and the cause thereof. Great grief would it be to me, fair Damsel, (said the resolute young man) if my staying should give occasion of any defect, and I should be very glad if you would show me your necessity; for since our coming out of Gréece, we have had no place for it: and seeing that now the Seas and fortune have given it, I should be very glad thereof. All shall be performed, valorous Prince of Tinacria, seeing the life of her which sent me to seek, resteth in your hands: and because you shall be the more willing to procure her remedy, hearken, and you shall hear the greatest and most unreasonable, that ever was used to Lady; for if you be sworn to the laws of love, you shall understand how unjustly my Lady is condemned to an infamous death: and understand, that in the great and populous kingdom of Samogacia, there is a King, who for his valour and person is worthy to be King of the universal world; it pleased the Heavens to give him sons and daughters, which is the greatest pleasure in the world, and fortune willing to try his valour, with taking them all away from him, leaving him one only daughter, of whom it is said, that the sum and full perfection of beauty, and accomplishment of qualities, is included in her shape and goodly proportion: for in her, beauty is no hindrance to her discretion, with both which graces she is adorned in the highest degree that may be, and so have they given her a name conformable to her constitution, (calling her Celibella:) for her beauty seemeth rather heavenly, then of the earth; where, if ought be excellent, yet it bringeth with it some ill-favoured abatement. With this Lady, the Princes of Podolia fell in love, Knights to whom nature had showed herself very bountiful, endowing them with what is most desired: she made them equals, to the end that as brothers, and so like in proportion, but that by their names, no man could have known them: the elder was called Daristeo of Podolia, and the younger Rosaner: Both at their coming affected the kings fair● Daughter, wooing her with many Tilt and Attorneys, which they caused for her sake, wherein they were both commended in equal degree. As to subject the mind in these lovers cases, is reserved to love only, it ordained for the greater evil, that Celibella most affected the younger, not for that he had more than the other, but that fortune thought it an honourable trophy to triumph of these two lovers: with her eyes did this fair Dame give her beloved gallant to understand, to what estate fortune had brought her: but they had so small hope of being beloved, that notwithstanding that she showed it with a thousand good countenances, yet he could never be persuaded, that she loved him: for as that Lady is the Phoenix of beauty, he held a favour from her hand, to be such a thing, as love itself could not deserve, and so they proceeded in their loves a-vie, without acquainting the one the other with the secret of their minds. It was no small grief to the Lady, that Rosaner could not perceive how well she loved him; and for the Lady to make show thereof by any signs or other means, she would not for any thing in the world, well knowing, how much she should therein prejudice her honour: with the often favours and public praise, which she gave to whatsoever this gallant did, he was partly persuaded that she loved him: but yet he could hardly believe, that fortune would be so favourable. At this instant, wherein Celibella showed herself most affected unto him, accepting of the endeavours and exploits which Rosaner performed in her service, there was brought to the Court a kinswoman of this Ladies, who was the beginning and ending of all these mishaps: She truly was fair; for somewhat being of kin to the King's daughter, clave to her. As my Lady was young, and a novice in love, she was of opinion, that it was much ease to disclose it: some others are of the same opinion: but for my part, I utterly condemn it: for there is no greater grief, then to reveyle the secrets of the heart, whereby the renown may be touched, and from whence nothing is drawn, but the Lady to subject herself to the party to whom she reveyleth her secret, who also (peradu●●ture) will hold her for more light in discovering it, then for being in love. This happened sometimes. The unwary Lady trod these reasons under foot, & told all to Felina, for so was her kinswoman called. The discovery of this secret served not to yield any ease to the Lady, but to incite her kinswoman to fall in love with the Prince Daristeo, and that in so good earnest, that she speedily made it appear. But as he was so engoulfed in the love of Celibella, he took no notice with what affection Felina showed herself to be his. The Lady Princess perceived it well, and received no small pleasure therein, imagining that therewith Daristeo would leave to be so enamoured of her, for the beauty of her kinswoman was ●ell worthy to be beloved. There were often meetings in the hall between these four lovers: but I know not who is able to agree them, for with my tongue I am not able; for neither party left to love, though it were not accepted. It appeared in their eyes: for the two brothers fixed theirs upon the Princess, and she with new spoils beholdeth her Rosaner, making her eyes fat with beholding him. But her cousin being touched to the quick, with apparent signs giveth testimony of her love, in beholding her Daristeo, in whom she only delighteh, and from whom she draweth her life; and although she were but a novice in that occupation, the carelessness wherewith the prince answered her, put her in such care, as I think no body hath been more careful: for from that time forward, her grief was such, as her cousin was very sorry for. This amorous passion did so much pinch her, that she knew no means how to remedy it, neither saw any possibility; for the prince never took any regard of the favours which she showed him: which was worse than death to this afflicted Lady, who growing desperate, would have taken any course for remedy, although somewhat dishonourable.  
As the king loved these Princes, holding them in place of sons, although he had not yet determined upon whom be would bestow his daughter Celibella: so had they opportunity to discourse with the lady, who seeing that her father was well pleased therewith, forbore it not, making show that to be the cause, concealing the truth. Rosaner being the man who wore the palm, his brother could never imagine it, thinking with himself, that if the ladies affection were guided by reason, he was rather to be beloved than his brother: but love led it another way, without respect of the large kingdom whereof he was prince; for to him which perfectly loveth, it never representeth the qualities of the thing beloved: but only what is in self, which otherwise were but a feigned love: and so the Lady loved the fortunate young man, not with a little envy of love, seeing what was enjoyed.  
The passionate cousin was she, who sped worst in this business; for although that the Princess loved not Daristeo, yet he was never persuaded that she loathed him: for the discreet Lady bestowed some favours upon him, which were a mean to entertain the Prince, and he held himself happy, to obtain so much at her hands. But poor Felina neither perceived any show that she was beloved, neither was there any end in understanding her ill hap in being not regarded by him, whom she loved better than herself. In this mean while, the brave Furiandro, bastard son to the king of Podolia (which he got in his young years, upon a most strong woman in the mountains Rifei) came to the court to seek these 2. brothers: he proved so fierce and valiant, (that they say) that in valour he doth exceed the great god Mars; for there is no knight, no, although they be ten, nay twenty, that are able to keep the field against him, neither any Giant, how fierce so ever he be: he is beloved of the common people; for he is not of that condition, which such men commonly are of, which exceed all other in force and strength of body: but he is rather courteous and a great friend & favourer of Ladies, although that in this occasion (I marvel not) he have showed himself cruel to Celibella. Much did the princess rejoice at his coming, & all the whole court; for the feasts were renewed, wherein it is incredible & not to be believed, what that furious knight did: for he was seen at one blow, to strike down both horse and man; all men gave him the prize for valiant. The king respected him according as was reason, for his valour & good government; for that was it, which most advanced him above all others. All this was nothing, neither the assurance which she saw of her pain, to cause Felina to give over her determination, but rather increase it, attempting one of the boldest & most presumptuous enterprises of the world, from whence could ensue no other thing, but that which followed: for unable to endure to see herself so little respected, she adventured to say unto the prince Daristeo, that the princess would expect him that night in the garden, to confer with him of matter of importance. There could nothing hap more pleasing to the infortunate prince, than such a message; for as it was a thing unlooked for, now holding himself assured thereof, he held himself the most happy man in the world: he held the day for as long as a man's life: he thought the night fled from him: every minute he held for a year, such was his desire to meet the lady princess. The subtle Felina, seeing her plot to take effect▪ took a suit of Celibellas', which did best set out her beauty, & clad herself therewith: & as the heavens would not frustrate what she had exploited, so could not the gallant see, whether it were the Princess, or she. But he coming into the garden, less armed than was needful, went to the window, so passionate, that he knew her not. The cruel damsel counterfeited her speech, and said, I have hitherto, Oh prince of Podolia, dissembled how much I have loved you, for some respects which have forced me thereto: but seeing your great deserts, I could not forbear (holding it unjust) but to impart my faith unto you, and to say, that you are more beloved, than all the men in the world. As he should have made an answer, in an alley among ●ose trees, (privily armed) came Rosaner: for as he was wise, so would he not come into so suspicious a place, carelessly and in danger of his person: he had beforetime there spoken with the Princess, and seeing a Knight there, and that she stood talking with him, well may a man judge what he felt, who held himself beloved, and with so great affection: he was come somewhat near, when the unlucky Daristeo said; My dear Lady, I could never imagine, that the love which I have ever borne you, could have been so highly rewarded, neither can it yet sink into my head, that I could ever deserve so great a good, as thus to see you to bestow such and so particular favours, which wholly is to be attributed to your generosity, more than to my love or desert, although the I might hope much: for I believe, that no man ever loved with greater affection than I. The cause hereof is the little confidence which I repose in my own deserts and worthiness, to attain to so great a good, as to be beloved by your beauty, neither can I leave to consider the high estate you hold, without understanding who he was, or imagining any thing of his brother: for now Fortune would needs show her mutability against these two Lovers: with the greatest suddenness of the world, the beloved Rosaner ran upon his dear brother, not knowing who he was. Never Eagle turned with greater liveliness, than did Daristeo against his brother; and as they were very valiant, so began there between them a most cruel battle, but the elder had the worse, not through want of force, but of arms & fortune. Although the other had received some hurts, yet they were but small. The furious lover would needs close with Daristeo; but therein he sought his own death: for the desperate young man being deadly wounde●, before he gave up the ghost, revenged himself, by bereaving life from his m●●t dear brother Rosaner: for stumbling forwards by reason of his wounds, he thrust out his sword arm, and by chance hit him right in the face. The elder brother had not yet so much lost his memory, but that he followed the blow, until the point of the sword pierced through his brother's brains.  
These faithful lovers came to fall just together, losing with one only blow, their lives, jealousies, and love, and the greatest good of the world, which was the fair Lady. The unhappy Felina stood beholding this battle, until that she saw them fall: then sorrowing their death, with her outcries she disqueted all the Palace, and falling down in the evil which she had done, without dissembling it, neither had she strength to avoid the punishment, she herself being her own executioner; for even in the same attire as she stood, she cast herself headlong out at the window, falling upon her head between the●, and in their death kept them company. The greatest part of the people in the Palace, ran into the garden, and the king with the furious Fur●ander; who when he saw the cruel hap of his two brothers, was likely to have lost his wits, which was the cause of altering his condition, imagining with himself, that they were dead through Celibellas' occasion. Some others did suspect it, to see the brotherly death between two lovers.  
It caused extreme sorrow in all the court: for the king showed himself very sorrowful (as was reason) to see so pitiful a chance. What the Princess did in her chamber, I would rather that some other body would report it, than I which saw it. A thousand times would she have ended with one death, that many deaths which she should endure through ●he absence of her Rosaner, which she began presently to show: for the company of her damsels was displeasing unto her, wherein she was wont chiefly to delight: the fight of knights and gallants was loathsome, and their discourses irksome; so as her whole delight was to be solitary, receiving some pleasure in me, discoursing of the cruelty which fortune had showed her. There was nothing but did put her in mind of her knight; and to remember him, it was death to her: and having no more comfort but what she reaped from her tears, which were so many which she shed, for that lamentable mischance, that it bereaved her of a great part of her beauty. All the Court was in an uproar; the king in making search for the murderers, could take no rest, so as in the city there was nothing but suspicion and mourning. The most valiant Furiander disturbed all, forgetting what he had promised when he took the order of knighthood, that he should never take part against any Lady; for as each of his brothers had discovered unto him part of his love, and seeing how much they were tormented, and how careless she was thereof, which was not for want of affection, but rather of discretion, he fully persuaded himself, that to be rid of their importunities, she had procured their deaths; he conceived it with such apprehension, that nothing could dissuade him, neither to see the sorrowful signs which the princess gave for the death of the two brothers: for this furious young man had determined what he would do, & would draw his comfort for the less of the two princes brothers, from the death of a lady, whom to behold, I know not who but would have ventured his life for her. It happened (most valiant prince) that one day the king being despised, for that he could not be certified concerning the death of these princes, as he had newly dined, the fierce Fur●ander, armed at all pieces in black, of bright and shining steel armour, without any device, saving only in the midst of his shield he bore revenge most lively painted. Being thus furnished, his coming into the Hall, made all those which beheld him, change countenances, who with the fierceness wherewith nature had endowed him, making a little reverence, and a little lifting up his visor, said with a hoarse voice, (for yet I have not forgotten, what fear I was in to hear him) Mighty king of Samogacia, not withstanding that I am of opinion that my coming, & in this manner, will not a little offend you, the great grief which I endure to see the most dearly beloved princes of the world slain in the palace, doth enforce me a thing, even the heavens should lament for so unjust a death: that gods do know how much it grieveth me to come in this manner, considering how much my dear brothers were bound unto thee: but the fear that I am in to return again to P●dolia to the king my father, who sent me to seek them, hath forced me, seeing that nothing can be done against that which the heavens have decreed: and to the end that the common people shall not say, that they died, and that no man would revenge their death; and seeing the many certain signs which in their life, and since I have perceived, I say, that I will maintain against any one, two, three, or four knights together, with my horse and arms, that they were slain by order from your daughter the princess Celibella: which from this day, to the end of 4. months, I will maintain, because the princess shall understand, that I desire not to prevail by reason of the shortness of the time; but that she may have time to send whither & for whom she will, to defend her honour, so as she may not be accounted murtheress of princes.  
The devilish knight held his peace, and there was no man so valiant, that durst so much as move. The king stood some what in a doubt, pondering on the weight of the case, and at length resolved, and I believe he was forced (●eeing how much Furiander was feared) to admit the challenge, and so he caused the princess to be called, which God knows, was sorrowful enough for their deaths; she imagined strait what the matter was; and so half amazed, forth she came.  
The king propounded unto her the Pagans occasion: she could not answer (for I think no body could) until the qualm was past, which had almost bereaved her of her life, and then she answered with so great stomach, as made me wonder; it was the equity of the cause and the great wrong that was done her, did thus animate her thereto, saying, that it was a lie, & that she would take such order as should be requisite, to recover the honour whereof she was thus robbed with so great treachery, she being innocent of the death of those Princes, but seeing the one failed, she was to seek who might give account of her honour. Her father the king commanded her presently to be committed to prison, because he would show himself a justicer, notwithstanding it was against his own daughter whom he so dearly loved, and of whose life depended his own: for it was the king's law, held inviolably▪ (although very rigorous) that whatsoever person were accused of an offence committed within the palace, that doth not either of himself, or some knight for him answer the challenge, within the time limited in the challenge, shall be condemned to be burnt; the most cruel thing that ever was heard.  
Then came your fame (valorous prince) flying through Samogacia, with the highest pitch that ever knight enjoyed. The poor distressed Lady was of opinion (as in deed it is true) that she could not repair with more reason and assurance unto any then to you, and so she sent me to seek you. I came from the city with that care, which a matter of such importance as this is, doth require, and understanding of the great feasts which were in Grecia, I was of opinion to find you there among your brothers; for by the way I understood, that you are son to the great Emperor Trebatius, with whose fame the whole world is replenished, & seeing it was my hap to meet you in so good company, I am the gladdest woman in the world, assuring myself, that bringing you, I bring life to the princess, & although that we have been hindered in our sailing, with tempests, yet the wind being favourable, we shall (I doubt not) come in time to Samogatia, (for there yet remain twenty days, before the challenge be expired:) and this is (Sir Knight) the cause that hath moved me to take the pains to seek you, and I believe it shall not be in vain; for seeing the wrong that is done to the Princes, you will not suffer it to proceed; for the fame of your valour importeth no less, but that you employ it in favour of those which are distressed, as is this Lady.  
The lady having ended her story with some tears which fell from her eyes, remembering how much it would grieve the Princess seeing her long stay, that valorous Tinacria was very pitiful, especially in the behalf of women, holding it for no honour which was gotten against them; and so he answered, I would that the heavens had given me far greater force (fair damsel) to the end that your business might be the better assured, although having so much equity on her behalf, I hope that it shall suffice to yield that contentment, as such an excellent Lady as she is, doth deserve, against any that without reason shall procure her grief, and I refuse not the hour, to meet that Knight of so little discretion.  
Great comfort did those courageous speeches yield to the Damsel which the Prince used: the weather was favourable unto them; for four days before the time was expired, they landed near the City of Adibia, (for so is it called) with great pleasure to them both, to see themselves so near; she to her sovereign Lady bringing so good a return; and he, which much desired to show all his valour in defence of the Princess: and but that it was only his, it had never been accomplished with that good hap; for the Pagan was one of the most strong men in the world. One day and a half did they spend in coming to the City, which was full of strangers, although never a one so valorous, as to answer the challenge, notwithstanding that Furiander came daily to the lists. They passed the night in a grove of poplar trees, where, what happened unto them, you shall hear in the next Chapter.   

CHAP. III. Of that which happened to the Prince of Tinacria, with a Knight much affected to Celibella, and how he ended the battle for her.  
IT should be past midnight, (most Noble Lord) when a Knight with his lamentations did awaken the valiant Poliphebus, who a little from him had laid him down to sleep. The son of the cruel Garriofilea, sa●e upon the green grass, and being free from love, he hearkened, and guessing which way the complaint came, fully armed, not knowing what might follow, for he would not go unprovided: he saw by the Moon light, which shined very clear, at the foot of a great Oak, a great Knight stretched all along upon the ground, richly armed in blue armour, wrought all over with many knots of gold, be seemed to the Tinacrian to be some Knight of good account. In his shield, which he had fastened to his neck, was painted love with a merry countenance, and fortune in the skirt, with the most piercing aspect, that ever was seen, with these letters underwritten.  
Fortune being so contrary,  
With angry valour taking part,  
Though constant love be on my side,  
Yet nothing can assure my heart.  
The Knight seemed to be in a trance, seeing he moved not, as indeed he was: for the grief to lose the fair Celibella, had put him out of his wits. But when he came again to himself, with a sigh, being out of breath, he began to say, O Fortune, with how many trials dost thou show thy mutability, tiring my heart with so many troubles! If I did imagine (blind Goddess) that I had ever been rebellious against thee, that I had not respected thee, that I had not put my trust in thee, that I had doubted of thy power, and of what thou art; I should have taken this rigorous touch for a reward for my patience. But seeing that without any occasion thou wilt show thyself my greatest enemy, I having given thee no just cause thereof, I cannot forbear to complain, and only of thy mutability, seeing that with what, or for what, thou hast brought me to the point, that nothing but death only can yield me ease. O ●●wardly heart, seeing that for being so, thou sufferest her to die, which might give thee life, & in distress succour thee! Pardon me, worthy Princess; for now I see the injury, which with my cowardice I have done thee, in not daring to oppose my life in thy behalf: and seeing that so many ways I see it lost, and that now failing with thee, the remainder will be worse than death itself: the Gods defend that I see thy unjust death: but rather that I with justice bereave my soul thereof: for in so long staying, I wrong the love I bear thee: and herewith, in a devilish fury, he snatched up his sword, and lifting up his breastplate, he would have thrust it into his own body, saying, Herewith, sovereign Lady, I make amend, for not undertaking the battle, although that I had seen my death before mine eyes; by how much more then, being for thee, it might have been accounted life. The Tinacrian took hold of him, and before that he could effect his devilish intent, he seized upon his sword, which he plucked out of his hands, saying, Oh desperate Knight▪ and with committing so wild an act, wilt thou soader up that which thou hast done against the Lady, whom th●us● much lovest? The Moor came to himself, who was Prince of Prussia, a country very near adjoining to that of the most fair Celibella, and beholding that Knight so tall and so well armed, being persuaded that he saw his remedy, he said unto him, Do me not, Sir Knight, so great displeasure, but suffer me to satisfy with my life, that which I have committed against the most fair Lady, that the world containeth, seeing that undertaking the battle for her, although with the loss of my life, I might have done her particular service; but being against so furious a knight, with very cowardice, I lost that which I might have gotten, although I had remained without life and seeing that now to hold it, it will be to my further hurt, give me leave to proceed according to my determination, if you will not that I make a larger payment for the error which I have committed which was the greatest that ever Knight committed, against her whom he so loved. Leave off your so much sorrow (said the warlike Tinacrian) for men are not bound to undertake matters above their force; for in such case you of your part are excused. That cannot be, said the Pagan, who owing his life, and would not venture it for her, in any danger how doubtful so ever the success thereof were, cannot be excused, & therefore you cannot deny me the wrong that I have done my Lady. Notwithstanding all this, I will not yield that any such cruelty be committed in my presence, neither is it weldone, but ill (you see the end of this adventure) to torment yourself in such sort, as may put you in such despair as this, which doth so much disgrace the valour which appeareth in your person. And because I came from far about this business, and to fight for this Lady, I pray you be satisfied, and hold me company to the City, where I will try my lot with Furiander.  
Who can presume, Sir Knight, (said the Moor) to come into that City where he hath committed so great a fault, such as the like hath not been seen? I have not the power, neither can any thing make me thereto able. It hath not been so great (said the Tinacrian) but it may be amended, if fortune favour us. The Prince told him so many things, that in the end he offered to hold him company to the end that he might see the forces wherewith he should fight for Celibella. By this time it was day, and so they took their horses, and with the damsel and the Tinacrian his squire, they took the way towards the City, and by the way he knew that this Knight was the Lord and King of Prussia, where he fell in love with the Princess Celibella, although he never knew the necessity wherein she was, until he came with his arms only disguised to the Court, to see her, which for her beauty was extolled through his whole Dominion: and coming thither, he understood of Furiander his challenge: But the fame of his valour was such, that he durst not undertake the battle for the Princess, notwithstanding that he loved her, much more than his own soul: and falling into consideration of what he had done, going forth of the City, he meant to have slain himself. The Tinacrian recomforted him the best that he could, and he did not a little prevail, being the most fearful young man in the world. They arrived, when the King was newly risen from the table, and had that day invited the famous Furiander, purposing with some good reasons to have dissuaded him from that attempt, being very sorrowful, for that he persevered in his determination, he saw near at hand the certain death of his dearly beloved daughter: for he continued so obstinate in his unjust challenge, that nothing could withdraw him from his damned resolution. The two Princes came in, whose presence gave no small joy to all that were in the hall, principally the Tinacrian: for no man had a greater grace in his countenance. In overlooking the hall with judicial eyes, the son of great Trebatius doing some reverence, said, God save the great King of Samogacia, and grant thee that peace which thy parsonage deserveth; this Knight and I come from far countries, only to defend the wrong, as we have understood, which is done by a certain Knight unto thy Daughter; and casting lots, whether of us should first enter into battle for her, it fell to me, which gave me no small content, to do thy daughter this service, and perform that, whereto by the law of Knighthood I am bounden; and therefore you may command her to be called, and we shall see, whether she will commit the equity of her cause into my hands. The Gods requite thee the band, (Sir Knight) wherein you have bound me, with offering your person to such danger as this present, which is one of the greatest that you have seen, which might be ended by some other means, if this Knight would, who is the defendant to the challenge: but seeing it must go as fortune will appoint, there is no more to be done, but to come to the battle, which the God's grant may end, according to the equity of the cause. To be of the Princess' part, (mighty King) hath compelled me to come, answered the Tinacrian. The fierce Pagan being somewhat moved, rose up, saying, I would not, Sir Knight, that you should have so great confidence in the Lady's innocency, but that you should come so well furnished with forces, as are needful for the battle, and so you may take this Knight to help you; for my challenge doth extend to four. It shall not need, said the son of Trebacius, to have any more company, than the equity of my cause doth give me: for if I be in the right, my person will suffice for a greater matter; if in the wrong, little will great forces prevail against justice; and I much desire, that such a Knight, which is so famous as you are, before so many people, should not make show, to trust more in the strength of your arm, then in the equity of your cause; which most commonly failing, valour is of little effect. The furious Pagan being there with offended, answered, saying, I thought not, Knight, that my courtesy had animated thee to be so proud: but because thou mayst know, that I will not pass the time in words, being more fit to use deeds, we will no longer defer the battle. As he had ended his answer, came the most fair Celibella, all clad in mourning attire, which did greatly increase her beauty. The Tinacrian had never seen greater beauty; for there were few in the world that did excel her. Her father told her at her coming, how that Knight undertook the battle for her. The fair Princess knew him strait, by his device of a bough which he bore in his shield, & that he was the man for whom she had sent. She presently gave him authority, with greater contentment, then can be spoken, although that when she remembered the infortunate Princes, her most pleasing thoughts were watered with tears. These two valiant Warriors made no delay, for the fierce Tinacrian taking his leave of the King, went into the lists, taking with him the Prince of Prussia, who stood to look on. On the other side of the lists, presently came in the valorous Furiander, much people accompanying him although there was no body that would he should win the palm, or wear those arms, wherein he had accused the Princess, who was set upon a scaffold with a sufficient guard; where she prayed to her false Gods, that her Knight might obtain the victory, seeing the in so just a cause he undertook the battle. Face to face stood these two warriors, whose looks and gestures were such▪ that he which stood farthest off, did scarcely account himself in safety, at the giving of the fearful sign; they drew with more swiftness, than an arrow flieth: In the midst of the place, was appointed the course of their Career, making a greater sound in their meeting, then if two hills had run together: they bowed not in their ●addles, with the force of the lances, which broke like K●xes, whose splinters flew so high, that they were out of sight. These two rare men in valour, turned their horses with their swords in their hands, & approaching the one just to the other, they gave so fearful blows, as would have beaten a rock in pieces; each of them could testify his adversaries force, they redoubled the second with greater courage than dexterity: either of them feeling his own blood in his mouth, they began to make benefit of the nimbleness, wherewith they were endued, closing, and beating by the blows, in such exquisite manner, that Mars himself could not have done the like. The valiant Moor spurring his horse, thinking by swiftness to get advantage, charged, carrying his sword firm, with the point forwards: The great Tinacrian was well aware thereof; there was never seen any Eagle more swift than he in giving blows, and making his horse to give a bound, he passed before the Moor, and turned him so suddenly, that he wondered at the Son of Trebacio: they came to join, and the Moor would give the first blow; he did it, which was more swift than the wind, and struck him upon the rich Helmet, whose fineness warranted his life, for otherwise he had cloven him to the saddle; it sounded like a bell, and therein the Tinacrian saw a thousand stars in the skies, he fell upon his horse neck, and the Moor doubled his blow; but if he had given the third, the battle had been ended: for it came with such force, that he was quite senseless: he had closed with him, if he had not seen, that more furious than a Basilisk he returned with his sword aloft. There was no man in that place, that yielded not the victory for the Pagan; the Ladies fainting confirmed the same: for losing her Roseal colour, it became like snow, seeing the blows which her Knight had received, who was nothing discouraged therewith, but casting his shield at his back, grinding his teeth against the other, he assailed the Moor, giving him so mighty a blow upon his helm, that he left him all that part unarmed, charging him so vehemently, that there missed but little to have laid him in the dust: he took hold of his horse neck. The Tinacrian joined with him, accounting the victory for his own, and with both his hands gave him another blow, which imprinted his sword in his flesh, wounding him in the shoulder: as the Moor settled himself, (losing no occasion) he gave him two thrusts, one after another, which set him on the arson of his Saddle, gripping him so, that it seemed, he had stricken him quite out of breath. The Pagan advanced himself, & closing with the Tinacrian, he thought to prevail by grasping with him; but he found the son of Garofilia as fast in his saddle, as if he had been a rock: they tugged so hard together, that they both were out of breath; their horses stood more fixed in the ground, with ●●uing in their wrestling, than the most moored roots. With one turn, they fell both to the earth. The Pagan had a mishap, because one of his feet hung in the stirrup: which if the Tinacrian had perceived in time, he had slain him: yet notwithstanding, before he could get it out, with his dagger he gave him 2. cruel stabs, & left the marks in the flesh, which the Pagan held for mortal; and so turning to his enemy, who as he was higher than he, he lifted him from ground, carrying him in such sort, that the Bachelor had liefer have been deadly wounded; he did his best to encounter his adversary, and so recover footing, whence twice whéeling about, they hurled together with greater force than a Coluerine shot, they ga● to their weapons with such speed, that all those which were present, wondered thereat. I believe, quoth the king, turning himself towards the principal of those which were with him, that in these two warriors, is deciphered the flower of chivalry.  
No pleasure can be compared to that which Celibella received, seeing how well her knight had acquitted himself; for on foot none of her brothers could do better: and yet oftentimes fight with them, he made them to doubt of the battle. Some advantage was perceived in him: for striking with great rage, the Tinacrian happily crossing inwards and standing very firm on his right foot, he joined hitting right on the side of the vaunt-brace, the trenchant sword rebounded to the hollow, entering a third part in at the breast. The Pagan feeling the wound, & thinking it had been to the death, gave a sign thereof: for with the very pain of the wound he went cross-legged, and was ready to fall: the furious young man holp him, doubling another blow upon his helm, with so great might, that he made him set his knees to the ground. There is no serpent so wrathful, which can turn so, as Furiander returned against the son of Garofilea, and with the raging smart which he felt of his wound, throwing his shield to the ground, he went with such fury, with his sword in both hands, that he made more than four lose all their colour in their faces; the blow was with less heed than wisdom required to bear; for it had been the last that ever the Tinacrian had received, he hit him so right upon the gilded crest, that he made him to see a thousand stars in his helm, and he charged his furious sword with such force, that he made him to 〈◊〉 both his hands and knees to ground. The impatient Moor drew near with another, no less than the first, he had stretched him out for a pray: according as he was strong, so he suddenly pincked from him his v●●n●-brace: and Lirgando saith, that he also took his shield from him. Gualtenor saye●h no, but that he did cut the greatest part of his Polarons.  
If he had been able to have given the third, I know not how this Bachelor had escaped from the battle: but as the wound fell upon that side where his heart was, it made him breathless so as he could not thenceforth proceed in his fury, giving the Bachelor place to rise, there was no help for the armour against the blow which he gave, for he clean carried away the crown of the helm, and a piece of the head withal.  
Well might the son of the great Trebacio have overcome him but he was a Knight, who in deed did more affect the worth which the Pagan had shown, saying thus unto him:  
I do much desire, Sir Knight, that this battle may rest in that estate, wherein it is, for I see you are dangerously and sore wounded, very near unto death, and in going further, any your evil fortune whatsoever, would much grieve me; for I do neither desire your death nor overthrow, but perpetual amity and friendship, which from henceforth I offer unto you, swearing and protesting unto you, that you most in●uriously uphold and maintain the wrong against a Lady, who in apparent show hath much sorrowed and lamented the death of your brothers.  
When the generosity (most noble Prince) is so discovered, & proceedeth from a gallant breast, there is no Aspicque so fierce and cruel, but will be therewith appeased: he had not been Prince of Tinacria, neither could that have been the country of your most noble Lordship, if therein had not been bred so rare a good, as was this.  
And so this valiant ●●oore sound himself bound, with the reasons which the Prince uttered, ●aying, F●●thu●g could happen to me so well as this, my life and reputation being in such danger. I would (valorous man at Arms) gladly in exchange, to purchase the friendship of such a knight as you are, and seeing it behoveth 〈◊〉, and that of my obstinate contending there can nothing grow unto 〈◊〉 but perpetual infamy and discredit, I do from henceforth utterly give over the battle, and freely se● at surety the Princess, condemning my eversight and blindside, seeing i● was not possible in so perfect a subject, to 〈◊〉 any thing which should so much disgrace it.  
When the prince of Prussia law the 〈◊〉 league and bond of friendship concluded bei●●ue the 〈…〉, he put sp●●res to his horse, and took his way towards his country with all the speed that might be, where he passed his time in great heaviness and sorrow, having achieved no adventure.  
The judges were near at hand, hearing what the Pagan said, which yielded such contentment to the whole Court, that no man is able to express it: but ●● may be better imagined, than any way described.  
The hidden fire in the scattered powder (my Sovereign Lady) hath not so much power, neither is it of such effectual force, as is settled love, to show what it is, and what it is able to do.  
What man in the world could have confirmed a peace between Princes so much at variance, and with so great reason?  
Who could have brought it to pass, that Celibella, the beauty of the world, should have been any whit sorrowful or grieved, for the spiteful Pagan● hur●s (though never so deadly) be receiving them, in fight so disgrace and confound her?  
It cannot be imagined, that so great an alteration as this, can be attributed unto any other thing but to love. Fortune was more favourable unto him, than he was well aware of: for they were not yet gone forth of the field, when twenty Knights clad in mourning attire, came into the Camp, which seeing him come forth of the lists afoot, came to him to kiss his hands, and to acknowledge him for their Prince and sovereign Lord; for the king had so heavily taken the death of his two sons▪ that the sorrow thereof bereaved him of his life; and he left no heir but this mighty Furiander. All the principal of the Realm were of opinion, to give the crown unto him, and to accept him for their king, seeing his valour deserved no less, but was much more worthy. The valorous Pagan did not a little sorrow the death of his father▪ and the son of the most cruel Garofilea kept him company, mourning with him for the one, and reioy●ing with him for the other.  
A new life and a long, answered the Pagan, I would the heavens would grant me (noble man at Arms) to the end, to acknowledge how great a good it is to be your friend; but such as it shall please the gods to bestow upon me, assure yourself it shall be to do you service, as he who is no less indebted unto you, then for his life and honour.  
It yieldeth me not that joy and solace (said the Tinacrian) Soveragine prince, to see how gentle fortune hath showed herself unto me, to get such a friend (as I hope in the gods you will be,) as to see with what affection, and in how good earnest you have esteemed my offer, so as if I shall be able to equal my deeds with my desire, none shall show himself a more faithful friend then I.  
By this time, the king with the whole court, was descended to receive and entertain the Tinacrian, who had already determined in himself, to entreat the king to receive Furiander for his son. In approaching, with his Arms displayed, he came to the fair young man, saying▪ Although'it were for nothing else, most valiant knight, but to say that in my arms I embrace the flower of chivalry, I hold the troubles well employed, whereunto this Prince hath brought us. The fair Poliphebus well discharged the part of the Moor, saying. It was a worthy matter, mighty king, to to considered, in how manifest a danger your daughter was; but herein appeareth the nobleness of your generous breast, that you not only pardon what is done, with the passion to see such princes to fail, but you are now to receive him for a friend, seeing his valour deserveth, that all the princes of the world should hold him for such: greater errors than these which may be pardoned, so venturous a knight undertaking the same.  
By this time was come the King's daughter, so fair, that I know not any man of reasonable understanding, but would have given, rather than to have lost the sight of her, two thousand souls, if he had them. She drew near, giving the prince great thanks for that which he had done for her, saying, I was well assured (valorous knight of the Bough) that committing my affairs into your victorious hands, it should have such issue as is this. While as the fair Tinacrian made answer unto Celibella, love began to stir in the breast of the Pagan, who regarded the beauty wherewith the Infanta was adorned, whom in his conceit he had much offended: but love playing his part, had obtained his pardon; for sometimes she cast her eye aside, to behold the wounds which this newcome prince had received: and indeed the Pagan did not so much feel it, as the Lady did, for it did ease his pain, to behold her beauty: But to her, who had already yielded herself tributary to love, every drop of his blood, was worse than a cruel death: so far doth his power extend, who is called the blind god of love.  
Within the Palace, were these Princes cured of their wounds; and fifteen days the Tinacrian there remained, in which time he behaved himself so well, that he obtained of the king all that he desired; setting before his eyes the valour of Furiander, and the state which he held: love had so well disposed of the fair princess▪ that it was no hard matter to win her. The valorous Furiander knew not how to value this good; for all the Court feasted him, holding it well content to receive such a knight, for prince and Lord thereof. Much did the princess desire that the Tinacrian should have remained a longer time, but being unable to end other matters, he took his leave of the Lady, and committed himself to the deep sea, with Ruu●o his squire alone. The fifth day of his navigation, with a prosperous wind he arrived in the kingdom of Hilepsia, where happened unto him, that which in the next Chapter shallbe declared.   

CHAP. FOUR How the Prince of Tinacria near the Fountain of three spouts, met with the brave Eufronisa, and of the battle which he fought with two Giants which would have robbed him.  
SO much did absence (most noble prince) afflict the fair Eufronila, for the love of Rosabel, that she took no pleasure but in coming to the fountain where she first saw him. It fared with her, as with one which hath lost a precious jewel, who not finding it, a thousand times returneth with great care, to the place where he thinketh he lost it. Even so did this fair princess, being not so much afflicted for the loss of the sons, as for the absence of the Father. In company of her discreet gentlewoman, she passed a heavy & solitary life, although it were some case unto her, to think that her father had promised to carry her with him into Grecia; for there came certain messengers to him, from the soldan of Niquea, to entreat his ●auour, which he thoroughly purposed to grant, as he which was very mighty, and of great power. And imagining with herself that there she should see her 〈…〉 made her to prolong some what the rest of her days, it was a world to see, and to hear, what she did, and said, beholding herself in the clear fountain.  
Love is not such (most noble prince) as that he who is possessed there with, can have any regard of reason, neither is reason of force to detain him who is enamoured, from going to any place, whither his cruel destinies shall lead him.  
In the School of my mishaps, I learned to discourse of the success of Love, and how it dealeth with those which are subject thereto; this enamoured princess yieldeth us sufficient experience thereof, whom love so many ways (after she was subject thereto) tired with a thousand desastres, and being set in the place where she first became enamoured, she made a thousand complaints of love.  
Oh, fierce and cruel resolution, (said the fair Lady, and the pleasing content wherein I lived, before I saw that venturous prince the robber of my liberty! I know not of whom to complain me; not of love; for it showed itself favourable in my behalf. I complain me of his cruelty, seeing that he, seeing the sincere faith wherewith I loved him, never vouchsafed to give me one sparkle of hope, but rejoiced to see me for him in so sweet annoy. Oh, my sons, if the heavens grant you life, and by them it be determined that you become loue● vassals, fly cruelty, which is that which doth most blemish and dishonour those that den●e therein: In the rest I would have you resemble your warlike father, but not in cruelty, who doth tyrannize over her who bore in her womb. Oh, my Selia, I am of opinion, (seeing the strangeness which this prince showeth unto me) that to see me in his country, will yield him new cause of loathing; which to imagine, there is no death comparable to it.  
Sovereign Lady, (answered the Damsel) you living so assured, whereof would you more, then to love him with your soul, which maketh show to abhor you? But I am of opinion, that your going into Grecia should ease you of your sorrow and yield you much content.  
I shall never be so happy (my Selia) as to attain to the ●ight of a thing so pleasing, as that might be, and the greatest that fortune could give me, to see him acknowledging how much I have loved him. This shall be some ease to my pain, seeing the heavens have made all other impossible, that he is husband of the Infanta of Niquea. Herein did this Lady pass her wearisome days, taking no other pleasure (as I have said) but to walk abroad in the fresh shadow, in a grove of poplar trees.  
It happened one day, that walking abroad somewhat early, even when the sun from the highest heavens sent his heat into the world, being somewhat annoyed there with, they came to the fountain to refresh them, where they saw the valorous Tinacrian, who to pass the afternoons heat, was come to this fountain. This free young Bachelor was washing his fair face, when they approached, being somewhat out of countenance, for that they had left their company behind them, and also to find him so alone; hand in hand they came thither, at the instant when the son of Garrofilea lifted up his head to behold them. The Tinacrian did some what resemble Rosabel, and so the new and sudden sight caused so great alteration in the enamoured Princess, that she certainly believed that he was her beloved prince: joy so much suprized her amorous heart, that she therewith fell breathless, into a swoon, giving an amorous screech, saying, Oh my Rosabel. This could not so be coloured, but that the free Tinacrian might well understand, that his dear cousin-german had travailed into those countries, & that this Lady much loved him; he speedily came to the place, where Selia held her in her lap with so great heaviness, that it caused the prince to accompany her therein.  
What sudden mishap is happened to this Lady (said the son of Trebacius?) If it be anything, wherein I, with the hazard of my life, may procure her remedy, I will perform it so far forth, as it to me shall be possible.  
The cause of this disease is so inveterate (answered Selia,) marveling to see a man so fair, & assuring herself also that it was not Rosabel, (for that he was more strongly set) that notwithstanding that many have attempted to remedy it, being men of much worth, yet all that they could do, hath been but to remove the humours. The fair Lady giving a deep sigh, came again to herself, sheadding many bitter tears, which upon her fair cheeks, showed like Oriental pearls; she fixed her deceived eyes upon the fair young man, until that at the last she was assured that he was not Rosabel. It grieved her very soul, that she had given so manifest a sign of her being another man's, and not her own, in presence of that gentle Knight, who although that he had no experience in love, yet he might nevertheless well perceive, that she was in love. He again reiterated the offer of his life to be employed in her service, for the recovery of her delight. The Gods requite you, gentle Knight, answered the Lady, for your noble offer, which is correspondent to the great valour, which your parsonage doth represent: My annoy is so rooted in my soul, that any remedy whatsoever to be applied, will but double my sorrow: only sometime, as now, it yieldeth me some ease, to make show of the evil which I endure, and it hath not been to any small purpose, seeing I find, that it hath moved those to pity me, which never knew me. The duty, (fair Lady) which I acknowledge to owe to all those which please to use my service, is so general that it forced me (seeing the great extremity, whereunto this evil as you say, had brought you) to offer my life in quest of some means, to breed your rest. It may be well perceived, valorous Knight (said the Lady) that if we should entreat you to show your valour to purchase our contentment, you would do it, as he which best might.  
The amorous reasons of the fair Lady could no further proceed, for that they heard a most terrible great noise. This young gallant betook him to his weapons, because that to be found without them, it should not put in doubt that which his valour did assure: he had hardly laced his Helmet, and embraced his strong shield, when through the thickest of the wood, he saw approach two most ●●erce Giants, and with them a Knight of a gallant resemblance, richly armed; he would not remain on f●●t, but getting to his gallant courser, skipped into the Saddle, and with his lance in his hand, stayed to see what they would, willing the Ladies to draw near to the fountain; for the manner of their coming seemed not to be to do them any pleasure. By this, they were all three arrived, and the Knight putting up his beaver, somewhat more discovering his face, said, Many days, sovereign Princess Silepsia, with costly experience to my heart, I have made show of my sacrificed faith to your beauty, procuring (to my cost) by all possible means your content, and yet could never obtain any the least hope; not that I would be beloved; for that were to renew my life: but you would not so much as once regard my pain, not withstanding that you were the cause thereof: The heavens have now permitted me to come so in the nick, to understand how little you shall lose, to answer to my pain: & knowing this, marvel not, though I procure that by force, which I deserve should be freely bestowed on me; and so you are to have patience, for you shall be mine in despite of all the world.  
Well have I understood, Prince of Libonia, (answered the Lady) the affection which you have ever showed me, and to be such as deserved worthy correspondence: but never faithful lover, which delighted in the renown of a worthy Knight, took pleasure to win affection, which was already settled; for therein he should rather resemble a rigorous lover, than a man of that faith, which you say you have borne unto me; and so seeing the impossibility in my behalf, I have procured by all possible means to let you understand, how small means I had to yield you remedy. Such affection as is mine (said the Barbarian) accepteth no such feigned excuses as these, which you make unto me. And seeing the heavens bear record how much I desire your content, there is no prolonging of time, seeing my fortune hath ordained it. He had scarcely ended his speeches, when one of the Giant● drawing near, stretched out his arm to seize on her; which being dismayed, giving a great 〈◊〉, cast herself to the ground, which 〈◊〉 the cause that the Giant could take no hold of her. But he had no need to do it, for the fierce young gallant, son of Garrofilea, brandishing his revengeful Lance, rai●●ng himself upon his Stirrups, hurled it with such for●e, that Mars himself did malice to see how great a 〈◊〉 he gave for hitting him right (〈◊〉 unawares) in the midst of his spacious breast, the well steeled Trenchant made so great a ●●ud-gate, that the h●rd plates of Steel were not sufficient to s●ay it from appearing out at his back, coloured with his fresh blood. There needeth not any great question to be made, whether the Lady were glad thereat, or no, seeing it gave her courage to raise up herself, to see with what force the free Tinacrian●urned ●urned heat against his two enemies, the which little remembered what to Knights did appertain; both at once charged their ●aunces in the midst of his ●rée breast: they made him vilely to bend in his Saddle, striking his head against his horse buttock: and it was no marvel, for these two valiant men charged him in great fury, to see their friend slain.  
The valorous Tinacrian recovering again his seat, and ward, returned upon them, the Giant he found alone, who with a weighty Ma●e of steel came towards him, giving place and time to the Prince to seize on the Lady, who lifting her voice to heaven, cried to the Tinacrian for help. The Giant gave him so much to do, that the Prince had time to depart in safety with his pray; which so much despited the son of Trebacius, that he was ready to burst with anger, calling himself coward, that one Knight should be able to withhold him from helping that fair Lady, so unjustly taken; he doubled herewith ●o thick and furious blows, as would have rend the most hard rock. But he had before him, one, who held himself to have no equal in the world: the fair Poliphebus desired to hazard the fortune of the battle at one blow: and so approaching to the Pagan, made show to stay for him; he lifted up his fearful Mace, and had not fully done it, when the Youth flew within him, and with a blow struck it out of his hands, and held the victory for his: and seeing that delays might breed danger, redoubling his force, he struck him on the head, the blow was so terrible, that it made him senseless. The Tinacrian was not a young man, which would let slip opportunity, particularly in a matter of such importance, which concerned no less than the Lady's liberty: and so the Moor being in this trance, he with the greatest care of the world, with his sword in both his hands, with all his power struck him upon the crown of the head; the helmet could yield no defence, for he clave it so, as it fell at his horse feet, and dispatched him suddenly. He turned about as swift as thought, following the trace of the bold adventurous Prince, and fortune was favourable unto him; for without any let, within one mile where the battle began, he saw the Prince with his prey, flying swifter than the wind; the Falcon never slew so swift after the fearful Hearon, as this valorous Tinacrian, who giving the spurs to his horse, made him to run swifter than the steeds of golden Apollo. And thus riding, he called to the Prince to stay, whose voice caused this gallant lover, whose haste to himself seemed slow, still to spur his horse; for it sufficed him not, to see and hold his Lady in his arms, but with her to escape the arms of that young man, who as a furious Lion (his sword died in blood) approached, and in his flight struck him upon the rich Helmet; and if it had hit right, it had ended the war with that blow: But it was not to any small purpose, seeing it made him (for his own defence) to set her to the ground, being wholly senseless.  
The son of Trebacius returned, saying, Ill it beseemeth him, who reckoneth himself a worthy Knight, to do ●o vile a thing, as that which you have committed, and against such a Lady, as is this; he came not so little offended, as to stay for an answer; but that with the well steeled point he smote him in the breast with such force, that he made him to feel his sword within his flesh. The Moor was most nimble and skilful; and if he had gone away with this blow, he might have prolonged his life, but to his greater harm, he would needs close with the valorous Tinacrian, where all happened across unto him; and the Moor well perceiving his strength, gathered new forces from his most mortal wounds, considering with himself, how much he lost in losing that battle, and so he suffered him to enter, and with his sword in both his hands, he smote him upon the rich helmet, and had revenged the death of his two companions, and recovered the Lady, had not the well tempered fine metal been between; the which, although it gave the young man his life, yet it could not defend him, but that it brought his head as low as the pommel of the saddle, casting out blood, both at his nose and mouth: he reached him yet another, which made him almost forget himself. Never was Eagle more furious in defending her nest, than the Tinacrian showed himself, turning towards the furious Pagan, and hitting him upon the helm; it sounded like a bell, and made him tremble like an Aspen leaf, being shaken with the fresh wind in Autumn: he smote off his crest, leaving him mortally wounded, and seeing him stagger, he clasped him in his well brawned arms, whose betters the world contained not; and pulling him from his saddle, he bore him in his arms, to the place where the Lady was, being perfectly come to herself, who joyed to see how well he had revenged her quarrel. He leapt with him from his horse, and with his poniard ended his life and love, in the sight of the Lady, whom he best loved in the world: the which joyful and secure, rose from the place where she sat, and with a countenance, which would have made love itself in love, she went to the free young man, casting her arms about his neck, which I know not who would have refused, and with a cloth wiping his armour sparkled with blood, said, Well hath my friendly fortune ordained, (valorous man at arms) that although that your first offer served not for a medicine to cure the wounds of my soul, yet with the second, restoring my life and honour, you have wholly bound me unto you; and so I entreat you in the name and behalf of those things which you love best in the world, to tell me your name, and of what country you are: for I am of opinion, that I shall yet love you better, for some other reason▪ then for all that you have now done for me. Well did this young gallant understand her; and so desiring thoroughly to satisfy her, he said, Worthy Lady, the Gods do bear me record, how great joy I conceive for my coming into your Kingdom, in time to do you some service: and know, that my Country is Tinacria, and I am son to the Emperor Trebacius, and he, among all my whole kindred, whom I love best, is the Prince of the great Brittany. Afresh returned the most fair Eufronisa to embrace him, saying. Now valorous Prince, I say, that I will not rest beholding unto you, seeing that in giving me life, it hath been to the end I should increase my love towards that cruel Prince, whom you say you love so much. And as we le●t speaking, streams of tears flowed from her fair eyes, & she considered her oversight, saying, Marvel not, (noble Prince) to see the many shows of my indiscretion: for the withdraw affection wherewith Rosabel is beloved in this Country, is such, and the cruelty which he showeth towards me, is so rigorous, that it forceth me to complain of him, seeing I have so dearly loved him. I would not for any thing in the world, most worthy Lady, (answered the Prince) that I should give you any cause of discontent, for I receive so much herein, that I know not aught, that may free me thereof, although that if it may be held for an excuse, that he have not equalled your affection, his being elsewhere devoted, yet a sufficient reason it yieldeth, to cause you to show yourself less passionate. I never desired (most valiant Knight) that he should wholly requite my love, seeing it impossible for him to do: I only desired that he should consider that I loved him, and how sweet a life I held it, and how much I joyed to be his. But (Oh extreme dolour!) it appeareth that if I did live, but to love him, he in good earnest took pleasure to abhor me. Here did I furnish him with horse and arms: and here did I show him the most faithful sincere affection, that ever was contained in any human breast. In my Palace did I cure him of his wounds, hoping that that would have moved him to have cured those which he had given me: but to my greater grief, I sent him hence whole and sound, and he left me here, so, as you see me. Let it not (noble Prince) offend you to hear my passionate complaint; for I would not have spoken it to any man in the world, but to such a one, as were so near a kinsman, and dear friend as are you, to that cruel Knight; and know, that my constancy shall serve for an example to the world: for first shall my soul forsake my body, before I leave to be his. Behold and see unto what estate affection hath brought me: for in hope to see him, it doth not grieve me to see my father, in the behalf of the soldan of Niquea to go against him. And I beseech you, valorous Prince, seeing you mean to serve in those famous wars, to remember, some day to tell him, that Eufronisa is in the Camp, not in show of an enemy, but as a tributary. Much did the cruelty of his kinsman grieve the Prince of Tinacria; wherefore to comfort this noble Lady, he said, Be not dismayed (noble Lady) for I promise you on my faith, and as I am a Knight, that I will so bring it to pass, that in Grecia, the prince Rosabel shall visit you, and acknowledge the favour which in this country he hath received at your hands. I desire no greater joy for my whole life time, answered the Lady, but only to see him, and that, that with some acknowledgement he may understand, how much I have loved him; and herewith let us go, for that Lady stayeth for us, who is a witness of what I endure.  
Upon the dead Princess horse, the Tinacrian set the Lady, and himself mounted upon his own; they returne● so pleasant and merry, that, but for the remembrance of the loss of her sons, nothing could yield her so great joy; of love was all their discourse, although this Youth had small skill therein: But fortune determined to prepare him with those shows of love, meaning shortly to subject him thereto; holding it for base, seeing he was not yet subdued. Some horsemen they met upon the way, of her guard, which in a great troup came galloping, fearing that they had lost the King's daughter. Here would the Prince have taken his leave, without coming to the City of Goltuerg, where the King made preparation for his departure; but at the instant request of the Princess and the discreet Silia, he could not refuse to go with them, upon condition, that by no means they should discover who he was.  
Being arrived at the City, it nothing amazed him to see it in arms, and the great number of Knights, which hourly arrived there, among which were many most fierce Giants; neither the great abundance of warlike instruments, which were prepared in that City: for well he knew in what readiness his father would be. Eight days remained he there, with the greatest entertainment in the world: for the king knowing in what manner he had rescued his daughter, knew not how to requite it him. At the end of which time, (with a determination to go into Tinacria, and there to levy the mighttest Army, that possibly he should be able, in the behalf of his father) he took his leave of that gallant Lady, with such a farewell, as made him sorrowful. She likewise within four days after, took her way towards Grecia, with her father's Army, with so great a desire to be there, that she imagined that the heavens could yield her no greater content. The words of the Tinacrian did much hearten her, who in a well rigged Galley directed his course towards his Country, with his aforesaid determination. But the third day after his being at sea, the sea began to work in such sort, that he lost his voyage, casting him by divine providence, into a straight of the Mediterranean sea, where he wandered 3. days, & the fourth took land in the most sweet and pleasant country that ever he had seen in his life. He leapt ashore, desirous to know in what country he was arrived, commanding the Mariners there to attend him; and with his Squire only, he began to enter a most pleasant shadow of Poplar trees, where he took pleasure in the fresh air thereof, seeming unto him, that there, industrious nature had taken great care to exceed all human art.  
When he had travailed about a mile therein, busying his eyes in beholding the stately Poplars and lofty Cedars, at the end of this wood, in the midst of a fair field, he beheld the stateliest Palace that could be imagined; the height thereof seemed to touch the clouds, with such variety of stone, that it seemed a work of the high heavens, or that it was the habitation of some rulers thereof. This fair Castle was compassed with a br●ad ditch, cross the which did run a main river; there were certain bridges which led to the Castle; the principal he wondered at: for notwithstanding that it had but one A●ch, yet the workmanship was very curious, for all the battlements were of most pure white Alabaster. There entered the son of Garriofilea, beholding the sore front of the castle, the richness whereof he could not value; it was shut with most strong gates, wherein were engraven many Histories, with most rich checker-worke of gold. This Tinacrian dismounted from his horse, the better to behold the work; & giving his horse to his Squire, with a very speedy pace, he marched towards the gates, where, of force I must leave him; for there is so much else to be said, that there is no other remedy.   

CHAP. V. Of that which happened to the Prince Claridiano, and to Florisiano of Apulia, in their return from Lucania.  
IT behoveth me, (most noble Prince) the better to give delight in so long an History, to follow the rule of well consorted music, sometimes striking the sharp and loud strings of Cupid, treating of his sundry effects, and of his power in a mind subject to a thousand passions; sometimes following the sound and churlish buzzing of angry Mars, to the end, in the end to make a pleasing conclusion of all together: and where I find a lover, to conclude his constancy, seeing how much many have held, not dismaying at any their beloved ladies disdain; but even when they have showed themselves most froward, have continued most kind and constant, purifying in the extremest of their torments, the forces of their hearts. And to him which will follow his liberty, and therewith furious Mars his drum, it may appear how earnestly many have followed it, and with how great content they have passed the gates of the hard Diamond, so as to give content to all, it behoveth me to treat sometimes of love, and sometimes of Mars his furious and horrible blows, and having left the son of Garrifilea, so pleasant & victorious, setting Eufrosina at liberty, it shall not be amiss, to prosecute the love of the Lord of Apulia, which to those which delight in a sweet History, is the most principal, who most faithfully loved & was least regarded, fortune showing in him her power, what she is able to do when she wil  
The Greek much desired, that his affairs might attain to a happy end; for in his soul he much affected the prince Florisiano, who seemed to him one of the most discreet that over dealt therein: and passing the seas, they discoursed of a thousand things, and all of love: the wind being favourable, they made a pleasing voyage; and being both enamoured, with discourses of love, they passed the loathsome toil of the seas, until the tenth day, at what time the fair Aurora began to show herself in the East, foreshowing her brothers coming. On the shores-side of Italy they discovered a very fair Galley, which came with sail & cares more swift than thought.  
The Greek betook him to his weapons, to the end that recklessness should yield no ill success; and so they stayed, until drawing near, they heard them, bid them amain, except they would all be dead. He did not therefore command to strike their main sail, but only to ●aye for them, and to see who it was, that with such pride so threatened them, and is lying by the see, they stayed, until they might see aloft upon the poop a deformed Giant, and about some twelve Knights, and the two Galleys aboarding, they might within, hear the complaining voice of certain wronged women.  
The valiant Prince of Gréece was very suspicious, and any matter that might concern women (to whom in former time he had vowed his aid) did much trouble him. He turned himself to the Prince of Apulia, saying, Never trust me, valorous Prince, but there are in this Galley, some ladies prisoners; for their lamenting doth manifest as much, and therefore I would not for any thing in the world, being able to succour them, leave them, for any hap, though never so dangerous Do as you think good (valorous Knight) said the gentle Florisiano, for I, to lose my life 〈◊〉 your service, shall but requited the generosity wherewith you have offered yours to yield me content. I agree not herein (said the Greek lover) but that you remain aboard this galley, & suffer no man to enter: as for the rest let me alone. And herewith hoist all the sails, & with sails & dares made after that enemy, which stayed for them, accounting them very ill advised, having as it seemed within board, but ●armed man. And drawing near, Trebacius his nephew lifting a little up his beaver, with a loud voice said, I desire, sir knight, that you should tell me whither you are bound: for if you sail towards Niquea we may the more safely make our voyage together incompany from the danger on the seas, by reason of these alterations and wars which sound over all the world. The fierce Giant answered, saying, Our Galley, sir knight, goeth so safe from any ill success that may happen unto her, with those that are within bo●rd, that we have no need of company, except you desire ours to make your voyage with such safety as you desire; and therefore it sufficeth that your Galley may go with ours.  
This is superfluous favour (said the Greek) fading fear, and to the end we may go the more at pleasure, I pray you take aboard you a Squire, who is in great fear, for that he heareth that certain Greeks scour this coast. Let it be as you will (said the Giant) and if he will, he shall see, how little I esteem those proud knights of whom he is so much afraid; and so commanded to strike sail, and to lay his Galley so near to the princes, that he might easily (lying near together) leap aboard where the Giant was, and did it with such dexterity, that when they betook them to their defence, he was already aboard, with his sword in his hand, saying, It is requisite, you traitors, that you leave your pray and your lives, for payment for your presumption. He stayed for no answer, neither strained any curtsy; for before they could fit themselves, he had slain two of them. It was wonderful to behold, how he cast himself amidst the thickest of the throng, and it is not a thing to be written in so true an History as this which I prosecute, what this valiant youth performed. Lirgandeo saith, that at three blows he smote down six knights at the giants feet, who blaspheming heaven and earth, lifting up his terrible axe, came towards the lover, making the Knights to give place. They never better performed their Master's commandment then now: for no less than their lives depended thereon. The fierce Giant gave so vehement a blow, which made such noise, that it seemed to thunder in the air. It seemed not to the lover of Arquisilora any wisdom to stay the lighting of so rude a blow: and so winding himself on one side, seeing the blow come from aloft, he let it slip, which came as it were thundering in the air: he smote it an hand deep in the hatches of the ship, which was a very great good hap for the Greek: for by that means, being unable to pull it out, so soon as he would, he joined with him, and with both his hands gave him a blow on the thick helm. It little profited him that it was three fingers thick; for he smote the greater part thereof from his head, and left him sore wounded, and withal made him to reel, he paid him the second time better than at the first: for hitting him right upon the huge great arms, he made him let go his battaile-axe, which put him to such pain, that he had much to do, to put his hand to his side, to draw a broad crooked falchion, wherewith flourishing, he assailed the prince. There was no room in the Galley to shun the swift coming thereof, neither was it possible to ward the terrible blow with his most strong shield, which (for the fineness thereof) although that he could not cleave, yet he beat it to his helmet with so great force, that he made him set both his knees to the ground.  
Never did Knight better bear himself in a particular fight, than this prince did: for oftentimes, with his agility and discretion he knew how to make his benefit of his ill haps, against his enemy, as now, without losing his ward, by reason of this great blow: for he gave him a great slash over the legs. This was it which assured him of the battle, for hitting him a little beneath the gartering place, he cut it almost half off, he would not so give over without giving him one more, which was a very fearful stroke, which wholly bereaved him of his right foot: he made him go backwards with less steadfastness then in battles is required.  
The valorous Bachelor rose again on his feet, attending the fierce Pagan, who came upon him, casting a thick smoke out at his beaver, but wanting the assistance of his leg, he was to strike him with his eyes; he was constrained to set him on his knee, and in that manner to attempt the doubtful victory, it cannot be imagined how great contentment the Prince of Apulia received, in seeing the marvels in arms, which that Knight performed, esteeming himself happy to have such a companion.  
By reason of the great noise which was made in this battle, out of a cabin of the Galley came one of the most fair Ladies that ever was seen, all clad in green Satin cut upon most fine cloth of Gold, and her yellowish hairs hanging loose about her shoulders, pouring streams of tears down her fair cheeks, which resembled the most rich Oriental Pearls, who seeing how victoriously this Knight had borne himself, to give him the greater courage, said, Let these cruel and accursed caitiffs die, and assure yourself, I will not leave your travail unrewarded.  
The Greek needed no new favours, for he had already ranged the Giant so well to his will, that he would not give him so much space as to draw his breath, and desiring to make an end of the war, making amends with a mighty blow upon the Moor, he closing, came to handy gripes and cast him on his back on the floor, bereaving him at the very instant of his life, in the despite of all those knights which would have hindered it; with which he returned again into a deadly battle, but it lasted not long; for he lost all patience.  
The cruel Lion is not more furious in the midst of the sheepe-flocke, nor a she Bear that is robbed of her whelps, than was he among those which remained; he overthrew three with mortal wounds, which gave occasion to the rest (who before with much hate did resist him) to throw away their sword, and to fall down and humbly entreat him to pardon them their lives.  
The noble minded Knight easily granted it; for choler did never so much blind him, as to make him tread that compassion under feet, which ought to be held with those which yield.  
By this time the fair Prince of Apulia was come aboard the Galley, who embracing the Grecian, said, Fortune will not now (most puissant Knight) show herself so cruel unto me, seeing it hath together given me satisfaction for so many troubles, bringing me in due time to joy at the view of your worthy acts.  
It is sufficient glory for me (noble Prince) answered the Greek, to have deserved so generous a commendation, as what I hear from your mouth, which hath given me occasion to esteem better of myself, than my valour hath deserved.  
The gallant Lady ended their discourse, who like a chased Lioness, taking notice of whom she had held for a captive, who was also Lord of her soul, wherewith she loved him, without giving the Greek any thanks for the liberty which he had given her, clasping her arms about his neck, she said, I never thought, neither Iaroe, with such satisfaction, as this, to enjoy thy presence, or that Fortune should have ended my disgrace in this manner: but the heavens have so decreed, that she who is borne to be thine, shall be no man's else.  
Now I will not complain of Iaroe, for I am persuaded, he would not have so forgotten me, as the Prince of Apulia. With this, the gentle young man presently knew her to be the fair Troyla, daughter to the King of Argel, where he had been a captive.  
The gallant Lady had made this Prince so much beholding to her, for the many signs of good will which she showed him, being in prison, that at the instant bowing his knees to the ground, desiring to kiss her hands, he said, My troubles, noble Princess of Argel, have been such, since the destinies ordained my departure from thy presence, that I know not how they have given me leave to live, neither to think upon Iaroe, but the Prince of Apulia, as he who at the last yielded himself more beholding, acknowledgeth the much and many favours, which he hath received at your hands, offering you now anew, his life to be at your service, and speak I pray you, to this venturous Knight: for both ours to him is due, according to the much which he hath performed. The Lady acknowledged the error whereinto she was fallen; but seeing it was for love, it was to be excused.  
Then began she to discourse of this valorous Greek, and to inquire who he might be, and what adventures he had passed? And hearing what the prince of Apulia said of him, she said, Pardon (most worthy Knight) my recklessness, in that I have not all this while given you thanks, for that which you have done for my liberty, which only may be esteemed a thing whereof there resteth for me no hope to make any requital, which the heavens reward you in your greatest necessity. The great displeasure which I conceived against this Knight, for departing out of my prison without my leave, was the occasion of my oversight.  
For many errors, (worthy Lady) this only were a sufficient excuse, if there had been any such: how much more then, where there was none committed? Much time they spent in entertaining with these sweet discourses. To entertain in such manner (worthy Ladies,) is no error, which I leave to your discreet considerations, omitting therewith the tediousness wherewith I should proceed.  
The long absence of the Prince of Apulia, had given no occasion to lose any part of the affection which she bore unto him when he was present; her steadfast beholding him did manifest as much. All this did but increase the Greek lovers pain, to see himself so infortunate, and absent from his Lady, and with such disgrace banished, and not to return into Grecia without licence, bearing the name of Claridiano.  
It did somewhat grieve the Prince of Apulia, to see the discontentment of the knight of Cruelty: he was generally so called of all men; for that was his device in his shield. The gentle conversation of the Princess, did much comfort him, whom these princes entreated to declare the cause of her imprisonment. I can tell you none, valorous Knights, but that being one day in a garden, upon the Strands side, to recreate myself, in company of these four Damsels, this accursed Giant, by chance, with the fury of the wind, came to arrive at the garden's bank side, he with those Knights entered, and coming through the thickest, they arrived at certain fountains, where we were solacing ourselves. To small purpose served the callings and outcries which we made, calling for help, that they should not carry us away to their Galley. It was yesterday twelve days, he told me by the way, that he was of the squadron of Ocho, vassal to the Prince of Almaigne, in whose service he went to the wars against the Greeks, in company of the Emperor of the Romans, and to the same effect my Father is upon parting with the king of Carthage, which are to join with the soldan of Niquea, whom (as they say) this war doth principally concern, for the theft, which a Prince of the Greeks committed, in stealing one of his Daughters; they purpose to ruinate the whole Empire, according to the great numbers of men which they levy. This is all that I can say, concerning my imprisonment. And seeing I shall not find the King my Father at Argel, (for by this time he is gone) I should be very glad, if you would take me with you: for being in company with such Knights, for the present, nothing in the world could yield me the like content. You shall do us (answered Florisiano) great favour, to take us with you, for Knights of your guard. Whereto the Greek agreed, dissembling the grief he conceived, to hear how great troops of men were levied to war against his parents; he determined with himself to take his way towards Grecia, disguised with new arms secretly, without acquainting any man therewith, except the Knight of the Lions, who was the gentle Claramant. The Princes often times discoursed concerning the success of the Prince of Ap●lia, and swore that it should be kept secret, without discovering to any man who he was. With fair weather they sailed six days, and on the seventh they discovered the land of Lucania, with such alteration of the Prince of Ap●lia, that standing aloft to behold it, the Lady said unto him, You shall do ill, to go ashore in this land, which we have discovered, (valorous Prince) seeing that you will land therein, with so sad and heavy countenance. Some things have happened unto me to my liking, answered the Prince; but the most ordinary and that which maketh me to absent myself from my Country and friends, is that which carrieth me after the currant of my hard haps. (Love most noble Prince, is not so sweet to be endured, nor so easy to be concealed, but that howsoever a man will go about to dissemble the matter, hiding the grief of his soul, yet he will give signs and certain notice thereof.) The Prince of Gréece was of opinion▪ plainly to discover it, for in his soul he was grieved; for it was a matter to touch a man: for her beauty did deserve, that the Prince of Apulia should love her: but he dissembled, offering himself to any danger that might yield content to Florisiano. They attributed it to the great generosity of his mind, desiring much, that occasion might be offered to requite the same. They leapt to shore, and he of Ap●lia took the Arms of one of the giants Knights, which best fitted him, and a mighty horse, which was the dead Giants: other four they took for the Ladies, which were with the Princess. They gave commandment to the Mariners of the Galley, to attend them there: and licensing the giants galley to depart, they took the most direct and beaten way that they saw: all the Ladies aware scarves, which they cast over their faces, to go the more unknown. There was never seen a fairer company: for the Ladies were all young maids, and the others enamoured, so as there was no discourse of any thing between them, but of love. From the one side to the other road th●se valiant warriors, managing their horses with so great a grace, as Mars himself: the Lady taking great pleasure therein, accounting it a pleasure, to travel all the world over in company of such Knights, their valour assuring her from all danger. By the same way that they went, they saw eight Knights coming towards them, very richly armed, to whom at their meeting, the Greek in their own language said (for he could speak any in the world) We shall take it for favour, Sir Knights, to know of you, what Country this is, and how far it is to any Town. Well pleased with his good speeches and behaviour, The Country, Sir Knights, wherein you are, (answered one, who seemed to be Captain of all the rest,) is the populous Lucania, very near unto the famous City of Troba; it would yield you great delight, to see the marvelous stately buildings thereof: but now all the Country is so troubled with these wars, which are a beginning, that there is no pleasure or contentment, especially now, by reason of the importunacy of Asternio Prince of Calabria, who hath declared himself for a great lover & suitor unto the Princess Polinarda, although it is imagined, that she admitteth none of his services: But the King hath so effectually dealt in the matter, that she is promised unto him for his wife, in stead of his brother, whom they put to death through her occasion. Greatly was the Prince of Apulia moved with the words of these knights, although he passed it over, holding the matter as concerning himself, and holding such company as the Greek Prince, who desirous to return into Grecia, to the aid of his parents, taking leave of these Knights, thanking them for the news which they had told them, he said, Ualorous Princes, the best & most certain mean that I know to deal in this business, is, to remit it to the fortune of my valour, & so to bereave this Prince (which procureth your spoils) of the mean thereto, here freing us from any success that may hap, to send a messenger to the King of Lucania, that I will maintain the beauty of this Lady, against any Knight that shall say the contrary, at all assays, to be the fairest that is in this kingdom: which shall give occasion to this Knight (if he love and be valiant, as he is reported to be) to take it in ill part, that any should be preferred before his Lady, and coming to blows with him, for nothing in the world will I give over the battle: and if the heavens grant us victory (as I hope they will) it shall be an easy matter for you to carry the Lady away, she bearing you such good will, as you say she doth, and being in your Country, you may defend her against all the world, or otherwise make your return into Grecia, in company with this Lady, wherein you shall do the king of Argel great service, delivering her into his hands. They all agreed to this, which the Knight of Cruelty had devised, and so in conclusion, they dispatched a Damsel in company with Polisandro, to deliver the message to the King, they remaining in a wood, expecting answer, which shall be declared in the next Chapter.   

CHAP. VI How the Damsel delivered the ambassade to the King of Lucania, in the behalf of the Knight of Cruelty, who admitting the same, the matter came to trial.  
AS Polisandro and the Damsel (as saith Galtenor) were departed from the Princes, with the Greek Prince's message, and were come within two miles of the great City of Troba, at what time as the King was newly risen from dinner, accompanied with many principal knights, among which was the most strong Astrenio, which was now respected of every body as the King's son: they desired leave to enter, which was granted, in the presence of many Ladies, & the fair Polinarda, with Solesia the Princess of Campania, and her valorous lover Lisander. The Damsel doing such reverence, as in such cases is accustomed, the King willing her to deliver her ambassade, she began in this manner: Thou shalt understand (mighty King of Lucania) that in the confines of the red Sea▪ in that part which boundeth upon Media, there lieth a most populous and rich Island, called the I'll of plate, for the great abundance, which the earth there bringeth forth: of which Island is Queen, one of the most accomplished Ladies of the world, called Troyla, with whom the mighty Prince of Cumagena, (traveling through the world to seek his adventures, seeing her rare beauty) fell in love, and that with such fervency, that according to the show which he hath made thereof, nothing but death only may suffice to divert him from his amorous conceit: he hath performed (most Sovereign King) so many and so great matters in the service of this Lady, that of very duty, (and considering with herself, that it was no disgrace to her to accept him for her Knight) thee resolved to admit his service, and him for her servant. With the favours which she bestowed on him, he began again anew to make triumphs for joy, in such manner, that she consented and promised to be wholly his: She (valorous King) standeth so assured on herself and her beauty, that she requested him, in requital of the faith which she vowed unto him, to carry her to the Courts of the most famous Kings, for the space of two years, to maintain her beauty. A small request seemed unto her lover, that which she required, and to all others that knew him, seeing by experience the great valour which the heavens had infused into him. And now they go, accomplishing the two years quest, performing such adventures therein, with so much honour to them both, that he is held for one of the most valorous Knights of the world, and hearing the fame of this Court & of the gallantry of the Ladies of the same, he would not pass by into Grecia, before he had here made proof of what power his adventure might be, he yieldeth to the battle at all perils: for some having proceeded to the justs only, have remained thoroughly grieved, bringing the battle to no perfection; wherefore he hate sent to entreat thee, (if it shall so please thee) to send him safe conduct, to the end he may maintain the cause for which he cometh. Here ended the Damsel her Oration, leaving not one in all the hall, which did not wonder at her bold demand. Some rumour began among the young Knights, making a scoff thereof, avouching that the Ladies whom they served, had attained to the highest of all beauty. Well did the King understand it, and dissembling the same, answered the Damsel, (which coming in the name of an Ambassador, was to be honourably entertained) I do thankfully accept (fair Damsel) of the pleasure, which this Knight with his presence will do unto this court, although (as I am persuaded) he shall here purchase more enemies than friends: for here being Princes, which delight in Lady's service, they will never yield to so general an offence, as is this. The most strong Astermo could not dissemble his discontentment, deeming, that therein was great disgrace done to his Polinarda, who said thus, I do rather wi●h (fair Damsel) that this Knight had first seen the Ladies of this Palace, that he might have perceived the error which he maintaineth, before he had with such overboldness, defied their gallants. I am of opinion, Sir Knight, (answered the discreet Damsel) that you have not yet made proof of the power of love, seeing that you know not, that he which admireth the beauty of his beloved, speaketh according to his affection: I am of opinion, that both of the one and the other, the Prince will put you out of doubt, if it shall please the King to give him leave thereto. I grant it, quoth the King, if he will; to the end we may see the effect of your hopes. The Lady would have kissed the King's hand for the savour which he granted, & returning, she said, As these Princes (mighty King) have traveled a long journey, so come they unfurnished of provision necessary; wherefore they pray thee to command a Tent to be lent them, seeing that the challenger is to make his abode therein. Whatsoever shall please him (answered the King) I will command to be carefully provided. In this manner (said the Lady with a high voice) begin you that are enamoured, to set up your arms; for between this and to morrow, will come to the Lists, the Prince of Comagena, with costly experience to make show of his great valour. And so taking her leave of all, Polisander and she mounted on horseback, and with a swift pace they returned to the wood, where they had left the Princes, to whom (for by little and little they drew near to the City) she delivered the message which she brought.  
Much did Claridiano rejoice, to understand how well the Damsel had dispatched her business. It might be about two of the clock in the afternoon, when these valorous Princes came into the great Market place of the City of Troba, leading between them the venturous Troi●a, so well pleased to see the good which she hoped for, that she was as it were, overjoyed. There were none but did very attentively behold the Princes, the Lady seeming to them no less fair, than the Knights to be of a good constitution, particularly he in the yellew, whom by his device in his Shield they held to be the challenger, and whom they deemed to be the most gentle Knight that was in that place. They ware their visors pierced, and bore their Lances in their hands. All the place by this time was full of people, by reason of the report of their coming; and so they approached to the beholders, where the King and all his daughters were, the one doing that reverence to the others, as their estates did require.  
The Greek a little lifting up his Beaver, said, Ualorous King of Lucania, notwithstanding that my coming to thy Court hath been to do thee pleasure, yet my challenge I address to those, which profess themselves not to be their own. Your coming (Sir Knight) is much esteemed (answered the King,) and so at your pleasure you may begin to maintain the beauty of this Lady. When they all entreated to come up to the beholders, in company of Polinarda, the two Princes desired no other thing, accordingly as they had agreed: and so alighting into the arms of him in the yellow, they led her up to the place, where Polinarda was, who was very doubtful that Astermo should not lose that, which the other held for certain.  
All the courtly Ladies judged the fair Troyla, to be very beautiful, Polinarda saying unto her, I now say, gallant Lady, that I marvel not, though your Knight bear the prize in all hard adventures, justice being apparent on his side; wherefore all good success is due unto him. This (noble Lady) answered Troila, will be through the reflection from your beauty, mine being very little. O prince of Apulia, who could help thee in the perplexity wherein thou wa●t? It was so much (most noble Prince) as who so had noted him, might well have perceived it.  
They spent not long time in discourses: for the Greek yet saw not the end of his business, pricked forward with the necessity wherein his parents were, and so doing a short reverence to the Ladies▪ giving his hand to the careful lover, they came down the ●a●es, and mounting on their horses, they road to a most fair tent, which was in the midst of the place I would not, valorous prince, (said the prince of Apulia) that any evil success should happen unto Lisander my friend, and brother to my Sovereign Lady. There shall not (said the Greek) for I will so handle the matter in the battle, that he shall lose nothing, but that he shall not overcome.  
By this time many were come into the place, who with their Arms would yield testimony of what they felt in their souls. The first that tried their fortunes, were two of the King's nephews, young knights, and both much enamoured, but losing their saddles, there rested no more action for battle; for at two encounters he put them & all the whole company out of doubt, that he wan the flower of chivalry. Right before him past the prince of Campania, who was but newly come to the Court, so enamoured, that he made account (trusting therein, to bear the palm from the battle; his Arms were of the colour of the Lion, wrought over with gold; and in his shield, a sky, wherein was a Lady: and beneath, Faith painted, only with this Inscription.  
That in heaven which is reserved,  
Will try the due by love reserved  
here below on earth.  
His good gesture gave contentment to all. The sea beating against the rocks, doth not make ●o great noise, as these two did at their encounter. The Prince of Campania ●ell not, although in deed he made an ill favoured bending backwards in his saddle: he returned towards the Greek with his sword in his hand; but the battle was unequal, for he seconded not his blow: and the valiant Gre●ke, with his sword & shield making amends, first joined with him, and with both his hands smote upon the top o● his shield; there was no defence, but he cast the one half thereof to the ground, the sword fight on his helmet with such ●●rce, that it set him senseless on the arson of the saddle. The Greek was very desirous to end the battle, and so spurring his furious horse, he ran against him with his breast, which cast them both to ground: and the prince was so crazed with the fall, that he could not get from his horse.  
The Ladies were much grieved that the prince of Campania should be overcome; and most of all his sister the gentle Solersia, whose bravery had encouraged the prince Lisander to come into the Lists, so well armed & disposed, that the common people through affection, openly gave him the victory. He came armed in a reddish armour, wrought all over with knots of gold, and in the midst of his shield, Contentment, described after the manner as they depaint the Arabia Foelix, set upon a Globe ruling the world, encompassed with this Mott, 
Where hope is well assured,  
And joined with steadfast constancy,  
Fortune's mutability  
Is nothing to be feared.   
Great pleasure did his mistress receive in his device, holding it done for her sake, The prince of Apulia had given notice, that that was his dear friend: wherefore the Greek with a soft pace went to him and said:  
Ualorous prince of Lucania, there resteth so little time to end so many battles as yet remain, that I thought good to demand battle of you upon condition, that whether of us that within two hours shall lose his Saddle, through a stroke of his adversary, shall remain for overcome.  
Be it, Sir Knight, (answered the prince) as you shall think good, presuming to have the better of the battle. They managed their horses with so good a grace, that Mars himself from his high throne took pleasure to behold it. At what time as they should encounter, in sight of the whole troop, the valorous Greek bore up his lance. There were few in that land, that could so well behave themselves, and so gallantly, as he which was before him, who smote him with such force, that it made him bend his body farther backwards than he would: he passed forwards, much esteeming of that Knight for his valour, and hurled his lance with greater force, then if a man had discharged a culverin, striking the one half thereof into the hard ground, leaving the rest shaking in the fresh wind, which did so much amaze all those that were present, as the overcoming of the prince of Campania: with a soft pace he came to the Knight.  
There was no body there, but did note the honour which the Greek did unto him; he was very near unto the prince, when he put his hand unto his sword, more to defend himself than to offend the other, as he made it to be plainly seen: for the Prince of Lucania assailing him with his whole force, smote him so great a blow upon the top of the helmet, that it made him bend down his head so low as his breast; he came again with another, which the Greek took so ill, that had not Florisiano been present, he had forgotten his generous determination. With all this, not with the valour that he could, but to put him from him, he smote him every where where he could.  
This is (gallant noble Ladies,) no ill will, said the fair Troyla, that my Knight hath showed to his enemy, seeing how carelessly he proceedeth in a matter that so much concerneth him; but I believe that the justice of his cause detaineth him which he seeth in the behalf of his adversary. They could not answer her, for the great noise which was in the place: which was for that that the Greek imagining that the time was now expired, had closed with the prince, clasping his body within his brawny arms, he did not pluck him so soon from his horse, as he would; for that that the valiancy of the lover, seeing what he had lost, did animaie him so, as he did somewhat detain him; but it was but for a small time: for with a strong pluck he dismounted him, desiring him that he would not be overcome, but that he might hold him for his friend. I desire no more, answered the prince, than mine eyes have seen, that by so many ways you have won the palm of the battle: but seeing the heavens will have it so, all is yours, & so will I be as long as I live. Many thanks did the Greek give him for his offer, & so he mounted on horseback, the valour of the knight of Cruelty being admired. There was none in that place, (notwithstanding that it was against their prince) but did extell with high praises the knight in the yellow. The coming of the most valiant Asternio, stayed their proceedings, whom show more mighty than Mars himself came mounted upon a most ●urious fleabitten coloured horse, all his furnitures being of rich green cloth of gold, sown over with hearts, which made a very fair show; for the defence of his horse, under this furniture, there was excellent fine mail: in his crest he wa●e a most fair plume, all spangled with gold, his armour was of the colour of his furniture, saving that in the midst of his shield, in a field azure, he bore a Lady so fair and well made, as it gave delight to all the beholders: before her was a Knight kneeling, showing her a burning heart inflamed with a strange fire, & in the border this Mot.  
Well may this Sacrifice  
Give hope assurance  
Of great confidence.  
Much did the fair Lady's extol the device of this gallant lover: But to the fair Polinarda, who remembered her Florisiano, all this was a death; for she had yielded herself to love, & who loveth faithfully is not forgetull; but absence rather reviveth the memory of those which love perfectly, preserving the touch of their faith.  
The gentle disposition of this Moor did well please the Greek: but seeing that without his death he could not accomplish his promise made to the prince of Apulia, without further pausing on the matter, he turned about, and went to the place where the lances were, where, with his own hands he made choice of one of the greatest and most stiff and tough among them.  
I am of opinion (said the fair Troila, seeing what he did) that the affection is not alike, which my Knight showed to the prince of Lucania, to that which he beareth to him which is now before him. The occasion should not be small (said the fair Solersia) who in her soul was grieved that Asternio should by so many means procure Polinarda to be his wife. Let us see (quoth she) what will become of this enmity; I am persuaded this battle will be worth the seeing.  
Now were these 2. famous warrious, confronting the one the other, when the Greek with a soft pace came towards him, saying, You already know (Sir Knight,) the conditions of my demand, which are, that you tell me your name, and the name of the Lady whom you serve; for to be assured that her beauty doth excel hers which is Lady of my life, without any battle I will yield the prize.  
I would not that we should have made so long delay (said the furious young man) to make so long a discourse: for I am persuaded to resolve you sooner with the battle, then to show you in fight the Lady whom I serve: Yet understand, that I am called Asternio, prince of Calabria, and the Lady whom the heavens have ordained for my Sovereign, is the king's daughter of this land. To have a good foundation (said the valorous Greek) for you, to have presumed to lift your affection to so high degree, it were without question no great matter to give you the palm of this battle, and so I will have it, not in regard of the beauty which the heavens have adorned the Lady withal, but to let you know how presumptuous you have been, to make show to love her.  
These discourteous speeches (said the warlike Moor) deserve the fury of the brave Asternio, being as red in the face as a burning coal, without regard of what to a knight did appertain, seeing him so near unto him, stung with that which he had said, with more force than discretion, he hurled his well pointed lance; only the excellence of Claridiano his shield saved his life: for being unable to pierce it, the lance flew back again whole, but not in such sort, but that it was likely to have made the Greek to have lost his Saddle; for it made him strike his head upon his horse buttocks, which stood him in no less stead, than the earth did Anteus; for redoubling his courage, he settled himself with such wrath, that nothing could be more cruel; there was never seen so angry countenance in any Knights, it made above four of the most valiant to lose all the colour in their faces, to see their furious encounters, a good palm, he raised himself upon his stirrups, & whorling his lance about his head, with greater agility than Mars himself, he hurled it at the Pagan, who was about to draw his sword.  
The thunder maketh not so great noise in renting the clouds, as the Greek made, hitting in the midst of the Pagans shield. It prevailed not, that it had more folds of well tempered steel in it, than Ajax his shield had, to resist the force of this lover; for it passed thorough, and smote on his breastplate, but found no defence therein, (for as the shield was broken, and his fortune prolonging his life to a worse end) the head of the lance turned aside under his arm, so as it came forth at his shoulders, an arms length and more.  
The Moor fell not, for he had his legs fastened to his horse, but he made him so much forget himself, that all the company held him for dead.  
O mighty jupiter (quoth the King) of what strength is this Knight! without all doubt it is not matchable in the world; for he hath at one blow overthrown one, whom we held for one of the most valiant in the world. Few of the Ladies were sorry for the Moors disgrace; for Mars his fury did more reign in him, than any amorous regard: he at the first dash pretended to purchase Polinarda, which with great joy said:  
Now, I say, fair Lady, that your business is in better assurance than was imagined, not through want of the beauty wherewith the high heavens have enriched you, but for the great account which was held of this Knight.  
I rather attribute it to the love (answered the Lady) which my Knight beareth unto me, then for that wherein (wholly to bind me) you would attribute to my beauty; and truly I am sorry for this Knight, only, for that he resembled one whom in my Country I knew; (an example for those which are lovers to admire:) for me thought, as it appeared by him, that if love itself should be enamoured, it should not possibly attain to that degree which his faith held, which was the most rare that ever was seen: for I never saw heart so tried with the crosses of Fortune, which so persisted as his did, only for that he would not lose a jot of his lovely affection.  
I would fain know (said the fair Solersia) what he might be, if it may be spoken, to the end that having those parts which you report, we may esteem of him accordingly, and as is reason: for here hath been to the cost of many, another affection without comparison, and tried with the rarest experience that can be imagined.  
He whom I saw in my Country (answered the discreet Troyla) was called Florisiano, who for his faith, in my conceit, deserved any good hope: (she had scarcely mand an end of naming him, when the two Ladies imagined, that it was he whom they loved, and whose absence they so much sorrowed, especially the gentle Polinarda, who being much troubled, gave occasion to Troyla to say:  
It seemeth to me (worthy Ladies,) that this is not the Knight whom I know, yet nevertheless, I perceive that his name is not a little esteemed in this Country, seeing that the remembrance thereof is so acceptable. It is true, answered the fair▪ Solersia, that in time passed there was a Knight in this City, as rich in constancy, as poor in fortune, whose absence hath been no small grief to the chiefest in this kingdom. The discreet Moor Lady, seeing the way so plainly open for that which she pretended, drew out of them all that she would.  
There is nothing more easy (most noble prince) then to discover the passion of the soul, when it is grieved; for by a sigh, or by ask one name, two or three times, it maketh show of a life in love. The king's daughter of Lucania plainly confessed all.  
And as the two Ladies discoursed of the Prince of Apulia, at an instant the discreet Troyla set before her fair eyes the plot of all the business, declaring unto her with such persuasion, that he which had been her captive, was Prince of Apulia, until at last, seeing all was in safety, she plainly told her, that his companion, who fought these battles, was the same Florisiano, and that if she so much loved him, she should dispose of herself to depart with him.  
The fair Solersia did so well discharge the part of the Prince of Apulia, that Polinarda used these speeches:  
It seemeth to me, worthy Dames, that the fates have disposed of this business, according to the desire of the Lady Princess of Campania; and seeing it is so, all that which the heavens and she will, shall be accomplished in this manner (said the fair Troyla) with greater passion, then at the beginning we may behold the battle, whose success is worthy of another Chapter.   

CHAP. VII. Of the end of the cruel battle between the Greek Prince, and the brave Asternio, and of that which more succeeded.  
THe power which blind passion beareth in an amorous breast (most noble Prince) is plainly set forth unto us in the rigorous behaviour of Asternio, for wrath did so predominate in him, that it made him to tread the Laws of Arms and Knighthood under foot, and therewith rason: for, for not to defer (for a small space, his revenge, he committed a thing never used, for which he was justly requited: for the Greek drew new forces from his ill behaviour, to put him in the case which we left him, with opinion of all, that he was dead: for although that the blow passed smoothly by, renting his armour only, yet to see the head out at the other side and his shield pierced, every man accounted him dead; for so he seemed to be.  
The furious Claridiano drew near. Gualtenor reporteth, that he never fought battle with so great malice as he did this, (as he plainly gave notice) for with all the might that he was able, he smote him on the top of the helmet, and hit him on the bare, because that the Pagan could not lift up his arm with his shield, there was no defence against the Greeks force: for he hurled all his feathers to the ground, & part of the crown of his head: with the pain of the blow the valorous Moor came again to himself, and breaking his lance, as if it had been a reed, he threw the truncheon a great way off from him, setting hand to his sword, and was so angry, and ashamed to be seen in such estate, that before the Greek could make benefit of his agility, he had reached him two sound blows, the one after the other, with either of which, he had ended the wa●re, had not his armour been good▪ he made him bow down his head to the pommel of his saddle, casting blood out at his mouth. The Greek (out of his father's battle) never met with a more courageous adversary, and therefore it was a thing worth the sight, to see him fight, hastening such mighty blows and so thick, as made the Moor stand in doubt of his safety, and made him with his eyes to see his error, no less to his cost, than the loss of his life and honour: but for all this, he left not sometimes to give such blows, that the people should not account the battle for calm or ended. Four hours were past since they began: and as at the first, they whéeled about, drawing forces out of great blows, the Greek gave the Pagan such a blow on the shield, that he cut the one half clean away, so tormenting his arm, that he could not lift up the little which remained: and so he flung it to the ground, pursuing the Greeks more fiercely, than the hungry Lion doth the fearful shéepe-flocke, he reached him upon the top of the rich helmet, a blow with such fury, that although that he cut it not, by reason of the good temper thereof, yet for all that, it made him to see the twinkling stars of the skies, within the helmet, making him for a space to forget himself, and taking benefit of the time, he gave him such a stab in his loving breast, that it much grieved him; they were come so close and so near together, that being unable to strike, and seeing him so near, he clasped him in his strong arms: The Pagan refused not to wrestle, neither would he, if he had been Anteus. There was never battle so fought; for they were so locked together, that they stood more firmly fixed in the ground, than the roots of a great and well grown Oak. All men wondered at this rigorous combat, thinking with themselves, that there never was the like seen in the world: and so was the King saying to the Prince his son, that he was much beholding to the Knight of Cruelty, seeing how he had dealt with him, and the like to the Prince of Campania, who marveling much thereat, said, I do certainly believe, that this battle will be perpetually memorable, and much it would grieve me, that either of them should die, seeing how great loss their death would bring to the world. The sorrow would be general, (said the gentle Lisander of Lucania) who was of opinion, that he in the yellow would obtain the victory. They turned to behold the battle, which at that instant was maintained with much obstinacy, but in the end they were of flesh, and fell to the ground, they gave over their hold, betaking themselves to their arms, where with they afresh renewed the battle, which was worth the seeing, although with some advantage to the Greek; for as he was more nimble, he charged and retired with agility both of body and mind. The Pagan would have relied himself, who, as he was heavily armed, and corpulent of body, and the battle had lasted so long, he was out of breath, & said thus, If it please you, Sir Knight, let us rest us a little; for there remaineth time enough to end the battle. I will take none (answered the cruel young man) neither shall there be any thing to give it me, but to see thy head in my hands, for the ill manners, which thou didst use towards me. There is no venomous viper, but was to be accounted meek and gentle, in respect of the Moor, who being persuaded that his speeches had encouraged the enemy, assailed him as fiercely as a Tiger, & said, Stay, and thou shalt see to thy cost, what the assurance of that good which I requested, might have done thee. It had so stung him in mind, to see himself lightly regarded, that with greater force than at the beginning, he again assailed the Greek, giving him with both his hands 〈◊〉 great a blow, on the top of his Crest, that it made him to set both his hands to the ground. He hasted to him with another, wherewith he had wholly overthrown him, but that he holp himself with his knees, which were so strongly fastened in the earth, that he could not stretch himself out at length, to give further place to the Pagans fury.  
Without all doubt, the Greek had been in great danger, and the bartell to him would have been much more costly, but that rigorous fury being passed, at an instant appeared the advantage on his side, which was in the yellow.  
There is no doubt to be made of that pleasure, which the gentle Sir Florisiano of Apulia, would have received therein, seeing how well the Prince had performed his promise: if he had there with known, how well the fair Troyla had negotiated for him, no man would have been more glad than he: there was no reason, but he which had loved, and did so effectually love, as he did, but he should be so, and so he set himself, to see the end of the war, which lasted not long: for the Greek being extremely angry for the blows which he had received, arose more fierce than a Basilisk, often giving him such cruel blows, as put him clean out of breath, making him sometimes to set his hands, and sometimes his knees to the ground; which did much move him, seeing before his eyes, the death, wherewith the cruel Knight had threatened him, who being desirous to end the war, defending himself with his shield, closed with him, and gave him such an encounter, that it made him give backwards; making show of falling, he holp him thereto, with a strong stab, which was the last that he received: for he had not thoroughly upon the ground spread his broad shoulders, when through his visor he cut from him all hope of enjoying Polinarda, ending his life and his love, both at an instant, with so much contentment to the lovers, that it shall be fitter to be left to consideration, than any thing concerning the matter, here to be set down in writing. The Greek entered into his tent to repose him, embracing the Prince of Apulia, who knew not what to do for joy. By this time the fair Titan had ended his journey, and the Lady Lucina was to begin hers, when the friends of the dead Prince carried him from the place, giving, according as to him did appertain, honourable burial. The Prince of Apulia went to the fair Troyla, who with some shewe● (although feigned) of sorrow for the dead man, said▪ From this time forward, I will take the word from my Knight, if he please, because he shall leave so cruel a device, as that which he beareth for my sake. It was agreed between them, that on that side of the Lady's garden which Florisiano knew, they should come, where she would warrant his life, and receive him for her husband. The young man went down so troubled, to see himself in her presence, and not to lead her by the hand, which loved him as herself, as it were impossible, but that his alteration would be noted. To avoid tediousness, I do not set down how he felt himself, when he knew what the Lady determined. Happy love (said the Prince) seeing such hands have dealt therein, bringing it to that end which the lover deserveth, and happy Florisiano, which shall enjoy the same. The contentment which I receive with my mistress favour, (noble Princess) is no greater, then that, which to see the effect of yours, doth yield me, and how carefully you have procured it: it is a favour which I have received, which cannot yet be requited, for that bringeth the payment therewith, seeing you have accomplished it with your valour and my necessity.  
Those few hours which they passed, seemed a thousand, to go to the place appointed, where, having taken order for all that was to be carried, the Lady leaving a letter for her father, containing a thousand amorous excuses, reciting to him all the whole course of their love past, she stayed in company of the fair Solersia, who would not part without speaking to the valiant Florisiano.  
Without the enclosure remained the fair Troyla and the rest of the Ladies, with Palisander, and the two Princes, he of Apulia helping the Greek, who in a moment got up to the top of the wall, and giving his hand to Florisiano, they leapt into the garden, where the lovers could not speak the one to the other (a common thing in the law of love.) But the pleasant Solersia, embracing the Prince of Apulia, said, I would not valiant Prince, that that Lady had told us the discovery of Iaroe, for it had been to put us in new grief, to love you, not as the Carthagonian, but as the Lord of Apulia. I was assured, worthy Princess, (answered the Prince) that she who then did me favour, would now worthily accomplish it with that generosity wherewith you are endued. Your sight and new acquaintance (quoth she) is for so small a time, that I cannot suffer this Lady to enjoy the same, to whom your absence hath been so grievous, that she could hardly be comforted: But seeing that the heavens will that you come together, there is nothing to be done but to give thanks therefore; and we are all glad thereof.  
Those true lovers embraced each other with so much joy as cannot be imagined; it sufficeth to believe, that it was the greatest in the world, being purchased with so much troubles, which do season the good when it cometh to be enjoyed. About an hour they stood talking, giving many thanks to the Greek for that which he had done for them, admiring his beauty and few years. Much it grieved the Ladies to depart; but seeing that it was requisite, giving in charge to Solersia, to procure her Father's good will, and excuse the Prince of Apulia, with his beloved Lisander, giving strict embracements they took their leave, the Lady returned to her lodging without being perceived. The Princes in their arms received the King's daughter, which went away very fearful of her Father's displeasure; it was good hap that she lost not her senses for sorrow; but Lisander and his beloved Solersia took so good order, that they did not only satisfy him, but also procured him to pardon them, seeing she was so well married, as with the Prince of Apulia, who, with his beloved Polinarda, with the rest of the Princes, took the way towards Apulia, with determination to levy the greatest forces, that he should be able, and go to the succour of Grecia, for the much that he was bounden unto the Prince thereof. And so in a short space, he armed twenty thousand Knights, entreating the Prince Claridiano, to go into Gréece with him: who yielded thereto, but upon condition, that he should never speak to any man of him; for no less than his life depended thereon.  
And so they took their course towards the great port of Grecia, where they arrived in happy time, not without many great sudden passions of the Greek lover, to know himself so near to her whom he carried in his soul; they took land, the Emperor receiving them with such gravity as appertained. But the Greek lover would never discover his name, neither would he see her which was Lady of his life; and therefore took his leave of the Ladies, promising the Emperor, that he would not depart out of Grecia before the wars were ended, which was then even at their doors, the enemies coming being most certain; with his Squire Palisander alone, accompanied with a thousand passions of love, he took his way into a wood, which was called, The wood of Willows, purposing to change his arms, and so unknown to give aid to his Grandfather. He greatly rejoiced, to see the great good preparation in a readiness, being of opinion, that with so great armies and so well armed, the land might be defended against all the rest of the world. Four days he wandered in that wood, without any adventure worthy of memory, until the fifth in the evening he heard a great noise, as though it had been of Knights fight, he mended his pace, making towards the place where he heard the noise: but he had ridden but a little way, when an old man leaning upon a great Rush, took his horse by the Reins, saying, Hold thee, Prince of Greece, for it behoveth thee not in any case to go any further forwards; for to go, to say the truth, it is to go to the house of death.  
What art thou, honourable ancient old man (answered the Prince, being much abashed therewith) which knowing me, hast bound me unto thee, for the advertising of me of the danger wherein I went? He, valorous Prince, which many years hath procured your good, as he which most dearly loveth you●; and therefore alight; for without my help, you shall not come to the battle, whereof you have heard so much, neither shall you serve in the wars in the field, without being known to your parents, and friends, which will be little for your ease, and somewhat hard for you to endure.  
The valorous young man with a skip was on foot, very desirous to know who this old man was, which knew so much of his life. He had hardly set his feet to the ground, when the old man with his arms displayed, in his own likeness of Gualtenor, came to embrace him, saying, Do not think, my beloved son, that I take so little care for your contentment, but that I procure it more effectually, then if it were for myself; and seeing I perceive your desire to return into Grecia, ●and the disgrace wherein you are with your Mistress, and the need that there is of your help, I have enforced myself to come to yield remedy to all, advertising you first (to the end that you may with contentment endure this long war) that if you love, you are beloved in good earnest, and with the soul; but the high heavens have so ordained, that you shall not live assured from this, until that these warlike hands have shed the blood of that person whom you best love in the world, your sorrows being then grown to the highest, which you shall not be able to pass, and then will come the joy which you desire, which your destinies have prepared for you, the most acceptable in the world: and because you shall go unknown, I have brought you here certain armours, which I began to forge long before you were borne, and only against this war; they are such, as no other Master is worthy thereof, but the Prince of the two Empires; there are only three which equal them in value, for that that the temper of them all was given under one planet; with these and this jewel you may go in safety; for you shall be known by no man (except such as you will.) At an instant the Arms were present, and were such as the old man had reported, all set with Pearls and black Checker-worke and some spots of Russet. The prince had never seen a fairer thing, neither did the world contain any; for it seemed to exceed all human workmanship. The young man put them on, remaining the same that he was before, and so well disposed, that Gualtenor could not forbear to say, O lucky Planet, under which so gracious a Knight was begotten, and happy Armours, seeing that it may well be said, that within them is encompassed the flower of chivalry. He gave him a rich jewel, which was of most fine Rubies, of no less worth, then fair in show. In putting it about his neck, he seemed to be of greater age, and his colour was not so white, his hair curled, and turned up in his forehead, Lirgandeo saith, that he resembled the god Mars, when by force of arms upon the earth he won Venus. He gave him a shield of the colour of his Armour: and in midst of the field he set Cruelty, as he bore it before, although with a different writing, for on the side appeared many Ladies which took compassion of him, and under this Mot.  
If to be grieved for your love,  
Were a mean to ease your pain,  
Who would defer the same,  
If he knew what 'twere to love.  
In the whole camp, for this device he was called, The Knight with the Ladies, and he was rightly called so: for the most of them did affect him.  
With these (valorous prince, and my son) you are to defend your Country, which according to the perilous combats wherein you shall be, they are those which shall assure my weary old age, and your good success: that which I request, is, that you proceed not in the war in such sort, that your doings be correspondent with your device; for there is nothing that doth so much dishonour a man▪ as cruelty. I can stay no longer, for the much that I have to do elsewhere; but you may go in safety: for if you be in need, I will come to your aid, as he which most leaveth you. He embraced him with as much tenderness, as if he had been his own carnal son: he took his leave of Palisander, to whom he gave a girdle which altered his complexion.  
The valiant Greek saw himself so plain in the stones of his shield, that he needed no lo●king glass, he could not choose but laugh, and say to the old man at his departure, Assuredly, dear father, if you could as well change my lady Mistress conditions, as the colour of my face, wholly in your hands would be reserved my contentment.  
The old man presently vanished away, and the Greek returned to his begun career, where let us leave him, to take our way towards Greece.   

CHAP. VIII. How the adventure of the hateful Tower, with the liberty of the fair Linda brides was ended; with the co●ming of the Ambassadors from Rome; and of that which therewith happened to the Ladies.  
THe Arms of the famous Athenian being lost, with his dagger only in his hand (most noble prince) we left him in the end of the third Book to the noble Claramante, in the top of the hateful tower, in view of all the Greek Court, who stood there, with great desire from thence to behold the most beautiful Lindabrides, he which most showed himself, was the great Emperor Alphebus, who could not put out of his mind, how much he was indebted to that Lady, & how ingratefully he had ever showed himself, treading under foot that which she desired, worthy to be more esteemed of the world, than she was by him. All those which had known her, desired no less, her rare beauty leaving them affected unto her, and the faith and loyalty which she ever bare to her prince.  
They were quickly in better and more certain hopes; for to see the courageous Knight without Arms, had shadowed it, as with a cloud: but not to see him so, with great fury he struck the sail, with greater courage then before he had shown, when his person was furnished, putting himself in point, not only to defend himself, but also to offend & recover his lost Arms▪ Contrary to his desire stood those of the tower, saying, There requireth more care to be taken in the coming in, sir Knight, than you have yet shown; which is a matter, which only to have it, will put it in your hands.  
There hath not been so great want thereof (said the furious young man) as of your part there doth wickedness abound, wherewith you have proceeded; and to the end that you may see that I am not without Arms, stay, and you shall see, how costly your cozenage will prove unto you. And here with like a royal Eagle, with a jump he set himself in the midst of the Hall, where, O Apollo, that thou hadst the describing of this battle, to set it out in particular, the acts of this young Greek, according as they did deserve, which were worthy of no less than thy wisdom, and not of his that is bare and unfurnished of grace, and method, who yet hath not had knowledge and experience of the deceits in love, what it is to be beloved, & what to live secure from the pain which the soul feeleth! Wanting this (worthy Dames) what courage can my weary pen have, seeing the tears blot the letters I write, and drown the conceits framed in my soul? Yet notwithstanding trusting in your favour, I will begin to describe the doings of this Greek, to set at liberty the Lady, whom he best loved ever in his life.  
In the midst of the Hall, he stood expecting these 2. which more swift than a Sacre flying after her pray, came, the one with a battaile-axe aloft, & the other with the well sharpened sword of Theseus. The first was more speedy in delivering his blow, (which stood the prince in no little stead) for making him to lose it, with a ship he closed with him: and as for his dagger, there was neither Armour nor enchantment that could resist it: and finding himself near the Knight of the tower, he struck him on the top of his left shoulder, & drew it out again died in his blood. By this time the other was come, with more discretion than the first: for having noted the quickness & agility of the enemy, he came well in breath, with his sword in his hand, the point forwards. The young man had good hap, that he ran him not thorough; for he took it under his arm. He of the tower thought that he had sped him; & so drawing back his sword, which making way to the flesh, came forth, without any dangerous hurt, he marked his fortune, & considered that it was no fearful hurt; he would not lose occasion in a matter where it was so necessary, to see himself destitute of Arms, & so with the strength that he recovered above all others of his time, he gave him a perilous stab in the midst of his breast, & had slain him, if he had not given back, drawing out his bloody dagger, at what time as he with the battle axe came, well strengthened on the left shoulder, he would have run him in with the point: the Greek could do no more, but with his force and his dagger, shun the fearful halberd; but not so, but that he first wounded him shrewdly, going forth in the arm: he feared ill success, because the battle was very unequal, with so apparent disadvantage: yet for all this, although he saw himself hurt in some places, & the hall sprinkled with his blood, he made no show of want of courage, but rather with greater than he had held in former battles, he charged and retired upon his enemies, and ranged them, covered all over with their own blood.  
Those which saw the battle, did wonder, assuring themselves that they had never seen the like in their lives; and it was so indeed, for few had there passed like this, for those of the tower live only to fight, and our Claramant, to be feared, so as the heavens had the more enabled them both, to the end to yield the battle the more cruel.  
I believe (said the mighty Trebacius) that the heavens do take compassion on this Lady, seeing that to relieve her they have sent s●ch a Knight. We are no less bounden (said the fair Litiana) for this, them for the enchanted tower, that I not having the Knight of the Lions, could not be called your majesties daughter, neither see the marvels which it performeth: God speed him, and grant him well to end this present battle, (said the gallant Archisilora) for there will not want Ladies to love him. O fortunate Knight (said the gentle Clarintea of Celandia) seeing that before it is known who he is, the ladies dispose of themselves who shall best love him.  
This followeth valour well employed, said the gallant Venus, who drew near, although I have known another Knight no less worthy to be beloved, than he of the Lions; and herein the Lady Laysa will take my part. For this which is so well known, who would but draw near, although with hazard of life, answered the Lady? for there would want no Knights to help me.  
I would not be the last (said the venturous Dacian) for me thinketh, that with those of the tower all runneth at even hand. It is no small matter to come to so doubtful battle, with this apparent disadvantage (said Claridiana) and in requital of what these Ladies have showed, the Prince of Dacia shall tell us who this Knight is.  
He hath here so much kindred (said Don Heleno) that whereas he might fight for justice, here he might do it for affection. He presently showed them in what manner he met with the Prince of Grecia, and Trapisonda, in Sclavonia, and what had happened unto him concerning the fair Venus. I now say, (said the gentle Rosamundi) that I marvel not, though a Lady so much beholding, return for him, which set her in so happy estate as it is to be beloved.  
They could proceed no further, for the great noise which the people made, which were in the Court: and beholding the cause thereof, they saw that the Knight of the Lions, after two hours space, in a most bloody battle, defending himself from him with the halberd joined with him, and clasping the same near where he held it, with a sudden touch he plucked it out of his hands, thrusting him a good way off from him: he got it not so scotfree, but that he received a greater wound than he had of all that day given him, in one of his thighs, so as without great pain he could not stir it; he felt-it not for joy that he had gotten this wished for halberd, wherewith he was a Phoenix in Arms: With this perilous weapon he made room in the Hall.  
There can no sorrow be compared to theirs which were in the tower, especially his which had lost it. For all this they would grant him no entrance: but with two poinyards with a soft pace he made towards the Greek, and in coming near him, making show with the greatest force & quickness in the world to come within him, he hurled one at him; the Lord defended him, for the great good which for his sake he should accomplish. In throwing this cruel poniard, he missed his breast, but struck him thorough the arm, from side to side; the pain pierced him to the very soul, but before they parted, he gave him his deserved payment, wielding his halberd so well as he could, he reach him such a knock on the p●te, that if it had been of Diamond he had broken it, & felled him dead at his feet. His companion seeking revenge, would needs close with him, but knowing his meaning, he held out his halberd before him, and the other was so blind, that he ran upon the point thereof, and as the young Greek holp him with his due, he threw him on his back in the midst of the Hall, where in a moment winning the entrance to the fast locked Chamber, he bereaved him of his life with the greatest joy of the world, making account that all had been ended. The Greek took up the good sword, and without staying for the rest of the furnitures, he went, thinking to enter into the lodging, very desirous to see the end of this adventure: he had but one foot within the door, when he heard a new alarm given, so hideously, that the Greeks were in great doubt of their Knight, seeing him so shrewdly hurt: but he who feared nothing, without any mistrust, with the battell-axe in his hand, would enter: but without being able to avoid it, a fierce wild savage man, covered all over with oaken leaves, clasping him in his arms, said, Didst thou think (prince of Grecia) that there was nothing else to be done? Know thou, that for thy presuming to come into my lodging, thou shalt neither see nor know thy parents, which then seest here present. It shallbe as it shall please the heavens to appoint it, (said the furious young man) closing with him; where you might have seen one of the most gallan● wrestle in the world; for notwithstanding that the Greek was so sorely hurt, that which this monster had said unto him, gave him such courage, that he would that the monster had been stronger than he was, to the end that he might the better have been able to show his own●, although that that was such, that lifting him from ground, he drew him out of the lodging, & carried him so far as the Hall, getting ground of him in wrestling. The youth took footing, holding himself disgraced to be so handled▪ and raising himself against his enemy, recovered what he had lost, and on a sudden entered with him into the lodging, where they struggled a long space, until at length (fortune showing herself favourable in the behalf of the Greek) with a strong whéeling about he threw him down near unto a great bowl, whereupon he set his hand, thinking to kneel upon the Savage: but before he could dost, there was heard the greatest noise that ever was heard in the world; a thousand visions coming out of the Tower, appeared to those which were in the court; the skies were darkened, and there was such lightning, that made the most courageous heartily afraid, and much more the Ladies, which being from their gallants, gave a thousand seriches for fear, after this earthquake which seemed as though heaven and earth should have come together. In the tower was heard the most sweet and best tuned music in the world: it seemed to them a thing come from heaven; none were discomforted, but such as were wounded with love, for to those only comfort may be given by those which bereave it. And but that the great Lirgandeo did recomfort the Queen of Lira, assuring her of the Prince's health and safety, telling her that it was not convenient that they should so soon meet, without doubt this heavenly music had been loathsome; and but for that advertisement, she had gone to seek him; for she could not forbear to lament his absence. This sweet harmony did no less recomfort the warlike young man; for therewith he thought as in deed it was true) that he was whole and cured of his hurts, and beholding with whom he had wrestled, wondering to see himself armed and sound, he perceived that he was in the arms of a very fair Lady, with a queens crown upon her head: every body knew that it was Queen julia; who taking the young man by the hand, said unto him, Come with me, valorous Prince, and thou shalt see a reward worthy thy great valour, as well kept as you have seen. He could give her no answer, imagining that it was some enchantment, but followed her, and entering into a rich square room, two statues which stood at the door, casting flowers upon the Greeks head, at his entering bowed down, saying, The long wished for Claramante of Gréece is welcome: for with his coming are ended the troubles and anguishs of her whom he most dearly loved, who although she were ill requited, yet seeing her liberty gotten by so great valour, the injury which she hath endured, may be accounted happiness. As the Greek came into the hall, he was ravished of his wits, to see the strange pictures, & curious workmanship: he stayed a while to consider of the love which that Princess had borne the Greek prince, and the faith which she had sacrificed unto him; and seeing how desolate he had left her, it extremely gr●ued him; he being a man (as Gualte●●r saith) who took exceeding compassion of ladies, would fain know that Knight which was so ingrateful, and challenge him for it. But the Queen put him from it, because that the gallant Lindabrides was come, whom ar●●yled to see that Knight in her walk, where ●uer any body had been. The Queen s●ept forwards and sa●e, Sovereign princess of the Scythians, receive here the Knight whom the heavens have provided for you, in place of the ingrateful Alphebo. It was long since that Lindabride● had seen him, yet she presently knew him to be the youth Claramante, whom she dearly loved, for the great resemblance between him and Alphebo; and her love being now well cooled, she presently affected him, being of opinion, that he only was the man, who next after his brother did worthily deserve her beauty. The free young man escaped no better; for neither his valiant heart, neither The●●us arms which had preserved him from so many dangers, could defend him from the wounds and fire wherewith love tormenteth his vassals; for beholding the rare beauty of the Scythian princess, and her gracious countenance, with the gravity of her most fair face, he thought that there was nothing else to be desired in the world, nor other contentment but to love her: for he was ready to give up his Ghost, when he left to look upon her.  
The gracious Princess answered Queen julia, saying, I will not receive this Knight (dee●e julia) so much because that the heavens have sent him for my comfort, as for the generosity wherewith (with the hazard of his life, putting it into infinite dangers) he hath procured my liberty, making me so much beholding unto him, so as except I shall employ the same in that which may yield him content, all other requital is unworthy of the name; for what I receive, admitteth no comparison.  
This (most worthy Princess) sufficeth, answered the amorous young man, although, had adventured far greater dangers, for I was bounden to do it for your beauty's sake, without keipe ●ing the deeds, but the desire earth soul; wherefore I pray you, (kneeling down before her) give me your fair hands, to pay the 〈◊〉 which all the world oweth them, and withal, receive me for a knight, so do you service, which shall advance ●●e to the higheir degree, that fortune is able to give me. He could ●●y no more, for beholding her, neither could she make any answer: for love had so wounded them, that they were speechless, leaving to the eyes, the imaginations of the heart. But having recovered her speech, beholding the Prince's goodly proportion, considering his valour, and what he had 〈◊〉 for her, she took him up by the arms, saying, ●here is no reason, valorous Prince, to give my hand to him, who hath so good of his own, which have set at liberty, the most sorrowful Damsel of the world: as for the rest, I would not show any token of ingratitude, but to my soul, I have had so costly experience for you so much resembling the Knight, which was went to be called Alphebo, that I am afraid (and not without reason) you will resemble him in all; and being so, I should but do you wrong, to give you occasion to show yourself inconstant. I would, Sovereign Princess, (answered the tenderhearted Prince) that I were not so near of kin, as I think I am to that Knight, to make him know his unthankfulness; for it is a sufficient defect in me, not to know what I see, and nothing in the world can assure me to hope for any good, but from this hand. Herewith, (answered Queen julia) I will be she, (noble Prince) which shall inbute this ●orthy Princess to accept you for hers, and I will be ●●●●tie to you for her, and to her, that you shall be thankful. The gallant 〈◊〉 ●abrides granted what the Greek required, and 〈◊〉 sh●e could not do, for anything to be● wished; for Love had made her wholly tributary to the greeks beauty: he kissed her hands with so great contentment to them both, that if he thought that he sped well, she accounted herself happy, to be beloved by him. There was never heard sweeter music upon the earth, neither better consorted, than they heard, when she made an end of entertaining him. Although that those, which stood thereby in the Tower, did see what past▪ yet they heard not what the Princes said, but seeing them to come, hand in hand out of the hall, they well knew, that the adventure was ended. Let us go, (most noble Emperor, said Lirgandeo) to receive these Princes; for you and my Lady the Empress, are those which get most therein; seeing that you holding Claramante for lost, who was stolen away in the Forest, the Heavens have pleased to bring him again to your sight, with the extremities which you have seen. This is he, whose name in the most remote and strange Countries shall be feared, and he, who among the greatest Monarches shall be (and that with great reason) renowned. The Emperor was surprised with this new and sudden joy, being hardly able to believe it; for so great a good as this, with much reason may be suspected. There was no Knight nor Lord, which came not down, accompanying the Ladies, who by any means would be absent at this entertainment. At the descending down the Tower stairs, at the top thereof, were four Nymphs, far more fair than the God Apollo, which with their Instruments, made the most heavenly harmony that ever was heard, and with their voices extolled the praises of the two Lovers, saying in this manner: 

Content and pleased may you be,  
Si●h jove so much your friend you see,  
Your wish effecting in every thing,  
And constant love without wavering.  
All grief from heart you may remove,  
Sith Claramante is your love.   

What greater good can be desired,  
Then herein plainly is deciphred?  
Valorous Fortune seek'th your ease,  
And with delights your mind to please,  
Linking you in love most constant,  
With the valiant lovely Claramant.   

The Heavens you grant in blessed state,  
Long to enjoy your loving Mate,  
Without suspect or jealousy,  
Caused by the angry Deity.  
Nothing can disliking move,  
Claramant being your love.   

Valorous Prince, whose fame doth fly  
From here beneath, even to the sky,  
Enjoying beauty, and the comeliest feature,  
That ever Nature wrought on creature:  
Confirm this good, and waver not,  
Let faithful love ne'er be forgot.    
This sweet harmony of the Nymphs did so amaze the hearers, that they thought themselves taken up into the quires of the inhabitants of the heavens: only the ●aire Archisilora was in greatest care, seeing the whole company rejoicing, and herself wanting the cause thereof, yet with the hopes which the wizard had given her, she showed a most fair pleasant countenance, which served to no small effect to maintain the opinion which was held of her beauty. And the Tower (giving a great crack) vanished away, the Princes remaining hand in hand in the place, the common people began to extol her beauty, above all the Ladies in Grecia, and I marvel not, for according as she came, Venus would have seemed ugly. The valorous Greek led her by the left arm without his Helmet, which one of the Ladies carried, and another, Theseus' his battle-axe: the Lady's train bore the discreet Queen julia. Gualtenor doth not describe the Prince's countenance, but he saith enough, in saying, that he resembled his brother, when in Gréece he overcame the great Meridian. This most fair Lady came clad all in white, in a gown with four sleeves, cut upon cloth of gold, set with Goldsmith's work, which showed like Carbuncles, interlaced with certain knots: her yellow hairs were sufficient to darken the Sunbeams, which she ware after the Egyptian fashion, made up in tresses, whereon hang many precious stones, of sundry colours, never was Phoebus so curious in guiding his chariot, as at that time; for seeing her beauty, it was feared, that faster than with a good pace, he would have come down to the earth: but for all that, he kept his course, beholding the beauty of the Princess of the Scythians. I know not, (worthy Ladies) how I am entered into this deep sea, which here presenteth itself to me: for if I should describe all those Ladies which came to salute the fair Lindabrides, there would be no end thereof. They did all malice her, (not somuch for her beauty) as to see her matched with Claramant. Some receive the prince, glad to renew their old acquaintance, others rejoicing at the happy estate, where●o Love had brought him. Those which he knew, he entertained with the grace, wherewith the heavens had endued him, and as for the rest, with such countenance as was requisite, he not knowing what they were.  
Who is able to set down, what these two felt, being competitors in all, when they came to embrace one another, Clandiana being secure, holding herself assured of Alphebo, and she with her new Love, contented with her change?  
This is a passage, (worthy Ladies) which without your favour, I know not how I shall get out of it.  
Worthy Empress, (said the free Princess) I would the heavens would have granted unto me in time past, to do that with as little care as now I do, seeing how little this Knight hath had of me. Mine was never so much (answered the Emperor Alphebus) supreme Princess of the Scitheses, as the care which your comeliness put me to, so as to defend myself from the force thereof, I was enforced to shield me with the beauty of my Lady the Empress. The rest of the Ladies left not to come forwards, which came to entertain her, some to know her, and others to behold her bravery. They wholly (valorous Prince) carried away both my wit and pen after them, and it is no great marvel: for where Ladies are, there Knights are not to be spoken of, for that were to do them wrong, and were it not for Claramante, I would not return; to whom his mother holding him in her arms, uttered a thousand pitiful speeches. But leaving at last, most glad to see him before her, dissembling the joy of her heart, there came his severe Father, who embracing him, said, No man upon earth hath more reason to be glad than I, seeing that when I thought lest thereof, it hath pleased the high heavens to cherish our old age with your fair presence. The Princes and Knights which were there, took him out of the emperors arms, saying, Let us in part enjoy this Knight, seeing he hath been as much desired and wished for by us as you which are his parents. These were those which told him, what all those Knights were which came to speak with him: he received all with so great grace and discretion, that they all loved him. I should spend more time than were reasonable, if I should particularly set down the whole entertainment, only this I say, that with such contentment as is requisite in such a case, they went into the emperors hall, where each Lady called to her, her gallant, entertaining with them the rest of the time which remained, with great desire to know Don Heleno and the Princess Rosamundi, and no less to know Rosabel and his beloved Liriana. In the midst were the gallant Claramante, Lindabrides, in all things, answered him, I would not, Knight, that thy coming as an Ambassador, should have emboldened thee to speak without any good manners; and fain I would, without offending your office, make you know how ill informed you come. But men have patience with those which bring a message. The Duke of Thebes took the defiance, and with a high voice read it, that all might understand it, which was thus:  

The defiance.  
Constantius, Emperor of Rome, Lord of all the Mediterraneam; and Brunduso Prince of Gibia, and of the confines of the Indian sea, with the mighty Arsiano Prince of Almain, & the rest of the Kings, Friends, and Vassals to the prince of Dacia, greeting, For that in fear thou mayst see the cruel vengeance which I mean to take of thee, and of those which have declared themselves for thy partakers in requital of the breach of thy word, not as a Knight given to my dear daughter to be her husband; a thing although thou hadst entreated it, had been very well for thee, and having done so, guiding thyself, not with reason as was requisite, but with passion, it is told me that thou art married; whereat I am nothing sorry, but should have been, to have had so faithless a son: This shall serve for a warning to thee, seeing the revenge which the heavens will give me upon thee, which grant thee life.   
AS all Gréece daily expected the coming of so mighty a Prince as the Sultan of Niquea, so was there no man troubled with this defiance, except the Prince of Dacia, whose colour waxing as red as a live coal, said, Well did I imagine, Knight, that with your proud ambassade there should come some Knight which should not weigh whether justice were on his side or not; for although that now there be no time to make excuses, admitting the defiance, I say, that all that wherewith thou dost charge me is false, for although that I tried the adventure of Bruto in the name of that Princess; yet there was never any speech of her part that I should be hers; and in provoking such Princes against me, they have done it disloyally, seeing in person they might have come and requested me this: that without any other occasion they will trouble the world led by their blind passion: as for the rest, I hope that the life which they wish me, to see their revenge, but I believe I shall see it first on them; and to the end it shall not happen, I with my parents and friends will seek them at home in their own countries. He said no more, for he well remembered that he had been more choleric than is usual with Ambassadors.  
But the fair Rosamundi could not dissemble her grief, seeing her lover defied, of whom she had understood all that which had passed at Rome, and taking occasion of what Coriander had said, she said, Me thinketh (Knight) you have offended many, with your presumptuous manner of proceeding, in scoffing in disdain at the Greek Ladies, for to value the Dacian Prince to be of less worth, for being in our company. Hereby the justness of the cause, for which you come, is the more plainly to be perceived: and because you shall understand, that the coming from Kings, doth not warrant you, when you have received your answer, I will make you know, that there are Ladies in Gréece, whose company yieldeth honour to Knights which frequent the same. There will not want those which will maintain the challenge (quoth the fair Archisilora burning with anger) for such a disgrace as this shall not pass unpunished. For a mediator (answered the gallant Empress Claridiana) here is mine arm which in favour of the Ladies, shall show their equity. In so just a cause (said the fair Sarmatia) there is none that will refuse the combat against any of the five. I would I had Mars his strength (quoth the fair Liriana) to let these Knights know, that it had been better for them to have taken some other course. Let not that offend you, (said the fair Rosamundi) for I, (as most injuried) do in challenge defy this Knight, and one of his companions, to the end they may see how little they are esteemed. All which was done with such a sudden, that the Emperor, although he would, yet he could not have enter meddled therein. Somewhat milder than before, (the furious Coriandro answered) Fair Ladies, where the victory is so apparently due to your beauties, the Knights of Gibea do not use to enter into battles, but against stern Knights, where the valour of the persons may appear, & I am very sorry, the whereas so many Knights are, they have yielded to the Ladies to maintain the honour of Grecia. This did somewhat nettle the Greek Princes, that together arose three, which well showed what they were. They were no less than Rosabel, the warlike Claramante, and the furious Dacian, who being armed, without all doubt, would have had them by the ears. But to avoid the hurly burly, the old King of Macedonia arose, willing the Ambassadors to go with him, while the greeks gave answer: a thousand times was Bembo about to de●e Rosabel, in his Mistress quarrel, and had done it, but that he saw, it would cause him to stay longer than Lupercio had appointed. All was left to the field battle, where wanted no occasion, and every man had his hands full, as you shall hear. The defiance being accepted, they dispatched the Messengers, which did not a little wonder at the Ladies, and much more at the great Navy, which they saw at sea, and the innumerable army, which they saw on land: and (because that in the City there was not room enough) the Captain general had commanded many tents to be erected, compassed about with deep trenches, which seemed another City. Some days they stayed, because that thither came the wise Lord of Achaia who, before he would go forth of Gréece, desired to be informed of the state of his enemies; but finding many contrarieties, he much doubted of the good success, according to most men's opinion, seeing the great and mighty armies levied against the Greeks.  
The four Ladies were so displeased with the Pagan's answer, that in the night, with their Arms, they went to seek them. They were quickly missed, and for fear that any disgrace should happen unto them, armed at all pieces with most assured Arms, there went after them, Don Heleno, and Rosabel, with Captain Ar●●toldo, and the mighty Bransiniano; the valorous Brandafidel was none of the last, and the gentle Te●feo, with his Uncle Bramido●o, in company of the noble Alphebo, only Rosacler stayed behind: for that evening he felt himself not well, and the travail of the fair Olivia did much trouble him, which that night was delivered of a daughter, no less fair than her mother, neither did she cost less blood, as with the favour of the Muses, I will declare, in the fourth part of this History, where her loves shall be described, the beginning whereof shall be declared in this fourth book.  
The new enamoured Claramante, with his most rich and assured arms would go alone, and notwithstanding that he knew not the country, yet the next day he met with them, but first the Ladies; which greedy to let them know their valour, took such order, that the next day by nine of the clock, they saw them descending towards the seashore: for Bembo desirous to know the number of his enemies, had taken that way, wherea● the Ladies greatly rejoiced, especially Rosamundi, who spurring her horse, say●, Follow me, valorous Ladies, for I know the country, for I have been a hunting here, and I will be first with them▪ which will make them believe that we are but newly landed. They all consented, which no l●sse desired it then she, although their horses were tired; yet within an hour they came to the sea side: the fair Rosamundi came mounted upon her beloved Don Helenoes' horse, and Archisilora upon Corne●ino, which was Rosabel's: the gallant Sarmacia did not choose the worst, for the light upon Aristoldoes', a better no man had in the world: the Princes were nothing grieved withal, but were rather glad, seeing they should be in the more safety, there they stayed some what to repose them, and to put their horses in breath, all the Ladies gave Rosamundi the hand, not for that they did acknowledge any pre-eminence, (for they would not have yielded any to Mars himself) but for that they held her most wronged, for her sweet heart's defiance, pulling down their beavers, and brandishing their great lances, they went into a pleasant green meadow, where they tried what was in their horses, charging on the one side, & then on the other, with a better grace, than Mars himself could have done. Claridiana heartily laughing, said, I say, (considering well, gallant Ladies, wherefore we come,) we shall do these Barbarians too much favour, notwithstanding that they die through our hands. Well, said Sarmatia, though we show them this favour, I am of opinion, our gallants will not be offended withal: rather to give them so honourable a death, is to anger them that shall know it, said Archisilora: let each of us apart show what our Arms are able to do, said the fair Rosamundi, that if hereafter, those which shall hear thereof, be desirous to make trial, they may come into Grecia; for they which now can give it, may hereafter procure it. In this manner, the four pillars of strength and beauty road discoursing, when even hard at hand they discovered the seven Knights, who seeing them, as they were in their enemy's Country, presently armed themselves, not knowing what they would, they chanced to meet in the midst of a great beaten way, where Rosamundi being somewhat before the rest, said as you shall hear in the other Chapter.   

CHAP. X. Of the bloody cruel justs, between the Ladies and the Roman Ambassadors; and of the coming of Claridiano and the gentle Claramante, and what followed.  
IT is a common opinion among wise and discreet men (most noble Lord) that courtesy is the most commendable part of a man, and which doth most adorn his person, advance his valour, and which doth most avoid dangers & fruitless contentions, whereof we have an example in hand: which being wanting in Coriandro, in the presence of so many & so worthy Princes, it was the occasion of all the strife which followed, all happening athwart unto him; for the Ladies being stung therewith, determined to pursue them, & before they should return to Rome, to teach them, how to behave themselves before Princes: and so the fair Lady thinking with herself, that she stayed too long, set herself in the midst of the way, and said, Sir Knights, the commandment given us, by the Dames which remain upon the Strands side, to just with all th●se which we shall meet, for their beauties, to be the greatest and most rare in the world, doth hold us blameless for presuming to desire it of such Knights as you, whom Mars would not dare to encounter. She did so dissemble, and that with such courtesy, that it took away all occasion from them to suspect them, although that without it, the five did assure themselves, nothing imagining that there had been any women in Grecia which bare arms, and that that which they heard at the Court was but a jest: and so the brave Coriandro gently answered, holding himself sufficient to have overcome all the four: Because, Sir Knights, you shall accomplish the command of the Ladies, we accept thereof (upon condition, that whosoever shall lose the Saddle at the encounter, shall not desire to come to fight with the sword: you (requiring this condition) shall not think it much, that we desire another in our behalf, which is, that whosoever shall fall, shall lose his shield; for there is nothing wherewith the Ladies are better pleased, then to see their beauties so well defended, bringing for testimony thereof the adversaries arms. All (quoth one of the Giants) shall be as you will have it, for remaining without the shields, it shall be no great matter, to make you beholding to us for our good deeds. Without making any answer, the gallant Rosamundi turned the furious Tyrian, who came more swift than the Sun beams between the clouds.  
I would to God, worthy Ladies, seeing this matter concerneth you, that you would assist my slow hand with some new favours, which would furnish means to make the matter the more easy, to recount the best justs that ever were in the world: for coming to encounter with a full career, (with greater noise, than the swelling Seas make beating the miserable Ships against the high Rocks) they broke their Lances as if they had been little reeds; but before it was done, the Pagan, who assured himself of the victory, smote the Lady in the midst of the white breast, with so great force, that he struck her senseless out of the Saddle: but fortune was much her friend, and durst do no other, for she set her hand on the pummel of the Saddle; where she held fast till she recovered breath, and therewith the Saddle, wondering at the strong encounter. Hers was no less to be noted, for she smiting the brave Pagan with such force, that before that her Lance broke, she laid him on the green field, falling with such disgrace upon his head, that he remained senseless with the blow. Well may you imagine (gallant Dames) whether the three fair Ladies were well pleased, with the good beginning which the Princess had made: she stood with a better grace beholding the fierce Pagan, then can be spoken, making her adversaries to make more account of her, then of Mars himself: for being mounted upon so good a horse, and so gallantly armed, never had any a better presence than she; she commanded the Squire (for they all four had but one) to take away the Moors shield. Presently cometh forth the gallant Archisilora, giving no less hope of her valour, than Rosamundi had done: one of the four Giants confronted her; it did nothing move her to see him so great, as a well grown Pine tree, but rather praying the Heavens to favour her in this encounter, she ran with her Courser more swift than a star falling between the clouds; there were those which bare record of this encounter, for the gods of the woods leaving their habitation, with their Nymphs and Tritons, came into the green field at the very instant, that that famous Queen made the bravest encounter that ever was seen in Gréece: for hitting the Pagan in the midst of the strong shield, it availed him not that it was of steel, neither the doubles which it had, for through it and the breastplate (being a handful thick) it passed clear, yielding an arms length of the lance through his beastly shoulders, the swiftness wherewith her Courser came made him to miss the shock: she passed forwards with so good a grace, as would have entangled Mars, the countenance of Archisilora only was sufficient to have made him to yield his soul captiu●, and to make the god of Love himself in love to behold her. She returned, and with a soft pace came to the Ladies, which were very glad of the good encounter which she had made; only she wished that her Greek lover had been there. The valorous Empress of Trapisonda would stay no longer, but mounting upon Cornerino her horse, came forth as swift as an arrow which is shot by a nimble Sorian at a certain mark: she did nothing envy the last encounters, for although that in that which she received, she lost one of her stirrups; yet that which she gave was so rigorous, that she therewith sent the Giant to the ground, wounded in his breast; and but that her lance broke not, striking somewhat across, it had cost him his life. The two famous warriors, Bembo and the great Brauorante, seeing the valour which the three had shown, and the signs that the fourth had given, to be no less than the rest, it was even so as they imagined: for the fair Sarmatia, with her furious horse, charged the third Giant with such force and doxteritie, that she laid him, (though it much grieved him) in the green field: forth she road, and recovered both her stirrups, which in the encounter she had lost: forwards went the gallant Rosamundi, having taken up the dead giants lance, and said unto those which remained on horseback, I would very gladly, Sir Knights, that we were in number equal unto you, to the end, that with equality, the justs might have been ended. But now me thinketh, that you seeking revenge, for that which is done to your companions, we being but four, of force you must begin again with me. The last Giant, which was the most valiant of all, made no longer delay, but whorling a ships mast (which he bore in stead of a lance) about his head, took his career against the Lady: she gave spurs to her horse, as & swift as thought, encountered the Pagan, and did better this time then the last; for his strong planks of steel could nothing profit him, but that she smote him clean thorough from side to side: the horses came to the shock, and made greater noise, then if two rocks had met: but as the Lady's horse had not his like in that land, so he overthrew the Giant, horse and man, spreading them upon the green field: and her horse set him on his buttocks, being unable to go any further. The valorous Dame, fearing some ill success, (as light as an Eagle) leapt to the ground, & seeing her good horse recover, with another jump she leapt into her saddle. The most strong Pagan Brauorante, blaspheming against heaven, would have taken his course, when the Lady said unto him, Hold, Sir Knight, for there is time enough for our encounter; for I would speak with this Knight in the green scarf, pointing to Coriandro, which was the man whom she had overthrown, who having recovered breath, was mounted on horseback, but without spear or shield. The like had the other two Giants done, to whom the Lady said, I am very sorry, Sir Knight, for your ill hap; but I was more sorry to see the few manners which you showed in Grecia, for you should have had more respect to the great princes which were in the hall, wherein you grieved many Ladies, being in your proud behaviour far more arrogant than valiant: if that might not have moved you, it had been sufficient for you to have noted the courtesy and good carriage of these Knights in the black, who made show to be heartily sorry for your proud demeanour, which deserved that revenge which you now have experimented: and because you may see the hands which have wrought it, and may say the in Grecia as Knights use justs and Tournaments; so like wise Ladies also seek revenge, which peradventure may serve for a warning for you Romans, that they come with less pride than their Ambassadors have done: and so, although your pride deserve it not, yet we will do you this favour, to tell you who we are, to the end that being well assured, you may be glad to have left your arms in the keeping of such ladies, together with your honour: & at that instant they took off their casks, appearing by reason of the heat of their encounters, sar●e more fair than Apollo in the midst of his journey: & because you may understand, Knights (said the Lady) that in Gréece there is no miss of gallants to serve Ladies, & yet there is not so great need of their Arms, but the the heavens have imparted some valour among the Ladies, so as they may make some challenge thereto: and as for you, valorous Knights, (having no occasion but what these Knights have given) we refuse to just with you; doubting to lose therein, what we herein have gotten. Never a one of those which were overcome, could answer, they were so ashamed, holding it the greatest disgrace that could hap, to be overthrown by the hands of tender & delicate Ladies. Bembo steps forth with a grace, & being in a maze, said, Ualorous dames, this Knight and I were very sorry for the displeasure which is taken, through that which these Knights said, although being sent, they might be somewhat excused (if excuse may be admitted for error committed against such beauty.) But it seemeth, as it doth appear, that who can so well take offence, can as well take revenge, without need of any offer to be made by any your gallants: against whom rather then against your daintiness, the challenge was made. But it is passed in such sort, that you rest revenged, making us, being bounden unto you for your courtesy, to give over the right, which we had to the justs, for your challenge was to all. That which you do, valorous Knight, is not of so small account, but may deserve requital at our hands, which shall be, to leave us in greater doubt than before. The famous Prince would have answered, when as not far from them, there came along by a woods side, the ●lower of all human valour, Claridiano and Claramante: who as I have said before, having received the rich arms of his master Gualtenor, and having taken his leave of him, by reason of the noise which he heard, hastened forwards, till crossing a grove of high Pine trees, he saw his valorous Uncle Claramante coming, mounted upon a mighty horse, with his spear and shield, and at his saddle Bow, a battle-axe, he knew him by his gate, and the richness of his arms, and determined to discover himself unto him, to the end to go to the wars together: they met, Claramante wondering to see his goodly constitution, thinking with himself, that it was the same man, which indeed it was. The Knight with the Dames, according to the device which he bore upon his shield, approaching near unto him, said, (Sir Knight) you are without all doubt, he which is called the Knight of the Lions, to whom I bring a message from far hence, from a Knight which is called the Knight of Cruelty, who knowing that I came for Gréece, requested me to visit you in his behalf, & to tell you, that he would be here with all speed possible, and told me farther, that I should be a gainer hereby, for I should see the gallantest Knight of the world: he told me so many things in praise of you, that he made me much to affect you, with a desire to try my small, with your much valour, and although that I be sure to be overcome, I shall take it with the more patience, but our fight shall be without swords or Helms, with our daggers only; and if you so please, we will defer no longer time, if you will not, I have performed what I promised to that Knight, and as I desired.  
For the news (Sir Knight) which you bring me, of that warlike young man, in requital thereof, I would rather employ me to do you any service, then by battle to offend you. But seeing you have challenged me, there is no reason but to yield to your demand, accepting the battle, and the presently, seeing you so please. I assured myself before my coming, that I should receive so generous an answer, said the other, so as weighing and considering the fame and valour, which is bruited every where of you, I know not who would not refuse it, and if I had not demanded it, I would leave it, for these reasons have put me in more fear, then if I had seen the danger and my certain overthrow before mine eyes: but yet let it be, notwithstanding, that without it I will remain your prisoner so long as I live. The Prince of Trapisonda had unlaced his Helmet, and seeing the valorous young man busied in taking off of his, upon a sudden he was transformed into the likeness of god Mars.  
By this time had Claramante fully taken off his Helmet, and being about to assail his nephew, seeing him without a helmet, he said unto him, Stay, valorous knight, for with my death you will offend your loving friend Claridiano. He put off his enchanted jewel, remaining in his perfect shape, saying, Why, how now, valorous Knight, so highly hath the Prince of Gréece offended you, that you should prepare yourself to grieve him? I reposemore trust in your arm. This new lover was so surprised with joy, seeing him before him whom he most dearly loved, that he could make him no answer; but casting his arms about his neck, he said: O gentle gods, how favourable have you shown yourselves in my behalf, having reserved so great a good for me as is this, which is the greatest that could happen unto me! O desired Prince! and is it possible that fortune should be pleased, to bring me to so happy estate? I beseech the heavens, that they season this but with some mean ill hap. I will not stand now to repeat what passed between these two, but of that only which he told, had happened unto him in Gréece, and how he knew that he was his uncle. There shall need no great persuasion to make you believe, how great joy he conceived of so pleasing news: he told him all that had happened, and of the remedy which his Master the wizard had given him, to the end that he should come into Gréece, to the relief of his Grandfather, without being known to any body, which it behoved him to conceal, until such time as he should further advise him.  
The noise which was in the justs with the Ladies, did interrupt their discourse, and so putting on their Helmets, and the Prince his rich jewel, as hard as their horses could drive, they took their way directly towards the place where the noise was, arriving just at the instant when the Lady Rosamundi had made an end of giving thanks to Bembo, for leaving the battle: but as these two approached, who did most faithfully love in the world, O, who had a refined wit to describe what the one & the other felt in themselves, only in beholding the one the other? Claramante rejoiced for that he was the first which came to the rescue of these dames, if there had been any need thereof; he marveled to ●ée them without Helmets, and the two Giants, cruelly thrust through with Lances, and the Squire with five shields, being the spoils of war, understanding that all this was performed by the Ladies: they knowing him, were very glad to see him in that place, not for any need they had of his help; the goodly proportion, good grace and rich Arms of his companion did much please them: but they could not imagine who it should be. I cannot tell how it came to my mind, to describe the suspicion which that Queen conceived in her heart, that that should be her beloved Claridiano: for as he had the best grace of any mortal man, if she saw any man to excel, she presently imagined it was he. O mighty power of love! but the hour is not yet come, to know who he was. Bembo and the great Brauorante knowing the gentle Claramante by his arms, prepared themselves to fight, being nettled with that which passed at Sea. All this is nothing (gallant Dames) to that which the disguised young man felt, seeing himself disguised in the presence of her, (who ruled the helm of his life,) ●o fair, & so surpassing excellent, that he held the grief which he endured, well employed, seeing it was for hersake. But coming near her, he became more timorous, then if he should have attempted the most doubtful adventure of the world. There was not in all that land a Gallant, that more dearly loved, and therewith that lived more jealous of his honour. He knew not whereupon to resolve, whether he should speak to her, or make himself known, desiring her to pardon what was passed. A thousand doubts came into his mind: in the end he determined, to the end not to offend her, to pass his discontented life as well as he could, in this shape of god Mars, and to see if he could perceive by her looks, whether his absence were grievous unto her or no, and whether she had so cruelly vanished him from her sight. The valorous Claramante drew near, and seeing the Greek Dames, he suddenly put off his cask, and discovered his fair face, saying, I know not, how I could have come, without great error (valorous Dames) but to see the work of your hands upon these Giants: but seeing this battle is fought in the behalf of the gallants, I in their name do come to give thanks, and yield acknowledgement for the much which they owe, for such a matter as this, which admitteth no other requital, but what proceedeth from your valour.  
We would not, Sir Prince, said Archisilora, (who loved him extremely, for having so long accompanied her lover) that you should discharge yourself of the debt, wherein these Ladies have set you. That should be too much want of acknowledgement (quoth he.) Who would not be thankful, and to live only thereof? for, what greater good can come to the Gallants of Gréece, then to acknowledge, what they owe to such Sovereign Princesses? In this manner we may then in safety return, with the spoils gotten on the Roman Knights, who reposing such confidence in their pride, little regarded our valour, and (as I think) as little our beauty. The furious Bembo could forbear no longer, but like a viper, (although with mild speeches) advanced himself forwards, before these Dames should return into Gréece, saying, We would not, Knight of the Lions, that you should have come so assured, and with such confidence in your own valour, that before whom you have so much displeased, as this Knight and me, you should be disarmed: and were it not, that the order of Knighthood doth detain us, we would with small cost take revenge of our wrongs.  
The confidence, Sir Knight, is not so much of myself, answered the Greek, as of these valorous Dames, who with their presence, are able to encourage and give new valour to the arrantest coward that liveth: and moreover, behaving yourselves as to Knights appertaineth, you should first tell me the cause of your displeasure, because I do not remember that I have offended any man. That is the condition of those which do wrongs; for they write it in the sands: but those that receive them, imprint them in their hearts, quoth the bold Bembo.  
Well, let it not grieve you, quoth Claramante, for there is time, and now the best that can be wished, having such witnesses, for your satisfaction, which as you say, you prosecute with such vehemency.  
Why then, quoth the Pagan, there is nothing that giveth us any cause, why we should defer the battle any longer, so as there may rest time for our companions.  
In stead of this Knight, quoth the proud Claridiano, seeing with what pride they had defied his Uncle, he may fight with me, for my death will be no less lamented than his, and it will ill befit us to stand by, dallying, and see our friends maintain fight with manifest peril.  
Let it be as you will, said the furious Pagan Brauorante, furning about his swift running horse; the like did all the three, and that so suddenly, that notwithstanding that the Ladies would have hindered it, seeing the matter so far passed, they durst not, for offending the Greek, assuring themselves of his valour, and that he would end that fight with victory. And Archisilora, rather to keep them company, said, turning towards Coriandro, I am of opinion, that you are desirous to have occasion to help your friends; and because you shall not say when you come to Rome, that you could not come to all kind of battles, we give you leave thereto, and to that end return you your shield again. The Pagan was so proud, that without giving thanks for what was offered, he said, Why then, by and by you shall see, how ●oundly the justs shall be revenged.  
The two Giants made no longer delay, but drawing out their huge Cemitars, they made towards the Ladies, which had already put on their Helmets: they left, although against their will, the gentle Sarmacia for judge, and so with their swords in their hands, & their shields on their arms, they attended their coming. Face to face stood the four most famous in arms in the whole world, whose rigorous contention I will not describe in this Chapter, for it deserveth a new.   

CHAP. XI. Of the cruel and bloody battle, fought by the four Knights.  
IF the Heavens should give me so long a life, as to bring to light all the books of this long History, there would (valorous Dames) be the like occasion as this, to crave your assistance, without the which, I shall but stumble at a matter, worthy to be written by no less parsonage, than Mantuan, or that Orpheus should sing it, to particularise the mighty blows which were given, with the discreet and advised retreats and cunning assaults: here might the god Mars have learned to fight: for leaving his fifth Throne, accompanied with those which whilom did most flourish and were most famous in arms, he descended to behold the battle, worthy to be recorded. Venus' beautified herself, accompanying Mars, to behold the Ladies, which made her seem to be ugly, and Mars envious: for hurling over the field (with a most fearful noise) came these pillars of valour and fortitude, until the career being ended, they encountered in the midst of the field: neither of them mist in the encounter; for they would not have done it for their lives: But they met Claramante, and the fearful Achaean, with such a noise, as if two ships had encountered, so as the splinters of their lances flew quite out of sight; there was no moving out of their saddles, for they were fast l●●kt into them: they returned with their drawn swords, where at Bembo was well pleased, for he stood in some fear of the battle-axe, which he left when he saw him therewith; and as he was most exercised in arms, so he gave the first blow, which he reached him upon the top of the crest, but the good temper kept it from breaking, but not him from feeling the blow, so as it made him to bow down his head to the Saddle pummel: it was not possible it should do less: he seconded it with another of no less force, so that the skies contain not so many stars, as he saw within his rich Helmet. This served but to urge him to take revenge; for settling himself in his Saddle, (considering what had passed) as fierce as a Basilisk, he charged Bembo, who warded it with his shield, whereon he received so great a blow, which was such, that it beat it to his Helmet, and made him almost senseless: he holp him with a thrust in the breast, which set him on the arson of his Saddle, and reaching at him with another, nothing doubting to overthrow him, but his sword winding in his hand, so as he smote him on one side of the Helmet, which holp to bring the Pagan again to his remembrance.  
There was never Lion which so fiercely assailed a heard, as this young man did his adversary: they were close together, and at one time they smote each the other upon the top of their Helmets, and bowed down their heads down to their breasts. The Moor was most nimble, and knowing that therein he had some advantage, spurring his horse, he joined with the Greek, who stood not at his defence, when the Moor gave him two such thrusts, the one after the other, that if they had not lighted on Theseus his arms, either of them had parted the soul from the body, and made him (sore against his will) to fall back on the arson of his Saddle. The Achaean knight was not a man which would lose the benefit of any occasion: for before that he could come upon him again, with all his whole power he smote him on the midst of the visor, and made him stark blind, and yet Lirgandeo saith, that he made him ready to fall. All these blows gave occasion to put the young man in choler: there was no defence in the Moors arms, against the strong arm and good temper of his sword, but that he hurled the one half of his Helmet to the ground: he had scarcely done this, when with another blow no less furious than the last, with his sword he smote a great piece of his shield to the ground, and the sword lighting on his shoulder, smote away the one half of his Poldron. All this was nothing to that which passed between his nephew and the valorous Brauorante, which encountering with a greater noise than the thunder maketh between the clouds, they smote their Lances into little splinters, which flying in the air, gave sign of the fortitude of these warriors. The Pagan lost one of his Stirrups, but he recovered it so soon again, that no body perceived the fault. That served but to inflame him like a viper against the Christian; they both together encountered with their sword aloft: there were no better Arms in the world than those which they two did wear, but they were not of force sufficient to keep their Masters, being tormented with blows, from bowing down their heads to their angry breasts, they seconded them with such force as set them on their Saddles pummels; the Greek was better in breath, and therefore he first recovered, & with such quickness as is requisite in such a case, he gave him on the side of the Helmet, such a terrible blow, that made him make a foul bending backwards in his Saddle: he was so greedy to give him another, that he came more near unto him than was requisite, and for that cause being unable to strike, they were constrained to make show of friendship▪ being brought to this straight, as to clasp one the other with their arms; there was never seen a more dreadful struggling: for although that they could not help themselves with their feet, yet they did so tug with their hands, that they were quite out of breath, & their horses kneeling on the ground, gave two furious cries. They both came on foot, where the one to show the other the valour of his person, with a sudden hurled the one at the other with greater force than is in a bullet, when it flieth the fire out of the mouth of the Cannon. All the battles were renewed seeing these two on f●●te for the valorous Ladies, whose battle was cause sufficient to make all the battles in the world to be forgotten: for as there was no defence against their weapons, so were their enemies covered all over with their own blood, especially Coriandro, who fought with Rosamundi, who seeing the Knight in the yellow in the ground, much affected to the valour which he had shown, and assuring herself of the strength of her Tyrian, she assailed Coriandro, doing him greater favour than he deserved; for she clasped her fair arms about his necks with such force, that she haled him out of his Saddle; he fell on his feet, where again began the battle, but with apparent advantage, for she gave him never a blow, but that did cut his armour and his f●esh withal. She which had the worst hap in this furious affray, was the Empress Claridiano; for the great Bembo, and Brauorante, being come on ●oo●e, thinking that they had fain with some advantage to the Moor, she took her course with her horse against Bembo, who slipping aside, let her pass, whose horse flumbled so on the truncheons of the Lances, that coming to the ground, he gave her a shrewd fall. After her came a Giant, who was the cause that Claramante, shifting Bembo from him with a thrust, at two skips he was with the Pagan, making him lose his Saddle, and then he charged Bembo, who with a great pace went towards Claridiana, who being sore bruised with her fall, was now risen. The valorous Lady had gotten nothing by dealing with Bembo, but the new lover approached, doing wonders incredible to any man's judgement. The fierce Giant which had a fall on the ground, seeing his sword broken with the fall, ran to Claramante his horse to get the Battle-axe. But he could not do it: for the Queen of Lira, as fierce as a Serpent, met him with her horse breast, so as she tumbled him to the ground. By that time was the brave Claridiano come, and thinking that he should do good with his Axe on foot, he took it from the Saddle bow; he was not so nimble with this terrible weapon as his uncle was: for every blow that he gave, was mortal; he put it in practice against the Giant, which remained on horseback, who with his monstrous sword had given the Queen such a blow upon her rich helmet, that being unable to break it, (the buckles thereof being loose) he smote it from her head, leaving her amazed at the strangeness of the blow. The Pagan would have seconded it, and without all doubt had slain her, but that Claridiano came covered all over with a cold sweat, to see the mistress of his soul in so notable a danger, he advanced his Battle-axe with greater fury, than discretion, fortune was his good friend, for hitting him upon the top of the shoulder, the edge of the Axe turning inwards, it smote off his head so easily, that Mars was amazed thereat: he came to the Queen, who yet had not put on her Helmet, who presenting himself unto her, said, Keep you aloof, valorous Lady, for although that you be cruel to him which doth most adore you, yet it is not lawful for me so long as I live, to permit any cruelty to be done against your worthiness. These words were so imprinted in the midst of the queens heart, that she was of opinion that without any doubt, that was he whom she best loved: she had taken him by the arm and asked him a thousand questions, but that they were otherwise so much busied: that notwithstanding, yet she said unto him with a tenderness of heart, Follow, worthy warrior, the fortune which the heavens have ordained for thy greater fame, such a service as this is not requited with thanks, but you have made me bounden unto you in any thing that shall please you. Ah, Claridiano, said the gallant young man to himself, if the Lady knowing thee had said this, what pain could there be which should not be pleasing? what displeasure could the heavens do me which here with might not be made tolerable? And herewith, feigning that she said so, brandishing his cruel weapon, he assaulted his enemy. It was in good time: for he found (in an ill taking) her who had borne him in the midst of her entrails: for the furious Brauorante at the very instant of his arrival, with a blow had made her set her hands to the ground, and was about to have given her another, when the brave Greek stopped his passage, reaching him a far off such a knock with Theseus' battle-axe, that made him run faster backwards than he came forwards. Let your Sovereign greatness hold yourself aloof off, valorous Empress of Trabisonda, said her dearly beloved son, for it is not reasonable that to hands so generous should happen any disgrace. The Lady wondered to see that she was known by that Knight, and imagining that it was some of her kindred, she assailed the Giant which had fallen to the ground, with whom she returned to a most cruel battle, but it lasted not long, quenching the same with the death of the Giant. Alone remained Claridiano, Claramante, and the gallant Rosamundi, against Bembo, Brauorante, and the furious Coriandro, whose fight, O Muses of Parnassus, that a man might dip his pen in the fountain of your sacred liquor! for much more do these fix most rare in valour deserve: they fell out of order, for against Rosamundi, the Achaean addressed himself, and Brauorante against the brave son of Trebatius: with Claridiano happened the wounded Coriandro, which yet with mortal wounds prolonged his fortune.  
There was no fight to be seen like to Rosamundies; for although that she were not equal in force to the fierce Pagan; yet her rich and fair Arms in all supplied that want; for against the edge of her rich sword, no armour nor enchantment could avail; for she never gave Bembo any blow, which did not pair away his harness, together with his brawny flesh.  
The Moor was wonderfully amazed to see his armour so torn, knowing that she which fought with him, was but a gallant Lady: a thousand times would he have withdrawn himself from her, accounting it a base thing to wage battle against her, but she did so anger him with the often blows which she gave him, that treading all under foot, he began to defend himself and to offend the Lady, giving her such sound knocks, that, but that she took them upon Semiramis armour, without doubt he had dealt but hardly with her: but if she took any blows, it was to the greater damage of the Pagan which gave them: for she charging and retiring, as nimble and quick as an Eagle, made the victory very doubtful, and oftentimes brought it to that pass, that it plainly appeared to be hers, she was so furious. The battle between Brauorante and Claramante deserveth a Roman Theatre; for each of them knowing his enemy's force, they began to make benefit of their agility, which was such, and employed in so good season, that neither of them could fasten a full blow: but he which took any upon his armour, it made his flesh black and blue, and brought him to the ground upon his knees. Unequal was the battle between Claridiano and Coriandro: for as he wanted both breath and blood, his overthrow did plainly appear, or his certain death, at the instant that archisilora's Lover ended the battle, hitting him so hard upon his shield, that it nothing availed him to be of fine and well tempered steel, but that he smote it in two pieces, sorely wounding him in the head, coming to the ground upon all four, and yet he was ashamed, being in choler and before his Lady, holding it but for a small blow, who having a thousand amorous suspicions in her head, she stood rejoicing in his valour, unable to persuade herself that it should be any other, than he whom she loved with her soul: but coming to show him any favour, her gravity was such, that she resolved rather to die, then to show any such lightness; this cost her so dear, that it made her to shed bloody tears. The three pillars of human fortitude arrived, when the Greek drew near unto the place where Rosamundi with Bembo were together by the ears, if need required to aid her. They were no less than Don Heleno of Dacia, the fair Rosabel, and his friend, the Captain General Aristoldo; who hearing the noise of the battle, came as hard as their horses could run. The Dacian presently alighted, and with his sword drawn, went directly to Bembo, thinking that his Lady was overmatched, & forbore not, seeing the Greek Prince to do the like, but rather overcome with fury, thinking that he had meant to have stricken her, as he made great haste, he cried unto him, saying, Hold thee, uncourteous Knight, for this villainy shall cost thee thy life. The Greek would scarcely have taken these words at his own father's hands: he gave no answer, but flourishing his axe about his head, with such courage, that he made them all to wonder, he was so quick in delivering his blow that Archisilora knowing that it was the Dacian, could not put herself between them, before that the furious young man had stricken him with the axe, on the top of the Helmet. Brutus' his Arms stood him in good stead, for otherwise, from the head to the foot, his axe had split him: and notwithstanding he made him to go three or four steps backwards, being ready to fall, he followed him with a thrust; there was never a better given in all these battles: for hitting him on the one side of the breast, he broke all the buckles, and within a little disarmed him, making him set one knee to the ground, to stay him up. He again lifted up his terrible axe, but not with such dexterity, as his Uncle would have done, for being long in bringing the blow about his head, he gave place to the Dacian to close with him, with such force, that he lifted him from ground, and with a little more had overthrown him. The Greek was constrained to let go his axe, the better to use his hands. O you Princes, which delight in arms, I would have been glad to have seen you at this wrestling; for neither weariness did any way cause the Greek, to show himself to be any other than he was wont to be: and the Dacian was so blinded with choler, that he dealt not herein with such discretion as was requisite.  
The manner how they girded one another, the groanings they made, their sometimes clasping their bodies, sometimes parting asunder, then crossing their legs, was such as no tongue is able to declare; for if the Dacian be strong, the Greek is no less. Give ear, Ladies, for there is no reason that this wrestling should pass in oblivion without witnesses; and these which came, were no less than the most mighty Alphebus, the two pillars of fortitude brought him between them, Bramidoro and Brandafidel with the gentle Tirifeo: of the other part came Torismundo, the brave Lord of Spain, with his son and his valiant brother in law: they missed not the venturous Zoilo, with the beloved Lisart, and the Prince of Argentaria, so as a man may well say, there was at that meeting the best and most tried company that was in the universal world. All this coming could not cause them to give over the battle: for the Dacian seeing his Lady in danger, it made him draw new forces even out of his weariness, and to give the adversary work enough to do, who condemned himself of cowardice, to suffer one Knight to use him so, in the presence of his father and other friends. They were both out of breath, and they could not continue and maintain their obstinate fight: but the one thrust the other a great way off from him; the Greek fell down hard by, where Rosamundi stood: and where he had left his battle axe, he took it up, and with a wonderful readiness he made towards the Dacian, but before that he was come near him, Archisilora stepped between them, saying, Hold you out, Knight in the yellow, for the Prince of Dacia is not a Knight, with whom this battle may be suffered to be ended. The Greek stayed upon his Lady's words, and then knew the valorous Dacian; for he had no desire to do aught, but what might please his Queen. But the noise of a most fierce blow which Bembo gave the Lady, suffered him neither to give any answer, neither to proceed forwards. The fierce Claridiano turned about, as malicious as a serpent, to see his fair Lady on the ground, upon her knees, and had somewhat lost her senses, and that the Pagan, forgetting from whom he came, would have closed with her. There is no Pard, that more lightly rampeth after his prey, than the Greek did to defend her: he came in good time, for before that his sword alighted on her, he reached him a blow on one side of the helmet with his axe, and made him fall on his hands, and his axe pierce his target, smiting him with both his hands, standing on his left foot, & again smote him a full blow on the breast, and made him (with greater haste than he would) withdraw himself three or four paces from the Lady, the which free from danger, having been busied with him, had not perceived the people which she there beheld, until she was about to assail her adversary, her husband slept before her, saying, Shall I never, dear Lady, leave to have cause to complain of your cruelty; sith coming to so apparent danger, you would not be defended by him which was borne to love you These Ladies (good Sir) are in the fault, which alone desired to take vengeance on the Romans; which is done in such sort, that those which remain, shall have whereof to talk of the Greek Ladies. In few words she told him what had passed, and how they had overcome them in the Ius●s, and of the death of the two Giants, and of the coming of Claramante, with the other Knight more furious than a Lion, and how they had waged battle with those in that black, to whose aid came the rest which there remained: round about had that famous company compassed those famous warriors, whole battle seemed to Mars to be but new begun, according to the dexterity wherewith they charged, and the quick retiring of them all four. The battaile-axe seemed somewhat trouble some to the Greek in a private battle; & chiefly, because he had never been used thereto: wherefore pitching the blunt end thereof into the ground, he left it for a testimony of the owner's valour: and so drawing out his good sword with his shield in his hand, he assailed the mighty Bembo. O Apollo, I would thou wouldst recite this battle, which made all men to wonder! for the dexterity of them both was without comparison; they were both well breathed, by reason of their long exercise in arms, and for that cause hastening their mighty blows so thick, that it seemed to them which saw them not, that Vulcan's Forge was thereabouts; for according to the noise, it was to be thought, there had been a great many of Knights: to the close came these two most rare men at arms with their swords aloft: But that war lasted but little, for both fell, which was a mean much to prolong the battle in that manner, and so again entering with their left feet forwards, and their swords in both hands, they made hard Anvils of their Helmets.  
There was never particular battle in the world better fought; for each of them both was the flower of his Nation, and exercised in the Art as well of Love, as in this, wherein no man excelled them, no not love itself, nor Mars. The Moor had the worse, by reason of the Christians good Arms, but supplied that with his strength, giving and taking blows which would have beaten a rock to pieces. The Greek would play the fencer, thinking with a thrust, to have stricken his adversary in the face, but he had not well fastened his blow, when the Moor sound gave him a knock on the top of the Helmet; he took him at unawares, and so the blow lighted so much the heavier, & made him set one of his knees to the ground, and in that ward he stood to see if he would second his blow, which had lifted up his sword, but the young man would not attend the weight, wherewith it came, but with a jump standing on his feet, he let slip the blow on one side, leaving the Moor deceived, who gave so fierce a blow, that it turned him round about, & smote the one half of his sword into the hard floor. Upon the arms, the nephew of the great Trebatius gave him a great blow, he was much distressed, being assured that he should lose his sword; breaking the little chain, with a skip he turned about, for in agility no man excelled him, and if the Greek had not the better looked unto it, the like had happened unto himself. But seeing the Pagan give way, he let slip one hand to weaken the blow▪ he stayed but little herein, but it was enough for the nimble Pagan, who like an Eagle, seeing his sword was lost, he suddenly took up the Axe wherewith he was a second Mars. In many days before he had not received the like contentment, as in seeing that in his hands, assuring himself now of the victory, he now made room in the spacious green field. All men knew him to be very expert with that kind of weapon: many were sorry for it, but he, whom it touched even at the very soul, was archisilora's lover, who framed a thousand complaints against himself, calling himself coward, seeing that so recklessly he had committed so great a fault.  
I do not deserve (said that grieved Prince) to love such a Lady as this, who is judge of my baseness: I have justly lost her favour, seeing that in her presence, I was not able to defend those weapons which were none of mine. Gualtenor could not end this battle without a new Chapter, presupposing that he should well ease them both of their pain, with forbearing a little.   

CHAP. XII. Of the end of this cruel battle, and how the greeks returned to their City, and of what happened unto them upon the way.  
HEctor was not so much grieved with the cruel wound given him by the Greek Prince, for that it was by his hands alone, as Claridiano was to see himself unfurnished of one of his weapons; & not only for losing it, but that it happened in the presence of his parents, when it had been requisite to have showed all his valour, rather than in any other part. The sight of the fair Queen was to him as sauce for his choler, tempering the same in such sort, that it made him to fall into conceit with himself, how he might recover the lost Battle-axe, and so like a cruel Pard, he would have closed with the Moor, but he met with the point of the axe: his shield was no sufficient defence to ward the blow, but that it passed clean thorough. This did more grieve the Greek, then if he had in a manner felt the fine temper thereof in his flesh: he remembered, that there was no enchantment, that could resist the edge thereof: the Pagan doubled his blow, but before that he could fasten it, he was gotten so near unto him, that he seized his arms upon him, and finding no resisting, within a little he had overthrown him, and lifted him aloft from ground. The Lord of Achaia was in some doubt, and thought with him, that it were better again to lose the got battell-axe, than the victory; and so letting it go, he did use such force upon the young man's shoulders, that he made him in despite of him, to stay with his burden, and gave him place to take footing on the ground: he resembled the Sun of the earth, in recovering again his strength, again getting that, which he before had lost, the Greek being unable to hinder the same, notwithstanding that he sweat drops of blood. This battle made them that were present, so much to wonder, that they took no heed to that which passed between Claramante and the Scythian Moor, who were so fierce, that they seemed to begin the battle anew. Claramante was sorry, that he had not begun with the axe, imagining that by this time he had made an end thereof: yet notwithstanding, when he hit him a fall blow, he made him to shake like an Aspen leaf upon the tree, when the south-west wind bloweth. They were both very desirous to end the battle, for it was above six hours, since it began, and both together gave so mighty blows, that they both set their hands to the ground; there was little difference in their skill. But as occasion served, the Greek was more nimble in assailing, then the other: and so raising him with a thought, before that the Pagan could recover his ward, he gave him so cruel a blow upon his great crest, that he made him to go cross-legged and ready to fall: he set his right foot forward, and with a strong thrust he hit him on the breast, striking him almost out of breath. Through the noise which they made which beheld this battle, he turned about his head, and seeing that those which had wrestled, were come to that ground where they were, he suddenly drew near, and would not strike the Pagan, which all men thought much of.  
By this time was the valiant Brauorante come, blaspheming against the heavens, seeing that he never proved Knight in Gréece that did not put him in doubt of the battle: in approaching, he suddenly gave him a knock cross the helm, which made him go on one side; not with the good grace which the place required, where were so many beholders: he turned against the Pagan; and being so near that they could not strike, they closed, Claridiano was so near to the battell-are, that struggling with Bembo, he might have laid hands thereon; and taking footing, he rose, finding himself hard by his Uncle, for these warriors were sometime aloft, sometime under. The Achaean gave him not so much leisure; who having recovered his sword, came towards the Greek: he went to encounter him, beginning the battle anew. Those which stood by, had no time to talk, fearing that in shutting their eyes, they might lose the sight of some notable action, worthy eternal memory. By this time would the careful Lover impart his light unto the Antipodes, hiding it from our world, leaving to us that which his sister gave, when the four warriors (being the flower of Arms and bravery) were most earnest: sometime the Greek seemed to have the advantage, but it was so little and la●ted so small a time, that no man could say to whether party it would incline. In like manner was it between Brauorante & Lindabrides her new lover. But they all stood expecting the issue, when the heavens began to lighten, & to give such terrible thunderclaps, that no man there present could deny that he was afeard▪ all was darkened, and nothing to be seen but flashes of lightning, which put great fear in those valiant Knights which beheld the battle: no man was able to stir from the place where the Earthquake had brought him, for any thing that he was able to do. Some visions appeared to them which fought the battle: and as those clouds were passed, the skies remained clear, the Sun yet showing some fair streams, as a certain token of his departure. All alone remained they which had fought the battle, only excepting Bembo and Brauorante, with the wounded Coriandro, which Lupertius had carried away, because that the Roman ships being arrived at Niquea, had great need of their presence. Gualtenor saith, that being fearful of some ill success, he made that enchantment to carry away his Bembo, and sought by all means to have done the like by the Battle-axe, had not Claridiano seized upon it, out of whose hand he could not get it, by reason of the virtue of the rich jewel, which was of the greatest antiquity of any that he knew.  
No grief can be compared to that which Bembo and Bravorance conceived, seeing themselves set in Niquea (for it seemed to them that they had far the better of the battle,) which was the cause of their sorrow: they made a thousand complaints of the wizard, who by all means sought to appease them, telling them the truth of the cause, for which he brought them away, which did somewhat appease them, and promising them that he would set them in Gréece, in a place where no body should part the battle. This is very little, in respect of that which Brundusio felt, when he understood what had happened in the just against the Ladies; for he would not of all that day speak to his Cousin, but the next day he came to him, saying, I know not, Knight, who would presume to return again into my presence, coming overcome by a woman, I know no reason why you should call yourself my nephew, seeing thou hast so much shamed the royal blood of Gibia. Oh cowardly knight, is it possible that I should have the patience to forbear to put thee to death? But I leave it to her to do, which hath bereaved thee so much of thy fame, and were it not for that, I would tear thee in a thousand pieces with my own hands, for the spot wherewith thou hast stained our worthy lineage. At the loud speeches which he used, in came the Emperor of Rome, and the Prince of Almain, who sought to appease the furious Pagan, whose eyes seemed burning coals: they had much ado to get him from thence, leaving the proud Coriandro so ashamed, that a thousand times he would have killed himself, and but that he was in hope to be revenged at his pleasure, no man could have saved his life: But that vain hope did serve but to prolong his life, coming again to lose, in the same place where he had been before overcome. The wizard with all possible care cured them, making them whole and sound the fourth day, because that on the fifth, they were to marshal their tro●pes to take the way towards Grecia. There were sundry opinions among the Romans, about the admitting of Bembo for Captain general, for Brundusio being a chief dealer in the ma●ter, would not yield thereto: But seeing that all the high Soldans, and the Califa, with the great Assyrian were contented, he was the man. They chose for Captain general, the brave King of Fenicia, and for his companion the expert King of Zarssa, with the King of Armenia, who undertook a heavy burden. They began to dispose of the Navy, which was so great, that they had need of bembo's help, who divided it into three squadrons: neither of the wizards doth set down the certain number, but Lupertio saith, that it was nothing to cover the Greek sea. There was no disagreement among them, although it be seldom seen among so many strange nations as there were assembled: for Bembo provided for all with so good government, that every man knew to what Colours to repair, and what captain to obey of the Almains: seeing them so proud and well armed, their Captain had a great opinion, purposing with them and the Achaians to make the greatest part of the war. And coming to be of the mind, that it may be possible to cure the wounds of the soul, there is little need of our presence, except to joy at the sight of so high Chivalry: for when this valorous Prince and I arrived, in my conceit, the victory was certain, as all others will be in the world, which shall be purchased by so victorious hands as these, which have ended this, whereto all owe duty, as of right. All came, warlike Knight, said the fair Archisilora, (which without offence to Claridiano, was much affected for his valour to this unknown gallant, seeing what he had done) through the hope that we were in, to have you for judges of our battle, a thing which might have assured the greatest difficulty in the victory which we attempted: And I & these Ladies do much desire to know your name, and of what country you are, if it be no offence to you. Greater would it be to me, to fall into your disgrace, by not discovering it, said Claridiano, then that, which I should receive, by uttering it. In this manner, it will be to your advantage, (quoth the Queen) in stead of not offending us, and at the point to demand it of you by battle, to make us beholding unto you for your courtesy. It is so long since, answered the Greek, (glad to see himself so sought unto by such Princesses, which were so and the same in beauty) that I have been without any will, for that I sacrificed it to Ladies, that it is not meritorious to yield new obedience, seeing that so long since I have given myself in sacrifice. My Country is in the confines of Scythia Livia, for it were not convenient that a Knight of any other country should be entertained with such cruelty; sometimes I have been called the Knight of Cruelty, but now (wherein they have hit right) the Lady's Knight, for the pictures which I bear in the midst of my shield, enduring only the cruelty, which so much tormenteth my soul, which hath been of such power, that the Ladies have had a desire only to help me, and my heart herewith endureth new torments. You have plainly told us (Sir Knight) quoth the beautiful Queen, that which these Ladies did desire to know; and making show of your obedience, you have told us more than we did ask. Let not your beauty wonder hereat, quoth Rosamundi, for no man is wounded by Cupid's hand, which doth not presently publish it, to qualify their faith, which the Gallants now adays take for a cusion●e, when their Mistresses use them a little unkindly: there is no reason, why they should complain of them, for if they be adored, their disfavour were li●e to the Gallant, to whom she● yieldeth: but in their complaints, they sh●w themselves excessively grieved, that of all the world they desire ease of their wounds. But because this Knight shall not say, that in Greece such cruelty is used, as in his Country, I here offer my person, to use all means to take away that sorrowful device: for it is not expedient to bear it in Greece; for it is here offensive to the Ladies, which delight in pity, and so would they, that those should be, whom they love. And in hope to see him well, said the fair A●chisil●ra, every each on● of us that have met him, shall do her best to comfort him. It is very reasonable, said Claridiana, that he coming to our succours, should be by us eased of his grief, in requital of his good will His grief from henceforth, said the fair Sarmatia, shall be very little, if it please you to remove it: for if you be of power to cause it, you may far better ease it. It is so conjoined with my life, sai● the excellent Prince, that the taking away of the one, would bereave me of the other: and justly to esteem such a favour as this is, with less than my life, it cannot be requited. So as, (excellent Ladies) in my grief remaineth my life; for the faithful lover, in midst thereof, is encouraged, making his torment easy, with the only naming of the cause thereof. I would not for any thing in the world, said the fair Archisilora, that you should so lightly regard so great good will, as that, which these Ladies and I have offered you. Fair Queen▪ said the secure Lover, I confess my error, and to have deserved your disgrace, but I came to these wars with such desire to do you service, that I determined not to be cured: for I am banished in most strange manner, being to accomplish my banishment in Grecia; and but for her sake which ruleth my life, I would take it for a favour, seeing the graces which the heavens have imparted unto all the Greek Dames, which kindleth new fire in my sorrowful heart, seeing itself absent from that which my sovereign enjoyeth, which in all respects is equal to her cruelty. Now I say, that he is worthy to be pardoned, and we are sorry for him (quoth Rosamundi) seeing that if he desire to live, it is only to do us service. If it were not for that, gallant dames, said the Greek, I would rid myself thereof, but I have therein settled this hope, that I should here find some body, which would be sorry for my ill hap. About this matter those fair Ladies road discoursing, well pleased with the Knight of Livia his gentle conversation, and no less were all those high Princes, for the valour which they had seen and experimented in him: the night they passed with sweet discourses, that although the three Ladies, and their being in company with their husbands, did restrain them from discoursing of love matters, yet they delighted to refresh their memory, with talking of the most plesing time of their whole life. For never man loved well which lived not in love: for by loving, knights are purified, they become frank, liberal, valiant, and he which was the most careless, becometh most careful. In no part discretion holdeth so due proportion, as between lovers, and never was there any honourable end of wars, if love were not the ground thereof. For love, gallants attempt doubtful enterprises, making them easy with this saying, My Lady will take pleasure therein: and to procure her contentment, in exchange of his own soul, is to purchase a new life, new jewels of love, sufficient to give life to him that so loveth: and to conclude, Plato saith, that there is no good where is no love.  
The valorous Claridiano entertained the fair Ladies, and gallant youths, with discreet discourses, until the golden lover showed himself beautifying the earth, at whose coming, all on horseback took their way towards the City, highly extolling the valiancy of the two Pagans: they all came to the place where they were which had the guard of the Tower in the sea, the afternoon's heat they passed in a grove of Poplars, & again taking their short way, until about two of the clock in the night, under a high Pine tree, they saw a Knight laid all along on the ground, whose constitution was pleasing to them all, he was armed with blue, set with many Stars of gold, with so many precious stones of such worth, that they could not be valued, who seeing so many coming on horseback, rose up, and buckling on a rich Helmet, he lightly leapt upon his horse, being caparisoned of the same colour that his armour was, on his Cask he wore a most fair plume set with Spangles of gold, he had one of the most rich shields of the world. In the midst whereof which was of blue, he bare god Mars, and close by him his Venus, with several crowns in her hands, as though she gave them to a Knight which kneeled at her feet, with this Mot: 
For thy worth and beauty,  
Receive this favour,  
Worthy thy valour.   
They took great pleasure to behold his goodly parsonage, and much more, that with his Lance in his hand he came towards them, they all imagined that he would just. If it be no otherwise, said Rosamundi, it falleth to our lot to begin, seeing we have given the occasion to seek us. No body gainsaid it, seeing it was no great adventure: and so by that time that this gallant was come, they had taken their weapons, who showing courtesy lifting up his Beaver, discovered the best favoured face in all the Pagans country, and said, My lot, valorous Knights hath been so good to meet you in this place, that I cannot complain of fortune, seeing she hath set before mine eyes what I most desired to see. I do not tell you my Country, valorous company, being so remote, neither my name, because there will be small notice of either, for there are not two days, since I received the order of Knighthood, from the hands of a most mighty warrior, who told me, that if I made haste, I should find here all the best of Greece. I desired him to tell me his name, in requital of which favour, I would be ready to do him service all the days of my life, for his valour deserveth it. He told me that he is called Bembo, and that I should tell the Knights, with whom he here had fought the battle, that they should pardon him for not ending it, and that there should not want time nor place thereto. He told me so much of your force, and made me so desirous, that I purposed, if it shall not be offensive, to desire to just with some of those which here come: I know it a great boldness, being the first time, yet is it a satisfaction, although I lose, to have jousted with warriors of so great fame.  
The discrete behaviour of him in the blue, gave great delight to all, and so the gallant Rosamundi answered him, thinking with herself, that she had never in all her life seen a gallanter Knight, except the Greek Princes, for they were borne to be the wonder of the world. I would that of your part some harder matter to be done, had been required, to the end that you might have seen of what power in Gréece, the controversy is which you have used, and seeing it is but to just, and to prove the strength of your arm, let be as it shall please you, esteeming (according to reason) her courteous answer. The young gallant turned with so good a gesture, that he made the great Alphebus say, Never believe me, if these justs be not worth the seeing, for me thinketh that this stranger is locked fast in his Saddle. Of the same opinion were all the rest, expecting what would follow.  
It is not to be recounted, most excellent and worthy Dames, without having recourse for aid to your beauties, for such a thing is not to be solemnized, but by him, who hath twice borne the Laurel: for the Eagle flieth no swifter after her pray, than these two rare persons in valour departed. The Lady (most excellent Lord) had a better horse than any of those which compass the heavens, and so they joined swifter than thought: neither of them mist in the encounter; the Ladies was such as would have overthrown a rock, but could not the young man; for on horseback few excelled him, & none among the Moors, yet something he bent backwards. But the gallant Lady losing both her stirrups and the reins, was driven to take hold of her swift horses neck: they all doubted more than before, of the success, seeing the fair Lady in such case at the first encounter. In her place entered the fair Queen of Lira, sending a new Lance to the young Gallant. The sage Lirgandeo passeth over all these encounters, saying, that in none of them he had the worse: he advanced himself farther, and overthrew the Princes of Tharsis, both the father and the son, and the brave Captain Aristoldo, he was likely to have brought to the same predicament.  
Finally, notwithstanding that the brave Torismundo, & his warlike son undertook the charge; yet he lost no ground, nor any part of his honour. Alone remained the Emperor Alphebus; who would not just, because there should want no lances for Don Heleno, Rosabel, Claramante, and Claridiano; four of the best Knights upon the earth. The Prince of Hungary had scarcely ended his course, when, with an excellent swiftness the Dacian began the career: he could not have won much honour, although he had overcome the strange Gallant: for that he had already run sixteen courses against the most mighty knights, who without any show of weariness, came against the Dacian. The raging sea maketh no greater noise, persecuting the ships ready to wrack, than these two most famous warriors made at their encounter in the midst of their career: there was never seen any better encounter in Greece: for the greedy Dacian smote him some what low, and so the blow was nothing sightly, and withal, he made him make the foulest bending backwards, that he had made in all the rest of his courses before, ● was fain to let go the reins out of his hands, and to keep the Saddle, he seized on the horse neck, he encountered Don Heleno in the midst of the shield, and being unable to pierce it, by reason of the most fine temper thereof, he shorked with the Helm with such force, as made him forget himself, he was so angry for this encounter, that had not the stranger had equity on his side, the battle had passed a outraunce. You would not believe how those which stood by did wonder, seeing the great strength of the Knight with the Stars without staying, that Claramante or Rosabel should do it, the unknown Greek took the matter in hand, purifying his valour in his Lady's face.  
The sparkles fly not so thick from Vulcan's anvil, as from these two famous warriors Helmets, either knowing the others courage. He in the blew encountered the valiant Claridiano, in the midst of the strong breast, but as in that place love only did predeminate, so it could not receive any further wounds from any other hand, he smote him so furiously, shivering his Lance into small splinters, as made him lose one of his Stirrups, and make such a backward bending, as was strange to that young gallant: archisilora's lover got not much by his fierce encounter, which might have set him on the green field: and had he met him in the beginning of the justs, he had not escaped so good cheap, but being weary, it was no great matter to overbear him, with the Saddle between his legs. In fair greater estimation from thenceforth was the Knight held with the Ladies, than before, seeing that he had ended that, which all they could not do, which were in all things so highly extolled: at an instant he again fitted his lost Saddle, and with a very good countenance ask pardon of them all, (although somewhat ashamed) he took his leave of the Princes. Gualtenor doth not declare the name of this Knight, neither whose son he was, leaving it to the fourth part of this famous History. Only he saith, that he was the famous competitor to the house of Tartary, until that a kinsman which he knew therein, should conclude the welcome peace, but first he should cover the field with dead bodies, all caused through the love to a Greek Lady: He did not a little in the behalf of the Pagans in the field battle, whose acts the sage doth not a little commend. All those Lords were much affected unto him, although the most of them did desire to come to single combat with him.  
If the Youth had been advertised thereof, he would not have refused it, although against Mars himself: for in the world was not known a prouder young man, and this made him to attempt great matters, wherein he always bore the fame of warlike. In discoursing of his valiancy, those Princes arrived at the City, where they were by all men expected, with some doubt of some danger that might have happened unto them, but knowing what had passed, all was turned into mirth.  
The noble Trebatius entertaining the valorous Ladies, said, I would not fair Ladies, that you should so esteem the honour of Gréece, that you should therefore put yourselves in such apparent danger.  
There was none (noble Emperor) answered Archisilora, sith it was for your service, especially this Knight being there, pointing to the Knight with the Ladies, who for his valour may be compared with Mars: the rest affirming the same, it gave occasion to the Emperor to embrace him with as great affection, as if he had known him to have been his dear nephew. All the fair Ladies bestowed on him new favours, having heard of the valour of his person: By general proclamation it was commanded, that all should obey him as a Greek Prince: he lay with his beloved Uncle: the world never knew two which loved so dearly: they were devising together, when into the hall there came two Knights from the brave Astrusio, advertising the coming of the enemy's army, and how that (without doubt) the next day they would be in sight of Constantinople. They all put themselves in Arms, every one repairing to his three hundred thousand men; a show worth the sight: with all the Flower of France, of Denmark, and Apulia, went the brave Don Heleno commanding that squadron: his friend Torismundo held him company, with the Princes of Tharsis and Argentaria: on the one side went the fair Rosamundi; Polidolfo held the third place, with all the Soldiers of his country, which were very many, and well armed. All the Portugals kept him company, & great part of the Persians.  
The fourth degree fell to the valiant Persiano; wherein he commanded all the Babylonians and Persians, which were without number. With the rest of the Camp remained the Emperor Alphebus, with all those of Trapisonda and Lira, much practised in the wars. There were never seen troops better ordered, nor Captain that better provided for all points: he was gallantly appareled all in colours, with rich furniture of the same: for they say, the fight of the General contenteth the people: he made them spread all along the coast, opening their ranks: in the middle (for their greater honour) went the Flower of all human might, Claramante, Archisilora, & the unknown Greek, twelve Spaniards, and as many Antiochians. Being drawn near to the sea side, and in sight of the enemies fleet, which coming near the Port, drew themselves together upon the top of a little hillock, with his Beaver up, he uttered this oration:  

The Oration.  
IT hath pleased him (valorous Princes and excellent Knights) which hath form the mould of the whole world, this day to put the Greek valour in these spacious fields; to the end that the world may know the force of your arms: In praise whereof I would spend some speeches, but that the necessity of the time doth force me to be brief. Only this I would call to memory: The royal blood from whence we are descended, and that we have a cause in hand which may be for our advantage▪ The lot is already cast, and the destinies have permitted it, that at ease we may see ourselves (not compassed with enemies) for, that your noble hearts could not endure: But at the point to let us understand, that we defend our Country with the edge of our swords, I speak to my Knights: for to return to our Country it is impossible, except we overcome, or lose our lives. And so seeing the greeks themselves have chosen and called us to their aid, consider that it is honour to die to advance theirs: our enemies exceed us in number, and we excel them in valour and courage; equity is on our side, and we shall have as firm ground to fight upon as they: There resteth nothing but to fight with discretion, for that, and readiness to be commanded, maketh the most doubtful enterprises, easy: never any nation made but one General, under whose command an Army (be it never so great) is to be governed, attributing to him the glory of the conquest, or the dishonour of being overcome. This I have said in regard of mine honour, and of the Office which you have bestowed upon me: for fight in order, and upon firm land, and the enemies in the water, if they should get any thing upon us, we should lose the hope of any good success: as for me, it shall be glory to live or die in your service: and there is no more to be said, but to march forwards whither victory shall call us.   
THe valorous young Gallant pulled down his Beaver, leaving them all much affected unto him for the discrete Oration which he had made unto them, being all well pleased to have such a Captain: and so they drew near to the shore, spreading themselves at large over all those fields; where it was a world to see the waving of their ensigns, the soundings of Drums and Trumpets, the neighing of horses, & the devices of the Commanders; which to describe, requireth an eloquenter tongue, and riper wit than mine. All the Ladies were put into Venus' Castle, which stood towards the Sea, from whence, some with sighs beheld their Lovers, praying to God to save their lives: they which could do it, did publicly give them scarves and favours, the better to encourage them to adventure their lives for them. Already was the mighty Astrusio on the Shore's side, who leaping into a Friggot, went to the Emperor, reciting to him all that passed, and how near they were to the enemy's Fleet: Wherefore if your Majesty please, command what people you like of, to enter into this Ship Royal, with you for your Guard: for we are in readiness, for the most memorable battle, that hath been fought upon the Sea, where, if fortune be our friend, they shall dearly buy their coming, although I assure you, that Xerxes' Fleet was but small, in comparison to that which now cometh: But I have so great confidence in the valour of your soldiers, and in mine own desire to fight with them, that I doubt not, but that we shall end it with honour.  
Do, valorous Captain, in all, as to you shall seem good, answered the noble Emperor; for neither now, nor at any other time, none shall resist your order.  
Presently he embarked with the company aforesaid: all the Princes which remained, repaired to their Galleys, where it was a thing worth the seeing, to behold so many Galleys together, so many standards, so many flags, streamers, and pennons, such thundering of Ordinance; the brightness of the armours did so glister, that it beat back Apollo's glistering beams: the valiant Warriors made so fair a show on the tops of the poops, as gave good hope of victory: and so being put in form of a Crescent or half Moon, they began to make towards the enemy's Fleet, the which they discovered in order, veering in the wide Sea, holding their direct course towards Constantinople, with resolution (although there were among them many opinions) to win the main Port, with pure force of arms.  
The desire which the Ladies had to be on land, did move them thereto: and so the two Navies came to encounter, where they discharged sundry Cannon shot, in token that they should charge. The mighty Astrusio had in the vanward of his Fleet, fifty great Brigandines, which had no other commission, but on the one and other side, to discharge great Cannon shot, which put the valorous Captain in good hope. The valorous Theban, with an hundred Galleys, gave many sudden assaults, and was ever in readiness, to give aid where need was: the battle being joined, the Sea waxed calm. Oh, who had ever seen so unhappy a day, when almost all was between the water, and the flaming fire! the noise of the shot bereaved many of their hearing, with such fury, that all the world seemed to shake; for the smoke, the fire, the noise of prows and broken masts, the callings, cry, and sundry noises, made a confusion: Priamus his City did not make so great a fire, neither were there so many brave swords drawn, neither with such speed and noise, as these two Navies made, the one showing to the other the valour of their soldiers. A thousand masts were broken in pieces, their high carved works swam upon the water: it seemed, that the water, the fire, and the wind, had concluded a peace, whose effect was so fearful, that the sea was on fire, as if heaven and earth would come together: the sundry deaths which were given that day, my slender wit is not able to express, neither would the great confusion which was therein, give place to a man, although he had Argus' eyes, to see the particular encounters: for after the fury of the Ordinance was past, they came so near as to strike with their swords, they were so near on board, where, with much shedding of blood, and many deadly wounds, were made many brave assaults.  
In this most cruel battle, death (which daunteth the stoutest) was not of power to discourage them, or put them in fear, for no man refused any labour or peril, although he saw the Camnon bend against his breast: they entered by the began to burn in a light flame. Death was not there feared; but yet seeing before their eyes so manifest danger, they began to fly from her, and to abandon the ship.  
The great Astrutio his people followed so hard in chase, who were most expert at sea, that some of those Princes were almost in danger. But there is no danger, where Commanders are diligent: only the Giants paid for it, who were so weighty that they could not make such haste, and so death overtook them, before they could come to the sight of Grecia.  
One of the best ships in the whole navy was lost. There was no less to do where the three lights of Knighthood, Claramante, Archisilora, and the disguised young Knight, with the Captain general by land were fight. The brave soldan of Egypt fell to their lot, but to his loss: for against the fury of those four Princes, there was no force or temper of any Armour, was able to resist: for before he could put himself in readiness, they had overcome him, and had wholly ended it, if that four Galleys had not with full sails come to the rescue of their Prince: and with all this, presuming upon the aid of the Giants, he placed himself near the board, where he assayed to show his force to his enemies.  
His youthful resolution lasted but a while, for his guard of Giants little availed him, neither his fierce Cousin which stood by his side, whom Claramante, suddenly with a knock with his Battle-axe, bereaved of his life: for taking him on the top of his Helmet, the sharp edge of of his Battle-axe descended down to his breast.  
This terrible blow struck a cold sweat, into all the Galleys which came to his aid.  
The warlike Causelio (as angry as a wasp) taking the soldan's part, would needs be revenged, who in the Empire was the next that succeeded the dead soldan.  
Fortune was here favourable unto him, reserving him for greater dangers: for although he fell into the hands of Claridiano, yet he could not, although he procured it, accompany his honourable Cousin in his death but yet he was stretched out upon the Hatches, mortally wounded, very near unto the death: he would have leapt aboard her, crying, Grecia, and had done it, and got the Galley, ●ad not there come in his neck a mighty Galeon to rescue the wounded youth.  
Herein did the Greek execute his rage: for in despite of those which came therein, he leapt aboard, and presently the three which followed him.  
The fight in no place in all the whole army was more cruel, then aboard this Galley, neither were there hal●e so many ●laine men found elsewhere in that battle: for if these four met but with never so little resistance, they redoubled their valour.  
To the loss of many lives they got the Standard, just at the instant when Don Heleno assailed the Admiral of the Romans, for he had long been about it. The furious Lady advanced herself forwards, being very angry, for the defiance which they had sent her husband. The first that was met, was the strong Brundusio, who seeing the arms of Dacia waving in the main top, he presently imagined what it was, and to be that which he desired: he made all haste with his Galley to come aboard the mighty Dacian. The Moors Galley came manned with so good Knights, and so warlike and mighty Giants, that here the battle was most obstinately maintained. The warlike Pagan fell into the Lady's hands, with whom she began such a stur, and with such valour, as made them all to wonder; she had the advantage above all that followed the wars: for there was not a blow that she gave, but did cut their armours clean thorough, and most commonly the flesh withal. By reason hereof, the Pagan, notwithstanding that he were known to be one of the most strong and valiant in the army, yet was he so hardly be set by his adversaries, that he was bathed all over in his own blood: but that was not sufficient to make him give back, neither was there in him any point of cowardice, but deferring his cruel destiny, be fought like a valiant Captain. The Dacian his Galley was in great danger, for there were four, which at once with full sails, charged him on all sides. I believe it was to the end, that he should the more show his valour: for redoubling his deadly blows, there was nothing worth the looking after, but he and his fair Lady. They divided themselves, aiding those which were in greatest distress.  
The high minded Spaniard was none of those which did worst, for both he and his son made good show of the strength of their arms, wading almost to the middles, ba●hed in Turkish blood: notwithstanding all this, they had hardly escaped, but that the warlike Zoilus came to their ●id, with his squadron of Galeons', appointed only to yield assistance, where greatest need required: he came in, hurling so much artificial fire, and that with such swiftness, that he thereby rescued the beaten Galley: which being therewith lightened, charged so the Roman Admiral, that they had almost taken her, when the warlike Lindauro arrived, whom the Dacian deadly hated: he set the Roman at liberty, but not with such ease, but that he first had some taste of his enemy's valour. There was a huge noise in that squadron, wherein the mighty Alphebus was, in company with his Claridiana; and of the Trojan Oristides, and his fair Sarmatia, which was, that having adventured far, coveting to take the Admiral of Niquea, they were enclosed with above twenty Galleys, holding them in such danger, that if there had not been therein such people as there were, they had without doubt been taken: but the most strong Lisarte with his dainty son, kept all the one side, which did some what appease the battle. There were never seen more cruel blows, than were given here: for the mighty Emperor, holding his valour for nothing worth, to see himself so compassed about, gave never a blow, which bereaved not some one of his life; so as the Sea was full of dead carcases, the enemies were so many, that they never missed ten or an hundred; for presently there came so many fresh men in their places, and of ours never a one: they had now no hope to depart from thence, for it seemed impossible, seeing their great valour, to do that which they intended, which was, to take their Standard. Afresh came the furious Knight of Epire, who was accounted for one of the most famous, he was much in love with the fair Lisiana, wherefore his doings were to be noted: he came in a very high carved ship, he thought to have carried all, at the first charge; but he found such company within board, as was the flower of Chivalry; who came to join with the loving Moor: before that he could take footing, as a valiant man, for indeed he was one, the Emperor Alphebus gave him so sound a knock, upon the top of the Helm, that he made him set his hands and knees both to the ground: he was scarcely risen upon his feet, when with a thrust, he set him faster than apace, out of the Galley; he would have followed him, had it not been for fear to abandon his Galley, being in such danger: there came a Giant (to his own hurt) to seek revenge, but before that he could discharge one blow, Claridiana had left him armless, being desirous to hasten his death, she came to the ships side, where, with a thrust she pierced him clean thorough: she escaped not so scotfree, but that another smote her on the top of the crest, whose good temper gave her life, & yet not so, but that she set both her hands to the floor: the Pagan would have given a second, when the warlike Spaniard, Don Clarus drew near, cutting both passage and life from the renounced Infidel. In many parts they began to cry victory, victory, but chiefly there, where the four pillars of fortitude, Claramante and his companions went, who as there wanted not, on whom to try their swords, so was it a pitiful thing to see, how many they slaughtered.  
No less went they overcoming every where, where the brave Astrutio went, encouraging his Soldiers to do well, in hope of the reward which they expected: which made the Spaniards draw force out of weakness, and the most tired, to show himself courageous: of such force are the spoils of war. But the enemies were so many, and their Ships & Galleys so innumerable, that they never missed any that were wanting: for all the care that Bembo, going from one part to another, nor of the mighty Pagans, Brauoran●e and Brufaldoro could take, were not sufficient, but that they gave ground upon the water. In this conflict the Pagans were very desirous (notwithstanding they were mortal enemies) to meet with Claramante and his companion: fortune here in gave them their wish, for those Prince's Galley came where they were, that made way wheresoever they passed: well were they known by their Arms, the two valiant young Gallants, Claridiano and Claramante, whom with his Battell-axe no man would abide; so great was the damage that he did therewith. And the unknown Lover seeing himself in presence of his Lady, who took pleasure to see him, not knowing him for Claridiano: it was wonderful what he did. The four rare men at Arms of the world, seeing one another, with an excellent grace and terrible boldness came to join. The brave Mauritanian fell with Trebatius his nephew: at their encounter, they gave together so mighty blows, that they were enforced to receive them with ordinary courtesy: they rose again, and returned to give other, & being assured to receive the third; for they came not to the fourth, but that they first saw the stars of the heavens in their Helmets. Behind them as a bird, some space was Claramante; who brandishing his axe, smote the Pagan upon the rich Helmet more hard than Diamant; his dexterity nothing availed him, but that he made him give two steps backwards with apparent show of falling: he gave him a lucky thrust, which took him on the side of the breast plate; & bar●●way the ma●les, and therewith the flesh: that blow did so much trouble him, that the Greek had time to leap aboard his Galley, and to cry, Grecia, and for it, victory. His speeches cost him dear; for Brufaldoro returning to it, finding him near at hand, and out of order with his leap, with all the force that he was able, he smote him upon the rich Helmet, he made a thousand sparkles fly out of it, and the blood out at his mouth. By this time came Brauorante as fierce as a Basilisk, & seeing his Galley entered, he threw his shield to ground, and with both his hands he smote at him a cruel blow. The Greek well saw it coming, and unable to sh●n it, he crossed it with his strong halberd; for if he has stricken him at full, he had been in great danger: he smote it back to his Helmet, tormenting him so, that he had almost lost his senses. With another came Brufaldoro, which put him more to his shifts. It greatly grieved his Nephew to see what past: and although that with his Uncle's leap, the Galley was put off; yet taking his rising in his own Galley, he leapt above twenty foot at a jump.  
With the force wherewith he came, he fell on his knees at Brauorante his feet, who was about to fasten another blow on the warlike young man: but seeing him so near unto him, and knowing him by his Arms, he addressed it unto him, discharging with all his power a cruel blow upon the Gréeke● there were but few Knights within board, and those so busied, and some wounded, that they let these four proceed in their battle, which was wonderful to behold.  
Claramante let slip no occasion to take revenge on the Moor, who seeing him busied with his Nephew, before that the Mauritanian could come at him, making room in the Galley, he came at him in such sort with his battle-axe, as would have made Mars afeard.  
The valorous young Gallant mist not of his blow; for striking him with great force on the one side of the Helmet, he made him fall down upon his hands to the ground. Claridiano closed with him, meaning to have killed him, and had done it, had not Brufaldoro come so soon, who to rescue him, was likely to have lost his own life; for again striking a down right blow with his axe, the blow lighted on his left shoulder, leaving it all disarmed and with a small wound: they all betook them to their weapons, where they began a battle worth the seeing: for those which fought it were greedy thereof, and angry for former matters, which was the occasion that made it far more cruel. The night came so fast on, that for all that they could do, they could not end it: the greeks being constrained (except they would lose themselves) to return to their Galley, where they might see their enemy's Navy burning in a light fire: for there coming a fresh gale of wind from the shore, it was a fearful thing to behold the slaughter that there was made: if Nero had seen it, I believe he had seen that which he so much desired.  
The Greek Navy was not free from that danger; for as there were many Galleys grappled together, the flame took hold on them, and had done much mischief, had not the Captain wisely prevented it, casting on much water, and with all possible speed (as the case required) cutting the grapples and tackling, falling off from the fire. The enemies used the like policy, and were forced to take landing much lower than they would have done, having lost great part of their Navies: but seeing so great a multitude of people, they were recomforted purposing to make amends by land. That night and the next day, they landed all their people in the Haven of Hircambela, ten miles from Constantinople, which they would have razed, but for staying. They presently ordered their battles according to bembo's direction, who that night came forth of the Camp, accompanied with the best men in the army, with a hundred thousand men of war, to level the passages between that and the City, and to pitch their Tents.  
The victorious Greeks (although with some loss of their Galleys) returned to their Port, & went ashore; there was great joy made in the City; the Emperor much esteemed this course of importance.  
The valorous Astrusio, taking his leave of the Princes with many embracements, returned to the sea, setting his hurt men ashore to be cured, he came to the mouth of the Haven for fear of a tempest, very joyful of the victory: the Captain general by land, seeing his enemies therein, began to show the worthiness of his person, as shall be declared in the next Chapter.   

CHAP. XV. Of the encounter which the captains soldiers had with the enemy, about pitching of their Campe.  
THere is nothing, most excellent Prince, that giveth the assurance in the wars, as discretion, that maketh easy that which is most difficult; the brave son of Sacridoro, making benefit thereof, ended great battles, as shall appear in this famous and large History.  
This famous Captain was the first man, showing in all things not only his valour, but the excellency of his wit also: for the golden Apollo had scarcely looked out at his fair bay window, spreading abroad his golden locks, bathed in the Spanish Seas, when coming forth of Constantinople with all his royal cavalry, he called the Spaniards and Antiochians, to whom for their much experience he had shown much affection: with him went the flower of Chivalry, Claramante, Claridiano, and the fair Archisilora, with him also went the warlike Giants, Brandafidel, Bramidoro, and the strong Tifereo. Few of the principal but did accompany the General, who in few words told them whereabout he went, and how much it did import after and seeing in what case the Moor had left him, before that he had space to draw his broad sword, the Lady was come, and with hers, she suddenly took him cross the Helmet, cutting away a great part of the visor, and withal, made him reel in his Saddle; she holp him forwards with a thrust, so as his thick armour availed not, for she hurt him sore in the midst of the breast, his blood gave testimony of his dangerous hurt. Like one of the wild beasts of Hyrcania, the Paynim set upon the gallant Lady, who seeing the fury where with he came, gathering herself under her shield, for she had no more room, she received the terrible blow: it made the blood come forth at her ears, and to her breast did she bend down her head, astonished with the blow; and but that her dexterity stood her in stead, he had stricken her again, which had been no great matter to do, she was so ill of the last, for the Moor was very strong; but reining her horse, she put herself somewhat from him: the force of the blow made the strong Pagan to turn about, and fall upon the pummel of his Saddle, and his horse being pricked with the Spurs, brought him hard by Claridiano, who was glad in his soul: for a thousand times he was about to leave the battle, to come (although there were no need) to aid the Queen of his life.  
Seeing the good occasion, putting the Achaean from him with a very strong thrust, with all his whole power he smote him upon the Helm; it was a very fortunate blow: for lighting upon the cannon of the Feathers, it plucked it from his head, leaving it disarmed, throwing it at his horse heels, and but for fear of the joining of the two battles, he had followed him; for seeing into what case he had brought his Lady, it made him deadly angry. Then came the Lady pursuing him, and seeing what revenge was taken of him, even enforced thereto, to herself she said, O flower of Chivalry, how unjustly doth thy Lady suffer thee to bear this device, being worthy to be beloved by the most excellent! I believe, that, but that she loved Claridiano so extremely, she had sure given passage to Cupid's forces, who sought by a thousand means to make her tributary: but she was so constant in her love to the Greek Prince, that the Knight with the Ladies enjoyed only good will: she would requite him for his blow, giving Bembo another with both hands, of no less force than what of him she had received, she made him lay his head in his bosom, and before that he again came to himself, she gave the Pagan such a thrust, as did much grieve him.  
In this hurry, came the Captain general, and the most strong Mauritanian, being some what out of breath; for having buckled together, there missed but a little that the Antiochian had not been overcome, for the Moor was so strong, that few could match him: they came before the Greek, who stood beholding his beloved Archisilora, and suddenly the Pagan smote the son of Oriselua on the side of the Shield; it was great hap that he had not stricken it out of his hand, and his arm therewithal: he made him so dizzy, that he could not tell, whether he were afoot, or on horseback; he would have given him a second, and had stretched out his arm to give it; but the valiant young man opposed himself, saying, Hold thee, thou ill taught Pagan, & know, that it is no valour to strike him which cannot defend himself. He stayed for no answer, for in such cases it is excusable: but hurling his sword about his head with Mars his strength, he smote him upon the strong arms, which he had lifted up, and made him to lose his blow, and also his sword out of his hand; which before he could recover again, he gave him another, and within a little laid him at his horses feet.  
With the noise, about turneth Claramante, who was in a terrible fight with the Scythian: neither the one nor other could pass any farther forwards; for the two armies came to join with such a noise, that it seemed that the heavens were unhung, and should come down to the earth: with a fair encounter they repaired, wherein, above twenty thousand lost their saddles: It was a fearful spectacle to see the divers kinds of deaths which were given: some falling from their horses, were trodden to death: others being thrust thorough, so ended their journey: others seeking revenge, desired to kill, dying. As the place was narrow, and the people infinite, no man l●st his saddle that could ever again recover it. The horses not feeling their riders, ran out of the troop, leaving any more to trouble the troops. At the first charge, they lighted on the famous Brundusio; who escaping without hurt, with a new Helmet, would needs return to the battle, desiring rather to die in company of his Knights, then to live any where else. He entered, revenging himself upon that poor people, among which he did exc●eding much hurt: Yet the greeks did as great among them: so as some of their Colours began to retire to the passage where they first came into the field: but there they found the brave Sacridoro; who did not only stay them, but made a great slaughter among them, so as the Moors were beaten on either side; for neither the force of their Captains, neither their great number of people could defend them from having the worse of the day, by reason that to the greeks came still new succours.  
This bloody skirmish was known in the City, there remained not one Prince therein: the Duke of Thebes executing the office of sergeant Maior general, brought forth in order, all the carts which came from Antiochia, which he spread over all the fields, towards the willow field, where afresh they renewed the battle: for the brave Emperor of Rome, which was much practised in the wars, was come in great haste with all the rest of his army, setting before all the Giants which he had, to keep their enemies busied, while the pioneers began to pitch their Camp by a woods side, leaving it to serve for a wall at their backs; but another day it put them in point to be lost and overthrown, as shallbe declared.  
They would enter to assist their Captain: But the brave King of Antioch had so warlike set his guards, that they would not suffer them, the Persians and Babylonians, which guarded the passage, fight like Lions: so as seeing the impossibility, they determined to pass over the top of the mountain, although it were very hard to do: they did it, but not without much labour, and the Greek stood attending their coming, although all their princes were gone into the field where the battle was, refusing to return to Constantinople without the fame of Homicides.  
The Giants stood them in much stead, restraining the fury of the greeks; and although, that by all means they sought to let it, they were not able: for within their sights they began to pitch their Tents, and their pioneers with all speed compassing the same with deep tren●hes.  
The warlike young Gallants could not end it of themselves, of the Moors part: for seeing what passed in the field, although the passage was vary craggy, yet Don Celino and Floralisa, with the gentle Clarisel, and Don Argante, and Torisiano, with the mighty Epitabio and Tindauro, with the Kings of the East, which were most mighty Giants, came down the mountain.  
With their coming down, there began a most fierce and bloody fight: for on that side where they came, they made a most deadly slaughter: and had it not been for those Princes which were newly come, they had without all doubt done much more harm.  
Then there came Don Heleno, Rosabel, and the mighty Father and the Son the famous Emperors of Greece.  
Then came Trabisonda, with Florion of Babylon, and the fair Rosamundi, whose, deeds deserve a particular history: for between Brandafidel and Bramidoro, she was more mighty than Mars. They came to pell-mell, one with another: where were seen gallant blows, bold assaults, and quick retreats. O Claramante, who had seen thee girt with thy rich sword, and with thy axe in both hands, rushing in among thy enemies! He only may be said to be the death of them all: for as they went close together; so sometimes at one blow he smote down two enemies, giving never a blow in vain. With all this they cried, victory, by reason of the many Captains come to their aid. Archisilora, which was by her lovers side, came to join with the fair Floralisa, knowing her by her Arms: and having a great desire to try her strength with her, said to the beloved younker, Keep you this side, for yonder Knight in the coronation hath much wronged me. The Bull never better defended his ears against the mastiff, them the Greek obeying his Lady's commandment, whorling his shield at his back: it was pitiful to see what he did: for he gave no blow, that was not deadly, giving place to his Lady, to execute her cruel determination. The two valorous Ladies came to blows, there was never seen a more cruel battle: Floralisa gave the first blow, such a one as brought the Queen of Lira to deaths door; for she gave her such a blow upon the highest of her Helmet, that it made her lay her nose in her bosom, casting blood out at her visor: she doubled her blow on one side of her shield, and beat it so close to her breast, that made her almost breathless. It was not long ere the Queen came to herself, who as fierce as an Ounce charged the Lady: there was no defence in her shield, for although that she cut it not, for that it was camilla's; yet she smote her so on the helmet, that she set her on the pummel of her saddle. She paused, and then like a Lioness, giving her a mighty thrust, she clasped her arms about her neck, and drew her out of her saddle. They both fell down to the ground, where without all doubt she had lost her life, had not Don Celindo leapt after her, and with him his three most famous companions, who when they saw their sister Floralisa in so great and manifest danger, and at the point to be overcome, being enraged with great fury, and without any regard of what to Knights did appertain, they all three at once began to lay on load upon the Queen. O Claridiano, there was never Lion comparable with thee▪ for seeing his Lady in such peril, although she strangely defended herself, he skipped from his horse like an Eagle: there fell into his hands a mighty Giant, which came to the noise, and was going to close with the Lady. But the disguised lover being therewith displeased, brandishing his sword about his head, he smote him just in the waste, his planks of fine Steel were like wax before his sword, for in sight of the whole army, in two pieces he smote him down at the Lady's feet, which then were in fight: a cold sweat ran through all their veins, seeing so terrible a blow. This youngsters fury was not herewith assuaged, for he more forcibly than a thunder bolt, rushed in where his Lady was enclosed, and in great danger. He trod Don Argante under his feet, and shouldered Thorisiano a great way from him, and with a leap, assailed the valorous Assyrian, which in defence of his Lady, performed very heroical exploits. His fair looks could not avail him, for the Greek with both his hands smote him on the Helmet, and made him set both his hand and his knees to the ground: he set upon Don Celindo, who was hammering upon Archisilora, and with a terrible thrust made him run backwards, and fall upon his back among the footmen: and although that he were roundly assailed, yet, making way with his sword, he came where the Ladies were, and gave Floralisa a stumbling blow. camilla's armour saved her life, but they could not save her from falling on her face before his Lady, who holp her forwards with another which was no less. By this time were come to their aid, the two valiant Giants Brandafidel and his friend Bramidoro, who played the Devils; they cleared the passage on one side, for he which had the Guard of Floralinda, never gave blow with his Club which did not overthrow three or four. With this good assistance, the brave Greek took his Lady in his arms, (the greatest pleasure that ever fortune did him) and set her in her Saddle, saying, I would not, valorous Queen, that your worthy acts should bring you into such danger. To joy in yours, warlike Knight, it shall be but well done to seek it, seeing that therewith is purchased the sight of the valour of your arm. There was no time to use many speeches, for they were in haste, for seeing the enemies on foot, no man remained on horseback. The Greek with a light leap recovered his horse, leaving them all amazed at his doings; it was his good hap to be on horseback: for there came the flower of Giant-land, with great Pine trees in their hands, these the Greek desired to meet, and but for leaving his Lady, he had gone to seek them: their huge bodies were clad with planks of Steel: to meet them went out two, with the Princes: Brandafidel advanced him and gave a fair blow, for hitting one of those fierce Giants on the top of his Murrain, he put him out of his remembrance, throwing him to ground with a greater noise, then if a great horse had fallen: his death was not noted, for there came so many, that there was no place void, although they fell more and more. With all this, they felt the brave Greek keep a stir, and working wonders among them: that which Bramidoro did, was no less worth the sight, who had already slain four: the great troops of men which came to rescue one another, parted the battle, but not the company of the four which first began.  
Claramante having upon a sudden slain a King of the Giants, raising himself on his Stirraps, saw much people towards Grecia: in a whirling, he repaired thither, conducting the three Princes with him, one wondering at another's doing. They made great haste, for it was needful, and the matter was, that the young man whom we will call the Knight of the Stars, until the fourth part of this History, where he shall lose his name and become a lover, it was he which in the Forests, as is already said, put the Princes in such danger, who was come in favour of the Pagans, as he had promised to Bembo, whom he went to seek. Before that ever he broke his Lance, he had thrown many of the most famous to the ground; for to the Princes of France, nothing did their valour avail them: for he overthrow them. Liriamandro, Brandisel, and Bariandel, with the brave Trojan kept them company: it was his fortune with his sword in his hand to meet with that Knight, to whom by nature he was bounden, which was Zoilo the Tartarian. They both struck together, but the match was unequal, for such as the young man are few in the world; he had put him in danger of death or of being overcome, if the warlike Lisait had not come to his aid, with his beloved son, and the Prince of Persia Bransiniano, the which with their power, having left the stand where Sacridoro was, seeing all in safety, came afresh to the battle, and they came in good time for the Tartarian. The young man more fair than Absalon, doubled nothing, but casting his shield at his shoulders, as he never missed blow, he put them all out of breath, without losing any ioat, who being near the Prince of Hungary, with a side blow he cast him to the ground sore wounded: after him he set the Prince of Bohemia on all four. Then came the Spanish Prince, who within a little held them company, for he set him senseless upon his Saddles pummel: he had a hundred swords about his cares, and those the most famous, but his lot was to make show of himself, to be the Phoenix of the world. To his rescue came the four Pillars of their Camp, Bembo, Brufaldoro, Brauorante, and the terrible Brundusio, with whose aid he made more head against the Greeks. On the other side came the brave Emperor of Trapisonda, all covered with blood, with Rosacler & his son, they held their swords to behold the young gallant. God bless us, quoth Alphebus, what valour is in this knight, he would not assail him? he so much affected him, but be held Rosabel, who like a Lion leapt into the midst of the throng. All those which were of his side knowing him, gave him good way, and the enemies for fear, left the field free: for the four famous warriors, Claramante and his company, had taken them to task, and so having fit opportunity, they put their determination in execution. I would I were not so much affected to the young Knight with the stars, whose fame reached unto them, because I would describe this battle without passion, worthy to be related by Virgil or Mantuan. For these two rare persons in valour coming to join, it is not possible to express what blows they gave: only Gualtenor saith, that they bowed down their heads to their Saddles pummels, casting abundance of blood out at the visors of their Helmets: none of those which beheld the battle, durst to give them any aid, for it was needless: for they presently came again to themselves, and each of them knowing the valour of his enemy, they began to use dexterity. The bold Breton was most accustomed to arms, and therefore was more nimble in giving the onset, but the late lost blow of the young man supplied that defect: for as fierce as a Serpent, he sought to attain to the victory. He came flying in with two blows upon the highest of his shield: the young man with the Stars was not one who would lose occasion, and insuch a case as that: and so beating by a thrust, he smote him on the rich Helmet, it much availed him that it had been Hectors: otherwise he had cleft him to the neck: it sounded like a Bell: he made the fiery sparkles fly, and him believe that the skies were therein when they are most starry, for he did so astonish him, that for a good space he lost his remembrance: it was a spur to put life in him, for the young man to come with another as strong as the first, it cut off his plumes, and as Lupertius saith, the Cannon also wherein they were: but let it be as it will, the Greek never saw himself in the like danger as then, in his life: but being chaffed therewith, and that his Father did behold him, he set upon his enemy.  
In all these battles, there was never given a better blow: for against Hector's sword, no force nor magical temper can resist. Smiting him upon the top of the shield, he clave it in two pieces, and passing through to his shoulders, it carried with it his Poloron, leaving him shrewdly wounded, he ran at him with a thrust, which cast him back upon his Saddle, and if he could have fastened another upon him, without doubt he had overthrown him. There is no viper could be compared to that warlike young man; for seeing himself handled in that manner, he flung his shield to ground, and with his sword in both his hands, he let fly a blow at Rosabel, which lighted on his shield; it pierced it not, but drove it to his Helmet with such rigour as made him senseless: joining with him, he cast his arms about his neck, and within a little plucked him out of his Saddle, but recovering his senses, settling his feet in his Stirrups, wheeling most strongly about, they fell both to the ground, where betaking themselves to their weapons, it was a world to see their agility, the proud onsets, and courageous retreats.  
Strong was he with the Stars, but he had before him one which was borne with a breastplate. Some advantage there was to be seen in him, but it was so little as could scarcely be perceived. The night drew on, for the Sun hastening his course, hid his beams because he would not see so cruel a battle. Wherefore those warriors were constrained to repair to their horses, desirous to meet, where they might have time and place to end the battle, which at that instant was so vehement, as was wonderful: but the Moors had the worst, because they had no succours: this was the sorrowfullest day for them, that they had during the wars. For of one hundred and fifty thousand men which entered into the Willow valley, there never returned the third part, with the loss of three Kings, which died among the first. The Greeks did not wholly without loss enjoy this victory, although it were the greatest that ever they had in all the wars, for it grieved them to see the Moors encamped: within sight of the City in a most convenient place, the past all the night well content on both sides; the one for having shown, that by land they were those which with their persons defended their Empire, having shown unto the Moors, with the price of many of their lives, the valour of their persons. The others, notwithstanding that they had lost many people, yet were very glad, that they were entrenched in so good a seat. The warlike Bembo, seeing the valour of the young Knight with the Stars, extremely loved him, he was no less accounted of by the Greek Princes, esteeming him more than all the rest of the Campe.  
But the commendations which were given of the knight of the Ladies, were such, and so many, that I am not able to recite them: there is no reason but to believe them: the first that began to publish his famous acts, was the fair Archisilora. Among the Pagans likewise his arm was much extolled, the which in fortifying their Camp, and burying their three Kings, spent eight days, in the which there wanted no sightly skirmishes, nor dangerous encounters, wherein sometimes they were losers, and sometimes were victorious, a common matter to have such adventures in the warns: and while as they prepare themselves, I cannot forbear to go thither where I left Poliphebus, for it is expedient that in such a matter as this, so famous a Prince be not forgotten, to whom, and that with great reason, is attributed the cause of the victory of the Grecians and of achieving of their enterprises, which otherwise were dangerous.   

CHAP. XVI. How the Prince Poliphebus of Tinacria, entered the Castle of the golden Bough, where he delivered the most fair Luzela, daughter to the Emperor of Egypt, from enchantment.  
I Am so afraid, fair dames, to be loathsome to your delight, with such wars as are past and are expected, that I am enforced to entermixe some matters of love, with those of furious Mars, because that if the one be tedious, the other may yield delight, and so I will shake off the fear wherein I was in this behalf; for not to proceed with that sweet and pleasant style as I would, it is enough to be loathed; without living in fear also, you shall take my desire, and not the fruit of my short wit in good part: for thereof, and of your daintiness I am assured, seeming to me to be of gold the liberty of the Tinacrian Ageno, and to have it, I acknowledge that it is a death to me, and life to be estranged.  
He enjoyed little by being at liberty, for that angry passage being ended wherein we left him, he went directly to those Ports, whose fair rich lustre made him to wonder, coming to the Ports which seemed to be of no worse than gold. The sight of the fair Pictures and Paintings therein engraven, yielded delight to the beholders: he came to the Pillar which stood before the gate, and without fear winding the rich horn (for he much desired to know what was within) he had scarcely wound it, when with a greater noise, then if the whole architecture of the house had fallen to the ground, they opened. The courageous young man put hand to his rich sword, and embracing his strong shield, and seeing that no body came forth, he went directly to the gates: through them he passed, when suddenly he was held back, for on either side stood two deformed Giants, having their huge weighty Clubs lifted up. The young man was adventurous, thinking with himself, that what he had done, was cowardice, if he should now retire, and so he went forwards. There was not a livelier Knight in all the land, and this advanced his valour, for on foot few could match him. He entered with his shield before him, making a fair show, and with a leap he cast himself in, but not without receiving such a knock, as made him set his knees to the ground: it was then no time to be idle, for at an instant the most strong Giants were with him, who attended their coming, with determination, with discretion to maintain the battle. As he was skilful in fencing, so he took his ground in the pavement which was under the Port, upon the which were the two rich Pinnacles: the Giants were in hand with him by fits; it was not ill for him to go flourishing, and to charge when he saw time, but if he were light and quick, they were Pards, yet notwithstanding, his nimbleness did avail him, for they both together being about to strike him, with a skip (covering himself well with his shield) he put himself just between them, making them to lose their blows, but he, not his: for with a blow backwards in entering, he smote him which was on his right hand, just above the knee; there was no defence against his arm, for his sword entered into the bone. The Giant feeling himself sore hurt, would have closed with him, but his thigh failing him, he fell upon his face to the ground: he did not let slip the occasion which fortune gave him, for before that the other Giant could assail him, with a great blow he took him on the top of his huge Helmet, it was three inches thick, but yet he pierced him to the skull. The Tinacrian was so greedy of ending the battle, that it was like to have cost him dear, for he gave opportunity to the Giant to strike him: those blows were not such, as that a man should stand toward them, for it made him to set both his hands and his knees to the ground, casting out abundance of blood at his mouth: another blow the Pagan meant to have given him, but his fury was such, that it made him to miss, for if he had hit him right, it had gone ill with him.  
Garrofileaes son arose, and seeing the Giant unprovided, for his blow was past, without any fear he ran at him with a thrust, and smote him in the midst of the broad breast, his armour was three double, yet the sword entered into the hollow of his breast: he felt the wound which he had given, and seeing the Giant coming drawing his lame leg after him, with a leap he joined with him, who unable to strike as he pretended, compassing his Mace about his head, he threw it at him, and smote him in the midst of the shield; it was a wonder that he had not beaten it to pieces. The young man was not strong enough to keep himself from falling to the ground, the blood gushing out both at his mouth and nostrils. The young man could not defend himself, but that he took a blow on the shoulders, which made him think that all his bones on that side were broken. Being now as furious as a Lion, casting his shield at his shoulders, and smoke out at his visor, covered with blood and sweat, brandishing his revengeful sword, he smote the Pagan a full blow on the breast; there were few such blows as this ever heard of: for neither his thick breast plate, nor his doublet of fine Mail could defend him, but that he almost cloven him into two pieces. The young man was glad that he had given so good a blow; but he escaped not scotfree: for turning about to set upon the wounded Giant, two crowned Lions ramped upon him, which in strength excelled that which the brave Hercules slew, they seized upon him, and he was not able to defend himself. His armour saved his life, but they so crushed him, that they put him clean out of breath. The most cruel Pagan had not lo● his joint; who drawing out a broad crooked knife, was coming towards Poliphebus. He well saw him coming, and not (as was reason) without most great fear, seeing he had so much to do to defend himself: but there he showed the blood, from which he was descended: for in despite of the Lions (haling them after him) he eschewed the enemy; and so with all his force he got one arm at liberty, which he put to his dagger, and therewith ended the Lion's war.  
He was so greedy thereof, that the fierce Pagan came; who being desperate, smote him upon the rich Helmet, and beat a thousand sparkles of fire out of it, and made him set his knees to the ground. He came upon him with another before he could recover himself: it was great hap that he had not stretched him all along, for he made him to fall on his face upon the ground; and had it not been for his lame leg, without doubt he had killed him.  
But the future lover, which now for that he was a stranger, hastened his lot, seeing that he came again, shifted himself to one side, and with all the strength that he was able, he smote him upon the shield: it was of hardened steel, after the manner of a Target, which hung at his neck: he parted it in two, just in the midst, and made the Moor to reel, likely to fall.  
The courageous young man, seeing him stand some what amazed, he showed not himself so, but suddenly leapt close to him, so as that before he could turn, he had given him a knock on the pate: he smote off half of his Helmet, and good part of the crown of his head: he was driven to trip to keep himself upright. With another blow came the son of the great Trebatius, wherewith he ended the battle, bereaving the accursed Moor of life, being so tired, that he was constrained to lean to his sword, and put up his visor to recover his breath: he might have enjoyed his rich hood, which was inestimable: he spent some time herein, and thinking it more than reasonable, and taking a view of his weapons, he took up one of the Giants Macee, and went to the other gate with so great courage, as would have made Mars afeard, which stood wide open: a little within appeared a very comely Knight on a roan horse: his Arms were all lion coloured with some green spots: he seemed so comely a man, that the great Tinacrian affected him.  
He entered the gate without any show of distrust, with his club on his shoulders. In passing a little vault, he of the Castle came to him, saying, For the fair disposition, Sir Knight, which you show, I would not willingly fight with you; but being commanded, of force I must obey, particularly Ladies, to whom is promised the head of every one that cometh here, since the coming hither of a certain Damsel.  
Without fight with you, gentle Knight, answered the Tinacrian, I would go forwards; but seeing it impossible, I am to be excused: wherefore bethink you of the manner of our battle. On horseback, answered he: for, for you cometh one which the Ladies send you. He turned his head to one side, thinking that that had been true which he of the Castle told him; but he had scarcely turned, when the other clapping spurs to his swift running horse, overturnd him with his horse's breast, and gave him a great fall in the midst of the yard. He thought that his body had been broken, the fall was so terrible. This horse was taught for this purpose only: and so he was not full risen, when with a new career he returned to tread upon him, and overthrew him upon one side: this was worse than the first; for falling upon one side upon his shield, it had almost put his arms out of joint. There is no Hyrcan viper like to this nettled young man, who lightly raising himself on his feet, without losing his terrible club which he had taken from the Giants, he attended the return of the horse, which was so quickly, that he could hardly slep aside: he did him no harm to speak of.  
But it was much for him to see that he had escaped the trained horse his breast, which with new force returned against the young man: here he gave a sign of his warlike arm, and the great valiancy of his person; for leaping a little to one side, the horse missed to run upon him, he giving a gallant blow: for raising his Club aloft, he smote the Knight upon the shoulders, making the blood to gufh out at his mouth, he stretched him along upon his horse's neck: but the blow which the Master received, was no let to the horse, to return again at the Tinacrian, beating the pavement in pieces with his heels. Now had the son of Trebatius taken fortune by the foretop: for slipping to one side, he took the knight by the arm: it availed him not, that he was again come to himself, neither that he bore a gallant mind: for he pulled him to the ground, where struggling, at length they came to let go their hold, beginning a now battle, and although bloody, yet worth the sight: for he of the Castle was valiant, and he fought for no less than his life and honour, but he got little by this young man, who was every way his better, and much accustomed to feats of arms: And having gotten him a foot in that manner, had he been Mars himself, he would have made small account of him. With all this he of the Castle defended himself, and sometimes offended the mighty Tinacrian, who thinking that he lost much time, reach him a sound knock, yea he gave him another, which made him fall on his hands to the ground, which, before that he could rise again, he seconded, that within a little he had laid him all along.  
This warrior of the Castle, as fierce as a Lion (seeing his death before his eyes) considering the enemy's force, falling into desperation, throwing his shield to ground, with his sword in both his hands, went towards him, striking him upon the shield: the fierce blow came with such strength, that it beat it to his Helmet, making him lose his senses. There was never seen greater haste than he made to second that blow, and smote him on the top of his most fine Helm, bereaving him in a manner of his sight: he would have closed with him with a stab: but the young man as fierce as a Basilisk, prevented him, beating it aside, they came to handy gripes: and as he was stronger than he of the Castle; so lifting him up from ground, he hurled him against the pavement, and gave him a sore fall: he of the Castle still kept his hold of him, being afeard of death: and recovering strength in his weakness, he began to defend himself, & to procure his liberty. But it was now too late: for kneeling down upon him, with his dagger in his right hand, he made a good end of his days work; but so weary, that he was not able to stand on his feet.  
With all this, thinking that he had yet something to do, desirous to know what that might be, which was so much defended, with the same club on his neck, he entered in at another gate, he came into a large walk, at the end whereof he saw about the number of twenty Ladies, so exceeding fair, that they did even make his eyes to dazzle, thinking with himself (as indeed it was true) that there was nothing else to be seen.  
After that he drew near to behold them, they were Ladies of Gréece, which there were represented, although with new spirits, all taking that form. Seeing him coming, they set themselves to behold him, very well liking his proportion.  
One of them, which to him seemed to have an Imperial Crown on her head, said unto him, We would not, Knight, that you should pass from hence without our favour, which shallbe so needful for you, considering how much there yet remaineth, that without it, it will be impossible to have good end of this adventure.  
No man can deny it (said the young man, putting up his Beaver) being a thing so well known, and wanting deserts: if it shall please you to bestow any upon me, as on him which hath most need thereof, you may bind me wholly to do you service.  
We are all well pleased therewith (said the feigned Lady) but you are to receive it here in our lodging, because that every one will impart some unto you apart: and so you may come up here, and I will lend you my hand.  
Being so heavily armed, fair Ladies (answered the Prince) it will be very hard for me to get so high. You have your remedy in your hand, answered the Lady, for disarming you; you may easily come up to our lodging, and it shall be a new favour for you, to be new armed at our hands.  
It will be so, said the Greek; but in a Castle where I have met with so many enemies, it shall not be safe to go disarmed; wherefore if there be no other stairs, I am not of opinion to fulfil your commandment.  
Then I say, said the Lady, that you shall not accomplish what you pretend, seeing that Lady's requests (so much in your favour) you have so lightly regarded.  
They were all gone upon a sudden, leaving him at their departure in extreme darkness. The Prince in some sort was sorry that he had not obeyed them: but imagining that it was some enchantment, he was glad that he had on his Armour.  
By chance he entered in at a gate which led him into a fair Court: the Majesty and richness thereof bereaved him of his judgement; for there was nothing else to be seen but portraitures of gold, set with many rich precious stones: they all seemed to the young man, to be alive, the colours were so excellent and so well laid on.  
In the midst of the Court, he saw a most fair tree, the one half of most fine gold, and the other of silver, set in so good and comely order, with such exquisite art, that it was a most strange, wonderful, and pleasing thing to behold.  
Above in the Galleries there seemed to be people, although he could speak to no body, nor know how he should proceed in this most strange adventure: for he was very desirous to see the end thereof.  
As he stood thus beholding the Castle, and the engraven works of the walls, there came forth at one side of the Court, a most comely and well countenanced Knight, in his hose and doublet of green cloth of gold, so fair and so young, that the Tinacrian wondered at his most excellent constitution. He came with his sword in his hand, and a scarlet mantle wound about his arm, with such a gesture as was strange to see, and with very good behaviour drawing near towards him, he said,  
I would not, Sir Poliphebus, but that you had fallen into so great disgrace with the Ladies, without which, you might have gone forwards with your good fortune, which did assure you a certain end of this adventure; but now being to fight, you are to perform it with me, and not with any other weapons than such as you see I come withal: wherefore except you see●e (as it is requisite) a mantle at some Lady's hands, having most highly offended those of this Castle, I know not what order we shall take to be able to fight, which is a thing that I have much desired, for the great fame which in this Castle I have heard of your valour.  
I thank you much, fair Knight, for that which you have said, answered the Tinacrian. Although there be no such matter in me as you say; yet nevertheless, there shall want no good will to obey yours.  
This battle being ended, which seeing that it cannot be eschewed (to end this adventure) let it be as you will have it, although I want a mantle, for I am persuaded, that I have so offended those yonder Ladies in denying what they required, that they will lend me none, and yet I know no reason for it, seeing that heretofore I have been so subject to their obedience.  
All the Ladies which before he had seen, had seated themselves all above in the galleries to see the battle. Yet the Tinacrian was of opinion, that what was passed would give no occasion, that in such a case they should refuse to favour him: and so he began with a very great good grace to put off his Armour, remaining all in blue, so gallant a parsonage, as there was none like him.  
In that manner he went towards the Ladies, and making unto them a very comely reverence, he said unto them, I remember, Sovereign Ladies, the small reason I have (considering what is passed) to come to entreat you: but in that that I did not perform your command, it is to be attributed to the natural fear wherein I was, not conceiving that your presence was sufficient to accomplish with honour, any action whatsoever though never so dangerous, yet notwithstanding, being challenged to the battle by this gentle Knight, with mantles, and I having none, and to be given by Ladies, reposing my case in your generosity, and not in my want of courtesy, which I acknowledge, I beseech you that it may come from some hand, which may give me the palm of this, and all other wars which I shall undertake to do you service.  
I know not, Knight, with what countenance you can come to request any thing at Lady's hands, whom you have so much offended, and in a matter which so much concerned you (answered she which first had spoken unto him) particularly, there is nothing wherein Gallants attain unto greater honour, then by obeying Ladies: So as, that now if we should at your bare request give you our mantle, it would seem that we did it of great necessity.  
Therein consisteth your noblesse, (most excellent Ladies) answered the fearful young man, and I will assure you to return it again to you, whole and sound, although it cost me my life, which I will esteem nothing so dear, nor no adventure so hard that I will not undertake: and there is no greater generosity, then to pardon an enemy, principally, acknowledging his error, and that he hath deserved punishment. As they stood denying this Mantle, there came into that same room, a most fair Lady. O love, how great is thy power! for she was not fully come, and had set herself at the side of the Gallery, when to her was subjecteth the most free young man, who having forgotten what he requested, and himself also, for he stood gazing, fixing his eyes so upon her, that he was beside himself, and knew not where he was. And in exchange for beholding her, he gave her the keys of his heart, and was yet sorrowful, holding it yet too little, in exchange only to behold her. She came all clad in cloth of Gold with sundry colours, with her hairs curled after her Country fashion, with a Dutch rob of the colour of the rest of her apparel: the young man never saw any thing so well worth the seeing in his life.  
All the rest of the Dames seeing him in this manner, with a feigned laughter, asked of him: How now, Sir Knight, what, have you felt, that you have so soon forgotten, not only the Mantle which you desired, but even yourself also? If it be a wound of love, it is ill falling in love in this place, for here is nothing to be hoped for, but cruel death. In her cruelty, answered the now firm lover, consisteth all my life, seeing I have seen the most sweet death that can be imagined: he spoke it with such passion, that I know not who would not but have yielded, considering his goodly parsonage. The fair Lady was no less busied in her imagination, persuading herself, that there was not so comely a Knight in the world, giving love so free passage into her breast, which lasted till her death, being no way able to leave to love. In her did love show an example of power, and valour, and being unable to do any otherwise, (having understood the request of this young man, and what the Ladies denied) she said, Because, gentle Knight, you shall not think, that in this Castle is included all the cruelty of the world, I will give you this Mantle, wherewith you may end the battle, but upon condition, that you shall not depart from hence, before you shall first have come to ask pardon of the Ladies whom you have so offended. That should be a great want of discretion (Sovereign Lady) for a man to fall into the reckoning, what it is to offend you, seeing how much it concerneth me, not to depart hence without it, it shall not need to advertise me, that therein I should purchase your disfavour. Why then, valorous Knight, quoth she, there resteth nothing but to give you the Mantle, and therewith to wish you the victory, as one which deserveth the same. In uttering these words with such a grace as would have made love himself in love, she took off her rich rob, & cast it down to the Tinacrian, who being much enamoured, with his neck in her yoke, winding it about his arm, he turned toward the knight, who at his approach said unto him, You have, Sir Knight, made so long stay, that but for that, that I did so much desire the battle, I would have returned to my lodging, without giving you any place to go any further forwards. In that I have made no longer tarriance, I do marvel (said the valorous Greek) for I know not how I could possibly depart from my life, leaving it in the hands of those fair Ladies. Is it possible (said he of the Castle) that coming in free, you are become already so subject? Therein appeareth the force of love (answered the gentle Tinacrian) for he giveth, and bereaveth of liberty at his pleasure.  
In this manner (said he of the Castle) you are desirous to give end to this battle. It rather grieveth me much (answered the valiant youth) that we stay so long, I expect no longer the contrary, neither did the Tinacrian give him answer, but rather the one making to the other a due reverence, with angry paces they came to join. O Thalia, that a man might put this battle into thy hands, to the end that thou mightest give it that Sovereign grace which it deserveth, for with my dull wit, and want of favours, it is not much, though I err therein. All the fair Ladies beheld the warriors. The Tinacrian did purpose rather to suffer himself to be hurt, then that the Mantle should be touched: it did encourage him, and that very much, that his Lady had given it him; he entered with his right foot bearing the point of his sword firm forward. He of the Castle was nimble, and so with his left arm he ba●e by his thrust, giving him another very strong one: it did not a little avail the young man, to see that his Lady beheld him, for otherwise, without fail he of the Castle had hurt him, and yet he passed his sword under his right arm, & without coming to the flesh, entering his clothes, he let pass that blow, winding to one side with such quickness, as was strange. He cast another at his shoulder: this gave him the victory, for through his elbow, he thrust the third part of his sword, he drew it out dropping blood, and not content therewith, he ●mote him athwart the thigh: it was somewhat a doubtful blow, for had it not been so, he had certainly hought him, he wounded him notwithstanding, although but little. There was never viper that so returned against her enemy, as did he of the Castle▪ although somewhat out of breath, which was the dangerous wound: being wholly desperate, covered with his Mantle, he entered, and with a strong thrust, he stabbed the great Tinacrian in the arm: it made him to groan, to feel himself so sore hurt. At the instant, the blood sprang out upon his Lady's Mantle. I know not who most felt it: for she so●ing him hurt, waxed as red as a Rose: He, not for that he was hurt, had also a good colour, but for pure anger, as he well made it appear: for giving a fierce leap, he joined with his adversary, who warded it with his Mantle▪ ●ut that was but a poor defence, for he cut all the pleites thereof, and part of his arm: he saw him somewhat out of order, and lost not the benefit of the occasion: for he closed with him, thinking to have overborne him, but he got but little by his coming: for finding himself prevented by his adversary, who with his dagger in his hand, if he had been a little more come to himself, without doubt he had killed him: for coming to handy gripes, he gave him therewith a mighty stab: it was below his hip, wherein he left the dagger s●icking. The valorous Tinacrian took this wound very in patiently, and put his hand to his dagger to have ended the war. He of the Castle set hand to the scabbard, being afraid of death, but he could not be master thereof. But going struggling even to the gate where the Ladies were, he had the better in the wrestling, by reason of his hurt in the thigh: But coming where he might behold his Lady, (his colour changing and all his body trembling) he set upon his adversary, whom being almost out of breath, he forced to fall on his knees upon the floor, and with his dagger in his hand, he meant to have stabbed him into the forehead, & had done it, had he not heard the Ladies which seeing it, cried out, holding him fast. The young man lifted up his head to see who it was that called. They said unto him, Sir Knight, in requital of the displeasure which you have done us, we entreat you to leave that Knight with his life, seeing how little it importeth you to be an Homicide, whereas you may otherwise have the victory. It is a thing which I should be sorry for (answered the valiant youth.) I would valorous Ladies, that of your part I might be commanded, and as not a thing that I desire: and if it be your pleasure, I give over the battle, on condition that he suffer me to give an end to this adventure: and so he parted from him, thinking to have fought no more, (for his deed deserved no less:) but the Knight forgetting his kindness, with an increased stomach, far more than at the beginning, assailed the young man, saying,  
Do not think, son of Garrofilea, that thy coming into this Castle shall so little cost thee. The Prince was ashamed to see himself so mocked. He turned to see the Ladies, which holding his death for certain, seeing him so ill hurt, and his enemy so sound and well, had left the standing. The like did his fair Lady, having made streams of tears for the great sorrow which she felt, to see the Gallant whom she so dearly loved, to be so sore wounded: much more did the young man grieve at that, then to see himself so wounded. But coming again to himself, as furious as an Aspicque, he charged upon his enemy, although drawing one leg somewhat after him. There is no cruelty comparable to this, for death is not feared, so as revenge may be had. He crossed his sword somewhat low, making show to be overcome. His most strong adversary thought to make benefit thereof, but it happened clean contrary; he put by the blow, but with a full blow he smote him over the leg, and almost cutting it off, he made him to stumble with the pain of his hurt, and he reached him yet another sound one before he could stay. He smote him also on the shoulders, where was his first hurt, but therewith the Tinacrian ended the battle, for with the fourth, he felled him dead to the ground. He scarcely touched the ground, when he vanished out of sight: all the Court was filled with a thick dark 〈◊〉; nothing was heard but the lamentations of distressed Ladies. That being passed, the Tinacrian felt himself whole and sound of all his wounds and blows received, and again armed with his rich armour, which was that which made him most to wonder, he saw nothing in the Court but the Silver tree. He drew near unto it, wondering at the beauty and the rich enameling of the body of the tree. He read an Epitaph, differing from that which the fair Queen of Lira met withal, when she entered into this Castle, as was declared in the second part of this History, written with Greek letters in blood; the Lover read them, which said thus,  
When the bastard Lion shall come into this habitation, and with winning it, shall lose his liberty, breaking off the Golden bough, he shall make free from perpetual enchantment that parsonage which took him, leaving another free entry for the fierce Basilisk, who shall set at liberty the father of this Damsel, and many other Knights which here shall be enchanted with the flower of beauty: leaving this Palace, this old and fresh repose shall be given them in Olympus, where they shall remain many years.  
The young man made no longer stay, but coming to the Golden bough, taking good footing in the ground, he set to his valiant hands, he bowed the bough so much, that he made it like a bow, he heard great exclamations, which came forth of the body of the tree, saying, O cruel Knight, the case which tormenteth me, I feel in the midst of my soul, leave me, it sufficeth for my afflicted heart, that thou take compassion thereof, in knowing that I am that infortunate Alpatraphio, Lord of all Egypt, and to my great hurt a great wizard, and this not sufficeth, for I was the murderer of my own daughter, in whom rested my life. These words, nor the pitiful complaints of the Emperor moved him not, so as to make him give over her determination: but rather with greater force than before, he so hard pulled the bough, that he broke it off, running down great streams of blood, all his armour and weapons were changed into that Purple colour, and having the boug●, he went therewith to a gate within, which led into a great hall so rich, that it made him out of his wits, to behold the Paintings and Carved works which were round about it.  
The young man was much troubled to see the things, which were in that most fair hall: in one side thereof, he saw coming forth, an ancient Gentlewoman of good years, leaning upon two Nymphs, such as he saw the Queen have, appareled all in white, cut upon coloured Tinsel, which coming near unto him, said,  
I know not, presumptuous Knight, who hath given you leave to come into my lodging, whither it is not permitted to any man to come, without bringing the Golden bough, or at least, that of Silver. Why then, honourable Lady (answered the young warrior) I bringing the tokens of the tree which you speak of, you have no reason to show yourself displeased with me. And with that he held up his hand, and showed the Golden bough. The Lady very much rejoiced, to see the Princess at liberty: she came to the gentle Tinacrian, and taking him by the hand, she said, Come with me, valorous Prince of Tinacria, and you shall enjoy the spoil due unto your rare virtue. She brought him to a lodging, whose richness and beautiful building, made him more to wonder then all the rest, it was supported by four Pillars, and upon every Pillar, was a picture painted, holding arrow, signifying what he was.  
These shall not be freed from enchantment (valorous Prince) said the Lady, with the sorrowful Emperor of Egypt, which here shall remain punished for his folly, and many fair Dames, until that the great Basilisk free his lodging: for the present, to you is only granted the most fair daughter, for reward for the pains which you have endured, in performing this enterprise, a reward worthy of the son of Garrofilea, and she is a gainer, to be beloved b● so valorous a Prince. She would not let him stay any longer, but taking him by the arm, she led him to other rich lodgings, till at last she brought him very near where his Squire was, before he went forth.  
She put him in a rich square room, which opened towards the Dungeon, where Luzela the emperors daughter was, lamenting her misfortune, to see herself without liberty or any hope thereof. The Lady very pleasantly went in thither, saying, Come hither, Sovereign Princess of Egypt, for now the high heavens have practised a mean to free you of your pain, and have sent you the Prince of Tinacria, to set you at liberty, for whom it was reserved, as for him which was most worthy. The Lady surprised with joy, could gave no answer, the good, and such as that was, so busied all her senses, that she could not believe it, although she saw it. She came forth with her, where in seeing the great Tinacrian, she● fell wholly in love with him: in loving & being beloved, neither of both had any advantage. The valorous lover set him on his knees before her, imagining that it was she which had given him the Mantle, in pawn whereof, he left with her his heart and soul: he desired with great affection to kiss her hand, and she, not to show herself unkind, raising him, said,  
There is no reason, valorous Knight, that she which hath received so much good at your hands, should be entreated for aught, seeing you have more deserved. The most discrete Lady would not suffer them to spend any longer time, but bringing them forth into the walk, where his Squire stayed, giving to the Princess, those two Nymphs for her service, she embraced them, saying, Although that the pleasure, valorous Princes, which I now enjoy to see you, be great, I hope in the high heavens, to receive greater, although not so soon: but the assured hope shall make me live contented, expecting the Basilisk, on whom your and my contentments do depend. She had already provided Palfreys for the Ladies, and again embracing them, not without tears, she returned to the Castle, at whose going in, there was so great a noise, as made the lovers much to wonder, and within their sight, they saw the building to arise and to fly in the air, until it past their sight, whereof mention shall be made in the end of this fourth book, where it shall better fit, to tell you what those lovers did.   

CHAP. XVII. How the Prince of Tinacria took his way towards Grecia, in company of the gallant Luzela, and how he set his sister Rosaluira at liberty, from the power of the Giants, which carried her to Sea.  
IN sight, fair Ladies, of the enchanted Castle, we left the two Lovers, who seeing themselves alone, who is any way able to express, what the one conceited of the other? Now I would fain have a favour to be able to publish with my own experience, of what power a favour is, which is given with a pleasant countenance. All this was experimented in them: for if he loved her, she lived by adoring him: they were well matched, and to live secure from the change in love, and with tenderness of heart, the valiant young man asked her, saying,  
Sovereign Lady, seeing that the heavens have reserved me to be yours, and that I am never to depart your service, neither from what you shall command, I should be very glad to knew your mind, and whither your will is that we go. My lot, valorous Prince, is so contrary, (although that I now have my wish, seeing I am in your power) that I am to do nothing after my own will, but only follow yours.  
The Gallant heartily thanked her, saying, I well see, valorous Princess, that this your generosity is wholly to enrich me, and seeing that it is your pleasure, that I shall dispose of all, for this present let our journey be for the Greek Empire, for I have a great desire to make myself known unto the Emperor Trebatius my beloved father, and also because that he may see what chance is fallen unto me, in coming to do you this little service; for there your greatness may stay with the Greek Ladies, in greater honour than in that sorrowful habitation.  
Ualorous Prince (said the tender Lady) I have ever had a great desire to see the Greek Court, and the Ladies therein: for that I have heard say, that they are the full perfection of all bravery. In this manner there is a thing come into my mind, which if it shall please you to hear it, I will tell it you upon the way between this and the sea.  
Nothing (valorous Prince) shall displease me, if you therein shall take delight. In Poliphebus arms the Lady took horse, and so did the Nymphs given to do her service. He as nimble as a fly, leapt into his saddle, (a new bait to make the Lady the better to love him) and leading her horse by the bridle, they went down the hill. In coming into the plain, the right way towards the Haven, Poliphebus began after this manner:  
I do, Sovereign Princess, understand of the great wars wherein my father now is, and of the many enemies which besiege his City: I never yet durst to make myself known unto him, without doing something, whereby I might boldly vaunt myself to be the son of the mighty Trebatius: and for this purpose I take occasion to go in your company; and having the equity of your beauty on my side, between the two Camps I purpose to maintain the same; not against the Greek Dames, for the love of my sisters, and the rest of my kindred, which live enamoured, which seeing my challenge, of force must come to contradict it. Fame hath reported, that in the Moors Camp there are Ladies, which for beauty, are the Phenixes of their Countries: and if I prosper well in this attempt, I may make myself known for the son of the great Trebatius.  
I would not, valorous Prince (said the Lady) the through my occasion you should lose that, which your virtue doth assure of: for there want not Ladies, whose bravery and beauty is to be preferred far before mine. I am not able to go into Greece (answered the gallant Lover) without making it appear what power your virtue hath within my breast. So then (answered the Lady) there is nothing to be said against your resolution. With sweet conversation they came to the sea side, where they passed all that night with such contentment of either party, as can not be expressed. The next day, at what time as the fair Phoebus began to beautify the earth with his presence, the two beloved Lovers embarked themselves in the ship which Poliphebus brought. The Masters and Mariners entertaining them with great joy, and wondering at the beauty of the gallant Luz●la, hoist their sails, directing their course towards Grecia, sailing with so great pleasure & content, that they wished it had been Ulysses voyage. After supper lying upon the hatches of the ship, casting their eyes to behold the vast seas, and the form of the skies, this Gallant said unto the Lady, If it may be told without grief unto you, I would gladly know the cause of your enchantment. Some it will be to me (warlike Prince in running the remembrance of what I there endured; but to give you satisfaction, whatsoever you shall command shall be put in execution.  
Then know, valorous Knight, that my father had an Aunt, the wisest woman in all Egypt, where it is an ordinary matter to be given to the art Magic. My father coming to receive the Crown, as Emperor of Egypt, was defirous to learn that science; and so brought that his Aunt to the Court, of whom he learned the greatest part of all her cunning. He married, and the destinies would, that there should be borne so infortunate a Damsel as am I, to have so many desastres. Coming to the age that I now am of, without any pardon as a father to his own daughter, he came to be so far in love with me, that he took no pleasure of the world, seeing I would not yield to his desire. I imagining that I should wrong myself, to yield in such a case to my father. This my just disobedience made such an impression in his heart, that from thenceforth his hatred was far greater towards me, than ever his love had been. It did nothing grieve me to endure the troubles which he put me to, for denying him a thing so unjust.  
Wrath and blind affection so much prevailed over him, that being in my garden, little thinking of his pain, although it did somewhat grieve me to see what he endured, considering that he was my father, I saw him coming in a walk among Canes, with a more unstaid pace, than his gravity required.  
In seeing him I arose, & with a feigned smile went to meet him. But he which came drowned in a devilish determination, without regard of any thing more than his passion led him unto, with a strange fury took me by the arm, saying, My Luzela, if it may give you no occasion to ease my pain, in that I am thy father, and to see what I endure with the grief and torment which thy beauty hath brought me unto; yet let the death which thou seest before thine eyes move thee to do it. And therewith he drew out his dagger which he set at my breast. You may imagine, gentle Knight, what my soul felt between these two extremes, and each of them so great. In the end I chose rather to die, than so to defile my body, and answered him, My Lord and dearly beloved Father, the heavens bear record with me, that if the loss of my life might do you pleasure, I would presently give it, and should take pleasure to lose it, and therein should offend no body, but rather ennoble the obedience which I owe you: but to be obedient in this, a thing so much against reason, I am of opinion, that therein I should do injury, both to you and myself.  
He suffered me not to proceed forwards; for with a strange fury, he sheathed his cruel dagger in the tender breast of his loving daughter. Few blows sufficed to stretch me all along.  
My father had not the power (repenting himself of that he had done) to take out his dagger. I think the heavens would not that he should kill me; to the end, that I in him should see sudden change.  
O cruel destinies, began he to say, lifting his voice to heaven, in how many sorts have you shown yourselves conjured against me! O infortunate Emperor Alpatraphio, to how small purpose served the science wherewith I was endued! O blind and vain affection, seeing that from thence is grown, to see before mine eyes, a fact so inhuman! O heavens, if you hear me, be attentive, that seeing that you are witnesses of my great cruelty, so shall you likewise be of the revenge, which I will take of my rebellious heart. He was a thousand times about to pluck out the dagger which he had stuck in my breast. I think he let it alone, because he would not see my blood; and I saw it was even s●● for coming unto me, he uttered these speeches: Ah my Luzela, sometimes beloved, not as a daughter; which is that which now 〈…〉 me, if there from the heavens, where without change, treading them with 〈◊〉 immortal feet, thou dost ●●aunce to 〈◊〉 the alteration 〈…〉, I have no eyes to ●caue pardon: but thou wanting life, which to me 〈◊〉 I give mine, it is not to be sought for upon earth seeing I have sent it to the heavens, neither will I enjoy any, because it will be loathsome, seeing I cannot forget to have been thy murderer. I do pro●ise thee, my beloved daughter, to accompany thee in thy death, se●ing I loved 〈◊〉 so dearly in thy life: If for ●●ented his soul, to see how still I lay, imagining that I was dead, and in p●lling out his dagger he had ●●ne a greater harm, which he had done, had not his old Aun● Cleonta prevented it, the which in her kind, being angry, using her accustomed inchaun●ments, put him far from me. She came to me and plucked out the dagger, and putting certain herbs into the wound, cured me of the hurt, and said unto me, Notwithstanding that the resisting of your father's passion, be very worthy of commendation; yet in that that thou wast not sorry for his pain (as was reason being his daughter) it is just that thou make satisfaction therefore, in strait and close enchantment, where thou shalt remain, until that the brave Lion shall enter into my strong Castle, breaking by force of Arms the strength thereof, and overcoming the guards which I shall there set: and then thou shalt begin to feel some comfort, although thy father have none; for it is requisite that he pay more for the injury which he hath committed, not only against thy renown, but against his own honour. But the basilisk shall be given him, when he shall least think thereof.  
She said no more unto me: but at that very instant me thought I began to want my wits, and without knowing what I did, I went to that lodging from whence you set me free, where I did nothing else, but be wail the absence of my father, holding him for dead. She would never tell me any thing of him, although that sometimes she came to visit me, giving me hope hereof: and she told it me so plain, that I now perceive how much is therein contains: and I am given to understand, that the time shall come, that I again shall see my father.  
Yea, it will come (answered the gallant Lover) for the heavens give not one contentment without another.  
In this and other pleasing things, they passed the greatest part of the night; wherewith the young man began to ware somewhat bold: it was not wholly to offend her, but to show with the mouth what the heart felt. He was of opinion, that this Lady was sent to him from the heavens; wherefore, with the greater joy they passed the rest of the time.  
It sufficeth, that to take their rest, they went to their Cabin (with a determination on either side) that nothing should hinder their love.  
Before that Aurora had done the suns embassage to the world, showing his c●mming, the master advertised the Prince, that in the top he had descried somewhat near, another Galley. He leapt out of his bed, not willing to show any carelessness for the defence of his Lady. With the masters help he put on his rich Armour, and being at all pieces armed, he went to put the Princess of Egypt, and his soul also, out of fear: and with reverence (being wholly overcome with love) he told her that there was an enemy's Galley discovered: willing her, that she should not therefore be afeard, for the sight of her good grace did assure all.  
With greater valour, valorous Prince (said the Lady) I would very gladly accompany you, for the succour which hereof can come unto you (except the good will) is so little, that it will rather be a hindrance. Ill should I, gallant Lady (quoth the Tinacrian) go to fight, if not going wholly yours, and in fight, it shall be only for you.  
By this time the two Galleys were come near together, wherein, in seeing the Prince's Galley, was heard a great cry, bidding them amain, if not they should all die The young man did it, but to another intent: for he commanded, that all those which could bear Arms, should take them, and should stand at the ships side.  
As the Mariners with all diligence had ended the casting of grapples aboard the other, to the end that she should not fall off, and that they might with their swords fight aboard (it was no evil counsel, for it gave them the victory) upon a sudden there came some twelve Knights, which bade them to yield.  
The valiant young Prince stayed until that they had fastened the Galley: and getting a club in his hand, he set himself upon the poop, where he gave so good account of himself, that two of them lost their lives with one blow which he gave amongst them.  
They were many, and for fear of their Commanders they set upon the Prince, but it was to come with their lives, and there to meet their death; for he never strick blow which killed not a Knight, and sometimes two of them together paid for their folly: before that they could return, he had made an end of them.  
By that time, there came forth three most fierce Giants, out of a withdrawing place in the ship, where the Tinacrian heard cry, as of forced Ladies. Those three most cruel Pagans were much amazed, to see how soon that Knight had made an end of all their Knights. All of them forgetting the order of Knighthood, drawing out their monstrous falchions, came to the ships side: and one of them assuring himself of his agility, setting his one foot upon his ship side, leapt into the Tinacrians Galley, and had done it, if the young man's cruel club had not by the way taken him a blow on the pate, and bereaving him of his life in the air, throw him in back again into the ship dead at his friends feet, which were in a cold sweat. He which lost least occasion, was the Tinacrian; for with a light leap he set himself against the Giants. Whether that she which loved him better than herself, took pleasure therein, there is no doubt, thinking that no man could be loved with more reason than the Tinacrian, seeing his great valour conjoined with so much beauty as hath been aforesaid. He was one of the most gallant personages in the world; so as many times he would not put off his Helmet, especially among Ladies, to whom he was as a Cockatrice. Very joyful she set her to behold what he did in the Galley. He somewhat reposing himself, with a troubled voice, said, How now, you traitors, and so easily did you think to bear away the prize. First you shall leave your lives in pawn for your foolish presumption. The valiant Lover stayed for no answer, but whorling his club about his head, he smote one of them upon the shield, which he broke in pieces, and there withal his arm which it hung upon. He escaped not without his payment, for in the wars, for love never giveth the palm without it: for they both smote him upon the enchanted Helmet, and made him set his knees to the ground: they there struck the Prince and his Lady in the shield, which her soul hath that faithfully loveth: this, they which know what it is to love, call the heart: he saw that these fierce Giants again smote down right at him.  
He on one side crossed the blow with his club: and the other he shunned by skipping to one side. The club was no defence against the force of the blow, which broke it in the midst. It was good fortune that the Tinacrian gave back with his body, letting go his club, which was the cause that he escaped the blow; which if he had not done, he had fallen on his face: the handle only remained with the valiant lover, which he would employ in his Lady's service, which he saw did behold him: it did the more encourage him to do it, for that, that by reason of the noise, there came cut of a cabin in the Galley, a most brave dame, clad all in blue, cut upon rich cloth of Gold, with her hair made up, more bright than the Sun beams, upon her head, a network of Silver: the sweet prison of love, which to him had been life, if they would have let him alone, although somewhat painful in that place.  
It was long since that the Prince had seen that Lady, but he presently knew that she was his beloved sister: the gallant Rosaluira, a cold sweat to see her in that place, ran over all his body, he would defer no longer time: but threw the piece of the Club which he had in his hands at one of the Giants; if it had been shot out of a Culverin, it could not have fline with greater force; he smote him right on the Helmet, him, who had already lost his arm: the gallant never in his life gave bl●w more worth the seeing, for lighting on the end, it sheathed itself in his head: he therewith stepped back, and drew out his rich sword, and with a skip was with the Giant, who was yet troubled with the last blow, and with all the strength that he was able, he gave him a thrust in the midst of the breast. His strong dou●le breast plate availed him not, but that his sword entered even unto his shoulders, and in drawing out his sword, cut came the Giants soul. He which remained alive, was much vexed therewith, and seeking revenge with his sword in both his hands, he made towards the youth, he could not avoid the blow: and to have received it, was like to have been the Princes last: for striking him on the top of the Crest, he made abundance of blood gush out at the visor of his Helmet, he was ready to fall. The Moor came upon him with another, which made him fall upon his hands and knees upon the ground: he would have trodden him under his feet, but the warlike Prince had not yet lost his good resolution, seeing him come running, slipped to one side, letting him pass with greater force than a thunderbolt. The young lover followed him, and as he turned about with his sword in both hands, he smote him athwart the Helmet, and struck away all that side, and left him shrewdly hurt: he provided for him another, because he should ●●aie, and with a backward blow, he left him astonished, for to smite him on the side of the head: every blow was death to him, he closed with him, seeing the advantage which then he should have. The Giant, with the pangs of death gripped him with such force, that his armour entered into his flesh. But the fierce youth with his dagger ended the wars, and throwing them all into the Sea, he went strait to his sister, putting off his Helmet, and said,  
I know not, Madam, and my beloved sister, how I shall esteem this good hap, which the Gods this day have powered upon me, seeing they have brought me where I might do you service: for I believe, you were forced to come hither with such evil company. By this the Lady knew him, and embracing him with a thousand tears like Pearls, for joy, she said, Who that hath gained, valorous brother, hath been myself, seeing that in giving me liberty, you have given me means to rejoice at your Chivalry. They again embraced, for there were no brothers that more dearly loved then these two: he acquainted her with his adventure, and the course which he held.  
The Lady beyond all measure, rejoiced to see the prince Poliphebus so well employed; she would then go to speak to the Princess of Egypt, taking much pleasure to know her for her Lady and sister. The Prince carried her in his arms aboard, entertaining her with such courtesy as was expedient; and knowing her to be his sister, whom she so dearly loved, she showed her great affection, which lasted so long as they lived. The Princess was very sorry, to think how much her mother grieved for her absence: wherefore they took order, that two of their people should go in the Giant's Galley, directly for Tinacria, where they should be well paid for their labour, which they did, carrying certain letters from the Prince to his mother. They took their course for Grecia, where in few days they arrived, and those with the letters at Tinacria, where they were well entertained, knowing for whom they came. The Queen read the letters, rejoicing to know what was become of her beloved son, the contents whereof were these.  
Poliphebus his letter to Garrofilea his mother.  
MY business hath been such & so much, Sovereign Queen and dear mother, that they have not given me leisure to be my own messenger, notwithstanding that I much desired the same: occasion was now offered me, when very merrily I took my way towards the Greek Empire, in company, and as husband of the Princess of Egypt, and the high heavens willing to favour me, ordained that in the midst of the Sea I met with my Sister, whom three cruel Giants carried prisoner. The gods were so favourable, that I gave her liberty, and with her am going to do my duty to our father, who is vexed with most cruel wars; and if mine and my sister's entreaty may aught prevail with you, we beseech you, that (forgetting what is passed) you will not only pardon, but also assist him with men from your kingdom, which will be much esteemed through the world, and to us it shall be much honour, to be the children of such a mother. We hope that your wisdom will consider that this is very requisite, and much importeth. The gods preserve your royal person, and grant us life to return again to do our duty unto you.  
Poliphebus of Tinacria, and Rosaluira of Grecia, your loving children.  
The sons reasons did so much mollify the hard heart of the cruel mother, that she presently altered her mind. In the end, as she was a woman, yet therefore sh●e lost no part of her authority, but presently commanded Proclamation to be made through all Tinacria, that they all should within few days, with the greatest force that they should be able to leui●, make their repair to her City. Her subjects obeyed, for she was well beloved of all: and when they knew what voyage they should make, they levied thirty thousand men, all very well armed, she issued of her treasure what was needful: for although that the wars would be long, yet there should be nothing wanting: she was a thousand times in the mind to have gone for Grecia: but she found so many inconveniences, that she was enforced to stay.  
She sent for Captain of all this people, until they should meet with the Prince, the ancient and discrete Earl of Modica, a Knight, who for his valour was to be trusted in a greater matter than this: he accepted of the charge, and in company of his son the mighty Fartemio, he departed towards Grecia, with so prosperous weather, that within eight days, without any tempests they came within sight of Arisa, ten leagues from Constantinople: it behoved them to bear into the Bay, because they saw the enemy's Fleet, bearing about as though they would follow them: but it had been in vain, for the Tinacrian Galleys came well appointed; and therefore the next morning they bore in with the Greek fleet, wondering to see it, little thinking that the Greek had been of such power: They set up the Greek Arms, as they were commanded, making sign of peace. The Admiral bare in, giving a merry salutation. The most strong Astrusio commanded them to be answered. They took a Friggot, and went to speak with the General; who knowing what they were, entertained them with much honour, being very glad of the good succours which came to the Emperor, where we will leave them, and the Prince, with the Ladies, taking land below Constantinople, to declare what passeth therein.   

CHAP. XVIII. Of the bloody skirmish which was between the two Armies, about the taking of certain herds, and of the coming of the Earl of Modica.  
IT hath been no small matter, illustrious Prince, for a short wit, to have prosecuted so long an History, passing between the two extremes of Love, and the fierce Mars, giving to either the right which his valour requireth. But now from henceforth, I am constrained to treat of so many, which in the wars have made proof of themselves, that I hold it a hard matter for my small talon: but hoping of your most noble Lordship's favour, I will undertake the charge; for without it, it shall not be possible to do any thing of worth, or that may yield any content.  
The greeks were glad of their victory past, although it brought with it a cor●●siue, to see the Moors (in despite of them) encamp themselves, who desirous to repair the disgrace which they had received, by a thousand means sought to try their fortune. It gave them as good occasion as they desired, for their scouts returning to the Camp, said,  
That upon the top of the hill, they had discovered great abundance of cattle, on that side towards their Camp, and that there might be about some thirty thousand footmen, which had the guard of them. The Achaean was very wise, and as an expert Captain, before that he would determine what should be done, he commanded the mighty Don Argante, and his friend Thorisiano, that with 500 light-horse, without charging the enemy, they should discover the hill, and to see whether there were any Ambuscado, and if there were none, they should with all speed take the passage, advertising what passed, for he purposed to leave none, if he once took the hills side: he was not so ill advised which kept the flock, which was the good Knight Flamineo, but that he gave present advertisement to Constantinople; for the two Princes could not get up so high so secretly, but that they would be discovered. The expert knight presently with ten thousand men, drove the flock down the hill, and he with the rest came in the arriere Gardiner, for he thought (and so it happened) that the enemy would charge him at their backs.  
The messenger came before the Emperor, who with all the haste in the world, in company of his sons, with all the men of war of Persia and Babylon, which were most refreshed, he sailed a great pace out at the Sirena Port, thinking to get the hill, but all his labour was in vain: for the furious Bembo, despited with what was past, had already taken it with fifty thousand fight men, whereof the one half were his own, and the other were Almains, to whom he was much affected. It was an unlucky day for the Greeks: for joining with Flamin●o his troops, they began a very fierce skirmish, but being too weak, he was taken prisoner, and all his people overthrown, and the most part of them cruelly slaughtered. They made no great boast: for coming back with the cattle, very joyful of the victory, they could not pass so at their ease, but that they must extend themselves at large on the hills side, making head against the Greeks, who understanding what had passed, fought not like men, but rather like enraged Lions. The Alarm was given in both Camps, & there was no Knight of any account, but repaired to the battle, for the Princes of France, and the valiant Torismundo, knowing of the taking of his wives uncle, and how sorrowful she would be when she should hear the news, even by pure force of arms, they went up to the top of the hill, and so returning upon them which drove the cattle, they took them from them, putting them to cruel deaths. They drove down the beasts, till they got at the enemy's backs, & then with a great cry they set upon them, assuring themselves of the victory, and brought them to such a strait, that whether they would or no, they made them take the plain, and, but for abandoning the herds, they had wholly overthrown them. But having again recovered the hill, of force they were to stand there still, which stood them in greater stead in the battle. Bembo was so careful, that he had already given notice to the Camp, to the end that Brauorante, & Brufaldoro, with all those of Niquea, should with all speed come thither, towards the hills side which falleth by the Sea side, for there he most feared the Greeks. The valorous Knight with the Stars, whom Bembo had made his Lieutenant general, came with the rest of the army openly to the battle. That young man came very desirous to fight that day, and so encouraging his soldiers, putting up his Beaver, cheering them with the beauty of his face, he said,  
This is the day, valiant men of war, wherein friendly fortune hath put the enemy into our hands, which now were careless for joy of the late victory. I will not encourage you, for I assure myself, that each of you in particular hath wished for this day, to let them know the strength of your arms, and seeing we are before them; there is now no time to make many speeches, but remitting all to the valour, wherewith the heavens have enriched you, assuring myself thereof, I am of opinion, that we shall make them pay their old score. He cast his Truncheon in the midst of them, which was a sign that no man should take any prisoner, but that they should put all to the sword: for there is never worse service, then that which is done perforce.  
They all shouted for joy, promising the Captain, that they would all die, or overcome. There went in the middle Floralisa, and Don Celindo, near unto Don Clarisell. There went in the Uauntgard, above three thousand Giants, so high, that they seemed to be so many Pine trees: the valorous Astorildo led the arrere Gardiner, desirous to meet with his Cousin of Dacia, with whom he was much offended, because that he had persuaded his sister Rosamundi, to renounce the worshipping of their false gods. Thither came the mighty Emperor of the Romans, accompanied with the best men in the army: by his side came the Prince of Almain, with the strong Brundusio, which could never be persuaded of the fierceness of the greeks: there came for his Guard all the flower of Giant-land, which were above two thousand.  
The brave Califa led his people, so greedily desiring to fight, that even with passion not foreseeing the event, he commanded his Standard to march forwards, and so extending themselves in length, in good order they should present themselves before the Greeks, for this should put the victory in their hands. The mighty Greek came not so ill provided, but that he brought all the Theban horsemen by his side, commanding the Duke to bring forth all the Carts, Wagons set with hooks of Iron, & the Elephants, and if occasion were offered, to present a field battle, for he with his son would take the green way. Then came the mighty Captain General, with the best company that was in all the whole world: for he had twenty four Giants, the most valiant that were in all the Army, which only had the charge of his person: for so had the Queen Oriselua commanded, fearful for her dear son: therewith went the flower of Chivalry, Claridiano, Claramante, and the fair Archisilora: there was also the valorous Zoilo, with the men of Tiglia, who went a great pace to recover a hills side, which was of great importance for the battle. Good were these preparations, but fortune being against them, they served to small purpose: for the enemy led her by the forelock: for the courageous Bembo, which led the vanguard, seeing the Arms of Trapisonda, which were five Eaglets in a field of silver, said to the Gallants which were with him, See, yonder is the Emperor Alphebus, of whom fame hath made so great report; here is the place where you are to show your valour.  
The mighty Greek came mounted upon Cornerino his good horse, with his strong and rich Armour which he had won; for in this battle he meant to show himself a Gallant. With him he brought three companions, which did assure any hard adventure: which were the valiant Dacian, the fair Rosamundi, with his Empress Claridiana, of whom the sons of the great Tituan took charge: which were eight Giants, and they the most famous in all the army.  
The brave Lord of Achaia went a little apart from his people, in sign that first they desired so many against so many to break their lances, to show the valour of their persons. They went forth four, and he made the fifth: which were Brauorante, and Brufaldoro, with the fair Floralisa, and her brother Don Celindo. Face to face stood they against the Flower of Christendom: for the great Emperor, which had a great desire to prove himself against Bembo, addressed himself against him: and against the Scythian, the valorous Don Heleno: against Brufaldoro, Rosamundi: Floralisa, and Claridiana charged together: and against her beloved brother, the prince of the Persians, the valorous Bransiniano.  
Bembo his encounter was somewhat low, for fear of missing, as he desired: it was not such as he had given. But he that received it, his force not availing him, lost both his stirrups. The like happened to the valiant Brauorant● with the warlike Don Heleno, who turning his Tyrian, returned against a contrary party, and Alphebus did the like. There was never seen a more cruel particular battle in a field, nor better fought: for as for four of them▪ they could each of them apart do as much in the wars, as the angry god Mars himself. The three past their career, amazing all the army. Brufaldoro is more valiant; but the Lady's Arms supply her defect, and more too: for returning upon him, she gave him a knock, the best that ever was stricken in the wars: for by chance her sword lighted between his shield and his breast: she struck it from his arm, and loosened a great part of his vaunt-brace: she came upon him with a thrust, and well she felt that it fet the blood.  
Never was Lion so furious, as was this Mauritanian against this Lady: and although her Helm were most strong, yet it was not sufficient to keep her from falling senseless upon her saddle pummel, casting blood out at her mouth.  
All the rest of the Combats were reasonably divided, but they were presently parted: for the furious Dacian with the noise of so huge a blow (by chance) looked backwards; and seeing his Rosamundi, to whom the Pagan was about to give another blow, with two leaps off his Tyrian he was with him, and took him somewhat at unwares. What shall I say of his blows? they made him lay his head on the saddle pummel. Then he ran against him with his horse breast, which made him stagger, and likely (horse and man) to fall to the ground.  
By this time was Rosamundi come again to herself, and was glad to see her Dacian so near her. The Combat could not continue, by reason that the two Armies joined with so great a noise, that it seemed that the last day was come.  
Who is able to describe the sundry kinds of death, the mighty blows, and the gallant attempts given and taken of either party that day? Some unable to keep themselves upright, tumbled to the ground, and before they could rise again, death met with them: others which kept their saddles much better, with seeking means to hold them, lost their lives, and were glad that they were dead before they fell to ground: others were thrust thorough, from side to side, and were nothing sorry for their wounds, but because they had no time to be revenged: others were so impatient, that being close by their enemies, they had not so much trust in their swords, as in their fists, and with them maintained the wars, until that death cut off all hope to see the triumph for the war.  
There were above twenty thousand dismounted, and the greatest part of them lost their lives. At the first charge, where Bembo went and his fierce companions, Gualtenor durst not tell what they did, but comparing them, he saith. That a River breaking his bounds, and overflowing a corn field, doth not so bear down the corn, as they did tread men under their feet.  
The Christians were so desirous of revenge, that they would not suffer any place to be void: for although they saw that they met with their death; yet there was no body seen to refuse it, still being in hand with the gallant Pagans, whose swords and Armours were died in Greek blood.  
No less harm did the valorous Alphebus with his mighty company; for he did so oppress them, that he made them retire a great way out of the plain.  
On that side where the Duke of Thebes was, the Emperor of the Romans charged, with the Prince of the Almains, and the valorous Brundusio: who, desirous to meet with some of the greeks, made the battles to join together with such a noise, as if the skies had fallen.  
The mighty Epirabio took charge of the assaulting of the City: and so with all the instruments and engines requisite for such an exploit, with all the Assyrians & the power of the Parthians, they drew near to the walls with many timber Castles; with which they thought so enter the great City. 3. clarions were sounded in the Castle of Venus, from whence the Ladies beheld the cruel war. All the Greek Princes knew what it meant. The Emperor Trebatius was very sorry, fearing some ill hap; for he saw all the troops of Niquea, in above sixty ranks, marching towards the fountains, to charge at their backs. He lifted up his eyes to heaven, saying, Into thy hands, O mighty God, I commit my cause, and the equity of this persecuted Empire. He turned to Rosacler, saying, I do believe that this day will never be forgotten: I beseech the Lord to look upon his people.  
He offered to come to fight with the Moors, but that was not their meaning; for they deferred it for a better occasion, but only to cross the fields to recover a hill, which was hard by the walls, where they meant to fortify. It was wonderful to see; for the Captain Aristoldo had already taken it. A better commander the world never knew; and truly to have gotten the hill, had been continually ready to enter the City.  
The discreet Captain returned within the valley with all the Spaniards, and made such haste, that they took it beforehand. The Pagan brought much valiant people, and he was so of his person; but he met with those which he thought not of, which were the flower of Knighthood; no less than Uncle and Nephew, Claridiano, and Claramante, with the fair Archisilora. These were sufficient to fight with their whole army. The Captain of the Moors came to an ill market, for he met with Lindabrides her lover, who smote him senseless upon his saddle bow: he was so quick with him, that before that he could recover himself, he laid him on the hard ground, with a knock with his axe. He would not trouble himself any longer with him, leaving him for dead: but withdrew himself some what from his companions for not to be troubled with his battle-axe, for therewith he made more room. There was nothing better worth the seeing in all those wars. There was never any hired labourer in the country, which shaking the Chestnut tree, threw down more Chestnuts, than the son of Trebatius threw down Knights with his terrible battell-axe. Sometimes with three blows he felled fix Knights: and sometime with a strong thrust he plucked Knights out of their saddles, filled upon his axe, as papers upon a thread. He never gave blow, which made not the noble company to look about, and wonder at the strength of his arms.  
The unknown Lover gave good account of himself, for he sought not out particular Knights, but the grim Giants; among which he rushed without any sign of fear. Their coming to the rescue, was to so great effect, that they made the Moors to retire out of the field to Bembo his squadron, who by this time was within sight, for he had intelligence, that there was a supply of men landed in the port of Antona. He made haste, in hope to overcome; for he saw that by their hasty going, his people got the advantage of the field. Well did the strong Breton see, that for that he was on the left wing, where he played the devil: & as that ground was somewhat higher, those which took land might well possess it; which ranging themselves into a strong Battalion, he saw took their way towards the field. He called the Prince of Argentaria, and said unto him, Now is the time come, valorous Knight, to show what hath been hoped for at your hands: and therefore if you will be my convoy, it behoveth me to pass by all these Tents, to go to know what people that is which is newly arrived; for if they be not enemy, we shall get the field. Do herein, valorous Prince, said the noble Florisarte, what shall please you, which to effect with the loss of my life, I shall be well content.  
The valiant Rosabel (for he had no time to stay casting his shield at his back, and in his hand his sword) gave his horse the reins, who, as swift as a thunderbolt, parted from his squadron towards the sea side. The Prince of Tharsis had enough to do to follow him, he went with such fury and swiftness. Both camps beheld him. The Greeks knew him by the blue scarf which Li●iana had given him. Some followed him, the first whereof were, Claramante, Claridiano, and the fair Archisilora, because they saw that Aristoldo made all haste, getting ground upon his enemy: for Epirabio being missing (whom sore hurt they had carried out of the battle) in a manner turning their backs, they made towards their camp, notwithstanding that the Moors in that place had the worst of the fight: in most places else, they cried, victory: for Bembo reinforcing his squadron, had brought to his aid a hundred thousand Assyrians; with which he gave so fierce a charge on the squadron of the Thessalonians, that he made them retire above a bow shot.  
The Greeks were in better case on that side where Florisiano, with the gentle Polidolpho, with the people of Lira, Apulia, and Croatia had entered: they were somewhat of kin, and for that cause they always kept company. They were of opinion, that the Sergeant Maior general had reserved them and their people fresh, only for that days service. They were very confident in their valour, & through that occasion they undertook great enterprises, and fell on that side from whence Rosabel went; who with the strong Flori●arte being to go cross the tents, had put them in disorder. They came in good time; for the people of that country being but a few left, had retired to back themselves with a little hill, whither came the two famous Captains with all the horsemen, which gave so sudden a charge upon their enemies, as did greatly annoy them; but the best was to recover the ground which they had lost. They both did greatly encourage the people, showing them what honour they wan that day, seeing it might well be said, that they had restored Grecia, being almost lost.  
These courageous speeches wrought such effect, that every one fought for two: no man was afeard of danger, so great was the hope of victory. All was but need; for the Emperor of Rome did so busy the Duke of Thebes: and the soldan of Egypt charged on the right wing, so as the greeks had their hands full on every side; for with the soldan came mighty Giants.  
Against this squadron the brave Emperor Trebatius addressed himself, compassed about with the best men of all his army: they two met, but the greeks force was such, that excepting his sons, it was matchless: he overbare both man and horse to the ground. Many alighted after him, some to defend him, others to kill him, or take him prisoner.  
Twelve Giants which were of his guard alighted from their Elephants to rescue him, which did much hurt. With all this as in a chase, there alighted the noble Emperor and Rosacler, with the Princes of France, and Zoilo the brave Tartarian, with Brandafidel and Bramidoro, and the gentle Tifereo. There was renewed one of the most perilous fights that had been seen of all that day: for the Emperor making no reckoning of the Giants, rushed in amongst them, and at his entry with a stab he thrust their Captain quite thorough the body, from side to side, who for his height was like to a well grown Pine tree.  
The fierce Giant fell not, seeking before be died to be revenged: for he swinged his heavy club about his head, and therewith gave the Emperor Trebatius such a blow athwart his shield, as made him go staggering to one side, ready to fall, and he had fallen, the blow was so terrible, had not his valorous Nephew Clarindo been by him, who held him up with his hand.  
The young man made no stay there; for seeing what had happened to his grandfather, casting his shield at his back, he made at the Giant. Others were come to the aid, so as he was well revenged: for Bramidoro with his heavy club, & the Prince with his sword smote him both at once: one of them made his eyes leap out of his skull, and the other with his sword cloven his head. Rosacler turned to another which had smitten his Uncle, whom he made to lose his feeling.  
This day did the young man win his credit and eternal praise; for with a mighty blow he cut him almost in two pieces. Much did the father rejoice to see the force of his son, who maintained a cruel fight against another Giant. This was no time to strain courtesy, for Brandafidel came, who with his hideous club knocked him on the pate: his Helmet could not protect him, for he stretched him all along at the Prince's feet. The Greeks and Macedonians seeing their Emperor, took herein so good order, that they wan part of the Giants camp. There remained two to bear news of the greeks valour: and had there not come so much people, that the trampling of their horses was dangerous, they had without doubt taken the soldan: but they mounted him again upon a swift courser, whereon he road encouraging his people. The Califa of Sicon●a kept him better company than he thought for, who seeing so much people there gathered together, brought ●wenty thousand men to the rescue. At their first coming they did some harm because they were flesh men, but it lasted but a while; for the greeks, which by this time were already fleshed, made a cruel slaughter of them, supplying that here, which was lost in the rest of the battles: for the Fenician Prince, Don Argante, although unknown, came afresh with all the Medians, and for that cause where he entered he made a deadly but cherry.  
This was no day for the greeks, for even the Sun was against them: for falling down in the West, he bereaved them of their sight; so as the enemies might easily charge and retire at liberty. The Prince of Brittany could not sally on that side where he was, but that he chanced to see the furious young man with the stars, who, desirous to end the war with him, seeing that his people had the better in the fight: he went along the side of a hill, which he could not do, but Bembo would see it, who with the other 2. famous Knights went to seek him, leaving the charge of his government with the warlike Celindo, who seeing himself in such authority, began also to encourage his people, and with as good order as Bembo himself could have done. What happened to those which so went out of the Camp, is fit to be told in another Chapter.   

CHAP. XIX. How the Prince Poliphebus of Tinacria came to the Camp, and what he did for the liberty of the Flemish knight, with the coming of the Princes of Silepsia, Leobulo, and Claribel, and what with them happened to the Princes of Grecia.  
VAlorous dames, if to be engulfed in the actions of bloody Mars, be an occasion to leave to treat of loving matters, at the least, I cannot leave to acknowledge the much which your Sovereign worthiness deserveth. I speak it, for that having one day detained mine eyes from beholding this intricate history, keeping continually my Chamber, I chanced to look forth, and saw my death and life both together. Death, because that there is no remedy, for the evil which I then received. Life also, which is to see myself wholly well employed, without envy of a more happy lover (although he live daintily) for although they love me not, neither doth my state deserve it, yet for me to love, it is a sweet life that I conceive therein.  
Being confident in my new wound (although it be in my old soul) I presume to begin to make relation of the most famous war that ever was seen, of so many against so many: for Rosabel had scarcely parted from among his friends, and enemies, when descending down the side of a hill which led towards the Strand, he saw come that way, a 〈◊〉, (to his seeming) of a goodly proportion, in company of four Ladies.  
This was the valiant Poliphebus, who having landed, and hearing the noise of the battle, in great haste drew near unto it, but durst not disclose his meaning, because he would not grieve the Ladies. The two nymphs of the Castle understanding the matter, one of them said unto him, O, you m●y well, valorous Prince, without caring for us, go to succour your Father, for it is not a little needful: for if it were not so near night, the whole house of Grecia would be near overthrown, considering the abundance of enemies that are against it: for know, that this Lady's Aunt, who is held for the wisest woman in all the universal world, for she was taught out of Medea's books, and in the same sign commanded us, that in this battle, and the challenge which you are to make, we should have especial care of your person, for considering with what Knight you are to fight, you would lightly be brought into danger, if she use no me●ne to the contrary: but she being of your side, you may boldly and merrily attempt any enterprise, be it never so doubtful, and shall prevail. The Prince was very glad of the news, which the Nymphs had told him: & so willing him to go before, for they would come to behold, he embraced them, & took his leave of the Ladies, not without grief: for the one he loved, as his sister, and the other as his love, & the greatest in all Cupids band. He plucked down his Beaver, & with his Lance in his hand, he marched away like Mars, and came down into the valley, he did not bow the grass where his horse went, he flew so swift with the enamoured gallant. It was a lucky coming for the Frenchman, who was taken prisoner and sore wounded, whom three most strong Giants and four Knights carried away towards their Camp, to go in the more security. Both princes saw them, but the Tinacrian, like an Aspicque in fury, was the first that came, for knowing the Knight which was prisoner, by his arms full of Flowers 〈◊〉 Luce, he held him for a man of worth, and of the Greek party. He would ask no questions, but rather charging his Lance, assailed the Giants, who held him for a madman: one of them opposed himself against him, who with his life paid for the young man's displeasure: for in meeting him, before that the lance broke, he passed it a third part thorough his back, and like a Lion, returned against the rest of the rascals. Four times he hurled about his strong sword, wherewith he dispatched the four Knights, remaining alone in the field, with the two fierce Giants, where, O valorous Lady, newly mistress of his soul, who can depaint this combat, in such sort as you may take pleasure therein? He which carried the valiant Frenchman prisoner, was constrained to set him down upon the hard ground, and with his Club, to turn against the son of Trebatius, who making a hard rock of his rich and sure shield, attended the blow, bearing his sword aloft; and seeing that the blow came, he spurring his Rubicane, came so near the Giant, that he made him lose his blow. luzela's lover came with a good will, for with a thrust he hit him on the midst of the breast, & came with such force, that it passed half thorough at one side: his armour was so thick, that he scarce hurt him. His other companion came with a great Cemiter in his hand, he slaied for his coming, but before that he could make any resistance, he smote him upon the rich Helmet, and made him see all the least stars in the skies, and the blood in great abundance to gush out at his mouth: had it not been Poliphebus which fought this battle, without all doubt they had overcome him: for the two Giants were the best in all the Camp, & therefore Bembo had recommended unto them the keeping of the good Frenchman, but they met with the son of Garrofilea, who more fierce than a Basilisk, again rushed in between them, & from him who had so handled him, on a sudden he smote his shield to the ground, with the greatest part of his arm. The young man's fury rested not here, seeing that he came near to the knight, who also saw him, not knowing whether he were his friend, although that (indeed) he was the greatest that he had in the world, he would not meet him in this hurly burly with the Giants: for turning to the second, he smote him upon the Helmet, and left his head all unarmed, and therein a great wound. By that time came his lame enemy, who seeing himself without one arm, lifted up his crooked Falchion, but it was to small purpose, for his wound took away the greatest part of his strength: with a leap he cleared himself from him, and just as Rosabel came, with his sword in both his hands he smote him upon the top of the shoulder; there was no defence in the hard Steel: for he struck away all that quarter, throwing him down dead at his horse feet. He had so fattened himself therewith, that he gave opportunity to the other (being in despair of his life) to give him a blow, yea, he smote him a full one; and struck him down upon his horse neck, past all feeling, senseless: and so he continued a great while, giving place to the Pagan to second it with another: and had not Rosabel come in time to hinder it, he had stricken him again.  
The furious Breton returned, and smote the Moor on the side of the shield, the one half he flung away, with great part of his Uantbrace, leaving him sore hurt. By this time was Garrofileaes son come again to himself, who seeing the Greek so near him, he presently knew him, and was wonderfully glad to see him in that place, but he would not that he should end the war: for giving his Spurs to his strong horse (for there were few such, and for such did the wizard give it unto him) and joining with the Pagan, (desirous to give his Cousin to understand, that he was no less than himself) with both his hands he smote him upon the unarmed head: and as he hit him on the skull, so he cloven him down to the breast: and then (as though he had done nothing) wiping his victorious sword, he went to his Cousin Rosabel, saying, I would gladly know, Sir Knight, of whether of these two Camps you are: for if you be of the Greeks, my mortal enemies, I shall be enforced to become ingrateful for that which for me you have done, by challenging you the combat, having far better confidence in the equity of my cause, then in my own valour. In understanding this, worthy Knight (in denying myself to be a Greek) I might avoid the combat. But because that you shall understand that you come ill informed, let our fight begin presently, and in what manner you will, whereby you shall understand, that the equity of our cause will give us the victory. Your parsonage, valorous Rosabel, is worthy of all the triumphs in the world: and putting off his Helmet, he went to embrace him, saying.  
Why, did you think, Sir Knight, that I would not have come into your Country to see you, you having offended a Lady in Silepsia, such as is Eufronisa, by whom I am commanded to challenge you the single combat? The young man could give him no answer for joy. Sometime Madam, a sudden joy bereaveth me of my senses, especially, when it cometh unlooked for: but that qualm being past, embracing him again, he said, I did assure myself, valorous Prince, and my Lord, that considering how much need Gréece hath of your aid, you would remember it: let us be gone, to acquaint the noble Emperor your Father herewith. That may not be yet (answered the valorous young man) but it behoveth rather to conceal my name, for the love of certain Ladies which come in my company, whom I have promised, to maintain their beauty in the midst between these two Camps, against the Moors: for against the Greeks who shall dare, although it were Mars himself, Rosabel being of their side? Seeing that you so please (answered the nephew) there is no man that will gainsay your will: but first I would that we might to day before the Sun go down, let them know what your arm can do: and it cometh well to pass, for I come now out of the battle, to see what people this is which here cometh. I have been somewhat more near unto them (answered the Tinacrian) and me thinketh that they bear the arms of Gréece. But I would not that we should stay a ioat longer: and so presently they took the direct way towards the place, where they saw these troops, which were those which came from Tinacria, under the command of the great Earl of Modica. In drawing somewhat near, the young man knew his own arms, which were on the one of the Greek arms: he bore in blue the seven Stars in Gold: he was glad in his soul, that his mother had partly forgotten the displeasure, which she conceived against his father.  
Rosabel, to be brief, seeing the alarm given towards S. Michael's Castle, gave them to understand thereof: the Tinacrians were exceeding glad for the meeting their prince, of whom they had heard, what a man he was, and of his great valour: the Prince would not discover himself to them, until that he had performed his challenge. Rosabel presently drew them into the form of an Hearse, and with the swiftest pace that they were able, they took their way towards the Camp: they came even when the Sun had ended his journey, giving a beginning to a new. Some of the Greek battalions were in a confusion, ready to fly: they looked where was most need, which was where the Croacians fought, although that in the beginning they had done great hurt. But the greatest part of the Sophi his people, with their Prince Thorisiano, charged into that quarter, making them (notwithstanding that they fought like Lions) to retire from the field. But the Tinacrians which were very earnest, did so reinforce them, that had it not been so near night, they had pacified the fight: But it was favourable unto them, although that it lasted not above an hour: for therein did the Tinacrians make known what a Captain he was, which led them, for he & his son Fartemio did bear themselves ●o courageously, that they won therewith Poliphebus good will. That which they did, stood them in no small stead, for it advanced their house, even to the clouds, & to be the most principal in all that kingdom. All was nothing in comparison to that which the young man did: for seeing his father's party to go to wrack, there was never Mower that with his scythe, did cut down Corn so fast in harnessed, as he with his sword in both his hands did fell down those infidels, which were not accustomed to overcome. At his first coming, he encountered with the gentle Thorisiano, who seeing the slaughter that that knight made of his people, called for a Lance and went towards him. The young man suspected him not, he was so busy; and his adversary was not a man that would greatly strain courtesy: for if his armour had not been good, he had riven him thorough from side to side: he cast him so far back upon his Saddle, that he knocked his head upon his horse buttocks. There was never any viper trodden upon, that was so angry as luzela's lover: for coming to himself, & settling himself in his Saddle, with his very looks he made above four of the most proudest afraid: for being fixed in his Saddle, & his feet in the stirrups, spurring his Rubican, with a leap he was with him, & with both his hands he smote him on the shield, & (had not such hands tempered it) he had cleft it: for he beat it close to his Helmet with such force, that having wholly lost his senses; he cast out the blood out at his mouth, and set him on the arson of the Saddle: he had seconded it with another, & that had been his death, for the son of Garrofilea was now impatient, and being so, none of his brethren excelled him: being angry he was cruel, which was soon past, which did much advance his fame. Thorisiano had many Giants for his guard, which although that his father knew him not, yet he loved him dearly, commanding them to have regard of his person: & so one of them (being little less than a great beech tree, mounted upon a furious horse, such a one as was fit to carry such a parsonage) met with the Tinacrians horse, who if he had not been given him by the wise woman, they had both fallen to the ground, for he had not his equal. With a fair shock they stayed, & his presumption cost him his life; for in field battles courtesies are not observed: for Rosabel being near his Uncle, with Hector's sword ended that war: for hitting him upon the shoulder, he cloven his armour and body to the hollow of his heart. His companion would revenge his death, & charged amongst them, as amongst ordinary Knights. But see, hither came the famous Earl of Modica and his son, who leaving the Guard of the Standard, came hither to their aid, as though they had known of the meeting: if Gualtenor may be believed, he was one, that afterwards was very famous in Grecia, who coming with great power, equal to his discretion, he rushed into the midst of those Barbarians. The good Knight Flamineo held them good company. Being covetous of fame, these three entered, as though they had gone a hunting: by their blows they purchased fame, for the Tinacrians, (now Sycilians) at the first charge, overthrew two of those Giants. The Frenchman was so choleric, who seeking revenge, was so slow, that he was like to have been lost: for a Giant being near him, cast his arms about his neck, with such force, that within a little he plucked him out of his Saddle. The Frenchman was nimble, and so drawing out his dagger, he suffered the Giant to bear him, who feeling his weakness, drew him from the Saddle: but he put in practice what he had determined, for he suddenly had two or three times stabbed his dagger under his taces into his belly, fetching his soul out at the wound.  
They fell both to the ground, where Flamineo, obtaining the victory, began to defend himself, but it had been to small purpose, had not the Tinacrian been there, who turning about his furious horse, made way to enter where the Frenchman was: he took him by the arms, and as if he had been a child, he set him upon the Giant's horse; all men wondering at the valiancy of that Knight; which sufficed to give means to Florisiano, and Poliphebus, to recover what they had lost. They advertised Don Celindo of what passed, who with the Assyrian, & his sister, made thitherwards. Here was the greatest press of people that was in any place of all that day; for both squadrons coming to meet upon a little plain, and seeing the great hurly burly, there were few of any account which came not thither. The first that came thither, was the valorous Don Celindo with his company: he encountered Rosabel, and made a good encounter, although he lost both his stirrups. rosabel's courser was so well trained, that at two leaps he was with his adversary, and by that means he smote him before he was in a readiness, and had wholly overturnd him, had not Clarisel come running in, who well seated in his saddle, charging his Lance above hand, he darted it at the valiant Breton: the Armour which he ware, was not such, but that it could well resist that blow, so that the Lance being unable to pierce it, rebounded back again whole. The valorous Damsel gathered it up, and therewith went towards him whom she loved better than her own soul: it was luzela's lover, as hath already been said. Floralisa, ever since that she saw his picture in the wood where she was bred up, yielded her soul to him, confirming the same, when he went out of Grecia, admitting him for her Knight, which he thought not of.  
This Lady was Mars in Arms, and Venus in beauty: she brandished her Lance with such force and dexterity, that I know not, but that if he which received it had known her, he would have taken it for especial favour. She hit him right in the breast, the most enamoured that the world knew, and broke it with the blow, and made the Prince to bend on one side: who again settling himself, knew her to be the same which had done him so exceeding favours. He would not take any revenge on her. But the warlike Lady not knowing who he was, turned her horse, and with camilla's sword in her hand, she drew near unto him whom she most loved.  
Here appeared the valour of the mighty Tinacrian; who coming close unto her, before she could deliver her blow, took her so fast by the arm, as if she had been bound with a great cable, and in sight of all the army, saying. Upon him who is less desirous to do you service than I, warlike Lady, you may execute your wrath, and not against him who is so much and so long time yours, and will be until I die. He spoke it so suddenly, that she knew not who he was: and yet seeing him come with Arms differing from the Greeks, and that he came with new supply, she presently suspected that it was the gentle Poliphebus, & was glad at her heart: for it is an easy matter to persuade any one that hopeth, and fervently loveth, to believe any thing that they would have, and said, I thought, valorous warrior, that my wounds were received for favours: but seeing that in you there wanteth this acknowledgement, I will leave them for those which will take them for such. The youngster let her go, which was to make her the more to yield: and seeing the contrary party begin to press forwards, and because that she would not stay behind; otherwise she had anew fal●e in love again. Thus proceeded the battle, when the brave Knight with the stars, upon a high rock beheld him in the blue scarf working wonders: for Florisarte was now come, who knowing of the battle, was sent by Rosabel from the City. As an Eagle came this warlike young man down the hill: and in despite of the Christians, crossing athwart their camp, he came where those Princes were. He trod under feet all he met in his way, and came in such fury, that he would have made small account of Mars: yet the Princes of Babylon and Argentaria made head against him, but he cared for none of them, after he had seen the young man: at his coming he smote Lisarte his son in the middle of the shield, and encountered him with his head and breast in such sort, that he made him lay his head on his horse's croope, and with another he had overthrown him, had not Bransiniano been there, who with all his might gave a happy blow for the Prince of Tharsis: for at what time as the young man lifted up his sword, the Persian spurring his horse, got within him, and gave him so great a blow cross the Helmet, as made him to lose his, and going from him, left him almost past remembrance. The Prince of Apulia which was hard by, gave him a third. They gave him so much to do, that they made him more manifestly to show the valour of his person: for seeing that three had set upon him, he turned against them all, and put them so much to their shifts, that he put them all out of breath. He charged & retired as quick as thought, and sometimes it was impossible any way to hit him, he was so light. Don Celindo had understood that Poliphebus had grieved his sister, and therefore with his sword (which was Queen julia's) he made towards the Tinacrian. At that very instant came the famous Rosacler, who being near, of force could not choose, but know his own good sword: a man cannot declare the contentment which he conceived in seeing it: for he could no longer forbear, but said, Away, away: for this fight belongeth unto me. He came where the Prince was, who refuing him not, the battle began. The Tinacrian at his coming knew him by his device, and therefore withdrew, addressing his blow against the magnanimous Lindauro, who to his own hurt was returned to the battle: for the blow which Poliphebus gave him, was like to have cost him his life, who within a little had stretched him all along at his horses heels. All the soldiers (for not to be benighted) withdrew, to give place to Don Celindo, who now more courageous than ever charged the Greek: both together they gave 2. mighty blows, which brought their noses to their bosoms. The night's approach would not suffer them to give the second, which made both armies to sound the retreat, for fear to kill one another his friend unknown. The Pagans were victorious, whereof they made good show with their ordinary instruments. On either side died so many, that they were innumerable▪ and yet for all this, neither in the City, nor in the camp was heard any complaining; for those which remained, were mightily grieved, until they might see the hour wherein they might either die, or be revenged. For the hurt men the Duke of Thebes took especial care, who was a most expert Captain.  
This was that which he with the stars desired; who leaving the battle, came to Rosacler, to whom with a gallant grace he said, I would have been very glad, Knight, that you and I with some other whom you please, might have gone and ended the battle that other day, for I much desire it.  
Let it be as it shall please you (answered the noble Breton, who desired the same no less than he) and lead you the way, and I will follow. The nearest at hand was Don Clarisel which kept him company: with the Greek was the Tinacrian, who left word, if any body asked for him, they should say he was gone about a little business, and would come again strait.  
The Princes in withdrawing them, found some wanting; the errand was left with Zoilo the Tartarian, who pacified his Lady and the rest: they were much better pleased, when they understood that Claridiano, Claramante, and the fair Archisilora were also missing, thinking that they were all together.  
The night was wholly shut in, when the brave Don Heleno and his beloved Lady, with the Captain general, and Brandafidel, and Tirefeo went forth of the City: and within a little while after, the most part of the Princes went forth also, and likewise out of the camp, to seek for their Gallants which were missing. What happened unto them, shallbe declared in another Chapter, because (O Mistress of my heart) I would not be noted to be tedious.   

CHAP. XX. What happened to the Knight with the starers, and to Rosabel in the combat: and the end thereof.  
I Cannot (O Lady of my life) leave to acknowledge what pain I endure; for Love hath made me fervently enamoured, and subject to his sw●e●e yoke: yet I cannot have time to treat of love matters (a thing so pleasing to my life) but all of furious Mars; to whom (although I have been affected) yet now a strict account is called for of the time spent with him, which might have been for love. What good thing hath there ever been without it? Who ever lived a merry life, if he spent it not in love? The imagination of field battles hath overwhelmed me, otherwise, no man should have made more manifest shows of his love in writing, than I: but notwithstanding my desire, I am to follow those Princes which are gone forth of the camp.  
He with the stars had no great experience in the wars, and much less knew the country, for both which his few years might excuse him; for yet he was not fully sixteen years old, and yet he gave all the flower of Greece matter to think on. At last they came to a fit place for the battle, although somewhat far from the City and the camp. Without speaking one word, these two warriors turned their horses and parted, to return the one against the other. Oh that my Mistress would allow herself to be beloved, which would give me means to depaint this war, which was the most bloody, being between so many against so many, that happened in all those wars! it were a sweet pencil for me to understand, that she took pleasure to be adored; yet persuading myself that I am beloved, I will go forwards, because they came together with greater fury than the sea, when being most swollen, it threateneth the heavens, putting the ships in great danger. Neither of them mist in the encounter, breaking their lances as if they had been reeds. They passed the one by the other with Mars his countenance. Lirgandco saith, that he with the stars lost one stirrup, but it was not perceived. The Briton had a better horse than those which draw the Sun, a reason why he was with him before the young man could turn about, he struck down right. Achilles never struck better blow: for as it was Hector's sword, it did cut away half of his shield: for Lupertius his enchantment was not of that antiquity as the swords: he beat it to his helmet with greater force than can be imagined, & made him bow down his head as low as the horses crupper, and gave him a terrible stab: within little he had endangered him, for it lighted near the jointing of his vant-brace. He would needs close with him, which was to his own hurt: for the young man like a fleshed Lion, with a leap was on one side of him, the Greek passing by with his courser, as quick as thought. He with the stars followed him in hope of revenge: fortune put that into his hands which he desired: for Olivia's son returning, he smote him at ease upon the highest of his helmet: the sword rebounded as if he had smitten a rock. The young man was nothing glad of that▪ yet he gave him another, which smote the Breton down upon his horse neck, casting out blood at his mouth, nostrils, & ears. The furious Tinacrian his blood did freeze to see such a blow: at length coming again to himself, & in state to seek revenge, thinking that he returned against his companion, he came to the Assyrian, saying, Sir Knight, there is no reason that our friends should be in such danger, & we stand and look on. The same did the other desire: but the son of Garrofilea is second to none in valour, & was every way too hard for him: they encountered with as great noise, as if two rocks had met. The Assyrian lost both his stirrups & reins. luzela's lover passed forwards, esteeming him highly for the good encounter which he had received, & took more pleasure than any man, to see warlike Knights, & desired to try himself withal, although that when he saw he had the advantage, he presently came to a peace; a thing which few men will do. The Assyrian was more enamoured than Love himself, & was of opinion, that bearing so high thoughts as he did, it were a great baseness for him to be overcome bearing milo's Arms. He returned against the Greeks, & smote him upon the helmet, which made him hold his head more at one side than he would, and busied him so, that he had means to give him another, no less then the first. He received it on his shield, which was driven back to his breast & rich helmet: it seemed to the new lover that a rock had fallen upon him, the blow was so mighty. There is no serpent in the sands of Libya, so furious as was the Tinacrian▪ but before he could be provided, the Assyrian was with him with a strong thrust, and made him to bend back upon his saddle. Here choler mounted to the highest degree in the son of Trebatius; for now he would not have given place to Mars, but with him he would that the battle had been: there was no defence against his blows, but that he cut his Armour, notwithstanding the fine temper: at the first blow, he smote the Assyrian down upon his horse neck senseless, casting blood: now he assured himself of the victory: for although that he with the stars would have holpen him, he could not: for Rosabel with his Flyer was come, and his other valiant uncle with his Rubicane, and trusting in his swiftness, he set upon the young man, be labouring him with the best Arms that the earth knew, pulling him out of his saddle: but he came to himself before he fell to the ground. Don Clarisel was nimble; for drawing his dagger, his fortune was so good, that he stabbed him in the closing of his breastplate, and but that it crossed in the entering, he had wounded him deadly: but this served him to no small purpose: for it made the Tinacrian to let him go, and fall down upon his feet: it was a prodigious thing, to see the Rubicane in the battle, for he forbore no footman; and so the Assyrian was not fully at the ground, when he ran upon him and gave him a shrewd fall. The Tinacrian never perceived that in his horse before, and was sorry for it in his soul; for he would not overcome him with any advantage: and lightly leaping from him, he said, Pardon, Sir Knight, for it was not in my power; for I desire not to fight with any man with advantage either of horse or Arms. The Assyrian was so furious, that he made him no answer; but with his sword in both his hands he set upon him. On foot no man excelled the Tinacrian, for he was an Eagle: he suffered him to approach: but before he could strike him, he shifted him to one side, & made him lose his blow: which being passed, he gave him such a knock upon the Helmet, that he made him set his hands to the ground, and would have closed with him, but it was too late: for the angry young man was again on foot, & very nimbly made a famous assault; for he gave garrofilia's son two strong thrusts one after another, which made him go backwards, somewhat out of breath, which gave occasion to the young man with a wheeling about to lay him at his feet, and within a little had hought him, one leg tormenting him. The Tinacrian felt the blow, but would not show the effect which it wrought: for he charged his enemy upon one leg, until the great pain was passed: rare valour in a Knight▪ for the want of his leg was not perceived: for with a leap, although but upon on leg, he came home to the Assyrian: there was no defence against his arm: for hitting him upon one side of the shield, he smote him so hard, as made him set his knees to the ground: he entered & shouldered him, & threw him down upon his back: he kneeled down upon him with his dagger in his hand. floralisa's lover was in doubt of his life, & this made him draw strength out of weakness, setting both his hands upon Poliphebus his arm, & held him so, that the young man's choler could go no further: the Knight with the stars was sorry to see his companions ill hap, & as angry as a Serpent, he leapt from his horse to go to help him. Rosabel did she like, but the unknown youth came first. The Tinacrian saw him coming, & became he would give no occasion of any ill success, he stood up, taking his good sword. The starred Knight came blind for joy that he came in time, whereby Poliphebus had means to give him a cruel blow; for as he had never a shield, so he gave him a great slash in the breast. Now was the Assyrian on foot, who seeing Rosabel come running, he gave him a thrust, but he never boasted of it; for liriana's lover, with a blow backwards, made him to fall on his face to the ground: the noise of this battle was so great, that all the hills and valleys rung thereof. The moon shined bright, which gave light to three Knights which sat on the hills side to see all this battle; they were no worse men, than the Princes of Silepsia, Leobello, and Claribel, which came with the Knight, which found them newly borne, as hath been before declared: he was one of the chiefest in that Realm, and brought some troops to the aid of his King, which he had sent under the command of his Lieutenant to the Camp; and he with his two sons (for so he called them) went up that mountain. By reason of the noise of the battle, they came down from thence in great haste, and came just at the time that the Greeks had the better: for Rosabel had wel-néere overcome the Prince of the Assyrians: and Poliphebus, desirous to make the Knight with the Stars, to know that he was the glory of arms, hastened so the battle, that he had already made him breathless.  
The Silepsian novices wondered, who putting themselves in the midst between the four Princes, said, In courtesy (valorous Knights) tell us the cause of your cruel fight; for me thinketh, that the aid, which either of you might give to your party, should be no small matter: why will you then end it thus alone? It is no other thing, Knights, answered the beloved. Father, but that these Knight's main●●●● the quarrel of the soldan of Niquea: and that which we could not perform in the last battle, we have left for this present: and therefore stand out, for this battle is to be ended. Let us entreat you, gentle Knight, (answered the Princes) to give it over until to morrow, because we then may the better enjoy the sight of your fortitude. To content the Princes, they all consented, whose beauty and comeliness made them to admire. They all seven sat down under a green Olive tree, and taking off their Helms to take breath, it was a marvelous thing to see, when the one came to behold the other: for if there were beauty in the world, thither it was withdrawn. Rosabel was not yet thirty years old, neither had his travels altered his complexion, for he was the Phoenix of his time: for Poliphebus, all the sages agree that he was exceeding fair. He with the Stars, and the two young men were but children: for the oldest was not yet fifteen years old, but so fair, that they contended for beauty with the heavenly inhabitants. The two Princes of Silepsia were so like unto Poliphebus, that their father did marvel thereat, and seeing so much beauty met together in them six, that for complexions and arms, they were the flower of the world.  
The two youths came with a desire to receive the order of Knighthood, at the hands of the Captain general of the Pagans army, whose fame reached to the stars: but having seen the valiancy of those four Knights, the elder of these youths, whose name was Claribel, directing his pace towards Rosabel, whom according to the constellation of his Nativity, he was inclined to love, said, Ualorous Knight, my brother and I are desirous to receive the order of knighthood, at the hands of some worthy man of war, which desire hath forced us to come from far Countries with our father, to have received it of the King of Achaia, whose worthiness fame hath spread over the earth. But having seen what you have shown in this battle, we both entreat you, that (although we have not deserved it) yet we may receive it at your hand. The Prince did so affect the two youths, that he was glad in his soul, that occasion was offered to do them any pleasure, yet he would not bereave Bembo of that which he deserved, saying unto them, The heavens defend it, that seeing that you may receive it at the hands of so worthy a Knight, as is that Prince whom you have named, that you should receive it of me, to whom fortune hath not been so favourable. This knowledgement, valorous Knight, sufficeth (answered Leobello, which was the younger of these Princes) to assure my brother & me, that it remaining in your hands, there may happen unto us some rest of good fortune, and so we beseech you to grant that which my brother hath requested. I would be very glad (answered liriana's lover, and Father to these youths) that this act might be performed with the solemnity, which your worth deserveth, and not that I doing it, should wrong these Princes. Why then, we will come to a composition (said the supposed father to these young princes) that this knight with the stars, shall give the order to one of my sons, and you, to the other; and this doing, both they, & I, shall be bound to do you service all the days of our life. Quoth Poliphebus, It is very fit, that they receive it from so worthy a knight, as is he with the stars. And so Claribel kneeled down before his father, who kissed his fair cheek, with as great affection, as if he had known him. He put on his Helmet, & pulled down the Beaver, and with his sword he smote him on the shoulder, saying, Arise, valorous Knight, & from henceforth show to the world, the virtue which your good countenance & fair resemblance assureth: the like did the unknown Knight with the stars: and Leobello lost nothing by receiving the sword at his hands: for he might well say, that he received it of the most valiant Knight that was known in the world, in that age. With pleasing conversation, they passed the rest of the night, in the which the two novices learned the cause of all those wars: & as the careful Titan sent his messengers to declare his coming, the 4. challengers arose to give end to the battle: Claribel buckled on his father Helmet, & Leobello his with the stars. Poliphebus, which had less hope than the rest, buckled on his Helmet himself, desirous to show the worth of his person. With angry countenances they came, the one towards the other. I believe, to have a sight of this cruel war, made Apollo to hasten his journey: for just as they encountered, he showed his golden face, with shining Garlands out of the East. Well did the one know the other, being assured of the valour which either had shown to the other: particularly Rosabel, who addressed himself against him with the Stars: and for this cause they fought with discretion, and would not through want thereof, lose that which otherwise they might be assured of. Being well in breath, they charged, with the points of their swords about a third part before their Targets, standing firmly upon their right feet, so near together, that they might strike with their pummels.  
He with the Stars would have joined with the Prince of Britain, thinking suddenly to have overborne him: but as the other was more nimble, and expert in the wars, than he; so he changed his foot with a thought, and thrust at him, and with a quick skip he leapt backwards, giving him in parting a blow in the thigh, whose blood bore witness of the blow. Here was lost all order in fight, for the young man s●eing this blow, hur●ing about his sword, thought to have cleft the Briton, but he warded it with his Target, which was a small defence: for though he could not break it, yet he beat it to his Helmet, so close, and with such force, that he made him to kneel upon both his knees on the ground: he thought to have overborne him, setting his hands to his breast; but it seemed that he met with a rock. For the nephew of the great Trebatius, seeing him so near unto him, that he could do nothing but close with him, took him at some advantage, and within little threw him to the ground: for he lifted him from ground, and carried him a little along the field. He with the Stars was mightily ashamed, that he had received the first foil, and that in struggling: for therein he thought to have been too hard for Anteus: and locking with the gentle young man, enraged, he took footing, thinking again to recover what he had lost: but that was more than he could do: for letting go their hold, with a strong whéeling about they took their weapons. The son of Trebatius seemed to be most courageous, and so was he with the stars, which made the battle doubtful.  
It was more apparent between Poliphebus, and Don Clarisel: for there the advantage was easily to be seen. The Assyrian with a blow would have made an end of the battle; and so with his sword in both his hands, he made towards the Tinacrian, who made show to stay for him: but knowing the ill success of such desperate blows, at the falling of the blow, with a light leap he set himself 2. fathom off from him: he so followed his blow, that it made him to fall on his breast upon the pummel of Milo his good sword, whereof he struck a third part into the ground. The Tinacrian lost not that good occasion, who turning to join with him, with his hand he thrust him and made him to return back, leaving his sword sticking in the ground, breaking the little chain. The victory was in his hands, had not the fair Leobello with his sword in his hand come between them, doubting of the Assyrians life, seeing he had lost his sword. Succour came to either part; for of the Greeks (which better knew the country) there came the Princes of Hungary and Bohemia, and with them those of France and Spain, which by the Arms knew the Knight to whose aid they came, whose valour was much esteemed among the Greeks: they cried to the two youths that they should hold, thinking that they would have stricken him.  
The brave Spaniard came in such haste, that he met with Leobello: but he might as well have encountered a rock, he stood so fast, he made his horse return 2. paces backwards. Then came Don Clarus and his brother, Spaniards, of whom in the first part much account was made, and with much reason, for their valour deserved it: but in this charge they got very little: for thinking to chase Leobello in the behalf of their Prince, Claribel stepped close to him and smote him on the top of the Helmet, and this was the first blow that ever the young man gave with the sword, and was so good, that it smote him to the ground: he stayed for his brother, which came mounted upon a great horse: but he quickly lost him, and made the Princes of Hungary and Bohemia hold them company: he rusheth in among them like Mars, and giveth not a blow, but that therewith he bringeth them on their knees or hands upon the ground.  
Leobello entertained the Tinacrian, while as the Assyrian recovered his sword. The brave Torismundo alighted seeing his friends on foot, and met with the reputed father of the two youths, who was a good Knight, but he got little: for the Spaniard is one of the most valiant of the world: he smote him so, that he made him stoop, and within a little had overthrown him: he would have followed him, but the furious Leobello holp him, who was near at hand, putting the Tinacrian from him with a strong thrust. The young man's valour made him to wonder, and had he not been in such fury, he had not smitten him: but having no respect of any, he smote him such a blow upon the head, that although it was the first, if he had taken such another, as that, it had made an end of him: for it gave such a thunderclap, that he knew not not where he was. They had aid at hand, for by the woods side came Don Celindo, and his sister, with Argante, and Thorisiano, who seeing their brother Don Clarisel (for so was he called) they all came a gallop. Poliphebus was in fear of their horse breasts but drawing force out of the danger (a thing worthy his valour) they were troubled in such sort with their haste, that Don Celindo and the Lady were like to fall on their faces, and to avoid it, it behoved them to leap from their horses; but Don Argante, and Thorisiano, who reived their horses, encountered them with their horses breasts, and made them to set one hand to ground, but to their damage: for there is no viper that showeth itself so furious, as luzela's lover. It was the Fenicians fortune to return first. The Tinacrian made room, standing firm on his feet, & with his sword in both hands, attended his coming, with all his might he gave him a sudden blow: fortune was his friend, for the blow lighted on the horse; it was stricken by the hand of Garrofileaes son: for dividing the horse into 2. pieces, setting Don Argante on the ground, so amazed, that before that Thorisiano came, he gave him a thrust. Gualtenor saith, that he overthrew him: but the Prince stumbled, it made all their bloods to freeze to see 2. such blows. Thorisiano wo●ld end the battle on foot, but he was deceived: for the Spaniard set upon him; & before he could turn, had given him a blow, which much troubled him. The combats were well divided: for now were they so many, to so many: but they which met with the two youths, got little: for within three blows they were overthrown. The like happened where Poliphebus went, who although he were somewhat weary; yet he put Don Celindo with his haste out of breath: this order lasted not long: for of the Pagans, thither came Bembo, & the two emulators, Brauorante & Brufaldoro, who, especially the Achaean, as he knew Rosabel, & had a desire, as hath been declared in this history, as a hungry Lion followed him, holding in his conceit the battle for ended, & himself revenged of the Prince. He with the stars defended him from being trodden under foot, fearing they would do him some harm: & so the brave Bembo lightly passed by. By another means the 2. famous men sought revenge and victory: for standing strongly on their stirrups, they hurled their Lances with greater might than if Mars had done it. Brauorante his Lance (for that it came from a better arm) lighted first, & smote him on one side of the shield, and being insufficient to break it (the temper being so old) made it to turn twice about: and therefore Brufaldoro could not by any means hit it, but smote against a rock, & pierced it the third part of the lance in depth. The Knight with the s●ars judged it for great cowardice: for three, so famous as they, to set upon one alone, it was more than baseness: and seeing them return, he leapt to one side, saying, It seemeth to me, Knights, that you come with greater passion than discretion, which hath made you to commit so great an error as is this. These words did so win the heart, and animate the son of the great Trebatius, seeming to him that they were spoken with such generosity, that as if he had had wings, at 2. leaps he got his horse, who never parted from the battle, and with another leap lighter than an Eagle he recovered the saddle, saying to him with the stars, Pardon me, valorous warrior, that I do not end this battle with you; there shall not want time whensoever you shall give me warning: for the ill behaviour of these Knights forceth me to leave it, to make them know what error they have committed. It is very reasonable (valorous Prince) said he with the stars, and I would go to assist you, were it not to hold my credit and word which I have given to be of their party. They could not proceed in their discourse: for with another turn they were again come against the young man. He quickly advanced himself, & with a loud voice said, We shall have time, you cowardly Knights, to make you know your cowardice, and the passion wherewith you come, which hath made you to forget the laws and orders of Knighthood. He bore himself well against those 3. pillars: but he had been in danger, had not Poliphebus come upon his Rubican. The valiant young man had long sought Brufaldoro, and now knowing him by his Arms, he came to him swifter than thought, & found him busy smiting of Rosabel. He gave him a mighty blow on the helm, laying him all along upon his horse neck, & paid him yet another, which made the blood to spring out at his ●isor. Now were the Moors in danger, for on one side of the field came 4. which would have given Mars battle: the one was Captain general of the greeks, the other Rosacler, Don Heleno, and the fair Rosamundi, who knowing Bembo, who for an old grudge ever since the battle by Sea she came to him more light than an Ounce, and with her sword which was forged in Babylon, she smote him upon the strong shield, the strength thereof served for little, or for that it came from Lupertius, for from side to side she cloven it, and it was a wonder that she had not done the like by his arm. The furious Sarafin was more than enraged, for all that quarter was so tormented, that it had no feeling. The Lady was not idle, for she was one which taught most earnestly, and so before that the Sarafin could understand from whence that blow came, she took him another on the side of the head, which if she had not overreached him, without doubt had put him in great danger: for in hitting him in this manner, she made him to fall so backwards, that within little he had come to the ground.  
The Pagan was terrible when he was angry: for seeing her which had handled him in that manner, there was no Lion so fierce as he. He assailed the Lady, meaning with that blow to have felled her. Well did Aristoldo perceive it, and the fury wherewith he came, being well known unto them, by means of his ordinary device which he bore: the Antiochians horse was well in breath, with whom he passed between the Lady and him, and above hand he● smote him on the breast, wherewith he made him to lose his blow, and lay his head on his horse buttocks. Now was this Prince clean out of patience, renouncing his gods, and now seemed all they which were in the field, to be but a few: and taking his sword in both his hands, as the Captain turned, he smote him athwart the shield: he smote it from his arm, and descending to his Helmet, he brought him to deaths door, for he laid him senseless upon his horse's neck: he meant to have assured the victory, and to have been revenged by the death of such a Knight.  
The most mighty Dacian hindered him of his purpose, who as he had the best horse in the world, with a leap he was with him, when his sword was aloft, he had no more time but to give him a cruel blow athwart the arms, and followed his blow so well, that he gave life to Aristoldo, of whom the Greeks stood in great need, and made him with the force of his, to let fall the sword out of his hand. Rosamundi came in so good time, that they had overthrown him: for they made the Moor to feel two thrusts, one after another in his flesh. To his aid came he with the Stars, wondering at the valour of those Knights. It had been no great matter, had not the two youths come: who holding their valour, which fought for little in regard of theirs, all having taken horse, they repaired thither where they heard the great noise.  
The fair Claribel met with Aristoldo, although that in former time they had been the greatest friends in the world: but he showed it not now, for he smote him upon the rich Helm, making the blood spring out at his nose & mouth, and laid him on his horse's neck: he ran upon him with his horse's breast, and had not the Captain had a good one, he had cast them both to ground: all this was nothing, for now were come to the battle, those which were borne for the wars, which were Claridiano, Claramante, and the fair Archisilora, who had missed the way, because that they knew not the Country, whose famous arrival doth well deserve a new Chapter.   

CHAP. XXI. How the Princes of Grecia, Claridiano, and Claramante, with the Queen of Lira came to the battle, and what end it had, with that which after followed.  
I Know not, Sovereign Lady and mistress of my soul, being compassed with such wars, whither I shall repair for refuge, to ease me of the pain which I endure, but to your beauty, to the end that by augmenting it, it may be my death: for with accepting of my faith and service, you may ease the torment, which mine eyes have brought me unto, through their presumption, referring all the grief to the heart for having seen you, they remaining with the glory to have seen your beauty, than which nature could frame nothing more excellent, to the end that the world should hold you for the alone, and as the Fenix thereof. Being somewhat lightened, with speaking somewhat of that beauty, I will tell you what an entry the gallant Archisilora made, who at her first coming, met with the gentle Leobello, and settled well in her Stirrups, she hurled her mighty Lance at him. The young Mars received it, but made an ill bargain: for this queens arm was one of the most famous. It passed clear through his shield, & lighted on his breast, bearing the youth so backwardly, that he was almost overthrown. She passed forwards like an Eagle, to whose encounter came the valiant Mauritanian, not knowing her, for she ware a blue Scarf over her armour. The Moor meant with a●●ow to have made an end of the wars, but it happened to him clean contrary: for the disguised young man, who took more care for that Lady then for himself, prevented the Pagans blow, passing between them with his horse: he could do no otherwise, but by holding up his shield, to cross the blow: but that was to small purpose, for he beat it to his head, and him out of his senses. Then came the matron: and to requite the Knight with the Ladies, casting her shield at her back with both hands, settled upon her stirrups, she gave a mighty blow, it was one of the best that was given the day: for as (at ease) she smote him upon the highest of the head, she smote away a little Target, which he ware behind his Helmet, carrying there with part of his gorget of Mail. She returned with a thrust which pierced his flesh. But at unawares, the furious Leobello smote her upon her precious Helmet: he smote her down upon her Saddle bow. Her lover turned his head about, and seeing his Lady in such a plight, his fury cannot be described for making no account of the Mauritanian, he made to the young man.  
The son of Eufronisa bore no such arms, as were convenient to receive the blows of this Greek: for hitting him a full blow on the breast, he gave him a marvelous wound, although without danger: he gave him another, which within little threw him to the ground. Brauorante did much affect this young man, seeing with what courage he fought, and would have come just to his aid, but he found in his way the pillar of Grecia, Claramante, so near him, that he could do no good with his Axe at large, and therefore drawing back his arm, he gave him a thrust in the midst of his shield, and although it had been of Diamond, he had cleft it: for his force was rare, and the weapon, the best in the world: he made both him and his horse to make a stand. All men wondered at the blow, it set him so besides himself, that he had time to retire from him, and fetching his Axe about his head, he reached him a knock on the side of the Helm: and if he had given him a third, I know not how it had gone with the Pagan.  
Then came the gentle Claribel, as fierce as a Fury, with a double blow. The Greek thought much of it, and knew not well where might be contained so knightly valour. After him came Bembo, for having heard the blows, he well knew what it meant (as it was true) to his friends cost: he got little by his coming, for Claramante being come to himself, and missing the young man, he fastened the blow upon the Ach●ian: it was terrible, for as he had never a shield, he took it on the midst of his breast. This was that which the Sarafin more feared, than all those which he had received in his life, for the Axe entered his breast, wounding him mortally: he made no boast thereof, for he with the Stars and Claribel, smote him both together, the one upon the shoulder, the other upon the top of the Helmet; they laid him on the Saddle pummel. To the noise came the famous Floralisa with camilla's sword, she came just as Claramante raised and settled himself, and with a course she smote him upon the Helmet, it sounded like a bell, and left him half astonished: she would have sent him another, but that she found hard by her, the famous Rosamundi, with Semiramis her devilish sword, against whose edge, neither freele nor enchantment had any force. She gave her a back blow upon one side of the shield, and smote off the one half thereof, with great part of her Uantbrace: to her aid came the wounded Don Clarisel, desiring to die in the sight of her whom he so dearly loved: and like a viper, drawing force, not out of his own feeling, but from his firm faith, he smote the Dame upon the rich Helm, and made her bow down her head lower than she would: he gave place to Floralisa, to be revenged of the Princess, giving her two thrusts, the one after the other.  
There is no particular combat, but may be ended: for now, of the Moors side came Astorildo, and Epirabio, with the Calipha of Siconia, and the King of Giant-land, with four Giants, all Cousins. They entered, treading the Greeks under feet, and were like to do much harm: for Brandusio, and the Prince of Almain had advanced forwards, with those troops which remained at the entry into the valley: but they found newly come before them, the mighty Trasondan, Poliphebus, and his brother Rosacler, with the two courageous Giants, Brandafidel, and Bramidoro, with the gentle Tifereo, and the fair Claridiana. It was a thing worthy a Romans Theatre, to see the encounters: for the Giants matched themselves the one with the other: it was like as if two ships had met in the middle of the Sea. In this encounter, the Greek party had the better: for Brandafidel (who was one of the most famous in the world) laid his adversary on the floor: Bramidoro did the like: they had them in chase, and presently many after them: for Tifereo had likewise overturned Lindauro; within a little the war had again been new begun: for in a manner, the greatest part of the Princes came afoot, either party to aid their people. Brandafidel was furious when he fought; being angry, they could fasten few blows upon him: for on foot he was very light, and withdrew himself to play his part with his club, wherewith he did things, although lawful, yet very pitiful: for there happened to enter a Giant, which came with Brundusio: He hit him but two knocks, and both on the Helmet, there needed no more blows; for he laid him dead at his feet. Brundusio would be revenged; but it was to meet with his death: for Bramidoro was at hand; and in passing by, with his bat he made him go upon his hands. Tifereo holp him, for he stretched him out all along. They left their clubs to repair to him of Gibia, seeing that he of Zardus was come to gripes with him. They had killed him, had not Brauorante arrived: whose coming with Aristoldo did not only rescue him, but also renewed the war: so as it then seemed much more cruel then at the beginning. The great Alphebus after his old manner singled out Brufaldoro: for he had long desired it, over since that in the woods of Gréece he would have robbed his mother. The Pagan refused it not, but rather at his first smote him on the strong and rich helm, and made him avail his head down to his bosom. The Mauritanian would have seconded it: but the famous Emperor, which with those blows was nothing amazed, whéeling his horse a little to one side, made him to lose his blow, and would not let slip occasion, but with all his might he reached him a blow upon the shoulder, which smote away all his vaunt-brace: it went not alone, for he gave him another, which put him out of his remembrance. The Greek spent so much time in striking him, that he gave opportunity to Claribel to come upon him with a thrust: it was one of the most extreme blows that over the Greek had received. His Lady would revenge it; but she could not find him, for he was like an Eagle; and had upon a sudden hardly handled the great Tartarian Zoilo: he made a thrust at the Trojan; and had not the Princes of Tharsis and Argentaria been near, without doubt Hector's heir had been in danger. The fair Sarmatia was troubled to see her Trojan in such estate: and grinding her teeth, she set upon the youngster: she came so near, that she could not strike him: the blow did him greater favour than he deserved: for casting her fair arms over his back, she gripped him so hard, that she imprinted his armour in his flesh, as she took him at unawares; so was it a small matter to use him so; and had he been any other, she had plucked him from his horse. In the chase came the great Tinacrian upon his Rubican: he seemed to be no other than a thunderbolt, whistling between the clouds: he first took Don Argante to task, and set him without judgement upon the saddle bow: he stretched Lindauro all along upon the ground; and finding Don Celindo near him, with a strong thrust he set him besides his saddle. Trebatius his son was never seen in such a fury, his fierceness made them all to wonder; and had not he with the stars come, he alone had ended the battle in that place: for before that he came, he had overthrown the Prince of Almain: he leapt after him, holding it to have been honourable to have taken him prisoner, accounting him for one of the most principal by his rich armour in their camp. The unknown young man detained him from his purpose, smiting him at the entering, in the chest of his breast: it is a great hap that he had not killed him, for his sword pierced his armour even to the skin, and with a little more he had thrust him in the heart pit. luzela's lover suffered himself to be hurt with a stab, and seeing his blood spilled upon another's weapons, there was never Tiger so fierce as he; for the fleshed Lion is tame in respect of him: for bringing his sword about his head with all his might, he smote him with the stars athwart the Helmet, and made him see them within the same with abundance of blood. The Greeks would fain have ended these battles, because they knew that therein consisted the strength of their army, and (they being lost) the victory against them was certain. But now there was no remedy: for the Emperor of the Romans was already entered the wood, with above a hundred thousand men. The Greeks doubtful of their Princes, had shown no less care: for the valorous Meridian was come with as many. The battles were ready to join; but both the one and the other were in fear to be lost through the discommodity of the place: and so they parted, either having something to talk of, 〈◊〉 the valour of those Knights. The greeks extolled the 〈◊〉 Knights with highest praises, esteeming them 〈◊〉 the flowers of Chivalry. They left no less occasion to 〈…〉; particularly Poliphebus, who had shown himself so valiant, that they wondered thereat, as prodigious, all men entreating him, and chiefly his brother, to tell who he was: but he excusing himself the best that he could, caused th●m the more to mistrust; and most, when he took his leave of them, telling them that he was to go to try a certain adventure. They all offered him their company: but then to be alone did best fit him, accepting (according as was reason) of their gentle offer: he took his way with his Ruvican, speaking first to Rosabel, whom he entreated that he should not tell who he was, until he had performed his challenge. He went directly to the place where he had left the Ladies; but went not long to seek them: for by the Nymphs direction they met presently: they made that day holiday, passing it in reciting what had happened between the Greeks and the Moors; to the which they determined the next day to send their message.  
Their Captain was much affected to valiant Knights; and seeing what the two youths had done, he went to embrace them; who knowing what he was, desired to kiss his hands, putting off their Helmets, discovering more than human beauty; which struck them which were present with admiration, to see them so young and so valiant. The warlike Bembo embraced them, saying, It were no reason, that they which have so good hands of their own, should kiss any man's in the world. All the rest of the Princes received them with such courtesy as was due to their valour. There were no greater friends, than he with the stars and they: all the whole camp did celebrate their coming, rejoicing to see them: especially the King of Silepsia, when he knew that they were his subjects, knowing the Knight whom they held for their Father, they all supped together in the Sultan of Niquea his tent: and to show them the more pleasure, there was that night masking and dancing, the ladies meeting there, than which, the earth bore none fairer, nor more discreet. The Princess of the Romans seeing there was no possibility to effect her good, sometimes from her seats with no small affection, she beheld the Lord of Achaia, seeming to her, that next after the Dacian, she might best employ her beauty upon him. Of this Supper grew many new loves: for the mighty Argante, who till then had been free from his snares, held the Soph● his Daughter to be the Sun of all beauty, and with this conceit, he gave her his life and soul, submitting himself to her in such earnest and good faith, that nothing was of power to untie the knot which blind love had made. Epirabio yielded himself to the will of the gallant Lisiana, who seeing his valour, did never estrange herself from him. It served to small purpose for the brave Soldan of Egypt, to subject himself to the fair ●ufionisa, who had her eyes, soul, life, and heart fixed upon her Rosabel, and without hope of remedy, seeing him otherwise busted. Time being come to withdraw themselves (for some of the Knights were hurt) they all went to their tents, carrying with them the young Knights to their unknown Grandfather, which went, commending the bravery of the Greeks, who took no other race but to fortify their City, judging that that war would be of long continuance, both the one and the other had need of truce. And so, from the Moors there came to the City to request it, the Kings of Fenicia and Armenia. The Greeks granted it for fifteen days, and that into the City there might come only 20. Knights together. And seeing that both armies were in quiet, the discreet Earl of Modica, went to do his duty to the Emperor Trebatius, making himself known unto him, who knowing from whom he came, graciously received him. This increased his good liking: for he gave him a letter from 〈◊〉, which the Emperor read alone, not without understanding how much he was bounden to that valorous Queen, which had so dearly loved him: he read the letter, which said in this manner.  
A Letter from Garrofilea to the Emperor Trebatius.  
TO the great Emperor of the greeks, Garrofilea sendeth greeting. Had I not well known, mighty Monarch, how worthy those errors are to be pardoned, when love is the causer thereof, neither would I have presumed to write, neither had I any mind thereto, although I have had it, to desire thy death, my life depending only on thee, that thou livest. I acknowledge my fault: and for amends, I send thee these Knights, to serve thy person, assuring me, that the two sons which thou leftest here, will do the like. And if the affection which I do and have borne thee, may move thee, the war being ended, I pray thee to return them back to me again, that I may enjoy the presence of the sons, which I hope not of the father. The God in whom thou believest, grant thee such health, as the forgotten Garrofilea desireth.  
If he had to his liking ended all these battles, he could have received no greater joy than he did, in receiving that letter from that cruel Queen, which was now become gentle, mild, & amorous. See of what force love is! for it hath even melted me, being of the country of the Tigers. The Princes of either side were glad of the truce: for the Greeks desired to see the Ladies in the Moors camp, & the Pagans were no less desirous to see the Greek Ladies, the fame of whose beauty recahed to the highest heavens. With this desire we will leave them, to tell what the most mighty Poliphebus did the next day.   

CHAP. XXII. How the Prince of Tinacria sent a Letter of challenge to the Pagans camp, with leave from the Emperor of Grecia, and of what followed thereof.  
IMagining, fair ladies, that chapter of love would be more pleasing unto you, I have conceived so much joy thereof, that it hath eased me of my pain which I begin to feel, as the cause of my life: & if I entreat of any sweet hope, it is but to deceive mine own frail understanding, who as a nomes in love, is of opinion, that there can be no remedy for his grief. And my pain maketh me live ever doubtful of any good: for although I love in good earnest, my Lady doth not yet know it: an excuse for that which I endure, not to attribute it unto other, but rather to mine own mishap. The valorous Tinacrian goeth free and at liberty: for if he love well, he knoweth that he is also well beloved. There is nothing in the world so sweet, as is mutual love, between a Lady & her gallant: for it sufficeth to make him cheerful, & well content: for to see himself beloved, was the occasion why he sent challenges to the 2. camps by the Nymphs, which he brought. She which went to the City, well knowing what she had to do, stayed until all those high Emperors and Kings had made an end of their dinner, and till that the Ladies were all come forth into the Hall: & seeing occasion, she entered, clad in such attire as was fit for such a message. At her coming in, she did her duty to such as were there: and addressing her speeches to the mighty Emperor Trebatius, she said, Sovereign Prince, whom in reason the world should acknowledge, confident in thy generosity, I am sent from the Knight with the Eagle, who knowing that thou hast granted truce to the Moors for 15. days, although that he came from far to serve thee (as all men ought to do) he would in the mean time with thy leave, entertain the loving gallants, giving them occasion to show their valour: for in the midst between these two camps, he will maintain after to morrow, that the two Ladies which are come in his company, are indeed the most fair of the world, and this at all perils of battle. This is my demand: and if it please thee that he come, he will do it; and if not, he will stay until the truce be past, to come to thy service. This seemed to the Greek Princes to be a great presumption in a Knight: and so they desired that the Emperor should give him leave to come. The Greek Lord himself had been so greatly enamoured, that he would have gone in person to answer the challenge: but trusting in his sons, he said, Fair Damsel, I thank the Knight much for that which he will do for me, which deserveth that a greater request than this should be granted, and so you may tell him, that he may come in safety: for no man shall offer him violence, excepting such as shall fight in combat with him, which will not fail to do it. The Damsel would have kissed his hands for the favour, saying, Then, Sovereign Emperor, with your leave, I will deliver a message to the Ladies, which I have brought for them. Do all that you will, (answered the Emperor.) So she went directly to the cloth of estate, where they were, which might be said to be a new Paradise of beauty: for they were come forth to recreate themselves, some to favour their Gallants with their looks, which sufficeth, for I would be glad to take it of my Lady, if it might be permitted to come to see her. In seeing the Damsel coming (quoth the gallant Policena, daughter to the fair Venus) & Polidolpho which stood hard by the second Helen, daughter to the Prince of Babylon, & Persia, & Bransiniano, with the fair Aurelia, daughter to the great Tartarian Zoylo, and the Princess Tigliafa, three Ladies which did darken the Sun in the midst of his career: they were those, which being but children, gave hope to be most fair. There was never a one there that passed Rosabela, daughter of the fair Olivia, although she were younger. All which four sat hard by Rosamundi. Quoth the young Girl, I believe that this Knight will challenge us too. Your Ladyship needeth not to fear it (quoth the second Helen) for where these Sovereign Ladies are, there may we live safe from any defiance. It will end according to the equity of the cause (quoth Aurelia) and not for our beauties. Take no care for that (quoth Rosamundi) for there will want no Knights which will take pleasure so go forth in our behalf. It is to be doubted (quoth Policena) seeing how unpleasing we are. By this time was the Damsel come, who knéelde down before the Empress of Trapisonda; which stood close by her daughter; she delivered the letter to her hands, desiring her to be pleased to read it, because she was speedily to return to the knight, who had sent her. It is a great confidence that that Knight reposeth in those Ladies (said the Empress) & seeing that my Lord the Emperor hath given him leave, we confirm the same. Rosiluera presently read the letter, with great laughter of all the Ladies, imagining that it came for her: it would not have grieved Rosamundi, nor Archisilora, to have tried themselves against him: with grateful hearing, the Ladies gave ear to the letter, which said thus,  
The Letter.  
THe Knight with the Eagle, to the Greek Princesses, greeting. It hath been my fortune, Sovereign Lady's, so wholly to estrange myself, that I am enforced to undertake the most difficile thing that can be imagined: I acknowledge the great difficulty & your beauty, whose fame flieth over all the world. I have presumed to entreat your leave, to uphold the beauty of my Ladies, in the midst of the field, against the Pagan army, well knowing that my own small valour deserveth it not: but therein shall your generosity appear. The gods have you in his keeping.  
This Knight said, Rosiluera is in the right, in making no questions against the Greek Ladies, which may also return without arms for his part, & seeing he hath such confidence in us, it seemeth good to me (with leave of my Lady the Empress Claridiana) to send it him with all the favour possible, to the end, that through our fault he lose not the assurance of those Lady's beauties, which are in his company. We pass not for that (said Aurelia) for having no experience of this Knight, it should be ill done to grant him so much favour. Rosabel came, to the end that his uncles business might be so handled as he did deserve, and said, If my being surety for the Knight with the Eagle, gallant Dames, may be a means to procure this favour to be done him. I presently impawn my word. There is no cause to stay from giving it, said the gracious young Rosabella, seeing that my Lord and brother hath taken upon him the charge of our fame.  
They all laughed at the girls speeches, which was not yet above twelve years old: for so long time had the Pagans spent in levying their troops. They all went to Rosamundies' lodging, where Rosiluera in all their names wrote to the Knight, & giving it to the Damsel, she took her leave with great contentment, leaving them very desirous to see the Knight. I believe, Sovereign Prince (quoth Policena) that you do better know this Knight than we do, seeing you have forced us to favour him in such a matter as this. His acquaintance and friendship (answered the gentle Britanian) hath cost me so much blood, that I stand bound to be his friend, so long as I live. And this Sovereign Princess Serinda, being so much bound unto his valour, I marvel that she entreated not for him. Presently, at the entreaty of the Ladies, he told what happened when he first knew him, fight with the most strong Astratio for the liberty of Serinda, as in the third book hath been declared, where they two fell acquainted, concluding such friendship as was the greatest in the world: beside, they being so near of kin. Now I say, quoth Liriana, that the favour hath been very small that hath been done unto him: and seeing that there is Truce, we will encourage him with our presence. And that will be a mean, quoth the fair Troyla, wholly to vanquish the Moor Ladies: for yet they had never carried her to her Father the King of Argel, it was so for her pleasure. The Tinacrian very joyfully received the answer, reading it in presence of his Ladies in this manner:  
The Answer.  
THe Princesses and Greek Ladies, to the Knight with the Eagle, greeting. Thy thankfulness, valorous knight, hath so bound us, and Rosabel the Prince of the great Brittany agreeing thereto, as surety, that thou shalt be worthy the favour which thou requirest: having in him reposed our hope of the victory, we give thee leave, to the end that in the field thou show the degrees of thy faith, whither thy love hath advanced thee, subduing by them thy presuming to a matter so difficile. We would that in thy wars, company might be admitted, which we would hold thee: for upon thy sureties speeches we would adventure any hazard. The gods have thee in their keeping.  
Great was the contentment, which the Princes received with the gentle answer of the Greek Ladies, giving his nephew many thanks for that which he had done for him: he presently dispatched another message to the Moors Camp, bearing a Cartel with his challenge. All the Princes and Ladies were in the Emperor of the Romans his pavilion. The damsel went in, and doing her duty, seeing so many of whom she was to ask leave, she asked it in general, saying, The high gods, sovereign Princes, have you in his keeping. I am sent hither by the knight with the Eagle, to deliver a message, which I will deliver in few words. The precedent which was the King of Armenia, bade her to deliver what she had to say. Quoth the damsel, My Lord the knight with the Eagle, considering the Truce granted, to the end, that idleness mortify not the desire of Arms, hath thought good to entertain this time, and to show you that he desireth to serve all, and to maintain in the midst of the field, the beauty of two Ladies, which he hath brought in his company, at all hazards, from to morrow forwards, and commanded me to give this letter to him, who holdeth himself most enamoured. The great and famous Captain Bembo rose up, who in Love causes desired ever to be the first, and as such, showing some discontentment, he gave the letter to the free Thorisiano to read, which he did, thus.  
Poliphebus his Letter to the Ladies of the Moors.  
THe Knight of the Eagle, to the death servant to Cupid, to the Princesses and Ladies which are in the famous Bembo his Camp, greeting. Because, gallant Ladies, you may see the effects of Love, in him which hath subjecteth his life, seeing it employed in so sweet a seat, assured, that no man hath seen the like quiet as I have done: And relying on the beauty of the Ladies, in whose company I come, more than in the valour of my person, I do challenge any one that shall come from your party, that she, which is mistress of my soul, is fairer & more discreet than all the Ladies in your Campe. It is a great boldness, but I am to be excused, having justice on my side, wherewith, and with my weapons and horse, from to morrow forwards, I will defend my demand, swearing the battle, against all the enamoured gallants of your Camp at outraunce. The gods keep you.  
There was not one, whom Cupid's (aye, me,) had touched, but showed himself more fierce, than the Basilisk in the Libyan sands, seeing the proud challenge of this knight: the night seemed to them long years & many, that the next day they might make him know, in how great an error he came. They allowed the challenge, the Ladies remaining highly displeased, which they could not forbear to show in their bitter answer, which they sent to the Knight by the Dansel: who laughing at the small account which they made of the Prince of Tinacria, gave this answer. The fair Luzela took it with great contentment, saying, This which belongeth to your sovereign beauty, gallant Rosoluia, I purpose to read, to see how the Moor Ladies received your brother's challenge. For as those Princes are famous, it should be expedient to send a favourable answer. This belongeth to you, fair Princess, answered Rosoluia, seeing that (grounding himself upon your good grace and discretion) he hath adventured to do this. Well, let it be how it will, but I believe we shall see him in danger, Your favour, valorous Luzela, shall draw me out of a greater, said the beloved Tinacrian. If that may serve the turn, (answered the Lady) there shall be no want thereof, and therewith she read the letter.  
An answer to Poliphebus.  
FOr not to return without answer, seeing the much, whereunto thou knight with the Eagle hast opposed thyself, thy pride did not deserve to enjoy such a favour as is this. But because thou shalt know, with whom thou shalt encounter in battle, having displeased us, we from henceforth nominate for our part, our Captain general, (which is the mighty Bembo, King of Achaia:) and as for the rest, he will make thee know in how great errors thou comest. The Gods keep thee, and open thine eyes that thou mayst see thy fault.  
With great pleasure the Princes made end of reading this letter, seeing how angry these Ladies were, attending the morrow, in the which what succeeded, is fit to be told in another Chapter.   

CHAP. XXIII. How Poliphebus began to maintain his challenge, and of the perilous battle which followed.  
HOld, valorous Ladies, for now it is requisite that you condole my pain, to the end, that I may depaint what happened after this defiance: for the golden Apollo had not thoroughly shown his glittering beams, when in the middle between the two camps, appeared one of the most sumptuous tents of the world, for it was little less than the Greek Palace: it was all of coloured cloth of gold, with green knots, and many silver Eagles embroidered upon it; a man could desire no more.  
It was work enough for either army to behold the fair tent, imagining (as it was truth) that human hands had wrought but little upon it. All the Ladies of the camp would see the battle, upon assurance of the truce. So came they in a Chariot triumphant, drawn by 20. Unicorns, as white as the driven snow, covered all over with rich cloth of silver. The Ladies came as it behoved for their valour and beauty: for there was no less to be seen, then in the City, from whence they might see the Greek Ladies and Princesses begin to come, which as they were many, so of force they must have two famous Chariots: there was never seen a fairer show. There were made by the emperors command, certain most sumptuous rooms for the Ladies, covered all over with most rich Canopies, where the Ladies went up, inviting (with their standing so) those of the Campe. Some did it, to see about them, those which they most loved, which were Rosilia, Arbolinda, and the fair Eufronis●, esteeming their courtesy as was reason, they remaining in their Chariots. Presently at one side of the camp, entered sixteen Knights, either of which would have waged battle against Mars.  
That day did Bembo lay aside his sad device, which he ever used to bear. For Lupertius had sent him most rich green armour, all wrought over with Suns: there was no goodlier sight in all the field, except the challenge. In his shield he bore Lady Fortune, as though she procured his good, holding her hand out to him, with these words: 
My wheel sometime hath little power,  
If that love do please to lower,  
And the dame reject valour.   
He had about his neck a blue scarf, fringed with gold, mounted upon a roan horse. The greeks took great pleasure to see him coming in so good order: for although he were an enemy, yet virtue wheresoever is beloved. He brought with him those, which in all men's judgement were most valiant. There came the Knight with the Stars with his ordinary device, so gallant, that he gave them all matter to look upon. They stayed but little with him: for looking upon the two youths, to whom Lupertius had sent new Armours, they were all of the lions colour, with much Goldsmith's work, and so many precious stones, that they could not be valued.  
The Caparisons for their horses were of the same, with great plumes of feathers in their heads: in both their Shields one device, which was this, they were depainted between Love and Liberty, with these words: 
If sorrow must needs come,  
'tis best to attend it,  
And seek to amend it.   
Every man affected the two valiant youths. After them came with their old devices, the five brothers of the hidden wood, saving that Floralisa, and Don Argante, according to that which they felt, had set in their shields: for the Lady bore jealousy proper, which was painted like a lover, having more eyes than Argos, with these words: 
No eyes can behold  
The plagues of this torment,  
Nor heart but will rend.   
The new enamoured, whose eyes had made his heart to feel the flame, bore Constancy naturally depainted, with this mot: 
No grief but may be endured,  
If loving at leisure,  
It pass not all measure.   
All the place noted the device of these two, although that none of the greeks knew Floralisa: for fearing that the Knight would not fight the Combat with her, she covered all her armour with blue silk. There came the famous Epirabio, so gallant, that he gave good hope of him: the like did Lindauro, and the most mighty Aristoldo, with the Prince of Almany, who came all in grey, with many waves of gold wrought with the hammer, on his armour. The mighty Brandaso, who would also show himself affected to Ladies, came into the field, armed with clean & well tempered steel. The Pagan brought for his device, a Lion, which he in his youth had torn in pieces with his hands, with these words: 
What force would work his smart,  
Which yields himself in every part,  
Sith the Lion hath no heart?   
There went with him the mighty Coriandro, a valiant knight, although he had ill luck with the Greek Princesses. At last came in, with a gallant show and furious aspect, the two emulators, Brauorante, although with no determination to fight, and the brave Brufaldoro: who as he so dearly loved his Lady, so could he not endure the wrong which he thought was done her. They all repaired to the place where the Moorish Ladies stood, so fair, that they would make the Sun to seem foul in the midst of his course.  
The Knight with the Eagle (quoth the Emperor of Trapisonda) had need of hands to answer all those which have presented themselves at the Lists: & truly he hath proceeded with much discretion, to crave favour at the Greek Ladies hands, for such cruel battles as he is like to have; which if he perform with his honour, it shall be to him the greatest of the world; for the Knights with whom he is to fight, are the most famous under the Sun. All that which may be given him for favour (said the gallant Helena) hath been given him by the hands of these Princesses: for having such a surety as is the Prince of the great Brittany, what attempt but is assured? They could not proceed in their discourse: for in the place was heard a great noise, which was, that the Tinacrian coming forth at one side of his Tent, would show himself to the Greek Ladies. There was never sweeter Music heard in Gréece, then at his coming forth, without knowing who made it: and there were many Squibs and fireworks thrown into the air, which gave great pleasure to the beholders: But much more, when they saw Poliphebus the son of Trebatius, come between two Ladies so gallant, that he carried every man's eyes with him: his Arms were of the colour of his Tent, set with many Eagles of Gold, so artificially done, and with so many stones of sundry colours, that the Sun shining upon them, no man could behold them, in the midst of his rich shield: whose borders were of most bright shining stones: in the midst between two towering Herons, he bore an Eagle, so excellently made as was wonderful to behold, and under it were written these words: 
The Eagles wings he ought to have,  
Thereby to mount unto the skies:  
From scorching flames himself to save,  
Or other harm that may arise.   
His device was well liked of, and for his presence there were very few but were well affected unto him. The ladies (whose beauty & bravery made all the assistants to wonder) came clad all in white, cut upon coloured Tinsel, and though cuts set with most fine Rubies: their Gowns were after the Spanish fashion with four sleeves, one pair strait, and embroidered with Gold, and the other pair, long and large, hanging down, serving only for ornament: their hair made up very fair, and set with rich stones, so fair, that many in beholding them, fell extremely in Love: and upon the top of all, rich Garlands. They came alone: for so would the Tinacrian have it. He bore his Lance himself, with his Beaver down, and with the same arms, which the Nymphs had given him, so as no man could know him. They went directly to those standings where the Greek Ladies were, whither when he came, making his horse to kneel down, putting up his Beaver, with great reverence, he said,  
Sovereign Princesses of Grecia, the favours have been so great, and so many, which I have received from you, that I am not of hope to be able to requite them: but to acknowledge the duty on my part, and these Ladies all the days of our lives, employing the same in your service, and to lose it therein, shall be to us grateful. These Lady's beauty (said the Empress Claridiana) is more worthy, and your valour (Sir Knight) bindeth all to favour you, although that he which bringeth so good assurance with himself, needeth no greater favour than from his own presence, which is such as assureth the palm of the battles, whose end we wish may ●e such as the Greek Ladies do desire. The young man bowed down his head to his saddle bow, leaving them all amazed as much at his gallant countenance and good behaviour, as at the bravery and beauty of the Ladies, which seemed to them to be exquisite. They took their leave, going directly to their Tent, where they were solemnly received with such heavenly music, as none could be better upon earth. In sight of the camp he was armed, but by whom, it was unknown. There was a stately Theatre made for the Ladies, to behold the battle. Upon a great pillar they hanged the Prince's shield, bringing an infinite many of Lances, that those which would but only just, should want no Lances for that purpose. The Tinacrian paced over the field upon his Rubican (a bet●er horse there was not in the world) with such a grace, as Mars could have done no better. There wanted not some in a readiness to come into the lists: for Lindauro, who yet had not lost Venus' love, would there show it. Ah, he that had so excellent a wit, as might be able to depaint (with contentment to all) those battles, which were the best worth the seeing of any that ever were in the world: for the Pagan which first presented himself in the lists, was valiant, and who without question was most enamoured; although he never attained to any thing whereby he might perceive that he was beloved.  
He smote his furious horse with the spars: but with the Tinacrian he got little; for he made him with the encounter to take hold of the saddle pummel, for fear of falling. The young Gallant past forth with a brave countenance, and turned his horse upon the hand, so lightly, as could not be thought. The Prince came ashamed of his ill success; and desiring to amend what was past, drawing his sword, with both his hands he smote the Tinacrian upon the Helm: it sounded like a bell; and the enamoured youth well felt the blow: but seeing how many and how valiant Knights there yet remained to come, it behoved him to give a good account of himself, or not to be called the son of the great Trebatius, repaying him another were but small hope of victory. They encountered with Mars his might: for it seemed that some great house was fallen, when their lances broke, they made such a noise. The Almain lost his reins and stirrups, and was so besides himself, that the Tinacrian perceiving it (trusting to his Rubican) ran upon him with his horse's breast, and overbare them both to the ground; wherein fortune was contrary unto him; for as he was taken so at unawares, he had no leisure to pull his foot out of the stirrup, and so one leg was under his horse, who with the force of the encounter died presently.  
Trebatius his son alighted, leaving the whole camp amazed at his valiancy, and went to the Almain, & holp him to free himself from his horse, saying unto him, I will not, sir Knight, that you should lose that for want of a horse, which your valour doth assure you: and so you may end the battle on foot. But he was in so ill taking with his fall, that he was enforced to give over the battle, and to leave his shield behind, which much despited Bembo, who loved him very much, admiring at that which he with the Eagle had used towards him. I believe (quoth the fair girl Rosabella) that my Lord, my brother Rosabel, did better know this Knight then me, that he was so ready to be his surety: & seeing we were scrupulous in giving him this leave, it is reason that we should recompense him with something, the better to encourage him against the Captain of the Moors, who (they say) is very valiant. Her fair mother stood hard by, & laughed at the girls speeches, who well knew what Knight that was: for her son Rosabel had told her: upon which assurance she said, Seeing you are so careful for the good of this Knight, being challenged, I am content that you shall send him a pledge from your hand, that he may see how much his valour is esteemed. All the rest of the young girls h●lpe to further what Olivia had required. In the end rosabella's fair sister was to take from her neck, one of the most rich jewels in the world: It had been her mothers, which Rosabel had brought out of Astrutio his Country: there was not a better piece in that field. She gave it to a Damsel of hers, who with many Knights which held her company, came down to the place where the Tinacrian, with a n●w Lance in his hand, was on horseback. The Prince seeing her coming, leapt from his horse, receiving her with much courtesy, which he showed to women, more than any other Prince of the world. The Damsel said unto him, Ualorous Knight with the Eagle, my Lady the Princess Rosabella, daughter to the Prince Rosacler, commendeth her to you, & seeing the valour which you have shown, which she imagineth to come from the Greek Ladies hands, which with such generosity gave you leave, she sendeth from them & herself this jewel, to the end you should know of what credit your suit is, & how highly your valour is esteemed. The Tinacrian smiling, received it, & said, Tell these sovereign Princesses (fair Damsel) that with such favours, (such as the Gods are unworthy of) it shall be easy to accomplish this enterprise, & again, a new to bind me to be theirs, which this rich gift cannot do, seeing I am so already, & shall be till I die. And acknowledging how much I am bounden, I find it to be so much, that to lost my life, it is too little to requi●e all, of what I have received. He delivered the message with so loud a voice, that the Ladies which stood about the ●ent heard him. Luzela did assure herself of her Knight, seeing the gift came from so near a kinswoman. He put it about his neck, in sight of all the camp, which was a wound to the Moors Ladies hearts, to see him so favoured, which was enemy to their beauty. The Greek Ladies did celebrate the courteous answer of the Knight, who seeing the place clear, took horse, as light as a bird, and taking his place, expected the coming of some adversary, desirous to make them know their errors. There wanted not those who were so conceited of their Mistress' beauty, that they opposed themselves against him, although that there were some question about it: for every one would be the first. At length the lot fell to the mighty Brundusio, who being armed with strong planks of steel, made head against the Tinacrian, whose battle and the rest deserveth a new Chapter.   

CHAP. XXIIII. Of the cruel battle between Brundusio and Poliphebus, with the coming of the courageous Lindoriano, Prince of Niquea.  
WIth Sovereign praises (most excellent Prince) did all Grecia extol the noble Tinacrian, whose fame reached to the heavens: for in less than three hours, he had overcome three of the most famous Princes in the Moors Campe. And Brundusio Prince of Gibia, desirous to revenge their losses, with a most gallant show confronted luzela's lover: there was never seen a more angry onset: for before the beholders could imagine it, they were together, making little splinters of their great Lances, whose truncheons flew out of sight, up into the clouds. The Pagan lost a stirrup: they turned their horses, & coming to strike both together with such force, as beat their heads into their bosoms, they struck again, and again; and coming to the fourth blow, (not able to endure the force of their strong arms) they laid their heads on the Saddle pummels. It was good for the Tinacrian that he came so well armed: for although that he did not cut his armour, yet he made his flesh black and blue. The contrary happened to the Pagan: for in two or three places the blood began to come forth. Garrofileaes son was not better chafed of all that day: for seeing how the Moor had used him, he flung his shield at his back, (he was never wont to do so, but when as in this manner he was in choler) and took his sword in both his hands. I believe that he of Gibia was afraid, and had reason; for coming to strike him, he put many in fear to see him brandish his sword. The Pagan could not avoid the blow; for Rubican was so swift, that before he could be in a readiness, the young warrior was with him, and cloven his shield from side to side, and the blow lighted upon his Helm with such force, that it struck away the one half, with a piece of his head, and made him ready to fall. He knew not whether it were day or night: he gave him a second, and hit him upon one shoulder; it carried away the poldron and vauntbrace: all the camp thought that he had done the like by his arm; and the Moor to save himself from falling, took hold of his horse's neck; yet he recovered himself, and more fierce than a Lion, he threw his broken shield to the ground; and taking his sword in both hands, he set upon the Prince, who lifting up his sword and shield, received the blow upon both; and as the edge of his was so excellent, it cut the Moors in two pieces, making him to lose the greatest part of the force of the blow. This notwithstanding, he struck him with the rest upon the Helm and Shield, hurling him down upon the saddle pummel: he saw the stars in his Helmet, and much blood gushed out at his ears and nostrils. The Pagan flung at him the rest of his sword, with such force, as if it had been shot out of a Culuerine, and as he raised himself, it smote him on the midst of the breastplate, such a blow, as smote the best part of the wind out of his body. And as he saw him thus troubled, valuing himself equal to him in strength, he closed with him, and had he been any other than the Tinacrian, he had pulled him from his horse: but it seemed to him that he met with a rock.  
Trebatius son recovered his breath, and setting upon the Moor (as he was stronger than he) he plucked him from his Saddle, but could not hold him for weight: for he was a big man, and so he was constrained to leap with him to the ground, where, before he could recover himself, with his dagger he had almost let out his soul: for he wounded him deadly, and so left him being somewhat weary (although beholding his Lady so fair and so pleasant, and all the rest of the Greek Ladies, which joyfully beheld him to see his rare valour) with a skip he recovered his saddle, their beauties reviving his wearied spirits.  
The most strong Astorildo scarcely suffered him to take his lance, when he came armed in sky coloured armour, with Death in his shield, painted so at life, that the workmanship was pleasing, although the work were not so. This free Bachelor loved Eufronisa so much, that although that he plainly saw she loved him not, yet he never left to love her until afterwards, as shallbe declared. Round about Death were written these words: 
Her name doth not put me in fear,  
For she's with me at bed and board,  
As my mishap doth bear record.   
The Lady knew well how dearly this Prince did love her: but there is no greater grief to one beloved, than not to be able to help, nor fayne any favour. He came with a good grace into the field, assuring his business better than any before him. They parted swifter than the wind, and met in the midst of the carriers. With too greedy coveting the Tinacrian mist his blow, which went to his soul, and the more, for meeting the Calidonyan, he made him vilely to bend in his ●addle. There was never Hyrcanian Tiger that turned so; for seeing his Lance whole, he hurle● it as though it had been shot out of a Cannon: the one half entered into the ground, the rest beating the unseen air.  
The stranger returned with greater courage than a Lion, glad of his good encounter, and would have given the first blew, bearing his Shield more forward than was reason; but it happened accordingly: for the Tinacrian was more nimble than he, who crossing his Sword, bore by the blow, and passing by with his Rubican, gave him a knock athwart the Helmet, on the right side, and made him to hold his neck at one side. He returned at one side with a thrust, which put him from his Saddle, and had he known so much, he had overthrown him. Rosamundies' brother recovered, being ashamed to see himself in such a case, and being in breath, he entered, not knowing his enemy's strength, and before that they had taken good hold of their swords, he suddenly smote him upon the rich Helm. It seemed (according to the sparkles which flew out of it) that he had smitten upon a fine flint stone: and the young man showed some forgetfulness in his saddle, making the Moor more careful to come with another: he gave it him upon one side of the Shield, and beat it to his Beaver, with such force, that it made him hold his head backwards. Now was choler mounted to the highest degree, and in such sort, that it were mere madness to fight with him: for taking his sword in both his hands, he would have beaten Diamonds to pieces: there was no defence in the shield, nor in the Armour, although enchanted, nor in most pure steel: for the one his arm breaketh: and the other, the ancient temper of the sword cutteth, that except Rosamundies and Rosabel's, there was not such another in the world: it smote away a corner of his shield, and the sword lighted on the shoulder: it tormented him so much, that he could not bear the weight of the shield; and so he let it fall, giving the young man opportunity to come upon him with a thrust: and had he borne his arm a little more even, he had thrust him thorough, from side to side, and therewith made him to feel it in his flesh. All the Camp was in a tumult to see the young man's unmeasurable blows; every where there was no speech but of his rare valour. I fear me (said the Emperor Trebatius to him of Tribisonda) that the Princes of the Camp will incur some danger, with this furious Knight.  
I am of that opinion (answered the son) although I assure your Majesty, the courage which those three knights showed, (which were, that Knight with the Stars, and the two new Knights) made me to wonder, and I greatly desire to see them tried with him. That will quickly be seen, (answered the Father) for as he layeth about him, there are few within the Lists to resist his arm (as it was true:) for turning again to behold the battle, the advantage was apparent of Tinacrian his side, although that the other by defending and offending himself so well, deserved the name of valiant, notwithstanding that he should remain overcome: for now they said it was no disgrace to be so, by such a Knight as that was: for the gods had not reserved to themselves any greater valour, than they had infused into him. It seemed unto him, that fight with such dexterity and skill, having so much to do, it was to spend much time. And so caring for nothing but to end the battle, he gripped the Pagan so hard, that he knew not where he was; and would also with a blow have ended the fight: for taking his sword in both his hands, he made towards his enemy; he made many afraid, to see him come with such fury, assailing him at one side. The Tinacrian would have bettered it: but it was like to have been to his own damage; for the Moor was subtle, and perceiving that he warded not his head, he gave him the greatest blow that ever he had smitten: hitting him at one side, he beat his Helm round, and made him to lose part of his sight, casting out much blood: notwithstanding all which, he was still very heedful, which in such extremities, was that which did assure him of the battle: for●losing with him with his dagger (for therewith great adventures were to be performed, although not with the Tinacrian, but by another young man, as in the fourth part of this History, he which ruleth the heavens giving me health, shall be declared) he gave him two mortal wounds, and left him (although on horseback, yet breathless) and seeing him in such sort, he shouldered him, and threw him to the ground. There was no fault in this Prince, but that in particular battles he was very cruel until they were ended. He caused him to be borne out of the field, leaving his shield for a pawn. All the Moors were moved, and Bembo would be the first, but that Flora would have him to be the last. Into the Lists came the famous Thorisiano, with his accustomed arms, which were as good as any in the world. He was not enamoured, but yet was sent by the Ladies. And as he was known to the Greeks, and held for so valiant, they were in doubt of the Tinacrian, but not they which kn●w what belonged to the wars: and much les●e Rosabel, who was overjoyed to see how well his uncle had acquitted himself: and he did the more rejoice, to think, what contentment his mighty Grandfather would conceive, when he should know him to be his son. If your favour were ever disagreeable, fair Ladies, said the Empress Briania, to the young Ladies, in my opinion it is now: for with this coming of the adversary, all the company doth mutter, doubting of your Knight. There is no cause of fear (sovereign Empress) said the fair Aurelia, our warrior being so much loved and favoured as he is. They had not stepped a foot from the place, when they heard a great noise in the field, which was, that the one ran at the other, with a greater swiftness, than an arrow flieth out of a bow. The Pagan was extreme strong: but he met with one which in fight renewed his courage: for coming to encounter in the career, their Lances flew into small splinters, and Thorisiano hardly escaped falling, for he was driven to seize on his horse neck, without knowing what he did. luzela's gentle lover was somewhat troubled, which was well perceived by the assistants, whereby they judged of his enemy's valour: who drawing the brave Astrutio King of the Medes his good Sword, made towards the Tinacrian. At one instant they struck two mortal blows, which made them both to see a thousand stars in the floor.  
The Challenger had the best horse in the world, for which cause his enemy could not meet him, although he returned with excellent swiftness against him, but rather carried away with his furious blow, gave place to the Lover to give a terrible blow behind, under his righ● shoulder, which did so torment him, that he scarcely felt his sword arm. The pain was soon gone, which was an adventure for the young man: for the Tinacrian was come with another, with greater haste then good speed: for he came so near, that Thorisiano might well strike him. The Greek never received a greater blow: for he smote him on the brim of the Helmet, and with a little more had stricken it from his head, making him bow lower than he would have done: and before he could recover himself, he gave him a sore thrust, and hit him luckily in the joint of the vaunthrace, and was the first that died his sword in the Tinacrians blood▪ The rest (which remained) freezed in his body, and roaring within himself, more fiercely than a furious Tiger, he ran upon Thorisiano. Had Mars himself seen him come with that fury, he would have been afraid of him.  
There was no steeled shield, nor planks of fine steel, but all was too little against the fury of the Tinacrian. He struck away his shield, and it was a great chance, that he had not done as much by his arm: the blow passed to his Helmet, with such force, that it made it fly from his head, breaking the buckles, leaving all his face bloody, which came out at nose and eyes. Wherewith was heard a great shout in the field, crying, The Moor ladies Champion is dead.  
The Tinacrian seeing him so fair, and so amazed, was moved with compassion, and to do that which he never did, which was, to hold his hands: for if he had stricken him again, it had been the last battle that ever that Prince had fought. But he stayed to let him take breath; & when he was fully recovered, making himself ready for his defence, he said unto him, I would not, sir Knight, that your great mind should be any occasion of your disgrace, for which I should be sorry: you are wounded and disarmed; the best course will be, to give ever the battle without farther contention.  
The unknown Thorisiano was of good behaviour, and seeing his gentle offer, he said, I am very sorry, sir Knight, that by so many ways you have the victory of me: but seeing the heavens have so ordained it, all is for the best, and which best fitteth me. The Tinacrian took his answer very kindly, calling to his Squire for the Helmet which he gave him, saying, I will not that your Shield remain with me, as a sign that you are overcome, but for a token that I am yours. The courteous speeches of the Tinacrian did greatly win the hearts of all those which were in the field. The young man went forth of the Lists, of whom was made great account for the valour of his person.  
There was made a great noise in the camp: for Don Argante had taken the place with so angry a countenance, that all men perceived with how great fury he came. All this was nothing to move the Tinacrian. For with greater mildness then in such a case was requisite, he went to the place where the Lances were, and there he chose a great Lance: and putting up his Beaver to take the air, and to wipe away the bloody sweat, (for never did any Knight endure so much in so little time) he encouraged his Rubican, and giving him the spur, he became as fresh as the wind, when it cometh forth of his dark dungeons, and then with a wonderful and incredible swiftness he made towards the disguised lover. They met with so great noise, that if two great Carricks had met in a rough sea, they could have made no greater. The Fenician with the force of the encounter, lost his horse reins, but he quickly recovered them: they turned their horses with such a grace, that M●rs could have done it with no greater. Trebatius his Son being mounted upon his Rubican, had the advantage of all the world, and with that strong armour: for in it (notwithstanding so many battles) there was not one scar to be seen: but as the Sun went down into the Spanish Seas, there was no fairer sight to be seen, than the colours and reflection which it made, which sufficeth to make Luzela to love him: which joyful to see him, said to the fair Rosoluia, I do believe that but for your beauty, the Prince could never have achieved so many battles with so much honour. Nay, from your beauty, fair Princess, springeth his valour which he hath shown, quoth the Princess, and let us see how he fareth with him in the green scarf, who in my opinion is valiant. The one took his course more swift than thought, against the other. They met, and made a fearful noise at the breaking of their Lances, whose splinters flews out of sight, they entered so far into the region of the air.  
They were both courageous: and so they returned, the Fenician having lost both his Stirrups, which he so quickly recovered, that it was scarcely perceived. The Tinacrian presuming of his Rubican, would medes make a proud attempt, but his hope failed him: for this lover was one of the most ready men in the world, & in this case would rather die, then be overcome. For as the Tinacrian approached (putting his horse aside, he made him to lose his blow, giving means to Argante to smite him as he passed by, a mighty blow backwards, making him to lay his breast on the Saddle pummel. He hastened after him, and both together met with such force, with their Shields and Helmets, that both of them without any power to avoid it, fell together to the ground. The Tinacrian fell upon his feet, although so troubled, that whilst he was in that passion, the Fenician had time to rise again, but so bruised with the fall, that he much doubted of the battle. But he was so courageous, that therewith he supplied that imperfection, and on foot, held himself sufficient to give battle to Hercules. The battle was worthy to be seen by such persons: for both their dexterities were such, as made all the beholders amazed. But it was quickly seen, that the Greek had the better: for (as it hath been already said) he had the advantage of all men. His adversary would have closed, to have wrestled with him, hoping thereby to have gotten ground. The Tinacrian was well breathed, and had his sword with the point forwards, which the Greek crossed, meaning to bear by the blow: but he understood his enemy's meaning: for he was not well fitted to that ward, when letting fall his Shield and Sword, he closed with him so suddenly, that Poliphebus could not help himself with his arms. This Lover took so good hold of him, that he raised him from the earth, and had he been any other than Garrofileaes son, he had laid him all along upon the ground, getting great part of the Lists upon him: whereat the people made so great a noise, that the Tinacrian became as fierce as a Basilisk, and taking footing, he recovered all that he had lost.  
Thus they struggled together over the field, beating themselves out of breath, until that at last, the Tinacrian holding himself disgraced, with a round wheeling about, laid him all along upon the ground, where, in despite of him, (although that he therewith was more troubled, than he had been all the day before) he made him leave his Shield for a remembrance of his overthrow: which all men did so admire, that they knew not what to say, seeing that brave Knight overcome, who was more furious than a Lyon.  
The Tinacrian went into his Tents, to take something of the Nymphs, to refresh him of his weariness, which luzela's aunt had given them. He stayed but a little, for now the Sun began to withdraw his light, and already was come into the Lists. No worse man than the Prince of Assyria, Don C●a●●el, who desirous to be avenged for his two dear friends, brandishing a great Lance, came toward the Tinacrian. The strong blows which were given would have cleft a Rock, and yet not them, which bore Shields more hard than the hardest Diamond. The Assyrian was borne back in his Saddle, with the force of the encounter, although so little, that it was scarcely perceived: but they rather said (as it was true indeed) that he was the most valiant of them all, which had entered into battle with the Prince of ●inacria. They returned with an excellent grace, and with their strokes, each of them bowed down to the Saddle. They seconded them with others, which with their blood bore witness of their valour.  
The Assyrian was skilful, and wore an excellent Sword, although that against the Greek lions Armour, the goodness thereof served to small purpose. And so the fury of the battle was referred to the strength of the arm, striking him so cruelly, that all his flesh was black and blue.  
The Assyrian escaped no better cheap: for his armour could not defend him, but that the blood came forth in sundry places, not without some grief to Floralisa, who knowing how much that Prince loved her, she could not choose but love him again, and be sorry for his hurts: the sight of his blood did redouble his strength. Wherefore taking his Sword in both hands, he set upon the Tinacrian, who could not avoid the blow, which came with such fury, that it made him set one hand to the ground: he overtook him with another, which made him set the other to ground, to keep him from falling downright.  
There was never Upper trodden upon, that returned like to this angry young m●n: it served to small purpose to have a Shield: for beating it to his head, he made it so thunder about his ears, that he went crosslegged, ready to fall. He h●lpe him forwards with a mighty thrust, with such force, that if the Lover had not wound about, letting it pass, it had killed him: and for all this, he made him set both his hands to the ground: but he arose again with more discretion than the Tinacrian imagined, who stayed, seeking opportunity to strike him without danger. The Assyrian prevented him, setting one knee to the ground, letting the thrust pass over his head: and therewithal thrusting out his arm, he smote him on the left leg. The Greek bescarde, thought that he had surely lost it, the blow was so terrible: and drawing it after him, he became as fierce as a hungry Lion, and with both hands smote the Assyrian such a blow upon the Shield, that it cut away a piece thereof, wounding him somewhat in the shoulder: and therewith closed with him, fearing (because it was almost night) that he should not overcome him by day light; which would have much grieved him. They came to catch that catch may, where was a terrible struggling: but as the Tinacrian led Fortune by the forelock, he made him hold company with the rest: yet he went out of the field with double honour, so much extolling the Tinacrian, that his fame passed the clouds. Into the place came one of the most choice knights in all the fields, he was armed in blue, set with hearts of gold, so well and so artificially, that it was very pleasing to behold. In the midst of the Shield, which was of the same colour that his armour was, he bore Fortune depainted, as if she with her hand raised him from the earth, although with small contentment, with this writing: 
My hand will serve thee to no end,  
Or other help that I can lend,  
If thy Lady and love be not thy friend.   
There was no man in that place, but took pleasure in that small show, which fortunes Knight had showed: for so they all called him, who coming to the Tinacrians Tent, and knowing his beloved Rosaluira, there is no grief comparable to that which he felt, when he saw that it was for her, that this Knight fought these combats, and that she took pleasure therein. The disease of jealousy touched him, and seeing that no man came into the Lists, spurring his horse, he entered, all men wondering at his good countenance. Poliphebus made more account of him, then of any of the rest past, being much delighted in beholding his good constitution, persuading himself, that he should accordingly be very strong. With a slow pace bearing his lance upon his arm, the mighty Tinacrian went towards him: and putting up his Beaver, seeing that he was not of the Moors Camp, he said,  
Ualorous Knight, in my Cartel I challenge only those which are in the Camp, defending the beauty of the Moor Ladies, against her which commandeth my soul, and so seeing that you are none of them, I cannot enter into the combat with you. This made him more haughty, to hear the mild reasons of the Tinacrian, guessing that in deed it was for fear, and so he answered him, For many causes I may have the combat against you: for I assure you, that in the Camp is that whereto I owe most dutiful love, and the like in your City, so as I may well fight with you. I do believe it, answered the Tinacrian. But yet, except you maintain the beauty of the Moor Ladies, I am not to fight with you, these fifteen days, and then there will want no occasion for you and me to meet. It may not be endured that I should go forth of these Lists, without making you know the error which you uphold, and although that I may not show you my Lady, which is here present, and that you are not worthy to maintain such a challenge for her, I do challenge you to fight presently. The young man was so much displeased herewith, that he was about to turn his horse, and had done it, but for displeasing those of the Camp, who attended to fight, and said unto him, I never thought, that by using you courteously, I should have given you occasion, to show such pride: but because I will not defer the revenge, let us go to the judges, and they shall say, whether that I may enter into this single combat with you or not, having only challenged the Princes of the Campe.  
All the judges, which were four Kings, said, that he could begin no battle without leave from the ladies. Stay, presumptuous Knight, said fortunes Knight, for I will go to demand it; for your death doth as much import me, as my own life. He went to the proud Chariot where the Ladies were, where doing a slight reverence, he said, Sovereign Princesses, seeing the great valiancy of the knights which were appointed to be of your party, and for that you have reposed this matter in their hands, I have not presumed to intrude to be of so valorous a number, but by another way I hope to let you know, how much in the world there is due unto you, and thereupon I have de●ied the Knight with the Eagle, upon this, that he is not worthy to maintain such a challenge; but he may not fight with me hereupon, without your leave: although that I have not deserved it, yet relying on that desire which I have to do you service, I beseech you to give me leave, seeing there yet remaineth time enough for these Princes, to answer the challenge. The most strong Bembo drew near, to hear the Knight's embassage: to whom (when the Empress of the Romans saw him) she said, This Knight's request, seeing it concerneth you, is to be answered according to your liking, whereupon all these Ladies and myself will stand. The pride wherewith he answered the courteous Tinacrian, had almost angered him, & thinking that he would give account of himself, he said, There is no more to be said, but that I may go with your good leave: for I shall stand in need thereof. The Pagan humbled himself unto the Ladies, although not to Bembo, whereat he was not a little offended. And returning to the Greek, he said with a loud voice, that all those which were in the place might hear it: Go, to, you cowardly Knight, the Ladies desire to see how dearly your presumption will cost you. At the least, if pride may bear it (answered the Tinacrian) there was never seen any more valiant than you. Let the battle begin presently, wherein I will show you better hands, than you do me a tongue.  
The judges stayed them, saying, that after Sun set, a particular combat was not to be allowed, and therefore they were to stay until the morrow. Let it be as it shall please you, answered Fortune's Knight: for I never was in any Country in my life, where combats were admitted with so many conditions. He went from the Lists and the Camp also, because he would not be known, before that battle were ended: for you shall understand, that it was the most strong Lindoriano, who knowing in Tinacria, that they had stolen away his Lady Rosiluira, went to seek her, until that in Niquea, he remembered to come to the aid of his Father the soldan: for where there were so great assemblies of men, he might peradventure hear of her: and his fortune brought him in so good time as this: and although that he were one of the most courteous knights in the world, yet jealousy did so torment him, that it made him show his pride.  
Those in the sumptuous Chariots, came to salute the Greek Ladies, between which past many discreet speeches, the great Trebatius inviting them to the City, during the time of the Truce. Some were glad thereof, whereof Arbolinda Princess of Scotland was none of the last, who looking among those Princes, found out her beloved Florisarte, so gallant, and so brave, that she would that she had had another soul, to have imparted one unto him in payment.  
Also it did somewhat revive the spirits of the Roman Princess, to see her Don Heleno. She which sped worst at this meeting, was the gallant Eufronisa, who could not see her beloved Rosabel, who was secretly gone to visit his uncle, who did not a little regard him, when the Ladies departed from the Campe. The valiant Tinacrian went to accompany the Greek Ladies, till they were out of the field, where he took his leave, saying, that he could go no further.  
With great joy the Ladies received him, passing the rest of the night in pleasant discourses, although the Tinacrian were so angry with the Knight of Fortune, that he longed to have him by the ears. Arbolinda desired nothing so much, as the day, because she would send a message to the Prince of Tharsis.  
In the next Chapter you shall know what passed: for now it is time to take rest.   

CHAP. XXV. Of the cruel battle between the two Princes.  
THe power of Love, valorous Dames, doth now so withdraw me, that in the midst of so much blood as here is spilled, I cannot choose but steal a little time to treat of the disease of Love, and what power it hath in the soul of the gallant Arbolinda, who came to her lodging, even lovesick, which did so gripe her, that she could not forbear to send to speak a word with her lover, under the name of Artimio, which was the name which he took, when in the habit of a Squire he went with Florisarte, as in the second part of this true History is declared.  
And taking paper and ●●ke, she wrote a letter to the Prince, which she gave to a favourite of hers, to give the same unto him, so soon as the appointed battle should be ended. And herewith the Lady reposed herself, attending the day, which appeared so fair, that it seemed that the Sun had sought out new & more bright shining beams: for he showed himself more fair, then when he was herdsman, and kept his flocks by the shores of Silisia. Through all the City (for so had Rosabel commanded, that at the break of day, they should discharge the watch with a peal of Ordinance, giving a merry good morrow) the great captain Astrutio from the Sea answered them, who leaving his charge with his Cousin, went disguised to the sh●are to see those battles. The Ladies came forth of their Camp in their mighty Chariot, and hard by them, those which remained for the battle. The fair Greek Ladies came accompanied, as well with beauty as with Knights: for all the best of the City came with them. They took their standing, attending the coming of the Ladies of the tent, the which were clad all in green cut upon Cornation, so fair, that therewith they did assure the palm of victory to the knight with the Eagles; who mounted upon his mighty horse. came armed at all pieces in green Armour, with so many artificial knots, and such abundance of precious stones, that more could not be wished for: he bore in the midst of his shield his usual Eagle, so excellently well drawn, that it seemed to be alive, and had changed the inscription: for by the Herons he had this mot: 
Well may firm affection,  
Which is fixed and will not start,  
Assure itself of just reward,  
And certain solace for the heart.   
The Greek Ladies were much delighted with the Tinacrians pleasant device, who doing reverence unto them, with a great Lance in his hand, expected the coming of his enemy, who was not slack in coming into the lists, armed with his strong Armour: and without speaking one word, seeing his beloved Rosaluira clad in the same colours as the Knight was; as malicious as a serpent, he made towards him as swift as the wind. The two famous warriors broke their Lances into small sticks, although the Pagan in the encounter lost one stirrup, with a foul back bending in his saddle: Our Prince did likewise double somewhat in his, but it was so little as could hardly be seen. He was so earnest and so choleric, that he did not see the time to be revenged according as he desired; but spurring his horse, he passed so far forwards, that he could give no blow to the purpose: which the warlike Moor perceiving, gave him (before that he could clear himself from him) so huge a blow athwart the Helm, that it made his teeth chatter in his head; and coming with another with no less force, he smote him in the middle of the shield; which although he could not pierce for the fineness of the metal, yet he bore it against his head, adding more pain to the former, making him to forget himself: and with the third he set upon his horse's neck.  
All men wondered at the fierceness of the Moor; but much more at the angry looks wherewith Garrofileas son turned to see himself so ill entreated. He expected no defence in his shield, which he threw at his back, and as an enraged Knight, he set upon him of Niquea.  
Every body was afraid, and he (as strong as he was) was afraid; for raising himself in his stirrups, he gave him one of the most cruel blows that had been given in all those battles: for he smote him off a great corner of his shield, & the terrible sword falling upon his left shoulder, left all that side disarmed and sore wounded, and before he could fit himself again, he gave him a thrust, but it was sidelong: it was great hap that he had not nailed the one side to the other, but it carried away the side of his breastplate, & part of his shirt of M●ile, casting him back upon his horses buttocks. The Tinacrian showed courtesy to many men, but this Lover had much offended him, and so seeing him in that taking, trusting much to his Rubican, he meant to end the battle, by treading him under his horses ●éete. But this young man, who had been in many fights, before he could come at him, made his horse to bond, making him to miss of his cruel intent: and so he passed so far forwards, and with such fury, as made many to laugh, although he were none of them; who returned with greater fury, than the hungry Lion into the herd. They both together struck upon their rich Helmete, and saw within them the clear sky, when it is most starry. They doubled their first blows, making their blood to bear record of the force of their arms: if they had given the third, I believe, that with their lives they had ended the sport: but they both withheld, entering like skilful men of war. The Niquean his sword sped best, because that his enemy striking aloft, and finding resistance, letting fall the point of his sword, he gave him a proud thrust beneath his breastplate, and bare away more than a hundred Mailes of his shirt, with part of his thigh.  
Trebatius his son ran out of his wits, when he felt himself hurt in the thigh: he cared not for such preparations as men do usually make: for he suddenly hurled at him, with a mighty blow upon the Helm, and made it clean to his head, giving him a shrewd hurt: he came upon him with an other, which put him quite besides himself, and with better heed than before, he closed with him, and without being any way able to defend himself, he plucked him from his Saddle, leaping with him to the ground, where the Pagan seeing the danger wherein he was, held the Tinacrian fast, where they began a dangerous wrestling, with great quantity of blood falling from either of them. It made all men to admire, to see how long they did endure the fight, with such force and obstinacy, with a fierce pluck, the unseised falling one from another, with great admiration to all that were present, holding the Knight of Fortune for courageous, seeing he could so long make his part good against the Tinacrian, who (thinking that his long stay would be noted for cowardice) began to press his enemy with such force, that he made him to shift from side to side, being almost out of breath; but he defended himself so well, as purchased him great credit, but it lasted but a little: for within three hours after the battle began, the advantage did plainly appear on the Tinacrians side. He perceived it, being willing to shorten the battle, which was likely to have been to his own hurt: for the Moor being well advised, seeing him coming close, stayed for his coming, and before that he could deliver his blow, he gave him one, which made him put his hands and knees to the ground. There was never any Knight seen in such a chafe as was the Tinacrian; for rising again upon his feet, hurling his sword about his head, he gave him athwart the Helmet, a terrible blow, which made him go backwards ready to fall: he holp him forward with two thrusts one after another, shaking with anger: but he felled him, and then more light than a Bird he set upon him, bidding him to yield, who for fear of death, and in hope to be revenged in the field battle, yielded, with such fear to the rest which remained, as is incredible; for now there was no talk but of his great valour.  
Many said that it was Claridiano; for he had been long missing from the Greek Court: for of the rest of the Greek Princes there wanted not one. The Prince was never so wearied in any battle as in this: wherefore to be cured of his hurts, as otherwise ●o rest himself, he speedily went into the Tent where the Nymphs were, who very carefully cured him, which studied nothing else but to give him content in all things.  
He again came forth out of the Tent, whereat they wondered more than at his battles: for according to the liveliness of his countenance, it seemed as though he had done nothing. He chose him a great Lance, waiting for him which would next come, which failed not; for the brave Celindo took the matter in hand, who was known to many by his Arms.  
Of this battle many were doubtful, imagining that the unknown Prince was more courageous than the Greek. They made one at another as swift as the wind, at which time there was a great rumour in the camp, about knowing of the Knight of fortune: for the soldan his father, seeing him so sore hurt, would not that they should proceed with those battles any farther, but that they should renew the war, being very desirous to be revenged for all together: and had not Bembo been present, without doubt it had been so, who saw that therein he should hazard his honour, which he dissembled. The wise Lupertius cured him, but could not imagine what Knight that should be which was so courageous and valiant: for the wise Lady had better provided for her Nephew, (for so she took him) to end these adventures: who spurring his good horse Rubican, the soldan being now turned to behold them, they met in their career with so great noise, as though two great rocks had met. The Tinacrian encountered him so luckily in the midst of the Beaver, so as he disarmed his head, and made him to miss the shock. He returned again upon him, holding the success of that blow for exceeding good fortune: and before that he could draw Queen julia's precious sword, with his he had given him two blows one after another, which was a thousand to one, but that he had killed him, hitting him athwart the Helm, without touching the forepart, where a great piece was gone.  
The enamoured young man returned as fierce as a Basilisk, and with his rich sword, smote the Tinacrian upon the Helmet, which was as much as if he had smitten 〈◊〉 hard well tempered ●ell, and therewith made him shake like an Aspen leaf: he returned with another so soon, that before that he could defend himself, or set himself in any good order to fight, he had again stricken him in the same place, and made him bow down his head to the horses neck. There was never seen a readier Knight, than the Son of Meridian, who seeing the young men somewhat pestered, bearing his Sword hand close by his side, he gave him a strong & a lucky thrust, which bore away his vaunt-brace, taking it just in the joint: and it was great luck, that he had not thrust him thorough the arm. Saturn never showed himself more angry against Mars, than the Tinacrian did against the Son of Floralinda: for hurling his good sword about, he smote away his Shield at one blow, cutting those hands which hung on his arm; and but that he drew back, he had put his arm in danger, which notwithstanding did much torment him. They now care no more for defence, but joining their horses close together, as though they smote upon Anuilles, so did these warriors upon their Helmets, amazing all that behold them.  
The Knight of the camp (quoth the king of Macedonia, and Grandfather to the Prince) is of a mighty strength, but I believe that no man can compare with the Knight with the Eagle: And had I not seen his face, thereby assured that it is not Claridiano, I should have thought that it had been the same: for I never saw man so like him, in lordly grace, and comeliness in battles, as he is. Your highness saith truth, answered the great Zoilo, and I believe that the Pagans have met with one, who will give them enough to do. I expect nothing, (quoth the fair Archisilora) until the two youths come in: for men of greater courage the world containeth not.  
The warriors lost no time, which being out of breath, were yet more furious than the raging sea. It seemed unto the unknown Macedonian, that he spent much time in that battle, and the Tinacrian thought no less. It seemed also that they agreed in one: for lifting up their swords, they smote so great blows, that clean without any feeling, they fell upon their horses necks. Garrofileaes son within a while came again to himself: he was never wont to charge at advantage, but now he was so blind with passion and fury, that he forgot himself, carried away with desire to overcome: and so seeing his enemy, who as yet was scarcely come to his remembrance, with two jumps he was with him, just as he came to himself; yet he could not strike him, but took him at such advantage, that he plucked him out of his Saddle, giving him so great a fall against the ground, that he could hardly rise, he was so sore bruised therewith.  
All the Pagans camp was very sorry for Don Celindo his mishap. luzela's Lover leapt after him, and before that he knew where he was, he gave him two blows one after another, which put him past all remembrance, leaving him breathless upon the ground, taking from him the best Shield that ever he got, and was glad in his soul, that he had so ended the battle.  
Much did those four shining Lamps of beauty, extol the valiancy of the Tinacrian. Let us attribute it, quoth the fair Policena, to our favour: for it is not possible that it should come elsewhere. He would make a new challenge hereupon, said the fair Aurelia: for I rather believe, that it proceedeth from the Ladies which he bringeth in his company, who are endued with no less beauty than courtesy, in favouring so warlike a Knight. Well may he be called fortunate, said the fair jewish Artimisa, seeing that they strive to give him contentment, who are able to give and take it away, in despite of love itself, There remaineth yet (fair Ladies, quoth the secretly enamoured Rosaluira) so much for him to do, that in my opinion, this may be referred to the end of all these battles. She said this in regard of Bembo, whom she loved with her soul. The proud attempt of Floralisa put them from this matter, who seeing her brother overcome, there was no viper that showed itself so malicious. This Lady had a most delicate horse: for in his course he would have outrun even thought itself. She gave him the spur, who passed his career swifter than any Eagle, and at their meeting made a greater noise, then when a great high built house talleth to the ground: they passed with an excellent grace the one from the other.  
There was no man among the Greeks that knew the Lady, for she came disguised, for fear that the Knight should refuse the battle against her. And hereupon was much suspicion among them, who this might be, seeing it was the first that matched the young man in the career. The Lady was of a mighty courage: for if Mars himself had been in the field, she would not have refused him in the single combat, with that Lords sword, which was the Troyans' greatest enemy. She made towards the Greek so speedily, that it won his good will, although he much felt the blue: for in receiving it, it made him bow down as low as his Saddle. The Lady lost no opportunity; for she was one that used all diligence: and so, before that the Gallant could recover himself, she, which loved him far better than her own soul, gave him a second.  
O strange effects of love! The warlike Damsel entered with her shield somewhat far from her breast, and came so near to him, that before that he could deliver his blow, she gave him so strong a thrust, as had almost set him besides his saddle, and made him to lose the half of his strength. The Lady got hereby, otherwise it had gone hard with her; for with that little which he gave her, he made her to see a thousand stars under her fair brows, and troubled her so with the blow, that thereby he got means suddenly to give her another.  
He smote her cross the Helm, and smote her so much to one side, that he had almost overthrown her to the ground.  
There was never any Dunce like her, for she plied the young man so well, that she put the battle a thousand times in doubt, which his Lady gave him to understand for she carried herself so in her standing, as though the blows which he received upon his armour, had pierced to her heart. The Tinacrian perceived it, and imagining as it was, he charged the Daughter of Meridian in such ●o●t, as made all the assistants to wonder. The Ladies have made some sign to that Knight (said Venus) for the fierceness wherewith he set upon his adversary, can proceed from no other cause: for nothing doth so much encourage warriors, as the favour of their Ladies. The second Venus said not so, without reason: for having seen his ladies countenance, he was so grieved, that he would that that Knight had been Mars. But for all that he could do, the Lady defended herself so well as could be wished.  
The Tinacrian entered like a master at the wars, meaning at his pleasure to have given her a great blow, bearing his sword aloft: but the warlike Matron understood his pretence, and suffering him to come near to her, with an excellent quickness she foiled his ward, and with her sword in both hands, she gave the Prince upon the Beaver, one of the most cruel blows that ever he received in his life: for falling upon his horse's neck, the blood began to spout out at his mouth and eyes. There came a cold sweat all over those 2. Ladies, when they saw their Poliphebus in the taking. But that being passed, there was never any Lion so furious as he showed himself. For very desperately he flung his Shield at his back. There were few in the place but were afraid of his angry countenance: and gnashing his teeth, he spurred his angry Rubican, and was so soon with her, that she had no time to defend her: for he smote her upon the rich Helm so aswash, that he could not pierce it, yet he broke all the rivets on that side: which the young man well perceived, and giving her another, that the blood sprung out, he set hand to her Helmet, and with a touch plucked it away, leaving her covered with a fine Cawl of gold. All the company was stricken with admiration, when they perceived that she was a woman. The Queen of Lira knew her, and doubting that Poliphebus would have used her discourteously, she would have gone down to entreat him to give over the battle, for the great love which she bore her, ever since they had been together in Tinacria, as is aforesaid: But the Greek was so grateful, considering how much love this Lady had shown him in time past. He said unto her, You having so good assurance of your part, valorous Lady, have wronged your beauty, to seek it with your victorious hands, which if in aught I have offended, as I doubt not but that I have much, you may with less cost take just revenge, although that coming hither upon commandment, it may somewhat excuse me. The victory is yours, and so are all in the world due to your beauty and worthiness, and so I beseech you in token thereof, to take my shield. To bear a pawn from so warlike a Knight, (quoth the Lady) ought to have been done by some valorous knight, for it is not just that we should take that, which to your worth belongeth, seeing that you have so well won it: for I am yours, overcome in battle, which otherwise I will not be.  
She would have left her Shield, which was held for an exceeding greatness of mind, for it was one of the fairest in the world. But the Tinacrian would not yield thereto, but rather accompanying her forth of the Lists, offered her his service: and so returned to his tent, de●●r●ing the rest of the battles until the evening; for these already ended, had somewhat wearied him. Bembo seeing what honour that Knight had gotten upon his dear friends, came forth like a Lyon. There was a great hope of those which remained, that they should again recover that, which the rest had lost. In the standings, whither the Emperor commanded meat to be brought for dinner, there was no speech so long as it lasted, but of the valour of this Knight. If ever he had need, fair Ladies, of your favour, said Liciana, it will be this evening: for I am of opinion, that there remain some behind, which will put him to his shifts: and God grant that he fall not into their danger. He shall not, said the fair Rosamundi: for sith that these Lady's favours have served his turn, for so good a beginning, and middle it will be (no doubt) sufficient, to make a glorious end of that which remaineth. They all wished it, for they loved him in their souls, and were never well, until they might again return to see him. Those of the camp stayed not long at dinner, they were so sharp set: and the greeks being aware of their coming, came to the standing windows to behold them, whose sight deserveth a new Chapter.   

CHAP. XXVI. Of the cruel battle fought between the youth Clecbulo, and Poliphebus of Tinacria, with what happened to Flori●arte of Argentaria.  
Fair Ladies, by often craving your aid (as is reason) I am become troublesome to you. But my necessity, & so great occasion is offered me, that I cannot forbear to re●●ire anew unto you, for some new favour, whereby I may be able with a pleasing style, to deliver unto you, the manner of four of the most famous battles that ever were fought in the world: for they which fought them, were the flower of all valiancy, and for such a cause, as would have made a Lamb a Lion. There were many cruel blows given, but those which the Ladies gave to those youths, could never be cured, but by them which gave them. No man employed himself so well, nor with ●ore reason, than the sons of Eufronisa, which (notwithstanding their brave and courageous hearts) yielded their souls to two Princesses of Grecia, whose brave beauty would have expelled the first Venus. She to whom the gentle Leobulo subjecteth himself, was the gallant Aurelia, daughter of the valorous Tartarian Zoylo, and the fair Princess Tigliaf●, whose love gave occasion to this Prince, and his elder brother, to work wonders, as I will (the Muses assisting me) declare in the fourth part. Well did Lupertius know what peace would grow of these wars, and that he should be a friend to the Greeks. But he was so much offended for the imprisonment of his fellow Scholar Selagio, that he sought to be revenged of the Greek Princes. The destruction of Troy was never so much desired, as was now the ruin of Grecia. And although that he would that these youths should have died thereby, to have despited Rosabel, yet he forbore, to the end he might see the blood which they would shed in the Greek fields, and in the behalf of the Pagans. And for this cause, seeing the furious enemy, with whom they were to encounter, and the luck of his hand, he sent them certain most rich enchanted Armours, which were of the best in the world, all russet, with certain knots of colours, which made a marvelous fair show. They both bore one device: for the gallant Claribel had chosen for his Sovereign Lady, the fair Policena, daughter of the valorous Polidolphus, and of the second Venus. In the midst of their shields they bore the God of Love, giving him for tribute the spoils of their hearts and souls, with these words: 
What may accounted pleasure,  
Which doth yield no greater smart,  
If love therein have no part.   
Both the camps took great pleasure, to see these two gallant contented youths; which passing over the place, took the first standing, although there were some question about it, for the Knight with the Stars had first desired the battle. Brufaldoro was almost mad, because he could not be first. The brave Lord of Achaia challenged it to be his. These five had fallen out about it, had not the Emperor of the Romans, and the soldan of Niquea taken up the matter, which brought them to agreement, which was, that they should draw lots: whereto they agreed, because they would not fall out. The first lot happened to him, which in all was equal to the best, which was Leobello, and the second to his brother, the third to the Knight with the stars, and next after him to Brufaldoro, and the last of all to the furious Bembo, who was as fierce as a Lion, who imagined that after those Knights, there would be no means left for him to fight the battle: but the Tinacrian did so well discharge himself, that he gave them all their hands full. The youth came into the field, with so gallant a countenance, that all affected him: for putting up his Beaver, he went to the Tinacrian, who entertained him very courteously, for they were marvelous like: to whom the valorous youth said,  
Mighty Knight with the Eagle, although it be a presumption for me to enter into the Lists with you, yet, for that my Lady is fairer than she, whom you have made Lady of your soul, if you please, let our battle begin presently: if not, I will give place to these Princes which remain to give end to theirs. The Greek did highly esteem the good speeches of the young man, imagining that they proceeded from a pure noble mind, & made answer, To the end, valorous Knight, that I might not fight with you, I would be glad that you were excluded out of my cartel: but being of the Pagans Camp, my challenge is to be understood to extend as well to the knights as the Ladies. The young man gave him no other answer, then by turning about his horse, and putting down his Beaver, and took so much ground as might suffice for his career. The Tinacrian did the like. Here, oh Nymphs of Parnassus, your help is wanting: and in no occasion, O Mrcurie, thou canst employ thine better, then to explain, with what grace the one parted from the other. As for me to intermeddle in the matter, I shall but wrong those valorous knights, which made the one towards the other, and came so soon together, as could not be imagined. Their strong encounters would have soon broken the hard rocks: but they met with so hard breasts, that the Lances being shivered into small splinters, flew up into the air as high as the clouds; true witnesses of the mighty strength of those two warriors, which without any moving, as though they had been locked in their Saddles, with a singular good grace passed along the one by the other: they returned with their swords aloft, and terrible were their blows. The sparkles which flew from their shields, seemed to set them on fire. The Tinacrian lost the reins of his bridle, and thought that the last day had been come, he heard such thundering about his ears: and out at his mouth came abundance of blood, and he was a while past remembrance. But the young man which had received a full blow, and from the best arm in the world, whose sword hath the best edge, fell upon his Saddle bow bereft of his senses.  
But his horse carried him ten paces off, and every body looked when he would fall: but when he came again to himself, there was no Serpent that was trodden upon, nor Lion in a fever, that was so furious. The courage wherewith he came, made the sparkles of fire to fly out of his eyes. The Tinacrian came again to himself, wondering at the mighty blow which he had received: and seeing his Cousin come so furious, he thought it were but folly to stay for that blow: and as he was more nimble, and was better mounted, so he bore to one side, making him to lose his blow, which came with such force, that it made him to fall down upon his Saddle pummel, so hard, that when he would have settled himself again, he was not able: and the horse finding his head at liberty, with two boundings cast him to ground, although he fell upon his feet. The Eagle never stooped with greater fury after her prey, than the Tinacrian did after the young man, which was not yet fifteen years old: he was one of the most light young men of the world: and when he came to perfect age, no man excelled him; and so with a leap he came to the place where the Greek alighted, and with a strong thrust he bore him a great way backwards. His strong Armour saved his life; for the sword had pierced thorough both his sides, had not such cunning hands forged it.  
The Greek stood no longer upon his skill, seeing himself so battered; but laid on such load upon the new Lover, that he put him quite out of breath, not without loss of some blood▪ for against the Greek sword there was no enchantment that could prevail. He gave him cross the Helmet a cruel blow, he thought by his staggering that he would have fallen. Never was man so furious: for noting his enemy's strength, he began to make benefit of his skill. And the Tinacrian meaning to overthrow him with some side-blow, let fall his sword, and setting forwards his other foot, with his shield over his head, gave him an unhappy thrust, which the Greek thought had put him in danger: for glancing, it chanced to hit in the closing of the armour, where it entered into his left arm, drawing out blood in streams: & not there with content, he pitched his knee to ground, & smote him athwart the right thigh, giving him another wound, although not great: he could not escape, but that the Tinacrian would give him another knock at his ease over the shield, & smote away a great part thereof: the trenchant sword ●ighting upon the Helmet, gave him so terrible a blow, that he set him upon his hands & knees upon the ground: he would have laid him all along, striking him upon the shoulder: but the young man stood firm, & laid hands on the son of Trebatius, who was not reckless, for that is most dangerous in such cases, but suddenly drew out that famous dagger, with which so many high enterprises were to be accomplished, and gave him 2. stabs, far enough more dangerous than the youth did imagine: for trusting to his armour (which indeed was good) he took no care to ward them, he thought he had been wounded to the death, & so in despair (caused through his hurts) he set his left hand upon his dagger hand, which he cros● with his right, & with main force wrested it out of his hand, and would have strike him therewith, and (without doubt) had killed him, if he had not taken hold of his wrist, which he held faster, then if it had been tied with a Cable rope. eufronisa's son did not let slip the occasion: for seeing the Greek bus●ed, and his right arm at liberty, he wonderfully got hold of his legs, & lifted him from ground, who seeking to save himself, fell with his head first to ground, pulling the youth down after him: one sought to get advantage of another, and so tumbling over the field, till they both were all bloody: but that availing not, as light as two birds, they skipped to their weapons. The youth was not so much used to them, neither so ready, nor strong, by reasen of his age, as his well grown kinsman, who had the best sword & armour in the world. There was small advantage to be gotten in this second battle, for that they were both so well armed: but the time came when they were armed alike, & the youth c●me to riper age, when he made him to sweat drops of blood, recovering then, that which now he lost. But now it was impossible to match the Tinacrian, which in arms was so skilful. But for all this he so plied him, that he made him to shift from this side to that, being galled with his wounds, & much more with the fear to lose the battle: but this was the Tinacrians day, as he made it well appear: for the young man entered with an excellent ward, which gave great contentment to all men, saying, that if he & his brother lived to come to perfect age, they would be the best men at arms in the world, as in deed they were. There was much sorrow in all the camp, especially the knight with the stars grieved (who loved him dearly) when he saw that he with the Eagle breaking his ward, on a sudden cut away a great part of his Helmet, and the sword slipped down upon his breast: he also cut away the skirt of his breastplate, with more than half of his Taces, and made him to shake like one that were in great fear: but the pain (which was great) being past, with his sword in both hands he returned, and before that the Greek could step from him, he was likely to have laid him all along. The blow was so furious, and it was so great, that it drew much blood, and put him out of breath.  
Garrosileaes son well perceived it, and holding the victory for certain, crossing his sword aloft, he bore by a weak blow, through want of blood; and closing with him, he lifted him up from ground, before he could recover his breath; and so in his Arms he sent him to the Knight with the Stars, his shield remaining with the Tinacrian. The two youths were so well beloved in all the Pagans camp, that a man cannot imagine what sorrow there was made for the overthrow of Leobello, and chiefly Bembo, who loved himself; and he with the Stars wept blood out at his eyes, in stead of tears. The gallant Claribel was so vexed, that he was beside himself: they began to disarm him, with such grief to the King of Silepsia, and Eufronisa, as though that the one had known him for his nephew, and the other for her son.  
Then came Lupertius, who with his cunning stopped his blood, saying, that it was nothing: wherewith they were appea●●d all, saving the Ladies, who gave the Knight with the Eagle, a thousand curses. They were about to return to the Camp, but it stayed them to see the brave Brufaldoro, who seeing the Prince's busy about Leobello, leapt into the Lists, more furious than the raging Sea. The Tinacrian was glad at the heart; for he had many a day desired this battle, as hath been before declared, about a Pagans wife: he knew him by his Arms, which was, a half Moon in a blue field. The young man made haste, because that Claribel should not challenge the fight, whose lot it was. In coming near to the Moor, he said, Me thinketh by your Arms, Sir Knight, that you should be the King of Mauritania, to sight with whom I have much desired. The time is come (quoth the Moor) wherein we may end it, seeing thou hast so much desired it, but I would fain know with whom I should fight this battle. I will tell thee, said the courageous Tinacrian, upon condition, that thou wilt swear unto me by the order of Knighthood, to keep it secret, until my challenge be ended. I will do so, said the Moor. Then thou shalt know (answered the young man) that I am he, to whom at Sea thou gavest the order of Knighthood, and which brought thy wife from the hands of those fierce Giants: and I am glad that so old a challenge shall now be ended, for I will not give it over, until one of us lie in the dust. Nothing could so well have pleased the Pagan, who no less desired it then the Greek. Without answering one word, he went to his place, while as the young man refreshed himself, praying to the god of his Father to grant him victory, against that furious Pagan, with a determination to forsake his Law and to be baptised. With this new vow, he returned, more courageous, then with any thing that the Nymphs had given him, which charged him to be very circumspect: for it should be behoveful in this battle, because it should be the last. They were all very attentive, without moving so much as their eyelids, for fear, that in the mean space they should encounter, and they not see them.  
There was never any Galley that went so swift with sails and Oars, driven by a fresh gale, as they flew one against another, ending their carriers, with far greater noise than the Sea maketh, when in a tempest it assaileth the firm rocks. On the shores side they broke their Lances, as if they had been little reeds. The one passing by the other without any moving, they turned their horses, with their naked swords in their hands, giving such blows as caused great fear, even in those which were farthest off. They were expert in Arms, and therefore they made good show, with charging and retiring with such speed, that thought could not overtake them. The Greek had the advantage, by reason of his rich Armour and weapons: for he never gave blow but it was bloody: and although that he saw not his blood, he was so weakened with the blows which he received, that it put him out of breath. The Knight entered, bearing his sword aloft, meaning to have overborne him with a course: but the Pagan who in strength was equal to Milo, drawing back his sword to one side, gave him two thrusts one after another, which seemed unto the Greek as though he had broken all his ribs: He stayed so long, by reason of his pain, that the furious African had means to strike him behind upon the Helms; which although that the hardness thereof gave him life, yet it could not save him from turning his head more to one side than he had would: he trusting in the strength of his arms, would needs close with him; but his presumption cost him dear: for the valorous Tinacrian, who although almost choked with blood, which ran out of his mouth down his throat, had not therefore lost any part of his understanding; but seeing him coming, he spurred his good horse Rubican so hard, that he made him to run upon the Moors horse: there was never seen a more fearful shock in the world; for whether the Moor would or n●, he fell, horse and man to the ground, which gave him a shrewd fall. The brave Rubican f●ll backwards, setting his buttocks on the ground, so bruised with the encounter, that he could go no farther forwards. The Greek leapt from him, very glad that he was on foot; for in that manner he would have given the god Mars battle. The Painim was also glad, who was both light and valiant, so as fortune gave to them both that which they desired. They came one towards another like Masters of fence: for the Painim bea●ing his shield at his breast, and his sword aloft, made towards the fierce young man, who came quite contrary; for he bore all his body firm upon his left foot: they came to crossing of their swords, each of them knowing the valour of his adversary. This ward lasted but a little while: for Trebatius his son changing footing, lifted up his right arm, and suddenly with all his strength, struck him upon the top of his Helmet with his rich sword, he rapt away his Plumes, with part of his gilded Crest: and stepping back, drawing his sword after him, he gave him a thwart blow, which was the luckiest that he gave in all this battle: for hitting him below the skirt of his breastplate, it struck away above a hundred pieces of his shirt of Mail, cutting his Taces, and therewith part of his thigh, he could not so safely do it, but that the Mauritanian fastened a ●low upon his most strong shield, and bore it to his head with such force, that it made him cast blood out at his mouth and ears; he thought it had been night, he saw his Helmet so full of stars.  
The Pagan in these cases was not so careless, but that he would give him another before he should recover himself, and made him set his hands to the ground; he would have shouldered him, but he found him as fixed as a rock, and came so near unto him, that the Tinacrian could not strike him, but casting his Shield at his back, he took hold of him, which he did so suddenly▪ that he had almost thrown him to the ground.  
The King of Mauritania recovered himself, and taking good footing, they began so to wrestle, that Mars did envy them: the one assailed to trip up the others heels; they trample, they sweat, sometimes they gripe, and sometimes they lock legs, that it was wonderful; all the company did wonder, to see the furious obstinacy of those two warriors.  
Sometimes wheeling about, they seemed as though they would have fallen to the ground, sometimes they graspled, so as they were clean out of breath: it seemed unto them that in this manner they spent much time, and so with a strong whéeling about, the one hurled the other away from him, with greater force than if they had been shot out of a Cannon. They both fell on their hands, but it seemed, that in touching the ground, they recovered new strength, by their furious running to their weapons, beginning the battle anew, much more cruel then at the first. Vulcan his workman made no greater noise, when they forged Achilles' Armour, than did these two warriors, tormenting their flesh. Three hours did this second battle endure, without any show of weariness, or any advantage. The Tinacrian was in such a rage, to see how that Knight did defend himself, and offend him, that he hastened his blows in such sort, as he was died all over with blood. The Moor was hurt in four places, and the Tinacrian in two, both in the joints of his armour. They both agreed to rest them: for there was never any such battle seen, that lasted so long, nor that was maintained with such generosity; the courageous Tinacrian walking up and down, saying, Truly, I know not how thou shouldst be called the son to such a father, seeing that in his presence, and of thy mistress, with so many brothers and kinsfolks, one Moor hath brought thee into this estate. The brave Moor was no less grieved at the long stay, who a thousand times renounced his gods. This did so much grieve them, that in all haste (as fierce as two Lions, they ran to their weapons. But in this battle, the advantage appeared in the Greek, whereof all men were glad (I mean those which were of his faction) but Branorante was he which most grieved at it: for seeing that Brufald●ro was once overcome, it should be no disgrace for him to overcome him also, and for the other less honour. He roared like a Bull, that he had not first challenged the battle: and had it not been for the Emperor of the Romans, and the Sultan of Niquea, which pacified him, he had, without doubt, leapt into the Lists, & challenged them both the battle. But they persuaded him to defer it until the battle in the field, for that none of them but would be there. Floralisa prevailed much with him, whom the fierce Pagan adored, who made him to do whatsoever she would, concerning Brufaldoro, who now maintained not the battle as at the beginning: for the young man now ranged him at his command, and without doubt had overcome him, if the sun had not ended their days work, which was the cause that the judges came between them, alleging, that according to the laws of the greeks, they might no longer proceed in that battle: which much grieved the Tinacrian, who would rather have ended that, than all the rest which remained, for that he had so much desired it. But for that he would not give any sign of ill behaviour, he withdrew, and the Barbarian went out of the Lists on foot, unable to get to his horse, he was so sorely wounded. He went up into the Chariot amongst the Ladies, returning with them to the camp, and the Greek Ladies to the City, carrying with them matter enough, to talk of the valiancy of those two warriors, affirming that they had not their Peers in the world. For this occasion stayed the messenger of Arbolinda, Princess of Scotland, who burned in Loue● fire for Florisarte of Argentaria, who coming unto him, for he had learned which was he, and giving him the letter, he said that he came from Artin●o his old Squire, who was newly come to the camp, desiring him that the next day he might have an answer. The constant Lover took the Letter, and withdrawing himself from the Squire, he went to his lodging, and reading it, saw that it said thus:  
The Letter.  
THe forgotten Artimio, to the valorous Prince of Argentaria and Tharsis, greeting. I do not write, sovereign Knight, for that I am persuaded that absence hath been of power to make thee to change thy faith, as to call to thy memory, and to put thee in mind of the promise which thou didst make to me, to love whom I would. Now is the time come to accomplish it: for the contentment was so great which I received in thy company, that I have procured by all possible means, to requite thy faith. Be revived, if thou wilt be adored: and because thou mayst see to whom thou gavest thy faith, if thou dost remember her picture, thou shalt see the substance, which shall be the Lady clad in green, cut upon cloth of gold, hard by the Princess of Rome: and thou shalt see, that her beauty deserveth constant affection. I desire no answer, until thou shalt see her whom thou hast loved, whom thou oughtest to love, and by whom thou art beloved. The Gods keep thee, and grant thee that rest which thou desirest.  
It is not possible to describe the joy, which this enamoured young man conceived of this joyful news, that his Lady was in the Camp: he was a thousand times in the mind, to go the next day disguised, to fight with the Knight with the Eagle: but he had gotten little thereby; for the Tinacrian was too hard for him, who departed to his Lady, sufficiently ashamed, for that he could not overcome the Pagan: but they with the love which they bore, did comfort him; to whom after the day was shut in, the Nymphs▪ spoke in this manner: Ualorous Prince of Tinacria, you may well accounted yourself for one of the most fortunate Knights of the world, having obtained such a father and brothers, which are held for the light thereof: and also for that the heavens have preserved this Princess to be your wife, with the victories which you have obtained in her service, which have been so many, as could not be imagined in any other Knight but of you. The rest which remaineth, cannot be ended, because there is this day a most mighty Pagan come, who is King of Comagena, with a great army, and hath besieged a city of importance, called Hircambela, destroying all the marches thereof: and so the truce being broken, there will be no time to end your business: content you with that which is past, which hath been so much, as will make them remember it so long as they live. There is no more to be done, but to morrow to make yourself known to your warlike father, who will be very glad of you: as for us, we were commanded by this sovereign ladies aunt, that we should accompany her thus far: and so she having no more need of our company, we will to morrow return to her, attending the time wherein we shall meet again with great contentment. Present this tent unto your Father, for no Prince in the world hath received a better gift. The Arms which she gave us for the last battle with the Captain of the Moors, we will leave to you: for seeing you shall often meet with him in sundry battles, we can with nothing pleasure you more▪ then with them. Some sorrow the three Princes showed, when they understood that the Nymphs would be gone; but seeing that there was no remedy, they must have patience.  
Then came his beloved nephew Rosabel, who every night came disguised to see his Uncle, for there were no kinsmen in the world that more dearly loved, or that better showed it then they. They received him very gladly, and he very briefly told them the news of the siege of Hyrcambela, and how that succour was sent thither, under the conduct & command of the Prince Meridian, and how angry his Grandfather was therewith, determining to give them the field battle presently.  
The Moors were no less sorry thereat, especially the mighty Bembo, and because they should not think that it was done through his procurement, he presently sent to excuse himself to the Greeks, and to Poliphebus, which was noted in him for great generosity: and so Rosabel took his leave, attending news from Meridian, which is left for another Chapter.   

CHAP. XXVII. How the Prince Poliphebus made himself known to the Emperor his Father, and of the good relief which Meridian brought to the besieged, and of the rest which followed.  
THe golden Apollo had scarcely discovered his golden locks, which he had bathed in the Spanish Seas, when in four parts of the great City of Constantinople, they sounded the alarm, in sign that the wars were renewed. The Pagans answered them with their accustomed instruments. All put themselves in a readiness. The careful General Oristoldo, angry and ashamed that the Moors had gotten the first onset upon him, went plotting some stratage me, whereby he might be revenged of them, and found ●ut so good a one as shallbe declared, which was like to have been the total destruction of the Moors.  
All men prepared themselves for the field battle, which should be about eight days thence: for the Emperor was weary of this long war. The most mighty son Poliphebus made no longer stay, but took his leave of the Nymphs, with tears charging them to recommend him unto the wise Lady. He went forth armed with the best Armour that was in the world, sending his Lent to the Greek Emperor his father, to whom he went between the two Ladies, whose beauty dazzled the Sun, and made the most fair envious. They were clad in lion colour, cut upon blue, and the cuts set with precious stones of sundry colours: they agreed with the Prince, whose armour was of the same colour, set with so many stones, that they could not be beheld, they gave such a reflection like the sun. The Emperor understood of their coming. Rosabel and his father, with many Princes, came to receive the Tinacrian, amazed at his beauty and constitution. joined with these Ladies, they came before his father, all three upon their knees, desiring to kiss his imperial hands: who, for that he knew them not, would not suffer it, alleging that it was a wrong to those which should do it. Your Majesty may suffer it, said his Nephew Rosabel, receiving them for your majesties children. For the valiant Knight with the Eagle, is the famous Prince of Tinacria, & this Lady (pointing to the fair Rosaluira) is his sister, together with this royal Princess of Egypt, Luzela, whom the heavens have given to your dear son for his wife. The grave old Emperor wept for joy, and embracing them he said, Now children of my loins, my mind will be at rest, having such a Prince in my company as you are. The Ladies presently took him away, chiefly the four young girls, who had so much favoured him: with which, and the rest of the Princesses, as well he as the two Ladies▪ passed many things in making acquaintance. They kissed the hands of the Empress Briana, who entertained them as her own children. There was no time to stay long, for the Prince Meridian had sent word by other messengers, of the great harm that the Moors had done in all the frontiers thereabouts. This was anew to set all the Greek camp in an uproar. To the Tartarian Prince Zoylo, was committed the leading of the Apulians and Thessalians, with some part of the Frenchmen, for 〈◊〉 arrer● guard: (to the end that if they met with the enemy, th●● should fight with them, if they should see themselves in st●● to do it) there was never a famous Prince but went with Zoylo, even to the Prince Poliphebus, all with close cask●●▪ Claridiano, & Archisilora, went by themselves, overthrowing the enemies, as the wind doth leaves in Autumn. The furious Spaniard Thorisiano and his son, did no less on the other side, in company with Don Heleno, his dear friend, & the fair Rosamundi, than the famous Tinacrian with his brother Rosacler, and his dear nephew: they were few in their hands: for they went thorough the army from side to side, leaving some without heads, others thrust clean thorough, and those which now were at liberty (lately so giddy & amazed, that they were ready to give up hte Ghost) came forth of the city, with a desire to be revenged. Great was the slaughter which they made, although that through the great multitude of enemies, they paid dear for their victory. For the coming of such Princes, was the total destruction of the Moors, who had never a famous Prince amongst them, but the brave Moor. A man cannot imagine what a slaughter they made: for where Brandafidel, Bramidoro, and the gentle Tefereo went, there was no defence against their clubs, for they trod all under foot. The greatest part of the Pagans was slain, before that their succours came from the camp. In the avaunt guard came the flower of Chivalry, which were Bembo, Brauorante, Brufaldoro, & the young men, although that Leobulo by reason of his hurts, was not to have taken arms so soon. On the other side came the five of the wood, desirous to meet with the Greeks, who being more ready, seeing themselves revenged, and so much to their honour, sounded a retreat, guarding their backs with the City walls, leaving the enemy with less than the third part of their people. And the greatest evil was, that Poliphebus, desirous to make show of himself, in company with his brother and Nephew, won the Standard of Comagena, & the King coming to the rescue, lost his life honourably, because it was by the hands of the Tinacrian. This king was cousin and great friend to Bramarante, and uncle to the furious Brauorante, who when he knew of his death, Gualtenor durst not tell how angry he was: for before that the Greeks were wholly withdrawn, he slew above a hundred of them, & would not return to the camp without revenge. The devilish young man went so compassed with his enemies, that in despite of them he went into the city, where I would gladly see thee (O Homer) to sing the acts which he there performed: he would not refuse to fight with a hundred, for he sought with them all. He met with the Princes of Hungary and Bohemia: it was nothing to strike them to the ground, considering what he pretended. He turned to Thorisiano, whom he left senseless at his horses heels. And the brave Tartarian, although he deserved it not, he had near bereaved of life; for casting blood at his mouth and nostrils, he threw him to ground.  
The strong Florisiano and the Prince of Croacia escaped not scotfree, for he left them astonished. A proud attempt: sixteen Princes he threw to the ground, in so ill plight, that it was doubted of their lives. He came to encounter the two famous Giants, Bramidoro, and Brandafidel: to which he had an eye ever since their meeting in the willow valley. He entered between them, nothing weighing their terrible clubs: and they which were borne to be feared, nothing feared him: for whorling about their fearful weapons, they both together smote him so strongly, that they made him bow both his knees to the ground, and had taken him, but the terrible young man bestirring himself with his broad sword, struck Brandafidels club out of his hands, and came upon him with another, which set him from him, faster than a good pace, which gave him place to rise, and overtake the furious Bramidoro. He had paid no less than his life, for the displeasure of this angry young man: for he made him to fall upon his hands, and would have closed to make a final end of him, and had done it, had not the gentle Tifereo come, who with a fierce blow, hindered the purpose of the fierce Brauorante. But he paid that which he ought to Poliphebus: for with a thrust he wounded him very sore in the midst of his breast; and if his sword had entered a little further, he had nailed the one side to the other. Brandafidel came to the rescue, laying hand to his monstrous crooked Fawchion, wherewith he thought to have defeated the Pagan, and smote him athwart the Helm, and made him see a thousand stars therein. The Prince of France, Clarindo, by chance came at one side of him, who was so eager, that he could not strike, although he would feign, but was likely to have met with his death: for the Pagan seeing him so near him, that he could not strike him with his sword, gave him so sound a knock with the Hilts, that he ●aid him at his feet. Gualtenor saith, that had any of the other famous Princes entered with him, the City had been in danger to have been surprised: he roared like a Bull at the stake, and was more wight than an Ounce: and thinking that he should better execute his rage on foot, he forsook his horse, and so justled those which came mounted upon great horses, as though he had been an Elephant: with two blows he struck down the two brothers Spaniards, which were held for as valiant as most in the Camp: yet there were so many that desired to come to blows with him, that the place was never void, but rather they met him in the way, seeking revenge. All this did but inflame his rage, had not the Greek Princes been advertised thereof, who desirous to kill him, came in all haste.  
The Dane came first upon his Tyrian, very choleric, for that he had overthrown his Captain, which brought his troops out of Dacia, who entered pale with anger, and ran upon him with his horse breast, but he stirred him as much, as if he had met with a rock. Then came the brave Claramante, who had many times made him to feel what he could do with his Halberd, who leapt from his horse, to whom every one gave place: he stood somewhat aloof, and whorling his weapon about his his head, smote him over the Helmet, and did more than Don Heleno his horse could do, for he made him set his hands to ground: he seconded it with another, which made him stark mad: for making no reckoning of the third (although that he saw it coming) he joined with him, giving him a sudden blow with both his hands upon the Helmet, and made him to set both his hands and knees to the ground: no man came to his rescue, for fear to offend him, thinking that he would make an end of the Pagan: but he was become such a Basilisk, that if the whole Greek Army had been there, he would not have refused the battle, against them all. The lover gave him a thrust in the breast, and had not his armour been so good, he had nailed him thorough, and made him make two steps backwards.  
By this time had all the flower of the greeks compassed him about: and the Tinacrian had so great a desire to try himself against him, that he leapt from his horse, with his Shield upon his arm, desiring his brother to leave that battle to him, wherein he should do him pleasure. All men desired to content him: for he was beloved of all. The Pagan knew him well by his Eagle, and knowing that he had slain his good Uncle, he assailed him, bidding them both to prepare themselves: which Claramante would not do by any means, but left the battle for his brother, who as he came fresh and eager, before he could turn about, had given him two blows, one after another: there was no enchantment against his weapons, nor force equal to his; for both his knees he made him set to the ground, and reached him another, no less than the former.  
The Pagan saw that which he never had seen: for the sword point entering at a crack in his breastplate, as it found a little entrance, it cut the rest, till it set out the blood: it was a great chance; and God preserved him, to the end he should be his friend, and the greatest in the world to this Prince: for falling in love in Egypt, he was a mean to put the Lady into his hand, as shall be declared in the fourth part of this History: and so winding himself to one side, the sword slipped out, leaving him wounded, although not much.  
The brave Pagans blood did freeze in his belly, to see it upon the Grecians sword, and giving a fierce cry, he assailed him; and but that his nimbleness did much help him, I believe, that he had incurred great danger: for notwithstanding all this, he hit him a blow upon the rich shield, and made him run stumbling forwards ready to fall.  
The Pagan (to his own hurt) closed with him: for the Prince was as strong as he, who letting go his shield, set hand to his rich dagger. But the Moor had such confidence in his armour, that he made no account thereof, and the young man remembering the virtue of that weapon, gave him upon the top of his shoulder, two sore wounds, one after another, which made much blood to run out. The Moor was so highly angered, that with a push he put him far from him: and seeing that it was mere madness to strive any longer, having no assistance, he assailed the Knight Flamineo, who was mounted upon a good▪ horse: he plucked him out of his Saddle, pulling him over those which were on horseback, and with a leap he got the Saddle, and rushing through the thickest, above four lost their lives, in the Pagans going forth.  
At the top of a hill all the whole army stayed, expecting him, hearing the noise, but they were not able to come to help him: for from the turrets and Parapets of the walls, they threw so many stones & Darts; that without manifest danger they could not come near him, and the Pagan escaped not without it: so as when he came to the Camp, he was as weary, as furious: he would speak to no man, but rather meeting with Brufaldoro, not remembering their agreement, he set upon him, roaring like a baited bull. The brave Mauritanian encountered, for he never feared him, where they began one of the most fierce battles that ever was in the world: for they were two of the best Knights therein: but Bembo came to part them. Herein did the Pagans blindness appear, who not respecting him, turned against him, saying, that they should all fight against him, for his dear Uncle's death could not be revenged with less, then with the destruction of all the world. The great Captain would not lay hands on him, although he had much angered him. All the whole Camp could not have made him give over the battle, had not Floralisa come, whom the Pagan ever since he met her in Mauritania, had chosen for his God: for he was of opinion, that there was nothing in the world worthy to be regarded, but her beauty. Well did the Lady know how dearly the Moor did love her, although it were single love, for she was otherwise provided, although she lived the most sorrowful life of the world, seeing her hope to marry with the Tinacrian frustrate: yet to appease the battle, she took off her Helmet, and putting herself between them, she said, Give room, Knights, for this battle cannot now be ended, and you wrong the soldan of Niquea his whole camp, if in time of necessity any of your Arms should be missing.  
The Pagan lifted his sword no more up, after he heard his mistress voice. Strange power of affection: for what so many Princes could not do, was ended with her sight only. I would have been very glad, valorous Lady, (said the Mauritanian) if you would have suffered me to have ended it: but seeing it is your pleasure, I leave it in your hands. Let it rest (said the Lady) until the field battle be ended. Let it be as you will appoint it (said he, now very gentle) which before seemed to be a Lion; for from henceforth in any part I will not break it: and so they returned to their camp, and although against his will, yet she made him to sup in the Lady's Tent, where (although feigned) she showed him a thousand favours: they were means to withhold him from his fury, for he had determined to pursue them all, to be revenged of the death of his Uncle.  
There was great sorrow for the loss of that day; and meaning to make amends in the field battle, they concluded that it should be eight days after. What happened in the mean season, you shall know by the next Chapter.   

CHAP. XXVIII. How the greeks with victory returned to the City, where they made preparation for the field, and how the two youths were made known to their mother.  
WIth such contentment as winners use to enjoy, most excellent Prince, the greeks remained in the City of Hircambela, wondering at the fury of that Pagan, holding it for a matter incredible, if with their eyes they had not seen it, and so much to the cost of such personages, as they were.  
There was none of the Princes but desired alone to fight with him, especially Poliphebus, of whom the old King of Macedonia (returning to Constantinople) reported wonders; all were glad thereof, especially his Father, who loved him in the same degree, as he did the Emperor Alphebus.  
By the Ladies which boldly might do it, those knights were disarmed, some helping one with their hands, and with their eyes and soul, another. What passed in the Camp was discovered, and how that from thence, eight days, they had appointed the field battle: because that by that time, Leobello would be cured of his hurts: Lupertius cured him very carefully, that all might see how much he loved them.  
One night the discreet Selia came by chance, who had folded them in their swaddling clothes at the time of their birth, being much affected to their valour, without any knowledge of them, by reason of Eufronisa, who was in the same Tent, she went to see how he did of his hurts. She came as Lupertius was dressing of him, and as women are very bold, and being by night, for that she would seem to do him some favour therein, she took the candle, to give him light to dress him: but he had scarcely lifted v● his shirt to see the wounds in his breast (for those were the most cruel,) she was so much troubled, that she was ready to let the candle fall out of her hand, and seeing the picture of a Lady's face in the young man's breast, and remembering that that mark was upon one of the children borne by the Princess Eufronisa, and she imagining that (without doubt) this was one of them, with very joy she was overcome.  
She desired to stay with him, to the end to know more of this matter: fortune was her friend, desiring to do that Princess some new favour; and there being no fit company to stay with the Prince, if he would have any thing, she offered herself to stay for that purpose: which the young man much esteemed, and more would have done, if he had known the occasion thereof: And seeing herself alone with him, she came to his beds side, saying,  
I would, valorous Knight, that you could impart your pain to her, who feeleth the same as much as yourself.  
Your visiting me, fair Damsel, answered the young man, is a sufficient ease for all that I feel, being from my Lady the Princess Eufronisa: which in conclusion, doth that which is annexed to her valour, which is, to remember them which are in need, as I am.  
And to remedy it with loss of her own contentment, (answered the Damsel) I do believe, that she gladly would do it. And for my part, I should take it for much favour, to know what mark that is upon your breast, which I saw when you were a dressing.  
I know not the cause thereof, answered the young man, but that I was borne with this face, and my brother Claribel with an heart crossed, and hitherto we knew no other, but that we were the sons of the discreet Sergio, for he brought us up: but within these two days, he hath put us out of doubt, telling us that we be not his children, but that in Silepsia, near unto the City of Golbergt, he found us newly borne, and his mother brought us up in stead of her own children: wherein, as I say, we have continued until now, that he hath otherwise assured us. The pleasure which this Damsel conceived was such, that she presently taking her leave of him, went into her Lady's Chamber, and without speaking one word, she embraced her. The Princess marveling at the news, asked her the cause thereof, which should not be little. So great (answered the the Damsel) is the good, which the heavens (dear Lady) this day have done you, that you may live merry and contented all the days of your life: for know, that the two famous youths are your two lost sons.  
The Princess could give no answer, she was so surprised with sudden joy, which was then the greatest that could happen unto her. Ah, my Selia, I cannot believe that so great a good as this, can happen unto so unlucky a woman, no way deserving it; and therefore it cannot be possibly. Without doubt it is as I tell you, for I have seen the very marks wherewith they were borne, and that which Cleobulo hath, I saw this night, when he was a dressing: and then she told her what had passed between the Prince and her, whereof the Princess was not able to contain the pleasure: and being unable to make an end of renewing her delight, she said, It behoveth me to see it, to the end to make me live contented. That shall be an easy matter to do, answered the Damsel: for now every body being at rest, I will lead you thither, without discovery: but why will you not believe that I have told you of him? She presently came forth with her: for the hope to see him, did encourage her in such sort, that she would adventure to come to the Prince's lodging: to whom at her coming she said, My Damsel, Sir Knight, hath told me so many and so rare things of you and your brother, (that being somewhat hard of belief, although it may be noted for lightness) that I in exchange to see it, have put myself in danger to be noted. It is to me, Sovereign Princess, a great favour that which you do, and the cause being manifest, bringeth therewith the defence: as for the rest, seeing it is your pleasure, there is no more to be done, but to see it with your eyes: and so putting his shirt a little by, he showed that fair face.  
The Princess had so imprinted it in her heart, that she presently knew it. She had almost discovered herself: but considering what might ensue thereof, and to publish her contentment, she took her leave of him, the most joyful of any woman in the world. Well did she deserve it, having recovered two such sons as she had, being in all so accomplished. She was now of opinion, that fortune could do her no greater pleasure, then that which she had received with the sight of her two sons.  
They withdrew them to their lodging, with determination never to marry, seeing she had two such children; neither to make them known to the Greek their father, for fear that they would stay with him in Greece. Herewith they passed the seven days which remained: she in one camp, and be in another; until that that wished day did come, wherein should be the general death of him, or of his enemies.  
It seemed that Apollo this day hastened his course, to the end that there should want no time for this bloody war: he appeared of a bloody colour, and Mars with his armed Trident appeared low, wherewith he touched Vulcan's Shield. There was neither Faun, Satire, nor god in the woods, which came not to the top of the Mountains to see the battle. In the Camp, before the Captain bembo's Tent, was pitched up a black standard, the sides being of colours: a sign that the wars should be made with fire and sword, and blood, and that he should die for it, which took a prisoner: he drew forth his Infantry, which was innumerable, making thereof his main battle, lining it with the fierce Parthians, which were above a hundred thousand men all Archers, with their bows and quivers, wherewith they did notable harm: for being on horseback, before they came to charge their Lances, they wrought great hurt in the head of the cavalry, which were divided into twelve mighty squadrons. Forth came those two mighty Princes, the Sultan of Niquea, and the Emperor of the Romans, whose persons compassed with huge Giants, were guarded with no less care, than Achilles was with the Myrmidons. With the rest of the people he made 2. Battalions: one of which he took for himself, leading them to the right hand. At one side of him, went those two brave competitors Brauorante, and Brufaldoro, with the most principal troops of Achaia. In the Arrere guard, with the Africanes came those three mighty young men, he with the stars, Claribel, and Leobello, whose comely personages were pleasing to al. The Duke Ferrer bore the Standard royal, with all the fierce Almains, having twenty four Giants for his guard. On the other side went the mighty Sultan of Egypt, bearing down towards the valley of willows: in whose company went the five of the fair wood, with the flower of Giant land, which seemed as high as Pinetrées. The King of Fenicia, and the mighty Assyrian, had in charge the guard of the Camp: the charge of battering the City, with all the Chariots with Scythes, and the strong Castles upon the mighty Elephants, wherewith they thought it an easy matter to batter it, with all the Rams and engines, which seemed to be greater than the City of Constantinople, was committed to the King of England, with part of the Frenchmen, & a brother of the Duke of Thebes, who was no less fit for it, than his brother for the camp: who took good order for the guard of the City, putting all the Ladies into Mars his Castle, making thereo● fair weather. Those which could send favours to their ●allanis, did it with a good will, praying to God to give them victory. They expected the coming of Trebatius his power (which seemed no less than the Moors:) the Captain general committed to the Emperor of Trapisonda Alphebus, the leading of one point of the horsemen: who with his beloved Empress, and the brave Oristides and his wife, with the Giants of the islands Baleares, which were above 2000 took down into the valley, over against the soldan of Egypt. The other point he recommended to the mighty Trebatius, whose company was no less in show, than that which Hector had: he went between Poliphebus and Rosacler, with his Nephew, the valorous Rosabel, Bramidoro and Brandafidel, with the gentle Tifereo and the sons of Tituan, took charge of his person: the Battalions in the midst he divided, as best fitted: he reserved the avaunt guard for himself: by him went the flower of Chivalry, Claridiano, and Claramante, with all the Spaniards, Lirians, and Antiochians: although that one half of the Spaniards, with part of the Hungarians and Albanois, he had made pass by 2. and 2. & 4. and 4. to the number of 60000. towards the camp, and that lodging themselves among those crags and bushes, they should there make a stand, until that he should come to give assault to the camp: it was the greatest stratagem that ever Captain devised, as shall appear. In the rear guard came the brave Torismundo, & his son, with the Princes of France & Bohemia. On the right wing, with all those of Dacia, went the mighty Heleno, with his beloved Rosamundi, armed in their rich armour: 24. Knights of his chamber had charge of his Lady. The great Tartarian Zoilo, & the prince Meridian were left with a main troop for supplies, with many spare horses for those which should be lost. The Royal standard was borne by the Theban Duke. Floristano and Polidolpho, with the good king Sacridoro, and the valiant Lisart of Argentaria were reserved, for that the Captain had sent them to command the Ambuscado, committing to their discretion and valour, a matter of so great importance. Three times in all the Castles of the City, the alarm was given, advice being given to the famous Astrutio, that then he should give the onset upon his enemies, all the troops being ranged in good order, and in a readiness to charge. The mighty Aristoldo, armed that day in the most rich armour that he had, with a fair coloured scarf, which his mother had sent him, in the head of the troops, his Beaver being put up, with the but end of his Lance stuck in the ground, spoke in this manner:  

The Oration.  
THis is the day (most excellent Princes) wherein the heavens and fortune will, that we show that valour which it hath given us. In this action it shall be good to die, seeing that herein is purchased eternal fame. It resteth in our arms to be conquerors, fight with courage and discretion. Otherwise in losing our lives, we lose our fame likewise. Our enemies are in sight, and to those, whom it so much behoveth to do well, it shall not need to use many words, but that every one consider how much this business concerneth him; and that in overcoming, he shall purchase the fame and credit of valiant.   
As he had said these words, he cast his General's Truncheon to the ground, and pulling down his Beaver, he put himself among his loving friends, expecting when the brave Captain Bembo should do the like: who before his people, with a courageous mind used these words:  

Oration.  
I Would, mighty Princes, and valorous Knights, that the gods would bear witness, and at this instant make manifest, with what desire I go unto this battle, to die for any of you, making our enemies know what equity, Arms, and hearts we have. It shall be an easy matter to overcome, having this advantage, and being three times as many, herein is no more to be said, but to be ready to be commanded, and that every one observe the order wherein he is set: for this maketh men achieve noble enterprises. And seeing that you all may be Captains, to day you ought to be Soldiers, for that, and the courage of our hearts, will give us the victory: for I, in the Office wherein I am employed, do mean to die for your service.   
He likewise threw down his golden Truncheon, and commanded presently three Clarions to be sounded, a certain token that they should presently give the charge. He embraced the two competitors, a custom used in his country, and worthy to be noted; for he (say they which have skill therein) which entereth into the battle, goeth to contend with death. He turned about to see whether they kept their first order, and was very joyful to see such cavalry: and as they began to join, it was worthy of a new book, much more of a new Chapter.   

CHAP. XXIX. How the field battle began, and of the perilous combats and famous acts which therein succeeded.  
THe time is come, worthy Dames, & warlike Princes, if ever there were single combats & lovers cases in the world, herein they shall be seen, at life, but with your favour, for without it, there is no passage to be given to my slow pen, to lay colours on such a piece of painting, as is this, wherein an excellent wit and lofty style is very requisite. A sight worthy to be seen, although it made some afraid, but to the rest it yielded new courage, to see so many fair ensigns flying in the air, so many Cornets waving, so much Armour glittering, such neighing of horses striking one at another, such thundering of Ordinance, so many instruments of war, such crying of Soldiers, such encouraging of Captains, fixing their eyes on the palm of the victory, which turned the most cowardly Soldier, to a fierce Lion, the noise of the Chariots, and the snorting of the Elephants: having seen this, who would not have thought, but that the last day had been come? The infantry of either side extended itself at large; whose Pike heads did so shine, as they dazzled the Sun.  
The most Christian Emperor full of water, lifted up his eyes to heaven, saying, Seeing this is thine (O Lord, behold thy people.) Both together in the points met these two angry Captains, charging the first battles, that it seemed that the earth was not only oppressed in itself: but that the highest heavens were unhung. In the avant-garde of these battles, came the flower of both armies: for with the General Bembo, were joined the two competitors, which advanced themselves forwards. And on our side, the mighty General, and Claramante, with the unknown Greek, which came to join with greater force, then can be imagined. Oristoldo lost his stirrups, but having so good a horse, he passed furiously along; the like did the four which remained: they returned the one against the other with as great courage, as possibly could be imagined. Bembo desirous to strike Claridiano, came so near, that he could not strike him, and so came to handy gripes: the Greek knew the Pagans strength, and leaving his stirrups, he suffered himself to be carried away: but in plucking him from his Saddle, he took so strong hold, that he plucked him out of his, before that he was able to quit his stirrups; which if the Greek had known, he would have trailed him from his horse. It was a lucky chance for archisilora's Lover: for as he was stronger than the Moor, so he set him up against his horse, and with his dagger was like to have slain him, for he hurt him, although not dangerously. The young man was almost lost; for the Giants seeing the Pagan in the ground, charged with their squadron, & had trodden him under foot, had he not been closed with Bembo: but this & the approach of the battles gave them place to take horse, beginning between them anew so furious a battle, as if they had been alone within the Lists. It lasted not long, for the floods of friend & enemies parted them, being mixed among the troops: where, oh who is able to express what blows were given above 30000. lost their saddles, & some presently their lives; for they were either trodden under the horse feet, or smothered with extreme heat, who had seen the gallant Claramante with his shield at his back, charge the enemy with his Battle-axe, & at large to let drive at those Giants, which as they were huge & so many, he never missed blow, & at every blow felled one to the ground, stopping the passage against the horsemen: his friends held him so good company, that it gave great pleasure to behold them: for Claridiano, careful of his Lady, suffered her not to strike a blow, although she well made show of the valour of her person. The warlike Lady charged in so far among the Giants, that before she was aware, having ho●t her horse, they had her afoot: her Lover repaired to the noise, & seeing the Queen a ground, I cannot tell, whether a man should relate what the Greek did. For 4. Giants being alighted to help their Captain, which was at handy gripes with the Lady, he laid them on the ground at 4. blows, and came where the Giant was, armed with planks of steel, & his Helm. He let her go, seeing the Greek coming, & prepared for his defence, but it was too late: for before he could turn, with the fury which did predominate in him, he smote him with both hands upon the head, & rashed away a great piece thereof, & of his thick helmet: he seconded another together with Archisilora; she with a thrust pierced him thorough, & he, before he fell, had cleft his head, so as the best & fairest hands in the world wrought his death. Many did envy the Giant for his death in such manner.  
Oristoldo and Claramante would not be out of the way, when they should assist them. The three famous Pagans turned backwards hearing the noise, and those which were a foot, were like to be in danger by their coming, for in the General's guard, they had done much harm. It was strange to see Bembo with his sword died in blood. The furious Brauorante bare that day a great Mace of steel; being stung with the death of his Uncle, he sufficiently revenged it, for he gave many for one: at his coming he met with those of the General's Chamber, and slew three of them at two blows, and charging the Giants which had the guard of his person, being nothing afraid to see himself alone amongst them, he began to stir in such manner, that if Claramante had not come (having first mounted those two princes) he had made an end of them: but knowing him, they gave place, whose battle is not to be forgotten: for the one with his Axe, and the other with his Mace, at every blow made the blood to gush out at their Uisors. It was good hap for a great many, and as a man might say, ordained by the heavens: for at one blow with his terrible Axe, hitting close by his hand, he smote in two pieces his Mace of steel, and it was marvel that he had not done the like by his arms.  
O who had then seen the angry Moor, more furious than a Basilisk! he was nothing amazed, neither did he strike sail to fury, but rather drew out a sharp skein, wherewith he would have smitten the Greek: but it was too late, for he had already the edge of his Axe upon his Helm: here he saw that which he never thought of his weapons; for hitting him athwart the Crest, he smote it clean away, & a great part of his steel Cap. Forwards went the lover, glad to see the Standard to march forwards, getting ground. The infidel Bembo perceived it, and with great fury would have set upon him which bore it, which was the good Duke of Thebes: had not his hands been as good as his judgement, according to the force wherewith he plucked it, he had ne'er carried it. Brufaldoro followed the chase. The old man was in great danger; but his 3. sons which were the flower of the Greeks, defended their father as well as they did the standard. Oristoldo and Claridiano well saw the hurly burly: but the Giants did so much trouble them, that they could not pass: but seeing what was lost in the Standard, notwithstanding he had a good guard, throwing down those which stood in his way, the furious Claridiano ca●e, and met with Brufaldoro, and taking him at unwares, it was a marvel that he had not killed him: for in passing by, he gave him a mighty thrust in one of his sides, which finding entrance in the jointing, came forth again all died in blood. The young man passed by so swift, that he could not strike him: but others of less worth which remained behind, paid for displeasing him. Bembo would that all the whole army should charge: for the being by half more than the Greeks, being mixed all together, they might the better one help another. The horn was thrice wound, which was a warning to give the charge. The brave Oristoldo well understood it; & retiring with his company, than which, a better was not in the world, he said unto them, The time is now come, valorous Princes, wherein your valour will appear, for Bembo hath given sign for the general charge: and because he shall not think that we are careless, it shall be good to get the hand of them, which he did: for he presently wound his, so loud, that all the valleys rang thereof. The Ladies in Mars his Castle knew it, and the Greeks were in such readiness, that as he left, they marched as swift as the fresh wind. A sorrowful day for a great many: for there they met with their deaths in a thousand manners.  
The earth shr●nk, it was so oppressed. The Sun hid his beams, because he would not see so many deaths. The noise wherewith the battles joined, was so terrible, that rebounding up to the skies, it made there also a great slaughter: for the flying souls wanting air to maintain their flight, came dead to ground. The 2. Navies at sea, although they had already joined, heard the noise which was at land. In came the mighty Trebatius, accompanied with his sons, so furious, that he seemed like death itself; they did so well guard him, that he never received blow. The famous Tinacrian was the best armed and mounted of any man in the world; and so earnest, that sometimes his kinsmen could not follow him, notwithstanding that they wrought miracles. But the Pagans were so many, that although that they, where they went, had the advantage; yet the Moors had it in the rest of the camp, fight sometimes four against one, and sometimes at more ease. On that side where the soldan of Egypt was, there the Greeks had the better; because on that side happened to fight the invincible Alphebus, with the no less furious than redoubted Knight Oristides, who seemed no other, then as Hercules among the Giants in the plains of Egypt: or as Samson among the Philistims. Lirgandeo reporteth, that before that he had ever drawn his sword, he had felled ten Giants: those with that in his hand he sought, and not the weak simple Knights. They made a broad street for him: but Don Celindo taketh him in hand, with his sister & friends: he rushed in among them, & upon a sudden seized upon Thorisiano: he made him lose his reins, and almost his saddle, and therewith his life, had not Don Argante come at one side, who with his rich sword (when as this brave Emperor would have seconded his blow, & there with have stinted the strife) entered with a strong thrust, which he made at him, hitting him in the breast, shrinking up his sword arm with the pain, and so he could not strike the young man, but turned against the Fenician more fierce than a Leopard, & smote his plumes from his head; & had he borne his hand a little lower, he had endangered him: he returned a thrust at the Assyrian, who seeing what the knight did, which knew him not (for he would never enter into any battle, but as a private soldier) had advanced himself forwards with a desire to strike him: he hit him in the midst of the breast, and unable to pierce it for the goodness of the metal, he pushed him so far back, that he tumbled him out of his saddle. There was never a better blow given in all the battle. Claridiana was glad to see it, who had taken Floralisa to task. Their battle was apart: for the high heavens in valour, although not in beauty, had made them equals. No man came to their aid, seeing their equality in fight. But Don Celindo, who was of greater force than the Trojan, sorry for his friends blow, parted from him, and assailed the Trapisondan Lord. He was never weary with fight, for therewith he was refreshed: he let him enter, and with all his might, stepping aside, as he was more nimble & valiant, seizing upon him with his arms, he plucked him out of his saddle: and but for fear to be overborne by the beasts which the Giants road on, he had killed him: he let him go, spurning him with his feet: but he was presently remounted. The soldan of Egypt was extremely sorry, to see that of his side they had the worst of the battle, and therefore he fought not, but did more in giving directions: for by turns he brought new succours where they were ready to fly. Those in the midst charged with all possible force. Rosabel his sons, and the unknown young man with the stars, had descended more lower into the valley. They seemed like the bright Sun beams, amidst the black clouds, and amazed all the army, to see how they played the devils. They resembled Auteus in strength, and Cesar in fight. They left not a Knight wounded; for they struck them all stark dead.  
The orchard keepers beat not down fruit so fast with their long poles, as they did the Greeks with their sharp swords. No man durst abide them: and so climbing up a little hills side, and seeing that in all the rest of the battle, their friends as fast as they could go, did get ground (& although that they saw them fall by heaps, yet they were so many, that there was no man missed) leaving the standard in his hands, who well knew how to defend it, they came down the hills side.  
The two brothers wore several coloured Scarves, which their mother had given them, although not by that name, but as their country woman: they were seen by both armies. He which went to meet them, was no less than the fierce Don Heleno, with his beloved Lady, who was known to have the advantage of all men, with those cruel Arms, which sometime did belong to Semiramis: on his left side went that valiant Spaniard Thorismundo, to whose trust might be committed any charge, although not this: for without doubt, Claribel was more valiant, who fell to his lot, who (as this was the first battle that he had seen) so would he therein purchase fame. He suffered the Spaniard to enter upon a fair horse, of the race of Corduba, in whom he did put too much trust & to his valour, giving the young man a great blow, who was nothing moved therewith, and preparing a second, he entered, striking him upon the rich Helmet, which then gave him his life: but for all that, it set him upon his Saddle bow, casting blood out at his Uisor, and with another, he would have ended the war, and had done it, had not his son come running, who seeing his father in such case, drawing force out of fear, with both his hands took revenge: it was enough to make him to lose his ●●ow, for thereby he recovered his Father's life, who with the help of his son, set upon the young youth, who was glad thereof, the better to make them to know the strength of his arm, which tired him more than they knew for.  
This was nothing to the battle between Don Heleno, and Rosamundi, with his brother and the Knight with the stars. She reposed great trust (as there was reason) in her rich weapons, and for that cause, she joined every foot with the youth, cutting both his armour and his flesh: he went more enraged than a chafed Bull, to see himself so hurt: for before that he could clear himself from this Lady's hands, he had received four wounds, which were the first that he had received in all that battle. The Lady was no less tired and endangered, then if she had been cruelly wounded: for in parting from him, and at the arrival of troops of either side, she was constrained to put up her Beaver to take breath. Don Heleno came to her, entreating her to go forth of the battle. Do not desire it, my beloved Heleno, answered the Matron: for what pleasure can she which loveth you, have in rest, without your presence? and to be persuaded to this, were a notabid injury: for yet my mind doth serve me to conquer another, Don Heleno: and therewith she pulled down her Beaver; and calling for a Lance to them which had the charge to give them, she turned to her husband, saying, Now see what it is to have you by my side. It seemeth that fortune had brought into her presence, the King of the profound Island, in proportion like to a strong Pine tree: he had a crown upon his head, and above a thousand Giants in his company. The Dame meant to charge him, passing through those Giants: and sure, there was never any better encounter given with a Lance: for hitting him in the middle of the shield, she sowed it fast to his breast, striking a fathom of the lance thorough the other side. Her Knights did much rejoice thereat, holding themselves for happy, to serve such a Lady. He which most rejoiced, was the Dacian; and to be equal with her, with a new Lance above hand, he bereaved a Giant of his life, whereat the Lady was very glad.  
Now was he with the stars parted from the Spaniards, both the one and the other entering among the thickest of their enemies: the which (I mean the Pagans) with their great number, with their ensigns displayed, drove up the hill all the Greek Cavalry to that part where the brave Trebatius was; who seeing the ill success of the battle, with new grief recommended it to God. It seemed that his force was two fold increased: for lifting up his voice, saying, Go to, my sons, this is the most fortunate day for those which shall die, seeing we shall do it in defence of our country: and if death must come, let us sell them our lives as dear as we can. O, who had seen Poliphebus his eyes full of water with his father's speeches! for all the army seemed little unto him: he gave not one blow, but that therewith he threw down a Knight. He saw the gentle Epirabio, who to him seemed to be a man of account, although he had before overcome him, and made to him, and giving him a fierce blow, laying hands upon him, he plucked him from his horse, and for all that his guard could do, he took him, giving good direction for the carrying of him to the City. There came into that quarter 2. famous warriors, doing many fair exploits upon the Greeks, which were the Princes of Niquea, and of Calidonia. The Tinacrian rushed in between them, giving them so much to do, that he made them both past remembrance. He closed with Astorildo, & trusting to his Rubican, he overbare him to the gr●und with his horse breast: he would have killed him, for he meant to leap upon him, if the sign agreed upon with Astorildo had not letted him, to the end that they should repair to the camp: who wound his horn so loud, that it resounded, making both armies afraid, saving those two, the Uncle and Nephew, Poliphebus and Rosabel; who seeing that their people had somewhat the better, ask their father's blessing, departed when the General sounded. In their passage they overthrew the flower of the Moors: for the furious Rubican meeteth with no body, but he treadeth them under his feet. The valiant Nephew Rosabel upon his courser doth no less: for with his horse's breast, & with the strength of his arm he leaveth no man alive. They were beheld by all the camp, & known to some, who although they followed the chase, it was to their own hurt: for these 2. went, resolved to pass any adventure, were it never so difficile. Rosabel saw certain Greek Knights, at whose feet were 2. Knights at the point either to die, or be taken prisoners: for there followed them, the 2. Spanish brothers, and the Princes of Bohemia and Hungary: each of which had 24. Knights in his guard: whose betters were not in the army. liriana's lover knew them both, which were no less than his Lady's father & her brother. His blood fréezed in his body to see them: for he presently imagined how sorry Liriana would be for any hurt that might happen unto them. The Uncle & Nephew furiously entered, and the troop knowing them, gave place, thinking that they had come to the same purpose that they were. The young man being somewhat doubtful of his father in law, leapt into the midst of the press, and in ●oing thitherwards, the Sultan thinking that he would strike him, as he was a man of high courage, he gave him a strong blow. Trebatius his nephew skipped aside, letting the blow pass, & then closing with him, he took him in his arms, saying, Soft, Sovereign soldan, I know no cause why you should so show yourself towards your daughter & me, and therefore you shall see how much you are in the wrong, seeing I could in despite of all mine enemies kill you, or take you prisoner: but I will not, but perform the duty of a son, & so will do ever: and so giving a leap with him, he set him upon a mighty horse of one of the Greeks. And to do his kinsman a pleasure, Poliphebus had done the like by Lindoriano: and so without speaking one word more, or attending any answer, they kept on their way: for upon a little hill they saw the General. The father & son were so amazed with the gentle acts of the Greek (both which they knew, the one by his device of the Eagle, & the other by his voice) that they knew not what to say. Who can from henceforth, my beloved son, bear arms (quoth the soldan) against those which have given us our lives & liberties? I have heretofore told your Majesty (quoth the son) that the gods do take especial care for the Greek Empire: & seeing we are now in the field, we may not return again without some honourable agreement: otherwise, we shall remain with perpetual infamy. They had no longer time to discourse: for certain Greeks coming thither, forced them to withdraw them to their squadron. A new band of courtesy, if the passion had not blinded them altogether. Great cry were heard that way which the 2. warriors went, which was, that the King of Giant land, with above 200. Giants, had taken their passage, where it is incredible what they did: for giving head to the best horses in the world, with their shields at their backs, and their swords in both hands, they did wonders; they were even together: for they were equal in valour, doing things although lawful, yet pitiful: for rushing in between those Giants, they smote them down as if they had been ordinary horsemen▪ but they were so many and so strong, that it behoved them to do more than they did. The invincible Alphebus with his valorous company came to their aid; who knowing them for his friends and near kinsmen, kept such a stir, that in despite of them they made way to follow on their journey, leaving above 40. of those Pine trees stretched all along upon the ground. The mighty Trapisondan followed them not, thinking that they went about some matter of importance; but rather assembling the sons of Tituan, he begun afresh to charge the Giants. The King of Giant land had long desired to meet with Alphebus: and now seeing him present, he went to him saying, Now the time is come, Greek Prince, that with thy head shall be restored the damage done to my blood. He which meant to prevail with deeds, answered him not with words: for he had scarcely said this, but with a Partisane he smote him over the rich Helmet. The Emperor of Trapisonda was even at death's door: for the Pagan gave him another, which made the blood gush out at his Bever. there was never any viper, but might be accounted gentle in respect of Alphebus: for before that the Moor could again lift up his cruel club, he was come close to him, and with both his hands smote him upon the crown of gold which he ware: he smote it in pieces, and a great part of the Helmet he cut from it, leaving him both sore wounded and disarmed: he came again with another, which did wholly perfect the victory: for hitting him there where he was disarmed, the one half of his head he smote to the ground, leaving him dead and on horseback. Thither came so many for revenge, that the noble Greek had been in danger, had not Bramidoro and his friend Brandafidel with Tefereo come to his aid: for to the noise came Brauorante, overthrowing more Greekes than the wind doth leaves in Autumn. There began a brave battle, for the Greek desired it, and the other was ready to die for it. By this time were the two famous warriors come to the little hill, Poliphebus, and Rosabel meeting there the flower, not only of the Camp, but of the whole world, Claramante, and Claridiano, with the fair Archisilora. There was great joy at their meeting: for they did reciprocally love extremely, and not without great grief they beheld the success of the battle: for although that particular men did prevail, yet the multitude of the rascal Moors was so great, that they got ground upon them, although that at Sea the famous Astrusio sped better: for therein he was the most expert in the world.  
For as being better of sail, with his greatest vessels he bore towards the South, where, with a fine Southeast wind, which blew a fair gale, haling their Tackles close aboard, they weathered the enemy's Fleet, and coming hard aboard them, they cast so much wild fire into it, that they set certain ships on fire, which they left burning in a light flame, with such a mortal slaughter of men, as cannot be imagined: for as the wind from the shore was a help unto them, coming close aboard the enemy's ships, they fired the greatest part, and the best rigged and appointed in the Fleet: and but for the loss by land, it had been great pleasure to have seen them: but that which made them most to wonder, was, to see come from the South with both sails and Oars, a great Fleet, which drawing near the shore a little beneath where the battle was fought, upon a sudden landed so many men, as exceeded the number of two hundred thousand, with above thirty thousand mighty Giants. They saw them divided into two battles, and that the one over the valley towards the City, went in the manner of a Crescent, without charging Lance, or assailing any body, gathering together those which were dispersed over the fields. As the Sun was then at the highest, shining upon their armour, it was a fair sight to behold: the other battle wherein there seemed to be a Chariot triumphant, drawn by twelve Elephants, took the lower way. Both armies were much troubled herewith: for they well saw that to whether party this should lean, there the victory was certain. Now is there need of your horse's swiftness, and the valour of your arm, said the Captain Oristoldo: first to the son of Garrofilea, and then to the unknown Claridiano, who obeying the commandment of the brave and discreet Captain, answered, Let it be as it shall please you: but it fitteth better for our business, seeing that they are friends, that we should at our pleasure sack their Camp: for I have to day a great desire to steal some Ladies, or at the least, if I miss thereof, that ensign, which is set yonder in the side of the little hill: for they shall not joy at our losses. And therefore, valorous Prince, (with your favour) I will win it, and with my own hand will give it to the most fair and ingrateful Lady of the world, in the behalf of the most faithful Lover therein, and worst rewarded. Herewith they descended down the hill, far more swift than thought.  
The exploits which were done in this journey, are not to be written in so true a History as is this, which I follow: for there were no four Knights of the most valiant in all the Camp, that durst to stand two blows: for a stone doth no more easily strike down the tender ears of Corn, than their swords did fallen those Infidels. They threw to the ground above two hundred, not wounded, which had been a greater harm, but stark dead. The furious Giants which opposed themselves against them, could not stay them in their journey: for against them, like the lightning, finding some resistance, they showed themselves more furious. As they were perceived to mount upon the side of the little hill, some from the Imperial Standard came to their relief, among which were the sons of Rosabel: but both one and other came too late: for the furious Claridiano, much stronger than a thunderbolt, rushed in among the flower of the Almains, which had the guard there.  
The blows which they gave, nor the Lances and Darts which they hurled, could not defend them: for without lifting up his sword, he assailed him that had any, striking him down with his fi●●s, with greater force, than the hungry Tiger doth the herds in the mountains Rifei. He was assailed by many, but there were above twenty Knights which took his part, which before had known him; with whose aid, and the help of the famous Poliphebus, in the sight of both Camps, he took the Standard, which was the richest in all the army. They crossed the Camp (although with much ado) which did encourage those which were overcome, to see the Pagans Standard in the hands of the Knight with the Ladies. They came to understand of the army which was arrived, and seeing by the waving of their colours, that they were Greek ensigns, without longer stay, holding now the victory on either side for certain, in the twinkling of an eye, they came to the place: where the General with his friends stayed for them, glad of the exploit which they had done: and the courageous young man, taking the ensign in his hand, delivered it to his Lady, saying, Although that it be a presumption and apparent error, valorous Lady, I bestow this Standard upon your beauty and valour: but seeing it is done, and that I have gotten it in your name, my overboldness is excusable. Upon some other more worthy (answered the Lady) I would you had bestowed it: but coming from you, none will refuse to receive it (as from the best Knight of the world) and I will this day be Standard-bearer to all this company, to charge into the Camp, for it now groweth somewhat late. And setting upon those which are come to the Camp, it will be their whole overthrow to see themselves assailed by so many: for there is nothing that putteth men in such fear, as to see before their eyes, their goods & friends consumed with fire. And presently they took their way down the hill, until they were out of sight of those of the Camp, who were busied with beholding the great army, which was newly arrived. The six valorous Princes came to the Ambuscado, where Florisarte joyfully received them, and with all speed put their people in order. What followed and who it was which came, shall be declared in another Chapter.   

CHAP. XXX. How the mighty Andronio, Lord of the great Tartary, came to aid the greeks, and of the end of the field battle.  
HOw highly gratitude (most excellent Prince) is to be esteemed, it shall be needless with many examples to amplify, having one in sight, as the coming of the famous Tartarian, who as he ever had been a friend to the Dacian Prince, and to Thorismundo, as in the first and second parts was declared, who in his country hearing of the wars which the Romans made, determined to come to their aid, with the greatest power that he was able▪ he levied two hundred thousand men, and thirty thousand Giants, with which (for they were both valiant, and expert in the wars) he purposed to aid his friends: he came thus late, because he thought that the war had been in Dacia, whither he went, and there understood of the fierce proceedings of the greatest part of the world. He came in good time, and was not a little glad thereof, especially when he saw that the greeks had the worse, imagining that his succours would be the better esteemed.  
In coming to land, he divided his troops into two battles: and with the one he sent the mighty Prince Daristeo, with 15000. Giants; who taking his father's blessing, was accompanied with those proud Giants, whereof, 100 had charge of his person, which was armed with the most co●●ly armour in the camp: for it was set with stones of great price; and in some places, with exquisite workmanship were set great Carbuncles, which when the Sun did shine upon them, bereaved men of their sight. There was no goodlier show in all the camp; for he was a very youth, not yet 15▪ years old; but matched the Greek Princes in valour. Of his standard, which was of the colour of his Armour, which was Lion-colour, 50. which were the flower of all the Giants had the guard, which presumed to defend it against hath the camps. As he took the way about the camp, he might well see the estate of the battle. He hasted to come to the port of Mars his Castle, where all the Ladies were: for he perceived that the Greek Cavaliery gave back: and to get before them, he hastened his march, to the end that with his aid they might be encouraged, coming at the instan●, that the ramer of human hearts, the son of Venus, attended his coming: for passing before their windows, that the Ladies might see, and be seen by him, delighted with his bravery, and the more, for that he came in their aid, he looked by chance, & saw his life, enclosed in a sweet death: for as Rosabella the daughter of Rosacler did shine like the Sun at noontide, he could not resist the beams which came from her beauty, but that he must yield, giving her his soul in exchange, for the pleasure which he conceived in beholding her: neither did she so escape from his bravery, but that she thought him to be one of the most gallant youths in the world (which in deed was true.) With this new alteration, marshalling his troops, he stayed, very joyful to see himself by his father's direction so well employed▪ who whéeling along the bottom of the valley, had placed himself right over against the flower of the Parthians, which were those, which of all others had done most harm in Grecia. In the triumphant Chariot they thrice sounded three great Clarions, so loud, that the noise was heard over all the fields. As they left, the mighty young Daristeo stayed no longer, but with the greatest courage of the world, casting up his golden truncheon, taking a great Lance in his hand, he turned about to behold his Lady, which to him seemed now more beautiful than before. I know not how to express the noise which he made when he gave the onset: for it seemed that all the whole frame of heaven and earth would have sunk. At the first encounter they threw to the earth above 30000. for as those fierce Giants went in the vaunt guard, there was no defence against their arms; for they were the total confusion of the Pagans.  
The fierce young man having well employed his Lance, drew out a rich sword, wherewith he began by the deeds which he performed, to resemble Hector of Troy: for he gave no blow, but overthrew a Knight, and sometime, both horse and man. Herein did bembo's wisdom appear, providing for either party: for against this young man came Brufaldoro with all his people, who had not yet charged: but his valour could not serve the turn: for the Tartarians, to win their Prince's favour, fought valiantly. Both Captains met with their swords aloft. The blows which they gave were cruel, for they saw the stars within their Helmets. They came again with others, which made the blood to gush forth at their visors. Then they advanced themselves, beginning one of the most perilous battles of the world. The African was more accustomed to labour: but the young man, being in his sprouting youth, and being newly wounded with love, was so ready to strike and retire with his well made horse, that he made the Moor sweat drops of blood. Never was man seen so furious: for perceiving that he was none of the Greeks, and to see him so valiant, it put him out of his wits. This fight lasted but a while, for the armies coming to join, made them to part, each of them going where was most danger, the better to show their valour. But the Mauritanian had a mishap: for as he charged in among those Giants, working wanders, at the last being so many and well angered, they ●lue his horse: he leapt from him like a Bird, and on foot he began to defend himself so valorously, that no man durst come near him, until that they seeing him somewhat wearied with the Lances, which they darted at him afar off, than those furious Giants drew near, putting him in such a strait, that he was out of breath upon his knees in the ground.  
But the dead bodies which he had before him, were as good as a Rampart to defend him, especially against horses, so as they could not trample him under their feet; and so he prolonged his life: which had been but a while, if the most strong Brauorante had not come to part the affray, who like as the Sun parteth the clouds, even so made he a lane thorough his enemies: some he trod under his feet, others he slew with the sword, and those which came nearest to him, he defeated with his fist.  
He saw from his high horse, his brave competitor, and being able, would not leave to give him assistance, which he esteemed to be nobly done, which in deed was very worthy.  
At his coming, he bereaved four or five of them of their lives, and leaping from his horse, he said, Courage, King of Mauritania; for Brauorante being here, there is no cause of fear, for the gods will grant thee life, to los● it by my hands, the time being expired which we have agreed upon. These words gave such pain and courage to the most furious African, that with a leap he came on foot, saying, Because I will not show myself ingrateful for the help, which thou, proud Knight, hast given me, therein giving me my life, without stirring any one step from this place, I would keep touch with thy desire and my credit: for my valour is not yet so decayed, that I will give thee any pre-eminence. Now to do it (answered the proud Pagan) agreeth not with my honour: but the time will come, wherein I shall make you know the valour of my person.  
The two courageous warriors could pass no farther forward; for the Giants were so many which came against them, that they had much to do to recover their horses: but being mounted, seeming to the world to be friends, they began to keep themselves side by side, so close and in so good earnest, that they did much harm: but they were but two only, and had lost through the force of the Tartarians, above a flight shot of their ground, retiring back as far as the Almains which led the vaunt guard, with which they began a new stir: but as they were newly come, and the young man led them, there was no resistance in all the army against the force where with his standard ma●ched. All this, in respect of what his father did at his first coming, is nothing: for with the mighty and triumphant Chariot, with those with the Elephants, he did mortal hurt, with so much glittering armour, with such puissance, with such cries and shoutings, that all the camp was troubled. O cruel Nero, hadst thou seen this spectacle, how much it would haaes eased thy mind! for presently streams of blood began to run over all the field. I speak it not without tears: for the most part of the Almains and Parthians he tore in pieces.  
O cruel Roselia, it sufficeth that thou wast a Roman, to extend thy wrath so far, as that thou mightest see the Greek fields died with Roman blood, and of the Almains.  
here the soldan of Niquea seeing his army go to wrack, considered of his error. Here the soldan of Egypt repent for coming to his aid, although another thing grieved him more than this.  
The mighty Andronio, upon his Chariot cast his eyes about, to see his two friends: and their good hap would, that he found them in good time, for they were in danger: for they had entered so far among the Assyrians, which gave them so much to do, that the blood flowed out at their Uisors, and had wounded Rosamundi with a stab. With a great cry knowing them, he enured, calling them by their names. His Chariot overthrew above two hundred to the ground, and when he saw them at liberty, he s●ayed; and lifting up his Beaver, he entreated them to come up into his Chariot. They presently knew him, for they loved him as themselves: and they all three leapt up, putting their horses in sure keeping of those Giants, which took care of them. I cannot in so great a war spend so much time, as particularly to express the pleasure they conceived in seeing their friends, but will leave it to their consideration which have felt the like.  
In company they returned to the Camp, making a great slaughter, so as where so ever they went, the Moors lost ground, the Greeks taking more courage, seeing such succours, and most of all when they heard them sound in their Camp, in sign that they were in distress, which was such, that the most part of those which battered the City, were constrained of necessitte to leave the battery, to go to succour them.  
The brave Earl of Mod●ca and his valiant son, were no small let unto them▪ very joyful for the favour which Poliphebus had done the young man, giving him his own company, for his greater honour. Those of the ancient Tinacria, did so long and so valiantly detain the Pagans, that the Captain General, with his courageous companions, might set upon the Camp, although that those Princes, whose force was to be feared, were left to guard the same, and had defended it (notwithstanding that they were surprised) had not those Pillars of human fortitude led the way, which were Oristoldo, Claridiano, Claramante, Poliphebus, Rosabel, and the fair Archisilora, with the beloved Flori●arte, who went joyfully, in hope to see his friend Artimio, and also to know his Lady. As he was put in hope by the letter, the furious Spaniards entered, being greedy of spoil, doing notable harm: for not content to cut, and overthrow the Tents, they presently set them on fire, which in a Pater noster while, was greater than that of Troy.  
They are not things to be written, what those seven Princes did in this journey, for I know not whether I shall be believed or no: for keeping themselves together, they brought death to those in the Camp, which in the midst of them were slain and trosen under foot. In less than half an hour, they had overthrown all their enemies: they happened all together to enter a Tent, leaving at the entrance fifty Spanish Knights for a guard, which would have held it against Mars, which Tent was the Emperors, where waved an ensign with the Arms of Rome: all the Ladies of the Moors were there assembled, which were no less fair, than those of the City.  
The seven warriors entered, being besides themselves, to see such brave beauty. At an instant, they all, excepting the fair Queen, put off their Helmets, putting them out of fear, assuring them, that they should have no harm, notwithstanding the noise which they heard in the Camp: but it gave them greater, to see some which they loved better than themselves: for Eufronisa with the sight of Rosabel, was stricken speechless.  
The fair fearful Arbolinda accompanied her in delight. The mighty General which was not acquainted with Love, became suddenly enamoured: for seeing Clabela, the daughter of the mighty Assyrian, so fair and so young: he gave her his heart for a recompense: they were some of those, which dearly loved, & which endured much, as shall be declared in the fourth part.  
The first which spoke, was the beloved Tinacrian, to the fair Eufronisa, saying, I have travailed with such pain, most excellent Princess, seeing myself your debtor, and upon my word, that I have sought all means to accomplish it, to bring you to this Knight, pointing to Rosabel, to the end that you take such revenge of him, as your beauty deserveth.  
With such hazard to these Ladies, valorous Prince of Tinacria, I would not that you should have accomplished it, although that therein you have done me a favour, according to the hope conceived of your valour. There is no revenge to be taken of this Prince: my grief sufficeth me, which shall serve for a punishment for his unkindness. I was never so (worthy Princess) answered Rosabel: the much which I owe you, bindeth me to lose my life for your sake. They could no longer continue their discourse: for the greedy Spaniards made such a noise, and such shoutings, as though the skies would have fallen.  
Let this satisfaction suffice (said the most fair Queen of Lira, putting off her rich Helmet, whose rare beauty made them all to wonder) until you come to the City, where shall want no means to favour your cause. And so I beseech you, in behalf of all these Knights and myself, you will be pleased to come with us: for so fair a prize is not to be left for any thing in the world: and more, I being the cause, and only instrument which hath ordained it. To many of them, it was no grief to go prisoners thither, and although that others grieved, yet perforce they dissembled it. Love took good order herein: for the fair Arbolinda, seeing her beloved Prince Florisarte of Argentaria, was glad to go in his Arms, & Clabela, with Oristoldo, which was life to the young man.  
Eufronisa at length came to see herself in the Arms of her beloved Britanian, as though that she had never been there before. Claridiano took the Sophy his daughter, Claramante the kings of Fenicia, Poliphebus the soldans of Egypt: all the rest which I leave out, whose beauty was great, the Spaniards took, so as they departed with the most rich booty of the world, which were sixteen daughters of the chiefest Princes in the army, with a sister of bembo's, very young, whose beauty in her time caused no small troubles.  
There was much to do to get the greedy Spaniards out of the Camp, until that they saw their Princes go pestered and loaden with rich spoils up the hill, at which time rescue came from the Army, but it was too late: for they had already made their boot, and put the same in safety: for having the hill at their backs, they would have defended themselves against all the army. These warriors descended at that point, which leadeth down into the valley, on which 〈◊〉 the City was not battered, for the strength thereof. There they entered with their prey, a better than which, and without bloodshed, Alexander never took with all his Monarchy, neither the famous African, much more victorious.  
The news was presently known in the Army, where the battle was fought of the taking of these Ladies, which was an occasion to encourage the Pagans. O who had seen the mighty Bembo, the redoubted Brauorante, with the brothers of the Wood, with this ●n sickle news! They fought not like men▪ it is not to be imagined what hurt they did: fourteen Knights of the Greek emperors chamber, by their hands lost their lives, 〈◊〉 a number which were trodden under foot and wound ●● but yet they had the worse: and although that the Princes were absent, that was no hindrance to the victory, which they had wholly ended, had not the warlike Sarmatia, and Bembo his mighty cousin come to their aid, who seeing him fight so desperately, came to him saying,  
In such times, valorous Captain, you are to take order, not with your disliking, but with fortune, which declareth itself for your enemy: for I see all the Army at the point to be lost. The Camp is spoiled, the Sea died in your blood, so as there is no remedy, but to take this blow with patience, and know▪ that it cometh through the small equity of your cause, which was great, to covet those spoils which the heavens had prepared for the British Prince. Look well to it, for you ought to give over a thousand battles whatsoever, rather then to give cause of offence to your Lady, whom you make show to love so much: and seeing that she is not able to do you pleasure, put me in trust, and I will so employ myself, as shall be to the contentment of all.  
The discreet Lady had taken off her Helmet; and thereby the Captain knew her, who well considering, that what she had said, was wrought by the Almighty hand, and preserved for some great Christian, he put the matter in the Princess' hands, willing her to do as best pleased her: although that being so many, which hold themselves aggrieved, it will be a hard matter to obtain any peace, in the midst of such a tempest, I desire nothing, but that some occasion may be offered, wherein I may be able to do Liriana any service. Leave this charge to me (quoth the Lady) for I will obtain it of those which can do most in this war.  
She took so good order, that she persuaded the soldan of Niquea to peace, seeing how much it concerned him, seeing he thereby should recover such friends and kinsmen. She obtained the like of the Emperor of the Romans: and all perceived, being of the losing side, that it better fitted with their Nobility, to offer them peace, then when they had the better of the war. And as of these men depended the command of all the rest, and the new enamoured Oristoldo agreeing herein for the love of his Lady, with all haste the retreat was sounded between both armies, that valiant Lady being the occasion of all that good: they were parted at an instant (for it behoved them that were overcome, seeing it was for their good) and the others, to please their Princes, sheathed their swords.  
The Pagans would not that night enter into the City, because they would take order for their hurt men, and to bury their dead, which were so many, as made all men amazed thereat: from the City they sent many dainties to the Camp, which were not a little esteemed, for the want which there was thereof in both Camps. There was as great joy, as though there had been no such slaughter.  
All the Greeks awaited the morning, to go forth to receive the Moors: what passed, shall be declared elsewhere: for certainly with just reason he may be weary, who hath ended a war so cruel as was this.   

CHAP. XXXI. How the Princes of the Camp entered into the City, and of the feasts which were made them: and the Marriages, which were contracted for the confirmation of the peace.  
SO sweet is peace (most excellent Prince) that Dion said, that a man was to fight a whole year, to enjoy one day of peace: it is so pleasing a good, that it cannot be valued, being so highly extolled. So said he which desired it, as Aristophones: That it grieved not the maimed man, to eat his bread poorly in peace, although it had proceeded from a cruel war.  
Well did the famous Bembo understand that, when he so easily yielded to all that which the Princess of Lacedemonia required, who the better to make her doings more famous, had spoken to the most principal gallants, to the end that the next day they should in her company go forth (as with her which had ended that which seemed impossible) to receive the Pagans. They were all content to please her, seeing that therein she had done the like by them. The next day with new beauty, not with any bloody colour, the Sun showed himself, hastening his course to behold so much bravery as there was among those Gallants, which by that time were gone forth of the imperial City in a well marshaled squadron, all light, with their swords only, with such costly attire, as a man would not desire to see more in all his life time.  
Between Claramente and Claridiano, went the fair Sarmatia, armed with most rich Armour, which Lirgandeo had given her, without any Helmet, and in stead thereof, a coloured hat of the colour of her Armour, with such costly workmanship, that the price thereof could not be valued.  
In the midst of her breast (for she bore no Shield) she ware Peace painted so at life, that it was very pleasing to behold it, with these words: 
The name of peace is passing sweet,  
Which to obtain,  
We ought to take pain.   
She had so good a grace, besides her beauty, that all men rejoiced to see her.  
By that time began to come forth of the imperial Pavilion, those mighty Monarches, the soldan of Niquea, and the Roman Emperor, Constantius, with the soldan of Egypt, and the rest of the mighty Kings (inhabiting thereabouts, which came to this most sumptuous sight) being in all above thirty. There were never seen so many together, nor that commanded so many countries, in coming so ne●re that the one might see the other, the warlike Lady said,  
Sovereign Princes, and valiant Knights, because you shall know how much the Greeks do esteem of the peace granted on your behalf, they commend them unto you, praying you to accept of their City at your service, wherein they will show you (in doing you service) that, if they fought, it was but to come to enjoy this day: there is nothing sweet, but what is gotten with pain, which seeing it hath been between both Camps, it is reason that they both should enjoy that which is redounded thereof. Ualorous Lady, answered the courteous Bembo, although it were but to be delighted with your valour and discretion, after so many tempests, they were all employed, and we will accept of the favour which those Princes offer us, entering into their City, from whence it will be more hard for them again to put us out, in peace, then in open war. They all took their way towards the City, where was nothing to be seen but Knights and Ladies, the sight where of exceedingly much pleased the Pagans.  
I know not how, discreet reader, I am entered, neither the middle, nor ending of these entertainments: for even to imagine it, is as much as for me to wade thorough the swollen Sea drie-foote. Who is able to describe what Bembo felt, when the fair Liriana came to speak to him, saying, I never thought, famous Prince, that your arm should have wrought me so much displeasure: but now to content you, I will requite you, praying you to dispose of all: for although I have gone with you in the opinion of a tyrant, I will draw you from that by experience. The young man could not suddenly answer her, until that fear was past, and then he said, Most excellent Princess, I ever thought that your beauty would one day come to take compassion of my grief, but not to remedy it: I never pretended, but that all the whole world might know, of what power my sorrow was: and if I came to this war, I was forced thereto, to the end to enjoy the sight of you.  
Let those old quarrels proceed no farther (said the most fair Lindabrides) for hearing of this Prince his valour, I had affected him without offence to Claramante: for having him in our power, he shall see, how much worse it shall be for him to get out of our hands, then from the Greek Princes.  
As these things passed, it was a life for Bembo: for it seemed to him that fortune would turn to favour him. The excellent Sarmatia had made such haste, and taken so good order, that she had procured for Bembo, no less then for Rosiluira, which was, to give him what he desired, and her, what she desired, although that Don Celindo was grieved thereat in his soul, who by Lupertius his order, who was there present, was made known to be Meridian his son.  
He restored to the Assyrian, his son, and to the King of Fenicia, and the Sophy, theirs: a thing which anew renewed their content, and for them also: for they knew that their father Selagio was at liberty: who what he did when he saw himself free, shall be declared hereafter.  
The Emperor of the Romans was very glad, that Don Celindo was so high a Prince, which was the cause why he gave him his daughter.  
The fair Arbolinda, upon the way seeing herself in the arms of her beloved Florisarte, told him the effect of all her love: he made them to betrothe Rosabel, and because that there should be perpetual peace, they gave to the prince of Niquea, Lindoriano: the fair Tinacrian, Rosiluira, whom he loved as his soul: to Astorildoes' lot, fell the fair Clarintea of Celandia: and to the Prince of France Clarindo, the fair English Artemisa: to the Princes of Bohemia and Hungary, to the one, the fair Troyla, and to the other, the fair Feniciana, sister to Don Argante.  
The mighty Tartarian Daristeo▪ was so enamoured of the young Rosabela, that her Greek parents were glad to give her▪ seeing how much they were beholding to him, which cut the heart of the Knight with the stars, for thereupon grew a great quarrel, which lasted long, to the loss of much blood, as you shall hear.  
All these marriages were deferred for the space of fifteen days, because that Bembo was to be christianed, and Poliphebus and his wife, with Lindoriano and his wife.  
Triumphs are a preparing, which will be reported over all the world. In the mean time, upon agreement, the Moors discharged their Navies, remaining for every Monarch, twelve Galleys. They set at liberty all prisoners, and amongst the rest, Epirabio, whom, as he had deserved, they gave Lisiana, which he so much desired. The great Assyrian, Don Clarisel (by the consent of all the Greek Princes) married with Floralisa.  
In this pleasure, remained all those Princes and fair Ladies, which of all the world were the flower, when as Selagio framed a new revenge; for herein is cruelty depainted in his colours: he obtained so much by overturning Lupertius his books, that he came to find this prophesy: Into Mars his Castle, no man shallbe suffered to enter, but him which mounting upon the hill Olympus, shall win the passage, and after that he is entered, shall bereave Mars of his Arms.  
He was very glad, imagining that no man could do it: and he stealing away the greatest part of the Ladies, which were busied with pleasing feastings, being so hard to set them at liberty, he should remain somewhat satisfied. In a moment he put it in execution: for taking a Chariot with flaming fire, which he brought into the hall at Constantinople, so as no man could stir, with such lightnings and thunder, as though heaven and earth should have come together: which being passed, there were missing the fairest Ladies of the world, which were Policena, Helena, Aurelia, and Rosabela, with the fair Artemisa: and of the Moors, the daughter of the Sophy, of the Assyrian, of the F●nician, Troyla, and Bembo his sister, although but a girl, and the soldan's of Egypt. All the Court was in an uproar, and there would go to seek them particularly, Rosabel his sons, and he with the stars, with the great Tartarian: but in the mean time in came Navato, who pacified them, saying, that then to go to seek them, was to no purpose: for he found, that they should not so soon be set at liberty: for there was a prophesy, that until that the disguised Lion should hold the Ounce in his paws at the point of death, who loved him as herself, having wounded her, and set her in such manner, not springing from thence the furious Basilisk, which may break open that which is locked, it shall be impossible for the world to see the enclosed Nymphs. So as, excellent Princes, it behoveth you to make merry (although there be so many Ladies missing) by reason of the peace which hath cost you so much: and because I have much to do, and all for your service, I can stay no longer, neither see any body, until all be accomplished: and so he presently vanished, lea●ing both the Greeks and Moors somewhat satisfied, in that they knew that they were in some part, whither they might go to seek them. And so all the gallant youths began to prepare for the feasts, until that one day, all the Ladies passing their time merrily with their Gallants in the midst of the great hall, with all those mighty Princes, discoursing of pleasant matters, the famous Brauorante s●ung with his own honour, rose up, and began in this manner:   

CHAP. XXXII. How the redoubted Brauorante required the brave Brufaldoro to perform the challenge past and agreed upon, and of the cruel battle which was between them, with that which followed.  
A Touch in honour (most excellent Prince) is of such force, that there is no pleasure taken in any thing, until that it be defaced, or the breach repaired: we have an example hereof in the most mighty Brauorante, who being stung with the sight of his father's Arms in another man's hands, it made him stark mad: and it was a sufficient pain, sith he felt not how great it would be to him, to see Floralisa married: but his wits were so troubled with this grief, that it gave no place to feel any other, which he plainly discovered: for nothing regarding what discontentment he should give therein, in time of so much content, he stood up and said,  
The gods are my witness, Sovereign Princes, what pleasure I conceived, to see you reconciled for so many years, and that after that you have showed the heights of your displeasure, it endeth in such joy, so fixed, that it is needless to fear that fortune may alter it.  
In general, we are all victorious: for if the Greeks may glory in that name, the Pagans may also wear garlands of green ●ke: but in particular I alone cannot joy in this name, although that for some respects I have so much deferred that, which ought not to be endured for a minute: and how can it be, that I should live contented, seeing my father's Arms in the hands of Brufaldoro, so much defended by the Greeks, that therein they have bound me to do them service so long as I live? and having twice given over the battle, for the love of my Lady Floralisa (and a hundred would:) but she deferred it until the end of these battles: and seeing that they are so well ended, there is no reason why it should be any longer delayed: for it is a great stain to my honour, and much for this King to have challenged me. And herewith the Barbarian gave an end to his discourse, remaining so furious, that all men marveled at the order which he observed in his challenge.  
The brave Brufaldoro stood up, and with that fierceness wherewith the heavens had endued him, he said, I would, Brauorante, long since have accomplished thy desire: but in time of such joy as this, to trouble them with new wars after so many past, it is rather a sign of pride, then of any thing else: and because thou shalt know, that if I took those Arms, I mean to defend them, to morrow I will in the place fasten them to a Lance, from whence if thou take them not, it will be for want of that valour, whereof thou so much vauntest.  
The Pagan leapt out, crying, It is to be delayed no longer: for there is time enough betwixt this and night to chastise thee.  
The brave African had set upon him, had not the most mighty Tinacrian stepped between them, at whose request it was deferred till the next day. It was a marvelous thing to see; for before that Titans Messengers were departed from their logdings, the place was all full of people, which attended the sight of the horrible battle. As they were courageous, so were they both desirous: and it seemed to be one of the most sightly battles of the world, and with much reason: for therein were few that could match them.  
All the Greeks discoursed of the success thereof, but durst lean no more to the one than the other, not to disgrace either, although that in secret, some more affected Brauorante, for that which they had seen him do in those wars.  
When Apollo began to show his golden locks bathed in the Spanish seas, all the Court began to stir: some set up tables: others, scaffolds: there was nothing in the place, but was put to use.  
Then came forth the Greek Ladies, so fair, that if the Sun had not taken care of those warriors, he could have taken no benefit of the counsel which he gave to his son, it would so much have troubled him to see so much rare beauty together, seeing that he only for one, left his abode in the heavens, living in a rude office, and held it for greater glory, then in his rich Chariot to compass the heavens, who seemed to stay, which was for that, that at one side of the place, the two famous warriors presented themselves: with the one, came all the Africans: he would not have his arms brought to him, for he came in with his Beaver down, and with his Lance in his hand, with so angry a pace, that there was great hope of him: he was covered all over with clean and well tempered steel, enameled green, with many knots of gold.  
In the midst of the shield, which was of the same colour, he had his Lady's picture, when he took her from four Giants, which he slew in requital for their presumption, with this ●ot in the borders; 
A strong conceit in a loving mind,  
Maketh easy what ever it doth find.   
He road round about the place, with a greater grace than Mars, causing at one side thereof, a great Lance to be set up, and thereon to set up the Arms which had belonged to Brauorante: to the end, that he who got the victory, should bear them away for a Trophy and token of his valour.  
He presently took his place, attending the great Scythian, who had challenged the famous African, if ever there were any in that land.  
On the other side came in (in valour) the rare Brauorante, with all the Assyrians (that were left) in his company.  
It was a thing worthy to be seen by the greeks, to see how proudly he came in, all in clean tempered steel, from the head unto the foot: his colours were Lyon-colour, with many streams of green, and the skirts gilt.  
There was never seen in the world (except it had been a Giant) a greater or a goodlier Warrior: and in remembrance of the Lady which he had chosen for his god, he bore her painted so at life in his Shield, as when he met her in the kingdom of Mauritania, where he fought for her, as in the beginning of the third part is declared.  
The borders were so set with precious stones of such inestimable price, that there was no fairer show to be seen. Therein was also a Warrior far in love, and between the two, these words: 
Well may he presume to win,  
Who first found you,  
And by his service bound you.   
He came in, with a furious aspect confronting his adversary. The judges of the field were the two famous Queens of beauty: for the African chose for his part, the fair Archisilora: and the great Brauorante chose his goddess Floralisa, which doing that, which to that office did appertain, appointing them an equal space for their career, arms, and sun, they withdrew them to one side, to give the more room.  
Although this be the last, fair Dames, there is no reason, that he which in the beginning craved leave to begin this History, and to give it, in the middle should now leave to repair to your beauties, to give it a pleasing ending, and to extol the blows of the most famous warriors upon the earth: for with angry paces they set themselves face to face, and the Sun between them both staying his course, because they should hasten theirs; which they did more swift than the fresh wind in Autumn.  
None of those which beheld them, durst cast their eye aside, for fear to lose the sight of the effect of their swift career. They performed it (gallant Ladies) with greater noise, than the raging Sea maketh, when it threateneth the highest heavens, and being unable to reach unto them, contenteth itself with beating the rocks upon the shores side. And although that their Lances had been Ships masts, they would have broken them in small pieces: for they came more strongly seated in their Saddles, than any rock in the Mountains, and their Lances being broken into splinters with the force of their encounter, flew into the air clean out of sight. I believe they flew so high, as to the Throne where the angry god maketh his abode, who did malice their peerless encounter: they passed one by another with a better grace, than he could have done. They returned in the air with their sword in their hands, with so fierce a countenance, and so proud an aspect, that the most valiant of the greeks cast their cloaks over their faces, because they would not see it, all their blood of their bodies being retired to their hearts.  
And seeing that Claramante was afraid, and Claridiano shrunk aside, what shall my wearied pen, and my dull short wit, but make an end of this book, entreating pardon for the faults which are in them all, not looking into them, as into a work of so tender years; but only into my desire so give content? But being now entered into more riper years, I do promise the fourth part: in the which, an end shall be given of this terrible battle, and also of the love of the unknown Greek, with the noble acts of the sons of Eufronisa: and also of the Knight with the stars, with the mighty Daristeo: for the things which they did in seeking the Ladies, were wonderful to the world, which doth anew encourage me to treat of their loves, which were not comparable with the Queens of Lira.  
Wherefore (worthy Ladies) excuse my errors, and my so abrupt giving over this History: whereof if ● may be assured, I shall begin it with courage, only to give you contentment.   
FINIS.