THE FIRST BOOK OF PRIMALEON of Greece.  
Describing the knightly deeds of Arms, as also the memorable adventures of Prince Edward of England.  
And continuing the former History of Palmendos, brother to the fortunate Prince Primaleon.  
LONDON, Printed for Cuthbert Burby, and are to be sold at his shop by the Royal Exchange. 1595.   

The first Book of Primaleon of Greece: Describing his Knightly deeds of Arms, as also the memorable adventures of Prince Edward of England. And continuing the former History of Palmendos, Brother to the fortunate Prince Primaleon. etc.  

CHAP. I.  
How the Ambassadors of France came to Constantinople, where they were Honourably received by the Emperor, who having heard the effect of their embassage, and conferred thereon with the Prince Arnedes: affianced him immediately to his Daughter Philocrista, by whose hand the Ambassadors presented the Letters of credence from the King their Master.  
IN the History of Palmendos, after which this Book of Primaleon followeth, you have heard of the Love between the Prince Arnedes 〈…〉 Philocrista, Daughter 〈…〉 Emperor Palmerin, and 〈◊〉 a Courtier was sent to advertise the ●ing his Father thereof: That he might ●n●ay the like good fortune, ●s Palmendos had done with his mistress Francelina, and thereby confirm a general rejoicing. The messenger being careful to dispatch this business, made such haste in his journey, as in short time be arrived at the famous City of Paris, where the King understanding the will of his Son, quickly resolved to conclude these assures: Electing as chief in this embassage, the Duke of orleans, a very wise & prudent Lord, commanding also that the marquess of Olivet, & the County Peter (one of the boast knights in his Court) should be are him company, with many other Barons so sumptuously accoutred, as evidentli declared, how far the French exceeded all other Nations in magnificence and good parts, whereof at this time we have no leisure to speak. The King having given them his Letters of credence, and instructions concerning the sum of their charge: he delivered them sundry precious gifts, which he sent to Philochrista and the Prince Arnedes. But before their departure, there came a Knight to the Court from the King of Castille, to advertise rescind, how his Brother being deceased without issue, all the people verse much rejoiced, that the Sceptre of the Kingdom should fall to a Prince so valiant.  
When the King of France heard these news by the gentleman of Spain named Pinedo, be made answer, how rescind was gone with his Son Arnedes to Constantinople, where (as he heard by credible intelligence) he daily won great honour and renown. Hereupon, Pinedo determined to pass into Greece with the Ambassadors, and coming to Tolloain Provence, they embarked themselves on the Mediterranean Sea; where sailing with wind at will, it was not long before they arrived at Constantinople, even at such time as Arnedes was in his wont passions of love. No sooner were they entered the port and bad cast Anchor, but the Duke of orleans commanded a general iovysance, in applauding heaven for their happy nanigation: whereof the Emperor being advertised, he sent to know the cause of this rejoicing. When he heard the arrival of the French Ambassadors, he was right glad thereof, hoping Arnedes would now recover health by some good tidings: and therefore sent speedily to acquaint him therewith, entreating him to be of good courage, seeing the Lords of his Country were come so happily. It were needless to demand if Arnedes were well pleased with these tidings, considering the present cure he found in one moment he reby, which showed, that herein consisted the only medicine for his malady: this made him leave his bed, and go with Primaleon to the Emperor, who seeing him come so 〈…〉, was not a little glad of his good recovery, and said: Methinks Sir Arnedes that the arrival of these French Gentlemen, hath revived and very well strengthened you. Well have you said my Lord (answered Arnedes) because it is the only means of my restoring. Philocrista (who knew full well the depth of his amorous desires) rejoiced marvelously at this fortunate occurrence, so that by outward view of her countenance, might easily be discerned the inward content of her bart, and whence proceeded this alteration: wherein (by silence) she bewrayed to the French Prince, what boldly she durst not utter in speech, and whereof he needed no interpreter, but with like signs returned thankful requital, minding to go presently to the port, to see by whom the King his Father had sent this long expected message. The Emperor commanded many of his Barons with him, for more Honourable accompanying the Ambassadors to the Palace, and in sign of greater favour, Primaleon himself went with Arnedes, who sent his divarse before, to let them understand his coming to the port: Whereupon, the Duke of orleans with his company immediately landed, where first beholding their young Prince, they ran hare-headed to kiss his hand, when he hane severally embraced the, thus spoke to the Duke of orleans, My noble cozen, how many pleasures hath your art shall here enriched me withal, in sooth far more than you can easily think on? But tell me (I pray ye) ere we pass any further, how sares the King my Noble Lord and Father? So well as your heart can desire my Lord, answered the Duke, and as one wonderful longing speedily to see you: wherefore his will is, that making so little stay here as possible you can, you use some haste in returning to your Country of France. Herein shall I most gladly obey him, replied Arnedes, ere many days after this he expired: in mean space, give honour to Primaleon here the emperors Son, who hath vouchsafed to come in person to welcome ye.  
Primaleon marveled that these French Lords and Knights so humbled themselves to Arnedes, which made him imagine that he was Son to their King: in regard whereof, using the greater kindness to the Duke of orleans and the other Ambassadors, he desired than to resolve him concerning the estate of Arnedes, who hitherto had not disclosed himself to any one. My Lord (said the Duke) this young Prince is out Sovereign's Son, who in respect of his earnest desire to be service to the Emperor your Father: thought it meetest for him to come unknown to this Court, and here to remain so concealed, till he should perceive his private deseignes fall out to his own contentment. Concerning which, the present message committed to our trust by the King his Father, I hope will sort to good and successful end; with the help of him whom I pray so speed us, as herein our enterprise may not be disappointed. In good faith said Primaleon (turning himself to the French Prince) I have very great reason to complain of you Arnedes, that you would thus long hide yourself from me, for although you resolved in coming hither, that no one should know ye: yet you might have exempted me from that universal number, considering the habitude and secrec●s you might boldly have reposed in me, that I should not have continued so long ignorant of your royal race. My Lord (answered Arnedes embracing him) herein I beseech you hold me excused, in respect that straying so far from the French Court, I determined to do somewhat in actions of Arms, that might be worthy report of my progeny, before myself were known to any one: And being concealed, I might best do it, considering no way else could I reach the top of my desire: but any thing wherein I employed myself, might rather redound to my disgrace than commendation. Certainly (replied Primaleon) if by deeds of Arms you desire to publish our name, me thinks you should hasten the day of Turney, considering your Royal geniture, and thereby express your knightly valour and resolution. Ah my Lord (said Arnedes, interrupting him) it pleaseth you to account me among men of desert, though far unworthy am I to be seen in any such assembly. Notwithstanding, if good will may incite forward a generous mind, by puissance to witness some part of his strength: I hope I should not be reputed amongst the weakest. No truly (answered Primaleon) but rather amongst the strongest, where honourable victory will set on your head a triumphal Crown.  
But leave we these speeches till some better convenient time, and go we to the Emperor, who will be most joyful hearing these news. So mounting on horse back with the Ambassadors, they road to the Palace, where gracious entertainment was commanded them by the Emperor. And in this time Pinedo made known to the Prince Arnedes, how he passed into France to find rescind, whom now he came to acquaint with the death of his Brother, and how all the Barons and people of Castille, would willingly accept him for their Lord and King.  
Of these tidings was the Frenchman not a little glad, that his Cousin rescind (whom he loved as himself) was heir to the Sceptre of Castille: But yet was he as sorry on the other side, because he could hear no report of him, wherefore persuading Pinedo, that he hoped of his short return, in that the Tourney at his marriage would be a mean thereof, which was published through all the parts of the Empire, he thought it needless any further to pursue his search.  
Now the Emperor (who in this space had understood the descent of the Prince ● Anedes) when he saw him enter the Hall with his Son Primaleon, arose from his seat to embrace him, saying: How happens it my Lord Arnedes, that you would all this while so cunningly dissemble with us, in shade wing of whence and what you were? wherein you have done us g●●at discourtesy, and lest such honour as your virtues deserved. Tell me I pray you, wherefore did ye so conceal yourself, knowing how happy I would have thought myself, to have understood of you with out thee saying:  
My Gracious Lord replied Arnedes, most humbly I in treat ye, use no such words on my behalf, because I know myself unworthy of them, much less of the honour I have received in your Country, which a better man than I can no way deserve. But never could any quiet enter my thoughts, till I beheld the Maginficence of your Court, and that to my poor power I might do you service: poor and slender in truth is it in respect of my good will, which is equal with the most affectionate servant you have, among whom I desire your Grace to repute me, as the man whom no one shall outgo in zeal and devotion of mind. And a great discountenance of heaven have I accounted it, that no occasion hitherto would happen, whereby I might lively express the true affection imprinted in my heart.  
It sufficeth (answered the Emperor) what already you have done, proof enough to give you the reputation of one of the best Knights in the world. And as for me, if I be not deprived of the favour (considering the love I bear ye) I shall evermore continue my former opinion, and repute myself happy in making alliance with you, when you shall think expedient to yield thereto.  
Arnedes, who saw the passage open, whereby his soul might soonest be conducted to rest, and by him likewise that had the only key thereof: was marvelously overcome with thy, when taking the Emperor by the hand, to kiss it in sign of thanks, he said. Well may I now vaunt myself to have attained the height of human solicitie, being offered by your Grace an alliance so honourable, for which I know not how to show myself thankful (in discharge of the duty wherein I stand bound) but only by continuing your humble 〈…〉, and day by day to confirm the indissoluble bend, wherein I am everlastingly wrapped by this extraordinary favour. Notwithstanding, if my unfeigned affection, to remain your obedient servant, or dutiful Son if you please, may stand for an earnest penny: Then entreat I you to accept thereof as I present it, to the end I may hereafter be so ready in performance, as now I am in heart. For even as the greatest clap of thunder follows the fairest day, and nothing else in suddenness may be compared thereto: as ready shall I be upon receipt of the very conjectures of your desires, to satisfy the same, than if I should give attendance upon commandment.  
The Emperor being marvelous glad to hear him use such honest speeches, gathered very well with what shaft he was wounded, & that the matter now opened by conference, was but only to seek a speedy balm or medicine for the hurt received. Hereby he took occasion to let him ●it by him, which drew on many glances still to the same purpose: but among the rest, when the Emperor heard the whole story of rescind his cozen, he could not choose but greatly wonder thereat. Hereof was M●lioia joyful beyond measure, because she entirely loved the Spanish Prince: yet could she not compare with Philocrista in contentment of spirit, by reason she wanted the amorous object which she had, nor could she participate in those unspeakable pleasures, wherewith the hearts of the other twain were specially delighted.  
On the morrow, the Emperor caused the Palace to be richly adorned with tapistry of gold and silver, and his most sumptuous jowels to be placed in open show, that the French Ambassadors should behold his stately pomp: they likewise coming into the Hall, attired in their fairest and costl●est habillimentes, were received by the Emperor with exceeding Honour, and to him (by fair Philocrista) they presented their Letters of crdence, the effect whereof hereafter followeth.  
The Letter sent from the King of France, to the Emperor Palmerin.  
To the most high and magnanimous Prince, Palmerin, de Oliva Emperor of Constantinople, true mirror of Chivalry: Lewes, by the grace of God, King of France, wisheth health condign to his excellent mightiness.  
THe assurance given me of the renown of your generosity (my most dear Brother) which is spread to the very furthest, most barbarous, and hidden regions of this hemisphere: caused me immediately dispatch my Ambassadors toward your Majesty, to entreat that you would consent to an alliance, which I have purposed (if you please) between our houses, according to the ordinance of the last will, which the into king of famous memory my most Noble Father (whom God absolve) left me when he paid his mortal tribute to nature. And because I have instructed the bearers hereof, in all the points and articles which on our behalf you are to be acquainted withal: I shall need to use the less discourse by Letter, reposing only on then sufficiency. Requesting you that in this cause you will give them credit, or what else they shall think meet and determine, concerning the marriage of Arnedes Prince of France my Son, as if I were with you myself in person: and look what honour shall be done to them in your Country, I will account it as received by myself. But least happily you should repute it strange, that thee ●est Son of so great a house as this, should come to your Court so meanly attended: therein I desire ye consider his earnest affection, to accomplish some memorable deed unknown, whereby you may easily gather, how gladly he would go beyond, or equal the best.  
Your affectionate and perfect friend. The house of France.  
This Letter being read, the Emperor took the Ambassadors into his Chamber, where after he had heard at full the sum of their message: immediately he called together the Princes and Lords of his privy Council, to let them understand his intent concerning these affairs.  
This by their advise was immediately confirmed for good, as well to accomplish his promise to the deceased King of France, as also in respect Arnedes behaviour was so generally commended, being a virtuous Knight, and very forward to Martial exercise. But above all the rest, Primaleon was most willing and ready in consenting to this alliance, knowing the earnest desire of his Sister, to see herself the wife of Arnedes another Adonis: and for beauty, well might Philocrista be resembled to Psyche's, or rather (if you will) a second Venus.  
The marriage being concluded, on the morrow following they were affianced together, with very stately and magnificent triumphs, so that both in the Palace and through the City, was nothing but disports and pleasure: to the no little content of the Emperor and Empress, as well for the coming and knowledge of Palmendos, as for this love knot between Philocrista and the Royal Prince of France. And now doth Primaleon arm himself for knighthood, that hereafter he may bestow his time in those commendable occasions.  
Here the French Author confesseth his fault, for having entitled the whole book the first Book of Primaleon, both that which goes before, (called by me the History of Palmendos) the name agreeing with the discourse, and this, where Primaleons' chivalry doth now but begin. His reason is, that the young Prince being very daintylie brought up, and not of years to receive the order of Knighthood: he took occasion (in mean while) to report the brave behaviour of his brother Palmendos. But now shall we speak of the gentle Prince himself, the only mirror of honour and Arms, as by reading his History you may perceive.   

CHAP. II.  
How Primaleon entreated the Emperor Palmerin his Father, in the presence of the French Ambassadors (who prepared themselves to the Grecian ports) that he would give him the order of Knighthood. And how the Lord of the enclosed Isle sent him a Shield and a Sword, wherewith he took his order. And what he sent to the Emperor, which he afterward sent to the King Florendos his Father, requesting his presence at the marriage of fair Philocrista.  
TO begin the narration and discourse of the deeds of our Primaleon, who in his youngest years exercised himself so well in virtuous Disciplines (whereof according to his very natural inclination and desire, he declared himself a studious lover,) as one might justly name him the true miracle of perfection: So among other endowments, for the spirit of wisdom he might be compared to Solomon, for beauty both exterior and interior, to the gentle Greek Alcibiades, and for magnanimity, council, military strategemes and such like, to valiant Scipio the African, or the subtle Hannibal of Carthage, especially in this time of his youth, when he had not received his order of Knighthood.  
But now fit time therefore being come, he sell on his knee before his Father, armed with a light C●●ret, which had no other beauty or bravery then the plain fashion which most he affected for his help in fight, and with humble gestures he entreated one request: The Emperor very willingly made him grant thereof, as the like, he did to divers others, who this day demanded his gracious favour, seeing him so bountiful in honour of this feast.  
My Lord (said Primaleon) the request which at this instant I desire your Grace not to deny me, is, that I may be armed Knight by your hand in this armour, on the day of the feast for the nuptials of Philocrista my sister, for to make the same the more magnificent, I hope to provide a Tourney worthy the view of your Majesty, whereto I beseech you grant me licence of safe conduct for all Knights whatsoever, because I intent to have it published in divers Countries.  
This had I granted (quoth the Emperor) with all my heart, albeit thou hadst not bound me thereto by promise, because these are the things that highly please me, and very honourable is it to see such solempnities at marriages, especially of such a Princess as thy Sister is. My Lord (said Abenunco to Primaleon) I humbly beseech you to prefer me in this action, in that I likewise earnestly desire to receive my order of Knighthood with you, so please the Emperor to honour me with so much favour. The like request made Arnasin son to Duke Ptolemy, who was equal with them in youthfulness of years, wherewith Primaleon was not a little content.  
Immediately were Heralds of arms dispatched into divers Regions, to publish the Tourney, and the day purposed for the beginning of the sports, which should continue during the feast, with Court royal openly kept, at the marriage of the Princess Philocrista: assuring all knights that pleased to show themselves there, to be entertained with honour every way equal to desert. Mean while was Arnedes seated by his affianced Mistress, (more fair and braver adorned, than the daughter of Tindarus, when Paris Alexander was overcome with her love) they both joying, yet with modesty and bashfulness, as neither durst enterprise the hardiness to speak the first word: in which mute passions, they rather resembled the two beautiful stars Castor and Pollux, than humane creatures possessed of life and moving, whereupon Melicia smiling, thus spoke to them.  
Ah that mine eyes were so happy, that they could now behold him, for whom my heart endures most passionate martyrdom, I would not show such pusillanimity as you do, seeming as though you scantly knew each other: why then do you not give some recreation to your affectionate souls, but stand thus as dead bodies deprived of life? Madame, (answered the Prince) marvel not to see me silent and dispossessed of speech, in that love by nature sealed up my lips, for seeing us in greater content with the thing more conformable to our desires, he took the benefit of speaking from us, lest the one should not please our ears so well as the other doth our hearts. Moreover, I have till this hour so extremely desired that, which now I am persuaded is altogether mine, as I shall never enjoy any quiet in mind, (so irksome is the thought of time to me) till I may see the Crown of France on the head of fair Philocrista. As for you Madam, be you certain, if my Cousin rescind as yet liveth, one day to rule the Realm of Castille: for so perfectly doth he love you, as his return hither will not be long to conclude this affair, which for my part, I would be glad to hasten, in regard of the desire I have to pleasure you both to my power.  
At these words Melicia began somewhat modestly to blush, nevertheless being prudent and well advised, she cunningly dissembled this youthful feminine shame, saying. My Lord, the Prince rescind is of such a virtuous and gentle nature, and so well his valour and prowess known where he travaileth, as each one ought to rejoice at his good fortune: especially myself, beyond all other that love and honour him, if it be so, that he bears me such good will as you speak of.  
These speeches of Melicia so emboldened Arnedes, that now he began somewhat to cheer up himself, and entered into further conference with his Lady, taking of her the first earnest of their love, which were many dainty kisses, soft touchings and such like, yet so honest and comely discharged, as it was no scandal or offence to the beholders, but rather moved them to wish, that they would longer continue this agreeable and pleasing behaviour.  
Now the Emperor amongst those that were of greatest regard there present, highly esteemed and honoured his son Palmendos, in that the chiefest joy and pleasure of this feast proceeded from him: hereupon he remembered the sealed book which he sent him, with so many other precious things from the Isle of Delphos, as in the tenth Chapter of Palmendos hath been declared.  
To make known therefore to the french Lords the magnanimity and virtues of his son Palmendos, he commanded the rich & exquisite chair (wherein the Idol sat) to be bright before him, and the book likewise, which he had caused to be kept in his treasury, amongst matters of greatest account.  
To open the book he made proof again by many of his Knights, but there was none could come near it, which he perceiving, delivered it to Palmendos saying. My son, make some little proof of this book, for if you bring not this labour to end, I am assured we may set our hearts at quiet, for reading or beholding any thing theerin contained. Palmendos turning aside his head, and making a lowly reverence to the Emperor, took the book from forth the hands of a Knight that endeavoured to open it, and with such ease did he open it, as if the same had never been closed before: heerat the Emperor was exceeding joyful, and turning towards the Noblemen of France, he could not contain, but needs must express before them a most evident sign of fatherly affection to Palmendos. Then taking the book, he turned over the leaves from one end to an other, finding no matter or discourse written therein: only he beheld the figures of two Emperors painted in the midst thereof, the one attired after the greekish manner, holding a shield upon his arm, wherein was the blazon and description of the arms of the Empire: the other was armed cap-à-pie pe after the Turkish guise, with a naked sword in his right hand, wherewith he seemed to menace the Greek, and with his left hand very furiously he snatched the shield from his arm.  
If the Emperor were highly pleased with Palmendos opening the book no doubt, but he greatly marveled what sinister presage these figures delivered by their show & fashion, wherefore he said aloud, that these did signify mighty matters: hereupon all the Lords and Knights approached near him to see the figures, and passing the book from hand to hand, they all could conjecture nothing but matter of astonishment. But as each one delivered his opinion, according to such reason as best seemed unto them: there entered the palace a young Gentleman in very rich habiliments, carrying it Shield, and one of the very best Swords for Arms, that ever Vulcan God of the Forgers could devise to make by his divine Art: and being come before the Emperor, he set his knee to the ground, speaking in this manner.  
Sir, the Knight of the enclosed I'll, sent me directly to this Court, to kiss your hand on his behalf, being the man whom he loveth, honoureth and esteemeth, more than any other person this day living under the celestial Spheres: Albeit as yet he never saw ye, neither knows ye, but only by the renown of your manhood and generosity, which hath so far commended ye, and gotten such conquest over him, as he cannot by his Magic Arts, Necromancy, Cabalist and hidden Philosophy, (wherein he may well be named the second Zoroasbres,) foresee any thing, that may turn to your grief or discontent of mind: but he imagineth himself bound to let ye know thereof. Wherefore, that ye may wade no further in the depth of doubtful opinions, which the two figures in this enchanted book may cumber your thoughts withal: he tells ye by me, that as ye behold here these Images, even so (one day) shall the Empire of Gréece, and the glory of her good Knights, be abated and destroyed by the enemies of our faith. So that for the sins and iniquities of the Christians, God will suffer between the Greeks and Turks mortal divorce a hatred, which shall end by a most bloody discomfiture, whereto you and your Son Palmendos have already given beginning. Nevertheless, this rain and decadence shall not happen in your time, neither of him or your posterity, because all their lives (even to the last day) shall be most glorious and triumphal, not any of your enemies erecting one Trophy over them: therefore receive no grief at this fatal judgement, considering we can no way escape the inevitable destiny, whereto God hath appointed us.  
I see well then (replied the Emperor in great heausnes) that man shall not have any one entire pleasure in this mortal life.  
Ah sovereign director of all things, most devoutly I entreat thee, that thou wilt for ever imprint within my soul, the true characters of thy holy catholic faith, to the end I may both live & die thereafter, without any other desire, than to accomplish thy most blessed will. And albeit that Greece (in my time) shall not receive this wound, yet must it needs marvelously offend and displease me, that so good people (by a false and miscreant Dog) should be so outraged.  
Nevertheless, seeing I can no other way redeem it, I swear and protest before ye all, hereafter to be a cruel and capital enemy to these barbarous and unbelieving hellhounds, making them dearly to buy before hand, the infelicity destinyed to this moane-worthie country. And even so it came to pass, in that both he, and Palmendos in his Kingdom of Thessaly, did great and infinite damages to the Turks, for ever after there was continually open wars between those Nations,  
But the Emperor then somewhat mittygating his choler, with a more pleasing countenance and milder terms, thus spoke to them about him.  
Wherefore should I offend myself with such things as we shall never behold? I pray ye (for all this) let us not leave the fruition of such pleasures, as God hath sent us at this instant: for seeing it is his will, that happy success shall betide the affairs of my time, and they that follow of my posterity likewise: I have no reason to passionate myself, but rather to repute me the most happy Prince, that this day inhabiteth between the two Poles.  
Therefore I pray you (quoth he to the Messenger) on my behalf, thank the Lord of the enclosed Isle your Master, for putting me out of those doubtful imaginations, striving to understand what these two figures should signify: assuring him withal, that he hath no friend in this world, who can make more account of his goodwill than I do, nor shall he find any jot less in me towards him, when pleaseth him to make any trial thereof: so breaking off, the Gentleman went a little lower toward Primaleon, who likewise was there present, & thus spoke to him: Happy & fortunate Prince, the Lord of the enclosed Isle my master, who lover you as himself, hath sent ye this good sword and rich shield, the two best and most exquisite weapons, that at this day are to be found in all the world, and them he thinks meet for so valiant a Knight as you will prove, advertising you, that the cloven rock, being thus separated, as you may behold here figured in this shield: signifieth the partiality and little love between you and her, who in after time shall make one sole heart of twain: so that on the day of this riciprocation happening between you, this impregnable rock shall then remain entire & closed again, and without any impeach, to testify your reconciliation.  
Tell your Master from me (answered Primaleon, as one abashed to hear such speeches,) that as it hath pleased him to send me this fair present, which I shall well & carefully hope for his sake: so would I have him command me any thing wherein I may do him pleasure, when he shall advertise me, as the man that may command my uttermost, & whom I highly thank for his curteses, albeit I cannot but remain in pensiveness, 〈◊〉 I understand more clearly the matters you have told me.  
The time will come (replied the young Gentleman,) when you shall know them sufficiently, although at this instant they seem so hard and obscure to ye: and then shall ye recompense the service, which now ye receive from my Master.  
Then commanded Primaleon, that one should fetch a rich present for the Lord of the enclosed Isle, in requital of the excellent Arms he sent him, and another in like manner for the Gentleman that brought them: which immediately was performed in every respect, when the youth (with great reverence taking his leave) returned presently toward the Isle, leaving all the Court marveling at the news before rehearsed.  
The Emperor and his Barons long looked on the weapons, each one commending the artificial workmanship of them, & marveling what the strange separation of the rock should mean, being thus foretold, that one day it should join together again, which made the Emperor deliver these words before all there present. I am persuaded we shall behold great matters of importance, when this half divided Rock shall knit together again: So that as seems to me my Son (speaking to Primaleon) for thee are reserved many adventures, which none but thou canst effectually finish: Wherein I pray God to be thy director, enduing thee with such strength and hardiness, as thou mayest honourably make an end of them.  
So do I devoutly pray myself (answered Primaleon) else shall I repute all my life very carelessly bestowed, and I unworthy to come in company of so great personages, if I should not resemble (in some good part or other) the noble Lord that begot me: and that I may attain thereto, it is necessary I should pass through many perilous tranayles, knowing that without exceeding endeavour, it is impossible to reach such honour, as doth for ever make men to be esteemed. For this may serve me as a most worthy crample, yea and an infallible mirror of all virtues, proceeding from your excellency so great a precedent, as not only hath sweetly conquered the love of your subjects, but gaining likewise a privilege of every ones good will, hath beside constrained the enemy and most barbarous Nations, to admire and honour ye for all perfections, being the chiefest piece of workmanship that ever Nature made.  
These gentle and gracious speeches of the Prince Primaleon, made the Emperor his Father so pleased as possibly might be, hearing from him such honest commendations, yet collourably aiming at a third person, as thence forth he reputed him verse magnanimous, and remembering Achilles, Alexander, Themistocles, and other such valiant Champions, which Greece in former time had brought forth, he began to conceive some hope, that one day he should see him go beyond all other of his time. Whereupon he gave commandment, that the weapons sent from the Lord of the enclosed Isle, should be very charily laid up, and for this cause, if afterward in any place Primaleon would not be known, he named himself the knight of the cloven rock. From that time all the whole day, there passed no other speeches among them, but of the marvelous knowledge of this great Magician, the Emperor entering into so good opinion of him, as he could never forget that the Empire of Greece should be sacked by the Turks, which was a continual grief to his heart: yet would he not outwardly deliver any show thereof, but with Princely gestures shadowing them still, seemed as pleasant as ever be was before.  
Primaleon likewise on the other side was very pensive, desiring also to know her name, who already by the very words of the young Gentleman, had inflamed his thoughts with the heavenly fire of Venus: for till this hour he had no knowledge of amorous passions, but now his heart was so lively touched therewith, as there they had taken a perpetual dwelling place, as ye shall perceive by the following discourse of the History.  
But now he fell to make provision with the other knights, giving order that all things might be ready against the triumph day, which was appointed for the Nuptials of his Sister. And for the more magnificent gracing thereof, the Emperor grently desired, to see the king his Father and the Queen his Mother there present, which made him send a pest in this behalf to request them. The like did he to the king of Sparta and Arismena his Aunt, whom he had not seen since their espousals: he sent for King Frisoll also, with the residue of his chiefest friends, that they would honour him with their presence at his Daughter's wedding, because soon after she was to departed for France.  
The Horseman which the Emperor sent for Macedon, found king Florendos in exceeding pleasure, in that he had married Belcar with Alderina, Daughter to the Duke of Pontus, and as yet the feast endured, where rescind was enforced to abide, at the earnest entreaty of Belcar, who promised afterward to accompany him to Constantinople: So that when the Post arrived there, they were providing to set forward on the way.  
Now were the king and Queen not a little joyful, when they understood that Palmendos was their Nephew, & Philocrista should marry with so great a Prince, as was the son to the king of France: Hereupon they concluded, not to frustrate the emperors desire, which he had to see them at this solemnity. Then the messenger recounted to them, how Arnedes had remained unknown in the Court, without any intent to make himself known, until the Ambassadors of France arrived there. With whom (quoth he) there came a knight of Spain, that inquired after rescind Son to the Castille king: because his eldest brother being deceased, the Subjects of the Realm desire him for their king.  
rescind hearing these news, being unable longer to endure, delivered forth marvelous sorrow for the death of his Brother, saying that he more desired his life, than all the Kingdoms in the world.  
Sundry other mournful speeches he proceeded in, when the king and Balcar (wundring that two such knights had so long concealed themselves) rejoiced not a little, thinking themselves happy, that they had done such honours to rescind: with whom they used many reasons and sweet persuasions, to comfort and put him from his sorrowful dumps.  
The messenger being likewise glad, because he had found the end of the Spanish Knights peregrination, thus spoke.  
My Lord rescind, cease these tears, which serve to no purpose, for recovering the thing that is out of all hope of men, but rather to hinder the castilians, who desire shortly to see ye as their Lord and King Sovereign: For which (me thinks) ye have greater occasion to thank God, than thus to torment yourself against all reason, considering that the Sceptre of Castille, is one of the most rich and honourable in all Europe. And if ye mean shortly to see the Prince Arnedes in Constantinople, who is not a little pensive for your cause of heaviness: ye will procure great joy both in him and the whole Court of the Emperor, because each one doth wish your presence there, especially upon so good occasion as is now offered.  
When rescind heard the Gentleman use such speeches, he began to remember himself, that now he was to deliver some Heroical spectacle, for better attaining his Lady Melicia, whom, by the sad and certain news of his Brother's death, he thought the sooner to recover as his own. Wherefore he determined to make one in this Tourney, and as he resolved on this honourable purpose, many secret discourses combated with his spirit, which he generally imparting to Belcar, received this answer from him.  
My Lord and Brother, although I durst not enterprise to go so soon to Constantinople, yet would I gladly bear you company, as well to grateste ye herein, as any thing else I am able to devise, because you are the man, to whom I would have my nearest thoughts known throughout my whole life, with this assurance beside, that ye shall not find any man less sparing of himself, in such matters as may be deemed agreeable to ye.  
Seigneur Belcar, answered rescind, I may well say, that if Fortune heretofore hath slenderly favoured me, entertaining me often with very rigorous terms, yet might it be interpreted but as a presage of unspeakable content in future prosperity: for the joy I take in being of so good account with you, surmounteth all the mishaps that have befallen me.  
So knitting up these courteous intercourses, they purposed to take order for their voyage, each one according to his own best contriving, desiring the King not to make over much haste, because they minded to travail together: For Belcar, rescind and Tirendos required to go thither before, meaning to perform some matter at honour and worthy commendation, in the sight of the Emperor, who had never seen any deeds of Belcar and Tirendos, whereto King Florendos agreed very willingly, who notwithstanding he was above threescore years old, yet was he nevertheless of strong nature, able to endure the pain of travail.  
Now when he had appointed every thing in equipage, with a goodly company, he set on toward Constantinople, whither the Duke of Pontus could not come so soon as he, for certain business of importance that had befallen him, to the great grief of the Princess Alderina, that she should so long be absent from her dear spouse Belcar. So leave we them voyaging as time favoured, to speak of such things as happened in the emperors Court in mean while.   

CHAP. III.  
How Ozalio entreated Palmendos to accomplish the promise he made him, and he unwilling to deny him any thing) gave him Marencida to wise, as also the Kingdom of Tharsus. And how they both embarked themselves, with a gallant company of Knights to go thither: And what happened the Queen, Mother to Palmendos, at their arrival.  
WHile the Horsemen and messengers were thus busied about their charge, the Emperor commanded preparation for the great triumph, feasting his Son Palmendos and the French Lords, & entertaining them with all pastimes his heart could devise: so that the whole Court exercised themselves in nothing else, than in such things as might yield greatest pleasure to this honourable assembly.  
Among them all that were thus contented, Ozalio had little mind of pleasance, seeing his cozen altered from the Law of Mahomet, wherefore he entreated him according to his promise, that he would give him the Princess Marencida to wife, with leave to return again to Tharsus: which motion highly pleased Palmendos, knowing that (by these means) the Queen his Mother should hear certain tidings of him.  
Marencida on the other side was in no less pain than Ozalio, and albeit the Princess Philocrista evermore comforted her, with such honourable means as became her calling: yet could she not fasten upon any thought of pleasure, but continuing daily solitary, like solitude itself, would not come forth of her Chamber, but there all the day streamed forth fountains of tears, complaining (without ceasing) of her adversity. Of one thing she might justly make vaunt, that her eyes were become sources, dishlling forth water more clear than Crystal: and if she took any final pleasure or recreation, it was only with Ozalio, who every hour failed not to visit her.  
At length Palmendos went one day to confer with her, concerning the former determination, of joining her in matriage with Ozalio: but so soon as he entered the Chamber, she began to renewher wont griefs and passions, saying. Alas Sir Knight, wherefore come ye to renew my sorrow, so extreme and insupportable, as death itself is ready to seize on me in this place? I entreat ye, seeing the destinies have fatally appointed me to this endless torment, that ye would not urge it the more by the means of your presence.  
Madame, answered Palmendos, if heretofore I have procured ye any injury or grief of mind, I hope at this instant to make a final end thereof, by the means of an inestimable gift which I mean to bestow upon ye, giving ye the Knight to your husband, who esteems and loves ye above all things in the world. Nor could the King Ocurites compare with him for valour and virtue, the heavens bearing witness of his prowess and dexterity in Arms, as I know no Gentleman of the Turkish Nation, seeing him once manage deeds of Chivalry, that dare meet him in Tourney or field-battaile, without repenting it dearly afterward, Neither could King Ocurites equal him in riches and possession● enuoying the kingdom of Tharsus which hereafter shall be his, a state more wealthy than the Province of Culaquin. For this cause (Madam) appease the violence of your passions, & consider, that your coming into this Country will bring ye great honour and felicity, if ye please to accept as your lawful husband the Prince Ozalio my cozen, whose affectionate diligence ye behold in your service. But should ye be so unmerciful as to refuse him, ye may easily hill both life & soul together, a matter too irregular and differing from Lady's reputation, in that by nature they are rather benign & pitiful, than bloody and cruel, though (very often) over firm in perverse obstinacy.  
Lord Palmendos, quoth Marencida, how is it possible to condescend unto the matter you propound me, but by forces well may you guess (by the small delight I take in being in this Country) I will never do this with my good will: as●●●t Sergnent Ozalio seemeth unto me such a one, as I could not better bestow my love upon any, who meriteth more savour at my hand, than he doth: but alas my fortune hath reduced me into so pitiful terms, that I cannot accommodate myself to any thing which delighteth my spirits. Notwithstanding, if so it be, that against the good will of your handmaid and captive, you have determined to effect this business, I pray you before I espouse the Prince Ozalio your Ecse● that I may see the king Ocurites my ●●st husband, to the end, I may advertise him of my disaster: 〈◊〉 of that which I am now forced to do, being not able by my reasons any way to resist.  
Thereunto do I accord most willingly, answered Palmendos, and addressing his speech to Philocrista, thus he proceeded. Madame I humble beseech you after dinner, to take her with you into the emperors great chamber, to gratify her in that which she hath presently requested.  
So sell it out, after the Infant had constrainedly made her to 〈◊〉 on her richest habillunenis, in which it was a godly sight to behold her, for she was both fair, and of the best grace. Being come into the presence, where the Emperor was conferring with the king of Theslalie, & with many other Princes and great Saigneurs, Palmendos commanded by and by to send for the king of Culaquin, who seen after was brought thither, looking so lean changed, and meager of countenance, that Marencida did not know him: and had not Palmendos showed him to her, she could not will have guest it to be he. Then she rising up from a chair where she sat, went to embrace him, the tears standing in her eyes: when she cried out. Alas! king Ocurites, which of the Planneds have we provoked, that doth submit us both to this sinister fortune and inexplicable mischance, even by the means of one only knight? the same who vanquished and took you prisoner in the Levant-seats, hath brought me away by force out of my Country, from my Father and friends into this place, where not contented to held me as his slave; but will moreover (in my despite, give me to another husband. And that which I have received of him as great savour, is this, that he hath only permitted me to let you understand hereof, to the end I having once told you, you may not blame me hereafter, knowing not for my part how to remedy it otherwise.  
Ah, I wish the fatal Goddesses, would quickly shred a two the third of my life, before I consent by my will to any such occasion. Ah! If it might so will befall me, I should repute myself happy, as receiving the only contentment which I desire, is to save me from contaminating the exceeding love I bore you: But infortunate and miserable woman that I am, seeing death showeth himself herein inexorable, I must spend in extreme sorrow the rest of my days. Alas, poor King Ocurites who was wont to be so much esteemed off among the Princes and Kings of Turkey, whose prowess and haughty courage did far surpass all the bravest and hardiest Knights of Asia; where are now become thy riches and great estates? who hath dimmed the so signal and famous renown of thy Heroical gests, captiving both thee and thy loyal spouse? How did fortune ungently abandon thee in this manner? O it was ambition and desire of winning he nor, which hath put this slavish chain about thy neck, placing thee among Gallie-slaves, where it shallbe vest for thee to die immediately, seeing the Emperor is our mortal and capital enemy? O divine providenes, how hast thou permittet fortune to rebel thus, and to execute against us so enorm and woeful a mischief's Assuredly I can well vaunt that the celestial bodies have more favoured us, than thou hast been friendly and gentle towards us.  
She uttered many other lamentable discourses, still detesting her accursed life. When the King Ocurites, who had given attentive ear to her (knowing that she was Marencida) felt himself so confounded, and out of his wits; that he could not pronounce above five or six such like words: Alas Mahomet! did it not suffice thee to have so austerely afflicted me, but thou must reduce into so pitiful and base extremity the soul which did not merit the least of all these sorrows, which doth so much the more aggravate my torment? Ah, the most outraged King that ever was borne of his mother, see alloweth down patiently the potion mixtured with bitterness, which thou hast prepared for him.  
Speaking these words, he fell his height to the ground, and Marencida fell down heard by him, where they used such strange gestures, that some supposed they were stricken with the falling sickness, insomuch, that they m●●ed all the standers by to compassion: and the Emperor for his part would willingly have delivered them, had he not perceived Palmendos could not honestly frustrate Ozalio, of the promise which he had made him. By means whereof, not to abide beholding them any longer in this piteous Tragedy, he commanded incontinent to recarry Ocurites to his lo●ging, & Marencida back into her chamber: where she would willingly have done that for him (to save him from death) which Alceste whilom Queen of Thessaly, would only have enterprised for Admetus her husband, after she understood by the Oracle, that any one of his friends, who would die in his stead, might save his life, which else in no wife might be preserved.  
So great was she hearts grief Ocurites felt, during his trance; that refusing to eat or drink a long time afterwards, he weakened so much his members, and spent his natural vigour so far, that his soul was constrained to take leave of his body: which was interred afterward (by commandment of the Emperor) in a rich tomb; whereof Marencida never knew any thing: for they sought means expressly to conceal from her this mischance, fearing lest she should go after, to héepe him company in the other world, as might be misdoubted by the conjectures gathered of the anguish she endured, seeing him in so miserable estate, when she sounded in his presence, as you have read before. And for that Ozalio did solicit at the length her departure with all diligence, Palmendos caused two ships to be made ready with all things necessary, granting him freely his departure (albeit there was much grief on both sides, for that from their infancy they had been both brought up together) they gave each other their last adieu, not without bedewing their faces with store of tears, their minds being touched inwardly with the strict and more than fraternal amity between them: so that every one marveled, why he would not for this only respect renounce Paganism, as Palmendos had done: which he would surely have done, if the love of Marencida had not so prevailed with him.  
The Emperor gave them many sumptuous presents, to carry from him to the Queen of Tharsus, which being bestowed in fit place on ship board, he commanded to hoist sails, and so incontinent launched into the main sea, which was so calm and still, that within few days he fell within the coast of Tharsus. So soon as he was arrived in the have it, all the Cinso began to make bone fires, and many other tokens of joy, thinking to recover their true & liege Sovereign Palmendos: But soon after changed their rejoicing into sadness; when they knew certainly Palmendos was so far from that plate, where they thought him to be present, all the people doing nothing else but cur●●e and ban the old Beldame, who 〈…〉 the lost of so made and gentle a Prince. At this time ●ay she Queen very grievously sick in her bed, for the absents of her son Palmendos, so that seeing Ozalio 〈…〉 for into the chamber, her heart felt present he such an 〈◊〉 anguish, that she had neither sinew, vein, artir, nor mi●scle, which was not deprived of their usual functions. So that without hearing the embassage, which the Emperor 〈◊〉 to Ozalio to oster her with his presents, she died more 〈…〉 ever ●●erre through 〈…〉  
This honourable Lady having thus accomplished the last law of nature, and yielded before God her mortal homage: Ozalio gave the principals of the Kingdom to understand of the ordinance of Palmendos his cozen: whereby upon calling them together soon after the decease of the Queen, he showed them fast scaled, and so subscribed as they ought to be: by which means they all knowing him to be a most sage and valorous Prince, accepted him gladly for their King.  
Thus having peaceably invested himself in the kingdom, he married forthwith in great triumph and magnificence, his dear Marencida, who seeing the love her husband bore her, to increase more and more every day, converted her mourning and sorrow into thankful gladness: so that within few days she quite forgot all things past, loving afterward so perfectly the good King Ozalio her second husband, that she had by him many goodly children, many whereof proved very brave and hardy Knights.  
Thus feasting them whom he took from Constantinople, for to accompany him homeward, at length he returned them back again with such news and rich gifts, which the king Ozalio sent to his cozen Palmendos, as he (in memoris hereof) continued the same every year following in like manner, for tribute and homage of the high estate, which he confessed only to hold of him.  
No sooner were the Knights arrived in the emperors Court, but Palmendos was advertised of the death of the Queen his mother: whereupon he grew into great mellancholle, and made woeful lamentation, seeming to him that his absence was the principal cause of her death: but he loved Franchelinaso ardently, that he could not well busy his spirits in any other thing, than in those which he knew might cause her delight and pleasure: wherefore in time he forgot the sorrow which these heavy news caused, especially feeling himself so comforted by his love, whom we will now leave to take the gracious pastimes, wherewith those that are 〈…〉 affianced and wont to solace one another, attending the wished day of their Nuptials; And now return we unto Rifarano, whom we shall find yet in the house of the Countess, of Island.   

CHAP. FOUR  
How Rifarano being departed from the Countess of Island, to go to the Tourney which was to be held in Constantinople: met with his companion Ledefin, with whom he fought to revenge a poor Damsel, whose husband he had slain.  
RIfarano, who Combated Dioll the Earl of Island● brother, if you remember, remained sometime with the Countess his widow, as well to heal his wounds thoroughly (especially that in the skull of his head, which he was feign to cauterize, and have thoroughly searched) as also for the pleasure and grant of amorous favours, which he received daily of her: by means where of he could not leave her, till he was advertised how the Emperor Palmerin would holds open Court in Constantinople, and of the great Triumphs, which were here in preparation, to solemni●s the alliance & Nuptials of the infant Philocrissa with Arnodes Son is the King of France, & likewise of the Princess Franchelina with Palmendos. But not to lose so good occasion, to present himself in so honourable a company, which he hoped would there m●ete at this solemn feast: he demanded licence of the Countess to go see the Prince Palmendos, at whose hands he had heretofore received so much favour, that us though that held his life but of him and the immortal God who might end it when ●● best pleased him: Whereunto very loath and unwilling she accorded doubting lest, be should not return again to her so soon as he had promised, and that in there he would for sword her; For when a thing is far out of ●ight, it is the sooner out of remembrance.  
And she good Lady, the digger she self herself with 〈◊〉, so much more did her sorrow redouble: therefore with a very feeble voice, which did sufficiently demonstrate the trouble of her mind, she prayed him of all loves he would sometimes remember her, whom his departure lest in a weartsome distress. Against the which I cannot long time hold out, quoth she, but death will prevent me, unless you purpose spéedylie to make your return: and thereby shall I know if you desire to prolong my life or no, which I put altogether into your hands.  
Madame, answered Rifarano, too insupportable a pain would it be to me; if I should frustrate you of my speedy return, for in steed of one only torment (which per adventure I should suffer more easily, making mine absence but of small continuance) too intolerable a ●art sorrow might suffocate my soul, hearing say you should conceive some misconceit against me: so that I pray you believe, no object whatsoever which may present itself before mine eyes, shall ever be said or seen; that therefore I will deface your Image so I fuely figured within my soul: which sufficeth (many mind,) to take away the scruple you may allege, that I 〈…〉 you willingly: For I assure myself you do not 〈…〉 knowing well the testimony of my loyalty, and perpetual 〈…〉 towards your excellence, shall always put you out of 〈◊〉 fear.  
The Prince having undoubtedly assured the Countess, to return as speedily no he could possibly, she was a little 〈…〉 thereby: and giving him for a present a most 〈…〉 coat of Arms of green colour, prayed him to wear it for her sake: Likewise to take one of her Squires with him, to the end she might at all occurrences understand 〈…〉 him, for she misdoubted much, he would not 〈…〉 as she would have him, as hereafter you sshall hear: so that many times she was purposed to take away her own life, as did sorrowful Phillis; seeing there arm expired that Demophon should espouse her.  
Rifarano being departed from the Countess, he road three days without finding any adventure, and on the fourth passing very early near unto a Castle, be saw before the Gate the Lord thereof dead upon his bed, covered and clothed with many clothes of stick: at whose beds head sat a young Damsel making most strange and pitiful lamenting, that the very panting breath of her sighs did well show, in what manner her heart did beat within her breast. All about her were many Damsels and others, whose countenances and piteous cries which they powered forth into the air, did plainly bewray the great grief they had to see this dead corpses, the which they made as though they would carry to burial, when Rifarano approached, to know what moved them to lament so much, promising them for recompense to work his revenge according to his power, if in case there were any need to do it.  
Then the Damsel (thanking him much for his so gracious and courteous offer,) began in this manner to be speak him. Fair knight, although my misfortunes be so extreme, that I cannot well imagine whether I live or no, yet the assurance which I conceive, that you have taken some pity of my mishap, will give me argument to deliver you the whole discourse: albeit it would be better peradventure I should conceal it, to the end I may no further stir up the sorrow & heaviness seated in my soul.  
Know then my Lord, that this my dead husband going yesterday abroad on hunting, ●●t by the way a Knight, whom for his curtess sake, he brought home to lodge here all night, & (for his better entertainment) commanded me to do him all she service I might devise, in that he seemed to him to be descended of some great house: albeit he knew him not before, for he would never tell his name nor whence he was. I having therein freely accepted the commandment of my Husband, did him all the honour I could druise; so that we supped together in great joy and content: but afterward, I perceived be never removed his eyes from off me, which made my heart as cold as ice, when I saw no body about us, for all our servants were gone to Supper, so soon as they had done feruing us.  
Then the Traitor began to give some enterprise to the dislanie which he devised forthwith, saying he was going to the Court of the Emperor of Constantinople, to present himself at the magnificent Tourney which was prepared for the Nuptials of his Daughter: This was the cause that my husband (for he loved greatly the exercise of Arms) rose suddenly from the table to command his Squires to have all his equipage in a readiness to departed the morrow morning with him: by this occasion the disloyal man shiding the tune and place bite for his purpose, used unto me these speeches: Truly saire Lady, paragon of the most perfect Damsels, I think it had been far better for me, never to have entered into your house, than to remain long time in the pain which I feel: for your excellent beauty hath so ravished my heart, that if the balm wherein consisteth the only cure of this wound be not quickly applied there unto, I must needs dse, through the violent and too excessive heat which hath set it on fire. Further did he prosecute his sugared and deceaning language, when I who could not endure to hearken to it, was very wrath with him, saying: It seemeth fair sir, you are a Knight little courteous, and wanting good manners, seeing you will use such an act against him, who hath done you so much honour.  
Madam quoth he again, think not I am come to displease you, nor to procure you any damage, but to savegaide myself from the variable and periltous accidents, into which the burkenes of the night doth expose sometime these who are wandering out of their ways, so that I pray you not to blame me nor reprehend me therein of indiscretion, but rather accuse your own Graces, which have provoked, nay 〈◊〉 me to use these terms unto you: no reason being able to sway over the impatient desire which tormenth me: when he had thus said, he put forth his arm to embrace me: whom I resisted withal my might, and being inflamed with an insupportable choler, I rose up from the table, crying 〈…〉 In an ill hour camest thou hither yesterday, felon, to commit so great a contempt in these Countries: I spoke theme words so loud, that my poor and infortunate husband heard me easily, who perceiving the treason of this treacherous wretch: as an in raged person, ran furiously to his Arms, menacing him, that he would make him dearly buy his villainy: not withstanding the wicked villain, who had then his weapon at his side, hearing him make these threats, set hand quickly to it to stand upon his guard, and before my husband could assail him: he thrust his sword up to the hills with such a violence, that it ran clean through his body. Which these sorrowful eyes of mine beholding, I began to cry out like a woman deprined of her wits, and as ill suck happened, there was not found one in all the Castle, who had power or courage to take Arms, to revenge me of this Barbarian, for that the two brethren of my diseased husband, (who are indeed both so hardle Knights, that he had not dared to have perpetrated this homicide in their presence) take away the day before, all the men of defence with them into the Country. By means whereof this felon and cruel murderer, had time enough to arm himself, and to make away from the Castle, where (after the massacre) he 〈◊〉 not above a quarter of an hour: in which short spare I could not advertise my neighbours, the place where I dwell being far in the fields, and remote from all other habitations.  
Now you have heard who by word ●ir Knight, the verity of my disgrate, séing it hath pleased you to understand it: wherein, beside she disaster of my husband, (which cannot now be remedied.) I account myself much dissavored of the heavens and fortune, having no mean so find out one, who will for me enterprise vengeance against Author of thy final 〈…〉.  
〈…〉, Rifarano, I 〈…〉 there is not that 〈◊〉, who will not affirm him to be a 〈…〉, and you shall 〈…〉 Knights, who 〈…〉 him upon this quarrel, of whom I offer myself 〈…〉 In my learn what ways he hath taken, and the coat of Arms which he heareth, is the end I may have some knowledge of him the better: in the mean time, pray unto God that I may meet with him, if you desire to he revenged: for to that effect do I purpose to bend all my forces, or else they shall sail me at my greatest need.  
Fair Knight, a thousand thanks I yield you, answered the Damsel for your courtesy and good will, the which certes I knew to be no less when first you began to speak, which puts me in some good hope, that I shall be revenged by your hand: and through this mean shall you bind me to so great obligation towards you, that bardly shall I ever be able to cancel it, if of your grace you may not accept for satisfaction thereof, the desire that I have to employ myself for you in at honest requests wherein it shall please you to command me.  
This Knight having learned the way and the marks, whereby he might descry him who had slain his host, he took leave of the Damsel all so be blubbered with weeping, that whosoever had seen her, would have judged two channels to have been made artificial upon her cheeks, through the abundance of tears falling incessantly from her two eyes: He road all that day without meeting him; but news he heard at the entering into a forest, that he went that ways not far before him: where being overtaken by night, he purposed to repase himself till day. But he could not sleep a wink, because he fell into a deep thought, how he might departed after the Courney, to take his vayage into Almain towards the Emperor Trineus his Father: herewith was his spirit so disquieted, that he was forced two hours before day to remount on horseback: And galloyping as lest as he could, he was gone before the sun rising 〈◊〉 leagues, which they counted from the forest to a little village, where lay that night the Knight whom he sought, inquiring after him of those whom he met, he was a ware of him where he was mounting by the side of a hillocks, not far from the place whence be was not a quarter of an hour before dislodged, and went an easy pace: Rifarano well a paid hereof, spurred his horse to evertake him, which he did before he was gotten to the foot on the other side of the hill. As soon then as the murderer entered the plain, and began to set spurs to his horse to go a little faster, Rifarano called alond unto him descending into the bottom: Hola Sir Knight tarry: I shall keep you from vaulting to have slain traitorously a gentleman, who received you with all humanity into his Castle, and that you did a little to rashly ravish yourself with the love of his wife.  
When the Knight affailed heard his menacing, he presently turned bridle, and vailing his lance, staid for him couragieuslie, without stirring a foot: for seeing him in company of one only Aquire, he was nothing amazed but answered him very stoutly: Knight you are come to revenge the death of him, who will make you lose your life: I think therefore it were better for you (if you desire ever to see her again for whom you resolve to combat me) to withdraw yourself from so great an enterprise, leaving to counterfeit the butterfly, who after she hath found the light, can never go from it, till in the end she have set herself on fire.  
We shall quickly see, replied then Rifarano, hour God can chastise the over weening and Arrogancy of Traitors, such as you are, who for the lust of their sensual appetites, corrupt the invie late laws of hospitality: speaking these words, they encountered with such a power, and breaking both their Lances one upon another, as Rifarano was a little wounded with that of his adversary, whom he sent in so bad case to the ground, that he could hardly rise again. Nevertheless being magnanimous, and could manage Arms well, he quickly put hand to his sword, and thrusting his arm into his shield as soon as he could, he gave so peasant a blow upon Rifaranos horse head, that he made him fall down dead between his legs; from whom he leapt off nimbly, saying all in rage and choler: Now I see well your occupation is to betray folk, seeing you have so discoueteous●●laint my horse, for which I hope to makke you 〈◊〉 dearly before you pass●.  
With those words began Rifarano to strike home, and to how him in such strange manner: that (being near valiant and stronger made for Arms than his enemy,) within a small space he laid him on the ground at his feet, where seeing him lie a long in a trance, he ran upon him to give him the mortal guerdon of his demerits: which he had done, if the Knight (who felt himself in extreme peril of his life) had not cried out, saying: Alas! My cozen Rifarano, where art thou now, that thou canst not succour me in this necessity wherein I see myself? Certain I assure myself, full sorry wilt thou be, when thou shalt bear tidings of my death. It was Lecefin his companion, who for the cure of his wounds, which he received in fight with Arnedes' Prince of France when he slew the Hermit who would have parted them (as you have read before,) retired himself into a Nunnery: Where by means of a Religious sister, who did very well understand the method of Chirurgerse, he was carefully looked unto till his perfect recovery. Notwithstanding, during his cure, the Abbess who was Daughter of a great Parentage, fair, young, and comely, knowing that he did not budge from the emperors Court, came often times to visit him; insomuch, that this continual visitation engendered some sparks of amorous passion: the which by little & little kindled in them both in such sort, that it could not be long dissembled; but Lecefin was constrained (by the way which seemed most commodious unto him) to discover unto his Lady the servitude into which her love had reduced him, praying her to have regard to the infirmity which he felt in heart, far more corroswe than that of his outward griefs.  
By means whereof the young Nun, who felt herself scorched with the like flame, and who in this matter did not desire to be a long time prayed, to yield the keys of the Forts which was assailed, resolved one day with Lecefin to meet together to parley thereof secretly, out of the presence of witnesses unrequested to stand by when such a fortress is to be scaled.  
Upon which plaltform, at the first encounter were delivered some rudest occadoes on the assaylours' side, whilst the defendant rewarded valiantly with her buckler of proof: And afterward so often renewed this Alarm, which was expedient to use against a fortress, that could not well be won at the first proster (because of the small breach that one only blow of Cannon can make:) that the Abbess would willingly have left her breviary behind, thus to have managed still the javelin, and at all times to find herself in such Shirmishes: Whereby it fell out that Lecefin (after his recovery) remained in garrison within the Abbey, until he was so weary with being every day on horse back, with his Lance in rest (which for the same purpose he was feign to have very strong, well pointed, better stéeled, and tempered) as he departed to put himself in quest of Rifarano, of whose absence he was assured, and of the very day that he departed from the Court of the Emperor Palmerin. He resolved to take the way for Almain as soon as he should find him: for he meant to return no more to Constantinople, because of the touch he had served Arnedes, which he knew well to be made, known over all Greece: but traversing many climates without any news of him whom he sought, he purposed to go unknown to the Nuptials of Philocrista, hoping to meet him there, or else in no other region of Europe.  
So traveling that way, he met (as you have read) with the Knight whom he slew in his house: wherein no marvel though he rashly discovered his unchaste and lascivious affect to his wife, for he was never better conditioned: nor was there found in him courtesy, loyalty, or any other virtue, by the which a man of good behaviour may be esteemed: nor did he ever change this his lewd nature and detestable manner of living, till he was enamoured very strangely on out of the Emperor Trineus Daughters, for to please whom he began afterward to use a little more honest civility.   

CHAP. V.  
How Rifarano knew Ledefin, whom he caused afterwards to be cured of his wounds: reprehending him much for his discourtesy: and how they arrived in Constantinople unknown, and embarked themselves afterwards to go to Allmaine, where they were honourably entertained by the Emperor Trineus: and what befell Rifarano afterwards.  
TO return to our matter, when Rifarano heard the lamentable words of Ledefin, he marveled as though he had entered into some news world, and knowing not what to think, demanded him forth with his name: but Ledesin hurt with the fall, and sore astonished with the fear her had to end his life, could not answer him one word. By means whereof he went presently to disarine his head, and assoon as he had perceived him, he felt within himself such a sorrowful passion, that he fell down in a trance hard by him: which his Squire seeing ran to him to unlace his helmet, for to give him air that he might come to himself again. Suddenly he called his speech to him again, beginning so pitiful a complaint, that by the strange exclamations which he continued, Ledefin at last opened his eyes, and beholding hard by him Rifarano his faithful friend, whom he had called to his succour: we need not ask what astonishment he was in, when he said to him thus.  
Dear friend, if now I die presently, my soul shall go in great toy to repose in heavenly bliss: seeing I see you before it depart from my body, which feeleth itself very sore wronged, by the weight and force of your hand. If so it be (quoth Rifarano) that you die by this encounter, well may I assure you that all the days of my life, no man shall ever see me merry: and demanding whether he felt himself so ill, that he could not go thence to seek some cure, he answered him, he should peradventure endure to sit a little on horse back, albeté he had brought him but into a very bad taking. Then Rifarano this Squire disarmed him, and wrapping up his wounds as well as they could, they conducted him unto the next Cittle from thence, where they committed him into a Chirurgeons hands, who assured them of speedy recovery.  
Whereof Rifarano was full glad, but more it chased him, when each one recounting their fortunes passed to one another, understood the outrage offered by Ledefin to the Prince Arnedes. He reprehended and rebuked him greatly therefore, saying, these were not parts be seeming knights extracted of so high Parentage: and that he reputed it a great indiscretion in him; a Moor, to love Philocrista being a Christian, and of a Law contrary to his.  
Moreover he blamed much his great impudency towards the Gentlewoman, whose husband be slew: requesting him in the end very amiably, he would use no more those tricks of youth, too far distant from the virtuous honesty of an illustrious and generous heart.  
Ledefin ashamed to hear him preaching thus on his imperfections: promised to leave all lawdnes, and to follow such good counsel as it should please him to give him: And as they had determined of their voyage, they concluded to send Rifaranos Squire to Constantinople, to the Knights who came with them from Persia, to advertise them, that they should have the Master of their ship in a readiness, to departed without making speech thereof to any man living. So the Squire was presently sent away for this purpose, whose arrivalt caused great gladness in the Persians, having not a good while before heard any news of their Masters. Afterward when Ledefin felt himself strong enough to endure travail with his Arms, and Rifarano had refreshed himself well, they came both to Constantinople, where they found no small number of knights, arrived there before, to show themselves in the Tourney: at the which they would not be present, fearing it would be some disturbance to their Navigation, but embarked themselves on the morrow before day, which displeased Rifarano very much, for that he could not take his leave of the Emperor, nor of Palmendos, whom he desired to see above all other.  
Wherefore calling to him the Squire of the Countess who followed him, he commanded him before his departure from thence, he should present himself before the Emperor, and to tell him that Rifarano recommended himself most humbly to the good grace of his Majesty: beseeching him of excuse if he could not come himself to do the message: for that by reason of some business which was of great importance he was conjured to departed in all haste, to the end to arrive with more sp●d in Germany, and that he would ere long return to make amends by his humble service, for the Honour which he had received in his Court: Then giving him many rich presents as well for himself as his Mistress, commanded him assoon as he had discharged his duty towards the Emperor, he should return to her straight, to pray her learn him she should not think amiss of him, if during his above with her, he never told her the name of his house and lineage: For which he would come to make amends, having remained some few days in Almain, whether he was going with Ledefin to see the Emperor Trineus his Father: and that in the mean time she should make account of him, as of the most affectionate servant she might find in the universal world.  
After these speeches the Pilot began to cut with his ship the spacious plain of salt waters, leaving upon the shore the Squire very pensive and sorrowful to abandon thus his Master: but after he had called his courage to him, he went to do his embassage to Palmendos and the Emperor, who was will sorry for his secret departure, because he would soon have sent Rifarano home to his Father wish more honour.  
The Countess of Island understanding by her Squire that her Paramour was an Infidel, and had n●●eadie taken his way towards Germany, she had almost 〈◊〉 for sorrow: So that tooing afterwards some ●●llere penance for her offence, after the end of nine Months, she brought into this world a goodly Son, who inherited the earldom of Island after the disease of his mother: and following military Discipline did achieve 〈◊〉 many strange things in France, whether he went to see his Father who was Duke of Burgundy, as you shall understand by the discourse of our History.  
With this Child the Countess took so great comfort that by little and little she forgot the love of Rifarano, whom ' we will now come to find making sail in the Adr●aticke Sea, where he had so happy Navigation, that within few days he came upon the coast of Germany: and casting his anchors in a port four days journey distant ●●om the Emperor Trineus Court, they went thither in complete arms, except the head.  
In brief being arrived at the Palace, Rifarano sell on his knees before his Father, demanding his hand to kiss it. The good Prince Trineus who understood long time before, by letters from the Emperor of Greece of his sons arrival in Constantinople, (which he then presently imparted to the Empress his wife, who greatly desired to know what they were,) seeing these two strange Knights, mistrusted lest the one should be him: whereof served for a good testimony the gladness which he showed in his heart when he said: Sir Knight to give you my hand, I may not willingly consent, before I know who you are.  
My Lord replied he again, in places where I am known they call me Rifarano, and this my companic● ●echefin, Son to the Solton of Persia, and to 〈◊〉 most affectionate friends.  
O than you are thrice welcome quoth the Emperor into the place, where your arrival overcometh me with gladness: So said he embracing them, having for very ●ole so r●re the tears in his eyes, that he could hardly abstain, but some one did fall to the ground, when he began thus.  
Ah! my son, happy may I think the peril and danger I passed to be get you, seeing that I see you no 〈◊〉 proved such fruit of my labour, that all my life I shall for my part, praise God for so great a grace: but how could you stay so long away, before you would come to see me, considering your valour and Chivalry did much increase my desire thereunto ● Alas, It was the heaven which being en●●ous and jealous of my bliss, could not permit me to enjoy your presence.  
Having done this speech, he welcomed very courteously Lechesin, & in the mean time they had this honest and gracious communication, came in many Nobles who understood news of Rifarano, to entertain him the most Honourably they could: So that the Emperor who knew very well the Empress would be most glad of this occurrence, taking the two Knights, the one in the right hand, and the other in the left, went to find her in her Chamber saying.  
Madame these Princes the one who is of the Sultan of Persiaes' sons, and the other over whom you have absolute power to command, come to do you their humble reverence, and to offer you their service in any thing whatsoever wherein it shall please you to employ them.  
Then the Empress rising from her 〈…〉 to embrace them both with great love, especially Rifarano to whom she said: My son I have now good occasion to rejoice me of your presence, and to cherish you as mine own Child, seeing you resemble him so naturally, who following his destante, gave you your essence among men, whom I love above mine own person, with zeal so entire and perfect, that it extendeth and redoundeth far over yours.  
Madam quoth Rifarano, nature hath so fully accomplished you with all virtues, that there can proceed from you nothing but a sincere good will, for which I thank you most humbly in mine own behalf, albeit it much surpasseth my little merit: which shall cause me to put this kindness into the number of many others which you have so well heaped on me, that all my life I shall find myself much bounde● unto you.  
Then be kissed her hand with the honour and reverence which appertaineth to so high a Lady, and next did embrace Vernan her eldest son, a Prince surely carefully instituted in good manners and virtuous education: which well he could show by the gentle entertainment he made him in recognizance of this new fraternity, albeit he were very young of years. He held the second place of three male Children, and of two female which they had at one birth: whereof the first lived not long: & because this was not in age marriageable, the alliance of the houses of Almain with that of Constantinople could not be redoubled giving him to Philocrista, whom the Prince of France had never other wise espoused; their eldest Daughter of the age of fourteen (called Bellerisa) was very fa●re, yet not so fair as the younger. But the Emperor caused the two Knights to be disarmed, and by & by to invest two magnificent robes which he gave them with many other rich presents, and likewise to all the Persian Knights who came with them, determining as well for their arrival and the marriage of his niece Philocrista, as also for the recognizance of the near affinity of Palmendos to make a sumptuous feast, and to hold the eight days following open Court: During the which Bellerisa showed herself so acquaint and curious to entertain with gracious discourse her brother Rifarano, that thence forth Lechefin ●●ering himself with her love, as long as he lived could never quite ●rtinguish this fire out of his heart, wherein served him for a bai●e the favour which she showed him to gratify her brother, devising many tunes together which gave some refreshing to his burning sever.  
After a few days come and gone, the Emperor gave Rifarano to understand she great pleasure that he took of him arrival: Notwithstanding it would be far greater, when 〈◊〉 should perceive in him some destre to receive the bolid order of Christianity: so that quoth he, if I do not see you very quickly to condescend unto the belief of our faith, I shall think you make account to return into Porsia, which would plunge me in a gulf of griefs, and insupportable sorrows.  
God forbidden answered Rifarano, that I should ever cause you to take any displeasure at me: I had rather tear myself in a thousand pieces, than not to accomplish that which it pleased you to propound me: with this answer was the Emperor well paid, such at to make it to some effect, he went with him on the morrow to the Fount of Baptism, where by the hand of a discreet Bishop he received the first Christian Viction, where at Lechefin took such a grief, that all that day and the next he could not show a merry countenance.  
Which Bellerisa marking, who honoured and governed him continually, prayed him not to take any displeasure at the act of Rifarano his companion: for that when he had not speedily resolved to do it, his esteem had not been so great, especially of the Emperor, who thought himself 〈◊〉 beholden to him, in that he had fulfilled his mind therein. And seeing you love him quoth she, with so cordial affection as you say, I marvel much w●y you do not the same, being that you know the superiority of our God doth much abase yours: whom if you will renounce, you need not doubt but riches, estates, and whatsoever you shall demand of my Lord and Father, shall want you no more here, than in your own Kingdom.  
If you fair Madam, replied he then, will promise need one favour, only for the love of you will I be baptized incontinent, for the devotion which giveth me that which I demand you, constraineth me to hate alcedie the Pagan Sect.  
Surely Seigneur Lechefin, quoth she again, I should repute myself during and after my life unfortunate, and unworthy to come into any good company, if to be a mean of so great good, I should refuse any thing which were in my power: assuring me that you will not request me of any thing which may offend the Honour of the one, nor of the other of us two, the which being saved, I will do my best to satisfy your desire, as much as in me lieth.  
Now may I call myself thrice, and four times happy, quoth Lechefin, seeing I see so precious a good so freely offered me, whereof I lost all hope that it would never he by me acquired, which I will not demand of you Madam, until that you shall see me accomplish my promise, which by this occasion hath willingly made me accept of your commandment: whereunto to give some beginning, be said unto the Emperor, that seeing his Son had left the mahometical law, he would do no less than he had done: because their more than Fraternal amity might not suffer a diversity of saith between them.  
If the gladness of the Emperor were great for the conversion of Rifarano, it was doubled so much more, hearing Lechefin use this fair language: so that remitting his pomp but till the morrow morning only, he was received into the Catalogue of Christians by the same Bishop, and in the same Fount that Rifarano was, having for his Godmother the Empress, and the Emperor for his Godfather, who when the Ceremony was finishet, bespoke him in this manner.  
You have now my Godson, done the act of a virtuous and worthy Knight, forsaking the erroneous and detestable Doctrine which you held, to embrace our holy and Catholic religion.  
By means whereof I will how and account you hereafter for mine own proper Son, giving you such Estates in my Country whereby you may most Honourably live by, and maintain yourself after your own content.  
Lechefin thanked him most humbly, and prayed him not to repute him less affectioned to his service, than the most loyal and faithful kinsman or allis whom he had to his race▪ Whereof the Emperor thanked him, who for this regard ordainted to continue a feast throughout all his Court, & the Empress gave the name Trioll unto Rifarano for the love of his Father, because she would not have him called any more by that name which he brought out of Barbary. But Lechesin took no great care to change his, having in hand matters which did much more move his spirit, to the which he would assay to give some tranquillity: so that finding Bellerisa one bower of the day fit for his purpose, he used this gracious speech to her.  
Madame it seemeth to me I have obeyed your commandment, which I reverence and will reverence all my life as an oracle, and God grant you may by this means knows the extreme devotion I have to your service; This is the matter, I would humbly beseeth you to call to mind the promise you made me presently thereupon, having some pity of an insupportable torment that my afflicted heart hath felt ever since the first time I saw you. You know the offer that the Emperor your father hath made me of his Grace: as touching which I hope not to demand of him anything else but you in marriage: and if so great happiness befall me, that I be not there in frustrate, I shall reckon myself the most fortunate Knight who ever matched under the celestial Machine.  
Alas quoth the Damsel, how could you weave so subtly the snare where in I now see myself entrapped? In good saith I never thought making you promise, that your carriage 'scended to this end: Nevertheless, seeing you accorded 〈◊〉 so is easily no mean matter, which maketh me surely much bounden to you, for my part I will acquit my promise, so that we do not transgress the limits and bounds of honour, which I must hold as dear as my life. And to the end to show by a good beginning that I am not ingrateful for your so gro●●● favour, I accept you for my Knight, with assurance to own you hence forth no less amity than to Trioll my Brothers Wherein if my Lord and father command me any thing farther, I shall consent with a very good will, to return you the guerdon, which so good will as yours doth merit: we may well imagine what was the case & content of Lechefin, knowing there was given (and that by his very Lady) some refrigeration to the burning of his flame: which began to live and kindle so lively afterward in Bellarisaes' heart, that it was within a while no loss vehement than that of her lover: Who by this mean became more hardy and courageous than ever he was before: committing afterward nothing which might stain his honour, but in jousts Tourneys which were held in those quarters, he carried away still the greatest part of the honour, as the best Champion ne●te after Trioll, who far surmounted all those of that Country: Therefore both the one and the other were greatly esteemed by the Emperor and the Potentates of Almain: where we will leave them a while, to pass their time according to the renown and commendation which they shall win, to recount the Cournies and great magnificentes made in the mean time in Constantinople in attending the Courney, held at the Nuptials of Palmendos and Franchelina.   

CHAP. VI  
How the County Peter one of the French Ambassadors, determined to hold eight days together continual jousles against all comers to Constantinople, which he did for the honour and beauty of Ladies, attending the opening of the great Tourney, which Primaleon caused to be published before: And how the Duke of Drante vassal to the King of Thessal●●, was the first who entered the lists against him.  
YOU have understood heretofore how the Emperor Palmerin, sent to invite mean great Princes and Signeurs of Greece, to be at the Nuptials of his Daughter Philocristat wherein the Posts and Messengers did so well their ●ingenes, it as in short time after, there arrived the 〈…〉 part of the Barrens stem all Countries under his obedience, in the best equipage they could.  
Amongst the Princes of ●arque, there arrived first, the King of Sparta and the Queens Arismene his wife, Aunt to the Emperor, who brought thither with them one only Daughter which they had, being not twelve years of age, but very beautiful, and of the best grace, called Amandria: Before whom the Emperor came forth to welcome and entertain them, commanding his Fourriers a Harbingers to mark out for them all the body of the great Serraglias née●rst his quarter: But the Emperor had Philocrista and two other young daughters, whereof the eldest who was called Flerida between thirteen and fourteen years of age (certes as fair as the day) resembled very much the Empress her mother. She after the marriage of Plulocrista, was put in her place, being given unto her many Damsels and the same Estate that her sister had, so that she kept the Empress always company as did her sister Philocrista before. To be brief, as for the graces and perfections where with nature di●med worthy her gentle and divine spirit, she was the pearl of honour, the Idea of beauty, and the matchless Paragon of all good grace: seeing that even from her infancy she was reputed in sagesse, vivacity and quickness of spirit, a new or second Pallas: being a Princess fairer demeanured and well advised, she acquainted herself, and grew into such league of amity and lo●ing kindness with her cozen Amandria, that they did never part company.  
At the arrival of the King of Sparta, thither, the Emperor his Nephew conceived a marvelous joy: The which was redonbled when he understood that the King his father c●me accompanied with Belcar and rescinds the future King of Cast●le: whereof Prince Arnedes was not glad a little: nor the Spanish gentleman who did attend for him in that Court, and the Infant Melissa was most joyful of all, for th● hope she h●d to see him quickly her husband.  
From divers other strange Regions and Countries, came every day Knights to the Court, where they were all courteously reccaved by Primaleon: Especially a great Eroupe of Thessalian Barons, who came thither to kiss their King's hand: and also to see Palmendos whom they blessed, and by their prayers lodged him above the heavens: lawding God who gave them such a Prince for Seigneur: whom for his part he cherished and honoured in the best manner, which contented them most of all. Moreover thither came the good Knight Frisoll King of Hungary, whether could not his Queen accompany him because she was very sicks: And the Emperor stayed but for King Florendos his Father, before he would begin ●●e feast and solemnity of the Nuptials, when the French Ambassadors who were there (seeing so many Princes and brave Knights gathered together) pricked forward through desire of glory, determined to enterprise some Martial excercise to pass away idleness. The foremost of whom was the Earl Peter, a very brave and hardy Knight, who loved (as his own soul,) Isortine the Duke of Savoyes' Daughter: the same man whom the Emperor Palmerin vanquished in Gaul, who afterward espoused Lucimine, Daughter to the King of France: by whom he had three male Children very brave knights, and that only daughter fair in perfction, whom he caused to be brought up in the Court of his Father in law.  
The Earl desired extremely to have her in marriage, and for that purpose did he marvelous deeds of Arms as her Knight: for the great love that he bore her redoubled his forces, and increased his courage in such sort, that he was esteemed one of the best Champions of the Kingdom; which was cause the King of France those him for second Ambassador in this treaty of marriage between Arnedes and Philocrista. Upon a day whilst the Emperor was conferring with the King of Sparta, this French Earl came to beseech him in presence of the assistance, to give him lea●c to make a close ●ilt yard in the great place of the Palace, where (if it pleased him also) he had enterprised to abide eight days together from Sun to Sun, maintaining joust and Combat against all comers, who should come to show their valours in protection of their Ladies: For that he desired to maintain her who possessed his heart to be one more Accomplished in virtues and graces correspondent to her extreme beauty, than any other loved or served of any Knight, except Philocrista and Franchel●e, the two glorious Starts of their age.  
This did he establish for a Law of the Combat, that all knights vanquished by him, should leave their coats of Arms behind them hanged upon a pillar, which he caused to be erected at the end of the Lists, hoping to carry them with him away into France, if so it fortuned that he stayed out his eight days journey without giving over his enterprise: Contrariwise he would leave his to his vanquisher, who could hold out the rest of the prestred time under the honour and defence of the Lady whom he served.  
The Emperor who heard the County talk thus bravely, was in so profound a thought: calling to mind the happy tune that he purchased so much renown in traversing the ●eltique & Belgic Gaul, that he showed outwardly some apparent token of gladness: and seeming to be in the Countess thoughts, and to feel the same pleasure which he received, remembering the perfections of his Lady, answered him merrily in this sort.  
My Lord, I foresèe well the pain and travel which will lie upon your neck in this charge, and how much courage she giveth you whom you love so perfectly, that in her favour you enterprise so Knightly an exploit: Whereupon I assure myself that beside the praise which shall remain unto you, she shall esteem you much more, considering the great hazard into which you expose your own person: But that I may condescend unto your request (albeit I should be very sorry, if I should accord you any thing which might turn you to any hurt) I grant you freely to execute your enterprise therein, and in all other honest and loudable 〈…〉 of Chivalry.  
Gracious Lord replied the County, as long as my soul shall dwell in his passable body, I will always endeavour in all places to manifest the praise of her merit, according to the small puissance that it hath pleased God to give me, wholly vowed, yea fatally destinated to her service: & when my forces shall not answer my heart, which in this respect is mexpugnable: I shall augment only but the number of these, who cannot bring their drifts about, thanking you in all most humble affection, of the favour which you showed me, in giving me such licence in your house.  
After these speeches and many other which they had together, the County retired himself into his lodging: whereas soon as he was come, he commanded that on the morrow they should plant in the place before the Palace an enclosure which should have in Diameter and circomference of the Centre unto the ends four and twenty sethome in latitude, and eight and thirty in longitude: which was done with high rails in so sufficient proportion, that six Knights might easily fight together affront, beside he would have a door made hard by, where he gave order to set up a Tent, a Bed, a Kitchen with Offices, & all which was necessary for so sumptuous a recreation. The next day at Sun rising be armed himself at all points, and mounting upon a double Courser, he came to appear within the lists, where were many Knights disarmed to keep him company, whom he used very magnificently in the feast. The first man who came within the lists was the Duke of Drante, vassal to the King of Thessaly, young in age, but lusty and very skilful in managing Arms, who loved with a singular affection a da●nsel his subject, fair and marvelous gracious, who finding the door of the Tilt shut, thrust it open with the great end of his Lance to enter in: therefore soon mounted the Earl on horseback, and taking his sword in his hand demanded the Duke whether he would jouste or Combat wi●● him.  
I will have but the jouste quoth the Duke, for that I think quickly to make you confess her whom I love, to excel in beauty and good grace, the Lady for whom you enterprise an exploit, which seemeth to pass your cunning.  
It were a thing almost miraculous, replied the Earl, if with so great reason as I have to make good mine enterprise, I should be vanquished by the first assailant. Saying so they went to camp themselves at the two ends of this place, then coming violently to encounter, they shivered both their Lances, and dashing one another with their shields they passed bravely the rest of the career: whereof the Earl was very sorry when he cried to his adversary: Knight take yet one staff more; for the encounter of this first jouste having been so favourable unto you, I will see how you will behave yourself in the second: Then shall be seen manifestly the just occasion I have to jouste, answered the Duke, taking another Lance, with the which coming courageously to charge him, he missed his blow in striking, which the County did not: but running aright career, sent him over his horse croupper with a tumbling cast down to the ground: Saying with a joyful courage; An other time venture not with me in the lists, if you have no better reason to combat.  
To that the Duke answered him nothing; for he found himself ashamed to have voided the A●son before Francheline his sovereign Lady, and many other Lords and Knights, who beheld them through the Palace windows. But rising up, he put off gently his Coat of Arms, and afterward being remounted he departed out of the Tiltyard, to go whether it pleased God to conduct him: whereof Palmendos had so great remorse, because of the vassalage which he owed unto the Father of his affianced Lady, that with some appearance of reason, he would have entered the lists himself to have revenged him.  
Afterwards there appeared nine or ten Knights, from whom the County still carried away the honour and hanbergions: So that about Sun setting, when he retired for that day, he felt himself very weary and overpressed with the burden that he was feign to sustain: notwithstanding the i●i● which ravished his spirits more and more, made him forget the dolour and weariness of his members. Thither came Arnedes with all the French Knights, to feast him and to keep him company the greatest part of the night: where to stay ourselves no longer, the Earl continued sir whole days before he was vanquished of any, doing marvels of Arms, as well at the jouste, as at the Combat at the sword, & making great cheer and banquetes to those who visited him: whereof the Emperor marveled much, no less of his prowess and valour, than of his magnificence and sumptuosity, which he continued until the seventh day following, when there came thither two Knights, one whereof took away within few hours from the Earl, all the honour he had won in the former days, as you shall presently hear.   

CHAP. VII.  
How Belcar, rescinds and Tyrendos, being departed from Constantinople passed by the Duchy of Bort, where Tyrendos vanquished at the jousts, the Knight who kept a passage out of the City for the love of the Duchess, and what fell out afterward upon this occasion.  
WE declared a while since how Belcar, rescinds and Tyrendos departed unknown from Macedon to go to Constantinople, and riding great journeys passed by the Duchy of Bort, whereof was Lord an aged and gray-headed father, who in his youthful years loved rest and his delights, better than the Courtly life, or any military exercise.  
He had two fair Daughters, and one Son esteemed a very valiant Knight, who against his Father's will was gone to Constantinople: and at his second marriage, did this oldman take to wife a very young Lady exceeding his daughters in beauty, whereof a rich & gentle Knight called Dirdan was much enamoured, before and after the Duke had taken her to wife. By means whereof knowing there was no better nor more expedient remedy to see her and speak often with her, he contracted great amity with the Duke her husband, giving him to understand he would be very glad to espouse his youngest daughter coming once to age, it he might please to bestow her on him in marriage.  
The Duke who smelled his subtlety a little, would have willingly debarred him from his house, had it not been for the scandal which he feared: and on the other side the Duchess (who being put to choice would not refuse the young and vigorous Champion to take an old and decrepit man to her Husband) seeing him so passionate as he was, albeit she being married before, could no less gratify him, but must by just and reasonable guerdon, love him again with the like; which nevertheless she dissembled, bidding him many times not to torment himself for her, and not to feed his vain hope, which in the end would deceive him, for it would not have so good success as he expected.  
Notwithstanding she could never dissuade him from his purpose, but resting to the ancient Proverb which saith thus. (All pain deserveth recompense,) resolved himself that if not very quickly, yet at the length he might gather some fruit of his sweet Lady, which did not frustrate him by some conjecture which he had seen after: for that he hearing he say she would go willingly to see the Triumphs which were to be held at the marriage of Philocrista at Constantinople, he purposed to show her some pastime, to the end to dissware her from that affection: and to this end complotted with a Brother and cozen German of his, to guard a passage in the wide field before the City where the Duke was resident always.  
This Dirdan then having upon this occasion obtained licence of him, who at the instant prayers of his wife & daughters, sometime did walk into the plain, began to defend thy passage: wherein he got honour be seeming a good knight, 〈…〉 himself before her who augmented the forces of his body by the one half: whose judgement in his favour, he esteemed more than that of all the rest of the spectators; who held all no other than a good opinion of his deeds, so that he loved him more than before.  
But Belcar and his companions passing by the City of this Duke, knowing nothing of the jouste, Tyrendos who road before the other somewhat pensive, looked not abent till he saw a Squire very near him, who began to charge him that he should not pass any further. Wherefore quoth Tyrendos?  
For that replied he, if you go on still forward, you must jouste against a knight, who will easily lay you along from your Horse, so that by this mean you shall be forced to leave him behind, because here is established such a law; and when peradventure you should dismount him, yet must you encounter two other hardy Knights, therefore you thrust yourself into great danger.  
For all this quoth Tyrendos, I will not ride a step out of my way: and dashing on he saw the Tents of the Knight, & also of the Duke, who was in them with his wife and his daughters, to see the jouste that day.  
Dirdan who saw him come a far off, stood still minding to give him the shock and the branado, and when he perceived him to be ●ere he called unto him. Ho Knight, seeing you will pass 〈◊〉, you must jouste with me: for upon such paste keep I this strait.  
Seigneur defendant answered Tyrendos, nothing but the desire I had to break a lance with you, caused me to pass this way. Assoon as he had said, they came so violently to encounter, that Dirdan breaking his staff in a thousand shivers, and giving the Assailant a little wound, to the ground fell he straight, where by the grievous and lourish fall he had, he sound himself frushed with his Harness: By reason whereof Tyrendos taking his horse by the Bridle, said very laud.  
This horse appertaineth to me by reason of his encounter, those who were present much marveled, principally the brother of Dirdan, who chase monstrously said as he was mounting his horse: Knight think not to have done, for you must I cust with me, who will make you pay dearly for the misadventure of my brother.  
Well may you replied Tyrendos seek the same, if if please the divine bounty but to savour me. As he had done this speech he gave into Belcars' hand the horse of the vanquished Knight, who arrived thither during their altercation', marvelous apaid seeing his companion be have himself liken valiant and hardy Knight.  
Then running one at another with a right career, Tirendos sent his Assailant top●●turlie with a vengeance over his horse tail, whose staff by mishap ran into his horse head: whereby he presently died between his legs, which constrained ryrendoes to leap straight out of the saddle, to mount up with a trice upon him which Belcar held by the 〈◊〉, which the brother of the two vanquished Knights ●●ing, ●an furiously upon him to charge him in a great rage, saying they would die in the place, or be revenged of them ●or th●● misfortune: but it was not long before he went to keep them company upon the green grass, which was died red with their own blood in many places: This made the Duchess then call to mind the Metamorphests of Hyacinth●s, & rescinds and Belcar to receive great joy in their spirits.  
Tyrendos' then sent by a Page the two Horses of the vanquished, to the Duke, who was marvelous glad of the Manor that Dirdan lost in the jonste: and the Knight who had vanquished him seeming to him no less co●●tentis and 〈◊〉 than valorous and magnaniunous, he ro●e out of his Chairs to entertain him and his companions, 〈◊〉 them to refresh themselves in his house. By 〈◊〉 whereof when the Duke, Duchess and all the rest were mounted on Horseback, they road strait to the Castle, where the Duke ●●●●●maunded that the Knights were quickly disarmed, and 〈…〉 that they should with all speed dress Tyrendos' wound, to whom every one did great honour: for albeit they knew his companiens to be very virtuous, beautiful, and better proportioned of their persons, yet for some respect, they did esteem and presume more of Tyrendos.  
Then supper time approaching, the Duke commanded they should cover in a pleasant and delicious garden which joined hard to the Castle, where they were very honourably served with divers dishes, of most exquisite and rare viands: and after the repast was taken, the Duchess with her daughters came in singing and playing upon ●arps, U●ols and Lutes, with so excellent a grace, that to bear the sweet harmony which resounded as well from their coral mouths, as their cunning touchings with their white and delicate hands, playing upon those lericall instruments, the Assistances thought themselves in the Elysian fields among the nine Muses, Apollo and all the rest of the must all consort.  
The Knights surely took great recreation and pleasure, surpassing almost the capacity of their spirits, in the which if the hands and mouth of the Duchess were occupied to make such melody, their eyes did no less omit their office to behold Tyrendos, and by that they had well beheld and admired him, at that instant was there a sudden change made within her heart of the love which she bore to Dirdan, with that which Cupid presented her unexpected on the behalf of Tyrendos.  
And as she well saw how she persevered a great while in this contemptation, (the excellence and singularity of her graces pleasing him very much on the other side) was as prompt an she to give essence to this bargain of change.  
During the accomplishment whereof, the Duke reasoning of many things with Belcar, demanding him in the end who Tyrendos was, perce●uing nothing the prime wound he had 〈…〉 made in ●he heart of his wife. We are quoth he Knights of the King of Macedons Court who go to the 〈◊〉 which is 〈◊〉 Constantinople.  
I believe replied the Duke, in all the assembly which shall be seen, there will be found few men at Arms who can come near this, for as much as I can presage, by the proof I have seen him make to day. You say true quoth Belcar, and yet you would say more if you knew who he is. The Duchess who making no semblance, heard all these discourses pass, imagined presently Tyrendos must be some Knight of great and illustrious blood, therefore she made greater account of him than before, being thrice happy to have changed Dirda● for him, whom she loved already so ardently that before they parted company, she whispered unto him very softly these words, so that no body heard her: Fair Knight you must repair the sorrow and grief you have procured vain vanquishing these Knights of our country, whom we must esteem of. God forbidden replied Tyrendos, I should be borne into this world, to work you fair Lady the least spark of displeasure and miscontentment that any human spirit may lightly receive: Nevertheless if the Planets have so much dissa●●red me, that I have given you any cause to be sad, I beseech you Madam, to appoint me any penance as you shall know may suffice to blot out this offence. which against m● will and before I was aware I have committed thereby: then said the Duchess, I verily believe you will not fail to accomplish that which your heart commaundets you to speak, the generousness whereof I know already: & I pardon as willingly this oversight, as I hope you will accomplish hereafter the liberal offer you make me, to 〈◊〉 it according to my discretion. I thank you most humbly quoth he then, to grant me so quickly pardon in so great ● misdeed as to provoke the choler of Ladies, which shall 〈◊〉 me to say ever hereafter, to have found in you courtesy and humanity, surmounting the forces of my tongue: In recompense whereof assure yourself Madam, in all occasions presented to me for your service, I will employ myself with 〈◊〉 sincerity of denotion, as I desire to be made known unto 〈◊〉 when it shall please you to give me full fruition of that 〈…〉, which I shall repute second to no other, in retaining me for your Knight: so much I never offered yet to any Lady living, for that I acknowledge myself far unworthy to serve any Lady.  
If so it he replied the Duchess, I may well glory to have made this day so precious and inestimable a purchase, gaining him for my Knight, who is a very pearl and representation of Mars: wherein I find myself so much beholding unto you, that I see myself out of all hope to be ever able to cancel towards you the Obligation of my spirit: if of your favour and grace it do not please you to accept in part of payment and satisfaction thereof, the extreme desire which I have to show you in effect, I love you even as the same soul which giveth me comfort and good hope that you shall reap condign recompense for the pains you offer to endure for my sake.  
These last words she spoke so softly that none but he could hear them, and so fair and softly prosecuting their matter, Tirendos told her that his heart would be very well content, if any accident did fall out to constrain him to make some abode to do her humble service there.  
That would be answered his lover, the most agreeable thing which I could desire: so that I beseech you depart not hence yet these two days, during which time peradventure some opportunity may serve to bring about this business.  
Tirendos promised he would (when the Duke prayed them altogether, because he was come in talk to the same points with the others) they would not departed on the morrow: whereunto they consented, to the great contentment of the Duchess, who showed by all signs she could devise, to make known the extreme love she bore Tyrendos.  
And as she ●nsred herself the day following, to druist some invention to prolong the sojourning of her lover, behold there entered into the Palace a woman clothed in black, who demanded of the Duke if the Knight vanquister of Dirdan and his companions were in his house; who bé●●ng shewe● unto him, she fell prostrate at his feet, praying and conjuring him by the thing which he loved best in this world, that he would grant her one boon.  
The knight having accorded this woman's request, she began again after humble thanks to say in this manner.  
Fair Knight you have now promised to go into a place with me, where I hope by means of your valour and prowess (whose fame yesternight came unto my ears) to find me remedy for a wrong, which the worst of all Knights caused me wickedly these last days to endure. Tyrendos promised her again to employ himself for her, so that she should remain content: and seeing he must yet have another Combat in that quarter, he liked very well his occurrence, which was a mean for him to stay longer near his dear Mistress, who thereupon was almost ravished for joy: but if they two were well pleased, Belcar and rescinds, who would not sojourn there any longer, (to the end they might come before the King Florendos to Constantinople,) were as much displeased when they understood of the injured Gentle woman, that Tyrendos must needs abide about ten or twelve days in that place. Wherefore he prayed them to be going always before, saying that be must needs stay there to exploit some act which might make more famous the reputation of his person: Assuring them he would not be long after them, & that the great desire which he had to be at the Triumph would keep him from sojourning long in any other place. His companions seeing they could not get him along, thanked the Duke & the Duchess for the good usage & honourable entertainment they had made them, & leaving Tyrendoes in Bort, (being a little displeased to separate their Trinity) they took their journey straight to Constantinople: whereby the Duke was marucylous glad of this Knight's abode with him, misdoubting nothing that be would lie in ambush for his wife's honour: who hoping to take some pastime in the amorous chase with her new Paramour, made a great deal the better cheer to the Gentlewoman, who was cause to retain him with her ● where we will leave them to the liking of their loves, to recount what befortuned Belcar and rescinds after they had parted company.   

CHAP. VIII.  
How Belcar and rescinds being arrived in Constantinople unknown of any, vanquished the County Peter, and continued the law of his joust, doing marvels of Arms: and how the Emperor sent Palmendos and Primaleon to know who they were.  
BElcar and rescinds perceiving the will of Tirendes their companion, prayed God to preserve him from all sinister accident, then bidding him adien, they fell into their way again: wherein riding many days journeys, they arrived at the last in Constantinople on a Sunday morning, the seanenth day of the joust that County Peter enterprised (as you may call to mind) whereof they heard some news by the way as they came. By means whereof they determined before they would make themselves known, to prove themselves against him as Knights errant: Belcar prayed his companion to let him have the first course, which he willingly granted, albeit he could have desired to win the honour or shame first himself.  
Entering then into the City, they made directly to the Tiltyard, where they found the gate fast, by reason the County dined then in the company of many Knights with great joy and solace, as they were accustomed within his Pavilion: So that being saint to stay the fit hour, they leaved upon their Lances, until they saw the Emperor take his place on the left hand, to whom the King of Hungary who fate at his side gins to say: My Lord, behold those two ●nights who will I 〈◊〉, how brave they govern themselves ●● horseback.  
Truly brother you say well (quoth he) I believe it will do a man good to see them at the shecke. When Belcar perceived the Emperor whom he had not seen long time before, force and courage increased so in his heart, that he purposed to show this day some pleasure in his house, where because his was nourished and brought up in it from his infancy, he knew not King Frisol his father who was with him in company, being brought from Hungary thither in his swaddling clouts.  
But the Earl seeing the Seignory & Noblesse in the galleries, caused forth with his Helmet to be brought, and by and by all his strings, leathers and buckles, to be laced and tied: Then mounting he commanded the Trumpets and 〈◊〉 to sound, and to open the Gate of his repairs: Whereinto Belcar being first entered, the Earl asked him, whether he would jeust or fight, I will quoth the Assailant, do all that I shall know to be necessary, but let us first jeust to see what will follow.  
Having thus saluted each other, they encounter with 〈◊〉 a fury that Belcar lost his 〈◊〉, and the Earl (breaking in, dashing together the pe●●rall and the girths of his horse) went maugre his nose to lust his greater and mother, but ●●● soon got up again, being greatly ashamed and vexed, to lo●● an instant the honour he had conqurred in six days.  
Sir Knight then quoth Belcar, I have werme your Coats of Arms, if I be not given to misunderstand in declaring ●●● the Law of your enterprise: According to which you must departed this field, which I purpose to guard and defend in my turn as you have done before me; if seen body 〈…〉 not by force of Arms. My Habilliament shall I 〈◊〉 give you answered the County) without departing the Tilt, 〈◊〉 be not by Martial exploit performed by you or some other, which shall force me to do it. You will seen your 〈…〉, replied Belcar; nevertheless, seeing you will 〈…〉 hathly, and con me thank for she courtesy 〈…〉 which I show you.  
Then set the Earl foot to stirrup again, and in the mean time the Emperor being greatly astonished at the magnanimity of this Knight, said to the King of Hungary, he well knew who he was; the two Champions began with their swords a terrible and furious skirmish, hewing out another in so bruske and strange manner, that it terrified the b●● olders to be are them only: For the County through rage and despite which surmounted his reason, laid on without fear, & most desperately.  
But his adversary, who was a little more nimble, and could manage a little better than he, did tiggle his ribs with such sound flashes which eastly tamed him at length; so that being weary to make him languish so much, he 〈…〉 in the end a fell stroke upon his Murrain, which l●ude him in a stonny upon the bare ground; saying: Now Knight must you condescend by force, to that whereunto you would not accord by your good with: a thing surely proc●●ding from your rash presumption, which make you think the honour of Chivalry dwelled only among Frenchmen.  
At this spectacle and words 〈…〉 the Prince Arnodes, and had it not been through the ●●disposition of his person, and that Philocrista would never have permitted it, he had endossed his Arms to 〈◊〉 the County and his Nation of this reproach.  
In the same pain and choler were all the rest of the French Nobility who seeing they could none other remedy, listed by Earl Peter from his fall, and bore him into his lodging to cause the Surgeons to ●●ke unto him, and search his wounds.  
Belcar who thought in the 〈◊〉 time what he ha●●● do, took the coats of Arms, and giving it to one of his Pages, commanded him to be are it from him and one of his companions to Melissa the King of Hungaries' Daughter: whom they 〈…〉 all comers, it she would vouchsafe them so 〈…〉, to let them Combat under her 〈…〉.  
And gave charge moreover to the youngman, to tell the Emperor and those who were about his Majesty, that whosoever would Tourney against him, should always find him ready within the Lists: Where if per adventure he were vanquished by any of the Assailants, the field should remain tol●s companion, who should second him therein, which they did desire to did in attending the opening of the general Triumph.  
The Page understanding thoroughly his Masters will, went straight to the Palace, where kneeling before the Empress, h●e besought her to show him which of her Ladies was Melissa, King Frisols Daughter: wherein being by her graciously certef●ed, the youth rose up, and with a most lowly reverence began to say in this manner.  
Madame Melissa, the Knight who vanquished Earl C●●● kisseth the hand of your Excellency, and sendeth you by 〈◊〉 this his spoil, the which he knoweth beseeming your worthiness, whom he loveth more than any Lady of this company: And although he never saw you, he assureth himself nevertheless, she for whose love the French Lord fought, is not so perfect in beauty, but she yieldeth and giveth the first place into you. Advertising you moreover, that he and his companion remain from this present hour, your most 〈◊〉 and obedient Knights, as hoping (if it please you to do them so much honour, that they may accomplish the Law of the joust of County Peter under your name) to employ themselves so in this place, that the renown of your beauty shall fly throughout all climates of the Levant.  
He that had there seen the comely beauty of Melissa, should not have sailed to have ludged of the tamour a● her two Alabaster cheeks, covered with a transparent and 〈◊〉 Lawn, for the shame that seized her, hearing him spea●●●● in her favour: Nor could she answer a word to the youngman, she found herself so confounded; when the King her father (who was there with the Emperor) 〈…〉 this Embassage in good part, said unto her; Daughter I will not believe but the Seigneur who sendeth you such a present knoweth you; and though it were for no other respect, at least you ought to receive it, and to honour him who sendeth it you for love of his generous mind.  
I know not my Lord (quoth Melissa then) who may be the Knight, whose courtesy seemeth not to approach his force; taking this hardlesse to give a present to a Damsel whom he knoweth not: which notwithstynding, for that it is your pleasure I will accept of it.  
You shall advertise your Master (quoth she to the Page) he greatly mistaketh to presume so much of my beauty, as to continue the joust of the Earl for me, who have deserved no such honour at his hand: Nevertheless, I thank him for his good will, in ●ccompence whereof, if I can do any thing for him, you shall assure him from me, I will employ myself with as good will, as I pray God to preserve him and his companion also from all encumbrances which may impeach his valiant enterprise; for the small occasion they have to charge so heavy a burden for so little beauty as mine, makes me fear they will be vanquished, if their prowess and dexterity do not supply this default.  
Then the young youth making a low obeisance to thank her for this courteous answer, took his leave graciously of her: And turning to Duke ●ustace who was near es●●e●ought him to tell the Emperor and his company, that who so ever had any desire to ioust against this Knight-vanquisher, and his companion, should appear upon the Battiers, where he should find them always ready; which he did without delay: The Emperor misdoubting one of these Knights to be Belcar, told if incontinent to King F●isol, who assured him the contrary; for that he supposed he had hardly lest the company of Florendos.  
Now did Belcar all that day nothing but break stanes, for there was no French Knight but came to do his best against him, hoping every one to revenge the County Peter: but the like chance befell them, as did to him before, for this Desendant was rough, and a very good horseman, which was his inheritance he held from King Frisol his father, who was esteemed one of the best men at Arms of his time. That same day Belcar dismounted beside the Frenchmen about twenty Knights the most redoubted of the Court: whereat the Emperor wondered much, so that he sent Primaleon to them to know who they were; who gladly did this Embassage with Palmendos; entreating them to repose that night in the emperors Court, who gave them such charge, for the great desire he had to know them.  
Gentlemen answered Belcar, desire his Majesty to pardon us this once, for that we cannot leave this place without incurring some blame, being departed from our houses, with full detemination to make ourselves known to none.  
This is a point of small courtesy (quoth the Constantino Politan) to refuse the honest offer which the Emperor maketh you, with so simple excuse as you find now.  
And who are you fair Sir, quoth Belcar, (feigning not to know him) who term us discourteous:  
I am Primaleon (replied he) Son to the Emperor, who sendeth to entreat you by me to do him this honour.  
I have done then (presecuted the Desendant) because I know you have not as yet received the order of Chivalry: Assuring you, that for your prayers, nor for the entreaties of the Emperor, shall you prevail further with me than as I told you before.  
I will not importune you any further (saith the young Prince) then being somewhat offended, and when he had so said, he returned into the Palace with Palmendos, who was so wrath with this thwart answer, that he purposed on the next morrow to Arm himself, to the end to chasti●e his arrogance.  
When the Emperor understood they had disdained to grant his request, he did but laugh at it, saying; they must he let alone in their obstinacy, to see what might be the 〈◊〉, Nevertheless, Palmendos would be revenged, and without saying aught to any body, went secretly to endoss the Coat of Arms, in which he vanquished the Tourney, which we have described before, and came withal with a great Eaunce in his hand within the Barriers.  
So soon as rescinds spied his Armour he knew it, and who carried it on his back; which he let his companion know, requesting him not to joust against him for the emperors sake: Whereunto Belcar answered, be could willingly forbear; notwithstanding he o●●ht not to refuse so good occasion to prone his valour against so 〈◊〉 a Knight; for if he dismount me at the joust, quoth he, I shall not think it any shame or dishonour for me, seeing he is the Achilles of our age, with whose valorous exploits all the Orient reseundeth. When he had done his speech, he did his best endeavour to make him feel his forces, and running one against the other very roughly, such was their encounter, that Belcar had taken measure of the earth, had he not taken hold of his horse-maine. And Palmendos liked not very well the knock which he gave him, but it was needful for them to breathe a little. Then charging a fresh with new Lances (for that the first flew in pieces to their Gauntlets) they met together with so sudden a fury, that they made the ground tremble under them, where Belcar sound himself much bruised, what with the blow and the fall in his Armour. Then Palmendos who lost only his stirrups, glad of this revenge, demanded his Hanburgeon, advising him if he would not fight at the sharp, to departed the field. Other battle quoth Belcar, seek not I against thee, for small hope have I to gain more honour by the sword, than I have already at the joust: and for that also I esteem and love then too well, to make further trial against thee; knowing right well by this encounter, I should have but ill speed if I proceeded further. Palmendos hearing him say so, mitigated a good part of his indignation, and taking his Coat of Arms, went directly to the Palace, where the Emperor & the King of Thessaly, very glad of this act, received him with great pleasure, the Emperor saying thus to him.  
Son the Knight did wisely not to accept the Combat of the sharp against you, otherwise he might have sped ill, considering his success at the joust: Now God grant (I wish it with my heart) that all your future enterprises may sort to so good & honourable end, as the passed have received a most fortunate and favourable issue.  
Palmendos kissing his hands, thanked him humbly for this good wish, than sent he Belcars' Gabardine to his fair Francheline, who was not a little glad thereof: Therefore she would needs come to disarm him with her own hands, casting about him a fair and rich mantle furred with white sables, for fear he should take cold.   

CHAP. IX.  
How rescinds continuing the ●oust after Belcar vanquished the Marquis of Penerad, and a cozen of his, with many others after them: and how the Prince Arnedes his cozen lousted against him, which caused the Emperor to come into the field to know who he was.  
BElcar seeing Palmendos depart the Lists, rose up very angry for his fall, to retire himself to the Earl's Pavilion where rescinds was: who galled to the heart for his companions misfortune, purposing to revenge him if any man appeared within the Barriers: So that being mounted his f●uced lively up and down, when the marquess of Penerad, (esteemed a good Knight, as descenting of the race of the Emperors of Constantinople) came into the field.  
He being advertised, that the two Knights who kept the joust ofter Earl Peter had sent his Coat to Melissa, whom he desired extremely to have in marriage, began to bear them a mortal and secret grudge; and purposing to chastise them for their over bold rashness, came richly armed into the field, where without any word speaking, provoked with raging anger, veiling his Lance, dashed his horse suddenly.  
Which rescinds perceiving, set spurs quickly to his likewise, so furious was their encounter, that the Marquis went arse over head, over his horse head to kiss the ground, taking such a grievous thulch, that he remained in the place, wagging neither hand nor foot: whereupon one of his cousin's proper and valiant of his person, a heavy man at this accident (in the mean while they carried the Marquis into his Chamber) ran speedile to Arm himself, thinking to revenge his mishap: Bimer was the Marquis cozen called, who began to joust in such a heat, that he missed his blow against rescinds, who contrariwise hi● him so full pat, that he sent him castly to take the Marquis place: but he rose up again lightly, saying to the Defendant, he should not think to have yet done with him, seeing he would know how he could handle his sharp.  
At these words the Spanish Prince alighted, and putting his shield on his Arm with a courageous stomach, they began a fierce combat, which for all that was quickly finished. For rescinds being a better warrior, and more spruce than his adversary, made him recoil to the place where he was vanquished: then pulling off his Gaberdine, left him wounded in many places of his body among his people, who carried him thence into his Cousin's lodging.  
That done, he gave that and the Marquis coat to Belcars' Page, to bear them to Melissa, beseeching her to accept them, as coming from one her most affectionate servitor, that she might find under the two Tropics of heaven.  
She who was with Philocrista in her Chamber, when the Page came to do the message, answered thus: I know not what these Knights mean to send me such presents without knowing me: yet feign would I learn their names, & what moveth them to do it: Madam (quoth the youth, they are such, that when you shall know them, you shall think some great good Fortune will befall you, in being able to do them some honour for your part in recompense of the extreme desire that I can assure you they have to serve you in the things wherein you take some pleasure: For all that they shall have none other thanks of me replied the Princess till I know more, well will I take that which they send me, where with I find myself greatly content: albeit far more should my spirits be satisfied, as you may tell them, if I might perceive openly their drift. Few days shall pass Madam, quoth the youngman, before you see the true end of all: so that I beseech you do not vex yourself, but attend the fit honour which shall be briefly as I hope.  
Finishing his speech, he took honestly his congee of the Ladies, whom he left very pensive, and curious to know who these valiant and courteous Knights might be. In the mean time rescinds who held on his Chivalries, jousted against ten or twelve Assailants: all whom he laid bravely along, winning by this mean their Coats, which he caused to be hanged on high upon the Pillar, where County Peter hoped to erect his Trophy: After this he took his solace and recreation, before any one presented himself within the Lists, every one fearing to adventure against him, whose prowess and derteritie was so great: Whereupon Arnedes who felt himself better at ease than he was wont, hearing the Emperor say the Defendant might well remain with the honour of the joust, seeing that no man entered the field any more, answered him.  
I do not think my Lord, they cease c●mming for fear of him, for the number of brave & hardy Knights of this Court is not so little that he can long time hold out against them, and as he had said, he went presently to fit himself with Arms, putting on a Murrain well tempered with steel: then came he into the place mounted on a mighty Courser, who did nothing but neigh and some at the mouth.  
When rescinds saw him enter the Barriers, he discovered him soon by his devise, and as he thought how to avoid jousting with him, he was forced to set spurs to his horse, because he saw his cozen Arnedes do the like: nevertheless approaching within the reach of their Lances, he haunted his and would not couch it against him.  
By this mean Arnedes easily broke his staff, albeit he could not wag the Champion an inch out of the Saddle, so that in manner abashed to see him do so, turning bit he incontinent charged upon him thus: Sir Knight let us have another bout yet, and use no more this courtesy towards him, who will con you no thank for your favour: So taketh he another staff and fetching his career to run the second time, rescinds did as he had done before: Arnedes by that means or else by choler, missing his attaint, in a great rage threw his Lance to the ground, and setting courageously hand to his sword, said to the Knight: As God me help now will I know for what reason you would not jouste against me, as well as against the rest.  
That shall you never understand by my means quoth the Spaniard: hereof can I well advertise you, that happen to me what may, I will not couch my Lance against you.  
You will tell me then a reason quoth Arnedes, or you shall presently die of my hand. Such inhumanity shall I never see in you, replied rescinds, albeit I had no will to descend myself.  
By the living God said Arnedes hastily, you will constrain me to be discourteous indeed, and therefore at your own peril be it.  
I can no longer forbear quoth the Emperor then (who heard this controversy) but I must needs know who are these two Knights now in field: for me thinks I see none other than the true representation of Belcar and rescinds.  
When he had thus said, he descended with many Nobles after him, and finding the two Combatants yet in dispute, the one seeking to know why his adversary would not encounter him, the other excusing himself that he might not tell the cause, willed Arnedes to go aside: And taking rescinds Horse by the Bridle, he prayed him of all love that he would satisfy the great desire he had to know him.  
My Lord quoth he, I cannot do it without ins●●●ging my faith, therefore I pray you urge me not to be perjured. Assure you, replied the Emperor, you shall never see me departed from hence before I know and look you in the face: so that by excuses you may not prevail.  
Therefore I pray you put off your helmet, and think in so doing you shall not break your faith and promise. For God's s●ke, replied rescinds, do not offer to force me in your countries. This force will I offer you, answered the Emperor, for that in my mind, it staineth neither your honour nor mine. The Knight in a perplerity not knowing what to say further, seeing it was a matter of constraint, held his peace and not a word. Then Belcar who had verse well heard all the whole circumstance (seeing he could no longer conceal himself, threw incontinent his helmet to the ground and went to fall on his knees before the Emperor, in kissing whose hands her said.  
My Lord pardon us if it please you; if we have not been so prompt to obey you as your greatness requires, for we determined at our departure out of Macedon, to come unknown into this place, to exploit before your eyes some honourable attempt, wherein you might take some delight & pleasure: Notwithstanding seeing we are frustrate of one intention, having performed nothing worthy to give you contentment, it is the very reason, why we dissembled ourselves unto your Majesty: of whom both the one and the other of us two reputeth himself a most happy man, to have received so great honour.  
Ah my dear friends quoth the Emperor then, you be exceeding welcome into my Court, wherein I may well assure myself cannot be found two Knight, in whom can be found so much an●●rosity as in you only: but tell me I pray you whether the King my most honourable Father, will come speedily unto this City.  
My Lord answered Belcar, I am sure it will not be a week before he arrive here. For he was ready to departed, when I entreated him to let us go before, to bring you news thereof. The Emperor marvelous joy full of this answer, turning himself with a laughing countenance towards the King of Hungary, saying to him: Brother receive to you Belcar your Son, whose virtues and good manners make him so amiable, that every brave man of good judgement, would be to him in steed of a Father in this behalf.  
As the Dominators of Greece spoke these words, Belcar falling upon his knees kissed honourably his Father King Frisols hand, who embraced him with great love, the trickling tears standing in his eyes, and at length the French Prince seeing his cozen rescinds in face, ran unto him with open Arms to give him the accollad●e, and could not almost speak for extreme gladness, which seized his heart in recognizing him.  
Which the Spaniard perceiving, alighted quickly from his Horse to embrace him, and after they had showed many familiar & loving cherrishing one to another, he went to do his duty to the Emperor, who received him most joyfully, as did likewise all the ●eigneurs and Barons of the Court: whereof the greatest part esteemed themselves very happy if they might come next to offer them the gentle welcome: and if all the beholders were very glad of this sudden and inexpected joy (whereof every one had a good share) that of Pinedes was so abundant, that it could not be expressed: having seen him perform the valiant and famous acts, which you have tofore understood.  
Then took the Emperor rescinds by the hand, and the King of Hungary his Son Belcar, whom they lead strait to the Palace, where being disarmed, they went honourably to kiss the empress hand, who entertained them with most kind speeches.  
During which, Melissa who heard them (by the only instinct of the unspeakable joy which she felt in mind, revested in the superficies of her face, such a natural beauty, that it was an admirable thing to behold.  
Full well did the two knights mark it when they came to do reverence to Philocrista, Francheline, and to her who represented the third Goddess. So that thinking herself thrice happy, to have been known worthy the presents of two worthy and excellent Princes, embraced many times her brother Belcar amiably: Nevertheless with more than a singular affection, and without any mean, (as it falleth out many times to those who are stricken with the same Dart that she was) she entertained rescinds her loyal and perfect lover. And believed firmly, by that which her Brother sent her, when the youngman brought her the first coat of Arms, that she knew indeed the whole discourse of their secrets: wherein she found great consolation, showing oftentimes to her lover by many signs, gracious aspects, and other du●●● Embassages of love, what was her intention, which rescinds did the like for his part toward her.  
In this mean time Belcar was busy in beholding the extreme beauty of Franch●line, whereof he was greatly astonished not without thinking Palmendos a most happy man, to have won so much honour in winning her for his wife, And albeit he was well contented with Alderine the only Lady of his heart, yet he could have wished to have had this for his Mistress, which passion could not be so well dissemble, but in embracing Palmendos he must needs tell him in smiling manner: Truly Sir it was for my great good, I was not present at the bridge of Carderie when you arrived there, for obtaining now so cast victory of me, what would you have done when your heart was so much pricked forward to purchase so rich a treasure as Francheline is? No marvel then if you have showed that prowess upon me which every man hath manifestly known in you, seeing before your eyes, a beauty sufficient to make able the most coward and faint hearted knight that is, to perform any strange adventure, were it never so hard and difficult.  
My dear cozen replied Palmendos, (being very glad to hear himself given this honest conunendation by so good a Knight as Belcar,) you are as much bounden as myself to the Princess Francheline, for seeing the desire to conquethes, caused you in the guard of the bridge to win the honro which shall for ever immortalize your fame: Where I was very happy not to meet with you, avoiding great danger thereby of losing my life, which God hath preserved me hither to.  
Further would they have prosecuted these gracious speeches when Arnedes who approached with his cozen, said: Signior leave off these matters now, seeing that all men see the valour and dexterity of you both, wherewith you Brother Palmendos do make many sick through your beavie and puissant strokes: whereof I shall all my life bear good witness, by that which happened to me once, which I account no dishonour, seeing it hath pleased God to accomplish you in all Martial perfection.  
At these laudable reproaches blushed Palmendos a little, when be answered them both in this manner: My Lords let us not talk of things that are passed among us, when we knew not one another, albeit thereby is clearly seen with what valour & Chinalry you were both endued & enriched: so devising together of many adventures, they returned to the Emperor, who made them kind entertainment, & like wise King Frisoll, being not able to satiate himself with the ●ight of his Son: So that the feast was much increased by their arrival in this Court; where we will leave them, attending the coming of the King and Queen of Macedon (whom the Emperor understood would be there within four days) to recount you what Tyrendos did in the Duke of Borts house.   

CHAP. X.  
How Tyrendos revenged the Lady clothed in black, who came into the Duke of Borts house, of an injury that was d●●e her by a Knight named Alegon, and how by his mean the Duchess and Tyrendos' attained to their hearts desire.  
THe Knight Tyrendos' desiring with an incredible affection to do some pleasurable setuice so the Duchess of Bort, made tarriance with all his heart in her castle, hoping to bring quickly some end to his amorous passions: During which he declared once more to her, how since his first arrival in the plame, he was so inflamed with her love that he pretended never to forsake her, whereof she was a meruailons glad woman, a much more when he manifested unto her his race.  
By means whereof making more account of him than she did before, they determined together to give some solace to their desires, after he had accomplished the promise which he made to the Dame●●ll clothed in black, so that to dispatch quickly he departed thence a joyful man on the next morning, not without the great entreaty of the Duke to repass by his house if his way didlye any thing that way.  
In the mean● time the Duchess gave one or two presents to the Dame●●ll, and discovering unto her the love which she bore Tirendos, desired he● to be careful of his health: and that she would requite it, which the good Lady promised her frankly: so that taking her leave of her and her husband, she went her way with the Knight, who demanding her afterward, wherein she had need of his aid, she answered him thus.  
Know fair Knight that two of my Sons being this other day at the marriage of a sister of a naughty Knight called Alegon, they got there so great honour in a fortress that the Bridegroom & many others defended against all others, that the wife of Alegon (some little kin unto them) did cherish them the more for that, especially the elder, who was a spruce youth & well experienced in feats of war: For this occasion her traitorous husband conceived in his mind a deadly grudge against him, which increasing more and more, at one time among all other, when he espted him devising with his wife, he fell into a furious choler, that without any word speaking, he came upon him with his naked sword and slew him easily: My poor son being disarmed and taken at unawares: And afterwards running upon my other son with his Catchpoules, put him incontuient into prison for fear lest he should revenge the death of his brother; saying further, he would put him to some cruel death within the prison. But I sorrowful and heavy Widow, void of kindred and friends, who may for medem ●●d justice for this injury done; hearing the same of your Prowess, built some hope to be revenged by your mean, b●ing as assured as I am to die, my sons were innocent, and intured without any reason; and therefore would I most humbly pray you fair Sir, according to the promise you made me, to go bid him de●●ance in his Castle, telling him if he refuse the Combat you will accuse him of treason before the Emperor. If such be (quoth Tyrendos) the disaster and misadventure of your children, as you tell me; the homseide itself crieth vengeance against the traitorous and felon murderer, who hath perpet●ated it; which I hope by God's aid to make him confess, promising you to employ my best ●orces there●●, with such a courage, that I will either die or else you shall ●emaine satisfied.  
The Damsel gave him great thanks for his good will ●nd taking two Squires for guide and company 〈…〉, they arrived the third day after about six a clock b●fore th● castle of Alegon: Where Tirendos ●●d the Porter 〈◊〉 his Master, there was come thither a Knight from the Emperor Palme●u● Court, who would speak with him.  
Whereof the seigneur being advertised, stey● to a window over the Ca●●●● gate, demanding what was his e●●a●●, I would willingly desire you (answered Tirendos) to surcease the inhumanity which you use toward a poor widow, restoring her youngest son to her, whom you detain in prison unjustly: and if you will so do, I promise to obtain you pardon for the death of her eldest, whom you slew against all right and reason, otherwise I denounce you the Combat, saying that you have wronged your honour.  
Truly I had not thought replied Alegon that at the persuasion of a woman who complaineth without any cause, a Knight had been so credulous, whom I may suspect of cowardice: assuring you that I have done, but what I ought in reason to do towards her Children, who sought to dishonour me: so that I think you will gain more to be gone again unto the emperors Court, where you shall find opportunity at this present to show your prowess, and to brave your belly full, rather than to enterprise here any thing, which might peradventure cost you dear.  
With that he got him from the window over his portal, when Tyrendos in a marvelous rage, began to speak many heinous villainies to him, reproaching his cowardliness, and assuring him (if he would not Combat against him) to accuse him of felony before the Emperor sovereign Seigneur.  
Which being well weighed by Alegon, was somewhat afraid, & persuading himself it were better to end that quarrel there than before the Emperor, resolved to sally out to Combat him: which he did after he had well harnessed himself with Arms and a good Courser, telling his enemy he made little esteem of his braves, were he the most redoubted Knight of the Emperor Palme●ius Court. Upon this contention they coming to encounter with a marvelous fury, Alegon missed his blow, but Tyrendos piercing his shield and his ●uy race, thrust the point of his Lance so far into his breast, that he overturned him shrewdly wounded to the ground, whence the wretch could not so soon rise up again, but Tyrendos (who leapt nimbly from his Horse) was at his back to cut a two quickly the laces of his helmet● then setting the point of his sword at his throat, said: Thou art dead Alegon, if thou causest not presently come hither the Knight with his Arms and Horse, which thou holdest wrongfully in prison: Gentle Knight cried the vanquished, for God's sake save my life and I will obey you willingly in what soever your pleasure is. Then he commanded his people to fetch the prisoner quickly with all his military equipage, so that the Jailor having set him at liberty, it was not long before he appeared in the place; whereof Tyrendos was glad without measure, when he asked him whether he were him, for whom he had Combated: I am the man quoth he, who will serve you as long as my soul shall dwell within my body, which you have so well relieved now: And as he had said, Tyrendos put up his sword into his sheath, then mounting all three to horse, he said to Velican (so was the rescued Knight named) these words.  
Let us now Brother depart this place, where I believe this false and cruel Tyrant will not commit hereafter, so many mischiefs as he hath done heretofore, which was most true: for his servants having brought him home to his chamber, and disarmed to visit him, they found his wound so great and dangerous, that he lived but three days afterward, and in the mean time Tyrendos, Velican, and his Mother, arrived in her Castle, which was a delight full and pleasant house, within term mile of the City where the Duchess of Bort dwelled.  
But this Damsel showed such kind of cherrishing to her Son, that it were impossible to write them, thanking many times the Knight who had rescued him: who having his spirits occupied in nothing but upon the Duchess, took this Damsel a part to discover likewise to her his passion, praying her to go make his excuse to the Duke, if he could not return onto his house as he promised him at his departure: for that upon some sudden news which were brought him, he was feign to make in all haste a voyage to Constantinople.  
Moreever prayed her to talk secretly with his wife, to know her intention concerning the conference between them in taking their plot touching the future accident of this occurrence, and that in any wise he would ●●ay for her answer in that place where he would solace himself until she should do him that favour.  
The damosel assured him to employ herself in this so dangerous a message, albeit she were certain to lose her life, finding herself too much bounden and beholding to him, to refuse any thing which he would command or desire: by means whereof, taking her son with her, they went straight to the Duke's house, who entertained them very amiably, inquiring himself what was become of the Knight and of the issue of his promise: The which Velican told him from print to point: and after that which Tirendos would have said from him, whereat the good Seigneur was not a little displeased; for he would willingly have seen him yet once more in his Castle, as being the man whom he esteemed more than any other Knight of the Countries adjoining to his Duchy.  
But the Lady and her son advertising him, that they resolved from thenceforth to live under the protection of his service, for the little assurance they had elsewhere, because of Alegons' kindred, whom they feared as death.  
The Duke for fully welcomed the Knight Velican, and the Duchess entertained his mother for one of her Ladies of honour: and had a singular pleasure in hearing her recount how Tirendos her loyal Lover vanquished so easily Alegon the murderer.  
When the Damsel afterward spied a sit time for their purpose, she imparted to her the principal point of her secret Embassage: Whereupon the Duchess (who loved him as her own soul) began to make this sudden answer: Alas dear sister, the great valc●r and prowess of Tirendos maketh me commit this error, against the Duke my husband; for since I first s●we him, my heart felt itself wounded and inflamed with his love, that it is impossible for me to endure any longer in this ardent flame, which bath almost dried me up, and no good humour in me.  
Madam quoth the damosel, it was well foreseen of you to fire your amorous fancy upon so brave a Knight, of whom I can well assure you, for the small time I have frequented him, in a better place could you not have bestowed it: and furelie the Seigneur Tyrendos meriteth such reciprocation, were it but for the extreme desire he hath to make you know how his devotion towards you, surpasseth that of the most affectionate servitor of Cupid. So cunningly knew the damosel to use her eloquence, with the good will that the Duchess bore the Knight: that falling from one matter to another, they concluded so soon as it was 〈◊〉, Velican should go secretly to fetch and conduct him to the door of a Garden which joined fast upon the Dutchesss lodging, by which way he might easily enter into her Chamber, and remain there hidden as long as they thought good: For that the Duchess had two or three fatre Cabinets, into which never any entered but herself: in one whereof she made account to keep Tyrendos as long as ●he could.  
This determination quickly sorted to effect, for Tyrendos pricked forward with such desire as every one may 〈…〉 an hour before day to the Garden door, where attended for him the damosel, who conveyed him afterward into the chamber of the Duchess, whom he kissed many times sweetly as soon as he was arrived saying: Now can I say I have attained the height of the bliss, which love prepareth for his favourites, and I cannot imagine Madam, how I may ever recompense the courtesy and favour you show me, in receiving me for your servant: If it be not to offer you the sincere and incorruptible: affection that I have to continue your perpetual ●laue.  
Ten thousand thanks for your good will, answered the Duchess: nevertheless if you see now a poor and simple lover forget so much her chastity, as to de●●le her marriage bed, I beseech you not to asigne the fault unto me unfortunate and desolute woman, but refer the whole unto your beauty, prowess and valour, which hath brought me into such a taking, that no reason being able to prevail over the flaming desire of my heart, which you infused into me when I gave you mine, I am constrained to abandon mine honour unto you. Wherein I cannot but merualle to find myself so quickly over taken with your love, (regarding the small time I feel this burning passion in my breast,) for to make you know the weight, you see presently how I have feared nothing which may stain the reputation of a Lady Illustrious and of great renown.  
The Duchess persevering in these her courteous Ceremonies, the damosel began to cut her off thus: Madam, it is now time to bring into some harbour the two Barks so tossed with the amorous storm and tempest: So that to preach is not now required in this place, rather let the Pilots thereof alone to do the devoir of their office.  
By this means Tirendos' having well understood the watch word, set up the Mast with one hand, and lifted up the Sails with the other, then laying down his Arms of steel required in mortal battles, he helped himself with those which are more esteemed between two Curtains, couching himself near the Duchess side: where took some end the anguish of two Lovers, who remained in that manner, until they thought it high time to give order for the rest of their Navigation, a Chamber was appointed for the Knight in a secret corner.  
There he sojourned nine or ten days in the greatest pleasure and contentment, that as yet he ever tasted in his life, for the Duchess who loved him as dearly as her own life, was fair and gracious in perfection: in such sort that the departure and discontinuing of this felicity, and pleasure, was a most grievous thing to both these vassals of love.  
For fearing lest at length this secret mystery would be discovered, the Knight must needs go out of his sweet and voluntary Prison: albeit the Duchess did not much fear her old and gray-headed Husband: who may be an example to all other, (that every one should seek his match) lest the other inconvenient happen.  
But Tyrendos in taking leave of his Lady, promised undoubtedly to see her again, which comforted her a little: and afterward in going out of the Garden, he was met by Dirdan, who loving the Lady as you have before understood, could by no means rest or sleep, but walking all night long about her lodging to be within sent of his Paramour, in mean while to allay (as he thought) the restless fit of his burning fever.  
He seeing Tyrendos' sally forth of the Orchard, was vexed to the gall, as every one who hath tasted the bitter fruit of iealousse may presume: insomuch that to know who he might be, he drew near, raging, and grumming between his teeth these words: Ah, a cursed death mayst thou die who comest now from the place, the issue from whence hath wounded & pierced my heart in twain: wish that he would have laid hand on his choler to stay him: but Tyrendos who had at the instant set hand to his sword reached him a blow upon his coxcomb, which cloven him down to the shoulders, continuing his purpose thus: Now shall the martyrdom end, which hath hitherto tormented thee for her, whose shoe-sole thou wast unworthy to kiss.  
Then making haste to the place where Velican attended him, he mounted straight, and without any other company but this Knight, who would never leave him, went directly to Constantinople, where they arrived in good time for the Turney.  
On the morrow morning was Dirdan found dead hard at the Garden door, whereat was great murmuring, the people saying he was slain for love of the Duchess, which brought her into some suspicion of her honour.  
As soon as she knew thereof she quickly deemed who was the author of this Homicide, Tyrendos her lover, whom she never saw afterward, albeit all the rest of her life, he, was the chiefest Darling of her desires.  
The Duke who was old and loved his Lady above measure, never inquired farther of Dirdans' death: nor cared he much what the world might think: But misdéemed the Duchess had caused him to be dispatched to banish him for ever her presence, for which deed he esteemed her the more, and had better opinion of her than before; and so we will let them live, the one joyful of this persuasion, and the other passing sorry to departed from her sweet lover, whom we shall find hereafter in Constantinople at the Tourney to behave himself better in other Combats.   

CHAP. XI.  
How the King Florendos arriving with his Queen Griana his wife in Constantinople, were most honourably received by the Emperor Palmerin their Son, who met them with a great train a days journey from the City: And how Primaleon Abenuncq and Arnasin received the order of Knighthood.  
THe King Florendos and his Queen Griana being departed from Macedon, in the company of the principal Barcons of their Kingdom, took by their way all the pastimes they could devise: But being entered within the bounds of the Empire, they were joyfully received by the emperors commandment. who had given order to his Subjects for the same effect: as also for that the Queen Griana his Mother was their natural and Sovereign Princess.  
All this Troop being arrived within a days journey of Constantinople, he came to meet them, accompanied with the greatest part of the Nobles of his Court, with all the honour, and most kind entertainment, as a Son so well brought up as he, might show towards his Father and Mother: who having first greeted him, received and cherished Primaleon and Palmendos his Children, who did unto them all the reverence possible to be thought of: The like curtosie used Arnedos towards them (whom they reputed as their Son,) and in like manner all the rest, both Kings and Princes who accompanied the Emperor: So that these interchangeable greetings and welcomes were so long a doing, that they could not reach Constantinople: but took up their rest for that night, in a most pleasant place four miles distant from the City, where the Queen could not fill her eyes with beholding her son.  
To be brief on the morrow they entered the City with the greatest joy, that was ever heard of, the Empress, Queen Arismene, the three Infants, and many Ladies of high renown, who kept them company being at the first Gate of the Palace to receive them more Honourably: who entertaining first the King and the Queen, after them came the three Infants to kiss their hands, and then all the other Princes one after another.  
These welcoming Ceremonies of the Ladies accomplished, all this Royal company mounted into the principal Hall of the Serraglias, where the Emperor sat down next to the King his Father, and the Empress (bringing her three Daughters with her) next the Queen, who could not faciate herself furuaying with an unspeakable joy, so Heroical and Illustrious a ●rue: In so much that in this profound contemplation, she could not countermand her spirit, but her eyes must shed same tears for gladness, when she thus broke forth.  
Lord God, now let me leave this mortal world when it shall please thee, seeing thou doest me this Grace to represent before mine eyes, the things which I so extremely desired to see.  
Scant had she finished these few words but the enchanted bird, who was within the ancient chamber of the Emperor, sent forth two most lamentable scréeches, and had not at their coming showed any sign of gladsomeness, as she was always accustomed to do at the arrival of the emperors favourites. So that the Emperor (who was very sorrowful for this presage) gave great heed unto it, with many other Signior who knew the nature of this animal, believing verily by her hoarss chattering, some siniser accident was presaged: But he dissembled it as well as he might, without showing any outward appearance, but said incontinent to the Queen.  
Madame, I beseech you most humbly, let us not talk in this happy time of recreation, of any thing which may drive us into melancholy, seeing you being yet far from death, shall see yourself long time served and reverenced of all these who are assistant before you; and therefore do not dismay yourself by any thing which may bring you into a vain and fantastical opinion.  
My son replied the Queen then; Death hath this by nature, that there is none living in this world, who can stew himself so strong against it, that he may annoyed it; our predestmation being such, we cannot prolong or abridge it one little minute; whereby ensueth, that for any thing I have now said, I can neither retard it, nor hasten it any thing the sooner.  
When she had spoken these words with a very good grace, she embraced the Infant Flerida, who seemed unto her the dapp'rest and gracious creature she had ever seen in her life before, and kissing her sweet cheeks many times she said.  
Fair Daughter, I pray God, he suffer you to live so long as your beauty and sweetness of feature deserveth; wherein I think well, neither maid nor wise can be found, to come once near your Paragon: Most true was that which the Queen spoke; for whosoever beheld this young Princess, judged her to be a Venus in beauty, and a Pallas in prudency: But this day they passed in great joy and solace throughout all the Court, and in the evening, Primaleon besought the Emperor again, that he would the next day following, give him the order of Knighthood, and the same he entreated him also to do for Abenu●●cq and Arnasin Duke Tolomus son which be accorded unto very willingly.  
Therefore on the morrow every one doathing himself pompeously in rich and sumptuous Habits, except Primaleon and his ●ead companions, who watched all that night their Arms within the Chapel, whether the Emperor coming with his father and the other Kings and Princes there was asolemne Mass begun.  
You must understand since the first time that Abenuncq saw Amand in the King of Sparta's daughter, he was so attainted with her love, that no other thought than of her dwelled within his breast: So that in mean time while the Mass was saying he resolved to become a Christian, to show more evidently unto his Lady and Mistress, the extreme desire which set him on, and especially to enter the Tourney as her only Knight, wherein he hoped to add unto his praise, that which he could make good there.  
The Mass being ended, he humbly besought the Emperor, he might be partaker of the holy Sacrament of Baptism, before he came to the order of Knighthood: For knowing how much the Law of Christ was more sublimate and in blessedness exceeding that of the Moors, he would no longer live in Paganism.  
Which the Emperor and all the Assistants hearing, were passing glad of his renouncing of Infidelity: So that uncovering his head, the Patriarch of Constantinople did baptise him presently, che●sing for his Godfather the King Florendos, who commended him greatly for so virtuous an act.  
For testimoney whereof, he promised straight to make him so great and puissant a Prince, that he should have cause to put in oblivion the estate and riches of his father. Whereof the new Christian returning him humble thanks, the Greekish Monarch turned himself towards Primaleon, saying; Sen, request of my most honourable father, it would please him to arm you Knight with his hand, for if. I have purchased some little honour in this world, I can assure you all proceeded from him, who inucsted me first with this honourable degree of Knighthood; which I hope will be augmented more in your person, if it please him to enrich you therewith. Then you shall give it unto the young Arnasin, and I unto Abenuncq your companion.  
Primaleon having heard what the Emperor his Father said, went full joyful to kneel before the King his Grandfather, beseeching him he would put on his spur and gird unto him his sword of Arms: whereof he excused himself, saying it were better to be done by his suns hand: But the Emperor himself and all the other Princes, who were there prayed him so instantly, that in the end he was constrained to condescend thereunto: and giving him as well his fatherly blessing as the military acolado●, he soon made him Knight: the Emperor armed Abenuncq Knight, and afterwards Primaleon himself dubbed Arnasin of the same order. The ceremonies were done with so great pomp, that it was noon before they departed out of the Chapel: so that the dinner staying for them (after that the Yeomen of the Pantry had recovered the Tables round) the Squires of the kitchen were not long before they served in their first service: So coming from Church they went straight to dinner, where the Emperor sat down with his father, the other Kings and great Lords being served most honourably, and as such a magnificent Feast ●e seemed so Royal a company of Princes.  
After the tables were taken up, the Queen Griana and the Empress whose provision was no less; came to them with all the rest of Ladies so richly attired, that the only aspect of them put some gladness into the Knight's hearts who beheld them; and amongst the rest filled some of their breasts with such amorous and pricking desires, which took so deep root therein, that they could never afterwards he 〈…〉.  
Then began the dancing and other reveling, in midst whereof thy enter laced interchaunge able talk of many matters: Belcar took in the mean time rescinds by she hand, whom he brought to sit down hard by Melissa with this language: Dear Sister I must esteem great and marvelous the felicity which God hath within this little while sent you, to make you Lady and Mistress, of one of the most valiant Knights, who liveth under the zodiac, beside he is in all other things, a Prince so accomplished that there are few at this day found to be his like in valour and worldly riches. He of whom I speak is the Prince rescinds, whom ye see no less affectioned towards you with an entire love, than desirous to show you the experience: by mean whereof I pray you of all favour between you and me, you will reciprocally love him, for that he deserveth it, & his virtues of themselves should invite you thereunto; and I promise you to employ myself so well for you both, that with in few days your hearts shall find some case and content.  
The damosel who was sage and as courteous as might he, hasht a little at her Brother's speeches, and made him this answer: You say true Brother; that the Seigneve rescinds, is virtuous, valiant and a rich Prince, & I should 〈◊〉 myself to want manners and grace, not to obey you in that which it pleaseth you to command me, seeing between you two so perfect amity is confirmed: so that you and he may he assured all my life I shall reverence him in such sort, that you shall know with what sincerity she speaketh, who will remain perpetually servant to you both.  
Now may I quoth rescinds, repute myself truly happy about all these, who think to ha●● attained 〈…〉 of their felicity, seeing you so prompt Madam, 〈…〉 which it pleaseth my Lord your Brother to preserve in my 〈◊〉, and if I rejoice in any good which God giveth me, it is only but for the hope I have to make you the Lady and Mistress of me and of the kingdoms of Spain.  
The Emperor who was a 〈…〉 and we 〈…〉 Prince, casting his eye round about (especially surveying the quality of those, who were in any conference with the young Princess) that it would be a very sorteable match between rescinds and Melissa: in so much that in time he purposed to put it in effect. Likewise he spied Abenuncq sitting near Amandria Daughter to the King of Sparta his Uncle: whom he permitted also to give unto him in marriage: to the end to recompense him there with, because he had forsaken his mahometical law: and whilst the Emperor had this in his mind Abenuncq boarded her thus.  
Only Mistress of my servitude, you might see this morning the victory which love hath gotten over me, making me renounce mine own proper religion, to take a new which is strange unto me: During which Combat, the poor slave of Cupid so fortified himself with your lively and rare beauty, which he shooting off at his eyes, hath so imprinted it within his soul, that no other thing were it never so highly esteemed can take that place from it.  
Nevertheless, if to make sufficient proof of his Magnanimity, finding this precious treasure near him, it would please you to let him enter into the Cour●●ey as your Knight, (which is the most Sovereignty of his desires) you may well assure yourself, you never saw so much hardiness in a young and new made Knight as in him.  
If for the love of me, quoth Amandria then you have renounced the Pagan law, I am greatly bounden to bless God, and to thank you for the good will you bear me, albeit I merit not the least parcel of any such honour, in recompense whereof I might he judged ingrateful and too discourteous, if I should refuse the honest request it pleased you to make me, being but newly Knighted and issued out of so Royal a house as you do: Wherefore I am content, and think myself happy, that in my name you will enter the ●istes, wherein I hope you shall win such Honour among the rest, seeing you had so good knowledge and deuors●● of yourself to come to our faith.  
Madam replied he, you only have been the occasion, in that to insinuate myself into your favour, I get the knowledge of the Sovereign God.  
For that regard shall I love you the more quoth she smiling, and will esteem you ever more than any Knight, which may offer himself to mine eyes: in sign whereof there is a ring which shall serve you for a favour in the ●ourney.  
This ring replied he, which now I have by your gift, shall give me so much force and courage, that when I should have a thousand lives, I would employ them all one after another, seeling it fast upon my little finger: so that having it in my possession, I shall prise it far more than the fatal ring of Gyges.  
This was the parley these two new lovers had together that day: which made Abenuncq in so great joy (having understood thereby his Ladies will) as he passed away merrily that night with the other Knights.   

CHAP. XII.  
How the Prince Arnedes was espoused with Philocrista, and Palmendos with Franch●line, and afterward lay all four in two beds, which the Knight of the Isle-Close sent the Emperor with eight musicans to make them all kind of harmonious melody: And how the next day following they opened the great Triumph wherein Primaleon bore away the prize.  
ON the morrow which was the day when the Nuptials of Arnedes with Philocrista, and of Palmendos with Francheline should be solemnized, come every one forth richly arrayed to accompany them to the Church of Saint Marie the round: but before they came thither they stair an hour by the way, so full were the streets and windows stuffed with Knights who came thither to the ●ourney.  
At the last they came thither, and presently was there begun a high and solemn Mass by a Bishop, who giving his benediction to the new Epouses, finished incontinent the Ceremony which the Greeks' had accustomed to use in their Nuptials: then returning to the Palace in the same order they came, it was passed twelve before they came back thither: by means whereof these new married Princes sitting down to cable with the King their Uncle, the Emperor their Father and the other Kings and Princes, and great Signior, began presently a Consort of Musicians to sound on all kind of Instruments.  
In brief they so feasted all that day that it were impossible to recount it: afterward bed time being come, the Queen of Thessaly and many other Ladies of Honour brought Philocrista to her Chamber, where they laid her in a rich and stately Bed: whose Curtains and Canope were cloth of gold, wrought with little figures of Birds, spread clean over a Coverture of fine crimson Velvet, diapered every where with great oriental Pearls. The couch (beset round with Imagery of P●rle, in form of pomegranates holding two great & brave Medailles of massive gold) had the sour principal pillars of the Mother of Emraude wrought infashion of baths, underpropped by four Dragons of green marble planted upon the bases of Ca●cidonie, and foot stalls of Ia●per: and upon the top of the pillars, stood four S●hinges of ●●ne agate, coming solere the natural creatures, that you ●ould have said there had been nothing in them wanting but the speech.  
The like did the Empress to Francheline with many other Ladies in her Chamber, and in a Bed of no lesser 〈◊〉 & artifice than that of Philoorista, as coming both out of the man's shop, and from one & the same worke-master that made them.  
Afterward did the Emperor and all the other Kings, conduct the Bridegrooms each of them into his Lady's chamber, where leaving them alone remained not long, but there ●ayned a new Metamorphosis to Philoctista & Francheline, for that of virtuous maidens they were within a small time translated into most fair and gracious wives: Whereof 〈◊〉 gave a good testimony to them that beheld it then, ● lively ●●r●●llion blush, which after the sudden mutation remained a good while upon their cheeks: During which chaynge of name and not of person, came four young men from forth their Chamber doors bringing a Nuptial Ditty which the Knight of the Ile-Close had composed, and sent into the Court at the same time, with the two Beds where in the new married Princes lay.  
I doubt not but some of you perfect Lovers, reading this passage, will wish with some private affection to see yourselves near your Paramours in like joys as were the four loyal Lovers; and it were but for the delight which your spirits might take, in remembering these things so rare and precious.  
So then the Seigntur of the Ile-Close loving the Emperor wi●h ●uch entire amity as he did, would needs by skill o● his Art make the ●east of his son and Daughter more excelling and magnificent, when he sent him the two beds and a Cons●rt of eight voices: who seeing the vower fit for their purpose began to sing an Epithalme thus:  

GOD Hymeneus' chief of Nuptial Rites,  
Ye Bacchus, Cupid, Ceres, Hymen's powers  
Be present here, hale hence with all your mights  
All mo●●ning sorrow: Bring us happy hours:  
And Flora Summers' Queen for our delights,  
Bestrew this Royal Court with choice of flowers.   

Your favours show to four Knights Combatant,  
Who try their Valours in the closed field,  
But if the Victor do his foe supplant,  
Or if the vanquished be constrained to yield;  
Upon the conquerors head a Garland plant,  
And him that's foiled from further peril shield.   

Be ye conductors of these valiant Knights,  
That every one may win his Mistress favour:  
Entering the Lists in Arms redoubted Wights,  
To show their prowess worthied to have her,  
At the next jousting, Tornements and fights  
Proclaimed by the Greekish Emperor.   

Permit no worthy favourite to die,  
Who is a jouster in this Courtly crew:  
Let none behold that fatal tragedy,  
Lest all the Court do his misfortune rue,  
For death always doth part good company,  
All mirth is dashed when sadness doth ensue:   

In mean time let no duty be surceaste,  
By help of gentle Cupid God of Love:  
To marry many a Nymph this solemn feast,  
Who in this Court do shine as Stars above:  
With haughty Knights who think their fortune blest,  
For their sweet sakes adventures strange to prove.   

The emperors Royal servitor am I,  
In humble duty ready to fulfil:  
What it shall please his Sacred Majesty,  
I may not disobey his Royal will:  
From the Close-●le I sent this melody,  
To honour him set by mine Art and skill.   
This Comfort of Musicians so harmoniously deseanted upon this Nuptial ditty, that many young Damosels, who ran unto them like Bees to the herb Thy me, would needs have a Copy thereof: as well because it was partly composed in their favour, as also because the Music thereof seemed almost divine, filling the ears of all the hearers with a marvelous content.  
Of this great curtess of the Knight of the Ile-Close was the Emperor passing glad; & for that kindness and many other, he loved him all the days of his life: in somuch that be redoubled the feast upon this occasion, and would not on the morrow permit the Tourney to be opened, nor until the third day after: after which we will begin to reocunt the glorious exploits, the marvelous and triumphant jousts of our valiant and hardis Primaleon.  
To come then to the beginning of his Martial Chivalries, be commanded his Father's Ingenour to choose out in the plain field, a plot wherein he should set by a Tiltyard environed with high bars and rails, in Longitude and Latitude answering just his Diameter, and in form oval, so that at the least fine hundred Knights might Combat affront.  
The first day he purposed to appear therein himself, as the Emperor did when discovering himself to his Father, he was elected to the Empire of Greece: to wit, that within the close field should not enter more than four hundred Knights of choice, half on the one side and half on the other, putting the imperials with the strangers altogether pellmell. Whers Abenunq, Arnasin, Peynedin and many other valiant Knights were on the one party, and on the other side Belcar, rescinds, with many other gallant Champions of the Kingdom of France, Sparta, & Thessaly.  
The Emperor and the other Kings having dined, they went with the new Bridegrooms upon the Seaffolds which were set up for them in the plame: And in like manner the Empress & the Queen with their two young Brides upon theirs, where every one placed himself as well as he could at their best case, behold Primaleon entereth at one of the gates of the Theatre accompanied with all those of his part, and Belcar and rescinds at the other; for there were two doors made, and at every one whereof was a Pillar of stone, very rich and sumptuous; upon the top of the one stood the shape of Mars holding in his hand a Globe crowned with an imperial Diad●●n●; upon the other that of Venus, having her divine Duiu●● burning on the one side, and her son Cupid on the other, who leaned on her say.  
So did Primaleon give order they should be made, to the end they might as well perceive the ●ngen●ousnes of his spirit, as his corporal dexterity: Thither would her not bear his shield of the Roche-sendue; but his sword he had girded to his thigh, because it was superlatine in bounty. Now after that the one and the other side had made a turn about the field, the Clarions, Drums, and F●les began to sound the Assault: And then might you see this Cavalero hurry one against another with such fury that it was wonders to behold and hear the encounter of both sides clashing together▪ Primaleon before he broke his first Eaunce, dismounted more than half a dozen Knights, being all shrewdly wounded, or else in danger of death: Then drawing his sword, he began to strike so thick, that every one gave him place, avoiding his presence as if it had been Medusa the terrible Gorgon. By means whereof, the Emperor who could discern the good and perfect Knights from the other, better than any of the slanders by, seeing him so hardy and so spruce, judged he would one day prove a very good and an accomplished Knight; whereof he greatly thanked and prayed God to preserve and keep him from mischance.  
Abenuncq shel● he were a little younger than he, nevertheless made his Prowess there very well known, and that he was the son ●f the good Knight Olorick Sultan of Ba●●lo● and of Ar●●d●●na: Of like valour and hardiesse showed himself Aruasin the third new created Knight: But Primaleon who besturd him more than any of the rest, (laying on sore blows and so thick, that it seemed thunder passed the place where he went) behaved himself so, that albeit Belcar and rescinds did merualles of their people, he drove for all that by force of arms his adversartes out of the place of combat, for that one being first gotten forth, all the rest followed him as fast as they could at one an others heels: insomuch that Belcar, rescinds and some other of their partakers, who held out stoutly against him: could not at the length endure the stress of their adversaries because they would not fight at all extremities against Primaleon; in the end they were so constrained to retire themselves, and avoid the Barriers.  
The Tourney then being vanquished by Primaleon, he was received by all the Barons of Greece with an incredible joy, saying with a common voice, he should be one day more valiant than the Emperor his father, who then returned into the City more joyful than he ever was before: and giving the honour of the Tourney to Abenuncq, he said that he well showed himself to descend of so rare and accomplished Knight, as was the Sultan his Father.  
But the King Florendos many times embracing Primaleon with the tears standing in his eyes, prayed the Almighty God that he would to so fair a beginning, give also a better end: Wherefore the young Prince kissed him, b●ie his hand, thanking him for so favourable a wish.  
Afterwards the other Knights being arrived at the Palace, the Emperor honoured greatly rescinds and Belcar, saying they of purpose suffered themselves to be vanquished, for that they had no lust to fight against the principal of their adversaries: which he spoke to no other end but to comfort them only in the discouragement they took at this misadventure: knowing nevertheless that none in the Troop could equal themselves in hardlesse and dexterity to Primaleon his Son. And for that none of the Principal died not, nor was not hurt in this first tourney, the feast was redoubled which they held afterwards the space of fifteen days together with open field for all comers: wherein some days entered more than ten thousand Knights exploiting strange and admirable deeds of Arms. In the which Primaleon being every day present, carried away from all other the Honour and prize, as at the first: for albeit Palmendo, and Arnedes the new Bridegrooms entered twice into Battle with him, and did acts that every one was astonished at, they were forced for all that to leave him the upper hand.  
Notwithstanding let us speak of a Knight who was slain during the Triumph, whereupon it fell out that many defied him afterwards accusing him or Treason, for that he had assured all Knights who would come unto his Tonruyes, of safe conduct and return throughout all the Countries of the Empire.   

CHAP. XIII.  
How Perrequin of Duas the King of Pollands' Son coming to the Tourney at Constantinople to kill Primaleon, and to revenge Gridonia the Duchess of Ormedaes' Daughter, was slain himself by the hands of Primaleon.  
Nardides' Duke of Ormeda, being vanquished and done to death by the Emperor Palmerin, which Duke of a ●roth came to Constantinople to revenge the two Cousins of Tarisius his brethren, whom the Emperor himself and King Frisoll slew with their own hands, as writeth the Author of his History; his people returned with these sorrowful tidings to his Mother and the young Duchess his wife, who made such lamentable complaints and moan for him, that it was a pitiful thing to behold the issue of so miserable a Tragedy. And to the end to make more memorable her mourning and funeral ceremonies, she commanded to erect a fair and rich tomb within the Chapel of her Palace, upon the which for her last expiation (after many other Honourable Pempes' required in such a case) she shed ever it an infinity of tears (as if the body so much deplored had been therein buried.) But what? Surely he was not there, and I believe that if she might have recovered it, she would never have enclosed it under that lamine, but rather have done as Artemisia Queen of Caria, who after the death of Mausolus her husband (for the more Honourable interring of him) caused to be builded a magnificent and sumpivous monument, which was afterward called one of the seven wonders of the world: and nevertheless seeing that edifice finished (which she called Mausolus, after her dead husband's name,) she then judged it unworthy to receive the so precious and rare treasure of her amity: Therefore she caused to burn the body to cinders, & the said cinders afterward to be aromatized, distilled, and resolved into water, that she might be herself his Sepulchre: supping up that distillation as the most exquisite potion which she could find, for always afterward to conserve in her the integrity of her love toward him.  
Now this young Duchess being every day after her mourning ready to be brought a Bed, the anguishs and throngs which happen to women in that case, came upon her at the report of this news, so that she was speedily delivered of a very fair and beautiful Daughter: unto whom for that she was borne in a sorrowful time, and in that Country they call to lament, or to cry, Gridar, was her name given Gridonia.  
The old Duchess (who had no other heir but this one lie Niece) caused her to be carefully brought up: and with so great diligence that she grew to the sight of the eye, so fair and perfect in all features and lineatures of her visage, that her mother seeing her such a acquaint piece, swore she would never marry her, but to him who should revenge the death of Nardides her defund husband. And upon this condition did she then presently set down the marriage of Gridonia, who coming to the age of fifteen years was required and demanded of many Princes in marriage. Nevertheless when they heard the law and vengearnce which was to ensue, none would be so hardy as to accept the match.  
So radiant and admirable was her beauty, that through all the Countries and Marches round about the Duchy of O●medes they could talk of nothing else: By means whereof Perrequin of Duas. Son to the King of Polland, who was Brother to the Mother of the same Gridonia, hearing a report of so erquisite beauty, had great desire to see her: Insomuch that he be sought the King his Father to give him leave to go visit the Duchess his Aunt, whereunto he easily accorded.  
He then commanding to rig and equippe a good ship with all that might be necessary for such a voyage, soon after took the rout of Ormedes: where being with a favourable wind and fair weather arrived; the Duchess rejoicing much at his coming, entertained him very amiably, which G●●donia also knew full well how to do. She was so courteous and gracious, that Perrequin seeing her so beautiful, comely and well nurtured, found himself in a moment surprised and enamoured, swearing for a small resolution to marry never any other Wife but her: which caused him to break thus with his Aunt.  
How he coming into her Countries to see and serve her in that wherein she should please any way to employ him, he felt at the first encounter his heart so privily ravished by Gridonia her Daughter, whom if he were refused to have her to his Wife, he did think he could not live long afterwards, and concluding his preamble, besaught her most humbly she would condescend to make her Queen of Polonia, and that he would procure a dispensation from the Pope. Ah, dear Nephew quoth the Duchess then, of this alliance should I be more glad than you, if she and I might in any wise consent thereunto: But having sworn long since, never to give her in marriage but to him, who should revenge the death of her defemet father, I may not expose you to so great hazard of your life, the Emperor Palmerin being so mighty and puissant a Prince, that I am half in despair, you will never be able to compass our request.  
I will not therefore let, replied Perrequin, to employ my best forces, to the end to practise so just and reasonable a vengeance: For as well I clearly see, I am but a dead man if I enjoy not my cozen briefly to wife. If God would so much favour you then (quoth the Duchess) that you might bring your purpose to pass, assure yourself not only to have in recompense Gridonia mine only Daughter to your wife, but myself also for your humble and perpetual servant, with the whole estates and riches that God hath given unto us both: wherein I shall esteem myself the most happiest of all stepdames, winning such a son in law, as I could not choose a better if I should seek one throughout all the inhabitants from the one to the other Pole: So that I beseech the Almighty that he will so direct your actions, that the end may be as prosperous and happy, as I poor and desolate widow do wish it. The Knight thanked her courteously for this good affection; and if he were very glad on the one side, he found himself far more pensive, counting with himself what was to be done, to conduct so tigglesome an enterprise to an issue: The which being understood by Gridonia, she rejoiced as the Lover who could have been willing to have committed the condition of this vengeance, to the end to hasten sooner the consummation of her marriage; nevertheless, she would not gainsay or strive against that which her Mother and Grandmother had resolved therein.  
As Perrequin was in profound consideration how to lay this Ambush, being able to devise no mean, which might seem easy enough to effect it with sanegarde of his soul and body, he had news by certain Merchants who came from Constantinople, of the do which Primaleon had published throughout the Empire: whereupon he conceived exceeding gladness, hoping to go thither quickly, and under pretence of jousting in that for full spectacle to kill Primaleon by treachery.  
So declaring to the Duchess and Gridonia amply his desire (after he understood they should be very well satisfied with Primaleons' death, as being the thing which would much trouble and disturb the emperors Court) purposed to departed speedily accompanied with fifteen Knights of choice, whom he gave to understand all the points of his conspirarie: But when he came to take his leave of the Duchess and her Daughter, they could not prevail so much over the weak and feminine nature, but must plainly show by apparent tokens the sorrow and discontent which this departure did cause their spirits, especially Gridonia, who for all the demonstration of her anguish, prayed the Sovereign above to safeguard & preserve him from mortal danger, for that the Emperor and his people were in all their affairs most fortunate. Perrequin comforted her as well as he could, and seeing the tears distilling from her fair eyes, deemed himself beloved of her unfeignedly; which increased so much the more his force and courage; then embarking himself, and setting sail, he came ere long after to surge in the Road of Constantinople, where he commanded to strike sail to go a shore, and Camp himself in the Plain as did the other Knights.  
It was now the sixth day of Primaleons' jousts, when the Polonian understood by all men that he did marvelous Acts of Chivalry, behaving himself like a Hector in midst of the field: which was a cooling to him, fearing lest he should not at his ease have his will of him. Yet he encouraged himself, and prayed his fifteen confederates to bend their eyes and heart only upon Primaleon, caring not a rush for the rest, and that he would do the like to set him quickly packing out of this world: in such sort that this night he would not go to the Palace for fear lest the enchanted Bird should reveal by some token the plot of his treason; the nature of that creature being well known through out all the Countries and Frontiers of the Empire.  
On the morrow arming himself with a rich and proud Harness, he entered with fifteen Knights within the field, being showed unto Primaleon by the devise of his Arms; whom he knew otherwise before he had been long within the Barriers by his great Prowess: For so soon as the Clarions and Trumpets had founded the Alarm he began to do strange and marvelous deeds of Arms.  
Which the two Knights of Perrequin seeing, they crept near him before he was aware, and had he not had his ●uy race of proof well tempered with the finest steel, they had wounded him sore.  
Nevertheless, he who felt himself thus outraged, as a Lion assailed with two bloodhounds, turned towards them full of furious choler, and reaching either of them a downright knock upon the Helmet sent them soon to the ground.  
Then began Primaleon so fell a fight, skirmishing on the right hand and on the left, that Perrequin could no longer suffer this brave, but taking a Lance without ever speaking word, ran with all his force at his back behind, so that he made him lose his stirrups, and piercing his Armour, scrateht his flesh a little.  
You need not demand whether Primaleon found himself more ashamed of this encounter, than sorry not to know who might be the Knight who set upon him in this cowardly sort: So that turning bridle he after him bravely beaking him lustily. In the mean while Perrequin stood not still but did the like to him, as he who desired nothing else but to make him quickly lose his life. rescinds who perceived this sharp and cruel battle, stepping between them parted them for that time; and on the morrow also when they renewed the like: Whereat Perrequin grew wrath, that he might not have his will, albeit he feared much the sturdy and bevy blows of his adversary. Then began Primaleon to take it in dudgeon finding him always before him offering such fashion of Combat, feeling rather a mortal & bloody fight, than an excercise of joy & pastime; wherefore he swore to be revenged of him, if he encountered him any more in the Tourney: which fell out even so; for that upon the morrow seeing him with his Lance in his rest to come amain upon him, snatched another out of his Squires hands quickly, saying aloud in great indignation: Discourteous Knight, I know not who you are, who filled with such a fury and malice against me, will not suffer me to be one minute of an hour at quiet. Nevertheless I will see now whether I can uncase this fellow, who thinks to dispatch him, who never (as far as be knoweth) offended him in his life.  
Finishing these speeches, he went to charge him with his sword, which he thrust so right into the midst of his breast, that it ran more than a foot and a half cross through his shoulders, and at that instant sent him as dead as a Dog to the ground, prosecuting his talk thus.  
Now shall thou leave me manger thy malice, who hast dogde me so these three days, that I could never keep thee from behind or before me: Then in great hardiesse hurrying into the thickest of the press, he charged them so courageously of all sides, that ere long he forced all his adversaries to turn their backs.  
To make a short abridgement, he got always the honour of the victory, as long as the Tourney lasted: Whereof the Emperor and all the Nobles of Greece were passing joyful of his generosity, valour and Chivalry. But let us now before we conclude this first part of our History, see what good luck befell the Spanish Prince, who hath lately left the jousts to Court his fair Lady Melissa.   

CHAP. XIIII.  
How rescinds having espoused Melissa returned into Spatue, Arnedes into France with Philacrista, and all the other Kings and Princes into their Kingdoms; Except King Florendes and Queen Griana who died in Constantineple to the great sorrow and mourning of the Emperor and all his Court.  
WHo might ever be able to recount the great magnificence and meruallous things which were done during the feast of Philocrista and Francheline? Surely the sumptuosity thereof seemed so pompous, and the feats of Arms so admirable, that to describe them well, they surpass the cloquent tongues of Demosthenes or Cicero: For there was present so great a number of brave and valiant Knights, that you would have judged the whole assembly, to have been the choice and flower of all the men at Arms in the whole world.  
But above all rescinds made his valour well known there, for the earnest desire which provoked him to do his best endeavour in some thing which might the more recommend him to his dear and best beloved Melissa: Therefore the Emperor, who esteemed him highly, told the King of Hungary, that he should get a good Son in law, if he purposed to give him his Daughter in marriage. King Frisoll answered, he would be very willing of this alliance, and causing his Son Belcar, rescinds great friend to be sent for: demeunded him his advise, and what conjecture he had concerning his will in this matter: Whereunto making answer, that it was the most affectionate point of the Castilians honour: began thus to set this business abroach.  
Lord rescinds, your valour and chivalry showeth itself so Heroical among this Illustrious Troop, that I love you as much as my Son Primaleon: so that to accquite myself in part of satisfaction of the good turns I owe you, having done me this great Honour, to come and visit me in my house, I am content to give you for wife Melissa my niece, Daughter to so Honourable a King, as is my Brother of Hungary: As for the perfections of the Infante, seeing you know and see them every day yourself, I will not labour to dilate further upon her praise, seeming to me that the amitle between you and my Son Belcar should be far more inseparable when the accomplishment of this alliance should be consummate.  
The Knight most attentively giving ear to the emperors talk, bowed himself with a lowly reverence to 〈◊〉 his hand, and likewise King Frisols, accepting him for his father, and reputing himself for the happiest Spanish Knight that ever set sail toward the Fens of Meotis, for that he alone had compassed such a marriage: the which was solemnized the morrow after with so much pomp and a new supply of Tourneying & Tilting, that Primaleon had leisure enough to show his singular prowess & valour: nor happened there any thing during all these Triumphs which disquieted the Emperor in mind but the death of Perrequin, knowing that he was not the least of his faction, for otherwise he would not have cared so much for it.  
When all the feasts were finished, the Emperor gave many presents to many Knights, sending them home most joyful men into their own houses and countries. And in the mean while he showed good cheer & countenance, Arnedes solicited by his Ambassadors, demanded leave to return into France with his wife Philocrista, and so likewise did rescinds with his.  
The Greekish Daminator denied them not their suits, but bestowed great riches upon his Daughter, to the end she should go most honourably into France, and in like manner to Melissa his niece. Then he commanded to rig out a fleet of ships well equipped with all things necessary for such a voyage. The King Florendos gave moreèuer many rich and precious jewels to his nieces: the King of Hungary not forgetting to do the like to his Daughter, with whom he sent a certain number of his Knights to accompany and safeguard her home. And if the Empress became very sad at the departure of her two Daughters, no less was the grief of the two Princess: But for that they went away gallantly married to their content, they easily forget all sorrows past. Every one then taking their leaves, they be took themselves to the salt water, and so well were they favoured by Zoilus & Neptune, that with a prosperous gale and a calm Sea, they soon arrived in the Coasts of Provence: where rescinds bidding adieu his cousin's Arnedes & Philocrista, followed the ro●t of his voyage with Melissa. And commanding to single towards the strait of Gibraltar (which lieth between the two mountains Calpe and Abylas, at this day called the pillars of Herculoes, because the one of them in Spain and the other in Barbary, were long since by him separated, to navigate from the Ocean Sea into the Mediterranean) came to land in the city of Seville, where he was most Honourably received: From thence he took his journey towards his City Toledo, where the King his Fathersoiourned, who was passing glad of his arrival: most of all when he heard the reputation he had gotten in feats of Arms: In somuch that going from his Palace to entertain them lovingly could not forbear weeping, seeing him in so good disposition; and Melissa his Wife so sage, be autifull and virtuous: So at the first, Fatherly embraced them both, and after that he had welcomed them with a thousand welcomes, he led them both into his lodgings, purposing quickly to solenmize the marriage in his Court: Which he did, and after warces li●erally bestowed many presents upon the Greeks' and Hungarians, which came to accompany Melissa, who returned all very well pleased from him towards King Frisoll their Sovereign. But the Princess Philocrista was received with no less sumptuosl●y by the King of France and all other Dukes, Marquesses, Carls and Barons, of that Kingdom, where they held many jousts and Tournyes for her new and joyful entrance: wherein purchased great honour Arnasin Duke Tolomus Son; and Peynedin, he who reseved so bravely the French Prince, when Leche●● slew the Hermit in combating him, as you may yet very well remember: Yet did he nothing in comparison of Tyrendos, who would needs go along with this new married couple to conduct them into Gaul: For that falling there in love with a very fair and beautiful Princess near cozen to Prince Aruedes, and she likewise being enamoured of him, did meruallous things in Annes to get her further favour: In somuch that the King, and the Prince his Son, perceiving their Loves, married them together soon after: and gave them so great Treasure for a dowry, that the feast being ended, they returned all to Constantinople, feeling the liberality and bounty of the King of France.  
But to return to the order of our History, the Emperor remained almost alone by reason of the departure of the new married Princes, and of somany other Knights which did accompany them: Likewise the King of Thessaly took his leave of him, to the end to go visit a little his Kingdom, where Palmendos and Francheline were most Honourably received with great signs of joy and gladness. And the King lived three years there only after his return: After whose death immediately was the Knight Palmendos Crowned: who by means of his valour and prowess 〈…〉 greatly the confines and demesnes of his Kingdom: waging continual war against the Turks, having conquest in many battles, skirmishes and assaults of Cities.  
Like hostility received that nation by Belcar, who incontinent after the Tourney and all their Feasts were finished in Constantinople, departed thence to return to D●uace: where as soon as he had solemnly celebrated his Nuptiais, he set forth on foot a numerous and blood Host to go against these Infidels, and to revenge himself for fair Laurena.  
In like manner every one of the other great Princes which came to Constantinople took their way homeward towards their Countries: Especially King Frisol and the King of Sparta; and very willingly would the King Florendos have returned into Macedon, had it not been for the Emperor who be sought him humbly, to tarry a little longer with him: Nevertheless, many days were not come and gone, before the good old Prince found himself cast down with a grievous sickness, wherewith by reason he was already drooping and decrepit he died within one month afterward. The Queen Griana saying him abandoned by the Physicians, and out of all hope ever to recover again, fell also sick with the sorrow and grief she took for him: And a marvelous thing it was, that these two both rendering their tribute unto nature, left on one day this mortal and transitory life.  
The Emperor and the Empress conceived such inward grief and anguish at this occurrence, that through the continual tears wherewith they bewailed them, or through the abundance of melancholic humours which stuffed their brains, they made account to go keep them company in the other world: Yet for all that, afterward recomforting themselves as well as they might, they caused them to be both buried in a rich and most stately Tomb, with great funeral Pomp and Ceremonies. And if this Court had a long time before continued in solace and gladness, yet was it now as far in mourning and grief, after this death, without any token of joy or mirth at all. So that Primaleon all this time of tribulation and heavy cheers, gave himself to nothing but hunting & hawking, retaining many brave Knights with him who always kept him company which way soever he went.   

CHAP. XV.  
How after that the Duchess of Ormeda had knowledge of Perrequins death, her Daughter Gridonia made anoath never to marry with any man, if first he did not revenge her upon Primaleon of Greece: and for what occasion the castle of the Coc-fendu was builded, whereinto the old Duchess with Gridonia retiring themselves, how as they rested themselves hard by a fair Fountain there issued out of a Forest a Lion, which put all their train to slight, and the Princesses in great fear.  
PErrequin being slain, the greatest part of the Knights who beheld him in this lamentable taking, being always at his side, alighted straight complaining greatly for his so great disaster: but knowing his life irrevocable, blamed him without any dread, who had separated it from his body, the which they took up and conveyed out of the field. And after long lamentation and shedding of many tears over it, they did most honourably bury it in an Abbey that stood in the suburbs of the City.  
Soon after without any long sojourning there, they embarked themselves again, and set sail to the first Port of Ormeda, not daring to return into Polland; so that the Duchess and her Daughter had the first news of this mishap: At the coming whereof, it were impossible to recount the sorrow and wailing that they made; but especially Gridonia who loved Perrequin with a most perfect loan: Bymeanes whereof she vowed and swore an oath in presence of many, never to accept of any other man for her husband, but him only who should give her for an earnest of her marriage Primaleons' head: And if she and her mother made great mourning for the death of Perrequin their kinsman; it was nothing in respect of that of the King his father, and of all the Kingdom of Polland, having knowledge of this mischance.  
It fortuned that many Princes afterward sending to the Duchess to demand Gridonia in marriage, when they understood the conditions, they doubted greatly whether they might ever be able to accomplish it or no: Albeit some surceased not for all that to prosecute their demand; menacing the Mother, that if she would not give them her Daughter with a good will, they would ere long take her away by force: And the principal who used these threatenings was the Prince of Clarence, a most proud and arrogant knight. Insomuch that the good Lady fearing left for this effect he would come to make war upon her, sent both her Daughter and the old Duchess her Mother unto one of her Castles called the Roc-fendu which the great Grandfather of Gridonia had caused to be builded inform of a Fortress for this occasion.  
This ancient Duke had an elder sister, who ●ell in love with a young man son to the Steward of his house, a youth very beautiful and wise, and so excessive was the passion of her love, that she was constrained to discover unto him the affection of her heart. The young gentleman who showed not himself slow to chase in this a mourous Park, vanquished with the beauty and provocation of his Lady, loved her so extremely, that to come to the paint, she fell her belly to swell by his deed; wherein she used such cunning to cover the matter (after the example of the poor deceived Nymph Calisto, for fear she had of the Goddess Diana) that when her prefixed time was expired, she was delivered of a most fair daughter, none living being privy thereof, except one waiting Gentlewomen, to whom she did impart the secret, by whom this Princess sent away this Babe to the young Gentleman who was father thereof, who receiving it as soon as it was brought, straightway went with it up to the top of a little mountain not far from the City of Ormeda, whereful sore against his will he was constrasited to commit it to the hands of Fortune, to annoyed the scandal and dishonour which might have come thereby.  
And to the end this little Baby should not be found out of any person, he laid it down a good way within a thicket of bushes and brambles, near unto a clear fountain, whose water distilled from a high Rock which overshadowed it: But the true director of all things would not permit this innocent and immaculate creature dying without Baptism should bear the sins of her Parents, but ordained for it a sweet mean of comfort as presently you shall hear.  
At the top of the hill there dwelled an old Hermit leading a holy life in a little Cell which he had built as well as he might best for his purpose between two open Rocks, separated only by one Cleft through the which day might easily be seen to appear on both sides, wherein it seemed nature had done her endeavour to cleave them expressly with her own hand.  
This holy man descending from his Cell (as his custom was) to draw water at the Fountain, heard the crying and moan of one whom he knew full well not to be horn long time before, and appreching the place where she was laid, moved with pity, took her in his Arms, to carry her with him into his Hermitage, praying God of his goodness to preserve it from death: Afterward baptizing it, and giving it to name Poncia, he nourished it with the milk of a Hind● which came every day into his Cave, having by good fortune not long before that time fawned near the place.  
So the good old father brought her up carefully, and she growing daily more and more became very beautiful and gracious in the appearance of her person: In such manner that the venerable Hermit instructed her very well, teaching her about all things how she should serve and Honour God. And she might be about thirteen or fourteen years of age, when the blessed old man departing this mortal life passed into life everlasting, and left behind him this comfortless ●●●i●ng Hermitesse in the austere desert: Nevertheless ●● is unfortunate little soul being sage and well brought up, commended herself devoutly unto God, that it would please him to take her into his protection, which did not fail her of his pitiful 〈◊〉 and succour, never refused to any which crave it at his hands: for that the Duke her uncle delighting much in hunting, upon a day made a meeting at the root of this mountain: where it fortuned by chance that all the hunters dispersing themselves in the wood to discover some game, a fawn by the opening of some dogs being put up, made way before the Duke (who at that time was accompanied but with one only Squire) after which he galloped his horse, thinking to give her a turn by the swiftness of his horse gallop. Notwithstanding the feartfull fawn seeing itself pursued so near, never stayed till it was at the Fountain, where the Hermit was wont to fetch water: and there breathing a little, whipped presently into the hole wherein Poncia was: for it was one of the Fawns of the Hind which had suckled her: and for somuch as it knew her well, and suffered her to handle i● gently, it did quickly also leap into her lap with his two foreféets.  
The Duke who pursued it to the very month of the cave, allght●● 〈◊〉 from his Horse, and entered the cave with his naked sword in hand●, wherewith Poncia was sore afrast● and dismayed at so strange a sight: because that since she had any knowledge or remembrance, she as yet had never seen any other person in this world but the good Hermit now dead, having never in her life gone further abroad, than to the Fountain which was at the Forest side. If the maiden were abashed, the Duke was no less in a great maruelle, when putting up his sword into his scabbard he thus bespoke her.  
For thy love my Darling will I spare to kill this Hart which I have taken so great pain to chase hither: But tell me of courtesy, who brought you hither into this deser●? but for that she made him no answer, he approaching somewhat near, and taking her by her Lily white hands, he held and handled them gently, knowing well by their fashion, that the V●rgin was came of some high and Noble blood: By means whereof fluding her a little strange by reason of the fear which might have seized her heart, he began to show her all turtelies he could best devise: so that after a little the young Hermitesse emboldened herself to answer him in this sort.  
Fair Lord I cannot tell what hath moved you to come in to this place to affright, and to put almost out of her wit & poor creature dedicated to the service of God: seeing that you seem to me a man of a far diverse and strange manner than was my Father who lieth a sleeps behind this Altar, & is she only person of this world, that I ever saw in my life until this present hour.  
I cannot tell who engendered thee quoth the Duke, well I can assure thee that thy beauty hath so ravished my heart, that I account it a most happy hour wherein I have pursued thy little Fawn hither: and know that I am Lord of all this Country, who destre to do thee some great good: if thou canst resolve to credit me in the thing which I shall tell this: seeing it hath pleased God replied Poncia to guide me into this Hermitage, I beseech you permit not that any wrong be ●●ered to mine honour: Fear not daughter said the Duke, but you shall be greatly loved and tendered of me.  
The God of heaven grant if quoth the young Nun, that it may be according to the decree of his divine pleasure: The grace this Maiden had in her honest tattle, pierced so deep in to the heart of the Duke, that what by promise, by flattery, or otherwise, before an hour was past he appeased the first of his passion, making her of a maiden dedicated to Pallas, a wise ready to offer the Seston or Girdle to Venus, to present him her service, whereof he was the gladdest man that might be: Nevertheless well bethinking with himself afterwards what was best for him to do, (for that he was already married) purposed to build in the same place a strong and invi●sible Castle, there to keep her within it, with all the pleasure and contentment that her heart might desire: For this cause he sent word by his Squire to she Hunters, who chased in the wood, that they should every man 〈…〉 City: And having showed to him the Hermit's Daughter, and afterwards making him understand his determination: commanded him to cause his Architect to come thither with a number of Artificers to build a Fortress in that same place: Whereunto his Squire gave present order, and returned with many rich robes for the young Damsel into the Cell: wherein none ever entered but himself alone, all the rest remaining under Tents which he had pitched before that same place. From which the Duke would never departed, until he saw the Castle finished, which he had caused to be builded upon that clo●●● Rock, whereof it bore the name continually afterwards, ●nd was one of the strongest and fairest in all that Country, for the Sea environed it on the one side, and on the other side was a most steep and in accessible Rock, except only on that side where the fountain was.  
Therein did the Duke enclose his Love Poncia, the which when her time was come, she brought him forth a very fair and goodly Son, who was afterwards Grandfather of Nardides, Father of Gridonia & of the 〈◊〉 Knights whom the Emperor and King Frisoll show in a Combat which they had together: But these Love tricks could not so well be concealed, but the Duchess had intelligence thereof: who seeing herself so much contemned by her Husband, 〈◊〉 for grief and rage: Whereupon it fell out that for the entire love which the Duke hare to the Child which he had by Poucia, he espoused her afterward in second Marriage, living together in great pleasure and joy, until the very end of his days when he know that she was his own niece.  
Now in this Castle retired Gridonia with the old Duchess, for fear she had of the Prince of Clorence, and arrining at the Fountain (for that it was both ●●pleasant and a delightful place) she would have ●a●ne gone 〈◊〉 to ●●to refresh herself: But she was not so soon set down upon the brunke of it, but the remembrance of her dead 〈◊〉 Per●●quin coming in her thoughts, renewed in her a pitiful and lamentable be wailing of his death, for that fortune favoured so much the Emperor Palmenn, who slew first the Duke Nardides her Father, and Primaleon afterwards this her cozen, with whom she hoped to pass joyfully the rest of her life: Mean while she made these strange complaints, which might provoke almost the unreasonable and insensible creatures to compassion, behold there rusheth out of the wood a huge and furious Lyonrozing so terrible, that all the company of gentle women being wonderful scared, every one got away as well as they could: leaving with her only the good old Duchess who was not able to run away as the others did. We need not in the question how great might be the fear of a simple and timorous damosel, as of Gridonia, who supposed undoubtedly that to be the last hour of her life. Yet perceiving this Lion to come right upon her, she soon perceived the contearie: for that he began to fawn upon her with his paws, and to play with his taste, as though he had been familiarly brought up with her all his life. In such sort that h●e put his head into her lap, and beginning gently to lick her hands, made her as much amazed, as if she had seen before her eyes some new and strange wonder: Wherefore by little and little assuring herself of the tameness of this brute beast, she stroked her hand upon his head, flattering him in most gentle and gracious manner: wherein the Lion seemed to have so great pleasure, that Gridonia and her 〈◊〉 there putting away all fear, called to them again their company, which was dispersed in the Forest. And if some of them came back greatly ashamed ●o have thus abandoned ●he two Ladies in their greatest necessity, yet she was more joyful to see this beast so loving and 〈◊〉, marveling much that a Lion by nature cruel and human, should be made so 〈…〉 and gentle before Ladies: to whom nor to any of their Damosels and waiting gentle women he never showed himself ●urious nor angry: but unto all Knights who did approach the Intent, and unto others whom ●● knew not, he did 〈…〉 some displeasure, either he scratched them with his paws, or 〈◊〉 them outright. Glad then without all comparison was Gridonia of this good fortune, and lead this Lion with her into her Castle where he would never forsake the sight of her: In such sort that she still●ed him with her own hand, and from thence forward he was a sure Gardean of her person, being very t●●me, quiet and familiar with all the servants of her house, even as it had been some little Dog, which seemed a most rare and strange case to all those in the Country's round about which had knowledge thereof.   

CHAP. XVI.  
How Valido the King of Bohemiaes' son, hearing the renown of Gridoniaes' beauty, came to see her in the Castle of the Cloven-rocke, and how hoping to have her in marriage, he went to Combat with Primaleon in Constantinople, where he was by his hands slain outright.  
Fair Gridonia then being within her Castle of the Cloven-rocke, the Duchess her Mother who remained at Ormeda, for the government and administration of justice in her Countries, had every day messengers sent from divers Princes which did demand her in marriage; as well for her superexcellent beauty and good grace, as for that they hoped she should one day inherit the Kingdom of Polonia, because of her mother the King's sister, who never had any Children but Perrequin whom Primaleon ●lewe in his Tourney: yet when they understood with what condition they should marry this Princess, every one did furcease to make any more earnest suit, fearing the peril of death which might en●●e.  
But the King of Bohemia, the same who took Diartes and Cardonia, whom the Emperor delivered afterwards (as you may have read in his History) had two male children, the youngest whereof named Valido, who was a valiant and hardy Knight, bearing the renown spread abroad of the great beauty of Gridonia departed his father's kingdom, accompanied with many brave Knights to take his voyage towards Ormeda: Where being arrived, he was honourably received by the Duchess, unto whom after he had a little refreshed himself and his train, he thus imparted at large his mind.  
Madame, to the end you should not be ignorant of the chiefest cause of my coming into this Country, know ye that I being provoked with an incredible desire to do you service, am departed the Kingdom of Bohemia (the proper place of my nativity) where the King my father happily swayeth the Sceptre at this present day: and this upon confidence, that you shall know the sincere affection which I have to obey you in all things, you will not refuse to accept me freely for your son in Law. And albeit, that I do not repute myself at this present very rich in earthly riches, having as yet my father living, yet may I well vaunt to be in bart and good will to serve and defend you from your enemies, a man more forward than any other Prince of Europe: For this occasion I pray you grant me in marriage your Daughter Gridonia, whom I shall be able to uphold in her honours better than any other Knight that at this day liveth.  
Fair Knight replied then the Duchess, to give you my Daughter to wife could I well be content, if by any means it might be, knowing very well the illustrious blood from whence you descend: Notwithstanding she hath sworn never to marry with any but with him, who for the jewels of her marriage, shall first present her with the head of Primaleon of Greece, son to the Constantino Politane Emperor.  
This is no small demand quoth the Knight again, albeit when I should have some just and reasonable occasion, I would embolden myself so far, as to dare to go to de●●● him at his own home to effect the same. I will tell you occasion good enough, said the Lady then; you should know that in a Tourney which he caused to be published at the Nuptials of his sister Philocrista, he gave safe conduct to all comers, when for all that he slew feloniously (as if it had been in a mortal Combat fought at all destance) Perrequin of Duas, son to the King of Polland my Brother, who entered the Lists only to the end to assay himself against him: So that by good reason you may upon this death accuse him of felony and disloyalty.  
Madam answered he, that is not sufficient to urge this evil act upon him, because the Knight who entereth into a Tourney is as the man that playeth at Dice, who before he sit himself down to play, must make account that he may sometimes lose and sometimes win: Even so the true Knight should appear within the Lists in hazard to leave his life there behind him, as soon as to bring it away with him again.  
Notwithstanding, seeing that I have no better occasion, I will combat him, alleging that he slew him in anger and malice which provoked him thereunto: Whereupon I do assure thyself that he trusting in Prowess and reputation, will answer me arrogantly, and provoke me with some injurious words which will give me more apparent reason to combat him.  
And to the end that you should know I speak nothing with my mouth which my heart forethinketh not; I promise to departed incontinently hence, and to take my voyage to Constantinople, where if I die in the battle, it shall be for me a perpetual honour and praise, to die for so perfect a Lady as Gridonia is; and if I chance to vanquish mine enemy I shall purchase the most exquisite and rare treasure that Nature might present me on this earth. True it is Madam, that I would greatly desire that it would please you of courtesy to let me see the Princess your Daughter before my departure, for that having once imprinted her lively beauty within my heart, she shall double augment my force and courage.  
That will I not refuse you said the Duchess, but I accord it unto you with all my heart, yet not without advertising you before hand, that you shall put yourself in great peril of your life, by reason of a Lion which guardeth her continually: the which waxeth fierce and cruel so soon as he per●●aneth any Knights come near my Daughter.  
For all that will not I let to go see answered then Valido, hoping I shall well enough defend myself if the beast come to assail me. Having then taken this resolution, the Duchess sent with him, one of the Gentlemen of her house, with express commandment not to suffer any other to enter within the Castle but this Knight only: where when he came afterwards, and that Gridonia knew that it was the King of Bohemiaes' Son, who would go to combat Primaleon for her Love, she commanded to bring him up into her chamber. Which the Prince understanding, he took bravely his buckler in one hand, & his naked sword in the other, than entered ●● without any fear like a hearty and valiant Champion: But the Lion seeing him approach in this equipage, began 〈◊〉 and narre, lifting up his head furiously out of the Damosels lap, where he was wont for the most part to repose it. Nevertheless she held him back by great force, by a lease made of gold-twist which held by a rich collar buckled to his neck: & for that Gridonia was not strong enough to stay him, Valido came full upon him with his brandished sword to strike him, but she cried unto him that he should not do it except he would die: and that he should departed only out of the Chamber, and they would find means to speak together.  
The Bohemian did do so much willingly, and much ● do had the Insant to keep her Lion foom running after him: yet by stroking and making much of him, she shut him ●● within a great Chamber, wherein seeing himself thus imprisoned, he began to roar in so strange manner, that he made all those who heard him sore afraid: Whereat Gridonia was so vexed, that going out of her Chamber to speak with the Knight, she spoke but thus much.  
Fair Knight my mishap and disaster will not permit me at this present to have any long talk with you: therefore I beseech the Almighty so to strengthen your Arm against Primaleon, that you may make him pay dearly for his treason: wherein I remaining satisfied, shall repute myself a most Fortunate woman to be revenged by means of the best knight, who ever put foot in stirrup.  
So much astonished and ranished with her great beauty was Valido, that hardly could be answer one only word: never fearing to be accounted lumpish and of small discretion, he hazarded to break silence in this manner: Madam sore should the heavens punish me, and Fortune should show herself too too mutinous against me, if seeing so rare and perfect a Paragon as is your parsonage, I should not employ my body and soul to their utter most●, to revenge you of the wrongs which are offered you: for that he should be very blind and devoid of natural reason, who having once seen yourself, if he should not judge you unworthy of adversity, and for somuch as you cannot stay here any while, taking my leave of you, I will now presently departed, ●oying never to rest quietly in my bed until I have brought this mine enterprise to a good pass.  
God be your guide and conduct replied Gridonia, and so well direct your actions, that you may obtain a triumphant victory over your enemy: to the end he may have no more occasion to redouble the anguish which he hath so lively imprinted in my soul. And upon this point giving him the last adieu, she retired strait to her Lion whom she could not abide to hear him make such terrible roaring: which seemed to every one to signify some great 〈◊〉. Likewise Valido returned to the Duchess very pensive and doubtful to obtain for his wife so beautiful a damosel: in somuch that licensing all the Knights who accompanied him unto this place to departed, he took along with him but two only; the one being son to the Earl Marco (the same whom the Emperor Palmerin slew, because he accused Diartes and Cardonia of treason) to revenge himself of the Emperor pricked forward Valido very much to pursue his point, & the other who was Diartes Son, would willingly have hindered him: for that it angered him to the very death, that in his company should be any ambush plotted against the Emperor: in such sort that the Prince of Bohemia went accompanied with two persons contrarying one another in desire, whereof he knew nothing.  
Afterwards embarking himself he had so prosperous & gale, that within few days he came to surge within the haven of Constantinople, where he disembarked, being west appointed with his two Knights both disarmed: and being arrived before the Palace, he sent the Emperor word he was a Knight who required safe conduct into his Court, because he came thither to defy his Son upon a treason which he had committed: who being advertised thereof, marveled greatly that any man would be so hardy to come to accuse him of that whereof he never thought, much less ever put in effect: especially being an act of a Traitor, which was the vice he ever had in greatest detestation.  
But the Emperor as he was sage and well advised, imagined incontinent that it proceeded but of the death of Perrequin, for the which he was so sorrowful a man; by means whereof he thus schooled Primaleon.  
My Son, let us consider the different whereupon this Knight purposeth to accuse you, wherein for aught he can say unto you, answer him not arrogantly, nor with the least injurious word: For so much there is nothing more in beseeming Princes and Knights descended of noble houses, than to use discourteous and vile speeches. Hearken what he shall say unto you, and answer him honestly, alleging what you shall best think meet for the justifying of your innocency: For oftentimes the proud language giveth occasion of encouragement to the adversary; & in battle the best Champions are known to be vanquishers in deeds, and not contenders in words.  
Therein my Lord and Father answered Primaleon, and in whatsoever as it shall please you to command me will I never whilst I live disobey your will. At this instant Valido entering the great Chamber, bowed not himself towards she Emperor, so much felt her himself troubled and perplexed with this Battle: but looking round about him a prettye while (after he had a little cooled his choler) he drew near unto the throut where the Emperor sat, making unto him this speech.  
All over the globe of the earth, is your generous conrage Noble Emperor of Constantinople, well known & made famous, since the time when as a wandering Knight you passed like a pilgrim over the greatest part thereof, seeking ne●s of your Father, whom anyed you know not: And since you have been placed in this honour and highness of estate, no man can say you have done the least injust set to great, small, or mean: which thing I foreseeing on mine own behalf, I have 〈…〉 as to come 〈…〉 to domain●d a Combat, hoping for good or bad which may befall me, I shall have no wrong offered me herein.  
So 〈◊〉 I say, for that I come to complain of Primaleon your Son, touching the death of Perrequin of Duas whom he new in Tourney, wherein he would needed be & present to honour the more 〈◊〉 feast of 〈◊〉 Children: trusting he will not ●enie but that upon the assurance which her gave to every one, he hath massacred him very treacherously: And you Primaleon ●f you hear this, I know not what excuse you may allege against me, who doth avouch it to your sat that it was done in Treason against him.  
Primaleon who gave attentive cure to these injurious speeches, rose up with many other Knights and Barons answering him thus: Good Sir, it 〈◊〉 you are very ill advised to come to seek his rivenge, who following this fatal and unlucky destrive, ●●ded his ●●yes in a Tourney: wherein I do not dertie but that I flew him with my Sword upon the like assurance no you do name at thi● presence, because of ●● disloyality: For during the space of three months together, I could never get me rid of him, but still I found him before me or behind me at my back, with full intention to have ●●aine me by his own hands: But God the only searcher of hearts, who knew well his disloyal malice, favoured me so much that I prevented him before the execution of his trecher●●● dessein, giving him that measure which he would hau● offered unto me. Notwithstanding if you have so hot a desire to combat me upon this point as you make semblant, behold I am ready to enter the Lists when it shall please you, to the end I may by my best endeavour show to all the world that the quarrel is false, and wrongfully vndertake● on your behalf.  
This contenteth me wonderful well replied Valido to see you not to refuse the combat, which shall be a sufficient witness before all, that the truth is such as your conscience 〈◊〉 well tell.  
Then Primaleon fell on his knees before the Emperor, demanding leave of him to enter the Combat for this effect: and afterwards in token that he accepted the Combat, he● presented him a glove which he took at his hands very sor● against his will, being ignorant which of the two had the better right on his side: for if he had perceived the least smoke of the perverse and malicious intent of Perrequin, he would never have mistrusted that his Son should be vanquished. Which the Bohemian Prince seeing (to show he was very gl●d of this acceptation) did reach unto him one of the lappe● of his Harness, which the Emperor took also: Deputing presently the Duke's P●holomey and ●ustace for judges and Marshals of the field: to the end they should with all equity maintain the right of bold the Combatants.  
These Dukes who stirred not from the emperors Court; to obey their Master's commandment, conducted Valido incontinently within the Barriers where they encamped themselves on ●oe one side, mean while Primaleon Armed himself: who for that he was of a middle stature, but otherwise very well proportioned in hi● members, did manage himself with a wonderful dexterity both on foot● and on horse back; and soon had his Armourers fitted him carefully in all pieces, so that he came lightly to present himself before his father, who spoke unto him in this manner: My son, I pray God above to preserve you from death in this conflict, and to manifest thereby, that you are not ●●lpable of this mischief which they lay to your charge.  
Sir (quoth he) I can well assure you, that what I did, was done but with great reason, knowing before that h●● sought nothing more than to have 〈…〉 for this cause I hope, be who knoweth that I proceeded not with any ●●●litions intent will exempt me from death, if he ●●e that my life ●e as yet necessary.  
Having ended these speeches, he kissed his hands, which embraced him quickly, then mounting on horse back, he took his way towards the Barriers, accompanied with many other Signior an foot●: And in the mean while Valido who felt his heart boil in a vehement heat to finish victoriously this enterprise, calling to 〈◊〉 the beauty of Gridonia, said; that a final time should his enemy stand before him: Who after place was made by the M●r●●●, within the running place came with a fury. his Lance couched in rest upon the Bohemian, who vasting his Lance in like manner, broke it to the handle without ever moving the Constantino Poli●ane out of his saddle: where also this Assailant lost his stirrups at the attaint of his, and was also a little hu●t in the right side. Nevertheless, being an 〈◊〉 and a skkill all Knight in Arms, he seated himself quickly again in his saddle, and began fiercely to say upon Primaleon, with his sword, but he who exceeded him far in Prowess and dexterity, b●eing ashamed he had not at the first encounter made him kiss the ground, began to hew him with such fell and heavy blows, that with●. a while every one perceived who bear bear away the victory. And he himself knowing that his enemy (who lost his blood by great drops) waxed feeble in sight of every one, delivered him such a mighty back stroke upon his Morton, that he clo●●●e a two both his head and head piece down to his shoulders, in such manner that presently falling under his horse feet; Primaleon spoke these words aloud: see what you are come so far to seek: then making clean his sword, he put it up into his 〈◊〉, and the judges put him forth of the L●sts with greatioy.  
Of this victory was the Emperor and all the other Lords of the Court marvelous joyful, seeing so ●●●dently the verity of this false accusation: By means whereof, causing Primaleon to be disarmed, and afterwards dressed of some wounds which he had received of his adversary, communded the vanquished Knight to be fetched out of the Barriers, and to be honourably interred.  
But the two Gentlemen who came in his company, made a marvelous lamentation for his death especially the son of the Earl Marcus, who in bewailing him vtter●●● strong things; so that by this means the Emperor knowing who Valido was, sent for the Knights saying thus; A merualle very much how the King of Bohemia, whom I hold for my friend, hath permitted that his 〈◊〉 should 〈…〉 my Com● to d●● here an exploit, whose sorrowful 〈…〉 greatly grieved me, which if I had foreseen it, and 〈…〉 him as now I do, to be the accuser of my son, I should by no means have granted him this combat, as you may well assure him from me.  
Sir (answered then the son of Diartes) willingly will I obey your commandment, even as I desire also to 〈…〉 you my best service; wherein when you shall know my 〈◊〉, you will not say that I came hither of mine own accord with Valido, but full sore against my will, and as not knowing to the King my Master my thing of his 〈…〉 case.  
When the Emperor understood that this Knight was Diartes son, he made him many kind offers, thanking him for the good will he bore him.  
And then the son of the ●arle Marcus (〈…〉 with extreme 〈◊〉 to the gall): could not forbo●ye to speak thus much.  
Emperor of Greece, 〈◊〉 hath bée●● to you: 〈◊〉 vourable, since you 〈…〉 which I cannot bear 〈…〉 to see myself revenged for his death.  
He had no sooner spoken the●t words, but for his best advantage he quickly 〈…〉 of the Palace, because that many setting 〈…〉 him by the ●ares, ●ad not the 〈…〉 them not to stir after him, but to let him go whether he thought good; which was straight to the 〈◊〉 with his communion: where embarking in Validoes' ship they reform into Bohemia, to tell the King the sorrowful news of his son●e: Whereupon he conceived great 〈…〉 her for the principal occasion of this his death, for the which mischance she was no less sorrowful than he could be for his life.   

CHAP. XVII.  
How Lurcon a Giant son to 〈◊〉, whom the Emperor ste●e in 〈◊〉 the damosel Esm●rinda, came to defy Primaleon upon the same quarrel as Valido had done before and what success befell unto him after his defiance.  
IN Romanie was there long since a Giant named Lurcon, whom the Emperor 〈◊〉 slow to deliver the damosel 〈◊〉, as you may sometime have read in the beginning of this History. This Lurcon being esteemed a very brave Knight, was not misshapen 〈…〉 so inhuman and savage as the other Giants, but a man very active 〈◊〉 amongst his friends: and even when the Nurse carried him in her Arms who had given him suck ever since his father's death: after the which, he recovered by force of Arms the Castles which they kept from him in his minorly ●y, and vowed never to marry before he had revenged so great wrong offered him: So he began to make so cruel war upon Crispin the husband of Esmerinda, that he kept him at home within doors from walking to far abroad in the fields: and now her entered into the eighth year of his Knighthood, when Pertequin died seeking to accomplish, his promise to Gridonia.  
Of whom on a day having understood the discourse, imagined presently with himself, none could 〈◊〉 Primaleon about better than he, nor sooner enjoy the Lady, so that rejoicing greatly in himself upon this conclusion, he cared not at all to go to see the Duchess nor her Daughter, hopingth have her to wise by force or free will.  
Whereupon he embarked himself in a Frigate, rigged with all necessaries to voyage into Constantinople; where being arrived in safety, he sent away a Squire to the Emperor to demand a safe conduct for him to come into his Court to combat with Primaleon; which if he should refuse him, he would make his vaunts abroad, how he durst not grant it for fear he had of him.  
When the Emperor heard the Gentleman talk in this manner, he began to be very angry, judging presently that he came to continue the accusation which Valido began; therefore he answered him thus.  
Tell your Master again from me, that when I shall grant him the assurance which he demandeth at my hands, it shall he but to chastely him for his proud and arrogant speeches, which are more used in Giants mouths, than in any other persons; being often cause they work their own ruin, and confusion therein.  
Then spoke divers Barons who were there present, Sir, under reverence of your Majesty, 〈…〉 unto us that this 〈◊〉 by no means to be 〈…〉, say so 〈◊〉 in that of the Bohemian Prince all the words 〈◊〉 manifestly the truth of the matter from the false and 〈…〉 which he presented 〈…〉 of Perriquin: So that you should rather 〈…〉 of Lurcon, than to accord him any 〈…〉 appearance of truth.  
In the mean 〈◊〉 whilst this was bruied through the Court, Primaleon returned from 〈◊〉, who wondered greatly to hear such a marmuring stir: whereof when he heard the occasion he waxed a little angry, as every one might 〈◊〉 by these words which 〈…〉 to his Father.  
I wonder 〈…〉 that you 〈…〉 who hath 〈…〉, you will clean 〈…〉 opinion of your Knights, who seem to have fear of a beast being an enemy to God: wherein I beseech you of your especial savour, that you will suffer rather your Son to die, than she least act of cowardice should be reproached and 〈◊〉 unto 〈◊〉: Give 〈…〉 permission to have Combat with me, and to all those hereafter who shall came to 〈◊〉 me upon 〈…〉 will 〈…〉 as him who never thought to him offended 〈…〉 will.  
The Emperor 〈…〉 and that 〈…〉.  
.  
Which when the Giant understand, because it was already late, would in no wise that Evening go a short, but being made priuse of all that which happened in the Palace upon this sudden, did but laugh and make a scotte thereat: saying that if Primalcon did show himself hardy and of great courage, if would stand him in good steed on the more 〈◊〉 before the conflict was ended; so that to provoke him the more, and to the end he should not sail to enter the field with him, he sent his Squire back incontinent with a letter of destance which be wrote with great expedition to this effect.  
A Letter of Defiance written by the Giant Lurcon, to Primalcon of Greece.  
TO thee Primalcon of Grecce, the most soolish and cowardly defender of Cournyes, the Giant Lurcon Son to Dermaquus, who will eternize his renown by thy death sendeth this destance: for so much as the 〈◊〉 having favoured thee so much, as to make thee he borne of Noble and Royal blood, thou hast stained that famous marks of nature, beside all the reputation which thou mayest her ●aster 〈◊〉 in military discipline, beginning thy ●●ertise by a most absurd dishonour able and villainous murder. I mean by the death of the gentle Knight Porrequin of D●●s, Son to the 〈…〉 king of Poland, whom thou ●●e west feloniously in the Turney which then heldest at the marriage of thy sister, where he would feign be present the more to honour her 〈…〉 myself thou shalt not dare to deny (to confess manifestly the ●reason) but that thou hast shamefully and 〈…〉 massacred him under the pretence of the assurance which thou gavest to all comers: Wherein I know not what excuse thou mayest pretend, except it be a speedy and liberal offer to give in recompense and satisfaction of his life the dead of him who hath committed so disloyal an oversight: The which I am now come to fetch, to offer it up unto her who remendeth vengeance therefore: advising thee that when with thy good will thou wouldst not consent to so just and reasonable a thing. I hope to constrain thee by force of Arms if thou hast so much courage as to enter the close field with me, there to try it out by single combat.  
So soon as this Destance was quickly read over by Primaleon, he returned to the Squire who brought the 〈◊〉, whom very ●ough●●● and in great choler he answered, that if it had not been so late, he would very willing her have Combated his Master that ●ight without any longer attendance: Whereupon the Emperor his Father gave him advise by 〈…〉 reasons, that though are not to be done upon a hot spur: 〈…〉 should be the best way to see a little what the Giant would say further.  
But the Empress and her Daughters being troubled without measure by the remembrance thereof, could not all that night once close their eyes to take a little 〈◊〉: And ●● less was the inconvenient of the 〈…〉 which did importunately 〈◊〉 and trouble the emperors spirke, quite contrary to Primaleons', who for all that did not forbear his slépe never a whit the more, but took his rest well enough as her that before 〈…〉 Annin● himself very strongly 〈…〉 the 〈…〉 morning, being as merry and 〈◊〉, not if he● should have gone but to 〈…〉 for she 〈…〉 of soon amiable Lady.  
But the Giant assoon as the day appeared went a sho●re, and mounting upon a strong and mighty 〈◊〉 arms at a● po●●tes except his head, took his way with his people toward the City: where by reason of the brute of the arrival of this 〈…〉 which was already spread abroad every where; both little and great came about him to ●● him, so that ●●●ing marvelously 〈…〉 of the sight of his person, they prayed unto God that he would secure & give their Prince victory against him: the same did in like manner the knights of the court: who were in great doubt of Primaleons' life, seeing before them so deformed and huge an adversary: nevertheless the Emperor who was accustomed to talk with such Colo●●es and skarbabes being but lumps of flesh without any 〈◊〉 of spirit or body; made light account of him: and would willingly have accepted she Combat confess to have ●ased his Son Primaleon●: But as he discoursed thus with himself, behold Lu●con 〈◊〉 before him who beginneth with this abrup●e speech to him aloud.  
Emperor of Constantinople, I rather with thy ruin than that of any other man who liveth under the celestial Globe, for that thou slewest ●oth my Father and Brother, two the very flowers of Chivalry: whereby I have ever since se●● an 〈◊〉 anguish in my heart, because I could never find any mean to be revenged of so cruel an homiride. Notwithstanding seeing God hath now opened 〈◊〉 the way I hope soon to 〈…〉 with me upon 〈…〉 and a ●reason, which I stand upon to make him 〈…〉 before he escape my handi● 〈…〉 Knight quoth Primaleon I am resolved to fight 〈◊〉 the 〈◊〉 which thou 〈…〉 to revenge his death, without giving thee any reason how or wherefore I ●lew him ● seeing I have given to him account sufficient already; who ●ot willing ●● content himself therewith, I have made him buy the refusal dear, as I hope to pay she for the pain which thou hast taken to come so far to this place.  
Very glad was the Giant 〈◊〉, seeing Primaleon ready to enter the Barriers with him, Into which the Emperor commanded the Duke of Pera & the Earl of Redon to conduct him, and to assure him from all men except from his enemy: in the mean time there remained not almost any person within the City which came not thither to behold this Battle: every man devoutly praying him in whose hands are all victories, to show favour to their Prince, for whom they should be in great despair, were it not for the confidence they have, that he will never forsake him in this necessity: as in him who never abandoneth nor rejecteth those who Arming themselves with true saith, do build their rain part on his refuge.  
The Giant then after he had laced and buckled the strings of his headpiece, took a strong lance in his hand, and seeing his enemy come Armed, conceived so great pleasure, that flourishing his Lance he thus began: This staff imbr●ed to day in the blood of my adversary, shall take vengeance on that 〈◊〉 who hath with his, pierced the bosom of mine ancestors.  
●old thy tongue, for shame great animal, quoth Primaleon, hold thy tongue, and cease to vaunt thy presumpt●ous 〈◊〉, till thou seest thyself banquisher, for their is the hour to brag and not before: Then the judges seeing these two Combatants in good will every one to do his best for himself, they departed the Barriers, and presently the sign of the assault being sounded by the Trumpets, the Knights encountered with such fury, that they 〈◊〉 their 〈◊〉: For the height of Lurcon constraining him to carry his Lance lower against Primaleon, than if he had been of his foulness, so that he could attaint him but on the ●ippe, where peareing his Armour he scratched his sk●●e a little: But the Constantino Politane, who came full upon him with a right career with his Lance 〈◊〉 him clean through the cuirace into the 〈◊〉: so they dashed their shields and rushed their bodies together in such sort that they both smoked at it: In this ●●counter the Giants Horse had such a shouldering, that he could go afterwards but upon three legs: by meane● whereof feeling the heavy burden which he had upon his back, he kept such a capering, rearing and flinging, that he laid his loutish Master upon the bare ground: who in falling did so entangle one of his feet in his stirroppe, that his horse trailed him a long time from place to place: Which Primaleon seeing ran upon him with his naked sword in his hand, and before he could get up again, he gave him so sound a blow upon his leg, that he cut the bone almost quite a two: whereat he cast out so horrible a noise, that he ●erristed all the assistants, but not him who he 〈◊〉 him with the Cemitorie which the Knight of the Closed-Ile had sent him, which he so be laboured then with all his might upon his Helmet, that cutting a two the strings that he showed quickly his bare head: Whereupon Lurcon entered into so intolerable a frenzy, that being unable to defend himself from the fell blows of his adversary, he purposed to gripe him by the body, thinking to dispatch him that way: But for all that Primaleon kept himself at the point of his sword, and with a back stroke upon the Mazzard, field him as dead as a Dog to the ground saying: It is now that thou mayest exe●te thy Trophies to Palla● and Mars for the victories they have sent thee, and not before thou haste Combated, as not long since thou didst vaunt to do.  
It were very difficult to recount the joy and gladness that every one conceau●d, seeing the happy success of this spectacle: The which to the end to make it publicly known abroad, the judges and Marshals of the field perceiving the Giant to have breathed his last, did accompany Primaleon with victorious acclamations unto the palace, where they presented him to the Emperor, who received him with great joy.  
Then came forth the Empress and her Daughters to entertain him as if he had been newly arrived from some for●en Country, praising and blessing God for so signal a 〈…〉 torie; the which began to bring some comfort and rejoicing to the Court, which was before all in 〈◊〉, very sad and mournful for the death of King Florendos & his Queen Griana Father and Mother to the Emperor.  
Afterwards there arrived many Knights to Combat Primaleon upon the same quarrel, but it cost them all dear, as being those who defended a wrong quarrel, the Prince behaving himself every day more valiantly than other: whereof the Greeks' reputed themselves most happy men, to have after the Emperor so sage & valiant a Prince for their Seigneur: wherefore from divers Countries were presented him many good offers to marry a wife, the which he would accept of in no wise, for the little desire he had to marry so young: But let us discourse a little of the great perils and travalles that another Knight made him endure, who came to Constantinople to defy him upon the same pretended treason of the Polonians death, as you shall in the next Chapter hear more at large.   

CHAP. XVIII.  
How Prince Edward the eldest Son to the King of England was enamoured of fair 〈◊〉, seeing her picture against a wall, and how he was afterward conducted by a strange adventure into a Monastery of Nuns, and what befell him there in the mean time he was within the Nunnery.  
KIng Frederick of England brother to Agri●la Empress of Almain, had by his wife many Male Children, the eldest whereof called Prince Edward, was no less accomplished & excellent in the exercise of Arms, than very well 〈◊〉 in most civil and good manners, and in all other laudable virtuous and honest things: So that having received the order of Knighthood, he held daylse joustinges & Tournyes, to exercise and make himself skilful in military profession: And for as much as he delighted also in hunting, one of the bravest Knights called Robert, sent him a fair dog which he recovered of a woman who was a great Mag●rian, as you shall understand hereafter.  
This Knight Robert being in the prime of his youth had a great desire to see the adventures of the world, by means whereof embarking himself among other Merchants, who went to traffic and to fall Arms in Turkey being tossed by tempest and foul weather on Sea, come to an anchor in the Island of Malfada, where they were all enchanted except him only, who pleased much the Lady of the isle. Whereupon ●● fortuned that he lived there in very great pleasure, about the space of two years; at the end where of calling to mind upon a time his own country, he fetched a great ●igh from his breast, so that this Fairy who never was far from him, desired to know the cause of that sigh, unto whom he revealed the whole matter.  
In good faith fair sir quoth Malfada then, seeing you find it not best to dwell any longer with me, I am of advise that you depart assoon as it shall please you, to the end to take your ●ourney where you may find better entertainment than here: And for that I have loved you extremely, I will present ●ou a ship very well rigged, with all that is needful for your commodious navigation unto your own Country.  
Ten thousand thanks I give you Madam, replied Robert, for the good will you bear me: and albeit I do not mer●ie the least part of this favour, yet will I not cease to remain your perpetual bounden, and a great deal the more, if you refuse not to give me this Dog which I would cra●● at your hands.  
Surely I should be verse ingrately and little courteous quoth the Fairy, if I should deny you so small a thing, albeit that heretofore this beast hath been a Giant, Lord of the I'll of Escania: who that I may in three words count you his History, desiring at eighteen years of age (when he received his Knighthood) to do some seats of Arms in the world, embarked himself near his own house for the same purpose: And such was his fortune, that a great storm which rose upon the Sea, cast him a shore in this Island, where presently he found himself enchanted under the form of this Beast that you see, which I give you also freely, as a thing wherewith you may help yourself at you need and shall be peradventure sometime occasion for you to call to mind the remembrance of me, which I recommend unto you as much as you have known the singular and perfect love I too hear you.  
After many accustomed embracings Robert took his leave of Malfada thanking her again for his Dog, to whom, (for that the Giant of whom he had once the form, was called Maiortes, and for that he was also the greatest of all that Island) he gave the same name of Maiortes, and afterwards setting sail towards England passed by hard passages, where his Dog stood him in good stood.  
But in the mean season whilst Prince Edward was so highly esteemed in his father's Kingdom, the Knight Robert fell sick, who knowing the end of his days were at hand, purposed to make him inheritor of his Dog, as the person of all the English Nation whom he knew worthy of such a present; and sent the Dog to him by a Squire of his, beseeching him to take him always with him in company, and that he would not neglect him, in that he should make great account of him one day when he knew his qualities better.  
The young Prince was wonderful glad of this Dog, when making as much of him as might be, he showed himself so loving and gentle as if he had brought him up from a little whelp: therefore he sent in recompense of this Dog great riches to the Knight Robert, who in the mean season passed out of this world into the other.  
Ever the Prince would have Maiortes at his side, whom he loved as a human creature: But facre more he esteemed him, knowing the wondrous things he did in hunting, to which sport he lead him forth almost every day.  
During which idle and pleasant life, it befortuned him upon a day, to see a thing which caused him afterward to have innumerable travels: For that the Knight his Father delighting much to build as well Castles as other pleasant and delightful houses, for above all his most sumptuous buildings, he caused to be builded with all magnificency one sumptuous Palace, whither he was wont to go to take his disport with the Queen his wife.  
It fortuned that amongst many master workmen who did work in this new building, there was a Painter of Ormeda, who by chance was present at the Fountain, when Gridonia was met there by the Lion; who to the end he might at his ease fully behold the favour of the Princess, he followed her into the Castle with others that were there; for those of that profession are very desirous to see the Idea of so perfect beauty with whose lineament and perfect feature, they may help themselves in their portraitures.  
And for that he found not any store of work to employ himself in the City of Ormeda, he resolved to go seek in other Countries; So that being arrived in England, after he had gotten acquaintance to be known, he took charge to paint this goodly Palace, which the King caused to be built near his chief City.  
Wherein among many excellent things which he invented there by his Art and skill, having as yet fresh in his memory the beauty's of Gridonia, he pourirayed her so natural, that she seemed a living creature, seeming ever to them which beheld her, that she would open her mouth to speak unto them; and there he set her in a place as it were in a prison, sei●●ate upon a Rock, and a Lion couched upon the sky it of her Coat, holding his head between this Lady's hands, who did gently stroke his head and all the rest of his body.  
Prince Edward who went much abroad to hunt 〈◊〉 oftentimes so make his m●●ing in this place, where beholding upon a time the work of this Painter, saw there amongst other things Gridonia painted as you have heard: And wondering in himself at so admirable beauty (especially to see a Lyckrepayre so peaceably near a woman) could not cheese but ●all for the Painter unto him saying; I pray thee interpret unto me a little the meaning of this picture, and how a Lion may be made so tame, that one may see him couched so still 〈◊〉 a damosel; for that it so m●th to me to be a thing fit rather for little Dogs, than for such savage animals, which are cruel and indomptable by nature.  
You say very true, quoth the Painter, but know ye my Lord, that in the world are many strange things a among the which, I swear unto you by him that giveth us life, to have seen with mine own proper eyes, the true Model of this my poor among living creatures.  
Thou he began to make discourse unto him of the Estates and perfections of this Princess: Whereat the Knight remained much amazed and troubled u●minde, but answered him thus.  
It is a very rare example that a beast without reason, (as this especially) hath so much foresight, as to know the valour and bounty of a Lady so well accomplished, and that she presumeth in herself to recover the head of Primaleon for the earnest of her marriage.  
The Painter affirmed to him again, it was as true, as he had in every word recounted to him.  
Whereupon Prince Edward began to behold a little better than he did before his business; and because he reputed him one of the best Artists that as yet he had ever seen to handle Pencil, he researched with such diligence, and remarked so exactly many times the lineature and grace of Gridonia●s countenance disputing in himself whether she might be so fair a creature as he saw her painted & coloured in that place) that from thenceforth he fell into a more vehement alteration: For that the little 〈…〉 who lay in ambush for him, during this his contemplation, shot off out of his Queuer so sharp and piercing an Arrow against him, that wounding him to the heart, this wound caused him so strange a Passion, that for to find remedy for it he purposed to seek all means which might take away his pain, and to eschew no travel whatsoever, in gaing to that place where he thought he might recover her.  
The Prince then considering, that to purchase this Lady he must needs combat with Primaleon, thought he should commit too soul an oversight, seeing the amity so long continued between their Fathers: Nevertheless for all that he thought with himself he should not surcease, Palmerin having heretofore taken away by force from his Grandfather's house the Princess Agriola his Aunt; and that under the pretext of revenging that injury (after the example of the taire Trojan, who instead of Hesione his Aunt, stole away the wife of King Mevelaus in Greece) he had good occasion to go to combat the Constantino Politane.  
Upon this conflict of opinions which came to trouble his mind, he cast himself upon a bed, where sighing without ceasing he thus complained to himself.  
Alas Gridonia, how much had it been better for the ease of mine afflicted heart never to have heard thee named, nor seen the Portrait of thy face before my eyes? whose sight hath into small time penetrated so deep into my breast, and weakened my members in such sort, that they cannot well prevail to perform the only of their office? Wherein if by the only object of thy 〈◊〉 I feel to exceeding torment; what will it then do, when I shall indeed see the natural and lively composition of such a peerless Paragon of Nature? Ah! it is expedient for all that, that I put myself in search to find thee out, to the end that in seeing thee in deed, I may give some refrigeration to this my burning and new flame: For if the savage and inhuman creatures forgetting their fierceness, yield themselves so meek and gentle in thy presence, what shall he do who hath some knowledge of human reason? Certes albeit I were sure to end my life, yet must I employ for thy sake my person with all the goods and estates that God hath giuen●nes, seeing thou art so worthy a creature: which I think the heaven hath revealed unto me as it were by a fatal oracle, to the end that thou shouldest be mine, and I shine perpetually. To achieve unto which point, I promise thee to refuse no adventure nor perillons attempt which may present itself to make me refuse it: Considering that by how much more Knights are issued of noble blood and illusterous lineage, by somuch more it behoveth them to enterprsse more generous and heroical acts. And to this may invite thee the example of Arnedes Prince of France, who for the love of Philocrista Daughter to the Emperor of Constantinople, departed from his Father's Kingdom. and in like manner rescinds Prince of Spain for Melissa the King of Hungaries' Daughter: I then being of no less house than the one or the other of these two Princes my neighbours, it behoveth me to follow their steps in the like enterprise.  
So long time was the spirit of this young Knight so occupied in making such like discourses, that being not able to forbear, he lost not only all appetite to eat, and desire to sleep, but also therewithal all pleasure of hunting, wherein he had so much delighted before: In such sort that having none occasion neither to hear no) to see any recreation, he shunned the company of those whom he knew desirous to be near him to make him merry and pleasant.  
One only content he enjoyed during these his anguishes, which was to find himself before the Image of Gridonia, whose infinite beauty so ravished the vigilance of his eyes, that it did constrain his tongue to reason with it, even as if he had been hard by her proper person: being otherwise never satisfied to devise with the painter of the graces of this Princess.  
It chances upon a day, that being wearied with this storm and wavering of mind, he went forth into a wood which joined hard upon the ditches of his Palace (where he passed the greatest part of the time of his passion) without taking with him any other weapons but his rapier by his side: So that walking up and down, he sat him down under abroad and thick beech tree, to discourse as his fancy showed him of some things which might give him some contentment. And after he had long time mused with himself, bethinking by what means he might best go see Gridonia, be fast up his eyes, which he had before fired on the ground, as it falleth out many times to a man that is perplexed & irresolute in mind to do: Whereby he espied near him a wood man who would bind a burden of wood together in a little string, so that being vexed with some thing else, and to see him lose his time be said.  
So God help me villain, I perceive it proceedeth of thy great blockishness or froward nature, that thou dost labour in vain after this impossibility: whereupon it seemeth to me that thou shouldest leave the wood behind, or else if thou wilt carry it away to have a longer cord to bind it withal.  
The peasant who heard himself miscalled, turning himself and looking behind him answered, Prince Edward thou dost behold very near my folly, who canst not take béede of thine own which toucheth thee a little nearer. I tell thee that even as thou seest me look my labour in binding this burden of sticks, even so just shall it fall out with you in all the travails that you shall undertake for her who reserveth herself for a better knight than you.  
When the prince heard these speeches, setting hand to his sword, he can incontinent after this wizard, saying in a great cage: In an evil hour for thy part great clown ca●●st thou ever to publish so near me so soul a lie: For that in the circuit of the round world is there no Prince who doth deserve her better than myself, who love her so perfectly that no living creature is able to attain to the height of my love.  
The woodman who heard him speak in such a rage ranye away as fast as he could through the woods, and Prince Edward after him with speed: Notwithstanding he was not far gone before an Armed knight came right upon him being mounted upon a very lusty and brave Horse, saying unto him thus.  
Gentleman let the villain go, otherwise you are but a dead man. Rather shall thou lose thy life answered the English man, than I will not be revenged of him who hath injured me thus villainously: Now advise thyself if thou wilt defend him. Yes indeed replied the Knight, and yet I will crave none adventure at thy hands.  
After these words he alighted from his horse and seeing his enemy disarmed, he would not draw his sword but closed with him, which Prince Edward did in like manner, and so they tugged a good while together. In the end fortune would so much savour the Prince, that he laid his enemy a long, & setting his knee upon his breast, he cut a two the strings of his Helmet: thinking presently to cut off his head, but as he was about to do it, he pecceaved it was a very fair woman: so that marveling much at this mummery he rose up incontinent being in great admiration. Fair Lord than gan the Damsel, admire not to see now a woman in Arms, seeing that there have been and as yet are some which are courageous and warlike, and take it not in disdain that you have sought against one of them, for Ac●illes esteemed that one of his most signal victories which he obtained against Penthasilia the Nun of Amazonians: and the valiant Mithrid●tes King of Pontus, never craved better aid than that of Hipsicratea his wedded wife: the which being in man's attire after the Persian manner, did enter into all dangers unto which her husband did adventure himself, during the war which he had against Pompeius. So much I say because I see you make a wonder at this strange novelty: Nevertheless if you will grant me but one been, I will conduct you into a place where you shall see things far more admirable than these.  
Very willing will I accord thee whatsoever it shall please thee to demand at my hands, answered the Knight unto her, for the great desires sake which I have to follow strange adventures.  
Mount then replied the Damsel upon my Horse, and come presently away with me. But Prince Edward would first go fetch his Arms, and make his people privy to his departure, to the end they should not trouble themselves to seek after him, than the Lady told him, that to compass their attempt, it was expedient for them to set forward of their journey forthwith. So then he mounted upon a Courser, and she upon a paltry which attended not far from thence. Five days journey they made, and met nothing which might hinder them in their way; and upon a Saturday morning they arrived at a fair Cloister of women built upon the top of a high Mountain in a very solitary place. There did the Damsel cause this Knight to alight, whom she lead afterward into a fair Chamber, whether the Abbess and all her Nuns came to entertain him, when his guide began to utter these speeches unto him.  
Fair Knight, know that in this Monastery there is a most strange and marvelous adventure, which as they say cannot be ended but by one of the best Knights of this age: & for that you are reputed one of those whom the celestial planets have adorned with so many excellent graces in pre-eminence of Chivalry, we have hope that you will bring it to a final end.  
Now within the precinct of this Religious house is enclosed a very fair Orchard, planted with divers sorts of fruit trees, which in their seasons do bring forth their fruits in abundance, and within the whole compass of our Convent is there none more delightful place than that, except on the north side, from whence out of a fearful cave every Saturday about Evensong there cometh forth a most hideous and ill favoured old woman, bearing a rich Falchion in her hand, where with she striketh flatting, when she meeteth by chance with any Religious Nun so furiously that she sendeth her quickly to the ground: in such sort that the poor wretch can not rise again, nor a long time after get out of this trance, so much doth she feel herself astonished with the blows this ●lend of hell giveth her: Which done, she returneth within her den lamenting in most strange manner: And I tell you fair Knight, that a great number of valiant Knights have come hither, thinking to follow her and to see the place of her residence, towards which none can apprethe nearer than ten paces, but he is immediately repulsed very rudely: so that we have no hope ever to see an end of this adventure, unless you accomplish it now. For this effect have I brought you hither, hearing by report in divers places that your prowess & valour doth exceed far, that of the most hardiest Knights of all the West.  
Madam replied Prince Edward then, it falleth out some times, that many Knights which are esteemed hardy and valiant Champions, show in the end the contrary of this vulgure opinion: And upon me first of all may such an example be showed: Notwithstanding seeing I find myself brought unto this place, I will not let to prove what I can do in the adventure, whereof I have heard so great speech: Towards the which feeling not myself endued with the force & address which is expedient for him to have, who shall finish it, I should not presume to be so hardy as to march myself: so that being not able now to bring it about, I will only leave as others have done, the honour thereof to whom God hath reserved it.   

CHAP. XIX.  
How Prince Edward entered the Cave, where he vanquished a Knight, who would have kept him out of the gate of the Palace which was there within: And how passing further in, he found two Gentlemen within a Marble Sepulchre, whom he delivered out of strange pain and the sequel.  
THe hour of Evening prayer approaching, Prince Edward Armed himself carefully with a Harness that some Knight who had been there to prove himself in the adventure of the Cave, had left behind him in the Abbye: then being brought into the Orchard by the damosel, and by one of the Nuns, he put himself near the mouth of this hole, where he stayed not long before the old trot came forth, and quickly popped in again seeing the English Prince before her eyes: who was not slow to follow her in, when she casting her arms about his neck, by no force or strength soever that he could employ, he could never stay her nor once lose her from him: but still the further he went in, so much more did his labour & pain increase and torment him: for that finding the farther he was in, the way more dark and obscure, it seemed unto him that some body struck him on every side, pushing him backwards to make him recoil: But he who was magnanimous, enduring this pain, thumping and thrusting, without ever letting go the old trot, came at the last into a great Palace very sumptuously wrought and set forth. Then the old woman crying for aid, there came a Knight upon him very richly Armed, bearing a shield upon his arm, whereon were painted two Damsels, whereof the one which appeared very beautiful, held between her hands a heart wounded, which the other that had a vail upon her face, made semblant to take away from her by force.  
Help me then cried the old woman, in presenting him the sword, against this Knight who will take from me by force the rarest jewel in this world, which he is not worthy so much as to look upon. Whereupon he began to speak unto the Prince in this manner.  
Knight let that good Lady alone to deal with me, who hoping to chastise you quickly, for this great presumption by which you have been so hardy and bold as to enter within this place in despite of me. I am very glad quoth Prince Edward to have to do with thee, seeing the small honour a man may purchase to vanquish women being but feeble creatures by nature, and of small resistance.  
After these speeches they began a terrible skirmish, in the which albeit the Prince charged his enemy with many fell: strange knocks, for the ardent zeal he had to finish this adventure; his adversary nevertheless having in his hand the best sword which was to be found in the circute of the earth, delivered few blows but made the mail of his harness or shield upon his arm fly in pieces: By reason whereof Prince Edward seeing his life inevident peril (knowing not well what to do) resolved to put this Battle in hazard: so that couring himself as well as he could with his buckler, he cared not to endure two or three blows of his enemy to come to gripes. Which he did when the Knight which found himself a little weary, having not strength enough to holdeing with him, was constrained to fall with him to the ground: where it fell out so well on the English Knights side that he was uppermost; Notwithstanding being out of breath, he could hardly wind himself from his adversary. Who by reason of his lumpish & heavy fall, sounded under the Prince, who seeing him in that passion would not wrong him further, than to cease upon his sword: then looking round about him, he perceived at that instant how the old woman vanished away behind a little iron door.  
He resolved to follow her, to know what might be the pursuit of this adventure, seeing by the clear brightness of a clear glass window some light within the next Chamber, which did provoke him the rather: upon this occasion clasping on the vanquished knights Arms to play the surest part, they fitted him so just as if they had been forged for his back: Moreover he took his shield which he began to behold with great admiration and feeling afterward his force and courage to increase double, entered without fear into the next room: In the midst whereof he was a ware of a fair Sepulchre of Marble, whose covering was so high and so much separated from the sides, that a man might easily behold all that was within.  
In this place he heard some body make such a 〈…〉 noise, that approaching softly near it to know what strange matter it might be, he saw two armed Knights, 〈…〉 couched flat upon their bellies did cruelly wound one 〈◊〉 with daggers which each one of them held between their hands. Whereupon having compassion of so much blood inhumainely spilled under them, by the wounds which they give themselves without ceasing, remained a while perplexed what he should best do in so tragical a spectacle. In fine, beseeching the divine providence to aid him to pacify them, he pushed the covering of the Sepulchre off with such a violence, that it remained uncovered: which of a ●roth had never any other Knight been able to do but he or Primaleon who was more valiant than himself. The two Knights seeing the heavy Marble thrown down, which had a long time kept them locked fast in that Sepulchre, rose upon their feet incontinent, and after they were come forth, they call themselves down, at Prince Edward's feet, saying; Praised ●ee she incomprehensible goodness of God who hath endowed you with such prowess and magnanimity, which delivereth us now at the last from this intolerable martyrdom which we both did endure; the which we know right well could never be brought to end, but by the virtue of the best Knight who was ever borne in the house of England, and the one of them proceeding did.  
Know fair Lord, it is a long time that we were in this pain, & that we descend of the most Royal blood of the English Nation, as I will recount unto you, seeing you have delivered us out of this torment.  
At this strange accident the Prince much merualled, especially for that these two personages as soon as they were out of the Sepulchre had received the perfect healing of their wounds, and that of so cruel enemies, they were so soon become peaceable friends: so that taking them both by the hands, he made them stand up saying; my dear brethren, happy may I term myself at this present, to have freed you from this mortal passion, offering myself beside to pursue your entire deliverance, if peradventure any further encumbrance molest you: Likewise to continue your perpetual friend in all places where you shall know my small power may stand you in any steed, beseeching you to make relation to me of your hard adventure, the History whereof I would willingly enjoy  
Then began one of them; we are brethren, and sons to the Duke of North-wales, and to the sister of the King Prince Coward; in the house of whom (for he loved us both as his own children) we were brought up from our infancy; But afterwards as our evil fortune would, knowing nothing one of another's love, we were both enamoured only by the same and renown of the Duke of Borsa●s Daughter, esteemed at that time the fairest and most virtuous Lady of the western world. Now in a Tourney being held at a certain time in pre-eminence of her at this Duke's principal Palace, we purposed both to be present at it in good equipage of furnitures, to the end the better to enter in grace of this Princess: So that her father (being a wise and learned Magician) knowing our nearness of lineage with the King, entertained us most honourably into his house: And after that we had seen the damosel in face, the flame which from day to day consinned the force and vigour of our vital spirits did augment in such strange manner, that had not the hope been which fed us with future fruition of case, we had made both some lamentable and tragical end; being ignorant one of another's pursuit, and advising it for the best, never to make privy to one another of our loves. Both of us performed marvelous seats in this Tourney to incline this Princess to love us the more: wherein I exceeded my brother, because I was his elder by birth: So that having by this means more opportunity to speak unto her, I made her prmy to my desire, whereupon there succeeded such a conclusion between us, that she assured me to be content to accept me for her husband: Then I adventured myself to speak unto the Duke her father, who answered me, he had already promised her to the Carl of Brabant: Which answer made me in such a rage, that I had almost run mad for spite.  
Nevertheless, for the last refuge which I hoped to find in this my frenzy, I prayed the damosel to bear me a word or two insecret: Whereunto she answered me, that I should come the very same evening into her Chamber by a little door which was seldom times opened, where she would be to bear what I would say unto her.  
The appointed hour being come, I would in no wise permit so good opportunity to slip my hands, without reaping that sweet fruit which might restore the heart, to the which all other liquor seemed gall and bitterness: But soon clasping on mine Arms, I went straight to the door with my privy watchword, in the most secret wise which might be possible. Yet I could not carry myself thither so well, but my brother who began to mistrust my draft (as it falleth out sundry times, sealousie causeth to comecture things which have small appearance of truth) so that he arming himself in like manner, 〈…〉 slily to the very place where I staid for the opening of the door; and without making himself known unto me, began to let drive at me, saying he would take order I should never attain that where unto I did aspire.  
Then seeing to defend myself whether I would or not, I must needs in that extremity put myself in devoir as well as I could; and in the mean time the Duke who heard our couple, ran unto us with many of his servants, erclaiming in a great rage: How now disloyal knights, go ye about to dishonour me with so great an infamy. By the living God I shall make you dearly buy this so great presumption. He presently working by his Art of necromancy, made us both remain as dead at the very instant: and being in this trance suddenly transported into this place, he enclosed us fast within the Sepulchre, with this instance of words; ye combat to dishonour me and my Daughter, well continue hardly your battle, till a Knight of your race may by his generous courage come to part you.  
When he had thus said, he vanished from our presence, and we remained there in a wonderful rage, striking one at an other, as you have seen even unto this present, so that we know not how long this deadly quarrel and malice between us hath lasted: and the extremest point of the disaster unto which this sorcetie did bind us was in that we could not die by any of those stabs and wounds which we received one of another.  
marvelous things are those which you tell me quoth though Prince, and know that it is now a long time since the Duke enchanted you here, because Prince I dward of whom ye speak, was my great Grandfather: Nevertheless, let us departed out of this place to go a while some whether else to refresh us all three together: And as he set his soot upon the threshold of the door of this Chamber, he spied an old woman which thus be spoke him.  
Fair knight, long time before you were borne, did the Duke of Bo●sa know by mean of his knowledge your valour and magnanimity, and how you should finish this adventure: therefore left you the sword which you have gotten, and keep it well as being of that virtue as I assure you hath few fellows at this day, especially for as much as if you shall held it in your right hand, no enchantment shall ever be able to hurt you.  
In like manner is the shield which you have there won most wonderful and most rare, for that you shall see the discourses of all your life portrayed out most lively therein: the which not withstanding you shall never knew but by lapse of time, following the destiny, whereunto God submitted you even from your birth day: so that having now accomplished that which was by great learning foreseen & directed in this adventure you may go hence, when it shall séme good unto you: And for that the two Knights who go with you, cannot long time remain in this world: counsel and admonish them to remember the mercy of God, who by his divine grace hath given you power to deliver them from the misery and calamity wherein they have remained this hundred years last passed.  
The old woman having spoken thus much vanished away, whereat the Prince was amazeo, when making far greater account of the sword and shield than he did before, he departed out at the door with his companions: And seeing no more the Palace wherein he had sought with the Knight of the Cave, nor the Arms which were given him at the Monastery, his admiration was much more redoubled: Yet as he came back he found the way to be very dark and obscure, which as he came was as clear & light some, as at the mouth of the hole; where being arrived they got out easily without any disturbance, and from thence forth was it for ever shut up, the Palace resolved into smoke, and all the enchantments thereof undone and brought to final end.  
Afterwards walking together towards the Gardengate, there met them the Abbess and her Nuns, who entertained the Prince with joy and the greatest gratulation that might be, marveling much at the two companions whom he brought with him: which caused the Abbess to demand who they were, and who had given him the ●●ch Arms she saw him being on his back out of the Cave.  
Madam quoth he, these two Gentlemen say they are two Brethren and Knights descended of noble race, who by the great skill of the Duke of Borsa, were enclosed fast in the place from whence I have now delivered them out of a torment far worse than the cruelest torture which they might endure. The Arms which you see, I have conquered from a Knight, who would have kept from me the entrance of a Palace, where combating with him upon that refusal, I changed mine Arms, being bewed and piece meal broken for these which you see; but in steed thereof will I leave you my sword, for a testimoney of the affection I have to give you far greater things when the time shall come: for that sword which I have gotten of the old woman will I carry with me unto the King's Court, whether I hope by the help of God speedily to conduct these Knights.  
That may you not well do quoth the damosel who guarded him into this place, before you accomplish first that which you have already promised me: Well may these two Knights in the mean time in this place attend your return, which will be in very short space as I hope.  
Prince Edward answered he would go with her willingly, into what place soever it should please her to bring him: Nevertheless, being already late in the evening, they departed not that night out of the Monastery: Where the Lady Abbess and her sisters could not satisfy themselves to feast the Prince and the two Knights, the which at their instant prayer, made once more unto them the whole discourse of their History, after that they had all supped most daintily.  
The morrow morning Prince Edward rose at the point of day-break and departed alone with the damosel, leaving the two brethren among the Nuns in the Convent, where the Abbess made them good cheer for his sake, and kept very carefully the sword which he gave her, whereupon it fortuned afterward that he being King, he augmented much the revenues of this Nunnery, remembering the promise which he had made to the Abbess, and to all the religious Nuns her sisters.   

CHAP. XX.  
How Prince Edward was brought by the damosel into the house of the Duke of Borsa, where her sister thought to enchant him to make him marry a Niece of hers being Daughter to the Duke, who was enamoured of him, only by the great fame which was bruited of his valour, and what ensued there upon.  
THis Damsel who guided the English Prince, waited in the house of the Duke of Borsa, Nephew to her for whom her father enchanted the two brethren within the Sepulchre: the which was afterward married with the Earl of Brabant, unto whom he had promised her, as ye have read before.  
But this Duke had only one son and one Daughter which was his eldest, excelling far in beauty all others of that country, for which cause, her father loved her a great deals the dearer: so that more carefully to have her nuctured in all feminine civility, he caused her to be brought up in the house of a sister of his being a widow, a most prudent Lady, being well aduized and very well seen in the Art of Magic and secret Philosophy, a Profession very peculiar to the most part of their family.  
This Duke's Daughter called Rene, hearing the famous report of the generous valour of Prince Coward, so publicly talked of in the mouth of all men, tell so far in love with him without ever seeing him, that she became wonderful pensive and melancholy: and by reason of the continual tears and complaints which without ceasing she powered out to the wind, when she could secretly retire herself into her Chamber apart, to ease the passion of her mind a little, she so defaced her beauty in few days, that the Duke her father was aware thereof.  
Whereupon seeing her sometimes to fetch deep sighs, dearly requested his sister (for he loved his Daughter entirely) to sound by some subtle means from whence this her melancholy sadness might proceed.  
Whereunto the good Lady made reply, how she had not as yet perceived any such matter, notwithstanding she would work so wisely, that she would learn the truth. And from thence going straight to her nieces Chamber, she found her continuing her daily complaints: So that sitting down by her, she began to pray and to conjure her, that she would no longer conceal from her the cause of her grief: then the young Damsel with a bashful and blushing countenance answered to her with these words.  
Madame, I know not what to answer you in this case, but that I am the most wicked and most disastered damosel that was ever borne under the celestial Spheres; seeing that I have imprinted in my heart a thing which redoundeth more to my total ruin, than to the least lote of any contentment, whose ●s●ue shall be my speedy death which shall bring an end to my detestable and too too languishing life. Then she proceeded to tell how she loved with a most vehement and excessive flame Prince Edward of England, who would be the only cause that she should speedily see herself dissolved to dust and ashes; forasmuch it seemed altogether impossible, ever to have any fruition of her desire, because the Prince and she were not of equal estates. The Aunt who saw her in such a pitiful taking, would not prolong her furthee torment, but presently began thus unto her. Dear near, I pray you govern yourself with some constancy of mind in this passion, and in the mean time blot out of your mind this impossibility, which you allege for the principal point of your anguish: for I promise you so to employ my Art, that the Knight (who will love ere long, more than any living creature,) shall arrive in this place to espouse you: So great and unspeakable was the joy of Rene, that taking her Aunt about the neck, she embraced and kissed her many times saying.  
O my sweet Aunt, if you procure me now this bliss and felicity (inferior to none in this world) you may well vaunt, and say you have delivered a sorrowful and desolate Niece of yours out of the most in●●icate Labyrinth which ever was devised in this earth, yea, if it were that which Dedalus invented so artificially in Crete, to include the insatiable Min●taure.  
My loving Niece, take you no care (replied the Lady) but have a little patience that all things may be done in these due time. With that she departed from the Chamber to confer this business with the Duke her brother, with out whose privy consent she would in no wise begin to set this work abroach: and discoursing to him at large the whole matter, told him what hope she had to carry this business to circumspectly, that ere long Prince Edward should wed his danghter: so that after their conclusion, she went to turn over her books of necromancy, where she found that the Knight was sure in love already of Gridonia: Notwithstanding hoping to cross and revoke his affection by her Magic, she dispatched away immediately the damosel of whom you have understood before, to bring him unto Borsa: True it is, she commanded her not to lead him unto the adventure of the Cloister, but thither she conducted him herself, because of a sister of hers who was a Nun in that place; from whence departing together as ye have read before in the former Chapter, in two days he arrived at the City of Borsa: But before the Knight did enter into the City, the damosel prayed him to stay for her a while in a Hermitage near the Suburbs, till she returned from doing a message to her Mistress, who was very willing so to do: And abiding with the Hermit, she went to the Infant Rene, who right glad of his ●●rsual, tricked up herself most richly to entertain her Lover, sending back with speed the messenger to conduct him secretly into her Chamber.  
She being quickly arrived at the Hermitage saith thus to the Knight; Sir you must leave your horse here, and come on foot with me, who will bring you into a place, whether you shall find yourself a glad man to be arrived.  
I pray God quoth the Prince then, that I be not deceived nor circum●uented by you in any thing.  
Alas! That God whom you have innocated forbid, that I should ever seek to entrap my Liege and sovereign in any Ambush; I pray you only come with me assuredly, and without any fear of ill encounter, upon condition (if it should fall out otherwise by my mean) I will be reputed the most false and disloyallest woman that ever guided Knight into any unknown place.  
Being put in this assurance of safeguard by his guide, he went on fair and softly his pace by that false gate (before which the two brethren long since fell together by the ears) even till he came within the Chamber of Rene: where as seen as they were entered, quickly was the door well barred: Whereupon by fortune Prince Edward called to mind that which appeared unto him in the wood, and moreoner that which the old woman foretold him touching the virtue of his sword.  
By means whereof, mistrusting some enchantment, he speedily set his hand upon it; and then marched towards the Infant, which he saw so beautiful and so Pompously attired, that any Knight would have taken great pleasure in her sight only: And for he came without his Helmet on his head, with so magnificent and rich Armour upon his back, he pleased the damosel so much, that rising up from her seat she came to prostrate herself at his feet, saying.  
Prince Edward, in truth I was out of hope with myself, that the heavens would favour me so much, as to make these mine eyes behold you, which have shed so many tears to deplore my future calamity; if it please not you to secure me: Whereby my heart hath been by an impatient desire provoked to rage and exclaim against fortune, which having blown your renown unto mine ears, would frustrate my sight of so rare a creature.  
Notwithstanding, now my luck is so prosperous, as to make me the happiest Damsel of all Europe, seeing the pain you take to visit me, I perceive well that not without great reason it hath made me altogether the slave and captive of your love.  
The Knight greatly maruasling no less at the singular beauty of this Damsel, than to hear her use such eloquent and cunning terms; took her by the hand to lift her from the ground, and to seat her in her chair again, near unto which, the Damsel who was the messenger before, having already set another, the infant caused the Prince to sit down hard by her side, reentring the former talk with this instance.  
Fair Lord, know ye I am Daughter to the Duke of Borsa, one of your most faithful vassals, who hearing the brute of your generous actions, on every side published round about us, began so extremely to love you, that I forgot the very zeal which I bore unto myself: Whereof shall be a good testimoney the extreme passions which you shall understand do daily debilitate my life that dependeth only but upon your humanity: the which I hope to see so pitiful towards me, that it shall have compassion of the grievous anguishes, which without intermission do martyr me with more painful torment than that which king Phalaris caused Perillus to endure within the brazen Bull, which he himself invented for the cruel torturing of others: And you may well think fair Prince, I could not in any other Knight of base condition have known how to ground so much hope as I have now in you, and therefore I pray you to have regard to the reason and carriage of all good and sound judgement.  
Madame, replied the Prince, I could not imagine the mean to exempt from you the recognisance wherein I find myself bounden to you, considering the good will, which of your grace you bear me without any merit of my part: Nevertheless, if death do not prevent the affection which I have to show you how it is not to an ungrateful person, or one of small power to whom you address yourself, I will use such munificence and liberality towards you and your father, that you shall have chiefest cause of any living in this kingdom to give me thanks.  
And believe me (sweet Lady) if I had known your will (setting apart all mine own affairs) I had come unto you to do you all the service I could possibly have devised; yet not with intent to obtain of you any thing which might stain your honour, or abase that virtue which I see shining in you, as doth Virgo the maiden sign in the Zodiac of the heavens: Forsomuch as thereunto could he never consent who shall think himself all his life time to be your loyal and obedient servant. Thus much I say, because I may not have you in marriage to be my wife, my heart being vowed in another place.  
Albeit, to assure you of my sincere and true devotion towards you, there is nothing so difficult or hard to be accomplished, which it shall please you to command me, but I will erecute most willingly, in the best sort which I may or shall be able to devise.  
judge ye whether the Lady were perplered and greatly troubled in her mind or no, hearing the resolution of the Knight (whose mind was only fixed and established on Gridonia) for so much as her very speech which she lost for a while, showed evidently a most true and perfect token of her sufferance.  
Which her Aunt perceiving, who in the mean time employed her best skill to bring her in grace with the Prince, was sore difended to see her in such a swoon.  
Knowing also that she laboured in vain, by reason of the sword which he got in the Cave, she came into the Chamber where they were together saying.  
Prince Edward, so favourable are the heavens unto you, that they will happily conduct you to the end of all your enterprises, except of that one which you have so lively now imprinted in your breast. For the Lady which you purpose to serve with infinite pains and travels, is long since dedicated to a more accomplished Knight than yourself: So that as I think you should do well to leave that way which shall be so hard for you to keep, to take this which hath no difficulty nor disturbance in it.  
That cannot I do by mine own consent quoth the Prince, having already surrendered the conquest of my liberty into a place, whence when I would, I cannot well call it vacke at my pleasure: Wherefore I beseech you of all favour make me understand so much as I perceive you know, and withal who shall be that so fortunate Knight who shall go before me in the fruition of the Princess Gridonia, Nay seeing you have no pity (replied the Inchauntres) of this fair Lady whom you see almost breathless in your presence, I am not purposed to tell you things wherein you may take delight, but rather not to drowned myself in sorrows seeing you before mine eyes, I will presently departed out of this Chamber: with that she went her ways, leaving the poor laver in a Sea of tears, continuing her exclamations with lamentable sighs, thinking to move her Narcissus to some compassion: But he who cared little for these santasles, supposing what was said of Gridonia, was spoken only to win him from her love, he comforted the Damsel as well as be could, telling her bow he would confer with her Father, and if he would condescend thereunto, he would come thither ere it were long to marry her.  
In the mean time her Aunt went to speak with the Duke her Brother, with whom (after she had given him to understand that ●ot knowledge was not to 〈◊〉 to work Prince Edward to this pass, she advised him to go accompanied with twenty Knights Armed into his Daughter's chamber: Where saying himself ignorant of the matter, and showing himself fore displeased against them hath, he should ●eaze upon his body and put him in prison, and so they might work their matters as they lifted.  
The Duke than putting in pr●●tize this stratagem, came with twenty men all in Arms who the chamber door, wherein he 〈◊〉 entered all alone, 〈…〉 ●ignes of advocation, began thus to say.  
Alas my God what a bay●●●● case ●● Isle: Am I awake, or do● I meaning behold this 〈◊〉? Ah! I should have thought to have had a virtuous 〈◊〉 and chaste ●●●den to my Daughter, more 〈…〉, than any other in these Northern Regions, and 〈…〉 I trustrated of mine opinion: for I see before mine own eyes she is more vicious and corrupt than ever was 〈◊〉 as Messalina, Truly I may well vaunt myself to make th●● both die in prison by the most 〈◊〉 torment that may be 〈◊〉, seeing they have shamefully dishonoured 〈…〉 all my posterity.  
Enter then and come in my Knights to ●● hand● upon this murdering Palliard, to the end I may know who be is and who hath counseled him to enter to rashly into my house; for all those who are culpable and in any 〈◊〉 consecrated in this misdeed, I shall make them pay dear for it by a most 〈…〉 shamefullend of their 〈◊〉. 〈◊〉 that he ●ept out of the Chamber door to ●et ●● his 〈◊〉, who 〈◊〉 come in, did nothing anim●●● nor terrify the English Prince. who setting band to his sword and with an invincible 〈◊〉 putting his shield on his arm 〈◊〉 them thus.  
Come now hardly who 〈…〉 to 〈◊〉, and I shall show him, 〈…〉 from all 〈◊〉 this 〈…〉 of 〈…〉 and 〈…〉 gathering 〈…〉 〈…〉 ●et for all th●t 〈…〉 and 〈◊〉 about him so 〈◊〉, th●t he 〈…〉 them all, 〈◊〉 not the 〈◊〉 after gone to work with her magic spells as you shall hear: She forsooth darkened all the light of the Chamber, making a sulphurous and obscure air 〈…〉 dark than hell itself, in steed thereof: then delivering forth the Knights with the Infant● 〈◊〉 (who would willingly have been in his place who was dead) she shut Prince Edward fast within the Chamber until the morrow morning when she saw seven of the Duke's Squires lying along on the ground one stain outright, and other 〈◊〉 sore wounded. Now could not the Duke tell what it were best to do with him; because if he should deliver him, it seemed to him, but to hasten too shameful a death for himself, and if he should keep him any longer in his house, it should but encourage him to forethink all means to put him to more cruel torment; so that he passed the night in this conflict, until the morrow morning when an ancient Knight reprehending him sharply because he suffered himself to be governed by women, counseled him to cause Prince Edward to be secretly conveyed out of his house by the same damosel which giuded him thither.  
The Duke who liked well of this advise, caused the damosel who had been the messenger to come before him, unto whom after he had showed some signs of great heaviness, his made this speech.  
It grieveth me much, that my sister's pretence hath not sorted to so good effect as she expected, and for so much as you are the cause, having conducted the Knight into the adventure of the Cloister, where he hath conquered such a it well which safegardeth him from all her enchantments, needs must you yourself get him by subtle means from hence, saying you only have means so save his life; and for you should think yourself greatly culpable of his death, if it should chance to happen, upon the assurance which you gave him bringing him into my house, you will willingly set him free from hence into the fields, if he will promise you never to seek any revenge of the Duke, nor of any of his family.  
Hereunto willingly condescended the damosel, when departing from the Duke, troubling like an Daken lease, she came to the Chamber where Prince Edward was, who studied already how he might break open the door to sackage them who would come against him: She prostrating herself before him, with the tears in her eyes, beginneth thus the menour of her words.  
Fair Prince, great is the occasion which I have now to complain of fortune, for I having brought y●u into this house under a protext of the extreme love which my Mistress beareth you, they ha●e devised a speedy and most shameful death for us all three: for you especially whom the Duke hath surprised with his Daughter, whom albeit he should pardon the vainousnes of the case, which he supposeth falsely to have been a●●●●knowing you should 〈…〉, will 〈◊〉 there own bosom with some sword, or 〈…〉 some now kind of death as did portia, the Daughter of Cato where she heard of the death of her husband Brutus. As form you may well think, my Lord the Duke 〈◊〉 of the sour●● of this occurrence, as he beginneth already to do most tractly finding out at last my privy practi●es (which I protest before God I never went about to carry to any evil end) I shall be most sharply punished of us all three: Nevertheless, yet i● I die, will I not surcease (as being the person of this Trinity which know I have best deserved, as well I know I must die for it) to employ myself in some subtle inventions to make us escape this imminent peril, so that ye will aspare me never to seek any revenge for the offence which hath been offered you in this place: Wherefore I beséch you fair Lord, most humbly to grant me general remission, to the end that declaring it to the Duke at the article of my death, he may be moved to compassion to pardon me also himself; and this is the means whereby we may peradventure save our lives from the mortal punishment which they prepare for us every day. So well knew the Damsel to colour her speeches, that she won the mercy of the Prince, who answered her thus.  
Fair maiden for the love of Rene, who surely meriteth much more at my hands, I have willingly pardoned this injury to the Duke and to all his family, albeit it is one the most vilest touch and outrage which might be offered to any Knight: And albeit the death which they determine to make us die, be horrible and cruel, yet I should take mine in very good part, if I might execute upon those va●less who would lay hands on me, such a massacre as they deserve: Nevertheless seeing the occasion presents itself, to avoid this scandal I am content to follow it, so that no greater damage may ensue. Ah my Lord replied the Damsel, I give you leave to show your fury on me the very first of all, if ever I bring you into any further peril, with that she kissed his hand, and letting him forth by the same door he came in at, she conducted him to the Hermitage, where taking leave one of another, the Knight took his way toward the Cloister, being most joyful of the virtue of his sword which he had purchased there: but very sorrowful and pensive for the words which the Duke's sister told him, which he also saw so have some relation to the Presage of the figures painted upon his shield.  
Afterwards being arrived at the Abbey, after the entertaimnents and welcomings accustomed, taking the two Knights whom he had delivered along with him in company, he returned straight unto the Court of the King his father, who for that he could hear no news of him was in great heaviness and melancholy, the which at his arrival was all changed into extreme joy and gladness, when embracing him, h●● thus began to welcome him.  
My dear son, I cannot sufficiently wonder how ye departed without making me any thing at all privy to your intent. My Lord and father (answered the young Prince) I beseech you to pardon me, for so much as I was forced sore against my will so to do; and then he recounted unto him the brauad● of the Damsel in the wood, who carried him afterwards to prove his valour in the adventure of the Num●ey, where he delivered also these two with the whole discourse of their History.  
Whereat all those who heard him wondered greatly: and espeacially the King his father, who being filled with an unspeakable joy, welcomed them in the best manner unto his Court, and with kind speeches embraced them, whereby they thanking him in most humble manner, bowed themselves very low to kiss his hand: so that after this Royal entertainment they had great honour done them by all those of the Court: who could not be satisfied with beholding them, but did extol unto the heavens the invincible valour of their deliverer.  
The Duke of North-Wales the verse same who was at that time Successor to their Father, came to visit them as his nearest kinsmen, with many other Knights and Lords of his blood, whereof they were wonderful joyful, especially to see themselves in the place where they were brought up in their tender age, and yet not knowing any one body of all those whom they beheld there.  
And after they had made some abode in this Court for the love of the King and of Prince Edward his Son, so soon as he departed they went their ways also to yield themselves religious men within the Monastery of the Cave, where they vowed the small residue of their lives unto the service of God, The King and all the great Lords of his Court, beheld with much admiration the rich sword, and all the rest of the Prince's Arms, esteeming the knowledge of the ancient Duke of Borsa to be most wonderful, who had ●●●ented so cunning matters in his house: where to return to the Infant Rene, after she saw her hope desperate, she besought her Father to make her a Nun in the Monastery which had been cause of her disafter, protesting never to love any other Knight but he: Whereunto her Father easily condescended, because this Ahbie was within the Country under his obedience, and long since founded by his ancestors.  
In this place the Damsel living at her great case, felt every day more and more some access of the languishing passion which she endured for her dear and perpetual friend Prince Edward: who after he was Crowned King of England, knowing of the austere life she lead after his refusal, came to see her as far as the Connent was from him, where he bestowed great riches on it, for the love of her and of the Abbess, who by means of his sword which he left there, remembered his promise,  
The English Prince then being greatly esteemed of his father, and of all the Lords and Barons of his Realm; he made small account of that reputation, for that his spirit was rather occupied to seek out the means how he might secretly departed to go follow strange adventures, by the which he might find out her, whom he loved more entirely than himself.  
In the mean time, he took his chiefest delight, to visit many times her image and representation, unto the which he discoursed and recounted the extreme affection be bare her, as if he had been in presence of the living creature; and by this mean took he some comfort, when upon a day fortune presented before his eyes a fit opportunity to departed, and to go into any part of the world, whether so ever he desired, which was in this manner.  
When he was walking upon the banks of the Thames mere London be spied a vessel laden with merchandise arrive, which a rich Merchant of Hungary accompanied with divers others had laden together to sell and to tra●sique; by whom understanding whence the ship was (for he knew long before how the Duchy of Ormeda bordered upon the kingdom of Hungary) advised himself that he might secretly departed with this ship, when it should be ready to set sail towards the North.  
By this occasion being returned into his Chamber (purposing to get his equipage in a readiness) calleth aside a Page of his who was very faithful named Clawde, of whom he demanded if he knew not the Master of the ship with whom he had spoken: Who made answer he did: then he told him further, how he must needs make a voyage into Hungary, and to Constantinople, about matters of great importance: And because this ship sailed directly into those Countries, he commanded him to certify the Pilot how a Knight who desired to pass into Hungary, would give him willingly what he would demand, if he would speedily make for those parts.  
The Prince made no creature privy to his departure, for that he meant to carry no more company along with him, but his man Clawde only and Maiortes for to make him pastime by the way.  
Claudius' having thoroughly understood his Master's mind, went incontinent straight to the Haven, where he concluded with the Master for the time of their embarkement; and delivering him a good sum of money to provide necessary furnitures, returned back to his Lord and told him all, who was very joyful of this opportunity. And as secretly as he could by night time be caused his Arms to be carried a board the ship, with such sea provisions as were necessary for this voyage; and after that the Merchant had made good traffic of all his merchandise, Prince Edward embarked himself with his man Clawde, and his Dog Maiortes only.  
The King and the Queen missing Prince Edward at his uprising, as he was accustomed to salute them, were in great he a●nes for him, and yet supposing he had but absented himself from the Court for a while, they comforted themselves herein, being well assured wheresoever he was in the world, he would make his valour and prowess be known. Nevertheless, commanding to seek for him throughout their whole Kingdom, where being not heard off, they supposed he was traveled into some far strange Climate, wherefore they prayed devoutly unto the divine Majesty, that it would preserve him from all misfortune and distress.   

CHAP. XXI.  
How Prince Edward sailing towards the Coast of Hungary, he took within a ship of Moors which assailed him Zerphira Daughter to the Sultan of Persia, whom he sent to dwell with the fair Gridonia, and of her entertainment when she came at the Clou●n-Rocke where Gridonia dwelled.  
PRince Edward sailing in the North sea, concealed himself as much as he possibly might, le●t he should be descried of any: but coming to surge near the Coast of Hungarin, there rose a contrary wind to the course they held, so that they were constrained to strike all their sails; and their vessel going sour days at the mercy and fury of the tempest, the first day that the tempest began to cease, and the sea began to be calm, they discovered a far off floating a Brigandine of Moors, within which was Zerphira Daughter to the Sultan of Persia, and to the fair Princess Zerphira, h●● whom the Emperor Palmerin loved so tenderly in his young yoders.  
This Infant being sister to Lechesin, for her rare and great beauty was demanded in marriage by the king of India, unto whom the Sultan sent her with wonderful and infinite riches, being accompanied with the brother of the said King of India, a most magnanimous and valiant Knight, who c●me into Persia to captivate the articles of this marriage. ●ée as the storm and tempest had parted all his other vessels, came alone tossed too and fro with the huge waves, when he descried the Hungarians to be Christians: Whereupon commanding his Pilots they should put forth all their cloth to fetch in the i● ship, who grappeth with them ere long afterward: For all his Mariners were very expert in sea affairs, and especially in Pira●ie, as having been all for the most part chosen out of the cunning off Rovers and Pirates which might be found out.  
The Merchants who perceived by the flags and pondents of their vessel, that they were infidels, began to cry out for aid: whereupon the Prince who heard that noise, lated his Helmet incontinent, and mounted upon the batches, where he found many Moors who had already taken his Mariners.  
When he knew they were Miscreants, (his courage rising at an instant was redoubled in valour) he began to lay upon them so courageously who presented themselves to the battle, that with the first blow he charged with his good sword he sent one into the other world, saying in a great rage; If it please the almighty to have pity on us this day, I hope you shall not make us so soon prisoners nor slaves as ye wéen a at the least it will cost some of you dear before ye bring out feet into the chains.  
Which the brother of the Indian king perceiving, for that he entered first the ship, came upon him with a great bravery whom the English Prince received with some shrewd flashes of his sword: and beginning to he we one another in furious manner, for that Prince Edward was more nimble and better shilled than the Moor, putting him out of pain to receive the triumphant crown of his sea-victory, he made him speedily go give account of his Paganism before the hellish Lucifer: For whom the other knights of his sect being very heavy and sorrowful, came 〈…〉 him in round about to lay upon him on all sides more easily at their advantage.  
Then the English Prince knowing he must either buy shamefully, or defend himself from these misereants, spared none of his forces; but like unto a Bull assailed with many Mastiffs, did so drive them all before him, that not one ever could approach him, but he made him feel the smart of his sword, remaining dead or wounded, or else forced to lie astonished on the ground: which his good Dog Maiortes perceiving ran upon them to tears them in pieces, or else to make them drowned in the midst of the sea.  
The Merchants who thought themselves utterly undone, seeing at the first encounter how valiantly Prince Edward behaved himself against his adversaries, tan to Arms to secure him; by means whereof they showed such unlour, that within a small while there remained not a More within Zerphiraes' Bark, who passed not the edge of the sword, and was incontinent thrown headlong into the waves of the sea, which happened to none of the Christians.  
Prince Edward and some few of the Merchants were hurt a little, but had no dangerous nor mortal wound.  
Afterward, the knight and the Master of the ship being entered into the Moors Brigandine, they found within a cabin near unto the bottom of the vessel the Infant Zerphira, most sumptuously attired with twenty other Damosels, pouring forth many strange and lamentable complaints, where above the rest one might easily hear the young Princess, as her amongst them all, whom the disaster of this conflict touched nearest.  
Nevertheless Prince Coward had no sooner espied her, but he judged the Lady to be issued of great blood, and to be Mistress of the rest, as excelling them all in beauty, and among the bravest showing herself the best equipped, therefore he approached near to comfort her.  
But what? the one understood not the language of the other: for Zerphira besought him to kill her, as he had done her people; and the Prince entreated her to let him understand something touching her affairs: Whereupon a Mariner (whose life the knight had saved to use him for an interpreter, because he could speak divers languages) answered how she was the Sultan of Persiaes' Daughter, who sent her as then to the king of India, who had demanded her in marriage.  
Of this news was the Prince very joyful, especially hearing him say she descended of so illustrious and noble place, for the hope he had to send her for a present to Gridonia; in such sort that causing her to be put in good comfort by the Mariner his Interpreter, he commanded him to abvertize her how she was in the power of a knight, who upon his life would not permit the least dishonour in the world to be done unto her. And the young Princess being willing to know whether he were allied to the blood of the Emperor of Constantinople, because she would willingly have made an end of her sorrow and grief, Prince Edward caused her to be answered incontinent, that he was not: Nevertheless she should not therefore want any thing she desired, & that he purposed to send her into a place where she should find herself in the greatest content her heart might require.  
Ah accursed and unfortunate that I am cried she then out, I doubted greatly that fortune would not be so gentle and so favourable unto me, as to make me fall into the hands of any Knight who were issued out of that so noble and generous race of Palmerin de Oliva: Notwithstanding seeing without doubt it is an insuitable extremity, I must patiently yield myself his humble captive, beseeching God I may find so much curtess in him, as once did my mother in the like accident receive of the so redoubted Prince, Palmerin de Oliva.  
Prince Edward afterwards having understood by the More the interpretation which the Infant had accompanied with so heavy a sigh, he would take the charge of her himself, saying to the Master of the ship, that of all the booty they had taken, he demanded nothing else for his share but this Damsel. So Prince Edward lead away into his Chamber, the Princess Zerphira with four of her principal Damsels only, who carried with them their rings and jewels, giving the rest of the pillage to the Merchant and his companions; then proceeding in their voyage, the Knight called to mind how there were divers Christians within his ship, who did him service with great reverence: whereupon mistrusting lest they should know him; he took aside a little the Master of the Ship saying thus unto him; my friend I perceive you know who I am, whereby men may think great simplicity in me to conceal myself hereafter: Understand therefore that I departed out of the King my father's Court, with an unspeakable desire to come to see as well the good Knights which are in the Court of King Frisol, as also in that of the Emperor of Constantinople; therefore I must request you not to manifest me to any one, considering that what I do now is but for some good respect: And ●o the end we may avoid the inconvenience which might ensue by the inquiry made of me, you shall do me hereafter the least honour you can; reputing me but for a simple and poor wandering Knight whom you shall call the Knight of the Dog, and say I am of some far Nation to you unknown, who wandering through the world to seek strange adventures, and arriving at the King of England's Court, sojourned there a while with Prince Edward his son; with whom I was so well acquainted, that he would have kept me there a long time with him; whereby it proceedeth that I can better speak that language than any other, yea than mine own natural tongue: And if ye do so, and God give me grace to live the age of a man, I will reward you so that you shall think it a blessed hour, wherein you first met me.  
Sir replied the Merchant, you have already done me more grace, than I shall ever be able hereafter to deserve at your hands; which may well assure you, I shall never dare disclose you, seeing the great care and diligence you yourself use, not to be descried of any whatsoever; and whereas there is others beside in this vessel who know you as well as I do, I will make them all come before you to the end they may promise not to make known your name, but when and to whom you shall please.  
So it fell out when they arrived afterward with great gladness at Arriace, which was the place of the birth and dwelling of the chief Merchant who was owner of the ship: Being a City very strong and of good defence situate in the Kingdom of Hungary, on the one side confining with the Countries of the Soloan of Nicaea. There came they into a Haven, and for the Merchant was rich and had a fair lodging, he took the Knight with him into his house: who would needs bring along Zerphira with him, leading her by the arm, where they were Honourably entertained by the Merchant's wife, who at their arrival understood secretly by means of her husband the discourse of this Navigation.  
But all those of this ship having purchased by the help of the Knight of the Dog great riches from the Instdels, the brute thereof came quickly to the ears of this Lady: who found herself at that instant in a woeful case, because King Frisoll went about by his Soueraign●ty to take from her this City to fortesie it, as being the next frontier to the Moors Country: And also because her deceased husband had rebelled in his tune against Netrides his Father, when after the conquest of this Kingdom he sought to invest himself with the principal Cities, wherein no man gaintsaide him, but he only who died in this revolt.  
Under this pretext then sent King Frisoll for this Lady to come unto him, so dispossess her of the City, promising nevertheless to recompense her in good sort: But she who had but one only Son, as yet a tender pupil & under age, would not exchange it for any other City of his Kingdom, as well by reason that hers was well seated for all kind of commodities, as also for that she saw all her subjects and inhabitant grown very rich and wealthy. So that this Lady had no more but eight days of term remaining when she was to appear before the King, when also Prince Edward arrived at Arriace, and having not as yet found out any that durst appear to answer for her, so that she warred very sad being in perplexety: knowing not how to resolve what was best to be 〈◊〉 in this cale, when she understood of the prowess and magnanimity of the Knight of the Dog bruited abroad in her City.  
Whereupon it fortuned that she sent incontinent for the principal Merchant to come to her Castle, who arrived there soon after with two handmaids of Zerphira, which fell to his share, whereof he made a present unto her, and declared unto her as much as yond have read before: wherewith thee had her mind so troubled, that she lost almost both her sense, and reason, and therefore she prayed him to move the Knight to have some compassion of her woeful distress. Whereupon he protesting unto her of a troth the great courtesy and generousness of Prince Edward, she made no farther inquiry; but being accompanied with the Merchant & with some one of her Damsels, she went presently to him, and falling down prostrate before him thus she began.  
Brave Knight, if the affliction of any poor desolate widow hath ever found place of pity in your noble mind, I beseech you most humbly you will now vouchsafe to regard me in the necessity wherein I am. And after she had unfolded the whole matter unto him, the Prince made her this answer.  
Madam I am very sorry and sore displeased at your sadness and cause of melancholy; on the other side I am very glad that so good an occasion doth offer itself now, to make you know the desire I have had ever since mine Infancy, to help and secure to my small power all Ladies, who would employ me, and especially those who feel themselves oppressed, and destitute of aids and counsel. And for this cause will I willingly present myself before your King, making him to understand, that corrupting the inviolable laws of justice, he doth you wrong and great injustice, to take your City away from you by force and authority. And if there be any Knight in his Court will maintain the contrary, I hope by the help of God to make him confess it by force of Arms.  
Thus much he said for that he knew before how Belcar one of King Frisols Sons was lately married with Alderine the Duke of Pontus' Daughter, and brought away his wife into Hungary, whereupon that occasion they held great feasts and Tourneys: so that growing upon this quarrel in this contention with him or with the Prince Dutreus, and killing him in single combat he hoped to do acceptable service to his Lady Gridonia, being this house near allied to that of Constantinople.  
The Lady thanking him for this honest and courteous offer, told him that if it pleased him to bare her company, she feared nothing, and that leaving her Son under good & sure guard, she purposed to departed very soon with some number of Knights for her safer conduct. Whereunto the Knight answered that he was ready at any time when so ever she pleased. And therefore she caused good order to be taken for all things which might be needful in this voyage, desiring before her departure, to get into her possession for the knights sake the Damsels of Zerphira, which remained still in the merchants hands, paying for every one of them a reasonable ransom according to their estate.  
All that night was Prince Edward very sad, for he could not resolve with himself, whether he should first go to Gridonia to present unto her the Infant Zerphira, or whether he should pass unto Constantinople, to end the Combat with Primaleon.  
In fine after many resolutions he concluded that with himself, which he put in execution very early on the morrow morning; for he came to request the Merchant his Host that it would please him to command a son of his called Diazan to go do an errand for him as far as the Cloven-rocke, wherein he was more willingly obeyed, than he could command; then went he straight to the Infant's chamber, whom he told that he would send her to an excellent Lady who would honour her, and use her with all humanity, and he besought her to be willing to go, hoping to come to visit her there ere long, and to bring her such news, which should give her no occasion to repent her going thither.  
The young Princess albeit this offer went near her heart, answered him nevertheless in this manner: In good faith it is great reason sir, that as your prisoner and captive I should obey your requests without any contradiction, especially knowing they derive from the sincere and honest amity which it pleaseth you to bear me, albeit I am sure I shall never be able to merit it on my behalf; nevertheless I beseech you to cause my Damsels to be called hither, unto whom if it please you I will speak some few words before my departure; most willingly will I cause it to be done replied the Knight: So he caused them to come into her Chamber forthwith, where these young Damsels seeing their Mistress in strange manner to hate her own life in deploring and bewailing her infortunate disaster, they began altogether to make such a strange and pitiful complaint, that the Knight was constrained to separate them, and soon after to send away Diazan with the Infant Zerphira towards the Castle of the Cloven-rocke, to present her to the Princess Gridonia from a Knight unknown, with a letter whose tenor followed in these words.  
Prince Edward's Letter to the Princess Gridonia.  
TO the rarest Paragon of Princesses the Lady Gridonia, the only Phoenix of her time, future Queen of Polonia, and lawful heir of the Duchy of Ormeda, a Knight who desireth to serve her perpetually, sendeth greeting, kissing with all courtesy, the hand of her Excellency. The perfect Idea of your never perishing beauty, accompanied with so many other singular gifts of grace, which the celestial providence doth distribute equally to divers persons, hath so dim●ned the cléere-séeing eyes of her burning and unquenchable beams, that the Artisan in portraying of his liveliest pieces helpeth himself with your divine lineatures, as it were beauty itself descended into these lower Regions to be seen amongst us: Such an example seen with mine eyes, besides the testimoney of another strange accident, have (as it were a fatal arrow) so lively pierced my breast, that I can take no rest, but in traveling to aspire unto that, which should give me the sweet fruition of so precious a rareness of fortune: which is only to revenge the death of Perrequin of Duas your cozen, upon the false traitor and felonious bom●●●de Primaleon of Greece. Continuing which tranquillity of spirit by travail of my body, I sayl●d merrily towards Constantinople, and for the same effect; when by great fortune I met a Brigandine of Moors tossed by tempest of weather into the North sea, which would have taken me prisoner: But the Sovereign of all Gods, constraining these mine enemies to pass the edge of my sword, hath safegarded and reserved me to the end to be your comforter, and the revenger of your just quarrel. For assurance whereof in attending that happy season, I send you in Hostage a Damsel issued of great parentage, whom I found within the vessel of those nuscreant Moors; whom so I pray you to use and entertain as you shall know her virtue and Princely demeanour doth deserve, as well in regard of the anguish which she shall suffer perceiving herself thus captive, as also in respect of the sincere and perfect amity which she will show unto you all her life time.  
He who hath not his match in good will to do your Ladyship all dutiful service.  
So then departed Diazan with Zerphira, and all her sewels, accompanied with many Merchants who conveyed them very willingly; and holding on their journey, they arrived at the Castle of the Cloven-rocke, where after they had given Gridonia to understand that there was a Damsel which they had brought her in the behalf of a Knight. Incontinent the Draw-bridges were all let down, and the great gates set wide open.  
Then Diazan took the Infant by the hand, to lead her straight into the Chamber of the Princess, who seeing her so richly attired and so courteous to do her honour and reverence, supposed she must needs be extracted from some high and illustrious Lineage: wherefore she came to welcome and to entertayn● her honourably: and perceiving that the Lion (which never stirred from her, began to fawn upon her, she said aloud; Sister I cannot believe, but that this Lion knoweth you, considering the gentle semblant and joyful entertainment be showeth you, which as yet I have never seen him do to any, since he was with me.  
Zerphira understood nothing she spoke, but steadfastly beholding her excellent & perfect beauty, reputing herself most happy to become into the power and custody of so gentle and rare a Princess. Nevertheless, Diazan who understood her well, speaking for her, set one knee on the ground and made this answer.  
Madame, in very deed I believe your Lion never saw this Damsel before, because she cometh but now from a 〈◊〉 Land, far distant from these Countries; but he presageth the great desire which the Knight who sent her unto you, hath to do you service; and also can judge of the high choice of this Princess, being Daughter to the Sultan of Persia, for so much, as the Lions by nature (as being Kings among the four footed Beasts) do recognise and know perfectly the illustrious and royal blood.  
So he proceeded to declare the Embassage which Prince Edward gave him incharge to deliver by word of mouth, beside the letter which he had already given into her hand, praising him in valour and courtesy above all the Knights to whom the four Elements had ever lent any influence of harmonical constitution: And told her moreover, how he caused himself to be called the Knight of the Dog; by reason of a very great and fair Dog that he carried along with him, which was of so good knowledge, that he aided and succoured him greatly in his necessities.  
Squire my friend, replied the Princess Gridonia, I make no doubt but that the Knight of the Dog is both magnanimous and of great Prowess, seeing that without knowing me, he hath had this remembrance of me; wherein I pray the Lord God to give me the favour, that according to his merit, I may return him his due guerdon and rewards, and give him so much power and strength, as by his happy victory he may chase from my heart the languishing and bitter sorrow which hath ceased it a long time. And for a testimony of the love and duty I too own him reciprocally, I take and accept this Infant (his present) in the place and steed of a sister and a good friend; and so will I love and honour her, as if we were both issued out of one womb.  
For this acceptation and courtesy did Diazan thank her most humbly, in kissing her hand; then did he interpret to the Infant what she said, whereat Zerphira bowing herself very low, did give her also thanks for her part: and then did Gridonia take her by the hand to make her sit down by her, praying her to be of good cheer, and to devise what pastime she pleased; all which Diazan expounded unto her as well as he could.  
Then she who perceived so much honour was done unto her in eating and drinking always with Gridonia, which made her greatly comfort herself, and drove away all yrkesomness of the place, but not that she could in any wise altogether forget her adverse and sinister fortune: Nevertheless, she never showed any evident token thereof, but very wisely dissembled it, whereat Gridonia marveled not a little, but much more at her great riches and jewels which she carried about with her.  
Diazan after he had rewarded the Merchants of Arriace with some present, sent them away home to their houses, because he meant to abide there to serve the Infant Zerphira, whom he advertised by the way, to take heed lest she should speak any thing in favour of the Emperor of Constantinople to Gridonia, nor to show by any token or sign that she loved him, or any of his stock or kindred: Which she who was both sage and well advised, took for so good a forewarning, that she was never heard in her presence to speak any thing by affection of this family.   

CHAP. XXII.  
How the Knight of the Dog presented himself with the Lady of Arriace before King Frisol, who at his entreaties let the widow alone with her City, and how afterward he got the best in a Tourney which was held in his Court, and what fell out by occasion thereof.  
DIazan being departed with the infant Zerphira, Prince Edward, & the Lady of Arriace, accompanied with twenty knights whom they took for their safe conduct, took their journey towards King Frisols Court, so that arriving there the third day afterward about evening prayer, the Knight being in his complete armour except his headpéece and gauntlets only, led the Lady by the hand, even up to the chamber of presence: for in this place did the King recreate himself with his children, and with many other Lords, who were come the there of purpose to see and welcome Belcar not long time before arrived from Durace: and there was beside the Queen his Mother, accompanied with Esquivela & Alderine, the wives of D●treus and Belcar his two Sons, with many other Ladies, devising and sporting themselves together, every one according to their pleasure. The King seeing the Lady come in, knew presently she was Lady of Arriace, and beholding the physiognomy and honest countenance of the Knight, judged with himself he descended from some high and great lineage: when the Lady prostrating herself at his feet, thus began to frame her complaint.  
Sir, it hath pleased you to cause notice to be given me to appear before your royal Majesty, to the end that under the colour of fortification and assurance of your kingdom, you may dispossess me of my town of Arriace, because it is situate upon the frontier confining upon the Moors your enemies, from whom ye suppose putting therein sure guard and good garrison, to shut up all passage that way, & to cut off the hostile invasion, which they might other wise make into your majesties dominions; wherein I marvel much that you address yourself to me, being but a poor widow, rather than to any other of your vassals, to use such rigour & extremity towards them: considering if you allege that my son is too young to keep quarter, and to hold so dangerous a passage. I will answer you, this reason seemeth not sufficient to execute injustice towards him, but rather ought you as his King & sovereign Lord, to take him into your protection and safeguard. Nor can you find justly any fault, that my city is not well guarded and fortefited, seeing I ordinarily keep in pay a great number of Knights and Soldiers, who do not neglect their duty and diligence, aswell in placing Sentinels and Scouts both by day and night, within and without my walls, as likewise in maintaining all other things which are requisite for a frontier town: besides every one may presume, that in losing of it I should most of all be endamaged, as being deprived of the principal city of my domain, which I will not exchange for any other which you shall offer me in recompense to have it. This is the matter I am come to let you understand, hoping to find some pity and compassion in a Prince so full of clemency as you are, otherwise I would never have presumed to have been so bold to appear before your presence, assuring myself if you cause the charters of your Royalty to be exactly looked over, you shall find it appertaineth not to you by any vassellage, but hath always been the chief city belonging to the whole stock of mine ancestors.  
The king having given good ear to the speech of the Lady, perceived the Knight whom she brought thither came to defend her in a good and just combat, if she should stand in need: and forasmuch as he knew the brave and valiant Knights by their countenance, this seemed unto him a very resolute and sufficient man to maintain her quarrel, which was not grounded of her part upon any light occasion: by reason whereof he some what repent himself, in that he had caused her to be summoned upon that business, albeit to see what the Knight would say, be made her this answer. Lady, it needeth not too many words to you, determine you to render into my hands speedily your town, or else I will send to surprise it by force, and will give you no other recompense, but that peradventure which your Son hath inherited from his father, which is to be a disloyal traitor to his King.  
O immortal God, then exclaimed the Lady, what is that which these mine ears have now heard: Surely sir you may do and say of us your pleasure, because you are our Prince and liege Sovereign: but if I were as good a Knight as I am a woman, I would make good against the hardiest Knight of your Court, that my deceased husband never committed any treason in his life. Moreover, if my Son be wrongfully deprived of the city, which by hereditary succession appertaineth unto him, we shall have force, and not justice offered unto us. I will do justice, and that which I ought to do, replied he: and I will see who will contradict me therein. Then Prince Edward who had hitherto remained silent without any word speaking, advanced himself towards the King, saying: I cannot sufficiently marvel of you, O King of Hungary, having heard heretofore the renown of your valiant and marvelous feats of arms, blown abroad into the world with perpetual fame and praise, that ye will now upon so small an occasion obscure and dim it.  
For understanding well the discourse of this affair, it seemeth to me that rather upon some malice and grudge which you may have conceived against this Lady, than otherwise upon any just and apparent reason you will put her from her own good. In so much that I must of favour entreat you, that you will not suffer yourself to be carried away with envy, nor be blinded by covetousness, seeing she will swear unto you, to be for ever hereafter your loyal vassal, as heretofore she hath ever been, and to keep so strong a guard within Arriace, that you shall not need to trouble yourself, but remain content in assurance of all tranquillity and peace, so that if you refuse this reasonable condition which she offereth you, I shall be constrained to say you do her wrong, with intention to make it good by single combat against whomsoever would maintain the contrary. Belcar who was of great courage, standing then up with many other Lords who were present, answered him as it were in chollar. Knight, you come very presumptuous and arrogant into this place, not respecting in what manner ye speak before a King, whom I suppose you guess hath no children near him. who dare qualify your pride: you shall not be denied the combat if you so feign desire it; and the Lady shall sustain more damage in this her coming with you in her company (for your sake) than she shall get profit.  
I know not who you are (replied the Prince) who give so discourteous language unto Gentlemen being strangers; unto whom ye ought to hearken attentively in their demands. Indeed I heard before I came into this Country, that the King was both valiant and active in feats of Arms, whom his sons did second and imitate very near. Nor was I ignorant he had many other brave Knights in his Court, which notwithstanding could not debar me from undertaking willingly the protection and defence of this Lady; so that if ye will upon her quarrel enter the combat with me, I am ready to go into the field, upon condition, if you be by me vanquished, the King shall never lay further claim to the Lady, nor to none of hers for the City of Arriace.  
Belcar accepted with a very good will the battle upon the same condition, and gave him to understand who he was. Whereat the Knight of the Dog was most glad: For all this, the King would not hazard his son to peril of death, but commanding him to sit down again in his place, told them he would in no wise accord unto this battle; because he was already resolved to do that which the ladies Knight had entreated him too, remembering himself what occurrences he had passed in seeking strange adventures: So that Belcar having seated himself again, in a great chafe, the King turned himself towards Prince Edward with this language. Gentleman, for your sake have I released the town of Arriace unto this Lady, conditionally she shall swear to keep it safe with sufficient gartisons of Soldiers able to defend it; that neither she nor her son shall hereafter be rebels to my Crown, and that you shall do one pleasure for me beside.  
Most willing will I employ myself in whatsoever it shall please you to command me (replied the Prince) so it be not to reveal my name, otherwise reputing the grace and favour that you have showed to this Lady, as if I had received it myself. Then directing his speech to the Lady be willed her to kiss the King's hand; the Amstants who saw how secret he kept himself, not bowing to do the like, they preshmed he was some Knight descended of high Parentage. In the mean time, Belcar and the Englishman were in some contention, but the Queen who took pity of the Lady of Arriaces tears, besought the King not to procure the death of her son by this mean; so that for many respects he gave the Lady her content, who swore solenmely unto him to observe all that he propounded to her faithfully: and to send him also her son unto his house, to be brought up to serve his Majesty. King Frisol requested the Knight to sojourn in his Court until the next sunday, to show him some Chivalries in a Tourney which should be held there; whereunto he answered he would willingly abide with him, albeit he had great affairs to do in another place. And hereupon the King commanding they should go to disarm him in some good chamber of the castle, the Knight thanked him greatly for that courtesy, excusing himself that he would not lean the Lady of Arriace. Whereupon the King commanded his Harbingers to see them very well lodged without his Palace.  
Every body stood gazing upon Maiortes the Dog which Clawdius lead in a Lease, marveling much at his height and goodly proportion, amongst whom were many which did much desire to have him; and above all, there was the Earl of Oregua, a great hunter and chacer in Forests ravished to enjoy him. Wherefore reputing himself a hardy Knight, be determined to lay an ambush for Prince Edward to take him away by violence as you shall understand. But the Lady being a very joyful woman to see her business have so happy issue, would not departed until the Tourney were finished; which her Knight also purposed to attend; who in the mean time was sore offended with himself that he combated not Belcar, because that slaying him in battle, he thought to do great pleasure to Gridonia, who hated mortally the partakers and lovers of the Emperor of her capital enemy.  
But the King and all the Lords there present, had no other talk but of him; so that Belcar who felt himself some what displeased hearing all the praise powered upon him, said thus much in all their hear; The hour approacheth when we shall see what he can do: Notwithstanding I marvel much of you my Lord (looking upon his father) that you suffer yourself so soon to be overcome with words. I have done it son (replied the King) to prevent the peril of your life, having no better right on my side, and let me hear no more, for good Knights ought to be honoured and maintained by Princes.  
After this commandment this pleacame no more in question, but every one provided to make himself brave against the Tourney, attending with an incredible desire to sir how the Knight of the Dog would be have himself. Sunday being once come, the King went accompanied with his Barons, and the Queen attended by her Ladies to the Scaffold, and presently the place of the jousts was opened, where were about two thousand Knights, what on one side and other, and the Duke of Borsa and the Earl of Oregua held upon the Courtier's side, being both very valiant Champions. A● the first encounter many knights were seen go to the ground than beginning to strike one upon another edgeling, ●●●●ling, and point wise, making such noise as if a Legion of Smiths had been beating upon their Anvils. But King Frisol looked about on every side, thinking to recognise the English Prince, who hearing say that the Skirmish was already begun (supposing some one or other of the King's Sons would be within the lists) he came thither accompanied with the xx. Knights of the Ladies: so that seeing the courtiers at the point of carrying away the victory, he purposed to relieve the féebler side: and dashing Spurs to his Horse, before he broke his Lance, he laid many a Knight along; then setting hand to his sword he did marvelous things: By this means knew him many Courtiers, who came to prove themselves against him. Amongst others, the Earl of Oregua coming very near him lent him two sound blows with his Mace: for which he sustained sudden revenge by one blow which Prince Edward crossed him over his Helmet, wherewith being sore hurt he fell to the ground. Surely, quoth the King then, who beheld the conflict, I perceive now that which my heart did presage unto me, of the prowess of the Knight of the Dog, to be true: things which every one may judge aswell as I, by his honourable seats of arms which do advance him far above all those of the whole troup. And as he uttered these speeches, behold Belcar and his brother Ditreus who enter the lists unknown, and for they said they would not be seen in the Tourney that day, to the end to avoid as much as might be, the clamour of the vulgar sort assoon as the Nobility were placed upon the Scaffolds, they went secretly to arm themselves, to thrust in among the crowd, as being no better than simple Knights only: where being arrived, Belcar ran his Lance couched with great fury against the Knight of the Dog; who seeing him come with such a powder, attended him covered with his shield: whereupon he received one lively attaint, wherewith had it not been for the band of the Armer or, who fatally tempered it, Prince Edward had been in danger of his life. Then began they to charge one another with invincible courage, nevertheless their conflict continued not long: because the Englishman who excelled Belcar in chivalry, feeling himself somewhat moved, lighted so fell a knock upon his Helmet, that he cloven it a two, and wounded him deep in his head; so that he was constrained to fall astonished to the ground. When the Prince of Hungary saw his brother Belcar lie so piteously vanquished, & the Courtiers overthrown, he ran as a mad man against Prince Edward with so terrible a fury, that his blow glancing within the plates of his pouldrons under his shield, he gave him a little wound in his arm: but he went not far from the place to vaunt himself thereof, for the Knight of the Dog reached him two so sound blows upon his left shoulder between his Habergion and his headpiece, that he sent him to keep his brother company. Afterward with the aid of the most valiantest on his side, he brushed his adversaries in such sort, that he made them all discampe to save themselves: and seeing himself victorious, being very weary and over traveled, he retired himself into his lodging, where he was by the Lady and her Knights disarmed, and his wound carefully looked unto. Mean while the King, who knew nothing of his sons disafter, showed himself to be very joyful to see that which he presumed of the Knight of the Dog to be in effect most true: and supposed thereby he had done very well not to grant his son Belcar the combat against him: nevertheless being arrived at the Palace, and finding them both in so ill pickle, he changed his sudden joy into sorrow, saying: Alas! I deserve this well, who did myself entreat the knight to attend the Tourney, to procure me this mischief: now let him go his ways on God's name, and that no man be so hardy as to disturb and vex him.  
The English Prince, understanding how Ditreus and his brother were wonderful ill at ease, through the wounds which they received of his hand, was the gladdest man in the world, for the respect which you have heard before: and considering how it was not very good to sojourn any longer in this court, requested the Lady to take her leave of the King, and that it would please him to pardon him if he abode no longer there: which she did most willingly, not without great inquiry of the King to know who her Knight might be, wherein the good Lady being not able to satisfy him any otherwise, but that a Merchant of Arriace had taken him into his ship in England as a passenger: He took her congee honestly of him to return home to her own house, whether the knight of the Dog would needs accompany her a good part onward of her way: whereof the Earl of Oregua being advertised, who hated him mortally, for that he had been dismounted by him in the Tourney: desiring also with an extreme affection, to get his fair Dog Maiortes from him, encouraged a brother of his, who was both a valiant and a hardy champion, to seek to be revenged of him, alleging he durst not leave the Court without incurring great suspicion. He framed so cunning a speech, that he sent his brother after Prince Edward with xx. Knights very well appointed & armed, praying him not to assail him, until he had intelligence by his spies, that he had taken his last leave of the Lady. And then taking some good opportunity they might overtake him to massacre him, getting into their possession assoon as they could the Dog. They followed him until the second days journey, when he took his farewell of the Lady with this fair semblant. Madame, will it please you to excuse me, if I bear you company no farther: for having matter of importance to be done in an other part, I see the term at hand when I must needs take my journey the that where my business lieth. Moreover, I hope now you shall do well enough without my aid, being almost at your home, where ye shall live hereafter in all peace and at your heart's ease.  
The Lady who saw him speak in good sooth, finding herself greatly beholding to him, durst not by any entreaty withdraw him from his voyage: which notwithstanding she would willingly have done, at the least to have gotten his company but unto her castle, to have feasted him there, and to have bestowed on him some presents beseeming his estate: wherefore taking her leave with tears in her eyes, she offered him some rich jewels, which he would in no wise accept, only he recommanded the Merchant unto her who brought him out of England, upon whom afterwards for his sake she bestowed many greatfavours: so will we suffer her in great joy & contentment to go home to her City, to tell what befell Prince Edward after he was departed from her company.   

CHAP. XXIII.  
How Prince Edward vanquished the twenty Knights whom the Earl of Oregua●s brother had laid in ambush to kill him, and to take away his Dog: and how afterward he was brought by strange adventure into a Cave, where he dreamt a terrible dream, and the sequel thereof.  
THe Knight of the Dog bidding the Lady of Arriace adieu, took his way towards Constantinople, when the Earl of Oreguaes' brother who followed him by the foot, had advertisement thereof by one of his spies, that was always at his elbows: by whose means learning perfectly what way he was to hold, rideth a great galloy to overtake him by a little path, which lead into a wood, hard by which he was to pass: where ambushing his xx. Knights, he went before, to the end that descrying him a far of, he might meet him full in the teeth, to make him endure the charge of his ambuscado. In brief, behold he cometh his lost and easy pace, as he who had a great journey to make, when the Earl's brother, who marched already against him, measuring by his eye how far he had to go to the place of the Ambush, eased a little the pace of hi● horse, to meet him just in the same place: where being arrived, he thus began. Knight, is it not you, who now go from the King of Hungaries' Court, with so good pennyworths of the disorders and outrages which ye have there committed? By God I will save you a labour from going far this ways to make your vaunts thereof. O it is I whom it concerneth replied Prince Edward to save you from this reproach of treason, which might be laid hereafter in your dish to your shame and dishonour, which I hope to do at this present by the aid of him, unto whom all injustice is odious and detestable. With that he came and charged his Lance with such a powder against the Earl's brother, that piercing him clean therein the body, he had no need to call ford Barber or Surgeon to dress his wounds, which the twenty Knights inambushed (who had already compassed him in round that he might not fly from them any ways) perceiving, ran two or three upon him at once, the one whereof failed his stroke, and winding himself aside at the attaint of the other, he hit the third which came carréering after them with such a sound blow upon the pate, that he sent him from his saddle between his horse heels, wherein falling down he burst his neck.  
Then the English Prince, seeing himself in extreme danger of life, made choice rather to lose it valiantly, than to save it by cowardly flight, so that in a moment his courage came to him in such sort, that he made his adversaries well know, they had sought him out but for their own mischance: For as a furious Lion he made such a bloody massacre of them, as the very grass being green before, & now all stained with their gore blood did give sufficient testimoney thereof. But whilst he stood to enclose with a great troop of them, the rest flew upon his man Clawdius saying to him; let go the Dog Rascal, or else thou shalt die presently without repenting thy sins. I will let him slip indeed (quoth the Page) but it shall be small for your advantage; before he had well spoken these words, ●etting slip one end of the Lease, be let Maiortes lose amongst them: the Dog spying his Master in that peril, ran so furiously to bite the horses that made front against him, pulling out with his teeth their buttocks & flanks, that they were forced to alight from their backs: Then began he to play the devil amongst them, nor was there any plate of their Harness so fast nailed, but he rend it in pieces with his teeth; then fastening in his sharp jaws in the places which he saw unarmed, he brought the flesh still away with him, until the greatest part of the twenty Knights were dead or wounded in the place; the rest betook them to their heels as fast as they could run, because Maiortes had made such work of their horses, that they could not stand them in any steed; such was the rage and fury of this Dog, that whosoever had beheld him tearing the flesh of their horses, and pulling their armour in pieces, might easily have remembered the Seian or Bactrian Dogs, whom they ●éede with the flesh and blood of men, to the end to make them more fierce and eager against their enemy.  
Prince Edward for his part received but two or three little wounds, & to recure the same, went into a little City not far from thence into a rich Burghers house, who feasted him very honourably during the time of his malady, which lasted but eight days, because none of his wounds were dangerous at all; but being healed and closed up, he purposed to betake himself again to his former journey with his man Clawdius and Maiortes his good Dog, whom he loved and made more account of than before. Already was the greatest part of the day overspent, before Prince Edward had made an end of the conflict which ye have heard recited, whereof the Earl of Oregua being advertised by one of those who saved himself by virtue of his heels; he was ready to die through rage and despite: and causing the bodies of his Brother and the other slain Knights to be interred, could not tell how to conceal this ignominious oversight (as in like case the true judge of all, doth permit such heinous disloyalties to be quickly made known) but the bruit came to the King's ear: Who forthwith imprisoned him as a transgressor of his commandment, thereby to manifest unto the world his own innocency in this treason, considering the conjectures which might be gathered by the hard measure which his two wounded sons received at the hands of this stranger: Which deed if it caused him to be highly honoured throughout all his kingdom; no less did every one commend the prowess and valour of the Knight of the Dog, who being recovered of his wounds, as ye have lately read, hath taken his leave of his Host to prosecute his intented voyage. And traveling five days space along the sea Coast, on the s●●t he entered into a forest, and found not in all that whole day any cabin or Tent wherein to make his repast, but one only old house where some shepherds had set by a lodge covered with thatch; so that he was constrained to lodge therein all that night with Claudius his Page, who led along with him his great Dog: nevertheless before any sleep could close up his eyes, he saw from a corner wherein he was couched upon a little straw, coming into that homely Cell, two goodly young Stags, casting forth of their eyes an admirable glistering, whom assoon as Maiortes espied, he started up forthwith, as if he would have rushed upon them furiously. But it tell out to the contrary, for they went out again all three one after another, as quietly as if they had been brought up in one house together all their life time: so that the Prince no less astonished with this new accident: than desirous to see the end which would follow thereof, went forth of the Shéepecoate for the same purpose; and beholding the three beasts run very lovingly and quietly into the wood together, he said. Now so God help me, it would greatly vex me if I should lose in this sort the Dog, which I have heretofore so well defended: therefore Claudius bring me my horse, that I may go after to save him if I can. He had not scarce spoken the word, but the Page was come with his horse, upon which mourning he was soon in the same way which he saw they had taken: and albeit he gallopyed amain, yet could he never overtake them, and nevertheless he never lost them out of his sight. So that following them all night long, being very glad to see them trip so lovingly together before him, yet was he far more joyful when he perceived them hide themselves within the narrow month of a Cave; where he being arrived, leaving his horse with his Page who followed him, entered in presently after them with his good sword in his hand. So farwent he within that dark hole under ground, that he at the last drew near to a goodly rich Palace, joining hard unto a most pleasant garden planted round with all sorts of fruit trees: betwixt which he saw many channels running with clear streams, coming all forth of a most sumptuous and magnificent fountain, whose basin of fine Insper stone, was supported by three Harpies of Oriental Christolite. There Prince Edward encouraged himself to go on, and as he went a little farther, he found under a Pavilion of cloth of Gold, a most beautiful & gracious Lady sitting between the two Stage, and his Dog just over against her: whom the Knight seeing before him, laid his hands upon the heads of the two Fawns, of whom immediately was made a wonderful Metamorphosts, for they became two young men very richly attired, unto whom the Prince drawing near, being greatly amazed of that sudden transmutation, they began to show great reverence unto him, and the Lady by and by fell upon her knees, saying: Fair Knight, by the thing ye love best in this world, we beseech you pardon us; if with this trouble and disease of mind we have caused you to come so far: for it hath not been without good occasion, considering the long time we attend you here with great denotion: and ye may be undoubtedly assured not to suffer any disease in this place, rather will we serve you here as him, who ought to re-establish unto us, that which God and nature had prepared for us after the death of our father. Behold here your Dog whom my Brethren brought into this place, not to the end to steal him from you, but to cause you only to come into this place. Prince Edward having heard this Damsel speak, whom in the mean time he took up from the ground by the hand, appeased his choler, and answered her thus.  
Madame, of a troth I was in very great care, fearing to lose this Dog, which I lose more than ye may imagine, notwithstanding, seeing I have recovered him, I pardon you willingly wherein soever you say ye have offended me: and if ye can devise wherein I may employ my best endeavours to do you good in that which they detain from you wrongfully, I shall as willingly do it, as any Knight whom ye may find within the circute of the Horkon, or in the whole centre of the world. Then the Damsel thanked him most humbly, and taking him by the hand, lead him to sitdowne by her in a Chair, where the two youngmen disarmed him: then brought they him out victuals to break his fast, and (after he had well eaten and satisfied his hunger) they prayed him to lay down his head upon a rich pillow, which they laid for him upon the side of a sent, there to repose himself, which he did willingly, being very weary with the travel which he had endured the night before, wherein he never slept wink. The Lady covering his legs with a Scarlet Mantle furred with Wloluerings, he fell a sleep presently, & in the mean time the two brethren went to fetch Claudius, who stayed with his Horse looking for him as yet at the mouth of the Cave. After that the English Prince had slept a good while, he awaked suddenly out of his sleep, being sore affrighted with a terrible dream which he had dreamt: It seemed to him to arrive at Constantinople to defy Primaleon, where entering within the City, he met a Lion, and a fierce lioness, which as he would set his foot within the Gate, issued forth and ramped against him, tearing away with her paws the forepart of his Haubergion, in such sort, that making still a wound bigger and bigger in his breast just against his heart, it seemed to him that his soul did presently departed out of his body. And as he thought beside that the Lion and he being furiously in fight together, he could in no wise prevail to vanquish, nor in good sort defend himself from him, he was so much in nature resembling to the lioness: which caused him in a great fright to start out of his sleep, saying: Lord God help me, and permit not I beseech thee, that I receive any shame or dishonour in the battle which I hope to have against Primaleon: with that Olymba rose up (for so was the Lady called sitting at his s●oe) saying. Sir, ye awake very sorrowful, and I know not what may give you occasion thereof, if it be not some dream, which ye know better than I, men account but false, and abusive imaginations: for when they should be true, and should presage & foretell to credulous persons some token of future occurrences, ye are not ignorant but that the noble and generous minds must pass thorough many strange and hard adventures. In good faith ye say true Madam, replied the Knight, seeing that to find you in this place with your Brethren lately transformed, I reputed a thing most strange and marvelous: wherefore I beseech you declare unto me the whole discourse. Sir, replied Olymba, most willingly will I obey you in this request, since that it pleaseth you to understand our great disaster.  
Know ye, that we are all three children of the deceased Sultan of Nicaea, the same who died by the most disloyal and tycannous mischance that ever was heard of: for this good Prince our Father, being by nature meek and gentle, loved most dearly a younger brother that he had, called Gelon, who of a troth never showed him any part of reciprocal love again, because from day to day he sought out all means to kill him, to seize himself wholly with his estate & signiories, which fell out after a while as they were both together Hunting abroad. For my Father upon a time making an assembly near unto a thick brake wherein his Hunters had enclosed a great wild Boar, and spread the ●oyle about it, to show him some pastime, the traitor seeing himself still near my father, with three or four of his faction, as he espied him a straight passage, beset & covered every way round with thick bushes (by which way he doubted the Boar would issue) launched at him behind his hack a very sharp javeline, which he carried in his hand, with such violence, that it ran him clean thorough the body, being constrained to fall at that very instant from his Horse back to the ground, in the self same place: so that the Boar coming foaming and grinding his teeth in furious manner, toare and rent in pieces the Carcase already dead, the felon murderer our Uncle, making the world believe how the Boar had slain him, and would have done the like to him, had he not shifted himself a little aside: so that some Hunters who saw very well the contrary, durst never open their mouth so much they feared lest some mischief would be done them if they should make any speech thereof. This lamentable murder being committed, he went straight to Nicaea, where investing himself with the whole Estate in less than fifteen days he proclaimed himself Soidan without any contradiction, my brethren and I being too little to resist so damnable a creature; and yet for all that the cruel & bloody minded monster would have slain us then in that our pupillage, had it not been for the aid of a Knight called Osmaquin, very well learned in the Art of Magic and necromancy, who by the virtue of his secret Philosophy could foretell to our father, that he should take heed of Gelon his younger brother, unto whom he gave no credit, whereby this mischief happened unto him. But the good old man as soon as our father was deceazed, conducted us three into this place, where by means of his knowledge he hath built these goodly magnificences which you see, and dwelled here about four years, using us as his own children; but at the end of that term he fell into a grievous and contagious malady, with the which fearing to infect us (knowing assuredly he should then die) would not in any wise we should frequent near him; but upon a time, feeling himself at the very last extremity of his life, caused us to come before him saying; My children sorrow ye not for my death, seeing that God being pitiful and merciful, will remember you before it belong; for a Christian Knight issued of Royal blood, revenging the death of your father, shall restablish you in the goods which are wrongfully detained from you, and you shall know him by a fair Dog which he hath, being a great deal better than he is supposed to be, in so much, as it is a man and a very valiant Knight. In fine, be commanded us having once met you, to pass with you unto Constantinople, where he foretold us you should receive a wound in Combat, whereof you might never be cured in all your life time, albeit it should be to your honour and immortal renown: For the better direction of which voyage, and to avoid all shipwreck in this Navigation, he told us we should find a Frigate ready rigged with all things necessary not far from this place: then giving us many other wholesome admonitions, for want of his breath which began to sail him, be yielded his soul unto him who demanded it, in the same place as ye see, from whence my brethren have issued forth divers times to see if they might find you: And now I praise God it is not in vain, because the Dog which Osmaquin told us off, maketh me doubtless believe, all the rest will prove as true as this. You recount me great matters (quoth the Knight then) I beseech God with all my heart they may have a happy end, that I may revenge you of so soul a treason. Mine advise being to go assoon as may be towards Constantinople, where the great affection I have to see the adventure which is reserved for me, makes me think every hour a year. Then the young men bowing themselves very low, & doing their obeisance to the Knight, thus bespoke him. Noble Prince, since that by fatal destiny it falleth to your good hap to relieve us out of this misery, we hope also our valour will be something more advantage to us, in receiving the order of Knighthood from your hand, the which I humbly kiss at this present, quoth the Elder called Mosderin, in token of the perpetual service which ye shall always find at my hands: the like did the younger named Bellager. Prince Edward embracing them both, was very glad to see Claudius her Page there also, to the end he might make more speed away: so coming forth of the Cave, he mounted the Infant behind himself, and Mosderin upon Clandius horse, and his Page behind him (for Bellager would go on foot) they began fair and softly to set forward thorough a Forest. And because they could not that evening reach the Sea-coast, they rested within a wood in a very thick place all covered and beset with trees full of leaves and green boughs, where the Knight could not sleep one wink, so much was his mind troubled with thinking of Maiortes, whom the Damsel had told him to be a man, and of the other things which Osmaquin had prophesied of him, which did all jump right with the imagination of his dream: wherein his thoughts were still occupied until it was day, when they remounted on horse back, & marching along the sea coast, they came at last unto a little creek lying between two Rocks, where they found the Frigate at an Anchor, whereinto they went all aboard to Ship themselves.  
In this vessel were two little Chambers either of them garnished with a fine bed, and with whatsoever provision was requisite for such a voyage: therein was also found two rich Armours varnished black, with two very fair sword for the young Gentlemen which Osmaquin had laid in that place before he died, together with all the treasure of the Sultan their father, foreknowing well by means of his Art, what would ensue after their father's decease. So soon as the young men syied these Armours, they besought Prince Coward to Arm them Knights before they set sayie, whereunto he most willingly condescended; and causing them to endoss the Armours, he buckled on the spurs unto them both, and girded both their swords unto their sides, giving them the gentle accolado with these kind speeches; I pray God to make you as good Knights as your aspect and phistognomie doth prognosticate, that the prowess and valour which shall hereafter apparently proceed from you, may deface the want of this act not accomplished according to the ceremonies requisite in the honour of Chivalry.  
When they had thus received the order of Knighthood, they hoysedsailes, and without ever setting eye of any other ship, they rowed so long, that within a while they found themselves in the main Sea: where the Infant Olymba was so glad, seeing her two Brethren Knighted, that she could not satisfy herself in her diligent attendance upon Prince Edward. So that sailing with a prosperous and a calm sea, they came to surge within the coast of Thrace, whence Prince Edward descrying Constantinople a great way off, his heart began to rise, not knowing what fortune would befall him in that City.  
And for that he would not directly put into an Haven, they Anckored in a little gulf about five miles off, where never any Ships used to ride: and yet thither haunted some poor Fishermen, whose dwelling was not far of.  
As they were all gotten a shore: My friends, quoth Prince Edward to the young Gentlemen, I must of necessity go into Constantinople; where I hope to have the combat granted me against Primaleon of Greece, son to the Emperor Palmerin, for indeed for no other cause am I come into these climates: wherein if God so much savour me, that I may escape with my life, I promise you to be here again quickly, to aid you with all my power: and if peradventure I die, ending my life in this Combat, heaven a grant ye may speedily recover your estate and succession. Therefore mine advise is; that ye abide here to accompany the Infant your sister, for I am determined to pass thither alone, as I came when ye first found me out.  
When Olymba heard the Prince speak in this manner, she began to fetch a deep sigh, saying; Ah Noble sir, God for bid your death should be so sudden, I hope assuredly, you shall return victorious in this battle; therefore trouble not yourself with any of these thoughts and cares, but have your confidence in God only, who shall be your Protector.  
Then Bellager interrupting this her speech, requested the Knight he would not for any thing in the world abandon him, whereby he might not see the end of this combat; so that he must needs go along, and Mosderin, who would feign have made the same voyage, was feign to keep his sister company: where we will leave them to bring the two Knights unto the City of Constantinople.   

CHAP. XXIIII.  
How Prince Edward being arrived in Constantinople to defy Primaleon upon the death of Perrequin of Duas, found himself surprised with the amorous and gracious regard of the Infant Flerida the emperors daughter: and how he and Primaleon fight afterward a Combat at all 〈…〉, were by her parted, and what fell out thereupon.  
PRince Edward and Bellager having taken the way of Constantinople, had not traveled above two miles, but they met with many Knights who were walking abroad in the fields: For this place being very pleasant and of great recreation, the Emperor would needs show some pastime of hunting to Torques son to Kings Toma● of Griesca and of Romata, him whom he had before delivered out of the hands and dangerous assaults of the Sultan of I'ersia.  
This Torques a most gallant Gentleman and very actius ●●eats of Arms, pricked on with the spur of virtue to win bruit and renown among the best Knights, hearing every day such high commendation of those in the emperors Court surpassing the best accomplished and most valiantest Knights in all Europe and Asia, he besought the King his Father upon a time to give him licence to go there to see them.  
Whereunto he most willingly gave his consent, and she rather because the good Prince Palmerin was one of the greatest friends he had, a thing which might easily be judged by the sumptuous and most honourable entertainment which he made his son at his arrival, unto whom Primaleon opened the secret gates of his amity, love, and faithful friendship, in such sort, that they were never shut unto him afterward.  
Now by this time Prince Edward being come just to the place where was pitched the emperors Cent (who was then walking abroad with his Empress along by a little fresh stream which was very near unto that place, Primaleon and Torques with the Infant Flerida, and divers other Ladies walking after them) he was greatly amazed and astonished for a time, but at the last he asked of a Squire who it was.  
Sir (quoth he) it is the Emperor of Constantinople, who came hither yesterday to take his disport and pleasure at the Chase: Accompanied with the Prince of Griesca, who arrived but this other day within his Court; And if you be a stranger in this place (as it seemeth unto me you are) I will presently show you the Emperor if you know him not, for behold where he is himself in person walking with the Empress.  
Kite joyful was the knight of the Dog to behold the Emperor, calling to mind the marvelous deeds which he heard reported of him, & approaching nearer, be did not alight at all from his horse, to show that he came not to do him any service. But a little he bowed himself on his horse mane, saying: Sir, of your favour I would request you, it may please you to show me if Primaleon your son be in this tronye or no, for that before you (esteemed the most just and equitable Prince living at this day under the firmament) I will desks him upon the death of a knight whom he feloniously slew in his tourney. jesus Christ, (quoth the Emperor, then being some what affended) and when will this demand have an end? I tell ye knight, that both you and all those who shall come to take this revenge, seem unto me rashly advised, since the truth of the act is so manifest and notorious. But the Prince who saws him speak thus in choler, marveled at the manner of his answer, for that he reputed him a little more modest and discreet than he seemed to be at that time, so that being not able to contain within his heart the burning ●eale which provoked him so far, he was forced to reply upon his former purpose thus: Sir, I did not think to receive so rigorous an answer from so benigue and courteous a prince as ye are, nevertheless to use no superfluity of speech, ye shall know from me, that if Peregrim of Dugas have not been yet avenged, though small courage and cowardice of those who came hither for that purpose hath been the cause thereof, as I hop●●rs long to shew● you plainly, if ye will grant me the combat against your see. I will see, quoth the Emperor, what you can do more than others who have entered the field upon this quarrel, whom I esteem of more, or at least of as great valour, and as expert knights as yourself. At that word prince Edward thought great scorn, & would talk no longer with him, but being become saturnine, and dreaming built castles in the air, when Primaleon & Torques, who lead between them fair Flerida by the hands, arrived at the place where this protestation was made, and coming in the same manner all three nearer unto the knight, Primaleon who knew what the matter was before, sainteth him thus My friend I am Primaleon, would ye any thing with me ● Nought but vengeance, replied the Englishman, for the death of Perregrim of Ducas, whom ye slew cowardly, and not as an honourable and loyal knight. It sufficeth (quoth the Constantinopolitan) hereupon ye shall have the combat with me, which shall not be deferred any longer, than till I come from arming myself. For God forbidden that such stains and reproaches imputed to mine honour, should ever: for me be deferred or remitted unto farther dispute and longer process of time to decide them. Oh my God, 'gan the infant Flerida, what unreasonable destances are these? I never heard of any demand more impudent and more, inconsiderately propounded than this, since that so often the truth there of hath been tried, as every one can tell, and I cannot imagine what other guerdon those knights pretend to have, who come to revenge this death upon my brother, but only to and my days, without any show of other honest reason. These speeches uttered she with so great a stomach, that the very grief which her heart apprehended, caused the fair superficies of her angelical face to show so perfectly, that there is no man living but would have remained marueliously a bashed to beheld her so natural and accomplished beauty. She enoing her exclamation turned towards prince Edward her wit in eyes, ●●dewed with tears; which distilled from her brain, through the vehemency of the anguish which she felt in her breast, seeing her brother whom she loved as her own soul, so chafed, and so perverse against her, to perform the battle. The gracious and pitiful regard of these two glistering stars wounded in a moment the heard of the knight in such strange manner, that losing almost all sense, he clean forgot Gridonia also, and the passion of this his gr●●ne and new wound was so vehement, that he found no physician nor surgeon who could understand the method of his cure, except the very same from whom his wound was inflicted. Alas, what might he then do: Surely, willingly would be have desisted with his honour from this battle, only to have done some acceptable service to the Princess Flerida, whereby to have gotten some access to be near her. But what? Primaleon his a adversary departed to go arm himself, and the infant more than his mortal enemy (for without dying all her forces failed her, and her very fine we● did shrink for ●●ard) she retired herself incontinent with the Empress into h●r sent: Alas, the poor desolate lover remained as it were ravished and in a trance, thinking on the dream he had within the cave of Osmaguin, and on the words which Olymba told him: likewise he called to mind the two figures pictured upon his shield, and of that which the Duke of Borsaes' sister, and the ye sent in the wood had forewarned him of. All these things coming into his imagination, made him so perplexed and irresolute, as he could not tell what to do, it seeming unto him that for some one of these things whereof he was so many times sorewarned, began to be true in deed. And on the other side, considering the high valour of Flerida, and 〈◊〉 whence she descended, he saw many reasons which did invite him to lo●● her about Gridonia, whom he had not as yet ever seen, nor promised any other thing but only by his Letter to combat Primaleon, to do her service, so that he said within himself: O God of Gods, how great and admirable are all thy judgements? Who is able to overthrow the things which are by thee established? Surely no living creature. Then if I may acchieve the fruition of mine unhoped for desire, which hath now assailed my soul, I shall have none ocsion to complain of Fortune. Wherein (to make my first assay) either I will suffer myself to be vanquished in this combat, or else I will employ all the forces which God and nature have lent me, to overthrow Primaleons' and it behoveth me to do my best, least I appears to be of small valour in presence of so fair a Lady, for if it be in my power to kill her brother, and I for her love save his life, shall I not thereby purchase her grace & amity? Mean while the knight of the Dog had these imaginations it: his head Primaleon, who had taken post to go arm himself in Constantinople, returned mounted upon a puissant courser, whom the Emperor mitigating his sudden indignation against the knight, began to view him better, and judging by his very look some excellent thing in him, commended him highly in his opinion & Bellagor likewise who accompanied him thither: then cesting his ●is toward Claudius and his saire Dog, Maiortes marveled much more what he was, so that Primaleon being arrived, the Emperor his father used this speech unto him. Son, take ye heed ye behave yourself valiantly in this battle, for your enemy seemeth to be both magnanimous and generous. My gracious Lord & Father, replied Primaleon, it shall stand him then in good stead, seeing he cometh to sustain a quarrel so unjust & repugnant to all reason. Then the Emperor who saw them both in a readiness to do their devoires, commanded the Earl of Rhedon Captain of his Pensioners, that assembling all his A●chiers with their halberds, he should make a round in form of a close field, wherein none should dare to stir from his place, nor speak any word: and so was there made a great circle furnished with the guards standing arm in arm one by another, except on the side of the emperors tent, to the end both he and the Empress, and their daughter, might easily behold this combat. The Duke's Eustace and P●holomey were appointed for judges, who brought them both within the lists, & equally without any favour distributed to them the Sun. Then placing themselves at the one side of the circle, and causing the word of the assault to be given by the Herald, the knights, who had great desire to come together, displaced themselves to fetch their carier● as fast as they could gallop one against another, with so great a bravery and furious violence, that the very earth seemed to sink under them at their encounter, which was such, that breaking their lances one against the other, they went both roundly over their horse croupers to the ground, either of them being wounded a little. But the desire to vanquish, & the shame they received in being both cast out of their faddles, (Primaleon before Torques and prince Edward in presence of Flerida, whom he imagined had still her eye upon him) made them make quicks speed to recover themselves, and embracing with an invincible courage their shields, they began a most fierce fight with their swords being both right exquisite and singular good. Wherewith be labouring each other roughly, in a short space they covered the ground round about them with the pieces of their shilds', & with the broken plates of their armour, so that disarming each other at every blow they struck, they never lighted any foil or touch, but presently the blood followed to the ground, the beholders affirming they never saw the like cruel combat, whereof they could not discern as yet who should bear away the victory. The two knights then having a long time buckled together in this manner without perceiving anis vantage one of an other, felt themselves very feeble by reason of the great heals which they endured under their harness, and also for the smell intermission they took to continue this hot and fearful ●ight of their first assault. Wherefore they returned from choler to repose and breath themselves a while, when the Empress seeing her son in so evil case, cried out to the Emperor, saying: Alas my Lord, what a disaster & mischief is this? Will ye than permit that I behold the mortal issue of so tragic a spectacle? Ah heavens for bid, for if Primaleon die, I shall presently bear him company. If then either love of a child or of a wife ●●ay find any place in the heart of a father and a husband, I humbly entreat you have pity of us both, considering the great danger wherein he is now, and the extreme anguish which I feel, which ye may soon remedy, praying them to proceed no farther in this their deadly fight. Willingly would I accord, quoth the Emperor, were it not for the shame and dishonour which thereby would fall upon my head, for the world would then sai●, I had done it expressly fearing my son should be discomitted in the battle: albeit I perceive no sign of advantage that the one hath over the other, assuring you that by the death of two so valiant knights, the world should receive great loss, for the good fruit which might come of their persons. Rather let your daughter Fl●rida go to entreat them for her love they would end, and desist this combat, and doubtless I suppose they will sooner surcease it for her than for any other, and by this means shall I auo●● the danger of being ●a●ed therefore by mine enemies and evil willers. Scanthad the Emperor spoken these words, but the Empress who seemed greatly to fear the death of Primaleon, for this effect sent the infant her daughter, accompanied with many damsels, who coming with all speed unto the knights who had already renewed their assault more furiously than before, called unto them aloud. Stay your hands my Lords, stay I beseech ye, & hear me a little what I would entreat ye to do for me. Thou prince Edward seeing her before him who had wounded his heart clean through, could not lift up his arms to strike a blow, seeing himself vereft again of all his forces, which caused him to retire backwards a little, when Primaleon cha●ing with great indignation against his sister, spoke to her very rigorously. Sister Flerida, what mean ye get yet gone from hence presently, and let us pursue our assault, for I will die in the place, or I will make him die who hath put me to this plungs. Dearchrother, replied the infant. I beseech ye above all favours that ye will ever do me, desist the desire ye have to finish this combat, wherein I think your enemy so courteous, that he for his part will be content to agree for my sake. Then turning towards prince Edward, Fair Knight, quoth she, albeit I find myself of small trierite in your behalf, yet must I needs request ye by the saith ye own to knighthood (which is to have compassion of all Ladies) and by the zeal and sincere affection ye bear to her whom ye love most, to absolve your adversaris as touching this different, which I may no longer endure to behold so bloudity tried between ye, so invincible seemeth unto me the high valour and extreme prowess of ye both. And if for my s●l●e ye do any thing herein, I shall have cause to s●ie, I have found more favour and courtesy in a stranger, than in mine own natural brother: which shall not be without honest reward, when it shall please ye to employ me in any thing wherein I may manifest my good will to requite this undeserved courtesy of your hands. The knight seeing with what grace his sweet enemy entreated him, reputed himself more than happy by this opportunity to find me and to do some thing which might please her, so that be framed her this answer: Madam, ingrateful and voice of all good judgement should I be, if I should refuse so high a Lady as yourself the ●●ing ye demand of 〈…〉 your sweet save, who deserve much more at my lauden, then may ever come from me, I absolve Primaleon of the controversy for which we entered the combat, or else yielding myself unnquished by him, I give him the honour of the battle: 〈…〉 it for yourself, quoth Primaleon then, for since it is not 〈◊〉 by right, I will not enrich nor glorify myself therewith. Then shall ●● triuth ●● my pleasure, when I shall 〈…〉 over ye. Therefore sister Flerida get ye hen●● speedily, or otherwise ye will make me show myself discourteous towards ye, for I will not have this knight make his vaunts how he brought me to this bay. Do then your pleasure, replied the rainfall, nevertheless I will never consent 〈◊〉 ye strike one another any more; because too lamentable 〈…〉 end of this battle if ye be let alone. Hay what may, quoth Primaleon, we will finish it now, seeing we have begun, and with that he approached his enemy, unto whom he let drive a puissant blow, which he warded with his shield, for all which he never p●t●and to his sword to strike again, or to revenge himself, which the Emperor perceiving, departed from his pavilion in great indignation against his son, whom he came to pull by the arm out of the field saying: What indignity do ye now make your sister endure, refusing her utterly a thing, which a knight of strange Country (who never saw her before,) hath with all courtesy granted her? This act by your opinion, is it heroical and 〈◊〉, or base and ridiculous? So and disarm yourself quickly, and know you have highly displeased me. And ye knight, withdrawing yourself on God's name whether it 〈…〉 unto ye, praise your good fortune hardly, to have purchased his day so great reputation at 〈◊〉, (as well in 〈…〉 all ●●●ghtes whom I over 〈◊〉 or frequented, that if it ●ad pleased God you had never come into my court to make demand of this sorrowful combat.  
Wonderful glad wereall the assistants of it is worthy act of the Emperor, & doubtless prince Edward himself knew full wall 〈◊〉 the 〈…〉 of his enemy, whom the two Judges were sai●● with all their might to lead out of the field in to his tent 〈◊〉 him. But he was in such a rage and extreme madness with himself, that do they what ever they ●●uld, in an hear● they were not able to apply ani e plaster unto his wounds. 〈◊〉 in the mean 〈◊〉 the fair Princess Flerida withdrew herself towards prince Edward, to the end to 〈◊〉 him heartle thanks ●● the great 〈◊〉 and favour he had showed her, presented him many honest offers, and amongst other told him these two or three words. Brave knight, I have found such courtesy in you, that whilst my soul shall make habitation in this possible body, who therein greatly confesseth himself bounden to ye, I shall remember the great graces ye have showed me this day, for the condign thanks due unto ye therefore, the heavens grant me so much grace, that some occasion may present itself unto me, wherein I may have mean to testify that in effect, which I cannot in words sufficiently protest unto ye. Longer would she feign have discoursed with prince Edward, (for love discovered already both to the one and the other I know not what fatal liking) if the Empress had not gone herself to see her son disarmed, by means whereof she giving him a gracious farewell (such at the least did he interpret it) took her congee of her secret lover. Who seeing her departed so of a sudden from him without any leisure to answer her, was so perplexed as he knew not well what to do nor to say, until that his page Claudius and Bellager coming towards him brought his horse, as it were awaked out of a sound sleep, he mounted incontinently on horseback, taking back the same way to the place where he left Olymba and Mesderin, & as he traveled thither, Bellager, who was no less astonished of the bloody battle which he saw him sight, than of his great valar and prowess, as they were on their way bespoke him in this manner. Sir knight, of a troth you have showed at the request of the princes a great token of your honest and milne disposition towards Primaleon. Companion (quoth the princes) I know not what I should answer thee, but that he is one of the most valiant and skilful knights whom I ever saw in my life: nevertheless much more did the delicate hand and the eloquent tongue of the infant his after urge me, than did his heavy & sound blows, or all the skill of his fight, whereby he can so advantageously help himself. Bellager hearing the Englishman speak with so great affection, began to smile a little, when he prosecuted his point, saying: Surely I believe the cruel wound which Osmaginni prophesied you should receive there, is in deed no other thing but the extreme beauty of the princes, which I should never have imagined to have been so accomplished had I not ●●ne her before with mine eyes. And prince Edward saying moreover, that God and nature had made her so 〈…〉 a paragon only to plague him prayed him to wrap up his 〈…〉 a l●le. (for he loss much blood and had in dured a crued phlebotomy, which he and Clau●us did as well as they could, until they came to their lodging, where they arrived very late, for whom Olymba and Mesderin were in great pain, knowing not well what was become of them, or what success they had. When afterwards they saw Prince Edward, they entertained him with unspeakable joy, ask him many times how he did: Ah Madam, quoth he, better had it been for me never to have stirred from home this day, for so much as I have seen a thing which hath cruelly wounded me, nay rather hath brought me into more than a mortal 〈…〉. Lake no care for that, replied the infant Olymba, because he who hath wounded you, shall himself apply the free and sovereign plaster to your grief. With that she disarmed him with her own hands, then spreading singular 〈…〉 which Osmaguin left her, upon his wounds, she caused him to sat him down in the 〈…〉 hedd● within the F●egot, where he slept fondly, not without great need: and in the mean time Bellager recounted the success of the battle unto his brethren, commending him highly, who doubtless deserved it. In fine, advising with themselves what they were 〈◊〉, according to the ordinance which Osmaguin had left them, they soyned with so good a gale all that night, that about the point of d●i● they found themselves in Mora●a a city situate, within the 〈◊〉 of the 〈◊〉 of Nicaea, where dwelled at the 〈◊〉 time ● brother of the sage Osmaguin, a very gallant knight and the principal man in that place, whereof the princess Oly●●b a ●●ing 〈…〉 as soon as she was up to visit prince Edward, 〈…〉 of him how he did. Merg well made me, 〈…〉 out ward wounds, but 〈◊〉 of one which I have 〈…〉 well remedy sound for that as for the other, replied the damsel, and I till you that your desires shall have a most happy end: for to obtain the which, when time shall serve, I will show you the way which etc. 〈…〉, so that now at this present ye sta●● in need of nothing but of refreshing, and to make you strong, to the 〈…〉 may speedily secure us, for we are already in one of the 〈…〉 of the soldan our uncle, where dwelleth Osmaguin 〈…〉 whom we repose great const●ence, as in one of the principal servants of the soldan and of our best friends. Madame, replied the Knight, it shall be yours to command me, and mine to they ye until death. I yield ye a thousand thanks, quoth the damsel, albeit for my life I should not dare to use any command towards you, seeing it is I whom it near ●y cometh to do ye the baste service I can. Notwithstanding, se●●ing aside the circumstances for this present, it shall please you to understand, how we three have, whilst ye three 〈…〉 resolved and made absolute determination 〈◊〉 that which we are come to do in this place, according to the 〈…〉 which Osmaguin lest us at his ●●th. And ●● have thought i● best that Bellager should go attired like a 〈◊〉 unto 〈◊〉 (so ●● the knight named) to understand of him how 〈…〉 behave ourselves to proceed in this business. This advise was 〈◊〉 best of all by prince Edward, therefore Bellager entering into a 〈◊〉, appareled like a civil merchant, wi●e a Span●, went into the town as far as Maruins house, unto which every one he met directed him easily. As soon as he was g●●ieu unto his house, after salutations, he gave him to understand how he would deliver a secrate message unto him, which no man 〈…〉 but himself. So with drawing themselves 〈…〉, Bellager r●● al●● unto him who he was, 〈…〉 appointment of his brother they came th●ther, accompanion with a valiant christian knight, to recover their estate. When Maruin understood the matter (s●●ing Bellager so goodly and villain a Gentleman) he was marvelous glad, and listing up both his hands to beauens for joy, thus besp●ke. 〈◊〉 be the 〈…〉 tie God, who is mindful of ye in the end, my 〈…〉 sovereign Lords, he● yes most hearty 〈…〉 with that house, as those who shall want nothing which I may ●● for ye, to re-establish ye in your own estate, & as shine as the evening shall come, see that you, your sister, and all th● other who accompany them, come secretly into this place, where I will keep you until I impart your arrival unto many others who have like desire as I have to do you good, to the end we may advise together how to bring this our enterprise best about. Bellager having received this advertisement, went directly towards the company, who attended his coming with great devotion, so that as soon as the hour of the night was come which Maruin and he had agreed upon, they all went ashore in a place where they found one of his sons, who waited there for them of purpose to guide them the way: and presently the bark wherein they came, vanished out of sight, and was never seen afterwards. They being all safe arrived at the house, and lodged in the most commodious part thereof, where none of the servants did frequent, when Maruin saw his fittest time he● went to visit the children of his true liege and sovereign, unto whom he wept for joy in welcoming them thither. Then having given such courteous entertainment to prince Edward as beseemed a man of his calling, he used such care and diligence in all things to do him good, that within a short space be cured him of all his wounds. But let us suffer them to rest here a little, while Maruin work his complo●s with other his conductors, to make an end of the first book of Primaleon, whose generous and heroical ●●ates of arms are continued in a second parts, no less profitable than pleasant, and full of all sweet recreation to delight the readers, with infinity of amore and martial discourses, the like never read of in any history before.   
FINIS.