THE LOVE AND ARMS OF THE GREEK PRINCES.  
OR, THE ROMANT OF ROMANTS.  
Written in French by Monsieur Verdere, And Translated for the Right Honourable, Philip, Earl of Pembroke and Montgomery, Lord Chamberlain to his Majesty.  
HONI SOIT QVI MAL Y PENSE   printer's or publisher's device 
LONDON, Printed by Thomas Harper, for Thomas Walkley, and a●e to be sold at his Shop at the sign of the flying Horse, near York House, 1640.   


CHAP. I The wonder that ensued the great battle of Aleppo.  
THe night coming on, with a lamentable grief in those which were the victors, for the loss of so many Princes, by the valour of whom, all Christendom was so much glorified: and with an extreme amazement of all the Pagans to see such a slaughter of so many Kings, Giants, and Knights, who had gathered themselves together for the ruin of the Christian Empire. Amadis of Greece unwilling to expose his soldiers to the hazard of the darkness of the night, commanded the retreat to be sounded; whereupon fires were made in every part of the camp, good Courts of Guard were settled, and the charge of the watch being committed to the trust of the King Melinda, and him of the I'll of Magera, (as those which we●e less tired than the rest) all those Princes whom the heavens had preserved from the fury of the sword, rendered themselves at the Tent of the Emperor Amadis of Greece: who unable to take the care of Council upon him, by reason of the multitude of his wounds, remitted it wholly to the wisdom of Prince Florizel, of Niquea his son; he desiring in some sort to mitigate the sorrow he was in for the loss of his kinsmen, by the utter ruin of the Pagans, determined no longer to defer his revenge, and therefore commanded that Don Rogell should march by the first break of day, with the Army of the King Melinda, and Olidor his brother, which consisted of thirty thousand horse, for that purpose. And finding that of so infinite a number of people, which had followed the Christian Colours, there remained only 36000. men; he appointed 4000 horse, & 12000. foot for the guard of the camp, and securing the person of the Emperor Amadis of Greece. Among which was the valiant Alastaxerea, Cilinda, wife to Dorigell, of the fortunate Lands, Gelodan, King of Moldavia, Atletta his wife, the Kings of Sardamira and Catay, with their wives, resolving to pass on with the Emperor Sheramond, the fair Salvagesse, Dorigell, the two Cenophales', Gin●ldan, Amanio, d'Astro, Sylvan, Liseard King of Licaonia, Filadard, Prince of Poland, Parmenian of Cyprus, Ladazan of Numidia, Garmanti the Duke of Laiazga, Anaxand●r, Fl●r●din his brother, and twenty thousand horse, which remained of so great a slaughter. Things thus ordered, every man was about to withdraw to his Tent to repose himself, when as a fearful noise was heard in the middle region of the air, the claps of thunder did so hideously roar, flashes of lightning followed one another so close, and the winds contested with such violence, that all men believed the world was going to return into the first confusion of its chaos. The Princes astonished with the strangeness hereof, beholding one another, expected the issue of this tempest: and believed already that the beavens having care of their quiet, did mean to take them to themselves, that they might not over-live the anguish of the loss of so many Princes their dearest friends. But after a while the wi●des w●●e laid, the noise ceased, and the air before full of lightning flashes, grew so black, that all the fires which they had kindled in the camp, to cheer and refresh the soldiers, being extinguished in an instant, they could not discern at all what the matter was. This second accident would have made them tremble, if their hearts had been capable of fear: but having always stood firm before the appearance of the greatest dangers, they remained with a courageous resolution to endure what God should please to lay upon them. This darkness having endured three or four hours, the day drew on, with an universal amazement of them all. For in the midst of the field where the battle had been found, they saw a building erected of a strange fabric. The form thereof was round, divided by sixty five towers of crystal, which altogether did make a Hall of a portentous greatness. Into it there was a passage by one only gate, before the which stood two great Lions of brass, who seemed as if they had been there placed to tear in pieces such as should offer to come near it. Two columns were fixed about ten paces from them, on either side one, whereof each had a Table hanging on it, in which these words were written.  
The Prophecy. The glory of all humane knowledge shall never be known, until the new Lions shall with their roaring, fill the darksome Forest: then shall all the Crows gather themselves together to possess the nests of the sleeping Eagles; the earth shall open itself to restore the treasure which it keepeth hidden, and the tears shed for a loss not befallen, shall be converted into joy.  
The other spoke thus.  
When the dead shall awake to join themselves with the living, then shall valour be at her height, and beauty in the supremest point of her glory.  
These Princes as much ravished to see that great field cleared of a million of bodies, which had been slain there the day before, as with the rarity of the work, did instantly draw near to the columns, read these Prophecies, and passing on to the Gate, saw in the first tower, the great King Amadis of Gaul, armed at all pieces, except his hands, upon one of which he rested his head, sitting in a chair, in the posture as of one asleep: Esplandian was in the opposite tower over against him on the other side of the Gate, but not in a like posture to his fathers, for he was laid along, with his arms across, on the hilt of his sword, the point whereof reached to his feet: the Emperor Lisward was in the third tower, in the same fashion as his father; and Don Silves de la Silve, in the fourth seated as Amadis of Gaul. Upon the same side, and in the same manner, were Agesilan, Amadis d' Astre, Astrapole, Fortunian, Anaxartes, Penthasilea, Argantes, Florarlan, Lucencio, Falanges, d' Astre, Arlantog Arlanges of Spain his son, Lucidamon of Boetia, Florenio Emperor of Rome, Filisu●l de Montaspin, Zain, Don Flores of Greece, Filin, Artaure, and Lindamart: and on the other side laid along as Esplandian was, were Galaor, Lucidor, the Kings of Mesopotamia, and of Traramata, Brimart of Syria, Don Brunco de bonne mer, the two Giant's sons of Planacoldo, Ol●rius of Spain, Farron the second son of Amadis of Gaul; the kings of Corinthe, of Magadena, and of Paloman, the Prince of Palomar his son, Agrayes, the Kings of Mont Libanus, of ●oliemia, Galatia, Pantapolis, and of the Garamantes, Guillan the Penfif, Don Galdes of Rhodes, Vatliades, Circi● of Ireland, the giant Girafer, Stilpon, Talanque, Don Frisas of Lusitania, Faenix of Corinthe, Albion of Bugia, Astibell of Mesopotamia, Brimart of Syria, Garinter King of Dacia, Dinerpio, Emperor of Rome, Florestan his son, Brian of Moniasta, Galvanes, son of Agrayes, Pintiquinestro, and Calafio, who filled the towers that compassed the whole body of the edifice. This object renewed their grief, and drew from them some sighs: but being certain of their loss●, and sufficiently generous to bear all the blows of fortune, they resolved to show the least resentment thereof that was possible. Nevertheless, desirous to see what was within the Hall, Florisull drew to the gate, with his sword in his hand, and knocked at it with the pommel, but was deceived in his hope, for no word of answer was returned him, and therefore was constrained to retire himself, with some discontent, for having effected so little in his attempt. Following his example, Don Rogel advanced, but being no more fortunate therein than his father, he sheathed his sword, and made room for all those young Princes, who speeding no better, were upon the point of quitting the place: when they saw the excellent 〈◊〉 of Greece approach, that notwithstanding the advice of his Physicians, forbidding him to go● abroad, would not excuse himself from the labour of this adventure, no● lose the contentment of the honour which out of it 〈◊〉 hoped to gain. This brave Prince, despising the greatness of his wounds, and marching with the same courage that he ever carried in the most difficult enter prizes of his youth, ●et his hand bravely to his sword, and being come close to the gate, raised his a●me to have knocked, but seeing that it opened of itself, he presently 〈◊〉 without any resistance. As soon as he was in, the g●t● closed 〈◊〉, with such a trembling of the earth, that all these Princes, more 〈◊〉 than they were before, could not keep themselves from falling down. Nevertheless th●●r amazement continuing not long, they rose up again much grieved th●● they knew not whether that clap of thunder were a sign of that great Emperor's death, or that his entering into that Hall were for the preservation of his life. See (said Florisull) how fortune makes herself sport with crossing us thus, but she must not prevail. We are to be victorious over her malice: and make her bend under the power of our virtue. Let us then pursue our former resolution: give ch●●e to our enemies, and not pardon their insolence. They are so dejected, as they will hardly be able to raise themselves again. At these words, all men disposed themselves to follow their colours: when as a Damsel appeared, who making her address to Don Florisull, delivered him a paper which she had in her hand, and without expecting any answer, immediately turned bridle and departed. Th●● 〈◊〉 at this 〈◊〉 others, but desiring to know what this letter contained, they presently environed Florisull, who read these words aloud unto them. To the Greek Princes: I do not write to you with a purpose to raise up your spirits, nor to comfort you in your affliction: fortune and your vert●e have already 〈…〉. But to advertise you that the heaven take● care of your quiet, by the preservation of a treasure of infinite value, which you shall one day find with so much contentment, that you shall not remember your passed 〈◊〉. If I had liberty to speak more freely, I would add to your joy, 〈◊〉 power being restrained within these only words, which I n●w speak: you shall i● you please malie use of them to keep you from afflicting yourselves too 〈◊〉. In the mean time do not prosecute the design you 〈…〉▪ The 〈…〉 more complete revenge is not yet come, and the sa●● will have i● 〈◊〉, to ma●e it a more memorable day. Keep that which you have 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 things to time. It is by this prudence that you must live, and I testify the desire which I have to do you service. Alcander.  
This Letter held the Prince a while in suspense, for the name being unknown to them, they were not sure that this advice was without some practice. Our enemies (said Dorigell) have invented this trick to retard our revenge, and having no more strength to resist us, they fly to their tricks; let us follow our fortune. She prospers such as lay hold of occasions, & they that make themselves unworthy of her favours, never encounter them according to their desires. Speaking thus, he had almost persuaded all those Lords to neglect the counsel that was given them, and to pursue the fortune of their victory: but Florizel, who was endued with no less prudence than valour, fairly demonstrating that with precipitation they might too much endanger themselves, and that matters were to be weighed with more deliberation, stayed the fury of these Princes. It is true (said he) that we may with reason suspect this counsel, since we know not him that gives it. But when I consider this tomb wherein all our ancestors do now repose with so much glory, I cannot think there is any deceit intended against us. Where are the bodies of so many Pagan Kings, and what honour is done them in their obsequies? I see nothing that can be to their advantage, and all these wonders serve but to increase our greatness. The advice that is given us, is very good: let us I beseech you follow it. And not busying our thoughts with the conquest of Pagan Empires, let us wisely preserve those estates which heaven hath bestowed upon us. For mine own part I am resolved to take into my care the government of Greece, my sister Alastaxeree shall command in Trebisond, till the destinies do restore us the Emperor my Lord and Father: my son shall be resident in Persia, and Spheramond shall maintain the authority that he hath among the Parthians; the rest of you (my Lords) shall every one retire into the Province, which either his birth or valour hath acquired him. The opinion of this judicious Prince being well approved of, they left twenty thousand men with the Kings Anaxander and Floradin, to keep the kingdoms lately conquered in awe, fifteen thousand with Ginoldan and Amano● D. Astre; and the remainder being otherwise divided, Florizel set forth for Constantinople, Alastraxeree for Trebifond, Don Rogell for Persia, Dorigell for the fortunate Island, Melinde and Olidor for their kingdoms, Gulodan for Moldavia, Fladard for Poland, Gadard for Hungary, and the rest in general, as either their affairs or their affections drew them.   

CHAP. II. Who Alcander was, his enchanting Don Belianis of Greece, the Knight of the Sun, King Amadis, and the bravest Knights of their time.  
IT is most necessary for the understanding of this our history, that you should know who this Alcander was, of whom we spoke before, for that thereupon depends one of the foundations of our work: he came into the world in the time of Don Belianis, Emperor of Greece, and from his childhood gave himself to the knowledge of letters, particularly to the secrets of Magic, but with such earnestness of affection, that having bestowed certain years therein, he became so perfect an Artist, as he surpassed all those that had traveled in those studies before him, aswell as those that came after him: yet was it not his purpose to make use thereof, as many do, to the hurt or ruin of any, but for the glory of Christendom, which he so took to heart, that all his actions had no other aim, but the preservation of those, whose worth was able to maintain it at the due height, as you may well judge by the sequel of this History. Seeing then that Don Belianis, a Prince as virtuous and valiant as could be named, was somewhat enfeebled by the battle that he had fought before Constantinople, with Perineo, Sultan of Persia, the most valiant of all the Pagans that then lived, the Empress of Almaigne, Claristea, who might also be termed the mirror of Arms, and Ariobarcan Emperor of Tartary, he wrought so powerfully upon the minds of that brave Pagan, and of that valorous Lady, as admiring the virtue of so gallant a man, they determined to turn Christians, and become his friends, upon condition, that the Persian should marry the Infanta of Greece, named Sirenna: which was accomplished presently after his Baptism. In which holy Sacrament he was accompanied with Salinterne, without far, his son, and the bastard of Don Belianis, Polistor of Nubia, and Polistea de la Selva, whom he had by the Queen of the Garamantes, and had followed the Pagan colours before they knew Don Belianis for their Father. This peace and this marriage cheered all Greece, and particularly our Alcander, who then thought it well and sufficiently supported. But being continually careful for the quiet of these Princes, he had one day a curious desire to understand what good fortune was to attend their designs and life; withdrawing therefore himself from all resort of company, he began to make his ordinary invocations, and found only by the motion and aspect of the stars, that the house of Greece was to suffer a total ruin; and that these Princes were threatened with an eminent death. The knowledge hereof did mightily afflict him; but carrying a greater mind then to yield to this calamity, he made new conjurations: the spirits were invoked, and all the powers of Hell were summoned to appear: nevertheless he saw nothing but signs of death, and presages of misfortune. Let the stars, said he, be froward, let all the Devils in Hell conspire together, to subvert the Empire of the Christians, yet will I change their influences, and overturn their designs. For having sometimes restored life to those which breathed no more, I may be permitted to preserve such as are yet in the world. Thus speaking, he enfolded himself in a cloud, and transported himself into the dangerous forests of the great kingdom of Martan, near to the Empire of Mexico, where long before he had built a Castle of wondrous workmanship. But doubting that the charms which he had set upon it, were not powerful enough for the great purpose he had in hand, he employed all his skill, which surpassed that of all other men, laid such strong enchantments upon three divisions of lodgings, that he had built in a triangular form, as those which should be enclosed therein, should not grow old, or be impaired in any sort whatsoever; yet not desiring that this his work should last till the end of the world; for he well foresaw that the necessity of Christendom, would one day oblige him to suffer it to be dissolved, ordained that the enchantment should be defeated by the valour of six the bravest Knights, accompanied with as many the fairest Ladies of the world. Thinking then that he had done enough, he presently transported himself to Constantinople: and having talked a while in private with Don Belianis, he desired him to go into his Chariot, and with him his Son Belforan, Fortiman of Greece, his grandchild Polistor of Nubia, Polistea de la Selva, Policentes son to Perineo, Don Clarinell Don Astrides his son, Perineo, Furibond the brave Giant, Salintern without fear, Hermiliana, the Amazon, wife to Don Clarinel, Florisbella, wife to Don Bel●anis, the Princess Belianisa, wife to Belforan, Sirenna wife to Perineo, and the fair Bergeline her daughter. This done, having touched the Griffons with a rod that he had in his hand, they cut the air, with incredible swiftness, and carried him to the house, which he would have called by the name of the Castle of Treasure. Where with some tears, he enclosed these Princes in one quarter of the Lodgings, assuring them that they should be enlarged after certain ages, and at such time as Christendom should have extreme need of their assistance. These things being done, his mind might well have been contented, but the exceeding care that he had to effect his designs, not suffering him to be quiet, he again turned over his books: And finding, that before the time these Princes should be disinchanted, certain most excellent Knights should be borne, which yet should not arrive to the perfection necessary for the putting an end to his enchantments, he resolved also to preserve them in the same Castle with the Emperor Don Belianis. For which cause therefore, as soon as the incomparable warrior, the Knight of the Sun was borne, he was infinitely careful of his safety, assisted him with his Art without his privity, and knowing that after certain years, he was threatened with a disastrous end, by the practice of some traitors, who should murder him one night in his bed, he carried him also away, as he had done Don Belianis, and with him all the principal Knights of his Court, who were to run no less hazard; and placing them in the second division of the lodgings, he reserved them for that furious encounter, wherein the glory of all Christendom, or the ruin of the Pagans was to be disputed. The names of those enchanted with him, were, his son Claridiano of the Sphere, Rosiclere, Claramant, Poliphebo, Don Eleno of Dacia, Rosabell son to Rosiclere, Clarabel bastard to Rosabel, and Leobant his brother, Besson, Bramidor the brave Giant, the Empress Claridiana, and the Princess Olivia, wife to Rosicler. Their life was pleasant, and the contentment of Alcander infinite. For as often as he considered, that Christendom should one day triumph over her enemies, by his assistance, he esteemed himself blessed, to be so favoured by heaven, and determining not to neglect such grace he persevered in his good desire, whence it came that after certain ages were passed, being in the castle of Treasure, he understood the lamentable loss, which the Christians were to sustain, and the death of those great Monarches, Amadis of Gaul and of Greece, with many others of their blood. Which, for the reasons before alleged, being desirous to remedy, he transported himself, the same night as that great battle was fought in the fields of the Sultan of Aleppo, to the place where so many bodies lay extended; gave an honourable sepulture to those Christian Princes which were dead, as you have heard in the first Chapter; and carried away those, in whom he found any hope of life, to that wonderful Castle, appointing them the third division of lodgings; the names of whom were; The great King Amadis of Gaul, Amadis of Greece, enchanted as you have heard, Don Silves de la Selva, Agesilan, Amadis d' Astre, Astropolo, Fortiman, Anaxartes, Penthesilea, Argantes, Florartan, Lucentio, Falanges d' Astre, Arlantes, his son Arlanges of Spain, Lucidamor of Boetia, Floreni Emperor of Rome, Filisel of Montespin, Zayr, Flores of Greece, second son to Esplandian, Filon King of Sibila, Artaur his Brother, King of Mount Libanus, and Lindamart of Rhodes. But because there may arise a doubt in this Discourse, for that all these which I now have named, were enclosed in the Monument, that appeared in the field of the battle after the darkness was past, the Reader may remember, if he please, that these, of whom I now speak, were in a posture there, di●●ering from theirs, who were fully and really dead; and that the wise man did so order it, to comfort those great Knights, after so heavy a loss. These Princes then being enchanted with Don Belianis, and the Knight of the Sun, though they knew it not, Alcander, who would not do a courtesy to halves, first healed them of their wounds. And then desiring, they should not be less happy than the rest, presented them a little while after, with some of the Princesses they loved, whom he had brought from Constantinople, to the extreme discontent of those that remained behind. There was the Queen Oriana, the Empress Niquea, delivered not long before of a son, whose birth was celebrated by an infinity of fires appearing in the air; and whom at his Baptism she named Amadis of Trebisond, Diana, Axiana, the Princess Oriana, wife of Anaxartes, Cleosila, Sestiliana, Radiana, Oristila, Anaxarea, Theodorina, Belisaura, Claire estoille, Sclarimena, and Timbria. Having then prepared sovereign baths for them, made with a million of rare simples, gathered at such time as they were in most virtue, he bathed them eight days together; at the end whereof King Amadis and his wife seemed to be but forty years old; and every man as fresh and lovely, as they were at that age; the Emperor Amadis of Greece, and the Princess Niquea, but thirty five: Don Silves Agesilan, and the rest, not above thirty.  
This done, he carried them all into a fair chamber, and thus spoke unto them: Mighty Princes, you perceive by the help that you have already received at my hands, the desire I have to do you service: I will not therefore excuse myself unto you, for holding you restrained in this manner, since I have no other end for it, but the augmentation of your glory: All things must have their course, and the malignant influences of the stars, must have time to pass over. The day will come, when you will see your offspring with more contentment than ever; expect it with so much the more patience. In the mean time I will go from hence to take care for the affairs of those which concern you nearly. Saying thus, he went out of the door, which shut of itself with a strange violence, leaving those Princes and Princesses so enchanted, as they did not remember any thing without that place whatsoever.   

CHAP. III. Most of the Prin●●● of Greece die: Alcander goes to visit the wise Alquif and Urganda.  
THE news of the death of so many Kings, Princes, and Emperors, and the carrying away of the Queen Oriana, with the rest, which were enchanted in the Castle of Treasure, was the cause of so much grief to those Ladies that remained at Constantinople, expecting what would be the issue of that war, as not able to withstand the violence thereof, they yielded to the necessity of death, leaving Christendom a world of sorrow for so great a loss. The Empress Leonine was the first that paid that tribute of nature, but followed so close by the young Princess of Sardamyra, the wife of Sistra, that the funerals of the one served also for the other. After them died almost at the same time, the Empress Arbra, Briolania, the Queen of France wife to Lucidor, the Queen of Traramate and Mesopotamia, Melicia wife to Bruneo of the good Sea, Lardenia, Laciana, Gricelarie, Olinde, the Queens of Corinth, Saba, Bohemia, the wife of Guillan the pensive, the Queens of the Garamantes, of Pentapoly, Galacia and Ireland, the wives of Girafer, of Vaillades, of Don Frisus of Lusitania, the Queen of Dacia, the Empress Brisenne, Darayde Queen of Cores, the wife of Stilpon, and the Queen of Rhodes: who were all interred in the Emperor's great Chapel, with so many complaints and tears, that nothing was heard in any part of the City but cries and lamentatio●s. Now whilst the ceremonies of so many obsequies were performing, Alcander, who had no care more pressing, than the preservation of those Princes, went in his Chariot of the Griffons, to the unknown Island, wh●re the wise Alquif was, with Vrganda, Zirzea, and Zirenna; but not desiring to present himself unto them without some demonstration of his skill, he in a moment raised such horrible flashes of lightning in the air, so great an earthquake, as those reverend old folks seeing so furious a tempest beyond the order of nature, believed that those thunders were presages of their deaths. So that disposing themselves to seek the mercy of heaven, which never refuseth grace to us, when with humility we seek it, they fell upon the earth, and lifting up their eyes they met with a new terror when as they espied the fearful Chariot in which Alcander appeared, seated with such a majesty, that if they had not been instructed by the light of faith, that one only God was to be acknowledged, they had adored him: never so much as dreaming that it was done by art Magic, or that this encounter could proceed from the skill of any mortal man. For believing that none in the world was more expert in that art than they, they could never imagine that any man could find them out in their Island, unless they pleased to permit it. Alcander reading their amazement in their looks and motions, would not keep them any longer in pain: Most venerable persons, said he, be not dismayed to see me here at this present, and in this manner: That almighty God who hath endued you with the knowledge of things above nature for the good of his people, hath imparted to me the same favours which he hath bestowed upon you, and made me no less zealous of his glory and service: I am not come hither now to trouble you, as you imagine, but indeed to confer with you about certain things, which shall be necessary for the welfare of the Princes of Greece, whose virtue hath begotten such an affection in me towards them, as I will not entertain a thought but for the augmentation of their glory. I know that you have always infinitely loved them; that your assistance was never wanting to them; and that without your aid they could not so easily have endured those labours they have passed thorough. Wherefore I will endeavour to recompense you for it; imparting to you certain secrets, that as yet are not come to your knowledge, and that I know you will not a little esteem: But because your preservation is no less dear to me then their quiet, I do desire you all to go with me to a Palace that I have, whither we will carry with us your Books, and such instruments as are fit for those of our profession; to the end, that my sabour being added to your learning, we may the more easily find out what shall most conduce to our design. I cannot doubt but you may have some cause to fear the undertaking of this voyage in the company of a man, whom you never heard spoken of, and that you may find reason to decline it in the incommodity of your age; but the good service I have done to Christendom, which hath not undergone so great a loss as you believe, and that also I intent to you in your own particular, may oblige you not to suspect any malice in me: I love virtue too well to be a traitor, and your lives are with me no less considerable than mine own. Resolve with yourselves then, my dear friends, and make no difficulty in following my advice: Time will make you know me better, and experience; assure you of my zeal to that, which concerns the affair I have in hand. How pleasing is rest after labour, and how sweet is assurance after fear? These good folks, who expected nothing less than so gentle a language, and that made no great account of their lives, judging by Alcanders' courage, that he had no bad disposition, gave him as many thanks as the favour he did in visiting them seemed great. It is most true, said Alquif, that we would never have thought any other could have outgone us in the knowledge of the secrets of Magic. But your coming hither hath freed us of that error: for this our Island being indivisible to all the world, and so easily discovered by you, ourselves also in a manner bereft of our judgement in beholding you, we cannot doubt but your knowledge is far beyond ours. Wherefore without any manner of distrust of you, we do withal acknowledgement accept the honour of your company, and the offer that you make of acquainting us with such secrets, as have been hitherto concealed from us. And to testify unto you that I speak ingenuously and freely, I protest henceforth to depend wholly upon you, so that if we do hereafter undertake any thing, it shall not be but by your advice: and if our weak endeavours may be of use to the greatness of your intentions, we will join them to yours, without expecting of any part in the glory of your actions, but that which shall redound from having been your servants. Let us go then, when you please, we will carry with us what shall be requisite; and if you think good, leave nothing behind us in this Island. No, no, answered Alcander, that shall not need: The best of your books will be sufficient. Vrganda then having made up a bundle of them, they all went into the Chariot of the Griffons, that is to say, Alquif, Vrganda, Zirza, Zirenna, Alquifa, and the young Cassandra, who afterwards by the aid of Alcander, became so perfect in that art, as she much excelled her parents. The beasts having their load, began to cut the air with an incredible swiftness, and in a little time arrived at the Castle of Treasure, which appeared to these Magicians so magnificent, that they had never seen building equal to it. As soon as they were come thither, Alcander not to lose time, desired them to put off their clothes, and made them go into those precious baths, which he had formerly prepared to restore the Princes of Greece to the most flourishing estate of their age; where after he had kept them eight days, the wrinkles which covered their faces, were clean defaced; their limbs enfeebled by a troublesome old age, became firm; their backs bending under the weight of years, were straightened; their hair whited with time, changed colour; in brief, they found themselves wholly altered from what they were in the unknown Island. Behold, said then this great Prince of Philosophers, the first favour I will do to you, that to me seems of no mean importance: But because we are not assembled here only for ourselves, let us take a little pains, and see how we may hinder the mischief which is yet to fall upon the house of Greece, by the loss of some certain young Princes, who are one day to be the strongest pillars of Christendom. I propound this unto you, though I think it unprofitable, for the ordinances of heaven are inevitable; howbeit our labour shall not be without fruit; and though we cannot keep them from imprisonment, yet shall we do somewhat to help and preserve them among their enemies. This said, they began to make their conjurations apart, which were not altogether unuseful, as you shall know by the sequel of this Discourse. That done, Alcander thought good to return his friends to their Island, not discovering to them the enchantment of the Princes of Greece. And having desired them to watch as till then they had done, for the benefit of Christendom, he went away, carrying Cassandra along with him, to show her all the secrets of Magic, and to render her perfect in that Art.   

CHAP. IU. The Adventures of the Greek Princes returning into their Empires.  
FLorisel of Niquea, approving of the wise Alcanders' advice, did wholly desist from the purpose he had of ravaging the estate of the Pagans, thereby to render his revenge the more memorable; and resolved by break of day to depart for Greece: ordering Alastraxerea to go unto Trebisond, Don Rogell into Persia, Spheramond into the Empire of Parthia, Lucendus into France, Dorigell into the Fortunate Islands, the King Gadart into the Island Megaera, Anaxander, Florador, Melindo, Olidor, Ginoldan, Amanio d'Astre, for their kingdoms, and the rest whither fortune called them. But fearing lest some new war might break forth after his departure, he left the moiety of his troops with those, whose Provinces were surrounded with the Pagan's estates, that they might not be surprised with any new garboil, and also might preserve the Countries they had gotten. Matters being thus disposed, they attended the next rising Sun, which presented to them no less wonder than the day before had done: for that vast and stately edifice, wherein all those Kings, Princes, and Emperors, were enclosed, appeared no more, nor was there any thing seen in the place thereof, but only the plain ground, as it was before the battle. This second loss had afflicted them, for they receyved no mean consolation in seeing their parents interred with so much glory, but straightway considered that this was some new device of that Magician, who had written unto them, they were no whit dismayed; and taking it for a good testimony of his love to them in that he had not left those bodies in the midst of so many enemies, they prepared for their departure with the less grief. The time then of their remove being come, all those troops began to march several ways. For Spheramond, Dorigell, Sylvan, Amanio d'Astre, and the fair Savage, took a way far different from that, which the others had, determining to spend some time in seeking adventures abroad. The beauteous Savage seeing herself alone, renewed her sorrow for the loss of her husband, whilst Sylvan traveled with no less discontent for that of his fair Licinia, of whose death he had heard; and that Spheramond, Amanio d'Astre, and Dorigell lamented so great a disaster, although the glorious death of their kinsmen did yield them some comfort. Having thus passed two or three days without meeting any adventure worthy their undertaking, Spheramond about the time that the Sun was in the midst of his course, felt himself so drowsy, that he was constrained to lie down to sleep, commanding his Squire to let their horses graze. The extreme pains that before he had taken, and the delicacy of the place, made his rest so pleasing unto him, as he did not wake till night, nor would peradventure have done till the next day, if the noise of a Chariot passing by him, had not made him to rise in all haste; he was about to have called his Squire for to bridle his horse, but the voice of one that lamented, stayed him for to learn the cause thereof. Listening then attentively, and looking that way the voice came, he saw a Chariot pass by him drawn with six great horses, wherein sat three dreadful Giants, every one of them holding a Lady in his arms; two of the which seemed to be rather dead then alive; and the third was she that made those cries and lamentations which he had heard. Just Heaven, said she, will you not send some succour to these great though miserable Princesses? Or will you permit them to remain in the hands of these villains, who questionless will without respect of their quality strive by force to rob them of what is most dear unto them? O God what a loss will Christendom receyve? And you, brave Princes, how much will it grieve you to hear of this disaster? I lament your misfortune as much as the death they are going to suffer. This voice being lost in the air, left nodesse pity then anger in the mind of this Prince: For finding by this speech that they were Christians of eminent quality, and thinking also that he had been acquainted with the sound of that voice, he was moved with an extreme desire to succour them: So calling his Squire, he made his horse to be brought him; and quickly mounting upon him, he galloped the same way that he saw the Chariot take, hoping to reach those Giants in a little time, and to fight with them at any rate whatsoever. But the night was so dark, that not knowing which way he took, he entered into a Forest, where the first that he met with, was a reverend old man, holding a torch in his hand, who taking his horse by the bridle, said unto him: Valiant Prince, be not offended if I take the liberty to stay you at this present; For desiring your safety, as much as my own welfare, I cannot let you pass without advertising you, that you are infallibly lost, if you obstinately pursue the design you have in hand, and light upon those this night whom you now are following: The day will be more fit for your purpose, than this darkness: and patience alone is that must procure you what you now so earnestly wish for: Inquire not what I am, nor why I meddle thus with youraffayres. It is not yet time that you should know me, nor that you should thoroughly understand my intentions, as I do your thoughts. Only alight, and go into this Tent, that you see here; and tarry for day light to finish your enterprise, which is of more importance than yet you conceive. I do not know, answered Spheramond, (somewhat wondering to meet that man in such a place, and at so unseasonable an hour) how you can be obliged to wish and seek my good, with so much demonstration of friendship, since I do not remember that ever I saw you before: But happen what may, I will gladly obey you, my necessity and the time also advising me thereunto: Thus speaking he alighted, leaving his horse with a little Dwarf who was there as of purpose, and entered the Tent, which he thought was the fairest that ever he had seen. Without doubt, said he then, you love me not a little, that have provided me so magnificent a lodging: for I did not expect to be so well accommodated to night: But believe it, you shall not find me ungrateful, if you please to make use of me. Saying so, he went to embrace this man, but he was no more to be seen: whereat he was somewhat amazed, yet supposing all this to be done by enchantment, he began to survey the Tent, and found in one of the corners of it, a Table covered with plenty of delicate meat, which so whetted his stomach, that he sat him down to supper; where having well assuaged his hunger, he walked about the Tent, and finding a bed ready made he laid him down upon it, and fell into so sound a sleep, that the sun was of a good height before he awaked; and then being much amazed to find himself armed with new and excellent Arms, his Squire snoring at his feet, and neither Wood nor Tent to be seen, but a plain, so large as it could not limit his view: howbeit his wonder ceasing by the remembrance of such like encounters, when as he was a Knight errand, he jogd his Squire to waken him. And having not forgotten the adventure that he met with the night before, nor the discourse of the old man, he quickly got to horse, and took the first way he lighted upon, wherein he road till Sun setting, when as he perceived a Castle before him garnished with twelve towers, so fair and strong that it was impossible to better them: this curiosity inviting him to view this building nearer hand he approached to it, and going about it he was so attentive in observing it, as he could hardly give over. But seeing night now come on, he took the hammer of the gate, and knocked very hard: At the noise whereof a Giant appeared upon the Battlements, who with a hoarse and dreadful voice said unto him: Withdraw thyself, wretched creature, and come not hither to seek that which all men else are afraid to find: the gate may not be opened this night, for so are we commanded, what ever occasion shall fall out; but if thou wilt tarry till tomorrow, I will be content to hear what thou hast to say: Therewith he retired himself leaving Spheramond ill satisfied with that his arrogant behaviour. Nevertheless, not being able to quit his longing to know what was within the Castle, he fell off to certain trees, that were not far off from it: and commanding his Squire to discharge the part of a careful Sentinel, with much ado he fell on sleep.   

CHAP. V. What happened to the Princes Dorigell, Sylvan, and Amanio d'Astre.  
DOrigell and Sylvan having taken almost one and the same way entertained themselves with divers thoughts; the one meditated upon the loss of his dearest half, and the other on the absence of the fair Cilinda, his wife, to whom he had left the command of his troops, and the government of his Kingdom. They were two days without lighting on any adventure, at the end whereof Dorigell entering into a great field met with a Dwarf mounted upon the bravest horse that ever he had seen: but himself so mishapen and ill favoured, that he wondered how nature could produce a rational creature with so much deformity: He was about to question him concerning the occasion of his journey, but the Dwarf prevented him: For drawing near and saluting him in a more graceful manner, than he expected, he said unto him; Knight, I marvel much to see you ride alone through these Lands, which are commonly called The Fearful, in regard of the strange adventures which do happen daily, by reason of a Castle situate in the midst of them, belonging to an old Sorceress, who doth entrap all the Knights that pass this way, finding means to entice them to her house, where all their valour will not serve to free them from captivity, if they be not slain in fight. For to that end she keeps there twelve Giants of a monstrous stature, and so strong withal, as they alone are able to defeat the mightiest Emperor of the World; You shall therefore, if you please, bend your course some other way, and not tempt Fortune: For it is no less honour to eschew with discretion an unresistable danger, then being engaged to fight courageously. Dorigell more delighted with the discourse then with the person of this gallant, answered him, Thy counsel might indeed be useful to me, if I had less respect to my honour, than my life; but dost thou not know that worthy Knights must never recuile for any consideration of danger whatsoever: that glory is not to be found but in the most difficult enterprises; and that victory is then most honourable, when it is purchased with blood. I will therefore follow this way, since fortune hath put me into it: but yet before I part with you, I would entreat you to inform me more particularly concerning this Castle; and why this Enchantress doth live there, to work so much mischief to Knights that have not wronged her. You could not, replied he, have addressed yourself better then to me, at the least to be satisfied in your curiosity; For I do belong to a man, who is no less a friend to brave Knights, than this woman their enemy, and one whose knowledge is as much as hers: She is sister to the King of the Frozen Islands, that was slain in the late and memorable battle of Aleppo, where all the Pagan Kings ended their lives, except him of Pentapoly, who saved himself with six thousand men, which were under his command, for the guard of the Campe. The desire she hath always had to ruin the Christians, causing her often to turn over her Magical books (in which she is very expert) she foresaw the general defeature of the Pagans, that should unite themselves for that war; And for that reason would have diverted her brother from it, assuring him of his death, if he should be present there: but he preferring an honourable end before the ill report that otherwise he should have incurred by absenting himself from thence, would needs make one in that expedition, and was there slain, as I have related: which did so enrage this old Sorceress, that she withdrew herself to these Lands, where by Enchantment she built this Castle: and for the guard thereof drew hither twelve of the mightiest Giants in the world; who, without regard to any laws of Chivalry, do all of them commonly fall upon any one man that presents himself, if the first that encounters him be not able to defeat him: hoping to surprise in their passing this way some of those famous Knights of Greece, and with a thousand tortures which she means to make them suffer, in some sort to mitigate the grief she feels for the loss of the King her brother. judge now, I pray you, whether my advice do not concern you, and whether it be not a good testimony of my love, in desiring you to retire out of these parts, where you can meet with nothing but mischief. Thou hast, said Dorigell, so fully satisfied me, that I will confess myself much obliged unto thee for thy labour. Thy counsel I acknowledge for very good, but yet me thinks my reasons against it are much better: so that I am resolved to pass on, and see what the heavens have preordained for me. Speaking thus, he would have put his horse forward, but the Dwarf taking him by the bridle said, Stay a little, Sir Knight, and permit me to speak a few words unto you; He that appointed me to be here now, hath commanded me to present you with this horse, and the shield which you see hanging at my saddle bow, assuring you that you will have occasion to use them in an extreme necessity. Saying so, he vanished away, leaving the horse and shield with Dorigell: who not more wondering, then pleased with so brave a present, gave his own to his Squire; and mounting upon his new horse, found him upon managing, so ready and light, that he liked him much better than he did before. Following then his way he rendered many thanks in his heart to him that had so deeply obliged him: but we will let him go with this sense of the courtesy done him, and return to Sylvan amidst his sorrowful meditations. This young Knight perpetually thinking on his Licinia, whom death had untimely ravished from him, was even lost in the anguish of his mind, when as he heard the voice of one that cried for help: whereupon he turned head, and galloping mainly away, he came to certain trees, to one of the which he saw a handsome woman bound with cords, and a young Squire of a promising presence, that held his sword at her throat to make her confess the truth of something which he desired to wring out of her. Verily, said he then, speaking to the Squire, Nature forgot herself when she framed you with any kind of perfection, since you have so little courtesy in you: Why do you so ill entreat one of those whom we are all bound to protect? withdraw yourself, I say, for believe it if you were a Knight, I would punish you for so great a villainy. I would, answered the Squire without being at all dismayed, you had known the mischievous disposition of this woman, before you had been so moved as you are; for then, Sir Knight, you would not so readily have engaged yourself in her defence. I met with her this morning, and having conversed a while with her, I perceived by her carriage that the little beauty Nature hath bestowed upon me, had wrought some alteration in her, wherewith I must confess I was well enough pleased: Not that I found any thing in her which gave me the least satisfaction, but that from her love I gathered a testimony of some merit in myself: Our discourse at the first was ordinary, but as her passion transported her, she at length could not conceal her damnable intentions, but confessed freely to me that she was upon her way only to wait for some Knight of quality, for to bring him to be butchered at the Castle of the Towers, where a thousand sorts of cruelties are daily practised. I am a friend to virtue, and would with the hazard of my life preserve a worthy Knight, so that desiring to prevent her wicked purposes, I bound her as you see, with a resolution to make an end of her, which I had certainly done: for the point of my sword having forced her to confess that her principal plot was upon the Princes of Greece, whose virtue all the world loves and admires: I determined to let her breath no longer then would serve to recommend her soul into the hands of heaven: you may now dispose of her as you please; but I advise you to look well to yourself, and consider that you shall be guilty of all the mischiefs that ever she shall hereafter commit, since you give her her life, which for her treacheries she justly deserves to lose. With that immediately mounting on his horse he departed, leaving Sylvan somewhat perplexed: for his reasons seemed so good, and with such appearance of truth, that he was about to pass on, and leave the Wench in the estate he found her: But being moved with her tears, and not able to persuade himself, that so fair a creature could be possessed with so much malice, he commanded his Squire to unbind her: and forgetting the advice of him that but then parted from them, he began to comfort her, in stead of representing her vice unto her. I will never believe, said he unto her, that a woman endued with so many beauties, can be so wicked as was but now reported unto me. Wherefore give over afflicting yourself, and tell me truly the cause why this Squire entreated you in that fashion. Not to dissemble, said she, this cunning was but too well disguised. For according to the report of the base villain made of me, you have reason not to trust me, and to believe that I am the falsest woman in the world: but the matter is quite otherwise then he hath delivered: for as soon as he saw me, he protested that he was extremely enamoured of me; and not being able (as he swore) to endure the violence of his passion, he besought me to receive him into my favour, and to afford him some more particular grace; which having refused him, he took me from my horse, and notwithstanding all my best resistance, bound me as you saw, threatening to kill me if I did not grant his desire, whereunto without doubt, I should at the last have yielded, not having courage enough to suffer death, if you had tarried any whit longer. Behold, noble Knight, the truth of this affair, which I have freely and simply delivered unto you, hoping that you will not do a courtesy to halves, and leave me without assistance in a Country so dangerous, where I travel without any acquaintance by the command of a Lady, that is ready to perish for the love of a brave Christian Knight whom I may not name: having so vowed at my departure for the reputation of her that emploies me. What cannot the persuasions of a villainous woman effect? Sylvan tasting this discourse far otherwise then was for his behoof, was so taken with the fair pretext of her reasons, that casting away the ill conceit he had of her, he determined to accompany her till she were in some place of safety; So causing her to be set on horseback, he went along with her towards the dangerous Castle, where questionless he had been lost, if heaven that took a particular care of him, had not miraculously diverted the mischief that hung over his head. In the mean time, the gentle Amanio d'Astre followed somewhat a different way from that of Sylvan, being no less busied with his unquiet thoughts: but he was driven out of his dumps by a Dwarf, who taking his horse by, the bridle turned him aside, and giving him a jerk with a wand, said; Knight, take this way, I pray you, and let not the night stay you: for your retardment would be the cause of perpetual sorrow to you. Saying so he passed on, leaving Amanio infinitely amazed with this speech, whereof he would gladly have known the meaning, but finding no means to be satisfied therein, for that the Dwarf was no longer appearing, he put on his horse with more haste than before; resolving not to discontinue his travel till he might see what the end of this adventure would be.   

CHAP. VI The Emperor Spheramond being in extreme danger, i● relieved by certain Knights.  
SPheramond, not able to rest by reason of the choler wherinto the arrogance of the Giant had put him, rose as soon as he saw the day appear: and having made himself ready to fight, drew to the gate where he knocked with more violence than he had done the evening before, which caused him that already had spoken to him to look out at a window, and with an audacious tone to say unto him: Wretched Knight, I thought that sleep and the night would have settled thy brain; But since thou wilt needs lose thyself out of humour, do but stay till I am armed, and I will quickly cure thee of thy madness: with that he angrily clapped to the window, and shortly after sallied out with so furious a countenance, as had been sufficient to have affrighted any one less assured than this Prince, who seeing him come on horseback, with a Lance like a mast of a ship in his hand, took as much of the field as was necessary for his course, and encountered him with such fury as having pierced his shield, he made him with a dangerous wound in his side ●lie over the crupper of his horse: but his own fortune was not much better; for constrained he was to kiss the earth, as well as the Giant, not being able to bear the violence of that shock, yet remembering that he was not laid there to sleep, he quickly got up, and bravely laying hold on his sword he drew to the enemy; who found himself so astonished with his fall, as he was not able to stir: whereupon Spheramond was going to present his sword to his throat for to make him yield up the victory unto him; but hearing a great noise at the gate, he turned about his head, and instantly saw two other monsters, like him that he had overthrown, come running towards him with their Scimitars in their hands, and threatening him with no less than the loss of his life: This object somewhat troubled him, but immediately resolving himself, he sheathed his sword in the body of his first man, who was striving to get up, and straightway mounting on his horse the better and more easily to defend himself, he made towards them, but they were by that time so near unto him, as he was constrained rather to think of warding their blows, then offending them. For the one of them laid upon his shield, and the other upon his cask with such violence, as but for the goodness of his new arms, his life had then been at its period: nevertheless he was not much dismayed, yet thinking that such violent encounters might at length be attended with death, he resolved to fight with judgement, and to stand careful upon his guard; making them therefore spend the most part of their blows in vain, he took so good choice of his times, as he often drew blood of them, not giving a blow which pierced not the flesh, and put them in doubt of their lives: whereat they were so enraged, as in stead of striking on his arms, they hewed the stones in pieces, and filled the ground about them full of clefts. Whilst their fury did thus transport them, the Emperor not willing to let slip any occasion that presented itself, took his time when as one of them stooped to pull his Courtelasse out of the earth, whereinto he had sunk it three foot deep, and hit him with a reverse so just upon the neck, that he laid his great head at his feet; leaving his companion much amazed to see himself alone, covered with blood and wounds, and with little or no power to defend himself any longer, howbeit he recovered some heart with the sight of three other Giants, that came out of the same Castle; who having encompassed his enemy, began to charge him with such fury, that not being able to ward so many blows which bruised his bones, he thought that he must needs fall under such an oppressing violence, but resolving to sell his life at a dear rate, he defended himself with such courage, and charged them with such force, that he grievously wounded two of them, when as the third gave him so insupportable a blow on his helmet, that he laid him quite void of sense on the crupper of his horse, voiding blood in abundance at his nose and ears. The Giant, proud of his fortune, followed him with his sword advanced for to finish the work, when as a great Knight arriving in the instant charged his Lance against him, and running it clean through his body tumbled him dead upon the ground. Spheramond who while this was a doing, had some leisure a little to recover his spirits, seeing himself so opportunely seconded, clasped his sword fast in his hand, and with an infinite rage for having been reduced into that estate, he let it descend with such force upon the first Giant, that he divided his head in twain, just at such time as he which came to his succour, having dispatched the other against whom he was opposed, taking a new Lance from his Squire, turned himself gallantly to receive thirty Knights, that sallied out of the Castle, under the conduct of three dreadful Giants, who made such a noise as the earth seemed to tremble under them. The courage of these Knight's increasing with the difficulty of enterprises, Spheramond carried with extraordinard fury addressed himself to one of the Giants, and discharged a blow upon his arm, with such force as he sent it together with his sword to the ground. That done, falling in amidst those Knights, he killed the two first that presented themselves before him. On the other side, the black Knight (so was he called that sided with him) made the Giant whom he encountered lose his stirrup, and dealt such blows amongst the rest, as he laid three of them at his f●●●: but the two remaining Giants held them so short, that with the assistance of those rascals, which would not suffer them so much as to breath, they had been in extreme danger of their lives, if two Knights had not at one time arrived there by several ways, who seeing a fight managed with so much unequality, presently laid hands on their swords, and attaching the Giants that exceedingly molested the Princes, charged them with such furious blows, that they were fain to turn head for to defend themselves, leaving Spheramond and his companion amidst their other Knights; of whom they made so great a slaughter, that there remained but two of them alive, who fearing to lose their lives as their companions had done, threw away their weapons and craved mercy. You shall (said Spheramond) have it granted you, upon condition that you put us in possession of this Castle. You may, said they, enter it freely, and without fear, For you shall find no body there to resist you, so as Argenea the Mistress of the place, doth not frame some new enchantment to make you purchase it with more danger and pain: howbeit I can assure you that she is not now in the Castle, she having gone from thence not long since, (as I conjecture) to find some means from hindering it to be taken. For her spirits (without) letting her know the time) had advertised her of the misfortune that hath this day befallen us: you may therefore boldly enter in, and your best course will be first to seize upon the ports for your more security. This counsel seeming good to the Knights, the black Knight stayed at the gate, * whilst Spheramond searched all about the house. But finding nothing, he returned presently to view the combat between the two Knights and the Giants, which continued with so much fury, that it was not easy to determine what the issue of it was like to be. But ere long they perceived the advantage on their side that came last. For their enemies had lost so much blood, as they fell both almost at one instant so weak, that there was no need of any weapon to make an end of them. Spheramond extremely satisfied with this victory, lifted up the visier of his helmet and addressing himself to the Knight that had first succoured him: Valiant Sir, said he, You have so infinitely obliged me, as I cannot doubt of your affection to me: but to render the pleasure of your assistance and my preservation accomplished, tell me who you are, that in recompense thereof, I may hereafter seek out occasions to be commanded by you. Excellent Prince, answered the black Knight, discovering his face, I will never acknowledge that you are any way engaged to my arms, in the least obligation: For your valour alone was able to defeat your enemies without my aid, yet I cannot but give humble thanks unto heaven for bringing me hither so opportunely to testify the desire I have to do you service; I am your most humble servant Dorigell, Prince of the Fortunate Island, and more contented for meeting you here at this time, than I could have been for the conquest of any enemy's Empire. With these words they embraced, as if they had not been together in a long time before: and were about to draw toward the other two Knights to give them thanks for their succours; when as they who knew them, came to them with all demonstrations of respect: My Lords, said they, give us leave to kiss your victorious hands, as those which will ever depend upon you: You see here Amanio d'Astre and Sylvan, brought hither by most strange means, but exceeding happy in that our arrival hath not been altogether unuseful to you. Then unlacing their helmets they would have humbled themselves to Spheramond, but he embraced them with such expressions of love, as more could not be. The entertainment of these fowr Knights having lasted a while, they all entered the Castle: and having shut the gates, they were conducted by the two Knights whom they had saved to the prisons, from whence they enlarged thirty or forty Knights; amongst the which were Parmenian of Cyprus, and Ladazan of Numidia, who determining to seek adventures abroad, had left the Army the evening before their dislodging: and as their fortune directed them, met near the Castle of the twelve Towers; where they were surprised by two of the Giants, who having astonished them with two blows, enclosed them in a Dungeon, with an intention ere long to sacrifice them to their Gods, in satisfaction of Argeneaes' revenge. The content of these Princes was not small, in having thus delivered two of their friends; nor did they take care for any thing more, than how to find out some one that could dress their wounds. For Dorigell was hurt in three places, Spheramond very much bruised with the blows he had received (the goodness of his arms having arrested the edge of his enemy's swords,) and Amanio d'Astre had a slash on his shoulder nothing so dangerous as great; but instantly they had word brought them, that at the gate there was a Dwarf who desired to speak with them: Let him in, said Spheramond, his presence will not affright us; only have a care that he be not followed by any other. For the two Knights we spared have assured me, that three of the guard of this Castle are yet abroad, and that it is likely they will return this evening. The Sentinel then perceiving no body but the Dwarf opened the gate, and from thence he was brought to the Princes, where at first addressing himself to Dorigell he said, Do you know me, Sir Knight? Yes truly, said Dorigell, you gave me yesterday the best horse and the bravest shield in the world; for which courtesy you may ask of me what you please: and be assured you shall not be refused in any thing that lies in my power. I do not come hither, answered he, to request any reward for my service, but to do you some more: Go, I pray you presently to bed, together with these Princes that are hurt, and I will dress you. For knowing that your wounds would extremely incommodate you without looking to, I am come to cure you. You have already done so much for me, said Dorigel, that I will not now refuse your assistance, neither for myself nor my friends. Making then three beds to be set up in one Chamber, that the time might seem the less tedious unto them, they went to bed and were dressed by this Dwarf, who enjoining them to rest till the morning, went out with Sylvan that took upon him the charge of the Castle, appointing Parmenian of Cyprus, and Ladazan of Numidia, to keep the watch with twelve Knights for fear of being surprised. But little need there was of that care; for the day came on and nothing appeared to disturb them. Now were all these Prince's ris●n, as whole and sound as if they had not been hurt at all the evening before, and much wondering they could not see their Chirurgeon that was not any more to be found, when as the Sentinel brought them word that he saw a Chariot come almost to the gate, wherein were three Giants, and three Ladies, who filled the air with sighs and lamentations: but that withal there appeared a brave and able Knight that made no difficulty to set on the Giants, for the relief of those afflicted women. Thereat the Princes called for their arms, fearing lest that Knight should not be able to withstand the fury of those monsters: and therefore made all the haste they possible could. The young Sylvan who was first ready, knowing the Giants to be on foot, went out only with his sword in his hand, wherewith he entertained his enemies in so rude a fashion, aided by the valiant Emperor of the Parthians, that followed him, as he made them not only despair of the victory, but stand in fear of a near approaching death. The Knight whom before they had circled about, seeing himself so well and beyond his hope seconded, did so gallantly bestir himself, and charged him that opposed him, with such fury, as the grass round about him was died with his blood. In like sort, Sylvan entreated his man, and Spheramond gave his enemy not so much leisure as to breathe; but the honour of this combat was so well disputed with them, as they could not vaunt to have lent any thing but upon very good pawns. He that fought with the first Knight, despaired of his safety, and defying heaven for being so ill entreated by one man alone, took his curtle-axe in both his hands, and discharged so violent a blow on his adversaries helmet, that he laid him in the dust altogether deprived of sense. That blow naving given him some hope of victory, he was going to disarm him, but having in that rage and straining of himself, spent all his blood and strength, he reeling tumbled down on the other side with apparent signs of death. Spheramond that had observed the misfortune of the Knight whom he thought to be dead, was so transported with choler, that gripping his sword fast in his hand he made it descend with such fury on the cask of his enemy, as dividing it together with his head in two pieces, he laid him stark dead upon the earth. Thence presently flying to the Knight, that lay extended by the slain Giant, he unlaced his helmet, to see if he yet breathed, and found it was the beauteous Savage, who feeling the freshness of the air, immediately opened her eyes: His amazement to see her there, was no less than his content to find her with some remainder of life; but thinking that she stood in more need of succour then of compliment, he went about to help her up, when as remembering the combat she had begun, she rose with such force and agility as made them all to wonder that beheld her; and laying hold of her sword that was fastened to her arm, she was going to fall furiously on the Giant that fought with Sylvan; but she saw him sink under a terrible blow which he gave him. I am, said she then, fully revenged of my enemies: but yet I desire to know unto whom I am indebted for this assistance. To your own virtue, said Spheramond, which had no great need of our arms. God, said she, What do I see? and what strange encounter is this? Tell me, my Lord, what good fortune brought you hither? What Knights are these in your company? and what have your adventures been these three days? Even such, answered Spheramond, as those that have rendered you here; we arrived here without any particular design, and have rooted out of this Country a crew of mischievous fellows: but that which gives me the most content is, that we fell upon this place so happily for your safety, and the increase of our glory. These that you see here with me are at your disposing. Here is Sylvan, who showed himself the most forward to do you service, being the first that sallied forth to your succour. This is Dorigell, Prince of the Fortunate Island: the third is Amanio d'Astre; and these two Knights are Parmenian of Cyprus and Ladazan of Numidia, whom we have freed out of prison. Then he told her all the circumstances of his coming thither, his combat, and how without the assistance of those brave Princes, he had infallibly lost his life. This discourse having persuaded them, that all those occurrences had fallen out by the providence of some Magician their friend, she was about after she had infinitely caressed those Knights to enter the Castle; but remembering the women in favour of whom she had undertaken the combat, although she know not who they were, she desired Parmenian and Ladazan to go and seek them out; for she had observed that at the beginning of the fight they fled away from that place: This they undertook most willingly, and did discharge it so happily, as the same day they returned with unspeakable content of all the company, as shall be related to you in the Chapter following.   

CHAP. VII. Who th●se Princesses were that were forcibly carried away by the Giants: as also the Emperor Spheramonds return into Parthia.  
WE have in the preceding Chapter told you, that Argen●● sister to the King of the Frozen Island, foreseeing the ruin of the Pagan Princes, withdrew herself into the borders of the Sultan of Aleppo his Country, where by enchantment she built that proud Castle of the twelve Towers, and for the guard thereof drew thither twelve of the mightiest Giants in all the army, in hope by that means to surprise some of the Greek Princes, and so to revenge herself. But God whose providence reacheth to every thing, overthrew all her designs, making the Emperor Spheramond fall with that place, and after him Dorigell, Sylvan, and the gallant Knight of the Bridge, by the procurement of the great Alcander; who desiring to prevent the mischiefs which this woman intended to Christendom, and which without all doubt had happened in the loss of Spheramond, did provide that Dorigell should be met withal by a Dwarf, the Knight of the Bridge by a Squire, and Sylvan by a Damsel, to the end they might be conducted thither to succour that great Emperor. It remains now that we relate unto you the new design she had to render her malice the more memorable: As soon as the building was brought to perfection, she took her books, wherewith she often entertained herself, and straining her skill to the highest pitch, she found that the Empress Richarda, and the Princess Rosaliana, her sister, were with child with two sons, who one day should be the support of Christendom, and the ruin of Paganism; which did so vex her, as she resolved to destroy them before they should come into the world: Having sought out then from among the cunningest of her thoughts, for some subtle invention to bring her desires to pass, she departed with three of her Giants a little before those two great Armies came to meet, and embarked herself in a ship, which by the guiding of three dwarfs, she caused to sail so shiftly, that in two days she was in the Empire of Parthia at the foot of a Castle by the Sea side, where by chance the Empress Richarda with her sister were at that time, to find some diversion from the grief they were in for the absence of their Husbands: Being arrived at her desired ●●ort, she made certain Characters upon the poop of her Bark; and redoubling her charms, she enchanted her Giants that she carried with her in such sort, as they appeared in the shape of Spheramond, Amadis d' Astre, and the Duke of Arbamont; that done, she disarmed their heads, caused them to show themselves upon the hatches, and commanding two of her Dwarves to sound a fanfara to awake the Princesses, she sent the third well instructed with his message, to advertise them of the return of those Princes. Upon the noise of the trumpets the Ladies looked out at the window that opened to the sea, with a great desire to know what the business might be: but unable at that distance to discern the countenance of these transformed people, they did with some delight lend an ear to the Music, that seemed to presage some good fortune unto them: and whilst they thus suffered their souls to be drawn out at their ears, a damsel came to inform them, that there was a Dwarf desired admittance, to advertise them of some affair which nearly concerned them: whereupon having commanded him to be brought in, they withdrew from the window to understand what the Dwarf would say unto them; who being too well taught for to fail Argenea in her design, presented himself with much respect: and having made an humble obeisance with a cheerful countenance he said to the Empress Richard●: Madam, what will you give me for the contentment which my coming will bring you? The Emperor Spheramond with his cousin Amadis d' Astre, is at the foot of this Castle: but because they have in their company a beautiful Princess whom they chanced to meet with at sea, that will not land this evening, in regard she desires to visit you to morrow with the more magnificence, they humbly beseech you not to be displeased with their retardment in saluting you, since it is against their wills and only to discharge themselves of the promise they have made to this Lady. They have reason to keep their word, answered Richarda, who was transported with joy and content; no● will I render them perjured by commanding them to come hither. But let me not live if I go not myself to visit them, though for a penance I serve in the morning to glorify the triumph of this foreign Beauty they bring with them. Having then caused their horses to be brought, she went down to the haven accompanied only with her sister, and one maid, where seeing the lovely face of her Husband, she could not without some trouble bear the little delay which she was forced to endure, before she could be set aboard the ship; into the which she was with her company no sooner entered but the Giants reassumed their former shapes, which did so amaze them, that with grief to find themselves so woefully abused, they fell down more than half dead upon the deck; Argenea seeing that which she so much desired in her power, immediately covered the ship with a cloud, took her way back again with the same speed she had made thither, and landed at the same port from whence she had weighed anchor not above five days before. But her house being ten leagues from thence, she presently caused a Chariot to appear, drawn by six horses of a monstrous greatness; and having found by her last incantations she was threatened with a terrible mischief, she willed her Giants to pass on and to bestow the Ladies in safe custody, whilst she went to consult with a great Magician, with whom she had formerly been very conversant, to the end that by the help of his skill she might divert the storm which was ready to fall upon her; yet all her devices were to no purpose: for Alcander (to whose knowledge all other mortal men's gave place) having foreseen the mischievous intentions of this Hag, had first turned the Chariot somewhat out of the right way to make it come within the view of Spheramond, to whom also he gave the same day those excellent arms, by means whereof he escaped death, which was otherwise inevitable, being to fight with three or fowr of the most able Giants in the world, all at one instant, assembled all those Princes who had been separated from the Army into that one place being assured that Spheramond would at length be unable to resist so many Knights as were to combat him together. These than were the Princesses which he saw pass by when overtaken with the night, he was sleeping under the trees, and the very same that were brought to the Castle of the twelve Towers, by the Giants, when as those Princes sallied forth to second the fair Savage, who having met the Chariot followed the Giants to fight with them, being moved with pity at the lamentations of those Ladies. But it is time to return to our former Discourse of Parmenian of Cyprus and Ladazan finding these Princesses under a tree who trembled with fear, alighted from their horses, and putting off their helmets, that the Ladies might by seeing who they were, be the better assured, they kneeled down to kiss their hands: but they were so amazed with the encounter of them, as they were not able to speak a word; which Parmenian observing, to restore them to themselves he said: I cannot but much wonder (excellent Ladies) to meet you in these uninhabited parts, and so far removed from your own Countries. But you will be no less amazed when I tell you, that the Emperor Spheramond is at the Castle, which you see yonder, accompanied with certain Princes of Greece, who are merrier than the loss they have endured might seem to permit, not knowing as yet of your being in these quarters. Do not then I beseech you, afflict yourselves any further; those that brought you hither are dead; nor shall you find in that house any but such as were born to do you service. At these words the Princesses recovered a little courage, yet fearing such another treacherous trick, as had been played them before, they made but little show of resenting that news, and rested as it were in an ecstasy, when Ladazan, who marvailed at that coldness of theirs thus pursued his discourse: Why how now, Ladies, are not these news pleasing unto you? and will you not return with us to glad the Emperor? Verily this carriage of yours doth amaze me; nor can I imagine from whence it should proceed, since all fear of danger is past. Let us go, I beseech you, without any more delay. Well, let us go, said the Empress Richarda, who was somewhat the heartier of the three, since you will have it so, at the worst we can be but once more abused: with that they advanced toward the Castle, before the gate whereof stood Spheramond with Dorigell and the rest. He at the first sight knowing them was strangely amazed at so unexpected an encounter. O God said he, can I imagine or believe that my fair mistress is here, or can any man persuade me that I am not in a dream? Tell me, Madam, am I in the Parthian Empire? or is it possible that I should meet you in these desert plains, which are not near it by three hundred leagues? Certainly I am so confounded and besides myself, as I dare not embrace you, fearing that you are here through some enchantment. I should have, replied she my dear heart, a great deal more cause to be astonished beholding you here, seeing it is not above six days since you were with me in Parthia: but you did so suddenly change your aspect, that the pleasure of your sight was instantly followed with an infinite grief for not finding you any more like unto yourself; yet I do not now wonder any longer at it, for by the way I learned that a Sorceress our enemy had plotted this treason against us, an● that she had framed that enchantment for to surprise us; She threatened me with death, and to destroy with me the fruit that you left with me at your departure. But since I see you here with me, I do no more fear her charms, and care as little for her menaces: speaking thus, she gave him a million of kisses, and did so hang upon his lips as he could hardly have leisure to answer the Infanta Rosaliana, who came to entertain him, and enquired for some news of her Husband. I would, said he, gladly satisfy you if I knew how to do it with assurance: but not being able to say any thing certainly, I beseech you seek not to be informed but with as little curiosity as your love will permit. In the mean time comfort yourself in his absence, and believe that heaven will not be so much an enemy to your quiet, as not to render him unto you ere it be long, with more content than ever you had. These words were extremely sensible unto her, for she imagined that he was dead among so many other Princes; and did therefore bewail him in her mind: but unwilling to disturb her sister's contentment, or make it appear that she disinherited the words of Spheramond, she restrained her tears to return the salutes which she received from Sylvan, Dorigell, and Amanio d' Astre, who presented their service unto her, having before tendered the same respect to the Empress Richarda. Some time then being spent amidst these compliments, the Empress would needs visit the fair Savagesse, who was in her bed with three wounds, being much troubled that she could meet with no body that could dress them. But as they were consulting about finding out some Chirurgeon, they saw the little Doctor come in that had cured them the night before; who commanding them all out, applied such sovereign salves to her wounds, as after eight hours sleep, she waked without any pain, and as able to bear arms, as ever she was in her life. The wonder thereof being no less than their content, they passed on that night without any fear of Argenaes' power. But in the morning upon consultation they resolved, that this place being in the midst of the enemy's Country, was with much difficulty to be kept, so that Spheramond determing to quit it, returned towards his Empire, accompanied with the beauteous Empress his wife, her sister, and her maid, as also with Parmenian, Ladazan, and thirty Christian Knights, which would needs attend him; the rest took such other ways as fortune pleased to guide them.   

CHAP. VIII. The arrival of the Princes of Greece in their Countries: and the conveying away of little Amadis of Trebisond.  
FLorisell of Niquea being arrived at Constantinople, Alastraxeree in Trebisond, Don Rogel in Persi●, Spheramond with the Empress Richarda in the Empire of Parthia, and the other Christian Princes in their several Countries: tears of joy and grief were mingled together. Sidonia with all kindness welcomed her Husband, and the Empress of Persia showed no less content for the return of hers. But seeing that their Courts (in former time so flourishing by the presence of such a number of excellent Princes) now seemed forlorn by their deaths, and the absence of so many Princesses as were partly deceased, and partly carried away, they were not able to master their sorrow; howbeit time, the common Physician of miseries, and the consolations they continually received from those brave Princes, having somewhat sweetened the bitterness of their anguish, they began to restrain their tears and assuage their grief; seeing that necessity enforced them to so courageous a resolution. When as fortune that was not yet weary of vexing them prepared them a new occasion of sorrow: you have seen how the Empress Niquea, before she was enchanted in the Castle of Treasure, was delivered of a young son, whom she called by his father's name, for that he much resembled him in face; and that at his birth there appeared in the air certain signs which seemed to presage the excellency of that child. It remains now to tell you what became of him after the transporting of his mother away. The Chronicle of Alquif reports, that in those days lived a great Magician of the Pagan sect, who (though he came short of Alcanders' perfection) yet was master of many admirable secrets, unknown to those of his profession: This man named Dorion, holding nothing in higher esteem than the propagation of his law, took the same care for the preservation of the Pagans, as our Alcander did for the welfare of Christendom: so that one night bestowing himself in the invocation of his spirits, he learned of them the birth of the little Amadis of Trebisond, knew by his art that he would surpass his father in valour, and that he should one day be the second pillar of the Empire of the faithful, as also the subverter of Paganism. This infinitely afflicted him, and from thencefoorth he vowed his death, protesting to employ all the secrets of his art rather than fail of his purpose. But he continued not long in this mind: for turning over his books to find by what means he might best bring his desire to pass, he found that he whose destruction he sought, should one day shed his blood for to save him from an extreme danger: changing then his mischievous intention, he became more careful of his life, than he had before been eager of his death; yet having the love of his Religion deeply rooted in his heart, and being unwilling for the respect of his own preservation to see the ruin of it, he took a middle way between the fear of seeing the glory of the Pagans defaced, and his desire to live. This infant, said he, may one day indeed relieve me, for the influence of the celestial bodies are never fall, but yet I will keep him from destroying those which profess the same law that I do. I will therefore go and take him out of his mother's bosom, bring him into these deserts, where I reside, draw out of him the service that he is predestined to do me, and then will set such strong enchantments upon him, as he shall never be seen by any man but myself. Having thus spoken he enclosed himself in a cloud, and went directly to Constantinople, where the little Amadis was brought up. As soon as he came there, the Sun began to lose his light, the day's brightness was turned into darkness, and from the cloud wherein he was, such claps of thunder roare● forth, that every man feared to be ground into powder. Whilst all these wonders struck the world with astonishment, Dorion descended, entered the chamber of little Amadis, who then was but three months old▪ took him in his arms, and in the presence of Florisel, that with excessive gr●ef saw him go out and was not able to hinder it, returned into the midst of his cloud, which immediately rising up in the air carried him to the monstrous Island his own habitation, where being settled, he presently caused a woman to nurse him, commanding her with his milk to infuse into him the directions of their Law, so soon as she found him capable of any impression of it: howbeit his design there sorted not to his desire. For Alcander who was not able to hinder the carrying of him away, for that the decrees of heaven are not to be crossed, made him understand by certain secret impressions, that one only God was by him to be worshipped. When the cloud was gone, the Sun resumed his former splendour, and the air became as calm as before, but with exceeding grief to Sidonio, who seeing the new loss she had sustained, so exceedingly renewed her sighs and tears, that if Prince Florizel, which was better able to undergo such crosses, had not fallen again to his former reasons for to comfort her, she would undoubtedly have buried herself with her grief. Whilst the people lamented this misfortune, Florizel to seek some diversion from these sorrows, resolved to go on hunting, and to that end departing out of the palace for to take horse, a maid presented herself, and kissing a paper which she had in her hand, delivered it to him, telling him withal that it came from the wise Vrganda; with that word he trembled, for not having heard of her since the loss of his friends, he thought she had not been living, but had accompanied them in death, whom so faithfully she had served during their lives. But this his perturbation being of no long continuance, he opened the paper, and therein read these words.  
Vrganda to the Greek Princes.  
SOvereign Princes: If you had not learned by so many crosses as you have met withal in the World, what men of courage ought to know, I would comfort you in your losses, and specially for that which hath this day befallen you: But knowing you to be every way invincible, and that you make little account of fortunes worst attempts against you, I will not present you with reasons to mitigate your just resentments, though I should be glad that you could reach unto the meaning of these obscure words.  
The Prophecy.  
When the strange Lion shall amaze the World with his roaring, and shall meet with him of the Grecian Forests, the fourth of that name shall see the day for to render you presently after the lost Treasure.  
If you did understand these words, without doubt, you would, brave Princes, perceive that the counsels of heaven are wonderful, and living with quieter minds give me means to continue my doing you service with more affection than ever.  
See, said Florisel, how the Sun shines again after cloudy weather: These good Magicians are still living; and as far as I can perceive by this scroul, though I do not fully understand it, we shall not suffer so much as we imagined: Let God that governs our actions, be pleased to direct them to his Glory; for I will neither murmur at his corrections, nor grow insolent with his favours. This said, he went down the stairs, mounted on horseback, and better cheered than he had been in a long time before, went to the forest, where he had not been long, but he heard one that lamented not far from him, which made him to gallop that way the voice directed him, so that within a little while he arrived at a place where under a tree he found a good handsome woman, which held in herlap a dead Knight, over whom she made exceeding strange moan. Gentlewoman, said he being moved with pity, if your sorrow be capable of comfort, I would entreat you to consider that you afflict yourself to no purpose, & that it were fit you should demonstrate your love to this Knight some other way rather than by your tears, whereof he is now insensible. That which he now is to expect from your hands is a grave; Let us, I beseech you, bestow it upon him, and that done we will think of what remains. If he be slain by the treachery of any, I will, if it be in my power, work your revenge, otherwise it may be a comfort to you that you have seen him die like a good Knight, which is the most honourable departure out of this life. And if I shall not be troublesome to you, I will beseech you to let me know his name, and who it is that hath brought him into this estate. For being engaged by my word to revenge it, I should be glad to understand if with reason I may do it. This afflicted woman then lifting up her eyes all drowned in tears, beheld him a while without speaking a word, but judging by his countenance that he was not a Knight of any mean quality, at length she very modestly replied to him in this manner: Do not believe, noble Knight, that my complaint is excessive; for the valour and fidelity of him whose death I now lament, deserves that my tears should be perpetual, and might justly persuade me to lend no ear to any comfort whatsoever. But since with so much courtesy you make a tender to me of your assistance, I will not be so ingrateful as to refuse you the satisfaction you desire. Know then, my Lord, that this Knight whose head you see divided in two pieces, was called Balard of Catabatmon, grandchild to the good King Manely, who in the time of the Emperor Esplandian was held in the esteem of a brave Knight; he some months since left his father's house to be at that great battle, where the rest of all Christendom was set up; but falling very sick in a Town of Macedon, he could not bring his purpose to pass, his malady still increasing, there was little hope of his life, when as his Squire (the faithfullest that ever served in that kind) remembering that there needed no more to cheer him up but only to speak of me, assured him that I was upon the way to visit him, having had advertisement of his sickness: as soon as he heard my name, his love which yet in the extremity of his disease was still the same, made him instantly raise himself up, imagining that I had been come. But not seeing me, he gently laid his head down again upon his pillow, and began to take a little rest. In the mean time his Squire not intending to lose the benefit of his invention, instantly dispatched a post to me, knowing full well that my love was powerful enough to make me undertake more than a voyage of four day's journey; And having gives me notice of the estate his master was in, he put me in a strange perplexity: for loving him to infinity, I almost died at the first news of his sickness: but fortifying myself with a courageous resolution, I wiped my eyes, and taking a good pacing nag, I made such haste, that three days after I was by his bed side, though wonderfully troubled to see him brought so low; yet did my presence so work with him, that his blood returning to all the parts of his body he began to show some signs of amendment. To what end should I entertain you with longer discourse of his malady? Time restored him to his health, and when he found himself able to bear Arms, he departed from thence with me, who would by no means quit him. For I less valued the opinion of the world than the obligation wherein I was tied to my affection. Having traveled then twelve days without meeting any adventure, his courage coupled with his love, made him undertake to guard this passage for my sake, and to force all Knights that should pass this way to confess that I was the fairest maiden in the world. This his enterprise though full of danger, passed with him very happily, and divers were vanquished by him: but alas! Fortune forsook him this morning. For a great Knight in flaming coloured arms arrived here; who not satisfied with the conditions of the combat proposed by him, said unto him. Knight, there are two strong reasons that oblige me to sight with you; One is, the faith that I owe to my mistress much more beautiful than yours; and the other an oath, which I have taken never to spare any that are enemies to my Religion. The device which I see painted in your shield is an infallible argument that you are a Christian, and I know you have an unjust cause to maintain in affirming your Mistress to be the fairest living; seeing then that you are in case to combat I am ready to follow your example. Balard, who wanted no courage, not enduring the arrogance of this Knight, presently set hand to his sword, and a long time made his party good; but alas! not having a cask of proof sufficient to bear the furious and weighty blows of his adversary, he was in the end brought into the estate wherein you now see him. judge now if I have not reason to torment myself, since I have lost by his death all that can be dear unto me: and do not condemn my sorrow, which to me appears but too just and reasonable. I rather said Florisel, do commend your resentment of such a loss; howbeit I have no great reason to combat this Knight upon the quarrel, since it hath been fairly carried, and according to the laws of Knighthood, but seeing he professeth himself an enemy to Christians, whose protector I am bound to be, I promise you to seek him to the world's end for to revenge the death of Balard, and to rid this Country of so pernicious a Knight. Saying thus, he sent for his arms, nor would he return to the City, but went his way with Lidora (so was the Gentlewoman called) not being to be diverted from this enterprise for any entreaty could be made him.   

CHAP. IX. Who the Knight ardant was, and why be hated the Christians.  
THey that have bestowed any time in reading this famous history, have found in the twelfth book of Amadis, that Don Rogel of Greece, being at sea with Persia, Princess of Persia, and Don Brianges of Boetia, was one day so tossed with a tempest, that after they had with no good success, used all the labour and skill of the mariners, he at the last found himself hurried away with the storm, and thrown into the billows; from whence yet he escaped, rather by the permission of God, then by the strength and address of his swimming, it being the pleasure of the Almighty that he should not at that time miscarry. That afterwards he fell in love with Florelle Queen of Canabea, who died the same day that he left her. And that the great Giant Exceladus opened her womb to take out the child whereof she was ready to be delivered, being gone nine months and above of her time; which after he had wrapped up in a virgin parchment, he carried away with him, and in brief all the rest that is particularised in the 97. Chapter of that Book. But for that the History of that miraculous Infant is not as yet come to light, at least only vented by an ignorant Translator, I held it no lost labour to acquaint you with what I have found in an old fragment, written by Alquif (entitled, the Oriental History of the Imperial House of Greece) which was found in Constantinople when it was taken by the French, in the time of Baldwin of Flanders, and afterwards brought into France by Geffrey de Ville Hardovin, Martial of Champagne, who compiled the history of that expedition, the rather for that the sequel of my discourse doth not permit me to pass by his name and acts in silence. This Infant then (as you have known) was called Fulgoran, by reason of a little blaze, which being cut out of his mother's belly, appeared upon his breast, and brought up with all manner of care by that Magician Giant, who found by his art that he would be infinitely valiant, and one day do some great mischief to Christendom: he daily instructed him in the handling of his arms; and often informed him of the honour that brave Knights had acquired to themselves, to the end to render him ambitious of such glory and virtue by their example. And in brief he had so trained up his youth, that except the hate of the name of a Christian, which he had deeply engraven in his soul, he might boldly vaunt that he had framed a master piece of him. As soon as he perceived that he was able to bear arms, he made him a Cuirace of the colour of flaming fire, a cask of the best temper in the world, and a shield of so good proof, as with that greatness of courage and ability of body which he knew him endued withal, he might well believe that he was invincible. These being all in a readiness, he took him one day aside, and thus sp●ke to him: It is in my opinion time, my son, that you should begin to attempt the effecting those things which the destinies have promised unto you, to the end you may not frustrate the hope that I have conceived of your valour. You shall the refore this night watch the Arms that I will give you, and prepare yourself to depart to morrow for to seek the adventure of the world. Be gentle and easily entreated to pardon, patient in labour, love your Religion, and above all things take heed that conversing with Christians do not one day make you of another faith. I shall have my share with you in the glory that you shall gain, and shall be infinitely pleased if your praises may reach to the furthest end of the world. This young Prince, who had naturally a disposition to goodness, with a courage nothing inferior to his father, promised the Giant with care to remember his instructions, watched his Arms, was the next morning Knighted by the Giant, and loath to lose time mounted on a horse, that had not many fellows on the earth, and departed the same day under the protection of his Gods. Passing then along with an extreme desire of meeting with some adventure worthy of his courage, he spent three hours in crossing certain forests without lighting upon any one of whom he might inquire where he was: but at the end thereof he entered into a great plain, where under certain trees he saw an old man sitting; who rising up with incredible nimbleness thus saluted him: Gentle Prince, I have ever since morning waited here for you, to discover unto you a secret that much imports you: You believe that Enceladus is your father, because he hath hitherto had the education of you; but from henceforth be not any more of that opinion; for you are son to one of the bravest and greatest Princes in the World, and whom you shall never know but with an extreme hazard of your life. For the rest, remember the good counsel your foster Father gave you; I mean, be liberal, courteous, patient in adversity, easily entreated to forgive, and ready to relieve those that are distressed: But do not follow his advice of never being an enemy to the Religion which you now profess. The time shall come wherein you shall feel so much delight in another that is better and more conducing to your happiness then this is, that you will quickly find how much my counsel is more profitable for you then his. You are amazed to hear me talk to you in this manner, and it may be will make little account of what I speak because you know me not; but you will one day see how much my meeting with you at this time did concern you. Follow now the way you are in, since the destinies have put you into it, and be assured that in the greatest danger I will not be far from you, as well for your own merit, as for the affection which how to the virtue of your Father. This said, he vanished out of his sight, leaving our new Knight much astonished at that he had seen, and extremely pleased to understand that his parents were of such eminent quality, although as yet he knew them not. Going on then very joyfully, he entertained his thoughts with infinite designs, when as he heard a great clashing of arms in a forest that was not far from him: whereupon clapping spurs to his horse, he entered the wood, where at first he spied a Coach wherein were two Ladies woefully weeping; and a little beside them three fearful Giants amongst fifteen or twenty Knights, who (as was easy to be conjectured) disputed with them the liberty of those women: Fulgoran having a while beheld them, and seeing that as often as the Giants Curtelaxes lighted upon any of them, some of those Knights fell dead to the earth, couched his lance with so good both address and fortune against one of them, that having pierced him clean through, he laid him dead in the dust. This happy blow, the first essay of his chivalry, having added to his courage, he set hand to his sword which he employed so gallantly, that he stayed the fury of the second, leaving the third in the midst of fowrteen Knights, who did extremely trouble him. But he was therewith so enraged, that as many as he fully lighted upon, he laid on the grass: so that having dispatched eight of them, all the rest betook them to their heels saving one, who being richly armed, and obstinately pursuing his revenge, received so furious a blow upon his helmet, that he fell from his horse voiding blood at his nose and ears: That so cruel a blow having extremely affrighted the women, who were before somewhat cheered upon the coming in of the burning Knight, made them shrike out so loud that Fulgoran hearing it, gave his opposite so forcible a thrust, as having run him clean through the body, he laid him on the ground in the same estate his companion was in. Turning him then about, he perceived that he which survived, was going to unbuckle the Knight's helmet whom he had overthrown, which was the cause of the women's lamentations: this put him in such choler, as instantly running to him, and not giving him leisure to rise (for he had one knee upon the ground) he struck him so just on the neck, that he laid his head at his feet. This execution done, he drew to the Ladies, and began to comfort them, telling them that their enemies being dead, they had now no more cause to fear: But one of them who appeared beautiful in perfection, although her sorrow and tears hindered in some sort the discerning of her excellencies, interrupted him, saying: Good Knight, the time doth not now give me leave to render you condign thanks for this happy relief you have given us, for the fear I am in lest the King my Lord be dead, doth so transport me as I scarce know what I speak: Continue if you please, your assisting me, and help me presently to alight, that if there be any remainder of life in him, I may preserve it with such help as in this necessity I may give him. Fulgoran who was naturally very courteous, took her instantly in his arms, out of the chariot, and led her to him whom the last Giant would have killed; and pulling off his helmet, he used such means to him, as he brought him to himself again, being much amazed to find himself in that estate. Clairangia (for so was that beautiful Princess called) seeing her husband breathe, recovered somewhat both her colour and courage: so that perceiving a young Squire whom the Giant had bound behind the chariot, she presently caused him to be freed, and commanded him with all diligence to seek out those Knights, who by flying had sought their safety, and will them to return unto her. In the mean time Fulgoran held the King in his arms, persuading him not to be dismayed with his wounds, which would easily be cured. The Squire having gladly undertaken this charge, immediately ran into the wood, but meeting them returning with a resolution to lose themselves with their master, since he would not save himself with them, he stayed his pace, and having informed them of the issue of the business, he brought them to the King, where full of shame for the cowardice they had showed, they began to frame an arm litter, in which they took up Dardan●r (so was the King named) Fulgoran going into the Coach with Clair●●gia, who much wondering to find such valour in a Knight so young and lovely, did gently inquire of him what good fortune had brought him into that Country for to bind her to him in so eternal an obligation. That Madam, said he, which doth ordinarily bind such Knights, as without design do go about the world seeking strange adventures. But if you marvel at my coming hither in so seasonable a time, believe it I am no less amazed to have found you in so much danger. For your beauty and the greatness of your estate, were in my opinion likely to have kept you from any sinister accident: although I well know, that fortune doth not always consider either the merit, or the quality of those with whom she means to make herself sport. For this cause Madam, I would gladly know of you (provided my request heerin may not be offensive) by what mischance you fell into this mischief. I am too much engaged to your valour, said she, to refuse you any thing you shall desire. Know then, mylord, that Dardan●r and myself being possessed of the Crown and Sceptre of Romerie, which is but two easy day's journey from hence, did live happily together in our match; for it is but two months since we were joined in marriage, and had nothing to complain of, but that we could not free our Court of one of these Giants which now you have slain: for being passionately in love with the Princess Alixea, my sister, whom you see here, we were extremely discontented at his pretention, which yet we durst not but under hand oppose. For knowing that his brothers were our neighbours, and exceedingly redoubted by all the provinces thereabout, we very much feared that a refusal would so enrage them, as they would make a war upon us, and so peradventure dispossess us of the estate of Romerie. And indeed we could by no means have avoided that misfortune without your aid, considering the estate wherein you met with us: for Bracandor my sisters amoroso not able longer to endure the violence of his desire, one day took the boldness to move the King therein after this fashion: Sir, you are not ignorant of my descent, and you also know (for you have been a witness of my valour) that I am able to purchase Principalities to myself, and when I please can set a royal Crown upon my head. I will not therefore fear to discover my intentions unto you, whereof I make no doubt but you have had some conjecture already: I have long loved your sister Alixea, and gladly would I be so far obliged to your favour as to be pleased with my alliance, which will not be of mean importance to you. For the consideration of myself and my brothers, will make you to be so redoubted, that all your neighbours will tremble at the very rumour of your arms, and from myself you shall still receive so many and so agreeable services, that you shall never have cause to repent of affording me that honour. This discourse did extremely perplex Dardanor; for the bad conditions of this Giant made us so to loathe him as we resolved to run any hazard rather than yield my sister unto him, whom by no means she could affect: howbeit not to make him utterly despair, he answered him, that being a King who desired to do nothing but that which was good and just, he could not absolutely determine of a matter of such consequence, without the consent of my sister, and his people: and that therefore he would first propound the business to the Counsel of his Estates: and that in the mean time it would be fit for him to go and communicate the matter with his brothers, to the end he might not render them his enemies by neglecting their authority. Bracandor being hereby persuaded that all went according to his desire, was easily carried to take his leave of us, nothing dreaming of the King's secret intentions, who not to lose time did presently after his departure send forth commissions for the raising of soldiers, fortified his ports and frontier Towns; and with all diligence prepared himself for a war. Our Amoroso being hereof advertised, was extremely amazed, and instantly perceived, to what end the King had persuaded him to remove; which did so enrage him, that he vowed to die, or be revenged of us all. But seeing the careful order that Dardanor had taken throughout his Kingdom, and that it would be impossible for him to bring his designs to pass, he made as if he had quite forgotten Alixea, so as he suffered six months to pass without declaring himself any way sensible of my husbands proceeding with him; who in the mean while not thinking any more of him, determined about twelve days since to go a progress to all the good Towns in his ●●ngdome; and taking his journey, with the Princess my sister, and myself, under the guard of two hundred Knights, he visited some places of most importance: and finding upon his way a very pleasing forest, he resolved to spend some days in hunting in it. This while Bracandor was not sleeping, for being advertised by some, which he entertained in our Court, of all these passages, as you know that palaces are never unfurnished of such traitors, he came thither accompanied with his brothers, where finding us attended only by thirty Knights of our guard, they put us into this Chariot, and after they had massacred our people, hurrying us away, they threatened us with no less than ravishment and death. Some of our servants that had escaped from the fury of their swords, having given notice of our misfortune to the King, he presently drew together as many of his Knights as possibly he might, and following us with all diligence, he overtook us to his certain ruin, without the happy assistance which you, Sir, so luckily brought him. See here, my Lord, the true narration of our disaster, which I conclude with a protestation, that I shall never be sparing of any thing in my power whatsoever your service shall command in, since you have hazarded your life so nobly for my preservation. While Clairangia was thus discoursing to him, Fulgoran who never had beheld such beauty before, observed her with a strange and unusual motion, and in his heart said thus to himself. Good gods, how blessed a man is Dardanor to be possessed of a creature so full of perfections? and how much to my prejudice am I to fear the encountering and seeing of her at this time? I cannot choose but love her, though she be dedicated to the contentment of another: and spite of my teeth I must yield to the impulsions of that proud deity which triumphs over all men. Mighty Love, do not, I beseech thee, refuse me thy aid; and since it is thy pleasure to be acknowledged by me, grant that the heart of this Lady may prove as pliant, as the glances of her eyes are pleasing; I will then with a liberal hand present sacrifice to thy altars, and proclaim to all the world that thou art of more power than all the gods that we adore. On the other side Clairangia finding him wonderfully agreeable to her, did insensibly pass from a due acknowledgement of his assistance, to an height of liking him, being unable with all her modesty to keep herself from dearly loving him, and wishing that she might in that manes possess him, as she might one day receive the contentments which Love doth give us in the fruition of our desires. Nevertheless not being willing to leave a bad impression in him of her weakness, she concealed her mind, and kept him well enough from discerning her affection. Thus shortening the length of the way, with the sweet entertainment of their thoughts, they arrived at a village, where the King had a mind to rest, and cause his wounds to be carefully looked unto. But having intelligence that some kinsmen of the Giants had a design to surprise him in that place, and so to be revenged on him, he presently dislodged, being much troubled, that he had no more of his people about him to assist him, if the enemy should charge him: but he was quickly freed of that care, by the coming in of the Knights that he had left in the forest, who encountered him on the way an hour after: much rejoicing to find him alive, whom they had given for dead, as soon as they heard he was gone to set upon the Giants. When he saw them he commanded his tent to be pitched, that he might repose himself being then out of all fear of danger, since he had in his company the burning Knight, to whom he did all the honour that possibly he could devise. The night past sweetly away with every one, but these two hearts so lately wounded: for fixing their imaginations, she upon the consideration of what she ought to her honour; he upon the fear of not being entertained with favour, and the danger that his enterprise might draw upon him, they were both of them kept waking till day, amidst the perplexity of a world of thoughts: but if they were tormented that night, the next was so them much more full of torture. For their conversing familiarly together all that day, having added no little fuel to their fire, made them feel their desires much more violent, and so rendered their pains more insupportable. Shamefastness sealed up the lips of Clairangia, and a due respect bridled Fulgoran, but remembering that lovers are commonly fortunate, when they are adventurous, he desired to try whether boldness would acquire him that, which his faintness had not hitherto permitted him to ask. Whereupon calling for pen and ink he wrote these lines to discover his love unto her, not being confident enough to do it by word of mouth.  
Fulgorans Letter to his Lady the fair Clairangia.  
Madam,  
I Believe you will think me very rash in acquainting you thus with my thoughts, but when you shall consider your own power and my weakness, without question you will hold me excused; and say, that I have reason being sick, to seek for recovery, which is in your hands, and the content of my life depends upon your favour. Do not. I beseech you, refuse it to the passion of a lover, who never knew what it was to sigh but for you, nor desires any greater felicity in the world, than the honour of your service. Your eyes in which shines so much beauty, promise me no less: make not them then the authors of my despair, as they have been of my captivity, but let your sense of my suffering, give me ease to bless my good fortune: so shall you put new life into my courage, and my arms shall make all the earth to know, that it is your beauty alone which deserves to command the burning Knight, who doth not wish a condition more eminent then to be  
Your Servant.  
This Letter being by the means of Silesia, the trusty secretary of her privatest thoughts, cunningly conveied into Clairangiaes' hands, was read with some perturbation; but unresolved as yet to declare herself, she returned no answer unto it, leaving the burning Knight in such disquiet, as his humour before so pleasing and sociable, became altogether untractable: he was seldom seen in the Court, little in his chamber, but commonly in the woods and unfrequented places, where he entertained himself with the sad consideration of his miserable estate; in which being denied the happiness of knowing his parents, he was now also refused the enjoying the first thing that ever he had loved. Unfortunate Knight, said he, what dost thou now dream of, or what canst thou think of that gives thee not occasion to complain? Thou canst not be happy, only because thou art not worthy of so much glory. Retire then in time, and rather blame thy boldness, than the cruelty of thy Mistress: she is not guilty of thy misery, it is thy destiny that thou must accuse for it. But alas! what counsel is this thou harknest unto? Is it likely that thou canst leave her, and love her so dearly? Thou must either die, or vanquish this hard heart of hers: women do not so easily yield themselves; they will be entreated, and do often times feign themselves cruel, to try our constancy. If thou shouldst possess her without pain, her caresses would not be so sweet, nor thy contentment so complete. Wherefore thou must not be weary of serving her, since the recompense well deserves thy labour. This Knight thus losing himself in his meditations made all the Court to wonder at this change of his. The King was much troubled with it, as admiring his virtue, but Clairangia much more. For knowing that she only was the cause thereof, she participated with him in her grief and suffering, which much amazed Silesia, who not approving this reservedness of hers, did one day thus speak to her: I wonder at you, Madam, and cannot imagine why you afflict yourself in this manner, when you may live contented. You love Fulgoran, he adores you; and you have often told me, that you would not be ingrateful to the good offices he hath done you. His valour, beauty, love, and the infinite respect that he serves you withal, fill you full of desire; why then do you not seek for the accomplishment thereof? and to what end is this modesty, seeing it is so troublesome unto you? Madam, it is not well done, you tyrannize your life to no purpose; occasions are to be laid hold on when they present themselves. This Knight hath too many perfections to be despised: open your arms to him, since he offers himself to you; and as he hath not been sp●ring of his blood for your preservation, deny him not your favour for the conservation of his life, which cannot be long, if you continue this course with him: his death could be no pleasure to you, but condemning your rigour, you would say that you had committed an irreparable fault. Ah! how dangerous it is to meet with one that will push us on when we have our foot upon the precipice: Clairangia, whom the respect of her greatness, and the consideration of a husband, did as yet contain, believing that her weakness might be somewhat warranted by Silesiaes' reasons, soon yielding up herself promised this wench no longer to reject Fulgoran; and permitted her to tell him that she would the next day go to Cel●bana, a house of pleasure that she had some three leagues from thence, where she thought she might have more liberty to confer her favours on him, then amongst a thousand observers, which are ordinarily in Court. This office Silesia willingly undertook; for as soon as she had her commission, she passed three or four times before Fulgorans chamber door, till she found an opportunity of meeting him, to let him know how all things were disposed for his content: how her Mistress desired to see him at Celibana, that there she might give some assuagement to his sorrows: and that he was happy if he could manage his fortune with discretion. This advertisement made him to change his countenance, as the fear of being ill used had altered his humour, he became more jolly than he had been in a good while before, and at last went to bed with less unquietness than before.   

CHAP. X. The Queen Clairangia going to Celibana, is twice surprised, and rescued by Fulgoran.  
THE Queen departing with the King's consent, under the guard of the Earl of Clina and twenty Knights, Fulgoran (who had not forgotten Silesiaes' directions) went out armed, as he was accustomed to do, and seeming to be carried by his ordinary fancies, followed a way a little wide of that which the Queen with her train had taken, meditating upon the good fortune he was to have in finding his Lady more gentle than she used to be to him. She on the other side went with no less contentment thinking on the caresses she was to receive from a lover of such perfections. But her joy was quickly turned into sorrow: for she espied a Giant coming out of the wood of a goodly proportion, and not of any monstrous greatness, but every way so handsome, that notwithstanding the trouble she was in by the appearance of such an object, yet took she some pleasure in beholding his gallant demeanour; howbeit considering that such kind of persons are for the most part cruel and uncourteous, she began to say: O ye Gods! how much I doubt the meeting with this great Knight? and I am much afraid that the death of our enemies will be revenged by this encounter. Sister, we are unfortunate, and can expect nothing from this mischance, but either to be forcibly bere●● of that which we ought to hold most dear, or to be reduced into the misery of a long captivity. Wherefore, said she to her attendants, prepare yourselves to fight, and show in what esteem you hold my safety. Reward shall wait on the valiant, and punishment on those that are cowards, and that prefer their lives before their honours. At these words every one made him ready to do his duty; but the Giant making no account of this troop, first of all addressed himself to the Coachman, whose brains he presently knocked out with a blow of his armed fist; then drawing out his Scimitar the first that presented himself to him had his head cloven in sunder: after that falling in amongst the rest, he dealt his blows in such manner, as from one he cut off an head, from another an arm, cloven a third down to the middle, so that within less than half an hour he had laid fowrteen at his feet; and amongst them the Count of Clina so far from himself, as he remembered not that he was in the world. The six that survived hoping for no better entertainment than their companions had received, fled into the wood, leaving their Queen a prisoner, when as two Giants by much far greater than the first, came to the place where this fight had been; one of the which having beheld the excellent beauty of Clairangia, was so far in love wi●● her as he resolved either to die, or make her his own; Wherefore addressing himself to the Conqueror, who was going to play the Coachman, and had the whip already in his hand, he said: Do not think, Knight, that a treasure of such value as you think to have, is to be purchased with so little labour: you have in your opinion, made it yours by the slaughter of these men, the defeature of whom can give you no true glory; but if you mean to possess it without doubt of a competitor, it is my death that must give you assurance: therefore you must resolve to fight for it with me, or acknowledging yourself unworthy of such a happiness, give over any further claim to it, and suffer me to carry it whither I please. The advantage you have, answered he, of a second, makes you speak with so much arrogance; for if you were alone, you would rather think of defending yourself, then offer to brave a man of my fashion: howsoever do not persuade yourself that I will so easily yield you the fruit of my labours, neither hope to be the conductor of these Ladies, to whom I have so just a title; for I intent not to make way to you for it, but upon very strict conditions. At these words enraged like two Bulls that were ready to fight for an heifer, they at one instant discharged two such heavy blows each upon the other, as they both staggered ready to fall, had not the shame of being overcome in the presence of her whom they loved transported them. This beginning but incensing them the more, they laid upon one another with such fury, as by the noise they made, one would have thought there had been fifty Knight together by the ears. If the one gave a blow, the other was not asleep. In In brief, they were so eager, that their blood running down on every side, did nothing at all a bate their courage. He that came first not enduring to be disputed with about a thing he had gotten, struck so furious a blow upon his enemy's shield, that having divided it in two the sword descended upon his casque which it entered, giving him a slight wound in the head: but well offered was as well returned, he being paid at the same instant with so rude a thrust that pierced through his armour a good way into the flesh, which put him into such a rage, as grinding his teeth, he took his Scimitar in both his hands, and gave his enemy so horrible a blow upon the head, that without doubt he had determined the combat if he had made it home. Nevertheless it served not only to give him a slash in the face, but the point passing on with an incredible violence opened his cuirace and wounded him dangerously in his breast. This blow somewhat amazing the other, who yet had not drawn his sword, but was with the Ladies, entreating them not to be troubled with their meeting them, caused him to lay hand on his Curtle-axe, wherewith very rudely he entertained his enemy; who little caring for this assistance, redoubled his strokes with more fury than before. In the mean time Clairangia was more liker a dead then a living woman; for well perceiving that which side soever fortune should favour, her danger was inevitable, she afflicted herself in such extremity as would have moved any the most insensible heart to have pitied her, but her sorrow lasted not long; for a while after she perceived the brave Knight ardant come galloping in, who seeing so many dead bodies scattered on the ground, his Lady all drenched in tears, and stretching out her hands as imploring his aid, he became so enraged, that drawing forth his sword he let it fall with such force upon the head of the last Giant that he clove him to the teeth overthrowing him dead to the earth. This brave blow having reinforced his courage, he made so smart a thrust at the breast of his companion, as meeting just with the wound which the first Giant had given him there, the point of his sword came out at his back, together with his life and that little blood he had lest: howbeit not contented to see himself delivered from those two, he turned him to the first comer for to serve him with the same sauce; but he retiring a little back said unto him: I cannot worthy Knight, with reason employ my arms against you; for having given me my life which was undoubtedly far engaged by the force of these two Knights whom you have slain, it were base in me to defend it against you, and in you a cruelty to deprive me of it, after you have so generously preserved it: if you have any interest in this fair Lady I will no longer pretend to any part in her, but will rest conte●nted with the honour of your service. Fulgoran admiring the humility of this Giant, (for he could not doubt his courage having before his eyes such apparent proofs of his valour) let down his sword which was advanced to strike him, and very gently answered: I did not look, Sir, to be vanquished by your courtesy, as I doubted to have been by your arms, wherewith having made two of the terriblest Giants in the World to tremble, I might very well fear a bad success of our combat. But since you will have this glory over me, I willingly grant it you, and shall be well contented to accept of this obligation, in hope one day to find a means to requite it: let us then, I pray you, be friends, since you will have it so, and believe it that I shall ever hold myself honoured in your acquaintance. Heerupon with open arms they embraced one another, to the infinite satisfaction of the Queen, who seeing this business ended according to her wish, and contrary to the fear she was in about the issue thereof, knew not well how to look. See, said she to her Knight, who came to kiss her hands after his victory, and to present the Giant to her; See, my Lord, how I am doubly engaged to you for my li●●; But you shall not find me ungrateful, and your services shall be so well recompensed, as you shall have cause to command my acknowledgement of them; I do willingly receive this great Knight, although he hath strangely perplexed me, but the happiness to see you by me, and myself at liberty, which I was so lately in despair of, doth not suffer me to think of any passed misfortune; Let us go on, since we are so near to Celibana, but first it were good to see if among so many Knights as lie here in the dust, there be any one yet living: for it were not well done to leave any neglected that have so faithfully discharged their duties. Fulgoran then lighting from his horse viewed them all over, but found none to breath saving the Count of Clina, who showed some signs of life assoon as he had air given him, whereat the Queen very much rejoiced, though I believe she would have helped to make an end of him herself, if she could have foreseen the mischiefs which by his occasion did afterwards befall her. The Count being thoroughly recovered, for he had no wound upon him, they began to set on towards Celibana, where they quickly arrived with much contentment. The news of the Queen's misfortune being carried to Dardanor, the Courtiers were all up in arms, and every one was ready to get to horse for to succour her, when word was brought to the King, that she was freed by the valour of the Knight ardant, who entertaining himself in his melancholy fancies not far from the way which the Queen went, had heard the noise of arms, and came in just as the combat of the three Giants was in the highest fury: two of the which passed by the edge of his sword, the third becoming his friend for the assistance he had given him. This second advertisement much more welcome than the former, having quieted Dardanors mind, he sent his Physicians and Chyrurgians to Celibana to look to those which were wounded. In the mean time our Lovers began to caresse one another; for Clairangia no longer able to hinder the felicity of the Knight ardant, whom she thought worthy of her love, assoon as he was unarmed thus amorously said unto him: I should be ungrateful indeed, if I should not answer your affection or now refuse you a recompense for those good services you have rendered me, your valour doth enforce me aswell as it doth Knights that encounter you; and I am constrained to confess that you deserve my favours, I will therefore confer them on you, so as you do manage them with discretion, and will delay your delight no longer than the evening. You shall follow Silesia when time serves, but take heed you lose not yourself in the excess of your joy, nor let your actions testify the content of your heart. O ye Gods! said Fulgoran, rapt into a heaven of bliss, how pleasing is this promise to me, and what cause have I to esteem myself the happiest man on the earth? Not all the gods, Madam, shallbe able to attain to this glory of mine, and I may well say that all my travels are fully rewarded with these words alone: you assure me unexpressable felicities, and such as questionless might easily transport me from myself (for no mortal man can receive them without passion.) But Madam, I will carry myself (sinc● you command me to do so) with such prudence as you shall never repent your so infinitely obliging of me. But alas! I fear that the time may change, and pardon me. If I say that I doubt that I am not fortunate enough to merit so much grace. This is, answered she, to afflict yourself without cause: Doubt not, my Knight, that I will fail of my word, since I am to have a share in the pleasure you hope for; but that we may begin our love with discretion, I would not have you tarry here any longer, for fear of giving suspicion to any. There is the Earl of Clina, hold good correspondence with him if it be possible, for he is a man of whom I stand in doubt, and that questionless observes our actions. These words making Fulgoran to withdraw, he went into the garden, not now any more to pass his time among the trees with ruminating upon the cause of his discontent, but to meditate with the less diversion upon the good fortune that was promised him. Having spent some hours in this entertainment the night approached, which he with so much impatience had expected, to render him contented: For Silesia whom the Queen had fully informed of her intentions, came to him, and having lead him to certain trees that made a delicate arbour, willed him not to stir from thence till she returned to him. His impatience making him think the time long, he accused his Mistress of sloth, and would willingly have gone to hasten her, but fearing to offend with much ado he refrained, and stayed till at last he saw the Queen appear, having nothing but a loose white satin garment on, and so gentle a night dressing on her head, as would have forced the dullest soul in the world to have loved her. Ravished then with delight he went and fell on his knees before her, kissing her hands a thousand times: But she that could not endure to see him in that posture, joined her lips to his with such ardency, as did well testify that she was no less pressed with her desires than he. These first caresses serving only to waken their appetites, they sat down upon the grass, where Fulgoran immediately took possession of his desired bliss, with so much sweet dalliance, as the Reader must not wonder if I do not take upon me to describe the pleasure thereof, since all the words in the world are not sufficient to express it. Having thus past the greater part of the night with all the content that may be wished for in this world, they withdrew themselves with a promise to meet there every night, which accordingly they performed with much secrecy; and certainly their delights had been of longer continuance, if Fulgoran had well observed the advice his Mistress gave him. But with this good fortune his humour changed, he was no longer melancholy, he was not to be found in the woods, he frequented not the fields, he was more curious in his apparel than he was wont to be; If he spoke it was always in the defence of the beauty of Ladies; briefly in his eyes was to be read the tranquillity of his mind, and all his actions being full of jollity, made men judge that joy was more predominant in his heart then fadnes, so that every man wondered at this strange alteration in him. The Count of Clina observing him more narrowly than the rest, because he had a particular design upon him, soon discovered the secret, and was confident (seeing the Queen so often to eye him) that the metamorphosis proceeded from some special familiarity that was between them, which made him infinitely discontented. For being somewhat in love with the Queen, whereof nevertheless he never durst make any show, it madded him to see another more happy than himself. What, said he all enraged, shall a stranger gather the roses, whilst I feel the prick of the thorns? It is unreasonable, I must at leastwise have a share in her favours, since I cannot wholly possess them; and she cannot refuse me that, seeing she gives herself to another: but say she should be so vain as to slight my affection, I have the means to be revenged of her, and make her f●el the effects of an incensed spirit. Being carried then by this heady resolution, he went directly to the Queen's Chamber, where by chance she was alone, and with a low reverence said unto her: I am come, Madam, to put my life into your hands, and to acquaint you with a secret, which I scarce dare trust myself withal; I am overrash (it is true) but who would not be so, when so great a reward is proposed? I love you, Madam, and the consideration of your greatness, or my duty, could ever divert me from it, though in so doing I have, as it were foreseen my ruin, but who would be loath to die for so excellent a cause? No, I will fear no punishments, that it may appear I am not insensible of the force of your beauty; my sighs do testify rather your power then my insolence, and from my passion can nothing redound but your glory. Consider me, Madam, I beseech you, as this great light of the world beholds all creatures, and remember that the least and meanest of them is as much obliged to him as the mightiest Monarches: The Gods that have made you so fair for the contentment of a King, have never forbidden you the conferring of a like grace on such as have not sceptres, but yet many virtues; so that it lies in your power to make one happy; think me then worthy of that favour, and let my vow of an eternal fidelity give me a place in your good opinion; I will never pass by the respect that I owe to your greatness, and the humility of my services shall so content you, that you shall more esteem the possessing of me, then regard the satisfaction of another, though greater, yet less virtuous than I. So kneeling down before her as if he would have demanded some further grace, he attended not the answer which he hoped for, but that which in all reason he was to fear. What ●n insolence said the offended Princess, is this? And how shall I ever endure to look on thee again after so enormous a crime? Get thee gone, wicked man, and do not force me to show thee how much I am displea●●●; my carriage I am sure could never put this boldness into thee, and thy duty should have restrained this affrontednesse. If you must needs have passion, let it be for one of your own rank; they that resemble me cannot behold such as you are but with contempt: howbeit I will excuse the love which you say forceth you in this sort, provided my gentleness do not puff you up; and that I may see you reduced within the terms of your duty, I shall then forget your folly, and forbearing to question you for it, will say that you have erred after the ordinary custom of other men; withdraw yourself then with this testimony of my clemency, and never abuse my patience again, if you mean not to feel the punishments which use to be inflicted on those that remember not their own condition. With these words shutting herself into her cabinet, she left him mightily grieved to see himself despised, which he resolved either to revenge or lose his life. Retiring therefore to his lodging, he began to plot the villainy wherewith I will acquaint you in the Chapter following.   

CHAP. XI. Clairangia and Fulg●ran are betrayed by the Count of Clina. The Queen i● imprisoned. Fulg●rans adventures after he had left Celibana.  
THE Count of Clina's spite being greater than his love, he went away full of infinite discontent. I am, said he, all transported with choler, slighted for a stranger, and my boldness in discovering myself is threatened with punishment; but I will make it appear that I am sensible of affronts. The Queen abusing the easiness of the King, doth give herself over to the Knight ardant, and refusing to let me share in her caresses gives me just cause to resent it, and discover this secret. I will do it then, but with so much safety for myself, that without any hazard I will taste the pleasure of a sweet revenge. I will accuse these adulterers, and putting them in the King's hand will not give this Knight leisure who trusts in his valour, to make use of his courage, his arms; for the Law doth not allow any man the combat in his own quarrel. And if the remembrance which the King owes to his precedent services, or the respect of the Queen, do draw him to dispense with the Law and permit him to combat himself, I will confront him with the redoubtable brothers of the two Giants that he last slew, who will be right glad to meet such an occasion to be revenged of their enemy. They are three, and able alone to defeat a whole army; I do therefore persuade myself that he will not stand long before them, what companion soever he gets to assist him. His choler then keeping him from considering how dangerous the issue of his enterprise might be, he instantly sent a messenger to Bracandors three brothers giving them notice of his design, wherewith they were so pleased, as without further delay they came presently to meet him in the wood, where their conspiracy being contrived and agreed upon, the Count returned to the Castle to write a letter to the King, the tenor whereof was as followeth.  
The Count of Clina's Letter to King Dardanor.  
SIR, It much grieves me that in performing the office of a good subject, I must give you occasion to afflict yourself: but since I cannot fail in this duty without being a traitor, I have resolved to pass by all considerations whatsoever, rather than have that spot stuck upon me. The Knight Ardant, whom you have so graced beyond his merits, not being so sensible a● he should be of your favours, changes the respect which he owes you into ingratitude, and forgetting how much he stands indebted to your goodness, hath engaged the Queen to love him with all the most agreeable services he is able to do her; which have already so gained upon her, as she hath wholly given herself unto him, reserving nothing for you but the appearances of her affection. They are ordinarily together, their countenances do but too much discover their thoughts, and their actions are so little concealed, that only those who will not take the pains to observe them, cannot frame any sinister construction of them. I have endeavoured as a faithful servant ought to do, to divert the Queen from this course, remonstrating unto her the quality she is of, the estate of the Knight Ardant, and withal her duty to your Majesty. But my advice hath been entertained with such coldness, or as I might better say, with such choler, as in stead of the thanks which I expected for my fidelity, I received nothing but menaces so that unable to endure this wrong to your Majesty, I have been constrained to advertise you of it, that you may take present order for your quiet by the resentment which you are to have of so grievous an offence.  
What extremes will not the choler of a King run into, that believes himself ●ffronted? Dardanor having read this letter suffered his passion so to transport him, that not considering what he owed to the reputation of his wife, and Fulgorans services, he dispatched away immediately fowr hundred Knights (having first written a ticket to the Count of Clina) and commanded them to be at Celibana two hours after midnight, and obey the Count in all his directions. Thus was all in disorder, except our lovers, who lived so contented amidst their ordinary delights, and not imagining they were subject to fortune's power, did study nothing but how to caresse one another, to the infinite vexation of the Count of Clina, who tore his hair for despite, but his pain was of no long continuance: For seeing in the Commission the King had sent him what means he had to be revenged, his grief was turned into joy: nevertheless not intending to discover his thoughts he kept the same countenance as before, till his succour were arrived. This while Clairangia who dreamt not of the mischief that was to fall upon her head, having not forgotten the place where she met with such delight, was lying upon the grass with Fulgoran, striving to make her caresses more pleasing to him with a world of dalliance, when as all on a sudden she heard a great noise of arms in the Castle. Sin ordinarily makes the guilty fearful, and we often see that fear doth discover a bad design. The Queen guessing at the cause of all this hurly-burly instantly arose, and showing the Knight Ardant a place of the wall commodious for him to get out, she besought him to save himself rather then to lose his life out of too much courage. Dear friend, said she to him, you may much better relieve me, having the liberty of the fields then fettered in irons void of all power to make use of your valour against our enemies. Time presseth us, and forbids us any long discourse: wherefore I will take my leave of you with this kiss, then joining her lips to his, she speedily retired by a secret pair of stairs up to her chamber; where she found Silesia nearer dead than alive, with the affright of hearing the Count bouncing at the door and threatening to break it open. The escape of the Knight Ardant having rendered the Queen somewhat confident, she freely opened the door: and seeing the Count come in attended by a number of soldiers, she said to him with a countenance that testified her displeasure: What is it (disloyal as thou art) that thou intendest to do, and what means so many men at arms at this unseasonable hour when every one should be at rest? If you had, Madam, replied he with a like confidence, continued still in your virtue, I should be bound to render you an account of my actions, but that now being wanting in you, I will not tell you the reason why in the King's name I arrest you as his prisoner, being assured that your offence tells you what is the cause thereof. Prisoner by the King's command, said she then all amazed? Oh traitor! this mischief comes not but from thy villainy. If I would have given ear to thy base prayers, I should not have received this affront, but the Gods which never forsake the innocent, will deliver me out of thy hands, and from this unadvised King, who gives so much credit to thy slanderous reports. I will go to prison then, since it must be so, but remember that chastisement always follows the offence, and that thy crime will not remain unpunished. Saying so, she was going out to take her Coach, when as she espied the Knight Ardants Squire in the custody of thirty or forty soldiers, who entreated him with such indignity, as she could not forbear saying to the Count: Base man, Is this poor gentleman also guilty with me? Oh heavens! what injustice is this? and how is it that you do not punish such enorm iniquities? I would, replied the Count without being any whit abashed, that his master were in his room, we would make him know that strangers cannot defile a Prince's bed without danger; but perhaps he may fall into our fingers hereafter. Yes, said Clairangia, or else thou into his: but I will not wish thee that honour, for thou deservest no better an executioner than a hangman. With that these speeches serving but to put the Count into further choler, he presently thrust her into the Coach, with Silesia, the Squire, and the Knight Ardants arms, and so took his way to the Court, not a little vexed that he carried not with him the principal piece of his business. The Giant Grandimore who was become Fulgorans true friend, did not approve of this proceeding, and had it not been that he was not as yet thoroughly recovered of his wounds, so as he was not able to wear his arms, he would never have suffered the Queen to be entreated with so much cruelty: but he was constrained with patience to expect the issue of this affair, resolved nevertheless, either to lose his life, or to defend the Knight Ardants right, who on the other side was no less troubled. For seeing himself without arms, without horse, and not d●ring to show himself for fear of being made a prisoner he was so transported with grief, at he was almost beside himself. What, said he all enraged, and looking toward the town whither they were carrying away his mistress, is it possible that I should leave my Lady unrelieved? and can I be satisfied with shedding of tears in stead of spending my blood for her service? It is not possible that I should be so base? My love is the cause of her misfortune: my resenting it must also be the cause of her preservation: I have a sword yet left me, that is enough, for courage cannot be wanting to me in this occasion: I will break through these armed troops that convoy her, and make it appear that I am more sensible of her misery, then of her affection. Therewith he laid hand on his sword and began to follow the Count and his company, when as he heard the voice of one that called to him, that made him presently at a stand, imagining that perhaps it might be his Lady, who being unwilling to fall into the King's hands, had made an escape as he had done, and was come to seek him determining to run one and the same fortune with him: but he continued not long in this error, for though it were night and dark he might yet discern a maid, that having saluted him, said: Good Knight, I come to divert you from your design, and to tell you that it is no less glory for a man to do all things with prudence, then to encounter his enemies with courage: you are in the way to an inevitable ruin, and of making your Lady culpable in your death: reason should always predominate in us, and to her should our passions ever submit: Take this way into the wood, where you shall find a Cave, out of which you are not to go till you have direction to do it. For you cannot now be seen without extreme hazard of your life: the time will not seem so tedious unto you as you apprehend, and believe it you shall find such pleasing diversions there, as you will never repent the following of my advice. W●th that she vanished out of his sight, leaving him so amazed as he could hardly perswace himself that he was not in a dream: how beit determining to follow her counsel he took the way which had been showed him, and walked along till the Sun arose, when as he found himself at the foot of a little rock wherein there was a cleft, wide enough for two men to enter a front, thinking then that this was the Cave of which she spoke, he looked round about, and seeing a little pair of stairs cut out of the rock he went down, without any apprehension of fear, and at length came into a court so fair and compassed about with buildings so large and magnificent, that he remained much astonished: the walls were round about adorned with most exquisire pictures that represented the heroic acts of Amadis of Gaul, and of all the Princes of his blood, in the contemplation whereof he took such delight as he would have thought of nothing else, had he not been interrupted by three damsels of admirable beauty, one of which spoke thus unto him: It should seem, Sir Knight, that we have nothing in this house worth your regard but these pictures, Follow us, I pray you, and we will show you that which will no less transport you? With that she took him gently by the hand and led him through the Garden, where a thousand sorts of delicate flowers divided a great number of quarters, into so stately an hall, that he was even lost with the admiration of it. For besides the limming of gold and azure, the walls were adorned about with threescore marble statues of Knights, which holding up one of their hands supported a throne of crystal, whereupon Cupid was seated in state, as it were thereby demonstrating that he had triumphed over all those the most valiant Knights of the World. Being arrested a while with the consideration hereof, he went out of that into another room, which seemed no less glorious to him then the former, where immediately six other damsels served a great deal of excellent meat to the Table: but me thinks it is fit to leave him a while amongst these delicacies, from whence we shall bring him in convenient time, to relate unto you the lamentations which in the mean space the beautiful Queen of Romerie made. This Princess being conducted to the City in all rigorous manner, was yet still in hope to mollify the King by her tears, and to make him lose the bad conceit he had of her; but her hope was in vain, for Dardanor being too sensible of his disgrace, refused to see her, and having committed her to prison determined without further delay to put her to death, seeking no better proofs against her then the Count of Clina's information, and the flight of Fulgoran, had not the Lords of his Kingdom opposed themselves to this injustice of his. The Law, Sir, said one of his ancientest Counsellor, doth indeed adjudge the Adulterer to death, but yet commands us to proceed upon better evidence then bare opinion; who doth assure us of the Queen's offence, besides the words of the Count of Clina? and who can truly swear that this is not a treachery in him? Silesia maintains that she is innocent, and no body presents himself as her accuser but only one man, who is not to be relied upon in this case; why then should we be more led by his motion then by Law and Custom? Sir, there is no likely hood of it, (pardon me if the consideration of right makes me speak in this manner) and the conjecture which you frame upon the flight of the Knight Ardant, is not forcible enough to prove her guilty; He was not found in the Castle, that is rather a sign of my mistress' innocency, than an evidence of her guilt. ay, but he presents not himself: it is true, and in my judgement he hath reason; For being a stranger, and not expecting to be supported in his right, since you have failed him after he had so infinitely obliged you, he hath withdrawn himself, knowing how dangerous it is to fall into the hands of an incensed Prince. Sir, you have my opinion freely delivered to you: the place that I hold by your Majesty's command, gives me that liberty. And since there is question of your quiet, and my conscience, I say, that your Majesty ought not to refuse the Queen the benefit of the Law, which is, that a woman accused may justify herself by the arms of a Champion. This liberty than she hath if her accusers appear. I am here said then the Count of Clina, ready to accept of this condition, and to enter the combat with three seconds against an equal number: for being certain of the thing I shall never fear that the victory should not be of my side. Heerupon the King seeing that the most apparent of the kingdom were of his opinion, and that the Count of Clina accepted of the combat, he Decreed, That he should accompanied with three gentlemen, within fifteen days maintain his accusation; And that the Queen should within the same term, present the like number, upon pain of being held culpable and liable to punishment. Matters thus ordered every one withdrew: The Count of Clina to send for his Giants, and Silesia who was enlarged, to inquire and search for the Knight Atdant.   

CHAP. XII. The horrible combat between the Giant Grandimore, the Count of Clina; and the three brothers: Grandimore being in extreme danger of his life, is relieved first by a strange Knight, and then by Fulgoran.  
THE Count of Clina highly pleased for that the combat was granted him as he desired, dispatched presently a servant of his to Bracandors' kinsmen, advertising them of the conditions of the combat, and what day they were to be in the City for the finishing of their enterprise; being so confident of the victory, as he made no doubt of being revenged to the full, since Fulgoran appeared not, to take upon him the defence of his own honour and his Ladies; who amidst the grief to see herself in captivity had no other recourse but to her tears; howbeit judging it fit to give them over for to think of some means for her delivery, she dispatched away Silesia with a command to seek the Knight Ardant where ever he were, and to acquaint him with the resolution that was taken concerning this combat, but all her labour was in vain: for having employed two days in that search without any news of him, she was ready to make herself away, determining rather to die so then to return to her mistress with so little satisfaction. Great Gods, said she lifting up her hands, can you suffer so beautiful a Queen to be lost for want of succour? and what may be hereafter expected from any man, when the Knight Ardant not only fails of his promise, but is also wanting both to the life of his Lady, and his own honour? Is this the recompense of all her love? and how can he excuse so great a baseness? If he have not feared the hazard of his life for the relief of private persons, why doth he now refuse to employ his valour for a matter that so nearly concerns him? Truly I know not what to say, and am extremely amazed to see him thus abandon us without any sense of that affection which lately was so violent in him. But alas! it may be he is not still in this country, and so is ignorant of the resolution is taken concerning this affair: wherefore I may blame him wrongfully: and yet not so, but I have just cause; for the fear of all the tortures in the world should not have made him quit this kingdom before he knew whether his presence here were necessary or no. He is guilty, and my complaint of him not unjust: but what shall I say to this afflicted Princess? Shall I carry her the certain news of her ruin, by the default of her Knight? Or shall I persuade her to save her life by yielding to the desires of this Traitor that accuseth her? Neither of them, for so should I be either guilty of her crimes, or of her punishment, and be the destruction both of her honour and her life: die I must then, (for without her I desire no happiness in this world) and declare by a generous resolution that I loved her more in my death then whilst I lived. Die then Silesia, and let the sacrifice of thy blood appease the Gods, and make them look upon thy mistress with an eye of pity. With that she took a little knife that hung at her girdle, with a purpose to sheathe it in her bosom, when as on the sudden she espied hard by her a maid, that thus spoke unto her: Damsel, do not persist in this furious design which you are about to execute upon yourself: The Gods would rather be highly displeased with the effusion of your blood, than any way reconciled to your desires by such a heady violence. They are to be humbly entreated and not provoked by our desperation. Leave then this course which would be to no purpose, and ere long you shall meet with a Knight that will be of much use to you in your business. He is full of courtesy, and will not refuse to be a second therein; touching the rest never trouble yourself, for the first being found, a third will appear in so due time as these tears will be converted into joy. This said, she so suddenly left her, as Silesia had not leisure to reply, being very much grieved that she understood not the meaning of her speech; nevertheless taking a little better heart upon her promise, she forgot the nymphs advice, but went into the thickest of the wood, where she had not gone far before she found a young Knight sleeping under the shadow of certain trees: He was so lovely, and seemed so handsome asleep, as she could not choose but behold him with passion. Oh heavens! said she to herself, how liberal hath nature showed herself to this Knight, if he be as brave and valiant as the nymph would make me believe, I do not think that any one in the world can match him, except it be Fulgoran, who is nothing behind him in those perfections which I observe in him? and me thinks he looks very like him; or if there be any difference, it is that our Knight is somewhat fairer, and hath a more majestical aspect. Shall I wake him to judge a little better of his excellencies in observing the gracefulness of h●s motion? that were somewhat uncivil. But alas! I am as it were bound to do so: for besides my desire, the business about which I am sent doth press me unto it, and doth not permit me to trifle out the time in this manner. I must then interrupt him to procure mine own quiet, but it must be done in such sort as I may not be taxed of incivility. Whereupon retiring a little aside, she began to lament so loud, that the sleeping Knight awaked, and not well come to himself, laced on his helmet, took his sword in his hand, and drew directly to the place whither the voice called him. She that saw him coming in that fashion presently arose, and throwing herself at his feet embraced his knees without any other speaking then by sighs, which made the Knight take her up by the arm, and say unto her: Gentlewoman be pleased to rise, and tell me if you have any occasion to use me, that I may dispose myself to do you service. For having taken arms for no other end, I shall hold it a glory to be employed in drawing you out of that affliction wherein you seem to be at this present. Noble Knight, replied she, the Gods reward you for this so generous an offer: I am indeed afflicted, and perhaps you shall never meet with an occasion more worthy of your arms and valour than this, to which you have presented yourself: I belong to the beauteous Queen of Romeria, one of the compleatest Ladies on the earth; who, for slighting the affection of the most treacherous man that lives, is falsely accused to have forfeited her honour: and the King himself more heady than discreet, hath adjudged her to the fire, if some Knight do not undertake her defence. See here the first and principal cause of my grief, and the next is, for that I cannot find a Knight whom I have sought these two days; for I am assured that he would not fail us at our need, and that with your assistance our enemies would come much short of their reckoning. But if we do not meet with him we shall not find any in the Court that will undertake the combat for the Queen: not for that they do not hold her innocent, but because the report is that three horrible Giants will second the traitor, who is the cause of all these mischiefs; now if your courage be suitable to the beauty which I see in your face, you can never have a braver occasion to gain honour in the world, nor will you let me return without hope of seeing my mistress soon rid of the trouble. Do not believe, Gentlewoman said he, that the fear of any danger can make me be wanting to the duty of a good Knight; we never leave our homes, nor put on arms, but with a solemn oath not to forsake the innocent in their misery. Wherefore I will not only assist you in this, where the life and honour of so excellent a Princess is in question, but in whatsoever else you will employ me: Let us then when you please make for the town, provided that we may reach it in time, I shall never complain of my labour. I could not, replied she wiping her eyes, expect an answer less virtuous from so gallant a Knight. Let us go then, since you are pleased, without any further stay, for in truth I fear that we shall not get there but with the latest. Away then went they towards the Town, entertaining one another with pleasing discourses, to make their journey seem the less tedious. In this mean time Fulgoran was in the Palace of the rock, amidst the greatest delights that might be; one while being entertained by the damsels, who recounted to him the admirable deeds of arms of the Grek Princes, to the end he might thereby be drawn to love them: another while diverted by the pleasing object of a thousand varieties which he met with in every part. Love did not then disquiet him, he was free in his thoughts, and the remembrance of no one thing whatsoever, was of force to bar him from enjoying a most happy content. Fourteen days being spent amidst so much sweetness, that fair Lady which did first welcome him at his arrival there, took him by the hand and said, I could passionately wish, gentle Prince, that the Fates would permit you a perpetual abode in this house, that I might not be deprived of your conversation, which is most agreeable to me: but you were not brought hither for my satisfaction, nor for to pass the rest of your days in solitariness; your valour is necessary in the world, and I should be guilty of much mischief if I should retain you here any longer: Wherefore you shall presently depart, for the preservation of that which your merit hath gotten you, I mean that beauteous Queen who feared not to hazard her life to oblige you: She is in an extreme danger of death, which she cannot avoid but by your assistance: Do not fail her then in this necessity, lest you incur the name of ingrateful. The estate wherein you now are doth trouble you, I well perceive, for to enter a combat in the case you are now in were not agreeable to your merit. But be not dismayed, for those which brought you hither from amongst the midst of your enemies, have taken a care of your affairs; behold, here are arms, that were made for you and worthy of your valour: with that she opened a little Cabinet and took out of it an azur'd armour, covered all over with golden stars, and an helmet of the same so rich and of so excellent a temper, as was hard to be matched. You must, said she continuing her discourse, instantly a●m yourself, whilst I give order to make ready a horse for you; with that she departed, leaving the Knight Ardant as much amazed as contented: but remembering that it was no time to loiter, since the business was pressing, he put on those arms, which he found so light as he could hardly believe that they were proof enough against the blow of a sword; yet unwilling to show any mistrust of them which had entertained him with so much courtesy, he made an end of arming himself, and instantly came down the stairs: but when he thought to come into the Court, he no longer saw those stately buildings, or the rock, but a very spacious plain. Good God said he then all astonished, where am I now? and how in a moment comes so goodly a house to be lost? Either I sleep, or all that was done here proceeded from the art of some person that loves me. Howsoever I am armed now, and therefore fear not the encounter of my enemies: then looking round about him he saw on of the bravest horses that ever he had beheld, tied at a tree not far off. This Lady, said he is no liar, for the horse is not inferior to the arms: with that he drew to him, and finding him saddled and bridled, got up on him, took a lance that was reared against the tree, and road away towards the Town. In this mean time the Giant Grandimores wounds were healed, and Clairdngia's sorrows increased. For having no news either of her Knight or of Silesia, she was in utter despair of her life, the rather in regard that the next day was the very same which was designed her for the maintenance of her innocency; that her enemies were come, and that no Knight presented himself to defend her right. Poor distressed Queen, said she tearing of her hair, into what extremity art thou now reduced? Thou hast but one gasp of life remaining, which also thou must lose ignominiously; and that which with reason may most torment thee is, that thy misery proceeds from thy sense of another's pains, who now hath no feeling of thine. O ingrateful Knight! I could never have believed that thy love would have been extinguished by my misfortune, since that was the only cause of it: but thy perfidiousness doth teach me, that nothing is more unsure than the promises of men. Thou oughtest to lose a thousand lives (for so thou hast often sworn to me) and run any danger whatsoever for my service; and thy affection ought to be as lasting as thy life, yet now thou wantest either love or courage: the presence of three men doth affright thee, or forgetful of my caresses, thou art now lying at the foot of some other Lady, whom thou meanest to bring into the like miserable condition. But what do I say? Fulgoran, Thou art no coward, I have seen too great proofs of thy valour for to doubt of it: nor can I by any means persuade myself that thou dost not love me still. Thou comest not then to relieve me, because thou art detained by some unlucky fate, and so it is not in thy power: I am therefore too blame in accusing thee; for I know thou wouldst not shun the encounter of a thousand armed Knights when my preservation were in question. No I can accuse none for my ill fortune but myself; I will die then in this opinion, and will beseech the Gods that they will deliver thee if thou be'st in captivity, and always bless thy enterprises. The Princess being thus resolved for death expected but the next day, which came on with much contentment to the Count of Clina, who believing that he should not find any opposite, caused himself to be armed with rich arms, and mounted upon a mighty horse came into the field with such arrogance, as there was not one of the assistants that did not curse him in his heart, seeing with what boldness he marched in the midst of his three Giants: as soon as he was entered the field the Queen was sent for; but she not expecting any help would have gone strait to the place of execution and not to the lists: but in that instant the Giant Grandimore presented himself to her, armed at all pieces to desire her leave that he might undertake the combat for her. Madam, said he, it is with much grief that I see your fair eyes drenched in tears, and that the Knights of your Court are so base as not to assist you in this necessity: I am the Knight Ardants friend, and will with his quarrel which now is in dispute, maintain against your enemies, that you are innocent of the crime is imputed unto you: be pleased then to give me power so to do, and distrust not the mercy of the Gods who never leave the afflicted in their miseries. These courageous words giving Clairangia some hope, she replied in this manner: Virtuous Knight, this good will of yours to me doth so oblige me, as I am most willing to put all my right into your hands; you go alone to fight with fowr redoubted enemies, nevertheless I hope you will be victorious: For they are traitors, and the God● will fight on my side, giving you as much courage as they have malice. But let us know with what conditions this combat is to begin: Then calling for the judges, she sent to the King to beseech him that Grandimore might be permitted to encounter his enemies one by one, and not altogether, since the laws of Chivalry did not permit a combat upon advantage: whereunto the King answered, that the business was not in his power to dispose of, but depended wholly upon the pleasure of his adversaries; howbeit he would no way hinder him from being seconded by any Knight that should happen to arrive whilst the combat lasted. Since it is in the choice of our enemies, said Grandimore, incensed with this answer, let us Madam, go and see if there be more courtesy in them then in the King: whereupon entering within the lists he set himself just against the Count of Clina and his Giants; one of whom desired the first course, remonstrating to his companions that it were a baseness for fowr of them to join in the defeature of one single Knight. But the Count of Clina would none of that, knowing the abilities of Grandimore, and the importance of the victory. Those which are wicked, said he, desiring to cloak his malice with some show of reason, do not deserve to be entreated like persons of honour; we therefore may lawfully make use of our fortune that is presented unto us: Saying so, he furiously elapt spurs to his horse, and the others by his example did the like. But Grandimore disdaining the Count directed his lance against one of the Giants, and that so luckily, as he ran him clean thorough, laying him upon the ground: yet being unable to sit the shock of fowr lances, which had at one and the same instant encountered him, he was unhorsed spite of his heart, and fell with a slight wound in his arm; nevertheless being more active than the greatness of his body did seem to permit, he very lightly got up, and was remounted on his horse by that time the others had ended their course: Having then no feeling of his hurt, he courageously drew out his sword, wherewith he gave the Count such a blow, as cutting his arm sheer off he sent him without sense to the ground. That done, he made head to the Giants, who battered him more rudely than he desired, and began one of the cruelest fights in the world; sometimes striking, sometimes foining, and then again with an admirable dexterity avoiding their blows: In brief, he so carried himself that it was not perceived to whom the victory did incline; when as the first Giant whom he had overthrown, then having recovered his spirits came to charge him with strange fury; his coming in making him despair of his life, he grasped his sword fast in his hand, and determining to sell his skin as dear as he could, he let it fall with such rage upon him that first came within his distance, as he gave him a dangerous wound in his head. And not therewith satisfied he was raising his sword again to dispatch him, but at that very instant he received two such blows, one on the head and the other on the arm, that letting his sword fall he remained in his saddle deprived of all sense, his horse carrying him about the field so as the Giants could not come to fasten the least blow upon him. Things being at this pass, every one accounted the victory sure; for the Count of Clina who now began to move, when as a damsel was seen to enter the field accompanied with a Knight, who understanding the state of the combat, and the conditions whereunto it was begun, approached to the Giants that pursued Grandimore, and charged them in such sort, as they were glad to turn head to defend themselves. Grandimore coming to himself then at the noise of their blows, was as much astonished to see himself brought to that estate, as pleased with that assistance, whereof meaning to make use, he took hold of his sword that hung at his arm, and renewed the combat with so much fury, as every body wondered at the courage he showed in this fight: which having endured about an hour without advantage, was ready to end with the death of Grandimore and his fellow, if in the instant there had not appeared in the field a Knight in azur'd armour, powdered with little stars of gold, so brave, and carrying himself so handsomely in his seat, that every body was delighted with the view of him: his coming in was pleasing to all the spectators; for as soon as he was entered the lists, and that falling to work, they saw him light upon one of the Giants with a blow, that divided his helmet and head in two pieces, they all presently assured themselves that the victory would fall on the Queen's side, who then began to hope well: and attentively beholding him, she believed that it was her Fulgoran, whom she had so long wished for. The more she eyed him, and considered the force of his blows, the more she settled herself in that opinion. But he that observed her alteration, immediately imagined that she knew him: which did so fire his courage, as not enduring that two men alone should so long dispute with him the honour of a combat, upon the success whereof depended all his contentment, together with the life of his Mistress, threw so violent a thrust at him that was opposed to Grandimore, as he ran him quite through the body, and laid him dead upon the ground. From him then turning presently to the third, which was hand to hand with the strange Knight, he let fly at him so furious a blow, as he clove his cask and head down to the teeth. Then looking upon the Count of Clina, who was not able to rise, he leapt from his horse, went and disarmed his head, and putting the point of his sword to his throat, wretch as thou art, said he, confess thy villainy if thou wilt hope for any favour. For God's sake, good Knight, answered he, be not so cruel as to take away my life: Content yourself with my being thus woefully dismembered; I will freely discover the truth of this affair, so you will but cause the judge to come down to me. Heerwith the Duke of Rozolia descending from his scaffold, the Count declared, that the excellent beauty of the Queen, having powerfully mastered his reason, he had sought for relief at her hands: but his suit being rejected by her with indignation, he was so sensible of that disgrace, as he had plotted this treason in revenge of his despised affection. That he had never seen the actions of the Knight Ardant without respect, nor the carriage of the Queen without modesty; and that he most humbly besought the King to pardon this his offence for his repentance sake. Let the Gods, said Dardanor, when they reported this confession to him, never be favourable to me, if once more I give ear to a man so wicked: he shall suffer the punishment that he had ordained for my Wife, to the end that traitors may by his example learn to be wise. Having then caused him to be thrown into the fire, he turned to receive the Queen, unto whom he showed all the kindness that might be, desiring her utterly to forget the curelty he had exercised towards her. Afterwards addressing himself to the three Knights; I confess, said he, that I am engaged to you as much as I could have been for the reservation of mine own life: But Gentlemen, since you already have done so much for me, please you oblige me further, by letting me know who you are. If my innocence were not apparent, answered he in the azure arms, and withal unbuckling his helmet, I should not thus present myself before you, Sir, to entreat you to restore me the honour of your favour: but the Count of Clina's confession giving me that boldness, I come to continue my services if they may be acceptable unto you. I am Sir, the Knight Ardant, who is not a little grieved that he hath been at any time the subject of your displeasure. This great Knight is Grandimore, whom the last day I purchased my friend in my way to Celibana. This other is a stranger, whom good fortune hath brought hither, and whose name, as yet I know not. Pardon me then, Sir, if you please, and make it appear, that the malice of my enemies hath not been of power to take away your favour from me. Nor shall it, by the faith of a Prince, said the King embracing him again, and I am more troubled for having so lightly given credit to this cal●●●y, then for any thing that ever I did in all my life: you are most truly welcome, and so are these Cavaliers, whom one day I will recompense for their p●i●s: but since it is a time of rejoicing, let us talk no more of our passed misfortunes. See where my Wife comes to entertain you: you shall from her receive the acknowledgement that is due to your valour. Whereupon he withdrew, leaving the three Knights with the Queen, who made infinitely much of them, wondering at the beauty of the strange Knight, that was so like to Fulgoran, as there was no great difference between them. Some time being sweetly spent in these compliments, the Knights were conducted to their Chambers, there to be unarmed, to the extreme vexation of these Lovers; who, for fear of reviving the suspicion that had touched upon them, passed this interview slightly over, holding no other discourse together, but with their eyes and thoughts. As soon as they were retired to their Lodgings, the Physicians and Chyrurgians by order from the King, came to visit their wounds. But the strange Knight and Fulgoran had not that need of their aid which the Giant Grandimore had, whom they found hurt in fowr places: whereat the Knight Ardant was much grieved, in regard he loved him dearly for his virtue: how beit his displeasure consisted not only in that, but rather for that he was barred from his Mistress, who suffered no less than he; and that durst not look familiarly on him, for fear of falling again into the danger which so lately she had escaped. Living then in this vexing restraint, all manner of delights were unpleasing to them, and perhaps this sadness of theirs, might have turned to their ruin, if the Gods, who take care of all things, had not given them a remedy thereunto, as I will presently show you.   

CHAP. XIII. A Damsel comes to the Court of Dardanor, for to obtain a gift of the Queen, by whose means she carries away the Knight Ardant and the stranger. Their ensuing adventures.  
THE Court of Romeria being full of extraordinary joy, for the declaration of the Queen's innocency, a Damsel of an indifferent beauty entered one way into the great Hall of the Palace, and falling on her knees before the Queen, she thus said unto her: Madam, if the misfortunes which oppress me, were of force enough to make me stoop to weak and base expressions of my sorrow, I would power a river of tears at your feet to make you pity my mishaps, and stir up a desire in you to succour me by the multiplicity of my complaints. But knowing that Art is needles to the engaging of a generous mind, I only come humbly beseeching you to grant me one boon whereby I hope to get out of those my sighs, wherinto the treason of certain wicked persons have plunged me. The gentle manner of your request, said the Queen, doth not permit me to refuse you. Say then, sweet heart, what is it that you desire of me, for I am most ready to grant it? I did not expect an answer less noble from your Majesty, replied the Damsel, & therefore will presently begin the acknowledgements that I owe for this favour, with a protestation of continuing them all my life. That which I desire at your gracious hands is, that you will command these two Knights (pointing to Fulgoran and the stranger) to follow me for the freeing of my Father, whom the most distoiall man in the world holds prisoner, with an intent to deprive him of the Duchy of Matran, which after his death is to descend upon me. It may be you will think me uncivil, for craving a thing of you that depends on the will of another: but, Madam, you will not so much wonder at me, when you shall well understand the reason I have to make this suit unto you. Worthy Knights are always obliged to lend succour indifferently to all afflicted persons what soever; but yet I am assured that they go more willingly to the undertaking of the most difficile enterprises, when as they are commanded so to do by some Lady of your merit: I therefore thought it sitter to address myself to you, then to importune them to quit this Court, where their virtues are held in so high an esteem. You know, answered Clairangia, extremely sorry for the promise she had made, that they being no subjects to the King, we have no farther force over them, than what their courtesy is pleased to afford us; so that I should think it an abusing of their good will they bear us, if I should lay any command upon them heerin: but that I may not be wanting to my word, I desire them to employ their valour in your service, and to follow you for my sake. Madam, said Fulgoran then, I receive no little content in the leave you give me to serve this Damsel, to whom in truth both your Majesty and myself are much obliged: for it was she that furnished me with the arms and horse, which you saw me use the day of your deliverance. I did not think, said the Damsel smiling, that so small a service as that which I rendered you then would have been so long remembered: but now I see by experience that a good turn is never cast away, since one way or other we always meet with a recompense for it: your kind acknowledgement pleaseth me so well, that I am resolved to do more for you then ever I did, and you shall one day find it: In the mean time, I pray you prepare yourself to go with me to morrow in company of this strange Knight; for if we tarry here any longer, my labour would be lost, and we shall not find him alive whom we go to deliver. The departure of these Knights being thus resolved on, the Queen remained in a strange perplexity: for the absence of Fulgoran afflicted her extremely before it came; and that which most vexed her was, that she durst not bring him into her chamber to take her last farewell of him: which this strange Damsel knowing, said unto her: If I had not Madam, a particular science for to penetrate into the secretest thoughts of men, I would not offer to speak with such privacy to you, but understanding both what they do, and what they resolve to do before they communicate it to any one: you may not wonder if I tell you that I know the pain you are in at this instant, for the departure of this Knight whom I am to carry away with me. I am the cause of your sorrow, but I will now let you see that I have always desired your contentment: you long, and blush not at it, to enjoy the Knight Ardants company with the same liberty you have heretofore had; I will procure it for you, knowing full well that he disires it with no less passion than you: but do not send for him before night, for otherwise I should not have time enough for my conjurations, and so you might be surprised: you shall have the whole night at your dispose, and him to continue safely with you till break of day. These words mightily troubled the Queen; for women would not have their counsels known, and are well pleased that people should be blind in their affairs: but being unable to help it, and on the other side most contented with the promise was made her, she very much blushing answered: If you were ignorant of the weakness of women, of the power of that haughty deity which triumphs over all men, or of the merits of Fulgoran, I would never confess my error, or would seek excuses to make it seem less distasteful to you; but being assured that none of these things have escaped your consideration, I will not trouble myself with studying for reasons to persuade you that I have not done much amiss: and rendering you thanks for the assistance you proffer me, which indeed I cannot refuse, since you are so well read in my privatest intention; I will wholly rest upon your promises, for the execution whereof, I will instantly go and send Silesia to my Knight to give him advertisement of our resolution. This enamoured Queen retiring thereupon to her Chamber, with much impatience attended the evening, which was no sooner come, but she sent for her Knight, whom she caressed more than ever she had done; conjuring him by the infinity of her love to shorten his voyage as much as possibly he could, and not to deprive her longer then of necessity he must, of the pleasure she took in his company; and the more to oblige him thereunto, she informed him that their embraces at Celibana had left her with child. The night then being insensibly slipped away amidst the sweetest delights that two lovers can enjoy, they parted with tears, and protestations to love one another eternally. Having taken their leaves and bidden Grandimore farewell, that lay of his wounds, our Knights presently left the Town, with the strange Damsel, who seeing herself a great way distant from the Town, made a stand, and said thus to Fulgoran; Valiant Knight, marvel not if I speak somewhat freely to you; they which love you and desire to have a share in the glory of your fame, out of the interest that their affection doth challenge therein, have commanded me to tell you, that a worthy and well bred Knight ought not to be carried away by any disordered love, which never produceth but mischievous effects. Your passion for the Queen of Romeria, would infallibly have been your ruin, and her imprisonment was no other than a presage o● the misfortune that ere long would have befallen you, had not I retired you in this sort from the Court, not with any purpose to conduct you to some enterprise, as you have hitherto believed, but only to show you how you may clear yourself of that obligation wherein you stand engaged to your honour: for without doubt you had not armour put on your back to let it hang rusting on a pin, while you lie languishing at the feet of a Lady. This which I give you is the advice of a friend; for you may well imagine, that it is more for your glory, then for any profit I may reap thereby: And if you remember with what affection I received you lately in the palace of the enchanted rock, you will judge that I rather did it to conceal you from them that sought for you, and who would without doubt have taken away your life without any regard of your former services, then for any hope of drawing assistance from you. Weigh my reasons well, I pray you, and do not yield so much to your passion as to forget what you are. Go seek abroad in the world the renown that your predecessors have acquired. Imitate your Father and Brother, which questionless are two of the greatest and valiantest Princes on the earth. And above all take heed you return not to Romeria, till your fate bring you thither when as you least think of it; otherwise you will perish there by the jealousy of Dardanor, and will be the cause of such mischiefs, as will make your memory most odious amongst men. I am not afraid to speak thus unto you before this Knight, who is your near kinsman, though you know him not to be so, to the end that if you follow not my advice, he may with reason blame you for it. Saying so, she vanished away, leaving them both much amazed, but principally Fulgoran, who was extremely grieved that he had not first learned the names of his so brave and eminent kinsmen; but hoping that fortune would one day let him know them, he turned him to the Knight that accompanied him, and embracing him thus spoke: Dear Cousin, you may please to pardon me, if till now you have been no better entertained by me; if I have erred it was out of ignorance, but time shall let you see that I do highly value your being of kin to me, and the services that I will render you shall give you cause to think my actions void of malice; with that they embraced a fresh: which done, Fulgoran did in this manner prosecute his discourse: Were it reason to stick in so fair a way? I verily believe we are of kin, but know not which way; Favour me in letting me know who you are: for by the knowledge thereof, I shall it may be, learn somewhat of my own descent. Verily, answered he, the more I consider the words of this woman, the more find I myself in confusion, not being able any way to imagine how you and I should be of the same blood as she delivers, in regard that my Father and Mother (who for the present hold the Sceptre of Canabea) never had either brother or sister, but the Queen Florella, who died without children; and yet, as I remember, I have often heard it spoken, that the same Queen dying with child by one of the most esteemed Princes of Christendom, who it may be should have married her, was ripped up by a Magician Giant, that took out the child, whereof she had not been conceived full eight months, and wrapping it in a virgin parchment, carried it away no man being able to hinder him: howbeit he promised the Prince Brazanges my father, that he would one day return him, and let him see him with all the perfections to be required in a brave Knight. It now rests that you instruct me where you have bestowed your younger years, that out of this incertainty we may (if possible) draw a truth for our content. Doubtless, said Fulgoran, this woman's words are true: The great E●celadus did bring me up, and though he told me not who were my parents, yet he many times assured me that he did cut me out of my mother's belly: See now whether I ought not to be the son of Florella, and consequently your kinsman. At these words they embraced again with much expression of love, and travailing on entertained themselves with variety of pleasing discourses: but night coming on sooner than they desired, for there was never a house in sight to retire unto, they resolved to rest under certain trees there by, and alighting from their horses, they sat them down near to a little brook, and began to stay their stomaches with such meat as their Squires had brought with them, when as they heard a voice that did sweetly suit itself to the music of a Lute: That made them pause a while, but the distance of the place being too much for them perfectly to enjoy the pleasure thereof, they presently arose, and following the voice that drew them to it, they approached to certain trees, under the which by the help of fowr torches that stood lighted by them they perceived two Ladies with a Knight in their company, who appeared so lovely, as they much admired him: Their curiosity to come nearer them had already carried them so f●r as they easily heard the same voice, after a little pause, begin again to sing.  
As soon as the song was ended, she that had sung threw the Lute upon the grass, took the Knight by the hand and sat down so close to Fulgoran, and his cousin Florimond, that they could not stir without being perceived. This approach according with their desire, they stood still in expectation of what would ensue heerupon, and had not long continued so before they heard the Lady speak in this manner: I am with much reason afraid that you may slight my favours because they are freely offered you, and think me shameless forthus' discovering my thoughts unto you. But Sir, when you shall consider the weakness of women, and your own merit, you will never condemn my boldness, but will love me so much the more willingly, in that I do not stick to tell you that I will give myself absolutely unto you without any reservation at all. My beauty is not so small that you can despise it, without being cruel; and did I want that perfection, yet can I glory of a greater, which is, that I love you with passion. The time is seasonable, the darkness favours us, and this place seems to be made for such an occasion: let it not then slip, I beseech you, and I will render my caresses so pleasing to you, as you shall account yourself happy in the fruition of them. Let us begin with this kiss, which here I tender you, and not suffering me to consume in this flame, so requite me that I never have occasion to say that you are ingrateful, and most unworthy of the beauty which doth so adorn you. With that word she drew near with her lips to his, and already had put her arm about his neck, when as the Knight modestly withdrawing himself thus replied: Madam, please you to pardon me if I do not receive your favours with the same height of affection wherewith they are now presented to me; you are deceived by my outward appearance, and believing me to be what I am not, you give me more cause to be sorry in your behalf, then to smile at your discourse. I am of the same sex that you are, and consequently incapable of yielding you the contentment you expect: I freely discover this secret for to testify unto you that I have no will to be ingrateful to your affection, which I do not entertain because I am unable so to do: you wonder now at this, I believe, for there are but few women seen in these parts to follow arms: but yet it is not a thing impossible, and I assure myself that you are not so ignorant of the world as not to know that the Amazons do pass up and down every where as Knights errand use to do. Howbeit, if you give not credit to my words, I will not make dainty to let you see such evidence upon my breast as shall assure you of this truth, and by this means curing you will be very glad to let you understand, how it is no little discontentment to me that nature hath framed me such as I am. You may say (replied the Lady) what you please, but upon my faith I shall still take you for a Knight, until I see some better assurance of the contrary: wherefore you shall oblige me (though this may seem somewhat uncivil) if you will put off your cuirasse, that so I may be disabused; and in the mean time tell me your name, for it may be I shall know you by the fame that goes of you. That is the only way, answered she, not to know me at all; for my name is not so renowned in the world, as that you might know me by telling it you: yet to obey you, please you to know that I am called the great Savagesse, wife to the mighty King of Lydia, who died at the battle of Aleppo, and am fitter to do you service with my arms in my hand, then as you have desired. Saying this she unlaced her cuirasse, and took the Lady's hand to put it into her bosom, when as three Giants and twelve Knights, who had long dogged them, and now found them by the light of the torches, seized upon them both, and put them into a Chariot, notwithstanding all the resistance that the fair Savagesse, who had not leisure to draw her sword, could make. The Knights much troubled for the want of their helmets at this so unexpected an encounter, speedily recovered for to make them ready to follow the Giants, who went away infinitely pleased with their booty. But it was so dark that they knew not where they were, and therefore it was a good while before they could find their Squires, who likewise were so drowsy, as it was long before they could bridle their horses, by means whereof their enemies were gotten a great way before them, ere they were able to set forth in pursuit of them: nevertheless desirous to see the end of this adventure, they road all night with incredible speed, insomuch that two hours after Sun rising they came to a valley, in the bottom whereof they saw the Coach standing still, and the three Giants with their followers battering a Knight, who defended himself bravely, and had already laid fowr of their Knights dead at his feet. Oh heavens! said Fulgoran, madded to see this unequal match, what do I behold? and why do not I assist so gallant a man? Come Cousin, let us make these base creatures know, that the justice of the Gods is always armed for the succour of the oppressed. This said, they fell upon the Giants with such fury, as at the first shock they tumbled two of them to the earth, so wounded, as one was trodden to death with the horses feet; the other getting up again a little after with much ado: the Knight that was first engaged in the ●ight seeing this favourable aid, and determining to make a profitable use thereof bestirred himself so lustily amongst those rascals, that he laid three more of them dead at his feet, whilst Fulgoran and his Cousin combated the other two Giants. The valour of these three warriors being at the highest, the combat lasted not long; for the first Knight having made his enemies turn their backs, he discharged so furious a blow upon the arm of the Giant that fought with Florimond, as he sent it together with his sword to the ground, just as Fulgoran had made an end of his. The victory being thus gloriously achieved, the Ladies which were bound with cords were presently delivered, to the great astonishment of the Knight that began the fight. For knowing the fair Savagesse, he presently unlaced his helmet, and embracing her said: Ah Madam! how I detest these inhuman villains that have bound you, who are able to bind all the world▪ A thousand times I give thanks to heaven that brought me thus seasonably to encounter you, for to begin your deliverance: nor am I less engaged to these brave warriors, who have in seconding me showed so much valour: for the which I will go and vow a perpetual service to them. Be you also pleased to yield them the like regard, that it may appear you are as courteous as you are beautiful; wherewith he was turning to them when as the fair Savagesse being free of her bonds, took him in her arms and kissed him with such affection, as made her something jealous that was with her: My Lord, said she, it is I that is made happy in this meeting, and your generous hand doth every day engage me in new obligations. I acknowledge that these Cavaliers have done much for us, and am therefore willing to render them thanks for their assistance; whereupon she leapt down from the Chariot to go to Fulgoran and Florimond, who were amazed at her beauty: but they prevented her with so much respectivenes as rendered her almost ashamed of it. Madam, said Fulgoran to her, you honour us too much in esteeming us worthy to serve you; and this poor pains we have taken, is nothing in comparison of that which we desire to undergo for you. This day is most fortunate, since it hath furnished us with means to see you: but that our contentment may be complete, tell us, I beseech you, who this young Knight is, the bravest and most valiant that ever I beheld. It is not without reason, answered the fair Savagesse, that you commend and desire to know him; for besides the merit of his valour, whereof yourselves are judges, he is descended of the noblest race in the world, being grandchild to the excellent Emperor Amadis of Greece, who fills all the earth with astonishment at the recital of his glorious deeds of arms, and son to the valorous Penthesilea, the most invincible Princess of the world, and the never conquered Don Silves de la Silua. His name is Sylvan, accomplished with all those rare endowments, that can honour a gentleman; and so obliged to the assistance you have given him, as he will not fear to engage his life for your service, nor myself to employ these arms for you which you see me carry. Fulgoran exceedingly pleased with this encounter, for he had an extreme desire to prove himself against some of the Greek Princes, answered: Madam, the praises that you give this Knight, are great, because they come from you, but too little for the excellency of his valour, whereof there needs no better testimony than this field covered with dead bodies; wherefore I shall gladly receive the honour of his affection, together with yours, although I could have wished that our acquaintance had been begun in another fashion, I mean by a combat between him and me: For being of a contrary faith to mine, we could hardly have continued friends but by such an adventure. Sylvan who was no less discreet than valiant, and that would not appear insensible, being so touched, answered him modestly: Virtuous Knight, I should be very sorry to lift my sword against a person to whom I am so exceedingly obliged: but if for the quiet of your conscience you desire the combat I will not refuse you. These words would without question have embarked them further, if they had not at that instant spied a maid come riding towards them as fast as she could drive, who without other ceremony said to Fulgoran: Knight Ardant, take this way presently, with the Prince of Canabea your Cousin, and by the command of the Lady of the enchanted rock follow three damsels that are in the hands of an horrible Giant: and you gentle Sylvan, prepare yourself for an affair no less dangerous than that, and let the fair Savagesse accompany you, for she will be of much use to you therein. These Ladies shall in the mean time withdraw to this house, which you see here by, and myself will watch for the safety of all. The earnestness of this woman having quickly put them in readiness, each one took the way that was showed him, and so they separated themselves. Being gone a little way, Sylvan heard a noise behind him, which made him turn suddenly about, thinking he had been among his enemies: but seeing no body save that one woman whom he had lately left, he stayed and said unto her: Gentlewoman, you follow us, I perceive, whereas I thought you had been otherwhere employed; is it your pleasure that I take any other way? No, replied she, I only come to salute you from the wise Vrganda, who sends you word that you should not be troubled, that you are not in combatting with the Knight Ardant, for that could not have been done without an irreparable loss. Keep on your way till you arrive in the Parthian Empire, with this beauteous Queen: your presence will shortly be necessary there. In the mean time I will advise the other Knight to travel no further in vain: for the adventure which I told him of▪ proceeded wholly from my own invention. Saying so, she turned about her horse without tarrying for any answer, and went to the Knight Ardant, to whom she made the like discourse, informing him that her Mistress would not for some reasons, which she would one day let him know, suffer him to fight with Sylvan; and giving him no time to speak a word, she left him with such speed, as Fulgoran presently lost sight of her, infinitely grieved for that he had not asked her his father's name. But hoping to meet her again some other time, he passed on with Florimond, whilst the fair Savagesse and Sylvan followed their way, entertaining themselves with an infinity of pleasing discourses.   

CHAP. XIV. The adventures that befell Fulgoran, and Florimond of Canabea, after their departure from Sylvan.  
LOve is bred by occasions, and a familiar conversation doth oftentimes force our inclinations: Sylvan did not believe he could possibly be enthralled again by the power of any beauty whatsoever, after the loss of his dearest moiety, and had taken a resolution to pass the rest of his days in the exercise of arms; but he was soon taught that our designs are ineffectual when that proud deity will not authorize them; and that the will of men doth always depend on his power: for being ordinarily in company with the fair Savagesse, who had charms sufficient to make her be beloved, he could not preserve his liberty, but was constrained to revive the same flames wherewith he had been so sweetly consumed before in the love of his Licina: evermore sighing then, and becoming much sadder than he used to be, he made this Lady wonder at it it: who not thinking herself to be the cause of this change, one day she spoke thus to him: My Lord, I am much amazed to see you in this humour, and cannot conceive how you should be transported with your passions in so weak a manner. What are these sighs good for, and to what end is this silence? Do you still think of the loss you have endured? Hath not time as yet wrought its due effect in you? And have you not obeyed the advice of your reason which ought to represent unto you that tears do no good at all in any misfortune; and that we are not to make use of them but only to ease nature a little: cast your eye upon me, I pray you, and you shall see that I have more courage: you have lost a lovely and beloved wife, it is true; neither shall I any more behold a worthy Husband such as my Lord the King of Lydia was; I have then as great cause to complain as you, and in me it would be more pardonable to afflict myself, in regard such strong resolutions are not expected from my sex as from yours, yet I restrain my tears, I smother my sighs, and do carry the same countenance which I did in my prosperity. Imitate then this patience, and give me not occasion to say that my company displeaseth you: I speak both for your content and mine own, for seeing you less disquieted then before I shall be much the merrier. Alas! said he, casting an amorous eye upon her, now I perceive you have no● the gift of Prophecy, or that you rightly understand my grief: fair Queen I do not sigh for the dead (although my loss be ever present before me) for I know well how we ought to bear an affliction, and that heaven forbids an excess in our mourning, but feeling a new grief I cannot forbear venting some part of my sorrow in sighs, since my discretion forbids me to do it in words: howbeit I might with reason condemn myself as long as I lived, and ascribe all my misery to my own cowardice, if the way to my preservation be opened, I should not pass on for fear of meeting with thorns in it. Madam, I must unlock my bosom to you, since yourself hath given me the occasion to do it: I have not been able to refuse that to your beauty which all the men in the world do render it; and my grief proceeds from my not daring to hope that you will receive me in to your service: for knowing that such an ambition becomes none but the prime Knights of the earth, I have always feared to beg that grace of you. My ill humour doth not please you, it is in your power to change it: my sighs and tears are troublesome to you; you may quickly stop the currant of them: and if you have no less pity than you have attracting charms you will presently command me to live at more quiet hereafter, by telling me that I shall not love ungratefully. This fair Amazon that was not infensible of Love's power, considering the merits, the perfections, and the birth of this Knight, who had made no difficulty to expose himself to danger for her succour, that she could hardly pass the rest of her days in widowhood, and that she knew not where to find a man more agreeable to her humour, or better suited to her condition, answered him with much modesty. See, my Lord Sylvan, how our opinions do many times abuse us; I had thought your discourse had been of another quality than it is, nor did I believe that the little beauty which I have, could have prevailed so much over you. You love me, and say that you breathe not but for the honour of my favour, I will grant it to your merit; and not to be ingrateful, do even now receive you not only for my Knight, but for the lord of my affections, assuring myself that you will not seek the possession of them but according to the laws of honour. No certainly, said Sylvan all overjoid, for it were a sacrilege to serve you with any hopes of a base alloy: Madam, I accept of the grace which you now do me, with a true and pefect sense of the worth thereof, and do here plight you that faith, which another day I will tender to you with more solemnity in the presence of those upon whom I depend. Saying so, he disarmed his hand, and giving it to her he pursued his discourse in this sort: Now Madam, it is in you to render me in effect the happiest Knight on the earth, as already I am in hope. Dear friend, said she smiling, time will give us leisure to think of that point: in the mean space live in this belief, that being perfectly beloved of me, I will not pass by any occasion that may tend to your content and mine own. Whilst these Lovers road on with all the delights that two such persons might enjoy, Fulgoran and his Cousin on the other side were giving end to a number of brave adventures, which made their name so glorious, as the whole world was full of their renown. And indeed there was no other talk but of the Knight Ardant, and him of the Flowrets: they were sought for every where, and continually employed in divers enterprises, whereof they so worthily acquitted themselves, as the most excellent Knights of the earth were jealous of them.  
Travelling up and down thus with a world of praises one morning at the entry into a forest they met with two damsels, each of which demanded a boon of them. Those that resemble you, answered Florimond, are not to be refused; say then what it is that you desire of us. That you presently will follow us, replied she that spoke to him, you to deliver my brother who is marked out for death with all the injustice that may be, and this Knight to do the like office for the beautiful Princess of Clodamira, called Alixenna, that with much reason fears to be ravished of that which she ought above all things to hold most dear. Whereupon these two Knights parted with some discontent: Fulgoran entered into a wood where a while after he met with Balard of Catabatmon, whom he slew, as I have related in the eighth Chapter, because he carried a red cros●e upon his shield: which engaged Florisel of Niquea, that found Lidora weeping over the body of Balard, to pursue him in revenge of the death of so good a Knight.   

CHAP. XV. Florisel of Niquea finding the Knight Ardant in an extreme danger relieves him, and after fights a cruel combat with him upon the death of Balard.  
FLe●isel of Niquea extremely desiring to meet with the Knight Ardant had traveled two days without lighting upon any adventure worthy of his employment, when as he saw a damsel coming towards him that grievously lamented, did not spare the hair of her head, which she tore off with much violence: His good and sweet nature not permitting him to behold her in that plight, without offering her his assistance, he presently made to her, and perceiving she took no heed of him he said unto her: Gentlewoman, do not afflict yourself so excessively, but tell me the cause of so violent a grief, that I may do you some service if it lie in my power. Yes, said she looking up, you may divert a great mischief by assisting one of the best Knights in the world, whom a horrible Giant accompanied with thirty or forty of his men, doth hold invested in that Castle which you see yonder before you, and if your courage be answerable to your gallant aspect, you will not suffer him to perish in that manner. At these words Florisel without any further stay in regard the danger was pressing, set spurs to his horse, and finding the gate open, entered into a large Court, where he saw a Knight armed with a Cuirasse of the colour of fire, who bestirring himself bravely, did one while lay upon a Giant, and another while send an arm or a head of a Knight to the earth. His valour begetting in him no less wonder than it did desire to succour him, (although he knew him to be the Knight Ardant whom he sought) he instantly couched his lance, and aiming it at the beaver of the Giants helmet, he hit him with such force as he made him take three or fowr turns on the ground, so that if the shame to see himself overthrown had not animated him with rage he had lain there longer: but spite rendering him insensible of all pain, he arose though with some difficulty, and encountering Don Florisel who in the mean space had dispatched three of his followers, he charging them with such violence, as much amazed him; howbeit not failing in courage, and knowing full well how to carry a business as that was, he avoided half of his blows, and made him feel his so weighty that he had no cause to brag of his advantage. Hammering upon one another in this sort, they kept so close together, that the Giant had no opportunity to assist his people, of whom the Knight Ardant did in the interim make a strange slaughter; whereat he was so enraged, that he bestowed the most part of his blows in vain, with horrible menaces to overthrow the altars which he had erected for the adoration of his Gods, which gave him not power to vanquish one single Knight. His fury augmenting with the sight of his blood, that ran down all along his armour, he resolved either not to live, or to determine this combat by the death of his enemy; so that taking his curtleax in both his hands, he let it fall with such force upon Don Florisels shield, as he made him go staggering three or fowr steps back, & so astonished that he knew not where he was: from thence flying to the Knight Ardant, who by this time had not above ten or eleven enemies to deal with, he advanced his arm to have given him a dangerous and weighty blow, when as Florisel enraged for having been so rudely entreated, struck him with such fury on the back, as cutting through his armour he gave him a great wound on the shoulder: this blow, the sorest that ever he had felt, making him turn head their combat began to be more cruel than before, whilst Fulgoran having cut all those rascals in pieces, went speedily up the stairs hearing a great noise above: Florisel seeing this great execution, was so transported with anger at the resistance his adversary made him, that he made a stockado at his belly with such violence, as he ran him thorough and thorough, laying him stark dead on the pavement. That done he instantly returned forth of the Castle, for that he would not be known of the Knight Ardant, lest the resentment of the succour he had given him, should oblige him to refuse the combat which he intended to have with him: and withdrawing himself to the edge of the forest he lighted upon the cottage of a young shepherd, who receiving him very courteously gave him the best entertainment he could. But whilst he took a little rest, Fulgoran was in no great ease: for meeting with an old Giantess who had a mace in her hand wherewith she was beating in pieces the door of a chamber where the Princess Alixenna had locked up herself, he was by that Megaera charged with such violence, that he was somewhat amazed at it. The respect he carried to women made him endure some blows, and would willingly have freed himself without striking her; but fearing some mischief from this fury he sustained a mighty blow that she struck with her mace upon his shield, and closing with her gave her such a knock with the pommel of his sword under the ear, as he laid her dead upon the floor. That done, he caused the Princess Alixenna to open the door, who with tears of joy would have cast herself at his feet to have kissed his hand. But having prevented her he said: Madam, Knights errand do not receive such homage, which is not due but to persons of your merit; If I have done any thing for you, I am sufficiently recompensed in that my endeavours are acceptable to you. But leaving these compliments tell me what I am to do more for your safety, for I am here to no other end but to obey you? If necessity did not constrain me, replied she, I should not so far press upon your goodness: but being left here alone by the death of my people who were all cut in pieces, when the Giant took me, I may not refuse the honour of your conducting me to Constantinople, if so be your occasions will permit you to travel thither with me. The Emperor Florisel will give you thanks for me, and nobly recompense the succour you have given me. I am somewhat of kin to the fair Queen Sidenia his wife, and came now from Guindaia, to visit and comfort her after so many losses as she hath lately sustained: but tell me, I beseech you, whether I be not too importunate in this request of mine, or whether I shall hazard myself in this journey, only with the damsel that brought you hither in so lucky an hour? Madam, answered Fulgoran, I will go with you most willingly to Constantinople, not to receive as you propound, any recompense: for good Knights are to content themselves with the glory of their actions; but to preserve you from falling again under the mercy of some wicked men, who without sufficient regard to your beauty might strive to get that of you by violence, which ought to be given for love. Wherefore we will depart presently, if you please, unless you had rather stay till to morrow. I should, said she be uncivil, if I should not allow you some time to refresh yourself after the labour you have this day endured, the rather for that our chiefest enemies are dead, and that now there is no body here but such as are at your service; we will then, if you please, tarry till to morrow, and in the mean time I will take care to have you looked unto by my maid, who knows how to cure a wound, that you may be dressed if need be. Fulgoran assuring her that he felt no hurt, they both went down the stairs to give thanks unto the Knight that had so bravely assisted them, but not finding him they were extremely grieved with his absence. Howbeit seeing it could not be helped, they went to free certain Knights, whom the Giant held in prison, to whose care the charge of the Castle was committed. That done every one retired to his rest, whilst Florisel to whom the length of the day seemed tedious, in the company of his host that had not wherewithal to divert his thoughts by his discourse, entered into the thickest part of the wood, where he walked a great while entertaining himself with the little assurance that men ought to place in the things of this world, which for the most part renders our pleasures but passant, our pains of long continuance, our good without sweetness, our evils without hope, and our lives subject to all the accidents of fortune. This contemplation having held him till it was almost night, he was upon returning to his lodging, when as he saw a damsel making towards him, followed at the heels by a Giant, armed at all pieces: He that had no other arms but his sword, would without question have been amazed at this encounter, had he been capable of fear; but his gallant heart despising all dangers, he was advancing towards them with his sword in his hand, when as the maid thus spoke to him: Hold, my Lord Florisel, arms and valour are of no use, where there are no enemies; we are here rather to do you service, then to offend you. I confess said he, stretching out his arms to embrace her, I confess, Gentlewoman, that I was in the wrong, for I did not at the first sight know you to be our dear friend Alquifa: Tell me, I pray you, are your parents yet living, and what occasion brings you hither at this time? I have already told you, answered she, that it is in some sort to oblige you this I am here: My Father and Mother were never more affectionated to your service: all their study and care is for the good of you, and those of your house. They have commanded me to present you with this pack, wherein you shall find arms very necessary for your design, which doubtless is of greater consequence than you believe it to be, and withal to advertise you, That  The new Lions shall shortly come with such strong claws, as they shall tear up the greatest foundations of the earth, discovering the Treasure that hath so long time been hidden, for the glory of those from whom they are extracted. 
To give you a clearer understanding of these words is that I may not do. Wherefore not to trouble you any longer about it, I will only say, that you must always carry in mind what you owe to your name and glory; with that she went away so suddenly, as she gave him not the leisure to return her any answer, leaving him somewhat displeased with so abrupt a parting: howbeit considering that all the actions of those sages were done for some reason, he was the better satisfied by viewing those fair arms, which he immediately put on, and so returned to his cottage. The night being then quietly passed over, he arose very early, and taking up his station at the edge of the wood, he remained there till such time as he saw the Knight Ardant come out of the Castle, and then advancing fair and softly he met him in the midst of the way, and thus spoke to him: Knight, it is with some grief that I desire to combat with you, for such as resemble you are to be honoured. But I am so sensible of the death of a Gentleman, whom some few days since you slew, because he carried a red Cross on his shield, that I cannot suffer you to be at quiet, nor let slip so fair an occasion of revenging his death: you are provided for the combat, our encounter is without advantage; Let us see then to whom fortune will be most favourable. Fulgoran that heard himself defied in such modest terms, much commending in his mind the gallant demeanour of his adversary, would willingly have declined the fight, but fearing to leave an ill impression of his courage, he answered him very discreetly: I assure you, Knight, our discontent is equal, for a discourse so free from passion as yours is, doth inform me that you are no less valiant than courteous, and makes me with some doubt apprehend the issue of this our combat: which no longer defer since you will have it so. Saying thus, they retired a little to take the field, and turning head they met so bravely, that their lances were shivered to their very gauntlets, neither of them being unhorsed: This so rude and furious an encounter having but animated their courages, out of an esteem that each of them had of his enemy's courage, they charged one another with such rage, as their helmets seemed to be all fire. The Knight Ardant that had never met with so strong a party, displayed all his force and cunning, and laid so mightily at him, that Florisel was much amazed at it, holding him worthy of the fame that ran of him: but knowing not how to be vanquished, he returned him such an exchange, and pressed him so lively, as he began to doubt of the issue of the combat. O immortal Gods! said he full of despite, have you then vowed my ruin? and intent you that this combat shall bereave me of all the glory of my former adventures? I have seen the stoutest Giants in the world at my feet, and now am reduced to the fear of seeing my enemy triumphing over me: this is faintness in me, I confess, but I am resolved either to overcome or die. Which thought inflaming choler, he redoubled his blows with such violence, as Florisel had never escaped with life, had it not been for those good arms given him by Alquif, Fulgorans sword was not able to pierce, no more than his could that fier● armour he had on. Hammering thus upon one another with more passion than judgement, they continued their combat fowr hours together without breathing, or being able to discern who had the advantage, which so enraged them, as letting go their swords, they closed together and fell to wrestle in that violent manner one with another, that at length they fell both of them to the ground, where they tumbled a long time up and down, some while a top, and some while underneath, not knowing who should prevail: at last, neither of them being able that way to master each other, they rose both together, and returned to their swords, wherewith they laid on a fresh with so much fury, that after they had continued two hours in this second charge, they were enforced to fall off a little to refresh themselves. Whilst thus they took breath, each of them had leisure to wonder at the bravery of his adversary: and willingly would they have left the combat in the estate wherein it then was, had not honour defended it: but either of them unwilling to give any advantage to the other, they recommenced their fight more furiously than before. And so obstinately were they bend upon it, that nothing could be expected from the end of this fight but the death of them both, if heaven which reserved them for its glory, had not secured them by the goodness of their arms. Eight hours being already spent since the beginning of their combat, each of them feared to see himself vanquished; so that making no further account of their lives, they at one instant delivered two such mighty and dangerous blows at each other, as they both fell to the earth quite deprived of sense. As soon as they were fallen, so thick a mist arose, that for two hours space no man was able to discern any thing; but at the end thereof, the air reassuming its former light, the combatants were no more to be seen. Florisel finding himself in Constantinople with Alixena and Lid●●a, extremely vexed for that he knew not what the end of the fight had been. And Fulgoran with no less discontent in the Kingdom of Canabea, where he found his Cousin Florimond, who caused him to be received with all the magnificence that might be, investing him with the Crown and Sceptre of that Kingdom, as he that was the apparent and legitimate heir thereof.   

CHAP. XVI. The Triumphs made in the Parthian Empire, for the births of Rozalmond of Greece, and a great many other young Princes and Princesses.  
THE heavens with providence sends us favours, aswell as corrections, and having afflicted us for a time, do afterwards give us such consolations as are necessary for our sorrows. The general loss of so many Princes, upon whose valour Christendom had so long depended, having filled every one with astonishment, their Empires breathed nothing but fears, when as God to cease the deluge of tears, changed their people's griefs into acclamations of gladness and rejoicing. The Empress Richarda was delivered of a son, the most lovely that ever the Sun had seen, called Rozalmond, by reason of a globe which he had upon his left pap, wherein appeared three red Roses. And the Infanta Rozaliana, her sister o● another, named Rozabel, who was not much behind him in beauty. The birth of these two Princes did so overjoy the Parthians, that they resolved to lay aside all mourning, and to demonstrate as it were in emulation one of another, the contentment of so great a felicity. To this end they were making preparations, when as the Emperor Spheramond was advertised that the Empress of Persia was also brought to bed of two sons, the one called Persides and the other Floridan; the Queen Sidonia of one called Clarisel of Guindaia; The Infanta Fortuna of one called Florisbel of the star; The Princess Timbria of one called Agesipolis; The Queen of Clotona, of one called Flamides; The Queen of Castara of one called Formozel of Sitanquia; The Queen of the fortunate Island of one called Cilindor; The Queen of Samothracia of one called Agramant; The Queen of Licaonia of one called Fidamant; The Duchess of Laiazza of one called Lucian; The Empress of Rome of one called Sclerimond; The Queen of Dacia of one called Lascaris; The Queen of Fenicia of one called Doristan; and the Queen of Cathaia of a daughter called Anticlia: which news so increased the content of Spheramond, as he determined to keep open Court eight days together, and to hold a joust and tourney for all comers, at the end of these magnificences. This was indeed a just occasion of rejoicing for the Christians, but this happiness was yet greater than they were aware of: for at the same time the fair Clairestoilla, who was enchanted in the Castle of the incomparable Treasure, with all the delights that might be, had brought into the world a son of extraordinary beauty, called Lucibel of France; The Empress of Almain one called Alazian; The Queen of Sibilia one called Sestilian; The Queen of Trinacria one called Lucidan; The Princess Anaxara one called Hercules of Niquea; The Queen of Armenia one called Abvaran; and the Queen of Rhodes one called Onoxander; who were all brought up with great care by Alcander, until the enchantments of the incomparable Treasure were dissolved by the valour of those two bright lights of the World, Rozalmond of Greece, and the gentle Alcidamant. But to return to my discourse: All things being thus in order for the Triumphs which were to begin within two days, the Emperor one morning was going out on hunting, when as he perceived fifteen or sixteen Gentlemen entering the Palace, who coming to him fell on their knees desiring his hand to kiss; Nay, said he unto them, I shall be more courteous than so, for by your noble countenances I cannot but judge you to be persons of more than ordinary quality: Free me, I pray you, of this doubt, and let me know who you are, as also what design brings you hither. Excellent Prince, answered one, that spoke for them all, we will most willingly content you heerin, but upon condition that you will not refuse us a favour which we desire at your hands. I will not upon the faith of a Prince, said the Emperor; for I am confident you will not ask me any thing but what is in my power. We could hope for no less, replied he, and therefore I will presently begin to give you satisfaction, by letling you know that this young Gentleman is called Perion of Gaul, grandchild to the Sovereign king of Great Britain: this other is Esquilan of Poland, heir to King Filadart, with whom you are acquainted: these two are the grandchilds of Gala●●, the first named Florian of Sobradisa, and the other Eriston: he that follow them is called Florestan of Sardinia, son to the deceased King thereof: this here is the heir of Saba bearing his father's name: this other is Don Agrian, of Scotland, son to Agriers: these two are called Dardan●, son to Galdes King of Rhodes, and Florizart of Taproban, whom the valiant Artaxerxes had by the fair Lardenia: the other is Melfort son to Gadard King of Hungary: these remaining fowrate, Frisel of Arcadia, A●ies of Ireland, Leonidas of Mesopotami●, Armond of Bohemia, and he that now speaks to you is a Gentleman unknown, and called Russian of Media. We altogether met about fowrdays since, with 〈◊〉 and the same design; namely, to be made Knights by your hand, which is the b●on we crave of your Majesty, and which you have been so graciously pleased to promise us. My good Lords, said Spheramond, having entertained them with all courtesy, the pains you have taken in coming to see me so far, doth so oblige me that you shall have no cause to be discontented with me: I grant you that which you desire, and comm●nd the generous design you have to follow your predecessors, who have acquired so much glory in the World, as their fames shall ever last beyond their lives: You shall therefore refresh yourselves here this day; to morrow I will give order for the fitting of you for that Ceremony: and the next day I will arm you Knights, together with the fair Alteria, daughter to Calafia, who hath already been a suitor to me for the like favour: to the end you may enter with her into the jousts, that are to be holden for the celebration of the birth of a son, which the heavens have bestowed on me. Having thus spoken, he commanded the Duke of L●iazza, to take care that they might be accommodated in with all things necessary: and so passing on he went into the forest, where he tarried till night amidst all the pleasures that hunting can afford. The next day being pa●● with much impatience by these young Lords, they were all armed in white after the fashion of new Knights, took their oaths before the Emperor, and having received their swords from the beautiful Empress Richarda, and the Infanta Rozaliana, her sister, who were there present for to do them honour, they went presently to dinner, to be the sooner ready for the jousts. Now was the feast ended, and the young Knights with some impatience called for their helmets, when as a Dwarf came into the Hall, who kneeling down before the Emperor thus spoke: Sovereign Monarch of the Parthians, the two black Knights, whose names with good reason flies about the World, desiring to bring some addition to the magnificence of your Triumphs, do most humbly beseech, that you will be pleased they may maintain with the lance against all comers, that love gives all the contentments in the world, and that men cannot propose a more worthy object to themselves, then that of so powerful a deity. The condition shall be very easy: Those which shall be unhorsed with the Lance, may not require a further trial with the sword: every one may win six courses; the conquerors shall have nothing but the glory of the action; nor the vanquished but the constraint to acknowledge, that to sigh for the favour of a mistress is not to be enthralled. This is (Sir) the intention of the black Knights, touching that you may be pleased to let me know your resolution, to the end that if your Majesty allow of them, they may instantly appear in the Lists. Their enterprise, said Spheramond, is too generous to be denied the liberty they desire; If they come they shall obli●● me to them, and I will promise the performance of the conditions you have propounded, but you may advise them not to forget any thing necessary behind them at their lodging, for here you see new Knights that will not give them leave long to repose themselves. These young Lords, taking this the Emperor's answer for an especial favour, gave him most humble thanks, for the good opinion he had of them, and having fitted themselves with all things requisite, they mounted on horseback to go and encounter the black Knights, who having set themselves at one end of the Lists, had already laid fowr of the most remarkable Knights of the Parthian Empire on the ground the address of these Knights extremely contenting them each one in particular, resolved to encounter them; so that Florian of Sobradisa, and Trist●r his brother, advancing run one course, very pleasing to Spheramond, for they broke their staves bravely, without losing their saddles; but the second staff sunk them to the earth. Perion of Turkey, and Florestan had greater honour, but a like disgrace; for having run twice in a gallant manner, they w●re at the third course constrained to kiss the ground, however they had resolved to keep their seats better. Quedragant and Fulurtin succeeded them in the same misfortune, accompanied with Florizart of Taprobana, and Don Agrian in their fall. Dardanio and the brave Melfort hoping for better fortune, put themselves presently in play, determining to revenge their companions, but their luck being no better, they were unhorsed; and so were at the second course Frisel of Arcadia, Abies of Ireland, Armond of Bohemia, and Leoni das a little after. These Knights having been so eafily overthrown, every one began to give the honour to the black Knights, when as the valiant Esquilan of Polonia, and the brave Russian of Media, who had reserved themselves till the last, advanced with a kind of I know not what hope in the spectators, that the glory of the jousts might yet remain to the Court by the valour of these two gallant Princes, who taking strong and stiff lances, went and encountered the black Knights with such fury, as the earth seemed to tremble under them. Their encounter was remarkable, all fowr of them broke upon their shields with such equal fortune, as there appeared not more address or less courage and force in any of them then in the other. Those staves being in shivers, the second were brought them, which they broke as the first, the Knights not seeming to be any whit moved with these so furious shocks, howbeit this resistance inflaming their courages they ran yet three other courses, with as much fury as grace; but being extremely enraged for doing so little before so great an Emperor, they charged new staves, wherewith they encountered so violently that all fowr of them quit their saddles, infinitely grieved at so great a misfortune; nevertheless suddenly getting up they were going to repair that default with their swords, when as they that were appointed for the Tourney came in, and separated them. The young Knights divided themselves, and being placed in the head of two squadrons of two hundred men a piece, they encountered together so bravely, that many were unhorsed at the first brant, and every one striving for the honour of the day, they laid lustily about them: the young Knights performed wonders, one while they were seen in the midst of the press, another while in the front, striking furiously and warding gallantly. In brief the party was so well disputed, that a full hour was past, ere any man could judge who had the better of it. If the brave Russian of Media, and the generous Esquilan, cleared all before them, the two black Knights on the other side performed their parts no less bravely, in such sort that all was in equal balance, when at the beginning of a combat between the two black Knights and Russian of Media with Esquilan, who had met together, they saw a Knight armed all in white armour appear in the Lists, who joining with Per●on of Turkey, so furiously bestirred himself, that he made the advantage lean to that side, notwithstanding any resistance the contrary party could make. The black Knights foreseeing their loss, redoubled their blows with extreme violence, but they were opposed by such strong enemies, as they could not promise themselves the victory: on the other side Russian and his companion fearing that the honour of the Tourney might rest upon the white Knight whom they knew not, assailed their adversaries most valiantly, whence it ensued that being resolved either to die, or vanquish, all fowr discharged at one and the same instant such terrible blows upon each other, as the swords of Esquilan and Russian brake in eight or nine pieces, and the black Knights helmets flew from their heads; whereupon they were presently known by Spheramond, for the gentle Sylvan, and the fair Savagesse, who were about fowr days before arrived in the Empire of the Parthians, after they had run many fortunes, of which we have not spoken, because we would not omit those other passages, that more nearly concerned our design.   

CHAP. XVII. The continuation of the Tourney in 〈◊〉 of the marriage of Sylvan with the fair Savagesse, and the interruption thereof upon the news of the loss of young Clorisel of Guindaia, son to Florisel of Niquea.  
THE arrival of this fair warriouresse and Sylvan, was exceedingly pleasing to the Emperor, who putting an end to the Tourney, received them with all the love and courtesy that might be, highly commending the valour which those young Princes had shown in this beginning of their arms; especially Russian and Esquilan, with the white Knight, who was found to be the fair Amazon Alteria. Verily, said he, embracing them, you have this day done so much, as you may well be ranked in the number of the best Knights of this age; and I believe that when time hath rendered you more active and stronger, you will find but few your matches in the world. Persist, I pray you, and suffer not this brave courage of yours to grow dull, that the glory of your actions may not be inferior to that, which your Fathers in their time have obtained: I will divide the honour of the Tourney amongst you all; and that of the jousts shall remain only to those that have so valiantly maintained them. Saying thus, he took the fair Savagesse by the hand, and willing Sylvan to go on the other side of him, he returned to the Palace, where their welcomes were renewed by the beautiful Empress Richarda, and her sister the Infanta ●●zaliana, who remembering that this generous Lady was the first that came in to their late rescue, they did her so much honour as she was almost ashamed of it. Some hours being spent amidst these compliments, the Knig 〈◊〉 retired to disarm themselves, Sylvan being extremely grieved to be separated from his Mistress, but fortune was more favourable to him then he expected; for their Chambers were so near together, as they might meet without being discovered by any; which Sylvan well observing, he quickly put off his arms, and not enduring the delay of so much time as to refresh himself, he instantly went to his Mistress, and thus spoke to her: Madam, if the glory of your favours were not as dear to me as my life, I should not labour to possess them without suspicion; but having too much love to dissemble it, and fearing to take the same liberty here which I had with you abroad, I beseech you be pleased to let me keep you from slander, and render my delights more pleasing by enjoying them without fear: We might depend only upon ourselves, and legitimate our marriage by a mutual consent of our wills, but we shall do more discreetly to yield that respect unto those who have so much obliged us, and seeking their approbation rather out of good manners, then for necessity, we shall not only make them always ready to assist us, but also thereby increase their affection towards us. The Emperor doth highly honour you, and esteems of me no less; wherefore I beseech you be pleased to let me make him my intercessor to you, for your love and favour: what shall be resolved upon by his advice will, as I suppose, carry the more weight with it; not in regard of us, for being reciprocally assured of our affections, the opinion of others should be indifferent to us, but only to have it said, that we know how to render due honour to such as deserve it. Dearest friend, answered she, you are assured that my will is yours, and that I wholly depend on you, having reserved nothing to myself, since I first engaged my faith unto you; therefore you may dispose of all things at your pleasure: and if the Emperor shall speak to me in your behalf, my answer shall be so modest, as it shall neither swarve from the respect I owe unto him, nor from the duty whereunto your love obligeth me. This resolution being taken, not without some kisses, Sylvan went to the Emperor, to whom in the first place he gave an account of all his adventures which he had passed since he left the great Castle of the twelve Towers; that done, he began a speech to him of this tenor: Sir, you are a competent judge of the powers of Love, nor do I believe that any man can speak more experimentally thereof, than your Majesty. My parents that were not long since enclosed in their tombs, nor the late loss of so many Princes, whom Christendom doth to this day lament, have not been able to divert this passion growing in me by the object of a pleasing beauty, so that I am enforced to confess unto you, that the merits of that fair Queen whom you saw not long since fight with me, are accompanied with such unresistable charms, as I have been constrained to yield up my liberty unto them: I know you have a mighty power over her, and that you may freely dispose of her determination. In which regard, Sir, I most humbly beseech you that you will be the author of my happiness, that you will contribute to my content, entreat her graciously to accept of my affection, and in a word engage her to give me with herself, the sceptre of Lydia, which she now enjoieth by the death of her husband. It is true that I have not deserved this grace, but the favour you shall do me heerin shall so firmly oblige me, as I shall never have any desire but for your service. Cousin, answered Spheramond, the laws of Love are so pleasing, that I do not wonder if men do prefer them before those of conveniency: our parents are dead, for they could not live ever, and what should lessen our grief for that loss, is, that they have left the world with so much glory and honour, as their fame shall continue in the mouths of men to all eternity; so that we are not to afflict ourselves excessively for losing them, nor refuse our good fortune when it is presented, the rather for that they are not sensible of our actions; wherefore you shall not wrong their memory if now you take a wife, since heaven hath too soon deprived you of her whom your merits had purchased for you: and to testify unto you that I speak according to my heart, I will share in the fault which you think to commit. You shall enjoy what you earnestly desire, or this fair one shall reject my prayers, for she is well worthy of you, and you of the delights which you hope for from her. Saying so he left him, and without protracting time, went into the fair Savagesses chamber, who had that day at the request of her Lover, attired herself like a woman. See now said he, finding her in that habit, see now fair Queen, yourself in case more likely to force a thousand Knights to your obedience, than you were of late with your sword in your hand, although you can well make it redoubtable to your enemies; and in truth I do not now marvel that Sylvan is charmed by so many excellencies, since I myself do begin to have the like desires, although I am here rather to do him service, then to suffer myself to be vanquished. I know not how you value his kindred, or the merits of his person, but I am not ignorant how much he loves you with passion, and if I did not think I should trench too much upon the sweetness of your disposition, I would willingly beseech you to do him so much honour as to receive him for your Husband. Sovereign Prince, replied she with a deep blush, I did in the beginning of your discourse believe, that you were pleased to divert your cares with some gentle passage of wit, but these words are past jesting, so that I am obliged to answer as seriously: you render me a husband so worthily virtuous, as the greatest Princess on the earth could not refuse him without imputation of vanity, nor do I mean to leave the election of him to any other; I do therefore most willingly accept of him, aswell in consideration of the pain your Majesty hath taken in speaking to me for him, as for his own merit and love; and do account all those poor services that I have done to your Crown, abundantly rewarded in this only favour: which is as much as you may expect from me, who do humbly beseech you absolutely to dispose of all that concerns me, being most assured that you shall never see me disobey your commandments. Spheramond having received an answer to his wishes, and unwilling to give fortune leisure to interpose any malice for the disturbance of these Lovers content, he caused them to be contracted the same night, and the next day to be married with great solemnity. This wedding renewed the former pleasures, and the new Knights not being weary of well doing, armed themselves presently after dinner, and divided into two troops, Russian commanded the one, and the gallant Esquilan the other: all these young Princes behaving themselves so bravely, as after a long dispute of the honour of the Tourney, it could not be discerned which of the parties had the better, so as they retired with equal commendation: the day being then spent in all kind of delight, the two Lovers were by the Emperor and Empress brought to their Chamber, where they presently went to bed, for to reap the fruit of their amorous travels. All things being thus disposed to delight, and the next day inviting every man to get up for the continuance of the former sports, Fortune, who never gives good without evil, would needs mingle some bitter amongst this sweetness; a Gentleman arrived from Greece, which brought the Emperor word, that young Clarisel of Guindaia, was stolen away by a Sorceress the very same day wherein the Tourney was held at Constantinople, in honour of his birth; and that Florisel and Sidonia were extremely afflicted with sorrow for this loss. These displeasing news caused great trouble in the Court, all pastimes ceased, complaints were renewed, and every one grieved according to the measure of his love: the new Knights desirous to show their affection to the services of the house of Greece, immediately armed themselves, and coming altogether before the Emperor, they besought his permission to go in search both of this young Prince, and of the adventures of the World; which request being granted them, they departed the same day with a resolution to run over all Countries, rather than to fail of their enterprise; but their design was to no purpose, for the Enchantress Creonda, in whose hands he was, and that had not taken him away, but only for that she foresaw by her Art, that of her daughter Grisolita, he should beget a Prince excelling all of his time, had so enchanted him, as by the sequel of this Discourse will appear, that none but Alcander could know the place of his retreat, or be able to contribute to his deliverance. The Court being in mourning for this bad news, and for the absence of so many Princes, Spheramond had no contentment left him but in the conversation of Sylvan, who not willing to abandon him so soon, endeavoured to make the time more pleasing, and his loss less sensible unto him. Howbeit forced by the necessity of his affairs, he was constrained to depart, together with his wife, for to reduce the people of Lydia to their duties; who seeing neither King nor Queen, rendered but little obedience to their governor's, and began to rise in tumultuous manner. Their departure made the Court very solitary, but the Emperor knowing how to live every where with contentment, never troubled himself with the consideration of so many losses as he had endured, and began to attend the care of his subjects, when a second advertisement gave him a fresh cause of discontent.   

CHAP. XVIII. The adventures of the new Knights after they had left the Court: the Emperor Spheramond is advertised that the King of Canabea raised a mighty army to invade the Empire of Trebisond.  
FOrtune is seldom satisfied with one attempt upon us; she redoubles her assaults to see if she can overthrow us, and never shows her face, if we do not force her to it by the greatness of our courage. The loss of the little Clarisel of Guindaia not able to suffice her rage she would needs once again arm the Pagans for the ruin of those brave Princes, who showed still the same countenance in their afflictions, as they had carried in their prosperity, and were not troubled for being crossed, since it did but render their virtues the more eminent, by ministering to them occasions of glory; the new Knights going out at several parts to seek adventures in the world, Russian riding along with Esquilan on a plain, hard by the Sea, perceived a damsel flying from a tall old man that pursued her with a sword in his hand: As I live said he, at the view of so discourteous an act, I would never have believed that a man so near his grave, could have done a thing so unworthy of himself: Let us by no means leave this maid in this distress; wherefore put on I pray you, that we may free her from the hands of this barbarous man, which without doubt will never spare her, being so enraged as he is. Heerwith they set spurs to their horses, but make what haste they could they were not able to overtake them before they came to the sea side, where they saw the wench leap in a Bark and the old man after her, who having taken her by the hair made as though he would have cut off her head. The Knights much grieved for that they could not aid her, in regard the Bark was put off a little from land, they approached to them as near as they could; and thinking to allay his fury with entreaties, began to conjure him to consider what he himself was, and how little honour he should gain by dipping his hands in the blood of a woman. I know very well, answered he, what every man owes to his reputation, but withal I am not ignorant of the content that revenge affords: This woman cannot escape death for satisfaction of the wrong I have received from her, except you grant me one boon: You shall have it said Esquilan, whatever it be that you desire of us: Come aboard this Bark then, replied he, and go with me, I shall have time enough to let you know what I will require of you. Whereupon not staying for further entreaty, they presently lighted from their horses, and by the advice of the old man leaving them upon the strand, they entered that little Bark, which without attending any more lading, began to cut the waves with incredible speed. The Knights much amazed to see themselves carried away in that sort, looked round about them, and seeing no Sailors for the steering and conducting this vessel, they desired to be informed by what means it was done, but they found no body to satisfy them therein; the old man and the damsel no longer appearing, nor any thing to be found in the Bark but two little Beds, and a Table furnished with exquisite meat. Verily, said Esquilan, this is one of the wise Alquifs, or the unknown Vrganda's devices, but never credit me if for fear of any enchantment, I forbear now to eat of this meat; wherewith he drew to the Table, and finding a paper upon it, he opened it and therein read these words:  Excellent Princes, do not wonder at the novelties you have seen this day: all is done for your glory, and we have with Art disposed you to follow the influences of the Stars; for which our care of you, you will then give us thanks, when as you shall with the hazard of your lives, give us that you have this day promised us. 
If I had not, said Russian, oftentimes heard of the like encounters, I should be somewhat mistrustful, and could not touch this meat fearing the malice of some enemy, but I intend not to be more cautelous than yourself; with that they sat down, and finding the meat agreeable to their pal●t, they fell to with a good appetite, and their repast being ended, with thanks to heaven, which never leaves his without relief in their necessities, they saw a Dwarf come in to them, who showing a spirit much greater than his body, thus spoke unto them: My Lords, it is time for you to rouse up yourselves, and worthily to employ these arms you wear. Heerwith they arose, and looking about them they perceived two ships grappled together; in one of the which were two Knights, environed with about twenty soldiers, and two horrible Giants, that charged them with such fury, as they were amazed to see what resistance they made. Their Bark laying them aboard just as they had laced on their helmets, they leapt into that ship wherein the two Knights were, and assailing the two Giants, they laid upon them so lustily, as they quickly made them despair of the victory. The combat was very hot between these fowr, but no whit less dangerous on the other side: for the two Knights desirous to make use of time, charged their enemies with so much fury, as they cut them all in pieces, except one, that was very richly armed, who unwilling to die with the rest, though he had behaved himself very bravely before, entreated for life and liberty. You shall have it, said one of them, provided you let us know both who you are, and why you caused us to be thus assaulted. It is, said he, the least that I can do since I am in your power, but I could wish that these fowr Knights who are fight together might be separated, for the death of the two Giants would be very grievous to me; with that he stepped forward to put himself between them, when as he saw them tumble into the sea, with two fearful blows which at one instant they had received. See, said he, with tears in his eyes, that which I feared more than the loss of min● own life, but the matter being now past remedy, I must have patience, & remembering the estate wherein I am, I will give you an account of what you require of me. I am a kinsman to the mighty King of Canabea, the Christian Princes capital enemy, and am now come from treating with the great Cariff of Africa, and the King of Coriza, to whom I was employed, for to invite them to a war against the Princes of Greece; the cause whereof is, rather for religion then conquest, and my voyage was successful enough, had I not lighted upon you: for having obtained all that I desired, namely fifty thousand men to fall upon the Empire of Trebisond, besides an hundred and thirty thousand more, which are already levied in the Kingdoms of Canabea, Romeria, and Calican, I returned extremely well satisfied, in the company of those two Giants, which the King of Coriza had given me, by whose aid I did not doubt but to see the Crown of Trebisond placed on my master's head: the rather for that I knew the principal defenders of that Empire are dead, so as the Christians have been constrained to commit the government thereof to an Amazonian woman; and that those which survive will not willingly quit their own provinces, for fear of being invaded by other Pagan Kings. Behold what you can expect from me in discharge of my promise; it remaineth now that you make yours good, and restore me to my former liberty, as you have preserved my life. The Princes of Greece, answered one of the first Knights, aretrue of their words, and stand in no doubt of their enemies: Experience should have made them wiser, and so many battles as they have lost, should me thinks, be able to break that obstinate desire they have to die in this quarrel; but since they will not guide themselves by reason, they shall not be more gently entertained than they have been heretofore. They have reason to say that the bravest Knights in the world are dead, but there yet remain enough to trample on the heads of all such as shall dare to provoke them. And to testify unto you that we do not much regard their menaces, we will give you leave to proceed on your voyage, and you may tell your kinsman that for a beginning of the war you have met with Greek Princes as full of courtesy as courage. This said, he commanded to weigh anchor, and letting them go he turned to the two Knights, with no little admiration to see them so young and so excellent. Esquilan having observed them very attentively, desired them not to be displeased if his curiosity carried him to demand of them who they were, to the end they might the better know to what persons they were engaged for so many caresses and praises, wherewith they had rewarded the poor service they had done them. We are said one of them, too much obliged to you, to refuse to let you understand who we are: I am Dorigel, King of the fortunate Islands, and this other is the valiant Amanio d'Astre; at these words they redoubled their embraces, and continuing their discourse they resolved to take several ways, Dorigel commanded to steer for the fortunate Island, for to raise some forces in aid of the Greek Princes; Russian and the Polack re-entered their Bark in pursuit of their fortune; and the gentle Amanio took his way towards the Parthian Empire, from which he was not then far distant, to advertise Spheramond of the Pagans design, as he did within a few days after: these news having diverted that great Emperor from his ordinary passions, made him give order for the raising of men, for dispatching away speedily of certain Gentlemen unto Greece and Trebisond, lest they should be surprised by the enemy, and s●ewing an exceeding affection to the welfare of Christendom, he hastened his levies, and in person set forward with ten thousand horse and twenty thousand foot. On the other side Florisel and Rogel were no less careful; and beyond them all Alastraxarea; for seeing their estates exhausted by so many former wars, they were much grieved to behold their people thus continually subject to alarms; but not able to force the destinies, they suddenly gave order for their affairs, Don Rogel dislodging with thirty thousand men at arms, and Don Florisel with fifteen thousand horse and twenty thousand foot. In the mean time the ship wherein Russian was, having run two days without meeting any adventure, arrived at the foot of a little mountain which seemed to the Knights so pleasant, that they presently landed, much admiring to see their horses upon the shore in the same equipage that they had left them in; but ceasing their wonder by the remembrance of what they had seen the old man and the damsel do not long before, they presently mounted upon them, and taking a beaten way that lead up to the top of the mountain, they spent about an hour or more, at the end whereof they found a Cave, whose mouth was stopped with certain pieces of wood, which made them conjecture that there was some secret within it, their curiosity then not permitting them to go any further, without knowing whether there were any adventure within it worthy their courages, they alighted; and tying their horses to a Tree they thrust away the bars, so as with little difficulty they made that entry free for them, but that not being large enough for two to pass in front, Russian drew out his sword, and entreating Esquilan to stay there till his return, he went on a pretty way in that darkness not without some apprehension of falling into some precipice, out of which he should never be able to disengage himself, but then presently espying a lamp he marched with more assurance by the light thereof, till he came into a vault of about five and twenty or thirty paces broad, in one corner whereof upon some stones raised in form of an altar was a fire burning, & making a stand to look about him he discovered two damsels coming, one of the which kneeling down before him, thus spoke: If it be by the order of that barbarous man, who now desires to glut himself with my blood, as he hath heretofore done with my embraces, if it be, I say, from Ormand that you come, do not, Sir, make me languish any longer; my bosom is ready to receive the blow of mercy, and it will less grieve me to die by your hands, than once more to come in the sight of so wicked and base a man. Fortune hath brought me hither, said Russian, taking her by the hand to raise her from the ground, not with an intent to shorten your days, and much less to put you into the power of a man that you have no cause to love. Be not therefore afraid, but rather be confident in my company, and be assured, Gentlewoman, that I will have an account of the wrong that hath been done you, if you will make use of my arms; and let me know the occasion of your retirement to this desolate place, so far removed from all conversation of men. Good Knight replied she, my misery is past remedy, and the aid you proffer me can no otherwise serve but only to oblige me unto you for your good will; yet will I not be so little sensible of the favour you do me, as to deny your curiosity the relation of my misfortunes. Let us sit down then upon this bed of leaves that so you may with the more ease attend to my discourse. Me thinks, said Russian, we should be much better abroad where the clear day will more content us then this darkness, the rather for that a Gentleman my friend, who stays without for guard of the entry of this darksome lodging may perhaps be discontented with our longer stay. All places are to me indifferent, said she, and if I desired to stay you in this cave it was because I thought it a fitter place for the rehearsal of my woes, than any other whatsoever. But I am well contented to go out with you that the Sun which for these fowr and twenty days hath not troubled my sight, may let you behold in my face the signs of a most extreme sorrow; whereupon going forth they went and set them down in the shadow of certain trees, where she began to speak in this manner: Do not, I beseech you, expect a long discourse, although the history of my misfortunes be infinite; for I will not Sir, abuse your patience, but succinctly let you know the cause of my despair; I was not five weeks since Countess of Haute fleur, rich and beautiful enough, at least as I thought, to cause myself to be beloved of any, now ugly and more likely to fright people with my looks, then to beget the least affection in their hearts, and deprived of all conveniences in the world, but what these trees do yield me for my sustenance, and that of this maid which keeps me company, who not being ingrateful for some favours received of me in the time of my prosperity would needs bear a share in my miseries to comfort me. This is a strange change, and such as men might well wonder at, if they did not know that fortune disposeth of all things, and that she daily maketh greater metamorphosis, but I will not lay the blame on her, because I must confess that all the fault was wholly in myself; for if I had not given credit to the words of Ormand a young Prince, and one of my neighbours, I might still have flourished amidst the delights which those of my condition daily enjoy. This Knight, valiant of his person, and fully complete in all those perfections that can render a Gentleman commendable, if he had been sensible of a lawful affection, happening to be in a forest where I intended to spend some days in hunting, was assailed by fowr Knights, who pressed him very hard, and without question would have laid him in his grave, if I had not chanced to come in during their combat, but unable to endure the sight of so unequal a party, I went to his enemies, and courteously desired them for my sake to forbear, and to consider that they much wronged the order of Knighthood, but they were so obstinately bend, as they would not give ear to me, wherewithal being displeased I commanded three Knights of my followers to take the business in hand, which they did so fortunately as in less than half an hour these arrogants were cut in pieces. That execution done, I was going towards Ormand, whom I had never seen before, meaning to invite him home with me, to have his wounds looked unto, but he prevented me, and lifting up his cask said unto me: You have Madam, nobly preserved my life, which doubtless was otherwise in my enemy's power, but I desire you will be pleased to employ it in your service, and not to spare it whensoever you shall think me fit for any design of yours; I am here without all acquaintance, and find myself constrained to press yet once more upon your goodness, beseeching you to spare me one of your servants for to guide me where I may have my blood staunched, which runs out at three or fowr wounds. I should but half oblige you if I should leave you in the estate you are in; but Sir, I will make you see that I esteem more of your life than you think for, wherefore go along with me and you shall find all that is needful for you: whereupon departing with all speed we got in less than an hour to Heautefleur, where I put him into the hands of a Physician, that within a month so recovered him, as he was able to bear arms; during which time I visited him daily, and finding him to be of a most gentle carriage, I conceived a certain kind of good will towards him, which converted into a violent love assoon as he had told me who he was, and that he had sworn to affect me more than all the world beside: I will not here tell you the pleasure I received in hearing him sigh, nor the contentment I had in the praises he gave me; for taking all his actions for testimonies of his love and my merit, I felt such infinite sweetness in his conversation, as all other delights whatsoever were nothing to me in comparison thereof. To what end should I spin out this discourse any longer? Opportunities being fit, and our passions violent, I yielded him up that which I ought to have held most dear, under the assurance of a thousand oaths that he made me to marry me publicly, when he had craved the consent and permission of his Father, whose authority he held not fit to be contemned; which seeming to me very reasonable, I gave him leave to return into his Country after he had tarried five months with me, hoping that ere long he would have returned again: but the traitor never thinking more of his promises, but with sorrow for that he had made them, and despising my caresses because he had too easily enjoyed them, not only refused to write to me, but having done a world of indignity to a Gentleman whom I sent to press his return and to advertise me of his health, he signified to me by word of mouth that the beauty of my Country, much more than that of my person, did make him desire to revisit it, but that it should be with a powerful army to annex it to those estates that fortune had conferred upon him; and as for me that I should do better to place myself amongst those that attend the sacrifices of the Gods, then to think of living any more to the world: Imagine, I pray you, what an astonishment I was in when the Gentleman delivered this unto me: Verily, I had much ado to believe him, for remembering the loving speeches that he had so often entertained me with, and the innumerable oaths that he had sworn to me, I could not be persuaded that his affection was entinguished, and that he could be so fearless of the justice of heaven, but alas! I found to my grief, that the good opinion which I had of him did abuse me; for adding effects to his words not long after, he invaded my Country with two and twenty thousand men, seized upon all the places that depended upon my command, except the Castle of Heautefleur, wherinto a Cousin of mine hath put himself with three thousand foot resolving to die or to keep it for me: but fearing to fall into the hands of this wicked wretch, who threatened to abandon me to the lust of his soldiers, I rather chose to make my retreat to this place then to serve once again for the subject of his scorn. You are now, brave Knight, fully informed of my infortunate estate, which can have no end but with the loss of my life. In extreme dangers Madam, said Russian, we must put on strange resolutions; your miseries I confess are great, yet do I not hold them past remedy, for you will be at quiet when this vile man shall be no longer living, and that may be within a few days; the Heavens are just and always armed for the defence of oppressed innocence, to whom I render humble thanks for bringing us hither to assist you in so just a quarrel, for the maintenance whereof, this Knight and myself will either die or reinvest you in your former greatness. Is your Castle far from hence? But one day's journey replied she. Be then assured, said he, that your enemies shall shortly see us; in the mean time, keep you close here, that we may know where to give you an account of our proceedings when time shall serve: with that they took their leaves of her, and getting to horse made such speed as they were at the Camp by break of day, and just as the enemies were raising of their ladders to assault the place; that occasion seeming to favour their approach to the walls without suspicion, they followed Ormand, and seeing those of the Castle make a sally at the very same instant even as they desired, they presently turned head and began the skirmish so lustily as the soldiers on both sides were amazed at it, Russian advisedly judging that the quiet of the Country depended upon the life or death of Ormand, perceiving him advance with certain troops, he discharged so dangerous a blow upon his helmet, that he overthrew him to the ground amongst the feet of a thousand horses, but not willing to let him die in that manner, he caused him presently to be taken up, and commanding two Knights to carry him to the Castle, they pursued their good fortune with such fury as the enemies being in disorder for want of their General, betook them to their heels, leaving above three thousand dead upon the place. Those of the Castle being by the direction of these two Knights, retired, there were bonfires made for joy of so remarkable a victory, but especially for the taking of Ormand prisoner; who seeing himself in the hands of a people that had no cause to love him, could not well broke his misfortune, and did extremely fear the displeasure of the fair Isolinda, for he could not believe that after so much scorn as he had put upon her, it was possible for her to continue her affection still to him, nevertheless resolving patiently to endure the worst of fate, he expected what his enemies would determine of him. In the mean space the two Knights not willing to lose time, made all the garrison to arm, leaving the inhabitants to favour their retreat if they were pursued, and determined to waken their enemies by the break of day, but assured by their spies, that they were dis-lodged in the night, Russian departed only with three Knights, not acquainting any body with his design but his companion, whom he desired to remain there by his presence to restrain the fury of the people, who out of the remembrance of the mischiefs he had caused them to suffer, were otherwise like enough to do some violence to their prisoner; and returning the same way, he came the night before he arrived at the cave's mouth; where the fair Isolinda, hearing the noise of the horses, had hidden herself, with an extreme apprehension of falling into the hands of her enemies: and entering into the vault, he found her all trembling so that to assure her he said thus: Madam, this is no time for you to be afflicted, Fortune hath changed her countenance, and you now hold Ormand in a stronger prison then that of your eyes, at least he shall not so easily get out of it: whereupon rendering her account of all that had passed, he so amazed her with the strangeness of this change, as she could hardly have believed it, had not her Knights, whom she well knew, with new protestations, given her assurance of the truth thereof. Revived with these news, she returned a thousand thanks to Russian, and getting on horseback, she went presently away with him to Haute●●e●r; where, with unspeakable joy, she was received by her subjects, who besought her to deliver Ormand into their hands, that they might punish him as he deserved: but thereunto the two Knights opposed themselves, remonstrating the mischiefs which might result out of such an execution, she that could not for all that had passed, totally extinguish her love to him, yielded to their advice with so much felicity, as the two Knights resolved to endeavour the reuniting of their affections; and indeed wrought so effectually, as Ormand having solemnly protested to love her ever, and without dissimulation, she was pleased to pardon him, and he to take her to wife, which was presently done with the general applause of her people, who proclaimed the valour of our Knights to be worthy of Altars. An assured peace th●● being settled, Russian and his companion, that loved not to be idle, took their leaves of the new married couple, and not having forgotten their way to the Bark, they put to sea again, committing the care of their voyage to those sages that had been their conductors thither.   

CHAP. XIX. The arrival of the Pagan Princes in the Empire of Trebisond: the fight between the Greek Princes and them at their landing: the assault given to the town, and the resolution that the Pagans took.  
THE Queen Alastraxerea being advertised, as I have related, that Fulgoran armed the Pagans against the Empire of Trebisond, did all that a warlike and discreet Lady could do to cross the designs of the enemy; the ports were fortified, the towns furnished with munition and soldiers, and the fields covered with a number of gallant Knights. On the other part Fulgoran was not idle: for upon the return of Gonzaldin, whom Russian and Esquilan had defeated, when they succoured Dorigell, and the gentle Amanio d' Astre, he drew together the forces of Canabea to the number of thirty thousand men: and those which King Dardanor had sent him, being about forty thousand more, together with the troops of the Prince of Calican of thirty thousand; with these forces, consisting of threescore thousand horse, forty thousand foot, and two and twenty furious Giants, who alone thought themselves able to conquer the whole world, he embarked himself to go meet with those of the great Cariffe of Africa, and the King of Coriza, amounting to foursoore thousand horse, and thirty five thousand foot, in whose company they sailed together with so fair a wind for three week's space, as they began to make the land of Trebisond. The valiant Alastra●erea, who looked daily for them, and therefore held in readiness some forty thousand horse, besides sufficient garrisons for the towns, being by frigates of advice informed of the approach of this mighty Fleet, presented herself with her forces at the Port. And determining bravely to dispute with the enemy his first footing upon her territories, attended while the wind should bring them to shore. The skirmish than began to grow hot on both sides: the Christians encouraged by the presence of that valorous Princess, who like a flash of lightning made her way through as many enemies as she encountered, bestirred themselves very bravely, and standing very firm upon the shore, would have made a strange butchery of their adversaries, if Fulgoran, accompanied with Florimond, Bruzanges, and the fair Arifleura, had not lea●'d to land in spite of all resistance, and the King Dardanor, the Cariffe of Africa, with twelve Giants, done the like in another place; these Knights clearing the place with incredible fury, in a short time made room for more than twenty thousand men to land, who seconding the Giants, that ruined all before them, they made the Christians give ground, when as five Knights armed in white, presenting themselves with their lances in their rests, gave in upon the enemy with such courage, as they raised the spirits of those who before trembled with fear; these five joining with Alastraxerea, who seemed a Fury to the Pagans, maintained the fight a long time; howbeit, the greatest part of the Army being landed, Alastraxerea thought good to make her retreat; but still fight, wherein she was we●l seconded by the arrival of two Knights in grey armour, who at the same instant flying in among the enemies, presently laid two horrible Giants dead upon the earth, and rendered themselves so redoubted to the other Knights, as they durst not come near them: this retreat, so full both of courage and discretion, bred admiration in their enemies, which extolling the valour of the Christians, mourned for their own loss, being but too great for a first encounter: for in the sea, and on the shore fell about thelve thousand men and four Giants, besides the Kings of Coriza, and Romeria, dangerously wounded, whereas the Christians got off with the loss of two thousand men. The army thus landed, the City was presently invected, the Pagans fortifying their camp with more judgement than ever any of their forces had done before upon any Christian land; and as one side made their preparations for an assault, the other disposed themselves to make a gallant defence, Alastraxerea finding herself assisted by the five Knights, who were Perion of Turkey, Florizart of Taprobana, Quedragant, Florertan and Dardani●, as also by these two thunderbolts of war, in the grey armour, which were quickly known to be Russian of Media, and the brave Esquil●n of Polonia, thought herself much more assured then before; and therefore was less afraid to skirmish with the enemy, so as no day passed without the death of some, and for the most part of the Pagans, who more guided by rage then judgement, did hazard all to get nothing, which so vexed F●lg●●●, seeing his people diminish, as much as the honour of the Christians augmented, he resolved to lose all, or win all: and therefore he disposed his forces for an assault, commanding them either to die or vanquish, to which end having caused a great number of ladders to be prepared, he went himself the foremost to the fight, being followed by his Giants, by Florimond, Bruzanges, Dardanor, the great Cariffe; and the Kings of Coriza and Calican, when as advertisement was given him, that a great fleet of Christians was under sail, entering the harbour. These news made him pause a while: for Captains cannot, without blame, despise any intelligence brought them; but being no less wise than courageous, he commanded the Kings of Coriza and Calican, to take six of the Giants, and an hundred thousand men to attack the town, whilst with the rest of the army in good order falling out of his trenches, he marched to the shore; where Florizel, accompanied with the incomparable Emperor of the Parthians, whom he had a little before met at sea, was landing with fourscore thousand men. This brave Prince, seeing such a multitude of enemies, instantly drew his forces into Battaglias, and not intending to give his opposites leave to discover that the half of his people were not yet disembarked, he advanced together with Spheramond, and the gallant Amanio d' Astre, encountering Fulgoran so furiously, that their horses not able to bear the shock, fell back three or four paces, to come on again afterward with the greater violence; Spheramond running against one of the Giants, passed his lance clean through his body, Amanio d' Astre having made Florimond of Canabea to lose his stirrup; on the other side, the Cariffe of Africa, Bruzanges, and the Giants, finding none but ordinary Knights in their way, made so great a slaughter of them, that without the assistance of Spheramond, who came in to their aid with ten thousand men, the Christians had suffered much; but his arrival stayed the fury of the Pagans in such sort, as they began to give him ground; which Fulgoran perceiving, who then was combatting Florizel with so much valour, as he was amazed at it, he delivered such a dangerous blow upon his helmet, as astonished him, and throwing himself among the Parthians, he recovered again what his men by their default had lost; whereupon Spharamond carried with a strange rage to see the massacre of his people, discharged a bow upon his helmet with such fury, as laid him upon his horse's crupper, so far besides himself, that he had no judgement or memory left him: This blow so affrighted the enemy, that they had certainly retired to their trenches, if the Cariffe of Africa, attended by his Giants, had not presently come into their second: his presence diminished their fear, and terrified the Christians; but Florizel and the valiant Amanio d' Astre advancing to their succour, so revived their courages, that the fight was renewed more sharply than before. Whilst thus they disputed the honour of the landing the other were not at quiet: for the Kings of Coriza and Calican, made the assault to be maintained with so much obstinacy, as it seemed they resolved not to live, or be victorious; the dead which fell in the ditches feared them not, and their loss augmenting their courage, made them so adventurous, as Alastraxerea avowed afterwards, that she never had seen a wall better assailed; howbeit, their labour was in vain, and the Christians resistance such, as they were constrained to fall off just at the time that their fellows, who fought upon the shore, retired into their trenches. Florizell seeing their retreat, and considering that his soldiers were as yet not recovered of their travail, by sea, would not press them any further, but encamping hard by them, commanded necessary instruments to be made, caused the hurt men to be looked unto, took order for the guard of his camp, and desirous to see the Princess Alastraxerea, his sister, mounted upon his horse with Spheramond to go to the City, but but they met her in the mid way, accompanied with the new Knights, you may well imagine how kindly they entertained one another; and withal, the content that Spheramond took in seeing these young Princes, on whom he had lately conferred the order of Knighthood, discharge themselves so bravely for the honour of the Christian name. I will not therefore dwell any longer hereupon, but following my discourse, will tell you what the Pagan Princes resolved to do, being grieved with the loss of eighteen thousand men, and three Giants, which died in this encounter, wherein also there fell of the Christians, no less than eight thousand and five hundred Knights, Fulgoran performing the duty of a right commander, that will not be frighted for one misfortune, seeing the courage of his men grow cold, and that the names of the Greek Princes was become redoubted in his Army, caused the principal Knights of his troops to be called together, and when they were assembled, with a confident countenance thus spoke unto them: As it is no little grief to me to see your looks so pale, and that so slight a loss should any whit amaze you; as yet we have had no cause to complain; and so many of our enemies slaughtered before these walls, should, me thinks, oblige us not to fear the encountering of them. Have they any advantage of us? Do their swords cut better than ours? Have they better courages, or Arms of better proof?  
Verily, we no way yield to them, in re●olution of doing bravely, their curtelaxes carry no keener edge than our scymeters; and the greatness of our blows do testify that our arms are as of much weight as theirs; you will say that they have never been assailed without danger, and that so many armies as have been routed in these fields, do witness their valour, and may justly make us apprehend a like success of our enterprise. It is true that they have ever hitherto showed themselves invincible, and that few kings have affronted them without their own extreme damage, but shall we from thence infallibly, conclude, that fortune must therefore perpetually favour them, nothing less, she delights in inconstancy, and makes herself sport in abasing those whom she hath for a time raised to the highest pitch of eminency; the glory which they have acquired in the proceeding battles, should make us rather strive with obstinacy for victory over them, then daunt our courages, for triumphing over them that stoop under the weight of so many law ●ells shall render our names, so glorious in the world, that all the sorraine nations will shrink when they but hea●e us named.  
Throw off therefore, I pray you, this fear, which I see in your faces, re-kindle that generous fire which made you slight your ease to bring yourselves into business of honour, and giving the enemy no leisure to strengthen himself by the coming in of any fresh supplies, go pull him out of his trenches, and make it appear to them that you were never afraid to meet them in the plain field. For my own part I am of opinion to present them battle with our whole army, and by a trial of all the forces on both sides, see what we may hope for from our enterprise. This, answered the Cariffe of Africa, this brave Prince, is the best advice that now can be given, for a long siege, or a tedious war, cannot be but very dangerous, and if we spend our time in beating of walls in stead of turning our swords upon our enemies, we shall never avoid the misfortune of those, which have come hither with the same design that brought us hither, who left all their honour behind them in our enemy's hands; the Princes of Greece are full of courage, and will never shun the fight, since the Emperors of Part●ia, and Greece, are arrived to their succour, but if we be good men we cannot fail of the honour of the day. The number of our soldiers doth far exceed theirs, our hearts are good, we have Giants and Knights to be redoubted, Why then should we not be conquerors? Either the victory, Excellent Prince, must be ours, or we must all die in seeking to achieve it: As for me, I prise my life at less than nought in this occasion, and do believe that all these Lord's hee● assembled will be as resolute as myself; you may therefore, when you please, send to offer them battle, with this assurance, that we will dispute the honour of it with a great deal of courage. This opinion being approved by them all, they dispatched presently a Herald to Don Florizel of Niquea, who received him very courteously, and a little after returned him with assurance of a general battle, the fourth day following, for the preparations whereof, a truce was in the mean time concluded on either side.   

CHAP. XX. The joy of the Greek Princes for the arrival of the Excellent Emperor of Persia, and the success of the battle.  
THe two armies disposing themselves equally for victory, prepared all things necessary for the fight, the Pagans with a certain assurance of triumphing through the multitude of their men, and the Christians of defeating their enemies, more by the assistance of heaven, then by the force of their arms, the day being already passed, they saw the seas covered with ships coming in very good order; whereupon; both sides were in fear alike, for neither of them knew to whether part they were in favour inclined; but they dwelled not long in that doubt, for as soon as the Vanguard approached the Port, the red Cross with the arms of Persia were discerned in their flags, whereby it was judged to be the valiant Don Rogel of Greece; his arrival brought no less fear to the Pagans, than contentment to his friends, who being free to go whether they pleased, for that the truce was yet on foot, went to meet him in the strand with a thousand signs of joy; the ceremonies of entertainment being over, the Princes, not to lose time, met presently in council, for to deliberate on the courses which was to be held for the future battle, wherein all their opinions, in a manner, concurring, they resolved to make four equal battalias, each of them consisting of five and twenty thousand horse, and eight thousand foot; the first or which should be commanded by Spheramond, accompanied with Amanio d' Astre, and Perion of Turkey; the second by the valiant Prince of Persia his father, with Russian of Media, and Dardanio; the third by the royal Alastraxerea, with Esquilan, and Quedragant of Sansuega; and the last by the excellent Florizel of Niquea, with Florestan, and Florizart; the command and guard of the town was entrusted to the Count of Argamond, with ten thousand foot, and the Camp to the Duke of Silesia, with the like number of Infantry: On the other side, the Pagans were not drowfie, but knowing that the loss of that day would be the ending of their honours, and lives, they encouraged their soldiers, one while with promise of rewards, another while with hope of glory, so as the most cowardly resolved to fight it out bravely, both for reputation and spoil; their spies having informed them of the order the Greek Princes determined to hold in imbattelling their army; they also concluded to frame four battalias of their forces, each of them composed of thirty eight thousand horse, and fifteen thousand foot; whereof the first was to be led by the Prince Bruzanges, Florimond his son, the valorous Arifleura, and three Giants; the second by the great Cariffe of Africa, Dardanor King of Romeria, and three Giants; the third and fourth by the King of Coriza and Fulgoran, with a like number of men; the King of Calican remaining with twelve thousand foot for the guard of their Camp. These things thus decreed, every man bestirred himself, some making clean their arms, some whetting their swords, and others looking to their horses: In brief, none was idle, and every one passionately wished for the next day, that they might employ their forces. Assoon then as the morning appeared, Spheramond, who had the forward, covered the field with his horse, and not intending to stay until the trumpets sounded a charge, he espied on his right hand five Knights armed all in white, present themselves with incredible courage against the enemy, to the no little joy of the Christians; whereupon, perceiving Florimond begin his career, he set spurs to his horse, and so strongly encountered him in the midst of his race, as their lances flew into a thousand shivers, Florimond still keeping his seat, though he was twice or thrice ready to fall; such was not Bruzanges fortune with the valiant Amanio d' Astre, for he was laid upon the earth, so dangerously hurt, that without the succour of his son, he had been stifled under the horses feet; Perion of Turkey, and the white Knight, directed their staves against the Giants, whereby two of them were wounded, but so slightly, as they presently laid hands on their scymiters, and disdaining to fight with ordinary men, they began a furious combat with three of the white Knights, whilst Spheramond, in the midst of the press, thundered wheresoever he came, neither was Florimond any way behind him, for as often as he advanced his sword, the death of some Christians ensued; whence it followed, that his people in imitation of him, laboured exceedingly to make good the place they fought upon; but they were so pressed by Spheramond, Peri●●, Amanio d' Astre, and the white Knights, that they began to give ground with extreme discontent to the Giants, who could not relive them, being too far engaged in their combat with the new come Knights; nevertheless, enraged to see themselves stayed in that sort, they all at one instant diseharged three such blows on their adversaries heads, as they laid them on the ground almost void of sense; with that, taking the opportunity of the time, they went to have made their people turn head, which they perhaps had done, if they had not been stopped by the brave Emperor of the Parthians, Amanio d' Astre, and Peri●●, who not giving them leave to pass any further, charged them so stoutly, as they were constrained to look to their own defence; than it was, that Florimond re-incouraging his men, overthrew as many Christians as stood in his way, but the white Knights being come to themselves again, and infinitely enraged that they had been so ill entreated, flew into the throng, with their two companions, and made such a slaughter among them, as the enemies were fain to retreat to avoid their fury, notwithstanding all that Florimond could do to stay them: The great Cariffe of Africa, accounted one of the most valorous among the Pagans, seeing the first troop in disorder, caused those which he led to advance, against whom the Excellent Emperor of the Persians opposed himself, and with that greatness of courage, which made him so admired in the world, charged his lance against the Cariffe, whom he made to lose his stirrups, Russian of Media having run one of the Giants quite thorough and thorough; upon the encounter of these new troops, the earth was quickly covered with arms, legs, weapons, and the field with horses that had lost their masters, the air echoed with the cries of dying and wounded men, the ground shook with the noise of drums and trumpets, all was full of horror and fear, and wheresoever D●● R●gel and Russian passed, they left behind them evident marks of their valour▪ the ranks grew thin before the great Cariffe and his Giants; in brief, all was in confusion, and the blood streamed so over all the field, as it filled every one with astonishment: the King of Calican, and Fulgoran, impatient to see others employed in business of glory, caused their troops presently to advance, the like did Alastraxerea, and Don Florizel; than it was, that the earth, and the heavens seemed to be but one thing, and so many Knights were overthrown at this encounter, as no man could stir a foot without treading on the dead; the Knight Ardant carried ruin in his hand, Florizell passed along like lightning, the Giants cut all in pieces that stood in their way, Alastraxerea, Esquilan, Russian, Rogell, Spheramond, Quedragant, and P●rion, seemed furies; in sum, nothing appeared but blood and slaughter. The King of Calican, meeting with Alastraxerea, and Fulgoran with Florizel, began a furious combat, but it lasted not long, for they were divided by a troop of Pagans, which environing this valiant Prince and his sister, reduced them into very great danger of their lives, had not Spheramond, and the gallant Amanio d'Astre, come in just at the time, when as their horses were killed under them; these two Princes knowing Florizel and his sister, slew in suddenly amidst their enemies, and so wonderfully behaved themselves, as they gave their friends leave to breathe a while; howbeit, their succour had little prevailed against so great a multitude, amongst the which were three Giants; if the brave Russian of Media, together with the five white Knights, had not put himself in the head of fifty Knights, wherewith he charged the enemy so furiously, that after they had slain above two hundred of them, even before Fulgorans face, they remounted Florizel, and the valorous Alastraxerea, who renewing the fight with more rage than before, seemed not be wearied at all with their former toil. Whilst matters past thus in this part, Don Rogell, with Esquilan, Florerian, Dardanio, Quedragant, and Florizart, arrested the fury of the Cariffes' Giants, and Florimond, whereby their people were so heartened, as they were no whit dismayed with the sight of so many corpses as lay dead before them. The slaughter having continued all the day with the Combatants incredible pain, the night came on, which parted them without knowing unto whom fortune was most favourable, the Pagans retired to their Camp, and the Christians to their tents, not a little glad to see the principal Knights preserved from the fury of this best debated battle that ever was fought. The number of the dead being calculated on both sides, it was found, that the Pagans had lost ninety two thousand men, with seven Giants, and the Prince's Bruzanges, Florimond, and the Cariffe sore wounded; the Christians for their part having fifty seven thousand men slain, Florizel and Alastraxerea both hurt, the one in the shoulder, the other in the arm. The retreat thus made, the Christian Princes, after they had caressed the new Knights, which were Florian, and Tristor of Sobradiza, Agrian of Scotland, Fulurtin, and Melfort, met in counsel about their affairs, where every one agreeing to Don Rogells advice, who persuaded the renewing of the fight by break of day, to let the enemy see, that neither loss nor labour could affright them, word was brought, that an Ambassador was come from the Knight Ardant. Let him, said Don Rogell, come in, his presence will not scare us. The Ambassador then being admitted, spoke to them all in this manner: Princes of Greece, the King of Canabea, believing that you have need of rest, as well as himself, and that you will be as willing to do all fair offices to those which have lost their lives on your side, as well as he would be to such as died on his, he hath sent me hither to require a tr●ce for eight days, to the end every man may bestow 〈…〉 upon his friends: that time expired, he will let you understand the design he hath resolved on, for to give an end to this war. Don Rogell, that was chi●●e in the counsel, by reason of the absence of Florizel of Niquea his father, who was retired into the city, by reason of his hurt, would have had the advice of the other Princes upon this demand; but they all protesting to be wholly g●ided by him, he thus answered the Ambassador, We had resolved before your coming, to have seen to morrow morning what the issue of our war would have been; and to that end had commanded our men to be ready by break of day; but now we will let your master know, that the Princes of Greece will never be wanting in courtesy no more then in courage. The truce then which in his name you require, we are content to grant you, and will be glad to understand what his design is, that we may contribute thereunto all that is necessary on our part. This answer being returned to Fulgoran, very much contented his army, and the Christians retired into their tents to refresh themselves at leisure.   

CHAP. XXI. Upon the point of a combat between Fulgoran, the Cariffe, Florimond, and the unknown Knight, with Spheramond, Amanio d'Astre, Russian and Esquilan, two Damsels interrupting them, carried them away.  
THe field being cleared of the dead bodies, Fulgoran, who had no greater desire then to be victor in that war, incessantly studied how to bring that to pass; one while he was inclined to put his army once more to the hazard of a battle, but strait remembering the horrible slaughter which had been made of his men, he had compassion of so many innocent people, and desired to triumph with less effusion of blood; but not knowing which way to iattain thereunto, he passed the most part of his time in these meditations, without drawing any resolution out of an infinity of thoughts: At the last, returning one day from the forest, where he often used to walk, with a determination to raise his siege, and afterwards to dispute, by a combat of two to two; not the Empire, which now he durst not hope for, but the glory of the victory, he heard the voice of one that complained, wherewith his heart being moved to pity, he suddenly turned his horse that way, and approaching to certain trees, which Nature had set very close together, he saw thorough the branches a Knight laid upon the grass, armed at all pieces, except his hand● and head; his eyes were full of tears, his face pale, yet did not that hinder him from appearing very handsome. The sadness of this object, not leaving him without resenting the grief which he saw him endure, moved him to alight for to present his best assistance unto him, when as he saw him rise from the ground, and take a Lute that hung upon the boughs of one of the trees, whereunto he sung a very mournful ditty, which being ended, he returned his Lute to the former place, and throwing himself upon the grass, he said, Is it possible to find a more unhappy man then myself in the world? and who can say that I am not the worst required of any that ever sighed for love? Hope mitigates the torments of lovers; and if they suffer, it is with a certain opinion that time will change their misfortune, and that patience will render the end of their desires happy; but alas! my misery is not of that quality, I languish without possibility of hope, and the death of Arthemisa deprives me of all the bliss that man can expect: I love her as much in the grave as when she lived, and foolishly imagining, that she will one day revive to set me at rest, I cannot resolve to entertain any affection for another Mistress. Good Gods! is not my destiny very deplorable herein? Have I not cause to complain of my hard fortune? And is it not with reason that I hold myself the most wretched creature breathing? Yes doubtless, I may well blame mine own weakness, and accuse you of injustice; you ought to force this humour, that renders me repugnant to myself, work miracles on me, not permit me to be obstinate in mine own ruin, or restore me that which you unjustly detain from me. But I wrongfully complain of you, it is Death to whom I should address these reproaches, she hath ravished my treasure, and left me nothing but the remembrance of my Arthemisa; she, she it is that is capable of my sorrow, of my tears and sighs; It is through her that fury overcomes my reason; briefly, she alone is the cause of my undoing. This speech ending with an alas! he remained a good while silent, leaving F●g●ran extremely grieved to see a Knight of so brave a presence reduced to such extremity; howbeit, his silence lasted not long: Fairest Arthemisa, continued he, what tears have you cost me? you have but one tomb, one sepulchre, and my grief prepares for me every day an infinity; you partake of the glory of the Gods, I am amongst the miseries o● the world; you are happy in your death, and I unhappy in my life; what inequality do we now suffer, that have heretofore been so comfortable in all things? You are in pleasure, I am in pain; I sigh, you are contented: verily I am much amazed at this change, and cannot comprehend how we should live so at this present, whereas our love would not permit us to do so in times past. It is true, O Arthemisa, that I should be much amazed at it, if I did not call to mind your merit, which doubtless hath with reason acquired all these advantages: wherefore I ought not to envy your glory, but contrarily rejoice to see you with the Gods, and to offer the same sacrifices to you, as we do daily to them, which this Desert place will not suffer me to do, nevertheless, I will at the least offer something, until such time as my valour may lay the bravest Knights of the earth upon your tomb. Saying so, he rose up, broke the branches of the nearest trees, which he piled one upon another, and falling down on his knees, he was again going to complain anew, had not Fulgoran, grieving to see him lose himself in that manner, advanced towards him just at the instant; Knight, said he unto him, I wish that you could so relish my speech, as it might bring you that consolation which is necessary for your grief, and then you would see how great a fault you commit to love an insensible thing, and that complaints are not fit for you, you may well retain the memory of a beauty that you have so long adored; but to fancy to yourself a returning of it, for your satisfaction is that, which with reason should never enter into your thoughts; and besides, do not believe that it is a glory to you to be thus opinionate in your passion▪ not that it can purchase to you the reputation of a perfect lover: the way to merit that commendation lies in those things where our judgement doth not err, and you shall never meet with any that will approve of this course of yours, and that will not freely tell you how it is a kind of madness. Follow the first motions of your reason, let it not be lost in your affliction, and re-entering into the exercise of Arms, divert your sorrows by the undertaking of generous enterprises. Now it may be your passion will not brook the liberty of this discourse; but if I fail therein, it is out of the compassion which I have of your sufferings, so that if you have any power yet left over yourself, you will embrace my counsel, and go along with me to refresh you in my tents, where I shall endeavour to free you from these fancies. Verily, answered he somewhat coldly, were my sorrow less, I should willingly make use of your offer; but what should I do in the world, since I am too well assured that I shall never meet Arthemisa there? Sir, I should see nothing that could please me, all objects would renew my grief, and the advertisements you speak of would be torments to me when I should consider that I did not carry arms for the service of my Mistress: you say that I should have a better heart after this loss; but alas! it too nearly concerns my life, nor may I, without baseness, resolve to live more contentedly then now you see me: howbeit, were I able to do you any service in recompense of your courtesy, I would follow you, and let you one day see that I am not insensible of a benefit. But what can you hope from the weakness of these arms, which an extreme sorrow hath deprived of all vigour? Truly nothing, and your good will would be unprofitably employed; wherefore be pleased to leave me here in a continual martyrdom, and go you away with the glory of having exceedingly obliged me, though I entertain not your assistance. Fulgoran, that attentively observed him during this discourse▪ which seemed not to proceed from a man besides himself, seeing him of a very goodly presence, was more desirous than before ●o prevent the mischief that menaced him, so as persisting in his persuasions, he laid so many reasons before him, that at length he promised not to afflict himself so excessively, but with patience to attend how the Gods would dispose of his life. This brave resolution was so pleasing to our Pagan, as embracing him, he protested to love him eternally; and making him get on horseback, they together ●ode on towards his tents: but whilst they were upon the way, Fulgoran observed his carriage, and seeing how gallantly he sat his horse, he could not forbear saying thus unto him; Truly it would be a great loss to see ● man of your parts pass the best of his days in Deserts, not do I little oblige the world by restoring so brave a knight unto it; your behaviour contents me much, and makes me desire to know you better than yet I do; you shall then, if you please, do me the favour, to tell me more particularly who you are. It is, answered he, that which at this present I cannot do, without breaking an oath I have made; but not to be so ingrateful as to refuse you the information of what I may lawfully relate, I will tell you, that I am every where called, the Unknown, a name indeed that very well befits me, who have not given men occasion to speak of me, and that having a long ti●e traveled thorough the world for the execution of enterprises, that may crown with glory Knight's erran●, I arrived some months since in the land of Mo●cassi●, which was then all covered over with the forces of enemies: My first encounter was a very lovely maid, who not without confidence presented herself before me, and that in so graceful a manner, as begat in me an extreme desire to speak unto her; and as I was opening my lips so to do, after she had a little viewed me, she prevented me, thus: If you be, Sir, as courteous as handsome, you will not refuse me a Boon I desire of you. Men use not, replied I, to send away those of your merit with discontent, you may therefore freely command of me what you please, and be assured not to be denied. You shall then follow me presently, said she, to Nicopolis, the capital city of this kingdom, and there put yourself into the hand of Arthemisa, with protestation to defend her against the King of Nicomena, a dreadful Giant, and ugly as may be expressed, who now holds her besieged in that place, because she will not give him the title of her husband: She is a Princess so fair, and withal so nobly inclined to acknowledge any service done unto her, as you will never repent any assistance you may give her. To what end should I spin out my discourse any further, she did so highly extol the beauties and perfections of this Princess, as I loved her before I saw her; so that I road away most desirously to Nicopolis, whereinto I entered with much facility by the cunning and direction of this wench. I had a little affection to her before, as I told you, but as soon as I saw so many charms in the eyes of Arthemisa, I reserved no more power over myself, but well contented to present her with my liberty, never to redemand it again. The King of Morcassia her father, was much afflicted to see the enemy so near his walls, yet did he a little cheer up himself when he saw in a skirmish that fell out two days after my arrival, that my blows were weightier than those of all his Knights, and that the King of Nicomena's people did no less redoubt the encountering with me, than his did that of the Giant; whereupon he made extremely much of me, all things were directed by my advice, but that which gave me most satisfaction, was that I saw Arthemisa did love me, and was delighted to see me sigh at her feet. Leaving them with this tranquillity of mind, I accounted myself the most fortunate Knight of the earth, especially when as a little after, I was the cause of all their happiness by the death of Balistan, so was their capital enemy called, whom I slew in single combat, routing afterward his whole army with a horrible slaughter. This victory gained me the hearts of the Morcassians, and absolutely possessed me of the good graces of Arthemisa, who, to tell you in few words, being no less in love with me than I was with her, yielded up herself wholly unto me, and so made me taste the sweetness which is found in the caresses of an amorous woman. Two months passed amidst this felicity, at the end whereof she counselled me to demand her of her father, to the end our secret privacies might not at length be the cause of our ruin. The assurance that I had of the King's favour, made me approve of her opinion, so that I went presently to him, and putting him in mind of the service I had done him, I besought him to reward me for them by the possession of Arthemisa. Your virtue, answered he, doth oblige me to give you all contentment; but first for the satisfaction both of myself and my subjects, I desire to know who you are. This request, replied I, seems so reasonable, that I cannot refuse it, without wrong to myself. My father is called ●nomander, Prince— O ye Gods! said he, stepping back two or three paces, say no more, that name is no stranger to mine ears; O heavens! have you suffered me to be obliged for my life to the son of the greatest enemy I have? Get you gone, continued he unto me, get you gone, Knight, and that instantly: for Arthemisa shall never be your wife. And were not the memory of your services a bar to my displeasure, I would make you feel what is due to the hate of your father. Think now, I beseech you, how I was vexed at the hearing of these words, so contrary to my hope: In truth, I was ready to die, but my rage kept me alive to make him this reply.  
Ingrateful King, thou hast forgot that without my assistance thou hadst now been a slave, and not knowing what courtesy means, thou refusest me that which I have justly purchased; but thou shalt one day see what thy heady fury will avail thee, and that it had been more expedient for thee, to have passed by the enmity which thou carriest to my father, and a thousand times repent the little esteem thou makest of me; for be assured, I know the way to abase what I have so generously exalted: Thou threatenest me here in thine own Palace, but beware of coming near me, for I carry the same sword that spilt the blood of thine enemies, and think not my courage any whit abated by two month's rest. Saying thus, I passed into my chamber, armed myself, and mounting on horseback, I retired into a forest which was not far from thence, with a design to return the same night, for to know of Arthemisa, how I should bear myself in this affair: But alas! I found her not alive, for having been acquainted with the quarrel between her father and me, she fell upon the floor with so violent a grief, as she was therewith suffocated before she could be succoured: From hence proceeds the excessive sorrow that I have now these three months endured, and from this so untimely death of hers, are those hourly complaints derived, which you have heard, and which I would have continued to the end of my days, had not your persuasions diverted me from them.  
This discourse ending with many sighs, Fulgoran began afresh to comfort him, remonstrating unto him, that a noble courage ought equally to receive the assaults and caresses of fortune; and thus discoursing, they arrived at the Army, which the unknown Knight liked very well of, when he knew the occasion wherefore it was there. Not long after, Fulgoran, perceiving the term of the truce ready to expire, called the chiefest of his Commanders into his tent, and with a Majestic countenance, thus spoke unto them: Excellent Princes, did not the blood of the innocent rather move us to pity, then carry us to cruelty, I should advise you once again to hazard that remainder of our men, which the fury of our enemies hath left us, and seek in their destruction the honour of an happy victory; but unable to see them suffer so for the satisfying of our pleasure, I am of opinion, that it is best our quarrel be determined by a company of selected persons, and that we should secure our people with the venture of our lives; I am the author of this proposition, and therefore it is reason, that I also should be the first in the danger. Our adversaries are valiant, it is true, and all the world ascribes to them the glory of knowing how to fight well; howbeit, we have here so many brave spirits, that we need not fear to meet them with equal number, for otherwise, the good conduct of their armies will make them always triumphant; let us then arm three or four of us against so many of the Greek Princes, and let not the rest that are excluded from the fight be troubled, for it shall be no less glory to be placed in the government of an Army, then to dispute the honour of acombat; I desire to be the first, the unknown Knight shall second me, the other two may be elected: If my advice be good, you may follow it; if not, counsel me, I will most willingly break off my design, to let you see, that my resolutions depend upon yours. Valiant Prince, then answered Dardanor, who spoke for them all; It was only our respect of you that put our swords into our hands, and without regard of your passion, or to say better of your zeal, since the glory of our Altars is in question, we would never have entered into any dispute with the Grecian Princes, we will therefore obey your pleasure, as we have hitherto your commandments upon all occasions presented: Dispose of the persons and the number, they which do not accompany you in this action, shall have their share in whatsoever shall befall you, and all of us together shall suffer with you in your victory. This is, said Fulgoran, no less than I expected from your wisdom; my Cousin Florimond, and the great Cariffe of Africa, shall make up the number of four, the King of Calican shall be our judge, and you mine Uncle, said he to Bruzanges of Canabea, shall with the Kings of Coriza, and Romeria, see our forces embarked, and with them attend us at the at the nearest Country of the Pagans, in case that fortune shall be favourable unto us. This resolution being taken, each one departed until the next day that Fulgoran arose to write these lines unto the Princes of Greece.  
The King of Canabea's Challenge to the Princes of Greece.  
WE ought to have a care of our people, and to prefer their quiet before our own preservation, I am grieved for the death of so many brave Knights, that lie now in these fields, wherefore I will not hazard the rest of my soldiers that are left me in a second battle, but being loath to retire with so little satisfaction of the pains I have taken to come and see you, I desire that the honour of this enterprise may depend on the combat of four of us against a like number of yours; Consult with your courages, and belie not the opinion which the world hath of your valour: This bearer hath power to sign for me whatsoever you shall require touching the conditions of this fight, whereof you may dispose, and for your assurance rely on my faith.  
Verily, said Don Rogel, it is not without much reason that this Prince is esteemed to be valiant, and more advised, than his age doth seem to permit, for I cannot remember that ever I saw a defiance more courteous than this he hath sent us; We accept of it, and are very well contented with the number he propounds. Whereupon, calling for ink and paper (with Florizells consent) he returned him this answer.  
The Greek Princes Answer to the King of Canabea.  
WE find your reasons so just, as we cannot refuse that you desire, without wrong to our honours; you shall therefore have the combat on the third day after this, with the same assurances you give us; for the conditions, we leave them to your arbitrement; and desiring to imitate your courtesy, we remit the election of the arms and field to you, for the security whereof, we do, as you, engage our faiths.  
The Ambassador being returned herewith, Fulgoran drew his army into battalia, and causing it to march to the sea side, where it was presently embarked, only the four Knights, that were to fight, remaining in the port, with the King of Calican for judge on their part, and the Queen Alastraxerea for the Christians; which were, Spheramond Emperor of the Parthians, Amani● d' Astre, Russian of Media, and the brave Esquilan of Poland. The Grecian Princes seeing the enemy's Army under sail, and understanding that the principal Knights amongst them were those that stayed behind, sent to invite them to lodge in the City till the day appointed for the Combat, but they refused the offer with thanks, and chose rather to rest in Fulgorans tent, which was left for them. The third day being come, with the incredible content of the Combatants, they presented themselves in the field, armed at all parts, and expected nothing but the sound of the trumpet to charge their lances, when as they saw two Damsels enter, who instantly addressing themselves to the Princes of Greece, demanded a boon of them. We are too courteous, answered Spheramond, to refuse you any thing, therefore acquaint us with your desire, and we will most willingly grant it. We are then well satisfied on your part, answered one of them, we must now try whither we shall obtain as much of your enemies; so turning them about, they went to Fulgoran, and said unto him: My Lord, we come to crave a boon of you in the behalf of the Damsel that entertained you in the Castle of the Rock, when you sought to escape the Count of Clina's surprisal. As I live, said he, you shall not be denied, for I am too sensible of the favours which I received from her at that time, speak only, and let me ●now what I may do for her service. That which I desire, replied she, is, that you will follow me presently, together with these three Knights that accompany you, to the end you may give her what then you promised her. Gentlewoman, answered he, somewhat perplexed, I acknowledge that I am mightily engaged to her, but I am tied by my word to those Knights that are there, and the estate wherein you see us, will not suffer us to stir from hence before we know unto whom the Gods will grant the victory. No, no, replied she strait, they are as much obliged to me by promise, as you are, and will not make any difficulty to defer the combat to another time. No indeed, said Spheramond, who was come to them, since we are engaged thereunto by our oath; howbeit, you shall do us a singular favour, i● you will at the least permit us to break these staves in our hands together, and strike three blows with the swords. To use your swords, answered she, is a thing I will never give way to, but that I may in some sort content you, I will not be against one career, upon condition that the weaker shall not be offended with their misfortune, nor hinder my business. The Knights remaining agreed thereupon, returned to their places, and from thence suddenly dislodged with such fury, as the earth trembled under them. The encounter of Spheramond and Fulgoran was equal, their lances being broken to the very gauntlets, without so much as once moved in their saddles; Russian, that ran against the great Cariffe of Africa, made him lose his stirrups, and had pierced him thorough and thorough had not his staff broke upon his shield; Amanio d' Astre, and the unknown Knight, were both overthrown to the ground; and the brave Esquilan, having encountered Florimond on the helmet, made him see the stars in plain day, and so to stagger, that he was ready to kiss the earth; but his enemies blow being not effectless, he lost one stirrup, which yet he so speedily recovered, as fewtook notice of it. This course being performed with some advantage to the Grecian Princes, the Pagans' were not well pleased, and would willingly have proceeded to a further trial by the sword, but perceiving these two women advance, unto whom they were engaged by their word, they followed them, though extremely grieved for having been thus diverted from their enterprise: Nevertheless, desiring not to appear discontented, they comforted themselves with the hope, that time would furnish them with occasions to satisfy their wills. Assoon as they were gone a league, these Damsels stayed at the meeting of two ways, and one of them turning to Fulgoran, said unto him: Excellent Prince, you and I, with the unknown Knight, must follow this address, whilst my companion leads the other Knights this way, to a place where their presence will be very necessary. I have told you, answered Fulgoran, that I will never decline your Mistress' commands; let us then proceed in the way, since you will have it so, and let these Lords take the other; herewith, embracing with some show of sorrow, they parted, and followed their guides. She that conducted Fulgoran, observing by his countenance that he was melancholy, said unto him: Sir, be not troubled for that my Mistress hath not suffered you to fight with the Princes of Greece, it was not done without good consideration, the day would have been fatal, and your enterprise could not have been ended without great mischief: when you shall know yourself, you will think that she hath done nothing without reason, and you will thank her for the care she hath always had of your content; she loves you, though as yet you cannot say wherefore, but you shall understand it from her the first day that you shall see her, which shall be the happiest, and the most dangerous, of your whole life, and behold new testimonies of her affection. Thereat Fulgoran, who lent an attentive ear to her discourse, lift up his eyes and saw two Dwarves, the one upon the fairest courser in the world, the other much less, and more deformed, with a great pack on his back: This, said she, taking the horse by the bridle, and presenting it unto him, is that which now she gives you; she will not change your arms, because they are excellent, but knowing that you desire others, for that you would not be known, she hath committed a secret unto me to quench these burning colours; whereupon, pouring a viol of water upon them, she rendered them quite black; but so polished, as one might see himself in them. This now, continued she, doth represent the grief you are in, for that you do not know who you are, and remember I tell you that these arms shall not lose this colour till you be known; at which time they shall reassume their ardent flames to make you burn with a new fire, and be assured that this change will not let you doubt of your dissent, when you shall call to mind these my words: Now this is all that you may learn from me at this present. As for you, brave Knight, speaking to the unknown, you may believe that she loves you also, and for some instance thereof, she hath commanded me to present you with these arms, which are in this pack, that are far fitter for the adventures you are to undergo, than those you have on you; you shall do well to accept of them from her accordingly, and to be confident that they will be very useful to you; you may not leave this way, because it is not without a mystery that you are brought into it, and doing that which belongs to the duty of good Knights, yield more to the glory of your name, then to your passions. Saying so, she vanished away, together with the Dwarves, leaving the horse under Fulgoran, and the arms upon the back of the unknown Knight.   

CHAP. XXII. Fulgoran and the unknown Knight arriving at the Castle of Argenea, sister to the King of the frozen Islands, force her guards, destroy her enchantments, and free many good Knights there imprisoned.  
FVlgoran no less astonished with the alteration of his Arms, then contented to see himself master of so brave an horse, looked a pretty while upon the unknown Knight, without a word speaking, as if he would have demanded of him what he thought of the affair; but knowing full well the great power of the Damsel, whom he had seen in the palace of the rock, which was no other than Vrganda the unknown, he ceased from further marvel for to think of her words that lately left him. I am persuaded, said he to himself, that I am the son of some Christian Prince, and I have reason to think so: for this Lady, that favours my enterprises, would not now twice have diverted me from fight with those famous Knights of Greece, if I might have done it without offence: Moreover, if I call to mind the speech of that old man whom I met withal the same day I received the order of Knighthood; and at my coming to the Crown of Canabea, I cannot doubt of it: for the most part of my Barons do affirm, that the Queen Florella, my mother, contracted a marriage in private with the brother of the greatest Prince of Christendom, and for that only consideration, did they put the Sceptre into my hands, as being the lawful heir of the countries under her obedience. If it be so, I ought to serve them, and not seek to ruin them by my Arms. But what do I say? Serve them? that were to be base, and insensible of indignities; They have beguiled the simplicity of an amorous woman, and made her ardours serve to end her life: wherefore me thinks it were more reasonable for me to lose myself with her, then leave this crime unpunished. Howbeit, there is no remedy for that which is past, and my revenge would but increase my grief and shame: things therefore must be left as they are, and I must labour to find out the truth of the matter, rather than run indiscreetly into actions of perpetual repentance. Having been long entertained with these thoughts, he came to himself, and cheering the unknown Knight, who was no less transported with his imaginations, they continued on their way till night, which they passed in a sound sleep under the trees after they had fed on such cates as their Squires had provided. Rising the next morning with the Sun, they got to horse, and traveled so long till they came to the sea side, discovering nothing round about them, save a little B●rke, whereinto they entered with their horses; immediately whereupon the unknown Knight's Squire going to take an Oar for to row off the vessel, she suddenly went away with such swiftness, as they were amazed at it. Behold, said Fulgoran, a new miracle for us, and the Gods seem to authorise our erterprises, yet I fear our teeth will grow longer, if our fortune do not the sooner bring us to some land: for I am exceeding hungry already. And so am I, said the unknown, so that if our Squires have some provision yet in store, we shall be very much obliged to their providence; whereupon their Squires opening their males, where they looked for no more than a sittle bread that was lest, were mightily astonished to find them full of good meat, the sight whereof so whetted their stomaches, as they presently fell to it, which was not yet so delicate, but that the wine of their bottles did every way equal it. Their appetites being satisfied, they were about to have taken a little rest; but their Bark staying at an Island, that seemed marvellous beautiful and pleasant, they went on shore, and mounting their good horses, they entered into a forest of goodly trees, planted with admirable Art: the music which the birds made them from the trees, and the diversity of flowers they trampled on, so entertained their ears and eyes, as they seemed not to consider any other thing. Having traveled so an hour, with all the content that might be, they arrived near to a mountain, on the top whereof they saw one of the most stately Castles in the world; five towers equally distant an hundred & fifty paces one from the other, framed on the forefront of the building, whose walls were of white and black Marble, and the covering of a mettle so glistering, as one could not behold it with less pain than the Sun. Between these towers an hall appeared, so high, as it seemed to surpass the clouds; and the gardens made all in descent, possessed them with an extreme desire to be in so sweet a place. The wonder of these rarities inviting them to pass on, they advanced a flight shoot further, where they met with a great Arch, that gave passage to a Bridge, before the which stood a pillar, whereon hung a Table of Brass with these words inscribed therein:  When the two unknown shall arrive at the cruel Castle, all shall be at liberty. 
This adventure, said Fulgoran, is questionless reserved for us: for you are unknown by name, and I by birth: wherefore I am persuaded, the Destinies have established it for our glory, let us proceed then if you please, and see what is promised us: So going to the bridge, they perceived a little stream running under it, that seemed to be swollen with the blood of a great many murdered persons. O me! said Fulgoran, how much doth this object so full of horror abase the glory of these proud buildings, which doubtless were not erected but to draw Knights hither, and then to destroy them; nevertheless I will increase the number of those that are here sacrificed, or overthrow the power of it. Scarcely had he spoken thus, when as he saw coming in two several ways, a furious Giant with a mighty club in his hand, and the most dreadful Serpent that can be imagined; he was covered all over with green scales, that were proof against the cuttingst steel in the world; his throat, whereinto a man might easily enter seemed to be a furnace, and the ground was so violently beaten by his tail, eight foot in length, that it trembled round about him. Fulgoran, whose courage was incapable of fear, thinking the defeat of this creature more difficult than that of the Giant, marched against him, leaving the other combat to his companion, and instantly discharged so mighty a blow on his head, that he was constrained with it to shut his mouth, which before he held wide open to devour him. The Knight much vexed for having employed so much force in vain, struck him again on the body with such violence, that he made him recoil three or four paces back. Now this blow serving but to incense him the more, he flew upon him so furiously, as he overthrew him to the earth, tearing his shield from his arm. Fear doth furnish us with wings, and many times is cause of our preservation: Fulgoran finding himself in that plight, and without a shield, was in some doubt of his life; but suddenly getting up, and feeling his strength increase with his choler, he gave the Serpent such a smart thrust in his eye, as he passed his sword a foot deep into his head. The beast growing mad with the pain of his wound, made three or four steps back, and with his huge long tail smote the Knight so terribly on the helmet, that he was once more compelled to kiss the ground with an opinion that a tower had fallen upon him; the violence of the blow having somewhat astonished him, he was not able presently to rise, so that the Serpent seeing him lying along, leapt to him, and seizing on him with his teeth laboured to bite his armour in pieces; but Fulgoran that had not lost his judgement gave him another thrust where there were no scales, running his sword up to the hilts in his belly. The pangs of death making this fierce animal fall off three or four paces from him, the Knight much troubled to behold himself without a sword, stood in a maze, when as Fortune presented him with the means, not only to save himself, but to conquer also: for the Giant, that combated the unknown Knight, being exceedingly vexed to see his blood trickle out from divers parts of his body, came up so close to him, as thinking to discharge a blow on his enemy's head, he bit his arm on his helmet with such force, that it quite stunned it, so that his club fell out of his hand close by Fulgoran, who speedily catching of it up, gave the Serpent such a deadly stroke with it just between both the eyes, as his brains flew out. This victory, as glorious as little expected, serving but to increase his courage, he turned him about, having first plucked his sword out of the Serpent's belly, to go unto the succour of the unknown Knight, but perceiving his adversaries head at his feet, he went and sat him down on a great stone to take breath, thinking that so painful a beginning would have a more difficult ending. The desire he had to see the issue of this adventure, and the glory which he hoped for from it, not suffering him long to rest, he arose● little after, and passing under another Arch which he saw on his left hand, he was ready to enter into a little wood, when as he perceived ten hideous Savages come out of it, whereof five began to assault him terribly with their massy clubs, the other five giving the unknown Knight the same welcome; who finding himself amongst such dreadful enemies, was in some doubt of his life: nevertheless, resolving to sell it dearly, he bestirred himself with much valour and dexterity. But it much enraged him for that his sword could not make way thorough the shaggy hair of these monsters, which crushed his bones with their heavy clubs. On the other side Fulgoran laid fearfully about him: for desiring either to die or to vanquish, he had already overthrown two of them dead at his feet, defending himself courageously from the rest that pressed him with incredible fury. The combat being in this dangerous estate, the unknown Knight enraged for that he could not as yet see any blood drawn from his enemies, gave one of them such a thrust in the belly, as he ran him quite thorough and thorough, laying him dead on the grass; but he had not time to rejoice at this his lucky dispatch of that monster, for the rest charged him at the very same instant with two such cruel blows, as they extended him on the earth quite void of sense; believing then that he was dead, they yelled forth such a dreadful cry, as the whole Island resounded therewith, whereby Fulgoran being drawn to look about for to see whence it might proceed, perceived the misfortune of his companion, whereat he was so exceedingly incensed, that taking his sword in both hands, he discharged it so forcibly upon one of them, as the hair not able to withstand the edge thereof, it divided his head in two pieces; whereupon, not regarding the rest, he ran suddenly to the unknown Knight, whom his adversaries were a disarming; and carried with the same fury as before, he struck one of them so terribly on the shoulder, as he cut him down to the very girdle. The other three beholding this terrible blow, presently forsaken their former man, and joining with them that remained, they assailed him so furiously, that they gave him no leave to breathe, their strokes descending so thick upon him, as his shield seemed to be an anvil whereon 5 or 6 Smiths were a hammering. Seeing himself pressed in this sort, & fearing that at length he should fall under the weight of these strokes, he began to retire by little and little towards the Arch, that so he might avoid fight with them all at once, when as a big Knight in grey Armour presented himself, who seeing the inequality of this fray, drew out his sword, and therewith charged one of the Savages with such strength, as he sent his club arm and all unto the ground; not contented therewith, he gave another such a thrust just in the throat, as the point of his sword came out at the nape of his neck, laying him dead on the grass. Fulgoran no less amazed then pleased with the valour of this new comer, took his sword again in both hands, and fearing lest the glory of this adventure might be ravished from him, he struck one of them that pursued him very hard, with such violence on the thigh, as cut it shear off, placing him in the number of those that live not. The two that still remained, beholding the horrible butchery of their companions, would have saved themselves by flight; howbeit they were followed so close by the two Knights, as their deaths were not deferred but to the third blow they received. This victory being thus gloriously obtained, Fulgoran going to the grey Knight, spoke in this manner: Noble sir, I must render that unto your valour which all the world cannot refuse you, and give you thanks for my deliverance: if I live, it is through you, but I will gladly spend so much blood for your service as you have now preserved in my body; pursue the good fortune which brought you hither, the glory of this adventure is reserved for you, and the beginning that I have given to it, shall not make me desire to oppose your enterprise. I have not done any thing, sir, answered he embracing him, for your succour, but what the Law of Knighthood commanded me. So many enemies as you have extended here on the earth, and that dreadful serpent which lies dead yonder, are assured testimonies that you can vanquish without me, and defeat your enemies without my assistance; wherefore I will never attribute unto myself the honour due to your courage, which verily is more than humane, but shall be glad to go on with you, and in all things be governed by your command: Herewith they embraced again, and were disposing of themselves to proceed in their enterprise, when as Fulgoran bethinking him of his companion, went presently unto him, to see whether he were yet in case to receive any service from him. Having then unlaced his helmet, he found his face all covered with blood, but yet was much cheered to see him still breathe. Courage, said he unto him, our enemies are slain, and you revenged for the outrage they did you. This victory, answered he somewhat faintly, would be a great contentment unto me, were I sure that it had not cost you too much of your blood. I feel much pain, replied Fulgoran, from so many blows that I have received; but the Clubs being unable to to pierce my Arms, I have not lost one drop of blood, the only thing that now troubles me, is to see you so ill. It is true, answered he, that I am very light headed, but time will restore me my judgement, with my strength, and if our Squires were here to tend me, I am persuaded I should be well again in a little time. Fulgoran, who highly prized him, ran incontinently to the first Arch of the bridge to call them, and leaving him in their hands, he passed on with the grey Knight, till they came to the Marble walls, where they parted upon the encounter of two ways, Fulgoran taking that on the right hand, and the grey Knight the left; going then on, with wonder to see so strong walls, and dangerous guards, they came much about the same time unto two gates, the grey Knight to that on the west side, and Fulgoran to the other that looked towards the Sun rising, so that the sound of their knocking was heard both at one instant, whereupon the gates flew open with a most dreadful noise; which notwithstanding, stayed not from entering in with their shields on their arms, and their swords in their hands: But they had not made three steps, when as Fulgoran saw one of the hugest and most deformed Giants that might be, advance towards him with an Axe of ten foot long, which he discharged at his head, with a confident belief to cleave him to the middle, notwithstanding the goodness of his Arms; howbeit he nimbly avoided the blow by leaping aside, so that it lighted upon the ground, whereinto it entered a great depth: Fulgoran laying hold on that advantage, struck him so furiously on the arm, that he separated it from his body; and not satisfied therewith, he was going to double his blow when as the Giant more through rage then judgement, closed with him, and with his left hand arresting the stroke, lifted him up, mangres all his resistance, with a purpose to batter him against the ground; but the Knight perceiving himself in that extremity, drew out a short dagger that he had, and stabbed it into his belly which was unarmed. This stroke bringing death with it, the Giant tumbled presently down, but with such ill fortune for Fulgoran, as he fell under him, being almost stifled with the weight of his body: nevertheless, collecting all his forces together, he so heaved at his dead enemy, that he turned him aside, thereby clearing himself of such an heavy burden; howbeit he was constrained to sit down and rest himself till he was raised again by a new occasion.  
In the mean time, the grey Knight was not idle, for passing in just when Fulgoran did, he was encountered with a furious Bull, and a most fearful Dragon, which showing him his teeth, that were a cubit long, and as sharp as a razor, menaced him with a● approaching death; yet being as valiant as could be, he was no whit abashed, but presented the point of his sword to the Dragon, that thinking to swallow up his arm, received a dangerous wound in the throat: This hurt enraging the beast, he retired a little, to cast up the blood that choked him; but the Knight knowing he must lose no time, presently advanced, and guided by his good fortune, gave such another thrust in his belly, as his guts came presently forth with his life: That done, he made head to the Bull; but he was so near him, that he could neither avoid the push of his horns, nor make use of his sword; so as all that he could do was again to present him with his shield, but the beast came running at him with so much fury, as the Knight was enforced to tumble three or four times over upon the sand, with extreme danger of his life, had not the Bull, leaping and bounding, gone a good way from him to fetch his course with the more fury at him, gave him leisure to rise, but in so due a season, as with a light leap he avoided the second encounter of his horns, upon the point whereof he thought the hazard of his life did hang: not willing to stick in so fair a way, he made as though he would stand his return, but stepping aside, he struck him so right upon the neck, that he cut it half in sunder, letting him run about the court with the pangs of death, which was not long deferred, for passing by Fulgoran, who then was up, he received another blow in the very same place, which laid his head upon the earth. The two Knights, that saw not one another, the house being between them, having no more employment below, went up by two pair of stairs, and found themselves, the grey Knight in one of the fairest chambers that ever he had seen, and Fulgoran in a hall, where the first object that his eyes lighted on, was the beautiful wife of Dardanor, chained in a corner, half naked, and almost covered over with blood. Good Gods, said he, stepping a little back! Where am I? Do I not see Clairangia, the Queen of my desires, as well as of Romeria, in chains, that are only fit for slaves? Ah Madam! Those that have thus entreated you, understand not your merit: But do not, I beseech you, afflict yourself any further, See here your Fulgoran, who vows by all the Deities, that he adores, either to revenge your wrongs, or to die with you. Alas! said she with a sigh, and no less rapt with astonishment, than delight, to see this Knight there, whom she loved as much as her life, it is most true, that the Gods never forsake them that in their afflictions crave their aid: Dear friend, I always hoped that my freedom would be procured by your hand, and though the strength of this place was very great, yet I believed that your virtue could meet with nothing able to resist it: you are come just as it should be, for I had not long to live, the torments I save suffered have been so grievous, as I wonder how I could have patience to endure them: You are doubly bound to a revenge; but because you know not yet this secret, I must tell you that our private caresses at Celibana, made my belly so to swell, that you may see good testimony of it ere it be long; howbeit, Dardanor was free from all suspicion of it, till an old Sorceress, sister to the King of the frozen Isles, who died at the great battle of Aleppo, came into the Court the same day that he returned from the war of Greece, and said to him: Knowest thou (King of Romeria) that thy wife is with child of a son, which is none of thine, and that shall one day, when he comes to know his father, ruin the Altars of the Gods whom we adore? No, thy knowledge doth not extend so far; but for that I am obliged to preserve the Pagan name, I came to thee to advertise thee of the affront done unto thee. And the better to clear this point, remember the Count of China, he spoke but out of suspicion, yet was his accusation most true, and therefore would advise thee to choke this brat before it be able to do mischief; but because it would be a dishonour for thee to defile thy hands in the blood of thy wife, leave thy revenge to me, and give me permission to punish her my way: you know the violent humour of Dardanor. This discourse having rekindled the displeasure that he had conceived against me, at the time when you delivered me, he presently put me into this woman's hand, who making me go with her into a Chariot drawn by four Griffions, brought me to this house, chained me by the neck, as now you see me, and ever since hath daily whipped me with rods, threatening to put me and my child to one of the cruelest deaths that ever was seen, which she would questionless have done long since, but that she still told me, how the stars did not as yet give way to her desires, so as I believe our lives are limited by the only pleasure of the gods. This is a case, answered Fulgoran, whereof we are not now to speak; let us rather seek out this old witch, to punish her as she deserves: But pardon me, Madam, if this desire be more pressing with me, than the care of freeing you now from these chains, for so long as she lives, we shall have nothing but troubles here, I will therefore pursue that business with all the speed I may: So making obeisance to his Lady, he went up a little pair of stairs, which carried him to the top of the house, where at his first coming he espied this Enchantress, drawing figures and characters upon the floor. As I live, said he, old Megara, taking her fast by the hair, which hung about her ears, your devils shall not now serve your turn, but you shall give an account of your cruelty to a Lady which you have held so long here in fetters: Dragging her then down the stairs, he came into the hall, at the end whereof he saw a Knight, who coming upon the cry of that Sorceress, said: Ah, Sir Knight, do not employ yourself in fight with a woman. Fulgoran mad angry, to see his revenge deferred, gave her such a blow upon the stomach, as he laid her half dead upon the floor; and not considering, that the Knight which spoke to him, was the same, who so lately had afflicted him, and that forced by the charms of this woman was come thither, laid hand on his sword, and began so cruel a combat with him, that all the hall rang with the noise of their blows, Fulgoran fought very bravely, for that the preservation of his Mistress was in question, but his opposite was so stout, as he durst not hope for the victory, which put him in such a rage, as he redoubled his blows with infinite violence; but he was no less pressed by his adversary, who charged him so fiercely, that he did not remember he had ever been so hardly laid to unless it were when he fought with Florisel about the death of Balard; the combat growing furious, through their choler, they continued in that manner almost three hours, without discerning to whom fortune would be most favourable: But as they were in this dispute, the old woman got up, all amazed, and thinking to escape into her Cabinet, where the prime of all her charms remained, cast herself between the Knights, who having their swords advanced to charge one another, did let them descend in one instant upon her head, which they divided into three or four pieces. Whereupon, the earth trembled, and the foundations of that building, which were laid by Art Magic, were scattered with a thunder clap; the Knights finding themselves in the field, wondered much at their combat, which they well remembered, and much more that they saw neither marble nor towers, but only the bodies of the Savages, of the Giants, and the monsters, which were natural, and not forged, an infinite number of bones of men, devoured by those creatures, Clairangia bound to a tree, with thirty or forty Knights in the same plight hard by her, and the body of the Sorceress divided, as I have told you; Fulgoran, who had nothing more pressing, than the misfortune of his Mistress, ran presently to her, cut the cords that tied her, besought her to accept the desire he had to do her service, and not be troubled though her habits were not suitable to her royal greatness.  
I am, said she, so contented to see myself free, and so near to you, as I no more complain of my passed torments; Let us only think of getting out of this place, and afterwards we will consider of the means to be revenged of the ingratitude of a man, that did not merit the honour of my company, as well as we are delivered from her whose malice sought our destruction. Whilst these discourses were re-inkindling the fires of their former loves, the grey Knight unbound all those prisoners, whom that hag had reserved for a torture far worse than death; and finding amongst them four very young, and exceeding handsome, he courteously demanded of them, whence they were: We are, said one of them, Christian Princes, knighted but a few months since, but so infortunate in the beginning of our arms, (being unhappily fallen upon this place, where without your aid we had certainly found our graves) as we cannot hardly say, that we have given the least proof of the valour which our fathers demonstrated in an age far younger than ours; This first is called Leonidas, son to Astibel of Mesopotamia, the next is Abies of Ireland, son to King Cildadan, the third is Frizell of Arcadia, son to Giorntes, nephew to the good King Lisard, and myself am an Amazon, daughter to Celafia, of whom perhaps, you have sometimes heard: We came, drawn by the beauty of the place, into these parts, were made prisoners by the Giants or the Savages, and are now all disposed to serve you, since your valour hath given us the means so to do. The grey Knight, finding himself obliged by this offer, very courteously thanked them, and knowing them to be Christians, left them to the liberty of their actions, departing from them to Fulgoran, who having not seen him yet without his helmet, spoke thus unto him: Brave warrior, It is time, me thinks, that I should know him, to whom I owe so much service; be pleased then to tell me your name, and to let me see your face. I cannot, answered he, refuse you so small a request; and now you see me, said he, taking off his helmet, and discovering a face, brown indeed, but grave and amiable, as might be wished; but if I must proceed farther, and tell you also who I am, you shall know that I am called Prigmaleon, son to the great Emperor of Aethiopia, and more pleased with your acquaintance, then with the possession of the best part of the world; with that they embraced, and letting the young Knights depart in Prigmaleons' Frigate, they went to the unknown Knight, who was now well recovered, and so all three, with Clairangia, embarked themselves in Fulgorans vessel, which with its wont celerity, made to the main sea, whilst they were furnished with good meat for their repast, and good beds for their repose.   

CHAP. XXIII. Fulgoran and Prigmaleon meet with two Fleets at sea in fight together, one of the which by their assistance gets the victory.  
THE Bark wherein Fulgoran and Prigmaleon were passing on, with incredible speed, to the great contentment of all the company, had now sailed three days without any stop; when as about break of the fourth day, Fulgoran, that could not sleep, being troubled with his amorous fires, ●hich were every minute increased by the continual sight of his Lady, saw a Bark pass hard by him, in which was a great Knight, and a very beautiful maid, who seemed to take no delight in any thing but her tears, nor to find any ease for her grief, but in her sighs, which so moved him to compassion, that he would presently have leapt into the Bark for to succour her, out of a persuasion that her sorrows proceeded from the force which that great Knight intended unto her, had not the wind, which drove away the vessel, crossed his desire: but seeing her gone, and not knowing how to tack about for to follow her, he was so enraged to be in that sort carried away by another's pleasure, rather than his own, that a thousand times in his mind he cursed the power of Magic, though it had so often given him assistance; wherefore in a great cha●e he was going to steer himself, and had commanded his Squires, whom he had called up, to bring the sails about, when as he saw a Dwarf at the helm, that said unto him: Suffer not yourself, Sir, to be so transported with passion; those by whose Art you are now guided, will not suffer you to slip any occasion that may add to your glory, but such affairs, as are both of importance, and pressing, must precede them that may be deferred without danger: having thus spoken, he vanished out of his sight, leaving the Knight more quieted in his mind then before; and not a little wondering at the vast knowledge of those, to whose skill it seemed his fortune was inseparably attracted: Laying himself down then upon his bed, he quickly fell asleep, but he did not continue so long, for his Squire, waking them all, showed them afar off a great number of ships, in battle array, ready to attack another fleet, which in the like order appeared against them. Their vessel sailing that way, as they desired, they saw these vessels meet together, and begin a furious Sea-fight; in which at the first, they meddled not, being as yet uncertain, in favour of whether side they were to employ their arms: But discerning white crosses in the flags of those on the right hand, they resolved to be for the other side, and accordingly had their swords in their hands, to give a charge, when as they saw a man in the midst of the waves, who laying hold of their ship, besought them, to take him up, and not to suffer him to perish in that pitiful element: The Squires having drawn him aboard, Fulgoran, that guessed him to be a Pagan, came to him, and asked him whom he served. He answered, that he was a subject to Dardanor, King of Romeria, who having raised a mighty army, and shipped it in the fleet which they saw to invade the kingdom of Canabea, in revenge of the affront done him by the King thereof, through his too much familiarity with the Queen his wife, contrary to the respects of the friendship between them, had met with this fleet of Christians bound for Trebisond; and being a mortal enemy to that profession, hath charged them in hope to defeat them. As I live, said Fulgoran, your master is a villain, and though by my religion I an obliged to the ruin of the Christians, yet for this once will I be their servant. Get you then into the fi●st of your ships that you come to (for I will not out of my bate to your master make you lose your life after I have saved it) and tell Dardanor that here is the King of Canabea, who will not put him to the trouble of going so far, since he hath so conveniently met with forces here, so turning to Prigmalion, he thus spoke unto him: Dear friend, I am extremely grieved that I must employ my sword for the enemies of our Gods, but the wrong which this Prince hath done his wife, which is she that is here aboard us, and that which he intended to me, raising this mighty Army to ruin my country, do not permit me to encounter him without revenge: for we to make use of the times and occasions that Fortune presents us w●th: If you will assist me, I shall take it for a singular favour, if not, at least wise afford it to the affliction of a Lady, unjustly banished her country, which as a Sovereign she possessed, and as a malefactor basely entreated by a jealous and cruel husband.  
How fir? said Prigmaleon, do you think that I will leave you in the fight, and turn my Arms against a side for which you shall declare yourself? Be assured, never: for I do not consider with whom, but why I fight; Dardanor is your enemy, therefore I cannot love him; he hath raised these forces against you, we must endeavour to defeat them; and, as you said, m●ke use of time and occasion: Let us then follow our fortune, which offers itself so fairly unto us: And since the Christians have diverted the storm which was intended should fall upon you, let us, if we can, procure them the victory, and overthrow the malicious design of this ingrateful and barbarous Prince. With these words they passed into the midst of the two armies, and seeing the fight hottest between two great ships, which were grappled together, the one bearing the A●mes of Romeria in their tops; and the other w●it● Crosses with Eagles, they boarded the Pagans ship all three together, leaving their Squires in guard of their ba●k, and of Cl●●rangia, who seemed more dead than alive, and began to make such a slaughter, as the deck was covered with blood and dead carcases. The Christians making use of the advantage which the Knights gave them, followed them close, and entering with them among their enemies, continued the butchery with so much fury, that the sea round about them was died all red with blood. Fulgoran knowing Dardanor by his rich Armour, in despite of all that were about him could do, got up to him, and letting fly a mighty blow at his head, he cut it in two pieces, laying him stark dead on the hatches. That done, he entered another ship of the enemies, which made a strong resistance, and beginning a like destruction, as in the former, he overthrew so many dead into the sea, as the water was fu●l of them. This execution having continued above five hours, and the death of the King of Romeria being known, they presently tacked about, and the Captains desiring to save that which remained after so furious a charge, retired to the next p●rt whence they came the same morning. Fulgoran being no less discreet than brave and able, taking a sudden resolution upon this retreat of the enemy, turned himself about, and addressing himself to the General of the Christians, whose valour, during the fight, he had admired, said unto him: Excellent Prince, I know not whether you will think me bold to crave any thing of you, not having obliged you by precedent services to grant it, and being besides a worshipper of other Gods then yours; but virtue is to be exercised every where, and the duty which we owe to our religion, doth no● prohibit us to be courteous, and to help one another when occasion is offered: my enemies are defeated as well as yours; for you must know that this Fleet was intended against my country in revenge of a wrong that King Dardanor said he had received at my hands; howbeit, that the victory which you have gloriously gotten, may be well managed, and that I may also make my benefit of it, for the relief of a distressed Queen, unto whom, as a Knight of worth, you also are bound not to refuse your assistance, be pleased to put your army again into battle array, and present it rather to fear, then wholly to destroy them: In the mean time I will go and visit them with their Queen, whom Fortune not long since put into my hands, to the end I may (if possibly I can) restore her to the Crown of Romeria, whereof she was deprived by the jealous humour of her husband, and bring her subjects to receive her commands, with as much obedience as heretofore. Brave warrior, answered he, I so approve of your compassion of an ill entreated Princess' misery, that in stead of denying you, I will myself accompany you into the country, that if her subjects will be rebellious, we may with force reduce them to their duties, and leaving my course for Trebisond, where I believe I might be very necessary, in regard of the multitude of enemies, which i● may be do now ravage that country, I shall think it a glory to oblige you to that end, without sticking at the consideration of our different religions. As for the victory which you ascribe to me, I will not receive the honour of it, since you and your friends have the best part therein: for this army being levied against you, I will believe that I have only been an assistance to you, without whom I could never have vanquished it. Let us then advance when you please, only do me the favour I pray you, to tell me your n●mes. I am, said Fulgoran, so much obliged to you, as I cannot conceal myself from you; I am the King of Canabea, who not three months since held your Empire of ●rebis●●d in fear. But the loss of a very great number of brave men of both sides, in the battle and skirmish between us, making me desirous to decide our difference by a combat of four with so many of the Greek Princes, I sent presently to the City, where my offer was accepted. My men then being all embarked, except those that were of the party, we were in the field, and within the lists, when expecting nothing but sounding of the trumpers, we saw two damsels enter, who obtained a Boon both of us & our adversaries, carried us presently away, not permitting us any other trial then that of the lance, wherein the honour was equal▪ and now sailing in this sea, guided by Fortune and the waves, we discovered you this morning, and were ready to side with your enemies, your white crosses for bidding us to assist you against those of our religion; but understanding Dardanors design, I followed your colours, and have left him in that case, as he shall never attempt again upon the estates of his neighbours: For these two Knights, said he, pointing unto Prigmalion and to the unknown Knight, I cannot dispense with the oath which they have taken not to reveal themselves: be pleased then, to excuse me though I tell you no more, and that the favour you do me, may be complete, refuse not the something you required of me, I mean the knowing of you. Nor will I, answered he: for your freeness with me, doth oblige me to more than that: I am Dorigel, King of the fortunate Island; and this Amazon, which you see with her helmet on, is my wife, and called Cilinda, we came out of our country to carry aid to the Princes of Greece our kinsmen; nevertheless, since the siege as you say, is raised, we will proceed no further in our intended voyage, but changing our design, will employ this Army for the re-establishment of the Queen of Romeria. Commanding then his Fleet to go on, toward the evening the Army drew into order within a bow shot of them, giving Fulgoran time for the effecting of his design: whereupon he departed in the same Bark that brought him thither, only with his two friends, and the fair Queen of Romeria in his company. And holding up a gauntlet in sign of parley, he went aboard the Admiral, where all the principal commanders were assembled; and adressing himself in particular to some that he knew, holding Clairangia by the hand, he so well remonstrated their duty unto them, that they all submitted to her as their Sovereign Princess, protesting they were never so much discontented with any thing as her absence. Fulgoran infinitely pleased to see a new oath of allegiance unto her, and the affection that her subjects did bear her, besought her to give him leave to return to the Christian Army, that he might give Dorigel thanks for his assistance, which she could not well refuse him; yet granted it upon his promise of returning the next morning to conduct her into Romeria with a troop there to possess him of the crown thereof, together with herself. But Fortune suffered him not to dispose of himself: for as he was with Prigmalion and the unknown Knight aboard his Bark, she put to sea in sight of both the Armies, with such celerity, as immediately they had lost sight of her. Fulgoran was vexed at this sudden parting: for his amorous passions left him not in quiet, and gladly would he have returned to b●the himself in those delights which he had before with so much pleasure tasted. But calling to mind, that all things were disposed of by the ordinances of heaven, he grew more patient, seeming less troubled than he was by the secret conversation of the two Knights that accompanied him. On the other side, the Queen was more grieved with separation, for fear that she should not see him again of a long time, she was ready to despair; but desiring to have the cause of h●r grief concealed, lest otherwise she might be condemned for it, she carried herself so discreetly that it was believed she was not troubled with his absence, but only in regard it much disordered her affairs. Dorigel seeing this his departure, and well knowing there was in that Bark no sailer, less wondered at it than others, for that he conceived, as the truth was, all this was done by the care which some Magician had of him. Being therefore advertised by a light Frigate which he had sent to the enemy, that Clairangia's affairs were settled, and she in security, he returned his Army into the fortunate Island, under the command of his wife Cilinda, and shipping himself with only one Squire, sailed towards Constantinople, whither he understood all the Greek Princes were gone.   

CHAP. XXIV. Fulgorans and Prigmalions' adventure in the fearful Isle.  
FVlgora● being carried away by the wind, so much against his will, continually bestowed his thoughts in considering how lovers are always crossed in their affections, from whence drowing an infallible conclusion of the uncertainty of things, discreetly resolved, never more to hold himself assured of any, and to receive the disgraces and favours of the world with an equal mind. Having entertained himself the restof the day with these cogitations, night drew on, which gave him occasion to lay himself down upon his bed, where the labour he had endured being more powerful than his fancies, he fell into a long and sound sleep. No man can doubt but that our imaginations do work strongly upon our senses, and that whilst our bodies are at rest, our souls do fix on the objects whereunto waking we were most intentive. This Knight being fallen asleep in discontent for the absence of his mistress, dreamt about break of day, that he found her sleeping on the fairest flowers that ever he had seen; & that when he drew towards her to enjoy the same privacies with her he had used to do, a Giant of a most horrid and hideous aspect, caught her up, and in spite of h●● carrying her away, threw her and himself into a great lake, which was at the corner of the goodliest orchard in the world, and that transported with a furious despair, he ran to cast himself after, that he might not overlive such a loss; when as o●● of the la●● a Nymph of most exquisite beauty, with her hair dispread over her neck and shoulders, appeared, who said to him: Fulgoran, remember, th●● good men are not born to be slaves to their passions, and that a worthy Knight should never give himself over to inconsiderate affections, which oftentimes bring along with them strange misfortunes. Mark well my beauty, which is by the heavens reserved for thee. It shall one day extinguish the unchaste flames wherewith thou now art scorched, and make thee t●ste the sweetness which is found in the embraces of a chaste and virtuous woman. Saying so, she dived under water, leaving him so displeased to see her so soon bereavest him, that his body laboured no less them his mind: so as a waking a little after sun rising, he found himself all in a sweat, and his eyes full of tears. O ye Gods! said he to himself, recording what he had seen, are these the effects of my dream? or rather the favour of the Gods, who desiring to preserve me from ruin, command me to shun all occasions of offending them by my cri●●s? Spirits have indeed some shadow of truth, but they use not to appear with so many circumstances, nor for the most part do we see them for our good. These are without doubt, revelations upon which I must settle my content. I am advised to shun all foolish love, I will do it; I am counselled to le●●n more wit by mine own sufferings, it is but reason; and out of this faithful advertisement I must take a good lesson, to love for the glory of a love, both more pious and better grounded. Farewell then all witless passions, which have so often troubled me, I will make myself no more a slave to your commands, I am now again mine own, or at least I subject myself to a more pleasing and secure Empire.  
Rising then free from all care, unless it were to find out that fair one, whose image was engraven in his heart, he waked Prigmaleon, and the unknown Knight, that were still sleeping, and showing them an Island afar off, put them in some hope that their Bark might bring them thither to meet with some adventure. Within two hours they came to land, not more wondering at the beauty of the place, wherein, about a flight shot off, they saw a stately Castle, then to find a big Knight in the sea up to the knees, courageously defending himself from two Giants, and forty or fifty villains, armed with murrions and halberds, who pressing him very sorely, made him despair both of victory and life. The inequality of this fight persuading them to relieve him, they instantly leapt on shore, where strait way a Gentlewoman presented herself at their feet: My Lords, said she, with sighs and tears, have pity upon my grief, and do not l●ave this good Knight in the hand of these villains: I brought him hither upon the word of Scarafand, the Master of this place, and the most perfidious man breathing, with an opinion that he should combat with none but himself, for the deliverance of a Gentleman, whom I infinitely love; but the traitor without regard of his protested f●ith, hath engaged him as you see, after that he had in single combat slain one of his sons, so as I can expect nothing but his death, if you assist him not. Rise, Gentlewoman, said Prigmaleon, and be assured that we will not fail to succour him in this distress. Herewith they drew out their swords, and began to march toward the enemy: But they met one of the Giants, with five and twenty halbertiers, coming to stop their passage, which Fulgoran considering, and fearing the big Knight would not be able longer to endure the violence of so many opposites, fl●w in amongst them, with the unknown Knight, leaving Prigmaleon to encounter the Giant, and laid upon them with such fury, that he presently sent five or six of them dead to the earth; having scattered them in that sort, he passed on running, till he came to those that fought with the big Knight, where, at his first coming in, he gave the Giant such a blow upon the head, as he tumbled him into the water, out of which he never rose again, for the weight of his arms keeping him down, he was there drowned, receiving in that manner the punishment of his wickedness. The great Knight seeing himself so opportunely seconded, quickly got out of the water, and thrusting himself into the midst of those rascals, in a short time laid seven or eight of them at his feet, imitating Fulgoran, who to their horror, making them feel both the edge and point of his sword, cut halberds, shields, cuirasses, murrions, in pieces, so that in a little while he had strewed the ground with armour that he had hewn in sunder, and with arms, legs, and heads, that he divided from bodies. Those which remained, seeing with what rage these Knights did massacre them, fled with all speed into the Castle, and quickly locked themselves up therein, expecting what fortune would befall their companions: In the mean time, Prigmaleon combated Scarafand (one of the most furious Giants of the earth) with so much valour, as Fulgoran was amazed at it; for he had made so many breaches in his arms, as he had scarce any blood left in him; so that he fell by the violence of a blow that lighted on his helmet, at the same time that Fulgoran, and the great Knight, beholding the unknown Knight shrewdly pressed by these rogues, recommenced their butchery, which was such, as there survived not one, but only the four that had before recovered the Castle: This execution ended, the great Knight unlaced his helmet, and craved the Knight's hand to kiss, in acknowledgement of their favour in succouring him. When as Fulgoran, who knew him, cast his arms about his neck, crying out: O ye Gods! said he, What a happy meeting is this? And how am I engaged to these Sages, by whose direction our ship hath been guided to this Island, since by my arrival here I receive such a benefit? My dear friend, Grandimore, I never thought to find you in such danger, and I was amazed at the valour which you showed in your combat with so many mighty enemies; yet, having otherwhere seen greater proof thereof, I cannot doubt, but in the end, the victory would have been yours though the number of them were excessive: Nevertheless, I heartily thank the Gods for bringing me hither, where I might in some sort requite you for that which you did for me, when you undertook the combat against the Count of Clina in my behalf. At these words, Grandimore, who till then knew him not, opened his arms, and embracing him with much affection, remained a good while unable to speak, through excess of joy, but when his tongue was at liberty, he said: My content in thus meeting you, is no less than that you testify in beholding of me: My Lord, I wandered about the world only to seek you, that I might do you service; and believe me, I am not more glad of the saving of my life (which is preserved only by your valour, and that of these brave warrio●s in your company) then that I am to see you now in the estate I have always wished to find you; but we shall have time enough to confer of these things hereafter, let us now, if you please, go on with our business, and see what we have more to do in this Island, for the enlarging of a Knight whom I must render to this Gentlewoman. All of them agreeing with him in opinion, they advanced toward the Castle, which they found close shut against them; and not knowing how to get in, they promised life to as many as were there; when as a horrible Giantess, who was come out of a secret postern, came behind Prigmaleon, and struck him so mighty a blow with a mace, that she laid him quite astonished in the dust, and redoubling Fulgorans helmet, before he could ward it with his shield, she left him in the same estate, which put Grandimore in such a rage, as laying hand on his sword, without remembering her sex, he discharged a blow at her head with such violence, as he clove her in sunder to the girdle; whereupon he ran presently to Fu●goran, took him in his arms, and unlaced his helmet to give him air; whilst the unknown Knight did as much to Prigmaleon: Time, and the helps which they used to them, having restored the Knights to their senses, with the infinite content of the other two and the Gentlewoman. Grandimore being vexed for that they would not open the gate, took up the Giantesses' mace, and therewith began to knock so at it, as all the shore resounded again; but the unknown Knight, remembering that the Giantess came forth by a back way, went about the house, till finding the place whence she issued, he went in without any fear. And having gone a while under ground, he met with a pair of stairs, which brought him into a great court, where he saw a young Giant, of eight or ten years old, with three Knights, and the four villains, that had saved themselves by flight, busily employed in bringing pieces of wood to rampire up the gate against Grandimores blows; The rattling that his arms made coming into the Court, caused the Knights to turn unto him, when as thinking that some other followed him, they presently fell on their knees, craved their lives; which was freely granted them, upon condition the prisoners should be opened, and all that were there detained set at liberty. This promise having assured them, they opened to Grandimore, whose chiefest care being to satisfy the Gentlewoman, he commanded all the prisoners to be brought forth, which were about threescore, as well men as women, the most part of whom had been deflowered by the two Giants, and then cast into the dungeon. The Knight, which was the occasion of this enterprise, coming out with the rest, and knowing how much he was obliged to the Gentlewoman, whom he also loved, besought these Knights that he might marry her before they left the Castle, which was granted them, to their infinite content. The prisoners being freed, and the Knights having need of some rest, they went up into the lodgings, after they had committed the charge of the Castle to Celisdan, (so was the Gentlewoman's sweet heart called) and renewing their caresses, they related their adventures, with as much satisfaction as wonder to all the company: In such discourse they passed away the time till supper, after which every man retired to his rest, till two hours after midnight, that the Sentinel came, and awaking them, declared, how he had seen a chariot, drawn with six great horses, go by, wherein were five or six women, that made the strangest moan in the world, the fear of two dreadful Giants, and twenty Knights, that road by, and threatened them, not being able to make them hold their peace. These Princes, always forward to succour such as were in distress, having received this intelligence, instantly arose, and commanding the grooms to make ready the best horses that the Giants had in the stable, armed themselves with all speed possible, and guided by a fair and clear moonlight, followed the way that the Sentinel had showed them; when as they had ridden hard two hours and better, about day break they came to a port, where they found the horses and the chariot, but that empty, and without any to guide it: This somewhat troubled them, but when they espied not far off a ship, newly under sail, they presently conjectured, that they whom they sought for were aboard her, wherewith they were extremely vexed, because they could not succour those afflicted women: Whilst they looked one at another, without speaking, as it were lamenting their want of some vessel to carry them; Fulgoran turning about, descried a Bark afar off, which comforted him a little, especially when he observed, that it stood right with them: but when it was come nearer, and that he perceived it to be the same in which he had navigated so long before, he quickly alighted, and addressing himself to Prigmaleon; See, Sir, said he, our friends do not leave us without their assistance; behold here our little Bark which comes so pat for us to pursue these thiefs according to our desire; Let us lose no time then, but make use of the occasion that so favourably presents itself; whereupon, having all left their horses, they presently with their Squires got aboard the vessel, which not tarrying for any other lading, put off strait to sea, following the ship where the Giants were, to the infinite contentment of the Knights, who entertained the time with discourses of the admirable knowledge of those Sages, which in this sort were able to command the winds, and order the inconstancy of that merciless element, highly commending the care which they showed in directing all their designs only to the honouring of virtue. The one half of the day being pleasingly spent in these discourses, they saw the ship which they had in chase, grappled with another, and hearing a terrible noise, presently conjectured that it proceeded from the fight of some Knights, who meeting with the Giants, and not enduring the lamentation of those captive women, had set upon them, with a resolution to revenge their wrongs. That conceit having put them in a readiness, they immediately came up close to those vessels, in one of the which they saw only four Knights, two very big, who had taken the Giants to task, and other two of a lesser proportion, that opposed the fury of twenty strong Knights. The courage wherewith these four Knights maintained the combat giving them exceeding satisfaction, they stood a good while looking on them, admiring the horrible blows of the first four, and the graceful activity which the other two showed in holding so many play: But doubting their too long stay might perhaps be prejudicial to these four brave warriors, they leapt into the Giant's ship in despite of their Knight's resistance. And at the first boarding of it laid four of them upon the deck, which might have affrighted the rest, if one of the Giants, seeing that slaughter, had not left his enemy almost deprived of sense, with a mighty blow that he gave him, come in to their succour; his presence animating them they began to fly upon our Knight with more fury than before, whilst their Master combated Grandimore: But being fallen into the hands of the most valiant Knights in the world, their utmost endeavour nothing availed them; for within a while, the hatches were covered with their armour cut in a thousand pieces, and the water, with heads and quarters which every minute they made fly over board, so as none remained alive save the two Giants, who beholding their troops defeated, redoubled their blows with such fury, as the Knights were amazed at it; but straining themselves to discharge their blows with their utmost force, caused the blood to issue so abundantly out of the many wounds they had received, that they both fell down dead, almost at one instant, the one at the feet of Grandimore, and the other into the sea, by the valour of him with whom he fought. Fulgoran then with Prigmaleon, advanced towards the Knights to salute them, but hearing a great noise in their own ship, they suddenly turned about, and seeing the unknown Knight's Squire fallen into the sea, they all made what haste they could to save him: which when they had done, and taken him up, their ship flew off from the other, with such celerity, as the Knights had no time either to give them thanks for their assistance, or to inquire of their names and fortunes. Now whilst their Bark carried them away in this sort to a Port of Greece, where within two days after they arrived, to the exceeding contentment of Grandimore, that was sore wounded, and had none in their vessel who knew how to cure him: The other Conquerors, having romaged the Giant's ship, met with a most beautiful Lady, accompanied with six maids, so sad and disfigured with the fear they were in, that there appeared no blood in their faces: Going then to comfort her, and bringing her forth into the light, one of the Knights kneeling down, and kissing her hand, said unto her: Madam, put away all fear, for your enemies are dead, and here are none but such as only breathe for your safety. We will let you understand who we are, as we well know that you are the peerless Princess Fontanea, daughter to the great Emperor Amadis of Greece, and now Queen of France, assuring you that there are not any in the world more devoted to your service then ourselves; I am your Nephew Sylvan, and this brave warriouresse is the fair Savagesse, lately become my wife: These two great Knights, are the Cenophales', whom the Emperor Spheramond, and the valiant Amadis d' Astre made purchase of in the wars of Pe●sia, and whom I met at sea bound for Constantinople: If I did not know that Fortune taketh delight in crossing those which are raised to any greatness, I should be amazed to find you a prisoner, and in danger of suffering violence from the base villains into whose hands you were fallen: But, not being ignorant of her malice, I take your misfortune to be such as may befall to any man, only this is it I wonder at, how these Giants could take you out of your own Kingdom, and from amongst your subjects, a valiant people.  
Ah, dear Nephew, said she, embracing and kissing him with much affection, this mishap did not befall me in France, but in an Island of this sea, whether a storm had driven me, with thirty Gentlemen that attended on me, who gave but too good proof of their fidelity; for after they had slain one of three Giants, and twelve Knights, they maintained the fight with the rest to the last gasp: I was going by the consent of the Prince Lucendus my husband, who intends to follow me presently, towards Constantinople; but my voyage was at an end, and my life at the last period, had I not met with you. I commend the election you have made of this gallant Amazon, whom I will ever love and cherish, as I have always done your mother: And for these two brave Giants, that accompany you, let them be assured, I will never forget the pains they have taken to set me free. Then going to the fair Savagesse, she entertained her with as much kindness and respect, as her valour, and their alliance merited: then giving these two Cenophales' her hands to kiss, she received them very graciously. These compliments over, she went into Silvans ship with all her women, who seemed as if they had been risen from death to life, and commanding the Mariners to hoist up all their sails, she made directly for Constantinople; where within two days she landed, to the infinite joy of all those Princes, who were thither returned from Trebisond, about ten or twelve days before her arrival there.   

CHAP. XXV. Florizell of Niquea proclaims a T●rnament in honour of the French Queen's arrival: the end thereof, with the brave actions of a number of gallant Knights.  
THE arrival of this matchless Queen, with Sylvan, and the beautiful Savagesse his wife, causing a public rejoicing, Florizell determined to keep open Court ●or eight days together; during which time a Just was ordained for the young Knights, and a Tourney for the conclusion thereof, with a safe conduct for all strangers. Messengers were therefore sent into every quarter, that these first magnificences, after the death of so many Princes, might be the more glorious, and that those which survived, might in this sort demonstrate, that their courages were nothing abated by afflictions. All things being disposed to pleasure, a multitude of good Knights flocked thither from all parts: Artificers were set on work, horses were managed for the Tilt, the trumpets sounded in every corner: In brief, nothing was spoken of but mirth, and all men strove to show their gladness for the greater contentment of the Princes. The first day of the justs being come, and Florizel of Niquea set at Table with all those Kings, a Squire came into the Hall and kneeling down, thus spoke unto him: Excellent Prince, the two Knights of the Crowns, as valiant peradventure as any on the earth, do by me beseech you to grant them a favour, in contemplation of the desire they have to do you service. They know that these three next days are dedicated to exercises of Arms, the two first for the justs, and the third for the Tourney: They therefore humbly crave, that they may be permitted to maintain with the lance against all that will run with them during those two days; not that their Ladies are the fairest in the world, (for they will not offend those unto whom nature hath afforded a like advantage of beauty) but that their fidelity doth render them more worthy of those favours, which lovers may receive in recompense of any remarkable services, than any other Knights in the world. The conditions shall besuch, as are usual in the like occasions, th●t is, none shall require of them the combat of the sword, so long as they shall have the better at the lance; That if their fortune be equal in the course, and both they and their adversaries unhorsed, than they may dispute the honour of the day with the sword; but with this reservation, that if at the time of their being dismounted, new Knights shall happen to enter, equal in number to them, the two assailants shall remount themselves, and siding with the maintainers, shall altogether oppose the last comers, to the end they may not be deprived of the honour of the justs: The said Knights desiring no other benefit of their victory, then only the names of those that shall be unhorsed, that it may be known how far the valour of every one will extend. Verily, said Florizel, this gentile proceeding doth infinitely please me; wherefore not enquiring after the names of your masters (who cannot be other then gallant Knights) I grant them all that they desire: Let them come then when they please, they shall find the lists ready for them; and if the incommodity of their journey have not permitted them to bring a tent with them, I will see them furnished with what shall be necessary for their service. The Squire returning with an answer so gracious, the young Knights prepared themselves for the justs, and every one looked for their coming, to see if their deeds would make good the bravery of their words. The people having already filled the place, and the Princes being set at the windows, they saw how the Knights, armed in azure coloured Arms, powdered all over with innumerable golden Crowns, came in, with such a grace, and so gallantly sitting their horses, as better cannot be imagined. As soon as they were entered the lists, a Gentlewoman much richer in clothes, then either in good fashion or beauty, presented herself unto them, and said: Gentlemen, if you be as full of courtesy as you seem to be able and brave, you will not refuse me one request I am to make you. No upon my faith, answered one of them smiling, provided that it be in our power: for your merit doth oblige us to give you all satisfaction. That which I require of you, replied she, is, that all the courses which which you shall run this after noon, may be only for my honour, that I may one day glory, that I have seen a number of good Knights unhorsed upon the quarrel of my beauty. These words having made all that were within hearing, ready to burst with laughter, the Knight returned her this answer: Gentlewoman, we are sorry that it is not in our power to satisfy your demand: for the conditions which we have propounded for this Just, have already so bound us, as we cannot be permitted to run a course for your sake, wherefore you may be pleased to excuse us for this present, and expect some other occasion wherein we may do you service. See, said she in choler, just the answer which ill bred Knights, and without judgement, use to make; you refuse to serve me though you have very much reason for it: but I doubt not to meet with some others more courteous than you, that punishing this baseness, will revenge the wrong you do to my beauty. Then going out of the lists, with a million of reproaches that she gave the Knights, she made all the assembly to renew their laughter: and so getting to horse departed with speed. In the mean time, ten Knights, that were newly seen to come out of the forest, entered the field, two of which taking their place over against the defendants, attended the sound of the trumpet, which was no sooner heard, but they dislodged with a very good grace, breaking their staves on their adversaries shields; who, therewith not moved, although the encounter was strong, laid them in the dust, giving by this their first course, a very fair demonstration of their valour. The two adventurers being thus unhorsed, two others took their room, who were entertained more favourably than their fellows: for at the first course they fell not, yet the second staff made them quit their saddles, to the extreme discontent of their companions, who attempting to revenge them, had a share in their disgrace, and found themselves also extended on the earth. The spectators admiring the bravery of the Knights of the Crown, expected what the two next would do that presented themselves; but they were not long in suspense: for they gained no more than those which preceded them, but were rudely overthrown after they had made their opposers lose their stirrups. The two last advancing, with no less gallantry then full of despite, ran their first course with extreme fury, and meeting all four in the midst thereof, broke their staves bravely, and so passed on without any advantage on either side. This course being fairer than any of the former, did highly please all the assistants; when as new staves being brought them, they came to encounter with the same violence as before, but with the same good fortune: for the new comers lost their stirrups, and were fain to catch hold of their horses manes to save themselves from falling, whereas the challengers only bended a little in their saddles. The resistance which the one found, and the disadvantage the others had, serving them but to increase the rage of either party, they took new staves, both stronger and stiffer than the former, and spurring on furiously, they encountered with such violence, as their staves being broken to their very gauntlets, they met with their shields and bodies so forcibly, as the strangers kissed the ground, leaving the others something troubled with so furious an encounter. The courses ended, the Knights un●aced their helmets, and presented their names; the two first were Armond of Bohemia, and Florizart of Taprobana, the next, Melfort and Aegrian; after them Florian and his brother Triston; then Quedragant and Dardanio; and the last, Florestan of Sardinia, and P●rion of Turkey, grandchild to Amadis of Gaul. They going up to the Emperors, extremely troubled for that they had the foil in their presence, were by them received with all courtesy, and comforted in their misfortune, as that which was common to all Knights in the world. The Knights of the Crowns returning to their places, highly pleased with the praises that the world gave them, were not long at rest: For within two hours they unhorsed above thirty of the best Knights, as well of the Empire as of strangers. And now all the company were persuaded, that the honour of the justs would be certainly theirs, when as there entered into the lists three Knights armed in white, and by another gate two more in gilt Armour, sitting their horses in such a gallant and sprightly manner, as all men beheld them with admiration: arriving all at one time, those in the white came to the other, and fairly entreated their leave for the first course; which being easily granted them, two of them presented themselves, and ran with a good grace, but with no better fortune than the other before them: for at the first encounter they were both unhorsed. Their companion resolving to sha●e in their misfortune, if such were his hap, put himself forward, and running with incredible fury, encountered one of the Knights of the Crowns so bravely, that he broke his staff in a thousand shivers, but was so shaken by the lance of the adversary, that he staggered as if he would have fallen, yet he quickly recovered himself, and made an end of his course with the estimation of a good Knight. Having taken a new staff, he came to him with whom he had run, and thus said: Knight I am sufficiently satisfied of your valour: wherefore, if you please, I will now make trial of your companions. That, answered he, depends on your choice, though I believe your bargain will be nothing bettered by it. Fortune, replied the Knight, sh●ll determine of that; wherewith returning to his place, he spurred lustily against the second, and encountering him with the like fury as before, broke upon his shield, but the Knight aiming his la●ce at his helmet, hit him with such force, as he broke the laces of it, and made it fly from his head: whereupon there fell scattered about his shoulders goodly tresses of hair, which declared that it was no Knight, but a most beautiful Amazon, whose name the Knight would not receive, though she twice presented it. Those which accompanied her, seeing her discovered, made themselves known to the Princes of Greece, the one being Leonidas of Mesopotamia, the other Abies of Ireland; and the Amazon, Altaria, who was very kindly received by the Emperor, & particularly by the Queens of Guindaya, France, and Lydia, who placed her amongst them after they had highly commended her. The two Knights in the gilt armour, upon whom all men eyes were c●st, seeing Alteri●'s combat thus ended, presently advanced, and setting spurs to their horses, encountered them of the crown so furiously, as one would have said, that four towers torn from their foundations, by so many whirlwinds, had shocked together; Fortune was indifferent to them all, for they remained firm in their seats, & passed their course with so much bravery as made the whole assembly admire them; but the desire they had of victory, caused them suddenly to turn head, and then taking new staves, they settled themselves to run the second time, when as there was seen come into the place, three Knights and a Giant, of a gallant and a warlike aspect, in the company of the Gentlewoman, before mentioned, who addressing herself to the Knights of the Crowns, with a very furious garb that well demonstrated how much she was displeased, thus spoke: Discourteous Knights, I have brought these with me here, that are more ready to do service unto Ladies than you have been, and that will revenge the disgrace you have put upon me. In good time be it, said one of them, we shall see what they are able to do, provided these Knights here, our opposites, will give way thereunto. Wit that, not entering into further discourse, they made a sign to their adversaries to prepare themselves, and dislodged at one instant with such fury, as not able to stand so violent an encounter, they were constrained to come all of them together to the ground: Choler, and the shame to be overthrown, in the presence of so great Princes, having suddenly raised them up, they courageously laid hands on their swords, to try whose the victory should be: But the four last, that came with the Gentlewoman, advanced, and interposing between them, said: That they were not to proceed any further, since the conditions of the justs did forbid the combat with the sword, so long as there remain any in the place on horseback: whereupon, the judges being called, their reasons were approved of, as very just, in regard it was one of the principal Articles thereof, expressed in these terms:  That if fortune made the encounter equal, and they were all at one time unhorsed, they might try it out with the sword; but if at the time of their being dismounted new comers arrived, in number equal to them, the assailants should take new lances and siding with the maintainers, should all together make head against the last attempters, that the first might not be defrauded of their due honour. 
And that therefore the number on both sides being equal, the Knights had reason to hinder the combat with the sword, until they had tried themselves with the lance; it still remaining in their power, to recommence their combat, in case the last comers were overthrown, but otherwise not. The Knights in the gilt arms, not desiring to show themselves refractory, since the judges would have it so, ranked themselves with those of the Crowns, who took fresh horses, conceiving by the countenance of their adversaries, that they had a hard party to deal withal; and placing themselves over against them, attended the sound of the trumpet for their dislodging. Whilst the questions were deciding, Alteria, observing those which came last in, knew them for the same, that had delivered her out of the power of Argenea (as indeed they were Fulgoran, Prigmaleon, the unknown Knight, and Grandimore, who arriving in Greece, as I told you in the former Chapter, were drawn to Constantinople upon the report of the triumphs there proclaimed:) So that turning to Don Rogel, who sat not far from her, she said to him: Believe it, Sir, you will by and by receive much contentment in the sight of these eight Knights combat; for if those two of the Crowns have hitherto rendered themselves remarkable, they in the grey and black armour are excellent in the supremest degree, and few their equals are to be found in the world: By their valour the dangerous guards of the Castle of Argenea were vanquished, and these two younger Princes, with myself, delivered from a prison, where we certainly believed to find our graves; but since the trumpets now begin to sound, you will quickly see the proof of my words. Don Rogell then turning his eye about to the lists, saw them begin their course at one instant, and meet in the midst of it with such fury, as the earth seemed to tremble under them; their fortune was equal, for they all lost their saddles, the unknown Knight remaining wounded by the lance of one of the Knights of the Crowns, and one of them in the gilt armour by that of the Giant Grandimore: The shame to see themselves dismounted in the presence of so many excellent Princes, having suddenly raised them, they began one of the most furious combats that ever was beheld. Nothing appeared but sparks of fire in the air, and cantles of armour and shields on the ground. If Fulgoran and Prigmaleon charged with violence, they felt themselves so closely followed, as they wondered at the valour of their enemies; nothing was to be heard but horrible blows, one part laid on load, another was forced to set their knees to the ground: In brief, this sight might truly be termed the most furious that ever had been seen between eight persons. Prigmaleon, who had one of those of the gilt arms to deal with, being mad at the resistance he found from him, let his sword descend with such rage on his helmet, as he made him recoil two or three paces with the sight of a million of stars at midday; but he had not time to glory much of that advantage, for his adversary recovering his spirits, came and charged him with such force, as his shield being divided in two pieces, the sword fell so heavy on his shoulder, that he was fain to set one knee to the ground, to save himself from falling; but quickly getting up again, he rendered the combat far more cruel than ever it was. In the mean time, Fulgoran and his adversary entreated one another with the like fury; Grandimor●, and the unknown Knight, disputed the victory with very much courage; howbeit, they were so pressed by their opposites, as they had little leisure to think of their consciences; nevertheless, desiring rather to die then to show any sign of faintness, they fought two hours without any advantage to their enemies, who still resolving to vanquish, redoubled their blows, and so sharply followed them, that these two Pagan Knights, after another hours combat, fell almost both at one time to the ground, to the great content of the conquerors, who having made them confess the victory, helped them up, and delivered them into the hands of two Chirurgeons, which Don Florizel had appointed to be ready, for the relief of such as should chance to be wounded: The misfortune of these two Knights, augmented the rage of Prigmaleon and Fulgoran, their blows became more weighty than before, so as often times their enemies were forced to knock their chins against their breasts, and to set their kn●es to the ground. But they had so good a share in those courtesies, that every one was amazed at the sight of so dangerous a combat, which every one thought could never be ended, but by the ●eath of them all. And indeed they were so eager as they continued seven hours without taking of breath, or that any one could discern any the least sign of weariness or of advantage in them, which so madded them, as carried by an unusual rage, they all quitted their swords, and grappled together, hoping by mere strength to get the victory; but little prevailing that way, they were at length constrained, after they had tumbled on the ground, sometimes above, and another while below, to rise as by agreement, and recommence their combat, which lasted till night, no man being able to attribute the honour of it more to the one than the other. Don Rogell, who infinitely admired the valour of these Knights, perceiving them obstinately bent not to give over for all that it grew dark, caused the retreat be sounded. But their rage not permitting them to hear it, they went on with their business, and continued battering one another more cruelly than they had done all the day before: so that Don Rogell was enforced to descend with Spheramond, and entreat them to part for his sake, showing them, hat the cause of their contention being so slight, their enmity had no reason to be so bitter; but they lent a deaf care to all that he could say, so as at last he was constrained to put himself between them, which so much displeased Prigmaleon, as turning himself somewhat hastily to Don Rogell, he said in some choler: I would fain have entreated you to have let Fortune work her will; but seeing your authority opposes the design of those that combat before you, remember that it shall not be able to hinder me when I shall visit you with an hundred thousand men, to require an account of the distaste you now give me. Neither will I, said Fulgoran, who was as much displeased, promise them better dealing: for I will once more cover your fields with brave and warlike Soldiers.  
Wherefore, Princes of Greece, receive these words for a defiance, and prepare for a war. But that you may understand who are your enemies, this Knight is Prigmaleon, the great Emperor of Ethiopia, whom you see in these grey Arms, and I am the King of Canabea, by which name you cannot choose but know me. Yes, said Don Rogel, without being any way distempered, we have cause not to be ignorant of what you are; but it may be time will qualify this heat, and that little you gained before our walls, perhaps will keep you from pursuing the second design. But if you be so resolved, we have friends enough not to care much for your Arms: yet shall not that keep me from entreating you, since it is now dark night, to take a lodging in our Palace, until you have a little refreshed yourselves after the great toil you have this day endured. That is ordinary with us, answered Fulgoran, so that your courtesy may well be spared; wherewith somewhat coldly retiring, they went to their friends, who with more despite than pain, quickly got to horse: and, notwithstanding they were shrewdly wounded, traveled till about midnight, that they came to a Gentleman's house; where, when they had stayed two days, they left Grandimore and the unknown Knight to be cured of their hurts, and the morrow after they parted with a promise of meeting at the end of two months, in Anatolia, with each of them an hundred and fifty thousand men, to be in one body transported to Constantinople. In the mean time Don Rogel and Spheramond, who were not much troubled with their menaces, addressed themselves to the other Knights, and with such courtesy entreated them to let themselves be known, as they were content to satisfy them. Having then unlaced their helmets, they let them see that those two of the Crowns were Lucendus Prince of France, and D●rigel King of the fortunate Island. The other in the gilt Arm● were the valiant Russian of Media, and the mighty Esquilan of Polonia. You may well imagine the contentment which the Greek Princes, and especially the Infanta Fortuna, received by the coming of these Knights, though I do not put myself to the trouble of relating it. In sum, a thousand caresses were not for born amongst so many friends, nor any thing forgotten which might serve for the contentment of those Princes; who, for the present, treading all care of their more important affairs, under foot, passed two or three days more in tourneys, and all the delights that could be imagined. At the end whereof that happened, which in the next Chapter shall be related.   

CHAP. XXVI. The adventure of the Pyramid is ended to the honour of the brave Russian of Media, who is known to be the son of Don Rogel, and the fair Queen Giranda.  
WHilst all things were thus disposed unto pleasure, and Florizel with the other Princes were sitting in the Palace Hall, there entered four Lions, carrying a Pyramid of indifferent height, and made after a strange fashion: It was composed of two several materials, as it was divided into two stories, the highest being of transparent Crystal, enclosed the body of a young Lady of most excellent beauty, that seemed to sleep: The lower made of a black Marble, suffered nothing to be seen that was within it, yet was there a gate to give passage into it. The beasts being come, with amazement of all that were present, into the midst of the Hall, by little and little discharged themselves of their load, and keeping still their places, turned them towards the company, which so affrighted them, that except the Princes, who could not be scared, every one was about to shift for himself; when as a Damsel presenting herself, kneeled down before Florizel, and thus spoke, Excellent Prince, I do not think that your courage, so often tried with infinite dangers, can be moved with this wonder which here you see: the Fortunes of men are various and great, and seldom are they at quiet after an infinity of crosses, The Gods did seem to promise to the Princess, whom you see enclosed in this Crystal, unspeakable contentments: for having made her by birth a Princess, and, as yet you may perceive, beautiful in the highest degree of excellence, she should, me thought, have been exempted from those misfortunes that attend our life. But alas! all these attributes of so raised a condition, have served only to make her miserable; and this ornament of beauty hath rendered her in the estate wherein you now see her, as I will presently inform you. Her father, a virtuous Prince, being forced to pay that debt unto nature which is due by all men, left her under the charge of the great Emperor of Guardacia (whose crown she might one day pretend to, if the Gods should call the 2 daughters which he now hath, & those the fai●est on the earth) and dying charged her not so much to regard the greatness, as the virtue of a valiant husband; so that in a while all the Country knew, that for Agriclea, so is she named, not a rich but a worthy man is required, that could courageously conserve the Sceptre that should be put into his hands. The ●umour running not only through the country subject to her crown, but to other kingdoms far removed, came to the knowledge of a young Giant, an ugly man, and very debauched, who believing (as many do often flatter themselves) that he had not his match in the world, presented himself not long since unto her, and offered to maintain, that all the Knights in the world came short of him in valour: This Princess (who questionless deserveth to be better bestowed) not brooking this his vanity, somewhat coldly desired him not to tempt his fortune for her occasion. But the Giant, having too much fancy in his brain, not admitting of that excuse, presented himself six months together in the lists; where, to speak truth, he purchased the esteem of a valiant person, howbeit he lost his labour: for Agriclea, who died as often as she saw him triumph over his enemies, and that could not approve of his cruelty, to the vanquished, one evening when he troubled her with the discourse of his passions: Fulgosan, said she, for that was his name, I know not how you can imagine that I should ever love you, since I cannot find any thing in you that might move me unto it; what likelihood is there that I should subject my contentment to the kisses of a man so deformed? or that my delights should depend upon your caresses. The very thought thereof is distasteful unto me, and if you had had any judgement all, you would have considered the inequality of our conditions, and persons, before you had engaged your affection: I here permitted you to combat many times for the merit of my beauty, I confess, but I have done it rather to win you glory, than any way to oblige myself unto you: Nor think it an argument of good will in me towards you, because I was willing to appear courteous, you may therefore retire yourself when you please, and never st●nd on my father's will for that which shall always depend on my choice. It is against my mind, that I pay your service in this sort for persuading myself that you fough not in hope of reward, I do not present you withany. In sum my own contentment is dearer to me than yours, nor shall my torment spring from your satisfaction. Brave Prince, I will not insist upon informing you what rage these discreet & modest words kindled in the breast of this proud Knight: for you may well imagine with what impatience he heard them; but going on with my discourse, will te●l you, that departing with strange menaces, he was seen not long after to return, accompanied with an Aunt of his, very expert in magic, who taking this fair Princess by the arm (no body there present being able to succour her) placed her where at this present you behold her, using these very words: Thou shalt know, Agriclea, that the affection of one that loves, is not to be despised, and that the difference of condition, dispenses not with the duty of a well bred soul; thou oughtest to have loved my Nephew, since thy beauty was the only sovereign of his thoughts, but having ●eene to disacknowledging as to recompense him with injuries, thou shal● a long time suffer that which he now endures: And for that I will not pardon him the fault he hath commited in loving thee with too much fidelity, my pleasure is that he shall still he follow thee, that shall hear thy lamentations, ●d perpetually upbraid thee with thy ingratitude. Thus speaking, she made him go in at the door in the black Marble, which instantly closed of itself; and calling me, who had always had the government of this Princess in charge: I will not, said she, deprive you of the office that you have formerly enjoyed, and that still you deserve, go therefore to the Courts of the greatest Princes in the world with her, and know that you shall never see an end of your travels, nor the re-establishment of your Mistress into her former estate, until The bastard Lion be discovered in the blood of this miserable man that I have here locked up, who shall come out to fight as often as any shall knock at the door with the pummel of his sword. Saying so, she touched the Lions with a rod which she had in her hand, and made me presently go out with them, willing me to take no care for the way. Thus have I, excellent Prince, delivered the cause of my coming into your dominions, where my hope is to see this Princess freed by the hand of some one of those which render your Court the most glorious, and the most redoubted in the world. But if it be your pleasure that the trial of this adventure shall be made in your presence, than I humbly desire that you will permit that I may obtain a Boon of your Knights, which notwithstanding shall not oblige any but him that shall undo this enchantment. That shall not hinder you, said Florizel, from finding that contentment here you desire: and with all my heart I wish that this fair Princess may in this place meet with an ease of all her pains; to the furtherance whereof I promise you, in the name of all mine, that you shall not be denied your request, so as it be in our power to perform. Hereupon all those Knights, who desired nothing but occasions of winning honour, were to arm themselves for to begin the trial. The first that presented himself, was the gentile Perion of Turkey, who knocking at the Marble gate with his sword, they saw a Knight come forth all armed, not so great as most Giants, but much exceeding the stature of most men, that setting hand to a rich sword, advanced his shield against the fury of a blow which Perion delivered at his head, and at the same instant charging him, made him perceive, that his valour was extreme, so that the combat began to be both dangerous and delightful: for if the one showed a rare agility in avoiding his adversaries blows, the other demonstrated an excessive force. Having battered one another then above an hour in that fashion, Perion determined to see the game upon a cast, and with his sword in both hands, to lay upon his enemy's helmet; but he was prevented: for the Giant having discharged an horrible blow on his head, laid him all along upon the floor, and was going to return into his prison, when as Florian of Sopradisa advanced; who, to be short, had no better fortune, no more had Tristor, Florestan, Quedragant, and all these new Knights, which were all served in the same manner, after they had stood a fight more or less, according to the proportion of their strengths. The valiant Esquilon of Polonia would needs succeed his companions in their misfortunes, but not till after two hours fight, and with some hope of the assistants, that he would carry away the honour of the adventure. His fall having possessed the gallant Russian with more choler than fear, he drew to Fulgoson with his sword drawn; whereupon they began to charge one another with such mighty blows, that the room shook under them, pieces of armour flew about, their shields were hewn in pieces, and the pavement sprinkled with blood, testified the valour of the combatants; who bravely disputing for their lives, and the victory, made all the spectators amazed at it, especially the Greek Princes, who judging Russians manner of fight both more furious, and more pleasing than any of the former, exceedingly desired to know him: Three hours being passed away, since the beginning of the combat Russian grew enraged, and choosing rather to die then not to overcome in the presence of so many excellent Princes, he delivered a full blow upon the Giant with such violence, that it divided his body in twain, to the infinite contentment of the Gentlewoman, and of the fair Infanta Agriclea, who instantly recovering her spirits, and a great clap of thunder breaking forth, just as Fulgoson fell, the Pyramid was found in a thousand pieces, and Agriclea in the arms of her woman, who coming to Russian; Brave warrior, said she to him, you have this day gained so much honour, as we will speak eternally of your valour; but you know withal to what your word doth oblige you. I do, said he, ravished with the singular beauty of Agriclea, I know that I am engaged to you for a boon, and am ready to grant it presently. The time for it, said she, is not yet come; but you shall, if you please, one day make good your promise, either at my entreaty, or at the command of this Princess; with that, a new clap of thunder being heard, they saw Agriclea and her woman, together with the body of the Giant, and the fragments of the Pyramid taken away in a cloud, nothing remaining of them in the room, but the blood that Fulgoson shed, upon the last blow he received; In which, as it had been in a table of brass or marble, were written these words:  Russian of Media, the son of Rogell of Greece, and of the fair Queen Grianda. 
O me! (said Spheramond, who had noted the Gentlewoman's discourse, and therefore was come to look upon that blood, imagining that it was not left there without some mystery) What a wonder is this? And by what a strange adventure are we acquainted with a secret of such importance? Come hither brother, said he, offering to embrace Russian, and give me the first caresses that are due to our nearness in blood; you can no longer conceal yourself, for your descent is written here; and my Lord, my Father, hath just cause to rejoice to see one of his race with so much good fortune. Russian, thus suddenly surprised, kneeled down before his father, and kissing his hands, confessed that he had determined not to reveal that he was his son, supposing that his valour had not as yet rendered him worthy of that glory: but since the heavens had thus discovered him, he thought himself most happy in this adventure, and would endeavour to honour the name that he carried. I should never have done, if I should go about to particularise the caresses which Russian received from Florisel, from those Princes his kinsmen, from the Queens of Guindaya, France, and Lydia, and from all the Court; wherefore I will not stand upon it, but following my discourse will tell you, that Russian was not more contented with the honour which he had gained in this adventure, and with the notice that his kindred had taken of him, than he was grieved for the departure of Agriclea, whose incomparable beauty had made a deep impression in his heart: but hoping that time would furnish him with occasions to see her again, he comforted himself as well as he might, and laboured to find out reasons to quiet his mind.   

CHAP. XXVII. The Princes of Greece consult of the war; the mustering of Fulgorans and Prigmaleons' armies; a Damsel carries Russian of Media from Constantinople.  
WIse men forestall the time, and their prudent foresight doth often times free them from dangers. Our Princes more intentive to what concerned them in honour, then to continue their pleasures, assembled one day together, and calling to mind Fulgorans and Prigmaleons' threats, they consulted of the means they had to oppose the violence of their forces. Our Empires, said Florisel, as the principal person in that counsel, are not unfurnished of good soldiers; we have a number of brave Princes still alive, and our Courts are full of gallant Knights; wherefore we have no great cause to be troubled with our enemies coming, so as we take care to hasten our levies in due time; as for ourselves, I am not of opinion that we should stir from hence, since the Governors of our Provinces, and our subjects, will not be wanting in point of obedience to all our commands: So that the thing which doth most press us for the present, is, that to dispatch away speedily some Gentlemen, to the Lieutenants of those countries, which are subject unto us, commanding them to raise as many men as they may without disfurnishing the places of importance of their necessary garrisons. This advice being approved of, as the best they might think of, every one withdrew to expedite the business, and accordingly the same day, the Emperor Don Rogell sent into Persia, Spheramond to the Empire of the Parthians, Dorigell to the fortune Island, Lucendus into France, and Alestraxerea into Tre●isond, Florisel also gave out Commissions for the Empire of Greece, dispatched Posts to Rome, to great Britain, to Guindaya, to the Kings of Dardania, Comagenia, India, Samothracia, Cathaya, Poland, Hungary, Moldavia, and Scotland; and giving order for the fortifying of the Ports and frontier towns, he rested in expectation of what the heavens would determine in an affair of such great consequence. Whilst they were thus employed in Greece, Fulgoran and Prigmaleon were not idle, for having parted with a resolution not to enter any combat except extreme necessity enforced them to it, they arrived almost at one instant, the one in the Empire of Aethiopia, and the other in the Kingdom of Canabea, where the first things they did, was, to send to all their neighbour Kings, to entreat that they would together with them embrace the revenge of those outrages, which from time to time all Paganism had received from the Emperors of Greece: Their request was without any difficulty granted, for a multitude of Kings and Princes that had not been parties in the former leagues, determined to join with them, utterly to exterminate the Christian name for ever. The first that at the motion of Fulgoran arrived in Canabea, were the great King of Mauritania, with two thousand horse, and three Giants; the King of Canaria, with the like number of horses and Giants; those of M●larra, and Tremiscen, with twelve thousand foot, and five Giants; those of Zaphir, Zambar, and Carthagena, with fifteen thousand horse, and seven Giants; those of M●loc, ●ramaza, Panonia, Aganazes, and Budomell, with thirty thousand Archers; the Tamberlen of Moraria, the Kings of Libya, Arcania, Barbary, Anguly, Argier, Numidia, and Carthage, with four●core thousand horse, and thirty Giants; those of Bisancia, Morocco, Thunes, Thenery, and and Miramolin, with fifty thousand foot; and the Kings of T●ll, and Bazana, with fifteen thousand horse, and thirteen Giants. So that the General muster of these troops being taken, with those which Fulgoran had raised in his own Kingdom, consisting of ten thousand horse, and eighteen thousand foot, amounted to one hundred and forty thousand horse, and an hundred and ten thousand foot, threescore Giants, and thirty Kings, who alone would with confidence have undertaken the conquest of the whole world with the moiety of these troops, which being embarked with a favourable wind, stood for Anatolia, as it was before agreed with Prigmal●on: who in the mean time took no less care, for having called his friends together, he put to sea with the Kings of Guine, Morlavia, B●nazar, Saphotir, Merove, Cyrcia, the Sultan of Cayre, the Princes of Colidonia, Tergadan, and Ardania, with an hundred and thirty thousand horse, forty thousand foot, and seven and thirty Giants, whom we will leave to the conduct of Neptune, that they may have time to arrive, and return to the Greek Court, which in the mean space had made their preparations for the war, and as yet had only a body of fifty thousand horse, Florisel having disposed his infantry in the good towns, as that which was fitter to defend a rampire, then to fight in field: Whilst all was thus inclining to war, the Christian Princes sought all kinds of diversions, for the ca●es of those fai● Queens, who seemed to have lost the better part of their lustre, with the fear of ensuing dangers; justs and Tourneys were not wanting, wherein those young Knights, to their infinite commendations, appeared as it were in emulation of one another: In brief, the Court was full of pastimes, and it seemed that the news which was brought them of the incredible multitude of enemies that were coming to them, served but to animate them the more. One day when as all the world was intentive on the justs, that Tristor of Sopradisa maintained, in honour of Alteria, of whom he was passionately enamoured, there came in a Damsel, her hair scattered about her shoulders, her eyes full of tears, and with so sad a countenance, as she mov●d as much pity, as desire to know from what mishap her sighs and lamentations proceeded. As soon as she drew near these Princes, she wiped her eyes, and stood a good while viewing them, without speaking a word; But Spheramond, imagining that her grief made ●er so silent: Gentlewoman, said he, the estate in which we see you, makes us believe that you are oppressed with some affliction, and that you desire relief. Speak, and make use of us, for there is no man-heer, but will gladly contribute to your redress. That only hope, said she, made me come hither, for knowing that you never refused your assistance to those that entreated you for it, I am come to crave revenge of a wrong that hath been done me in this country. I traveled by the command of a Lady, whose principal care doth aim at the preservation of a virtuous man, and in a scarff carried a sword, the fairest that may be found, and at my saddle bow, an helmet, so rich, that it is not to be valued, hoping erelong to have met with them for whom these presents were designed: But passing thorough a forest, some two day's journey from hence, I lighted on a great Knight, who neither respecting my weakness, nor the little profit that he could reap of his injurious dealing (for I had told him that neither the sword nor helmet could serve for any but only those two for whom they were made) seized upon them, and told me with a harsh voice, that the Destinies had forged these arms for him, since they were appointed for two of the bravest Knights in the world. How beir, I besought him to render them back to me, bidding him try and he should see, that they would be of no use to him; but he r●dely replied, that if this adventure were not ordained for him, the valour of who so ever it were could not repair his default; and that therefore I should assure myself, they should never go out of his hands but upon a strict account; so withdrawing to a tree that stands by the high ways side, on whose branches he hung the helmet and the sword, he vowed to tarry there eight whole days, and not suffer any Knight to pass without trying this adventure: Now you know the loss that I have endured, and the only cause of my tears, in regard whereof, I demand some Knight, who by punishing this offence, may make me as joyful, as now you see me afflicted. Your desire, said Spheramond, appears to me so just, as I will gladly do you service in it, if you will but give me time to take my arms. Certainly it seems, my Lord, said Russian then, that you intent to have all the glory of the world to yourself alone; Have you not honour enough already? Or will a petty adventure add any w●it to the praises that are now given you? Not at all, your name doth sufficiently fli● abroad i● every man's mouth, no● is there any need that you should labour to purchase more fame: Leave, I beseech you, the care of this affair to me, and permit me to seek occasions to imitate your virtue. You shall do as you will, said Spheramond, nor will I ever oppose so brave an ambition: Go then when you please, but remember to return, I pray you, and not suffering yourself to be carried away with any new fancy, think that ere long we shall have occasion to employ you. Be assured, said Russian, extremely glad with the leave he had gotten, I will not, but upon necessity, go far, and that our enemies shall see me the first in the field; with that, doing reverence to all those Princes, he leapt on horseback, and left them all much grieved at his departure: For remembering a number of surprises wherewith they had been otherwhiles caught themselves, they with reason feared he might be carried somewhither, where the danger might be greater than to encounter one Knight alone; Nevertheless, retaining the same greatness of courage which they ever carried in all their actions, they made no show of any sadness, but committing the care of his good fortune to heaven, they settled themselves to behold the justs; where Tristor showed so much valour, as he was commended of all men. In the mean time, Russian meditating more of his new passion, which he felt for the fair Agriclea, then of the affair wherein he wa● employed, ●ravelled with some discontent to the Damsel, who not approving that silence of his, as if it had testified a kind of faintness in him, she th●● said: I will not condemn your humour before I know you better; but I would gladly understand the occasion of your sadness, to the end I might serve you with as much freeness, as you have showed courage i● undertaking the revenge of my wrong. You must impute it to time, answered he, which doth not give us leave to be always of one temper, and not to any ill disposition of nature. It is a fault, I confess: for you have enough to divert a troubled mind, but I shall desire you, not to be offended with it, since I fail not out of malice, and that I am ready to make aamends for my error. It was not to constrain your actions, that I set this discourse on foot, replied he, but knowing that the withdrawing one from melancholy thoughts, doth many times oblige a man. I took the boldness to call you, that you might do better to be merry, then thus to lose yourself in such cogitations. Riding on then in this sort, they passed away the day with many pleasing discourses, and the night in a sound sleep, though they had no other covering then the trees. But the Sun having waked them, they pursued their former way, and traveled till noon, when as they came to the tree where the Damsel hoped to find her gallant, and to make him give an account of the Arms that he had taken from her: howbeit, she was extremely amazed when she saw neither the sword nor the helmet hanging on the boughs. I am most certain, said she, looking Russian in the face, that my grief, as great as it was, did not take my understanding from me, and that this tree is the witness of the wrong which the robber did me of whom I now complain, as well as of the oaths which he swore to tarry eight days for me here. No, I am not mistaken: for see where the grass is pressed down with the weight of his body. This is the bough whereon that precious sword hung, and these the same stones upon which he sat down to try if the helmet would fit his head, yet I wonder he should be gone, considering how he boasted of his valour; nevertheless, to speak truth, I have no great reason to think it strange: for could I hope that a thief would stand upon respect of honour, and that he would prise his faith above his profit; people of that metal use to promise any thing, and perpetually fail: he is gotten away to hide his booty, and keeping out of my sight, believes that he shall never be forced to restore it again. But I am resolved either to lose myself, or to be revenged: wherefore, if you please, let us go on, and seek him so long till we hear some news of him. I am ready, said Russian, to do as you shall command me, since your enemy is not here, let us go and learn what is become of him.  
Being about then to depart, they spied a Dwarse so little, that the grass whereon he lay, covered half of his body. It may be, said the Damsel laughing, that we may have some notice here of what we seek: let us inquire, sir, of this little ugly fellow, what is become of the Knight. As I live, said the Dwarf, rising up in haste, I would not so much as open my mouth to give you the satisfaction you desire, did not the worth of this Knight persuade me to it as much as your injuries dissuade me from it; whereupon turning to Russian, Knight, said he, will you command me any service? I desire, answered Russian, that you would be pleased to tell us where we are, and if you have seen any Knight under this tree. You are, said the Dwars, in the Kingdom of Macedon, this Oak is called, the tree of adventure; because that ordinarily here falls out one novelty or other: and the Knight after whom you inquire, is this morning gone away at the request of a damsel, who hath carried him to the guard of the castle of Love from hence. I am, said Russian, satisfied in few words: but my friend, you may add one greater obligation yet to that wherein I stand already indebted unto you by giving me information of the Castle you speak of. I would, replied he, if it were in my power to satisfy you, but truly, sir, my curiosity did never stretch so far, only my opinion is, that it is called the Castle of Love, because there is to be seen in an enchanted room there, that proud Deity which triumphs over the hearts of lovers, seated upon a throne of Marble; at the end whereof are two Arches, whereinto no living man could ever yet enter. Now if you be not contented herewith, and that you ask me why the entering into that house is forbidden, I will tell you, that as far as I could gather by the Damsels discourse which carried the Knight away, that it is to hinder a great happiness to Christendom, predestined to it by the ruin of this enchantment, which is shortly to come to an end. I could not, said Russian, be more clearly informed in what I desired to know, so that I will trouble you no further. Saying so, he passed on with his guide, determining to go into the Castle, and see the end of that adventure.   

CHAP. XXV. Don Rogell by a strange means is brought to the Castle of Love, and having, with Russian of Media, given an end to the enchantment, they both remained enchanted under the arches of the 〈◊〉 of lovers.  
During the time that Russian was going to the Castle of Love, Don R●gel weary of the City, had a mind to refresh his spirits on hunting; commanding therefore the dogs to be brought to the wood, and with some gentlemen getting to horse, he entered into a Coppice; where, within a while, he saw a Stag come out, one of the greatest that ever he had seen. Passion, that often hurries us after what we desire, made him so run his horse after the Deer, as presently he had lost his company, and thought they followed him hard; yet none of them knew what was become of him: for being better mounted than they, he quickly got a great deal of ground of them, and stopped not, but upon occasion of a new encounter, as full of danger, as of wonder; he saw coming out of the wood fix Savages, which carried a great pack upon their shoulders, and two terrible Giants, that conducted them, with so horrid an aspect, that the only view of them might have affrighted any heart less courageous than that of this valiant Prince. But being incapable of fear, he observed them a good while: and at last was advancing with an extreme desire to know what was in that pack, had he not withal remembered, that he was without Arms, that therefore reason did forbid him the committing so rash a part, and that 〈◊〉 an indiscreet act would bring him much more blame than commendation. Returning then into the wood, without any further thought of hunting, but only with a purpose to find out his people, among whom was 〈◊〉 Sq●●re, who always carried a complete armour for him: he made many returns in it with infinite discontent that he was not then in case to fight: for fearing he should not meet with this adventure again, he thought himself unfortunate, and carried with an unusual rage, he determined to turn head, and try his fortune only with his sword; whereas casting his eye about ●n every side, to see which way he were best to take for his pursuit of the Savages, he spled a green cuirasle at the foot of the tree, with an helmet and shield of the same colour. That fortune, no less expected then wished for, changing his displeasure into joy, made him instantly alight, and taking up the cuirasle, with the rest of the Arms that belonged to it, he armed himself from head to foot. Hereupon being more contented than he had been of a long time, he speedily remounted his horse; and never thinking of the discontent his friends would be in for his departure, he traveled so long, that night came upon him nee● to the cabbine of a young Shepherd, who received him with much courtesy, giving him such entertainment as his narrow fortunes were able to afford. The desire he had to reap the fruit of his labour, not permitting him to sleep sound, he got up by break of day, and proceeded in his former way, till th●t about two hours after noon he saw a proud Castle, before the which two Knights were in fight with very much courage: The nearer he drew to them, the crueler their combat appeared to be: for the terrible blows they gave one another, showed an extreme force, and made him think that the death of them both would perhaps be the end of their combat. Being delighted with this furious fight, he stayed a while to observe the violence, and address, wherewith these Knights struck and avoided the blows of one another. But hearing a noise on the left hand, he turned suddenly about, & seeing the Savages and the Giants whom he sought for, ready to enter into the Castle by another gate, far greater than that before which this combat was begun, he spurred away so hard, that he got into the gate just as the last Giant entered; who giving him no leisure to inform himself of this adventure, charged him very furiously with a belief that he should dispatch him at the first blow. But this Prince, that knew the way to vanquish, lifting up his shield over his head, b●re off the violence of his sword, that descended without harming him, and at the same instant made so strange a thrust at him, that he gave his enemy a deep wound in his side. The other Giant turning about at the noise of this fight, and seeing his brother's blood, ran immediately at Don Rogel, who nothing amazed to have two such adversaries upon him, with a quick change of his ground, avoided a blow which he let fly at his head, and made another thrust at him, hoping to have as good fortune with it as he had at the first; but it was without effect: for that meeting with his shield▪ entered but a little way. Whilst this combat grew hot, by reason of the Giants rage, and the government of the Prince, who fought with more judgement than force, that of the two Knights having endured above three hours, continued still with all fury that may be imagined between two valiant men, who would rather have been in their graves, then miss the glory of being conquerors. Their blows fell alike, heavy and dangerous, the sight of their blood inflamed their choler, and the resistance which they found from one another, rendered them so obstinate, as they would not speak of breathing, though they were both in case to desire it. But me thinks it is time to tell who these two excellent Princes were, that the reader may no longer be held in suspense; Russian of Media was one, and the other was Mandajar the proud Pagan, that took the sword and helmet from the Dam●ell, and afterward was carried to guard the castle of love, as you have heard in the precedent chapter. Passing therefore from this to the prosecution of my discourse, you must know, that these Knights ●attering one another, continued their combat above an hour longer. At the end whereof Mandajar feeling his enemy's sword too often in his flesh, and hoping for no safety, but in disparation took his sword in both his hands, and let drive with such fury at the Prince of Media his shield, as he forced him to set one knee to the ground, with an opinion that he would never rise again. But he had little time to rejoice: for his sword broke in three pieces, and Russian getting up in an extraordinary rage, made him believe that his death was no further from him, then till he received the next blow, so that valuing his life more than his honour, he shamefully turned his back, and not daring to stand the fury of our Christian, he ran away through the Court of the Castle, at the very same time when as Don Rogel gave one of the Giants his death's wound, and got him into the enchanted Hall, as into a place of refuge, or sanctuary. Russian following him, and finding one of the Giants in his way, gave him so terrible a blow upon his head, that he clavae him to the very teeth, and suddenly withal entered the Hall where Mandajar was; who seeing himself followed so close, went up the stairs, which led to the throne of love: and taking that copper Idol in his hand, he was going to throw it at Russian, but was prevented by his sword, which divided his body in two. The Knight was no sooner fallen with the image in his hand, but a terrible clap of thunder was heard, which was followed with so thick a smoke, as nothing could be discovered a good while after: howbeit, an hour being passed in that darkness, and the day recovering its former brightness, the place of the throne was seen to be strangely changed: for in stead thereof was a fine covered Fountain, of the same Marble which the two Arches underneath it were framed, which contained a most clear and transparent water; whereinto Russian looking, beheld the fair Niece of the Emperor of Guardacia, just as he saw her at Constantinople at such time as he delivered her from the enchantment, in which she was held for Fulgoso●● cause. This object ravished him, and that beauty so pleasing to his soul, transporting him from the thought of all other contentments, he was about to discover his love unto her, as if she had indeed been present, when a● the noise that a man in Arms coming towards him, made, awaked him out of this pleasing dream, and possessed him with despite and rag● to be so interrupted. Rash and presumptuous, said he, looking up, and not knowing that it was the Emperor his father, why come you to trouble my delight, and to divert me from the greatest pleasure that a 〈◊〉 may meet with in his life? As I live, I will chastise you for this insolence, and you shall pay me interest for the content you have deprived me off. Don Rogel, who knew him by his Arms, could not forbear laughing▪ and answered: You have no reason to threaten me: for you shall never find a Knight more ready to do you pleasure then myself. These are excuses, said Russian, which will hardly serve your turn, and to think of satisfying me with words, is to deceive yourself, you must therefore provide for your defence. Nay, said Don Rogel, I had rather yield you the victory presently: for there is no reason I should take away that life which I have given you, or that you should bereave me of mine, from whom you hold yours. Your words, replied Russian, do amaze me: for either you are the Emperor Don Rogel, and my Lord, or I understand you not. It is true, said Don Rogel, lifting up his Beaver that I am your father, brought hither by the strangest accident in the world, and infinitely pleased with the honour which you have gained by the ruin of these enchantments. But pray tell me, what delight was that from which I hindered you? Your eyes my Lord, said Russian, after he had modestly excused himself upon his ignorance, will better inform you then my words. If you please to look into this fountain, which was set here in the time of the mist, perhaps you will have cause to say with me, that it is one of the rarest wonders that may be seen: Don Rogel then, more curious than before, went presently up the steps, and looking into the water, he beheld the fair Empress of Persia his wife, who with a sad countenance declared, that his absence was not little grievous to her, that loved him so truly; Fair-Mistris, said he then, it is not without extreme sorrow that I am thus esloigned from you; But alas! I am compelled to it by the necessity of occasions, that will not suffer me to enjoy the happiness of your presence, as your felicity seems to depend on mine: Comfort yourself, I beseech you, for a time, the common Father of all things, will render us that contentment, and our delights will be the more pleasing after the displeasure of so long an absence; with that looking down, he espied the sword and helmet, whereof we have heretofore spoken, hanging over the two marble arches, he had a desire to prove if those arms were reserved for his glory, but perceiving a Damsel coming in with two Lions in a lease, he went speedily down to entertain her, and to go the nearest way, passed under one of the arches, where he presently lost the remembrance of all things, remaining enchanted, without any will to go out, but for to combat those which should touch him with their swords. R●ssian, who thought that some new matter of wonder had made him stay there, straightway entered under the other, as desiring to participate of his father's good fortune; but he was also enchanted in the same sort, and finding a chair there, he sat him down, without any thought of his Agriclea. As soon as these two Princes were thus arrested, the Damsel fastening two iron chains unto two buckles that appeared at the ends of that frame, and struck the Lions with a rod she had in her hand; which done, the fountain, seated upon four iron wheels, began to move with the drawing of the Lions, who were no sooner out of the Castle, but the whole building sunk into the earth, the Damsel being left in a corniche of the frame, with the reins in her hand, and the coffer, which the savages had brought in, between the two arches, but so close shut, that no body could possibly come to see what was within it.   

CHAP. XXIX. That which befell Esquilan of Poland and Perion of Turkey, going in quest of Den Rogel.  
THE Gentlemen, that accompanied Don Rogel on hunting, having made a thousand turns in the wood without hearing any news of him, determined to return to the City, believing that they should find him there; but when they came thither, and found him not, they advertised Don Florisel of his loss, who was very much grieved thereat, and would certainly have gone himself the same day to seek him, had he not counted it an unpardonable fault to have left his Empire, and his people, to the mercy of their enemies, whose coming he every hour expected, having had intelligence that they were at sea, and might with a fair wind be quickly there: Determining therefore not to stir, he called Esquilan and Perion to him, commanded them to get to horse, and to seek Don Rogel four days, with a charge, that if in that time they heard not of him, they should not fa●l to return back: These young Princes thinking it an honour for them to receive this command, went presently to arm themselves, and being well mounted, traveled till it was late, without meeting any adventure worth the relating; but toward night they saw a Shepherdess passing by them, who in the midst of her age, had some lines yet left in her face of a loving beauty, which in her youth had made her beesteemed: a young Shepherd, handsome, and well proportioned, followed her, with his eyes drowned in tears: What, said he, fair Oristea, will you always fly me, and shall my tears never soften that marble which you have lodged in your breast? Stay, I beseech you, and by my actions judge of my sufferings, too long indeed for so slight a fault; My sighs do crave that grace which sometimes you granted me, and which now I have lost, rather by misfortune, than malice; Do not deny it to this violent affection I bear you, your quiet, and my contentment depend on your facility in receiving me at this present, for love having heretofore tied us together with such fast bonds, I cannot see how ever we should live contentedly in this separation. That is it, said the Shepherdess, with a disdainful countenance, which without doubt abuses you; for I am now more capable of hate, than ever I was of love, neither do you imagine, that my happiness consists in your glory, or my pain in your misfortune; you are to me me so indifferent, that I will never have a share in any thing that may be fall you; your excuses therefore, and the importunities wherewith you thus vex me, are altogether unprofitable: Leave me then to live with the liberty of my thoughts, and study some artifice with which you may appease Cloria, who hath no less cause to banish you her presence, and not to love you, than myself. With that she was going away, when as Peri●●, who was highly delighted with her discourse, and as much desired to know the occasion of it: Fair Shepherdess, said he, I know not what fault this young man hath committed, but I find his penance very sharp, and your heart a little to blame, for we do always merit pardon, when we confess our error, and protest never to offend again. If you have heretofore loved him, you would doubtless have loved him still, had not some crime of his rendered him unworthy of your affection; his repentance doth blot out his offence, wherefore you ought to love him as much now, as heretofore you have done, nor think more of his fault, since his sorrow for it hath canceled it. I should willingly, answered she, allow of your reasons, if I were less sensible of the grief I am in, for having been so foully deceived, or could build any assurance on the oaths of men: but can it be likely I should ever put any trust in the oaths of a Shepherd, whose humour I too well know to be so inconstant and full of levity; these tears, which you see in his eyes, are only to reduce me once more into the captivity wherein his love hath for three years detained me; and his sighs, serve but for charms, to keep my reason from discerning the mischief which he would bring upon me; I must not therefore regard them, but having paid for my learning, take myself out a good lesson from his fault, and my misfortune, to enjoy the happiness of my liberty. It may be you will not approve 〈…〉 discourse, and will say that my humour is too valiant; but I will let you see, that I have all the reason in the world to handle him in this sort, and firmly to resolve, either never to love again, or to live no more for the world, since there is no security to be found in it, so your occasions will give you leisure to hear me, and that you disdain not a poor cottage for your lodging this night. Your request is so fair, answered Esquilan, that we are bound to accept of your curr●sie, wherefore we will wait on you, with a longing desire to hear the relation of your adventure. Taking then a path on the right hand, and guided by the Shepherd, who, out of civility, had given over his sighing and lamentions, they came to a little village, where they were better entertained by Oriste●, than they could have hoped for from one of that quality: Their supper ended, she caused caused them to sit down under certain trees, where when herself and Filism●nd had also taken their places, she thus began: Do not wonder▪ Knights, to hear me say, that I am nobly descended, because you see me not in a habit suitable to that condition; Love and Fortune do often work greater miracles than this; I came into the world, with so malignant an aspect of the stars, that I cannot with reason say, that ever I enjoyed any contentment long: My parents losing themselves in that common blindness of the world, which thinks wealth to be the sovereign good, made me be called a wife, at the time, when only the title of a child was fit for me; and at seven years of age married me to a man, whose kindness, in that tender age, was very unpleasing unto me; but much more when I arrived at years of discretion, and was able to discern the defects which were in him: Complaining then, not to those, upon whom my will should in right have depended, (for hardly should I by my prayers and tears have drawn them to break that which they had once done) but to them that had the power of justice in their hands; and demonstrating unto them, that it was but reason to suffer me to enjoy the rights which heaven bestows on all men that are born into the world, I got them, after much deb●ting, and with many difficulties, to dissolve this marriage, and gave me power to choose a husband to my own liking, wherein truly I chanced very happily, by the possession of a Gentleman, as good and accomplished a Cavalier as the earth this day bears: But the Fates envying the felicities which I then began to taste, too suddenly ravished him from me, and gave me cause to die with him if so I might have done without displeasing the Gods, who will with absolute power dispose of our days, not permitting us to shorten them, no more than we are able to prolong them. My tears, and the continuance of my mourning, sufficiently demonstrated my sorrow, but my understanding, and time, the common Physician of our sorrows, having somewhat eased my grief, I considered that it was but weakness of spirit so to lose myself in the anguish of my mind; and finding some ease in my patience, resolved to afflict myself no more so excessively; I lived then with less disquiet than before: But alas! This happiness was not of long continuance: The proud tyrant of our souls, Love, would once more triumph over me by the means of this Cavalier, whom you see here, in this simple habit of a Shepherd, which within these few days he hath assumed, though with a purpose far different from mine: for I wear it to exempt myself from the c●res of the world, and to seek for pleasures in these woods; and he without doubt to make me believe that he loved me in this change of condition, as that of his affection made me hold him inconstant and perfidious; He was worthy of my love, I do confess, for his fault shall not keep me from giving him his deserved commendations; but his light and sickle humour hath made him incapable of so good a fortune. He saw me, and finding (as he pretended) charms in my eyes, came to present his service to me with so good a grace, that from that time forth it was impossible for me to approve of the resolution I had taken, never to love again, for fear of being once more in the danger of the misfortune, which had made me complain so long; howbeit, good manners obliging me, not to accept him at the first tender of himself, nor my affection permitting me to reject him with too much rigour, I made him an ordinary answer, which yet might let him perceive that I had no inclination to neglect his good will: To what end should I spin out my discourse, with delivering the particulars of the beginning of our passions? Our love did so increase, that every body held our marriage for concluded, and that it would be consummated as soon as the year was expired, which the modesty of the world allows to the mourning for the dead, and indeed I had resolved upon it, ●●s I told you but now, had not his inconstancy put him by that fortune: The faithless man, seeing among the Ladies, which my quality had made my friends, and that often bestowed visits upon me, a maid called Cloria, beautiful indeed, and of parts to make the most insensible feel the power of love, could not refuse to yield her that, which she was able to command from all those that looked on her; and did in such sort become her sl●ve, as he scarce remembered that ever he had sighed for me: If he came into my company, it was with a ceremonious respectiveness; now he no longer besought me to quench that fire which I had ●indled in his soul, his lips where unto he was wont to rivet me, did no more meet with mine; our looks no more encountered together, I was no more acquainted with his mind, though I did clearly let him see what was in my heart: In brief, his discourses, being of a strain clean different from what they had been before, made me suspect▪ not any ill in him, (for I was too full of love to think him a villain) but that some mishap had caused this change. What ●il you Filismond, said I to him, and why do you appear so cold? Hath any man told you tales to the prejudice of the good opinion which you had of me? Or do you not think me as beautiful, as for these three months past you have done? If it be repentance that you have loved me, which doth trouble you, and that you hold me unworthy of your affection, you are yet in your own power to make a fair retreat, for I will never force your humour, but rather do my best for your content, nor will I be displeased with the liberty you shall take to engage you other where, so as the cause thereof may excuse this mutability in you: Now if you have heard any misreport in me, give me leave to clear your mind of any doubts may be in it; and I make no question, but you shall find me without ●aint, or shame, for any fault I have committed. I should wrong my judgement, as well as all theirs that know you, answored he, if I should think you other then discreet; that is not the cause, Or●stea, of this change in me, no more than my being sorry for that I have loved you; for you deserve to be served by a more accomplished and eminent man then myself; but I must accuse mine own weakness, and by confessing my fault, labour to obtain your parcton. I love, but alas! it is not you: 〈◊〉, posse●●es me with an absolute power, and that Deity, which disposeth of our affections, is not pleased that I shall have any content in this world, but in enjoying her: judge, I beseech you, what my misfortune is, that cannot move, but by the impulsion of another, and that am constrained to crave favours of Cloria by your mediation: Verily, I blush for shame, and know well that it were better for me to seek them in your embraces; but I have not power to dispose of myself, and can think of nothing, more conducing to my happiness, than your assistance, which you promise me: But alas! I fear you are not so minded. My promises are inviolable, answered I, without any show of discontent for his b●s●n●sse, and it may be, Filismond, Cloria will love you sooner at my entreaty, then for your services; wherefore, I will go presently to her, to begin the making good of my word: G●ing out th●n, exceeding full of grief, I went to Cloria, unto whom I discovered the desires of my waverer, praying her to have respect to his me●i●, and to the advantage that his affection might bring her. This discourse of mine, seemed a fiction to her at first, for she was not ignorant with what passion Filismond had wooed me; but seeing that I spoke seriously, and withal found some other pretences for cause of our separation; she answered me, that time and my advice should resolve her of this business, and that in the mean while she would entertain Filismond at my request. This good news I delivered to my Turncoat, and though displeased with the office, the next mo●n●ing carried him to his new Mist is; to whom, and in my presence, he made the same protestation of love, that at other times I had received of him. O ye Gods! said I, when I heard him, What traitors are men, and what fools are we to give any credit to their promises? Hark if these be not the very same speeches that Filismond hath used a thousand times to me, all which the wind hath blown away, as without doubt another puff will do these; he swears only that he may be perjured, whereof I am to make my benefit, grow wise with my loss, never trust any but myself, and draw my fu●ure content out of the knowledge of Filismonds' treachery. Entertaining myself in this fashion, whilst these lovers were laying the first foundations of their aff●ctions; the day insensibly slipped away, and night coming on, made me return home in a strange distemper; for, not to dissemble, all my resolutions could not keep me from wishing, that these new fancies had never come into Filismonds' Head; but being, as than fuller of despite then love, I determined to live no more in the w●rld, since the lives of those of quality were subject to so many mutations, and from henceforth only to frequent the woods, where people live without ambition. This design contenting me best, I took a good sum of money, and with a wench in my company, who was content to run my fortune, I came and bought a cottage in this Hamlet; taking care for nothing but to feed my sheep, and by that employment divert myself from more troublesome thoughts. Living thus quietly, and pleased with mine own profession, I was at good ease, till within these fowr days, that Cloria having given Filismond some occasion of distaste, he came to cross my content with his continually importunities; thinking that I will change my mind, and consent as easily to his return, as I did to his departure: But he is deceived, the resenting of my wrong will not let me endure his sight, and his levity forbids me ever to accept of him again. You now know, Gentlemen, the cause of his complaint, and my displeasure, which I think to be just; and that also you will not condemn, when you remember, that nature and reason both forbid us ever to impose any trust in those which have once betrayed us. I excuse not my fault, answered Filismond, when he saw that she had done speaking, and will with you avow, that I do not deserve the grace that I crave. But, Oris●ea, I must say, that it is yet due to my repentance, that so you may avoid the name of being cruel: and for that consideration, I will never cease following you, and perpetually pouring out my tears before you, in hope that they may one day mollify your heart. And if I cannot obtain that bliss, I will gladly end my days in the acknowledgement of my error, and in my desire to do you service. Time, said Oristea, may do that miracle; but now, because it is the hour of rest, you shall retire yourself with these Knights; who, if you please, may lodge in your cottage. With that, making a curtsy to the Princes, that were exceedingly delighted with her discourse, she left them to go with Filismond, who carried them home, where they lay that night, and the next morning very early getting to horse, proceeded on their voyage, which they finished without any news of Don Rogel, to the exceeding grief of Florisel, for that it happened in a time wherein Greece had such need of his presence.   

CHAP. XXIX. The Pagans arrival at Constantinople, with a cruel fight upon their landing.  
THE return of these Princes having brought a general discontent to the whole Court, and in particular to Don Florisel, who judged the Empire of Greece to be in bad case, not being supported with those invincible courages which had rendered it every where redoubtable: but having fortitude enough to endure the wo●st of fortune, he well resolved not to murmur against God, and to receive his chastisements as an assured sign of his favour; which was very m●ch confirmed by the arrival of the forces of great Britain and Rome. The last commanded by Sclarimond, son to Florenio, and the other by Garment, Ladazan, of Numidia, Don Sinald●, and G●cilad●r. This succour of twenty five thousand horse, and ten thousand foot, did somewhat encourage those, which were before in fear of the multitude of the enemies, and much cheered the Greek Princes. But their contentment, was complete, when the next day word was brought them, that the two Empresses of Perfia, and of the Parthians, were in the Port, with thirty thousand horse, and Fifteen thousand foot. Upon this advertisement, Florisel, Spheramond, and all the young Princes, quickly madethem ready, and presently went down to the shore, where no sort of kindest entertainment, or embraces were pretermitted; Spheramond seemed as if he had been fastened to the lips of his beautiful wife: But when he saw R●zal●●●● of Greece, his son, who with Rozanel d' Astre presented themselves to do their duty to him, he ran to embrace them with a world of joy to behold them so lovely and well made. Florisel on the other side▪ no less kindly entertained the Empress Persia, wondering at the goodly disposition of Persides and Floridan her sons, whom she had brought with her. But when he saw that she looked round about, as if she demanded why her husband was not in the company, he told her, that he was a few days since gone abroad into the country, with purpose not to make any long stay. In the mean time Don Lucendus entertained the fair Infanta Rozaliana: briefly, there was nothing but compliments, and still were some arms stretched out to reiterate their embraces. Those caresses being over, Spheramond led the Empress Persia, Florisel and Sylvan, the fair Ric●arda; and Lucendus and Dorigel, the Infanta Rozaliana, the young Knights took the charge of their women, and Rozalmond with the three young Princes his companions, putting themselves in the head of the troop, marched with an admirable grace, and were the first that came into the Palace, where the caresses were by those Queens renewed, with so many expressions of love, that not to be tedious, I will pass them over in silence. In the mean time Florizel, to whose care all the affairs were left, made these aids be landed, which he joined to those of great Britain and Rome. And having given order for the making of strange trenches to lodge them in, he returned to the City, to continue the pleasures which the coming of so brave a company had begun. But that lasted not long: for the next morning they saw the sea covered with ships, and the Princes were forced to arm, and suddenly to marshal their Soldiers upon the shore, to impeach the landing of the Pagans. The Emperor Spheramond put himself first of all in the head of five and twenty thousand horse, accompanied with the valiant Dorigel, the Duke of Laiazza, Quedragant of Sansueque, and the brave Florestan of Sardinia. The brave Alastraxerea had the second place assisted by Sylvan, the fair Savagesse his wise, Florian with his brother Tristor, and Dardanio King of Rhodes. The third Squadron consisting only of twenty thousand horse, was led by Lucendus, Prince of France, accompanied by the gallant Esquilan of Poland, Perion of Turkey, Florizart of Taproban, Agrian, Abies of Ireland, and Frizel of Arcadia. And the last troop of the same number, by the valorous Florizel of Niquea, who was followed by the two Cenophales', Armond of Bohemia, Alteria, Malford, Leonida●, and Ladazan of Numidia. The Infantry, which were only five and twenty thousand men, remained in guard of the town and camp, under the charge of Garmant, Sinaldo and Gucilador. The shore thus covered with these Troops in good order, it was presently discovered by the Pagans, who came on with swelling sails; whereupon Fulgoran and Prigmaleon (who were joined five days before) gave order to their Fleet to make ready for fight. Arriving then with incredible fury, in an instant was heard a confusion of voices, mingled with a dreadful noise of trumpers and drums; and the air was presently darkened with millions of arrows. The Pagans proud of their multitude, and thrusting on with courage, under the favour of their Archers, threw out bridges and ladders to get to the strand. But the Christian Princes, and those brave Knights, received them upon their lances, made them tumble into the sea as fast as they left their ships; and not fearing their Archers, who but very seldom pierced their Arms, put themselves into the water, the better to make use of the swords. The fight then begun to be very cruel: for the Giants and the Kings in a rage to see the water died red with the blood of their men, leapt all at once on land, in spite of all their enemy's resistance, and with them above forty or fifty thousand men. Then was the encounter very bloody: for as many Pagans as the swords of our Christian Princes did light upon, found their graves in the sands; and the catholics had not a much better bargain under the scymiters of the Giants, whereof two were at this first meeting slain; and with them the Kings of Zambar, Carthage●●, and Nabagaz●. Prig●●leon and Fulgor●●, who desired to signalise their valour at their enemy's cost, cut in pieces all that they met with; and followed by a multitude of people which were gotten to land, they had fallen upon Alastraxerea's Squadron, if Spheramond had not arrested the fury of Prig●●leon, and Sylvan that of the King of Canabea. These four Knights being thus encountered, began a most furious combat; during the which, Alastraxerea, the fair Savagesse, Florian, Dorigel, Quedragant, Altaria and Dardanio, were on the one side gotten together, to take the Giants in hand, while their Knights made a strange massacre of the Pagans; and on the other side Florizel, Lucendus, Esquilan, Florestan, Florizart, Leonidas, Melfort, Sclarimond, and some o● the most remarkable in the Army, rendered themselves dreadful even to those proud Knights, who thought that all the men in the world assembled together, were not able to resist their forces: so that nothing was seen but dead bodies and horses on the ground. The fight having thus continued above two hours with horrible slaughter, Florisel perceiving a battalion of three or fourscore thousand horse, which had landed below the place where they fought, ready to charge him, caused presently a retreat to be sounded, being unwilling to engage himself amongst such a multitude of enemies. And falling into the rear of his Army, with all those brave Knights, he bore off the fury of the Giants and the Kings, who not enduring the loss they had suffered, charged themselves like desperate men; but seeing twenty thousand foot advance, which Don Si●ald● and Garmant had drawn out to favour the retreat of the Christian Princes, they made a stand, and rallying themselves together, went in good order to plant their Army before the town. Florizel having put the greatest part of his men into the fortifications which he had caused to be made, and the rest into the town, desired to know what this battle had cost him; and by the report of the Captains, he found, that seven thousand Christian● were dead on the place; but he was advertised by the spies which he had in the enemy's camp, that the Pagans had lost two and twenty thousand men, fifteen Giants, and thirteen Kings; at which they were so enraged, that if it had not been so near night, they would not have tarried till the next day for giving the assault to the town; yet necessity enforcing it, they were glad to set a good face on the matter, for fear of disanimating their Soldiers, promising themselves to do wonders upon the first occasion, since their Army was now out of feat of the sea, and that they might fight at large upon firm ground. But they were beguiled in their hopes: for the Greek Princes, who well knew how to follow their fortune, and to vanquish as well by industry as courage, gave them a new occasion of despite, as I will presently deliver.   

CHAP. XXXI. The wonderful deeds of Arms that were done both in a sally, and in the assault given to Constantinople, with the great loss that the Pagans suffered by an Army newly arrived in favour of the Christians.  
THis mighty Fleet of enemies having landed, as hath been told you, passed the night without any rest, being employed in setting up of tents, and making retrenchments for their security: so that about the break of day the fortifications being finished, the Soldiers tired with the sea, as well as with their precedent labour; and besides, pressed with an extreme desire of sleep, laid themselves down to take a little rest; but they were quickly roused: for the Princes of Greece being infatigable, and ever casting for the victory, and how to weaken their enemies, having withdrawn to the town for to cheer up those timorous Princesses, after they had supped, went to counsel; where the courageous Florisel remonstrating in few words, what benefit would result from a surprisal of drowsy enemies, determined to get to horse before Sun rising, and meaning to play his game with as much loss and hazard of the enemy as he could, he gave order that Spheramond should ●ally forth at the east port, with ten thousand choice horse, the two Cenophales', the brave Esquilan of Poland, Perion of Turkey, Florian and Tristor of Sopradisa; that the Prince Lucendus, with the like number, should fall out of the south port, followed by Sylvan, the fair Savagesse, Quedragant, Florestan, Agrian, Alteria and Dardani●: and that at the same time he would be in the filled with twelve thousand horse, in the head of which should be the valiant Dorigel, Florizart, Frizel Abies, Melfort, Armond, and Leonidas; appointing the Queen Alastraxerea to be ready with two thousand horse to favour his retreat; as also Parmenian of Cyprus with the like number to support Spheramond; and Ladazan of Numidia to do as much for the Prince of France, if the enemies approached to the walls. Things being in this sort disposed, and direction given to such as were to be of the party, every one withdrew till the hour appointed, when as they sallied out with a design to make a strange havoc among the Pagans. The first that began to stir was the invincible Emperor of the Parthians, who finding the enemy sleeping, and almost disarmed, did such execution on them, as the filled was all strewed over with dead bodies. Prigmaleon & Fulgoran who were asleep in their arms, but a great way asunder, hearing this fearful alarm, presently took each of them ten thousand horse, which they held ready about them for all occasions, and joining together, went to oppose the violence of these indomptable greeks, who bore all down before them, when as a fresh noise on the south side, made them make a stand, as uncertain which way to bend themselves; but being met just at that instant, Prigmaleon with fifteen Giants, and twelve Kings, who had put themselves into his troop, whilst the others took care of drawing the rest of the forces to Arms, turned to that side where Spheramond acted wonders, desiring Fulgoran to encounter the enemy which gave in upon the south quarter: matching then with incredible fury, they began a most cruel bickering: for the greeks imitating their Princes, who never let their swords fall without the death of some one, followed their business so close, that the Pagans' wanting courage to defend themselves, were already wavering and ready to quit their ground, had not 20000 horse come in presently to their second. But that also served them to little purpose: for Florisel of Niquea being at that instant likewise fallen upon their quarters, caused such a confusion, as no 〈◊〉 knew which way to turn himself; howbeit, Fulgoran no way losing his judgement, left the great King of Mauritania in his stead, to make head to the brave Prince of France, who still got ground upon his enemies, and taking with him two dreadful Giants, with fifteen thousand horse, went to charge the Squadron which Florisel led, had not that great Captain, more careful of the preservation of his men, then of satisfying his own passion, wisely retreated, after he had bothed the earth with the blood of his enemies. The gallant Pagan vexed to death with the sight of such a massacre among his men, could not bridle his rage, but without observing how the Christians retired in a safe orderly manner, gave in upon them with the Giants, hoping to break them, and to enter the town pell mell with them: But Alastraxerea with her two thousand horse coming in at the same time, charged him in flank whilst Florisel making his men turn head, stood his shock with unspeakable valour, and not only rendered his design effectless, but also forced him to quit the place with extreme loss. In the mean time Spheramond was but in an ill taking: for intending to retire to save his men from the terrible blows of Prig●●le●● and his Giants, who found nothing able to resist them, was by the obstinate eagerness of the enemy so engaged, that some misfortune had befallen him, if the valiant Parmenian of Cyprus, and Don Sinaldo, advancing with strange fury, had not valiantly freed him out of their hands. Lucendus also having bravely delivered himself from an incredible multitude that most violently charged him, the City ports were shut to the great contentment of the Princesses, who seeing all the principal knights safely come off, received them so lovingly, that the sweetness of their entertainment made all their labour seem almost nothing. The loss which the Christians had made, somewhat troubled them, when as they considered, that one Knight was of greater importance to them, than three to the enemy; but having learned that seventeen thousand Pagans, three Kings, and twelve Giants remained slain in the field, and that they wanted of their men but three thousand and seven hundred, they comforted themselves, hoping that God would not forsake them, since the question was as much for his glory as for the preservation of their estates. On the other side, the Pagans were mad with spite to see the audacity of the enemy, and their own loss; but yet having too much courage to be daunted therewith, they made show of less grief then inwardly they felt. But not intending to sit down without revenge, they assembled that day in counsel, and there resolved either to carry the town, or die at the assault; whereupon secretly commanding all the Captains to be ready by break of day, that so they might by a cam●ssado pay the Christians in their own come, they withdrew till two hours after midnight, when as they rose according to the order given, armed their Soldiers with the least noise that might be, and divided their forces in this manner: Prigmaleon, Fulgoran, and the great Kings of Mauritania, made three battalions, each of an hundred thousand Soldiers, twenty Giants, and fourteen Kings, to assail the town in three several parts, and gave the Tamberlan of Moraria in charge to keep them of the Fort employed with thirty thousand foot, and fifteen thousand horse, thereby to impeach them from assisting those that were to defend the walls. Now they persuaded themselves that they should find the Greeks asleep, but Florisel being advertised of their design by the spi●s which he had in their camp, placed Alaslraxerea at the Conduct-gate with twenty thousand men, and part of the young Knights, charging them not to show themselves till the ladders were set up, and laden with enemies; Spheramond at the Dragon-gate, with the like number, and the same direction; and Lucendus at the East-port in the like sort provided; so commanding Sylvan to take four thousand horse, for to round the tower, he went out of the City with Dorigel, Parmenian of Cyprus, Ladazan of Numidia, and the brave Esquilon of Poland, and finding twenty thousand horse, and twelve thousand foot in his fortifications, he presently put them in arms, to make use of them as time and occasion should require.  
The Pagans drawing toward the Town, and hearing no noise in it, thought the Christians had been sleeping, so that in a moment their ladders were reared, whereupon, the Giants first mounted, to encourage the soldiers to follow them: But straightway they saw the enemy show himself, and with a tempest of stones, boiling oil, sulphur and pitch, overthrew those which thought to lay hold of the parapet, so that the ditch began to be filled with dead men; than it was that the assault grew to be furious and cruel, for the Giants enraged to see their fellows repulsed and slain, not caring for their lives pressed forward, and divers times to the sword with the Christian Princes, who, under favour of the wall, discharged most horrible and mortal blows; especially Spheramond, that never lighted on a Giant, without depriving him of life. Nevertheless, lacking room to lay about him, according to his mind, he took a new resolution, and leaving the charge of his quarter to Don Sinaldo, as also Lucendus that of his to Garmant, they both sallied forth with six thousand horse apiece, and gave upon the enemy with such fury, that finding them in disorder, the field was infinitely covered with dead carcases. Then was the valiant Prince of France seen breaking into that mighty battalion of the enemies, and charging them with such courage, as made his friends admire, and his enemies fear him: On the other side, the invincible Emperor of the Parthians seemed a thunderbolt of war, one while sending arms and heads to the ground, another while dividing a Giant's body in two pieces. In brief, nothing was to be seen round about them, but dead bodies, nor any thing to be heard, but a confusion of voices, and the cries of such as lay dying under the horses feet. The valorous Aethiopian, and the mighty King of Canabea, whom these two little squadrons attacked, followed by the Kings and Giants that accompanied them, did wonders, piercing into the Christians squadrons with a great and terrible slaughter, and were very glad to see them abroad, in hope to beat them in, and enter the Town with them: But Florisel, that considered the consequence of this enterprise, caused eight thousand horse to slip along by the Town, without being perceived by the Tamberlan of Moraria, put Esquilan in the head of the one moiety, and sending him to second Spheramond, himself with the rest, charged the enemy, and assisted the Prince of France, who then was fight with Fulgoran, with as much courage as force and dexterity: these troops, having renewed the fight with much cruelty, and so continued it a pretty while, were about to make their retreat upon advertisement that a great piece of the wall was fallen down, and that there was great danger in it, by reason of the enemies obstinate pressing on there; when as on the sudden, a terrible noise and tumult was heard at the sea side, which put a fear into both sides; the Christians doubting that it was some new succour against them, and the Pagans mistrusted as much; but it was soon known what it was; for presently the Pagans army was seen to be in disorder, and a little while after, a Knight came up to the trenches, that certified Florisel of the arrival of the brave Amanio d' Astre, of Ginoldan, the Kings of Dardania and Comagena, the Kings Melinda, and Olidor his brother, with sixty thousand horse, and forty thousand foot, who knowing in what estate the fight stood, had landed with a determination to charge the enemy back. As I live, said Florisel, this is good news; Come, let us close up our enemies, and keep them from putting themselves in array. Saying so, he advanced with forty thousand horse, drawn out of the Towns and treaches, and put himself into the field with a resolution to fight, but Prigmaleon and Fulgoran, as discreet as valiant, perceiving the disorder their people were in by reason of this new-come army, which made an incredible slaughter amongst them, kept their soldiers within their trenches, under the command of the King of Thenot, and of the Island of Till, and running where the Christian Princes were arrived, arrested their fury, drawing the rest of their men within their works. Florisel, commending the discretion of Princes so young, went to receive his kinsmen with a world of contentment, and causing a quarter to be set out under the walls for their forces, carried the Kings to the City with him, where the entertainments were renewed at their meeting with those beautiful Princesses. That done, they fell to burying the dead, which on the Christian part, was found to be nine thousand three hundred Knights, and seven hundred foot; and on the enemies, twenty seven thousand soldiers, fourteen Giants, and five Kings, which so much the more vexed the Pagans, as our Princes had cause to rejoice. Nevertheless, concealing their thoughts, they showed but little ressentment of it, divulging that they were glad of the coming of these troops, for that thereby the Greek Princes would be drawn to a set battle, whereunto before they had no reason to hearken.   

CHAP. XXXII. The Pagans send to present the Christians with battle, which is accepted, and the success of it.  
THE discontent of the Pagans not suffering them to be at quiet, the Princes assembled together after they had given order for the burial of their dead; and trusting as much in the greatness of their spirits, as in the multitude of their people, sent an Herald with a bloody gauntlet, to require assignation of a day for a general battle, which these invincible Princes of Greece would not refuse them, because they would not leave any bad impression of their courages: Florisel of Niquea then having accepted it, and appointed next morning for the same, a truce in the mean time being agreed on, all men were commanded to prepare themselves for the fight, and the Ladies bestowed themselves in prayers unto God for his mercy and blessing to be poured down upon his people. And now all men making ready, when as on the second day, they descried a Fleet at sea, sailing in good order, no man knowing in whose favour they were come, both the armies expecting them, equally affected with hope and fear; these forces landed, and marching in good order, sent to the Pagan Princes, to let them understand, that they were come to serve them against the common enemy of their Gods, under the command of the great Cariffe of Africa, the Kings of Tincifroc and Morocco, and the Princes of Gamall and Aridamia, as also their dear friends, the Giant Grandimore, and the unknown Knight were with them; whereupon Fulgoran and Prigmaleon, with great joy, went presently to give them thanks for their assistance. If this supply, consisting of forty thousand horse, and thirty thousand foot, pleased the enemy, you may well believe it gave no content to our Princes; nevertheless, being uncapable of fear, they resolved to submit themselves under the hand of God, and not to murmur at his providence. Commanding then public prayers to be made, and going to sit in Council about the approaching battle, word was brought them that a mighty Fleet was descried at sea, coming thither with full sails. Their desire to know who they might be, breaking off their former design, they presently repaired to the walls, where they had not long been before they discerned a world of colours, and flags, with white and red crosses, which made them quickly come down to go to the Port, but in the way thither, they met a Gentleman, who informed them, that in the first ships were the young Prince of France, Florisbel of the Star, second son to Prince Lucendus, and the Infanta Fortuna, and Lucibel of France, son to Fortanian, and the beauteous Chireestoille, with five and twenty thousand choice Knights; That the second squadron came from Trebisond, with tw●lve thousand foot; The third from Hungary and Poland, with ten thousand horse, under the conduct of Gadard, and Filadart; The fourth from the fortunate Island, with six thousand foot, commanded by the brave Cilinda, who brought with her her little son Cilindor. The fifth from Cathay, with eight thousand horse, led by Or●thea and her husband. The sixth from Almaigne, with six thousand horse, under the charge of Alozian, eldest son of Don Argantes and the fair Scharimen●. The seventh of twelve thousand Spanish horse whose General was Sestilian, son to Don Arlanges of Spain. And the last from Guindaya with seven thousand foot, commanded by the Duke of Affarte: these news having given them far more content, than the arrival of the enemy's succour, had brought them sadness; the Princes went to the Port where these young Cavaliers and the Kings were entertained with a million of welcomes; and from thence conveyed to the City, to the infinite joy of the Ladies, who received them with a world of caresses. The welcomes once at an end, all these Christian Kings and Knights assembled together to consult of these affairs; because the day of battle drew near: but they all referring themselves to the prudence of Don Florizel, he ordered things in this manner: Their whole forces consisting of an hundred and threescore thousand horse, and an hundred and sixteen thousand foot; having first drawn out sixteen thousand of the foot for the guard of the town, he divided into five battalions, each of them containing thirty thousand horse, and twenty thousand foot; of which he committed the first to the Emperor Spheramond, accompanied with the two Cenophales' the King of Numidia his wife Cassinna, Olidor of Siranquea, Armond of Bohemia, and Florizart of Taprobana. Don Lucendu● had the second, with the brave Alastraxerea, Peri●● of Turkey, Florian and Tristor of Sopradisa, Quedragant and Leonida● of Mesopotamia. Dorig●l had the third, with his wife the fair Cilinda, Florestan of Sardinia, Agrian of Scotland, Alteria and Dardani●. The fourth was led by the Kings of Hungary and Poland, accompanied with their sons Melfort and Esqui●●●, Parnenian the Duke of Laiazza, and Abies of Ireland. The last he reserved for himself with the King of Cathay, and his wife, the Princes of Dardania and Comagena, and Frizel of Arcadia. Then ordering that Sylvan and the fair Savagesse his wife, should command ten thousand horse upon the wings, to relieve such as they saw overpressed: he commanded every man to look well to his horse and arms, and to be in a readiness by the break of the next day. In the mean time the Pagans were busied with the same care: for knowing of what importance this battle would be, they endeavoured to fit themselves in every particular for it, and to omit nothing through negligence.  
Being then informed of the order that the Christians intended to hold, they thought it best to observe the same, and not to make any superfluous bodies; for they considered, that united forces were harder to be broken then when they were dispersed: so that finding their Army to be three hundred thousand horse, and an hundred and sixty thousand foot: they made five Squadrons of it, each consisting of sixty thousand horse, and twenty five thousand foot. The first led by the great Cariffe of Africa, with whom were the Kings of Tingefort, of Morque, Calisan, N●zamo●, Argosana, Meroune, and of the Tragonites, as also twelve dreadful Giants. The great King of Mauritania commanded the second, and with him the Kings of Zizima, Dragon, Ceziphala, Barnazar, Saphotir, of the Island of Till, Bazana, and twelve other Giants, no less huge and terrible than the former. The Tamberlan of Moraria brought on the third, with the Kings of Libya, Bisaura, Argier, Numidia, Thunes, Mira●●●in, and twelve Giants. Fulgoran and Prigmaleon led the fourth and fifth, with the like number of Giants, Kings and Knights. The Kings of Budomel and Arcania had the guard of the camp, with thirty five thousand foot. All things thus settled on either part, they expected the day of battle; which being come, to the general content of both the Armies, the Pagans began to draw into the field, not a little wondering to see their enemies there before them, who already had had their troops there embattaild with admirable judgement: The first that showed himself of the Pagans party was the great Cariffe of Africa, who marching gloriously under a number of colours, wherein appeared two Lions slain by one man, intimating his valour, that had made him twice to triumph over those beasts, caused a charge to be sounded as soon as he saw the Emperor Spheramond with a brave Cavallerys set forth against him. The encounter of these two leaders was very gallant: for the African was brave & daring but having the prime Knight of the world in hand, was wounded in the shoulder, and ready to lose his saddle, had he not been sustained by one of his Giants that followed him; nevertheless his wound being such as would not permit him to keep the field, he was constrained to retire, leaving his men very ill handled at the first shock: for the Cenophales', the King Melinda, Cassiana, and Olidor, laid five of the Giants dead upon the earth, Armond of Bohemia, and Florizart, having been as fortunate against the Kings of Tincefort and Calisan, who were overthrown at the first encounter with a multitude of Pagans beside, who were not comparable to the greeks that had been enured to the war so many years together, wherein their enemies had forced them to bear Arms. This fight growing furious on the one part by the terrible blows of Spheramond, and the Princes that accompanied him, and on the other by those of the Giants their adversaries, there was nothing to be seen but carcases strewed on the ground, and the cries of dying men filled the air with groans & lamentations. Wheresoever the Princes went, death attended on their swords; and on the other side, the Giants made such a massacre, that it was hard to pass over the heaps of slain men. But the numbers of the enemy giving way to the valour of our Princes, they were already wavering, and ready to turn their backs, had not Prigmaleon caused the second battalion to advance, commanded by the great King of Mauritania: to encounter whom the excellent Prince of France drew forward his; and with that greatness of courage wherewith his younger years was endued, at the very first course he ran his lance clean thorough his enemy's body, depriving this second Squadron both of an head and hope; yet being maintained by so many Kings and Giants, the battle began to be very bloody: the valiant Alastraxerea, Ginoldan, Perion, Florian, Tristor and Quedragant, laid about them so terribly, that for all their multitude of Kings, and the bravery of their Giants, of whom five were at this second charge killed in the place, the Pagans were about to retire with shame, had not the Tamberlan of Moraria presently set forth with incredible fury. To oppose whom Dorigel of the fortunate Island came on, with a confident hope of victory, since his friends had begun so luckily: for this King resolving not to degenerate from the valour of the excellent emperor of Persia his brother, performed such wonders as he was much redoubted by his enemies; who, notwithstanding their loss, so disputed the victory, as no man knew to which side it would incline, when as the brave King of Lydia followed by his wife, the fair Savagesse, and his six thousand horse, gave in upon them with such violence, as having disordered this third Squadron with an unspeakable slaughter, both that and the two former had all passed by the edge of the sword, if the invincible King of Canabea had not come into play, with so much valour, and acting such marvellous deeds, as notwithstanding all the resistance the King of Hungary and Poland could make, who advanced at the very same time, he maintained the battle in an equal balance: his presence cleared the ranks, and the soldiers shunned his sword, as they would have done a thunderbolt from heaven; close by him marched Florimond, Grandimore, and the brave unknown Knight, making such a havoc, as was most lamentable to behold. Then were above twenty thousand Knights seen lie dead on the ground, and such was the confusion in every part, as it cannot be expressed. The valiant Esquilan of Poland did miracles, and not parting from his father, who gave strange proof of his courage, ran to oppose the Giants that ruined all before them, but the valour of the Prince of Canabea, and of the Giants that accompanied him, held the battle longer in suspense then could have been hoped for from the weakness of the former troops; howbeit, in the end he was constrained to give way to force, by the coming in of Sylvan, who that cay rendered good proof of a wondrous virtue: and carrying ruin along with him whithersoever he went, he made the victory incline to the Christians, when as the mighty Emperor of Aethiopia entered the field, and like a torrent rushing on our troops, quickly changed the face of all things; but he was soon encountered by Florisel of Niquea, with his last battalia: These two Princes, as valiant as possibly might be, encountering in the midst of their course, bare one another to the earth; but fearing to be trodden under the horses feet, they instantly got up again; the fall of these two great captains, having drawn all the bravest Knights of their squadrons to that place, there began a most dangerous fight; for the Kings of Cathay, Dardania, and Com●gena, laboured all they could to remount Florisel, but they were so pressed by the Giants, and the Pagan Kings, who were very excellent warriors, that their valour little availed them: For having thrown themselves into the midst of so many enemies, they were unhorsed as well as Florisel, and constrained to defend themselves on foot with him a long time; howbeit, tired at length with the kill of men round about them, whose bodies served them for a rampire, they expected nothing but a glorious death to crown their future renown; when as the valiant Sylvan, conducted by the Queen Orothea, (who could not get her soldiers, that stood in fear of the Giants, to follow her) came in with such fury, to see Florisel in that danger, as at the first blow he laid a Giant's head at his feet, redoubling another terrible one on Prigmaleons' helmet, he made him see the stars at midday. Perion, Orothea, and the fair Savagesse, acting things no less wonderful, this squadron was presently seen in disorder, and the Princes remounted upon good horses, revenging the trouble they had been put to with their enemy's lives. Whilst the victory hung in this incertainty, the Emperor Spheramond, Lucendus, Dorigell, Ginoldan, Amanio d'Astre, and the brave Alastraxerea, made such a slaughter, having killed the greatest part of the Giants, that infallibly the Christians had gotten the day, if advertisement had not been brought to both the Armies, that the sea was covered with ships, and the shore with men; who embattelling themselves, declared, that they meant to have a share in the business: This news caused either side to give over, and draw to their colours; the Pagans retired to their trenches, and the Christian Princes toward the town, just at that time when as they saw these troops composed of about sixty thousand horse, move to charge them in the flank, whereby it appeared that their coming was against the Christians, to the great rejocing of the enemy; whereupon, Fulgoran and Prigmale●n advanced towards them, and understanding that it was the Emperor of mely, accompanied with fifteen Kings, they gave him the kindest welcome in the world, offered him the absolute command of all their forces, and related unto him the success of the late battle, which had been very bloody; for the number of the slain being taken, it was found that they had lost an hundred and forty thousand horse, thirty seven thousand foot, seven and twenty Giants, and fourteen Kings: The Christians having got off for seventy two thousand horse, and two and twenty thousand of their infantry.   

CHAP. XXXIII. During a truce agreed upon between the two Armies, the Emperor of mely sends to demand a combat of five to five, which is accepted, and the issue of it.  
THE grief of our Christian Princes was no less, for paying so dear for the victory, than it was for the arrival of such a multitude of new enemies: But having placed all their hope on God, who never leaves the afflicted in their miseries, so as their patience rendered them worthy of his aid, they busied themselves more, with refreshing their surviving soldiers, then in mourning for those which were dead; for doubting a second assault from these troops, that yet had not fought, they sought to encourage their men by the care they took of their health, and by that means prevent the inconveniences which might arise by their negligence: On the other side, the Pagans were not very well pleased, for knowing full well that the end of the battle would have been unfortunate unto them, in regard of the loss they had made; notwithstanding, the great advantage which they had in the beginning, they gnawed their fingers for very spite, and if their wounds had not kept them in their beds, they would questionless either have renewed the assault, or presented a new battle the next morning: But being able to do no more than they could, they resolved to expect time, and in the mean space give their hurt men leisure to be cured; for which purpose, sending to the Christian Princes, they obtained a truce for fifteen days. But the Emperor of mely, as able, and valiant, as any of the Pagans, and that could not endure to continue idle so long, desired Fulgoran, and Prigmaleon, whom the Army acknowledged for their General, that they would permit him, during the truce, to fight a particular combat of five on his fide, against as many of the Greek Princes, of whom there ran such a glorious fame. Your determinations depend only upon yourselves, answered Prigmaleon, and therefore you may (mighty Prince) dispose of this affair as you shall think good; Fulgoran and myself would willingly have waited upon you in it, if our wounds would have suffered us; howbeit, if you please to tarry but eight days, we will double the number, and add some conditions to our combat which may be for the benefit of either Army. There were no reason, replied he, that a General should tie himself to the passions of a private man, you shall have time enough for that, and this first combat will be no impediment to a second, wherefore since you do not disapprove of it, I will go and waken the Princes our enemies a little; whereupon, calling for paper, he wrote this cartel to them, and sent it the same day.  
The Emperor of mely to the Princes of Greece.  
The honour of the world, and the glory of our Altars, obliging me from losing of time, makes me desire to see you in the field with the ordinary arms of a Cavalier; but without comprising any thing in thi● combat, which concerns your differences with the mighty Princes of Aethiopia, and Canabea, I will be tomorrow under your walls, accompanied with four Gentlemen, so as you will meet me there with the like number, and with the assurances usual in such cases.  
This Ticket being delivered to Don Florisel, that kept his bed of two hurts he received, the young Knights, which desired nothing more, then to win honour and glory, pressed forward to be of the number of the combatants, persuading themselves that Florisel would not refuse this offer; but he, that by the relation of his spies, was assured, how the Emperor had the estimation of a very valiant Prince, and that his seconds were of the most redoubted Giants in the world, made some difficulty at first of accepting it; for he thought that this combat would be of great importance to the Pagans, if they went away with the honour of it; howbeit, withal considering, that to put it off with an excuse, would blemish the reputation which in so many occasions he had purchased; he promised the messenger, that he would give his Master all possible satisfaction, and that he would command the field to be chained in; and that for assurance, he could give him no greater assurance than his faith, and the continuation of the truce. The messenger being thus dispatched, and highly pleased with this answer, and the brave gallant demeanour of the Princes, which he exceedingly commended to the Emperor, as most worthy of the fame that ran of them. Florisel desiring his friends not to be displeased if they were not comprised in the number, named for the first of the combatants, Sylvan, with Amanio d' ●stre, Esquilan, Ginoldan, Perion: These five Princes, more pleased with this election, than the possession of a Kingdom, went presently to view their arms, and preparing themselves like good Christians, they attended the next day with much impatience, which no sooner appeared to the infinite contentment of both parties; but the Emperor of mely came into the field, in the midst of four dreadful Giants, matching in so grave and majestical a fashion, as his carriage did well denote his greatness; and on the otherside, the Christian Princes so gallantly presented themselves, that every one took pleasure in beholding them: The judges, who were the valiant Alastraxerea, and the beauteous Ar●●eura, Aunt to F●lgo●an, having divided the Sun between them, Sylvan charged his lance against the Emperor, and the rest in like sort doing the same, at the third sound of the trumpets, they suriously set spurs to their horses, meeting in the midst of their course so bravely, that they were all overthrown to the earth, without any other hurt, then only the astonishment of their falls, but they lay not long there, for getting up, with extreme rage to be so disgraced ●● the of presence such great Princes, they began to charge one another, with such mighty blows, that all the shore resounded with the terrible n●ise thereof. The Princesses of Greece, who stood upon the walls to encourage the Christians, seeing the fury of the lances past, were not a little glad, for that the enemy had nothing to boast of in that encounter, and began to observe with what dexterity those brave Knight, avoided the horrible blows of the Giants, who suffering themselves to be transported with choler, which moved but heavily by that time the combat had lasted an hour; when our Knights seemed to have drawn fresh forces out of their labour. Sylvan, calling to mind that he was before the flower of all the Knights in the world, laid such furious blows on the great Emperor of mely, and he again charged him with so much force and valour, as all men were amazed at the cruelty of their fight: On the other side, the va●iant Amanio d' Astre, Ginoldan, and their fellows, acted wonders against their adversaries: and now was their armour on both sides died red with their own blood, when as the Gian● Fulmander, with whom Perion fought, delivered so terrible a blow on his enemy's shield, that being unable to resist the violence thereof, it was divided into two pieces, and the point of the sword falling on his helmet, laid him quite astonished in the dust; Sylvan beholding that terrible blow, discharged so sound a one on the Emp●rour of mely, that with a great wound in the head he deprived him of sense, and suddenly running t● Fulmander, who was driving at Ginoldan behind, he struck him so courageously on the arm, that both it and his sword flew together to the ground: In the mean time, Perion having leisure to rise, approached to his enemy, who was taking his scymiter in his left hand, and smote him with such violence, as he laid his head at his feet. This combat thus ended, he set himself to observe Ginoldan, Amanio d' Astre, and Esquilan, who fought wi●h admirable dexterity, and every minute drawing from the Giant's blood, and enfeebling them, as he concluded their victory to be infallible: but he was wonderfully amazed at the fury of Sylvan, and the Emperor of mely, who not regarding their wounds, continued battering one another with unspeakable cruelty: The fight having lasted two hours and more in this outrageous manner, Sylvan, that could not endure to have the victory disputed with him so long, took his sword in both his hands, and discharged it with such fury on his enemy's helmet, as he laid him on the earth, where when he had him, he presently put the point of his sword to his throat, making him confess that he was overcome: And just at the same time, Amanio, Ginoldan, and Esquilan, had their enemy's heads in their hands; whereupon, the Christian Conquerors were conducted to the town, with a world of triumph, and the Emperor of mely, with the bodies of the four Giants, carried to his tent; to the extreme discontent of the Pagans, who then vowed, either to die, or totally to ruin the Princes of Greece. Nevertheless, within a little while a strange mutation of things happened, as I will presently tell you.   

CHAP. XXXIV. The Fountain of Lovers comes to Constantinople, and what Knights began the trial of it.  
BOth the Armies taking breath, under the favour of the truce, and every one keeping within their trenches, that they might not give any cause of jealousy to their enemies, one morning two Lions were seen to pass thorough the Pagan's Army, which drew a little edifice of marble; from the top whereof there fell a pure and clear water into a Fountain, cut into five angles; two arches were at the ends of it, upon one of the which there hung a most excellent fair sword, and on the other one of the richest helmets that ever was seen; under them, two Knights appeared, of a warlike aspect, and in the midst was a corniche of indifferent greatness, where sat a Damsel that in her left hand held the reins, with which she governed the beasts; and in her right a little golden wand, wherewith sometimes she touched them to make them go. This object arrested the eyes of those foreign Kings with wonder, to behold so rare a thing, and gladly they would have seen the Lions take their way into their teeth, that they might have had the content to have considered it nearer: But seeing them go towards the City they forbore, and would not follow them: Some of the Greek Princes, being without the walls, to clear the ditches, and gave order for the repairing of the breaches which the enemy had made, presently conceived that it was some brave adventure: and therefore commanded the gates to be opened: which done, the Lions entered, and passing the streets with marvellous speed, they came into the court of the Palace, where they stood still. The noise that the people made having caused the Princes, and the most part of those great Lays, to look out of the windows, they saw the Damsel, of whom we spoke before, descend from her seat, and go strait to Florisel, unto whom, with such reverence as belonged to his greatness, she said: Excellent Prince, may it please you, not to be offended at my repair hither without your leave; for being conducted by the power of certain Magicians, I can neither dispose of my desires, nor of the course these Lions take, only they have set me here to tell such as will attempt this adventure, wherein the labour lies that they must undergo, to gain both the satisfaction, which they desire, and the reward proposed to them that shall have the fortune to end it: You shall find here strange secrets, the chiefest whereof shall not be revealed, till the fairest light in the world comes to discover the excellency of the treasure which is hidden in this Coffer: The second is in this enchanted Fountain, wherein is represented unto you, not only your thoughts, but also those of the Lady whom you best Love. The honour is to vanquish these two Knights, whom you see under the arches, and the reward of the Conquerors, that sword, and the enchanted helmet, which you see there above, the Fountain remaining free to all men that have a mind to see it: It rests now, brave Prince, that you let me know, whether it be your pleasure to give way to the trial of it, for if you shall not like so to do, I shall presently return to my seat and be gone; whereas otherwise we cannot stir from hence, so long as there is any Knight worthy to draw his sword against mine. I would to God, answered Florisel, that the end of this adventure depended only on my word; for then, sweet heart, I would soon ease you of the pains you take in travelling over so many strange Countries, and would give this company the content of never doubting hereafter of their actions, by the view of this admirable Fountain; but since so great a happiness cannot be attained without danger, I am willing my Knights shall hazard their lives, for the glory of this adventure, neither will I myself be exempted, if some of these young Princes have not the fortune to conclude it. Herewith, every one got him to his arms, whilst Florisel, and those, who were by age conjoined to more reservedness, bestowed themselves in viewing this little edifice nearer at hand. The impatience of these young Lords being alike, they returned almost at one time; but Florisel, foreseeing the confusion which might arise out of their generous emulation, ordered, that Triston, and Florian, should be the first in the trial; they then advanced, and having touched the two Knights, who sat as if they had been sleeping under the arches, gave them leisure to rise and come out; which they presently did in so brave a manner, as made all the Greek Princes wonder at them; who observing in how graceful a fashion they began their fight, commended them for the ablest Knights that ever they had seen: The two brothers performed their parts very gallantly, and nothing amazed at the valour of their adversaries, continued their combat with an extreme desire of victory; but having to do with so strong a party, they were both at one instant overthrown to the ground quite deprived of sense, so as they were fain to be carried away to their chambers. Their misfortune not affrighting such as were to succeed them, Florizart & Dardanio stepped forward, and began a brave fight, giving those, which were able to judge, occasion to render them in the number of good Knights; but having maintained it almost an hour, they were overthrown as the two brothers had been. And after them, Armond, and Frizel of Arcadia; Abies and Leonid●●; Florestan and Quedragant; Agrian and Melfort, to the great discontent of the King of Hungary his father, who desiring to revenge his disgrace, advanced with Perion of Turkey, and charged the two Knights so stoutly, that their combat lasted above an hour; yet in the end they were laid along, with extreme grie● of mind, for that they had by their own defeat augmented the glory of the enchanted Knights. Filadard of Poland, who with his son Esquilan, was in readiness, took the next turn, and began as brave a fight as might be seen; their blows were more weighty than those of the Knights that were vanquished before, and if their adversaries showed an admirable dexterity, they appeared no less able and active, laying on so lustily both with edge and point, and maintaining the combat in such a fashion, as the spectators were all of opinion they would have a share in the triumph; but two hours being thus spent, the enchanted Knights were seen to redouble their blows, with such violence, as within a while the Polonians were sent to the earth as well as the rest; to the great wonder of Florisel, who held Esquilan for one of the best Knights in the world; and because night was hard at hand, he put off all further trial till the next morning. Now whilst things thus past in the City, Prigmaleon and Fulgoran were mightily troubled; for having heard talk of this adventure, he exceedingly desired to have the honour of it, believing it was due to them, if valour might have any share in it: But how to carry the business they knew not, for on the one side, they were unwilling to go into the City, lest thereby they should put themselves into their enemy's hands; and contrarily, they were in doubt never to meet with the like opportunity again. It is, said Fulgoran to himself, a sure means for me to learn how I am descended, nor need I doubt of seeing in that water what I wish to know, since it presents both the face and the thoughts of the woman one is to have; and to fear that I should be known of the Princes of Greece, I have little reason, for they are so generous, that if fortune should deny me the victory, they would never retain me a prisoner, since I was not made so fairly. I must then pass by all these poor considerations, and at any rate see what the fates promise me. I will change my arms and horse, and pretending that I come from far, require the gates may be opened for me, only for so long time as I may make trial of the valour of these enchanted Knights. Meeting then with Prigmaleon who was labouring of the same disease, he discovered his intention freely to him, and so well they agreed together that an hour before day they went out of their trenches, not acquainting any man with their purpose. Fulgoran in his black, which he had not put on since the war began, and Prigmaleon in azure arms. Then taking a way some three leagues about, they came to the North gate, where all the Christian forces were entrenched, and sent to let the Greek Princes know, that two stranger Knights having heard talk of the fountain of Lovers, did entreat they might be permitted to try their fortune. Their desire, said Florizel, seems so just, that I cannot refuse them, were I sure they were our enemies: Let them enter then when they please. The Pagan Princes having received this answer, went on to the Palace Court, where seeing two Knights ready to begin the trial, they stayed to behold the issue of it, and tying their horses to the rails they made themselves ready to second those Knights, that were going to fight, if they sped not well. And turning toward the fountain, they perceived the two enchanted Knights arm from underneath the arches, who began one of the most furious combats that ever had been seen; for they charged one another with such violence, as all the assistants were amazed at it, and extremely wondered to see with what activity all four of them avoided their adversaries blows; the longer they sought the lustier, and more able they seemed to be, and all the Grecian Princes said they had never seen a braver combat: having then continued in that sort, above two hours and a half, the two assailants resolving either to conquer, or die, took their swords in both their hands; but their enemies no less enraged at the refistance they found in them, and transported with the same fury, delivered two such terrible blows on their heads, as they laid them on the pavement, to the extreme grief of all the spectators, that thought they were dead, especially the Kings of Lydia, and the Fortunate Island, who when their heads were disarmed, saw that they were their dear wives, the fair Savagesse, and the King of Nyeger● his valiant sister; who desiring to be concealed, had taken unknown ●rms, hoping to carry the honour of the business; yet was their sorrow somewhat mitigated, when they perceived them to breathe, and by and by heard them say, that they ailed nothing; but only that their heads were somewhat dizzy: howbeit, not satisfied therewith, they presently went to arm themselves, resolving to be revenged for their wives, or serve likewise for a triumph to the enchanted Knights; but Fulgoran and Prigmaleon being in a readiness, as I told you, straightway advanced, and saved them that labour, as you shall see in the next Chapter.   

CHAP. XXXV. The end of the adventure, and Fulgoran known.  
THE grief, which was conceived for the misfortune of these two warlike Queens, being as soon past, as their harm, the Kings and those beauteous Princesses, returned to the windows, being informed that the strange Knights advanced, against whom they presently saw the enchanted Knights come forth, in the same gallant manner as before, and begin one of the terriblest combats that ever the world had beheld, being maintained with so much courage and judgement, as Florizel who had never seen a braver fight, went down into the Court, that he might better observe all that past. Their blows were delivered with a wonderful force, and joining grace and skill to their strength, they ●ad the eyes of all the beholders fastened unto them. Prigmaleon and Fulgoran, who saw themselves before the Princes of Greece, so glorious for an infinity of brave deeds, which they had performed, forgot nothing of what they were able to do: but they were opposed by such mighty enemies, as they durst not so much as hope, which so set them on fire, that in stead of growing weary, their swords fell still with more violence then at the first. The enchanted Knights, behaved themselves so bravely, and delivered their blows with such fury, that every one expected no other end of that fight, but by the death of them all. Fowr hours being spent in this sort without any show made by these Knights of taking any breath, the place was strewed with their arms, the blood ran down their sides, millions of sparkles flew about their ears, and their swords descended always with such violence, as their lives seemed to depend on every stroke. Entreating one another thus, sometimes in hope of victory, and then again in fear of death or infamy, two hours more being passed away, and yet no advantage to be discerned between them, which putting them into an excess of impatience and rage, they all fowr quitted their swords, and closing with one another, they began a very dangerous wrestling: but skill no more availing then force, by a common general consent they let go their hold, and renewed their combat, wherein they bestowed yet two hours more, which rendered Fulgoran so mad, that desiring rather to die then not to vanquish, he clasped his sword fast in his hand, and laid it with such rage on his enemy's helmet, as having made it to fly from his head, the blade broke in seven or eight pieces. The enchanted Knight being thus discovered, and withal known to be the excellent Emperor of Persia, Don Rogel, was so exceedingly vexed to see himself made so to stagger two or three steps back (by the violence of that blow) that he discharged on his adversary with such fury, as he forced him to set one foot to the ground; and going to redouble upon him, Fulgoran suddenly getting up, nimbly avoided that mortal stroke: and finding himself disfurnished of a sword, he instantly laid hold on that which hung upon the Arch, and drew it out with ease at the same time as Don Rogel finding his head also disarmed, and his enemy provided of new Arms, took the helmet which was fastened to the other Arch, and quickly covered his head with it: Thereupon both of them going to renew their combat, a mighty clap of thunder was presently heard, wherewith all the four Knights fell to the ground, and were strait way covered with a thick m●st. Out of which a little after, came a reverend old man, with a beard reaching down to his girdle, marching between two women, with such a majesty, as amazed all the standers by. Florisel who observed him, and knew the two women to be Vrganda the unknown, and the fair Cassandra her daughter, arose from his chair, seeing they drew toward him, and opened his Arms to embrace them; but the old man bending himself to the ground: said, Most excellent Prince, you should have some reason to show that you are pleased with my coming, if you knew how far my desire extends to do you service, but not having hitherto given you much notice of it, I will acknowledge the favours you now do me, do proceed merely from your courtesy, not having any way deserved them. And if I present myself before you thus, without command, it is only to assure you, that without me you would lose very much to day. You see this mist, it doth enfold some great matter, and is that which a fair Sun must dissipate; wherefore be pleased that Polixena may come hither, and then we will make an end of our work. Reverend sir, said Florisel, your services are the more recommendable, in that they are without obligation; and this inclination you have to do something for my content, so much obliges me, that not to be ingrateful, I must tender you all that lies in my power. If my daughter may be useful for any great design of yours, she shall presently be here: But in the mean time, suffer me, I pray you, to complain a little of these Ladies that accompany you, for leaving me so long without hearing any news of them. It is true, answered Vrganda, after some usual compliments, that we have not been here, but it was because the welfare of Christendom would not permit us to desert our studies, whereof you shall hereafter reap the benefit, and for the present you shall see that we have done more for you then you think. Polixena then being come down with all those Princesses, the old man took her by the hand, and led her into the mist, whilst Vrganda saluted the Princess, and spoke these words to Florisel:  
Believe it, my Lord, that you are not a little obliged to this wise man, who is called Alcander, and is the most knowing personage that ever bestowed time on good books, and that will do more for you in two days, than we have been able to do in so many years. I think no less, said Florisel: But you must also be assured, that he shall want no recompense, if he will receive it from our hand: For I find myself so engaged to his knowledge, whereby the bodies of our fathers are interred with so much honour, as I will be master of nothing in the world, that shall not be at his disposing. But, Madam, what means this youth, which I see in your face, and in the rest of your person? whereat I cannot but wonder, if it be not done by Art. That is a secret, said she laughing, which you shall know in due time. In the mean while, let us, if you please, go to Alcander, since we see the darkness is gone; with that they drew toward the four Knights, and saw, that Polixena having poured a vial of water, which she had in her hand, upon Fulgoran his arms, they immediately were turned to their former colour of fire, even at the very same instant. When as the other three Knights aarose, much abashed to see themselves without helmets, and not knowing how their combat was determined, Don Rogel and the brave bastard of Media, who were the two enchanted Knights, looked about on Florisel, and all their kinsmen, without a word speaking, as if they still had been restrained by some charm. And on the other side, Prigmaleon and Fulgoran were no less astonished, believing that they were in prison. But Alcander, not to keep them longer in suspense, addressed himself to Fulgoran, said, Sir, have you ever seen me in any other place? Yea, replied he, you are the same that I met with the very day that I first put on these Arms, and that then gave me an advice, of which I have at times made good use. And I, Vrganda, taking him by the hand, what place do I hold in your memory? Such, Madam, answered he, as I owe to the assistance which I have a thousand times received from you in my occasions: for I am not ignorant, that you are the Lady of the enchanted Rock, and by the means of whose Art, all my enterprises have succeeded happily. But, Madam, I believe, that it is not without some mystery, that you now are here. No certainly, answered she: for I am come to make you understand certain words, which a damsel whom I sent to you, spoke when she changed the colour of your arms. She told you, if you well remember, that when your arms should reassume the former colour of fire, you should know what you were; and that the first day of our interview, should be the happiest, and yet the most dangerous of your whole life: you see now the experience of it; your armour is now no longer black, and I believe you will freely confess, that you were never in more danger of death, then when you fought with this Knight, pointing to Don Rogel, who is your Father; and all these Princes which you see here, are your kinsmen: but that you may have no occasion to doubt, give me that sword which you have in your hand, that I may show you more certain evidence of the truth hereof. Taking it then from him, she showed him graven upon the blade:  Fulgoran, Son of Don Rogel of Greece, and of Florella of Canabea. 
And if you desire yet more certain proof, added she, go up these stairs, and look into the water of this fountain, it will show you the truth. That would show, answered he, but too much obstinacy, to distrust such powerful witnesses: I will never make a doubt, Madam, of that you shall tell me; nor do I desire more assurance of this verity, than the sorrow that I feel for having lifted up my arms against him, for whose preservation the Gods and Nature, command me to die a thousand times, if I were capable of so many lives. But my Lord, said he kneeling down to Don Rogel, you will impute the fault to my ignorance, and be pleased to pardon me, if hitherto I have sought the ruin of your Empire, for the glory of the Gods, whom my education made me adore; which henceforward I shall be ready to preserve, and repair the damages which my arms have brought them. My son, said Don Rogel, most lovingly embracing him, I am so pleased with this accident, that setting a part all care of the wars, I will not think of any thing, but of rejoicing with you, and for you. See here, my Lord and Father, Prince Florisel, the second is your Brother the Emperor of the Parthians, and all these other are your so near kinsmen, as you are bound to respect them equally with myself. Fulgoran then going toward Don Florisel to kiss his hands, he held him a long while enfolded in his arms, showing the infinite content he took in knowing of him. Spheramond caressed him with no less affection. Dorigel, Lucendus, Sylvan, and the rest in general let him see the incomparable pleasure they received by this adventure. During these compliments, Prigm●leon was transported from himself: one while he observed the Princes of Greece with wonder, and then again beholding so great a change, he was much amazed at the vicissitude of things: but that which most arrested him, was the excellent beauty of Polixena, that working powerfully on his soul, made him wish for the amity of the Grecian Princes, that he might not be esloigned from that sun, whose light he already so adored. His new desires then not permitting him to think of his return, he expected the issue of the business; when as Fulgoran, who amidst his excess of joy, could not forget him, turning most, kindly to him thus spoke: My worthy Lord, and Companion, I am extremely afraid, that the knowledge of my parents, obliging me to be baptised, will make me lose the honour of your love, and cause you to hate me as much as ever you affected me. That is a thing, answered Prigmaleon, which you are not to doubt; for your virtue only having given birth to our friendship, I cannot believe it can be so easily broken by any difference of religion; on the contrary, I think it good reason that you imitate your parents, and that it is just in you to testify the content you take in knowing them; for these being the prime Princes in the world, no man can descend from them without glory; we have troubled them very much, and our arms have caused great disorder in their States, but we may amend that fault; you shall serve them out of duty, as I will out of affection; for from henceforth I vow to hold a firm peace with them if they be pleased with it; and am very willing to be their friend, provided they judge me worthy of that favour.  
Now on my soul, said Fulgoran, embracing him again, this is that which most I could wish for in the world, and your freeness so obligeth me, that, not to be ingrateful, I most heartily offer you all that lies in my power: but come and let us go to these my Lords, who for that they know you not, have not rendered you that which your birth and valour deserve. Repairing to Don Florisel, he briefly acquainted him with the quality of Prigmaleon, whereupon, Florisel, excusing himself on his ignorance, caressed him in such manner, as he held himself much indebted to his courtesy. These ceremonies having lasted a good while, the Princes would needs look into the enchanted Fountain, and wondered at the secrets which it revealed to them; but he that seemed to receive most satisfaction from it, was Prigmaleon; for seeing in it the fair Polixena, with a smiling and cheerfulness countenance, he conceived that his affection would not be paid with ingratitude, and that this fair one had already harboured a good opinion of him; which so delighted him, that going with Florisel (who would needs give him the upper hand) to the palace, where he was magnificently entertained, he continued in all the contentment that might be desired, till it was bed time; when as he was, by the greatest part of the young Knights, conducted to a chamber that was prepared for him.   

CHAP. XXXVI. The Pagan King's understanding that Prigmaleon and Fulgoran were become friends to the Greek Princes, conspire to massacre their troops; they are prevented, and their Army defeated.  
FVlgoran and Prigmaleon not suffering themselves to be so transported with pleasure, the one by seeing his kindred of a quality so eminent, and the other with those delights, which his new fancies begat in him, as not to think of that so much concerned them, they arose early in the morning, and with the approbation of the Greek Princes, returned to their quarter, where when they had called together all the principal Commanders of the Army; Fulgoran began this discourse to them: There is not, My Lords, any one here so little experienced in affairs, as, by the revolution of things in the world, hath not learned, that often times our wills, and our desires, do not depend upon ourselves; and that the heavens, and fortune, have reserved a power to dispose of them, either for our good, or for a chastisement of our offences: It is not long since, that intending to arm, for the glory of our Altars, and to gain myself a reputation in the world, I laboured to procure your assistance, with a purpose that you should share with me in the honour, as well as in the labour of my enterprise; but now you see me here with other inclinations, my speech no longer demands blood and revenge, nor my heart wishes for the ruin of this Empire, and less for the destruction of the Princes of Greece; this makes you wonder, and by your faces I see, that you would willingly know from whence this change doth proceed: My Lords, it is most reasonable that I reveal it to you, and that I now deliver you the cause of my amity, as well as heretofore I did that of my hate. Yesterday, the Prince of Aethiopia, and myself, carried with a strong desire to see the rarities of a Fountain, which the day before passed thorough our Army, required that we might be admitted to the trial thereof, which our enemies, who are full of courtesy, and truly generous, freely granted, not desiring to know us, or otherwise to be informed of our condition, so that we entered into Constantinople, where, in few words, to come to the point, we began a very dangerous combat with the Knight of the Fountain, which having lasted eight hours was ended by the greatest wonder in the world: My sword flying in pieces by the violence of a blow which I gave my adversary on the helmet, which also therewith fell from his head, leaving him discovered, I presently laid hold on a sword that hung upon the Arch; and my enemy seeing himself without a head-piece, took one that was fastened to the other Arch; so being furnished with new arms, we were about to renew our fight with more fury than before, when as a clap of thunder laid us both on the ground, deprived of all sense; and with us the other two, that then were still ●ighting together, whereof one was the valiant Prince of Aethiopia here present, a thick mist so covering us for a while, as none that were present could discern us; but ere long we were seen all four without our helmets; and these arms, which I now have on me, did in an instant reassume their former colour, whereat, I confess, I was exceedingly amazed; for not knowing how our combat ended, I believed I was a prisoner; but beholding certain Magicians, whom I have long time known, come toward me, I was somewhat better assured; and saluting them, entreated them to tell me, at what rate I should be quit for the folly I had committed, in so rashly abandoning our trenches. Oh how happy a fault, said an old Wiseman to me, is this you have done! for you shall presently see the benefit that will arise to you out of it: Requiring me then to deliver him this sword, that you see here (laying his hand upon the hilt) he showed me these words, which you also, if you please, may read upon the blade.  Fulgoran son of Regel of Greece, and of Florella Queen of Canabea. 
Seeing such good evidence of my extraction, which may also be confirmed by the Prince Bruzinges here, my uncle, and having consulted with the water of the Fountain, that feigns not, remembering withal the words that a great Magician, and my friend, had spoken to me, how my arms should never recover this burning hue, that first it had, till my kindred were known; I did my duty to the Emperor Don R●gel, my Lord, with whom it was that I had fought, and besought him that he would not refuse me the name of Father; protesting, that I would endeavour to render myself worthy of that grace: To what end should I particularise all that then passed amongst us? The Prince of Aethiopia, and myself, were received with so much kindness, as that I, in regard of the obligation of blood and nature, wherein I am tied to them, and he for the ●●●ity which he means to contract with them, are come out of Constantinople, with a purpose to beseech you, as humbly we do, that for our sakes you will raise the siege, as you came hither at our entreaties; in recompense whereof, time I hope will furnish us with occasions to serve you, and one day return you the favour which now you shall do us. This said, Prigmaleon, and he, stood up, expecting when one would speak for the rest: But perceiving them to be all silent, they modestly retired, and with them Bruz●nges, Florimond, Grandimore, and the unknown Knight; believing that their presence hindered them from taking some resolution in an affair of that consequence: They being come then out of the room, the other Princes were a great while in dispute; some advised that every man should repair to his home, remonstrating, that to persist any longer in that siege would be their manifest ruin, since they had lost those two Princes, who joining their forces with the Christians, they could hope for nothing but a total destruction of their Army: Howbeit, this opinion nothing approved of, the rest persuaded the prosecution of their enterprise; affirming, that now to give over after so much labour and charge, would prove the greatest baseness that might be; yet considering the importance of those two Armies, which might much offend them, in case they should turn to the enemy, they resolved to cut them in pieces the next night, and afterwards to do as occasion should invite them. This concluded upon, all those King's rose from Counsel, and one of them went to Prigmaleon & Fulgoran, to tell them, that the votes being equal, they had put off the resolution to the day following You m●y do therein as you think good, said they: But if you would well consider the event of things, and the means you have to oblige us by it, you would be carried more readily ●o it then you are; whereupon, going away, with Florimond, and the unknown Knight, who would needs accompany them to them to the City, they took leave of Bruzanges and Grandimore, and returned to the Greek Princes, who made it appear, that they cared not much whether the enemy continued still before their walls, or was on the sea returning homeward, since they had drawn from them the best part of their strength. Renewing then their feasting and sports, they passed away the day with all delight, till toward evening, when as word was brought, that there was a Knight at the gate, who desired to speak with Prigmaleon. Let him come in, said Florisel, it may be he comes to be merry with us, as being weary of lying so long in his tent, and seeing nothing but arms. Upon this command, the Knight was brought into the room, where kissing a paper which he had in his hand, he presented it to Prigmaleon, from the King of Zizinia; who having opened and read it, said to him, Knight, your master tells me, that, the business being of importance, he hath committed it only to your fidelity; let us know then, I pray you, what the matter is: More, I assure you, answered he, than you imagine; and by the care my Master takes of you, you may perceive how much he loves you. He was this day present at the Counsel, wherein it was concluded, to cut your troops and those of Canabea in pieces; but he not intending to be a traitor to you, nor able to endure such wickedness, hath advertised you of their design, to the end that with the assistance of your new friends, you may turn that hurt upon them, which they intent to you: He will favour your enterprise, nor shall his men draw a sword against you; and when the alarm is given, he will draw to the sea side and embark his soldiers: It rests now, that you make good use of the advertisement that he givees you, and carry the matter with such discretion, as it may not be known that your enemy's counsel is revealed by his means. Assure him, said Prigmaleon, much amazed at the soul design of those Pagan Kings, that I will die rather than prejudice him for the favour he doth me; he doth indeed oblige me as you see, but I will never be ingrateful, and hope one day to require him: in the mean time, I will prevent this mischief if I can, and believe it, the traitors shall have no great cause to brag of their villainy. Having then acquainted the Greek Princes with the business, he sent the unknown Knight to his quarter, to give private directions to his Commanders, and intelligence of the enemy's design; Florimond having received the like Commission for the Canabeans, with order to put on white shirts upon their arms, that they might know their own men in the dark. This Knight being returned to the Pagans Camp, Don Florisel of Niquea, desiring to let Prigmaleon know how much he esteemed his friendship, seeing the night reasonable dark, put thirty thousand horse out of the Northgate, and divided them into two squadrons, in one of which he commanded himself, with Prigmaleon, the two Cenaphales', Lucendus, Filadard, Esquilan, Gadard, Dorigel, Melfort, Abies, Armond, Leonidas, Florizart, & Dardanio: The other he left to the leading of Don Rogel, Spheramond, Melinda, Olidor, Ginoldan, Amanio, Sylvan, Anaxander, Floradin, Perion, Florian, Tristor, Quedragant, Agrian, and Florestan, having all of them white linen upon their arms, now with his squadron he advanced towards Prigmaleons' quarter, and Rogel with the other, toward Fulgorans: But thinking it fit to stay till the fight began, they made a stand about a mile off, tarrying for nothing but the noise to make them give in upon them. On the other side, the Pagan Kings did not slumber, for having made two battalias of their men, each of them of seventy two thousand horse, and fourteen thousand foot, they fell to march very quietly, and thinking to find the Aethiopians and Canabeans sleeping in their beds, they charged furiously upon them; but they were better entertained than they expected; for the unknown Knight, and Grandimore, on the one party, and Brazanges, with his son Florimond, Arfleura and Lar●ella on the other, who had kept their men in arms, and in good order to fight, gave them so rude a welcome, that they presently knew that they were out of their reckoning. The battle then growing sharp, and the noise every moment increasing, the Princes of Greece flew in among the enemies with such fury, as above ten thousand Pagans lost their lives at that first encounter; for thinking of nothing less than this surprise, they were extremely amazed to see their enemy on every side them: Florisel, Prigmaleon, Rogel, Spheramond, Fulgoran, the Cenophales', Russian, Lucendus, and the rest of these invincible Princes, like lightning shattered as many soldiers as they lighted upon, and grew so terrible, that within an hour the Pagans betook them to flight, where the slaughter grew so great, all being in disorder, that a little after Sunrising, the fields of Greece were strewed with the bodies of an hundred and eight thousand men fallen under the edge of the sword; the rest having luckily recovered their ships, to receive and shelter them from that tempest: The Christian Princes then retiring to the town, with much joy for so happy a victory, which had not cost them above fifteen thousand men, return to the City with great triumph.   

CHAP. XXXVII. The Baptism of Prigmaleon and Fulgoran, together with the enchanting of the most part of the Princes and Ladies of Greece.  
THE Court being full of rejoicing, and our Princes seeking daily new diversions to pass away the time, all their forces were dismissed, the Citizens of Constantinople took the liberty to go into the Country, to repair the ruins which the enemy had made in their lands about the City; and the Peasant's seeing no more soldiers a foraging, carried their cattle, as they were wont, into the fields to feed. Thus all things being at quiet and peace, Fulgoran, who was desirous that the content of his being known should not be imperfect, resolved to be washed in that Fountain of salvation by water whereof man was regenerated into grace, and no longer to think of his idols, who till then had misled him, but to begin to adore one true and Almighty God; which determination of his, infinitely pleased Don Rogel, and generally all the rest of the Princes, who desiring to celebrate that Sacrament with all kind of magnificence, gave order accordingly for the Ceremonies thereof. And now every thing being in a readiness, the streets and windows full of people, and the Patriarch of Constantinople attending their coming in the Church, Prigmaleon entreated the Princes of Greece to give him a little audience, and thus spoke on to them: Excellent Princes, I do not think you will imagine that any weakness or fear doth carry me to that I am about to do, seeing I am here entreated amongst you with so much kindness and honour, whereas I might in reason have expected a resenting of the wrongs that you have received from me; but that you will rather say, it proceeds from the providence of that God whom you adore, who desiring my salvation, hath made me with patience to hearken unto the reasons which you used to my companion, for to draw him out of the error wherein he hath lived so long; I have profited by them as he hath done, and am determined to receive the same character which you intent to confer on him this morning. And as we have been fellows together in many dangers: so will we be also in this action wherein the grace of heaven is to be communicated unto us.  
This is, said Florisel embracing him; this is, brave Prince, indeed so great a grace, that you may draw more glory from this holy motion, then fromall the brave exploits that your courage hath hitherto performed. God which hath raised you above such multitudes of people, and endowed you with all the rare perfections that are able to render a man of your quality worthy of all commendations, hath not left you in your blindness, but determining to make use of your service for the glory of his religion, the ruin whereof you have heretofore sought, hath knit this bond of friendship between you and my soone, that you might share with him in the happiness, which by his being known for what he is, was to befall him; wherewith we are infinitely contented: And as we had determined freely to employ ourselves for your service, merely out of the consideration of your virtue and greatness, we will now do it the more willingly, for that you shall become our brother in baptism, whereunto let us go then presently, and be pleased that I may conduct you to the Church, as your Godfather, and that the beautiful Empress of the Persians may be my partner. I will not spend time, answered he, in protractations of doing you service, because I will not delay so good a work. But I believe, sir, that Fulgoran and I shall not be the sole parties in it, Bruzanges, Arfle●ra, Florimond, Larmella, Grandimore, and the unknown Knight will also partake of it. All the better, said Florisel, God shall have so much the more glory; howsoever, let us proceed to this holy action: with that they went toward the Church, Prigmaleon between Florisel and the Empress of Persia; Fulgoran between the Prince of France, and the fair Queen Sidonia; Bruzanges led by Rogel and the beauteous Queen of France; Arfleura by Spheramond and the fair Savagesse; the unknown Knight by Sylvan and the fair Cilinda; Grandimore by Dorigel and the Empress of the Parthians; and Larmella by Filadard, and the beauteous Polixena, who went with some content to see Prigmaleon fie for her. For being exceeding lovely, valiant, and a very mighty Prince, she could not despise his affection; & in her heart counted it a glory to her beauty to be honoured with so great a triumph. The ceremonics ended, all the Princes returned to the Palace, where they were magnificently feasted. And intending to defer the exercise of Arms till some other day, they were speaking of going to dance, when as Alcander rising up with Vrganda, and addressing himself to Florisel, thus spoke: It is true, great Prince, that I let you see the desire I have to do somewhat for your good, and that you should know how the studies both of myself and these Ladies (pointing to Vrganda and young Cassandra) have not been fruitless: wherefore follow us, and if you love your lives, give us leave to dispose of you as we think fit. I have resolved, answered he with a cheerful countenance, never to swerve from your directions, being most assured, by the many testimonies you have given us of your love, that you desire our happiness; you may command then when you please, and I will be in a readiness, as soon as you have spoken. Stay then here, said Alcander, till I have given order for every thing: then taking Sid●nia by the hand, he placed her by her husband, made Don Rogel and the Empress of the Persians follow them; after them L●cend●●, and the fair Infanta Fortnna; Spheramond and the Princess Richarda his wife; Alastraxarea and Roz●lian●, the two Cenophales', Gadard and Filadard, and putting himself with Vrganda, in the head of them all, he marched to the fountain of lovers, made all those Princesses go with Vrganda, under one of the Arches, whilst himself with the Princes, were under the other; which done, he spoke before them all in this fashion: My Lords, you have lived many years, and the defects that use to accompany a life subject to crosses, would ere long bereave you of that heroical vigour which hath made you triumphant in so many enterprises, if out of my love I had not found out certain secrets able to restore you to the flower of your age, to preserve in you that admirable force you have, and to keep you from decaying with age, till threescore years be past; see here baths prepared for that purpose, go into them, I pray you, and come not out of them till the herbs, which were gathered in their due seasons, have perfected their operation on you; Vrganda is under the other Arch, with the Princesses that accompanied you hither, they shall enjoy the same prerogative with you, and that wise Lady shall render them the same beauty which they enjoyed when they were twenty years old, as I will restore you to the estate that you were in at your five and twentieth year of your age. At these words they stripped themselves without replying, and went into the baths, whilst all the young Princes that followed them, wondered to see the fountain and the place about it, covered with a thick mist: whereupon they looked one upon another without speaking a word, and would have gone into it, to know what was become of that troop, if Cassandra had not told them that all was done for the glory of the Grecian family, and that the time to require the freeing of those great personages, was not yet come. And whether it be so or no, read I pray you, in this writing. They then looking a little forward, saw a column of jasper, upon which hung a table of Brass, with these words engraven it it,  Death is threatened to all those that are so audacious as to approach thee cloud of secrets, Nor shall this cloud be dispelled, till the young Lion comes out of his den: then shall the hidden treasures be discovered, and the old creatures having changed their skins, shall behold the Sun again to the glory of their young ones. 
Now on my life, said Dorigel, addressing himself to Cassandra, if the faithful services you have done us, did not well secure me, I would either die presently, or my fortune should be the same with these Princes. But since it were a crime to be jealous of you, I will have patience, expecting the time wherein the heavens will restore us what we this day have lost. This loss, gently replied Cassandra, shall not hinder your pleasures, nor shall you so much as ressent it for the present, as you shall ere long find it the more comfortable to you: Wherefore let us return unto the palace, and continuing our former triumphs and feasting, make it appear, that if need be, we can master even Fortune herself. The freeness of these words, and the grace of her pronouncing them, having somewhat quieted those Knights, they returned unto the Palace determining not to stir from thence in ten day's space, and in the mean time to employ themselves in some virtuous exercises.   

CHAP. XXXVIII. Prigmaleon transported by the violence of his desires, discovers his affection to Polixena: Her answer.  
WHilst Russian meditates on means to see Agriclea, whose absence very much troubled him, & that Dorigel with the rest, sought to divert their cares by noble exercises, Prigmaleon entertaining himself with his private thoughts, and delighting only in solitary places, told the trees, that the occasion of his disquiet was an extreme apprehension, that Polixena, who held all his desires engaged, would refuse to accept of his affection, as being most unworthy of her merit; bestowing his thoughts then in this manner, and not daring to reveal his sufferings to the Princess, he expected till love should take pity of his grief, and that good fortune should send him some help: howbeit, better considering that confidence was to bring him content, and that where fear was there could be no hope, he resolved to open his heart upon the first occasion that should present itself, & to seek a remedy for his grief some more speedy way then by silence: Believing then that this was his best course, he began to frame a speech in his mind to that purpose; when as a confused sound of voices, talking together, put him out of his imaginations; whereupon, he rose up presently from under the trees, where he was laid, and looking round about he spied Polixena, with seven or eight young Ladies, that were going to take the air of the garden. O me! said he, How luckily doth this fall out? It seems that love doth favour my design, now is the time wherein my courage must appear; if Polixena rejects me, a resolute death shall free me from so many pains, which will be far more honourable for me then a languishing life. This ardour carrying him on, he came to his Mistress, thinking that he should have his tongue as free as his thought; but after a Good-even, he stuck fast, and leaving his eyes to discover his passion, he was not able to utter a word. Polixena, who took this timorousness for a sign of his love, seeing him in that case, took him by the hand, and said: My Lord, I believe we have surprised you, for the amaze you are in makes me imagine so much.  
Do not wonder, Madam, answered he, at seeing me disordered in this encountering you, the weakness of my sight is not able to endure the glittering of so many beauties as I behold. This excuse, said Polixena, is none of the best: for if I had the power that you speak of, I should indifferently trouble as many as look on me: but none complains of me save you, and your paleness declares that it is some secret malady which you will not have not known. It is true, replied he all trembling, that a secret grief doth consume me. But, Madam, I should have just reason to blame my want of courage, and to impute all my vexation to my cowardice, if I should not seek for a remedy when it is in my power to do it. I have suffered infinitely since I saw you, and the powerful charms of your eyes have left me nothing that is mine, but my desire to do you service. You may say, I am too bold, that a greater respect belongs to your greatness, and that I ought to have endured my suffering without declaring it. But alas! I do not speak but by the impulsion of a passion that forces me to it. Love hath untied my tongue, which you saw was dumb when you came hither: and that is it which now constrains me to beseech you, that you will be as sensible of pity as I am of affection. If I had not given you occasion to speak, coldly replied Polixena, I should be displeased with this your discourse. Maidens in these days, and especially those of my quality, do not take a liberty of engaging themselves without the consent of their fathers; neither willingly permit any to talk to them of love, for fear of being deceived, and infortunate by trusting the oaths of a lover of three days standing. If I receive a command to look on you with these conditions, you have merit enough in you of power to make me willing to obey it; otherwise do not expect any kinder language from me. In the mean time live with less disquiet, and out of this my answer extract reasons to procure your ease. Therewith she passed on, leaving him much perplexed; for he found both bitter and sweet equally mixed in her words, and durst not hope without fear. Nevertheless, being somewhat pleased that he had revealed his thoughts, he retired quietly to his chamber, and remembering that towns do ordinarily endure the first assault, that yet will afterwards yield to a persisting beleaguer, he took paper, and in it wrote these lines.  
Prigmaleons' Letter to Polixena.  
THink it not strange if I show more love than obedience: I am brought to that extremity that all considerations in the world must give way to the violence of my suffering. I write this because you have forbidden me to speak to you, and do crave the same pity of you which you would wish for if you were in the pain you have seen me; If you judge rightly of my passion, you will not be offended at this request. Honour doth guide it, nor do I desire any felicity, but according to the ordinance of heaven that may legitimate it: Let not your refusal then make me desperate, but permitting me from hence forward to call myself your Knight, give me leave to expect the return of those upon whom you so absolutely depend.  
This Letter, written and sealed, he committed to the fidelity of a Dwarf, who certainly had a greater spirit than a body, and that could so well choose his time, as the next morning he found Polixena in her chamber, unto whom kneeling down, he said: If it were fit for me, Madam, to relate to you what one of the most completest Princes of the earth doth suffer for you, I would recount to you his sighs, his griefs, his transports, and his disquiets, and letting you know the miserable estate whereinto despair hath reduced him, since you forbade him to complain to you, I should perhaps possess you with as much pity, as he hath love; but persuading myself that his passion hath found reasons enough to let you see it, I will content myself with presenting this paper to you from him: Be pleased, Madam, to view it with a gentle eye, and return him so favourable an answer as may cause him to live contented; you shall tie the world to you in no mean obligation, by preserving in it so brave a Knight; who, I assure you, desires nothing so much as the honour of doing you service. I will not, answered she, be so far an enemy to his content, as not to be willing to read what occasion he takes to complain of me: wherefore give me the paper; with that she took and opened it, and having well considered it, said to the Dwarf: My friend, the answer that I must return to thy master, consists of so few words, as I need not take a pen in hand to let him know my mind, only bid him hope, that time bring him content, and that fidelity alone can procure him that which with so much impatience he wishes? for. It is enough, answered the Dwarf, I will go tell him that he is happy, and that he is not to complain any more. So going out with a curtsy that made the Princess laugh, he went to Prigmaleon who expected his return with a panting heart, and returning him that answer, he rendered him so contented, that not remembering himself to be Emperor of Aethiopia, he embraced him three or four times, ever and anon enquiring of him, if he had observed any coldness in her actions, or rather love in her words. What, said the Dwarf, coldness? Believe it, you may be happy if you will, if you be not happy already, me thinks I see you in the midst of those delights which will bring you to a very paradise. For having seen that fair hand which touched mine when she took the letter from me, and imagining that her clothes concealed wonders, I was almost transported with her. And if the respect of your passions had not stayed me, I had assuredly besought her with some favour to quench that flame which already began to scorch my heart. But not intending to be a traitor, nor to seek my contentment with the loss of your quiet, I surmounted those unruly passions, and quickly withdrew myself for fear that the violence of my desires should make us commit some error. See, said Prigmaleon, laughing heartily at the grace wherewith this little thing vented his fooleries. See my Mussardin, assured proofs of thy fidelity, which I have also observed in other things. But be confident, that thou obligest not an ingrateful man, and that I will one day recompense the labour thou tookest in mastering thine own appetite for my sake. I know well, said the Dwarf, that my affection doth highly oblige you; howbeit withal, I extremely fear that you will not give me the reward for it that I desire. But I will upon the faith of a Knight, said Prigmaleon, so that I may do it without prejudice to my love, and that it be in my power. Nay, I will quickly ease you of that fear, said the Darfe, nor shall you find any friend more faithful to endeavour the bringing of your wishes to their desired part, than myself, if you will assist me: for as for Polixena, I will wholly quit her to you; but I would fain have a place in the good grace of Castibella, daughter to that peerless Diana, who once filled the world with such wonders of her beauty. It is a rising Sun, that promises great things in her course; and that to be brief, hath struck me dead in the eye. Persuade her to love me, and settling a good impression on her of my courage (for you know I would rather die then be wanting to my occasion of honour) tell her, that my alliance with her will be for her glory, and that she shall find herself most happy in my services. So will I never complain of my pains in furthering your satisfaction, and you shall see how faithfully I will serve you. This is, said Prigmaleon, almost burst with laughter, the happiest passage that may be, for now I shall not be jealous of thee; do thou but labour secretly to purchase the favour of Polixena for me, and I will do the like to thee to Castibella, who truly would accommodate thee excellent well if she were not a little too young. Make not that your excuse, said the Dwarf, true love never stands upon time, I will stay till years have better ripened her judgement, and in the mean space will find a thousand ways to make my intentions not unpleasing to her. This discourse finishing, with certain frisks that the Dwarf made to show his agility, Prigmaleon returned to his thoughts, where we will leave him to follow the course of our History.   

CHAP. XXXIX. A Damsel arrives at Constantinople with the head of the great Marand●r, slain by the Knight of the Savage.  
EVery one seeking diversions from their cares, the Court seemed not to ressent the absence of the Princes that were enchanted, because they hoped to see them delivered ere it were long. When as there came into the Hall a Damsel reasonably handsome, carrying in her hand the head of a Giant, who beholding the company a good while, with wonder to see Knights of so brave a presence, and Ladies of such beauty, enquired very modestly which was the Emperor of the Parthians. Gentlewoman, answered Russian, to whom she then spoke, he hath been absent from hence some few days, but if your affairs cannot permit you to attend his return, and that you stand in need of his aid, I will willingly supply his place, and with a free heart do you service. I am said she, much bound to your courtesy, but God be thanked, I have here in my hand an occasion of rejoicing, rather than of complaining; nor am I come hither to crave the help of any whatsoever, but to present to that Excellent Emperor the head of the greatest enemy he had, brought to this pass by the incomparable valour of a Knight, that bears a wild man in his shield, whom I may justly vaunt to be one of the valiantest men upon the earth, and the Phoenix of those that this day bear arms. This Knight, meeting with me in the confines of Macedon, could not pass by me, without enquiring after the cause of some tears which he saw me shed: I freely told him, that the villainy of a Giant, who had ravished me, did wring them from me, and that I was going to Constantinople to crave reparation of that wrong; knowing well that the Princes of Greece did never refuse their assistance to Ladies in distress, and that particularly I intended to address myself to the Emperor Spheramond, both for that he holds the reputation of surpassing all Knights of this age, and that the Giant had told me, how all the villainies which he then committed, were done by him, in some sort to revenge the death of another Giant, whom the Emperor had slain, when as a Knight errand he followed adventures abroad in the world. Without doubt, than answered this court●ous Knight, you could not make your revenge more certain, then by referring it to the hands of that brave Prince, who hath with all reason acquired those praises which the wo●ld doth give him. But if you be pleased to make use of me, I shall most willingly employ myself in your service; It is a long journey from hence to Constantinople, your enemy may find occasion to get him further off, you will take a great deal of pains in vain, and not be satisfied in your desire: On the other side, I do passionately long to demonstrate unto that valorous Prince, how I do love his virtue as much as other men do honour his birth, and that I will labour so long as I live to ruin his enemies. To what end should I trouble you with our discourse? This gentleness of his so wrought upon me, that after I had thoroughly considered him, and judged him fit for any great attempt, I carried him strait to the Giants Castle, where, to be short, he did wonders: For not satisfied with laying that foul mass of flesh on the earth, in a very dangerous combat, he defeated thirty or forty Knights, who were seldom out of that Robbers company; it was to me an unspeakable delight, to see some arms fly to the ground, some men cut asunder in the midst, others cloven to the girdle, the boldest of them stoutly scattered; and the gallantry of this Knight did so please me, that if I had not acquainted him with the misfortune that by the Giant had befallen me, I had endeavoured to make him love me; but fearing to be slighted, I passed from love to the resentment of his good will; vowing to serve him upon all occasions, and to that end entreated him to lay some command upon me. I would not have you, said he, give me so many thanks for a thing whereunto I was bound by the laws of Chivalry; but since you will needs oblige me, take the head of your enemy, and for a further satisfaction of your mind, carry it to Constantinople, present it to that warlike Prince, and render your grief the less, by publishing the revenge you have had for it. I shall with a good will, replied I, undertake that journey, but then Sir, will you be pleased to tell me who you are, to the end I may know to whom I am so infinitely indebted. See here, my name in my shield, said he, showing a Savage portrayed thereupon, for a more perfect knowledge of me, at this present, I may not give: Follow on your way, whilst I go some other where to seek occasion of employing my arms; with that, not thinking it convenient to be troublesome, I took the head of Marandor, (for so was the Giant named) and began my journey to this place, where I am arrived with grief, for that I find not the Emperor of the Parthians to give him an account of this brave Knight; but, if you please, I will leave it in your charge to do it, upon condition that I shall at any time be ready to deserve it of you in all possibly I may. Whereupon, she laid the head of Marandor on the floor, and making a very humble reverence, immediately departed, leaving all the Princes extremely desirous to know this so valiant and brave new Knight: Whilst they were all commending the valour of the Knight of the Savage, Russian, who still had Agriclea in his memory, could not be at rest, and would certainly have been gone, had it not been for the desire he had to see his father and his kinsfolks at liberty: but that respect prevailing with him, he passed the most part of his days unquietly enough; contrarily Prigmaleon, who interpreting Polixena's answer to his advantage, felt so many delights amidst his pain, that he blessed love every minute, being pleased with the change of his condition, as the cause of all his felicity. If he walked in the woods or gardens, it was not with any purpose to complain, but to entertain himself with the contemplation of his good fortune, and to grave the names of Polixena and himself on the barks of trees: his actions were altogether amorous. And if he suffered any thing at all, her sole impatience was the cause thereof; howbeit hoping that time would bring him remedy, he gently supported the violence of his desires.  
Pleasing himself then in this fashion, with the entertainmen of his own thoughts, and sometimes in the remembrance of his Lady, the time slipped so sweetly away, that they were insensibly come to the Eve of these Prince's enfranchisement, whereof I will relate you the wonder, when I have informed you of some occurrents that did precede it.   

CHAP. XL. A Damsel coming to Constantinople, carries away Prigmaleon to combat with Griolani●, surnamed the fa●e Knight: The success thereof.  
ALL these Princes being assembled together to consult of the order that was to be kept for the reception of these enchanted Princes; who, as Cassandra assured them, were to be freed within two days, they saw a strange Damsel come in; who, pausing upon the view of so many brave Knights, considered them a while without speaking a word. But observing that they all had their eyes fixed on her, and that they were silent, as it were, to give her leave to speak, she said: Now on my faith, I never saw so gallant, nor foe well shaped men in all my life; nor do I wonder that this Court is so extolled through the world. But I would gladly know which is the most amorous amongst you. There is not any here, said Prigmaleon, to whom the Damsel seemed especially to address herself, that would not appear to be a lover, and that in regard thereof would not willingly draw his sword against his companion, if it were to be justified by Arms. But unable to tell assuredly how far another man's suffering extends, I may confidently affirm, that I am he, who perhaps endureth most, that loves with most passion, as he that hath devoted himself to one, who kindles no ordinary ●●ames, and that to save a thousand lives, would not let any thing pass to the prejudice of my Lady, the most beautiful that treads upon the earth. Follow me then, answered the Damsel, to do her service. For yesterday passing by a cross way, some three leagues from hence, I saw two pavilions set up, a number of shields hanging upon the next trees, and lances enough to maintain a passage for three month's space, which made me draw nearer to hear what all this preparation intended; and seeing a Squire issue forth of one of the pavilions, I made a sign to him that he should come and speak with me, which in a very civil fashion he did, and told me, that his Mistress, whom he would by no means name, though I divers times entreated him unto it, being passionately in love with one that was called the fair Knight, had engaged him to maintain a Just in her favour; to which end she was come near unto Constantinople, in hope that the Greek Princes hearing of it, would come to a trial with her Knight, whom she held to be the most valorous in the world, as without question he is the most lovely of all that this day lives: whereby this warrior should gain immortal praise, and that she should have a sh●re in the glory which he acquired by his valour, as being the principal cause thereof. These words begetting a desire in me to see this Knight, I freely went into his tent, where seeing him with his head unarmed, I indeed observed in him so pleasing an eye, a beauty so lovely, and so goodly a presence, as I may with truth aver, that I had never beheld any thing more amiable. But that which exceedingly vexed me, was, to see, that the Lady, in whose favour he had taken up arms, had not any one of those perfections. Her face was pale and lean, no charms were in her eyes, no grace in her actions: her stature was defective, her smiles unbecoming, and her voice harsh and unpleasant. In brief, observing all this in her, I could not forbear laughing, and withal told that gallant Knight, how his valour was ill employed, how he should never gain much glory by his labour, having undertaken it upon an occasion that could not deserve it, and that being sensible of the injury which he did to all the fair ones that passed by, rendering them subject to acknowledge the pre-eminence of a creature so little advantaged by nature, I would go to the Court of Greece, to require reason for this injustice. And indeed I am now here for no other cause, but only to carry you with me to revenge the wrong of those that have merits in them, and particularly of the fair one whom you adore with so much respect and love. I was never more willing to put on Arms, said Prigmaleon, then now, that my Lady's beauty is in question. Let us go then, Gentlewoman, and we shall know ere it be long, if this Knight be as valiant and strong as you think him lovely. Whereupon having called for a horse, he mounted on him, departed with the Damsel, and traveled till night, which constrained him to rest under certain trees, and to sup with the provision which his squire had brought.  
When it grew dark, the damsel whom the good grace and conversation of the Knight had made very much in love with him, seeing him withdraw apart from her to sleep, and not approving that reservedness which in her heart she called simplicity, she followed him, and lying down by him said: In faith, I must complain of your neglect of me, and not forbear telling you that you want judgement in not making use of time, occasion, and of the good will of a w●nch, that loves you with passion; what sense were it to pass the night in languishing, when we may make it full of content? Entertain the good fortune that presents itself to you, and do not foolishly imagine as the most part of our Greek Princes do (who are more gloriously proud of their loialty in love, then of all the great things which they have done in arms) that to afford any part of your affection to more than one, is in any kind of fault. It is an error, at which those of little judgement do stumble, and which the more discreet do laugh at. I will mingle so much sweetness with my kisses, and such dalliance with my caresses, as you sh●ll with reason think yourself happy in so favourable an encounter. Suffer then our lips to meet, receive my embraces, and do not disdain a love because it is freely proffered you. Do not believe, answered Prigmaleon, extremely amazed to see himself thus assaulted; Do not I say, believe, if I answer not your desire, that it is out of the consideration of the liberty which you take in discovering your passions: I know how weak men are when love hath resolved to master them, and that it is not in their power to govern their passions, if once they have submitted them to the tyranny of so great a power; and yet less than that would I have you believe, that I intend to follow any man for a pattern of my actions, for they shall ever depend only upon my own humour: but to tell you freely what is in my heart, I cannot make use of your good will, because I do infinitely love a Lady, that permits me not so to dispose of my will, as you, without doubt, neither could now love the first that should present himself to you. Let this reason serve for my excuse, and do not, I pray you, call me ingrateful. The service that I will do you with my arms, shall make amends for this default; in the mean time if you have a mind to tarry here, I will remove further, that I may not trouble your repose. Thus it is, said she in choler, that poor spirits use to excuse themselves. Sleep, since you care more for a nap, than you do for my life. The Gods who are always just, will one time or other revenge your despising of me, and make you thoroughly feel the pain that I suffer by your ingratitude. Saying so, she withdrew under another tree with extreme discontent, leaving Prigmaleon in no less disquiet of mind: for remembering his Polixena, from whom he durst not assure himself a better entertainment than now he had given that amorous damsel, he never could shut his eyes; and in that trouble he continued, till the sun being risen made him get to horse, where entering into a forest, that befell him, which shall be delivered to you in the next Chapter.   

CHAP. XLI. Prigmaleon meets with Melina; she gives him an account of Griolanis his fortunes, with the issue of the combat between him and the Knight of the Savage.  
PRigmaleon travelling in the forest, under the shadow of the trees, entertained himself with his ordinary fancies, and thought of nothing less than the damsel, which still followed him, though it were with much discontent; and ashamed for having been so refused, when as on the sudden he heard the voice of a person, who seemed to be much afflicted. Those laments coming to his ear, put him out of his musing, and made him presently go to a bush, from whence the noise did come; where at the foot of it he saw a Lady, that holding a poniard in her hand, spoke these words: Melina it is time for thee to die, since thy Knight is lost; for thy days would be but anguish, and every thought of him an insupportable torture, when thou shalt remember that thou wert the cause of his death, by putting him upon a business, which could no way conduce to thy content. It had been much better done to have kept him still in thy house, amidst a thousand pleasures, then to carry him abroad to the hazard of his life. But since this mischief is not to be remedied, thy desire to accompany him, must be without fear; neither must thou shrink from death to follow him. Lifting up then her hands, she was ready to strike the dagger into her bosom, if Prigmaleon, who perceived her intent, and therefore was lighted from his horse, had not suddenly laid hold of her; and remonstrated that despair was a greater offence, then that for which she so much sorrowed. Stay Madam, said he, stay your hand, I beseech you, and do not in this sort run headlong to perdition. The shortest follies are the best; and when you have well considered that the shedding of your blood, will not restore him to life, whose death you lament, you will, without doubt preserve it; and believe that it were better to appease his ghost with some other kind of duty, then to incense the Gods with a new murder. Alas! answered she, looking upon him, if you knew the occasion I have to desire to die, you would not now divert me from this design. I do not doubt, said he, but the cause of your grief is very important, but yet I say that it ought not to transport you from your reason; and if you could give yourself some relaxation in imparting it to me, you should do much for my satisfaction, and perhaps not a little for the ease of your mind. I am content to do it, answered she, letting the poniard go, but it shall be upon condition, that you shall leave me at liberty to do what I please, if you find the occasions that I have to be just. Prigmaleon having promised her not to cross her will, provided he might do it with reason, she sat down upon the grass, and thus began her discourse. Walking one evening in a wood near the house, in which I am ordinarily resident, I met a Knight, who being strayed out of his way, did so courteously entreat me to grant him lodging for that night, as beside the law of charity, which doth bind us not to refuse our help to those that do need it: I felt myself also forced by the fair language, and by the grace that he used in his request, to give him my hand, and to lead him to my house, assuring him that there he should receive the best entertainmen●●hat I could possibly give him. As soon as we were come there, and that by the light of the torches I had seen his face, I found him so lovely, and all h●● actions so pleased me, that not to dissemble, I could not keep myself from falling in love with him. I than made him to be served at the Table, and sometimes serving him myself with the strength of my affection, I so obliged him to my courtesy, that assuredly he did bear me some good will, which infinitely rejoiced me; but fearing to lose him, as soon as I had gotten him, my contentment was thereby much weakened: To remedy that doubt, I resolved to arrest him with my caresses, I mean, to give myself wholly to him without any reservation at all. Taking him then by the hand, after he had supped, I went and fate down with him upon the bed's feet, besought him to tell me his name, his quality, and passing from those ordinary terms to those of love, I made an ostentation, not of my bounty, for of that his eyes could be judge, but of my birth and quality, eminent enough for the ambition of any Knight, that were not a Prince; the conveniencies that I was Mistress of, my estate, my humour not unpleasing: and briefly, all that came in my head, and which I believed might serve to make him to affect me; but fearing all these charms would not be able to stay him, I entreated him to grant me one favour, which I intended to desire of him.  
The entertainment, said he, which I have here received from you, doth not permit me to be ingrateful in refusing you; Madam, you shall have of me all that you please to command. As for the first point of your desire, I will tell you freely, that I am called Griolanis, born in Macedon, of parents unto whom fortune truly hath done wrong in not conferring sceptres on them for a recompense of their virtue; I travel thorough the world to purchase glory, and raise my ambition beyond the limits of my birth, and should reckon myself most happy, if I might deserve the greatness of your fortune in possessing of you; but not thinking it fit to aim so high, before my valour hath made me worthy of so great a favour, I will put off the further treating thereof till some other time, and in the mean while beseech you to let me freely know what you desire of me. To have you maintain a justs in favour of me, answered I, exceedingly satisfied with his discourse, which confirmed my hope, not in this Castle, but near Constantinople, that the glory of my beauty may flee about, together with the praise which you will acquire by your noble deeds. Your request, said he, is so much to my advantage, as I will not fear to entreat you that we may be gone about it in the morning. This answer having quieted my mind, I brought him to his chamber, where I left him to take his rest, and having given order for some affairs of mine, after Sunrising I departed with him, and came to a cross way not far from hence, where this fair Knight, for three week's space, acted wonders, and won such glory, that round about there was no talk save of him; but the Destinies, envying my content, brought a Knight to us yesterday, that bore a Savage in his shield, who defied my lover upon the injustice of his enterprise. Griolanis always accustomed to be conqueror, judging by the aspect of his adversary, that he was like to be very valiant, to●k the strongest lance that he had, and set himself over against this his able enemy, who seeing him dislodge, set spurs to his horse, & encountered him with such fury, as he laid him on the ground; but Griolanis his blows, being not easily born, he of the Savage also lost his saddle, and all amazed lay in the dust. Choler then having quickly raised these two brave warriors, they prepresently drew their swords, and so stoutly charged one another, that all the wood resounded with it; I saw their heads continually covered with fire, pieces of their armour fell to the ground; if one struck with force, the other with dexterity rebated it; blows followed thrusts, their shields were so hewed, that but a little of them was left upon their arms, their helmets were all battered, their cuirasses pierced, and the grass was stained with their blood; as often as the Knight of the Savage advanced his sword, I grew pale, and lifting mine eyes to heaven implored the aid of the Gods for my Knight; I was many times rising to part them, and instantly fell down again with fear and weakness; briefly, I beheld this combat more dead than alive. Six hours now being spent between them in this fashion, and yet no advantage to be discerned on either side, both quitted their swords, and taking one another about the middle, they fell to wrestling together with extreme fury; sometimes one was above, sometimes another; so that having toiled thus a while with incredible despite to see their victory no more advanced, they by a mutual consent arose, and taking their swords again, renewed the combat in a crueler and more fearful manner then before: Griolanis did his part to the height, and well declared that he was one of the prime Knights in the world: but the Savage was nothing behind him. So that having continued the fight in this sort, three or four hours longer, they advanced both their swords, and at one and the same instant discharged them with such violence on each other, as Griolanis not able to support the weight of the blow, fell to the ground quite deprived of sense, just as his enemy staggering did the like. The fall of these two Knights so amazed me, as I was not able to go presently to Griolanis▪ but love prevailing over fear, I at last arose, and being about to unlace his helmet, I saw two women come riding in a Caroche, who taking them both up, put them into it, and then immediately going in themselves, without speaking a word to me, went their ways with such speed, as that, and the astonishment wherein I was, made me that I could not observe what way they took. But having within a while recovered my spirits, I made a horse be brought me, and getting up, I put myself into the wood, and sought them all the night, without hearing any news of them. From hence proceeds my resolution to die: for since Griolanis lives not, what should I do in the world? So holding her peace, she went to seeking of her poniard; but Prigmaleon fell again to comfort her, and so powerfully prevailed with her, as in the end she promised him to do no violence upon herself: whereupon bidding the Damsel that followed him farewell, since the occasion of his journey was removed, he returned to Constantinople, where we will give him leisure to relate what he had learned from the Gentlewoman, to speak of these two incomparable warriors.   

CHAP. XLII. What became of Griolanis and him of the wild man after their combat.  
THE combat between these two valiant Knights being ended, as I have told you, Alcander, in whose power they were, and that desired their preservation, as much importing the good of Christendom, placed them separately in a palace, which (by the power of his charms) he made appear in a large plain; and having rubbed them with an excellent Balsamum, he let them sleep all the night; at the end whereof, and about the time when the Sun began to gild the earth, Grian awaking, was strangely amazed to see himself laid in a very rich bed, and not to feel any pain of his wounds, received in the combat the day before, which he had not forgotten. O me! said he, casting his eye on every side, and perceiving nothing but gold and azure, parting a number of excellent pictures that filled the room where he was. What do I see? Where am I, or who could bring me into a place of such delicacy? I remember very well, that I fought with one of the valiantest Knights of the world, and that his sword had pierced my flesh in a number of places, yet now I feel not a wound, nor can I imagine how we were pa●ted, nor who could bring me hither: Certainly this is very marvellous! But I may quickly free myself of all doubt: This stately Palace, is not without inhabitants, and I shall surely find some body in it, that will inform me how things have passed: Leaping then out of his bed, he took certain clothes that lay upon a table, and having put them on, he went down into a dainty garden, where all the excellent flowers of the earth were set in a most strange and artificial order; he beheld with admiration a multitude of trees, loaden with all manner of fruit, heard with pleasure the music of a million of birds, who seemed to strive for to render that place most delectable; and viewed with wonder, a many of fountains, which made a fair lake, wherein a world of swans did sport themselves: but that which he thought the greatest wonder, was that, among all these rarities, he found not any one person of whom he might be satisfied in what he desirend: In the end, having visited all the allies, he saw come forth from the other side of the house a Gentleman, so handsome; of so sweet a countenance, and of so brave a presence, as he believed that nature was not able to frame such another piece; his carriage exceedingly pleasing him, he went to salute him, and not knowing him for that incomparable warrior, that had made him so sweat in his armour the day before, he said to him: Sir, you shall much oblige me if you will be pleased to tell me where I am, and who is the Master of this place. Verily, answered the fair Knight, I am in the same trouble that you are, and being here without knowing how I came hither, was seeking some body that might satisfy me in what you inquire after. As far as I perceive, said Grien, our case is much one, and since a like fortune hath made us (not expecting it) to encounter thus, a like means, it may be, will make us find the cause of it: Yet me thinks I see a man under those trees; let us, I pray you, go to him, he may perhaps satisfy our desire: The Knight then, who was no other than Griolanis, looking behind him, spied an old man coming towards them, of a tall stature, in whose face appeared a Majesty not common with other men, who when heapproached to them, said: Sir Knights, your meeting doth yield me matchless contentment, for seeing you so kind friends after so great an animosity, I may with reason esteem myself happy, that I have entertained you in my house. For my part, said Griolanis, who by those words knew that this Knight whom he beheld, was the redoubted Knight of the Savage, that had so late made him despair of his life, I can bear no ill will to this brave warrior, out of the consideration of our late combat; but if he please to love me, I shall gladly do him all service. Love you, said Grian, yes without question I will love you, for it were a crime to hate your virtue; believe it then that I am wholly yours: Whereupon, they embraced one another with as much affection as could be desired, which so contented Alcander, that carrying them into a Cabinet, after he had royally feasted them, with abundance of delicate meats, he thus spoke to them: Brave warriors, be not amazed at what you have lately seen; the heavens, that would have you preserved for their glory, made me yesterday seek to save you in a time when you had little reason to hope for it; your choler brought you even to death's door, my care hath returned you back from it, seek not any occasion of difference hereafter; but rather employ those mighty abilities which God hath endowed you with, to the ruin of those that would overthrow his religion, he will reward your zeal, and you shall see a happy end of all your enterprises. At these words he vanished out of their fight, those stately buildings were now no more to be seen, those delicious gardens changed their form, the Knights found themselves mounted upon their horses, and armed at all pieces, exceedingly astonished at that which had befallen them: But not forgetting the counsel that had been given them, they again protested to love one another eternally; and taking the first way that came to hand, they went directly to Constantinople, as you shall see in the Chapter ensuing.   

CHAP. XLIII. The Princes of Greece are disinchanted: Rozalmond of Greece departs with Alcander: the brave deeds of Arms at the Tourney that was made upon the Knighting of the young Princes.  
TEN days being insensibly passed away since the enchantment of the Princes and Ladies of Greece, Cassandra, who knew the time fit for their deliverance, called together all the rest that were not there enclosed, took Rozalmond of Greece in one hand, and the fair Polixena by the other, and leading them very near the Arches, made them cast certain vials upon them, full of a marvellous water; which donethey heard a multitude of sweet voices, that ravished the ears of all that were present: whilst all the Court expected the issue of so many wonders, whilst the cloud was dispersing, and that they began to behold that admirable fountain, Rozalmond, by the advice of Cassandra, laid hold of a rich sword, which was found planted between the Arches, and having easily pulled it out, with the pommel of it struck such a blow upon the enchanted coffer, as he broke it in a thousand pieces; which were no sooner on the ground, but he was seen covered with the richest Armour, and of the strongest fashion that was ever seen: It was made of the bones of a fish that is found in the Atlantike sea, white as snow, and harder than a Diamond: the joints thereof were overlaid with precious stones of a strange workmanship; and that which most showed itself, was the gold, curiously inlaid, and parting a thousand delicate figures. This being done in view of all that were in the great Court of the Palace, every one with impatience attended what would be the end of this adventure; when as they saw four fearful Dragons appear in the air, that drawing after them a great Chariot, went and took their stand before the Arches, with such an affrighting of the people, that every one for his ●afety was about to run away, had they not beheld the venerable Alcander on the one side, coming out in the head of all those Princes; and on the other side Vrganda, a little before those excellent Queen's. That object assured all the world, but a new occasion of astonishment and displeasure, troubled them anew: Alcander, Vrganda, the young Cassandra and Rozalmond, entered into the chair, and in few words bidding all those Prince's farewell, were carried into the clouds, with such speed, as no man could make them any answer. Sosudden a departure would certainly have very much discontented all the Court, if that young Prince had been in the power of anyother. But every one being assured that those Sages had not carried him away in that sort, but for his honour, they showed but little grief for his absence, especially Florisel & the rest of those Princes, who seeing themselves without wrinkles, and with the same beauty and abilities which they had when they were five and twenty years old, did view themselves with wonder, & could not tell how to comprehend such prodigious things. All men cast their eyes upon the fair Queen of France, who having the same charms about her, that she had when she was called the Basilisk of mankind, struck every eye with infinite amazement: they also admired the renewed beauty of the excellent Queen of Guindaya, of the matchless Alastraxarea, which had for so long a time kept the Prince of Colchos her idolatrizer, of the fair Empress of Persia, the peerless Empress of the Parthians, and the Infanta Rozaliana her sister: and in brief, of them all, who had as well as they experienced how far the power of Alcander▪ extended. Dorigel and the rest were no less transported with beholding so great a change in those Princes: they did nothing but caresse them every minute, they redoubled their kisses and embraces; and not knowing how to put an end to their compliments, spoke the same thing a thousand times over. All being thus set upon pleasure, the young Princes who as yet were not knighted, desiring to demonstrate that they were no less joyful than the rest, presented themselves upon their knees together, all armed in white armour, before Florisel of Niquea, and by Persides, whom they had made their spokesman, thus delivered their request. Excellent Prince, it is time that we should appear in the world as you have done, and by a trial in sport, give an essay of our Arms, and testify how much we rejoice to see you in that estate you are in. Be pleased to make us Knights, we are in case to receive that sacred Order, and determined to fight so well, that you shall not grieve to acknowledge we are descended of your race. My good children, (said Florisel, who was highly pleased to see them in that sort) this generous disposition doth so content us, as notwithstanding your youth▪ I will not delay the giving you satisfaction. Swear then all of you, with one accord, that you will not at any time fail to succour the weak, such as are oppressed, but principally women. When they had all promised rather to die then be wanting to the duty of a good Knight, he gave them his benediction, knighted them, and left it to their choice to receive the sword from the hand of any of the Princesses they best liked. That done, he turned himself afresh, to make much of his friends, who seemed to be transported beyond all joy. These new Knights rising from their knees, with incredible satisfaction, for that they had met with so little difficulty in their design, went to take a slight repast with the Emperors; and having fitted themselves with all that was necessary, entered the list, where Prigmaleon being chosen for the Captain of two hundred Greek Knights▪ in the head of whom were Russian, Fulgoran, Esquilan, Florizart, Abies, Frizel, Leonidas, Armond and Melfort; and Persides with the like number of French and Persians, assisted by his brother Floridan, Rozanel d'Astre, Lucibel, Sestilian, Perion, Florian, Tristor, Quedragant, Dardanio and the gentle Florestan of Sardinia. Upon the third sound of the trumpet they began the bravest course in the world, Persides, Floridan, Rozanel and the young Prince of France, broke very gallantly upon the Emperor of Aethiopia, Fulgoran, Russian of Media, & the stout Polonian. And passing forwards without once bending in the faddle, for all the encounter of four such famous warriors, they bravely set hand to their swords, wherewith they began to clear the ranks, in such sort, as already men forejudged that with time they would prove equal with the prime Knights of the world: Every blow that they gave, laid a man upon the ground, and nothing could have stood before them, if the same four with whom they ran their courses, had not opposed themselves, and arrested their fury. The brave bastard of Media having Persides in hand, charged him with very much force and grace; but his enemy behaved himself so well, as he was esteemed no less valiant than himself. Prigmaleon, being opposed to Rozanel, confessed, that he had never seen a man more active, or more able. And the valiant Princes of Canabea, & Poland, had enough to do to ward the blows which Lucibel and Floridan laid incessantly upon them.  
The honour of the victory being generally disputed by these young Lords, everyone was highly delighted with their behaviour, and more than all the rest, the Princes of Greece, who observing them with wonder, and infinitely admiring such ability in tender years, did heartily wish that the honour of the tourney might be theirs, which undoubtedly had befallen them, notwithstanding all that Melfort and the rest could do, who by little and little yielded to the blows of Sestilian, which that day gave great proof of an admirable valour, when as they saw two Knights enter the field in watchet arms, so gentile, and so gallantly seated in their saddles, that all men had a good opinion of them; their graceful carriage drawing the most part of the assistants to observe them, it was quickly known, by a Savage appearing in a shield of one of them, that they were the famous Grian, and the fair Knight, of whom such miracles had been reported. These two warriors seeing that every body observed them with expectation of what they would do, couched their lances, and taking part with the weaker side, at the first course laid Perion of Turkey, and Florestan in the dust; and drawing forth their swords, in a moment overthrew Florian, Trist●r, and Dardanio, which so encouraged the side that saw themselves so well assisted, as they had made their enemies to give ground, if Persides and Rozanel, enraged at it, had not astonished Russian and Prigmaleon with each of them a blow; these two young warriors, seeing the disorder which these new comers caused in their troops, charged them with strange fury; but the two invincible Knights received them so bravely, as every one began to behold them with admiration: Persides, who remembered the glory that his father had gained in the hardest enterprises, charged him with such mighty blows, as a man of less abilities could never have sustained them: But Grian, whom he had to deal with, that was not to be moved with a little, held him so short, as he made him despair of the victory. On the other side, Rozanel and Griolanis entreated one another with a like fury; their swords were perpetually in motion, their shields fell in pieces, and a thousand flames flew continually about their heads: If fear of being overcome rendered the Greek Princes strong and hardy, the desire which the others had of acquiring glory in the presence of the most gallant warriors of the world, did so inflame their courages, as their blows seemed lightning which falls from heaven upon the highest tow●●. At length the combat having lasted above an hour, Grian madded that he met with so strong resistance, delivered so weighty a blow upon Don Persides his helmet, that he made his head touch the crupper of his horse; then flying into the midst of the troops, he met with the valiant Esquilan, upon whose shield he discharged so ●uriously, as he laid him in the dust; and not satisfied therewith, he ran in among the rest, intending to have used them in the like sort, but that he met with Griolanis, who having overthrown his adversary, deprived Florizart and Leo●id●● of sense, went out of the field with him upon hearing of the trumpet, which sounded a retreat: Spurring then together out of the lists, they took the way to the forest, leaving a wonderful admiration in the Greek Princes of their valour, and mighty displeasure in the mind of those young Princes, who had been so roughly handled by them. Four of which, that is to say, Lucibel, Persides, Prigmaleon, and Russian, presently followed them, with a resolution to die, or revenge the disgrace they had received.   
The end of the first Part.   

THE LOVE AND ARMS OF THE GREEK PRINCES.  
OR, THE ROMANT OF ROMANTS.  
Written in French by Monsieur Verdere, And Translated for the Right Honourable, Philip, Earl of Pembroke and Montgomery, Lord Chamberlain to his Majesty.  
Tome II.  
HONI SOIT QVI MAL Y PENSE   printer's or publisher's device 
LONDON, Printed by Thomas Harper, for Thomas Walkley, and are to be sold at his Shop at the sign of the flying Horse, near York House, 1640▪   


CHAP. I. Rozalmond of Greece being carried by Alcanders' Griffons, arrives in the Empire of Gardacia, receives the order of Knighthood from the Emperor, and is entertained by the beautiful Armazia, for her Knight.  
ROzalmond of Greece being carried by Alcanders' Griffons (as I have delivered in the last Chapter of our first Part) divided the air with an incredible content to behold the disposing of the earth and the seas, together with the order which nature observed in their situation; If the waters seemed pleasing unto him in their calm, and under the shadow of a multitude of sails which the winds drove sundry ways; the earth separated by mountains covered with trees, by valleys which amiable streams peopled with flowers, and by plains delectable in the division of towns and fruits wherewithal they were charged, gave him no less delight, and left him in a deep astonishment to view over all the marvellous effects of the powerful hand of God. Two days being sweetly spent in this manner, Alcander (who disposed of his leisure according to the event of things which he fore saw by an admirable knowledge) caused his Griffons to stay in the unknown Island of the sage Vrganda, and alighting with her and leaving Rozalmond in the Chariot, accompanied with the fair Cassandra, he said unto him: Excellent Prince, it is time to give a beginning to the wonders which your valour is to bring into the world, your labours shall be great, but as great shall be your reward, and the glory you shall reap by them will make them so acceptable unto you that in stead of being daunted with the pains you will every day seek new occasions to employ yourself and render your name more famous. I will not speak here of the care you are to have of the service of God, knowing full well that your good education hath not been without that instruction, and less will I recommend those parts unto your memory which a good Knight ought to be endued withal, the greatness of your birth having naturally given you a powerful impression of virtue; but I earnestly beseech you not to abandon the counsel which this damsel your follower shall give you, until such time as your destiny shall call you to the place where her presence can no longer serve you: Her parents have always watched for the safety of your predecessors, she shall continue the same care, and her succour shall be no less importing your enterprises, then that of her mothers was to the designs of Amadis the Great. At these words the Griffons extending forth their wings, rose up so suddenly, that Rozalmond had not time to render the thanks which he thought was due to the affection of this man: wherewithal undoubtedly he had been much discontented if Cassandra had not advertised him that so sudden a departure was not without some secret mystery. Comforting himself then with his entertainment, three days passed away with the same delight as before, at the end whereof he saw the Griffons, which drew him gently to stay their flight, and alight down near to a city, the stateliest and most delectable that ever he had beheld; it being composed of beautiful buildings, framed after another fashion then at Constantinople, or in the Empire of the Parthians, where he had been brought up. This novelty pleasing him, his eyes were diversely carried according to the variety of the objects, which ravished him in such sort, that he never thought of alighting out of his chariot; but Cassandra taking him by the hand to divert him from so profound a thought, said unto him; It is no time, brave Prince, it is no time to wonder at such petty matters, by and by you will see far greater marvels: only let us enter into the city, and be mindful to reserve so much power over yourself, that you fail in nothing when you come before an Emperor that is to make you Knight, and are to appear before the fairest Princess of the world, who will this day triumph as much over you, as you in time to come shall triumph over the greatest Knights of the earth. I should fear the encounter of these persons (answered he) if I did not march under your conduct; but Madam, what appearance is there that I can fail in your presence, or that my passion should transport me so far as to forget my duty? I know how to carry myself towards persons of the quality of this Emperor, and how a Princess of her merit, whom you so highly commend, is to be admired; so that if I must learn to love, time and my fidelity shall one day make me expert: in the mean season, I will never be troubled to see her sigh for another, and reject my services; for if her heart be other ways engaged, you have charms of power to alter her mind, and to subject her unto me in despite of her ablest resistance. Your merits can do more (said Cassandra) than my Art: But not to lose time, give me your sword and helmet, and let us go on. Then advancing towards the city, they went unto the Palace, before which they found four hundred Knights all armed, and mounted in such sort, as if they had been ready to charge some enemy. This encounter amazed them, and they could willingly have stayed to demand what occasion had assembled them in that manner; but fearing to offend by this curiosity, they passed on, and mounting up the stairs, came into the hall, where the first object they met withal, was an old man, high seated in a throne of gold, wearing an Imperial diadem on his head, having by his side a wife of his own age, and a little below a daughter so fair, that nature seemed to have employed all the power she had left for to make her accomplished. Rozalmond who had propounded a world of assurance in his actions unto himself, beholding a beauty so rare and excellent, made a stand in the midst of the hall, as if he would have taken time to admire her; but instantly remembering Cassandra's advice, he continued his pace with a sweet modesty; and seeing himself at the foot of the throne, he kneeled down, where with an admirable grace craving the Emperor's hand to kiss, he besought him not to refuse him one boon he would demand of him. You shall have it (said the Emperor, rising out of his seat for to embrace him, with astonishment at his so extraordinary feature) and I will never refuse a gentleman of so goodly a presence as yours, albeit my sceptre and my crown were at stake for it. I am not here to ask riches of you (said Rozalmond) Fortune doth give them to us when we have deserved them, and a man ought to be contented when he is virtuous, but I am now at your Majesty's feet to obtain the power to employ these arms upon my back; first, for the service of God, and then for the succour of those which shall be any ways afflicted: In a word, Sir, I desire you, if you please to make me Knight, to the end I may in some sort imitate my Ancestors, who by their worthy acts have acquired immortal glory in the world. Your demand seems so just (answered the Emperor) that I should hold it a very great error to deny you; but it grives me not a little, noble Sir, that I cannot give you so sacred an order with those ceremonies I desire, for having so just an occasion to be afflicted, by reason of the importunity of an accident, that now lies heavy upon me, I cannot any way show that joy which otherwise I would. The silence I every where observe (said Rozalmond) & that array wherein I beheld some of your people, made me think that you had some great affair in hand, but I could not imagine, Sir, that your Majesty being so puissant in friends, in means, in men, could fear any disaster whatsoever: howbeit, now I learn that the highest are most subject to mishap, and your affliction makes me say, that the condition of men is miserable, seeing it depends only upon fortune: the most violent diseases find their remedies, so shall your grief ere it be long, and time shall restore you to your former peace. The Gods (said the Emperor, shedding some tears) shall if it be their pleasures authorise your words and my wishes, and take pity of my suffering, whilst I comfort myself in that hope. And that you may not complain of me, I will make you Knight yet before dinner, since you desire it so much. Then taking him by the hand, he led him to the Temple, where his Gods were worshipped, and giving him the Oath, he made him Knight after his fashion. All the while the Ceremonies were in doing, Rozalmond had his eyes firmly fixed on this beauteous Princess, whom his soul already adored; and perceiving her looks in like manner to be fastened on him, as amazed at the goodliness of his person, he kneeled down before her, and said; Madam, there is but one thing now wanting to make me completely happy, namely, that I may receive the sword from you, who are, in my judgement, the fairest Lady in the world, as I have received the Order from the greatest Emperor of the earth; this favour will so encourage me in the midst of dangers, that I shall draw glory out of the most difficile enterprises. Would to the Gods (said she, amorously sighing) that this were able to add any thing to your valour; be assured then, Sir Knight, that your good fortune should begin with mine own preservation, and that I would give you forces sufficient to draw us out of the perplexity wherein we are now so miserably plunged; but knowing mine own weakness, and the little power I have in the world, I can hope for nothing that way: nevertheless, not to be so far ingrateful, as to refuse you any thing which may become me to grant you, I will willingly gird you with the sword, & withal humbly beseech the Gods, that you may worthily employ it, for the glory of their Altars, and the succour of the afflicted; saying so, she took it from the sage Cassandra, hung it at his girdle, and presently would have retired; but the love of this new Knight was more, then to leave her with any distaste for want of an answer: so that bowing himself, and kissing her hand, he said unto her; Excellent Lady, I may truly say, that the bravest Knights of the earth never received favours equal to those you have been graciously pleased to confer on me this day, but render my content perfect, I beseech you, and permit me to importune you so far, as to demand why you told me that my good fortune should begin with your preservation, if you could add any thing to my forces; for it is just, that I serve you at this time with the sword wherewithal you have armed me, and I should find supreme glory in the commandment which you should be pleased to lay upon me, for to undertake some combat, with the title of your Knight. If I did not value your life (replied she with a delicate blush, and a little withdrawing herself aside) I should make no difficulty to expose you to the fury of a man, the most redoubted of the earth; who lately encountering the Emperor my father in a forest, whither for his pleasure he was gone to hunt, cut an hundred Knights, which accompanied him, in pieces; and having struck him down with a blow of his sword, made him promise that I should be the price of his life and liberty, and that he should marry me within fifteen days; but desiring to reserve you for an affair less dangerous, if I cannot avoid this, I will never permit you to engage yourself so rashly, and I shall be very well contented that you will leave this controversy to be decided by all those Cavaliers, whom you saw before the Court gate when you entered in. I do not think (answered Rozalmond) that the promise of all the Empires in the world would be half so dear to me, as the assurance which you have now given of your fair respect to me. But, Madam, could I merit this grace, or could you ever regard me, if I should be so base as to leave the glory of your service to another? That shall never be, and well might you repute me most unworthy of your esteem, if this occasion should pass over so. My virtue must give me this treasure, and my valour must make me the lawful master of it; your enemy is a man, and consequently subject to the same accidents which thwart others; I will see him, not with those armed troops, but alone; to the end that the reputation of his defeat may not be divided with others; ay most humbly beseech you therefore not to respect my life, which cannot be more generously employed, and be confident, that marching for your interest, you will receive satisfaction from my enterprise. These words pronounced with more than an ordinary grace of spirit, gave much content to the Princess, who took them for powerful testimonies of love; but her affection making her apprehensive of his loss, she was about to have commanded him not to undertake this combat, when as the Emperor sent for him to sit down at the table, who not enduring to hear the sighs of the afflicted people amidst his own joy, seeing the meat come in, he went and kneeling down before the Emperor, said unto him: Mighty Prince, the honour that you have done me this day, obligeth me to take part of your distress, nor will it permit me to quit these arms until I have employed them against this barbarous stranger, who thus disquiets you. He is before the walls of the Town, and it is said, that he hath made a vow never to depart thence till you have performed your promise; let us make good his words, and permit me to send him to a grave, rather than into the arms of a creature so divine, from whom he doth not merit so much as a look: I am in case to fight, there is yet day enough, if he have much strength, I do not want courage; make use, Sir, of a stranger, who hath not the honour to be known of you, nor so much as can tell where he is: If fortune prove mine enemy, you will be the less sensible of my loss, in regard you know me not; and if the dice chance to turn, from how much care will you be delivered. The knowledge which I have (said the Emperor) of the incomparable forces of this warrior, will not suffer me to permit you the combat with him, and the reasons you bring to persuade me thereunto, are proper to disswademe from it; for if you undertake a business out of the only pity which you have of my affliction, have not I much cause to lament you, if for my sake you should die? Yea, I should bewail the loss of you more than of a thousand other men, who it may be could attempt the danger out of the hope of recompense, whereas you propound nothing to yourself, but the glory you expect from your travel: put yourself in head of those armed troops, that they may take assurance from this courage; this way you will much more endear me unto you then any other. Sir (answered Rozalmond) the Knights of our country never fight with advantage, at leastwise those who hope for honour from their actions: your enemy is accompanied but with one Squire, and with your favour I will carry none along with me but this damsel, who hath always followed me; only in regard I am on foot, permit me to choose an horse in your stable. Seeing you will have it so (said the Emperor) I will no longer oppose you, and the Gods I humbly beseech to favour your valour, and return you with as much glory, as you have justice in this quarrel. This resolution of Rozalmond, having astonished all the Knights of the Court, who beheld him as a wonder, seeing with what confidence he went to affront a man, that scorned to draw his sword against whole troops, greatly troubled the Princess, who discontented with her father's consent, would fain have drawn the Knight aside, absolutely to forbid him the fight, but seeing she could not possibly do it without discovering her affection, she was constrained to retire, and have recourse unto tears for the easing of her grief.   

CHAP. II. Rozalmond combats and defeats the dreadful Fulmigadan, who would have married Armazia against her father's will.  
Whilst the Princess bewailed the loss of her Knight, which she held to be inevitable, he went to find out his rival, with an incredible content for that he had so suddenly met with an occasion to employ his sword for the service of a beauty which his soul adored; but he was vexed with himself, for that he had not been so curious as to demand her, and her father's name. Entertaining himself in this manner, the thought of his Mistress, from whose fight he was not absented, made him fetch some sighs; whereupon, Cassandra took occasion to say unto him; Ah Sir, did not I assure you that you should see strange things to day, and you should not come out of the city again with the same power you had of yourself in the morning? You have been but too true (answered he) for acknowledging my captivity, I may say to you, that now I have seen the fairest thing in the world: But Madam, Why do you not tell me in what country we are, the name of this courteous Prince who hath made me Knight, and that of this incomparable beauty, which hath left me nothing free, but the will to serve her? Why what important affair had you (answered Cassandra, smiling) that hindered you from informing yourself thereof? My passion, replied he, may serve to excuse me for that: and I, said she, was restrained by the respect I had, not to withdraw you out of the rapture, wherein the object of this Princess had cast you: but to satisfy your desire, Know that you are now in the mighty Empire of Gardacia, which is so far distant from the Kingdoms of Christendom, that they have never heard so much as speak of it: the Sovereign thereof is this Prince, by whom you were Knighted, valiant in his younger years, and so redoubted by all his neighbours, that never any one durst offer to trouble the quiet of his state, but Fulmigadan, the same against whom you now go to fight: who not being able to look upon Armazia, so is your Mistress named, without rendering unto her that which is due to her from all men in the world, found means to surprise her father, and oblige him, by the restitution of his liberty, to make him master of the felicities, which he imagines to himself in the possession of a thing so rare: But it is time to leave off this discourse for another, which touches you somewhat nearer; you are approaching an enemy so p●issant and hardy, that the Emperor hath, with a great deal of reason, made difficulty to let you go single to so dangerous an enterprise: howbeit, doubt not but this combat will bring you very much glory, so as you call to mind the renown which your fathers have acquired in the world, and that this affair doth mainly import you, in regard it so much concerns Armazia, who if she were in place where she might behold the fight, would questionless much advantage you; for her presence would exceedingly augment your forces, and give you far greater courage; wherefore I am minded to request so much of her in your behalf. Then will you oblige me much more than you think for, said Rozalmond, but I fear she will not willingly take so much pains. Leave me the care of that, said Cassandra, and I am persuaded she will make no difficulty at all of it. Whereupon returning presently to the Court, she went to Armazia in her chamber, and perceiving some tears upon her cheeks, she said unto her; Beauteous Princess, I imagine that the pity which you have of our Knight, makes you lament his loss as inevitable, being to encounter Fulmigadan; but it lies in you to hinder that mishap, and to make him this day triumph over so brave an enemy. Would you know how? By not disdaining to appear upon the city walls; your presence will animate his forces, redouble his courage, and I am persuaded render him invincible; upon this favour, your own good and his life depend: wherefore, Madam, seek assurance in his victory, as he will find glory in your service; you shall not repent any pains you can take to go and see him fight for you, for I am confident that you will return with more content than you have grief at this present. I were not worthy to live, if I would not contribute to mine own safety, answered she; Will my presence avail this Knight, say you? It is most just that I give him this small satisfaction, seeing he contemns his own life to save mine; let us go then when you please, but with this assurance, that for everv drop of blood his enemy's sword shall draw from him, so many tears shall I shed: so being attended by certain Ladies, she appeared upon the walls just at the time, when Rozalmond, being come to Fulmigadan, said unto him. Knight, it is time for you to say, that Armazia is too fair to fall into the power of a man so ill made as yourself; she hath sent me hither to free you of the error you are in, that she may one day affect you, howsoever her father hath been constrained by fear to promise the contrary; but thinking that these words would not be very pleasing unto you, I am come provided to answer you other ways. What do I hear, said Fulmigadan in wonderful fury, doth Armazia disdain the honour of my favour, and do I see myself defied by one man alone? O ye Gods! How will I be revenged on her and you for this affront; but thou, insolent Knight, shalt begin the dance for bringing me so harsh a message. Saying so, he unsheathed a long and heavy Scimitar, wherewithal he struck at Rozalmonds head, but he observing his action, threw away his lance, and laying his hand suddenly on his sword, opposed his left arm to the fury of the blow, which was so great, that it made him bow to the crupper of his horse with extreme pain; but he presently settled himself again, and desiring to be revenged, he struck him with such fury, that the Pagan receiving the blow upon his shield, thought he had been under the ruins of a tower overthrown by lightning, and indeed he so astonished him, that had it not been for his horse that carried him away, Rozalmond, who had his sword aloft, might easily have vanquished and slain him. This first blow amazing Armazia, inflamed her with the love of this Knight, and m●de her wish that his enemy might never come to himself again; but seeing him re-settle himself in his saddle, and with a world of madness make head against his adversary, that pursued him, her blood congealed in her veins, with the apprehension of so mortal a blow as the infiniteness of his choler did threaten, ●nd in truth the rage of the Pagan was such, that Rozalmonda arms, though the best of the world, could not have resisted the fury of the blow; but lightly avoiding it, and making use of the opportunity, he charged full upon the body of Fulmigadan, which he opened, and gave passage to his blood to issue forth in great abundance: Thus the battle waxing every minute hotter and hotter, the ground was strewed with pieces of their armour, the grass was died with their blood, & the sky enlightened with the fire which sparkled from their helmets, and the encounter of their swords. If the force of Fulmlgadan seemed monstrous, no less admirable appeared the address of his adversary, both in abating, and shifting his blows; briefly, this combat brought a general astonishment, and every one expected the end of it by some dreadful blow. In the mean time, the two combatants charged one another with extreme fury, and taking no time to breathe, so quick were their strokes, that their swords were neverseen but in the air, or on their armour. Fulmigadan, far more enraged than can be expressed, and striking with passion, and not with judgement, railed against heaven and earth for producing a man so puissant and courageous, as to be able to withstand his force, that made the whole world to shake; and seeing that four hours were already spent since the combat first began, and yet had gotten no advantage of his enemy, he gave such desperate blows that made Rozalmond amazed at his fury; but being no less incensed to see that in the beginning of his arms, the victory was so long disputed in the presence, and for the preservation of Armazia, to whom his soul was so far engaged, he resolved either to die, or suddenly to vanquish; clasping his sword then fast in his hand, he began to press the Pagan with such terrible blows, that his forces seemed to increase with his travel, whereat Fulmigadan was so transported with rage, that he took his Scimitar in both his hands, and discharged it so furiously upon Rozalmonds helmet, as it made him fall backward upon the crupper of his horse, casting out great quantity of blood at his mouth, and nose; whereupon every one thought him to be dead, and the Emperor commanded his Knights to assail his enemy, who seemed to be all covered over with blood and dust; but even as the troops were about to march, they beheld Rozalmond raise himself up, and make towards Fulmigadan with such horrible fury, that he, who contemned the dreadful thunder of the Gods, began to fear, seeing him arrive with so much rage, and indeed the blow which he discharged on his head was such, that it cleaved him down to the very shoulders, overthrowing him stark dead to the ground. This victory thus generously obtained, brought a world of contentment to the Emperor, but much more to the beautiful Armazia, who not able to contain her joy, so published the praises of this Knight, as if she had neither voice nor speech but for his glory; howbeit, every one thinking that she did it in regard of the interest which she had in the death of Fulmigadan, it was not supposed that her love made her speak in that manner, but she could not possibly contain herself in the excess of her passion; for seeing Rozalmond come with some wounds upon him, she made it appear that she would be partaker of his pain, and not enduring to stay till the Emperor had entertained and caressed him, she went, and with an amorous countenance asked of him whether his wounds were dangerous. Madam, answered he, I am not so ill, but that if I were to begin another combat for your service, I would most gladly undertake it. The Gods, said she, forbid such another accident; you have done so much this day that your name shall never die in this Empire, so long as the world doth last; but I fear I shall abuse your patience, if I do not permit your wounds to be visited; wherefore I will leave you, having first entreated you to make use of all things here, as if you were in your own house: the obligation wherein we stand engaged unto you gives you this power, and commands me to seek out the means to show myself acknowledging in particular, which assure yourself I will do; in the mean time have regard to your health; so with most amorous looks she departed, leaving him more contented with the care she had of him, then with a Monarchy. The Emperor's Surgeons being arrived, would have dressed his wounds, but Cassandra desiring them to leave that unto her, she caused him presently to be laid into a bed, and making use of a precious balm, which she ordinarily carried about her, she willed him to rest until such time as the medicine had wrought its operation.   

CHAP. III. The discourse between Armazia and Rozalmond, the recipr●call assurances of their loves: his departure from Cardacia, with the extreme discontent of the Princess, and what were his adventures.  
CAssandra leaving Rozalmond to his rest, walked into the orchard, where the trees diversely ranged, yielded an incredible delight, and devising with herself what means she might use to get from this Court without giving too much discontent to these new lovers; she espied Armazia, who being carried with clean contrary thoughts, was entertaining herself with the pleasure she conceived to be in the possessing of a man, on whom the heavens seemed to have conferred all the beauty, comeliness, and valour of the world. Should I not be happy indeed (said she to herself) if this Knight were born for me, and should I not have cause to praise my good fortune, if his condition should prove equal to mine, that so my parents might one day grant me unto him in recompense of his services? Yes no doubt, and I should think that my content would surpass all the pleasures of the earth, nor would I envy the very glory of the Gods: But alas, I am afraid, considering the misery derived unto us from the fault of the first man, that Fortune hath not given Sceptres to his being, and that in regard thereof he will be less acceptable to my father, who erring with others, will more esteem greatness then virtue, and will make me wretched in his avarice: Howbeit, I cannot think, that a valour so great, a countenance so promising, a presence so amiable, and actions so majestical, may possibly be encountered in a vile and base person: Virtue delights in the highest places, and doth not communicate herself to such as know not how to acknowledge her; it cannot be but that his birth doth equal his merits, and sure I commit no fault in loving him: nevertheless, it were not amiss to clear this point instantly, and so free myself of this unquietness that thus afflicts me; which may easily be done, for this damsel that follows him will not refuse, I hope, to give me this satisfaction: I will send for her then, and under colour of informing myself of the fashions of his country, draw her to acquaint me with that which I so much desire to know; whereupon, turning about to command some of her women to fetch her unto her, she perceived her declining that walk, as it were for fear to interrupt her in her meditations; wherewithal being very glad, she called her unto her, and taking her by the hand, said thus; Sweet heart, you shall do me a singular favour, if during our walk amongst these trees, you will first recount unto me who this young Knight is, being the valiantest that ever bare arms, and unto whose courage we are bound in so powerful an obligation; and afterwards falling upon the fashions of your Country you will faithfully deliver how the Knights live there with their mistresses. Madam (answered Cassandra) I will content you in a few words; Our lands are happy, because they produce excellent Knights, and most beautiful women (though I must confess I never saw any that might compare with your Highness) but that which adds unto our happiness, is the freedom wherein we live, we know not what suspicion means; the Gallants frequent the Ladies, and the Ladies converse with them, and are ordinarily seen in company together, either in the woods, or fields, free from any conjecture that may any way redound to the prejudice of their honour. It is certain that virtue is not always found in all kind of persons: if any undiscreet Knight shall offend any Gentlewoman whom he shall meet alone, she shall be presently righted by the next that passeth by, and so is the insolence of a dishonourable fellow revenged: concerning the situation of the country, I will speak briefly, only saying, that it is very goodly, fertile in fruits, replenished with beautiful and strong towns, pleasant rivers and woods: Now the merit of this Knight, the knowledge of whom you desire; Madam, he is come of the noblest race in the world, and his parents are at this day so great, that the earth trembles at the only report of their arms; for his valour, you have had the first proofs of it; you are judge of his person, but in regard you are as yet ignorant of his disposition, I will assure you that imagination is not able to conceive a sweeter, or more pleasing; more I may not say, a precedent Oath forbids me, and without breach of my faith, I may not name him, until such time as he hath finished some warlike adventures, for the execution whereof I conduct him; and therefore, Madam, I humbly desire you that you will be pleased that he may depart to morrow. How, to morrow? (said Armazia) he is not in case to go so soon, but say he were, you could not in any reason carry him away before the Emperor my father have bethought him of the recompenses which are due to his valour. Madam (answered Cassandra) men of this Knight's condition undertake nothing for gain, honour directs their enterprises, and all the riches of the world could not make him step one foot; you are the treasure he desires, and the glory of your service will be far more dear to him, than all the kingdoms of the earth: This makes you blush, but Madam (please you to pardon me if I go farther) it is no time now to disguise your thoughts; I know them as well as yourself, and can tell that the perfections of this Knight have gotten him good place in your favour, as your beauty hath not left him without passion. You love him, but it is not fit that your affection should deprive the world of the fruit of his virtue, him of the honour that he is to reap thereby, you of the content you are to hope from it, and his friends of the satisfaction which they shall find in the praises every where published of him: the Ordinances of the Destinies, Madam, must be pursued, wherefore let your patience make your pleasures, which you are to enjoy by his alliance, more sweet: I will return him unto you, within a certain time, so full of glory, that you shall think you had been very unhappy, if you had hindered his designs; Weigh these reasons, Madam, and never stand upon the consideration of his wounds, they are healed by this time; and let me obtain that favour from you, as to trust your secrets in my hands, I may do you more service therein then you are aware of, and without me you will hardly see your desires fulfilled. It is true indeed (said Armazia) that I did not think you had had such knowledge, and that being surprised in this manner, my colour rose in my face; but since nothing can be concealed from you, I will deal freely with you, and confess that the merits of this Knight have wounded me with love, and desire you to be very mindful of the promise you have made me, to take care of our affections, and of his return, in the hope whereof, not opposing myself to the decrees of heaven which govern all things with an admirable prudence, I will permit him to depart when you will, provided that I have to morrow for to see him here after dinner, and draw from him the vows which I desire for my assurance, at which time you shall bring him hither if you please, and you shall oblige me not to let him know that it is with my privity, to the end he may not take advantage of my weakness. Madam, answered Cassandra, he hath too much love and judgement to make so vain a use of that favour, and myself too much devotion unto your service to disobey the commandment you have laid upon me; we will be here presently after dinner, and in the mean time I wish that may be always propitious to your desires▪ Saying so, night being come, she withdrew, and getting to bed, betook her to her rest. This while Rozalmond, having slept six hours, awaked; and feeling no pain from his wounds, was much abashed at the first; but conceiving that this powerful operation proceeded from Cassandra's salves, he fell to think of his Lady, and his imagination representing unto him the charms of her eyes, the lovely feature of her face, and the delicacy of her complexion, he said; Mighty Love, that disposest the hearts of men as thou pleasest, leave me not now without succour, and make this fair one as sensible of my passion, as my soul is of her beauty, then will I proclaim thy praises amidst my content, and acknowledge no power to be greater than thine; I will publish to every one that thou art justly styled the Master of the Gods. Entertaining himself thus with such pleasing fancies, he never observed that it was far day, and had continued longer in his bed, if Cassandra had not come in, but her arrival took him from his thoughts, for to tell her that all his wounds were cured, save only that of his heart. I do believe it (said she unto him) but think you that I cannot cure that of your heart as well as those of your body? I conceive that you are persuaded so, and that my power doth not extend so far; but I will make it good to your experience in the presence of Armazia, who assuring you anon that she loves you, will make it appear that I have power over all things: then setting herself down at his beds feet, she declared unto him the encounter which she had had with his Mistress, the discourse that past between them, and briefly the commandment she had received to bring him into the orchard, which gave him such content, that all his speech seemed too little to give her thanks for her assistance; he embraced her, protested that he would never forget this favour, and not being able to contain himself in the excess of his joy, he called for his clothes, in all haste to run unto the place which should be the witness of his glory: but Cassandra wisely delivering, that he ought not to be so transported by his passion, which might overthrow all his future happiness, stayed him and said: Consider better of your own good, go not on so precipitiously, and remember that honourable loves are preserved and made perfect by direction. Armazia affects you, it is true, but she would not have it known, and she might justly be offended if your passion should discover her secret, wherefore you see how you are to carry yourself with more judgement. I hold your counsel to be very good, answered he, but alas! I cannot command myself; and my joy is such, that thereby my reason is lost: howbeit, I will be more advised since it concerns me so much, and by my government hereafter you shall known the greatness of my affection. Entertaining themselves thus with a world of pleasing discourses, they passed away the time with much content, till Rozalmond went into the great Hall, where the Emperor received him with so much demonstration of kindness, that he was even ashamed of his favours. Behold (said he, kissing him on the forehead) one of my chiefest wishes are accomplished, for seeing you in good health after I had doubted of your life, me thinks I have nothing else to desire, but the means how to recompense you worthily: But whilst the Gods shall be pleased to grant it me, make use, Sir, freely of the authority which I enjoy in my Empire; I give you the same power over it which I myself have, and be assured I hold you every way as dear as I do my Armazia: I will not ask you who you are, time and my fair respect will persuade you to acquaint me with it. Yes Sir (answered Rozalmond) and at this instant I would give you that satisfaction, if I could do it without the breach of the vow, which I have made not to discover myself, until I return from a voyage I had undertaken for the damsel whom you see accompanying me: at which time, Sir, I promise you, not only to tell you who I am, but to serve you as long as I live, if you will be pleased to do me so much honour, as to admit me into the number of your Knights. How (said the Emperor) will you leave me so soon? My word obligeth me (answered Rozalmond) and I beseech you be pleased that I depart to morrow, about an affair of consequence, and if Fortune favour my arms, it shall not be long before I return again to wait on your Majesty. I should have been very glad, said the Emperor, to have kept you longer here; howbeit, I will not interrupt your designs, but will rest contented with your promise: howsoever, will you not take leave of the Ladies? My duty binds me to that, said Rozalmond, and the rather because you are pleased to permit me: So making a very low reverence unto him, he went unto the Empresses chamber, who received him no less graciously, and would likewise have persuaded his longer stay; but making the same excuses which he had used to the Emperor, he walked forth, attending the time that he was to see Armazia; who having withdrawn herself presently after dinner, entered into the orchard, with the attendance only of one woman, and came to Rozalnond, who with impatience expected her; and seeing her approach kneeled down for to kiss her hand. I will not permit you to use such humility, said she, for desiring to live freely and plainly with you, I hold these ceremonies unfit; arise then, and tell me whether you desire any thing of me? I desire (answered he, with a trembling that thoroughly witnessed his love) Madam, I desire that, passing by the excellency of your merits, you will be pleased to make me your Knight, and receive all the glory which shall arrive to me by my enterprises. I have found you so valorous (answered she) that your request redounds to my advantage; wherefore I receive you very willingly, and not only your arms shall be employed by my commandment, but if your loialty renders you worthy of more, I shall be glad to let you know that I love you: speaking to you in this manner, you see, Sir Knight, how much I oblige you to behave yourself in like sort towards me: Engage not yourself elsewhere, nor sigh for the favours of another Mistress, you shall for ever find me firm in that which I have told you, and that I may rely upon your word, tell me, What are your designs? Rather a thousand times to die (answered he) then to make myself unworthy the favour you have done me; Madam, I will serve you so faithfully, that you shall never repent your affection to me. That is all which I desire, said she; in the mean time, I beseech the Gods to bless the success of your enterprises, and quickly to let me see my content in your return; so amorously kissing him, she went away with tears in her eyes; and Rozalmond, being no less discontented, got him to his chamber, from whence he stirred not till the next morning about the break of day, when with Cassandra he set forward on his way.   

CHAP. IU. How Rozalmond and Cassandra put themselves to sea in the goodly vessel of the Sun, and of the marvels which they saw therein.  
ROzalmond very sorrowfully abandoning Gardacia, ever and anon looked back, and sometimes fixing his eyes on the Palace, he said; O Gods! How happy is it being there, and what would not I give to continue there for ever, if I might do it without wrong to mine honour? But the world will not permit me to have more passion for love, than ambition for glory; and spite of my teeth I must leave Armazia, who only can render me contented, and give my soul her full desire. Howbeit, I should suffer more willingly, if I durst assure myself that she will love ●●ne but me, and that no rival shall ever possess her by her father's authority; so she hath promised: But alas! Who can rely upon the protestation of a woman, which hath not memory for a day, when a fair offer presents itself, and that many times is carried with the first wind: The object makes her love, her passion draws a thousand promises from her, and the presence of a lover encourages her to the resolution of suffering any torment whatsoever, rather than be disloyal; but time and absence do easily deface these determinations, and her purposes hold no longer, but till she meet with a subject to make her perjured. Then sighing, as if he conceived such a like misfortune could never cross his affections, he lift up his eyes to heaven, and instantly changing his opinion, he pursued his discourse thus: It is true indeed that the most part of women are possessed with such weakness, but I should offend infinitely against Armazia, to believe she can ever be of that disposition. I trouble myself too much, beget occasions of mine own discontent, and foolishly destroy that which she hath built for my glory: I have observed so much freedom in her speech, so much love in her actions, and so much sweetness in her charms, that I cannot with any reason suspect her of any falsehood; I must chase away then tho●e thoughts which so disquiet me, believe that she will never engage herself unto two, and from thence derive a resolution to serve her faithfully as she well deserves. Cassan●●a, who perceived how he was transp●●●ed with these fancies, would not interrupt him in regard of the content, she imagined, he took therein; but seeing half the day spent, and no talk of meat, she took him by the arm, and said unto him: My Lord, What do you get by these thoughts, which carry you so away? Both pleasure and pain (answered he) for if I be well satisfied with the remembrance of the beauties of Armazia, I am as much vexed at my esloignment from her, not having bestowed that time in her service which my affection desired. This should not trouble you (said she) for Fortune prepares you so much pain for that occasion, that you will one day wish you had less; I do not speak this to terrify you, knowing well that you will never fear, come what danger can, but to allay the grief you are in for your departure from the Court of Gardacia, having acquired no more renown. Howbeit, if I shall proceed, and say something for your comfort, be sure that you afflict yourself to no purpose, whensoever you doubt the power of a rival, Armazia being born to love you with as much fidelity as you profess constancy unto her. But it is time to leave off this discourse, the sea appears, and now we must roll according to Fortune's pleasure, that so you may give a beginning to the wonders which your actions shall produce. Approaching then to the sea shore, they beheld the waters begin upon an instant, out of a settled calm, to swell with mighty billows, which violently encountering one with another, made a dreadful noise. So sudden a tempest amazed Rozalmond, who turning to Cassandra for to ask of her from whence it should proceed, he saw a ship of the strangest fashion that ever eye beheld; it was round, and carved all over, at each window stood a strong and furious savage with an oar in his hand, the outside was azure filled with characters of gold, and roses of the same metal, and in the midst of it was a mast, on whose top appeared a little Sun, shining so bright, that it was not possible for one to look upon it. He was strangely ravished with this marvel, and his eyes were so fastened to the beauty of the vessel, that he seemed immovable; which Cassandra considering, and desiring not to lose time, she alighted, and said unto him: Sir, do not you think now that the wise Alcander loves you well, having sent you so goodly a ship for the execution of your enterprises? I never doubted of his good affection to me (said he) nor of the devotion you have to the advancement of our house (for I am persuaded that you have a hand in the fashion of this work) but in truth, I must acknowledge that this care is none of the least favours, which I may hope both from you and him, seeing it is a mean to open me the way of glory: let us go into it then, if it be made for us, and let us begin to seek our Fortune. Saying thus, he saw six savages open a port, and present him a plank; whereupon, going in he became more astonished then before, finding himself immediately in a room, the richest that ever he had seen; he looked all about, wondering at a thousand rarities which he beheld there; but that which most delighted him, was six pictures hanging together on a row; whereupon fixing his eye, in the first he observed the very same feature, love had powerfully graven in his heart, which so transported him, that kneeling down, he said aloud; Beauteous Armazia, now am I happy indeed, and there is nothing wanting to my felicity, but that you will be pleased once more to tell me that you live for my content: But alas! You do not speak? From whence doth this silence proceed? From your passion (said Cassandra, who followed him) that doth not permit you to consider how you speak to the picture of Armazia, more proper to feed your eyes, then to give you a more fensible satisfaction. It is true (said he, rising up) that the excess of my joy made me believe that this was Armazia indeed, but you are not to marvel at it; for if lovers be blind, how would you have me to see the fault which I committed, in adoring the shadow for the substance? Madam, I am not unblamable for this action, which testifies the violence of my affection, and if I have any way failed, it is in that I have done it before you, unto whom, me thinks, I should owe more respect. Your greatness (answered she) gives you far more power than you speak of; for being here but to serve you, there were no reason that my presence should bring any constraint to your actions, neither was it the occasion that drew me to put you out of those fancies, but what I did was only to show you these other pictures, and to ask your opinion of them; tell me then, I pray you, what you think of the Princess which is next to Armazia? That Nature (answered he) never framed a more beautiful piece, and if my Mistress were not in the world, no doubt, this fame which equals her, would bear away the prize from all the beauties of the earth; and that which makes me more to wonder, is, how all the rest may justly boast of the like advantage: What could be desired more in the face of this third, who seems to carry charms in her eyes, powerful enough for the captivity of all men? Questionless nothing, and I hold that Knight most happy, which is one day to enjoy her: but come let us view this Shepherdess a little, and tell me whether ever you saw ever so much grace and majesty under such a rude and unhandsome habit? I am persuaded that the heavens have taken exceeding pleasure in making her so fair, thereby to inform us, that their treasures are not always imparted to the greatest. How contented will the fields be whither she shall drive her flocks, how how happy the trees under whose shadow she shall rest; but far more fortunate shall the Shepherd be, whose lips shall be pressed with so delicate a mouth! Without dissembling, I envy him, and were Nature wise, she would furnish her with matches worthy such an excellence. For the fifth, truth shall save me the labour of commending her, modesty not permitting me to say that Penamond of Greece, my si●●er, is worthy to be of their number, which are the wonder of the world. And as for the last, he hath not eyes that will say, her beauty deserves not praises equal to the rest. But Madam, will not you tell me who those four be which I know not? Most willingly, answered she; The first is Trasiclea, the excellent Princess of Tramazond, who hath none to be compared with her but your Armazia, and which may be said to be the most valiant Lady that this day beareth arms, being promised by the Destinies to him, who alone may also be paralleled to you in feats of chivalry. The next is Palmirenna, the heir of Martaria. This Shepherdess so beautiful, is called Miralinda, whom France brought forth, and which shall hereafter fill the world with astonishment. And she that appears with so sweet an aspect, is the stately Queen Corolandaya, worthy of the place where you see her ranked. But, Sir, me thinks, it is time to take a little repast. In good faith, said he, I could willingly content myself with beholding my Armazia, but seeing it is your pleasure I shall eat, let us do so; whereupon, going to a table set full with exquisite meat, they sat them down, whilst their vessel swiftly cut the waves, being carried, as it seemed, moreby the dexterity of the savages, who rowed with a wonderful strength, then by the wind that filled the sails: after their repast, they fell to discourse upon a world of pleasing subjects, which passed away the day in such sort, that might came upon them far sooner than they were aware of; so that Cassandra withdrawing to a chamber, and Rozalmond to another, no less rich than the room where he had been all the day, they got them to bed for to take their rest.   

CHAP. V. Rozalmond and Cassandra arrive at the secret Island, where Clarisel of Guindaya was retained by enchantment in the embraces of Crisolita the Enchantress.  
EIght days being sweetly spent in this manner, their vessel stayed near to an Island, wherein they beheld a stately Castle on a little hill, the foot whereof was planted with a thousand sorts of beautiful trees, which made the place so delightful, that they presently landed, being resolved to view it at leisure; leaving then their horses behind them, they went on fair and softly, very much marveling to see a number of walks, of almost an incredible length, into which the Sun never so much as looked: but they not gone far, when turning on the left hand, they met with an arbour, whereinto as Rozalmond would have entered, he perceived a young man asleep, so accomplished, that he stood a good while earnestly gazing on him without uttering a word; he was of a large making, uniform in the disposition of his members; and though his eyes were shut, his face showed a warlike countenance. Upon my soul (said Rozalmond, speaking softly to Cassandra) here is one of the handsomest Gentlemen on the earth, his shape very much contents me, and me thinks I cannot choose but love him. No doubt you have reason for it (said Cassandra) for he touches you so near, that you should deny nature, if you had not some affection to him; in a word he is your kinsman, and is named Clarisel of Guindaya, son to the famous Florisel of Niquea, carried away (as you have heard) when he was in his swaddling clothes, and now kept here by the charms of an Enchantress, who loves him no less than Ginolda did in times past the valiant Prince of France; but it is high time to free him from so long a captivity, to the end his virtue may be manifest to the world; and for that regard, I caused the ship to stay here, knowing that your valour was necessary for his deliverance. Me thinks (said he) there needs no great labour to bear away a man that sleeps, and that is without arms to defend himself, if he had power to do it; shall I carry him aboard the vessel? No (said she) let us stay and hear what this damsel will say to him that is coming; it is Crisolita, she that captivateth him as much by the charms of her beauty, as he is otherwise held by those of her mother Creonda; then softly retiring, and hiding themselves behind the trees they let this Nymph pass, who seeing Clarisel asleep, put her mouth presently to his, and finding that this touch did not awake him, she said somewhat aloud with a sigh. Alas! It seems your cares are not like unto mine; you take your rest, whilst I am disquieted; your eyes are closed, whereas mine are covered with tears; sleep no longer, dear Clarisel, but come and take part of my pain, and let us seek the means to divert the storm wherewithal we are threatened. At these words Clarisel arose, and seeing Crisolita's cheeks all bedewed with tears, he said unto her: Whence comes this change? What cause have you to look so sad, and why do you thus complain? Because the end of our content is come (said she) for my mother told me in the morning that your Destiny's will not permit you any longer abode here, and that a Knight will arrive very suddenly, who shall carry you from hence; judge then whether I have not reason to weep, and just occasion to wish myself out of my life; for what pleasure can I take in the world, if I may not see you, my dear heart; all delights will be trouble some to me, my grief will make those joys, that would even ravish others, distasteful unto me, and the memory of our embraces will torment me, when I am deprived of the hope any more to enjoy such happiness. I do not think (said Clarisel) that any man can take me from hence against my will; wherefore do not you afflict yourself in this sort, for be assured my love is too much for me to forsake you so: but I wonder that your mother, who can stay the Sun in his course, force even the devils themselves, and do what else she please against the law of nature, doth not show herself more careful of our good, by impeaching the arrival of this Knight. The Ordinances of heaven are inviolable (answered Crisolita) for you may be confident that she hath employed the utmost of her skill, and yet cannot come to know how, or by whom you are to be carried from hence; which makes me conjecture that a Magician, more cunning than herself, hath undertaken the care of this affair: wherefore I must resolve to lose you, and so I will; but first I desire to obtain this promise from you, which will be infinite comfort to me in your absence, that you will always love me, and return hither sometimes unto me. Let the Gods, who are judges of our thoughts (said Clarisel) refuse me in my greatest occasions, if ever I forget the favours you have done me; Madam, they are of too much esteem with me, and I am more sensible of benefits then to affect the name of ingrateful; but since the Destinies will separate us, let us make use of the time we yet enjoy, and by a thousand new delights, assure our love against the common weakness of an absence. Then beginning their caresse● with a million of kisses, I doubt they would have proceeded farther, had not Rozalmond, whose mouth peradventure began to water, broken the bough of a tree, to give them a tacit notice, that they were seen. The lovers surprised with this noise, arose straightway from the ground where they lay, and running towards the Castle, got immediately out of sight; whereat Cassandra, laughing, turned to the Prince, and said; Behold, Sir, a testimony of that power called Love, which oftentimes carries us into extremities, not permitting us to consider of things, but let that pass; you are now to employ your sword for the rendering of a man to the world, who questionless will prove very necessary in it. Let us go, Madam (said Rozalmond) for I shall most willingly undertake this enterprise, and receive infinite content to serve mine uncle upon so worthy an occasion: using some speed then, they arrived near to the Castle, where under the first gate they encountered a man of a goodly stature, who seeing Rozalmond advance, said unto him; Knight, you cannot enter here, unless you overcome me; wherefore let us try unto whom Fortune will be most favourable. I will not commit such an error (said Rozalmond) as to trifle out the time unprofitably in talk; so that using no farther speech, they presently charged one another with two such mighty blows, that thereby either of them knew the force of his enemy; the Knight of the Bridge, as valiant and courageous as could be, offended his adversary, and defended himself with marvellous dexterity; but he was exceedingly vexed for that his sword could not fasten on Rozalmonds armour, who giving him sometimes a thrust at the breast, than a down right blow on the shield, cut all his arms in pieces, and drew the blood from divers parts of his body, which put him in such a rage, that not regarding his life, he struck such blows, as oftentimes made Rozalmond see Stars, though the Sun were but in the midst of his course. The combat continued in this manner very cruel and dangerous, each employing his uttermost force, especially the Knight of the Bridge; who being mad for that he saw no blood on his enemy's armour, and resolved either to vanquish or to die; he set both his hands to his sword, and struck his enemy so rudely on the helmet, that he made him stoop with one knee to the earth, whereat he was so mightily incensed, that rising in fury, he discharged such a terrible blow on the Knight of the Bridge's shield, that having divided it in two, he made him to stagger, and put both his hands to the ground, whereon questionless he had fallen, had not the shame of being overcome, and the apprehension of death caused him quickly to get up again. Renewing the fight then with more cruelty than before, they held out three long hours without any show of taking breath; but Rozalmond, who began to enter into fury; and mad at the resistance which he found in his enemy, gave him so dangerous a blow upon the helmet, that had not his sword turned in his hand, his head had been cloven in pieces; howbeit, not being able to support the violence of such a stroke, he tumbled to the ground as if he had been dead. This fall without doubt had brought a great deal of contentment to the victor, if he had not pitied the misfortune of so strong and valiant a Knight; but desiring much to save him, he stepped instantly unto him, and unl●●ed his helmet to see whether he were in case to receive any assistance, which at the first he greatly doubted, perceiving his face to be covered all over with blood; howbeit, not to omit any thing that might serve for his preservation, he entreated Cassandra to wipe him, and to employ her utmost skill in Chirurgery for to recover him if there were any hope of it; and so not stopping at this first victory, he went on with his sword in his hand, resolved either to see the end of the adventure, or to die in the attempt; approaching then to the second gate, he was about to have knocked, when he perceived Crisolita coming forth, followed by the old Creonda (leading a furious serpent, of the strangest form that ever was beheld, in a chain) who modestly making towards him, said: Excellent Prince, it is not fit that we should longer oppose your desire, or hazard your life in the claws of this serpent, which is so enchanted, that you could not triumph over it without a world of pain; for knowing now who you are, I cannot, me thinks, endure to see you in any extremity, my love to your kinsman wills me to serve you in stead of seeking to hurt you; sheath your sword then, and be assured here is none but th●se that will gladly receive the honour of your commandments. Madam (answered Rozalmond, who little expected such gentle language) without dissembling, I did not think to find so facile an entrance, considering the dangerousness of the guards; but since you will free me from that labour, and do also say that you love me, not having any way obliged you thereunto, I receive this favour with all respect, and do protest to serve you, so far forth as not to demand your lover of you, for whose deliverance I come hither: your meekness makes me ready to leave him to your caresses, until such time as some other Knight less courteous and sensible of obligations, shall come and pluck him from you. No my Lord (said Crisolita) I have more love than passion, and will never prefer mine own satisfaction before Clarisels glory, it is time for him to see the world, and pursue his father's steps, that so the Oracles, which publish wonders of him, may be made good. Madam (said Rozalmond) you are as generous as fair, and my uncle is most happy in your acquaintance; but you shall very much oblige me, to let me rid the world of so dangerous a creature as is that same your mother holds there. My Lord (answered Creonda) we have easier ways, for having kept him hitherto but only to oppose him to the violence of such as sought after your kinsman, it is in our power to famish him now that he is no longer fit for that purpose; wherefore, I pray you, be not offended if I deprive you of this glory, which you would add to the triumphs which are due to you, all your actions being so many miracles; you must not be displeased then if we hinder this combat, since our weakness, and the good will we bear you, will not permit us to behold you in any danger whatsoever. Madam (answered Rozalmond) your fair respect to me obligeth me so much, that I am contented with what you please; and seeing you hold it not fit for me to employ my sword upon this serpent, let us go in; but see, here comes my uncle, unto whom I must by any means tender my service. Clarisel then arriving, they entertained one another with all the demonstrations of kindness that might be, each of them admiring the goodly presence of the other: and as they were thus complementing, the fair Cassandra approached, who assured them that the valiant Silveri● of the Desert (so was the good Knight named, whom Rozalmond had combated at the first gate) was out of all danger, whereat they were not a little joyful; and so they continued caressing one another, till it was time to go to supper; where they were royally entertained, and from thence conducted to their chambers to take their rest after their painful travels.   

CHAP. VI Clarisel of Guindaya, being made Knight, departed with Rozalmond, Silverin of the Desert, and Cassandra; he becomes enamoured of the fair Miralinda the French Shepherdess; the furious combat that he had against four dreadful Giants and twenty Knights.  
THe night being sweetly passed away by every one, but by Carisel and Crisolita, who interrupted their usual pleasures with an infinity of fighs and tears, drawn from them by the grief to see themselves so soon to be separated; each one arose with the day: Clarisel put on a white armour, which Creonda with her conjurations had made sufficient proof against any stroke whatsoever, and withdrawing himself into a place where Creonda kept her Idols, he fell to praying unto God (whom he began now to know by the means of his Nephew, which most part of the evening had instructed him thereabout) that he would be pleased to bless his arms for the glory of his service, and the honour of his house. In the mean time Crisolita, well resolved for his absence (since the heavens would have it so) went into Rozalmonds chamber, and perceiving he was not asleep, approached to his bed's side, and kneeling down, said unto him: Excellent Prince, I am come to importune you for a thing, which I must desire to obtain of you, and which I entreat you not to refuse me upon the condition that I will never alter the resolution I made yesterday. Provided Madam (said Rozalmond) that you arise from the place where you are, I will with all my heart grant whatsoever you can demand of me, but this humility of yours displeases me (pardon me for speaking so) I being of no such recommendation in the world as to be complemented with so much submission. I cannot (answered Crisolita) yield you so much honour, but that you yet deserve far more; howbeit, since you command me to carry myself otherwise towards you, I hope I shall not err in obeying you. That which I desire of you, my Lord, (said she, being risen up) is, that you will pleased to give Clarisel the Order, to the end that the memory of being made Knight by so excellent a hand, may render him worthy the renown which his father hath acquired in the world; for if he must go along with you, I shall think myself happy that he may take courage from your presence to combat bravely whensoever fortune shall offer him the occasion in your voyage. Madam (answered Rozalmond) the merit of your beauty obliged me to respect you before, but I never esteemed you as I do now, nor was persuaded that it was possible any woman could love so generously as you have done, which makes me once more to say that mine uncle is happy in your affection, seeing you prefer glory before your own satisfaction, and his honour before the contentment you might have in him; you desire to have him Knighted, if he be ready, your pleasure shall be presently fulfilled. You shall find him all armed (answered she) and when your leisure will permit, my mother shall wait upon you to conduct you to the Temple of our Gods (whom for his sake I utterly renounce) whither I will go with Cassandra, that my prayers, being conjoined with hers, may the better obtain from heaven those graces, which are requisite to so sacred an Order. Departing then with a very low obeisance, she went to seek out Clarisel, who observing as much love in her patience, as he had found in her caresses, he could not contain himself from kissing her; notwithstanding, the presence of Cassandra, who seeming not to see them, kneeled down after she had wished him all good fortune; having spent an hour in prayers, Rozalmond arrived, who finding Clarisel on his knees, demanded of him whether he would be Knighted? That is it (answered he) which I most desire in the world: Swear then (replied Rozalmond) that the fear of no danger whatsoever, shall at any time make you decline the duty of a good Knight, which owes his assistance to all kind of persons, and chiefly to women, without any regard to their condition. I promise so much (answered Clarisel:) Be a Knight then said Rozalmond (embracing him with the usual Ceremonies, and making the sign of the Cross on his forehead:) Let you arms always tend to the glory of God, the service of the feeble, and be your enterprises as successful as you can wish. Whereupon having kissed him on the cheek, he asked of him from what hands he would receive the sword, and the rest of his arms: from these twins (said Crisolita) the only cause of his first carrying away, and the pledges of our love: At these words, Rozalmond turning him about, perceived a little girl about five or six years old, the fairest that ever he had seen of that age, whom a page followed with an excellent sword, which she took, after she had made obeisance to the company, and with an admirable grace hanging it on Don Clarisels girdle, she retired to give place to a little boy of the same bigness, and so accomplished, that Rozalmond wondered to see him take the helmet with a kind of brave confidence, and put it on the head of the new Knight, who having received the gauntlets from Cassandra and Crisolita, he rose up to give thanks unto Rozalmond for this favour; but he was so transported with the sweet entertainment of these pretty children, whose beauty he justly admired, that he marked not the half of his compliments. All the Ceremonies being finished, Crisolita obtained of Rozalmond that he would stay there eight days longer, which passed away very pleasingly, sometimes in the company of the valiant Silverin of the Desert, whom Rozalmond much affected, and that was now thoroughly cured of his wounds, and sometimes with the entertainment which Cassandra and Creonda gave him by some ingenious trick of their Art: But the day of departure being come, Crisolita's resolution began to faint under the grief she had to see that her lover was to be divided from her. Ever and anon she sighed, and not able to stop the course of her tears, it appeared how insensible she was of the reasons Clorisel gave for to comfort her; howbeit, yielding unto her judgement that represented unto her the necessity of this departure, she made some truce with her sorrow, and accompanying him to the ship, she received the kisses of a farewell, which made her return home extremely sad, for that she should no longer behold the Sun there, from whence the life of her soul was derived. Whilst she bestowed the time in lamenting, Rozalmond, Clarisel, Silverin of the Desert, and Cassandra, made way thorough the waves in the great vessel of the Sun, with the beauty whereof Clarisel was so taken, that observing the rarities of it, by fortune he cast his eye on the delicate Shepherdess of France, whose charms were so pleasing to him, that by little and little forgetting Crisolita's caresses, he suffered himself to be altogether captived, giving the glory of his freedom to the innocent features of this country in beauty. Good God (said he to himself) how defective is Nature in the dividing of her treasures, and how little providence seem the heavens to have in the distribution of their graces? Why should a beauty so excellent be born with so much misery, and what reason is there that she should one day serve for the contentment of a Shepherd, who shall not have the judgement to know the value of so inestimable a jewel? Questionless it is unjust, and it were unworthy in me to suffer it; if Nature have made a fault, I will repair it; I am born a Prince, it is in my power to raise a base condition, and to place her in the rank where she ought to be: I must then, without any regard at all to the opinion of men, who more respect greatness then virtue, riches than merit, and gold than contentment; make no difficulty to love her, provided her ingratitude do not render her incapable of that fortune; now if any man will condemn me for this action, my father's example shall serve to excuse me, who was no less enamoured of Silvia, than I am now of this same; and without doubt he had married her, never sticking at her poverty, if the providence of Vrganda, who knew she was his aunt, had not hindered him. This young Prince entertaining himself with these new fancies, took infinite delight in the object of this picture, whereupon his eyes were incessantly fixed; but that which most troubled him, was that he durst not ask of Cassandra the place of her abode, lest he should seem inconstant, and little sensible of Crisolita's love: nevertheless, showing more curiosity than affection, he learned the names of Armazia and Trasicle●, and discovered that his Mistress was French, which gave him some satisfaction, hoping to see her one day, and rather than fail, to traverse all the fields of that great kingdom for to find her out: comforting himself then upon this assurance, & in the sweet conversation of Rozalmond, Cassandra, & Silverin, eight days were insensibly spent; at the end whereof, they saw a ship arrive, manned with fifty Knights, and four terrible Giants, who laying hands on their swords, commanded our Knights to quit their arms, and willingly suffer themselves to be chained. By heaven (said Rozalmond) you are unlike to have us at so easy a rate, nor shall your audaciousness carry away the victory without some pain: so quickly lacing on their helmets, they opposed the Giants with their swords drawn, and charged them so fiercely, that it amazed them at first; but thinking that all the forces of the world united together could not withstand them, they began to shower so many blows upon them, that without the goodness of their arms, which resisted the sharpness of their blades, they had been in very great danger, howbeit, fight without fear, they sent many an arm into the sea, cut Knights in sunder, and many times drew blood from the Giants, who railing on the Destinies, and their Gods, struck most of their blows on the ship side (being hindered by a thick smoke, which issued out of their visers, from smiting where they would:) Silverin fought with a great deal of valour, Clarisel did wonders in the commencement of his arms, and Rozalmond amazed every one; his blows were so many thunderbolts, and his sword never lighted without the blood of his enemies. Whilst the fight was at the hottest, one of the Giants perceiving Cassandra where she sat in the vessel of the Sun, leapt suddenly in, and laying fast hold on her, carried her into his ship, when one of the savages discharged his oar so strongly on his head, that he struck him into the sea, whereinto Cassandra had tumbled with him, if she had not been succoured by Clarisel, who marking the Giant's entrance into their vessel, at the very instant ran his enemy clean thorough the body, who therewith fell down dead in the place: this young Knight having caught her by the gown, and placed her again in the ship, returned suddenly to the fight; exceedingly amazed to behold with what grace Rozalmond employed his sword, and in what manner, having eleft the Giant's head with whom he had to do, he bestirred himself amongst the fouldiers; following him then with the like courage, he performed such wonders, that Rozalmond stood a while to consider him amongst those Knights, who fell before him as the grass before the mower; so as not being able to hold out any longer, they were quickly cut into a thousand pieces: In the mean time Silverin, who was in fight with a Giant, seeing his friends glorious by the defeature of all the rest, became so furious, that making no account of his life, he put both his hands to his sword, and therewith smote his enemy so dangerously on the body, that he opened him even to the very back, tumbling him into the sea with his companions. This so glorious a victory having given them incredible content, they would have gone down into the hold of the ship for to have delivered such prisoners as they should have found there, but that they were stayed by a noise they heard; and as they were about to learn the cause thereof, they saw a window open in the side of the ship, out of the which a Giantess threw herself headlong into the sea, holding in her arms a damsel reasonable handsome, who seeing herself in such danger, cried out aloud for help: At her cry all the Knights suddenly reached forth their hands for to have saved her, but their pity was to no purpose; for the Giantess sinking to the bottom, she was drowned with her, whereat the Princes were exceedingly grieved; nevertheless being comforted by the little knowledge they had of her, they re-entered into their own ship, which running her first course had quickly left that coast, and sooner far then Cassandra could visit those Princes, who were all unhurt except Silverin of the desert, that had received a cut on his left arm, but the wound not being great he made little reckoning of it, and sat down at the Table with the rest, where we will leave them, and take a little breath.   

CHAP. VII. Clarisel of Guinday a encountering by night with a strong adventure, forsakes the ship of the Sun, and departs for to go into France to the succour of the brave Alcidas.  
THE ship of the Sun cutting the waves wonderful swiftly, Rozalmond and the Knight of the desert past away the time with much content, whilst Clarisel not without unquietness entertained his thoughts with the perfections o● his fair shepherdess, and the extreme desire that he had to see her, made him to wake when others took their rest; so that one night not being able to sleep, he forsook his bed, and getting up to the deck, he began to speak unto the waves (as if he would have demanded their assistance against the flames which consumed him) when a voice brought to him by the wind from a far, drew him out of his thoughts to give ear unto that which she said; the nearer he approached, the better he understood the accents of the voice, which interrupted by an infinity of sighs, made him conclude that they proceeded from a person very much afflicted: wherewithal he was so moved to pity, that he presently descended into his chamber, took his arms without speaking a word to his companions, instantly remounted up, and seeing a bark pass by wherein was a woman lamenting, he said unto her: Gentlewoman, if you will let your vessel come nearer, and take me in, I willingly offer you my sword, if you can make any use of it for your content. Alas! (said she sighing) the complaint which I make now proceeds from my not meeting with any one that is sensible of my sorrow, and that will undertake the deliverance of a Lover, the faithfullest that ever sighed at the feet of a beautiful mistress; wherefore I will not refuse your noble offer. Saying so, she drew near with her bark, received Clarisel in very courteously; and commanding the mariners to hoist up sails, and run on their former course, she thus proceeded: I imagine that the only compassion of my pain, and the glory which is to be expected from a generous enterprise have given you the desire to succour me; but believe me, Sir Knight, you willbe carried thereunto with more affection when you understand the occasion of it. The time was that I lived very contentedly, and free from the cares of the world, believing that fortune was not able to cross this my happiness: but that powerful divinity which always triumphs over men, made me feel that our good or harm depend on his favour and frown. I walked forth one day into a wood adjoining to one of the fairest houses of France (whither I am now conducting you) and little thinking of love, I went admiring the providence of nature, that produceth all things either for the profit or pleasure of man, when through the trees I perceived a Knightlying upon the grass: I was about to have turned back (and would to God I had, for than you had not seen me at this present so sigh and complain) but being a little too curious, and having my woman with me, I ventured to go close unto him; as soon as I had seen his face which seemed marvellous beautiful, it was impossible for me (O Gods! can I say it without shame? yes, since my fortune will have it so) it was impossible for me, Knight, any longer to maintain my liberty, but even then I received the hurt which time hath made incurable. I had taken exceeding delight in beholding of him, if some tears that trickled down his cheeks had not troubled me, but there by apprehending the misery which now I am in, I found pain in this pleasure; howbeit having more love than fear, and foolishly imagining that I had beauty sufficient to alter him, in case he were in passion for another, I went to awake him with a kiss, when I perceived him to open his lips, and complain in this manner: O Gods! must our love yield to the fury of a barbarous mother, and shall our desires depend upon her avarice? Fair Clitia, I cannot believe but that the memory of our delights are dearer to you then her commandments, and that you prefer your vows before her menaces. But your silence doth much amaze me, and I am not able to say whether I am to fear a change in you, or some mischance in your person. Mighty Love, divert both the one and the other of these accidents, and suffer not humanity to be of more power than thyself. These complaints infinitely displeased me, and I would fain have retired, if my new passion would have permitted me; but being no longer Mistress of my will, I came inconsiderately to mine own ruin, nevertheless knowing that modesty is a powerful charm to win men's affections, I would not seem impudent, but withdrew myself under some trees fast by, and began to sing, hoping that he would repair to the voice as he did; for not giving me so much leisure as to sing out fowr verses, he arose, and creeping from oak to oak he came very near unto me. I marked him well, but making as though I did not, I continued my song, at the end whereof he showed himself, and saluting me with an excellent grace, demanded of me whether I would accept of his company. Another would have been afraid at the sudden approach of a man unknown, but not desiring to make use of any such cunning, I answered him with a smile (which might very well have testified my thoughts) that it were simplicity to refuse a Knight of so fair a presence as his. To what end should I relate the discourse we had then, and how I applied all my allurements and charms for to render our disease common? Without doubt it would but add unto my misery; wherefore I will only let you know, that taking occasion to discover unto him what I thought of certain sighs he had fetched, I told him that his good parts had possessed me with a great desire to love him, and that I entreated him to consider what good he had gotten without any labour at all. My speech ending with a mighty blush, he looked upon me, and answering me with a sigh. Alas! Madam, said he unto me, what a world of cause have I now to complain of my ill fortune, which having engaged my affection in another place, will not suffer me to receive the favours you would confer upon me. These eyes wherein you yet see tears do witness but too well, that my heart is not at quiet, and that a woman possesseth it: be pleased then not to accuse me, if I do not dispose of it according to your desire, seeing I have not the power so to do; but if in any other thing you can think me fit for your service, Madam command, I will recompense the honour of your love, with my blood, and will gladly die to assure you that I am much obliged by your favour. Imagine, I pray you, whether I took any pleasure in this answer, whereby the death of all my hopes was concluded. No questionless, for I was almost ready to swoon with grief at it, but my anger preserved my judgement, for to complain of him, and I began to term him cruel, when I saw a woman appear, who knowing him alighted at that very instant, and presenting him a letter said, that Clitia, (so was my rival called) remembered her service unto him. At these words I perceived him grow pale, and his legs became so feeble, that he had fallen down had not that woman upheld him. I was almost as sensible of his indisposition as himself, but desiring to make use of the opportunity it gave me, I took the letter out of his hand, and knew by the contents thereof, that Clitia being ready to be delivered of a child, derived from their stolen pleasures, desired him to return in all haste both for to legitimate the birth of it, as also by that way to deserve the favour which her mother had always denied them, protesting in case he were disloyal, not to survive her delivery, but to poison herself. I was violently in love with him, I must confess, but when I considered the reason that he had to affect this woman, who upon his faith had made no difficulty to give him that, which ought of all things to be most dear unto us, I set by mine own interest, and showing more pity than love, I counselled him to depart instantly away, since it so much concerned his Mistress life and honour. This is to love nobly, said he being come to himself again, but Madam, my misfortune will not suffer me to expedite my journey, my horse being slain in a combat which I had yesterday just without this wood. That shall not hinder you, replied I, for I that would give you myself, cannot refuse you an horse. Then bringing him to my stable, I bestowed one of the best Coursers of the Kingdom on him, and so letting him go, I returned to my chamber for to complain of my destiny, that had made me to love a man, who had not the power to recompense my affection, and for to seek out reasons to divert me from these fancies, in the continuance whereof I saw my assured ruin, but to speak truth I could not resolve so much as to say that I would never love him: proceeding then in my former passion, I presently dispatched away a Squire, and charged him expressly to inquire what became of Alcidas (so is that worthy Knight named) which he performed with so much care, that about six days after he reported unto me the death of Clitia, who had poisoned herself, thinking that the retardment of her lover was a sign of his disloialty; and further, which much perplexed me, he delivered that the mother of this Lady had caused Alcidas to be apprehended (as he was shedding an ocean of tears on his Mistress' tomb) and imprisoning him, had condemned him shamefully to lose his head, if within three months he did not find a Knight that would combat Farnabazan, a terrible and mighty Giant, who came not long since to inhabit upon this woman's lands, no man knowing wherefore. If the death of Clitia was pleasing to me, because it opened a door to my hopes, you may as well believe that the captivity of Alcidas afflicted me; howbeit, loving him too much only to bestow tears on him, I put myself to sea two days after, with a purpose to go unto Constantinople, to demand the assistance of some one of those brave Princes, which seek the like occasions of glory; but I am sufficiently satisfied for all my travel, having encountered you in the strangest manner that ever was, and applauding my good fortune, I will hope that ere long you will restore me to the supremest degree of my felicity, seeing justice accompanies your arms. Madam, assure yourself (answered Clarisel) that I will gladly fight for his preservation, and your contentment; but if you would oblige me, make truce with your complaints, and restrain these tears a little, that so our voyage may seem the less tedious. It is fit (said she) that having found a remedy for my grief, I should show a merrier countenance; I will no longer complain then, but apply myself to make the time, if I can more pleasing unto you. Whilst they discoursed in this manner, Rozalmond and the Knight of the Desert, being risen with the Sun, marvelled very much that they could not see Clarisel, and purposed to go and wake him, thinking that he was yet in his bed; but Cassandra arriving thereupon, told them, that he had embarked himself with a strange Gentlewoman, for to assist her in an important affair; whereat doubtless Rozalmond had been discontented, but that he considered, it was not without great cause he was carried away by so extraordinary an adventure, so than showing himself not much sensible of it, he fell into talk with Cassandra and Silverin till it was dinner time, which was no sooner done, but they landed hard by Constantinople with no small content.   

CHAP. VIII. Rozalmond and Silverin being in the Empire of Greece, combat with the valiant Knight of the Savage, and Griolanis: they are parted by ●our Princes of Greece, the quarrel that grew between them by the cunning of a Damsel, and the end of the dangerous fight which was betwixt these eight incomparable warriors.  
ROzalmond, who sought not the praise of men, and that ascribed all the glory of his actions only to virtue, perceiving that he was in the Empire of Greece, turned him to Cassandra, and said unto her: Madam, I much desire not to be discovered here, until my valour have rendered me worthy of my birth; but how is that likely to be, seeing the arms I wear, which are the best in the world, will presently be known by all that saw me depart with them from the Court; I would therefore entreat you, as an addition to your other favours, to go and buy me some others where you think they may be had, otherwise I am resolved to seek my fortune elsewhere, because I will not be constrained by the importunity and entreaties of my friends, to make any longer abode here. I knew very well (answered she) that you would request this of me, which made me to take order for it aforehand; and I marvel how all the while that you were aboard, you never observed an armour which the wise Alcander hath provided for you: whereupon, returning with him into the ship, she showed him certain arms hanging on a pin, the fairest and the richest that ever he had seen; they were azure, all covered over with white roses, raised up with small strings of gold, whose ends made an A. and an R. so neatly interlaced, that he stood a good while admiring the workmanship of them; imagining, and that rightly, that those were the first letters of his fair Armazia's and his own names; but having an extreme desire to see them on, he doffed those which first belonged to Meridian, and afterwards to the Knight of the Sun, and immediately put on them, greatly marveling to find them so exceeding light, and fit for him, as if he had but a doublet on. I should never hazard myself in any combat with these arms (said he to Cassandra) if any other saving yourself had given them to me; but wholly relying upon your judgement, I will make no scruple to use them, and will believe that the temper will supply the defect of the matter. Your safety (said she) is dearer to me then that I should be any way careless of it, and if these arms be light, it is to accommodate you the better in fight, you shall know the goodness of them ere it be long; in the mean while, you must remember that a valiant man is to apply himself to the time, not to yield to any labour, and to take all things in good part: I speak this to you, because we are to part one from another immediately, for I am to bestow myself in an affair that tends very much to the good of your house; but before I go, I will advise you by no means to be afflicted for your absence from the beautiful Armazia, time and your loialty will give you those felicities which is expected by a virtuous love. At these words Rozalmond found himself close by Silverin, who attended him on the shore, very much marveling that he could neither see the ship of the Sun, nor any body living, but two dwarves, that held a couple of brave strong horses, upon which Silverin and he presently mounted, taking the first way they met withal, which brought them in less than an hour into a goodly forest, where on the fudden they met with a Damsel and two Knights; one of them carried a Savage on his shield, and the other a Moor in chains; whereby you may easily guess them to be the renowned Knight of the Savage, and Don Griolanis, called the fair Knight, who came from the justs at Constantinople, as you heard in the last Chapter of the precedent Book, and had by chance encountered a Damsel, unto whom Griolanis spoke thus: It grieves me not a little that I cannot satisfy your desire, but Gentlewoman you must blame yourself for it, who require a thing which is not in my power. Your excuses are to no purpose (answered she) and all the reasons of the world shall not release you from your promises: follow me then to perform my pleasure, otherwise I will endeavour to deprive you of your life, and will request your head of these Knights that are coming here. By heaven (answered he) they are not able to give it you; and if it were as easy for me to content you, as to defend myself from them, I should soon be delivered from a great importunity. You are a little rash (said the good Knight of the Roses, so we will call Rozalmond hereafter) for it seems that after you have failed in your promise to this Damsel, you will also defy us upon that quarrel, I do not willingly undertake a combat without knowing whether it be just or no, but if this Gentlewoman entreats me, you shall see it had been better for you to have used gentler language, for you shall either die for it, or satisfy her in what she desires of you. Who are you (said Grian the Savage then in scornful manner?) Who are you that kills men so fast? I am (answered Rozalmond, nettled with this disdainful speech of his:) I am a Knight can do more than I say. That will I know by experience, said Grian: when as turning their horses about, they encountered one another so bravely, that each of them thought he had run against a rock, finding themselves both with great amazement on the ground: for Rozalmond and Grian, not being used to such falls, could hardly be persuaded they were unhorsed; howbeit, seeing themselves lie all along, they instantly arose, and carried with an unaccustomed fury, they discharged two such blows with their swords each on the other, that both of them b●nded their knees, even ready to tumble down, had they not been supported by shame; but presently recovering themselves, they began to assail one another so fiercely, that either of them wondered at his enemy's force; their blades being always in continual motion, and guided still by a like rage: This while Silverin and Griolanis combated with no less courage and address, sometimes one made two or three steps back, sometime the other was astonished, their armour was all over hacked, and if the blood ran down on one of their arms, the other presently beheld his on the ground. Having thus continued fight three hours together, and no advantage perceived on either side, when the Damsel, who had so engaged them, seeing four very gallant Knights arrive, ran suddenly unto them, and bedewing her cheeks with tears, besought them to grant her one thing she would request of them. We will not deny you (said one of them, who spoke for the rest) provided your request be just, and that it be in our power. I should be unworthy of your favour (answered she) if I should require an impossibility of you; my desire then is, that you will tell me your names, and that you will speedily part these Knights, who outrage one another, as you see, for my occasion. You would have made us beholding unto you (said the Knight) if you had not desired our names, but not to fail in our promise, know that this great Knight is Prigmaleon, Sovereign of the Empire of Aethiopia; the second is Persides, son to the excellent Emperor of Persia, Don Rogel; the third is the valiant Lucibel, Prince of France; and for myself, I am called Russian, of Media: touching the quarrel of these Knights, we will labour to pacify it, or die in the attempt. Whereupon, advancing towards them, who were still in fight, they wondered to see with what fury and address they managed their combat, and especially with what grace he of the Roses bestowed his blows, which seemed far more terrible than those of Grian, who had gotten him such glory at Constantinople, and gently declaring unto them, that she that was the cause of their difference desired their atonement, they entreated them to become friends, and to part with equal reputation. I am content (said Griolanis) so as this woman will quit me of the boon which she hath cunningly obtained from me. How, answered the damsel, would not my love suffer me to see you in danger, have I sought the means to draw you out of it, and are you so ingrateful not to acknowledge such favour? Knight it shall cost you your life, since I can hope for nothing else from you. Then having desired the new comers to do her right, one might presently see the case altered.  
Rozalmond, Grian, Griolanis, and Silverin, forgetting their former quarrel, made head against these fowr Princes of Greece, who abandoning their lances had betaken them to their swords, and began a most dangerous bickering; if Rozalmond admired the dexterity of Persides, Persides redoubted his fury, the force of the Savage astonished the bastard of Media, and no less was he apprehensive of his address; if Griolanis blows seemed weighty to Prigmaleon, his had no less violence; and if the Knight of the Desert struck with courage, Lucibel could answer him as readily; their helmets were all fire, the ground was strewed with pieces of their arms, the woods resounded with the impetuousness of their blows; briefly, it was the dreadfullest combat that ever was seen in Greece, for indeed such strong and valiant champions never appeared there before; the more they fought, the more terrible they seemed, and their fury increasing with their travail, it might well be concluded that the end of this fray would determine the most part, or it may be all their lives. Rozalmond vexed to find so much resistance in his enemy, employed all his might, but Persides fought so well that he perceived he had met with his match, and durst not assure himself the victory, which so enraged him, that he seemed to be even desperate; wherefore resolving either to die or quickly to vanquish, he gave his enemy so dangerous a blow on his shield, that being not able to sustain the fury of it, he was constrained to fall backward on his saddle bow, deprived of sense; but he was not long in that posture, for raising himself up far more incensed then ever he was in his life, he gave Rozalmond so strong a thrust, that his horse recoiled a step back: this while Russian and the Knight of the Savage assailed one another very furiously, now the one bowed down to the crupper of his horse, by and by the other hit his chin against his breast; if Griolanis astonished the valiant Aethiopian, he was oftentimes compelled to lose his stirrups, and stagger under the weight of his blows; and if Lucibel drew blood from Silverin, he saw his own at the same instant upon his arms: thus was the combat so equal, so cruel, and full of fury, that no other but some unlucky end of it could have been expected, if at the end of six hours the night had not arrived, which growing very dark made them retire, with some content to the Greek Princes, who thought their enemies a little too strong, and that this battle could not have been concluded with their honour. Being parted then the one from the other, howbeit resolved to attend the next morning for to see unto whom fortune would give the victory, the fowr first combatants went to lie down together under certain trees, when they saw a Giant pass along by them, who carrying a torch in the one hand, held a very fair damsel by the other, that wept bitterly, crying out for help unto the Gods, and it seemed to Rozalmond that it was his beauteous Armazia, which put him into such a rage, that instantly he got him to horse again, galloping after the Giant, whom he had threatened with a million of deaths, if he had been able to suffer so many, but the business being carried by enchantment, and by the sole wisdom of Alcander, who laboured in this manner to divert the mischief which might have ensued if these Princes had fought again together, Rozalmond could by no means meet with this Giant, and finding himself not long after in the Coat of a young shepherd, who received him very courteously, he forgot this affair, and betook him to his rest, whilst the others which had had clean contrary visions, strayed one from another several ways.   

CHAP. IX. The marvels which Griolanis encounters, pursuing the fantosmes of Alcander.  
THE valiant Knight of the Savage and Griolanis having an extreme desire to overtake two Centauris, which seemed to carry away certain damsels, road so hard that by break of day they found themselves close to a great and spacious forest, at the entrance whereof, perceiving two ways alike beaten, they separated themselves though somewhat unwillingly; Grian taking the right hand, and Griolanis the left, pursuing their course with the same desire to succour these afflicted women, which they thought were in the hands of those monsters. Griolanis having been two hours in the wood, sometimes standing still to hearken if the cries of the damsels could bring him to the retreat of these Centauris, sometimes to mark the tract on the ground that might make him guess the way he was to hold, he espied three Knights riding a front before a litter crowned with crimson velvet, on the one side thereof a big Knight richly armed, and of a haughty look, on the other a reasonable handsome damsel, & fowr Knights behind. This equipage having made him turn aside the better to observe it, begot such an earnest desire in him to know what was in the litter, that approaching it and addressing himself unto him, who appeared to be of so good a presence, he said unto him: Knight, be pleased to tell me what it is you conduct in this Litter. It is that which you may not know (answered he in an arrogant manner) unless first you vanquish me, and afterward these seven Knights together, & that also you grant a boon to this damsel. Now think whether your forces are capable of so great a charge, or whether you have sufficient courage to undertake it; if not, depart, for all the prayers in the world shall get you no other satisfaction. You are so discourteous (answered Don Griolanis) that if I had not a desire to undertake this adventure, your arrogance would make me fight with you, therefore I will know by experience what is in you, and look into this Litter spite of your teeth: whereupon placing themselves in the middle of the way just one against the other, they charged their lances and encountered so strongly that the stranger flew to the ground; Griolanis having lost both his stirrups, was so astonished with the violence of the shock, that his course was finished before he could come to himself; howbeit considering that it was no time to complain, he quickly recovered his spirits, alighted from his horse, drew his sword, and seeing his enemy that was risen, come towards him with an extreme desire to revenge his disgrace, he met him, and withal gave him two such terrible blows, that he was compelled to knock his chin against his breast, which so incensed him that clasping his sword fast in his hand he smote him so furiously that he smote his shield in two. Griolanis strokes were dreadful, no less impetuous were those of the Knight of the Litter; if the one struck, the other gave a thrust, they cunningly avoided blows, their dexterity was admirable, their force extreme, their rage so great that to see them hew one another in that manner, nothing else could be expected thence but death: two hours being spent since the beginning of the combat, Griolanis enraged with this protraction, redoubled his blows most furiously, and perceiving his enemy grow weary, he gave him such a cruel cut three fingers deep on the shoulder, that he staggered with it, and not permitting him to come to himself again, he struck him with such a mighty force upon the head, that he laid him stark dead in the place. Behold, said he, the reward of pride, and the punishment which attends the unadvised: it may be lawful for me now, I hope, to see what I have so much desired. Our deaths, answered one of the Knights, must first accompany our conductor. Truly, said Griolanis, it is much against my will if I sight at this present, but since you constrain me, you shall suffer for it. Saying so, he quickly leapt into his saddle, and taking a lance from his Squire, he ran against the seven Knights, who encountered him furiously all at once, and broke all their spears upon him without moving him any more than if they had resisted against some rock; but it fell out otherwise with him, at whom he aimed his lance, for he was run quite through and through, and overthrown dead to the earth. Having ended his course he returned with his sword aloft, and seeing himself environed by six men, who seemed to be fearless of death, he began to lay about him; now he foind at one, than he cut another on the head, here fell a leg, there flew off an arm, and briefly he quartered them with such fury, that in less than half an hour three of them were laid dead on the ground; the rest notwithstanding grew more obstinate, and drawing strength from their grief for the loss of their friends, they seemed to fight with the more rage and fury, but being in the hands of one of the prime Knights of the world, all that they could do was to no purpose; for they were soon cut in pieces, and there remained none but the damsel, who being much amazed at the incomparable valour of this Knight, beheld him with wonder. Gentlewoman, said he approaching to her, may I now be permitted to see that which I have so dear bought with the death of these discourteous Knights? Yes Sir, answered she, so as you promise me one boon. Most willingly, said Griolanis, for I was born for the service of Ladies. You may approach then when you please, said she. Griolanis having lift up the covering beheld in the bottom of the Litter the portrait of a Queen so marvellous fair, that he was almost beside himself considering her with so much perfection. Good God, cried he, what a world of beauties are here assembled together? and how happy is the Knight that can hope for the possession of so invaluable a treasure? Gentlewoman, be pleased I pray you, to let me understand the name of this excellent Princess, and why you carry her picture about in this fashion. It is fit, said she, that I give you this satisfaction, seeing you have nobly promised to grant me what I shall desire of you: You see the face and features, but not all the beauties and graces of the mighty Queen of Corolandaya; for her actions are so winning, that they render her accomplishments far greater and more commendable: As for that which concerns our voyage, I will deliver you the cause of it. The Kingdom of this Princess consisting of one of the most spacious and fertile Islands in the world, accommodated with safe harbours, strong places, valiant warriors, and exceeding lovely dames, gave her a number of excellent Knights for servants, some carried by the consideration of this crown, and others to enjoy a thing so rare, whereupon depended the former. The fame of the beauties and graces of this Queen every day bringing one Knight or other to present his service unto her, it happened that at one time there were two and thirty which carried with a like desire to show their valour before her, made a tournament, where, in few words, jealousy incensing their fury, they hewed one another so cruelly, that notwithstanding all the prayers of Adelazia (so is my Mistress named) who wept and took on piteous, there was but one remained alive, all the rest having passed by the edge of the sword: the Queen was so sensible of this massacre, that she swore never to admit of any man more, and to that end she caused thirty soldiers to be placed at each port of her Kingdom, with express commandment not to suffer any Knight whatsoever to land; and conceiving that one valiant person might vanquish them, she made a law whereby she ordained, that not any one of those which should be so fortunate as to pass in despite of her guards, should see her before they had submitted unto one commandment of three, the choice whereof she left unto them (assuring herself that the least of the three was impossible for any man whatsoever to perform) or that they had overcome an hundred armed men, which should be always ready waiting at the gates of the town where she pleased to make her residence. Since that time many have presented themselves at the port, some of purpose, others driven in by fowl weather, but being vanquished by the guards, they retired with disgrace; only this miserable man whom you have slain, the Prince of Argilles named Silvion, subdued the thirty Knights, and entered into the Island, where the Queen causing three most difficile things to be propounded unto him, namely, either to give her the sceptre of Greece by the death of all the Princes which possess it, or present her with the goodliest Knight, & the most exquisite beauty of the earth, or conduct her portrait through all the Provinces of the Orient, in the manner that you have seen, maintain in all the Courts of Kings, that she was the fairest Lady in the World, and at the end of six years return unconquered, which done she promised he should see her, and that with herself she would give him the Crown of Corolandaya. This infortunate Prince finding an extreme favour in this last commandment, most willingly undertook that charge (albeit that the term of six years was grievous unto him) and therefore desired that she would be pleased to appoint some one to accompany him who might be judge of his actions, and give her account thereof; which she granted, sending me along with him, and expressly commanding me to write all the names of such as should be vanquished upon this quarrel, and present her with a list of all the Princesses for whose service they undertook the combat: the which accordingly I have performed, having already the names of threescore and twelve daughters to Sovereign Potentates, and of two hundred Knights bravely fought withal and overcome, but the end of my commission arriving by the death of this Knight, I am constrained instantly to return, and carry back this Litter to Corolandaya, whither you shall accompany me if you please, suffering no man to see the portrait of my Lady, whereunto you are obliged by the boon you have promised me. Gentlewoman, said Griolanis, there needed no promise to make me undertake this voyage with you, for I feel myself already so much the servant of this Princess, that if it like you, I will either continue the enterprise of this Knight I have slain, or otherwise fulfil your pleasure, protesting according to your desire, that no man shall have the content to behold so delicate a face, without he buy it at the same rate it cost me. The damsel then commanding a little dwarf to drive on the horses, put herself behind the Litter with the Knight, who having doffed his helmet for to refresh himself, made this Gentlewoman so amazed that she could not contain from crying out. O Gods! what an encounter is this? I beheld even now in the combat of this Knight all the valour that may be wished for in a man; now I see all the charms and all the graces that can be desired in the sweetest face of the World. Ah Sir! if the Prince of Argilles had beheld you without an helmet, and that he could have prevailed more by his prayers, than he hath done by his sword, doubtless he had showed my Mistress that which she most desires, & placing you by her, he had assembled the goodliest Knight, and the beautifullest Lady in the earth; but it much rejoices me that she shall not be deprived of this contentment, seeing I am conducting you unto her. Griolanis laughing at this speech, began to entertain her with other discourse, and so sweetly passing away the time, they arrived at the Sea side, where they embarked themselves, sailing towards the Island of Corolandaya, whither we will leave them going, for to overtake Grian the Savage.   

CHAP. X. The Adventures which happened to Grian the Savage, after he was separated from Griolanis: the Loves of Arliana and Zelandion, and the beginning of his own with the fair Brandimanda Queen of the Amaz●ns.  
THE Knight of the Savage being separated from Griolanis as you saw in the precedent Chapter, traveled all the day not meeting with any adventure, and perceiving himself when it began to wax dark at the foot of a rock, upon the which he discerned a little house; he took a path that he thought would lead him to it, and went about so long till he came to the door of it, where at the first knock two young Hermit's appeared, who having received him very courteously brought him to a chamber, and helped him to unarm himself, whilst his Squire set up his horses in a little hovel there by. Grian finding more meat than he could hope for that barren place, fell to with a good stomach, howbeit he was not so attentive to his palate, but that he observed how the actions, speech, and countenance of these Religious persons did not show to be of men able to endure the austerity of a solitary life; having then a very great desire to know what he was ignorant of, he said unto them: Excuse me, I pray you, if I suspect that you are not such as you seem to be, your voices and youth persuade me that you are some women, abused, and reduced by despair, to so desert a place; let me obtain of you not to conceal any thing from me, declare your misfortunes, and I vow by the Order of Knighthood, which I have received, to assist you in all that shall be necessary to your content. Your judgement doth not deceive you (answered one of them, with her eyes full of tears) we are the unhappiest creatures in the world, she by partaking my misery, and I by giving too light belief unto the words of a man, the most disloyal that ever breathed, he is called Zelandion, Count of Mastage, and I am named Arliana, no less rich, and as well derived as he, but it may be not so fair as was requisite to settle his fickle humour; it was my ill fortune to see him at a tournament made in honour of the nuptials of a kinswoman of mine, where most unluckily he chose me out from all the rest to combat under my favour; I accepted him for my Knight, believing that his merits and civility commanded me to do him that grace, and then I began to love him so extremely, that from thence doth the occasion of all my complaints proceed. He was adjudged the best man at arms, and I the fairest woman of the assembly, which was the reason that we willingly grew acquainted together, finding a certain kind of, I know not what, sweetness in our conversation, which reciprocally informing our knowledge with the perfections of the mind, as the eye had done by those of the body, it begot so great an amity betwixt us, that we were never quiet when we were absent one from another, either by some accident, or modesty; the trees carried a thousand marks of our loves, every day he received my letters in answer of his, our parents authorised our affections, all things seemed disposed to our desire, and in my heart I named myself already his wife; as without doubt I had been, if he had well remembered the oaths which he had sworn to me a million of times: But this traitor having drawn from me all that he had desired, upon promise of marriage, left me with child; and under colour of some affairs he got him to his friends, whither having sent letter upon letter to certify him of the case I was in, the disgrace I was like to run, how much he owed to my affection and his own faith, the desperate estate whereunto I should be reduced in the end, not daring to appear before my friends with a bastard in my belly; and briefly, all that might be said upon the like occasion, I received no other return but contempt, and an advertisement to show myself wiser when I would have an husband.  
I will not deliver the sorrow which this cruel answer brought me, you will imagine it well enough, but it wrought so powerfully upon me, that I was delivered of a son, which born before his time, died the same day, redoubling my grief and lamentation, (for I hoped he might one day serve to make this wretch acknowledge his fault) who understanding this accident, & thinking that I would never let him be quiet, departed one morning from his fathers, and went to seek adventures, as Knights errand use to do; which coming to my knowledge, I resolved to leave the world, not able to endure the menaces and hatred of my parents, who never looking upon me, but with an eye of contempt and scorn, made me wish for death a thousand times a day: wherefore taking all the money I could make, I got out one night, and in two days traveled so far, that I arrived at this house, where, finding it empty, I stayed; and because I would not be known, I changed my habit, resolving to spend the rest of my days in continual tears. And thus, good Sir, have you had the sad, but true story of my misfortune, which me thinks, deserves as much pity, as I have misery. Certainly, answered Grian, Zelandions' treachery is greater than your weakness, for ordinarily we have not considerations strong enough to keep us from erring when we love, wherefore I protest unto you, that if I can meet and know him, either to be the death of him, or he shall make good his promise to you of marriage; live then with his hope, and suffer me to take a little rest, for this is the third night that I have not so much as closed an eye. Then Arliana bidding him good night, withdrew into another chamber with her companion, and left Grian to sleep till the next day, when he took the first way that presented itself after he had courteously taken leave of his disguised hostesses. His horse carrying him according to chance, rather than by his own direction, he traveled till noon, when he discovered a stately Castle, unto the which addressing himself, he encountered a damsel making most pitiful moan. Gentlewoman, said he unto her, this great sorrow of yours argues some extraordinary affliction, but if your relief may lie in the power of a Knight, let me quickly know what troubles you, and be assured of present succour. Alas, said she, I will not relate the occasion of my laments, because I will not stay you to no purpose; enter into this unlucky house, and preserve one from death, who it may be will render you the like another time. Herewith Grian setting spurs to his horse, galloped into the base court of the Castle, where at one side he saw seven soldiers and a giant lie dead, and fast by, a Knight of goodly presence, in the midst of three giants, who discharging three terrible blows upon his head, felled him to the ground; whereat Grian being exceedingly discontented, suddenly advanced, for fear they should make an end of dispatching him, and couching his lance, very luckilieran one of them clean thorough; the other two with horrible cries, which were able to have feared some Knight less confident than this Champion, charged him presently; but he no more daunted than a bird of prey would be at the sight of a silly partridge, drew out his sword, and combating with no less judgement than fury, made them not only despair of the victory, but so dreadful were his strokes, that whensoever they saw his arm elevated, they strait began to apprehend the end of their lives: the combat waxed fiercer and fiercer, the place was strewed with the pieces of their armour, the giant's blood died the pavement, and Gria● so held them to it, that they tasted oftener of the edge of his blade, then willingly they would; howbeit, ashamed to see themselves reduced under the power of one man alone, they recovered new forces, and assailed him in such sort, that they gave him two dangerous wounds, the one in the thigh, the other on the arm; which so enraged him, that taking his sword in both his hands, he let fall so mighty a blow upon the head of one of them, that he divided it in two; and instantly advancing his arm with the like fury, he had paid the third in the same coin, had he not been prevented by his flight; nevertheless, it little availed him, for Grian following him close, with one dreadful blow, almost cut his body in sunder: this done, he looked about him to see if he had any more enemies to fight withal, but perceiving no body to appear, he presently sheathed up his sword, and approaching the Knight, whose fall he had beheld, he disarmed his head, remaining even ravished with the extreme beauty of his face, which being at that instant overspread with golden hair, made him think that he held not a Knight, but a woman fair, beyond all excellency; he called the damsel at whose request he entered, and was about to ask her for some water to fetch her again, but seeing her open her eyes, he took her under the arm, and holding her up a little, he said unto her; Madam, take courage, your enemies are not in case now to offend you. Where are they, said she, rising with fury, where are these wicked wretches, that would upon such extreme odds have taken away my life? Madam, answered Grian, I have used them as you see, with more contentment than can be imagined, in that I have diverted the destruction which they meant you. What powerful obligations are these, said she, with a gentler countenance? and questionless you are a most valiant Knight, that could prevail over three such monsters as these. I have done nothing, answered he, but what I would most desirously recommence for your service, and to deserve the honour of your commandments; wherefore if you be any whit sensible of so little, Madam, furnish me with means to do more, and favour me so much, as now to name me your Knight, you shall I hope no more recent that choice, than I shall complain of my captivity; in the mean time let us look, whether there be any thing else for us to do here. It is very well advised, said she, lacing on her helmet, let us go then, as for your request, time shall resolve me; so mounting up a pair os stairs, they visited all the chambers, and finding no body, but only one woman with a bunch of keys, they made her immediately descend into the dungeon, from whence she brought up one and thirty Knights, whereof one seeming to Grian of a better presence than the rest, made him desirous to know him. Gentleman, said he unto him, I pray you tell me your name, and how you fell into the hands of these Giants. I should be very ingrateful, answered he, if I should refuse you so small a matter, receiving so much good from you; I am called Zelandion. How (said Grian, laying hold of him at that word) are you then that disloial man, which betrayed the affections of Arliana, after you had had your pleasure of her? By my best hopes, if you were armed, as you are not, you should either die, or confess that you have dealt lewdly. My Lord, said Zelandion, very much troubled with this menace, it is not likely I should offer to fight with him that saves my life, if I were in case so to do; it is true, that the bad counsel of some pernicious persons, drew me to abuse the love of Arliana, but chastised by a long captivity, I fully purpose quickly to repair that fault if I may find her alive. Your repentance, said Grian, persuades me to pardon your weakness; but do not think to deceive heaven once more, for if you do not keep your word which you have given me now, be assured that I will not stick to ride a thousand miles to inflict a just punishment upon you: And to let you know that I have a special care of this business, go instantly and take the best horse you can find here, following my Squire into a desert place, whether despair hath reduced Arliana, and marry her, whereby you shall give me occasion to serve you. Now here is, said he, the happiest commandment that ever I could have received: My Lord, you shall be obeyed, saying so, he caused a horse to be saddled, got up, and following Grians Squire, arrived in four hours at his Mistress' hermitage, whom he married after a world of protestations to love her eternally.  
Whilst he made this voyage, the gentle Knight of the Savage caused his wounds to be looked unto, learned the quality of his Lady, knew that she was named Brandimanda, a Princess among the Amazons, and representing the beginning of his love unto her with such a grace, that considering the obligations wherein she was tied to his assistance, she received him for her Knight, being content to seek adventures with him, upon condition, that their familiarity should not pass the limits of respect, and that he should not take the liberty at any time to importune her, that she might not be obliged to do any thing repugnant to the duty of a wise and modest virgin; which being most freely promised by him, as soon as Grian was recovered of his hurts they departed, and began to travel the world doing wonders in emulation one of another, and nourishing their loves in this manner, until such time as the brave acts of this great warrior advanced him to his Mistress' Crown, as you may perceive by the sequel of this discourse, which I will continue with the adventures of Clarisel of Guindaya, seeing he is one of the prime subjects of our discourse.   

CHAP. XI. Clarisel of Guindaya being arrived in France, succours Alcidas: his combat with the Giant Farnabazan: he hath news of Miralinda, at the nuptials of Alcidas with Orizenna.  
WE left Clarisel at sea going to succour Alcidas in favour of a French Lady, whom he had encountered in the night, we are now to conduct him unto a good port, and prosecute the history with his fortunes. This brave Prince seeing himself a shore, after a tedious voyage at sea, and knowing that the term prefixed for the safety of this Knight approached, he used very great expedition, declining all occasions that might divert him from the execution of his enterprise. Having traveled then eight days with his guide, who was named Orixenna, at length he saw himself in the town where Alcidas was prisoner: but Orixenna exceedingly dismayed to behold all the people assembled in the market place, waxed pale, and so weak, that if Clarisel had not held her, without doubt she had fallen from her horse. What ails you, said he, and what can trouble you now when you have such cause to rejoice? Alas! said she with a sigh, the concourse of this people gives me occasion to fear that Alcidas is not alive. That were an extreme mischief, said Clarisel, but do not thus afflict yourself before you be more certain of the truth: I will go and inquire of some body, in the mean time do you stay here and be comforted. Saying so he was riding away, but perceiving divers persons running on the other side of the street, he made a stop, and immediately after he discovered a young Gentleman in the midst between two hangmen, and guarded by twenty archers, he marched with so confident a countenance, that his innocence evidently appeared by the contempt of an infamous death. Madam, said Clarisel, do you know this prisoner? Yes, said she exceedingly troubled, it is Alcidas; wherefore good Knight, be pleased to remember your promise. At these words Clarisel advancing towards the officers of justice, modestly demanded, whether he might be admitted to combat for the justification of Alcidas. You cannot be denied that, answered one, so as he will commit it to your arms. With all my heart, said Alcides little expecting this good hap, and I protest before heaven, which always takes in hand the defence of innocents', that I am no way guilty of the crime wherewithal I am charged. I am satisfied, said Clarisel, and therefore all that I require now is, that I may encounter your enemy; with that he passed on to the place where proud Farnabazan was walking, with the opinion that no man durst affront him; but seeing this Knight appear so bravely disposed, and of so gallant a presence, he said unto him: Comest thou, unadvised Knight, to defend Alcidas? I do, answered Clarisel; and I am here to make thee die like a traitor, replied the Giant, wherefore let us not spend the time any longer idly. Then taking the field and charging their lances they met so furiously that the earth seemed to tremble under them: their encounters had different effects; Farnabazans spear rested in the Prince's shield, who lost his stirrups, but Clarisels entered into his body above fowr fingers deep, overthrowing him to the ground with a noise like to the ruins of a mighty building, which amazed all the assistants, who shouting for joy testified their unspeakable content to behold this insolent man overthrown. These acclamations augmented Don Clarisels courage, and the Giants shame, who blaspheming against heaven, rose up to receive his enemy, that scorning advantage, was alighted, and making towards him with his sword in his hand. Farnabazan confidently persuading himself to repair the default of his lance with the first stroke he should strike, thought to discharge his great falchion on Clarisels head, and cleave it in two, but the Prince wisely letting it slip by, declined this storm, and taking hold of the occasion gave him a great wound on the left arm, which dying the ground with his blood so incensed the Giant, that he advanced his sword again with more fury than before; and followed Clarisel so close that he could not eschew the blow which was so violent, that it made him recoil two or three steps back, and showed him a thousand stars more than there are in the element. Those which beheld him stagger in this manner were extremely grieved, being verily persuaded that a second stroke would make an end of him, but they rejoiced when they saw him recollect himself, and charge his enemy so furiously, that his helmet being cut in many places, the blood ran down upon his eyes and blinded him in such sort as he struck his blows in vain, which Don Clarisel perceiving, who would not give him leisure to recover, pressed him so far that in less than an hour he drew out all the rest of the blood of his body, and overthrew him stark dead in the place, to the infinite contentment of the people, and principally of Orizenna and Alcidas, who seeing himself free from his chains, and without fear of any further suffering, he approached unto Don Clarisel, and thanked him for his assistance, with all the humility he could possibly express. But Clarisel knowing Orizenna's mind, said unto him: The glory of your deliverance is to be ascribed to God, who never forsakes the innocent in their distress, howbeit next to him you are indebted to the care of this Lady, which hath traveled above five hundred leagues to find out some Knight that might combat Farnabazan, and deliver you; wherefore you shall do wisely to show yourself grateful for so much favour, Alcidas then turning about to Orizenna, and having well observed her, remembered that it was she whom he had encountered in the wood, and which surmounting her own desires, had nobly assisted him with an horse, that he might not be wanting in his engagement unto Clitia; wherewithal considering the new and powerful obligation wherein he was bound to her affection, he resolved to let her see how sensible he was of a benefit. Madam, said he unto her, my happiness would be complete, if you will be pleased now to pass by the little satisfaction I gave you, when you honoured me so much, as to say that you loved me; then I was a captive, now I ●m free, and can repair that fault, if you be as well inclined to me as you were; for, me thinks, it is more than reason I should be liberal unto you of that, which you have gotten with so much pains: command then what you please, and drawing me out of the abysm of wretchedness, wherein I was plunged, raise me to the supremest degree of felicity that love can give us. If I had more regarded your virtue then mine own passion, answered Orizenna, without doubt my spite had been added to the malice of your enemies, and I had not laboured so much to find you an assured succour; but not able to blame your fidelity, I desired you should know that I was not offended with your refusal, since you had not the power to give yourself twice: As for your resentment of the good offices I have done you, I approve of it, and shall be very well satisfied, to see you sigh for me with the same sincerity as you have heretofore done for Clitia; but now is no time to speak of this matter, let us go to my house, and seek to restore you a little, after the enduring of so much incommodity as imprisonment brings along with it, and then we will consider of the rest. This amorous discourse being very pleasing to Clarisel (whose valour Alcidas commended to the skies) they all left the town, and for that Orizenna's house was but four leagues from thence, they got thither by that time it was night, which was no sooner passed, but Alcidas, who could not endure the violence of his new desires, fell upon the point of his marriage with Orizenna, which was celebrated the third day after, with a world of magnificence, and brave entertainment; howbeit, that which most contented Clarisel, was to behold six strong lusty shepherds enter into the hall, whereof one advancing before the rest, desired he might be admitted to maintain at wrestling, that Miralinda was the fairest maid in the world. I know very well; replied Alcidas, that this Shepherdess is incomparably fair, but my friend you are too weak to undergo such a business; nevertheless, I will not hinder you from showing your strength here, and to witness that I am pleased with your design, I promise a scarf to the victor. At those words of Shepherdess, and Miralinda, Clarisel, who was then in talk with Orizenna, changed colour three or four times, which very much troubled her at first, and going to prevent what she feared, Clarisel, that suspected her meaning, took her by the hand, and leading her to a window, said thus: Madam, I make no question but you have discerned some alteration in me, and that the goodness of your disposition hath made you partaker of my suffering; but the way to relieve me, is other than you imagine, and if I fail now of your assistance, there is no hope of remedy for me, but in death; I assure myself you marvel at this language, and that you will demand an explication of it from me; but if you had not known what it is to love, you may think I would never acquaint you with my thoughts, for fear you should laugh at me. In a word, I am in love, and the perfections of this Shepherdess, for whose sake these men dispose themselves to wrestle, have ever since I saw her picture, which was about some three weeks ago given me so much passion, that it is impossible for me to hear her spoken of but that I am troubled because I cannot come to the sight of her: it may be you will condemn this affection of mine, and say with the most part of persons, that I am but poorly spirited not to consider her birth and my condition, howbeit I will reply that it is the fault of fortune, which doth not impart her favours as she ought, and that finding in her all that may be desired in the rarest Princess of the earth, she is alike to be regarded. Howsoever it is no question with me whether I do well or ill, but I freely communicate my heart to you, to the end you may assist me with your counsel, acquaint me with her abode, give me a safe retreat in your house, and so recompense that which you think is due to my desert. In good faith, said she laughing, I will confess my weakness to you; when I saw you change colour, I believed you had not been well, but altering this opinion upon the beginning of your discourse, I lightly imagined that you had been in love with me, and was bethinking myself whether I should yield more to your merit, then to the faith I owe to my Alcidas, but now being freed from this care, it is easy for me to tell you that you love with reason; for the beauty of this shepherdess may excuse the affection of any Knight whatsoever; she dwells not above three leagues hence, and lives with such contempt of the shepherds that adore her, as she seems to be born to triumph over all and love none. Now if you will follow my counsel herein, you shall not present yourself before her in the estate you are; your habit would beget suspicion, and your presence mistrust, but accommodating yourself to her life, take upon you as she doth the care of some flocks, that so you may have the more occasion to see her, and less impediment to your content. Truly, said he, I hold this to be the best course I can take; but Madam, it were fit me thinks that she should once see me first as a Knight, to the end that beholding me change my condition for her sake, she might be the more obliged to love me. That will not be amiss, answered she, and if you can find the opportunity to meet with her alone when you go in that fashion, your design no doubt will speed the better; but we will think of that at more leisure, in the mean time let us take our part, if you please, of this wrestling sport. Then turning about to the shepherds, whereof two were a wrestling together, they took marvellous delight to see what falls they gave one another, tumbling together on the grass, and afterwards dispute with their fists who should be the victor. This pastime having lasted two hours, the night according to these Lovers wishes arrived, which gave every one occasion to betake them to their rest.   

CHAP. XII. Clarisel sees his fair Mistress: their first discourse.  
THE night too short unto these Lovers was very tedious to Don Clarisel, who troubled with an amorous impatience slept not, and would have departed before day to have given some quiet to his mind by the sight of his fair shepherdess, but fearing to go without a guide left he should miss his way, he stayed till Alcidas (whom Orizenna had acquainted with his resolution) came to bid him good morrow. The contentment which he showed in his countenance made Clarisel sigh, and say unto him: O God how happy were I if I could boast the caresses of Miralinda as you do in your thoughts the kisses of your Orizenna. Your love doth make you hope for the like success, answered Alcidas, and time will give it you, let us make use of it then, and beginning to try our fortune let us see whether you shallbe as happy a lover, as you are a valiant Knight. Heerwith they got to horse, and road strait to Bellombre where Miralinda lived; Alcidas endeavoured to make the way seem short unto him with a deal of pleasing discourse, but it gave him no gust at all, his mind was so taken up with expectation of the content which he was to have ere long in beholding the beauties of his Mistress: two howrsbeing spent in this manner, they passed out of the wood, & began to discover one of the delicatest places of the world: On the one side a champion full of corn, on the other a dainty rising hill planted with fruit trees, below a river, which gently winding watered two meadows wherewithal his banks were bounded, upon the decline of the hill a number of houses appeared, which made a pretty village, and at one side a little wood of fir trees reaching almost to the clouds. Well Sir, said Alcidas, what say to this place? That it is worthy of Miralinda, answered Clarisel, and that nature seems to have made it for to render my abode here less irksome, albeit the only presence of my shepherdess is able to make it most delightful unto me were it not composed as it is, but I very much fear we shall not easily meet with that we seek for. Let us follow our fortune, said Alcidas, Love is never wanting to them that adore him. Then having past the river they came to certain sallows, which gave a very pleasant shade, at the end of one of those meadows where Alcidas alighting, said unto Don Clarisel: Sir, I hold it fit that we should stay here a while for to see if Miralinda will pass by; for commonly she goes this way, and grazes her flock upon this fresh pasture. Do as you think good, answered Clarisel, for I am so little myself, that I am not able to say any thing to purpose; whereupon he alighted, took his horse by the bridle, as Alcidas had done, and letting him feed amongst the trees, he returned close to the high way, where he espied a young shepherd who folding his arms across, and lifting up his eyes to heaven, said: O heavens! how long will you suffer me to be the object of the scorn of this shepherdess, and when will you render her more sensible of my affection? I have willingly forsaken that which ambition might make men desire, I have put on an habit unworthy of my estate that so I might enjoy the sight of her with less suspicion, and I serve her with the same respects which should be used to a person more eminent, yet she forbids me her presence, shuns me, and will not permit me so much as to say that I die for her. This is extreme ingratitude, and if I complain thus it is not without a great deal of reason. As I live, said Clarisel, I shall never be jealous of this shepherd, and if all that suffer for her find no better entertainment, I have cause already to complain. You are to hope better, said Alcidas, for all those that she hath seen have not that worth in them which you have; but let us speak softer, I pray you, for questionless I see her coming. At these words Clarisel grew pale, and perceiving her not far off, he trembled like a leaf shaken by the wind, nevertheless thinking how much it conduced to his future happiness to be bold in this first encounter, he courageously resolved to board ●er without fear, and was going to meet her had he not been retained by Alcidas, who seeing him offer to set forward, drew him back whilst Miralinda approached, and sitting down upon the grass untied her golden hair for to make it up again with the more grace. Clarisel that beheld her through the trees, was ravished in the contemplation of such wonderful beauty, but apprehending a greater content in her conversation, he went towards her, leaving Alcidas behind. The noise which he made treading upon some leaves, drew Miralinda suddenly to divide her hair, that so she might with the less impediment look about her, she was somewhat amazed seeing a Knight so goodly, and of so gallant a grace to appear, but accompanying her actions with an extraordinary discretion, she presently rose up, and making him a low reverence demanded what chance had conducted him to that place. My passion brought me hither, answered he, for to tell you fair shepherdess, that you are not to marvel hearing me truly to sigh for you, though our conditions seem to be so different; Love doth greater miracles, and the wonders which I see in your eyes shall always excuse me before the severest judge that can be. Look, said she no whit abashed, how a silly shepherdess may be jeered: no doubt, Sir, I have cause to complain of fortune for giving me no better a being; but withal I must praise her for sending me into the world with so much judgement as to know how to put the difference that is requisite between your greatness and my poverty, which forbids me to be persuaded that ever I can merit the honour you would do me. I am without name, without parents, and have nothing else to rely upon this day in the world than the only goodness of an old shepherdess, who doth bring me up, upon condition that I shall feed her flocks, in regard whereof I will never believe that you love me but to undo me, which I will avoid if I can, and will wisely conserve that which can make me live happily in my unhappiness. Now if you fond suppose with them who think that promotion may one day persuade me to accept of the advantages they propound unto me, without doubt you will be deceived, and lose your labour, for at length you shall know that the desire of greatness shall never prevail with me.  
If you take feigning for truth, answered Clarisel, without doubt you will entreat me as you have done all those which have hitherto presented themselves before you; but if you please to make use of your reason, you will discern the difference that is to be made between my affection and their passions. I love you without desiring any thing of you but what honour will permit you to confer on me, and that which I most wish for at this present is, that you will suffer me to live by you with the liberty to keep a flock in another habit than this I have on; and that you will not refuse to see both in my respect and in my actions, the integrity of this love. Provided, answered she, that your quality be not known here, which at last might make me unhappy; and that you will live modestly according to your promise, I will never oppose your desire: for I will give myself the glory of your captivity, and believe that your intentions are as sincere, as I am innocent. Beauteous shepherdess, answered Clarisel, kissing her hand whether she would or no, I receive this grace from you with more satisfaction, then if you had made me Monarch of the whole earth: You command discretion in my actions, you will have my affection to be unfeigned, and my vows inviolable; such is my desire to, and I wish that thunderbolts from heaven may strike me, if ever, you see me sigh otherwise then you would have me; and from henceforward I will approve of your anger and my banishment, if I give you any occasion to abridge these favours which I hold so dear. Well, said Miralinda, our accord is half made, but can you counterfeit the shepherd well? The best in the world, answered he, and if I had the habit now, I verily think you would take me for one, at leastwise I should accommodate myself far better to the carriage of a swain, than one of your Lovers doth, who came this way a little before you, and mightily complained of your rigour. It is the son of Count Moligny, named Cesander, answered she, who questionless wishes me well, but his humour is intolerable; he is jealous when he beholds me cast an eye upon any shepherd, he importunes me continually, and is always chanting unto me the greatness of his race, as if I were obliged to love him, for that only consideration, rather than for the merit of his person, and renders himself so odious in his ways, that I cannot endure to look upon him, which is the reason I fly him as I would do a wolf. But let us leave off this discourse, I pray you, and tell me how you lighted on this place. The destinies conducted me hither, said he, and from their providence is this good fortune of mine derived. Then making a brief relation of his adventures, of his condition, of the beginning of his love, and of the violent passions he had undergone since that time, he much amazed her, & put her almost out of hope of ever enjoying him; but setting up her rest upon a contrary opinion, she sweetly replied thus: Verily I am of the same faith with you, that there is a kind of fare in our affections: for if you were stricken in love by my picture, I was no less wounded therewith by yours, which I saw not many days passed in this very place, it being showed to me by a damsel, who told me that within a while I should no longer be mine own; wherefore I do not marvel now, that I have not been more difficult to receive you, seeing the heavens governed my thoughts, and disposed of my will: I acquaint you with this secret, not to give you more boldness, & less respect, but to let you know that we are not to falsify the effect of so many promises, if we will live contented, since it is the only mean to assure you those felicities which you hope for in me, and to render me the satisfaction that I expect from your thraldom. Fear not, fairest shepherdess, answered he, wonderfully contented with these assurances, fear not that I will ever pass the bounds of your commandments, I feel such infinite joy in being yours, that I am resolved to die a thousand deaths before I will give you the least occasion to complain of me, and to testify how far I am from abusing your favour, I will depart, if you please, with promise to be here again in two days for to continue my services unto you. Go my shepherd, said she, (for so will I call you hereafter) and let Love, whom we begin to adore, favour our designs. Herewith Clarisel kissing her hand again, went to find out Alcidas, who seeing him return with so merry a countenance, asked him if he should be happy. Yes, said he, if heaven do not oppose mine enterprise: Miralinda wishes me well, and trusting in my promises makes me hope for that which I most desire in the world; let us get to horse, we shall have leisure enough to talk of this matter. Then returning to their way they began to discourse of the means Clarisel was to use for to fall in with some shepherd, and left the beautiful Miralinda to a million of new thoughts, which giving her occasion to consider of all things, made her sometimes apprehend the misery of a deceit, and by and by confirm her anew against the assaults of that weakness.   

CHAP. XIII. Clarisel turns shepherd: his contentment, and the jealousy of Cesander.  
IN the mean time Clarisel being returned home published his good fortune before Orizenna, who seeing him in so pleasing a humour, gave order to make him up instantly a caslock and hole of white fustian tied together with cornation ribbons; provided the next day a flock of sheep for him, put a very curious sheephook in his hand, a scrip at his side, and giving him a boy of fifteen years of age to tend his sheep, whilst he entertained his shepherdess, she sent him to a Farmer (unto whom she had communicated the secret with a charge not to disclose it to any body living) beseeching love to render his intentions prosperous. As soon as he was in the field, he reflected on himself, and considering the habit he was in, it seemed to accuse him of imprudence and weakness, wherefore he said: O God How great is the imbecility of man, and how justly are Lovers condemned, who renounce their own wills, for to give themselves over to their passions? Doubtless I am now subject to the mockeries of the wise, and though I may find some excuse in the example of an infinity of great personages, who have erred like myself, yet can I not hinder the jeering of those which are more advised, and that will say with reason too, how I should rather draw instruction from the misery of others, then imitate them in their faults: Howbeit if I consider the recompense which I am to attend from my design, I cannot be charged with folly, nor guilty of blame; but I may maintain before all the world, that the beauties of so accomplished a shepherdess, may extenuate this act of mine. I must pursue my course then, not stand upon such weak considerations, and yield more to mine own satisfaction, then to the opinion of those that are fools, and think themselves wise. Thus entertaining himself with a world of thoughts, he arrived at the pleasant meadows of Bellombre, where extremely desirous to find his shepherdess, he looked round about, and not seeing her appear, he was strangely troubled, not knowing whither to go, when he heard a rebeck, the sound whereof came from out certain E●ms which he perceived on the left hand, whence he conjectured that Miralinda might be there, and that some amorous shepherd courted her in that manner. Driving on his flock then within a little while he came to those trees, at the foot whereof he saw his shepherdess with another, nothing near so fair, and two shepherds upon their knees, who seemed to implore her pity. His goodly presence, and the grace wherewithal he saluted this company, fastened every one's eyes upon him; but Miralinda knowing him, arose contrary to her custom, and giving him an amorous look, asked him what occasion brought him thither. That is not to be questioned, answered he, since it is most sure that I come as others do to sigh out my passions, and to tell you that you never saw shepherd before that adores you with more respect than myself. She hath more cause to recompense my services, answered one, then to hear you make these protestations; but I believe you will reap no more benefit by them then I have done by my complaints. If the defect of your merit and the judgement of this shepherdess, answered Clarisel, have given you no part in her favour, you must not think, shepherd, that others are as unhappy as yourself; the condition of our service obligeth a woman, and when our actions are disposed to please her, we are to expect an acknowledgement of them. If I cannot constrain her to love me, I will be contented with the sight of her; and if my presence offend her, you shall see me continually upon these banks singing my misfortune, and her beauty: behold, shepherd, how I will accommodate my desires to hers, accusing myself without rendering her culpable: and if I receive any thing from so great an obedience, I will believe it proceedeth rather from her goodness, than mine own merit, otherwise I will say that I am justly punished for having been too daring. How now, shepherd, said Miralinda, is any man so light as you are, thus freely to discover his thoughts? I never saw you till now, and will you already have every one to know that you love me? Yes without doubt, answered Clarisel, and if I should use less freedom, I should not have so much affection. Is it likely that I should be here for your service, and it not be known? my designs would then be without honour, and my ambition without glory; I can no more forbear, beauteous shepherdess, to publish my captivity, then to suffer; and if you be displeased with it, I will hold my peace, and think to profit more by my silence, then by my speech. Shepherd, answered Miralinda, reaching him her hand for to make him sit down by her, I do not purpose to forbid you to speak, and what I said was but to let you know that I love a man that is discreet, howbeit let us leave this discourse, and tell me from whence you are come, whither you go, and what accident brought you to this place. Your beauty which is so famed over all, answered he, hath made me to forsake the banks of Seine, with a resolution never to abandon this Country without you, or at the least till I see you engaged under the power of some shepherd, which is the reason why I crave your leave to deliver my passions as love shall make me feel them. I will not refuse to speak unto you, answered she, but never be importunate, if you hope for any part in my favour. O God said the shepherd who had not spoken yet, what cause have I to complain? I have served you these two years with all the fidelity that can be imagined, and yet you have never done me the grace which now you have showed unto this shepherd, who is but newly arrived: for advising him to live according to your humour, you seem to take care of his content. Ah! that I were permitted to let him see, even at this instant, how unworthy he is of so great a bl●sse, I would throw him at the first bout, and by his fall conserve unto myself that good which I think is belonging unto me. Miralinda not being able to forbear laughing at this shepherd's anger, that seemed to be extremely jealous, cast her eye upon Clarisel, who conceiving he was bound to answer him, said unto him rising up: Foolish shepherd, I would it were as easy for me to obtain some part in the good grace of Miralinda, as to throw thee; nevertheless I will not wrestle with thee but upon condition, that the weakest shall yield his pretensions to the victor. I am content, said Celidon, so was this shepherd named, and I wish that the meads may want pasture for my ●●ocks, if I do not make these fair shepherdess' laugh at thy cost. Then seizing on Clarisel he gave him two or three rough twitches, which made him give back a step, but Clarisel taking good hold on the wings of his doublet, flung him all along on the ground, and gave him such a cruel fall, that every one thought he had been dead; whereupon the other shepherd, of whom we have spoken before, ran instantly to succour him, howbeit Celidon being risen with pain, told him that he felt no hurt, and that in regard he was not fallen but by accident, he was not resolved to quit Miralinda, whom he would make judge of their difference; but she laughed so heartily that she could not utter a word; at length seeing herself constrained to speak, she agreed them so, that each of them should remain in his hopes. After that time Clarisel was ordinarily present in the places where Miralinda fed her flock; sometimes alone, sometimes with a number of shepherds, who oftentimes accorded their rebocks and oboes together, for to make the length of the days seem less tedious to this shepherdess, who loving none but the handsome shepherd (so Clarisel was called) cared only for his conversation, and avoided as much as she could the rest; to the end she might not be importuned by their usual complaints; so that if she were obliged by the way of civility to see them, it was very coldly, being unwilling to give her Clarisel any cause of suspicion, who in the mean while graved upon the bark of all the trees (under whose shadows they met) the name of his beautiful shepherdess, little regarding the solicitations of his rivals, as unworthy of his jealousy. Having past some time in this manner, always accompanying Miralinda at the fountains, at the river's side, in the woods and in the meadows, oftentimes taking the care of grazing her flocks, every one perceived that Clarisel was beloved of this cruel one, before inexorable to any shepherd whatsoever; so that jealousy putting them often into choler, some new match at wrestling was every day seen, wherein Clarisel showed himself so accomplished, that all the Country gave way unto him, each one judging him worthy of the fortune he enjoied, Cesander only excepted, who openly declared himself his enemy, sought all manner of occasions to annoy him, and delivered a thousand lies to Miralinda, thinking to divert her from loving him; but she very well knowing whereunto it tended, and the fidelity of Clarisel would give no ear to him, and daily made demonstration of some new passion for her shepherd, which so vexed Cesander that he resolved to run into the uttermost of extremes, as you shall see by and by.   

CHAP. XIV. The fair Miralinda is carried away forcibly: the admirable deeds of Arms done by Clarisel for her rescue.  
THese two Lovers conversing with a great deal of freedom and love, lead a most happy life, their pleasures were without care, and they never troubled themselves with any thing more, then to let both God and man be witnesses of the sincerity of their thoughts, only the violence of our shepherd's desires, who would willingly in a more sovereign manner have possessed his shepherdess, interposed some unquietness amidst his content, but the hope to see himself one day in the port of so much felicity made him suffer with patience; complaining then but lightly all his discourse was of new assurances of his love, or of prayers, that God would divert from his shepherdess the misfortunes which ordinarily follow men; and verily I am persuaded that these vows so often sent to heaven, were the means to make him foresee in a dream the storm which threatened both his love, and his life, that so he might prevent the effect thereof in despite of fortune, which never giveth sweets without some sour. This amorous shepherd driving his ●●ock one morning to their pasture, went with a sadder look than he was wont, and was so carried away by certain visions which he had had the night before, as he never perceived Miralinda, who stayed for him under the Elms for to do him all the noble favours their fair affection would permit her; but perceiving him walk very melancholy, his hat over his eyes, and using some action with his hands as if he had been transported with anger, she was at first much troubled, in that she could not imagine the cause of his discontent, and began to fear lest some misreport of her had displeased him; nevertheless being confident of her own innocence, and not able any longer to suffer him in this posture, she presently made towards him, and taking him by the hand, said unto him: What mean these fancies, my shepherd, whence comes this indisposition, and why do you pass by without bidding me good morrow? have you less love than you had yesterday, am I less fair, more unpleasing than I was used to be, or have you observed any thing in my carriage that is distasteful to you? No, my dearest shepherdess, answered he, I have no cause for to complain of you; alike is your beauty, and the sense of my passions, which are no whit less to day than they were before; but you know that time and accidents do not always leave us in case to laugh or complain. You will say that our content should not be subject thereunto, and that our love may exempt us from a million of miseries, as an assured port from the surges of a troubled sea, my sweetest shepherdess it is true, but can we triumph without labours? Questionless we cannot, and the best affections are most subject to crosses: That which afflicts me (I will not conceal it from you) is a dream which I had the last night, very ominous in my judgements, and that hath reduced me to the pass wherein you have seen me; although I know very well that no regard is to be had to such frivolous things, which oftentimes arise from the weakness of our brain, yet I will not slight it, but take it as an advice from heaven, that it may be lets me foresee a mischief, to decline it. I dreamt then an hour before day that I saw six Lions come into these plains who tearing your clothes in a thousand pieces, dragged you up and down the wood, without any fear of the noise and cries the shepherds of this Country made, that they were gotten into a den for to have fed on your body▪ but that a great Bear defended you, and that I coming in to his aid, drew you out of their paws; judge now whether I have not reason to fear some mishap in your person, and whether I can live contented after these menaces. No doubtless, nor shall I ever be in quiet, till I have put myself in case to serve you, if by chance any thing should arrive unto you beyond expectation. But what can you do heerin, said Miralinda, a little troubled? Keep myself ready upon all occasions, answered he, and have my horse and my arms in my lodging; for I never told you yet, my fairest shepherdess, that I am a Knight, and son to the great Emperor of Greece Florisel of Niquea, a thousand times more satisfied in being yours, then in the possession of all the Kingdoms of the World. O God said Miralinda, what tears will these words one day cost me, and what sorrow will this great inequality make me endure? I would your condition, my Clarisel, were lower, or mine more eminent, I might then expect that which my judgement doth now prohibit me to hope for. No, no, said he, do not imagine, my excellent shepherdess, that ever this difference shall alter my resolution, or that it shall one day cause me to despise that, which you see me so adore at this present. I do not love you for the consideration of any means that you may have, but for the sole merit of your beauty, by which I swear in the sight of heaven, whom I call to witness, that I will always hold you as dear as mine own life; and that I will never have other wife than yourself, if so be you willbe contented with my fortune. Rely upon these assurances, I beseech you, and do not kill me with grieving at your doubt of my faith. I will give, said she with a cheerfuller countenance, my Lord, I will give more to your oath, then to my fear; for you would not take pleasure to beguile the simplicity of a maid that loves you with passion, howsoever you shall permit me, if you please, to carry myself with much more respect to you then formerly I have done, to the end that my humility may render me worthy of your affection. It would be the utter undoing of all our pleasures, answered he, if you take away the liberty of our actions, wherefore we will live, if you please, as hitherto we have done. But my shepherdess, shall we not seal these promises of marriage with some kisses? It is reason, said she, that I should grant you this little, since you have reserved nothing but to give me all. And my Lord, added she after she had amorously joined her lips to his, I would I might give you sweeter and greater contentments, verily you should then perceive that I am most sensible of your passions, but mine honour doth forbid me the granting of any thing more, and wills me humbly to entreat you to be contented with this, until such time as the destinies have resolved to make us happy. You shall never see me swerve from the respect which you require in my actions, said Clarisel; but my shepherdess, seeing this article is concluded according to our desire, let us return to our former talk. Have you not observed the absence of Cesander? He hath not appeared these three days, and I am confident he hath some dangerous plot upon you, induced thereunto by the favourable entertainment you have given me, and by the neglect of the services which he hath so often tendered unto you. Assure you, Sir, said Miralinda, that loving none but you, I never thought of others, and not to lie to you Cesander was quite out of my head; but now I call to mind that I have not seen him a good while, which makes me approve of your suspicion, wherefore we shall do well to stand upon our guard. For myself, said Clarisel, I resolve to go presently to Alcidas house, where all my furniture is ready; but in regard I may not absent myself without your leave, I desire you to grant it me. Go, said she weeping, and all the Protectors of our woods be propitious to your designs; as for me, I will pass away the rest of this day by entertaining my thoughts with the favours which the heavens have conferred on me in your affection. Clarisel then departing, arrived within a few hours after at Alcidas Castle, who by chance was gone the very same day upon a certain enterprise, and conferring a long time with Orizenna, recounted unto her the pleasantness of his life, the contentment which he had in the continual beholding of so lovely a shepherdess, and commending her disposition that was far from all kind of rudeness, he swore that he had never seen any thing so worthy the affection of the greatest Prince; insomuch that he made Orizenna in love with Miralinda, and extremely desirous to see her. This discourse having continued till the evening, he caused his horse and arms to be brought him, and taking leave of Orizenna, unto whom he had declared his dream, he returned to Bellombre, wherein desiring to enter in by dark, because he would not be discovered in that equipage, he got him to bed hoping to sleep better than he had done the night before, howbeit the exceeding desire he had to see his shepherdess again, not suffering him to take much rest, made him rise by break of day to wait for her at the Elms; but she that had no less unquietness was there first, so that encountering in this manner, they renewed their salutes a thousand times, and sitting down on the grass gave account of their thoughts in such amorous words, that they were able no doubt to make them live contented in the midst of infinite crosses; having sat then a long time thus sweetly entertaining one another, they rose up for to gather their sheep together which were scattered, but they were eased of that labour, and remained somewhat amazed to behold two young unknown shepherds do them that office; and that advancing themselves both at one instant fell upon their knees before Miralinda, and said unto her: Fair shepherdess, the fame of you which filleth our hamlets with wonder and astonishment, having stricken this shepherd's heart and mine both at a time, we revealed our passions one to the other at one instant, but with so much ill fortune, that a marvellous great friendship which tied us together like brothers, was suddenly converted into hatred, jealousy not suffering either of us to endure a rival; so that in brief after we had reciprocally and in vain entreated each other to yield up his pretensions, we came three or fowr times to blows, always giving over with a like advantage; and questionless, we had seen the end of one another, if our parents grieved with this enmity had not laboured to accord us; but the prize of our quarrel being great, each one stood firm in his purpose, so as the assistance of our friends had been without effect had they not had recourse to the oracle, which told them that our remedy lay in your hands; we are come therefore, fair shepherdess, that you may pronounce in favour of the one or the other of us: Our conditions are alike, our states equal, there rests nothing but the consideration of our persons, whereof you may be judge. So finishing this discourse they both kneeled down before Miralinda, who kindly turning to Don Clarisel, smiled and said unto him: Shepherd, I will not make the Oracle a liar, I will presently heal these sick Lovers, but know you how my friends? By commanding you both never to appear again before me, nor hope that ever I will love you. O cruel! said he that had not yet spoken, you heal us indeed: but alas! it is with extreme remedies; for our love not permitting us to disobey you, we will retire ourselves for to die instantly: Saying thus they rose up, and taking several paths went away, and were never seen more at Bellombre. These shepherds being dispatched in this manner, Miralinda sat down again in the shadow, and began to talk with Celidon, that was come to the Elms to seek her out for to complain of her rigour, when she perceived two armed men making directly to her: the sight of them much amazing her, she cast her eyes upon Don Clarisel, who remembering his dream presently laid hold of a great bat that lay on the bank of the river, and approaching to his shepherdess told her, that it was expedient for her to turn back to Bellombre. Miralinda very much troubled was running away, but the two Knights coming in, the one intercepted her passage, whilst the other taking her by the arm, would have set her upon his horse; nevertheless she resisted and cried out for help, which put Clarisel into such a rage, that advancing his bat he discharged it so strongly on him which held his shepherdess, that he overthrew him dead to the ground. This greatly animating him he instantly seized on the dead Knight's sword, ran after the other, cut off one of his arms, and with the second blow cleaving his head in twain, he thought that he had freed his shepherdess, when he discerned six other Knights come galloping towards him, from whom he could expect nothing but death. I must, said he then, make use of new counsel upon new occasions; if I expose myself to the fury of these traitors which are coming, Miralinda would be lost, and my death would but add to her sorrow; I will therefore preserve myself if I can, for to succour her to some purpose, and not rashly. Whereupon taking his course towards Bellombre, he entered speedily into his lodging, suddenly armed himself, mounted upon his horse which he found ready, and getting out of the back gate he galloped after these villains, who this while had forcibly conveied away Miralinda, and were ●led as fast as their horses could run. Clarisel sollowed them close, and carried with extreme rage, thought of nothing, save how to catch them; but his ill fortune making him take somewhat a different way, he was six hours before he could overtake them; and questionless he had never met with them if being in the midst of the wood, he had not resolved to stand still a little for to listen if he could hear any noise they might make, letting his horse then take a little breath, though it were with much impatience, he remained a pretty while with very great attention, but hearing the wood resound with the violence of some blows which seemed to be stricken upon armour, he spurred away through the trees, and came into a great way, in the midst whereof he saw a Knight that was valiantly combatting with fowr of those whom he sought. By heaven, said he, you rakehell's, ye shall pay dear for it now I have met with you; so drawing his sword he smote one of them with such fury on the helmet, that he clove him to the very shoulders; and instantly redoubling a back blow on another he cut his armour as if it had been single paper, and divided his body in twain, therewith giving another a thrust in the belly, he ran him quite through the guts sending him dead to the other two. Not satified with this execution, he raised his sword again to have dispatched the fourth, when as the Knight entreated him to leave him that small part of the glory, and follow a shepherdess which three other thiefs had carried away. At this word of shepherdess, he turned about, and keeping the same way as fast as his horse could carry him, within half an hour he perceived his fair mistress in the arms of a Knight who seemed invincible amidst two others, which so enraged him, that with the first blow he sent the sword and arm of one of them to the ground; and fearing to strike the other, because he held Miralinda, he discharged upon the crupper of his horse, which he cut in two pieces, by that means staying him: the third seeing so sudden an execution slunk presently into the wood to avoid pursuing; but Clarisel who thought of nothing but his shepherdess, alighted instantly, and approaching to the Knight that having left Miralinda had drawn his sword for to defend himself, he discharged so terrible a blow upon his head, that his brains flying about, he tumbled dead in the place. This done he looked round about to see if there were any more enemies to fight withal, but no body appearing before him save Miralinda, who seemed more dead than alive, he went presently unto her, and lifting up his beaver, that she might know him, he said unto her: What s●y you now, my beauteous shepherdess, to dreams? Without doubt we had been lost, if I had not thought upon my arms, but thanks be to God we are now out of danger. I my Lord said she, embracing him as it were the better to assure herself, I have no cause to fear now that I am so near you, and that you know so well how to chastise those that offend you: but alas! you are to fight yet, for the half of our enemies are behind. I think, said Clarisel, they will never trouble you more; for they have beaten the way to their Captain; and having encountered them first, I cut them first in pieces; one thing only grieves me that I do not know the author of this villainy. The author, said she was Cesander, he that held me, and that was the last which passed by the edge of your sword: This wretch made me suffer strangely, for all his discourse was nothing but reproaches of my ingratitude, and thre●●ning to be revenged at leisure of my neglect of him, and giving you the better part of my heart. As I live, said Clarisel, I am wonderful glad that he is in the case I behold him; more for to see you freed from his importunities, then for any fear I had that he could ever have obtained place in your favour, for you have too much judgement to love a man so ill disposed; but let us leave of this discourse, and think of getting out of this wood that we be not nighted in it, at leastwise we will go and render the thanks which we owe to the assistance of a good Knight whom we shall find hard by, and that peradventure is still in fight with one of these rascals. Saying so, he led his horse with one hand, and held Miralinda by the other, when they perceived the Knight of whom they spoke, come towards them as fast as he could drive; but as soon as he discerned them, he presently stopped; and alighting embraced Don Clarisel, to whom he said: My Lord, I was making all the haste I could to your succour, but I see you had no need of my sword. Truly said Clarisel▪ not knowing him, I am more obliged to you than you think for, and you shall do me a singular pleasure to make use of me, and freely to tell me your name. Do you not know Alcidas then, said the Knight? O me! said Clarisel, how forgetful am I? These arms I saw at your house, but I was before in such a rage, and am now so full of joy, that I had then no desire but to be revenged, nor at this present have any will but to render thanks unto God for my good success, which was the reason why I knew you no sooner. I but I did your Miralinda, said Alcidas, for seeing her in the power of these Knights, and hearing her cry out, I fell in amongst them to rescue her, being assured that I should oblige you in her assistance, but without your arrival, we had both been lost. Let us speak no more of this misfortune, since we have avoided it, said Clarisel, and tell me whether we may find any lodging heerabout; night is at hand, and I am sensible already of the incommodity this shepherdess would receive, should she lie abroad. I am not able to assure you any, said Alcidas, only let us keep this way, perchance it will bring us ere long to some village: then Clarisel having taken up Miralinda behind him, Alcidas road along with them, and was musing on this treacherous plot, when as a Knight came against him as hard as he could run, and encountered him so furiously that he cast him out of his saddle to the ground, passing on as if he had been carried by lightning. By my life, said Alcidas, being much abashed to see himself overthrown in that manner, you have taken me at unawares, but if I live I'll cry quittance with you; whereupon having desired Clarisel not to be displeased with his departure, he road after this discourteous Knight, and left the Lovers in the midst of the wood, who unable to find any way by reason of the darkness of the night, they went aside, and alighting under a tree, they resolved to rest there till day.   

CHAP. XV. The passions of Clarisel finding himself alone with his shepherdess: Alcidamant is made Knight.  
CLarisel seeing himself alone with his shepherdess, was so contented that he never felt the discommodity of hunger and his hard lodging, but men are never void of crosses, his desires made war with him, and labouring to have as much respect as love, he found his pain to be every way equal unto the pleasure which he had to find himself beloved: his words were so many assurances of his affection; his thoughts so many wishes that Love would afford him some assistance, & all his actions assured proofs of a violent passion, he took the delicate hands of his shepherdess, carried them often to his lips, sometimes bathed them with tears, sighed incessantly, and then by a deep silence testified that his soul was oppressed with great unquietness: fain he would have complained, but he durst not, fear contained his tongue, and when he would have opened his heart he was restrained by the consideration that he was not to be importunate: Miralinda whose affection was innocent, guessing by his carriage that he suffered much, was persuaded that he had received some wound, which he would not discover for grieving her, insomuch that she was afraid, and desiring to know the truth, she said unto him: Why do you weep, my Shepherd, whence grow these sighs, and what means this silence? are you hurt, and do your wounds pain you? Alas! said he, beauteous Shepherdess, now you enforce me, I was resolved to have suffered silently; but since you will understand the cause of my grief, I will not refuse you the knowledge of it, to the end I may not accuse my cowardice for my suffering. I consider the misery whereunto I am reduced, in that I dare not tell you, how it is time that you should recompense my services; the place favours my thoughts, but my fear to offend you, will not permit me to reveal them: I love passionately, you doubt not of it I assure myself, your beauty gives me violent passions, I am in continual torment, I feel a million of flames which consume me, yet I endure and do not so much as open my mouth; and hitherto I never gave you any cause to complain of my actions: But it is time, I, my Shepherdess, it is time to be more hardy, and I should think myself miserable, if I should overslip this opportunity, without knowing how far your love extends. We are in a wood, barred from all eyes that may disclose our secrets, this darkness will warrant our delights, my faith will make them lawful, you will free me from a perpetual fear, that another more happy than myself may one day possess you, you will oblige me to live contented, and this way I shall assure you the greatness which is due to your merit; do not suffer me, my dearest Shepherdess, to languish any longer, & keep me from dying with grief, at your being insensible of my endure; give yourself wholly to me, as I protest again, before God, to be only yours, and never to have other wife; let us take hold of occasion, that is bald, and which seldom offers itself twice; give not yourself time to accuse your fear, nor me cause to complain of you; and now calling to mind the integrity of all my passed actions, draw from thence an infallible conclusion, that I love you sincerely, and that you shall not be deceived; this is the way to assure our happiness, all your future content depends on your discretion, which ought to accommodate you to the time: think on it, my Shepherdess, and lose not yourself with light considerations, which are never well accepted of amongst lovers: I am now in a state to receive grace, said he kneeling down, con●er it on me, I beleech you, and be persuaded that my death is tied to your denial. Miralinda, observing him thus disposed, was exceedingly troubled, her affection made her think his impatience just, would have her consent to his embraces, and counselled her to give up herself to him upon assurance of these promises; but then, her honour represented unto her, how she was to love otherwise, if she meant not to give this Prince just cause to despise her another day, when he should find her so facile; resting then on this resolution, she answered him: Ah Sir, do you make more account of your pleasure then my reputation, and do not you consider that I should be most unworthy of your love, if my affection were not innocent and pure? What could you wish for more, if you had once the spoil of me, and how could you love me, if there were nothing left for you to hope from me? I will never believe that you love me for to be my ruin, or that you have weighed that well which you have said; your desires, and opportunity, that tempts men, have made you speak in that manner I know, but recollect yourself, I pray you, judge whether I may give you that with reason, which you demand with passion; I love you infinitely, I confess it; howbeit, nature teacheth me, that I ought to love myself better, and that we are not to sack the satisfaction of another, with our own overthrow; moreover fortune hath bestowed nothing on me but mine honour for to relieve the miseries of my birth, and will you deprive me of that? Ah Clarisel! you will make me believe that your love was always feigned, that so many oaths were not sworn but to deceive me, and that you would now triumph over me, for to make me the object of reproach, as I am of ill fortune. If you have spoken to that end, proceed shepherd, I put myself into your hands, and my undoing shall testify that I was not insensible of the honour you have done me, and that I have not refused you a satisfaction, but for to make it one day a thousand times more acceptable unto you, by giving it you without sorrow or shame, howbeit that I may not have occasion to complain of my weakness, be assured that this night you shall have all that ever you can hope for from me. Then shedding some tears, which she accompanied with so many sighs, she put Clarisel into such a confusion, that he would have given the best part of his blood he had never been so unadvised; nevertheless thinking that his repentance might deface his offence, he replied unto her in this sort. I am extremely grieved at the discontent you have received from my speeches, which were derived from my passion, and not from the end you spoke of; for I should hold my ●el● the most disloyal Knight of the earth, if I had so much as entertained a thought to draw favours from you for to make you the scorn of the world, as now you are the wonder of it, you will have me wait upon time, and leave the recompense of my services to the pleasure of the destinies; it is most just that I obey their ordinances and your commandments, be confident then, my shepherdess, that you shall never have cause to fear a like discourse, and that amidst all kind of occasions you may live secure by me, so as you will now promise me never to remember my fault. I were void of love, said she, if I should not excuse your passion. No my shepherd, I will never think on it, but love you the more, for this obedience doth so please me, that now I think myself far happier in possessing of you, than I did at the first; and that you may see I will not be sparing of the favours, which a pure affection may permit me to give you, I will recompense the victory you have gotten over your desires, with a kiss. Saying so, she drew nearer to him, and joined her lips so sweetly to his that the excess of so infinite a content transported him beyond all that could be desired of pleasure in the world, wherein doubtless he had continued a long time if Miralinda, plucking him by the arm had not put him in mind that the night was more than half spent, and that it was time to betake them to their rest, thought the place was not very proper for it. Sitting down then one close by another they fell asleep upon the assurance that Cl●risels horse would make a noise to awake them if any beast chanced to approach them. Having endured so much the day before, they had rested longer, but that the sun piercing through the branches shined upon their faces, wherefore awaking both at one time they arose, and were ready to proceed in their former way, when they perceived two young Squires coming along, and that staying near the tree under which they were, seemed as if they would confer of some important f●air. As I live said one, I can no longer endure these delais, and to be thus hindered so troubles me, that I am resolved to go far enough till I find some valiant and courteous Knight, who will confer that on me which I shall not receive God knows when, if I attend the King's return, who cannot so easily part with Greece, from so many friends as he hath there to come hither. But I doubt 〈◊〉 you mean to forsake me, and that the fear of my mother's displeas●●● will more prevail with you then the consideration of the promises which I have made you. You judge not well of my affection, answered he, let us go when you please, Sir, you shall find me more ready to travel abroad, then to keep at home; howbeit I see no great likelihood of effecting your purpose; for having neither money, horses, nor arms, how will you be fitted to receive the order which you so much desi●e? Fortune will assist us, said he, only let us get away, and then put ourselves upon the care of heaven; whereupon turning about they espied Miralinda, and Don Clarisel, who during their discourse were admired: this gentleman being wonderful handsome, of a great deal less stature than Clarisel, but squarer set, demonstrating in his look an alacrity of spirit, a sweetness in his speech, an admirable grace in his carriage, a resolute courage in his countenance, and briefly a majesty not ordinary amongst ordinary Knights. Espying, I say, this Knight so well proportioned, and his shepherdess so fair, they stood still as it were ravished with the sight of so rare an object, but Clarisel that would not leave them in that amaze approached to them, and addressing himself unto him that seemed so hopeful, he said thus: Gentleman, whither are you going at this present? To seek out some bo●y, said he, that will make me Knight; for it is time to fall upon actions that may bring forth glory, but I will go no further, if you will do me that favour, and I should hold myself much honoured to receive the order from your hand, for your aspect doth show you to be strong and valiant. I am very sorry, said Clarisel, that we have 〈◊〉 arms here to put upon you, but if you will go three or fowr miles with me I will promise to accommodate you worthily to morrow. I had rather follow you tendays said he, then fail in this business, do but lead the way, and I will wait upon you most willingly. Give me leave then said Clarisel, to fit my horse for the ease of this shepherdess, in the mean time I pray tell me who you are: Very gladly, answered he; my name is Alcid●●●●, son to the marquis of M●nteclare, a man of consideration in France, which is obliged unto him for many great services, but that you may not marvel to seem at this present so ill accommodated, be it known to you that not able to contain my mother's permission for to be made a Knight until the return of my father, who hath been a good while with the king 〈◊〉 at Constantinople, I was going to seek out some one that would give me an horse and arms, it seeming undecent to me to spend the best part of my days in idleness, but thanks be to God I have encountered that I wished for when I least expected it. By the faith of a Knight, answered Clarisel, if you be as valiant as you are handsome, I shall not repent the pains which I purpose to take in accompanying you on foot. My Lord, said then a damsel which appeared on a sudden, you shall never trouble yourself in that manner; for some that honour you, and respect this Gentleman with whom you talk, have taken the care upon them of this affair; these brave arms which the destinies have reserved for his valour, and that have hung upon this tree above these hundred years, shall serve his occasion, and these horses which you see here before you shall keep you from being lackeys. The presence of this woman had amazed them, but the horses and the arm● which were the fairest in the world, made them no less to wonder, so that they beh●ld one another without speaking a word, when as the damsel pursuing her discourse, said unto Don Clarisel: My Lord, the learned Nerea, who loves this Gentleman, because he is to be one of the prime Knights of the world, desires you to give him the order. I do not know the Lady, said Clarisel, but I will honour her merit, depend wholly on her power, and serve her in some better occasion than this, although I think I shall do much, by giving to the world a Knight of so extraordinary an esteem as he is of whose great worth ye foretell, wherefore I will defer the effect of it no longer. Alcidamant being armed the● with his rich arms, whereof the shield was shadowed with three palms, from whence his surname was afterward derived, kneeled down before Clarisel, took his oath never to be wanting to the duty of a good Knight, received the benediction from him, which being done, Clarisel called Miralinda, desiring her to gird the sword unto him: This request made her blush, for she had never been present at such a Ceremony; but the damsel approaching to her, said: Fair Shepherdess, make no difficulty to do this honour unto this Knight, he touches you nearer than you think for, and the time will come, that you will hold yourself most happy to know him as I do; so that you shall do wisely, to place this day, and this action in your memory, the better to remember it all your life. I do not understand your language, said Miralinda, taking the sword; but I beseech God that all may redound to his glory, and that he will be pleased to make this Knight as virtuous, as he is handsome; herewith she hung his sword at his side, and having gently kissed him, she retired towards Clarisel, unto whom Alcidamant protested a world of service, desiring his permission that he might begin to travel, as his good fortune should direct him. Go, said Clarisel, embracing him again, and heaven grant you to prove as I hope you will. Alcidamant then vaulting into the saddle, sat his horse with such a grace, that Clarisel admired him, and thought he had never seen a Knight so comely in his arms; but he spurring into the thickest of the wood, left Clarisel very much satisfied with his gallant demeanour, and with the encounter of an ambling nag which the damsel had left, upon the which he set Miralinda, returning very covertly to Bellombre, with an opinion that it would not be known he was a Knight, and that the honour of the deliverance of this Shepherdess, would be ascribed to some other rather than to him; but the truth cannot be hid, for it was presently divulged throughout all France, that the village of Bellombre was honoured with the fairest maid, and with the valiantest knight of the world; so that all the talk thereabout, was of the excellency of these lovers, every body commending as well the valour of the one, as the incomparable beauty of the other.   

CHAP. XVI. The sweet life which Clarisel leads with his Shepherdess; the encounter of Mascarin the Dwarf, his buffoonries upon occasion of his love to Miralinda.  
CLarisel and his fair Shepherdess, living with incredible pleasure, passed away the time insensibly, and feeling no other distaste, but what they found in the violence of their desires, that forced them to wish for a greater content, they attended with patience the felicity, which they hoped either time or fortune would one day bring them. They were ordinarily together at the river side under the willows, or in a little wood of fir trees, whose tops were wrapped within the clouds, and which seemed to be disposed for the contentment of the beholder, where their usual discourse was of new assurances of their loves. One day as their flocks were laid in the long and spacious alleys, which separated these fir trees, making them appear sometimes in triangle, and many times in little ovals, Miralinda was arising for to catch a pretty ewe that she loved, and which commonly wore her colours; but seeing a little ill-favoured and misshapen man upon a great and mighty horse, she cast herself suddenly into her Shepherd's arms, as if fear had made her seek a place of refuge. Clarisel rising up, laid hold on his sheephook, and looked round about him, as it were doubting a second misfortune; howbeit, perceiving no body but a little piece of a man, he fell a laughing at his Shepherdess' fear, and approaching to him, said: Friend, what would ye have, or why do you stay here? To admire, said he, the excellency of this Shepherdess, who seems to me so fair, and hath such a delicate grace, that I am already no longer mine own. By my faith, said Clarisel, she shows a marvellous power in this encounter, and your captivity gives her no little glory; but do you think it is wisely done of you to come and trench upon my rights, and are you not afraid that I will be revenged on you, for daring thus boldly to trespass me? Afraid said he? I would not fear a thousand deaths, if I were to suffer them for her service, and the consideration of you, does not hinder me from telling her, that I love her more than all the men of the earth; it is for her to choose whom she shall like best, and I assure myself, she will soon forsake you, when she shall know who I am, and that her judgement shall make her apprehend the advantages which she may have in the election of me. Make yourself known then, said Clarisel, and do not so undervalue me before I know wherefore. I am, said he, Mascarin the amorous (that surname will I assume for the love of this Shepherdess) otherwise called the little Favourite; because my Master, the Count d' Aglas, respecting me above all his other servants, imparts his secrets to me, and imploies me in matters of consequence; will you have a testimony of it? Why I come now by his commandment, from a very fair Gentlewoman, whom he loves passionately, having thought none worthy of this charge but my self. By my faith, said Clarisel, these are qualities very eminent indeed, but yet my friend, you must seek out greater, if you mean to enjoy this Shepherdess, her beauty renders her glorious, and raises her thoughts to desire a Knight, that is excellent in arms, for to match with her; I am one myself, howbeit without hope, and my want of merit obligeth her to deny me that which she owes to my affection. Are you a Knight said Mas●arin? Never take me for an honest manif I be not so ere long; wherefore prepare yourself to just with me, for I like not a rival of so handsome a presence as yours, and your death shall free my suit of all competition. Saying so, he bowed himself below the pommel of his saddle, for his chin was but a little above it, in that manner doing obey sans to Miralinda, and leaving them almost burst with laughter, he passed on with more love, than body, or good grace. Being strucken then to the heart, he made incredible haste, and the same day came to his Master, before whom he kneeled down, and in stead of giving him an account of his journey, he said unto him: My Lord, if the consideration of my services, have begotten a will in you to give me some recompense, do not refuse me one boon which I will demand of you, for the good news I bring you. His Master, that saw him so earnest, was somewhat amazed at his speech, but desirous to know the business, he promised him all that he would require. You shall make me Knight, than said he, within these four or five days, and bestowing arms on me answerable to the proportion of my body, leave me power to obtain a Mistress, I will not say the fairest she pherdesse, but the rarest woman on the earth; I have already placed her in my heart, and there is nothing wanting to the absolute possession of her, but the courage to defeat an audacious Shepherd that follows her, and brags he is a Knight; for my part, the overthrow of most horrible G●ants were possible for me, out of the new power infused into me, by the virtue of this beauty; so that I am most assured very easily to vanquish this rival, and to see myself shortly the happiest man of the world. The Count not being able to forbear laughing at his Favourites passion, said unto him: Thou hast talked enough of thine own love, Mascarin; but thou sayest nothing to me of my Lady: Marvel not at that, answered he, I am so taken with this Shepherdess, that I can think of nothing else; yet it is fit that I should satisfy you touching your demand: Your Mistress is wholly yours, and as I may conclude by her carriage towards me, there wants nothing but your presence to render you contented; Would you have better news than this? No, said the Count, for I am happy indeed if it be true. Why, do you doubt of my fidelity, said Mascarin? That I do not, answered the Count, for I find that thy new passion doth not transport thee so, as to make thee speak otherwise then thou shouldest. You may build upon it, said the Dwarf; and do but take order that I may be furnished with arms, upon my life I'll lodge you in your Mistress' bed assoon as you have made me Knight. This discourse being past, not without a world of laughter, the Dwarf retired himself, in expectation of the next morning, which was no sooner come, but he so pressed his Lord, that he sent him to the next town, caused light arms to be made fit for him, who having put them on with such Ceremonies as his Master had devised, for to make himself sport, stood upon such puntillios, as if he would have made all the world to fall by the edge of his sword. I will see now, said he, taking a lance greater than himself, whether this Shepherd dare affront me, or be my rival; and let me not live, if I do not overthrow him at the first encounter; wherefore my good Lord, said he to his Master, give me leave to commence my knighthood with the most glorious conquest of the earth. I will not hinder thee, said the Count, who took wonderful delight in his humour, but I foresee that thou wilt catch a fall. No, no, said he, courageously getting up on his horse, the prize will animate my forces: therewith setting spurs to an old jade, upon the which he was mounted, away he went to Bellombre with all the speed he could, and came thither just at such time, as Miralinda and Clarisel, sitting under the shadow of those lofty firretrees, were singing an air upon the happy encounter of their loves. By heaven, said he, addressing his speech to Don Clarisel, and shaking a lance, which might be of the length of an ell, in stead of singing, thou hadst need begin the lamentations of thy death, or else resolve never to love my Shepherdess more. O me, said Clarisel, laughing in good earnest with Miralinda, to behold the equipage of this piece of man: what new Knight have we here, and with what a grace does he manage a lance? Shepherd, answered he, in a mighty rage, it is no time to jeer, I mean to be the death of thee, wherefore betake thee to thy arms, and then thou shalt see, that though my body be less, my courage is greater than thine. Why, dost thou think that I shall need arms to vanquish thee, said Clarisel? I arms, said Mascarin, for I would be loath to fight with thee upon advantage; but if thou wilt make thyself unworthy of the favour which I offer, I'll soon rid the world of thee. Wherewithal he charged his lance, set spurs to his horse, and ran against Clarisel, who taking wonderful delight in this sport, stepped aside, and with a little rap of his sheephook tumbled him so prettily out of his saddle, that Miralinda thought she should have killed herself with laughing. Now art thou my prisoner, said Clarisel, taking him by the collar, and therefore yield me up the Shepherdess, or resolve to die. That were against reason, answered the Dwarf, for thou camest behind me, and didst not vanquish me fairly. Well, said Clarisel, wilt thou run once morethen, and quit thy pretensions if thou art overthrown? ay▪ by my knighthood, said he, and will never cross thee more, if I chance to be so unhappy as to tumble once again, So mounting on his horse, he charged his little lance, and ran very courageously against Clarisel; but receiving another rap on his head with the sheephook, he fell to the ground, so astonished, that if Miralinda had not opened his helmet to give him air, he had been deprived of his senses. How do you feel yourself, my Knight, said she, after your fall? Too well, said he, for the content of this Shepherd, whosetreachery to me begins to be punished, for acknowledging me to be your Knight, his hopes are utterly undone, so that he may go seek him another Mistress elsewhere.  
How, said Clarisel, ready to burst with laughing, do you threaten me after I have given you your life? Come, come, said Miralinda, I will make a peace between you: Friend Mascarin I willbe always glad to see you, and receiving your vows with affection, I will call you my favourite, as you are already to the Count d' Aglas; but I desire that this shepherd should be my Knight, for he can defend me better than you, and so I entreat you to live friends. By my life, fair shepherdess said Mascarin, I will never appeal from your sentence, for it were not fit you should discard this shepherd for me, at leastwise before you know how far my services may extend, so that if he will render you as much obedience as I do, our quarrel is at an end. I am very well pleased with this accord, said Clarisel, for I should never have slept quietly having so dangerous an enemy as thyself; let us drink then together for a confirmation of this agreement. In good faith said Mascarin, thou shalt do me a singular courtesy to bestow a little wine on me, if thou hast any in thy bottle, this armour hath put me into such a heat, and the choler I was in, made me so dry, that I am ready to die for thirst. Therewith Clarisel reaching him a leather bottle which he had ordinarily in his scrip, so tempered him, that he talked of nothing but of combatting all the shepherds of the Province to maintain that he was more amiable than they. Living in this manner with Miralinda, he gave her incredible content, pleasantly interrupted Don Clarisels cares, and serving for sport to all the shepherds of Bellombre, went up and down along the rivers side extolling the incomparable beauty of his shepherdess, sometimes graving her name on the barks of trees, and sometimes at her feet demanding one grace or other for the mitigation of his suffering. But it is time to leave this shepherd amidst such infinite delights, for to give a beginning unto the report of the marvellous acts done by the excellent Knight of the Palms.   

CHAP. XVII. The adventures of Alcidamant, called the Knight of the Palms, after he parted f●om Clarisel: his first combat against Narsander the Enchanter in the behalf of Melania.  
ALcidamant departing, as you have heard, wonderful well satisfied at his being made Knight, traveled with an extreme desire to meet some accident worthy his courage, and the commencement of his arms, but because the absence of the King made adventures little frequent in France, it was two days ere he could light on any, at the end whereof he encountered a young Squire, who bitterly weeping complained very much of the injustice of the destinies: the sight of his tears moved him to pity, and imagining that so grievous a complaint proceeded from some great occasion, courteously asked of him if he could do any thing for him. Yes Sir, said he wiping his eyes, it lies in you to oblige me unto you for ever, if you please to employ your sword for the service of one of the fairest Ladies of this Kingdom, unjustly disinherited, and likely to be most miserable all her life time, if the succour of strangers do not render her that of which her friends have deprived her. She is the sole heir of the Count of Maran, excellently fair, as I told you, and for a long time adored by most of the young gallants of the Court, now neglected by all through the practice of one of the wickedest men of the world. Narsander (so is this wretch called) Uncle to Melania, (which is the poor afflicted creatures name) having an extreme desire to possess the lands of Maran, which had been managed by him about some fowr years (for so long it is since the decease of the father and mother of Melania) hath laid as damnable a plot to be●eave his niece of them, as hath been heard of: for he hath accused her not only for offending against the duty of a maid well born, but for being culpable of the death of a child, which he produced, and affirmed to be hers, and to confirm his speeches he hath so enchanted Melania (for he is very skilful in Negromancy) that she herself avouches how she hath murdered that child, although it is most certain that she had never seen it, but at that time when the judges commanded her to be brought to look upon it. This confession of hers, the accusation of an Uncle, who seems to be carried thereunto by a just resentment of her dishonour, and the testimony of a servant that he hath, more wicked than himself, hath caused this maid to be condemned to death, and the Earldom of Maran to be confiscated unto this Enchanter, if some friends of hers by the mother's side had not opposed this sentence; showing that there was no regard to be had to the saying of the maid, who questionless spoke by the power of witchcraft which Narsander had used, neither to the false accusation of this man whom avarice had provoked thereunto, as was easily to be judged by the demand he had made of the lands of Maran, and less to the testimony of that servant who was known to be a most lewd rascal, and that had said nothing but upon promise of recompense. These reasons were favourably heard, and all means have been used to discover the truth of this affair; but the judges not finding anything to prove the innocence of Melania, as they have witness of her offence, have confirmed their first sentence of death; howbeit desiring to give something to the birth of this maid, and to the request of her friends, who still maintain that she is bewitched, they have added these conditions, that within three months she shall bring a Knight for to combat Narsander, in whose victory or overthrow her life or death consists, which hath been accepted both by her friends, and Narsander, who questionless is very valiant and courageous, and that with reason believes how she will meet with none in all the Country that either dares affront him or that will not fall under his sword, which very much troubles Melania's friends, who unwilling to hazard her honour and life upon the weakness of their arms, have sent me to seek some adventurous Knight for to undertake this combat; and had commanded me to find out the handsome shepherd, who is much spoken of o'late; but I will go no further having thus luckily encountered you, only now it resteth that you will throughly examine your forces, and consider whether you are able to give an end to so great a business. The honour of combats, said Alcidamant, depends on the grace of heaven, rather than on the vanity of men, which is the reason why I will not rashly promise thee the victory; but I will confidently assure thee to undertake this quarrel with courage, and not to be diverted from it by the commendation thou hast given this enchanter. Let us away then if you please, said the Squire, for to morrow is the last day of the term prefixed, but my comfort is, we may get thither to night if we use a little speed; whereupon setting spurs to their horses, they road discoursing of the many mischiefs occasioned in the world by the treachery of men, when they met a young damsel, who saluting Alcidamant said unto him: Brave warrior, I am commanded to present you with this Ring; it is a mean to discover the innocence of Melania: you may put it on her finger, and then make her speak to the judges before you combat for her; howbeit leave it not with her, but conserve it carefully, for it will stand you in stead other where. She that sends me so rare a present very much obliges me, said Alcidamant, and assure her that she shall dispose of me whensoever, or howsoever she pleaseth, and so shall you for your pains in bringing it to me. Saying thus, he passed on, as it were fearing that the least stay might interrupt his enterprise, but his Squire seeing him post away so suddenly, said unto him: Do you not know this damsel that spoke to you but now? No, said Alcidamant, for I never saw her to my remembrance before. That is very strange, said Armidas, for it is even she which gave you these arms, and me thinks you gave her but cold entertainment, for such powerful obligations. By my hopes said Alcidamant, I am very sorry for it, I would she were here again, thou shouldst see than I would soon repair this fault; but since it is now too late, I must expect some other opportunity to show myself more acknowledging unto her. Talking thus in this manner, sometimes of one thing, sometimes of another, they arrived at a house where Melania's friends were assembled with a purpose to choose out some one amongst themselves for to hazard the combat with Narsander, but the Squire alighting and telling them of the encounter he had made of Alcidamant, they all came forth to receive him, wondering very much to behold one so young to follow arms, and they could not be persuaded that he was of force sufficient to resist the fury of a man, who had made himself redoubted every where; howbeit observing him very exactly, and seeing him to be of so goodly a stature, well made, and of a confident look, they hoped for something extraordinary from him, so as they honoured him exceedingly; and having given him marvellous noble entertainment, they conducted him to a chamber for to repose himself; but so great was his desire to combat, that he slept not long. Rising then very early in the morning, he disposed of himself, as a good Christian ought to do that means to hazard his life; and afterwards being armed at all points, he went strait to the field, which the judges had caused to be prepared, in whose presence he approached to Melania, who was set upon a scaffold, and said unto her: Madam, assure me of your innocence, that so I may have the assistance of heaven fight for your preservation. Why do you speak of my innocency, answered she, have not I said a thousand times at least that I have murdered my child, what would you of me more? that were too much, replied Alcidamant, if what you say were true: But my Lords, said he, addressing his speech to the judges, I will let you see what cunning this wicked man, to whom you have granted the honour of the field, hath used to undo this maid: whereupon, taking the Ring which Nerea had sent him, he put it upon Melania's finger, and then said unto her: Madam, Is it true that you have murdered a child? That I have murdered a child, answered she, with a settled judgement; O God, never suffer me, I beseech thee, to be charged with such a crime; but, Sir, what child is this that you speak to me of? Of one that you brought into the world, and murdered instantly, answered the judges. Alas! said she, lifting up her eyes: may heaven, that never suffers such a crime to go unpunished, strike me dead with thunder, if this whereof I am accused be true: Are all this people then assembled for that, and must this axe do vengeance on me for a sin which I have not committed? My Lords, do not precipitate my days in this manner, at leastwise let me know the author of so great a wickedness. Narsander, said Alcidamant, is he that would ruin you, that charges you with this fact, that by the power of his charms hath made you say, that you are culpable of it, and that labours to have you put to death; but we will chastise him if you will remit your right unto my arms. I would never permit you to fight upon this occasion, answered she, if I were not confident of his assistance that never forsakes the innocent, but assuring myself both of his justice and your valour, you may proceed to the combat when you please. Whereupon Alcidamant taking the Ring from her as he was advised by Nerea, Melania required afresh to be put to death as she that was guilty; whereby the assistants plainly perceived how Narsander had bewitched her, in such sort that all the people were so incensed against him as they had torn him in pieces, had it not been for Alcidamant, who desiring a little silence, advanced towards him; and finding him full of rage and despite to see his secrets discovered said unto him: I have laid open thy villainy, not to exempt myself from the combat with thee; for I will oblige the world by thy death, and free all honest persons hereafter from thy deceits, but to clear Melania from all imputation whereunto she might be subject in the opinion of those that neither could discover nor believe thy wickedness, wherefore defend thyself from me. Therewithal taking the field, he charged his lance, and setting spurs to his horse, he met him so strongly in the midst of the course, that he cast him out of his saddle, though not without some staggering by the encounter he had received. Narsander finding himself on the ground suddenly rose up, and drawing out his sword he let fall a blow with such fury on his enemy's shield, that thoroughly made him to feel the force of his arm; but not to fail in the first combat that ever he had undertaken, he began to charge Narsander so fiercely, that every one admired to see him fight with such grace and courage against a man so redoubted, and that was scarcely to be matched again in France: if his enemy struck at him, he either warded it with his sword, or opposed with his shield to it, and for the most part avoided it with such agility, as he gave most of his blows in vain, whereas his never fell but to purpose; so that having cut Narsanders' shield in an hundred pieces, he drew blood from him in I know not how many places. Having then a quick eye, a confident judgement, a strong arm, and a resolute courage, his address gave marvellous contentment to the people, who beholding his youth prophesied, that in time he would prove one of the most accomplished Knights of the world. Narsander almost in despair to see himself reduced into so ill a plight, and cursing his spirits, for neglecting to advertise him of the force of this Knight, verily believed that the justice of heaven was armed for to punish his wickedness; nevertheless hoping yet to prevail, he took his sword in both his hands, and therewith struck Alcidamant so dangerously on the helmet, that he made him knock his chin against his breast, almost despairing of his senses, and without doubt if he had quickly redoubled upon him he had been in peril, but the Knight having time to resettle and come again to himself, grew so furious that Narsander was exceedingly troubled with the apprehension of a most horrible blow, which lighting on his head overthrew him in the place without moving either hand or foot, wherewithal the Knight not being satisfied was going to disarm him, for to take his head from his shoulders, when as the judges declaring Melania to be innocent, desired him to save his life. So wicked a creature as this is, answered he, deserves no favour, howbeit deliver this gentlewoman into the hands of her friends with the ceremonies requisite in such a case, and then at your request I will spare him. Hereupon they caused Melania to be conducted to the house where her friends were assembled, into the which she was no sooner entered, but she was presently restored to her former understanding, free from the charms of her Uncle, who being come to himself would not suffer his wounds, though very dangerous, to be looked unto; the grief to see himself vanquished making him desire rather to die then to live.   

CHAP. XVIII. The loves of Alcidamant and Melania.  
Whilst the people talked of the exceeding valour of Alcidamant, and that Narsander infinitely enraged vowed to revenge his disgrace, Melania suffered herself to be carried with the perfections which she found in her Knight, his person was a wonder to her eye, she admired such unmatchable force in an age so tender, a matute and settled judgement in this youth, an extraordinary prudence in his actions, and briefly observing nothing in him that was not capable of love, she felt the violence of certain desires that touched her to the quick, and that seemed even to inform her to discover her thoughts unto him, nevertheless retained by shame she resolved to suffer with silence, and in the mean time to let him see that she loved him; Employed then whatsoever she had of charm and attraction in her, and all the art that maidens use for the captivity of men, she endeavoured to gain and possess him, but there needed no great labour to bring her designs to pass; for Alcidamant being naturally amorous, seeing so beautiful a creature, and occasion so favourable, said unto her one day as they were walking alone under the trees of a fair and pleasant orchyard: Madam, I did not think that my ruin should have been drawn out of your preservation, and that your deliverance should have been the cause of my thraldom; but now I perceive to my grief, that I have not freed you, but to suffer the more myself, unless you be as sensible of my pain as I was of your misfortune. I do not know answered she, exceedingly contented to hear him upon those terms which she so much desired, what cause you have to complain of me, for I have laboured to serve you, and by all ways sought to give you that, which your assistance hath deserved; but if what I have done doth not suffice, Sir, you may dispose of all that is mine, and there is nothing in my power, that I do not most willingly make you the Master of, that so at least I may not rest unthankful. And if so be this house be distasteful to you, as indeed it is not very pleasing, I am to be excused, in regard I have not stayed you here, but only to show you how desirous I am to give you some entertainment befitting your merit. Alas! said he, that is not the cause of my complaint; for these pleasant walks, these delicate gardens, curious water works, stately buildings, and even this very orchard wherein we are, set with a multitude of excellent trees, might give content to the saddest disposition that could be, much more to me that can never be enough satisfied of them, but I will explain myself, seeing it is your pleasure. I said that I did not think my ruin would have been drawn out of your preservation. Ah Madam! will you not soon understand the meaning of these words, when I shall tell you that your beauty hath left me nothing free, but the will to do you service, and a desire to enjoy you? Yes, and will think I have reason to complain, if you should leave me in distress, from whence I have delivered you. I did not know my power till now, answered she with a smile, nor could ever imagine that my eyes had been of more force than the fury of the bravest Knights of the earth, neither did I think of bringing any remedy to your disease, because I was not acquainted with the cause; but now that I am assured of it, I will take time to resolve myself, and let you see that I cannot be ingrateful. You shall never meet with better opportunity to make me happy, said Alcidamant; and this place, free, as I conceive, from all danger of discovery, may invite you not to let me languish any longer. Look now, replied Melania, how your impatience would wrong us; would you have the Sun be a witness of my dishonour, or would you have me espy some one peeping on us in the midst of our pleasures, which could never taste well, accompanied with such fear? We will find a more seasonable time, and safer place, till when, I shall entreat you to rest contented; with this assurance, that I am won to your desire: and withal, that you will give me the satisfaction, to look more merrily upon me. Why this, said he, kissing her hand, is as much as I can wish, whereof I were most unworthy, if my looks hereafter do not give you the content you require; only be mindful of me, and make the way to my felicity, as short as possibly may be.  
You shall not complain of me, answered she, and I shall hold myself most happy in your affection, provided you be constant, and do not forsake me to sigh for another. Sigh for another, said he? Ah, Madam, never fear that, for I have not the power so to do though I would, and if my honour would permit me to leave following of arms, I would not stir from you whilst I have a day to l●ve; howsoever, you shall never see me mount on horseback but by your commandment. I mistrusted, said she, that I should find the defect in you, which ordinarily accompanies the weakness of men, who oftentimes suffer themselves to be carried away with new objects; but your vow hath relieved that doubt, and persuaded me to believe, that you will be as perfect in love, as you are in arms; which makes me resolve to care more for your contentment, than my own reputation. This discourse having lasted somewhat long, they walked in, where a sumptuous supper waited ready for them on the table; that done, they had entertained themselves with some pleasing discourse, had not Melania, desirous to lose no time, feigned some little indisposition, thereby to send her family to bed: Being then alone with a chambermaid, whom she had made the Secretary of her thoughts, and perceiving a general silence over all the house, she accommodated her hair in a delicate manner, perfumed it with a most exquisite odour, and putting on a cloak of white satin over her smock, she went forth without any light, but that of her eyes, and slipped secretly into Alcidamants chamber, who seeing her come with such a grace, leapt suddenly out of his bed, and giving her a kiss, whereby she might easily discern the greatness of his passion; he laid her immediately between the sheets, where their embraces began with all the delight, that may be imagined by any one th●t hath had the happiness to be at such a banquet. Their first fires being extinguished, they instantly rekindled them with a million of kisses, and with all the dalliance that can be used in such actions, they rendered their pleasure so full, that the length of the night, was but a moment to their desires; insomuch, that they parted less satisfied, and with much more will to meet again then before, so the next night being come, as they had wished for a thousand times, they renewed their sport with such pleasure, that Melania became with child of a most beautiful daughter, which was named Lucilea, and afterwards married to Sonabel of Fenuz●, as more at large shall be related in the prosecution of this history: but to come where we left. These Lovers drowned in delight, thought of nothing, but how to please one another; Alcidamant talked no more of horses and arms, Melania had forgotten her passed miseries, and finding herself in the suprem●st degree of worldly felicity, had no other desire, but every day to add some grace to her actions for the contentment of her Knight: Howbeit, Fortune, that never gives a sweet without some sour, not enduring to see them triumph over her inconstancy, resolved to interrupt the course of so much happiness, and send Alcidamant away when least they expected it.   

CHAP. XIX. The Knight of the Palms arrives at the dangerous Bridge, forces the guards there, and bravely delivers Florimond of Canabea with a multitude of prisoners.  
ONE month being sweetly passed away in these sweet delights, Alcidamant, who desired to join the pleasure of hunting with his content in love, getting to horse one morning, rode into the woods of Maran, attended by five or six huntsmen; but wandering from his company, and thinking to take a way which he saw on his left hand, he perceived a little Dwarf, who laying hold on his bridle, said with a surly countenance: Thou wilt make the Destiny's liars if thou continuest long in this manner, and the exercises which thou hast used of late, will not give thee that glory they have promised thee. Shall the bosom of a woman, limit thy ambition, and in stead of nobly sweeting under the weight of an armour, wilt thou die inglorious in her embraces? Remember, Knight, that fame is not acquired with unmanly courses, and that God hath not given thee such incomparable force to employ it ill. With these words he vanished, leaving Alcidamant in a strange confusion; for reflecting on his life, and judging it indeed most unbeseeming a man that desired to be in esteem with persons of worth, he resolved to quit Melania, and follow the voice of the Destinies: howbeit, finding no little difficulty therein, and fearing this wenches extreme love would oppose his design; he knew not whether he should depart without leave, or whether it were better for him to persuade her with reasons to allow of his going. This last opinion, seeming fairest unto him, in regard that this way, he avoided all occasion she might have to reproach him for deceiving her, as also any misfortune that otherwise peradventure might arise from such his neglect of her; he concluded to proceed ingenuously with her, and to undertake nothing but with permission; being persuaded he ought that respect unto so many favours which he had received from her. Pursuing then the cry of the hounds, and finding as full a grown Boar as ever he had seen, he presently advanced towards him, and not giving him time to enter into the toils, he struck him to the heart with his Boar spear; whereupon, commanding the huntsmen to bring him away, he returned home, where at first he discovered not his intent to Melania; but night being come, and they together in bed, he began his discourse with a sigh, and said unto her: Madam, it is with extreme grief, that I desire you to consider the reasons I bring for to induce you no longer to keep me here. We are not born for ourselves, much less for pleasure and idleness, nor is a man to put on arms for once, and ever after to let them hang ignobly rusting: The greatest Knights that are, have loved like myself, but their love never kept them from seeking adventures in the world; contrarily, they have rendered themselves famous by an infinity of enterprises achieved by the sole remembrance of their Mistresses; sweet Madam give me this power, permit me to raise my name with your praises, and that I may make the world say, how France produceth excellent warriors, and incomparable beauties; you shall have a share in my triumphs, and when you shall hear the greatness of my acts reported, you will receive a thousand times more contentment, then that you can expect from my stay. I speak not thus, because I am weary of your caresses, they have too much charm and delight in them; but truly mine honour will not suffer me to give the best part of my days to rest and ease; for so should I renmy self the fable of the world, whereas I should desire to be the wonder of it. You love me in regard you hold me to be virtuous, should I not then be most unworthy of your favours, if I should be basely effeminate▪ Verily, Madam, you might justly despise me: wherefore, I beseech you, to leave me the liberty to merit them, and generously testify, that you prefer my honour before own satisfaction: This way you shall oblige me, never to forget your noble carriage to me, and furnishing me with occasion to commend you, you will make me desire to return to serve you, after I have crowned myself with a million of laurels. Alas! said Melania, I feared nothing in the world so much as this discourse, the doubt whereof, hath many times interrupted the pleasure I took in you. What do you think will become of me, for can I live without a soul? Ah no, dear heart, I cannot, your departure will procure my death, as your coming prevented it: Nevertheless, I cannot blame you, your reasons appear most just unto me, and though my love cannot allow of them, yet I must needs confess, that you ought to live for glory, and not for pleasure. Why will not you then, said Alcidamant, suffer a little, since it is for my good? My weakness, answered she, will not permit me so to do; howbeit, seeing reason commands, I will resolve myself for it: Go then when you please, I will seek for consolation in my patience, in the praises which I shall hear published of you, and most of all, in the promise you have made me to return hither again another day. But alas, I fear, and with reason, that your merits, which make you so lovely, will furnish you with as many Mistresses, as you shall meet with fair women, and that you will utterly forget me. Madam, said Alcidamant, kissing her very amorously, you are then troubled to no purpose, your beauty may well assure you against this fear, and the knowledge of my disposition will keep you from believing that ever I can be so far ingrateful: If I am much indebted to the favour you have done me, I must add to that account as none of the least, this last resolution of yours, wherein I find as much love as courage, and from thence draw upon myself most powerful obligations to make me despise all kind of objects for your sake.  
Accompanying these words then with a world of kindness, he somewhat pacified the grief of this poor afflicted creature, but her sorrows renewed when she saw herself alone in bed, and that she considered how her Lover was arming himself to be gone, whereupon not enduring the place, and desiring to enjoy the sight of him as long as possible might be, she presently got forth, covered only with a little cloak, and went to the chamber where our Knight was, and would once again have bid him adieu, howbeit not able to speak but with sighs, she let him go to horse, somewhat pleased, yet in her displeasure to have seen a few tears on his cheeks as assured testimonies of his grief so to leave her, and returned to her bed, where the memory of the pleasures she had there formerly enjoied refreshing her torment, she continued a long time weeping, whilst Alcidamant followed his good fortune.  
This generous warrior being alone was no doubt very sensible of the sorrow he had left at Maran, but on the other side it gladded him as much, that he was at liberty, and bethinking him of the time which he had unprofitably spent, it vexed him to see how little he had done in the commencement of his chivalry, nevertheless he comforted himself with the resolution to do such deeds of arms as should deface this fault, and give occasion to all the world to talk of him. Travelling then with this intention, he bestowed all the rest of the day without meeting of any adventure, and at night took up his lodging in a village, where being at supper a young Squire came in, and with a very sad countenance desired entertainment. As God help me, said he moved with pity to behold him, your affliction displeases me, and if you will acquaint me with the cause of it, I will gladly endeavour to assist you if you have need of my succour. Sir, said the Squire, your good will doth much oblige me, but alas! it brings me not the satisfaction I desire, and which I cannot hope for but from heaven: If I be greeved it is with a great deal of reason; for having to day lost my master, one of the best Knights in the world, I can never look for any contentment hereafter. By what misfortune did you lose him, said Alcidamant? Through the treason of a wicked villain, answered the Squire, who causes a bridge to be guarded some three leaves hence, for to surprise a Knight, from whom it seems he hath received some displeasure, but others that come there are not exempted from his treachery; for assoon as ever any one is advanced upon the bridge, he makes the barrier by which he entered, to be shut upon him, and straightway he is opposed by fowr strong Knights, who stop him from passing on, till such time as another, that I assure you is very valiant and courageous, comes and joins with them to combat him if he will not render up his arms. My Master unluckily arriving there, went in boldly never dreaming of any such matter; but he had not made twenty steps when the Knight of whom I last mentioned, came against him, & threatened him with present death if he would not yield himself to prison. What do you talk of death and prison to me, answered my Master? By my life you shall not triumph so easily of me, and as long as I am able to wield a sword, no man living shall command my liberty. Saying so, my Master having given me his lance, because the Knight was without one, courageously drew his sword, and not to use many words he began a fierce combat with him, who behaved himself, marvellous well, both in defending and charging my Master, that surpassing him in valour, had brought him to an ill pass having already drawn blood from divers parts of his body, when as those that guarded the barrier advanced, and having charged him altogether, overthrew him from his horse, manacled his hands, and cast him into a dungeon, with a resolution to plague him thoroughly for the pain he had put them unto: now because their meaning is not to take any but Knights, they presently turned me out, and told me that I was set at liberty in hope I would find our some valiant man or other for to deliver my Master out of their hands; but they shall miss of their purpose, for I will never make the misfortune greater, by conducting any Knight thither, unless it be the valorous Fulgoran of Canabea, my Masters near kinsman, or in his absence the brave bastard of Media: now judge, Sir, whither I have not great cause to complain. That you have in good faith, said Alcidamant, and I much commend the affection which you carry to the service of that good Knight; but me thinks you should not so afflict yourself by despairing of his recovery, seeing it may happen that he may be delivered; and to oblige you thereunto, I promise you so as you will conduct me to that bridge, to try my fortune there to morrow, and save you the labour of going so far to seek relief. Now God defend, said the Squire I would rather co●s●ll you to forbear; for I should undo you, be guilty of the mischief that should betid you, and your death would augment my grief and displeasure. It were an honour for Knights chiefly of your ag● (pardon me for speaking to you in this manner, and telling you that your youth doth not permit you to have much experience in arms) it were an honour, I say, for Knights to undertuke adventures, whereof the power of a man is capable, but they are held to be rash and unadvised when they venture upon such as are above their forces, they are to leave those great executions unto such, as by little and little have given end to difficult enterprises, and to remember that nature hath taught young birds not to soar high till their wings be strong and able. If we venture nothing, said Alcidamant, what can we do worthy of commendation, and if glory be not to be acquired by common adventures, we are without fear to attempt such as are dangerous? wherefore, honest youth, never trouble yourself for me, nor inquire whether I can, or cannot; the order I have received obliges me to this design, which I will execute without you, conducted thither by some other, howbeit if you love your Master, I know you cannot stir a foot till you have made this journey. My pity of you, said the Squire, drew me to give you this advice, but seeing you have so much courage as to contemn it, I will not fail to be your guide. Whereupon bidding him good night, he retired, leaving Alcidamant with an extreme desire to break so pernicious a custom. Having slept then b●t a little, he arose very early, and conducted by the Squire, he arrived at the Bridge, upon which he entered boldly without any fear, although he saw the barrier shut after him, and advancing forwards he encountered a great Knight, who perceiving those three palms upon his shield, cried out: Come, come, my Masters, here is the bird for which we laid our nets. At these words, Alcidamant was assured, that this custom was established for to take away his life; and observing the Knight well, he perceived that it was Narsander the enchanter, which having made him draw his sword, he advanced to him with this speech: By heaven, traitor, thou shalt not escape me now, neither shall the power of thy friends avail thee, for it is more than time to make thee give an account of all the wickedness that thou hast committed. Wherewithal, he discharged his sword so furiously upon his shield, that he divided it in two, the point thereof lighting with such v●olence on his head-piece, that it overthrew him quite astonished to the ground, where doubtless he had trodden him in pieces under his horses feet, if the Knights of the Bridge had not arrived to his succour. Those four Knights exceedingly vexed to behold their Master in that case, charged Alcidamant all at once, making no question to subdue him with ease; but he despising their assavits, which made not so much as any print upon his arms, began a most dangerous bickering with them; now he gave a down right blow on the head of one, by and by he ran another clean thorough the body; howbeit, not having room enough to lay about him, his blows fell not half so strongly as otherwise they would have done, insomuch, that the combat endured longer than he desired; nevertheless, growing into choler to see Narsander come again to himself, and offer to arise, he bestirred himself so terribly amongst his enemies, that with the first blow he discharged he cut one of them in twain, and presently sent the arm of another to the earth. This expedition had amazed them, and they were even upon the point of betaking themselves to flight, when as Narsander joined with them, charging Alcidamant very fiercely; who becoming more furious by the resistance he found, struck one of them with such force, that he clavae him down to the very teeth, thereby so terrifying those which remained, that Narsander began to fly one way, whilst the Knight laboured to save himself by another. Alcidamant, who cared for nothing but to dispatch this enchanter, followed him close, and cried to him: Turn about, traitor, and add not cowatdise to so many thy other vices; nevertheless, he ran away still, striving to get the Castle on his head, for to shelter him from that furious tempest; but the Knight held him so to it, that entering in at the first gate, he discharged such a terrible blow on him behind, as having made him a wound on his shoulder half a foot deep, he laid him once more on the earth, where instantly going with a resolution to take off his head, and about to unlace his helmet, he beheld a reasonable handsome gentlewoman, and of a gracious presence, make hastily towards him, who falling upon her knees, said unto him: Excellent Knight, have pity, I beseech you, on me, and for her sake whom you love best in the world, grant me the head of this Knight whom I see in your power. As I live, said he, Madam, he doth not deserve such grace, but you so straight conjure me, that I may not refuse you: howbeit, I must have the naughty custom that is kept here abrogated, and you shall presently deliver the prisoners which are in your custody. My Lord, answered the gentlewoman, I confess with you, that Narsander is be to blamed for many of his actions, and you may be sure, that it is a grief unto me to see him live in this manner: But alas! my condition doth not permit me to dispose of it otherwise, and my love to him makes me desire his welfare. You are pleased that the custom of the Bridge shall be broken, and the passage left free hereafter, assure yourself, that shall be the first request I will make unto him; and as for the prisoners, it is reasonable that they should be set at liberty, seeing it is your pleasure, unto whom all obedience is more than due here. Commanding then some of her servants to open the dungeons, they brought forth above forty Knights, who presently departing, went publishing the valour of this Knight of the Palms, in so many places, that all France resounded again with the report of his famous deeds; only the Squire's Master remained behind, in regard that Alcidamant, observing his gallant disposition, had entreated him to make himself known to him. That will I most gladly, answered he; My name is Florimond, son to Bruzanges of Canabea, and Cousin to the burning Knight, of whom it may be you have heard talk, as of one of the valiantest Gentlemen of the earth, and who not long since was acknowledged to be the son of the Excellent Emperor of Persia, Don Rogel; I went forth of Constantinople a good while since, for the execution of a difficult enterprise, and made account to return again instantly, but the ordinary adventures, which befall Knights errand, having carried me from one Country to another, I arrived in this goodly Kingdom, where the first encounter I met withal, was a very beautiful Gentlewoman, who understanding by my speech that I was a stranger, invited me very courteously to repose some time in her house, to the which I consented in a most unlucky time, (well may I say so, for my torments will not suffer me to speak better;) I was conducted then to my chamber, where being disarmed, I presently saw Claristea enter (so is this cruel f●ir named) who seemed to be curious after novelties, asked me a thousand questions, whereunto I answered, as I conceived, very fully. Whilst she talked thus with me, I marked her very heedfully, and observing powerful charms in hereys, a marvellous delicate face, a winning grace in her carriage, and a certain kind of Majesty in her countenance, I could not choose but love her. To what end should I hold you longer with discoursing my passion's? I discovered my thoughts unto her (Alas! Love would needs force me to it, for to make me suffer afterwards a torment worse than death) by a million of sighs I made her understand the power she had over me, and a thousand times besought her to take some compassion of my endure; but she was so far from believing my protestations, or regarding my pain, that she would at no hand grant me the honour to be her Knight. If ever you have loved, you may easily conjecture how great my sorrow was, seeing all my hopes so frustrate; truly it was such, that no whit respecting my life, since I was not pleasing to whom I adored, I resolved to appear no more before her; and so one morning I departed, with a purpose to undergo things impossible for a man to perform, to the end I might free myself from farther languishing; and indeed, I never complained of the rigour of my imprisonment, from which you have delivered me, in hope that death would give an end to all my troubles. Behold, S●r, this is that which you have desired of me, and if there be any other thing wherein I may serve you, I would desire you to command me before I get me to some desert, where I may with more liberty bewail my misfortune. This is a resolution, said Alcidamant, very unbefitting the honour of a good Knight, wherefore you shall never put it in practice if you will be ruled by me, rather hope for something from your merit, and compel this insensible creature to blame her ingratitude, and acknowledge your services; a small matter pleases a woman, a far less displeases her, and oftentimes she loves us in our neglect of her, as she despiseth us when we adore her beauty. My grief, replied Florimond, made me wish for death, but your discourse makes me desire life, for to employ it in your service. This is as it should be, said Alcidamant, now it were not amiss, we began to think of dislodging from hence, where so little good is meant us. Truly, answered Florimond, I was about to advise you unto it, for the less while we stay here, the easier will it be for us: Whereupon, Florimond having himself caused the barrier to be opened, and followed Alcidamant to a village not far off, where they met with the adventures, which shall be recounted in the ensuing Chapter.   

CHAP. XX. The strange adventure which happened to the Knight of the Palms and Florimond, with the deliverance of Claristea, and her love to Alcidamant.  
THE Knight of the Palms having endured so much the day before, fell asleep assoon as he was a bed; but Florimond, more oppest with care and sorrow, could take no rest; his ill fortune presented itself continually before him, and Claristea's rigour so tormented him, that he found no ease save in his complaints: arising then, he walked about the chamber, but that being too straight for the liberty of his thoughts, he went unto certain trees that bordered on the high way which led unto the village, and there was so engaged in his passions, as he thought on nothing else. What a weakness is this in me, said he, to sigh for an ingrateful creature, that takes pleasure in my sufferings; her cruelty should make me despise her as much, as her beauty hath made me love her, and my just disdain should give me that content, which her neglect and my fidelity deny me. Ah Claristea! my anger should make me happy, it should make me forget you, so to deliver myself out of the pain wherein I am, or at leastwise not to think of you, but to hate you, seeing you take the course to undo me: But alas! it is not in my power, my desires are tied to my misfortune; I love my misery because you are the occasion of it, and shall never resolve for hate, as I do for patience: Live then, as you please, either ingrateful, or inclined to favour me; alter your mind, or persevere in your purpose to destroy me; I will never breathe, but for you, nor shall my desires be bestowed any other where. So, concluding to die, rather than to be wanting in loialty, he was devising some way how he might come to see Claristea again; when as a great noise made him give ear to certain voices he heard; but suddenly remembering, that the Moon shone clear enough to let him see what he desired, he abandoned the shadow of those trees, and got him into the midst of the high way, where he perceived three Giants coming on, which seemed three towers, leading five or six damsels bound, who crying to heaven for help, filled the air with their complaints.  
This object amazed him, and if he had been armed without doubt he had set upon these Giants, although he had been sure to die for it, but having not so much as his sword about him, he returned instantly unto the trees with a resolution to follow and succour those afflicted women assoon as ever he was armed. Concealing himself then under a walnut tree he patiently suffered them to pass by, but he was marvellously astonished, when as they were just against him, to hear the voice of his fair Mistress amongst the confusion of their lamentations, and observe the very garments, as he thought, which she wore the day he parted from her. Either I am enchanted said he to himself, or I see Claristea a captive. Ah beauteous mistress! My death shall testify the greatness of my passion, for I will free you from those chains which are nothing so hard as they that bind my heart, or I will die courageously, that I may not survive my misfortune. Whereupon he was about to have plucked away a branch from the t●ee under which he stood, and begun the fight therewith, but knowing he should lose himself so to no purpose he forbore, and stealing softly from one tree to another, he got to the house where his horse and arms stood, before the door whereof these women stayed, as if some good spirit had told them that they should find succour there; howbeit they were constrained to set forwards instantly out of the fear they had of one of those Giants, who switching them ever and anon with a wand said unto them with a terrible voice: On, on, ye baggages or I will cut you in a thousand pieces. These words and this action put Florimond into such a rage that immediately he got into his lodging, and finding his Squire by good fortune awake, commanded him to saddle his horse with all expedition, armed himself, and never minding the Knight of the Palms, who was fast asleep in an inner chamber, mounted on his steed, and straightway galloped after the Giants. In the mean time Arnides having heard the noise was got forth to know the cause thereof, where seeing Florimond depart in such haste, and understanding part of this adventure by his Squire, he suddenly returned in to Altidamant● chamber, and pulling him by the arm for to awake him he said unto him: Do you sleep, Sir, whilst others are upon brave employment? For God's sake arise, and ride after Florimond, who to succour certain damsels that are led away captive by three Giants, hath put himself into a danger out of which he cannot escape unless he be generously assisted. At these words Alcidamant leapt out of his bed, and whilst Arnides was making ready his horses, hastily armed himself, vaulted into his saddle, and spurred as hard as he could drive af●er Florimond, who having made wonderful speed had overtaken the Giants, just as the Sun began to appear. These three Colossuses seeing themselves pursued but by one Knight alone, fell a laughing outright, and continued on their way as it were disdaining to draw their swords; but one of them not able to endure this presumption turned him about, and said unto the others: This Woodcock will needs be taken in the net which we have not pitched for him; go you on, I'll soon give him his passport, and be with you presently. Whereupon drawing out his curtle-axe he attended Florimonds' approach, and seeing him come running at him with his lance in his rest, he thought to have slipped aside and cut it in two, howbeit he was not so quick but that he was surprised and encountered with such force, as he was fain to recoil two or three steps back for to save himself from falling, which put him into so great a fury, that cursing his Gods, he advanced to cleave him in twain. But Florimond resolving to fight with judgement and not with passion, lightly avoided the blow and letting it fall to no purpose, gave his enemy so home a thrust under the left arm, that it entered three fingers deep into his body. When as the Giant beheld his armour all besmeared with blood he was ready to burst with choler and rage; and lifting up his heavy curtle-axe, he laboured to let it descend on Florimond, who knowing that death attended on that weapon, sometimes leapt aside, and sometimes slipped under his enemy's arm, so making it still to fall in vain. This combat growing more cruel and furious, through the force and dexterity of these warriors, it continued so long till the incomparable Alcidamant came galloping to them, who staying to behold the fight Florimonds' Squire said unto him: Alas Sir! you see not the worst of the adventure in this combat, two monsters like to this here, have carried away certain Ladies who are sure to be ravished by them, without your assistance. I will die, said Alcidamant, before that shallbe, and if their safety may depend on me, no man else shall run the hazard of their deliverance but myself. Heerwith he posted away, and road almost an hour without discovering that which he sought for, whereupon beginning to fear lest he should fail of his enterprise, in regard he was entering into a great and spacious forest, he heard the cries of a woman that sounded very brief amidst the silence of those woods: turning then to that part whither the voice seemed to call him, he approached to certain oaks, under the which he saw a Giant that held five damsels bound with a cord, and another more dreadful than he, who strove to violate a maid fair beyond excellence, and which made those outcries he had heard. By heaven said he, aiming the point of his lance at this Giant's throat, I will be as good as thou art wicked; this steel shall be the death of thee, that art so base as to go about to ravish a woman that infinitely deserves to be served. How now, said this proud Giant, darest thou offer to disturb me from enjoying a pleasure, wherein I placed a sovereign happiness. By all my Gods I'll teach thee better manners, and respite thy death no longer then to the first blow I shall give thee: whereupon drawing out his curtle-axe he thought to divide the Knight of the Palms in two pieces, but he was turned aside to receive the encounter of the other, who having tied those damsels to the foot of a tree, ran furiously at him with his lance charged. Their encounter was dangerous, Alcidamant somewhat astonished had much ado to keep his saddle, but he more fortunate past his lance quite through the body of his enemy, who was overthrown dead in the place, and that in good time; for the first Giant arriving the mean while, gave him so terrible a blow, that it made his head bow to his saddle bow: great was the pain that he felt thereby, but raising up himself more furious than ever he had been in all his life, he gave his enemy so dangerous a stroke on his shield, that his arm being too weak to sustain the brunt of it, carried it to his head with such violence, that it made him knock his chin against his breast, and see a thousand stars more than ever he had beheld. The Giant amazed therewith, advanced his heavy curtle-axe again, but the Knight of the Palms not intending to abide the fury of it, slipped aside, and seeing that his choler made him to neglect the guarding of himself, he discharged so mighty a blow on his left arm, that it made way to the quick, and gave him a great wound a little under the elbow. Whereupon the Giant entering into extreme rage, would have closed with his enemy, but the point of Alcidamants sword made another deep entrance into his body, so that not able to get within him as he desired, he had recourse again to his scimitar, wherewith he laid about him more dangerously than before. This while the damsel who had seen herself so near to be ravished was got up, and having unbound her companions, was fallen on her knees, heartily praying unto heaven to assist their Knight; and beginning to be in some hope by the death of the first Giant, and the bad estate whereinto the other was reduced, she observed this valiant Knight of the Palms, admired his address and force, and comparing him to God Mars, it begot a well willing in her towards him, which by little and little converting into love, made her wish him the victory, that so she might be liable to a recompense. Have you ever, said she to those that accompanied her, have you ever seen a Knight fight with more grace? and who could imagine that a Giant so dreadful should pass by the sword of one man alone? It amazes me, and the danger I was so lately in keeps me not from considering this combat with pleasure; see you not his strange force, and that he never gives blow in vain; but especially mark his address, he diverts his enemy's strokes, wisely avoids the edge of his curtle-axe, and when he is surprised he seems a tower that contemns all assaults, no travel wearies him, he appears stronger than he was but now; briefly I observe in this Knight all that is most commendable and rare in others. This beauty speaking thus in the behalf of this warrior, fell insensibly in love with him, rendered the fear of her companions much less, and made them hope for speedy safety: The mean while Alcidamant and the Giant hewed one another, and each of them desiring the victory entreated his adversary as hardly as he could; howbeit our champion seemed to have the better; for the Giant grew more unwieldy, and the great quantity of blood that issued from his wounds made him so weak that his blows were not discharged with that fury as at the beginning of the fight, whereas Alcidamants courage augmented every minute, which put the Giant into such an excess of rage, that resolving either to die or presently to vanquish, he took his curtle-axe in both his hands thinking therewith to cleave the Knight to the very teeth, but Alcidamant making his horse to leap aside the weapon did only whistle in the air; and because the Giant had employed all his strength on this blow, he bowed forward even to his horse's mane, at which very instant of time Alcidamant having his sword aloft let it fall with such fury just on his neck, as he divided his head from his body, to the infinite contentment of these damsels, who fell on their knees before him. Valiant Knight, said the fair damsel, you have done miracles for our deliverance; but you shall not lose the glory of it, for we will publish over all France that you are the bravest gentleman that this day bears arms. Lady, answered he having caused her and the rest to rise, you may do and say what you please, but the recompense already exceeds the pains. I have freed you, I ought to do it, and I do not think I have any way obliged you; wherefore your acknowledgement me thinks is to no purpose, let us therefore leave speaking of that, and go to see the end of a combat wherein a Knight is engaged, with whom I was lodged when you passed by the village, and that discovering you before me generously began the fight. On my faith, said Arnidas thereupon, I doubt of some ill news from him, for his Squire comes galloping here, and I fear he is slain. Now God defend, said Alcidamant, howsoever we must resolve for patience: then meeting the Squire, he learned that Florimond was the victor, but had lost so much blood that he was not able to sit his horse, nor likely to live if he were not quickly assisted. Take my Squire with you, and get him to be carried to the village where we lay, said Alcidamant, and send with all speed for the best Chyrurgians of the Country; as soon as I have placed these Ladies in safety, I will come and look to him myself, for his valour deserves this care. He entreats you, said the Squire, to have as much pity of his sufferings, as of his life, and to endeavour to make his Mistress more tractable. His Mistress, said Alcidamant, is she one of these Ladies? It is that fair one which sp●ke to you but now, said the Squire. I am very glad of it, said Alcidamant, assure him that he is happy if my reasons may prevail with her.  
Whereupon, having dispatched away Arnides with Florimonds' Squire, he returned to Claristea (so was that Lady named whom the Giant would have forced) and having secured her against all fear which she might have conceived, he walked along fair and softly with her towards a house which she had some two leagues from thence. She was beautiful, he was amorous, she had good experience of his valour, his opinion was no less of her merit; beholding then powerful charms in her eyes, and being carried with the remembrance of those two alabaster thighs which he had seen bare under the Giant, as she likewise was transported with the memory of what she had seen him perform, their love was reciprocal, and their actions declared their thoughts sufficiently without speech; she looked amorously upon him, expecting to be sued unto; he beheld her with the like affection, and design; but their silence seeming to accuse them of too little love, and too much respect they began to speak both at an instant, and presently stopped, each of them desiring to give that advantage to the other. At length, Claristea thinking she was obliged to speak first, said unto him: What shall we give you, Sir, for a recompense of so much pain? I would willingly ask, answered he, having quite forgotten Melania, and holding change no crime; I would willingly ask, I say, that which you could have conserved without me; but, Madam, I fear the same punishment, which you gave to the temerity of a Knight, who adores none in the wo●ld but you; you speak of Florimond, said she, for I observed that that was his Squire which lately parted from you; but let us enter no farther upon that discourse, I pray you, I know how to put a difference between your valour and his, and your merit will not suffer my favours to be shared equally betwixt you: Say then, What is it you desire of me? That you will love me, said he, and that taking pity of my pain, you will not make me languish in the expectation of that I so infinitely desire. You would deserve that grace, answered she, provided that you had love enough. Love enough, replied he instantly; Ah Madam! Do not make that your excuse, I beseech you, your beau●y makes no small wounds, neither doth my heart receive light impressions, I can love more in a moment, than another in a whole year. ay, said she, but such violence will not last. No, if I die quickly, answered he: I do not mean so, said Claristea, nor have I spoken in that manner, but as fearing a change in you. Never think of that, Madam, said Alcidamant, when you know my disposition, you will not accuse me thus. Time will clear this point, said she, in the mean time, hope well, and believe I este●● highly of you. Discoursing in this manner, they arrived at Claristea's house, where a many of Knights were assembled, consulting in what sort they might recover their kinswoman out of the Giants hands, but infinitely contented to see her delivered; and understanding that it was the valour of the Knight of the Palms, they honoured him with exceeding much respect, wondering to behold him so young, so fair, and endued with such extraordinary forces; in so much, that every day one or other arrived for to visit him: the fame of this warlike act running from Province to Province with such infinite applause, that nothing was talked of, but the marvellous valour of this Knight.   

CHAP. XXI. Alcidamant visits Claristea in the night, obtains his desire, and by a strange adventure is constrained to depart from her.  
CErtain days being but sadly passed away for these lovers, who in regard of the multitude of those which every minute came in and out, had not the leisure to discourse of their passions, much less the liberty to be so private together, as they extremely desired: Alcidamant, very much discontented, finding Claristea busy one night in entertaining certain companies, went forth into the garden to take the air, and walking along the alleys, he was a devising, how he might avoid those which continually importuned him with their visitations, and so get some time to content himself with his Mistress; but fortune, that seemed to watch more for his good then he expected, made him encounter Claristea's chambermaid, who espying him, went softly to him, and taking him by the arm, said unto him: Knight, you are surprised, and you can hardly deny, but that you are now thinking of love. In good faith, said he, I should wrong myself if I did, for my carriage then would give me the lie, and much more to disguise myself to you, upon whose assistance I resolve to place all my hope. Melita (so was she called) you believe that I am infinitely in love, it is true: But alas! it may be I am so unhappy, that I am not beloved again; for I fear left the excellency of my Lady, and my little merit, should restrain her from giving remedy to my sufferings: Dear friend, it lies in you to oblige me as much as my life comes unto. And how, said this wench, who seemed to understand him? By being my advocate to Claristea, answered he, and desiring that favour for me, which may mitigate my pain, and render my love everlasting. I did not think, said Mileta, that my Mistrisles' beauty had wounded you, and that you had sighed for her; but I will no longer doubt it, now that I have such testimony of it from yourself. You crave my assistance, you shall have it, and I promise to contribute as much to your satisfaction as possibly I may, being persuaded that I am obliged thereunto, by the good office I received from your valour, when as you delivered me, with my Mistress, out of the power of these dreadful Giants, where we were sure to have lost both honour and life: But what shall I demand for you? That she will do me the favour to receive me into her chamber, said he, at such time as all the world is at rest, that I may represent the greatness of my affection unto her, seeing that the arrival of so many persons that continually come to visit her, will not permit me to talk freely with her. You demand very much, said Melita, for the knowledge of this action, could not but redound to the prejudice of her honour; nevertheless, I will labour to satisfy you, and showing her how she oweth all that she hath to your succour, I will oblige her, if I can, not to refuse you such a grace; live then in this hope, and in the mean time be patient. Believe me, Melita, said he, kissing her more affectionately than she expected, your services shall not be without recompense; go and make good your promise, whilst I comfort myself with my thoughts. Saying so, he entered into an arbour of jasemines, ravished with the apprehension of a happiness, which he hoped to enjoy ere long; and Melita went directly to Claristea's chamber, who withdrawing thither, a little after made her unready to go to bed; whereupon, Melita said unto her, being assured that she should please her extremely in talking to her of her Knight; Madam, the honour you have done me, by freely imparting your secrets unto me, obliges me not to conceal my thoughts from you: walking but now in the garden, I found your Lover in a case that made me exceedingly to pity him; his arms across, his hat over his eyes, wherein I espied some tears to stand, his pace full of stops, which, with a thousand sighs, testified a marvellous distemper of mind; I approached to him, guessing well enough what might be the cause of this his behaviour, but making as though I understood it not, I demanded from whence it was derived; from my fear not to be loved as I love, answered he; and if I do not the sooner find relief in my passions, my life will quickly be at an end. Then he declared unto me, that his grief proceeded from the want of liberty, to discover unto you what lay upon his heart, as he wonderfully desired; and finishing his discourse with a sigh, he conjured me to be a suitor for him, that you would be pleased to let him come and see you this evening, to the end he may have the felicity of contemplating your beauty at the full, as likewise be free from all interruption in his talk: now it is for you to resolve, whether you have love enough to grant him this favour. Melita, answered she, a little troubled, thou knowest too well that I love him infinitely; but how can we bring him hither, without fear of incountering some body that might discover our secrets; I see no likelihood thereof, and less yet, when I consider, that he hath not bought so much grace with the price it ought to be rated at; me thinks, it were ●itter that difficulties should make it more precious to him. Here be reasons indeed, said Melita, a little moved with choler; Madam, these fond humours which would make things seem otherwise then they be, are seldom approved of; you love him passionately, you would have him in your arms, and if he sued not to you, it may be you would do that office for him; notwithstanding, you will defer him this happiness, out of such weak considerations that I am ashamed of; it is no time to dissemble, when our purposes are discovered, and those Artificers serve for nothing, but to make us oftentimes to be otherwise judged of then we ought; let him be fetched hither, the opportunity fits, for all the house are at rest, and if your love obliges you, refuse him not the recompense which is due to his valour. I am contented he shall come and see me, said she; wherefore thou mayest go for him when thou wilt; but believe that I will not be carried so easily as thou sayest, and that I am resolved to vanquish myself, for to triumph over him. In good faith, said Melita, if I were in his room, I would not return with empty hands, but would well consider the time, the places, and the persons. Whereupon, going out, she left Claristea strangely troubled; sometimes resolving to conserve herself, and then by and by, not to lose so favourable an occasion, which is not to be recovered, when it is once past. This while Melita entertained Alcidamant, and leading him by the hand, she said unto him: Sir, I am carrying you to Claristea, but remember that modesty is a reproach to lovers, that it renders them unworthy of any favour whatsoever, and that to be happy one must be somewhat bold; this speech ended at the door, she entered first, and approaching to Claristea's bed, she said unto her: This prisoner demands grace, Madam, please you to grant it him, whilst I go and draw up his pardon; saying so, she got her into the ward robe, it may be with some grief for that she had not also a second, and left our Knight upon his knees, who holding one of his Mistress' hands, kissed it, not being able to speak a word; on the other side, she was no less moved; for seeing him so handsome with humility by the bed's side, and calling to mind how much she was obliged to him, she felt herself provoked with mighty desire, and was even upon the point to have joined her lips to his, for to let him know her mind; but desiring to appear more contained, she forbore; howbeit, having too much love to leave him in that posture, she said unto him: Knight, I pray arise, for I am resolved not to hear you till you be at ease. That shall I never be, answered he, but by the fruition of so many beauties as I behold: Ah Madam, take pity of my suffering, opportunity speaks for me, and seems to say that you are not to deny me this favour; whereupon, laying his mouth to hers, he was fastened there for a while, with such extreme delight, that he could not forbear putting his hand on her delicate breast, with the exceeding smooth whiteness whereof, he was marvellously taken; and finding himself in case not to stay there, he slipped off a nightgown that he had on, and getting into bed, he made her feel incredible pleasures in losing the name of maid. The first course being finished, she began to sigh, and said: Alas! I was resolved to defend myself better, but, Sir, accuse your merits for this weakness, and take not occasion thereupon, to make the less esteem of me; I have given you that which was most dear to me, preserve it, I beseech you, with as much love as discretion. Assure yourself, Madam, said he, redoubling his courses, that you shall never see me disobey so sweet a commandment, and that I will never lose the memory of so powerful an obligation; but in the mean time, permit me, I pray you, to visit you thus every night. You shall always have as much power of this chamber as myself, answered she, nor shall it be at any time shut against you, only remember to carry yourself advisedly. Continuing their kisses thus, they perceived the day to appear, whereat they were grieved; but hoping to meet again ere long, Alcidamant returned to his chamber, and left Claristea, who finding herself weary, slept till dinner time; when as she was wakened by her chamber maid, who bidding her good morrow, fell a laughing, and said: Madam, is this Knight as courageous with women, as he is valiant amongst Giants? Come, you are jeering now, said she, whereas you are guilty of that fault, for if you had stayed here, I should have had no cause to complain of his boldness. That is no answer to my question, replied Melita, for you desired to be forced I know, but do you hold him worthy of your favours? Never seek to be so curiously informed, I pray, said she, but give me my clothes, since it is so late, another time we will talk of that at ●easure. Thereupon having quickly made herself ready she appeared in the dining room, where her Knight was alone; she blushed at first, but seeing that the matter was past remedy she fell into discourse with him whilst meat was serving to the table, which being taken away they withdrew into a cabinet where their kisses and caresses were renewed with a world of content. Living thus in all the pleasure which can be enjoied by Lovers nineteen or twenty days passed sweetly away, at the end whereof, fortune that delights in change, would needs separate them; for being one evening at supper together, and thinking of nothing less than any cross that might arrive to their desires, a lackey came in and told them, that the marchioness of Monteclare was at the gate, desiring access to Claristea. At these wo●ds Alcidamant changed colour, which she perceiving, asked him whether he were not well. Yes, said he, but Madam, this news displeases me, for it concerns us much; and if you will oblige me, charge all your house that a word be not spoken of my being here, in the mean time, so please it you, I will re●i●e and shut myself up in my chamber. You will be bet●e● in my Cabinet, said she, for I will know the cause of such fear in you, and believe me I should be jealous did not the age of the marchioness whose near kinswoman I am, retain me from imagining that you can have any affection for her. Whereupon Alcidamant being passed into his Lady's Cabinet, and Arnides into his master's chamber, Claristea went to receive her kinswoman, giving her a thousand thanks for the pains she had taken to come and visit her, and commanding the table to be covered again, she gave her all the best entertainment she could. Whilst she was at supper Claristea calling to mind her Lover's behaviour, very attentively observed the marchioness, and seeing some remains of beauty yet abiding in her, she was not without some unquietness, insensibly suffering herself to be persuaded that she had some interest in her Knight, and that the only cause of her journey thither was to see him, so she wished her far enough off, and was vexed in her mind to hear her say that she would stay nine or ten days in that pl●ce: but not to appear incivill, she made no show of it, hoping to learn the truth from her Lovers own mouth: desiring then to free herself of so weighty a care, she conducted the marchioness to the chamber which she had caused to be made ready for her, and telling her that the consideration of her health invited her to bid her good night, she left her, and went to find out her Knight, whom she presently kift, but in such a manner as testified some discontent, which very much troubled Alcidamant, who not enduring to see her melancholy, demanded of her why she was so sad. Because I cannot wholly enjoy you, answered she, for the fear you are in to appear before the marchioness of Monteclare, who makes show of visiting me, that she may the better without suspicion see you, hath, to speak the truth, much distasted me. I love you too well, for to let any other share with me; I love you too well, dear heart, to possess you by halfs, seeing I am entirely yours. If you will remember my caresses, and call to mind with what a heart I have received you, how I have contemned all men to love you only, doubtless you cannot sigh for any other, since I live not but for your content. Alas Madam! said he holding her in his arms, permit me to tell you, that your complaints are without cause, and consider what wrong may be done one out of a suspicion not rightly grounded. You imagine that I love the marchioness of Monteclare, I confess I do, but in such sort as a son should love his mother, she hath brought me into the world, and I owe her as much affection as is due by nature to parents. And if I do not appear before her, it is because I will not be constrained to absent myself from you, and quit the desire I have to follow arms; nevertheless since she hath resolved, as I am informed, to abide here with you some time, I think it fit for me to depart before day, and bestow myself elsewhere whilst she continues here, that I may not be hindered in my designs. You make me wonder, said Claristea, to hear you say that the marchioness of Monteclare is your mother, and I should hardly believe it, but that I am confident you would not take pleasure in deceiving a maid that loves you so much. Madam, said Alcidamant, give credit to my words, for I honour you too much to tell you an untruth; but if you would be further satisfied therein, talk with my Squire about it, to whom I have not spoken since supper. I desire no better assurance, said Claristea, than your protestation, but pardon me, sweet heart, I pray you, for love is ever accompanied with fear, and my distrust was rather a sign of passion, than weakness. I am not offended with it, said Alcidamant, and though I receive great contentment in knowing myself to be your kinsman, yet is it much more satisfaction to me that I enjoy your favour, which I will always preserve with the uttermost hazard of my life. If my love could augment, said Claristea, this new tie of kindred would add unto the glory of it, but it is at the height of its perfection, and cannot possibly be greater. Whereupon getting to bed they renewed their delights with such amorous dalliance, that the day surprised them before they were aware, which made Alcidamant take leave of his Mistress, so that retiring into his chamber, he armed himself, and mounting his horse, he left both her and his mother, who was afterward wonderfully joyful when she understood by Claristea, that the Knight of whom so much was spoken of throughout France, was her son.   

CHAP. XXII. The Knight of the Palms is by a wile conducted to the Castle of Towers, and by the means of a damsel he the second time avoids the plot which Narsander had laid to take away his life.  
ALcidamant mixing the grief of his esloignment with the content he had to see himself in the flate of acquiring glory, rode till noon and never thought of eating, but Arnides that neither approved of this silence or austerity, said unto him: Sir, I know not what pleasure you take in your fancies, but sure I am my stomach complains of this abstinence, and the hunger that oppresses me, makes me think that you likewise suffer that way; wherefore, I beseech you, let us get up to this mountain, where I espy a little hermitage, and there I hope we shall meet with some holy personage that will give us to eat. If thou feelest any incommodity, said Alcidamant, thank thyself, for it should be thy care to make provision. That is good indeed, answered Arnides, for how could I make provision upon so sudden a departure as yours was? Do but call to mind, Sir, that you could scarce give me time to saddle our horses, and then you will not accuse me in this sort. Thou art in the right, said Alcidamant, but I am not resolved to quit my way for such poor entertainment as we are like to find there; therefore let us go on, it may be we shall meet with some house or other, where we may stay our stomaches. I am afraid, said Arnides, that this good fortune will fail us, or that it will be too long ere we shall attain to it; but since it is your pleasure to have it so, I must be contented to obey. Thus rendering their travel less tedious, they continued two hours on horseback, which seemed two ages to the famished Squire, but then they met a damsel followed by a little Dwarf, who casting her eye upon Alcidamant, and viewing that famous ensign of the Palms, leapt presently from her palfrey, and falling on her knees, said unto him: Worthy Knight, if I be not deceived you are he that I have so long sought for. It may be so, said Alcidamant, but Gentlewoman by what token would you know me better, and what it is you desire of me? If you be the Knight, said she, that lately freed the prisoners which Narsander the Enchanter detained at the dangerous bridge, I shall beseech you not to refuse me one boon I will ask of you. I grant it you, said Alcidamant, for I am he that restored them to their liberty, which they had lost for my sake. You shall follow me then instantly, said she, to a kinswomans' house of mine, which is not above two leagues from hence, where you shall be well entertained, and to morrow morning we will go to draw a Knight, whom I infinitely affect, out of this Enchanters prison. I am most ready, said Alcidamant, to do all that I may for your service; and so am I, said Arnides, to entreat you gentlewoman, to show us the nearest way, for my belly will make these two leagues seem longer than six. This made Alcidamant and the damsel to laugh, who speedily remounting on her horse galloped away amain, so that within a little time they arrived before a Castle, flanked with fowr great towers, which answered to fowr high ways, and encompassed with broad deep trenches, very proper to defend the master of it from the fury of his enemies. Where alighting, certain grooms took their horses for to carry them to the stable, and the damsel going over a little wooden bride, which gave a passage to the Castle, lead the Knight into a hall, where he met a very fair gentlewoman, who having courteously entertained him, caused him to unarm himself, and to put on a watchet satin gown, which became him so excellently well, that she beheld him with astonishment; the more she considered him, the more handsome and accomplished she found him; his language contented her infinitely, his carriage seemed most amiable to her, and the grace of his countenance pleased her in such sort that she resolved to love him, and to divert the mischief which was hanging over his head: wherefore after supper taking him aside, as if she would confer with him about the business which he had undertaken for her kinswoman, she said unto him: Sir, your youth makes me to pity you, and the perfections which I observe in you induce me to do you a singular pleasure, and to save you from a dangerous storm that threatens you, provided you promise me one boon. Madam, answered he, your discourse would amaze me, did not the noble freedom wherewithal you have received me to day, make me confident; but I can fear no malice, where I see so much grace and beauty, promising then to grant you whatsoever you can desire of me, be pleased, I pray you to expound yourself, and let me see my danger that I may avoid it. It is greater than you think for, replied she, and you cannot possibly decline it without my assistance; for you are in the hands of a man that hates you to the death, and that being out of hope to be revenged on you by arms, having found you too able that way, hath used policy to en●rap you. You are, I say, in the power of Narsander; I am his sister, she that drew you hither is his cousin, and the intention of us all was to take you unarmed, seeing you are otherwise invincible; judge now whether you could escape death being without arms in the hands of thi●ty Knights, which are shut up in these towers, that they may the more easily, and without suspicion surprise you. Without doubt your courage could not avail you, and your resistance would be to no purpose; let us carry things wisely, and let us without more words go into your chamber, where you shall give me that you promised me, which is your love; then arm yourself against all accidents that may happen, and command you●●●quire to be ready with your horses, whilst I take care to have the wicket kept open for you. But by my best hopes, Madam, said Alcidamant, very much astonished to see himself in so dangerous a place, this is even the notablest piece of treachery that can be imagined; and never did damsel carry a business more dexterously than this little cunning thing hath done, to bring me to my end. Your pity infinitely obliges me, and this life of mine whereof you have such care, shall be preserved but only to be employed for your service; and whereas you are pleased to oblige me with the honour of your favour, let us go Madam, and I will ever labour to cherish the possession of i●: whereupon p●ssing into a chamber which joined unto the hall, Alcidamant made the doors sure after him to avoid all surprisal, and finding himself safe with this gentlewoman, he let her feel that the apprehension of death had not power to deprive him of the use of his courage. This Lady wonderful well satisfied with two courses lustily performed, suffered him to arm himself, and having advertised him that Narsander was not yet returned home, she counselled him to get forth into the court assoon as he heard a noise, and not to let himself be assaulted in the chamber. This done, she went unto the towers, and caused only fifteen Knights to advance, which heard by Alcidamant, he drew out his sword, and covering himself with his shield, he got him into the Court, cleaving the head of the first in two pieces. At this blow the rest which were scattered before, closed instantly together, but this incomparable warrior flying amongst them, cut off the arm of one, sent the head of another to the ground, and kept them in such awe that the hardiest man amongst them durst not approach him; the rumour of this fight ran over all the Castle, whereat the rest descended, and encompassed Alcidamant with incredible fury, but he that grew every moment more courageous and stronger cut them in pieces, and made so great a slaughter of them, that some of their bodies served him for a bulwark against the violence of the rest. Night arriving thereupon, the servants of the place came running in with a number of torches, by the light whereof the battle renewed so dangerously, that above twenty men were in less than an hour laid dead on the earth, whereby the rest were terrified in such sort, that they betook them to their heels for to eschew the mortal blows of this invincible Knight; who finding no enemy to oppose him, went out for to go directly to the stable, howbeit meeting a great Knight upon the bridge that would not suffer him to pass, he discharged so furious a blow on his helmet, that he overturned him into the water, where questionless he had been drowned, if some of the servants that knew him to be Narsander, had not suddenly helped him. Alcidamant then finding no impediment went to his Squire, mounted on his horse, and taking the first way he met withal, traveled all night as his good fortune led him.   

CHAP. XXIII. The Knight of the Palms at the solicitation of two damsels embarks himself for Greece: his dangerous combat with Ariston: he slays a Giant in the defence of a Frenchwoman, and sends his head to Constantinople.  
THis right valiant warrior, having in this manner avoided the snares which Narsander had laid for him, resolved to quit France, and see the rest of the world, for to make the whole earth a witness of his valour. Having traveled then certain days without the encounter of any adventure, worthy of his courage or my relation, he saw himself at the sea side, much grieved in that he could not find a vessel to embark himself in, nevertheless hoping that the winds would drive some one or other upon that coast, which seemed to be much frequented, he road along by the shore till the evening, when as he met with two damsels, whereof one of them bowed herself even to the pommel of her saddle, out of an extraordinary respect in saluting him, and said: Noble Sir, what do you here? I hoped to have found a barque, answered he, and was resolved to pass the seas for to have searched in foreign Countries such adventures, as of late are not to be encountered in this Kingdom; but my ill fortune will keep me here for want of accommodation that way, so that I am constrained to go even as my horse pleaseth to carry me. If you will promise this damsel a boon, and me another, said she, we will soon furnish you with a ship, that shall carry you safely whithersoever you will go. In good faith, said he, that is the greatest pleasure can be done me, wherefore I will promise you any thing you shall desire of me. Let us descend then to the foot of the rock, said the damsel, that we may lose no time. I believe, answered he, you do not consider well what you say; for what shall we do at the foot of the rock, seeing I can discern nothing proper for our voyage. Do not you trouble yourself for that, said she, you shall not lose your labour. Whereupon leading the way, she was followed by the other, Arnides and Alcidamant, who when he came down, was marvellously abashed to see a great Dragon upon the waves, whose wings were extended, as it were to receive the assistance of the winds. Behold, said the damsel, a vessel fit for your purpose. God refuse me, said Arnides, if ever I come near it; I'll rather return again into my mother's womb, then bury myself in the entrails of this creature. How now, said the damsel, laughing at the fear he was in, will you be more faint hearted than I, and fear a danger which I will pass thorough? Not more faint hearted, said he, but wiser, and more advised then to cast myself away after your example; do or say what you please, you shall never persuade me to be so desperate; and if my master will be ruled by me, we will soon take a safer course. Alcidamant who took exceeding delight to hear him talk thus, and that was well assured this vessel was made by enchantment, said unto him; Wilt thou forsake me then Arnides? That I will, said he, rather than die in this fashion; for I pray you tell me, what glory is there to be gotten by putting ourselves in the claws of this Dragon? Let us go away, Sir, and leave these women here, which are always more ready to deceive Knights, then to succour them in their enterprises.  
Thou art in the wrong, said Alcidamant, for women have no malice in them. No have, answered Arnides in choler, what say you to her that put you t'other day in the hands of your enemy; trust them not too much, I beseech you, for if we are to beware by other men's harms, we are to make use of our own not to fall into the mischief we have once avoided. It is true indeed, said Alcidamant, that a woman brought me into the danger whereof thou speakest, but a woman also was the cause of my deliverance: you are rather to thank your own handsomeness for that, which charmed her, answered the Squire, than her good nature; for if you had wanted that perfection, by my faith I know how it had gone with you. What, said the damsel, shall the fault of one naughty one, make all others guilty? It is no consequent, said Arnides, but always note this, gentlewoman, that we usually mistrust a naughty generation; and talk as much as you will, I resolve never to lodge myself there. And for my part, said Alcidamant, I purpose to question the entering into it no longer, for I will not give that offence unto these Ladies, as to doubt either their goodness, or good will; whereupon taking her unto whom he had spoken, by the hand, he passed along upon the neck of the Dragon, who held it stretched out upon the strand; and finding himself presently in one of the richest chambers that ever he had seen, he stood a good while observing a thousand rarities, which presented themselves to his view; but missing Arnides, he mounted upon the wings of this dragon for to call him, where he saw him stamp with his foot on the ground and listening to what he spoke, he heard him say, Well it is all one, if I do cast myself away now, I shall not need to fear another time: whereupon crossing himself three or fowr times, he was about to have thrown himself into this Dragon's throat, when as he saw him plunge his head into the water, and so vanish away in an instant. Oh God said he tearing his hair for grief thinking his master was drowned: Oh God what a loss have I made, and wh●t comfort is there now left me in the world? Oh! that so great a Knight should be thus cast away by the instigation of a woman, after he had proved the malice of so many. Accursed sex! that bringest forth nothing but mischief, I utterly detest you all, and I protest never to look upon you more but with hatred: well did my fear presage this unlucky accident, and how much wiser was I then my infortunate master, that hath lost himself by contemning dangers? But what say I wiser? No, I am far more unhappy than he; I remain in the miseries of the world with just occasion to lament all the days of my life: he is now in the Elysian walks, where souls enjoy a sweet and pleasing rest: I must follow him into the same tomb, and partake the felicities which he finds in his new life, as I was ready to suffer with him all the pains and miseries of this. With these words he was casting himself into the sea, when as he beheld a burning rock come out of the calm waters, the top whereof served Love for a throne, who leaning upon an armed man seemed to draw his power and glory from him. Three maids of marvellous beauty appeared sitting at his feet, one bearing his bow, the second his arrows, and the third a multitude of hearts in her lap. Twelve Sirens, guided by Neptune drew him, a little esloigned from the rock; behind the which were two Tritons, who seemed to publish the greatness of this mighty God. This wonder arrested his fury, and suffered him not to put his purpose in execution; but that which most troubled him was to see his master in the middle of the flames of the rock, and to hear him call him. The same weakness which made him fear the teeth of the Dragon, not permitting him to enter into the fire, he was ready to run away when as he fel● himself taken up by a wind that set him at the feet of his Master, who having been much astonished at these marvellous things, could not choose notwithstanding but laugh to behold his Squire so pale and trembling. Arnides said he unto him, i● thou confessest the truth, sure thou wilt not die at this time without fear. How without fear, answered he being grown somewhat more hardy by the presence of his master: I know no body in the world but would be afraid; for who could be confident in such apparent danger? my countenance doth sufficiently witness that the best part of my blood is congealed, and I doubt we shall meet with no wine here, to restore it unto its former heat again. Heerat all fell a laughing, especially the damsel, who perceiving it to wax dark, furnished the table with exquisite meat, and having satisfied their stomaches therewith, she and her company retired, leaving the Knight to take his rest. Certain days being sweetly passed in this manner, the rock stayed in a port of Greece, to the infinite content of Alcidamant, who resolved to leave glorious marks behind him there of his incomparable valour. Landing then, and seeing their horses, which came as it were out of the dragon's breast, they presently mounted upon them, crossed over a large plain, and came near to a great forest, at the entrance whereinto they espied two pavilions pitched, a great many lances reared up, and a number of shields hanging on the trees all about. We shall not pass here without combat, said Alcidamant. No doubtless, said one of the damsels that followed him; for to that end only we brought you hither, and the boon which you promised me, is to deliver my mistress out of the power of the great Ariston, one of the most redoubted men of the earth, who retains her against her will, with a purpose to marry her after he hath defended this passage six months together. My mistress doth not love him, because he is very ill favoured, and of an insupportable humour, but in regard she could not be rid of him, she made him undertake this enterprise for the glory of her beauty, hoping that the Princes of Greece, who are not far off, would deliver her assoon as they heard of the violence that is offered to her will; and indeed she was sending me to seek the gallant bastard of Media, or the good Knight Ardant, but a woman that very much loves her, and that may justly vaunt to have excellent skill in Art Magic, counselled her to send me into France, to find out the Knight of the Palms, and to obtain a promise of whatsoever I should demand of him; and now behold, the enemy is before you, nor is it so near night, but that you may well have time to exchange some blows with him; do not then I beseech you, defer the effect of your promise, and make it appear that we have not made choice of you but out of a confidence of your valour. I am very glad, said Alcidamant, that I may acquit my self by obliging you; and if the safety of your Mistress doth depend on me, be assured that I will soon restore her into her own power. Heerwith taking his lance he approached his enemy, who ready to meet him encountered him so furiously in the midst of the course, that he made him lose his stirrups, but his fortune was worse, for he was thrown from his horse, making two or three turns on the grass, that was bedewed with his blood, which issued out of a great wound given him by Alcidamants lance on the right side; howbeit nothing amazed for this hurt, he arose more incensed then ever he was in all his life, went to his adversary whom he found alighted, because he would not combat with advantage, and gave him so terrible a blow upon his shield, that his arm unable to support the fury of it was fain to yield, whereby it fell with such violence on his helmet that he was somewhat astonished therewith, which put him into such a rage that clasping his sword fast in his hand, he discharged it so mightily on his head that he opened his helmet, razing both the hair and skin. This so dangerous a blow made the great Ariston to stagger, but being as courageous as possibly might be, he renewed the fight with so much valour, that he made it continue two hours to the great amazement of Alcidamant, who confessed that he never met with so strong a man before. The time and the desire to vanquish rendered their blows still more redoubtable. The ground was strewed with pieces of their arms, and if the blood issued from Alcidamants left arm, Ariston lost his out of five or six places, whence it proceeded that being much weaker than at the beginning of the combat, he could not support the fury of a blow which his enemy gave him on the head, but tumbled down dead cloven to the very teeth. This victory gave no less contentment to Cilina, the damsels mistress, than glory to the Knight of the Palms. They saluted one another, he satisfied with her beauty, she with his exceeding valour. But as they passed thorough the forest to seek out some village, that they might lodge more commodiously then in the wood, Alcidamant heard the voice of a person complaining, which carried him presently into the thicket, where he beheld a furious Giant whipping of a damsel that was tied to a tree, so cruelly, as the blood trickled down from all the parts of her body. This object provoking him to no less rage than pity, he drew out his sword, and discharged it with such force on the Giant, that he made him set one knee to the ground; howbeit suddenly rising up he began a dangerous combat, which nevertheless lasted not long; for Alcidamant being in a rage cut his arms into a thousand pieces, and finally gave him his dispatch with a blow that opened him from the shoulder to the very stomach, and taking off his head he gave it to the Lady for whose sake he had made the first combat, desiring her carry it to Constantinople, & present it from him to the Prince of France, with the relation of all that had happened upon occasion of that quarrel, which she very willingly undertaken. Departing then from the Knight she used such speed, that she arrived within two days after at Constantinople, and went unto the great Hall of the Palace, where finding a number of gallant Knights, she demanded which was the Prince of France. I am he, said Lucendus, most ready to serve you if you have occasion to use me. Excellent Prince, answered she, the necessity of no misfortune hath brought me hither to desire your assistance, but I come with a present to you from the Knight of the Palms, one of the best without doubt now living in the world. Whereupon turning about to a Squire that followed her, she took the head of a dead man, and setting it on the floor pursued her discourse in this manner: The Knight, of whom I spoke, coming some three days since to enter into a combat for my sake, where his glory was not small, having easily triumphed over the great Ariston, who was feared of all the world, followed on his way to find out some lodging, when the voice of one complaining carried him into the thickest of a forest, where he encountered a great and dreadful Giant, as you may perceive by his head, whipping of a damsel whom he had tied to a tree, in despite of you, having understood that she was of your Kingdom, and that she was coming hither to give you intelligence of some matters which had passed in France to the prejudice of that sidelity subjects owe to a gracious Prince; and to give some colour to this act of his, he said, that having left his home to revenge the death of his father upon you, whom you had surprised without arms, and wretchedly murdered, he might with good reason kill all that appertained unto you. This good Knight not able to endure such wickedness, assailed the Giant, who for that his revenge was diverted, grew insolent and mad, threatening to cut him in a thousand pieces, and struck him so furiously on the head, th●t he astonished him with this first blow, and I myself believed that the battle had been at an end, seeing him to reel as if he would have pitched his nose into the ground; nevertheless instantly reassuming courage, and giving most horrible and heavy blows, he had rendered the business very doubtful, had not the good Knight avoided the most part of them by his agility, and abated the fury of the rest with incredible force. Maintaining himself then in this sort, and bestowing not a blow in vain, I soon saw this great mass of flesh opened in five or six places, and the grass all died with his blood, which made me admire the valour of this Knight, who fought with an admirable grace, and seemed to recover new forces with time, nothing moved with the fury of his enemy, who despairing of safety took his huge curtle-axe in both his hands, and let it descend with such violence upon the Knight's shield, that he made him recoil two or three steps back, upon which advantage he approached to the damsel, whom this brave warriors Squire had untied, and who was then recounting unto me how she fell into that misfortune, and at one stroke divided her head and body in two pieces; the like he had done to me, for to that end he had advanced his curtle-axe, had I not by switching my Nag avoided the blow, which light upon the buttocks of my horse, who presently fell down dead. Imagine I pray you, what extremity I was in seeing myself on the ground; truly, I thought I should die no other death: but the Knight of the Palms arriving thereupon, delivered me instantly from that fear; for having taken his sword in both his hands, he discharged it so furiously upon the Giant's shoulder, that he cloven him to the very waist. This victory giving me no less content than it did him glory, we road on, I being mounted on the damsels horse, because mine was slain; howbeit this valiant Knight having understood from me what I told you but now, returned presently to the place of the combat, caused that French damsel to be interred, and committing the Giant's head unto me, desired me in recompense of the service he had done me, by freeing me from the captivity of Ariston, to come and present this head unto you, and assure you that you shall never m●et with a Knight that is more at your commandment then himself: I am discharged of my promise, and now Sir, there rests nothing but to know of you whether I may be able to serve you according to your greatness, and the respect which I bear to that good Knight, to whom I am tied in such powerful obligations. Your pains much oblige me, answered Lucendus, and no less am I indebted to the affection of that worthy Knight, who hath delivered me from the danger of such an eaemy; wherefore I wish he were here, that I might know him, and render him that honour which is due to his virtue: in the mean time, if you see him, let him know, that whensoever I shall have the happiness to encounter with him, it shall well appear that I am sensible of courtesies: And for your own particular, think whether I am able to do any thing for you, be confident that you shall not be denied. What I most desire, said the Damsel, is the honour of your favour, with the assurance whereof, I humbly kiss your hands. Saying so, she made a low obeisance to all the Princes there present, and departed; leaving the Emperor with an extreme desire to see this valiant Knight of the Palms, and to know whether the effect did answer so many praises which this Damsel gave him.   

CHAP. XXIV. The marvellous acts done by the Knight of the Palms at his entrance into the Castle of Serpents, from whence he delivers four young Princes of Greece, with the excellent Amadis of Prebisond, son to Amadis of Greece and Niquea, enchanted in the monstrous Island, ever since he was four months old.  
WHilst Cilena was travelling on in her journey, Alcidaman●, having lost his way in a forest, road extremely discontented for that he had not followed the Damsel enchantress; but thinking that she knew well enough how to find him out upon any occasion, it did somewhat mitigate his displeasure. Having then passed thorough the Empire of Greece, he encountered upon a day with two Squires, who with their tears, giving testimony of much sorrow, made him to draw near unto them for to comfort them. Questionless, said he unto them, you are not afflicted thus without some just cause, but when you shall consider that your weeping is to no purpose, you will then be appeased, for to think on the remedies which shall be necessary for your misfortune. Noble Sir, said one of them, you may judge our tears to be immoderate; But alas! We shall never be able to shed so many as may serve worthily to bewail, both our own loss, and that which the whole world hath received, by being this day deprived of four Knights, which undoubtedly might boast themselves to be of the best on the face of the earth. How came they by their ends, said Alcidamant. By the greatest treason that can be imagined, answered the Squire, and no man breathing could possibly avoid such a like mischance, unless he had warning of it. They went out all four out of Constantinople, some three days since, with a purpose to seek such adventures, as may give reputation unto men, and had the same day a dangerous combat with four other excellent Knights, the honour whereof was so generously disputed, that the night surprising them, they retired with equal advantage into a wood, resolving to finish their battle the next morning assoon as they could see; but having strange visions, they arose all at one instant, and taking their horses, they followed the first way that they met withal, which led them at length to a house about six miles hence; where, as they were going in, at the entreaty of a wicked damsel, who pretended to do them honour and service, they fell into certain fosses, from whence they cannot hope to be redeemed, but by death. Truly, said Alcidamant, though I hold the mishap of these Knights to be so great, as to oblige you to bewail them; yet you must labour their deliverance, and not stand vainly complaining in this manner: Go back, I pray you, and guide me, for I will either die, or succour them. Now God vouchsafe to prosper so great a design, answered they, falling on their knees before him, and reward the good you intent to these Knights: Come, Sir, we will most willingly conduct you, but beware of those false bridges, which overturn assoon as one sets a foot upon them, lest you be overtaken, as our Masters were. I'll take as good heed as I can, said Alcidamant, but in the mean time let us make haste, lest the night prevent us in our enterprise: Whereupon, setting spurs to their horses, they road so fast, that in an hour they discovered the Castle; whereinto as the Knight was about to enter, he heard one call to him; looking therefore all about to see who it might be, he perceived in the way that he came, the damsel enchantress, who had brought him out of France; whereof he was exceeding glad, and turning about to meet her, he said: In good faith, sweet heart, your absence hath much troubled me, but now I am well satisfied in this your return. It is in good time for you, said she, for you are undertaking, a most dangerous adventure, which you cannot easily accomplish without my help; eat the great gate of the house, as these Squires have advised you, for otherwise all the world shall not be able to deliver you out of captivity; enter in at a little wicket you see on the left hand, leave the shield you bear, and make use of this at my saddle bow; be sure you part not from the same Ring which was given you, when you fought the first combat for Melania; yield not to the entreaty, tears, nor sighs of any woman whatsoever; and above all things, make much of the new sword, which shall come to your hand, for it is the best on the earth, and without it you should never see an end to the adventures which are to befall you. This said, Alcidamant, having courteously thanked the damsel, took the shield which she gave him, whereupon there was no figure presented; and alighting from his horse, with his sword in his hand, he drew towards the wicket, which he saw stood open; when as a damsel issuing out of the Castle, said unto him: Knight, whether run you so, and why do you use your arms, where you shall be gladly entertained with all respect? Sheath up your sword, for here is none that means to oppose you; and not to disaccommodate yourself with stooping at the wicket, take the way that leadeth to the great gate, where you may enter at pleasure. Yes, no doubt, said Alcidamant, if I would make you sport with a leap; I am too well informed of your villainy, and if you get you not packing the sooner, I will quickly take your head from your shoulders, to revenge an infinite number of good Knights, which you have betrayed under colour of giving them fair entertainment. What, said she, stepping in again, do you threaten me in mine own house? Come, come, my masters, cut me this rascal in pieces, and revenge me of his insolence: Herewith, Alcidamant, being in the Castle yard, heard a great noise, and saw thirty armed men come forth, who suddenly encompassed him about, and endeavoured to smite him to the ground; but this incomparable warrior, nothing amazed, set upon them so furiously, that at three strokes he laid three of them stretched along upon the earth, and pressing in amongst the rest, he cut off the arm of one, and the leg of another, cloven the third to the teeth, divided the body of the fourth in two pieces, and made so great a slaughter, that his very enemies wondered at it, and came no more near him but in fear; which so incensed the Mistress of the house, that opening an iron door, she let forth two Serpents, of twenty foot in length, and twelve in height, and of such an horrible shape, that they would have daunted the most assured courage of the world: These Monsters being at liberty, began to run up and down the Court, and meeting with those Knights, crushed some of them between their teeth, and tore the rest with their claws; In the mean time the Knight of the Palms, who could hope for no better usage, making towards one of them, whilst the other was sucking the blood of those he had slain, by good fortune gave him such a thrust in the flank, that he sheathed half of his sword within his body; which made him so mad, that lifting up his tail of ten foot in length, he let it fly at the Knight with such violence, that he laid him on the ground three strices off, and opening his fearful jaws, was like to have swallowed him; if, retaining his judgement amidst the danger, he had not thrust his sword into his throat, wherewith he gave him a wound as great as the former, and overthrew him dead in the place. This blow coming in season, the Knight got suddenly up, and taking his good sword in hand again, which the Serpent, in the pangs of death, had made him let go, he ran presently towards the other, and discharged so weighty a blow upon his head, that he made him sink to the ground; but the scales being hard, the blade rebounded in the air, as if he had struck upon an anvil; with this, the Serpent showing his bloody teeth, came fiercely upon him, and put him in such distress, that he was about half an hour, shifting sometimes on the one side, and then on the other, to shun the fury of the beast; but thinking that he must either die, or instantly vanquish, and remembering that he had not found the belly of the other so hard as the scales of this, he thrust him into the flank with such fury, that his guts came forth with the sword, which put him into such a rage, that making a number of horrible leaps, he filled the air with a most dreadful noise.  
The Knight judging this to be the stroke of death, withdrew aside to prevent further inconvenience, and wiping his sword in the grass, thought to have rested himself, when it came into his mind that glory is not to be acquired but in the finishing of an enterprise; wherefore seeing a great pair of stairs he ran courageously up, and finding a door open entered into a great H●ll, where six furious Savages, who seemed to uphold the building on their shoulders, assaulted him, with each of them a massy club in his hand: It was then that he was most amazed, not imagining that ever he should be able to overcome so many monsters at once, but assuming new courage he opposed his left arm and his shield against the fury of some blows of the clubs, which they discharged at his head, and clasping his sword fast in his hand, he gave the first so dangerous a stroke, that he opened him even to th● very waste. This happy blow reviving his forces, he began to lay about him on all sides, and bore himself so generously, that in three hours he put them all to the sword, howbeit so wearied, that if the night had not come to give him leave to breathe a little, he could not have passed on to undertake any further combat. Remaining then somewhat amazed in the dark, he stood leaning a while upon the pommel of his sword, but hearing no stir in the Hall, he sat him down upon the pavement, where the pains he had taken would have invited him to sleep, but thinking it not safe to rest in so dangerous a place, he continued as a man that looks every minute to be assailed by his enemy. Having been three hours and more in this estate, he beheld five or six damsels come in, with each of them a torch in her hand, whereof one, which seemed to be Claristea, said unto him: How now dear heart, can you be so near me, and never desire to see me? truly I have great cause to complain of you, and to say that all my caresses have been very ill employed. Pardon me, Madam said he rising up, Ignorance must excuse my fault, for to tell you true, I thought you to be rather in France then here. We have been taken, said she, by a Magician, and are so restrained, that we shall never get hence, if you do not give us the Ring, wherewith you undid the enchantments of Narsander. Be assured, Madam said he, then remembering the damsels advertisement, that I will deliver you if I can, but it may not be this way; for if the Ring were once off from my finger we were in danger to abide here till Doomsday. Out upon thee, base fellow, said she, dost thou refuse me so small a matter, having given thee all, thy death shall revenge this ingratitude? With that those damsels seemed to be so many fantosms, who with their torches laid such heavy blows upon Alcidamant, that he was much troubled; but that which troubled him and vexed him was, that he felt his armour as hot as if it had newly come out of the forge: not knowing then what to do, he whirled about his sword, and defended himself the best he could, but all his address was in vain, his force served to no purpose, and he had no hope but in his courage, which carried him skirmishing all the length of the Hall to the door, where those damsels went out, before the which as he was taking new counsel, a great Giant presented himself, who striking him on the shoulder with his club, made him fall on his hands to the ground, but he quickly got up again, and with his sword discharged so furious a blow on the Giant's shield, that he parted it in two, giving him a great gash in the arm. The combat growing very fierce, all the Castle rang with the violence of their strokes, Alcidamant made use of his skill with judgement, the Giant employed his strength. If the one struck, the other had his answer ready, each of them redoubted the blows of his enemy, and though the torches of the fantosms, who had ranged themselves round about the Hall had given no light, yet the fire which flew out of their helmets, was able to make them see where to place their blows. This terrible combat having endured above two hours, Alciadmant who was displeased with so long a delay, took his sword in both his hands, and let it descend with such fury, that he had cleft him to the shoulders, if it had fallen according to the Knight's intention, but turning in his hand, and striking but with the flat, it broke in five or six pecces to the extreme discontentment of Alcidamant; nevertheless the stroke was so violent, that it overthrew the Giant to the ground in a swoon: The Knight, who desired to make use of occasion, seeing his enemy senseless, went to disarm his head, and with his own sword to separate it from the body, when as those fantosms came about him with much more noise and din then before. The Knight stood amazed at this charge, and thought himself now lost, having not wherewithal to defend him, howbeit casting his eye all about, as if he would seek for some place of refuge, he espied a tomb raised in the midst of a chamber, which showed itself on the left hand, whereupon there lay a young gentleman thrust thorough with a sword, therichest one of them in the world; now finding himself oppressed by those furies, which would not let him rest, he went courageously in, and laying hold on that fair sword, he drew it forth without any difficulty at all, which gave him such content, that immediately he returned into the Hall, and would have run in again amongst those fantosms, but they presently vanished, as fearing the keenness of that rich steel; which Alcidamant seeing, turned to the Giant being yet in a trance, disarmed his head, and was going to dispatch him, when as the gentleman whom he had left lying upon the tomb, approaching to him took hold of his arm, and entreated him to spare him for his sake. Truly, said Alcidamant, wondering much at his beauty, I am sorry that he is not, as I fear, capable of so small a grace, your merit being worthy of a far greater. I humbly thank you, said the gentleman, for I am confident he is not dead, and that shortly we shall see him thoroughly recovered. But Sir, since you have granted me one boon, I beseech you refuse me not another. That will I not, said Alcidamant, for there is nothing in my power which is not at your command. These Sir, said he, are powerful obligations: now what my further request unto you is, I will let you understand, when you have rested yourself a little in my chamber, whilst I give order for the recovery of this Knight, who kept me not here, but with an intent to oblige me, although his first resolution was to take away my life. Do what you please, said Alcidamant, and I shall gladly second you in so charitable an office. Then giving the Giant air, he revived presently, and rising up humbly excused himself to the Knight of the Palms, whom he advised to unarm, the better to refresh himself, but he would not by any means yield to it till the arrival of the damsel, which accompanied him, and that she should authorise him thereunto, by assuring him there was nothing further to be feared. Having at length then unarmed himself, but not willing to go to bed, because it was yet fair day light, the Giant was entreated to set at liberty all such as were imprisoned in the Castle, which being done, there came forth above fowrscore Knights, who wondering at the horrible slaughter they beheld in the Court, as well of the men, as of the serpents, whose deformity they admired, presented themselves before the Knight of the Palms, no less taken with his goodly presence, then with his unmatchable valour in so tender years, and besought him since they had their liberty by his means, that he would be pleased to command them something. I will not dispose of you otherwise, answered he, but if you will take the pains to pass by Constantinople, when you go hence, and present yourselves on my part to the fair Queen of France, you shall do me a singular pleasure. Heerwith fowr young Knights stepped forth, one of the which said unto him: Valiant Sir, I do not know what acquaintance you have with that Princess, but you have this day more obliged her then you think for, having delivered her nephew there, called Persides, son to the excellent Emperor of the Persians Don R●gell, these two Princes Russian of Media, and Prigmale●n Emperor of the Aethiopians, and in particular myself, who am her grandchild. Truly gentlemen, said Aleidamant, bowing himself down for to kiss their hands, and wondering to see them so bravely accomplished, I am more glad of your safety, then of the glory I have acquired by this adventure, and should be very sorry to enjoin you so long a voyage, knowing well that your designs are all warlike, and that you would not willingly return to your friends, because you would not be diverted from your enterprises: I will lay this charge upon some other, and do earnestly entreat you to command me something, out of this assurance, that I am a Knight wholly devoted to your service. These ceremonies are to no purpose, said the damsel that conducted Alcidamant, you must defer them till another time, and rejoice now at a secret you are ignorant of. Do you know that gentleman, pointing to him that Alcidamant had found lying on the tomb; no surely, answered Persides. I doubt not of it, said the damsel, for he knows not himself, nor hath not known hitherto, that he is son to the puissant Amadis of Greece, and the beautiful Empress Niquea; but it is time to acquaint him with it, that the glory of his predecessors may render him desirous to be such as they have been, and greater too, if it may be. He was taken away, as you have heard, when he was in his cradle, and the intent of his ravisher (who is this Giant here, named Dorion) was to prevent the destruction of the altars of his Gods, which must be overthrown by the valour of this gentleman, how beit they that have taken upon them the protection of the house of Greece, have not only preserved him in the midst of his enemies, but have changed their minds, and have purposely brought hither this famous Knight (casting her ●i● on Alcidamant) for whom this adventure was reserved, and have given me in charge to declare unto him, that his name is Amadis of Trebisond; that he must now acknowledge one only God, denying them whom his foster father hath made him to worship until now, and be presently made Knight, to give a happy beginning to the wonders which shall be performed by him. Heerwith those fowr Knights went and saluted Amadis, who exceedingly well satisfied with the knowledge of his estate, very kindly returned their compliments with the like. Whereupon Amadis, who would lose no time, leaving all the rest of the company, went and kneeled before Alcidamant, and desired him to remember the boon which he had promised him. Ask, said Alcidamant, and you shall not be denied. Make me then instantly Knight, said Amadis, and give me leave to depart to morrow for to begin to imitate you. Most willingly, said Alcidamant, and believe it I may boast then, that I have made one of the best Knights in the world. But how will you do for arms? We shall find some in the tomb, said the Giant, which are worthy of so generous a Knight, and though I give them somewhat unwillingly at this present, yet I am persuaded that one day they will much avail me: howbeit Sir, we shall have need of your assistance for to get them out. Whereupon Alcidamant breaking the crystal of the tomb with the pommel of his rich sword, Amadis drew forth of it certain blue arms, covered all over with cyphers of gold, in the midst whereof appeared a P. where withal he presently armed himself, and kneeling down at the feet of Alcidamant, who gave him his oath, and afterwards blessed and embraced him, he then received the sword from Persides his Uncle, the helmet from Lucibel of France, and the rest of his arms from Prigmaleon and Russian; which being done they saw a charior descend from the clouds, drawn by fowr furious Griffons, whereinto the damsel Enchantress having taken leave of Alcid●mant and the Princes of Greece, caused Amadis to enter with her, and immediately they were carled out of sight, to the great amazement of those Knights, who forth with separated themselves: Alcidamant went his way attended only by Arnides; Persides and Lucibel took a clean contrary way; Prigmaleon and Russian another, and all the strange Knights directed their courle towards Co●st●n●inople with the skins of the Serpents, which they had caused to be stuffed with straw, to acquit themselves of the promise wherein they were engaged to Alcidamant, whom here we will leave for to speak again of the Knight of the Roses.   

CHAP. XXV. Rozalmond following after the fantesms of Alcander, arrives at an Hermitage, understands the loves of Argenia with Meliander and Clidor, and departs for to combat Orfuron.  
THE Knight of the Roses having all night followed the fantosms which represented Armazia unto him in the arms of a horrible and cruel Giant, as you have formerly read, found himself at break of day upon a wild vast plain, where being much troubled for that he had no hope in so desert a place to meet with any body that might tell him any news of that he sought for, he was much amazed, perceiving his horse upon a sudden to make a stand, when looking all about he esp●ed a dwarf holding him by the bridle, and saying thus: Knight, course not up and down in this manner, for thou art in an error to think that Armazia is in the power of an enemy; that which thou hast seen is but an illusion, and they which have practised it upon thee, did it but to prevent a mischief, which would have given thee cause to repent all t●e days of thy life. Keep the way thou art in, since fortune hath presented it unto thee, and hereafter be better armed against the crosses of the world. Heerwith the dwarf vanished, leaving the Knight more contented then amazed, who giving his horse a little breath, rode on fair and softly till about two of the clock in the afternoon he discovered an Hermitage, towards the which he directed his course, with a purpose to refresh himself there, if he found any body in it. Alighting then, and knocking at the door, it was opened unto him by one in a grey gown, who seemed by his countenance and spe●ch to be a man that had not been long exercised in prayer and austerity. Father, said the Knight, pardon me, I pray you, if constrained by necessity I do thus interrupt your devotions; it is now full two days since I have eaten, wherefore let me entreat you to supply me with a bit of something. God doth not give us that which we have, only for ourselves, answered the Hermit, but to impart it to such as want, in regard whereof you may be assured to command whatsoever this desert place doth furnish me withal, which it is li●ely, that at this time you will find more favoury, than the delicate meats you are every day cloyed withal. Saying so, he laid a clean napkin by a fountains side, and setting him bread and apples upon it, he went and tied his steed unto a bush. Rozalmond observing something in this man more than ordinary in Hermits, could not forbear saying unto him: Father, I must beseech you not to be offended with the desire I have to know somewhat of you: your youth, and fair demeanour will not suffer me to believe, that devotion hath brought you into this desert; now if it be otherwise, do me the favour to discover the cause which hath made you to change your life, and what have been your fortunes whilst you were in the world? Your judgement is not amiss, answered the Hermit, for indeed I never was inclined to this solitude; and he that would have told me two or three months since, that I should have lived as now I do, and clad with this gown, I should have laughed at him; but now I know, that heaven, whose secrets fall not within the reach of man's understanding, opens us several ways, the better to conduct us to his glory; by afflictions he makes the wicked to acknowledge him; he inspires the good with heavenly motions, and gently withdrawing them from the miseries of the world, leaves them his greatness for object, and makes them live with a happy tranquillity of spirit. The fortunes of some serve for examples to those, which neither decline altogether vice, nor yet arrive to the perfection of others: briefly, he makes use of a thousand means, and many times entreats us according to our own humours. The estate wherein I have been, and wherein I am at this present, teaches me this holy Philosophy; for being not born, as I thought, to be tied to the care of that, which is due from us to God, despair hath drawn me to it, and from an abism, wherein the most part of men are lost, I have mounted by degrees to that blessed rest, where felicities never die, where our joy is without grief, our days without fear, and our hope without crosses, which thus came to pass:  
That powerful Daemon of our souls, Love; desiring an acknowledgement from me, as from all other men, made me cast mine eye, some two years since upon a damsel, questionless poor (if that which Fortune gives may be called treasure) but extremely rich, if grace and beauty ought to take place of such perishable things: I loved her, finding her worthy of my affection, and resolved, without sticking at the considerations of those that are too much carried away with avarice, to marry her; howbeit, desirous to know whether her disposition would well accommodate with mine; meeting her upon a time with some Gentlewomen of my acquaintance, I gently told her, that Fortune had done her much wrong, but withal, that her merits were of power to win upon some, who were able to right her, provided she could be contented to embrace a fair offer. Her answer was very modest, and such as I could wish for, letting me know, that she had so much understanding, as not to refuse the honour would be done her, nor be in sensible of a benefit, I soon made an end of giving her all the rest which I had of power over myself: after that time I went to see her at her father's house by his permission, but my visits were not frequent, to take away all suspicion from my mother, whose covetous disposition would have had more wealth, and less merit; nevertheless provoked by my desires, I made often use of the night to conceal my designs. Every day added some grace or other to so many beauties; for unwilling to see her in a habit unworthy of my love, and knowing that her father's ability would not extend to bestow on her all that I thought necessary to adorn her, I liberally imparted of mine own unto her, insomuch that my affection seemed to augment with time, and indeed I had no felicity but in the sight of her. Feeling then my flame continually to increase, I would fain have obtained some further grace of her, and authorised it with the faith which ties men in marriage, but she wisely represented unto me, how that was the way to run insensibly to her undoing, and utterly to ruin her under colour of her good. My love was violent, I confess, and my passion possessed me with desires that wonderfully provoked me, but this government of hers so pleased me, that I blamed mine own impatience, in stead of accusing her of having too little resentment. Wherefore being infinitely satisfied with this modesty, I resolved to wait upon time, so that whensoever I saw her it was with such respect, that if she had had judgement enough to have discerned her own good, she was obliged to prefer my affection before any Princes whatsoever: but alas! this virtue is rarely encountered amongst women, and seldom do they make the best choice, she receives the visits of another, fairer indeed than I, if the features of the face be more to be regarded then the virtues, and good presence of a man, but much less accomplished and rich, if I may say so without vanity. I observed the actions of this maid in regard of the interest which I pretended to have had in her, and all the speeches which she used to this new comer I considered in my mind, from thence to draw infallible conjectures of my fear or hope, so that within five or six days, I found that the beauty of this minion, called Cli●●● had wrought more powerfully with this ingrateful creature, than all my precedent services; whereupon my jealousy became far greater than ever was my love: howbeit desiring to divert this growing mischief, I took her one day aside, and lovingly showing her the obligations wherein she stood engaged to my affection, and the disposition of this young gallant, who would be weary of her assoon as he had but once enjoyed her: I complained of the liberty that she used in her carriage, and yielding her infinite reasons, which not to abuse your patience, I will omit for the present, I had no question obliged her to some remorse, but that being desperately settled in her resolution, she passed it over lightly, and never thought of it an 〈◊〉 after, howbeit holding it not fit to leave me with an ill conceit, she laboured to colour her ends, protesting never to love any but me, and that she entertained Clidor only to conceal my visits, promising utterly to discard him whensoever I pleased. Briefly, she so charmed me with a few tears and some kisses, that I was almost persuaded she did not love him, and casting away all jealousy, I imagined that she could not choose but be very sensible of my dear esteem of her ever since I was her servant. I was a long time in this error, because she would never let Clidor come home to her after, to take away all suspicion from me; but Oh God who is able to guard himself from the deceits of inconstant women? she went oftentimes out of the town under colour of giving order for some affairs, and feigning strange care touching the managing of her father's estate, she retired with Clidor into a grot, which is not above six miles from hence, and called the Lover's grot, but more justly the sacrifice of the wicked, where the most part of the day was spent in kisses, and more secret caresses. Passion, which mabes Lovers blind, not suffering them to betray me with discretion, I perceived their tricks, and in brief I took them in the macer; whereupon I was about to have killed them both, but better considering the foulness of the fact, I left them after I had wonderfully reviled her, and wished that Heaven in justice would severely punish such horrible perfidiousness. My desires therein were accomplished, for their pleasures carrying them to a neglect of all care of their reputation, they met openly almost every day in this grot, so that Argenia (which was the name of this ingrateful) was surprised there by a dreadful Giant, who espying her going thither followed her, and finding her to his mind would have enjoied her; howbeit she, that wanted no wit, knowing that menaces would serve to no purpose, gently showed him, that he was not to use force unto a woman that might be won by love, and in so sweet a manner entreated a day or two of him, the better to acquaint herself with his humours, that hoping to perfect his delight with a voluntary fruition, he promised her to attend that time, during the which he would accompany her whithersoever she went. And indeed he followed her to a little country house of her Fathers, where this gallant left him; having used means to make him drunk, and so got away. I am not able to declare the havoc which this Giant made when he awaked, and saw himself cozened in this sort, but going in a rage to an old Enchantress of his acquaintance, unto whom he discoursed the whole business, she came some fowr months since into this country, and finding Clidor and this false Argenia in the grot together, she enchanted them after a very strange manner: She made them strip themselves stark naked, and putting great whips into their hands, left them with an extreme desire to scourge one another therewith, which they put in execution most cruelly. Eight hours at a time they abide in this exercise; at the end whereof they give over, and fall a railing for the cruelty they use upon each other. This is the punishment inflicted on them, wherewithal the Giant not being satisfied, hath sworn not to spare a woman he can find; and accordingly he remains here in this Country with two other Giants, no less great and formidable them himself, and assoon as he catches any he carries them to the grot, deflowrs them before Argenia's face, and then takes off their heads from their shoulders, in revenge of the deceit which this false one practised on him. Hence I have taken occasion not to be curell, though I were abused as he was, but to forsake the world, where is nothing certain but grief and misery; and making a good use of my dotage of this ingrateful fair, I have set up a blessed rest for my future days. Without doubt, said the Knight well satisfied with this discourse, they which can turn all things to their profit, as you have done, are worthy of great commendation; and I much approve of your resolution to make Heaven your only object, since the earth is perishable, and produceth nothing but vanity and vexation of spirit; live happy in this mind, and never alter it. I hope I shall not, said the Hermit; but Sir, the travel you have endured requirs some repose; go and lie down upon a bed which you shall find in my chamber, and there rest you for an hour or two, and I will endeavour to make you better cheer at supper. I can not refuse so good an offer, said Rozalmond, though I have an extreme desire to go presently to the Lover's grot. To morrow, said the Hermit, you may take this journey more commodiously then to day; and if the habit which I wear would permit me to accompany you, I would willingly go along to be an ocular witness of the punishment inflicted on this perfidious creature, though the estate wherein now I am forbids me so much as to speak of revenge. You may do as you please, said the Knight; in the mean time I will follow your counsel, and as secure in this little lodging as in the palace of a King, I will go and take my rest. Saying so he unsaddled his horse, and then unarming himself, he fell into so profound a sleep, that he never awaked till the next morning.   

CHAP. XXVI. The Knight of the Roses combats Orfuron and his brothers: ends the adventure of the Lovers gr●t, and sends them to Constantinople.  
THE Knight of the Roses rising with some amazement for that he had slept so long, speedily armed himself, and finding that ready which the Hermit had provided for his supper, he fell too with a good appetite; but the desire he had to see the Lover's grot, not suffering him to sit long at table, he gave his host a thousand thanks, and getting to horse took the way which was presented un●o him; wherein entertaining himself with the remembrance of his fairest Armazia, at length he arrived near to that famous rock, which he presently knew, both by the two Lions, who by enchantment were made to keep the gate, not permitting any one whatsoever to enter, except the Giants, as also by a number of women's heads, set all about upon the neighbouring trees. These objects full of horror made him resolve to deliver those two afflicted persons, and to cut off the course of such inhuman cruelty; whereupon he alighted, and courageously advancing with his sword in his hand, he approached unto two great pillars, which supported an arch, where hung a Table, on the which was written these words:  Knight, Enter not here, if thou be not the chief of the World. 
Truly, said he, I should be very vain, if I should be persuaded that there were not a better Knight on the earth than myself; but come what can come, I will not stop now for any regard of these menaces, and if I may, I will give an end to the long pains of these Lovers. So he would have passed along under the arch, but he felt himself charged all at one instant with so many blows, that he was forced to set one knee to the ground, being unable to support the fury of them; howbeit no whit amazed he quickly rose again, and covering himself with his shield, he swung his sword about his head, for he could see no body whereon he might fasten a blow; and perceiving that he felt resistance, as if he struck upon armour, he flew up and down with his sword; here he discharged a down right blow, there he gave a thrust, and so bestirred himself, that he seemed to make some great defeat; howbeit the more he advanced, the more opposition he met withal, and the blows of his invincible enemies became more heavy, laying upon him in such manner, as if he had been assaulted by a thousand armed men. His courage which always augmented in the greatest difficulties, not able to endure so much resistance, put him into such a rage, that he redoubled his blows, and advancing three or fowrpaces forward, in despite of those he saw not, he arrived at the entry of the grot, where all this fury ceased, but he had not leisure to take breath after so painful an encounter; for at that very instant the Lions set upon him, and seizing the one upon his shield, the other upon his body, laboured to pull him down, howbeit being as strong and lusty as any Knight in the world, he sustained the violence of him that held his shield, and with a blow full upon the mane of the other, laid his head in the dust. Animated with this lucky stroke, he suddenly turned the point of his sword against the first that had hold of his shield, and thrust it so strongly into his belly, that he sent him dead to the ground, with exceeding content to see himself so soon delivered from two such mighty enemies. Seeing the grot then open and free, he would willingly have entered in without further delay, for to have seen Argenia and Clidor, but fearing he should meet there with some new occasion to employ his sword, he sat him down upon a stone to take a little breath, howbeit the cries of these Lovers, which he heard, not permitting him to stay long, he rose up for to go in and deliver them, when as he beheld three dreadful Giants, who held seven damsels tied with cords: calling to mind then that these were those cruel men which made so great a massacre of all the women that fell into their hands, he came presently to his horse, got up, took his lance, and approaching to Orfuron (so was the great lover of Argenia called) he said unto him: Wicked monster, whither leadest thou these damsels? Set them instantly at liberty or defend thyself. O Gods! said the Giant, what do I hear? One man alone dares threaten me, and will have me give him an account of my actions. Come vile creature, and receive the reward of thy temerity: with that he charged his lance, and encountered Rozalmond so furiously in the midst of the course, that he made him bow to the crupper of his horse, tumbling on the ground himself with a great wound in his side. The other two, seeing their brother in this plight presently advanced, and surprising the Knight before he could finish his course discharged two such dangerous blows upon him, that with the amazement he was in by the encounter of the lance he was like to have quit his saddle; nevertheless coming speedily to himself again, he resettled him in his seat far more furious than a Tiger that hath lost her whelps, and drawing out his sword, he struck the first that presented himself before him, so cruel a blow, that he cut off above half his left arm, and being about to redouble upon the other, he was charged by Orfur●n in so dangerous a manner with a great and heavy mace, that he was constrained to knock his chin against his breast; heerupon his horse as if he had been able to conceive, that such another blow would have ranked him amongst the number of the dead, carrying him away saved him from the fury of a merciless sword, which was falling upon him, and having esloigned him from his enemies gave him time to come to himself, being well recollected then, and trembling with choler and rage, he set spurs to his horse, and coming to Orfur●n he discharged with such violence upon his head, that he divided him to the waste, sending him dead to the ground, with no less noise than if a tower had been overthrown by lightning to the very foundation. This dreadful blow amazed the other Giants, but fury succeeding instantly to fear, they approached him being carried by despair, and began to press him harder than ever he had been in all his life. He was wonderfully troubled in receiving the blows of the one upon his shield, and warding himself from the others curtle-axe, managing occasions and time with such judgement, that the bravest Knights of the earth would no doubt have admired his fight, but thinking that the length of the combat might prove dangerous, although he saw his enemy's blood appearing on every part of their bodies, he resolved to put all in hazard: wherefore taking his sword in both his hands, he struck one of them in such a terrible manner, that he cut his body just in twain, the one half tumbling down on the grass, and the other remaining in the saddle. This horrible stroke possessing him that had no longer use of his left arm, with extreme fear, he would have saved himself in the grot; but Rozalmond alighting, gave his horse unto the damsels to hold, who all this while had been upon their knees invoking heaven for his good success, and got in as soon as he, where he was much amazed to behold Argenia and Clidor giving over scourging one another, and with their whips laying upon the Giant, who appeared then to be naked without arms or clothes, and never offering to resist. He stood still a while taking pleasure in this sight, but not to lose time, and fearing to be overtaken with the night in that place, he went to the Lovers, plucked the whips out of their hands, and threw them out at the mouth of the cav● which was no sooner done, but a great clap of thunder and lightning fell upon the grot, beat the Giant in pieces, broke asunder the enchantment, and made the poor wretches understand how ill they had used one another by the power of charms. Their love nevertheless continuing in the same state it 〈◊〉 in before, Argenia desired Clidor to forgive her the wrong she had done him; Clidor besought his Love to forget his cruelty towards her; and both kneeling down before Rozalmond made those acknowledgements which were due to his assistance. I should not endure you, said he to the fairest Argenia, in regard of your ingratitude to Meleander, (so was the Hermit named that had entertained him) did I not consider the power of Love, who absolutely disposeth of our hearts; but since it was his pleasure you should commit this fault, I will pardon you upon condition, that Clidor shall render those favours legitimate, which he shall receive from you hereafter. It is that which I most desire in the world, answered Clidor, and even now I plight her my faith, referring the consummation thereof till such time as we shall be healed of our hurts; in the mean space if you please to command us any thing, my Lord, we will most gladly obey you, in some sort to acquit us of the obligation wherein we stand so deeply engaged to your valour. I should be very well contented, said he, that you would take the pains to go unto Constantinople, with certain damsels which are without, and present yourselves on my behalf to the Empress Richarda, recounting the success of your adventures, together with that which hath passed in this grot since my arrival. These Lovers finding honour in this request, promised not to fail therein, and going forth after they had put on their clothes, were very much abashed at the slaughter which they saw without the grot. The greatness of the Lions, the two horrible blows wherewithal the Giants were slain, and above threescore heads, a number of arms and legs cut off from Knights, that no man living had seen, no not Rozalmond himself, who had made this massacre, upon the resistance he had met with at the pillars, as you have heard before, made them admire the rare valour of so incomparable a Knight, who addressing himself to the damsels, desired them to accompany these Lovers to Constantinople, which they willingly undertook, as they that were bound to publish unto all the world the grace they had received in his succour. Taking the way then which would bring them thither, they lef Rozalmond, who returned to Mel●anders H●rinitage, and related unto him all that past concerning the adventure of the grot, for the which he could never commend him enough, though he were somewhat discontented to hear that Argenia and Clidor were to live happily in the sweet fruition of one another.   

CHAP. XXVII. Clidor and Argenia arrive at Constantinople, just at the same time when as the Knight's sen● by Alc●damant from the Castle of the Serpents, came th●ther. The marvellous contentment which those messages brought to the Princes of Greece.  
CLidor and Argenia exceedingly desirous to see themselves in the liberty of their caresses, used incredible speed to get to Constantinople, and even then the steepls and towers of that stately City appeared unto them, when as they encountered th●ee Knights riding along with two covered chariots, who beholding so many damsels with one unarmed man, approached unto them, and having saluted them with respect courteously entreated them to let them know whither they were bound. To seek out the Princes of Greece, answered one, and acquaint them with the wonders which a Knight hath performed in the deliverance of these Lovers, (pointing to Clidor and Argenia) whom ill fortune detained enchanted in a Cave, which for that cause is to this day called, The Lover's grot. Will you be pleased, said the Knight, to render the way l●sse tedious by the recital of this adventure. Truly I am sorry, answere● she, that I am not able to satisfy your desire; for having in charge to address myself only unto the beautiful Princess of the Parthians, I should think I did greatly amiss, if I should communicate it unto any other; but if you be so desirous to hear it, as you seem to be, go with us to Constantinople, and there you shall be fully satisfied. Most willingly, said he, will I accompany you thither; for indeed I have likewise in charge to wait upon, not the Empress of the Parthians, but the excellent Queen of France, from a Knight, who not long since hath done such marvellous acts, as are of power to make him live for ever. Why this is as it should be, said the damsel, for I shall have part in the content which you will bring to these Princes, and you shall have your desire in the knowledge of those memorable things which the Knight, of whom I spoke to you of, hath lately acted: come then, let us make a little more haste, that we may present ourselves unto them before they rise from the Table. Whereupon putting their horses to it, they arrived not long after at the City, went unto the pal●ce, and entered into the Hall, where the presence of so many Princes, and beautiful Ladies amazed them at the first but desiring to acquit themselves worthily of their charge, they advanced forward, and kneeling all down, demanded at one instant for the fair Empress of the Parthians, and the beauteous Queen of France. We cannot hear you all together, said Florisel, seeing you come upon several occasions. Speak damsel said he, looking upon Argenia, relate unto the Empress of the Parthians the cause of your coming▪ and then we will give the like audience unto these Knights. Sovereign Princess, said Argenia then, kissing Richarda's delicate hands, the Knight of the Roses, than whom I do not think there is a more valiant under heaven, hath commanded me to wait upon you for to acquaint you with his glory, and my fortunes, which truly rather deserve pity, then that you should inflict any new punishment upon me; for that I did not acknowledge, as I ought, the affection of a Lord, to whom I was greatly obliged. Beginning then the discourse of her love with Meleander, she delivered at large the good offices which she had received from his assistance, protested that she had a full intention to recompense him with what was most dear unto her, had she not been constrained by a sovereing power to love Clidor, whose passions were no less violent than Meleander's, spoke of her encounter with Orfuron, of the subtlety which she used to get out of his hands, of the revenge which he took of his disdain, and falling upon her deliverance, concluded with the praises of Rozalmond, whom she placed in the highest degree of glory, particularising his combats against the invisible Knights, the Lions, and the Giants, not forgetting the horrible blows which she had seen, and discoursed in such sort for the advantage of this warrior, that she made the Princes of Greece amazed, and possessed them with an extreme desire to know him better. I should blame your ingratitude, and bemoan Meleander, said the Empress Richarda, if I did not think him wise enough to lay this fault upon Love, but knowing well, that none can dispose of their will, when that proud tyrant of our minds holds them engaged; I will not ordain you any further penance then that which you suffered in the grot, and for this Knight's sake, whom I know not, and to whom I am much obliged without any desert at all, I remit you to the rights of your freedom, and do counsel you to follow the advice which he hath given you, for the consummation of your marriage. Madam, answered Clidor, That is it we desire, and to effect the which we humbly receive that liberty your Majesty hath been so graciously pleased to grant us, with a protestation to publish unto every one both your virtues, and the acts of that most renowned Knight of the Roses. Saying thus, he bowed himself even to the ground for to kiss her hands, and so gave place to the Knights that were to speak unto the Infanta Fortuna, whereof one began for the rest, and said; Mighty Queen of France, I acknowledge that Argenia's discourse hath given great content to this excellent presence, and that the valour of that famous Knight whose praises she hath worthily published, doth deserve one of the chiefest ranks amongst the best Knights of the world; but I am addressed unto you by the commandment of another, no less generous and valiant, and that a few days since hath done miracles able to astonish the whole earth, and to fill this Court with all the joy that can be expected from good news. He c●me lately to the Castle of Serpents, whereof it may be you have heard: Yes, answered Lucendus, we understand that it is one of the most dangerous houses in the World. Questionless, there was reason to say so three weeks since, said the Knight; but the custom is well changed since that unmatchable Knight came thither. Being near to that Castle, as I said before, he met with two Squires, that lamented the loss of fowr excellent Knights, whom they had seen fall into certain fosses made of purpose to entrap such as came that way. He was sensible of their complaints, and their tears moved him to such pity, that immediately he alighted, and with his sword in his hand entered into the Castle, not by the gate of the fosses, for he had been made acquainted with the deceit, but by a wicket which was on the left hand; his arrival was encountered with thirty armed men, who prepared to assault him altogether, but he quickly made them know that he was incapable of fear, for he courageously prevents them, and beginning the bickering himself, he lais fowr of them at his feet with the fowr first blows he gave, which had terrified the rest, had they not been restrained by shame in regard of their number. They charged him then with more fury than before, but he fought with so much force and courage, that to make short, seven and twenty of them past by the edge of his sword, and the other three were in case not to survive their companions long, when as a damsel let lose two furious and very dreadful Serpents, whereof if you please you shall see both the greatness and the form, having brought hither the skins of them stuffed with straw. These monsters being at liberty ran up and down the court, and finding these rascals flying from their enemy's sword, tore them presently in pieces, freeing the Knight from all further care of them; but he had little time to breath, for one of these horrible beasts set upon him, whilst the other was devouring those he had killed, and was ready to have swallowed him alive, had he not shifted his encounter, slipping then aside he let him pass by, and upon his turning about, thrust his sword into his flank, which put him into such a rage, that with a blow of his tail, ten foot long, the Knight was overthrown to the ground, from whence quickly arising, he sheathed his sword again in his belly, and laid him stark dead on the earth. This lucky blow having augmented his courage, he entreated the other in such sort, that within an hour he left him in the like case. His desire to see the end of this adventure not permitting him to rest long, he went up a pair of stairs, entered into a Hall, where seven furious Savages presented themselves, and charged him so strongly, that he was somewhat amazed with the violence of the blows, which with their clubs they laid upon him; nevertheless he was quit with them, and at length with incredible pain he killed them all: night arriving thereupon gave him good cause to fear had he been capable of it, but confident in dangers, he leaned upon his sword, until such time as he beheld six damsels appear, who turning suddenly into so many hideous fantosms, charged him with torches, which they held in their hands, making him suffer exceedingly with extremity of heat in his armour: being much troubled in defending himself from these spirits, he espied a very dreadful Giant come out of the next chamber, with whom he had a dangerous combat, wherein his sword breaking through the violence of a blow which had laid the Giant on the floor, he entered the chamber, and beholding a sword, the best and richest that ever was, in the breast of a young gentleman enchanted on a tomb, lais presently hold of it, draws it out very easily, and returning to his enemy, was about to have taken his head from his shoulders, when as the gentleman, of whom I spoke but now, being freed from his enchantment, came and with entreaty obtained his life, upon condition that all the prisoners should be set liberty, we were then brought out of the dungeons to the number of threescore, all destined for food to those serpents, and as we had leave given us to dispose of ourselves at our pleasure, we saw fowr brave Knights brought forth of another prison; the first of which, was your grandchild, Lucibel of France, the second Persides nephew to the renowned Emperor of the Persians, the third Russian of Media, and the last, Prigmaleon Prince of Aethiopia, who the same day were entrapped by means of the fosses▪ whereof I spoke before.  
These are the good news, which I said but now, would bring so much joy to this Court, but this is not all the fruit of the labours of the most valiant Knight of the Palms (so is that great warrior named, who was the author of our preservation) for it was known by the means of a damsel enchantress, that the young enchanted Gentleman, was called Amadis of Trebisond, son to the famous Amadis of Greece and Niquea, and your brother, excellent Queen, in which regard your son and his companions made wonderful much of him, and accompanied him in the ceremonies that were performed in conferring the order of Knighthood upon him, which he received from the invincible Knight of the Palms, Persides gave him his sword, Lucibel his helmet, and Russian and Prigmaleon the rest of his arms. Being knighted in this sort, and all rejoicing with him, and talking of the happy success of this adventure, they saw a chariot descend out of the clouds, drawn by four Griffons, whereinto the damsel enchantress entered with Amadis, and mounting into the air, said that his acts should begin in the Empire of Martaria, a Country unknown, it seems, to all that live here. His departure having altered the resolution of these young Princes, they armed themselves, mounted on horseback, and went away two and two together, leaving the Knight of the Palms; who following shortly after, only accompanied with his Squire, commanded us to come hither for to acquaint you with these accidents, and to present you with the Serpents from him. Truly, said the beauteous Infanta, both your news and you are very welcome, and I would give the best town of my kingdom, that the Knight you speak of were now here; we should then endeavour to acknowledge so great a favour, as also give him hearty thanks for the head of an insolent Giant, that spoke ill of my Lord the King, which he sent me the other day; if ever it be our good fortune to meet with him, we shall show ourselves solvent for such powerful obligations: in the mean time, you may assure him, if you chance to see him, that the Princes of Greece find themselves indebted to his valour. Whereunto add this, said Rogel, that all of us will gladly serve him, and will seek out all occasions so to do. Hereupon, the Knights taking their leave, went away, bountifully rewarded with rich presents, and all the Princes descended into the Palace Court for to behold the figure of those serpents, which appeared wonderful strange; and causing them to be set on the gates of the City, they admired the valour of this Knight, whom they knew not, and which in the mean while spread his valour in so many places, that there was no other talk all abroad, but of him, of the Knight of the Roses, of the Knight of the Savage, and of the fair Knight, as the only prime men in the world. Florisel having well observed the Serpents, was going up again, when as he espied a Knight to arrive; who alighting, made himself known to be the Prince of Aethiopia; that unable to endure so long an absence from his Polixena, was returned for to see her, and demand some ease for his sufferings. His coming rejoiced the whole company, and the praises of the Knight of the Palms, renewed in his discourse, for publishing the marvels which had been acted at the Castle of the Serpents, he left so good an odour of this warrior, that every one extremely desired to see him.   

CHAP. XXVIII. Prigmaleons' sufferings for Polixena, their meeting in the garden, their discourse, with the conclusion of their marriage.  
THE whole Court being full of joy for these good news, each one seemed to be content, but the Prince of the Moors; who tormented with the violence of his desires, and knowing that remedy of his disease depended on the assurance of Polixena's favour, he resolves to sue unto her for it. Walking then up and down in his chamber, to devise some discourse proper for his purpose, he was above three hours before he could settle on any thing that he liked; sometimes he thought it best to suffer with so much respect, as to let his silence speak for him, and not he himself; then again, he was minded to write unto her, and so commit his secrets into her hand, fearing his tongue would never express them according to his desire. At last, approving neither of these resolutions, he got him forth, to seek out some diversions from these thoughts; when as Love, who seemed to be satisfied with his endure, advanced his felicity at such time as he lest expected it. For going down from his chamber into a delicious garden, and falling upon his former imaginations, he perceived his Mistress in one of the alleys, who it may be was entertaining herself with the glory of his captivity; the first sight of her made him to tremble, but presently conceiving that his good fortune had not made him to meet her so opportunely in that place without some mystery, he grew more confident, and said to himself: How happily doth occasion offer itself unto me, and what an error should I commit to overslip it: I was troubled how to come to speak to Polixena, and see, Love furnishes me with the means, and presents her to me alone, according to my desire; she must be spoken to then, and acquainted with my thoughts. Whereupon, going to her with this resolution, he modestly kneeled down, and with a charming voice, said unto her: How long, Madam, is it your pleasure that I shall suffer? Is my pleasure that you should suffer, said she? Am I the cause of your pain? Have I done you any displeasure? Have you found any thing in the innocence of my actions that hath given you offence? No, Madam, answered he, but it is your grace that I am so humble a suitor for. I must know wherein you have offended me, said she smiling, before I can grant you any grace, for I do not mean to pardon you, if you have committed any thing that is heinous. Alas! Madam, said he, make not a jest of misery, all the quiet of my soul rests in your hands, and if I beg for grace of you, I do not presuppose any forgiving offence, but I desire you should take pity of the pain I endure for your sake: Excellent Mistress, permit me, I beseech you, to say that I love you, that my desires are violent, that they will never suffer me to be at rest, and that my grief must needs be more, except your favours to me be greater, than heretofore they have been. You are too much transported with passion, answered she, for whereas you speak of favours, do you think I can do you any further, without wrong to that modesty which is to accompany all my actions; and if you loved me, as truly you affirm, you would not use any spee●● unto me, which my greatness may not bear. Why do you endure su●● tyranny? Why do you not repress the insolency of these passions which molest you so, or why do you not make you strong enough to vanquish yourself, which all the Knights that have presented themselves to the fury of your sword, could never yet do? Your desires must be confined with discretion, and governed by reason; but if you suffer in such sort, and are so much in love with me, Why do you not seek for ease and satisfaction by the ways which honour allows you? My will my Lord, is subject to a fathers, who, I am persuaded, would not refuse your alliance; if you require my consent, I willingly give it you, and do assure you, that the glory to possess you, shall be dearer to me then your Empire. Beauteous Mistress, answered he, setting one knee to the ground, I could not wish for more in this world than you have promised me, and the grace which I sued unto you for, was no other but this which you have granted me. I loved you as much as it was possible for one to love a Lady, yet I should never have discovered my thoughts, had not you authorized me to do it; I complained, but your noble bounty hath relieved me; and if I have cause to do so again, I will never accuse you for it, neither shall any neglect in me be any occasion of it hereafter; for I will presently go seek the means of my content: but first, let me obtain of my fairest Mistress, that she will be pleased to give me a testimony of her love in a kiss. The hope which I have, said she, to give you a more ample power over me ere it be long, shall so far dispense with me, as not to deny you this favour, which is of no little esteem with me. Whereupon, she joined her lips to his, with such infinite content to this Prince, that his soul was ready to part from him with this kiss. Polixena seeing him thus transported, was exceedingly satisfied, knowing that this rapture was merely an excess of love; but fearing lest she should not be able to resist her lover's entreaties, if he should beg any further matter, considering withal, how favourable the place was to such a liberty, she departed from him, and went to her chamber, leaving the Prince in the garden, calling the trees to be witness of the happiness he had encountered contrary to his expectation. Her absence somewhat displeased him, but remembering the speech she had used, he began to think of that which touched him more nearly: Wherefore considering how the iron is to beaten, whilst it is hot, he went directly unto Florisel, unto whom he first remonstrated his birth, the change of his religion, and passing on to his affection unto Polixena, besought him not to refuse him his alliance. Valorous Prince, answered Florisel, if your fortune had not given you so transcendent a greatness to your birth, your virtue would have deserved more than my daughter; wherefore since you think her worthy of you, she shall most willingly be yours; only permit me to be so good a father, as to know how she is inclined towards you; for though nature hath given me an absolute power over her, yet she will not have me to be a tyrant to her, forcing her affection in so important a matter, and whereon the good of all her future life depends. This answer being marvellous acceptable to Prigmaleon, he gave him a thousand thanks for the facility he brought to his request, and protesting to hold the same obedience unto him, which he could attend from his daughter, he departed the most contented man in the world. In the mean time Florisel, who held this fortune to be advantageous for Polixena, considering the valour and merit of the Prince, called unto him Don Rogel, Lucendus, Spheramond, Dorigel, Sylvan, and some others, communicated this affair with them, and desired them to deliver their advice therein; they all approved of the match, and Polixena being present, declared, that after the consent of so many of her friends, she was well pleased to lead her life with this Prince; insomuch, that he being sent for, they were affianced presently; the celebration of the nuptials being deferred till the fifteenth day after; against which time, Florisel caused a tournament to be proclaimed, gave safe conduct to all manner of Knights that would come thither, and promised one of the richest tents on the earth for a prize, to him that should be victor. This fortnight seemed short to prepare all that was necessary for the magnificence of a marriage so profitable to all Christendom; but too long to these lovers, who conversing more familiarly together then before, it rendered their desires insupportable; but submitting to necessity, they resolved to attend with patience that so much wished for hour; and in the mean while, they prepared to appear in their highest lustre on their wedding day, wherein those wonders happened, which shall be recounted to you in the Chapter following.   

CHAP. XXIX. The wonders which happened at the jousts held in Constantinople for the celebration of the nuptials between Prigmaleon and the fair Infanta of Greece.  
THE report of the tournament and justs, which were to honour the nuptials of the Infanta of Greece, and the brave Aethiopian, running thorough all the Country's adjoining, the ways were all full of Knights and Ladies travelling to Constantinople, some in discharge of their duty to their Prince, and others to receive the content of beholding some memorable combat; so that the City was replenished every where with strangers, and a thousand pavilions pitched in the fields, made it seem as though Constantinople were besieged. This while all was in preparation, Prigmaleons' suffering passed away insensibly; the Knights that meant to combat, fitted their arms; the Ladies studied how to make themselves more beautiful with ornaments, and every thing conduced to inexpressable delight. The day, which was to make up the lover's happiness, being arrived, Prigmaleon came forth, apparelled in a doublet of cloth of silver, and his hose of black velvet laid over with gold lace, a cloak of the same, the cape set with great diamonds which sparkled in a marvellous manner. He went in the midst between the great King of France, and Florisel of Niquea, being followed by all the other Princes of Greece: In like sort Polixena clothed in a gown of cloth of gold, whose ground was white, was seen led to Church amongst all the rest of the excellent Princesses, where the Patriarch of Constantinople married them with all such ceremonies as are used in the like cases.  
That done, as they were returning to the Palace again in the same order, an unknown Squire presented himself on his knee before Prigmaleon, and said unto him. Great Prince, the three Knights of the Serpent's desirous to bring some thing to the solemnity of your nuptials, do humbly beseech, that you will be pleased they may be chosen out of so many Knights, as are here assembled, for to maintain with the lance, that the world doth not produce fairer Ladies, then are now to be found in Greece. They shall have their desire, said Prigmaleon, since they undertake this in favour of the Ladies of Greece; and drawing an assured judgement of their virtue from so great a design, tell them that they may dispose of the conditions of the justs. I have in charge, answered the Squire, to let you understand, that they desire but two; the first, that they which shall be unhorsed, may not demand the combat with the sword, if so be they be not likewise unhorsed; the other, that if they three be overthrown by so many strangers, the victors shallbe obliged to finish the enterprise for the glory of the Ladies of this court; to the end that their weakness shall be no cause to make them lo●e that which nature hath bestowed on them. This is as it should be, said Prigmaleon, and this request seems so just unto me, that they have power to enter into the Lists whensoever they please. The Squire having this favourable answer carried it presently to his masters, who caused a great Pavilion to be pitched in the field, whilst the Princes of Greece were at dinner, where all the delicacies of the earth were abundantly served in. The feast ending with a world of instruments and voices, which resounded all about, the trumpers called all the Princes and Ladies to the windows, to be hold that which should be acted by the three Knights of the Serpents, who presenting themselves in azure arms, upon great and furious Coursers, gave extraordinary satisfaction to the beholders with their goodly presence, and possessed the Princes of Greece with a marvellous de●●●e to see whether the effect was answerable to so brave a carriage. The Ladies being then placed, the Lists were opened to twelve Knights, who promising very much entered, but not one of them endured the second 〈◊〉, being so easily unhorsed that every one wondered, either at their weakness, or the great prowess of the challengers, who in less than two hours had laid fifty Knights in the dust, to the much amazement of the assistants, which were giving them the honour of the day, when as three Knights were seen to appear in the Lists, whose gallant demeanour carried away the eyes of all there present. The first bore a Savage in his shield, whereby he was judged to be the valiant Grian, who had done wonders in Constantinople at the last Tournament. The second showed a Dragon, whom a beautiful maid held in a chain, and the third carried a swelling sea, in which regard he was called the Knight of the waves. These three warriors, who were no other than Grian the Savage, his fairest Brandimanda, and the gentle Silverin of the desert, presenting themselves with an admirable grace, all the people with great attention expected what would become of this course, and every one's eye was fixed on these six, when as they were seen to set forth with fury, and encounter in the midst of the Lists with no less noise than is made by a violent concourse of raging waters. The lances broke in a thousand pieces, and each Knight thought his enemy on the ground, howbeit not one of them so much as moved, and all of them past bravely on, without show of any the least amazement, for so dangerous a shock. This encounter having possessed them with as much anger, as the assistants with wonder, they took new staves, and met one another again with the same desire to vanquish, but there was no advantage again perceived on either side; and their fortune proving to be equal amongst them all, they were constrained to have recourse unto the third lances, which being stronger than the former, and managed with more fury than before, they were all six overthrown from their horses in such a dangerous manner, that many doubted they had been slain: nevertheless, they were seen quickly to rise again with no less rage than shame, and drawing out their swords they were about to charge one another, when as eight Giants arrived in the place, who seeming to be so many Colossuses put the people in a marvellous fright. The insolence of these monsters, that with great cudgels overthrew all in their way to make themselves a free passage, incensing the Knights, with one accord they sheathed up their swords, and choosing out the greatest lances they could find, they opposed themselves to the fury of these barbarous men, just at such time as they saw a big Knight appear in the place, that carried three Roses in the midst of his shield; by this device so famous in the Empire of Greece, and by his gallant carriage, he was instantly known to be the valiant Knight of the Roses, of whom every one spoke as of the prime man of the earth. Florisel and the Princes of Greece were infinitely glad at the arrival of so braves warrior, aswell for the desire which they had to see him, as for to know whether his valour did equal his renown. This noble Knight having noted the outrageous demeanour of these Giants, ranged himself presently on Grians side; and to lose no time ran with such incredible fury against him happed to be his opposite, as he passed his lance quite thorough his body, sending him stark dead to the ground. Now believe me, said Spheramond, this encounter doth not belie the report which runs of this Knight; and if his companions second him, these insolent that come to trouble our sports will quickly be brought to reason. Thi● being spoken somewhat loud, it was overheard by Grian, who at that very 〈◊〉 setting forth with the rest, encountered the Giants, upon whom they broke their spears, without so much as once moving them; whereat they were so incensed, that drawing out their swords, they began one of the rudest combats that ever had been seen in Constantinople. As often as the Giants lifted up their swords, it was like so many thunderbolts that should fall; and if the Knights had not been agile and quick the fight had not long endured, but their address made them subsist, and rendered them dreadful to their enemies. Grian the Savage bestirred himself with strange fury. Brandimanda by little and little triumphed over her enemy; Silverin of the desert, made good his party; the brave Knights of the Serpents fought with an admirable grace, and gave certain hope of victory; but the most part of the assistants had their eyes fixed on the combat of the valiant Knight of the Roses, whose sword seemed more heavy to his adversary, than the fall of a tower overthrown by the violence of the winds. Every one admired his blows; if he struck upon his shield, the moiety of it went to the ground; if upon his armour, the blood strait gushed out; if fury made him bestow any otherwise, the Giant seemed to be astonished with so fearful a charge; briefly, every time that he advanced his sword, they were sure to see some abridgement of his days. Florisel wondered at his fight with such force, the other Princes did the like; and all the people stood amazed at it. At length the combat having endured two hours, his enemy was laid along with the violence of a blow, which divided his head in two. Grian the Savage desiring to appear no less valiant, ran his quite thorough; Brandimanda dispatched hers with a dangerous blow in the thigh, and another full in the breast; the three Knights of the Serpents took off the heads of their enemies from their shoulders; and Silverin of the desert most generously ranked his in the number of the dead, with a stroke that cloven him even to the shoulders. This done the three Knights of the Serpents were returning to their first place for to renew the combat with Grian, Brandimanda, and Silverin, when as Don Rogel having caused some of the Giants servants to be arrested, desired them to stay till he had discovered the intent of these insolent men. At this request sheathing up their swords, they went to a young Squire, who seeing himself among so many persons spoke fearlessly in this manner. The victory which you have gottea to day should not make you rejoice as you do; for of thirteen Brothers, which peaceably govern the redoubted Islands of Barrocand, the five strongest are yet living, whereof you shall find two so puissant, that they will make you give an account of the lives of these whom you behold there laid on the earth. Sirrah, said Don Rogel, your threats shall not trouble us a whit and if your masters come, we shall receive them otherwise then they think for: whereupon turning him to the three Knights of the Serpents, and their adversaries, he said unto them: Gentlemen, I know you purpose to end your difference with the sword, but the night is at hand, and me thinks, if you hold it sit, it were more expedient that you should share the honour of the justs betwixt you (which questionlesis equal to you both as yet) then to dispute it longer; your valour is too well known, for any further proof to be made of it, and the advantage which you should seek to get of one another, would rather be a point of vanity, than a mark of glory. We are wholly at your commandment, answered one of the Knights of the Serpents, wherefore if our enemies be of our mind, we will separate ourselves with equal fortune; but I desire that the conditions of the justs may be observed, and that the Ladies of Greece may carry away the content, to be esteemed the fairest of the World. Sir, answered Grian, we owe as much respect to this great Emperor, and are no less servants to the Ladies than you, so that we shall not be very scrupulous to sign this accord, considering how fairly it is concluded: whereupon he turned about for to go and entertain the Knight of the Roses, but finding him departed he was extremely discontented, because he had not honoured him according to the merit of his virtue; nevertheless hoping to meet him again the next day at the tournament, he returned to the Palace, where every body was talking of the incomparable valour of the Knight of the Roses, of the three companions of the Serpents, and their adversaries, whom they ranked in the number of the best on the earth. The Tables having been more sumptuously served, then in the morning, the dancing began in the Hall, whilst the fair Polixena being stolen away by the Empress Richarda, and the Infanta Rosaliana, was laid into a rich bed with the valiant Aethiopian; where we will leave them to enjoy the content which is encountered in the first embraces of two persons that unfeignedly love one another, for to prepare ourselves to describe the wonderful feats of arms which were performed the next day.   

CHAP. XXX. The admirable feats of arms performed at the Tournament in Constantinople by the most excellent warriors of the World: The dreadful combat between the Knight of the Roses, and him of the Palms, with the strange end thereof.  
THE day appearing fair and bright, the Trumpets raised the Knights, the place was in a moment covered with arms and horses, the barriers surrounded with a multitude of people, the scaffolds which had been prepared for the Ladies, were almost full, and every thing seemed ready for the justs, when as the Princesses of Greece went to see the beautiful Empress of Aethiopia, who testified in the serenity of her look, though her colour was somewhat altered, that she had received content in losing the name of a maid; howbeit seeming ashamed to be found in the arms of a husband, she got her quickly out of bed, and past into another chamber, where whilst she was putting on new garments, far richer than those she wore the day before, the Ladies asked her a world of questions, which renewing the memory of the pleasure she had enjoied, made her accuse the Sun for having been too hasty to enlighten the World. At length being quite ready, she was conducted to Church with wonderful magnificence, and from thence led back to the Palace, where dinner was short, in regard of the tournament, which in every man's opinion was like to prove a brave one; for Don Rogel to avoid the confusion which might arise from such a multitude of combatants, caused five hundred Greek Knights to enter the camp at one gate, before whom the Knights of the Serpents placed themselves, together with the gentle Esquilan of Poland, who by chance was then at Constantinople; and at another a like number of strangers under the conduct of Grian and his companions.  
These two troops equal in number, and almost in valour, being ordered according to the direction of their Commanders, and attending nothing but the sound of the trumpets; a Knight was seen to enter the Camp, whose very presence gave a good opinion of his valour. He was mounted upon a great and furious Courser, whom he sat with such a grace, and in so warlike a manner, that one would have thought it had been the God of battles, appearing in this sort for to be admired of men. Every one casting their eyes upon so accomplished a Knight, who had placed himself amidst the two troops, as though he had had no intention to fight; it was observed that his shield carried those redoubted Palms; whereupon, Prigmaleon turning him to Don Florisel, said: Verily, I think that most of the bravest Knights of the world are assembled here at this time, and believe it you shall see wonders to day if this new comer takes a side. This is he that freed us out of the Castle of Serpents, and that delivered your brother Amadis with such extraordinary chivalry. I vow, said Don Rogel, that I would not for the best town of this Empire miss the content of seeing him here now, whore, if it be possible, I will requite the good office he hath done us; but I would very fain see him fight, though, by siding with nei●●●● party, it seems he doth not purpose it. We shall soon be resolved of 〈◊〉, said Prigmaleon, for this is the last sound of the trumpets, and these ●oops are even upon settting forth to meet one another. Heerwith, the too squadrons dislodged with a dreadful noise, the place was covered with a number of Knights, who were not able to support the fury of the first course; the air was darkened with the splinters of the spears, which the violence of the encounters sent up, and the earth trembled under the horses feet. The Knight of the Roses, and he of the Savage having run one against another, broke their staves even to the very gauntlets, without so much as once moved for it. Brandimanda, Silverin, and two of the Knights of the Serpents, encountered in the midst of the course with equal advantage, but they which jousted against the third, and the brave Esquilan of Poland, were unhorsed very easily. All then was in confusion, they were mingled one amongst another, Grian cleared the ranks on the one side, the Knight of the Roses thundered every where on the other side, his companions seconded him with the like courage. The fairest Brandimanda and Silverin, overthrew all that stood in their way, briefly the combat was equally maintained, and it seemed that the sole valour of the Chiestains, made it subsist in this manner. The strangers being all choice men, that purposely appeared there to obtain glory, seemed at the beginning to have some little advantage of the Greeks; but the extreme valour of the Knight of the Roses, of the Serpents, and of the brave Esquilan of Poland relieved their fainting▪ and made them show themselves every was as strong, in such sort, that all went in equal balance; when as the Knight of the Savage, who judged that the honour of the tournament depended on the Knight of the Roses, went to encounter him; and with his sword charged him so hotly, that he was constrained to turn head, and defend himself in stead of overthrowing his enemies, which put him into such choler, that clasping his sword fast in his hand, he discharged it very dangerously on Grians shield, who nothing amazed with that blow, advanced his blade, and let it descend so roughly on his enemy's casque, that he made him see stars in stead of the Sun; howbeit, he boasted not long of it, for the Knight of the Roses being much incensed, gave him another blow on his shield, with such strength, that he made him bow with his head to the pommel of his saddle. This combat continued in a gallant manner, if one struck, the other knew how to ward, and many times their swords advanced now both at one instant, and descended on each others helmet with equal fury. Whilst they entreated one another thus bravely, the Knights of the Serpents, seconded by Esquilan of Poland, performed wonders; they overthrew m●n and horses, and became dreadful every where: But the valiant Brandimanda and Silverin, seeing themselves opposed to these adventures, who fought with infinite courage, pressed them so close, that notwithstanding their extraordinary valour, the Greeks by little and little were fain to give ground, which so incensed the Knight of the Roses, that taking his sword in both his hands, he discharged it with such fury on the Knight of the Savages his head, that he overturned him on the crupper of his horse, so far from himself, as it was a quarter of an hour before he could recover his senses; from thence, putting himself in the front of the Greeks, he overthrew all that he met withal; in such sort, that with the aid of the valiant Knights of ●●e Serpents, the strangers began to recoil, and then did every one expect to 〈◊〉 them chased out of the field; when as the incomparable Knight 〈…〉 Palms, set spurs to his horse, and came against Esquilan of Poland, 〈…〉 he cast out of his saddle, do what he could to keep in it. The Prince 〈◊〉 Greece, who were much distasted to behold him stand still, whilst the 〈◊〉 were in action, were exceeding glad to see him enter into the combat; and of his valour by the first encounter, having so easily overthrown a Knight, whom they lightly esteemed, they all bend their eyes upon him, and perceived how having drawn forth his sword, he seemed a thunderbolt that drives all into ruin. This glorious warrior, conceiving that the honour of the tournament consisted not in the multitude of men, but in the courage of the Chieftains, made head against the Knights of the Serpents, whose valour he had admired, and knowing that great trees are not overturned with a little wind, or with one silly blow of an a●, he displayed the force of his arm, and gave one of them such a violent blow, that he laid him in the dust senseless, and instantly with the like fury redoubling another, he overthrew the second on the cruppet of his horse, casting blood out of his eyes and ears. Hereupon, the stranger's re-assumed new courage, and laboured to imitate so valiant a leader, who in the mean time pursuing his victory, made such open way wheresoever he went, that the Princes of Greece were constrained to acknowledge they had never beheld the like. The Knight of the Roses, who was then in fight with Brandimanda, that had set upon him for to revenge her lover, perceiving the disorder whereinto this Knight had brought his troops, became wonderfully en●aged, and gnashing his teeth for anger, to see himself now in dispute for the honour of the tournament, which all men's opinion had given him before; he left Brandimanda, astonished with a blow, and calling for a strong lance to be brought him, he cried to the Knight of the Palms to defend himself; whereat, ●urning him about, he sheathed up his sword, and withal, took the staff which his Squire carried after him, infinitely contented to hear himself called upon by a man, whom he held to be one of the bravest and valiantest Knights of the earth, and whose gallant demeanour had filled him with wonder: settling himself then sure in his saddle, and desiring to display all the valour and address that he had, he set sp●rs to his horse, perceiving his enemy coming on, and met him in the midst of the course, with such marvellous fury, that their lances shivering into a thousand pieces, their horses recoiled three or four paces back, unable to support so terrible a shock, the Knights remaining firm in their saddles, without any show of amazement upon so violent a career. O me, said Florisel then, what an encounter was this! If two towers had met with such force together, we should have seen theosoph ruined, and yet these Champions appear no more moved, then if they had carried glasses in their hands. It is marvellous indeed, said Spheramond, but let us see unto which of them Fortune will give the honour of the combat, for they are going to it with their swords. Whereupon, these valorous Knights began to charge one another, not as in a tournament, but as two, whose hatred would be the death of each other. The Knight of the Roses considering that he fought before his friends, who had always showed themselves insensible, did wonders, employed his sword with fury, and used all the sleights that are practised in combats; but his adversary was so cunning, that if he reached him one blow, he was sure to receive another, as dangerous and weighty ●●●●antly; if the one showed himself ready and nimble, the other expressed 〈…〉 esse agility; their blows were dreadful, they joined anger to force, ●●d time so kindled their courage, that in stead of being weary, their swords were seen to descend with more violence, then at the beginning of the fight, that every minute began more terrible, to the great astonishment of the two troops, which had withdrawn themselves apart, the better to judge of this combat. The valiant Prince of Greece, who had never seen a fight maintained with like fury, held th●se two warriors for the most redoubted, that either their times or antiquity had produced. Fowr hours being spent, without any show of desiring to rest themselves, the ground was strewed with their armour, the blood flowed from divers parts of their bodies, millions of sparkles flew about their ears, and as every one conceived, their forces to be alike, nothing could be expected from their rage, but dangerous and mortal blows. The Knight of the Roses mad, to find such resistance in one man, set both his hands to his sword, and stretching himself forth upon his stirrups, discharged it so manly on his shield, that he divided it in two, the point thereof falling with such fury on his casque, that he was constrained to strike his head against the crupper of his horse, so far from himself, that the most part of the assistants believed he was dead; nevertheless, he was seen quickly to re-settle himself up, and clasping his sword fast in his hamnd, he gave his enemy such a terrible blow, that it struck the Princes of Greece into admiration, making the Knight to bow with his head to the pommel of the saddle; so astonished, that the blood gushed out of his mouth and eyes, every one thought him to be near dead. By my life, said Spheramond, this is one of the dreadfullest blows that ever I saw given; and if the Knight of the Roses receives many such, without all doubt he is not far from his end. I do not know, said Rogel, what will become of this combat, I see no cause the one hath to brag more than the other, for if the Knight of the Palms shows strength, he of the Roses manifests but little weakness. As he thus spoke, Rozalmond, transported with rage to see himself in the state he was in, flew at his enemy, whereupon, they charged one another more furiously than before, insomuch that six hours was past, & they never spoke of resting themselves; the more they fought, the more courage and force they showed: Nevertheless, seeing the night approach, they redoubled their blows, and little regarding the trumpets, that sounded a retreat, they continued labouring to kill one another. Don Rogel, perceiving them to be so wilfully bend, descended with Lucendus and Spheramond, desiring them to part, and become friends for his sake; but their rage being uncapable of reason, they made as though they did not hear him, entreating one another more cruelly than before; howbeit, considering that at length they should be obliged to yield unto him, they stood up in their stirrups, and taking their swords in both their hands, they discharged them both at one time, with such wonderful fury, that they overthrew one another to the ground at the same instant, giving great appearance of death in their fall. This accident infinitely displeased the Princes of Greece, who held the loss of those Knights to be irreparable, and therefore went in all haste to succour them; Spheramond to the Knight of the Roses, unto whom he bore a particular inclination, not knowing wherefore, & Lucendus to him of the Palms, unto whom he thought he was obliged, when as a damsel appeared amongst them, that addressing herself unto Spheramond, said thus unto him:  
Excellent Prince, you do well to seek the safety of this Knight, for ●●deed he is your son, cause him presently to be carried in, and use all mea●● necessary to bring him to himself again; I'll take care for the other, and wil● render him ere it be long, in as good case to fight as ever he was. Gentlewoman, said Spheramond, much amazed to hear that he held his son Rozalmond in his arms, give us, I beseech you, the same remedy which you have promised to that Knight. His virtue deserves it, said she, and therefore I may not deny you: anoint his face and wounds with that which you shall find here, said she, giving him a little glass vial, and then let time work. Saying thus, she caused Alcidamant to be laid upon a blanket, which two Dwarves carried between them, who retiring out of the press went with him towards the wood, and entered into a shepherd's cottage, where she looked so carefully to him, that within two hours he came to himself again; but so infinitely grieved in that he had not vanquished his enemy (for he did not know that he was in as bad a state as himself) that it is likely he would have advanced his own death, had not the damsel assured him of the truth. Suffering himself then to be dressed he s●ept till the next day, when he found himself perfectly healed, and as able to ride as ever he was; which so amazed him, that if he had not certainly remembered his former actions, he might well have been persuaded that all had been but a dream. This while some of the Princes of Greece were employed in caressing the brave Knights of the Serpents, which were Persides, Lucibel, and Russian; and the rest laboured to bring Rozalmond to himself again; who within two hours being some what recovered, and finding himself between a pair of sheets, and not knowing how he came there, he began to detest his wicked fortune that had not permitted him to triumph over his enemy. Shall I live, said he, with the shame of one vanquished? and that which is more, shall I dare to appear before Princes, which never learned so base a lesson? No, I will never survive the loss of mine honour, and the glory of the combat, which mine adversary hath carried from me. Adieu, my fairest Armazia, thou hast as just cause to abhor such a recreant, as he hath reason never to present himself more before thee. Whereupon throwing off the clothes, he leapt furiously out of bed, took his sword which he found lying upon the table, and having drawn it forth, continued on his speech in this manner: It is fit that this blade should deprive me of life, which could not take it away from a better Knight than myself; howsoever my friends shall know that I did not want courage. There with he was running himself upon it, when as he perceived his Father coming in, unto whom his Squire had discovered this fury. His presence stayed him, and falling on his knees, he said: Ah Sir! Come you to see a wretch that doth not merit the honour to be called your son; you have always triumphed over all the enemies that ever have presented themselves before you, whereas I could not vanquish one single Knight, in the presence of so many Princes that command the Empire of Arms. Oh! what a hell and vexation is this to me, and that I might be permitted to revenge upon myself, the wrong I do you? Son, said Spheramond, I know not what cause you have to complain, but you have this day got more honour by combatting the Knight of the Palms, than ever I did by all my past adventures; you have not prevailed over your adversary, I confess, but he hath no advantage of you, and the estate into which you have put him is no less pitiful than that wherein you are; you were overthrown both at one instant, and the judges have pronounced your honour to be equal, as your forces are alike; comfort yourself then, and without passion, which much abates of your judgement, consider that the destinies have not promised to let all things succeed according to our desire. Rozalmond weighing his father's reasons, understanding that he was not overcome, as he imagined, was somewhat pacified, and returning to his bed promised to afflict himself no further; but calling to mind that this Knight had deprived him of the honour of the tournament, he conceived such hatred against him, that it was a long time before it could be rooted out of his mind, so that laying himself to rest with a resolution to be revenged on him, and rather to travel over all the World, than not to meet with him once again, he fell into so sound a sleep that he waked not till eight of the clock the next morning; at which time he arose without any pains at all of his wounds, that were so well healed as the scars of them were hardly to be discerned, whereat all the company exceedingly rejoiced, and were resolved to renew their sports in testimony of the content they received at the return of this Prince, so valorous in arms, if his departure had not prevented them, as shall be related by and by.   

CHAP. XXXI. Rozalmond departs secretly out of Constantinople, to pursue and on●e more to combat the Knight of the Palms, and the strange adventure that he encountered.  
ROzalmonds displeasure continuing still amidst the caresses which he received all that day from an infinity of Lords and Ladies, he withdrew himself somewhat betimes to his chamber, where he called to him a young gentleman, the son of the Duke of Arbamont, whose carriage and disposition he liked well, and said unto him: Artander, so was he named, hast thou any mind to my service? Yes more, answered the young gentleman, then to any others in the world; wherefore my Lord, you may absolutely command of me. Be secret then, said Rozalmond, and be sure that I will largely recompense thy services; the night favours the resolution I have taken to be gone from hence, for to revenge the injury I have received from the Knight of the Palms, and I want nothing at this present but my own horse, and another for thee: Go therefore to the Stables, and find out some device to bring me out two unto the well gate, that we may travel abroad to see the world a little. Now verily, answered the Squire, this is as I desired, and all the favours that possibly might be done me, could not be comparable to so sweet a commandment as this. Arm yourself, my Lord, and believe it you shall not want horses. Whereupon going to the Stables, he took two extraordinary horses, and went presently with them to the place appointed, where Rozalmond straightway met him wonderfully well satisfied to see himself at liberty. Getting to horse than he road all night, and made such haste that he was ten leagues from Constantinople, when as every body thought him to be still asleep. I will not stand here to declare the grief the Princes of Greece were in, when he was missing in his chamber, much less speak of the adventures which befell Persides, Lucibel of France, Russian of Media, Esquilan of Poland, and others that put themselves in quest of him; but referring this discourse to some other time, I will assure you that having taken a little rest in a shepherd's cottage whilst his horses graed, he traveled on, choosing the most unusual ways, because he would not be sound, if pe● adventure he was followed and sought after. Where fore being gotten into a forest the way which he took, brought him by that time it was night into a place so obscured by the thickness of the trees, that he could not see a whit, whereby he was constrained for fear of falling into some precipice to alight, to unbridle his horses, and to lay him down upon the grass in expectation of the next day. Armazia coming then into his mind, his passion carried him to complain in this manner: Unhappy Knight, why dost thou absent thee from so fair a sun, to live thus in darkness? The desire of glory deprives thee of a sovereign felicity; in the mean time thou dost nothing that can excuse thy absence; one Knight arrests thy ambition, opposes thy conquests, and takes the laurel from thy head to appropriate it to his valour. It is true indeed that the grief hereof aught to kill thee, but thou must live to be revenged, and thou art to undertake nothing till that be decided to thy contentment, since so to do thou hast abandoned all thy friends. Whereupon his anger increasing with the hatred that he bore to the Knight of the Palms, he wished for day, that he might go seek him out; howbeit as he turned him on the other side the better to rest himself, he perceived a little glimpse of light to shoot thorough the trees; at first he was somewhat amazed, as unable to imagine from whence it should proceed, nevertheless, he presently start up, and listened attentively, but meeting with nothing but silence, he went very softly towards certain trees, which Nature had planted in manner of a round, so near together that they even touched one another, except one place which seemed to be reserved for to give an entrance to this cabinet, and saw by the light of a torch two damsels, the one laid upon the grass leaning with her cheek on her left hand, which was bedewed with the tears that trickled from her eyes, and the other reading of a letter; the noise which he made treading on some leaves, having easily been overheard by her that was reading, she suddenly demanded, who goes there? Gentlewoman, answered Rozalmond, It is a Knight arrested in this wood by the night, and that would willingly do you service if it lay in his power. Come in, says she no whit abashed, and let us see what you are. Rozalmond advancing then saluted her very courteously, receiving the like entertainment from the damsel, who seeing him carry so brave a presence said unto him: Sir, let me entreat you to fit ●eer down by me on the grass with as little noise as you may, for fear of waking this gentlewoman, whose grief doth seldom permit her to ●●ke such good rest. Your fair demeanour doth oblige me to render the tediousness of the night less irksome to you by some pleasing discourse, the occasion I will draw from this paper in my hand, sent to this Gentlewoman by the most ingrateful man of the world; you shall hear the contents, and then I will acquaint you with the particulars, whereupon she read thus:  
Clerastes Letter to Carinda.  
I Held it no little glory to be beloved of you, nor did I think any delight on the earth comparable to that which I found in your caresses, but since you deride them, and that the ambition triumph ●ver a King, hath made you false to my affection, I must tell you Carinda, that I will sigh no longer for you, but will for ever quit you, and live for some other that will be more faithful.  
Men often seek excuses for their malice, and they will take hold of the least occasions to serve their turns, as you may perceive by this traitor, called Clerastes, who feigning some jealousy, hath made this Gentlewoman, whom you behold here, the miserablest creature in the World. He is the King of Florertans favourite, and in his grace hath found more wealth and dignity than he hath deserved; she was near unto the Queen, cherished by her out of the consideration of her merits, and was likely to have 〈◊〉 with some good fortune, had not this man undone her. Her beauty, whereof you may judge still, though it be much 〈◊〉 by her affliction, having made a deep impression in the heart of this gallant, she was adored by him for a time with exceeding respect, his actions w●re full of love, his wo●●s assured his captivity, his sighs testified a violent passion; nor was there any day seen to pass without some proof rendered of his affection: these devoirs joined to the place he held in Court, at length forced Carinda, so is she named, to entertain some liking to him, which by little and little converting into Love left her no po●er over herself. If Cleraster heart were all ●ire, hers was notices i● he suffered, she was not at rest; if ●e adore her, she idolatrized him; if he gave her kisses▪ she was not back ward to render him the like. What should I say more smoothing was wanting to their desires, but opportunity, whereupon she ha●h ●ecourse to that affection which I have always born her, opens h●r heart 〈◊〉 me, and ●●lling me that Clerastes wou●● marry her, pr●●●s me to facilitate the means that they might meet without suspicion. 〈◊〉 nothing more than her good, I ●●rreated her to consider well what she did, and not lightly to cast herself away: I put her in mind of 〈◊〉 inconstancy, of the dissimulation they commonly use to bring their desires to pass; but seeing her resolved, I suffered Clerastes to come, who cleared 〈◊〉 of all doubt by the solemn promise which he made her 〈◊〉 my presence, for to marry her so soon as he could obtain licence of the King; leaving them together then to the liberty of their actions, I absented myself for two or three ho●rs; at the end whereof causing them to par●, I promised to give them the same accommodation whensoever Carinda could meet. Fowr months passed in this manner, with all the content that two lovers could enjoy, nothing wanting but the day wherein a happy marriage might render their embraces legitimate. But 〈◊〉! I saw allthings in disorder, when I thought them most sure; for Carinda being every way very amiable, the King fell in love with her, who taking pleasure in his passion one day discovered himself unto her, desiring she would give him some case to his pain. She was much amazed with the discourse of this Prince, and her affection to Clerastes commanded her to return him but a sharp answer; nevertheless considering what respect she ought to use both in her speech and carriage towards him, she modestly replied, that she could not be so vain as to believe, that she was able to triumph over a Prince, who knew well how to vanquish his enemies, and not to yield to any body, so that this demand being but to prove her discretion she hoped to make it always appear to him, that she would never be failing therein. Some would have been driven away with this answer, and for spite would have despised a cruel ingrateful woman, but it wrought a contrary effect in this Prince, who finding more glory in the difficulty, never left praying and importuning; every day she had a Page, letters were continually walking, there was no spare of presents, but firm in her affection she made no reckoning of all these things, because she would not offend against her Lover. Only one fault she committed, which was that she made him not acquainted with this pursuit; for if she had, without doubt he had proceeded in another fashion, and never been so wickedly transported with jealousy. Clerastes then having upon a time found his Mistress Cabinet open, chanced to fall upon certain papers, amongst the which by ill fortune were the two last letters which the King had sent to Carinda, wherewith he was wonderfully astonished. Hath Carinda said he, being gone out to walk in the garden, hath Carinda intelligence with the King, and doth she thus forget the vows she hath so often made me? Ah I will never endure it, I'll change as she doth, and ceasing to love her, I will not be a rival to him, to whom I am indebted for all my fortunes. And this she shall know, that she may not say I have left her without reason, or that I am ingrateful. In the heat hereof going to his chamber, without any further deliberation, he wrote these lines, which coming to the hands of this poor gentlewoman, it so afflicted her that she fell into a swoon, out of the which with much ado being brought, she broke out into all those lamentations which a deceived maid might justly make. I had been the secretary of her pleasures, and so I was of her complaints, and misfortune; she came to me, and shedding a river of tears she obliged me to talk with this faithless man, and fully inform him of the truth of the business, but he rejected all that I could say, showed me the King's letters, and swearing he would not be persuaded that ever it was done without some affection on her part, he willed me to tell Carinda that she should seek her another husband, an answer that reduced this poor creature to such despair, as abandoning the Court under pretence of going to visit her friends, she departed out of the Kingdom with me in her company, who could not find in my heart to let her go alone; and she is resolved to travel every day a little until she hath found out some desert to her mind, where she purposeth to spend the rest of her life in complaining against the ingratitude of her Lover. Behold Sir, the occasion both of the tears which you see standing on her cheeks, and of our voyage; so that if you had as much pity of her case, as you have promised me assistance, you will counsel her to change her determination. That I will indeed, said Rozalmond, I will advise her unto it, and if she please to make use of me to be revenged of this disloyal man, that upon a simple supposition forsakes her after such powerful obligations, I will promise her his head. I do not think she will consent to that, said the damsel, but of these extremities we will choose that which shall be most expedient. Herewith Carinda, awaking, was much amazed to see so goodly a Knight talking with Darimella (so was the secretary of her love named) but growing somewhat more confident, with a pleasing voice she said unto him: Sir, how came you thus to arrive in a place so full of horror, here to behold the wretchedest maid now living? Fortune, that conducts such as make the same profession I do, answered he, hath brought me hither, it may be for your good, for having understood what cause you have to complain of the ingratitude of a man which hath deceived you, I am most ready to right you upon him, with his destruction. My resentment, replied she, is not so strong, but that it yields to the love which still I bear to this disloyal, and will not permit me to desire his death; my absence peradventure hath made him acknowledge his fault, and therefore I purpose so far to embrace your noble courtesy, as to return with you to the Kingdom of Florertan, where we may govern ourselves according as occurrences shall fall out; in the mean season, please you to take your rest until the morning, at which time, my companion and I will be ready to wait upon you. I am desirous in all things to obey you, said Rozalmond, so bidding them good night, he retired to his Squire, and laid him down upon the grass to sleep.   

CHAP. XXXII. Rozalmond arrives in the Kingdom of Florertan with Carinda, finds out Clerastes, and marries them together.  
THE singing of a multitude of birds declaring the day, rather than the Sun, whose beams were not able to pierce thorough the thickness of those trees, Rozalmond arose, and repairing to the damsels, they mounted all on horseback, and traveled together for the space of fowr days without meeting any adventure, at the end whereof, coming to the sea side, they embarked themselves for the kingdom of Florertan: Fifteen days being sweetly spent in this navigation, during the which Rozalmond had generously slain two Giants, which would have made themselves Masters of their ship, they arrived at the desired Port; and causing their horses to be landed, they entered upon their journey, having first changed their habits, to be unknown, that so they might without suspicion learn what was said at Court of the flight of these two damsels. Having rode all day long, than they turned aside unto certain houses which they espied on the left hand, with a purpose to lodge there; when as they met a Squire, who staying to observe them, because their apparel and arms were strange, Rozalmond said unto him: Sweet heart, I could wish you would do me the courtesy to tell me some news of this country, the name whereof I do not know, as also, whither you go, and from whence you came to day. Your fair demeanour, answered the Squire; obliges me to satisfy you in few words; you are in the kingdom of Florertan, near to the Capital city thereof, called Valderic; there is no great news stirring, for the King by his wisdom maintains all in peace; as for the occasion of my journey, I think I shall not give you much satisfaction in relating it, I am going to seek a Gentlewoman of this Country, who hath not been heard of these two months. What is her name, said Rozalmond? Carinda, answered the Squire; as fair as any in this Kingdom, but unhappy, in loving a man, that now dies with grief, for building her despair upon a false opinion. Explain yourself a little, I pray you, said Rozalmond, and discover this matter more clearly unto me. That can I easily do, answered the Squire, Clerastes and (so is he called of whom I speak) loved Carinda, Carinda no less affected him, each joyed in the other, and now both expecting the hour that should fully make up their happiness, when as fortune would needs divide two united hearts; the King of Florertan became enamoured of Carinda, solicits her a thousand ways, by speech, by letters, and by the charms of presents: Nevertheless, this maid firm in affection to her lover, never yields to his desires, but wisely defends herself; howbeit, she kept some letters written unto her by the King, rather out of vanity, I am persuaded, than any inclination she had to cherish any thing that came from him; which falling afterwards into Clerastes hands, rendered him so jealous, that without further informing himself of the business, he sent Carinda word that he would love her no longer; whereat the poor maid fell into such despair, as she quite abandoned this Country, at leastwise must think so; for Clerastes having caused her to be sought in vain, even to the uttermost parts of Florertan, it is presumed that she is not in it. Why does he seek for her now, said Rozalmond, since he does not care for her? Excuse me, Sir, said the Squire, he loves her more than ever he did, and her absence hath made him see that he was jealous without a cause; for having been surprised by the King in his complaints against the inconstancy of women, his Majesty assured him, that she had always with an untainted modesty refused his affection; howbeit, desiring to be further cleared, presuming that the King out of his discretion, and to preserve her reputation, might be drawn to make these protestations, he sent for an old enchantress, who for a sum of money, made him behold in a glass, all the actions which Carinda had done in her life; amidst the which, observing nothing but respect in the King's suit to her, he condemned his rash humour, and blaming himself for having been so credulous and cruel, he wrote a letter full of amorous lines, tending all to ask of pardon; caused forty or fifty copies to be made, and giving them to several messengers, he sent them to all parts of the Kingdom; but hearing no news of her, he had recourse unto the said enchantress, who told him that he shall meet with her at a time when he least hopes for it, and counselled him in the mean space, to have some still watching at the sea ports; which is the reason, that amongst others, I am now going by his commandment to wait there in expectation of some good fortune for him that way. This said, he spurred on, leaving Carinda as much contented, as she had been troubled all the time of his discourse. What say you to this, Madam, said Rozalmond? Do not you believe now, that after a tempest follows a calm, and that there is no bitterness but is accompanied with some sweet? Yes, an-answered she, with a smiling countenance, I confess, that the Gods do give us blessings after crosses, and that they recompense our miseries with contentments; but I feel a new care arising, and know not how I should present myself at Court; for to write to Clerastes, I do not hold it fit, and still to conceal myself is not the way to my happiness: What shall I do in this case? Madam, answered Rozalmond, leave this to me, I beseech you, I will so carry things, that you shall have as great cause to commend me, and when Clerastes understands of your return, it shall be for your glory. By this time, being come to a village, they were kindly entertained by a rich shepherd, who having given them a good supper, prepared two chambers for them to lie in; but Rozalmond having another design in his head, desired the shepherd to ride along with him, and leaving Artander behind him, caused him to conduct him to Valderic; where arriving very early in the morning, he went to the Court, and there enquired for Clerastes, who being awake, was informed by his Squire, that a man armed at all points required to speak with him. Let him come in, said he, for he comes not so early but upon some important occasion. Whereupon, Rozalmond entering the chamber, and finding Clerastes out of his bed in his nightgown, he said unto him: Sir, get on your clothes, and, as I am, arm yourself, that I may receive satisfaction for the wrong you have done Carinda, in refusing to acknowledge her for your wife, after you have obtained all your desires of her under a promise of marriage. Alas, Sir! answered he, I would to God she were here, and then we should enter into no quarrel upon this occasion; for there is nothing grieves me so much, as that I cannot discharge my duty in that regard. Are you resolved to give her all content, said Rozalmond? Yes verily, answered he, and if you knew what I suffered since I fell into that fault, you would rather pity then destroy me. Follow me then without more delay, said Rozalmond, and I shall quickly make you happy, since you will become an honest man, as I was ready to have spoiled you, if you had persisted in your malice, for Carinda is hard by. Is my Carinda hard by said Clerastes? Ah Sir, how am I obliged to you! Come, bring me my clothes, and let one saddle an horse for me. Whereupon, having suddenly made himself ready, he road away with Rozalmond, unto whom he gave a million of thanks by the way, and they made such speed, that within five or six hours they arrived at the shepherd's house; where at the first approach, Clerastes fell on his knees before Carinda, and made demonstration of his true repentant, with a world of sighs and tears, whereof Carinda was so sensible, that with the love besides which she loved him, it was impossible for her to complain any further; a thousand kisses signed their accord, and their returns to the City was instantly concluded; where their nuptials were celebrated, to the great content of all the Court, especially of the King, who admiring the goodly person of Rozalmond, received him very graciously, and honoured him as if he had been well acquainted with his worth.   

CHAP. XXXIII. Rozalmond maintaining the justs in the Kingdom of Florertan, combats and vanquishes a Giant with much honour and glory.  
CArinda's return brought exceeding content to the whole Court, where her virtue had rendered her of such esteem, that the young Knights presented themselves before the King, and besought him he would be pleased to permit some of them to maintain with the lance that they deserved the favour of their Ladies, and that the next day a tournament might be held, the prize whereof should be a crown of laurel to be given by the Queen unto the Conqueror, with some other present befitting his courage and worth. By the faith of a Prince, answered the King, your enterprise seems so noble unto me, that I could find in my heart to be one of the party, but that I purpose to be the judge thereof, and observe who shall behave himself best; wherefore I authorise you to order it as you shall think good. The Knights having obtained their desire, withdrew themselves, caused Lists to be prepared with all expedition, and giving direction for fitting of their arms, enriching their helmets, furnishing their horses, and the rest of their equipage; they went into their Mistresses, and craved some favours of them whereby they might be obliged to combat with the more courage and better success. Each one was well pleased, and all in general wished that the Knight of the Roses, by every one so esteemed, would make one. The Queen who could not behold him without affection, desired it much more than all the rest, and therefore could willingly had entreated him thereunto, but not knowing well how to acquaint him with her mind, she was much troubled; nevertheless enforced by her desire, she called Carinda unto her, and making show of entreating her with some discourse, she fell to speak of the justs which were to be made the next day in honour of her nuptials; and demanded of her, as it were by chance, whether the Knight of the Roses would combat in favour of the Ladies of the Court, or of the strangers. Madam, answered Carinda, I do not think he means to be on any side, either in the justs, or tournament, which are devised only by your Courtiers for to show their courage; but if your Majesty desire to see what he can do, upon notice of your pleasure, without doubt he will soon give your Majesty that satisfaction; and think himself happy that he may receive your commands. I would be loath to show myself uncivil, said the Queen, not knowing what quality this Knight is of, but truly I very much long to see whether the effect be answerable to the bravery of his presence and demeanour. Madam, said Carinda, leave this care to me, I'll oblige him thereunto without more ado; looking about then, and perceiving him not far from her, she winked to him, whereupon he approaching with a great deal of respect unto the Queen, she said unto him: Sir, will you be one of them that runs to morrow? Alas Madam! answered he, I am not so fortunate to be beloved, and therefore have no purpose to be of this amorous troop; howbeit if you please to command me, I shall soon alter my resolution, and obey you. Why then, said the Queen with a little blush, I am contented to be your Mistress to morrow, and to behold you there as my Knight. Madam, answered he, bowing himself very low for to kiss her hands, I shall never merit such glory; but seeing you are pleased to make me capable of it, I will not refuse this honour; wherefore you shall see me there amongst the foremost, and if I perform any thing worthy of regard, believe Madam, it will proceed merely from your favour. I am quite of another opinion, answered she, for if fortune proves contrary unto you, I shall attribute it to the defects which every one acknowledgeth to be in me. He would have replied, but the King coming out of his cabinet called him unto him, and not dreaming of his wives desire, asked him whether he would be of the number of the Combatants. Sir, answered he, I might justly be condemned if I should sit still whilst others were at so noble an exercise. I am very glad of it, said the King, and if you want any thing, you have the power to command it. Rozalmond having given him very humble thanks withdrew himself, leaving the Courtiers wonderfully well contented with this resolution of his. The next day appearing, the Trumpets awaked the Knights, the town was full of arms and horses, the place was covered with people, and the challengers (two of the chiefest of the Realm) attended nothing but the presence of the King, who having made a slight dinner, placed himself at the window, and saw that the first course was much for the advantage of the undertakers, who continuing their victory laid two and twenty Knights on the ground, without so much as being once moved, acquiring such glory that most part of the assistants cried them up already for conquerors. Whilst they had just occasion to rejoice in their valour, the Knight of the Roses arrived in the place, with so gallant and martial a countenance, that the people began to clap their hands, as it were congratulating the victory, which he had not yet obtained. The Count Folsue, one of the challengers, took a fresh horse, and choosing out a great and strong lance he ran with such a grace that he broke it very bravely in pieces, finding as much resistance as if he had met with a tower, but not able to support the fury of his adversaries lance, he was overthrown so rudely, that he made two or three turns in the dust, so much astonished as he was fain to be taken up. His companion having beheld this rough encounter, would gladly have been exempted from his course, but not to lose the honour, which he had generously gained through cowardice, he spurred on against him, breaking as the former had done, and as infortunate as he, was thrown three or fowr paces beyond the crupper of his horse. Whereupon Rozalmond put himself in their place, and opposing all such as presented themselves, he laid eight and fifty on the earth, with such wonder to the King, so infinite content to the Queen, and great amazement of all the people, that every one strove who might most magnify him. The King then having declared him conqueror, in regard no man appeared against him, the most part of those whom he had overthrown ranged themselves on his fide for to conduct him in triumph to the Palace, when as a damsel presented herself, accompanied with one of the greatest and most formidable Giants of the world, who making his way as he came, said with an horrible voice: Let no man think to part from hence with the glory of Conqueror, unless he will confess this Lady to be fairer than his mistress, for otherwise I'll put you all to the sword. Proud Knight, answered Rozalmond, on whom all men's eyes were fixed, dost thou think to perform what thou so vainly boastest to do? There is not the meanest Knight here, but can take thy head from thy shoulders, whereas thou presumest to defeat them all, as if they were a company of fearful women, thou deceivest thyself insolent creature; and to testify that we make no reckoning of thee, take the field, and let us see thy valour, otherwise then in bravadoes. O ye Gods! said then the Giant, do you permit one only Knight to be so daring as to outrage me with injuries? I vow I willbe revenged on you, and all the assistance you can give him shall not keep him from being cut in a thousand pieces. Saying so, he turned about to take the field, leaving all the assistants more amazed at Rozalmonds confidence, then to behold so dreadful a monster. His Course was very dangerous; for the girths not being strong enough to endure so rude an encounter, Rozalmond saw himself upon the ground, with his saddle betwixt his legs; but the Giant found himself laid in the dust with a deep wound in his side; which possessing him with more anger than fear, made him rise much enraged, and charged the Knight so terribly, that every minute his death was expected; nevertheless, when they beheld how he displayed his force, and that he drew blood of his enemy, they were of another opinion. His blows were delivered with such infinite fury, that the place was strewed with pieces of the Giants armour, and the fire flying out of his helmet and cuirace, made men judge that the Knight would carry away the victory. At length three quarters of an hour being spent, Rozalmond vexed at such resistance, raised himself in his stirrups, and advancing his sword, he let it fall with such strength that he cloven him to the very teeth, sending him stark dead to the earth with no less noise than if it had been a tower overthrown by Lightning. Whereupon the people with a world of acclamations extolled him to the heavens, conducted him to the Palace with as much magnificence as if one of their Gods had been descended unto them; and leaving him at the feet of their King, who received him with unspeakable content, they went to make bonfires for joy of the death of this Giant, the scourge of the Realm, and the terror of the neighbouring Provinces.   

CHAP. XXXIV. The Queen of Florertan offers herself to Rozalmond, the answer which he makes.  
ALl things were disposed to pleasure, the King of Florertan to the acknowledgement of the obligations wherein he stood engaged to the valour of Rozalmond, and the Queen to the affection whereunto she was constrained by the rare perfection which she found in him; nothing was spoken of, but of the beauty, virtue, goodly personage, and gallant grace of this brave stranger, who was beheld with wonder and astonishment. Whilst the most amorous were entertaining their mistresses, those that were free from that passion thought fit to desire the Knight of the Roses, that he would not enter into the tournament, which was to begin the next morning; addressing themselves then unto him, one in the behalf of the rest said: Noble Sir, you have this day given such powerful proof of your valour, that your name shall ever live in the memory of men, especially of those of this Kingdom, where Altars are justly to be reared unto you; so that having no need to signalise yourself any further for to make you more renowned amongst us, we humbly beseech you that you will not arm yourself for to combat in the tournament; for we yield you the glory of it before hand, well knowing that we are not able to acquire any honour but in imitating of you. By the faith of a Prince, said the King, laying his hand on Rozalmonds shoulder, they have reason to make this request unto you; and if you will oblige me, you shall to morrow be judge of the blows. Sir, answered Rozalmond, I did not run but by your commandment, neither will I combat, since it is your pleasure I shall not. Heerupon all the Knights dividing themselves made an equal party of an hundred against an hundred, and so going to order their affairs, they left Rozalmond with the King, who finding himself somewhat indisposed, bade the Knight good night, and got him to bed, where he entertained the Queen with extolling the excellencies of this stranger. This Princess hearing him so highly commended, received the character which Love had imprinted in her heart, and unable to resist her desires she said: Why should not I affect a man, whom even men themselves seem passionately to love? and who would condemn me if my thoughts should chance to be known? My weakness would easily find excuses in the merits of this Knight; he shall understand then that I love him, and seeking mine own satisfaction, amidst the content which he is to attend from my caresses, I will recompense the travel he hath undergone for me, entering into the justs as my Knight; and to give a beginning to this design, I will oblige him by a present that shall be far greater and rarer than I would have bestowed on any other which had remained victorious. This resolution seeming to quiet her thoughts, she slept till morning, when she caused a crown of laurel to be made, wreathed about with a chain of pearl, of very great price, the end whereof was closed up with a diamond of inestimable value, and giving it to a damsel whom she had chosen for the secretary of her desires, to the end she should present it from her to the Knight she commanded her carefully to observe with what countenance he received it. This wench too well instructed with her Ladies will, went and found out the Knight before he was fully ready, and making a very low obeisance unto him, she said: Brave Warrior, my Mistress meeting with no recompense worthy of your invincible courage, hath commanded me to present you this laurel, with a certain assurance of more if you be willing to deserve it. This present proceeding from the hand of so fair a Queen, answered he, much exceeds my expectation; but I will strive to render her greater services, that she may not repent her of her liberality: please you then to return her my humble thanks, and to tell her, that I will most charily keep this laurel for her sake, and that she shall never be willing to employ me, but that she shall find me very readily disposed to obey her commandments. The damsel returning with this so favourable an answer, gave the Queen unspeakable content, who finding it according to her desire, tricked up herself with all the art she possibly could use to make her appear more beautiful; and indeed she went forth so curiously dressed, that she seemed not to be the same she was the day before. The sacrifices done, the King after a short dinner was placed at a window with Rozalmond, and the Queen hard by at another; but unable to endure the esloignment of her Knight, she turned to the King, and with a grace that could give no suspicion, she said unto him: Sir, this Knight was not born for you alone, lend him me a little that he may inform me which are the valiantest Knights amongst our Courtiers. In good faith little one, answered the King, your request is so reasonable, that I am willing to quit his company, though I very much desire it, for to give you satisfaction. Wherefore go, said he, dear friend, and content the curiosity of this woman. Whereupon Rozalmond making a very low obeisance unto him, went to the Queen's window, who seeing him so near her, could not choose but change colour, being much perplexed in that she knew not how to discover her thoughts unto him, at length vanquished by her passion, she said pointing to the comabttants: Perceive you not, Sir, how our Courtiers blows are not delivered with so good a grace as they parted from your hand; I considered yesterday your address, the admirable strength of your arm, and I wondered how the Gods could impart so much force to a mortal wight, but I was no less displeased, when I saw that insolent Giant arrive, my blood congealed in my veins, and the fear I had of your danger, left me neither colour nor motion, beholding you resolved for the combat. Madam, answered he, these were the effects of the goodness of your sweet disposition, which made you doubt the loss of that which is yours. Mine, said she, O Gods! that this speech were true, I should then think myself far happier than I am. Madam, said he, I cannot believe that ever you had any just cause hitherto to charge me with disobeying your commands. I do not accuse you, my Knight answered she, but we will talk of this another time, for this is not a place proper for it; well, what is your opinion of these Knights? That they combat bravely, said he, but those that questionless will carry away the honour of the tournament, are they which maintained the justs yesterday; for see you not how their enemies are in disorder, and that they had got on the better part of the field. Their blows are stronger than the others, their address greater, and their fight more lively. Heerwith Count Folsuc having overthrown the adverse chief, the rest were chased out of the field, and the tournament ended with exceeding content to the King, who approaching the Queen, said unto her: Now Madam, will you render me this Knight again? It is equal, said she, that you should have him in your turn; but let me not live, I had taken no great pleasure in the sight if he had not let me understand the valour of these Knights, more by discourse, then by that which I observed. The King laughing heerat took the Knight by the hand, and led him to walk in a gallery, where he entertained him till supper, which was not long; for the King feeling his old indisposition, withdrew suddenly, to the extreme grief of some Courtiers, and infinite content to the Queen, who not to lose this opportunity, sent Rozalmond word, that she would speak with him.  
This Knight knowing but too well by her former speeches whereto her purpose tended, would not willingly have been present with her in a place, which might favour her design; howbeit, not daring to refuse, he followed the damsel, and beholding the Queen alone sitting on her beds feet, he advanced very modestly, and with a grace able to strike any heart in love, he wished her a good night. It will be the sweetest, answered she, so as you will correspond to my desire: Knight, I love you, and all the resistance I could make was not able to preserve me from the charms of your so excellent parts, I am compelled to blush, but I find so much excuse for my fault, that I can speak this without shame; you see an effect of your merit, and not of my weakness, as peradventure you may conceive. Think of the favour is presented to you, and be not precipitious in your answer; but first consider, that it is a Queen which entreats you, a woman fair enough to enamour a God, and one that it may be loves you more than all the world besides. Madam, said he, with a confident countenance, pardon me, I beseech you, if I answer otherwise then you desire, I should commit many irreproveable faults in this action, I should be a traitor, and unworthy the favours which the King hath conferred on me, I should incur assured death if ever it were known, as well it might be by any the least accident, I should wrong you in stead of honouring and serving you, I should incense the Gods, who are grievous punishers of adulteries, and should lose that good opinion which your people have of me, who cannot believe that I am capable of so great a wickedness. Madam, make some other use of me, and do not ruin me under colour of loving me; the pleasure you desire, is so soon past, that we are not to offend for so momentany a delight; let us show our government then, in commanding over ourselves therein; Madam, I beseech you, said he, falling on his knees, force yourself so far, as to desire the contrary of that which you demand, and do not think that it is out of ingratitude that I give you this good counsel, I had too much understanding not to acknowledge the honour you do me, but you are also to consider, that I have more respect and fidelity to your service, then to undo you in stead of giving you content. Your reasons, said she, with a countenance that testified her displeasure, are so weak, that not taking them in good payment, I will study how I may clear myself otherwise out of these toils, wherefore get you gone, and remember how much you have neglected me to day. Whereupon, Rozalmond with a most humble obeisance departing, retired to his chamber, extremely vexed at that which had past; and resolving not to stay long in that Court, he got him to bed, where after he had made a thousand turns, with strange unquietness, he slept till the next day; when as he had such a good morrow, as shall be related in the next Chapter.   

CHAP. XXXV. The Queen of Florertan incensed with Rozalmonds refusal, would have caused him to be murdered, the marvellous slaughter which he makes of his enemies, and his departure from Court.  
WHat will not the neglect of a woman's affections do? It ordinarily filleth her heart with anger, her mind with rage, and disposeth all her actions to murder, whereof we have a world of examples in antiquity; and not to go so far, we see our own times full of accidents, which the madness of women in that kind hath rendered most tragical. This incensed Queen seeing her Knight gone, at first had recourse unto her tears, but thinking that unprofitable, and unfit for the resentment of an offence so great, she wiped her eyes, and walking up and down very fast in her chamber, she said: Shall I be so simple as to afflict myself thus for one that is ingrateful? Nay rather let me remember that his refusal obliges me to greater matters? I must seek his death with more passion than ever I have done his caresses; show that it is not a Queen entreating, but revenging; a Lover languishing in expectation of her desire, but a woman that receives not an affront without a home resentment of it; and that will make it appear that despite hath more power in her soul, than all the flames of a childish God. Whereupon causing one to be sent for, whose wicked disposition she very well knew, she gave him a round sum of money, and enjoined him to surprise and stab the Knight of the Roses the next day, wheresoever he could meet with him. Madam, said this cursed wretch, I do not desire to know what cause of displeasure you have against him; sufficeth it that I go upon your commandment; his last hour is at hand, and I assure your Majesty that you shall have the satisfaction you require, I the glory of serving you faithfully, and he the punishment which he hath deserved; for I have those that will help to do the feat. Heerwith he departed the chamber, leaving the Queen ready to go to bed, wherein she was no sooner laid, but the Secretary of her affections, who more advisedly considered the event of things, went directly to Rozalmonds chamber, where finding his Squire at the door, she advertised him of the mischief was preparing for his Master. Gentlewoman, answered Artander softly, my master is very much indebted to your pity, and his condition is not so poor, but that you may expect more good from him in a day, than your mistress can do you in all your life; but believe it, if any man dare attempt him upon this occasion, he shall not so easily escape, as he imagines. I shall acquaint him with the business, and take my word it shall never be known that you discovered it. Saying so, he went into his chamber after he had made the outer door sure, and arising by break of day he laid his master's arms upon the table, which observed by Rozalmond that slept not, he asked him what he did. Why preparing, answered he, for your departure, because you cannot stay longer here, without apparent danger of your life. Then he declared, how the Queen would have him killed, and that the Captain of her Guard had undertaken to do it. Now by my life, said Rozalmond, I could never have believed that a woman could have been so ●urious, and that neglect could have carried her to such tragical actions; but since it is so, I must prevent it as I may: Come help me up, and then go and see my horses be ready against such time as I have taken my leave of the King. Whereupon, being wholly armed, and descending into the Palace Court-yard, for to bid Clerastes and his beautiful Carinda farewell, he met with him that sought for him, and seconded by threescore men, assailed our Knight; who having drawn his sword, discharged his first blow upon the Captain, knowing him to be the author of the disorder, and he struck him so dangerously, that he divided his head in twain; and from thence, putting himself amongst the rest, he scattered them in a strange manner. The noise increasing, the whole Court was in an uproar, and every man rose to see what the matter was; Clerastes, whose lodging was not far off, looked also out of his window, and perceiving his friend in such danger, he presently armed himself, and went forth with diligence to his succour, where finding this troop to be the Queen's Guard, he cried to them: Rogues, how dare you assault this Knight? By my life, I'll have you all hanged; but they neither regarding him, nor his words, he joined himself to the valiant Knight of the Roses, that seemed a thunderbolt amongst these rascals; whereof, he laid twenty three dead on the ground: and seconding him with a marvellous courage, three parts of this multitude was diminished; when as the King, being advertised of this hurly burly, descended in his nightgown, and commanded a surcease. At his presence every one withdrew, and he going to the Knight of the Roses, demanded of him the cause of this quarrel. Sir, said he, you may well imagine that I could not be the author of it, being a stranger, who durst not be so hardy, as foolishly to fight with your subjects, had it not been to defend my life; but the Law permitting us, without any respect, to kill such as endeavour to murder us, I hope your majesty will not be offended at their deaths: I never saw them before to my knowledge, so that having done them no displeasure, I wonder what should move them to go about to take away my life. I remembered the last night that I had engaged myself for the execution of an adventure, to the performance whereof, being resolved to go, and making account to depart assoon as your Majesty had been stirring, and that I had received the honour of your commandments, as I was to take my leave of Clerastes, all these folks environed me with their swords drawn, charged me most furiously, without saying wherefore, Sir, we bear arms for our own preservation, and am sorry that I have made use of them against such as appertain unto you; but your Highness knows, as I said even now, that it is lawful to repel force with force; in which regard, I hope your Majesty will not take it ill, that I have saved myself by their loss. Not I, said the King, but by the faith of a Prince am well pleased with that you have done; and to make this good to you, I will hang up all those which your fury hath left alive, for I will have your person as much respected here as mine own, nor hath Clerastes ever done me such service as now, in succouring you, though you had no great no need of it. Sir, said Clerastes, being so infinitely obliged to this Knight, and knowing that your Majesty loves him, I armed myself in this sort, for to run his fortune: wherein, if I have done any thing against the respect which I owe to your service, by laying hands on such as belong to the Queen, I humbly beseech your pardon. No, no, said the King, you have done me a singular pleasure in it; but come, let us go to my chamber, in the mean time let these gallants be carried to prison, for to teach them not to undertake any thing, but by order. Sir, said Rozalmond, I am ready to depart, please it your Majesty to do me the honour that I may receive your commandments. Now on my faith, answered the King, this sudden departure of yours troubles me; howbeit, I will not oppose your designs, but whensoever you think good to come and see us, you shall always have an absolute power here. Your Majesty's most humble servant, said Rozalmond, hath never deserved this grace; so kissing his hand, he waited on him to his chamber door, where making another low obeisance, he returned with Claristes, for go and take his leave of Carinda, never speaking so much as a word of the cause of his desloignment, though he were much entreated to it. These lovers shed tears at the departure of this Knight, but it was nothing in regard of the Queen, who bursting with spite to see things fall out otherwise then she desired, lamented, railed on Rozalmond, and was even mad with rage; nevertheless, being advised by her Secretary, to make no show at all of any displeasure for the departure of this brave warrior, lest thereby her love, together with her malice, might be discovered, she forbore weeping, and setting a modest countenance on the matter, and showing little alteration, she wisely covered that which was observed, with a seeming disposition; so letting this Knight go, of whom she was much more fond than before, sending every where to seek him, with excuses of all that was past, and comforting herself, with the hope, that upon the receipt of her letters, his mind would alter, and and that one day she should enjoy him, she remained better contented then this accident seemed to permit.   

CHAP. XXXVI. Rozalmond delivers Basiliana from the power of Dramant, leaves her in despair, for that he would not yield unto her desires: encounters Alcidamant, with whom he hath again a dangerous combat, with with the end thereof.  
THis while our Knight thinking on the mischief which the fury of an incensed woman produceth, esloigned himself by little and little from the City, and traveled till noon without the encountering of any thing worthy his undertaking; but espying a Castle somewhat far off, he took his way to it, with a resolution to refresh himself there, if he found the Master thereof so courteous as to entertain him: riding then an easy pace, and being within a slight shoot of it, he perceived two peasants running from thence, that would by no entreaty of his, be persuaded to stay and tell him the occasion of that their hasty slight: This behaviour of theirs made him judge, that there was something more than ordinary to do there within, and indeed being entered into the base court, he found the great gate of the place shut, over the which was a reasonable handsome Gentlewoman, who having descried him, said to him with abundance of tears: Sir, if there be any valour in you secure me, and suffer not a wicked Knight, that hath surprised me here, to obtain that by violence, which by love he hath never deserved. Gentlewoman, answered Rozalmond, cause but this gate to be opened, and I will chastise him in such sort, that he shall never attempt to force a woman again. Alas! said she, the gate is in the power of mine enemies, and they guard it. If they will not open it at my request, said Rozalmond, I'll set fire on it, and punish them rigorously for their treason. Who you, said a big Knight, that instantly came forth, thinking to destroy him easily being alone, who are you that so audaciously menaceth folks whom you do not know? You have but ill luck to fall into the snares which were not laid for you, and the pity which you seem to have of this woman, is like to cost you your life; wherefore you may enter, if you have such a mind to it. Rozalmond, that desired nothing else, presently alighting, past in, never fearing the fury of five or six men, whom he beheld attending him with their swords drawn, and placed himself in the midst of the Court, where these Knights straightway environing him, charged him on all sides: Five blows descended at one instant upon him, three on his shield, and two on his head; but contemning these attempts, as too weak to move him, he gave one of them, that would seem to be more valiant than the rest, so rude a blow on his helmet, that he divided his head in twain, the second he opened from the shoulder to the waste, and ran the third quite thorough the body. This so sudden an execution astonished the rest of his enemies, which would gladly have saved themselves by slight, had they not been restrained by shame, and the presence of the big Knight, who enraged at the defeat of the others, was newly advanced to second these; and with his first stroke, which lighted on Rozalmonds head, he made his eyes to sparkle; but he boasted not long of this advantage, for Rozalmond quickly recollecting himself, discharged his sword with such violence on his shield, that not resting there, it almost cut off half his left arm; whereat he grew so furious, as he ran upon him thinking to get within him, and overthrow him that way; but Rozalmond that fought with judgement, and that held it not safe to be seized upon by his adversary, gave him such a thrust in the belly, that he fell down stark dead in the place: The other three, to avoid these horrible blows, betook them to flight, trusting more to their heels then totheir weapons; but it would not serve their turns, for Rozalmond following them close, made two pieces of the body of the first he overtook, and having cut off the seconds head, was constrained to let the third escape, for to give ear unto the shrieks of a woman that cried out for help: Hearing then a great noise above, he presently got up the stairs, and found a man of a wild and terrible aspect, his colour swart, his eyes deep sunk into his head, the motions whereof were full of horror and fear, his stature tall, but wonderfully misshapen, his countenance furious, and his voice most dreadful; in his hands he bore a club, wherewithal he had broken up one door, and was beginning to deal so with the second, for to get into the chamber whither the Gentlewoman was fled; when as Rozalmond approached, who wishing him to arm himself, was saluted by him with so dangerous a blow, that he was compelled to set one knee to the ground, for to save himself from falling. God refuse me, said he, arising in rage, if I use any courtesy to thee that so ill deserves it: Whereupon, advancing his arm for to make an end of him, another blow made him discharge his sword in vain; whereat he was so transported, that getting within him, he struck him in that horrible manner, with the pommel of his sword, on the forehead, as his brains flew out, sending his soul to the devil. Worthy Sir, said the Gentlewoman, having beheld the blow, you have freed the world even of the wickedest man that was in all this Country, which is infinitely obliged to you for his death, and myself more particularly, who had by this time lost my honour or my life, if you had been less strong and valiant. I am exceeding glad, said Rozalmond, that I have diverted so great a mischief; But how fell you into it? By my disdain of this traitors affections, answered she, whom I would never suffer to visit me, being persuaded that so ill-favoured, loathe some, and vicious a man was uncapable of love, and most unworthy the affection of a woman of my quality. He was indeed, said Rozalmond, too ugly, and you too fair, to have any part in your good grace. Wherefore I was resolved to die, said she, and would h●ve c●st my s●lf out of the window headlong, before he should hav● satisfied his beastly appetite upon me; for having been advertised that he had surprised my house, I suddenly fled into these chambers upon the confidence of three doors fast locked & barred upon me, with a purpose nevertheless, if it came to the worft, to break mine own neck, and by an honourable death, prevent the grief of enduring the approaches and violence of so mishapen a monster, who hath met with the justice of the Gods in his crime, and his defeat having rendered me mistress again of my house, I assure you, Sir, that you may absolutely command it. Whereupon, taking him by the hand, she led him into a goodly chamber, where Artander having unarmed him, she caused him to put on a rich cloak, which became him so well, that this Gentlewoman, named Basiliana, could not behold him, without the feeling of a secret fire that began to consume her heart. Good Gods, said she to herself, how happy were I if this gallant Knight would love me as much as Dramant did, I should soon change my mind, and would not forbid him to represent his passions unto me; I must encourage him unto it then, and by my carriage let him know, that I will be more facile to his desires, than I was to his whom he hath slain, which I may do without shame; for covering my boldness with the resentment I owe to his assistance, I may make him believe, that my caresses are without artifice, and so carry him insensibly to crave some more particular favours. This resolution seeming proper to her for her contentment, and having presented him with confects, she drew him to walk in the garden, whilst preparation was made for supper, and burial for the dead bodies. Seeing herself alone with him, and in the liberty to speak, she would fain have begun, and discovered her thoughts, but bashfulness stopped her wouth as often as she opened it for that purpose; ever and anon she changed colour, and remaining silent, she left her eyes to perform that office, whereby Rozalmond judged easily of her pain; but remembering his Armazia, and not permitting his heart to conceive a thought to the prejudice of his love, he made as though he understood not the mystery of so great a silence, and entertained her with ordinary discourse; wherewithal not being contented, it made her at last resolve to break the ice, and begin this language to him, with a sigh: I have reason to rejoice at your arrival in these parts, whereby your valour hath preserved me; but withal, I am much afraid, Sir, that it hath drawn me out of one danger, to plunge me into another far greater; for loving you more passionately than the small time of my acquaintance with you will seem to permit, and doubting to find your affections engaged to some happier beauty, I can expect no other than a wretched death from the refusal you will make me of corresponding to my desires: I have discovered this secret unto you, being unable to conceal it, not with an opinion that you will despise what is so freely offered you, but to oblige you to be acknowledging for it: Weigh this well, Sir, for my life and death is in your hands, and upon your answer depends all that I can hope for, or fear in this world: This discourse ending with tears, whereby she thought to move him unto pity, she would have fallen on her knees before him, but Rozalmond not permitting it, s●id unto her.  
Madam, the truth is your speech doth not only amaze but much perplex me, for knowing how far the power of love doth extend, I would gladly both give you some relief, and yet not offend against mine own duty, but considering to what I am obliged, I may not for many reasons satisfy your desire. The first is, that I am forbidden by the religion which I hold to love any other woman but her whom heaven hath lawfully legitimated me, especially Idolaters as you are: the second is, that I am not permitted as a Knight to spoil a woman of her honour after I have nobly preserved it, since our order is chiefly instituted for the preservation of Ladies; the third and most important of all is, that my heart being engaged under the power of another that loves me, I may not to please you deceive her, unless I will become a disloyal traitor; thus have I dealt as freely with you as you have done with me, and letting you see what cause I have to deny you, it must oblige you to clear me from all ingratitude: the meekness of men I confess is great, but we are to do all things with reason: and never so to subject ourselves as not to be our own masters still. What glory should I gain by the succour I have given you, if I should now undo you, and what were you the better for escaping Dramants violence, if under the colour of my services I should do you the like wrong? Not a whit (Madam) nor could your beauty that might seem to excuse me before the world leave me without blame before heaven; I must be then more constant and you more generous, to the end that the victory obtained over our own desires may settle a quiet peace in our consciences. You have given me reasons, answered she with a sad countenance, which are but so many shifts, for to excuse yourself upon the difference of our religions is nothing; men are generally borne for the satisfaction of one another, and a single opinion ought not to be denied them in that point; to say also that it were a dishonour for you to cast me away after you have saved me from shipwreck is but a poor obligation: for it is not to ruin but to preserve what is freely given you; that only & that alone which you may insist upon is that you will not betray a Lady that truly loves you, but thereunto likewise I answer, how you shall do her no wrong in loving me at at this time, since my intention is not to deprive her absolutely of the power which her merit hath assuredly given her over you; nevertheless I will not press you further, but leaving you to the liberty, either of contenting me, or making me to die, I will only beseech you to read in my eyes that which I shall suffer in your denial. Whereupon going out of the garden she lead him into a Parlour where the best of the meat was the delight she took in beholding him, still observing some one perfection or other that rendered her love far greater. Rozalmond, who feared that opportunity and the tears of this maid might overcome him at length, withdrew to bed, being resolved to get him a way the next morning by break of day, as he did, notwithstanding all the lamentation and prayers of Basiliana to the contrary. Being departed thence he road three hours in a great thick forest, out of which he was no sooner passed but he espied a Knight of so goodly a representation, that he stayed to observe him, being marvellously well pleased with the grace wherewithal he sat his horse; marking then attentively all the parts of his arms he perceived three Palms amidst his shield, which gave him assurance that this was the Knight whom he sought, and that he so much desired to be revenged of, as indeed it was Alcidamant, who having been healed by the damsel that had carried him out of Constantinople, and conducted by his adventures, was partly by land, and partly by sea, arrived in the kingdom of Florertan; the sight of him renewed Rozalmonds hatred, and incensed him in such sort, that not seeking for any pretext of ataquing him, he cried to him to defend himself. In good faith, said he, touching his lance, you have challenged me without cause, but I hope you will be the first that shall repent it, so setting spurs to his horse, they met in the middle of the course with such fury, that tumbling down both together, they made two or three turns upon the grass, with so much displeasure, for that they had never done the like before, that rising extremely transported with choler, they drew their swords, and charged one another so cruelly, as the meeting of two raging seas could not have made a more dreadful noise. Hate animated Rozalmond, Alcidamant combated for glory, and employed his arm with so much force, that the weight of his blows, equalled the violence of his enemies; their shields fell away in pieces, lightning flew from their helmets, and as often as their swords descended, the blood coloured their armour; one gave a downright blow, the other a thrust; briefly, they were so set upon one another's destruction, that their lives seemed to depend upon every stroke they gave. Good God, said Rozalmond to himself, is this warrior come into the world to bear away the honour of all the brave deeds of arms that are to be performed in his time? Yes verily, for his match is not to be met withal; and questionless he will carry the glory of being the best combatant in the world; his blows do not only make me despair of the victory, but every minute possesses me with a fear of death: What speak I of the fear of death, I am resolved to vanquish, or to die? Charging then with more fury than before, he left Alcidamant in the same mind, and the same discourse, very much afraid of the end of this battle. Having entertained themselves five hours together in this manner, sometimes setting a knee, sometimes an hand to the ground, knocking their chins against their breast, recoiling two or three steps back, they forsook their swords, fell to grapsing with one another, and began a most dangerous wrestling. Rozalmond seemed to have an advantage in his stature, but Alcidamants forces being contracted in a more well set body, rendered their encounter squall, they laboured with all the strength and slight they had to overthrow each other, but as towers they never wagged, unless it were to get better footing. Some time being spent without any advantage to be discerned on either part, they set to it so hard that they both fell together on the ground; there they rolled up and down for a good space, sometimes above, and sometimes beneath; but seeing that neither of them could prevail, they consented to part, betook them to their swords, and renewed their combat with more cruelty than before; being equally wounded, and weary, they would fain have taken breath, but to decline all advantage, neither of them would demand of the other to do it; so that they continued charging, and hewing one another, when as they perceived a damsel come galloping in, who suddenly thrusting herself between them, said: Knights, let me entreat one boon o● you. I will never refuse you, said Rozalmond, who knew her to be Cassandra. No more will I, said Alcidamant, for I hold myself infinitely indebted to your assistance, at my entering into the Castle of Serpents. Separate yourselves then presently, said she, and each one follow his adventures, till such time as heaven shall otherwise dispose of your encounter again. Truly, said Rozalmond, although I was resolved to have died, or have been revenged of the wrong that this Knight did me at Constantinople, sharing the honour of the tournament, which before I had obtained, yet at your request I will be gone. Therewith setting spurs to his horse, as if he had been much vexed for that he had not given an end to this combat, he road away: And Alcidamant entered into the wood, after he had received a box of salve from the damsel, who followed Rozalmond.   

CHAP. XXXVII. The Knight of the Palms is conducted to the Island of Merodiana: The memorable feats of arms that he performs for to enter into the city of Alfart●, besieged by Fangomadan King of Licagena.  
THese two incomparable warriors being separated in the manner before related, Cassanara followed Rozalmond, who was in a mighty rage for that he could not vanquish his enemy; and our Frenchman, crossing thorough the wood, entered into a gentleman's house whom he met very opportunely, where being unarmed, his wounds were visited by Arnides, who dressed them with a precious balm which Cassandra had given him, and left him to his rest, till the next morning, when he arose fresher, and better disposed then ever he was in all his life. Arming himself then, and taking leave of his host, he mounted on his horse, which carried him at random, until about noon he encountered a damsel, who having saluted him, said unto him with a marvellous good grace: Sir Knight, what seek you for in these parts? Such adventures as may give a man-glory, replied Alcidamant. If that be the end of your travel, said she, you have met with a favourable occasion to acquire honour, employing your arms for the service of a young Princess, worthy no doubt of your succour, besieged within Alfarta, the capital city of her Country, by the great King of Licagena, named Fangomadan, who is like ere it be long to reduce her under his power, if the Gods do not in the mean time assist her. She is fair beyond all excellence, of a most lovely and sweet disposition, and this Giant is as ugly, and deformed, as can be imagined; his bristled hair stairs on his monstrous head, his eyes are hollow and sunk into his very head, his nose is flat and a span long, his lips wan and very huge, his beard ugly, and his whole shape dreadful; briefly, he is so hideous, that the most confident even tremble to behold him, and yet he persuades himself that he is amiable, and for such he presented himself before this young Princess, in hope to make her enamoured of him: imagine, I pray, whether there were not reason for it, since I cannot believe that the poorest damsel in the world would subject herself to such a man for an Empire. It is true that Crowns and Sceptres have powerful charms in them, and that ambition makes greatness to be far more regarded then content; but this incomparable beauty, who more esteems her own satisfaction then all the Kingdoms of the earth, refuseth the Sovereignty of Licagena, and not to buy that honour with the price of her liberty, she dismissed certain Ambassadors whom this Giant had deputed for the marriage of him and her, which so enraged her, that he vowed to be revenged of her neglect, add her State to his Crown, have that by force which he sought for in love, and afterwards put her to the horriblest torments that can be devised by the wit of man. And indeed, he hath but too well began his revenge, for he hath brought forty thousand men into the field, the moiety whereof are before Alf●r●● with him, the rest under the conduct of a Cousin of his, as wicked as himself, have already taken in the best places of the Island of Merodiana (so is that Country called, whereof my Mistress beareth the name) and it is every hour expected that Arfarta will be taken with a strange and bloody slaughter; for all the soldiers, consisting of four or five thousand, and the inhabitants of the City are resolved to die for the conservation of their liberty and Princess, that they would never accept of the offers made unto them by Fangomadan, for the saving of their lives and goods. So that if you have as much courage as your person doth promise, you will generously embrace the defence of her, and not suffer her to fall into the hands of so beastly a creature. If her remedy lie in my power, said Alcidamant, be assured, sweet heart, that this Giant shall not long boast of the cruelties which he commits in her Country, for I am ready to go along with you, and would to God we were now in the city. We may be there to morrow, said the damsel, if we will but put our horses a little to it. So riding on, they traveled till it was towards evening, when as they espied a big Knight a little before them, who admiring the gallantry of Alcidamant, stayed for to observe him more exactly. The damsel judging him by his demeanour to be valiant, went and besought him to grant her one boon. I should be very sorry, said he, to deny one of your merit, wherefore you may be confident to obtain your desire. You shall accompany me then, said she, in an enterprise, whereunto I am conducting this Knight, and joining your forces with his, you may make them dreadful to the enemies of a young Princess likely to be disinherited. Let us set forward when you please, said he, I will serve her most willingly, and will not spare the little valour I may have for to deliver out of the troubles she is in.  
Whereupon the two Knights having saluted one another very court ously, the new comer would fain have discoursed, but Alcidamant perceiving that he could not well express himself, said unto him, Sir, I see you are a stranger, and that in another language you might be better understood; wherefore be pleased not to force yourself, but speak as they do in your own country. I doubt, said he, you will understand me worse: for the kingdom of France, whereof I am native, is so remote from this place, that no man here is acquainted with the language. Why? are you a Frenchman, said Alcidamant? Yes, answered he, and I was never abroad, till that about some four or five months since, I put myself to sea, with a purpose to travel through the world for to raise my glory above my fortune, which is so mean, that it hath furnished me with nothing but the order of Knighthood, and the power to become great by my Arms. My name is Troilus: Of the house whereof I am descended, I will not speak; having no other eminent title, than that I am nobly born, my resolution is to cast myself into the most difficile enterprises, and to achieve honour by my valour. You cannot choose, replied Alcidamant, but become great, and of estimation, being possessed with so worthy a desire of doing bravely; and no doubt Fortune will be constrained to look with a favourable eye upon you one day: therefore let nothing discourage you, but persevere in your noble design. I have taken leave to speak thus freely unto you, because I am a Frenchman as you are, and one that infinitely desires to see you raised according to your merit. Worthy Sir, said Troilus, then being extremely contented to understand that they were both of one country, how much am I satisfied with this encounter of you, and what an obligation hath this damosel laid upon me, for bringing us thus luckily together. The acknowledgement is equal, said Alcidamant: for I so esteem of your company, that I must needs share with you in the joy you take to meet with me. These two warriors entertaining themselves in this manner with a great deal of pleasing discourse, sometimes talking of the affairs of France, sometimes of the adventures which they had encountered, passed away the night before they were aware, and never alighted till about dinner time; when desiring to refresh themselves a little in the house of a Forester which they found in the midst of a wood, they let their horses repose themselves whilst they slept a matter of three or four hours; at the end whereof understanding that they were not above five leagues from Alfarta, they took horse again, and used such expedition, that they discovered both the City and the enemy's Camp: Whereupon the damosel which conducted them, making a stand, said, that to avoid the encounter of the enemy's troops, they were to take a by way, which she showed them, that would bring them, without danger, to the very walls thereof: But Alcidamant desiring to signalise his coming with some memorable act of valour, told her, that his reputation obliged him to enter honourably into the town, that he was resolved to pass through the midst of so many enemies; and that therefore she might go before, and desire the fair Merodiana to cause four hundred horse to sally forth for to favour their retreat. This maid by no means approving these Knight's enterprise, debated very strongly with them for to conduct them more safely; bu● seeing herself importuned by Alcidamant, she went away very covertly to the gates of the City; which as soon as she was known, were instantly opened unto her: from whence she took her way directly to the Court, where finding Merodiana in her chamber she fell on her knees before her, and beseeching her to be of good cheer, desired her hands to kiss for the good news she brought her. Alas Cistenia, said she with a sorrowful countenance, I know not what thou wilt say; but the state whereunto I am reduced, will not permit me to hope for much, howsoever, tell me, I prithee, wherein consist these good news? In the arrival of two Knights, answered Cistenia, the bravest and most valiant, in my opinion, upon the earth: and that taking pity of the wrong which this tyrant does you, are come with a resolution to secure you. How knowest thou that they are valiant, said Merodiana, since thou never sawst them fight? I judge so by their brave carriage, answered she; and I may well say, that you never beheld Knights of so gallant a disposition, especially one of them that bears three Palms on his Shield: He hath a marvellous good face, an excellent shape, and a brave warlike countenance. These are parts indeed common to many men, said Merodiana, and if the effect be answerable to the commendations thou givest him, it may be I shall find some consolation in his presence. But where hast thou left them Cistenia? Fast by the enemy's Camp, answered she, resolved to make way through it with their swords, and give you some proof of their valour before they enter the town; and therefore do desire you to favour their retreat, by sending forth four hundred Knights when the alarm shall begin, among the the enemies. Good gods, said she, make way through the enemy's camp! why thou amazest me, Cistenia, either they are mad men, or valiant beyond expression. Do not think, answered she, that this resolution of theirs proceeds from any rashness: among all the qualities which recommend the Knight of the Palms, I have always found him to be very discreet and advised, wherefore I imagine that he hath undertaken this only out of greatness of courage, which makes him despise all common and inglorious designs. I know not what will become of this enterprise, said Merodiana, but I will be most careful to secure their retreat; wherefore cause some of my Commanders to come hither. Whereupon five or six of the chief of her Court presenting themselves before her, she related unto them how two stranger Knights purposed to assail the enemy's camp: and therefore having commanded them to sally forth with the number they had required, and to charge the enemy at such time as they should perceive any uproar in their camp, she retired into her cabinet, where she began to think of the speech which Cistenia had used concerning the Knight of the Palms: Sometimes sh● figured unto herself the beauty of his person; and then again presently imagined that she saw him thundering amidst a squadron of armed forces, and found herself possessed with I know not what kind of good will towards him, which converting into love, made her infinitely desire the presence of this gallant Knight. If he be worthy of me, said she, I am ready resolved to love him, and his services are to attend their recompense in my favours. But what if the eminence of his race should be responsible to my condition? without doubt I would marry him: and say he should be poor of means, his virtue would supply that great default of fortune. Well, he must be seen, and then time shall advise. Saying thus, she called Cistenia to help her to bed, when as news was brought her, that the enemy's camp was all in a tumult; She trembled at this report: for she feared that her Knight would not bring his erterprises to pass; howbeit taking better heart, she commanded her C●ptains to sally forth, and put her head out of the window, to see whether the Moon would discover her lover amongst a world of fight men. The noise increased, the camp was up in Arms, the soldiers ran confusedly up and down: Some asked what quarter it was that the enemy had assailed, and with what numbers, but no man could return any answer, they knew not from whence their destruction came, and their terror was no less than if twenty thousand men had fallen upon their trenches. The most part notwithstanding being advertised that two Knights only were the cause of this hurly-burly, they returned into their tents, laughing at their own fear, and thinking themselves dishonoured for having been frighted by the temerity of two men. In the mean time the two invincible Knights bestowed their blows with such fury, that all passed under the edge of their blades; they overthrew as many enemies as presented themselves before them, cut off the arms of some, divided the heads of others in pieces, made so great a havoc amongst them, that every one feared their swords as if they had been thunderbolts, the ways were free, none opposed their rage; and if any one durst stand before them, he was sure to be slain but with one blow. Alcidamant many times observed that great Knight of the Lions, (so was Troilus named) and seeing with what grace he massacred his enemies, put the most confident to flight, commended him as one of the valiantest Gentlemen on the earth: but the other wondered at Alcidamants dreadful blows, and thinking no mortal man was capable of so much force, beheld him as a prodigy, and worthy of all marvel. The slaughter having endured above two hours, Merodiana's Knights appeared, and gave so furiously on the enemy, that with the fear they were in, they laid above three hundred on the earth. But the Giant who would not stir forth upon the first bruit, arriving thereupon, Alcidamant and the Knight of the Lions put themselves in the Rear, and causing a retreat to be sounded, sustained the brunt of his troops, until such time as they had gotten to the walls, from whence, a thousand Crosse-bows discharged such a multitude of shot upon the enemy, that he was constrained to retire, extremely vexed to have been so beaten by two Knights, who seeing themselves within the gates, demanded whether Merodiana were withdrawn to bed. No answered Cistenia, that came forth to receive them amidst the troops, she attends you in her chamber, for to begin the thanks which she owes to your valour. So taking them by the hand, she conducted them to the Court, where Alcidamant finding Merodiana much fairer than Cistenia had described her, would have saluted her upon his knees; but she that through this warlike countenance was strucken with the flashes of an unresistable beauty, stayed him from doing so, and said, Valiant Knight, in all right I owe that respect unto you, if you would receive it from me: for being come to the succour of an Orphan maid, which expected nothing but death to avoid the violence of a wicked man, I cannot use too much submission for to honour you: but being fully resolved to show myself more sensible of benefits, then officious in my compliments, I will leave it to another time, and in the mean while do desire you to repose yourself at leisure, after such painful tratravell. Madam, said Alcidamant, I could dispute a long time with you upon that point, where you would seem to be obliged when as you are not, and could tell you, that having done nothing, whereunto I was not tied by the law of Knighthood, I could not expect any thank for it, no more than this good Knight, that accompanies me; but referring my reasons to such time as you shall be pleased to take for to speak unto us, we humbly beseech you to accept of the little service which we shall do you. You will every way remain invincible; but, Sir, you must suffer me to say thus much in your presence, that I am exceedingly indebted to your pity, and so be pleased, I pray you, to let me show you the lodging where you shall lie: Then, taking him by the hand, she led them to a very fair and rich chamber (notwithstanding all the entreaty the Knights made her to the contrary) where having bid them good rest, she retired, so much besides herself, that she walked up and down a long time without speaking a word. Cistenia beholding her lost in this sort, and guessing from whence it proceeded, said unto her: W●ll, Madam, what think you of these Knights? More a thousand times then thou hast reported of them, said she, and I cannot but confess with grief, that the beauty and goodly presence of him which carries the Palms, hath made me in love. O Madam! said Cistenia, I swear to you on my faith, that I divined as much before, and was confident that his sight would beget a desire in you to enjoy him. I do not wonder at your captivity, but it is to be well thought upon how you shall carry yourself in this case; for if you appear too facile, you will give him cause to despise you; if too harsh, you will drive him away; so that your actions must testify as much discretion as love. O you philosophise daintily! said Merodiana, but we are not to speak of these matters now, for time and occasions are to dispose of this business, come and let it alone, and help me to make me unready. Hereupon she laid her down, hoping to take some rest, but her bed grew irksome to her, and a world of thoughts entertained her till morning; when wearied with a thousand turnings that she had made in the night, she fell fast asleep.   

CHAP. XXXVIII. The Knight of the Palms desires favours of Merodiana, she promiseth to admit him into her bed he sets upon the enemy's camp, and returning victorious is received by her with a world of joy.  
THE morning being far spent, Merodiana got up, and putting on far richer apparel than she usually wore, for to appear with the more lustre and grace in the eyes of her lover, she entered into the presence, where the Knights attended for her, and showed herself with such a majestical beauty, that it made Alcidamant wonder at her, which had never seen her be-before. Alcidamant beheld her with some apprehension of love, and advancing towards her, with Troilus, he would have kissed her hand again; but seeing him so lovely, and observing a most extraordinary sweetness in all his actions, she suddenly withdrew her hand, and courteously returning his salute, she asked him how he did. Exceeding well, Madam, answered he, and am ready with this Knight to go and visit your enemies again, for to let them know that you no longer stand in fear of them: I have caused the most part of your Captains to meet here, be pleased to take their advice with ours, and permit us begin to serve you. The time of their punishment is not yet come, replied she, and I shall desire you not to stir from hence, until the succours which I expect from the Island of Silvana be arrived; for if the chance of war should fall amiss on you, I am sure that there would be no more hope left for me in the world; wherefore refresh yourselves a little after your travels past, and if you will be but patient a while, we will find out entertainments to pass away the time withal. Madam, answered Troilus, we are here to obey your commandments, and you may as freely dispose of us as of the simplest soldier in the town; howbeit, you would have done us a great deal of favour, if you would have suffered us to have freed you instantly from the tyranny of your enemies, and to have employed our arms for that effect. You shall have your desire, said she, but we must take time for it. Discoursing in this manner, there entered a soldier, that came from the enemy's Camp, who recounting the slaughter which the two Knights had made of four hundred seventy and two Knights, cut in pieces by them as they passed along, those excepted which fell upon the arrival of the troops sent forth by Merodiana, amounting to the number of three hundred; as also the rage Fangomadan was in, not so much for the loss, whereof he made no great account, as for shame, that he was not able to arrest the fury of two men alone, rejoiced all the Court, which admired the exceeding valour of these Knights, whom every one beheld as a wonder. This talk continued until dinner time; when having sumptuously feasted them, Merodiana fell into discourse of the war, renewing the praises given unto these strangers; but desiring extremely to talk in private with him of the Palms, she took him by the hand, and leaning with him at a window which looked towards the enemy's Camp, she entertained him with such a grace, that she soon triumphed over his liberty, giving him no less passion than she had affection. Fixing his eyes many times upon hers, he observed most powerful charms in them, found wonders in the rest of her face, and already feeling the violence of certain desires, he would fain have discovered his disease to have gotten remedy for it; but thinking that respect would advantage him more than boldness, he contained himself within the bounds of modesty, and was contented to speak with his eyes; nevertheless, desiring to make use of opportunity, and lay some foundation for his hopes, he took occasion when this Princess pointing to the enemy's Camp, said unto him, that those fields would be witnesses of his valour to the end of the world; to answer her in this sort: If this small service doth please you, Madam, furnish me with means to do you greater, and make me the happiest man living, by permitting me to fight with your enemies under the savour of your commandments, and as your Knight. It were a crime to refuse you, said she, smiling; wherefore I most willingly receive you: but think now what you oblige yourself unto, for you are no longer in your own power, all your desires being hereafter to depend wholly upon mine. If I would have reserved any thing unto myself, said he, Madam, I had not given you all; my obedience shall render you as much content, as myself glory; and be assured, that I will never give you cause to complain of me. Neither will I give you any, answered she, for to deny me your services. Whereupon, Alcidamant taking her hands, kissed them a thousand times with incredible delight, and had suffered himself to be transported with the excess of his joy, if she had not on a sudden retired for to take away all occasion of suspect. After that they met often, sometimes publicly, sometimes in the walks, where our Frenchman discovering his passion by his looks and sighs, begot an exceeding desire in her to relieve him, had she not been retained by that bashfulness which ordinarily accompanies maidens. Madam, said he ever and anon, I languish away, my heart is compassed with a fire that consumes it, strange ●ancies intercept my sleep, my grief grows greater and greater, and I die a thousand times a day, yet you are not sensible of my sufferings, and harder than the rock you leave me in my torment, not affording me the remedy I so much want. Could you be content to see me lost, or to hear it said another day, that your rigour was the cause of my death? No, Madam, it would be a grief to you, and when you should call to mind, that the world could not give you a servant more faithfully yours, you would lament to no purpose; attend not this repentance, I beseech you, let me receive your grace before time or sorrow make me uncapable of it, & conferring more particular favours on me then hitherto you have done, make ●e s●y that I am the happiest Knight living. Sweet heart, answered she, with a smile, it troubles me exceedingly to hear you complain thus of me without a cause, and would it were fitting for me to let you know, that I love you no less than myself: But what can I do for you, and what would you hope for from me? Do I refuse to hear the assurances which continually you give me of your affections? Do I entreat you neglectfully, or can you think that my actions are governed more by cruelty then honour? Questionless, if you be not blinded with passion, you cannot choose but see that I ●o not want love, and you shall never find my disposition guilty of ingratitude; be pacified then, I pray you, live better satisfied for my sake, and interrupt not my content with your unquietness. I desire, said he, to appear before you more contained; But alas! Madam, my grief will not permit it, and spite of my teeth my looks must show you what is in my heart. You say I have no cause to complain; have I not, think you, when I may not see you, but in fear? You are always in the midst of your Captains, how can I tell you then before them that my soul is all of a flame? Your mind is continually carried away with the care of affairs that every minute are presented unto you, what place can there be left then for a thought of me? No, Madam, you scarce think of me at any time, and that is it which makes me despair of all remedy. I acknowledge with you, that I never deserved the grace which I demand, but you are the only cause of it, and the little power which you have left me, hath not permitted me to have cut your enemy's Camp already in pieces: if that be it you look for, Madam, keep me no longer here, I will soon rid them away, and deliver you, though every soldier were converted into a Giant.  
What a misery is this, answered she, I thought I had obliged you to live wi●● more content, by the assurance I have given you of my affection; but it ●●●ms your impatience is thereby the more increased, and that the care which I take to have you always in my sight, proves a trouble unto you. You say that it is always in the presence of my Commanders: Do you hold it fit that I should deny them access when they come to speak with me about my affairs? For my part I do not, but am persuaded, that giving them occasion to talk to my disadvantage, I should ruin that which I am raising for your glory; we are to carry ourselves more advisedly, and with better discretion, nevertheless I am resolved to commit an error rather than discontent you. What is it you require of me? That you would be pleased, said he, to grant me admittance into your chamber when all the house is at rest, to the end I may discover my sufferings with that liberty which a lover ought to have. That were too much, answered she, if I loved you less; but relying on your virtue, I will be contented to grant it you, so as you will presently swear unto me to attempt nothing but with leave. That respect you always bear about you, said Alcidamant, wherefore, Madam, I protest unto you, by the faith of a Knight, no way to offend you. Be ready then for to morrow night, said Merodiana, and follow Cistenia when she comes for you. Madam, said Alcidamant, kissing her hands, this is the happiest promise that ever was made; howbeit I must beseech you to add yet something more to my felicity. That I will, said she, provided that it do no way contravenne the protestation you have made to be contained. No Madam, answered he: for my request is, that you will render me worthy of this grace by the defeat of some of your enemies; and that you will not hinder me from waking them to morrow morning. I speak not this without reason, we came hither for your service, we have enterprised nothing these three weeks that we have been here, your people begin to lose the good opinion which they had of us, and some stick not to say, that this course of ours is not correspondent to our great words. Moreover, I should not find so much pleasure in the favour you purpose to do me, if I should not appear before you like a generous and valiant Knight: Sweet Madam, be carried by these considerations, to yield unto this entreaty of mine, whereby you shall infinitely oblige me, and testify that you repose confidence in me. I will not hinder you, said she, seeing my word is past; howbeit tempt not Fortune, nor hazard yourself too far, if you love me, but carefully preserve your life, whereupon depends all the happiness of my days. This discourse finishing with our Frenchman's infinite content, he assembled the Captains, communicated to them his design; and finding them well disposed to his mind, he chose out two thousand of the most resolute men, and commanded them to be ready an hour before day, and so retiring with Troilus, he went to take a little rest. This design running in his mind, he slept not long, but arose, armed himself, put Troilus in the head of a thousand horse, caused him to sally forth at one gate, and making a shorter cut, went and charged the enemies with such fury, that being surprised, he made an horrible slaughter of them before they had the leisure to put themselves in array. The first that he encountered being dispatched, all the Camp was in an uproar, every place rang with crying, Arm, arm: Here ran the soldiers to their Colours, there the Knights called out for their horses; briefly, all was in confusion. In the mean time Alcidamant gained ground, killed, massacred, cut off legs and arms, and making large way to his Knights, overthrew tents and pavilions, putting the whole Camp in such fear, that it was thought all had been lost. Time & necessity having quickly ranged the enemy into order, the most part of the army conducted by Fangomadan, went to fall upon Alcidamant, when a new uproar began on the north side, the troops felt themselves charged in flank, and the slaughter grew so great, that the foremost squadrons betook them to flight. Fangomadan amazed with this surprisal, know not which way to turn himself, finding the danger to be no less on the one side, then on the other: But being a man of courage and experience, he presently drew out eight thousand men, and sending them away under the leading of some of his most expert Commanders, against the last comers, he marched with the rest to arrest the fury of our Knight; when as he, being every way as wise as valiant, caused the retreat to be sounded, thinking it not fit to attend the shock of this Squadron, and retired into the town, maugre all that Fangomadan could do, who cursing Heaven and Nature, carried himself so furiously, that not one of his favourits durst come near him. He would have turned head for to be revenged of the others, whom he saw yet in the field; but word being brought him, that they also were retired, he entered into his tent with a protestation to overthrow all his Gods, and never to suffer his enemies to be at rest; causing all things to be prepared then that seemed necessary for an assault, he called his Captains before him, and commanded them to die or take the Town, vowing with strange menaces, to cut them in pieces which should recoil but a step back, and to give extraordinary recompenses to such as should be valiant and courageous; whereupon every man put himself in readiness to fight. But the Giant thinking it fit to surprise his adversaries, as he had been surprised by them, forbore all preparations till night, to the end the enemies should not be advertised of his design: who in the mean time, little regarding his rage, made Bonfires for joy of so glorious a victory, which having cost them but threescore and five Knights, had laid two thousand and six hundred of the contrary part dead in the place, with infinite contentment to the beautiful Merodiana, who received these gallants with so much kindness, that they were almost ashamed of it.   

CHAP. XXXIX. Alcidamant, amidst Merodiana's embraces, is drawn away by Fangomadan, who assaulted the City: He sallies forth, and with Troilus his assistance, puts all the enemy's Camp into disorder.  
THE day being spent in feasting and bonfires, to the general satisfaction of all but Alcidamant, who thought every minute to be a tedious year, Merodiana retired herself, and remembering the promise she had made her lover, dismissed all her Ladies save only Cistenia, on whose fidelity she altogether relied, and seeing herself alone, said unto her, Cistenia, being confident of thy faith, I will discover a secret unto thee, which very much concerns me: The Knight of the Palms importuned me yesterday with such a grace, that he made me promise to receive him this night into my chamber, that so he might have the liberty to deliver his passions more freely: wherefore I would have thee go and see whether every body be at rest, that thou mayst fetch him hither. It were fit then, said Cistenia, that you went to bed. That were a seemly thing indeed, replied Merodiana, for me to entertain his discourse in bed; I'll but give him the hearing for an hour, or two at the most: for a man may say enough in that time, neither shalt thou stir out of the chamber the while. O Madam, said Cistenia, how you deceive yourself, to think that a lover will be satisfied with words, and let slip a favourable opportunity: you must make your account otherwise, and resolve upon some free● course. I think him to be virtuous, but would I might not live, if he should be such a dastard, as to proceed no further than you speak of, I would never look upon him with a good eye again. Let me not be trusted, for any thing I shall say, answered Merodiana, if my promise be not limited with the condition, that he shall not attempt any thing upon me without leave. I ve●●ly think so, said Cistenia, nevertheless I will not believe that ●ver he will observe that respect unto you; which if he should, you would not be very well pleased with it. Never blush for the matter, I pray you, nor dissemble to no purpose, place and occasion will be favourable to you, make use of them as love shall advise you, and think that once lost, they are not so easily recovered again, as also that neglect makes m●n oftentimes repent. Go, go, said Merodiana laughing, I shall find him so modest, that it will never come to that pass. By my faith, answered Cistenia, ●● would be then to your grief: howsoever let us leave off this discourse, and get you to bed, that I may go about my business. I think, said Merodiana▪ it will be best for me to do so: for being at case, I shall not be so trouble● with a pain that I feel in my head already. Here is the beginning of my prophasis, ●●●d Cistenia, let me not live if the rest do not follow: Whereupon undressing her Mistress, she put her hand upon her breasts, and in a waggish manner said, O fortunate Knight of the Palms, how should I envy thy happiness, were I a man? What a content to feel these two delicious worlds? What bliss to kiss so delicate a mouth? And what infinite felicity to be united to this body, the abstract of all the beauties of the earth? The delights, Madam, which are prepared for him, are preferable to Empires; and were it in my power to change sex, I would never do it, but only to enjoy for one day, such incomparable pleasures. Merodiana not being able to forbear laughing, many times held her hand before 〈…〉, as if she were ashamed to hear her talk so; but Cistenia knowing her mind well enough, left her in her bed, and went to Alcidamant; who embracing her, promised never to be ingrateful for so many services. Their chambers not being far asunder, he was instantly in that of Merodiana; who seeing him come with such a grace, was so moved, that one might easily perceive by her face what her heart desired. Mine honour, said she unto him, forbade me to see you at this time of night thus alone; but your virtue hath prevailed with me: wherefore sit down in this chair, and then we will talk with you at leisure. Madam, answered he, kneeling down by her bed's side, and beholding her with an amorous eye, your command may always dispose of me, and I shall think myself most happy to see you in any sort whatsoever: But, O God if you would be pleased to vouchsafe me a better place more near unto you, I should esteem my glory to be far greater than the felicities of a Paradise. Do you remember your promise, Knight, said she unto him? Yes, Madam, said he, I have sworn to attempt nothing upon you; but you have not forbidden me from entreating you: Consider me, I beseech you, in torment, near my happiness, and cannot enjoy it, between hope and fear, and expecting either life or death from your answer. Rise, Knight, said she, you have no less grace in delivering your passions, than valour in vanquishing them that encounter you; and your parts have no less power over me, than your arm hath over mine enemies. I was resolved to have conserved myself, but you have won me, and I am constrained to tell you, that you may dispose of my bed as you please, I will not complain of the loss of that which I hold most dear, so as your disloyalty give me no cause to do. Never fear, said he, casting his doublet on the table, with an excess of content: No, Madam, never fear that you shall see me sigh for another: you have too many charms in your eyes for to leave me that liberty, and I too much sense of the favour you do me. Saying so, he got in to bed to her, where their embraces began with unspeakable delight; kisses succeeded words, feeling followed kisses, and a thousand amorous wantonizing, to stir up their spirits, that every minute furnished fresh pleasures. Five hours being spent in these delights, they were about to have given themselves new testimonies of their loves, when Fortune desiring to cross their happiness a little, a great noise was heard all over the City, and the confusion of certain voices, that cried, Arm, arm, amazed them. Never believe me, said Alcid●mant, if our enemies be not upon some enterprise, for to be quit with us: But I swear by your love, (the most religious o●th I can make) that I will so chastise their insolence, and make them pay interest for the wrong they do me, by ravishing me thus from out of your arms. Whereupon having k●st her with a world of affection, he went instantly out of her chamber with his clothes under his arm▪ and entering into his own, he met Cistenia in her smock, coming out of her closet. Whence comest thou Cistenia, said he, marveling to see her in that fashion? From seeking a second, answered she: for your Squires gentle carriage having made me as far in love with him as you are with my Lady, I thought it not amiss to keep Sentinel with him. In good faith, said he laughing, I like this humour well in thee; but go in presently to thy Mistr●sse, and desire her not to be moved at this noise. Then being ready, he armed himself, and causing three or four torches to be born before him, in regard the night was very dark, he marched to the Market place, whither all the Knights repaired unto him; and understanding the enemy was preparing to give an assault, he manned the walls with good Soldiers, exhorting them to fear nothing, and commanding a thousand horse to be ready upon all occasions, he presented himself the first upon the Battlements; where perceiving that the enemy laboured to fill up the ditch, the more commodiously to plant their ladders, he caused the Archers to shoot: wherewithal in a little time they slew so many, that the earth was covered with them; nevertheless the pioneers doing their uttermost, filled up the ditches, and gave their Companies means to advance: Whereupon a world of ladders were instantly reared against the walls, and the Soldiers encouraged by the threatenings and promises of the Giant, strove who could soon mount up, beginning a most dangerous fight.  
Fangomadan not able to accuse his men, was almost distracted to see how fast they tumbled down one in the neck of another; but desiring to bring them on again by his example, he took a ladder, mounted on it, and presenting himself on the battlements, grew dreadful to the defendants, who fearing his getting into the City, gave present notice thereof to the valiant Knight of the Palms; he forthwith making to the place, where the Giant slew all that he met withal, discharged so mighty a blow on his head, that not able to abide the fury of it, he was overthrown to the ground, and there no doubt he had been killed, had he not fallen upon five or six of his Captains, who were getting up on the ladder after him, and that were s●●fl●d under the weight of his body. This fall of his might have discouraged him, had he had less rage, but rising up with a million of execrations against his Gods, he remounted on the ladder, resolving to die, or enter into the City: But Alcidamant leaving the Knight of the Lions to oppose him, whilst Mar●diana's Captains defended other places, put himself in the head of the thousand horse, which he had reserved for that purpose, sallied forth at a back gate, and giving furiously on the enemies back, so disordered them, that they began to betake themselves to flight with an horrible slaughter, all the ladders being in the power of those of the City, with such grief to Fangomadan, that he would have held himself happy to have been rid of his life. The assault ceasing, then by this retreat Alcidamant returned glorious, and was received with such applause, that the people seemed to have no tongues but for to publish his valour and renown, which gave infinite content to Mer●diana, who thought herself most fortunate in possessing so brave and valiant a Knight; and never blushing at her fault, received him, when he came to the Court, with most extraordinary testimonies of love, which every one ascribed to the acknowledgement wherein she stood engaged to his assistance, and the valour he had shown in the fight, wherein there fell three thousand and three hundred Knights, to the incredible terror of the adverse troops, (who believed he was some God come down in favour of this Princess right) so that the brandishing of his sword was more dreadful, than the lightning which ordinarily precedes thunder. She could have found in her heart to have kissed him before all the Commanders that environed him, and would willingly have discharged him of his arms; but referring that office to the night, she contained herself till every body was gone to rest, when as she received him into her bed, where their pleasures were renewed with such delight, that not able to express the thousandths part of it, I must leave it to be imagined by those who at any time have enjoyed so much happiness.   

CHAP. XL. Alcidamant combats the King of Licagena, kills him, and seconded by the succours of the Island of Silvana, gives so furiously on the enemy, that he obtains the victory with incredible slaughter.  
THE fury of Fangomadan giving no further fear to Merodiana, by reason of the assurance which she took in the arms of her lover, her content was without care, and he● joy without any doubt. On the other side, Alcidamant mingling a generous fire with the flames of love, desired nothing more than occasion to fight, that so he might equal his glory with the pleasures which he found in the embraces of his Mistress: Displeased then that Fangomad●n reigned so long, and that his arms should imbroil the affairs of a people, whom he could not choose but love for his Lady's sake, he resolved to combat him hand to hand; and to that end, going one day unto Merodiana for to undertake that business by her permission, he was told that an Herald was come to p●●ley with the Princess from Fangomadan. Let him be admitted, s●id Alcidamant, it may he brings us good news. Whereupon, the H●●a●l● entering into the hall, where Merodiana sat, attended by the most part of her Captains, without whose advice she would conclude nothing, he said unto h●r: Madam, the mighty King of Licagena, my Lord, desiring to end this war, which depends either on his life, or on the lives of two strange Knights that are here, he defies them both together, and will make trial of his person against them, alleging that they are traitors, that cunning is more familiar with them then force o● valour, and that they fight not like good Knights; further he desires, that this combat may be performed under the walls of the City, to the end you may judge whether he be not worthy of your love; he permits them to make choice of the arms, and protests that he will retire with his army if he be vanquished, looking for no harder condition from you, if he defeats them (as he makes no doubt) then that you are to expect from the sense which he saith he hath of your neglect, or rather of the violence of his passion. This speech wrought a strange confusion in the mind of Merod●ana, who was not ignorant of Fangomadans' forces, and that for any thing in the world would not have exposed her lover to such danger, so that she knew not what to answer; when as Alcidamant kneeling down, said unto her: Madam, if my services be of any consideration with you, refuse me not, I beseech you, one boon, the first that ever I have asked. Knight, said she, exceedingly troubled, and guessing at his design, I grant it you whatsoever it be; howbeit, think, I pray you, not only of your own, but of my peoples, and particularly of my preservation. That is the only care I take, answered he, and there is nothing so dear to me as your safety. Wherefore (addressing his speech to the Herald) you may tell your Master, that I was resolved to free this Country from his tyranny, and that I am infinitely glad he hath furnished me with the means to do it. I will encounter him to morrow under these walls, with the arms common among good Knights; namely, the Lance and Sword, not with a companion: for generous and valiant men never fight with advantage, but single, and with courage enough to make him pay for the spoil which he hath made of this Princess territories. These words bravely pronounced, no less amazed the enemy than the assistants, who knowing how prodigious the strength of Fangomadan was, could hardly believe that any one man durst threaten him, much less present himself before him; howbeit, seeing with what assurance this valiant Knight spoke, and calling to mind what he had done in the passed encounters, they beheld him as a wonder, the most part with pity, as if his death had been fastened to the first blow he should receive from his enemy, and others with some hope of good success. Merodiana being here with extremely afflicted in her mind, stood a good while beholding him with an eye that sufficiently testified the trouble she was in; but doubting that thus she might offend him, she set a good face on the matter, and speaking to the Herald, said unto him, Friend, this Knight hath given you your answer, which I avow; and to show the confidence I have in him, I am contented (making no more account of my estate then his life) that it be comprised within the hazard of the combat, and that this Island be united to your Master's crown, if he prove the victor; reserving nothing but the power to dispose of myself according to mine own fancy, if my Knight be slain. The Herald departing herewith, Alcidamant kneeled down again, and rendering a thousand thanks to Merodiana for her good opinion of him, he promised her, by God's assistance, not to deceive her hope. Going then to his chamber for to visit his arms, he ●aw a Damsel enter with a Dwarf, carrying a trunk on his shoulder, who making him a very low reverence, said, Brave warrior, the learned Nerea, who loves you well, knowing what is to betid you in your enterprises, hath commanded me to give you this armour, and to tell you, that you should not be troubled for the loss of the Arms which she caused to be brought in to you in the wood where you were made Knight, your former combats have made them in case to do you but small service in the business you have now in hand, which hath induced her to furnish you with these new ones. This is not the first favour she hath done me, said Alcidamant, having no way obliged her thereunto: but you may assure her, she may dispose of me when or however she pleaseth. Whereupon, having received from the Dwarf a green cuirasse, set all over with double hearts, wherein appeared an A and a T, an helmet of the same, the richest that could be, and a shield whereon were three Palms, as in the other, he was better pleased then if he had obtained a Kingdom; howbeit, he marvelled to see them so thin and light: whereat the Damsel smiling, said unto him, Sir, never wonder at that: for my Mistress hath caused them to be made so of purpose, that you may fight with the less pain and more ease. But if you dare not credit my words, make trial of them yourself, and see if the strength of your arm and the goodness of your sword can open them. Here with she vanished away leaving Merodiana no less amazed then contented; who finding herself at night with her Knight, could not forbear shedding of some tears at the remembrance of the danger wherein he was to be the next day: Whereupon our Frenchman taking occasion to carresse her, told her, that she was not to afflict herself so, nor consider the disproportion of his body, and that of his enemy, that virtue consisting in courage rather than in the largeness of limbs, she was not to doubt, but that love would furnish him with new forces, seeing her life and welfare were in question. Comforting her thus with sufficient strong reasons, he rendered her fearless, and her hope greater. The time which he could stay with her, being sweetly passed away, he retired to his chamber, and slept two hours; at the end whereof the Sun growing somewhat high, he arose, armed himself with his rich armour, wherein he seemed a Mars: and going to take horse, he was told, that the forces of the Island of Silvana, amounting to six thousand choice Knights, were arrived. New occasions, said he, then speaking to the Captains that followed him, must have new resolutions: this supply comes very opportunely, and not to let them cool, put them presently in battle array with four thousand of ours, the rest shall serve to guard the walls, with the inhabitants; but be sure to commence no fight till the combat between Fangomadan and me be ended; my companion will take care to dispose of you as you should be. Herewith the Knight of the Lions being particularly advertised of his design, gave his Lance that he carried in honour to his Squire, and letting him go, instantly ordained that which was to be done, and put ten thousand men in order after he had given notice thereof to Merodiana, who being richly attired, was already on the walls, for to encourage her lover, and be judge of his valour. I am resolved, said she, when she was acquainted with the business, in all things to follow the counsel of the valiant Knight of the Palms; therefore let his command be executed. The Knight of the Lions seeing his men disposed, and being very well satisfied with this answer, went out to behold the combat of his companion; who finding the Giant in the Lists, met him so roughly with his Lance, that he made him ●lie to the ground, himself remaining somewhat astonished with the encounter. The Giant seeing himself overthrown, contrary to his expectation, rose sooner than could be imagined of so huge a mass of flesh, and drawing out a great and weighty courtelax, struck such furious blows at his enemy, that the least of them had been able to have cut him asunder, if he had received it; but having avoided them with an admirable dexterity, he charged him so bravely both with point and edge, that he amazed both the Armies.  
The Giant stormed exceedingly for that he could not fasten one stroke on his adversary; and casting a thick smoke out of the visor of his helmet, he hindered himself from seeing where to place his blows: whereas Alcidamant, that fought with judgement, spent not a minute unprofitably. The first fury of these warriors having endured above two hours, the place was covered with the Giants Arms, which went to pieces whensoever the rich sword of his enemy fell upon them: the blood trickled down from three or four parts of his body; and that which carried his choler to the highest degree of rage, was, that his adversaries armour appeared entire. Merodiana beheld this combat with strange motions; if the Giant's courtelax were aloft, she feared the violence of it, and she rejoiced when she saw it light without effect; she considered the valour of her Knight, admired his agility in saving himself from his enemy's sword, wondered at the force of the blows which he gave; and above all, took extreme pleasure in the grace of his fight. Am I not very happy, said she to herself, to enjoy a Knight the bravest of all that live; and is it not exceeding glory for me to triumph over him, under whom the strongest Giants of the earth are constrained to bow? Yes, without doubt, and I do not repent the giving of him that which he hath nobly gotten: would to God Fangomadan were dispatched out of the way, that my content might be perfect, I would then embrace this gallant warrior, and in despite of detraction declare before all, that I love him infinitely. Entertaining herself with these thoughts, she fixed her eyes upon him, and perceiving the Giant to be more unwieldy, and her lover far abler, as she conceived, then at the beginning of the combat, she was transported with excess of joy. This while Alcidamant pursued his advantage, charged his enemy more furiously than before; and observing that Merodiana beheld him, accused himself for being so long defeating a man in the presence of her, whose favours had made him most happy. Vexed then then to see the victory so long disputed, he took his sword in both his hands, and letting it fall terribly on his enemy's shield, he so astonished him, that he made him reel three or four steps backward: whereupon taking his advantage, he redoubled such a dangerous blow on his head, that he cloven it in twain, to the unspeakable contentment of Merodiana and her subjects, who seeing the good Knight of the Lions in the head of their troops, set forth in good array, and following the Conqueror of the Giant, who made them way with his sword, they fell so furiously upon the enemies, amazed with the death of their master, that they slew above two thousand at the fi●st bout, the rest betook themselves instantly to flight; where the slaughter was so great, that of seventeen thousand, there escaped not fully two hundred, who got to the Army of Fangomadans' cousin, relating unto him the absolute defeature of the other forces, with the death of the King; which put him into such a rage, that drawing all the garrisons out of the strong places which he held, into one body of an Army, he resolved to affront the conquerors, and in their overthrow, revenge the loss of his companions. Advancing then whilst the two strangers refreshed themselves with the Army, which commended them to the skies, and especially him of the Palms, whom they would fain have adored, if he would have permitted it; he presented himself three days after before Alfarta, where the fight commencing by light skirmishes, grew so hot upon the arrival of the two invincible warriors, who were accompanied with eight hundred horse, that they came to a general battle; in the which the army of these new enemies, greater by the half than the former, were all cut in pieces by the exceeding valour of Alcidamant and his companion, who thundering wheresoever they went, assured their soldiers, made them fight without fear, and so terrified their adversaries, that they were dead before the swords of these lightnings of war fell upon them. The enemies being in this manner utterly defeated, the whole Island reverted to the obedience of the fairest Merodiana; who daily found out new entertainments for her lover: and having no other care but to please him, held herself the happiest Princess of the world.   

CHAP. XLI. The Infanta Silvana falls in love with Alcidamant, goes from her Island to Merodiana for to see him, and having found him a hunting, she enjoys him by a notable trick.  
THE people breathing now in peace after so many troubles, the Companies were discharged, and especially those of the Island of Silvana, who giving account to their Mistress of the success of the war, so published the praises of the Knight of the Palms, and raised his valour to so high a pitch, that the f●ir Silvana, sister to Merodiana, admiring him, began to seek the same effects which they endure which are in love. She made them describe unto her his stature, the proportion of his body, his countenance, the colour of his hair, and the beauty of his face; and considering that Nature had made him every way complete, she herself kindled the fire which by little and little consumed her; but passing to the desire for to know what marvells he had done for her sister, she caused them to recount unto her the manner of his fight, his courage, his skill, his blows, how he had most valiantly slain the King of Licagena, and put his armies to flight at the only sight of his arms, which fully imprinted the character of love in her heart, and made her care for nothing so much as to find out some occasion to see him, and render him enamoured of her. O Gods, said she, how accomplished is this knight, if he have all those parts which report confers upon him! Have I not reason to wish I may enjoy him? No question I have, he is worthy of my favours, and deserves to be made partaker of my bed, if he will accept of it. But alas! I very much fear my sister hath already prevented me of that fortune, and unable to resist what I suffer, that she hath given herself to him, bereaving me of the means so to do. Yes, yes, I doubt it is but too true, for this Knight being every way so complete, who could forbear loving him? Questionless my sister doth enjoy him, and I am out of hope to see the end of my desires successful; howbeit, the dice are cast, I am no longer mine own, and this consideration must not stay my designs; if my sister love him, I may love him too, enjoy him as she doth, and cover my desires with a pretended ignorance of their affections. This amorous and jealous Princess, entertaining herself after this manner, in the beginning of her passion, lived with strange unquietness, sometimes she resolved to send a damsel unto him to desire him not refuse her his succour, for the delivering of her Island from a dreadful monster, that rendered it almost inhabitable; and then imagining that her sister would never permit him to undertake that voyage, because she would not let him go out of her sight, she was of another mind, and purposed to have him by some other wile; but not meeting with any, that was not either too long for the impatience of her desires, or too difficult for any good success she could hope from it, or too hazardous for to endanger all, she could not draw any resolution out of such contrariety of thoughts. At length having more affection then to undertake nothing, she concluded to quit her Island, and to see him at her sisters, under colour of going to congratulate with her for the happy issue of so dangerous a war, hoping there to find out some invention or other for to bring her design to pass. Taking along with her then twelve Knights and six damsels, for she had but an arm of the sea to cross over, she embarked herself, and within four days after landed in her sister's Island, whom she would not acquaint with her coming; but mounting upon a delicate nag, she road along till she came to a forest, near unto the which, causing certain pavilions to be pitched, she resolved to pass away the night there. Walking then alone by herself in the evening, and continually thinking on the means she might use for to bring her business wisely about, she perceived a huntsman pass by, of whom she demanded what news there was at Merodiana's Court. I can deliver you no better, answered he, then that which is reported of the excellency of the Knight of the Palms, whom it seems hath a purpose to become Lord of this Country, whereunto our Princess will not be much averse, as every one probably conjectures, for there is nothing at this instant in the world which she regards so much, as the content of this Knight, with whose conversation she is infinitely taken, she leads him forth into the gardens and walks, where most of the trees carry marks of their loves, in a million of characters, graven on their barks; and when the heat of the day will not suffer them to walk, they withdraw into her chamber, where the time is insensibly spent in the assurances which they interchangeably give of loving one another eternally. These words were so many mortal wounds that renewed the grief and jealousy of Silvana, who saw apparent proofs of that which she had always feared; she scratched her head, changed her colour every minute, many times bit her fingers for anger, and testified (if the huntsman had well observed her actions) that this news touched her to the quick; but he whose mind was altogether upon his discourse, went on thus: Briefly, these so great familiarites induce us to believe that they are resolved to make a marriage, in consideration whereof, we honour him already as if he were our Master, carrying no less respect to his commandments, then to those which come from Merodiana: And to witness the truth of that I say, assure yourself I would not walk thus with a purpose to lie all night in the wood, if it were not to lodge him Deer which to morrow he means to hunt in this Forest very early in the morning. But, Madam, time calls me away, wherefore you must excuse me, if I break off thus abruptly. Silvana being better satisfied with the conclusion of this discourse, then with the beginning, would not stay him any longer, but returned to her pavilion; where being arrived, she called one of her Damsels whom she favoured most, unto her, and said, Falerina (so was she named) out of the confidence which I repose in thee, I come to impart a secret unto thee; wherein, without any consideration of the importance of the matter, I would have thee to serve me, not according to thy opinion, or as reason shall counsel thee, but according to my desire and fancy. I am desperately in love with that brave Knight of the Palms, of whom such wonders are reported of late: and whereas I have undertaken this voyage, it was not as I gave out, to congratulate with my sister for her good success, but to see him, and to dispose him to love me: to effect the which, a favourable occasion presents itself, whereby it lies in thee to make me happy if thou wilt. To morrow he is to hunt a Stag in this wood; but let us make him take another way, and find out some invention to draw him hither, where, I doubt not, but I shall with little diffieultie, obtain what I desire: for I have beauty enough to make the most invincible man in the world to affect me. And this may easily be done: for thou shalt encounter him at his beginning to hunt, thou shalt humbly demand a boon of him, and withdrawing him from his company, thou shalt conduct him hither, where thou shalt find me alone, accompanied with none but Elania, whom I can dispose well enough to my pleasure. For I will command my train to set forth by break of day, and attend for me three leagues hence, and not to stir from that place, till they hear further from me. Falerina amazed with this speech (for she had always observed a great deal of modesty in her Mistress' actions) would willingly have replied for to have reduced her to a better regard of her honour; but perceiving that the venom had wrought its effect, and that her remedies would be to no purpose, she promised her no less fidelity than diligence. Sleeping then but a little, she arose with the day, and getting to horse, placed herself in the way which the hunters were to take; where she had not continued half an hour, but she discovered a troop of Gentlemen, before whom she presented herself, and easily discerning the Knight of the Palms from the rest, she acosted him with a very good grace, and said unto him, Noble Sir, I know not whether you be as courteous as you are gallant. Gentlewoman, answered he with a smile, you shall understand that better if you think good to make use of me. Follow me then, replied she, and be pleased to exchange the pleasure of your hunting for a greater adventure, this enterprise will take you up but for one day: and if these Gentlemen be troubled with your departure, let this promise comfort them, that they shall see you again to night, or to morrow at the furthest within Alfarta. Knight's cannot limit their return, said he, because they are ignorant of what will betid them in their adventures; howbeit seeing you assure them of my return by to morrow, I will not bid them farewell but till then: Whereupon the Damsel leading the way, he followed her with a marvellous desire to know whither he was conducted; nevertheless she would reveal nothing till she came within sight of her Mistress pavilion. Here it is, said she, where you are to enter for to make satisfaction concerning a wrong that you have done. At these words the Knight alighting, and thinking that he was to fight, advanced with his sword drawn, and his shield on his arm; but beholding in stead of enemies, a most beautiful Lady, who carried a million of charms in her eyes, made a stand, and being amazed, said unto her, Madam, I am conducted hither for your service. Yes, said she, reaching him her hand, but not with an intent to make you enter into combat with any: The commendations which the world gives you, have begot an extreme desire in me to see you; and to that end I have left my country, throughly satisfied in finding many more perfections in you, then report delivered. Madam, answered he, you may commend me as you please; but there is nothing in me which is not wholly at your service: And be assured, that if I had known your mind, I would have gone to the utmost part of the earth for to have found you out, rather than you should have taken the pains to come hither. I shall think it well bestowed, replied she, so as you do not prove ingrateful, and be not offended with my saying so, till you are acquainted with my meaning. Sir, I love you, and all the considerations I could bring for to contain me within the limits of modesty and my duty, have been too weak against the force of your merits, which having deprived me of all power over myself, have constrained me to come out of my State, to seek relief in your pity,. It may be you will despise me, because I present myself thus unto you; and you may make an ill construction of my carriage towards you: but if you understand yourself well, you will excuse my weakness. Say that I have reason to love you, and not holding me immodest, will recompense my affection with the like, as also give me just cause to publish, that you are the most accomplished Knight that this day bears Arms. Alcidamant, to whom the like encounters were sovereign favours, seeing such amiable beauty in his power, did not so much as stand on the considerations which she brought, to render her action the more allowable; but protesting in what great obligations he was engaged to her favour, the more powerful in regard he had so little deserved it, he disarmed himself with all the haste he could; and beginning his caresses with a kiss, made her a woman to both their incredible contents. After a world of dalliance, she declared unto him, how she was sister to Merodiana, and expressing the fear she had, lest his long conversation with her sister, and their privacy together, might keep him from affecting her, it had somewhat troubled him, but that he remembered how an understanding lover seldom wants cunning devices to palliate his designs. Assuring her then, with a thousand oaths and promises, never to lose the memory of her favours, and to hold her as dear, or dearer, than her sister, he passed away the rest of that day, and the night following with her, not so much as thinking how Merodiana would take his absence, and found this content so pleasing, that it grieved him to be deprived of it. Nevertheless, being constrained to consider what might follow of so long a stay, he took his Arms, went a little beyond the village where Silvana had commanded her train to abide, and placing himself under certain trees, waited till he saw her appear: then advancing into the midst of the high way, and desiring to give this his new Mistress some entertainment, he sent his Squire to her Knights, for to tell them, that he would not permit them to pass without breaking a Lance for their sakes whom they best loved in the world. This message made the Knights to laugh: for they could not imagine that one man alone could subdue them, and each of them strove for the first course, when as one of Silvana's Damsels being got before the rest, returned suddenly to acquaint them, that this Champion was the Knight of the Palms, so much redoubted over all the country. By my faith, said then the forwardest of them, we will not encounter him: for so should we be more foolhardy than he is valiant. What, said Silvana, that much desired to see how far the valour of this Knight extended, will none of you run against him? Yes that we will, answered one, if you would take pleasure in our defeat. Your misfortune would no way please me, said Silvana, but it would much content me to see whether that be true which is so published of this Knight; and if you desire to oblige me, run one course with him. I will obey you Madam, said he, though I am sure before hand of a fall; howsoever it will be glory to me, that I have run against the best Knight living: whereupon putting down his Beaver, he advanced towards Alcidamant, who encountered him so bravely, that he made him quit his saddle, and cast him four or five paces of. I knew well enough, said he, rising less hurt than was imagined, that I should give my fellows occasion to laugh; and that I should not resist that incomparable force which is dreadful to the stronggest Giants upon the earth; but I will be more charitable than they: for I will let you know, that this Princess which you see, is sister to the beautiful Merodiana, to the end you may not employ your Lance against her Knights. You have reason, said Alcidamant, to believe that I will not run against them, and if I had known you, I had not jousted with you; and that you may not complain of your fall, I am ready to repair that fault when you please. Whereupon advancing towards the fair Silvana, he saluted her as though he had never seen her before: and riding along by her, they took the way to Alfarta, where the fairest Merodiana received them at the first very heartily, never doubting of the prank which was played to her prejudice; but who can blind the eyes of a lover? This Lady calling to mind the absence of her Knight, led away, as she was informed, by a Damsel which was showed to her a little after, presently suspected, not the matter as it was, but something near unto it, insomuch that she observed their actions, and therein finding but too much proof of their love, she grew so jealous, that she could not rest. On the other side, Silvana was in the like perplexity: for seeing how coldly her Knight spoke to her in the presence of Merodiana, and marking the amorous looks they gave one another, it madded her; nevertheless, they concealed their thoughts, and watched for more pregnant testimonies, to complain upon a sure ground; but Alcidamant was so discreet, that he deceived them both. My dearest Knight, said Merodiana sighing when she had him in bed, take it not ill, I pray you, if the extremity of my passion constrains me to be a little jealous of you, you look upon my sister with too affectionate an eye; and the care which you seem to have of her service appears to me more than good will, she is amiable, you deserve to be sought unto, what may I then think of your familiarity? Too much I fear for my content; but if you will consider what you owe to so many carresses which you have received from me, how I undo myself to oblige you, that regard no slanderous tongue to give you satisfaction, and how I have freely bestowed on you what was most dear unto me for to please you, I hope you will not be my ruin, nor impart your embraces to another, seeing no man partakes of my kisses, but will be pleased to let me only enjoy you, that seeks for nothing save occasion how to delight you. These words finishing with tears, made our Frenchman somewhat to repent, who seeking to excuse his fault, covered it with the name of respect, represented that in regard she was her sister, he was to carry himself fairly towards her, protesting that he had never so much as a thought of that which she imagined, he somewhat pacified her, and interrupted the course of her complaints; after which he was sure to have the like of the fair Silvana. Dearest love, said she when she could speak particularly to him. I have great cause to complain, my sister hath all your caresses, she hath days to enjoy your company, whereas I have not minutes; your eyes are always fixed on her, and I but a few glances; if you speak to me, it is with too much respect, and too little love: what have I done to deserve so cold an entertainment? or what have I not done to be more kindly entreated? I have freely given myself to you, but alas! it may be your neglect proceeds from thence. I have left my country for to see you, and yet I cannot enjoy that, but another's caresses makes you find no delight in my embraces. Now I would fain know what is the cause of it, she hath no advantage of me, we are sisters, her beauty exceeds not mine (at leastwise I think so) I accompany my kisses with as much Art as a woman can use, to render them more pleasing; love you as much, or rather more than she doth (for I know that all the affections of the earth do not equal the violence of my flames) yet I must suffer whilst another lives contented, and reaps the reward of my travels. Ah, this is great injustice, carry less respect to persons, and be more equal. If you think yourself obliged by the consideration of your being here with her, shall not I give you in the Island o● Silvana the same pleasures which you find here? Yes, my dearest, I will find out, if it be possible, far greater delights, and so behave myself that you shall not repent your abandoning her for to follow me. He that beholds a rock between two seas, sometimes beaten with the one, and then again with the other, may figure out this Knight between these two sisters, equally importuned with either of their complaints. He loved Merodiana very much; Silvana's kisses were of no less power with him, her reasons moved him, the others sighs found him not insensible, his heart was divided betwixt them, and taking pleasure in Merodiana's caresses, he met with as much content in those of her beautiful sister. At length this last speech which Silvana made, had prevailed with him, had he not called to mind the resolution he had taken to carry himself in such manner, as he would lose neither the one nor the other of them. Returning then the same reasons, the same excuses, the same dissembling, the same oaths, and the same caresses which he had used to Merodiana, he somewhat appeased her displeasure; nevertheless he could not so ●emean himself, but that there remained so powerful a suspicion in the minds of these sisters, as converting into jealousy, it made them odious one to another, though they laboured wisely ●o disguise their thoughts. If Merodiana was alone, she presently imagined that her Knight was in her sister's arms. If Silvana saw him not, she believed he was in private with her sister, they went to one another's chamber, and met oftentimes in the midway: they were sisters, love made them secretly rivals. Merodiana observed all Silvanas' actions, Silvana had a continual desire to understand what her sister did; briefly, all their motions were suspicions, their suspicions strong jealousies, and their jealousies insupportable griefs. It is not a care of my honour, said Merodiana, that induces my sister to watch me in this fashion, much less any excess of affection to me: for I know her thoughts but too well, it must be then the spite she bears me for crossing her desire; but why should I give entertainment to a controller of my actions? she is amorous of my Knight, she loves him passionately, and would fain deprive me of him, but I will not endure her boldness; and quietly desiring her to return unto her Island, I shall appear rather an angered sister then an ill lover; howbeit I will wait a fit opportunity, and in the mean time use some speeches to her that may make her acknowledge her fault; but if she prove obstinate, we will part never to see one another again as sisters; and love, who admits of no consideration, that will have one regardless of times, persons, places, and conditions shall authorise my resentment. Whilst she entertained herself in this manner, Silvana did the like. I perceive well enough, said she to herself, that my sister looks not upon me but with disdain, that she forbids this Knight to talk with me, and that I expect nothing save displeasure: wherefore I resolve to return home, howbeit if be possible, I will be accompanied with him, so shall I be no longer crossed in my desires. He is courteous, he is obliged to me, he will deny me nothing I shall demand of him: wherefore covering my design with the pity I take of my people and countries, which every day fall to ruin by the cruelty of a monster that continually destroys them, I will beseech him to succour me, like a valiant and generous Knight; and if I can get him once out of my sister's hands, I will never permit him to undertake so dangerous an enterprise, but preserve him for my future contentment. Insisting then on this resolution, as the best she could desire, she said unto him one day in the presence of Merediana, who commended to every one the assistance which she had received from him, Sir, you see how your benefits are acknowledged, that praises are always in the mouths of such as are obliged, and generous Knights do ordinarily find some recompense in the glory is given to their virtues: If you had done any thing for me, I should speak of you as others do, and would raise your name to heaven, holding the world unworthy to retain the greatness of it. Madam, answered he, interrupting her there, the fault shall not be mine if you have not the satisfaction to see me combat for your service; do but furnish me with occasion, and you shall find me ready whensoever you please. My people, said she, afflicted by a cruel monster, reach out their hands unto you; now advise with yourself whether you will oblige me by succouring them. Most willingly, Madam, answered he, and shall think myself most happy to serve you in this occasion. We will depart then to morrow, replied she, in the mean time take order for your journey. Merodiana hearing this discourse, and seeing a departure resolved so soon, knew not what to say, she would have accused her lover, but having very great testimonies of his affection, she laid all the fault upon her sister's malice, whom she blamed in very plain terms, saying that she ought not to precipitate the days of so brave a Knight, who could not enter into that combat without apparent loss of his life; but Silvana resolved the contrary, and caring for nothing but how to draw him from thence, made no reckoning of her anger. All this night was bestowed in sighs and tears, and Merodiana a thousand times cursed her sisters coming to see her. I will not let you go to imminent death, said she, and notwithstanding any promise you have made my sister, you shall not stir from hence, she is too impudent to be obeyed, and I knew her coming too well for to leave her the liberty to put it in practice: but if you be resolved to go with her, be confident that I will follow you, and cross the pleasures which she expects, as much as she hath done my content. O God, Madam, said he, kissing her most amorously, do you make doubt of my faith? now truly you do me infinite wrong, for so many oaths and protestations as I have made to you, should, me thinks, remove this false opinion out of your imagination, I must go, because I am obliged thereunto by my promise; but Madam, be assured it shall be to return incontinently again, if I happen to live after the combat which I purpose to enter into against the Serpent; and to persuade you to believe what I say, behold yourself in your glass, then think upon Silvana, and you shall find that your beauties being unlike, that she having less charms than you, less love, and less merit, I shall never abandon you to follow her: Live contented in the expectation of my return, and in the mean time permit me to embrace occasions that may acquire my glory; so shall you testify a true affection to me, and oblige me to esteem myself happy in your love. These so powerful reasons having mitigated, but not defaced Merodiana's grief, she slept till morning, when giving him a farewell kiss, he retired to arm himself, leaving her in tears and sorrow.   

CHAP. XLII. The grief which the fairest Merodiana took at the departure of her Knight, who went with her sister for to combat the monster, that ravagod the the Island of Silvana, the loves of this Princess and the Knight, and the danger wherein he found himself in the combat.  
SIlvana departing with as much glory, as she left discontent in her sister's Court, traveled a while between the Knight of the Palms, and him of the Lions, entertaining him with a world of pleasing talk, howbeit, her passion making her desire no other ear but her lovers, she many times went and spoke softly to him, as if she were willing none else should hear her, which the gentle T●oilu● perceiving, modestly withdrew himself, and left them to the liberty of their actions and discourse. Then this amorous Lady, more openly showing the joy she conceived for being freed from a concurrent in her love, rendered the length of the way so short by a million of oaths to love him eternally, and by as many complaints against her sister's jealousy, that he found himself almost out of the wood, before he thought of being in it. The place representing to his memory the pleasure which he had received at his first acquaintance with Silvana, he would fain have stepped aside with her for to alight under some bush; but conceiving that they could not blind the eyes of so many persons which followed them, they traveled to the sea side, where a ship attended to transport them over; howbeit, Silvana would not embark this night, because she knew she should not have the liberty aboard as in her tents; nevertheless, to avoid all fear of discovery, she caused her train to be shipped, reserving no body about her, but Falerina, Alderia, her Knight, and him of the Lions, who having good intelligence with Falerina, made but one bed with her and the fair Alderia, which was not more squeamish than the other, whilst his companion took up a place by Silvana's side. The night being spent with many more caresses and kisses than I am able to deliver, the Knights armed themselves at break of day, and seeing that a favourable gale solicited their departure, they took their Ladies by the arm, and conveyed them aboard; whereupon, commanding the Master to hoist sail, they began to cut the waves, which on a sudden swelling very high, had exceedingly frighted the women, but that they were cheered with the presence and speech of the Knights. Howbeit, the storm increasing, the noise of the waters growing every minute more dreadful, and the night, which rendered every thing full of horror, arriving thereupon, gave them new fears of shipwreck; insomuch, that Silvana cast herself into Alcidamants arms, who desiring to make use of the darkness, without any apprehension at all of the tempest, he fell a kissing of her, laid his hand on her breasts, and finding his spirit raised, he caressed her so sweetly, that she vowed afterward, she never felt so much pleasure in so little time. Whilst they drew their delight out of a subject dreadful, and full of danger, Troilus entreated Falerina in the same manner, and making her lose herself in his embraces, kept her so, till the day and calm weather arriving together, caused them to retire wonderfully satisfied with the love of each other. The Master, finding himself near to the Island of Silvana, yet far enough from the place where he meant to have put in, advertised his Lady thereof, who understanding that it was on that coast which the monster had ruined, she would with all haste have made from it, but that she was retained by the Knight of the Palms. How Madam, said he, will you oppose my glory, and make more esteem of my life, then of mine honour? What would all the world say, and particularly your sister, whom I left only to defeat this creature, if I should part hence without seeing it? Not to lie, I should in a moment lose all the honour I have acquired by so many labours; let us land a God's name, or if for your own part you be afraid, permit me to do that which becomes a good Knight, who will not be wanting to his promise, nor fail in his duty. Ah, my Knight, said she, with her eyes full of tears, will you yield more to your own desires then to mine? Have you forgotten how you have told me a thousand times that you would never disobey any commandment I should lay upon you? And yet you will now do a thing which infinitely displeases me, and more cruel than can be expressed, you seek my destruction, in running headlong to your own. Do but consider beforehand what danger there is in affronting this monster, the most horrible and dreadful that ever was; whole squadrons of armed men fly at the very sight of him, will you then undertake this enterprise? I make a dear account (as I ought) of my people, and country; but you are not of that consideration, as to prefer common men and lands before your safety; Let them perish, I beseech you, and tempt not the power of the Gods, to go to meet dangers, which without blame, and wisely, you may avoid. The glory you aspire unto, is to be found in actions that one man may bring to pass, not in desperation. But if you will not be retained by the care of yourself, yet at leastwise be moved with my tears, with my sighs, with the regard of my very life itself, which shall not be long if you persist in your wilfulness. Madam, said Alcidamant, pardon me, I beseech you, if I say that your request is unjust, and that you wrongfully complain of me for not rendering that obedience to your commandments which I ought. You brought me hither for the good of your people, and now you are offended that I endeavour to relieve them. I know not what to say to this humour, and although the pity which you seem to have of me obliges me; nevertheless, it is so repugnant to my reputation, that I cannot allow of it without infinite blame. You affirm, that we are to seek adventures which are easy; such will never give us glory, and therefore we present ourselves to those which seem impossible; you think to divert me from this design, by figuring forth unto me a monster, dreadful beyond all that ever was; that, Madam, works in me a contrary effect: If an ordinary Knight could overcome it, I would not vouchsafe to land here for to fight with it, the difficulty which I meet with in this enterprise, gives me a marvellous desire to undertake it to day rather than to morrow. Cease then, I beseech you, from afflicting yourself, and restraining these tears, which more reproach your weakness, then testify your love, command me to march on courageously, that I may triumph over this terrible enemy under the favour of your beauty.  
Your reasons seem so just, answered she, that I am not able to withhold you any longer from this adventure; but ah! my Knight, when I think how I behold you crash: between the teeth of this horrible Serpent, or torn in pieces by his merciless claws, I cannot forbear weeping, when I call to mind how I was the cause of this your death; howbeit, seeing you are resolved to attempt this combat, go under the protection of the Gods, my Knights shall assist you. By no means, Madam, said he: for I will be accompanied with none but my friend here, and my Squire, that shall only go to know what will become of me. Whereupon causing himself to be landed with Troilus and Arnides, after he had desired the beauteous Silvana to stay for him in the same part, they got to horse, and road along exceedingly astonished to see all the country round about disinhabited, a multitude of houses ruined, and trees every where overthrown by the wonderful force of this formidable Monster. Having traveled certain hours, they approached to a forest, entertaining themselves with ordinary discourse, when as their horses began to snore, prick up their cars, and recoil back, maugre all the spurring they could use, for to make them advance into the wood. Never credit me, said Alcidamant, if this beast be not amongst these trees; whereupon listening attentively, they heard a dreadful noise, with some horrible hissing, and seeing two or three little trees overturn, they perceived the monster whom they sought, coming forth with a strange fury: he had the body of a Dragon, as big as an Elephant, covered with scales of divers colours; he had two heads, the one of a Serpent with a three forked tongue, the other of a furious Lion: his legs were different the one from the other; one of the foremost had the claws of a Serpent, two foot and a half long, and so sharp, that they would pierce even steel; the other was armed with the paws of a Lion, able to crush Iron, and tear armour in pieces; behind he was supported with two legs of an horse, wonderful great; after which he trailed a tail so long and strong, that therewith he easily overthrew all the trees which stood in his way. Alcidamants courage was new put to the test: for beholding a creature so deformed and monstrous, he marvelled how Nature could produce it in such a form, and could not choose but fear to fall into the danger of his paws or teeth, which were in each head a cubit long and more; but assuming confidence from the glory which he should acquire by defeating this monster, he desired his companion to retire, and recommending himself to God, he set spurs to his horse, who staring up with his mane, ran clean away with him, do what he could to retain him: but at length having stayed him, he quickly alighted, took his Lance, and making head to the Monster, which followed him with incredible celerity, he ran it so furiously into one of his chaps that stood wide gaping, as it passed into his throat, where it broke, after it had made a very deep wound; but not able to withstand the violence of the encounter, he was overthrown to the ground, with such pain, that he thought his body had been all crushed: nevertheless rising up suddenly, for the Monster was gone on, he drew out his rich sword, and with a resolute courage waited to charge him as he should pass by; but considering that his legerity would more advantage him then his force, he concluded to combat him with judgement, stepping lightly aside, then when he saw him return with rage, he gave him so mighty a blow full upon the body, that it was able to have cleft a rock; howbeit in vain: for he found his scales so hard, as the Sword left no mark behind of the stroke. O God said he then astonished, what can I expect from this combat, but the death which Silvana so many times foretold me to day, Lord assist me, and punish me not according to the greatness of my sins? Whilst he made this short prayer, the dangerous Monster spared him not: for presently turning about, he laid hold on his shield with his Serpent's claws, and having torn it from his arm, laboured to bite it in pieces with his teeth, offering at the same instant to seize on the Knight's armour with his Lion's paw; but he that with reason feared these approaches, leapt wonderfully quick a tone side, and grieved to see himself thus destitute of a shield, he took his sword in both his hands, and therewith cut his paw sheer off at one blow; whereat he gave so loud a cry, that it was heard 3 leagues off. Alas! said then the beauteous Silvana, here is a sign● of my Knight's death; wretch that I was to propound so dangerous an enterprise unto him, for other wise he had lived, and I might still have continued happy in the world. Alcidamant seeing this good effect of the stroke which he had given, was in hope of better, and desiring to make use of the astonishment the Monster was in, gave him another blow on the Lion's mane, thinking to have no worse success than before, but the thickness of his clotted hair withstanding the pass of the steel, it made him only bow with his head a little, and so provoked his fury, that making a skip of ten foot high into the air, the Knight found himself overthrown on the ground; where this dreadful creature perceiving him to lie, got him between his teeth for to devour him; and indeed he had already entered them in his live fl●sh, when as the Knight being out of all hope of life, advanced his good sword, and thrust it with such violence into his flank, that he passed it quite through his bowels. The Monster feeling so dangerous a wound, mounted once again into the air, with such an incredible force, that he lighted ten paces off when he came to ground, which gave our Frenchman leisure to rise, so bruised with his fall, and suffering such pain from the hurts the Monster had made with his teeth, that he could hardly stand; howbeit forcing himself, and drawing new strength out of his generous courage, he approached the Monster again, who made a most horrible noise, and by good fortune giving him a thrust just in the eye, ran him to the very brain, but being surprised before he could retire him, the Monster caught him with his Serpent's claws, and in the pangs of death that tormented him, dragged him up and down a good while: then taking him between his teeth, as if he would make a sepulchre for him of his throat, he made way for his blood to issue out at sundry places, and had without doubt killed him in this sort, had not the wound which he had received in the belly, caused him to tumble down, breathing out his last. Alcidamant who had not lost his understanding in this danger, seeing this monster fallen, had courage enough to rise, and withdraw aside; but the venom which came forth of the body of this creature, and his own loss of blood, had not left him long alive, if Troilus and his Squire, who were not far off, had not come suddenly to his aid. Arnides remembering then the box which Cassandra had given him when he last fought with Rozalmond, took it out of his pocket, and quickly disarming him, anointed him with that balm, which working a marvellous effect, brought him instantly to himself again. Whereupon, the good Troilus gathered a great heap of leaves together, laid him upon it, and charging Arnides not to stir from him, galloped amain towards the port.  
Silvana, whom love kept always in care, seeing him arrive in that manner, and believing that he fled from the jaws of the Serpent, was ready to tumble into the sea, imagining that her lover was in the belly of the monster, and the words and complaints of a despairing woman were even at her mouth, when Troilus boarding her with a cheerful countenance, said: Madam, be of good cheer, the Knight of the Palms is alive, and more glorious by the death of the monster, than ever Knight was by the most dangerous adventure that hath been; but you must know that this victory is bought at a dear rate, for the Knight hath lost most of his blood, and was very near his end; howbeit, he is far better than he was, by means of an ointment wherewith his Squire hath dressed his wounds, so that now he wants nothing but your assistance, that he may be carried to some house, where he may be more commodiously looked unto then in your ships. Silvana, at first, distracted between hope and fear, and that expected nothing less than so happy a success, hearing that her lover was alive after the death of so horrible a monster, fell into such an ecstasy of joy, that she could neither speak nor move: she beheld Troilus, as if she would have said that she did not believe his report; but observing him to be in good earnest, she instantly recollected her spirits, and causing herself to be forthwith set on shore, she commanded some quilts to be made ready; and not able to attend so long while her train was landed, away she went with the Knight of the Lions; and being winged by her affection, she alighted within a little after where the Knight reposed himself; howbeit, understanding that he was asleep, she would by no means disturb him, but fell to considering of this dreadful creature, which made her afraid being dead, and admiring the courage of her Knight, who had made no difficulty to undertake him. Hereupon her people arrived, who thinking it almost incredible, that one man could kill so great, so furious, and so formidable a monster, published his praises in such manner, as if they had no tongues but to proclaim him for the most excellent Knight of the earth. Whilst every one was thus commending, he awaked, and finding himself better then he was, he would have risen, seeing Silvana coming towards him, but she, not able to forbear kissing of him before all the company, forbade him with such a grace, that he suffered himself to be laid upon the quilts, for to be carried to a Castle about two leagues from thence, where Silvana purposing to abide some time, sent her Knights over all the country, to assure the death of that dangerous Serpent; whereupon, a world of men and women came in ●locks, who wondering at the valour and features of this Knight, would willingly have prostrated themselves before him, as the chief of all their Gods, if he would have permitted such idolatry; but rendering the glory unto God, to whom it was due, he modestly dismissed them, and was contented that the monster should be flayed, and that his skin, stuffed with straw, should be set over the principal gate of the Capital City of the Island of Silvana, whither a little after he went to the unspeakable satisfaction of the people, who strewing sweet herbs and flowers in his way, as he passed thorough the streets, cried him up to heaven with their acclamations, naming him the Saviour of their country, and their Tutelar God.   

CHAP. XLIII. Trasiclea the valorous Princess of Tramazond, hearing the world talk of the valour of the Knight of the Palms, sends to seek him, the messenger finds him out, shows him the picture of this Princess, he parts with her from the Island of Silvana, and goes to meet with her.  
WHilst these lovers lived thus without cross or fear, whilst the trees and gardens were witnesses of their pleasures, whilst they bathed themselves in their delights, and every day encountered some new way or other to render them more pleasing, all foreign parts were filled with admiration, and the name of the Knight of the Palms became so famous, that there was no other talk but of his valour; the pictures of the monster ran from country to country, his figure was wondered at, his greatness and force was considered, and every one held it for a miracle, that one man alone had the courage to affront him, force's sufficient to combat him, and so much valour as to kill him. Merodiana having sent Cistenia to observe the carriage of her Knight, was advertised of this victory, which made her resolve to pass into the Island of Silvana, for to draw her lover out of her sister's arms; but she lost her labour, for the Destinies, that meant to dispose otherwise of the exploits and fortunes of this Knight, would not permit her to see him, for to hinder his happiness, and thus it was: The fame of the glorious victory, which he had obtained, running from country to country with pictures thereof, as I have related before, came to the cars of Trasiclea, the fairest and most valorous, but withal the proudest Princess of the world. She was daughter to the Emperor of Tramazond, a mighty Potentate, and that deriving his original from the Sun, found the antiquity of his house in the race of the Gods, an opinion that rendered this beauty so glorious, that she esteemed no mortal wight capable of her alliance, nor worthy of so great and precious a treasure. This Princess then, who despised men, and ranked herself among the Deities, who thought she deserved Altars, and that held nothing so glorious nor redoubtable as her arms; hearing the commendations which every one gave to this Knight, could not believe at first that he was so strong, so valiant, and every way so complete as was reported; but having usde the means to have his picture made to the life, together with that of the Monster which he had slain, she beheld it often with wonder, and finding nothing to be added to the proportion of his body, and less to the perfection of his beauty, she said; If the Painter hath not flattered this Knight, he is in my mind the most accomplished under heaven: But that which most amazes me, is to see him so young, and to hear tell how he hath defeated this Monster, whose figure alone gives terror to the most confident; verily he is worthy of a place among our Gods, the world may adore him, and if I were at any time to bow unto the affection of a mortal wight, I should never choose any other to sort my greatness withal. But good Gods! what do I say, if I were to bow unto the affection of a mortal wight? me thinks I feel already a new passion that torments me; & by what I could comprehend from the complaints of them that have been in love, it must needs be that love whose power hath been so vaunted of, and that means to triumph over me, as over all the rest of humane kind. For having always disdained to set mine eyes upon any one, I am marvellously satisfied with this picture, the sight of this warrior pleaseth me, and I find such powerful charms in him, that I love him with an extreme desire to see him. O ye Gods! from whence comes so great a change, Trasiclea? Where is that spirit which made thee raise thy thoughts to the heavens? Art thou so weak as to suffer thyself to be vanquished by a man, nay to take delight in confessing it? Where are those high resolutions of thine, to join thyself to none but one of the greatest of the Gods, as capable alone to enjoy the merit of thy beauty? I vow this is a strange baseness in thee, wherefore altering thy mind, reassume thy former motions. My former motions? why this is the way to follow my former motions: for there is nothing in the Gods which I meet not withal in this Knight: behold, here is the best face in the world, this grace contents me wonderfully, this gentle eye demonstrates an agreeable disposition, this warlike countenance a most generous courage, and this shape an incomparable valour: What shall hinder me then from loving him with such infinite perfections? Nothing, nor shall I ever be persuaded that I fail in my choice, since I find in him all that can be wished for in a divinity. But to what end serves all this, if he do not know my mind? For nothing but to trouble me, wherefore I will no longer forbear to let him understand that I am resolved to love him, so shall I be no way accessary to my own suffering. In this manner did this proud beauty, forcing her natural inclination, conclude to see our Frenchman; but desiring first to be satisfied, how far his valour extended, she took her Arms, where with she was as much redoubted as with the charms of her eyes; and encharging a Damsel with a picture which represented her so well to the life, that there wanted nothing but speech: she left her father's Court, and road four days together with little or no intermission, till she came near the Island of Silvana, where she rested herself in a shepherd's cottage, that joined close to a bridge, over the which he was necessarily to pass; and giving her Damsel, that followed her, ample instructions of her pleasure, as also assuring her that she should find her in that place, she sent her into the Island of Silvana for to draw the Knight of the Palms from thence. This Damsel then proceeding in her journey, traveled three days with much amazement to hear nothing spoken of but the commendations of this warrior; and being come near to the capital City of the Island, she met with twelve Damsels, and as many Knights, whereof one having kindly saluted her, demanded whither she went: I am going, said she, to see the wonder of the world, the excellent Knight of the Palms, the Hercules of this Island, and the Mars of the earth, that I may one day boast I have seen the only rarity of our time. Now believe me, said the Knight, you do not praise him without cause: for if you had beheld him in the midst of Armies, as I have often done, when he fought for the beautiful Merodiana, who is going here in this litter for to see him, you would say more if it were possible. I have heard, said the Damsel, what he did in the wars: for it is bruited every where, that in single combat he defeated the so redoubted King of Licagena, and routed his forces with such marvellous valour, that in an army of thirty or forty thousand men which he had, scarce two hundred escaped: But it is strange, that neither in all this country, nor of any one that ever I did meet withal yet, could I never learn what he is marvel not at that, said the Knight, these great warriors go always unknown through the world, nor ever discover themselves, but upon some extreme necessity. I have known him divers months together in Merodiana's court, yet could I never learn his name, or condition, nor do I think, our Mistress, who questionless hath a great power over him, can so much as tell of whence he is. He is very reserved, said the Damsel; but I imagine that he conceals himself so, to decline all diversions from his enterprises: howsoever we must conclude, that he is the prime Knight of the world. This discourse having carried them to the City, the Damsel followed Merodiana, who was received by her sister with much show of gladness, though in her heart a thousand times she cursed her coming; howbeit understanding that the Knight of the Palms was gone a hunting, and would not return again till the next day, she presently got to horse again, thinking she should have more liberty to speak with him in the woods, then at the Court; and informing herself which way he went, she got to the Forest, where having rode up and down a good while, at length she encountered a place where the Knight of the Palms, in a hunter's habit, was staying to refresh himself. Sir, said she, guessing by his goodly presence it was he, can you tell me where I may find the Knight of the Palms, who they say is in this forest? Gentlewoman, answered he, you see him here before you, ready to do you any service, if you please to employ him. Why then, said she, my travel is at an end, and my mind at rest. My Lord, I do not seek you to importune you with any request, but to let you see a piece, the like, I am persuaded, is not in the world again: Whereupon opening the box, she presented him the picture of Trasiclea; which as soon as ever he had cast his eye upon it, so transported and troubled him, that he staggered as if he had been struck with thunder. Ah! what a beauty is here, said he, and who would believe that Nature could be so prodigal in the distribution of her graces? Surely all her treasures are here assembled, to make this creature perfect; and, questionless, she took the pattern of her out of heaven. You may well imagine so, said the Damsel: for she derives her original from the father of the stars; but alas! you cannot judge of half her perfections: for this piece represents not the grace which she giveth to her actions, and deprives her of the moiety of her glory. I easily believe it, said Alcidamant, but had she less than I behold, it were enough to force the most insensible soul of the world. Boast then, said she, that you have seen the rarest thing in the earth, and restore me my picture, for I mean to take my leave of you, that I may not be benighted before I get me a lodging. How Gentlewoman, said he, will you so soon bereave me of a thing whereon all my content depends? Be not so cruel, I beseech you, but let me enjoy the sight of this Goddess a little longer. By my faith, said she, smiling, I'll make no bargain with you, until you have sworn to grant me such a boon as I shall one day ask of you. You shall have all that you can desire of me, answered he. Why then this picture is yours, said she, and further to oblige you, I will bring you to the speech of her whom it represents, and place you in her favour. O God, said he, can I be so happy! Yes that you shall, answered she, and if you will go presently along with me, I'll not only let you see her ere it be long, but so work, that you shall receive assurances of her love. I would abandon all other felicity, said Alcidamant, to undertake this enterprise; wherefore, do but give me leave to arm myself, and I will wait upon you presently. I'll stay for you as long as you will, said she, provided you return not again to the City. Whereupon, Alcidamant setting his horn to his mouth, wound it so loud, that it was heard of Arnides▪ Troilus, and some other Gentlemen, who immediately repairing unto him, were much amazed to see him arm himself.  
Gentlemen, said he, and you my noble friend, (speaking to the Knight of the Lions) I shall desire you to return unto my Lady, the Infanta Silvana, and excusing me to her, please you to let her know, that the necessity of certain affairs, which concern the good of this Gentlewoman, will not permit me to go and receive her commandments, for I am instantly to depart, and that I am not able to prescribe my return; which nevertheless, shall be as soon as possibly I can. Herewith, being quite ● med, he took his leave of them, and followed by his Squire, he road away with the damsel, who to make the time seem s●ort, fell to entertain him with a discourse of the greatness of her Mistress, whilst Troilus and Silvana's Knights returned to the City. Their news extremely discontented the two sisters, who having recourse unto their tears, reciprocally accused each other of so great a misfortune: Their grief was alike, their complaints were the same, and so was their opinion, that they were betrayed by one another's malice. My Knight unwilling to displease my sister, said Silvana, hath absented himself, because he will not caresse me before her, though I think he will will return again assoon as she is gone; but I have great cause to complain of him, for this fear testifies love, and puts me in a jealousy. The absence of my servant, said Merodiana, gives me no less content than vexation, it shows both respect and weakness, it makes me suspect some familiarity between my sister and him, and yet declares that his affection lives still for me: They have been inward together, I believe it, nevertheless, I will not impute that fault unto him, for it is a hard matter for a Gentleman to avoid the surprises of a shameless woman; my sister hath presented herself unto him, occasions tempt men, and make the most resolved to err; but I must divert this mischief, retire myself, and send to him to come unto me; he is much indebted to my favours, and I have always known him too amorous for to fail me. Whereupon, calling for ink and paper she wrote a letter, such as her passion indicted, and commanding Cistenia not to stir from thence till she understood of his return, or if his stay were long to seek him out; she went back to her own Island, leaving no less content by her departure, than her coming had brought trouble to her sister, who being confident that she should quickly see her lover again, remained well satisfied.   

CHAP. XLIII. Alcidamant combatting the Knight of the Phoenix, near to a bridge, is set upon by three Giants, whom with incredible valour he slays, and then he knows the Knight of the Phoenix.  
THE Knight of the Palms travelling with an amorous impatience, found ages in minutes, and thinking of the sovereign beauties of this Princess, he said: O God What Spirit possesses me, and why do I persuade myself that I may obtain a favour worthy the birth of the greatest Monarch of the world. I know that m●n ascribe little to merit, and that they look upon the greatness rather than the virtue of persons; in the mean time I flatter myself, and foolishly presuming upon that, which I should never hope for, I run to my ruin under the false appearance of a good: me thinks it were fitter for me not to try this hazard, and seek a fortune that becomes me, rather than lose myself in this vain ambition, so should I live at quiet, and out of fear; whereas otherwise, I can expect nothing butreproaches, for being so much wanting in judgement. But what is this I say? Why do I travel up and down the world, if it be not with an intent to equal my fortune with the greatest, and one day to receive a recompense answerable to my virtue? If I should retire now, I were more to be blamed for my cowardice then for my presumption, I must pursue the good fortune which reaches a hand to me, of a mean Knight become a mighty Prince, if heaven please to favour me, and above all endeavour, with the venture of my life, to obtain those felicities, which are promised him tha● shall possess so incomparable a beauty. Entertaining himself in this manner, and with the Damsels discourse, three days passed away without any adventure at all; but on the fourth, approaching a bridge, he saw a Knight presenting himself with a Phoenix in the midst of his shield, sitting his horse in such a comely manner, of so brave a presence, and so rich armed, that it did him good to behold him. Now on my faith, said he, turning him to the Damsel, yonder is the gallantest Knight that ever I beheld; but I doubt, in regard of the desire I have to meet with no impediment in my journey, that I must be forced to combat with him before we shall have our passage free; howsoever, if I be constrained to it, I carry the key at the end of my lance. Herewith, the Knight approaching within a pikes length of him, said: Noble Sir, I am obliged by the commandment of a Lady, that soveraignizes over me, to die upon this bridge in maintaining that she is the fairest in the world, or bring her the shields of all such as shall pass over it; wherefore I am come to demand yours, and in case you deny it me, then to wish you to prepare yourself to fight with me, though I am very loath to hinder the designs of so brave a Knight as you seem to be. Verily, answered he, if the condition of your enterprise did not extend to the glory of Ladies, your gentle language would peradventure have made me take my shield from off my arm, and given it you without fight; but seeing there is question of the honour of beauties, we must see which of us two is the strongest, for having been so happy as of late to serve the fairest and most accomplished Princess of the earth, I cannot leave you in the error you are in, nor suffer any other to be preferred before her Excellence. We may perchance have one and the same Mistress, said the Knight of the Phoenix, and she whom you adore, may be her that I serve. So much the worse for you, said the Knight of the Palms, that being a just occasion to make us everlasting enemies, for not enduring a concurrent, the dispatch of you shall free me of all competition, or I shall leave you without jealousy by my death. Herewith, turning about their horses, they came to encounter one another with such fury, that the ground trembled under them; their fortune was equal, and their lances were broken upon each others shield without any other effect, so as they passed by one another unmoved, like two strong towers shocked together by the violence of the winds. Alcidamant being extremely vexed to see his adversary in his saddle, courageously drew out his sword with an intent to assault him; but he of the Phoenix desired him to run still until such time as one of them was overthrown. By my life, said he, wood is too weak for our desires, and the importance of the quarrel; nevertheless, do as you please; whereupon the Knight of the Bridge having caused four lances to be brought, each of them chose that which he thought was the strongest, and taking the field again, they encountered once more in such a rude manner, both with shields and bodies, that they seemed to have hit against great rocks; the Knight of the Bridge lost a stirrup, passing along with some astonishment, and the Frenchman finished his course somewhat amazed at the valour of his enemy, whom he commended in his thoughts for the strongest that ever he m●● withal, next to the incomparable Knight of the Roses, whom he termed the Phoenix of warriors. Howbeit, rage and jealousy together made him take up the third lance, wherewithal he resolved to vanquish, or to die; when as he perceived three furious Giants to appear, whereof one espying the Palms on his shield, cried out: Mighty Gods, how much am I bound to thank you for putting the murderer of Fangomadan into my hands, that I may inflict some horrible vengeance upon him.  
Herewith Alcidamant perceiving him to make towards him, turned his horse about, and setting spurs hard to him, ran his Lance so just against this new comer's visor, that he passed it quite thorough his head, sending him stark dead to the earth, to the infinite discontent of the other two, who charging him both at one instant with two heavy and terrible blows, made him bend with his shoulders even to the saddle bow; but raising himself quickly up again, he drew out his rich sword, and laying at him that first presented himself, he cut his Shield in two, and gave him a great gash in the arm, whence the blood trickled down apace upon his armour: therewith presently striking at the others head, he had cleft him to the brain, if his sword had not turned in his hand; nevertheless the blow was such, as it astonished him, and forced the blood out of his ears and eyes. In the mean time the Knight of the Phoenix, who was advancing to succour him, if need were, observed him with wonder, he was amazed at his confidence in the midst of such danger, marvelled at the dreadfulness of his blows, but especially admired his dexterity in striking, and avoiding the swords of his enemies, upon whom his never fell in vain: the ground was strewed with pieces of their armour, the blood issued out of five or six places of their bodies, and they found themselves so weary and weak, that their strokes fell not with such fury as at the beginning of the combat; which the Knight of the Palms perceiving, he discharged so terribly on the helmet of him that pressed him most, as he clove him to the teeth: and carried with the same rage, he advanced his sword immediately to strike the other, who in extreme fear would fain have avoided the blow, but being to slow, he received it with so great violence, that it divided his body in two pieces, one moiety remaining in the saddle, and the other tumbling to the ground, with such amazement to the Knight of the Phoenix, who beheld it, that he was lost in the admiration of these horrible blows. Alcidamant seeing himself delivered from his enemies, put up his sword, gave thanks to God for his victory, and approaching to the Knight against whom he was running, when as the Giants assaulted him, he said, Now it is time for us to decide our difference. ay, said the other, who wondered at the greatness of his courage, if you were in better case; but the pains you have taken in this combat, will not permit you to begin another at this instant; take time to breath and refresh yourself, to morrow we will try for the mastery; to obtain it now, would be no glory to me. In the mean while pass the bridge, if you mean to get a lodging to night. What, said Alcidamant, shall I leave a rival behind me? and is it thus that you defend the beauty of your Mistress? Now as I live, you shall not escape me so: I esteem of mine better than to testify so little love unto her; your excuses shall not serve your turn, you must either confess my Mistress to be fairer than yours, or if the beauty we adore be the same, you shall swear to pretend no interest unto her, else resolve yourself to fight: for I have courage enough to vanquish you upon this quarrel. Do not too hot, said the Knight of the Phoenix, I have sworn not to combat with you to day, neither upon this nor any other occasion: you would have me speak for the advantage of your Mistress, I am contented: for I hold her to be fairer yet than you do, and love her much more than you think for; but to tie me, by your menaces, not to love her, nor to pretend unto any part in her favour, I cannot do it, breathing but by her, and for her content: wherefore I may not promise you an impossibility. Nor may I, said Alcidamant in choler, suffer you to part from hence, but upon these conditions: and let me be forsaken at my need, if I leave you till such time as either you or I be in case not to hurt one another any further. How, said the Knight of the Phoenix, will you force me to fight against my will? I that I will, said Alcidamant, or you shall confess before this Damsel, which hath the honour to belong unto her whom I serve, that you utterly renounce all pretence unto her. Are you so hardy, said the Knight of the Phoenix, that you dare threaten me, and think to vanquish me in the ease you are in? I know well enough, said Alcidamant, that you are strong and valiant, the trial which I have made of you, makes me not doubt, but I had rather die a thousand deaths, then offend my Lady in any manner whatsoever. It seems you love her much, said the Knight, seeing death is of less consideration with you, than the loss of her favour. ay, more than you imagine, said Alcidamant, but to what end is all this discourse? Knight you must satisfy me otherwise then with words, there is day enough yet to break a Lance, and two have two or three bouts with our Swords: come, let us dispatch, and be not too backward where it concerns you so much; this delay does not testify the passion which you say you are in for her. Well, said the Knight of the Phoenix, who took great pleasure in Alcidamants choler, I am ready to give you contentment; but it shall not be before you have told me whether you know your Lady, or what her name is. I am not so happy, answered he, for I never saw her but in picture. Well, I will do you a good office then, said the Knight, in letting you know her indeed: Whereupon doffing her helmet, she discovered an Angelical face; which our Frenchman beholding, observed it to be the very same that Love had engraven in his heart. O God said he, presently alighting, and falling on his knees before her, Madam, how have I erred in employing my Arms against you, to whose service alone they are dedicated? ascribe this fault to my ignorance, which may justly excuse me; and, receiving my vows, be pleased I beseech you, that as your Knight I may give an end to all the adventures of the world under the favour of your name. Valiant warrior, said she, being alighted to raise him up, my greatness, which is more than humane, would not permit me to abase myself so much as to salute you, did not your virtue render you worthy of that honour: your valour, that carries your name over all the earth, hath made me desire to see and try you, that so I might know whether the effect be answerable to the praises which the world gives you; but believe me, you have wrong, in that you have not altars erected unto you, and your glory placed where it deserves: howsoever it sufficeth that you are esteemed of me as you ought to be, and that I have such an opinion of you, as obliges me not to pardon you, (because you have never offended) but to grant you the favour to be my Knight. Wherefore I receive your service and your vows, and do further promise to give you one day that place in my bed which I had reserved for some one of the Gods, being hitherto persuaded, that the earth had not a man worthy of that fortune. Madam, answered he, trembling with joy to hear the sentence of his felicity pronounced in so sweet a promise: Be sure, that to merit such grace, I will do things above the power of man; and that in my services, you shall find all that can be expected from an obliged soul, protesting nevertheless, never to dispense with myself for the respect which I owe to your greatness. No, no, said she, love will endure no constraint, and I desire we may live together without ceremony, that we may with the more sweetness enjoy out conversation. I will submit to such laws as you shall prescribe me, said Alcidamant, and you shall see me eternally disposed never to fail against the obedience of your commandments. That is it which I desire, said Trasielea, in the mean time get you to horse, and follow me to the Emperor my father; unto whom I will present you for to be admitted into the number of his Knights. Whereupon Alcidamant mounting on horseback, after he had very humbly kissed her hands in some acknowledgement of the grace she did him, road along with her, and entertained her with the best discourse his troubled mind would permit him to use.   

CHAP. XLV. Alcidamant entertains amorous discourse with the beautiful Trasiclea, and encounters Rozanel d' Astre in the midst of a wood who relates unto him his love with Angelea of S●pradisa.  
ALcidamant thinking no glory in the world equal to that which he had in the sight of his Lady, road on so contented, that he esteemed himself the happiest man living; he often fixed his eyes on her, and finding her incomparably fair, whether he considered the delicate features of a perfect visage, or thought upon the ●orce which she had showed in just, he conceived her to be that Pallas whom the Ancients had worshipped: She on the other side, observing a most extraordinary grace in his actions, an amorous face, a lovely eye, a sweet disposition, a warlike and majestical countenance, imagined him to be the God of battles, whose power and arms the whole universe adored; in such sort that their content was reciprocal, their glory alike, and their desires common. Trasiclea beheld the letters which in gold were embossed upon her Knight's Armour, with a great mind to know the mystery thereof. Alci●amant many times considered the figur● which he saw in the midst of his Lady's Shield, musing at the cause that moved her to affect that bird; both of them carried by the same desire, were opening their mouths to inform themselves of it, and retained by a like consideration, would not seem too curious. At last Trasiclea less ●ash●ull, or more amorous, said unto him, Since you are my Knight, you may not refuse to impart your adventures unto me, to tell me freely who you are, and for the love of what Lady you have c●used those characters to be put upon your Armour. It is more than fit, said he, that I should satisfy you herein: I am a Knight errand, native of the kingdom of France, having no better fortune then that of my hope, and most unworthy of your greatness, if you measure not my merit by my love, strangers call me the Knight of the Palms, and my friends know me better by the name of Alcidamant: As for my parents, they are noble, but in truth not furnished with great estates, though I m●y say without vanity, that Crowns are unjustly wanting to their worth. Touching these Arms, which were given me by a learned Enchantress, when I was to combat Fangomadan; I conceive they were made upon the occurrence of our loves: for here are the first letters of our names interlaced, a T, which signifies Trasiclea, and an A, which is as much to say, as Alcidamant, so that I presume with reason, that all this hath been governed by the providence of heaven: But Madam, I have been long meditating on the device you bear in your Shield, and do therein find no less a mystery then in these characters: for bearing two birds which never meet together, as being unique in their kind, I am persuaded that you would thereby figure your merit, and my love, which separately, or together, can receive no comparison in the world, nor ever can be encountered in one and the same affection: for your beauties, which take their original from heaven, and my love, which is derived from your divine perfections, seem to make but one person of our two bodies, as these birds are united in such a fashion, that you think them to be but one, were it not for the difference of the heads.  
I do believe with you, said she, that there is a great deal of mystery in our encounter, for these arms were given me by a woman, who having told me, that with them I should receive a wound, whereof I should never be cured, and yet that the steel of no enemy should ever pierce them, it had dissuaded me from ever using them, but that she added withal, how this wound should no way endanger my life, but contrarily, I should find so much delight in it, that I should bless the time wherein I got it; all which is manifestly made good at this instant, my hurt being no other than the love wherewithal I am strucken, which shall not diminish by the knowledge I have of your mean fortune; for being a Gentleman, virtuous and valiant, I shall affect you far more, then if you had Empires without virtue, courage, and glory; only live with me as I have told you, and I shall prise your valour above all the Kingdoms of the earth, seeing riches and crowns ought not to be the object of a generous spirit. These lovers entertaining one another in this manner, traveled with such content, that whole days passed away insensibly, so that being not above five leagues from Tarsipolis, the Capital City of the Empire of Tramazond, Trasiclea sent Cesarina (such was the Damsels name that conducted Alcidamant) for to see whether any adventure was befallen at the Court worthy a courageous undertaking, that their appearance there might be so much the more remarkable. The Damsel b●ing departed, than these lovers, transported with the excess of their joy, which made them think of nothing else, lost themselves in a forest, where they road so long till they were overtaken by the night, and forced to rest under the tree till morning, eating, in the mean time, of such provisions as Ar●ides carried along with him, having no other light than that, which reciprocally shone from their eyes, they supped with more content, then if they had been separated in the richest palace of the world, with the best and most exquisite meats that possibly could be had. This small repast being done, they began to renew their discourse, when as they heard the voice of one that complained hard by them. Their curiosity thereupon causing them to arise, they took one another by the hand, and with their helmets on, went softly to the place from whence the voice came, and heard one speak in this sort: Wretch that I am! To what extremity doth fortune reduce me, bereaving me of the means to free my Lady, and reserving her deliverance to the valour of some Knight, who finding her endued with such excellent beauty, may with reason demand her for the recompense of his labours, and deprive me of that happiness, which I had promised myself in the fruition of her. What, shall I survive then the grief of her loss? Never, if I were once assured of it, but my hope in the goodness of heaven doth persuade some relief unto my misery: upon that then, Rozanel, depend, and let no way be left unsought to succour thy distressed Angelea. This complaint, closing with a world of sighs, exceedingly moved both Trasiclea and Alcidamant, who advancing three or fowr paces, presently heard the Knight ask, Who goes there? We are Knights, answered he, who would willingly bring some remedy to your grief, and that desire you consider, how complaints do not be seem a valiant and magnanimous man, seeing there is more glory in suffering, then in such weak expressions. The darkness and silence of these woods are very proper, I confess, to represent your sorrows unto you; but I shall desire you to divert them with our company, to relate unto us the cause of your misfortune, and afterwards to make use of us, if you think us able to succour you. I know not who you are, replied he, but your pity of my affliction doth testify that you are noble and courteous, wherefore I shall gladly obey you, and recounting unto you my fortunes, embrace the generous offers you have made me. I am called Rozanel d'Astre, son to the valiant Amadis d'Astre, and to the beautiful Rozaliana the Emperor's daughter of the Parthians; I went out of Constantinople certain months since, with an intent to make myself famous in the world, in imitation of my father, who in his younger years never met but with one equal to him in valour; namely, Spheramond of Greece his Cousin; I traversed many Christian Kingdoms, giving an end to divers strange adventures, which I will not here particularise, to avoid ostentation, and traveled thus glorious, without any other aim than honour; when as that proud tyrant of our souls, Love, conducted me into the Kingdom of Sopradisa, to triumph over me by the sovereign beauty of Angelea, Grandchild to the invincible Amadis of Gaul: I obtained her favour by killing a furious Giant, who knowing this Country to be destitute of good Knights, ever since the loss which the Christians received at the battle of Aleppo, committed marvellous insolences, and would have married this fair Princess in despite of herself and her subjects, who would by no means dispose of her without the authority of their Prince, named Florian, then abroad in travel. This victory having given me all interest in her, which a modest virgin may accord unto her lover, I lived so contented, that I did not think fortune was able to cross me: But alas! I was not fully a month in this felicity, when as to my infinite grief I perceived that our happiness or unhappiness depend altogether on her. For one morning, I saw three women enter into the hall of S●p●adisa, with their hair about their ears, each of them bearing a torch in their left hand, a guilt truncheon in the right, and viols on their heads, which tumbling down at such time as they had made a circle in the midst of the hall, there arose such a thick fog, that it was two hours before one could discern any thing; at the end whereof, the beauteous Angelea was not to be found, only near to the Royal Throne, a pillar was seen, whereon hung a table of brass, with these words:  In revenge of the blood of Alifernes (so was the Giant named whom I killed) Angelo▪ sha●● continually burn in a cruel fire, and sh●ll not be freed from thonce, till the pair without peer deliver her, the beauty of the valorous Serpent having no less power therein, than the strength of the brave Lion. 
Imagine now what case I was in, when I missed the object of my glory and desires; verily. I was ready to die for grief; and had it not been for the ease I found in my tears and sighs, it had stifled me; but fortune, that reserved me for greater miseries, would not suffer me to end so happily. I remained then lying altogether in affliction, unable to taste the comforts which the people of Sopradisa offered unto me; and arming myself, I resolved to traverse all the earth, and seek her even in the very jaws of hell; and accordingly, I have passed I know not how many countries, continually enquiring after the cause of my mishap; nevertheless, being arrived in these unknown Kingdoms (whither I was brought by as long and furious a tempest as ever was) without any news at all thereof, I began to be in despair; when as a Damsel overtook me at the entry of this wood, and told me that the deliverance of Angelea was nearer than I imagined; but that the glory of it should not fall upon me, it being reserved for the best Knight of the world; wherefore she bade me stay some time in this Country, and follow such as showed themselves sensible of my sufferings; in which regard, I will leave off afflicting myself, and if you please to accept of my company, I will wait upon you, and see how propitious heaven will be unto me in your assistance. Why this is nobly resolved, said Alcidamant, and I assure you we shall be any way glad of your fair conversation; and therefore, betaking yourself quietly to your rest this night, to morrow assoon as the day shall appear, we will set forth together, and peradventure we may find that, which you have so much sought, with all the content you can wish for: Whereupon, laying themselves down under the trees, Alcidamant caused Arnides to keep watch, and amorously kissing his Lady's hand, he slept till morning.   

CHAP. XLVI. Alcidamant, Rozanel, and Trasiclea leave the wood, Rozanel delivers Cesarin● whom three Knights pursued, Alcidamant slays the King of Dramir, valiantly gives end to the adventure of the burning Rock with the aid of Trasiclea, Angelea is recovered, and the enchanted Knight is known.  
LOve, and the inconvenience of their arms, not permitting these Knights to take much rest, they arose with the Sun, and finding their horses, by Arnides diligence, ready, they mounted thereon, with some amazement to each other; Alcidamant and Trasiclea, observed Rozanel d'Astre, and seeing him so handsome, well made, and with a countenance that promised much virtue and good, they were exceedingly afflicted with his misfortune; on the other side, Rozanel beheld the marvellous beauty of Trasiclea, whom he thought to be a Knight, and withal admiring the martial look of Alcidamant, each of them finding something to commend in his companion; and so they traveled together, till they got out of the forest by the direction of a woodseller, who set them in the way to the City. Entertaining the time then with ordinary discourse, Trasiclea discovered a Damsel that fled cross the fields to avoid the fury of three Knights that pursued her. Being much offended with this baseness, she fell a galloping between Alcidamant and Rozanel, who desiring to make some proof of his valour before these Knights, whom he greatly esteemed, he desired them to let him chaftise these insolents, that went about to outrage women, and not to interpose in his assistance, unless they found he was too weak for them. We will do what you please, said Trasiclea, but if you enterprise this to give us some testimony of your valour, your very countenance doth sufficiently assure us of that. I shall be glad, said he, to maintain this good opinion of yours in the proof: wherefore, with your favour, I will undertake them single; so that being not far from those Knights, he cried unto them, Turn about you villains, and defend you from those that mean to punish this base outrage of yours to women.  
Yes Master fool, said they, hoping to dispatch him quickly before the other two arrived, we will chastise your insolence, and teach you how to threaten such as we are: wherewith they all three charged their Lances at him, and encountered him in such sort, that had he been less strong and valiant, he might have kissed the ground; but being not so much as once moved with this encounter, he ran his Lance quite thorough the body of him at whom he had aimed it; & advancing out his Sword at the finishing of his course, he discharged it so dangerously on the helmet of him that was most forward, as he cloven him to the very teeth; which made the third betake him to the wood, in hope to save his life from the fury of this warrior's blade: but his fortune was little better; for wanting discretion to avoid Rozanels companions, Trasiclea encountered him so strongly with her Lance, that she cast him out of his saddle with such mischance, as his right foot hanging in the stirrup, he was dragged by his horse into the wood, whither none of them followed to dispatch him, each of them making to the Damsel, that upon sight of the defeature of her enemies, was returned. As she came near them, Trasiclea perceiving her to be Cesarina, whom she had sent to her father's Cor to learn some news, wondered much at this which was befallen her, and cried out, Cesarina, how camest thou by this misfortune? Through the insolence of Brandamar King of Dramir, answered she, who in revenge of a word I let fall, as I passed by him, made these Knights pursue me for to do me some mischief; but that you may be the better informed of all, please you to understand, that being entered into Tarsipolis, as you had commanded me, I was much amared at the meeting of novelties worthy your curiofity: for the first object appearing unto me in the hall, was a burning rock that walks of itself (at the leastwise one can see no body that conducts it) and stays ordinarily three days in the Court of a King or Prince in expectation, that some Knight should make trial of the adventure, which in truth gives as much occasion of pity as of fear: for in the hollow of the rock, one may behold a very beautiful young Lady in the midst of the flames, who lamenting with a million of sighs and tears, entreats for succour, and beseeches all good Knights to draw her out of the fire, which divers have undertaken to do; but at the very instant when they go about it, a Knight all covered with fire comes out, or if there be many that attempt it together, each one finds such a one to encounter him, who having given him three or four blows with his sword, or more, if the valour of the Knights be greater, he lays him all along in the place, where all his pain is in the heat that he feels, which is not allayed till such time as his arms be taken from him: and that which breeds the most wonder, is, that the hall is not any whit the hotter for this fire, which questionless is not material, and that no body feels the heat but only the Knights that prove the adventure. This marvel seeming worthy of my pains, I was upon returning to acquaint you with it; but espying two of my fellows, I stayed a while, and understood by them how all the Court was much troubled with your absence, especially at a time when your presence was most necessary there in regard of the interest of your beauty: for the King of Dramir, named Brandimar, presented himself with intolerable insolency, in the lists of Tarsipolis, where he maintained, that the beauty of his Mistress surpasseth all others whatsoever, and mads all the world to see him triumph over every one that undertakes him, having so little right on his side, and from thence proceeded the cause of my danger: for unable to conceal the anger I was in for the wrong he did you, by preferring one before you that is not worthy so much as to look on you, I said aloud as I passed by, that I would go and fetch a Knight able to remove him from that error, and abate his pride; which put him into such a rage, that he commanded them to follow me, and do me some outrage. And this, Madam, is all the account I can give you of this journey. It is more than I could hope for, said Trasiclea, but I am glad I met with thee so opportunely, as to free thee from those Knights: Touching Brandamar, I doubt not but to take such order with him, that either my Lance or Sword shall determine the punishment of his temereity. Madam, said Alcidamant, this combat appertains unto me, and I should think myself most infortunate if any other should undertake the defence of your beauty, reserve yourself for more glorious interprises, and permit me to give you some small proof of my love in this action. I grant it you, said Trasiclea, and shall be very well contented to see him chastised by your hands. Whereupon doubling their pace, after they had rendered thanks to Rozanel, who wondered to behold so fair a Princess bear Arms, they arrived at Tarsipolis; where the first thing they did, was to go strait way to the Camp to combat the King of Dramir, whereof the Emperor being advertised, betook him presently to the windows, as much admiring the gallant carriage of the Knights, as satisfied with his daughter's return, whom he easily knew by her Arms; and that having espied him, went up instantly to him to do her duty. Your long stay abroad, said he, hath extremely discontented me; but your safe return makes a full amends for it: You will have more cause to rejoice, Sir, answered she, when you understand how I have brought you that famous Knight, who hath filled all the regions hereabout with wonder: he that slew the mighty King of Licagena, that with a handful of men cut his Army in pieces; that killed the monster of the Island of Silvana, and in my presence three furious Giants, with fingle might had made the greatest Estate of the world to tremble. What a rich booty hast thou got, my daughter, said the Emperor, if thou canst keep him here. He comes with an intent to be of the number of your Knights, answered she, wherefore may it please you to afford him as gracious entertainment as possibly may be: for I assure you, Sir, he merits it more than any other Knight whatsoever. Be confident, daughter, said he, that I will give him very much cause to abide in my court: for all my treasures shall be upon him, and my chiefest Princes shall yield him place. But let us see how he will carry himself against the King of Dramir, which would prefer a common beauty far before yours, whose excellency only deserves the title of Divine. Whereupon, going to the windows, they saw Brandamar fly over the crupper of his horse, and the valiant Knight of the Palms pass on with an admirable grace. Behold an encounter of the Lance, said the Emperor, that does not belie the fame which this Knight hath acquired in the world; and if he can manage a Sword as well, our Amoroso shall miss of the content he expects here. Trasiclea was about to reply, but was retained by harkening to her lover, who was alighted, because he would not fight with advantage, and said to his enemy, that made but little haste in rising, having been shrewdly shaken with his fall, Why how now King of Dramir, are you no forwarder in defendidg the beauty of your Mistress? questionless she will have but little reason to caresse you: up, up, it may be you shall rest in another fashion by and by. These words, which made all the people fall a laughing at him, having put him into an extreme rage, he rose as if he had received no hurt, and drawing out his Sword, went and struck at Alcidamant in a most violent manner; but he wifely avoiding it with admirable agility discharged a full blow on his left arm, cutting it off sheer from his body. Whereat this lame lover being strangely incensed, returned another with all his force on the Frenchman's Shield, which proving impenetrable, it recoiled in vain; howbeit nothing abashed therewith, he laid about him most furiously, and rendered the combat very doubtful; but Alcidamant considering that he fought before the Father, and for the glory of his Lady, and disdaining to have the victory any longer disputed, he advanced his Sword, and let it descend in such a terrible manner on Brandamar, that it divided him to the very girdle; wherewith all the assistants were so amazed, as they could not believe that this blow could proceed from any other than the great God of Battles, and for such would have adored him, would he have endured such vanity: but sheathing up his Sword, and going to the Palace, he presented himself to the Emperor, who received him with all the testimonies of a most extraordinary respect. Sir, said he, kneeling down before him, the report which runs of the worthy esteem your Majesty makes of good Knights, hath given me the confidence thus to become an humble suitor that you will be graciously pleased to accept of my service. I am more contented with your presence, said the Emperor, then with the addition of another Empire: whatsoever you desire in my Court shall be yours, and my people shall honour you no less than mine own person. I shall never be worthy of this favour, said the Knight: But Sir, I will perform such deeds of Arms for your service, that you shall never repent any grace you have conferred on me. Then turning himself to his fair Princess, and kissing her hands with incredible delight, he assured her of the continuance of his vows. This done, the Emperor would have had him conducted to his chamber; but being moved with the complaints of that beauteous Infanta which he saw in the midst of the flames of the burning rock, he besought the Emperor that he would vouchsafe to entertain himself a while with beholding the trial of this adventure; and desiring the same from his Lady, he was drawing out his Sword, when as he perceived Rozanel advancing towards the rock, with the countenance of a man half distraught. My noble friend, said he unto him, whither run you thus? Either to die with my Angelea, said he, whom I see in that fire, or deliver her out of her pains. Herewith the Emperor being advertised by Alcidamant, of the love between this Knight, a great Prince among the Christians, and that beautiful Infanta which he beheld in the rock, he stood to observe the success of this enterprise; & saw, that having touched the rock with his Sword, a Knight came forth of it, whose armour was covered all over with great flames, and that showing a confident look, began one of the roughest combats with Rozanel, that could be between two Knights, their blows were mighty, and according to the extreme fury which Rozanel expressed in his fight, every stroke he struck, gave an expectation of the end of this combat; howbeit, the glory being reserved for another, he remained a little after extended in the place, with an opinion that he should be consumed in his armour; nevertheless, the heat allayed as soon as he touched the ground, nor was he further tormented therewith when he was once unarmed, but such was his grief and displeasure, that he would have thrown himself into the Rock, for to die with Angelea, had he not been restrained by Alcidamant; who staying him by the arm, declared unto him the fault he had committed by showing himself so weak.  
Wherewithal, being somewhat pacified, Alcidamant drew his sword, and seeing a man all in flames issue forth as before, he charged him with such fury that all the hall was full of sparkles. The combat growing terrible, gave a world of expectation to the beholders, every one looked with passion upon the Knight of the Palms, who preferring death before the shame of not vanquishing in the presence of his Mistress, pressed the enchanted Knight so hard, that ever and 〈…〉 made him set his kno●s or his hands to the ground, and as much as he could declined the strokes of his enemy's sword, because he probably conjectured that thereon depended the force of the charms, and that Rozanel had resisted longer if his arms had not been heated with the Knight's blows; nevertheless, unable to avoid them all, he received one on his armour, which beginning to burn him, as if he had lain upon the fire, put him into such a rage, that taking his sword in both his hands, he discharged it so dangerously o● his enemy's helmet, that he laid him all along upon the floor, to the great contentment of th● spectators, and especially of Trasiclea, who finding no less glory in her lover's victory, then if she herself had gotten it, was going to caresse him, when she perceived a dwarf come towards her from the root of the Rock, and say: Madam, you are to have a 〈◊〉 in this adventure, and 〈◊〉 to show yourself no less courageous than this famous Knight of the Palms; for now on you alone depends the good or ill of this Lady. Lo here, the means of her deliverance, said he, presenting her with a viol full of odoriferous water, enter resolutely into the rock, brea● this glass upon the head of the Infanta, and then you shall s●● the enchantment dissolved. Whereupon the Emperor stepped forth wit● two of his Lords to stay Trasiclea, remonstrating unto her, that there was no trust to be given to sorcery, and that she would be consumed before she was half way in the Rock; notwithstanding all which, she went with a dauntless courage thorough the flames, and broke the viol over the head of the Princess of Sopr●disa, which was no foo●●r done, but presently the fire was quenched, Angelea felt no more pain, and the ar●our of the Knight whom Alcidamant had combated, lost the colour which it had, himself standing on his feet as well as ever he was in all his life. Behold, my Lord, said Trasiclea, presenting Angelea to her father, behold the fruit of ●y courage, I have delivered this fair Princess out of cruel torment, given new life to this Knight, pointing to Rozanel d'Astre, and shall be the cause of the happiness of all their future being. You speak most truly, Madam, said Rozanel, transported with an excess of joy to see his Mistress fr●● from pain, you have given us indeed a new life, & have exceedingly obliged us, not to breathe, but for your service: wherefore please you to command us something, that we may dispose ourselves to obey you. That which I desire ●f you is, said Trasiclea; that you live long contented together, and that you render your affections of proof against the power of Fortune. Whereupon assuring them, that they should receive all the assistance they could possibly desire from her, she left them to entertain Alcidamant, to whom they gave a world of thanks, and commanding the Count d'Alcane to see them furnished with money and shipping for their return into Greece. After they had refreshed themselves a while in Tarsipolis, she was going to retire with Alcidamant, when as the enchanted Knight having put off his Helmet, went and kneeled down before him, humbly thanking him for the succour he had given him. The goodly presence of this Knight possessing Trasiclea with an extreme desire to know him, she entreated him to tell his name. Madam, answered he, I am called Florisbel, second son to the great King of France, who leaving Constantinople a while since, for to seek adventures abroad, was carried by sea into Cataya; where meeting with no less attractions in the beautiful Semarimis, daughter to the King of that country, than my cousin here, meaning Rozanel d'Astre, who as yet had taken no notice of him, hath encountered the Princess of Sopradisa, I set myself to serve her with that good fortune as she received me for her Knight; whereupon I undertook such enterprises for her sake, as were worthy the glory of my Ancestors, sent her two hundred shields, of Knights that I had overthrown at a Just which was held for to publish her the wonder of beauties: and not satisfied therewith, I went up and down doing marvellous deeds of Arms under the name of the Grey Knight; when as one morning I met with 3 old witches, who conducting this enchanted Rock, laid such powerful charms upon me, that I entered all armed in it, having no other desire then to withstand all those that offered to deliver this fair Princess. And this, Madam, is all the satisfaction I can give you for the present, but not all that you may expect from me hereafter: for I will seek out occasions to serve both you and this brave warrior that accompanies you. Trasiclea having courteously thanked him, presented him with the same favours which she had offered to Rozanel, who by this time coming to know him, entertained him with a world of kindness, and had therein continued longer, but that Trasiclea desiring to accompany her Knight to his chamber, so to show her subjects how she would have them to honour him, caused them to be conducted to another, giving the fair Angelea three Damsels to attend her, with a charge to see her extraordinarily served. All things being thus happily disposed, Trasiclea left her Knight, went and unarmed herself, put on one of the richest gowns she had, dressed herself wonderful wealthy, and appeared so beautiful at supper, where the three Knights were set at table with the Emperor, that every one thought she had some divinity in her. The cloth being taken away, and the Emperor having discoursed with Rozanel and Florisbel, who then took their leave of him, whilst Alcidamant was talking with his Lady, every one withdrew till the next morning; at which time our Princes of Greece having kissed Trasiclea's hand, & bidden the Knight of the Palms adieu, who would not make himself known to Florisbel, embark themselves with Angelea for their return to Constantinople, where we will leave them for to prosecute our history.   

CHAP. XLVII. Alcidamant encountering Trasiclea apart, discovered his passions unto her, and the answer she made him.  
ALcidamant living with unspeakable content in the midst of honours, and the praises of all men, and no less esteemed, then if he had been the Prince of Tramazond, had nothing further to wish for, but some more particular favours from Trasiclea; he had love and impatience enough for to desire them, but too much respect for to ask them: so that the pain of his fear equalled the pleasure of his hope. Some days being sweetly passed away in walking, familiar discourses, and solitary entertainments, one evening he espied his Mistress fitting in the shadow, under certain trees; where, kneeling down before her, and taking her hand to kiss, he said unto her: Madam, consider I beseech you, the extremity of my passion by the excess of your beauty; and marvel not, if unable to support the violence of my desires, you see me in some unreasonable impatience: I endure all that a poor lover can undergo; and the sight of you, which should assuage my martyrdom, increases it: for apprehending the felicity which I am to expect from your more secret caresses, I cannot bear the retardment of them but with incredible torment. I am too forward, I am too forward, I confess, and this complaint of mine, which seems unreasonable (since you have always assured me that you live for me only) may justly offend you: But alas! that which I feel, will not permit me to be longer contained, so that I am forced to discover it, for to find some remedy, and that wholly depends on you, which I beseech you to grant me, if you have resolved to render me one day happy, and without making me longer to languish, advance my felicity with your delicious fruition. Sir, answered she, I did not think our familiarity would have carried you to such insolency, or that my affability would have made you forget the respect which you ought to have: Have you well considered that you desire, and upon what conditions do you demand it? Alas! said he with a trembling, which thoroughly testified his love, and that gave marvellous satisfaction to Trasiclea, who therein observed that which she desired in this fear: Madam, do you set down the laws yourself, I will never oppose them, I opened my heart to you, to make you sensible of my suffering, not to provoke you to displeasure; be not offended then, I beseech you, with this liberty I have taken: or if it be distasteful to you, command me to suffer and be silent, and you shall never hear me open my lips hereafter, but with that very respect which may be used to a Deity. I do not require, said she in a gentler accent, that you should live after with me: for my affection will not endure such ceremonies, but you shall oblige me for hoping for any thing more from me, than what honour will permit me to grant you: for our conditions being so different, that they may well draw my father to be otherwise disposed than I am, if he were aware of our determinations; it is very necessary, in my opinion, to wait the time, when as your services, and my persuasions may induce him to receive you as his son in law, rather than ruin them by precipitation; I do believe that this expectation is grievous to you, and that it leaves you not without much desire, for I judge of your suffering by mine own; but say, my Knight, will it not be worthy of your pain, and will not your pleasure taste the sweeter for your enduring? Yes verily, it will be dearer to you, having gotten it with difficulty, then if you enjoyed it otherwise. Complain no longer therefore, I pray you, but live with more content, and give me occasion to love you everlastingly.  
Madam, said he, it is no little grief to me that you should find any offence in my complaints, but since they displease you, be assured they shall never importune you more, I will suffer with silence, and if the violence of my passion shall enforce any sighs from me, I will so carry myself that none but these trees shall be witnesses of them; In the mean time be graciously pleased to sweeten the bitterness of my displeasure with some more particular favours, and encouraging me to attend the happiness which you make me to hope for, permit me to come and visit you in your chamber when all the world is at rest, that so I may have the content to see you without fear. I will advice with time upon that, said she, for it is a business that requires good deliberation; but not to be so ingrateful as to give you nothing, receive this kiss, the first that ever man received from my divinity forbidding me the imparting of so great a favour; receive, I say, this kiss for an infallible assurance of my promise. Whereupon, laying her mouth to his lips, she ravished him with the incredible delight of so amorous a touch. In this manner did these lovers spend the time, and lived with such a tranquillity of mind, that never did two find less distaste in the birth of their affections. If they saw one another, it was with new assurances of their love, if therein they were hindered by any occasion, that defect was supplied with letters; Arnides and Cesarina were always walking with new commissions; briefly, their discourse and conversation was a very Paradise. This contentment being without crosses, Alcidamant without jealousy, (because the pride this Princess had esloigned all such as desired to present her with their service) she without suspicion, not being able to imagine that ever he will be in any passion for another, their life was rather divine then humane, and all things disposed themselves by little and little to render them happy; when as fortune, that takes pleasure in her inconstancy, would needs let them see that the content of men depends upon her will, and that their designs do never arrive at a good port without her assistance. Two storms arose at once, whereof one was like to have overthrown the greatness of that Empire, by reducing the Emperor and his daughter to the extremity of the loss of their lives, and the other to have utterly ruined these lover's hopes for ever enjoying one another. The first happened by the treachery of Drumelia, Aunt unto Brandamar King of Dramir, slain, as you have heard, upon the quarrel of his Mistress beauty; and the second through the indiscretion of Cistenia, whom Merodiana had left in the Island of Silvana, with a letter directed to the Knight of the Palms, as I shall deliver by and by, having spoken of that which did precede this misfortune.   

CHAP. XLVIII. Drumelia Aunt to the King of Dramir would have betrayed the Emperor of Tramazond; Trasiclea is led away by cunning, the Emperor is assaulted by three Giants, falls down hurt: Alcidamant succours him, with increaible valour, slays the three Giants, arrives in the wood just as Trasiclea was ready to be ravished, delivers her by the death of his enemies, and returns to the City.  
DRumelia, Aunt unto Brandamar, unable with patience to endure the death of this King, whom she held as dear as her own life, had recourse unto magical books, wherein she was wonderfully expert; and knowing that the Emperor of Tramazond, upon whom she desired to extend her rage, was too mighty for her to be revenged of by arms, she proceeded therein with cunning; wherefore desiring nothing so much as his death, and the destruction of Trasiclea, she resolved to govern her enterprise with such judgement, that both their ends should arrive at one instant, so that taking five dreadful Giants, near kinsmen to Brandamar, she caused herself and them to be carried by night, in a cloud, to the forest of Tarsipolis, where making certain circles amongst the trees, she rendered her conjurations so powerful, that the great and formidable Giants seemed little deformed Dwarves; seeing them in the estate which she desired for to cover her malice, she put herself in the midst of them, advertised them particularly of all that they had to do; and taking the way of the City, she came thither just as the Emperor was returning out of the Temple from sacrificing to his Gods. Howbeit, not thinking it fit to present herself unto him any where but in the Palace, because she would not play one match without the other, she followed fair and softly after him, giving the people occasion to laugh, for to see her walk between five such ill-favoured creatures; and coming to the hall, even as Trasiclea entered, she presently advanced towards her, and kneeling down, with tears and sighs, she thus began: Excellent Princess, I am reduced to that pass, as it is not possible for a wretched woman to be more miserable; in so much, that if I do not find some assistance of your pity, you shall see me cut off the poor remainder of my life here in your presence, and this poniard in my hand shall second the cruelty of my fortune, which hath lately deprived me of a son, whom I may richly boast to be one of the best Knights of the earth, rendering him a prisoner in the hands of a merciless Giant, that loving the same Mistress, which he served, to free himself of a rival, purposeth to take away his life, if he be not speedily succoured: Now the fame which runs of your valour, hath induced me to make this address unto your greatness, with an opinion that I shall not be refused. No verily, said Trasiclea, that you shall not, for I will serve you most willingly in this extremity. Madam, said Alcidamant, extremely discontented to see her so resolved, I beseech you to pardon me if I say, that you promise too lightly; I am fitter for travel than you, and your divine person is not to be exposed unto hazard, without more occasion. Leave the care of this to me, and give your subjects the satisfaction of your presence, whilst I go and dispatch the affair. Why my Knight, said she smiling, are you not contented with so much glory as you have acquired in the world already, but that you would bereave me of this too? Let me entreat you to stay here for to serve the Emperor my father in my stead, and because it will not be long ere I return, you shall seek to entertain him in the mean time. Now by my Crown, said the Emperor, I am also of his mind, daughter, and do not hold it fit that you should undertake this enterprise, wherein it may be there is more danger than you think for. Sir, said Drumelia, who was very much afraid that her designs should be very much discovered, you need not doubt her esloignment, her valour exempts you from that; and to let you see that I do not venture her person lightly, as you imagine, I'll stay here myself with you, and she shall be conducted by two of these Dwarves, so that in case she return not safely by to morrow, with all the contentment you can desire, inflict the cruelest punishment you can upon me. Trasiclea said unto her father, My Lord, there are so few occasions of glory presented in these quarters, that I cannot without much wrong to mine honour refuse this same; therefore permit me, I beseech you, to depart with your good favour, and comfort yourself the mean while in the company of this noble Knight of the Palms. Well, since you will have it so, said the Emperor, I'll no longer oppose your desire, but I am in some mistrust, I know not wherefore, and cannot be persuaded that this voyage will be prosperous. Trasiclea, having thus obtained leave, presently armed herself, little regarding the suspicion her father had of the enterprise, which she imputed rather to the imbecility of his age, then to any assured judgement; and therefore having cast a thousand looks on her Knight, for to bid him tacitly adieu, she departed with Cesarina and two of those Dwarves, somewhat troubled for that she had not the company of Alcidamant: The displeasure whereof, so took up her thoughts, that never minding her enterprise, she road on till she came to the wood, whereinto the Giants were no sooner entered, but they re-assumed their former shape, laid two blows with their heavy maces on the head and shoulders of this Princess, who thus surprised, fell, and kissed the ground, with little or no memory at all. The Giants seeing her in this posture, instantly alighted, bound her with cords, and laying hold on Cesarina, that seemed more dead than alive, they tied her to the foot of a tree. Whilst this Tragedy was framing in the wood, a more bloody one was acted in the City: Drumelia thinking Trasiclea sure enough in the hands of these Giants, desiring to play her part, touched the three Dwarves with a wand she had in her hand, and making them appear with their natural greatness, much amazed the assistants, especially the Emperor, who going to save himself, received a blow with a scymiter on his arm, which laid him on the ground, liker to die then to live. Whereupon, a great rumour arose in the hall, the Courtiers betook them to their swords by Alcidamants example, who, with his cloak wound about his left arm, gave one of the Giants so furious a blow on the shoulder, that he opened him to the very girdle, and instantly ran one of the other two quite thorough the body; the third, who made a horrible massacre of the unarmed Knights, seeing the fall of his companions, in a mighty rage flew at Alcidamant, hoping to cut him in pieces; but the advised Knight, whose judgement was not overcome with fury, slipped aside from the blow, and losing no time, gave him a deep and dangerous wound in the thigh. The Giant, boiling with choler, was not then much sensible of it; but a little after, advancing his heavy scymiter to discharge it on the Knight, and stretching himself upon his feet to render his stroke the stronger, he fell all along, and carried with him more than half of our Frenchman's cloak, who receiving a light hurt on the arm, did for all that forbear the taking of his enemy's head from his shoulders, and suddenly running to the door, made stay of Drumelia, who, beholding the miserable end of her kinsmen, would have saved herself. By my life, said he, you old witch, you shall not escape me so, your head shall answer for Trasiclea's life; Say, wicked creature, Whither hast thou caused her to be conducted? What, wilt thou not speak? No, I will be torn in pieces, said she, before I will discover it; her death shall yet make some satisfaction for the King of Dramirs, and the inhuman butchery of these his kinsmen. What a horrible treason is this, said Alcidamant? But the horribleness of thy punishment shall be answerable to it. Whereupon, dragging her into the hall, he committed her to the custody of certain Knights, whom he commanded to look well unto her, as they would answer it with the peril of their heads; and perceiving the Emperor to be come again to himself, and that the Surgeons assured there was no danger in his hurt, he ran presently to his chamber, caused himself to be armed with all speed, and mounting on his horse, galloped away towards the wood; where at the first arrival, he heard certain cries, which made him put himself amongst the thickest of the trees, at one of the which he saw Cesarina tied, and his beautiful Mistress in the hands of two Giants, who were pulling off her armour for to ravish her. This sight possessing him with a strange fury, he alighted, and with his sword drawn, approached these two Colossuses, and finding the head of the greatest unarmed, divided it in two, thinking he was not obliged to use any courtesy to persons that were not capable of it. The other, grown wiser by his companions misfortune, laced on his helmet, and cried out: Stand, Caitiff, that I may revenge the death of a man, whom thou hast basely surprised, and let this one blow be the reward of all thy wickedness. Saying so, he discharged his curtleax with such violence, that he stun'd the Knight's arm, making him recoil a pace or two back; but his wrath increasing, and considering that the safety of his Lady was at stake, he laid at his head with such a tempest, that albeit his sword turned in his hand, and that he struck him but with the flat, yet he sent him dead to the ground, his brains flying out with the horrible violence of the blow.  
That done, he came speedily to Trasiclea, and cutting the cords wherewithal she was tied, he said, O God what inhumanity is this, to inchain her that is able to captivate all the world? Madam, these barbarous villains were not ignorant of your valour, and therefore the fear of your sword had made them secure themselves by binding you: But what trick did they use to reduce you thereunto? They surprised me being in a muse, said she, and with two mighty blows laid me along; where remaining without motion, I could not hinder them from binding me: And even as you came, these villains were unarming me, and threatened to make me serve for the satisfying of their brutish lust; but thanks be to the Gods, I am freed by your valour: yet I wonder how you could leave the Emperor, for to arrive here so luckily. How? said he, leave the Emperor? We have seen strange things within these two hours. Then he recounted unto her all that had passed in Tarsipolis, whereat she remained so much amazed and contented, that she could never commend her good fortune enough, which had made her the Mistress of so brave and valiant a Knight. Let us go my dear friend, said she unto him, let us go and release the Emperor out of the care he is in for the loss of me; and let us think upon the pains wherewithal we may sufficiently punish this wicked creature that had so cunningly betrayed us. It were fitter to think of that which I endure, answered he; and if you were as just as fair, you would leave the care of that execution to the officers of the Empire, for to undertake a noble resolution to give some speedy end to our sufferings, nevertheless, seeing you have commanded me to be silent herein, I will proceed no further, but refer the performance of your promise to your own gracious pleasure. Why see now, said she, how time begets occasion to content you: for have you not to day done things able to oblige my father not to deny you what you so much desire? yes, my Knight, you have, and if you will be patient, you shall quickly see yourself at rest: let not your complaints then diminish the obligation of your succour, but let me feel the contentment of it without grief. Whereupon Cesarina being untied, they took the way of the City, wherein they met with five or six troops of Knights, which the Emperor had sent for the deliverance of Trasiclea, who seeing her return with the valiant stranger, (for so was Alcidamant ordinarily termed) and understanding how matters had past, they raised his praises to such an height, that he was ashamed of them, & Trasiclea, the most contented on the earth. The speed they made, having soon brought them to the City, Trasiclea went strait to see her father, who taking her by the hand, fell a weeping with extreme joy. Do I see thee again, my dear child, said he, being out of all hope both of mine own safety and thy life? Ah! how much am I bound to the Gods for so great a grace? and what do I owe to this brave stranger, who hath this day done such wonders, as never will be forgotten as long as the world endures? Daughter, it is you that must requite them, I leave you the power to do it, and will no way oppose whatsoever you shall ordain for his recompense. My Lord, answered she, this service deserves no less than a Crown; but we shall have time enough to think of it: our present care must be to look unto your health. I find myself so well, said he, that the joy of your return surpasseth the pain I feel of my wound: Go and refresh yourselves both of you, whilst I take a little rest, as I am advised by my Physicians. Thereupon those lovers bidding him good night, went and warmed themselves, and then walked into the hall together for to behold an infinite company of Bonfires which the inhabitants of Tarfipolis made in every part of the City for joy of the good success of this adventure; which done, they both withdrew into their chambers, Alcidamant studying how he might demand some ease for his sufferings, without offending his Lady, and Trasiclea what more greater favour she might confer on him, then formerly she had done, and not contravenne that modesty which a virtuous and discreet maiden ought to have in her actions.   

CHAP. XLIX. The complainis of Alcidamant, Trasiclea's resentment, she promiseth to esponse him the next day: Cistenia arrives in the mean time with letters from Mer●dian●: Trasiclea by wile reads them, becometh jealous, banisheth Alcidamant, and makes him feel the effects of her displeasure.  
ALcidamant dying in his impatience, and finding nothing so grievous as the command which was laid upon him, not to make any show of his torment, was oppressed with strange unquietness. He went ordinarily into the gardens, walked up and down the allies, and getting many times into the orchard, he laid himself down upon the bank of a little stream which ran along by it; where, under the shadow of certain trees, his eyes full of tears, he spoke thus: How I envy your nature, that doth not render you subject to the misfortunes which follow men: you know not what it is to love; insensible of lovers pains, you mock their sufferings; and never caring for the injuries of time, you let the seasons work their effects: and now behold, you are beautifully adorned with green leaves, whilst I am in martyrdom, and with so little hope, as makes my life a very languishment. Is not this a wonderful misery? Doubtless it is, yea such as makes me desire to change condition with you, if I might, and wish myself covered with your bark, therein to spend the time which Love hath allotted to my pai●, th●● so I ●ight be freed from the griefs wherewithal I am surcharged. Carrying himself frequently in this manner, every one marvelled that he was never seen in the Court, but at such times as he must needs be present there; yea, and his Lady suspecting something, extremely desired to know what became of him: Whereupon she caused Ces●●ina to watch him, and understanding one day that he was in the garden, thither she went, visited all the alleys, and not finding him, she passed into the orchard, where espying him to lie under the trees, she stole as near unto him as she could. He was then so entertained by his fancies, as he spoke not a word; but his silence lasted not long: for suddenly he said, O Madam! how hard is this commandment? and what may I hope from the extremity of my passions, if you will not permit me to show them? Either you love me, or your promises are feigned. If you have resolved to make me happy by giving yourself unto me upon such conditions as honour allows of, why do you refuse me that now which you will grant me then? you will say, that respect restrains you: Ah Madam! that is but an ill opinion for to make lovers languish: and she that admits of such a consideration cowardly, deprives herself of happiness. I would to God, not that you should feel my pain (for I will never wish you so much hurt) but that you may know the rigour of it, that you might see a million of tears in my eyes, and that you might judge by these infinity of sighs which ordinarily I fetch, whether I can be without grief to see myself so long delayed from the greatest bliss which a Knight can hope for in the world, you would then, without doubt, be more sensible of my endure, and advancing my felicity, give end to the martyrdom wherein you had seen me. These complaints moved Trasiclea exceedingly; and had she not been arrested by that bashfulness wherewithal maids are usually retained, questionless she had made use of time and place to show her lover that she desired his contentment no less than himself; howbeit, stealing softly back, she returned into the garden, where considering her lover's reasons, she sometimes resolved to give him satisfaction, and then by and by was quite of another mind. At length, having continued a good while in these extremities, she concluded to make no further difficulty therein, seeing she meant to take him for her husband. This is, said she to herself, this is but to defer his contentment with too weak considerations; & so many nights as pass away unprofitably, seem to accuse me of want of love, I do myself wrong to be so difficile for mine own content; but I will repair this fault, and living otherwise hereafter, I will give my Knight no more occasion to complain. This resolution carrying her back again to the orchard, she began to sing a far off, for to draw Alcidamant out of his fantasies, who was very much amazed to behold her, and to be surprised with tears in his eyes; whereupon he took his handkerchief for to wipe them, but Trasiclea staying his hand, said unto him: I am very glad, my Knight, to see you weep in this sort, not that I take pleasure in my cruelty, but to make it serve for your content: your complaints which I have heard, have had the power to alter both my will and mind, so that I am now resolved to give your services their recompense, to espouse you secretly, and to let you enjoy all the privilege which marriage can afford you, until such time as we may dispose my father to receive you more openly. Wherefore be of good cheer, and prepare yourself to come to morrow in the evening to my chamber, where Cesarina and my Governess shall be witnesses of the faith you shall plight me to legitimate our caresses. Thus have I resolved to do, both as your merit and my affection require. O God said Alcidamant, falling on his knees before her, can I, Madam, ever deserve this grace? and may I not well repute myself the happiest man of the earth? yes, without doubt, I may, nor do I think that my felicity can be matched with another whatsoever. O blessed sufferings! what reward are you to have? What fruit do I gather from my tears? and what treasure have I found in my patience. O the most fortunate Knight breathing! Dost thou promise to thyself not only an Empire, but the possession of a Divinity? No, no, thou couldst not, this favour surpasseth all thy hopes by far, and obliges thee never to be ingrateful: neither, Madam, will I ever be, I will labour to be found worthy of this grace by a million of services: and the more you have exalted me, the more humbler and more acknowledging you shall find me; give me therefore, I beseech you, these fair hands, that I may, upon their beauties, imprint my thankfulness for the compassion you have been so graciously pleased to have of me. My dearest Knight, answered Trasiclea, seeing I have promised you an absolute power over the rest, sure I shall never permit you more to kiss my hands: for purposing very shortly to be your wife, I am to entreat you otherwise then heretofore: wherefore now you shall have my lips (saying so she kissed him) wherewithal I shall desire you to be contented, until our marriage shall authorise you further.  
Hereupon these two lovers taking one another by the hand, walked up & down a while in the garden; but Trasiclea, to avoid all suspicion that might have grown by their being met so together, modestly withdrew herself, and left him with such an ecstasy of joy, that he knew not where he was. Night ensuing thereupon, he went to see the Emperor, who finding himself healed of his hurt, and in better state of health than he had been of a long time before, resolved to hunt the next morning by the break of day; which fitted our Frenchman's disposition wonderful well, who thinking he should that way pass the time better than to remain in the Court, promised to wait upon him; and accordingly no sooner did the Sun appear the next morning, but he got into the field, where thinking of his approaching happiness, he made his horse to bond with such a grace, that it amazed every one to see how bravely he sat him: Then calling to mind his Mistresses amorous words, and considering them severally apart, he thought no felicity could be comparable to his, nor that he could ever be subject again to the crosses of Fortune. But alas! she made him soon know, that our good or ill depend upon upon her inconstancy, and that it is a great error in men to promise any thing of certainty to themselves in this world. Whilst he crossed the woods, following the cry of the hounds, Cistenia, the secretary of Merodiana's affections, left (as you have heard) with a letter in the Island of Silvana, arrived at Tarsipolis, and going to the palace, by ill fortune met with Cesarina, and enquired of her for the valiant Knight of the Palms. Gentlewoman, said Cesarina unto her, is it for the execution of any enterprise that you seek him? No, answered this unadvised maid, but only to deliver him a letter, which I believe will be accptable unto him, coming from one of the fairest Ladies of the world, and that loves him infinitely. Marry, and he is worthy of it, replied Cesarina; but he is not now in town: wherefore if you please to rest you in my chamber till his return, which will be in the evening, you may then speak with him at leisure. I shall gladly accept of your fair courtesy, said Cistenia, since you are pleased so far to olige me. Whereupon going into Cesarina's chamber, she set some to attend her whilst she went unto Trasiclea▪ whom she acquainted with all that she had learned of Cistenia. God's me, said Trasiclea, if we could come by this letter, peradventure we might discover some extraordinary secret. There must be some Art used to get it, said Cesarina; but seeing you so desire it, it shall go hard but I will give it you in your hand ere be long. So leaving her Mistress, she went and put a little of the juice of Poppy into some broth, which was prepared for Cistenia, who had no sooner taken it, but that she found herself so sleepy, as she threw herself presently upon a bed; where Cesarina perceiving her to be fast enough for waking in haste, searched her Pockets, and finding Merodiana's letter, carried it with all speed to Trasiclea, who having opened it, read thus:  
Merodiana's Letter to the valiant Knight of the Palms.  
IF I had as little affection, as you have sense of the favours you have found in my embraces I should not only say that you were ingrateful, but I should seek to be revengedof your neglect, howbeit, considering that you received them upon promise of rendering them one day legitimate, I will proceed no further then to complain of you, and to put you in mind of them, for to oblige you unto a return; and indeed it is more than time, at leastwise if you mean to be loyal, neitherwil my patience suffer you to run thus any longer about the world, depriving me of the fruits of my love, which if either you have forgotten, or that your weakness hath carried you to other affections, let me at leastwise know so much, to the end that I may in my death find that only comfort, which is left to a woman betrayed.  
O ye Gods! said Trasiclea, how am I this day bound to you, for the discovery of a secret of such importance, you show by this your care of me, that you are mindful of our alliance. Alas! I was going to commit an irreparable fault, and giving myself to the most disloyal Knight that lives, had made myself a grief for all my future days. Art thou a deceiver, Alcidamant? Ah! how is that valour ill bestowed, and how unjust are the Gods in the partition of their treasures? Thou thoughtest to beguile me upon such a promise as thou madest to that unfortunate Lady, but thou art far from thy reckoning, and the happiness which I was preparing for thee, shall be for ever withheld. Thou wilt find out some reasons to cover thy cunning, but I'll not permit thee, nor do thee the favour to hear so much as one poor excuse; but banishing thee for ever from my sight, I will preserve myself from faulting a second time. Come then and take me away all these preparations which I have made for this wicked man, and thou Cesarina give me some paper, a Letter is the cause of my good, and a Letter shall be the occasion of his pain. Whereupon, walking a great pace up and down her chamber, she remained a good while pensive; but not caring how she wrote, so as she might express her mind, she framed a Letter, and sealing it up, commanded Cesarina to deliver it unto the Knight assoon as ever he returned, but not to receive any answer. Which being done, she fell to walking again; and every minute finding new cause of displeasure, she rendered her passion and hatred greater, insomuch that she was more in rage, than ever she had been in love. Whilst fortune was thus putting all in disorder, Alcidamant returned most contented, thinking of nothing less than the mischief which was to fall upon him; and declining the Emperor's table, that he might not fail his Lady, he betook him to his chamber, where within a little after Cesarina presented herself to him. Beholding her, he was troubled with extreme joy, and thought that she was come to lead him to the paradise of his delights; but she entering with a sad countenance, said unto him: My Lord, my Mistress hath commanded me to deliver you this Letter; Alcidamant taking it with a great change of colour, and kissing it, though it were with a strange suspicion, which Cesarina's countenance had begot in him, he opened it, wherein he read these words.  
To the most disloyal Knight in the world.  
I Do not write to thee in way of complaint, for thereby I should still show my love and weakness; but it is to tell thee, that thy wickedness renders thee unworthy of the favours, which thou hadst thought to have found in my pity: I will conserve myself for another, it may be less valiant and brave, but far more faithful than thyself, and leaving thee in the liberty to keep thy word with Merodiana, I will take the power to love some otherwhere. Get thee out of the limits of this Empire, which thou hast lost, as unworthy to possess it, and never present thyself more before me, that thy sight may not renew the vexation which I am in, to have been deceived by thee.  
This Letter, so cruel, and that deprived the Knight of all hope, having seized him with too sensible a sorrow, made him sink to the ground with such appearance of death, that Cesarina leaving him in his Squires arms, returned to her Mistress, infinitely discontented for that she had been the occasion of this misfortune; and telling her what effect her Letter had wrought, she retired, betaking her to strange unquietness.   

CHAP. L. Alsidamants despair, the effects of his rage, by the defeat of certain Giants and Knights: he turns Hermit.  
WHilst Cesarina recounted unto Trasiclea the success of her message, Alcidamant, being come to himself, by the diligence of 〈◊〉 his Squire, made such strange lamentation, that the most inhuman soul in the world would have been sensible of his complaint. Ah why! said he, unjust heavens, why have you made me hope for a happiness with such expectation, to deny it me now upon so little reason? Ah beauteous Trasiclea! with what weakness are you carried? you draw my ruin from that which serves for my glory; for despising Merodiana for you, me thinks, I give you occasion to believe that you have the advantage of her; yet you make her love, the cause of your hate, and my misfortune. Is this done with justice? No, no, you are too much transported with passion, and if you did not refuse me that through anger, which the severest judges in the world could not with reason deny to the greatest offenders; I should justify myself before you, and let you see mine innocence with so much truth, that you could not but condemn this precipitation of yours; howbeit, that I may not hope for, your forbidding me ever to appear before you again, utterly bereaves me of the means to let you one day see your error. Ah! this is to testify more cruelty, than ever you have showed love, and that my punishment doth far surpass the pleasure of my hope. You will have me gone: Alas! Can I do it and live? I cannot, I cannot, yet it is fit that I prefer your commandments before my life, I will be gone then, but lament my absence, fair Princess, it deprives you of a servant, that hath never had greater care, then how to honour the merit of your favour. Whereupon, charging his Squire to go and make ready his horses, he secretly armed himself, went to the stable door, mounted on horseback, and dep●rting out of the City, took the first way presented itself, making incredible lamentation. Behold, said he, how from the supremest degree of felicity, I am fallen into the abysmes of a misery, out of the which I cannot get without miracle. Good God who would have thought, that having but one tedious minute to pass, for to see myself in an unmatchable glory, fortune should have found out the means to cross me? I could never imagine it, but to my cost I perceive, that man cannot assign a time for his good, no more then for the evil that is to arrive unto him. Ah, Cistenia! How well thou makest me pay for the pleasures thou procuredst me from thy Mistress? How dearly, Merodiana, do I buy your favours? You say, that I promised to espouse you: Alas! I had never such a thought, our caresses have been free, and the power of disposing ourselves never parted from us; Why do you say then, that it is time to render our embraces legitimate? Can I be your sister's friend, and your husband? By no means, it is a thing whereof you ought never so much as to think; nevertheless, I endure the pains of your folly, and my banishment proceeds from your passions; it is unjust, but I must bear it; the heavens have always had a care of my life, the same regard they will have still of my actions, if they please, and will assist me with some extraordinary favour, since that I have a divine power for to make me hope for relief. Pronouncing these words, he shed so many tears, that he saw not the way which he went, though the moon shone very bright, in such sort that he crossed thorough a wood, more by chance then otherwise, and finding himself, at the break of the day, in a beautiful meadow, bordered about with numbers of trees, he alighted, let his horse feed, and laying him down upon the green grass, began to think of his ill fortune, and was about ●o renew his complaints and tears; when as Arnides coming to him, said: Arise, Sir, and give over playing the woman, come and chastise certain Knights that speak ill of Trasiclea, that intent to revenge Drumelia, to take her from the Emperor, and to work your destruction by treason. I believe, said he, that thou takest me for Alcidamant, that slew Fangomadan, and the Monster of the Island Silvana, that defeated the Giants on the wooden bridge, that brought Brandimar to reason, that massacred the guards of the Sorceress Drumelia, and that would have made no difficulty to have combated a million of armed men; thou deceivest thyself, Arnides, I am but his shadow, and the weakness of my arm could not fear the meanest Knight that is. These desire to be righted of the wrong that I have done them, let them use their pleasure upon me, here is my throat, which I will most willingly offer to their swords; for loathing my life, I care not what becomes of it. Why this is spoken like a desperate man indeed, said Arnides; What a glory were it for them to vaunt in the Empire of Tramazond, that they had overcome you valiantly, and how might they abuse Trasiclea if fortune should give her into their hands, as such a thing may be? Now in good faith, this womanish courage of yours exceedingly grieves me; and give me leave to tell you, that you lose much of the reputation that you have acquired in the world, and particularly with Trasiclea, who peradventure is not so much displeased, as she makes show for. Well, Arnides, said he, I see thou wilt prevails and make me once more, against my will, to draw my sword. Therewith arising, and transported with sorrow and rage, he advanced towards two Giants and three Knights, whom he saw at the other end of the meadow, and never examining the matter any further, charged the first Giant so rudely, that he made his sword, arm and all, fly to the ground together. You die, said he, for daring to attempt upon the lives of Trasiclea, and her Knight, nor shall all your Gods save you from my hands.  
Putting this high menace then in execution, he laid two of the Knights, that showed themselves forwardest, dead on the earth, and striking furiously at the other Giant, gave him three or four blows, which all drew blood of him; howbeit, the first having taken his sword into his left hand, began to press him very hard; but this brave Champion being in the supremest degree of his rage, overthrew them both in the place with two terrible blows; and seeing but one Knight, who on his knees begged for mercy, he gave him his life, upon condition that he should go to Tarsipolis, and presenting himself before the Emperor, recount the business how it had past. This done, he remounted on his horse, and riding along, began his lamentation and complaints, to the great discontentment of his Squire, who having eating nothing of a long time, much blamed these strange humours of his Master in his mind. Whilst Alcidamant was making thus from Tarsipolis, the Knight of the Giants arrived there, and presenting himself in the palace before the Emperor was risen from dinner, he declared what he had in charge; and publishing in the presence of Trasiclea the moan which the Knight of the Palms made at his departure, it pierced so deep into the heart of this displeased Princess, of whom the Emperor demanded the cause of his absence, that she repented hereof a thousand times for entreating him so cruelly, as to condemn him unheard. This action, said she to herself, is an infallible testimony that he loves not Merodiana; and in that he obeys my command, it is clear that I do him wrong to suspect his loyalty. It may be that this Lady, vanquished by her passion, or rather by this Knights charms, which are inevitable, hath given herself to him upon some hope of marriage; but that this Knight hath promised her, I cannot think it, he is too noble to be so wicked; and if he were obliged by his word, questionless he would have gone to her now, but he hath taken a clean contrary way; and howsoever, his sorrow renders him innocent.  
Now, to be offended with him for what is secretly passed between them, I have no reason at all: for their caresses were precedent to my acquaintance with him, so as he was no ways tied to observe any faith to me; wherefore I condemn my jealousy, and precipitious carriage towards him, and do protest before my Gods, to receive him into grace again, if he present himself before me. But alas! that, I fear, he will not do, but will have more regard to my will, than the satisfaction of his own desires: howbeit I may quickly remedy that; I have committed the fault, I must make the amends; and sending Cesarina, who may easily follow him by the fame of his brave acts, let him know, that I acquit him as freely as before I condemned him unjustly. Whereupon writing a letter full of excuses, and giving it to Cesarina, commanded her to repair her error, and to use some means for to bring back this Knight, who, in the mean time, road on with incredible speed, never regarding the ways, which at length having brought him to the kingdom of Clariana, he met with a Desert, wherein the gentle current of a bubbling stream, together with the natural beauty of a savage grot, and the shade of certain trees, which seemed to make a pretty walk from the rock to the water, so pleased him, that forsaking his horse, he resolved there to spend his days. Living on the fruits that he found there, and drinking of the water that pearled out of the stone, he lay upon a couch of leaves, and limiting his walk among those trees, he consumed his time in his usual complaints, accusing his ill fortune, blaming Trasiclea's cruelty, adoring her picture which Cesarina had given him in the Isle of Silvana, and which he had kept as the only relic remaining of all his hopes; and leading a most solitary life, took pleasure in nothing but his own lamentations and sighs, where a while we will leave him, and take some time for to think on the prosecution of this history.   
The end of the Second Part.   

THE LOVE AND ARMS OF THE GREEK PRINCES.  
OR THE ROMANT OF ROMANTS, Written in French by Monsieur Verdere; And translated for the Right Honourable, Philip, Earl of Pembroke and Montgomery, Lord Chamberlain to his Majesty.  
Tome III.  
HONI SOIT QVI MAL Y PENSE   printer's or publisher's device 
LONDON, Printed by john Dawson, for Thomas Walkeley, and are to be sold at his Shop at the sign of the flying Horse, near York House, 1640.   

Amadis of Trebisond, arriving in the Empire of Martaria, saveth Floridan of Persia from drowning: Their Adventures.  

CHAP. 1.  
AMadis of Trebisond, departing from the Castle of Serpents under the conduct, and in the Chariot of Cassandra, as was delivered in the four and twentieth Chapter of our second Part, was somewhat amazed to see himself almost in a moment above the clouds, where he might well have had cause to fear his falling into those vast Seas, which he beheld so far below him, or of suffering the incommodities of an element full of fire, that he felt over his head, had he not been carried from such apprehensions, by the relation this damosel made him of the loves and noble acts of that renowned Emperor of Greece, his Father, and of the prodigious adventures brought to glorious ends, by the Princes of his blood. Five or six days being passed away with these pleasing discourses, one morning, even as the Sun began to enlighten the world, he heard a dreadful noise, proceeding from the encounter of the billows, which the violence of the winds raised sometimes as high as Heaven, and then by and by cast down to the very centre of the earth, herewith awaked he looked round about to see from whence it came, and amidst the strange disorder of these enraged waters, he espied a Ship, whose sails were rend all to fitters, her shrouds and Tackle torn, her Masts blown over board, and every part of her besides so terribly shaken, and beaten with the fury of the merciless waves, that having no Guide but the evil fortune of those she carried, at length she ran against a Rock, that was near to an adjoining Port, and split in a thousand pieces, leaving some thirty persons to the mercy of the cruel seas. This object so full of pity moved him very much; and as he was about to bewail the mishap of them he had seen swallowed up, and to desire that he could succour the rest which were also ready to perish, he perceived that the Chariot descended conducting him to the encounter of a young man, who swimming tugged courageously for his life, with that pitiless element, making use then of this occasion, that succeeded according to his wish, he thrust his Arm into the sea, and catching hold of the young man drew him up into the Chariot, which instantly landing on the shore vanished with its Guide, leaving them both on the sands very much astonished thereat. Howbeit, Amadis ever confident, would not seem to be troubled with so sudden a departure, but turned to his companion, whom for his beauty & comely personage he much admired, and said unto him. Gentleman, take courage, and be not dismayed, for now you are out of the power of the waves, nor can this land you tread upon be so dangerous, though it be unknown to you. I cannot choose answered he, after he was somewhat come to himself again, but be somewhat amazed with the late peril I was in; yet Sir, it hath not so deprived me of judgement, that I should not have sufficient left me, to know how much I am obliged to you for my safety; you have saved my life, which you shall always dispose of; in the mean time may it please you to permit me to seek out means to dry myself, for I cannot continue long thus wet without some danger to my health. Here said Amadis, unbuttoning a coat, which many times he wore over his Armour, cover yourself with this whilst your clothes are a drying, for I will not leave you till I see you in better case. This Gentleman taking the coat went presently aside, and having stripped himself, sat down on a stone, whither not long after Amadis came to him, whereupon wondering much at his goodly presence in such rich arms, he arose somewhat ashamed to be seen so half naked, and said. Sir, what may I do to show myself grateful for so many good offices, which I receive from your courtesy? You may, answered Amadis, pay all this debt with a few words, and by telling me who you are, and what occasion brought you hither, you may oblige me as much, as you think you are engaged to me. Could I serve you, said he, by declaring whom I am, without doubt I should soon obey your command; but Sir, my name being of so small consideration in the world, it will import you little to know, and me much to conceal it, in which regard I shall humbly desire you, to dispense with me therein, and to be pleased if I only say, that I am commonly called, the Knight of the Flowers: Touching my arrival in this place, my destiny had unluckily brought me hither, had I not met with you; for having embarked myself in a Port of Greece, with a resolution to travel the world, in the quest of glory I sailed very prosperously for three weeks together; during which time I never combated but once, and that was with a Giant for the rescue of a Gentlewoman, whom he had forcibly carried away; presently whereupon the sea began so to rage, that all the skill and courage the Mariners had were fain to give way to the violence of this tempest, which continued very near three months, and by reason we went still afore the wind, I cannot be persuaded, but that we are now on those unknown lands, whereof they of Asia and Europe speak only by conjecture. These Knights having spent a good part of the day in this and the like discourse, at length were so called upon by their stomaches, that arising from the grass where they lay, the Knight of the Flowers with his clothes on thoroughly dried, and Amadis in his armour, they walked almost two hours without meeting any one that could direct them the way to the next Village, in such sort that growing somewhat weary, they laid them down under the shadow of certain trees, where not long after they fell asleep, but they continued not so long, for they were awaked with the sound of some Trumpets, which marched in the head of threescore horse, that were followed a good way off by four Coaches, environed with three dreadful Giants, and a number of men unarmed on horseback. O me! said Amadis, rising up somewhat amazed, what adventure is this? No very good one for you, said one of that troop, who upon discovery of them came galloping before his fellows, for landing here without the licence of our Prince, you are to expect nothing but Irons for such your temerity; By my best hopes, said Amadis, I will not be fettered so easily as you think for, and if I must die I'll sell my life as dear as I can: Saying so, he drew his sword, and therewith struck his enemy so furiously, that he laid him stark dead on the ground: The blow being given in the sight of all his companions, they presently compassed him about for to take him, but very active as he was, he lightly leapt into the saddle of his horse whom he had slain, and setting spurs to him charged them home, whilst the Knight of the Flowers seized on the dead man's shield and sword, wherewithal he overthrew three or four of them at his feet, ere they could draw one drop of blood from them; In the mean time Amadis laid about him, broke their ranks, cut off arms and legs, made heads fly to the earth, divided men and horses in twain, and rendered himself so dreadful, that the most of them having passed by the edge of his sword, the remainder turned their backs, for to have betaken them to flight, had they not been retained by the arrival of the three Giants. These Colossuses marveling to see so great a slaughter made by two men, whereof 〈◊〉 one was unarmed, drew out their heavy Simitars, and began to cha●ge them with so much fury, that at the very first 'bout the Knight of the Flowers was dangerously hurt on the shoulder, his shield not having been able to resist the violence of so terrible a blow, which somewhat amazed him, but waxing more courageous at the sight of his blood, he let drive in such manner at the Giant that had wounded him, as he cut off his left arm sheer from his body, and purposing to second his good beginning, he gave him a very dangerous thrust in the belly, thinking to run him up to the ●ilts, but his sword proving too weak to pierce his armour, it broke in five or six pieces, to the great astonishment of the Knight, who now having nothing wherewithal to offend his enemies, instantly received half a dozen strokes, which overthrew him to the ground with little or no appearance of life. This while Amadis bestirred himself with an admirable grace, for beholding himself environed with two Giants, and three and twenty Knights, that were still remaining of the first troop, he avoided most part of their blows, and let his own fall with such force, that in less than an hour the two Giants saw their arms all died with their own blood, and themselves unable to hinder the death of twelve of those that accompanied them, which put them into such a rage, that their motions seemed to be very thunder. Wherefore being ashamed, that in the presence of a number of Ladies which were in the Coaches, one man alone should withstand them, they discharged two such mighty blows at an instant, the one on the Helmet, the other on the Shield of Amadis, that he was constrained to knock his chin against the pommel of his saddle, casting great abundance of blood out of his mouth and ears, but presently resetling himself, and more furious than ever he was in his life, he advanced his rich sword, and letting it descend on the head of him he first encountered, he cloven him down to the very waist: This dreadful blow having terrified all the assistants, who beheld him with wonder, did but more incense the remaining Giant; for in the highest excess of his rage, he took his great Curtelas in both his hands, and thinking to determine this combat with one only blow, he discharged it so strongly on his enemy's Shield, that he divided it in two, and gave him a greatgash on the arm, whereat Amadis was somoved, as casting the remains of his Shield over his shoulder, he made such a lucky thrust with all his force at his belly, that he ran him quite thorough and thorough, sending him stark dead to the ground; wherewithal not contented, he was turning him about to the rest of the Knights, when as he perceived them to gallop away, and seek their safety in their flight; which caused him persently to sheathe up his sword, and approach unto the Coaches (where he beheld a many of Ladies in very great fear) for to comfort and assure them against any doubt they might be in of him; howbe it he had no more time then to see them, for before he could speak to them, their Coachmen drove away withal possible speed towards the City, which he discovered a little on the left hand; and so left him with extreme displeasure, for so sudden a departure; his soul being deeply engaged by one small glimpse he had of a Princess, whose eyes contained a million of charms. This new passion not permitting him to see his Sun thus es●oigned from him, he was going to run after it; but at that very instant perceiving three other Giants to appear in the head of four hundred horse, which were come upon the news of the others defe●●: he made a stand, and holding it to be far greaterwisdome, & glory to 〈◊〉 himself, than courage rashly to cast himself away without reason or sense; he took the way of a mountain fast by, extremely discontented so to retire, without knowing the name of the beauty that had captived him; and leaving his companion (whose valour he had much admired) in the hands of these barbarians. Trotting then along fair and softly, that he might not seem to flee before his enemies, he road very near an hour, before he was overtaken by those that were best mounted of the Troop; who confident of his overthrow, went to assail him with their swords drawn: But he that never knew what danger meant, when necessity enforced him to fight; suddenly made head against them, and without try fling out the time, laid a dozen of them on the earth; howbeit, fearing to be environed by so many enemies at once, he slipped into the wood, resolving under the shelter thereof, to attend the pleasure of Heaven: But he very much marvelled that he was not pursued, and that a little after he could perceive these Troops close altogether, and return to the City; the occasion of which retreat and fear, shall be delivered in the next Chapter.   

CHAP. II. Amadis encountering a Shep●●●●d, learns the name of his Mistress; his resolution thereupon.  
THE retreat of his enemies giving 〈◊〉 time to breath; he began to think of the encounter he had made, and taking much content in the confusion of his thoughts, he laid him down on the grass; where the beauties of his Mistress representing themselves to his memory, he entertained himself in this manner, and said. Lord! what a change have I made to day? I affected nothing so much as liberty, now I wish, and seek for captivity: I was a Soldier, now I am a lover; glory was the object of my desires, love is now the uttermost of my ambition: I love, alas! I love, but with little or no hope, and from whence I can expect nothing but in supportable sufferings. Ah, if I could promise myself to render her one day sensible of 〈…〉, after I had long adored her, why then I could willingly 〈◊〉 myself to any misery; but I do not so much as know her, or if I did know her, I durst not present myself before her, having jostly drawn her displeasure upon me, by the defeature of her people; What resolution shall I take then? to die, rather than seek a rer●●die in despair, so great a 〈◊〉, is not to be purchased without great labour; and the pains I shall take to obtain it, shall never be less dear unto me, than the glory of the most dangerous adventures that can be. Whereupon arising somewhat comforted, he mounted on his Horse; and probably conjectaring that he should meet with no body in the wood, he got him into the first highway that presented itself unto him, where he had not rode long, but he descried a young Shepherd coming from the City, whereat he was very glad, hoping to learn some what of him concerning that which he desired to know; wherefore mending his pace, he came very near to him, and said. Friend, I prithee tell me where I am. At these words, the Shepherd who walked with his hat over his eyes; started, as if he had been very much frighted, and was going to run away; had not 〈◊〉, taking hold of his arm; stayed him; and assured him with gentle speeches, that he would do him no harm. Now in good faith, said the Shepherd, I was never so appeared of the Wolf, as I was but now to see myself so surprised by you; for I believed you meant to have sent me to keep company with them, that past by the edge of your sword to day. Thy fear was 〈◊〉, said Amadis, for I am more ready to help, then hurt the●, but how 〈◊〉 thou know that I have done all that thouspeakest of; How do I know it, said the Shepherd, why I come newly from the City, which is all in an uproar; and the slaughter you have made to day, hath so astonished the Emperor, that holding it incredible he is come forth in person to behold it; The Courtiers tremble at the sight of so many men slain with such horrible blows, and the courage which you showed in combatting such dreadful enemies, makes them talk of you, as of some prodigy: You are known not by your name, (for it is said you are a stranger) but your arms have been so well noted, that you cannot carry them here without greatdanger; wherefore I would advise you for your good, either to change them, or to get you quickly out of this Empire. Out of what Empire, said Amadis? How, answered the Shepherd, do not you know, that you are in the Empire of Martaria, one of the goodliest, and powerfullest Monarchies of the world? No verily, said Amadis, I did not know it; for being arrived here but to day by a strange accident, I could not have been informed of it, if by good fortune I had not met with thee; but letting that pass, canst not thou inform me who those Ladies were, which I saw in the Coaches during the combat, and particularly she in the green? That is said he the Princess of this Empire, and I am persuaded the fairest of all the women living, she is called Palmirenna, and the other two were her sisters, named Amplamira, and Archesidella, both of them so accomplished, as they may well dispute somewhat with the eldest. Thou hadst fully satisfied me, answered Amadis, wouldst thou but resolve me of one thing more; what was the reason, say they, why the Giants and the Knights their followers, did not assail me in the wood, having so much advantage of me as they had? The reason was apparent, answered he, for the way which you took was so dangerous, that it was wisdom for them to retire, as they did. Wherefore was it dangerous, said Amadis? In regard of a most dreadful Monster, replied he, which arriving there not long since hath made so great a spoil and havoc, as the Emperor himself will be constrained to abandon Cardana, the capital City of his Empire, for to reside in some other place. He hath sent whole squadrons of armed men under the conduct of three or four Giants against it, but still they have been torn in pieces, for the fury of this creature is so terrible, that the most confident tremble at the very sight of it: He hath a body far bigger than an Elephant, covered with green and yellow scails, so hard as no steel is able to pierce them; he hath two heads, one that casts forth a million of stinking flames, through the midst of a number of teeth a cubit long, and the other armed with two very huge horns, whereunto the inevitable death of all such as dare assail him is fastened; his tail is eight foot long, so strong and mighty, that with it he overthrows all the trees that stand in his way; briefly, he is so horrible and cruel, that if the gods do not the sooner put to their helping hand, this Province will shortly be laid waste, which were a lamentable thing, being so fertile and populous as it is: But pardon me, Sir, if I be so bold as to ask of you, how you having been upon the Mountain of Bears, where his ordinary hauntiss, could elcape his fury? for to speak truth, I hold it a kind of miracle. Heaven, that hath preserved me for his glory, said he, would not suffer me to fall into the power of this Monster: but leaving this discourse, tell me what is become of the Gentleman that combated by me unarmed? I believe, answered he, that he will pay for the harm you have done, for the Emperor having found him to be living, hath commanded the Surgeons to have a special care of him, reserving him as I think, for to sacrifice him to his Gods, in regard of the extraordinary beauty wherewithal he is endued. I hope he shall do better, replied Amadis, in the mean time not to be ingrateful for thy good information of that which I desired to know, I will give thee somewhat to relieve thy poverty, therewith he took a Ring which he had on his finger of great value, and bestowing it on him made him no less amazed, then contented. Look, said the Shepherd bowing himself even to the ground for to thank him, how our opinions do many times bring forth contrary effects, I thought I should have been undone by encountering with you, and thereby I have found wherewithal to overcome the miseries of my birth. Sir, your liberality obligeth me to have a care of your safety, pass on no further with these arms, for you shall be sure to meet with none but enemies whersoever you go, time will best advise you for your future preservation, in the mean while you shall spend this night if you please in a poor cottage of mine, where without fear of any danger you may take a little rest. Amadis seeing it was night, and perceiving the fellows good will suffered himself to be conducted by him to a Village hard by, whereunto entering secretly, and leaving the care of his horse to him, he sat him down to supper, and having fed heartily on a Kid, that was served into the table, he laid him down, all armed as he was, on a bed, hoping to sleep quietly thereafter his hard travel; howbeit his new passion would not permit him so to do, it represented the beauties of his Lady unto him, with the difficulties which appeared in his love, that so disquieted him, as he could do nothing but toss and tumble all the night long, at length being fully resolved, I must hope, said he, instead of complaining and afflicting myself: I fear my Mistresses, and the Emperor's displeasure, in regard of the combat which I had with their Knights, but I may repair that fault, and give them as much cause to favour, as now they have to hate me; this Monster that spoils their Territories must be fought withal; if I prevail, I shall oblige them with a service that will produce their content, and the good of their people; if I fall in this attempt it will give an end to my miseries, so that no way it can prove amiss for me to undertake this Enterprise: Concluding then with himself in this sort he fell asleep, and so continued till the Sun was of a pretty height, when arising, and finding his breakfast ready, after he had eaten a little he drew the Shepherd aside, and said unto him. Honest friend, I purpose to commit a secret un to thee, but before Ideclare it thou shalt swear to me, to do whatsoever I shall bid thee. Assure yourself my Lord, said he, that I will make little account of my life where it shall concern your interest, only command, and without any doubt of my fidelity, be confident that I will not fail in obeying you. Well, said Amadis, that which I would have thee do, is to go along with me to the Mountain of Bears, to the end thou mayest be witness of my actions, so as if I die in the Combat, which I resolve to undertake against this Monster, that destroys so goodly a country, thoushalt be obliged to find out the beauteous Palmirenna, and shalt tell her that the Knight, who slew her Guard, stuck not to expose his life for the conservation of her people, thereby to obtain her pardon, for the displeasure she received from his sword; But if I get the victory, time shall further direct us. Good gods: said the Shepherd, starting back, what is this you say, have you lost your understanding so far forth, as to cast you self away? Ah, do not go about Sir, to employ those forces, which the gods have given you on so despearate an adventure, reserve yourself for better fortune, and seek to escape hence some otherway. Thou labourest in vain, said Amadis, to divert my resolution, it is not thy counsel I demand, but a performance of thy promise, say then, wilt thou follow me? Yes, answered he, bedewing his cheeks with tears, though it be much against my mind. Whereupon Amadis road on to the foot of the Mountain, where the Shepherd taking his Horse of him, commended him to his gods.   

CHAP. 3. Amadis defeats the dreadful Monster of the Mountain of Bears, his adventures afterwards.  
WHilst the Shepherd was weeping, Amadis traversed the Wood with an undaunted courage, and calling to mind the glory which his Ancestors had acquired in such like adventures, he resolved to be no whit amazed with the sight of this horrible creature, whose dreadful form made every one to tremble at the very apprehension of it; but when he saw him approach with most furious motions, he could not be so confident, but that he began to doubt the end of his life; nevertheless, choosing rather to die, then show the least token of fear, he drew out his rich sword, and discharged it full on his enemy's body, hoping therewithal, considering the strength with which it was delivered, to have seen an end of thc combat, but perceiving it to fall without effect, by reason of the hardness of his scails whereupon it lighted, he was marvellously astonished; howbeit taking new courage he advanced it again, whenas the horns of this creature meeting with his Shield, sent him to measure the ground, where doubtless he lay not long, for knowing it would be his apparent ruin to attend such another shock in the case he was in, he arose full of rage, and stepping lightly aside he let his enemy pass by, making such horrible leaps, that the earth seemed to groan under him, but desiring to make use of occasion, he gave him so dangerous a blow as he went along, that he cut off half his tail, though it were wonderful big, and covered over with exceeding hard scails, which put him into such an excess of fury, that returning with incredible swiftness he seized upon the Knight's Shield with his teeth, and pulling it easily from him, notwithstanding all the resistance he made to keep it, he scrashed it into a thousand pieces whilst he trampled it under his feet. This generous Warrior, that was not capable of fear, in the greatest and most evident dangers, and that would not have regarded the glory of his enterprises, but for the hazard wherewith they were accompanied, not losing his judgement in such an extremity, suddenly cleared his arm from under one of the Monsters feet, and thrusting his sword into his belly, ran him up with such force, that he entered it even unto the very hilts, which made the Monster skip in so violent a manner, as he lighted a dozen paces off, to the unspeakable content of ou● Knight, who neglecting no opportunity, speedily got up with a resolution to avoid the like encounters if he could, but that he was not able to do, for the Monster sensible of his hurt, flew madly at him without any regard at all of his sword, wherewith he had in vain struck him on the head, and getting him in his teeth overthrew him to the ground, pierced his armour in five or six places, and died all the grass with his blood; Now was the Knight even at the last gasp, being almost stifled with the stinking flames that incessantly issued out of his mouth, but the remembrance of his excellent Mistress infused such strength into him, that he so struggled with the Beast, as he made him let go his hold, and at the same instant gave him another thrust in at the throat, that reached to his very heart. Then it was that this Monster feeling the pangs of death fell to storming, and making such horrible cries, that they were heard even to Cardana, the Mountain shaking as if it had been strucken with a million of thunderbolts: Whereupon the Knight perceiving him breathing forth his last, retired aside for to kneel down, and render thanks unto God for so glorious a victory; but being exceedingly weakened by the loss of his blood, and overcome with the vile sent of the venom, which flowed out of the Monster, he fell all along on the ground with little appearance of life in him. This while the Shepherd amazed with the strange noise he heard was mightily perplexed; Amadis his liberality made him desire to go and see in what estate he was, but then again he was retained by fear, so as he knew not a good while what to resolve on, at length his gratitude prevailing he set spurs to his horse, and crossing the wood arrived at the place where the Monster lay stretched forth, and weltering in his blood: His horrible figure so terrified him, that he was upon the point of running back again, but espying the Knight lying on the grass a little aside, he lighted instantly, and laboured so long, that he found the means to open his Helmet for to give him air; whereupon Amadis came presently to himself, at which the poor man was wonderful glad, and fain would have unarmed him, but unable to do it, he thought it best to have speedy recourse to some other mean, getting up on his horse then, he road away to the City as fast as he could drive, where alighting at the Court, without answering those that demanded of him what he would have; he went directly to the Emperor, who was talking in the Hall amidst his Courtiers of the strange noise they had heard, not conceiving from whence it should proceed, and falling on his knees, even out of breath, he said unto him. Sir, I bring you joyful tidings, the Monster of the Mountain of Bears is slain by the valiant stranger, that yesterday did such wonders against your people. O ye gods! said the Emperor, rising out of his seat, is it possible that so formidable a creature, whose fury thousands of men, and dreadful Giants were not able to withstand, should be killed by the hand of a mortal man? verily this report is scarcely credible. Sir, answered the Shepherd, let me suffer, if I tell you an untruth, for I saw him quite dead, and will conduct you, if you please, where that brave Knight lies, still attending the succour of the gods, if man's assistance fail him, being so dangerously hurt that he cannot live till night, if he be not speedily provided for. That shall he be sure of, said the Emperor, for so powerful an obligation, must cancel all other offences that he hath committed against us, though I believe this combat was undertaken, more by necessity, than any way to oblige us: Nay, replied the Shepherd, your Majesty may be pleased to give me leave to assure you that he performed it with a full resolution to do you service, for before he entered the Wood, he commanded me to tell the Princess Palmirenna in your Majesty's presence, that he went to venture his life, to obtain pardon, for the fault he had done in drawing his sword against her servants; albeit, that mischance happened by their insolency, and much against his mind.  
That do I grant most willingly, said Palmirenna; and seeing his respect to me hath made him so regardless of such a danger, I shall be as sensible of that good affection, as I would have been of his offence: Wherefore your Majesty (said she, continuing her speech unto her Father) shall do well to command your Chirurgeons away before, whilst we go fair and softly after to behold this miracle. The Emperor very well pleased herewith, presently dispatched away his Chirurgeons, with a great charge to employ the uttermost of their skill for the recovery of the knight; and getting into his Daughter's Coach, he followed them, accompanied with all his Nobility, who could not wonder sufficiently at so prodigious a thing.  
But we will leave them (thronging the ways, and striving which should make most haste to behold this redoubted Warrior; to whom this succour had been unprofitable, if Heaven, that reserved him for his glory, had not otherwise ordained of him) for to deliver what arrived to him after the Shepherd's departure. Recovering then by little, and little; he was rising to unarm himself, when he pereceived a Dwarf that said unto him: Be of good cheer sir, this action will bring you more glory, than harm; it is true, that your wounds are very dangerous, by reason the Monsters teeth are venomous; but I have assured remedies to preserve you, and will do that for your recovery, which the experience of the best Chirurgeons in the World would attempt in vain; only follow me, and let us not decline those which come to seek you, for I hold it not fit to put you into their hands; not in regard of the Emperor or his Daughter, who with good reason prefer that which you have now performed, far before yesterday offence, but the Giant's death having rendered their kindred your enemies, all the Prince's favour cannot protect you from being treacherously murdered; wherefore be careful, if you mean to abide here to keep yourself unknown. Saying thus, and and reaching him his hand, he helped him up with such case; that he remained very much amazed, to find so much strength in so little a body. Being able then to walk a little, they descended down the mountain, on that side that looked to the Sea, and entered both into a Grott, where Amadis was instantly unarmed: that done, he laid him down upon a bed, which seemed to have been set there expressly for him, and discovered his wounds to this little man; who having bathed them with a very odoriferous liquor, and afterwards laid certain plasters to them, he covered him, and willed him to sleep.  
In the mean time the Emperor's Chirurgeons were much troubled, for being come where the Monster lay; and missing the knight that had been so recommended to their care, they were exceedingly afflicted; but especially the poor Shepherd, who bitterly weeping, cried out. Alas! this is the place where I left him, the grass is yet wet with his blood, and it is not long since he could be taken away; surely some god came hither and hath carried him to heaven. Ah noble knight! why was not I here, that I might have participated a little of thy glory; or if some worse chance hath befallen thee, that I might then have run thy fortune? Hereupon the Emperor arriving, and understanding how the knight could not be found, he was exceedingly discontented, but Palmirenna much more; for the matchless valour of this stranger, whereof she had been an eyewitness, and the extreme peril wherun to he had exposed himself in the combat with the monster for her sake had so taken her, as she was marvellous sensible of his loss: howbeit her Father commanded his knights to disperse themselves in the search of him; she comforted herself in hope to hear of him ere it were long, and so went to observe the Beast, which seemed still so dreadful, as it made all the assistants to tremble. O ye gods! said the Emperor, much astonished at the sight of so horrible a figure; what a courage had he need of, that durst encounter so deformed a creature, when as being dead it terrifies all that behold it: Ah incomparable knight, than the which a more valiant never breathed upon the earth; thou art afraid to present thyself before me, in regard of one poor offence; but be assured no man shall ever be more welcome to me then thyself: Go then and seek him out, and place the skin of the Beast stuffed with straw, on the highest Tower of Cardana, valiant persons cannot be too much honoured. Saying so, he returned into Palmirenna's Coach, where all the way to the City he entertained her with the praises of this knight, which he thought could never be sufficient for so transcendent a merit.   

CHAP. FOUR Floridan of Persiabeing delivered out of Captivity by the victory of Amadis, becomes enamoured of Amplamira. The invention that Amadis useth to see Palmirenna.  
CArdana having just occasion to resent the death of this Monster, which in short time would have rendered it desolate; was replenished in a moment with a world of bonfires, and nothing was heard but shouts of joy, confusedly mingled with the music of a million of instruments, in such sort that the Emperor arriving, thereupon was conducted to his Palace with more magnificence, then if he had triumphed over the greatest Monarch of the earth. This Prince beholding his people amidst their content, chanting his greatness, and the praises of our Warrior; remembered the Gentleman that accompanied him in the slaughter of his servants; and being magnanimous, commanded him to his Presence; whereupon being presently brought before him in irons, he said ●nto him.  
It were unreasonable, that in the e●nesse of a public joy deriv●● from the valour of your Companion, you alone should have cause to complain of fortune, wherefore passing by the displeasure I received from you yesterday; It is our pleasure that you be freed from these chai●s, and that you have the same power here of your actions, as you had before your arrival in these parts; provided that you let me know who the Knight is, and that you likewise conceal not your own condition.  
Mighty Prince, answered he; the generosity of Kings appears always in their Clemency, and as the cruelty of Tyrants tenders them subject to a thousand kind of mischiefs, so doth mercy assure good Princes, even in the midst of greatest dangers; being a Prisoner, I expected as much relief from your pity, as from mine own innocence, for I knew that reason would at length have drawn you to consider, that I was forced to fight, and that a man cannot commit a fault in preserving his life with the loss of theirs, that sought to deprive him of it; howbeit, I acknowledge myself infinitely obliged to your Majesty, for making me, without languishing any longer in misery; of a slave, your most humble and faithful servant, in which regard your Highness shall always, and absolutely dispose of the life you have now given me: And if I do not satisfy your Majesty's desire, by telling you the name of this Knight, to whose valour you say that you are engaged in such powerful obligations, be assured Sir, that it is because I do not know it, not having had the honour of his acquaintance but since yesterday, that he drew me out of the midst of the waves; where, by the casting away of the bark which carried me, I was like to have perished: for my own particular, you behold Sir, a poor Gentleman of Persia, commonly called the Knight of the Flowers; who, having nothing at this present, but the honour of the favour, which you are pleased to promise him, will labour to deserve it by the greatness of his service.  
This good will of yours, said the Emperor, doth content me, and believe that you shall have no cause given you to depart from hence; commanding him then to be accommodated with all that he should need, he appointed him a Chamber, that opened into the Gardens, and so fell to talk of the discretion, sweet carriage, and handsomeness he had observed in him, which seemed so extraordinary unto his Courtiers, that they were wonderfully taken with his rare perfections. He retired then free from those chains, which might have fettered his hands, but not from those love had prepared to bring his heart into subjection, for the excellent beauty of Amplamira, second daughter to the Emperor, having been still present before his eyes, all the while that he was in the Hall, had made so deep an impression in his soul, that he had wholly surrendered it into her power; But it is time to leave him to the comfort of his deliverance, and to the pleasing cogitations of his love, for to return unto Amadis.  
This generous Warrior having slept very sound all the night, awaked Just as the Sun began to appear in the mouth of the cave; and feeling no pain of his hurt, arose much amazed how it could be possible they should be healed in so short a space. A more mighty hand, said he, looking upon himself, then that of a man, hath done this miracle, nature hath not so great a power, no● could all the simples of the earth, gathered in any season whatsoever give so sudden a cure to such 〈◊〉 wounds, Cassandra certainly hath do●e it, and the Dwarf that conducted me hither was one of the creatures, which she useth upon her occasions: be it as it will, I find myself I thank Heaven in case to put on my A●●es; But what is that I say? am I not commanded never to wear them if I mean to live? Ah 〈◊〉 what tears will thy beauty cost me, and what pains do I see prepared for●●e, if I thus wilfully persist in my affection? I cannot come near thee without danger, nor esloign myself from thee without loss of my life; what shall I do then to be at rest? or what counsel shall I take in so great an extremity? Peril hath some hope, whereas there is none in death, and apparent loss is ever worse than hazard: Recourse must therefore be had to that which is least to be feared, I will see Pa●mire●na, and rather meet with destruction, then miss the favour which I must expect from her pity.  
This resolution carrying him out of the grot with his sword by his side, and beginning to enter into the way that leads to the City, he perceived something floating on the sea, and making to the shore. This object arresting him a while, he straight perceived a little wooden Coffer cast on land, covered with fear-cloath, and a woman upon it stifled with the waves, whence judging it to be some of the relics of the former day's shipwreck he drew away the body with a purpose to bury it, and render that last duty unto her being dead, but desiring first to see what was in the Coffer, he cut the cords asunder with his sword, and having very easily broken it up, he found in it a Gown of green Velvet, whose ground was silver, an Head-tire of the Greek fashion, with a number of pretty knacks, belonging to women, his curiosity but little satisfied with this encounter, he took the corpse, and meeting with a pit made by nature, he laid her in it, and covered her with a little earth, that done he turned again towards the City, the remembrance of Palmirenna possessing him with an extreme desire to see her, and began to walk along still casting with himself what course he might take to have a sight of her without being known; after much musing he resolved at last to disguise himself; whereupon calling to mind the Gown he had left behind him, he presently turned back, and said.  
Is it not with reason that Lovers are said to be blind? Fortune presented me with assured means to free me from the care I am in, yet I neglected them, and did not conceive they were useful for my purpose: this is that (taking up the Coffer in his arms, and carrying it into the grot where he had lain) this is that shall ease me of my pain, I have no hair on my face, nor is it much to be misliked, so that having this Gown and tire on, I may easily pass for a woman. Saying so, he stripped himself out of his clothes, put on the green velvet Gown, fitted his hair under the tire with the assistance of a glass, and admitting nothing that might serve to set forth a beauty, tricked up himself so neatly, as he might well have been in love with his own form, had he not been so with Pal●irenna; Being persuaded then, and not vainly, that he was very handsome in this habit, he hoped to see a good issue of his design, and thought it long till he was in the City, that he might be conducted to his Lady; but not knowing how that might be effected, he began to be troubled anew: howbeit remembering the Dwarves advise, he resolved to leave all unto fortune; wherefore wrapping up his sword, which he very much esteemed of, in some linen clothes he buried it in a corner of the grot under a little earth, to the end he might find it there again upon occasion; that done, and little caring for the rest of his Arms, he left the grot, and taking the most beaten way, he walked on, still thinking how he might make use of his disguise: whereupon fortune being more favourable to him then he expected, he heard some coming, whom he made show, as though he would shun, but desiring nothing more than to fall into their hands, he suffered himself to be seen, and then suddenly retiring under the trees, seemed to be much afraid of those he saw, which were about some six, who setting spurs to their horses came up presently to him where he was. Beauteous stranger, said one of them that was foremost, and that marvelled very much to behold so rare a creature, be not afraid, here are none but such as are wholly devoted to your service, be therefore pleased to declare what occasion hath brought you hither; No other, alas; said he, shedding some tears the better to beguile them, but my evil fortune, for departing from the Empire of Greece, for to go unto Sicilia to the Nuptials of a sister of mine; who was to be wedded to the Viceroy there, I was carried by the violence of a most furious tempest into this coast, where not far from hence our Ship ran against a Rock, and was cast away with all that were in her as I believe, my miserable self excepted, who am reserved I fear for greater misfortune. You are to hope better, answered this Barbarian, for the Gods have not preserved you but for happier ends, as shall soon be made good unto you, if you can but love me, as I affect you. Now by my life, said one of the others, whose heart was as deeply wounded as his, she would show but little judgement to prefer your affection before mine, that loves her more, and hath greater credit, and authority to assist her then you. At thesewords, the first giving him a furious look, they both drew out their swords, and seconded by their companions, who instantly sided with them, they charged one another so hotly, that in a quarter of an hour four of them were laid on the ground to the great contentment of Corazinda (so had Amadis then named himself) who stepping in between the other two, desired them to become friends, and to tell him the name of the country. Fair Nymph, answered the one, you are in the Empire of Martaria, commanded by the best Prince of the world. Led me to him then, said she, and not hazarding your lives for so worthless a subject, share that recompense between you, which your presenting of me unto him may produce. These Knights embracing so safe an offer, and leaving the dead bodies in the place went away with her to the City, where arriving at the Court before the Emperor, Corazinda with a sweet and modest look fell on her knees, and making the same relation to him, which she had done before unto his Knights, she besought him to have some compassion of her fortune, not permitting her to be any way injured. Pretty one (said he, very much wondering at her beauty, and already feeling some secret flames that began to scorch him) you shall not want my favour, seeing the gods have been pleased to cast you on my territories; and to show that your arrival here is acceptable unto me, I will give order that you be lodged near my daughters, with whose company you may the better pass away the time. Oh! how pleasing was this saying unto our Warrior, and how easily might one have discerned the alteration of his soul by his change of colour, if one had had the least suspicion of his sex; verily his desire ●●ew, and he thought it long till h●● saw himself at the liberty to consider at leisure all the perfections of his Lady, but remembering that discretion was more than necessary for his designs, and that he was to govern his actions, if he meant to assure his happiness; he made little show how much he was transported by this speech, contrarily bowing himself even to the ground, with the best grace he could use in acknowledgement of so much favour, he kissed his hand, and raising up himself again, he very modestly followed him that was to conduct him to his Chamber, wherein at first he fetched a thousand turns, blessing the good hap, which had so prospered his desires. In the mean time the Emperor acquainted his daughters with the acquisition he had made of one of the fairest slaves in the world. Her eyes, said he, hath so many winning charms, that my heart frozen with a multitude of years, hath felt the violence of their beams, her hair sweetly set forth under a strange Attire, is not to be paralleled, her form is goodly, nothing can be desired more in a face, most delicate in her skin, briefly, next to you, who excel in all perfection, she may vaunt herself to be one of the most beautiful creatures of the earth, judge then whether I can think upon her without love, and whether it be not an hard matter for him that shall converse with her to preserve his liberty? without doubt, said Palmirenna, who had much ado to forbear smiling at this her father's rapture, being such as you describe her, she may work great effects, even upon the most insensible; But Sir, I marvel that you will let her be a slave, seeing she so deserves to be served? Think not (said he) that I will commit so great ● fault, whereby I should ●ffend the gods, and my judgement, which forbid me to entreat her with rigour, she shall have as much liberty as you, but I will call her the fair slave, till such time as we better understand who she is: your discourse, said Amplimira then, hath possessed me with a great desire to see her, will you be pleased, Sir, to grant us this contentment. Very willingly, answered he; for I would have you acquainted with her, and use her with the respect which I am persuaded she deserves, for her carriage assures me she is nobly derived: Herewith Amadis being called forth came out of his Chamber strangely perplexed, he had resolved with himself not to be moved, but as soon as he appeared in the Hall, and was fallen on his knees, before his Mistress, who was exceedingly taken with the sight of such a comely person, he found himself to be so lost, that he was not able to utter a word, howbeit she that beheld him with a particular good will, which she could not call love; and that was no less ravished than he, desiring to confirm him, said unto him. Fair stranger, what ail you, will you not let us know, who you are, and from whence you came? Madam, answered he, marvel not if I have not spoken till now, to give you humble thanks, for the honour you have done me in receiving me thus, I had no eyes, but to admire the excellency of your beauty, which certainly cannot be humane; you ask me who I am, why here is before you a poor Damosel of Greece, the object of the mischances, and misery of the world, yet not so unhappy, but that she applauds that fortune, which hath brought her hither to enjoy the blessedness of your presence. Arise, sweet heart, said Palmire●●a, and you shall see that we shall so cherish and caresse you, as you shall have no cause to complain: Saying so, she stooped, and kissed him, wherewith Amadis was so transported, as he was ready to sound with extremity of pleasure, but recollecting his spirits, which were wand'ring in this ecstasy, he was going to render the like unto the two incomparable Infantaes, when as they prevented him with their kisses, after the example of their elder sister, and not suffering him to kneel, led him by the Emperor's permission into Palmirennaes' Chamber, who began to affect him no less than she did her sisters.   

CHAP. V. The life that Amadis led with Palmirenna. Floridans passions for Amplamira. Amadis and he knows one another.  
AMadis his behaviour, accompanied with most extraordinary sweetness, made him to be beloved of all, Palmirenna and her sisters held nothing so dear as his company, their women idolatrized him, and as his habit beguiled every one, the Gallants of the Court were as much enamoured of her, as she was of her Mistress: Tarsander, the Prince of Balivana, Nephew to the Emperor, sighed often at her feet, howbeit so discreetly, that the Emperor, who notwithstanding his old years was extremely passionate for her, could never perceive it: Every one adored her, but he that showed least fear, and most affection, was Bustrafard the Giant, whose cruel soul delighted more in blood, then in the exercise of any Gentleness. This Colossus having heard it often said, that handsomeness had as much power over the will of a woman, as the continuance of services that were done her, laboured to sweeten his look, which was most dreadful, caused his horrible rough beard to be perfumed, combed his hair, that was harder than any horse's Mane, painted his swarthy face, apparelled himself in the richest robes he could get, which made him more hideous, and omitting no occasion to accost our Gentlewoman, entertained her with the discourse of his valour, of his wealth, and of the antiquity of his race; and propounded unto her incredible contentments in the possession of him. Behaving himself thus in the sight of all the world, it exceedingly vexed Tarsander, who would willingly have been revenged on him, had his forces been answerable to his courage; but knowing full well that it would have been in vain for him to have attempted any thing against him he concealed his mind, hoping that Corazinda had more judgement, then to suffer herself to be carried by such an ill favoured and ugly beast. Whilst all these gallants died for the love of her, she felt the same passions for the Lady, and because she durst not sigh but in secret, she spent much of her time alone in the Gardens, where she entertained herself in this manner. To what end serves this borrowed disguise, if I have not an heart to crave a remedy, for the extremity of my grief? I see Palmirenna, it is true, I kiss her hands, and by an excess of good fortune, she sometimes joins her lips unto mine; but what doth that avayl me, seeing she does it in regard of the habit that I were, not of the love that I bea● her? Nothing questionless, but to increase my torment, these are winds, which in stead of extinguishing my flame, make it burn with the more violence, and if I take not a stronger resolution, I have laboured in vain to get the possession of so invaluable a g●mme: I must then either quit this habit, or make another, and better use of it then hitherto I have done, women's hearts are not without pity, and when Palmirenna shall know that I am a Knight, she will not advance my death by manifesting it to another. But what is this I say? will she not have just cause to blame this deceit, and to banish me from her sight for a punishment of so heinous a crime? yes, no doubt, and whereas the good will she bore me, whilst she thought me to be of her sex, might counsel her to do otherwise, honour and decency will fence her to it, I do therefore ill to yield to my desires, I am more happy than I deserve; for the longer I suffer, the greater will be my glory. So resolving to be silent, and leave her remedy unt● time, she sat her down one day under a tree, upon whose bark she had graven a thousand characters, where she began to renew her complaints, when as Palmirenna arriving there by chance with three of her Ladies, caught her by the arm, and said. What, Corazinda; are you still weeping, cannot all our caresses make you forget our country? Truly I have reason to complain of you, and will never believe that you love me so much, as you say, since you continue so sad here. Think not, answered she, (some what amazed to see herself so surprised) that I bestow these tears, on the remembrance of my country, or friends their absence is the least of my cares, but I grieve for that I cannot profit you by my service, nor advance myself a whit in the honour of your savour, for loving you far more, and that beyond all comparison, as I may truly say, than all the Knights of the world put together can possibly do, I could wish that your eyes should rest no where but on me, as my thoughts have no other object, than the excellency of your beauty; I wonder, said Palmirenna, that you should complain thus of me without a cause, doth not my women's jealousy, who are vexed for that they cannot be so free with me as you are; make it evidently appear how infinitely I love you? clear yourself of this sinister impression, and be confident, dear Corazinda, that if your content depends on me, you shall live as happily as your own heart can wish, being resolved to give you, and that most willingly, all that you can desire of me, provided I may see you no more thus afflicted. Now are all my sorrows at an end, answered Corazinda, for all the good of my future life is tied to the effect of this promise, which I hope you will never forget, and to make my happiness complete, there wants nothing but this; that whereas herein the Court I am called the fair slave; you will be pleased, that hereafter I may be called Palmirenna's fair slave. Here at the Princess fell a laughing, and embracing her, said that it pleased her very well. Some hours being sweetly spent in such like discourse, which testifying more and more an extreme love, that gave the Lady's great occasion to marvel from whence the heat of so powerful an affection should proceed, these two incomparable beauties retired into the Palace, where the Emperor meeting with them, began on a sudden to feel that fire burn which the first sight of our fair sl●ve bade kindled in his breast: Pretty one, said he ●nto her, having withdrawn her to a window, do not you think is time yet to case my pain and shall the discretion which you have sound in my carriage leave you insensible of my sufferings? consider that my love can make you the happiest Woman of the world, and that your good fortune depends on the pity which you shall have of me, and that if you be inexorable, you will give me just occasion to accuse your in gretitude, and to retrench you of those favours, which you receivehere. Sir answered she, (knowing full well that ●hee was to flatter his grief, rather than incense his choler) my judgement is not so weak, as to make me neglect the contentment, and advantages which the honour of your affection doth promise me, but do you think, that having yet sighs in my mouth, and tears in my eyes, to be wayl my captivity, my esloignment from my country, and the loss of my friends, I can resolve for any pleasure? verily I cannot, time the common Physician of our miseries, may alter this peevish humour, and furnish me with other devises, be pleased I beseech you Sir, to attend your remedy from thence, your delight will be the greater when I shall give it you without grudging, and not forcing my will you shall oblige me to comm●nd your gentleness, in the mean while let me obrain of you, that you will not afflict yourself, and giving me leave to retire from hence for to avoid the suspicion which may be had of your intent, leave me so to manage my sorrows with time, as I may be ableere it be long, to satisfy your hopes. Go my dearest Cornkinds', said be, insinitly contented with this answer; the gods which have made you to ●air, make you as true. Palmirennaes' fair slave having got off in this manner, went to find on her Lady; but understanding that she was laid down to sleep, she returned into the Garden, where having made afewturns, she peceiveda man lying on the grass, under the shadow of certain trees, who thinking he was not over-heand spoke thus. Wretched Knight? what canst thou expect from thy enterprise, but insuppottabletonments? thou imaginest that time, and thy services will beget a liking of thee in this Princess, but thou wilt be deceived, she will receive them from thee, as from an ordinary Knight obliged by the liberality of her father, what wilt thou do then? wilt thou discoverthy self for to serve her openly? thou wilt not be believed, but say thou wert, difference of religion would serve for a cause to refuse thee; now to leave her is not in thy power, seeing all thy future content depends on her favour. Powerful love open my eyes, that I may find out the means to conserve myself, which I fear is even at an end. Here with bedewing his cheeks with tears, he fetched three or four sighs, whereof Corakinds', who measured another's grief by her own, was so sensible, that she resolved to comfort him: Whereupon approaching unto him, she perceived that it was he whom she had taken up out of the Sea, at her arrival in Marta●ia, which exceedingly rejoiced her, but making as though she knew him not, she began to discourse of the inconstancy of things here below, that many times succeed according to our desires, when we least hope for them; Weak spirits, said she, mayfail, because they are ignorant of the good which patience brings, bun a generous Knight ought to undertake without fear, and dare any thing where by he may be able to merit; delight doth notraste well, without some proceeding labour, nor is content pleasing, gotten without pain, the resolution you have taken to pursue your design, is courageous, and from whence you cannot but attend recompense, proceed then, and be not dismayed with the difficulties of our enterprise, Love will favour your desires, and for me I will most willingly serve you therein to the utmost of my power. O me said the Knight, who during this discourse had very attentively observed her, either I am greatly deceived, or I behold one of the bravest Warriors on the earth, in an habit quite contrary to his valour, diftrust me not Sir, I beseech you, I owe too much unto your assistance to be any way wanting to your service, or to disclosethat which you desire should be concealed, wherefore tell me boldly the occasion of this transformation, which so amazeth me. I did not think, answered C●razinda, that you could have known me thus disguised, but not to hide myself longer from you, I confess that I am indeed the same that saved you from drowning, you marvel to see me in this attire, but you know that love doth greater miracles, I will give you a reason for it by and by, so as you will use the like courtesy towards me, by declaring truly unto me your birth, and condition. That will I a thousand times over, if you please, said he, I am called Floriden of Persia, son to Den Rogel of Greece, of whom peradventure you have heard, conducted hither by my destiny, and constrained to abide here for to obtain the favour of Amplamira, the Emperor's second Daughter, whose beauty hath so engaged me, that I can never depart from hence without infinite discontent. See, said C●razinda, embracing him very kindly; how unfortunate have we been not to know one another in this strange Country, where the advice of the one might greatly avail the other; my name is Amadis of Trebisond, Son to the Emperor Amadis of Greece, your Father's Grandfather, drawn hither as you have seen by a marvellous adventure, and here stayed by the beauty of 〈◊〉, for the love of whom I have taken upon me this habit, believing that it would facilitate the means to see her, and it may be to conduct my designs to a better Port, then could have been done by my Arms, which I have made odious at my arrival in this Province, where I am now known by the name of C●razinda, though of late I am called 〈◊〉 fair slave. Here with these two brave Warriors renewing their embraces, infinitely caressed one another; but the fear of being discovered, counselled them to retire, with a promise nevertheless to meet every day, and confer of their Loves, at all other times carrying themselves, as unacquainted; parting then with some grief Floridan went to his Chamber, musing on the course that he might hold for to speak to his Lady, and the fair slave to 〈◊〉, whose absence was so insupportable to her, that she was almost never out of her sight.   

CHAP. VI Floridan meets with Almerina in the Emperor's Garden, their discourse; Floridan discovering himself, writes to Amplamira.  
WHilst Amadis beheld himself in those eyes, which his soul adored, sighed out his passions, and under the favour of the habit that he wore stole kisses from Palmirenna's delicate lips, whilst he lost himself at the sight of the two little unparalled Worlds, that so graced her bosom; and languished in the desire, and expectation of a greater felicity; Floridan was enraged for that he could not come to speak unto his Mistress that he might acquaint her with the secret fire which consumed him; he recounted his sufferings unto the trees, desired relief from the Fountains, and as if these inanimate things had been capable of his cmplaints, he besought them to comfort and assist him in so great an extremity. At length, unable longer to endure the violence of his desires, he resolved either by death, or the assurance of enjoying of that he desired, to make himself happy; My tongue dares not discover my thoughts; said he, my hand then shall do it that office; and if I must die in this enterprise, it is better I should do so quickly, then languish any longer amidst such tormenting passions; Whereupon getting ink and paper, he wrote what love indicted to him, but having finished his Letter, and not knowing how to convey it into his Lady's hands, he was troubled afresh, and dispaired of all good success, howbeit his fortune proved better than he expected, for walking solitary in the Garden by himself, as he used to do; Al●●●ina (the Earl● of Frisoliae's daughter, and the faithful Secretary of Amplamira's thoughts, being enamoured of him, and therefore as much desiring to sp●ak with him, as he did to talk with his Mistress) came thither by chance, and espying him lying under a tree, she approached unto him, ere he was aware, where watch fully observing him, she hoped to have heard something c●me from him; that might discover the cause of his solitude, but finding him silent with some tears in his eyes, she presently conceived that her heauty had wrought these effects in him, the rather because she remembered, that he had always sought occasions to be present, where she was with Amplamira, this opinion, and her affection emboldening her, she stepped to him, and pulling up his hat, which he had plucked down over his eyes, with a smiling countenance she said unto him: How now Knight of the Flowers, do these tears become the cheek of a valiant man? and why do you afflict yourself in a place where you are so caressed, not answerably, it may be, to your merits, but as much as may be? come, this carriage of yours rather befits a Woman, whose weakness is not capable of generous resolutions, to withstand misfortune, and if you continue to do thus, you will lose much of that good opinion, which out Courtiers have conceived of you; a courageous mind seeks remedy for his disease, and never increases it by cowardice; now if the loss of your friends, or the absence of some Mistress makes your abode here distasteful, the Emperor is a Prince so gracious, that he will not deny you leave to depart from hence at your pleasure. Alas, said he (no whit dismayed with this surprise, but resolved to discover himself, since this encounter had happened according to his wish) my displeasure proceeds not from the grief of seeing myself esloigned from my Country, since I voluntarily forsook it, for to travel the world, but I complain for that I am so unhappy, as I cannot hope for any content whilst I live, unless you will take some pity of my suffering, I must speak, I can no longer conceal my thoughts; Almerina, in your hands rests my life or death, I have endured incredible things before I would resolve to discover myself; and the fear to offend Amplamira, whom I love beyond all comparison, far more than mine own soul, hath hitherto closed up my lips, but now the violence of my pains so terribly afflicts me, that I must impart this secret unto you; Sweet Almerina, have some compassion on me, tell her that which I say, and joining your entreaties to my tears, render her sensible of my suffering: I am too daring, it is true, for such an accomplished beauty deserves no less than the affection of a God, but if her eyes might stoop to a man, my birth hath not made me so mean, but that I may justly equal myself with the greatest of the earth; now if I may receive a good office from you, be assured that you shall not confer it upon an ungrateful person, nor ever repent any assistance you may give me. These words finishing in tears, marvellously astonished this Lady, who little expected such a discourse, and considering the speech she had heard, which deprived her of all hope of ever possessing him, shrinking up her shoulders, she said; O ye gods, now deceitful is the judgement of man, and with what little assurance may one depend on things of this world; Indeed Sir I guessed, that Love had drawn forth those tears, which trickled down your cheeks, and as I was foolish enough to presume a little too much of my beauty, I verily believed that I was the cause of it, loving you with no less ardour, than you do your Mistress, but now knowing you better than I did, and no way doubting of the greatness of your descent, I will quench those amorous flames, and only reserve such a good will for you, ●● may oblige you in your enterprise; wherefore I'll promise to serve you therein with passion, not for the hope of the recompenses you propound, but for the glory of having done something for so noble a Gentleman, and to testify unto you how willingly I do this, I will presently go about it; Were it not amiss (said Floridan unto her, after some kisses, and a thousand protestations, eternally to remember so powerful an obligation) that she saw a Letter, whereby I was resolved to have discovered myself unto her; It cannot choose but aid our design, said Almerina, therefore give it me, you shall quickly have an answer of it, and be confident that if it lie in me, you shall have no longer cause to complain: Whereupon Almerina departing with some regret, to see all her hopes overthrown, she went to find out Amplamira in her Chamber, who beholding her with a troubled countenance, demands of her from whence she came? from learning out a secret, answered she, of great importance for you: What is it, said Amplamira? Madam replied Almerina, walking but now in the Emperor's Garden, and thinking of nothing less than Love; I discovered a Gallant the most enamoured that lives, wot you who it is? That brave stranger, the Companion of him that defeated the Monster, he lay upon the grass under the shadow of those great trees, which make a demi-circle at the first door of the walk, and spoke somewhat loud, not imagining that I was so near him; His first speeches were nothing but complaints against fortune, that spares no body, and that ordinarily falls upon the greatest, the better to demonstrate her power; but passing from that to speak of Love, he fetched some sighs, and then proceeded in this manner. O ye gods, said he, how fair is Amplamira, but why doth not she know that I love her? I have a thousand times resolved to let her understand my affection, and a thousand times again hath respect shut up my mouth, fearing to offend her by the overture of my heart; nevertheless it is necessary that she know it, at least wise if ever I will hope for content, but how shall that be, dare I be so hardy as to speak unto her? No verily, fear would tie up my tongue, and the lightning of her eyes would strike me dumb: To acquaint her with it otherwise, alack I see little likelihood, here I am unknown; and of millions that in my own country would most gladly serve me, not one is present to undertake this afair, I must die then with this regret, that I have loved the fairest, and most excellent creature in the world, and durst not publish it. These words being drowned with a sea of tears, he turned him about, and took a paper out of his pocket, over the which he lamented anew. How happy wouldst thou be, said he, if thou mightest be permitted to touch the delicate hands of my Mistress, and what would not I give then to see myself in thy place? Doubtless I should not grieve at the loss of so much greatness as a tends me; and though it should immediately preced my death, I should be no way sorry for it. What should I say more? All his motions, Madam, were full of love, he wished a thousand, and a thousand times that he might be beloved of you; in the midst of this Agony he rose up, and went away, leaving the paper which it seems he forgot, behind him upon the ground, where I found it all bedewed with his tears, and which I present here unto you, open it, peradventure you will meet with the same discourse in it, as I made you but now. Whereupon kissing the Letter, which Floridan had given her, she delivered it to the Princess, who made some difficulty at the first to receive it, howbeit being a little urged by Almerina, but more by the desire she had to learn who the Knight was, she opened it, and read this which followeth.  
To the fairest Infanta of Martaria.  
MADAM,  
I Doubt not, but you will think it very strange, that an unknown Knight should dare so far, as to be a Suit●r to you for your love, before his services might induce you unto it; but when you shall consider, that he is enforced so to do, by the unresistable power of your divine beauty, questionless you will excuse his presumption, and not think it ●●isse, if he beg some grace from you, since it is the glory of the gods to grant it unto the Prayers of m●●: He endures incredible pains, his desires never leave him in quiet, his heart burns continually in a flame, which your fair eyes have kindled his little merit, and your greatness make incessant was upon him, he hath no relief but in his sighs; in the which too he finds a great deal of misery: Leave him not Madam, in the midst of so many Enemies that oppress him, he will not live but for you, prolong his days for your service; and because all his felicity depends thereupon, permit in the mean time that he may be named.  
Your KNIGHT.  
Is it possible, said 〈◊〉, that there should be so much temerity in a man! an ordinary Knight address himself to me! motion love to me! and be a Suitor to me for some favour? This is an unpardonable insolence, he must be relieved Almerina, but in an other manner, than he hopes for; return presently to him, and tell him, that I am acquainted with his intent, and that it lies in me to have him most rigorously punished for it; howbeit, being more merciful than he deserves, I will let him live upon condition, that he speedily void the Country, and never present himself again before me. Madam, answered Almerina, pardon me I beseech you, if I do nor approve of this your displeasure, and justly you cannot lay so grievous a command upon me; he is one of the greatest Princes now living upon the earth, and to entreat him so unworthily is against all reason. How do you know, said Amplamira, that he is such as you deliver him? I learned it by his discourse, answered 〈◊〉 but without that, the brave carriage of himself, his fair parts, and the confidence out of which he hath dared to address himself unto you, and most assured demonstrations of an extraordinary, and high 〈…〉, Permit him, Madam, to love you, for I do not think, th●● i● wh●●● world you can meet with one that is so handsome, and so 〈◊〉 of you. That he is valiant you cannot doubt, the death of the A●●●● 〈…〉, whom he slew in your presence, being armed but with a single sword, make it good, what can you wish for more in a man? verily one of his merit is not easily sound, and if you let this occasion slip, you will be the first that will repent it.  
Thou pleadest so well for him, said Amplanira, who hegan to feel the first assaults of love, that I am resolved to over come myself for to affect him; but at any hand I will not have him know so much. Pish, said Almerina, what good can this affection do him, if he must be ignorant of it? would his sorrows be assuaged, would he have less cause to complain and afflict himself? No, Madam, he must be made acquainted with his good fortune, or else you must not love him. Why, said Amplamira, wouldst thou have me contrary to all order, be a Suitor, and demand that of him, which he ought not to obtain of me without a world of service and suffering. I do not mean so neither, said Almerina, I only say, that he is to be received favourably, when he shall present himself before you, and that you do not refuse him the favour ●e desires, which is to employ his Arms as your Knight. This cannot bet conveniently done, said Amplamira, for to speak openly with him would not become me; since he is not known what he is, & for him to come hither is far more unfit, for so I might not only give my women occasion to talk, but peradventure all the Court: what course shall we hold then that it may be affected? A little thing troubles you, said Almerina; well take you no care, I'll bring it to a good issue, so as you will leave it to me, and follow my counsel, only be mindful to know of him who he is, when you see him, that you do not engage yourself inconsiderately, nor repent the loss of your liberty. This discourse ended by the arrival of Palmirenna, and her fair slave, who could not endure to be asunder, Almerina get her presently forth, and found out Floridan, to whom having delivered in few words, that he was to hope well, and that he should not fail to be the next day at the same place and time, where she had met with him in the Garden, she returned, leaving him more contented, then ever he was in all his life.   

CHAP. VII. Amadis unable to endure the violence of his desires, discovers himself to Palmirenna, her answer. Floridan is presented to Amplamira by Almerina.  
THe day beginning to break, Floridan to whom minutes had been unsupportable hours, got him out of bed, and having apparelled himself in the bravest fashion he could devise to appear the more pleasing in the eyes of Amplamira, went down into the Garden, where he walked up and down, earnestly beseeching in his heart, that proud divinity which triumphed over his desires that he would direct his tongue at his encounter with his Lady, and render her sensible of his pain; but imagining that she could not come so soon, he laid him down under certain trees, and fell into so deep a muse of his expected happiness, that three hours passed insensibly away, at the end whereof his passion making him believe, that the leaves driven by a sweet and gentle breath of wind proceeded from Amplamira's steps, he suddenly rose, and looked a thousand times about him, howbeit, seeing no body appear, he got into an arbour, covered with jasemine, where the fear of meeting with new difficulties in his enterprise, assailing him, he said.  
In vain I attend a felicity that I have never deserved, Amplamira will not come, and the sweetness of those hopes, which had already placed me in the supremest degree of glory, will, I doubt, be changed into bitterness, the hour prescribed me is past, Almerina appears not, what shall I think then of so grievous a retardment, but that which hath always accompanied the evil fortune of my actions? I see there is no way for me, but to resolve for death, which yet would be better than a life so full of crosses, at least wise Amplamira being the cause of it, I shall endure it without grief.  
Herewith going out of the Arbour, as if he would have sought for the end of his days, he perceived that Sun to appear, whose approach he had attended with so much impatience, which so transported him with the excess of a sudden joy, as notable to sustain himself he fell on his knees, but so opportunely, that Amplamira arriving thereupon, by the cunning of Almerina (who had gotten her down into the Garden, under colour of conferring privately with her, about the last night's Affair) she believed that it was purposely done to obtain that of her which he had sued for by his Letter. Their amazement being great, they beheld one another a good while without speaking a word, Floridan trembled, Amplamira found herself surprised by so unexpected an encounter, and knew not how to speak to this Lover, doubting to show herself, either too free, or too reserved; howbeit receiving incredible content, to see him at her feet in such great humility, and judging by his fear, that he was extremely in love; she said unto him, with a behaviour that testified more Majesty, then good will, Knight what is it that you demand? That which I can never hope for, answered he, if you shall consider the excellency of your beauty, the greatness of your birth, and the merit of your virtues; I wish for a place in your heart, and that I may be permitted to bear Arms as your Knight. Why who are you, replied she, that asks so freely what the greatest Prince of the earth could not have without infinite labour? Madam, answered he, I will boast more in being yours, and will draw more glory from your service, then from all the kingdoms of the world, nevertheless if you will know who I am, it is fit I should obey your pleasure; wherefore I will declare it to you, but Madam be pleased, it may be conditionally that no body know it but yourself, until such time as it shall be requisite to have it published in the Court, I am named Floridan of Persia, the son of Rogell of Greece, Heir to the Empires of Trebisond, Constantinople, and Persia, of which peradventure you have heard little spoken, in regard of the dangers which are met withal in traversing the Seas that separate them from this Country.  
Arise Prince, said Amplamira then (lending him her hand with wonderful content to have learned that his birth was so transcendent) your greatness will not permit me to leave you in the state where you are, the kingdoms you speak of, are indeed very remote from hence; but yet we have had some knowledge of them, for our Admiral about three years since visited all those coasts, and at his return recounting a good part of the warlike exploits of the Princes of Greece, he brought us their names, amongst the which I well remember, how that which you give to your Father is one; come let us make a turn in this Garden, and I will tell you my resolution upon the demand, you made me: Whereupon walking along the allies with incredible content to Floridan, who held and kissed his Lady's hand, whilst she accepted of his service, and commanding him to be no less faithful than loving promised to meet him oftentimes in that place; provided that it might still be with that respect, which was to be observed to one of her quality; whereunto Floridan having deeply sworn, she wisely retired to avoid the encounter of any one, and left him better satisfied, then ever he was in his life.  
In the mean time, Love wrought strange miracles, he made Palmirenna in love with her slave, and possessed her with as much desire as the other; beholding her continually to sigh, she likewise sighed, and said to herself; O ye gods! how cruel is my fate to make me feel the same passions for a Woman, as I should do for a Knight! that which she endures for me, should make me wise, and keep me from falling into the like inconvenience; what else can I expect from this desire, but an impossible contentment, and a pain without all hope? I called thee fool Corazinda, but alas I am a greater, and yet not so, our error is common, our miseries are equally shared, I can give thee no remedy, nor canst thou bring me any, nature having made us so wretched, as to render us impotent to our wishes. Why art not thou a man, or why am not I one? So should we not languish in this sort; for preferring thy merit before the greatest Crowns of the earth, I would become thy Wife, or I would soon be thy husband; wherewith looking on her fair slave, who had then the same thoughts, she took her in her arms, and feeling some thing by chance that women have not, she joined her lips to hers, with such ardour, as did denote a more than ordinary passion, whereof our Warrior was so sensible, that he was about to discover himself, but being retained by the fear of precipitating his felicity, he contented himself with giving her two kisses for one: upon the continuance of which, Palmirenna still thinking of the encounter she had made, said laughing unto him. Ah, Corazinda, nature hath done us great wrong, for if you had been a Knight, we might have lived together with incredible contentment. I Madam, answered he, so as you would have conferred the same favour on me, which now I receive from you. Believe me, replied she, that I have wished it a thousand times of late; whereupon rounding her in the ear, that he might not be overheard by Crestia, the most intimate of her Women that was by, he said unto her, Madam, be pleased to remember this speech; the gods that heretofore have animated a work of Marble, for the satisfaction of a mortal man, may authorize your wishes, in hope whereof I will instantly go and sacrifice unto them, for to obtain so infinite a grace.  
This said he departed, and leaving a mighty suspicion in the mind of this Princess, he retired into a room, that was but little frequented; and walking there a good while, he resolved to discover himself as soon as he could; and indeed not long after Palmirenna; who was much troubled, coming thither with an intent to know more of the matter, he met her, and began the discourse, which he meant to make unto her, with new assurance of his love, when as she taking him by the hand, interrupted him, saying.  
Corazinda, I am not hereto inform myself, whether you love me or no, I have too certain proofs of that, but to understand the truth of a secret, whereof I have already some knowledge, your speeches have opened my eyes, and do almost assure me, that you are a Knight, disguised for some great design, discover yourself freely unto me, if you desire that I should contribute to your Enterprise, I love you too much, either to reveal it, or to discover you therein.  
Madam, said he, falling on his knees before her, you indeed behold a most infortunate Knight, if you stand on the offence he hath committed, appearing before you otherwise then in Arms for your service; but the happiest in the world, if you shall please to continue those favours unto him, which you have given to the belief of his sex. Love, who never leaves a Lover, without some means of relief, having two days after I had to my grief defeated your Guard, conducted me to the Seaside, made me at the very same time meet with a wooden Chest, wherein were the clothes that I had on, when I was brought hither as a slave, and furnished me with the invention to fit myself with them, imagining as it is fallen out, that I should fall into your hands, and that Time, or my services might oblige you to love me: I know well, that this so audacious a part deserves no less than death, whereunto I most willingly submit myself; but when you shall have considered, Madam, that it will be more blame to you, than praise, you will preserve him, in stead of seeking his ruin.  
It were but reason (answered she somewhat coldly, the better to discover the greatness of the Knight's affection) that I should seek out punishment to chastise this daring impudence of yours, but being more gently disposed, I will only banish you my company, with a commandment never to present yourself again before me. O this is too rigorous a sentence, said he, to leave a Lover with life, Madam. I will go and revenge you of my insolence. Therewith he fell down in the place with so little colour, and motion, that Palmirenna verily believed he was dead, which put her into such a confusion, as she was ready to follow him, howbeit taking a little courage to her, she got her speedily away, and call Crestia declared what had happened, conjuring her to assist her in so important an Affair.  
This Maid perceiving by her Mistress' speech, that she was deeply in love, said to her with a smiling countenance. Madam, you are too much troubled upon so little occasion, have you never heard that love hath done far greater wonders, only tellme whither the death of this Knight will please you, or whether you desire he should live? Alas, said he, Crestia, dost thou not know that I was never cruelly minded. Enough Madam, answered she, leave the care of this to me, and you shall see that I will cure you both; saying so, she took a little water in a dish, and going speedily to the room where Amadis lay in a swound, she sprinkled it on his face till he came to himself again. Seeing him then to open his eyes, she said unto him: Verily I did not think you had had so little heart, as to be discouraged for a word speaking: Up, up, Love is like to favour you more than you imagine.  
Hereat Amadis was going to rise, but he was so faint, that he was not able to do so, without the help of Crestia, who led him to his Chamber, and having given him a little preserve to comfort him, she said. Come it is no time now to dissemble, or to conceal your thoughts from me; I know that which hitherto you have kept so secret, for the Princess my Mistress hath discovered whatsoever hath passed betwixt you unto me, I am able to do much for you, but I will never serve you, unless you will swear unto me by the faith which you owe unto the order of Knighthood, to acquaint me truly with that I shall desire to know of you, for thereupon depends all your future good or hurt. Let Heaven show some strange judgement on me, answered he, somewhat faintly, if I do not tell you freely whatsoever you shall demand of me. Declare then unto me who you are, replied she, that if it can be done with reason I may restore you into the good grace of my Lady, who doubtless had just cause to entreat you, as she did. I will obey you most willingly, said he; My name is Amadis, son to the great Emperor of Greece and Trebisond, but the most unhappy Knight breathing, if having such powerto help me, you take not some compassion of my case, dear Crestia pass by my little merit, and persuade this incensed beauty to pardon me, or if so be my death is more agreeable to her, order it in such sort that I may receive it from her hands, or by her commandment, for it would grieve me far less, to have it come to me so sweet a way. She shall not be so rigorous, answered Crestia, let me alone to make your peace, and be comforted, whilst I take care to render you happy.  
So leaving him in his bed, she went to find out Palmirenna, who trembled at her coming, fearing some ill news of this Knight, whom she infinitely affected; but seeing her look merrily, she was confirmed, and withdrawing her to a Window, that jetted upon the Garden, she asked her what she had done. Much more than you think for, answered Crestia, your Knight is living, and which is more, I know him for one of the greatest Princes of the world, son to the excellent Emperor of Greece and Trebisond, of whom our Admiral hath so often spoken since his return. Good gods, said Palmivenna, what is this thou tellest me? is it possible that he is issued out of so high, and noble a race? how great an error have I committed to use him so cruelly, I fear Crestia, he will be too sensible of this affront. Nay rather, said Crestia, it hath made him more desirous to see you, but that he dares not do, because he will not disobey your commandment, before he knows that you will be pleased with it; He is in his bed, go to him after dinner, it will give you a great deal of satisfaction to talk with him.  
This Princess, being carried more by her passion, than Crestia's counsel failed not to visit this sick patient, as soon as she was risen from table, and perceiving some tears in his eyes, which the doubt of finding his Mistress inexorable to Crestia's persuasions, had produced, she comforted him with so amorous a grace, that he presently recovered his former hue, giving her a million of thanks for the care she took of his health. There needed no less a Physician, said he unto her, than you to cure so dangerous a disease; but, Madam, will you never remember my offence? no my Lord answered she, but to love you the more; for assuring myself that the violence of your affection counselled you to disguise yourself, and that your intents were fair, I find myself indebted to my good fortune, so as you excuse me if ignorant of your quality, I have spoken more rudely unto you then was fit. Ah, Madam! said he, kissing her hand, you kill me with talking in this manner, for you have absolute power over my life, and may entreat me as you please, at which too I may not repine: whereupon most amorously interchanging kisses they vowed to love one another eternally.   

CHAP. VIII. The felicity of Amadis and Floridan, in the secret Marriages of Palmirenna and Amplamira.  
THese Lovers delighting in nothing so much, as the object of their own beauties, beheld one another with admiration; Amadis adored her, she idolatrized Amadis, he burned, she felt no less violent a flame, they equally desired to see the way to their felicity open, but respect and shame stayed them from attempting it, at length our Warrior remembering that fortune derides such as do not rightly use the favour she presents, resolved to go on, and not make a stop in so fair a course; fixing his eyes then on his excellent Lady, he said unto her with a countenance that testified a great deal of passion.  
Since it is your pleasure that I shall live, leave me not Madam, in pains, which length of time, would make most insupportable, let us make use of the means that are offered us to set our hearts at rest, and not staying till some evil chance may deprive us of the happiness, which now we may enjoy, let us break through this fear, that foolishly restraineth us; you assure me that I have more interest in your heart, than all the men besides in the world, I have sworn a thousand times that I never adored any, but you, and that I will never sigh for an other, I will reiterate the same oaths, give me the same assurance, render the effects conformable to your words, and making me partaker of the glory of your bed as your husband, disdain not to be my wife, upon the promise, which now I make you before Heaven, and your faithful Crestia, to espouse you solemnly at Constantinople, or as soon as we shall have disposed your father thereunto.  
Why dearest Lord, said Palmire●●●, (that was possessed with no less powerful desire, than he) I have as much affection as you, to wish our present content, but pardon me, if I tell you freely that I am to be more careful of myself; I have heard of a thousand misfortunes occasioned by the inconstancy of men, I may fear the like; and when you were absent from me (as the fortune of war▪ might many times carry you abroad) I should still be in doubt, that you were in the power of some other beauty.  
Ah Madam, said Amadis, shedding tears, and deeply sighing, which he knew was of marvellous force to constrain the heart of a Woman, have I not cause to be exceedingly grieved, that you will rank me thus amongst the worst of men? Unworthy, and dishonourable spirits may offend so basely, but a man whose aim is reputation, will never fall into so soul a fault; I may fail, but never so much, and say I should be tempted with some such desire, have not you wherewithal to make me sure; look but only on your eyes, and there you shall find charms, able to arrest the most fickle humour in the world, and to assure your fear: These considerations Madam, are cruel; and if you desire to see an end of me, do but continue firm in the mind you seem to be in.  
Your grief doth much afflict me, answered she, nor will my love endure to see you suffer thus any longer; wherefore I am contented to espouse you this evening, but I will have my sister Amplamira, whom I hold most dear, to be present with Crestia, at the vows and oaths you shall make, never to have any other Wife but me. Madam, answered he, infinitely transported with joy, I am not able to give you thanks worthy enough for the greatness of this grace, but I will serve you so faithfully, that you shall never repent the conferring of it on me, I am wonderfully well contented, that the Princess Amplamira may be with you, for I hope ere it be long to do her the like good office. Why, said Palmirenna, will you give her an husband? Madam, answered Amadis, the excess of my happiness will not permit me to conceal any thing, how important soever, from you, I will acquaint you with a very great secret, but with condition, that you will be pleased to assist me to bring it to pass. The Knight of the Flowers, whom you know, is my Nephew, son to Rogel of Greece, Emperor of Persia, he is passionately in love with your sister Amplamira, and by the means of Almerina, he hath lately had access unto her, in such sort, as I believe she will not refuse him, if you will present him unto her for a husband, let one and the same time consummate these marriages, the knowledge you have of a Lovers pains, together with my entreaties, may persuade you unto it, but when you shall consider, that it is for your sister's good, you will be carried to it with more affection. Verily this is strange, said Palmirenna, and sure this day is fatal for the happiness of our house; my Lord, let us send for this Knight, and know of him how far he hath proceeded with Amplamira, afterwards we will dispose of the rest.  
Crestia having order then to seek out Floridan, these Lovers remained alone, to Amadis, unspeakable content, who feeling himself much pressed by his desires would fain have entered into the possession of his felicity, but Palmirenna she wing him how near it was to night, he was constrained to command over his appetite, and have a little patience, the rather because Crestia arrived then with Floridan, who going to Amadis, after he had kissed Palmirenna's fair hands, he said unto him; what occasion, Corazinda, keeps you thus in your bed? Nay, said Palmirenna smiling, call him boldly by his name; we have found out his tricks, and which is more, we know your greatest secrets, does Amplamira love you, and can you hope for any thing from your services? Hereat Floridan blushed, and was so dismayed, that he could not return her a word, he beheld Amadis laughing, and perceiving Palmirenna take no less pleasure in seeing him so transported, he could not tell whether it were a dream, or no: At last gathering his wits together, and concluding with himself, that all was discovered, he answered her thus. Madam, you have so surprised me, that in good faith I scarce know yet where I am; for that which you desire to understand of me, concerns me so near, that I could rather die, a thousand times, then confess it any other where; but desiring to give all obedience to your commandments, and satisfaction to the friendship of this Knight, I will not stick to acknowledge unto you, that the Princess Amplamira wishes me well, and that she hath declared how she is pleased with my servitude. That is enough, said Palmirenna, our danger will be brought to a good port, Sir follow me, and be not troubled with the captivity wherinto I will put you, it shall not be but to make you relish your liberty the better.  
Going forth then with Amadis, who had made himself ready, she went into her Cabinet, where she shut up Floridan; and seeing her sister come, she caused all her women to leave the Chamber, retaining none but Almerina, and her trusty Crestia, that done she took Amadis by the hand, and addressing her speech to Amplamira, she said.  
Sister I have prepared you for the marvels you shall behold, for being most assured how much you love me, and that I may trust to you in all occasions, I hold it unnecessary to use many Ceremonies with you. Love, whose power is unresistable, unable to put me into passion, for any of those many Princes, which heretofore have sighed for me, hath possessed me with so much for this slave, that not to lie, I was reduced to the uttermost of despair, thinking that my affections was mad and impossible, but my good Genius having opened mine eyes, I came this morning to know, that the habit she wore, was usurped for the love of me, and that it covered the body of the valiant Knight, who cleared this Province of the danger it was in, by the death of that dreadful Monster, which would have rendered it desolate, this hath induced me to resolve (after I had learned of him that he was the son of the renowned Emperor of Greece) to make him this day my husband, whereof I desire you should be participant, as well to testify the trust I repose in you; as to entreat you to be a witness for me, that I do not receive him into my bed, before he hath taken a solemn oath to espouse me publicly in his Empire, or here in our father's dominions, if we can dispose him thereunto: do that then (continued she speaking to Amadis) which is to be done on your part, to the end that the caresses, which you shall receive from me, may be without blame.  
Madam, said Amadis then, I protest before heaven, before this excellent Princess, and before these faithful Ladies, never to have other Wife, than you, and to espouse you solemnly, whensoever you please, as now I do espouse you. Saying this, he took a rich Diamond from off his finger, and put it on his fair Mistresses, who giving him an amorous kiss, called him her husband and Knight.  
O ye gods, what have I seen (said Amplamira, almost lost in the wonder of these things) and what may not one believe, concerning the power of a divinity that works such strange miracles? A woman changes her sex, a slave becomes in an instant Lord of Martaria, and I have for my brother and Sovereign, the Prince of Greece, whom but even now I beheld to be a vagabond Girl. Verily I am lost, and must needs believe that these things are done by enchantment: Is not all this an illusion sister? or do you not tell it me to make sport with me?  
No indeed, said Palmirenna, I have spoken nothing but the truth, and therefore you must be assured that this Prince here, whose name is Amadis, is my Lord and Husband. It is fit then, replied Amplamira, that approving of your choice, I acknowledge him for Sovereign of Martaria, and that I kiss his hands in token of the homage which he is to expect from his Subjects. Madam, said Amadis; it will be more glory for me to be your Brother, than your Lord, wherefore you shall do me a favour, to let me have yours to kiss, by way of humble thanks, for the consent you are pleased to give unto my good fortune, for a beginning whereof I entreat you not to refuse me one boon I shall demand of you. My Lord, answered she, I have no other will but yours, and therefore you may easily obtain whatsoever you shall desire of me. Confer then (replied Amadis, stepping suddenly to Palmirenna's Cabinet, and presenting Floridan unto her) confer then, Madam, the same grace on this Knight, who is my Nephew, as I have received from your Sister; the Empire of Persia attends him, and the merit of his person deserves it from you.  
O ye Gods! (cried Amplamira again, and moreamazed then before,) what second wonder is this? must I be of the party too? That you must, Sister, answered Palmirenna strait, if you desire your own good, for this Knight being one of the handsomest, greatest, and most accomplished Princes of the world, you cannot fall into a better hand. I receive him then with all my heart, said she, but I would have the consummation of this Marriage deferred for a while. Ah, Madam, said Floridan, be not less kind than your sister, nor give her the glory of loving better than you, how miserable should I be, to sigh whilst others live happily amidst their delights: Behold me with an eye of pity, said he, kneeling down before her, and consider that time may make an end of me with grieving. Arise, said she, joining her lips to his, my love and your merit have overcome me. Herewith, Floridan having sworn the same to her, which Amadis had done unto his Lady; she took a Ring of him, and accepted him for her Husband. That done, they departed one from another, after they had concluded to keep this affair very secret, and to leave unto Amadis his habit, and name, under colour whereof he lay with Palmirenna without suspicion; and so getting to bed, they appeased the violence of their desires, wherein let us leave them for to see what resolution Brustafard took, being wonderful passionate for the love of the fair slave.   

CHAP. IX. Bustrafard maintaining the j●●sts, for the love of Palmirenna's fair Slave, is vanquished by Floridan.  
WHilst our Lovers sought for delights in their kisses, for sweetest satisfaction in their embraces, and whilst they met with unexpressable raptures in the height of their pleasures; Tarsander sighed out his sufferings, and Bustraf●rd was lost in the excess of his passion. This Giant, who presumed so far, as to be persuaded, that Palmirenna's fair Slave would adore him, assoon as she knew that he loved her, was much abashed at not finding her not sensible of his flame, but seeking to flatter himself in some sort, he laid the fault on the modesty which Maidens do always retain in their actions, and said that it was discretion in her, to conceal her thoughts, howbeit perceiving that time, and patience did but increase his desires, he resolved to board her, and so know whereunto he should trust; yet considering with himself, that it would be fit for him to oblige her first, by some remarkable service, to the end the might have no excuse, if she would not affect him, he presented himself before the Emperor one day, when as Palmirenna, her Sister, the fair Slave, and the most of the Lords, were in the great Hall, and kneeling down, he said unto him with a voice that might have dismayed the most confident.  
Mighty Monarch of Martaria, I have often heard it said, that Love was the author of all Gentillesses, and thereof you may now see an example in me, that loath to let your Court be in idleness, am resolved to put it in exercise, so as your Majesty will be pleased therewith all; for I will maintain for three days together, against all comers, both with my Lance and Sword, that next unto these three excellent Princesses, who admit no comparison, G●razinda is the fairest Maid that lives; and that of all the Knights of the earth, I am most worthy of her favour. This speech which drew laughter from all the Assistants, made our fair Slave to blush, who answered him with a smile; Knight, be well advised upon that which now you propound, the performance whereof carries more difficulty with it, than you think for, and the injustice of your cause may deny you the victory, which otherwise were most assured to the force you have. I never fear that, answered he, for on so just a quarrel, I would undertake to vanquish the gods. But what do you hope from this enterprise of yours, said she unto him? Much honour in having served you, answered he, and more contentment in enjoying of you, being most assured that my valour will induce you to love me, if my affection cannot. But what if you happen to have the worst, replied she? You may then, answered he, recompense my Vanquisher with the favours I have desired from you. Your enterprise doth so much oblige me, said she, that not to be ingrateful, I will submit my ●elf to the conditions you have propounded. Go then, so as it may stand with his Majesty's pleasure, I will be the prize of your victory. O ye Gods! said Tarfander to himself, what is this I hear? my hopes are at an end, nor can I wish for any thing now but death, which I will seek for at the point of my rivals Lance. Ah! Corazinda, how unadvised are you voluntarily to engage yourself in so loathsome a captivity? do you think to find delight in the bed of such an ugly fellow, or any sweetness in the kisses of such beastly lips? you will curse the time that ever you were so light of your promise, for had you done it with any hope, there had been comfort yet, but alas! your misfortune is remediless, the whole Empire hath not a Knight able to resist the force of this Giant, so that of Palmirenna's, you will become Bustrafards' slave.  
Whilst this Lover complained in this manner; Bustrafard having easily obtained permission to Combat, went and armed himself, leaving the Courtiers not so much marveling at his vain craking, as at Corazinda's rash promise, who turning her fair eyes to Palmirenna, said unto her: Excellent Mistress, do not ye think that I had reason to entertain this gailant? No marry do I, said Palmirenna, who seemed to be discontented with this accord, you have been a great deal to rash, for since you are mine, my Will ought to be a Law unto you. Why, Madam, said Corazinda, do you repine at my good fortune? Now on my faith, said Amplamira, who could not forbear laughing, there is no body here that will envy you the content of so sweet a servant. Howsoever I shall have this advantage of you, replied Corazinda, that my beauty will do wonders, whilst you shall not be so much as spoken of.  
This discourse having redoubled their laughter, the Princesses led Corazinda in triumph to the windows, where she and Palmirenna placed themselves together for to be hold the carriage of this valiant Lover; who in the mean time being very richly armed, appeared in the field with such a daring confidence, as no body durst undertake him. Howbeit not very long after, a big Knight arrived in the Lists, who addressing himself unto Brustafard, said, Giant, I come not hither to dispute with Corazinda for the glory of being one of the fairest creatures in the world, for my estimation of her is as great, if not greater than thine; but to abate thy pride, which persuades thee, that no other Knight besides thyself is worthy to serve her. Now by my best hopes, said the Giant, somewhat nettled with his speech, I find thy body too little for so great an attempt; nevertheless being here to receive all comers, I hold it fit to give thee content. Saying so, they turned about to take the field, and charging their Lances, they met in the midst of their course with such fury, that the big Knight having broken very bravely in the midst of his Enemy's shield, was overthrown with his horse to the ground; the Giant passing on somewhat astonished at so violent an encounter, howbeit setting himself well in his saddle, he returned presently with his sword in his hand, but seeing the Knight not stir, he caused his Squire to pull off his Helmet, and so discovered to all the Court, that it was the amorous Tarsander, who 〈◊〉 spare had made to put on Arms, with a resolution to die, or be revenged on his ryval; the fall of this young Prince, who had no other hurt but his amazement, was so sensible to the Emperor, that had he not feared the anger of Brustafard, and his Brothers, which was dreadful to all his neighbours, the Jousts had been at an end, but concealing his displeasure, he sent his Physicians to his Nephew, who was found more touched with despi●e then harm.  
In the mean time the Giant, with no other but his first Lance overthrew the King of Arbales, the Duke of Corzan, the King of Calizant, the Marquis of Bonport, the Duke of Plemond, and the Earl of Modiance, brave Knights, and that had acquired much glory in the adventures of the world.  
These Warriors so easily unhorsed, retired with extreme discontent, and not long after the Emperor seeing no more appear, returned likewise into his Palace, where he demanded of his Daughters what they thought of the Giant's designs. We think, answered Palmirenna, that there is more folly than courage in it, for it is an unprofitable labour, in regard we are persuaded that Corazinda will never yield herself up into the power of so ugly, and ill-favoured a thing, if his valour should happen to make him triumph over all that oppose him. O Madam, said Corazinda, do not judge so amiss of a Maiden's promise, for why should not I love him? I find no defect in him, his hair is not yet clean white, the perfuming of his beard takes away the ill savour of his flat nose; he affects me much, I should be very ingrateful then, to let him consume away without succouring him. I but, pretty one, said the Emperor, speak you in good earnest? That I do verily, answered she, laughing with Palmirenna at the Emperor's fear; for if some valiant Knight do not ds-ingage me, I may not be worse than my word, though it be in my choice whether I will love him or no. Now in good faith, said the Emperor, drawing her aside, you will much wrong yourself, to prefer his satisfaction before mine. Why Sir, said Corazinda, can you think I am so baseminded? believe it he shall never draw any favour from me, and if I entertain such an opinion in him, it is but to make sport; the honour of your affection is dearer to me then my life; and if I do not satisfy your desire, yet assure yourself, Sir, it is out of the consideration of a thing which you will allow of hereafter.  
This discourse finishing by the arryval of Brustafard, who came gloriously in with the spoils of the vanquished, which he placed at the feet of his Mistress; every one talked of this love till supper; where Palmirenna, and her Sister Amplamira, would not be present, to have the more liberty to caress their Lovers in private: Commanding a Table to be covered them in Palmirenna's chamber, they sat them down all four; being attended by none but their Secretaries, and falling to speak of Brustafards' enterprise; Amadis entreated Floridan to combat him the next day, which questionless had been most insupportable to his Amplamira, had she not been persuaded that Amadis would not have exposed him to such danger, if it had not been to have given him the greater reputation in the Court, wherefore arming herself with patience, she permitted him to undertake it, and perceiving it to be bed time, she secretly retired with him, leaving Amadis with Palmirenna, without any suspicion of her women.  
The night being sweetly passed away, Floridan arose, and desiring Amplamira to be present at his combat with Bustrafard, he went to the King of Arbales, with whom he had contracted some friendship; and being accommodated by him with all that seemed necessary for his enterprise, he mounted upon a lusty Horse, and appeared in the Lists at such time as the Giant having overthrown the King of Arisdan, the marquis of Rocque, and the Count Cordena, with an intolerable arrogance, challenged the Knights of the Court to combat with him altogether, the brave countenance of this Warrior, that managed his Horse in a most gallant manner, having turned the eyes of all the assistants upon him, especially of Amplamira, who beheld him with motions of love and fear, he approached unto Bustrafard, and said.  
Knight, your insolence doth so distaste me, that I resolve to be of the number of those whom you have driven out of the field, or cure your brain of the distemper, wherewithal Corazinda's beauty hath infected it. I had thought, answered he incholler, that others example would have made thee wise; but sincethou will't needs be lost with them for company, accuse thine own folly for it. Charging his Lance then with more fury than at any time before; he met Floridan in the midst of the course, whose Shield being unable to resist the violence of so strong an encounter, was pierced in such sort, as the staff passing under his arm, had almost put Amplamira besides herself, out of the opinion she had, that it was run through his body, but seeing her Lover in his saddle, and his enemy on the ground, with a dangerous wound in his side, and judging by the shouting, and clapping of the people's hands, who thereby testified the contentment they took in beholding that proud mass of flesh overthrown, she grew somewhat confident, and prayed unto her gods, for to give her Knight the same honour in his combat on foot, as he had had on horseback.  
In the mean time, the Giant full of rage arose with strange blasphemies; and in regard his enemy was alighted, because he would not fight with advantage, he advanced his sword, and thinking to divide him with the first blow, he let it fall with such force, that questionless the effect had answered his expectation, had not Floridan, seeing it coming, warily avoided it, letting him then cleave the air, and the ground in vain, he discharged so furious a stroke on his Helmet, that he made him knock his chin against his bosom, carrying away to the very skull, all that his blade met withal. O ye gods! said the Emperor, what a horrible blow was this? doubtless this Knight is one of the valientest of the earth; and if he continues in this sort Corazinda will have power to bestow her favours on some other.  
Whilst the Emperor was saying this, the Giant, that did not believe he could have found so much strength in one man, staggered a little; but instantly recovering himself with an incredible rage, he began to deal such desperate blows, that every one looked each minute to see the Knight cut in pieces; howbeit he avoided them with such quick agility, and gave him so many wounds, thatall which beheld him cried out, that the very God of battles used not more grace in his fight, nor more violence in his strokes. Some hours being spent in the heat of this Duel, the Giant would have retired, to take a little breath; but Floridan, who was vexed to be so long in vanquishing before his Mistress, pressed him so hard, as he was constrained to defend himself, and renew the combat, charging one another then with greater fury, then at the beginning, they delivered a world of blows, whereof one chancing to light on Floridans shoulder, gave him a wound more large than dangerous, which put him into such choler, that taking his sword in both his hands, and advanting it with an intent to cleave him asunder, he perceived a great Knight, accompanied with two dreadful Giants, entering the Lists, who came galloping in for to part them, but in vain; for Floridan having his sword aloft, let it descend in such terrible force on Bustrafards' head, that notwithstanding he struck but with the flat, he sent him to the earth, casting great abundance of blood out of his mouth, and ears; whereupon leaping into his saddle, he made head to the Giants, who this while were wondering, that so furious a blow should proceed from the hand of an ordinary man; howbeit, seeing that they stirred not, and guessing by their countenance, that they were not come to assault him, he retired to the King of Arbales, who received him with incredible content, leaving Bustrafard to the care of his brothers, that grumbling vowed to take a cruel revenge of this affront.   

CHAP. X. Don Rifantes, Prince of Cabilla, Brundemor, King of Corcutan, and Rozagant, King of Alfanar, demand leave to maintain the beauty of the Princesses of Martaria, the success of their Enterprise.  
FLoridan's hurt being less than his desire to see Amplamira, he stayed not long with the King of Arbales, but went in all haste to the Palace, where the Emperor received him very graciously, and infinitely commended the address and valour, which he had showed in the combat; he was amongst his friends, that caressed him, he heard himself most worthily spoken of by all the Courtiers; yet was he not satisfied, for not daring to speak unto his Lady, all the honour that was done him, was but so much torment; wherefore resolving to withdraw himself, in hope that Amplamira would do the like, as he was about to depart, he perceived the Knight and the two Giants, of whom we spoke before, to enter the Hall, who gravely marching along, advanced towards the Emperor's throne: That curiosity, which always accompanies the minds of men, making him stay for to know who these strangers were, he followed them close, and saw that falling all three on their knees, the Knight spoke thus.  
Great Monarch of Martaria, the reputation you have of being as gracious, and magnanimous a Prince, as any is in the world, hath drawn hither Don Rifantes the Heir of Cabilla, Brundemor King of Corcutan, and Rozagant King of Alfanar to obtain two things of your Majesty, the which you may grant with this assurance, that they shall not be requested of you, but for the good of your estate, and the glory of your Crown; The first is, that we may be permitted to maintain both with the Lance and Sword for three days together against all Comers, that the beauty of these three excellent Princesses your Daughter, doth surpass that of all other Women living; and because the effect of our valour ought to preceded that of the second, to the end you may willingly accord unto it; we will forbear to speak of it till such time as you have seen the power of our Arms.  
Brave Prince, said the Emperor, rising out of his Throne to embrace them, the pains you have taken, so much obliges me, that I gladly condescend to both of your demands: my Daughters do not deserve that your Swords should be employed to recommend them in the world; nevertheless, since you will do them so great an honour, you shall find the Lists ready against you please, and myself disposed to refuse you nothing which lies in me to grant. This is as much Sir, said Don Rifantes, as we can desire from you, so that if your Knights have Mistresses, we shall not want work; departing then, notwithstanding the Emperor's entreaty to have them lodge in the Court, they caused a rich Pavilion to be set up in the place where Floridan had demeaned himself so valiantly against Bustrafard, and there attended the coming of some Assailant.  
The Arrogance of these Knights growing odious to all the Courtiers, especially to our Lovers, who were confident what their second design would be, divers Knights went to arm themselves for to combat them, of whom Floridan would have been the foremost, had not his Lady absolutely commanded him to forbear, until the Chirurgeons had taken order with his wound.  
The place being on an instant covered with a world of people, six Knights presented themselves, whereof three seeing Don Rifantes, and his companions ready mounted, set spurs to their horses, but with such misfortune for them, that they were all three overthrown to the ground, their Adversaries not so much, as seeming to be any whit moved with so furious an encounter; Their fellows exceedingly vexed at this accident, put themselves presently in their places, with some hope to revenge them, howbeit their fortune was nothing better, receiving such cruel falls, as made all the assistants talk of their enemies extraordinary force, who returning to their station in a most proud manner, were persuaded that they had terrified all the Court from attempting them again; but they were not long in that mind; for Tarsander appeared in the Lists, accompanied with the the marquis of Bonport, the Earl of Tranates Son, the marquis of Rocque, the Duke of Corzan, the Prince of Balivana, a young Knight but very valiant, and courageous.  
These six Warriors furnished with strong Lances, planted themselves just against the Giants, who at the sound of the Trumpet dislodged with such fury against Tarsander, the marquis of Bonport, and the Prince of Balivana, that they broke their staves into a thousand shivers, leaving the three Knights so shaken, that the least touch in the world had infallibly carried them to the earth; howbeit resetling themselves, they took fresh Lances, and returned against their enemies, who vexed to see them still in their saddles, encountered them so rudely, that they were constrained to fly over the Cruppers of their horses, to the extreem discontent of the Duke of Corzan, who advancing then with his companions, received the same disgrace as the former, and that at the very first course.  
These six of the best Knights of the Empire, being so easily vanquished, not a man more presented himself, so that night approaching, the Emperor was fain to retire, marvellously commending the valour of these strangers, but particularly that of Rifantes, who having nothing so great a mass of flesh as the rest, yet had showed as much force, and more address. All the evening being employed in this discourse every one withdrew. Floridan into Amplami●a's Cabinet, who charged him not to combat till the last day, and Corazinda with Palmirenna; that having caressed one another, with as much demonstration of affection as could be desired in two Lovers, they fell at length to talk of these Insolents, and resolved, if their design were to demand them of their Father (as it was to be presumed) that Amadis should then feign himself to be an Amazon, and should get the Emperor to give him the order of Knighthood, to the end that seeing him sight he should have no suspicion of his sex, which being concluded without any difficulty they slept till morning; when as they were wakened by the sound of the Trumpet, which led those great Knights into the Lists. Whereupon making haste to be up, they repaired a little after to the windows, and observed that the strong Knight Lorgades Prince of Grizolia, the Emperor's near kinsman, who arrived but the night before, being accompanied with Rodamans and Arbalion, Bustrafards' brothers, were ready to charge their Lances against the Prince of Cabilla.  
The gallant demeanour of this Knight, and the unmeasurable corpulency of Rodamans, and Arbalion, that opposed the two Giants, no less dreadful and great, persuading them, that the course would be worth their sight, they leaned together close by the Emperor, where they had not been long, but they saw those furious Warriors set forth, who meeting in the midst of the course broke all alike, without so much as once moving in their saddles. Now by my life, said the Emperor, this is one of the bravest encounters that ever I beheld, and questionless Lorgades hath justly acquired the name of a very good Knight, since he is able to withstand Rifantes, but let us see what will ensue.  
Here with the two Knights having taken fresh Lances spurred away, and followed by their companions that carried Masts of ships, they broke again with extreme fury; Lorgades losing his stirrups, was in danger of falling, had he not caught hold on the Horse's mane; Rifantes passed gallantly on, though somewhat astonished; Arbalion and Rodamans were overturned upon their Horse cruppers; Brundamor and the King of Alfanar did but how a little with the violence of the shock; the Assistants remained all amazed with so furious an encounter, and exceedingly desired, that the insolence of the strangers might be abated, howbeit in vain; for these three valiant Champions transported with an excess of rage to find so much resistance before Princesses whom they adored, dislodged the third time, and encountered their enemies with such violence, that Lorgades and his friends were laid in the dust, which so filled the Victors with arrogance, that after two hours' rest, no Knight appearing in that time, they went and presented themselves before the Emperor, where on their knees again Don Rifantes spoke to him on this manner.  
Sir, I think that by this you have good experience of the force of our Arms, and the greatness of our courages; wherefore we desire you will be pleased to grant us the boon now, which yesterday you promised us. I have told you, said the Emperor, that you shall dispose of all that is in my power as I myself, do but ask, and I will most willingly grant it you. Sir, continued Don Rifantes, you have then three sons in Law, Palmirenna is for me, Amplamira for the brave King of Corcutan, and the Infanta Archisidella for the King of Alfanar.  
The word of a King, answered the Emperor (a little surprised) ought doubtless to be irrevocable, but Princes, you must understand, that in matters of such high importance, I am to take the advice of my people, since all my authority depends on their good will; besides, I must know whether my Daughter's affections, which cannot be forced without tyranny, may be accommodated to my commands; I will propound this Affair to my Council, speak particularly with my Daughters about it, and draw them, if I can, to receive this honour from you, after you have performed the conditions of the Jousts which you are to maintain all day to morrow.  
Whereupon embracing them (though much against his heart) he withdrew into his Cabinet to resolve so difficult an Affair, leaving divers several passions in the minds of them that remained in the Hall: The Princes of the Empire were troubled; Palmirenna, and her Sisters were exceedingly displeased, Floridan was mad with spite, and jealousy, but every one was amazed at the fury of the fair Slave; who with eyes sparkling fire, addressed her speech unto Rifantes, and said, Prince of Cabilla, thou thinkest that Palmirenna is already in thy power, but thou wilt be deceived, for be assured, that in satisfaction of the distaste thou hast given her, I will draw the blood out of thy body, even to the last drop; and if I might combat now, as the Women of my country that are bred up in Arms use to do, I would let thee languish no longer, but to morrow will come.  
Saying so, she depaated in a rage out of the Hall, leaving all there in wonder at her speech; the Knight and Giants excepted, who laughed her to scorn, and causing a Nag to be brought her, she road toward the grot, where she had left her Sword, being soon got thither, she found not the Arms which she had left, but others enameled all over with green and red, so rich and curiously wrought, that she was much amazed at them, howbeit conceiving that Cassandra had done this miracle, she would lose no time, making them up then in a bundle with incredible content, she took her Sword that was fairer than ever it had been, and remounting on her Horse, she road to Cardana, where she came in time to free Palmirenna from a great deal of fear she was in for her.  
From whence comes my Corazinda, said she unto her, kissing her on the forehead? from seeking out means to be revenged of these giants insolence, answered she, wherefore Madam, look here. Saying so she undid the bundle, and made them all marvel to see such rich and fair arms. Then you are resolved Corazenda, to fight, said Palmirenna? But alas, how can you scape the fury of their swords, which are so dreadful to the valiantest Knights that are. Madam, answered Corazinda, I am not only resolved to fight, but to die a thousand times over, rather than let you fall into the power of a man so unworthy of your greatness and merit, do but get the Emperor to give me the order, and you shall see me cut out work enough for your enemies.  
Ah Corazinda! said Amplamira, is it possible that being so delicate and fair, you should have the strength to subdue such mighty men? I cannot but wonder much at your courage, but withal I do no less pity you. Madam, answered she, If I die, it shall be with a great deal of content, since it is in the service of so high, and excellent Princesses, but these arrogants ●hal pay dear for their victory, and never do me the honour to love me more, if to morrow I do not make them change their note; the Knight of the Flowers will assist me, that is enough, only let us go and rest us a little, that we may take the Emperor early at his rising in the morning. Herewithal the company parting, she got to bed with Palmirenna, who mingling tears, with the kisses that she gave her, testified her fear; but being comforted by her Lover, she ceased to afflict herself, and slept till day.   

CHAP. XI. The horrible Combat between Don Rifantes with his Companions, and Palmirenna's fair Slave, the Knights of the Flowers, and of the Flower-de-luces'. The end thereof.  
AMadis and Floridans jealousy not permitting them to take much rest, they arose with the Sun, and being covered with their Arms, wherein Amadis carried so gallant a presence, that even with the opinion of his Sex, he made all the Princess' Ladies in love with him; they entered into the Emperor's Chamber, where kneeling down, he said unto him; Mighty Monarch, I doubt not but you marvel to see me in this equipage, and that at first it seems strange unto you, to behold a Maiden slave at your feet, to receive that order fro● your hands, which makes men Knights, and that gives them power to fight in Arms, but when you shall be pleased to remember that the earth produceth women courageous, and strong enough to dispute the honour of a Combat with the valiantest Knight in the world, you will cease to wonder at it, and being moved with your Daughter's tears, who justly fear to fall into the power of these arrogants, which without any desert will have them whether they will or no, and in whose company they cannot promise themselves an hour of contentment in their whole lives, you will make no difficulty to give me this sacred order, under the favour whereof I hope to set them free.  
My dearest Corazinda, said the Emperor, much amazed at her discourse, but more yet to see her so gallant, in such rich Arms, I believe that you have a disposition gentle enough to be sensible of the tears which my Daughters shed not without cause, nor do I doubt but your love doth make you despise the greatest dangers for to set them at rest, but sweetheart, your strength will not correspond to this height of courage, and of one evil which is not yet arrived, I should make two inevitable ones, if I should condescend to your request, in which regard I may not satisfy your desire, for it would grieve me to see you so cast away. I shall have reason to complain of you then, answered Corazinda, and be assured Sir, that I will remember this refusal of yours, which notwithstanding shall be no hindrance to my design, being resolved to demand that honour of mine enemies, if this valiant Knight of the Flowers, who is to second me in my enterprise, will not do it for fear of displeasing your Majesty.  
Whereupon arising in choler, she made as though she would be gone, when as the Emperor constrained by his Daughter's entreaties, stayed her by the arm, saying; Be not angry, Corazinda, for believe me, it was only pity of you, that restrained me from giving you content; you would be a Knight, why be so in the name of all my gods, whom I heartily implore, to render you as valorous, as you are fair. Saying so, he laid his hand upon her head, blessed her after his manner; put her on a pair of golden spurs, and kissed her on the forehead, left her to take the rest of her Arms from the hands of his Daughters, who presently environed her, and were going to lead her to the field in triumph, when as there was a Knight seen entering into the Hall, armed in azure Arms, tall of stature, bravely disposed, of a very goodly presence, and marvellous fair of face; who at the first sight knowing Amadis and his companion, was about to embrace, and caress them, had not the Prince of Persia stayed him with a wink of his eye, which made him instantly conceive that he was to forbear; advancing then in a majestical manner, he set one knee to the ground before the Princesses, and addressing his speech to Palmirenna, who went foremost, he said unto her.  
Madam, if strangers may speak without offence, take it not ill, if being unknown to all here, I dare ask of you, to what Enterprise you conduct these two Knights, with such a train of Women? We are going to expose them to very great hazard, answered Palmirenna, and to confrom them with three most redoubted Knights, to the end they may revenge us of some insolence they have offered unto us, I will accompany them then, if you please, said the Knight, that so the party being equal, their danger may be the less; but I would be glad it might be by the commandment of one of you. Apply yourself then to me, said Archesidella, for these two being my Sister's Knights, it is reason that now you should be mine, seeing I have no less interest than they in the quarrel. Madam, answered he, ravished with her beauty, which from henceforth enthralled his liberty, I expected not so great an honour, but you rendering me worthy of it, I will endeavour to deserve it as long as I live; whereupon he took her hand and kissed it, in token of his servitude, and placing himself by her, he followed the rest to the field, where all the world was in an uproar for the death of the gentle Knight Lorgades, who desiring to try his fortune again in other arms then those he wore the day before; was slain by the King of Alfanar: but the tumult ceased by their arrival, and the grief which the Emperor conceived, for the loss of so valianta Gentleman, was somewhat appeased by the sight of his Corazinda, who having very much caressed Lucibel of France, (being that Knight which so lately arrived, and unto whom she had also in few words discovered the whole secret of this Affair) mounted upon a strong and mighty Courser, she went unto the Prince of Cabilla, unto whom she said.  
Don Rifantes, behold I am come hither to make good the menaces which I made unto thee yesterday, wherefore bethink thee of thy evil life past, and call upon thy gods. Saying so, she turned about to her companions, who had planted themselves just opposite to the Giants, and rendering all the world amazed at her gallant demeanour, she stood still, until such time as the Trumpets made them dislodge all six with such fury, that the earth seemed to tremble under their horses feet.  
These Knights being of the best on the earth, their encounter was marvellous; Rifantes made two or three turns with his horse in the dust, the Giants were carried to the ground, wounded both in their bodies, the Princes of France and Persia, being unable to support the violence of so terrible a shock fell a little after, with extreem discontent to be unhorsed before their Mistresses, Corazinda alone remained in her saddle, to the incredible satisfaction of Palmirenna, and the Emperor, who being no less joyful, then astonished, did infinitely commend the valour of this Amazon.  
In the mean time our Warriors equally transported with rage rose up, and drawing out their swords, began one of the most outrageous combats that ever had been seen in this Empire; the Giants whose motions were exceeding dreadful, gave most horrible blows, and such as promised nothing less than death; but our Princes were so active, and dextrous, as they avoided the most part of them, and warded the rest with such force, that they left no hope of prevailing to their enemies, who feeling themselves hurt every minute, made such a terrible noise, as put all the Assistants in a mighty fright. On the other side, Rifantes and Corazinda (who scorning advantage, had quitted her Horse) entreated one another far worse, jealousy animated their strokes, and as often as their swords were aloft, they fell with unexpressable fury, the place was strewed with their armour, fire flew continually about their heads, they set their knees and hands to the ground, and the rage wherewithal they assailed each other, was so great, that the most confident Warriors of the assembly, were some what touched with fear.  
Two hours being spent in this sort, the violence of Brundamors, and Rozaganss blows, began to relent, contrary to our Knights, whose strength increasing with their travel rendered their swords more dreadful, which so madded the Giants, that Rozagant taking his Curtelas in both his hands, discharged it with such force on Floridan, that having divided his Shield in two, and given him a great gash in the arm which sustained it; he made him set his knees to the ground, where questionless his life had been in no little danger had he permitted the Giant to redouble upon him; but getting up instantly, much ashamed that this accident was befallen him before Amplamira; he struck the Giant with such unaccustomed fury on the shoulder, that he cloven him to the very girdle, sending him stark dead to the earth, to the great astonishment of Brundamor, who having wounded Lucibel in the thigh and head, courageously disputed the honour of the combat, when as this Prince extremely vexed, to see his arms died with his blood, lent him so terrible a blow on the arm, that he made it together with his Sword fly to the ground, and instantly redoubling a furious thrust, he ran him quite thorough and thorough; so making him to breath out his last.  
These Giants being dispatched thus, to the incredible content of the two Infantaes, who rejoiced to see their Lovers victorious with life and honour; every one cast their eyes upon the furious combat, between Corazinda and Rifantes, which was most fearful; for Rifantes' mad at the slaughter of his two Cousins, laid about him so desperately, that a Warrior less strong and courageous than our Amadis had fallen under his fury, but he no less enraged to find so much resistance in one man; & in a quarrel where Palmirenna's happiness, and his own were in question, returned him such an exchange, that his body was wounded in nine or ten places; howbeit choosing to die a thousand times, rather than make the least show of discouragement; he maintained his party with marvellous valour; and at length being in the supremest degree of rage he resolved to set up his rest upon one only blow; wherefore taking his sword in both his hands, he struck Amadis so dangerously on his Shield, that having parted it in twain, the point thereof light upon his shoulder, and hurt it, making him withal to stagger in such manner, that he was fain to set one knee to the ground to save himself from falling; but suddenly arising with unspeakable fury, and gnashing his teeth for anger, he advanced his rich sword, and let it descend with such violence on Rifantes' Helmet, that if it had not turned in his hand, he had cleft him down to the teeth; nevertheless the blow was so rude, that he fell all along quite deprived of sense, and casting out so great abundance of blood at his eyes, mouth, and ears, as without doubt he had been quickly dead, had he not been instantly succoured. Immortal gods, said the Emperor, what a blow was this! Thunderbolts fall not with mightier force: Ah Corazinda, had Heaven made thee a man, thou wouldst have been the prime Knight of the world.  
Saying thus, he abandoned the window to caresse the two Knights, and his Amazon, who keeling before the Princesses demanded their hands to kiss, but they beholding them so besmeared with their own blood, abated much of the joy, which otherwise they would have had for so important a victory, and not willing to entertain them longer, they sent the Knight of the Flower Deluces, (so was Lucibel called) into Floridans Chamber, where Amplamira, and Achesidella, who held herself happy in meeting with our Frenchman, would fain have been present, for to have taken care of their wounds; but knowing that such liberty was unfit for them, they left the Physicians to visit them, and followed Corazinda into Palmirenna's Chamber, who not able to forbear weeping at the sight of the precious blood, which she saw flow from her hurts, she had been lost with grief, if the Chirurgeons had not assured her, that there was no cause of fear, comforting herself then with the hope of her speedy recovery: she caused every one to void the room, for to leave her to her rest, and passing into her Father's Chamber, to discourse with him of the valour of the strange Knights; and of her fair slave, who had filled every one with admiration at the wonders she had performed, she learned that Don Rifantes being come again out of his swound, had caused himself, together with the bodies of the Kings of Alfanar, and Corcutan, to be carried aboard his Ship, for to return into Cabilla, with furious resolutions, to be the death of an hundred thousand men, in revenge of the affront which he had received. Let us give him leisure then to arrive in his country, to muster up his friends, and subjects, and our Prince's time to recover of their hurts, and entertain themselves with their Mistresses, who failed not to meet them every day, and let us come to the excellent Knight of the Roses, whom so long we have left.   

CHAP. XII. Rosalmond having quitted the combat with Alcidamant, at Cassandrae's entreaty: enters into the Duchy of Bonnemar, his adventures there.  
THE combat between Rosalmond, and Alcidamant receiving such an end as was delivered in the five and thirtieth Chapter of our second part. The incomparable Knight of the Roses traveled on so vexed to have met with a man that was able to arrest the fury of his arms, as he was overtaken by the night before he had so much as thought of the place where he meant to lodge; seeing it grown dark then, and himself fast by a Shepherd's cottage, he resolved to alight, and stay there till the next morning, as he did, with more rest and content than he expected: for the Shepherd amidst the services which he did him, ever and anon told one tale or another, that insensibly he forgot the occasion of his displeasure; and in that humour casting himself upon a bed, he slept till such time as the sun being of a good height, raised him to continue on his journey, wherein he spent six hours, and met not with one living soul that might inform him of the name of so desert a Country.  
At last having discovered a Castle, stately and fair enough to invite him to observe it nearer, he made to it with a resolution to refresh himself there, if the Master of it were so courteous as to give him entertainment: Wherefore knocking at the gate, it was a good while ere any one would speak to him; but continuing still knocking, he perceived a young Maid, who looking out of the window, asked him what he would have? Gentlewoman said he, I am a Knight errand; that not knowing where I am, would willingly learn it of you, let me therefore obtain of you that the gate may be opened. You may not hope for that, answered she, for we admit no body here. Truly I shall have great cause then said he, to publish the discourtesy of the place, however let me know the name of it. Herewith a very fair Gentlewoman in mourning showed herself at a window hard by, and said unto him: Sir what is that you would have? Madam, answered he, I would fain have been let in, to refresh myself a while, but being denied it, I know not how to desire it of you again. Sir, said she, very modestly, be not offended at it, for it is not done but upon great occasion; howbeit you shall enter, your demeanour doth forbid me to suspect any harm from you. Saying so, she caused the gate (which instantly was shut again) to be opened, and descending into the Court for to receive him with more honour, she showed him so good a countenance, that he could not forbear saying to her. Madam, to speak truth I find so much difference between this gracious entertainment, and your Maid's answer, that it much amazes me. Sir, answered she with tears and sighs, I have not lived hitherto without knowing what is due to the honour and assistance of good Knights, nor hath this house ever been shut against them; but the strange misfortune which hath befallen me of late, hath constrained me to seem less courteous than I am; I'll tell you the reason in few words.  
This miserable beauty whereof you yet behold some relics, maugre the injuries of time, and the discontents I have undergone, having rendered me the Sun of this Duchy of Bonnemar, wherein we are adjacent to the great Kingdom of the Island of Silvana; I saw all the great Lords of the Country sigh at my feet, and amongst the rest, two cousins of the Prince thereof, the most disloyoll man that lives: Now the knowledge that I had of the many vices wherewithal they were infected, no● permitting me to give them a good look; I made choice of the marquis of Valombre, so is this place called; and finding him courteous, valiant, and handsome, I married him publicly, which begot so great a despite in the minds of those two cousins, that from thenceforth they conspired his death, and my undoing: and indeed three years after our marriage they surprised him in a wood, and taking him without other Arms, than his sword, they most inhumanely butchered him; wherewithal not contented (alas my hair stands an end to think of it) they went to Marcandon Duke of Bonnemar, a man apt to commit any kind of villainy, and persuaded him to take his pleasure of me, in such sort as he arrived here with the two murderers; where to make short, they mingled the complaints of seeing myself ravished by them, with the tears which I shed for the loss of my Husband, whom I had buried that day. This wretched fact being perpetrated, they made themselves masters of the house, and keeping me three days together with a dagger at my throat, if I offered to resist, they glutted their beastly appetites, and leaving me in the sorrows befitting so mighty an affliction, they went away without any fear of their resentment unto whom I appertain, that far from seeking any revenge, durst not so much as receive me into their houses, dreading the fury of this brutish and tyrannical Duke, who hath set such sure Guards on all the passages, as I should try in vain to escape away unto the Queen of Sylvana, to avoid his further cruelty; or to seek out some powerful person, that might do me justice for so odious an insolence; judge now, Sir, whether I had not cause to lock myself up as I did.  
You had indeed, Madam, answered Rosalmond, but I wonder that the people will endure the tyranny of this barbarous Prince; well, I will see him; and I promise you by the order which I have received of Knighthood, never to part from this country, till I have fully revenged you. Oh Sir, said she then, take heed how you venture upon an enterprise, where the danger is too apparent; for he himself is very valiant, his Cousins that always accompany him, are strong and courageous; and he never stirs abroad, but with a great train of soldiers. All that is nothing, said Rozalmond; God fights still against the wicked, his death is absolutely resolved; and if you will permit one to conduct me even now to the place of his abode, you shall soon see his head at your feet, in satisfaction of this crime. I may not suffer you to part from hence to day, said she; to morrow do what you please.  
Saying so, she led him into a Chamber, to unarm himself, and from thence into a fair Garden, where having discoursed of the miseries that follow the licentiousness of a vicious Prince, they went to a table furnished with very good meat, wherewithal havit, well satisfied their appetite, they heard a great knocking at the Gate. Ay me, said she with a pale and frighted countenance, the Murderers of mine honour are come. Yes Madam, said a fellow, that in a mighty fear came running in, it is the Duke of Bonnemar, and his companions. O Sir, said she, turning her to our Warrior, have some pity on me. Madam, answered he with a mervellous confidence, be not dismayed, but think that Heaven hath sent them hither, to receive the punishment their wickedness hath deserved, only give me time to arm myself, and then let the Gates be opened a God's name; yet so as presently upon their entrance they may be shut again, that they may not escape me.  
Whereupon going instantly to his Chamber, whilst Artander ran to the Stable, he put on his arms, and finding his Horse ready he vaulted into the saddle, commanding the Gates to be opened, where they were still knocking very hard; which being done, the three cousins entered in great anger, when as Rozalmond having his sword aloft, discharged it so furiously on Marcandon, (who had been so well described unto him, as he knew him from the rest) that having cut off one of his arms, he sent him to the earth under his Horse's belly, to the extreme discontent of his cousins, that giving him two blows at once, the one upon his Shield, and the other upon his shoulder, made him bow even to the Horse's crupper; whence rising in a rage, he struck him that was next him with such force, that he divided him in two, wherewith the other was so terrified, as he turned about to have fled away, but finding the Gates shut he fell to beg for grace. Villain, said Rozalmond, darest thou speak for mercy in a house that hath no Master by thy treason, and before a woman, whom thou hast wickedly ravished? I should be guilty of the mischiefs thou wouldst do hereafter, if I should spare thee now, wherefore take this; and so advancing that dreadful blade, which never found resistance, he cloven him down to the shoulders, and being yet more unwilling to pardon Marcandon, whom he saw getting up, he went and tied him to an Horse's tail himself, and causing Artander to mount upon him, he made him to be dragged up and down the Court so long, till his brains flying out, his soul was sent to Hell.  
Having taken this so horrible a revenge, Rozalmond commanded the Duke's Squire to be locked up till the next day, and returning into the Hall the Lady marquis with tears of joy fell down and embraced his knees, unable to speak a word; whereat being ashamed he raised her up, and desired her not to use such submissions unto him. I have done nothing, said he, but what I was obliged unto by the order of Knighthood, which was given me upon condition to employ my arms for the service of such as were oppressed, and particularly for Ladies, wherefore you are no way bound unto me; so unarming himself he talked with her about advertising her friends of what had passed, and then got him to bed with a resolution to depart the next morning very early, as he did to the exceeding grief of the Lady marquis, who would fain have stayed him longer.  
Taking the next way than that he met withal, and entertaining himself with the remembrance of the valiant Knight of the Palms, whom he so mortally hated, and of his Armazia, whose absence was very grievous unto him, he arrived about evening at a Town, where finding it fit to lodge that night, he was entertained by a rich fellow, that having no other children, but one daughter, a very handsome Maid, endeavoured to make him the best cheer he could, but without doubt it had been the last lodging that ever he would have had, if Love that reserved him for the contentment of his Lady, had not rendered his Hosts Daughter passionately in love with him.  
This Town being under the obedience of Marcandon, the inhabitants were immediately advertised of his death, and understanding that the Knight, which was lately come thither, was the man that had slain him; they assembled together in an instant, and arming themselves with Halberds, Pitchforks, Swords, and javelins, they resolved to kill Rozalmond; but considering with themselves that they should not be able to resist him, if once he set hand to his sword, they concluded to surprise him in bed, and unarmed; whereupon they sent one to the Masters of the house where he lay to advertise him of their enterprise, that he might contribute thereunto on his part, and in the mean time fearing some resistance, they dispatched one in post to a Garrison, thereby to acquaint them also with it.  
The man, that questionless was sorry for his Prince's death, though his vices rendered him odious to all good folks; and that on the other side was very unwilling to betray his Guest, which had trusted him, was much distracted with this message; nevertheless fearing lest the people would kill him, if he should not show himself zealous to revenge their Lord, he received one of them into his house, and because Rozalmond was in his Chamber, ready to go to bed, he thought it the best course his Daughter should go up, and under colour of seeing whether he wanted any thing, that she should steal away his Sword; but she, that to die would not see him harmed, being come into his Chamber, she told him in few words, how much she loved him, and the danger he was in.  
Rozalmond exceedingly surprised with her relation, answered her briefly thus; Sweet heart, your love doth infinitely oblige me, and it shall assuredly be recompensed as it ought, in the mean time wear this for my sake; saying so, he drew a rich Diamond from off his finger, and presented it unto her, and forth with arming himself, he sent her down furnished with an excuse. Alack, said she, seeming to be vexed; you will not do what you desire without difficulty; the Knight is indeed on his bed, but he hath neither quit his Arms, nor his Sword, which he holds in his hand, so that I have lost my labour. What shall we do then, said the Master of the house, to him that accompanied him? why burn him in his chamber, answered he, if we cannot surprise him. Will you so (said Rosalmond, who was stolen down upon them) I'll take an order with you presently; whereupon he lift up his Sword, thinking to strike the slave; but he that had no mind to endure the blows, fled suddenly out of doors with the good man of the house and gave the alarm unto his companions; they running to the cry that he made, fell instantly to charging of Rozalmond, who put fourteen, or fifteen of them to the sword, whilst Artander was sadling his Horses, upon which in despite of this rabble, they mounted very seasonably; for at that instant two hundred Knights arrived from the Garrison, which with a terrible noise assailed him furiously on all sides, but this Warrior that was always most confident in danger, flying in amidst these troops, began to make so great a slaughter that all the streets ran with blood; he cut off arms and heads, cleftmen down to the girdle, and quartered them in such sort, as the valiantest of the company wished themselves within their Walls again; nevertheless being ashamed, that one man alone should disorder them in that fashion, they speedily rallyed themselves, and laid so many blows on him at once, that he had much ado to sustain them; at length they killed his horse under him, but he was not long on foot, for making a rampart of the dead bodies, under the favour whereof, he retired always fight to his Squire, who was got aside from the press, and leaping on his horse he charged his Adversaries afresh with such fury, that he laid threescore at his feet, some cut off by the middle, others cloven down to the teeth, and the most of them opened even to the very waist, which put the rest in such a fear, that they took the benefit of the darkness of the night to escape away; Our Warrior then finding no more resistance, and seeing Artander well mounted upon one of the slain Knights horses, he took the contrary way to that where his enemies were gone, and road till it was day, that he discovered the Sea.   

CHAP. XIII. Rozalmond arriving in the Island, of Silvana, defeats the Guards which the Queen had established to arrest Alcidamant; his meeting afterwards with Merodiana, and departure from her.  
OUr Knight finding a Ship ready according to his wish, embarked himself therein, never regarding for what place she was bound; and being wholly taken up with the thought of his dearest Armazia, he was carried along for two days together with a prosperous gale, but the Sea (that seldom continues long in one state) began to swell, and rage, in such sort, that the distraction, and noise of the Mariners, which laboured in vain, made him quickly get up to assist them, howbeit the fury of the waves being extreme, his force that could do much in Combats availed him nought, for the Vessel beaten on all sides, sometimes carried up as high as the clouds, and by and by thrown down to the Centre of the deeps, no longer received direction from the guiding hand of the Pilot, and having all her sails, and tackle torn, expected nothing but some violent gust to sink her utterly.  
Floating three days in this desperate manner, every one shut his eyes, that he might not behold this horrible death, when as heaven giving care to the prayers of the Parthian Prince, who during all this danger never changed countenance, calmed the waves, and drove the Ship into a Port of the Island of Silvana, where he caused himself to be set ashore, giving praise unto God in his heart for his goodness in drawing him out of the danger of so dreadful a tempest.  
Getting to his Horse then armed at all points, he road into the Country, which seemed very pleasing and delightful unto him, and traveled till two of the clock in the afternoon, when as he met with a house very stately built, whereinto entering to refresh himself, he perceived the gates to be suddenly shut upon his back, and thirty Knights making head against him, whereof one advancing before the rest, said unto him; Knight, we are here to make you to render your Sword, or to oblige yourself willingly to accomplish whatsoever the Queen of Silvana shall command you. Good Knights, answered Rozalmond, will never be enforced to promise any thing, much less be disarmed by their enemies without fight, wherefore I am not resolved to give you any thing that appertains unto me, till you have dearly bought it. We must have your head then, replied the Knight, wherewith drawing out all their swords, they fell upon Rozalmond, who little moved at it, flew in amongst them, and with the very first stroke sent him dead to the ground, that had menaced him, to the exceeding grief of the rest, who thinking to defeat him easily, pressed him in such sort, as he knew not well where to bestow his blows, nevertheless cutting off now an arm, and then an head, he had soon laid a dozen of them at his feet, and was ready to deal so with the rest, when as two dreadful Giants appeared in the Court, who making a little stand to observe this Warriors confident fight, were amazed to behold two men with two strokes, extended on the earth, the one cloven down to the girdle, and another brained with the flat of his Sword.  
These horrible blows making them think, that at length their Knights would have the worst, they presently set forwards, and advancing their heavy Scimitars, they discharged them so dangerously on him, that they forced him to knock his chin against the pommel of his saddle, which so incensed him, that raising himself up in rage, he took his Sword in both his hands, and therewith struck one of the Giants with such violence on his shield, as he divided it in two, sending his arm withal to the ground, and redoubling on the secoed, who with reason feared the tempest of that Sword, hit him so rudely on the helmet, that he made him reel three or four paces back; whereupon perceiving the Knights had run his Horse into the belly with an Halberd, he quit his saddle instantly, and flying in amongst them, covered the ground with three or four of them, before the Giants were come to themselves again, both of them returning then with incredible fury, they began to charge him with such terrible blows, as he was many times constrained to bow with his knees, nevertheless he fought so courageously, and so often drew blood from them, that they had little cause to brag of any advantage; but being resolved either to vanquish or die, one of them took his Scimitar in both hands, and displaying all his force, struck so mainly at his head, that if he had not wisely avoided the blow, it had questionless been his death, howbeit leaping very lightly aside, he let it fall upon the ground, whereinto it entered up to the hilts, and taking hold of opportunity, whilst the Giant was drawing it out again, he discharged his Sword so dangerously on his Casque, that he cloven him to the brains, overthrowing him with a noise like to that of a Tower whose foundation say●es; the other which had but one arm, and very little blood left, thinking that his companion had been strucken with lightning, would fain have saved himself by flight, but he was so weak, that at the very first step he fell down, breathing out his last.  
Our Warrior seeing himself freed from these Colossuses which had exceedingly troubled him, was going to set upon the rest, when as he perceived a Lady coming in, marvellous beautiful, and followed by two and twenty Knights richly armed, with a Giant far greater than the former, who addressing her speech unto him, said; Knight, persist no further in this Combat, but put yourself into my hands, if you love your life. I know very well, that your valour makes you confident; for the slaughter I behold here may persuade you, that you can courageously pass through any danger whatsoever, but I am able to oppress you so with multitudes, that you must needs fall at last; besides, the Guards of this place were not established here for you, but to surprise a Knight, who though he be not so tall, yet is no way inferior to you in valour and strength; sheath up you Sword then, and follow me with this assurance, that you shall receive no displeasure here.  
Madam, answered he, much amazed to behold so rare a beauty; I will gladly submit myself to your power, for so sweet a captivity can not be but most pleasing to me; and would I had spent more blood than this which is in my Armour, that I had met you at the gate of your house, neither should I then have been in the state I am in, nor you have had cause to complain for the loss of your people, for yielding all obedience to the merit of fair Ladies, and principally of those of your quality, I should freely have granted whatsoever you had demanded; but their insolence having constrained me to draw my Sword, I secured myself by their deaths, wherewithal I am now infinitely displeased, because it may be an offence unto you, which I shall labour to repair by all the best services my uttermost ability may be able to do you.  
I perceive, said she, laughing, that I shall have as much ado to overcome you with courtesy, as my Knights have had with their Arms, wherefore I will debate no longer with you, but let us walk to a Chamber, that your wounds may be visited. I think they are so slight, Madam, answered he, that they need no great looking to, howsoever your commandment shall wholly dispose of me. Whereupon causing his Squire to unarm him, he discovered a small hurt on his shoulder, and another somewhat greater, but one more dangerous in his thigh, which the Surgeons having dressed, he got him to bed, where he continued till the next morning; when as he arose, feeling little or no pain, for to present his service to the fair Princess, who being wonderfully well satisfied with his goodly personage and behaviour, entertained him awhile with ordinary discourse; and finding him no less witty, than he had showed himself before valiant, she led him into the Garden, where she freely discovered to him the secretest of her thoughts, telling him that she was Queen of the Island of Silvana, and that the Guards of this place were set to apprehend a Knight that carried three Palms in his shield.  
Truly, Madam, said Rozalmond then, I do not marvel now at your assembling of so many Knights, and strong Giants, since it was to arrest a man, whose like is hardly to be met withal in the world: why, replied the beautiful Silvana, Do you know the Knight of whom I speak: Madam, answered Rozalmond, I neither know his name, nor original, but all the earth is acquainted with his valour; and would to God he were here now, that we might finish a Combat, which hath twice already reduced us to the extremest peril of our lives, without discerning to whom the honour of it was justly due: whereupon relating all that had passed at Constantinople, and afterwards upon the confines of Florertan; he gave her marvellous contentment, to hear the praises of this Knight so published by his greatest enemy. Verily, answered she, you have a great deal of reason to speak well of this Knight, who hath done miracles in this Kingdom, Combatting, and killing a Monster, the hugest and most formidable, that ever nature produced, but far more in my sister Merodiana's state, where the most redoubted Giants of the world, have past under the edge of his Sword in the head of a mighty Army, which the same day was cut in pieces by the sole virtue of this Knight, and not by the multitude, or force of our soldiers, the Enemy being at the least three for one.  
But, Madam, (said Rozalmond, who was somewhat vexed, to hear so much glory given to his Adversary:) if this Knight hath done so much for you, why will you expose his life to the hazard of the fury, and multitude of your men, which sure were but an ill acknowledgement of his services. O that is a secret, said she, which may not be imparted, I will have have him if I can, not to put him to death, for I would sooner consent to mine own ruin, but to oblige him to keep his faith. Your eyes, Madam, said Rozalmond (who then guest at her disease) will more prevail with him than your Arms, and he will sooner be constrained by your beauty, then by your Giants; in which regard you are to procure rather by gentleness then force. That course have I held already, said Silva●a; but, alas! to no purpose, another hath captived his heart, so that I am out of hope, unless some disdain from his Mistress, shall make him think of me: Verily, said Rozalmond, I hold him as ingrateful, as valiant, since he hath broken his word with you; and be assured Madam, that I will fight with him again upon this quarrel, whensoever I can meet with him; and if fortune favour me, I will bring him back to you. Your good will doth much oblige me, answered she; but if you desire to do me a pleasure, forbear the execution of your intent, for the Combat between you, could not be determined without an irreparable loss; wherefore if you have any compassion of my suffering, rather counsel him to remember his vows, the favour which he hath received from me, and making him sorry for abusing them, represent unto him, that my Crown, one of the richest, and bravest of the earth, may arrest the ambition of any Gentleman, how great soever he be.  
This speech was finished with tears, but being comforted by Rozalmond; who promised to use his best art, and all the arguments he could think upon, to give her desire content; she dried her eyes, and returning into the Hall, she sat down to dinner with him, entreating him a little after to make some abode in her country, whereunto he having willingly assented, she carried him the next day to the Capital City of her Kingdom, where she did him all the honour she could possibly devise; sometimes entertaining him with Masques and Shows, and at other times with jousts and Tournaments, wherein he so behaved himself, that Merodiana being advertised thereof, requested him to come and see her.  
Leaving Silvana then in much grief for his departure, he went unto her sister, who insensibly forgetting Alcidamant, was so taken with the beauty and comeliness of this Prince, that she took no greater care, then to render herself more amiable with the grace of clothes, and dress (though nature had made her excellent that way) for to win him to love her; but he that had a constant soul, and that was wholly given up to his Armazia, was nothing moved with her passion; howbeit fearing lest his faith at length might waver by the continual pursuits of this beautiful Queen, who questionless had charms of power to captivate the heart of the coldest affection, he resolved to depart; wherefore one day taking his leave, which he had very much ado to obtain, he got him to Sea, leaving so good an opinion of his valour in the Kingdoms of these two sisters, as he was of no less esteem there, than the famous Knight of the Palms.   

CHAP. XIV. Rozalmond landing in the Kingdom of Clariana, arrives by fortune at Alcidamants Great, he laments over his arms believing him dead, and afterwards encountering him they become friends.  
Rozalmond having wisely avoided the danger of Merodiana's allurements road all the day with a resolution to travel into Gardacia, for to know whether time had defaced him out of Armazia's affection; but fortune that meant otherways to dispose of his actions, deferred the effect of this his intent, and caused him to make another voyage more profitable, and necessary for the good of Christendom: Being embarked then in a Ship; the wind which should have carried him one way, drove him quite contrary another, and brought him upon the coast of the Kingdom of Clariana, where the Pilot for fear of a threatened Tempest, making some stay, he would needs go on shore to see the country, & accordingly, getting on his Horse he spent two days, without meeting of any adventure, whereupon purposing to return to the sea, he discovered a Brook, whose sweet murmur invited him to alight under certain trees, that grew all along the banks thereof, and cast a very pleasing shadow, causing his Horse then to be tied, so as he might have the liberty to graze, he walked so long up against the course of the stream, that he found himself at the bottom of a Rock, whereinto there was a pretty large entrance, which gave him a desire to approach it, for to see whether there were any thing within it, worthy the employment of his courage: but he was marvellously abashed, to behold a little Cross set up a good height under a tree; for considering that this mark made glorious by the death of the Saviour of the world, was not so much as known amongst these idolatrous people, he was no less amazed thereat, then at some prodigy; howbeit finding some consolation in the hope he had to meet with Christians there; he was passing in, when as a new occasion of astonishment arrested him; for at the foot of a tree he discovered a Cuirace, an Helmet, a Shield, and other the arms appertaining to a Knight.  
This Encounter possessing him with no less curiosity, than the former had done with wonder, he went presently and looking upon the Shield, which was almost covered over with rust, he perceived it to be that famous Ensign of the three Palms, made glorious by the honour of a thousand combats, most generously performed by Alcidamant; and assured himself that these were the arms, which he had found invincible thorough the courage of his enemy. Virtue that can do all in all with a noble spirit, having changed this Warrior's mind in a moment, he could not forbear shedding of tears, at the sight of so sad a spectacle. Ay me, said he, kissing those Arms, with a great deal of reverence, how do I find you in a state most unworthy of your greatness; why do you no longer cover the body of that valiant Knight, which so much honoured you? You were odious to me always heretofore; but now, alas, I pity you as much as I have formerly hated you, and as the world suffers a most irreparable loss in you, so shall I grieve eternally, that you should remain thus of no use hereafter.  
Whereupon laying all the pieces one upon another, he took that excellent Sword, which was gotten at the Castle of Serpents, and that had shed many drops of his blood, and having hung it on the bough of a tree, he forth with passed into the Grot, in the midst whereof he encountered a bank of green turfs, raised in form of an Altar, upon the which he beheld the portraiture of a Lady so tightly fair, that he esteemed her no way inferior to Armazia for perfection; he continued a good while observing her by the assistance of a Lamp that was burning there, but desiring nothing more, then to meet with one that might tell him some news of this Knight, whose death he greatly feared, he went on and visited every corner of the Grot, where finding nothing but a bed of leaves, he returned forth incontinently, and was going to fetch a walk under certain trees, when as he espied a young Hermit in a long Gown of grey, that was laid upon the grass as it seemed to take some rest; howbeit his grief not permitting him to be silent, he broke out thus.  
Who shall hereafter rely upon any thing in this world, since I, that had but one poor minute to pass for to see myself Master of a felicity that is not to be imagined, was so suddenly cast into the extremest of misery? and who is he that at any time shall be in pleasure, that can promise to himself never to taste of the pain which shall follow it, if I am now reduced to utter despair, that had in my hand what might have satisfied the ambition of the most aspiring Spirit? Verily, man hath nothing less assured, then that which he thinks is in his power; and when fortune smiles upon him, it is then when she means to undo● him. But alas! from whence proceeds my misfortune, excellent Princess, it is from you, that once was the object of all my desires as now you are the subject of all my sufferings? yes certainly, if I would accuse you of weakness, and say that you ought not to have condemned me without hearing 〈◊〉 first, since th●● grace is not 〈◊〉 the greatest offender that is: And yet not so if I consider, that you might dispose of my will with more powerthen myself, I am now faulty only inappearance, but I should be so indeed by complaining, the respect which I owe to your greatness, not permitting me to 〈◊〉 against you, 〈◊〉 offending you, wherefore you have not done 〈◊〉 to 〈◊〉 me from your presence, since I have not merited the grace to enjoy that happiness. Shall I lay the fault then on my destiny, or rather on 〈◊〉 's passion, who thinking to oblige me hath undone me? Ah beauteous Queen, how dearly do I buy the favours which you have done me. I will remember your kisses, but it is with extreme grief, for that I have lost ●ar sweeter by your means: Why were you not less loving, or more contained, so should not the world have taken notice of your want of government, neither should I have now seen myself thus languishing in this desert place, nor lamented my cruel and untimely end; howbeit I accuse you unjustly, it was no malice in you, but chance, and without condemning myself, I cannot say that your love is the cause of my misery, since I sought it with so much care; live then exempted from the reproach of my death, before which, if yet I may be permitted to desire any thing, fairest Princess of Tramazond, know that I have suffered most innocently, and that I die without grief, seeing it is to do you service, and by your commandment.  
Herewith holding his peace, he turned him about towards Rozalm●nd, who being come very near him; and that was not desirous to appear so soon, retired a little to observe his face, which seemed to have been fair, but then so pa●e and wan, that it made him shed some tears again to behold so great a Knight reduced to so pitiful an estate; howbeit not able to let him be any longer in pain, he approached for to comfort him, when as Alcidamant making two or three turns upon the grass, through the violence of his grief rested close at his feet: making use then of this occasion, that sorted according to his desire, he took him by the arm for to raise him, but he that felt himself touched, incontinently start up, and stepping two or three paces back, observed him a good while without speaking a word, at length seeing him of so goodly a presence, and covered with such fair arms, he came towards him, and showing a great deal less fear, then at the first, he said.  
Verily the sight of you did much amaze me, for this being a desert place, and having never seen any person here, but a poor Shepherd, that every week brings me a little bread to sustain me withal, and some oil for the entertainment of a Lamp, which incessantly burns in a Grot hereby, whereinto I retire myself a nights, I little expected the arrival of so accomplished a Knight as yourself; but you are very welcome to those poor provisions I have, only if it may not be importunate to demand it, you might do me a singular favour to let me know, who you are.  
Noble Sir, answered Rozalm●nd, your encounter gives me no less contentment, than you seem to have in mine; I am a Knight errand, that knowing you better than you think for, and that but to day very much loving you, takes the liberty to tell you, that you greatly wrong the world to deprive it of you, for the satisfaction of a fickle and ingrateful woman, who wanting judgement to make esteem of you according to your merit, doth not ●● compense your services as 〈◊〉 ought, the life you lead is unworthy of that courage, which you have so often showed in the extremest dangers; change it S●●, I beseech you and consider that in the case you are, you can hope for nothing, here you languish, here you will die, your Mistress she knows it not, or if she do she laughs at is, from which neglect draw so strong a resolution as to despise her, onto render you more happy by the knowledge of the alteration of her mind▪ it may be she is as much troubled as you, inform yourself, and leaving to play the woman any longer return into the way which leads men to glory.  
All this cannot move me, said Alcidamant, for you know not the respect a Lover ought to carry to the commandments of his Lady or else you would not condemn me for that I do, which is nothing but what her pleasure and my obedience require. It is true that in all likelihood I should be better in the world, where I might be useful for the assistance of some afflicted persons; but shall I do so when it is not pleasing to her, whom I will prefer before all that is under heaven. No verily, I must absolutely comform myself to her will, she desires my death, and I will not avoid the occasions of it: As for that you allege, how it may be she reputes the miseries she hath made me to suffer, I can never believe it, for than she would have let me understood so much.  
Doth she know said Rozalmond interrupting him there, that your despair hath reduced you to this desert? without doubt she doth not know it, answered he, but my good genius would lead them hither that should come to seek me, if she had any mind to see me again. Look now said Rozalmond, how extravagantly you speak, and how your judgement is lost in the confusion of your thoughts, or with the affliction that oppresses you, what likelihood is there that one may find you out in this place, whither fortune alone can address those that stray out of their way?  
Be not, I pray you, so wilfully bend to end your days wretchedly here, rather live for the service of your Princess, and labour to make your innocence appear unto her, in stead of bestowing your time unprofitably in sighing out your sorrows amidst these trees; your virtue which to day hath begot a desire in me to do you service, contrary to the resolution which formerly I had taken for to purchase your ruin, makes me to use these words, therefore be pleased that I may be your Physician since you are so sick, and accept of the good counsel I give you for your better remedy.  
Why now, we are come just to the point I desired, said Alcidamant, for setting aside the reasons, I could oppose yours with, touching my purpose to die here, clear me in that particular, where you say you never loved me till to day. I believe indeed, said Rozalmond, that you do not know me yet, because I want my Shield; but if you call to mind the combat we had together at Constantinople, and afterwards upon the frontiers of Florertan, when we were parted by Cassandra, you will quickly understand the meaning of the speeches I have used to you; than you were the object of all the anger that a man could have against another which disputed the glory of Arms with him, but finding you in so miserable an estate, I was so sensible of your misfortunes, as I could not be more for any that should arrive unto myself, so that now I love you far more than I hated you before, and do also humbly beseech you to change your mind in like manner, and to esteem of me no less, then of the faithfullest servant you can have.  
O me, said Alcidamant, what a happiness is this in the midst of my unhappiness, to have my pains thus aslayed by the presence of the excellentest Knight of the earth; Ah Sir! I will no longer complain of my misfortune, and the content of this encounter is so dear unto me, that I will pass by all remembrance of the cause of my sorrow for to caress you, if not as much as I would, yet as much as I can. Herewith embracing one another with a great deal of affection, they contracted a friendship, which never ended, but with their lives, and some other 〈◊〉 having passed betwixt them, they both returned into the Grot, where Rozalmond desiring to speak of the cause of ●is retirement, for to withdraw him from it, demanded of him whether that which he saw there was the picture of that rigorous beauty for whom he suffered so.  
You behold indeed, answered he, the pleasing features of her face, you may here likewise judge of the delicacy of her complexion; but not of the grace she gives to her motions, nor of the powerful charms of her eyes, for there nature far surpasseth the art of the Painter. Whereupon without further entreaty he discoursed unto him his whole life, and especially all that had passed at Tarsipolis, after he met with Trasiclea, which was very acceptable to the Knight of the Roses, who alleged all the reasons he could any way devise to dissuade him from so sad a retirement; but perceiving that he spa●e to no purpose, and that his resolution was as firm as the rock wherein he lived, he bethought him of another course to be held with him.  
You are too wilfully set, said he, upon your own misery; nevertheless, being persuaded that you do all things with judgement, I intent, because I will enjoy your company, which I hold so dear, to pass my days here with you, and never to return again into the world, after I have dispatched one voyage for an enterprise, whereunto my faith hath engaged me; I may not limit my return, in regard we cannot dispose of time, nor of accidents that befall us, but I swear unto you by the order of Knighthood, to come hither again, assoon as possibly I can, so as you likewise promise me, not to depart from hence upon any occasion whatsoever.  
Dear Sir, said Alcidamant, it were most unreasonable to confine you so without cause, continue still in the world, whereof you are now the wonder, for it would be far more content unto me, to know you in delights absented from me, then to have you here lead a languishing life; as for me, I am accustomed thereunto, and be assured I will never abandon it for any cause whatsoever, since I do it not at your request. This is as much as I desire, said Rozalmond, you shall see me again sooner than you are aware, to which end I will be gone to morrow by break of day, that I may give the speedier dispatch to the business I have undertaken. So calling Artander, who was all this while with the horses; they sat them down to supper with no other delicacies than a little bread, and afterward laid them to rest upon a few leaves, where they remained till the next morning, when taking their leaves of one another with tears, Rozalmond road away towards Tarsipolis, from whence how he was diverted, shall be related hereafter.   

CHAP. XV. The Adventures of Rozanel, and Florisbel, after their departure out of Tramazond.  
ROzanel departing from Tramaxond with Florisbel, and the beautiful Angeles of Sopradisa, sailed fifteen days with all the content that a Lover could have in the company of his Lady, not meeting any adventure worthy of his courage, but on the sixteenth day they discovered two Ships fast grappled together, in one of the which was a Giant with some thirty, or forty soldiers, and in the other one Knight alone, of a reasonable big statu●e, who with his Sword in his hand, defending the entrance into his Vessel, sometimes charged the Giant, and sometimes the Soldiers, whereof ever and anon he overthrew one or other of them into the Sea; the valour of this Knight giving them great satisfaction, and being moved with a Gentlewoman that called upon the Gods for succour, they joined the force of their Oars to the wind, and in a little time caused their Bark to board the Knights, whereinto entering with fury, they presently dispatched seven or eight of the most confident of the troup; and in regard the Knight had received three or four deep wounds, from whence he had lost much blood; Florisbel desired him to retire, and leave him to combat the Giant, whilst his companion dealt with the rest of that ●●bble, but his heart was so good, that he made no other answer, but gave his enemy two such cruel blows, as with the one he wounded him very dangerously in one of his thighs, and with the other made a great gash in his shield arm, which Florisbel observing, and unwilling to stand idle, he drew to his friend, who never let fall his Sword without killing a man, and making no less havoc, in a short time laid all that remained at his feet: mean while the Combat between the Giant and the Knight continued with marvellous rage, howbeit with so much advantage on the Knight's part, that they looked every minute to see that Colossus tumble into the water, when as Rozanel casting his eye aside, espied a Knight, very little less than the Giant, rush out of the Hold; who leaping into the Bark where Angelea was, cut the Cables that fastened ●it to the other Vessels, and was putting to Sea with so rich a prize, had not he suddenly advanced, skipping in then almost assoon as he, and carried with extreme choler, he gave him so strong a blow upon his Helmet, that he made him set both his knees to the Deck, where he stayed not long, for rising full of rage, he began to charge Rozanel in such sort, that he was somewhat amazed arit; nevertheless seeing himself before his Mistress, whose safety was in question, he became so furious, and so well employed his force, that with three blows he first sent one of his arms into the Sea, and then laid his head at his feet, to the unspeakable contentment of the fairest. Angelea, who coming to caress him, asked him whether he were not hurt? Madam, said he, kissing her hand, I feel no wound, but that which I have in my heart; I am very glad of it, answered she, for as for that, I will ere it be long give it such a remedy, as you shall have no cause to complain.  
This short amorous passage rejoicing Rozanel not a little, he would have returned to the other Ships, but a violent wind suddenly arising carried him away, do what the Mariners could, to his infinite grief, for leaving his friend so in the Giant's ship, who unable to support his Adversaries strokes, fell at length under the tempest of one of them, which divided his head in twain; wherewithal Florisbel had been exceedingly satisfied, but for his separation from his friend, nevertheless holding it vain to afflict himself for that could not be helped; he turned him to the Knight to applaud him for a victory, so gloriously obtained; but the stranger beholding him without his Helmet, went to him with open arms, and embracing him, said; My noble friend, how happy am I in this encounter? and indeed from whom could I hope for succour, but from you? make me partaker, I beseech you, of your Adventures; and tell me by what means you came so oportunly to deliver me out of the hands of mine enemies.  
Verily, said Florisbel, who then knew him to be Sestilian the Prince of Spain; I am no less amazed at my meeting with you, than you are at my arrival here; I complained of fortune's cruelty, for the loss of Rozanels company, whom the winds have carried away, but now she hath fully made me amends with your presence; come let us go in and visit your wounds, we will talk at leisure afterwards of our fortune; whereupon entering into a cabin, Sestilian got him to bed, where the Gentlewoman of whom we spoke before, being very skilful in Chirurgery, dressed his wounds, promising to render him well in fifteen days at the most, to which end she advised him to betake him to his rest, but he would by no means hear speak of sleeping till Florisbell had related the enchantment of Angelea, the manner how he himself was put into the Rock, and their deliverance effected by the valiant Knight of the Palms, and the Princess of Tramazond, which very much satisfied this young Prince, who for his part likewise discovered unto him, all that had befallen him since his departure from Constantinople; Entertaining themselves in this sort, they passed away certain days with great content; during which time, Rozanel and his Angelea sailed with a prosperous wind, and at the end of two and twenty days, arrived at a Port of great Britain, to the incredible joy of his beautiful Mistress, who being set on shore, and meeting with an ancient Knight, she desired him to inform her how the world went at Court.  
Madam, answered he, all things go well there, and since the decease of our great King, we have not seen such magnificences, as are now preparing at Windsor, for the Celebration of the Nuptials of Tristor the young Prince of Sobradiza, who within this four days is to be married to the fair Amazon, Alteria the Queen of California's Daughter, there will be gallant Jousts, the Tournament will be no less delightful, the rather in regard of the arrival of divers young Princes, which have met here by chance, and whom Garmant the Viceroy of this Country labours to honour as much as he may, this, Madam, is all the news I can deliver. It is more than I expected, answered she, having given him many thanks, and so going to Rozanel, she acquainted him therewith, and to testify the truth of her affection, she counselled him to post away to Windsor, that they might be there before her Brother's Marriage, and take one and the same day to render their desires contented, getting instantly to horse then, they used such diligence, that the next morning they arryved at the Court, where Garmant, Don Sinald●, Tristor, Alteria, and all the Lords which were then present, received them with as much honour, as if they had been the Sovereigns of this flourishing Kingdom.  
Sometime being spent in compliments, in the recital of the enchantments of Angelea, and of that which passed about her deliverance; Rozanel that died with the impatience of his sufferings, in few words discovered unto Tristor the love he bore his Sister, and desiring him to consider by himself how dear time was to Lovers, he besought him, that the same day which he had designed, for his, might make up their happiness, whereunto Tristor gave so good an ear, that he went presently, and imparted it to Garmant.  
This affair then being easily resolved upon, they were led all four the next morning to Church, so richly attired, that their beauty struck every one with wonder, especially that of Angelea, on whom the eyes of all the world were fastened. The Ceremonies being finished, and dinner done, all the Knights of the Court went and armed themselves for to Joust with Quedragant, Agrian King of Scotland, and the gentle Abies of Ireland, who meeting together in great Britain, desired to come unknown to the Court for to honour the Marriage of their friends. Let us pass by this Solemnity till we have seen Clarisel of Guindaya, and his fair Shepherdess.   

CHAP. XVI. Clarisel of Guindaya, and his fair Shepherdess, having given an end to the adventure of the Torments of Cardoran and Lindorenna, depart from Bellombre at their request.  
CLarisel, and his fair Shepherdess living with incredible satisfaction, and having nothing else to complain of, but the averseness of Fortune in advancing their delights, continually gave one another new assurances of their loves, and so passing away their time happily, they met ordinarily at the River's side, whose waters served them for a glass, when their fair eyes did them not that office, sometimes under the Sallows that bordered the Meadows, and often retiring into the Wood, to sigh out their passions, they engraved upon the barks of the Trees so many interlaced characters, as they gave every one occasion to wonder at such marks, of so sweet, and unparalelled an affection, the same whereof running all over France drew so many Ladies and Knights to Bellombre, that every house there, was full of strangers, which were strucken with no less marvel than comment, at the incomparable perfections of these two persons.  
These Lovers then having one day driven their stocks into the great and long walks, that separated the Wood of fir trees, Clarisel sighing at the feet of his delicate Shepherdess, was about to represent his marryrdome unto her, when as they espied a Damosel, coming before a Litter which was followed by a great many of Gentlewomen and Knights, who addressing herself unto them, said. Gentle Shepherds, the glory you have gotten, by loving more truly than all others besides in the world; hath made me forsake the Court of France, whither fortune had conducted me of late, to repair unto you for the succour of two enchanted persons, the History of whom is very lamentable, and that loving one another most entirely, were conducted to the State, wherein you shall behold them, by the malice of a Sorceress named Orgelia.  
This Megaera, going upon a time to invoke her spirits in a wood, encountered with Cardoran, Earl of Garaman (a country adjoining to the famous Kingdom of Corolandaya) and finding that in him which might strike one in love, she left the business wherabout she went, and arresting him, entertained him first with ordinary discourse; but a little after told him most impudently, that she was no longer her own, that his beauty had ravished her; and briefly that a violent passion enforced her to offer herself unto him. Cardoran, who carried a noble mind, hearing this speech, and seeing that the eyes of this Sorceress had no other charms, but such as were fit to captivate a Devil, had much ado to forbear laughing, but desiring to appear as courteous, as she had showed herself shameless, he told her that he was very sorry for the harm she had received against his will, and modestly excusing himself upon the fidelity which he owed to his dearest wife Lindorenna, he walked fair and softly away; whereupon this woman, enraged to see herself so despised, took hold of his arm, and said unto him. Cardoran, remember that no man scorns such as I, but that repentance accompanies his offence, you have kindled a fire in my heart, and will not quench it, burn eternally in the like flames, or at leastwise  Until such time as you have found out the excellent Dove, and the royal Gerfaulcon under a disguised Plume. 
Herewith taking her Girdle she knit it about his arm, and tying him to atree that was close by, she presently raised a fire full of brimstone under him, wherewithal his Horse was so frighted, that he flew away from his Master, leaving him suspended by the arm, and making such grievous lamentation, as all the Woods about resounded therewith.  
This me thinks was so cruella revenge, as might well have satisfied the anger of any furious woman, but she that would not have Lindorenna exempted from torment, because Cardoran had neglected her for her sake, caused her to be advertised by one made for that purpose, of that which this wretched Gentleman suffered; whereupon she instantly dislodged with me, hoping to succour him by some means or other; But alas, as soon as she was come to the tree, she suddenly with her husband, not perceiving by whom, was put into a Litter, where they now remain in the same sire that borned them before.  
Of this their misery, I was so sensible, that I began to tear my hair in an outrageous manner, when as the wicked woman coming to me, struck me with a wand that she had in her hand, and so imposing a silence to my complaints, advised me, if I desired the good of these infortunate Lovers, to carry them up and down till I could meet with such as could deliver them from so horrible a torment, the which I have now done five years together, but to no purpose, for of all that presented themselves thereunto, they always wanted either courage or fidelity, the two things required for the undoing of this enchantment.  
Opening the Litter then, and showing them Cardoran, and Lindorenna amidst the flames, which made a very dreadful noise, and that burned them, without consuming any part of their bodies, she thus pursued her discourse. Their deliverance consists in two points, in the perfection of a pure and unspotted love between two persons, and in the confidence to go and kiss them amidst these flames; now see gentle Shepherds whither your Love which is talked of, as of a miraculous thing, or whither the compassion of the pains wherein you behold them, can induce you to free them.  
I am well assured, replied Clarisel, gently turning himself towards his Miralinda, that my love being without all defect, and as great as possibly may be, I cannot be wanting to the succour of these afflicted couple, but now it is that you must open your heart, and here satisfy the truth of those protestations, which a thousand times you have made unto me. Why Shepherd (answered she smiling) do you yet doubt of my faith? Verily, I have just cause to complain of you; but not to give you the glory of loving better than myself, I will defer the disputing of this matter, until I have demonstrated by the contempt of this cruel fire, that I feel one in my soul far more violent and great: Saying so, without any fear at all of the flames, she courageously laid her lips on Cardorans, and therewithal taking him by the hand raised him up so easily, that she struck all the assistants with wonder, who beholding Lindorenna in the same estate by Clarisels confidence, filled the air with a million of acclamations in the praise of these two Lovers, at whose feet Cardoran and Lindorenna presently threw themselves, being every way in as good a disposition as they were before their misfortune, desiring them to give them their hands to kiss in acknowledgement of so remarkable a benefit.  
Our condition, answered Clarisel, doth not permit us to receive this duty from you; wherefore be pleased to arise, and command us any other thing, if you think us yet useful for your service. Gentle Shepherd, said Cardoran, the honour which I have done you, I rendered to your virtue rather than the habit you wear, on which I do not much stand, but since you are so courteous, as to oblige us twice, I most humbly beseech you to grant me one boon, and this beautiful Shepherdess another to my wife; for thereupon depends the consummation of our bliss.  
Demand what you will, said Clarisel, for I am so much yours, as not to deny you any thing you shall desire of me, and be assured this fair Shepherdess will be no more difficile in whatsoever this Lady shall be pleased to command her. No verily (said Miralinda, who was no less satisfied with the proof she had made of her own love, then with the knowledge she had of her Clarisels fidelity) I have had as much courage, and I will be as liberal as you. We must depart then from henceforthwith, said Cardoran, for to go unto ●● Enterprise▪ where your presence will be very available, and necessary for me. You shall be obeyed, said Clarisel, for I am persuaded that we are carried from hence by a special providence from Heaven, that is working o●● good, so that we will dislodge as soon as I have armed myself. By my faith, said Mascarin, you shall have my company then, though 〈…〉 you had r●●●er be without i●, for the beauty of those ●●eld● would be odio●● to me, were the fun of it once gone.  
Herewith all that were present fell a laughing, our Miralinda excepted, who thinking more of the journey she had promised, then of the fooleries of ●●is little Lover, was much perplexed, because she knew not what might befall her in this Enterprise; nevertheless passing by all kind of considerations, since she should not part from her Clarisel, in whose affection she had placed all her hopes, she willingly got to Horse as soon as she saw him arrive.  
This small Troop then taking the way that led to the Sea, to the 〈◊〉 grief of all the people of Bellomore, but much more of certain Knights then present, whose liberty had been captivated by the beauty of this Shepherdess, ●●avelled ten or eleven miles, and were in sight of the Sea, when as Miralinda looking back perceived four Knights come galloping after the●, which by their demeanour seemed not to follow them for any good; whereat being somewhat troubled, she showed them to Don Clarisel, who ●●king his 〈◊〉 from Mascarin, that served him as his Squire, s●●tdown his Beaver, and stayed for them much against Cardoran's mind, that was mightily vexed for that he was not in case to assist him.  
As soon as they had overtaken them, one of those Knights went straight ●o Miralinda, and in a jolly manner said unto her. Fair Shepherdess, whither go you? why would you know, answered Clarisel, or how is she obliged to you, that she should render you an account of her actions? what is that to you goodman Coxcomb, said another; So much as I will knock his pa●e, answered Clarisel, and make you know how to rule your tongue better; whereupon he struck him that held Miralinda's bridle, with his sister Gauntlet, and all so rudely on the head, that his brains flew abo●●, and drawing out his Sword after he had thrown away his Lance that did but hinder him, ●e began to charge the others with such valour, that at the second blow he clove one down to the teeth, whose death possessing those that remained more with fury, then fear, they let drive at him both at once; and striking both on his Helmet, made him knock his chin against his breast, wherewith he was so enraged, that grasping his sword fast in his hand, he let i● fall on him that was next him with such horrible violence, that he divided his body in twain, to the great astonishment of Lindorenna, and her husband, who marvailed exceedingly at so sudden an execution, which had been accompanied with the death of the fourth, had he not by setting spurs to his Horse found safety in his flight. Clarisel seeing no more enemies alive, suddenly cast his eyes on his Shepherdess, and perceiving some tears on her cheeks, blamed her for her unnecessary fear, considering wh●● proofs he had formerly given her of his valour, and so shortly after, with the rest of the company they entered into a Bark, and put themselves too Sea.   

CHAP. XVII. Clarisel narrowly escaping shipwreck, lands in great Britt●in, 〈◊〉 Florimond of Canabea, combats a Giant, rescuer Claristea, and marries her to Florimond.  
CLarisel and his company being bound for the county of Garaman, sailed with a prosperous gale for two or three days, at the end whereof the Sea (that in nothing is more constant then in its ●nconstancie) began so to rage with a contrary wind, that the Vessel was carried sometimes as high as the clouds, and by and by thrown down so low that they beheld mountains of water over their heads; the Mariners (who little regard dangers, and that trust in their experience, seeing such sudden and violentmotions) bestirred themselves, but unable to resist the fury of the storm, they laboured in vain, for the Sails being rend to pieces, the Tackle torn, and the Mast broken over board, all were out of hope of escaping ship wrack, were they not speedily succoured by some particular grace from Heaven, which was so deaf to the cries of these poor wretches, that it poured down such abundance of rain and hail upon them, and thundered and lightened so fearfully, as every thing seemed to be the Image of a dreadful and cruel death, the horror of the danger augmenting by such prodigious accidents.  
Miralinda more dead than alive, was in her Shepherd's arms, that nothing moved with his own, bewailed the casting away of so fair a creature. Alas (said he kissing her eyes) what a loss will the world make of these two Suns, and why should so divine a beauty perish with humane things? O God if my offences have begot this effect of thy displeasure, let it fall but upon me, and let not this Innocent, which makes thee to be admired in the world, suffer a death she hath not deserved. Herewith believing that the Bark was sinking under water, he took his Mistress in his arms, either to escape or drown with her; howbeit, perceiving that the Sea grew calmer; and that the wind drove them gently towards a Port, he began to take heart again, and comforting his Shepherdess, he led her up to the Deck, & a little after approaching to land, he leapt a shore with infinite content, to see that which he loved so much, no longer subject to the fury of a pitiless Element, the rest landing in like manner.  
Clarisel caused his Horse and Arms to be brought him, and beholding no habitation, and the night at hand, he made Lindorenna's Gentlewoman carry along some provisions, and taking a little path, entered into a Wood, where, it growing dark, he and his train alighted, and free from the fear of a troubled Sea, fell to that which the Gentlewoman had provided with a very good appetite.  
This little repast finished, they laid them all down at the feet of a tree, and began to 〈…〉, who 〈◊〉 with his pass●●● 〈…〉 fortu●●, wherein he continued not long, for hearing the voice of one lamenting hearose, and going softly to know who it was, he c●●e to five or six trees, planted in such sort, that their branches 〈…〉, they made a little Cabinet, from whence the ●ight, and complaints that he heard proceeded.  
Alas! said a man (for the tone of his voice declared him to be so, What lover was ever so unhappy as I, and how just cause have I to complain of my d●stini●, that forceth me to love an ingrateful Woman, who is insensible of the 〈◊〉 she hath done me, and that takes delight in my ruin: my services are despised, she laughs at my sufferings, and which is worse, her retirement leaves me no hope of ever seeing an end of my miseries, but by death; Ah cruel resolution! why did it not pr●cede the acquisition she madeof my heart, or stay till I was dead, so should I now have bee● without 〈◊〉, or happy in my Grave; but I must needs lose my freedom for 〈◊〉 end my days wretchedly, and the S●ars having determined my life in this manner, I cannot avoid their decree: let Death come then when it will I shall never seek to decline it: whereupon con●●ding with a world of sighs, Cl●risel could not forbear, stepping in, and saying unto him;  
Sir, your affliction very much grieves me, and your complaints have conducted me ●ither to tell you, that your courage ought not to give place to your sufferings; 〈◊〉 is to be seen in adversity, and men that are well acquai●●d with the world never faint under pressures; you love a disacknowledging woman, that will not recompense your services; change your mind▪ ●ill your affection with despite, and leaving her to repent the loss of you, be revenged of her neglect; But if your soul be too far engaged, and that it be not in your power to get off, take a better resolution than ●o complain thus in vain, strive to overcome her rigour, and serving her whether she will ●● no, give her occasion at length to condemn her ingratitude.  
Alas! said he, whosoever you be that comforts me thus, know that it is not in my power to make use of the good counsel you give me, the reason whereof I seal tell you, if you will vouchsafe to sit down by me a little. That is it I much desire, answered Clarisel, laying himself down by him, but I cannot be persuaded that there is any misery so great or strange in the world, for which there may not a remedy be ●ound.  
Sir, said the solitary Knight, (after he heard the clattering of his Arms) I must entreat you to pardon me, and 〈◊〉 it to the darkness of the night, if my speech hath been less respectful to you than it ought; No, no, replied Cl●●isel, you may treat with me as you please; let not any such consideration stay you, but tell me freely the cause of so great a solitude.  
She, of whom I complain, said he, being one of those fairest of France, that may justly glory in their beauties, having on a time courteously 〈◊〉 me in her house, placed so many 〈◊〉 in her eyes, as I was not able to look upon her with that Liber●●● which formerly I had, for I found my heart surprised, and my desire of travelling Countries to acquire that renown so much aspy redunto by t●e best Knights, confine● within the limits of her Walls, so that 〈…〉 of pa●ing thence without some assurance of loving ●● purpose, 〈…〉 cover my thoughts unto her, and ind●●● meeting 〈…〉 opportunity, I set her glass before her, and demanded what opinion 〈◊〉 of her beauty, but perdoiving that modesty would not permit 〈◊〉 to commend herself, I recounted unto her the passions I had induced 〈◊〉 my arrival, and used all the art I could possible devise to draw 〈◊〉 reciprocal affection, howbeit in vain, for she returned me● most righteous answer, accompanying it with a command, never to come in her sight again, I am not able to deliver the grief I was in for this so ●ru●● a change, sufficeth it that I went presently away in a desperate manner, and not caring what became of me, I fell by accident into the power and person of Nars●nder the great incha●er, from whom being freed by the valour of the exc●llent Knight of the Palms, it was my fortune the next day after to espy three Giants leading five or six Gentlewomen in a chain, 〈◊〉 the which perceiving my Claristea, (so is this inexorable sweet 〈◊〉) to be one, I made no difficulty to expose my life unto apparent danger, and carried more by fury then judgement, I set upon these three dreadful Monsters, and fought so madly with one of them, the other two disdaining to meddle with me, that in few words, I sent his soul to hell, whilst the brave Knight, of whom I spoke but now, coming to my succour, dispatched the world of the rest; so delivering this crue●● say ●●, who falling passionately in love with him, and feeling no les● violent destr●●, than those that continually torment me, would fain have made him her Husband, but love (being just to punish her for her pride) caused this Knight (who no doubt had some other Mistress) to go away and have her, wherewith she was so discontented, that in stead of recompending 〈◊〉 for so great a service, whereby she had escaped deflowering by the Giants, she shut herself up in a Cloister, taking upon her the vay●● and habit of a Nun before my face, for to deprive me utterly of all hope of enjoying her, which begot this resolution in me, to aband on the world in ●●ke manner.  
Verily, answered Clarisel, your case is worthy of much pity, but I have told you, that virtue is to be showed in extremities, you can expect for nothing from Claristea, apply yourself to some other ●ad●●, ●● pleasing, and more kind, that may make you forget that ever you loved her; This is the right, and sure mean to cure you of your misery, for wilfully to persist in so unadvised a purpose as to die wretchedly, 〈◊〉 more of folly than discretion.  
Your counsel is so good, said the solitary Knight, who was eve●●●at Florimond of Canabea (of whom you have read the discourse in the nineteenth, and twentieth Chapter of our second part) that I am resolved to follow it, since reason and heaven do seem to command it.  
Whereupon promising to depart with Clarisel, that told him what company he had in the Wood, they laid them to sleep, and the next morning Clarisel causing him to mount on 〈◊〉 horse, they took the next highway they met withal, where a little after they overtook a Gya●●, who very much taken with Clarisels gallant demeanour, said gently unto him; Sir, I should account it for no small happiness, that your occasions would carry you my way, therefore you may much oblige me, by setting me know whether you are bound. Your demand is so noble, answered Clarisel, that I should be most ready to satisfy you, but we are strangers here, and know not so much as the name of this Country, where we arrived but the last night, being driven into it by a tempest. Why then I will tell you, replied the Giant, you are in the Kingdom of great Britain, some two little days journey from Windsor, where the Court is now resident, and in preparation of great Triumphs for the celebration of certain Marriages that are forthwith to be consummated; but I believe some there will come short of their account, for I hope to interrupt their sport, and convert their laughter into tears; Upon what occasion, said Clarisel? to be revenged of the wrong, answered he, that my Predecessors, received from Galaor King of Sobradiza, who took the rock of Galtares from the Giant of Albadan, my Grandfather, and gave it to Gandalal the greatest enemy he had, and very oportunly hath fortune conducted me hither at this time, with the redoubted Z●robalan my brother (who hath taken another way the more securely, and closely to atchive our enterprise) for they that are to be married, are the grandchildren of that King.  
Clarisel, well observing this discourse, resolved to go to Windsor, as well to be present at the Jousts, as prevent the effect of so pernicious a design, but concealing his determination, he road along with him aloof from the rest of the company, when as the Giant, espying two women on horseback that crossed the way, galloping after them, and finding them to be marvellous beautiful, he seized on her that liked him best, purposing to take his pleasure on her instantly, if Clarisel arrived thereupon had not entreated him to forbear so detestable an act.  
By all my gods, said he, say what you will, you shall never persuade me to quit so fair a prey. I shall be constrained to fight with you then, said Clarisel. Fight with me, answered the Giant (giving him a furious look) Be sure I'll chastise thy insolence for daring to say so; whereupon he houghed those Gentlewoman's horses, who presently ran away to hide themselves amongst the bushes, and thinking to divide his enemy with the first blow, he discharged his courtlas with such fury at his head, that making away thorough the shield, the point of it lighted so rudely upon his Helmet, that it made him knock his chin against his breast, which put Clarisel into such a rage, that he gave him a dangerous wound in the thigh. The combat thus begun continued very cruelly for an hour and better, at the end whereof Clarisel, perceiving his shepherdess to look with an eye of fear, and pity on the blood, that issued from an hurt the Giant had given him in his arm, grew so incensed, that he advanced his sword, and let it fall with such a tempest on his enemy's Helmet, as he cloven him down to the shoulders, overthrowing him with a noise like to that of an Oak rend up by the violence of the winds.  
This horrible blow no less amazing Card●ran, and Lindore●na, then giving content to Miralinda, they all came running in to unarm him, but feeling little pain of his hurt, beth●n●●d them for their care of him, and desiring them to go and seek the Gentlewomen, he stayed with Lindoren●●, and his Shepherdess, who would not rest till she had got him to bare his arm, that they might take a course to staunch the blood; that done, they walked to the bushes, for to see what was become of the Knights, and the Gentlewoman, but they had not gone far, when as they found Florimond on his knees before her whom the Giant would have ravished, which spoke to him in this manner.  
Get you away imporunate man, and do not trouble me in this sort, have I not told you a thousand times that my heart was engaged under the Laws of another far more pleasing to me than you; why do you force me then to say so again to you now? I am not returned, I tell you, into the world for you. ay, but you shall be, said Clarisel, (who understood by her discourse that this was Claristea,) at leastwise if you will not show yourself the most ingrateful woman in the world, this Gentleman wants nothing that is worthy of a fair mistress, why will you refuse him then after so many testimonies of his love, and such powerful obligations wherein you stand engaged to his valour? be not so hard hearted I pray you sweet Lady, but do that which his desert, and your duty requires.  
Verily, answered she, (perceiving it was he that vanquished the Giant,) I must acknowledge that heaven hath had a special hand in this business; for, Sir, the fame which you left behind you in France persuaded me that you were the Knight, whose image is engraven in the bostome of my heart, I forsook the Cloister, where I had resolved to have ended my days, and followed you a long time with that opinion, but now seeing myself deceived in my hope, and thinking of nothing less than meeting with this Knight, (pointing to Florimond) I must believe that our destiny hath brought us hither, he for to receive the recompense of his services from me, and I to be assured that I shall never enjoy the valiant Knight of the Palms, whom hereafter I will utterly forget, wherefore at your entreaty I will accept of him for my Husband, as well for the satisfaction of the bond wherein I stand indebted to you for my present deliverance, as for his own particular merit.  
O from what an abysm am I mounted, said Florimond, and can it be, that I which was this morning the most afflicted man on the earth, should in a moment be the most fortunate Lover in the world? Madam, continued he (kneeling down again before her,) you shall never repent this grace of yours to me, wherefore defer not the accomplishment, I beseech you, if you tender my life. You shall not languish long if I may, answered she, for as soon as we come to any Town, I will marry you very willingly, in the mean time let us see how we shall get from hence. Madam, said Clarisel, (wonderful well satisfied of so good an accord) so gracious a design sure shall not be retarded for want of your horses, you shall get up behind your servant; the Damosel that accompanies you, behind this Gentleman, pointing to Cardoran, and my little Squire shall walk after us fair and softly on foot. Marry your favours are sweetly dispensed, said M●scarin, but there is no remedy, I must have patience I see, and trust to my legs. These words having made all the company to laugh, they presently mounted on horseback, and road to a Town not above a league from thence, where resolving to pass the rest of the day, Clarisel caused the Giant's body to be fetched, and laying it in a Wagon, sent it instantly away to Windsor, there to be presented to the Prince of ●obradiza from him, together with the relation of all that had past.  
That dispatched, Florimonds' marriage with Claristea was propounded, whereunto every one assenting, they were espoused the fame evening to 〈◊〉 unspeakable 〈◊〉, who through the 〈◊〉 of his 〈◊〉, and Claristea's cunning never perceived, that the 〈◊〉 had been entered before by Alcid●●●●,   

CHAP. XVIII. The Massacre that was made by the dreadful Giant Zorobalan at the Io●sts at Windser, Clarisel arriving thereupon, after a dangerous Combat kills him.  
THE Nuptials of Rozanel and the fairest Angelea, of Tristor and the virtuous Alteria being celebrated, all the Knights of great Britain were in the field, the people filled the scaffolds, Quedragant, Abies, and the gentle Agrian of Scotland were in the Lists, and the Trumpets began to sound a charge, when as a Gentlewoman with two Knights appeared before a Wagon, wherein lay the body of a Giant, whose head was divided in two; at the sight hereof every one came thronging to it; and especially Garama●●, Don Si●ald●, Rozanel, and Tristor, who very much marvelled at the greatness of the blow which they beheld, saying that the Knight, from whose hand so violenta storm fell, must needs have a strange and extraordinary force.  
The Gentlewoman desired she might be brought before the Prince of Sobradiza. I am he, said Tristor, will you have any thing with me? Gentle Prince, answered she, here is one of your greatest enemies in case to conspire no more against your person, as he had done with a brother of his, far greater and more formidable than he, who purposeth to be present at this assembly, to revenge upon you the death of Albadan, whom your Grandfather, King Gala●● defeated in the quarrel, that Gandalac, had with him concerning the Rock of Galtares, the handsome Shepherd (one of the best Knights of the world) sends him to you, with this advice, that you take heed you be not surprised by that dangerous enemy the surviving brother. Gentlewoman, said Tristor, I am infinitely indebted to the good will and valour of this Knight, as also very much to you for the pains you have taken in coming hither, which I will labour to acknowledge before you depart from hence, touching the advice you have brought me, it shall not be neglected, and if the Giant come, I doubt not but he shall find some here courageous, and strong enough to arrest the fury of his arms.  
Whereupon, retiring with an exceeding desire to know so brave a Warrior, he caused the Wagon with the body to be fet in a corner of the Lists, and placing himself in the window, he perceived eighteen Knights come marching in three troops, the foremost whereof was conducted by Aristander, Duke of South-Wales, who was passionately in love with Flori●●a, the daughter of Garamant, Duke of North-Wales, and desired to show his valour for the maintenance of her beauty; the second by Orad●rt, Earl of Gloucester, who was no less affected to Theiphila, the daughter of Don Sinaldo; and the third by Oriana, Duke of Norfolk, who had no other Mistress but glory.  
These three Champions, being each of them accompanied with five of the best Knights of great Britain, ranked themselves according to their arrival in the place, and just opposite to Quedragant, Abies, and Agrian, stood Aristander and two of his troop, who at the sound of the Trumpets dislodged very bravely, and broke his staff upon his adversaries Shield, without so much as moving Quedragant, that encountered him so strongly, as he made him lose his stirrups, whilst his two Companions were unhorsed by Abies and Agrian: Aristander extremely vexed for that he had done so little with his first staff, took another that was bigger and stronger, ●●●ing to recover his honour at the second course, nevertheless he and his Horse were both overthrown to the ground.  
These three being dispatched in this sort, the rest presently advanced, and ran very gallantly, but fortune was no more favourable to th●●●, then to their Companions, for they were all laid on the grass, and constrained to give place to Gradart, who at the third course against Agrian helped to fill up the number of the vanquished, and so did Oria●, and those of his train a little after, in so much that these eighteen of the best Knights of great Britain being defeated, they were conferring the prize on the Challengers, when as a Giant presented himself so huge, and of so terrible an aspect, as frighted all the assistants, those warlike Princes excepted, who choosing out good Lances prepared themselves to receive him, and to maintain the honour which they had acquired: howbeit, they never used them, for the great Giant having discovered the body that lay in the Wagon cried out with a horrible voice: Immortal gods? who could deal thus with my brother, since all the Knights in the world assembled together were not able to withstand him; Ah dogs, you have surprised him treacherously, but you shall all die in satisfaction of so foul a crime; Saying so he charged his Lance against Quedragant, and passing it through his Shield and Arm, flung him half a dozen paces over his Horse's crupper, then suddenly returning discharged two such terrible blows on Agrian and Abies, that having wounded the one dangerously in the thigh, and the other on the head, he laid them both in the dust, from whence flying in amongst the rest he cloven Gradart down to the waist, and never river regarding upon whom his Sword lighted, he began to make so great a Massacre of Men, Women, and Knights, that he had overthrown thirty at his feet before Rozanel and Tristor, who had speedily armed themselves, could come forth.  
The Ladies shrieked at the windows, the people fled away, the slaughter continued, and the place was almost empty, when as a Knight of a very goodly presence arrived, accompanied with two Gentlemen unarmed, a Shepherdess, whose face was covered with a vail, and certain Damosels richly clad, who beholding the havoc that the Giant made, drew forth his Sword, and discharged it with such violence on him, that he was forced to knock his chin against the pummel of his saddle, which so roused the fury of this Monster, as raising himself up full of rage, he thought to have divided his enemy with an horrible blow that he intended at him, but the Knight, who w●● no less advised, then valiant, avoided it by slipping a●●de; nevertheless it being no longer in the Giant's command, it fell up on his own Horse's head▪ wherewith he fell down dead, leaving his Master on foot, which Cla●isel perceiving presently quitted his saddle, because he would not take any advantage, and approaching his enemy showr●d so many blows on him, that the blood began to die his arms in five or six places.  
Rozanel and Trist●● coming in thereupon, were marvellously astonished at so cruel a conflict, and knowing by his company that this was the handsome Shepherd which had sent them the first Giant, they fell to observe the manner of his fight; the force of his blows seemed extreme to them, they admired his dexterity in shunning his enemy's strokes, and thought it no less strange to see with what assurance he supported them whersoever they lighted upon him.  
In the mean time the combat continued very terrible, the ground was strewed with pieces of their armour, the grass was stained with their blood, the place was all fire with sparkles that flew from their Helmets, and without taking any breath they charged one another so cruelly, that ever and anon they had much ado to keep themselves from falling. Zorob●l●n, more ontragious than can be imagined, combated with greater passion than judgement, and cursing the gods for producing a man able to withstand him, he roared out in that dreadful manner, as made the very house to shake; At length transported with fury to see three hours spent fift●e the beginning of the combat, without any advantage over his adversary, he took his Courtelas in both his hands, and advancing it let it defeend with such force on Clarisels Shield, that dividing it in twain, it not only gave him a deep wound in the arm, but made him set his knees to the ground, wherewith being wonderfully incensed, he suddenly got up, and struck the Giant with such extraordinary violence, that he verily believed the ruins of some building overthrown by lightning had fallen upon him, and had therewith been laid along, had he not supported himself upon one of his 〈◊〉 and hands; howbeit, rising presently again, and resolving to die or vanquish, he advanced his Courtelas, and displaying all his strength, he discharged it so dreadful on Clarisels Helmet, that he sent him tumbling down three or four paces off, and casting a great deal of blood out of his mouth, which so frighted Miralinda, that she swooned in Florimonds' arms.  
Rozanel being exceedingly grieved then at so heavy an accident drew forth his Sword, and was going to oppose the Giant, when as he perceived Clarisel to rise, & instantly to part with such horrible, and unexpressable fury, that even 〈◊〉 himself, who could not be persuaded that all the Th●●der bol●s of Heaven could ever have made him fear, began to ●●emble at the apprehension of the threatening. Tempest of his enemies advanced Sword, which cutting off his arm, that for want of a Shield he had listed up in def●nes of his head, he separated his body in two pieces, to the wonder and 〈◊〉 of all the people, and especially of Tristor and ●●zanel, who strait way coming in to him gave him amillion of thanks, and 〈◊〉 him to the very skies, but Clarisel, seeing what case 〈◊〉 was in, de●i●ed 〈…〉 to think him incivill if he did not 〈…〉 that respect was due to their ●uality, for to go and succour his Shepherdess, to whose safety his life was ins●●●rably tied▪ Wh●●● upon running to Miralinda he used such present remedi●s, as she came to herself again, filling all the assistants with no ●●sse marvel at the excellency of her beauty, than they were at his force and valour.  
All things thus well resettled, Rozanel and Trist●r prevailed so far with Clarisel and his company, that they were contented to take their lodging in the Court, where Miralinda, Clarislea, and Lindorenna, were infinitely caressed by the fairest Angelea and Alteri●, who were sotaken with the incomparable beauty of our Shepherdess, as they could never satisfy themselves enough in beholding and admiring her.  
Not long after, when as Clarisel, Qu●dragant, Abies, and the rest were▪ cured of their wounds, the Triumphs and jousts were renewed, where Clarisel performed such wonders, as he acquired the reputation of one of the prime Knights of the earth, and possessed all those Lords with such a desire to know him better, that one day Rozanel entreated him before them all so far to oblige them, as to let them understand his name, his country, and parentage.  
If it were to do you any service, brave Prince, answered he, be confident, I would make no difficulty to obey you, but knowing that it will little avail you, and that it much imports me to conceal it, I shall humbly beseech you to excuse me, only be assured that the greatest glory I desire to have in the world, is to be a Shepherd▪ for the love of this Shepherdess.  
judging by this speech that he would not discover himself, they importuned him no farther,, and laboured to give him the best entertainment they possibly could devise for to stay him amongst them; but loath to lose time, he took his leave a little after of all these Princes and Ladies▪ as also of Florimond and Clarislea, who likewise returned into France, and embarking himself in a Ship, that Garament had provided for him, he sailed towards the Lands of Corolandaya.   

CHAP. XIX. The arrival of the King of Cabilla, in the Empire of M●rtaria, and the furious battle that was fought on the Seashore, in disputing the descent of his force's.  
THE bad estate wherein Rifantes returned into Cabilla, having mightily incensed the King his Father, he presently dispatched away Commissioners for the levying of Soldiers, thoughout all the parts of his Dominions, and resolving to make use of his friends, he wrote unto the Kings of Astramer, of Zambian, of Corniban, of Ircassia, of Langican, of P●ripatan, of 〈◊〉, of Fortan, of Alarmia, of Cassilana, and particularly to the redoubted Brizardan, Sultan of Atalasi●, and to the powerful King of Filzandria, Meri●●ran, to ●ntreat them to embrace with him the 〈…〉 so●, by t●● Emperor of Mart●●●●▪ 〈…〉 of the King● of Allanar●, and 〈…〉 also to 〈◊〉 Ar●●●, in such sort, that about two 〈…〉, there arrived in his Kingdom thirty▪ thousand Horse, in the head whereof marched Brizard●● with three Giants, an● two and twe●tie thousand Foot, cond●c●●● by the Kings of Astramer, a●d 〈◊〉▪ thirty and five thousand men under the command of the King● of Cor●ib●n, and 〈◊〉▪ fourscore thousand Horse raised in the Kingdoms of ●●●ip●tan, and Lapgi●●●, with three Giants, eight and twenty thousand Foot, with the Kings of Urbana, Alar●ia, and Cassilan; twelve thousand horse of the territo●i●● of Fo●tan, thirty thousand foot out of the Kingdoms of Alfanara, & Corcutan; twenty thousand Horse, and six thousand Foot, conducted by the bra●● King of Filxandria, who was accompanied with the pr●●● 〈◊〉▪ o●● of the strongest Knights of all Paganism.  
These 〈…〉 unto two hundred and forty thousand men, having ●in w●●l entertained, and all the great persons extraordinarily caressed, the king of C●billa, being elected General of the whole Army, though he had long ●o●●ested ●o have had the command thereof laid upon the Sold●● of Aral●fi●, caused all of them to be carefully embarked, with a full in●●●● to be thoroughly revenged on the Emperor of Martaria, who in the m●●n time remembering 〈…〉 his argosies, prepared an Army of fourscore thousand Horse, ●n hundred and thirty thousand Foot, and nine Giants, through the assistance of the Kings of Arbales, of Grizolia, of Calizant, of Miria●●, of T●lin, of Bol●●●●, of Merlian, of Carderia, and of Balivan, who seconded by 〈◊〉 fair Slave, and the two strangers that lived with incredible delight, in the sweet and uncontrolled fruition of their dearly-beloved Ladies, made no question of good success & victory.  
All things thus ordered than they expected their enemies, who being discovered one morning, gave an alarm unto the Martarians, which suddenly ranged themselves into three squadrons, the first conducted by the Kings of Arbales, Beltona, and Grifolia; in the head whereof Cirazinda placed her sel●●▪ with 〈◊〉 Giants; the second by the Princes of Calizant, Merlian, and B●livan accompanied with Floridan, and a like number of Giants; the third by the Sovereign of Tolin, Miriana, and Carderia, unto whom Lucibel joined himself presently, covered the Sea shore, courageously attending the arrival of the enemy's Ships, which carried by a favourable wind, and perceiving these troops stand imbattelled, put themselves in order to combat and force them.  
Approaching then with fury, they laboured with a world of Boats, and Bridges to land, but the Imperialists withstood them for the space of two whole h●●res together, with such extraordinary valour, that the Sea was all blo●d, and full of dead bodies, whereat the Sultan of Aralifia; Rifan●●s and the proud Arastr●●, were in such rage, that leaping all three together a▪ shore with above fifty thousand men maug●● the resistance of their ene●i●●▪ they fell in amongst them, making no less a slaughter then famished Wolve● do amidst a ●●ock of sheep▪  
Howbeit, this 〈◊〉 lasted no● long, for C●●●zi●d● accompanied with two Giants ●lew upon them, and meeting Arastr●n, first she discharged so mighty a blow upon his Helmet, as she made him reel again, hurting▪ him dangerously▪ on the head, wherewith the Pagan, who was one of the proudest men in the world, became so furious, that advancing his Sword, he let it descend with such a tempest on our Warrior's 〈◊〉▪ ●s it cut off a good cantle of it, and made a shrewd gash in his ●●me; on the other side the redoubted Sultan of Aralafia, and Rifantes fought wi●h the Giants as bravely.  
In the mean season the whole fleet landed, and the noise increased in such sort, as all the coast resounded therewith, the Giants cut all in p●●ces; Floridan and the Prince of France seemed to be thunder 〈◊〉 the Soldiers animated by their Captain's example, some fell in the 〈◊〉 some on the earth, briefly all was in confusion, and the Sea shore was so covered with dead bodies, that those which landed last could hardly pass for them.  
Corazinda having a mighty opposite showed all her skill, but Arastron combated so well, that she had in everything her answer; Brizardan and Rifantes were almost mad, that they could not succou● their men, and especially the valiant Sultan not enduring to be arrested so, took his sword in both his hands, and therewith struck his enemy so terribly, as he divided his head in twain, from thence beholding Arastron to stagge● with a dreadful blow which Corazinda had discharged on his Helmet, he smote her so dangerously on the shield, that he made her bend with her knees to the ground, where Rifantes having likewise dispatched his Giant, charged her at the very same instant with such violence, as she was forced to save herself upon both her hands with very great jeopardy of her life, nevertheless rising again with more rage than amazement, she went and gave the Sultan so huge a blow, that she sent him to the ●arth with a great wound in the shoulder, and so astomished, that he quite lost the fight of the Sun, and carried with the same fury, she had undoubtedly made an end of Rifantes, had not the proud Arastron arrested the force of her blow with his shield, which was cut in two pieces; But this mighty Pagan much incensed to meet with one able to put his life in hazard, so redoubled his strokes, that accompanied with Rifantes, and Brizardan, who was got up again, and in the highest degree of rage, Corazinda questionless had been much endangered, had not those two brave Champions, Floridan and Lucibel, glorious by the death of certain Giants by them defeated, arrived in good time for her.  
These two Princes seeing the evil plight Amadis was in, being on his knees with three dreadful blows received all at once, instantly discharged with such fury on Rifantes and Brizardan, that they were constrained to turn head, and defend themselves, much amazed to meet with men, contrary to their expectation, strong and valiant enough for to arrest the greatness of their arms. In this manner began a Combat between fix incomparable warriors, which might have lasted long, had no● our Christian Princes, perceiving their troops in disorder, by the valour of the Kings of Filzandria, and Corniban, with three horrible strokes delivered on their Enemies all at an instant so astonished them, that they had leisure to remount upon their horses, and set themselves again in the head of their squadrons, with such a ruin of those they encountered, as their people resuming new courage, spoke of nothing less than a retreat: how beit these Princes, being as advised, as valiant, put them presently in good order, and retired with them into their Trenches, in despite of so many enemies having with incredible pains sustained the fury of those that pursued them.  
This so prudent, and courageous a retreat was much admi●ed of the enemy, which commending the extreme valout of the fair Slave, and of the two strangers, lamented the loss of fourteen thousand men, three Giants, and that of the King of Ircassia, who was s●ain by the hand of the Prince of France, nevertheless understanding that their Adversaries fortune was little better, and that they had left nine thousand men, two Giants, and the Duke of Plemond on the shore, they did not much afflict themselves, but went and planted their Camp before Cardana, resolving to put all to fire, and sword, especially Arastron, Brizardan, and Rifantes, who being marvellously incensed, would have sent a Challenge (notwithstanding the danger of their wounds) to the three Knights, that to their great grief were mightily incensed by every one, but the King of Cabilla, relying more on these three Warriors, then on the rest of his Army, would by no means permit them, so as they continued keeping of their Beds ten or eleven days together; during which time our Champions having no less need of rest, both sides prepared all things necessary for the Assault, and defence of the City, whereat the fair Princesses were much troubled, but the presence of their Lovers confirming them, they showed more affection than fear, principally Archesidella, who being acquainted by Amadis of the quality of the Prince of France, received him likewise for her Husband.  
At length our Warriors perceiving all the field covered with Soldiers ready for the Assault, they went and besought the Emperor, that nothing might be ordered, but by their counsel, and presently thereupon caused threescore thousand foot, to enter into the Town, which they divided into four squadrons, commanded by the King of Arbales, and Miriana of Calizant, and of Carderia, and then going with three Giants into their Trenches, they drew out thirty thousand Horse, which they equally divided into three bands, and so sallying out in three several parts they left the Kings of Balivan, of Merlian, and of Grizolia, with fourscore thousand to guard the Camp, favour their retreat and succour the Town if need were.  
The Enemy approaching the Walls, began a most cruel and furious assault, the great Sultan of Aralafia, Rifantes, and the proud Arastron, mounted first, followed by fifty thousand men, but they were so valiantly opposed by the four Giants, by the Kings, the gentle Knight Tarsander, and the forces that were under their command, which remained in the Town, as the ditches were full of dead bodies, whereat notwithstanding they were so little abashed, that it seemed rather to augment their courages, in such sort, that their followers carried by their example, behaved themselves so manfully, as the City was in danger to have been forced, had not the Fair Slave appeared in the head of ten thousand Horse, who entering furiously amidst the enemy's troops ran a Giant quite thorough and thorough, overthrew six Knights, before she broke her Lance, and thundering amongst the rest with her Sword, she so cleared their ranks, that she easily made way to the Walls, where encountering Don Rifantes with thirty thousand Horse, which he had suddenly assembled, she gave him so mighty a blow on his Helmet, that she laid him on the crupper of his Horse, utterly derived of his senses.  
This blow having terrified the enemies, they were ready to have betaken themselves to flight, had not the proud Pagan arrived thereupon, followed by a great multitude of Soldiers, who with a dreadful cry falling upon our Warriors troops, began to make a terrible slaughter, in the nick whereof Lucibel coming in, charged them a flank so furiously, that he cut off four thousand of them. Brizardan seeing the confusion they were in, forsook the Wall, and went to the succour of his companions; but Floridan having surprised his men in disorder, put a number of them to the sword, nevertheless the Sultan, being an excellent Commander, quickly reduced the most part of them into order, and then addressed himself to run against Floridan, who observed his coming, encountered him so furiously in the career, that they were both overthrown in the dust, where our Knight had been in danger of ending his days, under the horses feet, if the valour wherewith the Giant, that accompanied him, arresting his enemies, had not given him leisure to remount on his horse, which Brizardan could not so soon do because of the Giant, nevertheless, being at length relieved by the assistance of those about him, he drew out his sword, and began to make so cruel a massacre, that all the world flew from before him.  
In the mean time the valorous Corazinda, and the brave Prince of France did things worthy of eternal glory, they killed, they cut off arms, and heads, they cloven men down to the waist, and rendered themselves so terrible that the very glistering of their swords, put the most confident in fear, howbeit their number being too small to resist the fury of all these troops, which came flocking together for to invest them, they retired in despite of so many enemies, after whose example Floridan did the like notwithstanding all that the brave Sultan of Aralafia could do; who understanding that his three Giants were slain, with seven and twenty thousand men, and the Kings of Gallona and Urban, the Emperor having lost but eleven thousand, he would have cast himself in the Sea, had not the King of Cabilla wisely remonstrated unto him, how it was but a trick of Fortune, that oftentimes opposeth our desires, and will not suffer us to triumph, but when she pleaseth, making a virtue then of necessity, though it were with marvellous vexation, he resolved to determine the business with one set day, whereunto having persuaded the King of Cabilla; he sent accordingly to present the Emperor to battle, who relying on the justice of his cause, and on the supreme valour of the fair Slave, and of the Knights of the Flower-de-luces', and Flowers, accepted of it to be fought on the third day after, but at no hand would yield to any Truce during the time, and that by the special advice of those Warriors which had undertaken an enterprise, whereof you shall see the effect in the Chapter following.   

CHAP. XX. The wonderful feats of Arms performedina sally made by Palmirenna's fair Slave, with the end of the General Battle, where all the Emperor's Forces were defeated by the unexpected arrival of the King of the cruel Island.  
TWo days being impatiently passed away by the King of Cabilla's friends, who attended but the third for to be revenged of the outrages they had received, our Christian Princes considering what advantage the surprise of a careless Enemy doth bring, resolved to mount on Horseback about midnight, when as the Moon might facilitate their design, and accordingly having each of them made choice of two thousand approved Knights, they sallied out at three several Gates, and with very great silence marched even to the enemy's Sentinels, who drowned in sleep, were soon put all to the Sword, a free passage being thus opened to the Emperor's troops, Palmirenna's fair slave entering first with incredible fury, made so great a slaughter, that in a moment all the field was covered with dead bodies.  
The brave Sultan, and the proud Arastron, that were fast asleep, hearing the dreadful noise of Arms, and the cries of thousands, which were yielding up the Ghost, leapt suddenly out of their beds, and finding four thousand Horse, that were ever kept ready in reserve for all occasions, began to make head against this invincible Championess, who overcame all, when as a new uproar arising from the East side arrested them, not knowing well which way to take; nevertheless being too courageous to be amazed with any alarm, they instantly divided their forces, whilst Rifantes and the King of Filzandria, separately caused the rest of the Soldiers to be armed, and marching bravely on, began a most cruel bickering; for the Knights of Martaria desiring to imitate their gallant Leaders, performed their parts most valiantly, and meeting with terrified enemies made havoc of them every where.  
On the otherside those two Thunderbolts of war, the great Sultan of Aralafia, and the proud Arastron bestirred themselves with mighty loss to their Adversaries, but Lucibel arising thereupon, flew in amongst them with such fury, that above two thousand of their men were laid dead on the ground at the very first brunt; and lustily pursuing his advantage he had cut eight or nine thousand of the rest in pieces, had not Rifantes come presently in with thirty thousand Horse, upon the sight of whom our Warriors, that wisely managed occasions, rallied themselves altogether, and retiring in good order, so mightily incensed those three valiant Pagans, that in a rage they followed them with all their Cavalry, hoping to thrust in with them into the City; howbeit the King of Arbales arriving with eight thousand Horse, and four Giants charged them in such manner with the assistance of the three Princes, & their troops, which suddenly turned head against them, that rendering their designs vain, they forced them to retire with the loss of nine thousand men, having left but seven hundred of their Knights in the place, which were slain upon the first encounter, whereat the Pagans were so infinitely enraged, that they could hardly attend the rising of the Sun to put their Army into battle array.  
In the mean time our Princes being come to the Town were reserved with strange acclamations, and having somewhat refreshed themselves in Palmirenna's Chamber, whither the beautiful Amplamira, and her excellent sister repaired to them at the break of day for to give them scarves, and to entreat them not to run into unnecessary dangers, they went incontinently to the trenches where the Emperor resolved to sight, and command the Battle in his own person, having learned by his espials, that the King of Cabilla had an intention to do the like.  
His Forces then being by the advice of the fair slave divided into three Bands, the Vanguard consisting of twenty thousand Horse, and five and twenty thousand Foot was given to the Kings of Arbales, Arisdan, and Carderia, together with the Knight of the Flowers, and a Giant; the rearward of a like number to the Kings of Grisolia, Metlina, and Ca●ilant, with the Knight of the Flower de-luces', and the Emperor reserving the main battle for himself, wherein were thirty thousand Horse, five and thirty thousand Foot; the Duke of Bonport, three Giants and the fair Slave, left the Marquis de la Rocque, and the Count Vadian to guard the Town, the King of Mariana, in the Camp with fifteen thousand men, and to the gentle Knight Tarsander, and the young Prince of Balivan, he consigned four thousand light Horse to serve for wings unto the Army.  
All things being thus disposed of, they marched out of their trenches in good order to encounter their enemies, who showing no less zeal to fight, than advisedness in marshalling of their Troops, followed Rifantes that led the Vanguard with thirty thousand Horse, and forty thousand Foot; this valiant Chieftain conceiving that a good example was the best exhortation could be made to encourage the Soldiers, setting sputs to his Horse, charged his Lance against the King of Arbales, but Floridan seeing him set forth, parted at the very same instant, and meeting him in the midst of the course broke his staff very bravely, and received this Enemy's Encounter, without so much as once being moved in his saddle.  
Both Armies herewith animated, a most dangerous conflict was seen in an instant, the King of Arbales ran the King of Astramer quite through and through, and overthrew him dead to the earth: The King of Carderia his Companion, was by the King of Fortan cast under the Horse's feet, where at length he was stifled: The Martarians considering that the safety of their Prince, their lives, and their liberties were in question, fought desperately; The adverse part trusting to their numbers, carried themselves courageously, so as all was in confusion, nothing was seen, nor heard, but bodies extended on the ground, and the cries of dying men, which filled the air with their groans and lamentations; Floridan seemed a Thunderbolt, death was ever tied to his sword, Rifantes made such havoc▪ that way was given him whersoever he went.  
The blood 〈◊〉 along instrea●●, ●nd every thing h●ng in suspense, when 〈…〉 observing, how the safety or destruction of his side depended on the whole valour of Rifantes, and the unspeakable force of a Giant, who made a heap of dead bodies round about him, he most valiantly approached unto him, and discharged so terrible a blow on his arm, that he cut i●●●eer off, and following his advantage he redoubled on his Helinet with such fury, that he sent him to the ground, where he was trodden to pieces under the Horse's feet, from whence ●●ying amongst the enemy's Troops, he so terrified them, as they began to fly, to the infinite discontent or the great Sultan of Arala●●●, and Arastron, who accompanying the King of Cabilla in the main Battle, were mad for that they were not as yet engaged in fight, whereupon suddenly advancing with rage they were falling upon the King of Ar●ales Squadron, but perceiving the Emperor of Martaria present himself with the gross of his Army, they were constrained to alter their purpose, and make head against him; who desiring to show his courage, in despite of age charged his Lance against the King of Cabilla, and met him so lustily, that he threw him over the crupper of his Horse; nevertheless unable to support his enemies encounter, he was also compelled to fall, and that in danger to be trampled under the Horse's feet, had not Palmirenna's fair Slave (who had still an eye upon him) leapt suddenly down, and catching him up, remounted him in despite of all the enemy's fury.  
The fall of these Princes having drawn the bravest Commanders of the Army together, the sight grew so hot, as all the field was died with blood, 〈◊〉 encountering 〈◊〉, ran him through the body with his Lance, and disdaining to draw his Sword against ordinary Knights, flew upon Radamant his brother, who had newly slain the King of Zamblan, and began to charge him with a multitude of dreadful blows, but this Giant grown furious by his brother's death, received him in such sort, as he gave him a dangerous wo●●d in the shoulder; howbeit, the force of this Knight being more than monstrous, he endured not long before him.  
In the mean ti●● our fair Slave overthrew all that came in her way, she cut off men by the waist, cleft down others to the teeth, & made so strange an havoc, that she might well have been compared to torrents, whose violence the sturdiest Oaks are not able to withstand. On the other side Brizardan falling on our troops with incredible rage, rendered himself so terrible, that his blows were no less feared than death itself, every one gave him place, and which way so ever he turned there no enemy appeared, at length beholding the wonders performed by our fair Slave, he approached to her behind, and before she was aware gave her so mighty a blow on her Helmet, as he made her bow with her head to the Saddle bow, where raising herself up again with infinite fury, she took her Sword in both her hands, and discharged it so dangerously on the Sultan's Shield, that dividing it she wounded him very desperately: from thence spurring on to Arastron, who held the Emperor ●●der his arm ready to carry him away to his Tent, she st●●●k him with such violence on the head, as she overturned him on the crupper of his Horse, casting out a great deal of blood o●● of his eyes and ears, whereby freeing the Emperor, she caused him presently to be horsed again.  
Those two horrible blows having amaxed the enemies, they 〈…〉 give ground, when as the Kings of Filzandria, and 〈…〉 ●●●manded the rearward entered with strange ●●in: All was then in 〈◊〉, and doubtless the Emperor had been in an ill cose, i● 〈◊〉 had not opportunely arrived with the Kings of Grizolia, Merlina, and thousand Gazilant, followed by twenty thousand Horse, and five and twenty Foot. Then it was that the Heaven, Earth, and Air, seemed but one, and the same thing, and so many Knights fell at this Encounter, that it was not possible to tread, but on dead bodies.  
Arastron, and Brizardan being come to themselves again, and in the supremest degree of rage, put all to the Sword; the fair Slave, L●●●bel, and Floridan on the other side made no less havoc, the Giants and the Kings were so many furies, the King of Filzandria fought most desperately, Tarsander and the young Prince of Balivan road breaking the enemy's ranks, briefly, nothing was seen but blood and slaughter, and the noise of Drums and Trumpets was so great, as a thousand claps of Thunder could not have been heard.  
Brizardan, Arastron, and Rifantes did wonders, but our Knights so behaved themselves, that the King of Cabillaes' Troops began to turn their backs, when as from the Sea side there appeared four dreadful Giants in the head of fifteen thousand Horse, who having neither Army long in the uncertainty of whose aid they were come unto, charged their Lances against the Emperor, in whose Army, with the assistance of the unvanquished, which began to take new courage, they ●●ew above an hundred thousand men, notwithstanding the uttermost our Knights ●ould do, who having speedily drawn forth twelve thousand Horse ●ell 〈◊〉 ●●ese fresh Troops with such incredible fury, as one would have thought they would have been utterly defeated; howbeit the Cabillaes' arriving thereupon with an horrible shout, they were pressed and ch●●ged on so many sides, as they were all cut in pieces except nine thousand Horse, and seven thousand Foot, wherewith the Emperor got into the City, in despite of so many enemies, especially of the Giants of the new Army, that hoping to enter with them spurred on for life, but our three Champions being in the Rear, with each of them a Lance in his hand, encountered them with such force, as they ran them all three quite thorough and thorough, sending them dead to the ground, to the infinite discontent of Arastron, who seconding them, had some part in their disgrace; for Corazinda unable to endure his insolence, gave him so terrible a blow on his helmet, that he cut off half his cheek, and so astonished him besides, as if Rifantes had not presently come in to his aid he had fallen from his Horse.  
The horrible blow having arrested those which pursued them, the three Knights had leisure to enter into the Town, where was strange lamentation made for so great a loss, which amounted to seventy two thousand foot, and fifty seven thousand horse, besides the Kings of Calizant, Merlina, and Carderia, and repairing to the Emperor, who was very sensible thereof, they in some sort comforted him by remonstrating, that it was but a chance of fortune, which might soon change her copy, as much to their advantage; this done they went to their Ladies, which infinitely rejoiced to see them return safe from the fury of so bloody a Battle, and having assured them against all fear, they got them instantly to the trenches, from whence they drew all the forces that were thereinto the Town, the better to resist the assaults of their enemies, which in the mean time caressed Alfer●ax the dreadful Giant of the cruel Island, who brought them this succour, by means whereof they had obtained the victory, though dearly bought, having lost nine and forty thousand Horse, threescore and five thousand Foot, five Giants, the Kings of Astramer, Zamblan, Corniban, Alarmir, and Langican, but comforting themselves with the hope of easily forcing the Walls, in regard they had yet fourscore thousand men remaining, and understanding that the Emperor had not a quarter so many, they resolved not to let their Adversaries rest in quiet, but to give them an assault within two days at the farthest, howbeit this design was interrupted, as you shall hear by and by.   

CHAP. XXI. The King of Cabilla sends Ambassadors to the Emperor, a Peace is concluded; the Princesses of Martaria are granted in marriage to Rifantes, Brizardans' Meridoran, the Princes of Greece's resolution thereupon.  
THE Prince of Cabilla's love being of more power than his spite, to have been vanquished before Palmirenna, councelling him not to suffer the total ruin of an Empire, the Crown whereof he hoped to enjoy, he went unto Brizardan, that kept his bed by reason of some wounds he had received from the fair Slave, and extolling the beauty of Amplamira, and Archesidella unto him before the King of Filzandria, that was present there, after he had freely acknowledged his own passion for the Princess Palmirenna, possessed them with no less affection to these two excellent Infanta's, then that which he bore to his Mistress, in such sort, as having ●ad some discourse upon this subject; they resolved to send Ambassadors unto Cardana conceiving that the bad estate of the Emperor's affairs would make him willingly accept of the conditions they should propound.  
Having then taken the advice, and consent of the King of Cabilla, that that desired nothing so much as the contentment of his Son, they dispatched away the Duke of Fransacra, and the Marquis of Robanara, fully instructed with what they were to say, who appearing before the Walls with a trumpet, were presently admitted in, and conducted to the Emperor, unto whom the Duke of Transacra spoke in this manner.  
Mighty Prince of Martaria, fortune hath showed you that she favours your enemies, and that it is in their power to deprive you of your Sceptre when they please, nevertheless she at this instant presents you with means, not only to conserve you, but to make you more redoubted then ever you were; you know the merit, and quality of D●n ●ifantes heir of Cabilla, the greatness of the vali●nt Sultan of Aral●fia, and the riches of the puissant King of Filzandria, make use of their good desire, to rendery on their Father-in-law, and do not endure the ruin of so godly an Empire as yours is, their suit is advantageous to you, and the possession of your Daughters will give them more satisfaction than your estate, think that they will be so many Pillars, whereupon your greatness may firmly rest, and consider that it is better to caress them as your children, then to see them the enemies of your Crown; This is the business of our Ambassage, whereunto be pleased to return us a speedy answer, to the end that either we may conclude an absolute peace with you, or resolve for a continuance of the War.  
My Lords, answered the Emperor very gravely, I am not ignorant of the virtues, and quality of these three Princes which have sent you hither; but having hitherto defended myself from their violence by the assistance of my friends, it is reason that I take their counsel in so important an affair, wherefore repose you here a little I pray you, whilst I advise with them thereupon.  
So passing to the Council Chamber, whither his Daughters, with the Kings of Arbales, and Grizolia, Corazinda, and the Knights of the Flowers, and Flower-de-luces', being sent for, he propounded this demand, whereupon divers opinions were given; some drawn with the resentment which they were to have of the outrages received from them were wholly against it, and others carried by a better consideration of what was most convenient for the good of the State, were altogether for it, so as they could not come to any resolution at at all, when as the Emperor, being desired to deliver his mind, made it appear, that he would not be very difficile to sign this accord, for remonstrating that his 〈◊〉 were spent, that these mighty Princes were his neighbours, and that their alliance, would render his Crown most secure against all attempts whatsoever, he testified that he had no greater desire then to see a Peace concluded, and his Daughters in the power of those which demanded them, whereat the fair Slave was so enraged, who perceived the utter undoing of herself, and her cousins involved in the Treaty, that rising up with sparkling eyes, she could not forbear saying to him;  
Sir, I wonderat you, that in the midst of all your Subjects you are afraid; what will the world say when they shall hear, that after such insufferable outrages, you could so soon, and easily be persuaded to forget them? Do you fear that your Daughters being so accomplished, and beautiful, shall never meet with Princes so great and valorous, as these which now present themselves? Sir, I know some, that yield not to them either for merit, or birth, and from whom you may have more assistance, and content, than you hope for from these. They threaten you with a continuance of the War, are not your Walls all entire, and do not they know to their cost, that it had been determined otherwise, had not Fortune showed herself what she is? she hath done her worst, and therefore is not to be further feared, nor shall this arm, wherein hitherto you have found safety, ever be wanting to your succour, provided your resolution be more generous; at leastwise understand from your Daughters, whether they like of these matches, and do not more than the gods, which leave us a power over our own wills.  
Sweetheart, answered the Emperor, I verily believe that the love you bea● me, ma●●s you speak with ●uch passion, 〈◊〉 that it touches my particular, when I talk of an accord with these Princes, but you do notknow how the affairs of a King are otherwise treated of, than those of a private man, the good of my State hath counselled 〈◊〉 to that which I say, my Daughters must conform themselves to my pleasure, and therefore I command them to prepare themselves for these Nuptials, whereby those mischiefs may be declined which otherways would arise, should I wilfully pers●stin this War.  
These words ●o resolutely delivered, having drawn all the rest to his opinion, except the beautiful Princesses, which spoke not but with their tears, the Ambassa●●ours were called in, and so satisfied, with the promise which the Emperor made them in the presence of all his Barons, as they would have fallen on their knees before these Infanta●s, but they not able to endure the fight of them, presently departed, and ●●utting themselves up in their Chambers, resolved to die a thousand deaths, rather than violate the faith which they had plighted to their beloved Lords, who in the mean time were not a little disquieted, making a million of furious designs upon the lives of those insolent Princes, that laboured to usurptheir right.  
The Ambassadors being returned then with all the content they could desire, a thousand, and a thousand Bonfires were instantly made in the King of Cabilla's Camp, the gates of Cardana were set open, all passed losses were forgotten, most of the Troops were discharged, six thousand Horse only were reserved to honour these Princes, Briza●da● g●t out of his bed, Rifantes, and Merid●●● King of Filzandria tricked up themselves, and desiring to enjoy the happiness of beholding their Mistresses, they went all three unto the Emperor, who received them with open arms, and insensible of all that was past, conducted them himself into 〈◊〉 's Chamber, where all his Daughters were assembled, who notwithstanding their Father's presence, could not choose but show their discontent, speaking very coldly unto them.  
Howbeir these Prince's willing to ●latter themselves, and hoping that time or necessity would beget affection in them, they departed a little after, so pressed with the desire of tasting the felicities, which the fruition of theirincomparable beauties did promise, as they humbly besought the Emperor, that their happiness might not be deferred but for a day or two at the most, which having been promised them, the Emperor returned to his Daughters, who thinking to move him to pity, fell on their knees before him, and with tears entreated him not to render them miserable for all their lives, by giving them Husbands most incapable of love, and under whose p●wer they could expect nothing but constraints, but all could not move him, for resolved to see the consummation of these Marriages he commanded them anew, to prepare themselves thereunto within two days, which commandment was so harsh unto them, as they would quickly have made an end of themselves, had they not the hope they had to find out some means by the counsel of their Lovers to avoid this mischief, persuaded them to prolong their lives a while.  
Having sent for them then assoon as it was night, they shut themselves up with them into a Chamber, where lovingly joining their lips unto theirs, the tears trickled down their fair cheeks, whereby Amadis too well knowing their grief, said unto them; Ladies, complaints are vain, nor will weeping do any good, you love us, the favours we continually receive from you, assure us of it, but yet you are to give ●● further proof thereof, vex not yourselves at the cruelty of a barbarous Father, who without the regard of your content will subject you, to men you cannot love, France, Persia, and Greece, are Country's goodly enough to invite you without sorrow to abandon the ingracefull Land, thither let us go my excellent Mistress, and make no difficulty to follow us, I have a way to carry you hence in despite of all that would oppose my my enterprise, so as you have sufficient courage, and love to undertake it with us.  
Alas! my dearest Lord, answered Palmirenna, this is all that we can wish for in the world, declare unto us the secret of so difficult an affair, you shall find us most resolute, and if there were occasion to take away the lives of these deteshed Lovers, be assured that I would be the first to let out the heartblood of Rifantes, Amplamira, and Archesidella, testifying no less courage and affection for the contentment of their Lords, Amadi● continued his discourse in this sort;  
Afflict yourselves no longer than I beseech you, but when the time comes, dress you in the bravest manner you can, for to be led to Church, in which instant of time, Floridan and I will come into the Hall, in unknown Arms, whilst Lucibel shall attend us at the gate adjoining to the Haven, and under colour of obliging you by some promise to descend into the Court yard, for the deliverance of two enchanted Lovers, whom I will feign to be enclosed there in a Coach, you three shall go into it; that done, six Horses shall gallop away with you to the Sea side, where we shall find the Prince of Frances Bark, which to morrow we will cause to be made ready for that effect.  
This enterprise seems wonderful difficult, said Palmirenna, for you will be in danger of exposing yourselves against the power of all these Kings, and the Emperor together, howsoever we will cast away all considerations, for if you die in the execution thereof, we will not survive you a minute, wherefore be well prepared, and we will follow you infallibly. This resolution being taken, they got them to bed, where with infinite content they lay till morning; when as Lucibel sent for the Pilot of his Bark, who promised him that it should be in a readiness against the time appointed.   

CHAP. XX. Amadis of Tr●bisend, Floridan and Lucibel ca●●y away the Infanta's of Martaria, the dreadful Combat maint ai●ed by them on the Sea short, they are strangely succoured, when they are passed all hope of life.  
THE violence of the Pagan Princes desires exceedingly pressing them, they arose with the Sun, which was to give light to the day of their Nuptials, and putting on very rich apparel, to appear with the moregrace in their Lady's eyes, they descended into the great Hall of the Palace, whither not long after came those excellent Princesses, so fearful of the danger, wherinto their Lovers were ready to expose themselves, that a shivering paleness eclipsed much of the lustre of their beauty, they felt strange palpitations of heart, and beholding so much people assembled, they greatly doubted, that their Enterprise would not succeed so happily as they wished.  
Some small discourse being past, upon occasion of the prepared magnificences, there entered two Knights in gilt Arms, who kneeling before the Emperor, desired his hands to kiss. Now truly (said the Emperor, who knew them to be Luparba●, and the gentle Knight Meander, Nephew to the great Duke of Moscovie, of whose valour in the wars, between the Emperor of the Parthians, and the King of Sibilla there was so much talk) you are most heartily welcome; for I joy more in your arrival, than I can well express. Sir, answered Meander, no men living can be more your Majesty's humble servants then we are, saying so, they arose and went to do their duty unto the great Sultan of Aralafia, and to the King of Cabilla, by whom, and by Rifantes, and Meridoran, they were received with as much honour as might be.  
Their compliments being over, two other Knights entered covered with grey arms, whereof 〈…〉 falling on his knees before the Emperor, said unto him. 〈…〉 of Martaria, the fame of your magnanimity, and good●●● 〈…〉 us hither to obtain one boon of your Majesty. Say on, 〈…〉 (who felt himself tickled with the praises which the Knight gave him) it shall be granted you very willingly, I expected no less from you greatness, replied the Knight, Sir that which I desire, is you will vouchsafe to take compassion of two Lovers, who are buried alive in a Coach, which is below in your Palace-yard, by the malice of an old Sorceress, that maligning their faithful affections, retains them there in most ●●ell torments, be pleased therefore to command these fair Princesses to deliver them from their sufferings, for the end of this adventure depending on three excellent, and rare beauties, I hope to see it now finished, in regard I do not think that the whole world can furnish three such again, as your daughters are.  
Verily, answered the Emperor, it much contents me, that my daughters should join the glory of this adventure, to the triumphs that we make for the celebration of their Nuptials with these valiant Princess; wherefore I like it well that they go along with you, and to encourage them thereunto, I will in person accompany them down. Whereupon the Princesses, who know their Lovers, began to descend the Palace stairs, trembling as if they had not an hour to live; but remembering how much it concerned them, they assumed new courage, and taking one another by the hand, they got them suddenly into the Coach, and the 〈…〉 their saddles, which done, the Coachman drove away a● though he had been mad, whilst Amadis lifting up the visier of his 〈…〉 the Emperor thus. Prince of Martaria, think that Her●●● will not permit thee to be the Tyrant of thy Daughter's contentment, they are no● in the power of Amadis, Prince of Greece, and Trebisond, and not of ● wom●n Slave, as thou hast hitherto believed.  
Wherewith going to spur his Horse, Lupar●●n that was next him with a proud countenance seized on his bridle, which our Warrior perceiving lift up his fist, Gauntlet, and all, and struck him on the head with such horrible violence, as he laid him dead at the Emperor's feet with his brains beaten out, and observing that Meander had drawn his Sword, and was striking at him, he presented his Shield to the blow, which was strong and mighty; howbeit, knowing that than he was to show what he could do, he discharged so terribly on his Helmet, that he divided his head in twain, and not staying till he was environed by the press, he galloped away, leaving all the assistants terrified with those dreadful blows, the Emperor grieving for the death of those two Knights, and the Lovers in the supremest degree of rage, to see themselves so cunningly deprived of their expected felicity.  
O ye gods! said the Emperor, shall I receive so great an affront without some horrible revenge; To arms, Knights, to arms, and let not these villains escape so. Herewith fifty Knights, which always attended ready armed for every occasion, posting after our Warriors overtook them hard by the Seaside, and charged their Lances all at one instant, but Amadis and Floridan that only stood them, whilst L●●i●●l conducted the Ladies into the Bark, remaining firm in their 〈◊〉, let them break all their staves upon them, and then 〈◊〉 a● charge them in such sort, that in an instant they had laid ten 〈…〉, and entreating the rest no better, they followed them 〈…〉 at the return of Lucibel, there were but six left, who 〈…〉 as fast as they could drive, rendered their retreat free, 〈…〉, Rif●●●es, and Merid●●●● arrived, followed a far off by four 〈…〉, before whom marched the Giant of the cruel Island.  
Our warriors seeing them coming with strange fury, took three good Lances which they had reserved, and being carried with no less rage they encountered them so dangerously, as they were all cast out of their saddles, the Prince of France excepted, who ran his Lance quite thorough the body of Meridoran, overthrowing him dead to the earth, but the other● arising all together began so dreadful acombat, that the sh●re seemed to tremble under the violence of their strokes.  
These Pagan Princes being infinitely incensed with jealousy, Brizardan gave 〈◊〉 so mighty ablow on his Shield, that his arm not able to support the force thereof, it beat it so rudely against his head, as he was forced to knock his chin against his breast, and Rifantes discharged his Sword so on Floridan, that notwithstanding the opposition of his Shield, which was ●le●t asunder, he received a deep wound in the shoulder, which put our Grecians into such fury, that doubting le●t they should be forced to sustain the assaults both of these Warriors, and of these Troops, which they saw come galloping 〈◊〉 on them, they discharged their Swords with such a Tempest, the 〈◊〉 ●rizard●●● Helmet, and the other on Rifan●●s Shield, that the Sold●●● was overthrown under the horses feet, dangerously wounded in the head, and Rifantes with a great gash in his arm ●umbled senseless out of his saddle, close by Brizardan who was in no better case.  
These two horrible blows having wrought the effect, which our Champions desired, they leapt presently into their saddles, and beholding themselves environed with four hundred Knights, and the Giant of the cruel Island, a daring man, and endued with extreme force, unto whom the Prince of France opposed his Lance, which he had reserved entire, they began to charge them with such fury, that in less than half an hour, they had laid thirty at their feet; nevertheless the rest persisting very wilfully, they were so followed, and charged on every side, as their horses being killed under them, they were constrained to alight, and present themselves to their enemies, who fell down dead as often as they encountered their blades.  
In the meantime the Prince of France, being withdrawn a little aside, maintained a dreadful combat with the King of the cruel Island, whose arms were all embrued in blood, and questionless the death of this Colossus had ensued from the choler of this valiant Prince, if a dozen of Knights had not charged him so rudely behind, that unable to support the fury of an other blow given him by the Giant at the same instant on his Helmet, he was forced to the ground, where he lay not long, for considering the danger he was in, he arose more enraged than a Bull baited with a Company of dogs, and clasping his sword fast in his hand with four strokes, he ●left four of the most confident of the Troop asunder, and flying upon the Giant he ran him into the thigh, making him set both his knees to the ground for to save himself, which little availed him, for this Prince calling to mind the pri●e for which he fought, gave him such a blow on his shoulder that he opened him to the very waist.  
This while 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 came again to themselves, and observing such a horrible Massacre round about them, they arose transported with rage and despite, and falling upon our Warriors, they charged them so furiously, with an hundred and fifty Knights, that were still left, as they covered their bodies all over with wounds, but being resolved to sell their lives dearly, they grew so enraged, by thinking that their deaths would leave then Ladies in the power of these Barbarians, as having given Rifantes and 〈◊〉 two dangerous hurts more they cut forty Knights in pieces, to the strange 〈◊〉 of the Emperor, and the King of Cabilla, who then arrived with fifty Knights, thinking th●● t● be rather furies, then mortal men.  
But to what end served the courage of their invincible hearts, ofering they were to combat an Hydra, and that they always met with 〈◊〉 women in the places of them they slew? Truly the wonders they did w●●e to no purpose, for being so weary, that they were scarce able to lift their arms, they expected nothing but a glorious death, for to crown all their passed labours, when as they perceived a Bark make to the land, out of the which two gallant Knights suddenly leapt a shore, marvellously astonished to behold so many bodies extended on the earth by the valour of three men, which still resisted the violence of such a remaining multitude.  
These two Warriors (which were Fl●●●sbel of the star Lucibels uncle, and the gentle Sestilian, Prince of Spain, whom fortune had very opportunely brought thither,) admiring the virtue of these excellent Knights and not able to endure the continuance of so unequal a combat, quickly unsheathed their swords and advancing on, fell in so furiously upon those that held these Princes straightly besieged as they laid six at their feet with the first six blows that they gave, which so revived our Grecians courages, as they seemed to reassume new forces, running all three then into the midst of their enemies they performed such feats of arms, as appeared even impossible to the beholders, insomuch that threescore Knights more past by the edge of their swords.  
Howbeit Brizardan and Rifantes carried with unspeakable grief for the ravishing away of their Ladies, and the little satisfaction they could hope for of it, having taken some breath, made towards them afresh accompanied which Brustafard, and fifty Knights that came newly from the City, and renewed their assault with such rage that it was a prodigious matter to see five men endure so much, who nothing failing in courage were not withstanding so weary, as unably longer to subsist, they were resolved to die a thousand times over rather then show the least jot of fear or faint heartedness, but desiring to do something now at the last cast, Amadis; displayed all his force, and discharged such a terrible blow on Rifantes' head, that he clove him down to the shoulders to the unexpressable grief of the King of Cabilla his father that beheld it.  
Floridan and Lucibel had the same design upon the Sultan and Brustufard, howbeit their arms wanting vigour their blows wrought not the effect they desired, but contrarily finding themselves charged on every side by a multitude of Knights they were compelled to set their knees to the ground, where as well as they could they defended themselves a good while, as in the like manner did Florisbel and Sestilian, that were ●carceable to wag.  
Amadis alone stood on his feet, so transported with fury to behold his kinsmen in that lamentable plight, but much more to be the cause of his Mistress death, who stayed but to see him fall for to cast herself into the Sea, that laying desperately about him he was even ready to fall into the same ease his companions were in, when as two brave war like Knights arrived, whereof the one carried a Savage portrayed on his shield, whereby you may guess that it was the redoubted Gria● the Savage, and the beautiful Bradimande his Lady who had acquired such renown in the world, as their incomparable valour was every where spoken of.  
This mighty and valiant Champion, ravished which admiration at the ●ight of four hundred men and two giants massacred by the sole valour of five knights, believed that heaven had brought him thither for their assistance, so that furiously setting spur●es to his horse, he addressed himself against Brustafard, upon whom he discharged his sword which such violence that he divided his body in two pieces to the great astonishment of our Christian Princes, who possessed which more courage than strength rose instantly up, and as if they had done nothing all that day charged their enemies afresh, who terrified which this new succour betook them all to flight, Brizardan only excepted, that careless of his life, since he had lost the hope of enjoying Amplamira, went and with all his force struck Brandimanda so furiously on the helmet, that he overthrew her from her Horse to the ground, shedding great abundance of blood, out of all the passages of her head, which put Grian into such a rage, as he returned him so terrible a blow, that if his Sword had not turned in his hand, he had cleft him to the middle, but lighting flatling on his head, it so astonished him, that he fell as it were dead upon his companions.  
This horrible blow having mightily terrified the Emperor, and the King of Cabilla, they fled away after the rest; whereupon our Christian Princes perceiving no more enemies afoot, went to give thanks unto these incomparable Warriors, at whose valour they exceedingly wondered, especially at that of Grian, who in all haste ran to his Lady, unto whom they applied such remedies that she began to come to herself a little: seeing her then pretty well, they fell to complementing one another; that done, our Knights having desired the rest to enter with them into their Bark, they three, and their Ladies, got aboard first, and as Grian was going to follow them, the Cable breaking that held their Bark, she was carried away to Sea, whether they would or no, to the extreme discontent of these Princes, especially of Floris●el and Sestilian, who thought they should know the Princes of France, and Persia; howbeit there being no remedy, they embarked themselves with the redoubted Knight of the Savage, and his Brandimanda in their Vessel, with a resolution to follow, and overtake the other, but they were disappointed of their purpose, and driven otherwhere.   

CHAP. XXIII. Amadis his Ship being driven by a tempest to the Isle Du-bois, two Leagues from Cardana, the Lovers are betrayed by a Merchant, and being ready to fall into the hands of the Emperor of Martaria, they are miraculously enchanted.  
WE evermore find some cross to our content, and the sweetest delights have some intermixture of bitterness; These Princes went on betwixt joy and grief, esteeming themselves happy to be at the mercy of the winds, rather than of a savage, and cruel Emperor, but were no less troubled with the absence of those brave Champions, to whose valour, and courage, they did owe their lives. Those matchless Princesses did like wise sympathize with them in the like passions, exceedingly joying at their happy escape from so desperate an enterprise, but sorrowing no less at the number of their Lovers hurts, which for want of a skilful Chirurgeon in the Ship might prove dangerous.  
Howbeit Amadis bethought himself of a box of precious Balm, that he found in the Grot, where the Dwarf dressed his wounds after his conflict with the Monster of the Mountain of Bears, which instantly he caused to be sought out and delivered it to his fair Mistress, who refused to entrust any other than herself with his cure, and attendance, and therefore being laid down with the other Princes, his associates, Palmirenna filled his wounds with that so precious ointment; which having done, not without some tears and kisses, she presented the Box unto her Sisters, who performed the like office unto their Lovers, and so having shut the windows, withdrew themselves, and left them asleep.  
Mean while the Sea growing high and boisterous, overmastered the Pilots, and in despite of their art, and industry, drove them back towards the place from whence they were departed: they not able to withstand their destiny, were in the end enforced to strike sail, and to comply with the present necessity; Driving along then with the current, they came to the Isle Du-bois, two small leagues from Cardana, the Mariners not knowing what Country it was awakened the three Princes, who found theselves whole and sound, to the no less joy and contentment, than wonder and astonishment of the Ladies: now, because the Sea being rough, and the Harbour exceeding open, there was no safety in the Ship, they persuaded the Lovers to go ashore, to which they willingly assented, in regard they thought themselves out of the reach of Fortune, and far enough from Martaria.  
Not long after, as they walked on, they espied a stately House, where they resolved to rest themselves until the weather grew more calm; Coming therefore to the Master of it (a rich Merchant) he gave them very courteous entertainment, but soon after taking notice of their persons, and being thoroughly acquainted with that day's passage, which already was grown public, alured with hope of reward, as also thereby to shun the Emperor's displeasure, he resolved with himself to discover their arrival unto him: Dissembling then his intent, and masking his countehance with cheerfulness, the better to avoid, all thought of suspicion, he stayed till supper was ended, and the said lovers were retired to their Chambers, at which time he speedily went to Cardana, where being brought to the Emperor's presence, he fell at his feet, and spoke in this manner;  
Sir, the affection I owe to your service, as your most faithful subject; hath brought me hither for discovery of a secret of no small importance: The Sea hath enforced your Daughters, with them that stole them away, to land in the Isle Dubois; They are in my house, and you may easily have them in your power without running the hazard of trying anew the fury of their Arms, for I left them in bed more disposed to sleep; then to fight, where I am confident they may be surprised without danger.  
Immortal gods I said the Emperor, how welcome are these news to me, and how much do I owe unto their providence, that restores my honour to its first glory, by affording me the means to right myself for the outrage done unto me; Ah traitors, racks and torments, shall not be wanting to your insolence, and I shall take so horrible a revenge, that after-ages shall ever speak of it; And you, impudent and disobedient Daughters, who have preferred the enticements of strangers, before the grave admonitions of a Father, be confident that your punishment shall be proportionable to your offence; You shall find how powerful the resentments are of a Father, and a Prince thus provoked. Friend, said he, speaking to the Merchant, thy fidelity deserves no little recompense, whereof thou shalt be most assured, but to secure this business, fetch me hither the Captain of my Guard. Then walking in his Chamber after a strange manner, and with gestures, both of head and hands expressing much passion, he expected the Captain's arrival, under whose command having reduced all such Courtiers, as he could gather on a sudden, he departed suddenly with nine hundred Horse, and about two in the morning arriving at the Isle Dubois, he invested the Merchant's house on all sides without the least noise. The Emperor, who much desired to surprise the Lovers in bed, where they lay embracing each other, nothing dreaming of this treason, caused the doors to be opened very softly; and advancing forwards, he espied a woman with her hair dishevelled, bearing two burning Torches in her hands, who on an instant having encompassed the house, encountered him just at the Gate, upon the which having made certain figures, the air was suddenly all on a fire, infinite, and most terrible claps of Thunder were heard, and a shower of Hail fell with such violence, that above five hundred Knights were killed therewith, so that the Emperor, and the rest were enforced to seek shelter in the neighbouring house, to avoid the fury of the storm, which having continued above two hours, ceased at the rising of the Sun, that presented to their view, not the Merchant's house, whose body was found covered with Serpents, that devoured him, but a great Tower of Crystal, divided into three stories; at the foot whereof lay two Lions, so fierce, and terrible, that none durst come near it. This novelty having bred a great desire in the Emperor to behold it nearer, he 〈◊〉 it, seeing the Lions stirred not out of their place, and the first thing he espied, was a Table hanging, wherein these words were written;  
Prophecy.  
THe Paradise of Love, shall last until the enchanted Lions die, by the claws of the strongest Lion in the world; then shall the glorious prisons l●se their pleasures, the Doves shall be invisible, and the angered Cock shall burst to vomit his poison, living after the recovery of his treasure, for the glory of an unknown Altar.  
These words, too mystical to be understood, having detained him for a while, he perceived in the bottom of the Tower, as in a Tomb, Arm●lina, Orestia, and Melia, who seemed to slumber; in the first stage Palmirenna, with Amadis, in the second Amplamira with Floridan; and above that, Archesidella with Lucibel, all six in bed, kissing each other so amorously, and using such other expressions of love, as if they had no witnesses of their actions, which so enraged him, as tearing his hair, and beard, he cried out: O ye Gods! Am I not the unhappiest Prince of the earth? I have seen my power abated by three Knights alone, this day a greater affront is presented to my view, and I am become a spectator of that which I cannot behold without shame; who could not be mad, and burst with rage at this? Come soldiers, break me this Tower in pieces, and let us be avenged of these robbers, and impudent queans, in spite of all Enchantments.  
Hereupon thirty, or forty of the stoutest, and most resolute of the company stepped forth, and with hammers thought instantly to have broken the crystal in pieces, but the Lions forthwith rushing upon them, made so quick a dispatch, that the rest hoping for no better usage, quitted the place to the proud Arastron, who having before disdained to pursue those Princes with so much inequality and advantage, ambitious of glory, advanced immediately towards the Lions, with whom he fought so valiantly, that having with a most furious blow strucken down the greatest, he was about to have dealt so with the other, when as on a sudden three Centaurs of a marvellous bigness issued forth, and discharging their massy clubs on him all at once, laid him all along on the ground, to the unspeakable grief of the Emperor, who fell into such a passion of fury, and uttered things so extravagant, that had not the Kings of Arbales and Grisolia endeavoured to comfort him, he had undoubtedly become frantic, but these Princes gravely remonstrating unto him, that it was a sign of their god's displeasure, which punished him for the violence he would have offered to his Daughter's wills, who had just cause to despise such deformed persons, he commanded Arastron to be taken up, that immediately came again to himself, and retired to Cardana, so exceedingly grieved, that death would have been far more acceptable to him then life.  
In the mean time the Emperor hoping, by the valour of some excellent Knight, the said Enchantment might receive a period, he proclaimed throughout all his Territories, and the Kingdom's adjacent, that whosoever could give an end to this adventure, he should have the Crown of Martaria for his reward, judging his daughter's disobedience a sufficient cause to disinherit them. This moved sundry Knights from divers foreign parts to repair thither, alured with the promise of an Empire, but none could ever approach the Tower with that intent, that was not straight-ways torn in pieces by the Lions, insomuch that the cruelty of those untameable beasts being no less notorious, than the Emperor's promise, no Knight could be found that durst undertake so dangerous an attempt.   

CHAP. XXIV. Griolanis arrival in Corolandaya, his combat with the Guards of the P●rt, he is entertained by the Queen, and accepted for her Knight.  
GRiolanis carried with a longing desire to see the real beauties of the excellent Princess of Corolandaya, whose Picture he evermore kept about him, grew impatient of so long delay, but having past five weeks with a prosperous gale, and without the least interruption of his intended voyage, he at last arrived at one of the Ports belonging to his fair Mistress, to the unspeakable joy and contentment of his Conductress, Arlandria, who using her wont freedom, said unto him. Sir, I make no question, but the power of your arms will easily prevail over our ablest Knights, yet if you will follow my advice, use no other than that of your beauty, to captivate our Queen, who for your sake will break her wont custom, and will never permit you to hazard your life for to win a place in her favour; will you give me leave to advertise her of your arrival? Yes, Lady, replied he, you shall do me a singular courtesy to assure her, that ever since I first had the honour to behold her Picture, I have burned in continual flames, and that I have no greater ambition, then to let her know how infinitely I affect her; but withal I must desire you not to go about to hinder me from encountering her Knights, the forbearance whereof would convince me of weakness and cowardice; for should I present myself before her in any other manner, then victoriously I should give but her too just occasion to deny me that, which must be the sole reward of my virtue; wherefore set forward presently, if you think good, for to morrow I will enter into combat with the chief Knights of the Port; I never expected other answer from you, said Arlandria, neither did I think you would judge my advice honourable, and therefore not to molest you any farther, by urging my former proposition, I shall in obedience to your commands let her know both your merit and affection.  
Having spoken thus she presently got to Horse, and used such diligence, as the next day ●he came to Agrica●t, the Capital Town of Corolandaya, where going strait unto the Palace she fell on her knees before her Mistress, who making very much of her, demanded what wonders she had seen in her voyage. Madam, said she, they are such, that should I undertake to give you a particular relation thereof, you would hardly be induced to believe them: I bring you the names of two hundred brave Knights manfully overcome by Silvion, and of threescore and twelve Princesses besides, over whose beauty yours hath most justly triumphed; but which surpasseth all, I have brought with me the fairest, stoutest, the most courteous, and most lovely Knight in the world. The Prince of Argilles, though he were ranked with the best, by reason of that extraordinary prowess, which renowned him every where, yet compared with the valour of the Champion, whereof I speak, was but as a common man, whose actions being no less full of sweetness, then of courage, makes him so amiable, that he steals the hearts of all that behold him.  
The praises thou givest this Knight are so great, said Adelazia, that I suspect thee to be in love with him. Alack, Madam, said Arlandria, such flowers are too precious for my wearing; neither do his affections stoop so low, for as he is the most accomplished Knight that is, or ever was, so hath he made choice of the most absolute and peerless Mistress in the world. Dost thou know her, said Adelazia, that felt some unaccustomed motions? Yes, Madam, answered she, you are the Sun which he adores; and your beauty is it alone that ever yet could captivate his soul. How can that be, said Adelazia, since he never saw me? Your Picture replied Arlandria, hath wrought that miracle, nor could his passion be more, had you employed all the charms of your unresistable looks on him: On shipboard his eyes were perpetually fixed thereon, he kneeled, he spoke to it, and as if it had been sensible of his sufferings, he craved some assuagement of his torments: To be short, it is impossible for any man to give greater testimonies of an affection, than what I have seen in him during this voyage.  
This fair Princess willingly harkening to these discourses, and pleasing herself with the thoughts of her new love, longed very much to see the effects answerable to the high commendations which this Damosel had given him; but lest her carriage should discover her mind, she kept on her former gravity; howbeit, desiring to continue this talk, she said unto her. Verily, these speeches of thine have bred a kind of desire in me to see him; for it is scarce credible, that so many perfections should concur in one man: But tell me, is he come hither? Nothing less, Madam, answered she, he is yet in the Port of Carican, and it may be now combatting with your Guards, for he is resolved not to present himself before you, but as a worthy Knight should do, that renders himself esteemed by his virtue. I was never a friend to cruelty, said Adelazia, and the shedding of humane blood was always abhorred by me, nevertheless I would willingly see him fight, thereby to judge impartially, whether his valour be correspondent to thy praises.  
Madam, answered this Maid, you have the best opportunity that may be, I doubt not but he will make a quick riddance of all such, as this day shall dare to encounter him, since the Prince of Argilles, who came far short of him, hath been able to do it, wherefore if you please, you may see him amongst the Knights that guard your Ports, but for your better satisfaction, if you go forth to morrow into the fields, and under pretence of walking will take the way he intends to come, you shall soon behold him make through your Troops, since he may not arrive at your presence without forcing his passage, then shall you know that all I have said comes far short of his valour and merit. Nay, said Adelazia, I may do far better, for it being too-great a cruelty to expose one only Knight to the fury of so many, I'll exempt him from that danger, and shall rest satisfied if I may see him break five or six staves, against a dozen of the ablest of my Kingdom; and to this end I shall appoint them a rendivous under the great tree of the Fantosmes, which is not much out of his way. By this way I shall both content myself, and secure his life and honour: Truly, said Arlandria, (who perceived this tenderness to proceed from love) you show yourself no less wise than beautiful, for to speak troth I have often wondered how you could be so cruel, as to admit no Knight to your presence upon easier terms, than the price of his blood; keep you still in this mind, and in the mean time advise with yourself what entertainment you will give him.  
Hereupon in most humble manner withdrawing herself she left the Queen much troubled with the blow she had given her, who calling to mind the speeches of her Damosel, which represented unto her thoughts, as well the valour, as the beauty of the Knight, remembering withal how he had behaved himself to and before her Picture, spoke thus to herself. If this Knight be such as he is described unto me, I shall never be able to be Mistress of myself, since the bare fame of him hath begotten so earnest a desire in me to see him: But what a weakness do I show to be thus overcome by the first motions of a passion that assails me? And what will the world say of me when it shall be knownthat I have so suddenly changed both my mind and purpose? I shall be counted very fickle, and one that is not able to govern her affections. And yet not so, but in regard that virtue is always to be beloved, they will rather judge that I have reason to affect him, and that it is not possible for a woman to resist such powerful charms: I will therefore show him favour, and since I am accountable to none, but the gods for my actions, I'll put the Sceptre of Corolandaya into his hand, if I find him worthy of that grace.  
This Princess yielding up herself in this sort unto Love's Dominion, (from which no creature living is exempted) was insensibly enamoured, and this little spark grew suddenly into a flame, when as a Soldier diverting her thoughts delivered in few words the wonders Griolanis had performed at his first entry into that Kingdom. Madam, said he, your Guards of Garicana●e forced by the valour of the most puissant and ablest Champion in the world; And since that combat was full of prodigies, I may not rob you of the contentment you will reap by hearing the particulars thereof related: This morning he presented himself with an headless Lance, and forced seven Knights to quit their saddles, ere it broke in shivers, thence rushing through the rest with the flat of his sword only, he sent fifteen or sixteen of them to the ground, and this with that force as needed not the help of a second blow; Truly, Madam to relate unto you with what address and dexterity he seartered the rest in less than a moment is impossible, for in despite of their weapons, which left not so much as the least impression upon his armour, he made his way like Lightning, and forced his passage through all oppositions, with no less violence than a Thunderbolt when it lights upon a Steeple: And to be short, he hath won the day without shedding one drop of blood, whereat your Knights being amazed, who judged this proceeding of his over mild and gentle, towards those that had withstood him, they demanded the reason thereof, wherein he expressed no less courtesy, and sweetness of disposition; then he had courage and valour. Sirs, said he, since we all have one Mistress, it were unfit for me to harm those whom she protects, my chiefest ambition being to win her favour, and maintain her Sovereignty: And if I have taken up Arms against you, necessity hath enforced me thereunto, since there is no other way to serve her, or to be admitted into her presence.  
These speeches, wherein this fair Queen took marvellous delight, being as bellows to kindle the flame that began to scorch her, she felt within herself such violent desires, as made her wonder at this sudden and unexpected change, but dissembling her thoughts, she began to extol the prowess and courtesy of our Warrior, whose fame and renown had so filled the Court, that most of the Knights resolved to combat him. Adelazia then having spent the night in confused and restless thoughts, in the morning a number of Knights were espied upon the way of Garican, whereof the Queen having had notice, she arose immediately, but could not be ready time enough to see the beginning of the fight, nevertheless word being brought her, that the stranger was in the midst of her Knights, she hastened away, and arrived there just as Griolanis having dismounted three of them, so terrified the rest with the violence of his Encounter, as he put them all in disorder.  
These redoubted, and yet courteous blows, since he struck only with the flat, bred in her a wonderful content, and no less astonishment, when she observed his manner of fight, his Sword guided by judgement, lighted with violence, his motions were furious, and that which not a little delighted her, was to see him keep firm in his saddle, in despite of so many Encounters, neither could she sufficiently admire to behold two and fifty Knights already laid on the earth, and therefore desiring no greater testimony o● his valour she advanced towards him, who quickly discerning what impression he had made in her soul, alighted suddenly from his horse, pulled off his Helmet, and falling on his knees took his Sword by the point, and presenting her with the handle: Madam, said he, it is in your power to triumph over me, as I have done over your Knights, neither shall I reap less glory by this victory of yours; then I have done by their defeat: This Sword, which if you please shall never be employed but in the honour of your service, shall serve as a witness that I willingly submit to your power. Madam, let the tender I make thereof be acceptable unto you, and let me hope that you will one day take pleasure in seeing it employed to maintain your excellency throughout the world.  
The Princess being ravished with the sight of so beautiful a face, whose charms were no less powerful to captivate a Lady's heart, than the majesty thereof to work upon a Soldier's courage, did observe and behold ●● with strange motions, trembling with the very violence of her passion, but forcing herself with the consideration of so many persons as attended her, she replied.  
Brave Knight, I cannot refuse the glory you give me, not despise this dreadful Sword, since you present it me, as the merit o● my beauty, nevertheless I return it you, with this assurance, that I shall ever highly esteem the service thereof; but left I should prove ingrateful for the pains you have taken in accompanying my picture, let me tell you, that you are most welcome to my Country, where I shall endeavour to give you an entertainment worthy your merit. Hereupon she took him up into her Coach, and went towards the City, no less satisfied with his personage; then her Knights astonished at the valour he had showed in the Combat.  
The fame of this warlike achievement having spread over the whole Town, the Ladies and Gentlemen stocked together in the streets, who beholding the admirable perfections of this Knight, gave him such excessive praises, as he himself was much ashamed of; on the contrary, Adelazia was exceedingly pleased therewith, esteeming herself incomparably happy in his company, so that she resolved to admit him for her Knight: howbeit to keep herself within the bounds of modesty she gave him to understand, that his sole virtue was the cause of her respect to him, by no means discovering the love she bore him: Having therefore entertained him with ordinary discourse, she brought him to her Palace, where having lodged him most stately, she sent him very rich and sumptuous apparel, wherein he afterwards appeared so lovely, that all the Ladies were enamoured of him, and the common sort amazed to behold so many accomplishments in one Knight.  
A few days being spent in passions, restless thoughts, discourses, and assurances, Adelazia not able to conceal her affection any longer, led him to a fair garden, where she could not be overheard by any body, and thus spoke unto him. Knight, I know it is impossible for me to requite the pains you have taken in my behalf according to your merit, but desire any thing within my Kingdom, and it shall be granted you as readily, as you can demand it. Madam, said he, I was never covetous of gain, honour hath been the only object of my erterprises, and if you please to accept of my service, I shall value that favour of yours far above all the Kingdoms of the world, but if you will deign to be so liberal, as to bestow where you are no way obliged; then, Madam, look not upon my want of desert, make me your Knight, and permit me under the favour of your beauty, to try all adventures whatsoever; you may justly condemn me of rashness, but Madam, remember that our erterprises are glorious when they are high, and that it is far more honourable to fall with courage, then fail through cowardice. Knight, replied she, did I not prise your virtue above all worldly greatness, I could not but take offence at the freedom of your discourse, in regard of the respect which is always due to such as resemble me, howbeit loving your perfections, and flattering myself with the conceit, that my beauty hath prevailed over you, I shall willingly pardon the passion that troubles you; and believe that it proceeded only from a desire to work your content: You are desirous to be my Knight, I admit it, but consider what obligation this draws upon you, you are no more at your own disposing, your love must be faithful and sincere, and your will wholly subject unto mine.  
Alas! said he, these conditions 〈◊〉 happy, Madam, you shall never find me without love, fidelity, respect, and obedience; henceforth I renounce all the power, which hitherto I have had over myself, and wholly surrender it into your hands, dispose of me as you please, your commands shall be a law unto me, which for no occasion will I ever disobey. Begin then, replied she, to give me some testimony of this your protestation, and tell me freely, and truly, who you are, and whether you were ever in love before, for it were unfit for me to have an unknown servant.  
Madam, said he, (trembling with joy, that he had obtained his desire) it is very meet I should satisfy your demand. I am a Knight errand of the Kingdom of Macedon, near unto Greece, who have no other fortune then that of my hopes, and sword, and most unworthy to behold you as a lover, unless you will vouchsafe to stoop so far, as to weigh the greatness of my services and affections, with that of your beauty; My name is Griolanis, my Parents noble, and eminent, but Sceptres, Madam, are wanting to their merit, which to my grief I fear, considering the difference of our conditions, will be too just a motive for you, to reject the humble tender of my service: As for any other Mistress, believe me, Madam, and I swear it by the sovereign power of these your eyes, whose beauteous splendour I adore, that my soul was never sensible of the allurements of any beauty that ever yet I saw. Your word sufficeth without swearing, replied she, and I am exceeding glad to be the first object of your vows, and so consequently to be free from competitors; For what concerns our conditions, that shall put no difference betwixt us, since fortune doth not always confer Crowns upon such as have best deserved them, and seeing you are a Gentleman, both valiant and virtuous, I shall esteem better of you, then if you possessed whole Empyres without courage, or glory; This Kingdom is spacious enough to limit our ambitions, only carry yourself with respect until time shall produce a happier change; And so parting equally satisfied, they went to supper; after which, having recreated themselves with dancing, each withdrew himself until the morrow.   

CHAP. XXV. The brave Jousts that were held at the Court of Corolandaya, and the issue of a most wonderful adventure that happened there.  
GRiolanis spending his time in most incomparable delights, highly favoured by his Mistress, bonoured and respected, as if he had swayed the Sceptre of Corolandaya, wanting nothing he could desire, but the fruition of that happiness which love doth yield: his impatience was great enough to make him to require it, but the doubt of displeasing his Mistress, would not suffer him to move it, in so much as the torment of his fear was no whit inferior to the pleasure of his hope.  
Twelve days were insensibly spent in confused thoughts, in raptures, in sighs and moans, till the Knight, unable to withstand the flame that consumed him any longer, was about to seek some rest in the confidence of his words, and by his tears to work his Mistress to a compassionate regard of his sufferings, when behold, there comes into the Hall a fair and comely damosel, who falling on her knees before Adalazia, said unto her; Beauteous Princess, the fame which is spread abroad of the incomparable valour of the strange Knight, that resides in your Court, hath bred an extreme desire in four of the most warlike Princes now living, to maintain here two days together, that the Mistresses they shall bring, are the fairest in the world; The first is the valiant Armoran, Caliph of Paran, who leads with him the fair Alarina, Infanta of Zizima; The second is the mighty Grinaldo King of Pergaza, with Marselia, inheritrix of Corangia; The third Falemond the brave Duke of Cardambes, with the gracious Philotea, Princess of Oriana; The fourth Crisander, the warlike Duke of Marsingues, servant to the most lovely Elymena, Daughter to the King of Filamonna; They will begin with Jousting, neither shall it be lawful for any to use his sword, whilst they are able to keep their saddles, now what answer will you please to make us?  
That which their merits may expect, replied the beautiful Queen, they shall find hearty welcome, and if any endeavour of mine may requite the honour they intent to do me, it shall not be wanting unto them. Hereupon the Damsel taking her leave in most humble manner, departed, leaving the Courtiers somewhat troubled, for knowing what reputation those Knights had acquired abroad in several adventures, especially Almorand, and Grinaldo, esteemed the best Warriors of all the neighbouring Provinces, they very much doubted, that they should not be able any longer to maintain the glory of Corolandaya, unless it were by the valour of Griolanis, who coming close to his Mistress, spoke thus softly unto her. I have reason to thank Love for affording me occasion to serve you, and to purchase your beauty the just estimation it deserves; These Princes come hither fraught withglory through the numberless erterprises they have most courageously achieved, and the Ladies that accompany them, hold the victory of their beauties most sure in the force of their mighty arms; but, Madam, having justice on your side, I dare promise without ostentation, to bring them in triumph unto you, and to make them acknowledge you to be incomparable, so that to the right of my cause, you would be pleased to add but the obliging me by some favour.  
It would be unreasonable, replied she smiling, to refuse aught that lies in my power, since beauty is in question, which by our sex is had in highest estimation tell me therefore freely what you desire of me. Two things, said he trembling, would infinitely satisfy me; The first, some Scare of yours, that I might wear in the Combat; The other, that in commiseration of my sufferings, you will permit me to come to your Chamber, when your women are asleep, that so I may with more liberty represent unto you, the violence of the flame that consumes me. Ah my Knight! answered she, you do not consider how nearly this request of yours concerns mine honour, the grant whereof when it comes to be divulged, would make me odious to my people. Alack, said he, such a fear befits not your Majesty, you may do much more than that without caring what eyes, or speeches pass upon your actions, but if it be your pleasure to see me languish in my pain, I shall submit to your will without opposing it, or repining at my torment, yet withal youch●afe to consider that when I am brought to extremity, I shall be unfit for remedy. Well, said she, I'll rather overcome myself, then give you the least cause to complain of me, to morrow you shall have your desire, but upon condition you will not be too importunate, and that all your actions shall be governed with respect. Madam, replied he, half transported with joy, my passion shall never make me abuse the freedom, which you are pleased to grant me, nor shall you ever repent this grace you have conferred on me.  
But a sudden noise in the Court-yard having put a period to their discourse, they presently looked out, and saw four Knights in very good equipage, with each a Lady in his right hand of excellent beauty, and richly apparelled, who lighting off their horses, turned their faces towards the Windows to salute the fair Adelazia, that returning them the like again, sent to entreat them by the Marquis of Beltamir to take a lodging in the Palace, which they modestly refused, intending not to visit her till after the Jousts: Two rich Pavilions being set up, the Knights entered into the one, and the Princesses into the other: The rateliers were stored with Lances, the shields of these four Princes were placed near to the Barriers, that whatsoever Knight came in, might by touching thereof make choice of a party to joust withal; close by hung the Pictures of those beauteous Ladies, which were to be the prize, and reward of the Victor; This done, four gallant Horses were brought to the Pavilion of the said Princes, who sitting ready armed, expected the arrival of some Adversary.  
This glorious Equipage having bred an extreme desire in most of the Nobility of Corolandaya, to encounter these strangers, twelve Knights came forth on the sudden, at the sight whereof the Challengers getting to horse, the Trumpets began to sound, and the Knights to spur on so lustily, that encountering each other in the midst of the course the Defendants were dismounted, without so much as stirring the Challengers, which at first did much increase the good opinion of their valour, but much more when they saw the other eight reduced to the same estate, ere they broke their first staves.  
These twelve retiring with more grief than hurt, were seconded by the Marquis of Beltamir, and the Count of Pandolia, two of the most renowned and noblest Lords of that Island, and Suitors to the Infantaes of Falangia, near of kin to the Queen; whereupon the people began to hop● for better success, but the Marquis attaching the valiant Armorand, and the Count the brave Grinaldo, they were shamefully overthrown at the second Encounter, and after them fourteen of the hardiest Knights of the Kingdom, insomuch that the Challengers being left alone, Adelazia withdrew herself, exceedingly praising the valour and address of the said Warriors, who had deservedly acquired unto themselves so great a reputation in the world.  
The evening being spent then in discourse, every one betook them to their rest, but Griolanis longing to see the day in which he might combat, and enjoy again the sight of his Mistress, could sleep but little, so that rising with the Sun he resolved to be the first within the Lists, thereby to prevent the strangers from dismounting any before his arrival, but considering with himself how necessary it was for him to have his 〈◊〉 a 〈◊〉 of the Combat, he went to her Chamber all armed, his Helmet and 〈◊〉 excepted. Here I am, said he as he came in, ready to avenge the insolence of these Knights that so much wrong your beauty, Madam, will you give me leave to encounter them? Yes, my Knight replied she, but the day being long enough for that business, let others begin. Then calling for a most rich scarf she tied it cross his Corsle●, which so much transported our Lover with joy, that he thought himself in a Paradise of pleasure.  
Returning then all due thanks and acknowledgement for this her favour they espied nine Knights arriving, who were all dismounted at the first Encounter, and after them the Marquis of Farlantes, and the noble Admiral of Corolandaya, both brave Warriors, and the most renowned of that Kingdom, which made the Spectators adjudge the victory to these strange Princes, when as Griolanis having leave to descend, appeared within the Lists with a most martial countenance, and very richly armed, to the unspeakable joy and admiration of his fair Mistress, the Spectators forthwith changing of opinion began to clap their hands, in token that all their hope rested in that Knight, but which delighted them most of all was the sight of Adelazia's Picture, that he brought in, and placed above the strange Princesses, with no small ceremony and respect.  
This extraordinary act of his made the four Challengers think, that it was the valiant Knight, which had filled the whole Country with amazement, so that they exceedingly admired his brave and gallant demeanour, but hoping to make his glory an accessary to their former triumph, they called for fresh horses, and the strongest Lances they could meet withal, in which manner they expected to see what he would do.  
The Duke of Cardambes being to come first in play, because Griolanis had touched his Shield, he presented himself with a most undaunted countenance, and at the third sound of the Trumpets he put on with that violence, as at the first Encounter his Lance flew into a thousand shivers, together with his adversaries, who met him so strongly, that he made him lose both his stirrups, himself passing on so unmoved, that all the world applauded him. This put Falemond into such passion, as calling for a stronger Lance, he began to run afresh against our Knight, but with far worse success than before; for being dismounted with the violence of his adversaries blow he fell to the ground hereft of his senses, to the exceeding joy of all the multitude, especially of Adelazia, who thought herself the happiest Princess on the earth, in enjoying so handsome and so valiant a Knight.  
This done, Griolanis went strait to Elimen●'s Picture, and removing the same, placed it beneath his Mistresses, to the great content of all the people; but Crisander succeeding Falamond, with a resolution to revenge his ill fortune, ran against Griolanis with that fury, as he made him lose one of his stirrups, himself being so terribly shaken with the Encounter, that he was forced to take hold of his horse's mane to uphold himself; Taking therefore a second Lance, and breaking it to the very handle, he was so furiously encountered, that both horse and man fell back to the ground in danger to have been bruised in pieces.  
He that had then beh●ld the Spectators, might have observed most different passions, the beautiful Queen of Corolandaya expressing a most unspeakable delight in her actions, and the fair Infanta of Filamonna, together with Philotea, exceedingly grieving, the people full of acclamations and shouts of joy, and the two remaining Knights bemoaning the ill fortune of their associates, who nevertheless hoping to revenge them, the stout Grinaldo advanced forwards, and setting spurs to his horse in a most violent manner (after that Griolanis had set Philotea's Picture below his Mistresses) was as bravely encountered, and though their Lances flew up into the air, yet sat they fast and unmoved: This furious Encounter giving marvellous contentment to all that were present, the two Knights called for new Lances, and meeting with greater strength each broke his staff upon his enemy, Griolanis bowed a little with the force of the blow, but the other was so stunned, that he had much ado to save himself from falling, wherewith he was so vexed, that calling for a stronger Lance he charged him the third time; but so unfortunately, that his horse falling upon him bruised his leg very sorely; at which fight the beauteous Princess of Corangia was much displeased, and yet far more, when as she saw her Picture taken down and placed with the rest, which served for the glory of Adelazia's triumph; nevertheless reposing much confidence in the valour of the great Caliph of Paran, she suppressed her grief, and caused her Lover to be taken up, who showing more courage than hurt got quickly on his feet, avaunting (the better to excuse his fall) that Griolanis was the prime Knight of the world.  
In the mean time Armorand and having taken a resolution, either to vindicate, or follow his friend's misfortune, set spurs to his horse, and made three of the bravest, and most furious courses, that ever was seen in Corolandaya, whereby he acquired unto himself the repute of one of the ablest Warriors on the earth, but Griolanis combatting for the honour of his Mistress, encountered him the fourth time so dangerously, that he cast him clean over the crupper of his horse, laying him along for dead.  
The victory being thus gloriously achieved, he gave Alarina's Picture with the rest to his Squire, and taking that of his Mistress down himself, with no less respect and ceremony then before, he carried it to the Palace, laying the others at his Lady's feet to her unspeakable joy. This done he descended to welcome the strange Princes, to whom he seemed so accomplished and courteous, that notwithstanding their received disgrace they could not choose but love him, telling him withal that the world did him much wrong in denying him Altars; whereupon, having embraced one another with many testimonies of affection, Griolanis was going to the Princess' Pavilion, which exceedingly desired to see him, when as there appeared four mishapen Dwarves, who carrying each of them a great Pillar of jasper, advanced to the midst of the place, where making a stand all together, the Pillars stood up of their own accord, and instantly made an Arch, on the top whereof a little Cupid was seen holding a Garland of Roses in his hand, at the bottom was a winding stair by which one might ascend unto him, and upon the tops of of the said Pillars were those four deformed creatures, which with Instruments in their hands began to play so melodiously, as ravished all hearts and ears that heard them. These prodigious spectacles striking all the assistants with amazement, Griolanis and the strange Princes espied a small Table hanging at the Cupids feet, where they read these words:  I will not part with this Crown, but for the glory of a faithful Love. 
By all my gods, said A 〈…〉 d, I'll be the first that shall prove this adventure, for since I was never conscious to myself of any want of love to my dearest Alarina I am persuaded this occasion is offered of purpose to mitigate my grief, for having been overcome in the quarrel of her beauty: Thereupon he called for his Helmet, and unsheathing his sword, he drew near to the stairs, upon which having made but one step, he felt himself charged with so many blows, as he was forced to set both his knees to the ground, but rising thence in a rage he behaved himself so manfully, that he got up to the fifth step, where the violence of the blows being redoubled, he was stricken down to the earth, deprived of all sense, to the unspeakable grief of the beautiful Alarina, who loving him most dearly was much troubled with this his disaster.  
The valiant Crisander, no whit discouraged therewith, advanced next, but notwithstanding his best endeavour to outgo him, he could reach no higher than the third step, where he found no better success than his companion, and soon after Falemond and Grinaldo, who got up as high as the fourth: Whereupon Griolanis casting his eyes towards his Mistress, that was then courteously entertaining the strange Princesses, & comforting them for the misfortune of their Lovers; drew forth his sword, and pressed on with such violence, that without any stay he got up to the sixth stair, but there found such resistance, as was able to discourage another; nevertheless the contemplation of his Lady's presence, before whom he chose rather to die▪ then any way to yield, so revived his spirits, that 〈◊〉 his forces, and redoubling his blows, he ascended to the ninth 〈◊〉▪ but there found himself assaulted with such strange violence, as he was ●ain to fall both on his hands and knees to save himself; howbeit calling to mind; how unworthy he were of his Mistress' favour, if he remained in that posture, he soon reassumed new strength, and began so to lay about him, that he got up to the last step, where his invisible enemies forbore to strike him any longer, and that very seasonably, in regard he was quite out of breath, and unable to subsist any longer.  
The meditation of so glorious an adventure breeding in him an extreme delight, by reason of the singular proofs he had given of an extraordinary affection, he came near the little Cupid, and laying hold on the Crown of Roses, and offering to pluck it away, his hand and arm were on a sudden so 〈◊〉 unto it, as he could not possibly withdraw them: Whereupon the fair Princesses, conceiving immediately that the said Crown was reserved for one of them, stepped forth.  
The first that ascended, was the beautiful Princess of Corangia, on whose head Cupid and Griolanis set the Crown, which rendered a most excellentodour, but taking it off presently again she was forced, not without shame and grief, to give place to Phi 〈…〉, who finding no better entertainment made way to Alarina, on whose head it remained somewhat longer, but at last was constrained to withdraw to her unexpressable 〈…〉 with their misfortune, refused to succeed them, whereupon the unparaleld Adelazia presenting herself, Cupid and Griolanis fell on their knees before her, and instantly rising up again they left the Crown on her head, which they had no sooner done, but the music ceased, and with a most terribleclap of Thunder all vanished away, the said precious flowers excepted, to the great amazement of all the Spectators, who were astonished at the variety of such prodigious fights; Grionalis and his Mistress remained full of joy and comment, postposing all worldly glory to their present estate: The strange Princesses on the other side repined at the honour which that excellent Queen had acquired, and wished themselves at home; nevertheless seeing no remedy, they thought it best to extol and magnify her with the rest of the company, and upon her entreaty were persuaded to go into the Palace, where they were entertained with a most sumptuous supper, and a Hall accompanied with all pleasure and delight.   

CHAP. XXVI. The dreadful Enchantment of Griolanis, and the fair Adelazia.  
THE hour of rest being come, all those Princes retired themselves unto their Chambers; which were prepared for them; but of all most willingly the beauteous Queen of Corolandaya, who mindful of her promise to her Lover, that seemed by his passionate looks to crave some special favour a● her hands, sent all her women to bed, retaining only Arlandria, to whom being laid down, she spoke in this manner. Dear Arlandria, I may no longer disguise my thoughts, the confidence I have ever reposed in thy trust hath bred a resolution in me, to reveal unto thee at this present a secret of no small importance: The Knight whom thou broughtest with thee, hath captivated my soul with his beauty, my love to him is beyond imagination; and to be short I am resolved to make him King of Corolandaya; but since I have not yet disposed the affections and good will of my subjects thereunto, and that undoubtedly he suffers much, for want of liberty to impart himself unto me in public, I conceived it most fit to show him some favour; In confidence therefore of his love, whereof the Crown of Roses purchased me by his valour, is a proof sufficient; I have made him a promise to entertain him this night in my Chamber, on condition, that he shall have due regard to the greatness of my quality, and show the same respect in his actions, which he would do in the eye of the whole world. As soon therefore as every one shall be retired, being him to me.  
In troth, Madam, said Arlandria, I marvel not that you are sensible of his pain, for so amiable is his person, and his perfections such, as it is not possible for any, not to wish him well; but Madam, will you give me leave to tell you freely what I conceive? Most willingly, replied she, for since I entrust thee with my secrets, I may not reject thy advice. I exceedingly wonder, said Arlandria, how you can resolve to let him languish so long, and satisfy yourself with a bare discourse, since you are minded to make him your Husband; It is to lose time, Madam, which hereafter you will repent, and all this artifice, that is but the tormentor of man's felicity, serves to no purpose; Not that I would persuade you to proffer him that, which must be the reward of his most earnest suit, but Madam, being persuaded, as it is most probable, that the height of his affection will not rest satisfied therewith, I would counsel you not to show yourself over-modest, and difficult. Nay, said Adelazia; I mean not to resolve on any such thing, do what you are bidden, and leave the rest to me. I will not contest with you, Madam, replied Arlandria, only be pleased to remember, that Lovers observe time, place, and persons, and look to make use of occasion, and fortune, when they are presented.  
Hereupon going forth, she left this beautiful Queen full of strong passions; Her affection persuading her to follow Arlandria's advice, and her modesty forbidding her to entertain any such thought: Amidst this irresolution, she waited the coming of her brave Knight, who considering with himself, that opportunities are often lost through want of resolution and courage, and that Lovers speed best, when they are somewhat daring, he kneeled down before his Mistress, and in a most trembling manner taking her by the hand, he sixth his lips thereon a goodwhile, and so not being able to utter his mind in words, he fetched three or four sighs, wherewith that fair Queen, who took no small delight to behold his respect in his fear, and his love in his silence, was so affected, that growing impatient of his suffering, she thus spoke unto him; Well, my Knight, is this all you have to say to me? Ah! Madam, replied he, my heart is overcharged, and wants words to ease itself: What would you have me say? Madam, I expect some favour, show it me as to your Husband, since you have thought me worthy of that honour.  
These words being uttered in such a sort, as did plainly discover a most extraordinary passion wrought such effects in that excellent Princess, that unable any longer to contain her desires, or to withstand the charming tears of her Lover, thus said unto him; Verily, your perfections have no less power over me, than your Sword hath had over all those whom it doth encounter; Get you up, and swear unto me before this damosel, that you will never marry any other but me. Madam, said he, lifting up his eyes to heaven, and putting his hand within hers, I swear unto you in the presence of God, whom I adore, and of your faithful Arlandria, that I will marry you solemnly whensoever you shall please, and will never long after other beauty, and if ever I break this oath, let heaven execute its fiercest vengeance on this head of mine.  
This oath having satisfied his Lady, he straightway threw off his doublet on the Table, and transported with joy, he got immediately to bed to her, where they fell to mutual embracements, to the incomparable delight, and satisfaction of each other: Adelazia's lips were fastened to her Lovers, and his no less amo●●os●y fixed on hers, she by the light of two Tapers that burned fast by, mixed herself in his eyes, and he quite lo●● himself in the contemplation of their secret beauties which he beheld; To be short, a thousand blandishments entertained them with fresh delights, until the heat of those fires being cooled, they sought out new desires in their passions, which redoubled their pleasure in such manner, as the night seeming but a moment, the day forced them to part with much regret, and far less satisfied then before, nevertheless assuring themselves they should not want meetings, since their love was reciprocal, Griolanis stole away leaving his Mistress to her rest, where she continued till noon, at which time she got up fully contented, that she had met with so lusty and gallant an Husband. Thus loving each other entirely, their minds were at quiet, their affections without disturbance, their visits frequent, their discourse wholly taken up with the mutual assurances of their affections, and their whole life so incomparably pleasant, as they might justly have boasted their happiness before any Lovers whatsoever.  
But envious fortune, which takes delight in crossing of our pleasures, and bringing us in subjection, could no longer brook so happy, and so blissful an estate; for Maxiana, the great Inchantress, Aunt of Silvion, Prince of Argilles, whom Griolanis flew in the quarrel of Adelazia's picture, as is specified in the ninth Chapter of our second part, desirous to know what state her Nephew was in, took her books, and conjuring up her spirits, had notice of death, and of all that passed in Corolandaya; whereupon growing furious, she prepared whatsoever charms her art could afford, and so transported herself into Corolandaya, where she arrived three days after the secret Marriage of these Lovers, and just at such time as they were all in dancing, and every one standing by his Mistress.  
This Sorceress entering into the Hall with a burning Torch in her hand, followed by three Maids all dischevelled, and carrying certain monstrous, and hideous Serpents, came to the beauteous Wife of Griolanis, who stood quivering, and thus spoke unto her; It is time thou shouldst smart for the death of the Prince of Argilles, since thy cruelty occasioned it, and that he which slew him, should share with thee in the torment, His beauty made thee infringe a Law, which proved fatal to thet unhappy Prince; Undergo therefore jointly, a due and direful vengeance for it. Saying so, she threw her Torch on the floor, which presently filled the Hall with as dreadful a flame, as all the spectators astonished therewith, betook them to their heels, Griolanis only excepted, who with his fair Mistress, standing fast, and unmoved, by virtue of the Charms, were forth with environed with a terrible fire, and six horrible Serpents, that seized on them, began to gnaw, and tear their faces and breasts, with a cruelty no whit inferior to that of the flames, which made them break forth into such doleful lamentations, and cries, as was easily heard all over the Palace.  
Ay me! said Adelazia, that such variety of delights, should be followed by so great a torment, and that the glory I found in the fruition of such valour, and beauty, as was in Griolanis▪ should now be turned into grief, by the cruel usage of such Furies; Envious fates, what had I done, or this courteous Knight committed, worthy of such hard measure? Ah I Griolanis, the loveliest of mankind, the pains I suffer, you see is great, but far greater are yours to me, than my own; your misery it is which I bewail, and not mine, but since I cannot succour you, be persuaded to patience.  
Dearest Lady, replied Griolanis, it is your martyrdom, and not my torments, that draw from me these complaints; for how is it possible I should behold these wonders of nature perish before mine eyes, and not accuse the heavens of injustice? The Prince of Argilles fell by my sword, it was most fit I alone should rue it, yet are you made to parta●e in my sufferings, as I did in your favours, neither doth their cruelty rest here, I am made the spectator of your misery: Hellish f●end, thou oughtest to have poured out thy spite and malice on me, and have spared that beautiful face, those two little worlds of love, that delicate skin, and not to scorch those fair eyes, the perfection of the whole world; for mine own particular I could willingly endure thy revenge, were it crueler, and never complain; but woe is me, thou art insensible to my moans, and are more merciless than the Tiger; thou delightest in the horror of a thing, which might mollify the very stones: Thou thinkest to triumph over my valour and courage; alas! thou art deceived, I will cut these Furies in a thousand pieces, and then must thou look for no better usage at my hands.  
With these words he laid hold on his Sword, and whilst he thought to kill those Serpents, he ran her thorough the body, and laid her grovelling as if she had been dead; But she instantly getting up, and plucking the Sword out of her bosom, thrust it into Griolanis breast, being led by the same desire, to rid him of such troublesome creatures, and preserve him from being devoured, which rendered the spectacle most doleful, and worthy of all compassion. But this devilish Witch took unspeakable delight in it, and was so well pleased to see them two butcher each other in so cruel a manner, that having remained there above half an hour, she quitted that hell, which she named, THE MARTYRDOM OF GRIOLANIS AND ADELAZIA; and meeting Falimond, Crisander, Armorand, and Grinaldo, who moved with the Lovers doleful cries, were hastening to their succour, she resolved to make use of them in the execution of her designs. You shall serve, said she, to further my enterprise, wherefore I command you to defend the passage to these wretches, against all such as would come to their rescue, for which purpose striking them all with a wand that was in her hand, she so enchanted them, as they remained fixed with their Armour on, like to four Towers, before the gate of the Palace Court, dreaming of nothing but to combat whomsoever should appear before them.  
These Princes were a guard sufficient to have prolonged this Enchantment, nevertheless, this old Hag desirous, if possible, to make it last eternally, raised up at the stairs foot, a most hideous Serpent, fifteen foot long, with a most terribl● Monster, as big as an Elephant, having the head and breast of a dreadful man, the arms hairy, and great as a tree, with a very keen axe in his hand, the back parts resembling a Bears, his paws were armed with crooked claws a cubit long; and to render the enttry more difficult, yet she caused Griolanis arms to be brought, which she placed at the Hall door with such powerful Conjurations, that she made them have the same motions, and address, as if the Knight had been in them, adding moreover all that ever she could devise to make the 〈◊〉 invincible: the spectacle having somewhat satisfied her, a Pillar appeared before the gate with a Table, hanging thereon wherein these words we●e written.  
Prophecy,  
Approach not hither, unless thou be the most valiant in the world, for these Enchantments shall never cease, until the excellent Turtle, and the dreadful Lion, issuing out of the same Prison encounter each other within the flames▪ Then the strayed blood shall be known, beauty shall resume her former glory, and the punishment of a Law violated shall be converted into pleasures and delights.  
And so hiding herself in the midst of a cloud, with her three attendants, she became on the sudden invisible, leaving behind her plenty of tears and lamentations, and a Town full of doleful, and confused cries, but especially of Alarina's, Elemina's, Philoteas, and Marselina's, whose griefs for the loss of their Lovers no comfort could assuage; Howbeit considering that tears were unprofitable, and that other means of succour were to be sought out, they returned to their Countries with a resolution to send throughout the world in the search of the bravest Knights to annul this Enchantment, which example was followed by Adelazia's Damosels, whereby it came to pass, that the fame of this enchantment being spread abroad, there came from all parts a great number of Knights to Corolandaya, for to undertake the deliverance of the said Lovers.   

CHAP. XXVII. The Giant Gorgophon being sent Ambassador to Gardacia from Moranteon, Sultan of Circassia, steals away the beauteous Armazia; he is driven into the Isle of Corolandaya, and proves the Adventure of the martyrdom of Adelazia.  
THe renowned beauty of Armazia, Princess of Gardacia, having filled the whole world with admiration, so inflamed the heart of Moranteon, Sultan of Circassia, that without the possession of so rare a creature, he thought he should never pass his days in quietness, willing he was to see her, and become a suitor to her Father for her, being persuaded that the consideration of his power and greatness, above other Pagan Princes, would soon procure him what he desired, but fearing lest his extreme deformity might breed a contempt of him in the Princess, being of ill shape, of a Savage countenance, flatnosed, bobber-lipt, hollow-eyed, corpulent and crooked, he conceived it much better to treat the match by Ambassadors, then to alienate her affection by the view of his defects; Having therefore considered all his Subjects, and finding none fitter for that employment, he sent Messengers to Gorg●phon, Colonel of the Giants, who lived in the redoubted Island, not far from his Kingdom, desiring him to r●pai● unto him about a business of great importance, which he was to impart unto him. This Giant the greatest then living, the strongest of all Pagans, the most terrible and furious amongst men, being an intimate friend of the Sultan's, went strait to Circassia, where being arrived, and nobly entertained; after a world of Ceremonies and Caresses, Moranteon thus spoke unto him.  
I am persuaded you cannot be ignorant of the power of that little god, which challenges a right over all men living, and since yourself have felt the power of his Sceptre, you will not find it strange to see me from military exploits, and the love of my people, to settle my affection on a woman; I shall therefore tell you freely, that the Princess of Gardacia is she that captivates my soul, and that without the fruition of that blessedness, which he only can expect that shall enjoy her I cannot possibly subsist: I have a strong confidence in your love, & it is in your power exceedingly to oblige me, by undertaking a voyage to the Emperor her Father, to demand her in marriage, declaring unto him, that the Crown of Circassia is a purchase sufficient to satisfy his Daughters vastest desire and ambition; Your presence, together with the fear of disobliging us, will make him seriously to consider the demand, ere he give a denial: But in case he should prove so averse, as to return an answer not suitable to our desires, spare not to let him know our resentment, and that his indiscretion will cost him no less than the loss of his Empire.  
Well, said Gorgoph●n, I intent not to amuse myself, with giving you other testimonies of my love and friendship, then by the careful managing of the charge committed to my trust; Armazia is yours, and though her Father should prove so proudly insolent, as to reject the honour you do him, you shall not be put to the trouble of raising an Army, I'll cut him into a thousand pieces, and bring away his Daughter in despite of all his subjects: Let nothing therefore disturb you, but prepare yourself to receive us, as if we were already coming.  
And so causing a ship to be made ready, he embarked himself with a young Giant that attended him, and with a favourable wind in few days arrived in Gardacia, where getting a shore he went towards Parmonda, the place of the Princes ordinary residence, but understanding that the Emperor and his Daughter were gone to hunt in a Forest there by, he caused a country fellow to guide him thither, and came just as they were uncoupling the Hounds.  
The Emperor's Knights seeing these two dreadful Giants appear on the sudden were extremely dismayed, and imagining that they had a purpose to assault them, they prepared themselves for defence, though they were mightily terrified with their furious countenances; nevertheless choosing rather to die a thousand times, then leave their Prince and his Daughter in extremity, who trembled in the midst of them, they began to advance, when as Gorgoph●n testifying in his carriage, that he had no intent to do them any harm, said unto them. Forbear foolish Pigmies, for I could soon make an end of you if I meant to fight, but being come hither for another end, you shall not at this time feel the thunder of my Curtelas: Which of you is the Emperor? I am he, answered Aliander, all pale and wan with fear, would you have any thing with me 〈◊〉 Mighty Monarch, said he, the gods resolve to augment your glory and g●eathesse, so as you will make use of the good they intent you: You behold ●●●g●phon, Colonel of the Giants, Lord of the redoubted Lands, and servant to the great Sultan of Circassia, who hath sent me to let you know, that he very much desires to be your Son in law, and that it lies in you to make Armazia the happiest Lady in the world, by joining the Crown of Circassia, to that which she hopes from you, this offer if you will not embrace, then prepare yourself for war: Now let me hear what answer you will return.  
Valiant Warrior, replied the Emperor, who did not look forsuch gentle words, the Prince of Circassia honours me very much, in seeking my alliance, and no less am I obliged unto you for the pains you have taken in coming hither, to let us understand his desire, whereunto I should presently consent, if I could without blame pass by theregard, which I owe unto a people that render me great by the obedience they yield me, but I am first to consult with them about it, since there is question of giving them a new Prince, in expectation whereof if you please to repose yourself a little with us, we will do you all the honour we may.  
This answer having marvellously contented the Giant, who could not sufficiently admire the beauty of Armazia, which already triumphed over his liberty, they went on hunting, wherein with much delight they spent above two hours, during which time G●rgophon entertained himself in the corner of a Wood in this manner. What, said he, can I affect Armazia, after I have once demanded her for the content of another? or rather should I leave her to the hope of any whomsoever, seeing she may serve for mine? She is too fair, I have too much love, and without treason to my passion, it is not fit for me to speak otherways, but for mine own content; yet what will the Emperor her Father say, if he should hear me speak in this sort, and what cause would the Sultan have to complain of me for depriving him of a beauty that was done to his merit? They would both wonder at this change, and questionless they would exclaim of me, but what is that to me? I am to love myself more than others, and if the Father of Armazia do not satisfy my desire, I carry that by my side which shall procure it me: And if Moranteon will not be contented with another Princess, whereof I will make him Master ere it be long, I shall not much care; for neither am I his subject, nor do I fear his power, if he assayl me I will defend myself, and were he mightier than he is I will soon make him quiet: The Emperor than must be frighted with menaces, if fair means will not prevail.  
Whereupon getting to horse, he went to seek out Aliander, when as he heard the Forest resound with cries, complaints, and a very dreadful noise, so that advancing forwards he met with nine or ten Knights flying away as fast as they could drive, of whom not being able to learn the cause of their fear, he went on till he came where a great and furious Serpent was devouring one of Armazia's women, and promising no better entertainment to that incomparable beauty, which with fear was fallen down under a bush with her cousin the excellent Agriclea. The desire he had to oblige this fair one by some service having made him suddenly to approach he drew out his Cymetar, and giving his horse, that by no means would come on to his compani●●, ●e discharged so mighty a blow on the body of this creature, as might w●ll have divided an Anvil, but the scales wherewithal he was covered, being impenetrable he did but ●ow a little with it, nevertheless it forced hi● to quit his prey, for to make head against the Giant, who ●o w●it dismayed, gave him another full on the head with such a prodigeo●●fall, as made his brains fly out in five or six places, sending him dead to the ground.  
This dangerous enemy being in case to hurt no body any more, Gorgophon went to Armazia, and finding her in aswound, he took her up in his arms for to recover her, howbeit considering that he should never have a more a favourable opportunity he remounted on his horse, after he had set Agriclea behind his companion, and making away with incredible speed he got to the port, where his ship road, into the which he embarked himself with his rich prey, so joyful for having brought his designs to such an happy issue, as he would not for all the Crowns of the world have exchanged the content he was in.  
This while the Emperor and his Knights, grown somewhat more confident, returned to the succour of Armazia, but not finding her, and beholding the Serpent slain in that sort, they imagined that none but Gorgophon could give that dreadful blow, whereupon they concluded that he was gone towards the City with the Princess▪ and the beauteous Infanta of Clariana, so that with this opinion they left the Forest, but not long after they met with two Sailors, who acquainted them with all the business, and assured them that the two Giants were at sea with the Princesses. At this news some ran to the ships for to pursue them, others fell to crying out, and complaining in such manner, as nothing was heard but strange lamentations.  
On the other side Armazia and her fair cousin were in as bad a case, for coming to their senses, and beholding themselves in the power of those hideous Monsters they presently dissolved into tears, and took on most grievously, being fully resolved to cast themselves into the sea, which doubtless they had performed, if Gorgophon, qualifying his proud and barbarous humour, had not assured them that they should receive no displeasure. Madam, said he, to his fair Mistress, before whom he was on his knees, moderate these sighs and tears, Gorgophon is not so cruel as you, think he is, nor will he ever have any thing from you, but what what you shall be pleased freely to grant him, time shall acquaint you with his merits, and the good office he did you, snatching you out of the jaws of that Serpent, where your death was inevitable, shall be followed with so many services, that it may be you will judge him worthy of some favour.  
This speech bringing a little comfort to these afflicted Ladies, they wisely resolved to make use of the power their beauties had gotten over these Giants, and to entertain them kindly, to decline the violence, which they exceedingly feared from them, in regard whereof the excellent Armazia answered him thus. Giant, if you carry a mind noble enough to observe these promises you have made us, we may in time dispose our selus to wish you well, but if you offer to force us in any thing, be confident that our deaths shall prevent your cruelty, ●nd that we will never want courage to rid ourselves out of the world: Further, if you desire any way to oblige me, do not carry me to Circassia, for the Soldan being so deformed, as it is reported unto me, I shall never endure to come near him; you merit me thinks far more than he; wherefore keep this good fortune for yourself, and deserve it more by respect, then by your services.  
Madam, replied the Giant (transported with extreme joy at this answer, which Armazia reserving herself for Rozalmonds content, had made of purpose to hold him in hand, hoping by some accident or other to get out of his power) Madam, be assured that I will die a thousand deaths rather than do any thing shall be distasteful to you, I will gladly attend all the time you shall please to ordain for my suffering, in the mean while we will go to the redoubted Lands, of which I am Lord, where the power of all the Monarches of the world shall never take you from thence, being able enough to conserve myself, and defend you; But Madam, in sign of the grace that you promise me, permit me to kiss these more than delicate hands. Most willingly, said Armazia, who desired to acquire an absolute command over his will, and I think my cousin will show no less favour to your companion, saying so they tendered them their hands, which these Giants kissed with so much ardour and affection, as they had much ado to contain themselves from passing further, but that they were restrained by the hope they had of enjoying all quietly, wherefore being marvellously contentented they fell to discourse with these Princesses, and in this sort were carried by the wind, which rising very high drove them by the will of heaven, that would not permit the undoing of these two incomparable beauties, not into the redoubted Lands, but into the Kingdom of Corolandaya, where the fame of Griolanis and Adelazia's enchantment possessing them with a marvellous desire to see it, they landed there, and the next day went to Agricant with some hope for those Ladies to meet with some redress of their miseries.  
The fire which showed very horrible out of the windows, and the lamentation of those unfortunate Lovers, having moved Armazia to pity, she turned her to Gorgophon and said unto him; Sir, if your valour can give these poor wretches, any relief you shall do me a most acceptable service to succour them. Madam, you have said enough, answered Gorgophon, for if they were in the hands of all the Devils of hell I would go and fetch them out, since you have commanded me unto it; whereupon having laced on his Helmet, he made bravely to the door, where the four Pagan Knights charged him very rudely all at once, but nothing abashed therewith he gave Falemond so dangerous a blow on the head, that he extended him on the ground (from whence by the force of Enchantment, he stirred not till after the combat) but presently feeling two mighty strokes on his Helmet laid on by the gentle Armorand, and the strong Grinaldo, he turned towards them with such fury, that if the charms had not hindered his Curtelass from drawing blood of them, he had cleft Grinaldo to the teeth, nevertheless the blow which he discharged on his shield was so violent, as it laid him along by his companion, to the extreme discontent of Armorand, and the gallant Crisander, who suddanly charging him made him recoil two or three steps back, wherewith he was so incensed, that with his two first blows he overthrew them both on the floor: That done, he advanced towards the stairs, and no whit dismayed either with the Serpent's fearful hissing, or the dreadful howling of the Monster, which made at him with horrible rage, he went to encounter them, and began one of the most terrible combats that ever was seen; He sustained 〈◊〉 incredible courage the blows which the Monsters cutting hatchet laid off his shield, his Curtelas was always deseending on the Serpent, and finding himself so shrewdly pressed by two such mighty enemies, he fought with such unreasonable fury, as made all the houses round about to shake.  
This bickering having lasted almost two hours, the Monster advanced his mighty arms, and discharging a thundering blow at the head of Gorgophon the combat without doubt had been terminated, if warily observing the coming of this tempest he had not lightly slipped aside, letting that dangerous steel enter into the earth, which flying out of the Monsters hands, he fell down instantly thereupon altogether without vigiouror force, whereat Gorgophon was exceeding glad, for thinking he had then no more to deal withal save that huge Serpent, he valiantly opposed his shield to him, but he presently saw a Knight descend, covered all over with fire, who giving him a cruel blow on the head, made him set his hands to the ground, and strait way redoubling another on his cuirace, laid him all along on the earth, from whence he was suddenly carried, not knowing by whom, beyond the outer gate of the Palace.  
Hereat, when he came again to himself, he was so mad, that he made a vow never to depart out of the Island before he saw the end of the adventure, and because (said he, full of rage and despite) that the destinies have not reserved it for me, I will combat first with all such as shall present themselves to prove it; Whereupon he caused Armazia, and her cousin to be put into a little tower which was hard by the Gate, under the guard of the Giant that accompanied him, and compelling those of Agricant to set him up a rich Tent, he lodged himself therein, protesting anew, not to suffer any to try the adventure before they had combated with him, whence it came to pass, that being endued with extreme forces, he vanquished in the space of a month above forty Knights, which came from all parts thither; But let us give him time to fill the world with the renown of his valour, and to garnish the walls of Armazia's Tower with shields, whilst we discourse a little of Rozalmond.   

CHAP. XXVIII. Rozalmond arrives in Martaria, undoes the Enchantment of the Crystal Tower, delivers Amadis, Floridan, and Lucibel, with their Mistresses; they are afterwards driven into C●rol●ndaya and prove the adventure of Adelazia's Martyrdom.  
FOrtune doth ordinarily cross the designs of men, Rozalmond having left Alci●●mants Hermitage, with a resolution to go unto Tramazond, sailed for two days together with a prosperous gale, but but upon the appearing of the third, the wind grew high, and so contrary, as the Mariners were constrained to turn their sails, and comply with it; Being carried then by the ordinance of heaven, he continued a whole week and better, in some danger of shipwreck, but at the end thereof the rage of the Sea being well allayed, he came to coast along by the Isle Du-bois in the Empire of Martaria, where the Tower of crystal, in which Amadis, Floridan, and Lucibel, with their Ladies were enchanted, possessing him with a marvellous desire to know what it was, he caused himself to be landed, and going to the place, by fortune he found the Emperor newly arrived there with a Pagan Knight, who more audacious than strong and valiant, was come thither with a purpose to combat the Lions, howbeit his courage, that contemned the greatest dangers, when he was in a chamber, proved so abject at the sight of those furious creatures, as he would not so much as touch his sword, remonstrating unto the Emperor, that to undertake a Combat, where death was so assured, was nothing else but rashly to cast away his life.  
Which observed by out Warrior, that could not choose but laugh at the Pagans boutade, he approached to the Tower, whereupon beholding written in letters of Gold; The Paradise of the Princes of Greece; he fixed his eyes attentively upon them, and presently knew not Amadis, whom he had never seen, but Floridan and Lucibel, whereat being wonderfully glad he was in doubt whither he should deliver them for to render them again to the world, or leave them still in a place so full of bliss; nevertheless, considering that a Prince oweth more to his glory, than his pleasure, he resolved to employ all his strength for to bring this enchantment to an end, whereupon he was going to draw out his Sword, but desiring first to inform himself of the cause of so sweet a captivity, he returned to the Emperor, and setting one knee to the ground, he said unto him; Great Monarch, I could be willing to undertake the finishing of this Enchantment, so as your Majesty would be pleased to declare the story of it unto me. That were to renew my sorrows, answered the Emperor, notwithstanding I will satisfy you in few words.  
The Sea, that many times brings strange Vessels into these coasts, having one day landed two Knights not far from hence, they were encountered by some of my men at Arms, who more insolent than I would have had them, set upon them for to make them my prisoners, but being very valiant, they defended themselves with such courage, as they left thirty or forty of them, together with two Giants dead in the place, and which is more, one of them retired into a wood thereby, in despite of certain troops that came to succour their friends, the other, who fought unarmed, remained behind so wounded, that he was fain to be carried to my Palace, where I committed him to my Surgeon's care, reserving him for a sacrifice to my gods, but I quickly fell from that resolution, and set him at liberty in acknowledgement of the service his companion did me two days after by killing a great and dreadful Monster, which spoiled all the Country, and considering the exceeding valour he had showed in the combat against my people, I began to affect him very much. In the mean time I caused the other Knight to be sought after, that I might recompense him for so great a benefit, howbeit he would never present himself in Arms, whether it were that he feared my displeasure, or that he had some other design, as we have conjectured since, but disguising himself in the habit of a woman, he caused himself to be brought hither as a slave, and to make short, being endued with a most rarebeautie he appeared so amiable, as my Daughters could not to endure to be without his company, especially Palmirenna, who was to succeed unto my Crown, had not her bad life given me just cause to disinherit her; To tell you all that passed between them I am notable, but so it was, that mistrusting no practice amongst them, I left themto so great a liberty, as Amplamira, the middlemost of the three that you behold, being made acquainted with the secrets of her eldest Sister and her Slave, yielded to the affection of that strange Knight, unto whom I had given his life; and the third, which would show no more obedience than the rest, became passionately in love with the Knight whom you see there in the upper part of the Tower with her.  
Nature that obligeth us to the care of our children's well-doing, having persuaded me to bestow them richly in marriage, I made choice of the heir of the mighty King of Cabilla, the valorous Sultan of Aralafia, and the King of Filzandria, to support my Crown with their greatness: but being upon the point of leading them to Church, this Slave with the first Knight coming armed at all parts, under colour of succouring two infortunate Lovers, which they said were at the Courtgate in a Coach, they caused my Daughters to go thither, who being intelligent with them, got suddenly into the Coach, and galloped away with that speed, as they were instantly out of sight, whereof being exceeding sensible, I commanded them to be pursued, when as this Slave lifting up the Visier of his Helmet, told me, that he was not a woman as I had believed until then, but a Knight named Amadis, Prince of Greece and Trebisond. At these words some of my Knights advanced for to stay him, howbeit he laid him that first presented himself, dead at my feet with a blow of his fist, and discharging his Sword on the Helmet of a very valiant Gentleman, called Meander, who arrived but that morning, he cloven him down to the shoulders, and so departed like lightning for to follow the Coach. To what end should I relate all things in particular unto you? briefly they got to the Seaside after they had slain above six hundred Knights, and with the assistance of three or four Knights errand, that came thither by chance, they embarked themselves in despite of a thousand Knights, which endeavoured to arrest them.  
Away they sailed them, as they hoped with a prosperous wind, but the gods who never suffer so foul a crime to rest unpunished, drove them the very same day into this Island, where having invested them with four thousand Knights I had taken them in their beds, and executed some horrible vengeance on them, if I had not been prevented by the arrival of an old Sorceress, who unexpectedly appeared with a flaming Torch in her hand, made certain circles, and muttered divers obscure words, which were no sooner uttered but there fell so cruel a storm of huge Hailstones, as above five hundred of my Knights were knocked down therewith, and myself constrained to fly for shelter to these houses you see, from whence after the sky was cleared again, I beheld this Tower erected in the place of the house wherein they were; Now judge, Sir, whether this be not a strange affliction unto me, and whether I have not reason to wish them in my power, for to wash away the affront they have done me with their blood.  
Mighty Prince, said Rozalmond, (who had been much delighted with this discourse) the Heavens do sufficiently testify by the care they have taken of these Knights, that they do not approve of the revenge you desire, I could give you better counsel, if your Majesty could be pleased to accept of it: These Knights, of whom you speak, are all Lords of a quality, nothing inferior to yours, of whom the first according to report, is son to the mighty Amadis of Greece: the second, whom I know very well, is Heir to the Sovereign Monarch of the Persians, and the third is Nephew to the great King of France; seek not their ruin then for an offence they have done you, compelled thereunto by love, but receive them like a gentle and merciful Father, and if you wish for their deliverance, let it be to rejoice with them in their alliance, which shall so secure you, as all the Princes of Paganism shall not dare to look on you, but for your service; If therefore you can carry a mind inclined to pardon, than I am ready to undertake the restoring of them unto the world, if not I will never be the instrument of their destruction by putting them in your power.  
You amaze me, said the Emperor, in telling me that these three Knights are such great Princes, in which regard I blame not my daughters so much as I have done, but my resentment will not permit me so lightly to pass by such enormous an offence. O but you must Sir, replied Rozalmond, at least wise if you will appear as generous, as I know you are, and in the assurance thereof I will no longer defer this Enterprise.  
Whereupon drawing out his rich sword, he advanced towards the Lions, which rose with fury, and at the first onset discharged so mighty a blow on the leg of him that was next him, that having cut thorough all the hair, he gave him a great gash in the flank, whilst the other fastening his claws on his Shield, laboured to tear it from his arm; nevertheless he bravely resisted him, and desiring to lose no time, he struck him so strongly on the paw, that he sent it divided from his body to the ground, which made him roar most dreadfully, at the noise whereof Armelina, Orestia, and Melia, which seemed to be asleep at the foot of the Tower, presently start up, and transforming themselves into horrible Centaurs, flew all at one instant on Rozalmond, who was therewith marvellously troubled, not knowing well where to bestow his sword; the Lions pressed him with their claws, the Centauris showered blows on him with their heavy clubs, and thinking to avoid the fury of the one, he fell into the rage of the others, howbeit nothing dismayed he laid with such violence at the body of one of those Lions, as he cut him in two pieces, and turning withal towards a Centaur, he struck him so dangerously on the head, that though his Sword lighted flatling, he overthrew him to the earth, where instantly changing her shape, she reassumed that of Almerina, who began to slumber as before, which made him resolve not to strike the Centaurs any more with the edge of his Sword, turning all his fury then against the remaining Lion, that had plucked his Shield from his arm, he ran him so lustily into the belly, as he laid him dead by the other.  
Being very glad at the defeat of these enemies, and the recovery of his Shield, he made head afresh against the Centauris, which so laid upon him, that he felt himself bruised all over with their heavy strokes, nevertheless he avoided them as well as he could, and at the length found the means to fasten a blow with the flat of his sword full upon the body of one of them, wherewith being overthrown she reassumed her former shape, and so did the other not long after, who abandoning her horrible figure, took the form of Orestia again, at which our Warrior very much rejoicing advanced to the Tower, and with the pummel of his sword, he knocked the Crystal with such force, as it broke into a thousand pieces, making so great and dreadful a noise, that the Island being covered over with a thick Fog, shaked for two hours together, at the end whereof the Sun receiving its former light, neither the crystal Tower, the Lovers, nor the ship wherein Rozalmond came were to be seen, only a Pillar appeared in the midst of the place, upon which Rozalmond read this inscribed.  
Vrganda to the Emperor of Martaria.  
GReat Monarch, wonder not if thy daughters, destined to the Princes of Greece, follow the way of their glory, thou shalt one day go and find them in Corolandaya, whither now I conduct them, for to have thy share in the contentment of their Nuptials, and to bow after their example before unknown Altars.  
Well Sir, said Rozalmond, did not I tell you that Heaven had taken the defence of these Knights in hand, and that therefore you should not wish their destruction? It hath miraculously delivered them from your power, that they might not be subjected to your displeasure, will you still persist then in opposing the ordinances thereof, and not consider that they are your children, which fly from you that they may not leave you the regret for having followed rather the motions of a Tyrant, than a Father?  
Without doubt, answered the Emperor, (and caressing him as if he had been his Son) your reasons are such, as I am resolved to yield unto them, but let me entreat you to stay, and refresh your self here a while with me, and withal to let me know who you are▪ Sir, replied Rozalmond, I have such important affairs, as I may not well sojourn here above a day at the most, yet to obey you I will make it up two, and to testify unto you how much I glory in the honour of your favour, I will tell you that, which for some particular reasons I would otherwise conceal from all the world, and will freely confess unto you, that I am Rozalmond of Greece, son unto Spheramond, Emperor of Parthia, and very near of kin to those Princes, whom I desire you to call your children.  
Noble friend, said the Emperor, embracing him a new, I am more contend with this encounter of you, than with the acquisition of a Monarchy, I am not ignorant of the glory your Fathers have gotten in the world, and yet I am persuaded that you surpass them far in valour, wherefore I shall make a dear account of the honour of your alliance, so that with all my heart I forgive my daughters, and will go into Corolandaya, since they are to be there, in assurance whereof you shall see (during the two days, which you promise to abide here) what Bonfires I will cause to be made in Cardana for joy of their marriages, which at their return shall be renewed all over my Empire: Whereupon he returned to the City with Rozalmond, who was entertained there with a world of magnificense and triumph.  
In the mean time Amadis, Floridan and Lucibel were sailing on the Sea, so infinitely satisfied with the free enjoying of their Mistresses, as they passed away eleven days insensibly; at the end whereof they arrived in Corolandaya, where the marvellous enchantment of the Queen having arrested them, they resolved to prove the adventure, and accordingly Lucibel and Floridan having been after a long and dangerous combat vanquished by Gorgophon (more by the advantage of an armour and shield, which Diabolion the Enchanter had given him, as to one that he held to be the firmest Pillar of Paganism.)  
Amadis putting on his good arms, and presenting himself in the place ran against the Giant with such force, that encountering in the midst of the course, they were both of them carried so rudely to the earth, as they remained a pretty while astonished; nevertheless indignation having raised both with equal fury they drew out their swords, wherewith they began so cruelly to cut one another, that in a moment the ground was all strewed with pieces of their armour: Gorgophon, who thought there was not a man in the world able to resist the fury of his Curtelas, discharged most dreadful blows, but our Warrior knew so well how to decline them, and to make him such sharp returns, that the combat became most terrible, their arms were all died red with blood, and as often as their weapons were in the air, every one looked to see their heads thundered in pieces, Gorgophon beheld Armazia, Amadis cast his eye on his Palmirenna, wherewith they were so animated, that the horrible effects of their rage drew pity from all the assistants: Four hours being passed since the beginning of the combat, Gorgophon enraged, for that he had no advantage of his enemy, took his Falchion in both his hands, and advancing it he let it descend with such violence on Amadis his shield, as dividing it in two it opened his arm that sustained it, and forced him to set his knees to the ground, which so incensed our Knight, that rising up in a mighty chafe, he discharged such a stroke on his Helmet, as made a wound two fingers deep in his head, and constrained him withal to stagger in that sort, as he had much 〈◊〉 keep himself from fal●ing▪ but being 〈…〉 by shame, 〈…〉 the fight with such honour, that caused all the Spectators to tremble.  
In 〈…〉 of them possessed with equal fury, after six hours' 〈◊〉, and without taking of breath, they 〈◊〉 their sword's 〈◊〉 in their hands, and at one 〈◊〉 discharging upon each other with most strange force, Gorgophon with the violence of the blow fell down backward from his 〈◊〉 to the 〈◊〉, quite deprived of all sense, and his casque so full of blood, that 〈◊〉 he had been 〈◊〉, had not the Giant his companion speedily 〈◊〉 him; on the other side Amadis not able to support the fury of that which he had received, dropped presently after to the earth in like manner, with so little appearance of 〈◊〉, that Palmirenna tea●ing her hay●, began ●o 〈◊〉 his death, but his Helmet being suddenly opened, he came straightway to himself again, and was carried to the Marquis of Belt●●●●'s house; where the Chirurgeons having found his wounds to be very dangerous, promised notwithstanding to cure him in a month, and Gorgophon in six weeks.   

CHAP. XXIX. Rozalmond 〈◊〉 with Trasiclea, leads 〈◊〉 Alcidamants 〈◊〉, her regrets upon his arms, their 〈◊〉 and Reconciliation.  
Rozalmond having been three days in Cardana, most magnificently honoured, and entertained, departed with infinite discontent to the Emperor, who to testify the esteem he made of him, conducted him in person to the port, where with many protestations of service and friendship out Knight embarquing himself, put forth presently to sea, and ●ayling with a prosperous gale towards Tramazond, the remembrance of his Armazia, of whom he had not heard any news since he left her, representing itself unto his mind, helped him to pass away the time with many sweet and pleasing thoughts. Beauteous Mistress, said he to himself, you have reason to forget my services, and to engage yourself under the power of another, since I have absented myself so long from you to follow the world, and yet I am so confident of your virtue, that in stead of fearing a change in you, I will believe that you attend me with very great impatience, and that you still conserve me that part in your heart, which heretofore you have promised me, in regard whereof I swearby that incomparable beauty of yours, not to undertake any other adventure, but to return instantly unto you, as soon as I have drawn the excellent Knight of the Pal●● from that hermitage, where the best of his days is so unbef●●●ingly 〈◊〉.  
Having past eleven or twelve days with a favourable wind 〈…〉, at length he arrived in the Kingdom of Claricana, where the 〈◊〉 having assured him that his shortest way to Tarsipolis, was to go● thither by land, he caused himself with his Squite and horses to be set 〈◊〉, and travelling along, in three days together he met with no adven●●●e, but at the end thereof, and at such time as the Sun was in the midst of his course, he perceived a Knight coming out of a Forest, whereinto he was entering, who bearing a Phoenix with two heads in his shield, sat with such a grace on his Steed, and wore such brave and rich Arms, being all covered over with azure and gold, as he had a marvellous desire to know him, and to try whether he were the same he seemed to be; whereupon fair and softly advancing he desired him to break a Lance with him for the beauty of his Mistress, but this Knight returning him no answer, nor so much as taking any notice of him, road on as his horse pleased to carry him, which at first somewhat nettled Rozalmond, thinking he ought to have been more courteous, howbeit observing that he went hanging down his head, and that may be he was in some deep muse, whereby he was detained from hearing him, he followed on the faster for to speak once more unto him, but understanding him break forth into speech, he came up close to him, and lending an attentive ear, he heard him say thus.  
Jealousy, false jealousy, how many tears wilt thou cost me, and what pains do I see prepared for the punishment of so great a fault? Ah my Knight! I should have been more temperate in mine anger, I should have heard you before I had forbid you my presence, and should have considered that I was too rashly displeased with that which proceeded our acquaintance; had I been more advised, or less curious, we should at this present have lived contented, a thousand pleasures would have accompanied our delights, and not caring much for this Princess' complaint, I might have possessed you without fear of being abandened for another.  
These words finishing with sighs marvellously a●●●ed Rozalmond, who could not comprehend the sense of them, wherefore he watched if any new complaint would discover this secret unto him, but perceiving him continue a good whil in silence, he took hereby the arm & s●●d unto hi● Knight it is time for you now to awake, & to tell me whither you will break a lance for the honour of your Mistress: Now in faith, said he starting up, you have done me so great a displeasure, by interrupting me in my musing, wherein I took incredible content, that I will run most willingly against you, rather to revenge me of your insolence, then to oblige any Lady. Saying so, and taking the field he came to encounter our Warrior with such a fury, that their Lances flew into a thousand shivers, whilst they passed on as unmoved as Rocks, which scorn the violence of winds and waves.  
Their course being finished, he drew out his sword, and returned with like rage to charge Rozalmond, who greatly marveling at his force and valour, went ●rotting fair and softly towards him with a countenance that testified he had no purpose to combat with him, whereupon the Knight made a stand, and said unto him; What Sir, are you satisfied with so little, and will you not do more for your Mistress sake? If there were question of her merit or beauty, answered Rozalmond, you should see that I would well conserve her that advantage, which nature hath given her above all that I know, but having desired to prove myself against you only, out of the esteem I had of your valour, which questionless is nothing less than I judged it to be by your gallant demeanour, we will proceed no farther if you please, for one ought as much to decline a Combat ill grounded, as to seek out such where justice may get us glory. You com●end me, said he, viewing him from head to foot, for that which I admire in you, and the force of your arm amazeth me no less, than that martial carriage of yours, wherefore I consent with you, that we sit down contented with the breaking of our staves, and that having no just cause to fight, we remain friends; this being concluded, I shall entreat you to grant me one boo● which I very much desire of you. I will not deny you, replied Rozalmond, provided you accord me another. With all my heart, said the Knight. Declare then unto me who you are, replied Rozalmond, That is it, answered the Knight, which I desire to know of you.  
Being first obliged by promise, said ou● Warrior, it is reason I should satisfy your demand, before I obtain mine; I am a Knight errand, born in the Empire of the Parthians, by all my friends called Rozalmond, who in the adventures of the world seeks that which a noble mind is to expect from his travels. Without doubt, said the Knight, you cannot choose but acquire immortal same, since honour is the sole aim of your actions, for being the strongest of all that ever I encountered, next to one with whom you may compare, I am persuaded you can find nothing on the earth, but will do homage to your Arms; Now, whereas you desire to know me; I will no longer conceal myself from you: I am Trasiclea, hei● apparent to the Empire of Tramozand.  
O Madam! said Rozalmond, lighting presently from his Horse for to render her the greater respect, how lucky is this chance which hath brought me hither to make trial of your valour so redoubted of all the world, I was going to seek you at Tarsipolis, for to obtain a suit of you, but being assured that you will be as courteous here, as any where else, I will now make the same request to you, which I intended to have done at your Palace, wherefore beauteous Princess, grant me one boon I shall demand of you.  
Valiant Warrior, answered she, discovering her face, the more civilly to receive his submissions, I am very glad that I have freed you from the pain of proceeding farther, demand what you please, it shall be easily granted you, for I will deny your merit nothing, wherefore get upon your horse, and tell me what it is I must do for you.  
Madam, replied Rozalmond, (vaulting into his saddle, with much wonder at such rare beauty,) conducted lately by a young Squire, to the execution of a very dangerous enterprise, I met with a Magician of my acquaintance, who stopping me in the midst of my way told me, that I traveled in vain, and that the end of this adventure would never be seen, till such time as the most excellent Knight of the earth be accompanied with the strongest and fairest Lady of the world for the accomplishing of it; I am not so vain to presume, that the Destinies have made choice of me for it, but withal not distrusting my own forces, and knowing that the earth bears not a more valorous and beautiful Princess than yourself, I come most humbly to desire you, that you will be pleased to assist my courage with yours, and undertake with me to surmount the difficulties of this enterprise, from whence if any glory redounds, it shall be wholly yours, if the success be not such as it should be, I will accuse any ●●●●nesse for it.  
Let us go, let us go, answered she, the danger shall be very great if we fall under it; so taking the way Rozalmond directed, they traveled five days without finding any adventure that might stay them, but at the end thereof, they arrived at a terrible great rock, whose bottom was b●●hed with a little stream, that ran along under the shadow of a great many fallows; Rozalmond alighted, and taking his shield as if he were going to fight, he said unto Trasiclea; Madam, now is the time to show our courage, this is the place of danger, and of our enterprise.  
Herewith Trasiclea forsaking her Horse, drew out her sword, and following Rozalmond, that went foremost, she came to a Tree, at the foot whereof she beheld an Armour covered over with rust. Behold, Madam, said he, here it is where our first Combat must be, these arms you must vanquish before you can pass further. How, these arms, answered Trasiclea, have they any force in them lying in this sort? Do but advance, Madam, replied Rozalmond, and you will meet with greater difficulties than you think for. Whereupon Trasiclea imagining that it was some Enchantment, approached so near unto them, that she could discern three Palms in the midst of the shield, which so amazed her, as she let her Sword drop out of her hand.  
Madam, what ails you, said Rozalmond unto her, who well enough knew the cause of her distemper? Alas! answered she with a languishing voice, it was not without reason that you judged the danger of this enterprise to be great, take me from hence I beseech you, for the sight of these Arms in the state they are in, will kill me with grief, they belonged to the best Knight of the world, whom my rigous without doubt hath laid in his grave, but I will not long survive the loss of him, and this desert which hides his bones, shall be strewed with my ashes.  
Brave Palms (continued she throwing her Helmet on the ground, and unbuckling her Armour) brave Palms, that never feared the tempest of blows, sustained by a Master so strong, tell me if you can, what is become of him? And thou excellent Sword, that foundst no temper hard enough to resist thy fury, declare unto me where that mighty arm is which made thee do such wonders? Thou makest me remember him, but thou canst not represent unto me the grace wherewithal he made thee descend upon his Enemies; he hath abandoned thee in these Deserts, mine also will I leave with thee, and join my arms to thine: Saying so, she laid her Armour by Alcidamants with so many tears and sighs, as Rozalmond could not forbear weeping.  
Madam, said he unto her, you must hope better, let us search the Desert, peradventure we may find this Knight alive. Ah! I fear it, answered she, howsoever I will omit no means that may be used for to learn the truth thereof; Whereupon rising up with Rozalmonds help, she went as far as the Grot, where beholding her Picture erected with such honour, she fell into new complaints. O! said she, how well doth this testify the injustice of my anger? Alcidamant; thou wouldst not have chosen such horrid Deserts for thy dwelling, hadst thou not been the loyallest of all Knights living: and had not my love been dearer to thee then all things else, thou wouldst have been now amidst M●rodiana's caresses, or in the embraces of her S●●●er, who loves thee no less; Thou hast preferred my rigour before the pleasures thou mightest have enjoyed with them, wherefore I will prefer death before the contentment of life, I will die to satisfy thee, and since I could not possess thee here, I will go and present myself unto thee in the Elysian field●; it may be thou wilt not be so cruel as I have been, but pardon me, and forgetting that thou didst through my default, thou wil● le● our soul's joint, though I have heretofore refused our bodies should do so.  
Herewith she swooned in Rozalmonds arms, who running speedily to the bro●k, took some water in his Helmet, and sprinkled it so long on her face, till she came to herself again. Take courage, Madam, said he unto her, and despair not thus without cause, the light which you see burning in this lamp, this picture so well preserved, and this bread that lies here, are mighty proofs for to persuade you, that your Alcidamant lives, let us seek him out, I beseech you, and stand no longer spending of tears in vain, we have time enough still to afflict ourselves, when we are sure of a misfortune, therefore we ought not to anticipate our sorrows before their being. Your reasons, answered she, shall make me prolong my life yet awhile, go then whither you please, and I will follow you. Whereupon leaving the Grot, they walked towards the trees just at the time when as Alcidamant was returning to sigh according to his custom, before the Picture of his Lady.  
This poor Hermit, coming softly along in regard of his weakness, perceiving through the trees the glistering of Rozalmonds Arms, knew him strait, but seeing a woman in his company, with her hair about her ears, he was so moved, that he began to tremble like the leaves of the boughs under which he was, nevertheless recollecting himself, he advanced five or six paces, but having discovered the beautiful face of Trasiclea, his blood instantly retired into his veins, and all pale and wan, he tumbled in a trance to the ground; Trasiclea seeing him fall, ran suddenly to succour him, and kneeling down for to help him up, she was so amazed to see him in that miserable plight, as I think she would have been in the like case, had not Rozalmond suddenly arrived, who said unto her; Now, Madam, is this the Knight you mean? Yes, yes, replied she, but so changed, as I can hardly know him, for he is now so unlike himself, that if love had not well engraven his image in my heart, I should never believe that this were my Alcidamant, but what is that I say, my Alcidamant? Alas! I doubt I shall never see him alive again; Alcidamant, speak to me, your Trasiclea asketh you forgiveness, open your eyes to her, that opens her heart to you: O comfort me with one word if you will have me to live for you; What, will you not speak to me? Ay me! I am undone, his body is as cold as ice, there is no hope of life in him, one Tomb shall hold us both. Dear Sir, continued she, turning her eyes to Rozalmond, see it performed I beseech you, even for that pity which you cannot choose but have of two such unfortunate lovers. Saying so, she laid her lips to Alcidamants, and overcome with excess of grief, she fell down by him without pulse or breath, whereat Rozalmond being exceedingly moved to compassion, ran again to the brook, and with the water thereof, which was marvellous fresh, the brought them in little space to themselves again.  
Opening their eyes then almost both at one instant, they beheld one another without saying a word, but Trasiclea thinking it 〈◊〉 part to 〈◊〉 first, sat down on the grass, and laying her arm about his ●eck▪ she made such pitiful moan, as would have moved a very rock, Will you not pardon me, said she, and will you see me die repenting my cruelty unto you, and not be sensible of my tears? Remember not, my dearest Knight, what you have suffered by my fault, I will repair the wro●● I have done you, and you shall never desire any thing of me, which I will refuse you.  
Most excellent Lady, answer this Lover transported with the excess of a content which he never hoped for, you have no ways failed against me, that request you make unto me, I ought to make unto you, and if I receive any grace from you, I hold it merely from your pity▪ A new life you give me, I will receive it, for to employ it in your service, and forgetting all my passed pains, since I have the happiness to see you again, I will imagine that I have been all this while in a Paradise of delight, and being lifted up from an abysm of miseries, to an heaven of felicity, I will think that you did make me suffer for to render my glory the greater, But it was time, my dear Princess to come, for if the remedy had been never so little more retarded, I had been uncapable of receiving it.  
Well, Madam, said Rozalmond then, (wonderfully well contented with that which he saw) did not I tell you true, that this adventure would never be brought to pass, till the bravest Warrior of the earth, and the most valorous, and most beautiful Princess of the world were assembled together, I brought you hither on purpose to behold the misery of this Knight, little thinking that you were so well inclined to relieve him, but thanks be to heaven for the good success of my design. Hereupon Alcidamant rising up, went, and in a most kind manner saluted, and caressed our Prince of Greece, giving him a million of thanks for the care he had had of his life and content.  
That done, they returned all three to the Grot, from whence Rozalmonds Squire was sent to the next Village, to provide them meat for that night; the next day they went to Armelant, one of the fairest Towns of the Kingdom of Clariana, where they resolved to stay three or four weeks, for to restore and cherish up Alcidamant, who during that time, having caused his Arms to be new furbished, caused the Palms to be taken out of his Shield, and a burning rock upon an Hermitage, to be painted in stead thereof, for which cause he was always afterwards called the Knight of the burning Rock.   

CHAP. XXX. Rozalmonds 〈…〉 of Armazia's 〈◊〉: He 〈…〉 Gorgopho●s 〈…〉 there very strangely 〈◊〉▪ being in 〈◊〉 of his life.  
_ 〈◊〉 having with time, good keeping, and the care of his beauteous Mistress, recovered new strength, gr●w to bein so good plight, as it could h●●dly be 〈◊〉, that despair and neglect had ever brought 〈◊〉 so near ●is ●nd, whereupon they departed all three from Armelant, with a purpose to goeunto Tarsipolis, for to render Alcidamant happy in his long desired marriage, with the excellent Trasiclea, but fortune, that meant otherwise to dispose of them, put them upon a clean contrary course; for as they traveled along they met with a Damosel, who in a most lamentable manner thus complained.  
Alas! what greater misery could befall this infortunate Princess, then to be captived under the power of so cruel a man, whose brutish nature will not be stayed by a●y consideration of her greatness, from offering violence to her chastely; O vali●nt Knight of the Roses! if so strange a misfortune were come to thy knowledge, surely thou wouldst employ a thousand lives for to revenge the outrage which is done to thy Armazia.  
At these words Rozalmond being infinitely perplexed, observed the Damosel very narrowly, and found that it was Armazia's woman, whereupon he said unto her. Dear Ormelinda, what ails you thus to complain? Ay me, answered she, looking up, and knowing Rozalmond by the three ●oses in his shield, how luckily have I met with you, my Lord, you are undone if the gods do not prevent it by some strange miracle; Gorgophon, Colonel of the Giants of the cruel Island, hath lately carried away your Armazia, with her cousin Agritlea.  
Ah Heaven, said Rozalmond, is Armazia, the fairest Princess of the world, in the power of an inhuman Giant, and must serve for the satisfying of his abominable lust? Dye wretched Knight, since there is nothing now left for which thou shouldest desire to live. Dye do I say? nay rather desire to live yet a while to take some horrible revenge for so unsufferable a wrong; Audacious Giant, thy death shall precede mine, and were all the Ministers of hell assembled together for to succour thee, thou shalt not escape the ●ury of my sword. Saying so, he spurred away over the fields, and never regarding whither he went, he ran all the rest of the day with such extreme rage, that his horse dying under him just as it was night, left him in a very desperate case. Ingrateful fortune, said he, tearing his 〈◊〉 for very madness, thou shalt not triumph over me for all this, thou thinkest by arresting me thus here, to make me subject to the worst of thy malice, but thou ●●●lt not be able, for thou shalt see that in despite of ●●ee I will notwithstanding go on.  
Running along then in the dark, as if he had had no armour on, he continued so till midnight, when quite out of breath, he was constrained to lie down on the ground to rest himself a little; nevertheless so violent was his grief, as remaining there not long he got up again, and drawing new strength from his desire to be revenged, and to succour his Mistress, he ran again till such time as the Sun appeared, by the light whereof discovering the Sea near at hand, he began to take some little comfort, which was quickly converted into fury again, for seeing the coast desolate, without either ship, or man, he fell to crying out, and roaring in that dreadful manner, as all the shore about resounded therewith: What did 〈…〉 say, and how did he curse his stars? Verily his passion was so violent, that mad with desperation, he was going to throw himself all 〈…〉 was into the Sea, when as he perceived a little su●●● arising 〈…〉 ●he waves, which displaying his beams very brightly, 〈…〉 ●esign, and his body that was tottering, and ready to fall 〈…〉  
This prodigy at first astonished him, but having 〈…〉 by little and little appear, together with sails, and Savages 〈…〉 in their hands, he straightway knew that it was the Vessel of the Sune, wherein he had formerly sailed with Cassandra, which made him tremble for joy, as he had before with rage and anger: Beholding then this goodly ship quite discovered, he rendered a thousand thanks to thoses Sages for assisting him thus at his need; and having not the patience to stay till it came up to him, he presently leapt into it, and walking from one room to another, he espied a table very well furnished with excellent meat, upon the which there also lay a paper folded up, wherein having opened it, he read these words.  
Alcander to the valiant Knight of Greece.  
EXcellent Prince, if you consider, that virtue and greatness do not exempt men from the misfortunes of the world, you will take comfort notwithstanding the just cause you have to be afflicted, and finding such remedies as are necessary for your grief, in a resolution to receive all things patiently from the Mighty hand of God, you shall even force Heaven to perserve Armazia for you, whose safety will cost you so much blood, that if the bastard bird, together with the amorous Fanlcens do not arrive just in the nick to rescue you from your enemies, the Roses will lose their odour under the weighty burden of their mother.  
This Letter giving him more consolation than fear, he fell to the meat before him, and then laid him down on a bed, for to rest and refresh himself, after his so many past-travels, leaving the ship to be conducted according to the good pleasure of the great Alcander.  
In the mean time Alcidamant and Trasiclea, carried by the remembrance of the powerful obligations, wherein they stood engaged to this Knight, followed him with a resolution to serve him in this affair, which so much concerned him; but having taken a different way they arrived at a Port of the Sea, where hearing no news of that they sought for, they embarked themselves in a ship, commanding the Pilots to steer their course towards the cruel Island of Gorgophon, imagining that Rozalmond was undoubtedly gone thither, and indeed the Vessel of the Sun, wherein he was, having for many days together run very swiftly through the Waves, at length aboarded that redoubted Coast, upon the which Rozalmond causing himself to be landed with an extreme desire to encounter the Ravisher of his Mistress, it was his h●p at the very first dash to meet with an arrogant Giant, at whose sight his blood beginning to boil very furiously in his veins, he drew out his sword, and believing that it was Gorgophon he discharged so mighty a blow upon his Helmet, as he cloven him down to the very shoulders, wherewith certain Mariners, that were walking on the shore, being marvellously affrighted, betook them to their heels, and fled into a great house, that was not far off whence he presently perceived four dreadful Giants make towards him, whose presence possessing him with more wrath, then fear, he advanced courageously, and demanded of them with an incensed countenance, which of them was Gorgophon? Wretched creature, answered he that marched foremost, what wouldst thou have with him? Marry, replied Rozalmond, I would send his soul to hell, for the satisfaction of an offence he hath committed against the great Emperor of Gardacia, by forcibly carrying away his Daughter Armazia, and a cousin of hers. O jupiter! said the Giant, what is this I hear? Darest thou, poor Pigmy, speak of combatting him, who would quickly cut an hundred thousand such as thou art into a million of pieces? now by all the gods which we adore, I will chastise this audaciousness of thine so cruelly, that if all mankind were here assembled, they should tremble to behold it.  
Saying thus, he advanced his heavy Scimitar, that was twelve foot long, and made so horrible a blow at our Warrior, as would have proved fatal to his life, had he not warily declined it, leaping then very lightly at one side he let it thunder on the ground, whereinto it entered even up to the hilts, and careful to lose no opportunity, he let drive with such force at the Giant, that he cut off both his hands, which remained fastened to that dreadful weapon, whereat the others were so enraged, that instantly approaching they charged him with three such terrible strokes, as he was constrained to set his knees to the ground, being dangerously wounded on the shoulder; nevertheless rising up full of despite, he began to deal such dreadful blows, that his very enemies were astonished at them, and hacked and hewed them in that cruel manner, as died all their arms with their blood, that issued from their wounds: howbeit considering that he should be tired at length, if he continued still in those terms, he took his sword in both his hands, and let it fall so deadly on him that most troubled him, as he divided him in two pieces, wherewith yet not being contented he discharged so dangerously on the shoulder of another, that he separated it from the rest of his body, sending him to the earth with a noise like to that of a Tower, overthrown by the wind.  
These horrible blows much amazed the fourth, but seeing five more of his companions coming to his succour, he began to assail our Champion with more courage, than he had done all the day before, who beholding himself environed with these six monstrous Colossuses, thought that he was now near unto his end, nevertheless resolving to sell his life clearly unto him, he laid about him with that fury, as he seemed rather a devil then a mortal man, but being charged on so many sides, and hurt in five or six places, he was even ready to faint under the violence of thei● blows, when as a brave Knight, who bore two Eagles in his shield, arriving in a little Bark, leapt suddenly on shore, and wondering to behold four Giants extended at the feet of one man, who seemed to fight courageously enough for to reduce six more, that combated with him, into the like estate, he laid hand on his sword, and discharging with choler upon the first that presented himself he cloven him to the teeth, so as he fell down close by Rozalmond, who being not a little glad of such seasonable succour took new heart, and hit another of them so dangerously on the shield, that he made it together with his arm fly to the ground; The remaining four rather more encouraged, then terrified with the death of their fellows, discharged their heavy Scimitars all at one instant, two on the Knight of the Eagles, whole armour was easily pierced, and two on Rozalmond, whereby he received another hurt on the Shield arm, which so incensed these two valiant Warriors, that Rozalmond ran the next to him upto the hilts, and the Knight of the Eagles cut the leg of him that had hurt him sheer off.  
These dreadful blows having laid two Giants on the earth, gave the Knights assured hope of victory, but six other Giants, more deformed, and greater than the former, making towards them, under the conduct of Bramartan, Gorgophons' Lieutenant, rendered their death's most inevitable, when on the other side a Bark suddenly arrived, out of which two knights, the one bearing a burning Rock on his shield, the other a Phoenix with two heads, leapt a shore, and withal celerity opposing these new enemies, they charged them with such fury, that they laid two of them▪ stark dead at their feet, the first divided into two parts by the Knight of the burning Rock, and the other run through the body by him of the Phoenix.  
Rozalmond observing the violence of these blows, perceived this succour proceeded from his friend, the brave Alcidamant, and the beauteous Princess of Tramazond, which so revived his courage, that accompanied with this Knight, he did not believe it was possible for all the world to defeat him: flying upon them then with no less force, then at the beginning of the combat he cloven one of them to the teeth, whilst Alcidamant desirous to show his valour unto this great Warrior, having discharged again on the mighty Bramartan, he divided his body in twain, with one of the most dreadful strokes that ever parted from the hand of a man; the four that remained beholding such a prodigious execution, would fain have retired, but the fury of our Champions was such, as after equart●r of an hours resistance, they were all cut in pieces, to the infinite comment of Rozalmond, who went and embracing Alcidamant, said unto him. Dear Brother, could I hope for safety from any but you, unto whom all glory is due? Ah! how well have you now recompensed the pleasure I did you heretofore; And what do I not owe to the incomparable valour of your Mistress? you have given me life, but I will employ it whensoever you please in acknowledgement of so great a benefit: And you, brave Warrior, continued he, turning him to the Knight of the Eagles (who looked upon them with wonder, for that he did not think the world could show three such again) being no less obliged unto you, let me desire you to take the same assurances of my service.  
Whereupon, putting off his Helmet a little to refresh himself, the Knighs of the Eagle● presently lift up his Beaver, and kneeling down before him, said; O! how happy do I account myself for coming hither thus seasonably to do you some service? My Lord, give me your hands to kiss, in satisfaction of the blood I have so gloriously shed for you, I am Russian of Media, the humblest of all your servants. At these words, Rozalmond remembering that he had seen him in the Grecian Court, where he was esteemed every way as good a Knight as the Emperor Spheramond his Father, caressed him anew in a most loving manner.  
Now, Alcidamant and Trasiclea, coming by this mea●● to understand the quality of Rozalmond, would have showed f●r ●ore 〈…〉 unto him then before, but embracing them again with 〈…〉, he refused the honour they would have done him, and 〈…〉 entreated Alcidamant, whom he valued more than all the 〈…〉 world besides, to live with him like a Brother. Some time be●●g 〈◊〉 in the pleasure of this encounter, Alcidamant would have 〈…〉 and the gallant Russian of Media (unto whom ●●e protested much service) to the care of Ormelinda, for the looking to their wounds, whilst he and Trasiclea went to the Castle, to learn some news of Armazia, but Rozalmond by no means would stay behind, wherefore they walked all four thither, where finding none but certain servants, who assured them that Gorgophon was not in the Island, they returned to the Sea side, and getting aboard the Ship of the Sun, which instantly sailed away as swiftly as before; they all admired those rare and excellent things they beheld there, especially Trasiclea, who was wonderfully taken with her own, and the other five Pictutes of those incomparable Ladies, so perfectly represented to the life.  
In the mean time Rozalmond, and Russian, being unarmed, had their wounds visited by Ormelinda, who being very skilful in Chirurgery, and carrying always about her such things, as were necessary for the like purpose, dressed them incontinently, and promised them by the help of God to make them sound again in twenty days.   

CHAP. XXXI. Alcidamant and Trasiclea meets with Parmelina, who relates unto them the history of her strange love with Clarismond.  
WHilst Rozalmonds and Russians wounds were inhealing, twelve days passed insensibly away, at the end whereof the Vessel of the Sun staying close to a rock, on whose top, a great smoke appeared, Alcidamant and Trasiclea, armed at all points, leapt on shore, and passing under certain trees, they traveled above an hour without encountering any thing, but a very great silence over all, wherupon concluding that this was some Desert, they turned towards the ascent of the rock, and began to mount it with pain, in regard of the weight of their Arms, when as they perceived a huge fire from whence that smoke which they had seen proceeded; The curiosity, that had made them leave the Ship, carrying them on, they saw a woman on her knees before the fire, who lifting up her hands to heaven, seemed to beg for something with her prayers; they would fain have heard her complaints, before she should have discovered them, howbeit they could not approach to her so softly; but that she descried them, wherupon rising up, she was going to run away, when as Alcidamant catching her by the arm, said unto her; Gentlewoman, be not frighted with our presence, for we are come hither rather to do you service, than any hurt. Knights, answered she, having been a twelve month, or more, in this Desert without seeing any body, truly I was afraid at the sight of your Arms, but since you have so well confirmed me, let me know I pray you, what you would have with me, to the end I may give you satisfaction therein, if it lie in my power. That which we desire, said Trasiclea to her, is that you would tell us why you kneel thus before this flame, what is the cause of your complaints, and of your retreat into this Desert place. That were to renew my sorrows, answered she, but I take such delight in the rehearsal of my misery, that I shall be as ready to relate, as you are willing to hear it.  
This fire, which but testifies the same, that hath long consumed my heart, serves for a sacrifice to the ghost of noble Clarismonnd, one of the loveliest Knights that was in all the Kingdom of Filamon, whose body is buried under the ashes of this fire, that every day is renewed by me just at this hour; his death is as strange, as the history of our loves, which not to abuse your patience, I will recount unto you as briefly as I can. This Knight, a great friend to one named Martander, being taken with that little beauty, wherewith it pleased heaven to endue me, showed himself so desirous to be in all places, and companies, where I had occasion to be present, that by his looks and carriage, I easily came to know he was in love with me, howbeit being then, I may well say, blind, because I did not consider his merit, I could not by any means affect him, but contrarily carrying some particular good liking to Martander, that cared not for me, the sight of him did very much displease me; I found fault with all that he did, and the more he laboured to serve me, the more was I incensed against him. His suit then being troublesome unto me, I resolved to let him understand, that he much dis-obliged me, by soliciting me in that manner, and accordingly taking occasion on a time, when he besought me to carry a gentler mind, and to have some compassion of his suffering, I told him how my actions were the images of my thoughts, how I had showed sufficiently, that I did not love him, and how in vain he expected relief from me, for if I would give myself to any one, Martander should have more power over me, than all the Knights on the earth.  
Hereat Martander, who was then present with Clarismond, gave me many humble thanks for the election I was willing to make of him; but, Madam, said he, being Clarismonds' friend, I may not receive the honour of your favour, which would be better conferred where it is due, then on me. Some months passing away, Clarismond obstinate in his suit, I in my hate to him, and affection to Martander, these two friends plotted together how to deceive me. You may do me a most friendly part, said Clarismond one day to Martander: Parmolina, (so is this miserable called that speaks to you) loves you with passion, and when you please, you can prevail with her to grant you any thing, serve me faithfully, I beseech you; feign as much love to her, as she bears you, and labour to obtain of her that she will spend one night with you, upon promise you may make her, of rendering her kisses legitimate; the dark keeps all things unknown, I will go to her in your stead, and so by this means you shall save my life, which otherwise cannot long continue.  
Martander, who to help his friend would have made no difficulty to have gone even into Hell, most willingly undertakes this affair, comes to me, and craving my pardon for his so long neglect of my affection, in such manner counterfeits the motions of a man transported with love and impatience, that I verily believed he was throughly taken; his sighs very much grieved me, the vows that he made never to adore any but myself, exceedingly contented me, I was sensible of his passions; what should I say more? There was nought resting to render us the happiest Lovers in the world, but the fruition of our desires, whereunto he laboured to arrive for the satisfaction of his friend; but finding dangerous obstacles therein, by reason I lay always in my Mother's chamber, in a bed apart by myself, I could not resolve to run such hazard; nevertheless, what could not the tears of a Lover, or of one that seemed so, effect in the heart of an amorous Girl?  
At length I passed by all respects, and promising him to leave all our doors open, I sent him away so contented, as he seemed not to envy any felicity whatsoever: Midnight then being come, I received Clarismond in mine arms, thinking it was Martander, and losing myself in his embraces, I little thought of this change of persons, insomuch, that the next day I spoke to Martander, as thinking I had acted that with him, which I had done with Clarismond, and as for him, he carried the countenance of a man so infinitely pleased, as it was a fortnight before I knew by what cunning I was deceived, because we durst not speak but very softly, in regard of my Mother; howbeit Clarismond not enduring to taste his delight any longer under the coverture of another, discovered himself one night, as we were in the midst of our pleasure, and freely confessed to me, that he was constrained to have recourse unto wiles, since he could not other ways prevail: I will not tell you how much I was astonished at this discourse, nor what error I was then about, to have run into by crying out, as though I had been ravished by force, but to proceed, I will assure you, how instantly changing my mind, with the consideration that the matter was past remedy, I loved Clarismond a thousand times more than ever I had done Martander, and began to ha●e Martander far more, than ever I had done Clarismond, unto whom, (excusing myself upon the weakness of my judgement, which had not permitted me to choose the better party,) I protested so much love, and gave him such testimony thereof by my most kind usage of him, and caressing of him anew, as he thought himself happy in disclosing this trick unto me.  
But now see what sport love makes with men, Martander hearing Clarismond continually talk of the unspeakable delight he enjoyed with me, began to love me most passionately, and preferring his affection before his friendship, he began to vow and protest that truly unto me, which he had dissembled before, hoping that the passion I had been in for him, was not yet quite extinct. I am not able to express what infinite content I received to behold him sigh at my feet, and rejoyeing to see him languish through his own fault, I told him that my Mother's in-disposition detained me from receiving him a-nights, as I was wont, but at length no longer to abuse him, I plainly said unto him, how I very much wondered to hear him desire a treasure which belonged unto Clarismond, and knowing well enough that he possessed it, I could hardly believe he could be so wicked, as to seek to bereave him of it; At this speech he was so confounded, that he was ready to die with grief, and indeed he lay three weeks sick upon it, at the end whereof being unable any longer to endure the yiolence of his desires, it came into his head to crave the same favour of Clarismond, which he had received from him; Laying before him then the peril of his life, the imbecility of men that forced him to violate the laws of friendship, the power of that proud divinity, which useth to triumph over those hearts that go about to resist him, the merit of my beauty, and briefly all that he thought could serve for his enterprise; he put Clarismond into a strange perplexity, his love, and the resolution he had taken to marry me, forbade him to yield unto the unjust request of this friend, nevertheless, choosing rather to die than be ingrateful, he concluded to deprive himself both of his life and happiness together Insomuch, that having promised to give him satisfaction in the very same manner, as he had received it, he drew this Lover from his bed, and came a little after to see me, but without so much as speaking a word of what ●ad past between them, howbeit having observed some extraordinary sadness in his countenance, and not knowing any just occasion he could have fo● it, I began to suspect this practice, in regard whereof I purposed not to admit of Clarismond any more, but upon safe terms, nevertheless making no show of it, I promised to entertain him as I used to do.  
Night being come then, I left only the outward door open, shutting those fast within, and standing close at a window, that looked into the street, first I heard 〈…〉 very 〈◊〉 ear, because they made 〈…〉 I could hear Clarismond say, farewell dear friend, the 〈…〉 happy than I am. Having spoken in this manner, away he 〈…〉 going to ou● house, who finding the 〈…〉 return with far le●●hope, than he came.  
Being marvellously 〈◊〉 with 〈◊〉 of this business, I was much incensed against Clarismond, and 〈◊〉 to 〈◊〉 him sound for his fault, though I was fully resolved to 〈◊〉 him, but alas! he gave me no opportunity to do so; for never appearing again before me, he advertised me by a Letter, that wa● brought me the next day, how through grief and despair he was gone to end his days in a Desert.  
This sad and sudden departure of his derived from the excess of his love to me, cast me into a dangerous sickness, which questionless had carried me out of the world, if my hope with meeting with Clarismond again, had not made me desire to live, but my love to him restored me within a little after to my health, when hearing no news of him, careless of mother and friends I forsook my country, and seven months together traveled from place to place in the search of him, at the end whereof coming to this Rock, I found my Clarismond clothed in a long Hermit's Gown, who hearing me 〈◊〉 how I had beguiled Martander, was so overcome with joy, as he died suddenly in my arms. O! who can express the sorrow I was in then▪ Let it suffice that it cast me into a swound, and how long I continued so, I 〈◊〉 able to deliver, but at length being reserved for greater 〈◊〉▪ to my, 〈◊〉 I 〈◊〉 myself again, howsoever 〈…〉 my last in this very 〈◊〉, where ●e so unfortunately expired.  
Behold, noble Knight, the cause of my grief 〈…〉▪ which I earnestly beseech you, seek not to 〈◊〉 by a 〈◊〉 of reason, since I am obstinately bend never to admit of my 〈◊〉.  
Seeing you are so minded, said 〈◊〉, we will ●orhear 〈◊〉 ●ouble you any further, and 〈…〉 of your lamentable case, we will commit you to the protection of heaven, which we hope yet may in time reduce● yo● to a better 〈◊〉.  
Whereupon descending the hill, and going towards the Seaside, they encountered with four 〈◊〉 Knights, the foremost of which, bearing a Savage in his 〈…〉 unto them. Worthy Knights, necessity 〈…〉 you, that you will grant us room in your 〈◊〉, until such time, as we may 〈◊〉 as some habitable place; we landed here 〈…〉, wherein to employ our 〈◊〉, but 〈…〉 desolation; and in the mean● time two 〈…〉 have 〈◊〉 away the Bark we come in, leaving 〈…〉 hence, unless it be by your assistance.  
Noble Sir, answered 〈…〉, which you behold there is so 〈…〉 for bringing you with us, 〈…〉 if you please. Being gotten 〈…〉 to the Prince of 〈◊〉 at the, 〈…〉 their Helmets 〈…〉 Giv● 〈◊〉 your hands to kiss, for here is Florisbel of the star, & Don Sestilian of Spain, your servants, with the redoubted knight of the Savage, who did such wonders at the tournament at Constantinople, and the fair Amazon, his Lady Brandimanda: At these words Rozalmond rising up in his bed most kindly entertained the Princes of France & Spain, and with no less honour caressed Grian and Brandimanda. Alcidamant and Trasiclea (at whose goodly presence those four Warriors were marvellously astonished) together with Russian renewed their compliments, and so they sailed all the rest of the day with exceeding great content, which was much augmented by the recital that Alcidamant made of the history of P●●melina and Clarismond. Let us leave them cutting a speedy way through the waves, whilst we are preparing to declare the marvels, that were seen at their arrival in Corolandaya.   

CHAP. XXXII. The dreadful combat between Rozalmond, and Gorgophon, for the deliverance of Armazia; The wonders that Alcidamant performed in bringing the Enchantment of Griolanis and Adelazia to an end.  
CErtain days being sweetly spent in the pleasure, which might well be expected from the conversation of so many excellent Knights, the Vessel of the Sun made a stay in one of the ports of Corolanday●, where all those Princes disembarking themselves, were very much amazed to see sixteen Savages come out of the ship, the first eight having each of them a mighty courser in his hand, & the others, eight staves so strong and stiff, as they seemed to have been made for some important design; being presented with these horses and lances, each of them leapt into his saddle with many thanks to Alcander for this care of them, and marching two and two, they took the way that led to Agricant, being resolved to prove the adventure of the martyrdom of 〈◊〉 and Adelazia.  
After they had ridden then about one hour, they arrived at the Royal Palace, where Rozalmond had but newly laced on his Helmet, desiring to be the first at the essay of the adventure, 〈◊〉 as he heard a woman speaking to the whole Troop in this manner. Stay, said she, brave Knights, and if you have as much valour, as your presence doth promise, leave not a poor afflicted Damosel in this prison, combat you altogether that Colossus, which you see there, for her deliverance, since his extreme forces will not suffer him to be vanquished by one single man, the gods will recompense your pain●, and I 〈◊〉 one day acknowledge this service of yours. At these words; 〈◊〉 ●● king round about, perceived two Ladies of a marvellous beauty, sta●di●●●● the 〈◊〉 of a little Tower, towards whom being advanced▪ so 〈…〉 and 〈◊〉 them of their deliverance, he presently discerned ou● of 〈◊〉 ●o be 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, which so. So 〈◊〉 like 〈…〉 over his liberty! O wonderful! said he, being no less transported with fury 〈…〉, is it possible that I should find you in this 〈◊〉 M 〈…〉? You shall quickly see the outrage that is done you most horribly revenged; here is the Knight of the Roses, that having served you heretofore against the redoubted 〈◊〉, will likewise free you out of the hands of Gorgoph●●; whereupon turning him to A 〈…〉 t. Dear brother, said he, I am now in the supreme degree of my glory, since I have met with Armaria, dispatch the Giant that keeps her imprisoned, whilst I go and chastise the insolence of the Ravisher of my excellent Mistress.  
Noble Sir, said Russian then, which likewise knew the beautiful Infanta of Clariana his Lady (whom he had disinchanted at Constantinople, when as he gave an end to the adventure of the Pyramids, as hath been related in the eight and thirtieth Chapter of our first part:) Noble Sir, leave me this combat I beseech you, for I have no less interest in the deliverance of these incomparable Ladies, than the gallant Prince of Greece, as for yourself you cannot want employment, if you please, in the trial of the adventure. I would always give more to your merit, answered Alcidamant, go then and render this good office to your Mistress, whilst I seek to know whether the release of these Lovers be in my power.  
Whereupon casting his eyes on Rozal●●●●, and Gorgophon, who carried with equal rage were then set forth, he saw them meet like two clouds violently rushing together in the midst of the air, and pass by one another like lightning, without so much as being once moved in their saddles by their Lances, which were broken in a thousand shivers: By this furious encounter guessing at the exceeding force of Gorgophon, he stayed to observe how they would entreat one another with their swords, their two first blows very much amazed him, for their shields were divided in twain, and their blades fell with such violence upon their Helmets, as they were constrained to bow with their heads, even to the very arson of their saddles▪ from whence arising so full of choler, that it terrified all the people which beheld their combat, Rozalmond discharged such another terrible blow on Gorgophons' head, as it made him see many more stars than there are in the sky, but he returned him an answer nothing less cruel and dangerous, for he received so mighty a stroke, that having loft one of his stirrups, he staggered as if he had been deprived of judgement; nevertheless shaming to appear any whit inferior to his enemy before the greatest Knights of the earth, he quickly resettled himself in his saddle, and began to charge the Giant very fiercely, who nothing abashed fought so well, that he showed himself to be one of the best Knights in the world.  
The field was strewed all over with pieces of their armour, the blood g●shed out in many places of their bodies, and so dreadful were their blows, that all the houses round about resounded therewith. The noise which proceeded from the combat of these Warriors, and that of Russian of Media, with the other Giant, being little less cruel, drew a world of people thither from all parts, and amongst others the three Princesses of Martaria, with their Lovers, who very much wondering at the fury of this Knight, admired the dexterity of the Grecian Prince, who mad for that he could not vanquish his enemy took his sword in both his hands, and let it descend so dangerously on Gorgophon, that it gave him a great gash on the shield-arm, whereat the Giant was so incensed, that discharging a full blow on his shoulder with all his might, he entered his Falchion two fingers deep into his flesh, and making him lose his bridle and stirrups so astonished him, that if his horse by carrying him away had not prevented his enemy from seconding the former with another stroke, doubtless he had been in great peril of his life.  
Alcidamant, who was still looking on this combat, seeing this horrible blow, and knowing how far Rozalmonds forces extended, admired G●rg●phon more than before, and was very much afraid that his friend would not come time enough again to himself, but on a sudden he beheld him resettle him in his seat, and fly upon the Giant with such fury, as made all the assistants to tremble; and indeed the blow which he discharged on the crest of his Helmet was so dangerous, that though it could not cleave it by reason of the Enchantment, wherewith Di●boli●n had framed it, he overthrew him on the crupper of his horse, casting such a deal of blood out of his ears and mouth, and his arms and legs hanging in that manner, as all the world believed he was dead; nevertheless he was seen a little after to raise up himself with such extreme rage, for that he was so ill entreated by one man alone, that Rozalmonds friends were in some fear of him, howbeit our brave Champion no whit dismayed courageously presenting his face unto him, they renewed the combat with more horror and cruelty then at first.  
In the mean time Russian of Media, who had not so puissant an enemy to encounter, discharged five or six blows together on him, with such a mighty force, that he laid him breathless at his feet, and seizing on a key that he carried about him, he presently opened the door of the Tower, mounted up a little pair of stayrs, and kneeling down before the Ladies, almost transported with joy, he said unto them. Beauteous Princesses be pleased to give me your hands to kiss, in recompense of the beginning, which I have given to your releasement, and descending with me come and assure the victory to the valiant Knight of the Roses, that is now fight for your deliverance. Sir, answered Armazia, who was not a little contented to hear that her Knight was there; I may not permit you to kiss my hands, being so exceedingly obliged unto you, as I am. Command then this fair Infanta to do me that favour, replied he, seeing I have the glory to be her Knight. My Knight, said Agriclea, since when I beseech you? since I freed you from the Enchantment, whereunto you were reduced by Fulgosons' Aunt, answered he, for than you did me the honour to avow me for your Knight, and to say that my service should always be agreeable unto you. Ah my Lord, said Agriclea, pardon my ignorance I pray you, for truly I did not know you, but I shall be ready to amend this error. Whereupon giving him her hand, rather as it were to raise him up, then for any other end, she suffered him to kiss it a thousand times, and so descending all three they presented themselves before these Warriors, who at the sight of Armazia became so furious, Gergoph●● to see her delivered after such hope of enjoying her, and Rozalmond to continue so long without vanquishing in her presence, and for her quarrel, that they discharged at one instant two such terrible blows upon one another, at they were ready to pitch with their noses on the ground; nevertheless being retained by shame and anger, they redoubled their mortal strokes, and finding new force in their rage, they hewed one another for four hours so cruelly, that all men wondered how they could endure so long, for their arms being all covered over with blood, the end of their lives was every minute expected.  
This while Alcidaman●, being confident that the victory would undoubtedly rest on the Prince of Greece, whose courage augmented with time and danger, and desiring not to remain idle, he presented himself before the Palace gate, with a resolution to prove the adventure of Adelazia, and accordingly seeing his passage defended by the four Princes, he drew out his rich sword, a●d warding himself with his shield, he discharged so rude a blow on Armorand, that if the fury of his blade had not been arrested by enchantment, he had cleft him down to the teeth; nevertheless the blow was so violent, as it made him set both his knees to the ground, but being diverted from further prosecuting his advantage on him by three dangerous blows received all at once from the others, he suddenly made head against them, and laid so terribly on Falemonds Helmet, that he sent him to the earth quite deprived of judgement, as also Grinaldo, whom with another stroke he overthrew in like manner.  
The misfortune of these Knights having marvellously incensed the other two, they discharged both at once so strongly on his head, as they made him reel three or four steps backwards, with a million of lights before his eyes, whereat he was so mad, that gnashing his teeth for anger, he delivered two such blows successively on Arm●rants and Crisanders' Helmerts, as he laid them senseless at his feet.  
In the mean space the fight between the Grecian Prince and Gorgophon, having lasted above six hour●s, was most terrible, for shame and jealousy equally animating them, they employed all their skill, and strength to become victorious; Rozalmond was enraged to meet a man able enough to dispute with him for his M●stresse, and the honour of a Combat, whereunto all his glory was tied▪ and Gorgophon, the most audacious Giant of the earth, bitterly storming, uttered strange blasphemies against his gods, and menacing the very heavens, seemed as though he would divide them with his Curtelas, which oftentimes lighting on Rozalmonds Arms, always carried some piece thereof along with it, his own being in no better estate, under the sword of his enemy, who being in the supremest degree of rage, resolved either to die or vanquish.  
Returning then out of an astonishment wherein he had been reduced by a most horrible blow of Gorgoph●ns, which had overturned him on the ●●●pper of his Horse, he parted with such fury, as all the assistants terrified there with, began to ●●●mble, and displaying all his force, he discharged so unmeasurable a blow, full on the crest of Gorgophons' Helmet, that if he had struck with the edge, he had divided him to the waist in spite of all Diabolions charms, but his sword turning in his hand with choler, the flat fell so dangerously on his head, that thinking he was smitten with a thunderbolt, he fell in a swound to the earth, making a noise like that of some mighty Tower, which the wind hath hurled out of its place.  
At this brave stroke, Ar●●●zia marvellously rejoicing, advanced towards her Knight, who suddenly alighting fell on his knees before her, and said; Madam, be pleased that this small service may repair the fault, which I have committed in abandoning you so long. Alas! my dearest Knight, said she with tears of joy, and grief, to see him so bloody all over, let us not speak, I pray you, of pardon, for I find myself so happy in meeting you thus, that I can never remember any misery past; come let us go and visit your wounds, and know what we are to hope for of your recovery. Madam, answered Rozalmond, I feel they are dangerous, but yet not so much as to make you to fear, or keep me from rejoicing with my friends for the good success of mine enterprise; whereupon perceiving Amadis, Floridan, and Lucibel coming to him, together with the Princesses of Martaria, to give him thanks for their deliverance out of the crystal Tower, he went and caressed them withal the kindness that might be, and so did Armazia, Trasiclea, Brandimanda, and the fair Infanta of Clariana, who were no less amazed at the excellency of their beauties, than they were to see them every way so accomplished.  
Some time being spent in these salutations and compliments (and Gorgophon freely suffered to be carried away by certain of his servants to his Ship, where a little after being fetched out of his swound, he was so mad, for that he had been vanquished, as they had much ado to keep him from killing of himself) Rozalmond hearing that Alcidamant was upon proving of the adventure, he went where he beheld him engaged against the Serpent, and the Monster.  
This invincible Warrior seeing himself delivered from four of his first enemies, and looked upon by so many excellent persons, most courageously boarded those two creatures, and desiring to display the uttermost of his forces, he discharged his Sword with such violence upon the Serpent's head, that though it could not pierce the hardness of the scales, yet it made him stoup to the very ground, presently wherupon being laid at by the Monster, he dextrously declined the blow of his axe, which fell in vain upon the floor, The first fury of those horrible beasts being in this sort avoided, Alcidamant finding that the astonishment wherein the Serpent was, gave him opportunity to perform something the mean while upon the Monster, he took his sword in both his hands, and slipping by the danger of a second blow from him, he let it descend with such strength, on his left arm, which was as big as a tree, that he cut it shear from his body.  
This lucky stroke animating him to do better, he turned to the Serpent, thinking to avoid his fury as before, but he was so surprised, and encountered with such force, as he was laid all along in the dust, where this creature running on him, laboured to seize on his Helmet with his teeth, in which danger, still retaining his judgement, he ran him up into the belly, that made him make a mighty skip into the air, by means whereof our Knight had leisure to arise, but being scarce well upon his legs, he received so great a blow from the Monster, as he was constrained to set both his knees to the ground, where shame and danger not suffering him to continue long, he got up again so full of rage, that casting his shield on his shoulder, he discharged with such fury on that monstrous creature, as having encountered the handle of his axe, and cut it in two, his sword fell with that tempest on his head, that it cloven him down to the waist. O heaven! said Rozalmond, what a dreadful blow was this, and who can be able to resist the thunder of such a mighty arm? Questionless this Warrior is the nonparil of the earth, unto whom all the world hath reason to give place.  
This speech, which Alcidamant heard, having rendered him infinitely courageous, he let fall an horrible stroke on the Serpent, that came leaping towards him, and watering the floor with the blood that issued from the wound in his belly; never thelese, having not so much as made any print on his scales, he was enforced to step suddenly aside for to give him way, and was ready with his sword aloft to have smitten him on the tail, when as he perceived a Knight all on fire, come out of the Hall, who presently gave him so mighty a blow, that it made him stagger, and in that manner amazed, as he knew not in what world he was, howbeit instantly recovering his spirits he became so enraged, that beholding the Serpent raised on his two hinder feet for in fall upon him with all the weight of his body, he ran him with so mortal a thrust into the flank, that he overturned him on his back, where leaving him amidst the pangs of death, and making such horrible cries, as all the place shaked therewith, he turned to the enchanted Knight, and began to charge him with so much force and agility, as though he had not fought all the day before, nevertheless he endured strange pain, for the fire which covered the enchanted Knight so heated him, that he thought he was consumed in his arms; but what will not a valiant man suffer, that would die a thousand times, rather than forgo the honour of a difficult enterprise?  
He employed all his force, and delivering his blows with no less strength, then when as he divided the body of a Giant, he charged the enchanted Knight so terribly, that he forced him to mount up the stayrs again, which exceedingly encouraging our Warrior, he followed him, redoubling his horrible blows, till he came up to the top of the stairs, where his enemy returned him such a stroke on his Helmet, as made him fall on his knees, ready to tumble down all the steps, but staying himself on his hands, he arose full of fury, and discharged his sword with such violence on the Knight, as it extended him on the earth, where Alcidamant going to unlace his Helmet for to take off his head in satisfaction of his anger, he perceived that they were empty Arms without a body in them, at which he would have very much marvelled, had he not been well acquainted with the power of Magicians, wherefore being very much moved with the lamentable complaints of Griolanis and Adelazia, he made no further stay, but burst open the door with the pummel of his sword, and no whit regarding those horrible flames, which appeared all over the room, he went directly to the two Lovers, hoping to carry them easily from thence; nevertheless, he was fain to undertake a new combat, the Serpents which devoured them, flew upon him, and winding themselves about his legs, they laboured to overthrow him to the ground.  
This new difficulty, far more troublesome than dangerous, having held him a good while without knowing how to free himself from these creatures, he let go his sword, and closing his hand, he knocked them down with his fist; that done, a phantosme presented itself before him, which borrowing a thousand figures one after another, laboured to affright him; but he that could not be moved with any danger whatsoever, having cut the ay●e in vain with his sword, discharged it at length on the shoulder of a furious Bear, that was catching him by the throat, which being divided in the middle it appeared to be the body of the sorceress Maxiana separated in two parts, that no sooner touched the floor, but a most horrible Earthquake arose, accompanied with thunder and lightning, and so dreadful a noise, as it seemed the very Palace would have sunk into the centre of the earth.  
This noise, earthquake, and confusion, having continued a long time, there entered into the Court a middleaged woman, followed by a gallant Knight, and a most beautiful Shepherdess, who with the grace of her habit, which was of white Taffeta, fastened together in sundry places with sparkling Rubies, was thought to be one of those Nymphs so adored in the Forests; whereupon, every one giving way to these three persons, that Woman took a Vial out of her pocket, and presenting it to the Shepherdess, said aloud; It is you Miralinda, that must lend the last assistance to this enchantment, you have heretofore contemned the fire that burned Lind●renna, fear not then the flame that torments Griolanis, but enter into this room where you will discover a secret very much importing you, and breaking this Vial on the Armour of the Knight, who hath performed such incredible wonders for to come unto these infortunate Lovers, you shall find yourself, before you are either lost, or sought for.  
This Shepherdess then, who was no other than Miralinda, that was come thither with Clarisel, and Urganda the unknown, without whose help this enchantment would never have been ended, ascending the stayrs, entered courageously into the room, and finding Alcidamant extended fast by Griolanis and Adelazia, who seemed to be dead, she broke the Vial upon his Armour, which was no sooner done, but the air began to clear, the fire to be clean extinct; and the two Lovers as sound and fair as ever they had been, rose up with the same judgement they had before their torment, and assuring themselves that their deliverance was effected by the valour of Alcidamant, and confidence of Miralinda, who had upon her head the crown of Roses, which Adelazia had gotten in the adventure of the triumph of love, they kneeled down to thank them for their assistance, but they not enduring such submission, presently lifted them up, just as Urganda, that was not yet known, came in with Clarisel, Rozalmond, Armazia, Trasiclea, Gri●●, Amadis, Palmirenna, and the rest, whom Griolanis and the fair Queen of Corolandaya, caressed in that manner as is not well able to be delivered, wherefore I will pass it over in silence, to tell you that an hour being spent in these compliments, during the which Urganda being known, and very much honoured by all those Lords, she desired them to give her audience, whereupon she said unto them.  
Incomparable Princesses, and you most excellent Knights, ye have indeed great reason to rejoice at the presence of one another, because the whole world hath nothing so rare and precious as you, howbeit I will add somewhat yet to the glory of your contentment. Fair Shepherdess, said she to Miralinda (who rendered all those Princesses amazed at her marvellous beauty) give me that Crown of Roses, and remember the speech I used to you, at your ascending hither, that you should find yourself, before you were either lost, or fought for: You believe that you are Daughter to Armedor, a Shepherd of Bellombre, behold your descent in these three Roses; so presenting the Crown, which she held in her hand, to all the company, they discerned these words written about it; Miralinda the the Daughter of the Marquis of Monteclare. O! Is it possible said Alcidamant, that I should meet with a Sister here of such value▪ Come and let us embrace my dearest Miralinda, for I am Alcidamant your brother, and son to the Marquis of Monteclare. Hereat Miralinda being very much amazed, was not able to speak a word, but at length better recollecting herself, she fell on her knees before Alcidamant, and with tears of joy said unto him. My Lord, this is a lucky day for me, and how much do I owe to my good fortune, which hath made me known to be the sister of so great a Knight! Ah Madam, continues she, addressing her speech to Vrganda, how wonderful is yourskill, and what can you wish from me hereafter, which I will not most willingly give to your service? you have drawn me from out the lees of the people to raise me in this manner, but I will abase myself whensoever you shall please for to testify that I will never forget so powerful an obligation. It was not I alone, said Vrganda, that knew the secret of your birth (though no body now could discover it but I this wicked woman, whose body you see here divided in two pieces, had foretold it in this Pillar, which is standing yet before the Palace gate, for this is her Prophecy.  
The Prophecy.  
WHen the excellent Turtle, and the redoubted Lion, coming forth of one prison, shall 〈◊〉 in the flames, the strayed blood shall be known, beauty shall reassume her former lustre, and the punishment of a vielated Law shall be converted into joy.  
The intelligence of these words is it not now clear? are not you that excellent Turtle? and this famous Knight, is not he that redoubted Lion, both come from one womb, which the Enchantress figured by a prison, and out of your own knowledge do not you see the strayed blood recovered? But let us pass farther, Beauty shall reassume her former lustre. Is not that true by the deliverance of this brave Knight, and of the sovereign Lady of this Kingdom, who are now as much in their lustre, as ever they were, and the torment they have suffered, is it not changed into delight? Certainly you now know the verity of these obscure words, and no man can doubt but you are descended of that illustrious race, which produceth such worthy and generous persons. Embrace then again this valiant brother of yours, and further call to mind how when he was knighted by Don Clarisel, a Damosel advertised you from the learned Merea, that you should not make difficulty to gird on his sword, for you should one day more esteem of the knowledge of him, then of the possession of an Empire.  
Hereat Alcidamant and Miralinda well remembering all that Vrganda had spoken, and embracing afresh, their caresses were renewed, Adelazia, Trasiclea, Palmirenna, Armazia, 〈◊〉, Archedidella, Brandimanda, and Agriclea gave Miralinda a thousand kisses with such content to Don Clarisel, that he was even ravished with joy, to see his Shepherdess so exceedingly honoured; Night then being come, Adelazia having caused her Palace to be adorned with her choicest furniture, assigned to those excellent Princes the chiefest part of it, and remained with those beauteous Ladies in her own ordinary lodgings.   

CHAP. XXXIII. The brave Tournament that is held at the marriage of Rozalmond, Alcidamant, and those other Princes of Greece.  
VRganda having closed up Rozalmonds wounds in a night, all those Princes, which infinitely desired the accomplishment of their happiness, assembled together, and resolved to take one and the same day for the consummation of their content, but having no less care of their Lady's salvation, then of their own satisfaction, they concluded in representing their pains unto them to set before their eyes the vanity of their Idols in the greatness of that Almighty God, who vouchsafed to shed his most precious blood, for to restore us unto the way of grace, from which we were strayed by the revolt of our first parents: Entering then all with this design into the room where the Princesses were, they persuaded them to go and walk into the Gardens, and there separating themselves into several walks, and each one taking his Mistress by the arm, spoke so passionately and effectually for himself, as he easily prevailed with her, to resolve upon the third day following, for the celebration of their Nuptials.  
This first point being determined according to their desires, they began to talk unto them of the excellency of the Christian Religion, of the mystery of the Trinity, of the Incarnation, Death, and Resurrection of the Son of God, of the mission of the Holy Ghost, of the Institution of the Sacraments, and showing them the Heavens and the Sun, they drew them insensibly to the knowledge of the Creator of them, which could not be but far more perfect and excellent, in so much that being assisted with the love they bore them, they were soon induced to be baptised, and accordingly the same day Adelazia sent for three Christian Hermits, which she had suffered to live in her Kingdom, by whom being yet better instructed in the chiefest Articles of the faith, the Temple of those Idols, she had formerly adored, was cleansed of a number of several Images, whereof three or four being beaten to pieces by our Knights, confirmed them further in the belief that they were of no power.  
Time and desire then pressing our Lovers, and making them hasten every thing. These Princes received the first Character of Christians, Armazia conducted by Alcidamant, who was her Godfather, Trasiclea by Rozalmond, Palmirenna by Florisbel, Adelazia by Amaais, Amplamira by Clarismond, Brandimanda by Floridan, Archesidella by Sestilian, and the fair Agriclea by Griolanis, which being performed they returned to the Palace, leaving those good fathers in the Church for to instruct the principal persons of Corolandaya, who after the example of their Sovereign cheerfully embraced this new Law, believing by what was showed them, that it was much better than that which they had so long a time professed.  
Mean while our Lovers, thinking of nothing but the day, which was to place them in the supreme degree of their glory, prepared most magnificent apparel, and especially the Ladies, who desiring to make a demonstration of all their beauties, omitted nought that could add any thing to grace themselves withal.  
Nothing was heard but Violms, Haubois, consorts of Instruments, and voices, all the shops of the City were shut up, the people made bonfires, and preparations for Masques, Plays, and Feasting; from all parts of the Kingdom arrived Knights and Ladies, that came to celebrate the deliverance and nuptials of their Queen: Briefly, all things were disposed to delight, and the third day seemed no less tedious to the people, then to those valiant Princes, who at length beholding it appear through their windows, were incontinently attired most richly, and so entered all into the presence, whither those Princesses repaired not long after like so many Goddesses.  
Many sweet and amorous discourses passing between them, Rozalmond in a suit and cloak of blue velvet, embroidered with gold and pearl, placed himself on the right hand of Armazia, whose Gown was of the same colour, and Florisbel on the left: The brave Alcidamant followed him in a doublet of white satin, his hose and cloak of crimson velvet, enriched with an embroidery of gold, pearl, and stones, being on the right side of the beautiful Trasiclea, attired in the same colours, whom Don Sestilian held by the left hand: Amadis was the third with his fairest Palmitenna, and the Marquis of Beltamir, having his cloak and hose of black velvet, powdered over with silver oes, amongst the which a number of sparkling diamonds being aptly placed, gave a marvellous lustre: Clarisel of Gunidaya was the next in a doublet, hose, and cloak of green satin wrought all over with gold and silver, having the incomparable Miralinda, betwixt him and the Count of Pandelia, in a Gown of white satin, cut upon carnation taffea, and all set with great diamonds. After him went Floridan with his Amplamira, and the gentle Marquis of Cardana, apparelled both in purple satin most richly embroidered: Griolanis and the most beauteous Adelazia followed them, accompanied with the King of Bronzartes, near kinsman to the Queen, so set with stones, as every one was amazed at the riches of their clothes: Then marched Lucibel, and the fair Infanta of Martaria, Grian and Brandimanda; Russian, and the delicate Agriclea, assisted by the chiefest Princes of the Kingdom, and so sumptuously apparelled, as they had no cause to envy their companions.  
This excellent troop at length arrived at the Church, where the Hermits having sung Mass, they were married together with all the ceremonies requisite in such cases: That done they returned to the Palace, and there dinner being prepared with all the state and magnificence that might be, they sat down attable in the same order as they went to Church.  
Having been entertained then with all the most exquisite and choicest meats, that water, land, or air could yield, they resolved to make a tournament, wherein a thousand selected Knigts should be divided into two bands, one of them to be led by ●●zalmond, that was to be seconded by Amadis, Clarisel, Floridan, Luci●el, Sestilian, Florisbel, and Russian; and the other by Alcidament, who was to be assisted by Grian, Grielamis, Trasiclea, Brandimanda, Armorand, Grinaldo, Crisander, and Falemond, who being disinchanted by the valour of Alcidamant, would by no means depart before the solemnisation of the nuptials of these Lords.  
Now dinner being done, and a thousand Knights ready within the Barriers, the Princes went and armed themselves, and a little after appeared in the place like so many gods of Battle: The Marquis of Beltamir, and the Admiral of Corolandaya being placed, as the judges in their scaffolds, and the trumpets sounding from all parts, those two troops, wherein the glory of all the Knighthood in the world was assembled, began to set forth, and those two invincible Champions, Alcidamant, and Rozalmond, charging their Lances one against another, encountered with such fury, that the earth even trembled under their horses feet, their staves were broken into a thousand shivers, and yet they not so much as moved in their saddles, passed along like two Rocks standing firm against the violence of an enraged flood; Amadis and Grians course was performed with as much grace and force; Griolanis and Clarisel ran against each other with like fortune; equal was the honour between Trasiclea, and Floridan, betwixt Brandimanda and Lucibel; but Grinaldo was unhorsed by the gentle Russian of Media; Armorand and Sestilian were both overthrown to the earth, so was Crisander by the valiant Florisbel, and Falemond dismounted him against whom he addressed his Lance; In the meantime the two troops being encountered, above two hundred Knights were laid on the ground, who withdrawing aside for fear of being trampled under the horses feet, there began almost pleasant bickering: Alcidamant and Rozalmond put all in confusion, their swords fell like thunderbolts whersoever they lighted; Amadis overturned all that he met withal, Grian left not a Knight in his saddle; Clarisel flew about like lightning, Griolanis seemed a fury, Floridan, Lucibel, Russian, and Florisbel did wonders as they went, Trasiclea, Brandimanda, Armorand, and Grinaldo, who were horsed again, made no less an havoc; briefly, the victory hung equally balanced every where, and upon the sole force of the Chieftains depended the content of the tournament.  
Rozalmond jealous of Alcidamants glory, Amadis of Grians, and Clarisel envying the honour which Griolanis acquired, went and assailed them all at one time, and began one of the bravest combats that ever were seen amongst six Knights, Rozalmonds, & Alcidamants blows were tempests, those of Amadis and Grian had little less fury; and when one delivered a terrible stroke, he was sure to be presently paid again in the same money; now was Alcidamant overturned on the crupper of his horse, by and by Rozalmond was strucken down to the pummel of the saddle; Amadus and Grian knocked their chins against their breasts; Griolanis and Clarisel lost their stirrups; Trasiclea, Brandimanda, and the Pagan Princes valiantly sustained the fury of Russian, and his companions; and the Knights animated by the example of their Leaders, maintained themselves still upon equal terms, in conclusion this tournament wherein no blood was drawn, yielded a most delightful spectacle: Alcidamant and Rozalmond wearied with one another's horrible blows, Amadis, and Grian amazed at each others strength, Clarisel, and Griolanis vexed for that neither of them could prevail, separated themselves all at one instant, and began to fly in again amidst the troops, when as they saw thirteen most dreadful Giants appear, mounted on such great Horses, as their heads seemed to touch the very clouds.  
The sight of these Colosses possessing them with a new resolution, the Troops rallyed together, whilst those eleven courageous Princes, accompanied with Trasiclea and Brandimanda, got suddenly sharp Lances, and placed themselves most opposite to those thirteen Giants, with whose desormitie the Ladies had been very much troubled, had not Urganda laughing, made them confident of the valour of their Knights.  
These Monsters then approaching, with each of them a great Mast in his hand, all those Princes set spurs to their Horses, and dislodging with fury, went to encounter them in the midst of the race, with good hope to be revenged of the interruption they had brought to their sports; but their staves being broken as slightly, as if they had been Reeds, they were marvellously astonished to behold those horrible Giants, changed in an instant into thirteen little Dwarves, which marched before a Chariot, wherein Rozalmond knew Cassandra, with the most beautiful Penamonda of Greece, his Sister. O my dearest friend I said he addressing his speech to Cassandra, how much am I joyed with the sight of you, but how comes it that you are thus accompanied with my sister? My Lord, answered she, I do not bring her without good cause, she comes to congratulate with you, for your good fortune, and to go along with you about a seven-night hence in an adventure of very great importance. Both you, and she, are most heartily welcome, replied Rozalmond, and I am very glad that she is here to keep my Armazia company.  
Hereupon the Princes alighting from their horses, went and saluted the young Princess, who ravished them all with the wonder of her beauty, which no less amazed the Ladies, that came presently down to her, than she was carried with admiration at the sight of so many graces as were assembled in them.  
A good while being spent then in compliments, these Lords and Ladies were ready to ascend the Palace, leaving the ending of the tournament to another time, when as they descried two hundred Knights richly armed, following a triumphant Chariot, wherein sat an old man on a golden Throne, with an Imperial Crown on his head, and a young Lady at his feet: This so stately an equipage drawing every one narrowly to observe them, Palmirenna perceived that it was the Emperor her Father, and her cousin Agiliana, the King of Arbales Daughter, whereat both she, with Amplamira, and the French Princes wife were so troubled, that they were ready to sink down in the place, whereas contrarily Rozalmond, who knew his mind well, went straightway with Griolanis unto him, and bid him very welcome to that Court; The Emperor presently knowing that valiant Prince, and understanding that Griolanis was King of Corolandaya, instantly descended from his Chariot, and exceedingly caressing them, demanded whether these Triumphs were not for the celebration of the Nuptials of Palmirenna, and her Sisters. Great Monarch, answered Rozalmond, they are indeed this day married, and so is also the Daughter of the mighty Emperor of Gardaci●, whom it hath pleased heaven to bestow on me, as likewise that of the Sovereign Lord of Tramazond to this invincible Warrior, showing Alcidamant unto him, together, with the Queen of this Country, the Princess of Clariana, and the fair Brandimanda, Lady of the Amazons. Now verily, said the Emperor, I praise my good fortune for conducting me hither so opportunly for to have a share in this your joy and solemnity; But where are my Children, that they do not appear before me? Sir, answered Roz●lmond, the fear of your displeasure, for the fault they have committed against the authority of a Father and a Sovereign, no doubt keeps them away, but assuring myself that you have freely pardoned them, I will present them straightway unto your Majesty, whereupon Amadis holding Palmirenna by the hand, Floridan Amplamira, and Lucibel Archesidella, they fell on their knees before the Emperor, so ashamed, as they durst not look him in the face, but he having very much caressed them, and testified that these Prince's alliance did infinitely content him, they rose up for to entertain Agiliana, whilst the Emperor, admiring the excellent beauty of the Ladies, went and saluted them with all the courtesy that might be.  
These compliments done, they returned all to the Palace, where the Emperor being very honourably lodged, left his Neipce Agiliana in the hands of Palmirenna, or to say better of Don Sestilian of Spain, who having never made trial of the power of love subjected his freedom to the merits of this beautiful Infanta, remaining her Knight, by the consent of Palmirenna. Supper time come, and the Tables sumptuously covered, all the Lovers were set as at dinner, where they began to discourse with the Emperor, of all that had past the day before, who taking great delight in the sight of this brave company, beheld them one after another, and fixing on Amadis, he could not choose but tell what passion he had been in for him, when he thought him a Wench, which made them all to laugh, especially Palmirenna, that then called to mind, the pleasure she enjoyed at that time, under the disguise of Amadis his sex, but Supper lasting too long for these Lovers, they rose and went to Dancing, the better to entertain the Emperor, who knowing the impatience of their desires, caused them to be lighted severally to their chambers, where we will leave them gathering the fruit of their amorous pains, with such delight, as may be better imagined, than expressed.   

CHAP. XXXIIII. The marvellous adventure that happened in the Court of Corolandaya, and the strange end thereof.  
THe night having been too short for the desires of these Lovers, especially of Rozalmond, Alcidamant, and Clarisel, who till then had never tasted the pleasure of their Ladies chaste embraces, they all met together in the Hall, and for divers days together continued their joy with such contentment, as Fortune seemed unable to cross them, but that inconstant Goddess, which always mixes bitter with the sweet, changed the face of all their delight, and so overthrew the hope of this Court, that without the particular providence of heaven, all the glory of it had been lost in a moment.  
One day as all this princely company were discoursing together, there entered into the Hall a young Gentlewoman with her eyes full of tears, and of so sad a countenance, as moved all that were present to pity, in one hand she had a very rich sword, and her left arm sustained one of the goodliest Shields that ever was seen: Assoon as she was advanced to the midst of the Hall, she for a good while observed all those Lords and Princesses, ravished as it were with the sight of so rare an object, and finding that there was a general silence over all, in expectation of that which she would say, she demanded for Griolanis, and the beauteous Queen his Wife. Here we are said they, making towards her, Gentlewoman, will you have anything with us?  
Great King, answered she, falling on her knees before him, it is not without reason that every one talks of you, as of the prime Knight of the world, and that the beauty of this incomparable Queen, whom the gods have given to your merit, is preferred before all other on the earth, for now I see more than heretofore I could believe; I am come hither to obtain one boon of you, and of this fair Princess, refuse me not, I beseech you, nor let me be the only afflicted woman living that fails of succour from you. Gentlewoman, answered Griolanis, if I am able to do any thing for you, you may speak freely, for I will most willingly grant whatsoever you shall desire of me, and so I think will the queen my Wife. Yes verily, said Adelazia, I will promise her any thing she will ask.  
I could expect no less, replied she, wherefore Sir, be pleased to Arm yourself presently, but you shall use no other Sword nor shield, than these most excellent ones which I have brought of purpose for you, and come both of you along with me, you to combat a Giant that hath ravished me, and she to deliver a servant of mine detained in the charms of an old Sorceress, which torments him for disdaining her affections. It is no small displeasure, said Griolanis, to leave such good company, but since we are obliged by promise, we will follow you instantly, wherupon causing his Arms to be brought him, he took leave of all those Princes, who were exceedingly grieved at their so sudden departure, and finding in the Palace-yard the Gentlewoman's coach with six lusty Horses, he and his Wife entered into it, and were carried away with such speed, as they were instantly out of sight.  
The whole Court being very much troubled with this adventure, every one spoke diversely of it, and some of the Knights were already of opinion to follow after them, when as Urganda, and Cassandra, coming from making their Conjurations cried out; To Arms, Knights, to arms, and suffer not Griolanis, and his Wife to be so wretchedly cast away, they are betrayed by Lestrigond, Neipce to that Maxiana, which the other day was cut in pieces, and if they be not rescued before night, you shall never see them more.  
At these words the Hall was presently empty, the Knights ran all about thorough the Palace, and the astonishment was every where so great, that no body took care of comforting the Ladies, which were mightily afflicted, whilst all the Princes were arming themselves, and their Squires were making ready their horses, whilst the people were running to the Church to pray unto the new god, whom they adored, for the safety of their Sovereigns.  
Griolanis and his Wife being swiftly carried away, arrived at a Forest some three leagues from the City, where the Knight alighting out of the Coach at the sight of two dreadful Giants, drew out the Damosels rich Sword, and with greatfury discharged it upon one of them with an expectation to see him lie at his feet, but it broke into an hundred pieces as that very first blow, nothing remained in his hand but the bare hilt, whereat he was very much amazed, but far more when as he beheld his Shield fall all to fitters, as it had been glass, with the stroke of the other Giant; for all this danger yet being no way dismayed, albeit he thought he was betrayed, he caught up a great arm of a Tree to defend himself, but those two horrible Collossos' delivering two terrible blows both at one instant on his Helmet, laid him all along on the earth, where with cords, which they had ready for the purpose, they bound him hand and foot, and so carrying him to the Coach, where Adelazia was, who tearing her hair filled the air with her shrieks, they instantly galloped away as fast as they could drive.  
In the mean time Rozalmond, Alcidamant, and Grian, being sooner mounted then the rest, road away with such speed, as in less than an hour they arrived at the Forest, where unluckily taking a wrong way, they road up and down seeking in vain for Griolanis, and his Queen, who at length met with a big Knight, bearing two Bears in his shield, which moved with the cries of the Lady, first of all cut asunder the harness of the horses that drew so rich a prey, and then sheathing up his Sword, he charged his Lance so furiously against the Giants, whom he saw making towards him, that he ran one of them thorough the shield, and arm, overthrowing him to the ground, but being scarce able to support the violence of both their encounters upon him at once, he had much ado to keep himself in his saddle, nevertheless he re-settled himself well again, by that time the other Giant had finished his course.  
This fortunate beginning possessing Griolanis with some hope, he would fain have got out of the Coach to have succoured the Knight, in regard he beheld the overthrown Giant, and the other set both upon him together, but finding no means to unbind himself, Adelazia being also in the same case, he was ready to burst with grief, whilst the combat grew very cruel and dangerous: The Knight of the Bears, who had not been used to lose blood, feeling a great gash on his left arm, discharged his sword with such fury upon him that seemed to be most eager in pursuing him, as he cut away a good piece of his Helmet, together with one of his ears, the point lighting upon his shoulder with that force, as it overturned him on the crupper of his horse, whereat the other mightily incensed struck the Knights shield so rudely against his head, that he made him knock his chin against his breast.  
This terrible blow rather animating, than any way discouraging the Knight of the Bears, he took his sword in both his hands, and let it descend with such fury upon his shoulder that struck him last, as he opened him to the very waste, overthrowing him to the earth with a noise like of that of a Pine, which the violence of the winds hath torn up by the roots, wherewith the remaining Giant, being more en●aged then afraid, thundered in such sort on the Knight's Helmet, as made him knock his chin against the pommel of his saddle, quite deprived of sense. O! said Grialanis, (as much vexed with this, as he was glad at the former blow) that I should be thus unable to revenge myself on this Giant, who hath unfortunately reduced this brave Knight to such an estate, as he will not be able to deliver us; whereupon striving with all his might, but in vain, to break his cords in sunder, he descried a gallant Knight come galloping to them, whom by the devise of his shield, he knew to be the valorous Princess of Tramazond, which so assured him of their liberty, as he shouted for joy, with the noise whereof the knight of the bears coming out of his trance resettled himself more furious than a Bel bai●ed with a company of dogs, and fearing lest the Knight that he saw approaching, should bereave him of the honour of the combat, he turned him to the Giant which pursued him, and discharged so cruel a stroke on his arm, as he sent it together with his Curtelas to the earth, and giving him no leisure to bethink himself, he made a thrust with such force at his belly, as it ran him quite thorough and thorough, chase his soul to hell, there to receive the punishment of his wicked life.  
In the mean while the fairest Trasiclea arrived, who having with wonder observed the valour of this invincible Warrior, to her altogether unknown, and beholding Lestrigond save herself by flight, she unlooses the two Lovers, which presently went to the Knight of the Bears, and gave him all possible thanks for their deliverance. I have not done any thing, said he, but what a good Knight is bound courageously to undertake for the succour of the afflicted; wherefore there is no thanks due unto me for it, but if you think yourselves any way obliged unto me, acknowledge it by telling me who you are. Noble Sir, answered Griolanis, that was as much taken with the beauty of his face, as with the force of his arm, I am called Griolanis, and this fair Lady is the Queen of Corolandaya, wherein you now are, both of us this day most wretchedly betrayed, & no question had served for the satisfaction of our enemy's malice, without the assistance of your valour. Is the enchantment then, replied the Knight, wherein you were retained brought to an end? Truly I am very sorry for it, not in that you are freed from the torment you suffered, but in regard I arrived not time enough, to try whether the honour of that adventure, for which I have made a long Journey hither, would have lighted on me.  
Now who is that fortunate Knight, which hath acquired such glory? The Husband of this excellent Princess, answered Griolanis (pointing to Trasiclea, whose exquisite beauty the stranger much admired) named the knight of the burning Rock, that formerly bore three palms on his shield. Verily, said the strange Knight, I do not marvel at it now; for that brave Warrior, being incomparably the best Knight I have known, it was likely that no other could be able to carry it from him. Ah Madam, continued he, kissing Trasicleas' hands, how happy are you in the possession of so renowned a Knight. It is the greatest bliss I have in the world, answered she, but Sir, I could wish it were accompanied with the knowledge of you, for the brave act, which you lately performed, obligeth so many of us together, as I cannot be without this curiosity. Madam, answered he, as it is my extreme good fortune, that you desire to know me, so I must humbly beseech you for some reasons to excuse me, if I do not obey you herein for the present.  
Trasiclea perceiving that he desired to conceal himself, importuned him no farther, and causing Griolanis and Adelazia to mount upon one of the Giant's horses, they all road on towards Agricant, and on the way they met with Rozalmond, Alcidamant, and Grian, who beholding Griolanis and his wife safe from all danger, went and embraced them, with such demonstration of joy and affection, as if they had not seen them of a long time before, and desiring to be informed of their deliverance, they showed them the valiant Knight of the Bears, to whom Rozalmond addressing himself, said. Noble Sir, shall we not have the honour to know you? That you shall, answered the Knight, for being altogether your servant, I may by no means conceal myself from you; whereupon suddenly alighting, and lifting up the visier of his Helmet, he discovered himself to be Persides, brother to Floridan of Persia, whereat Rozalmond was so exceeding glad, that he held him a great while embraced in his arms, and then left him to the entertainment of the rest, who after many compliments, having related unto him all that had passed in Corolandaya, they all got to horse, and road to the City, where after the return of all those which were gone in the quest of Griolanis, there was such joy for that so dangerous an affair had (beyond all hope and expectation) so prosperous a conclusion, that nothing was to be seen but bonfires, triumphs, and feast.   

CHAP. XXXV. All the Princes depart out of Corolandaya, some to go to the Castle of Treasure, and the rest to return into Martaria.  
THE arrival of the gentle Persides of Greece, and the happy deliverance of Griolanis & Adelazia, filling all the Court of Corolandaya with joy, the Emperor of Martaria, persuaded to the embracing of the Christian religion, resolved to be baptised, & to make choice of those two Lamps of war, Alcidamant, and Rozalmond, for his Godfathers, which was performed with all the state and magnificence, that so short a time would afford: And such were the delights and pleasures of this Court, as it seemed to be an earthly Paradise, but who knows not that there is not any content of long continuance in this world? for fortune interposing her envy, Brandlmanda falls extremely sick, whereat every one very much grieving, begins to fear some greater misfortune, which accordingly was not long in coming.  
Vrganda, seeing them one day all assembled in the hall, caused silence to be made, and then spoke thus unto them. Brave Princes, if you esteemed more of delight then glory, I should not now tell you that it is time for you to betake you to your arms, first for the honour of that great God, whom we adore, and then for the conservation of those Empires, which are under the obedience of your Parents; The care that I have always had to maintain them in greatness, having made me the last night to consider the aspect of the Stars, and the motions of the Moon, I discovered some presages of a mighty misfortune towards, and all the signs which I observed were so many thunderbolts, ready to fall on Christondome, whereupon turning over my books for to come to a more particular knowledge of the mischief, that so I might prepare a remedy for it, I found that the storm is raised by the instigation of Idalcan, Emperor of mely, who being infinitely displeased, for that he was vanquished by Sylvan, at such time as Fulgoran and Prigmaleon covered the fields of Greece with an innumerable multitude of soldiers, stirs up all Paganism, together with Falanzar, great Emperor and Caliph of Siconia, his near kinsman, in revenge of that affront, taking a slight occasion in the first place, to ruin the Empire of Ethiopia, (whereby he will commence his conquests) upon the alliance which Prigmaleon, who possesseth it, hath made with the Princes of Greece, changing his Religion for to have Polixena, the daughter of Don Florisel of Niquea.  
The Posts run up and down, and their league is like to be so great, that most of the Princes of Paganism, and of the bravest Knights that worship Idols, are shortly to assemble, for to bring an incredible number of people into the field, in which regard I have resolved to dispatch away Cassandra, presently to advertise Don Florisel thereof, to the end that drawing all the Christian Princes to his party, he may labour to repel the tempest, which is to fall on Ethiopia; I know that the loss will be great on both sides, but if I be not much deceived, these Infidels shall not get out of so dangerous an enterprise, in any better sort than they have done at other times, for  
The Prophecy.  
THe Lions, that divers ages have been shut up for their own good, being free from the chains which so long a time hath detained them, shall then come forthroaring so dreadfully, that the Crows, unable to make use of their wings, shall be torn in pieces by the claws of these resuscitated beasts.  
In consideration whereof it is most necessary, that fix of you dissoldge to morrow, to give an end to the enchantment of the Castle of Treasure, situated in the dangerous Forests of the great Kingdom of Martan, near adjoining to the Empire of Mexico, a most difficult adventure, but upon the achievement whereof assuredly depends the happiness or ruin of Christendom. You shall be the first, said she to Rozalmond, that shall be engaged herein, as having most in●erest in the business, you shall be accompanied with Am●dis, with Clarisol, with Alcidamant, with Grian (who shall not defer this voyage for his wife's sickness; the care of whose recovery I will take upon me) and with the brave King of Corolandaya. You shall carry all these fair Princesses your wives along with you, who will stand you in no little stand, and because the vali●nt Knight of the Savages wives keeps her bed, in her place we will send Penamonda of Greece, of whom I hope he will have no less regard, then of his own life.  
Madam, answered Rozalmond, if we did not know that the proudest buildings are soon strucken with lightning, and that fortune makes greatness the object of her tyranny, we should wonder to see such flourishing Empires, as are now under the protection of a Cross, subject to the menaces of a ruin, but being well assured of the inconstancy of the things of this world, & that God will chastise his people that take no care to serve him, weverily believe that the rage of these infidels might soon overthrow our glory, if we should not be assisted from heaven, and with your skill; wherefore we will most readily prepare ourselves for the Enterprise which you have propounded, since it is of that importance you speak of, and not staying till to morrow we will dislodge instantly if you please. It will suffice that you depart at the time I have appointed, replied Vrganda, so that I would have you take order for your affairs, whilst I turn over my books, and see whether I may be permitted to succour you in any sort.  
Going then from the hall to her Chamber, she left the company astonished at such unwelcome news, but the greatness of these Champions courages not permitting them to fear any danger whatsoever, they turned them to the Emperor of Martaria, who desiring to appear a Christian, and to show the Princes of Greece what esteem he made of their alliance, told them that he was resolved to return into Martaria, as soon as ever they were gone, and raise fifty thousand horse, for to pass into Ethiopia, under the conduct of Persides, Lucibel, and Sestilian, who was very glad of this occasion, that he might not be so soon separated from the beautiful Agiliana, his Mistress, who acknowledging the merits of this young Prince loved him very dearly.  
This zeal of the Emperor obliging the Grecian Princes, they rendered him a thousand thanks, and protested he should never find them unmindful of so great a favour. On the other side Griolanis, seeing that he was suddenly to depart, gave out Commissions to levy twenty thousand foot, under the leading of the gentle Russian of Media, and of the Marquis of Beltamir, Brandimanda being resolved to join twenty thousand Amazon horse unto them, which she sent to have raised in her dominions, attending her recovery in Corolandaya.  
Whilst our six Warriors were preparing themselves, Cassandra flew away in a Chariot, which was never wanting to her designs, and all these Princes began to feel the displeasure of so sudden a separation; Agriclea sighed for the departure of Armazia, the Jnfantaes of Martaria, for that of their sister the fairest Palmirenna, and the mirth of the Court was suddenly converted into tears.  
The next morning then, Vrganda assembled all these great Knights in the hall, whither she caused six complete armours to be brought, all of them so rich and strong, as they amazed every one, and presenting them to the six Knights, which were engaged for the Enterprise of the Castle of Treasure, they presently quitted their own arms, and put on them, and as they were about to take their leave of the Emperor, a little Dwarf entered in, followed by a very handsome Squire, who beholding all these Princes without their Helmets, went and fell at the feet of Alcidamant with tears of joy in his eyes. O my Lord! said he unto him, how haypy am I, that have found you out thus, when least I hoped for it, do not refuse to own me, I beseech you, but grant me the honour, as formerly I have been, to continue still to be your servant. That thou shalt, my dear Arnides, answered Alcidamant, for I will not turn thee away now, as I did whenI was anHermit, but how didst thou know that I was here? My Lord, replied he, when you commanded me to leave you to the liberty of your sad thoughts, and return into France, I could not endure to quit you so, wherefore I retired to a Village some three miles off, from whence I went once a-week to your Hermitage, but because I would not displease you with the sight of me, I came into your Grot at such times, as I knew you were making your accustomed complaints abroad under the trees, and judging by the continuance of the Lamps burning; that you were still alive, I stole away again softly, by which means at length finding you departed, I betook me to travel up and down, hoping that one day I should meet with you; and hearing of the wonders which have happened in this Court of late, by good fortune I came hither. I commend thy affection as much, as I am well pleased to see thee, said Alcidamant, thou art come very seasonably, wherefore prepare to be gone with me instantly.  
This short discourse ended, the Dwarf approached to Amadis, and said unto him; My Lord, do not you know me? No verily, said Amadis, for I do not remember that ever I saw thee before. Why thus it is, answered he, to do service unto such as you are; can you call to mind the Grot in Martaria, whither I led you, when you had defeated the Monster of the mountain of Bears? Ah! my little Bastinel, said Amadis unto him, I must now confess my fault, thou art he indeed that healedst me in a night. It is true, answered the Dwarf, that I am he who cured your wounds in less time than you speak of, but you never think of the recompense which you promised then to give me. Ask what thou wilt, said Amadis, and I will grant it thee. Why then, said Bastinel, I desire nothing but the favour, to be either yours, or the fair Princess of Martaria your Wife's Squire. Verily, said Palmirenna, that for all her sorrow, to part with her Father and Sister, could not choose but laugh, I will entertain thee most willingly, and me thinks it were better for thee to be with me, than my Lord Amadis, for so thou shalt be sure to lead a quieter and pleasanter life. Be it so then, said Bastinel, but, Madam, it shall be upon condition that if I fall in love with any of your fair Maids, you shall not be offended with it.  
Hereat every one fell a laughing, especially Mascarin, Miralinda's little Lover, that pressing thorough all the company, fell to caressing of Bastinel, and had much increased the mirth, if the sage Urganda had not urged the departure of these Knights, who addressed themselves to the Emperor for to receive his commandments. He having embraced them, left them to take their farewell of the rest, which was not done without many tears shed by these Princesses, that were to accompany them, howbeit considering that this separation was but for a further good, they went and seated themselves in a magnificent Chariot, which with eight excellent Horses Adelazia had prepared, and attended by these Princes mounted upon their Steeds, took their journey towards the great Kingdom of Martan. Two hours after, the Emperor embarked himself, with his two Sons-in-law, Persides and Lucibel, for to return into Martaria. Let us leave them traversing the Land and Seas, to speak a little of the Pagans resolution, who assembled with a design, to abate the greatness of the Christians, and range tham to the adoration of their Idols.   

CHAP. XXXVII. The Emperor Falanzar, Caliph of Siconia, solicited by Idalcan, Emperor of mely, assembles all Paganism; the resolution they take to make war upon the Princes of Grease, with the general muster of their Army.  
MEn that are generous, have nothing so tender as their honour, which they cannot endure should be any way touched without some great resentment thereof: Idalcan Emperor of mely calling to mind the slaughter of the Kings, and of a flourishing Army, which he had conducted to Constantinople for the succour of Prigmaleon, and being no less grieved for having been vanquished in his own particular, by Sylvan, the son of Don Silves de la Silua (as hath been related in the five and thirtieth Chapter of our first part) he resolved once more to employ all his Friends, and to Arm all the world, rather than want the revenge of so outrageous an affront. To this effect he dispatched away Courriers to divers parts, as soon as he was arrived in his Empire, desiring all the Kings and Princes adjoining to his Country, to repair unto Falanzar, great Emperor, and Caliph of Siconia, his near kinsman, for to deliberate of certain affairs, much importing the glory of Paganism.  
These dispatches made, he commanded all his Captains to come before him, unto whom he delivered commissions for the raising and arming of threescore thousand men, and departing instantly thereupon, he went into Siconia, where his rage furnishing him with reasons able to persuade very much, he so incensed Falanzar against the Christians, that he resolved to set up his rest on this quarrel, and to revenge his Kinsman at the cost of all the Pagans.  
Bethinking him then of those which might best serve his enterprise, he sent away messengers to the furious King of Grifalara, to Brufaldar, King of Gedrosia; and to the valorous Artogant, Sultan of Francapa; to Marmaran, Sophy of Bultera; to Brizardan, Sultan of Aratifia; to the grand Savage; to the King of Russia; to Gronfalin of Moreda, King of Facea; to Gorgophon, the redoubted Colonel of the Giants; to Marcelian, Emperor of Medra; to the proud Caliph of Francapia Antomedon; to Fierastron, King of Balivan; to Asturion, the strong Sultan of Brutacon; to Furcamond, King of Martan; to Moranteon, Sultan of Circassia, whom afterwards he reconciled to Gorgophon about the carrying away of Armazia; to the King of Cabilla; to Palamedes, King of Cassandria; and briefly to all the Princes from whom he could hope for any assistance, in such sort, that at the end of two months, there were in person at his Court, together with the Kings of Mauritania, of Tremizen, of Zamphara, of Zambar, of Cartagena, of Aganezes, of Angali, of Numidia, of Bisaura, of Thunes, of Teneri, of Miramolin; of the Isle of Till, of the Tragonites, of Zanfara, of Calizan, of Morlavia, of Nazamor, of Siziphala, of Tingafort, of Barnagas, of Monomatapan, of Arginare, and of Cornata (all which came at the request of the Emperor of mely) an hundred and thirteen Kings, Emperors, Caliphs', Sultan's, and Sovereign Princes, from whose valours great wonders were to be expected. All these great Lords being by Falanzar assembled in a stately and spations Hall where he had caused so many Thrones to be erected, and perceiving a silence over all, he spoke in this manner.  

The Oration of Falanzar Emperor of Siconia, to the Pagan Potentates.  
MIghty Princes, I have troubled you so far, as to assemble you here for to represent two things unto you, which are of great consequence for us. The glory of our Altars much abated by the insolence of certain petty Princes of Greece, and the little resentment of the outrages, we have a thousand times received thereupon; It is more than time, me thinks for us to rouse up ourselves, to appear more zealous in the service of the gods, more sensible, and less daunted for some passed losses, which have fallen upon us by the indiscreet managing of our designs, and by our neglect of taking hold of occasion, when it hath been fairly presented unto us. We have suffered them to grow great, for which they mock us; nay, that is worse, are so vain, as to threaten to come and share our Crowns with us at their pleasure, to put us all to the sword, to force our people to acknowledge their Dominion, and to render all the earth subject to their command. Is not this a vanity too insupportable to bear, and shall we endure to have them come and seek us in our houses, for to deprive us of our Wives, our Lands, and our liberties? Verily it amazes me, that all Paganism being replenished with mighty Emperors, Callphs, Sultan's, Princes, and excellent Knights, no man would never yet speak of overrunning these insolents, and not leaving them so much as a foot of ground, upon which they might tread as Masters; For mine own part, I am resolved to exhaust all my treasures, put all my subjects into Arms, and not to leave a soldier in all the Empire of my Cousin of mely (who hath far more cause to complain, and speak as I do) for to march into the Empire of Ethiopia (whose Prince hath of late played Bankrupt without gods, for to ally himself with their enemies) and utterly to subvert it, to the end that in some sort discharging the duty I owe unto their providence, which have made me Lord of a great people, I may not draw their displeasure upon me, so that if your zeal be like unto mine (as by your countenances I am persuaded to hope;) you will not stick at the consideration of the pains you are to suffer, but will cheerfully go to the Empires which are destined to your valours, and appropriating the Crowns thereof unto yourselves, you may in such sort receive some kind of satisfaction for your labours; Now if you apprehend the dangers which are oftentimes incident to these troublesome undertake, remember that you shall do no more than myself; I will always ●arch with you in Arms, I will encounter the enemy courageously, and ever being the first at blows, I will still be the last, if I may, to retire. Behold, great Kings, the Emperor of Mellyes designs, together with mine freely discovered, let us now understand your minds, to the end we may know from whom we may expect to be succoured in so just and glorious an enterprise.   
It is usual with men to differ in opinion upon the proposition of any matter whatsoever: The most part of these Princes, and especially they which desired to seek for glory in blood and slaughter, found this design to be generous, howbeit the rest, who weighed all things with a more mature deliberation, thought it not fit to be embraced. Falanzar required a general advice, but because they could not speak all at once, every man cast his eye upon the King of Cabilla, a man of age and experience, and desired him to answer for them all, who after he had often refused to deliver his opinion before so many Emperors and Princes, that were far more eminent in greatness than himself, at length spoke in this manner.  

The King of Cabillaes' answer to Falanzar.  
GReat Monarch, the Design you propound is very generous, full of zeal for the glory of our Altars, and for the honour of our Crowns, but it is no less difficile than great, and when I consider the mischiefs that follow Wars, whereof the event is ever doubtful, I neither can authorize, nor will counsel you to follow it. You attempt most redoubted enemies, that were never beaten, either abroad or at home, all together, or apart, and that know so well how to manage their affairs, as they will make an Elephant of a Rat, and so favoured of Fortune, that when a man thinks them at the lowest of the wheel, he shall be sure to find them on the top. Our Predecessors have many times covered the fields of Greece with an infinity of men; Have they thereby abated their greatness? Nay, ●ather they have augmented it, and their own defeat hath served to render them more more glorious. If you will call to mind the mighty assemblies which the progenitors of the great Duke of Muscovy, that now hears me, have heretofore made, or that furious voyage of Aleppo, where it was believed that all the earth would tremble at the very sight of our Standards, but not to go so far, if you will consider that here are now present, many Successors of a number of Princes slain in these last expeditions, rashly undertaken for the King of Canabea, who at length proved to be their Kinsman, and for the young Emperor of Ethiopia, whom love hath turned enemy to his own gods, without doubt you will not so lightly precipitate year selves, nor forsaking the rest you so quietly enjoy, will you go and seek out travels, whose recompense is but ill assured; the Descent to hell is easy, so is not the return, we may carry a million of men into their Territories, but how many of them can we say, that we shall save from the fury of their swords? I know that revenge is sweet, but I condemn those that desire it, when they are not able to obtain it. Nor d●e I speak this, because I misdoubt the valour of our Knights, and of so many Giants as we have, whose forces are extreme, but figure 〈◊〉 yourselves I pray you, Prigmalion, Fulgoran, and the brave Bastard of Media, in the heads of an hundred thousand Horse, cutting our squadrens' in pieces; represent unto yourselves Florisel of Niquea, Don Rogel of Greece, Spheramond Emperor of the Parthians, as three furies amongst our Troops, and fifty Princes of their blood, nothing inferior to them in valour, overthrowing all that ever they meet withal; besides, have you not heard of those two invincible Champions? Alcidamant and Rozalmond, whose blows are no less violent than lightning; Ask of the mighty Gorgophon, who hath seen and encountered them in arms, what is to be expected from their fury; Demand of the redoubted Brizardine, Sultan of Aralafia, and of the brave Arastron, whom here you behold, or rather of me alas! Demand I say what they think, and what I believe concerning the valour of a young Amadis, who in the Empire of Martaria, that went disguised in the habit of a maiden Slave, they are witnesses of his force, and for my part I can tell to my ever lasting grief, that his blows are so many tempests, under the fury whereof I have seen Rifantes, who might justly vaunt himself to be one of the best Knights of the world, cleft down to the shoulders; but to go further yet, what think you of the famous Knight of the Savage, who fills all the earth with wonder, or of a young Shepherd called Clarisel, before whom the strongest Giants have fallen, are not they to be feared? Or will the Jncounter of the valiant King of Corolandaya, and a thousand more that I could name, whose swords would be so many thunderbolts, on the heads of our friends, leave you in assurance of victory? Verily me thinks I see our Soldiers already tumbling into the Sea at the landing of our ships, I see them some cut off by the middle, others divided in twain, and all of them bathing in a River of blood; Wherefore I will never conclude for war, ●or counsel you to be Author of their destruction, for it is a greater glory to preserve, then to conquer a people. Hewbeit, if they should prove so audacious, as to come hither, for to see how our Crowns would become their heads, than would I speak no longer of rest, but would be the the first in the field, and let the world know, it was not the fear of death made me produce these reasons, which I have delivered to persuade you, that a certain peace is better than an uncertain victory.   
This discourse very powerful, and maintained with the experience of things, having put them all in suspense, every one began to consider the consequence of this design, when as Roussardan the furious King of Grisalara, rose up, and casting a disdainful look on the King of Cabilla, turned him to Falanzar, saying.  
GReat Emperor of Sciconia, the advice which the King of Cabilla gives you, is indeed very fit for him, that prefers his pleasures before glory, but most pernicious for a Prince, that desires to render himself greater by his own virtue, than by the possession of States, and I wonder that so many excellent Knights, wherewith this place is replenished, could all this while endure such prating, as hath done nothing but undervalue us; he b●asts the power of our enemies, as if ours were less, and measuring every one's arm by his own, which is unable to support more than one Sceptre, would persuade us that those of the Christians are stronger, and their swords better edged than ours, but we should prove as cowardly, as he to bel●●ve him, and it would for ever hereafter be a shame unto as, if we should n●w retire upon so unworthy a consideration: I agree with him, that the effect of War is doubtful, nor will I deny but that some of their Knights are strong and valiant, but where should we seek for honour but in dangers, and what shall crown our work, but the difficulty of our enterprise? That is it which must renown us, and the remembrance of the passed wars, aught to work a contrary effect to that he speaks of, not to increase our fear, but our courage, for obtaining that which our Predecessors could not obtain to, we shall join the glory of their actions to ours, and triumphing over those that have vanquished them, we shall fill the world with the praises of our valour, for mine own part I will join my forces with yours, and I believe there are few here but will do the like.  
What cannot the persuasions of a valiant man do with active spirits? All those Kings, the most part so inclined of themselves, and the rest in imitation of them, rose up and protesting for the war, marvellously rejoiced Falanzar, who having assured them that he expected no other from the greatness of their courages, gave them infinite thanks, and particularly caressed Roussardan, the Grand Savage, and Gorgophon; whereupon he let them depart with a promise of return within three months, at which time there appeared in the playns of Siconia; first, fourscore thousand Horse raised in the dominions of Falanzar, whose Imperial Ensign carried two silver Doves in a field azure; threescore thousand of Idalcans' subjects, the Emperor of mely, who bore a Gerfalcon crowned: Thirty thousand the followers of Artogan, Sultan of Francapa, that carried three Escallops in a golden field: Thirty thousand in the head, whereof marched the Cornet of Marmaran, Sophy of Bultara, with three Griffons, struck all through with one sword; Thirty thousand under the conduct of the furious King of Grifalara, whose Arms were two Lions in a chain, held by the force of one hand; Thirty seven thousand that came from Aralafia, whose Sultan carried three Roses, separated by a broken cheveron; Forty thousand followed Armandor, the great Duke of Muscovy, who bore three Eagles in a sky; Twenty thousand were led by the brave Moranteon, Sultan of Circassia, having three Bears in a silver field: The Grand Savage conducted fifteen thousand, with his son Furiander, Tipheus, the huge and dreadful Giant Burcandor of the Rock, and Bucarquant his brother, two of the strongest and valiantest Giants of the earth: Gorgophon followed them accompanied with thirty Giants, and twenty thousand men; Next after marched Marcelian, Emperor of Media, bearing two fishes argent hanging at a line in a field gueles, with five and twenty thousand, two and twenty Giants, Argantor, Lizart, Bronta●or, and Borald the stout, most redoubted Knights, and of great esteem in Arms; The stately Caliph of Francapia, Antomedon carrying a Panther tied in a silver chain, appeared in the front of sixteen Giants, and twenty thousand Knights richly armed; The strong Astrurion, Sultan of Brutacan, having an Ape between three Wolves, followed next with two and twenty thousand men, Margenio, Fiortan, Brandimart, and Plaiartes, excellent Warriors; After him Policastaleon, King of Zeilan, a valiant Pagan bearing a Siren in the midst of a troubled Sea, conducted fifteen thousand very brave Horse, fourteen Giants, with the gallant Alceus, Astrenion the glorious, and Cariander the hairy; The redoubted King of Baleon, Fierastron bearing a bloody sword in his Cornets, marched with five and twenty Giants, and twenty five thousand men, than Gronfalin King of Pacea, presented himself with twelve thousand Horse, and fifteen Giants; and last of all marched the valorous Brufaldon, King of Gedrosia, bearing a great many of Ermines in a Crescent, with seven and thirty Giants, and two and twenty thousand men, well appointed. After the Muster of this Cavalero, which amounted to five hundred thousand Horse, and more; all the Infantry advanced, conducted by the Kings of Mauritania, of Tremisen, of Zaphir, of Zambar, of Cartegena, of Aganazes, of Budomel, of Moraria, of Arger, of Angali, of Numidia, of Bizaur, of Thunes, of Teneri, of Miramlin, of the I'll of Till, of the Tragenites, of Zanfara, of Calisan, of Morlavia, of Nazamor, of Siziphalt, of Tingefort, of Barnagas, of Monomatapan, of Arginari, and of Cornate, which being composed of four hundred thousand men, and an hundred Giants, gave infinite content to Falanzar, who was by an unanimous consent elected General of all those Troops, which amounting to nine hundred thousand men, and upwards, were embarked speedily, and put to Sea, where we will leave them sailing with a prosperous wind, and turn to see what our Christian Princes will do, being advertised by Cassandra, of such a dangerous expedition against them.   

CHAP. XXXVII. Cassandra arriveth at Constantinople, to advertise the Grecian Princes of the mighty Army the Pagans had brought into the field, to march into Ethiopia; the resolution they take thereupon.  
CAssandra posting as nimbly through the clouds, as a Bird, whose wings had the assistance of a favourable wind, arrived in two days at Constantinople, to the great content of all the Princes there, and especially of Don Florisel of Niquea, who caressing her, demanded what good news she had brought them of their children, and of the health of Arquiffe and Vrgand●? Sir (answered Cassandra) my father and my mother were never in better estate, nor more disposed to your service, Amadis of Trebisond, Rozalmond, Clarisel of Guindaya your son, Persides, Floridan of Persia, Lucibel of France, and Russian of Media, have got so great a reputation, performing daily such wonderful exploits, that they are deservedly accounted the bravest Knights of the earth: It will not be long before you see them here, accompanied with their wives, the fairest Princesses alive: Your son enjoys the incomparable Shepherdess of France, Miralinda, the excellent lustre of whose beauty hath filled the world with amazement, whose virtues do● far exceed her birth, though that cannot be denied to be most noble, she being daughter to the Marquis of Monteclare, one of the first houses of France, and Sister to that invincible Knight of the Palms, of whose valour yourself have been sometimes a witness; Rozalmond is the only favourite of the matchless Armazia, Princess of the great Empire of Gardacia; Amadis of Trebisond, shall succeed the Emperor of Martaria, by the enjoying of Palmirenna, heir to a multitude of fruitful and flourishing Provinces: Lucibel and Floridan of Persia, shall marry the two sisters of that Princess; and gentle Russian having taken to Wife the fair Agriclea, is possessrd of the Crown of Clariana.  
Dear Lady (said Florisel to Cassandra) it is no less content to me to hear my Son is that renowned Knight, of whom all France, and Great Britain as speak of some prodigy, then that my Brother and Nephew have gained the Empires of Gradaria and Martaria, for I value the merit and wisdom of Miralinda at so high a rate, that I esteem no less of her, than of the greatest Princess alive. And believe it, when they shall present themselves unto me, I will not fail to receive them with a hearty entertainment.  
Without doubt (replied Cassandra) you can do no less, neither can you choose but rejoice at the happy event of these things. But Sir, it is most necessary that I should a little disturb the quiet, and content you now enjoy, and impart unto you a secret which I fear will find but a bad welcome. All the Pagans are up in Arms, at the instance of Idalcan Emperor of mely, who not long since received an overthrow in this place, and so great is the number of the forces they have assembled, now ready to fall upon Ethiopia (because of the alliance the Emperor Prigmaleon hath lately made with you) that unlesst it be assisted by some peculiar providence from heaven (who never suffers his to perish for want of succour) you cannot easily prevent their ruin: I know very well the greatness of your courage will contemn this danger, but take heed what you do, for all other Armies that you have seen assembled heretofore, are nothing in comparison of this, where so many brave Knights will be ready to encounter you, that the force of your unconquered Armies, and of your friends, were never more useful, and necessary than now.  
Let them come when they will, said Florisel, we will be prepared for them, and I hope to give them such entertainment, as shall well abate the fury of their pride; and the rather, I make no doubt if you will assist us a little with some effect of your skill. Sir, answered she, you must expect succour from heaven, and your own valour; the assistance of my skill can afford you none, unless I should raise the dead, and bring them to fight for your safety; but I perceive you do not understand these words, nor can I speak in plainer terms till the Destinies give way unto it: think only upon those things which a good Captain ought to put in practice for the annoying of his enemies, and being seconded by Fortune, who is always your friend, make them know that you are still invisible.  
You have advised so well, answered Florisel, that if you please to go and try what entertainment our Ladies will give you, I will in the mean time deliberate thereupon; so leaving her with Sidonia, and the other Princesses that accompanied her (to whom she was forced to make a particular relation of the loves and adventures of Amadis and Clarisel, and to describe the beautiee of Armazia, Mirglinda, Palmirenna, and her Sisters.) He caused a●l the Princes then present at Constantinople to assemble in the Council chamber, where he spoke to them in this manner;  
Sirs, I did not call you hither to resolve whither we ought to make a War or no, since necessity enforceth us thereunto, but to consult with you what means we had best use to oppose the violence of so mighty an enemy, as is now ready to fall upon us: It is a matter of no small consequence, our eternal glory, or absolute ruin depending thereupon; Wherefore I am of opinion, our states having so long a time enjoyed peace, and being now furnished with a multitude of brave soldiers, who desire nothing more than opportunity to show themselves so, that it will be the best way to employ our Subjects, our Allies, & all our friends, and to raise as many men as possibly we can, without taking from such garrisons as shall be necessary in important places, so to prevent the insolences of our enemies, and cause that desolation, which continually waits upon War, to fall rather upon their own, than our Territories. They aim at Ethiopia, wherefore (said he, addressing himself to Prigmaleon) my advice shall be, since that Empire receives your Laws, and acknowledgeth your Sovereignty, that you depart suddenly with such forces as I will send along with you, that you employ all the friends you can make in these parts, that you cause your Ports, and Frontier Towns to be fortified with all diligence, and that you manage your affairs with such discretion, that you may be able for a while to withstand the assault of so furious an Army; In the mean time we will hasten your succour, and cut out so much work for these Insolents, that perhaps it may prove the last design they shall ever undertake against us.  
This opinion meeting with no opposition, was equally received of all, as the most profitable; so every one retired to consider of his charge. Florisel gave out Commissions for the speedy levying of fifty thousand Horse in Greece, sent certain Gentlemen to Don Rogel, to Spheramond; to the Queen of Alaxtraxerea, to Lucondus King of France; dispatched his Courriers to Rome, to Germany, to Sardinia, to great Britain, to Guindaya, to the Kings of Dardania, of Comogena, of the greater Indies, of Samothracia, of Lydia, of Cataya, of Poland, of Hungary, of Moldavia, of Ireland, of Scotland, of Turkey; in brief, to all the Princes of his acquaintance; entreating them to meet him with their forces at Constantinople, as soon as they possibly could.  
He having made all these dispatches, and being taught by experience, that the wisdom and foresight of men do oftentimes exempt them from eminent dangers, he caused Prigmaleon and Fulgoran to depart in a small Flyboat, which cost the fair Polixena his Wife many a tear, who was forced to stay behind him; and four days after he sent the valiant Esquilan of Poland, in whose virtue he was most confident, with him the two Cenophales', Rosanel of Astrea, who was then in the Court with the fair English Lady his Wife, florian, Tristor, Perionaf Turkey; Quadragant, Agrian, of Scotland; Abies of Ireland; Dordanio, Florisartus, Leonidas of Mesopotamia; Armond of Bohemia; ●nd Melford, in the head of fifty thousand Horse, commanding them to repair with all expedition to Saba, the chief City of Ethiopia; and to acknowledge Prigmaleon for their General, until such time as he should be there himself in person.  
In the mean space whilst these troops were advancing Prigmaleon and Fulgoran, at the Sea, had the benefit of afair wind, but we seldom arrive at our desires without some crosses, for on a sudden the Sea begins to swell, and waxeth so rough, that the Mariners foreseeing a violent tempest, were forced to cast Anchor at the edge of a rock which made the point of a little Island, where these two Knights dis-imbarquing themselves to decline the trouble of the Seas, advanced into the Land, commanding the Pilot to wait their return.  
The Island seemed to be very delightful, by reason of the abundance of Trees planted in a handsome order, upon the sides of little pleasant hills, and shadowing the crystal Rivulets, which environed the fruitful Meadows: As they were discoursing of the wonders of God, the Creator of all those things that presented themselves to their view, they espied a beautiful young Lady coming towards them, who ever and anon tearing her hair, uttered these sad and strange complaints; Alas! said she, must the fire consume so sweet a face, and can a woman's rage be the cause of so great a disaster! O ye gods! let this day produce some miracle, and if ye will preserve me alive, deliver this Knight from so cruel a death.  
These words disposed the hearts of the two Princes to a sensibility of compassion, so that drawing near to her, Fulgoran spoke in this manner; Lady, may it lie in our power to do you any service in this so pressing an affliction? Yes, without doubt, replied she, and the pains you take, will be most honourably employed, in saving from death a most deserving Knight, one of the most amiable the eyes of man ever beheld; if you please to walk forward, I'll give you the whole relation, for I fear, if we should make any stay here, we should come too late to relieve him.  
This Knight arrived three months since in this Island, which is called the deceitful Island; It was his ill fortune to fall into the hands of Gargaracia, a Giantess, none of the largest in the world, but the cruelest that ever was, for taking pleasure in shedding of man's blood, she continually entertains a multitude of Ruffians in a Castle, who either by surprisal, or force, seize upon all the Knights that pass this way, and cast them into prison, from whence she bringeth out some of them once a year to facrifice to her Idols; This young Gentleman, I say, being arrived here, encountered twelve of her Soldiers, which thinking presently to lay hands on him, were charged with such an undaunted valour, that ten of them being cut in pieces, the other two betook themselves to their heels; this Knight pursuing them with too much confidence, came at length before the Castle gates of this Gyantesse, who making use of me for the better accomplishing of her treasons, caused me to descend to appease his anger, and to entreat him to take the benefit of the Castle to refresh himself in, and to be assured that he should not receive the least wrong there.  
His ill fortune enduced him to believe me, so that he presently followed me in, and unarming himself, he showed me so rare a beauty, that to say the truth, I began a little to feel the power of love, which bred in me such an extreme sorrow, that I had been the means to imprison him within those cruel Walls, as at the same instant, I had set him at liberty, by causing him to retire, if Gargaracia had not then entered with a design, rather to take from him his life, than to give him any courteous entertainment; but the ravishing charms of his looks overmastering this bloodthirsty humour, she forthwith became passionately amorous, resolving to spare him for the satisfying of her filthy lust, and shamelessly embracing him, she let him know, that her intent was to make him happy, by vouchsafing him a part in her own bed.  
At those words the Knight taking a full view of her, and seeing her face furrowed with wrinkles, her eyes sunk into her head, her grisly knotted hairs, blobberd-lips, flat nose, accompanied with all the marks of ugliness, could hardly forbear laughter, nevertheless considering that there might be danger in provoking her, he made this reply, that his faith obliging him to be ever true to the affections of a certain Lady whom he loved, he humbly besought her not to take it ill, that he could not embrace the honour she was pleased to offer him; How, said she, in a great rage, do you slight me thus, knowing that you are now in my power? believe me you shall repent it at leisure. Then laying hands on him, she called twenty of her servants to her, by whose assistance having fast bound him, she cast him (to my great grief) into a dark Dungeon, purposing to inflict daily upon him insufferable torments; but her passion of love bearing a greater sway than that of anger, she called me to her at break of day, & telling me that the night's rest had not freed her from those unquiet thoughts whereto the beauty of the young Knight had subjected her, she desired me to visit him, and to advise him to live in her favour, otherwise he must expect no mercy.  
This command suiting with my wishes, I presently took a Torch in my hand, and went down to the place, where I found the Knight bound, who perceiving me coming towards him, demanded if I brought him the first news of his death,; to whom I answered, that my coming was not to afflict him, but to let him know, that in my opinion he could do much better, to give way a little to my Lady's passion, then to submit himself to her cruelty; she is preparing, said I, horrible torments, avoid them, I beseech you, since you may, and be not so cruel to yourself, as to become your own Murderer. How, replied he, yield to the affection of such a Monster! Lady, if this be the end your discourse aims at, I must needs let you know you lose your labour; she thinks to affright me with the threats of punishment, and I am resolved to endure them all even to death, than in the least measure to satisfy her desires. You are then said I, either very faithful, or else too wilful in your opinion; Neither the one nor the other, answered he, for I cannot acknowledge myself guilty of any wilfulness, in refusing the embraces of an old carcase, the very sight whereof is a terror to me: neither do I decline them to keep my affections entire to any Mistress, my soul as yet being free from subjection to any beauty whatsoever, and if I did to her use this diffimulation, it was only in hope to escape by that means out of her hands, but since that and all other shifts fail me, let fortune dispose of me as she pleases. You refuse her then, said I, because she is not beautiful. Yes, answered he, for that only reason, but if I should desire to have any interest in her, I could wish for my own sake to see her deformities changed into your perfections.  
Upon these words (to acknowledge the truth; and my own weakness) those first sparks of love, which his sight only had before kindled, did so inflame my heart, that laying aside the consideration of modesty, which ought never to be separated from a young Lady, I ran hastily and embraced him, promising him withal, to deliver him upon any conditions, though never so dangerous: Then leaving him somewhat comforted with the hope of escaping, I went to seek Gargaracia, to whom I reported that the Knight began to speak a more pleasing language, and that without doubt, her courteous entertainment would prevail much more with him than her cruelty; wherewith she being not a little satisfied, gave me commission to conduct him into a Chamber, whereof she herself kept the key, to whom notwithstanding I had access twice a day, feigning continually some excuse or other, by means whereof I enjoyed sweetly the embraces of this young Knight, still keeping Gargaracia in a firm opinion, that she should ere long have the full fruition of him, so that we led a life full of content and happiness, in the midst of misery.  
But that improvident passion, which blinds the eyes of all Lovers, ruin'd us also, even then when we had invented a way, how to escape and save ourselves: for I going this morning to visit him, and forgetting to make fast the doors, left a passage open, through which Gargaracia espied us, in the height of such amorous dalliance, as Love useth to suggest unto those, whose hearts she hath already united, which put her into such a rage, that forthwith she advanced towards us, intending with her strong boisterous hands to bind us both, had she not been prevented by the Knight, who with his first blow struck her to the ground, with a resolution to strangle her, had she not suddenly called for succour; I saved myself among the Soldiers, who being ignorant of what had passed, sought not at all to stay me, and so crossing these fields, used the best diligence I could to fly from thence, to the end that I might not again fall into the hands of that pitiless woman, and to see if it might be my good fortune to meet with some charitable Knight, that would undertake the rescue of this poor Gentleman, who questionless by this time is very near the flames, for the cruel Hag supposing fire to be the extremest of punishments, hath taken order that he shall be suddenly cast into it.  
Fair Lady, said Fulgoran, comfort yourself, and be assured of the Knight's safety, if we can but arrive soon enough to find him living; then putting spurs to their horses, they presently came before the Gates of the Castle, where they saw thirty soldiers coming forth to lead this Knight to the fire; whom Fulgoran knowing to be Cilinder, the son of Dorigel, King of the fortunate Island, of whom there had been no news heard since he received his order of Knighthood at Constantinople, he pressed towards him with an incredible violence, and cleaving down to the girdle five or six of those that encompassed him, put the rest into such a fright, that on a sudden they all left him, which Fulgoran perceiving lighted from his horse to unloose the cords wherewith he was bound, deeming the force of Prigmaleon alone, sufficient enough to cut the rest of the rascals into a thousand pieces; and indeed this noble Warrior made so great a massacre amongst them, that in half an hour, he laid eighteen dead at his feet, which Gargaracia seeing to her great grief, and hoping to far no better than her Champions, cast herself immediately into that fire, she had prepared for Cilindor, who presently knowing Fulgoran and Prigmaleon, gave them a thousand thanks for his deliverance.  
Gargaracia being consumed, Cilindor delivered, and none else appearing to oppose the designs of these Knights, they caused the prison doors to be all opened, where they found the Giant 〈◊〉 and the unknown Knight, their especial friends, with forty or fifty more of their acquaintance, whom after they had saluted, they asked by what accident they were fallen into the hands of that cruel woman; by the most villainous treachery in the world, answered 〈◊〉, for arriving both together here, and being courteously received we were led into a Chamber, where drinking of wine mingled with Poppy, which was presented unto us, we fell into so sound a sleep, that we were ●asily bound and carried into this Dungeon, where we lay above eight hours before we awaked. Thanks be to the gods, said Prigmaleon, who appointed us to arrive here so opportunely for your deliverance; Come let us quit this melancholy place, and we will relate unto you at leisure, the occasion that brought us from Constantinople; then committing the care of the Castle to Milcana, Cilinders Mistress, who received but little joy with it, being ready to take leave of her servant, without hope of ever seeing him again, they took their way towards thesea, which at their return they found calm, and promising a quick passage into Ethiopia; where they being arrived, Prigmaleon assembled his Council, caused Saba to be very well fortified, laid strong Garrisons in the most important places, and joining fifty thousand other Horse, to those which Florisel sent him, who arrived three weeks after, he expected without fear or amazement the fury of his enemies.   

CHAP. XXXIX. The arrival of the Pagans in the Empire of Ethiopia, the cruel fight where with all the Grecian Princes entertained them at their landing.  
THE Christian Princes having no greater object, than the honour of God, the glory of the world, and the preservation of those Empires they possessed, prepared themselves immediately upon the receipt of Don Florisels Letters, and levying Forces out of each particular Kingdom, they brought to Constantinople, the bravest troops that ever was beheld; First came Don Rogel with thirty thousand Horse, and twenty thousand Foot; the excellent Emperor of the Parthians, with twenty thousand Horse, and twenty thousand Foot; Don Lucendue, with thirty thousand Horse, and ten thousand Foot; Alastraxeret, with twenty thousand Horse, and ten thousand Foot; Derigel of the fortunate Island, and the fair Cilinda his Wife, with twelve thousand Horse; Melind●● of Clotona, and his wife Casti●●a, with fifteen thousand horse, his Brother Olid●r with the Queen of Castora his Wife led fifteen thousand Foot; Silran and his Wife eighteen thousand Horse; Amenia of Asre, fourteen thousand Foot; Anaxander King of Dardania, twelve thousand Horse, and eight thousand Foot; Fl●●idan his Brother, King of Comogena, eighteen thousand Foot; Gel●dan, and the valiant Arletta, fifteenthousand Horse; Oriander, King of Sardamira, seventeen thousand Foot; Galard, King of Megaera, eight thousand Horse, and six thousand Foot; the King of Catay, nine thousand Horse, and seven thousand Foot; Liscard, King of Licaonia, twelve thousand Horse; Rozafar of Austria, eleven thousand Foot; Gadard King of Hungary, ten thousand Horse, and eight thousand Foot; Filadart, King of Poland, eight thousand horse, and ten thousand Foot; Ladazan of Nudia, and Parmenian of Cyprus, five and twenty thousand Foot; From Rome there came fifteen thousand Horse; From Germany fifteen thousand; from Guindaya eleven thousand; and besides all these, Don Florisel had raised thirty thousand Horse in the Empire of Greece.  
These Troops which amounted to the number of three hundred thousand Horse, and two hundred thousand Foot, being all speedily embarked; Florisel and the other Princes of Greece, took their leaves of the Ladies, who with tears conjured them to have a special care in the preservation of themselves, amidst so many dangers as they were sure to encounter; and so getting aboard, they caused the Mariners to hoist the sails, which the wind presently began to fill with a favourable gale.  
In the mean time the Enemies innumerable Army were upon their voyage at Sea, sometimes driven forward violently with the threatenings of atempest, sometimes again arrested with the stillness of a calm; so that five weeks after they were shipped in the Empire of Siconia, they discovered the strong Walls of Saba, and appeared in the view of the Christian Princes there, who endeavouring by the best means they could to prevent their landing, fortified the shore with fifty thousand Horse, under the command of Prigmaleon, Fulgoran, the two Cenophales', Perion, Quadragant, Florestan, Cilindor, Florian, and Tristor, which being perceived by the Pagans, who made thitherwards with full sails, they presently ranged their Ships in the best order they could, for the dis-imbarquing themselves without confusion, and advanced till they were near enough to begin the charge with Bows and Pikes.  
Roussardan, the terrible King of Grifalara, Gorgophon, the Grand Savage, Furiander, and fifteen Giants which had the command of the foremost Vessels, arriving with an incredible fury, there was heard even in a moment a confusion of cries, mixed with the hideous noise of the waves, and the shrill and loud sounds of Drums and Trumpets, the air being clouded as it were with a multitude of Arrows, which flew both from Sea and Land, a man could hardly discern neither the sands that were covered with dead bodies, nor the waters all died red with the blood of those that fell therein.  
The Pagans being confident aswell in their numbers, as their valour, and advancing courageously, without any fear at all of the Christians shot, began to place their Bridges and scaling Ladders, to the end that they might win the bank with less difficulty; But Fulgoran, Prigmaleon, the Cenophales', and the other young Princes that assisted them, did so stoutly repulse them, that as many as adventured to quit their Ships, they tumbled into the Sea, so that in a short time the waves were covered with such a multitude of dead bodies, as those four proud Pagan Knights not enduring to behold so miserable a massacre of their people, on the sudden with their Giants, and a hundred thousand men, leapt on shore in spite of the Christians resistance, and fell to it pell mel, with such incredible violence, that a man might perceive more men fall than blows; all those those that stood in 〈◊〉 way, he cloven down to the waist, Gorgophon cut them in pieces; F●ri●nder and his Father made such havok, and their Falchions were so terrible, that every one shunned them like so many furies; on the other side Fulgoran, Prigmaleon, the Cenophales', Perion, and their companions, made so great a slaughter, that the most part of the Pagans cast themselves into the water, to avoid the furious execution of their swords; In this manner the battle waxing hot, so many fell dead on every side, as was most dreadful to behold; Fulgoran and Prigmal●on being incensed marvellously, at the sight of so great a slaughter, which proceeded not so much from the multitude of their enemies, as from the force and valour of their Leaders, being accompanied with the Cenophales', and making themselves way with the death of all that opposed them, they in an instant charged them with such fury, that the fierce stroke Ro●ssardan received from Prigmaleons' sword, made him knock his chin against his breast, Gorgophon bowed his knee underthe violence of Fulgorans blow; the Grand Savage with F●riander his son, were staggered by the weighty blades of the two Ge●ophales, and of the Giants two were slain by Cilinder, and P●rion.  
But into what a rage were these proud Pagans driven at the resentment hereof? they roused up their spirits again, and became more furious than Tigers, and raising their weapons into the air, they let them fall with such a tempest upon the Christian Knights, that Prigmaleons' shield was cleft in two pieces, with a hurt on his arm, Fulgoran wounded on the shoulder, and the two Cenophales' were forced to stoop with their hands to the ground to save themselves from falling. These fearful blows would have utterly astonished men of less valour and courage, but having begotten more fury than fear in the spirits of these invincible knights, they began again to lay about them so fiercely, that these four arrogant Giants, who thought the earth could not produce men of sufficient power to resist them, plainly perceived that the overthrow of their enemies would prove a matter of more difficulty, than they expected.  
In the mean time whilst this tempestuous fight lasted, between these eight Combatants, Quadragant, Tristor, Florian, Florestan, Perion, and Cilindor rallied their troops, but so far had the Giants and their assistants gained the field, that notwithstanding the valour of those Knights, who made heads and arms fly about, and cut down and killed all that came in their way, the Christians began to retire, when in the instant there arrived the valiant Esquilass of Polonia, Grandimore, the unknown Knight, Agrian, Fl●●isa●t, 〈◊〉, Frisel, Abies, Armond, and Melfort in the head of thirty thousand Horse, who suddenly pressing into the midst of their enemy's troops, then confused and in disorder, slew above twenty thousand upon the place, and doubtless all the Pagans at that time on the shore had been put to the sword, if the haughty Antomedon, accompanied with Marisgelf, thirty Giants, and threese o'er thousand men, had not speedily encountered the Christians, amongst whom with the very first blow he cloven Florizartus of Trapobana, down to the waist: on the other side his Giants made such a Massacre, that the first ranks being all broken, the other betook themselves to flight, to avoid the fury of their devouring swords; which so much incensed the valiant Esq●it●● of Polonia, that he with Grandimore, the unknown Knight, and the rest of the young Princes that accompanied him, being all well apppointed with good Lances, at one charge ran nine of the Giants quite through and through, and after that behaved themselves so bravely against their enemies, that they were wonderfully amazed thereat.  
Nevertheless the valour of the other Giants being no whit abated, and the number of the Pagans being excessively great, questionless the Christians had been discomfited, if fourscore Vessels passing without suspicion through the midst of the enemy's fleet, had not very opportunely disembarqued forty thousand men, who falling suddenly on the Pagans, which were deceived with an opinion, that they were part of their own forces, they put them marvellously to rout, under the conduct of two excellent Knights, which at the same instant encountering with Brandafidel, King of Brutaxia, a mighty Giant, and Brandimart, King of Parmonda, they passed their Lances quite through their bodies, so astonishing the rest of that party, as the Christians had leisure to rally their troops, and to make a handsome treaty, and yet not without very much difficulty.  
Prigmalcon and Fulgoran, who were no less discreet than valiant, seeing the honour of the Christians recovered by the unexpected arrival of this Army, would have retired with their troops, but Roussardan, Gorgophon, the Grand Savage, and Furiander were so enraged, that they met with such a forceable resistance, as they began to redouble their blows with more strength then at the first, which put our Greeks into so much fury, that Prigmaleon uniting the whole strength of his body into one stroke, which he laid on Roussardans' Helmet, he gave him a dangerous hurt on the head, wherewith he was so astonished, that he knew not what world he was in, and Fulgoran following his example, wounded Gorgophon very dangerously in the thigh, by which means having very happily the leisure to relieve one of the Cenophales', who being unable to withstand an heavy stroke lent him by the Grand Savage, he had fallen at his Horse's feet, had he not been sustained by him; Furiander in the mean time had received a sore hurt on the arm by the other Cenophales'.  
These astonishing strokes putting the Pagans into the extremity of rage; they addressed themselves again to be revenged, threatening no less than death with their tempestuous swords, but the Princes who well understood they were accountable for the people under their charge, and that knew the safety of the soldiers consisted in the preservation of their Leaders, retired to their troops, leaving the Pagans in despair of having that revenge upon them they so much hoped for.  
The Christians having thus prudently made their retreat, they desired to know the names of the Commanders of the new Army, and finding that it was the brave Russian of Media, with the beautiful Amazon, Brandimanda, (who departed from Corolandaya, by the advice of the wise Vrganda, before the others were in the field) gave them a million of thanks, and especially to Brandimanda, whose matchless beauty, joined with that invincible prowess, whereof they had so lately experience, they could never sufficiently admire, then causing the Amazons to be led into a quarter a part, and the Soldiers into the trenches, they conducted them to the Palace, where disarming themselvest they found every one hurt except Russia, Brandimanda, the valiant Esquilan, Cilindor, and Leonidas of Mesopotamia, who with Alteria was left in the Town, if need were, to make good the retreat: Prigmaleons' hurt was on the arm and head, Fulg●rans on the shoulder, the Cenophales' in two or three places, Grandimore on the left arm, by the sword of the proud Giant Antamedon; Perion and the rest in divers parts of the body; notwithstanding which, they had some cause to rejoice for the loss the enemy had, amounting to the number of threescore and seventeen thousand men, three and twenty Giants, and the Kings of Brutaxia, and Parmondia, as they understood by their Spies, besides those that were hurt, in the number whereof were Roussardan, Gorgophon, the Grand Savage, Furiander, Antomedon, and the valiant Artogant, Sultan of Francapia, with a multitude of common Knights.  
But when they bethought themselves of the loss of the gentle Florizartus of Trapobana, and of thirty three thousand men, that remained dead in the field (the greatest part whereof perished rather by the sword of the Giants, than the multitude of the soldiers) they could not believe that Fortune had much obliged them, by the advantage they had gained; nevertheless, putting on a brave resolution, they comforted themselves with the hope of some other succours; and so placing trusty Sentinels in all places requisite, they went to refresh themselves with a small repast.  
Afterwards, those that had escaped without hurts, assembled themselves in Prigmaleon and Fulgorans Chamber, who would by no means lie asunder, where it was resolved that Russian and Brandimanda, with each of them a troop of ten thousand Horse should sally upon the Enemy two hours before day; whereupon they went to repose themselves for a while. In the mean time Falanzar enraged at the massacre of so many of his men, and for the loss of his Kings and Giants, by so small a number, environed three parts of the City, and causing great Trenches to be cast up, and covering the field with his Soldiers for the space of two miles round, he promised to himself that he would gain the Walls at the first assault, seeing all his Giants should have now elbow-room to bestir themselves; but his opinion deceived him, as you shall see in the Chapter following, and made him conclude, that the end of his enterprise would not prove so feasable as he expected.   

CHAP. XXXIX. The brave feats of Arms performed in a Sally by Russian of Media, and Brandimanda; the furious assault given by the Pagan Princes unto the Town, which being reduced to extremity, is marvellously relieved.  
THis mighty Fleet of the Enemies having gained the Shore, the night was almost wholly employed in making of Trenches, and setting up Tents, and Pavilions; so that it being near that time of the day, which challengeth a kind of security over all things; the Soldiers annoyed with the Sea, wearied with their late travels, and importuned by sleep, betook themselves all to their rest, being confident that the Christians durst not so much as once peep out of their Walls; But they like brave spirits, who thought there was no glory equal to that which was gotten in the midst of dangers, and hating all rest which might be accompanied with disgrace, had no other design than continually to be pulling some feathers out of their enemy's Wings, whereby they might stop the fury of their flight; they rose presently after midnight, and arming twenty thousand of their best, and lustiest Horses, they divided them into two Troops, whereof one was commanded by Russian, Cilindor, and Leonidas; the other by Esquilan, Brandimanda, and the fair Alteria; and so sallying out at two several Ports, they advanced softly towards the Pagans till it was break of day, which affording them light to discover their Sentinels all asleep, they presently cut their throats without any noise, and so falling aboard with the rest, who were in no better estate to make resistance, they began to commit so great a slaughter, that the ground was covered over with dead bodies, before the Alarm was taken in the Camp, Russian, Cilindor, and Leonidas, over-runall; Soldiers they cut in pieces, Knights they cloven down to the shoulders; Tents and Pavilions, they turned upside down; and meeting with little or no opposition, they made a strange havoc.  
Falanzar General of the Pagan army, who lodged not far from the place where they first fell on, easily hearing the fearful cries and groans which came from his men, as they were dying, rose up immediately, and finding Brufaldar King of Gedrosia, Brizardan the redoubted Sultan of Aralafia, with Moranteon, Sultan of Circassia, he gave them thirty thousand men to resist the fury of their enemies, whose number he conceived to be fifty thousand at the least, and so ran speedily himself thorough all parts of the Camp, to put the rest in battle array.  
These three proud Pagans, who had not been at the last night's service, cheerfully embracing this charge, began presently to march forward, and being conducted by the noise which continually increased, they forthwith encountered the Christians, and plainly perceiving the smallness of their number, divided their troops with an intent to environ them, and to charge them on every side, but those valiant Knights not affording them the leisure to put their Design in practice, broke thorough them with such a tempest, that the blood ran along the ground in little rivers, which put the incensed Pagan Brufaldor into such a fury, that turning his horse upon Leonidas of Mesopotamia, he gave him so violent a stroke on the shoulder, that his sword notwithstanding his Arms, made way to his very waste, dividing his body into two parts; which so displeased Russian, who saw the sad effect of the blow, that clasping his sword fast in his hand, he returned the Pagan such an exchange, as cutting his shield in two, he gave him a great gash on the arm, and so quiting him he flew upon Moranteon Sultan of Circassia, wounding him very dangerously on the shoulder, and perceiving Brizardan grappling with his friend Cilindor, whom he doubted might be too weak to fustain so strong a charge, he made towards them with an intent to discharge full on Brizardans' head, but Torismond the valiant Pagan prevented his blow, by giving him such a smart stroke on the arm, as made his sword fall out of his hand, and yet without any other harm, save only a slight hurt, which put him into such a choler, as suddenly taking hold again on the handle of his sword that was fastened with a ribbon to his wrist, he let it fly in such sort at his Adversary, that he cut him almost in two pieces, sending him dead to the ground.  
In the midst of these hurliburlies, the brave Esquilan entering on the other side of the Camp, struck no less astonishment into the minds of those that encountered him, than the other had done before; no resistance could withstand the fury of his sword. Brandimanda seconded him with equal heat and courage, and the gentle Amazon Alterea followed them both so close, that she seemed to threaten no less a ruin than the former.  
At this new alarm Falanzar, Idatcan Emperor of mely; Armandor, King of Russia, with Fierastron the proud Giant of Balivan, advanced themselves in the head of forty thousand men; but the fear of those that ran away, having put their soldiers which they led into disorder, the Greeks charged them with such fury, that more than six thousand of them were beaten down; the greatest part whereof were stifled under the horses feet. The unpleasing sight of this accident had driven Falanzar into despair, but that he earried too generous a mind, for to harbour so base a guest, wherefore meeting with Esquilan, he discharged so terrible a blow on his Helmet, as he made him knock his chin against his breast, being very much astonished at the mighty strength of this Pagan, but grinding his teeth together for anger, he advanced his sword, and let it descend with such a rage on this Caliph, that he overthrew him on the crupper of his horse, casting out great abundance of blood at his mouth.  
In the mean while, Brandimanda and Fierastron, jaalcan, and the gentle Alterea, charged one another home, and made a quick exchange of most fiercestroaks. But Esquilan who would not afford them any leisure to rally their troops, and who judged that to be no fit season for him to be a spectator of a single combat, let fall on Idalcan Emperor of mely so furious a blow, that he cut his arm shear from his body, and at the same instant with another which he laid on Fierastrons' head-piece, he quite deprived him of his senses; which being done, he put his men into good order, and following the example of Russian, who took the way that led into the City, he made an honourable retreat in spite of threescore thousand Horse, and fourscore Giants, which came in the pursuit of them.  
This courageous, and prudent retreat, and the death of the Emperor of mely, that ensued two hours after, with the great slaughter of their men, which amounted to the number of thirty nine thousand, the Christians having left on the place but five thousand six hundred, having enraged the Pagans, they resolved every man of them to die on the place, or else that very day to win the City, which together with all the Christians therein, they would consume to ashes, in satisfaction of so great a loss.  
Their Troops then being ranged, and every Captain having received order to charge his Company, with the carriage of a certain number of scaling-ladders, the Army was divided into three bands, each consisting of one hundred and fifty thousand men; Falanzar led the first, with the which was Brufaldor King of Gedrosia, the proud Knight Arastron, generous Alceus, Marisgolf, that terrible and mighty Giant, twenty Knights of the best repute in the whole Army, and threescore Giants: The second was commanded by Astrurion the great Sultan of Brutacan, the good Knight Armorand, Brizardon Sultan of Aralafia, fifty Giants, and twenty two other Knights, who had purchased a great renown by dangerous adventures: The third by Marmaran, Sophy of Bultara, with King Armandor, of Russia, of the Giant's race; Palamedes, King of Cassandria, the redoubted Tipheus, Barcandor, fifty Giants, three and twenty Knights, of no mean esteem, and Broncaldion, King of the Arcofibrats, who had the leading of twelve hundred Elephants.  
The christian Princes who slept not in the mean while, seeing these presumptuous preparations, put threescore thousand Knights into the Town, and so furnishing the walls with abundance of pitch, sulphur, boiling oil, stones, and other necessaries for their Enterprise, made up three bands; the first was conducted by Russian with Cilindor, the second by Esquilan with Algantas chief General of Ethiopia; and the third by Brandimanda with Alteria, who lodging themselves close under the walls, with a resolution not to appear before the enemies had almost gained the top, expected the coming of their troops, which hearing no noise at all in the Town, were persuaded that the Christians were all asleep; whereupon they presently fastened their scaling Ladders, which their Giants and other Knights of the best spirits first ascended, to give encouragement to the rest to follow them; but on the instant they perceived fifty thousand men, who with a sudden tempest of stones, oil, pitch and sulphur, overturned all those that were then upon the Ladders, and began to damn up the Moat with dead bodies, than the assault became most violent and cruel.  
The Giants enraged to see their Companies lie grovelling on the ground, the Ladders broken, ten thousand Soldiers massacred, as it were in a moment, began to grow careless of their lives, they got upon the wall, and fell to grappling with the Christians, fight rather like furies than mortal men, there were scarce any that durst oppose the violence of their swords, unless it were Russian, Esquilan, Brandimanda, Alteria, Cilindor, and some few of the valiantest, who perceiving the favour the wall afforded partly in sheltering them, and annoying their enemies, delivered such blows on the Pagans, as for the most part carried death along with them. Russians represented a Thunderbolt, overturning as many Giants and Knights as it lighted on, neither was Esquilans or 〈◊〉 's much less terrible than it; but the Pagans, the greater the number of the Christians were which they perceived on the Battelments, the more resolute they began to be, and caused a multitude of pioneers to sap the walls; the Arcofibrats approached with their Elephants, and the nearer they advanced, the more blood was spilt, and the more fell dead to the ground, the Elephants being got under the walls, they quit their bows and arrows, and fell to handy strokes: Their Scimitars lighted with such a weight on our soldiers, and the Combat grew so cruel, that there was nothing to be heard amongst them but cries, and pitiless groans, which did so encourage the Giants, who met with little or no resistance, that three of them adventured to scale the walls in spite of all those that opposed, and began to make a terrible massacre amongst the Greeks, whose sudden flight giving Russian to understand the extremity of the danger, he and Bandimanda ran thither with all speed, and encountering these three Colossuses, the first whereof was Arginassus, of the cold Desert, he saluted him so rudely on the head with his sword, as cleft him down to the shoulders, and gave the other such a thrust in the belly, as ran him up to the hilts.  
In the mean time Brandimanda animated with the like desire to revenge; had made a shift to make a separation between her adversaries head and his body; the vast trunks of these three Giants being taken on the instant, and thrown from the walls, struck such an amazement into those that followed, that their hasty and eager desire of entering the City was soon abated; In the mean time the Elephants being ranged on the other side, and their Castles manned with stout and courageous soldiers, there was instantly a bloody encounter, but the Christians pouring down boiling oil upon those mighty creatures, caused a sudden confusion, for as soon as it began to pierce their skins, they quitted their stations, ran violently into the body of their troops, broke their Battalions, and were the cause of the death of above two thousand soldiers.  
Amongst the rest they overthrew Barcandor of the Inhabitable Rock, who was in no small danger of being stifled; nevertheless being speedily rescued by his brother, he received no other hurt, but the astonishment he was in by his fall, which rendering him more furious than ever he had been in his life before, he caused a Ladder to be fetched, and being accompanied with the dreadful Tiphe●s, Bucargant, and other Giants, he went to place it with a resolution, either to die or force the wall, howbeit perceiving a great piece thereof falling down, which buried above four hundred Knights, he quitted his Enterprise, and drawing out his great curtelas, he and his companions entered the Town, together with six thousand Pagans more, which began to make so great a slaughter, that doubtless all had been lost, had not Russian, Brandimanda, and the brave Polander opportunely come in with ten thousand fresh men, who seeing their safety or utter ruin to be then in question.  
At the very first onset they cut off three thousand Knights; nevertheless Tipheus, Bucargant, Barcandor, 〈◊〉, Bulti●d●r, and the other Giants fought so furiously, that they be●e●t them almost of all hopes of preserving their lives, Esquilan being wounded in three or four places, Russian in the arm and the thigh, and Brandimanda by the force of two cruel strokes, which she received on the head, from the hands of Tipheus, and Bultendor, lying senseless, if not breathless, on the ground; but at the instant Prigmaleon, Fulgoran, the two Cenophales', Grandimore, the unknown Knight, Perion, Tristor, Florian, Florestan, Abies, Quadragant, Dardanio, Florisel, Agrian, Armond and Melfort hearing the rumour of it, and well knowing the peril the Town then was in, ro●e presently, and with their Armies marched to the place of Combat.  
These seventeen brave Warriors beholding the extremity their friends were in, never felt the incommodity of their wounds, but set upon the Giants with such a fury, that at the very first encounter they massacred the greatest part of them; and now the Christian troops renewing their courage at the presence and valiant example of these renowned Princes, made a speedy slaughter of seven or eight thousand men, the Giants themselves being all cut in pieces, except Armandor, Palamedes, Tipheus, the two brothers of the Inhabitable Rock, and two and twenty others, who persuading themselves that they were yet strong enough to take the Town, began a fresh charge upon our Christian Princes, but their resistance was so brave and courageous, as the greatest part of the Pagans ran upon their own deaths.  
Marmaran Sophy of Bultara, Tipheus, Barcandor and his brother Bucargant, being the whole number that remained alive, who considering that policy, was no less requisite to men of Arms, than courage, made their retreat with a resolution to bring new forces to the fight, and so at length to weary the Christians, which presently causing the breach to be repaired, and Brandimanda to be carried to the Palace, they made haste to the aid of Cilindor, and the fair Alteria, that were scarce able to make any longer defence against the violence of Falanzar, who yielding a noble example to the rest of his soldiers, with Brufaldor, Arastron, Alceus, and some few others, had well-nigh forced the walls; but the coming of these Knights did much abate the fury of the Giants, twelve whereof at their first arrival fell dead to the earth, nevertheless the wall being very low on that side, where Astrurion the mighty Sultan of Brutacan gave the assault, they could no longer have made good the Town, if on the sudden certain Courriers had not come to advertise Falanzar, that above four hundred thousand Christians were newly landed, and in array to fall upon their troops.  
Wise men make use of all advice that is given them, so Falanzar conceiving that this news did much import the safety of his Army, caused Marmaran presently to retire from the Walls, and joining his own troops with him, they made a body of three hundred thousand men, and wheeled about with his forces to the Seaward; howbeit not thinking these sufficient, he sent unto Marcelian Emperor of Media, and to Fierastron, to repair thither with two hundred thousand more, that had not yet fought, and so making in this manner two mighty squadrons; they expected to see what resolution their Enemies would take, who were commanded by Florisel of Niquea, by Rogel, Spheramond, Alastraxerea, and other Christian Princes, which were very desirous forthwith to charge the Pagans; but Florisel whose valour was well tempered with experience, and discretion, would by 〈…〉 give way that they should the● engage themselves, both because the night d●●w on, and that they were also wearied with the Sea, and especially for that he knew not what condition his friends were in, but withal to let them see, that what he did, was more out of experience then fear, he caused his men to advance, till they came even under the Walls, before which having caused Trenches speedily to be made for the safeguard of his soldiers, he pitched his Tents and Pavilions, during which time the Pagans did not so much as make show of stirring.  
In the mean while the Sultan of Brutacan having received no order to make his retreat, was persuaded to follow his good fortune, and entering the breach which he had made, to put himself into the midst of the Town, but finding a greater resistance from the Princes and Soldiers within, than they had from the walls, there began a most fierce and bloody combat; The Giants advanced bravely, making way with their swords, and their Soldiers taking courage from their example, followed as resolutely, making a vast and terrible slaughter; whereof Brandimand● being advertised, and finding herself prettily recovered, she thought it a dishonour to die in her bed; wherefore she took six thousand men, reserved for an extremity, and meeting with Cilinder and Alteria, who had retired for a while to refresh themselves, they fell on with such a fury upon the Sultan's troops, that at the very first encounter, above four thousand of their Enemies, and fourteen Giants were cut in pecces, which so incensed the horrible Cressamagrant, that advancing his dreadful Falchion, he let it fall with such a violence on Frizel of Arcadia, that it cloven him down to the shoulders, and laid him dead at Prigmaleous feet, who in a great rage requited the Pagan with such another, as cutting his leg from his body, he fell to the ground with a noise like thunder.  
These dreadful strokes giving equal courage to both parties, the fight waxed more furious than at any time before, and if the enemies could at once have made use of all their forces, without doubt they had carried the Town, but the breath being but equal, the Christians though but few in number were able to withstand those that would enter, so that they held them play until night, which drawing on to the great grief of Astrurion, it made him bestow his blows with the more violence, amongst the which one lighted so boisteroufly upon gentle Abies of Ireland, that it cloven him almost to the girdle, whereat Fulgora● was so enraged, that taking his sword in both his hands, he discharged such a blow upon the head of the great Sultan, as turned him over and over, and doubtless he had quite made an end of him, had not fourteen Giants, that were retiring carried him off.  
The City being thus delivered from so tedious and cruel an assault, they employed a multitude of Labouters to repair the breaches, and caused the bodies of Frizel of Arcadia, and Abies of Treland to be carried to the Palace, the loss of whom had been much more grievous uno them, but that they were comforted with the assurance of this new succour, which they understood proceeded from the Emperor Florisel of Niquea, that was accompanied with many other Christian Princes their friends, whom they went to visit in their trenches, before they could so much as lay aside their Arms, where many kind salutations passing between them, they related the danger the Town had been in all that day, the loss of Frixel, Florizartus, Abies, and Leonidas, and the whole story of all that had happened since they departed from Constantinople, and so for that present they departed with a resolution, to take a full revenge of their enemies.   

CHAP. LXI. The furious Battle between the Pagan and Christian Princes; the conclusion thereof, with the number of the dead.  
THE rage of the Pagan Princes, who had lost in this assault threescore and seven thousand men, three and fifty Giants, with Fiortan, Brontaiar, Argantor, and Lizartus, all worthy Knights, not suffering them to take any rest: Falanzar gave order for the interring their dead, and assembled his Captains together, to whom he spoke in this manner. Mighty Princes, I see no reason why we should be discouraged, though fortune hath not favoured our designs, we have lost Soldiers, Giants, and many persons of quality, rather by the difficulty of scaling the walls, than by the valour of our enemies, but now we have a fair occasion to revenge ourselves, and to repay with interest the displeasure they have done us; we may now give them a day for all, and this Grecian Army newly arrived, will rather further, than any way hinder our designs; let us offer them battle, they are hardy enough to entertain it, and we powerful enough to obtain the victory, the advantage is ours on every side, we have a multitude of brave Knights, the meanest whereof will make the strongest of our enemies sweat for it, our Soldiers are more in number, and no whit inferior in courage, they shall be assisted by a multitude of valiant Knights, who are able to astonish even the whole world, so that we shall undoubtedly revenge our former losses; It is true, that for the present the one half of our bravest Knights are confined to their beds, by reason of their wounds; I hold it therefore convenient to give them some respite for their recovery: In the mean time let us inquire, whether this may agree with the consent of our friends and allies.  
Great Monarch, replied Marmaran, Sophy of Bultara, the proposition you make, is so good, that there need no reasons be urged for the authorising your opinion, and I dare assure you, that it agrees with the desire of the whole Army, let us then if you please send to our enemies, and demand a truce for eight days, that in the mean time time we may put every thing in good order, and to give the King of Grifala, and the rest of our friend's leisure to recover their strength, that they may be the better able to do you service: Hereupon Polidarchus King of Amazia, was entreated to take the charge of delivering this message to the Christian Princes, which being willingly undertaken by him, he went presently to Don Florisel of Niquea, presented him with a bloody Gauntlet; and demanded seven days of Truce, he appointed the eighth for the set battle.  
We know not how to deny our Enemies, answered Florisel, when they invite us to fight, I accept of the battle on the same day that you demand it, and desiring to be more courteous, than you have been violent, coming hither to seek the ruin of our Empires, without any provocation at all on our part, are content to ratify the Truce for the term required by you. Pilidarchus being thus returned back, every man prepared for the battle; they used all the skill that could be, for the recovering of those that were wounded, and the Captains diligently employed themselves in advancing the courage of the Soldiers, for on the victory of this furious day, the ruin or glory of all Christendom, or Paganism depended.  
Seven days then being insensibly passed away, Prigmaleon, Fulgoran, Russian, and their Companions, having quit their beds, met with the rest of the Christian Princes to consult of their affairs, where they all agreeing to submit themselves to the prudence and direction of Florisel of Niquea, he ordered it all in this manner.  
The number of the whole Forces consisting of three hundred thousand Horse, and two hundred thousand Foot, without counting those which Prigmaleon had in the Town, for the manning of the Walls, he divided into four troops, each containing seventy thousand Horse, and forty thousand Foot; the first was commanded by Prigmaleon, Fulg●an, Russian, the Cenophales', Esquilan, Brandimanda, and all the young Princes that had been their assistants in the former Combats.  
The second was commanded by Spheramond, Alastraxerea, Melindus, Clidor, his Wife Cassiana, Amanio of Arestrea, the Duke of Laiaze, the King of Cataya, his Wife Crothea; Galard, King of the barren Island, with Rozafar, and the King of Lacaonia.  
The third was commanded by Don Rogel, Lucendus, D●rigel, Sylvan, the fair Savage his Wife, the valiant Silverin of the Desert; Gadart, King of Hungaria; Filiard, King of Polonia; Oriander, King of Sardamira, his Queen Oronsa; Parmenian, of Cyprus, and Garmantes.  
The fourth by Don Florisel of Niquea, with Anaxander King of Dardania; Floridan, King of Comogena, his brother; Troilus, the renowned Knight of Savoy, and twelve young Princes, upon whom he had that day conferred the order of Knighthood, with all the magnificent Ceremonies the Camp could afford: Every thing being thus ordered, every man retired to visit his Horse and Arms, with a command to be in readiness at break of the day.  
In the mean while the Pagans slept not, for knowing of what importance the issue of this battle would be, they armed themselves with a resolution to redeem their honour, though they paid their blood for it: being advertised of the course the Christians had taken in ranging of their Troops, they held it best to observe the same order, and not to think of reserving any part, persuading themselves that it would be more difficult to rout their troops, being united than separated; and so they divided their whole Forces, consisting of eight hundred thousand into four Bands.  
The first whereof was commanded by Roussardan the furious King of Grifalara, a man of a Giantlike nature, with grifly hair, a face covered with black patches, an ugly flat nose, and ill-fashioned legs, but withal so valiant, that next to Gorgophon, and Bravorant, King of Morimont, there lived not a braver Pagan upon the whole earth; his Associates were Moranteon, Sultan of Circassia; the grand Savage, Furiander his son; Artegant, Sultan of Francapia; the proud Arastron; Gederion, King of Arginaria; Furcamond, King of Martan; Aliodorus, Torismond, Arciles, and Teliander; all brave Knights, with threescore Giants.  
The second by the valiant Marmoran, Sophy of Bultara; Bravorant, Gorgophon, Marisgolfus, Salander, King of Balsandria; Polidarchus, King of Amazia; Giracond, King of Toriana; Don Margenio, Rindar, Brandimart, threescore Giants, and Broncaldion King of the Arcofibrats, who would no more make use of his Elephants, because in the preceding assault, they had occasioned so great a disorder.  
The third by stout Astrurion, Sultan of Brutacan; with the haughty Antomedon, Caliph of Francapa; Brizardan, Sultan of Aralafia; Marcelian, Emperor of Media; Rodomart, King of Fortan; Asmorian, King of the upper Indies; Bemond, King of Java minor, divers other Knights of quality, and threescore Giants.  
The fourth was reserved for Falanzar, great Emperor, and Caliph of Siconia, with the King of Russia; Anaxamena, the valirnt Amazon his Wife; Palamedes, King of Cassandria; Fierastron, the redoubted Giant of Balivan; Polecastaleon, King of Zeilan; Brufaldor, King of Gedrozia; the dreadful Tipheus, Barcandor, Bucargant, and threescore Giants; In the mean time Mambrinian King of Fornascia, with the Kings of Zamber, of Saphotir, of Siziphalt, and fourscore thousand men guarded the Camp.  
All things being thus resolved upon on both parties; the day of Battle was expected, which being come to the great content of both the Armies, to whom all delay was insupportable; the Pagans began to draw their men out of their Trenches, much astonished to see themselves prevented of their Enemies, who already had possessed themselves of the field, and there stood in battle array.  
The first that appeared on the Pagan's side, was the furious King of Grifalara, who marching in a glorious, and most magnificent manner, under a multitude of Standards, whereon were represented two Lions chained together only by the force of one hand, caused the charge to be sounded.  
At the same instant Prigmaleon, (who thought no Oration could so animate his Soldiers to behave themselves bravely, as to give a sudden testimony of an undaunted courage) gave the Signal to his troops immediately to join: most violent was the encounter of these two brave Warriors, who saluted each other so boisterously, that their Lances bounded into the air in a thousand slivers, Fulgoran and the Grand Savage fell to the ground, the one hurt on the left arm, the other on the breast; Russian of Media, and the proud Knight Arastron, broke their Lances very furiously upon each other, and yet past on unmoved, like two rocks in the midst of the Sea. The two Cenophales', and Grandimor, running against Furiander, Artegant, Sultan of Francapia, and Moranteon, Sultan of Circassia, received such an astonishment from each others encounter, that all six remained for a long time sensslesse; Gedereon, King of Arginarea, was overthrown by Esquilan, Brandimanda passed her Lance thorough the body of a Giant, three other Pagan Knights fell down dead at the feet of Perion, Cilind●r, and the unknown Knight, and so many Cavaliers fell to the ground on both sides, that the field was full of horses that ran up and down masterless, Lances were broken in pieces, sword blades flew into the air, and the Battle waxed so hot, that the dust was all tempered with blood; Roussardan, the Grand Savage, and the proud knight Araston, cut down all they met withal, making head and arms fly about, which bred such fear in the Enemies, as they were no less terrible to them than thunderbolts.  
On the other side, Prigmaleon, Fulgoran, Russian, Brandimanda, Esquilan, and the two Cenophales', who disdaining to employ their Swords upon common persons, charged the vastest Giants with so great a fury, that in an instant, three and twenty of them lay breathless on the earth; when as Arastron, Roussardan, and the Grand Savage, marching in the Front like so many torrents sweeping all before them, let fly with such a violence upon Quadragant, Agrion of Scotland, and Dardanio, that they cloven them all three down to the teeth; and seeing that Prigmaleon, Russian, and Fulgoran, (having dispatched the mighty Brucalan, with Arbadan and Pandarus his Brothers, by the force of three terrible strokes which sent them dead to the ground) had made way into their Troops massacring all without mercy, that gave them any opposition, in great rage they clapped spurs to their horses, and making towards these three Knights, they discharged three such dangerous blows upon them, that had not their Arms been of the best in the world, they had without doubt added them to the number of the dead; nevertheless, these rough salutations that humbled their chins to their saddle bows, did nothing else but incite them to a sudden requital, which they returned so bravely, as there was little cause left them of boasting, and so there began the most dangerous Combat that ever man beheld between these six Knights.  
On the one side the Giants made huge massacres; Esquilan, Brandimanda, Grandimore, and the Christian Princes, bestirred themselves lustily on the other, and their brave example made the courage of their men, supply what they wanted in number; so that above threescore thousand Knights being slain both parts, the victory remained as yet doubtful.  
Whereupon the Pagans impatient of delay, caused their second Battalion to advance, which being led by Marmaran, Sophy of Bultara, accompanied with those incomparable Warriors, Bravorant, king of Morimont, Marisgolfus and Gorgophon, Colonels of the Giants, gave so fierce an assault upon the Christians first Squadron, that they had cut them all in pieces, if the Emperor Spheramond had not opportunly opposed their fury.  
By this time the ground was all covered with dead men, and the confusion so great, and crpes so loud, that a thousand claps of thunder would not have been heard amongst them: Bravorant, Gorgophon, and Marisgolfus, having addressed their Lances against Galard King of the Barren Lands, Alvida his Wife, and the Duke of Laiaret, they ran them quite thorough the body; and so did in like manner to five or six more, before they broke; but great was the slaughter they made, when as they hod drawn out their great and heavy Falchions, for the Lightning falls not with more violence, than did their blows, which meeting with no resistance sufficient to oppose them, they strewed all the ground with dead bodies.  
Spheramond having encountered Marmoran, Sophy of Bultara, they both broke their staves upon each other, and so pressing in amongst the multitude, they slew as many as had the ill hap to come within their reach, Alastraxerea made such havoc amongst her enemies, that every one fled from her, as from some deadly contagion; Melindus, Clidor, and Amiano of Astrea, did no less wonders; But the Enemies were so mighty, and Bravorant joining with Gorgophon, made so bloody a massacre, that this second Squadron in spite of the best resistance, Spheramond, Alastraxerea, and the Grecian Princes could make, had been utterly routed, if Florisel wisely foreseeing that the flight of those forces might cause a general ruin of the whole Army, had not opportunly given order to the young Cavaliers that he had armed the day before to advance: who desirous to season their first undertake by some memorable testimony of their valour, made so fierce a Sally upon the Giants, that with their Lances they overthrew twelve of them to the ground, then laying their hands on their swords, they began to do such strange things, that the greeks recovering, as it were, a new courage, gave their enemies so furious a charge, as they made them begin to startle; nay, almost to betake themselves to plain flight.  
Nevertheless being detained by the only valour of Braverant, Gorgophon, and Marisgolfus, and the brave Sophy of Bultara, who resembled so many furies, they continued the fight so stoutly, that the blood made large Rivers through the midst of the fields; the earth was covered with the bodies of those that were already slain, and the air filled with the groans of those that were then dying: Spheramond wheresoever he passed carried death on his sword; Bravorant and Gorgophon ran up and down raising mountains of dead bodies, Marmoran and Marifgolfus appeared like lightning: Alastraxerea, Melindus, Clidor, Cassianus met with no resistance, unless it were from the Giants, who did often times as well as their fellows taste the keenness of the Christian blades; In brief it was a spectacle full of such horror, as the like hath seldom been beheld by the eye of man, and the slaughter so indifferent, that it was heard to say to which side the victory did most incline.  
The Pagans who could not endure to be idle, whilst their Companions were busy in the pursuit of glory, marched up with their third sqadron, conducted by the valiant Astrurion, Sultan of Brutacan, Antomedon the proud Caliph of Francapia, Brizardan, Sultan of Aralafia, and Mercelian, Emperor of Media: These vast troops led by such proud and mighty Commanders, fell on the Christians with such fury, as promised no less than utter ruin at the very first onset: But the Emperor of Persia seconded by Lucendus, Dorogel, Silvian the fair Savage, the noble Silverin of the Desert, Gadard, King of Hungaria, Filadart of Polonia, Oriander and Oroncus charged them so fiercely, that made them quickly turn their faces to defend themselves from the cruelty of their weapons.  
This brave Prince encountering Antomedon with his Lance, ran him through the shield and arm; yet not without great danger to himself, for from the Giant's Lance he received such an encounter, as tumbled him upon the crupper of his horse, ready to have fallen to the ground, if he had not been upheld by some of his followers.  
Thus the third Squadrons falling to it pell mel, there continued a most cruel battle; the valiant D●rigil did deeds worthy of himself, following the brave example of his father, who held all the enemies in admiration to see him alone act such wonders, the noble Silverin of the Desert stopped the fury of Brizardan, and behaved himself so bravely against him, that by those that saw him, he was judged no whit inferior to the best Warriors of the world, Lucendus sent Marcelian Emperor of Media, to keep company with the dead; Filadart, Gadart, and the Princes that followed them fought with so much courage and vigour, that in a moment they covered the fields with the slaughtered carcases of their enemies.  
In the mean time Don Rogel and Lucendus seeing the great massacre made by Antomedon, & the mericilesse Sultan of Brutacan, immediately assaulted these two proud pagans, who were almost ready to swim in christian blood, shed by their own swords, upon whom they bestowed a couple of such violent blows, as Antomedon was laid flat upon the crupper of his horse, the blood gushing out at his mouth and ears, and the great Sultan received such a stroke from Lucendus, as rendered him in little better case than his fellow; These terrible blows, which probably should have been the cause of the Christians victory, contrariwise exposed them to extreme danger, for these two great Warriors recovering themselves again, and taking their swords in both hands, advanced with so eager a desire of revenge, that meeting with Filadart of Polonia, and Gadart King of Hungaria, they fell upon them with such a tempest, as the one was cleft down to the shoulders, the other to the girdle, which being soon perceived by Don Rogel, he made with his best speed towards Antomedon, upon whom he discharged so furiously, as he quite dismounted him, and put him in great danger of being trampled under the horses feet, but being suddenly relieved by his friends, he was by them immediately carried to his tent.  
The retreat being known of these two mighty men, it gave a fresh supply of courage to the Greeks, Rodomart King of Fortan, Armositan King of the upper Indies, and Tarsides King of Pergazus, perished by the swords of Sylvan the fair Savage his wife, and Dorigel; and fifteen Giants being instantly slain by the other christian princes, the pagans began to give ground, when in the nick arrived Falanzar, with the redoubted King of Balivan, the dreadful Tipheus, Bucargant, Burcandar King of Russia, Palamedes King of Cassandria, the excellent Knight Artogant, and the incomparable Alceus; and on the other party Don Florisel of Niquea, with his troops, who mingling themselves in a furious fight with those Pagans, caused on the sudden such a general confusion, that the earth, the air, and the Heavens seemed to be but one, and the same thing; for the Leaders some of them were no less terrible than so many furies, others begat an stonishment in those that had the ill hap to encounter them, equal to that of thunder and lightning, and the Soldiers animated by the example of their Captains fought with so much courage and cruelty, that nothing was to be seen but blood and slaughter.  
Falanzar charged Florisel with an incredible fierceness, who was no whit behind hand with him in the requital; Roussardan, Gorgophon, and Braverant threatened such a ruin where they went, that the very glittering of their swords frighted the faint-hearted to death; neither were Spheramond, Prigmaleon, and Fulgoran less terrible to their enemies than they; the Grand Savage, Furiander his son, Marmoran, Brufaldor, and Policastoleon charged the Christians through and through, till they scarce left a rank unranked: Silverin of the Desert, Russian, Brandimanda, the Cen●phales, and Brandimore did as much to the Pagan troops.  
In brief these mighty Armies sustained by the valour of the Princes that commanded them, had as yet gained little advantage of one another, which raising Bravorant, Gorgophon, and the proud Knight Arastron, to the utmost extremity of rage, they fell all three with such a violence upon Don Rogel, Florisel and Spheramond, that they beat them all down to the ground, where they made no long abode, though they were much astonished, but be took themselves to their feet again, and on the instant made themselves such elbow room, that except these three mighty enemies, who pressed upon them with a mad kind of fury, none durst come near them; nevertheless divers others of the Pagan Champions coming also to assail them, the three Princes were in danger to have made a glorious end of their days, had not Prigmaleon, Fulgoran, Russian, and Silverin, seeing them in this necessity, come in to their aid, and let fly at these three mighty Pagans with such a force, that they had almost lost their saddles, and so affording leisure to the Christian Knights to supply themselves with the next fresh horses they met, they began to cover the earth anew with dead bodies.  
These fearful blows adding rather anger than fear to the bold Pagans, they rose up more furious than ever they had been before, and not finding those that had put them into this desperate plight, they fell upon Oriander, Atletta his wife, and Parmenian of Cyprus, dealing such marvellous strokes, that two of them were cut in two pieces, and the third cloven down to the teeth, so the battle waxing more bloody on every side, every thing appeared so full of horror, that the Sun appeared as it were mourning, for the expense of so much noble blood, obscuring his face behind a cloud.  
The Pagans sounded a retreat, and the Christians rallied their disordered troops, to the great grief of Gorgophon, Bravorant, the Grand Savage, Arastron and Roussardan, who seeing their own wounds, and despairing of a present victory, retired to their Tents, and the Christians part into the Town, and part into their Trenches, where being at leisure to number up their losses, which amounted unto two hundred and threescore thousand men, besides the King of the barren Island, and his Wife; the Kings of Hungaria, of Polonia, of Licaonia, of Moldavia, of Sardimira, of Cataya; the valiant Lady Arletta, Parmenian of Cyprus, R●zafar, Quadragant, Agrian of Scotland, Dardanio, of Rhodes, and the gentle Armond of Bohemia, they had a just cause of lamentation; but seeing that their chief Leaders were preserved, and that it was in vain to murmur at the chastisements of a mighty God, they comforted themselves, and causing their wounds to be searched, which they found to be dangerous enough, they all betook themselves to their beds, except the valiant Esquelan of Polonia, that was much afflicted with the death of the King his Father; Cilindor and the twelve new Knights, whose brave feats of Arms performed that day, had acquired them an immortal fame;  
On the other side, the Pagan Princes had no less cause to mourn, and repine at their sad fate, having lost an hundred and sixteen Giants, T●rism●nd, Arcilles, Celiander, Gloridian, Celianis, Panizell, Armelion, three hundred and forty thousand men, the Kings of Fortan, of Gianazana, of Salberna, of Pergarus; the Emperor of Media; Polidarchus, king of Amazia; Bemond, king of the lesser java, the king of Sisiphalta, of Zambar, of Cartagena, of Maramor, of Argocana, of Zaphotir, and almost all the rest were confined to their beds, except Falanzar, (who had received only one slight hurt in the arm by the sword of Florisel,) Palicastaleon, Fierastr●n, and Brufald●r; but not withstanding these losses, they desiring to appear invincibles they made no show of discontent in their countenances, lest thereby the courage of the Soldiers might be abated, and to give a testimony of the care they took for their dead, they sent immediately to demand a truce for twelve days, which being granted, and agreed on both parties, every man sought out his acquaintance to perform unto them the last office of a friend.  
The Christian Princes were solemnly interred; and the bodies of the Pagans burned, as their custom was; which being done, Falanzar gave Broncaldion, King of the Arcofibrats a party of fourscore thousand men, with order to surprise Goraxa, and Zeiden, two of the strongest Cities of Ethiopia, supposing that the remainder of his horses, which amounted to the number of three hundred, and threescore thousand was powerful enough to give an absolute defeat to their enemies: And now let us leave them bewailing their losses, and devising new stratagems for the ru●ing of the Christians, and let our discourse return to those Knights, which are departed from Corolandaya, to go to the surprisal of the Castle of Treasure.   

CHAP. XLII. Rozalmond, Alcidamant, and their company arrive at the dangerous Forests of the great Kingdom of Martan, the carrying away of the Princesses, and the adventures of Rozalmond, inextring of the Castle of Treasure.  
ALcidamant, Rozalmond, and the other Princes that left the Court of Corolandaya, to go to the Castle of Treasure, having been three and twenty days upon their way without any adventure, that might yield them either trouble or content, they entered into the dangerous Forests of Martan, and continuing on their journey, at length they arrived at a place, where they met with ffoure several ways, and there being overtaken by the darkness of the evening, they purposed to attend the morning light, wherefore alighting from their horses they fate down together upon the gra●●e, and causing such meat to be set before them, as their Squires had provided, they began to feed as heartily, as if they had been feasted at the tables of the Emperors of Gardacia, or Martaria, the Knights needed no lights, the place being illuminated by the fair eyes of their Mistresses, and those excellent Ladies did not a little comfort themselves with the protection which their company gave them assurance of from all disasters that might occur.  
The short collation being ended, the Squires retired to their horses, which were feeding not far off, and the Ladies overcome with the heaviness of sleep, laid themselves down under the next adjoining trees, environed with the Princes, who rested at their feet, to secure them from any danger, that uncouth place might produce.  
Their past travel caused them quickly to fall into a sound sleep, and so continued till midnight, when as six dreadful creatures laying hold on the Ladies stole them from amidst the Knights, wherewith they being wakened, and crying out with such a shrill voice, as quickly pierced the ears of their Champions; they rose up full of amazement, which was immediately converted into fury, as soon as they perceived the Centauris run through the thickets of trees, laden with such precious burdens; their grief for this theft allowing them no leisure to look for their horses, they made after them on foot with the best expedition, conducted only by the woeful cries of those they sought to rescue, and so leaping over hedges and ditches, with a far nimbler swiftness, than those unto whose feet despair hath added wings, they wandered to their great grief till break of day.  
When Rozalmond being on the top of a Mountain, saw one of these Monsters standing in the mouth of a cave, and grasping in his rude arms the beautiful Armazia, which spectacle ministering unto him no small content but much more fury, he doubled his pace, and was not far behind him, when he drew his sword and entered the cave, with an assured confidence that his first blow should take his head from his shoulders, but the place was so dark, that after he had advanced three or four steps, he could see neither Centaur nor Lady; nevertheless being directed by the complaints, which he well understood came from Armazia, he fell to running with no less speed, then if he had been in the plain field, enjoying the favour of the sunbeams to direct him, and finding the vault still larger and larger, he made no stay till he came to the brink of a violent Torrent, whose swift streams made so loud a noise, that there seemed to be some dangerous precipice before him, these dreadful waters taking from him all hopes of passing further, he turned back and sought up and down the Vault for the Centaur, when on a sudden he heard the voice of Armazia on the otherside of the Torrent, which with many a heavy sigh uttered these words; alas shall I meet with no relief, and must I perish by the violence of this Monster, who goes about to force me, help, help, noble Knight or Armazia is lost forever.  
Rozalmond hearing these pitiful words, transported with rage, throws himself into the River, whose waves tossing him for a while, to and fro, at last they landed him in a Hall of a stately Palace under ground, so amazed, as if his senses had utterly forsaken him; howbeit his spirits being a little revived, he rose up and walked a turn or two up and down that obscure room, and would have gone further, if he had not there discovered the Centaur, who with a great club in his hand came to assault him; this fell object did rather rejoice, than affright him that was uncapable of fear, so that he charged this Monster with so fierce a blow, as he thought would have divided him in two, whereat he being little or nothing astonished, let fall his merciless club with such a might on Rozalmonds arm, as almost deprived him of the use thereof.  
The fury of this Knight growing to extremity, (he being now about a piece of work of the greatest importance that ever he undertook, namely the redemption of her that was dearer to him than all the world besides, the combat began to be most dangerous, the Centaur avoided the strokes of his adversary with such a skilful nimbleness, as he was seldom or never there with touched, and returned his so dexterously, and with such a force, that poor Rozalmond was oftentimes constrained to make use of his hand and knee to save himself from falling: Oh God, said he, am I come hither to fight in such manner, as I shall not be able to rescue Armazia from the cruelty of this Monster? why did not these waters that I passed rather stifle me, or the rocks beat out my brains, than that I should escape both, and live to see my Wife, my only comfort ravished from me, and I want the power to relieve, or revenge her? give me a resolution either to deliver her from him, or myself to death, since all my quiet and happiness depends on her safety; whereupon beholding the Centaur with knit brows, eyes sparkling out fire, and gnashing his teeth, all evident tokens of an enraged soul, he let his sword fly with such a tempest at his head, as cleft him down to the shoulders, overthrowing him to the ground with such a noise, as seemed to threaten the ruin of the place.  
This fortunate blow rendered him not a little contented, but he was forthwith marvellously astonished, to see such a multitude of Sepents arise from the blood of this Monster as covered all the room, but advancing with his sword that never failed him, he cut half a dozen of them that were the forwardest to assault him in pieces; which begat a greater wonder, for these twelve pieces were transformed into twelve furious Lions.  
Then was this incomparable Warrior in no small straight, for (being environed and assaulted by all these Lions, and feeling the Serpents twining about his legs, whereby he was so encumbered, as he had scarce any power to stir) he knew not from which to defend himself, nor upon whom to bestow his blows; he often lifting up his sword above his head, attempted to let it fall again with no less force than would have cleft down a Giant, but the Lion's being terrified with the glittering of his blade, instantly with their paws seized on his arm, and so prevented the blow: In brief, he knew not what course to take, but was so full of rage, that he could almost have found in his heart to have converted his fury to his own ruin; nevertheless, calling to mind his Armazia, and somewhat comforting himself with the remembrance of his wont courage, and the happy success which he ever had in all difficult enterprises, he resolved to quit his sword, and clenching his fist let fall his Gauntlet upon the head of one of the Lions with such a force, as sent him dead to the ground, which giving him hope of the like defeat upon the rest, he laid about him so furiously with both hands, that it was not long ere he sent the rest to keep company with the former.  
These dangerous enemies being dispatched, he would willingly have taken a little breath, but the cruel war which the Serpents still continued against him, offered him no leisure, so that he laid his hand again on his sword, and prepared for the slaughter of these troublesome creatures; howbeit remembering that from their pieces had sprung such fierce and ravening creatures, he let it hang at his arm, and gripping these Serpents in his hands, he strangled them all one after another, but with so much pain and labour, that he was fain to fall upon his knees, not being able to support himself any longer on his legs, this victory which had made him sweat more than ever he had done in any Combat in all his life, giving him some hope of a lucky end, he sat him down on the ground, where not staying so long as to take breath, he suddenly arose, and going to a very fair damosel, which he saw come out of the cleft of a Wall, with an opinion that it was his dearest Armazia, he said unto her, ah Madam, what care and pains hath the loss of you cost me, but I hold them all well bestowed, since they have been able to serve you, and that I find you living, after I had utterly despaired of your safety.  
My Lord, answered she, how glad am I of meeting with you thus, but that I may be a assured it is you, pull off your Helmet, that so by the light of your fair eyes, I may be cleared of all farther doubt. I never disobeyed you as yet, replied he, wherefore I will bare my face, that you may know I am not here by any enchantment; whereupon going to unlace his Helmet, a woman catching him by the arm, said unto him, Knight, what mean you to do? take heed of discovering yourself, for otherwise you will never get out of this place; who are you, said he, stepping a pace or two back, that counsels me to displease my Lady, by the neglect of her command? and observing her a little better, he continued saying, O me! what do I see? Sweet Cassandra, what is it hath brought you hither now? Only the care of saving you, answered she, for if you give credit to this phantom that represents unto you Armazia, you shall never see her again, and shall with yourself lose all those excellent Knights that accompanied you out of Corolandaya, together with the glory, and greatness of all Christendom.  
At these words Rozalmond staying, cast his eyes upon the former damosel, and acknowledging in her face the very favour and beauties of Armazia, he was strangely distracted, for it grieved him to have any other will, than such as his Mistress pleased, and on the other side, he was assured that Cassandra loved him, and that her skill was most admirable, in so much that he stood looking very wistly on them both, without speaking one word, when as she that seemed to be Armazia, said unto him, how now Knight? Do you more regard the speeches of a Sorceress that means to deceive you, than of your Wife? do you not perceive this to be the face which you have so often adored? are not these the very clothes I had on at the time of our cruel separation? Verily I have great cause to complain of you, and to say that your love was but dissimulation, bethink you therefore, whether you will believe me, or no, for be assured if you refuse to give me your Sword and Helmet, I will return into Gardacia, and never look on you more.  
Madam, answered Rozalmond, (who began to suspect her, and that knew well Armazia loved Cassandra, better than to speak ill of her) you may be confident that I will never prefer any thing on the earth before your contentment, but be pleased to consider, that men are subject to a thousand dangers, and that I should not be in case to fight, if any new enemies should chance to arrive, whilst my arms were in your hands, and what good will they do you? Let me alone with them, I beseech you, for to serve you; and to withdraw you out of this Cave with less danger; It imports not you much to see me now, but much it concerns me to keep me as I am, wherefore you shall have that content, as soon as we shall be in any place where the Sun may assure me that I am in the world. Uncivil Knight, answered she, thou shalt presently feel how much thou hast displeased me, saying so, she took upon her, the form of a most hideous Phantom, which with a burning Torch in her hand, began to charge him so furiously, that her blows seemed to be so many thunderbolts, falling on his head and shoulders; he looked about for Cassandra, but perceiving her to be gone, he laid hold on his Sword, and giving a thousand, and a thousand strokes in the air without hitting any thing, he was so weary, as he was constrained to rest himself against the Wall, where this Phantom came, and making most villainous faces, and with most dreadful howl, assailed him again, giving him such terrible blows, that another less strong and courageous would have fainted under them.  
Five hours being spent in this Combat, the Knight that saw nothing because the night was very dark, but by the eyes, and Torch of the Phantom, desiring to free himself from so great a vexation, flourished with his sword all about, and cutting the air as before, five or six turns up and down the room, at length by chance met with an entry, wherinto he was no sooner entered, but the Phantom vanished away, and left him in such darkness, that every step he made, he was in fear of falling into some precipice; whereupon he stood still, and leaning upon his Sword, rested himself for half an hour in that manner, at the end whereof being wonderful desirous to see a period of this adventure, he went on groping with both his hands, until about the break of day, he discovered a very stately Court, full of most admirable Pictures, and limited with three great bodies of lodgings built trianglewise, of which the Walls being curiously covered with Porphirie, Jasper, black Marble, and Crystal, cast so bright a lustre, that he stayed the more exactly to observe the workmanship of it.  
Nevertheless advancing presently forward, he passed in at a Door which he saw open before him, and had scarce set one foot within it, when as he felt two such terrible blows discharged on his Helmet, as he was fain to kiss the ground, from whence suddenly arising, he espied two dreadful Giants, each of them holding a mighty club aloft in the air, and ready to fall again upon him, if lightly leaping aside he had not avoided them; his fall, and the sight of these great Colossuses having stirred up his courage, he took his good sword in both his hands, and with it struck one of the Giants in such manner, that having divided his iron club in two, the point thereof light so rudely on his shoulder, as he was forced to set his knees and hands to the ground, and going to second the former blow, he was prevented by the other Giant, who gave him so cruel a stroke between the neck and shoulders, that it made him 〈◊〉 against the Wall, but he quickly recovering himself, let drive in such sort at him that wanted a club, as he laid him ●lat on the earth, which presently opening, swallowed him up, and straightway closed again.  
Being thus rid of one, he turned him about to the other, and thinking to avoid his thundering club which was descending upon him, he was so surprised, that he was constrained to slide under the Giant's arm, and s●i●● on his body; then might be seen a most dangerous wrestling, the Giant took him fast by the shoulders, and gave him such twitches, and terrible heaves, that he had many times like to have overthrown him, howbeit refuming new courage in hope of acquiring immortal fame by being victrious, he put the Giant so many ways to it, and so often showed him such tricks as are practised in wrestling, as after two hours' travel, he extended him on the floor, which instantly swallowed him up, as it had done the other.  
These two dangerous enemies being thus dispatched, our Warrious looked about him, to see whether there were any more to combat with, but perceiving none appear, he went to observe those excellent Pictures, where he beheld Amadis of Gaul, Amadis of Greece, and other Princes of their blood, together with the glorious feats of Arms performed by them in their life time, so lively represented, that he had been lost in the contemplation of them, had he not been directed by the sight of the five Knights entering into the Court together, out of five several doors.   

CHAP. XLIII. The marvellous exploits of Alcidamant, before his entrance into the Castle of Treasure.  
THE day appearing to Alcidamant, upon the top of a Mountain, after he had made a thousand and a thousand turns, discovered unto him a Centaur of a prodigious greatness, that carried away Trasiclea towards the mouth of a cave, from whence issued huge flames of fire, which making him forget his former pains, he began to run more lustily than he had done all the night before, and traveled so long, till he approached the said cave, which seemed to be another Mount Aetna, where the Centaur making a stand, threw Trasiclea into the midst of the flames, and advancing his mighty club, he let it descend with such a tempest on our Champion, that he was fain to set his hands to the ground, for to save himself; but transported with extreme fury, and desiring to be revenged on the Monster, for precipitating his Mistress in that manner, he returned him so terrible a blow, as he made him stagger five or six paces backward, wherewith the Centaur marvellously incensed, discharged so terribly on his helmet, that he thought the ruins of some Tower had fallen upon him; nevertheless being in the 〈…〉 of 〈◊〉, he took his sword in both his hands, and therewith stri●ing at this 〈◊〉, ●●coun●●ed his club first, and b●at it with such violence against his h●●d, that it overturned him into the midst of that dreadful Furnace.  
Then it was when this Warrior seeing himself alone, without hope of taking a greater revenge for the death of his Lady, which he believed was reduced to ashes, that he began to cry so horribly, as made all the valleys about resound therewith; his actions were nothing but expressions of madness, and all his motions so full of rage, that the most confident Giants would have trembled at the sight of him. Why stay I any longer, (said he labouring to pluck off his Helmet, that he might tear his hair in pieces) wretch that I am, why stay I any longer, to make an end of myself in any sort whatsoever? my Mistress is not in the world, what should I do in it then? no, no, I must leave it, die the same death that she hath done, and join my ashes to hers: saying so, he ●lung his shield to the ground, and casting his eyes by chance towards the grot with such piercing sighs, as if his soul would every minute have parted from his body, he perceived a little Pillar, where beholding a table hanging, he approached unto it, for to read these words.  If thou hast courage enough to pass these 〈◊〉, thou shalt recover the Treasure, which thou believest is l●st. 
O me, said he, more contented than ever he had been furious, am I permitted yet to hope, and can the safety of my Mistress consist in my adventures? away with all regard and fear of danger, and let the world see that my soul doth burn with a far more fierce and glorious fire; whereupon taking up his sword and shield, he went on and threw himself into those horrible flames, wherein having continued above a quarter of an hour, without feeling any heat at all, he found himself in a meadow environed with inaccessible Rocks, saving one only overture which appeared in the form of a door, whither addressing himself he perceived three monstrous fowls come out of it, the least whereof was as big as an Ox, which striking at him with a most dreadful noise, laid him all along on the ground, from whence fear and a desire to meet with his Lady, having quickly raised him up again, he took his sword, and 〈◊〉 when these creatures were returned with their former fury, he hit one of them so luckily, just on the joint of the wing, that he cut it off, which caused that dangerous creature to fall to the ground, where becoming more 〈◊〉 by the sight of his blood, he r●● upon him with a marvellous force, but the Knight presenting the point of his sword, struck him to the heart; and so sent him dead to the earth.  
In the mean time the other two be●●ing their mighty wings, stooped to him, and catching him in their talons, carried him up into ●●e air, where by his fall, or the fury of these Mon●●ers he could have expected nothing but assured death, had he not fortunately met with the ●elly of one of them, where into he passed his sword almost to the 〈◊〉, by which means the pangs of death wherein he was made hi● un●oo●● his hold, and let our Knight fall in such a grievous man●●●, that he verily thought all his bo●es had be●●e bro●e● within hi●▪ nevertheless ●●●ing the other 〈◊〉 towards him, he presently got up, yet not so soon, but that having first caught him by the Helmet, he lift him up above two foot from the ground, howbeit finding him too heavy for his hold, he quit him, and forced him to fall again upon his hands, where suddenly returning, he hit him with his hooked beak so ●udely on the shoulders, that the club of a mighty Giant could not more cruelly have bruised his flesh.  
This Champion desiring to vanquish his enemy, who by no means would now come within the reach of his sword, struck at him a thousand and a thousand times in vain; wherewithal being very much wearied, and finding how that was not the way to prevail, he held his sword close under his shield, and watching the Monsters next stooping to catch hold on it, he thrust up his hand with such fury, that he ran him quite thorough, and thorough, laying him dead hard by him.  
This trouble some combat, which had lasted three hours, being gloriously finished, he sat him down on the grass, where the remembrance of his Mistress not permitting him to stay long, he arose and made towards the Grot, and in pursuit of his good fortune entering into it, he felt so many strokes upon his shield and Helmet, that he had much ado to keep himself on his legs; howbeit standing stiffly to it, and covering himself well with his shield, he laid about him with his sword, though he saw no body upon whom he could fasten a stroke, yet feeling that he found resistance, and that his blade did encounter Armour, now he gave a downright blow, than a thrust, and bestirring himself with marvellous fury, he still made way; notwithstanding, the more he advanced, the more was he pressed by his invisible enemies, which so belaboured him, that to his remembrance he never endured so much pain in all the combats he had fought before; his courage that never knew what danger meant, and that sought for glory in the greatest difficulties, made him redouble his blows, and go on in despite of those he did not see, till he saw himself freed from so furious a charge.  
One would think now that our Knight had a great deal of reason to rest himself, but the desire he had to find out his Mistress, made him go on without any stay, till he came to a great door, against the which he ran so forceably with his foot, that it flew open, and gave him entrance into a very spacious room, where at first sight he was taken with much wonder, for in the midst of it a crystal Coffer appeared, bordered about with twelve burning Torches, and twelve huge Pillars that supported the whole edifice, out of the which on a sudden issued as many dreadful Savages, with each of them a mighty club in his hand, who strait way assailed him on all sides, but he received them in such manner, that at the very first blow he laid one of them on the ground in case to do him no harm any more, and flying in amongst the rest, he cut off three more almost by the waste; whereat the others being nothing dismayed, laid upon him like eight hammers upon an Anvil, wherewithal he was so terribly battered, as his very bones seemed to be broken within his flesh, nevertheless hoping for no worse success than he had found in his former dangers, he bestirred himself with such fury amongst them that he ran up one to the hilts, cloven another to the girdle, and the third had both his arms, together with his club sent to the ground.  
This so sudden an execution encouraging him to do better, he valiantly pursued his good fortune, but coming to want breath, he went and leaned against one of the Pillars, that so he might have them all before him to fight withal, presenting them his shield on the one side, and the point of his sword on the other, he attended the approach of these furious and cruel creatures, which in stead of assaulting him, fell to make such horrible cries, that the very room shaked withal; by this means having opportunity to rest himself, he continued about half an hour in that manner.  
But pressed with desire to see the end of so many marvels, he advanced towards these Savages, that with their clubs were ready to receive him, and resolving either to die, or vanquish, he cast his shield behind his back, took his sword in both his hands, and discharged it so dangerously upon one of them, as he divided his body in two, cloven another down to the shoulders, and so terrified the rest, that they began to run all up and down the room, to avoid the fury of his blade; nevertheless being at last overtaken with incredible pains, two were overthrown dead upon the place; and the last threw himself upon the great coffer of Crystal, where by signs he would have begged for life, but Alcidamant was in such a rage, that without taking heed to what he did, he gave him so mighty a blow, as having cut him in two pieces, the point of his sword fell so rudely on the coffer, that it broke it into a thousand pieces; whereupon there instantly ensued such a terrible clap of thunder, that our Warrior fell down upon the floor quite void of judgement, where having lain some two hours, as it were in a trance, he arose without so much as feeling the least weariness of his passed labours, and beheld instead of the coffer, a guilt Cuirace enamelled with red and green, and garnished in many places withgreat Diamonds, which rendered a marvellous lustre, so excellent, and of so high a value, as all the richest and bravest Arms that ever he had seen were nothing in comparison of this, hard by was a most stately Helmet of the same mettle and colour, as also a shield with the same device as was in his own; the desire he had to possess himself of these Arms pressed him so far that he was about to quit his own, for to put them on, but fearing some trick or enchantment, he began to consider them with wonder, and to observe them so narrowly, as he perceived a scroll within the Cuirace, wherein this was written in the French tongue.  Alcidamant make no difficulty to take these Arms, for they are due to thy merit, and above five hundred years before thy birth, they were made for theeby the most excellent Magicians of the earth. 
Verily said he then, I have no reason to make any further doubt, for my name that is here written, and the devise of the shield may well assure me; therewith doffing his own, he put on that excellent armour which he found so fit for him, that he was confident, it was made for his service; whereupon being armed at all points, he looked round about him, and perceiving a large Alley, he entered into it, hoping to crown his designs with a happy concsiluon.   

CHAP. XLIV. What happened to the gentle Clarisel of Guindaya, before he entered the Castle of Treasure.  
C Larisel of Guindaya, b'ing mightily vexed at the carrying away of his fairest Miralinda, ran up and down so long, till he discovered a woman in the hands of three Giants, who leading her tied with cords, made her go very hastily along; the violence of passion which beguiles the eyes of men, and that represents things unto them quite otherwise then they are, persuading him that it was his beautiful Shepherdess, he cried out, O ●● is it possible that I should behold her most inhumanely bound with cords, which might captivate all the world? Ah Madam, these villains, shall not long continue the wrong they do you, for I will punish them so cruelly, that if all the Giants on the earth were assembled together, they should learn what it were to lay hands on a creature of your merit; stay wicked wretches, and do not thus tyre so inestimable an excellence, stay I say, or else be sure that I will cut you into a thousand pieces; whilst he uttered these words, love and fury lending him wings, he ran with all his might, and made such speed, that within less than half an hour he saw himself upon the bank of a great pool, and so near those three Colossus, as he had the means to discharge a blow on the Helmet of him, that went hindmost, with such fury that he cloven him down to the teeth.  
At the noise of this terrible stroke, and the fall of that Giant, the other two that were before drew forth their heavy Falchions, and charged our valiant Warrior so rudely, as they made him reel very much astonished three or four steps back, but instantly calling to mind, that the safety of his Mistress was in question, for whom he would have fought with all the world together, he instantly recovered himself, and returning to his enemies, he began to shower most horrible blows upon them, both one after another; nevertheless they pressed him in such manner, and their strokes were so heavy and thick, that if the arms he wore had not been framed by Vrganda, without doubt he had been in very great danger.  
This Combat having continued two hours with strange fury, the Giants were covered all over with blood and wounds, and Clarisel began to grow feeble, by reason of the incredible travail which he had endured all the night long; but drawing new forces from the greatness of his courage, and the hope he had of delivering his fairest Mistress, he took his sword in both his hands, and with marvellous agility passing by two horrible blows, that descended upon him at one instant, he let his sword fall with such violence upon the shoulder of one of them, as he opened him to the very girdle, which possessing him that remained with more rage than fear, he discharged on our Warriors shield with such fury, as having beaten it against his head, he made him knock his chin against his breast, and set his knees to the earth, where desiring to overthrow him quite, he abandoned his great Curtelas, and taking him between his mighty arms, he gave him three or four terrible twitches: nevertheless, the Knight being in spite of him risen up again, settled himself well on his legs, and laying very fast hold on him, he began to bustle very strongly with him, and put him so to it, as he left him without hope of easily overcoming him.  
This dangerous wrestling having continued an hour and better, to the exceeding discontent of Clarisel, who was vexed to the heart, that he could not prevail, he became so furious, as making use of all his force, he thrust the Giant in such sort, that not able to make him let go his hold, they went both to the ground, where desire of vanquishing animating them alike, they tumbled up and down so long together, till they fell both into the Pool, where being separated he knew not how; our Warrior felt himself pulled by the feet, as if he should be drawn into some precipice, and indeed he found himself in a Cave, where treading on the carcases of men, he was marvellously astonished, for that he perceived not the water to be any longer over his head, nor how he came there, for casting his eye round about, and perceiving neither Window nor door, he knew not what to think, nor say, at his being in so dark and hideous a place, from whence he had little hope to get out.  
Nevertheless, being uncapable of fear, he went groping by the walls some twenty or thirty paces, when as he chanced to hear most dreadful hissings, whereat making a stop, he espied a furious Serpent of an unmeasurable greatness, which scraping up the earth, stared upon him with two terrible fiery sparkling eyes, able to terrify any other less confident than our Knight, who being lighted by those two horrible torches, quickly presented his shield to the claws of the Monster, and being guided by his good fortune, he thrust him so just in one of his eyes, that his sword entered three fingers deep into his head, which caused him to make such strange leaps and cries, that all the place round about trembled again; and provoked by the smart of his wound, he flew with such fury at Clarisel as overthrowing him to the earth, he set his teeth, and claws to his shield, breaking it as easily in pieces as if it had been glass, and not contented therewith, he plucked so violently at his Helmet, as if he would have disarmed him, for to devour him, when as the Knight full of assurance and judgement in the midst of such danger, gave him so sore a hurt in the belly, that feeling himself touched in this manner, he made a skip up to the very roof of the Vault, and so suffered the Knight to arise suddenly, which was to good purpose for him, in regard that the dangerous creature lighting down presently made at him with such rage, as he could not possibly choose but have gone again to the ground, had he not warily declined him, wherefore retiring aside with more agility than his weariness seemed to permit, he let him pass by like lightning, and desiring to make use of opportunity, he discharged so mighty a blow full upon the body of him, as might well have divided an Anvil in sunder, howbeit his sword returned without effect, his scales being so hard, that it did not so much as make any dint in them, which at first somewhat amazed him.  
Nevertheless being ever most confident, where most difficulty appeared, he resolved to strike him no more in vain on the back, but to try his belly, and accordingly when this furious Serpent returned, he courageously attended him, and beholding him raised up on his tail, he thrust his sword so strongly at his breast, that he ran him up to the very hilts, yet could not that keep him from being overturned again to the earth by this terrible creature, which in the pangs of death so crushed him with his claws, and the weight of his body, as he thought he should have died before he could have cleared himself, but the greatness of his courage would not suffer him to continue long in that manner, for quickly ridding himself of so heavy a burden, he withdrew into a corner of the Grot for to let the Serpent die, which stormed so horribly, as the Cave seemed to fall into ruin.  
Half an hour being passed with this dreadful noise, a general silence succeeded, whereby Clarisel judging that the Monster was dead, followed the wall as before, so long till he felt a door, upon the which having bestowed all his strength, both with his feet, and the pommel of his sword, he broke it open, and then entered through it into a spacious room, alongst the which he perceived thirty very fair Damosels coming who courteously saluting him, he was encouraged to say thus unto them; Ladies, the honour you do me, doth very much oblige me, but you would add much unto this favour of yours, if you would tell me any news of an incomparable beauty, which was most unfortunatly stolen from me in a certain Forest here by. We will give you this content, answered one of them, but Knight, it must be upon condition that you promise us what we shall demand of you. If it be in my power, answered Clarisel, assure yourselves, Ladies, you shall not be denied; That which we desire is, replied she, that you put off your Helmet and kiss us one after another in way of salutation as the manner is, and that also you will lie with each of us one whole night together. Your demand, answered Clarisel (exceedingly offended with this shamelesse speech) being repugnant to the faith which I have plighted to my Lady, be pleased to dispense with me if I do not satisfy your request, which in plain terms seems not very honest unto me. How now, wicked wretch, said the damosel, do you reproach us to our faces, after you have violated your word to us? come sirs, lee us make this insolent Knight see that we are able to revenge ourselves when we are wronged; Here with they all of them took out rods from under their coats, & environing the Knight, began to whip him so cruelly, that their blows which fell upon his Armour, were no less weighty than the clubs of the strongest Giants of the earth.  
Our Champion seeing himself entreated after this manner, was marvellously abashed, for though he had his sword in his hand, yet durst he not use it against them, because they were women; on the other side feeling all his body battered with multitude of strokes, he was mightily vexed, and could not tell what to do; for as soon as he avoided the hands of some of them, he found others presently at his shoulders, and how to get from them he knew not, in regard they had planted themselves so close together, round about him, that they stood as strong as a wall; in the mean time their battery continued, and the Knight found himself in worse case than he was, under the dreadful blows of Zorobalan, and his brother in great Britain, so that being constrained to resolve upon somewhat, he held his sword over his head, and running with his shield against them in a strange fury, he suddenly laid five or six of them on the ground, which making him way to advance forward, he laboured to gain a porch that he beheld on his left hand, but the rest presently overtaking him, he fell into his former suffering; whereupon doing as he did before, and having thereby overthrown a dozen more of them, he got nine or ten paces forward, where feeling the violence of those blows, to be far greater than at the beginning, he became so incensed, that rushing forth with all his force, he passed to the entrance of the porch, in despite of them all; where thinking himself safe, because they were vanished away, he perceived a Knight in black Arms make towards him, who without telling him wherefore, saluted him with so terrible a blow on his shield, as made him set one knee to the ground, which so enraged him, that taking his sword in both his hands, he discharged it with such a tempest on his helmet, as made him fall all along, believing that he had made an end of him; nevertheless, he saw him rise up instantly again, and make at him with a strange fury, as if he would be throughly revenged, but viewing that dreadful blade aloft in the air, he recoiled to the end of the porch, where Clarisel having strucken him with all his strength, he sent him to the earth, which swallowed him up with a most fearful noise, leaving our Warrior amazed at so many wonders, and exceedingly contented to behold a very stately Court, towards which he addressed himself with an assured hope to see a successful issue of his Enterprise.   

CHAP. XLVII. The marvellous adventures that befell Amadis of Trebisond, in the enterprise of the Castle of Treasure.  
NEither bushes, trees, nor thorns being able to arrest Amadis, whom the loss of Palmirenna had made desperate he ran without intermission, until the Sun grown somewhat high, discovered unto him a spacious Lake, whose further bank was bordered with a number of magnificent Palaces; the opinion he had, that he might there hear some news of those Centauris retreat, possessing him with a desire to pass the Lake, he coasted so long till he met with a Boat, whereinto entering, he began with the oars to make way through the water; the Lake was very calm, and the wind blew with a gentle gale; but at the third stroke of his oars the waves began to swell and encounter one another with such rage, as the little skiff was now carried up as high as the clouds, and by and by thrown as low as the centre of the earth; so sudden and dangerous a tempest having somewhat amazed the Knight, he laboured to surmount the fury of the waters, and rowing with incredible strength and skill, he kept his Bo●● steady, when as a multitude of monstrous fishes ran with such violence against it, that it was five or six times ready to overturn; the hazard he was in of drowning was much; nevertheless trusting in the mercy of Heaven, he left mastering the waves, and fell to combat those creatures with his oars, he struck one, beat down another, turned him on every side, now stepped forward, then again retired; besides the Lake was so terrible rough, as he could not stand upon his legs; but ever and anon was on his knees; briefly, he endured such fearful pains, that he wished himself a thousand times in the midst of six such Monsters, as he defeated at his arrival in the Empire of Martaria, rather than be constrained to deal with these aquatical horrors, which in the mean time so tossed the poor skiff from one to another, that after they had made it caper, I know not how often up to the very sky, they turned it over and over, casting our Knight into the midst of the proud waters, which incontinently swallowed him up, being unable by reason of his armour to swim for his life.  
Then it was that he verily believed, that the end of his days was come, wherefore assuring himself that the bottom of the Lake should be his Sepulchre; he bestowed his first thoughts in bewailing his eternal separation from his Lady, and his last in repenting his sins; but he was marvellously astonished to find himself in a round Hall very sumptuously built, and sustained with twelve huge Arches, in the midst whereof he beheld a dozen of Monkeys making such ill-favoured faces, and playing such gambols, as notwithstanding the height of his displeasure he could not choose but laugh; howbeit this contentment lasted not long, for he presently perceived those little creatures transformed on a sudden into so many furious Bulls, of a prodigious greatness.  
This unexpected metamorphosis, counselling him to draw his sword, he began with it to stand upon his guard; when as they all ran together at him with such rage, that instead of overthrowing him to the ground, they hurled him up into the air, and then so tossed him with their horns from one to another, that he made ten or eleven turns before ever he came to the ground; whereby, though his armour could not be pierced, his flesh and his bones were mightily bruised: The Knight seeing himself blanketed in this sort, thought he was in no less danger, then when he was on the water, and was exceedingly grieved for that he could not make use of his strength and valour; but the most courageous resolutions are ordinarily found in the greatest dangers, he took hold of one of these Bull's horns, and settling himself on his back, clasped his sides fast with his knees and legs, caught up his sword that hung at his wrist, and setting spurs to him, made him serve in lieu of an horse to combat the rest, advancing his sword then, he discharged it so dangerously upon one of them, that he divided him in two, and continuing such horrible blows, laid four of them on the ground within less than an hour, the rest with dreadful bellow so butted him on the thighs and back, that he was in extreme pain; nevertheless choosing rather to die than not to vanquish, he so bestirred himself amongst them, that he extended the rest of the eleven dead at his feet; and because that, upon which he was, troubled him infinitely by not giving him leisure to alight, he took his sword in both his hands, and let it descend with such force on his head, that having cleft it asunder, he sent him to the earth breathing out his last, himself being cast five or six paces off by the violence of the beast in his pangs of death.  
This dangerous combat being finished in this sort, our Warrior sat him down upon one of the dead Bulls to take a little breath, but the extreme desire he had to meet with some one that might tell him news of what he sought for, not permitting him to take much rest; he got out thorough a very little door, and found himself under a rock, from whence issued a very clear Fountain, by the which having espied Palmirenna sitting, he made towards her with incredible joy, but she perceiving him coming, rose suddenly up and began to run away, as if the fear of some mischief had made her fly from the Knight, who much amazed knew not what to say to it, but imagining that she did not know him, he followed after her, crying as loud as he could,  
Alas! Madam, why do you fly me, and what fear you from me, that do not breath, but for you? do you not see that I am your slave, or to say better, that man whom you have made happy by the possession of your favours? stay, I beseech you a little, and be assured that I am here to preserve you against all the world, rather than to hurt you, and consider that these my arms, are the very same which I put on for your service, when we undertook this voyage with your friends: Do you fly from me still Palmirenna? what may I think of so great a neglect, but that you have forgot your so many vows, and that ever you loved me? Palmirenna I am your Amadi●, why do you run from me then with such cruelty? whence comes this change? Alas! tell me; stay and let me know wherein I have offended you, that so I may with my death make satisfaction to your displeasure.  
Whilst our Warrior with tears and sighs entreated thus in vain, he still mended his pace, and running with all his might, was even ready to catch Palmirenna, when as he perceived four Bears come out of a thicket, whereof one seizing her, made away with her into the Wood, which put him into such a rage, that he discharged his sword with that force on the foremost of them, as having cut off both his paws, the point of it fell so furiously on his shoulder, that it sent him dead to the earth.  
This blow succeeding according to his desire, he was going to set upon the rest, but being first laid hold on by them, he was overthrown to the ground; where keeping him down under their cruel claws, they began to set their teeth to his Armour, thinking to devour him very easily; but our Knight making use of his judgement, by little and little disengaged his left hand, and drawing forth his Poinard, he struck it so far into the belly of one of these Beasts, that having reached his heart, he killed him outright, where with the third being the more enraged, caught the Poinard between his teeth, biting it in pieces, assailed the Knight afresh, who finding but this enemy to encounter with, got up first on hisknees, and then rising all together, took him in his arms, and laying him on his back stabbed him three or four times up to the hilts.  
The Bears being thus dispatched, he could have found in his heart to have rested himself, but considering the danger his Lady was in, he flung into the thicket, where he made a thousand turns without meeting any body, or finding any way to get out again, at length after two hours' travel, he discovered three frames of building in triangle erected with marvellous art, to which there was no passage, but by a long ally, that appeared on his left hand wherein he went along until he came to a gate, and finding it shut, he knocked twice or thrice, as hard as he could drive, whereupon he perceived one of the most hideous, and dreadful Giants that ever he had seen look out of a window, who with a hoarse voice, and in an arrogant manner said unto him; Wretched Knight, what wouldst thou have? Comest thou to seek for death which all others so decline? I would wish thee to be gone, and not to trouble me thus, lest I come down, and cut thee into a thousand pieces. Audacious Giant, answered Amadis, thy very look assured me of thy insolence, which moves me not a whit, only descend, and open me the gate, we shall then see whether thou art able to do that thou so much braggest of.  
At these words the Giant having clapped too the Window, as if he were in a mighty chafe, came down a little after, and showed so big to Amadis, that he wondered how nature was able to frame so huge a mass of flesh, nevertheless insensible of fear, he gave him with all his force ● most terrible blow, that cutting his shield in two, constrained him to recoil five or six paces backward, howbeit this Colossus quickly recollected himself, and with a mighty Falchion began to deal such horrible blows, as the least of them had been able to have cleft him down to the teeth, if ever he had stood them, but avoiding them all with admirable address, he so mightily charged him both with point and edge, as it had been a matter of great wonder to any that had beheld the precedent labours which he had undergone all the day before; The Giant stormed for that he could not fasten a stroke on him, and casting forth a thick smoke at the visier of his Helmet, hindered himself from seeing where his blows should light, so that his Curtelas falling incessantly on the ground, had cleft it in fourteen or fifteen places, which put him into such infinite excess of rage, that every thing about them trembled with the very sound of his horrible roaring.  
Three long hours being spent in the first fury of this Combat, the Giant began to grow weary and weak, and our Champion perceiving his advantage over him, charged him afresh, but seeing him dispute the victory still with him, he took his sword in both his hands, and struck his enemy so dangerously, as he gave him a great wound in the arm, making him to reel withal; whereat he was so mad, that resolving to determine the Combat, he also took his heavy Scimitar in both his hands, and making as though he would strike on the one side, discharged with such violence on the other, that Amadis being surprised therewith, fell tumbling five or six paces off voiding a great deal of blood at his mouth; This dreadful blow having showed our Warrior how dangerous it was to receive the like, he arose so strangely transported with rage, that this Colossus, who did not think any thing in the world was able to strike him with the least touch of fear, began to apprehend the fury of his enemy's sword, which descended with such a tempest on him, as it opened him to the very waist, sending him stark dead to the earth. Having performed this to his infinite content, he lift up his eyes to heaven to give thanks for the assistance he had received, and wondering much at the strangeness of those things he had lately seen, he approached to the Gate, which being open, permitted him to behold a stately Court all plastered with Porphyry, ●●per, black Ma●ble, and Crystal; whereinto let us le●ve him with an extreme desire to enter, and let us speak of the 〈◊〉 which befell Gri●● the Savage, and Gri●l●nis.   

CHAP. XLVIII. The Mervails which happened to Griolanis, and the Knight of the Savage before their entrance into the Castle of Treasure.  
THe grief wherein Gri●lanis and Grian the Savage were, having made them travel six hours with incredible pain, they met together coming out of athicket, exceedingly vexed for that they could not learn any news of the loss they had made; hereupon having rested themselves a little, they took the first way that presented itself unto them, in which they went so long, till they encountered certain very high walls, at the fight whereof they were wonderful glad, hoping to hear somewhat of that they sought for; having walked then about half an hour, they perceived two Damosels upon the battlements of the walls, unto whom Griolanis addressing himself spoke in this sort. Gentlewomen, if you be as courteous, as fair; tell us whether you saw any Ladies, which were forceably carried away from us the last night in a Forest hereby. Knights, answered one of them, we could soon let you see them you ask for, if you were in this Garden; but the way to come hither is so difficult, that you shall not be able to obtain that contentment, if you be not the prime Knights of the earth.  
Gentlewomen, said Grain, it were a vanity for us to be persuaded that we were any of those, the best in the world; but thus much we will promise that we will with courage undertake, that which a Knight may perform; & to come where you are, though we should pass through hell to it; wherefore we desire that you will be pleased to show us the way. I know not, said the Damosel, whether your actions will be answerable to your words; but to give you cause to adventure yourselves, look here, said she (showing Penamonda of Greece, and the gentle Adelazia at one of the crannies tied with cords) these I think are those you seek for, they shall continue in this estate, until you free them from their bonds, and save them from greater punishment, which they are to suffer, if your valour be wanting to them at this present: What, said the King of Corolandaya, equally seized with joy and grief, shall we want courage in such an Enterprise? Be assured, Gentlewoman, that we will be chopped into a thousand pieces, rather than fail in their need, only do but tell us where we may get in; Through a gate said the Damosel, which you shall find about an hundred paces from hence; the same shall show you two ways, let each of you take that where into his fortune shall direct him, without returning for my consideration what soever.  
Here upon these two valiant Champions advancing forward, met with the Gate the Damosel spoke of, and courageously entering into it they descried two little paths, the right Griolanis took, and Grian the Savage the left, which lead him to a cave, where a number of lighted torches hanging on the top of the roof, plainly discovered the ground unto him, so covered with the points of swords, pikes, halberds, and partisans standing upright, that was impossible to make a step without treading on the sharp steel, which somewhat troubled him at the first; nevertheless being ashamed to make a stop at any difficulty, having been so charged to the contrary by the Damosel, he stoopst down to pull them up, as the best mean to pass along; but just as he took hold of an Halberd it sprung out of the earth, and hit him with such violence on the breast, that it turned him over and over; where withal being much incensed he arose, set his foot in the void place, where the halberd had stood, and feixing with each hand the point of a sword, felt himself hit as before, with so great force, that he had again been overthrown, had he not stood stiffly to it.  
Having then room enough to place both his feet, he was going on to do as he had begun, when as a mighty noise suddenly rising, he beheld all those points to come out of the ground, the torches in an instant exringuished, and without seeing any body, felt himself charged with such a tempest, as he was a long quarter of an hour on his knees, being enforced to bow under an infirmity of heavy blows laid upon his shield, his shoulders, and his head; but choosing death rather than to fail in his enterprise, he arose in a rage, began to cut those pikes, partisans, halberds, and swords asunder, and by little and little gaining ground, sometimes flung his blade furiously about his head, than gave a downright, and by and by a cross blow; briefly, he skirmished in that manner, as if he had had a thousand Knights in head against him. This dangerous combat having continued above two hours, with so much pain and labour, as a Knight less strong and valiant, could not have endured it; he met with certain steps; upon the first whereof having but set his foot, this so terrible a charge ceased, which gave him leave to fit down on the second step, so much out of breath, that he was fain to lift up the visier of his helmet to take in air.  
This while Griolanis was no less perplexed, for he likewise came to a cave full of lighted torches; but his adventure was far more pleasing than Grians; for he found the ground covered with exceeding fair women, which lay stark naked so close one to another, that he was of necessity to tread upon their bellies if he would pass on, whereat he was no less abashed, than his companion had been at the sight of the pikes and halberds, so as he remained a pretty while in suspense, not knowing what to resolve; and that which put him more into confusion was to hear these women, who one after another said thus unto him. Cruel Knight, what mean you to do? will you add unto our misery, and not contented to behold us in a torment, far worse than death, will you increase it by treading on our tender naked bodies? be moved with our tears, take another way we beseech you, and perform your enterprise without our pain; could you be contented to remember another day, that you have been the destruction of an hundred Gentlewomen which never offended you? The remorse whereof questionless would torture your conscience, nor would you ever look upon a woman, but it would extremely grieve you, to think that you had been wanting in pity to them.  
This speech very much disquieted Griolanis, and he was upon the point to have quit them, and undertaken his Companions way, had he not called to mind that his Lady would then remain eternally in bonds, and that he had been advised to pass on notwithstanding any consideration whatsoever, wherefore thinking that he might without hurting these women, pass along by lifting them up one after anotheer, he took the first by the arm, and set her on her feet, which was no sooner done, but she gave him so terrible a blow with her fist on his Helmet, that in his opinion a thunderbolt could not have hit him with more violence; How now Gentlewoman, said he, is this the recompense of my good will? forbear I pray you, and let me deliver your fellows: wherewith not able to appease her, that still continued beating him, he resolved to spend no more time in words, but took up the second, by whom he was entreated as by the former, and so proceeding to lift up those that were next, he received so many blows on his head, breast, and back, that he had much ado to keep himself on his legs: nevertheless, what is not feasible for a valiant man, that desires to draw his Mistress out of so grievous a captivity, as that wherein he had seen his Adelazia? His courage augmented with difficulties, and though his flesh and bones were all battered and bruised, yet he laboured so long, that he rendered the passage free, and had no sooner set his foot on the first step of a pair of stairs that he beheld before him, but immediately these women vanished, leaving him in rest, whereof doubtless he had as much need as Grian.  
These two Warriors then having sat awhile arose, and going up a matter of twenty steps entered just both together into a stately garden, and meeting at a Fountain, where they were about to have refreshed themselves with a little water, they perceived a kennel of hounds of divers colours, coming along behind two huntsmen, whereof one of them said unto them in an arrogant manner; Wretched Knights, who brought you hither without my permission, and how dare you be so bold, as to meddle with the water of my Fountain? be sure that you shall pay for your presumption; go, said he, speaking to his Dogs, fall upon these audacious fellows, and devour them in satisfaction of their crime; whereupon these two valiant Warriors turning about to defend themselves, saw no Dogs, but fifty or threescore Tigers, that having environed them, flew upon them with strange fury, some bit them by the legs, some seized on their shields, and some hung on their backs, briefly they were so close pressed by them, as at first they were not able to use their Swords, but breaking from them in a mighty rage, they began to deal such desperate blows, that in less than an hour they had laid twenty at their feet, whereat the rest becoming more cruel, assaulted them in such manner, as if their arms had not been of the best in the world, these troublesome beasts had drawn blood from them, in an hundred places, but turning back to back, and renewing the fight with incredible courage, within two hours they made an end of the rest; howbeit they were so weary, that they were constrained to fit down and rest them, where with wonder they observed how all about the Garden there were Statues of Marble placed, of several colours, so well done, as they wanted nought but speech, and that the Fountain with most admirable art, sent forth water on every side; the desire they had to know wherefore all this cost was bestowed there not permitting them to rest any time, they arose, looked round about them, and descrying no passage out, they resolved to compass the Wall till they met with one.  
Griolanis went one way, and Grian another, wherein being ravished with the marvellous things they encountered, they were an hour before they could compass it, at the end whereof, and at such time as they were not far from one another, they met with two great Pillars, upon either of which, was a Table hanging, where in the Greek tongue was this written;  Knight, if thou wilt pass into the Castle of Treasure, and find that which is lost, cut down this Pillar, and be not dismayed at the difficulties thou shalt meet with in the alley. 
These words having showed the Knights how they should bring their enterprise to pass, they with their Swords laid at these Pillars, which at the very first blow going to pieces with a most dreadful noise, out came two Savages upon Griolanis, and two furious Lions on Grian, who seizing on him with their paws, laboured to pull his shield from his arm, but our Warrior discharged such a blow upon one of them, as he laid him dead at his feet, and a little after ran the other up to the hilts; in the mean while Griolanis more courageous than ever he had been in his life, out of hope which he was in, to find out his Mistress after this Combat, had cleft one of the Savages down to the waste, and cut off the other by the middle; that done, they entered into one of those alleys, which ended in a large Court of a most Sately Castle built trianglewise, and going along they felt themselves so terribly pelted with a shower of stones poured down upon them from a number of great trees that were planted on each side, as notwithstanding they warded themselves well with their Shields, they had much ado to get unto the threshold of two Gates which gave entrance to the Palace, the walls whereof were all of Porphyry, Jasper, black Marble, and Crystal.   

CHAP. XLIX. The adventure of the Castle of Treasure is brought to an end, whereupon all the Princes depart for Ethiopia.  
WE left Rozalmond diverted from contemplating the excellent Pictures, that were in the stately Court of the Castle of Treasure, by the arrival of five Knights, which presented themselves all at one instant out of five several doors: Now let us tell you, that they were the incomparable Alcidamant, Clarisel of Guindaya, Amadis, Grian, and Griolanis, who having gloriously surmounted the difficulties, which they had encountered, as appeared by the precedent chapters, entered with their swords drawn, being much amazed at their unexpected meeting thus together.  
Hereupon these Princes having caressed one another, and made particular relations of the strange adventures that had befallen each one in this Enterprise; they resolved all to pass on, and beholding three great pair of stayrs, they were going to ascend them two and two together, when they perceived an old man with a great deal of Majesty present himself; his habit was black and long, his beard white, his hair confusedly spread upon his shoulders, in one hand a book, and in the other a golden wand, every one observing him; Amadis knew him to be the Prince of all Philosophers, the great Alcander, a special friend to the house of Greece, whereat being wonderfully glad, he went immediately and embracing him, said. Oh father, how happily have we met with you, for to free us of a care that mightily troubles us; we have lost that which we most esteemed in the world, so that if we be not relieved by you, we are like to be the wretchedst Knights living.  
Excellent Princes, said this honourable old man, after he had saluted them with a great deal of reverence, you have reason to be pleased with this encounter of me, seeing I am more your servant, than all the men besides in the world; but it is I that have the greater cause to rejoice at your arrival, having attended you here an hundred years, since I first gave beginning to the enchantments of this great Castle; you have this day done such wonders as no other Knights could perform, which will make your valour to be spoken of eternally, and the difficulties which you have surmounted are so great, as they will hardly be believed, but infinite will be the praise for so many brave actions, and the profit which will redound thereby to all Christendom, that could not subsist without the end of this adventure, will render you so recommendable, that you shall be the object of future ages marvel: You do not know what good you have done; wherefore it is fit that I declare it, to the end that you may be the more courageously prepared for the labours you are yet to undergo.  
You shall be the means of reviving the great King Amadis of Gaul, the excellent Amadis of Greece, Don Silves de la Silua, Agesilan, and thirty Princes more of their blood, withdrawn by me out of the number of the dead, at the great battle of Aleppo, and hitherto conserved safe by my skill, as also the unparragoned Knight of the Sun, with Claridian, Poliphebo, Rosicler, Clarimant, Rozabel, Helen of Dace, Claridiana and Claribel, whose marvellous acts have filled the world with amazement; and moreover the invinsible Belianis of Greece, Belforan, Fortiman, Dolister of Nubea, Polista de la Silva, Policertes, Don Clarinel, Astridea, Periana, Furibond the brave Giant, Saliverna without fear, and Hermiliana, being all such valiant, and accomplished Knights, that I have laboured by my enchantments to keep them alive, until such time as Christendom by their assistance and yours, may triumph over the greatest number of enemies, that ever yet assaulted it: Is not this greater good, than can be expressed in words? without doubt it is, and be assured that the fame which you shall acquire hereby, shall ever live in the memory of men.  
Touching the trouble you are in, for the carrying away of the Princesses your wives, clear your minds of it, for they have been all this while, as now they are, safe from any such violence: the Centauris, which you saw, being only fanto smes, that I caused to appear unto you, knowing full well that you would never have precipitated yourselves, the one into a dreadful flood, amidst the horrors of a fearful darkness, and the other into an horrible Furnace; and briefly, that you would never have undertaken such almost impossible things as you have achieved, had not the hope of recovering your Ladies, made you contemn such wonderful dangers; and for that only consideration did Vrganda cause them to come along with you, whom you shall meet with again, as soon as you have finished the adventure, which now consisteth alone in forcing these Princes, that I have named unto you out of the rooms, where they are enchanted, but without employing your swords on them, or drawing drop of blood from them, which will not be effected without very great pains, but I am sure it would grieve you to leave so glorious an Enterprise in so fair a way.  
Ah father, said Rozalmond, how strange and mervellous is this, that you have recounted unto us, we thought that all these excellent Princes had been converted into dust long ago; howbeit, seeing they live we will most gladly render them unto the world if it be in our power, you say it will not be done without much labour, why we are resolved to undergo any whatsoever; wherefore be pleased, but to show us how we may get to these rooms. Then Alcandar having appointed Rozalmond, and Don Clarisel, for the deliverance of Amadis of Gaul, and Amadis of Greece; Alcidamant and Griolanis for the Knight of the Sun; Amadis and Grian for Don Belianis, he caused them to ascend three several pair of stayrs, whilst he himself remained walking below in the Court.  
These six Warriors, more glorious than ever they had been in all their lives, in regard of their undertaking of the most glorious enterprise, which had at any time been spoken of in the world, being gotten up to the top of the stayrs, found the doors there fast shut, but having easily heaved them off the hinges, they entered all with their Swords unsheathed, and their bodies well covered with their shields, where knowing what to do, Rozalmond seized on Amadis of Greece, and Clarisel on the great King of the Gauls, with a resolution to carry them forth: but these two strong and valiant Princes began to resist them with such fury, that with good reason they had been esteemed in former times for the prime Knights of the earth. Amidst this their dangerous wrestling, Don Silves, Amadis d'Astre, Agesilan, and the rest fell upon them, and with their swords showered such an infinity of blows upon their shields, that it made them almost despair of effecting their enterprise, howbeit calling to mind the great Alcanders words, they stood stiffly to it, and thrust those two great Knights along with such force, as at length they set them out of the room, whither they instantly returned to lay hold on Don Silves and Agesilan, who troubled them no less than the others; nevertheless, they were likewise born forth, and after them all the rest, but with so much pain and labour, as questionless these two Warriors had never prevailed, had they not been prepared thereunto by Alcander.  
This while Alcidamant and Griolsnis, Amadis and Grian, were no less moiled, for the great Knight of the Sun, and the brave Poliphebo his bastard brother; Belianis and Belstoran, so stoutly withstood them, and were so assisted by their Companions, as they were almost out of hope of carrying them forth; but Alcidamant pushed the Knight of the Sun along with such fury, that with much adoc he got him out of the door, Griolanis having done the like with Polipheb●, Am●dis with Belstoras, and Grian with Belianis, they returned so often unto the room, that in the end they carried them all forth, which was no sooner done, but there was heard a thousand, and a thousand claps of thunder, accompanied with such dreadful flashes of lightning, as it struck all these Knights to the ground quite deprived of their understanding, in which estate having remained a pretty space, Alcander by virtue of a certain Water brought them to their senses again, when as they perceived all those goodly buildings to be vanished, and themselves in the Garden through which Grian and Griolanis passed at first, (which was not made by Enchantment) so amazed, as they knew not what to say or do; but Alcander coming to them spoke thus.  
Excellent Princes, now am I in the height of my content, and beholding you thus resussitated, as it were from death, I am notable to express the greatness of my joy. You may very well remember, said he, speaking to Don Belianis, the many good offices which I have heretofore done you, and how being desirous to preserve you from a mischief that would have fallen on you and your friends, I carried you from Constantinople to this place where now you have been an hundred years; You cannot likewise forget, continued he, turning himself to the valiant Knight of the Sun, that for to deliver you from the conspiracic of certain Traitors, which were to have murdered you, and yours, whilst you were in your beds; I put you into a Chariot, and conducted you hither to decline the bad influence where withal you were menaced; And I doubt not but you, said he, casting his eye upon Amodis, and his kinsmen, are mindful yet of the service that I rendered you, when as I took you up from amongst so many thousand dead bodies, at the furious battle of Aleppo, and that having cored your wounds, I then saved your lives, in regard whereof I will not go about to make any excuse for having retained you here so long, since it was for your preservation, and for the glory of Christendom, that by your assistance shall triumph over her enemies, only I would desire you to be friends, and not to stand upon the possession of Empires, which you had, that are to remain in the hands of those that now hold them, for the Crown of China is reserved for you, said he, speaking to the Knight of the Sun, and that of Mexico attends Belianis of Greece, which are Empires great and mighty enough to take away the memory of others, so as having no cause to be troubled at this change, you may all prepare yourselves with courage for those bloody wars, whereby the honour of the Cross shall be maintained in its excellency, and the Altars of the Pagans overthrown.  
But now it is fit that I should let you know, who these six brave Warriors are, unto whom you are obliged for your deliverance. The first is Rozalmond, the son of Spheramond of Greece, your grandchild speaking to Amadis; The second, the incomparable Alcidamant, now Emperor of Tramazond; This is Amadis of Trebisond, your son, said he, to the Emperor of Greece; This is Clarisel of Guindaya, son to Florisel of Niquea; This other is the valiant Grian the Savage; and this last is Griolanis, the gentle King of Corolandaya. Upon this speech the Princes of Greece understanding that three of these Knights were of their children, embraced them with so much affection, that they shed abundance of tears for joy; In the mean time Alcidamant, Grian, and Griolanis, complemented with Belianis, the Knight of the Sun, and the rest.  
These Princes having thus caressed one another, the Queen Oriana, the Empress Niquea, Diana, Pentasilia, Claridiana, Olivia, Florisabella, Bellianiza, Sirenna, Bergelina, and the other Princesses of Greece, that had been enchanted, as you have seen in the first Chapters of our first part; being much amazed at each others beauties, fell to kissing, and embracing one another; but all these Ladies, and the Princes, were almost lost in wonder at the sight of Armazia, Miralinda, Trasiclea, Palmirenna, Penamonda, and Adelazia, which were brought in by Cassandra, immediately upon the ending of the Enchantments of the Castle of Treasure; than it was that their joys were renewed, that these Warriors were not able to express their gladness for the recovery of their Wives whom they had bewailed as lost; that Amadis embraced Armazia, Miralinda, Palmirenna, and Penamonda, that he humbled himself before the excellent Princess of Tramizond, and the beautiful Adelazia, that the Knight of the Sun and Belianis marvelled how nature could produce creatures so rare, and that Claridiana, Florisbella, and the rest, did them all the honour they could possibly devise.  
These welcomes, these compliments and rejoicings having endured two hours, and more, Alcander leading them into a long and spacious grot, made them a sumptuous collation, at the end whereof placing himself in the midst of them, he declared unto them in few words the furious war that was in Ethiopia, as also the harm that might redound to all Christendom, if they made any longer abode there, and then made fifty excellent white armours to be brought in with red crosses, both before and behind; and having presented them to these Princes, and to the fair Amazons, Trasiclea, Claridiana, Pentasilea, and Hermiliana, together with an Horse and a lance to every of them, he caused them to be armed with all diligence; which was no sooner done, but that two great Chariots appeared in the air, drawn by four strange creatures; Into one of them he made all the Princesses to enter with Cassandra, who carried them to the I'll of Corolandaya, and bestowing himself in the other with all these Princes and Amazons, to made towards Ethiopia, where they arrived within three days after, he perform the wonders which shall be related unto you in the Chapters following.   

CHAP. L. Amadis of Gaul, and his companions arrive in Ethiopia, their resolution to pass through the Enemy's Camp; Rozalmond and his friends being separated from them, surprise the strong Fort of Zeilan.  
Alcanders' Chariot having made way through the clouds for two days together; the great Fowls that drew it abated their flight, and lighted on the ground at the entrance into a Forest, where the reverend old man causing them to descond, said unto them. Brave Princes, you are now arrived in Ethiopia, where you are to employ your valour and awaken those forces, which have been so long time asleep; here you shall meet with the valiant Florisel of Niquea, accompanied with all the young Princes of Greece, their Allies, and three hundred thousand men, although he hath in the precedent battles lost two hundred thousand and above; but the number of the Pagans is so great, that notwithstanding the slaughter of four hundred thousand men cut in pieces by the Christians, they have yet above five hundred thousand remaining, besides so many excellent Warriors, as your presence is more than necessary at this time to arrest the fury of their Enterprises; I refer all to your wisdoms, take this way which will lead you directly to the enemy's camp, and managing your fortune wisely, give her occasion to favour you; These six Warriors, the Authors of your deliverance shall follow you ere it be long, but they are first to perform an enterprise of great consequence, to which end they must take this path of the left hand.  
Having spoken this he mounted into his Chariot, and was instantly carried out of sight; whereupon these Princes dividing themselves to the great grief of Alcidamant, that was fain to part from his Trasiclea, they began to march several ways. Rozalmond and his companions having traversed the Forest, which was not very long, met with a Peasant, that discovering them would have fled away; but Clarisel having stayed him, asked him why he was afraid? Alas! answered he, I have more cause than would I had, for I doubt you are some of our Prince's enemies, who lie in wait here for some surprise; but surely you will lose your labour, for your troops have so ravaged all about Zeidan, that every body is fled into the woods and mountains here about, for fear of falling into your hands, I only am the unfortunate man, who going to give advice unto our Emperor of taking in of that Town could not decline your encounter. Honest friend, said Clarisel unto him, thou art much mistaken; for we are Christians, and such as would willingly serve thy Master, who is a friend to the Princes of Greece. I would advise you then, said he, to advance no farther forward, the fields are all covered over with an hundred thousand men, which after the surprise of Zeidan, have laid siege to Goraxa, one of the strongest Towns of this Empire, and all the riches of the world could not ransom you out of their hands, should they once lay hold on you, which were great pity, for by your countenances you appear more than ordinary men. God a mercy friend, said Clarisel, laughing, for thy good opinion of us, howsoever we do purpose not to follow thy counsel; so letting him go they consulted together about the course they should hold, and resolved to go strait into Zeidan, feigning themselves to be Pagans, cut the Garrisons in pieces, and so restore that strong Town into Prigmaleons' possession.  
Riding on then, after an hours travelling they presented themselves before the Gates, which were presently opened unto them, the Pagans never imagining that six Knights being enemies durst hazard themselves amongst eight thousand men, that kept the place; Nevertheless Rozalmond which marched foremost, seeing himself within, drew out his sword, cloven the first to the teeth, and flying among the rest, left his companions to follow his example, who desiring to show as much force and courage, began to make such a slaughter, that threescore lay dead at their feet, before the Town took the alarm; but the hurt men running up and down with fearful 〈◊〉, two thousand came suddenly in, which falling furiously upon them, thought to make an end of them in a trice; but these incomparable Warriors, that would not have been afraid of all the world together, went and met them with such confidence, as made the most courageous amongst them to tremble, they ran up and down like lightning, and keeping close one to another, they slew so many, that it was a most dreadful sight to behold, all the streets were covered with dead bodies.  
The noise increased, the number of the enemies augmented, and from every part came soldiers hurrying in, which rendered the confusion more horrible. An hour being spent in the fury of the first fight, during the which sixteen hundred men had been massacred, all the rest began to fly, when as six Giants appeared with three thousand men, who seeing so much blood and murder, could not believe it was done by the hands of six Knights alone; howbeit perceiving their people to fall at their feet, as often as the swords of these Knights descended, they advanced all with such an excess of rage, as the fire flew out of their eyes: Our Princes, who perceiving rightly, that the victory consisted in the death of those six Colossus, beholding them arrive with fury, encountered them with the like order, and desiring to display the uttermost of their force, in regard it so concerned them, discharged upon their helmets with such a tempest, that Rozalmond and Alcidamants opposites were cleft down to the girdle, and the rest to the teeth, which put such a terror into their followers, as they laboured to save themselves by flight, but the Inhabitants of the Town rallying themselves, and finding them in disorder charged them so rudely on the other side, that their fear increasing, they were all cut in pieces, four hundred only excepted, who betaking them to their heels, fled to the gross of their Army, and there so published the wonders which these Knights had done, that they believed them to be Devils.  
Whilst these six Princes were cried up to heaven in the Town by the people; who promised to maintain themselves for the time to come, by the favour of their Walls and Fortifications; Amadis of Gaul, and his Companions having marched two days together, and one evening discovered the enemy's Camp, were marvellously astonished to behold so many Pavilions, and Tents; that at first they wished for Alcanders' Chariot to carry them into the City; but being courageous enough to make their passage thither with the sword, they resolved to attend the break of day, so that they might surprise the Enemy asleep, and accordingly they entered into a little thicket, where having taken a little rest, they arose, and advancing towards their Enemies, they entered pellmell amongst them with such fury, that above five hundred men lost their lives in less than half an hour; the Tents went to ground, Pavilions were overturned, and the massacre continued with such horror, as the Sun seemed loath to appear, because it would not be spectator of so cruel a butchery.  
The famous Amadis of Gaul pressed thorough them like lightning, Amadis of Greece thundered every where, the invincible Knight of the Sun overrun all like a torrent; Belianis of Greece carried himself like a fury, the four excellent Ladies, Trasiclea, Claridiana, Pentasilea, and Hermiliana did wonders, Belstoran, Rosicler, Claramant, Poliphebo, Don Silves, Fortiman of Greece, Amadis d' Astre, and ●he rest cut off arms, cleft men in two, hewed Knights in pieces, and nothing appeared before them but went to the ground; the uproar increased; the whole Camp put themselves in Arms, the Christians were amazed, and could not imagine from whence so great a disorder should proceed, were it not from the Army of Martaria, that was every day expected; briefly all was in confusion, and the Commanders not able to be informed by those that fled of the cause of this tumult, knew not what to resolve upon; nevertheless, Falanzar a prudent and courageous Prince, advancing with Brufaldor King of Gedrosia, Roussardan the furious, Bravorant, King of Morimont; Marisgolf, the grand Savage, and Furiander his son, encountered these fifty redoubted Warriors, and seconded by twenty thousand Horse, thought to vanquish them very easily, but Amadis of Greece, the Knight of the Sun, Amadis of Gaul, Rosiclere, Poliphebo, Belianis, and Belfloran, having arrested the fury of these seven proud Pagans, that were persuaded they could carry all the world before them, the rest flew in amongst their troops so courageously, that after they had past two and thirty Giants by the edge of the Sword, they put them to flight with an incredible slaughter.  
In the mean time the Combat between these fourteen Knights became most horrible and cruel, howbeit our Pinces' not meaning to stay till the whole Camp were in arms to invest them, having valiantly dif-ingaged themselves out of their hands, drew towards the City, but encountering the proud Knight Arastron, who came accompanied with Marmoran, Sophy of Bultara; Brizardan, Sultan of Aralafia; Gorgophon, 〈◊〉, the great Caliph of Francapia; Moranteon, Sultan of Circassia; Fier●s●on, the redoubted King of Balivan; Barcandor, and Bucarguant, their pastage thither grew more difficult than they expected; nevertheless, Trasiclea, Don Silves, Amadis d' Astre, Claridiana, Claridian her son, Claramant, Forti●●●, and the gentle Doliftor of Nubia opposing themselves to these nine Warriors, there began a most cruel and furious fight between them, whilst the rest had much ado to save them from an hundred thousand men that came in from all parts, and questionless they had been in great danger, if Florisel of Niquea, who imagined that they were some valiant Knights that laboured to pass unto his Camp, had not suddenly issued forth with thirty Princes of Greece, and fifty thousand Horse, which falling furiously on these disordered troops, overthrew so many to the ground, as it was almost covered with them.  
Then it was that those brave Champions hearing Grecia cried on all sides, took new courage, and flying amongst the Pagans, made so great a slaughter, that if Falanzar had not caused his Forces to retire, his Army had been in danger to have been cut in pieces, although he was assisted with two hundred Giants, but this prudent Monarch, and his followers after his example, having quit the combat, which they had with Amadis of Gaul, and his friends, the Christians had liberty to return to the City; where that great Amadis of Gaul, with Amadis of Greece, and Don Silves being discovered; Florisel, Don Rogel, and the other Princes of Greece, were so confounded, as they remained a good space without speaking a word, believing that this succour proceeded from the art of Alquif or Urganda, and that those personages were no other than Fantosmes, but being cleared from that, by the speech of these great Princes, who declared unto them how they had been preserved in the Castle of Treasure, and delivered by Rozalmond, Alcidamant, and their Companions, together with Belianis and the Knight of the Sun; whom they made known unto them; Florisel, Don Rogel, and Spheramond, were ready to swoon for joy; they fell on their knees before their Grandfathers, embraced Don Silves, Pentasilea, Amadis d' Astre, Agesilan, Fortumian, and the rest, and with much honour caressed the Knight of the Sun, Don Belianis of Greece, and their companions.  
My Lord, said Florisel of Niquea, embracing the knees of Amadis of Greece, am I so happy as to behold you again? I never thought it possible, and when I saw you enter into the crystal Chamber of Cenotaph, where you were enchanted, I verily believed that the clap of thunder which broke forth at that instant, was the sign of your death; But how true, O great Alcander, was your prediction then, and now I understand the meaning of those secret words you wrote unto me, as also the Prophecy you left at Constantinople; for the Crows, which were to assemble to possess the sleeping Eagles nest, are with out doubt these enemies that lie about our Walls; and now I see that Prophecy fulfilled which said, The Earth shall open to render forth the treasure it concealed, and the tears shed for a loss not suffered, shall be changed into gladness; The truth hereof is unquestionable, and the excess of my content past all expression.  
Florisel having said thus, Prigmaleon, Fulgoran, and Russian, made themselves known to the new comers; and Sylvan having with a thousand embraces received Don Silves, and the fair Pentasilea, his mother, some hours were spent with incredible rejoicing, at the end whereof, and just as they were sitting down at a table; a soldier entered, who as a most prodigious matter, delivered that Zeiden had been recovered by the valour of six Knights alone, who in one day had slain six Giants, and seven thousand five hundred Knights that guarded it; look said Amadis of Gaul, here is new occasion of joy, which doubtless arrives unto us by Rozalmond, Alcidamant and their companions, who are said he, speaking to Florisel, the best Knights of the world; my Lord answered Florisel, I have seen them in fight, and must thereupon conclude, as you have done; Herewith sitting down to dinner, they were served in great state, with all the exquisite meats that possibly could be had, where we will leave them and return unto the Pagans.   

CHAP. LI. The Pagan Princes present the Combat of an hundred, to an hundred unto the Christians, they accept of it; the forces of Martaria, with the assistance of Rozalmond, and his friends, defeats Artogants Army, that besieged Goraxa.  
WHilst the Christian Princes were drowned in pleasure and gladness, the Pagans much more vexed at the hardiness of these incomparable Warriors, which were able to repress their fury, then at the loss of three and thirty thousand men slaughtered in their Camp, were at the supremest degree of rage, but desiring some way of revenge, they assembled in Falanzars' tent, who demanding their advice upon the consequence of another Battle, with a proposition to send for Artogant and his Army; but Bravorant, King of Morimont, the most redoubted Pagan of the earth, rising up with Gorgophon, that bit his fingers for spite to have met with enemies able to resist him, he said unto him with a carriage that testified his rage.  
Great Monarch, when I consider that our troops are less by half, than they were at our arrival here, I cannot choose but marvel, either at our misfortune, or at our enemies well managing of their wars, their cunning is more than their courage, their men are better than ours, and it is too evident, that numbers have stood us in little stead in our enterprises; wherefore I hold it not fit, nor will I counsel you to hazard the honour of Paganism, and the greatness of our hopes any more on the weakness of the arms of such a multitude of soldiers as we have, which ordinarily fail us in our occasions, and are the means to make their Captains lose the glory, which otherwise they might obtain, knew they but how to obey and fight: You have here two hundred Knights, as valiant as any the earth doth bear, the meanest of which would make the most valorous of our enemies to faint, embrace this as the best course, propound a combat of an hundred to an hundred, and in that manner decide our differences: The Grecians are rash enough to undertake it, trusting in the force of thirty or forty amongst them, whom they not a little value, but I am confident that you will this way obtain the victory, whereof we are else like to fail, if by past success we may probably conjecture of that which is to come. Your advice is such and so good, answered Falanzar, that I resolve to follow it, if the rest of these Princes here are of our opinion.  
Mighty Emperor, said Gorgophon then, proceed on boldly, for I will undertake that not one of this assembly, but is desirous to spare the blood of so many men, as infallibly would be spilt, if we should be so wilful as to meet the enemy once more in open field; wherefore cause a challenge to be drawn, as soon as you please; and let the conditions of the combat be, that you shall be Lord of this Empire, if the victory be ours, or that we will dislodge with all our troops, and leave it still in their possession if fortune shall favour them. This said, all the Princes rising up, as it were to authorize Gorgophons' speech, Falanzar sent this which followeth, to be presented to the Grecian Princes, by Gedereon, King of Arginaria.  
The great Emperor, and Caliph of Siconiaes' challenge to the Princes of Greece.  
THE pity which we have of our people, and the horror of so many dead bodies that we have seen lying in these fields, inducing us to prefer their welfare before our own safety, doth oblige us to conserve it with the hazard of our lives; In which regard we have sent to present you with a combat of an hundred Knights against alike number of ours, so to determine all our differences with the victory of the one, or the other party; consult with your courages and forces, and let us know whether the world doth commend you with reason: The King of Arginaria, our Ambassador, having absolute power from us to dispose of the conditions of this fight, you may take his engagement for all our combatants, and send us a like assurance of your parts.  
The excellent King of great Britain, unto whom all the rest of the Princes referred themselves, having read this challenge, turned him to Gedereon, and said. King of Arginaria, you may behold the answer, that is to be returned you, in the countenances of these Warriors, which are here assembled, there is no need of further advising with them about it, they testify sufficiently, that their desire, and yours, is one and the same; wherefore not to hold you longer in suspense we say, that we are contented with the number you have chosen, and with the conditions you propound for the possession of this Empire, though you have no right at all unto it, but if our ill fortune takes it from us, we have three or four others to recompense our Son Prigmaleon withal; whereupon the Emperor of Aethiopia having protested to perform whatsoever Amadis had agreed unto, the Secretary was called to write this.  
The King of great Britain's answer to Falanzar Emperor, and Caliph of Siconia.  
WE are no less tender of our people than you, and your resentment that way seems so just unto us, that never sticking at the right you have to claim the Crown of the Empire, we are very well contented to set it upon the end of a Lance before the Judges of the Combat, which you demand, and whereunto We agree, to be performed betwixt our two Camps five days hence, with the same assurance, as you have given us; And because the election of the Arms is in Us, We choose those which are usual with Knights Errand, and in the mean time We will make a truce for four days.  
The King of Arginaria returning with this answer, all the Pagans were marvellously astonished at the name of Amadis of Gaul, whom they thought had been dead long before, and understanding that he was the chief of them that had made way thorough their Camp with so great a slaughter, they believed that so many Princes were resussitated to torment them eternally; nevertheless, their own pride persuading them that the earth could not contain men that could resist them; Falanzar caused a List to be drawn up of those that were to Combat, and never going about to give them reasons, for to render them the more courageous, he sent them away to their Tents, there to take order that their Horses, and Arms, might be well fitted for this furious fight. Let us give them time to make their preparations, and recount the brave actions performed by the Martarians: You may remember that the Emperor of Martaria being made a Christian, departed from Corolandaya, with Persides of Greece; Floridan of Persia, Lucibel of France; his Sons-in-law, and gentle Sestilian of Spain, servant to the fairest Agiliana, Princess of Arbales, to carry succours to the Princes of Greece.  
This great Monarch desiring to manifest his zeal to the glory of the new God which he adored, and the esteem that he made of the Princes of Constantinoples' alliance, being fortunately arrived in his own Empire, made forth Commissions, caused an hundred thousand Horse, and threescore thousand Foot to be levied, bestowed most part of the infantry in five or six Frontier Towns, and levying twenty thousand Horse, and thirty thousand Foot, under the conduct of the King of Arbales his Cousin, to withstand all attempts of his neighbours, if they should chance to stir in his absence, he resolved in person to conduct an Army of fourscore thousand Horse into Aethiopia.  
Having then accodingly embarked them with his Sons-in-law, and himself, he was carried with so prosperous a gale, that having run along by the coasts of Guinea, Cephala, and Calicut, in seven and thirty days he arrived within three leagues of Zeiden, where informing himself of the state of the War, he understood that Artogant, the Sultan of Francapa, being separated from the body of the Army, held Goraxa very straightly besieged with great likelihood of carrying it, in regard it could not be succoured without much prejudice to the Christian forces, whereupon putting his men in battle array, he marched toward Goraxa with a resolution to charge the enemies, and accordingly, finding them prepared to receive him, for that Artogant had been advertised of their descent, he caused Lucibel and Sestilian to advance with thirty thousand Horse, who encountering six Giants in the head of forty thousand men, they charged their Lances so luckily, as two of the Giants were run thorough, and thorough.  
The encounter of these first troops was very furious, and so many Knights were overthrown, that within less than half an hour, the ground was all covered with them; Lucibel and Sestilian, having broken their staves in the bodies of the two Giants, began to disorder the Pagans, and overturning all that came in their way, they filled every part with such fear, as the soldiers flying from the tempests of their swords, declined them more than they would have done the pestilence; On the other side the four Giants enraged at the death of their companions, made so great a slaughter, as was most lamentable to behold: In this sort the fight became most cruel and bloody; and every minute so many men fell, that in the field was nothing but heaps of dead bodies. Two hours being spent in the heat of this first conflict, and the victory as it were hanging in equal balance, there arrived six Warriors from Zeidens' side, who understanding by an hurt soldier of all that had passed, they fell in amongst the Pagan troops, and began to make such a massacre of them, as they were no less dreaded, than all the Army besides; they cut off arms and heads, cleft men down to the waste, divided Knights in two, and the fury wherewithal they fought was so great, that they alone seemed able to destroy all the Pagan host.  
The Giants perceiving this disorder, went and ran all four together, with such confidence against those six incomparable Warriors, as if they would easily have laid them in the dust, but they were so rudely encountered, that two of them had their arms, swords and all, sent to the ground, and the other two were cleft down to the teeth. Then it was that the Pagans, beholding so sudden a defeat of those four Colossuses, in whom they had placed all their hope, betook them to flight, ready to be cut all in pieces, had not the Sultan of Francapa come in to their succour with ten Giants, and threescore thousand Horse; The arrival of these new forces having restored their courages, they turned head against the Christians, and began to lay about them with incredible valour, but the Emperor of Martaria approaching with Persides, and Floridan, the fight began to be so hot and violent, that the face of the whole field was covered over with slaughtered carcases, and the air sounded nothing but cries and lamentations of dying men; The Giants did wonders, they cut and hewed down all before them, and keeping themselves still close together, they made such a miserable havoc whersoever they went, as it was a spectacle of incredible horror.  
The Martarian Emperor desiring to show that he was a Christian, ran without fear into danger, being guarded by the thundering swords of Persides, Floridan, Lucibel, and Sestilian, who always accompanied him, and the slaughter was so great wheresoever they passed, that the Giants being unable to arrest their ●●ying people, advanted to encounter them, and charged them with such fury, as Sestilian and the Emperor were overthrown under the horses feet, where doubtless they had been stifled, had not Persides, Lucibel, and Floridan kept off the enemy, till such time as their followers had taken them up, and carried them out of the press. This while the three Princes were in much danger amidst so many Giants, and being oppressed on so many sides, they had little hope of escaping with life, when as those six Champions that came from Zeiden encountering upon that place, fell in with the Giants, and discharged their swords all at one instant with such a tempest, that six of them sunk down dead at the feet of the three besieged Princes, who knowing those six incomparable Warriors to be Rozalmond, Alcidamant, and their companions, were so far encouraged, that clasping their swords fast in their hands, they delivered three such horrible blows, as three of those Colossuses fell downdead on their fellows.  
The Pagans nevertheless being nothing dismayed, stood very stoutly it, after the example of the Sultan of Francapa, who that day rendered marvellous proof of his force and courage, in so much that the Pagan Army being resolutely bend to fight it out, were within three hours cut all in pieces, six thousand only excepted, which with Artogant saved themselves in a wood, leaving the Christian Princes with the loss of thirty thousand men, whereof they were not much sensible, the rather for that the Emperor and Sestilian were well recovered of their hurts. Having continued then some time to bury their dead, during the which Rozalmond and his friends had recounted the deliverance of Amadis of Gaul, and of so many enchanted Princes, with all that had passed in that adventure; The Emperor raised his Camp, and marched on towards Saba, being somewhat perplexed with thinking how he should get to the City, by reason of the enemies lying round about it, but having learned of certain Courriers, who had been sent to seek Alcidamant, and his fellows, for to be of the number of the Combatants, that there was a truce between the Pagans and them, he quietly advanced without any impeachment to the gates of the City, where all those great Princes did the Emperor of Martaria so much honour, and so caressed those excellent Knights, that came along with him, as cannot well be expressed in words; wherefore I will pass it over, and relate the combat betwixt the Christian Princes, and the Pagan Kings, for the determination of their wars.   

CHAP. LII. The dreadful combat of an hundred Christians, against so many Pagan Princes; the end thereof, with the bloody slaughter of all the enemies troops.  
HAd not the hope of an horrible revenge in some sort mitigated the displeasure, which the pagans conceived upon the advertisement of the defeat of Artogants Army, by the Martarian forces, they would have been even mad with rage, but attending the day apppointed for the combat, with much impatience, they comforted themselves in the confidence they had to put all the Christians to the sword, when as they should be disfurnished of their Commanders, whereunto they were the more assuredly persuaded by the arrival of the fairest Azamandra, who came unto the Pagans Camp, with a very stately equipage.  
First of all there marched in excellent order fifteen thousand Amazons richly armed, and mounted on unicorns, whose furniture was all guilt over; a little after, but at some distance, road nine other Amazons with golden Crowns on the top of their helmets; then followed a triumphant Chariot, carried upon twelve great wheels of Ivory, and drawn by twelve unicorns, as white as snow, which being fastened together with golden chains, were guided by twelve little Dwarves, apparelled in cloth of gold; the Chariot was of a marvellous fashion, the length of it was fifty foot, the breadth fifteen; a sumptuous Pavilion enamelled with red and green, covered the top of it; the two sides were two Arches, whose roofs were enriched with a world of precious stones; against the back of it was a throne all set with diamonds, which sparkled round about in a wonderful manner: Therein sat Azamandra, armed all over save her head and hands, with such a majestical beauty, as amazed all that beheld her; thirty Trumpets environed this Chariot, continually sounding with an admirable consort, nine Amazon Queens followed close after, and a good way off marched fifteen thousand Amazons in the same order as the first.  
This excellent Princess was received with all the honour that possibly could be done her, especially by Falanzar, who being strucken in love at the sight of so rare a creature, kissed her hands, and said unto her. Madam, I must believe that the gods have inspired you to come hither, for to comfort us with your presence, after so many losses as we have received: Great Prince, answered she, it very much grieves me, that I have been so slack in bringing you this succour, which now proves altogether unprofitable, in regard of the accord that you have made with your enemies; but if there remains a room yet in the number of the hundred, which you have chosen for the combat, let me entreat you to give it me, that I may testify the desire I have to serve our gods, and to make trial of myself against the Princes of Greece, who are every where so cried up with incredible applause. Madam, replied Falanzar, it were a grievous sin methinks to expose so precious a Jewel, as your incomparable self, to the hazard of Arms; nevertheless, since you desire it, we will by no means oppose your pleasure, whereon we will all of us absolutely depend; You shall tomorrow then have the prime place, and so many Princes as you behold here, shall but second the greatness of your courage.  
Having said so, he with the most part of the Pagan Kings conducted her to her quarter, and leaving her there, to refresh herself, and pitch her Tents, he assembled all his Commanders to his Pavilion, where having briefly remonstrated unto them of what importance the next days fight would be, he desired them to permit him to dispose of the order that was to be observed in so dangerous an affair: wherefore having chosen fifty of the strongest Giants, that were still remaining in the Army, he nominated fourteen of the best Knights Errand of all Paganism, whose names shall be delivered hereafter, thirty two Kings, and four Amazonian Queens, with Azmandra, for the Combat. On the other side Amadis of Gaul, upon whose care the Christians altogether relied, entreated the Emperor of Martaria, seeing his age did exempt him from the exercise of Arms, that he would be pleased to be Judge of their Combat, whereunto he having condescended, he ordained that Gelodan, Atletta his Wife, Astibel and Timbres of Egypt; Oriander, the King of Catay; the Queen Castora, and Parmenian of Cyprus, should be for the guard of the Camp; as also to see their men might still be in readiness for all kind of accidents, then finding that the rest of the Princes there assembled, amounted to the number of an hundred, he commanded them to be all prepared against the next morning, which at length appearing, to the equal contentment of both parts, our Christians heard Mass, and disposed of themselves, as men fitted for another world, whilst the Pagans to render their gods favourable, offered a thousand sacrifices unto them.  
That done, the Emperor of Martaria, and the King of Argosan, Judge for the Pagans, having begirt the Barriers with four thousand men for the surety of the field, and the Trumpets being placed, the Pagan Kings presenting themselves first with incredible confidence; The beauteous Empress of the Amazons marched foremost clad in such rich Arms, that the Diamonds upon them dazzled the eyes of all the spectators; then followed Falanzar, Brizardan the Sultan of Aralafia; Marmaran, Sophy of Bultara; Policastaleon, King of Zeilan; Mambriman, King of Fornacia; Furiander, son to the grand Savage; Asturion, the stout Sultan of Brutacan; Alceus, the generous; Artogant, Sultan of Francapa; Bacarguant; the proud Knight Arastron; Brufaldor, King of Gedrosia; Moranteon, King of Circassia; Bravorant, King of Morimont; Gorgophon; Roussardan, the furious King of Grifalara; Antomedon, Caliph of Francapia; Typhaeus the dreadful; the gentle Knight Armorand; Fieraston, King of Balian; Marisgolf the great; the horrible Giant Bramanaldon; Pandaro the stout; Radamant, the inexorable, and fifty Giants; After whom went Gedereon King of Arginaria; Gronfalin, King of Facea; Meliander, King of Russia; Armorand, Palamedes, king of Cassandria; Asmorian, King of the superior India; Salander, Giracond, Brandimart, Raiartes, Boraldo the strong; Broncaldion, king of the Arcofibrats; Rindar, Artilian, Cariand●r, Argilles, ●●dismond, and Alarban.  
These hundred Champions, selected out of the best of all Paganism, being placed by the Judges, the invincible King of great Britain arrived with the rest of his fellow Knights, in a most brave and gallant manner: Trasiclea, Claridiana, Alastraxerea, Hermiliana, and Pentasilea, entering first into the Lists, were by the Emperor of Martaria, opposed against Azamandra, Tomiris, Zenobia, Anaxamena, and Neophona; and Amadis of Gaul set himself against Falanzar; Belianis of Greece, against Brizardan; the Knight of the Sun against the most valiant Bucarguant; Amadis of Greece, against Fu●iander; Florisel of Niquea, against Mambriman; Don Rogel, against Asturion the strong Sultan of Brutacan; Spheramond, against Policasteleon; Don Silves, against the generous Alceus; Claridian, against the proud Knight Arastron; Poliphebo, against Brufaldor; Rosicler, against Radaemant; Claramant, against Pandaro the stout: Rozalmond, against the redoubted Bravorant; Alcidamant, against the great Gorgophon; Amadis of Trebisond, against Roussardan the furious; Clarisel of Guindaya, against the grand Savage; Persides of Greece against the dreadful Typhaeus; Floridan of Persia, against Antomedon the proud Caliph of Francapia; Amadis d' Astre, against Artogant; Russian of Media, against Barcandor; Fulgoran, against the gentle Knight Armorand; Prigmaleon against Marmaran, Sophy of Bultara, and the rest just opposite to one or other of the Pagan side.  
These two hundred Knights, the choice of the whole world, being placed, as aforesaid, the Judges parted the Sun between them, and commanding the Trumpets to sound, they let them dislodge with such fury, that the earth trembling under the Horse's feet, it made all the assistants look pale with fear: The renowned Amadis of Gaul having encountered Falanzar, just in the visier of his Helmet, overturned him on the crupper of his Horse, himself passing along unmoved; Amadis of Greece, and Fariander, were both overthrown, and at one instant recovered their horses again; Florisel of Niquea ran Mambriman quite thorough the body, sending him dead to the earth; Policastaleon and Spheramond, met without any advantage; Bravorant, Gorgophon, Roussardan the furious, the grand Savage; Antomedon, and the dreadful Typhaus, having encountered Rozalmond, Alcidamant, Amadis of Trebisond; Clarisel of Guindaya; Grian, and Griolanis, in the midst of the course with strange fury, their staves flew about all in shivers, and passing along like lightning, and unmoved, they seemed to have run against rocks; Brizardan and Belianis, tumbled down wounded; Bucarguant lost his reins in his encounter against the Knight of the Sun; Arastron and Claridian, were both of them much astonished; Marmaran lost his Stirrup, Prigmaleon tottered in his faddle; Don Silves and his Adversary, the generous Alceus, were both overturned on the cruppers of their horses; Russian of Media, ran Barcandor into the shoulder, and was himself hurt in the arm; Fourteen Giants were slain by Rosicler; the brave Poliphe●o, Claramant, Agesilan, Falanges, Astrapalo, Fortunian, Anaxartes, Dorigel, Sylvan, Amanio, the two Cenophales', and Grandimor; and at this first encounter, Filin, Artaurus, Zair, Lindimart, Florarian, and Lucencio, were overthrown dead to the ground by those against whom they ran.  
The fury of Lances being over, all these Knights drew their swords, and mingled themselves one amongst another, except Bravorant, Gorgophon, Roussardan, the grand Savage, Fieraston, and Marisgolfe, which would not quit Rozalmond, Alcidamant, Amadis of Trebisond, Clarisel, Grian, and Griolanis, between whom there was one of the most horrible combats that ever was seen under the cope of heaven: The Christian Princes did wonders, the Pagans ran up and down like famished Lions, the field groaned under the violence of so many Warriors blows, and the two Armies were equally terrified with the fury of their Combatants.  
The Amazonian Queens, having had equal fortune with their Lances, charged one another very valiantly in a quarter, aside by themselves; but the fight between Bravorant and Alcidamant, Rozalmond and Gorgophon, and the other eight was so dreadful, that men shut their eyes, not daring to behold it; the strong Bravorant displayed his force, gave Rozalmond most terrible blows; but having the prime Knight of the earth to deal with, he was followed so close, as he had no leisure to think of any thing, save how to defend himself. Gorgophon thundered upon Alcidamant, Roussardans' strokes fell like lightning on Amadis, his shield; the grand Savage charged Clarisel with incredible force; Fierastron made Grian sweat drops of blood; Marisgolfe would not suffer Griolanis to take any rest; the dreadful Typhorus hammered continually on Persides helmet; the great Caliph of Francapia, put Floridan very dangerously to it; nevertheless the Christian Champions demeaned themselves so well, as it was impossible to ascribe any advantage to their enemies.  
Bravorant enraged to meet a man able to arrest the fury of his Arms, discharged his sword with such violence on Rozalmond, that having divided his shield in twain, the point of it lighted so rudely on his helmet, as it made him knock his chin against his breast, with an opinion that all his teeth were broken to pieces, which so incensed out Warrior, as advancing his sword he let it descend with such a tempest on Bravorants' head, as he overturned him on the crupper of his horse, voiding blood out of his mouth, and ears, and so besides himself, that his horse carried him up and down the field for dead; but suddenly resetling himself in his saddle, he became so mad, as thinking to fly upon Rozalmond, who with another blow had cut a Giant in two, he discharged his great curtelas so terribly on Lucendus, Prince of France, that he cloven him down to the shoulders, and finding Don Flores of Greece hard by him, he gave him so deadly a blow, that he sent half his body to the earth, wherewith yet not contented he lift up his arm to have stricken Don Rogel behind, when as Rozalmond observing the ruin of those two blows, set spurs to his horse, and discharged his sword with such fury on this audacious Pagans helmet, that it pared it away, to the very hair, carrying a piece of his ear along with it, whereat he was so enraged, as taking his curtelas in both his hands, he let down at Rozalmond with such force, that if his armour had not been of the best in the world, his death had undoubtedly followed.  
On the other fide Alcidamant and Gorgophon entreated one another with no less violence, this proud Infidel cursing heaven, for making one able to oppose his Arms, took his mighty Falchion in both hands, and therewith so struck Alcidamant on the head, as not being able to pierce that rich helmet, which he got in the enchanted Castle of Treasure, he made him to knock his chin against the pommel of his saddle; this horrible blow rather awaking his courage, than any way amazing him, he rose up, and gnashing his teeth for very anger, he ran him with his sword into the thigh, and instantly redoubling on his helmet, he overturned him on his horses back with a great wound on his head: Thinking him then to be dead, he flew in amongst his enemies, where meeting the horrible Bramanaldon, who had newly sheathed his curtelas in one of the Cenophales', he lent him so deadly a blow on the shoulder, that he cloven him down to the waste.  
In the mean time Gorgophon being come to himself again, and most strangely incensed with the bad usage he had received of his adversary, flew like a tempest amongst the Christians, cleft Florenio to the teeth, struck Filizel de Montespines' brains out, and in his fury meeting with Lucidamor of Boetia, he divided him in two pieces; then encountering with Amadis of Greece, who having newly killed a Giant, came from astonishing Furiander, he let drive at him with all his might, hoping to lay him in the dust with the rest; but this excellent Emperor, having scarce his match in the world, sustained his blow, and striking him with that heroical strength, which triumphed over the Giants of the Siclades Island, he gave him a dangerous wound; in the mean time the invincible King of great Britain, having separated Falanzars' head from his body, ran up and down with Agesilan, Falanges, Astropolo, and Fortunian, giving assistance to such as stood in need thereof; Prigmaleon on the other side behaved himself most bravely, against Marmoran, so did Russian of Media, against Barcandor; Fulgoran against the gentle Knight Armorand; Don Silves against the generous Alceus; the Knight of the Sun against Bucarguant; Belianis against Brizardan, and all the rest sought so well, that four hours were spent before it could be discerned, to whom the victory would incline; but Rozalmond and Alcidamant seeing it was time to display the uttermost of their forces by some remarkable blows discharged with such force, the one upon Bucarguant, who had left the Knight of the Sun almost senseless, and the other on Barcandor his brother, as they cloven them down both to the teeth, and continuing in this rage, Alcidamant cut the Sultan of Circassiaes' head in pieces, and Rozalmond the King of Gedrosiaes'.  
The death of these four mighty Pagans, being accompanied with the slaughter of sixteen Giants, and of Al●rban, Danizel, Argilles, and Rodismond, the number of the Infidels began to diminish, which perceived by Bravorant, Gorgophon, Roussardan, Fieras●on, Marisgolfe, the grand Savage, Antomedon, Typheus', Marmaran, and the proud Knight Arastron, they discharged such horrible blows upon their enemies, that having hurt them all very dangerously, they fell in with such fury amongst the Christians, as the valiant Anaxartes was cut in pieces by Brav●rant, Argantes; Emperor of Germany, by Gorgophon; Lind●●●●t King of Rhodes, by Roussardan; Olidor of Siramque by Fieraston, Anazander King of Dardania, by Marisgolfe; Floridan his brother, by the grand Savage, the remaining C●nophale by Antomedon, Lisc●●d King of Siconia by Typhous, Grandimer by Marmoran, and the gentle Dorigel, Lord of the fortunate Hands by Arastron, wherewith the Princes of Greece were so displeased, as Rozalmond, Alcidamant, Amadi● of Trebisond, Cla●●sel, Grian, Grio●●●●, 〈◊〉, nereids, Clarid●an, and Bel●●●● having encountered them, vowed never to leave them, till they had revenged their deaths; whereupon the combat renewed with more cruelty than before, wherein Arlanges of Spain, Arlantes his son, Cassia●●s, and the Duke of La●azo were likewise slain.  
But Amadis of Gaul, Amadis of Greece, Florisel of Niquea, the knight of the Sun, Rosicler, Poliphebo, Don Eleno of Dacia, and Lucibel of France joining together, began to run over the field with such rage, that having laid nine Giants dead at their feet; namely Radamant the cruel, the strong Pandaro, Razartes, Coriander, Artili●n, Gedereon King of Arginaria, Rindar, Broncaldion, King of the Arcofibrats, and Meliander, the rest were cut in pieces, together with Artogant, who died by the hand of the Knight of the Sun; so that of the hundred Pagan Knights, there remained no more but the mighty Bravorant, Gorgophon, Roussardan, the grand Savage, Furiander Typhaeus, Antomedon, Fierastron, Marisgolf, Marmaran, Arastron, Brizardan, Policastaleon, Astrurion, Sultan of Brutacan, with whom Don Rogel had fought all day without any advantage, the generous Alcaeus, and the gentle knight Armorand, who by no means enduring any speech of rendering themselves, combated like desperate men, but having continued fight almost two hours after the rest, they were fain at length to fall at the feet of their enemies, more void of blood, than of courage.  
The Victory being thus gloriously obtained, the Judges went and parted the ten Amazons, sent them out of the field with equal honour, and causing those sixteen famous Pagan knights to be conveyed into the City, that their wounds might with the more care be looked unto; the Christian Princes were marching out of the Lists in triumph with the Emperor of Martaria, who greatly rejoiced at their good fortune, when as they perceived the Enemy's troops ranged in battle array, under the conduct of the great King of Ma●ritania; Zazifalt, and Monomatapan, to make towards them for to refcue the Pagan knights out of their hands, whereat being marvellously incensed, they put themselves in the head of their Squadrons, and fell in upon them with such fury, as the Pagans wanting valiant and skilful Leaders, began within less than an hour to betake themselves to flight; whereupon our Soldiers were so encouraged, that imitating their renowned Commanders, they made such a terrible ma●saere, as the ground for four leagues about, was covered all over with dead bodies; and that which rendered the defeat yet greater, and more horrible, was the Sea, which hemmed them in almost on every side, so that since the Creation of the world so great a slaughter was never seen, for of four hundred, and three score, and sixteen thousand men, the remainder of so prodigious an Army, scarce fifteen hundred escaped, and that by the benefit of the night.  
The Christian Princes seeing themselves absolutely victorious returned into the City, where they found that they had lost of personages of mark; Lu●●nd●●, Anax●●tes, Argantes, Emperor of Germany; Melindus King of Cloton; the Cenoph●●es, Flo●aria● of Thrace; Luceneio, L●cid●mor, Flor●nio, Emperor of Rome; Filizel of Montespin; Don Flores of Greece; Zair, Filin, Artaurus, 〈◊〉, of Rhodes; Arlanges of Spain, Arlantes his son, Dorigel of the fortunate Lands, Gol●●● his Wife; young Leod●●●●, the valiant Tr●il●●, Grand●●●●, the Duke of 〈◊〉, Floridan of So pradiza; Perion of Turkey; Florestan, of Sardinia; Cassianus, Anaxander, King of Dardania; Floradin, Gelodan, Prince of Moldavia; Alettha, Oriander, King of Sardamira; Oroncius, Alvida, the Queen Castora; the King of Catay, Rozaphar, Parmenian of Cyprus; Garmantes, Don Smaldo, and Tymbres of Egypt, whereof some were slain in the Combat, the rest in the battle; much were they grieved for their deaths, and with many tears did they lament them, but they were comforted, for that they died in the bed of honour, and that also the principals had been preserved from the fury of so bloody a day, for which having rendered humble thanks unto heaven, they gave order for the curing of the wounded, and solemnising the Funerals of the deceased, with all kind of pomp and magnificence.   

CHAP. LIII. The Pagan Knights are delivered; Alcidamant, Amadis of Trebisond, and Rozalmond are crowned Emperors of Tramazond, Martaria, and Gardacia; The separation of all these Princes.  
THE Pagan Knights being mad with rage for the slaughter of so many Kings, and valiant Giants, that had kept all the world in awe, but much more for that they were vanquished by their enemies, would not suffer the Chirurgeons to dress their wounds, desiring rather that a speedy death might free them from the misery of a long expected captivity, which being declared unto the King of great Britain, he went the next day to visit them, and knowing that whatsoever he should do, would be authorized by the Christian Princes, having found them all in a room together, he said unto them.  
Knights, I imagine that if fortune had favoured your designs, and that we had been in your power, as now you are in ours, you would have taken pleasure to have made us suffer unworthy things for the satisfaction of your revenge, but we will let you see, that the Princes of Greece are gentlier disposed, that they love not slaughter, nor blood, neither do at any time shed it, but when as they are obliged thereunto, either for the maintenance of the order of Knighthood, or to defend themselves from such as do assail them: your despair hath made you decline the remedies, which we would have given you for the healing of your wounds, you shall go and seek them where you please, to which end we set you freely at liberty, whereby also we desire you should know, that we never did, nor will fear the greatness of your arms; If you shall be sensible of our courtesies, and shall at your return contain your subjects in peace, we shall be very glad of it, if otherwise it shall not much trouble us. Whereupon having formerly commanded a ship to be rigged and victualled, he caused them to be carried aboard without attending any answer, letting them go to Gorgophons' Island wonderfully amazed to find such courtesy from enemies, that had been so exceedingly outraged, howbeit all this could not work upon their hardened hearts, for they resolved to be revenged at any rate whatsoever, and once more to turn the world upside down.  
This affair being then expedited, Amadis accompanied with seven or eight of the Grecian Princes, that kept not their beds, went to visit the beautiful Empress of the Amazons, and did her so much honour, as she repented the employing of her Arms against them. Sovereign Prince, said she after a most gentle manner, I would not believe, that you and yours were every where invincible; nor could think that the applause, which the world gave you, were justly due to you, but having seen incredible effects of your matchless valour, and found a generosity in you, not common to other men, I say the world doth you wrong, not to erect Altars unto you; wherefore I beseech you to pass by that which I have done against you, and to honour me so far, as to place me in the number of the truest friends you have. Great Lady, answered that magnanimous King, and bowing himself for to kiss her hands, I do no longer lament the loss we have sustained, seeing we have gotten so fair a thing, as your most excellent self; your desire doth very much oblige us, and the performance of your commandments, shall always be our uttermost ambition. Hereupon having entreated her to take a lodging with them in the city, she and the Queens her followers were conducted by him and the Princes thither, and were brought to Trasicleas' Chamber, where all the other Princes were assembled, by whom being infinitely caressed, both sides stood amazed at each others beauties.  
Shortly whereupon it grew to be a very great court; for Cassandra arriving from Corolandaya, with all those excellent Ladies, of whom we have spoken heretofore, and all the brave Knights being recovered of their hurts made up such a royal presence, that it much astonished this fair Empress; but when as Rozalmond, Alcidamant, Amadis of Trebisond, Clarisel, and Griolanis, presented themselves for to kiss her hands, she was so ravished with the sight of their goodly personages, and gallant demeanour, as she could not forbear saying openly, that now she had seen all that the world had of most rare, a praise that blushing made these Princes protest they would serve her eternally.  
Whilst all was thus in joy, and triumph, and that the Princes were talking of their own departure, and dismissing of the Christian forces, two ancient Knights entered into the hall in mourning weeds, which looking round about, at length went and kneeled before Trasiclea, who presently knowing them, demanded what news they had brought from Tramazond. Very bad, Madam answered one of them, for being to acquaint you with the decease of our Emperor, we are assured that natural affection will make you rather lament his death, than rejoice to see yourself Mistress of his Sceptre, which now doth attend you, and your faithful subjects wish for nothing so much, as your presence to appease certain troubles, arising from the ambition of the great Lords, that strive for the government of the Empire; wherefore we most humbly beseech you, in tender compassion of your poor people to resolve upon as speedy a departure thither, as convenience will permit.  
At this speech Trasiclea dissolved into tears, and so bewailed the loss of her Father, that it pitied every one to behold her; but after they had for a while given way to her sorrows, the Princes endeavoured all they might to comfort her, especially Alcidamant, who desired her to consider, that the condition of all men was infallibly to die, so that by degrees having assuaged her grief, the King of great Britain propounded the coronation of her and Alcidamant, which two days after was solemnised on a scaffold, erected for that purpose, where in their richest robes, Alcidamant and she two days after presented themselves on their knees, before Amadis, the Emperor of Martaria, Belianis of Greece, and the Knight of the Sun, who with many ceremonies set two Imperial Crowns on their heads, and caused them to be placed on two Thrones, where all the Princes that were present went and kissed their hands, except the Emperor, Amadis of Greece, Florisel of Niquea, Don Rogel, and Spheramond, which kissed them on the cheek.  
All these solemnities being finished, Alcidamant and his Lady descended from their Thrones, when as the Emperor of Martaria causing silence to be made, spoke thus. My Lords, the age wherein I am, more proper for rest, than for the cares that wait upon Kings, advises me to lay them all upon the Princes, which it hath pleased heaven to bestow on my daughters; wherefore said he, taking Amadis of Trebisond, and Palmirenna by the hands, let these be placed in those Thrones, as Emperors of Martaria; as for Floridan he shall be King of Orgalia, and Lucibel of Cleogena, two states that hold of my Empire, whereupon taking the Crown from off his own head, he delivered it unto Amadis of Greece, who with Florisel of of Niquea, Don Rogel, and Spheramond, crowned Amadis of Trebisond in the same manner, as they had done Alcidamant.  
This done, the two new Emperors marching foremost with their Ladies were conducted to the Palace with more magnificence than can be well expressed, and the feast was far more sumptuous than at any time before, during the which, all the young Princes waited upon Alcidamant, Amadis of Trebisond, and their wives. The rest of that day, and eight days after, were spent amidst incredible contentments; at the end whereof every one preparing himself for his departure, Florimond of Canabea (that at the suit of Rozalmond had been sent Ambassador to the Emperor of Gardacia by Spheramond, for to advertise him of Armazia's deliverance, and to desire him, that he would be pleased to bestow her in marriage on his Son) returned with this report, that having been marvellously caressed by that great Emperor, he had noly approved of the match, but had resigned, and sent his Crown to Rozalmond; whereupon the former Ceremonies were renewed, and that brave Knight was Crowned by the two new Emperors, Prigmaleon, and the renowned Amadis of Gaul; Feast, and triumphs were likewise revived with as much, or more magnificence than before, to the unspeakable joy of all these Princes, and especially of Fortiman of Greece, Belianis grandchild, who unable to behold the excellent beauty of Penamonda, Rozalmonds Sister, without adoring her, began to breath forth a thousand amorous passions, whereof we will speak more at large in our fourth part.  
These delights continued fifteen days together, during the which, the Christian Army had been dismissed, and sent away, all these Princes separated themselves with many tears; Amadis of Gaul, Amadis of Greece, Don Silves, Clarisel of Guindaya, the valiant Esquilan of Poland, and the beautiful Empress of the Amazons, who would needs accompany them, went with their Wives to Constantinople; Florisel of Niquea into Trebisond with Falanges, Alastraxerea, Agesilan, and his fairest Diana; Don Rogel with Persides, and Fulgoran into Persia; Amadis d' Astre to the Empire of the Parthians, where the fair Infanta Rosiliana, was ready to expire with joy at his arrival; Fortunian into France with Florisel; Rozalmond, Russian, and Silverin of the Desert into Gardacia; Amadis of Trebisond; Floridan and Lucibel with their Father-in-law into Martaria; Alcidamant with Trasiclea, Grian and Brandimanda to Tramizond; Griolanis and his beauteous Adelazia to Corolandaya; Prigmaleon remained in Aethiopia, until such time as his Subjects were somewhat better assured; The Knight of the Sun▪ and Belianis according to the great Alcanders directions, set forth with their kinsmen towards China, and the Empire of Mexico; And all the other Christian Princes embarquing themselves, set sail for their own Countries, where we will leave them to enjoy all the happiness of peace for to finish this third Volume, in the sequel whereof shall be seen the adventures of Don Belianis, and of the Knight of the Sun, together with a continuation of the marvellous acts of Alcidamant, Rozalmond, Clarisel, Persides, and other young Knights of Greece.   
FINIS.